December 19th, 2015

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www.morungexpress.com

SaturDaY • December 19 • 2015

DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 345 • 12 PAGes • 4

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

No one has a finer command of language than the person who keeps his mouth shut Five humanitarian crises largely overlooked in 2015 PAGE 09

National Energy Conservation Day observed in Kohima

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T R u T H

— Sam Rayburn

Mourinho sacking sets off Europe-wide coach alert

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PAGE 12

Mother teresa to be made saint

Adriano De Souza of Brazil competes to win the World Surfing League World Title at the Billabong Pipe Masters, in Haleiwa on Oahu island, Hawaii. (Reuters Photo)

April 6, 2009 triple Murder

Father gets life sentence for killing 3 children DImAPur, DeCember 18 (mexN): The District and Sessions Court Dimapur today handed out a life imprisonment sentence to the accused in the April 6, 2009 triple murder case.

A press release from the Public Prosecutor, H Kughashe Swu recalled that the accused, identified as Hoilyunging had been alleged of murdering three of his children, aged 13, 10 and 8 with a machete (Dao) during their sleep on the night of April 6, 2009.

The Public Prosecutor informed that the accused took the plea of being drunk and unsound of mind while committing the act. “But the learned Sessions judge observed that when no one has forced the accused to get drunk nor when nothing insanity was adduced by evidence on the part of the accused person, the plea

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Police never act in time! So, you want to report your car stolen in....advance!!

'Climate change to positively impact rice and tea in NE'

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KolKATA, DeCember 18 (IANs): Climate change is going to "positively" impact rice and tea crops in northeast, a scientist said on Friday. According to Chandan Mahanta of the IIT-Guwahati, a modelling study carried out by the institute showed in the next 15 years, rice and tea can actually have an advantage from climate change.

"Climate change is going to positively impact rice and tea in at least coming 15 years in the northeast.

We have modelled that," Mahanta said at the South Asia Water Dialogue, adding that scientists looked at climate data, such as temperature, humidity and precipitation in the region to study the changes on the two important crops. He said: "Sometimes it's not just temperature alone but also rate of change of temperature or rate of change of precipitation so it is not always very simple to say."

In addition, the difference in growing times also has influence. "Tea is grown at three different times. Even rice is grown at different times. Maybe one particular rice variety may be less affected, others may be more affected," said Mahanta, a professor of the department of civil engineering.

of insanity/unsoundness of mind in absence of evidence will not make any exception to the accused and the accused deserves to be punished for his guilt for committing triple murder under section 302 of Indian Penal Code,” he said.

The Sessions Court in its judgment observed that based on the statements of the prosecution witnesses and the evidence and documents placed on record: “I am not inclined to hold that accused at the time of killing his own children was unaware of his action but being guilt and ashamed, accused has to blame alcohol drinking problem thereby question of sanity plea was taken.”

“And in any view of the matter I hold that the prosecution is able to prove triple murder against accused beyond

all reasonable doubt and accordingly I hold the accused guilty as charge u/s 302 of IPC,” the court further said.

The Court also recommended that the Nagaland State Government consider payment of compensation to the victims’ mother. “Considering the loss of 3 lives in one family alone, depriving minors a longer life and being victim of crime perpetuated by the accused, and the mother being alive who was tortured mentally and the accused father being sentenced to life rigorous imprisonment, the judgment also recommend for consideration of payment of compensation to be paid to the victim mother by the State Government under section 357- A of Cr.PC as per notified Nagaland Compensation Scheme 2012,” it stated.

VATICAN CITY, DeCember 18 (reuTers): Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Nobel laureate known for dedicating her life to helping the poorest of the poor, will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican said on Friday.

Pope Francis has cleared the way for sainthood by approving a decree recognising a second miracle attributed to her intercession with God - a necessary event for such a move in the church.

Mother Teresa, who died in 1997 at the age of 87, become an international icon of charity in the 20th century but has also been criticised for trying to convert people to Christianity.

She was beatified in 2003 by the late Pope John Paul II. Beatification, which requires one miracle, is the last step before sainthood, which requires two.

The church believes saints are holy men and women who lived extraordinary lives of virtue and are believed to be in Heaven with God. Francis, who has made concern for the poor a major plank of his papacy, was keen to make Mother Teresa a saint during the Church's current Holy Year, or Jubilee, in which Catholics are called on to emphasise the need for mercy and

Mother Teresa

compassion in the world.

Mother Teresa's second miracle involved the inexplicable healing of a Brazilian man who was suffering from a viral brain infection that resulted in multiple abscesses with hydrocephalus, according to Church officials.

Relatives prayed to Mother Teresa and he recovered, leaving his doctors at a loss to explain how.

A Vatican medical commission deemed the sudden recovery "inexplicable in the light of present-day medical knowledge," according to Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, the chief promoter of the sainthood cause.

"CHrIsTmAs GIFT" In Kolkata, Sunita Kumar, spokeswoman for Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity religious order said the nuns were "over the moon" when they got the news.

"We thought her whole life was a miracle. Her whole life was dedicated to the poor and there was nothing else in her mind than service. Everyone was accepted and there was no obstruction in her work," she told Reuters.

Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of Calcutta told Reuters the news from Rome was "the best Christmas gift," adding, "Her entire life and work was for the

poor. Now it is in a way officially recognised. We are grateful to God." In the years since her death, some critics accused her and the order of having ulterior motives, saying their real aim was to convert people to Christianity.

The order has denied the allegations, saying, for example, that most of those helped in the Kalighat Home for Dying Destitutes in Kolkata were nonChristians with just a few days left to live and noting that conversion is a lengthy process.

The order has also denied allegations of financial mismanagement of the huge sums it received from donor.

Known as the "saint of the gutters", the diminutive nun is expected to be canonised - formally made a saint - in early September. It was not clear if the ceremony would take place in Rome or if the pope would travel to India to preside over it.

Mother Teresa was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu of Albanian parents in Macedonia in 1910 in what was then part of the Ottoman Empire.

She founded the Missionaries of Charity to help the poor on the streets of Kolkata and the religious order later spread throughout the world. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

HC release of Dec 12 gang rape convict evokes concern Crackers banned in Mon & Wokha New DelHI, DeCember 18 (IANs): The Delhi High Court's refusal on Friday to block release of the 'juvenile' convicted in the 2012 gang rape case evoked concerns from people from various walks of life, many of them terming the verdict a weak decision. Some of them sought changes in the Indian legal system, as they said if the courts released convicts on technical grounds even in such heinous cases as the December 16, 2012, Delhi gang rape in which the victim died of her grievous injuries, it might lead to erosion of public faith in the judiciary.

"I am extremely sad that Nirbhaya's convict will walk free on 20th (December 20)... dark day in the history of the country. I will be appealing to Chief Justice of High Court and

Supreme Court and President to intervene. Nirbhaya's rapist should not be released," Delhi Commission for Women chairman Swati Maliwal tweeted.

A division Bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath said the convict, found to be a juvenile at the time of the crime, could not be kept at the observation home beyond December 20, the day set for his release.

It also directed that the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) should interact with the juvenile, his parents and guardians, as well as the officials concerned of the Delhi government's Department of Women and Child Development about his "post-release rehabilitation and social mainstreaming".

The decision left the parents of the dead victim crestfallen as

Gov claims constitutional crisis in Arunachal Pradesh GuwAHATI, DeCember 18 (IANs): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoiti Prasad Rajkhowa on Friday said the state was facing a constitutional crisis as well as a law and order problem, and wondered what wrong he had done.

"It is a constitutional crisis and law and order problem. There are a lot of problems there in Arunachal Pradesh)," Rajkhowa. "Why am I (being) blamed? What wrong have I done? Law and order is not under control in the state and jungle raj prevails there," Rajkhowa said.

"The ministers shouted and pointed fingers at me.

The chief minister (Nabam Tuki) was there, the home minister was there. They did not misbehave with me but with the governor of the state. They also threatened me," the Governor said.

Rajkhowa said six state ministers were present at a dharna in front of Raj Bhavan on Thursday night.

"The state home minister laid and supervised the dharna. They have also blocked all roads in the state capital Itanagar, not allowing movement of vehicles," Rajkhowa said.

Meanwhile, a Raj Bhavan statement issued late Thursday night said the governor was likely to appeal very shortly against Gawahati High Court's Thursday order to suspend the proceedings of the state assembly till February 1. "The governor is extremely surprised to know from TV channels of Guwahati that a single judge bench of the Guwahati High Court issuedastayorderonthegovernor's order dated December 9 preponing the summoning of the Arunachal Pradesh legislative assembly from January 14, 2016, to December 16, 2015, and other proceedings, including removal of Speaker Nabam Rebiabyaresolutionof33MLAs and asking for maintaining status quo ante..."

Related News on Page 3

they put the court's decision as completely favouring the criminals. "I am not satisfied with the court's decision. Today's decision only means no matter what sort of crime happens with the women, the law will remain unchanged. I feel as if our fight has ended in the middle," Asha Devi, Jyoti Singh's mother, told reporters outside the court.

"The decision has been mentally shocking. Though I am severely hurt with the court's decision, we cannot do anything now. We are helpless," Badrinath - the father of the victim told reporters.

Delhi Governor Najeeb Jung expressed concern over the functioning of the juvenile homes, saying: "I think the government is actively engaged in bringing down the juvenile age. The juvenile homes are not working very

efficiently and the courts are monitoring them." The central government had told the court the juvenile's stay in an observation home should be extended till all aspects, including mental health and post-release rehabilitation plans, were considered by the authorities.

Some people, however, supported the Delhi High Court's decision, saying now the focus should be the juvenile's rehabilitation.

"The juvenile is being released after serving his conviction time. There is nothing wrong in it. I welcome Delhi High Court's verdict on it. The focus should be now directed towards the rehabilitation of the juvenile," said Kavita Krishnan, secretary, All India Progressive Women's Association.

Related News on Page 8

DImAPur, DeCember 18 (mexN): The district administrations of Wokha and Mon have banned the selling and bursting of crackers in their respective areas.

A press note from the Mon DC stated that in view of the volatile law and order situation in the town and Mon district and with a view to maintain peace and tranquility in the area, bursting and selling of fire crackers has been banned with immediate effect.

“Anybody found violating this order shall be dealt seriously. The police with the assistance of the DBs are directed to enforce this order with immediate effect,” the DC said.

The SDO (C) Wokha, K Thavaseelan also informed that due to unregulated bursting of crackers at different times within Wokha town leading to disruption

of peace and normal life in addition to noise pollution, bursting of crackers has been banned within the town until further orders.

Meanwhile, the SDO (C) further observed that there has been an increase in dog bites caused by stray dogs recently in the town area, and this menace has led to deaths due to rabies infection in the district.

Therefore, the district administration has ordered that all dog owners should vaccinate and collar their pet dogs within (10) ten days and not let the dogs roam freely in the street. “Those dogs roaming the streets freely after expiry of the above period shall be presumed to be stray dogs and without owner’s permission, necessary action taken against them,” the SDO (C) cautioned.

‘We must keep our relations good’ Regular contacts will surely create ‘permanent peace’ in the border area DImAPur, DeCember 18 (mexN): In an effort to foster friendship between the people of Assam and Nagaland states, a threeday mini-Volleyball Sports Olympic kicked off on Thursday for people from both sides of the border at the Medeluajan-Mithihe sector under Titabar sub-division in Jorhat district and Mithihe sector in Changpang circle in Wokha district of Nagaland. A total of 23 teams including 5 girls teams (3 from Nagaland and 2 from Assam) are participating in the tournament.

Dr Samujjal Kr Bhattacharya, Chief Adviser of the All Assam Students’ Union, speaking during the event stated: “It is the governments who separate the states and its people.

The present initiative is very

AASU Adviser, Dr. Samujjal Kr Bhattacharya and NSF General Secretary, Boveio Poukai Duo being felicitated at the mini Volleyball sports Olympic held at the Medeluajan-Mithihe sector.

much to be appreciated by all and such initiatives need to be replicated in the entire border areas be it not only in Assam-Nagaland but to Assam-Arunachal-Meghalaya and so on.”

He lauded the Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) for its efforts in promoting friendly relations between people of both states and for helping ease tensions in the border areas. He particularly mentioned Er Temsu Wathi Ao, Convener, BPCC

(A-N) for his efforts and the Naga Students’ Federation for its support to the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO).

“We must keep our relations good because the government/s is not performing much for the welfare of the border suffering people. Sports and culture is a very good mechanism to usher peace and helps to understand each other thus bonds us. AASU and NSF shall take this peace model to other areas,” Dr

Samujjal said.

General Secretary of the Naga Students’ Federation, Boveio Poukai Duo said that the message of friendship, good relations with good neighbourly contact “will surely create permanent peace in the border area.”

Bhaba Prasad Bora, President of BPCC (A-N) appealed to all concern to support the committee’s activities in ushering peace in the Assam-Nagaland border.

The event was also attended by public represen-

tative from neighbouring Naga villages of Akahuto, Aghautitu, Amboto Old & New, Mithihe, Shevukhu, Ghoqheto, Azuhoto, Tssori new & old and a total of 14 Assamese border villages hailing from Tengajan and Charaipani Panchayat participated in the “peace assembly.”

It may be noted that this trans-border friendly volley ball match is held every year, the venue of the match being arranged in alternate locations amongst Naga and Assamese neighbouring villages.

Meanwhile, a free eye check up camp was also arranged sponsored by the ‘Chandra Prabha Eye Hospital,’ a renowned eye care institute in Jorhat. A total of 43 patients hailing from both sides of the border received treatment.

The three day event will culminate on December 19 with prize distribution and handing over the FVBT Flag to the Host Village of 2016.

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SaturDaY 19•12•2015

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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National Energy Conservation Day observed in Kohima Morung Express News Kohima | December 18

“We must organize our life styles and production cycles in such a way that we save energy,” stated Er. I V Chishi, Chief Electrical Inspector on the National Energy Conservation Day at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima on December 18 where are seminar was held on Energy Savings on Bureau of energy Efficiency (BEE) star label appliances on Electrical and Electronic appliances was held.

Mentioning the climatic changes in Nagaland in recent years, Er Chishi pointed out the primary issue to save energy in an environment of ever increasing energy needs and that Energy efficiency presents a unique opportunity to address energy-related challenges of Energy Security, climate change,

and Economic & Sustainable development. Although such step connotes change, he also added that change is likely to invite resistance but it is also possible to live a quality life even by consuming lesser energy. “It is possible to produce more, both in agriculture and industry by consuming less. The potential for energy efficiency improvements in all facets of generation, conversion and utilization is large,” added Er Chishi.

“It’s about time we get into saving energy,” said Kovi Meyase, Adminstrator, Kohima Municipal Council who hoped that the workshop will bring ways and means of practical steps in identifying what the common stakeholders can do in saving energy. As stakeholders, the role to adhere and abide by discipline on energy saving is very

Er. I V Chishi, Chief Electrical Inspector addresses the National Energy Conservation Day at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima held on December 18. (Morung Photo)

important and there needs to have greater sensitization done in wards in Kohima. Despite its many faults, the Government tries to bring improvement to the quality of lives, viewed Meyase and assured that the KMC

as a municipal and civil body will work in spreading the essence of energy conservation in the town.

Although Nagaland has the distinction of becoming the first fully electrified state

in the North east and Second in the Country way back in the Eighties, Er. Chishi also highlighted the current scenario in Nagaland facing a major power supply crunch where the State is totally dependent on out-

side source of power supply.

The gap between demand and supply side is difficult and expensive and limited energy resources, scarcity of capital and high cost for the addition of new generation capacity is leading to increased cost of electrical energy, asserted Er Chishi. By using star-rated Energy Efficiency label appliance, Er Chishi viewed that it will not only harness energy for the present day but also conserve for the future.

A presentation on Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Star Label Energy Applainces was shared by Novotech Environmental Engineering Pvt.Ltd, Kolkata. Major promotional functions of BEE, regulatory functions of BEE, schemes of BEE etc were shared to the participants. The participants

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mostly consisting of dealers and distributors were urged to create awareness on energy conservation to customers.

The resource persons asserted that the dealers and distributors have the moral duty to say ‘No’ to customers when they demand for appliances that are not labeled under the energy saving appliances. Load shedding can be curbed through energy efficiency.

The participants were also informed on the various energy saving appliances such as LED and CFL bulbs and lamps which lasts for almost 25 years and saves upto 80 per cent energy compared to the standard and halogen bulbs which lasts for just a year or two and does not save any energy.

The seminar concluded with discussions.

Parking of commercial Rural Development IGNOU Study Centre at People's College inaugurated vehicles at Zunheboto celebrates pre-Christmas Morung Express News

Mokokchung | December 18

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ZuNheboto, December 18 (DiPr): Following the meeting on the issue of plying and parking of Commercial vehicles within Zunheboto Town on 10th December 2015, under the Chairmanship of SDO(C), Holohon Yepthomi, the following regulations have been adopted for strict compliance.

The departing timing of Commercial Vehicles are: Tata Sumo: 2:00 pm during winter season (Nov -Feb) and 2:30 pm during summer season (Mar - Oct).

Village buses and NST: 2:30 pm during winter (Nov - Feb) and 3:00 pm during summer (Mar-Oct).

Mokokchung Bus : 2:00pm during winter (Nov- Feb) and 3:00 during Summer (Mar -Oct).

NST & Night Super: 4:30 pm during winter (Nov

-Feb) and 5:00 during summer (Mar - Oct).

No Entry For Heavy Vehicles (Trucks) 7:00am to 8:30 am (Feb - Nov) 10:00am to 3:00pm(Dec - Jan) The boards displaying ‘No Entry’ and ‘No Parking’ will be done by contributions BY THE ZCCI and ZTC for the materials and manual labour shall be borne by SP, Zunheboto.

ZCCI was also requested to liason with the mobile operators (Reliance, Vodafone, Idea, Airtel, Aircel, BSNL) for their advertisements through provisions of boards and adoption of traffic islands.

The meeting also discussed on town taxis and ordered that no taxis shall ply without having valid taxi permits.

‘Any organization should be for progress’

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John Tsulise Yingbithongru ADC Meluri speaks at the 7th session of the Yingbithongru Akedah Huung (YAH) held on December 17. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Kiphire | December 18

The 7th session of the Yingbithongru Akedah Huung (YAH) was held on December 17 with John Tsulise Yingbithongru ADC Meluri as chief guest at Hopong-

kyu Memorial hall.

