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The South Asian Times
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Follow us on Vol.5 No. 35 December 15-21, 2012 60 Cents New York Edition TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Obama, Boehner meet again, but no deal on fiscal cliff

Washington: President Obama summoned House Speaker John A. Boehner to the White House Thursday, but their talks over the looming fiscal cliff failed to break the impasse over taxes and clear the way for a deal to head off painful austerity measures set to hit in January, reported Washington Post. After the 50-minute session in the Oval Office, aides to both men described the meeting as a frank exchange and said that the lines of communication remained open. Continued on page 4
SYRIAN REGIME APPROACHING COLLAPSE, NATO CHIEF SAYS

Even Russia has admitted the likelihood of victory by the opposition
Brussels: The collapse of Syria's regime appears inevitable, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Thursday. "I think now it's only a question of time," he told reporters at a news conference in Brussels, Belgium, at which he and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the deployment of two Patriot air defense batteries to Turkey's border with Syria. "I urge the regime to stop violence, to realize what is the actual situation, and initiate a process that leads to the accommodation of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people," Rasmussen said. Rasmussen's assessment follows a similar outlook from Russia, a longtime ally of Syrian President Continued on page 4
President Obama with Congressional leaders including House Speaker John Boehner
Sandy concert rocks city with Stones, McCartney, and the Boss
New York: Musicians closely associated with New Jersey and New York dominated the 12-12-12 concert to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy vicitms, selecting songs that created a narrative of perseverance, rebirth and hope. It began with Bruce the Boss Springsteen, continued with Bon Jovi and Billy Joel, and concluded with Alicia Keys. In between were, as Mick Jagger quipped, "the world's biggest collection of aged British rock stars" plus Kanye West, talk show hosts, comedians and two members of Nirvana performing with Paul McCartney. The locals were the ones who dug out songs that not only celebrate the idea of hope, but encourage the audience to chime in on the affirmative phrase of "all right," Keys' "No One," Springsteen's "My City in Ruins" and Bon Jovi's "Who Says You Can't Go Home" among them. New York had its side of the story handled by Billy Joel. His tale of the abandoning of New York City, "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)," took on a new level of poignancy, the idea of New York neighborhoods washed away, dark or unoccupied. Continued on page 4
Former Beatle Paul McCartneys was the last act of the concert.
Rotary Club Polio Humanitarian Award for Dr Satish Anand

At a gala event by Rotary District 7250 at Leonard's of Great Neck, Dr Satish Anand was bestowed Polio Humanitarian Award, and Kamlesh C Mehta was honored with Rotary Crystal Award of Major Donor. The gala dinner Thursday was attended by over 100 prominent Rotarians and community's leading lights. Seen in photo from left: Chairman of Rotary Foundation Wilfrid Wilkinson, Dr Satish Anand, Kamlesh Mehta, District Governor Mario Moran, District Gov Elect Gwenn Ramage-Wons and Gift of Life Chairman Ravi Bhooplapur. (Photo: Xitij Joshi/Xitij Photography)
Bashar al-Assads days as Syrian President are numbered. Already, his emissaries have explored political asylum for him in a South American country.
Tribute to Sitar Maestro Pt Ravi Shankar

Pages 15-17.
America and some other western nations have recognized Syrias opposition/rebels coalition.
Op Ed 13
Self-Help 24
Travel 25
Spiritual Awareness 30
excellence in journalism
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December 15-21, 2012
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Indian origin doc rescued from Taliban returns to US

Los Angeles: Dr. Dilip Joseph, a Colorado Springs doctor of Indian origin who was held for ransom in Afghanistan by the Taliban, flew back home on Dec. 11 after a dramatic rescue by a Navy Seals team during which one American commando was killed. An official said the Navy Seals team was sent to rescue Joseph because there were indications that his life was in danger. Joseph, a medical adviser for the Colorado Springs, Coloradobased nonprofit Morning Star Development, was abducted at gunpoint Dec. 5 along with two Afghan colleagues as they left a rural medical clinic in the Sorobi district near Kabul in eastern Afghanistan. The Afghan workers were released Dec. 8, but Joseph was held hostage by his captors. The New York Times and other news sources reported that Joseph was being held for $100,000 ransom. Navy Seals Team Six who two years earlier captured and killed terrorist Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan rescued Joseph Dec. 8 from a mountainous region in Afghanistan, about 50 miles from the border of Pakistan. He was then taken to the Bagram Airfield, north of Kabul, where he remained until he caught a flight home Dec. 11. Six people were killed in the rescue operation, including one member of the Navy SEALS team, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, of Monroeville, Pa., who was a highly-decorated combat veteran. Two Taliban leaders were arrested during the rescue. "This was a combined operation of U.S. and Afghan forces," said 1st Lt. Joseph Alonso, a spokesman for the U.S. forces in Afghanistan. President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta have praised the elite US special operations team for the weekend rescue mission in Afghanistan to free Joseph. Obama praised the special forces Sunday, saying the mission was characteristic of US troops' "extraordinary courage, skill and patriotism".
Dilip Joseph, a medical adviser who was kidnapped in Afghanistan, flew home Dec. 11, after getting rescued by Navy Seals.
New US law makes TV commercials quieter

Washington: Television watchers in the US can say goodbye to blaring commercials while they watch their favorite shows, thanks to a new law passed by the Congress limiting the volume of ads. The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (CALM) that went into effect Thursday mandates the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to air commercials that have the same average volume as the programs they accompany. The commercials have to be within a range of 2 decibels (db) of the program they are broadcast with, which is "the difference between viewers reaching for the remote and not," Joe Addalia, director of technology projects for Hearst Television, told NBC's "Today" show. Addalia, who is responsible for figuring out the right technology to make 31 transmitters compliant with the new regulations, said that TV stations don't want viewers to reach for the remote, "because right next to the volume button is the channel button". Loud commercials "have consistently been one of the issues consumers are most energized to write the FCC about," Joel Kelsey, legislative director for the media advocacy group Free Press, told "Today".
HSBC to pay $1.9 bn over money laundering claims in the US

London: British banking giant HSBC will pay about $1.9 billion to settle a money-laundering probe in the US, the Daily Mail reported. The probe of the bank has focused on the transfer of billions of dollars on behalf of nations like Iran and North Korea, which are under international sanctions, and the transfer of money through the US financial system from Mexican drug cartels. According to a law enforcement official, HSBC, Europe's largest by market value, will pay 777 million pounds in forfeiture and pay 407 million pounds in civil penalties. The 777-million-pound figure is the largest forfeiture ever in a case involving a bank, the Mail said Tuesday. The London-based bank said it is cooperating with investigations but that those discussions are confidential.
A-list musicians storm New York at Sandy relief concert
Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi jugalbandi
Rolling Stones led by Mick Jagger
Paul McCartney in a group at the event
Kristen Stewart of Twilight series made an appearance
New York: Responding to the unprecedented damage caused by superstorm Sandy, an unprecedented lineup of A-list musicians, including Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and The Who, banded together Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden here for what is being called the
biggest concert in history. "12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief" -- broadcast live on dozens of channels around the world, as well as hundreds of radio stations, in dozens of movie theaters and on websites would have reached 2 billion people, and raise tens of millions of dollars in donations for the Robin
Hood Foundation. It was a night of wild contrasts, starting with Springsteen's mixing of prayers with "Born to Run" to the juxtaposition of Alicia Keys' tender piano-driven set and The Who's raucous rock. Joel's set included the rock of "Miami 2017," which featured the new lyrics he wrote for it last month reflecting the
destruction in the Rockaways during Sandy, the gospel-tinged "River of Dreams". The concert turned into a night of collaborations, as the artists tried to reflect the spirit of cooperation they say will be needed for rebuilding the areas affected by the storm. Bon Jovi joined Springsteen and the E Street Band for "Born to
Run," and then Springsteen returned the favor on Bon Jovi's "Who Says You Can't Go Home." And there was the stunning combination of McCartney and a reunited Nirvana for a new song that was more like his solo project The Fireman than "Smells Like Teen Spirit," but surprising just the same.
TURN PAGE
Susan Rice withdraws from Secretary of State race

Washington: Susan Rice withdrew from consideration for the Secretary of State position on Thursday, citing Republican criticism of her record that had signaled a tough confirmation battle. In a letter to President Obama, the US Ambassador to the UN said she could have done the job "ably and effectively," but: "If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly -- to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities." In a statement, Obama praised Rice, while criticizing the "unfair and misleading attacks" on her by Republicans. Rices withdrawal from the race is likely to pave way for Senator John Kerry to assume the
Continuations of page 1
Syrian regime story Continued from page 1 Bashar al-Assad. "We need to look the facts in the eye," the state-run RIA Novosti news service quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov as saying, noting the Syrian government is losing control of an ever widening portion of the country. "Unfortunately, we can't exclude a victory by the opposition." The regime showed no outward signs of backing down. Syrian state TV, citing a foreign ministry official, emphatically denied Thursday accusations that the government has used Scud missiles against rebels inside the country, a move analysts and world leaders have described as a dangerous escalation in al-Assad's 21-month campaign against the rebellion. While some see al-Assad's defeat increasingly likely, officials in his regime downplayed the significance of recognition granted to the opposition in the last two days by the United States and the Friends of Syria group -- a coalition of more than 100 nations and organizations sympathetic to the rebellion. A Russian spokesperson said he believed the West's recognition of the coalition will make rebels more confident of victory. Obama Boehner story Continued from page 1 But Boehner prepared to return to Ohio for the weekend, with no further negotiations on his schedule. Obamas top economic adviser, Gene Sperling, confirmed the gloomy outlook in a closed-door lunch meeting Thursday with Senate Democrats, according to those present. Senior Senate Republicans, meanwhile, were at work on a fallback plan that would not significantly restrain the national debt but would at least avert widespread economic damage by canceling tax increases scheduled to take effect next year for the vast majority of Americans. That strategy calls for Republicans to capitulate to Obamas demand to let tax rates rise on wage and salary income for the wealthiest 2 percent of taxpayers. But the approach would also seek to thwart the Democrats by trying to block other steps that would increase taxes paid by wealthy taxpayers, including higher rates on investment income and limits on the value of itemized deductions. This strategy would produce only about $440 billion in new taxes and give the Democrats even less revenue than Republicans had previously put on the table. In his initial offer earlier this month, Boehner had said he could support $800 billion in new tax revenue. With a relatively low price in new taxes, the strategy, if successful, would represent a tactical victory for Republicans and shift the political burden onto Democrats to make greater concessions on federal spending. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-Ky.) has floated the strategy among Republicans in both chambers, according to lawmakers and senior GOP aides. So far, it has been rejected by Boehner and other House leaders, aides said. But top GOP policy aides continued to refine the plan Thursday as a growing number of Senate Republicans clamored for action to prevent the fiscal crisis for which, polls show, Republicans would be blamed Sandy concert story Continued from page 1 Others explored wounds; Joel's song choices explored the conflict inside the minds of so many of those affected by the storm. McCartney gave a varied and enthusiastic performance that included a new song, the guttural blues jam "Cut Me Some Slack" with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear
US Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice
coveted position to be vacated by Hillary Clinton.
Maid wins case against South Asian employers

New York: A Caribbean immigrant of South Asian descent, "Sarah" (name changed) represented by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), recently reached a settlement with her former employers, a South Asian couple, who paid her as little as $2 an hour to work as a live-in housekeeper and nanny for a minimum of 16 hours a day. "Sarah is an incredibly strong and courageous person," said her attorney, Shirley Lin. "Domestic workers often work alone, but they have strength in numbers. We hope that her story will encourage other workers to stand up for what is right." Sarah's employers, a middleclass Long Island couple, offered to pay her "two dollars an hour," or about $200 a week for nearly 100 hours' work. Not knowing the agreement violated labor law, Sarah cared for the couple's two young children and worked at least 16 hours a day, six days a week, often waiting on visiting relatives. Her employers took further advantage of her, paying her even less than what she had been promised. Despite repeated appeals for some pay, she received on average only $200 a month. Sarah also suffered mistreatment in their employment. When she left, her employers refused to pay her even the balance of the illegally low wages they had promised her. Sarah contacted AALDEF after hearing of its advocacy on behalf of immigrant workers through a friend. Last summer, she decided to seek her proper pay from her employers. The parties reached settlement and successfully executed the terms of the settlement last month for an undisclosed amount. According to a national study released earlier this month, 67% of live-in domestic workers earned less than minimum wage, and many suffer abuse out of fear of employer retaliation. Domestic workers widely reported disrespect and abuse by employers, but 91% of those who encountered problems with their working conditions in the prior 12 months did not complain because they were afraid they would lose their job. According to a 2010 report by Domestic Workers United, it is estimated that approximately 200,000 domestic workers are employed throughout New York State.
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TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Delhi-based entrepreneur Sharik Currimbhoy pledges $12.12 Million to Columbia University

New York: Columbia University has announced that Delhi-based entrepreneur Sharik Currimbhoy has pledged a generous gift of $12.12 million. The gift is broad in scope and will span multiple schools at the University. It will support research and fellowships with a focus on India and emerging markets. The gift is timed to coincide with the auspicious moment of 12:12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 201212:12 on 12-12-12. This is the largest gift from an alumnus in India to Columbia. The University has been rapidly developing its ability to extend our scholarship and learning across national borders and also traditional boundaries separating academic disciplines, said University President Lee C. Bollinger. Sharik Currimbhoy, who came to Morningside Heights from India to study at the College, appreciates the importance of this growth, and we are grateful for his support of University-wide programs advancing this mission and our engagement with his home country. Currimbhoy studied economics at Columbia College from 1998-2002. He has varied business interests and is the founder of Element Capital, an investment company with a focus on private equity and real estate. The gift is made in honor of his great-great-grandfather, Sir Currimbhoy Ebrahim. Columbia University molded me into the thropy for the Currumbhoy family focusing on education and the arts. This new gift to Columbia is the familys first gift to an international institution. He will be working with President Bollinger and other senior academic leaders to develop the details of the programs to be supported. To this day I recall my first Lit Hum class with the captivating Wallace Gray, Currimbhoy said. Little known to us freshman, Professor Gray was the foremost authority on Joyce in the world. Professor Gray went on to be my friend, philosopher, guide and mentor. That was the beauty of Columbia; the youngest are led by the wisest. I vividly recall the day I told him I was starting up a financial news company. But Sharik, he said, youre a poet. While I was never able to live up to Professor Grays hopes that I would be the next Frost, my poems are the institutions I have built. Columbia gave me a gift that will last a lifetime, and I would like to return that gift over more than one lifetime. I have kept a focus on emerging markets and India because I feel India is on the tipping point of a huge leap forward. India has a vibrant democracy, an ancient civilization, and a massive populous that needs infrastructure, housing and sustainable development. I hope that my contribution inspires other Columbia alumni to give back as wellfor it is in giving that we receive.
New York yoga studio settles lawsuit with Bikram Choudhury
Bikram Choudhury
Sharik Currimbhoy
person I am today by giving me the opportunity to live and work in the financial center of the world, Currimbhoy said. At the same time, I was deeply impacted by Columbias Core Curriculum, the Colleges courses on significant ideas and achievements in literature, philosophy, history, music, art and science. Sharik is part of a long history of philan-
Community embarks on petition drive for justice in Sinha murder case

New Jersey: Following a plea bargain deal for one of the five suspects charged with the 2010 fatal beating of Prof Divyendu Sinha, a large section of Indian Americans have started a petition drive which aims to get the remaining four to trial for murder. Julian Daley, Chris Conway, Christian Tinli, Cash Johnson and Steven Contreras are all charged with the murder of Prof Sinha. All five suspects are being tried as adults, though they were teenagers when the fatal incident occurred. Contreras, the driver of the getaway car, accepted a plea agreement Nov. 27 a day before he was due to go to trial and can now receive a maximum fouryear sentence rather than the 10 years he might have received if his case had gone to trial. Contreras was tried separately from his four alleged co-conspirators, whom he implicated shortly after all were arrested. His sentencing date has not yet been set. The change.org petition which is being sent to Middlesex County, New Jersey District prosecutor Bruce Kaplan has already received approximately 1,500 signatures via circulation on social media networks. The petition urges Kaplan to make Daley, Conway, Tinli and Johnson stand trial, instead of allowing them to make a plea bargain agreement, and also urges the prosecutor to convict all four men of murder. Justice can only be served if they are convicted of murder and given a life sentence, no less. Lets not forget that they killed an innocent man, a good man, a good family man, a good citizen, reads the petition. The petition also states that Contreras must receive the maximum four-year sentence he agreed to in his plea bargain with the prosecutors office. (Contreras) drove the other four defendants to the murder site and then helped them escape by driving them away after the murder was committed. It is unconscionable that in spite of being instrumental in the murder of Dr. Sinha, Steven Contreras will spend less than four years in prison. The punishment does not fit the crime and it does not adequately protect the public, reads the petition. The petition also urges Kaplan to speedily bring the remaining four cases to trial, noting that it has been two-and-a-half years since the death of Sinha.
New York: A popular New York City yoga chain has agreed to change its yoga routine following a copyright lawsuit against it filed by the world famous founder of the hot-room yoga routine, Bikram Choudhury. The New York Times reported Dec. 10, that the Manhattan chain, Yoga to the People, sued by Choudhury for copyright infringement, had agreed to alter its Bikram routine that involved 26 postures and 2 breathing techniques conducted in an overheated room. Even though the U.S. copyright office ruled in favor of Yoga to the People, the Times said, its owner Greg Gumucio said he would change the routine to allay Bikrams concerns. Yoga to the People offers several classes at its six locations in New York City, among them the Hot Teacher Training Intensive Program. The site says on that page that Yoga to the People and this teacher training program are not in any way affiliated with Bikram Yoga College of India. The classes offered by YTTP are cheaper than other Yoga classes in the Big Apple, averaging at $8 per class, the Times noted, making it a popular destination for those interested.
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
IN BRIEF
AICI 24th annual event held in NYC
$5 million worth stolen statues seized in Newark

