11 november 2015, wednesday

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Vol. 1

Issue 156

Narendra Modi's BJP Trounced in Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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India's Startups Are Serious Business, And This Is How They Can Change Student Careers

Rs 14,600 crore deal between railways, GE to make locos

Anomalies in OROP would be sorted out: BJP assures ex-servicemen

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Centre to take necessary steps to provide proper status to Chakma-Hajong A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 10

A high level meeting chaired

by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh which was attended by the Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Union Home Secretary and top officials of Govt. of India to discuss the Supreme Court order to grant citizenship status to the Chakmas and Hajongs within the state of Arunachal Pradesh was held today at New Delhi. The Union

ET CAPSULES Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered

Four days ago, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in a video conference with deputy commissioners across the state had assured to provide Rs. 50 lakhs each under untied fund to enable the district administrations to take up need based projects in the districts.

True to his word, a total amount of Rs. 1770.00 lakhs for 2015-16 was today approved for release to the respective untied funds. Rs. 50 lakh each will be placed at the disposal of the deputy commissioners while Rs. 20 lakhs each will be released

Woman commits suicide

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 10

Doomdooma, Nov 10: An adult woman hanged herself last night at around 8 o'clock at Dholla Saikhowa Ghat under Dholla Police Station.

According to sources, the deceased, Munoko Devi, aged 55, was the wife of Baban Shah, an inhabitant of Telia Patti of Dholla Bazaar. She hanged herself from a tree with the knot of the Sari which she wore.

According to the local people, she had been suffering from mental disorder for quite some time. Yesterday, the family members along with villagers went out to search for her when they found her missing. She was found dead and her body hanging from a tree. Dholla police took her body later and sent for autopsy at Tinsukia civil hospital.

(Correspondent)

Taking food security on high agenda of his Governance, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki took principal decisions to implement the National Food Security Act in the state indicating that the State Government is all geared up to implement National Food Security Act -2013 with effect from 1st

Itanagar, Nov 10: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has extended greetings and warm wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali, the festival of lights to celebrate victory of good over evil. APCC in a released wished that this festival of lights be the harbinger of peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness to illuminate everyone’s life and light up with new dreams, fresh hopes and good fortune and health. (Bureau)

about the exact numbers of Chakmas and Hajongs by the State government and the extent of total land encroachment. The meeting decided to make necessary appeal to the Supreme Court to ensure that constitutional and indigenous rights of the people of Arunachal Pradesh are protected. It was also decided that Home Ministry will also take necessary steps to ensure providing proper status to the Chakmas and

HAPPY DIWALI

Chakmas and Hajongs were settled in Arunachal Pradesh since 1964 and the Supreme Court decision has to be responded with proper consideration keeping in mind the historical facts and backgrounds.

Hajongs but without the infringement on rights of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and to honour the sentiments of the people of Arunachal

Pradesh. Necessary inputs will also be obtained from the State government of Arunachal Pradesh while making an appeal in the Supreme Court.

Nabam Tuki says, there is no dearth of funds

Haflong, Nov 10: Acting on a tip-off regarding suspicious activity in and around Didambra area some 120 km from Haflong, under Maibang Police Station, a search operation was carried by the 43rd Assam Rifles of Hajadisa and 27th AR on Tuesday. During the search operation, a huge cache of arms and ammunition including 4 numbers of AK 56, 18 numbers of AK/56 ammunition, 2 numbers of pistol magazine, 4 numbers of US carbine magazine, 1 7.62 mm SLR bridge block assembly, 552 US carbine Cartridge, 416 M16 cartridge and 195 9mm ball cartridge were recovered from the site of the operation. It is learnt that these arms and ammunition were found buried in the Didambra area. The operation is still on to ascertain the militant group behind the hiding of such arms and ammunitions.

(Correspondent)

APCC Diwali greetings

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Home Ministry has taken serious cognizance of the Supreme Court ruling.

During the meeting it was observed that the Chakmas and Hajongs were settled in Arunachal Pradesh since 1964 and the Supreme Court decision has to be responded with proper consideration keeping in mind the historical facts and backgrounds.

Besides, it is also observed that proper administrative records have not been maintained

Pages- 12

The Eastern Today wishes its readers, agents, advertisers, clients and all a Happy Diwali.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 10

A SHOW OF FINANCIAL AFFLUENCE Rs. 50 lakh

each will be placed at the disposal of the deputy commissioners while Rs. 20 lakhs each will be released to additional deputy commissioners (ADCs) with independent charges.

Funds for the ADCs who do not have DDO power will be placed with the concerned deputy commissioners.

Projects undertaken under this untied fund will have to be implemented and completed within this financial year.

The concerned DCs A total amount of Rs. 1770.00 lakhs for 2015-16 was approved for release to the respective untied funds.

and ADCs will have to submit the utilization certificates against the fund released and also detailed list of projects undertaken by them.

to additional deputy commissioners (ADCs) with independent charges. Funds for the ADCs who do not have DDO power will be placed with the concerned deputy commissioners.

Projects undertaken under this untied fund will have to be implemented and completed within this financial year. The concerned DCs and ADCs will have to submit the utilization certificates against the fund released and also detailed list of projects undertaken by them along with photographs of the assets created and a brief note indicating cost of the project, Contd. on Page 3

Arunachal Govt gears up to implement National Food Security Act December, 2015. Chairing a high level meeting of Food and Civil Supplies department attended by Minister Tirong Aboh and Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak, Principal Secretary Finance Satyagopal Sinha, Planning Secretary Sonam Chombay, Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Gamli Padu and department officers, Chief Minister

Margherita Civil Hospital reels under manpower shortage ET Correspondent Margheriat, Nov 10

Margherita Civil Hospital cum First Refer Unit (FRU) has been reeling under manpower crunch, said Dr Kumud Chandra Das, Deputy Superin-

tendent of Margherita Civil Hospital cum First Refer Unit (FRU). He informed that there is a need for pathologists, ENT, Medicine Specialist, Orthopaedics, Ward Boy, Sweeper and Anaesthesiologist.

Contd. on Page 4

DC inaugurates District Zila Parishad office Changlang Lomhom Tanga Changlang, Nov 10

Amid a mammoth gathering at the newly constructed double storied building of District Zila Parishad office near

project director office, Changlang, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Wajong Khimhun today unveiled the office board.

Contd. on Page 3

Non Bodos of BTAD to intensify fight against Bodoland Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Nov 10

The political scenario of BTAD in the state is likely to be get murkier again as the Oboro Eikyo Mancha, a united platform of non Bodo people

residing in the BTAD has decided to intensify its fight against the formation of separate Bodoland including only 33 per cent Bodos. The mancha, Contd. on Page 4

Nabam Tuki called for a holistic approach to ensure proper implementation of the benevolent Act which ensures 5 Kg of rice per individual and 35 Kg per family per month at Rs. 3 per Kg. In what can be called as a major development, the State shall constitute a Food Commission under section 16 of the Act and for the time being till regular commission is

put in place; it was decided that the Arunachal Pradesh State Women Commission will be delegated with the state food commission’s functions and activities. Another important decision was to constitute a state corporation in the line of Food Corporation of India (FCI) to implement the programme in the state.

Contd. on Page 3

A girl in Sivasagar lighting Diwas as a mark to celebrate Diwali.

Pic - Firuz Ahmed

Dibrugarh celebrates Kali Puja and Diwali A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 10

Along with rest of the State, Dibrugarh is all set to celebrate the Kali Puja and Diwali. The celebrations will continue from November 10 to 12. Idols of Goddess Kali will be installed today to begin the puja.

Meanwhile, the Dibrugarh district administration has appealed to the people not to burst any kind of fire cracker on busy roads and pavements. It has also appealed to the Kali Puja committees to maintain clean, hygienic and secure environment

inside the puja pandals and adjacent areas. Diwali is the festival of lights and the people of the Dibrugarh are seen thronging to the markets to buy lights for the decoration of their home. It has been a common practice nowadays that the people prefer tig-tag lights instead of traditional diyas. But some people as usual are buying the traditional diya for the celebration. The Dibrugarh district administration has declared a local holiday on Wednesday. Across Dibrugarh, the puja committees have beautifully decorated the puja

Captive elephants of northeast now have a clinic in Kaziranga ET Bureau Kaziranga, Nov 10

A clinic for elephants of the northeast was inaugurated at the upcoming Mark Shand Memorial Learning Centre by Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, Founding Patron of the UK based charity Elephant Family and its CEO Ruth Powys in the presence of distinguished guests and a colourful audience from the neighbouring villages. The facility, named

Clinic for elephants inaugurated at Kaziranga.

pandals adopting specific themes to catch the attention of the people. “Like every year the Dosh Matha Kali Puja committee at Bombay colony will attract people and this time we will expect more crowd than the last year,’’ a member of a puja committee said. The puja has a unique traditional flavour with the rituals and the puja generally performed during the night time; however, Dosh Matha Kali Puja is performed in the morning time. Every year huge number of devotees gathers at the puja mandaps during the puja.

Centre says, NSCN factions making inroads in Arunachal

after legendary conservationist Mark Shand, is a part of the Kaziranga Discovery Park, coming up opposite the IFAWWTI and Assam Forest Department run Centre of Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation near Kaziranga National Park today.

Inaugurating the facility, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild congratulated the team and all the people who built the facility.

The framework peace agreement signed by the NDA government with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaak-Muivah) has returned to haunt the government. The Joint Intelligence Committee chief R.N. Ravi had signed the agreement with the NSCN-IM in August this year.

Contd. on Page 4

Contd. on Page 4

ET Bureau New Delhi, Nov 10

AFSPA extended in Arunachal, Assam-Meghalaya border ET Bureau New Delhi, Nov 10

The home ministry has extended the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in 16 police stations of Arunachal Pradesh and 20 kilometres

along the AssamMeghalaya border for six months and one year respectively. The latest order issued on November 4-5 came despite opposition from the state governments.

It cited the presence of

Naga insurgent groups including National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) NSCN (K), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (KhaplangKitovi) NSCK (KK) and National Socialist Council

of Nagaland (Reformist) NSCN (R) besides United Liberation front of Assam (Independent) ULFA (I) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) NDFB (S) to declare these districts as

"disturbed areas" under section 3 of AFSPA. The order also highlighted the abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN (K) following which the group carried out the deadliest attack on Indian army troops.

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M.S. Enterprise Picasso Shopping Complex T. Chai Market, Tezu

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Ban on holding private function at IG Park Naharlagun, Nov 10: The state government in order has banned holding of private exhibitions/functions in Indira Gandhi Park, here with immediate effect. The

Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi while issuing the order quoted that Chief Minister has received complaints from the citizens of Capital Complex that District Administra-

tion is frequently allowing Indira Gandhi Park for exhibition of private shows etc. thereby adversely affecting the interest of the local citizens who go there for

daily walk and recreation especially for the children. No function other than governmental function shall be held at Indira Gandhi Park and District Administra-

tion shall not give permission for holding private exhibition / function etc. without prior permission of Chief Secretary, the order added. (DIPR)

Education should be wholesome, says RG Lyngdoh ET Correspondent Shillong, Nov 10: Vice Chabcllor of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) Robert G Lyngdoh said that the state education mission is ensuring wholesome education which is the need of the hour.

Speaking at the function of the State Level Kala Utsav here today at U Soso Tham Auditorium, he observed that education in the past looked at only one aspect in the development of a child but today in a world of intolerance stressing on performing arts and culture will help to understand others better while stating that such events will help us to grow and also performing artists will attract tourists which will be an opportunity for artists to earn.

He hoped to see more students perform the legends of the state expressing creatively to attract other people and make others understand local life and culture. Saying, “A tree

without roots is just like a pole’, he urged the young crowd to be proud of their roots and to have the courage to spread out its branches.

He also urged the parents and teachers to push children to be proficient in all fields as a skill will open up opportunities. He also said that education should teach children to explore opportunities that will overcome the syndrome of dependency.

Kala Utsav is an initiative of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) launched this year and would be an annual event which aims to promote arts in education by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talents of school students at the secondary stage in the country. Through Kala Utsav students can show their talent in the field of Theatre, Music, Dance and Visual Art (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Crafts) on the theme “Living Tradi-

tion of Arts” (Tribal, Folk and Traditional Art Forms).

The activities will begin with schools conducting and identifying talents to represent it at the District Level and the State Level and further on the National Level. Students will not only get an opportunity to perform pieces from their living traditions but they also can live the cultural experience while documenting Online Art Projects.

The Director, Arts & Culture, Shillong, M War Nongbri said that the vast cultural heritage of India has taken a backstage and the Kala Utsav will help the cultural heritage to be embedded in the people’s roots and grow through the students. It will help relate to the roots and ensure that people are a part of a strong society that is seen and admired by the rest of the world.

Among others present at the function were, State Project Director, RMSA &

Pawan Hans helicopter crash: Pilot identified Mumbai, Nov. 10: The body of the pilot recovered from the damaged cockpit of the Pawan Hans helicopter has been identified as that of Captain T.K. Guha. The wreckage of the Pawan Hans helicopter,

Nalco plans Rs.5, 600-cr refinery in Odisha Bhubaneshwar, Nov 10: Public sector Nalco will soon set up a 1 mtpa refinery at Damonjodi in Odisha's Koraput district at an investment of Rs.5,600 crore, sources said. This was informed

by Union Mines Secretary Balvinder Kumar when he met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here. Kumar also thanked Patnaik for the state government recommending Potangi bauxite mines in favour of Nalco. This apart, Kumar informed the state government that Nalco would also spend Rs.2,000 crore for development of two coal blocks (Utkal) allocated to the company. The Union Mines Secretary also informed that Nalco would also develop an aluminium park of 50,000 metric ton capacity in Odisha.(Agencies)

Arrest warrant against BNP leader Bulu, 13 others Dhaka, Nov 10:A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrant against 14 BNP leaders, including party s pok e s p e r s o n Barkatullah Bulu in an arson case.Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Mohammad Kamrul Hossain Mollah passed the order on today afternoonOn January 20, a vehicle was set on fire during the countrywide blockade enforced by BNP-lead alliance. Later, an arson case was filed with Wari police station over the matter. (Agencies)

which crashed off the Mumbai coast earlier last week, has been found and the body of the co-pilot is still missing. The Underwater Locator Beacon as well as the sonar inputs were thoroughly analysed

by the rescue teams and operations were carried out throughout the day. Divers had been diving and searching for the debris in various locations on the seabed for the past four days. (ANI)

Nalbari district celebrates Diwali Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Nov 10: Diwali, the festival of lights and Kali puja, are being celebrated all over the Nalbari district with great enthusiasm. Every Hindu family of the district planted banana plants in their homesteads and lit earthen lamps besides colourful lights. Despite the 144 imposed by the Nalbari district administration banning bursting of high sound crackers the people are bursting crackers and engaging in other fireworks. In Nalbari town

the colourful electric lights gives a new look to the place especially in the evening hours. Besides Kali puja is also being celebrated at Batsor Kali Mandir, Balilecha Kali Mandir along with other parts of the district. Incidentally, the villagers of Dahudi in the district have been celebrating the golden jubilee of their Kali puja with a seven day programme since yesterday. A colourful procession was taken out at Nalbari town by the Palla road Kali puja committee here today.

Secretary, Education, F R Kharkongor, Director, School Education, A C Marak and other senior officials from the department of education. Young artists from various schools of Tura, Williamnagar, Baghmara and Jowai presented folk songs and dances. National Level Kala Utsav will be con-

ducted from 8th-10th Dec 15 at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi; the National Award function will be held on 11th Dec 15 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. The celebration of arts with award winners at the National Level will be held for the general public on 12th Dec 15 at Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Boost for NPP with ex-MDC joining the party ET Correspondent Shillong, 10 Nov: Besterfield N Sangma, former MDC and his followers joined in the Natinalist People Party (NPP) here on Tuesday.

Besterfied was welcomed by party leaders and workers at a meeting held at Tura chaired by SB Sangma and attended by PA Sangma MP, National President and James Sangma MLA . Mr. Besterfield Sangma thanked the party for the warm welcome extended to him. He said that the reasons for his and his followers joining the NPP were that he truly believed in the leadership of PA

Sangma and he wanted to learn and follow in his footsteps.

Besterfield also said that the other factor why he joined the NPP was that he had full faith in the ability and leadership of Conrad K Sangma who would go on to lead the GHADC as CEM. Mr PA Sangma while extending his heartfelt welcome to Besterfield said that he was very happy that people like Besterfield who have proven that they are genuinely concerned about Garo Hills and the A'chik people by rejecting the Codification of Garo Customary Law are joining the Party.

Military policeman hacked near Dhaka Cantonment Dhaka, Nov 10:A military policeman has sustained injuries as unidentified miscreants hacked him at Kochukhet in Dhaka Cantonment area.The identity of the injured could not be known immediately. Kafrul police station's Sub-Inspector Abdul Halim confirmed the incident to the media.He said: "We have heard that a military policeman has been hacked in the area but

we have not yet received any details about the attack. A team has been sent to the spot."The incident takes place six days after the attack on a constable of Industrial Police in Ashulia. Constable Mukul was hacked to death and another received injuries when some unidentified miscreants attacked them at a check post in Baraipara on November 4.(Agencies)

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099

Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547

Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

Dr Damani's Nursing Home Near Circuit House, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2300928, 2302873

Golaghat Vivekananda Sanghar udyogat kali pujat pravesh dwarar drisya. Pic - Amit Nagori

ASTRO FOR YOU You will be quite circumspect throughout the day. Your spirits will soar high as you will be invited to join parties and socialise a bit. You will find the correct balance between work and having fun.

This is a bright, rosy day for students and scholars, particular who are engaged in, or are looking forward to higher studies, specializing in a particular professional stream. This a great day for making plans for higher studies abroad. Do not miss this opportunity. Plans made today are likely to materialize. The day also promises to be positive and eventful for employed people.

You will be afforded full co-operation by your relatives and friends. You will also be able to provide a solution to their problems by utilising your practical thinking. You will be influenced by your emotions while choosing between multiple alternatives. You need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of any decision you make today.

Ganesha advises you to be careful before signing any document. A hard time for share brokers and traders. So be on the guard during deals and transactions. Average time for business.

You will pay serious attention to your work. You will feel that you have no option but to work hard. You will not be in the mood for socialising. This is only a temporary phase, hence there is no need to worry. You will be back to your usual gregarious self in no time at all.

A day to look inside and contemplate. Find peace and prosperity. Clam up like those oysters and discover the peal within you. A fine helping hand you shall lend today to those who need it.