Addressing the gathering the chief guest said that any organization or society should be for progress, development and for social justice. He added that in Naga society organization and society are mushrooming everywhere but in many cases the main objective is not fulfilled and asked the YAH to be constructive and vision oriented.

He also asked the gathering to learn how to serve and grow together as clan but also advise to give oneself to God through whom wisdom comes.

Kahuvi Yeptho president ESSH, Nyoji Khipur Former president YTC Kiphire, and Thangpong Sanguliu Hd GB Kiusum also spoke on the occasion.

Yanglize president YAH welcomed the gathering, while K.Tsilise Vice President USLP propose vote of thanks.

Kohima, December 18 (mexN): The department of Rural Development celebrated pre-Christmas at a solemn service on December 16 at the RD Directorate, Kohima.

On the occasion, minister for RD & REPA, C L John thanked the Almighty for blessing everyone with good health throughout the year and making it possible for everyone to attend year end pre-Christmas service despite the many challenges faced.

He recalled how Christianity first came to Nagaland and reminded there was no society, no peace or love before the message of Christ reached us.

“Nagas became one only after the advent of Christianity, in the name of Jesus Christ,” he maintained adding “because of the message of Christ, we are in the light and we could live together as one”. Reminding that Nagaland was dedicated as “Nagaland for Christ” by our forefathers and also the promise to send ten thousand missionaries to the world, the minister also urged upon all the officers of the department to sponsor atleast one missionary each to help fulfil that pledge.

Greeting the officers and staffs of the department, director RD, Metsubo Jamir termed the day as a special occasion for everyone and that the idea of gathering together is also a blessing in disguise.

He maintained that we will be celebrating Christmas every year till we die, however he said one should not forget the sorrow that was accompanied when Jesus was born. “The significance of the birth of Jesus Christ should not be forgotten and everyday should be Christmas for us,” he reminded.

Joint Director, RD, Imlimeren Jamir shared on “What Christmas means to me”. During the service, a free will offering was also collected, the proceedings of which were donated to orphanage homes.

Christmas blessings, Christmas feast and lucky draw marked the pre-Christmas celebration.

A press release issued by the IEC, RD stated that the programme commenced with lighting of candle by minister for RD & REPA, C L John and invocation by Joint Director, RD, Thungdeno Mozhui. The pre-Christmas service was chaired by deputy director, RD, K. Neibou Sekhose.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Study Centre was inaugurated on 18 December in the presence of Sushil Kumar Patel (IAS) Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, as the chief guest and T. Iralu, Regional Director, IGNOU, Regional Centre, Kohima at People's College, Mokokchung. The IGNOU Study Centre inaugurated at People's College constitutes a part of the 2667 Learners Support Centre in India and 22 in Nagaland.

A brief note on IGNOU Regional Study Centres was given by T. Iralu, Regional Director, IGNOU, Kohima where he highlighted the functions and activities of the IGNOU and encouraged the audience to not only support but intervene for the smooth running and functioning of the Study Centre.

Sushil Kumar Patel (IAS), the chief guest of the day, said that the opening of the Study Centre was a benefit for the people of Mokokchung. He asserted that there is equality in education in Nagaland where only the privileged get to access to higher and better education.

He said that IGNOU has one of the best study materials and that people should make use of the study centre. Mokokchung, he said, in few years will become at par with

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Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel, IAS inaugurating the IGNOU study centre at People's College, Mokokchung on December 18. (Morung Photo)

the districts of Kohima and Dimapur in education as well as health arena. He further encouraged the people to propagate and advertise the IGNOU study centre and capture potential students for higher studies through the centre.

The IGNOU Study Centre inaugurated at People's College will

provide opportunity distant education and will also help the people those people engaged in works and other areas to get advance further in their studies. For information and queries with regard to admissions and prospectus please contact the Principal, People’s college, Mokokchung.

ATMA Chukitong Block conducts various trainings

PTCSU 38th general session held

WoKha, December 18 (mexN): Farm School on mushroom was opened at Tsungiki village under Chukitong Block in Wokha on December 17 with Zubeno as the Farm School teacher. The concept of farm school was apprised to the farmers

by Welson Shitiri, Assistant Technology Manager and the steps for mushroom cultivation was explained by Nchumthung, Assistant Technology Manager.

A press release from Dr. Mhonchan

PheK, December 18 (DiPr): The Phek Town Chakhesang Students Union held its 38th General session with DC Phek Muruho Chotso as the guest speaker in the inaugural session.

Speaking on the occasion he stressed on the need to preserve one’s culture or laws which were handed down by our forefather where we need to control ourself in terms of good behavior and manner. He called upon the gathering to preserve our forefather’s traditions like folk song or dance so that our cultural identity is preserved. He also called upon the students to be broad minded in order to catch up with the rest of the world, he said and encouraged the students to give more effort in the journey of learning. He said that we need to maintain competitive spirit so that we achieve our desire goal in the near future. He said the need of the hour is quality education and asked the students to equip with knowledge and be ready to face with the competitive world in all respect of our career.

Opening prayer was pronounced by Thupuchiyi Khusoh Pastor PTBC, welcome address was delivered by President Kudukhoto Tetso and a message was delivered by President Phek Area Mothers Association. Nukuto Shijoh gave the General Secretary report. Folk tune was presented by Vekukholu Dozo and Thihotalu Khusoh, special number was presented by Shezo Khamo.

Shitiri, Project Director, ATMA, Wokha informed that the farm school students were provided with mushroom spawns and plastic bags to carry out the cultivation. The opening of the farm school was chaired by Mhalo Tungoe, SMS, KVK and BTT convenor. Earlier, ATMA, Chukitong Block also conducted training cum demonstration on winter vegetables at Koio village on October 27. Cultivation on winter vegetables with special emphasis on pea

was apprised to the farmers by Mhalo Tungoe, while field demonstration was given

by Thungbemo (Progressive farmer). In another programme, training on pea cultivation was conducted at Yimkha village on October 30. Mhalo Tungoe, SMS, KVK and BTT convenor spoke on the package of practices on pea. Demonstration on tutty fruity making was also conducted on the same day by Jessica Dhotong, Program Assistant., KVK, Wokha for the SHGs.

55th annual session of Ighanumi gets underway

ighaNumi, December 18 (mexN): The 55th annual session of Ighanumi Village Council and students was inaugurated by NHM (National Health Mission) Nagaland, Dr. Sukhato A. Sema as the chief guest on 17th December 2015 at Ighanumi village ground.

Addressing the gather-

ing, the chief guest urged the public and specially the students to read the Bible as it is a weapon and always seek guidance and advice from God. He urged the students to pray before studying and urged the students to set a target as one can achieve success in life only through hard. He mentioned that

nothing can substitute hard work citing the example of Bill Gates and former President, Late Abdul Kalam.

He maintained that the village Ighanumi occupies a very important and historical place as it is from this village where all most all the Semas migrated from and it is also the first village from

where the Christianity religion was first spread to all the parts of Sema tribe.

The programme was chaired by (Ex. President) Ino Lovito P. Swu. The chief guest on his arrival hoisted the flag. Short speech on behalf of the village council was delivered by head GB Ighanu, Nikuto Swu.

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Rio reviews PMKVY scheme implementation in Nagaland

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Kohima, December 18 (mexN): Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha Nagaland Neiphiu Rio reviewed the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) scheme in Nagaland at a meeting held in Niathu Resort Dimapur on December 18. The MP is the chairman of the scheme in Nagaland parliamentary constituency.

A press note stated that he MP encouraged the training providers to put collective effort so that Naga youths get benefit out of the scheme. Rio lamented that youths today do not compromise with their comfort level. He stated that youths should adjust with the world in order to survive. Rio asked the training providers to focus on districts like Mon and Tu-

MP Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio with the participants during the meeting held to review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna scheme in Nagaland on December 18.

ensang where skill development is much needed.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Director, MSME Dimapur Branch Tali Longchar, District Employment Officer Savia Visa, officials of Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and training providers Pinnacle Skills, NIIT, Youth Net

and IACT Education Pvt Ltd. Dr. Yan Murry Chief Executive, Pinnacle Skills convened the meeting.

The central Government has allotted Rs 1500 Crore for PMKVY scheme.

Out of this Rs 150 Crore is reserved for North East.

PMKVY is a unique initiative by the Government

of India that aims to offer 24 lakh Indian youth meaningful, industry relevant, skill based training. Under this scheme, the trainees will be offered a financial reward and a government certification on successful completion of training and assessment, which will help them in securing a job.

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SaturdaY 19•12•2015

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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Parliament proceedings mired by deepening Arunachal crisis New Delhi, December 18 (ANi): The deepening political crisis in Arunchal Pradesh on Fri- iTANAGAr, December 18 ber 9 order of the Governor for pre- Feb 1, next year. day rocked both houses of (PTi): Expressing “extreme sur- poning the assembly session from The Raj Bhawan communique Parliament, with Congress prise”, Arunachal Pradesh Governor January 14, 2016 to December 16 un- said, “The proceedings had already members staging a walkout J P Rajkohwa today decided to appeal der Article 174 (1) of the Constitution taken place much earlier and no conduring zero hour on the is- against the Gauhati High Court order of India and also other proceedings fidence motion against the Counsue in the Lok Sabha, and staying his notification advancing the including removal of speaker Nabam cil of Ministers led by Nabam Tuki forcing repeated adjourn- session of the state Assembly after Rebia by a resolution of 33 MLAs and also passed well ahead of the Order ments in the Rajya Sabha. which the Speaker and Chief Minis- asking for maintaining status quo passed by the Single Judge Bench, As soon as the Lower ter were “voted out” and a new CM ante,” the communique said. which reportedly took place much House began proceed- “elected” in makeshift premises.

It, however, did not say where the later on December 17. “The governor ings, Congress MPs raised After obtaining all relevant doc- challenging petition would be filed– also expressed surprise on Justice H the Arunachal issue and uments including the writ petition whether before a division bench of Roy casting aspersion on him of altrooped into the well and filed and the copy of the order of the High Court or the Supreme Court. legedly having taken side of a party, shouted slogans against the Single Judge Bench, an appeal The Raj Bhavan’s reaction comes a without going through records and Governor J.P. Rajkhowa. would be made, a Raj Bhawan com- day after the Justice Hrishikesh Roy materials available. “The governor is Congress members munique said today. “The Governor of the Gauhati High court stayed the pained to observe that no notice or continued their protest and is extremely surprised to know that a notification by which the Governor opportunity was given to him and his shouted slogans despite Single Judge Bench of Gauhati High advanced the session from January secretariat of the writ petition filed in Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Court Justice Hrishikesh Roy had is- 14 next year to Dec 16. The judge also the Court, reportedly on behalf of the saying several times that the sued a stay order staying the Decem- posted the case for next hearing on removed Speaker Nabam Rebia.” opposition should follow procedures and give notice er Mallikarjun Kharge also the Speaker was showing to stage a walkout from the Congress members, amid as per established norms. pandemonium, forced reCongress president So- trooped into the well later. no "mercy" towards them, House in protest.

The opposition said and thus, they had decided In the Rajya Sabha, peated adjournments on nia Gandhi and party lead-

Arunachal Governor to challenge Gauhati HC order

Our Correspondent Imphal | December 18

The Birth centenary of legendary freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu was observed here at the Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) auditorium.

Organised by Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), the event was attended by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as chief guest. Ibobi stated, “If we follow the ideology and principles of Rani Gaidinliu, there will be peace.”

Referring to her as one of the great freedom fighters of the nation, the Chief Minister added that the country now has great regard for her work and contribution towards the common good.

A souvenir was released on the occasion and a documentary film on Rani Gaidinliu was screened to mark her birth centenary.

Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader who led a revolt against British colonial rule in India. She was born on January 26, 1915 at Nungkao, a Rongmei village in Manipur. Ranima, as she was known with respect

and affection, had humble beginnings.

At the age of 13, she was influenced by Haipou Jadonang, the leader who launched a religious movement which sought to reform the Zealiangrong Naga communities. The movement grew into a political struggle to uproot British Colonialism from Manipur and the nearby Naga-inhabited area.

By the late 1920s, British officials began to view the political underpinnings of the movement with deep suspicion as they saw it as undermining their authority.

After the execution of Jadonang in 1931, Rani Gaidinliu took up the leadership of the movement for independence. She was arrested in 1932 by the British authorities. She became a political prisoner but at the same time had emerged a veteran leader of the resistance movement.

On August 25 this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued commemorative coins of hundred rupees and circulation of five rupees on Rani Gaidinliu during the inaugural function of her birth centenary celebrations at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

Movie on Manipur's Loktak Lake enters Mumbai film fest imPhAl, December 18 (iANS): A non-feature film made on the famous freshwater Loktak lake of Manipur has made it to the international competition section of the 14th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films (MIFF).

Manipur-based film maker Haobam Paban Kumar's "Phum Shang" ("Floating Life") has been selected in the international competition section for the 'Documentary Film under 60 minutes' category of the 14th edition of MIFF, which will be held between January 28 to February 3 next year in Mumbai. "'Phum Shang' depicts Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in northeast India characterised by its unique floating biomass 'phumdi', which is the primary source of livelihood for the fishermen who live there. The film covers not only the rich and abundant bio-diversity of the Loktak area but also delves into serious issues as fallout of development induced poverty," Kumar said.

This is the second time that Kumar has got a film in the international competition of MIFF. His film "AFSPA 1958" was awarded the International Jury Award with a prize money of Rs.100,000 and the prestigious International Fipresci Critics Award with certificate of merit in the international competition for documentary films in 2006.

This time, films made in India and abroad, between September 1, 2013 to August 31 this year, are eligible for the festival. Entries were previewed by the Pre-selection Committee and then the shortlisted films were again previewed by the Selection Committee to select the final films for the competition sections.

Five films, namely "Hard To Believe", directed by Ken Stone from the US, "The Deer, Tree and Me" by Teena Kaur from India, "Tashi and the Monk" by Johnny Burke and Andrew Hinton from Britain and "The Boy From My Window" by Kesang Tsetan from Nepal, apart from "Phum Shang", will vie for the Best Documentary Film Award in the category. It carries the Golden Conch and Rs.300,000 for the director and the Golden Conch and Rs.200,000 for the movie's producer.

The festival will have, apart from international and national competition, screening of films in MIFF Prism, Jury Retrospectives, Animation and other packages from different countries and festivals, children's documentary films and many more, making it a wholesome viewing experience for the delegates.

First organised in 1990, MIFF is considered an important event in the calendar of festivals for films in the documentary, short and animation genre.

Mohammed Hamid Ansari admitted substantive motions moved by opposition parties to discuss the political developments in Arunachal Pradesh. Announcing this during Zero Hour, the Deputy Chairman said, only the time has to be fixed for a discussion on the motions.

Meanwhile, Chairman Hamid Ansari held an allparty meeting this afternoon in an attempt to break the logjam.

The House is facing

disruptions on several issues, which have blocked the passage of key legislations, including the GST Bill. Only three business days are left in the winter session and government is pushing hard to pass some of the Bills.

The Chairman has reportedly asked for similar powers as the Lok Sabha Speaker to take tough action against unruly MPs. It is understood that he may also call for changes in rules in this regard.

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Rani Gaidinliu’s birth centenary observed

the Arunachal issue.

Members belonging to the AIADMK, TMC and the Left parties supported the Congress' demand for the recall of the Governor.

The House witnessed three adjournments during the pre-lunch session.

As soon as the House took up Zero Hour mentions, Congress members trooped into the well in support of their demand; they also raised slogans against the Centre and the Governor. As noisy scenes continued, Deputy Chairman Prof. P J Kurien adjourned the House for 20 minutes till noon. The situation was no different when the House resumed and again it was adjourned till 2.30P.M. Rajya Sabha Chairman

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SaturDaY 19 •12•2015

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India to be main driver of global coal use by 2020 SINGAPORE, DEcEmbER 18 (REutERS): China could be facing peak coal demand for the first time ever as a cooling economy and structural changes in its industry hit consumption, paving the way for India to emerge as the main driver of global coal use by 2020, the International Energy Agency said.

China is the world’s top coal consumer but its uptake of the dirty fossil fuel has waned with the country moving more towards less energy-intensive sectors. State efforts to cap consumption in a bid to clear up the choking smog that smothers the country’s major cities have also hit demand.

“The golden age of coal in China seems to be over,” the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Fri-

day in its Medium-Term Market Report to 2020, adding that a “peak coal” demand scenario was now probable due to stagnating housing and infrastructure development.

Lower-than-expected power demand as the use of electricity drops in heavy industry will also contribute to the decline in coal consumption, the Paris-based group added.

The IEA said China’s coal demand would fall to 2,640 million tonnes of coal-equivalent (Mtce) by 2020 from 2,843 Mtce in 2014 based on the group’s peak-demand scenario.

As a result, global demand will dip to 5,509 Mtce in 2020 from 5,540 Mtce in 2014, the IEA said. Under a slightly less bearish outlook, however, demand could still see a 0.8 percent

annual growth to 5,814 Mtce in 2020, it added.

Slowing demand, environmental policies and more alternative fuels will keep coal prices low, the IEA added. Thermal coal prices have already fallen to or near decade troughs.

“The continuous pressure from shale gas in the United States, stronger climate policies, and especially, the overcapacity and slowdown in China all contribute to the oversupply. This glut will be even more acute if a peak coal demand in China becomes real,” the IEA said.

The U.S. Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), which also published a coal outlook this week, painted a gloomy picture for coal demand as well.

“The global traded coal

industry is in dire straits,” said Tim Buckley, IEEFA’s director of Energy Finance Studies in Australasia. “(The) outlook for the global traded coal industry remains one of declining demand, excess supply ... relentless cost down initiatives, excessive financial leverage, asset write-downs and unprecedented stranded assets (and) shareholder wealth destruction,” IEEFA said.

become the second-largest coal consumer in the world, bypassing the United States,” the group said.

“The Indian government has ambitious plans to provide full electricity access to the 240 million people still without it and to expand the manufacturing sector ... New coal investments and further growth in coal consumption are inevitable.”

But despite the strong growth, India will not be able to fully offset the drop in Chinese demand, it added.

“India and China have different governance and growth models, with energy-intensive heavy industry playing a considerably smaller role in India.”