New York: U.S. authorities, working with India, have seized five bronze statues, including an antique Goddess Parvati idol worth millions of dollars, stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu in south India and allegedly sold by an Indian antique smuggler. The Parvati statue, a cultural property of India, is one of many items stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu and allegedly sold by an Indian antique smuggler, Subhash Kapoor, who is currently facing criminal charges in India. Special agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, in cooperation with the Customs and Border Protection, Dec. 5 seized the bronze Parvati statue and four bronze figures from Tamil Nadu estimated to be worth more than $5 million at the Port of Newark.. The agents were working in cooperation with the Government of India, Interpol and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Kapoor was the subject of an Interpol red notice and was arrested in late 2011 at Frankfurt International Airport in Germany. He was extradited to India in July this year to face criminal charges. ICE said even though the Parvati statue had been placed on Interpol's 'Stolen Works of Art' database, it had passed through the hands of six different dealers over as many years. The statue had been in Europe and was being aggressively pursued by the city's federal agents.
Members of Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Past Presidents
he Association of Indians in the Construction Industry held their 24th Annual Diwali function December 7th at the Grand Hyatt New York City. The event, held annually to celebrate the associations unity, diversity, culture, hopes, aspirations and most importantly relationships was initially to be held on Friday, November 2, 2012. It was postponed due to the unexpected arrival and colossal damage that Hurricane Sandy had brought along. Due to the after effects of Hurricane Sandy and out of respect for those impacted by it, the Executive Committee decided to postpone the event said President Vipul Bhatt. Diwali, the Festival of Lights signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and overcoming obstacles and moving forward. Recently, we were all challenged by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. We felt our solidarity more than ever as we stood together to pray for the countless families who suffered losses and gave sincere gratitude to
the Lord Almighty who kept us and our families safe. Our celebrations this evening is made even more poignant as we cherish our relationships and good fortune. said President Vipul Bhatt in his welcome address. Chairman Mahesh Hemrajani began his speech with a prayer for those affected by the storm and mentioned that it added to the challenges already being faced by a tough economy. Hosting such an event, however, was to restore an element of positivity. In todays times, where Social Networking plays a very important part in our lives, I believe that this live version of interaction within the construction industry is the perfect opportunity where we can mingle with individuals in all fields of constructions and exchange our views and thoughts in an informal atmosphere. he said. In attendance at the event were 500 members, industry colleagues and their family members. Entertainment was provided by Sonalee Vyas and group and led to dinner and dance.
The statues were stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu
It is the fifth bronze Chola statue allegedly stolen and sold by Kapoor that has been recovered by HSI in the past year. Kapoor's "alleged smuggling of cultural artifacts worth more than an estimated $100 million makes him one of the most prolific commodities smugglers in the world today," special agent in charge of HSI New York James Hayes said in a statement. Hayes urged the art community to help the agency identify artifacts sold or donated by Kapoor. India's consul general in New York, Prabhu Dayal, voiced appreciation for ICE in "retrieving and recovering priceless antiquities illegally brought into the U.S. by smuggling syndicates. In February 2007, the Indian consulate had contacted HIS seek-
ing assistance in the investigation of the potential smuggling of Indian antiquities into New York. The Indian consulate had informed HSI that an import and export company was expecting the arrival of a shipment containing seven crates of stolen Indian antiquities, which were smuggled into the U.S. under the guise of marble garden table sets. By the end of July 2012, HSI special agents had seized dozens of antiquities with an estimated value of nearly $100 million, including a five-foot tall head of Buddha weighing approximately 1,600 pounds, a bronze sculpture depicting Uma Parvati valued at nearly $2.5 million, and a second century BC Bharhut Stupa Yaksi pillar sculpture valued at nearly $18 million.
South Asians among 11 charged for stealing taxpayers' money

New York: Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced that 11 people have been arrested and charged with stealing more than a combined $413,000 in undeserved taxpayerfunded public assistance benefits by lying about their income and employment status. The sweep was the result of joint investigations by the DAs Public Assistance Fraud Unit and the Nassau County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit. In 2012, the Public Assistance Fraud unit has secured 15 felony convictions, 13 misdemeanor convictions, and has recovered $1,199,212.60 in taxpayer money. Public assistance programs are designed to help our communities most vulnerable members, and those who defraud the system are stealing from every taxpayer, Rice said. Bharat Kumar Bhatt, 67, and Raksha Bhatt, 56, of Oceanside, were arrested December 3 and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. Rice said that between January 2004 and April 2011, the defendants stole more than $78,000 in undeserved Medicaid benefits for their family of four by claiming annual earnings between $18,000 and $23,000. The investigation revealed that the couple owns a dry cleaning business in Connecticut and annual bank account deposits between $64,000 and $127,000. They face up to 15 years in prison if convicted and are due back in court March 6. Qayyum Akhtar, 42, and Sarfaz Ahmed, 48, of Franklin Square, were arrested November 13 and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Second Degree and Grand Larceny in the Second Degree. Rice said that between February 2003 and September 2008, the couple stole more than $74,000 in undeserved Medicaid benefits by claiming a weekly income of between $295 and $435. The investigation revealed annual bank deposits between $45,000 and $170,000, depending on the year, and that the defendants bought and sold a second home during the fraud period. They face up to 15 years in prison if convicted and are due back in court February 14. Mohammad Afzal, 54, of Jericho, was arrested December 4 and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. Rice said that between January 2005 and March 2010, Afzal stole more than $59,000 in undeserved Medicaid and food stamp benefits for himself and his family by stating that his monthly household income was between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on the year. The investigation revealed that during the fraud period the defendant deposited more than $262,000 into personal bank accounts, and was listed as the owner of 99 Cents Emporium in Roosevelt. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted and is due back in court December 11.
ICS, NJ elects new office bearers for 2013-15

ndia Cultural Society, Mahatma Gandhi Center and Hindu Temple, located in Wayne NJ, elected new Board of Trustees and Executive committee members at the annual general meeting and election held on Sunday, November 18, 2012. The general body meeting was well attended by the life members of ICS. Chairman Jyotindra Patel and President Bipin Shukla welcomed all the delegates. The general reports reflecting the activities conducted by ICS presented by Secretary Predeep Mohapatra and President Bipin Shukla,
Financial reports presented by Treasurer Kaushik Patel and overall state of ICS presented by Chairman Jyotindra Patel were all unanimously approved. The election committee was headed by Durgesh Mehta, Arvind Bhatt and Ankim Shah. The newly elected Trustees and Executive Committee members expressed their gratitude for the support and vowed to work harder and smarter to make ICS, Mahatma Gandhi Center & Hindu Temple more progressive and more successful and will lead to a more secured future.
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Republicans sound like they're protecting rich: Bobby Jindal

Gov Bobby Jindal is seen as a 2016 Presidential race candidate
Obama won 71 percent of Asian vote: Poll

Washington, DC: President Barack Obama won the support of an estimated 2.3 million of Asian American voters to Republican challenger Mitt Romney's estimated 900,000 votes, or 71 percent to 28 percent, according to a new poll. However, the country's fastest growing ethnic group is not wedded to either party, according to the survey released Wednesday by the Asian American Justice Center, Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote and the National Asian American Survey. Obama's biggest break came among voters whose top issues were immigration, the environment and civil rights, but the most important issue to all voters surveyed was "economy and jobs." According to the post-election survey, 46 percent of registered voters polled and 43 percent of those who voted in the 2012 election said they do not identify with either major party. "Still, one of the persistent dynamics of the Asian American electorate is its continued potential for persuasion by candidates of either party," the poll said. In a raft of current and projected swing states - including North Carolina, Virginia and Florida - the Asian American population's explosion in the last decade has outpaced the national average. The poll notes: "In 2008, about 600,000 new Asian Americans entered the electorate, and we anticipate a similar increase in 2012, approaching 3 percent of all votes cast." The projected share of the Asian American vote in 2016 will continue to increase, the poll found. Asian American voters increased from 1.6 percent of the total vote in 1996 to 2.5 percent in 2008. The poll was based on 2,785 phone interviews from Nov 725 with adults who identified themselves as Asian American, and the margin of error is plus/minus 2 percent.
Washington, DC: Holding the mirror to the Republican party, Louisiana's Indian American Governor Bobby Jindal has called for his party to rethink their approach to the so-called "fiscal cliff" negotiations. "At present, any reading of the headlines over the past week indicates that Republicans are fighting to protect the rich and cut benefits for seniors," he wrote in an op-ed published in Politico, an influential politics focused media site. "It may be possible to have worse political positioning than that, but
I'm not sure how," Jindal said asking the Republicans to fight for structural reforms, such as instituting a federal balanced budget amendment, requiring a super majority to raise taxes or creating term limits. While he didn't explicitly suggest that Republicans should drop their opposition to tax increases on the wealthy, he argued that the party's focus should be elsewhere in talks on the fiscal cliff. Fiscal cliff refers to the situation that the administration may face in the absence of a deal with Bush era tax cuts set to expire along with spending cuts in the new year that some fear may drive America back into a recession. "(I)n the negotiations, Republicans certainly should fight to at least get something done that
will matter," wrote Jindal, considered a possible 2016 presidential contender. Jindal sounded a pessimistic note on the future of America's finances, predicting that the fiscal cliff would be followed by "the fiscal mountain, after that the fiscal black hole, and after that fiscal Armageddon". "Additionally, amidst all the talk of increasing taxes and cutting entitlements, something more important than either of these has been lost -- economic growth," he wrote. "America is forever young because America is forever growing, leading the world and showing the way forward. All actions taken by Washington should be seen through this simple prism - will this help grow our economy? If not, maybe we shouldn't do it."
Indian woman sentenced to 20 years for healthcare fraud

New York: An Indian-origin woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay a penalty of over $14 million on charges of healthcare fraud. Meera Sachdeva, 50 of Mississippi was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on charges that she defrauded federal insurance program Medicare by submitting false claims for chemotherapy services, US attorney Gregory Davis said in a statement. Sachdeva, who owned and operated a cancer center, had pleaded guilty in July this year to submitting claims for chemotherapy services that were supposed-
Meera Sachdeva
Ambassador Nirupama Rao with U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on December 11, 2012 at the Capitol in Washington, DC.Rao and Pelosi discussed the present state of India-U.S. relations, and the global strategic partnership between the two countries.
ly rendered when she was out of the country. She was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine and restitution of over $8.1 million. The forfeiture of approximately $6 million and property was also ordered. She had admitted billing for more chemotherapy drugs than she actually purchased from drug suppliers from 2007 to 2011. Her patients believed that they were receiving an amount of chemotherapy medicine that was equal to the amount being billed to their respective health care benefit programs, but she was not providing each patient with the fully prescribed dosage of many of the billed chemotherapy drugs. "The health care fraud perpetrated by the defendant was an abuse of public trust motivated by greed," Davis said. Special agent in charge of the US department of health and human services Derrick Jackson said Sachdeva violated her duty to provide appropriate care for the patients at the cancer center. "Our office takes quality of care concerns very seriously, and we will vigorously investigate any provider that shortchanges patients and steals from the Medicare Trust Fund".
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
IN BRIEF
White House celebrates Guru Nanak's birthday

he Obama White House has celebrated the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, for the third time in the presence of about 160 members of the community from across the US. Paul Monteiro, Associate Director at the Office of Public Engagement, welcomed the attendees, some of them dressed in traditional Punjabi attire and colorful turbans with the Sikh greeting, "Waheguruji Ka Khalsa, Waheguruji ki fateh!" "The White House welcomes the Sikh community and this is our third celebration during President Obama's presidency and we will continue on this path," he said, according to a press release from the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE). "This seems like a family event for all of us," said Gautam Raghavan, another official from the White House Office of Public Engagement, Several other senior Obama Adminis-
Dr. Zach Zachariah elected to chair Florida Medical Board

ndian American cardiologist and leading Republican Party fundraiser Dr. Zachariah P. Zachariah of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has been elected chair of the Florida Board of Medicine by his fellow board members. He previously was vice chairman of the board. Zachariahs term ends Oct. 31, 2014. Board members, appointed by the Florida governor, continue to serve until their replacements are named. Zachariah has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Ellis Island Legends award. He has also served on the Florida State Board of Governors, the Presidents White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and as a U.S. Representative to the World Health Organization. President and director of the Fort Lauderdale
tration officials acknowledged the presence of the families of the victims of Oak Creek gurdwara shooting in August who were especially invited to be part of the event. The program started with an opening prayer by Amarpreet Kaur Everest, a young girl from a pioneer family of Yuba City, California. This was followed by a hymn celebrating the advent of Guru Nanak by noted kirtan singer from Punjab Bhai Niranjan Singh. SCORE chairman Rajwant Singh said: "This is a proud moment for the entire community to celebrate this great occasion at the White House especially in light of the tragedy of Oak Creek and also while we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of our first gurdwara in America." Amardeep Singh, who serves on the White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and an official of Sikh Coalition, thanked the Obama Administration for its support to the community.
Dr.Zach Zachariah Heart Institute, Zachariah has been a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Miami since 1985.
GIOSTAR and Indian government to enter $2 Billion Stem cell therapy program
he Global Institute Of Stem-cell Therapy And Research (GIOSTAR) announced Dec 14 a collaborative treatment plan to serve the local population suffering from a genetic disease, Sickle Cell Anemia. President and CEO Deven Patel and his team met with Chief Minister Arjun Munda of State of Jharkhand, India in November 2012 to address the local populations medical needs. As a follow-up, a government delegation representing the state of Jharkhand, India; Chief Minister, Principal Health Secretary, Chief Secretary and many other officials visited GIOSTAR in San Diego on December 14, 2012 to finalize the proposed $2 billion contract to be serviced over the next 15 years.
Punjab to enact two laws for NRIs

he Punjab government will bring two new laws for the welfare of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), a minister said in Chandigarh. The new laws will be 'Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act' and 'Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act'. Both legislations will be tabled in the forthcoming assembly session beginning Dec 17, NRI Affairs Minister Bikram Singh Majithia said. Majithia said the law to prevent human smuggling was aimed at saving youth from the state "from the illegal network of unauthorized travel agents". He said that after enactment of the act, travel agents would have to register themselves
with the competent authority of Punjab government. He said that Punjab would be the first state in the country to introduce a stringent law against the illegal practices of unauthorized travel agents. He added that the new act would encourage youth to go abroad through proper and legal channels. About the act for compulsory registrations of marriage, Majithia said that it would tighten the noose around grooms indulging in fraud marriages. He said that it would be mandatory for NRIs to register their marriage with the Registrar of Marriages along with their full details of their address abroad and in India.
As a result 200 jobs are estimated to be created in San Diego and it is expected that the dialog would include an economic development program between City of San Diego and State of Jharkhand, India. Global is a private equity firm that focuses on funding projects and initiatives that are jobcreation centric rather than just profit centric. We believe that a venture that draws the best minds and hearts to a unified goal, driven by a unified vision tends to be far stronger and less prone to failure than one driven by just profit. We invest in people, not the business said Dr. Sam Senev, Chairman and CEO of Global. Senev added that GIOSTAR is a showcase client focused on both serving mankind through quality of life and job creation.
AIFs annual gala held in Washington

Washington, DC: Ambassador Anupama Rao was the chief guest speaker at the American India Foundation (AIF) annual gala held Nov 16 at Hall of Flags, US Chamber of Commerce, which honored Congressman Jim Moran (Democrat-Virginia) and accorded special recognition to Dr. Natwar Gandhi, Chief Financial Officer for the District of Columbia. Among other luminaries were: gala chairs, Victor Menezes, retired senior vice chairman of Citigroup, and Ranvir Trehan, entrepreneur and philanthropist, The Trehan Family Foundation; gala co-chairs, Sudhakar Shenoy and Geoff Stewart; Terry McAuliffe, an entrepreneur who has announced that he plans to run again for Virginia Governor; Aneesh Chopra, the first Federal Chief Technology Officer, currently running for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia; Diane Farrell, Executive Vice President of the USIndia Business Council, a supporting partner of the gala; and Gaurav Malik and Venkatesh Raghavendra of AIFs active Young Professionals program. Natasha Barrett, reporter, ABC 7 News, served as the mistress of ceremony and Vijai Nathan, a Washington-based, well known comedian, regaled the audience with her rib-tickling stand-up comedy act. At the gala, Ambassador Rao noted that India, the worlds largest democracy, a teeming nation of 1.2 billion people faces many challenges as it moves forward on the path to complete development. She stressed that while America is the worlds oldest, modern democracy, India is a young democracy with a young population: some 65 percent of the Indian populace is below the age of 25. So, that is the proportion of people who are going to carry forward Indias message to the 21st century, the envoy said. When we talk of inclusive development in India, we would like to focus in large measure on this group of people. Looking around the packed hall, she told AIFs August audience: When you speak of education, livelihood, health, womens empowerment, you are essentially singing the song of Indias development. The actions of people like you can provide a
CFO of DC Dr.Natwar Gandhi was accorded special recognition
momentum, an acceleration, a drive, that enables us to reach the goals that we have set for ourselves. Congressman Moran, who was reelected for an 11th term from Virginias 8th District, praised Indian-Americans as the most edu-
cated and affluent of all ethnic groups in America. Declaring that the India-US relationship has no limits, Moran noted that bilateral engagement has continued to blossom across the whole spectrum of cultural, political and economic ties.
US AFFAIRS
GOP speaks of autopsy efforts Obama to be sworn in second inauguration on January 20, 2013 post-election
Washington: Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus, who last month said his party was planning an "autopsy" to locate problem areas, said the effort would "recommend a plan to further ensure Republicans are victorious in 2013, 2014, 2016 and beyond." The RNC said the effort, termed the "Growth and Opportunity Effort," would focus on assessing and improving eight points of the GOP's campaign strategy, including ground game, fundraising, and the GOP primary process. The party also said it would look at learning lessons from Democrats' successful campaign methods, which helped secure a second term for President Barack Obama and propelled the party to a net gain of two seats in the U.S. Senate and eight seats in the House of Representatives. Republicans will also gauge the impact of third party groups, which played a major role in television advertising and organizing in the 2012 election. Conservative super PACs like Restore Our Future and American Crossroads raised and spent hundreds of millions of dollars, both during the GOP primaries and the Washington: The second inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States will take place on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The inauguration will mark the beginning of the second term of Barack Obama as President and Joe Biden as Vice President. Mandated by the Constitution, all presidents begin their new term on January 20 at noon (EST). Because January 20 will fall on a Sunday, two ceremonies one private and one public will take place. The first ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 20 and the second on Monday, January 21, with Chief Justice John Roberts likely administering the oath to the president and vice president on both days. If this occurs as expected, Obama will have taken the Oath of Office four times (which includes his oath retake on January 21, 2009), a record set only by Franklin D. Roosevelt. New York Senator Chuck Schumer will be the chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee On Inaugural Ceremonies. Military support to the 57th Inauguration
GOP National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus
general election contest that followed. Heading up the effort are five well-known Republican operatives: National committeemen Zori Fonalledas and Glenn McCall; Sally Bradshaw, a Republican strategist in Florida; Ari Fleischer, the former White House press secretary and a CNN contributor; and Henry Barbour, a major Romney fundraiser who is the nephew of that state's former governor, Haley Barbour.
Barack Obama being sworn in for his first presidency term
will be coordinated by Joint Task Force National Capital Region, providing musical military units, marching bands, color guards, ushers, firing details, and salute batteries.
Focus on Nikki Haley after US senator quits
US unemployment drops to four-year low

