December 16th, 2015

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www.morungexpress.com

WednesdAY • december 16 • 2015

DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 342 • 12 PAGes • 4

T H e

ESTD. 2005

Human beings are human beings, just treat everyone like that

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T R u T H

— Hayley Williams

Mokokchung 125: Insta Show organised for young talents

Political war as Kejriwal alleges CBI raid, govt denies

o F

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Leicester’s fairytale run continues as Vardy, Mahrez down Chelsea

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PAGe 12

‘Has the wheel of industry Dimapur sways to Mltr changed nagaland state?’

Nagaland State Directorate of Industries and Commerce commemorates Golden Anniversary

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Kohima, December 15 (mexN): Under the theme, ‘Industries- The wheel that changes the fortune of a Nation,’ the Nagaland state Directorate of Industries and Commerce celebrated 50 years of its establishment on December 15 at its Headquarters with Amenba Yaden, Parliamentary Secretary, Industries and Commerce as the Chief Guest.

Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, Yaden questioned whether the ‘wheel’ has brought about any changes to the fortunes of the State.

Despite the odds and challenges, some progress has been made, noted Yaden, while stating that the department is still yet to tap the real industrial potentials.

“We still have a lot more to do and a long way to go to realize these potentials of industry and its fortunes in our State. The precarious economic condition of our State, issues of increasing unemployment and social unrest are issues that needs to be addressed urgently. The development of industry can play a pivotal role in addressing these issues,” stated Yaden.

He further called for an introspective relook at the approach to development of industry in Nagaland.

This, he stated must start with the analysis of strength and weaknesses-opportunities, holistic planning and focused approach with short, medium and long term plans taking into consideration the potentials, opportunities and interventions. Yaden urged all the employees to contribute towards building upon the foundations of their predecessors with newer ideas and initiatives, working with zest for the State and the people.

“Let not the development of industry in the State be a story of the rolling stone that gathers no moss but let us make it a story of the wheel that rolls and bring changes for the fortune of our State,” concluded Yaden.

Retired Directors Er G Keppen Rengma and Keneilel Angami, who also attended the celebration, exhorted the congregation. Er Rengma stated that the Department has contributed to the State but there still remains more to do. He advised that the department should ensure that the infrastructures set up in the different districts are made functional.

Er Rengma also asserted that Special Economic Zone (SEZ) should also be pursued actively.

Reminding the employees that the Department is not a private property, Keneilel Angami asserted that the employees are appointed to serve the people and therefore should give their efforts to contribute to the State. Angami also noted that each employee should maintain a habit of respecting each other and encourage each other.

Stressing on the need to seriously ponder on how much the employees have given to the people, the

State and the Department, Hushili Sema, Secretary, Industries & Commerce viewed that the government employees in Nagaland are overpaid compared to the amount of work they contribute. “Many of us hardly put in two to three hours every day,” mentioned Sema while also criticizing employees who lobby around to change their postings in remote areas.

She reminded that officers in the earlier days were committed, dedicated and sincere to their work despite being posted in far flung areas.

“You are serving the people, and you want to achieve something for your family, village, and your people,” said Sema, while urging each employee to make a vow, to give their best to the service of the people and go wherever they are posted.

The State Industries & Commerce department during the last 50 years has set up 11 District Industries Centre (DICs) and six District Industries SubCentre spread across all the eleven districts of the State. The department has developed many industries related infrastructure in order to facilitate the growth of enterprises as well as for trade promotion in the State.

Industrial growth centre at Ganeshnagar in Dimapur, export promotion industrial park which is now being upgraded to product specific Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) Dimapur target human resource deployment in the industrial sector. The department has also set up Industrial Infrastructure Development Centre (IIDC) at Kiruphema.

NPCC slams Nagaland govt for failing to protect lives of citizens DimaPur, December 15 (mexN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today condemned the killing of a businesswoman in Dimapur on Monday, and termed this as an example of the “state of lawlessness, where criminals are having a field day without any inhibitions to carry out their murderous activities.”

“Such cowardly killing, that too of a woman can never be justified in any civilized society,” said a press note from

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

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Here come the MLTR fans.

the NPCC media cell.

Home Minister, Y Patton is also answerable for the present state of lawlessness since policing duties with surplus manpower of over 1500 police personnel has failed to win the confidence of the law abiding citizens, said the NPCC. It further stated that along with the state police, “the state judiciary under the spineless NPF-BJP DAN government is equally responsible for letting off

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beyond the unholy alliance of so called opposition less government and provide a semblance of an elected government running the affairs of the state,” it added.

The NPCC demanded that the government “show its existence to the people” by enforcing the rule of law, allowing the police to carry out an impartial investigation into this heinous crime so as to arrest and bring the culprits to book without further delay.

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Danish pop band MLTR performing live at NEZCC Ground, Dimapur on December 15. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News Dimapur | December 15

It was more or less an evening for the middle-aged.

And that made it feel like the 90s all over again when Danish pop-soft rock ballad band –Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR)- serenaded an otherwise mellow Nagaland audience over a downcast December evening at North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), 4th Mile in Dimapur on Tuesday. The concert was presented

by LIVENOW events.

Along with a sizeable group of young gen-next music lovers, eager to see an International band perform here, the presence of midlife adults was conspicuous. Reminiscing college romance, song dedications and the ballads of pop music, MLTR fans from different parts of North East made a beeline to NEZCC Ground.

35 year old Oliver said MLTR was what music was about during his pop genre induced college days.

Staying in Senapati, Manipur, he had come to witness the concert with his five year old son. “The songs of MLTR are for all groups. If you visit our village, it’s not Helloween, but ‘Sleeping Child’ of MLTR that they

Reminiscing college romance, song dedications and the ballads of pop music, MLTR fans from different parts of North East made a beeline to NEZCC on Tuesday still listen to,” said Oliver.

A few yards away, at the premium ticket holders’ enclosure, two friends of college going days - Alemjungla and Kevinguo - were busy catching up after one of those rare coincidental encounters since they parted ways in 2009 from Delhi. “We used to dance and croon to the tune of MLTR during our college days. Here we are, meeting at their concert!” Alemjungla enthused. Kevinguo giggled.

The concert was to begin from 6pm.

Organizers midway announced that MLTR would enter stage only at 8pm. There is fidgeting and a growl or two from among the audience.

In the midst of the fervent wait, Nagaland’s own talented Incipit band tried to entice the crowd with a number of cover songs ranging from the late 70s till the present – Journey, The Police’s Roxanne, Michael Jack-

son’s Black and White; Mr. Big to Maroon 5’s Sugar included.

Despite a stage-felt performance, the midlife audiences were not that easily won over. In the midst of songs, some stared away into the shadowy crowd while others made it a time for a ‘how’s life’ chitchat. MLTR enters the stage. “First time we are here… to check out if you know our songs!”

Keyboardist and main vocalist Jascha Richter shouts out to the rapturous crowd, looking exactly as he did on MTV a decade ago. And band mates Mikkel Letnz and Kare Wanscher looking as young as ever.

The band begins the long awaited evening with one of their latest song‘Silent times.’ However seasoned fans know better-that their gig is incomplete without their timeless songs - ‘Sleeping child’ from the album ‘Colors’ which first entered into the heart of Naga listeners here. That’s what they played next - to be followed by a number of their older favorites. The showground turned into a big sing-along party. And the college-days nostalgia began.

After Dimapur, the band which has sold over 11 million records worldwide will perform in Kolkota and Goa followed by shows in Taiwan and Indonesia.

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price cut by 50 paisa ASTD questions RMSA result for Ao language teachers Petrol per litre, diesel by 46 paisa

DimaPur, December 15 (mexN): The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) today expressed unhappiness at the recently declared results under the State Mission Director RMSA, with respect to the post of Ao subject (language) teachers.

The ASTD reminded that on January 27, 2014 a notification advertised the appointment of 20 Ao subject teachers for secondary school RMSA.

Consequently, a written examination was held on May 24, 2014 and 26 candidates were declared successful. Further, viva voice was held on August 8, 2015 and the result was declared on November 30, 2015, the ASTD said.

However, it expressed surprise that only 5 candidates of the 26 who had passed the written test were declared qualified against the 20 posts. Terming the result as “highly question-

able and unjustified,” the ASTD questioned “what terms and conditions or criteria were observed with regard to the viva voice...”

The ASTD further claimed that “in an appointment, written exam is more crucial than interview, as interview or viva voice is just personality test or to exam about some subject matter within a limited prescribed time.”

“Keeping in view of the viva voice result, one can

presume that as if the written exam and viva voice were conducted on “different subject matter” or in other words it can be logically concluded that written exam was conducted to be disqualified in the viva voice,” the ASTD alleged.

The ASTD further stated that in other vernacular subject, “out of 23 posts, 30 candidates were declared qualified.” Terming the outcome of the interview as “highly unacceptable,

irrational and questionable,” the ASTD demanded that the 20 posts meant for Ao subject should not be diverted to any other discipline/stream “under any circumstances but should be filled up only through Ao subject teachers.”

It gave the concerned authority 30 days to clarify the logic behind the interview result, while cautioning that the ASTD would be compelled to resort to “any appropriate means.”

New Delhi, December 15 (Pti): Petrol price was on Tuesday cut by 50 paisa and diesel by 46 paisa a litre, much lower than an anticipated decrease as oil companies left cushion for the government to mop up gains accruing from global oil prices dipping to multi-year lows. This cut in prices is the second this month. Oil firms had last cut petrol price by 58 paise per litre and diesel by 25 paise on December 1. “The current level of international product prices of petrol and diesel and Rupee-USD exchange rate warrant a decrease in prices, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price revision,” IOC said in a statement. “The movement of prices in the international oil market and INR-USD exchange rate shall continue to be monitored closely and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes,” IOC said.

Climate Change brews multi-challenges for tea Scribes in Manipur to stay off work on Dec 17 December 15 is International Tea Day

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many criminals who have become seasoned enough to carry out their nefarious activities unhindered.” The NPCC said that the present government has failed to inspire both the state police and the judiciary to carry out its duties without any fear or favour.

“The present NPF-BJP DAN government has miserably failed on all fronts to protect the lives of its citizens. It is time for Chief Minister TR Zeliang to look

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Guwahati, December 15 (iaNS): In the backdrop of the justconcluded COP21 talks in Paris, as nations across the world discussed ways to tackle the monster called climate change, back home, India's favourite beverage, tea, is facing some major challenges as a result of it - from low yield to new pests.

Scientists at Assam's Tocklai Tea Research Institute (TRI) say that erratic rainfall over the years is a major concern for the tea industry. The first flush - the early leaves which are delicate and have a gentle aroma which is harvested mid-March, has been affected by the changing rain patterns.

R.N. Bhagat, one of the scientists at Tocklai, said: "In the last

100 years in Assam, we have lost around 22.1 cm of rainfall. With this decrease and a shift in rainfall distribution, the tea industry is losing the first flush that comes in March-April. Spraying of fertilizers is timed with the rainfall pattern, but with no rain, the fertilizers have no impact."

Then again, with no rain, the relative humidity in March-April is also lowering, further affecting the first flush. "It used to be 80 percent, but in 2015 it was recorded around 52-54 percent," Bhagat told IANS. Bhagat said that tea is a self-adapting plant and has been sustaining rising temperatures - the summer saw more than 35 degrees Celsius, while tea grows ideally between 1330 degrees C. Even then, it cannot tackle all changes. N. Muraleedharan, director of Tocklai, said: "White flies

is a new species of pest which has been reported mostly from the Assam belt. It is minute and travels in hoards. There has also been increase in pests like thrips, tea mosquitoes, scale insects and green hoppers, as a result of which the intensity of damage on tea is more."

"As a result of change in weather patterns, there is a decrease in leaf quality too," he added. What all of this translates into is production being affected. And to increase production, the tea managements generally use more chemicals, leading to more biotic stress on the plant. According to the scientists, there are two kinds of stress - abiotic (drought, flood) and biotic (pests and the like caused by flood and drought).

"This also means that the total production cost of the tea estates is increasing. Earlier Rs.4,000-5,000

was used for pesticides, per hectare.

Now it has gone up to Rs.20,00025,000. Irrigation costs have also increased," Bhagat said. With multipronged challenges being thrown at tea by changing environmental conditions, scientists are now working on developing clones that would have the best chances of survival. "In one or one and a half years' time, we should be able to announce future clones to the industry," Bhagat said.

The changing climatic conditions and more pests have also steered many gardens into adopting indigenous plants that are naturally repel tea-harming insects.

So, it is an uncertain future for the steaming cup of 'chai' in your hands.

But, as experts keep brainstorming to keep the deluge of problems from the tea plants, the good news is that all hope is not lost. Not yet.

Home Minister urged to provide security protection to all journalists Our Correspondent Imphal | December 15

Scribes in Manipur have decided to stay off work on December 17 and stage a sit-in to protest against a threat by a militant outfit against the Editor-in-Chief of Imphal-based local news channel Impact TV. A joint meeting of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) today condemned the placing of a bomb in

front of the residential gate of private channel Impact TV Editor-in-Chief and EGM General Secretary, Yumnam Rupachandra at Khongnang Pheidekpi Makha Aheibam Leikai in Imphal West last night.

All scribes will stay away from work for 24 hours from 6:00am. The meeting decided that no journalist will attend work on December 17 as they will stage a sit-in against the threat at Keishampat. It also decided to stage a silent rally and submit memorandums to the Chief Minister and Home Minister to demand safety for the journalists of the state, a joint statement of the AMWJU and EGM said. The meeting further

decided to urge Home Minister, Gaikhangam to provide immediate security protection to all journalists, it said. The meeting appealed to all organisations not to put pressure on media houses for publication of ‘unauthenticated’ press statements.

Protesting against the incident, a sit-in was held at Khongnang Pheidekpi, which was participated by members of local clubs and meira paibi organisations.

The demonstrators condemned the planting of a bomb in front of the residential gate of Impact TV Editor-in- Chief on Monday. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

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WednesdAY 16•12•2015

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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Mokokchung 125: Insta Show organised for young talents

KMC pre-Christmas-cum-inter ward competition Old Ministers’ Hill is cleanest colony, Café Caffeine is cleanest shop Our Correspondent Kohima | December 15

(Left) Huntingboots Inc members performing a song at the 125th year anniversary of Mokokchung Town on December 15.

(Right) ‘Class of Music’ students perform a song at the programme.

Mokokchung, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): Day four of the celebration of the 125th year anniversary of Mokokchung Town witnessed more activities with ‘Insta Show’ organized by the Huntingboots Inc at the MDACC Pavilion attracting huge crowd at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex here today.

As the title suggests, the ‘Insta

Show’ featured impromptu presentation by different artists who performed live songs and other activities.

Prominent among the presentations were songs by the Huntingboots Inc members, young talents from ‘Class of Music’, Chuba Katila, Taliakum Pongener.

The ‘Insta Show’ is open to all in-

terested persons who would like to perform on the stage and entertain the audience at the venue. There will also be a Kids’ Rock Contest and Little Orpheus contest on the final day of the celebration. The Huntingboots Inc has invited all the citizens to come and witness the young talents showcasing their talent at the Insta Show.

The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) today celebrated Pre-Christmas-cum-Inter Ward Competition on the theme “Let’s Go clean to get our globe clean” with Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Economic & Statistics, R Tohanba as the chief guest at Zonal Council Hall here.

Extending Christmas and New Year 2016 greetings, Tohanba said Christmas isatimetoreformandrevivethethoughts that it is through the King of Kings – Jesus Christ that peace came to our land overruling all forms of suspicion, hatred, jealousy and killing. Christmas is not only a time to eat and celebrate, but one must sharetheloveandconcernofJesusChrist with one another, he added.

Tohanba also called upon the colony and ward panchayats to cooperate with KMC in transforming Kohima into the cleanest city of the State and North East in general. He also challenged the denizens of Kohima to extend support in placing Kohima amongst the first 20

Farewell for treasuries & accounts officials kohiMa, DeceMber 15 (Dipr): Department of Treasuries & Accounts will bid farewell to its Principal Director, Z. Mesen, Director, LN Konyak and store keeper, Sofuru Tetseo on December 16, 1:00 pm in the Directorate conference hall. Additional Director, Zhekheto Zhimomi will chair the function. Farewell speech on behalf of the department will be given by Director, K. Tiayanger Tzudir. Additional Director, Zubemo Odyuo will also speak on the occasion along with the outgoing officials and presidents of ASOTN, ASAN and NF&ASA. C Y K

JCF endorses Eralibill VC’s decision DiMapur, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): The Joint Council Forum (JCF) of Dubagoan, Ekrani Pathar, Eralibill, K. Hollohon Colony and Aoyimti Village (DEEHA) held a meeting on December 14 at Eralibill Village and discussed at length the issue of abduction of a 60-year-old woman from Eralibill and the subsequent rejoinder/ clarification by the NSCN (IM) authority published in local dailies. The joint council in its meeting acknowledged and endorsed the decision of the Eralibill Village Council not to allow any outside group(s) or individual(s) to take up the matter or interfere into the internal matter of its village and over the land dispute within its jurisdiction.

KPC picnic on December 16

Parliamentary secretary R Tohanba and Kohima DC cut cake during pre-Christmas celebration of KMC in Kohima on December 15. (Morung Photo)

list of Smart Cities in the country. He also highlighted the activities of Municipal Affairs Department, including Housing for the urban poor from 2016 Kohima Smart City Project.

Dr. Fr. A.J. Sebastian, former professor and head of English Department, Nagaland University, delivering Christmas message said in the present context Christ is missing from Christmas cele-

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DiMapur, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), Dimapur, during routine patrolling duty seized various wildlife items sold along National Highway-29 since September, 2015.

The seized items included bushmeat of barking deer and wild boar, one yellow throated marten, one common palm civet, two hoary bellied squirrels, four green pigeons, two partridges, one Khalij pheasant and nine birds.

These seizures were made on November 7, 25, 26, December 4 and 10.

While the bushmeat and dead seized animals were disposed off by burning in the presence of Wildlife Warden and other Forest officials, two live moles Labourers of Mokokchung Town participating in the ‘Mahatam Muttia’, a competition for the which were seized on Destrongest labourer in town, at the 125 years celebration of Mokokchung Town at Imkongme- cember 10 were safely released at Nagaland Zooren Sports Complex.

kohiMa, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): The Kohima Press Club (KPC) will hold its annual picnic on December 16 at Dzüü riverside, Rusoma village area. In a release, KPC reminded all the members, family members and well wishers to gather outside NSF Office area by 10:00 am on the day (Wednesday). Members who do not have conveyance may inform the executive members in advance so that ar- DiMapur, DeceMber 15 rangements to tie up with others may be made, the release (Mexn): Department of Horticulture in collaboration with the added. Members also can reach the venue directly.

Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and COE Agrotextile, Mangkolemba SDPDB meeting held SASMIRA, Mumbai conducted Mokokchung, DeceMber 15 (Dipr): The first one day workshop-cum-training project to be taken up in Mangkolemba subdivision in under the theme “Agrotextiles: 2016 will be the replacement of the 16th km water supply Holistic alternative to enhance pipe lines with new High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) yield and profitability of horticulpipes under the PHED department in Mangkolemba ture and agriculture” on DecemTown. This was informed during the monthly meeting ber 4 at State Horticulture Nursof the Mangkolemba Sub Division Planning Develop- ery in Dimapur. It was attended ment Board on December 14. Chairing the meeting, by around 40 officers from the ADC Mangkolemba, Imtiwabang Aier welcomed all Department of Horticulture, Agthe board members and introduced new member SDO, Soil Department, Hetoho. Y. Swu. After the review of the riculture and Sericulture.

In the inaugural address, CM last SDPDB meeting minutes, the ADC also lauded all Tsanglao, Secretary (Horticulthe officers from various departments and the people of ture), exhorted the officers to be Mangkolemba Town for their contribution during the attentive and sincere in attendinauguration of the Additional Deputy Commissioner ing the training since the scheme office and other offices held last November. is a first of its kind in the State to

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Rongsenla Sangtam 21.04.1947 - 10.12.2015 We, the sons of late Rongsenla Sangtam, along with our family members, do hereby convey our gratitude to all our friends, neighbours, and well-wishers, who continuously supported us spiritually, physically and financially during the illness and demise of our beloved Mother.

We cannot express in words our gratitude for the love, kindness and generosity shown by each of you during this period.

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We would particularly like to thank: Referral Hospital, Dimapur, Zion Hospital, Dimapur, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur, for caring for our Mother till her last breath. Department of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Nagaland, Kohima.

We also beg forgiveness for our inability to name all individuals who have stood by us at the time of our need and grief. However, we pray that Our Almighty God bless each one of you abundantly.

SONS, DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW, GRANDCHILDREN & FAMILY MEMBERS

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bration and therefore we need to restore him back within us. We have to open our hearts to receive Christ, he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor highlighted that the District Administration is working out to lay underground cables, develop proper sewage system for colonies and also construct ring road and more connectivity so as to avoid traffic congestion in the town area.