You will be able to spend ample time with your loved ones and may even taken them out for lunch or dinner which will bring you more closer to them.

You will even try to please them by showering them with gifts and presents today.

It is likely that you shall learn an important lesson in life today. Remember that spite and envy beget enemies. Be advised to display some errors so as to make you seem more human and approachable.

You wake up with a smile today. You have a knack of solving problems, which you may use it to the optimum. Be cautious of people around you, as their envious nature may affect your work. Ignore them and keep the optimism alive.

Whatever field you are in, your career matters will top your priority list. You will put your personal life on the back burner for a while. This change of places will surely bring you great rewards as your performance will drastically improve and everyone will appreciate your efforts. Credit goes to your family members and well-wishers for believing in you in the toughest of times and supporting you along the way The day begins on high note. You work hard, put your best foot forward and at the end get the final output as per your requirements. Romantic and beautiful, the setting Sun will bring the softer side of your personality to the fore as you will spend the evening with your sweetheart.

You will find favourable conditions at work as you co-ordinate with your colleagues and seniors to tackle tough problems. You will be able to get the desirable results for all the effort you put in, in the office. Those engaging in business will be able to make some strong and useful contacts today which will be handy in the future. That you be outgoing today and continue to do so to maintain your profits.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

11-11-15 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-50 A.M-Ashtamir Naam 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 7-35 P.M-Ujjwal Bhabishyat 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 9-30 P.M-Deferred Live of "Arunabh Prabeen"-A Programme jointly organized by AIR Dibrugarh and DDK Dibrugarh on 9th November Sd-/H.O.P

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

ITBP leads Army in Women’s Empowerment NCHAC CEM reviews progress Aalo, Nov 10: The ITBP has already inducted combative lady officer in the Veterinary Cadre of the Force, which is tasked for an extremely challenging role in providing veterinary cover and maintaining logistic support at Border Out Posts situated at altitudes ranging from 9000 to19000 feet above mean sea level under inhospitable subzero conditions. Till date four lady officers have been commissioned as Assistant Commandants since 2011 onwards, and they have given a sterling account of professionalism, grit determination in serving in these tough locations, commanding the AT Troops in Border Guarding (BG) units, that employ ponies/ mules/yaks to keep the logistics alive to sustain BOPs with supply of arms, ammunitions, rations and clothing. AT Ponies are also used for operational maneuvers like LRPs (long range patrols) and SRPs (short range patrols).

These lady officers are granted a Permanent Commission in ITBP and would retire at the age of 60 years which is much better than the RVCof Army which inducts only male candidates as officers that too for a Short Service Commission (SSC) for 5 years only leading to uncertainty on the granting permanent commission to a few. The career prospects of these women VOs of ITBP are very bright. They are granted pay of Deputy Commandant after 4 years service and implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) to wear the rank badges of Commandant (full Colonel) in 13 years service.

ITBP had taken a pragmatic decision in 2011 to commission Lady Veterinary Officers in this strategic cadre after much thought. Now the decision to hand over the command role in the veterinary establishments of units to Lady Assistant Commandant

Governor extends Deepavali greetings ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 10: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has extended his heartiest greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali (Diwali). He expressed his hope and prayed that the festive season and the year that lies ahead will be filled with peace, joy, happiness and prosperity for all. In his festival message on the occasion, the Governor said that the beginning of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, some five millenniums BC. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with his consort Sita and younger brother Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and after vanquishing the unrighteous demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their beloved king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama’s kingdom, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers. The entire route of Rama’s foot march to Ayodhya was illuminated on both sides and the people lined up to welcome Rama. For some, this day also is to be the celebration of the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu, whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephantheaded God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in

most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance attached to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of Nirvana.

The Governor pointed that the festival of lights inspires all to move from darkness to light. He urged all to light the lamps of compassion, love and righteousness and remove evil thoughts and deeds from the Society. The Governor wished that the festival of lights give inspiration to fight unitedly against all odds and evil forces and move forward on the path of progress and success with courage, commitment and high sense of public service. Let us resolve to fight against illiteracy, inequality, poverty, discrimination and hatred. And let us promote peace and brotherhood in the society.

On this happy and auspicious occasion, let us draw our inspiration to march ahead for encircling darkness to brighter areas, keeping in mind the famous poem, ‘Lead, kindly Light’, he added. While extending his greetings to all, the Governor has appealed each and everyone for a pollution-free as well as clean Deepavali celebration. He said that people must shun from using loud crackers because it creates noise pollution as well as emit poisonous gases, which may be harmful to all and the environment. Let us maintain the spirit of Swachh Bharat, Clean and Green Arunachal Pradesh, he exhorted.

APCC takes exception to State BJP President’s demand for apology ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 10: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today took exception to the statement issued by State BJP President Tai Tagak, in connection with a demand for public apology from APCC President Padi Richo. The APCC also came down heavily on the statement of the Opposition leader of State Legislative Assembly, Tamiyo Taga and BJP National Secretary Ram Madhav who favoured installation of an alternative government in place of the Congress led state government.

APCC said, “These are moves to mislead the people of the State at the behest of the BJP to destabilize the smooth running of the Government while there is not an iota of truth in their allegations.” Referring to the recently held CLP meeting on 8th November, 2015 which was attended

by V Narayanasamy, former Union Minister, i/c Arunachal Pradesh and Dr. K Jayakumar, AICC Secretary i/c of Arunachal Pradesh and Padi Richo APCC President, APCC said, “21 dissident MLAs went to the media along with the expelled member Kalikho Pul to declare that they will abstain from attending the meeting. Are this not anti-party activities and breach of discipline?” adding that “during the recent visit of Union MoS (Finance), Jayant Sinha, he has appreciated the good financial management in the state and stated that Tuki Govt. is financially sound and having balance of Rs. 810.00 Crores.”

Meanwhile, at a PCC Executive Members’ meeting held on 10th November, 2015 at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Itanagar under the chairmanship of Padi Richo, President APCC, it has been decided and recommended constitution of Disciplinary Action Committee, APCC for taking appropriate action against dissident MLAs while the same has been communicated to AICC.

(Vets) has stood the test of time. As per the feedback of units, the ITBP Lady VOs not only visit inhospitable BOPs but also march with the logistic AT convoys, sometimes continuously for more than 10 days on foot in extreme high altitude undulating terrain, leading predominantly mole troops with aplomb.

As per senior commanders, it is evident that the lady veterinary officers have a greater pain threshold and can endure physical stress in high altitude better due to natural factors bestowed on the female species. This fact has already been proved by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) which has used ladies in combat roles with cutting-edge results.

These Lady VOs of ITBP are performing in tighter conditions than her Army male RVC Officers, as ITBP Animal Transport (AT) operates much head of Army in far inclem-

ent conditions with much lesser infrastructures and resources. Along the IndoTibet border, ITBP AT is deployed 50-100 km ahead of Army. All the Lady VO of ITBP have been posted to border guarding units in high-altitude terrain and their morale is so high that no one has a request been received for a plain/peace posting. In fact they had been given choice and all women VOs opted for Border Units. They are posted in NE, Uttarkhand and Himachal areas.

ITBP is the first Force of India to train lady VOs in the prestigious YOsDHMT (Young OfficersDog Handling and Management Course), that teaches them to deploy Explosive Detection, Tracker, Infantry Patrol and PEDD (Patrol Explosive Detection Dogs) in Counter-Insurgency and Anti-Sabotage Checks during IS (internal security) duties. Women Vet Officers of ITBP have commanded the Mahila

Contingent during the Raising Day Parade for the Force for the past 2 years. In addition to this they are also performing duties of multi-role officers by taking over additional command roles in unit like Adjutant, Quarter Master, Intelligence Officer etc. The lady veterinary officers of ITBP are fully combatized and trained not only to provide veterinary cover, but also trained in handling of sophisticated automatic weapons, battle-craft, field craft, rock-climbing, man-material management, supply chain logistics and command of the AT elements during peace and war. The lady VO of ITBP has gone where no uniformed lady officer of the country has gone before.

After successful induction of women in the tough Vet Cadre, the DG ITBP has set in motion formalities to induct 30% women in the General Duty Cadre of ITBP. DIPRO

Arunachal Govt gears up to implement National Food Security Act Contd. from Page 1

In order to decide over to how to go about with the implementation part, a committee headed by Principal Secretary Finance as chairman and Secretary Planning, Secretary Food and civil supplies, director food and civil supplies as members has been constituted. The committee has been entrusted to scrutinise the process on every aspect to make the National food security act effective besides rationalisation of staff for the commission and corporation. It would also recommend a suitable name for the corporation apart from recommending the Cabinet scheduled on 22nd November on the matters related to other requirements to implement the Act by 1st of December.

In a major development, the head load system has been done away with and replaced by helicopter dropping wherever necessary. The house however asked the department to re-

verify and re-notify the inaccessible areas where head load system was prevalent which is to be replaced by air sorties. It was further decided to make buffer stock provisions for one year and upgrade all the existing warehouse godowns and built new ones where there are no such godowns which can store the ration. State Government would make available funds for the purpose through BADP and state funds besides moving the centre for release of fund under NFSA at one go to ensure that the buffer stock provision is materialised.

These air sorties would be carried out before the monsoon. CM directed the department to issue directives to their officers and officials in the field to submit monthly reports to the respective deputy commissioners and the deputy commissioners to the state government in quarterly basis. Funds would be made available to the DCs for keeping buffer stock.

Tuki suggested for putting

Rangia looting incident accused arrested Tapas Samaddar Rangia, Nov 10: One of the main accused of Rangia looting incident, Alauddin Dewan alias Ala was nabbed by the crime branch of Assam police last night at Baragaon Guwahati. The operation was led by Swapanil Deka DCP crime branch. The accused is being interrogated at Rangia police station. It is worth mentioning that a gang of miscreants snatched away Rs 19 lakh at NH 31 near Moranjana Rangia on October 20 last. Mean-

while, officer incharge of Rangia police station Bhupen Das was booked on the charge of dacoity on 25th October last. One Iftikar Saikia was also sent to jail in connection with this case earlier. According to Kanteswar Gogoi SDPO Rangia the accused will be produced before Rangia SDJM Court Rangia today. The other main accused Nizamuddin Ali alias Amrit and Nurul Islam alias Chhana are still absconding. According to the SDPO Rangia the money which was looted is with Nizamuddin.

up complaint box in all the districts headquarters and sub-divisional headquarters for entertaining the grievances put forth by the general public on food security. He categorically said that in order to ensure that this food security act is implemented in letter and spirit, the general people should participate whole heartedly. The meeting further decided that the Chief Secretary would hold a video conferencing with all the deputy commissioners on implementation of NFSA on 20th November, 2015. It was also decided that the state corporation on food security would open up low cost departmental stores in all the district headquarters which would provide the general public with essential items at genuine rates and on pilot project basis, an outlet would be started in the state capital first. Earlier, the Secretary and director Food and Civil Supplies gave a detail presentation on NFSA in the house.

of departmental works

ET Correspondent Haflong, Nov 10: The newly elected Chief Executive Member of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Niranjan Hojai met with all the heads of department on Monday, formally for the first time since

assuming office on 24th last month. Niranjan Hojai took stock of the departmental progress of works of the previous year and current year undertaken by all departments. Stressing on importance of various schemes to be

implemented in rural areas of the district the new CEM wants to concentrate more on upliftment from village level. The meeting was also attended by members of Autonomous Council, Principal Secretary and all departmental heads of the district.

Nabam Tuki says, there is no dearth of funds Contd. from Page 1

implementing department and the benefits to the people. Allaying mis-

information of financial crisis propagated by vested interests, the Chief Minister reiterated that there is no dearth of funds

for development projects and insisted on its judicious utilization for benefit of the common people.

DC inaugurates District Zila Parishad office Changlang Contd. from Page 1

The fund for constructing the office building was allocated under SPA in 2013 to the tune of Rs. 87.40 lakhs. There are eight rooms on the ground floor and four rooms on the first floor including conference hall. The ZPMs and Anchal Samities from various constituencies have attended the inaugural function apart from all the heads of the department in the district. However, the Zila Parishad chairperson Mrs Marina Kenglang was absent due to coincidental emergency meeting called by

the state government.

Also the state exchequer met the cost of various office accessories. There are one ZPC, 10 ZPM's, 11 ASM chairpersons, 89 ASMs, 100 Gram Panchayat Chairpersons, 371 Gram Panchayat Members in the district that constitute the panchayat body. There are 39 computer operators, 11 technical assistants, 9 peons, and 1 driver in the office of the panchayat. This data was given by the Sub divisional officer, Mr. Wangjen. The gathering was addressed by the deputy commissioner who highlighted various issues pertaining to panchayat

bodies and their roles in the district. He also briefed on the functioning of the panchayat in Sikkim. It has been nearly 15 years since the inception of panchayati raj system in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Nevertheless, the actual devolution of the powers has not yet been conferred on the bodies so far that is said to have halted the grassroots development in the locality. Various officers and ZPM's had shared their views on strategies and problems being faced in the wake of the executions of works under them which are mostly dealt from the higher authorities in the state.

Congress mulling action against dissident MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Tuki claims unprecedented pace of development in state in last 4 years ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 10: The Congress is likely to initiate disciplinary action against 21 party MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh after they revolted against Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and did not attend a crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting held in Itanagar on Sunday. V Narayanswamy, Congress secretary incharge of Arunachal Pradesh, said he will soon submit a report to the party high command on the situation and suggest disciplinary action against the 21 MLAs. “While 25 MLAs attended Sunday’s meeting, those who did not have indulged in indiscipline,” Narayanswamy said. He,

however, claimed that Tuki’s government was 100 per cent stable, and blamed the BJP for trying to disturb it. “Tuki is an undisputed leader,” he added. Three days ago, 21 Congress MLAs had issued a joint statement in Itanagar announcing their decision to abstain from Sunday’s meeting after accusing the CM of being “autocratic and disrespectful to inner party democracy”. “We clearly denounce his (Tuki’s) legitimacy as the leader of Congress Legislative Party of Arunachal Pradesh,” the statement read. Among the 21 legislators were former ministers Kalikho Pul, Chowna Mein, Kumar Waii and

Kamlung Mossang, all of whom were dropped from the Cabinet by Tuki recently.

Meanwhile, Nabam Tuki earlier claimed that the pace of development in the state in the last four years under him has been "unprecedented". An official communiqué said Tuki during a review of the on-going programmes being implemented under Special Plan Allocation (SPA) in the state insisted on continuous monitoring by concerned heads of the executing agencies. He, however, expressed concern over some projects being delayed due to litigations and asked executing agencies to resolve all issues so that

development of the state did not suffer. Tuki asked all government departments to conduct an audit of government land and submit reports on status whether possession is secured and take necessary remedial measures if not, the communiqué added. In the last seven years 2141 projects have been sanctioned under SPA in the state of which about half were taken up after Tuki took over as chief minister of the state in November 2011.

Rs 483272.68 lakhs has been sanctioned for these projects and Rs 361506.66 lakhs has been already utilized. The utilization certificates of the completed projects have been forwarded to the Centre.

NCP backs Congress, says BJP is a dying horse A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 10: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has two teeth – one is to show for development, other one to grind the Muslim, Christian and ruling Govts. of the opposition parties,” said State NCP. “This has posed a serious threat to the secular fabric of our great country for which the wise people of Bihar voted against the PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah who led their party with their Hindutova

agenda, ‘don’t eat beef’ propaganda to, particularly Shah’s statement ‘If by chance the BJP loses in Bihar, crackers will burst in Pakistan in celebration’, NCP President Gicho Kabak said while addressing NCP the executive body meeting. “Does it mean those who do not vote are anti-nationals?”, Kabak asked to the univocal reply ‘No”. “The landslide victory of JDU-RJD-INC great alliance in Bihar Assembly elections will have a cascading effect heralding the

beginning of the end of the BJP”, Vice President and spokesperson Nima Sangey Saling said. Blaming the BJP for present political unrest in the state and the dissident INC MLAs are being lured and motivated by the BJP to destabilize the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki-led Congress Govt., Kabak while chairing the meeting said, “as the people of Arunachal Pradesh are great patriots should be aware of the mischievous politics of the BJP with hidden agenda.” After

a threadbare discussion the duo said that the NCP a national ally of Congress has been closely watching the functioning of the Tukiled Congress Govt. in the state. “While Union Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, after reviewing the financial status, has termed it as ‘excellent’ few state flagship programmes, namely Chief Minister Universal Health Insurance Scheme (CMUHIS) and employment generation to make youth employable, have won national awards

and appreciation of no other than the President of India Pranab Mukharjee,” the NCP President added.

“Interestingly, the dissident INC MLAs are regrettably talking the same language as that of the BJP leaders and abstaining from the CLP meeting on 8th November 2015 only proved their hidden collaboration. The matter could be sorted out within the party but the decision to revolt is against the people who had voted then under Congress ban-

ner. No one stakes on a dying horse and they should learn that BJP is a dying horse which has been proved in local elections in UP too. These were common observations of the meeting attended by presidents of all 12 districts,” the President further asserted. The presidents were directed to constitute block units in every assembly constituencies while district committee in newly created districts will also be constituted very shortly for revamping the organizational set up.

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

AGP leader hails Bihar elections results ET Correspondent Margherita, Nov 10: Dr Om Prakash Sahu, senior AGP leader of Margherita has welcomed the Bihar election result in favour of the Nitish-Lalu grand alliance. Dr Sahu said that Bihar election is the victory of "tolerance over intolerance" and "Democratic forces" which the people of Bihar have proved it. BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls talked about “minimum government and maxi-

mum governance” but after the Lok Sabha polls many barbaric incidents took place like “innocent Md Akhlaq was mercilessly killed at Dadri (UP); two Dalit children were burnt alive in Haryana; one Muslim youth was killed by Hindu mob in Kashmir; ghar wapsi, love jihad” and many more which are signs of "lntolerance" in the country, said Dr Sahu.

“Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is famous for their

‘Hindutva ideology, dictatorship, inflammatory speeches and fascist attitude’ and that is why in the Bihar Assembly Election results BJP have bitten the dust at the hands of Nitish-Lalu grand alliance,” said Dr Sahu. In the upcoming 2016 Assembly Election of Assam, the fate of the BJP will be the same as in Delhi and Bihar Assembly Elections, predicted Dr Om Prakash.

