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ASSENG/2015/64205
Page 5
Vol. 1
Issue 277
Dibrugarh, Monday, March 14, 2016
Price -
5.00
Page 12
Pages- 12
Surrounded by 3 nations including China, it is upto Sarbananda Sonowal assured to do the GoI to accord top priority to Arunachal : Pul all to save Majuli, asked to vote BJP CM conducts frequent inspections to ensure bumps and potholes free road in Itanagar A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 13
Leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the capital dwellers get bumps and potholes free road, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul made frequent inspection of the ongoing upgradation and maintenance of road stretch from Itanagar to Banderdewa.
A man of practicality, who believes not only in giving di-
ET CAPSULES
Ops extended to other areas in Tinsukia Tinsukia, Mar 13: The joint operation launched by police, army and SSB on Friday following reliable input of 11 militant, drawing from Ulfa, NSCN, KYKL and PLA, having entered Tinsukia district was extended to other areas from Tekri jungles to Kotha, Upper dihing. Noloni and Jagun on Sunday. However, out of 11 militant 2 from Ulfa, 2 from PLA and 1 from KYKL has already decided to surrender and are in safe hands of police. The Eastern Today is the only paper to bring this exclusive news break in its Sunday Edition. Efforts are on to nab the other militants including Lt. Prodip Gogoi of Ulfa. (Spl Correspondent)
Businessman shot Jorhat, Mar 13: Pinku Gogoi, a businessman of Jorhat sustained serious bullet injuries after he was attacked by a local goon Babul Lahon who fired at him with his pistol from close range at around 8.15 this evening at Chengajan TE tinali. Police said that Gogoi was admitted in a serious condition at the JMCH. (Correspondent)
Election observers in Dibrugarh Dibrugarh, Mar 13: Expenditure observers, Ratnesh Singh (Mobile no. 7035202668, Room No. 2B) and Bhagish Ch Mishra (Mobile no. 7035202665, room no. 3B) and Election awareness observer, Satish Nambudiripad (Mob. 9717718845, room no. 2A) are available in Dibrugarh Circuit House. Any person, candidate or political party may contact them for any complaint against irregularities in ensuing election. (Staff Reporter)
Pul with officials during his inspection.
rections but also ensures that works are really undertaken on ground zero, CM Pul took out time from his busy schedule in the wee hours today to inspect the ongoing carpeting works in between Itanagar – Banderdewa road. One of his close aide had once revealed
that Mr Pul is a perfectionist. He does not easily get satisfied by the feedbacks he gets from the people until and unless he in person inspects the work. He would go around the project, point out the drawbacks and then direct the concern people or agency to rectify.
Kalikho Pul
Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Mar 13
Majuli, said Sarbananda Sonowal who is said to be the son of Majuli.
CM was very impressed seeing manpower and machine being used round the clock to complete the road maintenance work in the given stipulated time.
The BJP Chief Ministerial candidate and Union Minister, who was declared as the BJP’s candidate from 99-Majuli (ST) LAC, also the sitting MP of Majuli under Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency, assured to do all his best to wipe out corruption and erosion to save
Sonowal arrived at the Kamalabari ghat where over several hundreds of islanders welcomed him with slogans ‘Sarbananda Jindabad’, ‘BJP Jindabad’ as a huge and long rally led by BJP-AGP supporters rocked with beats of dhul, khul, sankho as he was led into
Contd. on Page 3
the sub-division via Kamalabari Chariali towards Bongaon, Raunapara, Phulani, Jengrai than to Goromur- the sub-divisional headquarter where he attended a huge public rally at Goromur mini-stadium.
Contd. on Page 4
Following the recent alleged anti-Assamese remarks of Rameswar Teli the BJP MP of Dibrugarh Lok Sabha Constituency and the indifferent attitude of Party President Sarbananada Sonowal towards the cries of the various organizations raised to this effect, the student and other indigenous bodies flayed the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and burnt the effigy of Rameswar Teli here this evening at Tinsukia Thana Charali in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam. Contd. on Page 4
Unfortunate accident of school bus in Itanagar results in injury to 16 students and 6 teachers A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 13
In an unfortunate accident, a school bus overturned near Shiv Mandir, Itanagar on Sunday at 8.30 am with 16 students and six teachers on board. The accident took place when the students and teachers of Little Angle Public School, Ganga were headed for a gospel programme at Town Baptist Church, Doimukh. The children were to perform in the programme. Contd. on Page 3
A mother with her injured son in hospital.
Attempts by APDPF to re-surface in Arunachal nipped in the bud SFs arrests one listed cadre who had returned from Bangladesh along with weapon
(All India Rank - JEE Main)
NEIGRIHMS
(All India Rank - IIT) JEE-Main
(GENERAL CATEGORY)
ASHMITA MAZUMDAR (GENERAL CATEGORY)
Assam CEE Medical
Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 13
In a joint operation launched by the security forces (SF) including personnel from the army camp, Chowkham and Arunachal Pradesh police, a listed cadre of Arunachal Pradesh Deprived People’s Front (APDPF) Babhu Dhan Chakma was arrested and some arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession. Contd. on Page 3
SAURAV SHAKTI BORAH KAUSHIK R. HAZARIKA SAURAV JYOTI BORAH DEEPANKAR D. BHARALI BHANUJYA SAIKIA
Few JEE-Main QUALIFIERS
Army man from Chowkham camp along with the arrested rebel
porary artistic décor that gets you in the right mood for a nice and relaxing day with friends, colleagues and family members. The new restrolounge greets Guwahatians with unlimited variety of dishes and drinks to woo their variant taste buds and limitless culinary preferences.
