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The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.9 No. 41 February 11-17, 2017 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Jayalalithaas succession Appeals court


battle boils over
Chennai: T he tug of war for
power in Tamil Nadu saw
AIADMK General Secretary V.K.
refuses to
Sasikala on T hursday staking
claim to form the government,
while caretaker Chief Minister O.
Panneerselvam voiced confidence
that "justice will win", though the
reinstate
numbers at present do not stack
up in his favor.
Both the CM aspirants met state
Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao with
Sasikala handing him letters of
Jayas confidante Sasikala stakes claim
travel ban
to form government in Tamil Nadu
support from party legislators as
well as documents showing she while Panneerselvam alleges he
See you in
has been elected leader of the leg was forced to resign as CM. court, tweets
islature party.
Panneerselvam appears to have is now backing him. Stalin also alleged that many President
the support of five legislators Panneerselvam is maybe banking AIADMK legislators have been
only as of now, but he voiced con on support from the main opposi whisked away to resorts. Trump vowing
fidence of having a w inning tion party, DMK, although DMKs The dramatic turn of events in
majority, which he will prove on Working President M.K. Stalin Tamil Nadu started unraveling
to fight on for security of the nation
the floor of the house. Partys has denied offering him uncondi when on Tuesday, Panneerselvam
Presidium Chairman E. tional support. While imploring after meditating at Jayalalithaas Washington: A federal appeals Francisco court held an oral hear
Madhusudanan, who had earlier Governor Rao to hold the vote of memorial alleged he was court has unanimously declined to ing on the case early this week.
pressed Sasikala to lead the party, confidence in the state assembly, Continued on page 4 reinstate President Donald T he bench included Judges
Trump's controversial executive William C Canby Jr, Richard R
order (EO) to temporarily ban Clifton, and Michelle T Friedland.

Indian community has India not building refugees and people from seven "We hold that the government
Muslim majority nations, prompt has not shown a likelihood of suc
secret nuclear city, ing him to call the judgment as a cess on the merits of its appeal,
nothing to fear from refutes Pak claim "political decision".
The Thursday evening judgment
nor has it shown that failure to
enter a stay would cause irrepara

Trumps policies New Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday


claimed India is building a secret
by a threejudge bench of the US
Court of Appeals for the Ninth
ble injury, and we therefore deny
its emergency motion for a stay,"
By Parveen Chopra bills on modifying H1B visa pro nuclear city to produce Circuit is seen as a major setback the judges said in 30 order.
grams have been introduced. thermonuclear for the Trump administration, "Rather than present evidence to
Hicksville, NY: In the last few days Allaying the communitys wor weapons as well as which argued that executive order explain the need for the Executive
rumors spread on social media ries, Anand Ahuja, attorneyatlaw, develop interconti was a major step to prevent entry Order, the government has taken
that shoppers outside Indian says that America is a nation of nental missiles and of radical Islamic terrorists from the position that we must not
stores in Edison, NJ were asked to laws, which assures due process stockpile nuclear entering the country. review its decision at all. We dis
show immigration papers. It was to all, even the undocumented. material allegations Trump soon reacted to the court agree," they wrote.
fake news, yet rising concerns Not only naturalized citizens even that India promptly dismissed as order in his all caps tweet: "SEE "In short, although courts owe
among the Indian community are permanent residents need not completely baseless. YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF considerable deference to the
genuine given the current political worry nobody can take away Pakistan ministry spokesperson OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" at he President's policy determinations
environment. Besides President your green card. T he Fifth Nafees Zakaria made the allegations is deeply disappointed on the deci with respect to immigration and
Trumps ban on travel from 7 Amendment says to the federal at a press conference in Islamabad, sion of the San Franciscobased national security, it is beyond
countries to the US which the government that no one shall be but presented no evidence to back appeals court. question that the federal judiciary
courts have stayed for nowdrafts "deprived of life, liberty or proper up the claim. T he two nuclear The Trump administration had retains the authority to adjudicate
of more executive orders mulling ty without due process of law." armed neighbors have fought two appealed to lift the stay on the Continued on page 4
limiting immigration have been T he immigration laws can be of their three wars over the disput Presidents EO by a district court
ed Kashmir region, which both in Seattle granted on a case filed SEE RELATED STORIES
circulating. In the Congress, two Continued on page 4 ON PAGE 9
Continued on page 4 by Washington State. T he San

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY February 11-17, 2017 3

Consulate to hold open houses in NJ


By Ashok Ojha/SATimes It was the first outreach event application online and carry the
organized by the Consulate this confirmation slip with you as you
Edison, NJ: In order to strengthen year where the Consul General travel to India, then present it at
its relationship with the members answered questions from the audi the immigration counter at the
of the Indian community in New ence and also from callers who place of embarkation to get an
Jersey, the Consulate General of called in by phone. The entire appropriate visa.
India, New York, will hold open event was telecast on TV Asia He pointed out that a six month
house sessions in Edison, NJ. channel. emergency visa is provided to US
A proposal to this ef fect was HR Shah, Chairman of TV Asia citizens only to facilitate visits to
extended by the executive com who was recently awarded with India due to unfortunate incidents
mittee of the NJ based Indian Padma Shri by the Government of of loss of life, accident or serious
Business Association at the com India, said that the Indian illness of parents, children and
munity outreach event held at TV American community in New nearest relatives. Emergency visa
Asia auditorium in Edison, NJ. Jersey enjoyed excellent relation applications were required to be
Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, ship with the Indian Government filled online as prescribed for reg
ConsulGeneral of India, warmly through the Consulate, which ular visa, then applicant should (from left) Mrs Vandana Sharma (Air India), Dr Mohapatra (Deputy
accepted the proposal. To start would continue through events approach the Consulate inperson CG), Consul General Riva Ganguly Das and Rohit Vyas (TV Asia).
with we will hold this meeting to like community outreach. with the completed application
assess the response of public Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das and all necessary supporting doc t ioned ag ainst unscrupulous related with these applications.
depending on which open houses praised the role played by Indian uments. agents for evisa, who claim to be Her office no longer receives com
will be organized on a regular Americans in strengthening India It is recommended that applica approved /authorized by plaints but queries related to
basis. Answering a question by a US ties. tion for transfer of visa from old Government of India/Consulate in technical problems applicants
caller Dr. Manoj Kumar passport to new passport should and around New York State. The faced. Her of fice can be reached
Mohapatra, Deputy Consul ON VISAS be submitted to the outsourced consulate doesnt have agents or at: helpline@indiacgny.org
General, invited the members of agency Cox and Kings Global branches anywhere within its Mrs. Vandana Sharma, Regional
In response to other questions
the Indian community to attend Services Pvt. Ltd. However with jurisdiction for the purpose of e ManagerAmericas of Air India,
Dr. Mohapatra explained that the
open houses held on the first and confirmation of concerned flight, visa. and representat ives of banks
process of getting visa on arrival
third Wednesdays every month. for India was very simple because travel can be done in emergency The Consul General said that the including SBI, ICICI Bank, Andhra
We can address any issue from the applicants were not required carrying both passports (valid and process of granting visas has been Bank and the Government of India
the part icipants at the open to visit the consulate of fice. All expired). streamlined: We aggressively Tourist Office were present at the
house sessions, he promised. you have to do is to submit your T he visa applicants are cau respond to complaints and issues event.

Asia Society meet upbeat on Indias economy Snowstorm pounds


Special to The South Asian Naveen Aggarwal, who is with the Northeast,
Times KPMG in India, noted that when

New York: Participants in an


the Modi administration took
over, gasoline was under $40 a
affecting ights,
investment conference on India
have expressed optimism about
barrel and that became the impe
tus for faster progress. Global
closing schools
the countrys future, saying that industrial giants are flocking to New York: The Northeast hunkered
recent measures such as the the country, and privatization in down Thursday for the most significant
demonetization and 2017 budget such sectors as defense and rail storm of the season so far, with as
will help the country in the com ways as we ll as the GST will much as a foot of snow falling in some
ing months. T he conference, attract greater FDI in the coming places as well as blizzard conditions.
India 2017: An investment desti months, he added. The first snowrelated death was
nation, was held on February 7 Himanshu Mandavia, who reported in New York when a doorman
at the Asia Society here in coor works with KPMG and is current shoveling snow on the Upper East Side
dination with the USIndia Mini Roy of Standard Chartered Bank and Rishi Chugh, of KPMG US ly based in the US, hoped that the died after slipping and falling, New
Business Council and professional India Corridor. (Photo: Elsa Ruiz) corporate tax would be reduced York police said.
services organization KPMG. quickly with the move. Roy, who Roy pointed out particularly to to 25% from the high of over New York, Boston and Philadelphia
It was a big demon and they has studied at the London School infrastructure as it is developing 30%. He was optimistic that the closed their public schools for the day.
(the Indian people) were willing of Economics and New York in the country very fast. GST would be rolled out by July, if T he latter two also declared snow
to bear the shortterm pain for University, said digital payments Rishi Chugh of KPMG USIndia not sooner. Mark Barnes, who has emergencies, which affect city services
the longterm benefit, Mini Roy, began in a big way and the Corridor, who made the introduc trave led to India 46 times, and parking. All state of fices in New
of Standard Chartered Bank, said upcoming implementation of the tory remarks, described it as his described the country as a shin Jersey were closed for nonessential
halfjokingly about the November uniform Goods and Services Tax toric demonetization. Chugh, ing star and jewel in the crown. personnel. Airlines had canceled more
demonetization announced by the would help the economy expand based in Chorlette, NC, dubbed Characterizing New Delhi as a than 1,600 flights along the storm path
administration of Prime Minister significantly. Though the growth the budget as futuristic and true friend and partner, Barnes as of midday Thursday. Most of those
Narendra Modi. would decrease in the fiscal year appreciated Indians for their who is with the international cor were at the Newark, Boston and New
She, however, acknowledged beginning April, it would soon resilience in facing hard deci ridors at KPMG opined that York's LaGuardia and JFK airports.
that the widespread corruption in rise to 7.5% and beyond, she sions such as the cancellation of President Trump and PM Modi More than 60 million people were deal
the country would not disappear added. Among various sectors, highvalue currency bills. could meet at the G20 in July. ing with the wintry weather.
4 February 11-17, 2017 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Appeals court refuses to rein Americans," she said. Trump ought to see New Delhi, AIADMK MPs have demanded

In phone call, state travel ban


Continued from page 1
the handwriting on the wall that his execu
tive order is unconstitutional, said Senator
early swearing in of Sasikala to "Save
democracy in Tamil Nadu".
constitutional challenges to executive Chares Schumer, Senate Minority Leader.

Trump promises action," the judges said. In a brief interac


tion with reporters in the White House
"He should abandon this proposal, roll up
his sleeves and come up with a real, bipar
India not building secret nuclear
city, refutes Pak...

Xi to honor One after the judgment, Trump described this tisan plan to keep us safe," he said. "The Continued from page 1
as a political decision. His next step on the 9th Circuit's unanimous ruling is a victory claim in its entirety. Tensions between
legal loss was not yet clear. Appealing in for our Constitution and our fight against Islamabad and New Delhi have recently

China policy the Supreme Court is an option.


Predictably, his political opponents and
terrorism. On the positive side, bipartisan
view is that the system of checks and bal
soared amid continued violence in
Kashmir. Zakaria also claimed India is
rights activists celebrated the court ver ances is working in America. working on an intercontinental ballistic
dict. "The Constitution wins," said Indian missile and an antiintercontinental ballis
American Congresswoman Pramila Jayalalithaas succession battle tic missile system, which could lead to a
Jayapal, who was one of the leading boils over strategic imbalance in the region and
Democratic lawmakers against Trump's Continued from page 1 beyond. In addition, he accused India of
executive order. compelled to resign as Chief Minister and sponsoring terrorism attacks in Pakistan,
"This is an enormous victory for democ propose Sasikala for the post of leader of saying that Islamabad recently shared
racy and for families in our country and legislature party. documentary evidence of this with the
around the world. The justices unanimous After Jayalalithaa passed away on United Nations. Indias foreign ministry
ly rejected the idea that they should nar December 5, 2016, Panneerselvam was dismissed Zakarias remarks as unfound
row the temporary restraining order sworn in as CM but resigned on February ed. These are completely baseless allega
President Donald Trump and his 5. Governor Rao asked him to continue till tions. The socalled secret nuclear city is a
based on geography or scope. They sig
Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping alternative arrangement was made. Now figment of Pakistans imagination, said
naled that this executive order will likely
Washington: President Donald Trump told his be overturned in higher court," Jayapal to consolidate power, Panneerselvam has Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of Indias
Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that he will honor said. Jayapal said the US retains its place said a commission of inquiry would be set ministry of external af fairs. India has
the One China policy that recognizes Beijing as as a refuge for so many around the world. up to probe into the death of Jayalalithaa always been in compliance with its inter
the only legitimate Chinese government, the White "Given the court's ruling, I urge the who died in a hospital after prolonged ill national obligations.
House said in a statement. President to abandon this failed executive ness. He also said on on Thursday that the Pakistan became a declared nuclear
The two leaders spoke by phone on Thursday order, and to spare the American people Poes Garden residence of Jayalalitha power in 1998 by carrying out nuclear
night, the statement said, their first phone conver the expense and pain of continued litiga would be converted into a memorial. tests in response to tests done by India.
sation since Trumps inauguration. tion. Instead of stoking hate and xenopho Sasikala, a longtime confidante of The southern rivals atomic tests first
The two leaders discussed numerous topics and bia, he should be a president for all Jayalalithaa, now lives there. Meanwhile in came into the limelight in 1974.
President Trump agreed, at the request of
President Xi, to honor our One China policy, the Indian community has the region. Besides, Trump tion is also an oath of alle
statement said. Representatives of the United nothing to fear... prefers STEM (science, tech giance to the United States.
States and China will engage in discussions and Continued from page 1 nology, engineering, maths) Permanent residents too com
negotiations on various issues of mutual interest. changed, but not retrospec graduates for H1s, so that too mit to abide by the laws of
Trump accepted a call from Taiwanese President tively, asserts Ahuja. About goes in Indias favor. this country. Even for tourists
Tsai Ingwen after his election, breaking with the the rumor of checking of Defending Trumps policies, if you do not love this coun
longstanding protocol. immigration papers, Ahuja Ahuja, cofounder of Indian try, and have an ulterior
He said at the time that Everything is under advises it is not a bad idea to Americans for Trump formed motive, you need not come to
negotiation, including One China'. keep a copy of your green before the 2016 e lection, this country. On deporta
The White House described the Thursday call as card or passport or natural says those have been misrep tions of illegal immigrants,
lengthy and extremely cordial, and said both ization certificate on you. Anand Ahuja, attorneyat resented by the liberal media Ahuja argues that Trump is
men had extended invites to visit their respective There is a federal law that law, asserts that President and sore losers Democrats. only implementing existing
countries, The Hill magazine reported. requires everyone to carry Trump is merely imple Trump wants to secure bor laws earlier there was lot of
The statement came shortly after the publication with them at all times evi menting existing laws, ders. And why not? You can laxity. Even there, Trumps
of a New York Times report that described China as earlier there was lot of laxity. not have a country without stated position is to first start
dence of their lawful status in
stung by Trumps call with Taiwan. the US. But even if you are not Even the H1B program may secure borders. When point deporting the three million
Officials told the daily that Xi would not agree to carrying the concerned docu eventually be not unfavorable ed out that Trump is making a with a criminal record from
speak with Trump until after his public acknowl ment, due process means that for Indians because, Ahuja very wide criteria those who the est imated 11 million
edgment of the policy, which in effect cuts off offi in a certain time period you argues, President Trump is love America and its people undocumented. Given the
cial governmental ties with Taiwan, of ficially can prove your lawful status positively disposed towards for letting people in, Ahuja process involved, that alone
named the Republic of China. and no harm comes to you. India to counter China in says, The oath of naturaliza can take years, states Ahuja.

Jaipur (India) Bureau IANS Newswire Services


Prakash Bhandari IANS Washington Bureau
Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Arun Kumar
arun.kumar@ians,in
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY February 11-17, 2017 5

Dentist Raj Patel Indian Americans buddy system for


completes campus safety SafeHalo catches on
7 marathons on 7
New Jersey: Starting this semester, Rutgers University
New Brunswick students who find themselves alone
late at night can text a request for students to walk

continents in 7 days
them home five nights a week.
Rutgers senior Daniel Reji envisioned the textafriend
service as a sophomore researching sexual assault on
college campuses nationwide. When his research
Tulsa, Okla: A Tulsa dentist has
revealed that buddy systems traveling in groups of
joined the small, elite club of
two or more are often the best way to stay safe, he
athletes who have completed the
knew the next step was creating a startup to help stu
World Marathon Challenge
dents who needed a latenight friend to find one.
by finishing seven marathons on
SafeHalo was born.
seven continents in seven days.
The same way you get an Uber, I thought, what if
Dr. Raj Patel began the chal
you could request two students to walk you home
lenge Jan. 23 in Antarctica. That
judgment free, stigma free, actually free? says Reji, a Daniel Reji (right) started SafeHalo with Jamie
was followed by races in Chile,
marketing major with a concentration in entrepreneur Farren so students can text requests for safe walks
Florida, Spain, Morocco, Dubai
ship at Rutgers Business SchoolNewark and New home.(Image courtesy: Rutgers.edu)ri
and Australia over the course of
Brunswick. Launched in fall 2016, SafeHalo ran for 14 (Image: manoramaonline.com)
a week.
Fridays. About 20 wellvetted volunteers called Halos building a service other universities can buy into.
Patel, who is 50, tells the Tulsa
rotated and answered about two to three calls per This year is all about scaling, Reji says. We've
World (http://bit.ly/2l0hjzT )
Friday. Word spread mainly through social media, with proven traction and viability at one school, but our
that he didn't start running until
SafeHalos student launch team posting instructions main goal is to get into as many universities as possible,
he was 44. The Indian American
and a phone number to call or text on class, sorority so we're working on a scalable business model and
dent ist says he has run 92
and student organization Facebook pages. building an app platform that could make it easier for
marathons since 2011, includ
From the pilot programs first call, we realized there new schools to bring SafeHalo to their campuses.
ing the seven last week.
is a need for it and there is a need to turn it up and take SafeHalo is not meant to replace calls to police when
Patel says the World Marathon Dr Raj Patel on five nights a week, says Jamie Farren, a SafeHalo emergencies arise. Says Reji: We know our place, and
Challenge was rewarding but (Image Tulsa Lifestyle Magazine) codirector and School of Communication and our place is best friend and not paramedic.
one of the hardest things he's
completed the challenge this Information senior. Understanding that there are many reasons students
ever done. He finished eighth
year. (News source: AP) Word also spread beyond Rutgers. Students from may not feel safe on campus, Reji says they want all
overall out of the 31 people who
Emerson College in Boston and the University of students to know they can reach out. Inclusivity is our
Oregon reached out when SafeHalos launch turned up biggest thing, he says, noting SafeHalos tag line is for
in a search. Reji and Farren are helping teams at both
7,000 Jains to attend 2017 universities recruit Halos and launch the service. As
they expand SafeHalo at RutgersNew Brunswick to five
each other. Its not just about sexual assault. If you
dont feel comfortable on campus, we want you know
there are good people who are here to look after you.
nights a week this semester, they are focusing on a (News source: news.Rutgers.edu)
JAINA Convention in NJ
New Jersey: About 7,000 Jains
from all over the world are
speakers as also the location of
the convention in New Jersey,
TIMES NOW marks its presence in 100 countries
Mumbai: TIMES NETWORK from Indias largest media
expected to g ather in New said Kenu A. Sharma, AVP media
conglomerate, The Times Group is set to launch its
Jersey later this year when the secretary.
No.1 English news channel in Europe, marking its pres
2017 JAINA Convention takes The convention will have a
ence in 100 countries. This momentous occasion was
place in the Garden State. series of seminars and lectures
celebrated in Mumbai last week with superstar Hrithik
The June 30July 4 convention relating to Jainism.
Roshan. The expansion, closely followed on the heels of
will be addressed by eminent The theme of convention is
Times Nows launch in UK, will enable TIMES NETWORK
Jain scholars and leading mem Jainism and Science. A stimulat
to add a potential audience of 1.4mn Indians in
bers of the community coming ing program is being developed
mainland Europe in countries like Belgium, Germany,
to attend the convention from to meet the interests of all seg
France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and
dif ferent parts of the world, ments and age groups attending
Switzerland, taking the international footprint to
including India. Besides eminent the convention. The convention
10 million on 5 continents.
Jain acharya, Dr. Lokesh Muni, will seek to drive home the point
M.K. Anand, MD & CEO, TIMES NETWORK, said,
who is the founder of Ahimsa about the scientific nature of
Today, with Indias growing participation in interna (From left) Naveen Chandra Head International
Vishwa Bharti, the fiveday con Jainism and how best the
tional affairs, engaging the Indian diaspora is equally Business, TIMES NETWORK; actor Hrithik Roshan;
vention will also be addressed humankind can bene fit by
important towards our economic development. I feel, as Rahul Shivshankar Editorinchief at TIMES NOW.
by founder of Art of Living Sri embracing it in their lives.
Indias leading English broadcast network, its the right Times Nows commercial launch in Australia in early
Sri Ravi Shankar. Though the five day discourses
time for us to create a global presence for ourselves and 2011 to its launch in Western Europe in December last
An AVB media person said sev and seminars, the convention
for our country. Naveen Chandra, Head International year, it has been an incredible journey. We have been a
eral other spiritual masters, both will seek to decide on a plan of
Business, TIMES NETWORK added, This is truly a land part of some of the largest global Indian events and built
Jains and nonJains are expected action for the future in order for
mark achievement considering we were the last Indian some of very ef fective enabling platforms for the
to address the convention. We it to be spread among more peo
TV network to begin international operations and have Diasporas engagement with India and for Indian brands
are yet to finalize the list of ple, Sharma said.
reached 100 countries in just a little over 5 years. From to expand internationally.
6 February 11-17, 2017 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Hempstead Town Board celebrates RDay