Torch-lit procession

ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Nov 10: The members of Doomdooma Town Committee today took out a torch-lit procession in demand of their salary. The employees and members of the Town committee

were looking annoyed owing to nonpayment of salary for the last seven months. The Doomdooma Town Committee is running under Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leadership.

The supporters and members of BJP shouted slo-

gans against Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and his government and marched all across the town. In the procession, Bhartiya Janta Party Yuva Morcha, Doomdooma unit of BJP and its supporters took part.

Non Bodos of BTAD to intensify fight against Bodoland Contd. from Page 1

in a meeting held at Nalbari today resolved to take out a march to Rajbhaban on November 23 to register protest against the separate Bodoland in the state. It will be followed by another mass rally in the national capital New Delhi soon. While talking to the media persons after the meeting, MP of Kokrajhar Lok Sabha

seat Naba Sarania who is the chief convenor of the Mancha said that to oust BTC chief Hagrama Mahilari from power it will extend the support to the proposal of great alliance raised by the chief minister Tarun Gogoi. He added that the Eikyo Mancha will also fight to exclude the non Bodo villages from the BTAD besides fighting for the right of land to all people residing in BTAD. He further said that they

would favour all type of alliance to oppose Hagrama Mahilary in the 2016 Assembly election.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of Oboro Suraksha Samiti, BTAD Nagarik Suraksha S a m i t i , AAMSU,Adibasi Janagosthiya Sangathan, BTAD Nagarik Adhikar Mancha, Nath Jogi Autonomous Demand Committee, AAKRSU among others.

Margherita Civil Hospital reels under manpower shortage Contd. from Page 1

Patients from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Margherita Sub Divisions also come

to this hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, some portion of the Margherita Civil Hospital cum First Refer Unit (FRU) land has been encroached

upon despite demarcating the land in several ways and also informing the Administration, alleged Dr Kumud Chandra Das.

Centre says, NSCN factions making inroads in Arunachal Contd. from Page 1

Two other factions— the Khole-Kitovi and Reformation — were not part of the initiative. Mr. Ravi had earlier said that the gov-

ernment was in talks with the NSCN-IM as they had taken the lead in negotiations. In a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to extend the imposition of the

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, the MHA has said the two breakaway factions were making inroads in the State.

Maiyya Shanta Scheme reaches BRO BPLS ET Correspondent Tohangam, Nov 10: Twenty CPL families along with two operators of heavy earth moving machines of Border Roads Organization had reasons to smile and rejoice as Col C Rajashekhar, Commander, 48 BRTF and Ms Mana Linggi, DDSE, Lohit arrived with Er Shanker Prasad, Officer Commanding the 1446 BCC to distribute water filters. The water filters sponsored by Raj Kumar Mittal of Tinsukia were distributed under the Maiyya Shanta Scheme. The scheme has been launched by a Lohit based NGO in gratitude to saintly mother Maiyya Shanta Tamhan of Maharashtra.

Col Rajashekhar who gave away the water filter gifts to all the CPL families at Tohangam, appreciated the local community for the gesture. The Commander also assured that the BRO is always in the service of the people. To the delight of all present on the occasion Col Rajashekhar further conveyed that in addition to its primary task of building and maintaining roads and bridges in the border areas the 48 BRTF under the PROJECT UDAYAK of the

BRO will always be willing to participate and contribute in welfare activities of public service. The Commander expressed happiness over the fact that NGOs are contributing to the growth and progress of the region through their services and exhorted all to keep up the spirit. He further assured to visit the school of the rural children who performed for the event. Ms Mana Linggi, DDSE, Lohit also handed over safety helmets for the CPLs which was received

by R R Gogoi, the Officer in Charge of the Tohangam detachment of the 1446 BCC. She also took part in the Diwali celebrations of the CPLs by distributing sweets to all the families and children. To the great delight of the BRO personnel she revealed that the district authority will soon consider starting a school for the children of the CPL families. The DDSE advised the officials to make a proposal for early government consideration. She strongly felt that the strong Task Force team members who man tough locations

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 10: The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has called a 24-hour Capital Complex (Itanagar and Naharlagun) bandh starting from 5 am on November 13 till 5 am November 14, said ANYA general secretary, Khoda Rachung. Speaking to the media today, ANYA general secretary informed that the association is going ahead with the bandh call because the state gov-

cation department establish a school for children of the BRO CPLs a much desired precedence will be initiated

Indomitable spirit, Commitment and Courage must receive all possible care and support. Members of general public felt that if the district authorities and edu-

and it will be a great moral booster for the ones in the service of the nation who often discharge their duty in greatly challenging conditions with bare minimum support. Er

mote Tohangam. The Sardar of the Tohangam CPL team thanked the Commander 48 BRTF, DDSE Lohit and OC 1446 for their visit and encouragement.

Model Anganwadi Centers at Na Ali-Haladhiati, Bochagaon, Shimaluguri inaugurated ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Nov 10: Under the aegis of Lakhimpur District Social Welfare Department, several Model Anganwadi Centres were recently inaugurated in Lakhimpur at Panigaon Circle. In connection with this, the Na Ali-Haladhiati Model Anganwadi Center was inaugurated on November 8 by Debeswar Malakar, the Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur District. The meeting which was held on this occasion began with a chorus at 10.30 am and it was chaired by Indra Das, the Gaon Bura of Na AliHaladhiati village. After inaugurating the Center the DC delivered an inspiring lecture. In his speech, he expressed his satisfaction on seeing the sincere management on the part of the Center by the engaged Anganwadi worker Deepa Das and her assitant Lakhimai Das along with the officials of District Welfare Department. He hoped that the Center would initiate exemplary activities in

order to foster all round development of the children. Monideepa Saikia, the Program Officer of Tezpur Zone also delivered speech at the meeting.

On the other hand, Khagen Mahan, the Lakhimpur District Welfare Officer, Child development Program Officers viz. Birinchi Borah (Dhemaji), Prasanta Borah (Telahi), Rumi Pegu

(Karunabari), Bidyut Prabha Phukan (Dhakuakhona), Statistical Assistant Anju Doley along with Mukhya Sevikas of Nowboicha Integrated Child Project, social activist Rupak Rahman were among those who were present at the programme.

The programme was anchored

by Project Officer Neelima

Pathak. The children of the Model Anganwadi Center performed several cultural events. Before the commencement of the meeting, a plantation drive was executed wherein the DC and other dignitaries took part.

It is noteworthy that the Model Anganwadi Centers at Bochagaon and Shimaluguri were also inaugurated on the day.

Captive elephants of northeast now have a clinic in Kaziranga Contd. from Page 1

“Mark was an energetic and dynamic personality who believed in lending a helping hand to animals.

Today is a great day for me to inaugurate this facility for elephants.”

The Mark Shand Memorial Asian Elephant Learning Centre in the Kaziranga Discovery Park is supported

by Elephant Family, a leading conservation organization of the world dedicated to the conservation and wel-

fare of elephants in Asia.

Mark Shand had spent some valuable time with the captive elephants in Kaziranga and several mahouts here honour him at the end of the tourist season each year.

Prior to the unveiling of the relief of Mark Shand, Shri M. K. Yadava, Director, Kaziranga National Park welcomed all the dignitaries from India and abroad and guests from the villages to this colourful event that started with a traditional welcome.

Rope-pandal ANYA calls 24-hr attracts visitors bandh on Nov 13-14 ET Correspondent Golaghat, Nov 10: A unique pandal has been attracting the attention of the people at Kali Puja organised by Vivekananda Sangha of Golaghat.

The complete pandal has been made in a unique manner with rope. Apart from it, butterfly shaped and mythological character gate have fascinated the visitors. On behalf of the committee, Sujit Ghosh said, "This is the 31st year we have been observing this Puja and the young energetic youth brigade is always ready to do some innovative changes." The president Sanjeev Kakati and Secretary Sujoy Chowdhury have asked all the people to attend the puja.

and discharge their responsibility of creating and maintaining connectivity in remote border areas with

Shanker Prasad, OC, 1446 BCC and Er Veeraswamy gave away Diwali gifts to children and the CPLs. The officers of the Demwe based 1446 BCC thanked Raj Kumar Mittal and the local NGO for conducting the event in re-

BRO CPL children soon to get a school

ernment is reluctant to talk with them regarding their demands. ANYA is demanding creation of Kamle and Pakke Kessang districts, immediate cancellation of Pre Paid Metering System (PPEM) in the Capital Complex, immediate repeal of Arunachal Pradesh District Based Entrepreneurs and Professional (Incentive, Development and Promotion) Act, 2015, inclusion and recommen-

dation of Itanagar under Smart City Mission, establishment of AIIMS in Itanagar, immediate construction of 4-lane Highway from Banderdewa to Itanagar, immediate repeal of Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, and immediate release of Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) fund with state matching share, and white paper on state’s financial status.

Summing up the event and the work ahead, Vivek Menon, Executive Director and CEO of Wildlife Trust of India said, “We are already working for the animals of Kaziranga at CWRC. But if Kaziranga has to be saved, it is you the people who play the most important role. So, it is for you that we are developing this learning hub of Kaziranga Discovery Park where your children will play and learn and appreciate the bio-diversity and

nature that Kaziranga houses.”

Mark Shand Asian Elephant Learning Centre is established as one of the three wings coming up under Kaziranga Discovery Park whose foundation stone was laid on 28th December 2014.The other two wings are Kaziranga World Heritage Learning Centre and IFAW-WTI Wildlife Rescue Learning Centre which will be dedicated to the public in coming years.

Free eye checkup camp ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Nov 10: A free eye checkup camp was organised at Makum Barekuri's Leshenka Yuva Sangha building in collaboration with Tinsukia district blindness control committee, Assam Moran Sabha Leshenka Disaujan Hathigadh Branch Committee and with the cooperation of former governor DC Roy of Lions Club International and headmaster Alkesh Dev Roy. Altogether 22 people were identified to have cataract problem. Dr Amulya Gohain, Dr Prabhat Deka and Dr Pramod Konwar contributed for the camp.

Gogoi condoles Jogeshwar Buragohain’s death A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 10: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today visited the residence of former Superintendent of ASTC, Jogeshwar Buragohain who passed away on November 8 last.

Buragohain died at his Ajanta Path residence at the age of 80. Gogoi while conveying his sincerest condolences to the members of the bereaved family, said late Buragohain was an upright officer, who had a long and chequered track record with ASTC. The Chief Minister paid floral tribute at the portrait of Buragohain and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Bihar Assembly Election results victory of common men: Assam CM A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 10: In a scathing attack on the BJP led NDA government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today attributed Bihar Assembly Election results to the victory of common men against pro-corporate policy of Modi Government. In a state-

ment here on Tuesday Gogoi said, “Common men in the country in the recent time have had a harrowing time under the present regime at the Centre where the prices of all essential commodities have been skyrocketing. Big corporate houses are rallying behind the Modi Government instead of the

common men for their narrow political gains.”

Gogoi moreover termed the common men in the country as very prudent as was evident from the Bihar election outcome. The BJP’s drubbing in Bihar can very much be attributable to the NDA Government’s antipoor and anti-common men policy, Gogoi said.

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Sit-in-protest Diaspora on Bihar elections: Some enthused, some disappointed staged Jiribam (Imphal East), Nov 10: Students of Jiribam Government Higher Secondary School and Borobekra Government Higher Secondary School staged a sit-in-protest today demanding appointment of adequate number of teachers in both the schools, our correspondent reports. The student's protest coincides with the onset of Jiribam contract lecturers' cease work strike.

Normal classes have largely been impacted by the lack of adequate number of teachers in

both the schools, Jiribam Government Higher Secondary School Student's Union general secretary Yaiphaba told the media on the sidelines of the protest. Moreover, the commencement of cease work strike by Jiribam contract lecturers have added to the woes of the students.

There are over 1000 students registered in the only two higher secondary schools of the subdivision. The protesting students urged the State Government to address their grievances at the earliest. (Agencies)

Patna, Nov 10: They might have missed casting their franchise in the crucial Bihar elections that witnessed a landslide victory for the Nitish Kumar-Lalu Yadav's Grand Alliance and decimation of the BJP, but the diaspora gave a mixed response to the outcome. Stakes were high in the recently-concluded assembly polls in Bihar through which BJP was eyeing better hold on the key state notwithstanding the strong regional politics.

The campaigning had Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding marathon rallies in a direct challenge to incumbent Kumar. Modi-led NDA received a drubbing at

the hustings while JD(U)-led Grand Alliance with 178 seats registered a scintillating win in the crucial polls, which also saw the return of Lalu as the kingmaker.

From San Francisco to Prague, the results evoked mixed reactions from people hailing from Bihar, ranging from "extreme happiness" to "extreme disappointment."

'Jo na kate aari se, wo kate Bihari se' (Those who seem invincible are also defeated by a Bihari)," said Texas resident Ajit Chauhan, who works for an organisation dedicated for development of Bihar.

Patna-born Shrini Singh, who recently moved to Texas after her mar-

TMC factions clash in Shyampukur, 2 held Kolkata, Nov 10: Twelve persons including five policemen were injured while several vehicles, shops and a house were damaged following a clash between two factions of Trinamul Congress at Shyampukur late on Sunday night. Members of the groups hurled bombs at each other after a person belonging to the rival faction passed comments near a Kali puja pandal in the area.

Two persons were arrested in this connection.

Sources said that associates of Trinamul Congress leader Prasun Ghosh, who had lost the last Kolkata Municipal Corporation election from ward number 10, allegedly passed comments when members of their rival group were

passing through the area.

The rival group was headed by the block secretary of the party Khokan Das. Das and his associates protested against the passing of the comments and it led to the clash. Soon more members of both the groups reached the spot.

The mob was of around 150 people. They damaged ten vehicles, four shops and a house in the area. Policemen from Shyampukur police station rushed to the spot.

But they failed to bring the situation under control despite resorting to lathicharge. Five policemen were allegedly beaten up. A shopkeeper and six members of the two factions were also injured. Policemen from Burtala and Tala police

SHG items draw crowd at SARAS Fair

Dimapur, Nov 10: Atleast hundred Self Help Groups (SHGs) from Nagaland, Mizoram and Kerala are exhibiting their products at the regional 12-day, SARAS Fair 2015, which was inaugurated by minister for Rural Development and REPA, C.L. John at Urban Haat, Dimapur on Monday. Organised by Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) under the Rural Development department, the fair is being sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development. Addressing the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, C.L.John expressed hope that the inter-state activities will go beyond concrete material exchange. Describing the event as the best gateway to bring even the far corners of India together, the minister said event like this could help achieve oneness and togetherness, understanding among one another. SARAS Fair, a major initiative of the ministry of rural development to promote rural products and building capacities of SHG and true to its objectives, the fair has come a long way in giving exposure to rural

artisans and entrepreneurs, said the chief guest. India being largely rural in every aspect, promotion and development of rural affairs was significant for the betterment of the nation as a whole, he added. Along with the promotion and sale of rural products, the State Mission would also stream video clippings and documentaries on NRLM and its impact among the rural community with an aim to create awareness amongst the public and visitors about NRLM and also to create a platform for sharing of ideas amongst participating SHGs. Officials and dignitaries from other states would also be witnessing the event which has an impressive range of rural products including handicrafts, textiles, artwork, furniture, items of daily use etc. Local organic fresh fruits and vegetables would also be available at the stalls which open from 9 am till 4 pm. Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome IAS would grace the valedictory function as the guest of honour on November 20. (agencies)

station were also sent. A large contingent of police from Lalbazar was also deployed and the situation was brought under control. Subrata Dutta, who received head injuries, lodged a complaint against Das. Two persons, identified as Subhas Pal and Sanjib Bose, were arrested.

Sources said that Das was a CPI-M leader earlier. He later joined

Trinamul Congress and at present he is close to a Trinamul Congress minister. The rivalry between Das and Ghosh was due to real estate business in the area. Scuffles used to break out between the two factions often in the past two months. Shops in the area remained closed on Monday and police pickets have been posted to maintain law and order in the area. (Agencies)

riage, is elated about the return of Kumar at the helm of the affairs.

"When he had first come to power, I had personally gone to thank him as a young student living in Patna... And, today, I feel very happy for him," she told the media. After the announcement of results in which Lalu's RJD emerged as the largest party with a haul of 80 seats, more than JD(U)'s 71, many people including from Bihar took to social media. Londonresident Shitesh Prakash, an IIT-Bombay graduate who migrated from Patna in 2001, said: "BJP raising meaningless issues like cow and beef to polarise voters was stupid, and hence it

backfired." Prakash, who works for a consultancy major in UK, said he would never support Lalu after what he saw in the mid-90s in his hometown, and will go for "Nitish in the state and Modi at the Centre."

He said: "Well, having said that this will push Bihar back again. But there is also a feel that

Modi should focus at national level and let local BJP leadership fight these state elections...

His stooping to such lowlevel during election campaigns, was anyway, something, we did not appreciate." Patna-born Vineet Abhishek, an IITKanpur alumnus working for a start-up in California, feels uncomfort-

Cops lay out plans to curb use of banned fireworks Kolkata, Nov 10: The city police laid out an elaborate mobile patrolling plan across lanes and bylanes in the city to check bursting of banned firecrackers during Kali Puja. Policemen in 106 autorickshaws, 16 Tata Sumos and motorbikes will patrol in the city to check bursting of banned firecrackers, a senior police officer said. In the past two days, Kolkata Police have seized 3,461 kg of banned fireworks from different parts of the city.

This takes the total quantity of banned fireworks apprehended till date to 6,908 kg. "Additional ar rangements have been undertaken to monitor sound pollution during the festival," said Rajeev Mishra, joint commissioner of police (headquarters). Nearly 40 police officers will be deployed in every division. Twenty seven watch towers will be set up at sensitive points across the city including Amherst Street,

KC Pal Street and in Lake Kali Bari area. "In the past few years, the bursting of banned firecrackers in highrises has gone up. We have already held meetings with the representatives from all housing complexes in the city to sensitise them against the use of banned fireworks," the officer said.

The city police will post policemen near high-rises in the city, especially at Ballygunj, Alipore, New Alipore, Shakespeare Sarani and South City. Hourly updates would be communi-

cated to senior officers, the officer said. Radio Flying Squads (RFS) and Heavy Radio Flying squads (HRFS) would be deployed to thwart any disruptive activity.

Around 11 Quick Response Teams (QRT) and 10 ambulances will be on stand-by to attend to calls of distress.

