VOL 01 | ISSUE 41 | JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
`10 ges 24 Pa
GOVT TO PUSH ON WITH EVICTION DRIVE PG 12
Nargis Fakhri Catching Up, Pg 24
PG 17
BRAZIL 2014
ONE FOR THE AGES
AUTHORITIES PLAY HARDBALL AGAINST CITY BUSES
PG 02 The City Traffic Police have renewed their resolve to set the unruly traffic of the city in order and make way for smoother commuting for the citizens
Ward Watch @
RUPNAGAR Ward No 18 Page No 11
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
In The News
AUTHORITIES PLAY HARDBALL AGAINST CITY BUSES
Mrinmoyee Hazarika
I
n its endeavour to make Guwahati a better place for the commuters, the district transport authority, Kamrup (M) along with the office of the city traffic police has dug its heels deep against the city buses plying on the roads of the city every day. The DTO and Kamrup (M) has taken stern actions on the faulty city buses, which cause major traffic congestions on the roads of the city most of the time. They started a drive from last Wednesday, the 9th of July against the faulty autorickshaws, trekkers, school buses and vehicles from other states plying illegally inside the city and other faulty vehicles besides the city buses on the roads. On the first day of the two-day drive carried out by the DTO (enforcement), Kamrup (M) the authority has seized an altogether twenty nine city buses and out of those 16 were using black tints on their glasses. It has also seized eight autorickshaws for not operating their meters. The DTO (enforcement) has also realised an amount of `18,000 fine from all sorts of faulty private and commercial vehicles plying on the roads.
City traffic’s initiative
Lack of professionalism and reckless driving shown on parts of the city bus drivers and conductors has not only caused severe traffic chaos on the roads, but also taken precious lives of the people. The office of the city traffic police has issued a notice to all the inspectors of traffic police of Guwahati on 30th June and has asked them to take action against the city buses, which have violated traffic rules and regulations.
The City Traffic Police have renewed their resolve to set the unruly traffic of the city in order and make way for smoother commuting for the citizens
“A notice, mentioning some of the violations done by the city buses plying on the roads of Guwahati has been issued to all the traffic inspectors of the city and asked them to take strict and necessary action against those city buses which have cumulatively violated the traffic rules and regulations. These violations have also been the causes of traffic congestion that occur on the city roads,” city traffic SP, Pranabjyoti Goswami told G Plus. The notice issued by the city traffic SP includes six point violations found among the city buses plying in Guwahati. These are City bus stops at any place to pick up passengers; the buses do not halt at the designated stoppages; most of the time, the city buses do not start their trips from the starting point or go to the destination and make their trips in between as per their will contributing to the increase in the frequency of the buses and traffic congestion on the roads; both the drivers and conductors do not wear uniform. The notice further mentions that other vehicles are seen parked at the city bus stoppages and the traffic inspectors have been asked to ensure that thirty metres of road stretch designated for the city bus stoppages should be kept clear to give smooth passage to the city buses to halt at the stoppages. These stretches of roads should be covered by cones, so that the city buses can park/halt inside the bays and make rooms for other vehicular traffic playing on the roads. The city traffic SP also highlighted the need of developing a psychology even among the traffic personnel for proper management of the traffic.
“There is no separate training centre for the traffic police in the state. The personnel who have been trained at Assam police training centre in Dergaon have been inducted into the department of traffic police after the completion of training. It is very necessary to train the people who have been entrusted to manage the traffic congestion on road,” city traffic SP, Pranabjyoti Goswami added. The traffic SP also issued a notice prohibiting six wheeler and fourwheeled trucks moving inside the city. All the six-wheeled trucks will be allowed to enter the city after 11 pm till 6.30 am. Restriction has been applied on some of the roads for four wheeled trucks between 7.30 am to 10.30 am and 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. Moreover, in order to ensure safety for the general public and smooth traffic flow, the office of the city traffic has imposed restrictions on slow moving vehicles like rickshaws, thelas, pony carts and handcarts from 8 am to 9 pm on some of major roads. These include the DG road, MG road, GS road, GNB road, RGB road, PR road and B Barooah road.
DTO’s initiative
In order to discuss the urgent issues related to the services of the city buses and trekkers plying in greater Guwahati and improve the current situation, a meeting was held on the 21st June of this year where the representatives of the DTO, Kamrup (M), city traffic police, city bus and trekker associations had participated. After the meeting, it was decided that training programme would be organised by the city bus and shared
“There is no separate training centre for the traffic police in the state. The personnel who have been trained at Assam police training centre in Dergaon have been inducted into the department of traffic police after the completion of training. It is very necessary to train the people who have been entrusted to manage the traffic congestion on road” Pranabjyoti Goswami, City traffic SP
taxi associations at regular intervals to enlighten the drivers on the rules of the road for streamlining traffic behaviour on the roads. “In the first phase, a training programme was organised on 15th June at Bamunimaidan where officials from the DTO, Kamrup (M) and city bus drivers participated. Besides, the office of the DTO, Kamrup (M) has carried out an enforcement drive at different areas of the city against faulty vehicles, auto and other vehicles and this will continue in the future as well,” Gautam Das, DTO, Kamrup (M) told G Plus. “This training programme will be treated as a refresher course for the public service vehicle drivers. A refresher course completion certificate will be awarded to the participants with signature of the DTO (registration and licensing), Kamrup (M) which will be countersigned by the SP city traffic police. The driving licenses of city bus and shared taxi drivers will be renewed only on production of this certificate. The certificate will invariably have to be produced while driving on demand of the enforcement authority, Kamrup (M),” the minutes of the meeting states. Currently, there are roughly 1200 city buses in the city. The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) operates around 250 city buses including the ones provided under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM) and about 3 lakh Guwahatians use city buses to travel to various destinations every day.
mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
UNION BUDGET 2014
Date: 29 June, Venue: Crest th
In The News
IS NDA TRYING TO THANK VOTERS OR INDUSTRIALISTS?
RAHUL CHANDA
T
he Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government faced its first test in Parliament when the Budget Session started on Monday. The Opposition was expected to corner the government on the issues of price rise, rail fare hike and others but the Congress poster boy Rahul Gandhi’s napping video inside the Parliament drew much criticism on the seriousness of the opposition on any national issue. The budget presented by the new government was lauded by many but was also criticised quite a lot. Will this year’s budget bring any change to the development scenario of the nation and especially to this region?
The rail budget
In the Railway Budget, Union Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda unveiled many new measures to make Indian Railways, which runs about 20,000 trains and ferries, 23 million passengers daily, a modern, efficient and commercially viable utility. He presented proposals, subject to parliamentary approval, for introduction of 58 new trains, paperless office in next five years, digital reservation charts, wi-fi in select stations and trains, wake-up call for passengers, separate freight terminals, office-on-wheels for business travellers, more money for cleanliness and safety, food courts at stations, expansion of rail tourism and better connectivity in hilly areas and north-eastern states. The minister claimed that some stations will be developed like modern airports. There were many points explained by the minister in the Parliament and some of the interesting highlighting points were:
• Receipts in 2014-15 estimated at `164,374 Crore, expenditure at `149,176 Crore • Receipts in 2013-14 were `139,550 Crore, expenditure was `130,321 Crore
What does NE get?
The Railway Minister earmarked an outlay of `5116 crore for Northeast railway projects for the fiscal 2014-15, which is a 54 percent hike over the previous allocations and 7 new trains were announced for the Northeast. Northeast Frontier Railway CPRO S Lahari said, “The funds which are allocated are for the works which are already sanctioned. There was a problem all these days that the sanctioned work were not completed because of lack of funds, but with the funds coming in the works can be expected to be completed soon.” Enquiring what Guwahati will get out of the funds allocated, the CPRO replied, “Guwahati already has a railway line and the funds are allocated for the entire northeast region which will make sure that the places without rail connectivity are connected with railway services.” In the past focus was on sanctioning projects rather than completing them. In the past 30 years 676 projects worth `157883 Crore were sanctioned, of which 317 completed and 359 projects are yet to complete and require `182000 Crore.
Finance
In what is clearly a ‘thank you voter’ budget, the government raised tax income exemption limits, cut prices of middle class aspiration goods such as LCD/LED television sets and branded clothes, eased norms to boost housing as well as raised tax incentives on home loans. Still, it was no mindless revenueeroding populism. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented a budget to that parliament that not only vowed financial probity by restricting the
attract investment in PPP mode • Port connectivity taken up in PPP mode
• First bullet train to run on MumbaiAhmedabad route
• 58 new trains, among them five Jan Sadharan trains, five premium trains and six AC express trains to be introduced. Run of 11 trains to be extended
• Trains on select routes to be speeded up to 160-200 km per hour
• Wi-fi at select stations and select trains
• Ticketing to be further modernise to issue 7,200 tickets per minute
• Paperless railway offices in five years
• Would require `5 Lakh Crores in 10 years for ongoing projects • To strengthen security in trains and stations, 17,000 RPF constables have been recruited. 4000 women constables to also be recruited. RPF teams in trains to be provided mobile phones • Railway to interact with industry to
• Resource mobilisation using railway land assets will be explored through PPP mode • Food courts at major stations • CCTVs to monitor cleanliness at stations • Target to become largest freight carrier in the world
Criticism
The NDA government did not keep their promises as made before the Lok Sabha elections. Out of `37880 Crore sanctioned for NHAI projects across India, northeast got only `3000 Crores, which is less than even 10% of the total amount sanctioned. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, AGP president fiscal deficit to 4.1% of gross domestic product in 2014-15, but also virtually keeping spending unchanged if one takes inflation into consideration. In a signature initiative, which has been awaiting parliamentary nod for more than a decade, the government said it would also lift limits on foreign investment in defence and insurance to 49% from 26%. Talking about northeast, organic farming, agricultural research, surface connectivity, sports and entertainment are set to get a boost in northeast India with Jaitley’s first budget allocating funds for these purposes. Jaitley pointed out that India has failed as a country to introduce sports in its main-stream academic activities. To remedy the situation, Modi government will set up national-level Sports Academies for major games in different parts of the countries. Some major allotments to the northeast are:`3,000 Crore in the eight northeastern states during the ongoing fiscal for developing roads. The allocation is part of the total proposed allotment of `37,880 Crore for the National High-
ways Authority of India. `1,000 Crore over and above the amount provided for in the railway budget. Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, in the rail budget presented Tuesday, allocated an outlay of `5,116 Crore for projects in the northeastern region. Jaitley proposed to set up a sports university in Manipur and for this purpose an allocation of `100 Crore has been earmarked in the budget. Jaitley also announced ‘ArunPrabha’, a new 24X7 television channel exclusively for the northeast region.
Assam Congress members said, “The Budget deceived the people of the northeast. One of the long pending demands from the northeast is double-line tracks so as to put an end to the delay in arrival and departure of trains. The BJP itself demanded for it but the party has kept the demand in cold storage after coming to power.” AGP president and former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said, “The NDA government did not keep their promises as made before the Lok Sabha elections. Out of `37880 Crore sanctioned for NHAI projects across India, northeast got only `3000 Crores, which is less than even 10% of the total amount sanctioned. If you talk about Assam, there are some major issues like floods, lack of industrialisation, insurgency, sealing of the international borders and so on, but nothing of these were even discussed during the budget session.” The CPI(M) is of the view that the NDA government is only thinking of the industrialists and not the common people. According to them, they are paying back the favours they took during elections. If the 2014 budget wooed some, it irked many too. But the question that remains is will the country and specially the northeast region will ever develop? The dream of creating smart cities is still far from reality and if it ever happens, will Guwahati be named in those cities? This is just the first budget, and four more years are still to go, but till then will everyone start earning as promised by Modi?
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
City
CITY TURNS TRANSIT POINT FOR DRUGS As the city develops, the drug market also seems to be growing with the authorities making more and more seizures.
RAHUL CHANDA
S
muggling of narcotics and other drugs have been increasing along the unfenced India-Myanmar border since a long time. India has been working on plans of building economic corridors in Northeast India’s neighbourhood to boost foreign trade and to give the economy the much needed leap forward and the execution of the plans is crucial to achieve the goals of India’s LookEast policy, but the trade of narcotic substances and drugs is always going on secretly. There are laws and measures in place by the authorities to bar such activities but smuggling of drugs keeps happening and get apprehended too by the watchdogs like police, narcotics department and the CID. Guwahati being the gateway to the northeast, no communication to the rest of the world is possible without touching the city and therefore, it has become a transit point for the drug smugglers. Youths in the city are getting addicted to drugs too, which help the smugglers to run a business here as well. There are some major drug pockets in the city where peddlers sale and buy drugs.
The northeast According to an analysis done by
Brig (Dr) SP Sinha, ‘Northeast: the Role of Narcotics and Arms Trafficking’, the illegal narcotics trade is one of the major reasons for the continuance of insurgencies in the Northeast. The consequences of trafficking in narcotics are many; for one, it is a major source of funding for the insurgent groups, the other is the spread of AIDS in nearly all the states of the North-east. The linkage between arms, drugs and insurgency depends on three inter-related factors. First, to oppose and fight the government the insurgents need weapons. In the early stages, they procure them by snatching personal arms from complacent and ill-trained police and village guards; then as they become better organised they graduate to raiding isolated police posts, often in connivance with corrupt and sympathetic policemen. Next, as the struggle intensifies, the insurgents need more sophisticated weapons to challenge the firepower of the state for which they need funds. Very often, illicit trade in narcotics is the best source to raise funds. There is also a local requirement in the state as even various places in the state has a demand for drugs for the youths who are getting addicted to the life destroying chemicals. These days the international drugs entering the Indian market comes from Myanmar through Moreh and Dimapur as the root trav-
City racket Guwahati has a lot of drug
pockets these days from where peddlers sell the drugs to addicts. According to highly placed sources in the CID, some of the pockets are:
Major pockets for powdered substance like brown sugar, heroin and psychotropic substances
els towards UP, Bihar, Kolkata, Delhi and Nepal entering the international market. Meanwhile, it also spreads in the entire country depending on the demand. This movement cannot be completed without touching Assam and Guwahati as the main transit point for smugglers. The authorities, from time to time, keep seizing narcotic substances in huge quantities and many arrests have been made.