In other regions, the IEA sees demand from the Association of Southeast

Poor agriculture output ruins Modi govt’s 8.1-8.5% growth dream

Asian Nations (ASEAN) growing by 79 Mtce to 218 Mtce in the six years to 2020, accounting for more than a quarter of the global demand rise during the time.

In the United States, coal consumption will fall by 75 Mtce by 2020, given ample supplies of domestic shale gas reserves, while Europe’s demand will decline 22 Mtce, it said.

On the supply-side, the IEA expects Australia to overtake Indonesia as the world’s top exporter by the end of the decade.

The IEA did not include findings of the global climate change talks which took place in Paris earlier in December as the group said the report was being printed during the negotiations.

NEw DElhI, DEcEmbER 18 (PtI): The government today lowered its economic growth forecast for 2015-16 to 7-7.5 per cent from 8.1-8.5 per cent, but said budget deficit target will be met as higher tax revenues offset a shortfall in PSU stake sale.

In its Mid-Year Economic Analysis presented in Parliament, the finance ministry said it will be able to stick to fiscal deficit target of 3.9 per cent for the current year, but the target of bringing it down to 3.5 per cent in the next will face pressure from higher outgo on central staff wages due to implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and Defence pensions.

“Given the challenges..., we estimate that real GDP for the year as a whole will lie in the 7-7.5 per cent range,” it said, adding that retail inflation is likely to be within RBI’s target of about 6 per cent. Interacting with reportINDIA TAKES OVER ers, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, the India is expected to author of the analysis, said: “The economy is recovering, pick up some of the slack but it’s hard to be very definitive about the strength and in Chinese demand with breadth of the recovery for two reasons -- the economy its coal use seen up 149 is sending a mixed signal and second, there is some unMtce by 2020, accounting certainty on how to interpret GDP data that have come.” for half of the rise in world As per the analysis, “the data uncertainty is in fact recoal demand over the peflected in the mixed, sometimes puzzling signals emanatriod, according to the IEA. ing from the economy”. Minister of State for finance Jayant “India is the only major Sinha, however, added: “(The analysis) indicates that fiseconomy with strong coal cal and economic performance the government has been growth (and) India will able to demonstrate is excellent. Public investment and private consumption is driving economic growth... We in India are doing very well (though) there are some areas of economy where we can do much better.”

The government, in its Economic Survey in February, had projected a growth rate of 8.1-8.5 per cent for 2015-16, but has now lowered it to 7-7.5 per cent, mainly on account of deficit rainfall and slowdown in exports NEw DElhI, DEcEm- the benefit of lower rates, lines from the RBI, all ru- welcomed the new RBI because of global factors. bER 18 (AGENcIES): the step would also im- pee loans sanctioned and guidelines, saying that the The Reserve Bank of In- prove transparency in the credit limits renewed with domestic banking sector dia (RBI) has said that all methodology followed by effect from April 1st, 2016 has moved closer to globbanks will have to follow a banks for determining in- will be priced with refer- al practices. ence to the Marginal Cost “Though the Reserve NEw DElhI, DEcEmbER 18 (IANS): For consumnew and uniform method- terest rates on advances.

“The guidelines are of Funds based Lending Bank directive on the ers who wish to have an affordable yet fast and powerful ology from April next year.

The announcement is like- also expected to ensure Rate (MCLR) which will new pricing methodol- smartphone with high-speed connectivity, Videocon ly to affect the calculation availability of bank credit be the internal benchmark ogy is for fresh loan pric- on Friday launched its first 4G smartphone that comes ing only, existing SBI cus- with a rear scratch-proof glass. Called Z55 Krypton, the of the base rate as per the at interest rates, which are for such purposes. fair to the borrowers as Meanwhile, the State tomers can migrate to the smartphone has a bar-shaped encasing with a golden marginal cost of funds.

In a press release, the well as the banks,” added Bank of India, which con- latest system,” said Chair- bumper and a chirpy youth-oriented design, and a trols close to a quarter person, SBI, Arundhati 5-inch high-definition IPS display.

RBI said that apart from statement.

As per the final guide- of the financial system Bhattacharya. helping borrowers reap Apart from having a Dragon Trail X Anti-Scratch glass in the front, the device has the same glass on the back of the phone to protect the device from scratches. “As a domestic brand, we are committed to take forward the power of smartphone technology in India,” said Jerold Pereira, CEO, Videocon Mobile Phones, in a statement.

NEw DElhI, DEcEmbER 18 46.02 crore persons in 2009-10 and taken various steps for generating Backed by 1 GB RAM and Android 5.1 (Lollipop), (IANS) :Overall employment in se- to 47.38 crore persons in 2011-12,” employment in the country, Singh the phone is powered by a 1.3 GHz Quad-Core proceslected labour-intensive sectors of Minister of State for Statistics and said new schemes had also been sor that makes the Android experience very smooth.

India has seen a net addition of 1.15 Programme Implementation V.K. launched, including the Pradhan It comes with 8 GB internal memory that can be exmillion jobs during April 2012 to Singh told the Rajya Sabha in a Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Swatchh panded via a memory card. For youngsters who seek Bharat Mission, and Seekho aur Ka- fast internet connectivity without any hassles, the March 2015 period, parliament was statement.

“The estimates of workforce by mao for the skill development of mi- phone offers fast 4G LTE connectivity. The phone ofinformed on Friday.

The labour ministry has been major sectors showed an increase in nority communities. fers a long-lasting connectivity with its powerful 2,200 “According to data compiled by mAh battery and various network and utility features conducting quarterly quick employ- the overall level of employment with ment surveys, on the effects of eco- an increase in the industry and servic- National Skill Development Agency, like Bluetooth, GPS, Skype, V-Secure, Wi-Fi, Dual SIM, nomic slowdown on employment es sectors during 2004-05 to 2009-10 about 76.11 lakh persons were giv- FM radio and others. en skill development training in the since 2009, covering export-ori- and 2009-10 to 2011-12,” he added.

This handset comes with a 13-megapixel primary The minister said the workforce year 2014-15 up to March, 2015,” the camera assisted by a 5-megapixel front shooter to snap ented sectors of textiles, handloom and powerloom, metals, gems and in agriculture and allied activities fell minister said. brilliant quality selfies and enjoy clear video calling.

“Government has notified the jewellery, automobiles, transport, from 24.48 crore in 2009-10 to 23.17 “The newly launched Z55 Krypton is a best value crore in 2011-12. The employment in National Food Security Act, 2013 on smart device for emerging youth consumers who want leather and IT. “According to the last three sur- industry in this period went up from 10.09.2013, which aims to provide to upgrade to a faster and more powerful smartphone veys of National Sample Survey Of- 9.90 crore to 11.49 crore, while the for food and nutritional security by with 4G connectivity, extended memory and brilliant fice on Employment-Unemploy- services workforce increased from ensuring access to adequate quan- camera capabilities,” Pereira added. This blend of detity of quality food at affordable pric- sign and specifications are available in the premium ment, the workforce grew from 11.64 crore to 12.73 crore.

Noting that the government has es,” he added.

45.90 crore persons in 2004-05 to and stylish looking Z55 Krypton at a price of Rs.7,999.

Afghanistan’s WTO RBI urges banks to follow a uniform membership approved methodology from April next year after 11 years of talks NAIRObI, DEcEmbER 18 (AGENcIES): Afghanistan has become the 164th WTO member and the 36th least developed country (LDC) to join the global trade body. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Thursday formally approved Afghanistan’s membership at its 10th ministerial conference in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Afghanistan has become the 164th WTO member and the 36th least developed country (LDC) to join the global trade body after 11 years of negotiations, Xinhua reported.

“Today is a historic day for Afghanistan as we reaffirm our commitment to free market economy in order to alleviate poverty and achieve lasting peace and stability,” said Mohammad Khan, Afghanistan’s first deputy chief executive, at the ceremony for the accession.

The landlocked Asian country expects to reap the benefits of the WTO membership for its post-conflict reconstruction.

“For the last decade, we have focused on rebuilding state, academic institutions and the private sector. We request the international community to provide technical capacity to enable Afghanistan to handle the post WTO accession process,” Khan said.

He said Kabul had accelerated domestic reforms in order to woo investment in key sectors of the economy, including transport infrastructure and energy.

“We are committed to greater fiscal discipline and creation of a favourable environment for trade and investments,” he said.

Roberto Azevedo, WTO director general, said Afghanistan’s membership was “an endorsement of the extensive programme of domestic reforms the country has undertaken to accelerate economic growth”.

Zou Jiayi, China’s assistant minister for finance, who was attending the WTO conference, said the admission was “a triumph of multilateralism” that inspired developing nations.

Videocon launches its first 4G phone

India’s workforce grew despite slowdown of 2009-2012

_

LEISURE

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DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3451

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ACROSS

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DOWN

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MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

MON: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE 50. Tubs 52. It pumps blood 54. Excavate 55. Chocolate cookie 56. Indulgent 58. Bobbin 59. Exhorted 60. P P P P 61. Not 62. Crystal-lined rock 63. Mongol hut

KOHIMA SOUTH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

WOKHA: 03860242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC)

Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre

KOHIMA

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2226241

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2226214

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SaturdaY 19•12•2015

After chopper suspension, Kiphire cements helipad kiphire, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): The helipad in Kiphire was today cemented under the initiative of Power Minister C. Kipili Sangtam. Following the chopper crash at Meluri helipad recently, the chopper service in Kiphire was suspended because the helipad was not cemented.

The 20 sq meter concrete helipad will facilitate smooth landing of chopper

in Kiphire and the citizens and neighborhood will not be troubled by the dust during landing of chopper, said a resident near the helipad.

Officials of the transport department, who were supervising the work, said, after the Meluri incident, chopper service was suspended for Kiphire creating lots of problem for the citizens as chopper is the only quickest transport ser-

vice, especially for patients.

The twice in a week chopper service has not only helped the citizens in emergencies, but also saved many lives by carrying serious patients to Kohima and Dimapur.

NGO leaders who were also there assisting the work today lauded the Power Minister for taking personal initiative for the welfare of the people.

Make Swachh bharat abhiyan peoples’ movement: Governor

DiMapur, DeceMber 1 (Dipr): Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya today called upon the brand ambassadors of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, representing different districts of Nagaland, to make the mission peoples’ movement by continuing to be active and coming up with innovative ideas.

Addressing a meeting with the State brand ambassadors of Swachh “arbitrarily” allotted to non- Bharat Abhiyan at Police Nagas and VIPs instead of House, Chumukedima, the bonafide Naga traders.

Therefore, the Union has urged the government to immediately frame and put into practice a trans- Mokokchung, Deparent and fair system, ceMber 18 (Mexn): “preferably by setting up a Commemorating the 125 committee for distribution years of Mokokchung and allocation of railway Town, Agricultural Techwagons for transportation nology Management Agenof teak and teak molding cy (ATMA), Mokokchung beats in the interest of the organized a three-day genuine local traders.”

Farmers’ Fair from December 14 to 16 and one day seminar on December 15 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. Sushil Kumar Patel, Deputy Comangry youths. “Even so, we missioner & Chairman, did not go public or respond for want of peace, tranquility Governing Board, ATMA, and better co-existence of dif- Mokokchung was the chief guest in both the occasions. ferent tribes,” it stated.

The Farmers’ Fair was Maintaining that Shamator village as a parent vil- organized with a view to lage does not want anymore provide a common platcomplication of social fabric, form to all Agri and Allied the students’ union warned departments, public and that such “pugnacious act” private agencies, research should not recur and that it and extension institutions will not allow to tarnish the for technology transfer betrue image of landowner at tween these institutions and the farmers of Mokokany cost.

TUD urges to frame fair system for wagon allocation DiMapur, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): The Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) has expressed concern at the “genuine” grievances of the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU). “We are aware of the fact that most of the timber operations are being carried out in and around the Tenyimi traditional land, thereby involving Tenyimi people as land owners or traders to a large extent,” TUD stated in a release issued by

its General Secretary, Zhasa Vupru and President, Khalo Kapfo. “However in the absence of any transparent criteria for distribution and allotment of railway wagons for transportation of teak and teal mold beats by the Forest Department, the genuine members are being discriminated and deprived of their rights,” it added.

TUD expressed distress to learn that majority of the railway wagons are being

to a release from SVSU General Secretary, Shiuthong and President, B Kiutsu.

While condemning the act, SVSU cautioned that “such act cannot be tolerated as it would create havoc and fear psychosis in the minds of the general public.” Further, SVSU said that on December 11 night, foundation pillars of a building under construction at Shamator Town belonging to Shamator village were smashed down by some

In the meeting, the brand ambassador of Dimapur district, Geoffrey Yaden suggested for having Swachh Bharat website, which was agreed by all the members. The cleanliness drives initiated across the district will be uploaded on the Nagaland Swachh Bharat website.

The members present expressed to carry on the Swachh Bharat movement with greater zeal and determination by involving sections of the society.

ATMA Mkg organises Farmers’ Fair

Shamator villagers waylaid & threatened: SVSU Tuensang, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): Shamator Village Students’ Union has alleged that four people of Shamator village were waylaid and threatened with dire consequences by some gunmen who claimed to be cadres of a Naga Political Group while they were returning home from Shamator Town on December 15 around 5:30 pm. The gunmen ordered the villagers not to disclose the occurrence, according

Acharya felt the ideology that cleanliness is next to godliness should be carried forward mentally and psychologically.

The Governor also harped on the need to make use of the internet and upload the activities initiated in the portal as desired by Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. He assured that he will always be accessible whenever his participation is required in cleanliness drives.

chung district and also facilitate the farmers in marketing of their produces.

All Agri and Allied departments, research and extension institutions including SARS, KVK and ATMA, Mokokchung District Farmers’ Union, private agencies, and Self Help Groups under various blocks in the district participated in the fair.

Meanwhile, with the objective to address the issues in marketing of agriculture and allied sectors, farmers’ seminar on “Agricultural Marketing” was held on December 15 at Youth Centre, Mokokchung. Technical sessions on “Introduction to Agricultural Marketing”, “Developing Future Farm and Food Entrepreneurship Based on Traditional Crops” were dealt on dur-

ing the programme.

C. Anang, Chairman, Block Farmers’ Advisory Committee, Ongpangkong South block highlighted a brief case study of Longkhum vegetable marketing. Interactive sessions between the resource persons, Head of Departments of Agri & Allied departments and the farmers also took place. The chief guest also gave away the District Level Best Farmer and Best Farmer Group Award for 2014-15.

P. Sosang Jamir from Wameken village, Tatongchuchang Pongen from Aliba village and Esalok Self Help Group from Mokokchung village were awarded during the inaugural programme. They received a citation with cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- for best farmer and Rs. 20,000/- for best farmer group respectively.

MEx FILE Regional Transport Officer informs kohiMa, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): The Regional Transport Officer has informed that consequent upon the exhaustion of NL10 series in respect of registration of Govt. Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and two wheelers, the Government of Nagaland has allotted new prefix letter 'C' for registration of government vehicles in the State for assignment to both LMV and two wheelers. Henceforth, the new government registration mark for Light Motor Vehicles/ two wheelers will be assigned as NL10C.

LSUD Fete Day from today DiMapur, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): Liangmai Students’ Union Dimapur (LSUD) will be organizing a Fete Day from December 19-21 at Government Primary School, Zeliangrong Village (Dhobinala).

On December 19, the Fete Day will be followed by council meeting of Liangmai Council Dimapur (LCD) 12:00 pm onwards at the same venue. The LSUD and LCD have requested all to come and join the Fete Day.

Concert in Wokha today Wokha, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): In a first of its kind, renowned Lotha musicians will enthrall the music lovers of Wokha on December 19 at Public Ground here at 5:00 pm. Lotha singers like Silas kikon, Lumka & Co, Mites and the Strugglers Boy Band will share the same stage for the first time. Khyolamo Humtsoe, President, ACAUT Wokha unit and a social worker will be the chief guest for the concert. The stage is all set for the concert and the singers are geared up for the show, according to a press release. The concert is expected to have one of the highest attendance records ever. Tickets will be available at the venue. Ticket ranges between Rs. 50 and Rs. 400.

BLOs under Kohima district informed kohiMa, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): The Booth Level Officers (BLOs) under Kohima district have been informed to collect their remuneration and training allowance for the conduct of National Electoral Rolls Purification and Authentication Program (NERPAP) on December 21 and 22 from Election office, stated R Mhathung, Assistant Election Officer, office of Deputy Commissioner and District Officer, Kohima.

‘Intone for Charity-4’ in Kiphire on Dec 21 Aircel celebrates pre-Christmas with children of KODH

kohiMa, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): In its endeavour to spread festive cheer amongst the children in need of care and support, Aircel, one of the leading innovative mobile service providers in India, organized preChristmas celebrations in different orphanages across North East.

In Nagaland, Aircel team visited the Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home (KODH) and distributed Christmas presents to the children there. The celebrations included carol singing and dancing, cake cutting, playing games and surprise gifts, informed a press release from Bhavya Suri, Corporate Communications, Aircel.

Speaking on the occasion, Nilaj Mahalanavis, Circle Business Head – North East, Aircel said, “The festive season of Christmas and New Year is upon us and we Children of Mokokchung Town participating at the MTBA (Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo) Y/D 27th Children are delighted to share the Christmas Cake Carol Competition. A&B Youth Fellowship was the winner of the competition, where nine children joy and celebrations with Kohima Orphanage & Deschoirs participated.

kiphire, DeceMber 18 (Mexn): Charitable Trust Brothers (CTB) is organizing “Intone for Charity-4: A Christmas Gift” under the theme ‘Give Hope’ on December 21 with Dr. Tionjongshi, ADC & Administrator, Kiphire Town Council as Santa of the Night at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire 3:00 pm onwards.

According to a press release from CTB, various artists from Kiphire district

will perform at the event.

It mentioned that CTB, which was formed in the year 2012 for the cause of humanity, has been doing various charity works in and around Kiphire district. Through the charity shows, it has gifted different items and cash to around 65 people from poor background, orphans, aged, handicapped, patients etc. in the last three years.

This year, CTB’s charity initiatives will be spon-

soring one most needy student and opening a “District Hospital Needed Patient Fund”. For the former, CTB has identified a family which lost the only bread earner in the house - the father passed away this midyear, leaving behind his wife, two sons and one daughter. CTB will sponsor the academic expenses with hostel facilities of one child from this family for one full year.

