The Indian Panorama

Year: 2013

  • When Deepika Borrowed Srk’s Lungi And Shirt

    When Deepika Borrowed Srk’s Lungi And Shirt

    It’s rare when an actress borrows from her co-actor’s wardrobe. One such rare example is Deepika Padukone, who, we’re told, borrowed from Shah Rukh Khan’s wardrobe for a photo-shoot of their next movie together.

    Seems the actress and her stylist were figuring the different looks she should wear when the latter learnt of an entire range of outfits sourced for SRK. After getting the superstar’s nod, the designer and the actress not only had a dekko of his clothes, but also picked a red lungi and a matching blue shirt for one of her changes for the shoot. “Deepika was keen to do something that hasn’t attempted before.”

  • Moily Inaugurates Karnataka Chapter Of Inoc (I)

    Moily Inaugurates Karnataka Chapter Of Inoc (I)

    NEW YORK (TIP): India will be selfsufficient in Petroleum Production by2030. This was stated by VeerappanMoily, Union Minister of Petroleumon the occasion of the inauguration ofthe Karnataka Chapter of the IndianNational Overseas Congress (I).Present on the occasion wereexecutive members of INOC(I) ,chapter heads and other dignitariesand guests from Karnataka. Thechapter is headed by former AAPIPresident and philanthropistDr.Dayan Naik who runs severalmedical schools in Aruba and otherparts of the world.

    The Inaugural event started with aclassical dance performance by Arpitaand was followed by a brilliant powerpoint presentation on Karnataka andits legends and their contribution tothe growth of India. The Karnatakakoota performed an ethnic folk songbefore the formal start of the event.Speaking on the occasion, Moilysaid that the backbone of India wasits pluralistic society and itssecularism and the inborn talent andwillingness to succeed. He spoke onhow he got the idea to build a SiliconValley in Karnataka after a visit to theSilicon Valley in US and theinitiatives that he took at ChiefMinister of Karnataka in building theSilicon Valley in the state and helpingnurture entrepreneurs like NarayanMurthy (Infosys founder) and others.

    The Petroleum Minister said that hehas a plan in place to make Indian selfsufficient in Petroleum by 2030 andthat he would have a phased mannerto achieve this objective/ vision. Hesaid that the Indian Economy isresilient with strong basics andchecks and has withstood two majoreconomic down turns that the worldwitnessed in 2008 and 2012.He said that young people in Indianeeds to unleash positive energy toconvert India into a super power and thiscan be done as India’s turn is around thecorner due to its young age of itsdemographic population. He said thatIndia is on the threshold of greateconomic opportunities and that NRI’sshould avail the opportunities and benefitfrom the growth of Indian Economy.

  • Indian-Americans’ Interest In Lobbying For Indo-Us Ties On The Wane

    Indian-Americans’ Interest In Lobbying For Indo-Us Ties On The Wane

    NEW YORK (TIP): A sharp drop inmembership to the Congressional Caucuson India is sadly indicative of the waninginterest of the Indian-Americancommunity to lobby for closer bilateralties between India and the US.The Congressional Caucus on India andIndian-Americans, which was establishedin 1994 when the ties between the twocountries were still in a nascent phase,had grown to a record 186 members of theUS House of Representatives.For more than a decade theCongressional Caucus was considered tobe a driver of India-US bilateralrelationship, and played a key role in thepassage of the historic civilian nucleardeal.

    However, latest figures reveal thisnumber has dropped to about 110Congressmen, which is mainly becausethere has been no fresh drive from theIndian-American community asking theirrepresentatives to join the CongressionalCaucus on India and Indian-Americans.In the last 112th Congress there were 135members. The numbers have mainlydropped either of retirement or defeat ofprevious members.”It is not lack of interest on part oflawmakers. It is the lack of interest on thepart of the Indian-Americans.

    Lawmakersneed to be reminded. If asked most of thelawmakers are always willing to obligetheir active constituents,” Ashok Mago, aDallas-based prominent community leader,said.Sampat Shivangi, president of the bipartisanIndian- American Forum forPolitical Education (IAFPE) agreed withthe view as well.”India centric issue like civil US-Indianuclear treaty galvanized the Indian-American community, government ofIndia and Indian Embassy which shot upthe India Congressional Caucus numberaround 185 with united efforts of all thesegroups,” Shivangi said.

    “Now there is no burning issue and theenthusiasm has weaned in this process,”he said.In November IAFPE had held aCongressional reception at the Capitol Hillduring which at least three Congressmenannounced their decision to join thecaucus.But in the absence of follow-up fromlocal Indian- American leaders, they areyet to formally join the India Caucus.Shivangi said that there is a need to findother galvanizing issues so that Indian-Americans are motivated to work for thebilateral relationship.

    India’s permanent membership to theUN Security Council could be one, henoted.”This just cause if taken seriouslywould galvanize above said groups to uniteand move forward,” he said.The office of Congressman Joe Crowley,one of the founding members of thecaucus and its current co-chair from theDemocratic Party said that he wasworking on increasing the membership ofthe caucus.”There has been a lot of turnover in thepast few years in Congress (such asretirements), and since there are asignificant number of new members in the113th Congress, Congressman Crowleybelieves this is the perfect time to shareinformation about the caucus with hiscolleagues and encourage them to learnmore about the US-India relationship,”Courtney Gidner, Congressman Crowley’sspokesperson said.

    “He is definitely focused working atgetting a lot more members to join, and isexcited to make it happen,” Gidner said.In the new Congress, Dr Ami Bera, theonly Indian- American lawmaker in thecurrent Congress, and Tulsi Gabbard, theonly Hindu ever elected to the US Congresshave announced their decision to join theCongressional Caucus for India andIndian-Americans.A fresh drive for new membership isexpected to be launched in March, butMago argued it cannot be successful unlessIndian-Americans from across the nationcome out and support it and ask theirrepresentatives to join the caucus.

    Refraining from giving reasons for thissharp drop in the caucus membership,Indian Ambassador to the US NirupamaRao listed out the immense contributionthat India caucus has made instrengthening India US bilateralrelationship.”Over the years, the India Caucuses inboth Houses of Congress have beenincreasingly engaged in pushing forward asubstantive agenda of India-USpartnership, taking up specific issues ofcooperation and common interest fromtime to time, and providing strength andsubstance to the relationship between ourtwo countries,” Rao said.

