04 August, 2016, Thursday

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Vol. II

Issue 47

Dibrugarh, Thursday, August 4, 2016

BRETT LEE SAYS HE WILL PRAY BEFORE BOWLING TO VIRAT KOHLI – HERE'S WHY

Price -

5.00

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Pages- 12

SPT POLICE TAKE UP A SLEW

GST BILL TABLED IN RAJYA SABHA, ALL SET TO SAIL THROUGH

OF MEASURES FOR SAFETY OF DRIVERS, PASSENGERS

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Page - 6

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Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Tathagata Roy administrating the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Cabinet Ministers of the State in Darbar Hall, Raj Bhavan

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Aug 3

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday expanded his 16day-old ministry by inducting ten Cabinet ministers.

Governor Tathagata Roy administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed ministers during the swearing-in-ceremony organised at the Raj Bhavan.

The newly inducted ministers are Tanga Byaling, Rajesh Tacho, Nabam Rebia, Honchun Ngandam, Wangki Lowang, Kamlung Mossang, Tapang Taloh, Kumar Waii, Takam Pario and Jomde Kena.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok, Lok Sabha MP Ninong Ering, former chief minister Nabam Tuki, party MLAs, senior bureaucrats and police officials were present on the occasion.

On July 17 last, Khandu was

ET CAPSULES Dibrugarh MP Teli voices people's demand in parliament Tinsukia, Aug 3: Voicing people's department in the parliament, t he member of parliament from Dibrugarh constituency Rameshwar Teli on Tuesday demanded that New Tinsukia Railway Station and Dibrugarh Railway Station, two main stations in his constituency, be made hi-tech.

His demands came during the 0 hour of the ongoing parliament session, where MP's get one minute time.

MP Teli other demands included a direct train from Tinsukia and Dibrugarh to Mumbai and a passenger train between Margherita and Jairampur.

sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of the state along with Chowna Mein as the deputy chief minister after months of political instability in the state.

The swearing in of the Cabinet ministers could not be conducted immediately as the Governor, who is also in charge of Tripura, was out of the state.

In a dramatic turnaround in the land-locked state on July 16 , Congress had replaced Nabam Tuki who was reinstated as Arunacahal Pradesh chief minister after the Supreme Court judgement of July 13 last, with Khandu as the new CLP leader. Khandu staked claim to power on the basis of support of 45 party MLAs along with two Independents.

In later developments, Khaliko Pul, rebel-turned chief minister, who was unseated by the Supreme Court, returned to the party fold with 30 dissident MLAs.

NCP Ten ministers congratulates sworn in newly inducted A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Aug 3 council of The Governor of Arunachal ministers A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Aug 3

The State Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Shri Gicho Kabak and Vice-President Shri Nima Sange has Congratulated newly inducted Council of Ministers Shri Tanga Byling, Shri Nabam Rebia, Shri Tapang Taloh, Shri Jomde Kena, Shri Kumar Waii, Shri Rajesh Tacho, Shri Kamlung Mossang, Shri Wangki Lowang, Shri Hunchun Ngamdam and Shri Takam Paria as Cabinet Ministers of Pema Khandu led Govt. in Arunachal Pradesh which was sworn today.

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Pradesh Shri Tathagata Roy administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Cabinet Ministers of the State in Darbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 3rd August 2016.

Shri Tanga Byaling, Shri Rajesh Tacho, Shri Nabam Rebia, Shri Honchun Ngandam, Shri Wangki Lowang, Shri Kamlung Mossang, Shri Tapang Taloh, Shri Kumar Waii, Shri Takam Pario and Shri Jomde Kena are the new Cabinet Ministers who were sworn in today.

Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein, Speaker of State Legislative Assembly Er. Tenzing Norbu Thongdok, Lok Sabha members Shri Ninong Ering, former Chief Minister Shri Nabam Tuki, members of State Legislative Assembly, senior bureaucrats and public were present on the occasion.

CM Pema Khandu inspects new Arunachal State Assembly building at Itanagar ET Bureau Itanagar, Aug 3

Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited new Arunachal State Assembly Building today to take stock of the construction work in progress.

CM said that Arunachal Civil Secretariat and State Legislative Assembly Buildings are the priority schemes of the govt which must be completed in time. He asked the executing agency to fix responsibilities and to see that the works progress as per the stipulated timeline. He said that there will be no scarcity of fund flow and it shall be released to the department as per the requirement in composite sanction. However, he urged them to strictly maintain the milestone and to complete the building on the scheduled date by December 31, 2016.

State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Tenzing Norbu Thongdok informed the Chief Minister that 70% of the building was physically completed. He further apprised that out of original estimate of Rs 135.85 Crore, expenditure of Rs 78 Crore has been made till date and requested the Chief Minister to release the balance amount of Rs 57.85 Crore saying that regular flow of fund is essential to complete the work in time.

Chief Minister requested the

CM Khandu accords top priority to health and education sector A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Aug 3

Chief Minister Pema Khandu who presided over the first meeting of the newly constituted Cabinet today made several key decisions.

Keeping prime social sectors like education and health high on agenda, the Cabinet has unanimously decided to accord a holistic approach to streamline these prime sectors for welfare of the

people.

The Cabinet directed the departments of health and education to prepare holistic proposals which fill all gaps and live up to people’s aspirations for implementation by the Government.

“Let us make Arunachal Pradesh a cent percent literate and healthy state” the Cabinet resolved.

In this regard the Cabinet

approved for creation of posts for establishment of office of the deputy Director of School Education in Longding and Capital Complex. It further directed the department to submit proposal for creation of DDSE Office in all the newly created districts in the state.

The Cabinet also gave a positive nod to “Arunachal Pradesh Anatomy bill” to be tabled in the ensuing assembly session. While the state is soon to see new

Medical College and Homeopathy Colleges, this decision of the cabinet will prove to be a big step forward in terms of medical education in the state.

Appreciating the hard work put in by the drivers, the state Cabinet approved enhancement of grade pay of drivers from the existing Rs. 1900 to Rs. 2400. The Cabinet further cleared many cases of pay anomalies in various departments that were lying pending for long.

Landslide damages 12th century Gorsam Stupa Pradeep Kumar Itanagar, Aug.3 (ANI)

A torrential downpour triggered landslides demolishing the boundary wall and drainage system of historical 12th century Gorsam Chorten (stupa) near Zemithnag in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Monday.

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When contacted, local MLA Jambay Tashi told ANI that immediate steps would be

taken to restore the global heritage.

charge Tsedar confirmed.

Wangmu

The CC step from the stupa to the Rinpoche's living quarter (shah) has also been severely damaged and huge volume of debris deposited inside the stupa, blocking paths and prayer wheels.

The Gorsam river has been rising threatening inhabitants living along its bank, Wangmu said and exhorted the inhabitants to shift to safer locations.

"The PWD road from New to Old Zemithang has been badly damaged and needs immediate clearance", Zemithang circle officer in-

Incessant rains have crippled normal life in several parts of Lumla sub-division, triggering landslides and causing damage to roads, snapping water and power

supply, throwing normal life out of gear.

Arunachal Pradesh houses one of the Buddhist stupas while others are: Sanchi, Sarnath, Amravati & Bharhut dates back to the late 4th century BCE in India; the 127metre Phra Pathommachedi in Thailand is the tallest; the Swat Valley is house to the wellpreserved stupa at Shingardar near Ghalegy and another stupa is located near Barikot and Dharmarajika-Taxila in

Pakistan; some of the tallest, most ancient and best preserved stupas in the world, such as Ruwanwelisaya, are located in Sri Lanka, particularly its ancient city of Anuradhapura; the most elaborate stupa is the 8th century Borobudur monument in Java, Indonesia.

Borobudur's unique and significant architecture has been acknowledged by UNESCO as the largest and greatest Buddhist monument in the world. (ANI)

CM Pema Khandu inspecting new Arunachal State Assembly Speaker to regularly monitor the progress of works to which the latter assured to supervise the works till completion.

Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin suggested for outsourcing the agency through Skill Development Department for House Keeping, Security and Cafeteria for the Arunachal Civil Secretariat and State Legislative Assembly Building.

The new State Legislative Assembly Building spreading around 19075 sq. Meter (including open space) will have Office Chamber for Speaker & Deputy Speaker,

“noThere will be scarcity of

fund flow and it shall be released to the department as per the requirement in composite sanction” –

CM Pema Khandu

CM, CS, General Conference Hall, Assembly Hall with seating capacity for 120 members, Legislative Section, Treasury Bench, Opposition Bench, Cultural Hall & Recreational Hall with space for parking around 300 vehicles inside the compound, informed Rotu Techi, SE PWD Capital A Division.

Chief Minister was also accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Ministers Kamlung Mossang and Honchun Ngandam, Commissioner (Finance) Ashish Kundra, Secretary (Planning & IPR) Joram Beda among others.

Ulfa plot to trigger blast behind tea factory at Pengeri in Tinsukia failed, security forces recovers IED bomb Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, Aug 3

A joint team of Indian army's Digboi unit and police on Wednesday evening foiled ULFA (I) bid to trigger an IED bomb targeting a tea factory at Pengeri in Tinsukia district.

Security forces recovered 1 kg IED bomb planted at the backside of Goyal tea factory and has cordoned the entire

area.

According to sources in security forces, acting on a tip off, army columns from Digboi unit and Tinsukia police launched an operation and recovered an IED bomb planted in close proximity to the boundary wall of Goyal tea factory.

Army's sniffer dog has

confirmed that the recovered object is bomb after which Dinjan based bomb disposal squad has been called in, added sources and said in the run up to the Independece Day there are inputs that ULFA (I) is desperate to carry out bomb blasts to trigger panic and intensify extortion.

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After heavy rains, floods, heatwave disrupts normal life across upper Assam A Staff Reporter/ ET Correspondent Dibrugarh/Golaghat, Aug 3

After almost a month long rains and floods severe heatwave has disrupted normal life across upper Assam. The people in the upper Assam districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Jorhat had been suffering from scorching heat since the beginning day of this month.

"That it will be a very hot day was signaled when the temperatures rose to around 32 degrees at around 6 in the morning itself", a source in the met office at Mohanbari said.

Schools were opened after a month long summer vacation on Monday. The students particularly the kids, teachers as well as the parents who have to leave them in their respective schools are having a tough time due to the early

rise in temperature.

"The main problem is the temperatures keep on fluctuating very fast which causes dehydration followed by various diseases", a physician said. Daily wage earners,

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Arunachal Pradesh CM inducts more ministers in Cabinet

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

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ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You will be indecisive today, which is not usually the case with you. This could lead you to indulge in speculation, which is not so bad unless you risk all your money in it. Besides, when it comes to matters of the heart, you must exercise a great deal of caution.

Taurus Impulsive action kicks in as you work and interact today. Do not let the pressure and strain cloud your thoughts, and instead focus on acting on the things at hand. If you find things spiralling out of control, take a break and listen to some music that soothes your heart.

Gemini Today, you will decide to become a bit more conscious about your health. You may or may not join a gym or measure your calories, but you will definitely sit up and take notice of your lifestyle and unhealthy food habits. A new job is also likely, which will open a completely new chapter in your life.

Cancer Today, you will put your heart and soul into whatever task you take up. And, that's a great thing to do. Don't lose heart though, if despite the best efforts, the results of your efforts are not too forthcoming. Feeling dejected is only going to hamper your progress. Remember that you'll receive your due sooner or later. Spend some time with your loved ones to revive yourself. Alternatively, a quiet evening tucked in the bed with a nice book is also a great idea.

Leo If one were to put an earnest spirit and a frank attitude together, the result would be a Leo; it's like your hallmark. And with qualities like these in your kitty, don't be surprised if you happen to reach a milestone or two today. Will it be marital bliss or career success? No matter what the area is, be assured that your societal standing shall get a heady boost today.

Just don't let the success go to your head.

Virgo The booster rockets of your ambitions and spirit to work will kick in at the maximum today. Seek recreation after a hard day's work and look to relax at private parties, socialdos and even weddings.

Libra "Every man has specific natural abilities", said Aristotle. This seems to be true for you today. Your natural talents will be acknowledged and documented at work. This might prompt your equals to hold you up above the rest, and for your seniors to positively encourage you to scale greater heights. But as always, be careful to make sure that success does not make you heady with arrogance. Keep yourself firmly grounded, and remember that, 'pride cometh before the fall'.

Scorpio You will find yourself thinking with your heart rather than your head today. You may not be able to repress your feelings, and you should not even try. But you should be careful about how you express them, particularly in public as people may judge you wrongly on the basis of it.

Sagittarius Today, your superiors at work are going to trust you with many complicated assignments.

But, after exerting yourself, you are sure to come out with flying colors and have your work appreciated. Do not be surprised if cash incentives come your way. Such may indeed be your fortune.

Capricorn You will be a live wire, today. With amazing exuberance you have completed mammoth tasks and have spread the energy around. It will give you tremendous job-satisfaction.

Everything seems well and good the personal front, too. Spending some quality time your spouse will relax your mind and keep you in an upbeat mood.

Aquarius For a moment, it seems that you're swamped with problems. But you are brave enough to deal with any ugly issue that crops up suddenly. A romantic evening, which may just be time together in a jacuzzi, or simply preparing a meal together. Pure ecstasy!

Pisces You are fond of traveling and are always looking for an excuse to set off. Hence it comes as no surprise if you pack your bags and decide to embark upon a journey on a whim today.

It is a much needed break too, from the daily stresses of earning a livelihood. While you are seeking solitude, you will take your friends and relatives along with you on the trip.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

Tuliram Ronghang retorts with growth Sushanta Roy Diphu August 3: Launching a fierce salvo against his political adversary and pressure groups who accused him of corruption and sleaze in Irrigation department, Tuliram Ronghang Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council today formally commissioned six irrigation schemes in and around Bakulia plains and at the foot hills of Singhason hill range today in presence of a large number of media persons, Executive Members of KAAC and government officials.

Roughly 2440 hectors of paddy field depending on seasonal rainfall has been brought under permanent cultivation, in the two adjacent areas around 70 kilometers from Diphu. All the six schemes have been build

fore making wild accusation” Tuliram Ronghang said.

Maximum new schemes have been build from permanent source of water, in some areas length of watering cannels have been extended to cover more areas, outsized barren lands in west Karbi Anglong district have been covered with numbers of small and large irrigation system at high altitude areas from where through assorted cannel system water has been canalized in bare cultivable areas. In maximum irrigation systems provision for water storage in dams has not been considered, too much dependency on natural supply may prove counterproductive in case of some schemes whose catchments are not healthy.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Aug 3: Today in a programme Northeast Maheswari Women Team inaugurated Cold Storage Drinking Water Machine at the premises of Maheswari Bhawan.

In the program the president of Maheswari Women's Or-

ganization Shakuntala Mimani and Secretary Sumitra Kabra along with Sitaram kothari and Chhaganlal Chandak were on the dias as guests and were felicitated with Phulam Gamocha and gift.

The ceremonial lamp was lit

by Shakuntala Mimani and

6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Folk Song (Tokari Geet) 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi 9-05 A.M-Antara 12-30 P.M-Geetimanjari 1-10 P.M- Troops Programme 2-00 P.M-Singphow Songs 2-10 P.M-Brindagaan 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Mizumishimi 4-05 P.M- Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikor Aasor 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-00 P.M-Krira Jagat-Talk-"Rio Olympic Aaru Bharotiyo Kheluwoir Pratyasa"by Jayanta M Gogoi 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan-Poem Recitation by Nilotpala Dutta Shaikia 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

Members of Golaghat United Chambers of Commerce felicitating the Assam Governor. Pic - Amit Nagori

“The aim and objective of the workshop is to provide quality training to teachers,’’ said Lion Rajesh Singh, Secretary, Lions Club of

Dibrugarh. He added the educators gain fresh insights, learn new skills and leave preapared to implant the value based life skill programme with confidence, enthusiasm and fidelity.

The programme is being implemented in over 85 countries impacting 13 million youths trained by 5,50,000 trained educators all over the world. On 31st July Installation ceremony of Lions club of Dibrugarh held at Little place. Lion Dr. Shantanu Lahkar, President of Lions Club of Dibrugarh, Secretary Lion Rajesh Singh, District Chairperson Lion C.R. Borah and installation officer Lion Dr Animesh Baruah and other office bearers were present during the installation ceremony.

Devastating flood and soil erosion creates havoc in Margherita

Sumitra Kabra jointly.

The program was coordinated by Ranjana Binnani.

On this occasion, besides Golaghat Maheswri Sangathan, Members from Titabar were too present.

Vote of thanks was given by Mina Nagori and Ranjana Binnani.

Smart Class Room inaugurates in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 3: BTC deputy chief Kampa Borgoyary inaugurated the Smart Class Room to provide technically teaching support and extensive materials among teacher and students community at Government HS & MP School in Kokrajhar on Wednesday.

about on various tips and notes to make modern education highlighted in the region.

equipments through which Students would be given proper educational aspects’,said Kampa.

Borgoyary said,around 100 collge and HS schools would be covered by Smart Class Room in the four districts of BTAD and Kokrajhar first got opportunity to kick start of the project.

‘This smart class room would be providing modern education aspects among tecaher and students while taking modern education knowledge’, Borgoyary added.

‘The teacher and students would be benefitted to getting knowledge about hitech and educational informations.The class room was coveredup with fcaility with modern teach ing

Rabisangkhar Borgoyary, BTC eductaion director,JP Brahma,IS,Kokrajhar,JK Roy,principal of Govt HS & MP School were prominent attendees on the occasion.

AASU Protest in College of Teacher Education in Golaghat

3-8-16 (WEDNESDAY)

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Aug 3: Three days Teachers training Workshop (TTW) organised by Lions Club of Dibrugarh from July 29 to 31st at Sishu Bharati High School concluded here successfully. Altogether, 40 teachers from 14 schools attended in the workshop. The workshop was inaugurated on July 29 with a one hour valedictory ceremony.

Ratna Choudhury, International trainer for Lions Quest has attended in the workshop as a resource person. Choudhury had conducted 50 workshops worldwide.

Northeast Maheswri Women Team inaugurated Cold Storage Drinking Water Machine

The Smart Class Room was extended support from Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhijan(RMSA) and executed by i-berry solution limited to make information and extending supports by giving classes notes

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

at an estimated cost of Rs 60.81 crores. Inaugurating the Desobai scheme constructed at an estimated amount of Rs. 9.99 crore having command area of 400 hector the CEM said that the perennial water source of the hilly river Desobai has been canalized from its middle course to irrigate the crop growing areas located at a lower elevation. “We have completed 124 schemes in Karbi Anglong within this financial year and all the schemes will be launched within this month, till now we have received only 38% of fund from central government under A I B P plan and as you can see, cent percent work has been completed, I like to request the media and all other cognizant organizations to see for themselves all the developments and do healthy analysis be-

Workshop on Teachers training concludes

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Aug 3: Due to the ignorant attitude of the education department in the state many aspiring teachers are getting deprived . The young graduates aspiring to be a teacher are unable to get admission at the College of Teacher Education in Golaghat . This is the only institution in the district to provide degree and training for teachers . But now the authorities have made limi-

tations for fresh candidates seeking admission in this College of Teacher Education . The college has hundred seats but only two seats have been reserved for fresh candidates while the remaining ninety eight seats are for working teachers on deputation basis . So today protesting against such anomalies All Assam Students Union Golaghat District Unit protested in the premises of the College of Teacher Educa-

tion in Golaghat and demanded seat allotment for fresh candidates for teacher training . The protesters also raised anti slogans and demanded fifty percent reservation for fresh candidates . Later a discussion was held between the AASU leaders and the college authorities where the authorities have assured that the entire situation will be reviewed within a very short spell of time .