Meanwhile, the District

Hospital Needed Patient Fund is a charitable trust fund for the needy patients at District Hospital Kiphire with a minimum balance of Rs 5,000/-. The Fund is open for all well wishers who would like to donate any amount and one can visit District Hospital after December 21 for any kind of donation or can contact CTB at 9862141681/ 9862407872, the release added.

Children of Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home during the pre-Christmas celebration organized by Aircel.

titute home. Aircel always strives to serve the community and it gives us immense contentment to see the delight on the children’s faces today.”

Meanwhile, Nivano Angami, proprietor/ president of Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home, thanked

Aircel team for spending the day with the children and making the Christmas celebration special.

Christmas being the most awaited festival of the season, Aircel organizes innovative Christmas celebrations activities every year across various cities in

North East, the release said.

With an aim to make life better and spread happiness, activities like Christmas carol, road shows, click with Santa and surprise visits by Santa are organized to engage with the customers, retailers, APPs and employees, it added.

Public SPace Imna Imchen Phd, CFCC

W

ho is Jesus actually? Many of us, by nature, will describe Jesus as a person we all learnt in our Sunday schools, youth church, from pastors and missionaries. Some learnt about Jesus through movies like ‘Passion of Christ’ and books. I heard Jesus was a white kid, with super-intelligent brains, who was smart enough to argue in law and any other discipline with professors. He learnt carpentry with his father but never became a carpenter. As he grew older, he sported white beard and mustache and long hair. He seemed to love wearing white long cloak. He also had supernatural gifts of raising dead people back to life. I am also told that he answered back at people in authority when he was right.

He died a terrible and shameful death by being speared to dead as he was nailed on a wooden cross. Moreover, he said powerful words too.

Well, he made great contributions to the field of morality, ethics and spirituality. Gautama Buddha did the same. Mar-

What's so great about Christmas anyway tin Luther King did the same to end slavery. Mahatma Gandhi left his law practice in South Africa to start non-violence movement in India and spearheaded Indian independence. There are countless such icons and shakers of the world. We celebrate their birthdays and death anniversaries in remembering their contributions to the world. So Jesus is no exception.

Early church leaders chose December 25th as his birthday and named it Christmas. So on this day, we remember him by organizing Christmas programs, family get-togethers, village feast, and parties and so on. We stop working and celebrate by feasting for days. We exchange gifts and visit friends, relatives and loved ones.

Since none of these people are close to us, how serious are we in celebrating their birthdays? Isn’t it nothing more then a commemoration. But the problem with Christmas is that, it has religious overtones. These religious overtones are nothing more then the pre-conceived

ideas and worldviews as perceived by the society. We project an idea in our mind which is dictated by society.

Our conception of Jesus is nothing more than a replication of religious worldviews as promoted by the western religious traditions. This conception as imagined is conditioned by the socio-cultural, economic, political and religious factors. We see Jesus as an ancient God that still seems to play an important role in our religious lives today. We pay reverence and observe all the prescribed rituals and worship at the appropriate time. For instance, we observe all church protocols during worship service. We throw away the cigarette butt and throw away the tobacco that we are chewing in our mouth when we are called to pray. We stop gossiping, fighting and cease all activities when we gather to pray or worship. But after the worship is over, we are back to the same activities that we were doing before. Some of the readers might disagree but how many

of us keep alive the prayer we prayed will asking or receiving bribe? How many of us remain faithful to our prayers when we argue, gossip, fight, connive against others, when we show jealousy, hatred and unforgiving attitudes towards others?

How honest are we when we serve our society, when we are doing our works or when we are with our families? A thorough introspection into our lives will show that Jesus is nothing more then an object of reverence invoked during religious worship and rituals.

This Jesus, as introduced to me, seems nothing more then a legendary personality, or a character from a fairy-tale book.

An icon that is invoked during religious ceremonies and worship. Even though, many of us readers might not accept such an explanation simple because they fear that such reflections are equated with blasphemy, a direct condemnation of Jesus.

Many of us would rather keep the already pre-conceived notion of Christ intact rather then

reflect upon the Word of God to truly understand who Jesus is.

I would rather be condemned by tradition and search the true God. In my quest for the true Jesus, I found out that Jesus was not at all interested in any of the ceremonies and rituals. I also found out that Jesus was not really interested in expensive church buildings. He spend most of his time teaching in open fields, streets and homes. I also realized that the true Jesus was a person of integrity, respect, humility, humbleness, servant hood, forgiveness, joy, patience, discipline, tolerance and love. I also realized that the true Jesus cannot be found in denominational structures and politics.

My first personal encounter with Jesus happened when I was in my darkest moment.

My life was shattered to pieces and I was lost. I was in hopeless despair. It is in this desperate moment that I decided to seek God. Frankly, I have been a Christian through out my life and my spirituality

and my prayers did not mean much. I prayed because I had to not because I wanted to. I went to church and participated in the programs not because I wanted to worship God but my peers compelled me.

So seeking Jesus was not my first choice. I tried every possible means to ease my pain and sorrow. I must admit that alternative methods of easing pain and sorrow do work temporarily. However, as we hit the sacks hoping to close our eyes and rest, the terror of pain starts to haunt. Having lost all possible help, I decided to seek God in a very personal level. I closed the door of my room, stripped off all my pride and respect, and expressed to God all the anger, frustrations, pain and hardships that I was going through. I stopped talking to God and began to converse with God. I poured out my heart in the most human way; my anger, frustrations, pain, sufferings, fears, doubts, rejections, shame, hatred and so forth. As I continued for the

second day, I could feel His presence. I was no longer in control of my own self. The fortress of self, identity and pride that I was holding on until this day began to crumble. I was on my knees and I was weeping. I was no longer complaining about my pathetic life but was rather seeking forgiveness for being an ungrateful son, for being an unbelieving child. It was at this moment that I began to personally experience the power of God, his unmerited grace and His love for me.

I finally understood why God became human, lived and died like a criminal, simply because he wanted to save me. I finally understood that he resurrected from the death and ascended to heaven. I live because he redeemed me and I belong to Him. I therefore choose to celebrate Christmas not a westernized imagery of a person called Jesus, but Jesus Christ my personal savior and redeemer. I choose to celebrate Christmas because he suffers with me in my darkest moments and celebrate with me in my joyous moments. I celebrate because He is my buddy. I celebrate not in His memory but I celebrate with Him.

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

6

saturDaY 19•12•2015

PeoPle, life, etc...

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Superfan STrikeS Back

T

Catherine Shoard

he fact that the new Star Wars film is good – better not just than the prequels but the originals too – is of course cheering. A million pounds worth of tickets have been pre-sold in the UK; a hundred times that across the pond. Emotional investment runs to a yet bigger figure. Countless Christmases would be ruined by a turkey.

But the news that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is worth seeing may also prove the final, shining nail in the coffin of originality. The biggest film of all time – and this will be the biggest film of all time, having scaled peak hype, and given that bricks-and-mortar cinemas are about to fall off a cliff – is to all intents and purposes a high-res copy of one made 38 years ago.

Some young characters are introduced, but the old faithfuls are present and correct, blingy bot and beepy bin included. Likewise the spaceships, the weapons, the sliding titles, the masks, the wheezing and all those intergalactic beasties, as if someone drew a hippo while tipsy. The plot, too, is what the diplomatic might call a fond homage to the first film.

So far, so familiar. We all know mainstream cinema is now a cannibal’s conveyor belt which seeks to refeed us yesterday’s breakfast, and to eke it out over as many portions as possible. And that movies are comfort food for the crowds, cash cows for studios and an endless jackpot for a few fat-cat creators. Where this film breaks new ground is in outsourcing the regurgitation. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is, essentially, fan fiction.

Its director, JJ Abrams, having cut his teeth successfully rebooting Star Trek, is a highly expert, professional superfan. The man who dreamed up this universe, George Lucas, had absolutely nothing to do with the new movie. He may have received a standing ovation at Monday’s Hollywood premiere, but his genius contribution was to have no input.

The Force Awakens would not have happened if Lucas hadn’t relinquished his rights to Disney in 2012 for $4.2bn (which increasingly looks like a bit of a bargain).

Nor would it have been as good. Lucas made at least three Star Wars films which were vulgar and tacky, portentous and puritanical, weighed down by high personal stakes. (It’s worth remembering Lucas offered Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Robert Zemeckis the job of directing the prequels he scripted. All declined.)

George Lucas let go of his Star Wars baby and it’s back bigger and better than ever, with The Force Awakens. Shrewd minds stay open to outside ideas

A person wearing a costume to resemble the star wars character of boba fett crosses the street in San Diego.

Abrams, being an aficionado, boasts both knowledge and, crucially, distance. Plus, a punter’s appreciation of which buttons to press.

The Disney deal looks set, then, to go down as the moment when ownership of cultural properties officially passed from creators to consumers. Those people raised on video games and talkboards are no longer prepared to tolerate the concept that fictional worlds exist only within the imagination of one person. In fact, they are indignant at being denied the keys. Like cross toddlers dodging bedtime, they will have their stories.

On Monday, The Alliance to Preserve the Expanded Universe threatened Disney with “spoiler jihad” on

social media if movies aren’t made of the Clone Wars fables, recently deemed officially canonical, following a protracted battle.

“I have held my vivid tongue waiting for the movie,” wrote a campaigner called Roberto Carlos Moscono. “After it’s released, well, the gates of hell shall be released.

I will see it on Wednesday at midnight, so I will have all Thursday to spoil it before anyone else sees it in the US.” Fear not. The men who call themselves freedom fighters are unlikely to prevail. Disney does not require this kind of bullying to persuade it to keep printing money.

Yet this situation is the exception. Generally speaking, both studios and fans are thwarted in their attempts

to gain re-entry to lands of make-believe by either the original author or the estate holder.

If still alive, they will likely go to their grave badgered to keep mining the seam. JK Rowling might have thought she was done with Harry Potter after seven books, none of them pamphlets, but pressure was sufficiently heavy for her to agree to script a series of spin-off flicks.

Some authors are happy to eat themselves ad nauseam: witness EL James’s male gaze reheat of Fifty Shades of Grey. Origins stories are OKed everyday, from the Chronicles of Riddick to Keeping up Appearances.

Last week, Lionsgate said it would respond to teenager feedback that there weren’t enough arenas in the last two Hunger Games movies by making some pre-Katniss prequels with tons of arena action.

Sating an appetite is great. But the eagerness and means of replenishing the trough is unseemly. Even the star of the Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence, chose to publicly tut at her own employer’s avarice (“I think it’s too soon. They’ve got to let the body get cold”).

When creators are actually dead, it’s easier for producers and publishers to feast on their bones – witness the endless Jane Austen spin-offs, the remorseless revivification of Frankenstein’s monster, the Ian Fleming and PG Wodehouse readalikes, the mashup of Dickens characters to be broadcast in 20 parts by the BBC over Christmas, in which Great Expectations fans can finally watch Miss Havisham cop off with Compeyson.

Given our vulture culture, Lucas looks to have done the decent thing, for his own sake as well as those of the fans.

In handing his progeny over, he has prioritised its health over his own ego. He has recognised that he cannot do as good a job at shepherding it as playmates nearer its own age. He has cut the apron strings cleanly, if belatedly.

The model here is a man a year older than Lucas.

Thomas Harris has also devoted most of his career to the creation of a character whose backstory and mythology is every bit as intricate as that in Star Wars. Yet he freely abandoned the screen rights not just within his own lifetime, but at the first opportunity.

He absented himself from all involvement in the Hannibal Lecter movies (some of which were excellent) and the TV show (a naff travesty). His original books are standing still, untainted by association, their author rich and blithe. And dignified.

Trick Your Body into The Convoluted Profits of Academic Publishing feeling Warmer

R

Toasty tips for those days you can barely get out from under the covers Juliana LaBianca

Focus on Your Breath In one study, participants used a meditative “vase breathing” technique to raise their core body temperature to 101 degrees. Begin by inhaling deeply.

On your exhale, contract both your abdominal and pelvic muscles so your lower belly takes on the shape of a gently rounded vase or pot. Some practitioners also recommend visualizing a flame on the spinal cord. For something simpler, try yoga's staple ujjayi ("victorious") breath. Constrict the back of your throat as you slowly breathe in and out through your nose. The constriction creates more work for muscles involved in respiration, which helps build internal heat.

Bundle Up the Smart Way Layers trap heat and help prevent sweating (which makes you feel colder).

Start with a tight-fitting bottom layer made of a fast-drying fabric like polyester, merino wool, silk, or another synthetic blend (stay away from slow-drying cotton). Add a long-sleeved shirt, cardigan sweater, or fleece vest. Wear your winter coat on top. If you want an extra layer between you and your jacket, invest in a quality wool sweater, suggests Sierra Trading Post. Wool is one of the best natural insulators.

Layer Your Blankets Properly For a cozy bed, use multiple blankets to help trap heat. Start with flannel sheets.

Then put your fluffiest comforter on the bottom, and layer thin, dense blankets on top, advises Mental Floss. If you keep your bed pushed up against an external wall of your home, pull it a few inches toward the center of the room on chilly days.

Eat Something Fatty If you plan to stay outside for a long

time, fuel your body's inner furnace by eating something that digests slowly.

“When your body starts to digest, you feel warm because your body has to provide energy to digest that food product," Barry Swanson, a professor and food scientist at Washington State University, told Time. "Fat is notorious for moving slowly through the digestive system." One mountaineer told Oprah.com he uses butter: “Hot chocolate with half a stick of butter in it tastes good, generates heat, and warms you up when you are freezing in a tent on the side of a mountain."

Tie Your Scarf Like This Use a hidden knot to protect your neck and chest from the cold. Drape the scarf over the front of your neck so the ends hang backward over your shoulders. Then, cross the ends behind your head and bring them to the front. Cross the ends over each other, and pull one end through, to make a loose knot. Tuck the knot under the front of the scarf.

Think Happy Thoughts One study found that nostalgia truly warms the heart. Participants who recalled a nostalgic event (versus an ordinary one) had a greater tolerance for intense cold. Next time you’re waiting outside on a frigid day, summon up those cheery memories of coming home to a surprise party or opening presents on Christmas morning.

Sip Something Warm Hot drinks and soups will make you feel warmer, if only for a little while. Hot fluids don't actually raise your internal temperature, but give you the impression of heating up, Michael Cirigliano, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, told Real Simple. "Your mouth is among the most sensitive parts of your body," he says. The hot liquid in that sensitive area gives you the feeling that you're warm. Bonus: One study found that people who briefly held a cup of hot coffee (versus iced), judged others as having more generous and caring personalities.

Laura Mckenna

ichard Price always had an entrepreneurial bent. He started a cake business in his mum's kitchen during a summer break from his doctoral program at Oxford, eventually converting it into a sandwich-delivery service after realizing people only ate cake once a week. Then, when one of his philosophy papers took three years to get published, Price channelled his business interests into a new venture aimed at streamlining that academic process.

After finishing his DPhil (the English equivalent of a Ph.D.), Price raised venture capital in London and moved to San Francisco to start Academia.edu in 2008. On this site—which includes a social-networking function and allows users can “follow” others with similar interests— academics post drafts of papers, lecture notes, conference speeches, and published articles. With roughly 30 million registered users, 8 million uploaded papers, and 36 million unique monthly visitors, it has become the one of the most widely used websites to read academic research for free.

But lately, some have questioned whether academics should entrust their research to this for-profit website. And while there is a growing commitment to open-access research, there’s little consensus about the best way to achieve that goal. Traditionally, most of the research produced at American universities hasn’t been accessible to the general public. To read a scholarly paper on leukaemia or political theory or Jane Austen, you needed a university ID card or you had to pay roughly $10 to $30, even if that paper was directly or indirectly funded with taxpayers dollars.

Those paywalls essentially siloed research in the Ivory Tower.

The convoluted profit model behind academic publishing frustrates many within higher education, too. Subsidized by their universities, professors write, evaluate, and edit scholarly research—work that they largely do for free but can be essential for job security and promotions. And under that profit model, those same universities often pay publishers and database companies billions for access to the very research that their faculty produced. As I wrote in The Atlantic in 2012, this is not a rational process. While new, online journals (like the American) circumvent the traditional publishers, the most prestigious periodicals for the most part still use this model.

Paywalls and the costs of academic publishing have helped drive the open-access movement, which has gained momentum since Aaron Swartz hacked into the MIT mainframe in 2010

and downloaded 4.8 million academic articles from the JSTOR database. Now, the government requires that all research funded with National Institutes of Health grants be listed on PubMed, which is free to access, within a year of publication. The National Science Foundation is slated to have a similar requirement soon.

The British government has ordered even broader mandates.

Several private grantees, including the Gates Foundation, also have open-access rules.

In response to these pressures, several universities and disciplines have created websites or “repositories” where faculty members can upload their papers; some professors post their information on their personal websites, too. Then there are the third-party repository and socialnetworking sites like Academia. edu, including Mendeley and ResearchGate. Tools like Google, meanwhile, help aggregate and organize this research.

Academia.edu has grown in parallel with the open-access movement since the 26-employee company launched, largely thanks to the $17.7 million in venture capital Price raised over time and word of mouth; the company doesn’t pay for marketing. Moreover, its visitors include both academics—some of whom, Price said, are logging in every day—and non academics. “What we’re seeing is that the general public wants to read scholarly papers,” he said.

Academia.edu is more comprehensive than other repositories, compiling into one place research from all academic disciplines and hundreds of universities. With more than 1.6 million tags to facilitate the search process, the website’s user-friendly

design also enables scholars to post their material easily. Scholars can even monitor how many people download their articles.

Users to create profiles for themselves and “follow” scholars; they can also consult a news feed that updates them on the latest uploaded papers and comments from others in their network. If a user’s favorite international-relations scholar posts a new paper on trade agreements in China, she’ll get a notification on your newsfeed. Then there’s the “sessions” function, which allows scholars to upload drafts of their articles and solicit comments within a 20-day window, similar to an online seminar. Six thousand sessions take place daily, with some receiving hundreds of comments (the typical paper gets about 15 to 20), according to Price. Because of features such as these, several papers have gone “viral,” he said.

For Price, opening up research to the general public and the entire world is a moral obligation.

While most of the audience at Academia.edu is American, a large number come from overseas, and in some countries, universities can’t afford the subscription fees to American journals. Price said he talked to a scientist from the University of Nairobi, for example, who conducted research for years without proper access to American work, until he joined Academia.edu.