  • Orange, Honey For Healthy Skin

    Orange, Honey For Healthy Skin

    Who doesn’t like to have a clear complexion? Skin problems are nightmares for people of all ages. Everybody likes flawless skin. But with the cosmetic industry growing and with it producing numerous beauty products, it’s but natural to get confused on what’s the best.

    When you are spoilt for choice, then it’s even more dangerous as some products might not suit your skin type. The best solution under such circumstances is to play safe and opt for tried and tested home remedies.

    This also helps should you have a sensitive skin.
    Here are a few tips to aid your skin health
    1)It’s cliched, the most popular and common advice that you get from people. Yet, drinking lots of water is perhaps the most workable way to keep skin healthy and glowing.

    2)Squeeze half a lemon and add to warm water with honey. Consume this on an empty stomach everyday. Besides other benefits, this also purifies the blood.

    3)If you have oily skin, apply a pack of multani mitti mixed with rose water. This not just cleanses the skin but also absorbs excess oil and keeps your skin neat.

    4)To remove blemishes/scars on your skin make a pack of tomato pulp, haldi, curd and besan. This acts as a natural scrub.

    5)For a natural bleach, rub lemon peel with honey on the skin and wash off after few minutes.

    6)Dry orange peel, grind and make a powder. Apply this with water on the face for a glowing skin.

    7)A pack of corn flour and curd applied everyday helps keep the skin clean.

    8)If you are going out in the sun, make sure you use an umbrella to shield yourself from the harmful effects of the sun rays.

    9)If you have a dry skin, massage your face with almond or vitamin e oil to keep your skin nourished All it needs is a few minutes from your busy schedule to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

  • Barack Obama Nominates Tavenner To Lead Medicare And Medicaid

    Barack Obama Nominates Tavenner To Lead Medicare And Medicaid

    WASHINGTON (TIP): PresidentBarack Obama on Feb 6 renominatedone of his top healthcare advisers tolead the federal agency responsible foroverseeing Medicare, Medicaid andthe implementation of his healthcarereform law.If confirmed by the Senate, MarilynTavenner would become the firstofficial head of the US Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Services(CMS) since 2006.

    She currently leadsthe same agency as actingadministrator.As part of the US department ofhealth and human services, CMS runsthe Medicare and Medicaid healthcareprograms that serve about 100 millionelderly, disabled and low-incomepeople at a cost estimated at $885billion for this year. Both programsare at the center of a looming debatein Congress over how to reduce thefederal deficit.If confirmed as agency chief,Tavenner would also exercise officialauthority over the biggest expansionof healthcare coverage in more than ageneration under Obama’s PatientProtection and Affordable Care Act,which is expected to extend coverageto 38 million people over the next 10years.

    CMS has been a target ofRepublican opposition to Obama’shealthcare policies since early in hispresidency. Tavenner, a nurse andformer hospital executive, becameacting administrator in late 2011 andwas nominated to lead the agency. Butthe Senate never acted on hernomination. Her predecessor,healthcare reform expert DonaldBerwick, had assumed the job througha temporary appointment in July 2010but left after less than 18 months whenSenate Republicans made it clear thatthey would not allow his nomination.

    Tavenner has won praise from someRepublicans, including HouseMajority Leader Eric Cantor, andenjoys strong support amonghealthcare industry groups andconsumer advocates.

  • Indian-American Receives Business Award

    Indian-American Receives Business Award

    DALLAS (TIP): AnIndian-Americanbusinessman, AshokMago, has been selectedfor a corporate awardgiven by a US journal.Based out of Dallasin Texas, Ashok Mago,the chairman ofUSINDIA Forum, wasfelicitated with the’Minority BusinessLeader Award’ by theDallas Business JournalFebruary 7 for hisaccomplishments in thefield of business.

    “I guess you canimagine that if I’ve beenliving here for more than38 years that I love this city,” Mago, a recipient of the2010 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, said after receiving theaward at a function here.The other Indian-Americans who had been selectedfor the award earlier are Pete K Patel, Shaji K Daniel,Krishnakant Dave.The journal, in a statement, said this year’s recipientswere a mixture of corporate executives, businessowners and community leaders.

  • Horrible Things Couples Do After Sex

    Horrible Things Couples Do After Sex

    Picture this: You are enjoying a steamy sex session with your partner. As your passion reaches its climax, an ultimate sexual joy is felt like never before. The moment both of you get over with this night of passion, your partner head towards your study and starts reading or turns over and falls into a dead slumber.

    What a turn-off indeed! It’s just one of those mistakes that couples often commit soon after enjoying an intimate session with their partner. They might have made all the necessary efforts to satisfy their partner in bed, but just one little mistake can spoil all the fun! The nature of these after-sex mistakes hints that you were just waiting for sex to get over so you could indulge in some other nonsexual activity. Or in some cases, it shows that you had something else running through your mind while having sex.

    Though these are absolutely unintentional acts that partners get caught up in, these are often the terrible goof-ups that kill the sexual mood. Also, couples fail to understand that switching off from the sexual state of mind can leave the other partner highly irked. Dr. Pushkar Gupta, a Chandigarhbased sex therapist opines, “It is very likely that partners who right away indulge in something else after having sex, might have performed sex as a duty and not an act of enjoyment.

    While there are several ways to keep up the mood even after the actual sex is over, some partners look for ways to remain busy and thus they end up committing lesser known ‘after-sex’ mistakes.” Dr. Amita Mishra, sex and relationship expert states, “After enjoying the sexual act, if a partner tries to get involved in something not related to sex, it surely makes the other partner feel disowned. While there should be an effort to linger on with the sexual feel even after the actual act is over, couples who deviate from this mood are certainly affecting their sexual relationship.” We list some recurring ‘after-sex’ mistakes that couples indulge in. So the next time you get intimate, make sure you do not switch into something else just after finishing the act. Let the mood linger on for enhanced pleasure

    Falling asleep at once
     Most couples come across this problem where either one of the partners or both would fall asleep soon after having sex. It certainly is a big goof-up that can kill the charm of sex. Sleeping at once would not allow you to cherish your performance and neither let you enjoy the mood with which you enjoyed that night of passion.

