January 30ath, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

saturDaY • JanuarY 30 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 27 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth Suu Kyi gets ready for power as NLD comes to parliament PaGE 09

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

— George Bernard Shaw

TGOUN to organize seminar on domestic architecture in the NE

Mirza-Hingis win Aus Open doubles title

PaGE 02

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Zika virus threat to india real: experts

NeW Delhi, JaNuary 29 (iaNS): The mosquito-borne Zika virus - a pathogen which was virtually unheard of till some days ago - is spreading so fast that it can infect nearly four million people in the Americas in next 12 months if not tackled well within time and the threat has now reached India.

In May 2015, Brazil reported its first case of Zika virus disease. Since then, the disease has spread within Brazil and to 22 other countries and territories Stop crying. The consum- in the Americas.

Pregnant women are ers will reimburse you for your losses. at greater risk. According to health authorities, the virus may trigger a brain We would like to remind abnormality called microcephaly (abnormal smallyou that Rejoinders to ness of the head) in newthose statements/news born babies though the pieces that have not been link is yet to be established. originally published by Zika virus is transmitthe newspaper will not ted by the bite of Aedes be carried either. This is species mosquito which in order to maintain im- breeds in water-holding partiality on an issue. We containers. Like dengue, it seek your understanding is a day-biting mosquito. and cooperation!

“India has to be on the Also all press statements, alert because internationmemorandums, articles, al travel from central and reports and news related South America, Africa and documents should be the Caribbean Islands can sent to the official email: potentially carry the virus morung@gmail.com into our country,” said Dr Monica Mahajan, senior Press releases will be consultant (internal mediaccepted only till 8:00 pm cine) at Max Super SpecialThe Morung Express ty Hospital in the capital.

Public Reminder

In its latest advisory, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also cautioned pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries at risk of Zika virus transmission.

However, most cases are mild and only one in five humans bitten by the mosquito will develop the disease. Symptoms are similar to chikungunya and dengue but fortunately, complications are rare.

“The recent concern is two-fold: There have been cases reported in more nations compared to outbreaks prior to 2015.

Secondly, there is concern about possible birth defects in case a pregnant lady gets infected,” Mahajan told IANS. According to her, past experience with dengue epidemic shows that mosquito breeding in India is rampant and difficult to control.

“So any mosquitoborne illness tends to spread easily owing to overcrowding and hygiene issues. So till such time that diagnostic facilities are available, best option is mosquito control measures to prevent mosquito breeding,” she added.

A patient suffering from fever with rash should be protected from further mosquito bites during the

Zika vaccine by year-end

WiNNiPeG, JaNuary 29 (reuterS): A vaccine for the Zika virus in development by U.S. and Canadian scientists could be available for emergency use before the end of the year, possibly making it the first, one of the lead scientists said on Thursday. The consortium working on the vaccine includes University of Pennsylvania, led by scientist David Weiner, University of Laval, led by Gary Kobinger, Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc and South Korea’s GeneOne Life Science, Kobinger told Reuters in an interview. He hopes to start trials by September to test its safety on humans, pending regulator approval. A month later it could be ready for emergency use.

Necessary steps being taken against Zika: Health ministry

Rain Gomes waits for medical care with her son Alessandro Gomes, who has microcephaly, at the Oswaldo Cruz Hospital in Recife, Brazil, January 26. (REUTERS)

first few days of illness so that he does not pass the virus into more mosquitoes and cause local transmission of disease.

“Zika virus is a vectorborne disease. Currently, it may not be here in India, but if a person lands in India with the active infection and gets bitten by Aedes mosquito and that mosquito bites other peoples this can be spread in India as well,” Dr J.S. Bha-

sin, senior consultant and HOD (peadiatric and neonatology department) at BLK Super Specialty Hospital in Delhi.

According to Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), “the level of alarm is extremely high, as is the level of uncertainty. Questions abound. We need to get some answers quickly.”

The WHO was criti-

cised last year for reacting slowly to Ebola epidemic that killed over 10,000 people.

“A causal relationship between Zika virus infection and birth defects and neurological syndromes has not been established, but is strongly suspected,” the WHO statement added.

The virus was first isolated in 1947 from a rhesus macaque monkey from Zika forest in Uganda.

NeW Delhi, JaNuary 29 (iaNS): The union health ministry said on Friday it is making sure that India is well prepared against cases of Zika virus that has already caused much damage in Brazil and elsewhere in the Americas. “We are closely monitoring the situation of Zika cases and all necessary steps have been initiated to ensure that India is well prepared in case of any eventuality,” said Health Minister J.P. Nadda at a meeting held to take stock of the recent cases of Zika in the world.

The minister directed the authorities to set up a technical group that would monitor the situation arising out of the spread of Zika virus in other countries and suggest steps that would need to be taken in India.

“We are focusing on especially strengthening the surveillance system,” said the minister.

The minister called for increased focus on prevention to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito that breeds in clean water and is implicated in the spread of the Zika virus. “Community awareness plays an instrumental role in this regard. There is a need for greater awareness amongst community,” the health minister said. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, which is like dengue and causes mild fever, rash and red eyes.

NPF supports honourable solution & Changpang oil spills of Nagaland feature in appeals for inclusiveness of all groups environmental conflicts and injustices map Our Correspondent Kohima | January 29

The Central Executive Council of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in its meeting held here today reiterated the commitment of the party to work for finding an honorable and acceptable solution to Indo-Naga political problem.

While welcoming the Framework Agreement signed between NSCN-IM and GoI, it further appealed to both the GoI and NSCN-IM work out a formula of inclusiveness of all the Naga political groups so that any solution that may come out may be acceptable to all sections of Naga people.

The CEC also extended its support to the hill people of Manipur state in protest against the three anti-hill/tribal people’s bills passed by

the Manipur Legislative Assembly on 31st August 2015 relating with the implementation of ILP system in Manipur state.

While expressing support and solidarity with those MLAs particularly the NPF MLAs of Manipur who resigned their seat in protest against the bill, the CEC also appealed to President of India not to give his assent to the controversial bill which is “anti-hill people.”

The meeting whole heartedly welcomed the INC, JDU, NCP MLAs along with their supporters who have recently merged with the NPF. “It is hopes that their merger will strengthen the party government to work effectively towards finding Naga political aspiration,” the resolution adopted at the meeting stated.

Rajya Sabha tenure for Nagaland expire on April 2 Meanwhile, Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said the present Rajya Sabha tenure for Nagaland will expire on April 2 this year. He termed it as unfortunate for the state of Nagaland that late Khekiho Zhimomi passed away before completing his term as Rajya Sabha MP. In his presidential address at the CEC meeting, Dr Liezietsu revealed that few leaders have already expressed their willingness to serve the party as Rajya Sabha MP. Dr Liezietsu on the occasion appealed to the party members to accept ‘reconciliation’ in its true spirit and rededicate themselves to cover up the damages that they have done to themselves.

Related story on page 5

Environmental Justice Atlas mapping shows India at top of climate violence • Conflicts related to water management 59 cases • Conflicts in fossil fuels and climate justice 47 cases • Industrial and utilities conflicts category 36 cases

‘the way forward for nagaland’

C M Y K

DiMaPur, JaNuary 29 The Global Open University Nagaland in a study to take advantage of existing lo(MexN): The Global Open Uni- found that in order to improve quality of life and cal markets and exploit the demand for indigenous products versity Nagaland (TGOUN) re- economy for the Naga people, it should: outside the State in order to recently completed a study project duce the trade gap, resource which has been compiled in the • Harness available resources and potentials form of a handbook titled, “The • Encourage private investment-from within drain and to benefit from the inand outside come and livelihood opportuniWay Forward for Nagaland.”

Meet demand for indigenous products outties thereof.

According to a press release • side Nagaland He also advocated on preparissued by Martoshi Longkumer, • Plan public spending with a clear focus to exing a database of the available Planning Officer, TGOUN, the ecute plan handbook offers short-term and • Oil exploration and extraction can be a major infrastructure and a comprehensive road map for building long term suggestions for improvsource of revenue ing quality of life for people relat- • Maintain eco-balance through eco-restora- infrastructure and plan public spending with a clear focus. ed to health, education, housing, tion measures According to Dr Imotemsu transport, information technolAo, Registrar, “the limited prosogy, unemployment, social juscontrol, disaster preparedness, hotel tice, rural and urban poverty, drug ad- management, catering and applied pects for expansion of Government diction, environmental degradation, nutrition, adventure, ecological and activities necessitate the encouragewater scarcity, energy unavailability, sustainable tourism and integrated ment of private investment for accelerating economic growth in the State garbage disposal, sustainable agricul- mountain development. ture, human rights violation etc.

Harnessing of the resources and and also for creating employment The effort to compile the prob- potentials require not only invest- opportunities….The State governlem areas and finding appropriate ments but also policy interventions ment has to generate sufficient resolutions was based on motivation to encourage such investments, Dr sources of its own in the near future.”

The Board of Advisors for this from NPF President Dr Shurhozelie Trivedi pointed out.

Liezietsu and founder Chancellor, According to him, the State gov- study and compilation work consistTGOUN Dr Priya Ranjan Trivedi who ernment’s role in making the invest- ing of Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, Deo suggested the hypothesis and guide- ments cannot be underestimated Nukhu and TN Mannen viewed that lines for compiling information relat- but the limited availability of finan- oil exploration and extraction can ed to “district wise and district wide cial resources with the government also be a major source of revenue for problems of the different tribes at necessitates that private investment the State government and for economic uplift of the society. grass root level.” is encouraged.

Maintaining eco-balance Dr Priya Ranjan Trivedi mainHe however cautioned that the tained that there is an urgent need for resources available should be used through eco-restoration measures economic understanding, strength- efficiently and in a sustainable and and environmental protection proening of local self-governance, me- planned manner for equitable eco- grammes was also suggested, along dicinal plantation, skill based train- nomic growth within a reasonable with compilation and documentation of the State’s biodiversity and ing in the new and emerging areas of time-frame. cosmetology, beauty sciences, cleanVice Chancellor Dr HN Dutta patenting the unique knowledge and liness, hygiene, sanitation, pollution stressed the need to produce goods uses of this biodiversity.

Seepage from abandoned oil wells at Changpang village area, Wokha. (File Photo)

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 29

Spills from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well sites which severely destroyed Changpang and Tsorri villages in Wokha district is one among the several cases of conflict caused by climate change and environmental disputes in India, according to a map of global ecological conflict.

The Environmental Justice Atlas (AJAtlas), released in the December 2015 issue of the Current Science – A Journal of Research revealed that India, Colombia and Nigeria have the most cases of conflict caused by climate change and environmental disputes. More than 200 conflicts in India have been caused by ecological disputes and scarcities of basic resources such as water and forests. Colombia has

101 and Nigeria has 71 environmental conflicts, the report said.

According to EJAtlas, the Changpang and Tsorri villages oil spill case falls under the category of fossil fuel and climate justice/ energy (1st level) and oil and gas exploration and extraction (2nd level).

More than two thousand people have seen their farmlands, forests and water sources they rely on for their survival, contaminated because of the spillage, it said.

Details on the project on their website: ajatlas. org said ONGC began extraction since 1981 after acquiring permission from the Government of Nagaland in 1973 to explore Oil and Natural Gas in the villages without obtaining the Free Prior and Informed Consent of the indigenous communities as per the national and international

law articles.

About 1.02 metric million tonnes of crude oil were extracted between 1981 and 1994. However, the ONGC has not disclosed the quantity of oil extracted during exploration in the period 1971 to 1981.The ONGC drilled 29 wells in the Changpang area during the year 19731994. Out of these, 21 wells in Changpang area were oil bearing and 2 wells were gas bearing, the report stated.

Visible environmental impacts, according to the AJAtlas include soil contamination, oil spills, deforestation and loss of vegetation cover, surface water pollution/decreasing water (physico-chemical, biological) quality, mine tailing spills.

Loss of livelihood, land dispossession, Loss of landscape/sense of place while there was potential harm of

displacement, loss of traditional knowledge, practices and cultures were among the socio-economic impacts triggered by the oil spills.

From the North East India, thirteen (13) cases of conflict caused by climate change and environmental disputes have been mapped.

They include the Mapithel Dam project, Imphal Airport Expansion, Tipaimukh Dam project, Solid Waste Management Plant Lamdeng Khunnou, Imphal and Oil exploration from Manipur; the Kyelleng-Pyndengsohiong, Mawthabah (KPM) uranium mining project in Meghalaya, the Lower Martam Garbage Dump Ground in Sikkim, 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project in Assam, the Gumti Hydroelectric Power Project at Thirthmukh, Tripura, Tuirial Hydro Power Project, Serlui-B Hydropower Project and the 210 MW Tuivai Hydro Electric Project from Mizoram.

According to scidev.net, VV Krishna, EJOLT project director and professor at the Centre for Studies in Science Policy at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi is quoted as saying that one reason for India recording the maximum number of conflicts is the thrust on industrialization, mining for natural resources and industrial units exploiting loopholes in environmental governance.

Conflicts related to water management appear highest in India with 59 cases, followed by conflicts in fossil fuels and climate justice category with 47 cases and the industrial and utilities conflicts category with 36 cases.

The atlas is a work in progress and aims to map 2,500 environmental conflicts and injustices by the end of 2017.

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saturDaY 30•01•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

TGOUN to organize seminar on Dimapur DC flags off mobile biometric registration bus domestic architecture in the NE Morung Express News Dimapur | January 29

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Global Open University Nagaland (TGOUN) in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi and the Society for Cultural Heritage for North East India is hosting a 2 Day National Seminar and Photographic Exhibition on Eastern Himalayan Domestic Architecture in India’s North East.

The event is scheduled to be held at the Dimapur Campus of the university at Sodzulhou village located at 7th Mile, Dimapur on February 5 and 6.

A press note from the TGOUN said that the Eastern Himalayan Region and the region extending towards the north eastern region of India bordering Burma in east, is a home of numerous tribes, who have traditionally developed indigenous technology covering varied features for their traditional housing patterns for dwelling.

The National Seminar will be attended by re-

search scholars from the states of the North East, the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi and Guwahati Circle, and the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi.

Swiss scholar Dr Heidi med Tacier, from Zurich, Switzerland, will also attend the National Seminar as a Distinguished Guest of the National Seminar.

A concept note for the seminar said that the distinctive features of the region have imparted to this region a unique identity, which has still to be evaluated in the pan-Indian context. In this context, the domestic architecture of this region calls for particular attention.

The domestic architecture evolved through time immemorial by the people of this region is vividly reflected in multiform house patterns and planning concepts, conditioned by the quintessential traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices, it stated. The prevailing geophysical and climatic

conditions have played pivotal role in the choice of material, structural parameters and the selection of site for constructing dwelling units.

Scholars participating in the seminar will be presenting papers to cover different aspects of domestic architecture in the eastern Himalayan region, covering the states of Sikkim, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Assam and Mizoram and Darjeeling in the pan-Indian context. In the seminar, different factors responsible for the development of locality-specific distinctive form of architecture will be thoroughly probed in the geophysical and sociocultural contexts to bring out characteristic features of the local architectural peculiarities.

The broad topics to be covered in the seminar include: History, Science and Technology of Domestic Architecture of Himalayan region; Building materials and house types: secular and religious buildings;

Religious, cultural and traditional beliefs system related to the construction of house; Geographical, climatic and security considerations for houses; Features of domestic architecture of the Himalayan region; Astrological and totemic considerations; Housing patterns, impact of the social stratification in location and architecture; Community life and village layout pattern; Lay out and planning of houses; Traditional crafts and their relevance to architecture; and Domestic architecture and its impact on environment.

The seminar will also include a photographic exhibition on the domestic architecture of the North East region to draw the attention of the intelligentsia of this region to its importance in contemporary times and to promote cultural awareness on the vital issue of sustainability of the traditional culture and heritage of this unique region, said the concept note.

A mobile bus for collecting biometrics of the left out population was flagged off in Dimapur district by Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, on Friday at Kuda village.

The DC in his address said National Population Register (NPR) is one of the biggest exercises in the country. Yhome stressed on the need for wide media coverage and publicity to disseminate information and to ensure maximum enrolment of citizens. He also appealed the citizens to extend full cooperation to Census officials.

Nodal officer, Census Directorate, Kh Athisü Chachei, said so far two rounds of biometric camps have been held in every town/ward and village and at present permanent enrolment centres (PECs) have also been set up and functioning in all district headquarters as well as sub-district headquarters.

The nodal officer also informed that in addition to PECs, the Registrar General

DC Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, flagging of the mobile biometric bus at Kuda village on Friday.

of India has placed the mobile bus equipped with all necessary biometric tools (2 sets) including back-up generator, which can be deputed throughout the state/ districts to collect biometric of the left-out population.

The mobile bus will be deputed in Dimapur district from January 29 to

Performance review meeting on MGNREGA held

KOHIMA, JANUARY 29 (MExN): A Performance Review Meeting on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was held today at RD Directorate Conference Hall.

The meeting chaired by Secretary RD, Kelei Zeliang deliberated on agendas including public works relating to natural resources management, constructions of IHHLs, expenditure on works related to agriculture AMD allied activities and construction of Angawadi Centres in convergence with ICDS and other relevant proA free medical camp was held at Diphupar B organised by the Sisterhood Network in col- grammes. laboration with the CIHSR on January 29.

The secretary also re-

quested all DRDAs to take correctives measures so as to be at par with other states and to ensure that reports and being checked frequently and MIS updated on a regular basis.

The need to create more focus on creation of individual assets and VSAT connectivity at block level for e-governance and universalisation of EFMS were also discussed.

Director, Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir, while lamenting that incompleted works create severe problems, urged upon all the Project Directors to take pro active roles and make frequent field visits to ensure that projects al-

ready implemented are completed in time.

Senior Analysts, NIC, Swedesenuo Natso briefed the meeting about Online Reporting System, labour budget projection and also gave a power point presentation on MIS related issues.

Further, the meeting also had an interactive session on mobile monitoring system, organisation of Rozdar Diwas, persondays generation and convergent planning process for 2016-17.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of RD department, project directors from all districts, BDOs, DEOs and computer assistants.

Cultural fest cum Suhkrunye 2016 at Phusachodu Our Correspondent

Phusachodu | January 29

The Phusachodumi Youth Society (PSY) organized the 17th cultural day cum Suhkrunye festival 2016 at Phusachodu village under Phek district with much fanfare and gaiety on January 28.

Speaking as the chief guest, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Chotisuh Sazo called upon the Chakhesang people

to do away the hedonistic culture and lifestyle, and seriously pay attention to inculcate the work culture in them.

He said they have land and resources, good climatic and favorable weather conditions, and at the same time, they have the capacity and strength to do so. They need to inculcate the work culture in them, and unless they developed the work culture, they would continue to remain

underdeveloped, he said.

He also called upon the Chakhesang community that their culture should not be diluted by the outside cultural invasion.

MLA Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu, Chairman, NSMDC also spoke on the occasion. War dance, folk song and dance competitions marked the occasion.