Photo seen Soil erosion at Margherita Constituency.

Pic Mithun Baruah ET Correspondent Margherita, Aug 3: The devastating flood and soil erosion have created havoc all over Assam. In Margherita constituency too many villagers' agricultural fields and properties have been washed away due to erosion. Allegations are raised that as the villagers face the problems newly elected Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma and Margherita Administration is in deep slumber. Many villages such as Longgaon, Nonglai, Roduva and Paanigaon of 124 No Margherita constituency where there agricultural fields and many properties have been washed away by the flood where Longgaon Buddhist Vihara have also been washed away by the recent flood due to the high water levels of Buridehing river. Local people have complained that Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma and Margherita Administration have not visited them. Local

residents of Longgaon have alleged that for many years they are suffering from flood and erosion due to the Buridehing river but Margherita Administration had not done anything due to which the people have to suffer a lot during the rainy season. Due to the increase of water level of Buridehing river the road connectivity between Nonglai and Panigaon have also been affected and despite opening of the schools students are not being able to go to school due to the pathetic condition of the road said a resident of Nonglai. Local residents have demanded that as the road falls under Inthem Gaon Panchayat so it should be constructed as soon as possible otherwise they shall be bound to take path of agitation. Many small tea growers land and Roduva villagers huge agricultural fields have been washed away in this devastating floods said the resident of Roduva village.

Fifteen day Summer Workshop concludes A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Aug 3: The 15-day summer workshop organized by Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir concluded on July 3, 2016 with a farewell function held at Mandir premises. Altogether, 65 students from various schools participated in the summer workshop. The concluding function was presided over by Madusudhan Ghosh, president of D.H.M. Mandir along with other honourable guests. He inaugurated the closing ceremony by lighting the traditional lamp.

Sudip Kumar Banik, secretary of D.H.M.Mandir inaugurated the exhibition in which the students belonging to various classes displayed drawing, painting, inaugurated the exhibition and different models of craft work. The function was graced amongst others

by Parimal Mukherjee, Retd. Headmaster of

creativities under the guidance of resourceful person or teachers of Art, music, craft, yoga etc.

Dibrugarh Bengali Boys’ High School, Sanjib Nandi, Staff Reporter of Dainik Jugasankha, Professor Swapna Kar, Ikbal Ahmed, former president of AAJU, Sudakshina Das Bordoloi, professor of D.H.S.K. College, Debnath Lahiri, Lalit

Sharma, Staff Reporter of Purbanchal Prahari as guest of honours.

Gopa Chowdhury, coordinator of the summer workshop in here speech broadly stated the aims and objectives of the summer

workshop organized by DHMM. Speaking on the occasion, Parimal Mukherjee said that summer Workshop organised by D.H.M. Mandir were commendable as it helped students to discover their inner

Ikbal Ahmed, senior journalist and former president of AAJU, addressing the me eting as guest of honour, spoke at length about initiations by Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir. He later advised to organize counseling for parents. Among other, Abhoy Srkar a student of Summer Workshop also addressed the meeting.

Certificates of competency and commendation were given to the teachers by Dibrugarh Hindu Milan mandir authorities and appreciation certificates were handed over to outstanding participants.

Later, Pranabendu Ghosh delivered the vote of thanks. The whole function was conducted by Jeet Das, Bisw ajit Chowdhury, Rumi Dey, Kamal Dey, Khusboo Das and Kusum Dey.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

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Sit and draw and quiz organised by 'The Child welfare committee Eastern Today' in collaboration with Assam meeting held Rifles and assistance from local NGOs

ET Bureau Kharsang, Aug 3: As part of its social commitment and in order to bring out the hidden talents among the students by providing them with a platform, The Eastern Today, which is an english daily published from Dibrugarh with primary focus upon upper Assam, eastern Arunachal and eastern Nagaland organised a sit and draw and quiz competition in collaboration with Assam Rifles and with assistance from local NGO's like Freedom home and Arunachal Orphan Care Sciety, Kharsang on July 30 among the school students of Kharsang circle in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Hundreds of school children from various government and private schools participated in the competition which was open for the students from pre primary level to the 12th standard. The sit and draw competition was held in two groups - Group : A - Class Pre-primary to Class IV and Group : B

Class V to VII. On the otherhand, the quiz was held for the students from VIII to XII standard. In the A group the subject for sit and draw was own choice or environment and in the B group the subject was environment degradation and drug abuse.

Mr. Pronib Das, a well known press photographer of upper Assam was the chief judge for the sit and draw competition. Although, the quiz did not have a particular subject, there was a special round on Arunachal Pradesh. The quiz was conducted by Nabajyoti Bhorali, renowned quiz master from Sonari's Click on Quiz group which is a professional group. The other members of the group included Mr. Janeswar Bhorali and technical expert Mr. Rabijeet Baruah. The entire quiz programme including the preliminary round was conducted with the help of LCD projector which attracted the participants, students and audience. After 6 rounds of mega final Shiva Prasad Medhi & Debabrat

Child drown death in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar,Aug 3:A sixyears-old child was found drown death at Saralbhanga River this evening around 6.30 pm at Patgaon Santipara area in Kokrajhar district.The child was identified as Anish Chetry,son of Gopal Bahadur Chetry.

According to Gopal,his lone son Anish was slept to Saralbhanga River while he was playing with his two agemates in their nearby house and drown.Family member and villagers

Flood relief distributed by Arunachal University ET Correspondent Namsai, Aug 3: A team from Arunachal University which is based in Namsai visited the flood affected areas and met flood victims of the district recently. They also distributed food items to the flood victims who are lodged in the relief camps.

The delegation was jointly led by Pro VC Dr. Vijay Laxmi Pandit and Dy. Registrars Mr. Himanshu Panchal and Mr. Susanta Ghosh. The faculty members and the officials of AUS has contributed their one day salary for the arrangement of the food items in addition to the University's contributions.

searched all over nearby river and found his body by 6.30 pm and he was immediately rushed to Kokrajhar RNB civil hospital,but doctors declared brought death.Anish’s death has created sensation maong villagers post flood havoc along Patgaon area in Kokrajhar district.

Sangkhar Ray,a villager allged that Anish was death due to medical scarcity along Patgaon area because no sufficient medical service was seeing in the region.

Saikia of K.V Kharsang bagged the first prize with 120 points, Licha Lonia & Akum Kipa of K.V Kharsang got the second

programme was graced by Mr. R.K Rai, Circle Officer, Kharsang, Major A.V.Singh, the Company Commander of Miao company of 13 Assam Rifles, Mr. Mengpa Haisa, President, All Changlang District Student Union, Changlang, K. Das, Officer-in-charge of Kharsang police station, Mrs. Reena Longri, a social worker. All of them were invited as special guests for the programme. Maj. Singh, who actively took part in the quiz as an audience bagged the prize for the best audience. All the dignitaries present also gave away the prizes and certificates to the winners. Earlier, the aims and objectives of organisation of the programme was outlined by Ripunjoy Das, editor, The Eastern Today. All the guests were also felicitated with a traditional Assamese phulam gamocha by Abhijit Shil, Manager, HR and Admn., The Eastern Today and Pranjal Khound, Assistant Manager, Circulation, The Eastern Today. Mr. Lomhom Thanga, the correspondent of The Eastern Today from Kharsang and a renowned social worker who is also the Chairman of Freedom Home and Indrajit

for their continuous support towards the publication. In his speech, the editor praised the Assam Rifles for extending wholesome support in organsation of the event. He also specially thanked Brig. D.K.Singh, Commander, 25 Sector, Assam Rifles, Col. Rajesh Grover, Commanding Officer, 13 Assam Rifles, Jairampur, Major Rahul Shukla, Major A.V.Singh, both from 13 Assam Rifles, R.K.Rai, CO, Kharsang, Mengpa Haisa, President, All Changlang District Students Union, Mrs. Reena Longri, members of Freedom Home and Arunachal Orphan Care Society for their guidance and support in organisation of the events.

The motto of the program to organize such camp was to spread the awareness on drug abuse and to send messages about the ill affects of the psychotropic substances among the teenagers in this region in particular and in the district as a whole", the editor said in his speech.

The editor also appealed for a united fight involving the security forces, the health department, social organisations, media etc against drugs. He also in-

society. She threw light on juvenile justice (care and protection of children) Act, 2015, Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Inter-country Adoption (1993), procedures of child adoption, child care institutions, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, general principles of care and protection of children, child welfare committee, procedures in relation to children in need of care and protection, rehabilitation and social reintegration and on the entire gamut of facets vis-a-vis child care. In his Presidential address the chairperson of CWC T. Tongluk ex-

horted the members of CWC to extend their willing cooperation in order to make the committee truly functional.

He endorsed the views expressed by the members including P. Hosai, former DC, Ngasah Tangjang, DLEO, Hangliam Sumnyan, Manwang Lowang and Jowang Hosai.

ZPC Sontung Bangsia, Ngampay Lamaty, Lomai Loham and a host of women leaders attended the meeting. Two representatives from CWC were selected to represent the district in the seminar to be held in Guwahaty.

Arunachal Pradesh CM inducts more ministers in Cabinet Contd. from Page 1

Hours ahead of a scheduled floor test in the state Assembly on July 16, which Tuki was directed by the Governor to undertake, the Congress Legislature

Party met and elected Khandu, son of late chief minister Dorjee Khandu, as its new leader.

Tuki proposed the name of Khandu while Chowna Mein seconded it, which was unanimously accepted

by 44 MLAs who were present.

In the 60-member House with an effective strength of 58, Congress now claims the support of 47 MLAs, including two Independents.

NCP congratulates newly inducted council of ministers Contd. from Page 1

prize with 100 points & Shreeya Ravi PK & Akansha Chakraborty of K.V Kharsang got the third prize with 80 points. The

Tingwa, a senior correspondent of The Eastern Today from Namsai district was specially felicitated by The Eastern Today newspaper

formed that The Eastern Today will continue with such programmes in future so that students find a platform to show their hidden talents.

DCC lauds CM for inducting Taloh as cabinet Minister Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, Aug 3: While showing deep happiness over induction of former Education Minister Tapang Taloh into the new cabinet under young Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, District Congress Committee, East Siang in a statement this evening has expressed their heartfelt thanks to state government and congress high command.

In a brief press note this evening, DCC President Takom Mize and General Secretary, Baying Lego has said that, state government led by young and energetic

CM Pema Khandu has wisely selected Taloh among the Adi legislators by seeing Taloh’s good and overall strong performances. Mize and Lego has further hoped that, Taloh will bring far more better development in the Adi belt in particular and state as a whole.

After last December’s incident with Governor at Raj Bhawan and subsequent falling of Tuki led government leading to coming up of Pul led new government, by then Taloh’s political future was guessed to be ending. However, the sudden change of

guard from Pul to Khandu, Taloh’s fate is seems shining again as guesses were being made among various section of people here in Pasighat and Adi belt that, who among 5 congress legislators will get a berth who would at large have represented the Adi belt.

But speculations are over now and Taloh’s another inning will hopefully bring smiles in the face of many in contradiction with his earlier image where he was disliked by many, especially from education section for his bold effort to rationalise the transfer and posting of teachers.

State NSUI leadership congratulates Khandu led govt for expansion of ministry A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Aug 3: The State NSUI- Arunachal Pradesh under the leadership of Sri Tanu Nima (President) and Sri Wangpho Arangham (Gen. Secretary) has congratulated each and every legislators those inducted into cabinet ministers namely, Tanga Byaling (22- Nacho A/ C), RajeshTacho (41Anini), Nabam Rebia (14- Doimukh), Honchun Ngandam (60P o n g c h a u - Wa k k a ) , Wangki Lowang (54Namsang), Kamlung Mossang (50- Miao),

ET Bureau Khonsa, Aug 3 The child welfare committee meeting of Tirap district was held in the Khonsa Circuit House on 3rd July in which Tirap ZPC, the Chairman of CWC, DCPO, members, CDPOs and HoDs attended.

In her key-note adress DD (ICDS) A. Lowangcha who is also the district child protection officer of Tirap district dwelt at length on various clauses of juvenile justice (care and protection of children) Act, 2015 and urged the members to work sincerely to safeguard the safety and security of the children who are the most vulnerable section of the

Tapang Taloh (35Pangin), Kumar Waii (8Bameng), Takam Pario (18- Palin) and Jomde Kena (28- Likhabali). In a statement to the press, the NSUI leaders said "Congratulations! What a remarkable accomplishment! Just completing the marathon would have been something to brag about, but to win it! Well done. We are sure there must have been many times when you wanted to give up, or when spending time doing other things may have seemed more attractive than politicizing, but

your hard work and diligence have certainly paid off".

ity, though, the statement further added.

May God bless you all with good health and enthusiasm to do good to the people of state. We expect that you all have the enthusiasm to work, which you have demonstrated in your hard work to bring our (INC) party from the dumps back to power with clear majority to rule on your own without any coalition partner pulling the rug under your feet. It is time to celebrate. With success comes responsibil-

We would like to offer our most sincere congratulations upon your assumption of your new responsibilities as the Chief Minister, Dy. Chief Minister, Speaker, and Ministers. We the National students’ Union of IndiaArunachal Pradesh, pledge our further support and look forward to productive cooperation and take the whole state into a new heights of development, peace and progress, the release added.

While congratulating new cabinet Ministers, State NCP would like to term Chief Minister Pema Khandu as man of strategic and caliber who inducted council of ministers from all communities of the state.

All the congress legislators should sink and

swim together under the dynamic Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu by dubbing all the differences for the interest of our under developing state. Frequent development of dissidence activities to topple the govt puts great hindrance to the development of the state.

State NCP fully hope that Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s will run the corruption free govt. in the state. The people of the

state fed up of dissident activities within the congress party and want to see dissidence free activities within legislators under the Chief Minister Ship of Shri Pema Khandu.

The State Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) fully support Chief Minister Pema Khandu led Congress Govt. for smooth functioning and all round development in the state.

After heavy rains, floods, heatwave disrupts normal life across upper Assam Contd. from Page 1

small time businessmen are the worst sufferers in these sweltering heat as they donot have any other option but to go out and carry on with their jobs.

"If we do not go out who will bring the bread for the evening, therefore, be it rain

or heat we will have to go out in order to earn our livelihood", Raj Kumar, a cart puller in Dibrugarh said. In Dibrugarh the temperatures sore upto 39 degrees at around 1 pm, whereas in neighbouring Sonari in Charaideo district the temperatures sore upto 40 degrees at around 3.30 pm which is a record in

itself.

However, amidst the sweltering heat, fruit juice sellers, soft drinks outlets did brisk business as people rushed towards them in order to quench their thirst.

Meanwhile some schools in Golaghat town have decided to close the Lower Primary classes till Saturday due to the heat wave.

Ulfa plot to trigger blast behind tea factory at Pengeri in Tinsukia failed, security forces recovers IED bomb Contd. from Page 1

Another source added that there are reports of almost half-a-dozen IED bomb brought into Tinsukia district through Arunachal Pradesh and hidden at undisclosed locations. The Digboi unit of army is carrying out regular operations since past few days, added the source.

It may be mentioned that The Eastern Today was the

only paper to have reported movement of a large group of ULFA (I) and NSCN-K at Khalgaon, just 3 kilometres from Digboi town. The group was heavily armed. Senior officer in the army had confirmed similar input with them following which major operation led by officer of the rank of colonel and including around 250 armymen was launched on the outskirts of Digboi by army's Digboi unit. Tinsukia police was also part of the

operation, however, security forces did not get any success than.

According to reliable sources, the combined group of militant left before security forces reached Khalgaon. The group is supposed to move inside Tarani reserve forest under Pengri police station, added the source. It is learnt that the recovery of IED bomb is in close proximity to the area. (with inputs from our Digboi correspondent)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

PAGE 4

Semi decomposed body ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Aug 3 : A semi decomposed body of male person aged around 50 years of age has been recovered on Wednesday from a jute cultivation land close to river Mangaldai at Prafulla Nagar area under Mangaldai Police Station.

Later it was identified as Sunil Das (50) a temporary resident of the locality and originally hailing from Dhekiajuli of Sonitpur district . He remained missing for around last week said police . It is suspected that the person somehow drowned in the flood water.However the actual cause of death is yet to be ascertained .

Wild jumbo captive in flood water lost its battle ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Aug 3 : The wild jumbo swapping along with the flood water from the Orang National Park which remained captive withing the flood water of the Brahmaputra river at Kheroni Chapori near the Hazarbigha Forest camp of the Park almost for the last fortnight on Tuesday evening lost his battle . The sources of the Mangaldai Wild Life Division said that the legs of the elephant is suspected to be gradually entering deep into the mud under the water and at last it could not remained standing and fell into the river and survived only keeping his trunk out of water . On the

other hand due to the flood, all attempts by the Forest

department in support of local Veterinary Officials to

recover it went vain , the source added.

Government of Assam is failing while dealing with issues: AJYCP A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 3: Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has lashed out at the Sarbananda Sonowal led government in Assam alleging its utter failure to deal with the devastating problems of flood, erosion and encephalitis in the state.

In statement issued here on Wednesday, AJYCP president Biraj Kumar Sarma

said, “the current flood wave has, in fact, exposed the utter inefficiency of the government where nearly 50 people died , not to speak of the lakhs of affected people in the state.

The government failed to demand even single paisa to counter the ravaging situation and the Centre dispatched Union home minister Rajnath Singh only to wash its hands off.”

He further came down

heavily on the BJP-led government for alleging failure to rein in the outbreak of encephalitis which has claimed 218 people. “We have yet to see any stepped up initiative from the government,” said Talukdar.

Talukdar accused the BJP leaders for maintaining a studied silence on the rhino poaching incidents in Kaziranga alleging that they launched statewide protest

against rhino poaching cases when the Congress was in power. He said, “a rhino poaching incident in Kaziranga drew a knee-jerk reaction across the state thanks to them. But 25 rhinos died in poaching and flood since the BJP-led government took the oath.

These leaders have been maintaining a studied silence forcing us to believe that the acrimony over the rhino poaching incidents

were politically motivated.”

Targeting Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, the AJYCP leader said that the minister has been exposed during the last three months. “BJP drew applause in the nook and corner of the state when he called the assembly polls the last battle of Saraighat to save Assam. Now, it has proved beyond doubt that really it is last battle to end up Assam, its people and the resources.”