Washington: The US jobless rate sank to a four-year low in November, but millions remained out of work in an economy still struggling to recover from a recession that ended nearly four years ago, experts said. "This morning's jobs report ... provides a clear reminder that mass joblessness remains the real and present economic danger the US faces," said Heidi Shierholz, labor economist at the Economic Policy Institute. "At this rate of job growth, it will take more than 10 years to return to the pre-recession unemployment rate." The economy created 146,000 jobs in November, according to the Labor Department, a figure just above the 100,000 jobs per month economists say are needed just to keep pace with new entrants into the labor force, reported Xinhua. While the jobless rate fell to 7.7 percent in November, the lowest since December 2008, from 7.9 percent in October, the Labor Department said the slide was because more people gave up looking for work and dropped out of the labor force. Indeed, 542,000 Americans were not counted in the jobless report because the survey only counted those who did not have jobs and were actively seeking work. Shierholz said Friday's jobs picture draws attention to the labor force's major long-term unemployment crisis. The US has 4.8 million workers who have been unemployed for more than six months, four times as many as the 1.2 million average in 2007, she noted. The share of unemployed workers out of work for more than six months declined to 40.1 percent in November, but it is still far above the highest levels in any of the last three recessions, Shierholz said. "The large number of long-term unemployed is unsurprising given that there have been three or more unemployed workers for every job opening for more than four years," she said.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley
Charleston: S.C. - The surprise decision of a Republican senator to quit and become the next head of conservative think tank Heritage Foundation has focused attention on South Carolina's Indian American governor Nikki Haley. For under the state law the firstterm governor will not only appoint senator Jim DeMint's successor, she'll set off dominoes that will reshape the next two years in state politics, culminating with two US Senate elections and her own potential re-election bid, according to Politico, a politics focused media site. The driving question is whether Haley selects a caretaker for the seat who would agree not to run for the full six-year term in 2014 - or taps an ally that would help cement her legacy, it wondered. A spokesman for the governor declined to speculate on a timeline for the decision, but DeMint's resignation will take effect before the next Congress convenes Jan 3, leaving a little more than three weeks for a decision. House member Tim Scott is seen
as the leading contender for the appointment among Republican consultants and officials, largely because the 47-year-old AfricanAmerican would provide diversity and geographic balance, the site said. But in-state operatives cited by the Politico cautioned that the fastest way to lose the independent-minded Haley is to try to force her hand. "Nikki Haley marches to the beat of her own drummer," Joel Sawyer, a Columbia-based Republican consultant and former executive director of the state party, was quoted as saying. If Haley was looking for a political escape hatch, she could appoint herself, Politico suggested. A new poll by Winthrop University of all adults pegged her job-approval rating at just 38 percent - a full 10 points behind President Barack Obama. But Haley quickly quashed that possibility in a radio interview Thursday afternoon, saying, "No, I will not be appointing myself. That's not even an option."
Oregon man kills two and self at shopping mall

Clackamas: OR - Jacob Tyler Roberts, a serious condition on Wednesday. 22-year old male, fatally shot two innocent But carnage from the shooting likely shoppers and then himself at Clackamas was limited by the fact that the gun Town Center. The weapon he used was jammed, although the suspect managed to described as an AR-15 semiautomatic get the weapon working again before he rifle, which the Clackamas County moved downstairs and shot himself, the Sheriff's Office said was stolen the day sheriff told a news conference. before the shooting from an unidentified Sheriff Roberts also said the casualty acquaintance of the killer. count was curtailed by the fact that the Roberts also was believed to be carrying estimated 10,000 shoppers in the mall several fully loaded ammunition maga"kept a level head" for the most part in zines when he walked into the Clackamas swiftly leaving the building, and helping Town Center in the Portland suburb of each other in the process. Happy Valley, and moved swiftly to a food He credited police with rapidly swarmcourt at the center of the mall to start ing the mall and merchants with followshooting, authorities said. He was wearing ing emergency lockdown procedures that Jacob Tyler Roberts a hockey-style mask at the time. allowed many shoppers to quickly find Two people were killed on the spot - Steven Mathew shelter. Forsyth, 45, of suburban West Linn, a father of two who Authorities said they remained baffled about what led the owned a business in the mall, and Cindy Ann Yuille, 54, of suspect to open fire in the mall, the latest in a spate of U.S. Portland, according to Sheriff Craig Roberts. gun violence incidents this year, most notably the killing of Kristina Shevchenko, 15, was badly wounded but man- 12 people and wounding of 58 others at a midnight screenaged to stagger away from the food court to the lower level ing of the Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises" in of the mall, where she was found. She was hospitalized in Colorado in July.
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INDIA
MPs remember martyrs, BJP says hang Guru

New Delhi: Both Houses of Parliament paid tribute to the nine people killed when terrorists attacked parliament this day 11 years ago. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) used the occasion to again press for the hanging of Afzal Guru, the prime accused in the case. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members observed a minute's silence in remembrance of the nine killed on Dec 13, 2001 when five armed Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-eMohammed terrorists attacked parliament. There was also a ceremony in the parliament house complex, attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, BJP leader L.K. Advani, his colleagues Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley and others. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar read out a message offering tribute and condolences to the family members of the martyrs of the attack. Nine people were killed and over 15 injured in the attack. "Every 13 December we remember those who gave their life for all
December 13 Parliament Attack

Minister of State for Home R.P.N. Singh. The BJP in both houses sought clarification from the government on the Afzal question. In the Lok Sabha, the BJP had given a notice to adjourn the question hour to discuss the issue. As the chair did not accept the demand, the BJP and the Shiv Sena created a ruckus, forcing two adjournments. The issue was raised in Rajya Sabha as well, but it functioned smoothly after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said he would convey the sentiments to the home minister. "The matter is with the home ministry, the home minister should come and clarify," BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu said. On Dec 13, 2001, five heavilyarmed gunmen stormed the parliament house complex and opened indiscriminate fire, killing nine people. The nine included five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper, two parliament watch and ward staffers and a gardener. A journalist, who was injured, died later. All five terrorists were shot dead. Four people, Afzal Guru, S.A.R. Geelani, a Delhi University professor, Navjot, also known as Afsan, and her husband Shaukat Hussain Guru were arrested in connection with the case. Geelani and Afsan were let off for lack of evidence. Shaukat Hussain Guru's death sentence was reduced to 10 years' imprisonment and he is now out of jail. Afzal Guru was sentenced to death on Dec 18, 2002, by a trial court, which was upheld by the Delhi High Court on Oct 29, 2003. His appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court on Aug 4, 2005. His mercy plea is pending and Shinde has said he will study the file after parliament's winter session ends Dec 22.
On Dec 13, 2001, gunmen stormed the Parliament and opened indiscriminate fire, killing nine people
political parties but one question is still unanswered - that the person who has been convicted by the Supreme Court and given death sentence has not being hanged yet," said Sushma Swaraj, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha. Countering the attack, the government said the BJP should under-
stand that parliament does not pronounce death penalty. "There is a legal process and parliament does not pronounce death penalty and the BJP should understand that the process has already been explained by my senior Mr. Shinde (Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde)," said
Wal-Mart probe by retired judge: Kamal Nath

New Delhi: A retired judge would hold the inquiry into reports on lobbying by WalMart to open the way for foreign equity in retail trade in India, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath announced in the Lok Sabha. Reports say Wal-Mart had spent "I had assured the house. Rs.125 crore on lobbying A retired judge would hold activities in the US a time bound inquiry into the media reports related gestions. "You can give your suglobbying by international super- gestions," he said. market chain Wal-Mart in India," The opposition has been said Kamal Nath. demanding a transparent inquiry "The government has no hesi- on reports that Wal-Mart had tation," he said. When some spent Rs.125 crore on lobbying members wanted to know activities in the US, including on whether the person probing the issues related to enhanced market issue would be a Supreme Court access for investment in India. judge or a high court judge, the The government had Tuesday minister said he was open to sug- agreed to an inquiry.
No relief for Mulayam in disproportionate assets case

New Delhi: In a setback to Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, the Supreme Court declined to recall its earlier order of directing a CBI probe into the allegation of their possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. An apex court bench of Chief Justice Altmas Kabir and Justice H.L. Dattu, while pronouncing their judgement on Mulayam Singh's plea seeking review of the court's 2007 verdict directing CBI to carry out preliminary inquiry into the allegations of their possessing disproportionate assets, said that investigating agency will act independently without taking any instructions from government. Pronouncing the judgement, Chief Justice Kabir said that the
Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav
investigating agency will not submit its report of its investigations to the central government. However, in a breather for Mulayam's daughter-in-law, Dimple Yadav, the court dropped the probe against her. Earlier on a petition by one
Vishwanath Chaturvedi, the court in March 2007 had directed the CBI to carry out a preliminary inquiry against the SP chief, his sons Akhilesh Yadav and Prateek Yadav, and Dimple Yadav into the allegations of possessing disproportionate assets.
Quota bill: Maya takes on government

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati
New Delhi: Impatient over the delay in passing a bill that promises reservations for Dalits and tribals in job promotions, the BSP stalled both Houses of Parliament, directly attacking Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Hamid Ansari. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, apparently, tried to hit two birds with one stone by telling Ansari that running the house was his responsibility, and putting pressure on the government by asking her
party members not to let the Lok Sabha run. A day after Ansari suggested scrapping or shifting the question hour as members were regularly disrupting the proceedings, Mayawati stunned the Rajya Sabha by blaming the chairman for non-functioning of the upper house. "I am not ready to listen to anything...," Mayawati said, interrupting the question hour. "...The house does not run after 12. You are the chairman of the house. It is your responsibility that the house is in order," she said. Certain comments which launched a direct assault at the chair were however expunged later.
Ansari said he was "upset" by the comments and it would be difficult for him to work in such conditions. "I am upset, it will be difficult to work in such a situation," he said told some members, according to an MP present in a meeting soon after the house was adjourned. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath, Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and several key leaders were present at the meeting. According to highly-placed sources, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called up Ansari after the incident and expressed his concern over the development.
Mayawati, however, defended her remarks and accused the government of not being serious about passing the promotion quota bill. She said both the government and "BJP and company" had assured that the quota bill would be taken up after the house debated foreign direct investment (FDI) in multibrand retail. While the BSP is pressing the government to pass the quota bill so that Mayawati can showcase it as a victory to her voters in Uttar Pradesh, the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) in the state is dead opposed to the legislation to keep its other backward classes vote bank intact.
INDIA
11
Modi's Sir Creek comments sensitive: Khurshid
Sena softens stance on Thackeray memorial

Mumbai: In what is considered a climbdown, the Shiv Sena softened its aggressive stance on the proposed memorial at Shivaji Park for late party chief Bal Thackeray. Party executive president Uddhav Thackeray said that his father's cremation site would be shifted a little distance away, near the massive statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji at the northwest corner of the ground. "The site will remain at Shivaji Park, but a little distance away, near the statue. The very same Shiv Sainiks who were Bal Thackeray's strength, shall carry out the task with their own hands," Uddhav declared in a front-page statement in Thursday's issue of the party mouthpiece, 'Saamana', signaling an end to the controversy. "Thackeray's views always set Shivaji Park afire over the years. The same fiery thoughts will continue to inspire the people of Maharashtra from the same venue, and provide strength to Hindus. There will be a slight change in the location of the cremation site, which will remain at Shivaji Park," Uddhav asserted. Spelling relief for the state government, the top Shiv Sena leadership is also veering around to construction of a memorial somewhere in the vicinity of the historic, 28-
Shiv Sena softened its aggressive stance on the proposed memorial at Shivaji Park
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid claimed that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had raked up a sensitive international issue when he cautioned against any possible agreement on Sir Creek as the state headed for assembly polls, and the matter could be taken up with the Election Commission. "I think it is something to reflect on, that some good decisions you take, you are told during elections you can't take them... then somebody should take account of this (Modi) as well... Is it permissible," Khurshid said on the sidelines of the Energy Security Conference here. "If you can't raise (the cap on subsidized) gas cylinders from six to nine, can you raise such an issue of international relations? It should be taken up with the Election Commission; what are the permissible limits of issues that can be taken up during elections," asked the minister. He was answering a query on Modi's letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, cautioning against any possible agreement on Sir Creek -- the 96-km strip of water dividing the Pakistani province of Sindh and the Kutch region of Gujarat. Modi said handing over Sir Creek "will be a permanent threat to the fishermen of Saurashtra and Kutch and also vital defense installations and major industrial installations like refineries and ports". "Sir Creek is a part of our body. We cannot give away a part of our body," the Gujarat chief minister said. The Prime Minister's Office described Modi's letter as 'mischievous' and also raised questions on the timing of the letter, written a day ahead of the first phase of polling in Gujarat and two days ahead of Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik's visit. "The contents of the letter and the timing of its release to the public raise questions about the motives behind its issue," the PMO said.
acre Shivaji Park, at Dadar, in central Mumbai. In a related development, a senior party leader in the Shiv Senacontrolled BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation Rahul Shewale hinted that the demand for renaming Shivaji Park as 'Shivtirth' would end. Shewale indicated that only the Thackeray cremation site would be named 'Shivtirth' since Shivaji Park, Chhatrapati Shivaji and Bal Thackeray were inseparable entities. Since Thackeray's demise on November 17, the Shiv Sena had vociferously demanded that a
memorial to him be erected at Shivaji Park. The cremation site was virtually 'converted' into a pilgrimage site as a flame was kept burning roundthe-clock, and a vigil maintained day and night. Tourists and students have been thronging the place daily to pay homage to the departed leader, even as authorities grappled with the sensitive issue. Party MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut declared in New Delhi on Thursday that the process to remove the small marquee from the cremation site to a nearby location would be completed soon, as per instructions of Uddhav Thackeray.
Kejriwal dreaming that I'll support him: Hazare

New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare said that former colleague and Aam Aadmi Party founder Arvind Kejriwal was "dreaming" if he thinks Hazare would support him. "If he thinks, I'll support him, he is dreaming," Hazare said about Kejriwal. He added that he never asked anyone to vote for a particular person or a party as he was not interested in politics. Addressing a press conference here, Hazare said: "My stand on Kejriwal changed with time. I will say why when the time comes. If I say anything now, it will create more trouble." Hazare had earlier said that he would support Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party if it fielded honest candidates. However, last week Hazare said that Kejriwal had become "greedy" for power and he would not vote for him.
Sand is Vishwanadhan's medium at Kochi art biennale

Kochi: Seated under a jackfruit tree at the landmark Aspinwall House and waiting for his work of art to arrive for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Kerala-born artist Velu "Paris" Vishwanadhan quips: "At the moment, I am the installation." Indeed, he is! For, a bevy of journalists have lined up to speak to him about his own self, his art and what he has planned for India's first biennale that has drawn around 80 of his contemporaries, some young and some old, from around the world. "Sand has always inspired me and sand it is now at this biennale," Vishwanadhan, originally from Kadavoor in Kollam and now based in Paris, said, speaking about his work as others went about their chores. "Sand" is also the title of his installation at Aspinwall House, a sea-facing property built in 1867 made a cube each with them as a tribute to the country's rich cultural, historical and mythological memories. The places he collected the sand from for his work included Dwarka, Porbandar, Dandi, Somnath, Mumbai, Kannur, Kanyakumari, Puducherry (Pondicherry) and Chennai. For him, sand also represents history. "Every grain has evolved. Every granule has formed after the elements - wind, water, fire - have worked on it through time immemorial." A rebel in his teens, which eventually led to his expulsion from college, the 72-year-old, soft-spoken artist says this time around, a sand cube depicting Dandi will be brought to the centre of the installation. "Dandi is now the central point of my work. It is a point of resistance," he says, alluding, perhaps, to the sea-facing village in Gujarat that Mahatma Gandhi selected as the venue for his Salt Satyagraha against British rule. Vishwanadhan says after he was expelled from college, he had a chance to visit Paris in 1968 and some art enthusiasts - who had seen an installation by him at the biennale there a year earlier offered to set up a studio for him. Since then the city has been another home, which he makes with his artist-wife Nadine Tarbouriech. Those visiting this port town for the biennale, which began Wednesdy, will get to see some more facets of Vishwanadhan's life. A 90-minute film on him and his work shot by celebrated director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, including the artist's own productions, will be screened during the three-month event.
Kerala-born artist Velu 'Paris' Vishwanadhan
that, in a sense, represents Kerala's long trading history, having served as the office for an English firm dealing in pepper, coconut oil, timber, coir, coffee and rubber.
Explaining his original work of 1976, which he is somewhat replicating at the biennale now, Vishwanadhan says he collected sand from 17 places in India and
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INDIA
Diamond jewelry will be the theme of JJS 12

By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur: The Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) has grown from strength to strength. The show which has different themes will have Diamond Jewellery Jaipur Adds Colour to It as the theme this time. The theme reflects the favorable trends towards diamonds and diamond jewelry. The preparations for this B2B and B2C show at Hotel Raj Mahal Palace here from December 22 to 25 are in full swing. The JJS convenor, Vimal Chand Surana explained that that every two years JJS has a new theme which reflects the prowess of Jaipur in that particular area. Which is why in the past 10 years the themes have been related to emerald, tanzanite and Kundan Meena. Making the show theme-based enables the event to get publicity mileage in India and abroad. According to the JJS Secretary, Rajiv Jain, the selection of theme highlights the speciality of Jaipur and provides a platform for national and international marketing. He further said that Jaipurs contribution has been immense in promoting diamond jewellery. He further added that with diamond as the theme the buyers of Jaipurs diamond jewelry are able to purchase the products at a reasonable rate. The media coordinator of JJS, Ajay Kala said that even in the past editions of JJS diamond would be given away to the best of the 350 entries from across 25 product categories. The presenting partner for the second edition of these awards is the JJS and it is powered by Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The JJS is one of the most looked-forward events on the jewelry calendar. Combining the advantages of both B2B and B2C shows, the event attracts trade visitors as well as consumers in large numbers from across the country, Rajiv Jain said. The Indian Jeweller magazine has fast grown into becoming the mirror of the jewelry industry of the country. Last year it launched the design awards in Mumbai which was well appreciated by the trade. These awards are an initiative towards providing the jewelry industry with a platform to bring to the forefront jewelry manufacturers and designers even from remote areas of the country. This one-of-its-kind jewelry awards felicitate outstanding talent in designing and manufacturing. For this award, designs of various contesting manufacturers and designers from across the country are chosen by thousands of retailers, Ajay Kala said. This year, the design contest began in July 2012 and spanned over five months. Around 10,000 votes were cast by retailers, Rajiv Jain added.
Voting ends in round one of Gujarat polls

Ahmedabad: Voting ended peacefully Thursday in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly elections with no untoward incident being reported, officials said. Millions voted through the day in 87 of the 182 assembly constituencies in the state. The second phase will be held on Dec 17 and all votes of both phases counted Dec 20. The elections see Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has ruled the state since 2001, making another bid for power against a disparate opposition. By 3 p.m., an estimated 53 percent of the 18 million eligible to vote in the first phase of polling had exercised their franchise. The final figures will be available later, an official in the Gujarat Election Commission told IANS.
jewelry has showed its popularity. Jaipurs manu-cutting in white and yellow gold has been appreciated. The promotion coordinator, Dr. Naval Agarwal informed that the JJSs Diamond Promotion Group, which is promoting the product at national level has also organized a diamond festival prior to the JJS. This festival received very good response from buyers and customers of diamond jewellery. The JJS Indian Jewellers Choice Awards will be announced during inauguration of the JJS, at a gala awards ceremony at Hotel Marriot. Convenor Surana said these awards
Hizb, LeT present in Jammu and Kashmir: Shinde

New Delhi: Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba continue to be the dominant militant groups in some areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the issue was also taken up with Pakistan, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told a parliamentary panel. Addressing the Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached to the home ministry that reviewed the security situation in the northern state here Wednesday, Shinde said the two terror outfits were "mostly operating from the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipore, Anantnag and Pulwama in Kashmir and Poonch, Ramban and Rajouri in Jammu region". "This issue is being addressed from the security point of view and also taken up diplomatically with Pakistan. The state and central governments have adopted various counter-measures to neutralize the efforts and capabilities of militants and others to disturb peace in the state by inciting people towards violent agitations and protests against duly elected institutions and authority," the minister said, according to a statement here Thursday. At the meeting, also attended by Minister of State for Home R.P.N. Singh and Home Secretary R.K. Singh, the home minister said the level of militancy in the state, "which was at its peak in the 1990s, started declining from 2003 onwards and today it is at its lowest
Railways plan seven bullet train corridors

New Delhi: India could have as many as seven exclusive corridors for bullet trains, Minister of State for Railways Kotla Surya Prakash Reddy told the Rajya Sabha Thursday. In a written reply to a question from Goa Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik, Reddy said Spain, China and Austria were assisting Indian railways with technological inputs to get Indian trains into the high speed gear. The bullet trains are named so for their appearance and speed. "For introduction of high speed passenger trains in the country, Ministry of Railways has identified seven corridors for carrying out pre-feasibility studies," Reddy said. The minister further said that
in terms of incidents as well as casualties of civilians and security forces". "This has been made possible because of the yearning among the people of the state for peace and the successful measures taken by the security forces of the state and central government in restricting the infiltration of the militants from across the Line of Control (LoC) and various other counter-insurgency actions on all fronts," the statement quoted the minister as saying. The panel members discussed the current security scenario in the state, as well as the reports of the interlocutors appointed by the central government for Jammu and Kashmir and action taken on the reports. "The issues of migrants, rehabilitation of the surrendered militants and speedy implementation of Prime Minister's Reconstruction Programme and PM's Package for Return and Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Migrants to the state were also discussed."
pre-feasibility studies had been conducted on three corridors already: Pune-MumbaiAhmedabad (650 km), DelhiAgra-Lucknow-Patna (991 km) and Howrah-Haldia (135 km).
Offering an insight into the funds to be committed for the purpose, the minister said the estimated cost of the first corridor from Pune to Ahmedabad was Rs.55,859 crore.
India wins three prestigious travel awards

New Delhi: India has won three top tourism awards from the World Travel Awards (WTA), including for being the world's best destination. Apart from winning the award for best destination, it also bagged the award for world's leading tourist board award for its "Incredible India" campaign and for world's leading tourist attraction for Taj Mahal, a world heritage site. Accepting the award, Tourism minister K. Chiranjeevi said the ministry has planned a "multipronged strategy to increase India's share in tourist arrivals". "This includes development of He also said the ministry has launched the second phase of the Incredible India campaign where the focus was on destination and products to attract tourists to the country. In 2011, 6.29 million tourists visited India as compared to 5.78 million in 2010. The minister also said that tourism has become an instrument for sustainable development including poverty elimination, environmental regeneration and job creation in countries across the world. The World Travel Award, considered to be the biggest awards in the travel industry, was for the first time held in Asia.
world class infrastructure and manpower and undertaking aggressive promotional and marketing activities," the minister said.
OP-ED
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Did BJP overplay its hand on FDI?