Phek deputy commissioner Murohu Chotso including several dignitaries were also A cultural troupe performing at the 17th cultural day cum Suhkrunye festival 2016 at Phusapresent on the occasion. chodu village. (Morung Photo)

Chief Secretary seeks employee cooperation at Secretariat KOHIMA, JANUARY 29 (DIPR): A programme for inauguration of Drivers’ Rest Room was held today the January 29 at Secretariat Office complex with the Nagaland Chief Secretary, Pankaj Kumar IAS as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said that a long felt need for the Drivers’ Rest Room at the Secretariat has been fulfilled with the completion of construction of the Rest Rooms with toilets facilities for them. He also said that some amenity items such as TV, carrom, chess etc should also be provided to the drivers. Besides, he said newspapers and other reading materials should be provided.

The Chief Secretary appealed to the staff to maintain cleanliness while also stating that care should be given as better facilities are being made available for them to use. The Chief Secretary also called upon all sections of public servants working in the Secretariat to cooperate for better functioning of the State Secretariat. While expressing his concern for every working employee in the Secretariat, the Chief Secretary said that there are other areas, especially those people with special needs, to address too.

The Chief Secretary ex-

February 6, and then move to Mon district.

SDO (C), James Swu, urged the left out population to avail the 13 PECs spread out in Dimapur district.

The mobile bus will be stationed in Dimapur District till February 6. Details for enrollment of the left out population in Di-

mapur District are: January 29-Kuda village, January 30- Burma Camp area, February 1- Purana Bazaar, February 2- Thiluxu village (Mishikato area), February 3- Diphupar village, February 4- Chumukidima village, February 5- Padamphukri and February 6Chumukidima town.

Eco & Stat Dept informs KOHIMA, JANUARY 29 (DIPR): The Economics & Statistics Department has notified the following amendments for enhancement of delayed registration fees on births and deaths which has been substituted and incorporated under section 9 sub-clause 1, 2 & 3 of the Nagaland Registration of Births & Deaths (Amendment) Rules 1999. Any birth or death for which information is given to the Registrar after the expiry of the period specified (21 days) in Rule 5, but within thirty days of its occurrence, shall be registered on payment of late fee of Rs. 10. Any birth or death for which information is given to the Registrar after thirty days but within one year of its occurrence, shall be registered on production of an affidavit made before a notary public and on payment of late fee of Rs. 20.

Any birth or death which has not been registered within one year of its occurrence shall be registered only on an order of a Magistrate of the first class or a Presidency Magistrate and on payment of late fee of Rs. 30.

Higher Edu dept to bid farewell to Director KOHIMA, JANUARY 29 (DIPR): A farewell programme for the outgoing Director, Higher Education, Chubatola Longkumer will be held on January 30 at the Directorate of Higher Education Conference Hall, Kohima. Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu will grace the occasion as the chief guest. Secretary Higher & Technical Education, Imjung Panger IAS will chair the programme while the officers and staff of Higher Education will present a special number.

NPCC to commemorate 10 years of MGNREGA KOHIMA, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee in collaboration with Kohima DCC is organizing a convention on February 2 to commemorate the 10 years of the Launching of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) at Congress Bhavan, Kohima at 11:00am. A press note from the NPCC informed all NPCC Officials, PCC members and Kohima DCC Officials including ACCC Officials of Kohima District to attend the convention without fail.

Certificate Course on PHM concludes in CIH, Nagaland

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland successfully conducted three months certificate course on Post Harvest Management & Value Addition of Horticultural Crops. The course started on October 26 and ended on January 27. A brief certificate distribution programme was organized on January 29, where Director, CIH, Dr Lallan Ram encouraged the trainees to utilize the skills which were imparted through the course and contribute towards horticulture development in NE states. A total of 21 trainees from 3 states of North East (viz. Manipur, Meghalaya & NagaChief Secretary, Pankaj Kumar; Home Secretary, Neihu C Thur land) were trained during the course. The trainees also and others after the inaugural of the driver’s rest room at Sec- underwent a 15 days internship programme in IICPT, Reretariat Complex in Kohima on January 29. (DIPR Photo) gional Centre, Guwahati & AAU, Jorhat, Assam. pressed his appreciation completion of the work. and gratitude to the con- The funds for the work are tractor who had undertak- yet to be released. en the construction works The programme was even without the release of chaired by the Home Comfunds meant for the work. missioner, Neihu C. Thur PHEK, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Administrative A short speech on behalf IAS who said that the conof the Drivers was given by struction of the Drivers’ Training Institute in collaboration with Phek district President, Nagaland Secre- Rest Room was envisaged administration began a 12 days Induction Training tariat Drivers’ Union, Jacob and also initiated by the Programme (ITP) on January 28 at Phek. Government who expressed his happi- Chief Secretary, Pankaj employees from various departments of the district espeness and gratitude to the Kumar. Vote of thanks was cially dealing with public service delivery such as medigovernment for providing pronounced by Secretary cal, PWD, PHE, social welfare, district administration, facilities such as Rest Room Home (SAB), A. Wopen Lo- etc and who have been in service for the last 0-5 years with good toilet to them. tha. He said that the Chief have been nominated for this programme. The training A brief technical report Secretary has concern for all will focus on motivation, leadership skills, time manageon construction of the Rest categories of working em- ment, ethics, personality development, office procedures Room with Toilet facility at ployees and addressing the & rules, e-governance and also field visit to villages, etc.

North and South block was drivers he stressed on the Four government officers from the district who had ungiven by Er Aroba, EE PWD need for maintaining clean- dergone training in Kolkata last year are the resource (H) NCCD. He stated that liness and oral hygiene. persons/master trainers of this ITP. Inaugurating the the cost of the project, inDiscipline and punctu- programme EAC HQ, Tiayanger Jamir welcomed all the cluding rain water harvest- ality are very important for trainees and appreciated the government for organising ing with treatment plant for the drivers while on duty, he North & South block, was further stated. Stating that it and conducting such a decentralised and participatory Rs. 100 lakhs (Gross). is everyone’s responsibility approach training. L Youdang, Joint Director ATI exhortHe further informed to maintain cleanliness and ed the trainees while Dr Hovithal Sothu Deputy Directhat the date of issue of keep the Secretariat Com- tor (training) ATI & course coordinator highlighted the work order was April 29, plex clean, he called upon all substance of the whole training. Vote of thanks was de2015 and that it took 18 to maintain its dignity as the livered by Er.Moa Longkumer lecturer ATI & programme coordinator. (eighteen) months for highest office in the State.

Induction Training Programme begins in Phek

SaturDaY 30•01•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Arunachal Gov invites constructive suggestions on Good Governance ITANAGAR, JANuARy 29 (PTI): Arunachal Governor J P Rajkhowa has invited constructive suggestions from political parties, civil society, intellectuals and non-governmental organisations for good governance and eradication of corruption from the state.

He also called upon the people to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state, an official communiqué said today.

Taking over the responsibility of the state government, Rajkhowa gave instructions for various measures to check and monitor the financial status of the state.

Interacting with a BJP delegation led by its state President Tai Tagak and National Executive Member Tapir Gao, who called on him yesterday, the governor advised them to not have a feeling of victory or defeat but to work for betterment of the people, society and the state.

The governor assured the delegation that his administration would take all measures to plug loss of revenue from the state.

He informed the delegation that the Chief Secretary has already issued orders to all deputy commissioners to take action against district officials who are missing from the

I was threatened, frisked and abused, alleges Nabam Tuki NEW DELHI, JANuARy 29 (ANI): Verbals between Arunachal Pradesh governor JP Rajkhowa and former chief minister Nabam Tuki show no signs of ending, with the latter on Friday revealing that the former has been repeatedly violating all constitutional and protocol norms since assuming office on June 1, 2015.

Even as the political situation in Arunachal Pradesh remains infractious and the matter has been placed before the Supreme Court for a possible ruling on February 1, an upset and angry Tuki recalled the abusive treatment meted out to him when he met governor Rajkhowa at the Raj Bhawan in Itanagar.

The incident took place when then chief minister Tuki along district without prior approval of the competent authority.

The delegation apprised the Governor about various problems faced by the government staff and common man, including the irregular payment of salaries to SSA teachers.

The delegation also complained about rampant encroachment on government land. Assuring his best for the welfare of people, Rajkhowa said that steps were already in place and every state, district and

with his cabinet ministers went to meet governor at the Raj Bhawan.

The chief minister, as per the order of precedence firmed up by the Union home ministry is the elected head of government in each of twenty-nine states and two Union territories (Delhi and Puducherry).

According to the Constitution of India, the governor is a state's de jure head, but the de facto executive authority rests with the chief minister, and therefore, he is accorded specific privileges in tune with the office he occupies. This includes rules related to security and interaction with other official representatives.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, he claimed that he was 'threatened, frisked,abused and

constituency would get its due share.

"Fair view is taken in all cases and malpractices such as absenteeism in offices, officers and officials not in their places of posting and movement of district heads of department without permission of higher authorities and deputy commissioners will not be accepted," he said.

On being apprised of the encroachment of central government offices, roadside and reserved land, the Governor issued

video-graphed before and during the meeting'. Tuki further stated that the videographing of his arrival and his meetings were made without his knowledge, and added that the video released in the public domain before both sides approached the court, was an edited version.

The former CM maintained that the part where he was abused and violated in terms of established protocol had been edited.

"We had sought an appointment, and they had planned for it. There were security checks and there were cameras in the room where we held meeting. We tried to hold discussions with them in a normal manner. They tried to threaten me, took my name and provoked me. They even abused

instructions for immediate action against encroachers and initiation of legal action.

He also issued directions for regular payment of salaries to SSA teachers who are rendering service in the interior parts of the state.

Rajkhowa also took note of the irrational creation of independent ADC areas and irregularities in public distribution system as apprised by the BJP delegation, the communiqué added.

me. There was an argument, and the video footage shows only one side of the entire episode. The footage has been edited, some part of it has been deleted," Tuki told ANI. Tuki's broadside came a couple of days after governor Rajkhowa had claimed in his report to President Pranab Mukherjee that Nabam Tuki and his council of ministers had threatened him and were practicing a communal brand of politics and administration. Rajkhowa also claimed that he was abused, threatened and nearly assaulted by some ministers. He had said in his report to the Centre that at one point his family and he feared for their lives, making it almost impossible to discharge his official duties.

Centre submits reply to SC, justifies President’s Rule NEW DELHI, JANuARy 29 (AGENCIES): The Central Government on Friday filed a 316-page affidavit along with annexures in the Supreme Court to justify the imposition of President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh. This development comes a day after former Arunachal Pradesh CM Nabam Tuki Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the imposition of President’s Rule in the state and sought restoration of his government. Tuki’s petition is likely to come up for hearing along with the other petitions on Monday, by when the Centre and the Governor also have to submit their responses showing good reasons for imposition of the President’s Rule in the state.

Bangladesh keen for joint basin BJP demands resignation of Manipur CM management with India: Envoy Our Correspondent Imphal | January 29

AGARTALA, JANuARy 29 (IANS): Bangladesh is keen to set up a joint basin management system with India for equitable use of waters of the common rivers, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali said here on Friday.

"Bangladesh government wanted to set up a joint basin management method with India for reasonable use of waters of the common rivers flowing between the two countries," Ali told reporters. He said: "Pani (water) is our life, our progress, our food and everything. We are unable to hold the entire water including rain water. Ideal use of water is necessary for growth. The navigation of the rivers is declining."

"If India and Bangladesh properly exploit the waters, share other products and help each other, both neighbours would achieve a win-win position.

Trade between the two countries are rising, cooperation is broadening."

Quoting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Ali, who had earlier served as the foreign secretary of Bangladesh, said that In-

dia-Bangladesh friendship now at a golden stage and current relationship is at the best ever. To a question, the visiting envoy said that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already declared that a consortium could be formed to use the Chittagong international sea ports and other ports by the neighbouring countries including India.

"Our prime minister has already announced to restore all railways, road and water connectivity exists until 1965 and even before that. Our government is in favour of operationalising road, rail, waterways and air connectivity between India, Bangladesh and other neighbouring nations."

Ali, who has served as the Bangladesh Ambassador to Bhutan, Iran and France, and also worked at Bangladesh missions in Washington, Warsaw, New Delhi and Jeddah in different capacities, said that Bangladesh is the second largest country after China in manufacturing readymade garments and these can be traded between India and Bangladesh for each other profit.

Highlighting his country's growth in recent decades, Ali, who had joined the erstwhile Pakistan Foreign Service in 1968 and declared his allegiance to the Bangladesh government-in-exile while working at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington in 1971, said that Bangladesh had produced 12 million tonne foodgrain in 1971 and now it has increased to 40 million tonnes.

"Though like other countries, Bangladesh has been losing 2.5 lakh acres of farm land every year, the country is now not only comfortable to feed its 160 million people, but also exporting foodgrain to other countries," said Ali, who arrived here on Thursday on a three day visit to the northeastern state and held meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and attended several programmes.

Ali said that Bangladesh prime minister has already announced that the country's soil would not be allowed to use by the inimical elements or terrorist outfits against any neighbouring country, specially against India.

THE GAUHATI HIGH COURT

(HIGH COURT OF ASSAM: NAGALAND: MIZORAM & ARUNACHAL PRADESH) KOHIMA BENCH

The Manipur BJP today demanded that Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who was in charge of Home when Chungkham Sanjit Meitei killing was taken place, should resign and Imphal West Superintendent of Police Akoijam Jhalajit should be suspended until the verdict in the alleged fake encounter case is announced.

Manipur Police head constable Thounaojam Herojit Singh recently confessed to have killed Sanjit Meitei, an alleged former PLA activist in a fake encounter inside a drug store on BT Road here on July 23, 2009. The suspended cop while talking to a select media had also claimed that he shot dead Sanjit as he was ordered to do so by the then Imphal West Additional SP Akoijam Jhalajit Singh. He also claimed that then DGP of Manipur Police Yumnam Joykumar Singh and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi were aware of the killing.

Manipur BJP president Th Chaoba, who is currently in a visit to New Delhi, released a statement today, which added that 1527 cases of staged encounters that

took place in Manipur in the past three decades are presently pending in Supreme Court. Of this, 1200 cases were reported during the period between 2002 and 2012, Chaoba said.

He said the 1200 cases were registered during the Congress government headed

by Okram Ibobi who became the Chief Minister for a third consecutive term in 2012. Chaoba claimed that 22-year-old Sanjit Meitei and Thokchom Rabina Devi, a pregnant woman, were killed in the July 23 fake encounter during the Congress regime. The incident occurred when the state assembly session was in progress.

Moments after the youth and the woman were killed at the site located close to the assembly building, CM Ibobi told the House that there were no other means except slaying, which later created a big controversy. The state BJP chief said Sanjit killing case now has become a national issue and appealed to the Centre to punish all culprits involved in the alleged fake encounter.

The CBI has been handling the case since it was handed to the Central agency in 2010.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION NAGALAND:KOHIMA

NO.HED/R&P/AISHE /

/Dt.Kohima the 29th January, 2016

PRESS NOTE A Review meeting with the Nodal Officers of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is being called on 5th February, 2016 in connection with AISHE 2015-16.

Nodal Officers from Universities, Secular Colleges, Polytechnics, DIETs and Nursing Institute are requested to positively attend the meeting.

Date : 5th February,2016 Time : 11: 00 hrs Venue: Conference Hall, Directorate of Higher Education.

Director, HE

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

STATE COUNCIL OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH & TRAINING

ADVERTISEMENT Dated Kohima, the 28th January, 2016.

NAGALAND: KOHIMA

No. HC(K)3/2014/Estd/68-71 Applications are invited from citizens of India as defined under Article 5 & 6 of the Constitution of India for filling up 1(one) Post of Private Secretary (Stenographer Grade I) in the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court, Preference will be given to indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland.

No. SCERT/SBTE/PSTE/Notice/6/2010-11/380

Name of Post Qualification Scale of Pay Private Secretary Graduate from a recognized Uni- Rs.15,600-39,100/- with (Stenographer Grade I) versity with Diploma in Stenography Grade Pay of Rs. 5,700/in English with minimum speed of PM 120 words per minute in shorthand and 40 words per minute in typewriting, Candidates having knowledge of computers will get preferences

Applications are invited from intending candidates for undergoing the 2-Year Diploma in Elementary Teacher Education (D.EL.ED), Pre-Service under the SCERT Nagaland, Kohima for the Session 2016-2017.

Requirements:1. Minimum Required Qualification: P.U. /10+2/Hr. Secondary Passed in any discipline with at least 45%.

2. Maximum age Limit: 28 years.

3. Admission Forms will be issued w.e.f. 1st February at SCERT and in all the DIET Institute, i.e DIETs, Chiechama, Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang, Pfutsero, Dimapur, Wokha, Zunheboto, St. Paul Institute of Teacher Education, Phesama and Salt Christian College of Teacher Education, Dimapur, on payment of Rs. 200/4. Last date for submission of the Application Form Dully filled- 19th February 2016 5. Interview for selection will be conducted at SCERT, Kohima for DIET Chiechama and also at DIETs Mokokchung, Tuensang, Mon, Dimapur, Pfutsero, Wokha, Zunheboto, St. Paul Institute of Teachers Education, Phesama and Salt Christian College of Teacher Education, Dimapur.

6. The date & time for interview will be on 23rd -24th Feb 2016 from 10.00 A.M 7. A selected candidate may be deputed to any of the Institute mentioned above at the discretion of the department.

8. All original documents must be produced during the interview.

9. No. T.A/D.A. will be paid for attending the Interview

The candidate should not be less than 18(eighteen) years of age and not more than 35(thirty five) years of age as on 01.01.16. The upper age is relaxable up to 38 years of age for candidates belonging to the general category and up to 43 years of age for candidates belonging to SC/ST category. Candidates already in Government service should apply through proper channel.

Applications in prescribed format along with duly attested copies of all documents, 2 (two) recent passport size photographs, 1(one) self addressed envelope affixed with Rs. 5/postage stamp and IPO of Rs. 100/- in case of general category candidates and Rs. 50/- in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST category should reach the Registrar, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench on or before 29.02.16.

Late/incomplete applications will be rejected without intimation to the applicant.

Candidates will have to appear in Written Test and Speed Test in Stenography and Typewriting at a time and date to be notified later on. No TA/DA will be admissible.

Application forms may be downloaded from www.kohirnahighcourt.gov.in.

MRS. Y. LONGKUMER Registrar, Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench

Dated: Kohima 29th Jan. 2016

INfORMATION 2 Year/Diploma in Elementary Teacher Education (D.EL.ED) – Pre-Service

sd/- (VIPRALHOU KESIEZIE), Director, SCERT, Nagaland, Kohima.

3

Supreme Court halts Assam govt’s ‘electoral gimmick’ NEW DELHI, JANuARy 29 (HT): The Supreme Court restrained the Assam government on Thursday from disbursing financial benefits under the chief minster’s Rs 500 crore-welfare schemes following allegations of largescale corruption and favouritism.

A bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur rapped the state for launching the schemes close to the assembly elections that are scheduled for May. None of the programs shall be implemented until further orders, the bench told the counsel for Assam. The court asked the state to give it a transparent, credible method to be followed while extending the benefits. “This is a very unfortunate and serious situation where hundreds of crores of rupees are being spent from public money through administrative orders”, the bench told senior counsel Kapil Sibal, who was representing Assam.

“It appears that the schemes were launched for electoral gimmick to suit vested interests in the state,” the bench commented while hearing an NGO’s appeal against the Gauhati High Court order that declined to stop the Assam government from implementing its social welfare schemes despite it ridden with several flaws.