Governor appeals to doFirst batch of 300 Haj pilgrims from Assam and NE to leave for the holy city nate generously for the flood affected people of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia tomorrow.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 3: The first batch of 300 Haj pilgrims from Assam and the North East will leave for the holy city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia tomorrow.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal gave a warm send off to the first batch of Haj pilgrims from the State and the North East at a Felicitation cum Farewell function organised by North East Haj Pilgrims Reception Committee at Haji Musafirkhana in Guwahati here today. The Chief Minister wished the pilgrims safe journey and smooth performance of Haj rituals.

While interacting with the pilgrims, Sonowal wished them well-being, success and smooth conduct of Haje-Baitullah.

Sonowal appealed to the Haj pilgrims to pray for peace and prosperity of Assam, the nation and the whole world.

He also asked them to pray for growth and development of the State as well as safeguarding the people against the vagaries of weather.

Extending his heartfelt

greetings to the Hajis, Sonowal said brotherhood, equality and mutual affection are the foundations of every religion.

“The essence of all religions is humanism, love, brotherhood, tolerance and compassion for every human being. We are members of the same family. People need to understand that every religion teaches the idea to practice humanity,” Sonowal said, adding that Assam, the land of Sri Sri Sankaradeva and Azan Fakir has been a confluence of different religious faiths.

“The thread of unity and amity that exists between different communities irrespective of caste, creed or religion since time immemorial will continue to become stronger as days roll by and no force on earth can cause a chasm in the age-old unity and amity,” he added.

He said the positive energy the pilgrims will bring back from Mecca should be utilized in developing the State.

The Chief Minister asked the Haj Committee to ensure that pilgrims face no difficulty while performing Haj.Sonowal presented

gifts to the Haj pilgrims containing a pouch for carrying passport visa and other documents, medicines and a Guide Book with important contact numbers.

As many as 4,600 Hajis from the North East will fly to Jeddah from LGBI Airport in altogether 16 flights till August 14 through the State Haj Committee.

The farewell function was attended, among others, by MLAs Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Bimal Bora, Aminul Laskar and Abdul Khaleque, prominent personality Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury, President, State President, BJP Minority Morcha, Mominul Awal and Chairman, North East Haj Pilgrims’ Reception Committee, Nekibur Zaman.

Meanwhile all arrangements of transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage checking and security and hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, distribution of travel documents and issuance of boarding passes are in place for the Haj pilgrims.

LGBI is one of the 21 embarkation points for the Haj pilgrims in the country.

BTC Principal Secretary visits eroded sites ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 3: BTC Principal Secretary Biren Chandra Phukan on Wednesday visited erosion-hit areas of Aie River at Choto Nilibari and Debargaon to take stock of the post-flood situation of Chirang district.

He inspected the protection works being done by the Water Resources department with porcupines and bouldering. In this regard, he immediately instructed

the CHD of the Water Resources department to constantly monitor the works so as to finish the work proper and timely. Later, he also visited the relief camps set up at Subhaijhar relief camp where more than 40 families are taking shelter. He also interacted with the flood affected camp inmates on various issues like relief operations, health and sanitation facilities, drinking water, medical facilities etc.

While interacting with

inmates he came to know that the school going students living in the relief camps are not able to take classes as there is no facility for it.

In this regard, he talked with the BTC Director of Education and instructed him to immediately arrange classes for those students in the camp premises itself. It is to be mentioned that the BTC Principal Secretary was out of station during flood situation as he was in one month official training.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 3: Governor of Assam Shri P.B.Acharya has appealed to all the citizens to donate generously for the flood affected people in the State.

In a statement Acharya said that, the recent unprecedented high wave of flood in Assam have caused extensive damages. 36 numbers of people died and thousands have been rendered homeless. At this moment, the affected people in

Assam need help to tide over the calamity that has fallen upon them, to survive and to rebuild their lives.

The Governor said, “In this scenario, everybody should stand with our distressed fellowmen, and actively participate in the state’s effort to support the flood affected people.”

He also appeals to the business fraternity to contribute generously for the flood affected people of Assam.

100 Days Action Plans for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer, Affairs and Public Health Engineering Depts. finalised A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 3: The 100 Days Action Plans for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Public Health Engineering Departments headed by Minister, Rihon Daimary were finalised by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a meeting at his office conference room here today.

The Chief Minister gave the go-ahead to the Computerisation and Computer Networking of Consumer Forums Scheme (CONFONET) in all the districts consumer forums. The opening of 1,000 new Aamar Dukans was also finalised in the meeting Sonowal asked the department to strengthen the Aamar Dukan concept and to make it more enterprising and economically viable by tying up with wholesalers from

both within and outside the State so that the consumers get the items at a nominal price. He also advocated for training of skills of the youth so that they can handle the business with finesse.

Sonowal suggested rechristening of Aamar Dukan to ‘Aamar Nijor Dukan’ to infuse a sense of belonging.

As regards Public Health Engineering Department, the meeting finalised the construction of 50,000 household toilets in rural areas, a piped water supply scheme covering 21 habitations and a water supply scheme energised by solar energy at Nazira covering 200 households. It also decided to carry out testing of 25,000 water samples in PHED laboratories. The meeting also gave the go-ahead to the exposure visit of 15 officials of PHED

and P&RD to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala for learning solid liquid waste management practices.

The Chief Minister said beautification must be made an integral component of any project and that the topography must be taken into account while finalising any project. “The architects must be taken to the actual site so that they can conceptualise the project in such a way that it adds to the beauty of the place,” he added.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Principal Secretary, PHED, Hemanta Narzary, Commissioner and Secretary to CM, Sanjay Lohiya, Commissioner and Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Rajesh Prasad, Secretary, Planning & Development, Aruna Rajoria and other senior officials.

Japanese Encephalitis turned deadly claimed seven in Darrang Mangaldai,August 3 : Japanese Encephalitis(JE) , the vector borne has turned deadly in Darrang district claiming seven lives since the month of June last including three children .

Sipajhar and Kharupetia are the worst effected Primary Health Centres (PHC) with three casualties each while it claimed one in areas under Jaljali PHC of the district.

Three casualties have been reported in each of the month of June and July while remaining has been reported in the current month. The list

of the casualties recorded under Sipajhar PHC are Sabur li (55) of village Saru Byaspara , Jesmina Khatun (9) of Phuhuratoli and Bhoka Debi (74) of village Niz-Sipajhar , while those in Kharupetia PHC are Sultan Ali (40) of village GanakarMati , Mozamil Hoque (4) of Paniakhat and Moidul Islam (14) of village No1 Shyampur . The only casualty recorded under Jaljali PHC is Sajuiddin Ahmed (50) of village KaliaparaAulachowka. Besides these seven casualties officially

recorded , another six JE positive cases have also been reported in the district till filing of this report . It may be mentioned here that JE vaccination had been carried out in the district separately for both children and adult by the district health department and the coverage was claimed to be more than ninety percent and the vaccination status of those persons died are yet to ascertained. However the no of casualties till date in comparison to that of thirteen last year is still less .

Security review before Independence Day

State CS, DGP, MLA donate salary towards flood victims A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 3: Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia contributed one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the flood affected people of the State.

The Chief Secretary formally handed over the cheque to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at his office chamber at Assam Secretariat here today.

Director General of Police, Mukesh Sahay and Princi-

pal Chief Conservator of Forest, Darash Mathur also contributed one-month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

They formally handed over the cheques to the Chief Minister. MLA, Sanjay Kishan also donated onemonth’s salary to the relief fund. The Chief Minister thanked them for their generous contribution to the relief fund for the flood-hit people.

Max Cement contributes towards flood victims A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 3: Max Cement contributed Rs 5 lakh to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the flood affected people. Managing Director of Max Cement, Vineet Agarwal formally handed over the cheque to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at his office chamber here today.

MD Agarwal also apprised the Chief Minister that his company is engaged in providing relief materials to the flood affected people. The Chief Minister thanked Agarwal for his company’s generous gesture for the flood affected people. Executive Director Prakash Agarwal was also present on the occasion.

Goswami assumes charge as Media Adviser to CM A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 3: Hrishikesh Goswami assumed his office as Media Adviser to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Goswami formally joined today amidst the presence of media persons, a host of officials and well-wishers at

his office situated at Chief Minister Block at Assam Secretariat. He sought the cooperation of the media persons and officials in his endeavour to bring the administration closer to the people. Goswami holds the status of Secretary to Government of Assam.

ET Correspondent Nazira, Aug 3: On the eve of the Independence Day and in view of the threat perception from various insurgent groups and to alert

the people in association with the GRP and Simaluguri police the SDPO of Nazira, Rajendra Uja organised a security awareness camp at

Simaluguri Railway Station on Sunday. GRP OC of Simaluguri Gubin Kalita,CI of Nazira Mohendra Saikia etc. were present in the programme .

The stranded tiger captured and released in the wild.

Shambhu Boro Tezpur, August 3.The stranded tiger which had been a subject of terror among the people near NERIWALM area here has finally been captured today after hours long effort by a dedicated forest team. Mentionable that on July 31 last it was spotted near Maithan, Bhomoraguri Village near here. However, the forest department sources said that while keeping track of the tiger, it was found that the it had entered inside the NERIWALM campus by the evening of the same day in order to know whether the tiger is still hovering inside the campus or has left the campus, four cameras were installed inside the NERIWALM campus on August 1 last by the western Assam wildlife division, Tezpur. “One of the four

cameras captured the photograph of right flank of the tiger. From the photograph it was clear that it was a tigress. Constant vigil on the movement of the tigress was kept by the division.

Meanwhile, the chief wildlife warden of Assam constituted a committee for safe exit or capture of the animal, as per the SoP of the national Tiger Conservation authority.” The sources adding as the tigress was not leaving the campus, finally it was decided to capture the tigress by chemical sedation. A team of veterinary doctors from cerntre for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation (CWRC) of Borjuri unit finally captured the tigress today in the morning and given first aid to the minor abrasion on the body of the animal. The divisional forest officer,

Sonitpur West Division, Tezpur expressing satisfaction over the success of the operation said that the capture of the tigress and it’s safe release in the wild may be attributed to the administrative department, police department and civil society groups for their seminal role in containing movement of people close to the location of the tigress and making provision of adequate security in the event of some untoward development in the process of capture of the tigress. “The officials and families of NERIWALM deserve special appreciation for being composed and cooperative during the ordeal of the three days and nights, when the tigress was residing amidst them. The role of media in the case was also highly praiseworthy.” The forest official said.

REGION

PAGE 5

Spt Police take up a slew of measures for safety of drivers, passengers

Projects taken up by PWD with funding from NEC/NLCPR State Govt yet to release its share

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

Imphal, Aug 03 : Senapati District Police have taken up a slew of measures for the safety of transporters and passengers along Imphal-Dimapur highway including installation of CCTV cameras, introduction of speed guns, deployment of additional police personnel etc.

A team of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union (AMRTDMWU) and some media persons went to Senapati today. Speaking to the visiting team, Senapati SP Kabib K said that the district police have initiated different initiatives for the safety and security of passengers and transporters.

In the first phase, high resolution CCTV cameras have been installed at Mao police station today. Similar CCTV cameras would be installed at Tadubi, Senapati, Kangpokpi and Saparmeina police stations.

Due arrangements are being made to install two to four CCTV cameras at each police station. The new initiative would help police in tracing vehicles in case they go missing.

In case a vehicle breaks down or a driver faces dif-

AMRTDMWU general secretary Maimom Anil Meitei told media persons that transporters have been facing lots of difficulties along the highway both in Nagaland and Manipur for the past many years.

Spt Police take up a slew of measures for safety of drivers, passengers ficulties, he may pull up his vehicle at the nearest police station. To reduce incidence of highway robbery, extortion and abductions, 15 additional police teams have been deployed at vulnerable points, said the SP. Due preparations have also been initiated to closely monitor Kuki militant groups under SoO pact as well as other militant groups which are outside such pacts, he continued.

Many other measures have also been taken up to reduce road accidents. District police have procured speed guns. Using these equip-

ment, vehicles travelling beyond permissible speed limits would be pulled up and fined according to rules. There would be prohibition on movement of heavy vehicles along the highway between 8.30 and 9.30 in the morning and 2.30 and 3.30 in the afternoon. The new measure has been initiated in the interest of school going children.

If the vehicles must move along the highway during these hours, they must travel at a reduced speed, said the SP. Erection of 'slow down' sign-boards at different places where

schools are located along the highways has also been started. The new measures have been initiated in collaboration with the Senapati DC at the instruction of the DGP. Large stickers embossed with the words 'Manipur Police' have been pasted in all the vehicles belonging to Senapati District Police.

The AMRTDMWU team along with members of the Senapati District Drivers Welfare Union also met leaders of the Surface Transport Eco and Environment Society, Nagaland at Zakhama.

There

Apart from abduction and physical harassments, many drivers have been killed.

The three transport organisations have been asking the authorities to address these problems. He then lauded the measures taken by the Senapati District Police for the safety of transporters and passengers.

He said that the three organisations would put forward their grievances before the Government of Nagaland too.

Surface Transport Eco and Environment Society, Nagaland general secretary Bipin Sophie said that one major problem encountered by transporters is presence of too many check points along the highway.

For instance, there are three check gates at Khuzama alone and transporters are forced to cough up money at all these check points, Bipin Sophie said.(Agencies)

AICC to evolve a 'strategy' Mizoram Bans animals from Manipur for 2018 assembly polls

AICC leaders Mukul Wasnik and CP Joshi address the mediapersons after concluding their one-to-one meeting with the party MLAs and functionaries in city on Tuesday

Shillong, Aug 03: The AICC observer Mukul Wasnik and the central party leader in charge Meghalaya C P Joshi will submit the report about the many grievances of the party MLAs, MDCs and other leaders to the Congress President Sonia Gandhi even as Wasnik asserted that a strategy will be adopted before the party faces the next Assembly polls, but remained non- committal on the issue of change of leadership.

Wasnik told reporters at the end of the meeting with the party men on Tuesday that whatever they had discussed is confidential and the report would be submitted to the party's top leadership. Stating that the they are satisfied with their visit to Shillong, Wasnik said, "We are going back to New Delhi with all the confidence that a strategy will be evolved to further strengthen the party to prepare for the upcoming elections".

After the two- day one-

to-one meeting which began (on Monday with the party functionaries including the leaders from district and Block Congress committees, both the leaders left for Delhi on Tuesday. As the culmination of the exercise, the last separate one to one meeting of Wasnik and Joshi was with the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, MPCC president DD Lapang and KHADC CEM P N Syiem.

While majority of Congress legislators had completed their meetings with the AICC leaders on Monday, the KHADC CEM along with five other MDCs met the duo on Tuesday.

Later, the AICC observer said that they had an extensive discussion with legislators, MDCs, senior leaders and other cells of the party. Reacting to a query about the change of leadership, Wasnik said that their exercise for one to one discussion was mainly for building the organization and listen to the views of the party leaders and receive suggestions on how to

strengthen the party in the state.

Wasnik also said that the suggestions of the party leaders and functionaries have been made in camera and they will inform the AICC leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi about the views which have emerged from the discussions.

Earlier, Wasnik said that congress will emerge as stronger party and it will play a very responsible role in times to come in the state even as he added that inform a t i o n shared by the party leaders have been taken seriously . The AICC leaders also gave separate audience to the Church leaders and businessmen from the city to get their independent views on the functioning of the Congress-led government. Sources said that the Church leaders and the businessmen expressed their unhappiness over the performance of the government. (Agencies)

Aizawl, Aug 03: Mizoram has decided to ban import of domestic animals like cattle, chicken, pigs and buffaloes from Manipur's Churachand-pur district in view of the reported outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE). The Japanese Encephalitis has claimed three lives in Manipur. High alerts have been sounded in hospitals across Mizoram. However, the State is yet to detect any case of Japanese Encephalitis. A rapid action committee has been formed to fight the outbreak and be on the alert.

According to WHO, Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses, and is

spread by mosquitoes.

JEV is the main cause of viral encephalitis in many countries of Asia with an estimated 68000 clinical cases every year.

It may result in death. It occurs mainly in rural parts of Asia. It cannot spread directly from person to person.

Encephalitis is a disease that results in inflammation of the brain. The patient's central nervous system is affected. It can be caused due to bacterial or viral infections of the brain, injection of toxic substances or increased compli- cations of an infectious disease.

In India, Japanese Encephalitis has claimed many lives in States like Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh.(Agencies)

Imphal, Aug 03: The State Government is yet to release its matching share amounting to over Rs 36 core for different projects taken up by PWD with funding from NEC/ NLCPR. The amount currently kept withheld is inclusive of Rs 40 lakh for development of road from Khongman Mangjil to Okram Chuthek.

With the State Government withholding its first instalment matching share of Rs 40 lakh, the road development work from Khongman Mangjil to Okram Chuthek has been suspended, according to information received from the State PWD. For development of the 2.5 Kms long Other District Road (ODR), Ministry of DoNER sanctioned around Rs 11 crore under NLCPR. The road (Khongman Mangjil-Okram Chuthek) project includes strengthening and expansion of the existing road, construction of RCC slab culvert (2 m), extension of existing slab culvert, removal of marshy soil from the adjoining canal and construction of line drain. The project cost should be shared between the Ministry of DoNER and

the State Government at the ratio of 90:10.

However, the work order for the project was allotted to Special Contractor Md Nashir who bid for the contract work at a cost lower than the total estimated cost. After executing some portions of the project including strengthening of the road and protection of work, the work agency has stopped executing the project. For the same project, the Ministry of DoNER released Rs four crore and the amount was used in paying due liability of the particular work agency.

As per the Ministry's funding pattern, Rs four crore should be released in the first instalment followed by another Rs four crore in the second instalment and Rs three crore in the third instalment. Against the amount of Rs four crore sanctioned by the Ministry in the first instalment, the State Government should release Rs 40 lakh. The utilization certificate for the Rs four crore released by the Ministry and the Rs 40 lakh released by the State Government should be submitted to the Ministry. The

State Government should seek for release of the second instalment amount of Rs 4 crore after utilization certificate for the total Rs 4.4 crore is submitted to the Ministry.

However, with the State Government not releasing its first instalment share of Rs 40 lakh, Government officials are not in a position to seek the second instalment of Rs four crore. In the meantime, the particular work agency has stopped executing the road development work as its due liability has not been paid.

As per NLCPR rules, the Ministry would not release any further fund unless the State Government releases its share.

On account of similar reasons, many projects taken up by PWD with funds drawn from NLCPR could not be finished. This has rippling effects as no further NLCPR funds are released with the projects lying incomplete or abandoned midway. If the situation is not addressed properly, the State may not be get any projects which are funded

by NLCPR, informed the source.(Agencies)

BJP Mahila Morcha to seek center's attention Imphal, Aug 03: BJP Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh is set to seek Centre's attention if the two damaged Ima Keithels are not repaired within the stipulated time. Addressing a press conference held at BJP Manipur Pradesh office, Morcha President Sumati Bala Ningthoujam said that they have met the displaced women vendors and taken note of the serious inconveniences faced by them in selling their wares at the new temporary market shed.

