G Plus Vol 7 Issue 38

@guwahatiplus | /c/gplusguwahati www.guwahatiplus.com

INSIDE

Volume 07 | Issue 38 Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020 Price `10 UGC’s mandate of conducting final semester exams in Sept raises furore among state’s students

Lockdown Extension Nehal Jain @NehalJain96 he lockdown in Guwahati may be extended by at least a week in light of the surge in the number of positive cases. This was suggested in a meeting held on July 10.

A lockdown extension proposal was unanimously passed in a meeting which was attended by senior government officials and representatives of many wards. The meeting was held to take stock of the pandemicinduced situation and decide whether or not the lockdown should be extended. Various Nagrik Committees, Assam Police and Kamrup Metro

‘Bridge-ing’ the gap to ease Guwahati traffic amidst Lockdown Centre Spread Pages 08-09

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Tour operators’ webinar on ‘Survival of Tourism’ places grievances with govt

District Administration also attended the same.

The Principal Secretary of Assam’s Health Department, Samir Sinha, in a NHM’s meeting held at GMCH said, “If the lockdown is not imposed, the gains made in the past two weeks will go waste.”

According to sources, extension of lockdown will be subject to some relaxations.

However, the official order hasn’t yet been released.

Guwahati has been under complete lockdown since June 29 for two weeks.

The total number of Covid-19 positive cases in Guwahati as on July 10 stands at 5,757. 35 persons have so far passed away due to the dreaded virus in the state of Assam.

WHY SOME OF THE

59 BANNED APPS

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NEW PARTY

BY AASU to change Assam’s political landscape G Plus News @guwahatiplus

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n what could be considered as a threat to the national political parties and their regional allies, All Assam Students Union (AASU) - the most prominent students’ body of the state - has decided to float a political party within the next two months.

Talking to G Plus, AASU general secretary Lurin Jyoti Gogoi said, “There are other students’ organizations, intellectuals, labour bodies and Assamese people who will together form the party.” Gogoi said that talks are in progress and very soon everyone will be informed. He also said that it will take two more months to float the party.

Talking to media, the president of the students’ organisation, Dipanka Kumar Nath, also said that they are delayed by two months. However, they will reach out to people through mobile phones and the internet. Nath said to the effect that the political party that had earlier originated out of the AASU - the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) - has capitulated at the altar of national politics.

People want an alternative to

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protect regionalism and Assam’s interests.

In December last, during AASU’s protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Nath had indicated the possibility of floating a party that would give the voters an alternative to the ruling BJPAGP and the Opposition Congress Party in Assam.

“The AGP has compromised its ideologies for its own benefit and Assam needs an alternative now,” said AASU general secretary Lurin Gogoi.

As the state assembly elections, due in 2021, are approaching many political permutations are doing rounds.

It is being deliberated that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might be planning to go it all alone in 2021 elections.

The Jansamwad

Rally (Public Contact Rally) which was kicked off on June 16 in Assam was planned such that two BJP workers would visit every home in every assembly segment or constituency.

Incidentally, the public contact rally was launched by BJP president Ranjit Dass from Gauhati West constituency, which is the seat of its major ally in the state, the AGP.

Lurin Jyoti Gogoi

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| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

UGC’s mandate of conducting final semester exams in Sept raises furore among state’s students Gunjan Sharma @guwahatiplus

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fter the revised guidelines on examinations and academic calendars for the universities were issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), a chaos emerged among the students across the country.

This decision of the UGC gained mixed reaction from students and teachers. Social media was flooded with students sharing their views on the upcoming exams using posts, tweets and

Conducting final year examinations for graduation or postgraduation courses is very important, and the safety of students is our prime concern: UGC Secretary, Prof Rajnish Jain Intermediate semester students will be evaluated based on internal assessment.

Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana and Rajasthan have cancelled all higher education exams without waiting for the UGC guidelines.

“UGC is not paying attention to what students are learning but their main aim is just to get done with the examinations and provide mark sheets,” says a student.

When quarantine centres are made at the universities and educational institutions, conducting examinations in conventional mode is difficult.

even memes. Micro-blogging platform Twitter saw trending hashtags like #Cancel_Exam2020, #StudentsLivesMatters, #NoExamsInCovid from students and parents asking to cancel the examinations.

In April 2020, the University Grants Commission constituted an Expert Committee to deliberate and make recommendations regarding the issues related to examinations and academic calendar. Earlier, UGC had prescribed that exams are to be conducted between July 1 to 15 and the results of the same would be released by the end of July.

Later, the Expert Committee was requested by the UGC to revisit the guidelines and suggest options for examinations, admissions in the universities and colleges and also for the beginning of the new academic session as the number of COVID cases is still increasing.

In the new guidelines UGC has decided against the cancellation of final semester exams for all students passing out this year of higher educational institutions.

Further, it has asked universities and colleges to conduct examinations for final year students either online or offline

by September end.

The official statement by the committee said that the decisions have been made to safeguard the principles of health, safety, fair and equal opportunity for students while ensuring academic credibility, career opportunities and future progress of students globally.

The notification also said that final year students having a backlog should compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations, either online or offline or blended (a combination of online and offline exams).

Those who are unable to appear for the same must be given the opportunity to reappear for a special examination at the convenience of students so that there is no disadvantage on the students’ side. The same, however, will only be applicable for the current academic session 2019-20 as a one-time measure.

Intermediate semester students will be evaluated based on internal assessment.

G Plus spoke to students from Guwahati-based universities and institutions to understand their stand on UGC’s latest decision.

Speaking to G Plus, a final

Representative Image semester student from Gauhati Commerce College said, “We all know these are not usual times and we have never experienced such kind of trauma and stress regarding our health and life before. We constantly live in fear of getting infected or our loved ones getting infected. Conducting exams in times like these would be so stressful. I have friends who have premedical conditions and travelling now would be risky for them. There are students who complain of bad network connections so conducting the exams either online or offline wouldn’t work.”

Adding she said, “As a final year student I think that we should be able to give our 100% which is not possible given the current situation.

The government should have at least waited for a final vaccine to come. Also the universities can evaluate us on the basis of our previous performances.”

Shresth Krishnan Dutta who is currently pursuing masters in Sociology from Gauhati University told G Plus, “I think this is an anti-student move

by UGC. We were already on with our assignments in our department and our teachers already told us that the assignments will be substituted

for the physical exams. Now that we are already half-way through our assignments, we have received this notification by UGC. We are not mentally prepared for it. Teachers have been sending us soft notes and PDFs but it’s not possible to just go through soft copies of notes and appear in examinations.”

Further he said, “Looking at the growing number of COVID cases in Guwahati, I don’t know if by September we will be ready to risk our lives and go to exam centres.”

Another final year student who has a joining in August said, “UGC has been delaying the process.

I need to join my new job by August and if I have to stay back till September it will be very difficult for me.”

An engineering student who is studying under Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU) said, “I don’t think exams should be conducted as classes have not been held properly. We are used to offline classes; online classes are not very comfortable.

We can ask our doubts once or twice but clearing our doubts over video calls isn’t working well.”

Speaking on the idea of conducting online examinations he said, “If online exams are

conducted I feel multiple choice questions would be a better option.”

Hirok, a Member of the Students’ Advisory Council, of Cotton University is of the opinion that examination should be conducted only if the Covid situation gets better in the state.

However, before conducting examinations physical classes should be conducted for students.

“Offline examinations cannot be conducted based on online classes. There are students in our university who do not have proper access to internet. We did have online exams in the lockdown but it is not convenient for all the students,” said Hirok.

Moon Talukdar, general secretary of the Post Graduate Students’ Union (GU) told G Plus, “We had our last physical classes in March before the lockdown was announced. Currently, at least fifty per cent students are not able to take online classes due to various issues. In fact there are several professors who are struggling while using technology to take classes online.”

Speaking about online exams he said, “If we go by online form of examinations, we have to remember that most of the students of GU are from various

Lead Story

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

parts of the region and not all of them have proper internet connectivity. Online exams are not feasible for them.”

Expressing his displeasure he further stated, “With this decision I am clear about one thing that UGC is not paying attention to what students are learning but their main aim is just to get done with the examinations and provide marksheets. But aren’t we studying to learn something or it is just about the marks?”

“I would suggest that since each state’s situation is different the UCG should make different committees for each state so that the decision can be taken in consideration with the situation,” he added.

Speaking to G Plus, President of Gauhati University Teachers’ Association (GUTA) Prof Akhil Ranjan Dutta said, “Students who are going abroad or applying in other universities and need their transcript certificates and transcripts are very particular on marks against specific papers.

Today we might be having the pandemic but tomorrow it may not be there but the mark sheets will remain. Any decision of the university regarding the students should be very futuristic in nature without compromising

the predicaments of the present.”

Adding he said, “Holding examinations in whatever form is inevitable. GU being a federal university, there are post graduate and graduate students in the university and more than 2.5 lakh students spread over more than 350 colleges across the region. A lot of these colleges are in rural areas and there is a huge digital divide.”