There are also a few discos and bars where drug consumption happens but as the bar owners are usually influential people and also because of lack of evidence, it is tough to scan them often. Since Guwahati has become the transit point for smugglers, the smuggling racket includes many local people of the city.
The cases
Cases registered, people arrested and quantity seized in Assam from 2011 upto 2014 March for some major drugs Sl No
Name of drugs No of cases
1
2
3
4
5
Ganja
Herion
Opium
Ephedrine
Morphin
2011
2012
2013
2014 (Upto March)
77
62
64
10
Quantity seized
13092.1783 kgs
2346.407kgs
4467.077kgs
926.815kgs
Person arrested
126/2F
83
84
12
No of cases
10
24
22
6
Quantity seized
1.02883 kgs
2.580753 kgs
0.835060 kg
0.511817 kgs
Person arrested
11
36/1F
32
6
No of cases
5
5
1
Quantity seized
7.679020 kgs
17.100 kgs
5.20514 kgs
Person arrested
8
8
2
No of cases
1
Quantity seized
10 kgs
Person arrested
1
No of cases
2
1
Quantity seized
4.940 kgs
2.000 kgs
Person arrested
2
2
• • • • • • •
Manipuri Basti Satribari Birubari 6th Mile Dakhin Haraniya Chandmari flyover Hengrabari
Pockets for ganja
• Guwahati Railway Station • Bamuni Maidan Colony Bazar • Pandu
Pockets for cough syrups • Maligaon
There has been a rise in the number of cases of Ganja seizure in the last few years. Even Heroin has seen a trend of being highly used and hence the seizure cases are on a rise. Opium, Morphin and Ephedrine are smuggled but are not easily caught by the cops because people use various routes for smuggling. Opium is used for various medicinal preparation like cough syrup and it is used in the preparation of Heroin as well. Along with the smuggling of these substances, recently there was an increase in the number of cases of psychotropic substances, with huge amount of chemicals like Nitrozepum tablets, Phensidyl/Correx, Lupical Syrup, Xyroy/Xyrex, Spasmoproxyvon capsules and Nitrosun tablets getting seized by the cops pretty often. Many Indian drug users have shifted from narcotics to pharmaceutical use. These medicines are diverted from licit to illicit purpose and the main motive is to earn money. There
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
City Cases registered under NDPS Act by CID from 2011 to March, 2014 (Mainly in Guwahati) Sl no
Name of drugs
1
Ganja
2
3
Heroin
Opium
2011
2012
2013
2014 up to March
No of cases
1
2
6
4
Person arrested
1
2
7
7
Quantity seized
22 kgs
21.200 kgs
528.138 kgs
171.000 kgs
No of cases
1
2
7
7
Person arrested
3
6
2
4
Quantity seized
0.0524 kg
13.043 grm
0.010530 kg
0.008730 kg
No of cases
1
Person arrested
2
Quantity seized
2.600 kg
No of cases
7
1
Person arrested
9
2
Quantity seized
4
Psychotropic substances
307 btls
Nitrosun tab
1073 nos
Spasmoproxyvon cap
5480 nos
Campose tab Syrup Others Injection Correx Relephen
5
Morphine
No of cases
1
Person arrested
1
Quantity seized
11.35 grm
is a huge demand for pharmaceutical drugs in countries like Bangladesh. According to sources, pharmaceutical drugs are gradually becoming common party drugs for the youths as they are cheaper. According to sources in the Narcotics department, Myanmar produces opium in huge quantity and the opium produced there is used for preparing heroin. Opium is firstly converted into Morphine and then treated with a chemical to convert it into a refined powdered substance known as heroin. The chemical known as acetic anhydride is used to convert morphine into heroin. As India is one of the major producers of this chemical, the chemical gets smuggled to Myanmar from India through various routes. From Guwahati, it is believed to be smuggled through Nalbari, Baksa and then enters Bhutan. According to sources in the police, the area from Lalmati to Sharabbhatti is a red alert zone for drugs smuggling in Guwahati. As per CID insiders, there are no direct peddlers in the city but the addicts gradually turn into peddlers. Rubul Ali of Sixmile, Tuleswar Singh of Manipuribasti, Wajib Hussain of Satgaon, Anwar Ali of Dispur, Dip Borah of Paltanbazar, Chintu Baruah from
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Gandhibasti, and Rashid Ahmed from Katiyala in Karimganj are some of the most wanted drug peddlers in the city. The city police have already released their pictures in their website for public information. There are also a few discos and bars where drug consumption happens but as the bar owners are usually influential people and also because of lack of evidence, it is tough to scan them often. The smuggling racket of drugs is internationally linked and youths are gradually getting drawn in by the peddlers. Since Guwahati has become the transit point for smugglers, the smuggling racket includes many local people of the city. The existence of insurgent groups have come down and therefore the drugs smuggled for the requirement of weapon is also estimated to be lowering, but the demand for drugs has been already created in the city. To make the city clean, all transit points should be sealed in such a manner that detection of such harmful substances is easy. But, can the points be guarded or sealed with perfection? The authorities need to work overtime to manage that and the connections of city peddlers should be checked.
rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
City
HIGH TIME FOR ‘AUTO MODE’ SYEDA AMBIA ZAHAN
E
xorbitant fares, unreasonable fights with the commuters and refusal to travel to certain destinations by the auto rickshaws in Guwahati has worked as magic for the economy taxies like Green cabs, My Taxi and Prime cab. Just one phone call and these economy taxis are there at your doorsteps. With a base fare of just `30 for the first two kilometers, hundreds of these cabs are plying in the city every day, making local commuting extremely easy. Air conditioned, comfortable, panic button, wi-fi connectivity and most importantly, the fact that the fares are regulated and fair give them an edge over the autorickshaws. “You don’t have to spoil your mood by picking up a fight with the driver every time you negotiate the fare. They offer payment also through cards and you also get a receipt for payment. I am happy with the quality service of the chauffeur as well,” says, Ankit, a techie who commutes from Noonmati to Maligaon every day by these taxis. “I would rather prefer to pay `50 extra for these cabs than to hire
Auto rickshaws in Guwahati are seen to be losing out to the radio taxis in Guwahati due to the reliable and comfortable services of these cabs.
an auto rickshaw. The auto drivers are rude and demand unreasonable fares. I used to pay `200-220 to go to office every day, but now I hire a cab and I pay between `140- `160.”, says Kavita, an associate professor of a college in Guwahati. Auto Rickshaws have been facing a tough time since the last year. Monopoly in the market of private transportation had given them a free hand to fix their fares as they like and this led to dissatisfaction among their passengers. Now, since the economy cabs were launched in the city, these auto rickshaws are facing a sudden drop in the number of passengers. The Guwahati High Court on Dec 4, last year, had directed the auto rickshaw owners and the Union to revise its fare and install meters. It directed the auto rickshaw drivers to charge `30 for the first two kilometres and then `3 for the next 200 metres. The HC further directed that all orders were to be carried out within March 31, 2014 and asked the DTO to check on the completion of orders. “But even after two months of the deadline, barring a few, more than ninety percent of the auto rick-
The Guwahati High Court on Dec 4, last year, had directed the auto rickshaw owners and the Union to revise its fare and install meters. It directed the auto rickshaw drivers to charge `30 for the first two kilometres and then `3 for the next 200 metres shaws are plying on the road without a fare meter. Twelve licenses have been cancelled so far. We have forwarded a list of about 40 auto rickshaws to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) for cancellation of licenses, but it seems the number of auto rickshaws flouting norms is in hundreds. Our officials are keeping a close watch and we are hopeful that we would be delivering better auto service through this strict step.” Munin Das, DTO (enforcement), Kaprup Metro said. It seems the auto owners themselves are responsible for their desperate situation. The All Guwahati
Auto Drivers’ Union has demanded an exorbitant price of `60 for the first 2km and `30 for every subsequent kilometre while the economy cabs are charging half of this price. “We can’t settle at a minimum price of `30 due to continuous fuel price hike. The economy cabs can do that because they have the blessings of our government. Our government is promoting multi-national companies of the Tatas’ pushing the future of our boys to darkness,” says Naren Pathak, General Secretary of All Assam Auto drivers Association. At present, 5500 auto rickshaws ply on the streets of Guwahati. “The
government wants to destroy a significant avenue for the educated unemployed. Since 2004, the transport department has stopped giving permits to new drivers. Where will our boys go?” Naren Pathak retorted. But in this rift between the auto rickshaw drivers and the RTA, the economy cabs have emerged as a force in city where autos once dominated the local commutes. The “Auto Rickshaw drivers themselves are to be blamed for their irrational attitude. They should open their eyes and check the reality.” Says Mr. Dipak Sharma, Advocate, Gauhati High Court.
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
In The News
SMOKELESS TOBACCO BECOMES A recent order from the SC prohibits the authorities from prosecuting the tobacco sellers and vendors.
LEGAL AGAIN
rahul chanda
A
ssam became the first state to legally ban the consumption of all forms of smokeless tobacco including pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine within the state on 13 February 2014. Thus the sale, consumption, manufacturing, trading, storage and advertisement of all forms of smokeless tobacco including pan masala were banned in Assam. But was it? It was legally banned, but the truth is that in spite of banning the product, it was easily available in paan shops. The paan shop owners used to purchase the tobacco from wholesalers illegally and used to sell it to the customers at higher rates than the printed price. Recently the Supreme Court had asked the state government to stop prosecution on the sale of the tobacco easing the paan shop owners’ difficulties in selling the tobacco illegally.
The revolt
The state government decided to take this step after considering the fact that smokeless tobacco accounts for 90% of oral cancers, but the paan shop owners were very unhappy with the decision. The Greater Guwahati Paan Shop Business Association (GGPSBA) General Secretary Balram Sarkar said, “We have been continuing our agitation against the decision of banning smokeless tobacco since 2013. It was the question of 20 lakh pan shop owners’ livelihood across Assam. We had written letters to the 126 MLAs of Assam on withdrawing the decision. We also wrote to the Governor of the state but no one helped us and finally, we decided to move to the court. The Gauhati High Court said the Bill was already passed in the Assembly and nothing can happen. We then decided to move to the apex court. The Supreme Court
on 1st July 2014 asked the state government to make sure that no further prosecution takes place under the Assam Health (Prohibition of manufacturing, advertisement, trade, storage, distribution, sale and consumption of zarda, gutkha, pan masala, etc, containing tobacco and/or nicotine) Bill, 2013.” He further added that now, the paan shop owners can legally sell smokeless tobacco without being scared of getting prosecuted by the authorities, till further orders are given by the SC.
The scam
According to Sarkar, after the ban was implemented, the paan shop owners still used to sell the tobacco but like thieves. The authorities used to raid the wholesalers, even make some arrests but the wholesalers used to manage to get away by paying huge amounts. It was actually done for personal gain of some officials and politicians who used to get money out of the process. The
“We have been continuing our agitation against the decision of banning smokeless tobacco since 2013. It was the question of 20 lakh pan shop owners’ livelihood across Assam”
government incurred a huge amount of loss but the process was on and everybody knew about it. The revenue was not getting generated but some people were gaining from the ban, as people were selling and buying but illegally. But where was the tobacco coming from? The wholesalers used to procure it but to distribute the product, they had to have some influence.The rates were increased and people used to pay extra. On second thoughts, the ban seemed like a big scam, which only helped few people get richer. He added that if they had to ban, then why not ban tobacco in all forms and why only smokeless tobacco. The Smokeless Tobacco Association Chairman Gopal Gupta said, “That around nine lakh people die in India because of tobacco every year, out of which 8.6 lakh people die only because of cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco is banned only in Assam and Maharashtra and it will be removed soon. The new gov-
ernment has increased the tax on the sale of tobacco and alcohol, so, instead of banning smokeless tobacco; they can increase the tax on it. Cigarettes are made by foreign companies and smokeless tobacco is made by Indian companies, so, banning the smokeless ones will increase the sale of cigarettes which favours the MNCs. If there is a ban, then everything should be banned and not only smokeless tobaccos.” The paan shop owners and smokeless tobacco people might debate about banning everything, but the state government’s initiative of banning the smokeless tobacco was lauded by many. It is also a fact that in spite of banning tobacco, people used to easily get it by paying some extra bucks. The state health department secretary has written to all the concerned departments to stop the prosecution but what will be the next step?
rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
The Week That Was City News
Every business establishment has to place a dustbin: GMC
City to get centre of excellence in archery
G
uwahati is all set to get a centre of excellence in Archery curtsey to All India Police Sports Promotion Board (AIPSPB). A proposal in this regard was sent to the AIPSPB recently and it is ac-
I
n order to bring the usage of dustbin among the civic duties and to keep the city clean, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has ordered all the business establishments to place a dustbin in front of their workplaces. The new stricture went effective from July 8. The stricture, according to GMC sources, is applicable for all businessmen and traders, including pan shops and other vendors. And GMC authorities have also made it clear that any trader or businessman found violating this stricture will have to pay fines, besides cancellation of his/her trading license obtained from the civic body. In order to ensure that the stricture is being followed by every businessman a committee has been formed with a magistrate from Kamrup (Metro) district administration and an officer of the GMC. The committee will make surprise visit to city areas from July 7 to ascertain if the stricture is followed by traders.
cepted. The centre will start functioning very soon. Talking to the media person, the Vice President of the Assam Archery Association and the Commandant of Assam Police Rajen Singh said, “Archery had huge
State police faces shortage of manpower
T
he recent reports of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed the inside story of Assam State Police and its resources. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Report 2014, 11,109 posts have been lying vacant in the State Police. The situation is such that each of the 51 police stations has been functioning with below 10 personnel and there is not a single police station in the state, especially in its inter–state border areas, with more than 50 personnel. It may be mentioned that the present manpower strength of the State Police is very low compared to the population of Assam. Not only the shortage of manpower is dogging the State Police, the support provided to police in the forms of equipment and transport is also minimal compared to other states of the country. At a time when incidents of violence and other crimes are increasing in Assam, shortage of police personnel is making it very difficult for the state government to maintain law and order properly.
potential in our state and at the time of sending proposal we decided to go with this event. Our proposal is already accepted and we are waiting for release of fund. Once it comes we will start it in our Kahilipara complex.”
