12 sept

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have been given to candidates from Tinsukia after the candidates ‘heavily bribed’ the forest officials.

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ØOne of the candidates was asked for 4 lakhs for the post of forest guard.

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daughter and two other relatives, who did not have any qualification for the posts.

ØTwo posts of forest guards

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Narendra Modi inaugurates Rs 939-crore terminal at Chandigarh airport

TMC Campus Plan at Kurseong - Mamata expected to arrive on the 14th

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated a new terminal at Chandigarh airport which will handle

A team from Nabanna inspected the area near Victoria Boys' School and Dowhill School today as a prospective site for the hill campus of Presi-

BUSINESS

REGION

both domestic as well as international flights. Modi dedicated to the nation the modern facility which is expected to boost the economic and industrial development in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

dency University and officials said the Bengal chief minister would lay the foundation stone of the institution on September 14.The comments of the state officials confirmed that the chief minister was moving ahead with her plan to set up the second campus of Presidency University in the hills

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Contd. on Page 4 ○

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No more discontent within Meghalaya Congress, DCA minister claims Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong, Sep 11

Sangma as the Chief Minister”, Mr Lyngdoh claimed while talking to reporters at his office chamber here on Friday.

The Congress being the largest party in the state having 30 legislators in the House of 60 members, is facing frequent infightings over the leadership approach of the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma. The claim of the senior Congress legislator came after news spread over a week

Brushing aside alleged discontent within the State Congress in Meghalaya, District Council Affairs (DCA) Minister Mr H Donkupar Roy Lyngdoh today said that the party is now intact with no disgruntled legislators in the State. “Now, we have no more disgruntlement in the party.

All legislators are intact under the leadership of Dr Mukul ○

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that some Congress legislators are in talks with the BJP leadership to switch allegiance to the saffron party. According to Mr Lyngdoh there is none among the Congress legislators who wish to join BJP and it is only a rumour to divide the Congress party. The DCA minister is one among the top Congress leaders in the State who is being thought by many to be fit to take over the mantle Contd. on Page 4 ○

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ATASU calls 24-hour Margherita Sub Division bandh on Sep 15

Candle lit peace march for Margherita rape-murder victim

Kamba Gaon, under Ledo Police outpost a Margherita College student was brutally gangraped and murdered by three suspected Bangladeshi nationals. Further adding that on 30 August, they had demanded the Margherita Administration to arrest the accused within 24 hours; and again on 3rd September ATASU, Margherita Regional Committee took out a torch lit rally demanding deportation of suspected Bangladeshi

A 1-km candle lit procession was undertaken at Nampong, Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh on September 9, 2015 expressing solidarity with the Margherita rape-murder victim. There were about five hundred protesters who took part in the peace march that started from Nampong Welcome Gate and ended at the Sub-Divisional office Nampong.

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ET Correspondent Margherita, Sep 11

All Tai Ahom Students' Union (ATASU) Margherita Regional Committee today called a press meet at Bihu Tuli, Margherita. Chow Pappu Borgohain and Chow Jayanto Konwar, president and secretary respectively of ATASU Margherita Regional Committee and other members were present today at the press meet. Chow Pappu Borgohain said that on 29 August at ○

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Rahul Tikhak Nampong, Sep 11

Contd. on Page 4

Contd. on Page 4 ○

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East Kameng DC sacked 11 employees of GRS, Jejudada & GRS, Laimoya

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Seppa, Sep 11

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He ordered for the closure of residential provision of GRS, Jejudada, GRS, Doka

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Contd. on Page 3 ○

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The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa inaugurated a two-day National Seminar on ‘Issues, Challenges and Development of North East India with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh’ at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Rono Hills, Doimukh on 11th September 2015.

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ET Correspondent Itanagar, Sep 11

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The veteran CPI leader and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar while addressing a mammoth rally at Jorhat District Sports Association (JDSA) playground on the occasion of state level confer-

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Arunachal Governor inaugurates two-day National Seminar on ‘Issues, Challenges and Development of North East India'

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ence of the SFI heavily flayed the Narendra Modi led government as well as the Congress party, for not fulfilling election time promises.

The Tripura Chief Minister said that both the parties Congress and BJP are two sides of the coin.

Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Sep 11

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Deputy Commissioner Late Kamlesh Joshi. The state government has already written to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident to unearth the facts behind repeated accidents of Pawan Hans Helicopters in the state. While safety and security arrangements in operational helipads with allocation of adequate fund were approved, the Cabinet decided to improve the perimeter security of Naharlagun Helipad with suitable measures.

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12 districts of the state would be taken up under the program. It shall cover 2098.40 Km of roads with 219 numbers of bridges covering 227 unconnected habitations along the border at an estimated cost of Rs 3345.03 crore.

In another major decision, the state Cabinet has decided to suspend the operation of Pawan Hans Helicopter Service in the state till completion of inquiry into the recent incident of chopper crash at Tirap which claimed 3 lives including the then Tirap

The state Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in its meeting today took major decisions that would give a significant boost to the developmental trajectory of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Cabinet approved to recommend a proposal for connectivity to unconnected habitations in border areas of the state under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) as a special case. All total 72 numbers of roads located in 23 border blocks in ○

In addition, the Cabinet passed the Arunachal Pradesh Road Safety Policy – 2015 to contain growing road accidents, injuries and fatalities in the state. Under the policy, safety awareness issues, establishment of road safety information database, safer road infrastructure, safer vehicle, safer driver etc. would be implemented.

The Cabinet further approved for creation of 10 numbers of various categories of posts in Arunachal Pradesh Public Services Commission to cater to the requirements of the Commission.

Pawan Hans to be suspended

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ET Correspondent Itanagar, Sep 11

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Veteran CPI leader and Tripura CM at SFI state level conference

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Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi inaugurating the Naamghar at Moran Blind School premises. Pic - UB Photos

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Chief Minister and Minister from the region, Wanglin Lowangdong had a detailed discussion on the issue of connecting the three districts by railways.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the connectivity to Naharlagun has been benefiting the people from different parts of the state and expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for the support.

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state’s population and is resource rich, he emphasised that fostering railway connectivity would help in achieving the twin objectives of easy movement of the people as well as help in furthering growth and opportunities in the districts.

Further, Tuki added that the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh is yet to have any railway connectivity. Earlier, the

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Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, the CM asserted that in order to fully exploit the socio-economic potential of the easternmost parts of Arunachal Pradesh especially the districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding, ‘it is necessary to extend the services of the Railways in phased manner’. Highlighting that these three districts cover almost 20 per cent of the

In 1971, Major S.N. Banerjee with the aim to build a brighter path for the blind students established a school for the under-privileged. And now, in the holy “Bhaado” month, the Hon’ CM of Assam, Tarun Gogoi inaugurated a new traditional Asomiya “Naam Ghar” at the blind school. In his speech, the CM expressed his happiness to inaugurate the Naam Ghar in the holy birth month of the great Vaisnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev and Sri Sri Madhav Dev and added that he is inspired by their teachings which says mankind is the most important religion and people should learn to love each other. He expressed his concern over greed, and said as this vice increases in the minds of the people, problems start to grow and to solve this grave problem, and people should follow the teachings of the Maha Purush Srimanta Sankardev. The CM listened to the feedback from the members of the blind school and expressed his willingness to help as far as he could.

Contd. on Page 4

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Main suspect of Bangkok blast left Bangladesh for China 12 days ago

The suspected mastermind of last month's deadly bomb attack in Thailand left for China from Bangladesh 12

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In order to take stock of the real situation prevalent in the education sector of the district, Sandeep Kumar Singh, East Kameng DC has conceptual-

ized a comprehensive plan and conducted off- and on-field assessment of various Govt.

Residential Schools (GRSs).

During the surprise inspections he discovered many irregularities happening in the schools. He was shocked to

see that the GRS, Jejudada was closed on that particular day, teachers and staff were absent except for the chowkidar and the peon, attendance register was not Contd. on Page 3

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Hindu Extremists Creep Ahead in India On Saturday evening, scores of people from all walks of life descended on Jantar Mantar in New

NEIGHBOURS

EDITORIAL

days ago, and efforts in Malaysia to track the man suspected of planting the explosives have been unsuccessful, police said today. No group has claimed responsibility for the Aug 17 attack at a Hindu shrine in Bangkok.

Delhi, some two kilometers away from the Indian parliament, to protest against rising intolerance and mindless violence committed by Hindu fundamentalist groups in different parts of the country.

Bharat Petroleum looks for expansion New Delhi, Sep 11

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) will invest Rs 1 lakh crore in next five years between 2016 and 2021 to expand its business, according to reports. Due to decrease in crude oil prices and reduced losses on fuel sales,BPCL will invest mainly to increase Contd. on Page 3

BPCL PLANS ITS STRATEGIES ØUnder a new five-year plan called project Sankalp, the company will be doubling its investments from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 1,00,000 crore.

ØDue to decrease in crude oil prices and reduced losses on fuel sales, BPCL will invest mainly to increase the company's refining capacity by 40%. ØAround Rs 25,000 crore will be invested in the company's oil and gas exploration and production sector.

ØBPCL will invest Rs 1 lakh crore in next five years between 2016 and 2021 to expand its business.

Ø The company is expanding in the city gas sector and is planning to establish itself as an oil and gas explorer and producer.

cmyk

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Ø Jongsam appointed his

State Cabinet passed Arunachal Pradesh Road Safety Policy - 2015

Duliajan, Sep 11: Duliajan Sports Association (DSA) is slated to organize a general meeting tomorrow at 10 am at the Duliajan Public Library with the view to form a new managing committee. DSA General Secretary Manju Saikia requests all stakeholders, workers to attend the meeting. (Correspondent) ○

A Staff Reporter Moran, Sep 11

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DSA general meeting

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were published to fill up some vacancies of forest guards, Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and draughtsman under the jurisdiction of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Southern Arunachal Circle, Deomali sometime in the early part of 2014.

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Nabam Tuki, has appealed to the Centre to provide railway connectivity to Deomali in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh from Naharkatia or Margherita in Assam.

In a communique to the

Golaghat, Sep 11: All India Marwari Mahilla Sanmelan's Golaghat Branch September team today distributed books to four poor students of Golaghat Govt.

Bezbaruah H.S. School. Two students of tenth standard of the school and two of twelfth standard were given books relating to their course by the Marwari Mahila Sanmelan's members Madhu Jasrasia, Nisha Jain, Usha Garodia, Rekha Ladia, Babita Agrawal and Sangita Jain.

The principal Dilip Kr Tamuly was also present.

(Correspondent)

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Ø Newspaper advertisements

ET Correspondent Itanagar, Sep 11

Books distributed

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Southern Arunachal Circle, Deomali S.J. Jongsam and the present CCF R.K. Deori flouted all government rules and regulations and allegedly appointed of their own choice after taking bribe which would run into crores of rupees.

of 22 posts for forest guards of which 4 were reserved for non Arunachal Pradesh ST (APST), there were 6 posts for UDC of which 2 were reserved for non AP-ST and 1 post each of LDC and draughtsman which were reserved for AP-ST candidates.

CM Nabam Tuki appeals to Centre for railway connectivity in eastern Arunachal

Golaghat, Sep 11: Just like the other parts of the world, Universal Brotherhood Day was also observed in Golaghat today. The Vivekananda Centre and Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya of Golaghat jointly organised a street play on the life and work of Swami Vivekananda at the premises of Golaghat Govt.

Bezbaruah H.S. School.

Several teachers and many students were present on the occasion. The team was led

by Pranami Goswami. (Correspondent)

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ØIt is alleged that former CCF,

ØThere were a total number

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Universal Brotherhood Day observed

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ØSenior ranked forest department officials allegedly flouted all laid down procedures and appointed several candidates who paid bribe worth crores of rupees.

Contd. on Page 4 ○

Sonari, Sep 11: A farewell programme has been organized to formally bid farewell to former All Assam Students Union (AASU) general secretary and advisor Tapan Kr. Gogoi at the Sonari public auditorium from 10 am on Sept 14. The programme has been organized by Sivasagar District Students’ Union.

(Correspondent)

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CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS GALORE

At a time when the Nabam Tuki led Arunachal Pradesh government is stressing that his government is totally corruption free, report of an alleged massive scam has reached ‘The Eastern Today’ of how senior ranked forest department officials allegedly flouted all laid down procedures and appointed several candidates who paid bribe worth crores of rupees.

Farewell programme

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Ripunjoy Das Dibrugarh, Sep 11

Dead body

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Deprived candidates demand judicial or CBI inquiry

ET EXCLUSIVE

Margherita, Sep 11: Ledo Police today recovered an unidentified dead body at Tirap River under Ledo Police outpost at 3:30 pm. The dead body was found inside a sack. Sources said that the dead body is of a male youth who was wearing a T-shirt, jeans and shoes. At present, the dead body has been kept at Ledo Police outpost.

(Correspondent)

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Pages- 12

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Doomdooma, Sep 11: The people of Barekuri area under Doomdoma revenue circle of Tinsukia district blocked the national highway 37 at Makun on Thursday for two hours which affected the communication on NH 37 and 38. They were protesting under the banner of Barekuri Regional Committee of All Assam Moran Sabha and All Assam Moran Jatiya Parishad in demand of a permanent solution to the perennial flood problem of Barekuri Area. (Correspondent)

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CM Tarun Gogoi inaugurates ‘Naam Ghar’ at Moran Blind School

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Road blockade at Makum

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Price -

Dibrugarh, Saturday, September 12, 2015

High ranking Arunachal forest dept officials flout appointment rules

ET CAPSULES

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Issue 101

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Vol. 1

Every Thursday & Sunday

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Lakhimpur Nehru Yuba Kendra concludes Punarjagaran Yatra Campaign

Technical seminar held at DU ET Correspondent Dibrugarh, Sep 11: The SPE Dibrugarh University Student Chapter today organised a 'Technical Seminar' programme on the topic 'Reservoir Engineering & Well Testing'. The seminar was led by Mr. Deepak Jain, Sr. Reservoir Engineer, OIL Duliajan who elaborately lectured on different types of oil wells and gas well tests and the practical aspects of

Reservoir Engineering. The lecture was followed by a short presentation on the topic 'Hydraulic Fracturing of Tight Gas Reservoir' by Tapanjyoti Gogoi, a student M.Tech, Petroleum Technology, DU. The event was attended by Mr. Dhruba Talukdar, Reservoir Engineering, OIL; Mr. Zishaan Haindade, Production Engineer, OIL; Dr. Subrata Borgohain Gogoi, faculty ad-

visor of Dibrugarh University SPE Student Chapter and other faculty members of Department of Petroleum Engineering, DUIET. The event was sponsored by SPE Section Office, Dulijan and attracted a handsome attendance. Society of Petroleum Engineering Dibrugarh University Student Chapter was established in the year 2012.

It's section office is located in Duliajan.

List Of Phone Numbers Of Nursing Homes Tinsukia City Hospital & Research Centre ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Sep 11: ‘The Punarjagaran Yatra Campaign’ organized by Nehru Yuba Kendra (NYK) of Lakhimpur successfully concluded. Through this campaign NYK created awareness about more than 20 schemes purely related with National Flagship programmes among the people of 100 villages under 5 Development Blocks of the district. It is noteworthy that the Government’s National, State Administrations at District levels have several important schemes and programmes which are being implemented throughout the country for the benefit and welfare of people of the country. However, due to lack of proper awareness and education about the schemes and programmes of the Government meant for the welfare of its citizen, the target audience are not benefited as desired and as per plans. As a result, a vast gap is created in the service delivery system and utilization. With a view to plug this gap, NYK promulgated among the village people about Pradhanmantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhanamantri Adarsha Gram Yojona, Swachh Bharat Mission, Good Governance (Su-

Sasan Abhiyan), SuKanya – Samriddhi Yojona, Skill Development, Make in India, Digital India, etc. including many other schemes. Concluding the campaign Lakhimpur NYK today held a District Convention and Finalization of District action plan at the auditorium of Lakhimpur Music College at 1 pm. Prodip Neog, Secretary of Jyoti Sangam Somity an NGO chaired the meeting which was inaugurated by Lakhimpur DC Debeswar Malakar. He suggested that the masses need to be made aware about Govt. schemes and called upon them to take part in them.

In addition, Imung Guwang, Regional Director of North East NYK, Social Activist Kusha Sarmah, Hemanta Borah, Post Office Working Executive, Jivan Krumar Borah, President of Jonak NGO Rudrajit Dutta, Asstt. Director of Handloom Taxtile, Dilip Kr. Gogoi, Executive Engineer (PHE), Atul Chandra Borah, District Sport Officer, Dipen Kutum, Employment Exchange Officer, were present at the meeting.

Tapas Kumar Pramanik, District Youth Coordinator anchored the programme.

NSCN (K) cadres attack AR medical team D i m a p u r, S e p 11 : Assam Rifles personnel were fired upon when a team were on their way to organize medical camps at Pongkhungri and Avangkhu to be held on September 11.

According to sources, a m e d ical team along with other personnel was sent to the area.

Disaster awareness camp held at North Lakhimpur College ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Sep 11: An awareness camp on disaster preparedness was organized at North Lakhimpur College on September 8.

The awareness camp was organized by District Disaster Management Authority of Lakhimpur. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) demonstrated various techniques of flood and earthquake rescue. Inspector Jagadish Kr. Nath from NDRF anchored the entire progranmme.

Rajib Dutta Choudhury, the District Project Officer of Disaster Management also attended the programme where almost 600 hundred students actively participated. Dr. Swapnali Gogoi Chetia, Head of the Department of Geography of North Lakhimpur College participated in the programme and insisted upon the need for many such camps in the future for the benefit of the society at large.

Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Gnb Road Near Bujhuri-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2333349 Fax :0374-2350026/2339974

Dr.Bawaris Nursing Home Jeevan Jyoti Nursing Home Category: General Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Parvathiya Road Hospital Address: Parbatia,Opp Hindi Girls High School-786125, Assam Tinsukia-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :(0374)2339756 Phone Number :0374-2336319 Fax :0374-2335334 Fax :0374-2350131

Pinewood Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Subothoni Road Moniam Dewan Nagra-786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2300730 Fax :0374-2339730

Help-Line APST BUS SERVICE Ph: 0360-2212338, 0360-2351490 NIGHT SERVICES Name of Routes Departure Distance(km) Bus Fare 1) Itanagar- Shillong ( Daily service) 5:00 pm 510 460/2) Itanagar-Nyapin(Mon, Thu, Sat) 2:00 pm 325 400/3) Itanagar- Aalo (Daily service) 2:30 pm 325 350/4) Itanagar-Daporijo (Daily service from Nlg)12:00 noon 432 470/5) Itanagar - Yingkiong (Alternate day) 01.00 pm 436 550/6) Itanagar - Seppa (Alternate day) 12:00 noon 385 420/7) Itanagar - Khonsa (Sun, mon, wed, thur) 1:00 pm 677 620/8) Itanagar - Namsai (Daily service) 1:00 pm 655 580/9) Itanagar - Koloriang (Alternate day) 2.30 pm 334 400/DAY SERVICE 10) Itanagar - Guwahati (Daily service) 6.00 am 395 350/11) Itanagar - Pasighat (Daily service) 6.00 am 270 250/12) Itanagar - Tirbin (Mon, thu & sat) 5.30 am 328 330/13) Itanagar - Bomdila (Daily except Fri) 6.00 am 346 320/14) Itanagar - Aalo (Daily service) 5.30 am 325 350/15) Itanagar - Sagalee (Sun, Tues & Thur ) 7.30 am 121 135/16) Itanagar - Pakke Kessang (Mon, Wed & Fri)7.00 am 160 200/17) Itanagar-Mengio (sun, tue &Thur) 6.00 am 198 230/18)Itanagar-Kimin/ H-Camp (Daily except Sat)12.00 noon 94 80/19) Itanagar-Gerukhamukh (Daily except Fri)12.00 noon 134 120/20) Itanagar- Balijan (Daily except Sun) 12.30 pm 105 105/21) Itanagar - Sonajuly (Daily except Sun) 01.00 pm 70 80/22) Itanagar - Jote (Daily except Sun) 07.00 am & 01.00 pm 22 30/23) Itanagar- Lakhimpur (Daily Service) 3.30 pm 64 70/-

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

You are enthusiastic about mixing with people today, and you will feel like combining business and leisure. You will be encouraged to take part in group activities as you have the ability to work and have fun at the same time.

You will be very sensitive about the image you project socially and professionally. You will treat this very seriously and do everything you can to make this right impression. Today, you will remain decent, dignified and focussed in all that you do. Do not be too eager to please others. Focus on your own interests and concerns. Otherwise you could make mistakes and cut a sorry figure. Direct your energies towards meaningful ends. Deep reflection, self analysis will not be out of place.

You will want some change in your daily routine today. You are likely to be fed up of the rut of daily life and are looking for a refreshing change. You need to apply your inherent creativity to your work to get more satisfaction out of it and to ease the boredom of your daily schedule.

Today may not be a productive day for you. Though there may not be any major loss, you may feel a little lost and would like to be left alone. If you have kids, you may suffer from the empty nest syndrome with your kids not at home.

You will try to take up new projects to the best of your abilities today. You will be able to successfully tackle all your tasks today. You will face a little instability in your personal relationships, but will be able to solve all issues successfully.

You will be faced with serious financial problems today. You may even have to pay through your nose to get what you desire. Later in the evening, you might accomplish some short-term goals. Some vital business agreements will end your day in high spirits.

Today you may be able to undertake travel for business or pleasure purposes. It may be a busy day for you work wise and you may not be able to completely focus on your family or family issues. Try your luck in the stock market today, as it may prove beneficial to you. If there are certain issues or problems they will be sorted out today because of your varied skills and past experiences.

Be vigilant; keep your eyes and ears open for all the events happening around you. Your intuition is trying to tell you something, trust it. Think and act positively, the rest would fall in place.

People in the creative field, especially artists are going to benefit more. Radio jockey and television anchors can make a note of this day in their diary, as it may serve as a memorable day.

Actions speak louder than words. Your sincere efforts and honest intentions will motivate others also to put in their best. You’ll be like a friend, philosopher and guide to them. People will follow you, but it has a darker side to as many will even over take you. It is certainly not a pleasant sight to see opportunities pass by!

You are close to you family, and now is the time to enjoy the company of your loved ones at home. You will take them out for shopping, go with them on picnics and pamper them in every possible way. Not that you made them feel special with a selfish motive, but your show of affection will work wonders for you.

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

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

ASTRO FOR YOU

Do not undertake any new project or business venture as the alignment of the planets are unfavorable. You will do well in tasks that do not require too much creativity and innovation. Do not take sides when you are not required to and it make have heavy consequences in future. Shun any bias and prejudice you may have in being selective in your work and be objective in deciding what is good for you.

While on their way, cadres of the NSCN (K) fired on the AR team. However, the firing was ineffective and no one was injured, sources added. The official said that the AR would go ahead with the medical camp as planned in the two villages.

Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals

Prasir Patrika " PARAKH " Inaugurate By AASU State Education Secretory Sarat Hazarika At Sivasagar 437-No Dhulea Goan L.P School Today. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 12-9-15 (SATURDAY)

6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha 6-15 A.M-Classical Music, Artist-Bhajan Sapori 6-50 A.M-Lokageet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto 8-35 A.M-Surar Satsori 9-05 A.M-Antara 12-15P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-30P.M-Hindi Film Songs 2-00 P.M-Kunhipaat 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet by Reeta Devi Medok 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 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-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Daakpakhili 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya (Sponsored Prog. of K.K.H.S.O.U) 9-30 P.M-"Satriya Naat Samarooh".Bhaona-"Baan Bikram Kumar Haran".Presented by Natya Charcha Kendra,Dergaon.Produced by-Tribeni Das Gogoi

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

Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Namsai Arunachal Idol 2015 auditions held Abdul Ansari Namsai, Sep 11: Arunachal Idol 2015 new season themed "A better future for music; let's build it together" under the aegis of Arunachal Orphans Care Society was held at Namsai

Town Club on 11th September. Out of the total 44 participants, 27 were selected who would be participating in the mega audition to be held on 27th September to 29th September in Itanagar.

Training prog under Hunar Se Rojgar Tak held

A group of wild elephant creating terror from very morning in a residential area of Tezpur town today on 11th September Friday. Pic - Saurav Borkataki

Movement for inclusion of Khasi language in 8th Schedule gains momentum Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong, Sep 11: The movement demanding inclusion of the Khasi language in the 8th Scheduled of the Constitution, gains momentum in the State. “From being a literary movement, it has now turned into a political movement”, said President of the Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) Dr DRL Nonglait.

Police and NGO officials raid AIUDF MLA Gopinath Das's residence, rescue minor housemaid ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 11: With trouble mounting for AIUDF MLA Gopinath Das, police and officials of Childline NGO on Friday raided the residence of the absconding MLA at the Odalbakra area and rescued a minor housemaid. The rescued minor girl was working as a housemaid with another girl who was allegedly raped by the MLA. Police raided three residences of Assam legislator Gopinath Das, who has been booked on charges of rape of a minor, but failed to trace him. Das has remained absconding since Sunday. Das represents the Boko constituency in the Assembly. He had allegedly raped a minor girl whom he had engaged as a domestic worker in his house. Police also seized the car, a Maruti Alto, that was allegedly used in committing the crime and have recorded the statement of his wife as well as that of his driver.

Meanwhile, the victim was shifted to a children’s home for girls in the district. The Child Welfare Committee on its part recorded her statement on Thursday. Several political and non-political organisations have demanded the MLA's immediate arrest.

Speaking at the closing function of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the KAS held here at Shillong, Dr Nonglait elaborated the history of the movement demanding inclusion of the Khasi language in the 8th Scheduled. “I feel happy that from what we had fought before, it has broadened the movement due to political will”, said Dr

Nonglait. Earlier, the State Assembly had constituted the High Level Committee headed by the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge education Dr Roytre C Laloo to study and find out ways and means to include Khasi language in the 8th scheduled of the constitution.

The Committee is expected to submit its report to the

government to be placed before the upcoming Assembly session before sending it to the central government for necessary perusal on the matter. During the function, a souvenir highlighting the literary works of the KAS for the past twenty five years, was released by the Health minister Mr AL Hek.

External forces suspected to be bringing down price of coconut products ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 11: External forces have once again suspected to have started playing in the market to deliberately bring down the price of coconut products.

This is evident from the recent decline in price recorded for copra and coconut oil. The copra and coconut oil market was ruling steady which started declining from September 6th onwards. Since the South-West monsoon was below normal in major coconut producing states viz.

Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal this year, a major surge in production of coconut is not expected in the forthcoming season. With the offset of monsoon, tender nut market is also picking up

momentum. Neera extraction by Coconut Producer’s Federations is also on the increase. As a result of it, arrivals of copra and coconut oil to the markets in the coming days will be lesser in quantity. Moreover, the export of coconut products from India in 2015-16 (April to August 2015) also recorded a steady growth, which is a clear indication of the fact that more coconut is being converted to value added products apart from copra and coconut oil.

Whereas the import of coconut oil in 2015-16 (April to August 2015) recorded a decrease of 25%, compared with the same period during 2014-15. With the start of festival season, the demand for coconut oil from upcountry markets is high.

A close observation on the

comparison of the daily price of coconut products with the moving average for 60 days, indicates that the chances for a price fall is remote in the coming months. At a time when all the market forces are favourable for continuance of a steady price for coconut products, the temporary price fall observed in recent days is only because of the dirty tricks played by external lobbies in the market with an intention to procure more commodities at lower price, foreseeing the demand during the coming festival season. Coconut farmers, Coconut Producers’ Societies, Coconut Producers’ Federations and Coconut Producers’ Companies should be vigilant and respond accordingly to make the market steady.

Notion luxury flooring concepts to soon enter Kolkata and Guwahati Agencies Guwahati, Sep 11: Notion luxury flooring concepts, flagship brand of Noidabased Exotic Décor Pvt Ltd is all set to enter into Kolkata, Guwahati and Manipur markets for expansion. The brand started franchising in 2012 and has 30 stores. Akash Saini, Director of the company says: “We will be expanding into Kolkata and Guwahati in the next 15 days and Manipur may be in next month. We are also

planning to open in tier II and III cities and take the store count to 100 by 2016 end.” Notion is also looking for potential Master Franchisees in all major states of India. The company aims to offer unique, high quality and durable products to its patrons and provide them value for money in right manner. To open a Notion store, an investment of Rs 8-15 lakh is required with an area of min 300 sq ft. The expected break-even period

is one year. Notion provides every possible support to its franchise partners like support on Institutional sales and installation, national level advertisements and branding, designing support for franchisees for regional advertising, established operating systems, training to all franchisees on business model, installation, software and accounts maintenance and also product research & development on regular basis.

Date for Written Test for JT under RMSA Roing, Sep 11: The Written Test for JT (Science, Math, Hindi, English and Social Science) against Govt Secondary School, Abali and Govt Secondary School, Jia under

RMSA will be conducted on 26th and 27th September 2015 at Govt. Middle School, Roing. The Answer Sheets will be evaluated on 28th September 2015 and Results of Writ-

ten Examination will be declared on 29th September 2015. The Viva-Voce will be held on 1st October 2015. This is in pursuance of earlier Advertisement No. LDV/

RMSA/SA/RT/2015-16 Dated Roing, the 11th August 2015 by the District Mission Office, RMSA, Lower Dibang Valley District, Roing.

(DIPRO)

Bharat Petroleum looks for expansion Contd. from Page 1

the company's refining capacity by 40%. As per reports, the company is expanding in the city gas sector and is planning to establish itself as an oil and gas explorer and producer.

"We have embarked on a

new five-year plan called project Sankalp, under which the company will be doubling its investments from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 1,00,000 crore in the next five years," said S Vaaradarajan, chairman and managing director, BPCL. As per reports, out of Rs 1 lakh crore, Rs

40,000 crore will be invested in BPCL's crude oil refining business which will help the company increase its refining capacity from 30 million tonnes per annum to 50 mtpa by 2021.

Around Rs 25,000 crore will be invested in the company's oil and gas exploration and production

sector. As part of the Sankalp initiative, the company is planning to go global. "We are looking at setting up marketing infrastructure in the neighbouring countries as well as in regions such as the far east, Africa and Latin America," said Varadarajan. (Agencies)

ET Bureau Itanagar, Sep 11 : As an initiative to create employable skills amongst the unemployed youth for those belonging to economical weaker strata of the society, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has successfully completed the Ist batch of training 120 youths under Hunar Se Rojgar Tak ( HSRT) a scheme under Ministry of Tourism Govt. of India. The training provided was relating to Hospitality trades namely Food production, Food & Beverages Service, Housekeeping, Bakery and Passeteries. Besides these due emphasis was given on improving their attitudes and behavior in order to enhance their market acceptability. The course content has been designed by national council of Hotel Management & Catering Technology and were conducted by clustering 4/5 best hotels in the state capital and the trainers was the faculties of Tourism & Hotel management, RGGP and ITDC run Hotel Donyi Polo Ashoka etc. The master trainer Shri S.Kar of HSR informed

that the graduate unemployed youth in Hotel management are impacting the training along with the Guest faculties who have completed their degree in Hotel management and Catering Technology along with the faculties of RGGP has been managing the conduct of the training.

The service of the trainers under Hunar Se Rojgar Tak are be in engaged in various official function of the state. Furthermore, to enhance the skill in their respective trade tie up with reputed hotels has also been arranged for the trainees.The placement

opportunities will be facilitate by the Department of tourism by inviting reputed hotels in the state. In addition to above, another training has been introduced in other trade namely Driving skills and Etiquettes training in which first batch of 30 trainees has completed the training so far under the initiative which was facilted .

In the passing out ceremony at hotel Donyi Polo Ashoka was graced by Shri Karma Leki , Director Tourism and Principal RGGP, Shri Tripathi. Director Tourism while welcoming the gathering

has congratulated the trainees on their successful completion of the training programme.

Giving away the completion certificate, Secretary Tourism Shri Sonam Chombay exhorted the youths to be sincere and responsible towards their duty with utmost dedication trade.

He emphasized on self employment opportunities through this venture. He expressed thanks to all the Resource persons and the trainees and also the support rendered by Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic, Itanagar.

East Kameng DC sacked 11 employees ...

Contd. from Page 1 maintained since the opening of the current academic session, total strength of the students registered was falsely depicted in the paper whereas, in reality it is not, hostel was not functioning and not a single boarder resides in the hostel, and mid-day meal was found to be irregular. He was specifically upset with the lackadaisical attitude of the Headmaster I/C who has not bothered to show any concern towards the school and the education.

He was dismayed to find that few boarders were staying in the hostel of GRS, Laimoya that too without the presence of any of warden, caretaker, peon or chowkidar, which is unbecoming of a Govt. servant.

He learnt that the Head Cook and Assistant Cook are not performing their duties diligently and were even absent during the time of inspection. Further, in his off-field assessment of the GRS, Doka he found that there is no hostel building existing in the school and all the students are day scholars and residing in their own homes in the village.

Depicting zero tolerance towards mismanagement and misdeed in the education sector, he has undertaken strict

action against the staff and management committees. After following all the necessary official procedures, he has sacked 8 (eight) and 3 (three) contractual employees of the GRS, Jejudada and GRS, Laimoya, respectively. He has ordered for the closure of the residential provision of the GRS, Jejudada and GRS, Doka and directed the DDSE to forward the information to the higher authorities along with the reason for their closure. Further, he instructed to recover the maintenance fund sanctioned to the school during 2014-15 from the Headmaster I/C, since no work was done in actuality. He further directed the DDSE to shoot warning letters to the Headmaster, Warden and other concerned of the GRS, Laimoya cautioning not to repeat such mistakes in future and allow the school to function as per the guidelines issued. He also directed the DDSE to collect the details of the maintenance fund disbursed for the GRS, Doka during 2014-15 from the Headmaster concerned. According top priority to education, DC East Kameng has convened a meeting to formulate a framework for complete overhaul of the prevalent dismal education scenario of the district, especially the Government Residential Schools. ADC Seppa,

ADC i/c Bameng, EAC Seppa, DDSE, DPC (SSA) and CO was present in the meeting.

The house has unanimously passed the following resolutions to be adopted as guidelines to be followed in order to streamline the education sector – reconstitution of School Management Committee (SMC) in all residential schools with 75 per cent of the strength of the SMC shall be from the parents/guardians of students and rest shall be from among the PRI members, teachers and local educationist/children, to be decided by the parents in the committee, and to manage its affairs, the SMC shall elect/select a chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the parents-members of the SMC only; a board headed by the administrative officer of the concerned block shall be constituted; to conduct inspection periodically by the administrative officer, DDSE or its representative; the Chairperson, SMC and the Headmaster shall be fully responsible for the management of their concerned residential school and they shall report any problem arises directly to the concerned BEO and the DDSE shall resolve the matter; to follow norms prescribed in any Acts and Rules; a minimum of one advance stock of food items, safe drinking water facilities, first aid facilities,

well maintained separate sanitary toilets, and all prescribed academic and residential items to boarders and students must be provided in all residential schools; hostel routine and dining hall menu shall be properly displayed in each hostel; a kitchen garden has to be maintained in each and every residential school; and the DDSE shall ensure that the school Headmaster shall submit a Monthly Progress Report to the Office of the DDSE without fail. Apart from the above resolutions cum guidelines, the DC has affixed responsibilities for various tasks to respective staffs of the concerned schools. He has also assigned various administrative officers and officials as mentors of different residential schools. In a follow-up action to the previous meeting, the DDSE, East Kameng has called up an interactive meeting with the staffs of the Education Department of the district today. In the meeting, he has highlighted about the recently designed guidelines and urged upon the fellow departmental officials to sincerely implement the guidelines with renewed zeal and vigor. He gave instruction for strict compliance of the guidelines and requested their support so that no student is declined the taste of the sweetness of better education.

Arunachal Governor inaugurates two-day National...

Contd. from Page 1 In his inaugural address, the Governor said that there are several major issues of the region including poor connectivity by Air, Road, Railways and Waterways, resulting in the region’s isolation from mainland India. The connectivity has to be improved for at par development with other parts of the country. Militants present in some regions of the State are disturbing the Peace, creating Law and Order problems. While recent Pact of Framework Agreement between Government of India and NSCN (IM) is welcomed by many, there is also strong opposition to any possible Greater Nagalim by including of territories of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur.. In this context, the Governor said that the Government of India and the State Government must work together for addressing livelihood problems of the people living in border regions. The Governor said that another imminent challenge is the illegal migrants from Bangladesh. He opined that ever increasing population of the immigrants is threatening existence of indigenous people. He feared that indigenous population of the region will be swept off and will be-

come minority if illegal migration be not checked. He referred to recent census 2011 report published religion wise population pattern. The Muslim population in Assam went up by nearly 35% during 2001-11 and number of Muslim majority Districts gone up from six to nine during the period causing serious threat to the indigenous people.

In the social economic sector, he said the drug addiction and opium cultivation is a challenge faced by some of the States of the Region. He said, Government has to take appropriate action, establishing rehabilitation and de-addiction centres, providing alternative source of livelihood to the Opium cultivators and also create mass awareness amongst the younger generation.