    Making way for washroom
     Enjoying a hot shower together can be a great foreplay act, but rushing to the washroom right after a hot romp is definitely not! While couples won’t mind getting messy in their sexual acts, but as soon as it’s over, they make way to the washroom to clean-up. It might sound okay, but they forget that the other partner might still be enjoying that mood and want to have more of it. Heading straight to the washroom makes the other partner feel that there’s been something unpleasing about the act, which can mar your sexual bliss.

    Calling a friend
    This is another common mistake that couples face after a steamy session. While it’s obvious that none would call a friend at odd hours to discuss official matters, so why can’t a petty talk wait till the morning? When it’s time to enjoy sex, it’s indeed a gaffe to keep your eyes and ears stuck onto your mobile phone waiting for a message or keeping an eye on your missed calls. It makes the other partner feel as if you’re just not interested and thus ruins all the fun.

    Heading towards study or work
    What couples think of during sex remains an unanswered question. Those who head towards studyroom right after a romp may just give the answer. Thinking books and reading is indeed a sex blunder! Like sexual moments, it’s equally important to enjoy the after-sex pleasure. If you rather descend towards your study, leaving behind your partner, it won’t bring any good to your sexual relationship. If you prefer reading a book instead of cuddling and snuggling, you are indeed inviting trouble into your sex paradise.

    Sleeping separately
    You might have a habit of sleeping separately in guest bedroom or on the terrace, but on a particular night when you’ve een intimate with your partner, exceptions are allowed. After a lovemaking session, it’s not a good idea to abandon your partner and pack your sheets and pillow to move to another room for a sound sleep. It will not only kill the passion on that night, but would also tarnish your sexual relations for several nights to follow.

    Bringing kids to sleep along
    Letting anyone invade your sexual privacy is bound to mar your sexual pleasure and kids are no exception. Many mothers have a tendency to bring kids to sleep alongside on the same bed and if that happens after having sex, it can’t get worse. Well, such a gesture has all the reasons to annoy the other partner, who might have planned something more sensual to be enjoyed after a steamy romp.

    Eating another meal
    Eating an aphrodisiacal meal together with your beloved can be a great start before a lovemaking act. But moving to the kitchen right after having sex looking for something to eat is equally disgusting. It ruins the entire passion and would make your partner feel that you didn’t enjoy sex just because you were hungry

  • Indian-American Jailed For 17 Years For Healthcare Fraud

    Indian-American Jailed For 17 Years For Healthcare Fraud

    MICHIGAN (TIP): Yet anotherIndian-American, a pharmacist, hasbeen sentenced to 17 years in prison bya US court for a healthcare fraudworth millions.Babubhai (Bob) Patel, 50, whoowned and operated 26 pharmaciesacross metro Detroit, was sentenced ina Michigan court, five months after ajury convicted him of billing thegovernment for more than USD 57million for painkillers that weremedically unnecessary or neverprovided.The government said he paiddoctors to write the orders and hadrecruiters offer cash to poor people inexchange for their Medicare orMedicaid number.

    He was arrested on August 2, 2011.In addition to 17 years ofimprisonment, the court also orderedPatel to pay restitution to the Medicaidand Medicare programs in the amountof USD 17.3 million, and restitution toBlue Cross Blue Shield in the amountof USD 1.5 million.In sentencing the defendant, thecourt told the defendant that “whatyou have done is reprehensible.”The criminal conduct engaged in byother health care fraud violatorssentenced by the court was “smallscale compared to this.”According to evidence presentedduring a six-week jury trial concluding in August 2012, Patelbetween 2006 and 2011, billed Medicareand Medicaid more than USD 57million.

    At least 25 per cent of those billingswere for drugs that were eithermedically unnecessary neverdispensed.Additional amounts werefraudulently billed to private insurerssuch as Blue Cross Blue Shield ofMichigan.The pharmacies operated on abusiness model that paid kickbacks tophysicians in exchange for writingprescriptions for expensivemedications, the Justice Departmentsaid.The affiliated doctors would alsowrite prescriptions for controlledsubstances, without regard to medicalnecessity, which would be filled at thepharmacies and distributed to paid”patients” and patient recruiters.The expensive non-controlledmedications would be billed but notdispensed.Earlier this week, the US courtsentenced an Indian Canadian (BrijeshRawal) and two Indian nationals -Ashwini Sharma and Lokesh Tayal –to 68 months of imprisonment fortheir participation as pharmacists inthese criminal offenses.They will be deported to theircountry of citizenship uponcompletion of their sentences.

  • President Obama Presents National Science & Technology Awards

    President Obama Presents National Science & Technology Awards

    WASHINGTON (TIP): PresidentBarack Obama, presented theprestigious National Medal ofTechnology and Innovation to eminentIndian American RangaswamySrinivasan for his groundbreakingwork with laser.Rangaswamy received the awardalong with Samuel Blum and JamesWynne, for the pioneering discovery ofexcimer laser ablativephotodecomposition of human andanimal tissue, laying the foundationfor PRK and LASIK laser refractivesurgical techniques, that haverevolutionized vision enhancement.

    At a glittering function heldFebruary 1 at the White House, Obamapresented National Medal of Scienceto 12 eminent scientists while 11extraordinary inventors receivedNational Medal of Technology andInnovation, the highest honorsbestowed by the United StatesGovernment upon scientists,engineers, and inventors.Established by statute in 1980, theNational Medal of Technology andInnovation was first awarded in 1985and is administered for the WhiteHouse by the US Department ofCommerce’s Patent and TrademarkOffice.

    Congratulating scientists andinventors Obama said if there is oneidea that sets this country apart, oneidea that makes it different from everyother nation on Earth, it’s that here inAmerica, success does not depend onwhere one is born or what his / herlast name is.”Success depends on the ideas thatyou can dream up, the possibilitiesthat you envision, and the hard work,the blood, sweat and tears you’rewilling to put in to make them real,”he said.”We have a map of the humangenome and new ways to producerenewable energy. We’re learning togrow organs in the lab and betterunderstand what’s happening in ourdeepest oceans.

    And if that’s not enough, the peopleon this stage are also going to beresponsible for devising a formula totame frizzy hair as well as inspiringthe game Tetris,” Obama said amidstlaughter.”It is a huge honor to receive thisaward for our research more thanthirty years after its initial discovery.This achievement is a reflection ofIBM’s culture of innovation, to thinkfar into the future, and a result ofenabling different disciplines to cometogether to tackle real-world challengeswith a broad domain of expertise,” saidDr Wynne of IBM Research.