By Prashant Sood t has been attacking the government on corruption and price rise but questions are now being raised whether the BJP conceded political momentum to the Congress-led UPA government after the opposition-led motion against FDI in multibrand retail failed. Did the party overplay its hand by forcing a vote? Analysts say there was no immediate gain for the BJP and any benefit in the long-term was also uncertain. The motion against foreign direct investment in multibrand retail was negatived in both houses of parliament earlier this week after Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) helped the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). The BJP had been insistent on a discussion on FDI in multibrand retail with voting rules as it smelt a chance to embarrass the government. The party's other ostensible aim was to expose the SP and the BSP on their "double standards" to improve its prospects in Uttar Pradesh. But it failed on both counts, experts said. Senior journalist S. Nihal Singh said the BJP had overplayed its hand on FDI in multibrand retail and should not have opted for a vote. "The BJP really overplayed its hand. It is alright to make noise on an evocative issue...the party made it into a big political fight. The government was able to cover its flanks with help of BSP and SP," Nihal Singh said. He said the BJP was unlikely to dent either the SP's or BSP's image in Uttar Pradesh over their stance on FDI as people tend to forget quickly.
The opposition-sponsored motion against FDI was negatived in the Lok Sabha by 35 votes and in the Rajya Sabha by 21 votes "Frankly, the capacity of skulldudgery of ment. I don't think the sense of house was Uttar Pradesh politics is amazing," Nihal for FDI...The interest of foreigners won Singh said. over interest of Indians. What is the governSubrata Mukherjee, a former professor at ment happy about," Naqvi wondered. Delhi University, echoed this view. He said the BJP will go to the people on As for the expectation of BJP leaders to the issue and expose SP and BSP in Uttar make political dividends in Uttar Pradesh, Pradesh for their conflicting stance on FDI Mukherjee said that economic issues do not in multibrand retail. have much of an impact in the state with "The SP and BSP fight in Uttar Pradesh polarized politics. and are united in Delhi (in bailing out the "They (BJP) should have adopted a more Congress). We will go to people against constructive approach by suggesting correc- their duplicity," Naqvi said. tive measures to the FDI policy," he added. The opposition's defeat in the FDI vote The BJP disagrees. came days before polling in Gujarat assemBJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the bly elections. Assembly elections are due in government managed to win the vote several key states next year in which BJP though a vast majority of members spoke and Congress are the main rivals. The Lok against FDI in multibrand retail. Sabha polls are due in 2014. "This is clear cut case of something fishy The opposition-sponsored motion against and, may be, they won with fund manage- FDI in multibrand retail was negatived in
the Lok Sabha by 35 votes and in the Rajya Sabha by 21 votes. A.S. Narang, a former professor at IGNOU, said the BJP was unlikely to make any immediate gains from its opposition to FDI in multibrand retail even though the government appeared to have won the vote due to "management". "They (the BJP) seem to have overplayed their hand... There will be no immediate gain," Narang said. He said the decision to demand a vote may also be a tactic to shift the focus from BJP's internal troubles following demands for removal of party president Nitin Gadkari for irregular business deals. "It could also be a diversion from its internal politics," Narang said. He said sections of urban middle class were in favour of FDI in retail and there was no certainity if BJP's opposition will benefit the party electorally. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Nilotpal Basu, however said the economic policy will not benefit the country in the long run and justified the opposition move to block the policy that aims to bring multinational brands like Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco into Indian cities. "We wanted to stop this policy...the government completely lost the debate. It was not able to counter the points raised by the opposition parties," he said. Emboldened by winning the approval of parliament, the Manmohan Singh government now aims to move ahead with its economic reforms. "We will proceed on the commitments made by the government. We will try to evolve consensus but will not be cowed down by opposition," Alvi said.
Infosys needs a change of course, not bourse

By N Madhavan quiet, sudden announcement said Infosys has decided to transfer its American Depositary Shares (ADS) to the New York Stock Exchange from Nasdaq, with effect from December 12. The official reasoning is that the decision was motivated by a desire to utilize the partnership between NYSE and Euronext and increase access to European investors. Something in this seems uneasy. Nasdaq is a global market and in the interconnected world of electronic trading, nothing really stops European investors from buying the same stock on the Nasdaq. In 1999, Infosys captured the imagination of the world when it became the first Indian company to list on the Nasdaq. Now, Nasdaq is more than just any stock exchange. It is known to list Microsoft, Facebook, Google and even Starbucks. It has a pride of
Infosys has not been able to outshine its peers like Nasdaq-listed Cognizant, New York-listed Wipro and TCS place for technology-centric companies. More important, it is a trendy bourse in which disclosure norms are rigid while losses are not frowned upon. Loss-making companies have surged on the Nasdaq based on future potential. India still has Sify Technologies and Rediff among its Nasdaq-listed companies. But the exit of Infosys, in my opinion, is symbolic of its current shakiness. Could it be that
Infosys prefers the relatively easier corporate governance and performance disclosure norms that NYSE offers? Only the coming quarters and expert accountancy analysis can reveal the emerging patterns. It is clear that for the past several quarters, Infosys has not been able to outshine its peers like Nasdaqlisted Cognizant, New York-listed Wipro and Tata Consultancy Services. Also, Infosys, which pioneered Bangalore-based offshore outsourcing services, is being easily emulated and surpassed by global firms like IBM, CapGemini, Accenture and the like whose workforces in India now are a challenge to Infosys. Infosys CEO SD Shibulal has been talking about innovation and customer-centric services, but there is nothing dramatic in its story to differentiate it, while performance sags. What Infosys really needs is a change of course, not bourse.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
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OP-ED
Understanding political Islam in the Middle East

Interviewee: Reza Aslan, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations Interviewer: Toni Johnson, Deputy Editor, Foreign Affairs magazine he Arab Spring has led to significant political gains for Islamists in Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya. CFR's Reza Aslan, an expert in religion and foreign policy, says Islamist parties initially benefited from being the most organized and having a reputation for being incorruptible, but are now faced with the challenges of governing. "What these Islamists are starting to learn, across the region, is that you can't maintain your incorruptible image while also having political power," he says, noting that the more political power Islamists gain, the more splintered they become. Aslan says the United States should continue to engage in these post-revolutionary states "in order to ward off the possibility that greater conflict and instability will allow the religious groups to take full control."
"The United States and the Western world must be deeply engaged in postrevolutionary state building in order to ward off the possibility that greater conflict and instability will allow the religious groups to take full control."
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi (middle) praying. trying to balance the concerns of its constituents as well as the demands of those Egyptianssecularists, liberals and so onwho did not vote for them, but whom the Muslim Brotherhood represents now as the ruling majority in Egypt's government. Frankly, the draft constitution, despite its many faultsand there are many faults in this constitutional draftis a good representation of this delicate balancing act. It neither tips too far in the camp of the Salafis who are looking for the state to become the arbiter of conservative Islamic moral values, nor does it tip too far in the camp of the secularists and liberals in making sure that it still pays homage to Islam as a source of law and to Islamic ideals and values as a foundation for the state. As you've said, the Brotherhood and these other Islamist parties were the predominant winners in a lot of these elections across the region because they were well organized. How much do their wins represent the ideological bent of the people versus just having the ability to get out the vote and having name recognition? We need to reconcile ourselves to the fact that the vast majority of the population in Egypt is religiously conservative, within which an even larger majority has repeatedly stated that it wants Islam to play an influential role in their lives, in politics, in the government. So in many ways, the success of the Muslim Brotherhood in the political realm is reflective of the fact that they at least outwardly espouse the morals, the values, the concerns and the worldview of the majority of the Egyptian population. That's how democracies work. People tend to vote for candidates not based on their politics, or even on checkbook concerns. They tend to vote for those candidates who share their worldview and perspective. And the Muslim Brotherhood was able to take advantage of that. Overall, how has the rise of political Islam changed the regional dynamics? Who's gaining in influence and who's lost influence? That remains to be seen. For years, scholars like myself have been saying that political participation has the power to moderate radical ideology in this region. If Islamists can be convinced to put down their guns and to pick up ballots, the necessity of governance, as opposed to the simplicity of being the oppressed opposition, will force them either to moderate their ideals or it will cost them their veneer of piety and incorruptibility; they'll be seen as nothing more than just another political party, which is also a good thing. So, success means moderation, failure means irrelevance. Either of those things are a much better outcome for peace and prosperity in the region than the continued oppression of political Islam. How does this situation compare to the Iranian Revolution? The Iranian revolution of 1979 bears no semblance whatsoever to what's been going on in the Arab Spring. It was an utterly unique event. First and foremost, it should be noted that 1979 was by no means an Islamic revolution; that is actually post-revolutionary propaganda. I was in Tehran during the revolution. There were Marxists and Communists and secularists and Democrats, men, women, Jews, Muslims, Christians, liberal clerics and conservative clerics: a massive and diverse coalition of people united simply by their desire to see the Shah go. In the post-revolutionary chaos of Iran, particularly as a result of Iran's instant pariah status in the West and the almost immediate war that began with Saddam Hussein's Iraq, the forces in Iran that were most organized, that held the most currency with the masses, were the religious forces. Hence, that revolution gave way to the religious totalitarianism that we now see in Iran. If there really is a lesson to be learned from Iran, it's not that political Islam necessarily leads to theocracy. It's that the United States and the Western world must be deeply engaged in post-revolutionary statebuilding in order to ward off the possibility that greater conflict and instability will allow the religious groups to take full control. The US has engaged with the Brotherhood-led government of Egypt. What has to happen for it to engage with Hamas, which won a majority of seats in the Palestinian elections many years before these other governments? Well, it has to stop being afraid that the pro-Israel lobby will punish it for doing so. Moshe Dayan famously said that you don't negotiate with your friends, you negotiate with your enemies, and frankly, even Israel is in daily negotiations with Hamas when it comes to security matters, water resources, etc. So the idea that because Hamas is labeled a terror organization, the US is forbidden from talking to it even to the benefit of its own interests, even to the benefit of Israel's interests, is, in my view, an ultimately disastrous and self-defeating policy. Have things changed enough to open the way for this now that political Islam is a mainstream political movement in the region? The more that political Islam becomes successful in the region, la what's happened with the AKP in Turkey, the more the pressure will be applied on more radical groups like Hamas to moderate their own ideology. Not so as to be accepted on the international stage, but because it is to the benefit of their populations, as well as to themselves. So yes, if what's happening in post-revolutionary Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, leads to peace and prosperity, economic and political development, then the path for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah will be clear. It is just their responsibility to take it. Several experts have noticed that Islamism is not monolithic. That the term "Islamist" is overused and sometimes lumps in schools of thought that should be more carefully delineated. So, when to use the term "Islamist" or "Islamism," and when to qualify? Islamism means nothing more than religious nationalism of the Islamic variety. It's the same kind of religious nationalism that one sees
I asked Islamic Studies Professor Ebrahim Moosa a few months into the Arab Spring whether political Islam was waxing or waning in the Middle East, and his answer was, "We don't know." Today, can you give an overview of where political Islam stood in the region two years ago and where it is now? It was only natural that political Islam would rise to prominence in places like Egypt, Tunisia, and so on, because the Islamists were the most well organized and allegedly incorruptible opposition forces out there. So in the first election, after the downfall of these dictators, they were in the best position to take advantage of the political process. That's precisely what happened. But, I think what these Islamists are starting to learn, across the region, is that you can't maintain your incorruptible image while also having political power. That power tends to corrupt. Now in Egypt, we're seeing even former supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood demanding the downfall of Mohammed Morsi's presidency. The Muslim Brotherhood is the oldest of these working political organizations, and this Brotherhood-led government is currently embroiled in a tense political fight with secularists and liberals, as well as with Salafis over Islam's role in the Egyptian constitution. How do you see this playing out? I think the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is in a precarious situation,
among, for instance, Christians in the US. Scholars sometimes refer to them as Dominionist or Christianists. It's the same kind of religious nationalism that one sees in Israel among the religious Zionists, whose loyalty, as they themselves declare, is not to the state of Israel but to the biblical land of Israel. It's the same kind of religious nationalism that one sees in India amongst the BJP, who have created a new kind of Hindu orthodoxy, Hindutva as they call it, whose purpose is to fuse Hindu religiosity with the state. Religious nationalism, thus, is a universal phenomenon. Islamism is just the Islamic flavor of it. And as one would expect, it comes in multiple versions, depending on the actual beliefs, practices, and worldviews of the Islamists themselves. What I find interesting is that the more these Islamists gain political power, the more fractured they become. The Muslim Brotherhood, for example, despite the aura of unity that it tries to present, both to the outside world and to the Egyptian population, is more fractured today than it's ever been. It's fractured along generational lines, along ideological lines. There are those among the Muslim Brothers who feel as though the organization has stilted, that its agenda is not suitable to the needs of modern Egypt. And there are those, who happen to mostly be in leadership positions (for now), who want to maintain the old struggles of the past among secularists, among Israel and the West etc. So I think, in a way, the more we encourage the Islamist parties to join the political arena, the more they are forced to present their ideas and agendas to the public, to make them part of the open market place of ideas in society, the more their ideology is going to fracture and moderate. Are there any trends that concern you? What I will say is that in any stable and successful democracy, it is not any single political party that is going to define the state; it's the rule of law that will define it. So what's happening in Egypt as they are drafting this constitution, as they are trying to negotiate all these post-revolutionary interests, that are clashing both in parliament and on the streets of Cairothat process itself is going to go a lot further in defining the future of Egypt than whoever is president or whoever runs parliament. So our focus should be less on the Muslim Brotherhood and its ideals and more on the hard facts of the constitution and its negotiating of rights and values, privileges, and the rule of law. Courtesy: Council on Foreign Relations
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
A TRIBUTE TO RAVI SHANKAR
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Ravi Shankar, who took Indian classical music to the world in the 1950s and effortlessly bound two worlds with the stirring notes of his sitar, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of commitment to his art
The sitar gently weeps...

