22-28 Febuary.

2013

INTERNATIONAL/USA
of Mississippi has ratified the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States." The asterisk was removed, turning the Indiaborn into an unlikely star. "When I was young, I used to sleep in history class in India," Dr Batra, an alumnus of Kolkota's La Martiniere and Doon School joked with this correspondent in a phone conversation on Tuesday. "Later I realized history shapes who we are." Sullivan himself remarked on the unlikely pairing of an immigrant from India and a life-long southerner working together to resolve the oversight in an interview to ABC News. "You have Dr. Batra, who is the immigrant and me who is the native-born, life-long resident of Mississippi, it was a unique pair," he said.

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NRI doctor helps officially end slavery in America in 2013!

(Contd. from page 3) and Mississippi finally rolled in by 1995. But some cockup caused Mississippi to never notify the ratification to the US Archivist, without whose imprimatur it is not considered official. Hence, the asterisk. Dr Batra then ran this by his colleague Ken Sullivan, a native-born Mississippian who had run state office and who was therefore more familiar with legislative processes. Sullivan checked with the National Archives, and found it had never received a copy of the 1995 Mississippi Senate resolution that had passed unanimously. After much to-ing and fro-ing between parties concerned, the required paperwork was filed in January this year, according to the local Clarion-Ledger newspaper, which first reported the story. Ironically, the ClarionLedger was a segregationist paper that trashed the civil rights movement and was dubbed the "Klan Ledger" (after KuKluxKlan) before it cleaned up in the 1970s. On February 7, just about two weeks ago, Charles Barth, director of the Federal Register, acknowledged receipt of the ratification and confirmed that "With this action, the State

No Apology for Amritsar Massacre

(Contd. from page 1) and understanding for what happened. On a visit to the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, where at least 380 men, women and children were shot in cold blood 94 years ago, the Prime Minister observed a minutes silence, bowed his head as he laid a wreath and signed a condolence book. This was a deeply shameful event in British history, one that Winston Churchill rightly described at the time as monstrous. We must never forget what happened here, he wrote in black pen, underlining the word never. In remembering we must ensure that the United Kingdom stands up for the right to peaceful protest everywhere in the world. Ahead of his three-day visit to India, there had been speculation that Mr Cameron might issue an apology for the massacre, ordered by General Reginald Dyer. But having signed the book, the Prime Minister defended his decision not to go further with his choice of words. The killings at Jallianwala Bagh represent one of the darkest episodes during Britains colonial rule of India that stretched more than 250 years. There were many others, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943, when the governments inaction allowed up to four million people to starve to death. Mr Cameron is the first sitting British PM to visit the site. Asked whether he remained proud of Britains colonial history, he said: I think there is an enormous amount to be proud of in what the British empire did and was responsible for, but of course there were bad events as well as good events and the bad events we should learn from and the good events we should celebrate. He added: In terms of our relationship with India, is our past a help or a handicap, I would say net-net its a help because of the shared history, culture, the things that we share and the contribution that Indians talk about that we have made. But obviously when there are bad events we have to remember them and be clear about them and learn from them. Mr Cameron was also asked whether Britain should give back items such as the Koh-iNoor diamond and other items which many consider nothing more than colonial plunder. He said he did not, but that he wanted the British Museum and others to continue their tie-ups with foreign institutions. During his visit to Jallianwala Bagh, Mr Cameron was shown around the memorial garden by some of the descendants of those who were present in April 13 1919 when troops opened fire without warning and let off 1,650 bullets. He was told about a well into which 120 people perished trying to escape . It is known that Mr Cameron is keen to attract more potential voters for the Conservatives from Britains ethnic minorities, of whom 300,000 to 700,000 are British Sikhs. But his visit threatened to reopen old wounds. Sunil Kapoor, whose great-grandfather was shot and killed and whose body lay uncollected for six days, said: If you feel shameful, then why not [make] a proper apology. Others believed Mr Cameron had done enough. He came here and made a gesture to us. He paid his tribute, he gave a minute of silence, said SK Mukherjee, secretary of the memorial association and whose grandfather survived the atrocity. By coming here he has made a gesture. Its a good step for bettering our relations. Nigel Collett, author of a history of the massacre, The Butcher of Amritsar, said he did not think Mr Cameron needed to apologise. Those who should have apologised are long dead and their failure to apologise, or more particularly to recognise the terrible wrong that had been done, rebounded on them and helped destroy the empire they wished to preserve, he said. The Prime Minister took the right approach. Earlier, Mr Cameron visited the Golden Temple, a revered place of pilgrimage for Sikhs. Barefoot and wearing a blue scarf wrapped around his head, he visited the celebrated communal kitchens which provide free meals for tens of thousands of pilgrims every day.