In the past, the biggest challenge to this website came from the publishers. Two years ago, the publisher Elsevier demanded that authors, Academia.edu, and several university websites remove its copyrighted articles from the Internet. For a while, according to Price, Elsevier was sending them hundreds of take-down notices per day. But it stopped, he said,

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.

because it was against its interest as a publisher to alienate academics. And regardless, the practice of putting published articles online was already a common practice.

Lately, challenges have come from within the academic community, even among advocates for open access. Take Kathleen Fitzpatrick, the director of scholarly communication at the Modern Language Association, who oversees The Commons, a social network of 5,600 MLA members, and the recently launched The Core, a repository of papers and research for the MLA that effectively competes with Academia. edu. Open access is “good for the public and good for the researchers,” Fitzpatrick said, citing the growing belief that the public should have access to scholarly work.

Fitzpatrick recently critiqued Academia.edu on her blog and at a recent academic conference.

Because Academia.edu is funded with venture capital, she said, it will be required to make a profit at some point; otherwise, it will be sold and mined for parts—or shut down. She believes it’s risky for academics to rely on this platform: “What will become of their work in the long term?” And if it doesn’t shut down, the website will profit from work that the professors are doing voluntarily. She also finds it “extremely problematic” that the website uses a .edu domain, which was registered before the government restricted the use of the domain to postsecondary institutions and organizations accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education. Some users, she suggested, might be misled by its domain name and not realize that they are working with a company rather than a school.

SaturDaY 19•12•2015

Morung Youth Express

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Confronting life’s challenges with ‘brutal’ honesty Book Review

H

Moa Jamir

ow do we ‘really’ measure the success of bureaucrat’s life? For many, a cushy placement at the right location, but for some cohorts of its fraternity, it can be reflected by the number of transfers they embark during their services. Using the yardstick, one can safely assert that Khekiye K Sema, IAS (Retd.) had a monumental career – 25 shifting in 36 years of services.

In “Encountering Life: Antics of a Govt. Servant,” KK Sema exuberantly recounts such adventures taking the readers through a rollercoaster ride on the journey of life using peculiar prose narrative interspersed with humorous anecdotes which he alone could successfully master.

A candid diary of a former bureaucrat, it also gives a panoramic and insightful journey of life as well as the working of government machinery in his indomitable style.

The book running into 329 pages makes an effortless reading and nothing seems laboured as his account flows seamlessly, explosively at times, strong enough to rattle varied nerves in the process.

Divided into two parts – His Childhood & Years in Service – the first part offers early glimpse of how his resolute outlook of life and character was moulded by life’s challenges and circumstances.

How does one ponder over the compulsive mysteries of life? He posed in the opening chapter. For the self-admittedly incorrigible and adamant KK Sema, “Each step is being determined by the value system of our upbringing” - as memories waffles through highs and low of life.

By his own admission, a raw village ‘urchin’ was transformed into something he would have never imagined shaped greatly by the values inculcated by his parents, especially his ‘iron-willed’ mother, who took over the rein of the family affairs after his father’s untimely demise.

His childhood years also give a rare peek into the life in tumultuous 50s and 60s when Naga political issue was gaining ‘aggressive momentum’ and the formation of the State.

By all accounts, if we look at his schooling and college years, he had relatively had ‘royal’ life – from first admission at St. Edmund School in 1957 to passing out of St. Stephen’s College as a post-graduate in 1971. However, a detail reading reveals compelling circumstances justifying his assertion that his growing years was not a bed of roses. It also gives a glimpse of the man he would be in his coming years. His antics and adventures are many and epic, but are left for readers to discover.

His service years can be taken as a template by young administrator as ‘How not to live your service years’- 25 transfers in 36 years of services, which included 11 times serving less than 9 months and an apparent demotion.

(The first 21 transfers occurred during 25 years of services). But for those entering the service with clear motivation and integrity – these are gems he had to offer: 1. The problems in any administration can be human, nature and super-natural phenomena. Of this, the foremost is the hardest.

2. Be sensitive to your subordinate. It’s a team work consider them as your colleague not a junior.

3. Reckless enthusiasm should be avoided in making administrative decision.

4. Never receive your senior or other officials unprepared.

5. A posting in remote and neglected area can be rewarding experience. Take it as a challenge.

6. Earn and instil respect in your Service and facilitate welfare of the people you are administrating when the cases are genuinely justifiable.

The book also portrays how challenges in Nagaland are perennial which the Government of any times had failed to resolve comprehensively resulting in its recurrence. Border issues, corruption, political nepotism, community conflicts etc - All these issues have confronted the State before and still lingers.

The part on the onset of Village Development Board (VDB) in Nagaland as well as the revelation that 25% of its Grant-in-Aid is reserved for women was indeed revolutionary and illuminating, at least for the reviewer. Such cache of trivia, which the book offers aplenty, makes it not only an entertaining but also a compelling and educative exercise.

Curiously and tacitly, the author has blank out his children and wife from his narrative. He might have his reasons. However, more section on his courtship might also have added new emotional dimension to the story.

Despite the exterior machismo, discerning readers will discover that he is a hopeless and foolhardy romantic at heart. His abortive attempt to elope and marry his (would be) wife, Theyievituonuo, whom he admits he still cannot spell or pronounce probably, can beat classic rom-coms any day. “It is more a problem of tongue and not of heart,” the Macho romantic confessed adoringly in the next line.

The contentment of reading the book lies in the fact that, he is not only a flamboyant character with acute sense of humour, but in the countless adventures he

Encountering Life: Antics of a Govt. Servant Khekiye K Sema Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur, 2015, pp.

329, Rs. 500.00 Paperback, ISBN: 798-93-80500-67-6

G

gumes as these cause bloating and worsen the cramps. * Avoid coffee, as caffeine increases gastritis and causes anxiety and may increase cramping as it constricts the blood vessels. * Avoid alcohol and smoking. * Light exercise and soft yogic posture and stretching will provide relief from body pain associated with cramps. * Indulging in massages can be very relaxing and relieve cramps. Lavender oil application in lower abdomen is also very helpful. * Acupressure is said to help girls tide over the rough time, and provide relief from cramps. * Painkillers like Acetaminophen (paracetamol), Mefanemic acid can help the girls in relieving cramps and also decrease the amount of blood that is lost. * Oral contraceptive pills: Girls who are resistant to home therapies and other alternate therapies can consult a gynaecologist for trial of oral contraceptives, which causes the cycle to become anovulatory and thus prevent the cramps.

(Source: IANS)

C

hronic alcohol use, when combined with repeated binge drinking, causes more damage to the liver than previously thought, says an Indian-origin researcher from University of Missouri-Columbia.

“Heavy binge drinking by those who habitually consume alcohol is the most common cause of liver damage in chronic alcoholic liver disease,” said Shivendra Shukla, Margaret Proctor Mulligan Professor of medical pharmacology and physiology This causes large fatty deposits in the liver that ultimately impair the organ's ability to function properly.

“However, we wanted to understand the mechanism that causes this damage and the extent of the harm. Our research focused on different forms of

had withered, he is observant and almost has an eidetic memory, painting his narrative with vivid visual images and minutiae details taking along the reader immerse in his journey.

If one reads the book casually in parts, at times, the reader may find it condescending, preachy and often politically incorrect, but the merit of the book need to be assessed in its entirety. Overall, sentiments will be hurt, egos will be bruised and old wounds re-ignited, but as one traverse among the pages, we realize that almost everyone including the author himself is subjected to his sheer ‘brutal honesty,’ making us to believe it is an unbiased account narrated with utmost sincerity. The merit of book lies therein.

We may agree or disagree with his views on many issues, but it won’t stop from enjoying the book which most aptly should have been titled as – Confronting Life.

alcohol abuse and the results of those behaviours,” Shukla added.

Shukla's team studied mice to examine the extent of liver injury caused by chronic alcohol use, repeat binge episodes and a combination of both.

During a four-week period, the team found that mice exposed to chronic alcohol use and repeated binge consumption exhibited the highest levels of liver damage.

“Either chronic alcohol use or acute repeat binge episodes caused moderate liver damage when compared to the control group not exposed to alcohol,” Shukla noted.

“Even more shocking was the extent of fatty deposits in the livers of those exposed to chronic plus binge alcohol. It was approximately 13 times high-

er than the control group,” he informed.

Shukla also pointed out that chronic and excessive alcohol use should not be associated only with liver damage.

"Drinking alcohol excessively can create an inflammatory response to the liver and other organ systems in the body," Shukla noted.

If those organs work at a lower level of function, then a whole host of physiological processes can be affected.

“It is important for us to understand the extent of damage caused by alcohol abuse, which also can lead to other health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer,” said the authors in a paper published in the journal Biomolecules.

(Source: IANS)

‘Joy to the World’ isn't a Christmas song David A. Graham The Atlantic

Tonight Tonight there will be some wetting their pillow with tears.

Tonight there will be lovers Cuddling under warm blankets and tonight there will be people like me with only poetry for company.

THOUGHTS Tonight my thoughts could burn the farthest miles.

So I send you a message through the breeze that plies by my window.

Please keep your heart open.

A SEASON TO REASON My heart does not agree with reason, since you came along this season.

And now all I do is question the season looking for reasons, why my heart has been imprisoned.

A different kind of gratefulness I had a really long day but I am so glad each day that I don’t have to come home to you.

To your bitter narrow heart filled with frustration and suspicion.

Believe me I’d rather sleep on cold cement than next to you.

(The writer is a Govt. servant who writes poetry as a hobby. She is inspired by life and relationships in general)

The song is synonymous with the holiday, but it wasn’t originally written that way

Y

ou can buy “Joy to the World” sweatshirts, sweaters, wrapping paper, ribbons, and candy. There are holiday cards. There are stickers.

There are flags. There are iPhone cases.

(And this encompasses only the first four pages of Amazon results.) In short: “Joy the World” is short for Christmas.

By one tally, it’s the most published Christmas song in North America.

Which makes it all the more amusing that Isaac Watts didn’t intend it to be a Christmas song at all. Watts, the greatest English hymnodist, remains a dominant force in hymnals around the Anglophone world. In the United States, his legacy has been reinforced by the fact that many black churches adopted Watts’s verses. When you read his words to “Joy to the World” closely, you start to notice that there’s nothing about Jesus’s birth—they all refer to his second coming.

One secret to the hymn’s catchiness is deft repetition (“And Heaven and nature sing/And Heaven and nature sing/

The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where

Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond.

The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/ groups/thenagablog

Voters or Hornbill?

Bid adieu to menstrual cramps Chronic binge drinking kills liver faster

et respite from the monthly menstrual cramps by using a hot water bag on your lower abdomen and lower back, and by avoiding dairy products, meats and legumes as these can cause bloating and worsen the pain, says an expert.

Indira Ganeshan, director of Delhibased Irene IVF Centre, has shared how to ease the pain: * Hot water bag on your lower abdomen and lower back, and taking a hot shower offers instant pain relief. * Drinking teas like ginger tea, jasmine tea and chamomile is not only antiinflammatory, but also keeps you well hydrated to tackle the blood loss. Girls who have water retention can try dandelion tea. * Take supplements like vitamin B, E, C and Folates, which help in relieving the menstrual pain. * Consume a diet rich in fiber like fruits and green leafy vegetables which has high content of vitamins and anti-oxidants. An intake of Aloe Vera juice and papaya is very helpful for the cramps. * Avoid dairy products, meats and le-

7

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing”) married to a rollicking, singsongy melody. The tune, “Antioch,” is generally attributed to George Friedrich Handel, though it appears that it was only very loosely based on snippets of Handel’s music. In fact, its author was an American, Lowell Mason.

(Mason is sometimes criticized for trying to Europeanize American church music at the expense of native folk music.) Mason’s original version buried the familiar melody in the tenor, where it luckily refused to stay.

Nor has “Joy to the World” stayed in the church. It’s a staple of pop performers’ Christmas albums. Then there’s the Hoyt Axton-penned “Joy to the World (Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog),” a No. 1 hit for Three Dog Night in 1971.

The intentionally silly song is, like its namesake, an infectious melody that demands a singalong. It’s nearly as applicable to Christmas, as well.

So neatly do they overlap that Mariah Carey couldn’t resist turning them into a medley on her 1994 album Merry Christmas.

Nokchem Angth: It is very strange to see how the Government of Nagaland led by the NPF is functioning. In fact, it's annoying. The policies and programs of the government is in fiasco which the policy makers need to reframe and check its weak point. As a student, I would like to throw some points which need to be studied by the “oppositionless” government.

Firstly, what is more important to you, Sirs?

Voters or Hornbill? Especially when your voters are in miserable condition with no proper road connectivity, pathetic health sector, pitiful education system and what not! And you are so keen to honor the bird's name? Now as the Hornbill season arrives, we can see you all becoming proactive and smart in everything. Our capital roads are turning black overnight. And traditional gates from Airport to Kisama! Woooowww... It's a great achievement of the year by your government. Big Congratulations Sirs but let us not see the same potholes, irregular electricity, water scarcity that we had from January till first week of November after the 10th of December.

Secondly, when are you releasing teachers’ salaries and scholarship meant for the students? In case you have forgotten, please allow me to remind you that the Hornbill is just a bird with no value and contributes nothing to the state and its subject but only spoils thousands of young lives in one or other ways. However, the teachers are the pillars of the society and if they are the pillars of society, then they are the role model. If you see any sound contribution being made by Nagas, it is because of the teachers who moulded and shaped them and I'm pretty sure that even you have your own teachers so respect and honor them rather than honoring the Hornbill. You should also remember that if you dally with them, you are also dallying with thousands of people. Therefore, let us end this game and respect our mentors.

Students are also asking only their share: nothing more, nothing less is our stand. If you can organize such a massive festival, then why can't you pay someone's share? If you aren't doing this for surplus, then why you save in your personal account? Just release it and distribute.

Or you aren't satisfied with what you get from other schemes illegally? We are very ready to face any game, if needed.

Thirdly, Sirs, please do visit Eastern Nagaland by road. Farmers are waiting for you with numerous types of delicious cuisines and yam and they want you to taste them! The farmers are waiting for the white day to see good communication you have promised. They don't want to go for long bumpy rides to get good treatment and some are losing their lives waiting for your homecoming with the good health facilities that you have promised them and some have even withheld their wards from departing for higher degree courses with plenty of desire that their region will soon have smart educational institutions like you screamed. They also want to see you once in a blue moon; they remember your fresh and handsome faces that appeared during your campaign.

So Sirs, please take their hope and desire into consideration which we will be obliged and will do the same favor in the coming 2018 election.

No human beings of this century can survive without road but thank God! The people of Eastern Nagaland can grapple it and this reminds us of our forefathers; how they walked to neighbouring state Assam only to get salt for the survival. We deserve better treatment by now and so please stop ill treatment to us.

Fourthly, Sirs, we elected you to serve us and not to exploit us. During election period, you even promised us with Moon and Stars but surprisingly, after the election we were compelled to shoot down the moon and the stars even to get appointment to enter your premises. If you can't entertain your own voters, then how can we expect other non-voters to see you? As soon as you get elected you people rush to Delhi to gain the new strategies; how to rob the public, how to do excess deposit in your personal accounts to meet with international based architect for your mansion, to learn the procedure of how to ship your latest luxurious cars. Kudos Sirs, you are doing something though the voters get nothing out of it but only benefit you and your kin.

Lastly but not the least, Sirs, please do not repeat the same blunder when you decide to visit us in next election. Do not come with the same manifesto that is full of fake policies and programs and bundle of lies but be polite and honest as Christian politicians because it says honesty is the best policy and maybe it will help you even in your next run to get the seat in NLA. See you in next battle but as of now, I have decided to vote for NOTA and I won't regret if my candidate don't serve me justice.

Lastly, may the Nagaland Government nominate for the "NOTHING AWARD"; developing nothing, bringing nothing, creating nothing, generating nothing, remaining nothing and what more nothing?

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Naga Blog.

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

8

SaturDaY 19•12•2015

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Dec 16 gang-rape 'juvenile' to be freed, victim's parents dismayed New Delhi, December 18 (iANS): The Delhi High Court on Friday ruled that the December 16, 2012 gang-rape "juvenile" convict, slated to be released from an observation home on December 20, cannot be kept back, leading to dismay among various sections of society with the victim's downcast family ruing that "crime has won".

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) said it will challenge the release by writing to President Pranab Mukherjee, and the chief justices of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath said the convict, who was found to be a juvenile at the time of the crime, cannot be kept at the observation home beyond December 20, the date set for his release.

"There can't be any direction to extend the stay beyond December 20," said the bench, in its decision on Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy's plea against the release of the "unreformed" juvenile convict, "until it is demonstrably assured that

Plainclothes policemen escort a teenager (head covered with towel) after he was sentenced at a juvenile court in New Delhi August 31, 2013. (ReuteRs File Photo)

he has reformed, ceased to be radicalised and is not a menace to the society".

The court also directed that the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) shall interact with the juvenile, his parents/guardians as well as officials concerned of Delhi's women and child development department regarding his "post-release rehabilitation and social

mainstreaming".

It said it was of the view "that the legal issue raised in the main writ petition, i.e., the need for ascertaining the factum of reformation of the juveniles in conflict with law before they are released from the special home on expiry of the period of stay ordered by the Juvenile Justice Board, is a larger issue of public

importance which requires deeper consideration".

During the hearing, the central government had told the court that the juvenile's stay in an observation home should be extended till all aspects including mental health and post-release rehabilitation plans are considered by the authorities.

The court had earlier

sought Intelligence Bureau (IB) report about him having been radicalised in a sealed cover. The IB had raised suspicion of the juvenile being radicalised after being shifted with a juvenile apprehended in connection with the Delhi High Court blast case.

The parents of the victim termed the decision of the court as completely in "favour of criminals".

"This decision has come to me as a mental shock. Though I am severely hurt with the decision of the court, but we cannot do anything now. We are helpless," the father of the victim told reporters outside the court.

"I am not satisfied with the court's decision. Today's decision only means that whatever crime happens with women, the law is not going to be changed.

Crime has won and we have lost. I feel as if our fight has ended incomplete," said her mother.

The court's denial to stay the release of juvenile was termed a weak decision against serious criminals by people from various walks of society and said that there was a need to change the way Indian

legal system operated.