The Governor advised that with application of latest technologies and drawing from the experience of other countries, the Governments must find permanent solution to perennial natural calamities like floods, erosion and landslides. The Governor also suggested early constitution of the North Eastern Regional Water Resources Development Authority, which was declared by Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2004, but yet to see the light of the day. Pointing that corruption is one of the major hurdles in the develop-

ment process, the Governor called for appointment of Lok Ayukt in the State at the earliest.

Stating that unemployment as one of the social challenges, he mentioned that the State Government had announced several programme for unemployed youth in entrepreneurship and he said that Banks and financial assistance must also be given to the youth. Citing the poor Credit Deposit of the State which stands at 21.3% compared to All India CD ratio of 78.1%, the Governor urged upon the financial institutions to come forward in helping the people of the region to mitigate their challenges.

The Governor also highlighted on potential areas and sectors for development. He said with higher CD ratio, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises have huge scope to bring economic empowerment to the people.

Handloom, handicraft, Agriculture and its allied sectors have huge potential. The artistic expertise of the people of the State and region is unique and should be tapped by setting up handicraft centres. The Governor said that North Eastern Region can become an Organic Hub of India.

He said that Prime Minister’s decision to develop the NER as Organic Hub need to be concretized under the ‘Organic

Mission of the PM’ as use of chemical fertilizers in Agrihorticulture is very minimal.

In Arunachal Pradesh, only about 2% of the cultivated area are fed with chemical fertilizers due to inherent transport bottlenecks and so, best suited for Organic Farming.

The Governor also strongly advocated development of the NER as a Gateway to East & Far East. For this there must be Infra-structure development, promotion of cost-effective small, medium, large industries, export – import trading, Border trades with neighbouring Nations and Joint-ventures etc., under the Act East Policy. Sharing his experiences, the Governor said that the State and Central Governments, Civil Society, NonGovernmental Organizations and Students Bodies must come together in a big way to mitigate the challenges. Earlier, the Governor released the seminar proceeding, titled ‘Issues, Challenges and Development of North East India with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh’ and ‘Trend and Impact of Corruption in India with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh’. The twoday seminar is organised by Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars’ Forum in collaboration with Department of Political Science, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Dorjee Sonam who stole 15th century Buddha statue arrested ET Correspondent New Delhi, Sep 11: Dorjee Sonam who reportedly stole the 15th Century Buddha Statue from Shoktsen village in Tawang district was apprehended yesterday by Inspector Kesang Norbu and Sub-Inspector Anand Mondal of Arunachal Pradesh Police from the concrete jungles of New Delhi. The cops of Arunachal Pradesh nabbed Dorjee Sonam after the team received information from Lobsang Chodup and Rinchin Tsering. Sonam has been absconding soon after the statue went missing from Serteng Gonpa on 20th August this year. On 30th September, the antique brass statue locally referred as Jowa Thunghar Dondup was recovered from a guest house in Guwahati by a team of police led by S.I. Mondal.

Achievement

Ayan Dowerah and Subhrajit Kakoty of Soumarjyoti School, Tinsukia bagged the first prize in the inter-school quiz competition held on the occasion of 59th Jeevan Bima Week organized by LIC.

Educated women up by 25 percent Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Sep 11: Women have a very special role to play in the society, Alok Buragohain, Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University said during his chief guest address on the occasion of the First Foundation Day of the Assam Women University here at the university premises. The vice chancellor expressed confidence that this University would reach the pinnacle of success and would be an excellent university of its kind among 10 Women Universities in the country.

Women University is very essential to fill the gap between men and women. We could already see the increase in the number of educated women since 2001; it has gone up by 25 per cent so it is a good sign, he added.

He said, responsible women, mothers are part and parcel of a society; when a child feels hungry the child first calls his mother. The Assam Education Minister Sarat Borkotoky who attended the event as chief guest urged upon the student fraternity to be professional and utilize their capability to secure better results, and also the teacher fraternity to update their knowledge, so as to be able to impart students quality education.

The education minister however criticised the teaching community for taking part in protests, dharna, etc. instead he requested them to go for imparting quality education.

He said all well paid teachers do not teach well nowadays. While lowly paid teachers teach well. He was

astonished to see the results of government schools with performances below par than the private schools. He also said that it has been observed that most of the school teachers are engaged in construction and building works instead of handing these jobs over to responsible persons.

At the event, Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Dr. KM Buzarbaruah, Vice Chancellor of AAU cum Women University and Krishna Gohain, Registrar of Women University and several prominent educationists, scientists from NEIST, Tocklai were present. Earlier Sarat Borkotoky released a souvenir Surajmukhi while AAU vice chancellor Dr. KM Buzarbaruah unfurled the first foundation day flag.

Teok KMSS stages protest at Teok Circle office ET Correspondent Teok, Sep 15: Teok sub division Krisok Mukti Sangram Sammittee (KMSS) today staged protest at Teok Circle office highlighting a number of critical problems being faced by villagers of the greater Teok with more than five hundred protesters taking part. The president and joint sectary of the Teok sub division Krisok Mukti Sangram Sammittee (KMSS), Mr Hiren Borchetia and Mr Bishwa Jyoti Buragohain along with Rajib Gogoi told the media personnel that the Assam govt deprived the villagers from several provisions like permanent land holding certificates to all poor farmers, removal of illegal land holding by Chungi Bari Tea Estate Pvt Company, immediate con-

Samarjyoti Gogoi Sadiya, Sep 11: The Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Sadiya (a school run by Vivekananda Kendra) celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day in the premises of the Vivekanda Kendra, Sadiya situated at Borjhia gaon. The programme

upon he welfare schemes of the state government which

struction of the HancharaChintamonigarh PWD road and many other problems. The Teok sub division KMSS today submitted a memorandum to the Teok circle officer Mr P. Kakoti in favour of the Deputy Commissioner of Jorhat district where five burning issues were mentioned. The KMSS de-

manded the Assam govt officials to solve all problems within the current month otherwise the organization would initiate a stronger protest. State publicity secretary of KMSS Mr Mukut Deka and Jorhat district joint sectary Mr Mridul Bora were also present at the protest.

is meant for the benefit for all. The meeting was pre-

sided over by Naranarayan Nath, SDO (C), Charaideo.

The minister also inaugurated two newly constructed class rooms and one computer room at Sapekhati Higher Secondary from a 14 lakhs fund sanctioned from Rastriya Siksha Mission (RSM). Earlier, the minister in a programme held at the office chamber of the SDO (C), Charaideo also distributed cheques of Rs. 5000/- each to 6 differently able beneficiaries under the Kalpataru scheme.

Veteran CPI leader and Tripura CM at SFI...

Contd. from Page 1 He said the BJP government is trying to divide the people by giving different political agenda before the ensuing Assembly poll. He said both the parties are parties of the rich

as they are seen encouraging them. He said in education too all foreign investors are called upon so that only rich could study in such private institutes.

While several numbers of government schools and institutions are on the verge of closer.

He said the recent decision by the Modi government to allow

Bangladeshis or Pakistanis to live in India is a big political game which the BJP is using to fool the people of Assam as well as North East. On the occasion, Dr. Bikram Singh, the joint secretary of Students' Federation of India said Modi who is blowing his own trumpet as a Pradhan Sewak has become a

Pradhan Thikadar i.e. contractor between multinational companies run by Nagpur office, the headquarters of RSS. It is high time for the people of the country especially the people of Assam and North East to think twice what the Prime Minister Modiji talked before and after election time, he added.

No more discontent within Meghalaya Congress...

Contd. from Page 1 of the Chief Minister in place of Dr Sangma. He said that the party would put heads together to concentrate more on development of the State as infighting would cost the party performance in the eyes of the public. On other hand, the DCA minister ex-

pressed confidence that the party would come out with the highest number of seats in the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election scheduled to be held on October 12.

“As stated by the Chief Minister (Dr Sangma), we will win majority out of 29

seats in GHADC, though I don’t know much about the situation in Garo Hills”, said Mr Lyngdoh.

According to Mr Lyngdoh, the people of Garo Hills would vote for Congress based on the good performance and development. He admitted that since the party is in the ruling, it would be

an advantage as far as election is concerned. However, it is learnt that it would not be an easy job for the Congress in this election as the NNP under the stewardship of the seasoned politician, Mr PA Sangma is being considered as a strong contender besides UDP and BJP in some constituencies.

Candle lit peace march for Margherita rape-murder victim Contd. from Page 1

Among others ZPMs Nampong and Rima-Putok Circle, ex-ZPMs, GBs, PRI leaders, senior youth leaders, women leaders, teach-

ers, district students’ union leaders, students of Higher Secondary School Nampong, Town Middle School, and St. Xavier School, members of Nampong Border Trade

Business Association (NBTBA) Bazaar Committee, shopkeepers, etc. took part in the rally. The protesters shouted slogans like “Hang till death”, “We want justice”, etc. Civil so-

ciety irrespective of tribe and region expressed condolence to the victim’s family. A memorandum was also submitted demanding justice for the victim.

ATASU calls 24-hour Margherita Sub Division...

Contd. from Page 1

nationals who are working at illegal coke coal bhattas and brick kilns in the Margherita region and have submitted a memorandum to Margherita Sub Di-

vision, said Chow Pappu Borgohain. Again on 7th September, ATASU Margherita Regional Committee and Margherita College students blocked the NH 38 at Burma Camp under Ledo Police outpost where they demanded that

started with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest, Monojyoti Kutum, SDO, Sadiya to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda.

While addressing the students, he said, on the day Swami Vivekananda had delivered his speech in 1893 on 11 September in Chicago

at the Parliament of world religions and urged the students to follow the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. Other dignitaries including Ananand Kumar Tripathi, Guest of Honour, Assistant commander CRPF, specially invited guest Dipak Das, Captain Indian Army, Anil Moran,

Gitanjali Kalita Gogoi, Vice chairman town committee, Niru Parik, member town committee, Dr KK Panda, lecturer Sadiya College along with parents and teachers attended the general meeting.

The students of the Kendra presented various cultural programmes.

Kaziranga Floods: CWRC-MVS attends 11 Wildlife Displacement Cases

Education minister inaugurates school building in Sonari; distributes aids ET Correspondent Sonari, Sep 11: Assam education minister Sarat Borkotoky today distributed aids among beneficiaries from minorities selected under the Sonari development block during a programme held at the office premises of the block.

Accordingly, 25 sewing machines, 30 bicycles, 120 spray machine and sports equipment were distributed to 20 selected clubs from the sub division. In his speech, the minister dwelt

Universal Brotherhood Day celebrated at Sadiya VKV

within 72 hours suspected Bangladeshi nationals should be deported from Margherita Sub Division following which Margherita Sub Divisional Police officer assured that they shall take steps in this regard, said Chow Pappu Borgohain.

Today, on 11th September, 2015 as the ultimatum expired, at the press meet, they declared that on 15th September, 2015 Margherita Sub Division shall observe a 24-hour bandh, said Chow Pappu Borgohain and Chow Jayanto Konwar.

ET Correspondent Kaziranga, Sep 11: Two units of Mobile Veterinary Service (MVS) run by Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) -- an IFAW-WTI wildlife care facility -- have attended to 11 cases of displaced wild animals during the ongoing flood crisis in Kaziranga National Park.

Supported by Assam Forest Department, the MVS units have been on alert ever since the Brahmaputra began flowing above the danger mark. These rescue cases happened between September 1 to 6.

Out of the 11 rescued animals, two hog deer and a wild boar were released in the Kaziranga National Park by the MVS team.

Meanwhile, five hog deer died during the floods and most of them succumbed to road hits on NH-37. A female Eastern swamp deer with severe vehicle hit injuries was admitted but died after three days of clinical observation at the CWRC. During floods, wild animals are forced to cross the highway to reach the Karbi Anglong hills for safety.

Each year scores of animals die due to road hit on NH 37 that cuts through Kaziranga National Park.

In order to reduce animal

mortalities, the Kaziranga Forest Authority had introduced ‘Time Card’ to regulate the speed of vehicles on NH37.

Like previous years, this year too Assam Forest Department personnel, Forest Protection Force, police, NGOs and locals came together to protect wildlife from the raging floods.

During this phase, two MVS units of CWRC covered the most vulnerable zones of the Kaziranga National Park with 24X7 pa-

trolling of NH 37, covering four forest ranges.

Though the water level is receding, the MVS team is in constant touch with the Kaziranga authorities to ensure that no stray incident goes unattended.

Three veterinarians, animal keepers, a biologist and sociologist from CWRC are attending to all flood related incidents in the park.

The pre-flood awareness campaign of IFAW-WTI in the fringe villages of Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong

landscape has made the villagers conscious about the safety of wild animals.

The recent floods have submerged more than 80% of the park area for more than 72 hours. This time around, the rise in water levels was slow allowing animals to move to the foothills of Karbi Anglong or high ground in the Kaziranga National Park, and as the water levels are slowly receding, the animals are now retreating to the national park.

CM Tarun Gogoi inaugurates ...

Contd. from Page 1

He sanctioned a sum of 20 lakh Rupees for the development of the school and the students. The CM attended the Cultural

Pledge as well as the State’s Anthem performed by the blind students. After their performances, the Dima Hasao district’s students performed a Dimasa Dance followed by a Traditional Bhaona by group of ex- stu-

dents from the school and a Shatriya Nritya by a group of girls. The CM was accompanied by Forest and Environment Minister Sri Etuwa Munda, former MP Paban Singh Ghatowar, Dima Hasao Autonomous

Council’s member Debojit Thaosen, ABITA’s state secretary Sandeep Ghosh who presented speeches respectively. The welcome speech was delivered by the head of the advisory committee of the school, Victor Banerjee.

High ranking Arunachal forest dept...

Contd. from Page 1

According to information available, newspaper advertisements were published to fill up some vacancies of forest guards, Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and draughtsman under the jurisdiction of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Southern Arunachal Circle, Deomali sometime in the early part of 2014. According to official sources, there were a total number of 22 posts for forest guards of which 4 were reserved for non Arunachal Pradesh ST (AP-ST), there were 6 posts for UDC of which 2 were reserved for non AP-ST and

1 post each of LDC and draughtsman which were reserved for AP-ST candidates. Accordingly, hundreds of candidates applied for the various posts from different parts of the state.

However, reliable sources said the former CCF, Southern Arunachal Circle, Deomali S.J. Jongsam and the present CCF R.K. Deori flouted all government rules and regulations and allegedly appointed of their own choice after taking bribe which would run into crores of rupees. One of the candidates, on condition of anonymity, said that he was asked for 4 lakhs for the post of forest guard, when he expressed his inability he was shunted out of the

office. “Jongsam appointed his daughter and two other relatives, who did not have any qualification for the posts. This is a clear case of favoritism and corruption. We demand that the government must order a high level judicial or CBI inquiry into the whole appointment process and all the appointments in the non AP-ST category should be stopped”, the candidate said. Several deprived candidates have also filed RTI applications to unearth the truth, but they are being harassed by anti-socials close to the corrupted forest officials. “A couple of days ago a person called me and threatened me to take my RTI application back,

however, I denied. I have also reported the matter to the police”, another candidate who have filed RTI application said. The sources also informed that two posts of forest guards have been given to candidates from Tinsukia after the candidates ‘heavily bribed’ the forest officials. “If such is the case, what will our children do by studying? We appeal before His Excellency, the Governor and Honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh to take immediate steps and order a high level inquiry, otherwise, the future of our children will only be bleak.

Repeated attempts to reach Deori failed as his mobile was switched off.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Bihar polls: BJP offers 25 Vidhan Sabha seats to Manjhi's HAM, say sources New Delhi, Sep11: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has offered NDA ally Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) 25 Legislative Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha (RS) seat in the upcoming Bihar elections scheduled to take place from October 12.According to sources, BJP

has also offered 30 Legislative Assembly seats and one RS seat to Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) in contrast to their demand of one additional cabinet berth for its leader Arun Kumar Singh. It is also believed that HAM wanted 32 Legislative Assembly seats in the upcoming polls.

(ANI)

Women stage protest in Manipur

Imphal, Sep 11: On the third day of the 60-hour bandh called since September 8 by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), women in Churachandpur town staged a sit-in-protest in different localities demanding withdrawal of three bills passed by the Manipur Assembly on August 31, a police official said today .Women gathered in Churachandpur town staged protest demonstration and shouting slogans like "hand over the killers of nine brothers", "we demand separate administration for hill", "resign MLAs" etc, the official said. There was no untoward incident in Churachandpur town today, the official said, adding that law and order situation was under control.

The JAC, formed on September 2, has since been

spearheading the agitation against the passage of the bills seeking to protect the rights of the indigenous people of the state.

Several government buildings, houses of a Minister and an MP have been torched by the protesters since the agitation began on August 31. Eight persons have been killed in violence during the agitation while a motorcyclist died in an accident trying to avoid a blockade set up by the protsters, official figures said. The three bills seeking to protect the rights of the indigenous people are the Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015. (Agencies)

REGION

TMC Campus Plan at Kurseong Mamata expected to arrive on the 14th Darjeeling, Sep 11: A team from Nabanna inspected the area near Victoria Boys' School and Dowhill School today as a prospective site for the hill campus of Presidency University and officials said the Bengal chief minister would lay the foundation stone of the institution on September 14.The comments of the state officials confirmed that the chief minister was moving ahead with her plan to set up the second campus of Presidency University in the hills, despite the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's reservations. Today, a team led by Vivek Kumar, principal secretary of the state higher education department, surveyed the area. "The chief minister will

lay the foundation stone of the second campus when she visits the Darjeeling hills on September 14. This is a joint inspection by principal secretaries of departments of higher education, school education, forest and PWD to check preparations for the ceremony before her visit," Kumar said.Arnab Roy, the principal secretary of school education department, Chandan Sinha, the principal secretary of environment and forest department, and Indevar Pandey, the principal secretary of PWD, accompanied Kumar today."We are here on a daylong visit and we are surveying the area around the two schools to select a spot for the campus," Kumar

but we are also regaining our political support base as the people are realizing that what we have been saying about the Trinamool Congress is true," CPI(M) politburo member and West Bengal Left Front Chairman Biman Bose said.Bose said, "When a government comes to power with a massive mandate, the masses want to give them some time. But when after four years things do not move rather the situation has worsened, people have realized the true

Jharkhand CM Has Narrow Escape as Plane's Tyre Bursts On Landing Ranchi, Sep 11:Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and 154 other passengers of a GoAir flight on Thursday had a narrow escape when one of the tyres of the rear wheels burst on landing at the Birsa Munda Airport here."One of the tyres of the rear

wheels burst soon after the landing of the GoAir flight, but all passengers are safe," a senior government official said.He said the Chief Minister and over 155 passengers were onboard the Delhi to Ranchi flight, which landed at 7.30 PM. (Agencies)

said. On August 25, Mamata had announced in Darjeeling that she had sanctioned Rs 30 crore for the Presidency campus. Morcha Chief Bimal Gurung who had shared dais with the chief minister while she made the announcement had later conveyed his disapproval,

through a Facebook post and a letter, and asked the chief minister to reconsider the decision. He had said the plan to set up a campus of Presidency University may adversely affect the central government's plan to set up a central varsity, which has been assured in the GTA

HC orders demolition of illegal structures Shillong, Sep 11: Stage is set for the demolition of all illegal structures along the Wahumkhrah river as the High Court of Meghalaya set aside an earlier interim stay order passed by a civil court against the demolition initiative of MUDA as per the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)."