Hempstead, NY: Indian American
Vir Das to headline
at Carolines on
Forum (IAF) celebrated Indias
68th Republic Day hosted by the
Hempstead Town Board January

Broadway
end.
The event hosted by Hempstead
Town Supervisor Anthony J. San
tino was attended, among others,
New York: After five sold
by Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad.
out shows with his NYC de
We are proud to celebrate the
but in 2015, actorcomedi
beautiful culture and heritage of
an Vir Das will return at the
the great nation of India, specifi
famed comedy venue Caro
cally the many IndianAmericans
IAF members and honorees Neeta Bhasin & Sunita Manjrekar at the event lines on Broadway in New
who have enriched our local com
vertising and marketing organiza the attributes that makes our York City to headline from
munities and contributed greatly
tion. Manjrekar is a certified reha town such a great place to live, March 10 12. Virs US de
to our quality of life for many gen
bilitation counselor, specializing work and raise a family, he said. but show Unbelivablish
erations, said Santino.
in the field of substance abuse and Tejinder (TJ) S. Anand, CPA, was a roaring success in
Santino presented the Town of
workforce development. served as the keynote speaker. over 17 cities in India and
Hempstead India Republic Day
I am proud to partner with Su Dance recitals were given by had also toured in Dubai
Award to honorees Neeta Bhasin
pervisor Santino in hosting the Shilpa Jhurani and her students. and Singapore. With over
and Sunita Manjrekar for their
towns largest India Republic Day Also present were Miss India New 35,000 tickets sold, it was
decades of hard work and dedica
ceremony, said Ahmad. The In York, Miss Teen New York, Mrs. the largest domestic come
tion to the local IndianAmerican
dianAmerican communitys dedi India New York and several other dy show tour ever by an In
community. Bhasin is the founder
cation to our township is one of beauty pageant winners. dian comedian.
of ASB Communications, an ad
Vir Das performance

Zee launches 2 Arab language channels schedule at Carolines on


Broadway is: Friday, March
10 at 7:30 PM and 10:00
New Jersey: Last month, ZEE TV South Asians launch of Arabic
PM; Saturday, March 11 at
Americas announced the launch of channels in USA in the Arabic base
7:30 PM and 10:00 PM;
two new networks ZEE ALWAN & pack is another step in that direc
Sunday, March 12 at 7:30
ZEE AFLAM aimed at the Arab au tion.
PM and 10:00 PM Vir Das
diences in the USA. Sameer Targe, CEO of Zee TV
As the biggest English
ZEE ALWAN is an Indian Drama Americas, spoke about the growing
speaking comedian in India, Vir cluding The History of India and
& Entertainment Channel and ZEE interest of Bollywood & Indian con
is taking his authentic pointof Battle of Das Sexes, he has sold
AFLAM is a Bollywood Channel tent among Arabs behind the
view worldwide and is quickly over half a million tickets as a
packaged in Arabic for the Arab launch of Zee ALWAN and Zee
becoming a global phenomenon stand up and is winning over
community. AFLAM.
with his unique and original per comedy fans around the world.
Currently there are over 500,000 Both channels are available on
spective. Vir has cemented him He has made recordsetting pre
Arab households in the US repre Dish & Sling. ZEE Alwan on Chan
self as one of Indias top stand miere appearances across the
senting a 91% increase since 1990 nel no. 660 and ZEE Aflam on
ups, actors, writers, musicians, US, and he recently concluded a
and the top cities with highest Channel no. 661.
Sameer Targe, and festival producers. He twoweek run at Londons pres
ArabAmerican population are New The events highlight was the
CEO of Zee TV Americas climbed the ranks of the Bolly tigious Soho Theater.
Jersey/New York, Detroit and Los performances of prominent East
wood elite in various films such Last year, Vir was featured at
Angeles. Also, Dish & Sling have the Amit Goenka, CEO, Zees Interna ern Folk and Oriental Dancing, as
as BadMaash Company, Delhi the Montreal Just For Laughs
biggest base of Arabic subscribers tional Broadcast Business, said In well as the traditional Saidi Dance
Belly, and Revolver Rani. comedy festival and the Edin
and the biggest library of Arabic our constant endeavor to expand performed by Yasser Darwish an
Through his various tours, in burgh Fringe Festival.
programming in the country. our business beyond the core Egyptian Folklorist.

Former NYC Health CEO Ram Raju joins Northwell Health


New York: Dr. Ram Raju, the for executive said in a statement. I ability to respond to those needs ester County, Raju elaborated.
mer chief executive officer of one thoroughly enjoyed the many and collaborate with community Ram's vast experience, deep
of the countrys largest public years I spent at NYC Health + Hos based organizations to create commitment to caring for vulner
health system, NYC Health and pitals, which gave me valuable in problemsolving solutions, ac able communities and keen un
Hospitals Corp., has been named sight into the needs of our most cording to the health organiza derstanding of New York's health
the senior vice president and vulnerable communities and how tion. care delivery system make him
community health investment of health policies can positively in My new role with Northwell the ideal individual to lead our
ficer at Northwell Health. fluence the delivery of care and will enable me to promote, sus ef forts, said Northwell Health
Northwell Health created a po improve outcomes. tain and advance an environment president and CEO Michael J.
sition that enables me to pursue In his new role, Raju will evalu that supports equity and diversi Dowling in a statement. His
my passionate interest in improv ate the needs of the mostvulner ty, and help eliminate health dis mostrecent work with NYC
ing population health and ad able communities Northwell parities within the communities Health and Hospitals certainly
Ram Raju dressing the social determinants Health serves, assess programs served by Northwell throughout enhances his ability to respond to
(Image : purposeevents.com) of health, the Indian American that enhance the health system's the city, Long Island and Westch this challenge.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY February 11-17, 2017 7

H1B visa issue: Nirmala Sitharaman to hold


meeting with industry soon
New Delhi: Amid concerns "There are several nuances to ment goes for recess. tors on concerns around clamp President Donald Trump has
being raised by India Inc on the that...So I would not rush to give In the meeting, "We are going down on visas and ow of raised concerns among the
US visa regime, the Commerce a view on it, yes there is going to to have a clear exchange and skilled manpower between the Indian IT rms, as any changes
and Industry Ministry on be an impact...We will be hold discussion with them and after two nations. in the visa regime may result in
Monday said it will soon hold a ing a meeting with Nasscom, that, I will be able to have a The delegation will highlight higher operational costs and
meeting with industry including industries which have signi clearer picture of where the and share information with the shortage of skilled workers for
Nasscom to discuss the issue. cant presence in the US, talking industry is...," she added. new US administration on direct the $110 billion Indian out
Commerce and Industry to them about how they are Industry body Nasscom has jobs being created by Indian IT sourcing industry.
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman working out in this environ said that it will take a delegation companies in the US, and contri Indian IT sector, which con
said that India is closely moni ment, what are their strategies," of senior execut ives to bution of Indian IT rms in mak tributes 9.3 per cent of the
toring the developments and is she told reporters. Washington DC later this month ing the US economy competitive. country's GDP, is one of the
constantly in touch with the She said the meeting would be to reach out to the new US The proposed overhaul of pop largest private sector employer
councilor ofce in the US. convened soon after the parlia administration as well as sena ular H1B visa regime by US at 3.7 million people. (PTI)

Puneet Ahluwalia to Realtor Subba Rao Kolla to run


run for Virginia House for Virginia Assembly
Washington, DC: Subba Rao Kolla, ment that governs least, governs
of Delegates an Indian American Republican
from Washington DC, announced he
best," he added.
Kolla is a realtor in Loudoun
will run against incumbent County, having worked in real
Washington: IndianAmerican
Democrat John Bell for the Virginia estate for over 10 years, and is well
Republican leader from Virginia
House of Delegates 87th District known among the local Telugu
Puneet Ahluwalia is contesting for
seat, the media reported. community.
the state's House of Delegates for
Kolla, a real estate businessman He holds an M.Tech degree from
the 34th district against the
and a community activist, if elected, the Indian Institute of Technology,
incumbent Kathleen Murphy. Subba Rao Kolla
will become the rst Indianorigin Kharagpur, and owns his own real
Ahluwalia, 10th District
member of the Virginia House of understand the importance of hav estate rm, Advin Realty.
Representative on the Virginia
Delegate. ing accessible, handson help from He is also engaged with the
Republican State Central
Kolla immigrated to the US in the our elected ofcials. Indian American community, both
Committee, served as a nancial
1990s and became an American cit "My top priorities as a member of at the local and national level. His
chair of the Asian American presi
izen in 2008. In a statement, Kolla the State House will be education, work with the community has been
dential inaugural ball in January,
said: "Whether helping new citizens transportation and working with lauded by former Virginia Governor
American Bazaar online reported
navigate the area and become citi small businesses and taxpayers to Bob McDonnell as well. Kolla was
on Friday.
zens or volunteering as I have for reduce government interference one of the delegates during the
"The success of our community
Puneet Ahluwalia the past three years on the Loudoun and regulation. As a conservative Republican National Convention
demands us to be active and par
County Board of Equalization, I Republican, I believe the govern held in Cleveland last July. (IANS)
ticipate in mainstream politics. It is most from this great nation, play a
our responsibility to strengthen pivotal role in the revival process. I
the diversity of our nation," he
said.
had a choice but I chose to stand
up and participate in the political
Arun named Chairman, CEO of KPMG India
"... We should be supporting process and serve the public of
New York: Professional services President Barack Obama adminis
President Trump and Republican 34th district,"Ahluwalia said.
rm KPMG India Feb. 4 announced tration, was named to a veyear
leadership in creating and promot "Our nation is at a crossroad
the election of Arun M. Kumar as term, the rm said in a statement.
ing American jobs with strong where we will take new positive
chairman and chief executive of Kumar was elected by the KPMG
emphasis on balanced trade direction as we embark on a jour
cer. I am honored to have been India Board and ratied by the
between USIndo Pacic Region." ney to make our nation stronger."
elected as the chairman and CEO of India partners.
"We should not lose focus on He added: "I have the support of
KPMG in India. I have worked T he Indian American former
eradicating terrorism and enemies my wife, kids and friends, and sup
closely with the people of KPMG Arun Obama ofcial had previously
of democracies," he added. porters and very importantly the
India for many years and have Kumar served on the KPMG U.S. and
Ahluwalia said that he would leadership of the Republican Party,
always been impressed by their KPMG Americas boards from 2008
work to strengthen the Republican especially Barbara Comstock."
world class talent, Kumar, who impact they have on our clients, through 2013. He also led manage
Party's base in Virginia, among A De lhi Public School (DPS)
succeeds Richard Rekhy, said in a our people and the community in ment consulting and nance man
other things. alumni, Ahluwalia heads consul
statement. I am excited to have general. Kumar, who most recent agement for the west region of
"We will watch our allies' back tancy and IT businesses in the
this opportunity to work with the ly served as assistant secretary of KPMG U.S. from 2005 to 2013, as
and it is important that communi Washington DC area, along with
KPMG team in India to continue to commerce for global markets and we ll as serving on the KPMG
ties, including the IndianAmerican active participation in the US poli
build an organization that is recog director general of U.S. and foreign Global Management Consulting
community that has beneted tics, since 199899. (IANS)
nized for their quality and for the commercial service during the leadership team.
8 February 11-17, 2017 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Indian teen discovers cheap way Turbaned Sikhs may


to make saltwater drinkable be allowed to play
San Francisco: An Indian
American student has found a
international basketball
cheaper and easier method to New York : T he International Crowley (DNY), Chairman of the
turn salt water into drinkable Basketball Federation announced Democratic Caucus, and Ami Bera
fresh water and his research has this week that it will reconsider, (DCA), the CoChair of the House
caught the attention of major and possibly eliminate its ban on Caucus on India and Indian
technology rms and universities. playing the game with religious American Af fairs who have been
Chaitanya Karamchedu from headgears, bringing cheers to forcefully advocating for such a
Portland, Oregon, is turning heads Sikhs and other religious minori change since 2014 along with 20
across the country all because of a ties who have been forced to other members of the Congress,
science experiment that began in choose between the religion and and had sent letters to FIBA, urg
his high school classroom. the game. ing it to change its policy that has
The Jesuit High School Senior The announcement by the feder required Sikhs and other players
told KPTV that he has big plans of Chaitanya Karamchedu (Image courtesy: kptv.com) ation Jan. 30 was greeted by the to remove their articles of faith,
changing the world. Sikh Coalition which with its part such as turbans, in international
"1 in 8 people do not have gured it out, on his own, in a Teacher Dr. Lara Shamieh. ners has been publicly pressuring competitions.
access to clean water, it's a crying high school lab. "The real genesis It is a breakthrough that is esti the FIBA to lift its ban on religious Were thrilled that the board
issue that needs to be addressed," of the idea was realizing that sea mated to impact millions of lives if headgear and to put an end to its has endorsed a change that, if
said Karamchedu. water is not fully saturated with ever implemented on a mass scale. discriminatory rules. adopted, will let Sikhs and other
He made up his mind to address salt," he was quoted as saying. Scientists across the country are We look forward to reviewing athletes who wear articles of faith
the matter himself. By experimenting with a highly taking note. He won a $10,000 the policy and the steps for play, said Crowley and Bera in a
"The best access for water is the absorbent polymer, the teen dis award from the US Agency for approval, and were optimistic that joint statement. While it should
sea, so 70 per cent of the planet is covered a cost ef fective way to International Global Development this announcement represents have never taken this long for the
covered in water and almost all of remove salt from ocean water and at Intel's International Science positive progress, said Sikh board to endorse this change,
that is the ocean, but the problem turn it into fresh water. Fair and second place at MIT's Coalition Senior Religion Fellow, were glad that FIBA is moving
is that's salt water," said "It's not bonding with water TechCon Conference where he Simran Jeet Singh. ahead. There is no evidence that
Karamchedu. Isolating drinkable molecules, it's bonding to the won more money to continue his If approved, this policy will set turbans or religious headgear
water from the ocean in a cost salt," said Karamchedu. research. a powerful precedent that opens pose a threat to players, and
ef fective way is a problem that "People have been looking at the Back in January, Karamchedu doors for religious minorities FIBAs policy has been not only
has stumped scientists for years. problem from one view point, how was also named one of 300 including Sikhs and Muslims. outdated, but discriminatory, they
"Scientists looked at desalina do we break those bonds between Regeneron Science Talent Search The revised policy will be pre said. We will be closely monitor
tion, but it's all still inaccessible to salt and the water? Chai came in Seminalists. The STS is thought sented to a full FIBA body in May. ing this situation going forward to
places and it would cost too much and thought about it from a com to be one of the most prestigious The announcement about the ensure the entire FIBA Congress
to implement on a large scale," plete ly dif ferent ang le," said competitions in the country for expected change in policy was wel adopts the change this coming
Karamchedu said. Karamchedu Jesuit Hig h School Biolog y high school seniors. comed in Washington by Reps. Joe May.

Indian-American hotelier guilty


of underpaying workers Indianorigin US citizen held for
New York: IndianAmerican hotelier, Chandubhai
Patel, has been convicted in a scheme to underpay
workers at two of his establishments, a federal prose
smuggling of antiques
Mumbai: Directorate of Revenue suspecting that they too were stolen from
cutor announced said.
Inte lligence on Tuesday arrested an museums or were looted from ancient
The hotelier, who also uses the name Mike Patel,
Indianorigin US citizen here after search temple sites.
admitted before federal Magistrate Judge Ellen
es at his house and a godown led to dis Nanda apparently arrived in India a few
Carmody in Grand Rapids, Michigan state, that he lied
covery of several antique pieces valued at days ago to make arrangements to smug
to Labor Department investigators about wages paid Vijay Nanda
crores of rupees in the international mar (Image : gle the statues stored in the crates. His
to his staff, acting federal prosecutor for Western
ket. "It's invaluable ... This is a loot of our Asian Age) business associate Udit Jain has been
Michigan Andrew Birge announced on Thursday.
cultural heritage," said additional director arrested by DRI in Chennai for smuggling
The Labor Department found in 2014 that he had
general, DRI, Ajit Kumar. of antiques. Jain was part of 'Deendayalan
paid his employees at hotels in Battle Creek and
Vijay Nanda, the accused, did not have Mumbai and his godown in Byculla in cen smuggling syndicate', according to of
Coldwater in Michigan less than the legally pre
any legal documentation which would tral Mumbai. Large stone statues of cials. To legitimize the stolen antiques, ASI
scribed minimum wages and he signed an agreement
allow him to possess or deal in antiques, 'Varada Ganesha', 'Padmapani', certicates were either forged, or certi
with the department to pay his workers the amount
DRI ofcials said. 'Awalokateshwara', 'Standing Vishnu' and cates were obtained by providing false
he had underpaid them, the prosecution said. Patel,
"The search of his house resulted in dis gurines of 'Naga and Nagini' were found information and documents. The antiques
31, sent the Labor Department checks showing he
covery of several gurines and stone packed in crates at the godown. They were smuggled out of India concealed in
had made the payments, but he had made the staff
sculptures. These include terracotta g seemed to be stolen from various temples consignments of furniture, handicraft or
give him back the amounts, leading to the charge of
urines from 1st century AD, bronze g in Eastern and Southern India and belong garments, DRI ofcials said.
lying to the department.
urines of Mahishasur Mardini and Ganesh to the 10th11th century, DRI ofcials Nanda arranged auctions and sale of
If sentenced, Patel could be asked to pay his work
dating back to 17th and 18th century," said. The ofcials were also scrutinizing antiques in the United States and Hong
ers and sentenced to a maximum of ve years in
said a DRI ofcial. The ofcials searched the documents regarding several other Kong to private collectors and museums,
prison. (IANS)
Nanda's house in Girgaum in south antique pieces found at Nanda's house, ofcials added. (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS February 11-17, 2017 9

Travel ban hearing: US judges put lawyers on their heels


Washington: An US appeals court dures to vet individuals for visas. also wondered about whether the
that quest ioned whether Washington state Attorney injunction could be limited to
President Trump's travel ban dis General Noah Purcell, represent people who were in the US or
criminates against Muslims, wit ing his state and Minnesota, would have a connection to the
nessed steep grilling of lawyers which are challenging the Trump US.
by a federal judges bench, media executive order, defended the role All three judges pressed Flentje,
reports said on Wednesday. of the courts. the DOJ lawyer, on whether the
As the appeals court on "It has always been the judicial President could simply say "we're
Tuesday night sought to deter branch's role to say what the law not going to let in any Muslims".
mine whether to lift the nation is and serve as a check ... has They asked: "Could he do that?"
wide halt against it, lawyers from never been more important than and "Would anyone be able to
the Just ice Department and it is today," he said. challenge that?"
Washington state came under If the court were to lift the Flentje repeatedly argued,
heavy firing from the bench, CNN injunction it would throw the "that's not the order."
reported. country back into "chaos," he said. But Clifton continued to press,
Judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Richard R. Clifton, William
The hearing conducted by tele The Trump administration can't saying, "We'd like to get to an
Canby, and Michelle T. Friedland
phone contained moments of high show that it will suf fer irrepara answer of that question."
drama as one of Trump's signa to the political branches and the essary. Judge Miche lle T. ble harm if the injunct ion is Eventually, Flentje capitulated
ture policies against refugees and President," August Flentje, special Friedland out of the gate asked if allowed to remain in place, while and said a US citizen with a con
visitors from seven mainly counsel to the assistant attorney the government could point to state residents would suf fer and nection to someone seeking entry
Muslim countries, was challenged general at the Just ice any evidence "connecting these state governments have lost tax might be able to challenge.
by two states and numerous advo Department, told the bench from countries with terrorism." Judge revenue as a result of the execu Purcell argued: "You don't have
cacy groups. the Ninth Circuit Court of Richard R. Clifton seemed sympa tive order, Purcell said. to prove it harms every Muslim
T he Trump administrat ion Appeals. thetic to the fact that the states But Judge Clifton was skeptical you just need to show the action
argued the courts have improper Flentje faced skeptical question have the standing, or ability, to on the state's argument, wonder was motivated in part by animus."
ly inserted itself into the national ing from the judges, who pressed bring the suit against the admin ing how many people in "There's rather shocking evidence
security sphere. the DOJ lawyer about what evi istration. Clifton called the gov Washington would be harmed by of intent to discriminate (in this
"This is a traditional national dence the government was pre ernment's argument "abstract," the executive order. "I suspect it is case)," he added alluding to
security judgment that is assigned senting that the travel ban is nec noting there are existing proce a small fraction," he said. Clifton statements from Trump himself.