Dengue cases reported in Kamrup
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ith the beginning of monsoon in Guwahati, as a minimum 19 cases of Japanese Encephalitis and two cases of dengue since June has been recorded by the Kamrup (Metro) district. As the diseases peak during July-August, the threat of rapid spread of the diseases looms larger, unless steps are taken to curb them. “Open drainage and urbanization are the main causes of such infections. People should take necessary measures,” said Ganesh Saikia, Joint Director, Health Service, Kamrup (Metro). The district’s bus stands, open garages, narrow lanes and house yards are especially vulnerable, said experts, adding that dengue is spread mostly by manto-man transmission. Dengue has been confirmed in two patients, one of whom was also diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis on last Friday. Last year, 3,800 dengue cases were reported in the district, while 4,175 cases were reported in the state.
Protest against eviction drive by local bodies
Girl raped by jawan
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girl in the city was allegedly raped by an army jawan and two of his accomplices on July 5. But the incident came to the light on July 6. According to sources, Jibon Nath, an army jawan, had telephonic conversations with the girl for a long time. The jawan called the girl at Six Mile on July 5, took her to a room at Khanapara and allegedly raped her. Jibon was accompanied by two of his colleagues; sources added that the girl was left on the road on the night of July 5. The police, according to sources, held Jibon Nath on July 6.
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he citizens’ bodies, from different parts of the city demanded that the eviction drive launched by the Kamrup (metropolitan) district administration should be stopped. As the bodies alleged that the ongoing eviction drive was not impartial as the majority whose houses dismantled were poor
people. At a citizens’ meet called by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) here on July 5, KMSS president Akhil Gogoi said eviction without putting a proper rehabilitation plan in place was unjustified and demanded proper compensation for the families who lost their houses in the drive. They also demanded that
the administration should ban use of polythene bags in the city as it is one of the prominent reasons of water clogs. The administration said it had arranged for temporary shelters for those who had lost their houses in the drive. However, the administration added that the shelters would be in place for seven days.
National Kickboxing in Guwahati
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0th National Kick Boxing Championship will start at the Sarusajai Stadium from August 18. The event will be organized by the Kick Boxing Association of Assam. Participants from 20 states will take part in this four– day event which would be held in three different categories–junior, sub-junior and seniors.
BBCI achieved another milestone
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r B Borooah Cancer Institute has achieved another important milestone with the inauguration of Bhabhatron-II Telecobalt Facility by Dr Ratan Kumar Sinha, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Govt. of India on 10th July 2014. Bhabhatron-II is designed and developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and one of the state-of-the-art machine currently available in the country. With the commissioning of new machine, Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute have 3 Linear Accelerators, 2 Telecobalt machines and 1 High Dose Rate Brachy therapy machine. Earlier, about 300-325 patients were treated daily in these machines. It is hoped that the institute will be able to treat about 400 patients daily and the waiting period for radiotherapy will be reduced to a great extent. In his welcome address, Dr AC Kataki, Director, BBCI stated that as per National Cancer Registry Programme of ICMR, incidence of cancer in Assam is third highest in the country after Mizoram and Meghalaya. Cancer of the hypopharynx, tongue, mouth & ovary in female, cancer of the tonsil, prostrate & gall bladder in Assam is highest in the country. Dr. RK. Sinha in his inaugural speech expressed immense satisfaction at the facilities available in the institute.
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
The Week That Was
GMDA directed not to carry out any construction
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n view of unprecedented incidents of landslides, water logging in the ongoing monsoon season, and grave situations arising out hereof, effecting normal urban life of Guwahati with loss of human lives and properties, all developers, builders, private owners who have obtained building
permissions from Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority in the recent past, the GMDA has directed not to carry out any construction/development activities in the hilly terrain, water bodies and low lying areas involving earth cutting and earth filling till the current monsoon season is over. Fur-
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ther all concerned are also directed not to stack any building materials in government land/roads in order to eliminate silting and blockage of natural drains and water bodies. Failure to comply with the above directive shall invite penal action as per provisions of GMDA Act 1985 (as amended).
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he residents of Anil Nagar were provided Chlorine tablets free of cost by the public health engineering department on July 7. The people of that area have been suffering from various health problems resulted from the contaminated water after the overf low of June 26. More and more cases of dysentery were being reported from the area. Other than stomach ailments, the residents also complained of fever and skin infections. The UNICEF supplied
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mway Opportunity Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Amway India has recently celebrated 134th birth anniversary of Helen Keller by organizing a four day long carnival for the visually challenged students of Guwahati. This event is part of nationwide celebrations organized by Amway Opportunity Foundation. The foundation has been working for the betterment of visually challenged for the past 15 years in In-
as a tool of awareness and enlightenment of this issue. With Ibsen Lal Baruah, a new singer Jonkee, from Mumbai has also released her Assamese song “Gharoloi Aha...” at the same function. Although she has no knowledge of Assamese language, she loved the lyrics and tried to present it in her own voice.
and Mr. Mudit Bansal of Brand New Day. Brand New Day with its strong client focus and pro-active approach to investment advisory has added many laurels to its kitty since its inception in 2005. A strong team coupled with extensive market knowledge has helped it bag the award for the third time in a row, making it the most awarded investment advisory
sodium dichloroisocyanurate water purification and disinfectant tablets, which were distributed by the councilor. The Anil Nagar Development Committee helped in the initiative. The tablets were also distributed in the Nabin Nagar and Tarun Nagar area. “Mostly, we handled cases of skin infection and dysentery. There is nothing to worry about. More such medical camps will be organized here if healthrelated complaints continue to pour in,” said HP Saikia of NRHM.
Amway celebrates Helen Keller Day
Brand New Day bags CNBC TV 18 award
rand New Day (BND), the leading provider of Investment and Portfolio Management services bagged the prestigious Financial Advisor Award 2013-14, for tier 2 cities under East Zone. This was announced during the awards ceremony organised by CNBC TV 18 in Mumbai recently. The award was received by Mr. Pallav Bagaria
Polluted water causes health problems
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Song released on Deepor Beel ell using his song as a awareness tool towards the conservation of ‘Deepor Beel” a city wetland, Ibsen lal Baruah, an artist has released his song “Deepor Beel ‘Or Paare Paare” at a function in Guwahati on 07 July 2014. The song he composed on the permanent freshwater lake with an area of 40 sq.km on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra. WWF-India, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Aranyak, Assam Elephant Foundation, Joi Barua and Estrada have come together to express solidarity on this endeavour, and will take forward
City News
firm of the north-east. Expressing satisfaction on the win, Mr. Bagaria said “Winning the award third time in a row has reinforced the fact that we are building a much stronger customer focused franchise. The award has become a performance benchmark and the team including the management works and strives to achieve it every year.”
dia. Helen Keller overcame her visual and hearing impairment to become an accomplished author, political activist and a lecturer. Her birthday is celebrated as Helen Keller Day. This year the day is celebrated for two day long programme. The students enthusiastically participated in number of activities including Chess, Cricket, shot-put, Memory Test, Braille Reading and writing test, extempore speech contest and computer typing skill test.
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Society
AMONG THE STARS The planetarium in the city is one of its star attractions and also serves as a significant place of recreation and education for the young and old alike.
The Guwahati planetarium
Shubhojit Roy
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stablished on the 17th day of August 1994, the Guwahati planetarium is one of the key attractions in the city. The planetarium fulfills a wide spectrum of needs of contemporary society with simulation of the starry sky and the planets on the projection dome of the sky theatre along with other new dimensions to the wide spectrum of themes that the modern planetarium handles. The idea of forming a planetarium was initially conceived and mooted by the premier scientific academy of Assam, the Assam Science Society way back in the 1960’s. G Plus takes you behind the prospects of the starry roof of the city planetarium.
ment Council has been long in terms with the city planetarium,” adds the Curator. Currently, there are 5 shows held every day that last for 35 mins; however the shows may increase as per the public demand. The house is usually full packed during the school summer vacation and winter vacation as the young children are very much fantasized with the place.
The Technology and the show
After its re-establishment, the planetarium received GOTO’s GXprojection system, Japan’s Hybrid Planetarium system, comprising of Chronos-II opto-mechanical star
field projector which not only creates a realistic sky, but also millions of realistic stars. Colourful, dynamic images of the dome are generated through two powerful Digital Video Systems and synchronization is done under single innovative control system at the core of the GOTO Hybrid system. Interestingly, the Hybrid Planetarium show is also India’s first show and it starts with beautiful full-dome video images of the Guwahati city, including the important places like the Kamakhya temple, the Cotton College and the mighty Brahmaputra river. The Hybrid show further showcases the details about the prominent
stars and constellations visible from Guwahati, during the present season. It further explains the scientific facts, namely the origin of the Universe, the Big Bang theory, formation of galaxies and our solar system by the simultaneous use of Chronos-II optomechanical projector and powerful digital system. The cosmic collision is another attraction of the Guwahati planetarium that takes one on a thrilling trip through space and time; well beyond the calm face of the Guwahati night sky, to explore cosmic collisions, hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the universe.
Finance matter
Most of the earning made by the Guwahati planetarium is through entry fees, and some amount is being generated by renting the conference hall inside the premise. Babul Bora, informs, “We charge `30 for entry and concessional charge of `15 for the students. However, the telescope viewing is presently free for the general public, but only on demand.” It was found out that the planetarium generates an average amount of `30`35 lakhs per year which completely goes to the government treasury as it is a purely government establishment. There is no second thought that
Re-establishment
After its set up in 1994, the Guwahati Planetarium underwent the inauguration of an upgraded planetarium on 17th February 2011 by CM Tarun Gogoi alongside other guests of honour under the Science and Technology Department, Government of Assam. The event also saw the laying of the ceremonial foundation stone for Planetariumcum-Science Centres at Kokrajhar, Nalbari and Lakhimpur. The event further initiated the distribution of solar lanterns to meritorious school students of Assam.
The Motto
The Guwahati Planetarium was established with the idea that it shall impart knowledge on the enormous universe that surrounds the planet Earth among the common mass. The founders of the planetarium also believed that such an establishment will help in eradicating the common superstition and the myths of the universe.
Facilities
While speaking to Babul Bora, Curator at the Guwahati Planetarium, it was found out that the planetarium currently runs three different shows. “We provide three different shows, namely, the Cosmic Collision which is usually demand based, then we have ‘Journey to Stars’ and lastly ‘Are we alone? Search for life’. We have a seating capacity of 140 heads at present with central air conditioning facility,” says Bora. The planetarium also has a conference hall and a night sky viewing facility through a telescope on clear days that usually starts after 6.30 pm in the evening. The planetarium has also been arranging astronomical awareness activities and workshops from time to time. “The Pragjyotish Amateur Astronomer’s Association under Assam Science, Technology and Environ-
“The cosmic collision is another attraction of the Guwahati planetarium that takes one on a thrilling trip through space and time; well beyond the calm face of the Guwahati night sky, to explore cosmic collisions, hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the universe”
the Guwahati planetarium will never fail to impress the 1st timers with its amazing show, but will also continue to attract people who have visited the place more than once. Moreover, the city planetarium is planning to introduce sophisticated telescope for better night sky watching and establish one astronomical gallery in the near future.
shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Ward Watch
RUPNAGAR ROAD YET BE COMPLETED RD A W O N 18
SHUBHOJIT ROY
Sub-Division 18A/ 18B/ 18C
Concentrated Area Rupnagar
Major Issues Incomplete roads
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tretching from the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital up to the area behind the B Barooah Cancer Institute, lies Rupnagar. The area doesn’t have any major problem, but the road construction that began a couple of years back is still incomplete. The area doesn’t face any water logging problems like many other areas of the city, but the human carelessness is evident. It was seen that people throw garbage in the drains and this results in the blockage. G Plus finds out more on the scenario of Rupnagar.
Delayed road work
It was found out that the construction of the road adjacent to the Fishfed Assam was initiated 3 years back, but the work is still half done. “The PWD took up the responsibility three years back and to my knowledge, `1 Crore was released for the work. But I guess the money got wasted somewhere in between and the work has remained incomplete,” said Nitul Lahkar, a retired ASEB employee who has been living in the locality for the past 40 years. On asking about whether the area faces any water logging problem, he further added, “The area is not in a very vulnerable condition on the context of water logging, but yes, the road becomes muddy and filled with slush during the rainy season.”
Human carelessness
Ramen Talukdar of the locality reveals a shocking truth about how the residents of the locality act illogically and play a part in ruining the area. “I go for morning walks everyday; and one of the regular depressing sights is that some people come out in the morning, usually on their bikes or scooters and throw the daily garbage somewhere on the drain or on the streets. I find it difficult to understand why some people lack such common sense. Is it so hard for them to understand that throwing the garbage in the drain will only result in drain blockage? I don’t blame the authorities, but the people. They will construct house but wont leave a single inch for the construction of the drain,” expresses Talukdar in disbelief.
Pipeline obstruction
“Every time the road gets fixed, there will be some company or the other digging it up again and again and destroy the road repeatedly. Sometimes they install drinking water pipelines, after which the road will be fixed. After a few days, some other company like BSNL will come
The PWD took up the responsibility three years back and to my knowledge, `1 Crore was released for the work. But I guess the money got wasted somewhere in between and the work has remained incomplete Nitul Lahkar, Retired ASEB employee
and dig up the road once again. And then finally, the PWD won’t have enough funds left to reconstruct the road. That is what has been going on for so long now,” says Jyotima Bharali, a housewife residing at Rupnagar. She further states about the lack of street lights in the area and how load shedding affects the everyday life, especially during summer afternoons.