Considering the submission put forward by K Paul, counsel for the respondent, the petitioner is directed to give five days' time from today to vacate the premises failing which, the petitioner (MUDA) shall be at liberty to take necessary action as per the direction given by the National Green Tribunal," Justice SR Sen said in his order. Last month

MUDA move to demolish the illegal structures along the Wahumkhrah was stalled after 30 petitioners secured an interim stay from the Civil Court. The High Court also said that any person aggrieved by any award, decision or order of the Green Tribunal may file an appeal before the Supreme Court within 90 days from the date of announcment of the award, decision or order of the tribunal as per the as per Section 22 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010."So, it is clear that, an appeal lies before the apex court. Therefore, I am of the considered view that, the Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner,

Two 'successful' programmes show CPI (M) regaining ground in West Bengal Kolkata, Sep 11: The CPI-M, which slipped into a state of disarray after repeated electoral setbacks since the 2011 Assembly election in West Bengal, appears to be on the path of recovery following its two back to back "successful" political programmes in last one month.The party, which ruled Bengal with a nearabsolute mandate for 35 years, suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of arch rival Trinamool Congress in 2011.Since then it had tried to stage a comeback by organising programmes which at best evinced some lukewarm support.The scenario changed for the better last month when it organised two successive programmes. First, the Left Front sponsored peasants' march to the state secretariat on August 27 and second, the "successful" implementation of the countrywide general strike in West Bengal on September 2."The two back to back successive political movements itself shows that not only there is a disillusionment among the masses,

PAGE 5

colours of TMC." According to CPI-M politburo member Mohammed Salim the revival path of CPI(M), the largest constituent of Left Front, being able to make a turn around was first witnessed when CPI(M) led Left Front managed to increase marginally its vote share in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation election in April, this year.

"After 2014, a large section of the media had completely erased us as opposition, but the results

and the recent successful political movements have shown that we are still the only alternative to the misrule of the Trinamool Congress," Salim said.

Attributing various factors, including the change of leadership in the state CPI(M) and the ongoing massive rectification drive within the party to the "turnaround", a senior CPI(M) leader said the TMC's silence over the alleged anti-people policies of the BJP government too helped. (Agencies)

West Bengal govt to declassify 64 files relating to Netaji Subhas: Mamata Kolkata, Sep 11: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that the state government will declassify 64 files relating to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on September 18.While speaking to news agency , West Bengal Chief Minister confirmed the news.

Assuring to resolve the mystery around his disappearance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier told family members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose that it was the country's responsibility to resolve the case soon. (ANI)

NGT order on Wahumkhrah: Justice Sen vacates civil court stay Shillong (civil court) has no jurisdiction to grant or entertain any petition against the order of the NGT," the court order said.

Earlier, MUDA had issued as many as 200 notices to residents near the Wahumkhrah following the NGT order for removal of illegal structures along the river.Later, MUDA received responses from them which were further examined. The demolition notices were issued to several residents after ex-

amining the documents of the residents to ensure whether they were legal occupants of the place as per the records of the Revenue department.It was on January 29 last that the NGT Special Circuit Bench of the Eastern Zone directed MUDA to demolish all the unauthorized constructions along the banks of the Wahumkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers in accordance with the provisions of the law within three months. (Agencies)

agreement."At this juncture, appreciating the motive of the Hon'ble CM, the people of the Hills would appeal to her to reconsider the decision as it may have an adverse impact and the Centre may back out on the decision on the establishment of the Central University," Gurung wrote on Facebook.

Sources in Trinamul - some party leaders from the hills were present today - said an open space beneath the Victoria Boys' School has been finalised for the campus. "There are also plans to organise a ceremony to mark the establishment of the campus on September 14 at the Victoria playground above the selected spot," a source said.Today, Morcha

general secretary Roshan Giri said: "A central varsity for the hills is a very important and long-pending demand of the people which has been promised in the GTA agreement. We have submitted a detailed project report to the Union ministry of human resource development and an area of 500 acres has been identified in Darjeeling."He added: "Setting up a second campus of Presidency in Kurseong may cause the Centre to withdraw its plans to set up a central varsity. The state could have put on hold the second campus plan until the project of setting up a central varsity came through."

(Agencies)

Bihar battle has become prestige issue for PM Modi: NCP New Delhi, Sep 11: Nationalist Congress Party ( NCP) leader Majeed Memon on Friday downplayed reports of tussle over seat sharing between various political parties in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls and said that the contest has become a prestige issue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi."The election in Bihar is going to be very prestigious particularly for the honorable PM of this country because it is he who has jumped into the battlefield and has made it a prestige issue,"

Memon told media."Seat sharing has always been very contentious as every political party wants a share in an alliance and it is nothing new, it will certainly be sorted out in a few days from both sides," he added.The Election Commission announced the dates for Bihar assembly polls on Wednesday.The five-phase election will be held from October to November; the first phase will take place on October 12 and the final phase will be held on November 5.Counting of votes will take place on November 8. (ANI)

Oil tanker drivers in Tripura go on strike, demand repair of NH 44 in lower Assam Dharmanagar (North Tripura), Sep 11 : The oil tanker drivers and owners of Tripura have gone for an indefinite strike in demand of immediate repair of the National Highway (NH) 44, where hundreds of vehicles are stranded due to the poor condition of the road.The protesters on Thursday gathered in front of the main depot of the Indian Oil in Dharmanagar, asking the government to fulfil their demand.The protesters alleged that neither the Tripura nor the Assam government have taken any measure to repair the NH 44 between Churaibari in Tripura border to Karimganj in lower Assam.According to them, due to incessant rain and continuous movement of heavy loaded vehicles the condition of the road had deteriorated to

such an extent that it has become dangerous to ply vehicles.

"For the last two to three years, there has been no maintenance of the roads here. Drivers are the worst sufferers of this and it is still continuing. Many vehicles are stranded there due to breakdown

of various parts," said Ratan Debnath, a protesting driver.The drivers will continue their strike until the road condition of NH 44 is improved.NH 44 is the lifeline of Tripura as it is the lone highway that connects the state with Assam and through which all com-

modities enter the state.The strike of the oil tankers is likely to create fuel crisis throughout Tripura since the state is totally dependent on the tanker service for carrying fuel from Assam and rail connection has also stopped for gauge conversion. (ANI)

Seat sharing not important, mission is to end 'jungle raj' in Bihar: RLSP New Delhi, Sep11: The Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) today said that they have no problem with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over seat sharing in the Bihar Assembly polls."The RLSP and BJP have an understanding. We (RLSP) have decided that we will not create an issue over seats. We have not had any discussion over

seat sharing," said RLSP general secretary Shivraj Singh .The RLSP leader, who was

talking to the media after his meeting with BJP president Amit Shah, further said that his party has a great coordination with the BJP and both parties were focused on achieving victory in Bihar."We discussed how the NDA can win the elections and how we can end the 'jungle raj' in Bihar. We did not discuss about seats, because seat distribution is not an

important issue for us," he added. The Election Commission announced the dates for Bihar assembly polls on Wednesday. The five-phase election will be held from October to November; the first phase will take place on October 12 and the final phase will be held on November 5.Counting of votes will take place on November 8. (ANI)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

PAGE 6

Govt. asks states to distribute imported pulses through retail outlets ANI New Delhi, Sep11: The Government on Friday asked the MMTC to expedite import of pulses to ease its availability and requested the State Governments to gear up distribution of pulses through retail outlets. MMTC has assured that 10,000 tons of Pulses will arrive soon. Secretary, Consumer Affairs in a video conference recently held with State Governments discussed further arrangements to increase availability of pulses and onions in the domestic market. The government has taken a series of policy initiatives and measures to enhance the availability and thereby moderate

Russia lifts objections to UN probe into chemical attack by Syria ANI London, Sep11: Diplomats have confirmed that Russia has lifted its objections to a probe by United Nations into the use of chemical attackby Syria, clearing the way for the investigation to begin. A resolution was adopted by the UN Security Council on August 7 approving a joint investigation by the UN and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had proposed the mission to be entrusted to three independent experts. Ban also asked the UNSC for the go ahead to recruit them. Moscow wanted guarantees on several points, notably that the sovereignty of its Syrian ally would be respected and on the mission's financing, according to diplomats.

Single-engine plane crashes into Atlantic Ocean off coast ANI New York, Sep 11: A singleengine Mooney M20 aircraft has crashed into theAtlantic Ocean off the coast after it departed from Gaylord, Michigan, for Atlantic City International Airport. Emergency officials are searching for the pilot with boat and helicopter crew. The pilot has been identified as Michael Moir of Gaylord. The Coast Guard said it was searching the debris field along with the state police and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is the second plane crash that is being investigated in New Jersey on Thursday.

ØIncrease in the prices of pulses has been arrested and in the coming days with the import prices are likely to show declining trends. prices of pulses and onions. Stock limits have already been imposed on Pulses and State Governments have been requested to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing and use available provisions and powers under Essential Commodities Act. Future trading in Pulses like Urad and Tur has already

Ø Export of Pulses has been banned and there is zero duty on import of Pulses. ØStock limits for Onions have further been extended for one year till July, 2016. been suspended. Export of Pulses has been banned and there is zero duty on import of Pulses. Pulses have also been included for assistance under Price Stabilization scheme. To increase availability of Pulses in the domestic market, 5,000 tons of Tur and 5,000 tons of Urad have been ordered to be im-

In the Committee's first meeting held on 8th September, MMTC was asked to get in touch with States and also with SAFAL to supply imported Dal through retail outlets.

Apart from several other short term measures, the Committee also decided on medium and long term strategy required to increase the availability of essential c o m m o d i t i e s .

Government's decision to increase Minimum Support Price for pulses by Rs.275 per quintal for Urad and Arhar and Rs.250 per quintal for Moong would increase procurement of pulses for distribution through various retail outlets. All the above mea-

sures are likely to moderate the prices of pulses. As regards Onions, to increase availability in the domestic market, Minimum Export Price has been raised initially from US$ 250 per MT to US$ 425 per MT and later to US$700 per MT. Stock limits for Onions have further been extended for one year till July, 2016. About 8,368 tons of Onions have been procured by SFAC and NAFED and are being supplied to consumers at reasonable prices. Onions are also being imported and on Thursday Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan directed to import further tranche of 1000 tons of Onions.

Vyapam case: SC rejects intervention of state investigating agencies ANI New Delhi, Sep11: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected intervention of the state investigating agencies in the Vyapam scam case. "Ranjeet Kumar was representing the CBI and Mukul Rohtagi was present on behalf of Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the state of Madhya Pradesh," said advocate Sumeer Sodhi. He also detailed about the three types of cases discussed in the court on Friday. "The first type of

Rohtagi appealed to the apex court to deal all cases differently and that the investigating agencies and prosecutors of Madhya Pradesh must be allowed to help the CBI in the case.

cases is the ones in which acquittal and conviction had been done. Second being the ones in a pre-charge state. The third were the ones in which charge sheet

had been filed," he said.

Sodhi said Rohtagi appealed to the apex court to deal with all cases differently and that the investigating agencies and prosecutors of Madhya Pradesh must be allowed to help the CBI in the case. "However,

the Supreme Court rejected the plea and said that all 72 cases which were without acquittal and charge sheet had to be investigated by the CBI only," said Sodhi. "The CBI has been permitted to investigate under Section

173 (8) of the Criminal Procedure Code and can seek further permission for the same," he added. The senior advocate further said Rohtagi has been asked to file report within a week detailing all the steps taken by him with respect to arranging the staff required by the CBI. This case will be next heard on October 9. The Vyapam scam is an admission and recruitment scam involving politicians, senior officials and businessmen in Madhya Pradesh.

India needs National Lab Policy for renewable energy projects, says Piyush Goyal ANI New Delhi, Sep11: Minister of State for Coal, Power and New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal on Friday said that a National Lab Policy is needed to address the testing, standardization and certification renewable energy projects in the country. "A policy document should bring out a clear work plan identifying the need of equipment and infrastructure including funds requirement," he added. Goyal, who inaugurated the national workshop on Lab Infrastructure for Testing, Standardization, Certifi-

cation and Inspection for Renewable Energy Deployment Programme, said indigenous technology development and standardization is essential for the growth of renewable energy in the country. "There is a need to pay more attention on ensuring quality and reliability of renewable energy systems for effective promotion of renewable energy," he added.

Goyal emphasised on maintaining consistency in manufacturing and confidence in reliability of these technologies/systems to ensure that systems installed function properly.

12 convicted, one acquitted in 2006 Mumbai serial blast case ANI Mumbai, Sep11: A Special Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) court on Friday convicted 12 persons and acquitted one in connection with the 2006 Mumbai serial blast case. Abdul Waheed Sheikh is the accused who has been acquitted by the court. 188 people had died and 829 people were injured after seven RDX bombs had exploded in the first class coaches of Mumbai's suburban trains on July 11, 2006. The blast had occurred between Khar

ported and these imports are likely to reach shortly, which will ease the price situation. As a result of these measures taken by the Government, further increase in the prices of pulses has been arrested and in the coming days with the import prices are likely to show declining trends.

To keep a close watch on availability of essential commodities and monitoring of prices an Inter-Ministerial Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Consumer Affairs with representatives from various departments viz. Commerce, Food, Agriculture, Revenue among others and also the Cabinet Secretariat.

MMTC HAS ASSURED THAT 10,000 TONS OF PULSES WILL ARRIVE SOON

Road-Santacruz, BandraKhar Road, JogeshwariMahim Junction, Mira

RoadBhayander, Matunga- Mahim Junction and Borivali.

He stated that the biogas needs to be given more attention to make it a well-organized industry.

"Improved biomass cook stoves should be promoted for clean cooking solutions, thereby addressing both fuel saving and health hazards concerns of rural women and children," he added. Goyal further stressed that proper standardization will facilitate financing options for deployment.

"We need to strengthen test facilities for proper testing to maintain quality of products. Also, training, proper inspection for checking the quality of

"A policy document should bring out a clear work plan identifying the need of equipment and infrastructure including funds requirement." systems installed is needed, ensuring effective utilization of renewable energy," he added.

The workshop has been organized in view of the MNRE's ambitious programme of 175 GW Renewable Energy Deployment Programme.

The objective of this one-day national workshop is to discuss the

standards and procedures being followed for effective implementation of testing and certification, identifying the gaps to meet the needs of ensuring quality and reliability of the systems/ products/ components, taking into account technology advancements and local requirements.

year amid escalating pressure to demonstrate the country's efforts to join European nations in resettling displaced Syrians.

Obama's statement

came as the White House press secretary Josh Earnest said in a briefing that the administration was continuing to examine responses to a

ANI Chandigarh, Sep11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday fixed a target to provide houses to everybody in the country by 2022 on the 75th anniversary of independence. Prime Minister Modi, who demanded cooperation from the people

ANI Kollam, Sep11: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday alleged that the Congress Party, which had run a failed government for ten years, is practicing the politics of obstruction as they are not able to digest the NDA regime's success.

"The Congress Party has positioned itself against the development of the nation. The country's politics is being polarised

between those who want India to grow and benefit in this present global environment development, where economy all over the world is facing huge challenges," Jaitley told the media here. "The Congress had run a failed government and, therefore, they do not want to see the colour of success coming to somebody else.

That is why Congress politics will only be politics of obstruction," he

ANI New Delhi, Sep11: The Delhi Police on Friday issued a notice to former law minister Somnath Bharti to join the probe in the domestic violence case levelled against him by his wife Lipika Mitra. Mitra, who met Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi said that she wants justice. "I gave him (Somnath Bharti) five years, which is ample time. Now, I just want justice," she said. The Delhi Police had registered a

refugee crisis that has overwhelmed Europe in the recent days. A number of Republicans warned Obama that he was allowing potential

terrorists while aid groups called the move a token one given the size of the American economy and population.

Representative Peter T.

King, Republican of New York, said that America's enemy was Islamic terrorism and the Syrian refugees were coming from a country filled with them.

case against Somnath Bharti, after he was accused of domestic violence and mental torture by his wife. The case was registered against Bharti under Sections 307, 323 and 498A of the Indian Penal Code. Lipika Bharti has been married to Somnath Bharti since 2010, but has been living separately from him since 2012 along with the couple's two children in a rented accommodation in Dwarka.

Congress not ready to accept democracy, says PM Modi ANI Sarsawa, Sep11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit back at the Congress for its unwarranted criticism of the NDA regime and asked the grand old party to ponder as to why it was rejected by the nation.

"They (Congress) thought they will govern the nation generations after generations. They

"The Congress had run a failed government and, therefore, they do not want to see the colour of success coming to somebody else. That is why Congress politics will only be politics of obstruction." added. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister while talking about the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls

to achieve this goal, said the government is working to fulfil this dream.

"Development is the main agenda of government and people should come forward to give a push to development of the country," he said while addressing a public rally here.

Domestic violence case: Delhi Police issues notice to Somnath Bharti

Congress practicing politics of obstruction, says Jaitley

Obama tells administration to take in 10,000 Syrian refuges over next year ANI New York, Sep11: US President Barack Obama has told his administration to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next

PM Modi assures to provide houses to everybody by 2022

said that the BJP definitely has an edge as compared to the other political parties in the election.

are not ready to accept democracy and they still do not know why they lost," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a rally here. "I want to warn the leaders of the Congress Party and ask them to think as to why did the people of the nation reject you. Calculate how you became 40 from 400. If you abuse Modi, 40 won't increase to 400," he added.

Rijiju expresses concern over Handwara encounter ANI New Delhi, Sep11: Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday expressed his concern over the death of two army jawans inHandwara encounter and said that the government will seek a detailed report of the untoward incident. "We will take the report now. I will meet the Home Minister ( Rajnath Singh) now.

We will seek a report. We will do the needful for the deceased jawans," Rijiju told the media here. At least two army jawans and two militants were killed in an encounter between the security forces and militants in Laribal forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara district on Thursday night. According to reports, two militants are believed to be trapped inside the forest area.