Trump to judges: Even a bad high


school student would rule in my favor
Senate Judiciary Committee, said
Intel to invest $7 Trump said his executive he broug ht up examples of

bn in Arizona order was written Trump's recent rhetoric, including


the tweets and the President's crit
beautifully and fully within
factory, hire 3,000 the bounds of US statute.
icism of the federal court on
Wednesday morning before law
Washington: Intel CEO Brian
enforcement officials.
Krzanich after a meeting with Washington: President Donald T hat was when Gorsuch
President Donald Trump, Trump sought to lend his own expressed disappointment in
announced that the tech giant legal argument for his executive Trump's comments, Blumenthal
will invest $7 billion in a new fac order banning travel from cer said.
tory employing up to 3,000 peo tain Muslimmajority countries "He didn't disagree with me on
ple, the media reported. on Wednesday, discounting a that point", CNN reported.
The factory will be in located legal challenge to the order as "I said to him if a litigant before
Chandler, Arizona, the company antisecurity. your court and the President of
said. Krzanich confirmed to CNBC Contending that a US President the United States is in fact a liti
News that the investment over has wide powers to control who President Trump and his nominee for Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch,
gant right now in the immigration
the next three to four years who has said that President's critical comments about the judiciary
comes into the country, Trump ban cases said what President
would be to complete a previous were "demoralizing" and "disheartening".
said that even a bad high school Trump said, you would hold him in
plant, Fab 42, that was started
and then left vacant.
student would rule in his favor,
CNN reported.
Supreme Court reported. "He said very specifically
that they were demoralizing and
contempt of court," Blumenthal
said.
The 7 nanometer chips will be This isnt just me. This is for nominee Gorsuch disheartening and he characterized Blumenthal was one of three
produced there will be "the most
powerful computer chips on the
Obama, for Ronald Reagan, for calls Trump's tweets them very specifically that way," Democratic senators that Gorsuch
the President. This was done, Blumenthal said of Gorsuch, a fed met with on Wednesday. He also
planet", Krzanich said in the Oval very importantly, for security, 'disheartening' eral appeals court judge from sat down w ith Demo crat ic
Of fice with the Trump adminis Trump said. Washington: US Supreme Court Colorado. Senators Claire McCaskill of
tration. Most Intel manufacturing Trump said his executive order nominee Neil Gorsuch said that "I said they were more than dis Missouri and Heidi Heitkamp of
happens in the US, Krzanich said. was written beautifully and President Trump's tweets about heartening and I said to him that North Dakota.
"America has a unique combi fully within the bounds of US the judiciary were "demoralizing" he has an obligation to make his Trump's "socalled judge" tweet
nation of talent, a vibrant busi statute. and "disheartening", the media views clear to the American peo came after Washington statebased
ness environment and access to The top legal officials in 16 reported. ple, so they understand how abhor federal Judge James Robart on
g lobal markets, which has states, including Pennsylvania In a meeting with Connecticut rent or unacceptable President February 3 blocked Trump's exec
enabled US companies like Intel and Iowa which voted for Trump, Demo crat ic Senator Richard Trump's attacks on the judiciary utive order.
to foster economic growth and filed a memorandum in support Blumenthal on Wednesday, are." The Trump administration has
innovation," Krzanich said in a of efforts to halt the travel ban. Gorsuch, who was nominated last Gorsuch's spokesman Ron appealed Robart's temporary
statement. The state attorneys general week, took exception to Trump Bonjean confirmed Gorsuch calling restraining order.
"Our factories support jobs from these states argued that calling a federal judge in Seattle a Trump's tweet about the "socalled A panel of judges from the San
highwage, hightech manufactur they have standing as the execu "socalled judge" after blocking the judge" "disheartening" and "demor Franciscobased Ninth Circuit
ing jobs that are the economic tive order inflicts harm on states, President's executive order to tem alizing" in his conversation with Court of Appeals heard oral argu
engines of the states where they including disruption at state uni porarily ban citizens from seven Blumenthal. ments on Tuesday and is expected
are located." versities and medical institutions. Muslimmajority countries, CNN Blumenthal, a member of the to rule this week.
10 February 11-17, 2017 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

After Trump's letter, China says Visitors to US may have to


'cooperation right choice' give social media passwords
Washington: After President Washington: Visitors to the US
Donald Trump sent a letter to his could be asked to hand over
Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, Facebook and other social media
China said "cooperation" was the passwords as part of an enhanced
only right choice between the security process, media reports
two countries. said.
However, China's statecon According to a report in NBC
trolled newspaper Global Times News on Wednesday that quoted
suggested that Trump writing a Home land Security Secretary
letter and not calling Xi reflected John Kelly, this step was one of pation', (of ficials) essentially
that the US President wanted to several being considered to vet have to take the word of the indi
keep his distance from China. refugees and visa applicants from vidual. I frankly don't think that's
"China attaches great impor seven Muslimmajority countries. enoug h. Certainly, President
tance to developing the relation global development and prosperi real actions," Diao Daming, a "We want to get on their social Trump doesn't think that's
ship with the United States," ty. Wednesday's letter is Trump's research fellow at the Institute of media, with passwords: What do enough. So we've got to maybe
Chinese Foreign Ministry first direct communication with American Studies at the Chinese you do, what do you say? If they add some additional layers," Kelly
spokesperson Lu Kang said here. Xi. In the letter, he offered belat Academy of Social Sciences said. don't want to cooperate then added.
"Cooperation is the only right ed wishes to China for the Lunar T he world's two largest don't come in," Kelly was quoted Apart from social media pass
choice for China and the United New Year and said "he looks for economies and great military as saying. words, Kelly said he was mulling
States," Lu added. ward to working with President powers are locked in dispute over Kelly believes that under the obtaining people's financial
The of ficial said Beijing was Xi to develop a constructive rela a host of issues which range from existing vetting process, "officials records.
ready to work with Washington tionship that benefits both the US South China Sea to trade deal don't have a lot to work with, "We can follow the money, so to
to expand cooperation and differ and China", according to a White ings. except relying on the applicant's speak. How are you living, who's
ences. House statement. After his ascension to power, documentation and asking them sending you money? It applies
Lu added, just as President Xi "Since Trump has made a lot of Trump has sort of taken on quest ions about their back under certain circumstances, to
said, China and the US both had a provocative statements toward China, needling it on the Taiwan ground". individuals who may be involved
responsibility to safeguard world China, this letter is a good signal issue about which Beijing is very "When someone says, 'I'm from in or on the payroll of terrorist
peace and stability, and promote but we still need to observe his touchy. this town and this was my occu organizations," he said.

Senate confirms Trump's counsellor rebuked for


DeVos and Sessions promoting Ivanka Trump products
after Dems hard hits Washington: Kellyanne Conway,
Counselor to President Trump,
was rebuked by the White House
after she urged people to buy
Betsy products of Trumps daughter,
DeVos Ivanka on television.
(Secretary of Asked about the remarks, for
Eduction) which she was heavily criticized
and Jeff by ethics experts, White House
Sessions (US press spokesman Sean Spicer said:
Attorney "She has been counseled on that
General) subject, and that's it."
It was a clear admission that
Conway had overstepped the mark
Washington: T he Senate on held the Senate floor overnight
on the ethical boundary between
Tuesday confirmed Betsy DeVos to assert their opposition to Kellyanne Conway (left) plugged Ivanka Trumps business from the
the public and private roles of the
to be Secretary of Education Sessions confirmat ion. On
Trump family and a rare one for White House
and on Wednesday confirmed Wednesday evening, after 30
a White House that has been fre fashion line. Conway on the "Fox & going to buy stuff today," Conway
Sen. Je f f Sessions to be US hours of debate on the floor, the
quently criticized for its ethical Friends" TV show supported was quoted as saying.
Attorney General despite wide Senate voted (5247) to confirm
standards, The Guardian reported. Ivankas line of shoes, handbags, House oversig ht committee
opposition to each from the him.
E thics experts called her apparel and other accessories chairman, Republican Jason
Democrats and the civil rights Sessions nomination was con
remarks a violation of federal after department store Nordstrom Chaffetz said Conway's promotion
community. DeVos confirma sidered more toxic by
ethics laws "on several levels", and decided to drop her brand. of Ivanka Trump's fashion brand
tion required a tiebreaking Democrats. Senate Republicans
criticised her for providing "free "Go buy Ivanka's stuff, is what I was "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly
vote from Vice President Mike silenced Senator Elizabeth
advertising" to Ivanka Trump's would say. I hate shopping I'm over the line, unacceptable".
Pence. It was the first time a Warren Tuesday night when
vice president broke a tie to she tried to read a 30yearold
confirm a Cabinet nominee,
After Republican Sens. Lisa
letter from Martin Luther King
Jrs wife, Coretta Scott King, on
Trump signs 3 crime related EOs
Murkowski of Alaska and Susan the Senate floor that opposed Washington: US President Donald today designed to restore safety Trump only listed their titles:
Collins of Maine announced Sessions previous unsuccessful Trump on Thursday signed three in America. Very important. All "Enforcing federal law w ith
their opposition to DeVos, Sen. nomination for a federal judge new executive orders aimed at very important," RT.com quoted respect to the transnational crim
Sessions vote was necessary to ship. King had written that, as a targeting drug cartels, creating a Trump as saying. inal organizations and preventing
confirm her. Immediately after federal prosecutor, Sessions task force to reduce crime and During the swearingin ceremo international traf ficking," "Task
her confirmation, the Senate used his power to chill the free stopping crimes ag ainst law ny, Sessions said rising crime was force on crime reduction and
moved to beg in de bate on exercise of the vote by black cit enforcement of ficers. The move a "dangerous, permanent trend" public safety" and "Preventing
Sessions nomination. izens. T hree decades later, came after Jef f Sessions was in the US and promised to "end violence against federal, state,
As they did on the De Vos nothing in Sessions record dis sworn in as attorney general. "I'm this lawlessness" of illegal immi tribal and local law enforcement
nomination, Senate Democrats proves her words, Warren said. signing three executive actions gration. officials."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS February 11-17, 2017 11

Hints of new world order must


await TillersonLavrov meeting
By Saeed Naqvi founded ISIS?" I have often writ Department. Unt il then even Ministers of Russia, Turkey and and various of fshoots of Al
ten several stories since 2012 National Security Adviser Gen. Iran met in Moscow to discuss Qaeda. This is just some of the

P
undits in Washington are about US ambassador in Flynn's tough statement on Iran Syria. The meeting was followed agenda Tillerson has to prepare
beginning to hope for conti Damascus, Robert Stephen Ford, a must be seen as premature. It by a joint air campaign by Russia himself for. To begin with, he will
nuity in US foreign policy great favorite of Hillary Clinton, may point to some turf fights that and Turkey against ISIS. The sum have to digest the implications of
under Donald Trump. For their playing an overt role in the will keep the White House mit in Moscow was preceded by a ban on seven Muslimdominat
optimism, they are falling back on Syrian insurgency. abuzz for some time. the dramat ic killing of the ed countries to travel to the US.
hints from the new administra More recently, Serious g ames Russian ambassador in the Iran being listed among Muslim
tion. Trump has reit will begin when Turkish capital Ankara. countries to whom the ban
Look, they say, Israel is being erated that he R u s s i a n Yemen will be a test for the applies makes no sense unless
warned to curb settlement con hopes for F o r e i g n Trump administration. Will he Trump or those around him are
struction; Russians must with friendlier Minister cont inue to support Saudi keen to pick a fight with Tehran
draw from Crimea; Iran is on relations Lavrov and Arabia's disastrous war in the to please Riyadh and Jerusalem.
notice: no more missile tests. with Putin. Tillerson Arab world's poorest country? No act of terrorism in the genre of
If this, indeed, were true then He looked hold their Who knows, in the interest of suicide bombing has yet been
the skirmishes between the intel forward to first meet American prosperity, he may like traced to Tehran. Nor does
ligence community and the greater coop ing. If there is to encourage Saudis to spend Hezbullah's unwavering support
Trump campaign which continued erat ion w ith to be anything their last penny buying US arms. to the Palestinian cause make it a
well into the President's inaugu Moscow in man resembling good An key meeting, which caught militant menace. In this devilry, it
ration would appear to have been aging the chaos in w ill between New Delhi on the wrong foot, was has Iran's total backing.
settled in favor of the agencies, West Asia. Washington and the RussiaChinaPakistan con During the campaign, and since,
the Deep State, with the media in Is there a contradiction between Moscow, Lavrov w ill have to clave in Moscow focused on the Trump has maintained that he
tow. this line and the new US ambassa acquaint Tillerson with a great future of Afghanistan. That meet w ill see k Russian support in
Syrian President Bashar al dor to the UN, Nikki Haley, warn deal of what Moscow has been ing places a huge question mark "bombing the shit out of Islamic
Assad too declared a week ago ing Moscow on Crimea? doing recently. Libya, for on US expenditure in blood and terrorism". Moscow and Iran are
that he expected "no change in US These are significant signals but instance. Moscow has been coor treasure in that country over the with him on that page, indelicate
policy towards Middle East". they will be fitted into coordinat dinating policy with Egypt to con past 12 years. Taliban, whom the language notwithstanding.
What then does one make of ed policy only after the new US trol a country with more than one US has been fighting all these The writer is a senior commen
the alleg at ion of Candidate Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, power centre. years, are now to be enlisted in tator on political and diplomatic
Trump: "Obama and Hillary finds his feet in the State On December 20, Foreign the war against the Islamic State affairs.
12 February 11-17, 2017 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Lalu calls Modi a 'dangerous man'


Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh):
Former Bihar Chief Minister and
Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) supre
mo Lalu Prasad Yadav termed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi a
"dangerous man" and cautioned
people to be wary of him.
Addressing an election rally in
Sikandarabad for his soninlaw
Rahul Yadav, who has been field
ed by the Samajwadi Party, Lalu
slammed Modi over demonetiza
tion, which deprived millions of
honest Indians of their own
money.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar spoke at a meet on Global People had to stand in long
Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. queues to withdraw their own Lalu slammed Modi over demonetization.
money from banks, and many a
New Delhi: Describing nuclear ter couple of decades, have highlight
time, they would not succeed for lakhs and then gives a credo of rently held by Vimla Solanki of
rorism as a global threat, India ed that terrorism remains the
one reason or the other, he added. Make in India. He is doing noth the BJP and in 2012, Rahul
called for a comprehensive global most pervasive and serious chal
Coming down heavily on the ing but fooling people by his tall Yadav's father had tried his luck
response to counter it. lenge to international security," he
people who chanted "ModiModi" promises and oratory," he further from this seat as a Congress can
Inaugurating a threeday meet said.
at rallies, the RJD leader said that said. didate but had lost badly.
ing of the Implementation and "If access to nuclear technology
Modi has finished the Railways Rahul Yadav, who is Lalu's son T he Samajwadi Party made
Assessment Group of the Global changes state behavior, it is only
Ministry, which had touched new inlaw, is a hotelier and the son of Jitendra Yadav an MLC. Rahul
Initiative to Combat Nuclear to be expected that it would also
heights when he was the Railway Mulayam Singh Yadav's nephew married Ragini, the fourth daugh
Terrorism (GICNT) here, Foreign impact on nonstate calculations.
Minister during the UPAI govern Jitendra Yadav. ter of the former Bihar Chief
Secretary S. Jaishankar said that Nuclear security, therefore, will be
ment. "Modi wears suit worth The Sikandarabad seat is cur Minister, in 2012.
though there were 13 instruments a continuing concern, especially as
that were wide ly accepted as terrorist groups and nonstate
benchmarks for a state's commit
ment to combat terrorism, what
was more important was that
actors strike deeper roots and
explore dif ferent avenues to
spread terror. Developing a com
Satyarthi's Nobel citation stolen
adhering parties display the prehensive global response is the New Delhi: Child rights activist
required sincerity to implement highest priority." Kailash Satyarthi's house here was
their commitment. The Foreign Secretary said there burgled and his Nobel Prize cita
"The dangers of discriminating were two aspects to this challenge. tion stolen among other things,
among terrorists good or bad or "The first is to clamp down on police said.
even yours and mine are terrorism in general and the sec T he burg lary took place on
increasingly recognized," he said. ond to restrict unauthorized Monday night in Alakananda in
"Terrorism is an international access to nuclear technology and south Delhi. Satyarthi and his wife
threat that should not serve material," he said, adding that the are currently attending the World
national strategy. Nuclear terror GICNT was expected to play an Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates
ism even more so." important role in providing an in Colombia.
GICNT is a voluntary interna ef fective international platform "The burglars entered the house
tional partnership of 86 nations for consolidating and disseminat breaking a window and a ventila
and five international organiza ing the technical expertise and tor. The verification of the objects
tions that are committed to best practices to respond to mali stolen is on. Among the things
strengthening global capacity to cious acts by terrorists. stolen is his Nobel prize citation,"
prevent, detect, and respond to Stating that though responsible Deputy Commissioner of Police
nuclear terrorism. It works countries provided political com Romil Baniya said.
towards this goal by conducting mitments to assure each other that The police are also examining Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
multilateral activities that they would protect nuclear materi CCTV footage from Satyarthi's
strengthen the plans, policies, pro al under their control from falling apartment as well as of the neigh tive leads about the accused bur dedicated to battling child labor
cedures, and interoperability of into the wrong hands, Jaishankar bors. "The Crime Branch is associ glars in the case. and rehabilitating rescued former
partner nations. said that treaties like the ated with South East district police The theft came to notice and child workers.
Stating that nuclear power International Convention for the in the Greater Kailash burglary at Satyarthi's son Bhuvan Ribhu filed This is the second instance of
would continue to play an impor Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Kailash Satyarthi's house. All out a police complaint. According to a theft of a Nobel memorabilia in
tant role in the world's quest for Terrorism (ICSANT ) and the ef fort is on," Joint Commissioner spokesperson for Satyarthi's India.
clean energy, Jaishankar said that Convention on the Physical of Police (JCP) Deependra Pathak Foundation, the burglars also took The country's first Nobel winner,
"the negative consequences of Protection of Nuclear Material said. away jewellery, cash and electron Rabindranath Tagore's medallion
atomic power also cannot be (CPPNM) and its amendment pro The officer said some local crim ic items. Satyarthi was awarded along with 47 other memorabilia
ignored". vided a firm basis for translating inals, security guards, vendors and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. He were stolen from Rabindra
"Events that have unfolded broader political commitments scrap dealers have been detained is the founder of the Bachpan Bhawan at Santiniketan in West
around us, more so in the past into legally binding measures. for interrogation to get some posi Bachao Andolan (BBA), which is Bengal.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA February 11-17, 2017 13