"I am extremely sad that Nirbhaya's convict will walk free on (December) 20th. (It is) dark day in history of the county. I will be appealing to Chief Justice of High Court and Supreme Court and President to intervene. Nirbhaya rapist should not be released," tweeted DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal.

Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung stated: "I think the government is actively engaged to bring down the juvenile age. The juvenile homes have not been working very efficiently and the courts are monitoring them."

Six people, including the juvenile, had been arrested for brutally raping and injuring a para-medical student, leading to her death.

Out of the six, one was found dead in Tihar Jail and the juvenile was tried under the Juvenile Justice Act, under which he was sent to a remand home for three years. A trial court had awarded death penalty to the other four rapists which was upheld by the high court. Their appeals are pending before t he Supreme Court.

In 11 months, Modi fails to find full-time Governor for Punjab chANDigArh, December 18 (iANS): It's been nearly 11 months but the Narendra Modi government has not been able to find a regular governor for Punjab.

Punjab's last full-time governor, Shivraj Patil, had relinquished charge on January 21 and Haryana governor Kaptan Singh Solanki assumed additional charge the next day. Solanki, a hardcore RSS man, was appointed the Haryana governor in July 2014 after the Modi government took over. His appointment came just over two months before the crucial assembly polls in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) triumphed in the October 2014 polls and formed its first government in the state. The Modi government, which had appointed several new governors after coming to power, has not been able to find a suitable person for Punjab governor. The post is important not only because Punjab is a frontier state but also because the governor is also the administrator of the union territory (UT) of Chandigarh, a post in which the incumbent enjoys vast powers. Chandigarh enjoys the unique status of being a UT and also the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

"It is strange that the Modi government has not been able to find a regular governor for Punjab. Punjab and Haryana have several disputes over river waters, territory and other issues. Both states also have issues regarding Chandigarh. Having the same man as constitutional head of both states for a longer time can lead to odd situations in governance," a senior Punjab bureaucrat, who once served with a Punjab governor, told IANS, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter.

After Patil's tenure ended, names of senior BJP leaders like Vijay Kumar Malhotra, union minister Najma Heptulla and others were doing rounds for the post.

Punjab has a Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance government since 2007. The alliance is in its second term (2012 onwards) in the state.

Assembly elections in Punjab are likely in FebruaryMarch 2017 and political activity has already picked up in the run-up to that. The two major political forces, the Akali Dal-BJP combine and the Congress, are getting a tough challenge from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which won four Lok Sabha seats in Punjab in the April-May 2014 general elections.

'India is building a secret Security up for court appearance of Sonia, Rahul nuclear city in Karnataka' New Delhi, December 18 (iANS): India could "deeply unsettle" its neighbours Pakistan and China as it is building a secret facility in its southern Karnataka state to augment its nuclear power for civilian use and upgradation of its weapons, a foreign policy journal has reported.

According to an exhaustive report published on December 16 in the international US magazine Foreign Policy, the work on the project in southern Karnataka began early in 2012.

The 14-page report said tribal pastureland was blocked off with a barbed-wire fence at Challakere for “a project that experts say will be the subcontinent’s largest military-run complex of nuclear centrifuges, atomic-research laboratories, and weapons- and aircraft-testing facilities when it’s completed, probably sometime in 2017”.

The project’s primary aim was to expand the government’s nuclear research, to produce fuel for India’s nuclear reactors, and to help power the country’s fleet of new submarines, says the Foreign Policy journal.

“But another, more controversial ambition, according to retired Indian government officials and independent experts in London and Washington, is to give India an extra stockpile of enriched uranium fuel that could be used in new hydrogen bombs, also known as thermonuclear weapons, substantially increasing the explosive force of those in its existing nuclear arsenal,” the report reads.

New Delhi has never made public details of its nuclear arsenal, which it first developed in 1974, the magazine said.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an independent agency, estimates that India already possesses between 90 and 110 nuclear

weapons, as compared to neighbour Pakistan’s estimated stockpile of up to 120.

China, which borders India to the north, has approximately 260 warheads.

The report says that China and Pakistan would see the secret project as a provocation. “Experts say they might respond by ratcheting up their own nuclear firepower. Pakistan, in particular, considers itself a military rival, having engaged in four major conflicts with India, as well as frequent border skirmishes.”

“I believe that India intends to build thermonuclear weapons as part of its strategic deterrent against China,” Gary Samore, who served from 2009 to 2013 as the White House coordinator for arms control, was quoted by 'Foreign Policy' as saying.

Other than the Challakere project, Western monitoring agencies were keeping an eye on a similar nuclear facility near Mysuru, also in Karnataka.

“However, Western knowledge about how India’s weapons are stored, transported, and protected, and how the radiological and fissile material that fuels them is guarded and warehoused -- the chain of custody -- remains rudimentary,” the report added.

According to the magazine, a retired official who served inside the nuclear cell at the Indian prime minister’s office, the apex organisation that supervises the military nuclear programme, conceded that other uses besides submarines had been anticipated “for many years”.

He pointed to a “thermonuclear bomb programme” as “a beneficiary” and suggested India had had no choice but to “develop a new generation of more powerful megaton weapons” if it was to maintain “credible minimum deterrence”.

New Delhi, December 18 (iANS): Security was on Friday beefed up in Patiala House courts complex here for Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi's appearance in a court on Saturday, sources said.

Special Protection Guard (SPG) and senior Delhi Police officials visited the court premises and inspected security arrangements, officials said.

As many as 16 new cameras have been installed in the court premises to keep a vigil on movement inside and outside the complex.

SPG officials held a meeting in the afternoon with the district Judge of the Patiala House courts

Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi and her son and vice-president of Congress Rahul Gandhi during Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi. (ReuteRs File Photo)

and senior officials of Delhi Police, a court official said.

The SPG also inspected the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen, where case hearing will take place

on Saturday.

According to sources, paramilitary forces will be deployed as part of beefed up security. Movement outside the court will be restrict-

ed as part of the security drill.

The court had ordered Sonia and Rahul to appear on Saturday (December 19) in connection with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lead-

er Subramanian Swamy's complaint in the National Herald case.

On June 26 last year, the trial court issued summons to the Congress leaders on Swamy's complaint about "cheating" in the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) by Young India Ltd. (YIL) - "a firm in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each own a 38% stake".

The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the plea of the Gandhis to quash the summons issued to them by a trial court on Swamy's complaint regarding the acquisition of National Herald newspaper.

The trial court later fixed December 19 for hearing in the case.

'Need mass movement to counter medical negligence' KolKAtA, December 18 (iANS): With nearly 5.2 million medical injuries recorded each year in India, an Assam professor, who recently lost his wife due to "utter callousness" of doctors has begun spreading awareness about medical negligence which he claims has acquired "endemic proportions" in the country.

Ankuran Dutta, who lost wife Anamika Ray due to "procedural lapses" by doctors, has been campaigning on social media networks urging the need for a mass move-

ment to counter medical negligence.

"Annually 5.2 million medical injuries are recorded in India leading to a loss of around 3 million years of healthy lives due to medical negligence each year," Dutta said quoting a Harvard School of Public Health report. "While there are laws to deal medical negligence, the guilty, most of the time, don't get to face any action because most of the people are not aware. Unless people are ready to fight and there is a mass movement, medical negligence will continue to acquire endemic pro-

portions," said Dutta here.

He asserted that his fight is not merely concerned to his wife or aimed at monetary compensations but rather spreading awareness across the country. Besides holding public meeting across the country, Dutta also plans to organise candle light marches to highlight the gravity of medical negligence. While Delhi-based Golden Jaipur Hospital has attributed blood infection and cardiac arrest for his's wife death there in July, Dutta asserts medical reports confirm his wife's heart was

in perfect condition.

While the Delhi government has launched an inquiry into Ray's death, Dutta has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urging to ask her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejrwal to expedite the probe. "Her medical reports a day before her death showed her heart was perfectly working and she had no infection. The cause of death can be ascertained only if there is a proper enquiry," said the Gauhati-based Dutta.

Accepting Sahitya Akademi award with mixed feelings: K R Meera New Delhi, December 18 (iANS): Though it's an honour, it’s painful to accept a Sahitya Akademi award at a time when country is witnessing increasing attacks on the right to dissent, said noted writer K.R. Meera, who has been cited this year for Malayalam novel ‘Aarachar’ (Hangwoman).

"It gives me immense pleasure that my novel, which questions the establishment and is chronicled from the view point of a woman got recognition.

However, it also pains me that the honour comes at a time when my fellow writers are returning awards against the rising intolerance and against the institution's silence on the murder of rationalists," Meera told IANS over the phone from Kottayam, adding she wouldn’t turn down the award as it’s a recognition of her work.

The writer said she won’t let her protest wane

'It's up to Akademi to accept or reject returned awards'

even after receiving the honour. “I plan to register my protest even during the award ceremony,” she said.

Meera’s award winning novel is the poignant story of a 22-year-old girl, Chet-

na Grddha Mullick, the world’s first female executioner. The 2013 Malayalam bestseller was last year translated into English by J. Devika and also shortlisted for the DSC Prize for South

New Delhi, December 18 (iANS): The Sahitya Akademi might have said it will not encash the award cheques that have been returned in protest against the growing intolerance in the country but noted poet Ashok Vajpeyi said on Friday it was up to the Akademi to accept or decline the returned awards.

"Just like the writers, Akademi also has the freedom to accept or reject the awards. The issue of intolerance has also been discussed in parliament.

That shows the success of our movement. When we met the president early

this month, he also agreed that intolerance exists in the country," Vajpeyi told IANS on the sidelines of the three-day Delhi Poetry Festival that opened here on Friday.

Vajpeyi said that he has returned Rs.90,000, including the interest, of the award money. He was one of the writers in the forefront of the protest against the increasing intolerance in the country.

"We are planning a satyagraha on the 30th of this month. We will also hold marches in various states," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, poet Keki Daru-

walla said that the writers are not going to reclaim their awards and Akademi can decide whether to keep them or not.

"As writers, we have done what we could by returning awards. I think the hate speeches have come down now. However the murderers of the rationalists and writers are still on the prowl, " said Daruwala.

K. Sreenivasa Rao, secretary of the Sahitya Akademi said on Thursday that awards are not meant to be returned and the Akademi is not going encash the cheques that have been returned.

Asian Literature in 2015.

The former journalist, who took to full-time writing in 2006, said that she was in a double mind about accepting the award. However, it was after talking to

Kannada writer K.S. Bhagvan Thursday night that she decided to accept it.

Co-incidentally, Meera has recently written a short story, "Bhagavan’s death", based on the death threats

received by the writer from Hindu fringe elements.

“I wasn’t able to make up my mind on whether to accept the award or not. It was Bhagvan who told me that I must accept it. He

said one could give away an award only if it’s accepted in the first place,” said Meera, whose novel has won many accolades, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award. Set in Kolkata, the fictional work also addresses the contentious issue of capital punishment.

The author said that she never expected the Akademi to honour her work as she has been in the forefront of the protests since it broke out. Admitting that ‘award wapsi’ has marked a new inflection point, Meera felt that writers need to do more than giving away awards.

“I have lent full support to the writers' protest through writings and by participating in protests.

However, we need to do more than just give away awards. The prime minister is still silent after 39 writers have returned their awards,” she said, adding that writers are above politics.

The author also said that writing the novel has been a challenging task as she had to conjure up the way of life of a Bengali woman. “I am not very fluent in Bengali or Hindi, which made my work even more difficult. The novel is a mix of history and fiction.

I was working outside my comfort zone so it took me nearly 53 weeks to finish the book, not to mention the numerous personal commitments I had,” said Meera.

Meanwhile, the Akademi award for English went to playwright and novelist Cyrus Mistry for "Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer" on the khandhias, the 'untouchables' of the Parsi community.

The award, comprising an engraved plaque, shawl and a cheque of Rs.1 lakh will be presented to the writers at a function on February 16, 2016 during the Akademi's annual Festival of Letters.

SaturdaY 19•12•2015

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

5 humanitarian crises largely overlooked in 2015 Anastasia Moloney Thomson Reuters Foundation

From civil war and urban gang violence to drought, some humanitarian crises around the world receive less media attention and donor funding than others and are less visible.

Below are the top five humanitarian crises of 2015, in no particular order, which aid agencies say deserve more attention on the world stage: CENTRAL AMERICA’s HIDDEN DISPLACEMENT Rampant gang violence, poverty and the lack of jobs push hundreds of people a month to leave the ‘Northern Triangle’ nations of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala and seek work and refuge in the United States and other Latin American countries.

In El Salvador and Honduras - which have the world’s highest murder rates - entire city neighbourhoods are controlled by powerful street gangs, known as maras. They use extortion, sexual violence against girls and women, threats, killings and forced recruitment of children to exercise control.

“We have a situation that affects the lives of thousands of people because of widespread violence related to organized crime.

What you have here is forced displacement,” said Vicente Raimundo, head of the European Union humanitarian aid department (ECHO) regional office for Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“Our concern is for those who are fleeing their homes because they are under threat, their relatives have been killed or they

Women are screened for malnutrition at a joint UNICEF-WFP Rapid Response Mission (RRM), which delivers critical supplies and services to those displaced by conflict, in Nyanapol, northern Jonglei, March 3, 2015. (REUTERS Photo)

fear they are next on the list.

They need to be protected. This is a big issue and we need to do more,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a telephone interview from the Nicaraguan capital Managua.

To escape gang violence, families often first move from their homes to other neighbourhoods or cities within their own country, then seek refuge abroad, increasingly in Panama and Costa Rica.

“This is a hidden and urban phenomenon that is invisible and difficult to see. But it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist,” Raimundo said. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said in October it had recorded a nearly five-fold increase in asylum seekers arriving in the United States from the Northern Triangle since 2008.

SOUTH SUDAN REFU-

World’s refugees and displaced exceed record 60 million: UN

GEE CRISIS South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, plunged into civil war in December 2013 when a political crisis triggered fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebels allied with his former deputy Riek Machar.

The conflict has reopened ethnic faultlines that pit Kiir’s Dinka people against Machar’s ethnic Nuer. A peace deal was signed in August but the two sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations and clashes continue.

Two years of civil war have killed more than 10,000 people, forced 1.6 million to flee their homes, some hiding for long periods in the bush and swamplands to escape fighting, and 185,000 to seek shelter in U.N. bases.

Nearly 650,000 have fled to neighbouring countries, according to U.N. figures.

The world’s youngest nation also faces hunger.

An estimated 2.4 million people are severely hungry, and in Unity state, some 30,000 people are at risk of famine, largely cut off from aid that can only reach them by air drops.

“South Sudan is very difficult for several million people facing food insecurity and conflict. But it gets very little in terms of international spotlight,” said Shaheen Chughtai, deputy head of humanitarian policy and campaigns at aid agency Oxfam.

South Sudan’s refugee crisis is also one of the world’s most under-funded humanitarian crises. As of December, only 19 percent of a $659 million U.N. appeal for a South Sudan

regional refugee response plan including Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, had been funded, the fourth least funded U.N. appeal.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CONFLICT The Central African Republic (CAR), a former French colony, descended into chaos in early 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized control in the majority-Christian nation, where its abuses led to reprisals by Christian antibalaka militias.

Thousands of people have been killed in the ensuing inter-religious violence in the capital Bangui and across the country.

“The recent visit of the Pope put CAR on the map for an instant but few people know the name of its capital or where it is. The international community isn’t interested in CAR,”

said David Cantero, head of the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for Spanish-speaking countries in South America.

An estimated 2.7 million people - over half the population - need food, drinking water, health services and medicine, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says.

The number of people forced to flee their homes within the country to escape fighting has risen by nearly 20 percent, to 447,500 in November from 378,400 in September, the UNHCR says.

In addition half a million people have left the country, around half of them fleeing to neighbouring Cameroon. Many of the internally displaced people are trapped in enclaves, beyond the reach of state authorities and French and U.N. peacekeepers, some in fiefdoms controlled by warlords.

On Dec. 13 voters braved fighting and intimidation by armed groups to cast their ballots in a constitutional referendum seen as a crucial step toward ending the violence. Two days later a Seleka leader declared an autonomous state in his northeastern stronghold.

YEMEN’S WORSENING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS Yemen has been unstable since a 2011 revolt toppled veteran president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and plunged into civil war last year when the ex-leader joined forces with the Houthis to seize power, triggering a Gulf Arab military intervention.

The warring parties are expected to observe a

ceasefire and start U.N.sponsored peace talks in Switzerland on Dec. 15 in a bid to end months of fighting that has killed nearly 6,000 people.

“Yemen has struggled to get the kind of attention it deserves in the mainstream western media,” said Oxfam’s Chughtai.

Saudi-led warplanes began bombing positions of the Houthis and their Yemeni army allies in March. The U.N. says at least 5,800 people, nearly half of them civilians, have been killed since the air strikes began, and aid agencies say the humanitarian situation has got worse.

More than 21 million people in Yemen require some kind of humanitarian help to survive - about 80 percent of the population, including 2.3 million people who have been uprooted.

“The suffering that this conflict is inflicting on people is heartbreaking. I hear first-hand accounts of it whenever I speak with women, children and elderly people who have made the perilous crossing to reach Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia,” Claire Bourgeois, UNHCR’s regional refugee coordinator for Yemen, said earlier this month.

GLOBAL IMPACT OF EL NINO From Ethiopia, Malawi, Papua New Guinea to Honduras and Haiti, tens of millions of people around the world are suffering the impacts of a strong El Nino weather pattern.

El Nino - a warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific - affects wind patterns and can trigger massive floods and devastating droughts in different parts of the world, reducing harvests and making it hard for people to feed

themselves.

As the impact of El Nino is so dispersed across the world and has affected regions in different ways, it is difficult to capture and understand its true scale, aid agencies say.

Experts say the impact of the current El Nino, which will intensify into 2016, could be the worst on record since 1997-98.

Up to 50 million people across the world will face water and/or food shortages related to El Nino in 2016, Oxfam says.

“In reality this is not one crisis but many,” Oxfam said in a briefing paper published earlier this week.

“The current international focus is understandably on hardest-hit countries but the international response needs to go much further to ensure other countries do not follow suit.”

Around 2.3 million people in Central America, mostly subsistence farmers and their families, will need food aid because of widespread damage to crops and rising food prices due to a prolonged drought made worse by El Nino, according to the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP).