Expressing his concern on conducting physical examinations Dutta said, “When quarantine centres are made at the universities and educational institutions, conducting examinations in a very conventional mode is difficult unless the centres are shifted, spread of pandemic is prevented and institutions are completely disinfected. Or else one cannot allow the students to come in as it is a huge challenge.”

“Keeping these points in mind the university and the state government has to work hand in hand in order to find an appropriate examination mode which would ensure the participation of each and every student. They should also consult all stakeholders including the teaching community, colleges and student community,” said

Among various other issues the student community of Assam has also pointed out that several students are currently located in flood affected districts. There is lack of internet connectivity and insufficient data for them to attend classes over the internet.

Dutta.

Lastly, he also said that examination results should be declared within a given time frame so that the students don’t suffer with their future plans.

A professor of a Guwahatibased private university said, “I think the decision of conducting examinations of final year students is a good decision. But choosing the mode of conducting examinations i.e. online or offline should be decided only after

consulting the students. How many students will be able to manage connectivity to sit for an online exam or how many students will be able to sit for an offline examination? The university has to chalk out a strategy making sure that none of the students are affected by the decision and everyone is able to sit for the exam.”

Adding he said, “The two months of time given by the UGC should be utilized by the institutions to prepare the students for the examination and to complete the course.”

“This is a pandemic and there is no other option. Doing away with the examinations will not be wise for the final semester students,” he further added.

Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant wrote a letter to the Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and argued that the revised UGC, guidelines on exams and academic calendar should be “advisory” not “mandatory”.

“In view of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Government of Maharashtra promoted the students of intermediate semester...the State Disaster

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Management Authority...was of the opinion that final or terminal exams also cannot be conducted,” said Samant in his letter.

Adding he said, “...Conducting final year exams for approximately more than 10 lakh students seems a highly infeasible task and if conducted, would endanger the wellbeing of students, parents, teachers, supporting staff and other machinery involved in the process.”

Along with Maharashtra, other states including Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana and Rajasthan have already cancelled all higher education exams without waiting for the UGC guidelines.

Among various other issues the student community of Assam has also pointed out that several students are currently located in flood affected districts. There is lack of internet connectivity and insufficient data for them to attend classes over the internet.

Some students have also pointed out that not all of their mates are technologically smart to go along with online examination and classes.

With these critical issues, how feasible will it be to conduct examinations of university students in Assam - be it online or offline?

New party by AASU to change Assam’s political landscape

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he Jansamwad Rally has been designed by the central leadership of the saffron brigade as a template for campaigning in states where elections are due next year. Under this rally, BJP workers will meet around 50 lakh families in the state to apprise them of the good work done by the governments of the party at the Centre as well as in the state.

Starting off an election campaign from the stronghold of a partner has not been done without thought by the state’s BJP leadership.

It is a political message that the party is sending out to allies in order to achieve 100+ seats in 2021 and essentially indicates that it can go to any length even if it means ditching its friends.

Even the BJP-BPF relations are not all rosy now. The imposition of Governor’s Rule in

BTAD after the term of the council ended and the elections were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic has palpably soured the relationship between the political partners.

The Congress Party too looks suddenly aggressive and is trying to play to the Assamese sentiments. The party recently announced that it would provide all legal help to jailed peasant leader Akhil Gogoi.

At this time, floating of another political party by prominent students’ bodies and intellectuals in the state is being looked at as a major threat to all national political parties as also the AGP which, despite being a regional political party, is alleged to have betrayed the AASU where it had its genesis. Time will tell which party will gain and which will lose but the political landscape of Assam looks to be definitely changing.

Janasanyog No. 1137/20

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4 Concern

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

Tour operators’ webinar on ‘Survival of Tourism’ places grievances with govt Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

“Only if we survive will revival happen,” says a tour operator.

Major concern for the state government is revenue flow to the treasury.

TOAA said setting up of quarantine facilities at hotels have helped generate 25-30 percent of revenue, but the bills are pending.

‘Punya Dhaam’ scheme of the government to be used for encouraging local tourism.

Tour operators were requested not to encourage mass tourism and concentrate on highend tourists.

Short promotional videos of 1-minute to be widely circulated on social media and digital platforms.

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he Assam tourism industry is one of the most badly affected sectors in the state currently. Not too long back, it was the major source of sustenance for about 5 lakh families, directly and indirectly.

On 6th August, a webinar was conducted by the Tour Operators’ Association of Assam (TOAA) with the Chairman of Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), Jayanta Malla Baruah being present; the webinar requested succour for the sector. Also present were Razvee Hussain, Secretary of Tourism, government of Assam and Deba Kumar Mishra, Managing Director of ATDC and Director of Tourism. The webinar

was moderated by Shyamkanu Mahanta.

The webinar titled “Survival of Tourism” bought to the government’s notice the various difficulties being faced by the stakeholders not just due to the pandemic but ever since the season started back in December 2019.

The major highlights of the webinar are as follows: 1. TOAA requested the tourism department to take a collaborative approach and address the issue for the survival of the industry.

2.

Earlier, the central government announced Provident Fund for employees of the tourism and hospitality sector that required the Aadhar card as a mandatory criterion. As many did not have the document (given that issuing of Aadhar Card is not mandatory in Assam) the same could not be availed. The criterion was asked to be relaxed in the state.

3. Thanking the government for designating many hotels as quarantine centres that generated at least 25-30 percent of the revenue, the TOAA requested the government to release the payments against the bills to ease the situation for the hoteliers.

4. Mentioning that the industry was not just looking for financial aid, they urged the government to extend the tenure or expiry dates of the various trade licenses and vehicle permits.

5. Further, special passes during the lockdown period for the vehicles were requested so as to provide some means of earning to the owner and drivers.

6. Some relaxation in terms of being allowed to work from home instead of maintaining a mandatory office space that would also help the tour operators tremendously.

7. A ‘hand-holding’ gesture from the government towards the start-ups in the tourism sector that have borne a major burnt.

8. Construction of helipads to promote high end tourism.

Sanjay Thakur, a tour operator lamented, “I keep on reiterating one thing which is that only if we survive will revival happen.

I want to put it straight that we need money in our bank accounts.

As simple as that! Though it might not sound pleasant it is the hard truth. Even though we have received moratorium in our EMIs till August we have to pay

Representative Image thereafter. What will happen then? So can we approach the banks with our terms with the help of the government?

We had discussed on credit guarantee. Because I believe that this will not involve the funds of the government. If the government could approach the financial institutions regarding the approved tour operators so that they can be given some relief through credit guarantee that would help the industry immensely.”

Assuring the tourism industry of the relief measures that would be undertaken by the government of Assam, Jayanta Malla Baruah informed about the setting up of an Economic Advisory Committee to recommend on the relief measures to be provided to the various sectors of the state.

“The last tourism season 20192020 is one of major losses and keeping the present situation in mind we cannot expect that foreign tourists would be coming in the next season. Even domestic tourism does not seem promising.

So, we have to think about the local tourism within the state itself and the neighbouring states,” said Baruah.

As such, the ‘Punya Dhaam’ scheme of the government for all the different religious places of India is to be used for the local

religious tourism circuit within the state so that there would be a flow of tourism.

However, tour operators were requested not to encourage mass tourism and concentrate on high-end tourists and high-end tourism. Promotions, as such, are to be done in such a way that it attracts high-end tourists who pay more even if the number of tourists is less.

“Exclusive destinations for high-end tourists have to be developed. Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) can be one. Dubbing of the promotional videos in various regional languages (the states which will be targeted for tourists) shall be done,” said Shyamkanu Mahanta.

Although survival of the stakeholders during this unprecedented situation was worrisome, the major concern for the state government is revenue flow to the treasury, said Jayanta Malla Baruah.

He said, “Matters like waiving electricity charges, relaxation of renewal of bar licences etc are genuine solutions for the tourism industry stakeholders but as the government is in want of revenue, this might be the reason why even if the government wants it, they are unable to take the required steps. There are approximately

20 colleges imparting tourism courses. Even we are not sure about their future.”

“Keeping the present situation in mind we cannot expect that foreign tourists would be coming in the next season. Even the domestic tourism does not seem to be so promising. So, we have to think about the local tourism within the state itself and the neighbouring states,” he added.

Speaking about tourism promotion, the Chairman of ATDC said that promotions would now be done differently.

“We cannot think about any brand ambassador or promotion in different countries or states.

So short promotional videos of 1-minute duration or so on various destinations have to be made so that they can be widely circulated in the online, social media and digital platforms,” he said.

Baruah finally added, “My responsibility would be to voice out the grievances to the government and try to achieve as much as possible in terms of relief for the tourism industry.

But the decision-making power rests solely with the chief minister and the finance minister of the state depending on the recommendation of the committee as per the present economic conditions of the state.”

City

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

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Frequent power cuts, voltage fluctuation leave Azara residents exasperated G Plus News @guwahatiplus

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esidents of Azara area complained of frequent and long hours of power cuts from the beginning of the month of July.