Opposition, BJP on warpath over BAN ON MASOOD


Modi's 'raincoat' barb at Manmohan AZHAR NOT A
New Delhi: Prime Minister
Narendra Modis "bathing with a
raincoat on" jibe against his prede
President himself had humiliated
Manmohan Singh by shooting
down a cabinet decision when the
BILATERAL ISSUE: MEA
cessor Manmohan Singh triggered UPA was in power and asked him New Delhi: Two days after Beijing
a political outrage on Thursday to recall Sonia Gandhi's "maut ka again blocked the move to ban
with the BJP defending the remark saudagar" (merchant of death) JaisheMohamed ( JeM) Chief
and lashing out at the Congress for comment made against Modi dur Masood Azhar in the UN, India on
disrupting Parliament proceedings ing the 2007 Gujarat assembly Thursday hoped that China would
over the row. elections. eventually come around to accept
Congress Vice President Rahul T he issue also resurfaced in ing the view that it was not a bilat
Gandhi ridiculed Modi for his "pen Parliament with the Congress eral issue with Pakistan but a mat
chant" to grab headlines and said joined in by the NCP and the ter of global terrorism.
the remark was an insult to the Rashtriya Janata Dal staging a "We don't view this as a bilateral
Rahul Gandhi ridiculed Modi for
nation. walkout from the Lok Sabha. matter between India and Pakistan Jaish chief Masood Azhar
his "penchant" to grab headlines
The row stems from Modis com Raising the issue during Zero but as an issue of global counter
and said the remark was an
ment while replying to the debate Hour, Congress leader Mallikarjun terrorism. We hope that eventual spokesperson Lu Kang on
insult to the nation.
on the mot ion of thanks to Kharge said Modi's remark was ly, China will also come around to Wednesday, defended the block,
Presidents address. He said a personal insult rather an insult unbecoming of a Prime Minister accepting this view," said Vikas saying "The purpose for China to
Manmohan Singh was the only to the entire nation because it was and "not good for parliamentary Swarup, Ministry of External place the technical hold is to allow
person in India who had been con the people of this country who democracy". Affairs spokesperson. enough time for discussion among
nected with the economic decision elected Manmohan Singh as their Congress members also trooped "This proposal was not moved relevant parties to reach a tenable
making for 35 years. "So many Prime Minister". near Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's by India but by three permanent decision widely accepted by the
scams took place during all this BJP President Amit Shah rallied podium and started shouting slo members of the UN Security international community."
time, but he got no stain on him. behind Mo di and targeted gans against Modi and demanding Council the US, UK and France. China blocked the US' move at
Only he knows the art of bathing Manmohan Singh over a series of his apology. It is our understanding that this the UN to have Pakistani militant
in the bathroom wearing a rain alleged scams in the previous The Rajya Sabha also witnessed was a classic counterterrorism Masood Azhar declared as an
coat," Modi said. Congressled UPA government. uproar over the issue w ith proposal meant to proscribe a international terrorist under the
Addressing a rally in the poll "What wrong did Modi say by Congress members demanding dreaded terrorist leader Masood 1267 Committee of the Security
bound Uttarakhand, Gandhi said pointing out that Manmohan Singh Modi's apology. Azhar whose organization, the Council.
Modi was the first PM who can't didn't take responsibility for any of Upping the ante, the Congress JaisheMohammad, has already Last year, China rejected thrice
speak with respect about his pred the scams," said Shah at an elec also threatened to boycott Modi in been proscribed by the UN 1267 India's resolution to add Masood
ecessors. tion rally in the hill state. the rest of the Budget session if he Committee," Swarup said. to the UN list of international ter
Gandhi said the remark was "not Shah said the Congress Vice didn't withdraw his remarks. Chinese Foreign Ministry rorists.

Sought liedetector 20 YEARS AFTER UPHAAR TRAGEDY,


tests on Tytler, Verma 1year jail to Gopal Ansal
in 1984 riots case: CBI
New Delhi: Nearly 20 years after
a raging fire at the Uphaar cine
ma in Delhi killed 59 persons,
New Delhi: T he CBI on the Supreme Court on Thursday
Thursday said it has sought the awarded real estate baron Gopal
court's permission for liedetec Ansal, one of the theater owners,
tor tests on Congress leader one year in jail.
Jagdish Tytler and arms dealer The apex court said since Gopal
Abhishek Verma in connection Ansal, 69, did not suffer any age
with a 1984 antiSikh riots related complications, as was the
case. case with Sushil Ansal, 77, there
The agency moved a written could be no principle of parity
application in the Karkardooma and he must spend one year in
court on Wednesday on the prison. T he court gave Gopal
issue after the arms dealer's Ansal four weeks to surrender to
accusat ion ag ainst the undergo the sentence.
Congress politician of influenc Since Gopal Ansal has already
ing a witness Surender Singh been in jail for four months and
The fire due to negligence in Uphaar Cinema in south Delhi had killed 59
by g iving him money and Congress leader Jagdish Tytler 29 days, he w ill serve the
people. The victims families are insisting justice has not been done.
promising to send his son remaining sentence of over seven
Narender Singh to Canada. killed. T he CBI had earlier months, his counse l Salman appointed; justice is not done. broke out when Hindi movie
Additional Chief Metropolitan given a clean chit to Tytler in Khurshid said. We didn't expect just oneyear "Border" was being screened at
Magistrate Shivali Sharma has the case but reopened investi Coaccused Sushil Ansal was, punishment by the Supreme the cinema hall. Trapped inside,
issued notice to Tytler and gation following December 4, however, let of f with the sen Court. We have been fighting for 59 persons died of asphyxia
Verma, asking them to appear 2015 court order in the wake tence he has already served long and now we have lost hope while over 100 were injured in a
before it on February 10. of Verma's allegation. because of his old age and ail in the judicial system of our stampede.
The CBI in its plea requested The court also ordered the ments. country," Nee lam On T hursday, a tearyeyed
the court to direct Tytler and agency to find out whether The Association of Victims of Krishnamoorthy, head of AVUT, Krishnamoorthy of AVUT regret
Verma to appear before it and Verma's statement was authen Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT), which told IANS. ted approaching the courts
accord their consent for con tic. fought a protracted legal battle The Ansals, who coowned the instead of picking up the gun to
ducting polygraph test so that T he agency, in September against the Ansal brothers, said Uphaar cinema in south Delhi, avenge the death of her two chil
the further investigation in the 2016, had also filed its investi the verdict against Gopal Ansal were earlier held guilty of "crimi dren.
matter can be conducted. gation report in the case which had come as a "big disappoint nal negligence" but escaped jail Gopal Ansal's counsel Khurshid
Tytler is accused of leading a will be heard in the court on ment". Its members said they terms beyond a few months after expressed sorrow, remorse and
mob in the 1984 Pul Bangash Friday where Tytler and Verma have "lost hope" in the judiciary the top court's 2015 order. regret over the tragedy on behalf
case in which three Sikhs were are likely to appear. of the country. "We are very dis On June 13, 1997, a huge fire of the Ansal brothers.
14 February 11-17, 2017 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

UP elections: Key lies in Modi regaining Muslim vote


By Amulya Ganguli Considering that he still enjoys the faith of
large sections of the people, mainly of the
major reason why the Bharatiya middle class, in his promise to accelerate

A Janata Party (BJP) is believed to be


finding it difficult to cross the finish
ing line with ease in the ensuing UP assem
development, there is no reason to doubt
that the Muslims, too, would back him now
as in 2014.
bly elections is its loss of the Muslim vote If they have drifted away, however, the
since 2014, when it had secured more sup fault lies with the Prime Minister's failure
port from the community than ever before. to check the hardliners in the BJP much
Winning over the community is essential earlier. He has now succeeded in largely
in a state where the Muslims make up 19.3 silencing the "ghar wapsi" and "love jehad"
per cent of the population. Their vote is brigades, but his action against them has
now expected to be shared mainly by the come too late in the day to reassure the
Samajwadi Party (SP)Congress combine Muslims.
and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with Had he cracked down on them immedi
the tilt favouring the former because its ately after his Lok Sabha victory, the BJP
chances are perceived to be better. might not only have been able to hold on
The BJP will rue this shift of preference to those Muslims who had reposed their
because it had the support of a sizable sec newfound faith in the party but also
tion of the Muslims in the parliamentary attracted others from the community.
polls. According to the Center for the This accretion would have been possible
Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), 10 even if the economy had not taken off with
per cent of the Muslims in Uttar Pradesh the speed that was earlier expected.
voted for the BJP three years ago, evident But the moment was lost because the
ly because they were impressed by Yogi Adityanaths and the Sakshi Maharajs
Narendra Modi's pitch for development. interpreted the BJP's majority in the Lok
Winning over the community is essential in a state where the Muslims
It is also noteworthy that a large number Sabha as a sign for pushing their Hindu
make up 19.3 per cent of the population.
of Yadavs, who form the SP's core base of nationalist agenda.
support, and Jatavs, who constitute the and the saf fron brotherhood. However, a Pradesh, demonstrating how the members Yet, as a former pracharak (preacher),
BSP's vote bank, also leaned towards the CSDS researcher noted that the backing of of the community had turned away from Modi would have known the central tenets
BJP. It was obviously Modi's promise of the Muslims for the BJP in 2014 was the their earlier favourites, the SP and the BSP, of their antiminority mindset.
"achhey din" (good days) which acted as an highest in the Lok Sabha's electoral histo in favour of the BJP. The opportunity which Modi had, there
incentive. But the increase in the Muslim ry. Of the 87 parliamentary seats in the It is obvious that if Modi had been able fore, to mould the BJP in his own forward
preference for the BJP was of greater sig country with a high concentration of to retain this block of support, his party looking image has seemingly been lost.
nificance because of the traditionally Muslims, the BJP won 45. These included would have had a fairly easy run in the However, Uttar Pradesh is his last
fraught relations between the minorities all but one of the 27 seats in Uttar forthcoming assembly e lect ions. chance.

the pension graph is illustrative.

India's defense Over the same fouryear period,


the pension bill for the Ministry
of Defence (MoD) has moved
from Rs 60,238 crore to Rs

budget: 85,740 crore the current fig


ure.
Strand 3: T his is the more
alarming by way of the impact

Trapped in a
of underutilisation of funds allo
cated towards acquisition and
modernisation. The inventory

straitjacket
gaps in the Indian military are
YUGE (to use a Trump expres
sion!). One statistic is revealing.
In FY 201516, the MoD returned
By C. Uday Bhaskar some anomalous insights. more than Rs 13,000 crore from
The Indian defence budget is the capital head as unspent. In
The Indian defense budget is trapped in a straitjacket

T
he annual budget was pre trapped in a straitjacket which 201617, the unspent amount is
which has four structural constraints.
sented on February 1 and has four structural constraints closer to Rs 7,000 crore and this
the allo cat ion for the that impede significant capacity power in the global arms market. initial hesitation, has moved to is a less than flattering reflection
Defense Ministry of fers some creation and inventory modern Strand 1: From FY to 201516 resolve a longfestering issue for of the competence of fiscal plan
instructive insights about how ization. to the current fiscal 201718, the the Indian soldier that of ning and management within the
India plans to nurture its military T hese four strands are the total de fence allo cat ion has restoring pensioner benefits for MoD.
that is, the three armed forces: declining ratio between defense increased from Rs 2,94,320 to Rs ret ired personne l. T his was Strand 4: India is among the top
the army, navy and air force. expenditure (DE) in relation to 3,45,106 and now Rs 3,59,854. peremptorily withdrawn by the arms importers of the world in
T he total allocation for the GDP; the steady rise in the rev However, as a ratio of DE to GDP Indira Gandhi government almost terms of foreign exchange spent
financial year (FY) 201718 is a enue component of the DE it has varied: 2.15 per cent to 40 years ago and successive gov and the current financial arrange
reasonable Rs 3,59,854 crore which caters only to the standing 2.29 per cent and now 2.14 per ernments remained indifferent to ments have led to a situation
($53 billion) and the increase costs of a 1.3 millionplus mili cent. this injustice. where the greater part of the capi
over the last three years has been tary; the underutlisation of the Strand 2: The revenue compo Due to the partial redress of the tal head is precommitted over a
steady. In FY 201516, the total allocated funds particularly in nent for any standing military of onerankonepension (OROP) five to tenyear period; meaning
de fense allo cat ion was Rs the capital component of the DE a million plus will invariably be scheme, the revenue outflow of that inventory acquired is paid in
2,94,320 crores and while this which caters to acquisition and substantial and the more recent the DE has shown a sharp annual amounts. If these structur
increase of Rs 65,534 crore is modernisation; and finally the payandallowance and pension increase and this will be a recur al constraints are not holistically
seemingly large almost 23 per relative decline of the Indian outflows have been relatively ring cost. Consequently, the rev addressed, the modernization of
cent over a threeyear period rupee in relation to the US dollar, high. To its credit, the Narendra enuetocapital ratio has shrunk the Indian military will be trapped
the larger fiscal context provides which results in shrinking buying Modi government, despite some to the detriment of the latter and in a fiscal straitjacket.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
fashion February 11-17, 2017 15

Spotlight on creativity and handlooms


By Durga Chakravarty LFWs role as a launchpad for promoting
young designers was visible on the opening Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017
day when five new faces showcased their
Mumbai: Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) unique creations. Presented by INIFD, the
Summer/Resort 2017 not only brought the Gen Next show witnessed designs that were
spotlight on Indian handlooms like khadi, an amalgamation of creativity, style and in-
muslin and cotton, which were beautifully novation.
blended with glamor and luxury, but also fo- The first-day also saw a star-studded show,
cused on sustainable fashion like recycling of where designer Kunal Rawal presented his
waste into finer goods. Apart from celebrity latest menswear range The Race of Sepa-
showstoppers, others who stood out were rates with Bollywoods Sonakshi Sinha, Ar-
models like Anjali Lama, a transgender, and jun Kapoor and Varun Dhawan.
Petr Nitka, who is gender neutral. The fashion event has been dedicating a
The fashion extravaganza (Feb 1-5) fea- day just to Indian textiles each year and day
tured over 90 designers at 40 plus shows, two of the event this time promoted sustain-
and quite a few menswear lines. able fashion. The day started with a show
I think the scale at which we have done titled Reincarnation, where six labels show-
LFW this time is the largest. Having an open cased accessories and clothes made out of
venue (JioGarden, Bandra-Kurla Complex in recycled waste.
Mumbai) in the 16 years of history of LFW, Veterans like Payal Singhal, Tarun Tahil-
is really pushing the boundary for fashion, iani, Narendra Kumar, Ritu Kumar, Kotwara,
Jaspreet Chandok of IMG Reliance Ltd, said. Anushree Reddy, Gaurang and Anita Dongre

(Photos: IANS)
For the first time in 16 years, LFW was held outdoors. And as is norm now,
many designers had films stars like Karishma Kapoor as showstoppers.
Actress Amyra Dastur looked stunning in an outfit by Karn Malhotra.

dominated the runway on days three, four and


five. Their shows were not just about clothes, but
were also a visual delight.
Singhal chose to deck up the runway with sparkles
and retro chandeliers while Tahiliani, whose name
has always been synonymous with bling, chose to
decorate the ramp with beautiful mogra flowers.
Trends that stood out were layered looks,
asymmetrical lehengas, dresses, floor-sweeping
anarkalis, flared pants, saris and bomber jackets.
The collections saw an abundance of luxury
through the use of fabrics, weaves, work, prints,
intricate work of embellishments and zardozi
infused with handloom. The color pallete that
dominated the LFW runway varied from whites,
ivories, indigo, gold to brighter hues of pinks,
mustard and subtle pastels.
There was an abundance of Bollywood faces,
who took to the ramp.
Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Padma
Lakshmi, Malaika Arora, Varun Dhawan, Sushmita
Sen and many more were seen walking the cat-
walk for several designers.
The fashion gala came to an end with a grand
finale at the Bandra Fort, where Kareena walked
the runway for Dongres collection called Alche-
my inspired by Lakmes liquid gold theme.
Kareena, who walked the ramp after 46 days of
her delivering her son Taimur Ali Khan, glittered
New York based supermodel Padma Lakshmi in gold as she sported an off-white gown paired
Actors Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor walked
turned showstopper for Tarun Tahiliani. with a gold embellished jacket. for fashion designer Kunal Rawal. Quite a few
designers showcased menswear lines.
16 February 11-17, 2017 BOLLYwOOD

Pakistan bans Shah Bombay HC orders four


Rukh starrer Raees cuts for Jolly LLB 2
T he Bombay High Courts Aurangabad
Bench ordered deletion of four scenes
from the upcoming film Jolly LLB 2, which it
the ones in which a judge is shown crouch-
ing behind the dias, hurling of a shoe at a
judge and an objectionable dialogue.
held are defamatory to the judiciary and could The lawyers representing the filmmakers
amount to contempt of court, an official said. agreed to the necessary cuts/modifications.
A Division Bench of Justice S.S. Shinde The films producers, Fox Star Studios,
and Justice K.K. Sonawane also ordered the had challenged before the Supreme Court
Central Board of Film Certification to cer- the January 27 ruling of the Bombay High
tify the film afresh after implementing the Court to appoint the three-member.
cuts in the Akshay Kumar starrer.
The order follows a report by a court-
appointed three-member committee of
The film stars SRK and Pak actress Mahira Khan in lead roles. experts, comprising Senior Advocates
R.N. Dhorde and V.J. Dixit and medico Dr

T he release of much-anticipated Bolly- hind the ban was that the content under- Prakash Kanade, petitioner-lawyer Ajayku-
wood film Raees starring Shah Rukh mines Islam, and a specific religious sect, mar Waghmare said from Nanded.
Khan and Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, (It also) portrays Muslims as criminals, The committee viewed the film in Au-
was banned in Pakistan due to its objec- wanted persons and terrorists. rangabad and submitted its two-page re-
tionable content. The self-imposed ban on Bollywood films port stating that a particular scene is de-
The Central Board of Film Certification ended on February 1 as Karachis Atrium famatory to the lawyers profession and
(CBFC) said the Rahul Dholakia directorial, Cinemas screened Hrithik Roshan star- would be contempt of court.
which marks Mahira Khans Bollywood de- rer Kaabil. The information ministry and They added that the visual or words also
but, will not release in the country. CBFC also cleared Karan Johars Ae Dil Hai involved defamation of the body of law-
Sources in the know said the reason be- Mushkil for screening in the country. yers and undermines the dignity of law-
yers and courts. After taking the report on
record, the judges ordered that the scenes

I am not a box-office king objected to by the committee should be de-


leted and that the CBFC should re-certify
the film, Waghmare said.

Aamir
This is a historic and significant order
concerning any film in the country. It is also
a lesson to the CBFC which certified the film
during the pendency of the PIL, indicating

Khan
some malpractices, Waghmare said. Actor Akshay Kumar during the
The scenes ordered to be deleted include shooting of Jolly LLB 2.

Indian film Sexy Durga


wins at Rotterdam film fest
S anal Kumar Sasidharans Malayalam in-
die drama Sexy Durga won the pres-
tigious The Hivos Tiger Award -- which
There were seven other films that com-
peted for the coveted award.
A story about the patriarchal society of
includes a cash prize of 40,000 euros Kerala, the film stars Rajshri Deshpande as
($43,142) -- at the ongoing International Durga, apart from a supporting cast of Kan-
Film Festival of Rotterdam. nan Nayar, Vedh, Sujeesh KS and Arun Sol.
The festival commenced on January 25. On hearing the news, an excited Anurag
On the official website of the festival, it Kashyap tweeted: Sanal Kumar Sasid-
was announced that Sexy Durga won The harans Sexy Durga just won the Tiger at
Hivos Tiger award. the Rotterdam film festival. Probably, the
Aamir with his wife Kiran Rao during the success party of Dangal. The jury admired the film for its dar- first Indian film to do so.