Finding NGO
Over 1 week after the NGO’s took the responsibility of cleaning the garbage in the city, the residents of Rupnagar are not very much aware about the activities in the locality. “I know that some NGO has been given the task of clearing up the garbage, but so far I haven’t witnessed any. I don’t know if they are active yet or not,” says Santanu Nath, a local businessman I the area. Even though in the area doesn’t suffer much of the major problems like water logging etc; but the ignorance by the people in blocking the drains and laziness by the authorities in restoring the road was quite evident in Rupnagar. It has to be understood well that in order to make a place better, both the authorities and the people of the locality has to come together in joining hands, only then will the developmental sector of society be effective.
shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Lead Story
Near Nursery at RGB Road
GOVT TO PUS
ANTI-ENCROAC Mrinmoyee Hazarika
Evicted people at Sarabbhatti
Beltola Bazaar eviction
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ven after strong protests from some sections of the people, the local administration has stood firm on its feet in its anti-encroachment drive going on against the illegal settlers in the wetlands and other natural channels. Yesterday was the twelve consecutive day that the drive has continued until now. So far, during the drive carried out by the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration in association with Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authorities (GMDA), a huge number of unauthorised constructions have been brought down and the drive has freed up large areas of land from the Silsako beel, Bharalu, Basisitha, Bahini and Mora Bharalu river. During the massive exercise started from the 30 th of June, 2014, a total number of 99 pucca houses, 237 kaccha houses and 167 boundary walls have been demolished altogether from the Silsako beel. Besides, 88 bighas of land has been freed from encroachment from the same beel. The authority has cleared up 147 numbers of pucca houses and freed 17 bighas and 10 kathas of land from the Bharalu during the exercise. Altogether, 27 numbers of families have been evicted from the Bharalu. Similarly, in its anti-encroach-
With the drive entering its eleventh day, the a ment activity to clear up all th
ment drive carried out in the Mora Bharalu river, the authorities have brought down 11 semi pucca houses, 50 pucca houses and 47 kaccha houses. Altogether, 45 walls have been demolished, 69 families have been evicted and an area of 22 bighas and 8 kathas have been freed from encroachment in the Mora Bharalu river. Moreover, 59 number of business establishments have been cleared through this encroachment drive from the same river. In the meantime, the authority has cleared 110 numbers of pucca houses, 451 kaccha houses from Basistha river. Besides, 28 numbers of walls and 31 bighas and 6 kathas and lachas of land have been cleared from the same. The picture of encroachment in Bahini river is not less pathetic than the other water bodies of the city. During its anti-encroachment exercise, the authority has brought down 145 pucca houses, 45 kaccha houses, 85 numbers of walls in Bahini river. An area of 32 bighas, 12 kathas and 10 lecha has been freed from encroachment in the Bahini river. The authority has also evicted 17 business establishments and 26 families from the land of the Bahini river. Although the authority has received cooperation from a large number of the people during the ongoing anti-eviction drive, some
The authorities have opened a 24x7 grievance redressal cell in the flood control room, the number of which is 03612733052. The public can log their complaints and suggestions via ddmakamrupm@ gmail.com dckamrupm@gmail.com.
Eviction at Mukesh Hundai
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Lead Story Status of anti encroachment drive in Silsako beel No of pucca houses cleared 99 No of kaccha houses cleared 237 No of boundary walls evicted 167 Area of land cleared 88 bighas Status of anti encroachment drive in Bharalu No of pucca and kaccha houses cleared 147 No of families evicted 27 Area of land cleared 17 bighas and 10 kathas Status of anti encroachment drive in Mora Bharalu No of pucca houses cleared 50 (including 2 club houses, a godown, 15 temples and 6 latrine bathrooms) No of kaccha houses cleared 47 No of boundary walls evicted 45 Eviction at Silsako Beel
Near State Zoo
No of tin houses cleared 4 No of families evicted 69
CHMENT DRIVE sections of people have opposed it in some of the areas. “We have not faced bigger challenges in the current ongoing drive from the public except in some areas like Silsako beel in the Borbari area. But, the overall response of the people of Guwahati is appreciative and suggestive of the fact that this will be continued till we clear the natural water bodies and channels for free flow of water during monsoon. We have even received more than 100 calls regarding flood and landslides in our control room. The people have sent e-mails to us on the same issue,” an official source at DC office, Kamrup (M) told G Plus. Regarding the authorities’ stand on providing permission inside the wetlands and other water bodies and government lands, the source at the DC Office, Kamrup (M) said, “It was found during the exercise that permission was given for constructions in the rivers and wetlands of the city and proper documents have been sought from the both the permitting authorities, the GMC and the GMDA. The authority will take action if any unlawful activity comes to the light during investigation” Furthermore, in order to establish synergy among different government organisations, a district level coordination committee has been formed under the chairman-
ship of DC, Kamrup (M) along with other officials of the DC office, GMC, GMDA and traffic police. “The authority has issued notices to all the business establishments and those who do not keep dustbins have been punished. On the very first day, which was on the 9th of July, the authority has inspected 130 business establishments in Fancy bazaar area and an amount of `20,000 fine has been realised from 20 shops from the same area, which did not have any dustbins. Next day, the authorities made a visit to 160 shops in the Ganeshguri area and out of them 41 shops have been fined for not keeping dustbins in their shops,” the District administration source said. On the other hand, the government has imposed a ban on using polythene under 40 microns inside the city and seized a plastic godown at Fancy bazaar. Moreover, GMDA has barred on all kinds of construction/development activities in the hilly terrain, water bodies and lowlying areas involving earth cutting and earth filling until the current monsoon season is over. Further, it was also directed that any building materials in govt. land/roads should not be stacked in order to eliminate silting and blockage of natural drains and water bodies.
No of semi pucca houses cleared 11 No of business establishments cleared 59
SH ON WITH
authorities are continuing the anti-encroachhe water channels of the city.
Area of land cleared 22 bighas 8 kathas
On Saturday, the administration will carry out eviction drive near the NH 37 at Khanapara.
Status of anti encroachment drive in Basistha No of pucca houses cleared 110 (including 5 temples, 8 latrines, 21 temporary shanties) No of kaccha houses cleared 451 (including 12 latrines) No of boundary walls evicted 28 Area of land cleared 31 bighas 6 kathas and 10 lecha No of shops cleared 6 Status of anti encroachment drive in Bahini No of pucca houses cleared 145 (including 2 temples, 2 latrines, 1 bridge) No of kaccha houses cleared 45 No of boundary walls evicted 85 Area of land cleared 32 bighas 12 kathas and 10 lecha No of families evicted 26 No of business establishments cleared 17
mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in Bharalu eviction
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Vox-Pop
BUDGET BITES
What is your opinion on budget 2014? What impact do you think it will have on Assam and NE?
Pankaj Rajkhowa Sr. Engineer
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Tanushree Sarkar Marketing Professional
he Finance Minister seems to be a little defensive, which should be expected in the first year of the Government. The FDI in defense and changes in income tax bracket are welcome changes, although overall, the common men expected them to take more risks. But what I think, for the north eastern states, allocation was a negligible percentage of total budget for the region. Besides the rail connectivity plans, more emphasis was expected towards education, jobs, faster developments. The amount which has been allotted could have been planned better. Hope the north eastern states could also get to see ‘achhe din’.
Arindam Dey Finance Manager
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he budget 2014 talks total sanitation by 2019! Well, that will be some challenge for states like Bihar, Assam and Uttar Pradesh. A huge amount of `2.29 lakh crores has also been allocated for the defense budget and I am not sure what the future holds. At this point, I am not sure even if the cigarette price that has been hiked is a good decision or not. It’s hard to tell and understand what plans Modi has for the country and our region.
Victor Saha Chartered Accountant
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f government forms SEZ (Special Economic Zone), then only Assam’s economy and problems will be solved. There are three major ingredients for the development of the State - infrastructure, human resource and income source. Setting up of more industries in Assam should have been discussed in the session. The government should invite more companies to the region and charge very minimal tax for the initial period. TCS came here but after 5 years, the government charged a lot of money that compelled the company to move back as it was not generating any profit.
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Urmi Bhattacharjee Journalist
he budget has shown some good signs from the infrastructure point of view but it will be worth noticing how Modi tackles other factors of Assam and the Northeast. The problem in northeast is that people get the money, but projects get indefinitely delayed. The important project of the Bogibeel bridge, which is supposed to be the country’s longest rail-cum-road bridge was not given any importance in the budget. Besides that, agriculture should have received more focus and importance. Speaking of the rail budget, I think the fare hike was not handled well in the first place and was not passenger friendly.
Nilim Sarma Bank Employee
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am just hopeful that 40% of the rail budget will be concentrated for the cleanliness and renovation of the platforms. The idea of introducing wi-fi is good for the office goers but introduction of bullet trains is somewhat cynical. We will have to wait and see how this budget affects the northeastern states and it is too early to reach a conclusion.
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Tulika Thakuria MBA Student
ax exemption I felt is good news for small, marginal and senior tax payers. I am more curious to know how the government’s aim of achieving 7 to 8 percent economic growth rate in next 3-4 years bears fruit. About Assam and other northeastern states, I didn’t see much attention being paid in the Union budget 2014 session. Even though `1000 crore has been sanctioned for rail connectivity in the northeastern region, many other major issues of Assam were not dealt with at all, which I found to be disappointing. It was as if the Congress ruled states were not given much focus.
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think it’s a very sensible and a practical budget focused on boosting investments at MSME and SME level; both from industrial and agricultural point of view, but it leaves opacity over how to cap this big fiscal deficit! Increase in income tax slabs and deductions will trigger more savings. As far as NE is concerned, I think it’s a great endeavor aiming to improve sports, railway connectivity and spreading the regional culture across a humble leap to connect Northeast with rest of India. Overall it’s a budget of sectorial reforms aimed at reviving growth.
Shubhadeep Sengupta Self Employed
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ith an agenda to reform, ‘Jaitley Sarkar’ has put across a progressive budget this year, which looks convincing on paper and hopefully will be equally significant in practice. The budget is designed to benefit the rural and middle class section. As far NE India is concerned, plans like promoting organic farming, better connectivity by investing more on railways and roads, sports university and a separate plan allocation budget for NE, sounds compelling already. No doubt the budget looks plausible on paper, but how far it will be bringing the ‘achhe din’, only time will tell.
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Business
WHAT NE GETS
A lowdown on the what the Union Budget 2014 means.
shambhavi
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or BJP’s thumping win in Northeast India in the recent Lok Sabha polls, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced allocation of over `53,000 Crores for the region out of the 10 per cent mandatory budgetary allocation for the region. Narendra Modi government’s budget is providing a sports university in Manipur, a special 24x7 TV channel exclusively for the northeast, besides a special focus on organic farming and a number of budgetary allocations have been earmarked for critical sectors in the region. Local and national industry bodies have welcomed the budget. Jaitley said, “From the current Budget, we have introduced a statement, which will separately show allocation made for the North Eastern States. In the financial year 2014-2015, an allocation of `53,706 crore has been made for the Northeastern region,” he announced. The Government of India will establish two more institutions of excellence of a similar pattern in Assam and Jharkhand with an initial sum of `100 Crores in the current financial year. The NE region has tremendous potential for development of organic farming. With a growing global demand for organic food, people living
in the North Eastern States can reap a rich harvest from development of commercial organic farming. “To facilitate this, I propose to provide a sum of `100 Crore for this purpose in the current financial year,” Jaitley said. “The North Eastern region has suffered from underdevelopment and a sense of isolation due to the lack of proper connectivity. Development of rail system is urgently required to bridge this gap. I intend to expedite the development of rail connectivity in the region and for this purpose I propose to set aside an additional sum of `1,000 Crore over and above the amount provided for in the interim Budget,” he further said. Railways had earmarked an amount of `5,116 Crore for the completion of rail projects in the Northeast. “TV is a very powerful tool for expression of cultural identities and for extending greater awareness of the richness of the diversity of our country. To provide a strong platform to the rich cultural and linguistic identity of the Northeast, a new 24x7 channel called Arun Prabha, will be launched,” Jaitley announced. The Finance minister added, “Unique sports traditions have devel-
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET
The Budget for 2014-15 doled out sops to income tax payers by raising the threshold exemption limit from `2 lakh to `2.5 lakh and investments under 80C by `50,000 to `1.5 lakh Budget raised the deduction limit on interest on housing loan for self-occupied property from `1.5 lakh to `2 lakh and raised the exemption limit in the case of senior citizens from `2.5 lakh to `3 lakh. The Budget makes cigarettes, tobacco, pan masala, gutka and cold drinks costlier by raising excise duties, while CRT TVs used by the poor, LCD and LED TV panels of less than 19 inches will be cheaper through cuts in customs duties.
oped in the Himalayan region in the countries and the states that are a part of it. India will start an annual event to promote these games and would invite countries such as Nepal and Bhutan also to participate, in addition to the Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the North Eastern States.” Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi termed the Union Budget 2014-15 as very disappointing. There is no indication of good days (achche din) for the common man. FINER stated that the budget has the “Stamp of Change” on one hand and has maintained the sanctity of continuity on the other. The Finance minister’s initiatives in the matter of the Northeast are special focus on national and state highways, venture capital for start-ups, increased outlays for skill development, sports university in Manipur, boost to organic farming etc. CII welcomed the emphasis given by the Finance Minister towards Connectivity of the North East in the Budget. Sandipan Chakravortty, Chairman, CII North East Council & MD, Tata Steel Processing and Distribution Ltd said that, “Lack of proper connectivity and infrastructure is one of the primary reasons for under development of the North East. Both the Railways and Highways have received substantial budgetary outlay in the Union Budget 2014-15”. This is in addition to the 54% hike provided for in the Railway projects in North East in the Rail Budget. CII expects the Railways to utilise this substantial fund to complete the 23 ongoing projects – in particular the Bogibeel Rail cum Road Bridge and the Lumding – Badarpur Silchar gauge conversion project. He added that this is a high impact announcement and is expected to promote tourism, supply chain, logistics sector and create greater jobs opportunities. However, some provisions should have been kept for improving connectivity with neighbouring countries. Abhijit Barooah, Co Chairman, CII North East Council & MD, Premier Cryogenics Ltd added that the emphasis attributed to Agriculture will also benefit the North East. Several initiatives have been announced in the areas of Rural Infra Corpus, Agri Infrastructure Fund, enhancing Warehouse capacity, increasing NABARD RIDF fund. Specific initiatives of `100 Crore outlay for organic farming and Agriculture research centre for the North East will benefit the Agriculture sector, which is the main economic activity in the region. The promotion of commercial organic farming will also help in creating a brand for NER and in turn spurs growth in exports, promote additional avenues of entrepreneurship and creates growth in the non-farm sector.