Bharat bandh losses may mount to Rs. 26,000 crore

(Contd. from page 1) of Rs. 25,000-Rs. 26,000 crore -- nearly 50 per cent of economic activity," an economic analysts' team from Assocham said. The financial capital of Mumbai was hit badly, Assocham said, adding that the strike hit industrial activity and service sectors like banking and finance. Most industrial states saw poor worker attendance, the trade body said, leading to the curtailing of productions shifts. With city transport being affected adversely, footfall in retail trading markets also considerably declined, even though some of them remained opened. Expressing concern over the incidents of violence and destruction of public property, the chamber appealed to union leaders to prevail upon their rank and file and ensure that such ugly incidents do not occur. "Such incidents completely shake the confidence of the industry and the market for which security and peace are of paramount importance." Besides, retail customers chose to stay indoors leading to a considerable fall in the trading business, the lifeline of the country's economy, chamber President Rajkumar Dhoot said. "The economy is battling local and global slowdown and cannot afford disruption. The strike will dent the market confidence as well," he added.

5 Things MBA Aspirants Need to Know about IIPM

(Contd. from page 1) To be recognised, the institutions programmes need to be accredited and the institution needs to be registered. Only then the institution is included on the official register" Some of Its Publicized Placements are Not Real Barclays denies any campus placements with IIPM - "We at Barclays in Dubai have not done any campus placement with this institute." So does Deutsche Bank - "Deutsche Bank has no association with IIPM in terms of campus placements"Nothing to do with Stanford or Chicago B-School Regarding a certified executive education program with Stanford University. According to Gale Bitter, Associate Dean and Director, This claim is falseNeither the Stanford Graduate School of Business nor the office of Stanford Executive Education has ties of any kind with the IIPM. IIPM's had announced a "compulsory International Residency Program on Advanced Global Managementat the Graduate School of Business, University Chicago." Soon after, CBS wrote to IIPM, stating: "We kindly ask that all mention of Chicago GSB being a part of this Advanced Global Management program be immediately removed from all pages of IIPMs sites." And according to research done by MBA Channel, "The Haas School has asked IIPM to take the Haas/UC Berkeley logo off its web site and marketing materials and to correct its language regarding the certificate of completion and the credits. The Center for Executive Education does not offer credits, only a certificate of completion with respect to the segment of the program that it has taught."

Will Tata be 3rd time lucky as financial investor of Air Asia?

(Contd. from page 1) two partners is not known. An Economic Times story quoted unnamed Tata officials as saying that their investment in this venture would be purely a financial one. But it still begs the question: why are the Tatas returning to try their luck in the aviation business? In the nineties, when the Tatas bid to launch an airline failed it was alleged that rival Naresh Goyal ensured that the policy to allow foreign carriers to invest in Indian airlines was reversed just when the Tata proposal was being considered. Aviation industry veterans point out that Goyals airline, Jet Airways, was a fledgling carrier then with about 10-12 per cent marketshare and all he was trying to do was prevent a hypercompetitive scenario where his airline could not grow. These allegations were, obviously, never proved but the policy did get changed and the TataSIA team had to withdraw emptyhanded. In his book, An Outsider Everywhere Revelations by an Insider (Konark Publishers), MK Kaw, the then Civil Aviation Secretary, wrote: The history of civil aviation in this country would have taken a different trajectory if Tata-Singapore Airlines had been allowed to float an airline. An IANS story quotes Kaw from the book saying that the then Civil Aviation Minister CM Ibrahim refused to clear the Tata-SIA proposal despite policy papers being put up before him. The minister did not clear the file, despite several attempts on my part.The Tatas finally got tired of waiting and withdrew their proposal. Kaw also said that when private participation was permitted, Jet Airways had come up with 40 percent equity contribution by two airlines in the G u l f . T h e Ta ta s h a d mooted a proposal for a private airline with 40 percent equity contribution from Singapore Airlines. As this would have been a formidable competitor, Jet tried hard to upset the rules regarding foreign equity contribution. So while Tata-SIA had to withdraw, even Jet was asked to restructure its shareholding so that the two foreign airlines were shown the door. The second instance when Tata lost out was when he partnered SIA again to participate in the strategic disinvestment of Air India. SIA pulled out of the deal at the last moment as the government had begun to waver on whether to go ahead with the disinvestment and ultimately the plan was scrapped. In his interviews just before handing over charge to Cyrus Mistry last December, Tata did not hesitate to term the practices in the aviation business as destructive competition and said his group was disinclined to try and enter the aviation business again. So what has changed now? To begin with, the government has once again opened the doors to foreign airlines who can acquire up to 49 percent in Indian carriers. So a policy change could have spurred the Tata group to try its luck at aviation again. After all, the Tatas are aviation pioneers in India. According to a CNBCTV18 story, AirAsia plans to get operational control in the new airline with the Tatas and Bhatias providing local support and expertise. The story says Tatas will hold 30 percent equity in the company. So the Tatas are looking to be the silent partner here with all operational headaches remaining with AirAsia. Perhaps a model they are already familiar with since the Tatas already hold about 6 percent stake in SpiceJet where operational control remains with the Marans. The question is: will the Tatas be third time lucky in aviation?

