US India Business Council hosts Executive Committee Briefing

USIBC hosts Executive Committee Briefing for U.S. Ambassador to India, Richard Verma

WASHINGTON, D.C. June, 7 – The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) hosted an Executive Committee briefing for United States Ambassador to India, Richard Verma.

“Ambassador Richard Verma’s current visit to Washington D.C. comes at a key moment in U.S.-India bilateral trade and commercial ties. Trade between the United States and India is poised to grow from $100 billion to the $500 billion in the next few years. USIBC member companies are united in their efforts and actions to build both the Indian and U.S. economies as attractive destinations for investment and to create jobs and opportunities for citizens to grow and prosper. To turn this vision into reality, we need a strong foundational relationship between governments and businesses,” said Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President of USIBC. He further said, “Ambassador Verma’s distinguished record in public service as well as the private sector, positions him in a unique way to promote the interests of American enterprise in India, while fostering good will and cooperation between the two countries.”

The Council currently has eleven Executive Committees, covering every major business sector— Aerospace & Defense, Information Technology, Energy and Environment, Financial Services, Food & Agriculture, Infrastructure, Legal Services, Media & Entertainment, Life Sciences, Real Estate and Retail Trade. USIBC develops its advocacy positions in collaboration with these committees which are chaired by senior executives of member companies.

As part of the briefing, USIBC Executive Committee Chairs had an opportunity to present ideas and recommendations to Ambassador Verma that have the potential to fast track India’s economic progress in areas such as ease of doing business, proactive taxation and policy consistency.

Ambassador Verma has been a key figure dedicated to strengthening U.S-India bilateral relations since assuming his diplomatic role in December 2014. Prior to his appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to India, Ambassador Verma served as former Assistant Secretary of Legislative Affairs. Within the private sector, Ambassador Verma served as a partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and Albright Stonebridge Group. He has extensive knowledge and expertise in international law and global regulatory compliance with a specialization in Asia and emerging markets.

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US India Business Council Delegation express Commitment to Indian Market

The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) has concluded its Pharmaceutical & Biologics Executive Mission to Hyderabad and New Delhi, India.  The delegation expressed its commitment to the Indian market; called for further dialogue with the government on issues related to pricing, intellectual property, and clinical trials; and explored partnership strategies for expanding greater access to healthcare and developing an innovation ecosystem in India.  USIBC’s Executive Mission was led by Justin McCarthy, Senior Vice President for Global Public Policy at Pfizer, and included senior representatives from Abbott, Actavis, Baxalta, Hospira, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Mylan, and PhRMA.

On Monday April 20, the delegation met with top officials from both the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governments in Hyderabad. The delegation discussed investment opportunities in both states and identified the policy and regulatory conditions conducive to attracting investment in the life sciences sector.  Although no investment commitments were made by the Council's member companies, USIBC and its membership remains committed to partnering at both the center and state levels to explore opportunities for growth.

In Delhi on April 21 and 22, the delegation met with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Department of Commerce, Department of Biotechnology, and the office of the Drugs Controller General of India.  The delegation participated in an interactive roundtable discussion on Innovation & Intellectual Property Rights: A discussion on policies, practices, and opportunities for U.S.-India Business Relations organized jointly by USIBC and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and sponsored by Trilegal, a leading full service law firm in India.   The delegation also joined briefings with U.S. Embassy officials.

“As an industry, we look forward to partnering with the Government of India at both the state and central levels,” said Justin McCarthy, leader of the USIBC delegation.  “We are encouraged by the positive signals we received on policy and regulatory issues that are critical to furthering growth of the industry, expanding healthcare access, and developing an innovation ecosystem in India.”

Formed in 1975 at the request of the U.S. and Indian governments, the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) is the premier business advocacy organization advancing U.S.-India commercial ties. Today, USIBC is the largest bilateral trade association in the United States, with liaison presence in New York, Silicon Valley, and New Delhi, comprised of 300 of the top-tier U.S. and Indian companies. The Chairman of USIBC is Ajay Banga, CEO and President, MasterCard Worldwide.

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Security beefs up at American Mall following Terror Threat

Solmali based militants could target shopping sties in West including American Mall in Minnesota, according to media reports.The US Homeland Security Chief issued warning about possible terror attack in some places and terror groups could target shopping malls.

Following warning security have been beefed up at the shopping mall in Minnesota. Mall of America authorities have issued statement about security extended there for possible terror attack. It is the largest shopping complex in the world located in Bloomington, Minnesota. And, the state of Minneesota is know for the residing Somali population.

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US President Barack Obama is on Three Days Visit to India

US President Barak Obama is coming to India on three days visit. His aircraft Air Force One has taken off from Andrew Air Force Base today. Much awaited visit for India and US, both the leaders would be discussing many issues including terrorism.

Obama is the chief guest for Republic Day Parade to be held on Jan 26. He will be spending around two hours at the parade function. Security has been beefed up in all the areas including New Delhi.