New Delhi: He was a classical musician in the purest sense and was also dubbed the 'godfather of world music' by Beatles friend George Harrison. India's most effective cultural ambassador, who died at the age of 92 in a hospital near his south California home following complications from a heart surgery, leaves behind his wife Sukanya and daughters Anoushka, the heir to his legacy, and singer Norah Jones. "God has blessed me with Lakshmi and Saraswati," he would often say of his daughters. The dancer-turned-instrumentalist was born Robindro Shaunkar Chowdhury on April 7, 1920 in Varanasi. He gave up dancing in his illustrious brother Uday Shankar's troupe 1938 to study music under Allaudin Khan - bequeathing his art to daughter Anoushka and legions of students who trained at the Ravi Shankar Foundation in US and in the national capital, where he had built a gurukul-like school. Shankar spent his early years touring Europe and India with
He was last seen on stage on November 4 in Long Beach when he played with daughter Anoushka.
Uday Shankar. But he took to instrumental music in 1934 and studied for 10 years under his mentor. Before embarking on a formal musical career, Shankar worked as a composer setting the score for Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy. Later, with George Fenton, he shared the Oscar for the music of the epic "Gandhi" that released in 1982. In the same year, he composed the "Swagatam" welcome song for the ninth Asian Games that still brings a lump to the throat whenever it is played. The mid-1950s were the key to Shankar's contribution to making Indian classical music a world genre. In 1956, Ravi Shankar crossed the seas with his music to Europe and US. Throughout the sixties and for the better part of the seventies, he taught abroad and collaborated with legends like Yehudi Menuhin and Beatles star George Harrison, who drew from Shankar's ragas for his repertoire, most famously in
"Norwegian Wood". Harrison produced and participated in two record albums, "Shankar Family & Friends" and "Festival of India" both composed by Shankar. Many have forgotten that Shankar, one of India's most recognized musicians abroad, also played in the epic concert Woodstock, performing after Joan Baez. The maestro was perhaps the first musician to write a concerti for sitar and orchestra - "Concerto for Sitar and Orchestra" which was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra under Andre Previn. In 1971, Shankar performed at the Concert for Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden. As music director of All India Radio (1949-56), Shankar composed the classical version of "Saare Jahan Accha" that was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. He was awarded India's highest civil honor Bharat Ratna in 1999 and won three Grammy Awards.
Performer till the very end, he was last seen on stage just a month ago on November 4 in Long Beach when he played with Anoushka. He was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha between 1986 and 1992. "How does one put the spiritual significance of music on paper? Music transcends all barriers and is one of the most beautiful communicative skills one can have. Music makes us all experience different emotions or the navarasa as well call it," the maestro would often say about his music. Shankar's personal life was also of much interest to his fans. His main companion for decades was dancer Kamala Shastri. He also had a relationship with New York concert producer Sue Jones, with whom he fathered singer Norah Jones. He had a son "Shubho" Shankar, from his first wife Annapurna Devi. Shubho, who was also a musician and often toured with him, died in 1992.
Ravi Shankar was named as one of the Grammy nominees for Best World Music Album
World pays tribute to sitar maestro

Washington: Paying tribute to sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, Time magazine recalled that in 1968, its reviewer had written "that the sheen of celebrity that the musician's association with The Beatles had created was starting to fade. In hindsight, that assessment is debatable". "More than forty years later, Ravi Shankar is still one of the most powerful and lasting influences in music today." The influential New York Times, in a front page story, said the Indian sitarist and composer's "collaborations with Western classical musicians as well as rock stars helped foster a worldwide appreciation of India's traditional music". "Shankar, a soft-spoken, eloquent man whose performance style embodied a virtuosity that transcended musical languages was trained in both Eastern and Western musical traditions," it said. "Although Western audiences were often mystified by the odd sounds and shapes of the instruments when he began touring in Europe and the United States in the early 1950s, Mr. Shankar and his ensemble gradually built a large following for Indian music," the Times said. The Washington Post said the Grammy Awardwinning Indian sitar virtuoso had become "the world's leading representative of South Asian music, exerted a major influence on popular music in the 1960s." "His music transcended trends and cultural barriers," CNN said.
Ravi Shankar gets Lifetime Achievement Grammy

Washington: Indian music legend Pandit Ravi Shankar has been named a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award recipient, a day after his death. The sitar maestro will be honored along with six other artists at an invitation-only ceremony in Los Angeles on Feb 9, just one day before the 55th annual Grammy Awards are to be telecast live from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles. Ravi Shankar last week was named as one of the Grammy nominees for Best World Music Album. It is a category in which his daughter, sitar virtuoso Anoushka, 31, is also nominated, marking what appears to be the first time that a father and daughter's albums will be competing for the same honor at the Grammys. In addition to Shankar, two other artists will receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously. They are: classical piano giant Glenn Gould, who died in 1982; and blues pioneer Lightnin' Hopkins, who died the same year and at least indirectly helped lay the foundation for rock 'n' roll. The other Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are singer Patti Page, 85, iconic singer-songwriter Carole King, 70; jazz bandleader and bass great Charlie Haden, 75, and the seminal soul vocal group The Temptations, whose sole surviving original member, Otis Williams, is 71.
His music transcended trends and cultural barriers, says CNN
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Ravi Shankar: India's connection to the West

As we capture Pandit Ravi Shankar's journey in frames, we can't forget the fact that the sitar maestro's accomplishments at the international level are certainly more than those of any other musician from India. After Beatles, Ravi Shankar, accompanied by Ustad Allah Rakha on the tabla, had the western audiences going berserk and later, he also teamed up with well known conductor Zubin Mehta for some incredible performances.
Ravi Shankar and Ray Charles at the Polar Music Prize ceremony in 1998
Under renowned musician Allauddin Khan (centre), Ravi Shankar was trained to play the sitar and picked up ragas, and the musical styles of dhrupad, dhamar and the khyal.
Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan and Shubha Mudgal with Ravi Shankar
Alla Rakha on tabla and Kamala Chakravarty on tambour with Ravi Shankar in a performance in 1969.
Ravi Shankar performing with daughter Anoushka Ravi Shankar married his guru Allauddin Khans daughter Annapurna Devi in 1941
Ravi Shankar married Sukanya Rajan in 1989, who gave birth to Anoushka
Ravi Shankar's affair with Sue Jones, a concert producer in New York, led to the birth of Norah Jones, who is an established singer, songwriter and actress (right in picture).
A young Ravi Shankar in London
Ravi Shankar applying tilak on the forehead of his eldest brother, Uday Shankar, in Kolkata in 1970
Ravi Shankar garlanding Uday Shankar on Uday's birthday
George Harrison of the Beatles sits cross-legged with his musical mentor Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar met the Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana in London in 1990
Ravi Shankar and Zubin Mehta - Raga-Mala (Sitar Concerto No.2)
A man pays tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar in Kolkata
DIASPORA
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Family suspects 'foul play' in We're heartbroken: Australian RJs who spoke to Indian nurse Indian nurse's death in London
Bangalore: British authorito the media and are more ties will conduct a postworried on how Benedict mortem and an inquest into and his two kids are copthe mysterious death of ing with the tragedy in Indian nurse Jacintha Bristol, where they reside. Saldahna in London but her "Am told Benedict was family in Karnataka susallowed to see Jacintha's pects "foul play" and wants body Monday at the King an independent inquiry into Edward VII Hospital in the tragic episode. central London," said "Jacintha's grieving famiD'Souza, general secretary ly is anxiously waiting for of the opposition Congress the postmortem report and in the state and a neighbor the outcome of the inquest of Jacintha's family in by the Scotland Yard Mangalore. because they suspect foul Barboza's family, howJacintha Saldahna play in her tragic death as ever, lives at Shirva, about she was a strong woman and would not 60 km from Mangalore and 400 km from have resorted to such an act (suicide)," Bangalore. said her family's close friend Ivan The family members are also mulling D'Souza from Mangalore, about 350 km over seeking a second postmortem in from Bangalore. India if they and Benedict are not satisfied In the absence of details or more infor- with the inquest outcome in London. mation on the incident from Jacintha's Saldhana was found unconscious Dec 7 husband Benedict Barboza from London, in the quarters of the hospital in central members of both the families have been London where she was working as a senavoiding media as they are in a state of ior nurse and was pronounced dead when mourning. wheeled into the hospital in an ambu"They are too shocked to say anything lance.
Australian RJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian
Sydney: Two Australian radio hosts have said they are shattered and heartbroken following the death of an Indian nurse in Britain who fell prey to their hoax call about the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy. 2Day FM radio hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian have spoken of being "shattered, gutted, heartbroken" by Jacintha Saldanha's death after their prank phone call last week, reported Sydney Morning Herald. The two radio jockeys from Sydney had called up the hospital Dec 4. Jacintha picked
up the call in the absence of the receptionist at that time (5.30 a.m.) and transferred it to another duty nurse who briefed them on the health condition of the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), who was admitted to the hospital Dec 3 after she complained of acute morning sickness. In a prerecorded interview with "A Current Affair", host Tracey Grimshaw asks them who came up with the idea for the prank call. "It was just the team sitting down before the show - just had the idea for just a simple
harmless phone call," Christian said. "That when we thought about making a call it was going to go for 30 seconds we were going to be hung up on, and that was it." Greig added: "We thought a hundred people before us would've tried it, we thought it was such a silly idea and the accents were terrible and not for a second did we expect to speak to Kate let alone have a conversation with anyone at the hospital. We wanted to be hung up on." On how they reacted when told of Saldanha's death, both DJs broke down in tears. Greig described it as "gut wrenching." Christian concurred. "Shattered, gutted, heartbroken and obviously you know... our deepest sympathies are with the family and the friends," he said. The news about the hoax call and the subsequent death caused outrage the world over.
British-Indians 'largest ethnic minority group' in UK: Report

London: Indian-origin Britons are the largest ethnic minority group in the UK, according to a report. Data from the 2011 census show that the mixedrace population is among the fastest growing in Britain. The data, which will be released soon, will suggest there are now more than one million people born to parents in interracial relationships. But academics believe the true figure could be more than double this, because many of mixedrace are believed to define themselves as a single race on official forms, the Daily Mail reports. The latest census results are expected to rank British Indians as the largest ethnic minority group, the paper said. Islam will also be identified as the fastest-growing faith, with more than two million Muslims, it added. According to the 2001 census, 677,177 classified themselves as mixed race, equating to 1.2 per cent of the UK population. The 2011 census is expected to show that one million Britons are mixed race, which equates to 1.6 per cent of the population, the report said.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Kochi on Jan 7-9, 2013

New Delhi: The 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will be held from January 7-9, 2013 in Cochin, Kerala, India. Addressing a press conference here, Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), said that the Prime Minister will inaugurate this annual flagship event of MOIA on January 8. The President of India will deliver the valedictory address on January 9 and also confer the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. The preconference seminars will also be organized on January 7 followed by plenary and panels sessions beginning on January 8. The Minister said that the PBD has become a significant forum to connect the overseas Indians from all over the world and the PBD2013 will be focusing on more connectivity with overseas Indians. He further said that Kerala will be the Partner State of the 11th PBD, which would provide the Diaspora an opportunity to understand the vibrant culture and potential of the State. The Minister said that more than 2000 delegates are expected to participate in PBD-2013 from all over the world. For any further queries contact: Yogeshwar Sangwan, Director (Diaspora Services), Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs at dirds@moia.nic.in
Anni Dewani's killer jailed for life

London: A terminally-ill drug dealer convicted of killing Indian-origin honeymoon bride Anni Dewani was Wednesday sentenced to life in prison by a South African court. Anni's father called the third man to be convicted of killing her as "a weak and spineless coward", the Daily Mail reported. Xolile Mngeni, 25, was convicted of firing the bullet at the 28-year-old Swedish woman as she and her husband Shrien Dewani holidayed in South Africa two years ago. Mngeni's trial had been repeatedly delayed while he had surgery to remove a brain tumor, but a judge ruled he was fit to face justice, according to the Mail. He was found guilty of premeditated murder last month after a judge at the Western Cape High Court heard an "avalanche of evidence" against him. Shrien Dewani, who lives in Britain, now remains the only suspect yet to face trial in South Africa in connection with the murder of his wife.
20
SUBCONTINENT
South Asia faces several shocks: US report

Washington: South Asia faces a series of internal and external shocks during the next 15-20 years with India alone in a better position to face them thanks to its higher growth, according to a new US intelligence assessment. "The neighborhood has always had a profound influence on internal developments, increasing the sense of insecurity and bolstering military outlays," says the report "Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds," by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the apex body of 16 US intelligence agencies. "Conflict could erupt and spread under numerous scenarios," says the fifth installment in the US National Intelligence Council's series aimed at providing a framework for thinking about the future. "Conflicting strategic goals, widespread distrust, and the hedging strategies by all the parties will make it difficult for them to develop a strong regional security framework," it said. in India," it said. An increasingly multipolar Asia lacking a well-anchored regional security framework able to arbitrate and mitigate rising tensions would constitute one of the largest global threats, the report said. "Fear of Chinese power, the likelihood of growing Chinese nationalism, and possible questions about the US remaining involved in the region will increase insecurities," it suggested. "An unstable Asia would cause large-scale damage to the global economy. Changing dynamics in other regions would also jeopardize global security," it said. The Middle East, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan, which start from a relatively low base of economic and political gender parity, will continue to lag other regions, it said. Several regions - the Middle East and South Asia appear particularly susceptible to outbreaks of large-scale violence despite the costs to themselves and others, the report said.
Delhi aware of anti-India sentiments in Nepal

New Delhi: The government is aware of "anti-India sentiments in some sections of the Nepalese polity and society", the Lok Sabha was informed. Minister of State for Home M. Ramachandran said Nepal's government had promised "that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India". The minister was asked by member Maheshwar Hazari whether anti-India activities were on the rise in Nepal and if these were sponsored by China. Ramachandran made no reference to China in his reply and said that India attached the highest importance to relations with Nepal. He added that there was close cooperation between the two governments on matters of mutual concern and New Delhi was assisting Kathmandu on various development fronts.
Afghanistan's and Pakistan's youth bulges are large and combined with a slow-growing economy, they portend increased instability,' says report.
"Low growth, rising food prices, and energy shortages will pose stiff challenges to governance in Pakistan and Afghanistan," the report said. "Afghanistan's and Pakistan's youth bulges are large - similar in size to those found in many African countries. When these youth bulges are combined with a
slow-growing economy, they portend increased instability," it noted. However, "India is in a better position, benefiting from higher growth, but it will still be challenged to find jobs for its large youth population. Inequality, lack of infrastructure, and education deficiencies are key weaknesses
Khurshid to visit Myanmar in first bilateral trip
Pak, UNESCO sign MoU for Malala fund

Paris: Pakistan and UNESCO have signed an agreement to establish Malala fund to support the education of girls in Pakistan and other countries. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Pakistan's Education Minister Sheikh Waqas Akram and UNESCO's Director General Irina Bokova at the UN headquarters in Paris. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, who was also present on this occasion, visited Malala Yousafzai a few days ago in a hospital in Britain's Birmingham city where she is recuperating from the gunshot wound.On Oct 9, the 15-yearold education activist from Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was shot in the head and neck by Taliban militants while returning home by a school bus.
Pak, corruption impede progress in Afghanistan: US

Washington: Safe havens in Pakistan, corruption and limited Afghan government capabilities are the greatest obstacles to stability in Afghanistan, according to a Pentagon report delivered to Congress. The coalition surge accomplished its mission, says the "Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan" noting the number of attacks is down and, while the Taliban and its Al Qaeda allies can launch a few flashy attacks, the terror group's capabilities have waned. Pakistan remains a problem, but there is some progress on that front, according to the report as "The insurgency and Al Qaeda continue to face US counterterrorism pressure within the safe havens." "US relations with Pakistan have begun to improve following the re-opening of Pakistani ground lines of communication, and there has been nascent improvement with respect to cross-border cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan." The report to Congress highlights the improvement in security of populated areas and says the Taliban's ability to attack Afghans is diminished particularly in Kandahar, the group's operational and ideological base. But overall, the report paints a picture of mixed progress toward security and stability, with the area along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border remaining a hot zone, it said. "Pakistani-based sanctuary for insurgents, such as the Haqqani Taliban Network in North Waziristan, as well as the financial and operational support that insurgents receive from various sources, keeps the security situation along the border with Pakistan in Regional Command - East volatile," the report said. Meanwhile, a senior defense official told reporters that "India has been very supportive of Afghanistan in a wide range of areas. And we think that's been very positive." The US and the Afghans have developed jointly a fairly aggressive plan about international assistance in the security area, he said. The US, he said has "had discussions with the Indians about this issue and about the Afghans, and I don't see any particular problems with the overall approach here at all."
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will also inaugurate the International Buddhist Conference in Yangon New Delhi: In his first bilateral trip Akbaruddin. abroad, External Affairs Minister Khurshid will hold talks with his Salman Khurshid is to visit Myanmar Myanmarese counterpart U Wunna from Dec 14-16 during which he will Maung Lwin in capital Nay Pyi Taw. call on President Thein Sein and also With Thein Sein likely to attend the inaugurate the International Buddhist Dec 20 ASEAN-India Conference in Yangon. Commemorative Summit in New Khurshid is likely to meet Delhi, Khurshid's visit "is a precursor Myanmar's pro-democracy icon Aung to those discussions", he said. San Suu Kyi during the visit, external The minister will travel to Yangon affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin where he is to inaugurate the said at an official briefing here International Buddhist Conference on Tuesday. Suu Kyi had visited India Dec 16 where the Sarnath Buddha last month, during which she met statue sent by India is to be formally Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and inaugurated at the Shwedagon other leaders. Pagoda. Prime Minister Manmohan The external affairs minister's visit Singh during his visit to Myanmar to Myanmar "re-emphasizes the earlier this year had indicated that importance we place on relations with India would present a Sarnath Buddha our neighbors, also that it is located as statue. Khurshid will also visit the part of our Look East Policy indicates Anandi Temple which is being the importance that we are providing restored with the assistance of the to our Look East Policy", said Archaeological Survey of India.
Malala Yousafzai
INTERNATIONAL
21
US recognizes Syria opposition coalition: Obama Britain plans to allow same-sex

Washington: US President Barack Obama has said his country has formally recognized Syria's opposition rebel coalition as the "legitimate representative" of the Syrians, BBC reported. Obama said the emerging coalition had earned the right to represent the Syrian people, but issued a note of caution as well saying: "Obviously, with that recognition comes responsibilities." "To make sure that they organize themselves effectively, that they are representative of all the parties, [and] that they commit themselves to a political transition that respects women's rights and minority rights," the US president said. Describing the US' move, already made by Britain and the EU, as "a big step", Obama told ABC News, the coalition was now "inclusive enough, is reflective and representative enough". Earlier, the US Treasury
marriages in churches
London: Britain outlined plans to allow gay marriage that have split PM David Cameron's Conservatives and raised fears among religious groups they will be forced to hold same-sex weddings. Gay couples may already have "civil partnerships", conferring the same legal rights as marriage, but campaigners say the distinction gives the impression that society considers gay relationships inferior. Cameron has stressed he is a strong backer of gay marriage but does not plan to force his party's members of parliament to vote in favor of legislation, which will apply to England and Wales and be introduced by the end of the current parliament in 2015. Scotland has separate plans for same-sex marriage. "In each century parliament has acted to ensure marriage reflects our society, to keep it relevant and extending marriage to same-sex couples will strengthen it," culture secretary Maria Miller told parliament. However, she also said that it would remain illegal for churches belonging to the Church of England to marry gay couples an exclusion the church itself requested. Other religious groups, such as Quakers and liberal Jewish groups, could choose to marry gays, but no minister would be compelled to marry a same-sex couple.
The UN estimates that 40,000 have died in Syria since the violence began in 2011
imposed sanctions on the jihadist Al Nusra Front in Syria, after the State Department blacklisted the group as a foreign terror outfit linked to Al Qaeda in Iraq, CNN reported. The Treasury also slapped sanc-
tions on two armed militia groups that operate under the control of the Syrian government -- Jaysh alSha'bi and Shabiha The UN has estimated that nearly 40,000 have died since the violence began in March 2011.
Putin warns against foreign meddling

Moscow: Russia President Vladimir Putin has denounced opponents who receive financial assistance from abroad and vowed that the country would not allow democracy to be imposed from the outside. Putin said in his first annual state-of-the-nation address since he returned to the Kremlin for a Vladimir Putin in his first annual state-of-the-nation address third term that it should be illegal for anyone who receives money said in his speech in the Kremlin. from abroad to be a politician in "People who receive money Russia. from abroad for their political In a speech also aimed at activities - most likely serving reasserting Russia's post-Soviet foreign national interests -- cannot power and prosperity, he also be politicians in the Russian encouraged Russian families to Federation." have a third child to reverse its Putin also said parliament long term demographic decline. should introduce legislation to "Direct or indirect outside inter- "limit the rights" of officials and ference in our internal political politicians to have foreign bank processes is unacceptable," Putin accounts and shares.
Self-immolations won't help: Chinese daily

Beijing: The Dalai Lama and his supporters are doomed to fail in their attempt to attain Tibetan independence by stoking self-immolations, Chinese newspaper People's Daily said. Instigating self-immolations in China's ethnic Tibetan areas was "among the latest tactics that the Dalai clique has taken in recent years to achieve their political purposes", the article said. Since fleeing China in 1959, the Dalai Lama and his followers "have masterminded a series of seriously violent incidents, including the March 14 riots in Lhasa in 2008", it said. "All of them are aimed at 'Tibet independence'," the article noted. "Soon after self-immolations occur, the Dalai clique repeatedly demands 'peace talks' to be held between China's central authorities and the self-declared 'Tibetan government-in-exile' for 'solving Tibet-related issues', China's state-run news agency Xinhua said. Leaders of the "Tibetan government-in-exile" in Dharamsala in India's Himachal Pradesh have also publicly voiced "hopes" that self-immolations in China's ethnic Tibetan areas will lead to turmoil similar to the
China has detained hundreds in Tibet over self-immolation protests
2011 riots in the Arab world, it said. The article in People's Daily followed "some Western media" in pointing out that self-immolations of Tibetans have already became a means for the Dalai Lama and the "Tibetan government-in-exile" to pressure China for political interests. "But China's unity, strength and rising international status will never be shaken by these inhumane acts", it said.
Dec 21: End of Mayan calendar, or end of world?