Special security teams will also be deployed at all Metro stations in the city to keep a check on any suspicious activity. Rules pertaining to sale of liquor at off-shops will come into effect from 3 p.m. onwards tomorrow. (agencies)

able about the victory of the Grand Alliance "given the Lalu factor". "I have battled stereotyped at IIT and even now people occasionally ridicule me in US, despite all my education and achievements I have earned with my hard work," he said.

Shruti Sahi, who lives in Prague with her husband, rues not having been able to vote in the elections this year.

"I wanted to be there in Bihar and register my presence in the democracy exercise.

But, even I could not participate, hope people have made the wise decision, and Bihar will change for the better," she said. (agencies)

Coast Guard apprehends Bangladeshi fishermen, boats Kolkata, Nov 10: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended 57 Bangladeshi fishermen along with their two boats for trespassing into Indian territorial waters. The Coast Guard ship Sucheta Kriplani apprehended the boats yesterday for carrying out illegal fishing three nautical miles within Indian waters during a routine patrol. Coast Guard officials said in Kolkatathat the boats carrying 60 kg of fish were apprehended and investigations were being carried out. The boats are being taken to Sagar Island for handing them over to marine police today.

(ANI)

Centre commended Sangma govt. for GDP growth Shillong, Nov 10: Union Minster of State for Finance Jayant Sinha commended Mukul Sangma-led government for the state's strong fiscal position saying "GDP is growing at 15 per cent per year which is extraordinary."

Addressing newsmen here on Monday after a review meeting on implementation of Central schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna, CSS and other programmes, he said that fiscal deficit of Meghalaya is below 3 per cent. Reacting to a query, he said that Central Government earlier was providing funds under various heads but now

those pattern of funding has been replaced by the 14th Finance Commission by way of unconditional devolution and added that that Meghalaya's share of Central tax devolution in the last fiscal was Rs. 3804 crore and during 2015-16 the State's share would jump up to Rs. 4014 crore. "Every year the State's share of Central taxes will increase by about 10 per cent," he added. Stating that Meghalaya has tremendous potentials for hydro power projects, he said that the Centre was ready to provide necessary assistance "if the State Government comes up

Union Minster of State for Finance Jayant Sinha in discussion with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma at the latter's office in city on Monday.

JAC meets CM, sets pre-requisites for discussions Imphal, Nov 10: The JAC representatives accompanied by other tribal stake holders today met the Chief Minister at his office chamber and reportedly maintained that the Gov-

within five days; accepting a representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI with an officer of not less than a Joint Secretary to witness the talks and conveying the same in

File pic of a dharna at CCpur ernment should fulfil their three-point pre-requisites within five days to start the formal talks. Recalling the three contentious Bills passed on August 31, 2015 by the State Assembly and placing them on the Chief Minister's table

writing to both the JAC and the Ministry; and fulfilling the tribal customary laws and traditional practices of paying Luangmuan (monetary penalty for murder) for the nine 'tribal martyrs' and compensation for the maimed and injured. These

are the demands the JAC team placed before the Chief Minister today.

'Upon the fulfilment of the above pre-requisites, the talks between the Government of Manipur and the tribal representatives led by the JAC, in the presence of a representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India shall commence,' said the JAC. It added that the talks when commenced will deliberate on the three 'anti-tribal' Bills and the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) order, 1972; the points of which are listed in details in their four paged Charter of Demands.

Some of the prominent points the JAC have included in their Charter of Demands which will be discussed as and when the talk commences are inser-

tion of exclusion clause for the Acts - PMP Bill 2015; MLR & LR (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015; Manipur Shops and Establishment (2nd Amendment) Bill 2015 - which means that they are not to be extended within the jurisdiction of the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils as well as Hill Pocket Villages encroached by the Panchayati Raj Institutions and deletion of the phrase 'other than a Money Bill' from Section 4(2) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972. The JAC presented a detailed account of their demands before the Chief Minister but did not specify what would be their next step if the Government fails to fulfil their pre-requisites within five days. (agencies)

with a good proposal."

When asked about the utilization of Central funds by Meghalaya, he said that the state is doing quite well and it has been able to attract Asian Development Bank for investment. "All development expenditures are being monitored," he said.

Funding pattern: The Union Minister informed that the Central Government has agreed to continue to 90:10 funding pattern for the Northeastern states for several Central Government projects. "The Central Government has "largely resolved" to continue with the 90:10 funding pattern for 17

core Centrally-sponsored Schemes (CSS) and the 80:20 pattern will be followed for non-core CSS schemes for the NE states. Moreover, Sinha informed Rs 2400 crore was also set aside for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry. Implementation of GST: Sinha said that the Goods and Services Tax Bill, once passed by Parliament, would benefit the Northeastern states.

He hoped that the Bill would get the approval in the Parliament during the winter session, so that it could be implemented in the country by 2016. (agencies)

Internet users to suffer as submarine cable not laid yet Agartala, Nov 10: Internet users will have to wait for another seven to eight months to get a stable network with BSNL failing to lay submarine cable line up to Akhaura. At the time of the foundation stone laying programme, it was promised to make Agartala an International Gateway of submarine cable by six months.

It seems the promise falls flat even three months after the foundation stone laying programme. Currently, the country has four submarine cable network gateway- Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.

And, Agartala will be fifth international gateway of submarine cable. As per the guideline, equipments which were used in setting up for international gateway submarine cable require to the supply to BSNL Tripura SSA at the earliest. According to sources, the Telecom Ministry, which is sup-

posed to supply equipments to BSNL Tripura SSA has failed to do it till the date leading to unnecessary delay in the exaction. Besides, the cable connecting Aghartala with BSNL's exchange is yet to get started as the vender doesn't machinery to lay underground cable. Now it is to be seen how the BSNL manages the issue. The BSNL has already inked a deal with Bangladesh Submarine Cable Corporation Ltd to use Bangladesh submarine cable for better Internet connectivity. And, the BSNL will have to pay Rs. 7 crore annually for using 10 GB bandwidth Bangladesh's submarine cable as per the agreement.

Sources said, underground submarine cable is ready for use in Bangladesh side.

It means internet users will have to suffer more due to unnecessary delay in executing the ambitious project. (agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

PAGE 6

Anomalies in OROP would be sorted out: BJP assures ex-servicemen New Delhi, Nov. 10: Asserting that the NDA Government at the Centre had fulfilled its promise on the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme, BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh on Tuesday assured that any existing anomalies in the scheme would be sorted out in due course of time. "After almost 40 years of wait and many promises by the Congress government, the BJP has finally delivered what was promised. There

Naidu, Kejriwal to flag-off JahangirpuriSamaypur Badli extension of Delhi Metro New Delhi, Nov. 10: Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will flag off the Jahangirpuri-Samaypur Badli extension of Delhi Metro's Yellow Line on Tuesday. The commercial services for the public on this route will start from 2 pm. The 4.4 kilometer long stretch has three stations Haiderpur, Rohini Sector 18 and Samaypur Badli on this route. With the opening of this section, the total metro network including the Airport Express Line will become 213 Kms with 160 stations. (ANI)

could be some anomalies, which would be addressed in due course.

Those who are opposing it must accept that if there are anomalies they could be sorted out. We promised it before the polls and we have delivered," Singh told. "There are those who promised it in the last 40 years and never delivered.

Trust in us, if there are any issues we will definitely sort it out in your interest," he added. The ex-servicemen started returning their medals

implementation of One Rank, One Pension, which they have re-

Parrikar told reporters.

Veterans have listed seven deviations in the announcement, including annual equalisation, 2013-2014 financial year as the base year for calculating pension, taking the highest pension scale of 2013 as the base for calculation and not the average as announced by the government, not to link OROP with the seventh pay commission and accept that OROP once implemented will continue forever and in perpetuity. (ANI)

10 new buses introduced in Rourkela Rourkela, Nov 10: The city transport system was further strengthened with introduction of 10 new buses. The 10 buses will cater to passengers in a 50 km radius and would enhance the connectivity with the city from distant areas.

Collector Sundergarh BS Punia formally flagged off the new buses. "These buses would touch various areas and increase the connectivity between Rajgangpur, Biramitrapur and Jareikela. Initially these will originate from Rourkela Railway Stationareas", said Commissioner Rourkela Mu-

nicipal Corporation Durga Prasad Mohapatra during an interaction,on the sidelines of the flag off ceremony.

He also informed that the buses have route flexibility to provide better services to the local people.

This is a joint initiative of the Sundergarh Urban Transport Trust (SUTT) and Sampark,a group of private operators, who will manage the services.

"Sampark has been provided with an office at the Sector-2 OSRTC office and we will take care of everything from maintenance, driver payment and other incidental ex-

penses", said M K Sahu of Sampark. The SUTT is headed by Collector Sundergarh, and the other members are ADM Rourkela, Commissioner RMC, Executive Officers of Rajgangpur and Biramitrapur Municipalities and RSP representatives. Sahu informed that "every month Sampark will pay Rs.3.2 lakhs as deposit towards the bus provided by the government and another Rs.1800 as charges." We will soon increase the fleet by another 20 buses, he added. On 1 May CM Naveen Pattnaik, had flagged off six buses

here. Presently those buses are catering to different areas like Rajgangpur. With the introduction of the new buses the old ones will concentrate on Rourkela city only thus enhancing the frequency and reach.

Collector Punia said, "this would help the residents immensely and I am sure they would benefit from it. As far as the fare is concerned the passengers would be charged as per the existing government rate."(Agencies)

New Delhi, Nov. 10: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to file a charge sheet in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case by the end of this month. A CBI official said the agency has prepared a watertight case and the charge sheet would include the statements of witnesses in addition to the statements recorded before the magistrate, call data records, DNA samples, besides other documents. He also informed that as per the provisions of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the investigating agency has to file the charge sheet in

the case within 90 days of the arrest of the accused failing which the accused is eligible for a default bail. Indrani Mukherjea, the main accused in the case, was arrested along with her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and former driver Shaimvar Rai on charges of murdering 24-year-old Sheena and disposing her body at a Raigad forest in April 2012. A Mumbai court had on November 7 extended the trio's judicial custody till November 20. The court also allowed the CBI to interrogate the accused in jail till November 17. (ANI)

RSS misleading people over cow, alleges RJD

Heavy rains to continue Vijayvargiya's 'dog remark' is in Tamil Nadu, says another instance of intolerance: NCP weather department unfortunate. On one

JD (U) slams distorted mindset of RSS New Delhi, Nov. 10: Slamming the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its recent remark on beef, the Janata Dal (United) on Tuesday alleged that the people of Bihar have rejected this divisive politics in the recently held state assembly polls.m"This reflects their distorted mindset.

They want to create division with such excuses. They are in search of Hindu vote bank. They have got disappointment in Bihar.

The people of Bihar have rejected this divisive politics. They will have to change their strategy or they will face defeat every time," JD (U) leader K.C. Tyagi told. An article in ' Organiser', a publication by the RSS sympathisers, has stated that those who insist on eating beef want the freedom to insult Hindus and the same people have indirectly silenced sane voices. "In the name of freedom to eat food of ones choice, they are demanding freedom to insult Hindus. Issue for them is not about fundamental right to eat, but the issue is fundamental right to insult the Hindus...These bunch of people who have enjoyed the spoils of power under the Congress government have indirectly silenced all sane voices," the article says. (ANI)

from today to protest against the government notification on the

jected. Rejecting objections against the One Rank, One Pension scheme by some army veterans, Parrikar had yesterday said that it is impossible to satisfy everyone. "We have fulfilled the main one rank one pension demand including the Voluntary Retirement Scheme.

This is a democracy and one has the right to put forth their demand, but they can't expect it to be fulfilled every time. You fulfil one demand and another one springs up,"

Sheena Bora case: CBI to file chargesheet by month end

Chennai, Nov. 10: The weather department on Monday said that heavy rains will continue to lash across Tamil Nadu in the next 24 hours following a deep depression intensifying over the Bay of Bengal.

Incessant rains and heavy winds have been battering the state for the last few days. Heavy rains inundated many areas in Chennai, throwing normal life out of gear. Schools and colleges in the city continued to remain shut and people struggled to get to offices.A cyclone alert has also been sounded in the

state, though the weather department did not mention anything other than heavy rainfall as outcome of the depression. "The deep depression which was lying 60 Kms east-southeast of Puducherry now lies around 40 kilometers east-southeast of Puducherry. The system has not moved much. Because of the system, it is likely to rain at most places in northern districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Few places may experience heavy rainfall; one or two places may experience very heavy rainfall as well as extremely heavy rainfall," said Director of the regional meteorological department, Chennai, S.R. Ramanan. He added that seas were rough and advised fishermen against venturing out into the waters. (ANI)

NHRC issues notice to Gujarat govt. for discriminating against Dalits New Delhi, Nov. 10: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Gujarat Government over the issue of a separate Anganwadi for Dalit children in Hajipur village of Patan district.

Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report, the NHRC has issued notice to the the Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Gujarat, and sought a report within two weeks.

According to the report, there are two separate Anganwadis, one for the children of Dalits and the other for the children of other castes in Hajipur village. Reports stated that a three-year-old

Dalit girl, who was lost in conversation with her four-year-old neighbour friend, walked towards Anganwadi number160 but was stopped at the gate and asked to go to Anganwadi number- 159 that was meant for Dalits. According to the NHRC, if the contents of the media report were true then it raised serious issues of human rights violation of Dalits.

(ANI)

Mumbai, Nov. 10: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader Kailash Vijayvargiyafor comparing Shatrughan Sinha to a dog, saying it is yet another instance of intolerance. "If this (remarks

by BJP leaders) is going

on unabated, then I think this is just one step Bihar, BJP will be wiped off all throughout the country unless they stop this.

This is nothing but yet another instance of intolerance and arrogance," NCP leader Majeed Memon told . "Kailash ji's statement was very uncalled for and very

hand, we see that Arun Jaitley attributes the defeat in Bihar to bad mouth and now this bad mouthing is continuing," he added. Vijayvargiya on Monday expressed his disappointment over Shatrughan Sinha's remarks on the party's debacle in the Bihar polls and compared him to a dog walking past a car and thinking that the car was following it. "Jab gaadi chalti hai, kutta niche chalta hai, Kutta samajhta hai gaadi mere bharose chal rahi hai (Suppose a vehicle is going and a dog walks past it, the dog thinks that the vehicle is moving because of it). A party is not run by one person, it is a group, there is a chain," Vijayvargiya told in Indore.

(ANI)

New Delhi, Nov. 10: The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Tuesday lashed out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the views expressed on beef in their mouthpiece 'Organiser', and accused them of misleading the people of the nation in the name of cow."I am not able to understand, where beef is, what are they talking about. There is a total prohibition on cow slaughter in Bihar since 1955. They (RSS) do not know facts or figures; they are just trying to hide their shortcomings by raking up cow issue again and again. They want to divide the nation

into pieces," RJD leader Manoj Jha told. An article in 'Organiser' has stated that those who insist on eating beef want the freedom to insult Hindus and the same people have indirectly silenced sane voices. "In the name of freedom to eat food of one's choice, they are demanding freedom to insult Hindus. Issue for them is not about fundamental right to eat, but the issue is fundamental right to insult the Hindus...These people who have enjoyed the spoils of power under the Congress government have indirectly silenced all sane voices," the article says. (ANI)

Dogs' role in Imran-Reham divorce ruled out London, Nov. 10: With reports surfacing that a row over dogs, among other things, led to Imran Khan and Reham Khan's divorce, sources close to the couple have rejected the claim and revealed it was in fact Reham who used to take care of all the five dogs owned by the couple. Reham (42), who is a former BBC weather presenter, also

rejected claims that she had banned some servants from entering the Banigala mansion, which the couple shared until they announced their divorce. Earlier the reports stated that the couple fought over 'everything', from Imran's buddies to Reham banning his dogs in the bedroom. Sources also say that Reham had taken a Belgian shepherd, Maxi-

mus, to their home in Islamabad from England, which had become a favourite of Imran. Imran Khan (62) divorced Reham through a text message followed by a brief email. She is said to have received the text message communicating divorce when she stepped off the plane at Birmingham airport. The couple was married for 10 months. (ANI)

Obama says 'Hello' to Facebook Washington D.C., Nov. 10: US President Barack Obama has joined Facebook and said that he wanted to have "real conversations" on this platform. "Hello, Facebook! I finally got

my very own page. I hope you'll think of this as a place where we can have real conversations about the most important issues faci n g o u r c o u n t r y, " Obama posted on the social networking

website.

The President's first post was on climate change, wherein Obama took Facebook users on a walk through his back yard at the White House and calling on Ameri-

cans in a video "to preserve this beautiful planet of ours. Obama's Facebook account continues to be run by Organizing for Action. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

China's top diplomat visits Manila amid sea feud Manila, Nov 10: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Benigno Aquino III and his Philippine counterpart today ahead of Pacific Rim leaders' summit next week. It was the first visit to Manila by a top Chinese official in recent years amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Wang met for about an hour with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

He waved but ignored questions shouted at him by journalists as he stepped out of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Del Rosario said the meeting was "good" but hurried to the presidential palace, where Wang met

Aquino. Before their meeting, the two ministers posed for pictures and Wang signed a guest book. Del Rosario also hosted a lunch for Wang after the meeting with Aquino. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday that the two sides will prepare for President Xi Jingping's visit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit and discuss how to improve bilateral ties.Aquino said that he welcomed Xi's decision to join the APEC summit and promised "the warmth of Filipino hospitality," according to presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma.The

Pakistan formally \invites Sushma Swaraj for key conference on Afghanistan New Delhi, Nov 10: Pakistan has extended an invitation to Indian External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for a key conference on Afghanistan to be held in December. Representatives from Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and the UAE are expected to attend the 'Heart of Asia' conference to be held on December 7-8. "A formal invitation has been sent to India and 25 other countries for the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting on Afghanistan to be hosted by Pakistan," a senior Foreign Office official said. According

to reports, India is yet to take a final call on the invitation sent by Pakistan to attend the meet, reported The Economic Times. India and Pakistan have been in conflicting relations since their independence in 1947 with only occasional episodes of friendliness since then. Cancellation of NSA-level talks between India and Pakistan was called off by later following differences over agenda of the meeting. The NSA-level talks between India and Pakistan was proposed by prime ministers of both the nations when they met in Ufa, Russia on the side-lines of SCO summit in July this year.