    In 1981, Srinivasan discovered thatan ultraviolet excimer laser could etchliving tissue in a precise manner withno thermal damage to the surroundingarea. He named the phenomenonAblative Photodecomposition (APD),which later revolutionized eye surgery.Inducted into the US “Inventor Hallof Fame” in 2002, Srinivasan has spent30 years at IBM’s T J Watson ResearchCenter. He received both bachelor’sand master’s degrees in science fromthe University of Madras, in 1949 and1950. He earned doctorate in physicalchemistry at the University ofSouthern California in 1956. Hecurrently holds 21 US patents.

    The 12 winners of the NationalMedal of Science are:

  • Dr. Allen Bard, University ofTexas at Austin, Texaso
  • Dr. Sallie Chisholm,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, Massachusettso
  • Dr. Sidney Drell, StanfordUniversity, Californiao
  • Dr. Sandra Faber, University ofCalifornia, Santa Cruz,Californiao
  • Dr. Sylvester James Gates,University of Maryland,Marylando
  • Dr. Solomon Golomb, Universityof Southern California,Californiao
  • Dr. John Goodenough, Universityof Texas at Austin, Texaso
  • Dr. M. Frederick Hawthorne,University of Missouri, Missourio
  • Dr. Leroy Hood, Institute forSystems Biology, Washingtono
  • Dr. Barry Mazur, HarvardUniversity, Massachusettso
  • Dr. Lucy Shapiro, StanfordUniversity School of Medicine,Californiao
  • Dr. Anne Treisman, PrincetonUniversity, New Jersey

    • The 11 winners of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation are:

  • Dr. Frances Arnold, California Institute of Technology,California
  • Dr. George Carruthers, US Naval Research Lab, Washington, DC
  • Dr. Robert Langer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,Massachusetts
  • Dr. Norman McCombs, AirSep Corporation, New York
  • Dr. Gholam Peyman, Arizona Retinal Specialists, Arizona
  • Dr. Art Rosenfeld, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California
  • Dr. Jan Vilcek,NYU Langone Medical Center, New York
  • The team of Dr. Samuel Blum,
  • Dr. Rangaswamy Srinivasan Dr. James Wynne, IBM Corporation, New York
  • The company of Raytheon BBN Technologies, Massachusetts,represented by CEO Edward Campbell.
  • Sunlight May Prevent Arthritis In Women

    Sunlight May Prevent Arthritis In Women

    Regular exposure to sunlight— specifically ultraviolet B (UVB)—may lower a woman’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study. But the effect of UVB exposure was only evident among older women, possibly because younger women are more aware of the hazards of sunlight and so cover up with sun block, suggest the authors.

    They base their findings on participants in two phases of the US Nurses” Health Study (NHS), the first of which has tracked the health of more than 120,000 nurses since 1976, when they were aged between 30 and 55, until 2008. The second (NHSII) has tracked the health of a further 115,500 nurses since 1989, when they were aged between 25 and 42, until 2009. Rather than simply relying on geography to quantify likely levels of UVB exposure, the researchers used a more sensitive assessment, known as UV-B flux, which is a composite measure of UVB radiation, based on latitude, altitude, and cloud cover.

    It is measured in R-B units: a count of 440 R-B units over 30 minutes, for example, is sufficient to produce slight redness in untanned white skin. Exposure was then estimated according to the US state of residence, and ranged from an annual average of 93 in Alaska and Oregon to 196 in Hawaii and Arizona.

    Likely estimates of UV exposure at birth and by the age of 15 were also included. Over the study period, 1314 women developed rheumatoid arthritis.

    Among nurses in the first NHS cohort, higher cumulative exposure to UVB was associated with a reduced risk of developing the disease.

    Those with the highest levels of exposure were 21 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those with the least, the analysis showed. This backs up the findings of other studies, showing a link between geography and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis as well as other autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis, say the authors. “Our study adds to the growing evidence that exposure to UV-B light is associated with decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The mechanisms are not yet understood, but could be mediated by the cutaneous production of vitamin D and attenuated by use of sunscreen or sun avoidant behaviour,” they conclude.

  • 10 Glasses Of Water A Day Cuts Flab

    10 Glasses Of Water A Day Cuts Flab

    We have all heard this advice innumerable times. Drink eight to 10 glass of water a day. Experts say that if you are overweight or tend to get most of your calories from processed and salty food, eight to 10 glass of water could actually help you reduce your weight. Water could lower your BMI. If you drink eight to 10 glass of water everyday you will end up eating less and also drink fewer calorie-laden beverages.

    Drinking about 500 ml of water before meal can cut the calories and help in losing weight and as a result lower body mass index (BMI). Water helps in burning fat. You can burn about 50 per cent more fat after drinking water compared with a higher calorie beverage. Water helps you play your sports better.

    Sweating away just two per cent of your body’s water content affects the performance of a sportsperson to a great extent. Drinking enough water can improve your game and save you from the risk of dehydration. Water can fight hangovers. Being adequately hydrated is the best way not to feel lousy and grouchy after a late night party. Drink a couple of glasses of water hours before the event. Even when you are flying a long distance flight, staying hydrated helps you fight hangover.

  • Skilled Immigrants Would Boost Up US Economy: Indian-Americans

    Skilled Immigrants Would Boost Up US Economy: Indian-Americans

    WASHINGTON (TIP):The US must find waysincluding granting moreH-1B visas to attractskilled immigrants toboost its ailing economy,top Indian-Americanexperts have toldlawmakers.

    “If you look at all thedata, every single studythat’s been done, it showsthat when you bringskilled immigrants in theycreate jobs. Right now,we’re in an innovationeconomy. Skilledimmigrants are moreimportant than ever, notonly to create jobs, but tomake us innovative and help us solve major problems,”said Vivek Wadhwa, Director of Research, Pratt School ofEngineering, Duke University.

    “So bring the right people in and you will make the piebigger for everyone, and we can bring in more unskilledas well because we will have a bigger economy. We needthem.