He was scheduled to visit Taj Mahal in Agra. But, officials have confirmed about cancellation of Obama’s visit. However, no specific reason was cited for the cancellation. Obama expressed regret of not visiting Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

He is will arrive in New Delhi on Jan 25 and likely to held many rounds of meeting with political and business leaders. And, Obama and Narendra Modi will address the nation in ‘Man Ki Baat’ radio show to be aired on All India Radio on Jan 27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been addressing nation through ‘Man Ki Baat’ every month on All India Radio since October 2014.

US President Obama is scheduled to meet 17 Chief Executive Officers of Indian Corporation in New Delhi during his three-day visit. And all the CEOs will be meeting their counterparts.

Indian economy has been showing signs for revive and stock markets have been rallying in India. It is perfect time for India and US to sign some business and bilateral deals.

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Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Primes for Eastern Expansion

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), No. 1 in lead banking relationships with middle-market companies, said today that New York City will serve as its new Eastern Region hub for Commercial Banking. John P. Manning, a 26-year financial services veteran and Wells Fargo executive vice president, will lead the continued expansion of the company’s Commercial Banking business in the Eastern U.S. and Eastern Canada. He is based at Wells Fargo’s Manhattan office, 150 East 42nd St.

Manning succeeds Carlos Evans, a longtime Wells Fargo Commercial Banking leader in Charlotte, North Carolina, who retired last May. Manning most recently led Wells Fargo’s 14-office Commercial Banking division in Southern California. Before that, he oversaw the Greater Los Angeles division. His teams doubled their loan portfolio between 2009 and 2014.

In the last few years, Wells Fargo Commercial Banking has grown rapidly in the East, with new operations in Maryland, Boston, and Toronto, among others. Manning’s new Eastern territory includes 23 Regional Commercial Banking Offices in 13 states, plus the District of Columbia and Eastern Canada. Wells Fargo has identified more Eastern urban and suburban markets for possible Commercial Banking expansion, including New York boroughs and New England communities where middle-market businesses cluster.

“As middle-market companies are feeling more confident about the economy, they’re seeking opportunities to invest in their operations, their people, and their communities,” Manning said. “Wells Fargo’s top priority throughout this region is putting resources on the ground. That means local teams, local decisions, and local lending authority where our customers live and work.”

A native of New Jersey, Manning earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Rutgers University. He joined Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking group in 1994 as a relationship manager in Los Angeles. He progressed through the organization and was promoted to head of the Greater Los Angeles division in 2009. Commercial Banking unified its Southern California offices into one region in 2013 with Manning at the helm.

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America Awaits: American Expert educates Indian Students

America Awaits: American Expert educates India Students about prospects of higher education in the US

• Lisa Jain, representative of the College Board in India, interacts with undergraduate students about higher education possibilities in American Universities and Colleges at a session organized by FIITJEE

New Delhi: Even as a large number of Universities and Colleges in the US look for promising students from across the world, millions of young Indian students miss the opportunity due to lack of awareness about the application processes, preparation modes, test requirements, and scholarship options.


At an interactive session with leading international education expert Ms Lisa Jain today, a large number of young undergraduate students got a golden opportunity to clear their doubts about the US education system, and obtain useful tips and information on how to go about the process of applying in the best way.


The interactive session was an initiative of USA UnivQuest, a part of the FIITJEE Group.

Ms Lisa Jain is the India Representative of the College Board, an independent organization comprising prominent US Universities, Schools and Colleges as its members, with a mission to connect students to college success and opportunity. College Board’s member colleges, schools and universities hail from 60+ countries, and College Board’s programs such as SAT, PSAT and Advanced Placement (AP) are administered in over 180 countries.


Students looking for opportunity of studying in the US can appear for SAT, SAT Subject Test and Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, collect credits and scores, and can then apply for various colleges across the spectrum.


Ms Jain spoke about the benefits and importance of College Board’s different programs and resources including SAT, SAT Subject Tests and Advanced Placement, in detail. She also shed light on pertinent questions like when students should give their standardized tests, how they should prepare more effectively to do well in the SAT, and how the AP Program can help strengthen the college application and earn college credits. The session also helped students gain a deep insight into some of the most critical parts of the U.S. and overseas college application process.


“Getting an education at a prestigious American college is a dream millions of young Indians feel will always remain a dream only. Reality is different. Even average Indian students can make it to the world’s best universities provided they plan and work towards it. Unfortunately, no one ever tried to explore beyond the obvious and that’s how USA UnivQuest was born. FIITJEE’s USA UnivQuest, aims to fill in this gap by acting as a guiding light to young Indians looking for a promising education in the United States. College Board is a prestigious and trusted organization that has for over a century helped students in their quest for obtaining the best education and we are proud to be associated with it,” says Mr. Ashish Khare, Head – Academics – USA UnivQuest.

Lisa Jain is the Representative of The College Board in India. She works extensively with schools, students and parents across India to educate them about College Board’s programs and resources.