The problem has been persistent around a 1 km radius of the LGBI airport, near the V.I.P. flyover.

“The power cuts here are so frequent that the matter must be escalated,” said Kamlesh, an Administrative Officer at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport who also happens to be a resident of Azara.

“Humidity here was close to hundred percent yesterday and a power cut of 6 hours in the day time and 2 hours in the evening is too much! Load shedding hardly takes 5 minutes and Grid failure takes about 2 to 3 hours but this

has now become a daily affair,” he added on the length of duration of the power cuts.

“There is lockdown everywhere and people are stranded in their homes; they need power supply,” said Kamlesh, talking to G Plus on behalf of other residents in his locality who have also said that they find it difficult to go about their routines without proper power supply.

Another resident of Azara’s Jogipara area also complained of another issue ailing citizens of the locality.

“For the past 3 months, in our area, there has been a fluctuation in our power line. We have asked the lineman to look into the problem but he has also failed to fix the issue. We are afraid that this will damage our electronic appliances,” said Rajeswar Choudhury, Yuva Satra Parishad regional adviser, and Village Secretary.

Representative Image Jogipara area is a village in Azara with around 300 residents.

When the problem was taken up with local authorities, they were told that a transformer needs to be changed but nothing was done about the same.

To get more information about the power situation in Azara, G Plus got in touch with Priyom Dutta, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL).

“I had a word with the SDO of

Azara. The power position there is okay. Due to the flood, the power supply did get affected but after the flood situation normalized, power was restored,” said the official spokesperson of the power distribution company.

Successive district-wise lockdowns hampering tea garden wage payments Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

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n the afternoon of 26th June, the health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a complete lockdown of the Kamrup Metropolitan District from the midnight of 28th June. Along with that a ‘weekend lockdown’ was also announced for the rest of the districts of the state that was to be implemented from the very next day. While about 20 percent of the banks were allowed to be functional in Guwahati during the two-week lockdown, all banks are to remain closed during the weekend lockdown.

This sudden lockdown, although was cited as a necessary measure by the health department, has proved to be worrisome for many sections of society, especially in the tea industry and confusion has risen among the tea garden owners and management.

“We do support the lockdown.

But the problem is that tea gardens in Assam not necessarily have their headquarters at the same place as the garden.

My garden is in Tezpur but the headquarters is located in Guwahati. Similarly, many other tea gardens have their headquarters in Guwahati, Kolkata etc,” said a tea garden owner requesting anonymity.

Most tea gardens have hundreds of workers who are paid weekly wages. As such, a lockdown of 14 days has hampered the payments to these wage earners.

“Although a few banks were allowed to be operational in Guwahati, the branch where I have my accounts – the Chenikuthi Branch - was closed.

And we are not allowed to travel to other parts of the city. The tea managements are also not getting payments from the auction centres and other traders. This lockdown has also locked down all our means of earning. So how do we pay the labourers?” he added.

After the Kamrup (M) district lockdown, the Jorhat district administration announced lockdown of Jorhat town from 9th to 15th July. This has added to the confusion among the garden managements.

Another manager of a tea garden in Jorhat said, “First with the lockdown of Guwahati in place, it was difficult for us to get payments. We somehow managed with minimum payments. Now when we are hoping for the lockdown to get over, Jorhat town will be locked down for a week. This is even more of a problem as even if the management here receives payment, we cannot make online payments to the workers.”

“We have not allowed the workers to go out of the estate due to the pandemic. Inside the estates they live in clustered housing facilities. We cannot take the risk of sending them outside to collect money and get infected. If such a thing happens, the whole workers’ community of the garden will be threatened.

File photo of a tea garden in Assam So we have to make payments in cash. The lockdown does not help us,” he added.

Lastly, officials of tea gardens have pointed out that even when cash is collected from the banks, they need it in all denominations to make payments to the hundreds of wage earners accordingly. “When it is our regular bank, they provide us with the cash as needed, broken

into several denominations. But when we go to any other bank or even another branch the same is not provided which makes it difficult for us to manage,” said an official.

Voicing their support for the lockdown as a necessary measure, tea garden owners and managements have expressed the need of a better planning at least.

6 In The News

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

EXPLAINED

Why some of the 59 banned apps are still operational Rifa Deka @dekarifa

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mid rising tensions between India and China at the Line of Actual Control, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre took an unprecedented step on June 29 banning 59 apps originating from China.

Inputs from intelligence agencies had earlier revealed that these mobile apps were being used by developers as either spyware or malware and were clearly violating terms of usage by violating privacy of users.

The ban was imposed under Section 69A of the IT Act with relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information

by Public) Rules 2009.

Are these apps still operational?

Most of the apps which were banned are still listed on the Google Play Store and App Store and people are still able to install and use them.

Some apps like TikTok have been removed from the stores while others will be removed soon as the Indian government

has issued notices to both Apple and Google to restrict these applications from stores.

Will you still be able to download these apps from elsewhere?

No, once these apps are removed from the Google Play Store and the App store, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Operators might also black-list every host-name and domain associated with these Chinese apps.

No more APKs (Android Package) for those who thought these to be their last resort.

Earlier, when an application would not be available on the play stores, users could download APKs of these apps from other online sources.

What is an APK?

An APK or an Android Package is a Package file format that is used by Android and a number of other Android-based operating systems for distribution and installation of mobile apps, mobile games and middleware.

How then can there be a complete ban on these apps?

To ensure a complete ban on the apps of Chinese origin, ISPs

Representative Image will stop data traffic on all these platforms which is one of the major factors behind why the apps are still functional. When the apps are blocked at the networks, there will be no way that you can use it unless you decide to use a VPN.

connection and makes it more secure. It helps you stay anonymous and get around blocks and access censored sites. It lends you a temporary IP address and hides your true IP address from every website or email you connect with.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) takes your internet

As per the latest developments on the issue, there is said to be

What is a VPN?

Latest developments

insufficient information on how exactly do these Chinese apps raise national security concerns and to what extent.

Meanwhile, there have also been researches that showed that some Chinese apps like Helo and Shareit collect more than the required amount of information and permissions such as access to cameras and microphones alongside location information.

IIT-G Students Devise Handy UV Disinfectant to Combat COVID-19 G Plus News @guwahatiplus

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start-up by a few students from IIT Guwahati has integrated the UV technology on a nanoscale to create a handy UV disinfectant.

A device that is just 20 grams in weight and 3 cms long emits UV rays in a manner similar to that of a mobile torchlight which can disinfect and sterilize surfaces and make them safe. The device is equipped with high precision UVC and UVA smart chip, with a wavelength of 280 nm at 100 percent radiometric percentage.

“People use alcohol to

sanitize objects but only to an extent; not everything can be sanitized with alcohol, which is why we came up with this nano UV device. It can be powered by your mobile phone and can be used by all,” said Anant Mittal, the mastermind behind the invention.

“It is very effective as compared to the present options that we have. You cannot use this on human skin but at the same time it is not harmful if brought into contact with human skin for about 1015 seconds or so as its power is very less,” added Mittal.

The device will also help sanitize personal protective equipment (PPE) which was earlier not possible to be sanitized, along with

consumable food items like vegetables and fruits.

On being asked about the affordability of the product, Anant said “It is priced at Rs. 900 and will be functional for at least 2 years, as its lifetime is 5,000 hours. A person will not use the UV Astra for more than an hour each day as it hardly takes 10 to 15 seconds to disinfect anything.”

The sanitization device produced by IIT_G | G Plus photo

City

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

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Guwahatians can expect a ‘sale’ rush at clothing, fashion stores post lockdown With retail outlets pushing their spring-summer collection to pre-Diwali and with branded stores selling off merchandise at modest prices, shoppers in Guwahati are in for a treat post lockdown!

Rifa Deka @dekarifa

COVID-19 hampers both physical and online markets Retail outlets are loaded with unsold inventory from the lockdown Steep decline in footfall of customers in retail showrooms across Guwahati Major fashion brands plan to push springsummer collection to September A few brands have slashed down production by almost 50 percent Customers can expect a ‘sale’ rush as stores try to clear out stocks

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oes your heart slide like warm butter on a hot toast when you see a clothing store? Then you must be another shopaholic deprived off the luxury of visiting a store due to the current lockdown.

Who doesn’t miss that feeling of walking into fancy stores full of fashion apparel and walking past big mirrors, modeling brand new outfits with matching pairs of shoes?

Whether or not one loves to shop, we all need to revamp our wardrobes sometime or the other and we all need clothes for every occasion. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, has left the average shopper, the shopping addict and the fashion and clothing industry adversely affected.

Among the long list of businesses and events to have

incurred losses or to have been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic are the Met Gala, CFDA Awards and big brands in fashion industry like Aldo, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s among others who have filed for bankruptcy.

The Aldo Group had filed for bankruptcy protection on May 7 this year, under pressure from its stores being closed. This however, should not have much effect on its stores in India as per the brand’s Indian counterpart. The shoe retailer operated in over 100 countries across the globe and was among the leading footwear and accessory brands which was doing very well over the past half a century.