    “The population of America will decline unless we, youknow, keep immigration going, at least at the pace that itis,” Wadhwa told US lawmakers during a Congressionalhearing on immigration convened by the House JudiciaryCommittee.Puneet Arora, vice president, Immigration Voice, saidit’s important to protect American workers and at thesame time have a robust immigration system whereskilled immigrants can come in and fill real needs.”One of the problems that we have today is that we’verestricted the mobility of the skilled workers that comeinto the country.

    They are trapped in jobs for long periodswhere promotions can be denied, where they have no wayof going to another employer that’s willing to offer amarket wage or advancement based on the experiencethat they’ve gained over a period of time and towards theskills that are really required where the demand for jobsis,” Dr Arora said.Prominent among measures pushed by these Indian-American experts included substantial jump in H-1Bvisas, removing country specific caps for legal permanentresidency, automatic green card to those earning mastersand doctorate in science, technology, engineering andmathematics (STEM).

    Arora said the benefits of removing per-country limitswill accrue to only one nation in this world — the US.”Ultimately, we do not care how you fix the system. Wejust want it fixed. Not in five years, not in ten years. Now,this year,” he argued.”We’re extremely encouraged by the introduction of theImmigration Innovation Act of 2013 in the Senate and wereally hope that a similar bipartisan bill will beintroduced in the House. This innovation economy isglobal and the ripe export markets and the foreignprofessionals in America creating products for thesemarkets will not wait forever,” Arora said.

    Responding to a question, Wadhwa argued that the USwas not in a position to lose time on the skills because itseconomy is in a slump. “We’re in the middle of a majorreinvention. Our competitors are rising. Immigrants arefleeing. We have to fix the immediate problem of skilledimmigrants, the million skilled immigrants legally herewaiting for green cards. We don’t talk about them. Weneed to fix that ASAP, and we need to do the other thingsyou’re talking about, without doubt. But we can’t wait onthe million, because they’re leaving. And America isbleeding talent right now,” he said.

  • Coffee As Effective As Other Drugs

    Coffee As Effective As Other Drugs

    A cup of coffee can be as effective as some commonly used performance enhancing drugs, a new study has revealed. Victoria University researchers Simon Outram and Bob Stewart examined existing research on the risks and benefits of stimulants being used by both sportsmen and people who wanted to boost their mental capabilities.

    They found caffeine appeared to be as effective if not more effective than other drugs such as Ritalin, which is increasingly associated with students who “pop pills” to aid study, the Herald Sun reported. Dr Outram said there was some overlap between substances being used for sporting performance enhancement and cognitive performance enhancement and the findings were useful when considering the regulation of these substances.

    The study took in methylphenidate, marketed as attention deficit disorder treatment Ritalin, amphetamines, such as Adderall which is mixedamphetamine stimulant, ephedrine, commonly found in Chinese remedies prescribed to alleviate asthma, and caffeine. Dr Outram said that there’s no strong evidence to suggest that these three substances are going to help you over and above what you might get from caffeine. “This would be particularly the case if you’re already training so that your body is at peak ability or your mind is at peak ability,” he said. He emphasised that the findings were based only on existing evidence, but said humans had a long association with stimulants.

  • Marco Rubio Becomes First Hispanic To Give GOP Response To State Of The Union

    Marco Rubio Becomes First Hispanic To Give GOP Response To State Of The Union

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Sen. MarcoRubio, R-Florida, will make history onFebruary 12 when he will give his party’srebuttal to President Barack Obama’sState of the Union address. He’ll becomethe first Hispanic to ever give the GOPresponse to the State of the Union andhe’ll do it in both English and Spanish –also a first.The Republican party has had anIndian-American — Louisiana Gov. BobbyJindal, in 2010 –and an African-American,former Congressman J.C. Watts, in 1997 togive the party’s response.In 2004, then Gov.

    Bill Richardsonbecame the first to provide a secondaryrebuttal in Spanish.U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, ROhio,and Senate Republican leader MitchMcConnell, R-Ky., announced theselection of Rubio on February 5, callinghim a strong advocate of conservativeprinciples.Rubio will speak after Obama’s primetimeaddress before Congress, offering acounterweight to the president’s agenda.

    The high-profile speech gives Rubio abroad national audience for a party thatlacks a true standard-bearer afterObama’s re-election.The 41-year-old Cuban-Americanlawmaker will provide a direct message toa growing Hispanic electorate thatshunned the GOP in last year’s election.Rubio was given a prominent speakingrole at last year’s Republican NationalConvention and traveled extensively onbehalf of Republican presidentialcandidate Mitt Romney. He has beentouted as a potential presidentialcandidate in 2016 for a party that faredpoorly among Latino voters last year.Boehner called Rubio “one of ourparty’s most dynamic and inspiringleaders. He carries our party’s banner offreedom, opportunity and prosperity in away few others can.

    “McConnell said his Senate colleaguewould “contrast the Republican approachto the challenges we face with PresidentObama’s vision of an ever-biggergovernment and the higher taxes thatwould be needed to pay for it.”Rubio has played a leading role amongRepublicans in seeking changes onimmigration, one of the top legislativepriorities of the year for both parties. Hehas been part of a bipartisan group ofsenators who have proposed a plan thatwould allow illegal immigrants to pursuecitizenship after a number of steps aretaken to secure the border with Mexico.

    The issue is expected to be among themost highly-watched measures inCongress this year.On the economy, Rubio has said taxincreases will not bring down the nation’s$16 trillion debt and urged policies topromote economic growth and changes toentitlement programs.Rubio said he would discuss “howlimited government and free enterprisehave helped make my family’s dreamscome true in America.” He said thespeech would help lay out “the Republicancase of how our ideas can help peopleclose the gap between their dreams andthe opportunities to realize them.”Rubio, a former state house speakerfrom Miami, became a popular figureamong tea party activists during hisimprobable rise during his 2010 Senatecampaign.

    He defeated Florida Gov.Charlie Crist, who switched to run as anindependent when it became clear hewould lose the Republican primary toRubio.Rubio becomes the first Hispanic toever provide the opposition response tothe president’s State of the Union sincethe practice of an opposition response tothe State of the Union address began in1966.

  • Starbucks expects India to be among top 5 global markets

    Starbucks expects India to be among top 5 global markets

    NEW DELHI (TIP): US coffee chain Starbucks, which opened its seventh store in the country on Wednesday, expects India to be among the top five global markets for the company in the long term. John Culver, President, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific, said, “We are committed to the Indian market for the long term and we are looking to grow our business aggressively, expand stores, make investments and offer locally relevant innovations.” He did not specify the company’s expansion plans or investment figures but said that India is expected to be among the top five global markets of the company in the long term.