After Ima Keithel No 2 and 3 were damaged by the devastating earthquake that struck the State on January 4 last, around 2000 women vendors were shifted to a new temporary shed constructed behind Johnstone Higher Secondary School.

However, they have been

complaining about sluggish business and congestion at the temporary market shed.

Sumati Bala said that a team of BJP Mahila Morcha today visited the new temporary market shed and looked into the inconveniences faced by the women vendors there. Saying that the women vendors received them warmly, Sumati Bala said that the womenfolk however told them that they would resort to an agitation if the damaged Ima Keithels are not repaired by August 10.

She said that they assured the Imas to enquire the matter with the Government. To Morcha's query, the authority concerned responded that there is no proposal for reconstruction but it would be repaired soon, Sumati Bala said. She further said that the officials told them that different tests are required prior to commence-

ment of repairing works.

However, it is questionable why no work is visible even after six months, she said.

As such, a team of Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh would go to Delhi to seek Centre's attention regarding the matter, Sumati Bala said. She said that it is unfortunate that the State Government has taken so long in repairing the legendary Ima Keithels although huge number of women vendors have been reeling under different hardships. Sumati Bala said that they are now ready to extend support to all forms of agitation launched by the women vendors regarding the matter. BJP Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh secretary Dayabati and BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson RK Shivadutta were also present at the press conference.(Agencies)

After hotels, 79 brick CEM: EC to meet on road project kilns get closure notice Shillong, Aug 03: After slapping closure notices on several city hotels and guest houses for failing to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and releasing untreated polluted water directly to the rivers, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has served closure notices to 79 brick kilns operating illegally in the state.

During the hearing of a petition in this regard by NGT, Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata on July 29, the Board, in its report submitted to the tribunal, informed that 29 brick kilns have the Board's mandatory consent to operate.

"79 more do not have the board's consent and accordingly notices of closure have been issued against them," the report said.

Referring to the earlier orders, the NGT observed that as per the

report of Pollution Control Board, it had been clearly indicated that there would be two categories of brick fields, which were in breach of law. Of them, the category C would include those brick fields which had consents to operate at some point of time but continued to operate even after its period of validity expired without getting its renewal at the appropriate time. The second is the category D being those brick kilns which did not have any consent from the Board at any point of time.

"We had prescribed Rs.1 lakh as environmental compensation against category C and Rs. 1.5 lakh against category D", the NGT said. However, the NGT left it to the Board to decide the cases of those brick kiln owners, who have violated law.

" While doing so, the State PCB shall follow due process by affording reasonable opportunity of being heard to the brick field owners", the NGT said, while adding that the compensation will be imposed only after they are satisfied that such brick field owners are violators. The NGT also made it clear that payment of compensation would not automatically entitle the brick kiln owners for grant of consent.

According to NGT, it is first to be ascertained by the State PCB as to whether necessary conditions required for the purpose have been satisfied or not following which the consent will either be granted or refused. The next hearing of the case will take place on September 9.(Agencies)

Shillong, Aug 03: A day after both the KHADC and the state government took crucial decisions linked to uranium mining, the KHADC chief PN Syiem said that the Executive Committee would meet on Wednesday to discuss the future course of action.

Under pressure, the KHADC on Monday decided to cancel the NOC granted to carry out the road project from Nongstoin to Wahkaji.

Syiem said on Tuesday that the issue of writing an official letter to the concerned ministry about the objections of the people against the road project will be discussed in the meeting. The KHADC CEM felt that the scheme meant for the development of road connectivity should be allotted to other rural areas which are in urgent need of development. "We feel that there is a need to re-propose the earlier scheme," Syiem said.(Agencies)

Syiem takes up Govt failure with AICC leaders Shillong, Aug 03: Amidst all speculations, the rebel Congressman PN Syiem, instead of raising the leadership issue directly, has briefed the AICC observer Mukul Wasnik and the AICC incharge of Meghalaya CP Joshi about the failure of the State Government during his one-toone with the duo. Syiem, who has revolted openly against the Chief Minister, during almost an hour-long meeting with the AICC leaders here on Tuesday discussed the policies of the State Government.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, the KHADC CEM said that it

was his duty to brief the AICC leaders different issues pertaining to the state including encroachment of MUDA in Sixth Schedule area, dual-post stalemate etc. "The demand for change in leadership comes later but at first there is a need to discuss the core issues and policies of the Government," he said adding that he brought "the wrong policies of the state government" to their notice.

Stating that people are not against Congress, he added that the Government has failed to protect the interest of people . "I leave it to the wisdom of AICC to decide on the issue raised by me, he said.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

Amit Shah won't be new Gujarat CM: BJP

Rajnath heads to Pakistan; seeks 'cooperation against terrorism'

New Delhi, Aug 03: Refuting rumours that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah was a frontrunner for the post of next Chief Minister in Gujarat, senior party leader Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said that the party needed Shah as its chief and there was "no question" of him going back to Gujarat.

New Delhi, Aug 03: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday left for Pakistan to attend the seventh SAARC Home/Interior Ministers meeting in Islamabad. No bilateral talks are expected between the two countries, officials said.

"He (Shah) is our national president and under him the BJP has performed exceptionally well in state polls and has also become the number one political party in the world‌ The party will continue to work under his leadership," Naidu said after informing that the BJP's parliamentary board had accepted the resignation of outgoing Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

Naidu further said that Shah would head a panel that will

Panel probing Mann's video gets two more weeks New Delhi, Aug 03: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday extended by two weeks the term of a panel probing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Bhagwant Mann's video that allegedly put the security of the Parliament at risk.

A nine-member panel is probing Mann's controversial video clip and will be deciding the course of action to be taken against the Lok Sabha member for his conduct. Mahajan, yet again asked Mann to not attend Parliament till a decision in taken in the matter.

The AAP MP from Punjab stoked controversy after he posted a video of his journey from his home to Parliament House on Facebook, highlighting security checkpoints. After drawing flak from various corners for putting the security of Parliament under danger, Mann, apologised to Mahajan and removed the video.(Agenies)

choose the next CM who "will be from Gujarat and from among the MLAs".

"We have not discussed any name yet. We will hold discussions soon after consulting everyone. We have a majority government so choosing a candidate is not an issue. We will do it after due deliberations," he said.

The parliamentary board meeting took place at the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 7, Race Course Road to dis-

cuss Patel's resignation letter. One of the BJP's apex decision-making forum, the board deliberated upon a worthy replacement for Anandiben Patel after she resigned from her post on Monday.

Following this, Shah had said that he will place before the party's parliamentary board the resignation letter asking the leadership to relieve her of her post.

Gujarat goes to polls in 2017.(Agencies)

Mumbai-Goa bridge collapse: 2 buses with 22 missing Riagad, Aug 03: Two Maharashtra state transport buses with 22 people have gone missing after the vehicles were swept away in the swollen Savitri River in Konkan region as an old bridge collapsed at Mahad.

The bridge on the MumbaiGoa Highway came down late last night, bringing traffic to a halt.

Two buses of state transport with 18 passengers, two drivers and two conductors have gone missing in the Mahad tragedy, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said in a tweet on Wednesday. Fadnavis, who is monitoring the situation closely since morning said, "There were two parallel bridges; one is a new bridge and one constructed during the British era. The old one collapsed."

The primary reason seems to be the high pressure caused due to flooding of river Savitri due to heavy rains in catchment of Mahabaleshwar, he said.

"Spoke to Raigad SP and Collector about bridge collapse on Mumbai-Goa Highway. Administration has rushed to spot for rescue and immediate measures," Fadnavis said.

"Traffic on highway is stopped. Administration is ascertaining strength and stability of new bridge," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Fadnavis today and was briefed about the bridge collapse. "The PM offered all help in rescue and relief operations," Fadnavis said. NDRF teams are already activated, he tweeted. The Coast Guard has deployed a Chetak helicopter to carry out search for people who were swept away from the bridge. Soon after the incident, Raigad SP Suvez Haque and Collector visited the spot where the bridge once stood. Darkness had hampered operations, which resumed this morning.(Agencies)

Kashmir: 1 more person dies, normal life disrupted for 25th day

"Leaving for Islamabad to attend the SAARC HM Conference. This Conference provides a platform to discuss issues pertaining to security," Rajnath tweeted.

"Looking forward to underscore the imperative of meaningful cooperation within the region against terrorism and organised crime," he said in another tweet. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju had said on Monday: "He is going to Pakistan for Saarc conference. It's a multi-lateral meeting, not bilateral talks," a point reiterated by the External Affairs ministry as well.

However, Singh is likely to raise the issue Pakistan

backed terrorists operating in India. The home minister has already pointed fingers at Pakistan for stoking unrest in Kashmir following the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The violence has claimed nearly 50 lives and left hundreds injured.

Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh will be getting a tight security cover upon his arrival in Pakistan following Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's warning of a countrywide protest in Pakistan by his outfit when the Indian Home Minister arrives in Islamabad.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) leadership had agreed in 2005 during the 13th summit in Dhaka that Home/Interior Ministers of the Saarc nations may meet annually to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. The first meeting of Home/Interior Ministers was held in Dhaka on May 11, 2006.(Agencies)

PAGE 6

GST Bill tabled in Rajya Sabha, all set to sail through New Delhi, Aug 03: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday tabled the long-pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill in the upper house of Parliament for discussion and appeared to be all set for a smooth passage with the Congress hinting at supporting the much delayed bill.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha after tabling the bill, Jaitley said that the GST legislation was necessary for the country's economy and would convert India into one uniform market.

"GST is one of the most significant tax reforms in the history of India. It will give a much needed boost to the economy which is now at a critical stage," Jaitley said.

Underlining that a huge consensus building exercise was undertaken to bring opposing parties on board, Jaitley said the GST bill was Indian federalism at its best.

Meanwhile, the Congress too indicated towards supporting the bill as the "tone of the government had changed".

"India is ready to embrace the GST bill. The Congress was never opposed to the GST but NDA tried to pass it without our support," Congress MP and former finance minister P Chidambaram said. The government has scrapped the additional levy of 1 per cent proposed earlier and opposed by the Congress.

The GST bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 19, 2014, and was passed by the Lok Sabha around five months later on May 6. It was then referred to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha which submitted its report on July 22.

These amendments will need to get the nod of the Lok Sabha again, following which at least 50 per cent of the states need to ratify the bill for it to become a statute. This again could be a long-drawn process, since states will have their own sets of issues and queries.

The new regime, termed as the most radical tax reform since Independence, seeks to subsume all central indirect taxes like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax, as also the state levies like value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax to create a single, pan-India market.(Agencies)

PM to launch mega BJP campaign to rekindle patriotism spirit New Delhi, Aug 03: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a mega 15-day BJP campaign '70 saal azadi-yaad karo kurbani' on August 9, the 75th year of Quit India movement, and virtually the entire Council of Ministers will travel across the country to "rekindle the spirit of patriotism".

The party will also use the occasion to highlight the Modi government's schemes aimed at the poor and weaker sections with senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu claiming it has been working to usher in 'suraj' (good governance) after the country received 'swaraj' (self-rule) 70 years ago.

"This will be massive exercise of 15 days across the country to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Quit India movement and 70 years of independence. The programme will continue till August 23," Naidu, the Information and Broadcast-

Woman ministers will visit borders areas and tie rakhi to soldiers on Raksha Bandhan, which falls during the period.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ing Minister, told reporters.

The programme was given final touches in the BJP's Parliamentary Party meeting held earlier in the day.

Elaborating the details of the programme, Naidu said 75 ministers will visit at least two places associated with freedom struggle. 150 such places have been identified.

"The idea is to rekindle the spirit of patriotism among

the people to convey to the new generation the sacrifices made by our leaders who fought for the freedom movement and recall the great valour shown by them," he told reporters.

Referring to incidents like Kakori case, Jalianwala Bagh massacre, Dandi March and Quit India movement, he said party leaders and union ministers will visit spots linked with them and pay tribute to leaders.

The kith and kin of martyrs, freedom fighters and ex-servicemen, especially those conferred with gallantry awards, will also be felicitated. Every party MP in his or her constituency will undertake 'Tiranga Yatra' for between August 15-22.

They will take out a rally on two-wheelers carrying national flag and visit different places to pay tribute to freedom fighters and ex-servicemen.

Various ministries, including Defence, Home, HRD, I&B and Textile, will also carry out different activities.

Textile Ministry is also preparing plans to promote khadi in a big way, he added. The films division will show patriotic movies and also broadcast speeches of noted freedom fighters

like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Subhas Chandra Bose, he said.

During their visit, ministers will highlight the "pro-poor initiatives" like Jan Dhan Yojana, life and health insurance schemes and Mudra project started by the government in the last two years. Naidu said many freedom fighters who were not known across the country will also be remembered.

"Many important days like Hyderabad and Goa liberation days among others will be recaptured during the celebrations. We will try to involve all sections of society in them," he said. The Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry will organise a candle light Freedom March involving the Nehru Yuva Kendras at all major centres on the eve of Independence Day, he said.

(PTI)

BJP accepts Anandiben Sonia Gandhi under observation at Patel's resignation

Srinagar, Aug 03: One person was killed and another injured in fresh violence in Kashmir, even as normal life remained disrupted for the 25th consecutive day today due to strike called by separatists and curfew imposed by the authorities in some parts of the Valley.

With this the death toll has gone up to 50.

One person was killed and another injured when the personal security guard of a senior government official opened fire to ward off a mob which was trying to set ablaze the vehicle of the official, police said. The incident took place at Lethpora area of Pulwama district on Srinagar-Jammu national Highway at around 8.30 pm, the police official said.

He said the government official, identified as Baburam, was stopped by a mob when he was on his way to Ramban in Jammu division and asked to alight from the vehicle. As

soon as the official and his personal security guard got off the vehicle, the mob tried to set it ablaze prompting the security personnel to open fire.

In another incident, a group of protesters pelted stones on a police station in Trehgam area of Kupwara district. The police personnel retaliated by firing tear-gas shells, resulting in injuries to three persons.

One of the injured was referred to a hospital here and his condition was stated to be critical.

Many shops and business establishments had opened after sundown yesterday as the separatists had announced a relaxation in the agitation programme to allow people to buy essentials in view of the prolonged shut down since July 9 in the Valley.

However, all markets remained closed today and public transport was off the roads in view of the strike call given by the separatists. Curfew remained in force in six police station areas of the city, Anantnag

town, Kokernag and Khanpora in Baramulla district as restrictions on assembly of four or more people continued in entire Kashmir, a police official said.

"Curfew is in place only in six police station areas of Srinagar city -- Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Batamaloo and Maharajgunj," he said. The separatist groups have been spearheading the agitation to protest the civilian killings during the protests following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

Protests broke out across Kashmir Valley on July 9, leading to clashes with security forces in which 50 people have been killed and over 5600 persons injured. Mobile Internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley where the postpaid mobile telephony services have been restored across all networks.

(Agencies)

hospital: Congress

New Delhi, Aug 03: The parliamentary board of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday accepted the resignation of outgoing Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, senior leader Venkaiah Naidu said ruling out speculation that party president Amit Shah could be the state's new chief minister.

"The parliamentary board meeting took place today to discuss Gujarat CM Anandiben's resignation letter. We debated and discussed the letter and keeping in mind her request to relieve her off the post, the board accepted her resignation," Naidu told reporters outside 7, Race Course Road after the meeting concluded.

"She will meet the Governor and tender her resignation," added the urban Development Minister.

"She has set an example for the lakhs of party workers and she has worked really hard for the party as an MLA and a CM," he said further. Refuting rumours

that Shah was a frontrunner for the vacant post, Naidu said Shah was BJP's national president and the party will continue to work under his leadership.

Naidu said that Shah would in fact head a panel that will choose the next CM who "will be from Gujarat and from among the MLAs".

"We have not discussed any name yet. We will hold discussions soon after consulting everyone. We have a majority government so choosing a candidate is not an issue. We will do it after due deliberations," he said.

The BJP parliamentary board meeting was held here at the official residence

of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning and all senior leaders of the party including Amit Shah, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari among others were present.

One of the BJP's apex decision-making forum, the board deliberated upon a worthy replacement for Anandiben Patel after she resigned from her post on Monday. Following this, Shah had said that he will place before the party's parliamentary board the resignation letter asking the leadership to relieve her of her post.

Gujarat goes to polls in 2017. (Agencies)

New Delhi, Aug 03: Congress president Sonia Gandhi was on Wednesday "stable" and under observation of specialist doctors at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital here after she was admitted there late last night due to high fever, her party said.

No medical bulletin on her health has been yet issued by the hospital but the Congress said she is recovering under medical supervision. The 69-yearold Congress chief returned here on Tuesday by a chartered flight close to midnight after she had to abandon the 8-km roadshow in Varanasi midway due to illness.

AICC media cell incharge Randeep Surjewala said she is stable and is recovering under medical supervision.

"Yesterday itself, she had said that she would return to Varanasi to meet the people and to have

'darshan of the historical temple of Kashi Vishwanath Ji'. On return, she was admitted to hospital in Delhi, is stable and is recovering under medical supervision", he said in a statement. The Congress president is overwhelmed by the concern and affection of fellow countrymen and crores of Congressmen and has thanked everyone for their good wishes, he said.

Sources said doctors have kept Sonia under observation as she was running high fever on Tuesday and got dehydrated due to exhaustion during the road show.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were by her side. Her son-in-law Robert Vadra also visited her. Senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had on Tuesday said that her condition was "stable" after she suffered a bout of "dehydration, vomited and had fever" in Varanasi. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

NEIGHBOURS

Bangladesh police kill suspect in minority murders Dhaka, Aug 03: Bangladesh police shot dead an Islamist leader suspected in a series of recent killings targeting foreigners and religious minorities, an official said on Wednesday.

Nazrul Islam, 28, was killed on Tuesday in a shoot-out with police, who said he had been involved in at least 11 murders and two other attempts and was a senior leader of the banned Islamist group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

Dhaka police described Islam, also known as Bike Hasan, as a "top JMB terrorist" and said they recovered a pistol and bullets from the site of the gunfight.

Bangladesh blames the JMB for a recent wave of Islamist-inspired killings that have raised fears for the safety of religious minorities in the country. "He was shot dead during a gunfight at Mahendra Crossing in Rajshahi city early on Wednesday morning when we raided the area," the

recent increase in gruesome attacks.

Five gunmen stormed an upscale cafe in the capital on July 1, killing 20 mainly foreign hostages and two police officers in Bangladesh's deadliest single militant attack of recent years. Police said the five were members of a new faction of JMB led by a Canadian of Bangladeshi origin and whose members, many drawn from rich families, had vowed allegiance to the Islamic State organisation.