Rahul Gandhi accuses Odisha Govt. of not focusing on healthcare, education ANI Cuttack, Sep11: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Centre and Odisha Government, saying there is no focus on healthcare and education in the state. "There is no focus on healthcare and education by the state government.

There is no shortage of money in Odisha. The chief minister is not thinking about the future of Odisha," Rahul told the media after his visit to the Sardar

Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital. "I have visited this hospital so that the government focuses on the healthcare and education in the state," he added. The Congress vice-president had on Thursday lashed out at the BJP-led NDA Government for the country's farm crisis as he launched a "save farmer march" in Odisha, which is saddled with a string of peasant suicides. More than 3,600 farmers, including 474 women, had committed suicide in Odisha since 1999.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Rajapaksa hits back at Kumaratunga's Main suspect of Bangkok blast left remarks in Indian media Bangladesh for China 12 days ago Colombo, Sep 11: Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa has hit back at predecessor Chandrika Kumaratunga for carrying out a personal attack on him through Indian media, saying it is "incongruous" as she ran "one of the most repressive governments in living memory". In a statement posted on his website yesterday, Rajapaksa said he much regretted Kumaratunga's comments, and that as former leader of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and current member of its Central Committee and co-Patron, what she tells the foreign media during trips, "reflects on our party and our country". He reacted strongly to Kumaratunga's remarks in media interactions during her recent visit to India that she had difficulties in looking around for a party front ranker to contest against him because "it was difficult to find anyone in the SLFP who wasn't known to be corrupt or a murderer"."It is incongruous for Mrs Kumaratunga to be talking of a police state because she ran one of the most repressive governments in living memory," he wrote. Rajapaksa hit back, saying when he took over

as President from Kumaratunga in 2005 ending her 11-year rule, "terrorists were ruling about a third of the country"."For more than a decade, the country had seen very little development. During my tenure, I am proud to say that I concentrated on solving the country's problems. I saw to it that terrorism was eliminated and that the country was developed."I did not spend my time persecuting my political opponents or go around the world maligning my own party and bringing disgrace upon my country. All members of the SLFP should be mindful that Mrs

Kumaratunga's statements about our party only go to strengthen our opponents at our expense. We should be working to strengthen our party not to weaken it further," said the 69-yearold former strongman.

Rajapaksa noted that almost all the SLFP members he had inherited from Kumaratunga were those who were ministers in her government."I took over the party that she left behind," he added. Charging that Kumaratunga had demeaned the SLFP in Indian media, Rajapaksa said: "No Indian would ever see a former leader (or a Central

Committee member or Patron) of the Congress Party or The BJP expressing joy at the defeat of his or her own political party in that manner."While that alone would be because for much shame and embarrassment for all members of the SLFP and the UPFA, some of the things that she said about our party are positively insulting. "When the co-Patron and a sitting Central Committee member of the SLFP tells the foreign media that members of her own party are virtually all rogues or murderers that reflects very badly on our party." (Agencies)

Students to stage nonstop sit-in from Sunday

Dhaka, Sep 11: Private university students will stage nonstop sit-in programmes from Sunday until the 7.5% VAT on their tuition fees is withdrawn. East West University students announced the programme in a press briefing at a restaurant at Aftabnagar in capital's Rampura today morning.Meanwhile, EWU students also demanded the punishment of those who launched attack on the protesting students on Thursday night.In a notice, North South University students also announced to boycott

classes and stage blockade programme from Sunday.However, Private University Students Alliance of Bangladesh (PUSAB) has said students will begin their blockade programmes in several spots including Rampura Bridge and Dhanmondi at 3pm today.On its Facebook page, PUSAB also urged all the protesting students to gather on respective places on time.On Thursday, thousands of private university students took to the streets across the capital demanding withdrawal of 7.5% VAT

on their tuition fees.The protests created severe traffic jam across the capital city, triggering untold sufferings to the commuters.The students protesting the 7.5% VAT on tuition fees at Dhanmondi 27 intersection came under attack minutes before they were preparing to end their day-long protest on Thursday.A number of protesters told the media last night that they suspect members of Bangladesh Chhatra League made the attack because they were chanting the "Joy Bangla"

slogan.Several hundred students of different private universities had been staging mass protests against the VAT imposition. But, the agitation has intensified Thursday after Wednesday's police attack on the demonstrating students of East West University. At least 23 students and the deputy registrar of East West University were injured when the police opened fire and charged truncheons during Wednesday's demonstration in Rampura. In a press release issued yesterday afternoon, National Board of Revenue said the authorities of private universities will pay the 7.5% VAT imposed on the tuition fees. It stated that VAT on the tuition fees was not imposed with an intention to be realized from the students. The government imposed a 7.5% VAT on private universities and medical and engineering colleges during the budget of the 2015-16 fiscal years. Before in 2010, the government moved to impose indirect tax on private tertiary education, but had to pull out in the face of student protests. (Agencies)

Dhaka, Sep 11: The suspected mastermind of last month's deadly bomb attack in Thailand left for China from Bangladesh 12 days ago, and efforts in Malaysia to track the man suspected of planting the explosives have been unsuccessful, police said today.

No group has claimed responsibility for the Aug 17 attack at a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, which killed 20 people, including 14 foreign tourists, among them seven from Hong Kong and mainland China. The man whom Thai police believe organized the plot and fled on the eve of the blast spent two weeks in Bangladesh before taking a flight from Dhaka to Beijing on Aug 30, Bangladesh police said."We checked his name, arrival date and passport number with the immigration department. We found that it was correct and he left from the same airport (to Beijing)," A K M Shahidul Hoque, inspector-general of Bangladesh police, told media. Hoque said the name on the passport was Abu Dustar Abdulrahman, adding that his men were looking for the suspect's hotel.T hai police have ruled out international militants as responsible for the attack but have not said why or what they believe the motive was.

Thai police said today that the investigation had expanded to Malaysia.

Suchart Teerasawat, a police inspector-general, told media that he was in Malaysia last week following a lead that a yellow-shirted man caught on a security camera leaving the bomb at the Erawan Shrine may have crossed Thailand's southern border."We have coordinated our efforts with the Malaysian police, "he said, while adding that he had no concrete information. The investigation gained momentum after information was given by one of two

detained suspects, who were arrested with a Chinese passport bearing the name Yusufu Mieraili. He admitted giving a bag containing the device to the bomber and said another man, Abu Dustar Abdulrahman who is also known as "Izan", had given orders to the plotters.

Thai police had tracked that man to Bangladesh.Thai visas were issued in Kuala Lumpur to both men, according to a diplomatic source, using Chinese passports with names Abu Dustar Abdulrahman and Yusufu Mieraili, in October.

2014 and February. 2015

Canada looks forward to working with Sri Lanka Colombo, Sep 11: Canada says it looks forward to work with the new Sri Lankan Government and deepen the friendship between both countries. Ahmed A. Jawad presented his Credentials as Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Governor General David Johnston of Canada at a ceremony held at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa yesterday. At an audience that followed the presentation, the new High Commissioner

among other matters, briefed the Governor General on recent developments in Sri Lanka, including the Presidential and General Elections, and the emergence of a consensus based political culture in the country characterized by an allinclusive approach. This he said included an engagement with the large Sri Lankan Diaspora around the world comprising all communities .High Commis-

sioner Jawad recalled the historically warm relations between the two countries based on commonwealth ties and values and elaborated on the commercial, economic and investment prospects in the country.

He welcomed the Canadian government and private sector to be part of Sri Lanka's development drive.

Governor General stated "Dating back 60 years, Canada and Sri Lanka's long-standing relationship stems from our shared Commonwealth heritage. It's also anchored by our strong people-to-people ties: the Sri Lankan Diaspora in Canada is estimated to number between 250,000 and 300,000 people". The Governor General noted that "These relationships are a wonderful basis upon which to deepen our friendship and work together to build peace and prosperity in our respective countries.

Canada looks forward to a bright future working with Sri Lanka". (Agencies)

Excluded armed groups say they Big payouts for Tianjin want to join Myanmar peace talks firefighters' families after their training criticized

Yangon, Sep 11: Three ethnic armed groups have called on the Myanmar government to include them in talks on a ceasefire being negotiated with other groups, after they had been excluded following clashes with the army near the border with China earlier this year. Myanmar President Thein Sein on Wednesday met leaders of five main ethnic guerrilla

groups for ceasefire talks in the capital Naypyitaw.

They agreed to hold another round of talks on the draft of the deal in early October. The exclusion of the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army from the signing has been one of the main stumbling blocks in the negotiations that have

dragged on for some two years."The nationwide ceasefire agreement is a crucial accord for the emergence of genuine peace in the country," said the three armies in a joint statement issued late on Thursday, demanding that they too are included in the deal. Tension between Myanmar's ethnic minorities and the majority Burmese, who dominate the

government, has prompted many groups to take up arms since the country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948.The three armies that put out the statement have been fighting the government in the restive Kokang region since February, killing scores of soldiers and causing thousands of citizens to flee the region to China. Aung Naing Oo, director of the Myanmar Peace Centre which coordinates the talks, said that ethnic armed organisations and the government had submitted different lists of signatories for the ceasefire accord proposed by the government.He said the government is refusing to recognize the three armies fighting the government in Kokang.Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week urged the rebels not to rush the deal, but work slowly on a pact to ensure lasting peace and stability. She said all groups should be included in the accord.

(Agencies)

Beijing, Sep 11: Mainland China will give unusually large payouts to the families of firefighters killed in giant explosions in Tianjin last month, after the disaster raised questions over whether the young men's training was inadequate.Each family will receive 2.3 million yuan (US$360,000) in compensation, a payment that includes extra money for "martyrdom," .The death toll from a series of

explosions on Aug. 12 rose to 164 on Thursday, Tianjin authorities said, 97 of them firefighters.

Nine people are still missing.The compensation amount is more than double the US$145,000 given to the families of each of the victims of a 2011 train crash outside the city of Wenzhou. Of the 2.3 million yuan, 940,000 yuan is a "martyrdom payment," while most of the rest is 30

times the average annual urban salary, for lost income due to death. The standard compensation for accident victims in China is 20 times the average salary.The relatively large amount may be an attempt by the authorities to quell criticism after questions were raised over whether poorly trained firefighters could have contributed to the detonations in Tianjin. Reports said emergency workers responding to a blaze at a hazardous goods storage facility could have sprayed water over calcium carbide, listed as being at the site. The two substances react to produce highly combustible acetylene gas. Nearly all of China's firemen are contract laborers - young, poor men from the countryside who receive limited training, provoking public concern over the professionalism and capabilities of the service. (Agencies)

respectively.The use of Chinese passports, at least one of which stated Xinjiang as a birthplace, adds fuel to speculation that the bombing may have been a revenge attack by sympathisers of Turkicspeaking Uighur Muslims.

Thailand was widely condemned in July for forcibly repatriating 109 Uighurs to China, where they say they are persecuted. Many Uighurs from western China's Xinjiang region travel though South-east Asia to get to Turkey. China has denied persecuting the Uighurs. (Agencies)

Lankans urged not to visit Lumbini for now Colombo, Sep 11: Sri Lankan pilgrims have been urged not to visit Lumbini until further notice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.The Foreign Ministry also said that all Sri Lankan nationals stranded in Lumbini have left safely. The Sri Lankans were stranded following protests in surrounding areas.At least 30 people have died in protests over the last month, as different ethnic groups have protested for statehood in the drafting of Nepal's new constitution. (Agencies)

Three detained for Bangladesh bloggers' murders Dhaka, Sep 11: Bangladesh police have arrested three members of a banned Islamist militant group suspected to be involved with the murders of secular bloggers Avijit Roy and Ananta Bijoy Das, officials said today.Militant group Ansarullah Bangla Team`s chief Abul Bashar and two of its media wing members - Julhas Biswas, Jafran Al Hasan - were arrested in Dhaka yesterday evening. Avijit Roy, who wrote against religious extremism, was hacked to death near Dhaka University on February 26.On May 12, blogger Ananta Bijoy Das was killed in the same manner in Sylhet.Law enforcers suspected Ansarullah Bangla Team`s involvement in the murders from the start. Police claimed a five-man hit squad of the banned militant outfit carried out the murders.Bangladeshiorigin British citizen Touhidur Rahman, Aminul Mallik, Ariful Islam, Jakirul Prokash and Sadek Ali Mithu, all detained in jail, are suspected to have been on the team. Rahman was allegedly the mastermind behind the operations, police added. (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Hindu Extremists Creep Ahead in India Open defecation and India Open defecation, a serious threat to modernity Open defecation is a practice where people relieve themselves in fields, bushes, open spaces and into open bodies of water. It poses a serious threat to the health of children. Hundreds of thousands of children die every year because of diseases transmitted through human waste. In India, nearly half of the population - more than 590m people - relieve themselves in the open. For many it's a daily ritual and often something they do even when public facilities are available.

India has made "moderate" progress in reducing open defecation rates among its population and has succeeded in providing access to improved drinking water to more people in urban and rural areas, according to a UN report. The Joint Monitoring Programme report titled "Progress on Sanitation and Drinking Water: 2015 Update and MDG Assessment" released by the UN Children's Fund and the World Health Organization said one in every three or 2.4 billion people on the planet are still without sanitation facilities, including 946 million people who defecate in the open. It said India is among the 16 countries that have reduced open defecation rates by at least 25 percentage points. In India's case, there has been a reduction by 31 per cent in open defecation, a progress termed as "moderate" by the report. The Southern Asia region, where the number of open defecators is highest, has also made significant improvements. Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan have all achieved reductions of more than 30 percentage points since 1990, the report said. The 31 per cent reduction in open defecation in India alone represents 394 million people and significantly influences regional and global estimates, it said. The report, however, noted that in India, there has been very little change over the last 20 years in reducing open defecation among the poor. The report further said that India has "met its target" of increasing use of drinking water resources to its population. India was among the nine countries that succeeded in halving the proportion of the population without improved drinking water in both rural and urban areas. The other countries are Belize, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Tunisia and Uganda. From 71 per cent in 1990, India now has 94 per cent of its population with access to drinking water sources, the report said.

The report, however, warned that the lack of progress on sanitation globally threatens to undermine the child survival and health benefits from gains in access to safe drinking water. The practice of open defecation is linked to a higher risk of stunting - or chronic malnutrition - which affects 161 million children worldwide, leaving them with irreversible physical and cognitive damage, according to WHO. Today, only 68 per cent of the world's population uses an improved sanitation facility - 9 percentage points below the MDG target of 77 per cent. Andhra Pradesh targets January 2016 to be free of open defecation.

The Andhra Pradesh has set a target of becoming free of open-defecation by January 1, 2016, and will rope in Jack Sim, the founder of World Toilet Organisation, to plan how to to achieve target. Currently, under IHHL (Individual Household Latrine) scheme, 59,000 toilets have been built in the state against the total sanctioned 1.14 lakh toilets. The state government had set October 2, 2015 as the deadline for completion of the scheme.

Each and every state of India, should follow the footsteps of Andhra Pradesh and its willingness to become free from open defecation. Open defecation can also be very dangerous for woman as the risk of rape and molestation increases to a great height as a result of open defecation.

A Transfer that raised many questions Politics, police rivalry or Sheena Bora case Mumbai's top cop Rakesh Maria has been promoted even as he was supervising the investigation into the Sheena Bora murder case. He has been appointed as the Director General of Home Guards, Maharashtra. While Ahmed Javed will take over as the Commissioner of Police with immediate effect.

The abruptness of the decision triggered speculation that the transfer had something to do with the Sheena Bora case which had made headlines for the past two weeks. However, the Maharashtra government clarified that he would continue investigating the case until the chargesheet is filed.Was this just an afterthought to put to rest the conspiracy theories that followed the announcement of Maria's transfer as the decision was not made clear at the time of announcement of the transfer. Some say that the new government always wanted to get rid of him, because of his alleged proximity to Sharad Pawar. After the BJP came to power in Maharashtra, there were rumours in police circles that Maria and the new government were at loggerheads. It should also be noted that Maria was scheduled to be transferred or promoted on 30 September, 2015. And his promotion came 22 days ahead of schedule, indicating that it perhaps had something to do with the Sheena Bora case.

Maria too became famous for cracking high profile cases.His earliest brush with fame was in1993 when he led the team that cracked the Bombay blasts case. He is also known as the police officer who got Sanjay Dutt to confess his underworld connections and the one who interrogated Ajmal Kasab. In 2003, there were allegations that he has links with the underworld. A CBI probe was conducted against him, but he came out clean. He also managed the 26/11 attacks investigation where he interrogated the sole surviving Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab.

Experts also suggests that Maria might have been transferred because of vested interest involved in the high profile Sheena Bora case. And Maria has been transferred prematurely as he hadn't completed his twoyear tenure. Clearly, Maria's transfer has raised many questions. Not many are willing to see this as a routine transfer and even the decision to persist with him in the Sheena Bora murder case, hasn't cut much ice.

Recent attacks against rationalists, free-thinkers, and secularists are a cause for immense concern. ? ...Sanjay Kumar On Saturday evening, scores of people from all walks of life descended on Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, some two kilometers away from the Indian parliament, to protest against rising intolerance and mindless violence committed by Hindu fundamentalist groups in different parts of the country. Students, academics, activists, journalists, and many others came together to express their deep anguish and frustration with a rising and troubling trend in India: the targeted killing of individuals who challenge religious orthodoxy.

The event that spurred the protest was the killing of veteran writer Malleshappa Madivalappa Kalburgi. The 76-year-old writer was gunned down inside his home in broad daylight last week, allegedly by two men associated with fringe Hindu radical groups. Kalburgi had long

been at loggerheads with Hindu radicals for his outspoken criticism of blind religiosity, superstition, and idol worship.

He was not the first victim at the hand of Hindu extremists in India. In 2013, Narendra Dabholkar, an anti-superstition activist and champion of rationalism, was gunned down in Pune. Earlier this year, Govind Pansare, another rationalist thinker and a critic of blind faith, was shot in Kolhapur. There are scores of writers who face constant threats from these fundamentalist forces in India.

All those killed were septuagenarians and seasoned campaigners for free speech and liberal values.

Their free-thinking would ignite debate across the country. However, Hindu fundamentalist forces put an end to all that.

What is more disturbing is the openness with which these radicals operate in India. An activist belonging to

the Bajrang Dal, a radical Hindu group sharing deep ideological affinities with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), issued an open threat to other such freethinkers on Twitter, saying "Then it was UR Ananthamoorty and now its MM Kalburgi. Mock Hinduism and die a dog's death."

For his secular and liberal views, Ananthamoorty

remained on the firing line of the extremist forces until his death last year.

