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Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 190
The Morung Express “
www.morungexpress.com
promises more income tax relief if economy improves
I’m more comfortable in Bollywood than Hollywood
14th July - 12:30 AM
Argentina Vs Germany
Sunday, July 13, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Charles Dickens
July 11 to 24 is population stabilization fortnight [ PAGE 2]
Israel widens air attack, Gaza death toll tops 125
Frustrated India lose early wickets [ PAGE 12]
[ PAGE 9]
[ PAGE 11]
[ PAGE 8]
2014 FIFA World Cup
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There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart
when fantasy became reality!
Anime fans converge in Kohima for NAJ Cos-fest 2014 Morung Express news Dimapur | July 12
On Saturday, a small nook in Kohima town was ‘magically’ transformed into a realm of fantasy, filled with heroes, princesses and anBy Sandemo Ngullie thropomorphic creations. Any person unfamiliar with anime or fantasy literature would have been left befuddled and wondering. This was a realm in sharp contrast to the massively flaunted and thereby generally perceived image of the ‘headhunting Nagas.’ It was bizarre, odd, alien and at the same time exceedingly intriguing. The second annual Cos-fest, organized by the Nagaland Anime Junkies, saw hundreds of young people strutting persoRs 50,000 is not bad for an hour work huh? now let’s nas of their favorite chargo and get ready for the acters at the Heritage, Old DC Bungalow in Kohima evening service. on July 12, Saturday. The event was first held in 2013, attracting a tremendous amount of support from anime fans within and outside Nagaland state. Flashing swords made of
reflections
(LEFT) A group of cos-players enact a routine at the nAJ Cos-fest 2014 in Kohima on July 12. (RIGHT) Two naga youngsters dress up as their favorite fictional characters. (Photos by Hopong Chang)
papier-mâché and stark and vibrant costumes thronged the venue, making it seem like a big fancy dress party. But it was more than that. The idea of dressing up in costumes may conjure images of homemade childhood costumes for running round the garden in, or awkward ensembles at school fancy dress competitions. Not so here, as participants prepared weeks ahead,
putting in a tremendous amount of effort to create precise representations of their alter egos. Cos-play - short for costume play – is a performance art where participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from influences as varied as television, comic books, movies, video games and literature. For many cos-
players, the exercise is more than mere dress up. It is not just about donning the same outfit as a beloved character; they adopt the same mannerisms, posture and accent, embodying the character rather than just imitating. They feel a deeper connection with their chosen character that elevates the experience to a more profound level. The Nagaland Anime
Junkies was formed in 2011 by a few individuals who shared a common interest in arts and animations. It started off as a Facebook page where Anime fans from everywhere could come together and share their love for the art-form. The page is open to all and at present has over seven thousand followers, mostly young Nagas. The event saw anime fans performing various
foothill road: work order stayed Morung Express news Dimapur | July 12
The recent work order issued by the PWD (Roads & Bridges) for the first phase of the Foothill road project in respect to the Mon and Mokokchung sectors has been stayed following a court order. The Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) on Saturday disclosed that the stay order was passed by the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court. The NFHRCC stated that contractors – Yashitsungba Aier and A. Neangba Konyak filed separate petitions in court challenging the PWD (R&B’s) decision to award works contract to other contractors even The Morung Express after they had quoted the lowest rates in bidding process. Aier’s firm, Nagaland POLL QUESTIOn the Steel Engineering Works was in the fray for Vote on www.morungexpress.com the Mokokchung sector while Neangba SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 had bid for the Mon sector. Are you concerned by the Initially, the NFHRCC stated that intensity in which issues the committee advised the contractors of public interest are being against seeking legal redress. “Howevpoliticized and defined along er, having seen the adamant attitude of lines of tribalism and groupism?