(Agencies)

two foreign ministers last met in Beijing in 2013 at the sidelines of Southeast Asian foreign ministers' meeting with their Chinese counterpart, but it is Wang's first visit to Philippine capital as a foreign

minister."The bilateral relationship is beset by difficulties due to reasons known to all," Hong said, adding that China "attaches importance to its relationship with the Philippines and stays com-

presented the third in 2008 after the formation of the Maoist-led government and in 2011, Bharat Mohan Adhikari presented the fourth after failing to present a supplementary budget. Although the government has not said specifically about the losses caused by the banda and embargo, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa said at the meeting of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last week that Nepal has incurred more than $5 billion in losses due to the blockade. Various minis-

ticularly the Philippines.The U.S. Navy said it wanted to demonstrate the principle of freedom of navigation.Last month, over Chinese objections, an international tribunal ruled it had jurisdiction in a case brought by the Philippines on maritime claims.China, the Philippines and four other governments have overlapping claims across the vast South China Sea, with Beijing claiming it has sovereignty over virtually all of the waters. Some of the disputed areas are believed to sit atop vast undersea deposits of oil and gas and straddle some of the world's busiest sea lanes.(Agencies)

Sri Lanka releases 126 Indian fishermen arrested by Navy Colombo, Nov 10: All the 126 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching into the country's waters were released on Monday by courts in the country. The release came as Sri Lanka and India completed the formalities for the release of fishermen detained in each other's country for allegedly fishing in each other's waters. All fishermen are from Tamil Nadu.Indian authorities are also expected to release 37 Sri Lankan fishermen from their custody.Only 116 Indian fishermen were released from jails as formalities for the release of 10 others could not be completed on Monday. The 10 fishermen had criminal charges filed against them for allegedly ram-

ming a Sri Lankan Navy patrol craft.Although the Attorney General has decided to withdraw the cases against the 10 fishermen, the decision was not communicated to relevant authorities in Jaffna in time. They are expected to be freed tomorrow. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had earlier said that Sri Lanka was taking measures to release the 126 Indian fishermen as a humanitarian gesture. The Minister said that Sri Lanka will continue to hold the boats and equipment of the Indian fishermen arrested for allegedly poaching.

The Tamil Nadu fishermen are likely to be repatriated to India on Friday as the sea is "too choppy" for immediate

Govt set to release White Paper 'shortly' Kathmandu,Nov 10:The government is preparing to issue a White Paper on the state of economy amid the ongoing Tarai banda and unofficial trade embargo imposed by India. "Preparations are on to make public the document on the state of economy in a day or two," said Finance Secretary Suman Sharma.

"It will focus mainly on the scale and impact of the banda and blockade." It will be the fifth time that the government would be issuing the white paper after Jana Andolan II in 2006. In Nepal, White Papers are generally brought up after major political changes and they have been brought up three times over the last 20 years. The first White Paper was presented after a political change in 1990 by the then Finance Minister Devendra Raj Pandey. In 2006, Ram Saran Mahat brought up the second document in 2006 in the wake of Jana Aandolan II, Baburam Bhattarai then

mitted to properly resolving relevant issues through consultations and negotiations."On Saturday in Singapore, Xi promised to safeguard freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, where tensions have flared over overlapping claims and the U.S. Navy's moves to challenge Beijing's islandbuilding.China criticized last week's patrol of the USS Lassen, a guidedmissile destroyer, within the 12-nautical-mile (22kilometer) territorial limit of Subi Reef, one of the South China Sea features that have been claimed, expanded and reinforced

by China over objections of other claimants, par-

tries are calculating the losses in the specific areas. According to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the embargo has severely affected industries, tourism and development of major infrastructure projects.

Nara Bahadur Thapa, chief of Research Department at the NRB, said that most of the industries in the Tarai have remained closed for the past three months, leaving many workers umemployed.

According to the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, over 90 percent

of the industries in the main industrial belt have been closed. "Hotels and restaurants remain closed due to fuel shortage," said Thapa, adding that cancellations of demands for food items from the hospitality sector have affected the income of farmers and other people involved in the supply chain. According to Thapa, constructuion works at major infrastructure projects, which had already been stalled by the April 25 earthquake, have not come into operation yet. "Even the projects unaffected by the quake are suffering from the fuel shortage due to embargo," he added. While the nonagriculture sector had been hit hard by the quake, the agriculture sector also suffered due to non-availability of the fertilizers and weak monsoon this year, according to the NRB. "All of these factors suggest a negative or meagre economic growth," said Thapa. (Agencies)

repatriation, the paper quoted the Indian Consul General in Jaffna, A Natarajan, asSri Lanka accuses Indian fishermen of straying into its territorial waters, while the latter maintain they are only fishing in their traditional areas, especially around Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Colombo in 1974.The issue of poach-

ing by each other's fishermen has been recurring despite some top level engagements between the two countries since the beginning of 2014.The two countries have held top ministerial level talks in this regard and the issue figured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka early this year.(Agencies)

NOC has fuel only for security forces Kathmandu, Nov 10: Nepal Oil Corporation said that it has decided to cut fuel ration to public vehicles and other essential suppliers citing depleting stock.

"As imports have dwindled, we have limited fuel for distribution," said Gopal Bahadur Khadka, managing director of the NOC. "The petroleum products that we currently have will be prioritized for security forces."Since India restricted movement of oil tankers, the NOC has been providing fuel only for public vehicles, essential suppliers and emergency services. Although fuel had been trickling into Nepal, India virtually halted the flow last week after an Indian national died in police firing in Birgunj."We have hardly received any fuel in the past five days," Khadka said. The NOC's move to get private companies to import fuel failed following an issue over awarding contract to Birat Petroleum. Khadka said the oil monopoly's plans did

not materialise due to the controversy. Khadka was charged with accepting the bid of the company to import petroleum products without assessing the preliminary requirements. Birat Petroleum, which the NOC had blacklisted three years ago, has been criticised for quoting excessively high prices. Defending the company, Khadka criticized media reports and parliamentary committees for their "lackof seriousness" in resolving the deepening crisis.

Following widespread criticism, Birat on Sunday breached the supply deal.

Khadka also defended his decision to provide Rs200 million in advance payment to the company. He said the NOC had got a bank guarantee from the company.

"As oil suppliers need a hefty amount of money, we provided it to them to ease the process," said Khadka, adding that Birat had said it is in the process of returning the money. (Agencies)

China decries Shenyang pollution called 'worst ever' by activists Beijing, Nov 10:Chinese state media and netizens have decried high pollution levels in the northeast city of Shenyang, which activists have said could be the "worst ever" air quality seen in the country.On Sunday pollution readings were about 50 times higher than that considered safe by the World Health Organization.State media have blamed the local government for the thick smog.Pollution is a perennial problem in China's northeast, home to heavy

industries including coal mining.In some parts of Shenyang, Sunday's readings of tiny particulate which can get into the lungs, known as PM 2.5, exceeded 1,400 mg per cubic metre, according to state media People's Daily.The WHO recommends a maximum 24-hour average of 25 mg per cubic metre."As far as we are aware from the data we have been observing over the past few years, this is the highest ever PM 2.5 level recording" in the country,

Dong Liansai a campaigner with environmental group Greenpeace.There has been no government confirmation of this assertion.The deterioration in air quality came as the city's coal-powered heating system fired up for the winter.Local media reported delays in the enacting of emergency measures, such as warnings to the public and issuance of stop-work orders to work sites.On the microblogging platform Weibo, Shenyang residents have continued to post pictures of themselves

wearing masks and of the city plunged in a hazy gloom, using the hashtag #Shenyang Haze#, as the pollution persisted."I can't go on living like this, #Shenyang Haze#, if this goes on any longer everyone will probably get cancer," complained user BLS-Christine today.Multiple Weibo users shared ghostly images of neon signs "floating" in the air as buildings were rendered nearly invisible by the smogEarlier this year China's environment ministry announced that only eight out

of the country's 74 biggest cities had passed the government's basic air quality standards in 2014.Most of the cities found to have the worst air were in the

northeast of the country.China is attempting to cut pollution but still relies heavily on coal for its energy and industrial needs.

(Agencies)

Myanmar elections: Poll panel delaying results deliberately, alleges opposition

Yangon, Nov 10: The party of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi today accused the government election panel of intentionally delaying results that appear to show it winning a massive majority, saying it wants to "maybe play a trick."The surprising accusation by the National League for Democracy adds an uncertain twist to what has so far been an amicable election, where the ruling party appeared to be taking its expected loss gracefully."The Union Election Commission has been delaying intentionally because maybe they want to play a trick or something," NLD spokesman Win Htien told reporters at Suu Kyi's house after a party meeting.

"It doesn't make sense that they are releasing the result

little piece by piece. It shouldn't be like that," he said.The election commission has released results for only about 50 seats in the 664-member Parliament whereas the NLD has claimed victory in 154 of the 164 seats in four states.

There are 14 states in Myanmar. In addition, the commission announced that the NLD had won 11 of 15 seats in four other regional parliaments.The accusation raises concern about the intentions of the ruling party, which is beholden to the military that had ruled the country with an iron-grip for about a half century until 2011. Since then, the country has been governed by the Union Solidarity Development Party, made up former junta members.

(Agencies)

Pakistan pokes fun at Indian PM Modi over Bihar defeat Islamabad, Nov 10: Pakistani fundamentalists and liberals have both cheered Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election defeat in Bihar, though for very different reasons, writes the BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad. Mr Modi has emerged as possibly the "most hated" Indian leader in Pakistan to date .Islamists here see him in a negative light due to his image as a Hindu reviv-

crackers will go off in Pakistan".A previous report on the Dawn website on Sunday evening was headlined "Bihar Voters Put Modi Out to Pasture", a reference to what many Pakistanis call "cow politics" after a Muslim man in India was recently lynched by a Hindu mob for allegedly consuming beef.

Another journalist tweeted that he hoped the defeat would teach Mr Modi to drop jingo-

alist. Pakistani liberals, on the other hand, dislike him because they feel his nationalist rhetoric only helps strengthen the fundamentalist lobby in the country. Therefore, both camps saw plenty of reason to celebrate Mr Modi's election loss in Bihar.Television channels laced their news of the BJP defeat with poetic narratives of political irony and Bollywood songs of heroes taunting villains.Pakistan's most reputed newspaper, Dawn, in a frontpage headline noted that "Bihar Steals Modi's Crackers" - a reference to BJP president Amit Shah's pre-election warning to voters that "if BJP loses in Bihar,

ism and improve relations with PakistanIn short, there is an overall sense of vindication across Pakistan, with some predicting that this election defeat will throw water on Mr Modi's religious revivalism. Others are hoping it will cool temperatures on the India-Pakistan border.Yet others are enjoying the moment while it lasts, like Gen Raheel Sharif - an anonymous tweeter who impersonates the Pakistani army chief - who tweeted: "Mr Modi called, said 'my party lost Bihar election, what do I do??' [I] replied, macho men never accept defeat, simply call it rigged." (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Insurgency in Northeast India

Narendra Modi's BJP Trounced in Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections In a political earthquake, the National Democratic Alliance loses out in Bihar's legislatie elections.

Will situation improve in coming years?

Insurgency in Northeast India has always had trans?border ramifications, with rebel groups setting up shop and operating from neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan. This fact has been acknowledged by all the three countries concerned, and in 2003, Bhutan led the way by launching a full?scale military assault to uproot the Northeast Indian rebels from its territory. Bangladesh followed suit, albeit in a different manner, by handing over top Northeast Indian insurgent leaders to authorities in India. Myanmar too has been cooperating with India but has not demonstrated its intent fully to deny parking space to Northeast Indian rebels within its territory. Despite cooperation from our neighbours, rebels in Northeast India have continued to make forays to the bordering areas to escape the counter? insurgency heat, forcing New Delhi to keep engaging with Dhaka, Thimphu and Naypyidaw.

Insurgency in Northeast India is showing definite signs of degenerating into pure terrorism with groups like the National Democratic Front of Bodoland ?

Songbijit faction (NDFB?S) and the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) indulging in ghastly cold?blooded murder of innocent civilians with the sole purpose of terrorizing them and in some instances as part of ethnic cleansing programs. The security establishment will have to deal with these terror elements and this may require New Delhi to amend its peace policy. This is because the government obviously cannot engage in peace negotiations with pure terror groups like the NDFB?S or GNLA. Besides, the government also cannot continue to hold peace negotiations with various factions of a single insurgent group like the NDFB. Statistics is a slightly different story, but there has been a definite decline in the sting of insurgency in Northeast India. During 2014, there were 456 fatalities in insurgency?related incidents in the region, which included 242 civilians, 191 insurgents and 23 security force personnel. This figure was greater than those in 2013 (248 fatalities ? 95 civilians, 132 insurgents and 21 security force personnel) and 2012 (312 fatalities ? 90 civilians, 204 insurgents and 18 security force personnel).

Most of the fatalities in 2014 was in Assam and the rest of the states in the region have seen a decline in insurgency?related fatalities in 2014 as compared to 2012 and 2013. Figures aside, on the ground, however, the situation is starkly different. The security establishment continues to be on tenterhooks, largely due to the belligerence of break?away factions of most of the major insurgent groups in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and, lately, in Tripura. If break?away factions of parent insurgent groups which are emerging dime a dozen, almost as a trend, is a cause for concern, several new insurgent groups have emerged on the scene in the region, a development that has the potential to keep insurgency alive in the northeastern frontier despite the continued peace efforts of the state authorities and the Centre.

The grim cycle of insurgency has somewhat subsided in Northeast India over the years but few pockets in this region still are yet to come out of its grip. Periodic incidents of violence, extortion, bomb blasts are still being witnessed in these areas. The security establishment has been working constantly to dismantle the insurgent framework in the region and have achieved considerable success. We hope to see such more success in the coming years. But new threats like Maoism and Islamist militancy are raising its head in this region and the government needs to develop a strong action plan to eradicate this menace before it spreads its tentacles in the whole region. Along with security measures, it is imperative that the government also take steps for developing the poorly developed interior areas of the state. A dedicated development plan along with tough security measures would surely be able to curb the menace of militancy in this region.

India Successfully Test Fires Agni IV Missile India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile Agni-IV, capable of hitting a target at a distance of 4,000 km, from newly named Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The missile, which is about 20 metres tall and weighs 17 tons, was flight tested from the launch complex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR). The launch was spearheaded by India's missile woman Ms. Tessy Thomas. This was the fifth trial of the Agni IV missile. This fire and forget missile is navigated using a jam proof ring laser gyroscope.

According to the Ministry of Defence, it has "met all objectives as monitored and confirmed by the telemetry" and ships located in the down range monitored the "terminal event" which is the explosion of the dummy warhead. India already has battery of nuclear capable missile like, the Agni series, Prithvi series and the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile.

According to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the sophisticated surface-to-surface missile is equipped with modern and compact avionics to provide high level of reliability. Agni-IV missile is equipped with 5th generation onboard computer and distributed architecture. It has the latest features to correct and guide itself for in-flight disturbances.

The two-stage solid-propelled, surface-to-surface ballistic missile is designed to carry a one-tonne payload to a distance of 4,000 km. Advanced ring laser gyrobased Inertial Navigation system and Micro Inertial Navigation System in redundant mode guided the missile to reach its pre-designated target area.

Also the most accurate ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (RINS) and supported by highly reliable redundant micro navigation system (MINGS), ensures the vehicle reaches the target within two-digit accuracy.

The re-entry heat shield can withstand temperatures in the range of 4,000 degrees centigrade and makes sure the avionics function normally with inside temperature remaining less than 50 degrees centigrade. This was the fifth trial of Agni-IV missile. The last trial conducted by SFC of the army on December 2, 2014 was successful.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has conceded defeat in Bihar's crucial legislative assembly elections. A statewide coalition of three parties known as the Grand Alliance, comprising the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Indian National Congress, secured a landslide win.

The Kumar-led alliance se-

cured 178 seats in the legislative assembly to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition's 58. The election results were released on

Ankit Panda November 8. The BJP's loss in Bihar could ultimately end up slowing down the prime minister's planned

economic reform agenda.

The BJP has conceded defeat in Bihar. Modi spoke with Nitish Kumar and "congratulated him on the victory," according to a statement shared on social media. Though the result in Bihar signals a challenge to the nationwide popularity of the ruling BJP-led alliance, it is also a sign that Biharis largely approve of Kumar's governance record in the

Bangladesh's Terrorist Problem

state. Kumar, the chief minister of the state, has been credited with a strong record on development and corruption.

Kumar and Modi have a particularly storied political history; in September 2013, Kumar's JD(U) split with the Bharatiya Janata Party after Modi was anointed the party's prime ministerial candidate. In the May 2014 general elections, Kumar's JD(U)-led alliance was trounced by a nationally dominant BJP. Of 40 available seats, the JD(U) experienced a net loss of 18 Lok Sabha seats in those elections to the BJP's net gain of 10.

The result is significant for India's national political scene particularly because state legislators elect members of parliament for the upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha. (A small number are directly appointed by the Indian president.)

Though the BJP won a historic nationwide mandate in the Lok Sabha, the lower house, in the May 2014 general election, it

continues to lack a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

Bihar carries political heft in the Rajya Sabha, where it is allotted 16 seats. A legislative election victory could have eventually helped the BJP-led NDA coalition gain a majority in the upper house, supercharging the prime minister's reform agenda.

The Indian National Congress-led United Progressive Alliance maintains a majority in the Rajya Sabha, but the outcome of the Bihar legislative election could ultimately see the Janata Parivar coalition in the Rajya Sabha expand its presence. In particular, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, a component of the Grand Alliance in Bihar, saw a massive increase in its legislative assembly presence.

It currently holds a single Rajya Sabha seat and could gain more going forward.

Beyond the legislative consequences, the results in Bihar highlight the BJP's political vulnerability. As Shekhar Gupta remarked in the New York Times, "Modi is beatable." Since May 2014, the BJP has

managed to largely hold on to its nationwide grip on power.

The party's late-2014 victories in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand suggested that the BJP was poised to play a greater role in state politics across the country. The outcome in Bihar suggests that this is not likely something that the party can take for granted.

The politics of the recent Bihar legislative elections also raise the question of whether the broader nation-wide debate in India regarding the BJP's perceived tolerance of rising Hindu extremism played a role in its electoral defeat. Opposition and regional politicians in India, including the Indian National Congress' Rahul Gandhi and the Trinamool Congress' Mamata Banerjee, have already cited the outcome in Bihar as a befitting consequence of the BJP's political proclivities. Whatever the reasons for defeat, the BJP's politicos will be studying the reasons for the party's failure in Bihar and will look to potentially recalibrate their electoral strategy moving forward to other important state elections, notably Assam early next year.

