Christina Aguilera to sing Super Bowl national anthem

Christina Aguilera will sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl on February 6, Fox television and the National Football League announced on Monday.
"I have been performing the anthem since I was seven years old and I must say the Super Bowl is a dream come true," the five-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter said in a statement. "I am really excited to be part of such an iconic event."
Aguilera, who made her movie debut in December as the star of the musical "Burlesque" and began singing professionally as a teenager, previously performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2000.
The performers at this year's halftime show will be The Black Eyed Peas.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl in Dallas on February 6. The game is the most-watched event annually on U.S. television and last year drew more than 153 million viewers.

(source:reuters.com)

H1B Visa Fee hike to fund 9/11 health fund ??

US Congress approved a bill to raise fund to provide free medical treatment to those suffering from illnesses contracted while clearing the debris at the Ground Zero site in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attack.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 seeks to create a $4.3 billion fund to provide free medical treatment. But, indirectly it may affect Indians and Indian IT companies.

The bill passed on Wednesday night will require an estimated budget of $4.3 billion over a 5-year period will primarily be funded by taxing goods and services sourced from contractors in countries like India, China and Thailand, which are outside the purview of WTO's Agreement on Government Procurement. It will also be funded by continuation of an increased fee on certain categories of H-1B and L1 visas — that would mainly impact Indian IT companies — and the continuation of a fee on some travelers to this country.

At a press conference following the passage of the bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the bill might not be perfect, but is nevertheless satisfying.

"We didn't get everything we wanted. We didn't get everything we wanted. But always remember: Legislation is the art of compromise. This is $4.3 billion better than nothing.

"This is a great victory for the American people, the people of New York, New Jersey and the rest of the country," he said.

USA wants more from India

Source: Economic Times: USA going to smaller towns in India

Now US Commercial Services (USCS) would start focusing on smaller towns in India, due to their huge business potential. According to US Commercial consul for South India Aileen Nandi, it is not big places like New Delhi or Mumbai anymore,