In the Cleanest Colony Award Category, Old Ministers’ Hill bagged the first place, while Bayavü and Officers’ Hill were placed second and third. They bagged Rs. 50,000, Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively along with trophies as the first three winners. In the Cleanest Shop Award, Café Caffeine, Razhu Point was placed first while Crossword, Dzüvürü and Mixed Bag, Jai Colony won second and third places. The winners will get free registration for one year, six months and three months respectively.

The programme, chaired by KMC Administrator Kovi Meyase, commenced with Bible reading and invocation by Pastor Neichalie Chadi, Central Baptist Church, while KMC staff, representative from Bayavü colony and winner of 1st Inter-Ward Solo Competition, Besuto Nienu presented Christmas melodies.

logical Park, Rangapahar on the very same day, according to a press release from Wildlife Warden K. Caroline.

The Wildlife Crime Control Unit has urged the public to abstain from hunting and demanding wild animals and birds as such offences can invite fine or imprisonment or both, as per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It further reminded the villages indulging in destroying local environment and wildlife that various grants and assistance to them by the State government through various schemes will be curtailed. This is as per directive of the Chief Secretary and Director, Rural Development vide Letter No.CSO/1/ GEN/2013 and No.DRD/ NR/P-1/2002 respectively, the release added.

Workshop-cum-training on agrotextiles held JCC seminar on

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Seized wildlife items disposed DIPR celebrates

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be implemented under the Ministry of Textiles. He also urged them to disseminate the same to the farmers of the State for popularising the use of agrotextiles in Horticulture, Agriculture and Sericulture sector for uplifting the economy of the State.

During the first technical session, Dr. S. Raman, Chief Consultant, COE SASMIRA gave a PowerPoint presentation on the topic “Importance of Irrigation and Fertigation in protected cultivation”, while PR Surwase, Scientist ‘C’, SASMIRA highlighted on the “Scheme for promoting usage of Agrotexile in NER” and “Components of Agrotextile-Kits and modalities of Distribution of Agrotextile-Kits in NER.” In the second technical ses-

sion, Dr. Anamika Sharma, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK Dimapur spoke on the “Off-season and year round cultivation of vegetable and flowers under protected cultivation”, while Dr. Pankaj Neog, Department of Entomology, SASRD spoke on “Pest and Disease Management for Horticulture Crops in Precision Farming”, which was followed by an interactive session between the participants and the resource persons.

A press release stated that the training was highly informative for the officers, who can in return disseminate the same to the farmers to enhance the yield and profitability of the production sector through the use of agrotextiles in the State.

differently abled

kohiMa, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): Japfü Christian College conducted a seminar themed “Equal...Not Special” to create awareness on differently abled on December 15 with Diethono Dee Nakhro as the guest speaker. The seminar emphasized on what differently abled person can achieve when a society is aware and sensitive to issues of accessibility. Niketu Iralu and Fredy Bodmer also challenged the house to be sensitive to all sections of people.

Earlier, Dr. Visakhonü Hibo expounding on the theme, said life chances and opportunities, not pity, should be extended to the differently abled as they are more capable than the abled population often times. The programme was an attempt to sensitize students towards people with disabilities and give them equal opportunities, a press release stated.

advance Christmas

kohiMa, DeceMber 15 (Dipr): Directorate of Information & Public Relations celebrated advance Christmas at its office premises on December 14.

Director, IPR, Pausui Zeliang extended Christmas greetings to the gathering stating that the celebration is a good time to come together after a year of hard work and a time to celebrate the love and joy of the season.

In his Christmas message, Additional Director, Limawati Ao challenged the officials and staff to celebrate Christmas with a difference by contributing towards the welfare of the people and by taking an extra step to get things done without expecting anything in return. He stressed on getting works done with dedication and sincerity thereby achieving job satisfaction and being a good government servant.

An inter-section carol competition was held to mark the occasion, which was won by News Section with Establishment-1 and Technical Section as the first and second runners up. All participating teams were also acknowledged with gifts.

APRO, Nongozo Rikha led the gathering in scripture reading and prayer and special songs were presented by Keneizetuonuo, Imchadila and Temjenkaba. The programme was chaired by Joint Director, Tokishe Sema.

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PBCV seeks clarification from FCS National level handloom expo in New Delhi DiMapur, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): The Purana Bazar Village Council, on behalf of the genuine beneficiaries of the village, has sought clarification from Department of Food & Civil Supply regarding the implementation of National Food Security Act, 2013.

Arguing that the scheme was introduced by the former United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for the benefit of the underprivileged people, the PBVC in a press note issued by its Chairman, N Hozheto Achumi questioned why its implementation is being withheld in the state.

While NFSA was implemented in other states as soon as the Central Government announced the scheme, the department concerned in the State is not implementing the same though it distributed the forms and collected the same in first half of 2014 for the reason best known to them, PBVC maintained.

It further alleged that all the old BPL and AAY Ration Cards were seized by the department at the time of submitting the priority forms and all those beneficiaries were issued supply

PBVC re-affirms resolutions on village nomenclature DiMapur, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): An emergency meeting of the Purana Bazar Village Council has reaffirmed all the Council’s resolutions from February 2000 till date, regarding nomenclature of Purana Bazar ‘B’ (Bukajan). The house deliberated on the present nomenclature of Purana Bazar ‘B’ (Bukajan), “which perturb the normal functioning of the village administration as well as create disturbances in postal address due to usage of such names,” a press note from PBVC Chairman, N Hozheto Achumi informed. In this context, the Council also reaffirmed and directed those using their address as B’ (Bukajan) to change it to Purana Bazar Village at rice without the cards since March, 2014.

“Every now and then those beneficiaries were asking for the ration cards for various purposes, but we could not provide the same since the concerned department is neglecting/ forgotten to re-issue new

the earliest to stop further escalation of misunderstanding between the two entities and in the interest of public service.

This is in accordance with the August 3, 2009 judgment as well as the verbal agreement between the two villages, PBVC added, maintaining that all its resolution on the issue since 2006 had been submitted to the district administration. The Council further sought cooperation from the district administration, police department and other governmental agencies to discontinue the use of "unrecognized and unofficial name”- Purana Bazar ‘B’ village - in any manner and requested them to address the same as Purana Bazar Village.

DiMapur, DeceMber 15 (Mexn): The Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. Dimapur is organizing a national level handloom expo at Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, 15A, Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi from January 6 to 20. It is sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

All levels of North East Region Handloom Cooperative Societies, Corporation/ Federations/ Self Help Groups (SHG)/ JLGs of NER engaged in handloom production, non-government organization engaged in handloom and fulfilling the norms laid down by CAPART, weaver entrepreneurs of NER engaged in handloom weaving, Sant kabir awardees, national awardees, State awardees and outstand-

ing weavers, Consotia/ Producer companies and SPVs of handloom clusters, members registered with Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) & agencies registered under handloom mark are eligible to participate in the expo.

All interested participants within and outside the State may apply to the Project Cell, NHHDC Ltd., Half Nagarjan, Dimapur, or Manager Nagaland Sales Emporium, C-2 Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi on or before January 2, 2016 during the office hour.

Stalls will be provided free of cost to the participants from NER states with lump sum assistance.

Contact address: E-mail - nagalandsalesemporium@gmail.com/ mobile number - 09654252802/ landline - 01123343161, and nhhdcdima@yahoo.co.in

priority ration card under NFSA 2013 to those beneficiaries,” it added.

In this context, the Council fervently appealed to the department to implement the scheme at the earliest for the benefit of the beneficiaries as well as Delhi Public School, winner of 1st Inter School Music Fest Nagaland: An open genre choral comin interest of public service. petition receiving the trophy at Delhi Public School in Dimapur on December 15. (Morung Photo)

C M Y K

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Congress disrupts RJ over Arunachal Gov's role NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 15 (PTI): Congress today disrupted Rajya Sabha proceedings raising questions over Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa's role and sought his dismissal alleging that his actions amounted to "murder of democracy and Constitution", inviting sharp reactions from the treasury benches.

Raising the issue soon after the House assembled for the day, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad suggested that the Governor was "interfering" with the activities of the state government and the Legislature over summoning of Winter Session of the assembly and "deciding" its agenda "without the state government requesting for it".

"Governor of Arunachal Pradesh is behaving like a dictator," Azad said calling it the "most undemocratic thing that had not happened even during the British period".

"Governor summoned assembly session without consulting the state government or the Chief Minister. Governor himself fixed

the agenda and decided that the Assembly Speaker will not preside over the proceedings. This is not within the rights of the Governor.

"Democracy is being murdered. The same Constitution which you discussed 15 days ago is being shredded into pieces, being buried. Our party will not allow it to happen. The Opposition will not allow it," he said.

As soon as Azad raised the issue, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley disapproved of Parliament discussing a matter concerning a state assembly.

"Can the proceedings of an Assembly be discussed in the House? What is happening in a state Assembly, it has never been discussed in the House and should never happen," he said telling the Chair if this was allowed in Rajya Sabha, the state assemblies will later be discussing parliamentary proceedings in future.

Raising a point of order Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the House cannot sit over making judgements on the proceedings of an Assembly and nei-

ther can the role of Governor be discussed here.

Azad, however, said the Assembly session was yet to commence there and hence what he was raising is not assembly proceedings.

Besides, he argued that since the Rajya Sabha represents the states, "it is our duty to protect the states.

We are not going to budge."

Rajkhowa has summoned the Winter Session of the 6th Legislative Assembly from tomorrow till December 18, modifying the November 3 order summoning the assembly from January 14 to 18 next year.

Narrating the sequence of events, Azad said on November 6, some Congress MLAs gave a notice to remove Deputy Speaker of Assembly, who belongs to Congress party, saying he was engaging in anti-party activities.

Three days later, BJP MLAs sent a notice seeking the removal of the Speaker, he said.

Azad also claimed that the Governor has decided that the Speaker would not preside over the session and that the order to advance the assembly session

stipulates that the resolution seeking the Speaker's removal would be the first item of business in the session.

The Leader of Opposition also accused the Governor of "evil interference" in the state government's functioning.

He also acknowledged that "Congress has some rebels there, including the Deputy Speaker".

As per the Governor's order the Winter Session of Arunachal Assembly begins tomorrow, instead of January. In the 60-member state Assembly, Congress has 47 MLAs and BJP 11.

The last session of Arunchal Assembly had come to an end on October 31, which was prorogued on November 3. The session had to be called again from January 14, 2016, which was advanced by the Governor.

Citing rules Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said that since the notice given by Azad to take up the matter was "not a substantive motion" required to discuss the functioning of people holding posts like that of Governor, a discussion on the matter cannot

be allowed.

"Rule 38 is very clear that the conduct of a Governor can be discussed only through a substantive motiion. I have seen the notice given by the LOP. This motion is under Rule 267. It is not a substantive motion. It is a motion only for suspension of business. What can I do? You should have given a substantive motion," Kurien said.

As Congress refused to budge, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi attacked them saying "they do not faith in the ruling rather in their unruly behaviour. You have once again come out with a new excuse. You say that you do not want the House to run."

Naresh Gujral (SAD) said that Congress members do not want the House to function. Mayawati (BSP) said also wanted to speak on the matter as she briefly touched on the role of Governors in Uttar Pradesh as well.

As the Congress members refused to vacate the Well and kept shouting slogans, the Deputy Chairman adjourned the House for 30 minutes.

Overall Air Quality in Meghalaya Show intelligence report, BJP 'Good', inform MSCPB officials says on Rahul Gandhi's Satra row SHILLoNg, DECEMBER 14 (PTI): The overall air quality in Meghalaya is "good" except for those areas in industrial estates and where vehicular movement is at its peak, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) said today.

The board which is monitoring the air quality in eight stations under the national air monitoring programme of the Government of India, said the overall air quality in the state is still rated as "good".

"We found that the overall air quality is under the category 'good', the calculations of which is done as per standard procedures prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board," board's senior scientist Dr Battinola Nongbri told PTI. Except for the two stations in the industrial area in Byrnihat (along the interstate border) and Umiam whose pollution is rated as 'satisfactory' under the CPCB guidelines, she said all stations are rated as 'good' where the air quality index value is under 50.

Till last year when the board had its station in a commercial hub in Khyndailad area of the city, the particulatematter level

(dust and other solid emissions) of only that station used to exceed the prescribed standards, the official said.

Asked about the reasons, Dr Nongbri said vehicular exhaust, re-suspension of traffic dust and construction activities are the major factors contributing to the pollution level at Khyndailad area.

The board's secretary M Nengnong also said the main polluting agents as far as Meghalaya is concerned are only those emitted by vehicles as there are still very less industries in the state.

The only drawback in controlling pollution from vehicles is the absence of pollution testing stations set up for diesel-powered heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses and as such they are running without any pollution check, an official of the state transport department said.

Though the board is running a small testing station at its office here at Lumpyngngad, it is not possible for the board to issue environment green/red certificates to all vehicles plying in the state, Nengnong said.

gUWAHATI, DECEMBER 15 (IANS): BJP's Assam unit leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday dared Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to make public the "intelligence report" that said RSS and BJP workers may try to create an "unsavoury situation" during Congressvice president Rahul Gandhi's visit to a Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery, in Barpeta.

Gogoi and other Congress leaders claimed that there were intelligence reports about the RSS and the BJP's plan to incite a section of the people during Gandhi's visit. "The chief minister must make the intelligence report public. It is a deliberate attempt on the part of Rahul Gandhi to defame the people of Assam," Sarma said at a press conference in Guwahati on

Tuesday.

Gandhi on Monday also claimed that he was stopped by some women from entering the Satra during his visit to Barpeta on Saturday. He, however, visited the Satra after returning from a public rally. "Had there been involvement of the RSS and BJP in opposing his visit, how could he visited the Satra in the evening, where he was accorded a royal treatment," asked Sarma, who was earlier the health minister in the Gogoi cabinet.

On women stopping Gandhi from enetering the Satra, Sarma said Gandhi was about 30 metres from the main gate of the Satra.

"So there is no question of women stopping him from entering." He also dared Gandhi to prove his alle-

CM-Gov verbal duel, Cong dissidence dominated poll-bound Assam in 2015 gUWAHATI, DECEMBER 15 (IANS): A war of words between Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor P.B. Acharya, dissidence and desertions from the ruling Congress, intensified security operations against the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland and the loss of 60 lives in floods dominated 2015 in Assam.

As the year draws to a close, it has set the tone for next year's assembly polls, primarily between the ruling Congress and the BJP. Acharya, the full-time governor of Nagaland holding additional charge in Assam, has been going all guns blazing at the Gogoi government, particularly on issues such as corruption and rhino-poaching, However, his public criticism of the government has not gone down well with the Congress, which accused him of acting as an agent of the BJP and the RSS. Going a step further, Gogoi asked the governor not to cross the line and demanded his ouster.

The face-off first came to the fore early this year when Acharya summoned Forest Minister Atuwa Munda to Raj Bhavan in the wake of the spate in rhino killings at the Kaziranga National Park. The fight peaked within days when the governor warned that anyone, including ministers, indulging in corruption would be jailed.

The Congress saw several ups and downs through the year. A three-time chief minister, Gogoi, who almost single-handedly brought the party to power in 2001, undertook a ministerial reshuffle a first during his 14-year stint in the hot seat. He however continued to face dissidence led by a section of the party leaders, who demanded a change in leadership.

Although senior party leaders rushed to quell the dissidence, yet the rebellion from within and the subsequent infighting cost the party dear. The Congress was routed in the civic polls.

The dissidence also led to for-

'Mizoram tops tobacco consumption in India' AIZAWL, DECEMBER 15 (IANS): The northeastern state of Mizoram leads India in tobacco consumption with 67.2 percent of its population consuming/smoking various tobacco products, an official said here on Tuesday. "A record 67.2 percent of Mizoram's around 11 lakh population uses various types of tobacco products," Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society (MSTCS) nodal officer Jane R. Ralte told reporters here.

"The total percentage of male tobacco users in Mizoram is 73.6 percent against a national average of 32.1 percent," she said quoting a recent official survey. The percentage of female tobacco users is 16.1 percent. The official said about 62 percent non-smokers in Mizoram were exposed to passive smoking.

Ralte said Mizoram also registered the highest percentage of cancer patients in India, with a record 5,888 people currently suffering from the deadly disease. Since 2009, the Mizoram government has been implementing an anti-tobacco programme in the state. No smoking is allowed in public or in open places or in front of nonsmokers. Smoking has been banned in government offices, educational institutions, health centres and crowded places across Mizoram," an official release quoted Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla as saying in a meeting. The CM’s wife Lal Riliani, president of Mizoram chapter of the Indian Society of Tobacco Health, said more than 50 percent cancer cases among the Mizos were caused by tobacco.

mer health and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma crossing over to the BJP. Nine Congress legislators, known for their loyalty to Sarma, followed suit, prompting the Congress to look for like-minded partners in the coming polls from among its rivals like the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Left parties.

The BJP, which stole the show last year by winning seven of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha seats, also suffered due to infighting in its ranks.

But days after its drubbing in the Bihar polls, the BJP brought back its face in Assam Minister for Sports Sarbananda Sonowal - as state chief and also named him its chief ministerial candidate for next year's elections.

Apart from the political moves, stepped up operations by the police and the army against the antitalk faction of NDFB militants saw neutralisation of over 20 cadres of

the outfit and the arrest of more than 300 cadres.

The floods, which came in four waves, affected over two million people and temporarily displaced 1.5 million of the population.

The Sheena Bora murder case also rocked the state. The CBI teams visited Assam several times to quiz Mikhail Bora, the brother of Sheena and son of the main accused Indrani Mukherjea, a local girl and wife of media honcho Peter Mukherjea, both of whom are in custody in Mumbai as the CBI has taken over the probe into Sheena Bora's killing three years ago and its ramifications.

The year, however, ended on a positive note with the extradition of jailed ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia from Bangladesh to India, a long-standing demand of the Ulfa faction involved in the talks process with New Delhi.

The extradition of Chetia is likely to give a new direction to the peace process in Assam.

gation by providing video footage or apologise to the people of Assam.

"Assam Congress leaders are now telling 100 lies to cover up one lie of Rahul Gandhi," Sarma said.

He also alleged that the Congress had "deliberately chosen" Medhirtary as the party wanted to secure its minority vote bank.

3

Mizoram govt gives Rs 10 lakh to widow of slain employee AIZAWL, DECEMBER 15 (PTI): Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister R. Lalzirliana today gave Rs ten lakh to the wife of F. Zatluanga, a driver in the state excise and narcotics department, who was killed by drug traffickers in February, 2014. Zatluanga was killed on February 11, 2014 by drug traffickers in south Mizoram's Lunglei town while performing his official duty. The cheque was given as eex-gratia to the bereaved family.

Tripura donates Rs 1 cr for Tamil Nadu flood relief AgARTALA, DECEMBER 15 (IANS): The Tripura government will contribute Rs one crore to the ongoing effort to provide relief to the flood-affected people of Tamil Nadu. "The state cabinet in a meeting chaired

by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Tuesday decided to donate Rs one crore to aid the people affected by recent floods and rains in Tamil Nadu," Finance Minister Bhanu Lal Saha told reporters.

Passport office to open in Agartala AgARTALA, DECEMBER 15 (IANS): A passport office will open here soon, an external affairs ministry official said on Tuesday. "By this month-end or early January, a mini Passport Seva Kendra would be made operational here," project director A.K. Sobti told reporters. Handwritten passports have become invalid across the world since November 24. Sobti and three other officials arrived here on Monday to oversee the arrangements to set up the passport office in Agartala. Only one passport office in Guwahati and a Passport Seva Kendra in Manipur cater to the entire north-eastern region, comprising eight states.

The Kolkata regional passport office issues passports to Tripura residents and applicants. An official circular said the government had been issuing machine readable passport (MRPs) since 2001. Those issued before 2001, particularly in the mid-90s with a validity of 20 years, fall into the non-MRPs category. Passport Seva Kendras are likely to open in Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim soon.

in tHe court of 1st class maGistrate JaluKie: naGaland

AFFIDAvIT

Regd. No. 531

I, Ngausi Zeliang S/o Lt. Haikum a resident of Gaili Village PO & PS Jalukie, Peren Dist. Nagaland hereby declared that: 1. I am the deponent of this affidavit.

2. That the name Ngausi Zeliang and Ngausi is of same person.

3. I hereby declared that my correct name is Ngausi Zeliang and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

Deponent 1st Class Magistrate

Government of naGaland

directorate of HealtH & family Welfare naGaland: KoHima

Dated Kohima: 15th Dec’ 2015

NO.DHFW-5/TRG/MPH/2013: Applications are invited from in- service Doctors for admission to the 2 (two) year Master of Public Health course conducted by the Department of Epidemiology, Centre for Public Health at National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences(NIMHANS), Bangalore for the session 2016-17. The last date for receipt of application to the Institute is 31st Jan' 2015. For detailed information, login to the website www.nhmnagaland.in (DR. NANDIRA CHANGKIJA) Principal Director H & FW

securities and exchange Board of india Eastern Regional Office l & t chambers, 3- floor,16, camac street Kolkata- 700017

Empanelment of Resource Persons Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) invites applications from eligible persons to be empanelled as Resource Person (RP) to conduct financial education workshops.