The NGO alleged that benefits of schemes like the widow pensions, financial assistance for self help groups were garnered by political activists of various parties. The CJI’s bench said: “This is an election year, that is why you are distributing such benefits without any basis. We are concerned with the situation where such hundreds of crores are being spent without proper identification.”

Sibal denied allegations of favouritism but the bench appeared unconvinced. He then said there was no scientific way to identify the beneficiaries.

This infuriated the bench further, which told him it was the government’s duty to verify and ascertain the needy. “This is part of your governance. You have to do it.

There may be individuals who actually need the benefits.

Do it before you distribute,” it said.

FELICITATION

With immense pride and profound gratitude, the Yimchunger Gazetted Officers Association (YGOA) would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. K. Soriso Yim, NPS, Asst. Commandant, 10th NAP (IR), Zhadima of Sotokur Village on receiving the Governor’s Gold Medal 2016, on the 67th Republic Day celebration. The Association wishes him success in all his future endeavour.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER PHEK

PUBLIC NOTICE

Dated Phek, the 12th Jan 2016

No.DCP/JDL/SUC-10/96/1677:: Smti. Vesatalu Khamo of JercoII Colony Phek Town has applied for issue of Succession Certificate under the Indian Succession Act. 1925 in order to draw/ receive GPF/GIS/Gratuity/LE/Family Pension and others that is in respect of her Late husband Shetseita Khamo Driver, under the establishment of Senior Treasury Officer, Phek Nagaland who expired on 30-11-2015.

1. It is hereby notified that, if anybody has any complaint against the Succession, he/she may lodge complaint to this office within a period of 1 (one) month from the date of this notification.

2. No further complaint shall be entertained after the stipulated period and shall be considered for issue of Succession Certificate if the Complaint is not received within the stipulated period.

Sd/- (MUROHU CHOTSO) Deputy Commissioner, Phek: Nagaland.

VACANCY For a school in Kohima 1) TENYIDIE TEACHER – 1 Post Qualification: B.A./ M.A. (Tenyidie) (Male Candidate) 2) PRIMARY TEACHER – 1 Post Qualification: B.Th. (Female Candidate) For details, Contact: 9856020265/ 9856524232

4

SaturDaY 30 •01•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Jaitley can let deficit slip, go for growth’ B E N G A LU R U / N E W DELHI, JANUARy 29 (REUtERs): Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would get away with letting his borrowing targets slip when he presents his annual budget next month, according to the overwhelming majority of economists in a Reuters poll. Half the 30 economists surveyed also said the most pressing priority for Jaitley’s third budget was to invest in infrastructure - endorsing the pro-growth course he set a year ago.

That was more than the combined share of votes in favour of consolidating the budget or overhauling the tax system, two issues that have dominated the headlines in India but carry less weight with the financial community. The findings raise questions over whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be well advised to force the pace on austerity at a time of weakening nominal growth, soft revenues and slumping export demand.

“We’ll take a longer route to consolidation; otherwise the economy would be negatively affected,” said

to the defence department after this budget, with power and coal minister Piyush Goyal one contender to take over at finance.

India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (C) poses as he leaves his office to present the 2015/16 federal budget in New Delhi. (REUTERS File Photo)

Rishi Shah, an economist at Deloitte who took part in the poll and forecast upward revisions in the deficit. A poll conducted before last year’s budget also highlighted growth as the top priority, while a slim majority saw the government meeting high hopes for economic reforms.

Jaitley, under fire for

what some critics call his lacklustre stewardship of India’s $2 trillion economy, should keep his job for at least another year, according to 18 of 27 respondents to a question about his future. Only one-third expect this to be the last budget for the 63-year-old finance minister, the government’s chief policy spokesman

Bank of Japan surprises with negative interest rate move tokyo, JANUARy 29 (AFP): Japan’s central bank shocked markets today with plans to effectively charge lenders to park their cash with it, ramping up a long-running battle to kickstart the world’s number three economy.

The unprecedented decision to adopt a below-zero interest rate policy is the Bank of Japan’s latest weapon as it looks to spur bank lending and drive up inflation. In response, the Nikkei stock index soared almost three percent as the yen plunged.

BoJ chief Haruhiko Kuroda cited recent financial market turmoil and a China slowdown for ushering in a -0.1 per cent rate on new reserves, and said the bank may go even further into negative territory. Rates currently are near zero.

“The Japanese economy is not isolated from the global economy,” he told reporters, after the bank’s first meeting of 2016. “There has been big volatility in financial markets...

Because of the uncertain outlook for emerging and commodity-exporting economies, particularly China, we see rising risks for corporate confidence”

and point person for dealing with foreign investors.

Jaitley has so far failed to win cross-party support for a ground-breaking Goods and Services Tax that would transform India into a common market for the first time. Senior sources in the government and nationalist ruling party have said Jaitley may move

Harley-Davidson launches Sportster 1200 Custom priced at Rs. 8.9 lakh

and consumers’ expectations for inflation, he said.

“That is why we decided to introduce negative interest rates.”

Under the plan, commercial lenders would now have pay to park cash at the BoJ, giving them an incentive to boost lending, which policymakers hope would stoke economic growth.

But some analysts saw it as a desperate move after three years of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s big-spending, easing money policy, dubbed “Abenomics”, having limited impact on the moribund economy.

And in a stark acknowledgement of the huge job ahead, the BoJ cut its inflation forecasts and pushed back the timeline for reaching their inflation goal.

“It was a surprise to most market players who thought negative interest rates would be a last resort,” said Koichi Fujishiro, senior economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

A similar below-zero policy was adopted by the European Central Bank in 2014, the first time by a major central bank.

NEW DELHI, JANUARy 29 (PtI): Iconic cult bike maker Harley-Davidson India has launched its new Sportster 1200 Custom model, priced at Rs 8.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Sportster 1200 Custom, powered by an air-cooled, 1200 cc engine will be assembled at the company’s Bawal plant, Harley-Davidson India said in a statement.

It will expand the company’s portfolio of motorcycles assembled from CKD (Complete Knockdown) units to eight models out of a total of 13 sold in India.

Commenting on the launch, Harley-Davidson India Managing Director Vikram Pawah said, “We are expanding our reach to fulfill more dreams of

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 3475

SLIPPING AND SLIDING Contrary to advice from Modi’s top economic adviser, Arvind Panagariya, that the government should avoid “tinkering” with the fiscal deficit, analysts expect the shortfall to be revised up from the trajectory set a year ago.

The consensus view was for the 2016/17 fiscal deficit to be raised to 3.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) from a previous goal of 3.5%. Gross borrowing is predicted at 6.49 trillion rupees ($95.2 billion).

In the following year, the deficit would be revised up to 3.5% from 3%, the poll showed. Twentysix of 29 respondents said markets and ratings agencies would accept some slippage in the deficit to allow the government to invest in growth and jobs. But there’s not much wiggle room, with India’s shortfall on the high side compared to emerging markets like China and Russia.

“A typical solution to weak growth and comfortable inflation would be a loose fiscal policy and a tight monetary policy,” said Abhishek Upadhyay at ICICI Securities. “The trouble in India is that you don’t have the fiscal space.”

Although India is growing in real terms by over 7% - having overtaken China to become the world’s most dynamic economy - it is creating too few jobs for a workforce growing by a million people every month. While most economists expect Jaitley to stay, those ready to countenance the idea he might be replaced would prefer a technocrat to fill the role.

They outnumbered those backing a professional politician by about 2 to 1.

A narrow majority said Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan would make a suitable finance minister, outnumbering sceptics by 14 to 11.

Unconfirmed speculation has ebbed and flowed on financial markets that Rajan, whose term expires this autumn, might be in line for a move to the finance ministry.

personal freedom and are here to promote the sport of leisure motorcycling.

Harley-Davidson India has a strategic product plan to take its growth story to the next level.”

Harley-Davidson India started operations in August 2009.

It offers 13 models in its line-up in India be-

sides a full range of genuine parts, accessories, and general merchandise at its authorized dealerships.

The firm has 20 independent dealerships across India, including New Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai, among others.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3487

Answer Number # 3474

Government frames draft model law to allow shops to open round the clock NEW DELHI, JANUARy 29 (AGENcIEs): The government has framed a new model law that would allow cinema halls, restaurants, shops, banks and other such workplaces to be open 24/7. The law would also enable women to work during the night in such offices with mandatory cab services and other workplace facilities for them.

The government has put in public domain a draft Cabinet note on Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services) Act 2015 for inviting comments from various Ministries and government departments. This will act as an advisory to the state governments which will have the option to either adopt this model law or make changes to it according to their local needs.

“All shops and establishments, not covered under the Factories Act, such as malls, cinema halls or an information technology firm may be open 24X7 and allowed to work 365 days in a year. We will issue an advisory to the states, which will not require approval from the Parliament, and it is up to them to take it up or make changes,” Union Labour Secretary Shankar Aggarwal told The Hindu. He, however, said the shops and establishments will need to take permission from local bodies related to other laws. “We have protected the workers’ rights while framing this law. It will also give boost to the revenues of the services sector which can open all day long now,” Aggarwal added.

The draft law proposes to cover all premises, barring factories, or shops with work related to printing, banking, insurance, stocks and shares, brokerage or theatres, cinema and “any other public amusement” which is currently not covered under the Factories Act 1948. All such units which employee 10 or more workers are proposed to come under this Act. At present, states have their own rules related to shops and establishments which cover physical shops or workplaces regardless of the size of the unit. The law lays down statutory obligations and rights of employers and employees.

For the first time, godowns, warehouses or workplace related to packaging activities are proposed to be covered under the law, as per the draft model Act. This will bring many e-commerce companies under the labour law rulebooks as many of these companies face problems while operating godowns in various states.

“This is a very encouraging move in terms of the ease of doing business also keeping in mind that workers’ interests are protected. In the current scenario, many establishments, especially the e-commerce industry, want to operate 365 days throughout the day. The entire process of seeking approvals at present is very complex.

It will give a big relief to such industries and elp the logistics sector even more,” said Rituparna Chakraborty, president of the Indian Staffing Federation.

The law will not apply for government offices and the Reserve Bank of India. The draft model law has laid down several provisions for workers in such establishments. It said women will be permitted to work during night shift and there will be “no discrimination against women in the matter of recruitment, training, transfer or promotion.” Facilities such as cab services, night crèches and ladies toilet should be compulsorily provided by employers in case women are working during the night shift.

A worker will get 12 days mandatory casual cum sick leaves throughout the year. This apart, 5 paid holidays for festivals will be a must, according to another proposal. A worker can work 9 hours a day with a mandatory break of 30 minutes. However, “highly skilled workers” in the information technology sector or bio-technology are proposed to be exempted from daily working hours of 9 hours and weekly working hours of 38 hours. They will be allowed to work overtime for maximum 125 hours in 3 months.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

O WWII

ADOLFHITLER ALLIEDPOWERS ATOMICBOMB AUSTRIA AXISPOWERS ETHIOPIA FLAMETHROWERS FRANKLINROOSEVELT GERMANY HOLOCAUST ITALY JAPAN KAMAKAZI NAZI PANTHERTANK PEARLHARBOR POLAND RADAR RUSSIA SONAR SUBMARINES TECHNOLOGY THEBATTLEOFMIDWAY THEBATTLEOFTHEBULGE THESS TIGERTANK UNITEDSTATES

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E K N A T R E H T N A P N N B D E A I E

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D H O L O C A U S T Y E T L R A N O S Z

I K A O P F U K D H A A L P Y L A T I S

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G O W K Z C S F V E W R E O Y L I D D R

R A D A R K T A U B D L V O F I R I J E

E

L G U M A T R R J A I H E F A E U Y S W

P N R A T I I H X T M A S F J D S J E O

Y A V K O G A R F T F R O S A P S J T R

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R P W A M E P G Z L O B O A P O I I A H

Z A N Z I R N V L E E O R S I W A J T T

I J D I C T L X U O L R N E G E A Z S E

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Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home: Northeast Shuttles

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T A O P O L A N D L T P F U G V D K K Z

E T H I O P I A N G A X I S P O W E R S

A D O L F H I T L E R R W A S P H G L J

STD CODE: 0370 100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

ACROSS

1. . Cage 6. Rumple 10. It was (contraction) 14. Hello or goodbye 15. 1/12th of a foot 16. Bygone era 17. On the up and up 18. Sun 19. Ship’s front 20. Make worse 22. Being 23. Appear 24. Frittered away 26. Geographic illustrations 30. Beer 31. Coloring agent 32. Death notice 33. Adriatic resort 35. Set of principles 39. Ultimate 41. Great skillfulness 43. Horse 44. Gymnast’s feat 46. Anagram of “Sire” 47. Yore 49. S 50. A musical pause 51. A gabled roof extension 54. Largest continent

DOWN

1. Fit 2. Gorse 3. Roman robe 4. Fashionable 5. Despises 6. Erroneous belief 7. Wild 8. Leave in a hurry 9. Astute 10. Typographer 11. Most bad 12. Got up 13. Stitched 21. Kingdom 25. Yeses 26. Nonvascular plant 27. Adjoin 28. A hollow cylindrical

shape 29. Contour 34. Elisions 36. Not there 37. Colored part of an eye 38. Vesicle 40. Border 42. Orbital point 45. Cowhide 48. Seer 51. Search for water 52. Bay window 53. Scrapes gently 55. Long times 58. French for “Black” 59. Buttocks 60. Docile 61. Bit of gossip 62. To tax or access Ans to CrossWord 3486

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

Police Station 1:

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC)

KIPHIRE: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) PEREN: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LONGLENG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE 56. By mouth 57. Disinfectant 63. A collaborative website 64. Small salmon 65. Give a speech 66. Observed 67. Mortgage 68. What we are called 69. If not 70. Makes a mistake 71. Stalks

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

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

TAHAMZAM (formerly Senapati) STD CODE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

66.54 94.12 8.24 45.55 46.16 45.34 56.89

69.55 98.67 9.17 47.79 48.42 47.56 60.11

Euro

72.9

76.42

Thai Baht

1.77

1.98

0.0531

0.0591

42.39

44.48

9.76

10.87

US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar Australian Dollar Singapore Dollar Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen

Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

SaturdaY 30•01•2016

NAGALAND

be prepared to face 2018 CKS celebrates Puang Lum elections: TR to NPF workers Our Correspondent Kohima | January 29

Chief Minister TR Zeliang today urged upon all Naga People’s Front (NPF) party workers to work harder for the party, the people and the State and be prepared to face the 2018 elections.

Addressing the Central Executive Council Meeting of NPF here this morning, Zeliang said subsequent to the joining of the eight Congress, one JDU and NCP legislators to the NPF along with their followers, “We should be aware that there is also a need for some adjustments within the party, especially at the district and assembly constituency level.”

Joining NPF president

Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu in welcoming all the new members in NPF party and DAN government, he said both old and new party workers have to work as a new team, with the sole objective of strengthening the party, and winning the next election due in 2018.

He also challenged the party workers to remember their responsibilities as leaders of the oldest, the strongest and the most consistent regional party in the north east region.

Stating that DAN is the only government in north east region that is aligned with the ruling BJP led NDA government at the centre, the chief minister said “Let us remind ourselves that

we are the torch bearers of regionalism in the north east region.”

He also appealed to all the party men and women including the legislators, to re-commit themselves to the cause of peace and development.

‘Accept reconciliation in its true spirit’ NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu in his address, said the year 2015 was also eventful because “our party” has created few exceptions which will go down to the pages of the party’s history.

Firstly, he said, the Governor of Nagaland summoned the special session of the Nagaland Legislative

Assembly on February 5, 2015 for trial of strength on the floor of the House to decide the conflicting claims, in which all the 59 legislators reposed their trust on the leadership of TR Zeliang, the chief minister.

“This in itself was a unique achievement. This was the first trial of strength taken place on the Nagaland Legislative Assembly after the enactment of AntiDefection Law. Let this be the last of such show during our time,” he said.

Secondly, he said, the most significant event of the year (2015) was the coming together of all 60 legislators on a common platform.

“Naga people have been

talking about unity among the different sections of the people while on the other hand more factions/ groups/committees are appearing every now and then. The 60 Naga legislators who have the mandate of the people of Nagaland at the moment have shown exemplary display in demonstrating their desire for unity, peace and political settlement,” he maintained.

Stating that they have come together for political reason and terming it as ‘magnificent achievement,’ Dr Liezietsu expressed belief that this action must have certainly impressed the central government to look afresh the importance of a political settlement.

Tuensang, January 29 (Mexn): The Chang Khulei Setshang (Chang Tribal Council) celebrated Puang Lum Festival on January 29 at Loyem Memorial Ground, Tuensang with the theme “Enveloping Peace in Oneness.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture, DB’s and GB’s, Kejong Chang was the chief guest on the occasion while Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang, Alem Jongshi, was the Guest of Honour, a press release informed.

Parliamentary Secretary for NBRM and F&ES Toyang Changkhong, Commandant 3rd NAP, SP Tuensang, and leaders of different communities residing in Tuensang attended the celebrations.

Cultural Troupes from several tribes also participated in the celebration.

The chief guest in his ad-

Parliamentary Secretary Kejong Chang speaks during the Puang Lum celebrations at Loyem Memorial Ground, Tuensang on January 29.

dress called for preserving culture and tradition and said that the values of culture and tradition are the identity of one’s own tribe.

The significance of the theme “Chishok Lamshok” (Treaty and Alliance) is the call of the Chang

Tribal Hoho to have peace amongst each other.

The speakers of the programme called for peace and progress adding that, the Chang people, as one of the major tribe, should exhibit and lead to peace and progress.

RTI officials designated for Eco & Stats Dept

Chang community to celebrate Poangliim today

Name of Public Authority/Department

KohiMa, January 29 (Mexn): The Chang Union Kohima will be celebrating Poangliim festival on January 30 at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima from 12 noon onwards. K.T. Vilie Theiino, Vice President Angami Public Organization will be the special guest. The festival will be marked by cultural dance, folk melody, traditional showcase and “Poangliim” feast.

Name & Designation of APIOs in the District Lhoulabeituo, District Statistical Officer Kohima, APIO E. Lithungo Lotha Dy. Director & District Statistical Y. Sacheo Ovung Director & Officer, Dimapur, APIO HoD Appellate Authority Chubathung Ezung, District Statistical Office, Peren, APIO Nyusnotho Nyuthe, District Statistical Officer, Phek, Neisatuo Puro, Deputy APIO Director, Public Information Peter Chumdemo, Officer APIO District Statistical Officer, Wokha, APIO M. Akang Yimchunger District Statistical Officer Department of Kiphire, APIO Economics & Statistics R.Thsanso Yimchunger District Statistical Officer Vikosieto Krose, Statistical Tuensang, APIO M. Akang Yimchunger District Statistical Officer Officer, Asstt. Public Kiphire, APIO Information Officer C. Hamyung Phom District Statistical Officer Longleng, APIO Aotemsu District Statistical Officer Mokokchung, APIO K. Rhanbemo Kithan, Neizekho Angami Statistical Officer, Asstt.

District Statistical Officer, Public Information Officer Mon, APIO DIPR News

“B

Name & Designation of AA, PIO & APIO

ehold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Ps. 127:3, New American Standard Version).

Today the interest of parents (rich and poor alike) in their children’s education has exploded. I have seen many parents foregoing even the little comforts of life for their children’s education.