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Bazaar
GUWAHATI Shubhojit Roy
T
he summer however is at its peak and is harsh, so if there is any reason that you are cheerful in spite of the scorching heat, we are assuming that you have already been eyeing the season end sales. It’s undoubtedly a busy time for the cashiers at the mall and also for the sales guys and girls as more and more consumers are flocking in to fill their wardrobe with high street fashion merchandise at low costs. Consumers have also now become used to postponing their buys to avail the discounts. Take the case of Ruchika Agarwal, a 20-year-old college student who says she has not bought anything for the last two or three months as she has been waiting for the end-of-season sales. Ruchika was at the Reliance Trends’ season end sale in Lachit Nagar where she picked up five items for `4,000. It is this time of the year when stocks are being cleared as the new stock for fall/winter will arrive soon. Big Bazaar, the premier hypermarket chain in the country is currently offering exciting discounts on various merchandises. “We are providing discounts from 20% upto 60% on selected merchandise at Big Bazaar this year. The season end sale started from 4th of July and will last till the end of the month,” informs Shyam Kumar Singh, Store Manager, Big Bazaar at Bhangagarh. On asking about the sales in comparison to last year, Singh replies, “Season end sale is such a thing that it only gets better every year. Every year more and more people come in to grab the best available stock at cheap rates during the end of season sale.” Metro, the premium shoe outlet is however one of the few outlets that does not run a month long sale. Sadly, the season-end sale for Metro only lasted a week and got over on 6th July. One of the giants of the retailing market in Guwahati, the Pantaloons has been one of the busiest outlets this summer. “The incoming crowd is enormous and we are having a very difficult time in handling all the customers. We are not able
The incoming crowd is enormous and we are having a very difficult time in handling all the customers. We are not able to provide proper attention to every customer as our manpower seems to be very less at the moment” to provide proper attention to every customer as our manpower seems to be very less at the moment,” says a salesman at Pantaloons. The mall at present is providing discount on almost all items and is seeing a huge rush. “It is my birthday next month; and so this is the right time for me to shop as all the good stuff will be sold soon. I have chosen a pair of jeans, a couple of tops and I am not yet satisfied at all,” says a giggling Neha Sharma, a teen shopper. Moreover, Pantaloons is soon opening its new outlet in Bhangagarh next to the Big Bazaar in order to attract more and more customers. Other outlets such as Woodland and Puma is providing a flat 40% discount on selected merchandise whereas another retailing
giant Reliance trends which is comparatively new in the city is offering sale discount up to 50%. Sohum Emporia at ABC has gone a step further in offering discount and is currently offering a mouthwatering rebate up to 70% whereas Blackberrys, retailer for men’s garment is offering a 40% discount on purchase of five garments, 30% on purchase of four garments and 20% discount on purchase of two garments. Another major outlet, Westside is also seeing a good response in its season end sale. Westside came up with the unique tagline “Bring your own army”, asking its consumers to bring in their friends and family to the store. The outlet is offering a discount up to 60% on various selected items and is also offering an additional 5% discount to customers possessing Axis bank credit card or debit card, but only on purchase of `4500 and above. Nike, the world’s largest supplier of sports shoes and apparel, in its outlet in the Christian Basti area of Guwahati is offering a 50% discount on selected merchandise. Similarly, Levi’s store is also trying to attract it’s consumers with discounts of up to 50%. Wills Lifestlye and Allen Solly are meanwhile grabbing the attention of its customers with discount up to 40%. Louis Philippe, one of the premier suiting brands, which is also a new entrant in the city at Bhangagarh, is currently posing with 30 to 40% discount and with an offer of buy two and get one free. The season-end sale for Louis Philippe started from 2nd of July and will last till the end of this month. Another outlet, Peter England is also offering similar sort of discount with buy 2 and get 1 free option. The Peter England outlet near Bora service which opened last year in July saw good sales till the December as told by the Store Manager. The season end sale which started on 4th of July will last till 27th of July. There is no denial that these season end sales bring in whopping business in the retail industry along with unseen competition and rivalry among the retailer giants to lure in more customers than their counterpart as the city is in full fervor of this sale season. And with festivities like Eid and Durga Puja up ahead, many people are trying to get over with their shopping spree well before time and well before the price gets high again.
shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
BRAZIL ONE FOR THE AGES
Sports
Abhijit Bharali
T
he battles and the war. Maracanazo turned Mineirazo, the sands of Copacabana turned into a river of tears in Belo Horizonte, as the open arms of Christ the Redeemer awaits to crown the new World Champion on Sunday. The thirty-day feast of goals, glory and grief culminates in the mythical Maracana, with designs of a new world order. The portents were true. In football’s spiritual home, things getting borderline bizarre is no big deal. Right from the Brazil-Croatia opening match where a Marcelo own goal set the scores ticking to the two most contrasting semi-finals ever witnessed, Brazil 2014 has been a journey for the free-spirited, for the wild rollercoasterloving and not for the faint at heart. Something entirely expected when you have someone like Pitbull contributing verses and Pharell Williams featuring on match day playlists. The brains, the brawn, the barmy - this World Cup has had everything right from the very off. While Brazil rode through the crest waves of their home support to breeze past mediocre opponents until they hit the German brick wall, the likes of Costa Rica and Netherlands’ deep progression into the tournament stemmed entirely out of sheer genius. From the eye-popping results in the group stages to the drama of the knockout rounds, Brazil 2014 has been nothing short of frenetic. Tactical nuances were vivid, and the smaller details were as important as the headline-grabbing misfortunes. The likes of Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica and Algeria defied odds and produced tactical master classes, but fell to the blue-chip nations in the knockout rounds. All four teams bore the brunt of a similar shortcoming: a lack of individual quality in the final third. While the famous British spirit was nowhere to be seen in the immediate vicinity of the England national team, it was unsurprisingly found in the next most-likely precincts of the USMNT. The United States baffled beliefs as they snuck in through a supposed Group of Death comprising of their World Cup nemesis Ghana, eventual finalists Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. But they had their sell-by date, and those flickering lights went out without much fuss. The paints on the canvas were expressive, impressionistic and brilliant. A thing of beauty that was Spain’s 1-5 defeat to Netherlands, the unadulterated delight that was France’s 5-2 win over Switzerland, the innocence of the unfancied from Australia who went home without be-
ing disgraced, or the African teams’ dedication to the spirit of the game and their fixations of attack over containment. The fact that all of those teams remain no longer in the tournament smells of a lesson in cynicism and pragmatism, but Brazil 2014 has been anything but. This has been a World Cup of goals; 168 goals in 62 matches at a whopping rate of 2.7 goals per game betters the tallies of previous World Cups and is just three shy of the all-time record of France’98. Goals rained; goals that statistically and summarily uphold the notion of entertainment. The moments of individual brilliance, those howitzers, the showstoppers; nothing has been in short supply this summer. Like beholding a performer at a carnival, the likes of Neymar, Messi, Robben and James Rodriguez, and their sidekicks and support acts; Brazil turned into a melting pot of the beautiful. Few of the individual displays were as eye-catching as Luis Suarez’s stunning brace to blow England away, or Guillermo Ochoa’s man-wall impersonation to leave Brazil frustrated, or even James Rodriguez’s cultured brilliance against Uruguay and Tim H o w a r d ’s valiant saves
It’s a shame that the great tactical minds of a Jorge Sampaoli or a Louis van Gaal or a Miguel Hererra or even a Vahid Halilhodzic will not kiss the World Cup anytime soon.
against Belgium. And like the two sides of a coin, brilliance always comes with its own flip of artlessness and unimaginativeness. Fernando Santos might want to call himself a wand waver, but his Greek side were so lacking in invention that they needed penalties to ‘lose’ against 10-men Costa Rica in the Round of 16. Same thoughts go out for Fabio Capello’s Russia, but they at least did us all a favour by failing to go past their group. Honduras, meanwhile, became a part of World Cup folklore with their involvement in the first ever goalline technology-aided decision, but had little else to offer other than their reckless and dirty play. And to top it all off, Cameroon were the newsmakers’ delight with their all-round attempts at infamy. They wore the worst kits, played the worst football, and Alex Song’s clothesline on Croatia’s Mandzukic from behind will go down as one of the stupidest red cards ever in World Cup history. It’s a shame that the great tactical minds of a Jorge Sampaoli or a Louis van Gaal or a Miguel Hererra or even a Vahid Halilhodzic will not kiss the World Cup anytime soon. It is always as if the World Cups are reserved for those fabled nations with a storied past littered with tales of glory. Chile’s Sampaoli outwitted his counterparts in all the matches; he effortlessly played with tactics right from the opening match against Australia, and was the radius of the crossbar away from knocking Brazil out. Hererra and Halilhodzic came unstuck and unlucky against the immovable objects
of Netherlands and Germany, while Van Gaal showed his nous with gamechanging switches all throughout the tournament. Saddening images of disconsolate Brazilian fans after the semi-final humiliation against Germany will grace the World Cup front pages for long. The epoch-making, era-defining moment when the once-great Brazilians were ruthlessly floored in their own backyard; that’s quite a story for the ages. Luis Suarez’s infamous bite meant that he will retain the gong of the World Cup’s most talked-about player (after the Ghana handball in South Africa 2010). Such acts of disrepute, although brings something other than the normal for the fans to ponder upon, can either be attributed to the passion play that goes on in events of such magnitude or be wryly dismissed as nonsensical acts that are often unforced and instinctive. Brazil 2014 might have been the best World Cup ever witnessed by today’s frenzied youth. A bite of the old cherry in football’s second home was all that was needed in this age of rumour-mongering, doomsdaypreaching and crazy moneyed game of football. Even the final between Germany and Argentina have historical undertones. Brazil 2014 has been a throwback to the olden days, but one where Brazil aren’t the good old greats anymore. Talks about this World Cup being the ‘individual’s’ World Cup and the counter talks have finally found even ground. While Germany remain the ultimate team of players, Argentina are a player’s team at large, or more precisely Leo Messi’s team. Sunday’s final in Rio will be the perfect setting for the perfect riposte; it will be a big end to the small quarrel, the never-ending argument, even if it is for a short time. And whatever happens on Sunday, Brazil 2014 will go down as one of the finest World Cups of all time.
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Reviews
T
o paraphrase Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, if we don’t know Morrissey by now, we will never, ever, ever know Morrissey. Last year, the famously self-absorbed former Smiths frontman released the memoir “Autobiography,” his 457-page attempt to let fans into the weird little world he calls home. Like his best songs, the book raises way more questions than it answers, and its very existence may help explain “World Peace Is None of Your Business,” Moz’s tenth studio album and first in five years. If “World Peace” isn’t Morrissey’s least autobiographical LP, it’s certainly one of his most scattershot.
‘World Peace Is None of Your Business’ Artist: Morrissey Recorded in France with producer Joe Chiccarelli, the disc is filled with broad political statements and odd character sketches. Musically, Moz lets his sidemen go wild with electronic beats, accordions, Spanish and Middle Eastern flourishes, and synths galore. It’s essential listening not so much for its quality—uneven, if generally high—but for the strange place it occupies in Morrissey’s discography. Not since 1991’s “Kill Uncle” has he given us anything quite so puzzling.
Transformers
Rise of the dark spark
For PC
Director: Matt Reeves Cast: Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, Keri Russell Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is awe-inspiring. Just when it seemed like blockbusters could never evolve, in rides this extraordinary epic — a towering fable of humanity and brutality that takes a great movie myth and launches it forward. Director Matt Reeves’ story picks up 10 years after “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” As that 2011 film ended, the hero chimp Caesar — genetically enhanced and raised among people before experiencing animal-lab cruelty — led other mutated apes into the Northern California woods. Now, the human race has been decimated by a man-made virus, global war and civil unrest. Yet Caesar (again portrayed by Andy Serkis) and his advanced tribe live harmoniously in the forest. A group of human survivors, seeking to restore a hydroelectric dam to power a portion of destroyed San Francisco, encounter the apes. Caesar is wary, knowing that mankind makes a wasteland of everything. He worries for his family, including his nextin-line son, Blue Eyes. Yet when the peaceable Malcolm and Ellie (Jason Clarke and Keri Russell) plead with him, Caesar reluctantly agrees, with one rule: No guns. But the mix is uneasy. Warmongering humans led by Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) blame apes for the flu that ravaged civilization. And Caesar’s chimp confidant Koba (Toby Kebbell), scarred by
years of animal testing before Caesar freed him, has an anger much like the humans — and, like them, he ignores its consequences. Screenwriter Mark Bomback’s story has several beautifully nuanced elements, including how the power- and revenge-mad Koba is more like a descendant of Richard III than of anything in the 1968-73 great “Apes” franchise. In that five-film cycle, the metaphor of primates running a post-atomic earth was rich with meaning. This reimagining is on an entirely different dramatic level. The technical triumph is just as dazzling. Using flawless motion-capture technology, Serkis (aka Gollum in the “Lord of the Rings” films) lets us see Caesar’s soul and psyche, his depth and complexity. Consider the gauntlet officially thrown down: Serkis deserves a Best Actor Oscar nomination for this work, which is nothing short of spectacular. Reeves’ masterful, grown-up guidance is aided by stellar cinematography by Michael Seresin and inventive production design by James Chinlund (skyscraper scaffolding used as monkey bars is one witty touch). This action-filled film’s primary theme — how does any species balance its instinct for violence with a desire for peace? — respects our minds as we grip our seats. “Dawn,” one of the best films so far this year, is a blockbuster born to conquer.
F
ight your way through both Earth and Cybertron universes in an unforgettable battle to secure the Dark Spark. Play the expanded four-player coop online escalation mode with
D YouOULEN SHLIST
E M W GAEVIE R
new upgradeable defenses and challenging Power Foes. The new leveling system spans campaign and escalation, allowing players to unlock rewards that will aid progression in both modes.