Details regarding names of district, selection criteria, application form are available on the website http://investor. sebi.gov.in and NISM website http:// nism.ac.in Deputy General Manager OIAE-ERO

Davp: 15204/11/0114/1516

WEdnEsdAY 16•12•2015

4

WEdnESdAY 16 •12•2015

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

need to slog 360 ‘Number of women billionaires Delhiites hours to buy an iPhone 6 rise seven-fold in twenty years’

Asia has seen the strongest growth of female billionaires in the past 10 years

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 15 (PTI): The number of female billionaires has grown at a faster clip than the male billionaires, multiplying by 6.6x over the last two decades compared to 5.2x for men, with Asian female entrepreneurs standing out as the main driver of this development, says a latest report

by UBS Group AG and PwC latest report - “The changing faces of billionaires.”

Women are taking their place in the elite club of billionaires, both as entrepreneurs in their own right and as leaders of family dynasties. This, the UBS-PwC survey calls the

‘Athena Factor’, after the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage and inspiration.

In the recent past, they’ve emerged not only as business pioneers but also as the drivers of families’ business and philanthropic legacies, it says.

The survey of over 1,300 billionaires analysed data from the last 19 years across the 14 largest billionaire markets, accounting for 75% of global billionaire wealth.

According to the report, Asia has seen the strongest growth of female billionaires in the past 10 years with their numbers growing by a factor of 8.3 from only 3 to 25 today.

This compares to a growth factor of 2.7 (from 21 to 57) in Europe and 1.7 or 37 to 63 in the US. “Female billionaires in

Asia make up almost one fifth of the global female billionaire population and generally are younger than their global counterparts.

By contrast, in Europe and America, females are mostly multi-generational billionaires (93% Europe, 81% US); however, they are also playing much stronger roles than previous generations within their families,” the findings suggest.

“The rise of female and Asian billionaires over the last two decades is creating an entirely new billionaire demographic, and I see no signs of slowing. While there is no such thing as a typical billionaire, virtually all are focused on building a lasting legacy for future generations. Achieving this goal increasingly requires stra-

tegic thought and long- for two-thirds of the total term planning,” said Josef wealth of the lasting bilStadler, Head Global Ultra lionaires today.

High Net Worth, UBS. The Technology sector in particular, the report High dropout rate says, is home to the most The dropout rate from enduring billionaires while this billionaire list in the industrials, real estate past 20 years has also been and health industries are high. The report counted sectors where billionaire 289 billionaires in 1995, wealth is more fleeting. of which only 126 remain “The 126 prevailing today. The rest, accord- billionaires have created ing to the report, dropped $1 trillion of wealth, apout due to death, family proximately 21% of that dilution or business fail- produced by our entire ure. Over the same peri- global billionaire popuod, 1,221 new billionaires lation over the period. By were created bringing the 2014, the average wealth total number to 1347 bil- of the remaining billionlionaires in 2014. aires had grown their avHowever, those who erage wealth to $11 billion prevailed greatly in- from $2.9 billion in 1995, creased their wealth with multiplying their assets consumer and retail, tech- by a factor of 3.8 and outnology and financial ser- performing global GDP vices being the dominant growth of just 2.5,” says the industries, making up UBS - PwC report.

GST draft law to be finalised in a month ‘Cotton crop in over 3 lakh hectares destroyed in Pb’

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 15 (PTI): The draft model law on Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be finalised in a month’s time, a top finance ministry official today said.

“We are also working on draft GST model law. The draft which has been put up by someone in public domain is not the official one. In fact we are still working on it.

“The draft will take one more month and once that is done, we will be putting it in public domain and the similar process of consultation with trade bodies will be done”, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Rashmi Verma said at an event organised by industry body Assocham.

Verma said whatever is in circulation is just the base paper prepared for kicking off the discussion on the draft law and there might be number of changes in it further.

Once the Constitution amendment bill to roll out GST is passed by Parliament, the centre and states will have to adopt their own law to give effect to the new indirect tax regime.

The Special Secretary said that the government is open to dropping proposed one per cent additional tax on inter-state movement of goods, if industry demands.

“If after consultation with various industry and political parties, it is felt that we should drop one per cent additional tax then we are open to it”, Verma said.

“And definitely, I also agree, with one per cent additional tax going(away), GST structure will improve considerably because even if it is going to be there for only 2 years, there will be some amount of cascading effect”, she added.

Verma, however pointed out that the government has already made changes in GST Bill, which is currently in Rajya Sabha, to minimise cascading effects of one per cent additional tax on inter-state movement of goods.

“There are a number of opinions about proposed one per cent additional tax. The select committee, which looked into it, also gave its recommendation, which we have accepted and with that, the cascading effect will be minimised because the one per cent additional tax will now be only on sale, and not on supply of goods.”

“So, fear that every time goods move from one state to other, there will be one per cent additional tax need not be there because that change has already been made in Bill”, she said.

On dispute resolution mechanism, Verma said GST council will not decide on the dispute but will only look at the modalities.

“So what would be an independent mechanism for dispute resolution will be recommended by the GST council. It can be in the form of tribunal, authority or others. The council itself would not be resolving the issues”, she said.

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 15 (PTI): Cotton crop spread over three lakh hectares has been damaged in Punjab due to whitefly infestation, while soyabean, urad and moong crop have suffered loss due to yellow mosaic virus in Madhya Pradesh, government said today.

During the Kharif season this year, whitefly infestation was reported in cotton crop in Punjab and Haryana. The Punjab government has reported damage to cotton crop in 3.32 lakh hectares, especially in eight cotton growing districts of Fazilka, Bhatinda, Mansa, Shri Muktsar Sahib, Sangrur, Barnala, Faridkot and Moga, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said during Question Hour.

He said the Haryana government has ordered a special ‘gridawari’ (record of land cultivation) to assess the losses in cotton due to whitefly attack. The two governments have so far not submitted memorandum of financial assistance under National Disaster Response Fund, Singh said.

The Madhya Pradesh government has submitted a composite memorandum of Rs 4821.64 crore as financial assistance for drought and pest attack, he said. His deputy in the ministry Sanjeev Balyan said the central government monitored the pest situation in the country and sends advisories to the states for effective action.

Experts are also sent for advising the government and the farming community to tackle pests as they can cause serious damage to crops, he added.

_

LEISURE

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 3436

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 15 (PTI): One needs to work over 360 hours to earn enough to buy an iPhone 6 in the national capital, but the same requires just 20 hours of work in Zurich, a new purchasing power study shows.

According to UBS’ Prices and Earnings 2015 report, which compares the purchasing power in 71 cities across the globe, people in Delhi need to work for 360.3 hours to afford an iPhone 6 -- the third highest in the world. Another Indian city Mumbai comes fifth with 349.4 hours.

Globally, the working time required to buy an iPhone 6 of 16GB is the most in Keiv with 627.2 hours, followed by Jakarta/Nairobi, sharing the second place with 468 hours. Cairo is fourth at 353.4 hours.

In contrast, workers in cities such as Zurich and New York City require on average less than three days on the job to be able to afford one.

Similarly, to be able to buy a Big Mac, workers in Hong Kong only have to work on average nine minutes, while in Mumbai one has to work for 40 minutes and in case of Delhi it is 50 minutes. In sharp contrast, workers in Nairobi have to work almost three hours to buy a Big Mac. The report considered staple con-

sumer goods like McDonald’s Big Mac and Apple iPhone, as these products are of the same quality and nature worldwide, making their prices and affordability comparable, UBS said.

According to the Swiss banking major, wage levels indicate earnings worldwide.

Workers in cities with high relative gross salaries (Zurich, Geneva and Luxembourg) receive pay that is on average 19 times more than those in Nairobi, Jakarta and Kiev.

Meanwhile, net wages are a good indication of expendable income: A worker in Zurich will have almost 23 times the amount of money to spend than a similar worker in Kiev. As per the report, if one takes net hourly pay as the benchmark, two Indian cities -- New Delhi and Mumbai -- were among the bottom 10 exhibiting the lowest purchasing power.

However, Indians seem to be partially compensating for low purchasing power through longer working hours. In New Delhi, workers slog for 2,214 hours per year and have only 26 days of holiday annually, while in Mumbai it was 2,277 hours per year and 21 days leave annually. Meanwhile, on average, workers worldwide spend over 40 hours per week at their workplace, and receive over 4.5 weeks of paid vacation.

76 per cent Indians not financially literate, says Standard & Poor survey NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 15 (TNN): About 76% of Indian adults do not adequately understand key financial concepts, including risk diversification, inflation and compound interest, a survey showed on Tuesday.

This is lower than the worldwide average of financial literacy, but roughly in line with other BRICS and South Asian nations, according to the Standard & Poor’s Ratings services global financial literacy survey.

Only 14% of Indian adults correctly answered the question on risk diversification.

Conversely, 56% answered the inflation - question correctly.

About 39% of adults who have a formal loan are financially literate, while more than a quarter (27%) of formal borrowers were found to be not financially literate. Only about half of the participants (51%) understood compound interest.

In India, 26% of adults in the richest 60% of households are financially literate, compared to 20% of adults in the poorest 40% of households. Worldwide, 36% of adults in relatively richer households and 27% of adults

in relatively poorer households are financially literate.

The survey said that India’s income gap deepens when broken down by topic. Poor adults are 21 percentage points less likely than richer adults to correctly answer the compound interest topic correctly.

With regard to interest, the gap is 11 percentage points.

38% of adults with tertiary education are financially literate; compared to 30% of adults with secondary education, and 18% of adults with primary education.

The survey results come from interviews of more than 150,000 adults across over 140 countries. Individuals were tested on their knowledge of four basic financial concepts: numeracy, risk diversification, inflation, compound interest (saving and debt).

According to the survey, three-quarters of Asian adults and two-thirds of adults worldwide are not financially literate.

In comparison, 57% of adults in US and 67% in UK are financially literate.

In Asia, Singapore is home to the highest percentage of fi-

DAILY CROSS WORD

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nancially literate adults (59%), followed by Hong Kong and Japan (both at 43%). And less than a third of adults in China (28%) are financially literate.

The survey also showed a material gap between men and women in almost every country.

Worldwide, there is a five-point gender gap, with 65% of men not being financially literate compared with 70% of women.

In India, the gap was wider with 73% of men and 80% of women not being financially literate.

The survey also uncovered information about consumers’ familiarity with the financial products they utilize. While the array of financial products available in Asia continues to grow rapidly, the survey suggests that most consumers lack a general understanding of credit, compound interest and other key concepts.

Research increasingly shows that saving money is better for development than credit. Yet just 14% of adults in India save at a formal financial institution - and their weak financial skills raise questions as to whether they’re getting the most out of their money, it said.

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wednesdAY 16•12•2015

Ritika's killing condemned

Special Olympics Nagaland (SON) celebrated advance Christmas together with persons with special needs on December 15 at the DABA Town Fellowship. The celebration, which was sponsored by DABA, had Alongla Aier of Oriental Theological Seminary, as the speaker.

Chakhesang Students’ Union Goyiepra Scholarship pheK, December 15 (mexN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union Goyiepra Scholarship (CGS) Committee has opened applications for 2016 academic session. All eligible candidates have been requested to submit their applications through their respective village units. The last date of submission for applications is January 5, 2016.

A press release from CSU President Seve R. Vadeo, who is the Ex-Officio Member, CGS Committee and Chikhotso Nienu, CoConvenor, CGS Committee informed that the scholarship may be availed by any genuine member of the

Chakhesang community.

The candidates have to secure a minimum of 80 % aggregate in grade V, VI and VII and must prove their genuineness of the need for financial assistance.

Documents required during submission of applications: Copy of Progress report/ CR book of class V, VI and VII; A letter of recommendation from their respective Village/Town Students’ Union / VEC; A letter of recommendation from the Head of Institute of the last school attended; One Passport photograph; Income certificate from VCC; Photo copy of indig-

enous certificate.

According to the release, the CGS project aims to identify/ select hard working students from financially backward families with scholastic potential and assist them in acquiring books, uniforms and paying of tuition fees in well reputed educational institutions in Nagaland. The scholarship will be targeted for classes 8 through 10.

The committee also clarified that the CGS project is funded entirely from within the community and is not affiliated to any government scholarship schemes or programmes.

Dimapur, December 15 (mexN): NPF Minority Wing has expressed shock at the killing of Ritika Mehta, owner of Apna Hotel, on December 14 by unidentified gunmen in Dimapur.

“This kind of inhuman attack and killing of women in present civilization is highly condemnable,” stated a press release issued by NPF Minority Wing President, Bishnu Bhattacharjee. It recognized that Mehta was an eminent social worker and was associated with many organizations for years until her tragic death.

The Minority Wing further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

Nagaland Hotel & Restaurant Association (NHRA) has also condemned the killing of its

Secretary Ritika Mehta. In a press statement, NHRA urged the authority concerned to investigate the case at the earliest and punish the culprits according to the law. Stating that such act of atrocities should be condemned by all, NHRA offered condolences to the bereaved family members.

Expressing shock and sadness at the brutal killing of businesswoman Ritika Mehta, East Dimapur Business Association (EDBA) stated that the victim was a woman of stature in Dimapur and among business community in particular. A note issued by EDBA President, Solomon L Awomi condemned the killing and urged the law enforcing agency to book the criminals at the earliest and award befitting punishment as per the law of the land without any hesi-

tation. As mark of solidarity and condemning the killing, the EDBA had shut down all the shops within its jurisdiction on December 15 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, it was informed.

The Dimapur Bangali Samaj (DBS) has also expressed pain at the incident and stated violence can never solve any problem. “It is time for Christmas, it is time for celebrations. Are we following the path shown by God?” questioned DBS President, KK Paul. “Such incidents deeply vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the place and create fear psychosis.”

While paying homage to the slain person, the President also requested everyone to do everything possible to keep Nagaland and more so Dimapur as an island of peace and brotherhood.

Nakhro, Joint Director, who were also present at the programme, asked the people of the coal bearing villages to stick to the mining rules and policies of the Government of Nagaland and also urged them to take all necessary precautionary measures to reduce maximum environmental hazards.

Chaired by Abenthung Shiteri, the workshop started with an invocation prayer by Enithung Jami, Pastor, Menshangpen Baptist Church.

Welcome address was said

by Zanbenthung Jami, Chairman, Menshangpen Village Council and keynote address presented by Jess T Murry, Chairman, GreenSONS.

Year of Mercy’ began in the Diocese of Kohima on December 13 with the solemn opening of the door of St. Paul’s Church, Wokha by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, and in Mary Help of Christians Cathedral by Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes, the delegate of the bishop.

During the homily, Fr. Richard called upon the faithful to have a change of thinking, change of attitude and change of behavior as St. John the Baptist had told the people of his time who had gone to him for baptism at the river Jordan.

He also invited the congregation to pray and obtain mercy from the Lord dur-

pecially to those who are in need of mercy.

A press release from Fr. Sojan Xavier mentioned that Pope Francis in the publication of Misericordiae Vultus, Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, declared the Year of Mercy. The Holy Year of Mercy began with the opening of the ‘Holy Door’ of the St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican by Pope Francis on December 8.

The Holy Year of Mercy will conclude on November 20, 2016, on the day of Solemnity of Christ the King. It is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council in 1965.

is proclaimed by the Pope to invite people to repentance and conversion. As a sign of their conversion and coming to Christ, they are invited to visit a Cathedral, church or a shrine designated for that purpose in the diocese. Every such church sets apart one of its doors as a ‘Holy Door’ and it is opened solemnly at the beginning of the Jubilee year and closed at the end of the Jubilee year. The faithful walk through the door into the church as a sign of their repentance.

This walking through has to be accompanied by an inner disposition to conversion and change of life. Walking through the

a gesture of leaving the past behind and crossing the threshold from sin to grace, from slavery to freedom, and from darkness to light.

The following churches have been officially declared as centres of pilgrimage in the Diocese of Kohima during this Year of Mercy: Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Kohima; St. Paul’s Church, Wokha, St. Xavier’s Church, Jalukie; St. Peter’s Church, Kiphire; and Holy Cross Church, Dimapur. The faithful have been invited to visit any of these churches and walk through the Holy Door to experience the mercy of God.

National Lok Adalat held in Mokokchung moKoKchuNg, December 15 (mexN): Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) held the annual Lok Adalat (People’s Court) at the District Court here on December 12, where several cases were heard and settled by the MDLSA members.

Six cases related to bank loan recovery and one on Motor Accident Claim (MAC) were brought before the MDLSA members.

The lawyers of MDLSA – the retainers and panel – facilitated the different cases, Visitors browsing the photography exhibition cum sales stall at the MDACC Pavilion organized by the Mokokchung Photography Club on Day 3 of the Mokokchung heard them and brought a Town 125 Years Anniversary celebrations at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokok- settlement between the opposing parties. chung on December 14.

After threadbare negotiations, the MDLSA convinced the contending parties to come to a settlement where the defendants agreed to pay a price of more than 10 lakhs to the plaintiffs, a press release from Panel Lawyer, MDLSA, Limanungsang Jamir stated.

The MDLSA which comprises seven advocates is presently headed

by District & Session Judge, N Syuie as the chairman and Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chinemchiba as the secretary.

According to the release, MDLSA, which is one of the most active le-

gal services in Nagaland, has been actively disposing different cases in Mokokchung district. In 2015, the MDLSA conducted twelve seminars on legal awareness and services.

The Authority also conducted three Lok Adalats.

The MDLSA has also been observing different occasions like Senior Citizens’ Day, World AIDS Day, International Day for Persons with Disability, National Legal Services Day etc., it added.

The MDLSA will also hold Lok Adalat next year in consonance with the directives of Nagaland Legal Services Authority.

St Paul’s Church celebrates Golden Jubilee My Space - My Unmanifesto follow up campaign WoKha, December 15 (mexN): St. Paul’s Church, Wokha, celebrated its golden jubilee on Sunday, December 13 with Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as the main celebrant and Nagaland Home Minister, Y. Patton, as Chief Guest.

The celebrations also coincided with the priestly ordination of Deacon John Nchumbemo Kikon. Fr. John is the first priest from Nagaland for the Congregation of Salesian of Don Bosco, Dimapur province, a press release received here informed.

The Bishop in his homily said that it is auspicious day for all to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of St. Paul’s Catholic Church – the second Parish in the diocese of Kohima. “Today we express our gratitude to God who inspired and guided every step of the pioneers who ventured out to preach, and

John Nchumbemo Kikon with family during his ordination.

to live not so well known and welcome faith at that time,” the Bishop stated.

Further stating that jubilee is an invitation to live the present with passion and a time to embrace the future with hope, he challenged the members of the church to live the Gospel to the full.

Fr. Nestor Guria, the provincial, quoting the famous English hymn, “Faith of our Fathers,” exhorted the congregation to be proud of their faith and to strive to win all nations through the truth that comes from God.

Prior to the ordination ceremony and Jubilee mass, the Bishop in union with the whole Church opened the holy door of St. Paul’s Church, Wokha inaugurating the extraordinary jubilee year of mercy, as proclaimed

by Pope Francis. This was followed by the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee monolith by the Home minister.

The jubilee celebration cum ordination was preceded by a full day’s program during which a talk was given by Elias Lotha, Transport Commissioner, Nagaland.

NSCN (IM) detains vehicle Dimapur, December 15 (mexN): The NSCN (IM) Ministry of Kilo Affairs, Rengma Area in Assam has detained a Bolero pick-up truck (white Colour) 4X4. According to a press release from MIP, NSCN (IM), the truck was detained on suspicion of carrying alcohol; however, when asked to stop the vehicle, two persons, including the driver, left the vehicle and ran away. The release said any right person may claim the vehicle with appropriate documents within 7 days from the date of this publication. The details of the vehicle are: Registration no. - AS-01/3886, Engine No - GHE1A14697, Chassis No - MA1ZC4GHKE1A18482, Model - 2014. One may contact this number for the same - 8132862304.

Tohanba appeals Kohima, December 15 (mexN): Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Economics & Statistics R. Tohanba has opined that the Framework Agreement signed on August 3 this year between NSCN (IM) and Government of India should be understood and supported by all sections of Naga people to pave the way for final solution acceptable to Nagas. He was speaking at the 75th anniversary of Leangkongrü village under Shamator sub-division on December 11. Further, he made a fervent appeal to the people of Shamator- Chessore area to maintain peace and at the same time appealed to Yimchunger community to support the peace process.