B ollywood superstar Aamir Khan who any typical formula to become a blockbust- ing and resourceful approach in creating Known to herald the indie wave in Malay-
is still soaking in the success of latest er. Therefore, we never predicted that the a mood of constant tension, providing an alam filmdom, Sanal is widely popular for helm-
release Dangal, says he doesnt think he film would be such a big hit, he added. insight into multi-layered power dynamics ing Ozhivudivasathe Kali, the path-break-
rules the box-office. I would never do films like Dhobi Ghat of gender, class and authority. ing political satire which released last year.
I am not a box-office king. I am only Ki- with Kiran if I have ever thought of doing
rans (his wife Kiran Rao) king, said the ac- films by its number. Bollywoods Mr. Per-
tor, who looked to be in the seventh heaven fectionist told the reporters. The film is about
after the huge success of his latest film. Asked if he wants to take forward the the patriarchal
Speaking at the success party of the film success internationally, Aamir said that for
society of Kerala.
on Saturday night, Aamir also added that him the most respectable award is his audi-
he never chooses films on its potential to ences love. Other than this, I do not think
do business. about any other awards.
Till today I never signed a film on the Aamir also spoke about the recent attack
basis of its capability to do business. I pre- of a mob on the Padmavati set in Jaipur.
fer to choose a film from my heart. All the Saying that the attack on Sanjay Leela
films Ive done till now are those which Bhansali as unfortunate, the 51-year-old
touched my heart, he said. actor said: Taking law in our own hand is
Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, Rang De not legal for anyone. What has happened is
Basanti or Sarfarosh, when I did those very wrong and saddening. The people of Ra-
films, I never thought they would do such a jasthan are very much lovable and sensible...
good business. If you take Dangal as an ex- When a small group does this kind of an
ample, I played a role of an aged and heavy act, then the entire population gets a wrong
wrestler. There are no romantic songs or name. This is very regrettable, he said.
BOLLYwOOD February 11-17, 2017 17

Kung Fu Yoga
A poorly gummed up entertainer
T he title conjures an exciting amalgama-
tion of practices of worlds most ancient
and traditional civilizations -- Chinese and
read a vintage map which was left by her an-
cestors. They claim that the map would lead
them to the lost treasures of their ancestors.
Indian martial arts with the spiritual and The story is a flighty and frivolous reboot of
ascetic discipline of meditation, breath-con- a number of earlier treasure hunt films. The
trol and body postures for health and relax- screenplay and dialogues are too skewed to
ation. But alas! These elude you in the film. cater to the mindless frontbenchers ogling at
Kung fu and Yoga are probably what the the colorful sets and slapstick kitsch. Among
cast and crew of the film intended to indulge the dialogues that stand out is when Randall
in while making the film, but landed up hav- tells Jack, Stop boring me with your su-
ing fun and frolic on the sets. And, this is what perstitions -- when he actually meant, stop

Pitt refuses to pay Jolie


reflects in the end product -- a mishmash of boring me with your lessons in astrology.
ideologies and a B-grade entertainer. Jackie Chan has the star charisma, but he
The plot, though convoluted, begins in lacks the energy and vitality to carry the ac-

$100,000 in child support present day China, where Jack is a reputed


Chinese archaeologist who has invented an
infra-light technology to study ancient arte-
tion thriller on his shoulders. He is aptly sup-
ported by his co-stars but then, they lack mag-
netism. Their actions by far are perfunctory;
facts. He is approached by an Indian princess nevertheless, they leave a mark onscreen.
Actor Brad Pitt with his children.
and her younger sister who are impersonat- On the other hand, Sonu Sood as Randall,

A ctor Brad Pitt has reportedly refused


to pay his estranged wife Angelina Jo-
lie $100,000 in child support.
The source said $250,000 will be put in
each childs trust fund every year, which
will be capped off at $5 million.
ing a history professor and her assistant, to is totally mediocre.

According to a source, Pitt has no issue tak- This will pay for all of the kids expens-
ing care of their six children -- Maddox, Pax, es as well as set up a trust fund for each
Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox, child, the source told InTouch magazine.
but he will not pay her money to take care Jolie is said to be hoping to get the di-
of their children, reports aceshowbiz.com. vorce finalized in the next 90 days.

Kaabil mints over Rs 100 crore

Actor Jackie Chan during the films promotion.

Dont want to disappoint


Salman: Varun Dhawan
A ctor Varun Dhawan, who will be step-
ping into Salman Khans shoes for the
remake of 1997 film Judwaa, says he
me. I dont want to disappoint him, my father
and my audience as well, Varun said here.
Commenting on comparisons with Salman,
Actors Hrithik and Yami in a still from the movie. wants to give his best shot to the project, Varun said it is unfair.

A ctor Hrithik Roshan starrer Kaabil, pro- Rs 106.2 crore, said the makers. without disappointing the superstar. Judwaa 2 is a great opportunity for me.
duced by his father Rakesh Roshan, has The Sanjay Gupta directorial is an in- At an event to celebrate 20 years of Jud- For the first time, I am playing a double role
entered the Rs 100 crore club by minting Rs tense drama about a visually challenged waa, Varun said: Me, my dad (David Dha- and if these two great people (Sajid Nadi-
106.2 crore at the domestic box office. couple played by Hrithik and Yami Gautam. wan) and Sajid sir (Sajid Nadiadwala) -- we adwala and David Dhawan) would not have
Released on January 25 along with Shah Made on a moderate budget of Rs 50 all have spoken to Salman bhai regarding the been behind me, then it might have been
Rukh Khans Raees, Kaabil collected Rs crore, the film has now made a profit of Rs film. He is someone Ive known for my whole difficult for any actor. Judwaa 2 also stars
9.22 crore on Saturday, taking the total to 56 crore. life. His blessings are obviously all there with Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu.

Kareena shimmers in gold at LFW grand finale


A ctress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who was
the showstopper for Anita Dongre,
looked stunning in a beautiful gold and
Taimur Ali Khan. The 36-year-old actress
made heads turn as she walked the runway
in a long offwhite gown paired with a beau-
About bringing the
curtains down this
year, Kareena said:
The 36-year-old
actress made
white ensemble created by the ace designer tiful gold jacket with embellishments. It feels amazing. heads turn as
as she provided a memorable grand finale The Udta Punjab star sported mini- Its just been day 46 she took on
of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Sum- mal make-up done by international make- (post delivery) and the ramp.
mer/Resort 2017. up artiste Donald Simrock, whose client it feels great. The
Held at the heritage structure of Bandra list includes popular names like Ashley idea is to do what
Fort - which served as a dramatic backdrop Judd, Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Eva I have been always
for the designer, who wrapped up the event Mendes and Cindy Crawford. loved to do, which is
with the grandeur it deserved. Last year, Kareena flaunted her baby work. It is a part of
Kareena, who is the the face of the Lak- bump at the grand finale of the events win- my DNA, its a part
me Absolute, was seen walking the ramp ter/festive season, where she walked for of me. Its never go-
after 46 days of giving birth to her first son veteran designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. ing to change.
18 February 11-17, 2017 FEATURES

F
In Punjab, foreign couples
ascinated with the colorful Indian wed-
dings, foreign couples are saying their
marriage vows in a small village of Punjabs

take wedding vows again


Hoshiarpur district.
At the Citrus County, a resort in the midst
of Kinnow farms in Chaunni Kalan, couples
from Australia have had the experience of go-
ing through the rituals of the Indian wedding.
Be it the Mehendi (Henna application)
or Sangeet (musical night) ceremonies or
being part of a lively baraat (grooms pro-
cession), the couples get hands-on experi-
ence of a Punjabi wedding.
Interestingly, these couples are already
married and in their middle-age. Some of
them are even grandparents.
The are accompanied by their friends, rela-
tives, children and even their grandchildren.
We have had a few couples in the last
three years who wanted to experience the
Indian-style marriage. This year, we had two
couples who exchanged vows with full fan- Guests from Australia enjoy traditional
fare. We have had guests from Melbourne, Indian wedding ceremony events at a
Sydney and other places in Australia, Citrus farm resort near Hoshiarpur in Punjab.
County owner Harkirat Ahluwalia told IANS.
Ahluwalia, also a new-age agriculturist-
entrepreneur, points out that the marriages of the baraat with the grooms and chil- Manjeet Paintal who attended a
performed at his resort may not be the typi- dren seated atop. There is a turban-tying few of the weddings.
cal big-fat-Punjabi-wedding, but provides a ceremony for the men and Mehendi and It is a spectacle. We really
simple yet colorful experience to the guests. bangles ceremony for the ladies which our enjoyed the Indian wedding cer-
Among other things, the marriage cer- guests enjoy a lot, Ahluwalia said. emony at the resort. The hosts
emony even includes a Jaago, a traditional The guests from abroad are briefed be- really take care of the guests and
rural Punjab ceremony in which village forehand on buying traditional Indian give them a lifetime experience,
women carry a decorated earthen pot with outfits like Kurta-pyjama (for men) with Sasha Lewis of Melbourne. She
candles on the heads and sing songs. Indian jackets and Salwar-Kameez and le- attended one of the wedding cer-
They also dance to lively Bhangra and hengas for women. emonies with her friends here.
Gidda. Pipe-band by ex-servicemen also The colorful ceremonies here get the Village residents too are
features in the wedding. women really interested. They love to wear amused by the foreigners get-
A colorful chariot adds to the charm glass bangles and Indian dresses, said Prof ting married in the Indian style.

Fairytale that launched Indias literary renaissance


to join them but decides to check their an- The story may have been originally composed
By Vikas Datta
tecedents, and hears two of them tell their
stories. By then it is morning, and he has the by the poet Amir Khusro or who read it out

A whirlwind tale of romance, adventure


and magic, it is no ordinary fable -- and
not due to its genre. The first Indian prose
four summoned to court where he hears the
remaining two, and recites his own.
The four -- revealed to be a trader from Ye-
to Nizamuddin Auliya to amuse him.
God, in the course of time, removed his few books of Urdu that will live forever, how-
fiction, or even the first novel, Bagh-o-Ba- men, two princes of Persia and one of China illness; then he pronounced this benedic- ever admits that it is possible that Khusro
haar is a largely neglected pioneer of what -- have common stories. They have been for- tion on the day he performed the ablution of may have known of the work, and recited it to
is now a thriving, multi-lingual literary tra- tunate in love and then unfortunate, with cure: That whoever will hear this tale, will, the great Sufi saint. He provides a more plau-
dition, but it still holds prominence due to their beloved snatched away mysteriously. with the blessing of God, remain in health: sible provenance (his foreword in the anno-
its language and motifs of loss, mortality, They are about to kill themselves in despair since which time this tale, composed in Per- tated online English translation by mid-19th
courage, faith, hope and redemption. when a green-veiled horseman (who identi- sian, has been extensively read. century British academician Duncan Forbes).
Qissa-e-Char Darwish or Bagh-e-Ba- fies himself by sobriquets of Hazrat Ali, the It is an attractive story, but unlikely. But Bagh-o-Bahar, aimed to help the
haar, as it is commonly known, follows the Prophets cousin and son-in-law) appears to Esteemed Urdu scholar Maulvi Abdul Haq British learn conversational Hindustani/
archetypical Middle Eastern pattern for stop them, offers them solace and tells them disproved it, saying this fact neither is it Urdu, had an impact far beyond its text-
the genre -- a short framing story leading to go to Azad Bakhts kingdom where they mentioned anywhere in his (Khusros) writ- book status. If Indian novelists now win
to a number of interlocking stories, some will be reunited with their loved ones. ings, nor does this information appear any- prestigious literary awards or snap up lu-
with further stories in them, but building The fate of the four men and the king is the where in this Persian qissa crative deals, this was the first step on the
up to a final crescendo. crux of this delightful and engrossing tale, Haq, who calls Bagh-o-Bahar one of those road to this destination.
The effect is of intricate inlays in an im- which, as said, has its own strange origin.
posing whole -- a feature of Persian culture, The early 19th century nobleman in
which also permeates the story of this story, straitened circumstances to whom we owe
which does happen to be Persian in origin. the storys modern version, in the preface
It tells of a great king, in whom were in- of his Urdu translation, held the original
nate justice equal to that of Naushirwan, and writer was that incomparable Indian Re-
generosity like that of Hatim called Azad naissance Man -- and with a noble aim.
Bakht, reigning from Constantinople. But one Mir Amman Dehlvi, who was working for A modern
day, the heirless king, who is in his fortieth the then British rulers as a translator in Fort
edition of
Mir Ammans
year, sees his first white hair and becomes William College in Calcutta, writes, it was
Urdu classic,
distraught at the thought of his mortality. originally composed by Amir Khusro, of Di-
and (right) a
He turns his back on the world for prayer hli, on the following occasion; the holy Niza- Hindi trans-
and contemplation, and chaos afflicts the mu-d-Din Auliya, surnamed Zari-Zar-bakhsh, lation of the
kingdom. Ultimately the wazir meets him who was his spiritual preceptor (and whose classic, using
and convinces him not to forsake his duties. holy residence was near Dilli, three Kos from its original,
On the eve of his reappearance in court, the the fort, beyond the red gate, and outside the alternative
king goes to a graveyard to pray. Here he Matiya gate, near the red house), fell ill and name
sees a light and, checking, comes across four Khusro, who took care of him, recited the
dervishes sitting in sad silence. He is about tale to amuse his preceptors mind.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA FEATURES February 11-17, 2017 19

Time to question relevance Only about 10% of


the employed file
income tax returns
OF PERSONAL INCOME TAX in India. Tax evasion
is especially high
By Amit Kapoor every citizen equally before the law fails to the future as well. Tax reforms need to elimi
hold in the case of such unjust tax laws. nate all incentives to practise noncompli among the
New Delhi: Indian Finance Minister Arun When the constitution was formulated, ance.
Jaitley put the spotlight on the issue of tax nobody could foresee that such laws would An interesting proposition is to eliminate non-salaried class.
evasion in his February 1 budget speech with
some eyeopening statistics. Out of an
always keep the honest taxpayer on edge.
While filing returns, the person has to pres
the imposition of income taxes altogether.
There are numerous advantages from such a
The honest taxpayer
employed population of approximately 300 ent pages after pages of evidence that carry move. First, it will make a large proportion of is simply
million in the country, merely 37 million filed his earnings, expenses and rebates to a hired black money white. This would bring the
their income tax returns in 201516. Even if accountant because the process is simply so horde of funds stored in foreign banks back discriminated
exempted sectors like agriculture are arcane and complicated for a layman to han to the country and in circulation. Second, it
accounted for, this proportion is abysmally dle. would increase the disposable income of the against.
low. The problems do not end after the process honest taxpayers and boost consumption and
The most damning evidence of evasion was is complete. There are recurrent situations investment of the country. Third, the savings
the fact that out of 7.6 million individuals where years after an honest return, people rate would see a push as people deposit more
who declare incomes above Rs 5 lakh, 5.6 mil are arbitrarily commanded to appear before money in banks to earn higher interest
lion are in the salaried class, for whom the an investigator to present evidence that has instead of storing it in cash or fixing it in gold.
taxes are deducted at source. Clearly, it can long been destroyed or misplaced. In the case This should boost private investment and
not be the case that India has only two mil of failure to do so, the said investigator mellow the nonperforming assets (NPA)
lion businessmen and selfemployed people declares that the taxpayer would be retaxed problem that the banks are currently facing.
who earn incomes above Rs 5 lakh. Tax eva on the said return. Generations of good citi It would also reduce our gold import bill and
sion is rampant in the country and is especial zens have been at the mercy of an army of tax strengthen the rupee. Finally, it would also
ly high among the nonsalaried class. collectors and auditors that presume a tax improve ef ficiency in the economy. The
The facts in the Budget underline the unjust payer guilty until he proves his innocence. bureaucratic process and the harassment and increase the government's tax base and rev
nature of the imposition of income tax in the The discrimination against honest taxpay corruption that comes with the tax regime enue compared to the current inef ficient
country. The honest taxpayer is simply dis ers has resulted in the ballooning problem of would be eliminated. method.
criminated against. This happens in two tax evasion that has led to India's tax to GDP The biggest criticism of such a move would There are various steps that can be taken to
ways. First, in Jaitley's own words, "When too ratio being as low as 5.47 per cent in 2015 be the resulting loss of revenue. However, eliminate the inefficiencies that are inherent
many people evade taxes, the burden of their 16. By comparison, China has a tax to GDP income tax is not a strong revenuegenerat in the current system of taxation in India. Its
share falls on those who are honest and tax ratio of 9.7 per cent while the US ratio stands ing mechanism for the government as merely incentive structure needs to be corrected and
compliant." Second, the complicated filing at 11 per cent. 2% of Indians comply with it (compared to 53 replaced with an innovative mechanism that
procedures and undue harassment later Such a dismal state of affairs calls for radi per cent in the US). Also, a loss of over Rs 3 is nondiscriminatory and aligned with the
impose an additional shoeleather cost on the cal change. The demonetization drive might lakh crore that the move would entail can be country's constitutional principles. It is high
person paying taxes. These issues create have helped the tax authorities get many peo easily replaced with much more ef ficient time we question the relevance of the person
incentive problems among taxpayers. It is in ple on their radar, but the inherent, flawed mechanisms. A banking transaction tax can al income tax.
the payer's best interest to find ways to avoid incentive mechanisms will encourage people be considered. A small tax on any banking Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for
taxation. The constitution's promise to treat to find ways to evade imposition of taxes in transaction in an economy can vastly Competitiveness.

In India no one asks me how it feels


to be black: Writer Paul Beatty
By Debayan Mukherjee Standup comedian Richard am a part of it, like in grammar,
Pryor, known for his uncompro but in conversation I take myself
Kolkata: AfroAmerican writer mising examination of racism and out. Cos then it means something
Paul Beatty, whose novel "The topical contemporary issues, has else to me if I say 'we' which here
Sellout" a scattergun satire on inspired Beatty. "I think a guy who means something else to me," he
what racism has done to black is really important to me is a said.
Americans saw him win the Man comedian named Richard Pryor. To buttress his statement, Beatty
Booker, feels more at ease in India The way he spoke, his rhythm and referred to the issue of violence
as no one asks him how it feels to then what he was talking about... a perpetrated by the police.
be a person of color. lot of comedians do, 'you're that "They (Americans) would say,
"One of the things that's so nice and you're this', he (Pryor) did not 'why are we so concerned with the
here is we are not starting from do that. He would do, we are this. police violence' and I would say
square one," Beatty told IANS on We are that". 'who are we'," he said.
the sidelines of the justconcluded Beatty said he does not at times Veering to politics from litera
Kolkata Literary Meet. understand the concept of "we" in ture, Beatty said former President
"I don't know what that is," the the US and that resonates in his Obama was at least rational and
54yearold Los Ange lesborn Bookerwinning book where he not a war monger. On Trump
author continued. "It could be me Booker Prize winner African American Paul Beatty uses similar tones. order signed barring the entry of
being brown, could be a bunch of "I am careful about pronouns. immigrants from seven Muslim
stuf f. But there is a nice comfort black'," Beatty said. rights movement, the fatherson 'We' is not a word I use very majority nations, Beatty said it's
and I don't find myself having to Beatty's book, his fourth novel, relationship and so on. often... It's just because I am using unusual for him to see India
explain stuf f unnecessarily. And is a hardhitting comic take about Asked about his views on humor, it in a selfdeprecating way. We scared. "The problem is people get
when I do have to explain, it a young man's isolated upbringing Beatty said the emotion is some are like stupid Americans, you used to it very fast and then it
comes from a very genuine place and the race trial that sends him times used as a tool to shield one know. Because, if I was in the becomes a danger. It's also unusu
(from the heart). I feel more com to the Supreme Court. It chal self from one's own ugly reality States talking about this stuf f, I al for me to see a modernized
fortable here because no one says lenges the sacred tenets of the US and, in that way, everything that is don't go 'we'. I would say America country like India scared. They are
to me, 'Paul what does it feel to be Constitution, urban life, the civil funny and light is vulnerable. is that, da da dada da....de facto I scared of what America is (now)."
20 February 11-17, 2017 DIASPORA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Sculptor Anish Kapoor wins Genesis Prize,


pledges to use the money to help refugees
Jerusalem: Renowned Indianorigin British New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, "Jewish identity and history have wit
sculptor Anish Kapoor, who has emerged and actordirector Michael Douglas as nessed recurring conditions of indiffer Anish Kapoor
as a champion of Syrian refugees' rights, recipients. ence, persecution and Holocaust. (Image courtesy:
on Tuesday won Israel's prestigious one Kapoor, born in Mumbai to an Iraqiori Repeatedly, we have had to repossess artnet.com)
million dollar Genesis Prize for his commit gin Jewish mother and Indian father, said ourselves and reidentify our com
ment to Jewish values. he will donate the award money to help munities," Kapoor said.
Kapoor, 62, spoke out against "abhorrent people who have fled war or persecution. "As inheritors and carriers of
government policies" towards refugees as He said he would use the money to help Jewish values, it is unseemly, there
he was named the recipient of this year's alleviate the refugee crisis and try to fore, for us to ignore the plight of peo
Genesis prize, dubbed Jewish Nobel. expand the Jewish community's engage ple who are persecuted, who have lost
The prize committee, headed by Jewish ment in a g lobal ef fort to aid Syrian everything and had to flee as refugees
Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky refugees. in mortal danger," he said.
acknowledged Kapoor as "one of the most More than 12.5 million Syrians, includ
influential and innovative artists of his ing 2.5 million children, have been dis
generation." placed during the current political turmoil
Kapoor joins Itzhak Perlman, former in the West Asian state, he noted.