Cancun, Mexico: Gonzalo Alvarez, who had just arrived in Cancun for two weeks of revelry linked to a major milestone in the Mayan calendar, seemed reasonably cheerful for a man about to swallowed up by the Apocalypse. "We came to party and to get ready for the beginning of a new era," said the 39-year old architect, as he gathered his luggage from a baggage carousel at Cancun's airport. Alvarez had traveled to Mexico from Florida to witness firsthand the beginning of a new Mayan era on December 21, 2012, which will be marked with celebrations throughout southern Mexico and Central America. Mexico is one of five countries preparing to observe the date, which marks the end of a more than 5,000-year era, according to the Mayan "Long Count" calendar, which began in 3114 BC. For many people in this region, December 21 will be a date for celebration. The start of the new Mayan calendar also is big business in this region, with tourism offices in no fewer than five countries aggressively promoting the date. Millions of tourists are expected to flood into the region for celebrations that will include fireworks, concerts and other spectacles held at more than three dozen archaeological sites. In addition to Mexico, celebrations will be held in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador or Honduras, and at least two heads of state -- President Otto Perez of Guatemala and President Porfirio Lobo of Honduras -- have confirmed that they will take part in festivities in their respective countries. But while some prepare for the end of the Mayan calendar, others fear with trepidation the date will usher in the end of the world. Some New Age spiritualists are convinced of a December 21 "doomsday" foretold by Mayan hieroglyphs -- at least according to some interpretations. The prophesy they refer to is found in an ancient Mayan monument in Tortuguero, Mexico, and is believed to have been left by a Mayan ruler. The Mayan leader, fresh from
Some New Age spiritualists are convinced of a December 21 'doomsday' foretold by Mayan hieroglyphs
defeat on the battlefield, declared that the military setback was but one event in a larger cycle of time that would end in 2012. Many scholars say the proph-
esy was misinterpreted, however, and was not meant to suggest the end of all time, but simply the end of the old Mayan calendar and the beginning of a new one.
22
BUSINESS
Microsoft centers to impact 500,000 Indian students

New Delhi: Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd. has launched the first of a planned 100 Microsoft Innovation Centers (MICs) that will impact the technology expertise of some 500,000 students. The Indian centers, which will be at full strength in two years, "will impact over 500,000 students, certifying 100,000 students on Microsoft technologies", a Microsoft statement said. "The program will also drive innovation and help build a product-based software economy by supporting product development, and over 500 start-ups. "The MICs will act as innovation hubs at select colleges and technology institutes, providing incubation and expert hands-on support on Microsoft technology innovation, research, and software solutions, aiming to create a pool of student technology experts across India," the statement said. Each MIC will function as a hub
FDI in retail will create opportunities: US

Washington: The US government and corporate America alike have welcomed the Indian parliament's approval of foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, saying it would spur investment in infrastructure and benefit the consumer. "We believe direct foreign investment in retail will grow markets in India as it has in China, Brazil, and many other developing economies," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters Friday. "As Indian officials have pointed out, foreign direct investment can create opportunities for small businesses, for farmers, spur investment in infrastructure, and bring benefits to consumers," he said. Asked how it would increase US-India trade, Toner said while he did not have the numbers "a number of US firms are obviously keen to invest in the retail sector of India, and obviously I think will only deepen our economic cooperation." The US-India Business Council (USIBC), made up some 400 top US companies seeking better commercial ties with India, has also applauded the measure. "The new law will usher in much needed investments and expertise into supply chain development that can more efficiently link farmers directly to mar-
The Indian centers which will be at full strength in two years
for five other neighboring colleges and will operate in a hub-spoke model driving employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the academic ecosystem around it. Fourteen MICs have initially been launched by signing MoUs with leading academic institutions across four states. They will be located in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Khammam, Bapatla, Guntur, Tirupati, Raipur, Bhopal, Trichy, Vellore, Coimbatore, Madurai and Salem. This is part of a worldwide program that currently has 75 MICs.
The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has also applauded the measure
kets, thus minimizing loss due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities," it said. "We thank the UPA government and supporting parties for working together to pass this important bill. It will modernize India's retail sector and rein in high levels of inflation" said Ron Somers, USIBC President. "FDI in multi-brand retail will support the government's goal of achieving remunerative prices for farmers, and will also increase quality and choice for India's increasingly sophisticated consumer base."
Federal Reserve set to expand its Kingfisher, Etihad renew deal talks monetary stimulus
Washington: The US Federal Reserve was expected to announce a fresh round of bond buying as part of its efforts to support a fragile economic recovery threatened by political wrangling over the government's budget. The central bank looks certain both to extend its purchases of mortgage-backed debt and replace another expiring stimulus program with a new bout of money creation. Policymakers are also likely to repeat a pledge to keep buying bonds until the labor market outlook improves substantially. A drop in the jobless rate to 7.7 percent in November from 7.9 percent in October was driven by workers exiting the labor force, a fact certain to disappoint the Fed. "The economic environment seems ripe for those at the Fed who support continued accommodation," said Victor Li, professor at the Villanova School of Business and a former St. Louis Fed economist. As its last program of Treasury purchases, known as Operation Twist, draws to a close, officials look set to replace it with a fresh $45 billion per month in buying. Unlike those in Twist, which were funded by sales and redemptions of short-term debt, the new Treasury purchases will further expand the Fed's $2.8 trillion balance sheet. Economists also expect the central Mumbai: Ailing Kingfisher Airlines returned to active discussions for selling a 49% stake to Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad even as investors lapped up shares of the debt-laden company, co-owned by UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya, and a clutch of domestic banks. The grounded Kingfisher has been in protracted discussions with Etihad for more than a year, but talks revived in recent weeks, said people briefed on the matter. Kingfisher CEO Sanjay Agarwal and Mallya were leading talks with Etihad, which has reached a crucial stage, they added. "This deal has been in the making for a while and Etihad has stood by us, despite being wooed by others. This is a deal which gives them operational control and a large stake at an attractive valuation," said a source who didn't want to be named as talks were private. He declined to confirm media reports that a preliminary deal could be in place as early as next week. Kingfisher Airlines, responding to queries from the stock exchanges, said it was in talks with three potential investors, including Etihad. These are in negotiation stages and no agreement has been reached, the company added. Kingfisher shares were locked at the upper circuit, after rising 5% to touch Rs 15.67 in early morning trade on BSE.
Despite the unconventional and aggressive efforts, US economic growth remains tepid
bank to continue buying $40 billion per month in mortgage-backed securities as announced in September, keeping the monthly pace of total asset purchases at $85 billion -- a figure the Fed highlighted in its last policy statement. "We want to see continued improvement in labor markets in the near term, and monetary policy should encourage faster economic growth to achieve that objective," Eric Rosengren, the dovish president of the Boston Federal Reserve Bank, said last week. The Fed cut overnight interest rates to near zero in December 2008 and has bought about $2.4 trillion in securities in a further effort to push borrowing costs lower and spur a stronger recovery.
Despite the unconventional and aggressive efforts, US economic growth remains tepid. GDP grew at a 2.7 percent annual rate in the third quarter, but it now appears to be slowing sharply. Businesses have hunkered down, fearful of a tightening of fiscal policy as politicians in Washington wrangle over ways to avoid a $600 billion mix of spending reductions and expiring tax cuts set to take hold at the start of 2013. Bernanke has warned that running over this "fiscal cliff" would lead the economy into a new recession. In addition to their bond-buying plans, Fed officials appear likely to reiterate their expectation that overnight rates will stay near rockbottom lows until at least mid-2015.
The grounded Kingfisher has been in talks with a few aviation players
SPORTS
23
Amarnath, BCCI in tug-of-war over Dhoni

New Delhi: Mohinder Amarnath, who called the selectors a "bunch of jokers" when he was dropped from the India team, alleged that cricket board chief N. Srinivasan prevented the five wise men from sacking skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the disastrous Test series in Australia. Amarnath's comments come at a time when India are struggling to save the home Test series against England and have lost 10 of their last 13 matches. The 62-year-old said the selection committee, including himself, took a unanimous decision to sack Dhoni post the 0-4 loss in Test series Down Under and field a new captain for the following oneday series. But BCCI chief Srinivasan overruled it. "It was a unanimous decision of all five selectors. The board president did not approve the decision to replace Mahendra Singh Dhoni," Amarnath told CNN-IBN. "When you respect a person, you don't ask questions...but my question here is: you have a selection committee which thinks what is best for Indian cricket, then why it is not given a free hand?" "We were trying to look ahead, we wanted a young captain to come in, specially in triangular one-day series so that we can go ahead and do something better in near future...If we don't look ahead, we won't have a good team in the future." "We selected 17 players for the triangular series but we did not select the captain. The captain was selected by somebody else," said the former India cricketer. Asked why the panel did not go against the board at that time, Amarnath said: "Yes, we did think about that, but the decision was not to resign at that time. We did not want to create a big stir there as the team was playing abroad and the series was going on." The former India all-rounder's revelation did not go down well with the board while his contemporary Sunil Gavaskar called the move "incredibly courageous". "I will not go into what he (Amarnath) has said. I don't think this has ever happened. I don't think it is appropriate to give statements like this," BCCI senior official Rajeev Shukla told reporters here. "Whatever one has to say, one can say while participating in the selection meeting. Making comments about selection issues is not appropriate as it creates some kind of perception in the minds of players and fans." "Selectors are independent. They are not under any pressure," Shukla added.
Indian Sports in Mess
Mohinder Amarnath and MS Dhoni
Gavaskar, on the other hand, told NDTV that if someone has the courage of conviction, he has to be admired. "He (Amarnath) is prepared to face the consequences. It is a testimony of his self-belief. It needs to be admired.
What Jimmy has spoken is incredibly courageous and, maybe, lessons need to be learnt from that," Gavaskar said. Gavaskar said getting the team's approval from the BCCI president was an age-old protocol.
Tendulkar should assess India trains its guns on athletics federation his career: Akram
New Delhi: After acting against archery and boxing federations, the union sports ministry Monday turned its guns on the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and asked it to explain its "election process" held in April. Pradip Deb, secretary, department of sports, said that the government has sought some clarifications from the AFI on the conduct of its election. "We don't want to get into the business of suspending sports bodies without a rhyme or reason. We have issued a showcause notice to it. We have asked it to explain some of the issues in their election process," said Deb. Sports Minister Jitendra Singh said the government is reviewing the functioning of all sports federations. "As of now, we have not taken any move to derecognize it. We will keep reviewing the working of all sports bodies," he said. AFI president Adille Sumariwala said that he had met the sports secretary and had explained to him the issues his department has raised. "I have met the sports secretary and have explained all the points raised by the ministry.I want to make it amply clear that the AFI is completely in sync with the ministry. We have adopted the sports code in respect to the tenure of office and age limit of the office bearers," he said. AFI secretary-general C.K.Valson said the federation
didn't violate any norms during the election. "We haven't violated any rules while conducting the election. We have replied to the showcause notice," said Valson. The notice to AFI comes close on the heels of the sports ministry recognizing the Archery Association of India (AAI) and the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF). The world boxing body AIBA had also suspended the IABF on grounds of manipulating the election. It all started with the the International Olympic Committee (IOC) deciding to suspend the Indian Olympic Association for not following the IOC Charter in conducting its election.
The pressure of retirement is mounting on Sachin Tendulkar
New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels it is difficult for Indian selectors to give any sort of retirement advice to Sachin Tendulkar and, at the end, the batting maestro himself will have to do some assessment like Ricky Ponting did. As the pressure of retirement mounts on Tendulkar, Akram feels that Indian cricket is in a "delicate situation". "The question is who will bell the cat? Who will pop the question? Today, former cricketers are openly asking for Dhoni's head. Can you do the same with Tendulkar? A lot of people, like Sourav Ganguly, feel he should retire, but Sachin himself might still want to continue for another six months or so. It's difficult to give any advice to a legend like Sachin," Akram
was quoted as saying by ESPNStar.com "It finally boils down to your own assessment as Ponting did," he said. The legendary fast bowler feels that Tendulkar has achieved everything in his cricketing career and now he himself must decide when to leave. "When Sachin first stepped into international cricket, nobody would have thought that this lad would go on to score 100 tons and smash all batting records. If I was in his shoes I would have stepped down by now because there is nothing else left to achieve," he said. Akram said the pressure on Tendulkar was mounting and India's twin defeats in the Test series against England were only making things difficult for him.
Court raps national badminton coach Gopichand

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court rapped national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand for running a private academy in Hyderabad. According to the court, it is "ethically" wrong for Gopichand to run a training academy. This was in response to a petition filed by Mumbai shuttler Prajakta Sawant in November alleging mental harassment after not being allowed to participate in the national camp. "Ethically, the coach who also heads the selection panel should not run a private academy. He may be a good coach. We are not saying otherwise. But in the interest of justice and fairness, a national coach, also part of the
National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand
selection panel, should not run a private camp," observed the court. A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice A.V. Mohta was hearing a petition
filed by Sawant, who had alleged mental harassment by Gopichand after she was refused entry to the All India National Coaching Camp in Hyderabad.
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SELF HELP
Resolve to Meet Your Financial Goals in the New Year
How to Reinvent Yourself at Any Age
chieving your financial goals can sound like a daunting New Years resolution if you aren't organized when it comes to your money. But by planning ahead, you can more easily improve your financial situation. If you're new to money management -don't stress -- new tools are making it simple to stay on top of your finances, allowing you to pay down debt and save for the future. Here are some foolproof ways to achieve your financial goals this year: Short and Long-Term Goals Whether you dream of owning the latest iPhone, a home, or youre planning for retirement, identifying your goals is the first step to making them happen. Without goals, it's easy to spend too much money on the here and now without thinking about the future. Figure out what portion of each paycheck you're willing to divert to a goal-designated savings account. This will give you a realistic idea of how long your goals will take to achieve. Talk to your employers Human Resources department about how to set up a 401(k) or 403(b). Not only are your contributions to your account tax-free, but many employers will even match your contribution, which is an offer that should be impossible to refuse. Tracking Finances Tracking your finances can help you make smart financial decisions that won't put you in debt. But before you clear off your desk and buy file folders, consider this: electronic money management can save you the mountain of paperwork. Free online resources can help you manage all your financial accounts in one place. For example, personal finance website Mint.com, allows you to categorize your spending, create budgets and savings goals, and set up bill reminders and alerts. Available for Android and iPhone phones and tablets, you can
manage your spending on the go and in real time. Or try Quicken 2013 from Intuit, which gives you access to checking, savings and credit card account information, automatically syncing your information across your mobile devices so you can keep your accounts up-to-date by entering transactions as they are made. The bill reminders tool, budgeting features and debt reduction tool make it easier to eliminate debt in the New Year and plan for the future. You can learn more by visiting www.quicken.intuit.com. New Avenues Not all your goals will be achievable with assets you have today. Luckily, there are new, lower-cost ways to pay off debt. For example, borrowers using Lending Club can qualify instantly with a simple online application. Unlike a traditional bank loan, Lending Club enables dozens or even hundreds of people to seamlessly invest in the loan, resulting in lower costs for borrowers and consistent returns for investors. For more financial advice to carry you through a new year, visit www.mint.com/blog. Without help, New Year's resolutions can be tough, if not impossible to achieve. Innovative tools can give you a leg up toward your goals.
ith the technological and cultural landscape in flux, many professional fields are undergoing rapid changes. Continually challenging yourself can help you achieve success, keeping you relevant as your chosen profession moves with the times. Long gone are the days when most Americans start a job and toil at the same workplace -- or even in the same profession -until they receive that gold watch on retirement day. More Americans are now striving to live a life like that of Warren Adler, a self-made novelist and founder of a new business at the not-so-old age of 84. For Adler and others like him, life is about embracing whats new and jumping into new challenges. Back in the days following World War II, he was a reporter for the Armed Forces Press Service, covering the Truman White House. He then launched the Washington Dossier magazine with his wife and son, started a public relations firm and then, mid-career, became a suc-
cessful novelist at the age of 45. Fast-forward almost 40 years to 2012, and he has 33 books under his belt and is the successful founder of a publishing company that is a leader in embracing the electronic book revolution. In 2011, his company, Stonehouse Productions, released five e-books simultaneously in an exclusive with Amazon. No matter the profession, industry leaders are the ones who can foresee future game changers and are willing to reinvent themselves at different points in their careers. Its all about being able to see around corners. And those who remain rooted in tradition may struggle. New technologies have left little room for old business models -and workers who dont
embrace new ways -- to succeed. If the publishing world did not see the move to cyberspace coming they were fools and are now paying the price, says Adler, who authored the classic The War of the Roses, amongst other books that have gone on to become major Hollywood movies and television programs. I predicted when I first introduced the Sony Reader in 2007 that the number of stores selling printed books would shrink in years to come. Adler s personal tale illustrates it is possible to make regular creative contributions to ones field while helping to shape its direction. Such juggling, he says, is necessary in businesses growing ever more competitive because of the Internet.
New Years Resolution: Give Yourself a New Hair Look

f youve sported the same hairstyle since telephones came with cords, this might be the year to make a change. Keep in mind, hair makeovers dont have to be drastic to look great. Theres no need to shed massive amounts of length. Instead, the refresh can be subtle and chic. Here are four ways to start your new year with the perfect hairstyle: Go Big: After years of head-hugging, sleek strands, bigger now is better. Think full, lush, Victorias Secret hair, says Matrix Artistic Director, Nick Stenson. A layered cut can provide the perfect foundation for body, as shorter pieces push the lengths up and out. Another quick way to build extra boost? Blow dry your hair with a large, round brush, then set it on jumbo Velcro rollers and let it cool. Why not do what many celebrities do before hitting the red carpet? Most of the women in Hollywood have extensions that add body and length, says Stenson. There are lots of fun temporary extensions you can clip-in for a
special night out, or even wear every day. Go Bang: Whether its a dramatic side-sweep; a 60s-inspired, brow-grazing shape or an airy, pixie fringe, bangs can update a hairstyle in no time. Theres a flattering fringe for every face shape and personal style, says Matrix Artistic Director, Ammon Carver. For example, long, wispy, angled bangs are a classic and can soften a round or square face. A blunt, long, solid fringe gives off a bohemian vibe and also covers a long forehead and balances a pointed chin. Work with your hairstylist to assess your face and create a custom fringe that suits you perfectly. Go Bold: When youre thinking about color this year, dont stop at blonde or brunette. Todays hair hues run the gamut from dusty pastels like lilac, silver and pink, to bold shades of amethyst, coral or mulberry. Depending on your personal style, you can opt for an all-over hue transformation or simply add a bright panel or streak for an unexpected pop of color, says Stenson.
Are Your Kids Clothes Clean Enough?