But sadly, in our land the quality of education is far below the normal standard, even almost non-existent in most government schools, as well as in many private schools. And most children from poor families end up going to such free-tuition and non-quality schools because good private schools, which provide much better education, are too expensive for them. What is the future for this overwhelming number of children who for no fault of theirs are academically rotting, mostly in government schools?

If we dream of ever having an educated society, then the government, the church, and the civil society had better be dead serious about children’s education. Not just the experts, but we who have had enough experience in education know that children who receive good education in primary, elementary and high school are more or less guaranteed success in higher education and in life.

Hence the necessity of childfocused education.

Judeo-Christian doctrine defines man as created in the image of God, consisting of body, mind/spirit and soul.

Whether education is formal, informal, or non-formal, the central focus has to be on the development of the whole child: the physical-social, the mental-intellectual, and the moral-spiritual aspects.

Formal education begins at age six in the USA, five in the UK, and seven in Finland. In India formal education begins as early as age four, though a four-year-old child enrolled in Classes A and B, is more or less a pre-schooler. So a child is normally six years old when he or she is enrolled in Class One. In the developed countries most children of school age will have already been provided with pre-school/nursery school education, whereas in a country

DNSU warns govt schools

In the process of continuous checking of illegal businesses on banned substances, the Crime Suppression Department of the NSCN (IM) seized huge quantity of IMFL, Spasmo Proxyvon and some quantity of Ganja. These banned substances were today destroyed at Hebron, in the presence of the Kilo Kilonser, HoDs, Army Officers, Church leaders and women organizations of Jalukie Zangdi and Kamdi Bazar.

DiMapur, January 29 (Mexn): In reference to the order from the office of the District Education Officer (DEO) on January 19, 2016, the Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) has appealed and warned all government schools in Dimapur to follow the order strictly. A press release from the union warned that it will be conducting surprise checking in all government schools.

Public SPace

like India most children begin formal education without any prior preparation in pre-school or nursery program. Classes A and B take the place of preschool education. Laborers’ and farmers’ children are at a big disadvantage when they are in the same class/grade as those of the teachers and more well-to-do parents.

Experts tell us that a baby starts learning even while in the mother’s womb. What the pregnant mother eats and drinks as well as her bodily movement affects the baby’s emotional, mental and physical health. Experts also tell us that whatever a child experiences during the first 3-5 years largely determines who he or she will turn out to be in life. If this is true, we cannot afford to mess up a child’s early education; indeed, we have no right to mess up the process of education at any stage.

Parents are the first teachers the child has, although the mother has a greater and more effective impact upon the child since her role goes back to prenatal care until formal education begins at age 5 or so.

Parents often think real education or learning takes place in school, meaning formal education. Nothing can be further from the truth. Human society, no matter how low down the scale of civilization, has always had education of one kind or another without formal schooling. In tribal society education was always informal and non-formal. Oralogy or verbal story-telling around the family fireplace or morung (long in Tangkhul), meaning Bachelors’ Dormitory has always existed in Naga society as an educational institution. Story-telling and singing build up one’s memory power to retain and remember what has been told or heard.

Traditional education, for the most part, was learning by doing through observing and imitating parents and elders.

Education was through trial and error. Montessori methods of teaching come closest to traditional tribal teaching.

I find tribal children are good with concretes whereas Western children are good with abstracts. This is an essential part of education which must be implemented in the early stages of the child’s life. Today we call it

Child-Focused Education empirical education or pragmatism.

Since a baby begins learning in the mother’s womb, we can safely say education is for life: from cradle to grave. Experts tell us that the body does not continue to grow after the first 18 or 20 years of life. But mental, moral, and spiritual growth can go on for a lifetime.

Learning never reaches a terminal point. I am learning more at age 84 than ever.

In the words of Mortimer J. Adler, “There are no unteachable children. There are only schools and teachers and parents who fail to teach them” (The Paideia Proposal, p.8).

Apart from a few suffering from irremediable brain damage, every child is educable up to his/ her capacity.

1. NURSERY/PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION Parents and family members have the major role to play in the education of pre-school age children. In the village little children have enough time to socialize with other children through playing and doing things together. “A child’s brain develops rapidly during these first years, and young children learn best by interaction with other people—not screens” (American Academy of Pediatrics website). The home is a private institution.

At home parents teach children by words (in the mother tongue) and by example how to behave, talk, act and participate in household chores and other family activities. Literate parents should start the three R’s: reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic at home in their own tongue before their children enroll in a formal school. A nursery school in every village can be part of the church’s ministry. Parents of pre-school children could organize a program for an hour every evening or on weekends.

Ultimately, whatever even illiterate parents are able to do with their children informally will go a long away in preparing them for formal schooling. Remember, pre-school deprivation is the cause of backwardness or failure in school.

2. FORMAL EDUCATION/ SCHOOLING Education is a lifelong process, and basic schooling of twelve years (Classes 1-12) is only a small but necessary part. Once enrolled in school, teachers and school administrators assume a major role in the child’s education. For commuting students (day scholars), however, parents have an even greater role in the child’s education. I don’t remember my father, who had two years of schooling, ever teaching me writing and reading, let alone a little arithmetic. My mother couldn’t even write her name.

But they made sure I prepared my daily lesson. I went to Sunday church services with them and to Sunday School. In the same way, my parents dealt with my four brothers and one sister. Their commitment to their children’s moral, spiritual, and intellectual development produced six college and university graduates.

For those who stay in dormitories (hostels), wardens/ guardians have the opportunity to mould the children’s social, moral and spiritual life through bonding and counseling. Wardens have to maintain strict observance of morning and evening hours for studying daily lessons and assigned homework. In the hostel, Wardens are to be parents to all the children.

In the classroom the teacher must maintain discipline or no fruitful teaching-learning can take place. What and how the teacher teaches goes a long way in helping pupils grow academically and in other ways. Today’s students are smart; they know if the teacher comes prepared; if the teacher loves the students.

The teacher must know his/her weakness(es) and keep improving in lesson preparation or delivery style or communication.

The teacher should be constantly asking: “Do my students understand what I am talking about? Are they learning anything?”

One major defect in our education system today is that it is often teacher-centered rather

than child or student-centered.

Teaching as currently practiced in our schools is one-way traffic. It’s didactic: the teacher teaches; the student listens and takes notes. It’s lecture after lecture; notes after notes. No questions asked. Two or three written exams during the year. If the child passes the exams, he/she keeps moving up the educational ladder till finishing high school. It’s all rote learning -learning by memory. The same pattern more or less continues in college. I never really learned much in college because it was primarily rote learning, without knowledge or understanding. Whatever is understood is rarely, if ever, forgotten.

In the words of Dorothy Sayers, “… although we often succeed in teaching our pupils ‘subjects,’ we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think.

They learn everything except the art of learning” (“The Lost Tools of Learning.” A paper read at Oxford University in 1947).

The teacher’s role in the child’s education should never be under-estimated. But if education is for the child, the child’s participation in the teaching-learning process is indispensable. The teacher’s primary function is to create in the child a desire to learn and to form a habit of learning. Students should be encouraged, if not compelled, to ask questions. Classroom teachinglearning must be interactive.

The Socratic or dialectic mode of question-and-answer should be part and parcel of the daily teaching-learning experience.

No academic spoon-feeding will ever prepare boys and girls for life, certainly not in the 21st century. Rather, the spirit of critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving should be instilled in students. The main business of school is teaching and learning. The principal or headmaster’s primary function is to provide and maintain the whole infra-structure as well as the environment on and around campus in ways that facilitate the main business of teaching and learning.

It was heartening to read in Morung Express: “Naga-

land revises Non-Detention Policy: Students in Nagaland will now be detained for poor performance.” I said, “Praise God! Better late than never!” I felt from the beginning that a blanket policy of non-detention would not work in our society.

I am all for the “Right to Education Act” (2009) and the “No child left behind.” But there is nothing good about “Non-detention policy.” To be sure, every effort should be made to see that each child has the opportunity to go to school to learn. I believe in helping weak students.

Remedial programs are very helpful. But promoting every child who has not learned anything will do him or her more harm than good. Children are not angels; they need rewards as well as punishment/discipline when necessary. Until a better and more effective way of assessing the student’s proficiency, written and oral exams will have to be part of assessing the student’s proficiency. Otherwise, students will not study and teachers will neglect their teaching. Of course, I am not forgetting assigned homework, and written reports or simple research projects during summer and winter recesses.

“Small is (still) beautiful” and “Small is (still) possible.”

Who says our children need a calculator? Let them calculate by scratching their heads, using their fingers, etc. Use the locally available technology in nature for all initial learning, for sure.

In the 2015 Nagaland School Board exams, out of 40 government high schools, 38 produced zero pass; this is in addition to the less-than-50% pass in most of the government schools. The situation in Manipur may be even worse. The question was raised why such massive failure when government school teachers are paid much better than teachers in private/church-run schools, and are even better qualified and better trained than those in private schools? In the majority of private/church (Catholic and Protestant) schools, teachers are paid less. They are less qualified as well, but without them there is no proper education in our states. Just think of the amount of money Nagaland and Manipur governments spend yearly on educa-

tion. Yet children continue to starve academically. Obviously there are such values as honesty, integrity, dedication and commitment in teaching, apart from salary consideration. If only our school teachers, even if many of them are not academically qualified, would just study hard and teach faithfully to the best of their ability, poor rural/village children will not be deprived of a decent education. State governments as well as private/church school operators need to start enforcing stricter recruitment procedures. Only academically-qualified teachers should be appointed. I would insist, too, on personal background checks: any history of drinking, smoking, immorality, criminality, etc.

Provide inexpensive but decent infrastructure for smooth and effective learningteaching environment. A minimum number of teachers has to be made available for every school. Teachers have to prepare and teach daily lessons regularly. No proxy teachers.

Period! Prompt action must be taken against irregular or delinquent teachers. And zero tolerance for use of unfair means during exams. If necessary, involve police and paramilitary forces.

One can foresee restoration of quality education in government schools, which is also linked to increment in student enrolment, if each state government begins seriously implementing the August 2015 judgment of the Allahabad High Court that said: “All government servants, elected representatives and all judicial officers should compulsorily send their children to government schools” (Morung Express, August 20, 2015, p. 8.). Perhaps this is the best panacea to revive the dying government schools in our land. Nagaland Government, and Manipur too, are you listening?

Let Dorothy Sayers have the concluding word: “… the sole end of education is simply this: to teach men how to learn for themselves; and whatever instruction fails to do this is effort spent in vain” (Ibid.).

Tuisem A. Shishak, Ph.D. Founder-Principal Emeritus Patkai Christian College (Autonomous)

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.

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saturDaY 30•01•2016

PeoPle, life, etc...

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Oscar-nominated shorts: An inventor at IBM has patented mirroring pain and fortitude technology for a cognitive assistant that

A Search Engine for Your Memories

Stephen Holden

S

The Atlantic

uffering, embattled nobility and a dash of whimsy. Those emotional currents define this year’s Oscar-nominated short films, with pain and strife dominating.

Despite the paucity of humor, there is just enough levity in the threepart program of films competing for Academy Awards in the live-action, animation and documentary categories to prevent viewers from succumbing to despair. The heavy stuff is especially concentrated in documentary shorts made for HBO that deal with the Ebola virus, a Pakistani honor killing and the Holocaust. All together, the 15 shorts, being shown in theaters beginning on Friday, demonstrate a level of quality and technical ingenuity comparable to that of the Oscar-nominated featurelength films.

Among the live-action shorts, the most anomalous is Basil Khalil and Eric Dupont’s abrasively funny “Ave Maria,” which portrays a quarrelsome family of Israeli settlers whose car breaks down in front of a convent on the West Bank, where the nuns have sworn a vow of silence. Communication is next to impossible. The comedy, which suggests a Middle Eastern answer to “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” is a lacerating farcical satire of religious extremism.

Akila Kannadasan

S

. Gayathri looks like any other 13-year-old, with plastic earrings, a bindi and neatly braided long hair. She gets selfconscious a few minutes into the conversation. But ask her to demonstrate boxing and she transforms into someone else. She punches the air vigorously, her eyes narrowed and chest puffed up. Suddenly, she doesn’t care about the world around her — she punches away to an imaginary beat, her persona suggesting that no one dare mess with her. She lives in the Kannagi Nagar Housing Board apartments and her parents hold regular jobs. Boxing is her ticket to a better life.

Hundreds of girls like her from the city — daughters of daily-wage labourers, rickshaw pullers, and auto drivers — have embraced the sport.

Chennai girls have been holding the fort at district-level and Statelevel boxing tournaments for years now, and have even won medals at the Nationals. “Players from other districts think we’re menacing,” boxer J. Narmada laughs. The 23-yearold got into the sport in 2006. “I was studying in class VI at a Corporation school then. Boxing coaches came to our classes to give us a demo. Many of us signed up for it,” she recalls.

Narmada says she couldn’t make it big in the sport. “But I want to help

At the darker end of the spectrum, “Day One,” directed by Henry Hughes, follows the first day on the job of an Afghan-American woman who has joined the United States military as an interpreter in Afghanistan. Accompanying troops in pursuit of a bomb maker in a mountainous area, the interpreter, who has no medical training, finds herself pressured to help with the birth of a baby. The most disturbing image in the entire program of films is a protruding arm that must be pushed back inside the womb before the delivery can be completed. Here, as in “Ave Maria,” religious taboos and linguistic barriers complicate the procedure.

Even darker is Jamie Donoughue’s “Shok,” set in Kosovo in 1998, which shows the forcible exile of a Kosovan family from its home by Serbian soldiers, viewed through the eyes of two young Kosovan boys who are best friends. The Serbs are sadistic, arrogant brutes who would gladly murder them if they stayed.

Benjamin Cleary and Serena Armitage’s “Stutterer” is a likable trifle about a shy typographer with a speech impediment who summons the courage to meet a woman with whom he has been carrying on an Internet flirtation.

The longest entry, at 30 minutes, is the German director Patrick Vollrath’s emotionally loaded “Alles Wird Gut” (“Everything

Will Be Okay”), about a divorced rage-aholic father who kidnaps his 8-yearold daughter to spirit her to Manila by way of Dubai.

The film is a heart-rending, impeccably executed soap opera episode.

The animated selections run the gamut from elaborate to minimalist.

“Bear Story” is a whimsical tale-within-a-tale about a melancholy old bear who takes a diorama he has created about the unhappy life of a circus bear to a street corner and invites passers-by to look into the peephole in exchange for a coin. The concept is clever and the design ingenious, but this film from the Chilean team of Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala has no dialogue, and the wonders it conjures aren’t quite so wondrous.

In “Sanjay’s Super Team,” directed by Sanjay Patel and produced

by Nicole Grindle, an Indian-American boy obsessed with cartoons and superhero action figures has a fantasy in which his father’s Hindu prayer rituals are woven into an animated action film. Visually sumptuous and cleverly conceived, it’s as ingratiating as a Disney cartoon.

“Prologue,” a British short directed by Richard Williams and produced by Imogen Sutton, is a nifty antiwar story told in line drawings in which a horrified girl observes Spartan and Athenian warriors stabbing one another to death with heroic flour-

ishes, and then runs to her grandmother for comfort.

The Russian film “We Can’t Live Without Cosmos,” directed by Konstantin Bronzit, observes the robotic, punishing training rituals of two best friends preparing to be cosmonauts. Everything goes according to plan until a mishap separates them.

Don Hertzfeldt’s haunting, melancholic “World of Tomorrow” is the best and most minimalist entry. In this sophisticated meditation on the limits of technology and the vain human quest to be immortal, a girl is contacted from the future by a clone of herself who gives her a preview of things to come. Although the future in this sciencefiction fantasy is mindblowing, all the technology in the world can’t ease the essential loneliness of the human condition.

This is a film worth several viewings.

The entries in the documentary category are among the strongest and the darkest. “Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah”is a useful companion to Mr. Lanzmann’s 1985 documentary about the Holocaust. In Adam Benzine’s short, he describes the rigors of making the film over 11 years and the personal cost in anguish and depression.

In the most dramatic moments, he describes risking his life while locating and secretly filming SS officers.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s “A Girl in the River:

Rolling with the punches

girls like me,” she says. She, along with friends M. Bhuvaneshwari, M. Nila, E. Sevvandhi and S. Durga, is training girls interested in boxing. They go to Government and Corporation-run schools to enlist students.

They have just one criterion: that the girls belong to lessprivileged backgrounds.

She feels such children are tough and resilient — the most important qualities for a boxer. “I’ve seen wealthy parents hesitate to enrol their children in boxing. This is perhaps due to the misconception that the sport could hurt people,” she says.

North Chennai has long been a hub for boxing. Home to a number of professional boxers, the area nurtures generations of people, mostly from low

economic backgrounds, who fight hard for survival. This is perhaps why they grab the opportunities that come their way.

North Chennai’s boxing culture can be traced back to the 70s, when mud grounds in Vyasarpadi throbbed with action from impromptu boxing tournaments. Boxing coach J. Loganathan feels that the nearby Nehru Stadium has a lot to do with this.

“Locals witnessed boxing greats such as Muhammad Ali in all his glory at the stadium,” he says. Gradually, the sport seeped into the nooks and crannies of North Chennai. Local grounds doubled as boxing rings and gangs were formed. Loganathan recalls that there existed two schools of boxing in the

area — the ‘Idiyappam Parambarai’ and ‘Salpattrai Parambarai’. “Their styles were completely different,” he says. Even today, boxing legends such as Dilli Babu and Vadivel are spoken of with reverence. “They were heroes during those times,” says Loganathan.

It was in the late 90s that girls stepped into the sport. “In 2005, the State Government introduced games such as boxing, fencing, judo and taekwondo in schools,” he says. Loganathan was among the two boxing coaches who went from school to school training students. He witnessed first-hand how girls went from curious to mildly interested to being obsessed with boxing. It’s fascinating how boxing spread

The Price of Forgiveness” is an enlightening exploration of the Pakistani culture that allows and even encourages honor killing. In this account of an 18-year-old woman who disobeys her family by eloping with a man from a lower class without permission, she is shot in the face by her father and uncle, thrown into a river and left to drown. Miraculously she survives. All the principals are interviewed.

Two films temper horrifying images with stories of courage and nobility.

“Chau, Beyond the Lines,” directed by Courtney Marsh and produced by Jerry Franck, observes the patients in a Vietnamese care center for children born with birth defects from Agent Orange. The title character is an optimistic teenager who has learned to paint holding the brush in his mouth.

His dream is to become a professional artist and clothing designer. The Liberian film “Body Team 12,” directed by David Darg and produced with Bryn Mooser, focuses on the female member of a medical team whose job is to dispose of bodies after the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

“Last Day of Freedom,” the most idiosyncratic and moving documentary, rendered in black-andwhite line drawing, is the agonizing story of Manny Babbitt, an African-American who suffered brain damage in a childhood accident and later committed a capital crime after serving in Vietnam and returning to his home in Sacramento, Calif., with post-traumatic stress disorder. As directed by Dee Hibbert-Jones and Nomi Talisman, Mr. Babbitt’s story is told by his brother Bill, who had to decide whether to cover for his brother or turn him in. It will break your heart.

“Oscar Nominated Short Films 2016” is a program of 15 shorts screened in three categories; the films are not rated. Running time: live-action shorts, 1 hour 43 minutes; animated shorts, 57 minutes; documentary shorts, 2 hours 39 minutes. Languages vary.

like wildfire. Soon, school grounds turned into electrified arenas in the evenings. The girls rose at dawn for practice and kept themselves abreast of tournament dates. They spoke of Mary Kom and secretly caught glimpses of themselves in the mirror in punching poses donning imaginary gloves.