    This is the company’s flagship store in New Delhi. It already has presence in the NCR region through two stores at the Delhi International Airport, besides four stores in Mumbai. Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012, and its stores operate under a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Starbucks Coffee Co and Tata Global Beverages called Tata Starbucks Ltd.

    He also said that the company was committed to ethically sourcing and roasting coffee through its partnership with Tata Coffee to elevate the story of the Indian coffee farmer, a unique initiative being undertaken in India. The store at Delhi reflected examples of Indian craft of weaving and sported handicrafts made by local artists.

    The company has kept the Indian palette in mind as the menu includes Indian cuisine like Murg Makhani Pie, Mutton Seek in Roomali Roti, besides also offering Tata Tazo tea which is a co-branded product under its partnership with Tata Global Beverages. On future locations that have been identified for opening new stores, Avani Saglani Davda, CEO, Tata Starbucks, said India offers diverse growth opportunities and the company will thoughtfully open stores in locations, “where customers want and expect us to be.”

  • NSF Director Subra Suresh Named Carnegie Mellon University President

    NSF Director Subra Suresh Named Carnegie Mellon University President

    WASHINGTON (TIP): PresidentBarack Obama’s top Indian-Americanscience official, Subra Suresh, hasresigned as director of the NationalScience Foundation (NSF) to becomethe president of Carnegie MellonUniversity (CMU).Obama had appointed Suresh in 2010as head of NSF, a $7 billionindependent federal science agencycharged with advancing all fields offundamental science and engineeringresearch and related education.”Subra has shown himself to be aconsummate scientist and engineer -beholden to evidence and committed toupholding the highest scientificstandards,” Obama said acceptingSuresh’s resignation.

    “He has also done his part to makesure the American people benefit fromadvances in technology, and opened upmore opportunities for women,minorities, and otherunderrepresented groups,”.”We have been very fortunate tohave Subra Suresh guiding theNational Science Foundation for thelast two years,” Obama stated. “I amgrateful for his service.”Previously, Suresh served as dean ofthe School of Engineering at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) from 2007 to 2010 and has beenon leave as the Vannevar BushProfessor of Engineering at MIT whileserving as NSF Director.

    In a note to his staff, Suresh saidNSF “is blessed with a marvelouscohort of highly talented and devotedstaff, as well as hundreds of thousandsof innovative grantees andinvestigators from every field ofscience and engineering.”Carnegie Mellon Universityannounced Tuesday that Suresh willbe its ninth president. He succeedsJared Cohon, who is stepping downafter 16 years as president.”The extraordinary ability of theCMU faculty and students in bringingtogether cutting-edge research andeducation across multiple disciplinespositions CMU uniquely to addressnational and global challenges,” saidSuresh.”I am very happy for ProfessorSuresh and for Carnegie Mellon,” saidMIT President L. Rafael Reif.

    “Professor Suresh will bring CarnegieMellon exceptional experience and aproven ability to get important thingsdone.”Thanking Suresh for his outstandingservice, John Holdren, Assistant to thePresident for Science and Technology,said: “Subra has made criticalcontributions to a broad range ofscience and technology priorities.”These included “expanding federalinvestments in fundamental research,accelerating the commercialization ofuniversity research, andstrengthening our scientificcollaborations with partners aroundthe world.

  • Indian Potash in deal with Belarusian company

    Indian Potash in deal with Belarusian company

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Indian Potash Ltd (IPL) has signed a contract with Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) to import 1 million tonne of muriate of potash (MOP) at $427 a tonne this calendar year. The pricing of the new deal is about 15 per cent lower than the previous contract signed at $490. BPC, a joint venture distributor of Belaruskali and Uralkali, will begin MOP supplies to IPL from this month till January 2014. “The delivery price of potash fertiliser for India has been set at $427 a tonne on CFR basis.

    BPC deliveries under the contract with IPL will total 1 million tonnes,” BPC said in a statement. “We strongly believe that the agreement bringing us one step forward in restoring potash demand will influence positively both the domestic and global potash market,” said Valery Ivanov, CEO of BPC.

    India, which is dependent on imports to meet its potash demand, imported about 5.5 million tonnes of the nutrient in the past 18 months. The IPL-BPC deal is probably the first of its kind to be announced by the Indian fertiliser makers, who are going slow in signing new contracts this year as the country still has huge unsold stocks of the nutrients. Erratic monsoon and high prices had impacted the fertiliser offtake last year, resulting in stock build-up.

    Besides, the Government had recently told the fertiliser companies not to bring in any nutrients till the end of current fiscal. IPL, the largest importer of potash in the country, expects to negotiate with other suppliers for another million tonnes in the current year, said Managing Director P.S. Gehlaut. “We expect to bring in the MOP shipments from BPC into the country from April onward,” Gehlaut said.

  • Anna Hazare’s Magic Is Working!

    Anna Hazare’s Magic Is Working!

    CVC reports a 100 per cent jump in corruption complaints in 2012

    NEW DELHI (TIP: It’s a record thatwill bring a smile to the faces of AnnaHazare and likes. Their anticorruptionagitation might not havebrought down the level ofirregularities in the country, but itseems to have given people thecourage to report corrupt practicesthey witness or suffer in their dailylives.In 2012, the Central VigilanceCommission (CVC) received 37, 175complaints against “corrupt”individuals in powerful positions,more than 100 complaints a day.

    Thisis a jump of more than 100 per centfrom 2011 when 17,407 complaintswere received by the anti-corruptionwatchdog.The data compiled by the CVC inthe past four years indicate that moreand more people have decided to takeon the corrupt rather than obligingthem. Since 2008, the number ofcomplaints has increased almost fourtimes. But last year, the numbers roseenormously, courtesy the anticorruptionwave that gripped thecountry.Records with the commissionindicate that banking fraud makes forthe maximum number of corruptioncases. According to the data, almost 30per cent of the cases being monitoredby agencies like CBI are related toswindling of money in governmentbanks.