the (PWD) department, the committee was compelled to finally ask both the committee recommended contractors to approach the court of law.” It added that the decision of the court clearly exhibits that the “NFHRCC recommended contractors were denied justice through open tender.” As regard to the withdrawal of the Konyak Union’s support, the NFHRCC affirmed that it will not have any effect on the committee. It asserted that the KU
Maintaining that its foremost objective is to see the completion of the foothill road, the NFHRCC clarified that the road is not only for its constituent members but belongs to entire Nagaland. The NFHRCC stated that the committee is often viewed “by a section of the people” as being more concerned with “contract works” but it maintained that “it is not the issue... rather the intention of the committee is not to subject the historic project to bribery or commission.” Concerning the ‘Open letter to the CM’ written on July 4, the NFHRCC informed that it has not received any response yet. In its letter the committee had asked the Chief Minster to initiate necessary action, failing which it will be compelled to approach the “appropriate authority.” Referring to the committee’s demand for disclosing the identity of the person apprehended with firearms on June 30, the NFHRCC stated that it is forced to conclude that the administration and the police is “safeguarding a criminal.” The authorities are yet to make an official declaration on this.
‘KU representatives with NFHRCC’
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LLRPO resolves not to accept NSDZ resolution
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DIMAPUR, JULY 12 (MExN): The Lotha Lower Range Public Organization (LLRPO) today informed that affected landowners of Lotha Lower Range have “unanimously declared not to accept the Nagaland Special Development Zone resolution passed by the Nagaland government under its jurisdiction.” A press note from the LLRPO President, Yipholumo Mozhiu and Secretary, Kemerio Yanthan stated that “since the land belongs to individuals, the NOC issued by the village councils under LLRPO jurisdiction stands cancelled and declared null and void.” This, the LLRPO informed, was “unanimously” resolved at a consultative meeting with affected land owners and “intellectuals” at Town Hall, Bhandari on July 12.
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mandated representatives are still with the NFHRCC. The NFHRCC alleged that some of its members are receiving unsolicited “pressure” but maintained that they have not succumbed to it. Responding to allegations that the NFHRCC were taking a communal stance, the committee stated that it has followed an “open-door policy” since inception.
‘Organic foods may help prevent cancer’ WAsHINgToN, JULY 12 (IANs): Organic foods and crops have a suite of advantages over their conventional counterparts, including more antioxidants, fewer, less frequent pesticide residues, and properties that may help prevent cancer, a study suggests. Without the synthetic chemical pesticides applied on conventional crops, organic plants tend to produce more phenols and polyphenols to defend against pest attacks and related injuries, the findings showed. In people, phenols and polyphenols can help prevent diseases triggered or promoted by oxidativedamage like coronary heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. Overall, organic crops had 18 to 69 percent higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds, the study said. “This study is telling a powerful story of how organic plant-based foods are nutritionally superior and deliver bona fide health benefits,” said co-author of the study Charles Benbrook, a researcher at Washington State University in the US. The team found that organic crops have several nutritional benefits that stem
from the way the crops are produced. A plant on a conventionally managed field will typically have access to high levels of synthetic nitrogen, and will marshal the extra resources into producing sugars and starches. As a result, the harvested portion of the plant will often contain lower concentrations of other nutrients, including health-promoting antioxidants. The study looked at an unprecedented 343 peer-reviewed publications comparing the nutritional quality and safety of organic and conventional plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. The researchers applied sophisticated meta-analysis techniques to quantify differences between organic and non-organic foods. Pesticide residues were three to four times more likely in conventional foods than organic ones, as organic farmers are not allowed to apply toxic, synthetic pesticides. Consumers who switch to organic fruit, vegetables, and cereals would get 20 to 40 percent more antioxidants, the researchers concluded. The study appeared in the British Journal of Nutrition.
routines vying to win the costume contest. One participant remarked, “It is a nice release. A change from what we normally do. People may say that we are just following a fad but it is a part of what we love and thereby a part of our individual identities.” The cos-fest attracted scores of anime fans from all over the state and beyond. The costume com-
petition was the main highlight of the event, while a Ramen pizza stand was also set up. A T-Shirt stall by upcoming Naga clothing brand J-LESS and another selling anime merchandize were also put up. Imkongakum, who cosplayed as Dante from Devil May Cry won the best cosplay award. Tiasola won the most creative cosplay award while Mhalevito Richa, who cosplayed as Luffy D Monkey from One Piece and Aonenla, who cosplayed as Nora from Noragami won the best Chibi cosplay award. The event was an avenue for many to escape into a world where magic and fantasy became reality; where everyday people became heroes fighting evil, while performing choreography or chomping on Ramen noodles. The setting was a contrast to the scene outside, an unreal microcosm of grinning painted faces where everyday troubles were transcended by imagination and creativity. One observer stated, “I think it takes tremendous courage to do something like this. I was amazed at the amount of creativity on display and all of them had giant smiles on their faces. And in the end, that’s what matters,” he added.