The retail industry had been hit due to the online shopping trend off late and the brand was just about beginning to adapt to the change in consumer trends. But with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, everything came to a standstill even in this part of the region.

Many other fashion retailers like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Arrow and Jack & Jones have also chalked out plans to push their spring-summer collection, all the way to October or just before Diwali to clear up the huge pile of inventory left unsold due to the lockdown.

Things have not been any different in Guwahati; this part of the northeast region is also adopting similar measures to pump up sales post lockdown.

“Everything we have is from the summer collection and I don’t think the market will be feasible for us before September,” said Sandeep Jalan, CEO of Sohum Shoppe Pvt. Ltd. “In Assam, we had already purchased a huge stock before March 21 when the lockdown began because it was a big season for us. Already we have enough stock with us and we don’t think we need to purchase the latest collection right now as the footfall has also come down by around 70 percent,” said Sandeep Jalan.

Major brands also reportedly halted production due to the same reason of unsold stock and the lockdown. However, despite the shortcomings, there’s good news for customers who love pricey

Representative Image brands but are on a tight budget as big sales could be on their way post the lockdown!

“We have enough inventories lying with us which we have to probably put on sale,” said the CEO of the retailing giant from the region.

On production being reduced or halted and the current status of supply in the market, Jalan said,

“Whether certain brands will stop production completely depends on vendors and companies.

Production of various companies has been slashed by about 50 percent which is only given to the top retailers.

The fashion chain Forever

21 which also happens to be an all time favourite shopping destination for all teenagers.

It had already fallen prey to changing consumer preferences and has now almost completely hit the brakes due to COVID-19.

Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection too in the US and had to shut a big chunk of its stores across the globe.

Chapter 11 is named after the US Bankruptcy Code 11 which gives companies time to restructure their debts and chalk out a plan to stay in business.

Here, in India, Forever 21 apparel is sold by the Aditya Birla Group under its Aditya Birla Fashion Retail Limited (ABFRL), which is another big player in the Indian clothing and fashion Industry. It is a part of the USD 48.3 billion Aditya Birla Group with revenues of Rs 8,743 crores.

It is India’s first billion-dollar pure-play fashion powerhouse with an elegant bouquet of leading fashion brands and retail formats.

“In the first quarter we were open only for 21 days (as per government guidelines). As a whole, footfall at our stores had dropped badly but we hoped that the second quarter would be better,” said Pranjal Pathak, a senior sales and marketing person

presently working with the Aditya Birla Group in the Northeast.

“As of now we have not received any communication from brands but it is obvious that we’ll have to push back the collection or else run the stores with piled up inventory,” Pranjal added.

“The covid-19 pandemic has hampered the online market also.

Due to this lock down situation most of our online sites are also not in service in certain areas,” he said on online sale of their products.

The senior sales person made certain speculations on the post lockdown scenarios and expressed his views on the government’s decision to shut everything down.

“Personally, I can assume a good sale, but it completely depends upon the footfall at the stores and I think that the government should look for better ways to fight COVID-19 rather than locking everything down,” he said.

The fashion conglomerate has a strong network of 3,041 brand stores across the country with a collection of leading brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England established for over 25 years.

Some of their other brands include Pantaloons which is also India’s largest value fashion brand store.

8 Centre Spread

1. The Supermarket Flyover It will be a two-lane T-shaped flyover at the Supermarket intersection on GS Road under State Owned Priority Development (SOPD) for the year 2019-20.

Total length of flyover: 1400 metres Ganeshguri-Sixmile leg: 920 metres Supermarket-Last Gate leg : 480 metres

Carriage Way (width of lanes) of flyover: 7.50 metres Sanctioned amount: Rs. 127.20 crores Foundation stone laid on 8th December, 2019 by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Stipulated Completion Time: 36 months (December 2022) Name of Contractor: Anil Das

2. New wing of Bishnu Rabha Flyover It will be a new T-wing at the Ganeshguri intersection over Bishnu Rabha Flyover connecting RG Baruah Road to the flyover under SOPD for the year 2018-19.

On completion of the two flyovers, traffic congestion is expected to be reduced by 30 percent.

Total length of flyover wing: 406.70 metres Carriage Way (width) of flyover: 7.50 metres Sanctioned amount: Rs. 58.740 crores Foundation stone laid on 6th March, 2019 by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Stipulated Completion Time: 30 months (September 2021) Name of Contractor: Gautam Construction Co. Ltd.

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic and months-long lockdowns, Guwahati is undergoing major infrastructure development.

Construction work on two flyovers and two foot over-bridges are ongoing on war footing.

Although the initial lockdown slowed down the construction processes for the flyovers, currently the Public Works

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Centre Spread

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

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3. Khanapara Foot Over-bridge Foot over-bridge near Hotel Vivanta at Khanapara under SOPD for the year 2019-20.

Scope of Work: Lift: 2 numbers Escalators: 4 numbers

Department (PWD), Dispur Territorial Road Division has not just continued with the construction of the flyovers, but two new foot over- bridges are also under way.

G Plus brings you the details of these structures and its expected impact on the regular traffic congestions of that part of Guwahati.

Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

Height of the bridge : 5.75 metres Sanctioned amount: Rs. 13.43 crores Construction began on March 2020 ( as per PWD) Stipulated Completion Time: 12 months (June 2021) Name of Contractor: 4-Star group

4. Ganeshguri Foot Over- Bridge Foot over-bridge near Kar Bhawan at Ganeshguri under SOPD for the year 2019-20.

Scope of Work: Lift : 2 numbers Escalators: 4 numbers

Height of the bridge : 5.75 metres Sanctioned amount: Rs. 10.07 crores Construction began on March 2020 (as per PWD) Stipulated Completion Time: 12 months (June 2021) Name of Contractor: Kishore Borah

The foot-over bridges are aimed to help pedestrians cross the busy GS Road without affecting on the vehicle traffic and to prevent road accidents.

Construction works are ahead of schedule and are expected to be completed prior to the scheduled time, informed PWD.

CM Sonowal and health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at MDTC and IIT-G

10 G Talk E

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| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020 T

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Keeping the media motivated

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ockdown! And then some more lockdown!

What has its effect been on us, the media? More and more work for us to disseminate news that are based on facts, not “fakes.” This means more responsibility because the victims of the lockdown – the public at large – remain glued to their phones consuming news more than anything else. News gathering and dissemination has never been more stressful and hazardous than during these Covid times.

If I am to be honest, keeping up motivation levels has become a real challenge because today the media fraternity is unsure whether its salary next month is assured. Or even its job for that matter. Why? The fast drying up revenues, of course.

The world of manufacturing is on the verge of collapse. High profile manufacturing houses have either declared bankruptcy or have stopped manufacturing indefinitely and its repercussions being felt in Guwahati as well; from the car industry to apparels and everything in between have been hit by zero sales. The ripple effect of this is the bankruptcy of advertisements – the main source of revenue for media houses.

When there is no scope of a sale, what is the point of advertising?

And so, where does that leave a media house? How do you keep the

motivation levels of journalists up under this massive cloud of uncertainty and a zero-revenue situation?

Add to this is the slew of homebased “media houses” sprouting up freely on digital platforms with intentions that are questionable, to say the least. With all due respect to them, many such media houses have been indulging in plagiarism of content, sensationalism just to make their presence felt and other offshoots of journalism that is doing more harm than good to the fraternity as a whole. And on the genuine media houses is the added pressure of doing stories that remain motivating to all those other frontline warriors including the government in a manner such that our news is not misinterpreted and thereby prove “de-motivating.”

We, the media, are also a huge part of this big war and we take pride in our contributions, our part to keep everyone motivated and engaged through our responsible work. But with depleting revenues, keeping ourselves motivated is proving to be a Herculean job. The times are such that we also seek some financial succour.

While media bashing is always imminent, the succour today is totally missing.

Swapnil Bharali (Editor) @swapnilbharali

Guwahati’s lockdown woes

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s Guwahati sees a rise in COVID positive cases, there is a growing sense of uneasiness among people and the status of the lockdown thereafter.

Having lived on a short supply of goods and groceries, people are now starting to get vocal about possible mismanagement of the crisis and the need for extended lockdowns. There are allegations about the mismanagement of funds, testing figures and the inefficiency of quarantine centres. But people also need to understand that this is an unprecedented situation and a lot of the decisions could be perceived as ‘knee-jerk.’ With the climbing curve of COVID figures, there is also a learning curve in how we’ll deal with this disease in the days to come. Yes, it is going to be a difficult road ahead.

The problem is not just mismanagement by the government or administration.

The public at large has failed in following the sanitization and social

distancing guidelines. As I drove through Fatasil Ambari last week, the area looked like it was a regular Sunday evening with a just few people staying indoors; a lot of them were outside. Young men in groups sauntering around exchanging guthkas and highfives, it looked like the social distancing protocols weren’t meant for them. This begs the question: are people no longer worried about the implications or have they just given up?