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Explosion in Texas Fertilizer Plant: 70 dead and Hundreds Injured

An explosion took place in Texas fertilizer plant, leaving 70 dead and hundreds injured. According to media reports, fire fighters who were working on the spot were also injured in a secondary blast. Cause of the explosion is not exactly known but they suspect that it was because of anhydrous ammonia explosion, and injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals.

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Obama to visit Boston on Thursday

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com

Three days after the bomb blasts at Boston Marathon, US president Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Boston on Thursday.

After the explosions, Obama took an Oath that those who were responsible for the blasts would be brought to justice.

He also called blasts, an act of terrorism, but said; investigators are yet to find out who carried them out.

Obama added American people refuse to be terrorized. Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Governor said that President is to attend an interfaith service.

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US Immigration Bill May Lead IT Companies to Pay Extra

Because of Boston blasts the formal release of US Comprehensive Immigration Bill has been delayed. But, once the bill comes into force it may result in Indian IT companies, bearing substantial new costs.

This will lead to hiring more people locally, changing the outsourcing system. The Bill increases the quota of H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers from 65,000 to 110,000, US technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, Apple and Intel will benefit out of it.

Around 50% of the local employees working in most of the Indian companies are on H-1B visas and the bill results in increasing costs for them and imposes restrictions on the companies' ability to increase the H-1B numbers.

According to the online publication 'Politico' companies that bring 30% or more of their workforce from H-1B visa holders will have to pay new fees.

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3 killed, 140 injured in Boston Two Serial Blasts

At least three people were killed and more than 140 injured, when two bombs exploded, near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, on Monday. Is this a terror attack again in the US? Is the
question that is of concern.

White House official said the attack was being treated as an act of terrorism. US President Barak Obama, speaking from the White House said officials "still do not know who did this or why. We will find out who did this. We'll find out why they did this, any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice." He said.

Two unexploded bombs were safely disarmed. These bombs were found near the end of the 26.2-mile course. The two blasts were almost simultaneous and about 100 yards (meters) apart. Out of those injured, at least 17 are in critical condition and 25 to 30 people have at least one leg missing, or an ankle missing, or two legs missing.

Around 23,000 people took part in the race. This Marathon is held on Patriots Day, a Massachusetts state holiday. Edward Davis Boston Police commissioner said, authorities had received "no specific intelligence that anything was going to happen" at the race.

The white House said, President Obama was briefed on the explosions and he told Boston Mayor and Gov. that his administration would provide whatever support was needed. Paul Browne, police spokesman said that critical response teams are deployed around the city. Officials were stepping up security at hotels and other important locations.

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16% Drop in the US aid to India

John Kerry, US secretary of state has proposed a 16% cut in the American aid to India. This is because of the change from a traditional "donor-recipient" relationship to a "strategic partnership" between the two countries.

A senior state department official said "With respect to India, for the fiscal year 2014, the State Department request is $91 million. This represents a 16% decrease from the fiscal levels 2012.

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Dr. Vistasp M Karbhari Appointed as President of US University

Dr. Vistasp M Karbhari has completed his higher education from University of Pune. He is at present the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Alabama.

He is a noted researcher and scholar and has into his account more than 200 published scientific papers. Kharbari had earlier served as professor and vice chairman of the structural engineering department at University of California-San Diego.

Kharbari said upon his approval. "UT Arlington is an incredible institution, and I am committed to advancing it towards Tier One status, while maintaining and strengthening excellence in both research and education and ensuring the success of our students."

Regents Chairman Gene Powell said “We are fortunate to have a leader of Dr Karbhari's caliber take over the reins of UT Arlington, and we know he is the perfect fit to make sure excellence, accessibility and affordability remain top priorities at UT Arlington, Dr Karbhari has impressed us from the moment we met him, and he has our complete confidence ".

Chancellor Francisco G Cigarroa said, “With immense teaching and administrative experience, Kharbari was the right choice for the position”.

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From June Onwards No Full Body scanners at US Airports

Keeping in view the wide spread privacy concerns controversial full body scanners will be removed from US airports. The scanners which are a part of the security screening at airports in the past few years, will no more be seen from June onwards, a Federal Agency announced on Friday.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said, the primary reason behind this is. The company which has installed scanners on airports has not been able to send non-imaging Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software as made mandatory by the congress.

TSA added "Due to its inability to deploy non-imaging ATR software by the Congressionally mandated June 2013 deadline, TSA has terminated its contract with Rapiscan, by June 1, 2013 travelers will only see machines which have ATR that allow for faster throughput. This means faster lanes for the traveler and enhanced security. As always, use of this technology is optional."

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Hillary Clinton's Visit to India, discusses Terrorism and Nuclear: Video

Terrorsim and Nuclear are key issue during the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to India. She supported India for the NSG. Hillary Clinton met the External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday.

Livrmint Tv report on Youtube:

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