Bangladesh police kill suspect in minority murders city's police commissioner Shafiqul Islam said.

"Later we learned that the person killed in the raid was the notorious Bike Hasan."

The 28-year-old earned the nickname for his skills on the motorbikes that the men behind the wave of killings have frequently used to

Russia rejects US criticism of Aleppo strikes Moscow, Aug 03: Moscow on Tuesday blasted criticism by Washington over its actions in Syria, saying it was "unacceptable" to demand restraint around Aleppo, the city divided between Syrian government troops and rebels. "As soon as there is real headway in fighting terrorists, made by the Syrian government and army with our support, the Americans started... demanding that we stop fighting terrorists," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told agency.

Britain-based monitors reported that Russia launched heavy air strikes in the Aleppo outskirts, slowing a last-ditch effort by rebels to break the siege. US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday called on Russia and its Damascus ally to restrain "from conducting offensive operations" in Aleppo, where regime forces surrounded rebelheld districts.

Kerry said the attacks prevented the warring parties from meeting yesterday, the target date set for the regime and opposition to agree on the framework for political transition.

"We will see in the course

of the next hours, few days, whether or not that dynamic can be changed," Kerry said.

Ryabkov however rejected such talk as an ultimatum.

"To hear from Washington that... the next hours and days will be decisive, that is an ultimatum-like, unacceptable tone. I think this is regular blackmail that is common to the Americans," said Ryabkov. Moscow had announced the launch of humanitarian corridors out of Aleppo for civilians and surrendering rebels, a scheme that some NGOs said was "deeply flawed," calling instead for a UNmandated plan of escape routes.

Ryabkov countered that the US itself uses the corridor scheme and is only against it because Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces are crushing opponents who have not joined the ceasefire or surrendered.

"Why can it not be done with Aleppo? Because in Syria the Syrian government has finally begun to separate terrorists from the moderate (opposition) and civilians. That is what our colleagues in Washington were not ready to do" for months, he said.(Agencies)

make a quick getaway, Islam said. "It's a major success in our ongoing drive against extremists," he added. Police suspect Nazrul Islam of involvement in the murder of at least five Hindu men as well as a Japanese farmer shot dead in northern Bangladesh in 2015.

He is also accused in the killings of a liberal university professor, a leader of the minority Sufi faith and a Christian grocer.

Bangladesh authorities are under pressure to crack down on extremism in the world's third largest Muslim-majority nation after a

"I would like to see your Prime Minister here. I know that I am going to visit your wonderful country in the

next few months", the 76year-old Israeli President said after Indian Ambassador Pavan Kapoor presented his credentials to the Israeli Head of State.

Kapoor thanked the Israeli leader for his country's support to India in many areas, particularly for the timely support to New Delhi during the Kargil war.

"We have been receiving Israel's help in a number of areas, including defence for a long time. We always remember the great help Israel gave to us in 1999 when we were faced with aggression from our neighbour," he said. "Since then we have been seeking and received very good help in agriculture, which is something very important from us.

There has been further exchanges in the area of wa-

The IS has said the five cafe gunmen were its soldiers. It released photos of the carnage and the attackers posing with their black flags hours before commandoes ended the siege.

The IS also claimed responsibilities for most of the 11 murders Nazrul Islam was accused of. Police reject that claim and say the group has no presence in the country.(Agencies)

West supporting terrorism in Turkey: Recep Erdogan Istanbul, Aug 03: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the West on Tuesday of supporting terrorism and those who tried to carry out the coup d'etat in Turkey on July 15.

During a speech delivered before several international investors, Erdogan said, "Now I ask: Does the West give support to terror or not? Is the West on the side of democracy or on the side of coups and terror? Unfortunately, the West gives support to terror and stands on the side of coups."

"We have not received the support we were expecting from our friends, neither during nor after the coup attempt," EFE news quoted

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the President as saying.

Erdogan also regretted that no Western leader had come to Turkey to express condolences with the Turkish people and said, "It's sufficient to look at the statements issued during and after the coup to see this."

Furthermore, he said all available evidence shows that the mastermind of the coup was Islamist preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is in exile in the United States, and who has dismissed any links between him and the failed military coup.(Agencies)

US condemns NKorea missile test

N Korea fires missile into Japan waters for first time western North Korea at around 7:50am Seoul time.

"Initial indications reveal one of the missiles exploded immediately after launch, while the second was tracked over North Korea and into the Sea of Japan," it said in a statement.

Seoul, Aug 03: North Korea fired a ballistic missile directly into Japanese-controlled waters for the first time on Wednesday, drawing an outraged response from Tokyo and ramping up tensions with the United States and South Korea.

The US military said the North had actually launched two Rodong intermediaterange missiles simultaneously, but one appeared to have exploded on takeoff.

The launches followed a North Korean threat of "physical action" over the planned deployment of a sophisticated US anti-missile system in South Korea, and came just weeks before the start of large-scale, joint South Korea-US military exercises. Japan said the one missile had landed in the Sea of Japan, some 250

kilometres (155 miles) off its northern coast and within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

"It's a serious threat against our country's security," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters. "This is an outrageous act that cannot be tolerated."

The United States condemned what it called a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology. "This provocation only serves to increase the international community's resolve to counter (North Korea's) prohibited activities," said Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross.

US Strategic Command said the two missiles were launched from a site in

Israel to solidify cooperation with India: Rivlin Jerusalem, Aug 3 : Israeli President Reuven Rivlin today said that he is looking forward to his visit to India later this year to further solidify bilateral relations for enhancing cooperation in fields like security and innovation. "The cooperation between the two countries is something that is said all over. The cooperation is not only in innovation but you know very well that we are trying our very best to address problems of agriculture, water, energy, cyber and every need of security that we have to work out in order to be prepared for the kind of burden of security that is imposed on both people," Rivlin said.

PAGE 7

ter. We are suffering a lot on the water front. Unfortunately, we either have droughts or floods in our country. We have a lot to learn from Israel," Kapoor added.

The Indian envoy also mentioned that the visit of Minister of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation, Uma Bharti, which had to be postponed at the last moment due to her medical condition is likely to be scheduled again soon. "We are looking forward to your visit to India very soon.

I know that there were some dates in the middle of September that were suggested but unfortunately our President would be away at that time but we are looking at other possible dates to have you there. I think it would be a landmark visit,"

Kapoor asserted. The Israeli President also complimented the Indian students studying in Israel, saying "they are among the best" of the lot.

It was the first time a North Korean missile has been fired direct into Japanese waters. The second stage of a medium-range missile fired over Japan had splashed down inside the EEZ off Japan's Pacific Ocean coast in 1998.

Japan's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga slammed Pyongyang for providing no advance warning of today's test. "From the perspective of the safety of aircraft and ships, it is an extremely problematic, dangerous act," Suga said.

The Rodong is a scaled-up Scud variant with a maximum range of around 1,300 kilometres (800 miles).

Pyongyang has conducted a series of missile tests this year in defiance of UN sanctions imposed after its fourth nuclear test in January. On July 19 it launched three ballistic missiles - including one Rodong - in an exercise that the North said simulated a nuclear strike on the South.(Agencies)

US condemns NKorea missile test Korea, Aug 03: The US on Wednesday strongly condemned North Korea's "provocative" ballistic missile test and asserted that America's commitment to the defence of its allies, including South Korea and Japan, in the face of such threats remains "iron-clad".

"We are aware of reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired ballistic missiles. We are monitoring and continuing to assess the situation in close coordination with our regional allies and partners," State Department spokeswoman Julia Mason said.

"We strongly condemn this and North Korea's other recent missile tests, which violate multiple UN Security Council Resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea's launches using ballistic missile technology," Mason said.

These provocations only

serve to increase the international community's resolve to counter the North Korean prohibited activities, including through implementing existing UN Security Council sanctions.

"We intend to raise our concerns at the UN to bolster international resolve in holding the DPRK accountable for these provocative actions," Mason said.

America's commitment to the defence of its allies, including South Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, remains "iron-clad", she said. The US remains prepared to work with its allies and partners around the world to respond to further North Korean provocations as well as to defend itself and allies from any attack or provocation, Mason said.

"We call on North Korea to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise

tensions in the region and to focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its commitments and international obligations and commitments," Mason said.

According to the US Strategic Command, its systems detected two North Korean missile launches on August 2, 2016.

"The simultaneous launch of two presumed No Dong intermediate range ballistic missiles occurred near the western city of Hwangju," it said. "Initial indications reveal one of the missiles exploded immediately after launch, while the second was tracked over North Korea and into the Sea of Japan," US Strategic Command said in a statement.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launches from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America.(Agencies)

Emirates flight from Arrest warrants issued Thiruvananthapuram against 98 officials of crash lands in Dubai Turkish Army hospital Dubai, Aug 3: An Emirates flight from Thiruvanant hapuram to Dubai crash landed here today with authorities saying the 275 passengers on board had been evacuated safely and no injuries reported. "Concerned Authorities at #Dubai International Airport are dealing with the incident at the moment to ensure safety of all. All passengers were evacuated safely and no injuries have been reported so far," the Dubai media office tweeted about the incident involving flight EK521.

"I am told that 10 per cent of students from abroad learning in Israel are from India. They are among the best students we have, not only among the foreign students but among the best of all students. We are proud that they find Israel attractive to learn," Rivlin said.

The Israeli leader highlighted that among many things in common between India and Israel is the "readiness to learn and readiness to improve". "We both are ready to find any kind of innovation to our lives for the betterment of Emirates confirmed that our people and for our mu- flight EK521 from tual interest," he said.(PTI)

Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai has been involved in an accident at Dubai international airport.

There were 275 passengers on board. "Emirates can confirm that an incident happened at Dubai International Airport today at about 12.45 pm local time," the airline spokesperson said.

Further information will be shared when it becomes available, the spokesperson added.

Video footage showed smoke billowing out of the Boeing 777 which has a capacity of carrying over 300 passengers.

Dubai airport halted departures after the Emirates accident.(PTI)

Ankara, Aug 03: The Turkish prosecutor on Tuesday ordered the arrest of 98 employees of the Gulhane military hospital in Ankara while the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) dismissed 94 soccer officials, all accused of being followers of Fethullah Gulen, the Islamist preacher whom the Turkish government accuses of orchestrating the failed coup on July 15.

Shortly after the coup, the government said that the Gulen's group had infiltrated numerous academies and military centres, including Gulhane, an institution founded in 1898 during the Ottoman Empire, EFE news reported. This hospital has an excellent reputation in Turkey as a centre for medi-

cal research and attention to the health needs of the army.

Ten days ago, three doctors with the rank of general were detained on suspicion of being part of the network.

The football federation said in a brief statement released on its website that the TFF decided to cut relations with 94 officials, including local and international referees, assistant referees and observers, in addition to members of the local councils of referees.

The statement did not mention any reasons for the dismissal, but it is known that the Turkish federation has been busy for a week with a process of internal purge to remove any members who could maintain links with Gulen's network.(Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

JE at its rise Fighting is the only way JE is an important mosquito-borne viral disease and one of the leading causes of viral encephalitis and neurological infections in Asia. Since 1972, JE has spread to newer areas and epidemics / outbreaks have been reported from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Karnataka, Goa and recently from Kerala and Maharashtra.

The disease in southern India affects children below 15 years, while in north India all age groups are affected. In most of the epidemics, the incidence has been higher in males than in females. The death toll from encephalitis this year in Assam has touched 218 with Dibrugarh district recording the highest number of casualties. It is quite a matter of shock that from January 1 to August 1, 2016 as many as 149 persons had died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) while 69 persons had succumbed to Japanese Encephalitis (JE).

Among the districts, the death toll in Dibrugarh was the highest with 25 deaths, of which 19 were AES and 6 JE cases. Another 235 JE and 1,107 AES positive patients from across the state are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals. The intensity of the disease as compared to other years has however come down. Fogging and DDT spray have been undertaken throughout the districts. The first round of DDT spray is already over

and the second round has been initiated. People have been advised to use medicated mosquito nets for their safety. After Dibrugarh, Sivasagar stand on the second in JE 8 people lost their lives and 11 people died of AES. In Nagaon till now 7 people died of JE and 10 people lost their lives due to AES. JE cases increases with the monsoon, this year the monsoon started early. Generally monsoon started from June in Assam and June to August when maximum cases of JE's were detected.

The usual symptoms are prolonged high fever, severe headache, nausea and constriction in muscle movement. The patient may also become disoriented and may fail to recognize people and recall events. As the disease progresses, the brain and the central nervous system may get affected, leading to disability. Since no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis is available, patients are administered symptomatic treatment. People should keep away from domestic animals and poultry, maintain hygiene, use mosquito nets and wear fullsleeved clothes. Immunization should also be done before the disease takes the form of an endemic.

The government has taken all precautionary measures like vaccination, distribution of mosquito nets, insecticides among others to stop further spread of the disease.

Child Labour Is a complex issue In India, 33 million children in the age group of 0-18 years are working.

Most of these children are engaged in the unorganised and un-regulated sector, making demand and availability of cheap labour an easy proposition. A majority of the working children are concentrated in the rural areas. About 60 per cent of them are below the age of 10 years. Business and trade absorb 23 per cent while work in households covers 36 per cent. The number of children in urban areas who work in canteens and restaurants, or those engaged in picking rags and hawking goods, is vast but unrecorded. As per reports among the more unfortunate ones are those who are employed in hazardous industries. For instance, the fireworks and match box units in Sivakasi in Ramanathpuram district in Tamil Nadu employ 45,000 children. In the slate pencil industry of Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, out of a total workforce of 12,000 workers, 1000 are children below the age of 14 years, making up 8.3 per cent of the total workforce.

In a country like India where over 40 per cent of the population is living in conditions of extreme poverty, child labour is a complex issue. Children work out of necessity and without their earnings (however meagre they may be), the standard of living of their families would decline further. A large number of them do not even have families or cannot count on them for support. In these circumstances, the alternative to

work may be idleness, destitution, or worse, crime. Employers give certain justifications for employing children to suppress their guilt feelings. They say that the work keeps children away from starvation. They are prevented from committing crimes which they would have indulged in if they had no jobs. The bureaucrats hold that the total eradication of child labour is not feasible because the government cannot provide substantial alternative employment to them. The social scientists say that the main cause of child labour is poverty.

The children either supplement their parents' income or are the only wage earners in the family. Under a new, controversial child labour law that has just been passed by the Indian parliament, children younger than 14 are barred from working.

But a provision says they may work after school hours and on holidays in the sports or entertainment industry or in family enterprises. The new law encourages many industries to push production out of factories into homes, which makes it harder to monitor. But the government says that while framing the new law, it had to delicately balance the need to protect children with the reality that millions of poor Indian families depend on the wages their children bring in. While many suggest that the government's mission of transforming India would have been strengthened had it banned child labour in its entirety, without any exceptions.

The child labour act should have been viewed as social legislation rather than just another labour law.

Is Kissinger's Triangular Diplomacy the Answer to Sino-Russian Rapprochement?

To prevent a Sino-Russia security alliance, the U.S. should remember the advice of Henry Kissinger Francis P. Sempa As has been reported extensively, China and Russia are increasing their militaryto-military ties while simultaneously conducting a diplomatic offensive against U.S. security policies in East Asia and elsewhere. Most recently it was that China and Russia will conduct joint land and sea exercises in and around the South China Sea in September. While these developments are not indicative of a Sino-Russian security alliance reminiscent of the Sino-Soviet bloc of the 1950s, they nevertheless should cause U.S. policymakers to reflect on diplomatic and policy options for ensuring the preservation of U.S. security interests and a favorable balance of power in the region.

Geographically, Russia and China occupy respectively what classical geopoliticians called the "heartland" and a significant portion of the East Asian "rimland" of the Eurasian landmass.

When Mao's communists took control of the Chinese mainland in October 1949, and subsequently entered into a security alliance with the Soviet Union and its East European empire, geostrategists warned that such a conglomeration of territory and power could upset the global equilibrium. In the

early 1950s, the great French writer Raymond Aron in his book The Century of Total War noted ominously that "Russia has in fact nearly achieved the 'world island' which [Halford] Mackinder considered the necessary and almost sufficient condition for universal empire." Similarly, James Burnham in Containment or Liberation? warned that the political consolidation of the Sino-Soviet bloc would result in the communists "complete world victory." The classified U.S. national security document that served as the doctrinal foundation for the Cold War containment policy-NSC-68-established Eurasian political pluralism as the overarching goal of American foreign policy.

The geopolitical threat posed by the Sino-Soviet bloc gradually receded when the Sino-Soviet split emerged and was successfully exploited by the Nixon administration with its famous "opening" to China. The current Sino-Russian rapprochement should concentrate the minds of U.S. policymakers on diplomacy designed to prevent a full-fledged SinoRussian security alliance. A good start would be to reflect on the triangular diplomacy pursued by Nixon as explained by his national security advisor and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

"Triangular diplomacy, to

Image for representational purpose (Photo: thediplomat) be effective," Kissinger explained in White House Years, the first volume of his memoirs, "must rely on the natural incentives and propensities of the players."

Kissinger explained that the opening to China and détente with the Soviet Union were pursued as parallel policies designed to enable the United States to "maintain closer relations with each side than they did with each other." It was always better for the United States, he wrote in Years of Upheaval, "to be closer to either Moscow or Peking than either was to the other." "America's bargaining position," he reiterated in his

book Diplomacy, "would be strongest when America was closer to both communist giants than either was to the other." In his most recent book World Order, he again noted that the design of triangular diplomacy was to balance "China against the Soviet Union from a position in which America was closer to each Communist giant than they were to each other."

Triangular diplomacy avoided undue moralism.

Kissinger, quoting Bismarck, wrote that "a sentimental policy knows no reciprocity." "[P]redictability," Kissinger continued, "is more crucial than … idiosyncratic moral-

istic rhetoric."

Moreover, preserving a global balance of power does not lend itself to simple or permanent solutions. Instead, as Kissinger explained in White House Years: [T]he management of a balance of power is a permanent undertaking, not an exertion that has a foreseeable end. To a great extent it is a psychological phenomenon; if an equality of power is perceived it will not be tested.

Calculations must include potential as well as actual power, not only the possession of power but the will to bring it to bear. Management

of the balance of power requires perseverance, subtlety, not a little courage, and above all understanding of its requirements.

This does not mean that the United States should accommodate Russian aggression in Ukraine or China's aggressive moves in the South China and East China Seas.

As Kissinger recalled in his memoirs, détente with the Soviets did not prevent Nixon from bombing Haiphong Harbor in North Vietnam, opposing Soviet designs in the Indo-Pakistan War, and ordering a nuclear alert to deter Soviet intervention in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Nor did the opening to China forestall continued defense cooperation with Taiwan. Triangular diplomacy as practiced by Nixon and Kissinger did not mean abandoning U.S. security interests or shrinking from confrontation when those interests were challenged.