    The CVC monitorsinvestigation into cases referred by itto the CBI.Central Vigilance CommissionerPradeep Kumar said the increase incorruption complaints can also beattributed to the “increasingcredibility” of institutions. “More andmore people are willing to comeforward to expose corruption. Thepublic is more proactive and it’s agood sign. This has resulted in somebig corruption cases beinginvestigated,” he said.”Some initiatives by us like projectVijay that facilitates an individualmake a complaint by dialing a numberhas helped the people lodge theirgrievance without appearing inperson,” Kumar added.

    Many complaints received by theCVC are outside its purview. There area high number of cases where thecomplaints relate to corruption instate governments. Since the CVConly deals with corruption in centralgovernment, these are forwarded tothe states and departments concerned.”People are not always aware oftechnicalities and send theircomplaints here. We inform the stategovernments so that they can takeappropriate action,” the CVC added.”There seems to be an increase intrust that grievances will beresponded to. It shows more peopleare willing to report to agencies. Morereporting is a deterrent in itself,”former IPS officer and anti-corruptioncrusader Kiran Bedi, said.

    The pressure from the civil societyand the Supreme Court has pushedthe government to show an urgencyto grant prosecution sanctions togovernment officials. According toCVC data till 2012, there are only 22cases involving 40 centralgovernment officials where sanctionis pending for more than fourmonths.According to SC guidelines, aprosecution sanction should not bepending for more than four months.The number has come down by halfsince the end of 2010.

  • Net direct tax collections figures for April-January 2012-13 up by 12.49 per cent

    Net direct tax collections figures for April-January 2012-13 up by 12.49 per cent

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Gross Direct Tax collection during April-January of the current fiscal (F.Y. 2012- 13) was up by 7.02 percent at Rs. 4,55,125 crore as against Rs. 4,25,274 crore in the same period last fiscal. While gross collection of Corporate Taxes was up 3.71 percent (Rs. 2,96,451 crore against Rs. 2,85,837 crore last year), gross collection of Personal Income Tax was up by 13.81 percent (Rs. 1,57,913 crore against Rs. 1,38,746 crore last year).

    Net Direct Tax collections stood at Rs.3,90,310 crore, up from Rs. 3,46,959 crore in the same period last fiscal, registering a growth of 12.49 percent. Growth in Wealth Tax was 2.85 percent (Rs. 685 crore against Rs. 666 crore), while growth in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) -9.99 percent (Rs. 3,731 crore against Rs. 4,145 crore).

  • Indian manufacturing & natural resources industry to spend Rs 40,800 on IT in 2013

    Indian manufacturing & natural resources industry to spend Rs 40,800 on IT in 2013

    CHENNAI (TIP): Indian manufacturers and natural resources companies will spend Rs 40,800 crore on IT products and services in 2013, an increase of 9.1% over 2012 revenue of Rs 37,400 crore, according to Gartner, Inc. This forecast includes spending by manufacturers and natural resource companies on internal IT (including personnel), hardware, software, external IT services and telecommunications.

    The telecommunications category remains the biggest spending category overall in the manufacturing and natural resources industry, and it is forecast to reach Rs 13,200 crore in 2013.

    Meanwhile, software is achieving the highest growth rate amongst the top level IT spending categories – forecast to exceed 15% in 2013, with especially strong growth forecast for enterprise resource planning (ERP)/supply chain management (SCM)/customer relationship management (CRM), desktop software, and manufacturing-specific applications.

    Gartner anticipates very high demand for consulting services as manufacturers plan for these implementations, forecasting growth of over 22% in 2013 alone. “Despite India’s slowing economic growth, manufacturing and natural resources remain large and important sectors in the Indian economy, and they are attracting increased IT spending to improve productivity and competitiveness,” said Ken Brant, research director for manufacturing at Gartner. “Indian manufacturers are seeking to use IT to make process improvements and information from across manufacturing operations more transparent and actionable.”

  • Kejriwal’s Party To Launch Its Own News Channel

    Kejriwal’s Party To Launch Its Own News Channel

    Channel will fight for the rights of common man
    NEW DELHI (TIP): Social activist Arvind Kejriwal’sAam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its decision tolaunch its own news channel to focus on common issuesand propagate the party ideology.A decision to this effect was taken by the fledglingparty’s executive.To start with, the party will use the YouTubeplatform to upload three hour-hour news capsules. Afull-fledged channel would go on the air by the end ofthis year to coincide with state assembly elections inDelhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.The Aam Aadmi Party launched in October last yearis expected to make its electoral debut in these stateelections before contesting the next year’s generalelections.

    Article continues below
    Former television journalist Shazia Ilmi, who isclosely associated with AAP, would head the channel.According to Manoj Sisodia, a close confidante ofKejriwal, the channel would focus on news concerningthe common man and provide them a platform to fightfor their rights. The channel would in all probability benamed after the party.Political parties, particularly down south are knownto run news channels. Tamil Nadu chief minister JJayalalithaa’s All India Anna Dravida MunnetraKazhagam (AIADMK) runs Jaya TV, Kalaignar TV isassociated with her arch-rival M. Karunanidhi’sDravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

    In neighbouringKerala, the Congress party runs Jaihind channel whilethe Left Front runs Kairali TV.The need to launch its own television channel wasfelt after Kejriwal, who broke away with anticorruptioncrusader Anna Hazare to enter into politics,felt several news channels had started avoidingfollowing deformation suit filed on behalf ofindustrialist and richest Indian Mukesh Ambani afterthey telecast in November live a press conference ofKejriwal in which he accused Ambani-owned RelianceIndustries Limited of being involved in several corruptpractices, particularly in the fields of petroleum andnatural gas.

    Kejriwal recently reacted by daring Ambani to takehim to court since he addressed the press conferenceand termed the deformation notice as attempt tobrowbeat privately-owned news channels.It is not yet clear if the information and broadcastingministry, which had laid down guidelines to denypolitical parties access to television channels, wouldissue the necessary clearance for launch of theproposed channel.

  • Tata Advanced Materials in pact with Strongfield Technologies

    Tata Advanced Materials in pact with Strongfield Technologies

    BENGALURU (TIP): Tata Advanced Materials Ltd (TAML) has signed an MoU with UK-based Strongfield Technologies Ltd, manufacturer and supplier of high-tech components and equipment for defence and space applications.

    The MoU also facilitates the design, manufacture and supply of composite products for aerospace, armour, defence, transportation and infrastructure sectors.