The unholy nexus of the builder-mafia

(Contd. from page 1) Sunny says he began to getting threat messages soon after he met Maharashtra's home minister, RR Patil, who assured him that senior officers will probe his father's murder; on video, the assailant is seen shooting Mr Loharia at point blank range near his car outside his office at 8 am on Saturday. Most Recent Deadly bombings hit southern India city RBI officials fear Budget will leave less room for rate cuts Sunny claims that he used a "caller identifying software" to find out that the number belongs to a rival builder, who he has named in his complaint. Following up on the complaint, the police questioned the rival and two other builders and a prominent architect yesterday. Mr Loharia's family alleges that he was killed because he had "exposed" how some builders had forged documents to get extra space in 600 buildings in Navi Mumbai to build more floors. "My father exposed the scam and that was the trigger behind his murder. It not a case of personal enmity but a case of vendetta killing. Some builders were upset by the work done by my father and therefore he was killed in cold blood," alleges Sunny. The murder has brought focus back on a larger question: has the alleged builder-mafia nexus that is said to have powered the real estate business in Mumbai for many years now, spilled over to the satellite city of Navi Mumbai, where real estate is booming now? There have been more murders recently that indicate the possibility. Last week, a clerk in the Land department of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) was stabbed 42 times by a real estate and his associates for allegedly demanding bribes to clear a file. In March 2011, an engineer was allegedly shot thrice in the Vashibased site office of Nalin Shah, a well-known developer, allegedly by members of the Ravi Pujari gang. The same gang was accused of having shot at builder Manoj Prajapati's office in December 2010.

Horoscope
ARIES
Although this day may have a problem getting off to a good start, you will be pleased to find the end results will be quite rewarding. You could experience a few setbacks early in the day. Take the time to reassess and then . . . begin again. This afternoon is a good time to lead the way on a project--your originality is fine-tuned. If you give your best effort now, considerable success will follow.

TAURUS
All sorts of weird feelings and emotions may be gurgling up from your subconscious now. Little things keep happening that remind you of old friends or old jobs. It could be a close friend's birthday or a wedding shower in the forecast. Games may come to mind and you remember a game or two that you could bring to the party in case they are needed.

GEMINI
You have an increase in personal magnetism that makes it a good time for business dealings. This is one of those great days when you will be able to accomplish anything. Emotions have taken intellect by the hand and discipline just went out the window. Stay away from the buffet table. If you must go shopping, leave those credit cards at home. On the plus side, your warmth will reflect back to your loved ones, and everyone will enjoy your company.

CANCER
You are wise to ask for feedback after you give instructions; you can share that you do not want to make any mistakes in the explaining. You are most concerned that you communicate your ideas successfully. There is something about your appearance and how you present yourself to others that keep an interested audience attentive.

LEO
Today is a natural for selfexpression. Smart as a fox, you solve problems and sail through the day. If you deal with groups, you will probably be advocating sweeping changes. Just do not become involved in any project that may require a later follow-through. s that would include some fun times with new friends.

VIRGO
If you have been considering a new business venture, today is an excellent day to begin. Business dealings may be particularly fruitful. There could be an opportunity for a round-table discussion in the workplace today. Your viewpoint will be heard--patience. Expect a sense of support and goodwill from those around you. Try to see people for who they truly are--your intuition will guide you.

LIBRA
Mental stimulation from others is a key for you right now--it's a good idea to make every effort to cooperate and compromise with others. A project in the workplace should have great success. This is a feelgood day. Friendships are a source of great pleasure and you, in turn; should be quite popular, particularly after work. In addition, this is an excellent time for taking part in social activities with friends.

SCORPIO
Your success depends on your mannerisms and reaction to others. This is probably because you will be in group situations that demand much of your attention. You may be prone to impulsiveness and wanting things your own way. The positive side of this is that you break down barriers between people that may have been having an awkward time of things . . .

SAGITTARIUS
Problems in the workplace can be solved easily--look at the technical side. Outside interest in a current project of yours can bring you some extra funds. Use the confidence you feel now to get the most pressing projects at work completed--this could bring considerable success. Your fertile mind will be picking up new concepts and inspirations all day--like a radio receiver.

CAPRICORN
Your company may agree to help you with further education or offer to send you to lectures in order to study and learn new techniques or styles of working. You are empowered to take full advantage of your position in the workplace now. You may find yourself lecturing for the company with which you work. This is a rewarding day. If you are forced into decision making today, make sure it is for the good of the whole. Study your motives in order to make nonprejudiced choices. Events could conspire to make it difficult for you to act.

AQUARIUS
You become a big influence in the workplace today. Others need guidance and just automatically seek your advice. If this is part of your job--keep on track. Although you can be influential, you may want to stop and go back to work on a particular project. There could be many demands on your time today. Artistic inspiration manifests itself in creative work or just the urge to experience the beauty of nature.

PISCES
This is a day where much can be accomplished. The first part of this day leaves no room for rest. You move forward quickly as you analyze facts. An important clue into new investments may be worth your review now. Some new information comes to your attention that you can explore.