Eurasia is still the world's dominant landmass, home to most of the world's people and resources. The global balance of power still requires that no major power or alliance of powers controls the key power centers of Eurasia. For the United States, having better relations with China and Russia than either has with each other still makes sense in the postCold War world. Courtesy: The Diplomat

Making sense of erratic monsoon, sporadic flooding Jigyasa Watwani A number of states in India witnessed extreme precipitation events in the firsthalf (June 1-July 31) of the southwest monsoon season, leading to sporadic flood-like occurrences in select districts of Assam, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, although rainfall for the country as a whole was normal, registering zero per cent departure from the Long Period Average.

Rajasthan Between June 1 and August 1, 2016, 240.4 mm rainfall was recorded in Rajasthan. This is a 17 per cent higher than the 205.7 mm expected in the state at this time of the year. Twentyone of 33 districts in the state have reported an "excess", that is, a 20 per cent or more departure from normal.

These include Kairauli, Jhunjhunun, Rajsmand, Udaipur, Tonk, Jaipur, Dausa, Dholpur and Baran, among others. In mid-July, heavy rainfall in Kairauli also led to the release of excess water from the Panchana dam, as 53 villages were put

on red alert and the army was summoned to help with rescue and relief operations. In the last 24 hours, Chittaurgarh district witnessed an astounding 458 per cent rainfall in excess, followed by Nagaur, which witnessed 327 per cent in excess.

Assam In the northeastern state of Assam, floods have affected more than 7000 hectares of crop and claimed more than 29 lives. While the cumulative rainfall for the state in the two-month period was deficient (20 per cent less than normal), Chirang, Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Jorhat and Bongaigaon districts have reported positive deviations from normal, such as 40 per cent higher in Chirang.

Madhya Pradesh Further, Madhya Pradesh received 604.8 mm rainfall as against the 445.4 mm, which is normal for the period between June 1 and July 31.

Twenty-six of 50 districts in the state reported excesses, some of which were as high as the 119 per cent for Hoshangabad. More than 24 people died as a result of the heavy rains and resultant

flood-like situation.

As the waters recede, state governments and central disaster response teams resort to the usual restoration rhetoric: In Madhya Pradesh, directives were issued to the Public Health and Local Administration departments to make arrangements for safe drinking water and ensure control over water-borne diseases "at war-footing". In Assam, there are projects to strengthen the embankments of the heavily silted Brahmaputra. However, despite repeated warnings about extreme rainfall events and the resultant flood-like situation, destruction and loss of lives have become inevitable.

Average rainfall declining In 2013, the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned India of an increase in floods and droughts, in view of an overall decline in seasonal rainfall, coupled with increase in extreme precipitation during the monsoon. A decline in monsoon rainfall since the 1950s has already been observed. According to the IMD's 2013 report on state-

level climate change trends, a decreasing trend in monsoon rainfall has been observed over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Day to day variability in rainfall increasing There is also an increasing amount of evidence pointing towards an increase in the number of heavy rainfall events. In 2014, Deepti Singh, a graduate student at Stanford University, and her colleagues analysed daily rainfall records published by the IMD since 1951. Although the average rainfall has reduced by 1mm per day over the last 60 years, Singh notes, "the day to day variability in rainfall during these months has increased, leading to periods of heavy rainfall or prolonged dry spells."

Impact of global warming There could be numerous reasons behind this, includ-

ing natural variations. But scientists believe climate change may have a role to play. (As the temperature is increasing, the atmosphere can hold more water vapour.

Water vapour being lighter than dry air, the potential for convective instability in the atmosphere increases. Stronger instability leads to stronger convective events and stronger extreme rain events). However, according to Krishna AchutaRao, associate professor at IIT Delhi, more studies are needed to corroborate this correlation.

The outcomes can be scary.

According to a World Bankcommissioned study on the likely impacts of rise in temperature, published in 2013, a 2°C rise in the world's average temperatures will make India's summer monsoon highly unpredictable, and, at 4°C warming, an extremely wet monsoon that currently has a chance of occurring only once in 100 years is projected to occur every 10 years by the end of the century.

Unplanned urbanisation Moreover, the uncertainty in precipitation events is exacerbated, if not directly caused, by rapid, unplanned urbanisation and changing

Central-Fund For Flood-Victims

(Photo: s3.india)

Sir, When a new ruling dispensation takes over from the old one, it is quite natural that the new dispensation has to face the unpleasant music because of many deeds (misdeeds) done by the previous government. Many critics out of their overenthusiastic notion criticize the present ruling dispensation making it a scapegoat. Repeated telecasting by different electronic media showing the ramshackle roads and bridges proffer an impression as if for all these deplorable situations the present state government is responsible. That the previous congress regime was mired in corruption is an open secret. All the ministers along with their bureaucrats were in rat race to amass fabulous wealth at the cost of the poor people. We want the present ruling dispensation led by BJP should initiate enquiry behind embezzlement of more than 30 crore fund for 'Vision Assam, Mission Assam' to find out the culprit and punish them. Simultaneous enquiry should be conducted against Agriculture, Forest, water-resource, PHE, minority affairs and all other departments so that no culprit can escape scot-free.

Two-month-infant, as the leader of the ruling dispensation BJP should set certain wrongs done by it right. There should not be any deficiency of funds for flood affected people. Union ministry should not maintain a close-fisted attitude, thereby should refrain from antagonizing the people.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

land-use patterns. Between July 29 and 31 this year, traffic came to a standstill in the millennium city of Gurgaon, as drains overflowed and the CM held an emergency meeting to review the situation.

Bengaluru had a similar story to tell, bringing back memories of the Chennai deluge of December 2015. India is urbanising at an alarming rate. According to the Union Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), 31 per cent of the country was urbanised in 2011 and 50 per cent of the country will be urbanised by 2050.

So, what needs to be done to take stock of the situation?

The Postdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, which conducted the 2013 World Bank study, recommends a two-pronged approach: "Improvements in hydro-meteorological systems for weather forecasting and the installation of flood warning systems can help people move out of harm's way before a weather-related disaster strikes. And building codes will need to be enforced to ensure that homes and infrastructure are not at risk," it said. Courtesy: Down to earth

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of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Email : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

JOBS & career

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 4

Mizoram University recruits Technical Assistant/ JRF in Aizawl July 2016 Eligibility : B.Sc, M.Sc Location : Aizawl Last Date : 20 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Face to Face Interview Job Details Technical Assistant/ JRF in Mizoram University on a purely temporary basis Project : "Online monitoring of radon exhalation and modeling in fault regions of Champhai and Serchhip districts of northern Mizoram" Junior Research Fellow (JRF) No. of Post : 01 Qualification : The candidates having at least 55% marks in M.Sc. in Physics or Geophysics.

Candidates with working experience in the similar/related area will be given preference.

Pay : Rs. 25000/- per month Technical Assistant (TA) No. of Post : 01 Qualification : The candidates having at least 50% marks in B.Sc. with Physics. Candidates with working experience in the similar/related area will be given preference.

Pay : Rs. 12000/- per month How to apply The candidates may submit their applications along with complete bio-data, self attested copies of mark sheets, certificates and other relevant documents to Prof. R. C. Tiwari, Principal Investigator, Department of Physics, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004 (Mizoram), e-mail id: rctiwari@mzu.edu.in latest by 20th July 2016.

Page 9

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) recruits Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors July 2016 North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) (Deemed University) (Under Ministry of HRD, Government of India) Nirjuli (Itanagar) : Arunachal Pradesh : 791109 The Director, NERIST hereby invites applications from the citizens of India and from such other persons declared eligible by MHA, Govt. of India, for the following Teaching posts: 1.

Professor : 24 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.37400-67000/- AGP Rs. 10000/2.

Associate Professor : 29 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.37400-67000/- AGP Rs. 9000/3.

Assistant Professor : 13 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.15600-39100/- AGP Rs. 6000/How to Apply : The completed application in the prescribed format should be send by e-mail to recruitment2016@nerist.ac.in on or before 02/08/2016 only.

For more information and application format, kindly visit https://nerist.ac.in/ link/jobs/

K.K. Handiqui State Open University recruits Assistant Professor History/ Assistant Librarian / Junior Accounts Assistant (10 posts) in Guwahati July 2016 Eligibility : Any Graduate, 10th Std. (HSLC), M Phil / PhD Location : Guwahati Last Date : 22 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Written-test Job Details Assistant Professor History/ Assistant Librarian /Junior Accounts Assistant recruitment in Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University Assistant Professor in History Qualification: (i) Good academic record with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade in a point scale whenever grading system is followed), at the Master's Degree in the relevant subject from a recognized University. (ii) Qualifying in the National/State Level Eligibility Test (NET/SLET) conducted for the purpose by UGC or any other agency approved by UGC. However, candidates, who are awarded Ph.D. degree in accordance with the "University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. degree) Regulations, 2009", shall be exempted from requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET/SLET. Desirable qualification: (i) A degree/diploma in distance education or working experience in distance education institution (ii) Adequate knowledge of Computer (iii) Proficiency in both English and Assamese languages No. of Post : 01 Scale of pay: Rs. 15,600/- to Rs. 39,100/- with grade pay of Rs. 6,000/Maximum age: 43 years on the last date of receipt of the application.

Non Academic Assistant Librarian Essential Qualification : (i) Good academic record with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade in a point scale whenever grading system is followed), at the Master's Degree in Library Science/Information Science from a recognized University. (ii) Qualifying in the National/State Level Eligibility Test (NET/SLET) conducted for the purpose by UGC or any other agency approved by UGC. However, candidates, who are awarded Ph.D. degree in accordance with the "University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. degree) Regulations, 2009", shall be exempted from requirement of the minimum eligibility condition

Grade-IV positions recruitment in Gauhati High Court (24 vacancies) July 2016 Eligibility : 10th Std. (HSLC) Location : Guwahati Last Date : 22 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Written-test Job Details Grade-IV job positions in Gauhati High Court Court Attendant Lawn Attendant Darwan Farash Qualification : (a)Candidate must possess the minimum educational qualification of Class-VIII standard.

Those who have passed HSSLC or above shall be ineligible to apply for the said posts. Candidates possessing special skills may be given preference on need basis. (b) Candidate must be a permanent resident of the state of Assam and has to submit document in proof, in the event of selection.

No. of Vacancy : 24 Pay Scale : Rs.4560-15000 Age : 18-38 Yrs Fee : Candidates Can Pay The Fee of Rs. 360 For General/OBC Candidates and Rs. 180 For SC/ST/ PWD. Important Dates : Starting Date For Apply Online : 12/07/2016.

Closing Date For Apply Online : 22/07/2016 up to 05.00 P.M. Closing Date for Payment of : 26/07/2016.

of NET/SLET. Desirable qualification: (i) A degree/diploma in distance education or working experience in distance education institution (ii) Experience in computerization of library (iii) Proficiency in both English and Assamese languages No. of Post : 01 Scale of pay : Rs. 15,600/- to Rs. 39,100/- with grade pay of Rs. 6,000/Junior Assistant Qualification : (i) A bachelor degree in any discipline (ii) Adequate knowledge of computer Desirable qualifications: (i) Working experience in ODL system

North Eastern Hill University recruits Guest Lecturer (Architecture) in Shillong July 2016

No. of Post : 04 Scale of pay : Rs. 5,200/- to Rs. 20,200/- with grade pay of Rs. 2,300/Junior Accounts Assistant Qualification: (i) A bachelor degree in any discipline (ii) Adequate knowledge of computer Desirable qualifications: (i) Working experience in ODL system (ii) 5 years working experience in Accounts Branch of any educational institutions in case of Arts/Science Graduate (iii) 3 years working experience in educational institution in case of Commerce Graduate No. of Post : 02 Scale of pay: Rs. 5,200/- to Rs. 20,200/- with grade pay of Rs. 2,300/Grade IV Qualifications: i) HSLC passed or equivalent Desirable qualifications: i) Working experience in ODL system No. of Post : 02 Scale of pay : Rs. 4,560/- to Rs. 15,000/- with grade pay of Rs. 1,700/Age Limit for Non Teaching : 43 years How to apply The application should be accompanied by a bank draft of Rs. 1000/- for serial No. 1 to 7 andRs. 500/-for serial No. 8 to 11 in favour of KKHSOU to be drawn at Guwahati. The last date for submission of application is 22nd July 2016. Application should be sent to the Registrar , K.K. Handiqui State Open University, Housefed Complex, Guwahati - 6 in an envelope superscribed "Application for the post of ……….. ".

Eligibility : M.Arch, B.Arch Location : Shillong Last Date : 25 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Face to Face Interview Job Details Guest Lecturer in North Eastern Hill University Qualification : Candidates should posses Master Degree in Architecture/ Master Degree in Planning or equivalent from a recognized University (having passed B.Arch in the U.G Level) and 55% marks in the Master level.

Department : Architecture How to apply Eligible candidates may send their applications along with relevant documents to the Office of Head of Department ,Department of Architecture, School Of Technology, North-Eastern Hill University, Mawlai Umshing, Shillong 793 022 or email their applications to barchnehu@gmail.com on or before25-07-2016 till 04:00 PM. The candidates are requested to bring their original documents during the time of the interview at the stipulated date which will be notified accordingly.

‘The Eastern Today’ has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.).

1). Which state government has decided to recruit members of transgender community as warders in jails of the State? a) Bihar b) Kerala c) Odisha d) Maharashtra e) Punjab Answer: c) 2). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a programme-'70 Saal AzadiZara Yaad Karo Kurbani' a) August 8th b) August 9th c) August 12th d) August 14th e) August 15th Answer: b) 3). Ministry of Communications launches Twitter Sewa to address the complaints of common man The twitter handle of the Minister will be a) @maheshsharmabjp b) @jitendrasinghbjp c) @girirajsinghbjp d) @manjojsinghbjp e) None of these Answer: d) 4). Central body approves ____ crore rupees for Ganga rejuvenation projects. a) Rs. 400 crore b) Rs. 425 crore c) Rs. 450 crore d) Rs. 475 crore e) Rs. 500 crore Answer: a) 5). Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu recently lays foundation stone of broad-gage rail project in which state? a) Mizoram

b) Nagaland c) Haryana d) Tripura e) Meghalaya Answer: b) 6). Resolution for renaming of which high court passed recently by the state assembly? a) Mumbai High Court b) Kolkata High Court c) Delhi High Court d) Kerala High Court e) None of these Answer: e) 7). Which state government has inked a MoU with Japan to develop a food value chain in the state? a) Telangana b) Karnataka c) Kerala d) Andhra Pradesh e) None of these Answer: d) 8). Which bank has tied up with a fintech start-up Fisdom for personal wealth management services? a) Syndicate Bank b) Bank of Baroda c) Andhra Bank d) Canara Bank e) Punjab National Bank Answer: b) 9). ICICI Bank reduces MCLR by a) 0.015% b) 0.05% c) 0.025% d) 0.07% e) 0.09% Answer: b) 10). Which bank started certification for officers who

sanction loans? a) State Bank of India b) State Bank of Hyderabad c) State Bank of Patiala d) State Bank of Mysore e) None of these Answer: a) 11). Which digital payments platform has partnered with the leading payment gateway solution provider, PayUbiz, to further strengthen its merchant base and help consumers move from cash to digital payments? a) Paypal b) PayTM c) Freecharge d) MobiKwik e) None of these Answer: c) 12). Who has appointed as Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi? a) Bhaskar Khulbe b) Vijay Khulbe c) Ashok Khulbe d) Mahesh Kulbe e) None of these Answer: a) 13). Who takes over as Chairman of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)? a) Manoj Rath b) Vikram Rath c) Aravind Bhoopathi d) Dilip Rath e) None of these Answer: d) 14). Chocolate maker Mondelez International has roped in whom as managing director of its India unit. a) Deepak Iyer b) Dilip Iyer

c) Dinesh Iyer d) Dharmendra Iyer e) None of these Answer: a) 15). Name the Indian American linguist, Professor who passes away recently? a) Ananth Radha Sharma b) Braj B. Kachru c) Chitharanjan Das d) Daamodar Sharma e) Eashwar Kumar Answer: b) 16). Which among the following state Chief Minister gives order to setup Embankment Protection Committee? a) Bihar b) Nagaland c) Punjab d) Assam e) None of these Answer: d) 17). "Madhubabu Pension Scheme" is an initiative of which among the following states? a) Odisha b) Chhattisgarh c) Telangana d) Mizoram e) None of these Answer: a) 18). The Central government proposes to organise a 'Make in India' conference in which among the following cities scheduled in December? a) Bilaspur b) New Delhi c) Bhubaneswar d) Vadodara e) None of these Answer: c)

e) Fifteenth 19). India to supply free ration to jobless workers in a) Iran b) Iraq c) Saudi Arabia d) Nepal e) Bhutan Answer: c) 20). Which among the following banks sets up top team to track loans, sound 'NPA' alert? a) Bank of India b) ICICI Bank c) United Bank of India d) Axis Bank e) None of these Answer: b) 21). Bank of India (BoI) will issue shares on a preferential basis to the government for capital infusion of ________ crore rupees. a) Rs.1228 b) Rs.1338 c) Rs.1448 d) Rs.1118 e) Rs.1008 Answer: b) 22). To improve attractiveness of SGB, the minimum subscription limit was reduced from 2gm to a) 0.7 gm b) 0.9 gm c) 1 gm d) 1.5 gm e) 1.2 gm Answer: c) 23). Harry Potter and the Cursed Child book launches in London. This is which series of the book? a) Seventh b) Eighth c) Ninth d) Tenth

Answer: b) 24). Name the Ashok Leyland non-exec vice chairman who resigns recently. a) R Seshasayee b) M Shanmuka Nathan c) K Vijay Kumar d) R Vinay Chopra e) None of these Answer: a) 25). Who is set to be appointed as the new CBDT Chairperson with incumbent Atulesh Jindal retired recently? a) Anil Singh Nair b) Pratap Singh Nair c) Priyanka Singh Nair d) Rani Singh Nair e) None of these Answer: d) 26). Kerala Tourism bagged how many National Tourism awards for 2014-15 in the marketing category for states? a) Four b) Five c) Six d) Seven e) Eight Answer: c) 27). The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award on a) R K Swamy b) S K Swamy c) A K Swamy d) P K Swamy e) None of these Answer: b)

Image for representational purpose (Photo: flckr) 28). World Day against Trafficking in Persons is an official United Nations observance held on a) July 29th b) July 30th c) July 31st d) July 28th e) July 27th Answer: c) 29). PashudhanBimaYojana is launched by which state? a) Punjab b) Haryana c) West Bengal d) Gujarat e) Andhra Pradesh Answer: b) 30). Centre sanctions nearly __________ crore to UP as drought assistance. a) Rs.620 b) Rs.630 c) Rs.640 d) Rs.650 e) Rs.660 Answer: a) 31). Which state government signs MoU with NTPC, NHPC for hydro engineering college? a) Madhya Pradesh b) Himachal Pradesh

c) Assam d) Kerala e) Arunachal Pradesh Answer: b) 32). The West Bengal Tourism department has launched a mobile App based on its theme of a) Visit Bengal b) Beautiful Bengal c) Experience Bengal d) Wonderful Bengal e) None of these 33). India to host international summit on tobaccocontrol. The summit is scheduled from a) November 7 - 12 b) November 7 - 10 c) November 5 - 10 d) November 8 - 13 e) November 14 - 21 Answer: a) 34). Joint military exercise between India and Thailand that culminated at Krabi was a) AUSINDEX b) EKUVERIN c) Hand-in-Hand d) Maitree e) None of these Answer: d)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

60 per cent stake in Klasspack bought by Borosil Glass Mumbai, Aug 3: Laboratory glassware major Borosil Glass Works Ltd. has announced the acquisition of 60.3 per cent stake in Nashik-based Klasspack Pvt. Ltd. for an unspecified amount. It purchased majority of the stake by way of fund infusion and the balance by a smaller secondary purchase of shares, according to a company statement.