etween gym class, sports practice and playing outside, your kids active lifestyles can leave them sweaty and soiled. While a shower does the trick of getting them fully clean, your wash cycle may not be getting their clothes clean - at least not as clean as you think. According to experts, visible stains are just the tip of the iceberg, as hidden body oils and sweat get trapped deep in the fabric of clothes, even after washing. In fact, in an average wash load, the ratio of body oils and sweat to visible stains is 20 to one. Without taking proper measures, theres a lot of grime you may be missing. So are you your kids clothes clean enough? Here are four magic tricks from the experts at Sun Products, the makers of Wisk, to turn gross laundry into clean clothing: 1. Dont wait! Laundry is a chore thats easy to put off until later. But doing so can have a downside, most notably the smell. Dont leave those hidden stains from sweat and body oils to fester. 2. Dont reuse clothing. A national survey by the makers of Wisk revealed that four out
of five people admit to dirty laundry secrets like taking items out of the basket to wear, or reusing the same pair of socks for several days. While these items may look clean, they too may contain hidden body oils. Dont leave the house wearing dirty laundry! 3. Use a powerful detergent. Look for a formula that goes beyond surface stains, seeking out and attacking trapped body oils and sweat. Wisk Deep Clean, voted the top laundry product of the year in a TNS consumer survey, uses a patented blend of microcleaners to deep clean the fibers of your clothes. More information can be found at www.wisk.com.
TRAVEL
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Top 10 Christmas destinations

he Christmas season might be famous for carols and colored lights where you're from, but it's also the perfect time to experience new destinations and check out their holiday customs as well. From the jazz music and Nativity parades of New Orleans, to the Santa hats and sandy beaches of Australia, there's no better opportunity than Christmas to try seeing the holiday season in a brand new light.
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico There are only 12 days of Christmas, right? Not in Puerto Rico. This U.S. commonwealth begins its celebrations the day after Thanksgiving and keeps the Yuletide spirit flowing until the feast of the three kings on January 6. Visitors can enjoy the Christmas decorations seen at homes, businesses and throughout the streets. There is also Puerto Rico's famous holiday tradition - group caroling called parrandas. Visitors to this Caribbean locale can also experience unique holiday culinary customs like lechn asado - roast pig on a spit - a coconut pudding called Tembleque, or the sweet sap from a Chilean palm tree, coquito. 2. New York If there's anything more iconic than the New York City skyline, it's the New York City Christmas tradition. Every year, The Big Apple
The famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York.
Christmas time at Bondi Beach, Australia.
plays host to some of the most famous holiday traditions in the world, including the nationally televised lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. And the Empire State has tons more up its sleeve. Travelers can go ice skating in Central Park, discover unique international gifts at The Pond at Bryant Park, experience the incredible toy selection of FAO Schwartz and enjoy the spectacle of Macy's annual Santaland display. 3. Bondi Beach, Australia In Australia, summer starts on December 1, so while the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing a white Christmas, our friends down under are busy surfing and sunbathing. Bondi Beach, Sydney, is a famous beachgoer hotspot, so the unsus-
pecting traveler could very easily mistake Christmas Day for spring break. Every year on December 25, the beach turns into one big Christmas party, with festive trees in the sand, surfers wearing Santa hats and suits, live music and more. 4. Santa Claus, Indiana The name says it all. This small Midwestern destination fancies itself "America's Christmas Hometown," and offers three weekends of Santa Claus celebrations throughout the month of December that are perfect for Christmas lovers of all ages. Travelers can journey into Santa's Candy Castle and enjoy 25 different gourmet chocolates, chat with online elves and check to see if their name is on the naughty or nice list. Santa's visitors can also enjoy other holiday attractions such as the amazing lights down Mistletoe Drive, a wooden rollercoaster, a Santa Claus museum and even a Christmasthemed miniature golf course. 5. Nuremberg, Germany In Nuremberg, Christmas is synonymous with Christkindlesmarkt, which means only one thing - holiday shopping. Germany's own Christmas mega-market is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, drawing two million visitors every year and occupying Nuremberg's central square area for the entirety of the Advent season. With its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, a visit to the Christkindlesmarkt is like stepping back in time. Even the most jaded traveler may spring to life as the smell of fresh gingerbread and fruitcake fills the air. 6. New Orleans, Louisiana Those searching for a way to celebrate the holidays in a unique southern fashion need look no further than New Orleans, where the poinsettia gets as much love as the fleur de lis. In this French Creole town, Christmas events start in November, and they ring in the holiday spirit in unique ways. Take the Celebration in the Oaks, for exam-
ple: a pop-up Christmas theme park that brings bright lights and carnival rides to New Orleans City Park, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Folks from colder areas will feel right at home on Fulton Street, where travelers will find spinning multicolored Christmas trees and might even find themselves caught in the (fake) snow, which comes drifting down four times every hour. 7. Tokyo, Japan If you're looking to spend your Christmas somewhere really different, there's no better place to visit than Tokyo. Since Christians account for only one percent of the population, Christmas is not a national holiday, and employees don't get the day off. Yet, Christmas is celebrated as a commercial holiday in Japan, and every year, the trees in Tokyo are lit up for the season and the Japanese, like their Western neighbors, still have shopping to take care of. Christmas Eve in Tokyo looks very different from Christmas Eve in North America and Europe, and bears a striking resemblance to Valentine's Day. Instead of spending Christmas with family members, the Japanese go on romantic dinner dates with their significant others, celebrating the holiday over a chicken dinner and some Christmas cake. 8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands Amsterdam has not one, but two bearded gift-bearers that visit during the month of December: Sinterklaas and Santa Claus. Sinterklaas has been the richer holiday icon in Amsterdam, and gives the children most of their gifts on December 5th, marking the feast of St. Nicolas. Santa Claus, whose story is actually based on Sinterklaas', comes on December 25th and brings the children a couple of minor presents. Santa Claus also brings the beginning of the Dutch Christmas - a two-day celebration complete with food, warmth and family - which starts on December 25th and ends on
December 26th. For potential visitors, the draw of Amsterdam's double-celebration is hard to compete with. Two feasts, two Santas and two days of gleeful Christmas parties. And when it comes to giving and receiving gifts, how much more Christmas could a traveler really ask for? 9. Aspen, Colorado Whoever coined the term "Winter Wonderland" was probably imagining something very much like Aspen, Colorado at Christmastime. Peacefully nestled amid a trio of snowy mountains, Aspen is the perfect spot for travelers who like to celebrate their holidays in earmuffs and beanies. This snowy city hosts the 12 Days of Aspen, a holiday celebration from December 20th through New Year's Eve, which includes a variety of activities that are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit-from shopping and restaurant deals to concerts and ice-staking. And with its four world-class ski resorts, acres of white-powdered aspen trees and upscale shopping options, Aspen is a prime destination for travelers looking to release their inner snow lover. 10. Lapland, Finland Lapland in Finland is the ideal destination for the nostalgic traveler in all of us. After all, who doesn't remember writing letters as a kid and addressing them to the North Pole? Now you can visit Santa at home. With the Arctic circle cutting right through its heart, Lapland is the closest you're likely to get to the North Pole you imagined as a kid, and that makes it one of Finland's busiest tourist destinations. Visitors of Lapland will want to get tickets to at least one of the area's Christmas theme parks: Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. These parks live out their themes to the fullest, complete with staff members in elf costumes and reindeer sled rides. But the real draw to these parks is Father Christmas himself, who will even meet privately with families who have made a reservation.
Santa Claus, Lapland, Finland.
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ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
What makes Rajinikanth a superstar at 62?

rom a bus conductor to one of the most admired and worshipped actor in the world, the story of Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, later rechristened Rajinikanth, could very well make a good script for a blockbuster movie. As Rajinikanth turned 62, members of the film fraternity look back at what still makes him a superstar. Viji Chandrasekhar, who played Rajini's younger sister in Tamil comedy "Thillu Mullu", a Tamil remake of Hindi blockbuster "Gol Maal", feels it's his ability to treat everybody equally that makes Rajinikanth the icon he is. "He treats everybody on sets with utmost respect and equal importance. Be it a light boy or a co-star, he doesn't discriminate for any reason," Viji said. Tamil filmmaker Lakshmy Ramakrishnan feels Rajinikanth is a superstar because he doesn't believe he is one. "He never believes or wanted to be called a superstar, but he is one because people made him. Superstars are not born, they are made. But if someone desperately tries to be a superstar, they're sure to fail," said Ramakrishnan. Rajinikanth began his acting journey in 1975 with Tamil film "Apoorva Raagangal", and has
'Sivaji 3D': Rajinism just got bigger
'Sivaji 3D' is highly entertaining and three times visually enthralling atching superstar Rajinikanth sizzle on screen despite how clichd it appears, as some may call it, is an experience worth a million smiles and the thumping of as many hearts. Now, watching him recreate the magic in 3D, closer to hands-reach, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Released five years after its original release in 2007, "Sivaji 3D", with shorter running time, cut down by half an hour, is highly entertaining
Rajinikanth began his acting journey in 1975 with Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal
since then appeared in over 175 titles. He made his mark as a character actor in the movie "Aarulirunthu Arupathu Varai".
He has also featured in Bollywood films such as "Bhagwan Dada", "Chaalbaaz" and "Hum".
and three times visually enthralling. Rajinikanth plays a USreturned software systems architect in the film, named Sivaji, with the sole purpose to give something back to the society. He aspires to build a non-charitable trust through which he wants to set up schools and hospitals for the underprivileged. The rest of the story is about one man's fight against corruption to create an equitable society in true 'Rajini' style.
SRK to premiere world tour at Dubai fest
Manisha under- Bollywood moves away from labels goes successful surgery
Shah Rukh Khan
hah Rukh Khan will kick off the world premiere of his tour - 'Access All Area' - with a performance at the ensuing 18th Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2013, starting next month, an official said. Khan's special show is expected to be tentatively scheduled Jan 17 - midway during the DSF which commences Jan 3 and ends Feb 3, said Saeed Al Falasi,
director, Strategic Alliances, Dubai Events & Promotions Establishments (DEPE). This year, the DSF is being marketed as Dubai At Its Best and the month-long event promises to be the biggest ever in its history since 1996, bringing the best across its sectors for locals and visitors alike, Al Falasi told media-persons here Monday afternoon.
ctress Manisha Koirala, who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, underwent a successful surgery in New York. "Manisha underwent a surgery on Monday at around 9 a.m. I got a message from her family members and they said it was a successful surgery," Subroto Ghosh, Manisha's manager, said. "Manisha's mother, father and her brother are by her side. One of her close friends is also there with her," he added. Several speculations regarding her health were made following her hospitalization in Mumbai. Manisha was admitted to the Jaslok Hospital after she reportedly fell unconscious. However, the reason behind her illness was not made clear. Later it was reported that she is flying to the US for treatment for cancer.
The current breed of actors are doing everything to keep their filmography varied and experimental ragedy King' Dilip Kumar, 'Angry Young Man' Amitabh Bachchan and 'Jumping Jack' Jeetendra - ever wonder why new age Bollywood stars have no such tags. It's difficult to pin them down to any label because they experiment not just in terms of scripts but also with their looks. Take Shah Rukh Khan, for instance. He returned to his classic romantic hero avatar only after seven years for "Jab Tak Hai Jaan". And Akshay Kumar, who built his forte as an action star, made a comeback as 'dhishoom dhishoom' star also after some years with "Rowdy Rathore". "Earlier, if an actor became popular in a particular genre of the film, they were offered similar kinds of roles every time, which gave rise to such titles. I guess
actors today are experimenting a lot," explained film historian S.M.M. Ausaja."Perceptions have changed now. The actors are giving a lot of attention to the script, their look in the film, which is why they don't get typecast," Ausaja said. The current breed of actors like Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor, Abhay Deol, Imran Khan and John Abraham bear him out. They are doing anything and everything to keep their filmography varied and experimental. Very different, indeed, from yesteryear actors. Actors are now not just happy expanding their expertise in handling different roles but are also entering the music scene, production scene and going behind the camera.
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
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'I can look back at life with satisfaction'

Interview
n his 90th birthday, thespian Dilip Kumar, who has regaled scores of fans over decades, recalls his journey full of surprises with satisfaction and a smile. He says it was his patience and sense of choice that helped him lead a successful career. "I can look back at my life with a sense of satisfaction and some surprise at certain events that have added the twists and turns to an otherwise normal, serene life," said Dilip Kumar. Excerpts from the interview: Q. Dilip saab, in the 90 years which events would you regard as the greatest events and milestones in your astounding life? A. My entry into the profession of acting which was most unexpected. My marriage to a beautiful girl two score years younger with
Thespian Dilip Kumar has turned 90
whom I had declined to co-star because she was too young to be my leading-lady, my decision to challenge myself by switching over to comedy when I was being hailed for my intense tragic roles that had
evoked public esteem and adulation. Q. Every actor wants to be like you. You have defined fine and brilliant acting for six decades. You have spawned generations of
admirers from Mr. Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan. How do you evaluate your own contribution as an actor? A. I have seriously pondered over this because the question has been put to me so many times. I guess it is a normal instinct to follow an example if you are drawn to it for whatever attributes you admire in that example. An actor should possess a strong instinct, besides a mind of his own and a striking personality. He should be able to absorb the positive and delete the negative from the influences that are bound to crowd his mind. The mind has to be respected and obeyed when it tells you to accept or reject an influence. Q. Dilip saab, you have worked with the most exquisite actresses from Madhubalaji to Sairaji. Who were your favorites, and why? A. I was never the one to choose my co-stars. That prerogative was
the producer's and director's. When I teamed with Meena Kumari in 'Azaad', she was also changing gears (from serious roles to comedy). We hit it off in light-hearted acting and it encouraged the makers of 'Kohinoor' to cast us again in lively roles. She made a delightful co-star and we got along well outside our work because we shared a taste for good Urdu poetry. Q. And Madhubala? A. Madhubala was very vivacious as an artist and person. It was in 'Tarana' that our pairing became noticed, though most film lovers cherish her gorgeous screen presence in 'Mughal-e-Azam'. Waheeda Rehman was wonderfully sprightly in 'Ram Aur Shyam' and equally intense in 'Dil Diya Dard Liya'. As for Saira, it was only when we began work in 'Sagina' that I realized how capable Saira was. She handled the dramatic scenes with amazing confidence.
Sherlyn more desirable than Kate Moss!
herlyn Chopra is sure going places. Soon after reports of hew debut film has generated immense curiosity among her fans, there are reports that the Playboy cover girl Sherlyn Chopra has bagged the 63rd spot on the list of 'Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2013', in a poll on the international website AskMen. Surpassing names like Rachel Weisz, Tina Fey, Katie Holmes, Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, Charlize Theron and India's Bipasha Basu (who bagged the 67th spot), Sherlyn went several notches up. "Around 20 million readers are said to have voted for this poll, which makes it a list that truly
'Matru Ki...': Imran wary of controversy

ctor Imran Khan believes his forthcoming film "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" deals with a somewhat taboo subject and this may give rise to some controversy before its release. "It's a very taboo subject. Not controversial but people can find a way to make it controversial," the 29-year-old said here Tuesday at a radio station. "I'll tell you what will happen, one week before the release someone will find a way to make it controversial, someone or the other will get offended, just see," he added.His co-star Anushka Sharma chipped in, "It is what it is." The film is set in a village where Anushka plays Pankaj Kapoor's daughter, while Imran works with Pankaj. However, problems arise
Sherlyn Chopra reflects who men from all over the world really celebrate," said Sherlyn's publicist. Apart from being on the cover of Playboy next year, Sherlyn may also set foot at the Cannes Film Festival, playing the female lead in Rupesh Paul's international motion picture Kamasutra 3D. So there sure seems more to watch out for than just a hot bod.
Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma and Pankaj Kapoor in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola when Anushka gets involved with another man, Arya Babbar, a powerful politician Shabana Azmi's son.Anushka, who plays Bijlee, said the role was quite tough for her.
'Khiladi 786': true dhamaal, Akshay style

hat can be said about a film where a couple named Mili and Bhagat conspire to bring their employer's empire down? Mili? Bhagat? Get it? "Khiladi 786" is the kind comic orgy done in shades of green, orange and pink, which doesn't require us to strain our brain. The kicks and grunts, guffaws and chortles, the antics raillery and tomfoolery flow out unstoppered like an uncapped toothpaste tube. The formula is simple. And stark. Get the audience to laugh at any cost. And some of it does
Akshay Kumar in Khiladi 786
work quite well. Shukriya. Akshay's crazily improvised performance as a sham cop borrows dollops from Salman Khan's "Dabangg" and Akshay's own "Rowdy Rathore". The derivative derringdo doesn't diminish the impact of the italicised antics that range from the arresting to the exasperating. The script seems to be written by someone who loves Akshay's humorous heroics and his emphatic but spoofy hijinks. Both the traits are amply accentuated in the script. "Khiladi 786" ultimately becomes a showcase for its
Review
insanely successful superstar hero's talents. Akshay, as we all know, loves to play the Punjabi Devdas. He did it effectively in Vipul Shah's "Namastey London", where he stepped back gallantly to let his wife Katrina Kaif make a fool of herself with an undeserving boyfriend. "Khiladi 786" is an oddball of a dhamaka that blends slapstick with stunts. It is farcical fun from first frame to the last. Go, have a blast.
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HUMOR
Funny Bone by Nury Vittachi
Fair to women and East Asians Moustaches wars not