A string of recent attacks against liberal writers demonstrate that the country is also struggling with an extremist fringe.

Sanjay Kumar Terrorism has claimed one more life in Bangladesh. The brutal killing of the publisher Faisal Abedin Deepan is a shocking reminder to the people Bangladesh that the country is still at war against the Islamic extremist forces after forty five years of independence.

Deepan was the publisher for the expatriate Bangladeshi blogger, Avijit Roy, who was killed in February 2015 on the campus of Dhaka University while on a visit to Bangladesh in order to launch his latest book . Two more publishers were also targeted on Saturday, but both of them survived the attack. In total, four bloggers and one publisher have lost their lives so far in 2015.

The recent killing has caused a backlash throughout the country. People have been pouring onto the streets to protest against the government unwillingness to act. They also burned copies of the book to decry the violence against the

writers. Since Saturday, protests have been going on in different parts of the country by people from all parts of Bangladeshi society.

This conflict between Bangladeshi liberal forces and religious extremists is not new. In large part, it is the legacy of the Liberation war of 1971, when the Islamic extremist group Jamaat-e-Islami, with support from Pakistan, staged a concerted attack against the liberal segments of the country for demanding secession in the name of Bengali nationalism and secularism. Despite their defeat, which resulted in Bangladesh's independence, the extremist forces could not accept the birth of a nation which considered itself Bengali first and Muslim second.

"I feel that this is a war against the 160 million people of Bangladesh," says Imran H. Sarker, a prominent activist and the convener of the Bloggers' Association of Bangladesh. He

believes that "the war Jamaat-e-Islami declared against Bangladesh in 1971 in the name of Islam is still ongoing."

In an interview with a leading publication, he adds that "people are very frightened due to the brutality of extremist forces.

But we are not going to leave the country. The liberal voices are not going to be cowed by the extremist groups."

However, this killing has affected the morale of Bangladeshi liberal bloggers. Some of them

have gone underground and switched off their mobile phones.

"It's true that bloggers are in a state of shock," says Arif Jebtik, a prominent blogger who is on the list of eighty online activists who are on the target list of the extremists. "I have been trying to get in touch with some of them but they are not reachable."

He blames the government for "not protecting secular writers."

"Bangladesh cannot be the mirror image of Pakistan.

Bangladesh has a Muslim

population, but it's also a liberal and secular country. We cannot allow the soul of the nation to be destroyed by reactionary forces," he adds.

Dhaka-based journalist Shehab Suman says that "this is a silent war against freedom of expression in the country."

Besides the attack on bloggers and publishers, the country has also witnessed two attacks on foreigners and a bomb blast at a Shia mosque in recent weeks.

At the heart of all these

attacks has been a concerted attempt to change the character of the youngest nation in South Asia. Since 1971, extremist groups have been trying to increase their influence throughout the country but have not been able to gain widespread support.

Recently, these actors have become more proactive in trying to undermine the secular nature of the Bangladeshi state.

The question that many citizens are asking themselves is whether Bangladesh will turn into another Pakistan, where people are frightened to exercise their freedom of speech and where murder is accepted as long as it is carried out in the name of Islam. The country cannot avoid these questions. The very fact that hundreds of thinkers, writers, publishers, and students are holding demonstrations across the country shows that liberal voices are determined not to cede any ground to Islamic terrorism.

Result of Bihar Election

Sir, The result of Bihar assembly election is a clear manifestation of the fact that certain vital issues were

ignored by BJP. The party, before the election was fully confident and complacent that it would win the election. From the result, it is crystal - clear that by antagonizing the entire populace of Muslims and backward classes, BJP incurs displeasure among the masses. The astute politicians of the likes of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav fully encashed it, inflicting a humiliating defeat on BJP. Furthermore, the unpalatable comments of the likes of V.K.Singh simply fanned the flame. There are other leaders of the NDA who embarrass the party by their unsavory comments. Returning of National awards by some intellectuals also cannot be brushed aside for the 'Intolerance' people are also skeptical about whether the commitments made by the Prime-minister in as many as 40 rallies addressed by him will at all see the light of day. On earlier occasions, too,there were commitments galore, but some of these still remain unfulfilled. In Assam, during Modiji's addresses in the rallies for Lok Sabha elections, there were good number of commitments. Modiji asked all the Bangladeshi foreign nationals to get ready to leave Assam bag and baggage. Again, during the last floods, the affected people were devastated in ample measure. But far

from giving substantial relief, Modiji did not feel it worth his while to visit Assam to meet them in their hours of crisis. What people want is action, not the high faulting speech.

Yours etc Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Best Letter The best letter 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, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

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India's Startups Are Serious Business, And This Is How They Can Change Student Careers "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." -Lao Tzu Every company, from an industry giant to an SME had to start at some point in time. No company has popped just into existence and made it big. You have to prove yourself on the field before you make it large. Today, the winds of perception among Indians regarding startups is changing. Many years ago, India was all about the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and opening up a business was the norm rather than the exception.

But soon people began to look for security, and jobs became fashionable as the economy strengthened.

As we saw a transition from having our own business to 'padh aur engineering kar', we are back to the phase of again taking pride

Two celluloid representations of true crime, namely Talvar and Rahasya based on the murder of Arushi Talwar raises ethical questions such as - whether such films enlighten, inform and educate or whether they can impact negatively on viewers specially of the younger generation.

Are they made to exploit the element of sensationalism or are they made to exploit the tragedy and titillate the audience as voyeurs? The censors have passed these films and so they cannot be stopped from public exhibition. In this ambience,

it is necessary to question the making of such films.

These films suggest a repeat celluloid exploitation of a rare human tragedy.

The Arushi Talwar case remains inconclusive till date. Is it ethnical to make a film that deals with a case that awaits the final hammer to fall?

These two are not the only films inspired by true crime. Other notable ones are - BlackFriday, No One Killed Jessica, Ankur Arora Murder Case and the soon-to-be-released Khairlanjichya Mathyavar in Marathi based on the terrible Khairlanji massacre of a Dalit-turned-Buddhist family by right-wing Hindus on 29th September 2006.

According to journalist Sonali Joshi Pitale, director Raju Meshram is wor-

in starting our own thing. reasons other than what the And if anyone doubts that, Unicorns portray. And the take a look at what the new startup culture that is Prime Minister himself had arising in India is more to say about starting up and about students finding their what his opposition party's own ground and building prominent leader also iter- their skills.

The role of National Enated. It is rare for them to be at a consensus on any trepreneurial Network issue and their view on (NEN) and The Indus Enstartups is one of them. trepreneurs (TiE) has been indispensThus, views able in this are changRahul Jain case. Taring. geting the While everyone thinks of the Uni- intellectual capital of the corns (the billion dollar nation with an entrepreStartup club) when it comes neurial spirit, these initiato start-up culture, few re- tives allowed the engineeralize the importance of up- ing giants and B-schools of coming start-ups, and very India to form e-cells and infew of them did when it was cubation centres for helpvital. Yes, Flipkart, Uber ing people who want to test etc. are big, and they do themselves by starting up represent hope for people on their own, while allowwho want to go big, but ing them to become memtheir Unicorn stature is the bers of reputed organizaexception, not the norm. tions and attend global Start-ups are important for events. While institutes in

ried about the prospects of Khairlanjichya Mathyavar. Bhaiyalal Bhotmange, the lone survivor of the massacre, has filed a case stalling the film's release. "They have shown me in poor light, as a coward and drunkard. Also, my daughter was not romantically involved with anyone. They did not take my permission before making the film. If released, it will mislead the audience. I don't want any compensation from them," he says.

Bhaiyyalal Bhootmange's wife Surekha, 44, daughter Priyanka, 18, sons Roshan, 23 and Sudhir,

21, were first stripped naked, then dragged from their hut to the choupal 500 meters away and hacked to death by the entire village of so-called upper-castes in Bhandara district of Maharashtra.

Meshram says he did not feel the need to take permission. "Bhaiyalal has no patent on this story - all the information and pictures are available online. We showed him the film and he was happy about it. A day before its release, he filed a case against us. I am willing to put up a disclaimer saying he is not a drunkard and the pictures are morphed but he is in no mood to sort out the issue," says Meshram, adding that he has incurred heavy losses as he has spent a lot of money on promotions.

63-year-old Amarnath Grover's son Neeraj, a top

India are still judged on the basis of their average package, e-cells allow students to groom themselves for the future market, be it in terms of starting their own venture or understanding how startups work by helping them establish themselves.It takes nothing to start a business, but it takes everything to build it.

IMT Ghaziabad, a premier B-School with a prominent E-Cell has had its fair share of success stories where student-driven ventures have gained recognition for their unique value proposition. For instance,132Connect, a venture that enhances mapping education content with an industrial context for maximizing relevance, reached the finale of the Ericsson Innovation Awards 2015. Another venture, Sandwedges has seen

quick growth despite being a bootstrapped venture and has created some waves in the local market.

IIT Bombay's E-Cell has also seen success, with their competitions promoting multiple start-ups and the students at the institute itself getting excellent support from the cell. Einfinitus is one of the many offerings to come from the institute. In order to encourage entrepreneurship, the Institute, among a number of others allows students to drop a year after graduating to pursue their startup idea and come back and sit for placements if they feel that they need to change their stance.

If one thinks that only the big cities are capable of having startups, then IIM Indore would be at loggerheads with them, as they called Design Ghar, a

What lies beneath ranking executive in a television software company in Mumbai, was hacked to death by a naval officer on the instigation and assistance of his girlfriend, an aspiring actress. Grover laments the lack of decency of filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma who made

Shoma A. Chatterji Not a Love Story because he did not care to even talk to him before deciding to make the film.

Fortunately, the film bit the dust.

Adds Grover,"Just before the film was released in 2011, someone came forward to help me claim compensation from the director but I declined. No amount of money could have brought my son back. I just wanted people to know how Neeraj was victimised. But the film twisted facts and the audience believed what they saw was a true account."

Noted film critic Nandini Ramnath says, "It is perfectly alright and, indeed, common to make films on real-life crimes. It would be nice if filmmakers stuck to facts and did not sensationalize events. Feature films deal with fiction, and filmmakers enjoy the right to treat their material in any manner they choose, whether sensationalist or

understated. Going to the theatres is a voluntary act.

Filmgoers have the option of choosing not to buy tickets if they find trailers or songs offensive or objectionable. The idea that movies have a lasting impact is overstated. A film can be revisited on TV and in DVDs after it has completed its theatrical run, while TV clips deemed offensive and newspapers articles that are regarded as inflammatory also survive on the internet."

Filmmaker and film

teacher Oorvazi Irani states. "I feel when a real life incident is used to make a film the filmmaker has a responsibility as a creative artist to provide an insight and make the audience reflect about the reality of the crime fictionalised on film.. Had both Talvar and Rahasya done that, had the films told us what was not already told and shown on television as news, it would have made a difference and made an positive impact. A film is not news that projects reality but it aspires to make a statement about that reality. But then, news itself can have a viewpoint or a bias."

Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms was compelled to withdraw her plan to air an episode on television she said was "inspired" by the Aarushi Talwar case.

Aarushi's mother implemented the National Commission for Protection Against Child Rights against Balaji Telefilms to prevent Kapoor from airing the episode prepared to go on air in 2008! A Ph.D. student at the University of Ontario raises questions on whether the filmmakers who choose to make fictionalised films on true crime want to exploit the sensational element or whether they wish to shed new light on the case or whether they wish to take arguments and unanswered questions forward.

Commenting on Raj Kumar Gupta's No One Killed Jessica, her sister Sabrina said, "While making a film based on a real life incident, I feel it is important to seek approval from the family of the victim keeping their emotions in mind. Efforts must be made to stick to facts and not sensationalize them. I was involved with the film from day one and the script was sent to me for approval so I was not apprehensive about the content of the film."

Senior Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Sanjay Chugh says, "There are three ways of looking at the celluloid representation of true crime.

The first is the film's ability to make the audience feel the emotions expressed through the film which will establish a connect. Once this connect is established, the audience can relate, identify and react. The second way lies in the manner in which the story is unfolded by the script and the filmmaker.

"The third is the perspective the film offers.

But how many directors are able or even willing to bring out these three elements of establishing this connect, deciding on a decent and objective way of narrating the story without sensationalizing it and finally, throwing a perspective that can be depended upon and that sheds light instead of making it sensational?" ( Trans World Feature)

startup based in Jaipur for summer placements. The startup is presently under the wing of Startup Oasis, the first incubation center supported by IIM-AHD and the government of Rajasthan. Even the most prominent institutes of India respect the entrepreneurial culture developing in India, and this is one of the many signs of faith in the change.

One of the major arguments against startup cul-

ture is that it is just a way for the youth to get some drive out of themselves and they won't last and will eventually come back to reality and look for jobs to support themselves. But, people like Rajeev Karwal, an IMT G 1982-1984 alumnus famous for establishing LG Corp in India are proving people wrong.

He too started his own venture, Milagrow Humantech in 2007.

Despite the lingering

preference people have for jobs, there is no denying that startups are growing as a culture, and if the changes are any sign, it's for the better. Security, after all, was just a myth. As has been said by Entrepreneur and Apple founder, Steve Jobs, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

What Good Is The Promise Of Inclusive Education If It Ignores Those Who Need It Most?

Pranavi Sethi and Christopher Dee Imagine a world where every person has an equal chance at success. Boys and girls of all abilities and attributes are able to go to school. People hold jobs that allow them to earn for themselves and contribute to their family and society.

Individuals are able to express themselves and exercise freedom of speech and opinion. A level playing field for everyone.

Sounds good, right?

Sadly, today our world is a far cry from this ideal.

This is especially the case for people with special needs. Even using the very low figures from the Census, more than 21 million people in India, or 2.1% of the population, suffer from one or the other kind of disability. Of these, 1.5 million have an intellectual challenge, including Down's syndrome, Autism, and Intellectual Disability. For children with such challenges, the playing field is bumpy, making it impossible for them to achieve their full potential.

All children need acceptance and love. Why should a child with special needs have a hard time to achieve happiness? All too often, stigma and discrimination get in the way. Because of the lack of a level playing field, a child with special needs does not have the same access to social interactions as other children: they are excluded from the

classroom, they are separated in the playground, and they are often left out of social activities at school, and in the wider community. This creates unfair barriers for children with challenges when it comes to making friends, finding companionship and happiness. This is not a level playing field.

The Right to Education Act enshrines a commitment for inclusive education. However, one in every six out-of-school children in India has an intellectual challenge. Neither the school system nor any institutional mechanism is equipped to address the needs of intellectually challenged children. As a result, 57% of peoplewith intellectual challenges are illiterate, compared to 27% of the abled population.

Thus, it seems that children who are most in need of educational care do not receive a proper education.

This is not a level playing field. Early roadblocks to gaining an education bar people with challenges from opportunities later in life. Persons with intellectual challenges are not educated, making meaningful jobs difficult to get. Furthermore, the job market is rarely welcoming for those with various challenges. In total, only 3% of jobs are reserved for those with any kind of "eligible" disability which are limited to loco-

motor, hearing and visual impairments. This label of "eligible" further limits those who can access these jobs. Over 70% of the intellectually challenged population are not employed, compared to almost 40% of the abled population. This is not a level playing field.

Those born with intellectual disabilities require specialised services to help them maintain their health and overcome multiple challenges. However, in India, only 0.8% of total health expenditure is allocated to persons with intellectual challenges. This is not a level playing field.

So what do we do? Every child, no matter what their challenge, can fulfill his/ her potential and make a valuable contribution to society. For children who face challenges, the playing field has to be leveled for them. In practical terms, this means that they must have access to specialised services that help them overcome their challenges, and allocation of health funding must acknowledge this. Furthermore, the commitment for inclusive education enshrined in the Right to Education should be implemented. Most importantly, society needs to learn to look past challenges to see the individual behind the label, and engage with them as equal members of society, as potential employees and as friends. Everyone deserves a level playing field.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

BUSINESS

Rs 14,600 crore deal between railways, GE to make locos Mumbai, Nov 10: After dilly-dallying for almost a decade, the railways moved ahead with the first major foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal through a Rs 14,600-crore deal with GE, which will manufacture 1,000 diesel locomotives at a plant in Marhowrah. On Tuesday, a similar transaction with French major Alstom is expected to be finalized to make electric locos in Madhepura, paving the way for a major thrust to the 'Make in India' programme. Through the two manufacturing joint ventures, the public transporter will together award contracts to the tune of almost Rs 40,000 crore.

On Monday, railways announced the JV with GE, where it will hold a 26% stake to set up a plant in Bihar. The contract is to be executed over 11 years with the railways assuring procurement of 100 engines annually. In a statement, GE said it will invest $200 million (around Rs 1,300 crore).

"This is the largest deal in GE's 100-year history in India. The company will build a diesel locomotive manufacturing facility in Marhowrah district in Bihar, as well as maintenance sheds at Bhatinda in Punjab and Gandhidham in Gujarat.

This effort is a major boost to India's railway modernization efforts, and will provide skill development opportunities for local talent," the company said in a statement.

In recent months, several large international investors have announced plans to set up manufacturing facilities in the country. The names include Foxconn, which is looking to invest $5 billion in the country, and Airbus which announced a JV with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and helicopters. The loco projects were originally conceived in 2006-07 during Lalu Prasad's tenure as railway minister and he had identified Marhowrah and

o After dilly-dallying for almost a decade, the railways moved ahead with the first major foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal through a Rs 14,600-crore deal with GE, which will manufacture 1,000 diesel locomotives at a plant in Marhowrah. o On Tuesday, a similar transaction with French major Alstom is expected to be finalized to make electric locos in Madhepura, paving the way for a major thrust to the 'Make in India' programme.

Through the two manufacturing joint ventures, the public transporter will together award contracts to the tune of almost Rs 40,000 crore. o On Monday, railways announced the JV with GE, where it will hold a 26% stake to set up a plant in Bihar. o The contract is to be executed over 11 years with the railways assuring procurement of 100 engines annually. o In a statement, GE said it will invest $200 million (around Rs 1,300 crore). o The loco projects were originally conceived in 2006-07 during Lalu Prasad's tenure as railway minister and he had identified Marhowrah and Madhepura as the two sites, given that he had contested elections from both the constituencies. o The transporter has completed the acquisition of 226 acres of land for this project and the factory is expected to be in place over the next three years.

Madhepura as the two sites, given that he had contested elections from both the constituencies.