The closely held Klasspack is a leading manufacturer of glass ampoules and tubular glass vials used as primary packaging materials by pharmaceutical companies.

(Agencies)

Rs.73 crore penalty on Lupin smacked by competition regulator New Delhi, Aug 3: Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a Rs.73 crore penalty on pharma major Lupin for "cooperating" with Karnataka Chemists and Druggist Association (KCDA) to implement anti-competitive decisions in contravention of the provisions of the Competition Act. It also imposed a penalty of Rs.9 lakh on KCDA. It said pharmaceutical companies, without any resistance, cooperate with such associations to implement their anti-competitive decisions thereby becoming equally complicit in the anti-competitive effect of such practice. (Agencies)

BUSINESS

Uber's Chinese rival acquiring 5.2% uprise in power, cecompany's China operations ment coal drive core sectors Beijing, Aug 3: Uber Technology Ltd.'s main Chinese rival said it is acquiring the U.S. ride-hailing service's China operation in a deal that links the companies following a costly battle to attract riders. Didi Chuxing's announcement marked the latest surrender by a foreign technology brand in the face of intense competition in China. Yahoo, eBay and others also have turned over local operations to Chinese partners or withdrawn. Didi Chuxing said it would take over all of Uber China and operate it as a separate brand. Uber will receive a stake in Didi Chuxing and Uber founder Travis Kalanick will join the Chinese company's board while Didi Chuxing founder Cheng Wei joins the Uber board, it said. "This agreement with Uber will set the mobile transportation industry on a healthier, more sustainable path of growth at a higher level," Cheng

Uber founder Travis Kalanick. (Photo: vanityfair) said in a statement. Ridehailing services in China have grown fast but suffered heavy losses as they fought to attract customers.

Kalanick told the Canadian technology platform BetaKit in February the company was losing $1 billion a year in China. Foreign technology brands have struggled in China's populous but intensely competi-

tive market. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. sold its Chinese online operation in June to JD.com Inc., the country's No. 2 e-commerce service.

Didi was formed by the February 2015 merger of competing ride-hailing services launched by Chinese Internet giants Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Alibaba Group following a similar battle for customers.

Monday's announcement came after the Chinese government on Thursday announced its first rules for the ride-hailing industry, confirming the legal status of the industry after repeated run-ins with regulators. Didi Chuxing, previously Didi Kuaidi, operates in some 400 Chinese cities.

It said the company completed 1.4 billion rides in 2015. The company said in June it raised $7.3 billion from investors in what it described as one of the world's largest private equity funding rounds. That included $1 billion from Apple Inc., which became a strategic investor alongside Tencent and Alibaba. Last September, Didi Chuxing and Lyft of the United States agreed to link their services to allow travellers to use them in each other's markets. In December, their alliance added India's Ola and Southeast Asia's GrabTaxi. (Agencies)

7.3% downfall in IndiGo's Q1 net Pune, Aug 3: IndiGo's profit dropped 7.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2016-17, owing to fare war pressures.

The airline's profit stood at Rs.592 crore in April-June 2016, compared to Rs.639 crore in the same period last year. "We have posted yet another profitable quarter.

However, profitability was lower than last year primarily because of competitive fare pressures," IndiGo's President and whole-time Director Aditya Ghosh said here in a statement. IndiGo's average fare stood 11 per cent lower at Rs.4,032 in the first quarter of 2016-17, a peak season for air travel, compared to last year. The cheaper fares were offered at a time when the airline's total cost of operations zoomed 17.5 per cent to Rs.3,995 crore. In a confer-

IndiGo's President and whole-time Director Aditya Ghosh. (Photo: financialexpress) ence call with analysts, the company said its "yields continue to be under pressure and load factor was impacted" due to low fares offered "by almost everybody in the market" even in the present quarter, adding that the airline "will re-think

its strategy" and look to match prevailing low airfares. The company's revenue rose 9.7 per cent to Rs 4,741 crore from Rs.4,322 crore a year ago. Passenger revenue rose by 6.9 per cent to s.3,972 crore, the ancillary revenue grew 20.8 per cent

from last year to Rs 580 crore.

IndiGo continued to face "challenges" in its Airbus A320 neo operations and the company said it is "looking at slowing down the A320neo deliveries."

IndiGo has ordered a total of 430 A320neo aircraft. Its engine supplier Pratt & Whitney has faced problems with slow engine startup time and erroneous engine software messages in the new engine, leading to a delay in the delivery of planes to the low-cost airline.

In anticipation of a higher capacity addition, Mr. Ghosh said it had "excess bench strength" in June 2016 quarter leading to higher employee cost. The company's expenses towards employees rose almost 25 per cent to Rs 479 crore compared to year ago. (Agencies)

Over 10% growth in July sales witnessed by most carmakers Pune, Aug 3: Car sales in India grew at a robust pace in July with market leader Maruti Suzuki India posting record monthly sales while others like Hyundai, M&M, Ford and Renault also registered strong numbers riding on positive sentiments brought by a good monsoon. Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said it had its best ever monthly domestic sales in July at 1,25,778 units, up 13.9% from 1,10,405 units in the same month last year. Its growth was mainly on the back of sales of utility vehicles, including newly-launched compact SUV Vitara Brezza, Ertiga and the S-Cross, which surged over two-fold to 17,382 units in July this year from 6,916 units in the corresponding month last year. The company's sales of mini segment cars, including Alto and WagonR, however, declined by 7.2% to 35,051 units as compared

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: shutterstock)

to 37,752 units in the yearago month. Sales of the compact segment comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz, Dzire and Baleno increased by 4.1% to 50,362 units in July this year as against 48,381 units in the corresponding month last year. Rival Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) sold 41,201 units in the domestic market last

month as compared with 36,503 units in July last year, a growth of 12.87%. Commenting on the sales performance, HMIL Senior VicePresident (Sales and Marketing) Rakesh Srivastava said the company continued to sustain growth trajectory on the strength of strong pull performance of Grand i10, Elite i20 and Creta.

The market has showed improved customer sentiments led by good monsoon, low inflation, reduced interest rates and dropping fuel prices, he said. Homegrown utility vehicles major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported 14% increase in its domestic sales at 35,305 units last month compared with 31,087 units in July 2015. M&M Chief Executive (auto division) Pravin Shah said: "The advent of good monsoon so far has brought in positive sentiment for the economy and that is somewhat reflected in our performance." Ford India said its domestic sales rose 62.21% to 7,076 units last month as against 4,362 units in the same period a year ago.

Renault India also reported an over seven-fold increase in sales to 11,968 units in July as against 1,686 units same month last year. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) domestic sales grew by 2.76%

rise 12,404 units in July, 2016 as against 12,070 units in the same month last year. Tata Motors today reported a 7.48% increase in total sales at 43,160 units in July. The company sold 40,154 units in the same month last year.

Domestic sales of Tata Motors' commercial and passenger vehicles grew 8% to 37,789 units in July over the same month of the previous year. Sales of passenger vehicles in the domestic market grew 31% to 13,547 units last month as against 10,335 in the year-ago period, Tata Motors said in a statement.

Passenger car sales were up 43.29% at 12,209 units in July compared with 8,520 in the year-ago period. In the commercial vehicles segment, the company's domestic sales were down 2% at 24,242 units, Tata Motors said. Exports during the month were up 6% at 5,371 units compared with 5,078 sold in July 2015. (Agencies)

Mobile internet rates cut by Vodafone up to 67% Bengaluru, Aug 3: Following rate cuts by major operators Airtel and Idea Cellular, Vodafone came out with promotional schemes offering up to 67 per cent more data of 2G, 3G and 4G services at same price during this month.

"Under the revised data benefits, the 3GB 3G/4G monthly recharge pack, which was earlier priced at approximately Rs 650 will now offer 5 GB data, an increase of 67 per cent," Vodafone said in a statement. Similarly, the Rs 449 scheme of Vodafone for 3G/4G will now offers 50 per cent more data by increasing the data benefit to 3 GB from 2 GB and the Rs 999 3G/ 4G pack will now offer 10 GB

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data, which is 54 per cent more benefits. "It will also make the Internet more affordable for customers who use mobile internet in a limited way and encourage first

time users to come online," Vodafone said in a statement. The development comes within a fortnight after Airtel and Idea slashed data tarrifs. "The Rs39 2G

sachet pack with 5-day validity now offers 225MB data compared to 160 MB, an increase of 41 per cent, while the Rs 12 3G/4G sachet pack with 1-day validity now offers 50 MB data vs 30MB, an increase of 67 per cent," Vodafone said. The pack prices mentioned are indicative and may vary from circle to circle, it added. "With Vodafone Delights offering more data, we want our several million customers to enjoy this network experience to the fullest. We are confident that this move of offering up to 67 per cent additional data benefit on select pre-paid packs, will facilitate in faster adoption of data,"

Vodafone India, DirectorCommercial, Sandeep Kataria said. Incumbents have triggered data war to ward off threat from Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Jio which slashed price of 4G LYF handsets by 25 per cent to Rs 2,999. The LYF handset comes bundled free Jio SIM. Reliance Jio is offering 90 days of free unlimited 4G mobile internet and voice calling in the SIM cards. As per industry experts, Jio, which has 1.5 million customers in its beta tests, may offer highspeed data at very low price or may bundle free voice calls to lure users in the world's second-largest smartphone market. (Agencies)

New Delhi, Aug 3: Eight core sectors of the economy registered a 5.2 per cent year-on-year growth in June due to higher electricity, coal and cement output, according to latest data. In June 2015, these eight sectors - comprising about 38 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) - had risen by 3.1 per cent. The June number was higher than the 2.8 per cent in May 2016. Data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry showed that in June 2016, the growth in electricity generation with a weight of 10.32 per cent in the IIP - the maximum weight in the IIP among the eight core sectors - had soared to 8.1 per cent. It had risen by 14.7 per cent in April but dropped to 4.6 per cent in May. In June 2015, the sector had recorded only 1.2 per cent growth. Coal output in June rose 12 per cent, the highest since the 14.6 per cent in November 2014.

Coal production had increased by 5.4 per cent in June 2015. Cement sector posted a 10.3 per cent growth in June, the highest since 11.89 per cent in March 2016. In June 2015, the sector had recorded growth of 2.9 per cent.

Growth in the steel sector slowed to 2.4 per cent in June, the lowest since the (-

) 0.5 per cent in February 2016. The output of the sector was 4.2 per cent in June 2015. Production in fertiliser sector increased from 5.8 per cent in June 2015 to 9.8 per cent in June 2016 but this was a decrease from 14.8 per cent in May 2016. On the other hand, refinery products' output decreased from 7.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent year-on-year. Crude oil and natural gas output continued to remain in the negative growth territory since March 2016. In June, the output of crude oil shrunk by 4.3 per cent while that of natural gas contracted by 4.5 per cent. These eight core sectors grew 8.5 per cent in April and 2.8 per cent in May - the slowest since 2.9 per cent in January 2016.

Their output had plunged to the negative growth terri-

tory in November 2015 when it shrank by 1.3 per cent. "Cement and coal output will moderate as the monsoon has begun and this will reflect in the core sector growth number. Also, credit flow to core sector has become almost negligible, and, therefore, these numbers are unlikely to have a positive impact on the headline IIP numbers," according to Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Chief Economic Advisor, State Bank of India.

Though the core sector grew by 8.5 per cent in April, the IIP for April shrunk 1.35 per cent. Similarly, in March, the sector posted a 6.4 per cent growth while IIP grew just 0.05 per cent. In May, the sector's growth slowed to 2.8 per cent while IIP, surprisingly, rose to 1.2 per cent. (Agencies)

Maruti Suzuki hikes price by up to Rs 20,000 Noida, Aug 3: Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday hiked prices of its various models by up to Rs 20,000. The increase in price for the newly launched compact SUV Vitara Brezza will be Rs 20,000 while that of new premium hatchback Baleno is Rs 10,000. On a select range,

the price hike will be between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a regulatory filing.

On reasons for the hike, MSI said: "This price revision is based on factors like, segment-wise demand, forex movements and strategic objectives of the company."

The hike have always

started, it added. The company sells a range of models starting from hatchback Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, priced Rs 2.45 lakh to Rs 12.03 lakh (exshowroom Delhi). MSI stock today ended at Rs 4,869.80 on BSE, up 2.41 per cent from the previous close. (Agencies)

Brexit hit aniticipated by Tech Mahindra as Q1 jumps 28%

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: wikimedia) Mumbai, Aug 3: Tech Mahindra, which on Monday reported 28% year-onyear growth in its June quarter net profit at Rs 796 crore, said Brexit is a really big destabilising factor but hopes that the world economy comes out of it. Its consolidated revenues grew to Rs 6,920.9 crore from Rs 6,293.8 crore in the yearago period. According to Vineet Nayyar, vice-chairman, Tech Mahindra, the biggest destablising factor that impacted Tech Mahindra and other Indian IT companies was the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union. "Its immediate impact is going to be quite significant. The trade between UK and Europe will be disrupted without a shadow of doubt, therefore the next one year is going to see a fair amount of uncertainty. My personal perspective, however, is that in the long term, things will settle down," he said.

Nayyar said there is yet another uncertainty on the horizon -- that is the US elections. "They could be disruptive. But as we stand today, this company is prepared and ready to face the current disruption and other

disruptions it may come.

Because we believe we provide critical services and these services will be needed irrespective of trade agreements," Nayyar said.

According to Nayyar, the company posted revenues for the first quarter at Rs 6,900 crore, up about half a percent, quarter on quarter and 10% year-on-year. "The margin was around 14.9% as against 17% in the March quarter on an increase in visa costs and seasonal downturn in some clients," he said. The company had posted a profit of Rs 880.6 crore in January-March. He said the company also closed the BIO agency acquisition in the first week of July and it will be getting consolidated in the second quarter of the current financial year. "Our net cash balance improved by around Rs 557 crore in the first quarter after payouts of BIO and Pininfarina acquisitions.

Our total reserves are around 5,800 crore," said Nayyar. The company's chief financial officer, Milind Kulkarni said the company incurred a cost of $11 million on H1B visas while there was a hit of 1.80% because of the seasonal down-

turn with select clients of Comviva. MD and CEO C P Gurnani said Britain accounts for 10% of the company's revenues and the spillovers in an interconnected world are something the company needs to keep in mind. Gurnani said the delivery on one deal lifted the share of digital revenues to above 20%, from 11% in the year-ago period, and is optimistic that this will be maintained. Interestingly, he said Indian customers are featuring among some of the digital deal wins. He saw banking and finance and healthcare verticals as the engines of growth at present and added that the enterprise vertical as a whole will grow at 12% this fiscal. Its utilisation rate moved up to 78% from the year-ago's 74% and the 77% in the preceding March quarter. It added 1,784 employees during the quarter to take its total strength to 1.07 lakh, but the attrition too remained sticky at 21%. The stock closed with gains of 0.62% at Rs 489.70 on the BSE as against a correction of 0.17% in the benchmark.

(Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

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Lee, who will be seen in an upcoming Bollywood flick, also hailed the Indian Test skipper as world's best batsman at the moment.

New Delhi, Aug 3: Former Australian speedster Brett Lee is undoubtedly one of the fastest pacemen to have played international cricket.

While he instilled fear in the minds of world class batsmen with his brutal deliveries, Binga said he would like to pray before bowling to one Indian batsman. Yes, it's Virat Kohli.

In an exclusive chat with IndianExpress.com, when asked where would be bowl to Kohli, Lee said, "First I will pray. There will be a lot of praying going. Please don’t hit me for a six. Virat Kohli is so powerful. He is strong in all parts of the field. He is a 360 degree player. If in One day cricket you have to detain him or make him not score runs, I would probably bowl the wide line yorker. If tries he to hit me over cover, I will push it wide."

Lee, who will be seen in an upcoming Bollywood flick, also hailed the Indian Test skipper as world's best batsman at the moment.

"He is brilliant on the pitch.

He has got that control and

aggression. I love the way he plays cricket. I think he is passionate, he doesn’t go over the line and he is the best batsman in the world currently,"said the 39-yearold.

Kohli has been in sublime form since the beginning of

this year, where he has scaled new heights in limited-overs cricket with back-to-back superlative peformances.

Under his captaincy, India are leading a four-match Test series 1-0 in the Caribbean.

Bangladesh to play their first ever Test in India next February New Delhi, Aug 3: India will host Bangladesh for a one-off Test in February next year, marking the neighbouring country's first official trip here since claiming Test status in the year 2000.

"India will play Bangladesh in a historic one-off Test match from February 08-12, 2017 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The Test match will mark Bangladesh's

first official visit to India since attaining Test status in 2000," BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke said in a statement.

Underlining the significance of the Test, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Anurag Thakur said the match will add value to India's home season.

"As a leading Test playing nation it is BCCI's responsibility to give opportunity

to every Test playing nation. It is my pleasure to announce the historic one-off Test match against our neighbours ? Bangladesh early next year. This will be a great addition to our home season 2016-17," he said.

Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan said the short tour would be a cherished experience for players and fans of both countries.

"For the cricketers who will

The new pairing could make their Old Trafford debut together in Rooney`s testimonial against his former club Everton on Wednesday, having linked up to good effect in United’s 5-2 friendly victory over Galatasaray in Gothenburg on Saturday.

"I said many years ago the perfect partner for a striker is Wayne Rooney," Ibrahimovic told Manchester United TV on Wednesday.

in the official programme for Wednesday`s match. "(Wayne`s) gone on to play for Manchester United for 12 years, which is very difficult in the present day," said Ferguson.

"He works not only for himself but for the striker and the whole team. I`m absolutely happy to be one of the guys beside him."

Ibrahimovic also praised Rooney`s longevity at Old Trafford, a sentiment echoed by former United manager Alex Ferguson, who has paid his own tribute to the forward

"I always think that great players can play in any era.

Bobby Charlton would have been a great player today and Wayne Rooney would have been a great player back then."

It remains to be seen what role Rooney will play under new coach Jose Mourinho this season, with the forward having been increasingly used as a midfielder under previous boss Louis van Gaal.