P
icture the scene. A banker, reluctant to give out a large cash loan to a desperate man, asks: "But do you have any valuable assets to offer as collateral?" The applicant points to his upper lip, saying: "Yes. My moustache." "Don't be ridiculous," says the banker. But no. That's not what happens. This is Planet Earth, Weirdest Place in the Galaxy. So what ACTUALLY happened was that the banker said: "That'll do nicely," and handed over the money. True story. In the Arab Emirates, male facial hair is being used as collateral for loans, I hear from a reporter researching facial hair. One of the most feared punishments for wrongdoing in that region is moustachectomy, which is the forced shaving of the upper lip, a traumatic experience which victims liken to castration, although I don't suppose many of them have actually been castrated, not more than once, anyway. Facial hair is in, in a big way. Thousands of people in India joined in the Australian tradition of turning November into Movember, or "growa-moustache" month, and almost all were men. That's one of several problems with this trend. First, many women find it extremely hard to grow moustaches, so it's only a matter of time before all female Earthlings take out a class action against the organizers for trillions of bucks. Second, baldies (like the present writer) cannot grow moustaches as it makes us look like gay guys from the 1970s, not a good look. Third, many men (and women) in China cannot grow moustaches at all, because Chinese people are more highly evolved than regular humans, or so a friend from Shanghai tells me. I was about to tell him he was talking rubbish, but held back, in case he wasn't. I know for a fact that Chinese WOMEN have weird superhuman powers, having encountered them regularly. The Shanghai gentleman said it takes him a year to grow a moustache, and even then it is so sparse that it looks like a long, thin, flat spider perched on his lip. Poor him. Moustaches boost male confidence, psychologists say. In parts of India, police officers have even been given government grants for moustache cultivation. (Not sure what they spend the money on, perhaps that Gro-Fast fertilizer you get in gardening shops?) The following day I saw a report on the BBC that Turkish doctors are offering moustache implants for men (or presumably, eccentric women) who feel their upper lips are too naked. Simply book yourself into an Istanbul hospital and come out with a thick, luxurious Lech Walesa-style growth which curtains your whole mouth, filtering out bugs, acid rain, particulate matter, etc. *-* Anti-sexism campaigners are calling for the immediate arrest of everyone on Earth. This is because pretty much every country is littered with "Men Working" signs, which are blatantly sexist, according to Esther Leung and Anya Das, two feminist readers. They were inspired to protest after reading that anti-sexists at a US college recently demanded the removal of Men Working signs at a construction site (although one report said that after they were removed, several people fell into holes). But what should the signs be changed to? "Men AND Women Working" is fine in Asia, but is inaccurate in the West, where buildings are erected by guys only. "Construction Persons Working" is over-fussy. "Illegal Immigrants Working" would be more honest for many places. One reader said the ladyboy district of Bangkok and most of San Francisco should have signs with extra quotation marks: "Men" Working. Having seen the astonishingly low level of activity at building sites around Asia, I would move the quotation marks along a bit, making it: Men "Working". One reader, whom I will not name because he will (and should) have his house burned down, said we could simply balance out all the Men Working signs around the world by placing "Women Working" signs in every kitchen. Careful. A reader from Delhi pointed out that the word "man" comes from the Sanskrit word "manu" which means "human being", so we should "simply use the original term". Okay in principle, but "Manu Working" looks weird to me, especially since the only guy I know called Manu has a severe allergy to working, thinking, lifting a finger, or indeed any activity which involves using more than a single calorie of energy. *-* Reader Ann Teoh tells me there's uproar at hairdressing salons in Kelantan, Malaysia. Prudish officials have made it illegal for hairdressers of one sex to give haircuts to customers of another, indicating that doing so is equivalent to having sex. Officials: just try it. You are going to be SO disappointed. *-* If traffic jams keep growing at present rates, key highways in Asia will be permanently gridlocked, greenies say. People will have to abandon vehicles and go back to walking and cycling, which would be a good thing. It is already happening, campaigner Elly Sung told me. I believe it. This columnist visited Bangkok recently and the drive from the airport to town took so long that I pretty much had to turn around straight way to head back to the airport. Last week during a traffic jam in Russia, drivers took 24 hours to move one kilometer. This is extremely slow, comparable to the speed of a snail crossing a desert or a Greek businessman paying a tax bill. In China, a single traffic gridlock on the Beijing-Tibet road lasted NINE DAYS, and one on the Mongolia-Beijing road in Hebei lasted ELEVEN DAYS. Picture the scene: HUSBAND: "Bye, honey, I'm just popping out to the shop to buy some milk." WIFE: "Okay. See you in a month!" "But for the gridlock plan to work, we need governments to encourage reckless amounts of car production," said Elly. "Luckily, almost every government in Asia is co-operating." *-*
Photo of the week
Actress Meryl Streep uses her iPhone to get a photo of her and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton following the State Department Dinner for the Kennedy Center Honors gala Dec 1, at the State Department in Washington. Streep is Clinton's favorite actress and last year at the Kennedy Center Honors, the late Nora Ephron predicted that it was inevitable that Streep would one day play the Secretary of State in a movie.
ASTROLOGY
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By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: December 15-21, 2012
Aries: Stabilization in your relationship with your family members seems certain if you are willing to compromise on certain fronts. Professional gains for some bring gains and prosperity. Your new ideas and technical knowledge will make a good impression on others. Residential moves and renovation during this period will prove auspicious. Outdoor sports events and entertainment programme will help you keep relaxed. Taurus: This is a period to invest with extreme precaution and care. Past investments need another reexamination. If you're planning on investing in a new venture then you better take small factors into consideration. Your ability to charm others will put you in the limelight. Property or vehicle transactions seem quite likely. Children will cause some dissatisfaction but spouse remains quite cooperative. Gemini: Your optimism will push your career to new heights. Put some of your innovative ideas into your work to reap longterm benefits. The next few days will see pressure on your work front arise giving you little time for recreational and other activities. Gifts and presents will be plenty from visiting guests. Avoid standing for surety of any one to avoid unnecessary complications in the coming period. Family members will be supportive and caring. Cancer: This is an excellent time for professional advancements, promotions and recognition. At work you will be in the good books of your seniors and you will also benefit monetarily. Romance is in the air, so make the best of it and avoid any arguments with your lover. Opportunities to go out with friends will be informative and pleasurable. You need to do more things that you enjoy in order to relax. Foreign transaction or overseas journey will prove to be highly beneficial. Leo: You will be in a commanding position as your confidence and enthusiasm will be high. Important messages should be attended to immediately. You will make financial gains if you get involved in speculation. A spiritual persons blessings give comfort and relief. New relations and attachments will develop as a result of vacation and other recreational activities. Get involved in activities that will help you keep in perfect shape. Virgo: Financial matters demand more attention. You should cut down your expenses on entertainment and shopping. Financial difficulty will even effect your health. Stay focused on your goals, but take necessary precautions. For some, a change of residence or a new construction will prove highly auspicious. Your erratic behaviour will raise emotions at home. Dont take criticism too seriously. Travel will be highly exciting but expensive. Libra: Some challenging project will see you express your skills in a very different way. New approach will give you new confidence on which you will build future hopes and dreams. Businessmen and investors will see past investments reaping profits. Relations with somebody close might get strained over petty issues. Good week to call important people over to your place. Spouse will be highly supportive and shower you with love and affection. Legal affairs will create a state of nervousness. Scorpio: Your present health condition will be primarily because of the work pressure that you carry on your mind. You need to take time out with your friends will help you relax and regain your energy. Relationships with your clients will strengthen and you can accomplish a lot through smart negotiation and diplomacy. This week you should meet people who can further improve your career goals. Take care while driving, especially during the nights. Sagittarius: This week you will focus on domestic issues and should think about the immediate needs of your family members. Spouse and children will be a source of immense happiness. Guests and visitors bring you gifts in cash and kind. Going out with friends will be exciting and you will learn new and different skills. A good diet, coupled with fitness program will make you feel better. Capricorn: Work will suffer this week as romance clouds your mind. You will find it difficult in concentrating on your jobs and getting favours from others. Keep your focus clear on your goals to reap professional benefits. Pleasure trips for some will be educating. Little time for meditation and yoga will be important for mental as well as physical gains. Group involvement will entertertaining, but expensive if you dont learn to say no. Aquarius: You will meet interesting people at social functions that you attend this week. Your ability to stand out in the crowd will bring you popularity and recognition. Your creative ability will surface, bringing you good ideas to make extra money. Great period to go out shopping for expensive items and jewelry. Spend some time with the one you love. Travel will be highly educating. Pisces: Money making efforts will be profitable provided you work on new ideas and plans. This seems to be an excellent time for you to do things that will keep you relaxed and entertained. This period seems exceptionally good to take time out for hobbies, or take an adventure trip or go out on a short vacation. Friends and family members will seek your advice. Wonderful week to look into new courses that interest you.
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

December 15 Influenced by number 6 and the planet Venus. You are active, energetic, warm-hearted, and are fond of worldly pleasures. You are good at conversation and you easily make friends because of your helpful nature, but you need to check your tendency to behave spendthrift and stubborn at times. This coming year good financial gains are foreseen along with appreciation and plenty of reward. Your stars seem favourable for building new alliances and partnerships. Promotion and transfers likely for some. Selective speculation would be beneficial therefore be extra careful not to squander hard-earned money. Romantic alliances likely for those unattached, others would get tied into a matrimonial wedlock. Distant journey, pilgrimage or foreign travel later in the year. You are likely to be more inclined towards religious and spiritual activities. May, July, September, November and December will be highly significant months. December 16 Governed by number 7 and the planet Neptune. You are simple, dignified, original, dashing and confident. You possess remarkable leadership qualities and blessed with strong imagination and intuition, but you need to check your tendency to behave extravagant, hypocrite and stubborn at times. This year friends and family members would provide good support. Professionally things look much better and you would move around with new confidence and energy. A change for the better in your business or career seems likely later in year. Those involved in art, writing and other creative profession should expect recognition and monetary gains. Health would definitely need more attention. Meditation and yoga should be practiced for physical and spiritual gains. Children will be supportive and bring in some happy and good news. Pilgrimage or journey would be high on your agenda. The months of February, April, June, July and August will especially bring in happiness and prosperity. December 17 Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn. You are energetic, hardworking, courageous, trustworthy and friendly. You are a great admirer of literature and good music and you like to associate with like-minded people, but you need to control your tendency to behave impatient, erratic and destructive at times. This year your confidence will grow. You would benefit from remarkable business entrepreneur skills. New projects and assignments would be plenty enhancing your prosperity. Govt. and judicial favours for some. Some misunderstanding with your spouse might bring uneasy moments at home. Later in the year some exhilarating news from overseas will boost up the spirits of the entire family. Travelling would be beneficial for building new alliances. New romances for some. Health of an infant in the family might cause some concern. The months of January, March, July, September and December will be highly significant. December 18 Governed by number 9 and the planet Mars. You are adventurous, sensitive, courageous, systematic and dashing. You are full of enthusiasm and very helpful, but you need to control your tendency to behave impatient, short tempered and shy at times. This year you should expect new assignments and would hold position of important responsibilities. Your financial position stabilizes as past investments start raking profits. Improved finances bring in prosperity and happiness at domestic level. Good year for girls and women as far as romance is concerned. Some gains through inheritance or expensive gifts from relatives cannot be ruled out. Frequent travel would be undertaken bringing good monetary rewards. Distant journey maybe overseas for some later in the year. Avoid lending or borrowing money. May, June, August, October and December will be highly significant. December 19 Ruled by number one and the Sun. You are active, confident, intelligent, original and helpful person. You possess a strong willpower and you always strive to stay ahead of others, but you need to control your tendencies towards behaving introvert, fickle-minded and careless at times. The coming year would bring you financial gains and happiness. You shall leave no stone unturned to achieve your goals. Businessmen will venture into new and more profitable avenues. Investment in stocks and real estate would be highly beneficial. Property disputes if any would get settled to your satisfaction. Health of your spouse would be a matter of concern. Increase in your medical expenses seems likely. Time spent with friends would be worthwhile, as they would be supportive to your concerns. Meditation and Yoga will prove to highly rewarding especially for spiritual as well as physical gains. Renovation or new construction towards the yearend. Expecting mothers need to take care of their health. April, July and November will be eventful. December 20 Influenced by number 2 and the Moon. You are confident, emotional, imaginative, simple and warm hearted. You enjoy enormous respect amongst your friends, but you need to check your tendency to behave stubborn, vindictive and lazy at times. Although there would be improvement in your financial position, saving would not be as expected. Sudden unforeseen expenses would always keep you in a financial crunch. Increase in responsibility or a change in job for some. New foreign contact or a financial transaction will bring handsome results. A sudden influence of a spiritual person will have a deep impact on your personality. Spouse will be understanding and provide you with love and affection. Ancestral gains for some. Watch out from acquaintances who behave extra friendly. Friends will be supportive and helpful. New romance for those unattached adds a zing to their dull life. The months of February, May, July and September will prove to be significant. December 21 Ruled by number 3 and the planet Jupiter. You are energetic, ambitious, dignified, and kindhearted person. You are a good listener and an able administrator and you have an ability to handle things perfectly even under pressure, but you need to control your tendency to dominate and behave stubborn at times. This year your employer would appreciate your confidence and enthusiasm. You would be able to accomplish many tasks that you earlier thought as impossible. Monetary benefits would accrue from new contacts. Pleasure trips or friendly get-togethers will be exciting and intellectually stimulating. Family members will be supportive and friends will be helpful. Minor domestic tensions and stress will bother you. Health needs extra care therefore be careful of what you consume. The months of January, February, August and December will bring desired results.
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30
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Where there is a will, there is a way for winners.

Second part of the discourse 'Olympics of meditation'
Many gold medal winners suffered falls with resulting broken bones or torn muscles. Did that stop them? No, they were back in action as soon as possible. We have seen people win gold medals with colds, flu, and fevers. Some competed with their legs or arms wrapped up because they had not completely healed. Tiger Woods won a major golf tournament playing with a broken foot! These great athletes rise above their physical challenges and compete despite their pain. Many athletes faced criticism and ridicule from others who may have said, "You must be crazy! What makes you think you can win a gold medal in the Olympics?" Family and friends may have tried to dissuade the athlete from competing by putting them down or saying they do not have the right stuff. Gold medal winners have worked through the criticism of others because they stayed focused despite outer challenges. Many other obstacles can deter an athlete. Some face financial challenges. It costs money to have a coach, to practice, to get the right equipment, and to pay membership in certain sports training facilities. Over many years, these costs become daunting. The parents of one gold medal winner had to mortgage their house several times to pay the fees for their child to practice. Where there is a will, there is a way for winners. Unaffected by Failure Many athletes have a defeatist attitude. If they cannot do it well the first time around, they give up. The first time someone loses a race they take it as a sign that they do not have a chance. What sets an Olympic gold medal winner apart is that they learn from their failures. If they do not win the first time, they try again. They take that as an incentive to try even harder. The winners will look at videotapes of their performance to spot their errors and fix them. If they fall, they get back up on their feet and try again. They do not let failure stop them. They take it as a challenge to overcome and keep going. Olympians who were runners-up or who only made silver or bronze may return four years later to try again for the gold. Sometimes they get it on their second or third try. They do not let failure sidetrack them from their goal. Full Concentration and Focus Watch any gold medal winner perform and one finds an almost superhuman ability to concentrate and focus. Before they perform, they are mentally focused. They mentally rehearse the movements they must do. They are focused within themselves on what they must do. They visualize the task they are going to perform over and over to set their mind in gear. They do not let anyone distract them. When they perform, they have one hundred percent attention on what they are supposed to do. When one watches those who make mistakes in gymnastics, in diving, or in any routine, one may at times see a moment of distraction set in. They lost focus. Those who win are those who are able to maintain full concentration for the entire duration of their performance. This is one of the keys to going from good to great. If we look at the qualities mentioned above in the field of sports, we will find they also apply to spirituality. We can look at the life of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj who left this earth in 1974. He started his mission in 1948, after Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji commissioned him to carry on the spiritual work of initiation into the Light and Sound for sincere seekers after truth. He continued his mission until his passing needs to win the gold. If we examine his life from this angle, it gives a blueprint of what we need to do to also achieve the same goal. In the physical Olympics there can only be one gold medalist, but in the field of meditation and spirituality each of us can win the gold medal. Winning the gold medal means meditating on the inner Light and Sound, rising above physical body-consciousness, soaring on the current of Light and Sound through all the higher realms and reaching the abode of God, Sach Khand, where our soul merges with the Creator and becomes one with God. It is not restricted to an Olympics every four yearswe can participate in this Olympic all 24/7 and can attain it at anytime. The questions are: Why wait? Why not start now and complete the course now? We have observed each of the about solving the mystery of life and death entered his being, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj had a ceaseless ruling passion and drive to achieve that goal. When he was a youth, he observed at a cremation ground that the body of a young person and an old person had both passed away. He pondered over what was that element within a person that made that person alive and then left when the person died. He began seeking answers by studying books and visiting those who could answer these questions. He had a continual prayer to meet a perfect Master who could lead him to the Truth. In fact, when he had compassionately nursed his own father back to health after a serious illness, his father told him to ask for anything he wanted. Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj said that all he wanted was to find someone who could show him the way back to God. When Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj began seeing the inner radiant form of a Master in 1917, he took the form to be that of Guru Nanak. That form continued appearing to him within until finally in 1924 he came in contact with Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj and realized that this was the form he had been seeing within all along. He thought it was due to the boon granted by his father that he was able to meet the Master who could show him the way back to God. Once he took initiation from Hazur, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj fully committed to follow the teachings to the letter. Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj often exhorted his disciples, saying, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Why? The reason was that this was the attitude he had when he followed the teachings of his own Master. He obeyed Hazur implicitly with full passion and zeal which was another gold medal trait that helped him achieve union of his soul with God in his lifetime. Time Commitment to Meditation and Spirituality When we observe the life of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji we find that he made a time commitment to meditation and spirituality far beyond that made by many others, This was a key component in his success in finding God. When he asked Hazur about how much time he should put in for meditation, Hazur told him to mediate six to eight hours a day. This was the schedule he was told to keep even while holding a full-time job and having a wife and children to support. He also put in time for selfless service, helping the sick and needy at their homes or in hospitals. It is hard to believe as we try to meditate even two and a half hours a day, as a minimum, in our own lives, while working fulltime and raising our own family, what an amazing feat this was. He made the commitment and stuck to it no matter what. (To be continued...)
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

here are certain exercise routines that may take hours to perform. The routines need to be followed exactly for maximum results. There is discipline involved in keeping to the time schedule for practice. Follow the careers of the Olympic winners and one finds them following a disciplined life to realize their dreams.
Focus on Their Own Achievement Instead of What Others Are Doing When interviewed about their plan for winning, those gold medal winners often give the same reply, saying, "I have to focus on my game. I have to focus on what I do best." They are not concerned with what others are doing. They know that if they do what they are supposed to do they have a chance at winning. Those who do not win get caught up in what others are doing. For example, at times someone may be ahead in a race but when they see someone gain on them, they turn their head to watch the other player, and suddenly this distraction causes the one in the lead to fall behind. We see horses that watch other horses trip and fall. For this reason, blinders are put on a horse to keep the animal on track and not be distracted by others. Athletes on a gymnastics team who watch other teammates perform before their own turn comes and who see a friend make an error are often so upset and feel the pain of disappointment of their teammate so strongly that their own ability is affected. They have focused on someone else and their own performance suffers. The winners stay fixed on what they are doing and not what others are doing. In this way, they can give their best and not lose precious seconds looking at what others are doing. Perseverance The life story of gold medal winners at times reveals they had uphill battles against many obstacles. They may have suffered physical pain, emotional pain facing criticism of others, or financial setbacks.
Watch any gold medal winner perform and one finds an almost superhuman ability to concentrate and focus. Before they perform, they are mentally focused. They mentally rehearse the movements they must do. They are focused within themselves on what they must do. They visualize the task they are going to perform over and over to set their mind in gear. They do not let anyone distract them. When they perform, they have one hundred percent attention on what they are supposed to do.
away in 1974. Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj helped spread the teachings of Sant Mat outside the borders of the East to reach the entire world. He was the first Master of Sant Mat to undertake world tours to North America, South America, and Europe. He published over twenty books in English which were translated into many other languages. He made the teachings accessible to a Western audience who had a scientific bent of mind. Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj as a Model of These Qualities Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj exemplified qualities that make a gold medal winner. His achievement was the Olympics of Meditation and Spirituality. He attained the goal that every person who meditates is trying to attainunion of the soul with God. His life exemplified all the qualities an Olympic gold medalist traits of a gold medal winner in the life of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj. 100% Focus on the Goal Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj had one hundred percent focus on his chosen goal. When he had matriculated from high school he took seven days to decide what he wanted to do in life. He had interests in being a doctor and having a huge library. But he ultimately came to the decision, "God first and the world next." Once he took that decision he never looked back. He did attend to his duties in life as he had a successful career and raised a family. But his mind, heart, and soul were all focused on achieving God-realization. He never swerved from that goal and stuck with it until he attained union of his soul with God. A Ruling Passion and Drive to Achieve His Goal From the moment the question

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