The ones following the protocols are most likely to get frustrated and lash out at the government citing ‘mismanagement’. To them I would say that it looks like a classic case of one dead fish rotting the pond.

Before accusing the government of mismanagement, there is a lot to introspect in our own actions. The apathy to the pandemic is spiralling so out of control that the entire COVID-19 is being linked to an Illuminati propaganda. Could it be?

Sidharth Bedi Varma @sid_bv

Freedom: An illusion in Corona times

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m I truly a free individual or is freedom just an illusion? Is freedom equitable to a state of virtual reality?

I have often been overwhelmed by queries surrounding the idea of freedom ever since the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bombarded with news about thousands of deaths occurring everyday in several countries, I am intrigued by the responses of people and some states and their approaches to the current situation of crisis. While the public in countries like UK and Australia were, until recently, defying government restrictions of movement and venturing out into public spaces like beaches, the Trump administration seems more concerned regarding the slowdown of the economy if lockdown continues to be imposed across USA for a prolonged period given that the country is experiencing only partial lockdown in some of its states.

Those who feared civic liberty violations around this time also recently participated in anti-lockdown protests in the US. It remains a fact that at present, USA has the highest number of COVID cases in the world as infected numbers reach above 30 lakhs with more than 1 lakh deaths so far. The scenario is no better in Brazil, India or even UK. In India too, borders have been sealed, passenger communication services and businesses are shut down, thousands of migrants suffer while trying to reach their homes and restrictions have been imposed over large public gatherings.

Under normal circumstances, these steps might seem like an assault on civic liberties.

However, we also need to remind ourselves that we are not living under normal circumstances today. While most democratic nations are built on the foundation of the idea of freedom, for once, can we halt and introspect about the very notion of freedom itself? Though we may treat freedom as our birthright, our right to freedom is also closely associated with a sense of responsibility in our actions and attitudes not only towards ourselves but also the society at large. Along with it being our birthright, we need to remind ourselves that this right is someone else’s too. The moment one may decide to unfollow some of the restrictions around this time by venturing out of one’s home, one not only tends to jeopardise one’s own health

but other people’s health and safety too.

This also brings me to reflect upon the socio-political attitudes emerging under such trying circumstances towards other individuals and communities.

As we embark upon a spree of blamegame often underlined with racist, communal and class connotations, the spread of the virus has been adorned with several hues and shades. From creating the term ‘Chinese virus’, blaming Kanika Kapoor for her irresponsible behaviour, attacking the communists in Kerala, vilifying a particular religion due to the Tablighi Jamaat incident in New Delhi

Representative Image

Though we may treat freedom as our birthright, our right to freedom is also closely associated with a sense of responsibility in our actions and attitudes not only towards ourselves but also the society at large. to the spreading of panic in society through the circulation of fake news and information via social media, the pandemic has also brought to the forefront the virus that is embedded in our minds as compassion and sensitivity – two most desired virtues to cope with the deadly contagion – is what we lack as a society today.

Launching scathing attacks on individuals and communities and practicing a discriminatory attitude would only aggravate the crisis further. Crisis is the only real circumstance that has the capacity to bring out either the best or the worst in humankind. It would be futile to treat disrespect, apathy, insensitivity and ignorance as one’s right to freedom of expression as these impinge upon another’s right to identity.

Hence, freedom needs to be understood within the

O pinion Anisha Bordoloi

parameters of ethics. Moreover, there are two contradictory realities of freedom that the pandemic has brought forward.

Before lockdown became the norm in our daily lives, many of us were busy cribbing about the hectic work schedules that we endure daily at the workplace, thus, not finding enough time for our family and friends.

Now that we actually have the opportunity to indulge in the latter, most of us whine about being bored of remaining confined within the four walls of our homes.

In our never-ending desire to complain, we forget that while many of us are blessed to remain within the comfort of our homes during these dreaded times, there are others such as doctors and nurses who are at the frontline battling this deadly pandemic, the homeless on the streets fully vulnerable to the disease and migrant workers from the cities desperately striving to reach their homes. Clearly, no matter what circumstance life throws at us most of us would be forever craving for freedom from our current conditions.

This kind of dissatisfaction that we surround ourselves with emerges out of a high pedestal that we attribute to the ideal of freedom – forever unattainable, no matter what situation in life we are faced with. The very abstractness of this idea tends to lead one either into a state of disillusionment or enlightenment under a given circumstance. It is, therefore, our own perspective towards the idea of freedom that would bring a difference into our own lives, our surroundings including the lives of others.

It can be attained by finding peace within our inner selves, in acceptance and tolerance of others – the three cornerstones that give rise to peaceful coexistence and tiding over catastrophes.

So, next time, when we are unhappy and grumble about life not turning out the way we desire it to, it would be pertinent to remind ourselves that even a bird is limited by the sky in which it flies!

(The author is Research Scholar in Modern Indian History. She can be reached at anishabordoloi.8@ gmail.com. The views expressed in the article are her own.)

In Focus

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

11

Guwahati Vegetable Prices Sky High Despite Govt Order

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espite the Assam government notification of selling vegetables at stipulated prices across the city, residents are having to buy vegetables at abnormal prices.

The Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing of Assam had fixed the prices of vegetables to be sold in Guwahati.

The decision was taken as per a meeting held at the Assam State Agriculture Marketing Board in presence of the officials from Kamrup Metro district administration.

However, it has been reported that in several parts of the city Potato is being sold at Rs. 4050 per kg. The government had earlier fixed the retail price at Rs. 30 per kg.

Meanwhile, tomato is being sold at Rs. 70 per kg in Athgaon area of the city while the government had fixed the price at Rs. 50 per kg.

Earlier, Assam’s food & civil supplies minister, Phani Bhusan Choudhury had said that the department would take strict action against any trader who violates the norms in selling onion and potato at a higher rate.

Guwahatians took to the social media handles of G Plus to share their thoughts on the rising prices of vegetables.

Neelav K S said, “This was anyway expected. Covid19 has become a new way to loot the general public.”

Amir Hamja said, “It is not the fault of the retail shopkeepers.

They have bought the goods at a high rate. It is the fault of the wholesalers who are selling the goods at a higher rate. So, I believe strict action should be taken against them also.”

Abhijeet SP Das said, “This is nothing but a ‘hidden understanding’ between the government and the businessmen.”

Partha P Kalita said, “Where is our supply minister? Why has he taken the charge if he is not capable of controlling price rate in the market?”

Protim Das said, “Now the government only tweets but at ground level no work is done. No authorities have checked the prices in neither wholesale or retail stores so the opportunist businessmen are taking advantage of the current scenario.”

Pankaj Surana said, “Door to door delivery of vegetables is not possible as these vendors prefer visiting only big societies where they can sell their entire lot as there are so many houses.

But what about people who are staying in smaller societies?”

Sandeep Bora said, “Price is fixed at wholesale rate.

But retail sellers, vegetables, meat and poultry vendors are doing fraud with customers and increasing the rates making various false excuses. Food and Supply department should send officials to every market of Guwahati to check and paste a price list mentioning the fixed retail price of all essential commodities. And strong legal action and penalty must be imposed on fraud retail sellers.”

Bidyut Das said, “Price fixing is ok but where are the vegetables?

Government should have ensured supply availability before putting The an errantelaborate amubalancelist of up such vegetables.”

Another resident SitlhouThangtinmang said, “Price rise is one issue but most important is that no one is following the protocol, so let us all be prepared for a boom shell

pandemic. Who are to be blamed?

The government who failed to control the public or the public who failed to follow all important protocols?”

While most citizens complained of lack of availability of vegetables in the market, many also complained that there is no contact number or portal to register complaints against those charging higher prices.

Social distancing: A myth

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uwahati went under strict lockdown for 14 days. However, the lockdown has still not been truly effective to cut down the increasing number of cases. The growing number of COVID-19 patients is one of the grimmest concerns of the state. But that is not the only one. Why is Assam going

Just before the government of Assam declared 14 days of lockdown, people came out in thousands breaking all the norms of social distancing to buy their needs. In such a situation, it is not possible to even imagine about slowing the cases.

through another lockdown?

How far will things change in this lockdown and thereafter?

These questions are important to be asked although there are no definite answers yet. But one needs to go back a little to the time of ‘Unlock One’ or even before that. For a fact, we all know how effectively the education and the awareness on COVID-19 have reached the public. To be fair it is almost null and void in every part of this country.

From the beginning of this year, days have been quite like a rollercoaster in and around Assam. First it was the CAB and CAA movement and then this pandemic. When lockdown hit the geographical borders of India, people were no doubt locked inside their houses with force or without because of a new fear called Corona.

Awareness about this contagious disease was not quite right. Social distancing, masks and sanitizers have somehow become just names.

Notably, most of us wear a mask to protect ourselves from the police and not COVID-19. Social distancing never existed except

Prasant Kumar Ojha

Representative Image of lack of social distancing for some. But whom do we blame here? The government, the police or ourselves? The last seems quite significant but with some loopholes.