Subansiri project to help North East: V.K. Singh gUWAHATI, JULY 12 (IANs): Protests against the 2,000 MW lower Subansiri hydroelectric power project were “unjustified” as the project will help Assam and the northeastern states tide over the power crisis, DoNER Minister Gen. (retd.) V.K. Singh said here Saturday. “Power is a priority sector. However, there are issues with some power projects in the region. There is propaganda at work against the projects,” he told media persons. “I have seen that most of the projects here are run-ofthe-river projects and my own assessment is that it is not going to cause any danger,” he said. V.K. Singh said the power ministry was looking at all aspects regarding the 2,000 MW power project, so that the country can reap the maximum benefit. Anti-dam groups in Assam have been up in arms against the central government after Union Minister of State for Coal, Power and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal, during a recent
meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, said his ministry had resolved the impasse over the mega power project and that the remaining work on the project would resume shortly. “However, we are asking all the state governments to review the projects all over again. There is great power potential in the region and if we cannot harness it, we are only depriving ourselves,” he said. The protests forced Assam BJP president and Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to take up the issue with Goyal, who assured the people of Assam that no construction would be undertaken till the matter was sorted out. V.K. Singh, however, said the people were not informed about the benefits of the project and that was why it was languishing for the last two years with the fear of downstream impact. V.K. Singh is visiting the region in connection with the National Cold Chain Summit in Guwahati.
‘recognize the reality of climate change’
NEW DELHI, JULY 12 (THoMsoN REUTERs FoUNDATIoN): The new government’s budget shows no real commitment towards the environment and is not transformational because it does not allocate enough funds towards promoting renewable energy or public transport and appears to favour corporates over people, environmentalists said on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which swept to power in May, said on Thursday that it would invest in very large solar power projects and establish a fund to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns as a result of climate change. But some environmental groups said that while they welcomed plans to boost clean energy such as solar and wind, the budget proposals left much to be desired. “The steps on renewable energy and energy efficiency are not transformational and the attempt to force fit coal production to clear the irrational power proposals,
Environmentalists unimpressed by BJP’s “pro-corporate” budget
is a signal that the reality of climate change has far from been recognised by this government,” said Vinuta Gopal, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace India. “It’s good that the government is talking of investments in renewable but it is largely focused on large scale renewables and not on decentralized renewable energy for meeting the electrification needs of rural India,” Gopal added. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told parliament that renewable energy was “a very high priority” and announced around $100 million to build four “ultra mega solar power projects” in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu and Kashmir. Jaitley said his coalition government, which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, also planned to launch scheme for solar power-driven agricultural water pumping stations,
develop solar parks on canal banks and give tax breaks on imported solar components. The Centre for Science and Environment, a leading Delhi-based environmental think-tank, agreed with Greenpeace saying the biggest potential for solar energy will come from decentralised and off-grid solutions. CSE’s director Sunita Narain said it was important to invest in smaller power plants that provide clean energy to millions across India’s grid and remote villages that have electricity lines but no power. Instead, she said, budget 2014/15 falls back on the “big” solar plants. Lack of access to electricity India is desperate for power, and coal is expected to remain at the heart of its energy security for decades. Seventy million households – up to 40 percent of the coun-
try’s 1.2 billion people - have no access to electricity. Narain also said allocations for building underground trains networks to boost public transport were way too little. “Transportation is an important focus area, but budget 2014 does not provide directions that will work,” said Narain. “The FM sets aside 100 crore rupees ($18 million) for metro projects in Lucknow and Ahmedabad. But the fact is that metro systems cost between 150 crore to 300 crore per km to build. So, is this 100 crore going to build one km or just go into feasibility studies?” Greenpeace’s Gopal called the Modi’s budget “paradoxical” saying that it “invites the foreign hand to key sectors in the country, though it has balked at any support that could raise uncomfortable questions on human rights or environmental violations”. “The budget is a pro-corporate (one) as was expected, with little to cheer for the people and the environment,” said Gopal.
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