Commenting on the incident, The Hindu, in an editorial, wrote that "there is no denying the fact that fringe right wing groups have created an atmosphere of intolerance to outspoken writers and academics who question religious practices and myths, thereby putting pres-

sure on freedom of speech and expression." The editorial asks the government not to go soft on Hindu fundamentalism and to "crack down" on these fringe elements in the same way it would deal with other "religion and ideology based extremist groups."

Here, one cannot miss the similarities with a recent spate of violence by Islamic

fundamentalists in Bangladesh. The modus operandi and motives are the same. Secular bloggers are being killed in Bangladesh because they challenge fundamentalism, question religious practices, and advocate a secular country. Hindu extremist groups are also targeting those who question Hinduism and want India to be a strong secular democracy. They remain just as defiant and devious as the Islamists in Bangladesh.

"This is a battle in defense of pluralism. This is the battle for secularism.

This is the struggle for a scientific temper and critical thinking," says Raghu, a student who came out on Saturday to join the protests in Delhi.

India's gradual descent into majoritarian fundamentalism is alarming. The growth of anti-secular violence is a warning signal to all the right-thinking citizens of India to resist the growing clout of these medieval forces.

7 Indians Missing After Airstrikes in Yemen 20 Indian nationals were on boats struck by coalition airstrikes off the coast of Yemen. ?

....Ankit Panda

Two boats carrying 20 Indian crew members were were bombed by warplanes on Tuesday evening in Yemen. The warplanes belonged to a Saudi Arabialed coalition that has been striking Houthi rebel positions in Yemen since earlier this year.

Late on Tuesday, eyewitness and reports from Hodeidah, Yemen suggested that 20 Indian crew members had all perished. On Wednesday, a day after the strikes, India's foreign ministry confirmed that 13 Indian crew members were confirmed to be alive and seven remained missing.

Vikas Swarup, a spokesperson for the Indian external affairs ministry,

debunked earlier reports that Indian nationals had been killed. According to the Indian external affairs ministry, "The boats were carrying a total of 20 Indian crew members of which 13 are alive and 7 are reported missing."

Regarding the circumstances of the bombing, Swarp noted that the Indian ministry noted that "we have ascertained that there were two boats one of which was plying between Berbera (Somalia) and Mokha (Yemen)." India does not currently have an embassy in Yemen and reportedly verified the status of the boats from its embassy in Djibouti.

The Indian government did not confirm the source of the strikes or what

the Indians were doing near Hodeidah. An earlier Reuters report noted that the struck boats contained "fuel smugglers." According to the BBC, Houthi officials have denied that the boats contained fuel smugglers, saying that the crew were fishermen.

Earlier this year, India played a major role in helping evacuate foreign nationals from Yemen after the Saudi-led coalition began strikes against Houthi positions. India evacuated nearly 500 of its own nationals from Yemen under Operation Rahaat, which led to requests for Indian assistance by a range of countries unable to evacuate their own citizens from Yemen.

To buttress its evacuation operations, New Delhi

dispatched a range of military and civilian assets to Yemen, including one mis-

sile destroyer and two frigates. India also sent two transport ships, three char-

tered flights, and two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemasters.

India Gets Its First New Artillery Guns Since the 1980s India's new artillery gun is indigenous and stands to considerably improve the Indian Army's artillery capabilities.

?

....Ankit Panda

The Indian Army is set to induct an indigenously development 155 mm towed howitzer. The artillery gun, dubbed the Dhanush, will be the Indian Army's first new 155 mm howitzer since a procurement scandal in the late 1980s in which Swedish firm Bofors (later acquired by Britain's BAE Systems), designer and manufacturer of the Haubits FH77 howitzer was found to have paid illegal kickbacks in exchange for the contract. The Dhanush was developed by India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) under the project name Ad-

vanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). The project was initiated under the DRDO in 2010.

As my colleague FranzStefan Gady reported earlier this year, New Delhi's announcement of the Dhanush's induction is no surprise. The system had been undergoing tests for some time. In April, the Indian government released a statement noting that the gun had "met all technical parameters during the winter and summer trials." At the time, the announcement that the Dhanush had passed all trials was, however, somewhat surprising given that reports as recently as sum-

mer of 2014 and winter of 2013 suggested major structural problems with barrel bursts in the prototypes.

India's Ordnance Factory Board reportedly had to modify the metallurgical process used in the manufacturing of the gun's barrel.

The Dhanush's specifi-

cations represents a considerable improvement over the Haubits FH77, a considerably older system. The Dhanush features a larger 45 mm caliber, compared with the 39 mm caliber of the Bofors artillery gun. Its range is significantly greater, at 38 km compared to the

FH77?s 27 km range. Each Dhanush unit will require a crew of six to eight artillerymen to operate and is capable of firing eight rounds per minute. According to a report citing Indian Army officials, the aggregate performance improvement of the Dhanush over the FH77 is around "20-25 percent."

The Dhanush outperforms the older Swedish gun on a range of measures, including "range, accuracy, consistency, low and high angle of fire and shoot-and-scoot ability."

India acquired 410 FH77 howitzers from Bofors between 1987 and 1991, and is set to acquire a total of 414

Dhanush artillery guns, with 114 already on order.

The guns will be manufactured in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at the Jabalpur Gun Carriage Factory.

India's FH77 artillery guns gave the Indian Army an important advantage in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. In fact, the guns proved so important to the Indian effort against Pakistan in the inhospitable and rugged Kashmiri terrain that New Delhi removed Bofors from its blacklist in 1999 to allow the company to provide spare parts and maintenance services to the FH77s.

Citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants Sir, The Union government's decision to grant citizenship along with voting rights to non-Muslim immigrants identified as "victims of religious persecution" from Bangladesh, Pakistan and other Muslim dominated countries is a disturbing concern. Though this decision was considered on humanitarian and religious grounds, it is a clear violation of the cut-off date for NRC. The Assam Accord signed after the six-year-long Assam agitation on 15th August, 1985 clearly states that "foreigners" who entered Assam after March 25, 1971 will be detected and deported irrespective of caste, creed, religion and linguistic affiliation. The then Union government under PM Rajiv Gandhi marked the Assam Accord as a national commitment.

If the present government agrees to go forward with the decision by defying the clauses of Assam Accord, it will brand the entire process of updating the NRC as contradictory. The decision is also an insult to the brave martyrs of Assam agitation and their families.

The fact that elections are just round the corner in Assam, it is quite evident that this decision is aimed at electoral gains and "vote-bank politics" of the present government.

The Gauhati High Court too has observed that the illegal

Bangla migrants have become kingmakers in Assam during elections.

If such a notification comes into effect, it will not only endanger the political, economic and cultural rights of the indigenous peoples of Assam, irrespective of their religious affiliations, but would also alter the demography of the entire state.

Yours etc Himangka Kaushik 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

Op

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

14 years after 9/11, World Trade Center steel dwindles but still in demand for memorials Rik Stevens In an airplane hangar at New York's Kennedy Airport, fewer than 30 pieces of steel remain from the debris recovered after terrorists flew hijacked planes into the World Trade Center's twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Even 14 years after the attacks, applications are still pending for the pieces of metal mostly for memorials and museum exhibits - and some pieces found a new home as recently as last week in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Florida.

Here's a look at what has become of the relics of the World Trade Center: How Much Steel?

Beginning in August 1968, builders used 200,000 tons of steel to build the World Trade Center complex, enough to raise the twin towers to heights of the south towers' 1,362 feet (415 metres) and the north tower's 1,368 feet (417 metres).

Out of 1.8 million tons of debris removed from the site after the attacks, recovery workers collected

840 pieces of steel, some of which were cut up to make a total of 2,200 separate items. They ranged from 6-inch slabs to massive beams to the 7.5 tons the Navy used in the construction of the warship USS New York.

Where Did It Go? The artifacts can be found anchoring memorials or museum exhibits in all 50 states and eight countries: Germany, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, The United Kingdom, Afghanistan, China and Ireland. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey oversees the artifact program, reviewing applications and parceling out the steel and other items to about 1,500 individual nonprofit groups, governments or museums so far. The artifact must be available for the public to view it.

How Much Is Left?

Fewer than 30 pieces of steel, including pieces of rail tracks, remain. Fewer than 70 other artifacts such as clothing or toys also remain in Hangar 17 at Kennedy Airport.

Are Items Still Being Sought?

Yes. Thirty applications are pending approval, and 40 others are in the review process. Even as recently as last week, an 8-footlong, 1,100-pound steel beam arrived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, while other pieces were distributed to Ware, Massachusetts, and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida during August.

The Ware Fire Department is building a second memorial using trade centre artifacts. It received a 1,600-pound piece of steel in August that will be used in a memorial that is still being discussed. At the space centre, the beam will be the centerpiece of a permanent memorial at Fire Station No. 1. That memorial includes small-scale replicas of the twin towers.

Was Any Of The Steel Recycled Or Discarded?

No. The Port Authority's mission was to preserve the artifacts and distribute them to worthy groups to memorialize the attacks.

Sources: The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; the New York State Museum; Associated Press archives

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With 71% Jobs Held By Hindu Upper Caste Men, Is The Media Free From Bias?

Abhishek Jha Lokmat, the largest selling newspaper in Marathi, recently carried a front page piece that opposed reservation, in relation to the Patel agitation. Soon after there was a peaceful march in Nagpur where the newspaper was denounced, copies of it burnt, and subscriptions cancelled. The very next day, the newspaper announced on its front page that it was not opposed to reservation. In a similar incident from across the globe, a viral video from the Baltimore agitation, earlier this year, shows Geraldo Rivera of Fox News being confronted for its selective coverage of news from Baltimore.

"Let's not assume that media is outside the globe," Paul Divakar, convener at National Campaign On Dalit Human Rights, said on Saturday at the Press Club of India. He was speaking at a public meeting organised in memory of Nagaraju Koppula, 'Addressing Casteism and Discrimination In Indian Media'. Nagaraju's death has once again brought the question of casteism in media to the fore, which was first brought to light

by B.N. Uniyal with his piece in The Pioneer in 1996. Anil Chamadia, moderating the meeting, said that Nagaraju's case shows us that Dalits continue to be discriminated against in media, despite their talent, and the meeting sought to bring a continuity to this discourse.

However, it is not surprising that this questioning itself would be seen with suspicion and contempt.

Uniyal, in his 1996 piece, recorded several such counter questions, one of

them reads: "Do you mean to say the Press is really Manuwadi as Kansi Ram says? Do you think any of us writes or reports as a Brahmin journalist, or as a Kayastha or a Jain journalist?" And in 2015, preempting such comments, Paul Divakar noted that during the tsunami and the earthquake in Gujarat, Dalits had to be flown in to clear the carcasses, they were denied shelter in the makeshift tents, and compensation was denied to them because they were not landowners, indicating that there's been no change in the casteist structure of the Indian society. If caste operates even in the times of natural disasters, the burden of proof then must lie on the media and not those who question its casteist nature; and as statistics from previous studies were quoted during the

meeting, there remained no doubt that the media must be subjected to an examination of casteism inherent in it.

Dilip C. Mandal, former Managing Editor of India Today, brought to notice that a national commission in USA, constituted to look into the causes and prevention of violence in 1968, had at least identified the country's press as 'white press' and called it as such at least four times in the report. While we refuse to accept this in the case of Indian media, which he said could easily be called hindu-male-upper-caste press. He then reminded everyone present, of the study carried out by Anil Chamadia, Yogendra Yadav, and Jitendra Kumar in 2006 that showed that Hindu upper caste men, who form only 8% of the country's popu-

lation, hold 71% of the top jobs in national media.

While casteism permeates newsrooms in subtle manners- as the case of Nagaraju shows- he expressed surprise at the fact that despite their major readership coming from avarnareaders, newspapers continue to write strongly against reservation. "What good are journalists if they don't speak up during incidents like Babri Masjid, Mandal agitation and caste census?" he asked. To add to that, one might ask why the Cobrapost documentary, on the massacre of Dalits in Bihar, has failed to make it to regular front page news and prime time television despite elections being due in the state.

This representation is important because there are experiences that are specific to Dalits and Adivasis that a member of the up-

per caste can hardly relate to. Is it surprising that a debate on reservation among upper castes starts with complete amnesia about the Poona Pact and ignorance of regular reports of SC/ST students being denied RTE, being segregated in schools, being beaten up for clearing IIT-JEE? Bhasha Singh, another journalist on the panel, narrated that in a recent meeting with Soni Sori, Sori told her that although a lot has been written about her, she doesn't hear her voice in those stories. While Paranjoy Guha urged everyone to use everyday technology and smartphones to report stories that the mainstream ignores, Singh was of the opinion that the mainstream needs to be targeted to alter the discourse in the nation. What Singh says surmises that change can't come only by using alternative methodology, it needs to come by dismantling the hegemony of the mainstream as well.

Satyendra Murli, a journalist from Doordarshan, also highlighted that government owned media weren't immune to discrimination either, despite constitutional provisions. It is on these lines that a charter of demands was presented by the panel members. In specific, these demands from the state, the media, and civil society organisations are aimed at ending discrimination in the media.

The organisers also announced an annual award for Dalit and Adivasi journalists. As Paul Divakar noted in the meeting, "While media is not part of the state, it is akin to state", and it must, therefore, be held accountable too.

Bollywood's Pay Gap: Why Kangana How Tribal Journalists Are Proving That Ranaut's Rs. 11 Crore Salary Is No Big Deal Journalism Is Not Just For Elites Rachit Sharma It was not long ago when the political editor of one of my favorite political magazines asked me to show a journalism degree when I went for an internship interview. But what I wanted to put across was how passionately I believe in the values of journalism, how over the years I conducted my own little experiments with society and would like to learn under their guidance, but to my dismay the interview didn't last long enough for me to say these things. No degree means no internship today.

The rustle of my grass root experiences cannot find voice behind sound proof cabins of these offices. With a heavy heart I continued roving for experiences in the hinterlands of India. My journey took me to the Red Corridor, spread across a substantially large part of central India. I didn't know then that I would come across a practice of communication where the deprived are the chief stakeholders. On my journey from Raipur to its younger brother, Naya Raipur, I encountered greenery that was filtered through the raindrops on the windows of the bus. Naya Raipur is an upcoming city, one gets the sense that it is a

child that just learned to gallop through green fields and landed up on a carpet of concrete.

The organization that I was about to explore had inspired me to break the belief that communication or journalism can only be governed by elite groups. It was there that I realized the power of communication, which lies in sharing, where the message is more powerful than the medium.

CGNet Swara is a voice based mobile portal, freely accessible to anyone who wants to report or listen to the issues of local interest. It has a team of tribal journalists who organize frequent Citizen Journalism Awareness Yatras to sow the seeds of power of Communication among the tribal population inhabiting Maoist areas. The organisation gets hundreds of calls each day reporting civic, and law and order issues in local areas. These reports are put on the website with the names and phone numbers of the officials who were unable to acknowledge the issues due to sheer apathy or ignorance. The website gives a person sitting thousand miles away the power to question the authorities, as to why a government school of a farflung village in Chhattisgarh

is not working for months, or why there is no electricity for years in a remote village of Madhya Pradesh or Jharkhand. I remember, while working on a villager's grievance of not being paid his wages of MNREGA, I called up the collector of a small district called Rewa of Madhya Pradesh and questioned him about the issue.

The collector was shocked as to how someone out of the blue is advocating for an unknown, poor villager but promised to look into the matter right away. Stories like these are tracked persistently unless they reach their justified conclusion.

While living with tribal journalists of the region, Maoism always spurted out when conversing. They would tell how they are governed by two governments and bear the brunt of both. Some of the educated tribal journalists' would argue that the whole world squanders billions of dollars on conventions for environment protection but when an adivasi raises his voice for 'jal', 'jungle', 'jameen', he is labeled as a terrorist instead of an environmentalist. They would say that the only time when mainstream media took notice of the tribal region was when they discovered

'Gotuls', which are amusingly seen as sex hostels by the outside world, but in fact are community centers of villages in tribal region, where people come together to discuss the concerning matters.

'Gotul' serves as a guest house for people in villages, is a home for tribal music and dance, and it provides sex education, which involves discussing premarital sex as well. However this fact shouldn't overshadow the belief of community building for which 'Gotuls' are established.

During my stay in Chhattisgarh I realized that the situation, which the former Prime Minister called 'the biggest internal threat to the country', is as much a result of a gap in communication, as of apathy and neglect.

It was appalling to observe that in a region inhabited by millions of people there was no trace of media or journalism. The people who chiefly speak 'Gondi' language are secluded from the communication scene itself. But journalists like Monika Marawi, Sarla Biswas and other tribal women, who have hardly studied up to high school, restore my faith in journalism when they journey to the remotest villages, and ask the tribal people to raise their voices and demand their rights, besides eloquently reporting issues of grave concern. The best thing is that there are plenty of journalists like these working with CGNet Swara who define the real meaning of journalism. These remote regions are turning into breeding grounds for development of communication and journalism and these journalists did not require any fancy degrees to do what they are doing. The ripples of change are wide and deep, if not loud.

Amrita Roy Yes, gender inequality exists everywhere. In almost all professions, women get paid less than men. The ratio stands at about 75 cents for a dollar.

And women face an additional glass ceiling when it comes to rising up the hierarchy to positions of strategy, control and power in organizations, while men are promoted using a glass escalator.

Recently, Kangana Ranaut made news for being the highest paid female actor in Bollywood with a paycheck of Rs. 11 crores. Reading that news, most of us probably felt quite elated. Finally women in Bollywood are getting their due not only in terms of good roles, but also in terms of salaries. Good on Bollywood and the production houses for beginning to realize that female actors also deserve to be treated with basic decency.

But those Rs 11 crores put her at only 18% of the pay of the highest paid male actor, Salman Khan, who takes home a big fat paycheck of a whopping Rs. 60 crores per film.

Jennifer Lawrence, the highest paid female actor in Hollywood earned USD 52 million in 2012, while her highest paid male counterpart, Robert Downey Jr. earned USD 80 million. While this isn't the ideal situation either, and is still lower than the 0.75:1 ratio, at 65% of the pay of the highest male actor, Lawrence is still faring far better than Ranaut. Now many people will be quick to point out that Salman Khan's movies make a lot more money than Kangana Ranaut's do, so it only makes sense that producers pay him more. True, 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' has earned about Rs. 320 crores so far, while 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' earned Rs. 151 crores in its theatrical run. So, Ranaut's film made 47.2% of the money Khan's film made. And she

still earns only 18% of what Salman Khan earns. (And since she just hiked her fees, so she earned lesser than Rs. 11 crores for 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns').

If you take in the budgets of the two films, the difference is even more glaring. 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' was made on a budget of Rs. 30 crores, putting the net profit of the film at Rs. 121 crores.

'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' boasts of a budget of Rs 90 crores, putting net profit at Rs 230 crores.