D L ou Y OU SH read
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coming of age story set in the 1990s, featuring Johanna Morrigan, who at the age of 14 shames herself so badly on local TV that she decides to reinvent herself as Dolly Wilde, a fast-talking, hard-drinking Gothic hero. Moran will support the publication with a nationwide 10 date Evening With Caitlin theatre tour.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania Director: Shashank Khaitan Cast: Varun Dhavan, Alia Bhatt
T
his film has been handled with care and presented in an appealing manner. With a hint of pleasant humour, fun, drama and entertainment, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania makes a recipe which can be relished by many. Meet Kavya, whose ultimate motive in life is to get a designer lehenga for her wedding. She goes to Delhi to get her dream lehenga. Humpty, a typical Delhi Punjabi munda with a kind heart and a naughty mind, who keeps it light and simple. Humpty helps Kavya to get
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Transformers: Dawn of the Age of Extinction Planet of the Apes
her lehanga and Kavya gifts him his dream car in return. They both embark on a journey to help their friend Gurpreet and fall in love amidst their mission. But Kavya is engaged to an NRI and is set to get married soon. Where the first half has been a fun affair, lets see how the second half fairs with Siddharth Shukla coming in. The chemistry Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt share on screen is convincing and refreshing. The big question is, will Humpty get his Kavya after all?” Bobby Jasoos
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Daily at 11AM (3D/E) & 5PM (3D/H) Daily at 12.05 PM (3D/E)
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Telebooking numbers: Anuradha Cineplex; 03612656968, 9954544738, Fun Cinemas: 9864800100, 9864800200, Gold Cinema (Fancy Bazaar): 03612735367, 9854077177, Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar): 9854066166, Gold Cinema (Narengi): 8811001898
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G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Web Watch
Brazil World Cup slaughter most tweeted about sporting event ever
T
here were a LOT of records broken in last night’s 7-1 decimation of Brazil by Germany in the ongoing FIFA World Cup and Twitter has revealed that one such record was achieved outside the Estádio Mineirão stadium. A total of 35.6 million tweets were fired off about the match which makes it the most tweeted about sporting event in history.
LG unveils an 18-inch flexible OLED display prototype
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lectronics giant LG has developed an 18-inch Flexible OLED panel that can be rolled into a tube of a mere 3cm across. The prototype has 1200 x 810 pixels resolution and has a new polyamide film on the back panel which makes it very thin and extremely flexible. LG has also developed a new transparent OLED panel which makes images less hazy by increasing the light transmittance to 30 percent, compared to 10 percent common among current transparent LCD displays. The company also promises to deliver 60-inch flexible screens by 2017. According to LG Display’s SVP and Head of R&D, In-Byung Kang, he’s confident that “by 2017, we will successfully develop an Ultra HD flexible and transparent OLED panel of more than 60 inches.” He added that the 2017 panel will have a transmittance of over 40% and a curvature radius of 100R.
Submitted by Indrajeet Bhuyan
LG Display has been investing heavily in OLED, and has announced plans to spend $655 million on manufacturing infrastructure for a factory in South Korea. LGD stated in a release that the market for large flexible displays will reach $6 billion by 2018, and to over $77 billion by 2025. The company added, that by 2023, the transparent flexible display market
Maha Police to take action against those who ‘like’ objectionable content online
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ou may land in trouble for ‘liking’ objectionable content on the social networking websites. Maharashtra Police have said those who like the controversial posts online will be booked under the Information Technology Act and under the Code of Criminal Procedure. According to a TOI report, a person could be imprisoned three to five years if convicted under Section 66 (a) of the IT Act (punishment for
Govt allocates `500 crore for internet connectivity in villages
sending offensive messages through communication service, etc). Police say the move is to contain protests over objectionable content on a social networking site about Chhatrapati Shivaji, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Police, however, haven’t yet tracked down the Internet Protocol address of the person (yet unidentified) who posted the content online. There are chances it was done through a proxy server.
Google Maps now tells you exact distances between multiple points
T
he government said it will allocate `500 crore for its Digital India initiative to set up broadband network in villages and promote local manufacturing of hardware and Indian software products. “Under the Digital India initiative, National Rural Internet and Technology Mission, the government will focus on setting up broadband in villages, promote local manufacturing of hardware and Indian software products,” finance minister Arun Jaitley said while presenting the Budget for 2014-15. “A special focus will be on supporting software products startups. A National Rural Internet and Technology Mission service in villages and training in IT...I have provided a sum of Rs 500 crore for this purpose,” he informed Parliament.
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oogle has rolled out a new update for Maps that allows users measure the distance between multiple points on the map. The feature was available earlier under the experimental Google Labs options, but has now been rolled out as a part of the main service. To use this option, users can right-click on a starting point on the map and select “Measure distance,” and then choose a destination to see the distance between the two points. What’s more, you can click anywhere on the map to add additional locations and measuring points to your trip.
Remove Duplicate Files With NoClone
Google had rolled out a new version of Google Maps in February after working in pre-view mode for nearly a year. The new interface gives improved integration of search results, smart route navigation and easier access to picture galleries. New features like search results embedded right into the maps and navigation system with real-time traffic reports and previews of the destination using Street View graphics are also added. Google May update to its Maps brought back terrain view feature which shows the elevation of geographic features and is popular with trekkers.
volume will be larger than the ‘generic display market” and will reach $131 billion in revenues. LG had announced 105 Ultra HD TVs at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014. The LG 105UB9 HD TV has 11 million pixel (5120 x 2160) screen resolution and is 3D capable with 240Hz motionsmoothing technology.
Google launches a $50 million initiative to inspire girls to code
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oogle announced a new initiative called ‘Made with Code’ to encourage more girls to learn how to code and close the gender gap witnessed in tech-industry currently. The company unveiled the initiative at the recent Google I/O 2014 conference. In a post on Google’s official blog, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki said there are “far too few women and far too few young girls” in the technology field, and that less than one percent of high school girls express interest in majoring in computer science. The initiative will have its own website offering resources and projects to the girls that will help them learn how to code and will also provide information about regional events. The community members will also be able to discuss different lessons and projects among themselves, and with mentors through the website. It will also provide information about regional events. Google launched ‘ Help Getting Women Online’ initiative in India last year which aims to help 50 million women to get online by 2014 year-end. India has over 200 million internet users, but only one third are women. The initiative has set up a website as well as a toll free number that will help women get answers to any queries they have about the Internet.
D
o you know how many files exists on your Computer in more than one location ? We usually download a file and then forget and when we need it again, we again download it. This simply waste our hard disk space and finding duplicate files is a very difficult task. NoClone is a tool which helps in finding and removing duplicate files of your computer. It works fast and gives 100% accurate results. Download NoClone for free and install in your computer. After installation, run the tool. At first, it asks for upgrade to premium version. Here select the free version to use. At the top of the tool, you will see various search modes. Here, you can select any of the options as per your requirement. If you want to find exact duplicate files, select the first option. This tool can also find duplicate mp3, similar images and duplicate outlook emails. But all options are not available in free version of the tool. You will have to buy premium version of the tool for using all search options. After selecting the options, select the search location and start searching the duplicate files. After searching in the selected location, it will display the results based on search criteria. It lists files with location, name, file-size and modified date. You can select the file which you want to remove. You can select multiple files and then click “save Space” button at the top to remove all selected files. Free version of NoClone does not come with all feature, but it is good for an average user. Indrajeet Bhuyan is a 16 year old tech blogger and security researcher. He is passionate about computers and believes in sharing knowledge and information . He uses his spare time helping people and companies secure themselves. fb.me/indrajeet.bhuyan
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
G-Talk
Should the authorities continue the anti-encroachment drive? Pranab Kumar Sharma
Madan S Rajan
President, AREIDA
POINT
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e welcome the current eviction drive going on against the illegal settlers settling in and around the wetlands and natural water channels. Since the government has started the drive, though belatedly, they must finish it. The law enforcing agencies who have the power and authority to deal with the situation through numerous laws passed from time to time must act without fear and act for the favour of saving Guwahati from being destroyed by hordes of organised illegal encroachers. These encroachers who have grabbed natural drainage channels, the wetlands, the forest, and the hills leaving the helpless law abiding citizens at their complete mercy. These lands are not anyone’s private property and the government has to send the right signal to establish the rule of law. In the meantime, it is also true that severe negligence or lackadaisical attitude shown on part of the government towards encroachment in the past is fully responsible for what is happening today in Guwahati during monsoon. Because responsibilities are attached to the government officials and by ignoring those responsibilities, they have already commited a grave offence. Government has been spending Crores of taxpayers’ money just to carry out various studies on the drainage system and recommendation of experts is duly documented. We had the Calcutta Metropolitan Planning Organization in 1971, revision of drainage master plan in 1991, then a DPR prepared by the
PUBLIC TRANSPORT MENACE
Town and Country Planning Department in 1998-99. Finally, the Tahal Consulting Engineers, an Israel based company was inducted in 2007. Studies have documented unabated encroachment and choking of the natural drainage channels and wetlands and recommended strict action to free these eco sensitive zones as a top priority in controlling flash floods, and water logging. Besides, the government notified a comprehensive master plan 2025 in July 2009, spending Crores of Rupees and after nine years of field studies engaging an international consultant, the said document declared a Goal number one of conserving Guwahati’s sensitive natural environment. It notified the Assam Hill Land and Ecological Sites (Protection and Management) Act, 2006 Complete Act and The Guwahati Water Bodies (Preservation, Conservation and Protection) Act, 2008, four wetlands – Deepor Beel, Sarusola Beel, Barsola Beel and Silsako Beel – were notified as protected ones in 2008 and Bondajan was added in 2010. Through these legislations, the authorities were fully empowered to use force to protect the hills, water bodies, forest and natural drainage channels in their pristine glory. Therefore, the government must continue the anti-encroachment drive with full letter and spirit. Some sections of people have opposed it, but we request them not to digress and dilute the issues. Poverty is a totally different subject and it does not have any relation with encroachment. The government has various housing schemes through
Academician
N
COUNTERPOINT
ine persons have died because of electrocution, landslides and drowning when torrential rains lashed the city recently and inundated many parts of it. According to the district administration, construction of illegal houses by encroachers along the major water channels passing through the city affect the smooth f low of water resulting in f lash f loods. So, the administration decided to evict the people settled down alongside the city rivers. The f loods occurred after a few hours of rain a but the state government is putting the entire blame upon the poor people living in the hills, water bodies, and those living along the Bharalu. Will there be no rain if people do not live in the hills? Should the hill dwellers be blamed for the rain? What about areas, which are legally occupied by people? Were there are no f loods in those areas? The areas like Rajgarh, Zoo Road, Ulubari and Chandmari were also f looded and the GS Road was also submerged. Moreover, the biggest shame was that VIP places like the MLA hostel and the secretariat was also submerged by that little shower. It is true that if the water bodies and low-lying areas are encroached then it does affect the environmental discipline, but where were the authorities all these days? According to some bodies, only the poor have been targeted by the ‘discriminatory’ and ‘inhuman’ eviction drive whereas the rich with their multi-storied buildings have not been affected by it. The
eviction drive should be stopped.I am of the view that even if the eviction drive is continued, the people who are displaced should be provided compensation or a substitute shelter. There are some houses demolished in the lands which were once registered by the government and people were paying taxes for it. The houses were not constructed in patta land, but still were registered by the government itself. Just blaming the people encroaching the lands near the water bodies is not enough by the authorities as the city lacks a proper drainage system. The government has started cleaning the water bodies only after they realised that urban f loods this year scared the entire city and people came out united criticising the authorities. The poor people anyway keep paying bribes among other things to survive there, so, it is easier for theauthorities to evict them. They will not raise their voices against the move. But, the authorities should have thought that the people evicted do require some other place to leave or a compensation to resettle. There will always be rain no matter whether people live on the hills or not and the rainwater, naturally, will always come down from the hills to the city. But it is the government who is to be blamed for the f loods. Because the government has failed to construct drains scientifically to prevent waste materials and mud from entering into them to decrease their carrying capacity.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I am a regular reader of G Plus and have come across different articles on problems related to the city. I travel by bus and I have noticed rash driving by the buses. The drivers try to over-take other buses and over-load them with so many passengers, making it quite difficult to even stand inside it. A few days back, I boarded a bus from Fancy Bazaar to Sixth Mile, the conductor came and took the fare like always. Shockingly, after crossing few stoppages he came and asked for the fare once again. This had happened because I was not endowed with a ticket on giving the fare. Another problem the passengers have to face is that the drivers keep halting the bus in some stoppages for a long period. I just want to ask the authorities that something should be done to solve these problems as we regular commuters have to face these on an everyday basis. There must be a system to limit the passengers boarding a bus for the convenience of the city residents. Strict norms should be implemented and all the passengers should be provided with a valid ticket on giving the fare. Moreover, there should be a time limit for a bus to halt in a particular stoppage. We all are aware of what had happened during the Delhi gangrape case in Delhi. However, the culprits were nabbed not long after the incident. But in Guwahati, there is no system by which a driver or conductor can be tracked in case of any sort of mischief. There is hardly any database on the drivers and the conductors of the city, any random person with any sort of background can become a driver as many were found without proper driving license in the past.