ENPO condemns

TueNsaNg, December 15 (mexN): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has condemned the incident where IED explosives were planted inside the YAA (Yimchungru Studew ts’ Conference) golden jubilee building on December 11 in Shamator Town. In a press statement, ENPO President, S. Khoiwang Konyak and General Secretary, Manlang Phom called it an act of creating disturbances to the peaceful atmosphere and a direct violation of December 18, 2007 ENPO Tuensang resolution.

“This resolution is a commitment and an adherence to the resolved stand of maintaining ENPO jurisdiction as a conflict free zone and a peaceful area,” it added. The resolution Considering the traffic congestions during festive seasons in Dimapur, office of the also is aimed at maintaining peaceful atmosphere in colDNSU in collaboration with the traffic police is initiating a traffic campaign for one laboration and support to the State machinery and adminweek to assist the public. The office has appealed to the general public to cooperate istration at all levels. Hence, the ENPO urged the district with the volunteers during the campaign. administrations and State authority to immediately book the culprits and restore a feeling of calmness and security amongst the public without delay.

Workshop on mining Year of Mercy begins in Kohima Diocese Meanwhile, the release door is symbolic. Pilgrims December ing this Year of Mercy and rules and policies held Kohima, 15 (mexN): The ‘Holy extend mercy to others, es- recalled that Jubilee year walk through the door as

Dimapur, December 15 (mexN): Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green-SONS) organized one day workshop on "Effective implementation of the Nagaland mining rules and policies" on December 11 at Menshangpen village under Wokha district sponsored by Geology and Mining, Government of Nagaland.

The workshop topic was presented by T Semy, Mining Engineer, Wokha district in-charge, who made thorough presentation of the government mining rules and policies and the roles of the village councils.

The SDO (Civil) of Sanis, Nchumbemo Ezung and R.

MEx FILE

Dimapur, December 15 (mexN): CAN Youth organized My Space - My unManifesto follow up campaign with its volunteers at its office on December 14. The campaign also coincided with its advance Christmas celebrations.

My Space - My unManifesto is an initiative

by ComMutiny - The Youth Collective, Delhi; Pravah, Delhi; UNFPA; and We are Young Foundation Guwahati. My unManifesto aims to provide a space through which young people will engage in self exploration by collective social action.

“Efforts on youth political participation have centered mainly on motivating youth to vote, but we feel that we should be celebrating politics by participating in it every day of our lives rather than only on Election Day. There is a need to look beyond vot-

Zunheboto to bid farewell to DC ZuNheboTo, December 15 (Dipr): A farewell programme in honour of retiring Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Temsu Longkumer has been scheduled for December 21, 11:00 am at Town Hall. ADC Zunheboto, Nungsangmenla Imchen will speak on behalf of HQ Administrative Officers, ADC Atoizu, Hito Sema will speak on behalf of Outpost Administrative Officers and CMO, Dr. Hokishe will speak on behalf of DPDB members. Representatives from Sumi Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, ZTGBA, District Sports Association and IRCS will also speak during the farewell function. The program will be chaired by SDO (Sadar), Warren Holohon.

Thetsümi 75th gospel anniversary Kohima, December 15 (mexN): The Organizing Committee has invited all the Thetsümi people, all brother/ sister in-laws and well wishers to the 75th gospel anniversary-cum-new church building dedication of Thetsümi Baptist Church to be held from December 29 to 30 at Thetsümi under the theme “God is our Strength.”

One vehicle recovered Dimapur, December 15 (mexN): NSCN-IM’s Operation Acceleration Dimapur Town recovered one Maruti 800 bearing Chassis No. SB308-IN1693244 and Engine No. F8BIN 2359333, F8B796CC on December 12. A press release in this regard has asked the rightful owner to claim the same by producing original and valid documents within 15 days from the date of the publication. For further information, contact 9862823450.

NPF Central Office closed from Dec 17 to Jan 12 Kohima, December 15 (mexN): The office of the NPF Central Office HQs, Kohima will remain closed from December 17 to January 12 on account of Christmas and New Year as per the approval of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, President, NPF Central. This was informed in a press release issued by NPF Central General Secretary, Kruzakie Kelio.

National Lok Adalat held across districts Kohima, December 15 (mexN): National Lok Adalat or Peoples’ Court was conducted in all the districts of Nagaland on December 12. A press release from Nodal Officer, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, Kohima informed that altogether 698 cases were disposed with a settlement amount of Rs. 1,10,28,557.45. Presiding judges and two conciliators sat in each district, while panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers assisted the litigants. In some districts, legal awareness on Lok Adalat along with Lok Adalat sittings was also held.

2 arrested under NLTP Dimapur, December 15 (mexN): Excise Mobile Squad Dimapur stationed at Chumukedima Excise Check gate on December 13 and 14 seized 171 bottles of rum and 72 bottles of beer and arrested Marina Mao and Khehovi Sumi in connection with the cases. The accused persons were booked under relevant section of NLTP Act and the articles have been deposited in the Excise Mobile Squad Malkhana, a press release from the office of the Commissioner of Excise, Dimapur informed.

Graduate Teachers’ emergency meeting CAN Youth team after the follow up campaign and advance Christmas at its office in Dimapur.

ing and claim a space that not only rightfully belongs to us, but also governed in our name,” a press release from CAN stated.

My Space - My unManifesto Campaign also took place in the year 2014 in Nagaland before Lok Sabha election, which was organized by CAN Youth, erstwhile Youngs’ Club and supported by YouthNet, Naga Blog and Peace Channel with many sharing their manifestos through social networking sites.

The follow up campaign was oriented by Samuel Walling, Secretary, CAN Youth and Levi V Sumi, Core Team, CAN Youth. The volunteers took the campaign forward on their own level at villages, colonies, among friends, colleagues and institutions.

The advance Christmas was marked by each member sharing “What Christmas means to us.”

Gift exchange and Christmas feast were the other highlights.

Kohima, December 15 (mexN): An emergency meeting of all Graduate Teachers whose seniority had been counted from the date of appointment in the 2015 Graduate Teachers Seniority list has been convened on December 18, 10:00 am at CANSSEA Office, Kohima to discuss an urgent legal matter pertaining to GTs Seniority. Even though it will be an inconvenient time for the members, it is compulsory for all GTs concerned to attend the meeting and sign in the legal papers personally, a press release from Member Secretary Temjenyapang and Convenor Kekuolhouthie stated. For further information, if any, contact 9436215297/ 9436650749.

CRPO general meeting WoKha, December 15 (mexN): The Chukitong Range Public Organisation (CRPO)’s general meeting cum election of new team for the tenure 2016-18 has been scheduled for December 19, 11:00 am at GHSS Chapel Hall, Chukitong. Therefore, General Secretary, CRPO, E. Bichamo Shitiri has requested every member, advisor, GB and VCC to attend the meeting positively.

WednesdAY 16•12•2015

IN FOCUS

6

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express X Issue 342X Issue 185 Thursday 9vOlume July 2015 vOlume By dr. asangba Tzüdir

DNA Mapping and the Search for Naga Ancestral Journey

T

he genographic project since its launch in 13 April 2005 by the National Geographic Society and IBM as a Genetic Anthropology Study has worked with ‘indigenous’ communities to help map the fundamental question about where humans originated and how we came to populate the earth and also the historical human migration patterns by collecting and analyzing DNA samples from over 140 countries where 742,652 people participated in the Genographic project.

In the follow up, questions of the Genographic Project as exploitative and unethical has been raised, wherein ‘indigenous’ people are being used as tools of scientific curiosity in speculating theories of human history. And in the face of becoming objects of history rather than being in control of one’s history, it certainly raises suspicion and apprehensions and the target objects being the so called indigenous people adds more suspicion.

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in May 2006 having conducted investigations into the very objectives of the project was critical of not having proper consultation and the ‘risks’ involves to its subjects and thereby demanded immediate suspension. The larger concern being, that such research projects could possibly clash with the long held traditions and beliefs which might threaten their culture.

Coming to the Naga life world tracing back to a time since time immemorial, a serious reflection and rethinking beyond passion and imagination is called for. Are we ready to explore beyond our romanticised assumption of being from since time immemorial and rethink our point of reference within a proper space and time through an ancestral geneaology?

Have we not come of age to trace the waves and patterns of migration in our ancestral journey? Or stay embedded and frozen in myths, stones and legends? Of the 742,652 people that participated in the project, only one Naga has ‘dared’ to go all the way beyond time immemorial to map the ancestral journey and the results of his DNA as 61% Eastern Asian, 37% South East Asia and Oceania and 1.4% Neanderthal.

The challenge that confronts us is whether we are willing to come out of the comfortably nestled comfort zone of a people from ‘since time immemorial.” In the evolution of a Naga life world, in context, going beyond ‘time immemorial’ might help reframe oral tradition in a more specific time frame and a proper point of reference. A humble submission is that, like the earlier joint Research Program initiated by the Department of Arts and Culture, Govt. of Nagaland and the Anthropological Society of Nagaland (ASN) on Archaeology of Naga Ancestral Sites, the department can once again initiate a DNA study to map the Nagas in proper ancestral time frame as well as to study the waves of migration. A parameter can be drawn so that few Nagas from each tribe can go for the test. It might reveal something interesting in tracing the roots of our ancestral journey.

Besides, it will also serve as a sequel to the earlier archaeological investigation of the Naga ancestral sites. Most importantly, it might help determine how much Nagas are connected. This will in no way negate or even contradict the oral tradition of the Nagas but will definitely throw up questions that might provide newer perspectives, meanings and understanding that makes each of us a Naga and even towards changing our ‘point of reference’ from being since time immemorial. There is no harm in knowing and locating ourselves meaningfully rather than comfortably nestling in a romantic time frame. For now only a Naga DNA stands tested in the journey of a “shared humanity.”

(Dr. Asangba Tzüdir is an Editor with heritage publishing house.

He writes a weekly guest editorial for the Morung Express. Views and comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)

lEfT WING |

Arvind Padmanabhan IANS

Why India needs a presidential system

W

as "familiarity" the only Why India Needs the Presidential System; reason why India Author: Bhanu Dhamija; Publisher: Harper adopted a parliaCollins; Pages: 384; Price: Rs.550 mentary system of governance? In his book "Why India Needs the Presidential System", author Bhanu Dhamija, himself a publisher, seeks to answer this question, while extending some radical thoughts on how we should be governed. "The Indian system began to break down almost immediately after Independence, because the powers of its two topmost officials were poorly defined," says Dhamija, 56, a non-resident Himachali, while calling for a federal set upnstead, given India's diversity, size and communal divisions. "The truth is the Indians adopted the British parliamentary system for poor and unsubstantiated reasons.

Vallabbhai Patel, the first leader to attempt a justification of this system in India's Constituent Assembly, could come up with only one reason: Familiarity."

Dhamija, who is an alumunus of Punjab University in Chandigarh and the Stern School of Business, New York University, and has lived half his life in the US, says that the centralised, unitary control that the parliamentary system offers does not work for India. According to him, the architect of the Constitution of India Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar alluded to two main benefits of the parliamentary system in the Constituent Assembly -- one that it had the potential for a "more responsible" governments and the other of a "strong centre".

He seeks to suggest how the benefits were not just unrealistic, but also impracticable. He also goes on to state that Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister, almost single-handedly picked this system of government, but never really bothered to explain his choice in the assembly. "One of the astonishing stories about the making of the Indian Constitution is in a joint meeting of Nehru's Union Constitution Committee and Patel's Provincial Constitution Committee on 11 June 1947, Nehru was asked by a resolution to reconsider his decision."

While Ambedkar, he says, was the chief defender of the parliamentary system, he came on the scene only after the decision to adopt this system hasd already been taken. Prior to his appointment as chairman of the Drafting Committee, he had always opposed this system. "Ambedkar would become the first framer to disown this system. During a debate in the Rajya Sabha in 1953 he said: 'My friends tell me I have made the Constitution. But I am quite prepared to say that I shall be the first person to burn it out. I do not want it. It does not suit anybody.'"

Even Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister and deputy prime minister of India, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of Pakistan, also recommended a different system of governance, even as Mahatma Gandhi favoured a system based on village panchayats. "How the concentration of power in a Central government created a 'strong' government? What made a national government 'strong' in a large diverse nation, a union based on willing participation of units, or one based on force?" he queries.

"As India's constitution was being adopted, it was quite evident that it had failed to inspire."

Book Review

C O M M E N T A R Y

Brian Palmer Commondreams

Step ASide, Gentlemen

A

COP21: Cheering and Fearing

two-step solution to climate change: Fire all the men. Replace them with women.

If you think this proposal is hyperbolic, just look at the data. Women invest more in health, security, and our children’s future than men Gwynne dyer do. When American women got the vote in 1920—a he climate deal that almost 200 countries time when the vast majority of babies were born at agreed to in Paris on Saturday was far better home—local governments increased public health than most insiders dared to hope even one spending by 45 percent within one year. Some of those funds paid for nurses to go door-to-door and month ago.

The biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, China for the first time record every birth, and also help mothers care for their children. The program saved and the United States, are finally on board. There is 20,000 children from premature death each year, re- real money on the table to help poor countries cut their emissions and cope with warming. They have ducing child mortality by as much as 15 percent.

When you take the next step, putting women in even adopted a target of holding the warming to only government, they tend to prioritize education, health, +1.5 degrees C, instead of the limit of +2 degrees that and family programs. Beginning in 1993, India man- was the goal when the conference opened.

So the thousands of delegates who spent two dated that women hold one-third of all seats on local government councils. Soon after, female citizens be- weeks dickering over the details of the deal in a came more likely to speak up in village meetings and drafty exhibition hall north of Paris felt fully justibe taken seriously, and the councils began to increase fied in cheering and congratulating one another on investments in clean drinking water and other public a job well done. Given all that, it’s a pity that the deal goods. Many other studies have found similar results: won’t actually stop the warming.

The plus-two limit was always too high. It began Female politicians expand programs and funding for as a scientific estimate of when natural feedbacks, education, health, and infrastructure.

Now look at the polling data. In the United triggered by the warming that human beings had States—embarrassingly, a hotbed of climate change caused, take over and started driving the temperadenial—male deniers outnumber females two to ture much, much higher. It was actually quite a fuzzy one. An American woman is 50 percent more likely number: at somewhere between +1.75 C and +2.25 to completely accept climate change science than is C, the feedbacks will kick in and it will be Game Over.

So +2.0 C, for political purposes, became the the average man.

A group of about 20 female leaders gathered this limit. Beyond that, governments told us, we would week on the sidelines of the Paris climate conference have “dangerous warming”. Nonsense. We are havto discuss the marginalization of women, the silenc- ing dangerous warming now – bigger storms, worse ing of indigenous mothers and sisters, and possible floods, longer droughts – and we are only at +1.0 C. At plus-two or thereabouts, what we get is casolutions to these problems. They came from Sweden and the Maldives, from the United States and tastrophe: runaway warming that can no longer be Ireland, from Canada and Congo. They were women halted just by stopping human emissions of carbon dioxide. Nature will take over, and we will be from around the world.

Osprey Orielle Lake, founder of the U.S.-based trapped on a one-way escalator that is taking us up Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network, opened by to +3, +4, +5, even +6 degrees. Hundreds of millions recounting a conversation she’d had with an indige- or even billions of people would die as large parts of nous Sarayaku mother from the Ecuadorian Amazon. the planet ceased to be habitable by human beings.

If you don’t want to risk unleashing that, then “We carry our babies on our backs at night through the jungle,” the woman told her. “We can do anything.” you don’t want to go anywhere near +2, so the ofLake pointed out that 80 percent of the people dis- ficial adoption by the world’s governments of +1.5 placed by climate change are women. When forced degrees as the never-exceed limit is a major step into refugee camps, they are vulnerable to sexual forward. But note that they have only pledged “to abuse and trafficking. From Thailand to Honduras, pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to women who have stood up for the environment have 1.5C,” not to succeed. The hard-and-fast promise is still not to go past +2 – and there is not even any been targeted for mistreatment, and worse.

But women are also responsible for much of guarantee that that will be achieved.

In order to avoid a debacle like the one at the last global food production and control a large proportion of families’ purchasing power. In these ways climate summit in Copenhagen six years ago, noand others, Lake insisted, women hold the power to body even tried to put enforceable limits on national carbon dioxide emissions this time. Each country change the world.

We pulled aside two of the speakers, who are leading similar fights on separate sides of the globe, ed. Her neighbors who herd reindeer may soon lose to hear their stories. their livelihoods as melting permafrost, tundra fires, mining activity, and other environmental disrupJosefina Skerk, Sweden tions threaten traditional practices.

Josefina Skerk has been a political activist for the Sami “The bond we have with nature is that of a fampeople of northern Sweden since the age of 19. Now 28, ily member,” she continued. “Right now our family Skerk is the vice president of the Sami Parliament, where member, our Mother Nature, is screaming.” she fights to protect a way of life that relies heavily on the seasonal ice that allows her people and the animals they Patricia Gualinga, Amazon hunt to move across the landscape. Her family has fished Patricia Gualinga is a fierce defender of the and hunted sustainably for generations, but that tradi- world’s largest tropical rainforest. From the Sarayaku tion is now at risk of disappearing. territory of Ecuador, Gualinga is a leader in the fight “A two degree increase will mean eight degrees in our to stop oil and mineral extraction in one of the last part of the Arctic,” she said. “We are losing our winter.” great wildernesses on the planet. In 2012, she helped Climate change has altered the number and type win a landmark case in the Inter-American Court of of animals available to sustain the Sami, Skerk add- Human Rights, which convicted the Ecuadorian gov-

T

was just invited to submit the emission cuts that it is willing to make. The sum of all those promised cuts (if the promises are kept) is what we will get by way of global emission cuts in the next five years.

United Nations experts did the math, and concluded that these emission cuts fall far short of what is needed. If this is all that is done, then we are headed for at least +2.7 degrees C – or rather, for a lot more, because of the feedbacks.

None of the negotiations at the Paris conference changed those numbers, or even tried to. So are we doomed to runaway warming? Not necessarily.

Most of the negotiators know that the cuts which are politically impossible now may become quite possible in five or ten years if the cost of renewable energy goes on dropping, if techniques like carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) become economically viable – and if people are sufficiently frightened by a climate that is getting wilder and less predictable by the year.

So there is a review process built into the treaty. Every five years, starting in 2018, there will be a “stock-taking” exercise in which everybody’s progress in cutting their emissions will be reviewed, and everybody will be encouraged to increase their commitments and speed up their cuts.

Whether they will actually do that depends on political, economic and technological factors that cannot yet be calculated, but fear is a great incentive, and there is no government on the planet that is not frightened by the prospect of major climate change. In fact, most of them would have gone a lot further in Paris if they were not nervous about getting too far ahead of public opinion at home.

Public opinion will eventually change, because there is going to be a very large amount of damage and suffering in the world as we move past +1.0 and head up towards +1.5. Will it change fast enough to allow governments to act decisively and in time? Nobody knows.

Will new green technologies simply sweep the field, making fossil fuels uneconomic and government intervention unnecessary? Nobody knows that either, although many people pin their hopes on it.

We are not out of the woods yet, but we are probably heading in the right direction – and it would be right at this point to put in a good word for that much maligned organisation, the United Nations.

It is the only arena in which global negotiations like this can be conducted, and its skills, traditions and people were indispensable in leading them to a more or less successful conclusion. ernment of violating her people’s rights by opening their land to oil exploration.

“We know how to read the plants, we know how to read the earth, we know how to read the environment,” she said. “We’re connected to the earth, the plants, the spiders.”

Gualinga, who is the international relations director for the Kichwa people, arrived in Paris with the Kawsak Sacha (“Living Forest”) proposal, which promotes an economic system that functions more like an ecological web, balancing the needs of all living things.

“We are all united,” she told the crowd. “This isn’t a struggle of indigenous peoples. It’s not only those who are on the front lines. It’s all of us.

We have to respect all life. We have to respect our future generations.”

2016: The Forthcoming Adjustment Shock Isabel Ortiz

A

Inter Press Service

nalysis of the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) expenditure projections for 187 countries between 2005 and 2020 reveals that there have been two distinct phases of government spending patterns since the onset of the global economic crisis.

During the first phase (2008-09) many countries introduced fiscal stimulus and expanded public spending as a countercyclical measure to cushion the impacts of the global crisis on their populations. Overall, 137 countries (or 73 per cent of the world) ramped up expenditure, with the average annual expansion amounting to 3.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). About 50 high and middle-income countries announced fiscal stimulus packages totalling US$2.4 trillion, of which approximately a quarter was invested in social protection measures.

The second period of crisis (2010 onwards) is marked by fiscal adjustment. In 2010, premature budget cuts became widespread, despite the ongoing and urgent need of vulnerable populations for public support.

This phase is characterized by two major contractionary shocks, the first occurring in 2010-11 and the second expected to hit in 2016 and continue at least until 2020.

According to IMF projections, 2016 marks the beginning of a second, major period of expenditure contraction globally. Overall, budget reductions are expected to impact 132 countries in 2016 in terms of GDP and hover around this level until 2020. Developing world will be the most severely affected. Overall, 81 developing countries, on average, are projected to cut public spending during the forthcoming shock versus 45 high-income countries. Expenditure contraction is expected to impact more than two-thirds of all countries annu-

ally, affecting more than six billion persons or nearly 80 per cent of the global population by 2020.