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Mission office and the TV Lounge on the common spaces. As well the furniture is provided according to the guidelines confirmed and agreed with the IOC. You are welcome to come to the Rate Card Desk and check if there are items available to purchase'," he added.

The OC have also said that the items provided to each NOC are the same for all and agreed to by the IOC. The Chef de Mission, meanwhile, offered the hockey team the TV set and the furniture in his office.

The request for the items came at the Managers/ Coaches meeting with the Chef de Mission. Following the hockey teams' requests,

the athletics squad also made a similar demand.

Gupta spoke to and also wrote to the Organising Committee about the requests, and even tried to purchase them from Rate Card of the OC but found they were not available.

Finally, the Chef de Mission has now requested the Indian Embassy to purchase these items for the contingent.

"Now we have decided to put one TV set on each of the floors and also put additional chairs also. The equipment is expected to be placed in the apartments in the next few days," Gupta said.

"I also inquired about the Cable Connection for TV

In total of 19 teams participated in the tournament in which Messi XI and Mori XI reached final. While Mori XI played

hard, Messi XI outplayed them with 2-0 and became the first champion of the new district. The best players, highest scorer and best goalkeeper were Angel Panggam, kangkinanm melong and Etor Taki respectively. While, the best discipline team was Koreng soccer club, informed the sources. The organizing committee were DFA’s John

Jamoh ,President , Daniel Eko, General Secretary, Olik Panor organizing secretary , and. January Taki and Sadin Muang, oranising committee member.

While appreciating the effort of organizing committee of new district, Pingam said that the main motto of organizing such a tournament has to be giving better platform to the bud-

ding players and upgrade the sport activities to trace out the hidden sports talent among the younger generation and to show their talents upto National and International level. He also asked the players to show the sportsmanship spirit as winning & losing is a part of every game. While Modi and Doley highlighted the relation of Adi-Mising

Independence Cup Football Tournament 2016 Miao Organised by Miao Sub-Division Youth Organisation(MSYO)

be representing Bangladesh and India, this will be a much anticipated game and given the competitive nature of their limited overs matches in the recent past, I believe the clash between these two cricket crazy nations will catch the imagination.

"The long wait for us to play a Test match on Indian soil is finally over and this is a time for celebration," he said.(PTI)

Rio Olympics 2016: Stan Wawrinka out as tennis reels from fresh body blow

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, signed from Borussia Dortmund in the close season, is a natural candidate for a role behind the striker, while United`s reported pursuit of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba threatens to add further competition in the middle of the pitch.

Ibrahimovic, however, is confident that Mourinho will find a way of getting the best from United`s talented options.

"I think every big player can work with other big players," Ibrahimovic continued.

"That`s not a problem.

"We are 11 players not two players on the pitch. It`s up to the coach what he wants but, with him, I see no problems, only success."(Reuters)

Rio Olympics: Indian contingent to buy extra chairs, TV sets Rio de Janeiro: With the Games Organising Committee expressing its inability to provide additional chairs and TV sets, the Indian Olympic contingent's Chef de Mission Rakesh Gupta has now decided to buy them through the country's embassy here.

"Following a request from our hockey teams to provide them with more chairs and TV sets, I had spoken and also written to the Organising Committee (OC) to do so," Gupta said in a press release.

"The Organising Committee's representative replied, saying 'Unfortunately, Rio 2016 is only providing TVs for the Chef de

Spl Correspondent Pasighat/Pangin, Aug 2: The first ever football tournament of Siang District organized by District Football Association (DFA) Siang District , was concluded from 15th to 30th July last at district HQ, Pangin, in which Messi XI defeated Mori XI by 2-0 in the final.

Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) President, Aling Pingam and General Secretary, Er. Toi Modi attended as Chief Guest and Guest of honour, while Reedeepjack Doley, Secretary Education, Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) from Assam, SP Siang District D. Jini and Kokom Jamoh, President, ABKYW Siang Unit attended as Special Guests.

Indrajit Tingwa Miao 3 Aug: Today in the second round of the on going Independence Cup Football Tournament, Mpen United clashed with Jotin Kaikhe FC in a keenly contested match. In the second minute into the game Mpen United netted its first goal in their first attempt. Till half time the score was Mpen United 2 and Jotin Kaikhe FC with 1. Through the second half of the

Zlatan Ibrahimovic praises ''perfect partner'' Wayne Rooney Old Trafford: Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he is excited by the prospect of playing alongside Wayne Rooney at Manchester United and described his new team mate as the "perfect partner for a striker".

Messi XI defeated Mori XI by 2-0 in first ever Siang Dist Football Tourney

sets on each floor and was told they would check if apartments can receive cabling. They have also informed us that this installation is chargeable. We have agreed to pay for cabling for each of the floors. The Organising Committee is making arrangements to do the same and it could take a day or two," he added.

Gupta said all demands made by the Indian athletes would be addressed.

"We are trying to make things as comfortable as possible for our athletes, since they are representing our country. All their demands and requests have been met and we are working to ensure this one is also met." (PTI)

match,both teams made some terrific attempts at the post but no one could add to their goal tally but at the remaining of 3 minutes to full time, Jotin Kaikhe FC's player,Jersey No.10 scored the equaliser. Then 10 minutes of extra time were given but both teams could not score a single goal giving an extended draw.

After extra time was over penalty shoot out was fol-

lowed. In the 5 men each clash,again both teams drew their score. In the extended penalty shoot out with 3 men each, the decider came when Jotin Kaikhe FC could not materialise their second attempt into goal thus Mpen United walked their way into the quarters beating them 3-1.

Toady the referee issued to yellow cards to players of Jotin Kaikhe FC one in each

half of the match. And at least 10 attempts each were made by both the teams.

In the quarter finals, Mpen United faces Mugaphi Vijaynagar or Ranglungkan FC,whichever team win the second round match on the 7 August next.

Tomorrow's match: Kuttum FC will clash with Govt.

Higher Secondary School,Miao.

Nadal was Olympic champion in 2008 but missed the London Games with a knee injury.

Rio de Janeiro: World number four Stan Wawrinka withdrew from the Olympics with a back injury on Tuesday, dealing another blow to the tennis tournament which has been hit by high-profile pull-outs.

The 31-year-old is the third Swiss player to withdraw after Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic who also scratched from the competition through injury.

"I am very sad," said Wawrinka, the former French and Australian Open champion.

"Going to Rio was close to my heart. After Beijing (2008) and London (2012), I wanted to live these Games in Brazil.

"Sadly, it`s not possible.

I wish good luck to all the Swiss athletes who will go to Rio and I will support them from distance."

Wawrinka aggravated his back injury in Toronto last week where he reached the semi-finals.

He won the Olympic doubles gold medal with Federer at the 2008 Games but lost in the first round of the singles in London to eventual champion Andy Murray.

Big-serving Australian Sam Groth was lined up to replace Wawrinka in the draw.

"Late call-up to join the @AUSOlympicTeam in Rio. Couldn`t be more pumped," Groth tweeted.

World number three Federer opted out of the Games last week and shut down his 2016 season to rest a knee injury.

One day later, teenager Bencic, the world number 19, withdrew with a wrist injury.

The tennis, which starts on Saturday, has been hit by a number of pull-outs over injury, fears of the Zika virus or scheduling complaints.

Milos Raonic, Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano Lopez and Nick Kyrgios

are not playing.

The women`s singles are stripped of Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, who is pregnant, Bencic and Karolina Pliskova.

Maria Sharapova, silver medallist behind Serena Williams in 2012, is serving a two-year doping ban.

The men`s doubles was also tainted when defending champions Bob and Mike Bryan opted out, insisting "our family`s health is now our top priority".Later Tuesday, Rafael Nadal will decide what events he will play in Rio as he makes a return from a wrist injury which has kept him off tour for two months.

The 14-time Grand Slam title winner, who practiced for the first time on Monday, is scheduled to play singles, as well as doubles with Marc Lopez and mixed with French Open champion Garbine Muguruza.

But his uncle and coach Toni said his nephew may have to rethink his schedule -- even possibly sitting out the singles.

"I don`t know because that depends on who would be better for the team," Toni Nadal said when asked if his nephew will prioritise the singles.

"We are waiting until tomorrow (Tuesday) to take a decision to play all the things or not -singles, doubles and mixed doubles."

Nadal was Olympic champion in 2008 but missed the London Games with a knee injury.

The 30-year-old is set to carry the Spanish flag at Friday`s opening ceremony.

Swiss tennis medal hopes now may rest with the women`s doubles where 35-year-old Martina Hingis will partner Timea Bacsinszky.

Bacsinszky will also be Switzerland`s only player in the singles.

(AFP)

Milanjyoti Sangha in final round Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Aug 3: The match between Milan Jyoti Sangha and Tengakhat Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union Football Club was drawn in the league encounter of the first Monuj Patra and Boga Das senior division football tournament

organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium here today.

The regulation time was ended in a 1-1 draw. Milan Jyoti opened the floodgates through Midfielder Jiten Karmakar in the 40th

minute. Jiten strikes the goal from the left flank and the opponents’ goalkeeper tried to stop the goal but failed in the attempt. In the first half, Milan Jyoti Sangha dominated in the game and did not give any chance to the opponents to score against them. At lemon break Milan

Jyoti led 1-0.

In the second half, Tengakhat came into the game by equalized the goal through Karan Batra in the 55thminute. Milan Jyoti Sangha bagged ten points in the and placed their berth for the final round.

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Brett Lee says he will pray before bowling to Virat Kohli – Here's why

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

Page 12

FASCINATING FACTS

The Unforgiving Monkey Chandra was a king, whose sons kept a group of monkeys as pets.

These monkeys were treated as royal pets, and were provided with the choicest of foods and the best of care. As they did not have much to do, they had become fat.

The chief of these monkeys was very wise. The followed great philosophers and was learned in many sciences. He always tried to teach the other monkeys, but they had become too absorbed in their lavish lives to follow much of his teachings.

On the other hand, the princes also had two strong rams (billy goats), which used to draw the carriage used by the young princes.

One of the rams was a glutton, and would creep into the kitchen whenever he could and eat whatever he could get there.

This made the cooks very angry, and they would keep a watch.

The cooks would throw anything they could lay their hand on, to hit the ram, when he would be near the kitchen.

Noticing the cooks trying to hit him with sticks, earthen pots, copper pans and anything they found handy, the chief of the monkeys thought, "This behaviour could lead to accidents, and this entire city may perish. What if they threw something with fire?"

The chief of monkeys summoned the other monkey and said, "The behaviour of the cooks towards the ram can lead to some mishap any day, and we may well be on the losing side, if that is to happen. Let us get away from here, before some accident is to happen."

But, the other monkeys were enjoying their lavish treatment, and did not go back to the jungle.

They refused to heed the chief's warnings, and decided to stay.

They assumed that the chief was getting old, and having all types of weird thoughts.

Thus, the chief of monkeys

decided to leave alone. He said, "You are more fools than crazy not to foresee the danger. I shall leave here, as I value life more than the abundant foods served here!"

After the chief of monkey had departed to the jungle alone, one day, the ram entered the kitchen and ate some food that was being organized to be served to the king.

One of the cooks got very angry, and unable to get anything else handy, threw a half-burnt log from the oven. The log hit the ram. As the ram's body was covered with wool, it instantly caught fire. In the pain of fire on him, the ram ran to the stable.

The dry grass for the horses caught fire, and in a moment the whole stable was engulfed in fire.

There was a pandemonium, and by the time, the fire was extinguished by the palace workers, the horses suffered grave burnings. When the news reached the king, he was very depressed that such a thing had happened to his favourite horses, and summoned veterinary surgeons to prescribe him remedy.

After referring many scriptures, the veterinary surgeons advised, "O King, the wounds caused by fire will recover fast, if they are applied with monkey's fat."

Thus, the king ordered all the pet monkeys be caught, and killed immediately. The fat from their bodies were then used to treat the horse's wounds.

When this news reached the chief of the monkeys, he was very sad. He thought, "The monkeys were foolish not to heed the warnings, but the king is wicked for doing this to his pets. I will make him pay for his actions!"

He had not eaten food, or drunk water for several days as he was heart-broken. Absentmindedly, he came to a lake full of beautiful lotus. He was thirsty, and decided to drink some water. As he came near the lake, he noticed that there were many

LITTLE SCIENTIST Bend a pencil without magic What you need " Pencil " Water " Clear glass Activity " Half a fill a glass with water. " Place the pencil in the water. " Look at the pencil from the top. " Now look at the pencil from the side. " Does the pencil look bent? " Think the light is playing a trick on your eyes?

Well it is!

Notes " This is an example of refraction. The pencil is straight, but the light passing through water is making the pencil look bent.

Readers can send articles, poems, sketches, stories, travel experiences, achievements etc to editor.easterntoday@gmail.com or can post to The Eastern Today. T.C Borah Building, First Floor, Near to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee.

Dibrugarh, 786001 Assam.

footprints of both men and animals, that led to the lake, but not a single footprint led away from the lake.

He became aware, and concluded there must be something wrong in this beautifully decorated lake. He fetched some hollow stems of lotus plant nearby, and using them as a pipe, drank water from a distance.

As he was doing so, a monster emerged from the lake. He had a necklace of jewels around his neck. He said, "I am a monster who lives in this lake. Whoever enters this lake to bath or drink water, ends up in my tummy. For so many years, I have not seen anybody as wise as you!

You drink water from the lake, but maintain a distance where I cannot touch you. I am so pleased with you, that I shall grant any wish you may want!"

The chief of monkey immediately remembered that he had a revenge to take, and said, "Tell me, how many can you eat? I have a certain king as my enemy.

If you give me your necklace, I shall use it to persuade the king and his men to enter the lake."

The monster replied, "If they enter the lake, I can eat thousands of them. Go ahead and bring as many as you can!"

The chief of monkey wore the necklace in his neck and jumped from tree to tree to reach the palace as early as possible. He went straight into the king's court.

When the king and everybody else saw the chief of monkeys wearing a beautiful necklace of jewels, they became curious.

They asked the chief of monkeys all sort of questions.

The chief of monkey said to the king, "O king, while wandering in the jungle, I have come across a large treasure that Kuber (God of treasures) has hidden. It is secretly hidden inside a lake.

Anyone, who takes a bath in the lake on a Sunday, can have as much treasure as he can carry.

This necklace is nothing compared to the other treasures there!

The diamonds in the lake would

even put the sun to shame!"

When the king heard this, he said, "Hey Monkey Chief, if this lake really exists, please take lead us to it. I will come to see it myself, and even bring everybody in the palace along with me."

It was decided, and in the early morning of the very next Sunday, the king and the chief of the monkeys set to travel inside the jungle. They were followed by the princes, queens, ministers, household workers and everybody else in the palace.

When they reached the place, everybody was awe-struck to see the lake full of lotus. The chief of monkeys said, "Everybody should enter the lake at the same time, or only the first few will received the blessings. As for you, my king, you should wait. I will show you a special place to enter the lake after they have gone into the lake."

The greedy king, and everybody else followed his instructions and got into the lake. One by one, they started to disappear.

The king kept anxiously waiting for them to return with treasures.

Whenhis people and relatives did not come out of the lake after a long time, the king asked, "O Monkey Chief, why do they not come out? Why is it that they take so long time?"

The chief of the monkeys jumped to the top of a tree and replied, "O wicked king, a monster lives in this very lake that has eaten all your court members, and relatives. I have now killed all your family, as you have killed mine. The scriptures say, it is not a sin to return evil for evil deeds."

" If you get your tooth knocked out, put it in milk and hold it in your mouth-this will help your tooth to survive longer.

Make sure you see a dentist right away. " 27,000 trees are cut down each day so we can have Toilet Paper. " Aluminum can be recycled continuously, as in forever. Recycling 1 aluminum can save enough energy to run our TVs for at least 3 hours. 80 trillion aluminum cans are used by humans every year. " American companies alone use enough Paper to encircle the Earth 3x!

(It's a good thing that businesses are moving towards going paperless) " We can save 75,000 trees if we recycled the paper used on the daily run of the New York Times alone. " When you throw plastic bags and other plastic materials in the ocean,

it kills as many as 1 million sea creatures annually. " A glass bottle made in our time will take more than 4,000 years to decompose. " Only 1% of our planet's water supply can be used. 97% is ocean water and 2% is frozen solid in the Arctic, for now. " Our planet gains inhabitants numbering to 77 million people a year. " An estimated 50,000 species inhabiting our tropical forests become extinct annually. That's an average of 137 species a day. " Rainforests are cut down at a rate of 100 acres per minute. " The world's oldest trees are more than 4,600 years old. " Landfills are composed of 35% packaging materials.

CRAFTY CRAFTS Egg-shaped Easter bunny Materials " Deco Foam egg shape " purple paint and brush " scissors " coloured cardboard scraps white/cream, purple and pink " stapler " painty pens - black and mauve " 2 x joggle eyes " glue Activity Step 1

Photo source: kidspot

Paint lower section of egg purple and leave to dry. Cut the ears and feet from white/cream cardboard, two inner ears, six toes and two soles of feet from pink cardboard.

Step 2 Cut strip of purple cardboard. Bend into a loop and staple in place. This will be the stand for your bunny to sit on.

Step 3

Draw on nose and mouth using the painty pens. Glue on joggle eyes. Glue a pink inner ear onto each white ear. Use scissors to make slits in top, on each side of centre and poke ears into the egg. Glue toes and soles to white feet, then glue feet to egg.

Step 4 Once bunny is completely dry, place onto stand, and there you have it - your very own Easter bunny.

FIND YOUR PATH

He continued, "I have saved you, for you were once my master! You may return to your palace, empty-handed and alone."

Thus, the king returned to his palace after losing all his relatives and household members, while the chief of monkeys had his revenge.

The wise indeed say: Greed surely brings disaster and destruction in the end.

LAUGH OUT LOUD Little Johnny had been bringing his drawings home from kindergarten every day since he started a month ago. Each day his mother admired the pictures and hung them on the refrigerator.

One thing started bothering her.

Little Johnny only used black and browns for his drawings. Fearing a problem and not wanting it to get worse, she decided to take him to a child psychologist.

The psychologist delicately went to work. He gave Little Johnny a battery of psychological tests. He chatted with Little Johnny. Everything seemed perfectly normal. Ev-

ery day for two weeks, the tests continued. Yet everyday, Little Johnny continued to bring home drawings in only blacks and browns.

Frustrated at not being able to get to the root of the problem and fearful that something was terribly wrong, the child psychologist decided to give Little Johnny some paper and a box of crayons and observe what happened.

Little Johnny opened the box of crayons and said, "Oh, Boy! A new box of crayons! At school we only have old boxes. The only ones left in mine are black and brown!"

RIDDLES Question: A man is twenty years old but has only had five birthdays.

How is that possible?

Answer: He was born on Leap Year Day. Question: What number do you get when you multiply all of the numbers on a telephone's number pad?

Answer: 0.

Answer: A wedding ring.

Courtesy: timvandevall

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