Awareness about how crucial social distancing is should have been given as an education to the public. To avoid the mistakes done earlier there should be strong rules for social

distancing. It might be a little difficult to understand but this is one of the reasons behind the rapid rise of the cases.

Just before the government of Assam declared 14 days of lockdown, people came out in thousands breaking all the norms of social distancing to buy their needs. Grocery shops and pharmacies everywhere

were jam-packed. In such a situation, it is not possible to even imagine about slowing the cases.

Also seeing the phase, daily wage earners and others who earn their bread from their daily work are eating one meal a day now, unlike some who are sharing pictures of ‘chicken’ and ‘pulao’ on social media.

As soon as this lockdown gets over, things will go back to the same place until there is some definite awareness or laws about social distancing.

Not only people of Assam but people from everywhere should learn some basic things because this is the need of the year.

(The author is a student of M.A History at Gauhati University. The views expressed are his own.)

12 Lifestyle

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

Vaastu effects of shadows T he shadow of various structures like temples,buildings or trees can have different impact on a house or a plot. There are five different types of shadows which can have negative effects on a plot or a building. This is also called Chaya Vedh as described in ancient scriptures.

1. TEMPLE CHAYA VEDH:

If the shadow of a temple or mosque falls on a plot between 10 am to 3 PM, temple chayavedh is formed. There will be disturbance of pe ace and hindrance for business.

2. PARVAT CHAYA VEDH:

If the shadow of a mountain falls on the plot from the east side, Parvat Chayavedh is formed. It creates obstacles and bad name for the inmates.

3. VRIKSHA CHAYA VEDH:

If the shadow of a tree falls on

a plot between 10 am to 3 PM, Vriksha Chayavedh is formed. This also creates hurdles in life. So it is not advisable to plant big trees at east and southeast.

A few factors affecting relationships

If the shadow of a building falls on the source of water i.e. well or borewell, it creates a Bhawan Chayavedh. It brings financial losses.

An extension in the southeast of the plot.

4. BHAWAN CHAYA KUP VEDH:

5. DHWAJ CHAYA VEDH:

If the shadow of a pillar or flag falls on the plot, it forms a Dhwaj Chayavedh. It brings illness.

There are several factors which may lead to relationship problems between family members:

Hemanta Kumar Sarmah

Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist.

A water body like well, pond, bore well, septic tank in southeast.

Kitchen in the northeast.

Bedroom in southeast.

North and east directions are blocked by bigger structures, hills etc.

Remedies:

The plot is higher at east or north.

Whenever these shadows do not fall directly on the house one need not worry. Another theory says that if a structure is situated at a distance of about two and a half times of its height, the bad effects are minimised. Mirrors are found to be very useful in reflecting the bad effects of shadows.

A street focus or a road hitting the plot at southeast.

Presence of clutter in the house.

Mirror in the bedroom.

Water body like a basin or tap in the bedroom.

Get healthy by adding colour to your diet Often we are guided by the notion that looks can be deceptive, but in case of our natural food items it is not true. All the colourful fruits and veggies and other crops that are grown in our country are colourful, tasty and nutritious too.

Here are a few colourful food items that can keep your diet healthy:

haemoglobin level naturally among most vegetarians.

Yellow 1. Pumpkin: It is rich in vitamin Red A, C, E and various antioxidants.

1. Tomato: Red coloured tomato It improves eyesight, aids weight contains an antioxidant lycopene loss and has various disease that are of major importance. It reducing properties. prevents ageing, prostate cancer 2. Papaya: It is rich in protein, etc. fibre, vitamins, antioxidants. It 2. Watermelon: This fruit is aids in weight loss, controls blood full of fibre and water content, sugar level, reduces constipation, its lycope ne conte nt is also and builds up immunity. Packed beneficial. Moreover, its vitamin A with so many health benefits it is and B6 content makes it healthier. often considered as “superfood”.

3. Pomegranate: As we 3. Yellow bell pepper: They are know pomegranates are full of an excellent source of vitamin A, various nutrients like antioxidant vitamin C, potassium, fibre, folate, polyphenol. But we should also and iron. It increases immunity, be aware that its peel has also got prevents hair loss and maintains nutrients! blood pressure.

4. Beetroot: Beetroot is also Green rich in various antioxidants like 1. Green leafy vegetables: All Betalin and along with other kinds of green leafy vegetables like benefits; it is good in controlling spinach, malabar spinach are full blood pressure properly. of fiber, folate, and carotenoids.

5. Berries: Red coloured berries The se ve ge table s also contain like strawberry, cranberry are vitamins C and K, minerals, iron really a visual treat. But apart from and calcium. In addition, dark being antioxidant rich, these are green leafy vegetables act as very much useful in treatment of antioxidants in the body. urinary tract infection.

2. Capsicum: Green capsicum 6. Red bell pepper: These are is also a good source of Thiamin, rich in antioxidant capsanthin and Niacin, Folate, Magnesium and boosts immunity.

Copper, and a very good source 7. And our very own amaranth of Dietary Fibre, Vitamin A, or lalsag is full of vitamins Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin and minerals like manganese, B6, Potassium and Manganese. iron, thus used to increase These are excellent in treating

Sohini Chakraborty Chatterjee

asthma, skin problems and boosts immunity.

3. Parwal, Bottlegourd, lady’s finger, bittergourd: These are rich in fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, K and minerals like calcium, potassium etc. Thus all of these are excellent in reducing weight, treating constipation, increasing blood circulation etc.

4. Grapes: Grapes are good source of Thiamine, Niacin, Folate, Magnesium and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fibre, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese.It increases iron absorption, treats kidney stones and helps to prevent cancer.

5. Amla: This is the richest source of vitamin C and is super rich in antioxidants. It keeps healthy skin, hair, increases iron

absorption, improves digestion and prevents various kinds of diseases.

Orange 1. Carrot: These are one of the best sources of beta carotene along with fibre, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.

They’re a weight-loss-friendly food and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health.

2. Orange: Being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it improves skin, controls blood sugar & blood cholesterol and improves disease fighting capacity.

Blue or black 1. Blueberry and blackberry: These are rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, and have excellent anti-ageing capacity. Blackberries are especially able to reduce

blood sugar level.

2. Eggplants:It is rich in fibre, copper, manganese, B-6, and thiamine. This can reduce constipation, improves heart health and bone health.

White 1. Coconut: This super food is especially high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. It is also rich in copper and iron, which help form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an important antioxidant that protects our cells.

2. Garlic: Firstly it is rich in gingerol that boosts our immunity to a larger extent.It is an excellent source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), manganese, selenium, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, iron and copper.

It has got wonderful medicinal properties too.

3. Banana: Banana is a wonder food rich in fibre, potassium, magnesium, manganese etc.It reduces constipation, improves skin, maintains blood pressure and most surprisingly gives instant energy without fats!

So, we can conclude that a colourful plate or rainbow diet is not only a visual treat, but nutritious as well.

Feature

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

Quarantine Chronicles of a Guwahatian T wo weeks ago, I shared on G Plus my eventful return to India on an Air India repatriation flight after completing my Fulbright fellowship in the US, and then the experience of being quarantined at Delhi for seven days. And then on 27 June, after a clean bill of health from the hotel medical team, my passport was returned and I entered the final phase of my repatriation journey – the journey home to Guwahati.

I arrived at the airport three hours before the flight, the Arogya Setuapp duly downloaded and registered. After the initial face recognition security check from behind a glass counter, my bags passed through a scanner-cumsanitizing machine. Once inside, to my great relief, I was allowed to check in my two suitcases free of cost, Needless to say, saving Rs. 12,500/- for contents whose value was less than a third of that amount made a huge difference to my repatriation history.

Domestic Terminal 3 of IGI

the soothing green-ness of Guwahati.

I had also heard a lot of Assam government’s efficiency in handling the COVID-19 situation, and I was not disappointed.

We were welcomed at Guwahati’s LGBI airport by courteous officers and handed forms to fill. Our bags came doused in sanitizer, and thankfully I found a trolley to load my heavy suitcases. The airport was a hub of activity, with separate sections and counters for travellers to Guwahati city and other districts or states. I was directed to a counter outside the arrival terminal, where a group of young, masked officers checked my passport, noted my contact details and led me to an air-conditioned bus. There was a Rs. 90/- bus charge, but I was happy to pay it, thankful that the government had arranged for AC buses, after the unpleasant

It was a jerky half-hour ride through the Rani bypass, and it felt like eternity. Long stretches of the road had disintegrated because of the rain, and as the bus negotiated the occasional ditch, my suitcases rolled across the bus aisle, slamming into seats, passengers’ legs and then dancing back to place.

As the bus turned onto the main road, my errant suitcases toppled over near the door. My male co-passengers stared, bored and disapproving, as I

up the next one, until we found ourselves in a large hall.

Sarusajai stadium had turned into a COVID-19 screening and testing centre for air travellers, with chairs laid out neatly, three or four feet apart. We were given forms to fill at the entrance to the hall, and every officer I met was courteous and helpful.