A review of recent IMF reports indicates that governments are weighing various adjustment measures, as summarized below.

Eliminating or reducing subsidies: Overall, 132 governments in 97 developing and 35 high-income countries are reducing subsidies, predominately on fuel, but also on electricity, food and agriculture. The Middle East, North- and Sub-Saharan Africa are the regions being hardest hit.

Wage bill cuts/caps: as recurrent expenditures like salaries of teachers, health workers and local civil servants tend to be the largest component of national budgets, an estimated 130 governments in 96 developing and 34 high-income countries are considering to contain the wage bill, often as a part of civil service reforms.

Rationalizing and further targeting social safety nets: overall, 107 governments in 68 developing and 39 high-income countries are considering rationalizing their spending on welfare, often by revising eligibility criteria and targeting to the poorest, reducing social protection coverage. IMF country reports generally associate targeting with poverty reduction, as a way to reconcile poverty reduction with austerity; however, targeting risks excluding large segments of vulnerable and low income households. Rather than targeting and scaling-down to achieve cost savings over the short term, there is a strong case for scaling up social protection for all.

Reforming old-age pensions: approximately 105 governments in 60 developing and 45 high-income countries are discussing changes to their pension systems, such as through raising contri-

bution rates, increasing eligibility periods, prolonging the retirement age, lowering benefits, sometimes structural reforms of contributory social security pensions. As a result, future pensioners are expected to receive lower benefits.

Labour market flexibilization is being discussed by 89 governments in 49 developing and 40 high-income countries. Reforms include revising the minimum wage, limiting salary adjustments to cost of living benchmarks, decentralizing collective bargaining, and easing firing and compensation arrangements at the enterprise level.

Labour market reforms are supposedly aimed at increasing competitiveness and supporting businesses during recessions. However, available evidence suggests that labour market flexibilization will not generate decent jobs.

On the contrary, in a context of economic contraction, this approach is likely to generate labour market “precarization,” depress domestic incomes/demand and ultimately hinder recovery efforts.

Reforming health systems: 56 governments in 34 developing and 22 highincome countries are discussing reforms to their healthcare systems, generally through increasing fees and co-payments as well as by introducing cost-saving measures in public health centres.

Increasing consumption taxes on goods and services. Some 138 governments in 93 developing and 45 highincome countries are considering options to boost revenue by raising VAT or sales tax rates or removing exemptions. However, increasing the cost of basic goods and services can erode the already limited incomes of vulnerable households and stifle economic activity. Alternatively, progressive tax approaches should be considered, such

WRITE-WING

as taxes on income, inheritance, property and corporations, including the financial sector.

Privatization of public assets and services: according to IMF reports, this revenue generation approach is being pondered by 55 governments in 40 developing and 15 high-income countries. Sales proceeds produce shortterm gains, but also long-term losses given the lack of future revenues; additionally, privatization risks include layoffs, tariff increases, unaffordable and low quality goods and public services.

Projections using the UN Global Policy Model indicate that the spending cuts will negatively affect GDP and employment in all regions. Global GDP is estimated to be 5.5 per cent lower by 2020 resulting in the loss of millions of jobs.

In difficult times, it is imperative that countries aggressively explore all possible alternatives to promote national socioeconomic development with jobs and social protection. There are many options, available in virtually all countries: Re-allocating public expenditures; increasing tax revenues; expanding social security coverage and contributory revenues; lobbying for aid and transfers; eliminating illicit financial flows; using fiscal and foreign exchange reserves; borrowing or restructuring existing debt; adopting a more accommodative macroeconomic framework.

The projected fiscal contraction trajectory is questionable in terms of timing, scope and magnitude. Policymakers should be encouraged to recognize the high human and developmental costs of poorly-designed adjustment strategies and to consider alternative policies that support a recovery for all. It does not need to be a decade of adjustment, policymakers have a variety of options to expand fiscal space at their disposal, which should be examined in open, national dialogue.

Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender.

Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

WednesdAY 16•12•2015

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Making haters out of neighbours—the case of nepal

Nepalese policemen face protestors belonging to ethnic and religious groups dissatisfied with Nepal's new constitution adopted on Sunday, in Birgunj, a town bordering India in Nepal on September 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Ram Sarraf)

A

Garga Chatterjee

fter years of political turmoil, which saw the demise of the Kingdom of Nepal (and with it, a decrease in the unhealthy amount of influence that the New Delhi wielded in that nation's domestic politics), most major parties have agreed on a constitution. Nepal according to that constitution will be a federal state. This means that the nation will be formed of units. These units will have a lot of power while some power will be held be a federal centre. What shall be the basis of such units?

Herein lies one of the faultlines in the constitutional debate in Nepal. Long disenfranchised groups like the Madhesis and Janjatis (including Tharus) want such units to reflect a sense of their own autonomous homeland and associated self-development opportunities, while being part of Nepal as a whole. That is how federations are supposed to be. The problem is that the big 3 largely pahari dominated parties (Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal ( Unified Marxist-Leninist) and Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)) led by upper-caste leaders have agreed on a deal with draws state boundaries arbitrarily in such a way that undercuts the local-dominance aspirations of the long suffering Madhesi and Janjati groups. In addition to this, there are problems of democratic representation. The pahari states will have a greater representation in the federal parliament in comparison to their population numbers.

There are also citizenship rules that affect the Madhesis more than others.

In response to this, a huge mass movement by Madhesi political groups and activists started. Madhes is the thin-strip like region along the southern frontier of Nepal, along Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Many Madhesis have centuries old kinship and family ties across the international border – ties that predate both the nations of Nepal and the Indian Union.

The Nepal government reaction to these protests have led to the brutal killing of scores of protesters,

U

N Secretary-General Ban Kimoon expressed fears last month that increases in humanitarian aid to thousands of refugees invading Europe could result in sharp cuts on development aid by Western donors.

Confirming those fears, a new report by CONCORD, the European confederation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) representing all 28 European Union (EU) members, points out aid budgets are increasingly being used to cover refugee and asylum seekers costs: the Netherlands at 145%; Italy 107%; Cyprus 65%; and Portugal 38%.

And despite repeated promises, the EU, as a whole, did not deliver on its commitment to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) as official development assistance (ODA) by 2015.

More worryingly, says the report, there is an emerging trend in EU countries to divert aid budgets from sustainable development to domestic costs associated with hosting refugees and asylum seekers.

Luxembourg, Poland and Bulgaria have already decided not to report refugee costs as ODA, contrary to Spain, Malta and Hungary.

The report, the tenth CONCORD AidWatch and titled “Looking to the future, don’t forget the past – aid beyond 2015,” finds that EU as a group remains well short of the target having spent 0.42% of its GNI on aid, with only four of 28 Member States meeting the 0.7% target; The only four EU countries meeting aid targets are: Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark and the UK. According to CONCORD, the largest increases in EU aid were in the EU13 countries, namely Romania (65% increase), Croatia (41%), Estonia, (21%), Hungary (13%) and Malta (13%).

Significant increases were also recorded in Germany (14%), Finland (14%), the UK (9%) and Sweden (7%), although aid is expected to contract significantly in Finland in 2015.

Major cuts were recorded in other

ostensibly to maintain 'law and order'. The Madhesi groups have attempted to block the entry of essential goods, primarily petroleum, as a means to pressure Kathmandu into negotiation on the constitution. The problem is that right at the border, the high security cover on the Nepal side means that noone can block an incoming petrol carrying truck unless something on the Indian Union side actually stop trucks from crossing into Nepal. Many voices in Kathmandu claim that this amounts to a blockade – Indian Union authorities deny it. Whether this amounts to a blockade or not is a technicality – it sure feels like one.

Nepal is a land-locked nation. It is disproportionately dependent and 'close' to the Indian Union due to its geographical location and the presence of the Himalayas that, for now, limits smooth connectivity between Nepal and China. Delhi's influence on Nepal is largely borne out of this unfortunate geography – an influence that sometimes is no different from political blackmail. While Kathmandu feels the pain of a bloackade in all but name, it is important the citizens of the Indian Union ask its central government why must they become the object of hate by so many fuel-starved suffering Nepalese. Given how fraudulent Indian Union's own federalism is, with almost all important powers captured by New Delhi with states being reduced to alm-seekers who don't even own their mines, minerals or waterways, the Government of India might want to give more power to states within the Union, rather than using back-channels to pressurize Nepal on their internal constitutional matters. The Indian Union is a reality that the federal state of Nepal cannot wish away. In dealing with the demands of Madhesis and Janjatis, its federal government would do well to underline the principles of ethnicity based federalism, decentralization of power and representational equality among its citizens. It is only when internal accord is lost that external forces and “friends” from the south and the north fish in troubled waters. The responsibility of reaching an accord lies primarily with government at Kathmandu.

Nepal's sovereignty is not negotiable neither are the rights of the Madhesis and Janjatis.

The new Indians – rootless, anglicized yuppies reduce complex societies into nation-states in cartoon form. For those who look from far above or learn not through social immersion but English books and consider the details of millions of people's daily lives as 'minor', whole countries can be reduced to cartoon short-hands. The People's Republic of China becomes the dragon, the Union of India becomes the elephant (or may be it is a mechanized lion now). The psychologically anxious are fired by fantasies of the dragon and the elephant fighting it out in some global high-table ( a regular stape of media and a favourite talking point among rich, “cosmopolitan”, confident NCR-Mumbai browns). And in the process, the voices of those burned by the “normal” nostril fire of the dragon or those regularly and habitually squashed under the elephant's “normal” posture become minor details at best and irritants at worst. When the big-boys of Delhi play for big-stakes in the big-world, as long as the elephant squashes those within the Indian Union, it can use its guns and steel influence to silence the shrieks of the victims. Because the “nation” comes first. The problem starts when the elephants starts squashing those beyond its borders.

In Nepal, the elephant has thrown about its weight and has made many proud, free people also angry. Those living near the leg of an elephant learn to be resilient to changes of postures by the elephant. Not all angers, resolves and resiliences can be gauged from Delhi. And sometimes a coward may think that he can force submission simply by projecting naked power. Beating up technologically and financially weak ones using advantages of money and geography mostly works. But sometimes it fails. And these are the moments when the moral hollowness of a powerful entity is exposed – tricolour varnishes and slick PR cannot fill that emptiness. In such times, shame and not pride, is the sign of an ethical being and a patriot.

Development Aid on the Decline, Warns New Study Thalif Deen

Inter Press Service countries, including Lithuania (21% cut), Spain (20%), Portugal (14%), France (8%) and Poland (7%).

Of these countries, Spain, Portugal and France are a source of serious concern, because they have continued on a downward trend for the last few years.

Asked about declining aid, the UN Secretary-General told reporters at a press briefing in Finland Wednesday he appreciates the difficulties and challenges facing many European countries.

“At the same time, I commend such compassionate leadership and generous support for many refugees who are seeking better opportunities and safety. “ “While I appreciate such difficulties, I ask the rich countries, the European countries, to increase their financial support and generous support for all these migrants and refugees, rather than diverting their already earmarked development aid.“ Ban said he realizes there is a limit to resources.

“So inevitably, they may have to temporarily divert and use this development money for humanitarian purposes but in the longer term, if this kind of trend continues, it will only perpetuate this bad balancing between humanitarian and development.”

If development doesn’t move on, it will create more jobless people, it will create more frustration and then, they may have to flee their homes again for better opportunity, he warned.

“So I think you have to address this in a balanced and comprehensive way – that is my earnest appeal to many European countries.”

Asked specifically about Finland, he said it was one of the biggest donors in the world, and one of the leaders of

the world for the development agenda and empowerment, and for peace and human rights.

“It is a model Member State and I asked many other Member States to emulate from that shining example,” he added.

Meanwhile, the CONCORD report says EU aid is still seen by many as a tool to drive policy change or liberalization in partner countries – much aid remains directly tied or comes with a ‘suggested’ policy agenda.

The study also said development aid commitments by EU countries are also at risk of being “greenwashed” to meet climate finance promises to poorer nations and that these existing aid commitments could be relabeled to qualify as climate finance. Also the growing costs of climate change should not replace existing development priorities.

The UN’s post-2015 development agenda 2030, which was adopted by world leaders last September, will require ambitious financing from all actors.

“What’s been lacking to date is real action from most – though certainly not all – of the donor community to meet their own commitments and promises on aid which we’ve seen again this year as the EU misses its own 2015 target to deliver on the 0.7% promise.

Aid will remain a vital development source for years to come – it is focused on reaching the hardest to reach which is vital for the leave no one behind agenda and is more flexible, predictable and accountable, the report says.

To ensure the new development framework delivers as expected, EU should reach the 0.7% target by 2020 in line with the commitment made

(at the Financing for Development Conference in July) in Addis (Ababa, Ethiopia)”, said Amy Dodd CONCORD AidWatch Chair and Director UK Aid Network.

Jessica Poh-Janrell from CONCORD Sweden, said: “We recognize the urgent nature of the current refugee crisis, but remain convinced that aid should be used to support development in third countries.”

The world’s poorest should not foot the bill for the refugee costs in Europe.

Aid is essential to prevent more people having to flee their homes. Continuing investing in fighting poverty and inequality in developing countries is ultimately the most sustainable way of dealing with the crisis in the long term, she added.

Last month Ban appealed to the international community not to forsake its longstanding commitment for development assistance to the world’s poorer nations.

Ban’s appeal followed a UN pledging conference on Nov 10 which reported a “dramatic decline” in donor commitments: from 560 million dollars in 2014 to 77 million dollars in the most recent pledges, largely covering 2015.

Asked if the Secretary-General’s appeal was the result of the decline in commitments, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq told IPS: “It’s in response to many factors, including concerns expressed by some states about maintaining aid levels.”

The secretary-general said resources for one area should not come at the expense of another.

Redirecting critical funding away from development aid at this pivotal time could perpetuate challenges that the global community has committed to address, he warned.

“Reducing development assistance to finance the cost of refugee flows is counter-productive and will cause a vicious circle detrimental to health, education and opportunities for a better life at home for millions of vulnerable people in every corner of the world,” Ban declared.

7

The Newspaper with an Opinion The Morung Express

The Hornbill Festival concluded just a few days ago with much pomp and grandeur. However, it was not free of criticism, especially on the grounds of morality. The Nagas have great legacy of rich moral culture. Today, it is unfortunate to see that the moral uprightness which our forefathers held so proudly seems to be slowly disappearing. We are so blinded by the changes that are happening around us that we forget to maintain our morality in the true sense. Who do we blame for that? Looking for an answer to that question will not bring any solution. Rather than pointing fingers it is high time that we study ourselves and try to imbibe the legacy of morality and ethics within us so that our society can progress in peace and harmony

What are We Celebrating?

Pakinzinliu Chawang, Asst Professor, Department of English

I

t’s the month of celebrations! The Hornbill and Orange Festivals are just over, and Christmas and New Year celebrationsare on the way. This festive season can be a time to ponder upon the significance of festivals and morality in the context of the Naga society. Festival without morality is posing a threat to Naga society. This fact needs to be realized lest demoralization overtake the society. The moral status of the people seems to be diminishing day by day with the advancement provided by modernization, the amenities available in terms of technology, and the changes in our mentality aided by the spread of education. What exactly are we celebrating?

During the early period of theNagas’ conversion to Christianity, the commitment level was ardent with the earnest sense of respect for God, elders and festivals.. However in our society which is constantly evolving, the moral standardsare degrading stealthily, resulting in the birth of a new generation thatis more "liberal".Where there are strong moral and ethical standards, the society progresses in peace and harmony, and it is religion which teaches us to uphold to these principles. Yet our present generation has failed to live up to the teachings of our religion. Lack of religious values in any society is one of the causes of immorality. The fading of morality in our society can also be traced to the adoption of many unethical practices. With this new attitude which undermines our sacred values, all religious fervor, spiritual awareness,traditional solemnity of the festivals, and social concerns are shaping and forming formidable social structures- the beginning of a dooming end.

Today, our society needs a fervent Christian culture with a high sense of socio-moral obligation toward building and making a better and humane society. Most of us are generally failing to come up to the level of true spiritual progress and humanitarian advancement. Evils are prospering and spirituality is fading. The latter should exceed the former if our people are to advance as a Christian state. It is high time that we reckon the time and define the moment for a change that will bring about social and national transformation in the right perspective. Our mental outlook must be guided by our spiritual discernment which in turn should be driven by a right sense of perception about the truth. The human mind is the factory of all evils when morality is devoid in the heart.

When morality runs strong in the heart, human conscience is awakened. It is said that our conscience is the voice of God. When we stop listening to our conscience, we disconnect our relation with the divine. The result is disease, problems, and chaos. Human greed and pride deaden the conscience. A benumbed conscience cannot discern the truth. A true Christian can be a world changer and serve as a guiding light.

When festivals are celebrated for the mere pleasure of merriment, their true purpose and meaning is soiled. This is happening with the shifting of attitude and motive from moral based celebrations to commercialized and fashion orientedrevelry.Festivals in the context of the Naga society are age old traditional celebrations with solemn ceremonies involved.Traditionally festivals were celebrated with a sense of worship. Isthe current nature of festivals in our society more of a formality rather than solemnity? .When we generally observe the usual way festivals are celebrated, Nagas are seen to be absorbed, immersed and drowning in the pool of a materialistic world and spiritual darkness.

Evidences can be cited in the way Christmas is being celebrated today in our society. For many, Christmas is merely seen as an informal festivity for fun, rather than embracing the birth of the Savior in their hearts. When we look at the nature and flow of the celebration, for many, the spiritual element is less emphasized. Instead the focus falls on feasting, drinking, and decorating. This has become an accepted norm or culture for many in our society. There are some of course who truly celebrate Christmas with the dignity it deserves. But it is also true that many of the present day Christians are celebrating Christmas and other religious ceremonies as social occasions, with not much difference from that of the Hornbill and Orange festivals.

We need a defining moment for each individual and society so a mass reformation drive through awareness, orientation, and reverence can take place in the society. Our society can experience a revolution when we begin self reformation.

“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College.

For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”.

8

WedneSdAY 16•12•2015

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Political war as Kejriwal alleges CBI raid, govt denies New Delhi, December 15 (iANS): Opposition parties took on the government on Tuesday after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the CBI raided his office over corruption charges against his secretary. The CBI said it seized cash from the officer's house while a furious Kejriwal dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi "a coward and a psychopath".

Targeting secretary Rajendra Kumar, CBI officials swooped on Kejriwal's office at the Delhi Secretariat over a 2002 corruption case, triggering a string of angry responses from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader who took office in February 2015.

The CBI later said it had seized Rs.2.4 lakh and documents related to three immovable properties from Kumar's official residence and that he was not cooperating in opening his email accounts. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley denied CBI raided Kejriwal and said the target was the officer who was attached to his office.

The AAP called this a lie.

Jaitley said that the raid had nothing to do with Kejriwal and that it was related to a matter "prior to his

CBI raided my office for Jaitley file: Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal, chief of Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party (AAP), addresses his supporters after taking the oath as the new chief minister of Delhi during a swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila ground in New Delhi February 14, 2015. (REUTERS File Photo)

becoming chief minister".

But Kejriwal insisted the CBI raided his office -a claim refuted by the Central Bureau of Investigation -- and said: "When Modi couldn't handle me politically, he resorts to this cowardice."

The CBI said a case had been registered against Kumar for alleged abuse of office to favour a firm over the last few years in getting

'No plans to write caste of children in birth certificate' New Delhi, December 15 (PTi): There is no proposal to mention the caste of children in birth certificate, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary, however, said entries in birth and death registers are public documents and are admissible as evidence under Section 35 of the Indian Evidence Act 1872.

But, these entries are only conclusive evidence of the fact of birth or death as the case may be.

Chaudhary said other particulars as to which the registering officer concerned can have no personal knowledge or no means of checking cannot be treated as a conclusive evidence, he said. "There is no proposal to mention the caste of children in birth certificate," he said.

tenders from Delhi government departments. It said it acted on allegations made

by Delhi Dialogue Commission member A.K. Joshi.

Kejriwal retorted: "CBI is lying. My own office raided. Files of CM office are being looked into. Let Modi say which file he wants?"

Referring to the October 9 sacking of Food Minister Asim Ahmed Khan, he said: "I am the only CM

who dismissed, on my own, a minister and a senior officer on charges of corruption and handed their cases to the CBI. "If CBI had any evidence against (Kumar), why didn't they share it with me? I would have acted against him."

Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said Modi had nothing to do with the raids, which took place at 14 locations in Delhi and UP.

New Delhi, December 15 (iANS): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the CBI of raiding his office in search of a file related to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Jaitley rubbished the allegation.