Never imagined my story Indianorigin couple fight on


would be Oscarnominated:
space ticket in divorce battle
Saroo Brierley on 'Lion' London: An Indianorigin couple Galactic flight will be discussed The UK High Court will now
Mumbai: The heartwarm in the UK is caug ht up in a in court. It is an asset Ashish still decide over the course of a five
ing, reallife story of divorce battle which includes a holds and will be considered as day hearing beg inning on
IndianAustralian business 160,000pound ticket on the part of the investigation into his Monday what Thakkar's assets
man Saroo Brierley is Saroo Brierley futuristic first commercial flight total wealth. Meera will demand are worth and a further trial will
being celebrated globally into space on British entrepre the cost of the ticket be counted then determine how much
through the film "Lion" (Image neur Richard Branson's famed in his assets. She could demand Manek should receive as part of
that has been winning courtesy: Virgin Galactic. he cashes it in," the newspaper the divorce settlement.
awards and has earned sev abc.net.au) Meera Manek is taking her hus quoted a source as saying. Thakkar is a Dubaibased busi
eral Oscar and BAFTA nomi band, Ashish Thakkar, to the UK Thakkar was among the first to nessman who runs the Mara
nations. He says the success High Court next week to dispute sign up for Branson's dream proj Group and was born in the city of
of the homecoming story is his claims that his assets are ect of launching the first com Leicester in the UK. His family
unimaginable and wants it to worth just 445,532 pounds. mercial flight into space. The full was among the thousands of East
bring hope to those who The 33yearold food writer amount of the tickets are paid up African Indians who came to the
may be going through and blogger insists that Thakkar front but the tickets on Virgin UK after being deported by
what he did. is in fact a billionaire, 'The Daily Galactic are fully refundable up Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the
"I am humbled Telegraph' reported. "The Virgin until the date of the flight. 1970s. (IANS)
and touched that
the film has been
chosen for six
Oscar nominations. I never imag While his Australian parents gave
Bishnujee Singh given UK's
top honor in Mathematics
ined my story would get that (an him all the love and privilege to
Oscar nomination)," Saroo told lead a good life, he kept on search
IANS here. "For me, more than win ing for his birth mother and, final
ning awards, I want the film to ly, using Google Earth, met her at London: Cayley Aerospace Inc Chief awarded EUR ING (European
penetrate as much as it can for Khandwa after 25 years. Executive Officer Eur Ing Bishnujee Eng ineer) Award from FEANI
those kids and parents who are Once he met his birth mother Singh has been elected Fellows of Brussels. He became first ever engi
going through the same situation. I after 25 years, he wrote a book, "A the Institute of Mathematics and its neer from India to receive this
want those kids to be motivated Long Way Home", and then direc Applications in the UK on January award.Singh has been conferred as
and inspired, who are vulnerable, tor Garth Davis made the film 26. The honor recognizes outstand Fellow of Royal Aeronautical Society
not knowing where they are com "Lion" based on the story. When ing contribution to the advancement on 06th August 2015 which is high
ing from, who their parents are," asked about the transformation of of mathematics. est recognition in Aerospace profes
he added. the story from his memories in the The Indianorigin scientist is also a sion.
Born in Madhya Pradesh, Saroo chartered mathematician of the Sing h is g raduate of T he
book to film, Saroo said: "I relived
got separated from his poor family same institute and also the first ever Aeronautical Society of India and
those days through the film all
mother, two brothers and sister aeronautical engineer to be con holds Master of Science (Advanced
over again."
and was adopted by an Australian ferred as a chartered scientist with Engineering) from Sheffield Hallam
"Lion" will release in India on
UK's Science Council. University, England.
couple from a Kolkata orphanage. February 24. (IANS) Bishnujee Singh
In 2011, Bishnujee Singh was (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT February 11-17, 2017 21

New EC in Bangladesh ahead Afghan diplomat killed by


of parliamentary elections security guard in Pakistan
Dhaka: Ending speculations,
Bang ladesh President Abdul Karachi: An Afghan diplomat was
Hamid has reconstituted the shot dead inside the Afghan con
Election Commission to conduct sulate here in Pakistan by a securi
the country's 11th general elec ty guard, police said.
tions slated for early 2019, a Police of ficer Azad Khan told
media report said. reporters that the consulate's
Hamid appointed K.M. Nurul Third Secretary, Mohammad Zaki,
Huda, a former secretary, as the was killed in the firing and the
next Chief Election Commissioner, motives behind the incident were
besides four other commissioners, being investigated.
Xinhua news agency reported. He said the guard was now in
The appointments came after a police custody.
Presidential Search Committee T he Afg han Ambassador to
submitted 10 names of prospec Bangladesh President
Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, said the
tive candidates following the Abdul Hamid.
firing took place at around 12.30 Pakistanis gather outside the Afghan consulate in Karachi.
examining of 125 names pro EC. BNP, led by exPrime Minister p.m. and was "carried out by an
posed by 25 political parties. Khaleda Zia, came with its propos
The move came after the oppo als as the term of the current
Afghan guard inside the com
pound, resulting in fatality of one
Suicide bomber kills 12 outside Afghan SC
sition Bangladesh Nationalist Election Commission is to expire of our diplomats. Kabul: At least 12 people were killed and dozens wounded when a sui
Party (BNP) demanded the forma on February 14. "It seems to be a personal dis cide bomber detonated his explosives in the parking lot of the
tion of an Election Commission BNP, which has alternated pute re lated criminal act," he Afghanistan Supreme Court building in central Kabul, officials said. A
through consultation with all par power with its arch rival the AL added. security official speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed the
ties. T hough initially Prime party since 1991, boycotted the Paramilitary troops and police casualties to Khaama Press. It was not immediately clear who was
Minister Sheikh Hasina's election on January 5, 2014 as its arrived at the scene after the gun responsible for the attack, but a similar incident in the same area last
Bangladesh Awami League (AL) demand for polls under a non shots were heard. Law enforce month that killed 22 people was claimed by the Taliban. The building of
rejected Zia's demand, the party party caretaker administration ment agents surrounded the con the Supreme Court is located on a road leading to the United States
later said it was ready for the new remained unfulfilled. sulate and arrested the shooter. embassy and Kabul airport.

UN questions Myanmar India interfering in Sri Lanka


probe into abuses to stop China: Chinese experts
against Rohingyas
Beijing: India is interfering in Sri Lanka's influential Chinese daily.
affairs to stop China's growing presence in the "The Belt and Road initiative always focuses
island nation, Chinese experts feel, according on civilian projects to help developing coun
Nay Pyi Taw: T he UN ques to the Chinese daily. tries, and China respects these countries' secu
tioned the credibility of a gov It was quite apparent that "Sri Lanka's vow rity concerns when pushing infrastructure
ernmentled investigation into not to allow Chinese military activity in the development," Chu said.
allegations of abuses against port of Hambantota is meant to pacify India," "Since India remains preoccupied with
the Muslim minority Rohingya the Global Times said after speaking to China's presence in the region, Sri Lanka has
community in Myanmar. experts. to repeatedly pacify its neighbor even when
"The existing Commission is The assurance was "unnecessary" since the this is aimed at promoting Sri Lanka's econom
not a credible option to under port was always meant for civilian use and ic development." he added.
take the new investigation," UN India is too sensitive over China's presence in Lin Minwang, Professor at the Institute of
Special Adviser on the the Indian Ocean, the experts believe. International Studies of Fudan University, said:
Prevention of Genocide Adama Last week, Sri Lankan Ambassador to China "Sri Lanka initially wanted India to help devel
Dieng said. Karunasena Kodituwakku said that no Chinese op Hambantota port, but it finally turned to
His comments follow an military activity will be allowed in the port of China for help since India faces financial diffi
More than a million Rohingyas live in Myanmars
announcement by the Hambantota. culties and concerns over future competition
Rakhine state.
Myanmar government to Hambantota is a strategic port in Sri Lanka, with its own ports in the Indian Ocean."
launch a fresh investigation and independent media from accessing 80 per cent stake of which is held by a Chinese "China has no intention to offend India, and
into the allegations after the High the northern part of the state. firm. "Sri Lanka's promise is unnecessary the program is good for Sri Lanka's economic
Commissioner of Human Rights in a The Human Rights Watch also report because the port is meant for civilian use, and development. But if India has a problem with
report last week refuted the clean chit ed fresh violence against the Rohingyas shows that India is interfering in Sri Lanka's the program and oppresses its neighbor, it
given to the army by a government such as rape of women, including af fairs," Chu Yin, Associate Professor at the only shows that it is interfering in other coun
committee, headed by Vice president minors, by soldiers. University of International Relations, told the tries' domestic affairs," Chu said.
Myint Swe. "These horrific attacks on Rohingya
T he report had blamed the army, women and girls by security forces add Hambantota is a strategic
deployed in the state of Rakhine after a new and brutal chapter to the port in Sri Lanka.
an alleged armed assault by Rohingya Burmese military's long and sickening
rebels in October, of carrying out ethnic history of sexual violence ag ainst
cleansing in the region. women," said HRW's Senior
"I urge that any investigation be con Emergencies Researcher Priyanka
ducted by a truly independent and Motaparthy.
impartial body that includes interna Motaparthy also denounced the
tional observers," said Dieng, adding Myanmar government for its lopsided
that the dif ferences between the investigation, and demanded an interna
reports published by the government tional and independent probe.
body and the UN were disturbing. More than a million Rohingyas live in
The army of fensive has, meanwhile, Rakhine, where they face increasing dis
blocked access to humanitarian aid on crimination from the country's authori
which thousands of people in the region ties, who do not recognize them as
depend and has also barred observers Burmese citizens.
22 February 11-17, 2017 INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IS adapting to military 'Thank you Trump for


pressure by shifting
to 'dark web': UN showing real face of America'
Tehran: Irans supreme leader
United Nations: The UN political Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he
chief warned that Islamic State was g rate ful to US President
terrorist group is adapting to Donald Trump for revealing "the
increasing military pressure by real face of America".
shifting to the "dark web." "We are thankful to this gentle
Jeffrey Feltman, the UN under man... he showed the real face of
secretarygeneral for political America," Khamenei was quoted
af fairs, made the remarks when by stateowned Press TV in a
he was briefing the UN Security speech to military of ficers in
Council on the UN chief 's latest Tehran.
report on the threat posed by the "What we have said for more
IS to international peace and secu than 30 years that there is polit
rity, Xinhua reported. ical, economic, moral and social
Feltman said that IS was adapt Feltman noted that IS corruption in the ruling system of
ing in several ways to military relies mainly on income the US this gentleman came and
pressure by resorting to increas Khamenei also ridiculed the idea of being grateful
from extortion. brought it out into the open in the
ingly covert communication and to former president Barack Obama.
election and after the election."
recruitment methods, including by even though resources from the Khamenei said the Iranian peo endar coinciding with the anniver President says, You should be
using the "dark web," encryption latter are on the decline. ple will be responding to the US sary of the February 11, 1979, grateful to (former US President
and messengers. UN member states are con President's recent ant iIran Islamic Revolution, when the Barack) Obama! Why? Should we
The report stressed that IS was cerned that the IS would try to threats on the upcoming anniver Iranian nation staged countrywide be thankful for the creation of
on the defensive militarily in sev expand other sources of income, sary of the 1979 Islamic rallies ce le brat ing the Daesh (IS), the flames (of violence)
eral regions. such as kidnapping for ransom, Revolution. Revolution's victory. in Iraq and Syria, and open sup
"Although its income and the and increase its reliance on dona "Trump says, 'Fear me!' No. The Trump tweeted earlier this port for the 2009 sedition (in
territory under its control are tions, he said. (Iranian) people will respond to month that "Iran is playing with Iran)?"
shrinking, IS still appears to have While the previous reports on these remarks on Bahman 22 and fire they don't appreciate how "It was him (Obama) who
sufficient funds to continue fight the subject have focused on w ill show what posit ion the kind' President Obama was to brought the crippling sanctions to
ing," Feltman said. Southeast Asia, Yemen and East Iranian people assume visavis them. Not me!" the Iranian people," Ayatollah
Feltman noted that IS relies Africa, Libya and Afghanistan, the threats," he said. "Iranians are not afraid of Khamenei said. "Of course, he fell
mainly on income from extortion report zeroes in on Europe, North Ayatollah Khamenei was refer threats," Ayatollah Khamenei said. short of his goal, and no enemy
and hydrocarbon exploitation, Africa and West Africa. ring to the date on the Persian cal Khamenei said: "The new US can cripple the Iranian people."

Sarkozy to face trial for spend Possible Russia-US cooperation


fraud in 2012 campaign positive for Syria: Assad
Paris: Former French President Nicolas campaign led by party members and support
Damascus: Syrian President Bashar
Sarkozy is to face trial for the alleged irregular ers.
alAssad said cooperation between
financing of his 2012 presidential campaign, The case was widely blamed for his poor
Russia and the US would be positive,
the media reported. showing in the 2016 centreright presidential
not only for Syria, but the entire
Sarkozy is to appear in court along with 13 primaries when his comeback attempt was
world as well, state news agency
others, said the "France Info" broadcaster, cit thwarted by two former Prime Ministers,
SANA reported.
ing court sources. Francois Fillon and Alain Jupp.
Speaking to Belgium reporters in
The case was originally opened in 2014 Sarkozy's 2012 campaign manager Jrme
Damascus, Assad said the remarks
when a media investigation found that Sarkozy Lavrilleux and the head of Bygmalion, who has
of US President Donald Trump were
had surpassed the 22.5 million euro ($24 mil confessed to the accusations, are also due to
"promising," as Trump regarded the
lion) spending cap on his presidential cam stand trial.
war on terror, mainly the Islamic
paign for an election he lost to Socialist Party Sarkozy's lawyers may yet appeal the order.
State (IS) group, in his presidential
candidate Francois Hollande, the incumbent The centreright
campaign, while also noted that it's
President. politician would
still too soon to judge such remarks,
Prosecutors accused Sarkozy and members become the sec
Xinhua reported.
of his Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) ond former
He said that prioritizing fighting
party of having conspired with communica head of state
terror as mentioned by Trump was
tions company Bygmalion to cover up the to stand trial
what the Syrian government has
overspend with false invoices, Efe news report after tenure.
been calling for since the beginning
ed.
of the war in Syria six years ago.
The allegations against Sarkozy suggested
Assad's remarks came as President
that the former head of state breached the
Trump has made clear in his cam
campaign spending limit by some $15 million.
paign that he would cooperate with
Rather than invoicing the presidential cam Assad said Trump's pledge to fight
Russia in the war on terror, but that
paign, the Bygmalion firm allegedly charged terror is 'promising'.
hasn't been materialized yet, at least
those extra expenses to Sarkozy's centreright
publicly. istration in fighting terrorism will be
UMP, since rebranded as the Republicans,
Russia also seems to favor Trump more ef ficient than that of former
thus bypassing French electoral law.
over his processor, pertaining to the President Barack Obama.
In France, the case is popularly
need to put an end to the growing For his part, Assad pointed out
referred to as the Bygmalion affair.
threat of the terrordesignated "two components" for peace, the
Sarkozy was fined by the
groups in Syria. first is fighting terrorism and halt
Constitutional Court for his role in
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey ing all support to it, and the second
the Bygmalion af fair and he has
Lavrov said that his country believes is the intraSyrian talks to determine
since paid back the entire sum of the
that the efforts of the Trump admin the future of the country.
overspend after a successful donation Sarkozy's lawyers may yet appeal the order.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS February 11-17, 2017 23

Demonetization, a right Boeing announces setting


decision at right time: Modi up of Boeing Defense India New Delhi: Global defense and
New Delhi: Prime Minister
aviat ion major Boeing
Narendra Modi strongly defended
announced setting up of Boeing
his government's decision to ban
Defense India (BDI), a local busi
high value currency notes, saying
ness entity, to support the com
it was the right step taken at the
pany's future g rowth in the
right time to rid the Indian econo
country, said a company state
my of tax evasion and black
ment. "The BDI will serve as a
money. The BDI will oversee company's
framework enabling us to draw recent investments in India.
Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha
on the growth and productivity
in reply to motion of thanks to
benefits that India can of fer tomers and to develop a compet
the President's address, mocked
Boeing," said Leanne Caret, itive supplier base in the country
at the opposition protests against
President and Chief Executive that is integrated into Boeing's
the November 8, 2016, decision
Officer of Boeing Defense, Space g lobal supply chain," Kumar
of spiking Rs 500 and Rs 1,000
and Security. added.
notes that led to a huge currency
Pratyush Kumar, President, In recent years, India has pro
crunch in the country.
Boeing India, will lead the new cured C17 Globemaster III, a
He likened the decision with
entity, said the statement. heavy lift aircraft, P8I maritime
surgery conducted on the human
"Boeing has made accelerated surveillance aircraft and
body. "When can you have an
investments to grow the manu Harpoon antiship missiles from
operation? W hen the body is Modi said the decision to ban currency notes was not taken in haste. facturing, skill development and Boeing. T he BDI will oversee
healthy. For demonetization, good
engineering scale in the coun company's recent investments in
economy was needed and this was high," he said, adding the said. He said he was aware of
try," Kumar was quoted in the India including the Tata Boeing
was a proper time. Our economy move was like the Swachh Bharat political risks but "I am not con
release as having said. Aerospace Ltd (TBAL) joint ven
was doing well and our (demone mission to clean the economy of cerned about the elections".
"With BDI, Boeing will expand ture, the C17 simulator training
tization) decision was taken at the illgotten wealth accumulated by "I am concerned about my coun
its eng agement w ith India's centre, Boeing's sourcing and
right time," Modi said. evading tax. "Like Swachh Bharat, try," he said, urging the opposi
Ministry of Defense to deliver manufacturing activities, sales
"The move was calculative. The the decision on demonetization is tion "to join the mainstream and
advanced capability and readi and marketing activities and the
decision was taken after Diwali a movement to clean India (of cor contribute in the development of
ness to India's military cus engineering centre expansion.
when trade (across the country) ruption and black money)," Modi the country."