The transporter has completed the acquisition of 226 acres of land for this project and the factory is

expected to be in place over the next three years.

The US conglomerate will maintain locomotives sold to the railways for 13 years after which Railways will take over. The locomotives from the

Marhowrah factory will also support the upcoming Dedicated Freight Corridors on the DelhiMumbai and DelhiKolkata routes. An official release said the project will lead to setting up of

support ancillary industries in Bihar, promote fuel efficiency through latest technology and push indigenization of production within two to three years of commencing operations. (Agencies)

Lion's share of 4G handset market in India taken over by Apple

Patna, Nov 10: Rating agency Fitch has said that BJP's rout in the Bihar election would not impact the medium-term economic outlook for India. It also said foreign investors are unlikely to review their position. "While the opposition to some bigticket reforms, most prominently the land acquisition bill and the GST, has been substantial, the government has gradually rolled out a large number of initiatives and there is no indication it would now change course," it said in a statement. "The BJP's defeat in the Bihar state assembly election does not change our view on the medium-term economic outlook for India "The loss may complicate politics for the central government, but we don't expect major implications on the economic front. The election results are not likely to impact decisions by foreign investors in other states and a big win for the BJP in Bihar would not

Washington, Nov 10: American tech giant Apple has the biggest share of the total 14.8 million 4G-enabled devices active across all important frequencies in the country, says a study

by Nokia Networks.

Among the top 15 4G models, Apple devices iPhone and iPad - occupy the top two slots. iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 devices, which support 4G services in 1800 Mhz band, are the top models with 10.46 per cent and 8.9 per cent shares respectively, as per the study. In India, Airtel is providing 4G service in 1800 Mhz band frequency while other companies are yet to roll out their services.

At present, telecom companies hold spectrum in 1800 Mhz band, 850 Mhz band, 2300 Mhz band that can be used for 4G services in India. As per the study, Nokia Networks sees potential for

providing using 2100 Mhz band for 4G services which is at present being used for 3G services. "LTE (4G) device penetration is still low at 1.61 per cent. 1800 Mhz enabled LTE devices leads with 1.45 per cent (13.3 million) followed by 2100 Mhz enabled devices at 1.2 per cent," the report said. Airtel has highest number of circles with 3G spectrum. The study shows that the number of 4G enabled devices in 2100 Mhz or 3G band connected to network is more compared to number of devices available for 4G service in 2300 Mhz band - the band opted by Reliance Jio Infocomm to foray into the telecom business. iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 models have highest share of 18.12 per cent and 15.42 per cent respectively among connected devices that can support 4G services 850

Snapdeal, which will start selling Maggi from Thursday, has lined up surprise gifts for people who register for the sale.

Nestle India will ramp up its advertising spends significantly in the coming months to bolster Maggi's comeback. The only new thing on a Maggi pack are the words: "Our commitment to goodness you can always trust. With quality ingredients." Price of a

70gm Maggi pack remains unchanged too at Rs 12. On Monday, the company showcased Maggi's latest print campaign that said: "Your Maggi is safe, has always been." "The campaign reinforces the trust Maggi has built over 32 years and that this has been substantiated by tests done by accredited laboratories that have all cleared the samples as safe for con-

Kolkata, Nov 10: The Union Commerce Ministry has kicked off the process of reconstituting the Tea Board of India after a considerable gap of 19 months. The term of the last board had expired in March 2014. The notification, appointing the members was issued on November 2, 2015. The list includes names of ex-officio officials representing the tea-growing states of Assam, West Bengal Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim. It also includes owners' representatives from most of the tea-growing States.

The Board constitutes 31 members (including Chairman) drawn from parliamentarians, teaproducers, traders, brokers, consumers, and representatives of governments from the principal tea-producing States, and trade unions. The Board is reconstituted every three years. While ini-

tially the delay was linked to the alleged policy paralysis of the UPA government, hopes of expeditious action with the coming to power of BJP led government too were belied. This led to apprehensions whether the government had some plans of recasting the industry regulator. This fear, as much among the Tea Board officials as the industry, was fed by the gap in naming a full-time Chairman for the Board.

Since the resignation of M. G. V. K. Bhanu in December 2013, there has been no full-time Chairman of the Board. Trade and industry has warmed up to recent initiative, saying the reconstitution could not have begun sooner. While decisionmaking has not been held up by the lack of a full board but there is no denying that its functioning will now improve once the full board is put in place. (Agencies)

Indigo shares debut on bourses

Mhz band, says the study.

Reliance Communications and RJIL are planning to jointly roll out 4G services using 850 Mhz band spectrum. Though Apple leads the segment of active 4G devices, the study also found that six out of top 10 devices in 1800 Mhz are priced below Rs.8,000. Lenovo A6000 follows iPhones among connected devices in 1800 Mhz band with 7.5 per cent share. It is again followed by Apple's iPhone 5 which has 5.78

Nestle back with Maggi in 100 cities New Delhi, Nov 10: Factory-fresh boxes of Maggi were propped up against the wall at the business centre of Oberoi Hotel in the Capital, as Suresh Narayanan, chairman and MD of Nestle India, said: "Lijiye, muh Maggi kijiye" (playing on the popular Indian saying "Lijiye, muh meetha kijiye"). It was just a matter of coincidence that Narayanan was re-launching Maggi on Dhanteras, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. After a turbulent five months, Maggi staged a comeback in 100 cities and towns with over 300 stockists, apart from being sold on Snapdeal, hoping to regain the trust of its loyal clientele. But Maggi is not yet available in eight states. But that has not deterred the company from launching a highdecibel campaign, announcing the return of the most popular instant noodles brand. "In eight states, where Maggi is still banned, we are working actively with authorities," Narayanan said. Maggi is still banned in Tripura, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Nagaland, Delhi, Orissa and Maharashtra.

New Tea Board to be constituted by Centre

ELITE DEAL

Bihar polls shows no impact on rating: Fitch have led to sufficient support in the Rajya Sabha anytime soon anyway," said Thomas Rookmaaker, director in Fitch Ratings' Asia-Pacific sovereigns team. Although the Sensex reacted sharply falling nearly 600 points in the morning session, stocks staged a recovery on the back of PSU bank scrips.

By 10.30pm the BSE Sensex had recouped more than half its losses and was down only 327 points.

Experts say that GST one of the key items in BJPs reform agenda would need work irrespective of the election outcome. However, the BJP has enough headroom for reforms given its majority in the lower house. "With continued opposition, the government will likely continue to try and pass legislation via ad hoc political deals, and if that does not work it may continue to resort to implementation of reforms at the state level." (Agencies)

PAGE 10

sumption. For now, flown in. He being an Inthrough our various con- dian helped the brand sumer connect since he could connect bett e r programmes, with we will reiterate Wait is finally over v a r i o u s the message of safety and quality stakeholders," said the where we will showcase the CEO of a large food comtest results and how qual- pany. Narayanan, who was ity and safety are our ut- head of Nestle Philippines, most priority. Later, we will replaced former Nestle Inget into thematic cam- dia MD Etienne Bennet in paigns," However, the com- the middle of the food cripany did not divulge the sis after the FSSAI banned amount it plans to invest in Maggi in June on grounds marketing. "Specific spend of it containing excess lead figures are not material. and undeclared monosoWhat is important is how dium glutamate (MSG). we can reach out to our con- After taking over the reins sumers in the most from his predecessor, impactful, efficient manner Narayanan did not waste and focus on the efficiency any time in ironing out of the advertising spends public relations flaws that and integrating the entire dogged Nestle India dur360-degree process," said a ing the crisis. He reached Nestle India spokesperson. out personally to the meWhile Publicis India is the dia, quickly launched a agency on record for Maggi few campaigns hinting at noodles in India, the com- Maggi's comeback, inpany has been working cluding a nostalgic corpowith renowned Bollywood rate campaign to coincide lyricist and ad guru Prasoon with 100 years of the Joshi and his team at company's presence in InMcCann India for some cor- dia. Overall, the relaunch porate projects. It is learnt of Maggi was masterthat popular Bollywood lyri- minded in record time. "I cist and renowned adman only did 0.1% of the Prasoon Joshi has chipped work. The team did the "But the groundwork for rest," Narayanan said.

Maggi's comeback actually (Agencies) started when Suresh was

per cent share. Xiaomi's RedmiNote 3 and Micromax Yu Yureka are at 5th and 6th spot among devices in 1800 Mhz band, as per the study. Samsung Galaxy A5 follows iPhones at 4th spot among top 15 devices capable of supporting 4G services.

Nokia Networks spokesperson clarified that the data is not about shipment or sale of devices but only about devices that are active on networks and the kind of service that they can support. (Agencies)

Mumbai, Nov 10: Shares of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, which runs the private airline Indigo, made an impressive debut on the stock exchanges on Tuesday even as the benchmark indices lost further ground. On NSE, the shares listed at Rs 855.80, a premium of nearly 12% compared to its issue price of Rs 765 per share.

The benchmark Nifty was trading down 53.45 points at 7861.85 at 10am. It touched a high of Rs 883.70 during the early trades. The listing was keenly followed by the market as the initial public offer (IPO), which closed on October 29, saw huge demands pouring in from large investors, which resulted in the offer getting subscribed 6.15 times. The portion reserved for institutional investors comprising

of foreign institutional investors (FIIs), mutual funds, banks and insurance companies was subscribed 17.80 times. The portion reserved for high net worth individuals was also subscribed 3.57 times, though the retail portion was undersubsribed with bids pouring in for only 92% of the reserved portion. The company had fixed a price band of Rs 700 to Rs 765 for the IPO and the issue price was fixed at Rs 765 per share.

The company raised Rs 3,008 crore from the offering. The IPO was managed by merchant bankers, including Citigroup Global Markets India, J P Morgan India, Morgan Stanley India, Barclays, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company and UBS Securities India. (Agencies)

Q2 results hitted by commodities, poor demand: Study Mumbai, Nov 10: Fragile consumption demand, especially in the rural areas, weakness in investment-linked sectors and the meltdown in global commodity prices hurt India Inc during the JulySeptember quarter with nearly 700 companies in aggregate reporting a revenue growth of a mere 1.3% to Rs 7.01 lakh crore.

As a result, net profit of these companies, which does not include financial, oil companies and Vedanta, increased by just 8.2% on a yearly basis to Rs 56,461 crore. The net profit growth rate was slightly higher than the growth recorded in the preceding quarter, an analysis

by Crisil Research showed. "Corporate India's financial performance during Q2 indicates continued pressure on earnings growth and tepid revenue growth. Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) margins improved by 32 basis points year-onyear (YoY) due to the benefit accruing from lower raw material and power

costs despite employee and other fixed costs remaining high," said Prasad Koparkar, senior director, Crisil Research. Data showed that ebitda margin of these companies was 17.4% during the JulySeptember quarter. On the sectoral front, "pharmaceuticals (especially midsized companies), power generation and telecom were the outperformers, while capital goods, steel, and sugar were laggards", he said. The Crisil Research analysis showed that export-linked sectors had double-digit aggregate revenue growth, helped partly by the 6% depreciation in the rupee on a YoY basis.

Among these sectors, IT services witnessed 6-7% annual growth in US dollar terms, while growth in the pharmaceuticals sector was led by the strong performance of mid-sized formulation companies. Among the domestic-oriented sectors, revenues of utilities, mainly driven by the power industry, grew by 10% - the same rate at which the revenues of power generation companies increased,

which was largely on account of higher generation.

Revenues of power transmission companies grew by 18% compared to the yearago period. Among the laggards, the performance of metals industry was impacted primarily by the steel sector. Revenues of steel companies fell by 17% on account of weak demand, sharp fall in realizations and higher imports, the Crisil Research pointed out. In the banking space, according to Koparkar, the performance of public sector banks continued to deteriorate with advances growing in single digits, gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) increasing by 59 basis points, net interest margins declining by 9 basis points and net profits falling marginally. "The performance of private sector banks has been relatively stronger," he said.

Data showed advances growth for private banks, at 23.1%, was more than three times their public sector counterparts, while GNPAs increased by just 20 basis points and remain reasonably healthy at 2%. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Features

Page 11

FLORICULTURE The Flame of Forest Butea monosperma (Lam), kuntze belongs to the family Fabaceace, is also known as 'Flame of forest'.

The genus Butea named after the Earl of Bute, a patron of Botany and monosperma, meaning 'having one seed'. It is said that the tree is a form of Agnidev, 'The god of fire'.

The Palash is sacred to the moon also and it is said to have sprung from the feather of falcon of a impregnated with the soma, the beverage of gods, and thus immortalised. It is used in Hindu ceremonies

ers in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

Vernacular names in India Sanskrit : Palasa, K i m s h u k a , Raktapushpaka, Hindi : Dhak, Tesu, English : Bastard Teak Bengali : Palash, Gujarati : Kesudo, Marathi : Kakracha,Telugu : Mooduga, palasamu, Tamil : Parasa, Kannada : Muttuga, Malyalam : Brahmavriksham, kimshukam, Punjabi : Dhak, palas Classification

for the blessing of calves to ensure their becoming good milker. It is found all over the Indian subcontinent. The tree is considered as multipurpose tree (MPT) as this tree provides shade, habitat for organism, soil improvement, income source for local habitat, firewood and variety of metabolic chemicals, which may be used in the form of home remedies and traditional medicine. Palash tree serves livelihood support to millions of poor farm-

The family Fabaceae comprises of 630 genera and 18,000 species. Palash belongs to genus, Butea. The genus comprises 4 to 14 species viz; Butea monosperma (Syn. Butea frondosa), B. parviflora and B. superba etc.

Butea monosperma Lam. is a woody, deciduous tree, Butea superba is a woody climber and Butea parviflora also known as climbing Butea. Distribution Butea monosperma Lam. grows throughout the Indian subcontinent spe-

cially in the Indo-gangetic plains. This is a moderate sized deciduous tree which is widely distributed throughout India, Burma and Ceylon extending in the North West Himalayas as far as Jhelum except in very arid parts. It is common throughout the greater part of India up to 1000 MSL and higher in the outer Himalaya, Khandesh Akrani up to1200 MSL and hill of South India up to 1300 MSL. Ecology B. monosperma is a tree of tropical and sub-tropical climate, found throughout the drier parts of India, often gregarious in forest, open grasslands and wastelands. It is a characteristics tree of the plains, often forming pure patches in grazing grounds and other open places owing its ability to reproduce from seed and root suckers. In its native habitat, most of the rain is received during the monsoon season, while the autumn and summer months are generally dry.

The tree is very drought resistant and frost hardy, although the leaves turn white and fall off. It can thrive in area where annual rainfall is 450-4500 mm. It grows on very wide variety of soils including shallow, gravelly sites, black cotton soil, clay loam and even saline or waterlogged soils. Seedlings thrive best on a rich loamy soil with pH 6-7 under high temperature and relative humidity. Morphology It is an erect, mediumsized, 12-15 m high, deciduous tree with a crooked trunk and irregular branches. It grows slowly and attains a height of about 5 to 8 m and diameter of about 20 to 40 cm when it matures at the age

of about 50 years or so. Its wood is greenish white in colour, soft and weighs about 14 to 15 kg per cubic foot. The bark is ash colour. The leaves are compound, with three leaflets.

The leaves have 3 foliate, large and stipulate, 10-15 cm long petiole. Leaflets are obtuse, glabrous above finely silky and conspicuously reticulate, veined beneath with cunnate or deltoid base. Flowers are large in a rigid raceme of 15 cm long, 3 flowers together form a tumid nodes of the dark olive-green velvety rachis.

Corolla of flowers are orange or salmon coloured, keel semicircular, beaked, veined 3.8-5cm long, clothed outside with silky and silvery hairs. Calyx is about 13 mm long, dark olive-green, densely velvety outside, and clothed with silky hairs within: teeth short, the 2 upper connate, the 3 lower equal, deltoid. These flowers start appearing in February and stay on nearly up to the end of April. The size is nearly 2 to 4 cm in diameter.

These tend to be densely crowded on leaflet branches. The flowers on the upper portion of the tree form the appearance of a flame from a distance.

The fruit of palas is a flat legume.

Pods are stalked12.5-20 by 2.5-5 cm, thickened at the sutures. Young pods have a lot of hair, a velvety cover and mature pods hang down. The seeds are flat from 25 to 40 mm long, 15 to 25 mm wide, and 1.5 to 2 mm thick. The seed-coat is reddish -brown in colour, glossy, and wrinkled, and encloses two large, leafy yellowish cotyledonsPropagation Natural regeneration by

PISCICULTURE

both seed and root suckers is profuse. The flower of palas starts appearing in February and stay on nearly up to the end of April/ Birds are the chief pollinators. Fruiting takes place during March-April.

Fruits ripen in the month of May-June.

The seeds are the major source of natural reproduction. Freshly harvested seeds are viable mostly.

Artificial propagation is chiefly from direct-sown seeds, sown 25-30 cm apart in lines 3-5 m apart.

If the seeds are soaked in water before sowing it will give a better result. Germination, which starts in about 10-12 days, is completed in 4 weeks. Fresh seeds have a good germination capacity (about 63%) at optimum germination temperature of about 30 ยบC. Root suckers and nursery seedlings can also be used for propagation. Because of the good coppicing power of this species, it is also a reliable m e t h o d of natural propagation. Uses The all parts of palas tree have been used by tribal people for different p u r p o s e since long. The leaves, bark, flowers,roots are used in Unani, Ayurveda and Homeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine.

Flower The flowers of Palas are used for worshipping god as well used as floral adornment by tribal girls. For the chemical Isobutrin present in flowers, are used for natural dye extraction. Flowers are useful in diarrhoea, astringent, diuretic, depurative, tonic, leprosy, skin diseases, gout, thirst and burning sensation. Leaves The leaves of Butea

monosperma are used for thatching by tribal people.

The leaves are very good and cheap material of organic mulching. The leaves are also used as antiinflammatory, diuretic, antitumor, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, carminative, antihelmentic, appetizer, astringent and aphrodisiac. Besides medicinal uses it is also having the economic use for making platters, cups and bowls.

Roots are useful in filariasis, night blindness, helminthiasis, piles, ulcer and tumours. It is reported to possess antifertility, aphrodisiac and analgesic activities. The stem bark is useful is useful in indigenous medicine for the treatment ofdyspepsia, diarrhoea, dysentery, ulcer, sore throat and snake bite. Bark fibres are used for making cordage. Wood is used for well curbs and water scoop. It is a cheap board wood.

Wood pulp is suitable for newsprint manufacturing.