"Rajendra (Kumar) is an excuse, Kejriwal is the target," he said, referring to the chief minister's principal secretary who the CBI alleged was involved in corruption. The Central Bureau of Investigation denied raiding Kejriwal's office. But the visibly furious chief minister said the CBI was lying because its officers did search his office.

He said his office didn't maintain files beyond 10-15 days old. "If they were looking for files of 2007-14 period, what were they looking for in my office?" They wanted, Kejriwal said, a report of the commission "CBI is an independent organisation... It has become fashionable for the Delhi chief minister to quarrel with the central government and take the PM's name for everything."

The government's argument had few takers in parliament, whose opposition parties created a storm.

The CPI-M said the raid is "highly condemnable" and "politically motivated".

that had probed on his instructions the affairs of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), which he alleged was a den of corruption.

Jaitley had been involved for a long time with the DDCA, he said.

"They wanted the file of DDCA...

Jaitley figures in it. They came looking for that file," he told reporters outside the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia where AAP leaders met earlier in the day. He pointed out that Kumar had held senior positions in the departments of education, IT and VAT. "If they were looking for proof of corruption, they should be looking for the concerned files in those departments. "But I do not think the (CBI) action is to check (corrupt) contracts. If he had given out contracts wrongly, those departments should have been raided. The files

It is unprecedented that in the name of investigating the accusations against a bureaucrat, the office of the chief minister should be sealed and files searched.

"This raid is a new low in the Modi government's encroachment on the rights and dignity of non-BJP elected governments."

Left, Trinamool Congress and Janata Dal-United members were most vocif-

(related to his alleged corruption) are there."

He also demanded to know why ministers in the previous Congress government and other officers who also signed the supposedly corrupt contracts approved by Kumar were not raided. Speaking in his characteristic style, Kejriwal said he was firmly opposed to corruption and he would not mind sending his own son to jail if he indulged in corruption. "Let me tell you Modi ji, you may frighten others with CBI raids.

You can't frighten me." Responding to criticism that he erred by calling Modi "a coward and a psychopath", Kejriwal said he may have used inappropriate language. But he said he would apologise only if Modi did so.

"The prime minister must apologize for his deeds. Then I will apologise for my words."

erous in their condemnation of the CBI. Trinamool members shouted slogans against the Modi government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was "shocked".

Kejriwal responded: "Mamata Di, This is undeclared Emergency." The JD-U's K.C. Tyagi described the raid as an act of cowardice.

AAP spokesperson Ashutosh was livid: "Raid-

ing CM's office without informing the CM is an act of cowardice." He called it vendetta politics. His colleague Atishi Marlena added: "This has to be a historic low in Indian politics. Absolutely shameful politics."

The AAP, India's youngest political party, swept the Delhi assembly polls in February, winning 67 of the 70 seats. The BJP was left with just three seats.

Delhi just tip of India's air pollution iceberg, says Greenpeace study

New Delhi, December 15 (iANS): the analysis said.

"Even the government's own, largely As many as 15 Indian cities possess air quality index far over than the prescribed inadequate NAQI data reveals that 23 of standards and Delhi is just the "tip of the the 32 stations across India are showing air pollution iceberg", said a Greenpeace more than 70 percent exceedance of the national standards," said Greenpeace Instudy released on Tuesday.

A ranking of the 17 cities covered by the dia campaigner Sunil Dahiya.

The pollution levels in a few Indian citNational Air Quality Index (NAQI) was released by the NGO, which revealed Delhi ies have the "embarrassing distinction" of is just a "tip of the air pollution iceberg in having exceeded the toxic levels of Beijing and other Chinese cities, demonstrating the country."

"As many as 15 of the 17 Indian cities levels at least ten times higher than the with NAQI stations showed levels of air pol- WHO standards, making air pollution trulution that far exceed Indian standards. As ly a "national emergency", he added.

There is an immediate need to diversify the political capital - and indeed, the most polluted of all cities - the bad air in Delhi and upgrade the manual stations to ambigets the most attention," Greenpeace said. ent air quality monitoring stations feeding The PM 2.5 (particulate matter with di- data to the online NAQI portal, the NGO ameter below 2.5 microns) levels, which said. Greenpeace also called for a "systemare a measure of pollution, in cities like atic clean air action plan", with focused tarNew Delhi, December 15 (PTi): Government to- Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Muzzafarpur and gets, clear timelines and demonstrable acday said a number of steps have been taken to ensure sup- Faridabad are also on levels of a 'red alert', countability towards public health. ply and distribution of good quality foodgrains under the Public Distribution System. Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told Lok Sabha that only good quality foodgrains, free from insect infestation and conforming to Food Safety Standards are issued under PDS. "Ample opportunities are provided to the state govKochi, December 15 a nuclear environment," out to seek cooperation ernments to check the quality of foodgrains prior to lifting with India. (iANS): Prime Minister Modi said. the foodgrains stocks from FCI godowns," he said during "Our responsibilities "Above all, it is our Narendra Modi on Tuesday Question Hour. Paswan said foodgrains samples are colsaid India was in a "difficult are no longer confined neighbourhood that is lected and sealed from the stocks of foodgrains to be isneighbourhood", but the to our borders and coast- most critical for our future sued under the PDS jointly by FCI and state governments country's responsibility on lines. They extend to our and for our place in the and UT administrations to check that foodgrains issued the security scene was no interests and citizens, world. But ours is a difficult from the godowns are of the same quality. longer limited to its borders spread across a world of neighbourhood with the "Instructions have been issued to state governments widespread and unpre- full spectrum of security and coastline. to depute officers not below the rank of inspectors to challenges," he said.

The prime minister was dictable risks," he said. take delivery of foodgrain stocks from FCI godowns," The prime minister also Modi also expressed onboard warship INS Vihe said. Regular inspections of fair price shops to check kramaditya, addressing the outlined how India was es- concern over the instabilthe quality of foodgrains are carried out by the officers three service chiefs, and top tablishing diplomatic rela- ity in West Asia. of state governments.

The prime minister said commanders of the armed tions across the globe, and Paswan said the state governments, where decenforces at the Combined trying to have friendly re- "our region" was marked by tralised procurement is in operation, are instructed to Commanders' Conference. lations in neighbourhood, uncertain political transiensure that the quality of foodgrains issued under PDS "In a world of rapid which he described as "dif- tions, weak institutions and and other welfare schemes should meet the desired internal conflicts and "machanges, India faces fa- ficult". standards under the Food Safety and Standards Author"As the world seeks to jor powers" have increased miliar threats and new ity of India (FSSI). ones. Our challenges cov- deal with the rising threat their engagement in India's "Where incidences of distribution of poor quality of er land, sea and air at the of terrorism and radical- land and maritime neighfoodgrains to consumers are brought to the notice, imsame time. It includes the ism, countries across all bourhood. mediate action is taken against the officials found reOn Pakistan, Modi highfull range, from terrorism regions, including in the Issponsible," he said. to conventional threat to lamic world, have reached lighted the beginning of new

Govt taking steps to ensure quality foodgrains under PDS

Girls going to college in Chennai as public and private schools and colleges reopened on Monday nearly after a month long shut following the devastating rainfall and floods. (PTI Photo)

India's responsibility not limited to its boundaries: PM Modi

Speaker suspends MLA for a week in Odisha for watching objectionable clips bhubANeSwAr, December 15 (PTi) :Congress MLA Naba Kishore Das was today suspended from Odisha Assembly for a week on charge of watching objectionable clips on cellphone in the House yesterday, even as entire opposition staged a walkout urging the Speaker to reconsider his order and wait for probe.

Speaker Niranjan Pujari, who first referred the matter to the Ethics Committee of the House for inquiry, ordered suspension of Das for one week after Government Chief Whip Ananta Das brought a motion, which was passed by voice vote.

Raising the issue during Zero hour, BJD member Pramila Mallick demanded expulsion of Das from the House. She said the alleged action of the Congress legislator yesterday had lowered the dignity of the House.

As soon as the Speaker gave ruling for suspension of Das, pandemonium began amid protest from Congress members and the House was adjourned till 12 noon.

When the House reassembled, Leader of Opposition of Congress Narasingha Mishra said before taking any action against

a member on the basis of allegation levelled by another lawmaker there must be an inquiry and the accused legislator given an opportunity to present his position.

Action should be taken only after the member is found guilty after proper inquiry and not before that, Mishra said adding he, in fact, had yesterday asked the party MLA to express regret and seek an impartial probe into the matter.

Recalling an old ruling by the chair in the House on March 15, 1963, he said a member had made serious allegation against another MLA. The ruling was that any member levelling allegation against another should have enough evidence and the House must be in possession of evidence before action is taken, the leader of opposition said adding "I disapprove of any act of making allegation without having evidence."

Stating that principle of natural justice shows that a person must be heard before he is hanged, Mishra said what has happened in the House was not proper.

"Therefore, I request you to reconsider the ruling," he said.

dialogue process, and added: "But, we will never drop our guard on security and we will continue to judge progress on their commitments on terrorism."

"We are engaging Pakistan to try and turn the course of history, bring an end to terrorism, build peaceful relations, advance cooperation and promote stability and prosperity in our region," he said.

Modi also mentioned China and said India was pursuing "closer relations" to harness the full potential of economic partnership.

Stating that India's transformation was closely linked with international partnership, Modi mentioned both Russia and the

US as important partners.

"Russia has always been a source of strength for us. It remains important for our future, too. With the United States, we have advanced our partnership in a comprehensive manner, including in defence. Our strategic partnerships in Europe have deepened," he said.

Modi also talked about the changing nature of wars, and the emergence of new "theatres" like cyberspace. The prime minister said as the world gets transformed, the nature of conflicts and the objectives of war will also change.

"We know that old rivalries can play out in new theatres such as space and cyber... So, we in India must

be ready for the present and prepare for the future."

He said India was confident that its defence forces were "prepared to deter and defeat any misadventure".

This was the first time the Combined Commanders Conference was held onboard an aircraft carrier.

Modi inspected a Triservices Guard of Honour in the morning at INS Garuda in Kochi, before arriving onboard INS Vikramaditya, where he was received by the three service chiefs.

"This aircraft carrier is the instrument of our maritime power and a symbol of our maritime responsibility," the prime minister said about the ship.

'Political convenience no alibi for backing terrorists' ZheNgZhou (chiNA), December 15 (iANS): India on Tuesday said political convenience can no longer be an alibi for backing terrorism and called for closer coordination between the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to fight the scourge.

"International terrorism has emerged as the most serious threat to our peaceful and pluralistic societies," Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh said while addressing the meeting of heads of government of the SCO grouping in this Chinese city.

"Closer coordination between SCO member states and zero tolerance towards terrorism will go a long way to address this menace. Political convenience can no longer pro-

vide an alibi for backing terrorist groups ideologically, financially or through material support," he said.

The SCO is an intergovernmental organisation founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001 by six countries -- China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Among other things, the SCO aims to enhance regional security through the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and build connectivity.

India and Pakistan were given full membership of the organisation at its plenary held in the Russian city of Ufa in July this year.

"One of our most important goals remains a stable and peaceful Afghanistan free of external interference," Singh said in Tuesday's meeting also at-

tended by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

"This is absolutely essential to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the region."

Singh also said India looked forward to the speedy completion of its full membership "so that we can involve ourselves fully in SCO's programmes and activities at the earliest".

According to him, there was enormous scope to push forward SCO's economic and developmental agenda.

"India's fast growing market provides an immense economic opportunity, especially for the relatively smaller economies of Central Asia. India's energy requirements can be met by new and more ambitious energy projects within the

SCO bringing on board the interests of energy exporting, transit and importing nations," the minister said.

He said India, on its part, could bring to the region its strengths in financial management, especially micro-finance, pharmaceuticals, services such as information technology and healthcare, as well as capacity building.

"The SCO should create a facilitating environment for trade and investment.

We should bring down barriers to trade and enhance links between our businesses, especially our small and medium enterprises.

"We can also work together on issues of food security and agriculture," he said.

He said that though the past few years have witnessed a steady growth of

new modes of connectivity in the region, progress in this regard was still limited.

"As we move ahead, we should invest in improving regional transportation and communication networks through mutual consultation and sharing of benefits," he said.

"On this basis, we can create new networks of physical and digital connectivity that extends from Russia's northern regions to the shores of Indian Ocean. The International North South Transportation Corridor is an important step in that direction."

Singh said "a young and dynamic India, constituting one-sixth of humanity, which is growing at nearly 8 percent per year is joining the SCO to usher in a new phase of friendship with our partners".

WednesdaY 16•12•2015

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Obama expected to move on Taiwan arms sales

WAsHINGToN, December 15 (re uTers): The Obama administration is expected as soon as this week to authorize the sale of two guided missile frigates to Taiwan, U.S. congressional sources said on Monday, in spite of China’s opposition to the deal.

“We’re expecting an announcement as early as this week,” a Republican congressional aide said. Another congressional aide said the notification from the administration was expected “any time now”.

The sale would mark the first time in four years that the United States has shipped arms to Taiwan, the longest gap in such arms sales in nearly four decades.

It comes a year after Congress passed the Naval Transfer Act authorizing the sale of up to four Perryclass frigates to Taiwan in December 2014.

Taiwan has said it expects to pay about $176 million for the two vessels and that it would review its needs before making a decision on two more.

President Barack

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a statement after attending a National Security Council meeting on the counter-Islamic State campaign at the Pentagon in Washington on December 14. (REUTERS Photo)

Obama signed the transfer act into law, but his administration still has to tell Congress its plans to move ahead with the sale, part of Washington’s commitment under the Taiwan Re-

lations Act to ensure Taipei can maintain a credible defense.

The White House declined comment about the sale, which would come after increasingly intense

pressure from Congress, including a unanimous vote last week by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on legislation calling on Obama to provide a timeline on when it would move

forward.

Past U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan have attracted strong condemnation in China, which considers Taiwan a renegade province.

Analysts and congressional sources believe the process has been held up by the administration’s desire to maintain stable working relations with China, an increasingly powerful strategic rival but also a vital economic partner as the world’s second-largest economy.

Most recently the Obama administration has been working with Beijing to forge a landmark global climate agreement that was sealed on Saturday after two weeks of intense negotiations, setting the course for a historic transformation of the world’s fossil fuel-driven economy within decades.

Congressional sources said the White House was pushing to move ahead with the Taiwan deal before the end of 2015 - an important deadline because of Taipei’s budget cycle.

“This is positive and helpful toward promoting

regional peace and stability,” Taiwan defense ministry spokesman Major General David Lo said Tuesday at a regular press briefing in Taipei, adding that the ministry has not received official notice about the authorization.

The frigates will come out of existing U.S. inventory and will not require new ships to be built.

CHINESE OPPOSITION Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said its position on opposing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan was clear and consistent.

Such sales are “an interference in China’s internal affairs, damage the peaceful development of ties across the Taiwan Strait and Sino-U.S. ties”, he told reporters in Beijing.

“We urge the U.S. side to earnestly recognize the high sensitivity and serious harm of weapons sales to Taiwan.”

Democratic Taiwan will elect a new president next month, with Tsai Ingwen of the independenceleaning opposition Democratic Progressive Party the

favorite to win. China has warned it will never accept an independent Taiwan.

Beijing expressed anger at last year’s bill, though arms sales to date to Taiwan have not caused lasting damage to Beijing’s relations with either Washington or Taipei.

The new sales would come at a period of heightened tensions between the United States and China over the South China Sea, where Washington has been critical of China’s building of man-made islands to assert expansive territorial claims.

China was angered when the United States sent a guided-missile destroyer close to one of the islands in October and B-52 bombers nearby last month.

While Taiwan has been overshadowed recently as a U.S.-China issue by the South China Sea, it has the potential to flare up again, especially with Taiwanese elections coming up next month and a party which traditionally favors independence from China expected to win.

The House of Representatives Foreign Af-

fairs Committee last week unanimously passed the Taiwan Naval Support Act, which asked Obama to submit to Congress a timeframe for sending the ships.

Representative Eliot Engel, the ranking Democrat on the committee, called last week for more regular arms sales to Taiwan, despite China’s political sensitivity on the subject.

“Our desire not to upset Beijing shouldn’t come at the expense of Taiwan’s security,” Engel said.

In November, Republican Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations panel, wrote to Obama urging “more robust” U.S. security assistance and sales to Taiwan.

“We are troubled that it has now been over four years – the longest period since the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 – since the administration has notified Conress of a new arms sale package,” the senators wrote.

Climate deal typo hiccup Targeted prosecutions needed to end modern-day slavery scourge solved “in a small room” LoNDoN, December “Strategic litigation can be a in a New Zealand court against a of lawyers and NGOs to share their man Trafficking Pro Bono Legal PArIs, December 15 (reuTers): A last minute dispute over an apparent typing error in last weekend’s global climate deal in Paris was solved “in a small room” and thanks to trust established during the talks, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Tuesday.

After two weeks of intense negotiations, the deal was almost derailed in the final hours when the more legally binding word ‘Shall’ appeared in one of the articles in the place of ‘Should.’

The last-minute change in text article 4.4 of the COP 21 agreement aimed at limiting global warming by capping CO2 emissions said that developed nations ‘shall’ have ‘economy-wide absolute emissions reduction targets’, instead of ‘should’ as written in previous drafts.

‘Shall’ would have been unacceptable for the United States because that would make it a legal requirement, needing ratification by the Senate, something considered pretty much impossible by its negotiators.

“We made it crystal clear that every text up until this particular one had a different wording, so it wasn’t hard for them to realize that somebody had made a mistake and accepted responsibility for it,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said last weekend.

Nicaragua and other emerging countries had tried to insist on ‘shall’, to ensure that rich countries took the lead.

‘Should’ is a much less onerous level of requirement.

“Trust was created,” said Fabius, who has been praised for his masterly handling of the talks.

“It was this trust that got things done. The text is very complicated and very long etcetera, and in the last version of the text, the stenographers made a typing error...

Instead of saying - as in the two previous versions - that the parties ‘should’ do this and that, ‘shall.’ was written.”

He said South Africa, the leader of the G77 group of emerging countries told his colleagues after the error that they wanted the more binding word kept in.

“I had to come to a small room... I said trust me. I certify that it is just a typing error. Let’s not block this deal for the human race for that. They told me, Mr. Fabius, we trust you.”

‘Vegetarian diet more harmful to environment’ NeW York, December 15 (IANs): Contrary to popular assumption -- and a talk by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the United Nations Paris Climate Change Conference -- eating a vegetarian diet could contribute more to climate change than eating a non-vegetarian diet, warns a new study.

Schwarzenegger, a former California governor, advised people to go meat-free one or two days a week to help protect the climate.

But the new research found that consuming more fruits, vegetables, dairy and seafood is more harmful to the environment because those foods have relatively high resource uses and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per calorie.

“Eating lettuce is over three times worse in greenhouse gas emissions than eating bacon,” said one of the researchers Paul Fischbeck, professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the US. “Lots of common vegetables require more resources per calorie than you would think. Eggplant, celery and cucumbers look particularly bad when compared to pork or chicken,” Fischbeck said.

The study measured the changes in energy use, blue water footprint and GHG emissions associated with US food consumption patterns.

The researchers studied the food supply chain to determine how the obesity epidemic in the US is affecting the environment.

Specifically, they examined how growing, processing and transporting food, food sales and service, and household storage and use take a toll on resources in the form of energy use, water use and GHG emissions.

On the one hand, the results showed that getting our weight under control and eating fewer calories, has a positive effect on the environment and reduces energy use, water use and GHG emissions from the food supply chain by approximately nine percent.

However, eating the recommended “healthier” foods -- a mix of fruits, vegetables, dairy and seafood -- increased the environmental impact in all three categories - energy use went up by 38 percent, water use by 10 percent and GHG emissions by six percent.

15 (THomsoN reuTers FouNDATIoN): The might of the law is the best way to end modern day slavery, by bringing strategic cases to court that can change company practice or government policy, experts seeking to stamp out the problem in corporate supply chains said on Tuesday.

Such strategic litigation was successfully used to help end the British slave trade 250 years ago, making slavery in Britain illegal. To help end slavery today, lawyers and NGOs must build an international network to use the law to punish and deter human traffickers, experts said.

catalyst for genuine, long-term change,” Nick Grono, head of Freedom Fund, an international initiative to fight slavery, said in a statement. “It can ... force government action, drive legal reform, punish perpetrators, and compel action by businesses to end or prevent abuses,” he added.

A few such cases are already happening. In New Zealand, litigators secured court orders to seize fishing ships who were allegedly using slave labour in New Zealand waters. “This is a really innovative approach because it gets the exploiter to the table,” Grono said in an interview.

“If a fisherman brings a case

(fishing) company, they’ll probably just ignore it. But if you seize their multi-million dollar boat pending resolution of the court action, suddenly you get more attention,” Grono added.

Another case in the United States ultimately resulted in a company, accused of human trafficking, being forced into bankruptcy. The corporation had brought hundreds of workers from India to repair shipyards after Hurricane Katrina.