Cash withdrawal limit to COURT ORDERS WINDING UP


be Rs 50,000 from Feb 20 OF MALLYA'S FIRM FOR DUES
Mumbai: The limits on savings bank cash Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court
withdrawals postdemonetization are to be ordered winding up of tycoon Vijay Mallya
withdrawn in two stages, the Reserve Bank owned United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd to
of India announced, with the limit slated to recover dues of his now defunct Kingfisher
go up to Rs,50,000 per account from Airlines Ltd.
February 20 and to cease from March 13. Pronouncing the order, Justice Vineet
The announcement was made by RBI Kothari directed the of ficial liquidator to
Deputy Governor R. Gandhi following the take possession of the holding company's
fiscal's last monetary policy review (UBHL) assets, including movable and
announcement by the central bank at While lifting of ATM withdrawal immovable properties and its shares held
which it kept its key interest rate limits from March 13 will in group companies, and recover the dues
of creditors.
unchanged at 6.25 per cent, saying it represent coming full circle for
awaited data on the full impact of the gov Among the creditors are a consortium of
these machines in respect of The flamboyant 61yearold Mallya is
ernment's demonetization drive three banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) reported to be in Britain.
demonetization to whom the airline and UBHL owe a
months ago.
On January 30, the RBI had ended all whopping Rs. 9,091 crore, including com Ltd, United Breweries Ltd, UB Engineering
ATM withdrawal limit to Rs 10,000 and
curbs on w ithdrawals from Current pound interest. and UB Global.
doubled the weekly Current Account with
Accounts, Cash Credit Accounts and The debtridden airline, which grounded The UBHL gave a corporate guarantee on
drawal limit to Rs 1 lakh.
Overdraft Accounts. its operations in October 2012, also owes behalf of the airline to all the creditors and
While lifting of ATM withdrawal limits
The limits were placed following the crores of dues to other creditors, aviation lenders for funds and supplies to run its
from March 13 will represent coming full
November 8 demonetization of Rs 1,000 fuel suppliers and airport operators. operations.
circle for these machines in respect of
and Rs 500 notes. The upper limit at ATMs The judge also rejected an appeal by the "We will file an appeal against the com
demonetization, it is to be seen whether
was just Rs 2,500 initially and was later UBHL to stay the order, which results in bined order before the high court's division
the amount of cash supplied by RBI will be
raised to Rs 4,500. Mallya losing control over his properties, bench, as the singlejudge bench verdict is
able to satisfy the demand of citizens in
In January, the RBI had hiked the daily including shares in the group companies. on petitions filed jointly in 2012," a UBHL
future.
The group companies are United Spirits counsel told reporters later.
24 February 11-17, 2017 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump congratulates team Dey alleges 'lack of transparency'


Patriots on Super Bowl victory in England tie ticket doleout
Kolkata: Former influent ial ical" and "illegal", he said the reservation to allot complimenta
of ficebearer of the Cricket ticket allocation process had vio ry tickets for the IndiaEngland
Association of Bengal Biswarup lated Justice R.M. Lodha's recom ODI... as my position as treasur
Dey complained to CAB mendation that the "distribution er, why had they issued such a
President Sourav Ganguly of lack of tickets of international cricket letter? For the sake of argument
of transparency in ticket distri matches should have transparen if I am not entitled to get the
but ion for the recent India cy". "Outsiders were involved in complimentary tickets as hon
England OneDay International ticket distribution. The details of orary treasurer, should I not get
(ODI) match at the Eden Gardens. complimentary tickets allocation the same as an official represen
Dey became inelligible to con does not figure in the public tative of the unit," he asked in
tinue as a CAB officebearer fol domain. There is nothing on this the letter.
lowing the January 2 Supreme in the CAB website," he alleged. "An extant norms/practice is
Court order related to the Justice Dey claimed that in his capaci prevailing in CAB that former
The Patriots stormed back from 25 points down to beat the Falcons R.M. Lodha Committee reforms ty as the former Assistant President and Hony. Jt. Secretary
in the Super Bowl's first ever overtime.
as he has already served nine Secretary and Joint Secretary, he are entitled to get complimenta
Washington: US President Falcons in the Super Bowl's first years in his state association. was entitled to receive compli ry t ickets for internat ional
Donald Trump congratulated the ever overt ime. New Eng land Holding a media meet, the for mentary tickets. matches and IPL," the letter read.
New England Patriots team for scored 19 points in the fourth mer CAB treasurer released a let Dey, whose tenure as treasurer Dey accused CAB Trustee
their w in over the Atlanta quarter alone. ter he has addressed to Ganguly came to an end last month, said Board Chairman Dasgupta of not
Falcons at the Super Bowl, the Trump told Fox News in an and threatened to move the BCCI he had received a letter request providing him the tickets "to
annual American football cham exclusive interview that the if he did not receive a "satisfacto ing him to collect the compli ridicule me".
pionship game, the media report Patriots would w in by eig ht ry response" within 10 days. mentary tickets. "I am very surprised that after
ed. points. Trump also has a report Dey's ire stems from the denial But "when I sent my authorised rendering services to CAB in dif
"What an amazing comeback ed friendship with Brady and of a "single complimentary ticket representatives to pick up the ferent capacities for the past sev
and win by the Patriots. Tom Patriots' owner Robert Kraft. to me either as representative of tickets, the persons concerned eral years, not a single ticket was
Brady, Bob Kraft and Coach B "I like (Patriots owner) Bob an affiliate unit Central Calcutta led by Goutam Dasgupta (in given to me."
(Bill Bellichick) are total winners. Kraft, I like Coach Bellichick, and Club or as a former CAB of fice charge of distribution) refused to Asked whether Ganguly had
Wow!" Trump tweeted. Tom Brady's my friend," said bearer" for the January 22 tie. give tickets on my quota, for rea orchestrated the entire episode,
T he Patriots stormed back Trump, who later added, "Tom's a Dubbing the denial of compli sons best known to them". Dey said "I would like to believe
from 25 points down to beat the winner". mentary tickets to him as "uneth However, if the CAB had any he had no knowledge about this".

No one gave me a chance of INDIAN EVES THRASH


picking up 10 wickets: Kumble SRI LANKA IN CRICKET
Hyderabad: Reminiscing his
'Perfect Ten' against Pakistan on
this very day 18 years ago, leg
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
spin legend and current India Colombo: Riding on halfcen
coach Anil Kumble said nobody turies from Devika Vaidya, skip
per Mithali Raj and Deept i Devika
gave him a chance to pick all the
Sharma, India trounced hosts Sri
Vaidya
10 wickets in an innings and he
felt privileged to achieve the "rare" Lanka by 114 runs in the open
cricketing feat. ing match of the women's World
Back on Fe bruary 7, 1999, Cup qualifier at the P. Sara Oval
Kumble returned epochmaking here.
figures of 10/74 in 26.3 overs to Electing to bat after calling the
hand India a remarkable 212run toss correctly, India overcame the
victory over archrivals Pakistan at early loss of opener Mona
the Ferozeshah Kotla ground in Meshram (6) as Deepti (54) and Mithali, who faced just 62 balls
Delhi. Devika (89) put on 123 runs for and hit eight boundaries, contin
Ahead of India's oneof f Test the second wicket to lay the foun ued on with Veda Krishnamurthy
against Bangladesh, the 46year dation for a big score. (10 not out) to add another 15
old, who emulated English of f Deept i, who consumed 96 runs as India posted 259/4.
India coach Anil Kumble. deliveries, hit four boundaries In reply, the hosts could
spinner Jim Laker by picking all
10 wickets, termed such mile happen. It's nice to ce le brate body gave me a chance of picking and a six before being dismissed nowhere match the pace during
stones as "unique". anniversaries of cricketing mile up ten wickets. It's a very rare by of fspinner Inoshi the chase with the asking rate
"When I sat in the dressing room stones but if it happens it hap occurence and I was probably priv Priyadharshani with India com mounting to finish on 114/8.
I never thought I would go out and pens." ileged and blessed to be a part of fortably placed at 132/2. India's fielding was up to the
pick up 10 wickets," Kumble said "It can happen tomorrow, or 10 that but it's something unique," the Mithali (70) then joined Devika mark as the visitors accounted
laughing. years down the line or it may not owner of 619 wickets in 132 Tests in the middle and the duo added for three runouts Hasini
"It's one of those things which happen at all. I don't think any said. another 49 runs before medium Perara (34), Dilani Manodara
pacer Udeshika Prabodhani halt (12) and Prasadani Weerakkody
ed the 19year old Devika's 103 (2) which did not help the home
ball vigil, comprising 11 bound side's cause.
aries. Hasini was the top scorer for
T he departure of Devika the Lankans while openers
broug ht in allrounder Chamari Atapattu (30) and
Harmanpreet Kaur, who fired a Eshani Lokusuriyage (20) made
21ball 20 to put on 63 runs for some useful contributions.
the fourth wicket with her skip For India, Ekta Bisht and
per as India found themselves at Rajeshwari Gayakwad took two
244/4 when Kaur was dismissed. wickets each.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info HEALTH February 11-17, 2017 25

In India, 70% cancer How Ambani scion


lost 108 kg
patients consult doctor
only at terminal stage
At advanced stages only 30 per cent of the
cases can be cured and they too have a
chance of relapse. India accounts for a
quarter of all cancer deaths in the world.

I
ndia continues to remain the the first stage of cancer most often cent of cancers detected are spo
largest contributor to cancer have 85 per cent chances of cure; radic it is always better to have
deaths at 2.2 million every in stage 2, there is 60 per cent periodic health checkups done,
year, of the global figure of 8.8 chance of cure, stage 3 falls to 30 said Ajay Kolse, Consultant
million, mainly due to 70 per cent per cent and those who start treat Radiation Oncologist at Mumbais
Anand Ambani before and after weight loss
of cancer patients consulting the ment at stage 4 will not survive for Holy Spirit Hospital.
doctor at the terminal stage, say more than 5 years, said Ramakant On blood cancers, doctors said

I
ndias richest man Anil foods, more fiber and less car
doctors. Deshpande, Onco Surgeon and there are certain types of blood Ambanis youngest son, bohydrates. Six meals a day
As the disease initially does not Vice Chairman of Asian Cancer cancer that can be healed with spe Anant Ambani, has lost a now started to include more of
present itself, doctors said that Institute. The increased number cialized targeted therapy. With it staggering 108 kilos in less vegetables, cottage cheese,
rural India suffers the most as at of patients who approach the doc those in stage 4 can survive for than 18 months. And, no, it is fruits, quinoa etc."
least 7080 per cent of patients do tor only after they reach advanced more than seven years as well. not from surgery. He went from The real reason for the suc
not even approach hospitals at the stages is based on the malignancy, For Adenocarcinoma, genetic fat to fit in the most natural and cess, though, was his own dedi
end stage. said Deshpande, adding that can mutation or similar abnormalities safest way possible. He fol cation. "What was amazing was
In the hinterland diagnosis is cers of oral cavity and lungs and there are a few other special tech lowed a strict diet and exer that Anant didn't ask for rest or
always late and if diagnosis is late prostate in males and cervix and niques like using laser or robotics, cised for fivesix hours every cheat days, which in turn kept
then cancer related surgeries are breast in females account for over this along with surgery helps the day. His daily exercise regimen me going as I could make him
done late. Cancers of the prostate, 50 per cent of all cancer deaths in pat ient to survive w ith least included a 21km walk, fol exercise for longer hours," says
which is the second most common India. change in their quality of life and lowed by yoga, weight training, the trainer. Currently weighing
in India, do not lead to pain, the The doctors said women should this helps increase survival rate functional training and high 88 kilos, Anant is now studying
basic symptom of cancer, leading avail of cervical cancer screenings for prostate cancer or vocal cord intensity cardio exercises. He at Brown University in America.
to late diagnosis, said S.P. Yadav, a like Pap smear Test which is a very cancer, said Kolse. stuck to a zerosugar, lowcarb "
urolog y surgeon and MD of cheap test and can be done at any Adwait Gore, Oncologist at Zen diet along with adequate fat Nita Ambani, Anants mother
Gurg aonbased Puspanjali hospital or nursing home. Hospital, Mumbai, said: Cancer is and protein, reveals his trainer, is most pleased about her son's
Hospital. The World Health Organisation one of the top causes of death due Vinod Channa. accomplishment. Having seen
Yadav, who gets 40 prostate can says cancer is diagnosed in more to lifestyle, food habits, stress life Anant suf fers from chronic him through this journey, work
cer cases every year, said in many than 14 million people worldwide and much more. One should not asthma, and it was his steroid ing hard and sweating it out
cases people even in their late 50s each year, and kills approximately ignore things like lump even if medication that apparently led daily for more than 500 days,
and 60s do not approach hospitals 8.8 million. Around twothird of they are not malignant. to his weight gain when he was she is floored by her son's dedi
despite suf fering from prostate the deaths are in If cancer is detected in the early growing up. cation to his own health. The
cancer for 78 years. The result is lowmiddle income countries stages there is a very high chance On what changes were made determination and will power
that the cancer gets advanced. where diagnosis is inadequate and of survival. One should be aware of to his diet, the fitness coach that he has shown in fighting
According to do ctors, at treatment late. any unusual changes they notice said, "Anant's eating habits and conquering the most
advanced stages only 30 per cent Regarding Breast Cancer, all about their bodies. People should were modified and now his day daunting challenge is an inspi
of the cases can be cured. females who are above 40 years of not ignore this symptom because begins with sprouts, soups and ration for all, including herself,
However, they too have a chance age should undergo mammogra of the cost for the treatment, said salads. All the junk food was said the proud mother recently
of relapse. Those who approach in phy test annually. As 6070 per Gore. replaced with protein enriched to The Times of India.

Why exercise may not help you lose weight


I
f you thought spending hours in a gym gy expenditure and step count.
every day would help you slim down, Researchers also measured participants
think again! A new study suggests that
While physical weight, height and body fat. After an initial
exercise may not prevent weight gain. activity burns examination, participants were asked to
Our study results indicate that physical return one year and two years later.
calories and
activity may not protect you from gaining Surprisingly, total weight gain in every
weight, said lead study author Lara Dugas, has many country was greater among participants
Assistant Professor at Loyola University health who met the physical activity guidelines.
Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in the For example, American men who met the
US. benefits, guidelines gained a half pound per year,
The findings of the study involving young it also while American men who did not meet the
adults from five countries were published guideline lost 0.6 pounds.
in the journal PeerJ.
increases The researchers did not find any signifi
Physical activity has many proven health appetite. cant relationships between sedentary time
benefits, ranging from reducing the risk of at the initial visit and subsequent weight
heart disease, diabetes, and cancer to it also increases appetite, and people may Ghana, South Africa, Jamaica and gain or weight loss.
improving mental health and mood. People compensate by eating more or by being Seychelles. The only factors that were significantly
who are physically active tend to be health less active the rest of the day. Participants wore tracking devices called associated with weight gain were weight at
ier and live longer. The researchers followed adults aged 25 accelerometers on their waists for a week. the initial visit, age and gender, the study
But while physical activity burns calories, to 40 living in five countries the US, The devices measured the wearers ener said.
26 February 11-17, 2017 LIFESTYLE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Indian beauty still considered


special in west: Padma Lakshmi
upermodel, TV host, cook western dress and traditional graph and her journey, Lakshmi,

S book author and socialite


Padma Lakshmi, who has
walked international fashion
dress and then you have cre
ations in between. There's really
something for everyone. I also
who has daughter Krishna Thea
LakshmiDell, with computer
mogul Adam Dell, considers her
runways for the best of design think Indian clothes happen to se lf lucky for the wonderful
ers, says Indian beauty is consid be more flattering on a greater opportunities that have come
ered "special" in the west. number of bo dy types and her way."I've been lucky enough
I think Indian beauty is still there's no type of clothing that to have some wonderful oppor
seen in the west as exotic and makes you feel more feminine, tunities to work in different gen
special. But I think this is a good she added. res. Every professional experi
thing. I wouldn't want to look A multifaceted talent, Lakshmi ence I've had has taught me
like everyone else on the run began her career as a model something and made me the
way anyway," Lakshmi told IANS working in Europe and the US. woman I am today," she said.
ahead of her debut as a show She runs her "Top Chef " and No paparazzi in India
stopper at the Lakme Fashion even has an awardw inning Saying she can move freely in
Week ramp last week. cookbook titled "Easy Exotic" to India, Lakshmi said the
Padma Lakshmi was on the her credit. That apart, she even paparazzi culture in New York is
ramp at the LFW wrote a memoir titled "Love, unbearable. She has had them
Summer/Resort 2017 for ace Loss, and What We Ate". She sometimes parked right outside
designer Tarun Tahiliani. was earlier married to novelist her door.
Lakshmi, who has catwalked for Salman Rushdie, 23 years older "If you are somebody who is a
big international names like to her. They wed in 2004, and movie star, it can really be
Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace divorced three years later. In her obnoxious and I have friends in
and Ralph Lauren, says the vari memoir, Lakshmi had opened up that situation. It's not pleasant
ety of clothing in India fashion is about her marriage to Rushdie. and can be dangerous," she
exciting for her. "You have both Looking back at her career added. New York model and TV host was married briefly to Salman Rushdie

dozen flowers, a teddy bear or even heartshaped gifts for him and her have

A become passe. If you are a man caught in a VDay gift dilemma, go for some
thing that suits her taste and preferences on this Valentine's Day, says an
expert.
Women shy away from making the
Here are a few tips by New Delhi based Manisha Chopra, CoFounder, SeaSoul
Cosmeceuticals, that a man can keep in mind while buying that ideal VDay
first move in online dating: Study
present for his lady love:

A
ll men please take note! In the online
* Fulfill her sartorial desires: She loves to shop
Know your girl's and can spend hours browsing through her
dating world, women do not like to send
personal messages to initiate contact
favorite accessories, clothes, footwear, etc. While
choice before you may dislike spending more than 30 minutes in
a crowded mall or apparel store, this VDay take
and later mating, and would rather send
weak signals than make the first move, a
team of Indianorigin researchers has
buying V-Day gifts her for shopping and gift her a gorgeous dress or a
swanky handbag. If she swears by brands, present
revealed.
According to Jui Ramaprasad, assistant pro
her with a gift voucher of her favorite store or
fessor of information systems at McGill
brand and let her go crazy shopping.
University, they still see that women dont
* Don't be practical in choosing gifts for
make the first move online.
her: The other day she must have informed
Weak signaling is the ability to visit or
you about her mixergrinder that stopped
check out a potential mates profile, so the
functioning. Do not think of buying her a
potential mate knows the focaluser visited,
new mixergrinder because she needs one.
she noted.
Well, that may be a caring gesture, but for
Valentine's Day she may be expecting The of fline flirting equivalents, at best,
something more romant ic from you. would be a suggestive look or a preening bod
Therefore, make sure to choose a gift that ily gesture such as a hair toss to one side or
is romantic yet thoughtful. For example, an overtheshoulder glance each subject to
how about gifting her a spa session? a myriad of interpretations and possible mis
There's nothing more romantic than a spa interpretations.
session that makes your girl feel relaxed, Much less ambiguity exists in the online
pampered and rejuvenated. environment if the focaluser views another of Minnesota, adding that the anonymity fea
* The gift should be exclusively meant users profile and leaves a visible train in his ture doesnt change things so much for men.
to make her happy: Finally, you have or her Recent Visitors list. The team examined the impact of anony
decided to make her happy and spend some The researchers also found that users with mous browsing via a premium online brows
quality time together by setting off on a hol anonymous browsing viewed more profiles. ing service in which 50,000 users were given
iday. While that is a very romantic gesture, They were also more likely to check out free access to the feature for a month,
ensure that you're not planning the trip to potential samesex and interracial matches. enabling them to view the profiles of other
catch up on your favorite sport event happen Surprisingly, however, users who browsed users without leaving telltale digital traces.
ing in the city. Instead, get tickets for a play or anonymously also wound up with fewer Even though people are willing to pay to
an opera, which she will enjoy watching with matches than their nonanonymous counter become anonymous in online dating sites, we
you. parts. find that the feature is detrimental to the
* Do not pick gifts that make her feel uncom This was especially true for female users: average users, noted professor Ravi Bapna,
fortable: You may be longing to see your lady love in Those with anonymous browsing wound up coauthor and Carlson Chair in business ana
a cocktail dress with a plunging neckline on VDay. with an average of 14 percent fewer matches. lytics and information systems at Minnesota.
While she may accept the gift, do not expect her to wear it Men often take the cue. T he study, published in the journal
and go out with you on the same day. Unless she is comfort Men send four times the number of mes Management Science, could lay the ground
able to dress up for you, do not force her or make her feel awful sages that women do, said coauthor Akhmed work for further academic analysis of online
for not wearing your 'special gift' on this romantic occasion. Umyarov, assistant professor at the University dating sites.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SCI-TECH February 11-17, 2017 27

India to launch record Normalize heart rate with


worlds smallest pacemaker
104 satellites next week New York: A pacemaker similar
to the size of a nickel can be
implanted in patents to restore
cardiac wires (leads) or a surgical
pocket under the skin to deliver
a pacing therapy.
Bengaluru: India will create histo
ry by launching a record 104 the hearts normal rhythm, when The device is small enough to
satellites, including 101 foreign it is unable to pump enough oxy be delivered through a catheter
ones, on Fe bruary 15 from genrich blood, experts have said. and implanted directly into the
Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pacemakers are the most com heart, providing a safe alterna
Pradesh, an of ficial said on mon way to treat bradycardia to tive to conventional pacemakers
Monday. help restore the hearts normal without the complications associ
"We have tentatively decided to rhythm and relieve symptoms by ated w ith leads, said Paul
launch the satellites at one go sending electrical impulses to the Schurmann, Managing Director
around 9 a.m. into the sunsyn heart to increase the heart rate. at Houston Methodist Hospital.
chronous orbit, about 500 kms Houston Methodist Hospital in The device also allows us to
above the earth," the Indian Space Texas is now offering a US Food automatically adjust pacing ther
Research Organisation (ISRO) offi and Drug Administration (FDA) apy based on a patients activity
cial told IANS here. approved Micra Transcatheter levels and another positive is the
Of the total earthobservation Pacing System ( TPS) the battery can last up to 10 years,
satellites, three are Indian, 88 are worlds smallest pacemaker for added Schurmann.
(Image courtesy: newsnation.in) patients with bradycardia, a con Micra TPS was designed with a
from the US and the remaining are
from Israe l, Kazakhstan, the with a combined weight of 1,500 had launched 20 satellites in one dition characterized by a slow unique feature that enables it to
Netherlands, Switzerland and the kg, including the 650 kg remote shot on June 22, 2016, the launch heart rate, usually fewer than 60 be permanently turned of f so it
United Arab Emirates. sensing Cartosat2 and two nano of 104 satellites will surpass the beats per minute. can remain in the body and a
"A 320tonne rocket Polar satellites (IA and IB) weighing 15 37 satellites launch record set in The device is the size of a large new device can be implanted
Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV kg each," the official said. June 2014 and 29 sate llites vitamin, and unlike traditional without risk of electrical interac
C37) will launch all the satellites Though the Indian space agency launched by NASA in 2013. pacemakers, it does not require tion.