    Paul Rogers, Director of Outsourcing, STL, said: “STL is honoured to collaborate with TAML for indigenous composite production of components and structures for its defence projects. STL evaluated TAML facilities in 2012, and was happy to see the high standards of quality and capability showcased.” Philip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology with responsibility for defence procurement and defence exports said, “This important MoU between Tata Advanced Materials Ltd and Strongfield Technologies Ltd for the tender to supply to Indian defence aerial targets. This is a tangible example of the significance of Aero India in articulating successive collaborations between UK and India.”

  • 4-Nation Gas Pipeline Plan Gets Fresh Push

    4-Nation Gas Pipeline Plan Gets Fresh Push

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Aiming to speedup implementation of the ambitiousTurkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline, theUnion Cabinet on February 7approved the setting up of a specialpurpose vehicle to build the 1,680-kmpipeline that terminates at Fazilka inPunjab.Tapi Ltd, the Dubai-based SPV,would undertake the feasibility studyand design work for the pipeline, huntfor a consortium leader to build the $9 billion project, operate it, arrangefor finances and work to ensure safedelivery of gas.

    At the Cabinet meeting chaired byPrime Minister Manmohan Singh, theSPV was given the go-ahead andpermitted Gas Authority of IndiaLimited (GAIL) to join it as India’srepresentative.It was announced officially thatTAPI Ltd initially requires $ 20million contribution, with each of thefour participating countries funding $5 million. GAIL being a NavratnaCompany, is empowered to make aninvestment of this level for India.TAPI Ltd is being formed for theproject as multinational corporationsare unwilling to participate in theproject without a share inTurkmenistan’s rich gas fields. Theproject had got stuck since India wasnot agreeable to the suggestion by theother three that each country buildthe pipeline on its own and operate it.

    At a meeting of the steeringcommittee last September,Turkmenistan suggested formation ofan SPV to put the project after allparties reaffirmed their commitmentand intention to fast track it since italso a symbol of regional cooperation.India joined the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) Projectin April, 2008, two years after theUnion Cabinet gave its ‘in principle’approval. Thereafter, the name of theproject stood amended toTurkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project.The pipeline originates and runs144 km in Turkmenistan, passes 735km through Afghanistan and travels800 km in Pakistan en route India.

    Last May, the four countries signedthe gas sale and purchase agreement.The 1,680 km pipeline will carry 90million cubic metres a day (mmcmd)of gas and is scheduled to becomeoperational in 2018 and supply gasover a 30-year period. India andPakistan will get 38 mmcmd each,while the remaining 14 mmcmd willbe supplied to Afghanistan. TAPI willcarry gas from Turkmenistan’sGalkynysh field, known earlier asSouth Yoiotan Osman that is knownto hold gas reserves of 16 trillioncubic feet.Turkmenistan, which holds morethan 4 per cent of the world’s naturalgas reserves, signed pacts last May tosell gas last to India and Pakistanthrough the 1,680-km pipeline at theCaspian Sea resort of Avaza inTurkmenistan.

    THE ROUTE

  • Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India
  • Length: 1,680-km
  • The pipeline runs 144 km inTurkmenistan, passes 735 kmthrough Afghanistan andtravels 800 km in Pakistanbefore entering India at Fazilka in Punjab

    • Role of the SPV
    Undertake a feasibility study anddesign work for the pipelineHunt for a consortium leader to buildthe $9 billion projectOperate it and arrange for financesOperational in 2018The project is scheduled to becomeoperational in 2018 and supply gasover a 30-year periodIt will carry 90 million cubic metres aday (mmcmd) of gasIndia and Pakistan will get 38mmcmd each, while the remaining 14mmcmd will be supplied toAfghanistan

  • Chaos ahead of us as solar ‘megastorm’ is brewing?

    Chaos ahead of us as solar ‘megastorm’ is brewing?

    LONDON (TIP): A solar ‘megastorm’ , expected to hit Earth in the near future, could knock out the planet’s communication satellites, cause power cuts and disrupt crucial navigation aids and aircraft avionics , experts have warned. The extreme space storm is caused by the Sun ejecting billions of tonnes of highlyenergetic matter travelling at 1609344 kilometres per hour. However, engineers say it is impossible to predict more than about 30 minutes before it actually happens, The Independent reported.

    Such solar superstorms are estimated to occur once every 100 or 200 years, with the last one hitting the Earth in 1859. Although none has occurred in the space age, we are far more vulnerable now than a century ago because of the ubiquity of modern electronics , engineers said. “The general consensus is that a solar superstorm is inevitable , a matter not of ‘if ‘ but ‘when?’,” says a report into extreme space weather by a group of experts at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. There have been a number of “near misses” in the past half century, when an explosive “coronal mass ejection” of energetic matter from the Sun narrowly bypassed the Earth. A relatively minor solar storm in 1989 knocked out several key electrical transformers in the Canadian national grid, causing major power blackouts

  • India Working On Agni-VI Missile, To Be In World’s Elite Nuclear Club

    India Working On Agni-VI Missile, To Be In World’s Elite Nuclear Club

    NEW DELHI (TIP): India onFebruary 7 said it is developing a longrangenuclear-capable Agni-VIballistic missile that would carrymultiple warheads allowing oneweapon system to take out severaltargets at a time.”Agni-V is a major strategic defenceweapon. Now we want to make Agni-VI which would be a force multiplier,”DRDO chief V K Saraswat said here.

    Refusing to divulge the range of thenew under-development missile, hesaid the force multiplier capability ofthe missile would be because of itsMultiple Independently Targetable ReentryVehicle (MIRV) capability.The Agni-5 ballistic missile, whichwas test-fired in April last year, has arange of upto 5,500 kms and it isbelieved that the Agni-6 would have arange longer than its predecessor.

    “It will have force multipliercapability by the MIRV approachwhich would enable us to delivermany payloads at the same time usingonly one missile. Work is on in thisarea and designs have been completed.We are now in the hardwarerealisation phase,” he said.DRDO officials said once the Agni-6is developed, it would propel Indiainto the elite club of nations withsuch a capability including the US andRussia.The DRDO chief said hisorganisation was also workingtowards developing a cruise missiledefence programme which wouldenable the armed forces to defendagainst low-flying cruise missiles andenemy aircraft.