So Ranaut's film made 52.6% of the net profit of Khan's film.

Going by the profit logic that is so widely quoted as being the reason for the pay gap, Ranaut should be paid Rs 32 crores per film. But instead, she is still going to be paid just 18% of Salman Khan's salary.

It's not even a pay gap; it's a pay chasm.

Let's continue with Salman Khan as an example for a little longer. Many of us may not remember the 1991 movie, 'Love', by its name. But any music aficionado will immediately recognize the song "Saathiya, Tune Kya Kiya" sung by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Chitra Singh. Salman Khan and Revathi formed the lead

romantic pair in the film. In the last couple of years, Revathi has played Alia Bhatt's mother in '2 States' and Kalki Koechlin's mother in 'Margarita With A Straw'.

Salman Khan is still busy playing the omnipotent worldsaving charismatic childless bachelor whose exact age is unbeknownst but can be assumed to be somewhere in the late twenties or early thirties.

Both actors are aged 49 as of September 2015.

And these, pay and age, are just two of the many symptoms of the underlying issues that Bollywood and the rest of the media have with accepting women as equals. The two male superstars of Bollywood - Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan are known to report late on film sets. Karan Johar even cheekily admitted that there's a general understanding on a film set that SRK would be "punctually late by two hours".

This is taken on a positive note as the perks of being a superstar. It's never reported by leading media outlets. And then we have Katrina Kaif on all clickbait headlines making news for stalling the shoot of a reality TV show for 5 - 10 minutes when she was asked to speak in Hindi. She stopped

the shoot to be briefed on what she had to say. Reporting this as news implicitly plays to the stereotype that 'female actors throw starry tantrums.'

Now, I don't know how many people reading this article have learnt a foreign language but I happen to have taken French in school for seven years. And still, when I talk to some of my friends who are native French speakers, I take longer than 5 minutes to process what they said and to formulate my answer in correct grammatical French. The fact that she asked for the same amount of time before conversing in a language foreign to her on national TV, knowing that every single viewer is gleefully waiting to judge her on her linguistic capabilities, is not only highly professional but also extremely brave.

The two male actors don't exactly have much reason to be late on sets every time. I am sure they have enough resources to ensure punctuality.

But no one ever seems to have any problem with their tardiness.

I guess, it is easier to change the working pattern of a hundred strong crew than to tell a male actor to report sharp on time.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

BUSINESS

Narendra Modi inaugurates Rs 939-crore terminal at Chandigarh airport

Chandigarh, Sep 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated a new terminal at Chandigarh airport which will handle both domestic as well as international flights. Modi dedicated to the nation the modern facility which is expected to boost the economic and industrial development in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The ambitious Rs 939-crore project, which is being seen as a "harbinger" of regional development for the northern part of the country, will be operated and maintained by Chandigarh International Airport Ltd(CHIAL), a joint venture between Airports Au-

thority of India (AAI) and the governments of Punjab and Haryana. AAI has 51% stake in the project while Punjab and Haryana have 24.5% equity each. Governor of Punjab and Haryana and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Kaptan Singh Solanki, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattarwere among those present on the occasion. Before inaugurating the civil air terminal, Modi was shown the model of the new building and taken around an exhibition of photographs of the

facility. He was also presented a memento by Civil Aviation Minister Raju.

Designed on the green building concept, the terminal in Mohali (Punjab) is spread over 53,000 sq.m and can handle 1,600 passengers, including 450 international travellers, during peak time. The apron capacity of the airport will be 8 aircraft, including cargo planes. With parking facility for 500 cars, it is equipped with 48 check-in counters, nine immigration counters, four arrival baggage carousels, three passenger boarding bridges, six escalators and 14 lifts.

Depicting heritage and culture of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh with mu-

rals, paintings and sculptures, the terminal building has five levels with arrival hall at ground floor, departures in the first floor and services, including baggage handling system, and offices in the basement.

Built by construction major L&T, the terminal sets a new benchmark in sustainability with green technologies like using about 55 lakh fly ash bricks, cavity wall, double insulated roofing, energy efficient chillers and sensor-based plumbing system to save water. It boasts of a sewage treatment plant of 600 KLD, which is based on environment-friendly extended aeration technology, water treatment plant, rain water harvesting and re-use of treated water for flushing and gardening. Also, international-level baggage handling system and Wi-Fi facilities have also been provided. Punjab had given 305 acres of land at Jheorheri village in Mohali to AAI in 2008 for setting up the new facility. Both domestic and international flights will be operated from the new airport once it is functional while the existing terminal building will be used for other civil aviation purposes. (Agencies)

Xiaomi: Devices for local market Mumbai, Sep 11: Within two years, Chinese handset maker and Internet services company, Xiaomi will go in for domestic manufacture of devices that they will sell in India, Xiaomi Technology India Pvt. Ltd. head, Manu Kumar Jain said.

"We have just launched our India facility at SriCity and eventually our aim is that all devices sold in India should be made in India," he told. He said India was the second unit outside China (first in Brazil) and was the most strategic market after China. He said at present the India facility was owned and operated by Foxconn, Xiaomi's strategic partner "with investments by both." Mr. Jain, an alumnus of IIM Calcutta sounded happy with the 'ease of business' in India indicating that the company was pleasantly surprised about the pace of work at starting activities at its unit. "What we thought would take two years actually took less than half and six months after the announcement of our India plans we were ready," he

said, adding that Ratan Tata had been mentor for Xiaomi's India operations.

"We design every part of the product and we bring in the components," Mr. Jain said adding that this was the first market where designs were made specifically to suit the market. On the security issue, he dismissed those reports as rumours, saying that while the company would be "happy to collaborate with any authority on this issue," it has already moved its servers to

LOCAL XIAOMI ¢ Within two years, Chinese handset maker and Internet services company, Xiaomi will go in for domestic manufacture of devices that they will sell in India. ¢ They have just launched our India facility at SriCity. ¢ Their aim is that all devices sold in India should be made in India.

Singapore and the U.S. Xiaomi, which was founded in 2010 by Lei Jun, creates hardware, software and internet services incorporating customer and fan feedback (from social network) into its product range, which currently includes the Mi Note Pro, Mi Note, Mi 4, Redmi 2, Mi TV, Mi Band and other accessories. It sold over 61 million handsets in 2014, and launched products in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Indonesia and Brazil. In India it has sold over three million smart phones since its entry in July 2014 and its devices are now sold through Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal besides its own Mi.com. It also sells offline.

"The mobile ecosystem in

India is growing at a very fast pace... We are much more than just a smartphone company, as we also provide Internet services ..and we believe that we can contribute greatly to India's growth as a technological hub," Mr. Jain said. Besides online, offline is also a major option and by 2016, around 30 per cent of sales may be offline and there are no differential pricing. Mr.Jain dismissed suggestions of a contraction in the China market. "China market will not contract," he said adding that the company's business model works in countries where "affordability is a challenge, carriers do not subsidise phone sets and ecommerce is just taking off." (Agencies)

Get iPhone 6S, 6S Plus in India within 2 days Kolkata, Sep 11: Die-hard iPhone devotees in India will be able to lay hands on the latest models in the grey market within two days of the US launch on September 25 by shelling out Rs 1 lakh. However, the grey market will be able to command a premium only for a short period because in a sign of India's growing importance as an iPhone market, Apple is expected to officially start selling the new devices here by October 11-15. Grey market sellers in Mumbai's Heera Panna Market and Crawford Market, Delhi's Gaffar Market and Kolkata's Air-Conditioned Market and Fancy Market said there have been several

enquiries about the new iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, which were unveiled

by Apple in San Francisco on Wednesday, and some of them have even started taking pre-orders. The newly launched rose gold colour variant has turned out to be the most in demand, and is commanding a premium.

"The price will be around Rs 1 lakh initially, but it will come down after the company announces the official launch date. We have started getting enquiries," said a mobile store owner at Mumbai's Heera Panna Market. The average price at most of these sellers will be Rs 70,000-

80,000 for iPhone 6S and between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000 for iPhone 6S Plus.

The rose gold colour model is likely to be available at an additional premium of Rs 10,000-15,000, six sellers in the grey market hubs of the country said. The sellers said their agents in the US will place requests at Apple stores when the company starts pre-bookings and will ensure the first lot reaches within 2-3 days of the launch. They will also start receiving supplies from Singapore, Hong Kong and similar markets, which are nearer to India and where the new iPhones will be launched in the first phase of rollout.

(Agencies)

PAGE 10

Reebok plans to bring mixed martial arts league UFC New Delhi, Sep 11: Indian fans may finally get a chance to have a glimpse of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heartthrob Ronda Rousey. American sportswear brand Reebok is planning to bring the world's largest mixed martial arts league UFC to India. The company, owned

by German sports goods maker Adidas, has been trying to reposition itself as a fitness brand by associating itself with global franchisees such as Cross fit, which it has successfully introduced here. Apart from bringing in a range of fan wear and UFC Kits, featuring high-performance gear worn by athletes, Reebok is also planning a retail push with new stores named 'Fight Shops'.

These stores will not only retail UFC products but will also house MMA (mixed martial arts) trainers, who will help consumers enroll for classes. Although a Reebok India spokesperson refused to confirm, it has been learnt that the company is working on a plan to bring top UFC fighters to India for a competitive league. Senior Reebok executives said the

company's partnership with UFC, featuring celebrity athletes such as Rousey, Georges St Pierre and Anderson Silva, will give it a leg-up in the training segment, one of the most promising sportswear subsegments in the country.

Dave Thomas, MD, Adidas Group (India), confirmed the development. "India has a growing number of UFC fans. We have big plans for UFC and will start with six Fight Shops in top metros and roll out more in the near future," he told TOI. Globally, UFC and Reebok have recently partnered to launch UFC Fight Kit. These will now

be worn by every athlete who steps into the Octagon, a 750 square-foot fighting 'ring', measuring 30-feet across and six-feet high, used in UFC bouts.

"India boasts of three million fans out of 10 million UFC fans on Facebook," said Kanika Mittal, head of brand marketing at Reebok India. "UFC-based films such as Brothers, starring Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra, is a testament to UFC's growing popularity here." For marketing, Reebok is also looking to partner with Sony Kix, a sports channel launched earlier this

TUV300 at Rs 6.9L launched: M&M Mumbai, Sep 11: Homegrown utility vehicles major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) recently launched TUV300, its second vehicle in the sub-4-metre segment of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) market. The new model is also M&M's first vehicle in three years that's priced at an entry level Rs 6.90 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai), rising up to Rs 9.1 lakh for the top version.TUV300 (in which 'T' stands for tough) is a combat SUV - its design was inspired by battle tanks used by the military, company officials said. This miniSUV, which runs on diesel, is positioned between M&M's Quanto, its maiden sub-4-meter SUV, and Scorpio, its regular and best-selling model in the overall SUV segment. With TUV300, M&M also expects to gain market share in this fast growing segment in the automobile industry.

TUV300 will be competing with EcoSport from Ford, Duster from Nissan, SCross from Maruti and Creta from Hyundai, auto experts said. Competition could be tough on the basis

of the price for mid and top variants. M&M's entry into the sub-4-meter, mini SUV segment was through the Quanto, for which the price range is Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. TUV300 is priced slightly higher than Quanto but below Scorpio. Industry experts said that at 184 millimetres, TUV300 has a superior ground clearance, which is an advantage.

However, at the same time, it has a 1.5-litre engine that generates 84 horse power, both of which could be its weaknesses. It gives a fuel efficiency of 18.5 km per litre and can seat up to seven people. Industry experts said that there is a demand for

vehicles like TUV300 and its price is attractive.

Speaking at the launch at M&M's Chakan plant near Pune, Anand Mahindra, chairman of the company, said that TUV300 "embodies Mahindra's tough and rugged DNA" and that makes him confident that it will be a brand creator in its segment. Pawan Goenka, ED, M&M, said that the total SUV industry in India right now is about 45,000 to 50,000 a month, and "if this (TUV300) gives us a volume of additional 4,000 to 5,000 per month...then that is 8-10% of market share gained".(Agencies)

Satyam scam: Sebi orders return of Rs 1,800 crore New Delhi, Sep 11: In a fresh order in the nearly seven-year old Satyam scam case, regulator Sebi recently asked 10 entities linked to the main accused B Ramalinga Raju -- including his mother, brother and son -- to disgorge over Rs 1,800 crore worth of illegal gains made by them.

Besides, they will also have to pay close to Rs 1,500 crore as interest on the disgorgement amount, as the penalty has been levied with effect from January 7, 2009 -- the day Satyam Computer's founder and then Chairman B Ramalinga Raju admitted to a massive long-running fraud at the company. The latest penalties for insider trading follows an earlier disgorgement order passed

by Sebi in July last year, wherein the regulator had barred Raju and four others from the markets for 14 years and also asked them to return Rs 1,849 crore worth of unlawful gains with interest. That order was against Ramlinga Raju himself, his brother B Rama Raju (then Managing Director of Satyam),

Vadlamani Srinivas (exCFO), G Ramakrishna (exvice president) and VS Prabhakara Gupta (ExHead of Internal Audit). In recent order, Sebi has also fixed individual liability of Raju, his two brothers and other individuals and companies related to the promoter family. Those against whom the latest order has been passed include SRSR Holdings (controlled by Raju brothers), IL&FS Engineering and Construction (formerly known as Maytas Infra that was controlled by Raju and his two sons), Raju's mother B Appalanarasamma, his two sons -- Teja Raju and Rama

Raju Jr, his brother Suryanarayana Raju, B Jhansi Rani (wife of Suryanarayana), Chintalapati Srinivasa (then Director of Satyam) and his father Anjiraju Chintalapati (since deceased), as also Chintalapati Holdings Pvt Ltd. With regard to IL&FS Engineering and Construction (IECCL), Sebi however said it was neither an insider in Satyam Computers and Maytas, nor did it have access to the 'unpublished price sensitive information', and therefore it has been spared of any debarment action. (Agencies)

year by Multi Screen Media (MSM), said people familiar with the development. Reebok's business here took a big hit after its India chief Subhinder Singh Prem was accused of fraud in 2012. Parent Adidas, with a new leadership under its belt, has stepped on the gas to make amends. Recently, it applied to DIPP to open its own retail stores here, which will give it more control on its operations.

Adidas also plans to increase the number of its stores to 1,000 quickly. At present, it has 750 stores, of which 250 are Reebokbranded. (Agencies)

The Nudge Foundation funds initiative to alleviate poverty

Bengaluru, Sep 11: The Nudge Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on sustainable poverty alleviation, has received a seed grant of $200,000 from Infosys cofounder and former UIDAI chief Nandan Nilekani. The foundation has also received contributions of $50,000 from GWC (Great Wall Club), $75,000 from InMobi and $40,000 from Paytm. Nilekani said the demographic dividend was one of India's biggest opportunities but also a big challenge."The Nudge Foundation is focused on giving our underprivileged youth a decent second chance in life by investing in them in a unique learning environment.

I am glad to support this initiative. We need projects like these to succeed at scale and speed." Atul Satija, founder and CEO of The Nudge Foundation, said the money pledged would enable the foundation to reach its goal of pulling 1 million people sustainably out of poverty by 2020.

The foundation, launched in July , is also being assisted by Arun Seth, ex-chairman of British Telecom and Alcatel Lucent, Hugo Barra, VP of Xiaomi, Pramath Raj Sinha, founding dean of ISB, Naveen Tewari, cofounder of InMobi, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, Manish Dugar, CFO of InMobi, and Neeraj Arora, VP of WhatsApp. (Agencies)

"I'd have stayed on as a squad player if I'd had the chance to learn more about management or coaching. I left with all the doors still open, but yes, I could still have been at Liverpool now."

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

PAGE 11

Steven Gerrard

US Open women's semis postponed due to rain threat New York: The US Open women's semi-finals have been postponed due to the threat of rain. Both the men's and women's semis will now be played tomorrow, tournament officials announced. Play was scheduled to begin at 0330 IST on Friday with world number one Serena Williams taking on Italian Roberta Vinci.

The delay puts the American's calendar-year Grand Slam bid on hold.

That match would have been followed by second seed Simona Halep against Flavia Pennetta of Italy. An action-packed marathon of action will now start tomorrow with the HalepPennetta match, followed

by Williams versus Vinci.

The men's semi-finals will follow, with world number one Novak Djokovic tacking defending champion Marin Cilic and then an in-

triguing all-Swiss matchup between five-times US Open winner Roger Federer and French Open

India win tennis singles gold medals at C'wealth Youth Games

Apia: India ended their Commonwealth Youth Games campaign in style, winning two of the four golds on offer on the concluding day and finishing fifth in the overall medal tally, in Apia, Samoa, on Friday. Sasi Kumar Mukund and Dhruthi Tatachar Venugopal won the boys' and girls' singles titles in tennis to add to their mixed doubles success together earlier at the Games. India thus won three out of five gold on offer in tennis. With Friday's two gold medals, India finished fifth in the overall tally with 19 medals (9 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze) behind Australia (24, 19, 19), South Africa (13, 7, 15), England (12, 16, 16) and Malaysia (11, 3, 3). Dhruthi brushed aside the challenge of Namibia's Lesedi Jacobs in the girls' singles summit clash, winning 6-3, 6-0. "I stayed focused and gave my best every time I was on court. I think that's what got me through. Today was definitely one of the best games," Dhruthi said.

In boys' singles final, Mukund controlled the game with his fast serves

and power hits, proving too good for Scotland's Ewen Lumsden in a 6-1, 6-2 victory. "For this match I was really confident. Going in I knew that I was going to play really well. I just had the will to win and I always give 100 per cent," he said. Talking about the mixed doubles triumph, Dhruthi said, "It was the first time playing together and it was amazing playing with him (Kumar Mukund); it was a good experience. I hope we can play together in future." The Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent, Jharkhand Athletics Association president Madhu Kant Pathak, did the honours at the mixed doubles medal ceremony, presenting the gold to Mukund and Dhruthi.

Twenty-five Indians took part in the five-day multisporting event hosted by this Pacific island nation of Samoa. Athletes aged 14 to 18 from 40 countries participated in 107 events across nine disciplines. "Samoa has truly delivered... the warmest, friendliest Commonwealth Youth Games ever," declared Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin.

(Agencies)

champion Stan Wawrinka.

This will be the last year the US Open will have to deal with delays and postpone-

ments on the main venue Arthur Ashe Stadium court, because a retractable roof will be fully opera-

tional next year. Fans entering the massive 23,000 seat stadium the past two weeks have had a glimpse of the skeleton structure taking shape over the showcourt. The retractable roof is just part of the $500 million renovations taking place at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. A new 8,000 seat grandstand court is also in the works and Louis Armstrong court will be torn down after this year's grand slam and rebuilt. Flushing Meadows has largely escaped bad weather this year but from 2008 to 2012 the U.S. Tennis Association was forced to push the men’s final to Monday because of rain delays. Not wanting to juggle schedules, tournament officials opted for Monday men's final in 2013 and 2014 before switching back to a Sunday date this year.