How drones lit up the sky in Lady


Gaga's Super Bowl halftime show
New York: Some 300 drones lit up
the sky in a spectacular synchro
nized display during Lady Gagas
Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
The stunning light show kicked
off Lady Gagas eagerlyanticipat
ed performance with the drones
creating eyecatching formations
in the night sky. At one point the
drones looked like twinkling stars
(Image courtesy: livemint.com) before transforming into red and
blue moving stars, creating an
Baby born from 16yearold American flag.
Speciallydesigned for the enter

frozen embryo in China tainment industry, the drones are


the brainchild of tech giant Intel.
(Image courtesy: designboom.com)
The quadcopters are equipped
Beijing: A 46yearold woman in unfreeze her embryos, said Xu
with LED lights that can create with her artistry to pull off a truly can incorporate drone technology
south China has given birth to a Yanwen, a director with the
over 4 billion color combinations unique experience, said Josh in new ways that have yet to even
healthy baby from an embryo reproductive center of the hos
and can be easily programmed to Walden, senior vice president and be thought of.
frozen 16 years ago, health offi pital. It was not easy to awaken
create any animation, according to general manager of Intels New However, with a Federal Aviation
cials announced on Monday. the frozen embryos because of
the Santa Clara, Calif.based firm. Technolog y Group, in a press Administration drone ban in place
The woman gave birth to a freezing techniques and there
Lady Gaga and the Super Bowl release. The potential for these over Houston's NRG Stadium dur
son at the First Af filiated were also problems with her
creative team wanted to pull of f light show drones is endless and ing the Super Bowl, Wired reports
Hospital of Sun Yatsen womb.
something that had never been we hope this experience inspires that the display was filmed earlier
University in Guangdong Xu added that risks were also
done before and we were able to other creatives, artists and innova in the week, well before the big
Province in early February. Her high for women of advanced
combine Intel drone innovation tors to really think about how they game. (News source: Foxnews)
other first son, already 16 years maternal age. Both the baby

New technology to make data transfer 10 times faster than 5G


old, was from the same batch of and mother are doing well and
embryos frozen in 2000. will be discharged from hospital
Im just really ecstatic to soon. With the end of the one
have another child, she was child policy, an increasing num Tokyo: Researchers from Japan sented at the International Solid speeds, for example. Other possible
quoted as saying by staterun ber of woman of advanced have developed a terahertz (THz) State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) applications include fast download
Xinhua news agency. She gave maternal age have visited the transmitter capable of transmitting 2017 being held from February 5 from contents servers to mobile
birth to her first child through hospital to conceive with the digital data at a rate 10 times or 9 in San Francisco, California. devices and ultrafast wireless links
In vitro fertilization (IVF) in help of Assisted Reproductive more faster than that of fered by The terahertz band is a new and between base stations," said one of
2000, when the hospital froze Technology, Xu said. the fifthgeneration mobile net vast frequency resource expected the researchers Minoru Fujishima,
her 18 other embryos. Last In 2016, we received about works (5G). It is expected to appear to be used for future ultra high Professor at Hiroshima University
year, she came to the hospital 1,000 women above 40 years in 2020. The terahertz transmitter speed wireless communications. in Japan. The research group has
asking to get pregnant again, old see king to have more could make it possible for the "Terahertz could of fer ultra high deve loped a transmitter that
after China lifted the onechild babies, and the average age of whole content on a DVD (digital speed links to satellites as well, achieves a communication speed of
policy. women to have their eggs versatile disk) to be transferred in which can only be wireless. That 105 gigabits per second using the
There were a few issues to retrieved rose from 32.7 years a fraction of a second, according to could, in turn, significantly boost frequency range from 290 GHz to
handle when she asked to to 33.7 years, Xu said. the research scheduled to be pre inflight network connection 315 GHz.
28 February 11-17, 2017 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

THE INTERNET IS FULL OF IDIOTS,


which is why I love it so much
T
hank you for writing hysteri what he had done, he wrote: "Oh and wrote: "I'm not a bloody taxi
cal angry abuse under my s***!" and closed his account at service, if you want a lift, I expect
Facebook post! It persuaded the speed of light. A screenshot money." Her witty friend replied:
me to bring my political views in remains on the Imgur website. "That would make you a taxi serv
line with yours!" For a good laugh, I recommend ice."
I find myself writing that line visiting Yahoo Answers. Here are Yet be warned: As well as stupid
increasingly often, and some folk my three favorite real questions people, cyberspace houses evil
even take it seriously. from that site: 3) "I was bitten by a ones. Some years back, a creepy
Internet discussions have their turtle when I was a young lad. guy put a lecherous comment
own rules. But I love them because Should I still drink orange juice?" ("ooh sexy") on a YouTube video of
there are few pleasures in life 2) "How am I sure I am the real my then 11yearold daughter and
equal to watching people massive mum of my kid?" 1) "What per her friends singing.
ly embarrassing themselves from centage of water is celery?" Since then I learned from a tech
the comfort of your armchair. Sometimes this columnist and y friend how to trace creeps and
True story: A few days before other naughty people post humor noticed some of them are so dumb
writing this, a sneaky guy noticed ous replies to questioners. For they use their real names or
that a chatgroup of 32 people example, someone asked: "How big upload videos showing their faces.
were all female. So he wrote a is the specific ocean?" Someone posted this question: "HOW DO I writer's columns. I replied: I asked my tech to upgrade the
message and sent it to all 32 replied: "Can you be more pacific?" TURN OFF CAPS LOCK?" T he "Maybe, but at least I can spell "block this commentator" option
names: "You're cute. Where are A dif ferent questioner asked: reply : "IT'S FOREVER IRRE 'you're' and 'stupid'." into a "remotely electrocute this
you from?" But because it was a "What is a person from London VERSIBLE. THAT'S WHAT HAP But in general I avoid correcting commentator" option. He says it
group chat, each woman could see called?" The reply: "My neighbor PENED TO ME." people's spelling on the web. If can't be done yet, but assures me
that he had sent the same message is from London and he is called The joy of Internet conversa you do, a Law of Nature kicks in Messrs Schmidt and Zuckerberg
to 31 others. When he realised Rob." And more recently someone tions lies in the fact that people which ensures that you make an are on it. Hurry up, lads.
don't have edi embarrassing spelling mistake In the meantime, I shall get out
tors. One g irl within minutes. my science books and see if I can
wrote "your Facebook is also fun for wits. A find an answer to a genuinely puz
stuped" under mother on that site got fed up of zling question: What percentage
one of this chauffeuring her children around of water is celery?

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN

New York Head Quarter


422S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801
by Mahendra Shah
5168271010
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and
humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the
immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat,
he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY February 11-17, 2017 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874


By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com

FEBRUARY 1117, 2017 ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
Aries: You will meet interesting peo Libra: Financial matters demand 11th February, 2017 expect recognition and monetary gains. Health
ple at social functions that you attend more attention. You should cut Influenced by number 2 and the Moon, you would de finite ly need more attent ion.
this week. Your ability to stand out in down your expenses on entertain are active, imaginative, simple, trustworthy Meditation and yoga should be practiced for
the crowd will bring you popularity and ment and shopping. Financial difficulty will and impressive person. You value relation physical and spiritual gains. Children will be
recognition. Your creative ability will sur even ef fect your health. Stay focused on ships more than anything else in life. You often supportive and bring in some happy and good
face, bringing you good ideas to make your goals, but take necessary precautions. devote more time and attention in looking news. Pilgrimage or journey would be high on
after the needs of others than doing things for your agenda. The months of June, August,
extra money. Great period to go out shop For some, a change of residence or a new
selfgain. You are creative and honest, but you September and February will especially bring
ping for expensive items and jewelry. construction will prove highly auspicious.
need to control your tendency to behave in happiness and prosperity.
Spend some time with the one you love. Your erratic behaviour will raise emotions
moody and carefree at times. This year you
Travel will be highly educating. at home. Dont take criticism too seriously.
need to be more particular about your health 15th February, 2017
Travel will be highly exciting but expen and diet. Long pending legal matters would be Influenced by number 6 and the planet
Taurus: Stabilization in your rela sive. sorted out to your satisfaction. Your rapport Venus. You are active, energetic, warmheart
tionship with your family members with important govt. authorities in various ed, and are fond of worldly pleasures. You are
seems certain if you are willing to Scorpio: Some challenging project departments would improve and you would be good at conversation and you easily make
compromise on certain fronts. will see you express your skills in a rewarded for your hard work with promotion friends because of your helpful nature, but you
Professional gains for some bring gains very dif ferent way. New approach or an increment. Matrimonial alliances for need to check your tendency to behave spend
and prosperity. Your new ideas and tech will give you new confidence on which you some. You need to prepare yourself for a bet thrift and stubborn at times.
nical knowledge will make a good impres w ill build future hopes and dreams. ter future by investing in additional education This coming year good financial gains are
sion on others. Residential moves and Businessmen and investors will see past and training. The months of June, October & foreseen along with appreciation and plenty of
renovation during this period will prove investments reaping profits. Relations with January will prove to be highly eventful. reward. Your stars seem favourable for build
auspicious. Outdoor sports events and somebody close might get strained over ing new alliances and partnerships. Promotion
entertainment programme will help you petty issues. Good week to call important 12th February, 2017 and transfers likely for some. Selective specu
Influenced by number 3 and the planet lation would be beneficial therefore be extra
keep relaxed. people over to your place. Spouse will be
Jupiter. You are ambitious, dignified, philo careful not to squander hardearned money.
highly supportive and shower you with
sophical, and religious individual. You are self Romantic alliances likely for those unattached,
Gemini: This is a period to invest love and affection. Legal affairs will create
reliant and possess enormous leadership qual others would get tied into a matrimonial wed
with extreme precaution and care. a state of nervousness.
ities and you like to take your own decisions, lock. Distant journey, pilgrimage or foreign
Past investments need another but you need to check your tendency to be travel later in the year. You are likely to be
reexamination. If you're planning on Sagittarius: Your present health jealous, over ambitious and self centered at more inclined towards religious and spiritual
investing in a new venture then you bet condition will be primarily because times. This year you would change plans more activities. The months of July, September,
ter take small factors into consideration. of the work pressure that you carry often than usual. You would be working close November and January will be highly signifi
Your ability to charm others will put you on your mind. You need to take time out ly with known people who would influence cant months.
in the limelight. Property or vehicle trans with your friends will help you relax and your decisions. Both your earnings and your
actions seem quite likely. Children will regain your energy. Relationships with expenses would be high. It is a period to spend 16th February, 2017
cause some dissatisfaction but spouse your clients will strengthen and you can as per your budget. Frequent and fruitful jour Governed by number 7 and the planet
remains quite cooperative. accomplish a lot through smart negotiation neys are likely to keep you on the move. Later Neptune. You are simple, dignified, original,
and diplomacy. This week you should meet in the year, influence of a spiritual person dashing and confident. You possess remark
Cancer: Your optimism will push people who can further improve your would be a source of inspiration in your life. able leadership qualities and blessed with
Health would definitely need more attention, strong imagination and intuition, but you need
your career to new heights. Put career goals. Take care while driving, espe
especially for those suf fering from asthma, to check your tendency to behave extravagant,
some of your innovative ideas cially during the nights.
bronchitis and high blood pressure. The hypocrite and stubborn at times.
into your work to reap longterm benefits.
months of May, August and December will This year you should expect new assign
The next few days will see pressure on Capricorn: This week you will focus
prove to be significant. ments and would hold position of important
your work front arise giving you little on domestic issues and should responsibilities. Your financial position stabi
time for recreational and other activities. think about the immediate needs of 13th February, 2017 lizes as past investments start raking profits.
Gifts and presents will be plenty from vis your family members. Spouse and children Ruled by number 4 and the planet Uranus. Improved finances bring in prosperity and
iting guests. Avoid standing for surety of will be a source of immense happiness. You are bright, energetic, active, methodical happiness at domestic level. Good year for
any one to avoid unnecessary complica Guests and visitors bring you gifts in cash and systematic person. You are fond of good, girls and women as far as romance is con
tions in the coming period. Family mem and kind. Going out with friends will be respectable lifestyle and you specially enjoy cerned. Some gains through inheritance or
bers will be supportive and caring. exciting and you will learn new and differ building new contacts and relationships, but expensive gifts from relatives cannot be ruled
ent skills. A good diet, coupled with fitness you need to check you tendency to behave out. Frequent travel would be undertaken
Leo: This is an excellent time for program will make you feel better. stubborn, destructive and vindictive at times. bringing good monetary rewards. Distant jour
professional advancements, promo This year you would be able to make your ney maybe overseas for some later in the year.
tions and recognition. At work you Aquarius: Money making ef forts point heard without being pushy or forceful. Avoid lending or borrowing money. T he
will be in the good books of your seniors will be profitable provided you Financial gains and other rewards would be months of June, November and January will be
plenty but working under extreme stress lev highly significant.
and you will also benefit monetarily. work on new ideas and plans. This
els would show on your health. Children would
Romance is in the air, so make the best of seems to be an excellent time for you to do
be interesting and a major source of your hap 17th February, 2017
it and avoid any arguments with your things that will keep you relaxed and
piness. For those who have been unsuccessful Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn.
lover. Opportunities to go out with friends entertained. This period seems exception
in finding a life partner till now should rejoice, You are energetic, hardworking, courageous,
will be informative and pleasurable. You ally good to take time out for hobbies, or as a matrimonial wedlock seems later in the trustworthy and friendly. You are a great
need to do more things that you enjoy in take an adventure trip or go out on a short year. The months of April, July, January and admirer of literature and good music and you
order to relax. Foreign transaction or vacation. Friends and family members will March will prove to be eventful. like to associate with likeminded people, but
overseas journey will prove to be highly seek your advice. Wonderful week to look you need to control your tendency to behave
beneficial. into new courses that interest you. 14th February, 2017 impatient, erratic and destructive at times.
Influenced by number 5 and the planet This year your confidence will grow. You
Virgo: You will be in a commanding Pisces: Work will suf fer this week Mercury. You are active, smart, confident, orig would benefit from remarkable business entre
position as your confidence and as romance clouds your mind. You inal, and highly independent individual. You preneur skills. New projects and assignments
enthusiasm will be high. Important will find it difficult in concentrating are loved by your friends and your parents would be plenty enhancing your prosperity.
messages should be attended to immedi on your jobs and getting favours from oth take enormous pride in you, but you need to Govt. and judicial favours for some. Some mis
ately. You will make financial gains if you ers. Keep your focus clear on your goals to check your tendency to behave moody, intro understanding with your spouse might bring
get involved in speculation. A spiritual reap professional benefits. vert and restless at times. uneasy moments at home. Later in the year
This year friends and family members would some exhilarating news from overseas will
persons blessings give comfort and relief. Pleasure trips for some will be educating.
provide good support. Professionally things boost up the spirits of the entire family.
New relations and attachments will devel Little time for meditation and yoga will be
look much better and you would move around Traveling would be beneficial for building new
op as a result of vacation and other recre important for mental as well as physical
with new confidence and energy. A change for alliances. New romances for some. Health of
ational activities. Get involved in activi gains. Group involvement will enterter
the better in your business or career seems an infant in the family might cause some con
ties that will help you keep in perfect taining, but expensive if you dont learn to likely later in year. Those involved in art, writ cern. The months of July, Sep., December and
shape. say no. ing and other creative profession should March will be highly significant.
30 February 11-17, 2017 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Education for a Peaceful World


what our purpose in life is. It everyone. We will begin to think not require any religious conver
takes so much time and effort to
learn how to operate these
about the welfare of others. We
will also be concerned about the
sion. Spirituality is a science that
can be practiced by a member of
Spirituality
devices that rather than giving
us the leisure time we thought
ecology of the world. any religion, and even by those
who do not belong to any reli
means
we would have, we are becoming
more and more involved with the
We will stop destroying our
forests, our air, our water, and all
gion. It is not necessary for peo
ple to convert from one religion inculcating
love in our
gadgetry. of nature which God has given to to another. We do not believe in
us for our life here on earth. any conversion; we be lieve
As we grow older, we have the When we destroy anything that instead in "inversion." T his
By Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj
responsibility of our children on
our shoulders. We spend time
we have received, when we take
so much from the soil for our
means that we invert our atten
tion to go within. Contact with
hearts for all
wondering about the best way to
raise our children so that they
sustenance yet pollute the land
instead of trying to rejuvenate it,
this current of divinity within us
brings us peace and joy. humanity,
I
n the past, educators all over
the world have placed
tremendous stress on the
will grow up to become better
human beings than we are. We
we are harming the whole world.
The universes have been created Education is a means by which irrespective
of skin color,
intellectual and physical develop want them to have an easier time in perfect harmony. There is so we train children to deal with the
ment of students. The result is in their lives than we had. We much lost when we do not take problems of life. Children have to
that we have turned out human find ourselves preoccupied in proper care of nature. And if we be taught right from wrong. They
beings who are physically and
intellectually superior to our
making a living and raising our
children. We lead such busy lives
do not take proper care of our
selves, whether it be physically,
have to be taught how to make
good decisions. If we can teach
religion, or
predecessors. T he amount of
knowledge that we are gaining
that we have little t ime for
leisure. As we get older and life
intellectually, or spiritually, it
affects our life in this universe.
children to make decisions prop
erly, then when a problem arises nationality,
to day is doubling at a much
faster rate than it did previously.
begins to pass us by, we begin to
question, "Is the purpose of life To develop our spiritual side it
in life, they will make the right
choice. We also need to teach irrespective
of whether a
About two centuries ago, the only to be born, grow old, and is important to start the basic children that their decisions not
knowledge available to the gen die? Or is there something else?" moral instruction about spiritual only affect them, but they affect
eral public used to double in one ity at an early age. It is important many other human beings all
century. But according to
research done in 1986, studies
Spirituality deals with develop
ing the higher values of life and
that the spiritual and ethical val
ues of life are taught properly.
around them. If all of us start
making good decisions, we will
person is
have shown that knowledge is
now doubling every five years.
with becoming a better person.
We can deve lop spiritually
be moving in a direction which
will benefit everyone. Along with rich or poor,
or from the
Spirituality means inculcating through a process of meditation. being able to make a good intel
There is so much research in all love in our hearts for all humani Through meditation we not only lectual decision, along with being

East or the
areas that we are exposed to a ty, irrespective of skin color, reli develop the higher human val able to make a good physical
greater amount of information gion, or nationality, irrespective ues, but we also realize our true decision, we have to learn to
now than we were just a few of whether a person is rich or selves and gain knowledge about make good spiritual decisions.
years ago. T his informat ion
explosion has led us to become
poor, or from the East or the
West. If everyone would start
the soul in our body. Meditation
is another form of concentration.
What do we have to learn in life
that will help us? We need to
West.
more and more involved in a
materialistic way of life. With the
seeing the Light of God in all peo
ple, this will help bring peace
The process of meditation is one
in which we close our eyes and
learn that if we have love in our
hearts for everyone, then we will If everyone
would start
advancement in the electronics and harmony to the world. Once try to enter the inner realms. God have a society in which people
field in the last twentyfive years, we realize that our soul is a part is within each of us. The human would behave as if others were
of God, and that part is the same body is the highest form of all members of their own family. If
seeing the
so many g adgets have been
invented that they should have in each human beingand not creation and the holiest of the along with the intellectual and
given us more time for leisure, only in human beings but in all temples and churches because it physical traits, the spiritual traits
more time to enjoy ourselves,
and more time to explore who we
living creatureswe will not
want to harm anyone. We will
was not made by any human
hand; it was made by the hand of
can be taught to children, then
this world will become a haven of
Light of
are, where we came from, and then start to see the goodness in God. To practice spirituality does joy and peace.
God in all
people, this
will help
bring peace
and
harmony to
the world.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
is an internationally recognized
spiritual leader and Master of
Jyoti Meditation who affirms the
transcendent oneness at the heart
of all religions and mystic tradi-
tions, emphasizing ethical living
and meditation as building blocks
for achieving inner and outer
peace. www.sos.org.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info February 11-17, 2017

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