The case ruled on a $20 million settlement for the workers. Freedom Fund and the U.S.-based Human Trafficking Pro Bono Legal Center want to establish a network

experiences and encourage better litigation practice to combat slavery, Grono said.

Nearly 21 million people are victims of forced labour, which generates about $150 billion a year in illegal profits, according to the International Labour Organization.

Despite the scale of the crime, it goes largely unpunished. In 2014 there were just 10,051 prosecutions worldwide, according to the U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons Report.

“States have failed spectacularly to prosecute forced labour,” said Martina E. Vandenberg, president and founder of the Hu-

Center, which links trafficking victims with pro bono lawyers, said in the joint statement.

“Human traffickers enjoy near absolute impunity for their crimes ... With millions held in servitude around the globe, human rights lawyers must act,” she added.

Grono said the most effective outcome of targeted litigation would be wider pressure on companies to change their behaviour.

“We’re not naive about that, but as companies become more aware of the greater risks around this issue, they will devote more attention to these issues and that can improve practices independent of litigation.”

Brain’s fear centre also evokes kindness 29 journalists killed in Iraq in 2015: Report

NeW York, December 15 (IANs): A small structure in the brain associated with evoking fear till date has now been found to be influencing positive social functions like kindness and what might be called charitable giving in humans.

The amygdala, a small structure at the front end of the brain’s temporal lobe, has long been associated with negative behaviour generally and specifically with fear.

Michael Platt, professor in the University of Pennsylvania, along with Steve Chang from Yale University and collaborators from Duke, showed that amygdala can also evoke kindness.

Such a link could have implications for people with autism, schizophrenia or anxiety-related disorders.

“What we’re trying to do is both identify and understand the basic brain mechanism that allows us to be kind to each other and to respond to the experiences of other individuals,” Platt added.

To make this discovery about the amygdala, Platt and his team looked at the social behaviour of rhesus macaques. The researchers incorporated a task they developed four years ago as a way to observe how animals make beneficial decisions.

Simultaneous to watching the monkeys’ behaviour, Platt and his colleagues recorded the neural activity of the amygdala of each animal. They found that neural activity in the amygdala reflected the value of the recipient’s reward in the same way it reflected the value of the re-

ward for the actor.

When the bonding hormone oxytocin was introduced, behaviours changed rapidly.

“When people inhale oxytocin, there is a change in blood flow to the amygdala, which we think might be involved in making people kinder and more receptive to others,” Platt noted.

In his experiment, the monkeys receiving oxytocin became more willing to give to other monkeys and paid more attention to them after offering the rewards.

Rhesus macaques offer a valuable comparison to humans because the animals model many of the social behaviours in which humans engage. They also live in large social groups and form what Platt described as long term social bonds.

bAGHDAD, December 15 (IANs): A total of 29 journalists were killed in violence-ridden Iraq in 2015, many of them executed by the extremist Islamic State (IS) group, an Iraqi journalists’ body said on Tuesday.

The latest count by the syndicate brings the death toll of journalists in the country to 435 since the US-led invasion in 2003, Xinhua reported.

There is fear for the safety of the journalists who are vulnerable to more attacks in the absence of law and ignorance in some government departments about the positive role of the press in correcting the course of political performance and detecting errors, said a report by the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate.

The report showed that IS terrorists executed 20 journalists in and near the IS-held city of Mosul during the year.

Three others were killed while covering battles against the IS extremist militants while six others were killed in violence in Baghdad and Iraqi cities.

As Myanmar changes, so does Suu Kyi

National League for Democracy (NLD) party leader Aung San Suu Kyi. (REUTERS File Photo)

NAYPYITAW, December 15 (reuTers): When Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi spoke warmly on a recent radio show about a critical meeting that followed her landslide election victory, she was referring to talks with the very man who had detained her for 15 years.

Listeners might have been surprised by the Nobel peace laureate’s gentle tone towards Than Shwe, former head of the junta

that ruled Myanmar for nearly half a century.

But it was just one of several conciliatory gestures Suu Kyi has made towards her one-time enemies since the Nov. 8 poll, underlining her transformation from persecuted democracy icon to pragmatic politician.

Her readiness to forge alliances with even those she once reviled could augur well for Myanmar, no longer a global pariah but still a country fraught with political risk as Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) and the military prepare to share power.

“We should think of working for the emergence of a brighter future based on the present situation, instead of thinking why we didn’t do it in the past,” Suu Kyi said after meeting Than Shwe, whose regime kept her locked up in her lakeside Yangon home and prevented her dying British husband from visiting Myanmar.

In the month since her election triumph, the 70-year-old Suu Kyi has also held talks - cordial, according to media reports - with President Thein Sein, a former military commander, and armed forces chief Min Aung Hlaing.

In other mollifying moves, she has called on her supporters to restrain their victory celebra-

tions and warned NLD lawmakers not to call themselves “winners” in media interviews.

“It’s about smoothening the way,” said analyst Richard Horsey, a former senior United Nations official in Myanmar. “It’s about building relationships and political positioning, which is very important.”

The events suggest that Suu Kyi, who often comes across as stern and uncompromising, is settling into realpolitik.

The army’s powers have not substantially diminished since a shift to semi-civilian rule in 2011: Under the constitution, it is guaranteed 25 percent of the seats in parliament, and controls three big-budget and powerful ministries.

Than Shwe resigned as head of state and army chief in 2011 and stepped away from active politics, but diplomats and observers say he retains enough clout to make the closed-door appointment with Suu Kyi a major step in easing her party’s formation of government.

“It is the truth that she will become the future leader of the country. I will support her with all of my efforts,” the former dictator was quoted as saying by his grandson Nay Shwe Thway Aung after the meeting.

MASTERING REALPOLITIK Suu Kyi’s journey from the barricades to the corridors of power began over three years ago when she won a parliament seat.

She cultivated ties with assembly speaker Shwe Mann, another former general who had been part of Than Shwe’s inner circle.

Shwe Mann was sacked from the leadership of the then-ruling party by President Thein Sein in August, partly because of his closeness to Suu Kyi. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party was trounced in last month’s election.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and I meet quite often,” Shwe Mann told Reuters last week, referring to her with an honorific.

“We got to understand each other during these meetings,” he added, calling her “straightforward, courageous and very frank”.

Now, Shwe Mann advises Suu Kyi on how to navigate the transition and deal with the military.

“We thought that it’s important to use (Than Shwe’s) influence to the best advantage of the country by holding frank and sincere talks,” he said.

The military has made no official comment on Suu Kyi’s meeting with Than Shwe.

“No doubt U Than Shwe still

has influence on all and enjoys the respects of both the military and the government,” said a high-ranking military lawmaker who did not want to be named.

“But we can’t say for sure that the current commander-in-chief will nod to everything that others say when it comes to national security.”

Despite her own tribulations at its hands, Suu Kyi has refrained from openly criticising the military and she once admitted to having a “soft spot” for the armed forces. Her father, General Aung San, is the hero of post-colonial Burma, as the country was once known, and one of the founders of its army.

Analysts say Suu Kyi is also treading carefully after what happened in 1990, when the military ignored a thumping election victory by the NLD, placed her and hundreds of her party members under arrest, and continued in power.

“This traumatic experience is informing their very careful approach,” said Horsey, the analyst, referring to the NLD. “It is informing the talk of reconciliation in a broad sense, but more practically Suu Kyi is reaching out to other political forces saying: ‘We’re going to reach out and work hand in hand.”

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WednesdAY 16•12•2015

SPORTS/Public diScOuRSe

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

NBA: Clippers survive Pistons in OT

AUBURN HILLS, DecemBeR 15 (AP): Jamal Crawford hit a 3-pointer with 12.4 seconds left in overtime and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Detroit Pistons 105-103 Monday night.

Blake Griffin made a pair of free throws with 38.8 seconds remaining to put the Clippers ahead 102-101. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope tied it by going 1 for 2 from the foul line with 30.5 seconds left.

After Crawford’s basket, the Clippers fouled Reggie Jackson with 9.3 seconds left. He made the first shot, missed the second, and teammate Andre Drummond got two chances for a tying tip-in, but missed both.

Jackson missed a desperation shot at the buzzer.

Griffin finished with 34 points for the Clippers, J.J. Redick had 24 and Chris Paul put up 13 points and 12 assists.

Jackson finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Drummond added 20 points and 15 rebounds.

HEAT 100, HAWKS 88 In Atlanta, Chris Bosh scored 24 points, Gerald Green had 20 and Miami handed slumping Atlanta another home loss.

Goran Dragic added 12 points despite having part of a tooth knocked out in the third quarter. After getting the bleed-

ing stopped, he returned to finish the game.

Miami won just 24 hours after rallying from 16 points down to beat Memphis, snapping a three-game losing streak. This time, the Heat led comfortably most of the way, the margin in double figures through nearly the entire second half.

Atlanta was coming off an ugly 103-78 loss two nights earlier to the San Antonio Spurs.

This one wasn’t much better, the Hawks hardly looking like

the team that won 60 games and claimed top seed in the East a season ago.

Kent Bazemore returned to Atlanta’s starting lineup and scored a career-high 28 points.

BULLS 115, 76ERS 96 In Chicago, Jimmy Butler had 23 points and Chicago rallied from a halftime deficit to rout lowly Philadelphia.

Nikola Mirotic had 17 points and Tony Snell added 16. Joakim Noah had 15 rebounds and eight assists as the Bulls won

their third straight.

After trailing by four at the intermission, the Bulls had a 6440 advantage in the second half.

The 76ers drop to 1-25 and remain winless through 15 road games. Rookie Jahlil Okafor had 22 points in his first game as a professional in his hometown.

Robert Covington had 15 points and Tony Wroten 12 for Philadelphia.

The Bulls had a 24-19 edge at the end of the first quarter, but the Sixers grabbed a 56-51

halftime lead. Philadelphia made 16 of 25 shots in the second quarter.

SPURS 118, JAZZ 81 In San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard had 22 points and San Antonio never trailed.

San Antonio is 21-5, the second-best start in franchise history, on the strength of a 13-0 home record.

LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker added 18 points each for the Spurs.

Derrick Favors led the Jazz with 16 points.

San Antonio led by as many as 46 points while continuing its league-leading defensive efforts.

The Spurs have held 13 of their past 14 opponents under 100 points and led by at least 20 points at the half in three of their last five games.

GRIZZLIES 112, WIZARDS 95 In Memphis, Tenn., Marc Gasol had 24 points and 12 rebounds, Mike Conley finished with 18 points and 11 assists and Memphis beat Washington.

The Grizzlies shot 56 percent overall and were 10 for 15 on 3-pointers.

Matt Barnes scored 20 points for the Grizzlies and shot 4 for 5 on 3s. Courtney Lee and Jeff Green finished with 15 points each and Mario Chalmers had 12.

Gary Neal led the Wizards with 24 points. John Wall, the team’s leading scorer at over 20

per game, shot 2 of 11 and had six points.

Washington has lost three of four.

PACERS 106, RAPTORS 90 In Indianapolis, Jordan Hill had season highs with 20 points and 13 rebounds, Monta Ellis had 18 points and Indiana ended Toronto’s four-game winning streak.

C.J. Miles added 17 points for the Pacers, who have won two of three games.

Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan each scored 20 points for the Raptors.

Indiana used a 39-4 run in the first half to climb out of a 21-point deficit and Lavoy Allen made two free throws to give the Pacers a 29-28 lead at the 11:38 mark in the second quarter.

Indiana took a 44-30 lead when Ellis converted a threepoint play with 4:08 remaining in the first half.

Indiana snapped a fivegame skid against Toronto, including a 106-99 loss in the season-opener on Oct. 28.

MAVERICKS 104, SUNS 94 In Dallas, Chandler Parsons scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, Raymond Felton followed his second career triple-double with 17 points and Dallas beat former teammate Tyson Chandler and Phoenix.

Parsons has been coming off the bench lately with a minutes restriction in place follow-

ing offseason knee surgery. He had eight points during a 20-4 run to finish the third quarter, when Dallas made 13 of its last 14 shots to take a 77-58 lead.

After the Suns pulled within 10, Parsons had a four-point play and another 3 to help Dallas push the lead back to 15.

Deron Williams led Dallas with 18 points, including a 3-pointer to help hold off another Phoenix push. Eric Bledsoe led the Suns with 23 points and seven assists.

MAGIC 105, NETS 82 In New York, Nikola Vucevic scored 18 points, Elfrid Payton had 17 and Orlando got its first victory in Brooklyn.

Tobias Harris had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Magic, who had dropped all six games here since the Nets moved for the 2012-13 season.

They had little trouble in this one, going ahead just before halftime and gradually extending their lead throughout the second half.

The Magic bounced back after consecutive losses, including a 111-76 embarrassment at home against Cleveland on Friday. They shot 54 percent from the field and led by 26 in the fourth quarter.

Jarrett Jack scored 15 points for the Nets, who have dropped two in a row at home after winning six of their previous seven.

Brooklyn shot just 39 percent.

Once-mighty 'Calypso Kings' McGregor, Rockhold could be out six months cricket team now missing a beat Robert Smith AFP

The sad state of West Indies cricket will come into sharp focus this week when some of their best players take part in an Australian Twenty20 tournament -- just days after sitting out the latest embarrassing Test defeat.

Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy will all show their talents in the Big Bash League, after they were notable absentees in the West Indies' innings and 212 runs Test loss to Australia in Hobart.

A stand-off with administrators, complete with a players' strike and the coach's suspension, is at the heart of what has been a dizzying descent for the former "Calypso Kings". The West Indies have been stuck in the mire since Australia's watershed series win at Jamaica's Sabina Park in 1995.

In 197 subsequent Tests, they have won just 42 and are above only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe on the Test rankings. For those with memories of the grander times of Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and Brian Lara there is a

hollow feeling watching the current crop.

So how did it come to this?

How could the West Indies have become the easybeats of world cricket after producing so many dynamic and inspirational characters?

Fazeer Mohammed has been broadcasting on West Indies cricket for 23 years, and is in Australia witnessing yet another dispiriting chapter in their history.

INDIA WALK-OUT "West Indies cricket has been in this situation for almost two decades so it's more of a systemic issue that ties in all aspects of governance of the Caribbean game from the boardroom to the field of play," Mohammed told AFP. "Three reports commissioned by the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board) in the past eight years have all recommended fundamental changes to the administrative structure yet these recommendations have been ignored.

"Now Caribbean prime ministers are involved following the latest recommendation calling for the immediate dissolution of the present administration and the setting up of an interim man-

agement committee."

Last year the West Indies players, disgruntled over terms of their contracts, and walked out of their tour of India. India's BCCI has presented the cashstrapped WICB with a compensation claim for US$42 million, covering the loss of media rights fees, sponsorships and ticket revenue.

Bravo, the captain and players' spokesman in India, and Kieron Pollard were dropped for the subsequent ODIs in South Africa and this year's World Cup. Bravo and Sammy are now long-term absentees from the Test side, and Pollard is yet to make his Test debut. Gayle blames chronic back problems for his reluctance to play the five-day format.

Meanwhile coach Phil Simmonds was suspended in September after criticising selection for the tour of Sri Lanka, before being reinstated last month.

Trinidad and Tobago board chief Suruj Ragoonath says the onus is on administrators to make sure players prioritise playing for their country over lucrative Twenty20 cricket.

IPTL: Indian Aces down Japan Warriors

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Indian Aces players, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna during their match on December 15.

DUBAI, DecemBeR 15 (IANS): Defending champions Indian Aces started the Dubai leg of the International Tennis Premier League (IPTL) with a comprehensive 25-18 win against Japan Warriors.

With the win, the Aces remain atop the leader board with seven wins from eight matches here on Monday.

However, it was not an easy start for the Aces as in the mixed doubles event, which kick-started the contest, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna struggled a bit against the firsttime pairing of Kirsten Flipkens and PierreHugues Herbert who won the set 6-4.

The Aces, however, came back strongly in the women’s singles as it witnessed Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska walking away with the set 6-1 in quick time against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. In the men’s legends set, it was again the Aces who dominated it as Fabrice Santoro made easy

meat of Thomas Enqvist beating him 6-0 in only 20 minutes.

Next it was Rohan Bopanna and Ivan Dodig's turn to clinch a thriller for their side as they edged past Warriors' duo of Leander Paes and Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-5.

Bernard Tomic who was making his debut for the Aces found it difficult to adjust to the conditions and lost to Philipp Kohlschreiber who bagged the set 6-3 in the men’s singles event.

In Monday's other match, team Philippine Mavericks' Ivo Karlovic defeated 17time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer 6-4 in the men's singles to lead his team to a 26-24 win against UAE Royals.

The legends singles saw Mavericks' James Blake defeat Goran Ivanisevic 6-5.

In the women’s singles, Royals' Kristina Mladenovic registered a 6-2 win against Ajla Tomjlanovic.

NevADA, DecemBeR 15 (AGeNcIeS): Conor McGregor unified his interim featherweight title with Jose Aldo’s UFC featherweight championship at UFC 194 on Saturday night, but it could end up sidelining him until June of 2016.

McGregor and Aldo charged at one another at the opening bell, but it was McGregor who connected. He finished the fight with a 13-second knockout of the man who hadn’t lost in more than a decade.

McGregor must, however, have his left wrist x-rayed and cleared by a doctor, or he will be sitting out until June 12, 2016.

In the night’s co-main event, Luke Rockhold took the middleweight strap from Chris Weidman, but, like McGregor, could be out for the next six months.

Rockhold scored a TKO stoppage of Weidman in the fourth round of their bout, but must get his left foot/ankle xrayed and cleared by a doctor. If he doesn’t get clearance, he also is suspended until June 12.

The Nevada Athletic Commission released the full medical suspensions to MMAWeekly. com on Monday.

UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor took place on Saturday, Dec. 12, at MGM Grand Garden Arena

in Las Vegas.

UFC 194 Medical Suspensions Conor McGregor: Must have his left wrist x-rayed. If positive, he must be cleared by a doctor or he is suspended until June 12, 2016.

Jose Aldo: Suspended until Feb. 11, 2016, with no contact until Jan. 27.

Luke Rockhold: Must have his left foot/ankle x-rayed. If positive, he must be cleared by a doctor or he is suspended until June 12. His minimum suspension is until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3.

Chris Weidman: Must have both feet x-rayed. If positive, he must be cleared by a doctor or he is suspended until Feb. 11, with no contact until Jan. 27.

Yoel Romero: Suspended

until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3.

Jacare Souza: Must have his left forearm x-rayed. If positive, he must be cleared by a doctor or he is suspended until June 12.

His minimum suspension is until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3.

Gunnar Nelson: Suspended until Jan. 27, with no contact until Jan. 12, due to a nasal bridge laceration.

Jeremy Stephens: Suspended until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3.

Urijah Faber: Must have an MRI of his left knee and get his right ankle and left thumb x-rayed. If any are positive, he must be cleared by a doctor or he is suspended until June 12.

His minimum suspension is until Jan. 27, with no contact until

Jan. 12.

Frankie Saenz: Suspended until Jan. 27, with no contact until Jan. 12.

Tecia Torres: Must have left thumb x-rayed. If positive, she must be cleared by a doctor or she is suspended until June 12.

Her minimum suspension is until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3. Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger: Suspended until Jan. 27, with no contact until Jan. 12.

Colby Covington: Must have a CT Scan or an MRI of his right chest wall. If positive, he must be cleared by a doctor or he is suspended until June 12. His minimum suspension is until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3.

Kevin Lee: Suspended until Jan. 27, with no contact until Jan. 12.

Joe Proctor: Suspended until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3.

Yancy Medeiros: Must have his right knee sprain cleared by an orthopedic doctor or he is suspended until June 12. His minimum suspension is until Jan. 12, with no contact until Jan. 3, due to left to pain. John Makdessi: Must have his right thumb x-rayed. If positive, he must be cleared by a doctor or he is suspended until June 12.

A Reflection on Celebration!

he message of any social reality finds expression through different medium. And I feel ‘advertisement’ is one of the medium that can affect us positively or adversely.

The basic idea of advertisement in most cases is to sell products but if we look at them very closely it sell much more than just the products. It sells values, images, concepts of love, romance, success etc. etc.

And the prevailing taste takes its ideal from the advertisement, for instance advertising captions like, “Wear your attitude” “Be a model citizen, in the eyes of fashion police”, “An apple a day, can keep you away from Doctor” so on so forth. We are ruled by the principles of pre-determined needs provoking us, as capable in fulfilling our needs and we feel ourselves as eternal consumers which is the object of advertising industry, yet we didn’t realized that they are not allowing us to believe, that by such deception fulfils its selfish design. Advertising is merging as psycho technology, a procedure to manipulate us and their

main aim is to overpower the customer, who is conceived as absent minded or resistant, creating an artificial need around us making us believe that we need certain things which are not really necessary.