Send us your letters and feedback at editor@g-plus.in
Amrita Saikia Maligaon
21
G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Life
BRING A CHANGE IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND CHANGE YOUR WORLD ritu gupta gritu21@yahoo.com
H
owever we act and react is the result of how we think. Thoughts play a very important role and it totally depends on us as to how we want our thoughts to be and likewise, our mind works. If we keep thinking that ‘No, I cannot swim,’ no matter how much you try, it will not help, but the moment you tune into your mind that ‘No, matter what, I will learn to swim,’ immediately you will get the strength to overcome the fears. Basically what we see here is if we kind of program our mind for a positive approach it works accordingly and if not then it always gives us a lot of stress. So, a positive or a negative thought is all in our mind. We need to make up our mind where we want to lay the emphasis on. On an average, there are 50,000 to 60,000 thoughts that keeps our mind busy. Nobody can control these thoughts until and unless you let them. Try to focus more on the positive thoughts and let go off all the negative ones. Once you start doing it, you will master it. Stop being a negative thinker. You will be invaded by a lot of thoughts. Pick
up only the positive ones. Look for the good in the worst situation. This will help you become more positive. You will come across a number of procrastinators who always feel that since it will not happen then why try. Try to keep yourself away from such people because all they will do is make you feel more anxious. Rather than just sitting back and only believing that it will not happen, it would be a good idea to think about the best possibilities available and make it happen. Seeing the shades of gray in any situation will help you see that it’s almost never the end of the world when you feel like your back is pushed up against the wall. As put very beautifully by Dalai Lama, ‘See the positive side, potential and make an effort.’ Negative thought drains you out of energy and keep you away from the present moment, which might be worth enjoying. One positive thought can change your world making it look prettier but one negative thought might just make things look uglier. Here is one particular example, which might make it easy for us to understand how thoughts can make our experiences ugly. There was this girl who was living all by herself in a small apartment. She was happy with the kind of little adjustments she had to make with her life. Eventually she came to know that her very best friend would be coming to stay
with her for few days. She shared a beautiful relationship with her, but the moment she came to know that she would be coming, all kinds of thoughts started invading her mind. The thought that she will have an extra roommate, her living routine will change and she saw herself getting angry about her cooking and all the little things she would have to do. When the day arrived, it was a miserable weekend for the two of them. They did not enjoy each other’s company. What could have been a fabulous weekend turned out to be a nightmare for both of them. When we start to have negative thoughts, it’s hard to stop them and it’s much easier said than done to shift your focus to positive thoughts. But it’s the only way, especially if you want to avoid going down a path that is painful and unnecessary. Ways to help you make your thoughts positive Yoga and meditation. • A big smile. • Surround yourself with positive people. • Change your thought from a negative to a positive one. • Don’t let others rule your life. • Always remember that no man is perfect and we will make mistakes.
An Inconvenient Truth?
I
ce, which covers 10 percent of the Earth’s surface, is disappearing rapidly. 400 billion tons is the approximate figure for total glacier loss per year since 1994. Greenland has been losing approximately 100-250 billion tons of ice per year. If melted completely, the Greenland ice sheet contains enough water to raise the sea level by 5-7 meters. According to studies, ice shelves are thinning at a faster rate because of warmer ocean water. This is approximately 60-150 billions of ice loss per year. All these tremendous changes have increased the average global temperature significantly since a study in 1884. Temperature rises can appear small, but small increases translate into big changes for the world’s climate and natural environment. It’s affecting food prices through extended droughts and flooding basements in extreme rainfall events – the types of dry and wet extremes that scientists have been telling us for years would be part of a changing world. Now we can see these things with our own eyes, out of our own windows! Of the eight north-eastern states, Assam seems to have suffered the most from the deficit rainfall and high temperatures that prevailed in 2006. Assam has become far warmer than three decades ago. Between 1991 and 2000, only four years saw normal or abovenormal rainfall in the region. The perennial floods make it almost next to impossible for agriculture to thrive. A study by (CESPR) and (RGVN), in collaboration with Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change (INECC) in the rural areas of
the districts of Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Morigaon and Baksa, state that women have been forced to take up alternate means of livelihood. Other than agriculture, they are taking up fishing, weaving, working as domestic-helps and daily-wage labours and are very often lured by con-men who push them into prostitution. These marginalised women, who were once home-makers are the ones highly impacted by climate change, as the sole breadearners of their families, their husbands are facing the brunt in agriculture due to a debilitating fall in their income, either due to floods or drought-like condition. This in turn is affecting the education of the girl-child as now the responsibility of the house rests on her, with her mother away at work. All these factors are in a way connected to the fact that these people have been forced to be uprooted from their place of origin for better opportunities elsewhere. And that is how the capital city of Guwahati is bursting at the seams with people, looking for livelihood opportunities in the city, making homes in whatever small space they can afford on the banks of the river, its tributaries and the hills. Guwahati is going through its own transition as far as the climate change is concerned. This season, with floods unimaginably devastating homes of people in the city, probably the worst after 25 years, the government has taken stringent measures to evict people who had built homes illegally along the banks of the river and its tributaries. Whether we like it or not, this exercise had to be done sooner
than later. With more than 10 days into this rigorous process, we are hopeful that some plans will be made for afforestation in the hills, to stop the erosion process. Trees have to be planted and looked after because it’s the trees which will hold the rain-water and help in the trickle down process. Some stringent procedures have to be followed to stop the water rushing down the hills and flooding the plains and silting the drains and it has to be done now. Having said this, how many of us know that to pave the road from Chandmari to Guwahati Club, 60 trees had been felled? For the KMSS leader, it was merely a ‘small heartless decision’ to cut down a more than 100 year old tree near his home in Guwahati to accommodate a guest-house, much to the chagrin and disdain of people in that area who have seen this tree every growing day of their lives. If per chance, a huge stone, which was well protected by the now-felled-tree, rolls down during a bout of heavy rains, then only destiny can save some 30-40 people who will bear this terrible impact! Climate change is real – and it’s starting to cause disruptions in all of the various ways that climate scientists have said it would. It is time we wake up to this harsh reality before it’s too late. Individual consciousness is far more effective, more so because it rubs into other people who needs to be woken up from their reverie!
tinat ATIFA MASOOD
Face Life With Courage Question: If all the pain I am going through in this life is because of the karmas of my previous life, then that makes me feel more sad. How do I face it? Don’t keep your head turned backwards. Look ahead and move on. You are trying to walk forward with your head turned backward. This is why you feel miserable. Just let go! What good will you get by analyzing the past? It is all nothing. In life, everyone goes through pleasant and unpleasant times. Just walk ahead with courage. There is so much knowledge and joy on the path. Despite all this, if you are feeling sad and miserable then what is the use of this knowledge? Just have this deep faith that only the best will happen for you. So what if right now there are some difficult times to face? Face them with courage and a smile. Just keep yourself busy with something or the other. Do you know, the owners and heads of the large companies that we see today were once upon a time in great difficulty? They had a tough time getting a job. Many were not able to even get a government job, but they did not lose heart. They started their enterprise with a small shop and slowly built it into a business empire. You will find many such exemplary role models in history. So don’t just sit idly and keep worrying over things all the time, or think that one fine day God will suddenly send many blessings your way and everything will be alright. Do not waste even a single day this way. What do we usually do? We get up in the morning and start reading the newspaper. This way, we end up spending an hour and a half of precious time. Then we spend two to three hours at home just watching television. If by chance you pick up a magazine, you just go on flipping through its pages even if the information is not worth reading. Nowadays we also spend a lot of time surfing on the internet. If guests come to our home, we spend time chatting and gossiping with them. Some of our time goes into eating and drinking, and finally we get tired and go to sleep at night. This is not a wise way to spend your day. Get up in the morning, and do your sadhana and meditation. After that, just get busy with your daily activities. Make notes of what you have to do each day, where you have to go, etc., and what you have to buy. Plan your day and write down names of all the people you have to meet that day. Once you have made your notes, just get on with your day and your work. Go on ticking items off your list once you have finished them. When you have finally done whatever you had planned for the day, just sit and relax for some time in the evening, or listen to nice music, or go for a nature walk in the evening. Every evening, spend some time with yourself. Meditate for 15-20 minutes in the evening again. You will find so much happiness in life. Then you will feel strong and energetic, and not lazy and dull. Usually we waste so much of our precious time in useless activities, and then we get tired and have to sit and relax for a while. You should not do this. So when you get up in the morning, make a list of all the things you have to do till the evening. What usually happens? Our secretary or assistant hands out a list to us of all the activities that need to be done in the day. I usually get my to-do list for tomorrow today itself! (Laughter) The list mentions all the people I have to meet, all the activities I need to look into throughout the day. Thankfully they spare an hour in the afternoon for me to rest for some time. But after that, I get back to work and my activities go on till 12 at night. This is how my schedule is when I am in India. When I travel, then also my schedule is quite packed with many things to do. No matter which state in India I go to, the Apex Body members of that state ensures to keep a busy schedule for me. And I too want to stay busy through the day. I want that every second of my day is productive and useful for everyone. I usually do not get the time to read or listen to any news because of having such a busy schedule through the day. So sometimes, in the flight, or when I am traveling by car, I read newspapers then. Some of the people who work with me, send me text messages regarding the latest news and happenings through chat and SMS, so I get to read the news when
I get time. You all send so many letters to me with so much love, and I go through them all. Many people write their letters with such a small font that it is almost difficult to make out what they have written (laughter). I wonder why they are being so miserly in using paper. Some people fold their letters up several times before handing it over to me, in the hope that they will be able to touch my hand while handing it over. I did not know this, someone else told me this recently. They said that some people think that if they hand over a letter written on a regular size paper, they will not be able to touch Gurudev’s hand closely. But if they fold up the letter several times over into a small page, then they will be able to touch my hand when they give it to me. It is so difficult to open and read a letter that has been folded so many times! Thankfully till now I do not need reading glasses, but if I continue to get such folded letters, I just might have to use them too! (Laughter) So you all should manage your time well in life. Every day in the morning, make a plan of all the things that you need to finish by evening. Some people come to me and say, ‘Oh Gurudev, my business is not running well’, and they become miserable. I tell you, if your business is not doing well, start another one. There is so much to be done for the society today. Register your name for service activities with the Ashram HR over here. I have heard many people here saying that they have nothing to do. I would suggest to them to register their names with the Ashram HR. There is a lot of work to be done. Just keep yourself busy with work. So there are a lot of avenues and service activities here for one who sincerely wishes to serve. If you are interested in doing business, there are many business opportunities here. We have such a huge Art of Living family here. You do not have to worry about anything at all here. Some people come to me and complain that their son’s or daughter’s marriage is not getting fixed. To solve that we have formed the Art of Living Matrimony department here which has its own website. There are some minor problems with the website which the volunteers will fix it in a week’s time. Then it will become easier for you all to register and find a partner of your choice. So, all these worldly activities and duties will keep happening from time to time. But do not think or try finding perfection in them. There will always be some flaw in worldly activities. When we go deeper on the spiritual path, and in meditation; only then will we be able to overcome and rise above these minor problems and events in life. Only then will we be able to experience true bliss. This is why we changed the name of our Part1 course from Basic Course to The Happiness Program. We want people to come and attend the course and experience that bliss for themselves. All their problems and miseries get resolved when they attend the course. They are able to rise above their problems and sorrows with the help of knowledge. I recently met a saint in Rishikesh who had come to attend our Satsang there. He told me, ‘Usually in schools, student pass one class after clearing exams and move on to the next. But this school (referring to the path of knowledge) is unique. One who comes here does not pass. Once they come (on the path), they stay here, because here they find the true joy of life. The path of knowledge is very juicy and full of joy. It brings you on the path of righteous action. It gives you the experience of love that is so total and eternal, and you find peace that is so everlasting. Having this, you can move ahead in life with confidence. That is why it is said: ‘Charaiveti! Charaiveti! Charaiveti! ‘ (From the Upanishads, meaning: ‘Move on! Move on! Move on!’) Our Vedas proclaim the same thing, just keep moving on in life, do not get entangled in anything. One who moves on in life, being firmly established in self-knowledge, attains the ultimate goal of life. But one who runs here and there feverishly behind cravings and desires, loses sigh of the very purpose of life.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji
22
G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Fun
Your weekly dose of HOROSCOPE
TAURUS If you’ve been thinking about getting out of town, go ahead and firm up those plans on Monday when the stars smile on future journeys. Tuesday and Wednesday bring some unusual energy your way, perhaps in the form of a work or a personal challenge. This could be a bend-or-break situation — which will you do? After this, fun with friends (or a romantic interest) is in order at the end of the workweek. Those who know and love you best energize you, and vice versa. And this weekend you just might be impetuous, spontaneous and ready to dive into something new.
GEMINI If you’re confused or indecisive, don’t expect a sudden flash of insight on Monday. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, however, if you apply yourself, you’re likely to experience the dawning of a useful point of view. To prompt it, consider the most outlandish of options and seek out advice from an odd source. An email, a text or other communique could be misunderstood at the end of the workweek; beware of assumptions now. When the weekend comes, your feelings will come across beautifully.
CANCER
SUDOKU
LIBRA
Playing hooky or working from home might not be a bad idea on Monday because your regular routine may present some irregular issues now. Around Tuesday and Wednesday be sure to direct negative feelings appropriately. You don’t want to end up tangling with your boss when your relationship’s the source of your frustration — or vice versa. But spread the good stuff around. By the end of the workweek, the stars are sending plenty of mojo your way. You’ll click with others now in a most satisfying way. This weekend, do what it takes to truly unwind.
LEO Wanna make a good impression on Monday? It’s easy — make it all about them. They’ll think you’re the cat’s pajamas (accurately, of course). Around Tuesday and Wednesday, somebody’s quirks may make you crazy, but even you can admit you’ve got a few of your own. Try to loosen up or laugh it off. Your work or personal priorities require attention at the end of the workweek. The most appealing possibilities may not ultimately satisfy you. This weekend, almost anything’s fun, so why not try something entirely different?
VIRGO On Monday, fit in some fun — a little flirtation, a quick coffee with a friend, whatever it takes to kick the week off right. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you have the tenacity to apply yourself to a task or situation, but then again, if you think more freely first, an entirely new and improved approach may present itself. Don’t overlook esoteric ideas. Try saying ‘I hear what you’re saying’ at the end of the workweek even if you’re thinking ’You’re a total wingnut.’ You just might change your mind. Watch your wallet and any intertwined finances this weekend.
If you find yourself dragging a bit on Monday, consider why you’re feeling this way. You’ll want to have your emotional state sorted out by Tuesday and Wednesday. Expect some pretty spectacular energy from the stars, including a possible romantic interlude. Your knack for ‘getting’ others is hot now. Don’t expect big results. You might be disappointed at the end of the workweek, but smaller plans will go rather nicely. As for the weekend, find opportunities to cooperate and compete. Have some fun — create something or play a game, one-on-one or in a group.
SCORPIO You’re a people person and super aware of opportunities on Monday, so seize this day big time! Around Tuesday and Wednesday, family and/or household matters should be a priority. A little maintenance of your relationships and surroundings now prevents issues later. Then it’s time to leave mundane stuff (mostly) behind and stretch that imagination at the end of the workweek. Think big, think bold, think beautiful — and think romance! This weekend, look for common ground rather than conflict. Being the one to make the first overture feels fantastic.