More than 10 million Ethiopians, one in 10 of the population, will not have enough to eat next year due to the effects of a crippling drought made worse by El Nino, the charity Save the Children says.

In Southeast Asia, El Nino is typically associated with drought and has helped fuel wildfires in Indonesia, among the worst on record. Other southeast Asian countries, particularly India and Sri Lanka, face severe flooding caused by heavy rains in 2016, the U.N. says.

Millions of widows enslaved and left destitute, research shows Emma Batha Thomson Reuters Foundation

Millions of widows around the world are left destitute after being robbed of their inheritance, while others are enslaved by their inlaws, accused of witchcraft or forced to undergo abusive sexual rituals, research shows.

The crushing poverty and persecution faced by widows worldwide is outlined in a major report on widowhood which will be presented to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday.

“Widows have been suffering in silence for centuries, and yet nobody - no government, not even the U.N. - has ever attended to

this problem,” said Lord Raj Loomba, a campaigner on widowhood, who will discuss the issue with Ban in New York.

There are more than 258 million widows worldwide with one in seven living on less than $1 a day, according to the World Widows Report produced by the Loomba Foundation which works to empower widows.

Newly-widowed women in many developing countries are often plunged into destitution after being disinherited, stripped of property and evicted by their in-laws, sometimes losing their children.

Those who remain reliant on their in-laws are

GENEVA, DEcEmBEr 18 (rEutErs): The number of people forcibly displaced worldwide is likely to have “far surpassed” a record 60 million this year, mainly driven by the Syrian war and other protracted conflicts, the United Nations said on Friday.

The estimated figure includes 20.2 million refugees fleeing wars and persecution, the most since 1992, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a report. Nearly 2.5 million asylum seekers have requests pending, with Germany, Russia and the United States receiving the highest numbers of the nearly one million new claims lodged in the first half of the year, it said.

“2015 is on track to see worldwide forced displacement exceeding 60 million for the first time - 1 in every 122 humans is today someone who has been forced to flee their homes,” it said. The total figure at the end of 2014 was 59.5 million.

An estimated 34 million people were internally displaced as of mid-year, about 2 million more than the same time in 2014. Yemen, where civil war erupted in March, reported the highest number of newly uprooted people at 933,500.

“Never has there been a greater need for tolerance, compassion and solidarity with people who have lost everything,” Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, said in a statement. Developing countries bordering conflict zones still host the lion’s share of the BEIJING, DEcEmBEr 18 refugees, the report said, warning about growing “resent- (rEutErs): China warned residents across a large part of its ment” and “politicisation of refugees”. north on Friday to prepare for a wave of choking smog arriving over the weekend, the worst of which is expected over Beijing, prompting the capital to issue its second ever “red alert”.

The National MeteorologiBEIJING, DEcEmBEr 18 (rEutErs): Some Chi- cal Centre said the smog would nese officials have become expert at pretending to live stretch from Xian, home to the frugal, exemplary lives while actually being dissolute world-famous Terracotta Warindividuals with often huge hidden wealth, a state-run riors, across part of central Chinewspaper said on Friday, warning the government na, through Beijing and up into would root them out.

Shenyang and Harbin in China’s Chinese President Xi Jinping has embarked on a mas- frigid northeast. sive campaign against deeply ingrained corruption since The air pollution would begin taking office three years ago, warning, like others before rolling in from about Saturday him, that the problem could threaten the Communist evening and last until Tuesday, Party’s grip on power. with visibility in the worst affectThousands of officials have been investigated, many ed areas such as Beijing likely to for only small infractions. fall to less than 1 km (0.6 mile), it During the course of the many routine probes into said. government departments, investigators have started disThe pollution index would covering the web of lies some corruption suspects use to probably exceed 500 in Beijing try and evade punishment, the official Discipline and Su- and parts of Hebei province, pervision Daily said. which surrounds the capital, it This includes faking identity cards and pretending to said. Residents are encouraged be in favour of fighting corruption when actually the op- to remain indoors at levels highposite is true, said the newspaper, which is published by er than 300, according to governthe graft watchdog. ment guidelines.

“As the anti-corruption struggle continues to deepen The Beijing city government ... some officials have put on a false facade, hoping to have issued its first “red alert” last a safe landing,” it said. week following criticism that pre“Their families have millions in cash and they insist on vious bouts of smog had failed to riding a bike to work. They laud being honest and upright, trigger the highest warning level. but then go to clubs and stuff themselves,” the newspaper Beijing’s second red alert said. comes after a landmark climate

often treated like slaves, abused physically, psychologically and sexually, Loomba said.

The deprivation faced by widows is even more devastating because of the impact on their children who may be pulled out of school and forced into child labour or early marriage.

Loomba said the new U.N. global development goals, known as the SDGs, agreed this year would never be met without addressing the problems endured by widows.

“We have got to link this issue to the SDGs. The first goal is the elimination of poverty and the last goal is to leave no one behind - so

I want to make sure widows are not left behind,” said Loomba, a member of the House of Lords, Britain’s upper chamber of parliament.

VICIOUS CYCLE The SDGs also include ending all discrimination and violence against women and girls, and commitments regarding women’s access to property and inheritance.

Estimates suggest the number of widows has risen 9 percent since 2010, partly because of conflicts in the Middle East, the report said.

Child marriage is another cause of early widowhood.

Many girls are left prematurely widowed after being married off to much older men. Young widows who cannot support their children are in turn more likely to marry off their daughters early, perpetuating the cycle.

Two of the most harmful traditional practices are “widow cleansing” and “widow inheritance”, the report says. Both fuel the spread of AIDS, Ebola and other diseases. Cleansing rituals in Sub-Saharan Africa may require a new widow to drink the water used to wash her husband’s corpse or to have sex with his brother or a stranger to exorcise her husband’s spirit.

Widows may also be “inherited” by their husband’s brother as a first or additional wife - a common tradition in parts of Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. Loomba said superstitions surrounding widowhood mean they are often blamed for their husband’s death and accused of witchcraft.

Older widows living alone are particularly vulnerable to witchcraft accusations, putting them at risk of violence and even murder.

Beliefs that widows bring bad luck can lead to their exclusion from society, limiting their prospects for employment and entrenching poverty.

Choking Smog: Beijing issues second ‘red alert’

Officials plead poverty to hide corruption: China

A woman wearing a face mask stands on a bridge in front of the financial district of Pudong amid heavy smog in Shanghai on December 15. (REUTERS Photo)

agreement was reached in Paris earlier this month, setting a course to move away from a fossil fuel-driven economy within decades in a bid to arrest global warming.

A red alert is triggered when the government believes air quality will surpass a level of 200 on an air quality index that measures various pollutants for at least three days. The U.S. government deems a level of more than 200 “very unhealthy”.

In Beijing, a red alert means around half the vehicles are removed from the roads with an odd-even licence plate system enforced. Schools are recommended to close and outdoor construction is banned.

“I’m very concerned about the pollution, I think the government needs to put more effort into solving this,” said Cheng Xianke, a 34-year-old Beijing software developer.

The Beijing environment

bureau said the red alert would last from 7 a.m. Saturday to midnight on Tuesday. The official Xinhua news agency said the smog would be worse than last week.

“Parts of north China will see the worst smog so far this year from Saturday,” it said, citing the National Meteorological Centre.

NO OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Beijing is not the only city to have a coloured alert system, and the restrictions rolled out in the

most severe cases are broadly similar.

Beijing’s neighbouring city of Tianjin also aims to remove about half of all cars from the road in the event of a red alert.

Hebei’s environment protection bureau said it was issuing an orange alert, the secondhighest, starting from Friday.

Schools will not close and there will be no vehicle restrictions but it recommends no outdoor activities and that people use public transport.

Shenyang said it was issuing a yellow alert, the third-highest level.

After decades of unbridled economic growth, China’s leadership has vowed to crack down on severe levels of air, water and soil pollution, including the heavy smog that often blankets major cities.

City residents have previously criticised authorities for being too slow to issue red alerts for heavy smog.

Shanghai schools banned outdoor activities and authorities limited work at construction sites and factories earlier this week.

Environmental Protection Minister Chen Jining vowed this month to punish agencies and officials for any failure to implement a pollution emergency response plan quickly.

10

SaturDaY 19•12•2015

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

James crashes into fan as Cavs hold off Thunder

CLEVELAND, DECEmbEr 18 (AP): LeBron James crashed into the crowd and injured the wife of golf star Jason Day during the Cleveland Cavaliers' 104-100 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.

Ellie Day was taken from the arena on a backboard. There was no immediate report on her condition. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound James was scrambling for a loose ball in the fourth quarter when he plowed into her as she sat in a courtside side.

Day is the No. 2-ranked golfer in the world. He won the PGA Championship this year for his first major win on the PGA Tour. On Nov. 11, Ellie gave birth to the couple's second child, a girl named Lucy.

James scored 33 points and added 11 assists and nine rebounds. Tristan Thompson had 15 rebounds for the Cavs, who improved to 11-1 at home.

Russell Westbrook scored 27 points, and Kevin Durant had 25 for the Thunder.

ROCKETS 107, LAKERS 87 Kobe Br yant and

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James falls into Ellie Day, wife of PGA Tour golf player Jason Day, at left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo)

Dwight Howard shared a brief pregame hug and a few in-game laughs during the Houston Rockets' comfortable win over the Lakers.

Even though Howard refused to stay on Bryant's team 2 1/2 years ago, the center still felt some senti-

mentality for the superstar in his farewell season.

James Harden scored 25 points, and Howard added 16 points and 15 rebounds in the Rockets' second victory over Los Angeles in six days, 107-87 on Thursday night.

Bryant scored 22 points

and dunked for the first time in his farewell season, elevating over Clint Capela for a one-handed jam. Howard admired it along with everybody in the building. ''I already know what the headlines are going to say: Kobe turned back the

hands of time,'' Howard said. ''I didn't think he had enough legs to do it, but it's pretty cool. We got to see the old guy still has the legs a little bit.''

Howard and Bryant parted under acrimonious circumstances in 2013, with Howard leaving millions on the table by refusing to return to the Lakers as a free agent. Howard's move also essentially guaranteed Bryant would finish his career without a sixth ring with the Lakers.

HORNETS 109, RAPTORS 99 (OT) Jeremy Lin scored a season-high 35 points, Kemba Walker had 27 and Charlotte beat Toronto in overtime.

P.J. Hairston added 14 points, including a 3-pointer with 1:30 remaining in overtime that put the Hornets ahead to stay.

DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points, Kyle Lowry added 20 and Terrence Ross had 17 for Toronto. Bismack Biyombo, who spent four seasons with Charlotte, had a career-best 18 rebounds while also blocking seven shots and scoring eight points.

FIFA court hears Platini case ZuriCh, DECEmbEr 18 (AFP): A FIFA ethics court on Friday heard corruption accusations against world body vice president Michel Platini who boycotted the hearing.

The French football legend's lawyers pleaded Platini's case before the FIFA investigatory chamber.

Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter argued before the judges on Thursday that there was no proof that a two million Swiss franc($2 million/1.8 million euros) payment made to Platini in 2011 without a contract was illegal.

Blatter spent more than eight hours being questioned.

Blatter and Platini are both already the subjects of 90 day suspensions. Both men face the risk of a life ban over the case.

The verdict is to be given on Monday, according to sources close to FIFA. Platini has said the verdict was decided in advance and has refused to attend, leaving his legal team to fight his corner.

FIFA's ethics judges have however insisted that all evidence will be judged fairly.

The 60-year-old Platini has rejected any notion of corruption, claiming the suspect payment was part of an oral contract for work he did as an advisor.

Before his own hearing, Blatter strongly attacked the FIFA court, but still appeared in his own defence, accompanied by his Zurich-based lawyer Lorenz Erni.

After the hearing Blatter's Virginiabased lawyer Richard Cullen issued a statement calling for an acquittal.

"President Blatter looks forward to a decision in his favor, because the evidence requires it," Cullen said in an email sent to AFP. "President Blatter behaved properly and certainly did not violate FIFA's Code of Ethics. This investigation should be closed and the suspension lifted," Cullen added.

If found guilty, Blatter and Platini can

go to FIFA's appeal committee and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

As Blatter exited FIFA's headquarters on Thursday his temporary replacement warned that the unprecedented storm surrounding the organisation may not be over.

Acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou and acting secretary general Markus Kattner issued an open letter which noted that "there may be further challenges ahead."

And in a sign of the seemingly ever widening corruption probe within global football, Switzerland said that it had carried out a US request to freeze about 50 accounts in Swiss banks.

A Swiss justice ministry spokesman Folco Galli said "funds in the high tens of millions are blocked."

It was the wave of US justice department indictments announced in May that unleashed the scandal which has since rocked FIFA. Dozens of people are facing charges in US courts, but Blatter and Platini are not among that group. Their possible longterm suspensions from FIFA would however mark the highest profile casualties of the scandal.

Before his suspension, Blatter had agreed to step down when his replacement was chosen in a February vote and Platini had been the favourite to succeed him.

But the Frenchman's campaign has been stalled by ethics inquiry.

Separately, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, whose country will host the 2018 World Cup, said Blatter should be a Nobel Peace laureate.

"That is someone who should be given the Nobel Peace Prize," Putin said while Blatter faced questioning aappears before FIFA courtFA. "His contribution to the global humanitarian sphere is colossal."

India down under: Jadeja set for comeback Boxer Vijender eyes third professional win NEW DELhi, DECEmbEr 18 (Pti): Back in form with an impressive performance against South Africa in the recently-concluded Test series, Ravindra Jadeja is likely to make a comeback when the national selectors meet in New Delhi on Saturday to pick the Indian squad for the upcoming limited-overs series in Australia.

India will play five ODIs and three T20 internationals in Australia with the first game starting on January 12.

Three other players, who could be under spotlight, are fit-again pacer Mohammed Shami, seniormost pacer Ishant Sharma and veteran batsman Murali Vijay, who has started batting in the middle-order in one-dayers for Tamil Nadu and also could be a back-up opener for an out of form Shikhar Dhawan.

The selectors will pick the squad, to be captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, keeping the ICC World T20 in mind although atleast 12 playes are likely to be automatic picks in both the formats.

With 23 wickets in his comeback against the Proteas, along with crucial runs (109 runs), the 27-year-old Saurashtra all-rounder should be back in the ODI squad after six months and likely to beat Axar Patel for the second spinner’s slot with Ravichandran Ashwin being an automatic choice.

Ishant Sharma, who has had a

good season as the strike bowler in Test matches is likely to get the nod in limited overs after a gap of nearly one year. Ishant was being considered for the limited-overs series against South Africa but he pulled a hamstring during a Ranji match and was rested keeping in mind the Test series.

The other highlight of the selection meeting in the capital could be the selectors’ take on whether to include Mohammed Shami in the squad. Shami, who had undergone knee surgery after World Cup, has just made his comeback to competitive cricket in the Vijay Hazare trophy.

Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma are the pacers in contention apart from Shami

and Ishant.

The third spinner could be a debatable issue as it will be a threehorse race between Harbhajan Singh, Patel and Amit Mishra.

With a lack of choices for seamer all-rounders, Stuart Binny may again get the nod despite not having any great performances to write home about.

Ambati Rayudu’s form has dipped since last year and Murali Vijay with scores of 25, 35, 55, 44 in the middleorder could get a look-in.

India’s batting line-up more or less selects itself with Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Dhoni being automatic choices in this format.

Mueller, Alonso extend Bayern contracts

Bayern Munich's Xabi Alonso and Thomas Muller (R) during a press conference at the Emirates Stadium, London, England on October 19. (REUTERS File Photo)

bErLiN, DECEmbEr 18 (rEutErs): Bayern Munich have extended the contracts of Thomas Mueller, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez to 2021 and veteran Xabi Alonso has added a year to his deal, the German champions said on Friday.

With speculation swirling around coach Pep Guardiola and his potential move to the Premier League at the end of the season, the contract extensions were a signal of strength for Bayern.

Versatile forward Mueller, whose previous contract ran out in 2019, was a top target for almost every major European club for the past seasons.

Spain international Martinez, who joined in 2012, signed an extension of his 2017 deal with 34-year-old fellow countryman Alonso, in his second season in Munich, extending by a year.

"We are delighted to have signed long-term deals with these important players," club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement. "Thomas,

Jerome and Javi know how to win titles and the Champions League as well. With them the team maintains its quality and stability in the long term."

Guardiola, whose own three-year deal runs out at the end of the season has kept quiet about his future with the club eager to extend the former Barcelona coach's contract.

The Spaniard refused to comment on the speculation and said a decision would be taken after the start of the winter break following Saturday's Bundesliga match against Hanover 96. "Rummenigge and I have said that we will talk after the game.

He knows everything and we talk often," Guardiola told reporters when asked about a decision."

Bayern have said they will announce a decision before the end of the year. The Bavarians, who have won consecutive league titles under Guardiola, are five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and through to the Champions League knockout stage.

mANChEstEr, DECEmbEr 18 (iANs): Indian boxing star Vijender Singh is expected to face a tough contest when he takes on experienced Bulgarian pugilist Samet Hyuseinov in his third professional bout at the Manchester Arena here on Saturday.

Vijender has enjoyed a superb start to his journey in the professional circuit, winning the first two bouts in comprehensive fashion.

He defeated English boxer Sony Whiting on his debut by technical knockout (TKO) within three rounds.

The middleweight (75kg) star's second bout was even shorter as he knocked out another British pugilist Dean Gillen in the first round. But the fight against Samet is expected to be tougher as it will be a six-round affair. Vijender's first two bouts were fourround affairs.

The Bulgarian is also more experienced in the professional circuit. He has fought 14 professional bouts so far, with seven wins and an equal number of losses.

"I have seen Samet’s record, it’s not impressive.

Out of 14 fights, he has won seven, I don’t think it will be going to affect me. I have prepared hard this time and tried my new techniques.

During three weeks of my training more focus was on sparring with some of my best fellow boxers," Vijender said in a statement.

"I am ready and confident of giving Samet a tough time in the ring. He speaks a lot in the media about me, but all I can say is I am excited to go in the ring tomorrow and it will be an interesting fight this time for all the fans. I will show him what I can do in the ring. Fans will enjoy and watch another knockout," he added.

"I am taking my professional career step by step.

Fighting every month is good for me and it is helping me in getting more focused.