Butea is also a host to the lac insect, which produces natural lacquer, liver infestation disorder, gonorrhoea, wound infection.

Seeds Seeds of B. monosperma is used in

inflamation, skin and eye diseases, bleeding piles, urinary stones, abdominal troubles, intestinal worms and tumours. When the seeds are pounded with lemon juice and applied to the skin they act as a rubifacient. Gum or resin is a red exudate is obtained from the bark, hardening into a gum known as 'butea gum' or 'Bengal kino'. It can be used as a dye and as tannin.Other uses Erosion control In India, farmers frequently use B. monosperma to stabilize field bunds. Ornamental B. monosperma is planted as an ornamental because it flowers with a profusion of bright orange, rarely sulphurcolored flowers.

Tree Management B. monosperma is moderate in its demand for light.

Although it can withstand some dense shade, dense shade suppresses its growth. The trees pollard and coppice well and produce root suckers freely.

They can also withstand heavy annual lopping.

Under dry land conditions and in its natural habitat, coppice management yields roughly 100 kg/tree of air-dry fuel wood every 5 years. If allowed to

grow, trees attain a height of 3-5 m and diameter of 15-20 cm in 10 years.

Plantations can be established on irrigated as well as rain-fed land. Pests and diseases Seedlings and saplings are browsed and damaged by cattle. Rats and porcupines feed on fleshy roots, killing the sapling. Several defoliators belonging to the families Eucosmidae, Lasiocampidae, Noctuidae and Sphingidae have been recorded. Insects of the family Coccidae feed on the sap.

Larvae of some insects of the family Lycaenidae feed on the flowers.

Xanthomonas buteae causes black leaf spots, which in severe infection cover the entire leaf surface and cause premature defoliation. Phomosis butae and Pseudodiplodia butae have also been recorded on the leaves.

Tamasi Koley, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Raghunathpur Subdivision (Govt of West Bengal) Dr Puja Sharma Assistant Professor, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry.

C o u r t e s y : Floriculturetoday.in

HORTICULTURE

Rainbow Trout culture at An amazing rise in Maize Hybrid production in Uttarakhand Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has got immense scope for rainbow trout farming particularly in the district of West Kameng and Tawang. The water and temperature is favorable for its culture and propagation. However, there has been a constraint of seed availability of rainbow trout in the state although few numbers of brown trout eyed ova was produced at Shergaon and Nuranang trout farm.

Keeping this in view, ICAR-Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries Research, Bhimtal made an effort to transport a consignment of rainbow trout from Jammu & Kashmir

during the year 2009 and reared them in the raceways at Shergaon Govt. trout farm. The eyed ova developed into brooders during 2014-15 in the farm condition under technical support of ICARDCFR. However, it was realized that seed production could be possible through the developed brooders at the farm. Therefore, ICAR-DCFR supported technically and financially to install a ova house having hatching facility in the said trout farm in order to solve the problem of not getting fry and fingerling of trout. It is noteworthy to mention here that with all these

efforts of DCFR with Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, 1 Lakh fry of trout has been produced during 2014-15 at Shergaon Govt. trout farm, Arunachal Pradesh for the first time.

ICAR-DCFR has taken further initiative to improve the seed production potential of trout providing balanced diet and other management techniques. At present 500 kg. of brooders of both rainbow trout and brown trout has been maintained in the farm creating further avenues of trout fry and fingerlings for the farmers of the region.

(Agencies)

Jaunsar tribal area in Uttarakhand comprising of blocks Kalsi and Chakrata in Dehradun district is traditionally a maize growing area. Of the total 27,895 thousand hectare area under maize cultivation in Uttarakhand, the Dehradun district with a total area of 9,115 thousand hectare accounts for about 33 per cent of the total maize area in the state.

Of this, about 45 per cent is located in the hill region of the district represented mainly by the tribal blocks of Kalsi and Chakrata.

The contribution to maize production from the hill region, however, is only 30 per cent due to lower productivity (976 kg/ ha) compared to the plains of the district (1,879 kg/ ha).

This productivity level is even below the average for the entire hill region of the State (1,187 kg/ ha).

As an effort to increase the overall productivity of maize in hill region, I C A R - Vi v e k a n a n d a Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora has developed several maize hybrids along with their package of practices. Among these, Vivek Maize Hybrid 45 is an early maturing (85-90 days) and high yielding (50-55 q per hectare) va-

riety tolerant to Turcicum and Maydis Leaf Blight. It was released by Central Variety Release Committee in the year 2013 for cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The plant height is 200205 cm and it bears long cylindrical cobs with good husk cover. The grains of this variety are bold (average 1000-grain weight is 335 g), yellow in colour and semi-flint in texture. It has the 'stay-green trait' which makes the plant suitable for use as green fodder after harvesting of the mature cobs.

Vivek Maize Hybrid 45 was recommended for cultivation in the said blocks to raise the productivity.

Front Line Demonstrations were organized in this area during Kharif 2015 with the aim of enhancing the production and productivity of maize. As a precursor to organizing the FLDs, a training programmes entitled 'Parvatiya Fasalon ki Unnet Utpadan Taknikein' with major focus on maize crop was organized for the farmers of village Dhanpau, Sawda and Lakhwad of Kalsi block in the month of May, 2015 under Tribal Sub Plan component of ICAR-VPKAS, Almora. This was followed

up by a hands-on training on maize hybrid seed production to ten farmers from these villages in the month of June, 2015 and laying out of demonstrations of Vivek Maize Hybrid 45 in 10 ha area in the village cluster.

According to the farmers, the yield of Vivek Maize Hybrid 45 in Kalsi and Chakrata was about double that of their local cultivar (this is corroborated by the preliminary assessment of the scientists as well) despite less than normal rainfall during the crop season. They also reported that damage due

to high speed winds was also less in the hybrid variety. The 'stay-green' trait of the hybrid was particularly appreciated by the farmers. Enthused by the performance of Vivek Maize Hybrid 45, the farmers expressed keenness to grow the variety during next crop season as well and are looking forward to receiving adequate quantity of seed of the variety from the institute. In order to ensure sustained supply of required quantity of seed of the hybrid variety over a longer term, the institute has initiated steps towards establishing a

maize hybrid seed production system at the village cluster level, thereby promoting local entrepreneurship as well in the process.

The institute is set to carry on this initiative further through downstream interventions such as drudgery reduction by replacement of manual shelling with maize sheller; soil health card, ensuring fair price for the produce by establishing linkage with poultry, food and other industries in the State; developing the adjoining plains as a maize hybrid seed production hub, besides others. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

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ODIs against England key for Pak future, says Waqar

Ronaldo to visit India next year to watch ISL Agencies Macau, Nov 10: Football fans in India will have to wait for another year to get a glimpse of former Brazilian legend Ronaldo as he would be able to accept his longtime friend and ex-teammate Roberto Carlos' invitation to watch the ISL only in 2016.

"I would love to go to India and watch the Indian Super League once.

But this time, I have to go back to Brazil. So I would not be able to make it to India this year. But for sure, I am coming to India in the next season," Ronaldo,

Tahir welcomes pressure of bowling in India

ANI Johannesburg, Nov.10 South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir has welcomed the pressure of bowling in Indian conditions, saying that he will give hundred percent in the remaining Tests of the four-match series against the hosts.

Speaking about his strategy, Tahir revealed that he tried to cope up with pressure in order to maximise his contribution towards his side, Sport24 reported.

The 36-year-old said that pressure is a part of international cricket and it had helped him to play well in the matches.

Tahir insisted that no matter which format he is playing, be it T20s, ODIs or Test matches, he has always tried to give his best for the country.

Tahir grabbed six wickets for 71 runs overall inSouth Africa's huge 108-run defeat in the first Test in Mohali.

With the defeat, the visitors are currently trailing 0-1 in the series against India.The two sides will play their second Test from November 14 in Bangalore.

who is currently playing at the ongoing Asian Poker Championship here, today told PTI. One of the best strikers of all time, Ronaldo, however, denied that he would be seen in action at the football field.

"There is no happy news for the football fans. I am not coming back as I am not that fast anymore, like I used to be in the old times," he said when asked if he plans to be a part of ISL either as a player or a coach.

Having played football at the top level for 17 years and being a part of the World Cup-winning

Brazil team twice, Ronaldo said he took up poker professionally after retirement as he was missing the emotion of being in a competitive field. "I miss that emotion of competition," he said, adding, "I miss playing football. I used to be so happy on the match days." Drawing similarities between football and poker, Ronaldo said both need a lot of practice.

"Both the games are very difficult. A lot of practice is needed in both. One is physical and the other is metal. I was definitely better in

football. I am working hard on my poker, but am still too young for it," said the 39-year-old.

"Poker, you have to study a lot. You have to get so many formations and it is not just about you. You have to watch how other people are playing. When you are on the table, you have to see every reaction. You have to be extremely focused, no distractions.

"I love playing poker as it is so much fun and difficult at the same time," he added. With three FIFA World Player of the Year awards, two Ballon d'Or awards and

many more accolades, he is a tough competitor and even as an amateur he is giving his opponents a run for their money. Earlier this year, at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure event in Bahamas, he finished 26th. From a starting field of 816, Ronaldo made it all the way to the final 26 players before he was sent to the rail, taking home USD 42,180 for his first cash prize in a major poker tournament. "Yes, I did well and I am the first professional player from Brazil to do so," Ronaldo said.

No chance of India-Pak series with terror attacks, says Kirti Azad ANI New Delhi, Nov. 10: Former India cricketer and BJP MP Kirti Azad on Tuesday said that there is no chance of India playing the proposed series against Pakistan in December unless there is a peace on the border.

"The members of boards are also Indian and they realise that terror and talks don't go together until there is peace on boarder; I think there is no chance of bilateral series with Pakistan at no neutral venue,"Azad told ANI here.

"Our soldier or your soldiers, in times of war when you are protecting your border it does happen. There

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"The members of boards are also Indian and they realise that terror and talks don't go together until there is peace on boarder; I think there is no chance of bilateral series with Pakistan at no neutral venue."

Kirti Azad

are so many ceasefire violations on international border, a line of control is something that has to be taken very seriously," he added. Describing the Shiv Sena protest that led to the cancellation of talks between the PCB official and

BCCI official regarding the series as hooliganism, Azad said, "Protesting is not a problem. But you can't use strong arm tactics. You can't man handle people. That's not the way to do it. That's not democracy. That's trying to be hooliganism."

Azad also lauded newlyelected BCCI president Shashank Manohar for the decisions taken during the 85th annual general meeting held in Mumbai.

"I have great faith in Shashank Manohar. He is an upright and straight forward man and I really appreciate and laud him for his fantastic work since he became BCCI president," Azad said.

Earlier, Roger Binny was removed as national selector on grounds of conflict of interest, as his son, Stuart is playing for India, and cricket director of the national team Ravi Shastri has also been removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council. According to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the PCB and BCCI, both countries are scheduled to play six series between 2015 and 2023 after a clearance from the Indian Government. India have not played a full bilateral Test series with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

ANI Karachi, Nov 10: Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis has described the upcoming four-match ODI series against England as 'important', saying that it would go a long way in helping his side for the future, particularly for the Champions Trophy 2017 and World Cup 2019.

Waqar believes that the oneday cricket has changed a lot now and England have become familiar to those conditions, the Dawn reported.

Pakistan had lost ODI series against Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh under Waqar before defeating Zimbabwe twice.

Pakistan will play four ODIs against England, starting from November 11 at Abu Dhabi.

Ace spinner Saeed Ajmal has not been included in the squad after reported for suspect bowling actions. Legspinner Yasir Shah will replace Ajmal in the ODI team against England.

Pakistan have already clinched three-match Test series 2-0 against England following their 127 run win in the third test. Pakistan won second Test by 178 runs while first match between the two sides ended in a draw.

Pakistan ODI squad: Azhar Ali (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Bilal Asif, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam,

Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Amir Yamin, Anwer Ali, Yasir Shah, Zafar Gohar, Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Alex Hales, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, James Taylor, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett.

Venus becomes oldest woman to enter WTA top 10

Johannesburg, Nov.10 (ANI): American tennis ace Venus Williams has entered

the top ten of latest WTA ranking following her victory in the Zhuhai Masters

in China. The 35-year-old outclassedKarolina Pliskova 7-5, 7-6 (6) to win the WTA Elite Trophy. Venus, who has climbed up from 11th to seventh place, also became the oldest woman to have featured in the list since Martina Navratilova in 1995, Sport24 reported. Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus had last topped the ranking in February 2002.

Meanwhile, Venus' younger sister Serena Williams remains on top with 9,945 points and maintains a comfortable advantage of 3,885 over Simona Halep of Rome.

Khoda surprised by MacGill disapproves Smith's Dharamsala gets "call" to become public scolding of Starc clearance for national selector Test matches

Agencies Jaipur, Nov 10 : Former India and Rajasthan opener Gagan Khoda, who has been appointed a BCCI senior selection committee member as representative from the Central Zone, today said that he was "surprised by the call".

Khoda, who is working with Indian Oil, said he was staying away from cricket after bidding adieu a couple of years ago.

"I was really surprised as I was away from cricket for quite some time. But it was a pleasant surprise and I am ready for the coveted job," Gagan told reporter.

Though he got an early break in the Indian team and played two ODIs in 1998 against Bangladesh and Kenya, he could not play any international match further despite scoring heavily in domestic cricket.

He hit a brilliant triple hundred in Duleep Trophy at Panaji in 2000-2001 season against South Zone which had bowlers like Javagal

Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, V Raju and Sunil Joshi.

Asked whether his appointment would help Rajasthan cricketers who have not been getting their due despite fine performance in domestic cricket, Khoda said that his job would not be limited to Rajasthan only.

"My appointment does not mean anything special for Rajasthan cricketers. I would try and help all talented cricketers for getting what they deserve. I can assure I would also fight for Rajasthan cricketers if they deserve," he said.

"My job is to help all deserving cricketers across the country to get their due. I have nothing against Rajasthan Cricket Association and I am ready to help them out. In fact, few of the present cricketers are in touch with me and seek my advice.

I am always there to help anybody who asks for it," said the 41-year-old Khoda who bore the brunt of Rajasthan batting since 1991-92 till he bid adieu.

Crucial second innings knock was satisfying: Pujara

ANI Melbourne, Nov. 10 : Former Australian spinnerStuart MacGill has said that he did not like skipper Steven Smith's act of scolding Mitchell Starc publically for throwing bowl at New Zealand's batsman Mark Craig during the first Test win at the Gabba. The incident happened when New Zealand were left with only one wicket and Starc impetuously threw the ball in Craig's direction. MacGill said that although Starc should not have thrown the ball, anger is a part of a sport, news.com.au reported. MacGill, however, said that nothing should be done outside the rule, adding that Starc should wait for the next ball to get the wicket. Smith had earlier expressed his views on the incident, saying that it was pretty disappointing and he is going to have a word with Starc. He said that he hopes the paceman won't repeat it again and added that he could have let the frustration out in other ways. Following the incident, Starc was handed a fine of 5500 dollars (half of his match-fee) by match referee Roshan Mahanama for violating the ICC's code of conduct, which related to "throwing a ball at or near a player in an "inappropriate and/ or dangerous manner" during an international match. Australia have currently taken a 1-0 lead in the series following their 208run win over New Zealand in the first Test of the three match series. The two sides will now play their second Test at Perth on November 13 followed by first day-night Test from November 27 at Adelaide.

Agencies Mohali, Nov 10: Indian middleorder batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has said his gritty knock of 77 runs against South Africa in the second innings of the first Test is right up there as one of his top satisfying knocks. India won the match by 108 runs to lead the four-Test series 1-0. "This one is up there.

The conditions were difficult and the team needed a good total. We have played cricket on some challenging wickets and this was one of those. It was an innings of 77

but it was crucial in the context of the match," he said.

"Ultimately we were able to put on a decent total which we could defend," Pujara was quoted as saying by bcci.tv. In the match Pujara and Murali Vijay together scored 230 runs, while the other 36 knocks managed only 416.

"The wicket was challenging but it wasn't that bad if you applied yourself as a batsman. Once you were set, the bowlers were struggling to get wickets. It was all about making a partnership."

Agencies Shmila, Nov 10: The picturesque stadium of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) in Dharamsala town is all set to host Test matches with the International Cricket Council (ICC) giving its clearance, an HPCA official said here on Tuesday. "The ICC has approved the stadium for Test matches," HPCA press secretary Mohit Sood told IANS. Sood said HPCA president Anurag Thakur, who is also Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, had been consistently pursuing the case of the Dharamsala ground with the ICC to get the Test playing status. The HPCA is seeing it as a major achievement in showcasing its showpiece venue, located at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level, with the mighty snow"That's what Vijay and I spoke about when I went in to bat (in the second innings). It helped that we had a partnership in the first innings as well. If two batsmen were set and solid, it was not easy for the bowlers to get wickets," he said. The 27-year-old batted positively and did not get into a shell, while others tried blocking their way out of trouble but failed.

"That was my plan (to play positively). Every time I got a loose ball, I wanted to make sure I got a boundary. If not a boundary, I at

least tried to rotate the strike. Once I was set, I had my rhythm and I knew I could play shots on this wicket," he said. Talking about his 63-run and 86-run with Murali Vijay, Pujara said: "We were communicating very well on how the bowlers were bowling and what line they were likely to bowl.

Most importantly, I thought we both defended well and looked solid at the crease." "As a fielding unit they had to think really hard as to how to get us out. Once we were in, we were rotating the

clad Dhauladhar ranges forming the backdrop. In 2012, the HPCA's showpiece stadium got the permission to host international matches. The stadium, 250 km from state capital Shimla, has a 21,600-seat capacity, besides a worldclass indoor stadium comprising video analysis facilities, a club lounge, restaurant, bar and banquet hall.

The popularity of the venue soared after nine Indian Premier League (IPL) matches were held there. In the last IPL season, Dharamsala was not allotted a single match owing to the tussle between the Congress-led state government and the HPCA. The HPCA venue is the first in India to use winter rye grass scattered around the outfield, which prevents the grass from dying when the temperatures falls below 10 degrees celsius. strike, punishing the loose balls and were solid in defence. All the things went perfectly for us." The middle-order willower also added that he quite liking the challenge of fielding close in. "It is challenging because you expect the ball to come at you all the time and you always have to be ready to take the chance when it comes. Sometimes it is difficult because you have to concentrate all the time, but when you take a catch, you feel happy about it," he said.

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