“It’s a challenge every day,” says Narmada. “At National tournaments, we see how our competitors from other States are better-equipped and fitter. We try and keep up with them, but it’s difficult since most of us cannot afford the sport.

A pair of gloves costs Rs. 2,000, and we take turns to practise using the one pair that we own,” she adds. Bhuvaneshwari, for instance, the toughest amongst them, was rejected at a National-level tournament because she was underweight. But she refuses to give up. “I did have a Government job in mind when I started boxing,” says Bhuvaneshwari.

But now, she doesn’t mind even if nothing profitable comes from it. Boxing gives her a sense of satisfaction; most importantly, it gives her hope.

Nila says that she got interested in boxing when she saw Narmada practising at Pulianthope. “I instantly fell in love with it,” she says.

The game has won her respect amidst her people.

“It gave me an identity.

To friends and family, I’m not just someone; I’m the girl who’s a boxer.”

could learn all about you, then remind you of a name you can't remember the moment you need to say it.

A Chinese girl explores a huge model of the brain displayed at the Shanghai Adrienne Lafranc

P

eople are always forgetting names.

T h a t ’s b e cause, at least in part, names are arbitrary. A name, in and of itself, doesn’t offer much context. And contextual associations are a big part of how humans form and access memories— the way the smell of pine trees might stir a memory of summer camp, or how hearing the hook of “Sweet Caroline” might transport you momentarily to Fenway Park.

A truly personalized search engine could be so useful this way. Imagine being able to google the ordinary things that slip your mind: “Where did I leave my sunglasses?” or “Wait, what were we just talking about?”

People have, at times, lamented the way the Internet can be a ruiner of ordinary mysteries. Instead of idly wondering about something you know is there in your brain somewhere—Quick! Hum the theme song from Alf!— and letting it inexplicably pop back into your consciousness in time (or not), the answers are always at our fingertips. (Yup, that’s the one.)

If it were possible to dip into the human mind the way people seek and retrieve information online, a sense of curiosity would, I am sure, remain intact—it’d just be redirected. In some cases finding an answer means moving on to the next thing; in others, it means an opportunity to go even deeper.

“Human memory is not the same as computer memory,” said James Kozloski, an inventor at IBM who focuses on computational and applied neuroscience. “We don’t have pointers. We don’t have addresses where we can just look up the data we need.”

Kozloski wants to change that. He recently filed a patent for technology that, in the simplest terms, will help finish your sentences for you. Like autocomplete for your voice, the system is a model of human memory that could be embedded in a device and offer prompts when necessary. It would use a combination of surveillance, machine learning, and Bayesian inference—a kind of predictive modeling—to recognize when a person has forgotten something, then provide the missing information.

“The idea is quite simple,” Kozloski told me.

“You monitor an individual's context, whether it’s what they’re saying or what they’re doing ... and you predict what comes next.”

The monitoring could be done in many of the ways that people are already using sensors today.

It might involve Fitbit-like wearables; movement trackers like the ones smart thermostats use to determine when a person walks from one room to the next; and WiFi-connected microphones like the ones the newfangled Barbie dolls have so they can listen and reply to children. Which is to say, if you’re unsettled by the notion of a future in which omnipresent computers are watching you and listening to you: That future is already here.

A cognitive assistant would probably have to draw on short-range wireless technologies that could pair with sensors to figure out exactly what a person’s doing: distinguishing, for example, between the arm movement you make when you brush your teeth versus how your arm moves when you’re dicing garlic.

say—it should also remind you of the name of her husband. The system might also know that, because of the time of day when you’re calling, the husband is more likely to pick up the phone. Or that, by checking a calendar, it happens to be his birthday.

“All of that context becomes the basis for inference as to what name should be spoken when they pick up the phone,” Kozloski said.

That information— Paige’s husband’s name is Teddy. And it’s his birthday!— could come through an earpiece or mobile device. Or it could be part of a larger— and, frankly, more Hal 9000-esque—home integration. “It could be just the speakers in your house that are primed and ready to advise, literally waiting in the wings to assist,” Kozloski said.

Waiting, but not always jumping in. That’s key.

“It would be very annoying if it were continually interrupting you,” Kozloski said. So the system would use basic pause-detection, reinforced by machine learning as a way to understand the cadence and rhythm of a person’s speech and behavioral patterns. Once a cognitive assistant knows a person’s typical morning routine, for example, it can figure out whether something is amiss. Then it can decide whether and how to help.

“An individual’s behaviors are mapped to a unique activity such as ‘putting socks on,’ or ‘making the bed,’ or ‘brushing teeth,’ or ‘chopping onions,’" Kozloski said. “All of those events can form a sort of Markov network of probabilities where we can predict with some degree of certainty, and measure the likelihood [that what’s happening] isn’t normal for that person.”

The technology would also need human feedback, either from the person using it or a caregiver, to confirm and improve the accuracy of what the machine learns over time.

“The opportunity to personalize this to individual cadence or idiosyncrasies,” Kozloski said “to allow a caregiver to augment that learning such that you can disambiguate whether an individual is confused or just sleepy. All of that is in the realm of the patent.”

Which means eventually, people may not even find themselves wishing they could Google their own memories. They won’t have to.

“Human memory is not the same as computer memory,” If you can get past the creepiness factor, a cognitive interface like the one Kozloski envisions could theoretically be useful for anyone, but he sees specific applications for people as they get older—and especially for those who suffer from diseases like Alzheimer’s. “The loss of ability to access memory in the moment is the beginning of the breakdown of normal cognitive function: the ability of individuals to interact with others, take care of themselves, clothe themselves, cook meals,” he said.

Such a system could help caregivers track how people are doing over time—are they forgetting important tasks more frequently?—and “perhaps prevent side effects of what are otherwise sort of innocuous episodes of forgetting,” Kozloski said.

“Like getting confused, getting agitated, then putting myself at a greater risk.”

Imagine for example, if your cognitive assistant knew that when you dial a certain person’s phone number—your niece, let's

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.

SaturDaY 30•01•2016

Morung Youth Express

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Doubt, Ask and Progress In a society that settles for binary answers, what’s the relevance of a questioning mind?

Aruna Sankaranarayanan

A

s students, we are encouraged to get our doubts cleared by teachers, especially before a test or an exam. While encouraging students to ask questions is extremely healthy, teachers should also let them know that being in a state of doubt, at least some of the time, is also essential for their growth and understanding.

In fact, having doubts is a hallmark of an active, questioning mind. Even though teachers may clarify doubts, other perplexities are bound to arise when a student engages with a problem deeply. Unfortunately, modern society does not necessarily provide a space for a doubting mind to come to terms with itself.

We live in an age of instant gratification and quick fixes where people expect answers at the click of a mouse. As a result, patience, an oldfashioned virtue nowadays, is fraying.

With impatience on the rise, we are also witnessing a society that settles for binary answers. From Facebook ‘likes’ to TV anchors clamouring participants on debates to answer Yes or No on complex social issues, the zeitgeist fosters black-or-white thinking. Apart from leading to unhealthy polarisation, this kind of thinking is simplistic and does not provide room for reflective and reasoned thought.

In today’s harried and hurried world, people expect definitive answers. Because people have diminishing levels of patience, we are willing to trade complexity for certainty.

Thus, our ability to tolerate ambiguity, which indicates a mature mind, is receding.

We prefer pat responses to ponderous explanations. In fact, confidence is often mistaken for knowledge, whereas measured responses

are seen as dithering. After all, nuanced answers that don’t necessarily fall into clear-cut categories don’t make sensational news stories.

But as students and citizens of a democracy, we have to appreciate the significance of a doubting mind.

Minds that question, scratch below the surface and look beyond binary polarities are quintessential for the functioning of a vibrant democracy. Only if youth are encouraged to question the status quo, can we expect social change to take place.

A doubting mind is one that simply does not accept things as they are.

Asking why, how and what role can I play are fundamental to eradicating prejudice, fighting climate change and creating a more just world.

Furthermore, in India, we have a noble tradition of respecting elders and those in authority. However, at the same time, this reverence for

older persons is often equated with not asking questions. In fact, questioning the authority is often viewed as disrespectful.

As a result, youngsters are often dissuaded from raising doubts, and, in the long run, tend to quell them all together. Parents and mentors have to stop treating questions as signs of impudence. In fact, when youngsters ask a question, it shows that they are thinking about what you said and are interested in the subject. Furthermore, a knowledgeable person wins the respect of others when she is able to answer thorny questions without getting heckled or defensive.

Even though modern Indian sensibilities may shy away from asking uncomfortable questions, an argumentative tradition has been a feature of our culture for aeons, according to Professor Amartya Sen. In his book, The Argumentative

Indian, Sen writes, “The Vedas may be full of hymns and religious invocations, but they also tell stories, speculate about the world and — true to the argumentative propensity already in view — ask difficult questions.” Thus, it should not be too difficult for us as a culture to reignite our questioning minds so that we may confront uncomfortable truths rather than shy away from them.

Of course, the manner in which we ask a question is also pertinent to how it will be received. It is important that we speak in a respectful tone even if we are challenging what another person says. Also, we have to make sure that when we ask questions, we continue to listen when the other person is providing an answer. Unfortunately, debates in the Parliament are a far cry from how reasoned and respectful debates should take place between opposing camps. It is indeed a travesty of our times that the youth cannot necessarily look up to our leaders as paragons of deliberate thought.

In her book, The Art of Listening, sociologist Les Back makes a case for “the importance of living with doubt in the service of understanding, of trying to grapple with moral complexity.”

Rather than embracing “false certainties,” we need to learn to tolerate ambiguity and cultivate the patience to ponder over labyrinthine problems that don’t necessarily have readymade solutions.

And, most importantly, students should never feel compromised for asking a question, however simplistic it may seem to others. In fact, professors need to worry when students do not have any doubts. Knowledge progresses only when we continue to ask questions.

Keep the past, protect the future

E

Michelle Neha

very student’s first thought when opening a history textbook is “Why do we have to now learn about what someone did hundreds of years ago.

If only the watermelon had fallen on Newton’s head instead of the apple!” Well, there is method to the madness that we call the “syllabus.”

“History gives me confidence, it’s no longer about memorising dates and blurting it out on to the paper,” says Haritha, who is currently pursuing history at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi.

A key aspect of history is that it is constantly created.

It is not just confined to the past and the dead. In fact, it can be divided into three segments: Ancient, Medieval and Modern history.

When women got the right to vote they made history, when we placed a man on the moon and created a mission to Mars were making history. The next time someone asks if you know about the Chennai Floods you can scoff and say “Know it? I survived it!”

From the burial mask of King Tutankhamun to the

T

hashtag in Instagram, history is everywhere! Then why don’t we want to study it?

“There are students who want to pursue history but there is a lack of advertisement. Students are so fed up with memorising dates in school that they run away from it. There is a greater focus on kings and queens, and the history of society is being ignored.” Says Dr. Anita Rane-Kothare Head, Ancient Indian Culture at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

All of us want a good job, lots of money and prospects and, well, a degree in history just doesn’t seem to cut it!

You couldn’t be further away from the truth. Politicians, educators, writers and editors also have a background in history. Research, management and business organisations also employ history graduates. And the most famous field that brought to light King Tutankhamun, the terracotta army of China and, of course, the Indus Valley civilisation, is Archaeology.

of new and exciting places, live in harsh conditions and learn about cultures that you never knew existed.

Preserving natural monuments, man-made monuments and various cultural practices also form an important part of a historian’s job. A degree in history also gives a competitive edge in the civil services examination. Hence, in north India, there is a great demand for history degrees.

Maybe you do not want to trek through the Amazon jungle or wade through the Saharan desert — no fear!

There are courses such as cultural anthropology, linguistics, tourism and heritage management and cataloguing that can be done from the confines of the museum. You can relive and teach history every day! After all, many who pursue history land jobs as lecturers and teachers.

On the job front, Archaeological Survey of India, universities and several organisations hire history graduates all the time. The Travel the world prospects abroad are also Studying history can monumental. From catagive you the opportunity to loguing to game creating, travel the world in search history has never been more

he utter joy of seeing sweet pea tendrils arching up out of the soil and climbing a neighbouring tree is unsurpassable. It is beautiful every time, a new birth, not a rebirth.

I wonder if we think sufficiently on how blessed we are to live where we live, our corners of earth where we can witness spring and life returning in such visible ways. After the most recent spell of rain, I landed in Dimapur and went round my sister’s garden, marvelling at all the signs of green life pushing their way upward. In addition to the teeming vegetable life, there was an additional grandchild, a eight-day old mini human being, helplessly clinging to his mother for dear life. How different they were: the baby plants who were making their way into the world unaided, except incidentally by air and rain and sunshine, and the baby human who would not survive beyond a day without its mother’s care. How perfect they all were. My sister’s grandchild was delicately formed and a carbon copy miniature of his parents. His tiny fin-

exciting. Historians catalogue tons of information, read obscure documents and follow dangerous leads.

They are the detectives of the past who help protect the future.

“Every student must know their history and culture. It is essential for survival,” says Dr. P.D. Balaji, Professor and Head, Depart-

The miracle of Life

gers and toes were all in place and the veins beating on them showed through his translucent skin. I am still awed at how tiny we are when we begin.

And in a marvellous kind of way, they all share something, the new

baby and the new plants. They are so fresh you can smell heaven on the downy leaves and the down of baby’s cheek. Surely even the hardest heart would be melted by the sight of a baby in its mother’s arms.

It is as though a holy circle has been drawn around them, they are life in its purest forms and make sacred all around them. No wonder the shepherds and the wise men fell to their knees in humble adoration. Newly

birthing life repeats the gospel that it is sacred.

And in addition, there is a gift we can all give to young children, whether we live in a dusty and crowded town or in a tucked away village. We can help them expe-

ment of Ancient History and Archaeology. University of Madras.

So the next time you play Age of Empires, Assassins Creed or read Horrible Histories, you have a historian to thank. Without them the world wars would be a faint memory and the Opium Wars could be confused for a band name.

child’s first seed planting. That child will learn respect for the different seasons of the planet Earth, he will experience first -hand how a plant comes to life, and how the simple action of giving it a little water every day helps it to thrive, something he can easily do.

Helping little children connect to the soil and to life on earth is a gift money cannot buy. When we help them to experience plant growth and understand how it happens, we are introducing to them the miracle of life and that is a lesson that will stay with them all their life, hopefully implanting in them, a love for this planet and a desire to take care of it. rience life like this. We can show Mother Earth needs all the friends them growing plants, especially at she can get. Life needs all the care it this season of dry earth where every can get. It is infinitely precious. growth is like a small miracle. We can bring them close to the divine in Rose helping them witness life sprouting Every time I see a rose from the dead earth, and we can also I know there is a God encourage them to bring forth life by A rose holds heaven within its folds planting seeds and watering them Only a fool could behold until they sprout. This would not just That beauty formed by the divine be a botanical lesson, there is someAnd not trust that there is a God thing spiritual and pure about a Behind that folded perfection.

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

Nagamese: The Lingua Franca of Nagaland, its PROs and CONs M Longnyu Konyak: Naga- Assamese, so called 'Nagamese' is indeed the most spoken dialect in our State. Almost 90% of our Naga population speak Nagamese. But, for a dialect to qualify as language, it should have script, which we don't have it. Many suggest that we should develop the script. But, how do we develop it? Assamese has its own script.

We can't use English alphabets to write Roman-Nagamese. If we do so, only the English educated person can read or write Nagamese. The illiterate mass will still be not able to read or write Nagamese, they will be restricted to oral speaking only. About the developing of Nagamese’s script, it’s not that easy. We have Hindi in our schools, we got Hindi papers, Hindi script, Hindi song, watch Hindi movies, in fact, Hindi is our National language. Yet, we Nagas hardly knows Hindi. Only a small fragment of Naga population knows how to read or write Hindi, rest, we go with 'NAP-Hindi'. If we can't read or write hindi language which has script in it, which was taught to us in school and with all those hindi literature available, how can we learnt this 'Borrowed Broken Assamese' which we don't even have the script? The ability to speak a dialect doesn't mean we can read or write that dialect. Mention may be made that in India, though Hindi is the National language, yet, it is not fully implemented. There are still some official documents which are not done in Hindi in National Interest and circulated in English language only. We have our own mother-tongue, but even for that, we use English alphabets to write and bring out Roman mother tongue. What I personally feel is, Nagamese should NOT be promoted as our official language, English should still prevail and our local mother tongue should be encouraged in school itself. Just a layman opinion. Discussion opened to the house. Thanking you all.

Apong Chingchongchang: Why to discourage Nagamese as a common language?

If script is the problem then why not we develop it?

You cannot hide the fact that 80% (approx) Nagaland people speaks fluent Nagamese than English even the educated students studying in Nagaland schools and colleges. If you insult Nagamese as a bazaar language i think you should stop going to bazaar. Nagamese can be a better institutions and about English being the richest language should be use but for now Nagamese is Nagas identity.

Your suggestions are accepted TNB'S . Thank you !

Rokovizo Kuotsu Angami Naga: It's a matter of personal choice and we can't judge people for that. My love for English, Tenyidie and Nagamese can co-exist and are mutually exclusive to each other, it doesn't mean that because i am a Naga i shouldn't prefer English or that i feel Nagamese is inferior or less sophisticated. I am Naga but Nagamese is not my mother tongue. My language is Tenyidie. If i have to chose between English and Nagamese, I prefer English because it is more expressive and functional. Nagaland is a state of diverse languages and cultures, and there is no reason why Nagamese has to be everyone's language. I know what my roots are and i have cultural awareness but Nagamese can never be a better institution, of course the state should develop language policy to increase functionality of Nagamese in the public domain such as business, transportation, advertisement, audiovisual media, church service and meetings to promote the longevity of the language but not in the field of education, media, judiciary, legislation and administration.

Chewu Kanuo: Seriously, it's sad when you say Nagamese is Nagas identity, really? A broken up language? Broken Assamese is Nagas identity?

You know what Nagamese sounds like to Assamese speaking people??

You sound like a small kid, starting to learn a new language, saying poo poo instead of I want to go use the toilet. While it is true that majority speak Nagamese, i wouldn't want to encourage it as a common language, for Christ’s sake, it's not even a proper language. Nobody knows Nagamese outside the state, and if you really want to promote a language/dialect, why not your own, if you're really into Naga identity and stuff. Why promote a borrowed language, the Assamese are doing that already.

Pepen Timothy Patton: Guys English is already our official language of our state but for any layman Nagamese is more comfortable. Yes Nagamese can never be our state official language but if the GOI wants to give a new platform and promote Nagamese I see no harm in it. Do you expect us to speak in English to those shopkeepers and other vegetables vendors? Many of them are not comfortable to speak in English so for them Nagamese come as a relief to them. Nagamese is cool. Our common Nagas identity. Also I felt very odd coming across the articles posted by NSF in against of Nagamese as a language! lame protest. They can't even help the existing students to get their scholarships on time and now poking their noses un-necessarily on this issue.

Kusayi Lohe: I am taking English as my major paper and my lecturer once said, "all the local dialects may one day be overshadowed by Nagamese and that we might lose some of our dialects." I guess she is right. I speak Nagamese but I never try and make it my habit. And it is so annoying to see some parents not teaching their children their own mother tongue. Like some of the bloggers suggested, we can use English more instead of Nagamese.