(Agencies)

Another blow for Australia as injured Warner ruled out of Bangladesh Tests Sydney: Australia will be forced to blood an entirely new opening partnership in Bangladesh next month after David Warner was ruled out of the two-Test series with a broken finger on Friday. Warner, whose opening partner Chris Rogers retired after the recent Ashes defeat, sustained the injury in a one-dayer against England last week and a hand specialist in Sydney has confirmed he will not be fit to make the trip. "It's really disappointing," said Warner, who was recently appointed vice-captain under new skipper Steve Smith. "I never want to miss a match for Australia but I'll be doing everything I possibly can to get back as quickly as possible." The 28-year-old is, however, expected to be ready to face New Zealand in the threematch series on home soil in November, which includes the first ever daynight Test at the Adelaide Oval. "David has been told that the fracture will take at

three-putts. Lahiri, who in the morning session was as high as tied-third at one stage, eventually finished three shots behind the joint-leaders, American Tommy Gainey and Argentine Emiliano Grillo, who shot 66 each. Seven players, including Ricky Barnes, shot 67 each, while another six carded four-under 68 each on an excellent day for scoring. Lahiri, winner of the Malaysian Open and

Cowan has continued to score runs after being dropped for Rogers in 2013. The trip to Bangladesh was always going to be a transitional series for Australia after the retirement of captain Michael Clarke, stalwart wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, Watson and Rogers. The tourists play a warm-up match in Fatullah on October 3 before Tests against Bangladesh in Chittagong (October 9-13) and Mirpur (October 17-21). (Agencies)

Australia-bound New Zealand relying on all-rounders Wellington: New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has included recuperating allrounders James Neesham and Corey Anderson in his squad for the three-Test tour of Australia later this year. The duo, who have both been battling back problems, were named on Friday in a 15-man party to face Australia in Brisbane and Perth, as well as the first ever day/night Test in Adelaide. Hesson is banking on the all-rounders being fit enough to supplement the bowling of the

pace attack, allowing him to name only four seamers in Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell and Matt Henry. "A lot of our recent success has been based on the value of our number six batsman bowling some overs and we're comfortable continuing in that vein," Hesson said.

Hesson said he was confident both Neesham, who was rested from the final two one-dayers on the recent tour of South Africa, and Anderson, who was diagnosed with a double

stress fracture in his spine in June, would be available.

"We've been very conservative with them and we wouldn't have picked them if we didn't think they would be fit," Hesson added. Otherwise, Hesson has selected an experienced squad led by Brendon McCullum to try and extend New Zealand's run of seven consecutive series without defeat. Mark Craig, who with Kane Williamson bowled the Black Caps to a series-tying victory against England

Kashyap loses in quarters as Indian challenge ends at Japan Open

Tokyo: India's challenge at the Japan Open ended on Friday as Parupalli Kashyap was beaten by sixth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the men's singles quarter-finals. The world No. 8 was beaten 14-21, 18-21 in 42 minutes at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Kashyap was the lone Indian to make it to the quarter-finals after Saina Nehwal was

beaten 13-21, 16-21 by local star and world No. 18 Minatsu Mitani in the second round of the women's singles.

The Japanese had earlier accounted for P V Sindhu in her previous match. Kashyap had knocked out compatriot and world No. 4 Srikanth 21-11, 21-19 on Thursday. Ajay Jayaram bowed out in the first round, going down 10-21, 1021 to Viktor Axelsen of Den-

mark. Glasgow Commonwealth Games silver medallists Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa went down fighting 20-22, 21-18, 13-21 to Zhao Yunlei and Zhong Qianxin of China. The doubles combine of Pradnya Gadre and N Sikki Reddy also suffered an early exit, losing 6-21, 17-21 to top seeds Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi of Japan.

(Agencies)

at Headingley in June, was the sole specialist spinner named in the squad. Luke Ronchi will remain as back-up for the middle order and wicketkeeper BJ Watling, while Hamish Rutherford retained his place in the squad ahead of Dean Brownlie as cover for the top order. New Zealand, who will play three warmup matches before the first Test starts at the Gabba on Nov. 5, drew the 2011 series 1-1 after winning the second Test in Hobart.

(Agencies)

Gatlin confident of beating Bolt in Rio Olympics Brussels: US sprinter Justin Gatlin believes he is steadily catching up with Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt as the two head towards a likely showdown at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games next year.

Gatlin, who has twice served bans for doping, was unbeaten at 100 and 200 metres in 2015 until he faced an out-of-form Bolt going into the World Championships in Beijing last month. However, Bolt won the 100 metre final in 9.79 seconds, just 0.01 of a second ahead of Gatlin, before securing gold in the 200 metres in more convincing fashion. "It's all about growth and getting better and better," Gatlin told a news conference in Brussels when asked about how he could beat Bolt.

"The margin of the race is getting smaller and smaller. I just have to make sure I step my game up."

Gatlin was running 100 metres consistently in about 9.8 seconds last year and has pulled closer to 9.7

suffered an early exit, losing 6-21, 17-21 to top seeds Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi of Japan. (Agencies) India golfer Anirban Lahiri turned in a creditable three-under 69 and was placed tied-16th after the first round in the Hotel Fitness Championship, the Web.com finals series, at the Sycamore Hills Golf Club, in Fort Wayne, US. The 28-year-old, buoyed by an automatic selection to the International Team for the President's Cup next month, had five birdies against two bogeys, both of which were

least four weeks to stabilise and a further two weeks before he can start batting and catching again," said Cricket Australia's Pat Howard. With the Test retirement of allrounder Shane Watson and the death of Phillip Hughes at the end of last year, Australia have a dearth of experienced openers at their disposal. Joe Burns, who played two Tests against India in the middle order last season, and the uncapped Cameron Bancroft are contenders, while 18-Test veteran Ed

Lahiri makes a steady start in quest of PGA card Hero Indian Open events jointly sanctioned

by European and Asian Tours, found 16 of the 18 greens in regulation, but missed half of the fairways from the tee.

He finished the day with seven straight pars. "I think I hit it decent but I wasn't very good off the tee. Any other day I

would have said driver would be my best club but it would be the 14th club in the bag today. I was all over the place," Lahiri said. Lahiri hit some good iron shots but couldn't get the putts to drop. This is the first tournament in the Web.com Tour finals, a series of four events that

will conclude at the Tour Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. 25 PGA Tour cards are up for grabs during the four finals events, as well as positioning for all 50 cards, of which 25 were awarded two weeks ago at the end of the regular schedule. The two blemishes on Lahiri's cards were bogeys on the first and seventh hole, both a result of three-putts after duly getting to the greens in regulation. Lahiri, who

has committed himself to playing only the first three events in the Finals Series, started with a three-putt bogey on the first hole, but back-toback birdies on the next two holes quickly brought him under-par.

Further birdies on fifth and eighth and a bogey in between on par-3 seventh meant he turned in two-under. His fifth birdie on the day on par3 11th brought him to three-under. (Agencies)

seconds in many races this year. "So next year I hope to do even better," he said, ahead of Friday's final Diamond League event of the season in the Belgian capital. Gatlin has agreed to run the 200 metres as well as the shorter sprint after Bolt pulled out of the former citing a need to recharge before preparing for Rio. The 33-year-old American said he does not believe that age is against him in his search for even faster times. "I don't think I'm going to hit a limit, like I'm 34 and I can't learn anything anymore," he said. "I think a lot of athletes when they get

in their mid and late 30s, they focus more on kids, on family... In the last three years, I just focus on being a better athlete and trying to improve my flaws."

Gatlin said he has no thoughts of retirement and expressed a desire to keep going while he continues to be his country's top sprinter. "The goal is with these young athletes, I'm going to give them the opportunity to knock me off the podium. If they do and all I can be is the alternate in the relay, then I'll know it's time to go, but until then I'm having fun with it."

(Agencies)

I could have still been at Liverpool had they offered coaching role: Gerrard Los Angeles: Steven Gerrard might still have been at Liverpool if the club had offered him the chance to shadow Brendan Rodgers and learn about managing a team, the former England skipper has said in an interview. The comments by Gerrard, who joined Los Angeles Galaxy after last season, are at odds with those of Rodgers, who said when the 35year-old announced his departure that the midfielder was not yet ready for coaching as he was focussed on playing. Gerrard said he would have been willing to accept a reduced role as a squad player or substitute and would not have rejected a new contract from the club if he had been offered a part-time coaching role before he announced he was leaving.

"Ability-wise, I could still play but physically I couldn't play every game at my age," Gerrard said. "I didn't enjoy being sub last season. I didn't

enjoy not knowing if I would be in the 11 or not. Maybe that was selfish of me but I had gone a long time playing every single game. I might be contradicting myself here but what would have kept me at Liverpool into this season was the chance of shadowing Brendan Rodgers and his staff as well as playing. Those ideas were only mentioned to me after I had announced I was leaving." Gerrard left Anfield in May after more than 17 years and 700 matches with the Premier League club. "I was surprised a role wasn't mentioned when chief executive Ian Ayre sat down with my agent, but maybe it might happen one day," he said. "I'd have stayed on as a squad player if I'd had the chance to learn more about management or coaching. I left with all the doors still open, but yes, I could still have been at Liverpool now." (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

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WOMEN’S Beauty Tricks For Girls Who Wear Glasses! 5 Top Tips To Beat That Don't worry if you haven't been blessed with 20/20 vision, we give you a few beauty tips for girls with glasses to help you rock those spectacles like never before.

1. Banish Those Bags Your glasses can actually highlight those under eye circles and bags. If you've had a hectic week at work or a late night of partying, those shadows below your eyes will be the biggest telltale signs. Be sure to get rid of puffiness by rubbing ice on the area before applying your makeup. Then, bring out a colour correcting concealer and apply it, starting from the inner corners of your eye, and then blend well. Skip lining your lower lash line as it will only draw attention to this problem.

2. When It Comes To Colour It's true that your specs will shield a lot of the colour that you do apply. A nude skin colour or even a subtle gold will definitely help your peepers appear bigger and give you a more polished edge, no matter how thick your frames are. If you really do want to take

things up a notch with coloured eyeshadow, be sure to pick a colour that will stand out through your glasses while not clashing with your frames. Blues, greens and lilacs are our favourites for sure. Start with a lighter shade above your lashes and then go darker at the crease to colour your eyes like a pro and help them grab attention through your specs.

3. Let Your Lashes Do The Talking

Who said you can't flutter them behind those frames?

Whether you want to go dramatic or not, playing up your lashes is especially important for a gal with glasses. Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes before sweeping on a generous layer of mascara for some flirt worthy charm in spite of a high eye number.

If you can't step out without lining your eyes, remember that the thicker your frames are, the thicker

9 Everyday Fashion Mistakes

Fashion is a way of expressing ourselves and more often than not, first impressions are the last. Dressing smartly doesn't require you to be a runway regular or a fashion stylist; you just need to focus on the basics with a dash of common sense and you are good to go. We give you a lowdown on some of the most common fashion bloopers which you should avoid at any cost.

1. Wrinkled clothes You might be wearing the trendiest shirt of the season but if it's wrinkled, it loses its charm. Looking scruffy has never worked for anyone. A well ironed shirt will make you look twice as presentable.

2. Too much makeup Never ever cake your face with too much makeup.

Keep it light and dewy during the day and glam and bold for the night. Also pay attention to the color palette and your skin tone.

There is nothing less attractive than your arms and face having two tones.

3. Jewellery overload It's never a good idea to

wear everything you own, all at once. Stick to one statement piece - earrings, necklace or a be-jewelled cuff to complete your look.

Also, pay attention to the occasion you are dressing for and accessorize accordingly.

4. Untailored pants We cannot stress enough on the importance of wearing well-fitted pants. Trousers which are too short, too long or in general not suitable for your frame should be discarded as soon as possible!

5. Worn-out shoes Shoes are as important as the gorgeous outfit you are sporting. Worn or soiled shoes can totally ruin your look. It is important to invest in a pair of good quality shoes will last long.

6. Matchy-matchy everything Never opt for the same coloured shoes, bag and dress or top all at once. It is better to go for a complementing shade to offset the overall look. Try pairing a nude coloured bag with a pop coloured or printed outfit for a chic look.

7. Too much overdo!

We understand that you want to look totally glamorous at a party, but wearing a low-cut blouse with a tiny skirt could end up looking a bit too much for regular folks to handle.

Longer hemlines with lowcut tops and vice versa will make you look glamorous yet elegant at the same time. Nothing wrong with leaving something to the imagination!

8. Chipped nails Well-done nails - fingers and toes - are extremely attractive; they even make sense for hygiene reasons.

Chipped nail paints look unruly so it's better to take them off. It is best to use an alcohol-free remover which is gentler on your nails and doesn't dry them.

9. Perfume overdose A good perfume goes a long way, but too of it can make even your closest friends shy away from your company. Ideally, your scent should be so subtle it can be picked up only by someone at an arm's length.

your eyeliner should be to stand out. Go crazy with gorgeous flicks and cat eyes to help define your peepers.

4. Some Lower Lid Magic Take advantage of the fact that glasses actually magnify your eyes a little. Keep that in mind and add a bit of shimmery shadow or a perky colour along your lower lid for an extra dash of magic. It's a simple trick to add plenty of drama.

5. Brows On Fleek Glasses or no glasses,

messy and unruly brows are never a good look.

Don't slack off on those threading appointments every few weeks. Trust us, a fierce brow game can do wonders for your appearance and will help you look perfectly groomed. Use dark brown eyeshadow to darken your brows, fill in any gaps and basically make them more defined and help them stand out under your frames. Don't forget to blend - remember that defined lines will look unnatural, so smudge away.

6. Pucker Up The quickest way to turn up your look when your glasses are shielding your eyes is by drawing attention to your lips. Forget about the eyeshadow and let your lips do the talking with siren red, hot pink or deep berry. Playing up your pout is a surefire way of elevating your look in a matter of seconds. Also, don't forget to add some colour to your cheeks, even if they are partially covered by your glasses. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow and beautiful complexion.

Sweet Tooth

Sugar is one of the hardest things for anyone to give up! And it is also something most of us get addicted to very easily. If you've been having trouble letting go of sugar, we have some tips to get you started!

1. Clear Your Pantry Or Fridge Of Sugary Foods First step in kicking a sugar habit is to get rid of all that sugar sitting around your home! Yes, we are talking about the ice-cream in the freezer, those sugary cold drinks stalked up in your fridge, that chocolate spread and all those biscuit and cookie jars! Out of sight is out of mind!

2. Cut Out Refined Sugar Apart from hiding all that dessert out of your reach, you need to get rid of those spoonfuls of sugar you add to your tea or coffee everyday! Instead, try organic honey, eucalyptus honey for a change - healthier options which taste just as good, if not better!

3. Stock Up On The Kinds Of Sugar You can Eat! You can always substitute processed sugar for the

natural kind. Fruits are your best bet here. They contain fructose which is a natural form of sugar and they're healthier and easier for your body to break down.

4. Eat At Regular Intervals Waiting for longer than your body can handle between meals or reaching a point of starvation before eating will lead to stronger sugar cravings! Instead of

binging on sweets, keep a small healthy snack with you in your bag and try eating at regular intervals to avoid a sugar craving!

5. Walk It Out! Feel like eating that piece of cake you know is lying somewhere in the house?

Take a little walk around your house or colony park or wherever you like! The exercise will take your mind off that sugar craving.

What is Causing Acne On Your Forehead?

Know Your Answer Are zits popping up on your forehead every few days? If yes, it's our duty to tell you that you might be partly responsible for it! It's true. Certain products and lifestyle choices constantly affect your skin, and this is what's making the skin on your forehead break out.

Here are 7 things you probably didn't know which are causing forehead acne - and what you can do about it.

1. You Have Dandruff Did you know that dandruff is one the main reasons why you have those zits on your forehead? When your scalp sheds those flakes, they land on your forehead first. And the tiny deadskin particles end up blocking your pores and clogging them.

What you should do: Wash your hair at least twice a week with a good anti-dandruff shampoo.

2. Over-Exfoliating Skin exfoliation is a fabulous way to get rid of dead skin cells and restoring your face to its natural glow. But not when you do it on every day! By overdoing it, you not only damage your skin by making it rough and dry, you also risk

acne since your oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are sent into overdrive.

What you should do: Exfoliate your face only once or twice a week.

3. An Oily Scalp If your scalp is oily, it's inevitable for the skin around your hairline to be quite oily too, leading to your pores being clogged and acne being triggered.

What you should do: Wash your hair every alternate day with a mild hair cleanser (meant for oily hair) to prevent buildup of oil and greasiness.

4. The Wrong Cosmetics For Your Skin If your skin is prone to acne, it's actually best to keep cosmetics away altogether. But no, obviously we're not saying that you should never apply makeup ever. Make sure you're using the right base makeup - cream-based foundations tend to be heavier on the skin than water-based or powder-based ones; so if you have oily skin, or normal skin prone to acne, switch to the water-based ones immediately. (Loose particles from powderbased products could also

block your pores.) And don't share makeup or brushes with people - basic hygiene, ladies.

What you should do: Figure out the most gentle cosmetics for your skin, and stick to them. And always remove your makeup (followed by the cleanse-tonemoisturize routine) before heading to bed for the night.

5. Eating Junk A weak immune system is one of the causes of acne.

And if your diet comprises fried and greasy food, expect the consequences to show up on your forehead too. But it's never too late to change those unhealthy habits.

What you should do: Add more veggies and fruits to your plate, drink lots of water and cut down on excess salt, oil and sugar.

6. Using Certain Hair Products Hair products are all too often loaded with

comedogenic substances.

Serum, hair creams, hairsprays, if they come into contact with your skin, could block pores and trigger acne. Try to avoid using these products as much as possible, not just for the sake of your skin but also the health of your hair.

What you should do: Wash your hair frequently, and with plain water in between shampoos. And keep your hair away from your forehead as much as possible if you're using styling products.

7. Wear Scarves And Caps Do you like wearing caps and scarves regularly? If yes, we hope you wash them as frequently as you use them! Since they absorb sweat from your scalp and neck, they tend to become breeding ground for bacteria which, in turn, aggravates acne when these accessories are back on your head again.

What you should do: Wash!

Diligently. And if necessary add a drop or two of Dettol to the water and soak your caps and scarves for 10-15 minutes before you wash them.

Assamese renowned designer Sanjukta Dutta along with models with her creation during Mysore Fashion Week. Pic - UB Photos

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