SAGITTARIUS A penny saved is a penny you can spend on something bigger and better later on Monday. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you have a bright, shiny quality that attracts others; your genuine interest in them keeps ‘em around. Don’t forget to share your latest odd fascination. At the end of the workweek, it’s a good thing your head is securely attached. You’re prone to lose most everything else, including track of time at a crucial moment if you’re not careful. A great date or an outing with friends this weekend might involve a game — wanna watch or play?
CAPRICORN Hop out of bed early on Monday, and make the most of the limitless possibilities the stars are sending your way. By Tuesday and Wednesday, you’re busy refining a scheme or looking for an alternative approach to a certain situation — good ideas both. The imaginative oomph you need, however, might not arrive until the end of the workweek. You’re able to come up with all sorts of things now, especially in cahoots with someone super. Balance work or projects and play this weekend — too much of one throws you off big time now.
AQUARIUS If being ‘on’ on Monday is essential, consider hitting the gym to get your blood pumping, stopping for more coffee or both. If possible, delay bigger, better agenda items until Tuesday and Wednesday when the stars serve you some electric, inspiring stuff, and (bonus) give you natural allure and extra shine. What do you want now? Go for it! At the end of the workweek, it may seem like a hassle, but confirm plans, do the math and so forth; otherwise things are liable to go awry. As for the weekend? It looks great for selfdiscovery and possibly some revelations about others, too.
PISCES Why be a martyr on Monday when a friend or coworker’s happy to help? If you feel funny asking, arrange for a mutually beneficial trade. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, fuse your imagination and your intellectual side for amazing results. Some free-form thought might give rise to surprising next steps for your relationship, career or life at large. Be glad you’re you on Thursday and Friday, and be ready for additional appreciation from those around you, too. You’re just extra great (and extra hot) now. This weekend, get to the bottom of a puzzling situation.
JUST FOR LAUGHs George went over to his fiancee’s house and sadly told his girlfriend the wedding was off. He was going to marry another woman. His girlfriend was distraught. She asked, “How can you choose another woman over me? Is she a better cook?” “Not on her best days, she can’t match your everyday cooking.” “Does she buy you gifts like I do, the electronic toys that please men so much.?”
“She can’t buy me anything. She has no job and no money.” “Then she must be beautiful and hotter! Is she that much better than me?” “No, you are fantastic.” “Then what can this woman possibly do better than me that you want to marry her?” “She can sue me for child support.”
Solutions (Last Issue)
ARIES
You have a goal in mind big time on Monday. Be careful about trampling on others to get there — it’s bad for your karma! Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you’re more of an idea person rather than an action gogetter. Get in cahoots with someone who thinks like you do for double the brainpower (and double the fun, too). Then after all that conscious thought, your subconscious has a message for you at the end of the workweek. Write down those dreams and tune into those visions. This weekend, toss the schedule aside and see what allures you from moment to moment.
TIMEPASS
23
G PLUS JUL 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Diagnostic Centres G Plus will keep on publishing such relevant and useful information in this page in the coming issues.
Compiled by Mautapa Dhar
Apex Diagnostic
G M C H Road, Bhangagarh, G S Road, Ghy– 5 Ph- 9864046416 , 9864014212
Adlab
H B Road, Fancy Bazar, Ghy- 1 Ph- 0361-2600314
Ayursundra
Lachit Nagar, G S Road, Ghy-7 Ph- 0361- 2451080
Digi Lab
11, Behind U C O Bank, Maligaon, Ghy – 11 Ph- 9864041672 , 03612670693
Diagno Laboratory
A T Road, Maligaon, Ghy –11 Ph- 9864891115
Rajgarh Road, Lachit Nagar, Ghy - 7 Ph- 0361-2529272
Matrix
Bye Lane No 1, Nr Rajiv Bhawan, Tarun Nagar, G S Road, Ghy – 5 Ph- 9864067578
Micro Diagnostics
Nath Commercial Complex, Big Bazar, Rajgarh Road, Bhangagarh, Ghy- 18 Ph- 9957191505
Narayana Superspeciality Hospital
Dr Pauls Chamber
Pulse Diagnostic
Piramal Diagonostics
Nr Bust Stop, G S Road, Ulubari, Ghy -7 Ph- 0361-2520117 , 03612462740
Primus Diagnostic
Sikaria Building, Opp Orion Super Market, G S Road, Ghy – 5 Ph- 0361-2342595
G S Road, Ghy – 5 Ph- 0361-2458093
Friends Diagnostic Centre
Swagat Hospital Pvt Ltd
LAL Ganesh, Odalbakra, Ghy – 34 Ph- 9864133581
Friends Diagnostics Centre
88 Lalganesh, Nr Ganesan Puram, Lakhtokia, Ghy– 1 Ph- 9854010860
Hayat Hospital
Kahilipara Road, Odalbakra, Ghy- 34 Ph- 8811017357 , 8011003100
Inst Of Dermatlgy & Cosmetlgy
Nr Santipur Petrol Pump, A T Road, Bharalumukh, Ghy – 9 Ph- 9864023338 , 9401726890
SRL Panacea
Probir Market, 1st Floor, Opp Astc, Paltan Bazar, Ghy - 8 Ph- 9864154343
SRL Pulse Diagnostics
Nr Satsangh Vihar, G S Road, Banghagarh, Ghy – 5 Ph-9954100900
SRL Diagnostics
Rajgarh Road, Bhangagarh, Ghy – 5 Ph- 0361-2528343
Six Mile, Police Point, Panjabari Road, Khanapara, Ghy - 22 Ph- 9508775804
Insight
Shristhi Diagnostic
123 Rajgarh Road, Nr State Bank, Rani, Ghy – 781131 Ph- 9864055079
Life Line Lab
Jatia, R G Baruah Road, Ghy- 6 Ph- 0361-2220976 Lunar Health care & Diagnostics Ganeshguri Chariali, Dispur, Ghy- 6 Ph- 0361-2232714, 9435927005
Life Laborotary
Six Mile, G S Road, Panjabari Road, Khanapara, Ghy - 22 Ph- 9817216169
Luit Diagnostic Centre Pvt. Ltd. C K Road, Panbazar, Ghy– 1 Ph- 9706463938
Micro Diagnostic
408 Rajgarh Road, Nr Bakery, Bhangagarh, Ghy- 18 Ph- 9435602316
BLOOD BANK
Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Ganga Blood Bank 2454742, 2455029 Lion’s Club of Ghy Central 2546611 Marwari Yuva Manch 2546470, 2547251 Saharia’s Path Lab (24 hours) 2458594
Megatesh Diagnostic Centre
Super Commercial Complex, Bhangagarh, G M C H Road, Ghy – 18 Ph- 9435314344
Ekopath Centre
Ambulance 102 Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Downtown Hospital 9864101111, 9435012669 GLP Social Circle 2737373 GGUMTA (Mirza) 03623-227109 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251
MAA Ambika Traders
Nr Tularam Bafna Civil Hospital, Amingaon, Ghy – 31 Ph- 8811098884 , 8876420001
Ground Floor, Nr Ganesh Marriage Hall, Tiyali Pukhan Road, Rehabari, Ghy – 8 Ph- 9954727209
AMBULANCE
S C Goswami Road, Pan Bazar, Ghy – 1 Ph- 9435101213
Dlarc
G M C Road Bhangagarh, Ghy – 5 Ph- 0361-2527078
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Opp Jonali Path, R G Baruah Road, Zoo Road, Ghy- 24 Ph- 9864028058 , 9864049698
Ultra Care
Six Mile, VIP Road, Panjabari Road, Khanapara, Ghy - 22 Ph- 8811998736
Citypedia
HOSPITALS Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) B Baruah Cancer Institute (2472364/66) Brahmaputra Hospital Ltd (2451634/678) Chatribari Christian Hospital 0361-2600051, 9207044374 Downtown Hospital 2331003, 9864079366, 9435012669 Guwahati Medical College (2529457, 2529561) Guwahati Medical College Emergency (2263444)
International Hospital 0361-7135005 Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (2541477, 2543998) Marwari Hospital & Research Centre 0361-2602738/39 Marwari Maternity Hospital 0361-2541202/01 Nemcare Hospital 0361-2528587, 2455906, 2457344
Pratiksha Hospital 0361-2337260, 2337183/84 Basistha Military Hospital (2304617/0351) Railway Central Hospital Casuality (2671025) Redcross Hospital (2665114) Sri Sankardeva Netralaya 0361-2233444, 2228879, 2228921 TB Hospital (2540193) Wintrobe Hospital 0361-2519860, 98647-77986 GNRC Hospital 0361 2227702 GNRC Life First Ambulance 9401194011
24-HOUR PHARMACIES Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) DEAD BODY CARRYING VAN GLP Social Circle 2737373, 9435047046 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251 GGUMTA 98640-16740 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY Call Centre – 9678005171
OTHERS Fire Emergency 101 State Zoo 2201363 GMC Carcass Pickup 9435190720, 9864047222 LPG Emergency/Leakage 2385209, 2541118
RADIO TAXI SERVICES Prime Cabs 0361- 2222233 Green Cabs 0361-7151515 My Taxi 0361-2228888 Cherry Cabs 8876222288
Cinema Hall Anuradha Cineplex – 0361-2656968, 99545-44738 Fun Cinema (HUB)- 98648-00100, 98648-00200 Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar) – 98540-66166 Gold Cinema (Salasar) – 0361-2735367, 98540-77177 Gold Cinema (Narengi) – 88110-01898 police station SP, Kamrup District: Ph- 2540278 DGP Control Room: Ph- 2540242 SB Control Room: Ph-2261511 Police Control Room: Ph-2540138, 2540113 Azara PS: Ph2840287 Basista PS: Ph-2302158 Bharalumukh PS: Ph- 2540137, 2731199 Borjhar PS: Ph-2840351 Chandmari PS: Ph- 2660204 Chandrapur PS: Ph-2788237, 2785237 Dispur PS: Ph-2261510 Fancybazar PS: Ph- 2540285
Fatasil Ambari PS: Ph-2471412 Geetanagar PS: Ph-2417323 Hatigaon: Ph-2562383 Jalukbari PS: Ph-2570587 Jalukbari Out Post: Ph-2570522 Jorabat: Ph-2896853 Khanapara: Ph- 2281501 Khetri PS: Ph-2787699, 2787220 Latasil PS: Ph-2540136 Noonmati PS: Ph- 2550281 North Guwahati PS: Ph-2690255 Paltanbazar PS: Ph-2540126 Panbazar PS: Ph-2540106 Pragjyotishpur Ps: Ph-2785237 Women PS Panbazar: Ph-2524627
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G PLUS JUN 12 - JUL 18, 2014
Catching Up SOS jeans, GPS bra: Rape fears spawn strange safety gears Pepper spray isn’t enough in India. Anti-rape jeans, footwear and innerwear are the new security devices women are coming up with to counter India’s growing problem of crime against women. Two such designs - sandals that deliver electric shocks and jeans that have an inbuilt SOS button - were unveiled by college girls in Uttar Pradesh, a state in the news almost every day for incidents of rape and murder. Rijul Pandey and Shalini Yadav, two computer science students at a private engineering college in Varanasi, have designed sandals that would give an electric shock to any molester and send an instant SOS message to those specified from the wearer’s list of mobile contacts.
Headlining acts! Legendary actress Zohra Sehgal passes away at 102
Nargis Fakhri WHO’S SHE She has appeared on America’s Next Top Model and made her Bollywood debut with 2011 film Rockstar. Her performance in the film garnered critical appreciation and earned her a nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Fakhri was widely praised for her role of a war correspondent in a 2013 political thriller film Madras Cafe. SO WHAT She achieved further success for her leading role in a 2014 romantic comedy film Main Tera Hero. Besides that, Fakhri is also the brand ambassador of Pakistan’s network service Mobilink. Now what After matching steps with Salman Khan in a special song from the upcoming film `Kick`, Nargis Fakhri says she was bowled over by the superstar`s personality and energy.
Legendary actress Zohra Sehgal, who played character roles with aplomb in a career spanning both theatre and cinema, died in New Delhi on 10th July 2014 at the age of 102. “She died of a cardiac arrest and was unwell for last three-four days,” daughter Kiran said. Often called the grand old lady of bollywood, she last appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Saawariya” in 2007. A Padma Shri awardee, she also received the Padma Vibhushan in 2010. A valet at a five-star hotel in the Indian capital caused $335,000 worth of damage to a Lamborghini Gallardo after crashing it into a concrete wall in front of horrified guests. A photograph of the aftermath at LE MERIDIEN hotel, showed the severely crumpled front end of the sleek white supercar with its hood forced up. “We get all kind of luxury cars, important guests and hold outstanding events and this was something completely inadvertent,” a hotel spokeswoman told. She said the valet had been working for 10 years and appeared to have lost control of the Italian speedster on the slippery forecourt after an early afternoon rain shower. CCTV footage shows the valet bring the car from the parking area to the porch of the multi-storey hotel, which hosts several glitzy restaurants and a bar, and then briefly get out.
India hotel valet crashes Lamborghini Gallardo
Vidyut Jamwal WHO’S HE Vidyut Jamwal is an Indian film actor, model and martial artist. Popularly known as a contemporary action hero, he has worked in Bollywood, Kollywood and Tollywood films. He is also a practitioner of kalaripayattu.
pic of the week This ditch at Chatribari road was dug up before the world cup and now with the final around the corner, nothing has been done and it is still wide open.
What did I just hear? Star rapper, Yo Yo Honey Singh is the latest celebrity after actor Akshay Kumar to buy a team in the World Kabbadi League which is scheduled to be held in five different countries from August to December this year. “I wanted to be associated with a sport on which I really believe in and so I bought a team in World Kabbadi League and Toronto will host my team. I have named it on my name, ‘Yo Yo Tigers’ and I am really excited to see it on screen when it is covered in Sony Six,” said Honey Singh.
SO WHAT In 2012, Jamwal made his debut in Tamil cinema with Billa II, as the antagonist opposite Ajith Kumar. For his role, he received critical appreciation. He recently worked on another Tamil film Thuppakki, opposite actor Vijay which became a blockbuster. Now what Vidyut’s first teaser appearance in Anjaan that is expected to be released later this year is already out. By doing the stunts without a body double or cables, he fits into the definition of India’s Next Gen action hero without a hitch and is expected to mesmerize his audience.
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