Sangtipong Imchen: A potpourri language mix of Assamese, Bengali and Hindi that has no trace of "Naganess" will betray our identity to the overarching Indian identity to the international community. This morning headlines carried the news of the Govt bringing out books on the contributions of freedom fighters from the North-East and Rani Gaidinliu will be a figure herself. All these projects are efforts of the colonial Indian state to colonise the knowledge, history, ideas and culture of Indigenous people like the Nagas and incorporate us to the Indian identity which we have been resisting till now. There is a nefarious motive under play behind this scheme engineered solely to garb the Nagas in the garment of Indian identity before the world, thus weakening our right to exist as an independent nation- the cause which is based on the foundational truth that we are an indigenous people whose history and culture never shared any form of commonality with nor was a part of the distinct Indian history and culture. This truth which India seeks to erase should be protected and upheld at all cost whether we remain under India or we don't. Same as it is, English is not indigenous to the Nagas too but contextually we are not at war with Britain but our war is with India so prudence dictates that we do no put ourselves in any position that will debilitate the legitimacy of our unfinished cause for justice before the world community.

Arenla Jamir: Personally I feel Nagamese is here to stay in Nagaland..... no issue with that. English is our official language. Our different local dialects needs to be preserved and promoted as it directly defines our identities as members of different tribes of Nagaland....in our present plural society a common language can bind us together as Nagas in general. Don’t we all think Nagas need unity and fraternity to happily Co - exist with one another?....Nagamese whether we like it or not has become a part of the Naga Identity....denouncing the language may do no good...remember the story of Babel Tower from the Bible....to build a tower, we need to speak a common language emotionally and practically. ...this is my opinion only.

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 30•01•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Solar Scam: Kerala CM Chandy alleges ‘deep rooted conspiracy' ThiruvananThapuram, January 29 (ianS): Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Friday said truth will always triumph and claimed all the allegations against him stem from a "deep-rooted controversy".

He was interacting with reporters at his official residence after news came that the Kerala High Court had stayed a lower court's order seeking an FIR to be registered against him and Power Minister Aryadan Mohammed in the solar scam case.

"I have always believed in my conscience and I firmly believe that if one has done no wrong, then nothing wrong can happen, but if there was a very small mistake that was committed, then for that a heavy price would have to be paid. The truth has and will always triumph," said Chandy.

Solar scam co-accused Saritha Nair on Wednesday hurled bribery allegations against Chandy, claiming she had given Rs.1.90 crore to a person called Thomas Kuruvilla to be passed to Chandy while Mohammed was given Rs.40 lakh.

Based on this revelation, activist P.D. Joseph approached the Thrissur Vigilance Court judge S.S.Vasan who on Thursday ordered an FIR to be regis-

We need to improve quality of politics, avoid populism: Jaitley

Nair raises fresh allegations against Chandy’s son ThiruvananThapuram, January 29 (agenciS): vanathapuram, On the third day of her examination before the judicial commission, solar scam accused Saritha S Nair raised fresh allegations against Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s son Chandy Oommen.

She said there was a plan to float a firm engaged in renewable energy with junior Chandy as its director. She added that she had talked about business matters with Chandy Oommen at the CM’s official residence. There was a plan to import solar panels from the US in which junior Chandy allegedly had stake, she said before the commission.

She asserted that she only had business links with junior Chandy, but at the same time, another woman accused in the scam had close links with him. She refused to divulge her details. Nair alleged that junior Chandy had toured with that woman to the Gulf and photos of those journeys were with Congress minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan. She said Radhakrishnan had blackmailed Chandy using those photos. tered against Chandy and Mohammed.

Hearing a plea by Chandy and Mohammed against Vasan's order, Kerala High Court's Justice P.Ubaid lashed out at Vasan while granting the stay, saying Vasan's deeds demand action be taken against him. In a related development, Vasan has expressed his desire to opt for voluntary retirement and put up his papers for that.

Meanwhile, Chandy, in response to a question, said that all the new revelations and the events of the past

weeks are on account of a deep-rooted conspiracy and indicated this was related to the new liquor policy of his government.

"You wait for some more time, the conspiracy will come out. Now itself some clues have come out and appropriate action would be there against the conspirators," he said, adding all this has occurred because of the "bold and brave" of his government took to close down more than 700 bars in the state as part of their plan for total prohibition to be in place in

the years to come.

"A section of the bar owners are upset because of this. Also did you all not hear the new revelations that has come in the solar scam case. This case has been going on for now nearly three years and the statements that are now coming out have come for the first time.

"Also Nair had revealed in the past that the CPI-M had offered her Rs.10 crore for making revelations. Till this moment, the CPI-M has not said a word against Nair's revelation of Rs 10

crores," added Chandy.

He said his son Chandy Oommen will take appropriate legal steps against Nair, who had on Friday revealed before the solar judicial commission that she and his son had business projects.

Chandy said what had happened was that it took him a while to realise that the solar project was a fraudulent one.

"Look, my style of functioning is to take quick action and due to that I know when I take quick decisions on 100 things, 10 might be wrong and once I come to know it was wrong, I im-

mediately correct it. If otherwise I decide to seriously look into all aspects to make a decision, of the 100, I will be able to make decisions only on 10," he added.

Chandy said the UDF is meeting on Saturday and will decide on what needs to be done on the resignation letter of Excise Minister K.Babu as Justice Ubaid on Thursday stayed the Thrissur Vigilance Court verdict which ordered a case to be registered against him for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs.50 lakh from bar owner Biju Ramesh.

KolKaTa, January 29 (ianS): Laying stress on improving quality of politics and avoiding policy diversion in the form of populism, union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out against those opposing the government's reform measures in parliament, saying they were "hurting India's credibility". "Those who play games in parliament, must eventually realise that they are not only stalling the growth process of the country, but actually hurting India's credibility," said Jaitley, delivering the inaugural Suresh Neotia memorial lecture here.

He said India needed to speak largely in one voice on maintaining the growth momentum so as to give out the right signals that the country is capable of achieving the goals it has set out to achieve. "So whenever in the next session (of parliament) important legislations - be it direct tax reforms or indirect tax reforms - they come up, of whatever importance they are to growth of the economy, it's important to establish the country's credibilitya we have to maintain that momentum of growth.

"Therefore it is extremely important that on this issue india needs to speak largely in one voice," he said. Jaitley asserted India had the potential to achieve a growth rate in excess of the current 7-7.5 percent and called for improving rural demand and faster growth in manufacturing.

"Therefore we have to move in a direction in which these demands expand and economic activity expands," he said, also adding that to achieve these objectives, the quality of politics has to go up. "We need to really concentrate on two important factors - one is improving the quality of politics. World's largest democracy can't function unless it has a high level of politics. "Secondly we need to avoid policy diversions... populism is a policy diversion."

'Mehbooba unlikely to take over Jharkhand approaches Bihar for joint anti-Maoist operations in Kashmir in current situation' ranchi, January 29 to launch joint operation claimed responsibility for of top officials of the four render of the Maoist guer(ianS): Jharkhand has ap- against Maoist guerrillas in Wednesday's incident, states was held on January rillas and launching an op-

Jammu/Srinagar, January 29 (ianS): PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is unlikely to stake claim to power in Jammu and Kashmir in absence of concrete assurances from the BJP on the agenda of alliance between the two parties and her misgivings over their relationship, party sources said on Friday.

"It is not the question of whether she gets sworn in as the new chief minister of the state or not. She believes the terms of the alliance agenda have not been implemented during the 10-month period of her father's rule because the BJP made assurances without any translation on the ground.

"She is worried about the promises made by her father and the party to the people," a top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) source told IANS. "Mehboobaji has been in deep introspection since Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) Sahib passed away. She seems to have misgivings on continuation of the alliance with the BJP. "After resisting the lure to assume the reins of power in the state for the last 23 days, it is highly unlikely that she will agree to head the same ruling coalition unless the BJP walks the extra mile," said the source.

Lending credence to this is the PDP's announcement that no discussions on government formation will be discussed during the party meeting called in Sri-

nagar on January 31.

"We shall be discussing party affairs, strengthening the party at the grassroots level and other related issues without taking up the issue of staking claim to power," said a party source.

Others in the party argue that to stake claim to power after delaying the matter for nearly a month would be giving in to the bait thrown by rivals, like the National Conference (NC) which has been calling the PDP decision to take its own time to decide on future course of action as "theatrics".

"She (Mehbooba Mufti) is not someone who jumps to conclusions under pressure.

"She has a long political career ahead which cannot be staked for immediate power unless she fulfils the promises made to the people and the aspirations they attached to the stewardship of an experienced politician like Mufti sahib," said a party source, adding she needs assurances on resumption of talks with separatists, vacation of lands occupied by the army and return of power projects to state ownership.

If these sources are to be believed, then the state would be heading for a midterm poll since both the NC and the Congress have already shown reluctance to support any other alliance given the present numbers in the 87-member state legislative assembly.

The PDP won 28, the BJP 25, the NC 15, the Congress 12, the CPI-M one, Peoples Conference 2 and others fours seats in the 2014 assembly elections in the state.

Governor N.N. Vohra has started tightening his laces to run the government.

Vohra has asked top officials of the state finance department to start the process for vote on account for the next fiscal beginning April 1, 2016 so that the state is saved from plunging into any financial crisis.

proached Bihar to launch joint operation against Maoist Guerrillas in border areas, a police official said on Friday. The decision to launch joint operation was taken after Maoist guerrillas ambushed a police party, killing five policemen and two others at Kalapahari in Jharkhand's Palamau district on Wednesday evening.

The banned Communist Party of India-Maoist had triggered landmine blast in which a minibus was blown up. "We have approached Bihar

bordering areas of Aurangabad district of Bihar and adjacent areas of the both states," said Jharkhand's Inspector General of Police (Operation) M.S. Bhatia told IANS. "In the landmine blast, CPI-Maoist zonal commander Niteshji played key role. He operates both in Bihar and Jharkhand.

Only joint operation can curb his activities in the areas," Bhatia added. Bhatia, however, refused to divulge details of the operation, including timing.

The CPI-Maoist has

terming it as revenge for killing its men at Dibara in Bihar's Aurangabad district. Niteshji is active in Aurangabad district of Bihar and Palamau district of Jharkhand.

According to police sources, Maoists always take advantage of bordering areas. When operation is launched in Jharkhand, Maoist sneak into bordering states like Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh or West Bengal.

Headed by union Home Ministry security advisor K. Vijay Kumar, a meeting

22 in Ranchi.

"The meeting discussed the joint operation among the Maoist affected states.

The Maoist guerrillas cross the border when operation is launched in one state.

The states agreed to launch joint operation in bordering areas so that the Maoist menace could be ended in the bordering areas," a police official told IANS. The home ministry's security advisor suggested a three-pronged strategy to deal with the Maoist menace.

Its agenda includes sur-

eration against the Maoists.

Jharkahnd Police chief D.K. Pandey said the Maoists' presence would be eradicated from the state in 2016.

Pandey has taken a tough stand after the killing of the seven people including five policemen, by Maoists on Wednesday.

Police officials say that the Maoist menace can be curbed only when the neighbouring states launch joint operation.

Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the 22 districts of the state.

Similar explosives used in Bihar, Chennai, Uttarakhand & K'taka blasts: NIA new Delhi, January 29 (ianS): Terror elements used similar explosives in the bombings at Bihar's Gandhi Maidan, an express train in Chennai, outside a college in Uttarakhand and near a restaurant in Karnataka between 2013-2014, NIA sources said.

Sleuths of National Investigation Agency (NIA) figured this out when they managed to arrest Alam Jeb Afridi alias Javed Rafeeq, the prime accused in the December 28, 2014 Bengaluru Church Street blast. They were assisted in the effort by the Telangana Anti-terrorist Squad (ATS).

An official of the central counter-terrorism agency, which is probing all the terrorist cases since its establishment in December 31, 2008, said that the outfits behind these four attacks used Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur and Potas-

sium Chlorate to prepare Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

"The mixture used in preparing the IEDs was then packed in iron pipes," the official, on condition of anonymity told IANS. A series of bombings rocked Gandhi Maidan on October 27, 2013 killing six and injuring over 80 persons during a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally attended by Narendra Modi, then the party prime ministerial canidate for the AprilMay 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The explosions had preceeded Modi's arrival.

Six months later, two bombs went off in two coaches of the Bangalore-Guwahati Express at Chennai Central station on May 1, 2014 in which a woman was killed and 14 others were injured.

A 10-year-old boy was killed on December 6 the same when an

explosion took place metres away from a college in Roorkee in Uttarakhand where Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was holding an event to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition.

Twenty-one days after this, a bomb exploded outside the Coconut Grove Bar and Restaurant at Bengaluru Church Street on December 28, 2014 which claimed life of a woman and injured many others. The NIA official said that the agency was yet to link the role of same module in all four bombings.

He said that Rafeeq's interrogation has confirmed the role of the Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) outfit in the Bengaluru blast.

Rafeeq had wanted to plant bomb inside the restaurant but was deterred by the presence of staff and therefore planted it out-

side near a wall, the official said.

Rafeeq, who is a SIMI member and was close to several of its top leaders, was also absconding in another case of organising a terrorist camp for the outfit at Waghamon in Kerala. He was declared an absconder with a Rs.3 lakh bounty on his head five years now. He was close to several top SIMI leaders.

The 30-year-old resident of Ahmedabad, who is now in NIA custody, informed his interrogators that he had been residing in Bengaluru for more than three years in the garb of an air-conditioner mechanic.

NIA officials also claimed that Rafeeq's target was an Israeli delegation that was purported to visit Coconut Grove restaurant that day.

Rafeeq was the same suspect who stabbed a Telangana ATS constable, Srinivasa, the official said.

'Indian IS module draws members from IM, SIMI' new Delhi, January 29 (ianS): An Indian terror module pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) is a reorganised group of the virtually defunct Indian Mujaheedin and SIMI elements, recruiting new members to carry out a string of terror strikes across the country, highly placed intelligence sources said.

This fact came out during the questioning of 14 suspected Islamic State (IS) sympathisers who were arrested last week from 12 places in six cities in a synchronised raid conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the sources added.

Those inspired by the IS ideology were hooked by Yusuf-alHind who, the Indian security agencies believe, is former Indian Mujaheedin (IM) member Shafi Armar, a resident of Bhatkal in Karnataka.

Armar, now believed to be in the Islamic State-held area along the border of Iraq and Syria, formed 'Janood-ul-Khalifae-Hind' and recruited Mumbaibased 33-year-old Mudabbir Mushtaq Shaikh as 'Amir' (chief) of the group.

Official sources privy to the investigation told IANS that Armar also recruited his brother Sultan and others who had worked for Indian Mujahideen and the nowbanned Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

“Apart from former IM and SIMI members, Armar chose those who are basically inspired by the IS ideology. He first recruited his close aides and then inspired them to recruit more supporters," an official, on condition of anonymity, told IANS. "They used social networking sites and made calls through the

internet (using VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol) to activate the sleeper cells of IM and SIMI,” the official said.

Another intelligence source declining to be identified said that the outfit members were directed to carry out strikes across multiple cities, including Hyderabad in Telangana, Bengaluru, Manglore and Tumkur in Karnataka, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, and Aurangabad and Mumbai in Maharashtra.

“They were asked to organise training camps -- like how to use fire arms -- before the attack. They were also trying to establish channels for procuring explosives and weapons," the official source told IANS. The leadership of Janood-ulKhalifa-e-Hind, active since April 2015, was following the IM and SIMI set-ups by choosing their or-

ganised central, state and city level core groups, the official said.

The 14 men, allegedly influenced by IS and arrested by the NIA, are also said to have revealed that the 20-year-old Uttar Pradesh-based Mohammed Aleem was chosen as Naib Amir, the second-in-command of the group after Mudabbir.

The sources said Karnataka resident Najmul Huda was the military commander and 24-yearold Hyderabadi Mohammed Nafees Khan was the finance chief of the outfit.

All these major group leaders were arrested along with their aides Mohammed Shareef Moinuddin Khan, Mohammed Afzal, Syed Mujahid, Mohammed Obedullah Khan, Abu Anas, Asif Ali, Suhail Ahmed, Muhammad Abdul Ahad, Mohammad Hussain Khan, and Imran Khan.

A nearly 40-foot whale drew large crowds on Mumbai's popular Juhu beach on Friday until it was removed with the help of a crane. The whale, weighing around 20 tonnes, had washed up on Thursday night. It was noticed by lifeguards and joggers who called the police. A forest official assessed that the "Bryde's Whale" had been dead for two or three days. (Express Photo)

SaturdaY 30•01•2016

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Tropical Southeast Asia braces for Zika virus B A N G KO K / KUA L A LUMPUR, JANUARy 29 (ReUteRs): Tropical Southeast Asian countries said on Friday they were bracing for the mosquito-borne Zika virus, with Malaysia saying it could “spread quickly” if introduced, but Thailand appeared to be bucking the trend with just a handful of cases a year.

Zika, linked to severe birth defects including babies born with abnormally small heads, is wreaking havoc in Brazil where the government has deployed more than 200,000 troops to eradicate mosquitoes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that the virus was “spreading explosively” and could infect as many as four million people in the Americas.

No treatment or vaccine is available.

In Thailand, where just one case of Zika has been reported so far this year, the likelihood of Zika spreading was low, officials said, partly because of better access to health care and because Thailand was dealing with a smaller area.

“Thailand is a mediumsized country with a good public health system and easy-to-access medical facilities,” Amnuay Gajeena, director-general of the Disease Control Department,

Facts about the Zika virus and the current outbreak

told Reuters.

Thailand detected its first Zika case in 2012 and has recorded an average of five cases a year, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Kriengsak Limkittikul, assistant professor at the Department of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University in Bangkok, said there was inadequate information about Zika but that it was “only a matter of time” before more cases were reported.

Thailand has confirmed one case of the virus so far this year. Earlier this month, Taiwan reported one case of Zika infection in a man from northern Thailand.

“NO EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY” The WHO said on Sunday the rapid spread of Zika in the Americas was due to a lack of immunity among a population that had not been previously exposed to the virus.

Amnuay said there was “no technical evidence” of widespread immunity in Thailand but individuals exposed to the virus would “of course develop” antibodies as with other viruses.

The Zika virus is spread through the Aedes aegypti mosquito - responsible for dengue, yellow fever and

A transmission electron micrograph (TEM) shows the Zika virus, in an undated photo provided by the Centers For Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. (REUTERS Photo)

other tropical diseases.

The WHO’s Western Pacific Region Office in Manila said as long as Aedes mosquitoes circulated in the region “it can be anticipated that the virus will emerge”.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry said Zika had not yet been detected. “If it is introduced by an infected Malaysian or by a visitor to Malaysia, it could spread quickly,” said Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, Malaysia’s Health Ministry deputy director-general.

Neighbouring Singa-

pore has not detected any Zika infections but the government said there was a high risk of transmission if cases were imported to Singapore, a regional travel hub.

In the Western Pacific, Zika was first reported in Micronesia in 2007. It was reported in French Polynesia in October 2013, and since then, a number of Pacific Island countries have reported cases, including New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa.

In Australia, the foreign ministry’s travel advice website said there had been no reported cases of Zika.