Things moved like clockwork: form numbers were announced, and passengers were called to a large podium with numbered cubicles, inside which sat officers in masks, shielded by a plastic separator. We spoke to one another through microphones.

We displayed our forms and they noted down the addresses from which we had arrived, our home addresses and contact details.

And then I found myself at the testing booth, where a PPE-clad medical official inserted a pipe through the small window right into my nose. I asked if I could

A PPE-clad medical official inserted a pipe through the small window right into my nose. I asked if I could take a selfie to show my family, and he complied, trying hard to disguise his amusement at this weird request. airport was a pleasant surprise after the unreal, far-from-normal events at the international terminal. Past the security checkpoint, stores had opened up, the food court was doing brisk business, and masked travellers hesitantly lounged, browsed and entertained themselves in halfdisbelief. Near the Air India gate, a young officer handed out forms to fill and a packet of mask, visor and sanitizer sachet and made repeated announcements for social distancing.

Inside the aircraft, just like the international flight, attendants were suited up, and did not walk the aisles. Passengers warily negotiated their space, bags and seats, scared of being contaminated by strangers. It was all familiar, the mask and visor, the sweat and crowding, but it felt good to leave smogladen Delhi and head back to

experience of the non-AC DTDC bus journey in the Delhi heat and smog.

Dusk was falling, and I was grateful not to have the familiar Assamese mosquitoes taste my foreign-returned blood as I sat in the bus, mindful of stickers discouraging passengers from occupying adjacent seats. My copassengers, mostly men, looked on, bored and disapproving, as I heaved and shoved my two 23 kilo suitcases on to the vehicle.

No one offered to help, or even made a pretence of getting up from their seats, and I missed my Delhi co-passengers. After a half hour wait, by which time it was dark, our bus started on its journey to Sarusajai stadium, where the actual health screening procedures awaited us.

struggled to turn the suitcases upright. And when the bus came to a halt at the entrance to the screening hall, they waited for me to remove my suitcases (and theirs) from the bus door, and got off. No ‘thank you’ came my way, and it was time to lug suitcases again.

Up the first ramp we travelled, my three suitcases and I, and

take a picture to show my family, and he complied, trying hard to disguise his amusement at this weird request. So there I was, phone camera on selfie-mode, clicking the grotesque sight of my tongue sticking out as the gentleman inserted the probe into my throat.

Finally, the back of my palm was stamped, and I was done.

I was then handed a packet of snacks and a bottle of water, and directed to the travel desk.

After three eventful hours, I was home, courtesy Deputy Secretary & OSD, NRHM, Assam Pomi Baruah. It was good to be home after almost a year abroad.

Nothing had changed, and yet the world I had returned to was not the one I had left.

The next morning, 28th June, a group of four police personnel

13

Padmini Bhuyan Boruah arrived to seal the house. They asked if I was comfortable, if I had a separate bathroom to use, and if I needed groceries.

Then they took selfies, posted the notice on my quarter wall, and left with instructions to stay indoors. Two days later, my older son arrived from Hyderabad, and underwent the same procedures.

Unlike me, he was quarantined at the Gateway Grandeur hotel in GS Road, where he spent six interesting days, eating three meals a day and amusing himself with the regular spats between irate guests and exasperated hotel staff.

He is home now, my bearded, long-haired 26-year-old, to complete the rest of his quarantine at home. We have both tested negative, and we are loving the quarantine experience. I have met my two sons after a year, and they are meeting each other after six months. We have been spending our time cooking, cleaning, chatting, gossiping, watching ‘Dark’ on Netflix and generally ‘hanging out’. I have work to catch up on, and to prepare for the webinar invitations that I am getting, to speak about my Fulbright experience, my experience of teaching and living under COVID-19 lockdowns in a foreign land, and my repatriation journey. It is good to be back and to whine about the same old systemic failures. It is great to catch up friends and family on WhatsApp group calls and Zoom sessions.

It is wonderful to catch up with colleagues and students, and present on Facebook Live and Google Meet, wearing a bit of eye make-up and jewellery at camera level and pyjamas underneath.

Strange times require stranger measures, and I am loving the challenge. I refuse to let the horror of the community spread affect how I look at the world. I want to believe that good times are just round the corner, and my beautician will open up shop soon. Until then, I will watch YouTube videos on ready fixes, enjoy the pollution-free Assamese air and force myself to exercise. Life is not easy, but then a little masala is good for the soul!

(Dr Padmini Bhuyan Boruah is Professor & Head, Department of English language Teaching, Gauhati University. She has recently completed her Fulbright Scholarship at San Diego, California)

14 Guest Column

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

How can India tackle the Chinese aggression?

T he recent moves made by China has changed the global politics altogether.

Let’s have a look at the Chinese aggression in the last few months:

Encroaching India’s land in Galwan Valley, Ladakh

Shooting down Vietnamese vessel in South China Sea Claiming the Japan’s Senkaku Island Unanimously passing the National Security Law in Hong Kong thus abolishing one country two systems Establishing naval base in Kiribati which is at arm’s length from US West Coast and a direct threat to Australia

The author writes an elaborate piece on the various means that India can adopt to tackle an increasingly aggressive China, especially given the recent stance taken by the communist country in its attempt to project itself as the next super power.

Not to forget Covid-19, China’s gift to the world!

Opening multiple war fronts simultaneously with India, Vietnam, Japan, US, Australia and supressing Hong Kong forcibly indicates only one thing. It is either China’s way or highway!

They feel they are well equipped to fight simultaneously and claim to be the new super power.

Being a permanent member of UN’s Security Council, with Veto powers in hand, SC will be just a mere spectator.

Solution?

India and China is just on the threshold of a war which can start at any moment. Let us see what should be India’s policies to tackle the Chinese aggression permanently.

India and China cannot be compared directly.

China being a Communist state has the full liberty to exercise their strategy without any hindrances from the government Indo-China face-off: A representative image and their citizens.

No one can oppose a) India will have direct access the government or question the to the vicinity of Hainan naval government in China, giving base; it is the most important them the liberty and the speed naval base of China. India can for action. The President has the directly attack Hainan base from full authority to dictate as can be Vietnam, if required. seen from the recent law passed b) All the cheap plastic items in the assembly, wherein Xi that we import from China can Jingping has successfully passed be now imported from Vietnam. the law that till the time he is They manufacture the same alive, he will remain the President goods at the same rate. of PRC (People’s Republic of c) Connect Singapore to India China). India being a democratic via Vietnam NE corridor. A hell country doesn’t allow such swift lot of business can be done. decision making and needs to Mallaca Strait is on the tip of take into account the frictions Singapore and a lot of goods can from various oppositions and be transported by road. religious sentiments of its d) The under-developed North citizens.

East India will also develop with But if USSR can break so can the international road passing China. One needs to understand through it. that in a communist state, the 2) India should collaborate with people don’t have any say and all the smaller islands which fall have to obey what the government on the trade route in the Indian says. In turn, government looks Ocean. Eg, The Cocos island in after the people. If we can attack Indian ocean; India still doesn’t the economy of China, automatic have a military base there. That unrest and revolt will rise island belongs to Australia, so amongst the Chinese people and India can easily build a base. create chaos as a nation.

3) Try to remove the Chinese To attack the economy we naval base from Hambantota, Sri need to strangle China’s trade Lanka and construct India’s base route, as doing so will keep a as the current government in Sri rein on these Chinese and stop Lanka is pro-India. them from being the new land 4) India should take the mafia of the world. advantage of the instability A few things that India can do in Yemen and build a base in or should have done to strangle Socotra Island with the help of China are: US. This is a very important and 1) Construct an international strategic location: road from North East to Vietnam. a) The Djibouti Chinese base This will have multiple benefits:

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will be strangled. b) India can protect other countries’ ships from Somalian pirates and create new allies. c) Keep a watch at Gulf of Oman where 80% of Chinese ships ply. d) Keep a close watch at Gwadar Port Karachi from where the CPEC corridor starts. e) Treaty with US to use Socotra and Diego Gracia islands (Under US authority) interchangeably at time of war. All US flights that attacked Iraq flew from Diego Gracia in the Indian Ocean.

5) CPEC goes through Balochistan. India is happy with the current unrest and violence in Balochistan. If Balochistan separates, CPEC anyway will be flop. India should help the Balochi army in their fight against injustice and torture from Pakistan.

6) Daulat Beg Oldi airbase in Ladakh, the current bone of contention, is very strategic to strangle China. India has landed C7 Globmaster at Daulat Beg Oldiaribase recently. Now C7 can’t land everywhere, landing of C7 confirms it is a military airbase and India can directly bomb Karakoram highway from there and hence China is worried.

7) Make proper use of Taiwan.

Start acknowledging the Republic of China-Taiwan as a sovereign nation. Now Taiwan, like China, is a hub of hardware producing

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Bivash Barua companies.

Stop importing hardware from China and start importing it from Taiwan at the same cheap price.

8) Build close ties with Vietnam, Japan, Philippines and Australia as the enemy’s enemy is your friend.