Jean Kilbourne, an American feminist and a film maker uses several ads and TV commercials in her Documentary film killing us Softly, to critique the image of women being misused by the advertising industry. She points out that to a great extend advertisement comes tell, who we are and who we should be. She feels, women are the most affected ones in this project, because advertising industry creates a notion that ‘beauty’ is the most important thing about women. And at the very early age women are made conscious by these agents that they should spend enormous amount of time, money and energy to achieve this ideal beauty and feel ashamed when one doesn’t indulge in this project. The saddest past is women are contempt when they failed to achieve that ideal beauty.

She further adds, to achieve that ideal beauty becomes even more difficult in the eyes advance technology, the magic touch that computer can give to the images has made even more difficult for real women to achieved that ideal beauty.

But interestingly she says, the advertising industry comes to promise that such transformation is possible if we try hard, buy the right products.

I feel this is true to a great extend even to our society that many indulge in this project and ends up frustrating for it is impossible to achieve that virtual perfection created by the advertising industry. Taking this as a departure point I would like reflect on how advertisement has slowly affected even the ways Christmas celebration.

Today, if we look around, the perspective of Christmas celebration wears completely a different look, the concept of first Christmas is slowly turning out to be a distant memory. The festival which supposed to be celebrating the birth of Christ, the gift of love and the plan of

redemption seem to have little relevance, as the pendulum of celebration drastically swing towards festivity rather than dwelling on the meaning and purpose of celebration. The commercial industry is partly to be blame for making Christmas a massive event of shopping, coercing people to embrace the deviated meaning of Christmas to meet their ends, advertising their product in such a way that Christmas would be incomplete without owning their products. For instance, the concept of Christmas tree, Christmas stars, Santa Claus etc. have taken the centre stage of the celebration, making us believed that Christmas is incomplete without these stuffs, and somehow we have become a victim of this project.

Christmas wasn’t about digging so deep into our bank accounts or savings. But Christmas is turning out to be a burden for many, as compel to meet certain expectations around, and in turn many would be left with huge debts. And the saddest part is that, even after sev-

eral months of celebration, many would be still trying to shovel out ways and means to repay the debts that they have borrowed for Christmas celebration.

Many a times we think a well celebrated Christmas is all about having new clothes, lots of meat, well organised gatherings wherein, we get all sort of entertainments. Well, I am not completely against the idea of material celebration but focusing too much on feasting and other materialistic entertainment would certainly kill the purpose of celebration. As we all wait to celebrate this Christmas, I think it’s important on our part to lend a serious thought on the evolving trend of Christmas celebration! So that we may prepare in the right spirit and wait on the Lord who will never disappoint us, like the things of the world has disappointed.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas!

Wungnaongam Pou (The writer is a research fellow at Delhi University, in the field of Comparative Literature)

Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

Wednesday 16•12•2015

Cosplay, seminar, and more on day 4 Taylor Swift's of Mokokchung Town anniversary Management

Responds To Artist's Accusations

Participants at the first ever chibi and cosplay event ‘Mokkos’ at P. Shilu Park on December 15. (Morung Photo)

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he fourth day of the 125 years celebration of Mokokchung Town was marked with cosplay, Tug of War, seminar, panel discussion, among others. In the inter-ward Tug of War competition, Alempang ward emerged winner in both the men and women categories. ADC Mokokchung, Rajesh Soundararajan gave away the cash prize and certificate of

merit to the winners.

Chibi and open cosplay organized by MOKKOS under the aegis of APAT was held at Amphitheater, P. Shilu park which saw positive response from both the participants and audience.

Meanwhile, a seminar for farmers organized by ATMA was held at Youth Centre, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, which was graced by Deputy Commissioner & Chairman GB

(ATMA) Sushil Kumar Patel. During the inaugural programme, the chief guest gave awards to best farmer/ farmers group.

Panel discussion on the theme “Vision Mokokchung 2040” Part-II was also held at Cosmos Hall.

The evening programme showcased Nagaland Open Freestyle Dance competition and Fashion fiesta showcasing Mokokchung’s best. (DIPR)

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n October (15), the Shake It Off star took to her popular social media accounts to post fanmade art of an illustrated red fox, along with lyrics to her song I Know Places.

Artist Ally Burguieres, who is the original artist of the fox image, was shocked to see her art being used by Swift, but suspected another fan, who signed the art in the corner and dated it in 2014, simply traced her illustration to use for

her Swift-themed art. But the singer shared the work with her millions of social media followers using her album's hashtag, prompting Burguieres to accuse her of using the art for commercial gain.

Swift later removed the image from all her ac-

counts. In an open letter, Burguieres wrote, "While I wondered why no one had sought permission or offered compensation to do so, I recognized that such endorsement is a once-in-alifetime boost for an artist and can skyrocket an artist's career." Burguieres claimed she reached out to Swift's management officials about the image and received a four-figure payout, but they insisted the cash would have to be donated to charity and Burguieres would not receive credit for the picture. "The copy had been shared and downloaded countless times, and it seemed neither you nor your team intended on correcting the mistake," Burguieres wrote in her letter to Swift.

"Taylor, as a professional, would you agree to such terms... My work is my living - it is how I pay bills and support my family and employees... I simply hope to see your actions fall more in line with the values you claim to hold." A representative for Swift has since come forward to defend the pop star, noting that instead of going to the singer's team with the matter, Burguieres chose to write the open letter online. "At no time during these postings did Ms. Burguieres contact our office directly," a rep for Swift says in a statement to Rolling Stone. "Notwithstanding the huge publicity this has generated for Ms. Burguieres and her store, in early November, Ms. Swift's office made a fair offer of payment, well above a reasonable licensing fee for the short time that the fan art was posted online. "The offer was for a payment to Ms. Burguieres - there was no requirement of a contribution to any charity. Her lawyer further advised us that Ms. Burguieres chose to go after Taylor only, and not against the woman who has admitted she used Ms. Burguieres' work as inspiration. Ms. Burguieres' lawyer acknowledged Ms. Swift's action was unintentional, but rejected the offer. She promised to get back to us with an explanation of why she felt Ms. Burguieres was entitled to more money, but she never did that and the next we heard was Ms. Burguieres' new posting." The rep concluded, "We have tried on multiple occasions to address Ms. Burguieres' concerns, but these actions make it clear to us that this is just an unfortunate effort to extract more money and more publicity."

'PRDP' leads BIG Star Entertainment Awards 2015

Diplo Is Most Shazamed Artist Of 2015

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ans pulled out the app to identify more of the DJ's songs than those of any other artist over the last 12 months, partly in thanks to his work with his group Major Lazer and his Jack U duo with Skrillex. Major Lazer's catchy hit Lean On - which was recently named Spotify's biggest song of the year racked up 16.6 million of the band's 27 million hits alone, while Jack U's Where Are U Now collaboration with Justin Bieber was checked out on Shazam 6.2 million times, and Diplo's solo work earned a total of 4.6 million hits, including one million alone for his song Be Right There with Sleepy Tom, reports Billboard.com. It's been a big year for Diplo - he also scored three Grammy Award nominations last week (begs07Dec15) for Producer of the Year, NonClassical, Best Dance Recording for We Are U Now, and Best Dance/Electronic Album for Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U.

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ilmmaker Sooraj Barjatya's latest film 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'bagged four awards at the BIG Star Entertainment Awards 2015.

The film's lead actress Sonam Kapoor got the BIG Star Most Entertaining Actor - Female in a Romantic role. The film also bagged an award for the BIG Star Most Entertaining Romantic Film Of The Year. Apart from this, singer Himesh Reshammiya walked away with the BIG Star Most Entertaining

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tor in a Drama Role (Male).

Deepika Padukone, who essays the role of his selfless daughter, won the BIG Star Most Entertaining Actor in a Drama Role (Female). 'Piku' won the BIG Star Most Entertaining Drama film. Actor Varun Dhawan, who has proved his versatility with his performance in the action-thriller film 'Badlapur' - bagged two awards - BIG Star Most Entertaining Actor in a Thriller Role (Male) and BIG Star Most Entertaining Actor in an Action Role - Male/Female.

Recently crowned ‘The Best Band in Nagaland’, the Tune Up Channel, performing at the "Unchanged Mellowdy", a musical night featuring artists of Mokokchung, including the oldies at the 125 years celebration of Mokokchung at Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung on December 14.

DON’T COMPETE

SHARE THE ROAD Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR) visited the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre on the day of their concert in Dimapur on December 15. Seen in the photo is Mikkel Lentz, the lead guitarist and additional keyboardist of MLTR signing on a Bamboo acoustic guitar that was developed by the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency.

Danny Pintauro Named Ambassador For Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation he former Who's The Boss? star stunned fans in September (15) when he confessed he battled a crystal meth addiction in the past and was diagnosed w i t h HIV in 2003.

Since going public w ith the news, he has b e e n s p e a king candidly about his issues in a bid to raise awareness of the disease, and now he will be a telling his story on behalf of the actress' charity.

"Elizabeth Taylor's legacy

Music award for the Salman Khan-starrer. Singer Palak Muchhal received an award for BIG Star Most Entertaining Singer (Female) for the same film. Palak made the show's host Bharti Dubey do the signature step of the film's title track, for which she won the award. Shoojit Sircar's 'Piku' got three awards for different categories at the ceremony. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a quintessentially Bengali man in the film, was honoured with the BIG Star Most Entertaining Ac-

as the most vehemently dedicated celebrity fighting for people living with HIV/AIDS will live on long after her passing," Pintauro says in a statement.

"I hope to continue that legacy, with as m u c h ve h e mence, as an ambassador for her amazing organization." The actor joins other celebrity representatives for the foundation, including Colin Farrell, Whoopi Goldberg, director Adam Shankman and actor Daniel Franzese.

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WednesdAY 16•12•2015

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Leicester's fairytale run continues Goa marches into ISL final as Vardy, Mahrez down Chelsea

Leicester’s Jamie Vardy, right, scores past Chelsea’s keeper Thibaut Courtois during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Monday, 14 December. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

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LEICESTER, DECEmbER 15 (AP): English football's most lethal double act propelled Leicester to a 2-1 win over stumbling champion Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday, with goals by Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez keeping their team top of the standings.

The most remarkable Premier League story in years shows no sign of ending. After only narrowly avoiding relegation last campaign, Leicester leads the heavyweights of England

by two points nearly halfway through this season. Vardy, whose record 11-match scoring streak ended last weekend, got back in the goals to put Leicester ahead in the 34th minute. Mahrez set up that goal and scored the second in the 48th with a curling shot after a dazzling piece of skill.

Substitute Loic Remy reduced the deficit for Chelsea but late pressure couldn't yield an equalizer for Jose Mourinho's side, which has lost nine of its 16 games and is amazingly

just one point from safety.

Chelsea romped to the title last season and its decline is as stunning as Leicester's rise.

There are now 20 points separating Leicester and Chelsea. And while Chelsea's top-four ambitions look unlikely, Leicester can start thinking realistically about qualifying for the Champions League.

Most pundits are still expecting Leicester's unlikely title challenge to falter, but the team could be hanging around for a while on this

evidence. The home side was sharper everywhere, more penetrative going forward and comfortable in defense until Chelsea's late rally.

In Mahrez and Vardy, Leicester has the most threatening attacking combination around. They've now scored 26 goals between them this season, nine more than the whole Chelsea team.

Vardy knew instinctively where to run when Mahrez cut inside off the left flank and quickly sent

over a cross. The striker darted between center backs Kurt Zouma and John Terry, and met the cross with a clipped volley that flew inside the near post. He is now on 15 goals this season.

Mahrez's goal — his 11th of the season — was more of an individual effort.

He nonchalantly controlled a deep, high cross to the back post by Marc Albrighton, toyed with marker Cesar Azpilicueta to manoeuver half a meter of space, before curling an effort high into the far corner.

A lethargic Chelsea was being outworked. Its most likely source of a goal was from a set piece and the 30th-minute withdrawal of Eden Hazard, who hurt his hip after being shoved to the ground by Vardy, robbed the champions of their most creative player.

Terry was substituted at 2-0 as Chelsea mixed things up by going to three at the back. Diego Costa and Branislav Ivanovic wasted chances before Remy headed in Pedro Rodriguez's cross in the 77th minute to set up a tight finish.

Leicester held on and has lost just once since getting beaten by Chelsea in April. The team is on 35 points — and no side has had that many points after 16 games and not qualified for the Champions League.

6th Chizami Cup 2015 Seen in action are players from Kichutip ward and Tongdentsuyong ward at the Final match of the inter ward volleyball tournament organised as a part of the quasquocentennial celebration of Mokokchung at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on 15 December. The match was won by Kichutip Ward 25-24;25-29.

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52nd VSU sports meet underway Our Correspondent Kohima | December 15

The 52nd sports meet of Viswema Students’ Union (VSU) cum Lt. Dr. Vizadel Sakhrie & Lt. Visakhol Sothu Memorial Trophy got underway at John Government Higher Secondary School Viswema on December 15.

Puvil Kikhi, Project Officer, Department of Land Resources & president VGOK graced the inaugural function as the chief guest. The function was chaired by sports committee convenor Nokhriil Vitsu while Viphitsol Mekro administered oath to the participating teams.

In the first football match, K Khel Students

CHIZAmI, DECEmbER 15 (mExN): In the second day of the 6th Chizami Cup 2015, Unique Boys FC, Chizami Town down Sakraba Town Boys FC, Sakraba by a solitary goal. Kupe Tara scored the only goal.

In the second match, Albatross, Chozuba defeated Espoir FC, Pfütsero 5-1.

Phito Nienu, Berelhu and Punuru Neinu were on the scoresheet for Albatross FC while Wede Mero got the consolation for Espoir FC. Phito became the first player to score a hat-trick in this edition of the Cup. In another match, Young Stars Sporting Club, Chizami defeated United

Brothers FC, Meluri via a tie-break (4-2) after the match ended 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

Sethpou Gangmei and Kinwi Pamay scored for Young Stars Sporting Club while Rhongutho Dominic scored a brace for United Brothers Club December 16 Fixture: Quarter Finals 1. Wings FC, Chizami vs Exuberance FC, Pfütsero 2. Halcyon United, Pfütsero vs Young Stars SC, Chizami 3. Senapati FC, Senapati vs Unique Boys FC, Chizami 4. The Hills FC, Pfütsero vs Albatross, Chozuba

Sports Academy selection for Girls

Volleyball in progress at VSU sports meet on December 15.

Morung Photo

Union beat R Khel 2-0 while in the second match Z Khel students beat P Khel students 11-1.

The four day long sports meet is being marked by football (Men) Lt. Dr. Vizadel Sakhrie Memorial Trophy, volleyball (Men) Lt.

Visakhol Sothu Memorial Trophy, Sepaktakraw (Women), Volleyball (Women), Kho-kho (Women), TT Single & Double (Men and women), Badminton Single & Double (Men and women). The meet will go on till December 18.

DImAPUR, DECEmbER 15 (mExN): The Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland will conduct selection trials for admission into Sports Hostel Dimapur Girls Section for the Academic Session 2016-17 in two disciplines of Athletics Girls and Sepaktakraw Girls on January 13 and 14.

The eligibility criteria for selection trials are: (i) Athletics (Girls) 12 to 14 years, 6 vacancies and (ii) Sepaktakraw (Girls) 12 to 16 years A press release from Khriehutuo Tsira, In-charge, State

mARgAo, DECEmbER 15 (IANS): A scintillating offensive display enabled a buoyant FC Goa to a 3-1 aggregate victory over Delhi Dynamos in a two-legged semi-final and enter the title round of the Indian Super League (ISL) here on Tuesday.

Spanish midfielder Joffre Mateu scored in the 11th minute, followed by Brazilian forward Rafael Coelho on 27 minutes that helped Goa lead 2-0 at half-time in the second leg match.

Man-of-the-Match Nigerian striker Dudu Omagbemi put the finishing touches to the lop-sided 3-0 scoreline in the 84th minute as the hosts overturned a 0-1 deficit they conceded in the first leg at New Delhi on December 11 to enter the final.

They await the winner of defending champions Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC whose second legged match will be played in Kolkata on Wednesday. Chennaiyin lead the tie 3-0.

Goa were the semi-finalists in the inaugural edition of the tournament last year. The final of the competition will be played here on December 20.

Goa were determined to hit the ground running at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in their aim of plucking up an early goal that would have nullified Dynamos' deficit.

They were egged on by their animated coach Zico who entered into an argument with the referee at the very beginning of the game that displayed his eager-

ness as well as nervousness.

They got what they yearned in the 11th minute. Spanish midfielder Joffre Mateu capped off his superb solo run from the right with a fierce low leftfooted shot that crashed into the near post of goalkeeper Toni Doblas.

Dynamos were subjected to intense pressure, which reflected on their coach Roberto carlos' face.

He was seen in an enthusiastic discussion with his defensive spearhead John Arne Riise after the goal with both visibly disagreeing with each other.

They were in serious trouble and were disintegrating spectacularly under the consistently impressive combined attacking display of Goa's frontmen.

Dynamos survived going behind on 23 minutes when the sparkling homegrown talent Romeo Fernandes' attempt went inches wide after latching onto a feeble clearance from Doblas.

Goa deservedly took an aggregate lead four minutes later with a similar strike as the first goal amidst sporadic, hopeful attempts by Dynamos.

Coelho dangerously danced his way towards the box from the vulnerable right side and let loose a low grounder, this time towards the far post of Doblas. The ball landed into the net after thundering off the inside of the post as a diving Doblas clutched thin air.

By this time, the hosts were all over Carlos' side

and the disapproving Brazilian reacted by replacing the non-functioning Riise with Dutch midfielder Hans Mulder at the half hour mark hoping to provide support to lonely Frenchman Florent Malouda.

Dynamos hoped the change of ends would facilitate a change of fortunes but Goa creditably didn't let their foot off the pedal and continued to expose the bungling rightback Robert Lalthlamuana by creating two golden opportunities.

A conversion of any one of them would have killed off the contest considering the sustained domination of the hosts.

But Doblas rose to the occasion producing smart saves, blocking shots of Fernandes and Brazilian Leo Moura, to keep his team in the hunt though the clock unfailingly ticked away.

The frenetic nature of action evoked some bruising physical display from both sides prompting the referee to show several yellow cards.

As the match entered its finals stretch, hope of Dynamos evaporated rapidly as a marauding Goa looked likelier to score.

They duly obliged when Fernandes laid it for Dudu to finish off another freeflowing coordinated attack from close range, much to the dejection of the Dynamos camp whose English striker Adil Nabi, substituted in the 58th minute, was red-carded for showing dissent at a linesman.

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Sports Hostel Girls Section Dimapur, asked candidates to produce attested copy of Birth Certificate and Medical Fitness Certificate and report at the selection trial venue i.e., Government Higher Secondary School Dimapur Ground at 10 a.m. Candidates are informed to attend the test at their own expense as no TA/ DA would be provided.

For more information, candidates are asked to contact their respective coaches: Khriehutuo Tsira (Athletics) 9856585309 and Holshe Khrieo (Sepaktakraw) 9436004795.

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SECHÜ ZUbZA, DECEmbER 15 (mExN): 26 year-old Seketoukho Nipu emerged as the champion of Sechü Zubza wrestling meet 2015 held at WAPO Ground, Sechü Zubza.

Seketoukho, who also bagged the third position at this year’s 9th International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship 2015, downed his younger brother Petekuolie Nipu (21 yrs) in the final to emerge as the winner. The Nipu brothers are sons of Rokomekho, a prominent wrestler during his time. Mention be made that their father Rokomekho Nipu, in the past years, had bagged the third position in Angami Sports Association wrestling meet twice as

The top four winners flanked by SZYO executive members, tournament officials and village leaders at WAPO Ground, Sechü Zubza, on December 15.

well as bagged several titles at Western Angami Sports Association wrestling meet.

The third place was bagged by another upcoming wrestler Kekhriezo Nagi (25 yrs), son of Videtuolie Nagi, while Kedizelhou Zhünyü (18 yrs), son of Zhasie Zhünyü, bagged the fourth position.

In the under-14 wrestling championship, Khriesamhalie Nagi, son of Teiso Nagi, emerged as the champion, while Zasevikho Miasalhou, son of Atuo Miasalhou, bagged the second position. Vilhoukhoto Rino, son of Menuo-u and Neikerhezo

Zhünyü, son of Keviselie, bagged the third and fourth positions respectively.

Earlier, the inaugural function was graced

by Mhasikhotuo Zhünyü, chairman, Sechü Zubza Village Council, as the special guest.

The programme com-

menced with invocation pronounced by Pfüsieo Bei-o, assistant pastor, Christian Revival Church, Sechü Zubza, while SZYO president, Megoneituo Kielienyü chaired the function. The oath of administration was led by Desielie Miasalhou, asst secretary games & sports, SZYO, while ‘Voices from the Hills’ presented a special number.

The wrestling meet was organized by Sechü Zubza Youth Organisation. Meanwhile, the selected wrestlers will represent SZYO at the Western Angami ‘D” Group Sports Association wrestling meet 2015, scheduled in the month of January at Kiruphema village.

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