The New Zealand Herald reported on Friday that one local man had been admitted to hospital with symptoms linked to the Zika virus. The Ministry of Health said it had received nine Zika notifications this year, the newspaper reported.

All of the travellers had been in the Pacific Islands and eight of them had recovered.

• The virus is transmitted to people through ported in 23 countries and territories in the bite of infected female Aedes mosthe Americas. Brazil has been the nation quitoes, the same type of mosquito that most affected. The Pan American Health spreads dengue, chikungunya and yelOrganization said Aedes mosquitoes are low fever. Efforts to control the spread of found in all countries in the Americas the virus include eliminating mosquito except Canada and continental Chile, breeding sites and taking precautions and the virus will likely reach all counagainst mosquito bites. tries and territories of the region where • There is no treatment or vaccine available Aedes mosquitoes are found. for Zika infection. People who get Zika • Zika virus is found in tropical locales virus disease typically have a mild fever, with large mosquito populations. skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have pain and fatigue, with symptoms normalbeen recorded in Africa, the Americas, ly lasting for two to seven days. Most peoSouthern Asia and Western Pacific. The ple never develop symptoms. U.S. health virus was first identified in Uganda in officials say the United States has two po1947 in rhesus monkeys and was first tential vaccine candidates and may begin identified in people in 1952. human clinical trials by the end of 2016, • One case of possible person-to-person but there will not be a widely available sexual transmission has been described vaccine for several years. but the Pan American Health Organi• The virus has been linked to a devastatzation said more evidence is needed ing birth defect called microcephaly in to confirm whether sexual contact is a which babies are born with abnormally means of Zika transmission. PAHO said small heads and brains that have not there is currently no evidence the virus developed properly. The WHO said a can be transmitted to babies through direct causal relationship between Zika breast milk. PAHO said Zika can be virus infection and birth defects has not transmitted through blood, but this is yet been established but is strongly susan infrequent transmission mechanism. pected. Local health authorities in Brazil • The WHO says that because no big Zika in 2015 observed an increase in babies outbreaks were recorded before 2007, born with microcephaly at the same little is known about complications time as a Zika outbreak. About 4,000 cascaused by infection. Long-term health es of microcephaly have been reported consequences remain unclear. It is in Brazil since September. Given an esuncertain whether in pregnant womtimated 80 percent of people infected en the virus crosses the placenta and have no symptoms, it can be hard to tell causes microcephaly. During an outif a pregnant woman has been infected. break of Zika from 2013-2014 in French Research by Brazilian authorities indiPolynesia, national health authorities cates the greatest risk of microcephaly reported an unusual increase in Guilappears to be associated with infection lain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in during the first trimester of pregnancy. which the body’s immune system at• The WHO said Zika cases have been retacks part of the nervous system.

North Korean activity points Paracetamol use in pregnancy may harm fertility to possible space launch LONdON, JANUARy 29 (IANs): Using painkillers in pregnancy may reduce fertility in subsequent generations, warns a research.

Tests conducted on rats revealed that when a mother was given painkillers during pregnancy, her female offspring had fewer eggs, smaller ovaries and smaller litters of babies than those not exposed to the drugs, the study revealed.

The findings are significant given the similarities between the reproductive systems of rats and hu-

mans, although it is difficult to directly extrapolate these results to pregnant women, the researchers noted.

“It’s important to remember that this study was conducted in rats not humans, however, there are many similarities between the two reproductive systems,” said Richard Sharpe, professor at the University of Edinburgh in Britain.

In addition to affecting a mother’s immediate offspring, the study also showed that the effect of

such drugs were extended to the subsequent generation of rats.

The resulting females - the grand daughters of the mother given painkillers in pregnancy - also had reduced ovary size and altered reproductive function, said the researchers.

Exposed male offspring were also affected at birth showing smaller numbers of cells that give rise to sperm in later life.

However, their reproductive function recovered to normal levels by the time

they reached adulthood, the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, said.

Pregnant w omen should stick with current guidelines to use painkillers at the lowest possible dose, for the shortest possible time, the researchers suggested.

Scientists tested the effects of two painkillers in pregnant rats - paracetamol and a prescription-only painkiller called indomethacin, which belongs to the same class of drugs as ibu-

profen and aspirin.

Rats were given the drugs over the course of several days - four days for indomethacin or nine days for paracetamol.

“These studies involved the use of painkillers over a relatively long period.

We now need to explore whether a shorter dose would have a similar effect, and how this information can be usefully translated to human use,” said coauthor Richard Anderson, professor at the University of Edinburgh.

Suu Kyi gets ready for power as NLD comes to parliament Airbus Defense & Space and 38 North satellite imagery dated January 25, 2016 shows three objects at the base of the gantry tower that are either vehicles or equipment at Sohae Satellite Launching Station in North Korea in this image released on January 28. (REUTERS Photo)

WAsHINGtON, JANUARy 29 (ReUteRs): The United States has seen increased activity around a North Korean missile site, suggesting preparations for a possible space launch in the near future, U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday.

The finding was revealed as Washington shows growing concern that Pyongyang could use space technology to enhance its missile capability and while United Nations Security Council members discuss fresh sanctions against North Korea after it conducted its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6.

The officials cited intelligence suggesting movement of components and propellant at North Korea’s Sohae satellite launch facility. A test could take place within a couple of weeks, they said. “Our concern though is ... it’s the same technology to develop ICBMs” (inter-continental ballistic missiles), one of the officials said.

“We are keeping a close eye on these activities by the North Koreans. We’re watching 24/7,” a second official said. Joe Bermudez, chief analytics officer at commercial intelligence firm AllSource Analysis, said open source imagery showed increased activity at the site in northwestern North Korea.

Movement of vehicles, construction and other activities suggested test preparations for a rocket engine test soon, Bermudez said. Activities were also noted at the launch pad, however, but it was not clear whether a rocket had already been delivered to the site.

North Korea was concealing activities on the site through construction of new buildings and a cover that obscures satellite views of the gantry tower next to the launch pad. “This is the first time leading up to a potential launch that all the concealment shelters are in place,” said Stephen Wood, chief executive officer of AllSource.

An analysis by 38 North, a North Korea monitoring project at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, said the cover near the gantry tower could conceal a rocket, and a rail-mounted shelter has been moved adjacent to the engine-test stand on the site.

The shelter could allow for rocket stages to be assembled and moved to the

tower under cover of darkness of heavy clouds, 38 North found. It is large enough to conceal the first stage of North Korea’s Musudan intermediate range ballistic missile, its Unha space-launch vehicle, or a new rocket engine.

The analysis said commercial satellite images, taken as a series of “snapshots” from Dec. 28 to Jan. 25, showed “low-level activities” throughout the Sohae Rocket Launch Facility. North Korea last conducted a long-range rocket launch in late 2012, sending an object it described as a communications satellite into orbit. Western and Asian experts said it was part of an effort to build an ICBM. South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok declined to comment on possible pre-launch activities by North Korea, citing a policy of not discussing intelligence matters. North Korea has not yet warned about potential interference with navigation, a step it has taken ahead of previous launches, he said.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during a trip to China this week warned against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s declared intention to develop an ICBM with the capacity to carry a nuclear warhead.

“It is a threat the United States must take extremely seriously,” Kerry told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday. “The United States will do what is necessary to protect people in our country and our friends and allies in the world,” Kerry said.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency on Thursday carried out a test of groundbased interceptors at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a source with knowledge of the test said. The test, aimed at improving the reliability of U.S. interceptors based in Alaska and California, met the agency’s objectives, the source said.

The U.S. military is adding 14 interceptors to the 30 already in place, and defense advocates have called for increasing the number of interceptors.

Meanwhile, on Thursday the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved legislation to broaden existing sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear programme, human rights record and cyber activities.

NAyPyItAW, JANUARy 29 (ReUteRs): After sweeping a historic election in November, Myanmar’s democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday bid farewell to outgoing lawmakers and prepared to form the country’s first democratically elected government since the 1960s.

The parliament dominated by members of her National League for Democracy - which won about 80 percent of elected seats last year - will convene for the first time on Monday, in another step of what has surprised experts as a remarkably stable - if drawn out - transfer of power.

Suu Kyi’s camp will start the formation of a government after decades-long struggle against the junta that had ruled Myanmar for 49 years. In 2011, it gave way to the semi-civilian government of President Thein Sein.

Celebrating the transition and

National League for Democracy (NLD) party leader Aung San Suu Kyi applauds as she attends a farewell ceremony at the Parliament in Naypyitaw on January 29. (REUTERS Photo)

the end of the first term of parliament, the outgoing and incoming lawmakers from all parties, as well as a military bloc, performed traditional dances, shared food and took pictures in an emotional cer-

emony in the capital, Naypyitaw.

“I am very excited to be here. I will work very hard to promote female rights and to create more opportunities for our women,” said Myint Myint Soe, a newly elected

NLD member of parliament.

Even though the politicians are generally optimistic, the months ahead are likely to be tense. A junta-drafted constitution bars Suu Kyi from becoming president, gives the military control over three security ministries and a quarter of seats in parliament, which will force the NLD into constant negotiations with the armed forces.

NLD leaders have reassured the army, stressing their focus is on the future and the will to put the past behind them. They have also said they would not push for an immediate overhaul of the constitution.

“If they agree to amend the constitution earlier, it would show their faith in the country and their sympathy towards the people,” said Tin Oo, one of the party’s most respected leaders. “But the NLD policy towards the military for now is not to put any pressure on them,” he said.

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SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Former Man United captain Vidic announces retirement

LOnDOn, JAnUAry 29 (rEUtErS): Former Manchester United captain and defensive rock Nemanja Vidic announced his retirement on Friday, saying injuries had taken their toll and it was time to call it a day.

The 34-year-old Serbian central defender moved to Inter Milan in 2014 but his contract with the Serie A club was terminated by mutual consent this month. "The time has come for me to hang up my boots," he said in a statement on the United website. "The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll.

"I would like to thank all the players I have played with, all the managers and staff I have worked with,

Nemanja Vidic (REUTERS)

and say a big 'thank you' to the fans for their support over the years." With Rio Ferdinand, fan favourite Vidic was at the heart of the United defence between 2006 and 2014 and he won

five English Premier League titles as well as the Champions League in 2008.

He quit the Serbian national team after they failed to reach the 2012 European championship finals.

ICC to issue helmets to umpires at T20 WCup

mELbOUrnE, JAnUAry 29 (PtI): Concerned about the safety of its on-field officials, the ICC will provide specially-designed helmets to umpires in the upcoming World Twenty20 World Cup in India to ensure they are protected from wayward hits.

The move comes after two umpires were hospitalised in the last two months after being struck on the field.

In December, Australian John Ward was hospitalised after being hit on the head during a Ranji Trophy match in India, while English umpire Richard Kettleborough was hit during the India-Australia ODI earlier this month.

"In the last three or four years, the fitness and the strength of the players has increased dramatically, and the bats are so

much better than ever before, so the guys are hitting the ball a lot harder," Kettleborough told 'cricket.com.au'. "...it's becoming quite dangerous, certainly in T20 and one-day cricket especially. I know for the T20 World Cup we're all going to be issued helmets. We're not obliged to wear them, it's totally up to us, but it's certainly something I'll be taking on board and thinking about."

Kettleborough said the preventive action is necessary to ensure that nobody gets injured too seriously. "Our safety, as with the players, is paramount. The nonstrikers are in danger too, as is the bowler in his follow- through, there's no doubt about that. It's only a matter of time before someone gets hit quite badly," he said.

Graham Ford named coach of Sri Lanka COLOmbO, JAnUAry 29 (PtI): South African Graham Ford will take over as the chief coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team for his second stint replacing Marvan Atapattu, who had stepped down five months back. Ford is expected to join the side in February before the three-match T20 International series against India. The news was announced in Surrey county's website as they confirmed their current coach Ford's decision to leave for international assignment. Ford had earlier coach Sri Lanka for two years starting from 2012. Ford coach Surrey since 2014 and helped the club gain promotion back to the First Division of the County Championship and guided them to the final of the one day championship also.

Director of Cricket Alec Stewart told club website:"We are extremely disappointed to be losing Graham Ford who has not just been an outstanding Head Coach but has played an integral role in the progress that we have achieved over the last two years. "It was a very tough decision for Graham to leave Surrey but we understand that the opportunity to go back and coach at International level with Sri Lanka was too good to turn down. Despite the timing of his decision, we wish Graham all the best and we will immediately start our search for a new Head Coach," Stewart announced. According to sources, Ford's contract will run upto 2019 World Cup in England.

NBA: Bulls top Lakers in Pau's last Staples date with Kobe

LOS AnGELES, JAnUAry 29 (AP): During seven seasons together with the Lakers, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant formed a bond that won't be broken by separation or retirement.

When they played on the same court in Los Angeles for the final time, the Chicago Bulls won in a blowout that didn't mean a whole lot to two friends with memories of better days.

Jimmy Butler had 26 points and 10 assists, and the Bulls opened their longest road trip of the season with a 114-91 victory over the spiraling Lakers on Thursday night.

Gasol had 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists while facing Bryant for the last time at Staples Center.

They hadn't played in the same game since the 7-foot Spaniard left the Lakers as a free agent in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of two NBA titles, three trips to the finals and countless incredible moments in LA. "I just think of all the moments that we went through, and they kind of mix together," Gasol said.

"This building is extremely special. It's been my home for so long. I went through so much. Everything is just more intense in this city

Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol, center, of Spain, hugs Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant, right, prior to an NBA basketball game on January 28, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

and with this team. I lived it very intensively."

Bryant scored 10 points on 4-for-13 shooting after sitting out the previous game for the Lakers, who lost their season-worst eighth straight game to drop to 9-39. Kobe hadn't been healthy enough to suit up against the Bulls since the 2012-13 season.

Bryant knows he had a special partnership with Gasol.

"It was his intelligence

Neymar fined $112,000 for Brazil tax evasion

SAO PAULO, JAnUAry 29 (AFP): Barcelona star Neymar on Thursday lost an appeal against a $112,000 fine slapped on him for tax evasion during his years with Santos in 2007 and 2008.

The appeal decision confirmed the Brazilian financial authorities' sanction handed down originally in 2012 for irregularities in his income tax declaration, the tax service said. The case also involved the player's father although the fine is unlikely to perturb the Brazilian star too much as he reportedly earns around $215,000 a week at European champions Barcelona.

Neymar is also embroiled in legal ac-

tion in Spain where he has been ordered to give evidence on February 2 for alleged fraud surrounding his transfer to the Catalan giants from Santos in 2013.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu, his predecessor Sandro Rosell, Neymar's parents and two directors of Santos have also been called to appear.

Spanish public prosecutors filed for action to be taken against all the parties after a complaint of fraud and corruption was launched by the Brazilian investment fund DIS, which held 40 percent of Neymar's sporting rights when he played at Santos, at the court in June 2015.

DIS has claimed it was cheated of its real share of the benefits of the 23-yearold's transfer because part of the fee was concealed by Barcelona and Santos.

The deal was originally valued at 57.1 million ($62.1 million) by the Catalan club, 40 million of which was paid to the N&N company owned by the player's father with Santos receiving just 17.1 million. However, Spanish judicial authorities have estimated the amount to be at least 83.3 million. DIS received 6.8 million ($7.7 million) out of the total 17.1 million that Barcelona paid to Santos, but claims it may also be due a share of the overall transfer payments.

and his ability to communicate clearly," Bryant said.

"His ability to have extreme poise, his ability to put his arm around the guys, laugh at them, beat them up verbally, encourage them and bring them along. It's all those attributes. On top of that, he's just a great player."

Only the lopsided score likely prevented Gasol from dropping a triple-double on the Lakers after he was left off the Eastern Conference All-Star team earlier

in the day.

"I didn't need any extra fire tonight," Gasol said.

"I wanted to play well. It's exciting for me to be back here on this floor. ... I don't need to prove myself at this point in my career. I think I'm still one of the elite players in this league, and I'll try to continue to be for as long as I can."

Butler was similarly spectacular in his first game since his second AllStar selection. Butler made

Football

11 of his 17 shots and adding five assists as Chicago opened its seven-game road trip with a laugher against the Western Conference's worst team.

Doug McDermott added 15 points with three 3-pointers for the Bulls, who took an 18-point lead in the first quarter with a lengthy run that included three baskets and two steals in 29 seconds by Butler.

Jordan Clarkson scored 16 points and Nick Young had 14 for the Lakers, who played without starting guard Lou Williams due to a respiratory infection.

Los Angeles has lost 12 of 13 since its only winning streak of the season.

The crowd gave several loud ovations to Gasol, who got little love from many Lakers fans in his final years here. Bryant feels Gasol was scapegoated for the Lakers' failures to win another title, saying that "the city of LA didn't appreciate what he did and what we had."

Butler was grateful to learn of his second straight All-Star nod before the game. So what will be different about Butler's second All-Star weekend? "I'll probably have more people with me this time," he said with a grin. "I can probably afford it now."

Fixture

Serena seeking to join Graf with Australian Open win

mELbOUrnE, JAnUAry 29 (rEUtErS): Serena Williams is on course to match Steffi Graf's major haul in the Australian Open on Saturday, but German seventh seed Angelique Kerber will be hoping she can prevent the American from emulating her idol while carving her own piece of history.

The 34-year-old world number one is a raging hot favourite to beat the firsttime finalist on Rod Laver Arena, a victory that would move the American to 22 grand slam singles titles, the same as Graf and a record for the Open era.

Australia's Margaret Court holds the overall record with 24.

Williams had the opportunity to join Graf last year at the U.S. Open, victory at which would have also given her a calendar year grand slam, the first since Graf in 1988.

Italy's Roberta Vinci, however, knocked out the world number one in the semi-finals, which also ended the American's year as she took a few months off to recover from injuries and deal with the mental anguish of having missed the calendar grand slam.

That loss in New York has obviously resonated in her preparations for Melbourne Park, where she has appeared completely focussed since a testing first

Serena Williams of the U.S. hits a shot during her semi-final match against Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 28. (REUTERS)

round clash with Italy's Camila Giorgi.

She has not dropped a set at all and conceded just 17 games since the Giorgi clash and battered the fivetimes grand slam champion Maria Sharapova 6-4 6-1 in the quarter-finals and fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-0 6-4 in the semifinals. Both Sharapova and Radwanska said afterwards

they felt that Williams was playing at a level above everyone else.

"I would say this is probably the best slam I've played in a year, and I've won a lot in a year," Williams told reporters on Friday. "Even if I don't win, I really can take away that I've been really consistent and I want to continue that." Williams and Kerber have met

six times, with the American winning five, though Kerber's 6-4 6-4 victory in Cincinnati in 2012 was one she would not forget.

"I thought she played unbelievable in that match," Williams said. "I think from then on out I've been really focused that she's someone that I, and everyone, has to take very seriously." Kerber, who

saved a match point in her first round clash with Japan's Misaki Doi, will enter her first grand slam final with immense confidence, believing a 'nothing to lose' attitude had got her this far.

It was that attitude that helped her overturn a 2-5 second set deficit in her quarter-final against Victoria Azarenka and gave her a first win over the Belarusian in their seventh match. "'Nothing to lose' means I can go out there and try to play like I'm playing, without pressure," the 28-yearold said. "I think most will say, 'okay, Serena will win'.

"But I don't have so much pressure like she has. I know I can lose the match. That's why I'm going out there to try to win it."