I am settled now and used to the local conditions. Every day is a new learning for me and this learning process is really painful. I am excited to have my fight in India

next year. I am sure that fight will be a huge boost for Indian boxing."

Samet on his part, is confident of stopping Vijender's winning run.

"I am not worried about taking on Vijender Singh as I have not seen his fight. I would never fight if I was always worried of my opponents. I’m a fighter that is what I do. He has two fights and two wins at some time

he will get hit back and see how he reacts then. I take each fight as it comes," the 29-year-old said.

"I don’t think Vijender is ready to fight someone like me yet and he is saying what he will do to me as if I don’t exist and he will stop me. I’m the most dangerous opponent to date for him. I am ready to knock out Vijender in the early rounds," he added.

Hamilton takes F1 title, Mercedes wary of Ferrari pace LoNDoN, DECEmbEr 18 (AFP): Lewis Hamilton won his third drivers' world title in virtually untouchable fashion in 2015, but in a year of pressures and problems both he and his Mercedes team ended the season looking anxiously at their rivals. The 30-year-old Briton, who lost his focus and his dominant speed in the closing three races to his teammate Nico Rosberg, won the championship with a month to spare.

His complete supremacy for most of the season left him ecstatic, and then vulnerable, when a period of intense celebrations saw Rosberg take over as F1's winner as the champion lost his way and, at times, his composure. Their in-team competitive relationship was the focus of much attention and merited a warning from Mercedes racing chief Toto Wolff, who said that if they "crossed the line" in their sometime squabbles it could result in dismissals.

Clearly concerned that the tensions in their rivalry would become acrimonious and spill over into the team and cause a level of demotivation, Wolff later said he felt certain that both men understood their responsibilities.

"Nico and Lewis know

very well what was meant," said Wolff. "The spirit of the team is essential. It is one of the forces which makes us who we are and what we are… If there would be animosity within the team – that would be detrimental to the team. "And I said that if we were unable to contain the fierce competition and it could spill over to the team, then we would be needing to look at how we would set up the driver line-up for the future."

The melodrama of their relationship was the dramatic highlight of a routine season, with Hamilton driving flawlessly to leave no doubt of his status and speed long before he eased

off and Rosberg revived himself to reel off three season-ending victories.

"I actually look at the last three races as a blessing in disguise," Hamilton said. "If I'd have won the last three races, that would've been quite a lot of races won in the season and perhaps I would have gone into next season with less of a buzz, but actually, now, I have great determination…"

VETTEL'S imPACT Both men agreed that their in-team rivalry was essential for them to maintain their own form and edge and, at the same time, drive Mercedes forward as the much-improved

Ferrari team, boosted by their arrival of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, showed signs of closing the gap. "I hope that Toto always comes back to the conclusion that it's actually good the way it is," said Rosberg. "I can see a couple of extra grey hairs that have arrived. Maybe those are courtesy of us..."

Vettel's impact with Ferrari proved that Mercedes have every reason to be concerned as he reeled off three wins and 13 podium finishes to suggest the Italian squad can make 2016 much less comfortable for Hamilton, assuming he can rediscover his mojo, and Mercedes. Under new management, the scarlet scuderia improved throughout the year and, if early speculation can be believed, may try to recruit the year's outstanding newcomer Dutch teenager Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso to partner Vettel in 2017.

Kimi Raikkonen, who endured a topsy-turvy year, kept his seat for another season, but knows that the 18-year-old new boy has a talent way beyond his years.

He proved it with a series of stirring drives that contributed to him winning three awards at the International Motoring Fed-

eration (FIA) prize-giving gala this month - for 'personality of the year', 'rookie of the year' and 'action of the year', which was for his passing move around the outside of Felipe Nasr of Sauber at the high-speed Blanchimont corner during the Belgian Grand Prix.

It was no surprise, after months of court appearances and persistent trouble with unpaid bills, when Lotus confirmed their takeover by Renault for next year. It was more unexpected that Red Bull chose to continue with Renault as their engine supplier, albeit with them badged by Tag-Heuer, given the way in their relationship had collapsed as the former champions blamed the French company for their loss of power and success.

The biggest shock, however, belonged to McLaren whose reunion with Honda, as engine suppliers, produced a year of failures and frustration that twotime champion Fernando Alonso and 2009 champion Jenson Button endured with wry humour.

They needed it. Passed easily by almost every other team, the once proud champion team McLaren were unrecognisable as a serious force.

Saturday 19•12•2015

Prince George's nursery revealed

Shillong Chamber Choir performing live at Imkongmeren Sports Complex as a part of the celebration of 125 years anniversary of Mokokchung town. The week long celebration concluded with the Shillong Chamber Choir taking the centre stage with their enthralling performance of 21 songs along with performance from the Refiners Choir of Mokokchung.

(Photo courtesy Aren Changkija)

‘Ice AGe: collIsIon course’ fIrst trAIler ArrIves

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he fifth instalment of the 'Ice Age' movie series brings back Scrat the squirrel, who is still in quest of his favourite acorn. However, it accidentally takes him into space, reports aceshowbiz. com.

The trailer opens with Scrat entering a cave below the iceberg, where he accidentally activates a spaceship.

When he tries to take back his acorn, the ship flies and gets into space. He then experiences a series of ridiculous cosmic events which cause some planets to collide and threaten the Ice Age World.

The trailer also shows a glimpse of Manny the Mammoth, Sid the Sloth and Diego the Tiger.

Realising that they have to save themselves from the cosmic threat, "Sid, Manny, Diego, and

the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colourful new characters."

Back in November, 20th Century Fox debuted a short film entitled 'Scratastrophe' which also followed the adventure of Scrat in outer space.

The film is expected to release in US on July 22 next year.

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Review: Bajirao Mastani is an exquisitely crafted epic

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ontrolled hysteria is what Sanjay Leela Bhansali whips up with panache in his first-ever historical epic, Bajirao Mastani. The director, with his sweeping narrative touches, blurs the line between fact and fiction in his quest for the grand dramatic moments. Bajirao Mastani has no dearth of sequences designed to dazzle the eye and move the heart.

The pace of the film, especially in the first half, is somewhat sluggish. But thanks to the strong central performances by Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, the impressive sets and costumes, and the power of the visuals rustled up by cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee, Bajirao Mastani is never less than watchable.

The film gathers momentum in the second half and Priyanka Chopra, play-

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ing Bajirao Peshwa's first wife Kashibai, gets her due in the drama. The CGI-enhanced battlefield action is impressive Bajirao Mastani is after all the tale of an 18th century warrior who never lost a battle in a short but eventful life.

It is, however, the love story of the Peshwa and the

half-Muslim Bundelkhandi princess Mastani that takes centrestage for the most part.

The principal conflict point in the film hinges on the stiff opposition that that the married Peshwa faces from Pune's Hindu clergy and his own deeply offended family when Mas-

tani arrives and lays claim on the man she believes she is betrothed to, having received his personal dagger as a gift.

The two women in Bajirao's life his wife Kashibai and his true love Mastani are at odds with each other, but in Bhansali's universe, neither is allowed to lose her feminine calm and composure in the face of the severest of provocations.

The film has another very strong female character Bajirao's widowed mother Radhabai. Tanvi Azmi invests the figure with great force. Even when she plots brazenly to humiliate and hound Mastani, Radhabai does not turn into a heartless manipulator. She is seen only as somebody who is compelled by her conditioning to uphold tradition.

Music is supposed to play a key role in Bajirao Mastani in enhancing the dramatic impact of the tale,

but the songs do not appear to be organically linked to the narrative.

A restrained but laboured confrontation scene between Kashibai and Mastani sets the stage for the Pinga number in which the two women come together in an unlikely dance routine.

Bajirao Mastani is riddled with several such flights of fancy and Bhansali admits as much in a long disclaimer at the film's outset. Bajirao Mastani might not be reliable history, but it certainly is pure entertainment of the kind that only Bhansali can deliver.

So, notwithstanding its flaws and avoidable detours, this is a film that stays on course right down to the bitter end. Bajirao Mastani is an exquisitely, if not accurately, crafted epic designed for those for whom history might not be a big draw.

he Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Friday announced the name of the nursery Prince George is to attend alongside the release of a new photograph of their family. The twoyear-old will go to the West Acre Montessori School Nursery in Norfolk from January next year, BBC reported. "We are looking forward to welcoming George to our nursery," a nursery spokesman said.

The nursery is near Anmer Hall, the Norfolk home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The nursery added that Prince George will "get the same special experience as all of our children". Meanwhile, the new picture of the Cambridges with their children George and Princess Charlotte showed the family in the garden at Kensington Palace.

It was taken in late October by photographer Chris Jelf.

‘Fast & Furious 7’

named the most mistakefilled movie of 2015

Madonna defends ex-husband Sean Penn in defamation lawsuit

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inger Madonna tried to defend her former husband and actor Sean Penn over "Empire" co-creator Lee Daniels' controversial comments in which he compared Penn to Terrence Howard, who admitted to hitting women.

In an amended complaint of Penn's defamation lawsuit submitted on Thursday, the “Papa don't preach” crooner said that the “Sweet and Lowdown” actor had never been physically abusive to her.

In the amended complaint obtained by hollywoodreporter.com, the singer stated: "I am aware of the allegations that have surfaced over the years accusing Sean of incidents of physical assault and abuse against me."

“Specifically, I am aware of the

allegations concerning an alleged incident that occurred in June 1987, whereby (according to tabloid reports), Sean allegedly struck me with a 'baseball bat.' I know the allegations in those and other reports to be completely outrageous, reckless, and false," she added in the declaration.

The singer also said that the allegations regarding Penn's arrest for "domestic assault" against her were "false".

"I am also aware of allegations concerning an incident that occurred in December 1989, which purportedly resulted in Sean's arrest for domestic assault and battery against me. I know those allegations to be false," she said. The "Material girl" hitmaker said that Penn never assaulted her physically.

Rafaeli arrested for tAx evAsIon

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upermodel Bar Rafaeli and her mother have reportedly been arrested for tax evasion. The motherdaughter duo were detained in their home country Israel, said The Hollywood Reporter. Refaeli, 30, has been accused of doing fraud in mentioning the details about her

income and residence in the tax filings.

The model was living in apartments registered under her mother's name.

She was released on bail on Thursday afternoon, but her passport has been confiscated and she is banned from leaving the country for 180 days.

"While we certainly had more than one heated argument during our marriage, Sean has never struck me, 'tied me up,' or physically assaulted me, and any report to the contrary is completely outrageous, malicious, reckless, and false," she added.

As previously reported, Daniels cited a First Amendment defense in an effort to get the $10 million lawsuit dismissed.

Nevertheless, Penn's lawyer Mathew Rosengart stated in the amended complaint: "Unfortunately for Daniels, his statements -- which by direct reference to Howard's misconduct, falsely accuse Penn of committing serious, multiple crimes against women -- are not protected by the First Amendment."

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ith 41 errors spotted by eagle-eyed film fans, the fast-paced action movie ‘Fast & Furious 7’ has topped ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘The Martian’ on moviemistakes.com’s annual list of flubs.

The ‘Furious 7’ mistakes include a Jason Statham driving clanger.

“When the team attends Han’s funeral, Jason Statham is watching the team in a Maserati with tinted windows. During

the chase that follows the Maserati is shown twice with clear windows, with a man in a mask behind the wheel,” Webmaster Jon Sandys writes.

“The hospital scene at the start says London.

However the sign outside the hospital says Birmingham, and when we see Shaw at the hospital it is in London. However, the plugs above the bed are two pronged American style outlets,” he adds.

And there are another

38 errors just like that. ‘ J u r a s s i c Wo r l d ’ comes in second place with 33 mistakes, while film fans spotted 21 mistakes in at Damon’s ‘The Martian’.

New James Bond film ‘Spectre’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ were at the top five with 16 and 15 mistakes, respectively, and ‘Terminator Genisys’, ‘AntMan’, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, ‘Minions’ and ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ complete the top 10.

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Mourinho sacking sets off Europe-wide coach alert Paris, DeCember 18 (aFP): The sacking of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has set off a frantic merry-go-round among Europe's star coaches with the spotlight now falling on Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and Rafa Benitez at Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti, the only manager to have won the Champions League three times, is also hovering on the market.

But with the lure of Premier League riches growing, Guardiola is to announce on Sunday whether he will be staying at Bayern Munich.

German media say the Spaniard has decided to leave. He has already been linked to Manchester City and Chelsea.

Spanish media have said that Real Madrid in turn could fire Benitez if they lose again soon, add-

ing to the intrigue among Europe's major clubs.

Madrid have failed to win the league since Mourinho left. Yet club president Florentino Perez said Mourinho would not return for now. "No one can predict the future, but right now he will not be coming to Madrid," Perez told Spanish radio, while adding: "I have very good memories of Mourinho, he lifted our competitive level a lot.

It wasn't a dark period for the club as with him we returned to where we belong."

Some reports in Spain and France have suggested Madrid's youth team coach and club legend Zinedine Zidane is best placed to take over from Benitez.

Other big names such as Louis Van Gaal are also said to be at risk. The team went out of the Champions League at the group stage and their 2-1 defeat

at Bournemouth last week left United in fourth place in the Premier League -- six points behind the leaders Leicester.

Van Gaal acknowledged Friday that no manager is safe from a sudden sacking. "Yes, it is like that.

But we know that in advance. Also Jose knows that. This is the world," he said Friday.

Diego Simeone is in no apparent trouble at Atletico Madrid but the Argentine has been named as a leading candidate for the Chelsea job.

British media have said that Guus Hiddink, now holding talks in London, will take over at Chelsea until the end of the season and that Simeone is the man that the Chelsea board wants for the long term.

Italian Ancelotti, 56, who was fired by Real Madrid in May, has been linked

to many jobs -- including any looming vacancy at Bayern Munich. But he has said he does not want to return to management until the 2016-17 season.

For many of the star coaches, the stakes are getting higher as football's television-fuelled riches grow, particularly in England.

Jurgen Klopp is said to have almost tripled his last wage at Borussia Dortmund when he moved to Liverpool on a contract reported to be worth seven million pounds ($10.4 million) when he signed up this year.

That puts him on a par with the likes of Van Gaal and just behind Mourinho, who could get up to 40 million pounds ($60 million) in compensation from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, now looking for a coach for the 11th time in 12 years.

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Champions of Lt. Dr. Vizadel Sakhrie Memorial Trophy (football) – Rachii Students’ Union (RSU) – with guest of honour, VSU officials and others during the 52nd Sports Meet of Viswema Students’ Union (VSU) on December 18. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kohima | December 18

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The four day long 52nd Sports Meet of Viswema Students’ Union (VSU) cum Lt. Dr. Vizadel Sakhrie & Lt. Visakhol Sothu Memorial Trophy concluded here this afternoon at John Government Higher Secondary School.

Gracing the closing function as the guest of honour, Viswema Youth Organization (VYO) president Eyosa Kikhi urged upon the youth to reach the unreached and justify competency in this competitive world.

Kikhi also encouraged the sports lovers to identify the area they are good at and excel there. He also stressed on the need to increase the benchmark of records in any discipline, for which frequent practice is the only solution for that.

Later, Kikhi gave away prizes to the winners of various disciplines.

Rachii Students Union (RSU) lifted Lt. Dr. Vizadel Sakhrie Memorial Trophy in football while Kirha Students’ Union (KSU) stood runner-up.

KSU lifted Lt. Visakhol Sothu Memorial Trophy (Men Volleyball) while Zehri Students’ Union (ZSU) stood runner- up. In women’s volleyball, ZSU claimed the champion title while RSU stood runnerup.

In Kho-kho, RSU emerged champion while ZSU stood runner-up.

In Sepak Takraw, Pavo Students’ Union (PSU) emerged victorious wile ZSU landed runner-up.

Table Tennis (Women) single: 1st- KSU, 2nd- ZSU. Table Tennis (Women) double: 1st- KSU, 2ndPSU. Table Tennis (Men) single: 1st – ZSU, 2nd-PSU. Table Tennis (Men) Double: 1st- ZSU, 2nd- RSU. Badminton (Men) single: 1st- RSU, 2nd- ZSU. Badminton (Men) double: 1stRSU, 2nd- ZSU. Badminton (Women) single: 1st ZSU, 2nd- RSU. Badminton (Women) double: 1st- ZSU, 2nd- RSU. KSU stood 1st in March Past while PSU stood runners-up.

Meanwhile, the overall champion of the 52nd edition of VSU Sports Meet was bagged by ZSU.

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Senapati FC wins 6th Chizami Cup

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Chizami, DeCember 18 (mexN): Senapati FC claimed the 6th Chizami Cup defeating Wings FC here on Friday.

Mun Zingkhai and Herojit scored one apiece as the team from Senapati cruised to a 2-0 win over local side Wings FC from Chizami in the final of the 6th Chizami Cup organized by Life Sports, Nagaland. The champions were awarded Rs. 1,50,000 while the runners up received Rs. 80,000.

Earlier, Halcyon United, Pfutsero defeat The Hills FC, Pfutsero in the fight for third place. Halcyon received Rs. 25,000 which was sponsored by Manchester United Fans Club, Nagaland. The Hills FC were awarded Rs. 15,000 sponsored by Jacob Krome, GT, Leshemi.

The 4 quarterfinalists – Exuberance FC, Pfutsero; Young Stars SC, Chizami; Unique Boys FC, Chizami; and Albatross FC, Chozuba – were each awarded Rs. 10000. The cash prizes for

two teams were sponsored

by Hukavi S Murru, President, Dimapur III, NPF Division while Tsholo Kapfo, MD, Life Enterprises, Kohima sponsored the cash prize for one team.

The prize for the exhibition match was sponsored

by Welo Wezah, 1st Class Government Contractor.

Individual Prizes:

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Most Promising Player: Nusu Tunyi (The Hills FC, Pfutsero) – Rs. 5000 sponsored by Mesewe Chirhah, Asst. Teacher, Chizami Golden Glove: L. Alemse Sangtam (Wings FC, Chizami) – Rs. 5000 sponsored by Manchester United Fans Club, Nagaland Golden Boot: Rhitsho Mero (Halcyon United FC, Pfutsero), 8 goals – Rs. 5000 sponsored by Loken Khawash, Pharmacist, Chizami Golden Ball: Mayosing Khongrewo (Senapati FC, Manipur) – Rs. 5000 sponsored by Shekuto Rhakho, PGT, GGHHS, Chozuba

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