9) Japan is very important. If there is a fight between Japan and China, USA is bound to enter as USA has signed a treaty with Japan that an attack on the sovereignty of Japan will be taken as an attack on USA and hence it will come to fight.

Senkaku Island in East China Sea is exactly what India can benefit from. Japan and China will fight for it, as both of them claim it is their island. India can initiate a few explorations in Senkaku Island after taking permission from Japan, indirectly recognizing Japan’s sovereignty over Senkaku Island.

10) Fight for a permanent membership in UN’s Security Council. Once India has veto power, it cannot be attacked anymore. China will never allow India to become a permanent member, but India can blackmail China through MTCR (The Missile Technology Control Regime), as India is a permanent member of MTCR and China is not and wants to be a part of it.

All these things India can easily do it with democracy as the form of government and irrespective of the political party in power.

The above steps will strangle China and will make them think through before making advances again, threatening the sovereignty of India. The moment China realizes that India can strangle them by locking their trade routes, they will be bound to behave amicably. Else it would cause threat to its economy and lead to a national unrest.

(The author is Bangaluru based and holds a B.E. in C.S. and MBA from BITS Pilani. He keeps special interest in spirituality, geopolitics and international relations. The views expressed in the article are his own and G Plus may not subscribe to the same)

News This Week

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

A quick round up of the news that mattered during the past week

1

12 Assam districts impose travel curbs to & from Guwahati

With the increasing in the number of Covid-19 cases in Guwahati and the rest of Kamrup (M) district, several districts in Assam have banned travel to and from Guwahati isolating the district to a large extent. The districts which have banned the entry of people from Guwahati are Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Morigaon, Nagaon, Kokrajhar, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Nalbari, Barpeta, South Salmara, Dhubri and Darrang. Meanwhile, if anyone from Guwahati has to visit these districts in the state for emergency purposes, they will be put under strict quarantine for 14 days on arrival there.

2

Tezpur University cancels entrance exam

Tezpur University Entrance Examination (TUEE), which was scheduled to be held from May 29 to May 31, has been cancelled again due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unfortunately, there is no sign of improvement in the situation in the country in general and Assam in particular.

Due to the prevailing situation, it is difficult for the aspiring candidates, invigilators and university representatives to reach the test centres located in different parts of the country and abroad to conduct the examination,” a statement issued by the university read. Meanwhile, candidates who have submitted their online applications are now required to submit their mark sheets and grade cards. In case of a grading system, grade to percentage of marks conversion formula has to be submitted by the candidate.

3

Gangster Vikas Dubey killed in police encounter

Gangster Vikas Dubey, who was wanted for the Bikru village bloodbath in which eight policemen were killed, was shot dead in an early morning encounter on July 10.

Reportedly, Vikas Dubey was shot dead while trying to escape following a road accident while he was being taken by the Uttar Pradesh police to Kanpur. According to the police, 4 policemen were injured after a car from UP STF convoy bringing back Vikas Dubey from Madhya Pradesh, overturned on morning of July 10. Earlier on July 9, Dubey was arrested hours after two of his accomplices were shot dead by Uttar Pradesh police in separate encounters. Three others, including Dubey’s closest aide Amar Dubey, were also shot dead.

4

Veteran Bollywood actor Jagdeep passes away at 81

5

Nepal govt bans Indian news channels

Bollywood actor Jagdeep passed away in Mumbai, following age-related health issues on July 9. He was 81.

Jagdeep’s most memorable character is Soorma Bhopali in Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay. His catchphrase in the film “Mera naam SoormaBhopali aise hi nahin hain” is still remembered by fans. Jagdeep started his career as a child artiste and was seen in films like Bimal Roy’s Do Bigha Zameen, KA Abbas’ Munna and Guru Dutt’s Aar Paar.

Nepal has banned all Indian news channels, except DD News, for alleged propaganda against the country. According to reports, Nepal cable operators have stopped getting signals of Indian news channels. Addressing a press conference earlier, Nepal Information and Broadcasting Minister Yuba Raj Khativada claimed that the Indian media was disseminating news jeopardizing the sovereignty and self-respect of Nepali citizens. He mentioned that diplomatic means would be mobilised to curb the alleged “misinformation” spread by the Indian media

6

15

Army personnel asked to delete 89 mobile apps including Facebook, Instagram and Tinder

After the ban of 59 China made apps, the Indian Army personnel are reportedly now being asked to delete 89 mobile applications that supposedly pose a threat to national security and allow ‘leakage of sensitive data’, a mandate that they must adhere to by July 15.They have not just been asked to deactivate their accounts but also delete these applications altogether.According to statements given by an unidentified officer to national media, the directive was issued due to an exponential increase in the number of military personnel being targeted online by intelligence agencies of Pakistan and China. The list of apps that have reportedly been asked to delete include Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, TikTok, Songs.pk, Daily Hunt, PUBG and Zoom to name a few.

7

Asia’s largest solar power project inaugurated by PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Asia’s largest solar power project, the Rewa solar power project in Madhya Pradesh by video conferencing in July 10. Further, he has dedicated the new 750 MW Solar Power plant to the nation. Stating that India is among the top 5 nations in the world in terms of solar energy, PM Modi added that solar energy is the medium of energy for the 21st century.

This Solar Power project in Rewa consists of three solar power generating units, each having a capacity of 250 MW and each located on a 500 hectare plot of land, which is situated inside a Solar Park.

8

No community transmission in India: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, on July 9, said that there is no community transmission of the coronavirus yet in the country. “During our discussions today, experts again stated that there is no community transmission in India. There may be some localised pockets where transmission is high but as a country, there’s no community transmission,” said the minister. “We are seeing on TV that India has become the 3rd most COVID-19 affected country. It is necessary to see this in correct perspective; we are a country with the second highest population in the world….Our cases per million are 538, while world average is 1,453,”said Harsh Vardhan.

9

US officially notifies UN of withdrawal from WHO

Donald Trump’s administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). The withdrawal notice was sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on July 6 and will take effect in a year, on July 6, 2021, the State Department and the United Nations said on July 7. Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw in May, accusing the WHO, without evidence, of withholding information, and of being too close to China. Joe Biden who is Trump’s Democratic challenger for presidency said on Twitter, “Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health… On my first day as President, I will rejoin the @WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage.”

10

Brazil President tests positive for COVID-19

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced on July 7 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus but said he was feeling perfectly well and had only mild symptoms. In an interview with CNN Brasil following his diagnosis, Bolsonaro said, “I’m not going to see anyone for meetings. Everything will be done via video conference and I will rarely meet people if I need to deal with the more reserved matter.” Brazil is the second worst-hit country in the world by the pandemic after the United States. PM Modi sent his best wishes to the Brazil President and prayed for his speedy recovery.

16 Catching Up Talk Of The tOWN

| Jul 11- Jul 17, 2020

PIC OF THE

Art of the week

WEEK

#ExtensionEssentials | Art: Rifa Deka

Artist: Sanjeev Handique | Assam type house in Guwahati.

Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

Bura Jame Masjid W

e have all seen the Bura Jame Masjid at Ambari. The oldest mosque in the city can trace its origins back all the way to the time of the Mughal invasion of Assam.

With the Mughal army, during its first invasion of the Ahom kingdom in 1615, came a spiritual man who was popularly known as Burababa.

When the Mughal army took over Guwahati and a Mughal Faujdar was set up in the city around 1645, Burababa settled at the very place where the Masjid now stands and offered regular ‘namaz’.

The Mughal army was however defeated by the Ahoms in the battle of Itakhuli in 1682 and pushed back to the west of the Manas River. By then, Burababa had already expired and was buried at the same place where he had spent a major portion of his life and was revered by all.

The Masjid was named after this spiritual soul.

The soldiers and officials of the

Coexistence: An eternal reality! | Photo: Surajit Sharma

So the district administration has been kind enough to issue a price list of vegetables so that we do not get exploited despite which prices are so high, but where are all these listed vegetables being sold? The only things these vendors sell are nemu and jolokia, should one make achaar or do sorcery with it sitting idle in this lockdown?

Mughal army who stayed back in this beautiful place continued to offer prayers at the Baba’s grave that had by then turned into a ‘durgah’.

The now standing Bura Jame Masjid was constructed about a century ago on land donated by

an old Muslim lady. But it was first established during the reign of Swargadeo Rudra Singha (16961714). However, it also collapsed during Rudra Singha’s reign in an earthquake. It was reconstructed in the 19th century only to collapse again in the earthquake of 1897.

A restaurant in Madurai has made it to the headlines with their unique way of creating awareness on COVID19.

Temple city hotel of Madurai is serving its customers with a new form of parottas called ‘Mask Parottas’. The manager of the restaurant said, “People of Madurai are not very particular about wearing masks.

We introduced mask parottas to spread awareness among people about COVID19.”

Printed & Published by Sunit Jain on behalf of Insight Brandcom Pvt. Ltd. and Printed at Janambhumi Press (P) Ltd., Kalapahar, Guwahati and Published at 4A, Royale Arcade, Ulubari, Guwahati - 781007, Editor: Swapnil Bharali.

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