Kerber's confidence comes from four years of consistent play, in which she has consolidated a top-10 ranking, won seven tournaments and made the WTA Finals three times.

She will be ranked a career-best fourth by the end of the tournament, and could be two if she becomes the first German to clinch a major since Graf won the last of her slams at Roland Garros in 1999.

"I think I grow in the last few years to be a top-10 player," she said.

"Now I'm back in the top five. I think I showed everybody that I deserve it.

That's a good feeling."

Volleyball

Fixture

Saturday 30•01•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Putting aspiring Beauty Queens on the road to success All around the world, we have stories about beauty pageants winners and contestants becoming successful journalists, actors, philanthropists, showbiz personalities etc.

Nagaland is fast becoming a powerhouse in National and International Beauty Pageants. We have talented and creative people like Choreographer and Beauty Pageant coach Toshizen Longkumer behind the show contributing to this success.

Akangchila Longchar

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espite the glitz and glamour which defines the superficial visage of beauty pageants, there is a lot of hard work that goes behind it. The outcome of which, would not be possible without proper planning and its immaculate execution. All of this demand creative focus, practical insights and strict discipline. Wise words from one of the most

sought-after Choreographer and Beauty Coach in Nagaland- Toshizen Longkumer.

A keen observer of beauty and aesthetics, Toshizen holds a Masters Degree in Economics from St.Josephs College, Bangalore. His sense of humour is legendary, not only to his friends but people who’ve worked with him. “I can be loud and funny, unfortunately, most times, both at the same time,” he con-

firms.

He has no training in choreographing shows.

But like most of us, Toshizen didn’t enjoy the way local pageants were held. “To be honest, I had absolutely no clue what choreographing was all about. All I knew was that, I didn’t like how the contestants entered the stage, how they walked and posed and how they exited in the local shows that I happened to catch on local channels. It was just too chaotic and lacked finesse,” he says.

He found the right opportunity when he was approached by EGON to choreograph Miss Dimapur 2009. “I took it as a challenge upon myself to see how I could bring more order and fine tune it. And that’s how it all started.

I spent sleepless nights working out routines in my mind like those drill exercises we used to do as kids.

I was looking for symmetry and how to coordinate and make the whole show

seamless,” he shares.

Giving us a glimpse into his work, he says that there are only certain things one can come up with in terms of choreographing as beauty pageants have a specific format. However, in an endeavor to infuse new ideas and concepts, he incorporated live singers and dancers, with a local touch, into the choreography, to bring about a more entertaining picture.

Toshizen describes fashion choreographing as “shouts and cheers at the same time”. He explains that choreographing entails a lot of planning and immaculate executions so that every contestant gets equal amount of stage time and they look confident doing so. But apart from all those technicalities, a choreographer is part Coach and cheerleader. One needs to make the contestants calm and make them believe that they can do it.

Ask him how much money he makes per

show and he replies with his trademark humour, “I don’t know about others, my fee ranges from 50”.

Beauty pageants are hectic, stressful and nerve-wracking. So it is no wonder the choreographer admits that the best part is the sigh of relief after the show. This experienced choreographer shares that one needs lots of patience. Apart from that, one needs to be thorough with the cue sheets, the overall mood of the show and should be able to visualize what the show director wants and deliver it of course.

He laments that one of the biggest challenges he faces in every pageant is the lack of space for practice.

He states, “We get access to the final stage only a day prior to the show, before which we can only imagine the stage size, design and space. With a vague layout of the stage there are number of things which can go wrong, but thankfully, so far, I have not had a situation when things were beyond my control.”

As an experienced choreographer, he points out that any major event requires the successful coordination between many units. “What I have realized over the years is that it requires a team to

put up a successful show.

And the show is only as good as the least performing member. A choreographer is just another cog in the wheel. So, apart from choreographing the routines for the contestants, I also sit down with the all the other departments and run through the cue sheet all over again. And if required, I do sit down with the performing artists and discuss ways how to better their performance, be it, how to enter and exit or styling their look to how to use the stage more efficiently,” he says.

As a coach preparing many aspiring beauty queens, Toshizen feels that what people don’t know about Beauty Pageant is that it involves a lot of hard work and dedication, not forgetting nerves of steel.

He says, “Remember, it’s not easy to face an audience let alone respond to questions intelligently on the spot. Most of us would shudder even at the thought of standing on the stage but these young girls are up on the stage fighting an unsympathetic crowd with their intelligence, grace and charisma. And they could only do thus

because of the grooming sessions that are accorded to them. Win or lose, with these grooming sessions these young girls will always have an edge over others; the ability and the conviction to voice their views and opinions with their head held high.”

Toshizen sums up his beginning as a choreographer to, “There were no inspiration just perspirations. I consider myself quite lucky for a person who had no clue what he wanted to do in life. Now, when I am not choreographing beauty pageant, I serve the government.”

Jefferson Airplane Founder Paul Kanter Dead Kashito Kiba new music album releasing soon

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he guitarist passed away after suffering multiple organ failure on Thursday (28Jan16). He suffered a heart attack earlier this week, according to multiple reports. Kantner was also a founding member of Jefferson Airplane's offshoot band, Jefferson Starship.

Born in March, 1941, the musician formed Jefferson Airplane in San Francisco in the early 1960s with Marty Balin and the band quickly became huge in the Bay

area, serving as the first headliner at promoter Bill Graham's fabled Fillmore Auditorium.

The group released it's first album, The Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, in 1966 and singer Grace Slick joined the band a year later, recording instant psychedelic rock classics Somebody to Love and White Rabbit. Kantner and Slick went on to form Jefferson Starship in 1974. He left the band a decade later.

The guitarist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

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ashito Kiba Volume – 4 Music Album “Kimiye no ikhilu tsulo” in Sumi Dialect will be released in February 2016 which will be his forth music album. Some of his albums are “Back Home, Oishe He, Yeghiqha Lau Alovilo” (Christmas Songs). Most of the songs are composed with the music by Kashito Kiba.

Kashito kiba who is an artist, composer, sound engineer is also the Managing

Director & Founder of Pheto Music Association. Kashito has composed and recorded many songs for various occasions and received numerous Achievement Awards in the field of Music.

Kashito future plan is to start Pheto Music & Film Academy at Padumpukhuri Dimapur- Nagaland to train and employ younger generation particularly in the area of Technical Education with the Motto: “Imparting Technical Education.”

Lars Ulrich & The Black Keys To Be Part Of Hall Of Fame Induction Gala

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t's not clear if the rockers will be inducting friends or heroes or performing at the ceremony on 8 April (16), but this year's honourees include Chicago, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, the

Steve Miller Band and N.W.A. Ulrich is a clear favourite to induct Deep Purple after kickstarting a campaign to get the heavy rockers into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

"I’m not gonna get into

the politics or all that stuff, but I got two words to say: Deep Purple...," he told Rolling Stone.

“Seriously, people, Deep Purple. Two simple words in the English language."

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

Catherine Zeta-Jones reveals secret of her youthful complexion

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Rewati Chetri from Assam was crowned as Miss Asia (Best in Asia Continent) at the World Miss University 2016 pageant in Beijing, China. She also made it to the top super six finalist list through online votes. The 22 year old student of a City Law College from Guwahati Assam under Gauhati University was selected to represent India at the prestigious World Miss University 2016 pageant.

f you’re wondering how Catherine Zeta-Jones manages to keep her skin so dewy at 46, she’s more than happy to share her secret. The Hollywood star has told how she uses argan oil to moisturise her complexion, saying she ‘saturates’ her face with it to keep her looking youthful. Although the product is becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen for its supposed health properties, Miss Zeta-Jones, like many women, prefers to make it part of her daily beauty regime. During a webchat yesterday, the star said her hectic workload was taking its toll on her appearance and leaving her complexion as dry as a potato crisp.

She said: ‘I’m finding, just from travelling from New York and being in heated hotel rooms, my skin feels like a Walker’s crisp at the moment, but I’ve been using some argan oil just to

saturate my skin at night, so it has some nourishment as I sleep, to start the day a little bit more hydrated.’ The Oscar-winner, who is in the midst of a promotional tour for the new Dad’s Army film in which she plays a glamorous journalist, added: ‘The real hydration comes from within. You can never drink too much water. No diet sodas!’ She added: ‘I think happiness is the best tonic for keeping us youthful. Being happy with who you are inside radiates on the outside.’ The oil is produced from nuts of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco and has long been used by Berber women to treat ailments such as dry skin, acne, wrinkles, joint pain and even stretch marks.

The traditional harvesting method involves letting goats eat the nuts, which are softer and easier to crack once they have passed through their gut.

However, the cosmetics industry has developed more modern extraction techniques. Experts say it contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil and is rich in antioxidants. It also has

anti-inflammatory properties that can help those with arthritis or rheumatism.

Prices range from £9.99 to £74 depending on quality and strength. Bread can be dipped in it or it can be driz-

zled on couscous and pasta. It is also credited with being able to lower cholesterol and ease arthritis.

During the webchat, Miss Zeta-Jones – married to Michael Douglas, 71 – also admitted women over 40 are sidelined by Hollywood movie bosses. She said: ‘I have been in this business since I was nine years old, and have heard the same thing said throughout the different parts of my career.

Then, hello, I’m in my 40s... and it’s true.’ She added: ‘There’s talk in Hollywood about diversity right now, and it’s a good conversation to be had, and necessary, but when we say diversity, let’s mean diversity for actors with ethnic differences, age differences, and sex differences.’ The actress said her two children – Dylan, 15, and 12-year-old Carys – are her greatest achievement. ‘It was the best production I was part of, ever,’ she added.

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Mirza-Hingis win Aus Open doubles title

Switzerland's Martina Hingis (R) and India's Sania Mirza pose with the trophy after winning their doubles final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 29. (REUTERS)

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Melbourne, January 29 (reuters): World number one doubles pairing Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza clinched their first Australian Open doubles title together with a 7-6(1) 6-3 victory over Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka on Friday.

It was the 12th grand slam women's doubles title for Hingis while the third for India's Mirza, all of which have come with the Swiss in the last year.

The pair, who have now won 36 successive doubles matches, are also the reigning Wimbledon and U.S. Open champions.

"Thanks to my partner, we have had an incredible year," Mirza said in a courtside interview. "We keep going and it's great to have all these records with you."

Both pairs were broken four times each in the first set before Mirza sealed it in

Mirza- Dodig lose in mixed doubles semis

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op seeds Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig suffered a shock 5-7, 6-7(4) loss to fifth seeds Elena Vesnina and Bruno Soares in the mixed doubles semifinals at the Australian Open on Friday.

The mixed doubles last four clash which lasted one hour and 32 minutes saw the Indo-Croat pair broken in the eighth and 12th games of the first set. SaniaDodig showed glimpses of a fightback in the second set, but lost in the tie-breaker.

(NDTV) the tiebreak after 62 minutes when Hradecka sent a forehand service return long over the baseline.

Hingis, who was knocked out by Mirza and Croatia's Ivan Dodig in the mixed doubles quarterfinals, took a medical time out at the end of the first set to have treatment to her right shoulder, but did not appear troubled. Hradecka dropped serve in the first and fifth games of the second set, to give the top seeds a 4-1 lead, and while Mirza lost her next service

game they never looked like relinquishing control with Hingis dominant at the net.

The Swiss was then broken while serving for the title, though they sealed it on their fourth championship point when Hradecka's running forehand sailed over the baseline, the third time she was broken in the set.

"You have won two grand slam doubles so you were very tough," Hingis said of the Czech pair. "I know everyone will say break, break, break but you guys have the best returns in doubles."

Tortured Murray outlasts Milos Raonic to reach Melbourne final

Melbourne, January 29 (reuters): Andy Murray went through paroxysms of frustration but seized another opportunity to break his Australian Open jinx with a fourhour, five-set semi-final victory over Milos Raonic on Friday.

Four times the British world number two has advanced to the final at Melbourne Park and four times he has been vanquished, three times at the hands of Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian will again stand in his path on Sunday as the Scot seeks to add another grand slam title to his 2012 U.S. Open and 2013 Wimbledon crowns.

"Five finals is a great achievement," said Murray. "You can't take that away from me.

"I should be happy about that. There's very few players that will have made five Australian Open finals, so I have to be proud of that achievement."

Raonic, meanwhile, was left heartbroken after suffering a thigh injury that hampered him from the middle of the third set of the 4-6 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 6-2 defeat.

Winning tennis matches never looks like a walk in the park for Murray but for much of the contest against the Canadian, he at least had some justification for the tortured grimaces and explosions of anger that followed every setback.

The 13th seed has been on fire this year and his big serve and huge forehands

Milos Raonic (Reuters)

had one of the best returners in the game on the ropes, while his new-found net game helped him to a healthy 72 winners.

Murray said earlier this week that he would waste no more energy on the histrionics but the match was just minutes old when he returned to his chair muttering curses having been broken to love in his first service game.

That was to be Raonic's only break of the match but it was enough to win the first set and, after Murray had pounced to even up the contest, he ramped up his 230 kilometre-per-hour serve to clinch the third on tiebreak.

"It was tough," said Murray. "It was frustrating ... he didn't miss a first serve in the breaker and I

had played some good tennis in that set."

The 25-year-old Raonic, hoping to become the first Canadian man to reach a grand slam final, was feeling the injury in the fourth set but Murray had also crucially got a better fix on his serve and broke for 4-3.

Raonic almost claimed it back in the next game but Murray saved two break points, falling to one knee and roaring "Yes! Yes!" as he pumped his fist at the ground.

Murray served out the set to even up the contest again and grabbed two breaks early in the decider as the wincing Raonic's level dropped, the Canadian's racket feeling the brunt of his frustration after the first.

"It's unfortunate, it's probably the most heart-

Andy Murray (Reuters)

broken I've been on court," Raonic said of his injury.

"I think maybe that's why I sort of lashed out at the start of the fifth set. I don't think that's like myself to do, but sometimes it's a little bit too much to keep in." Murray finished off his ailing opponent with a sublime crosscourt backhand volley to bring up a match point, which he converted with a handsome forehand winner.

The 28-year-old pointed both index fingers at the roof of Rod Laver Arena before slumping into his courtside chair with a look of relief on his face.

The relief will not be long-lived, however, as he will be back on the same court on Sunday attempting to dethrone five-times champion Djokovic.

India seal Australia T20 series

Platini 'to appeal football ban' on Feb 15

Paris, January 29 (aFP): Michel Platini's appeal against his eight year ban from football will be heard by FIFA judges on February 15, a source close to the suspended UEFA president told AFP on Friday. "The appeal will be held on February 15," the source said.

The 60-year-old Frenchman was banned for eight years on December 21 over a two million Swiss franc ($2 million/1.8 million euro) payment that FIFA leader Sepp Blatter authorised for Platini.

Blatter was also banned for eight years.

The appeal is to be heard by world foot-

"I have a very good shot on Sunday if I play my best tennis," he said.

"There's no reason it's not possible for me to win."

Murray's older brother Jamie will be bidding for silverware on Saturday when he teams up with Bruno Soares to take on Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek in the men's doubles final. It is the first time two brothers have reached separate finals at the same grand slam.

"You're not going to see it very often," Murray junior said. "We should enjoy it and be proud of it because it's a tough thing to do."

That final will follow Angelique Kerber's attempt to knock six-times Australian Open champion Serena Williams off her perch in the women's final.

ball's governing body's appeals commission.

FIFA's ethics committee has also said it will appeal against the sentence saying it is too lenient.

Anti-corruption investigators had originally sought a life ban from all football activity against Blatter and Platini.

The ethics judges rejected corruption charges but said the two most powerful men in the game had abused their positions in making the controversial payment in 2011 for consultancy work carried out a decade earlier.

India leave the field after their victory against Australia during their T20 cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground January 29. (REUTERS)

Melbourne, January 29 (aFP): India took an unbeatable 2-0 lead over Australia in their three-match Twenty20 series with a 27-run win in the second match at the MCG on Friday.

The tourists won the first match in Adelaide by 37 runs and the second encounter followed a remarkably similar script.

After India made 184 for three, Australia looked in a strong position in the chase as they approached 100 with openers Aaron

Finch and Shaun Marsh still at the crease. But the home side faltered, with their middle order unable to continue the good work of the openers.

Australia were cruising at 94-0 in the 10th over, but the dismissal of Marsh for 23, caught off the bowling of Ravi Ashwin, turned the tide. Wickets started to tumble and when the captain Finch, who was battling a recurrent hamstring strain but shaped up as Australia’s last hope, was run out for 74 from 48 balls

the tourists were in total control.

Finch had ridden his luck until then, having been dropped three times in quick succession just after reaching his half-century.

To make matters worse for the skipper, he appeared to severely aggravate the injury to his hamstring in being run out, placing his immediate playing future in doubt.

Australia lost eight wickets for just 63 runs as the game and the series slipped away.

Shane Watson, who stood in for the injured Finch at the post-match presentation, said the home side blew a great foundation for the second time in as many matches.

"We got a really good start, but the middle order weren't able to get the momentum up," he said.

"We lost too many wickets through the middle."

Against a weak-looking Australian side, missing star batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith, India’s top order batsmen again

produced a commanding total.

Opener Rohit Sharma took nine balls to get off the mark, but made good on the slow start to top score with 60 from 47 balls.

Virat Kohli, who made an unbeaten 90 in the first game, backed that up with 59 not out from 33 balls.

Shikhar Dhawan chimed in with a personal best of 42 from 32 balls, putting on 97 with Sharma at the top of the order.

Kohli was named man of the match and said he was able to capitalise on the groundwork of the opening pair. "Sealing the series feels wonderful," he said.

"Those two (openers) have been striking the ball well.

"They are taking the game away from Australia in the first few overs. I think it demoralises the bowlers a bit and they have been laying a great platform for me."

Although Yuvraj Singh failed to get a bat for the second match in succession, he had a major impact with the ball, coming on in the middle overs and conceding just seven runs in two overs, and claiming the crucial wicket of Glenn Maxwell for one.

Spinner Ravi Jadeja also played an important role with the ball, taking a stunning return catch to remove Watson and claiming two wickets.

54th SASA Wrestling Meet concludes Our Correspondent Kohima | January 29

The two day long 54th Wrestling Meet 2016 of the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) concluded here this afternoon at Kohima Local Ground.

In the free style wrestling, which took place today, Neikho-o Terhukhano emerged as champion in the Under-70 kg category (Men) while Kezevikho Sakhrie was the runner up.

Earlier, Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) president Dr. Neiketou Kiso attended the closing function as patron.

The function was led by SASA tournament director Metekhrielie Mejura while vote of thanks was proposed by Free style wrestlers in action during day two of the 54th SASA Wrestling Meet 2016 SASA treasurer Ketoulekho Ngukha. in Kohima on January 29. (Morung Photo)

61 kg: 1st – Khriesavizo, 2nd- Sabu.

57 kg: 1st- Beizo Phira, 2nd- Mhashezokhol Naleo.

63 kg: 1st- Neithongulie Kuotsu, 2nd- Zhovizo Zao. 58 kg: 1st- Bedulhou Tepa 54 kg: 1st- Ngopisa Kuotsu, 2nd- Kusato Salie.

50 kg: 1st- Kevingutuo Keyie, 2nd- Vikethozo Kuotsu.

46 kg: 1st- Metewheto Kuotsu, 2nd- Razhuvil Thaprii.

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