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 13
cmyk
Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP's chief ministerial candidate and contesting from Majuli being receive by his supporters on way to addressing public meeting in Majuli. Pix by UB Photos
CM
Lounging gets a classy upgrade with Zero Degree A whole lot of celebrations coloured the atmosphere at the first floor of the Gulshan Grand building at Super Market in Guwahati on Saturday afternoon, as the presence of one of the most celebrated designers of the region Garima Saikia Garg marked the inauguration ceremony of Guwahati’s newest restrolounge Zero Degree. The 4000 sq ft restaurant, which is a part of TRM Group Pvt. Ltd., is not only spacious but also exhibits a unique contem-
ET Correspondent Digboi, Mar 13
Speaking on the launch Tabreez Choudhury, Founder of Zero Degree said, “Zero Degree is a not just a restaurant — it is a culinary adventure of fusion food with a twist of spice. A whole lot of celebrations coloured the atmosphere at the first floor of the Gulshan Grand building at Super Market in Guwahati
Contd. on Page 4
AYANJYOTI DUTTA KARANJEET GOHAIN (T.MARK:182) (T.MARK:176)
KUNAL ROY (T.MARK:162)
SAURAV S.BORAH (T.MARK:169)
PINGLE NATH (T.MARK:117)
SAGAR RAKSHIT (T.MARK:115)
Total JEE-Main Qualifiers : 55 Nons.
NITUPAN DIHINGIA (T.MARK:161)
SHRYA BORUAH (T.MARK:143)
ANMUN CHETRY (T.MARK:134)
AMLAN JYOTI DUTTA PORITUSH BAILUNG SHUBHAM DUTTA (T.MARK:87) (T.MARK:124) (T.MARK:127)
KAUSHIK HAZARIKA (T.MARK:118)
SANDEEP SONOWAL (T.MARK:82)
Few STAR PERFORMERS IN MEDICAL Total Selection in Medical, 2015 : 12 Nons. NEIGRIHMS Rank - 8th Assam CEE Med. SR-51
NAMRATA CHAKRABORTY
UPASANA BORKOTOKY (ASSAM CEE Med. SR-181 Sikkim Manipal Medical: 21)
SAURAV S. BORAH (Assam CEE Med. SR-125)
ANSHUMAN GOGOI (Assam CEE Medical State Rank-608)
DIBRUGARH OFFICE : Amolapatty, A. T. Road, Near Natya Mandir, Dibrugarh-1, Assam JORHAT CENTRE : Baruah Chariali, Near UBI Bank Building, 2nd Floor, Jorhat-1, Assam
Phone : 0373- 2320231, 9435031699, 8811003000 cmyk
Pul, after taking over the reins of Arunachal on February 19 last had unveiled his priorities where maintenance and upkeep of road network surfaced as one of the topmost and urgent agenda of his immediate attention. Sparing no time, he directed the concern departments to immediately upgrade the shabby and deplorable road of the capital complex. He even set a deadline of three months to complete the carpeting works of capital roads
A man of practicality, who believes not only in giving directions but also ensures that works are really undertaken on ground zero, CM Pul took out time from his busy schedule in the wee hours today to inspect the ongoing carpeting works in between Itanagar – Banderdewa road. One of his close aide had once revealed that Mr Pul is a perfectionist.
Students’ organizations burns the effigy of Teli and flays Sarbananda
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MARCH 14
PAGE 2
ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today, you may wake up with your nose in the air. Though you may feel bossy and important, others may not feel that way about you. Avoid giving orders that sound like insults. Otherwise, the whole thing may fall flat on your face. Taurus You will hear the division bell beckoning you to strike a balance between your personal and professional life. Today is an encouraging day for big business deals and new projects. In the afternoon, you may fall victim to iniquity. Safeguard your money from green-eyed monsters. Gemini A marathon brainstorming session with your colleagues, a scamper for meeting deadlines, and a demanding spouse will leave you quite stressed out by the end of the day. You, however, are an expert in dividing time between business, home and pleasure. The answer to your prayers is a late-night party, at least that's what you think. Cancer This is your big moment. You are going to deal with a huge amount of money - the kind of amount you would want to fill your swimming pool with and swim in it. Statutory warning: Don't dive in it, for you may hurt yourself as something or someone is likely to pull the plug, draining out most of the wealth that was amassed overnight. However, you will regain some of that lost money by the end of the day. Leo Call it a day with a positive difference, but today, you are more keen and inclined towards entertainment and relaxation. Everybody needs a break from the routine, so make the most of today. On a more personal note, you are required to make subtle moves as there are hints that you may want to give your love life a more definite turn, like a marriage. You and your beloved will spend the evening in passionate embraces. On a more cautionary note, take extra care while travelling, especially if you are alone. Virgo It is quite probable that today will be an action-packed day for you. It is going to be a progressive day for your business. Later in the day, you may retreat into your shell, and refuse company. Libra It's now or never for you, as today, you may finally take out time to do some sound thinking for your future goals and success. Things seem to go your way, and all your plans are beautifully executed towards the afternoon. Also, find time in the evening to be with the ones dear to you. A movie and dinner sounds like a good idea. Enjoy life in all its goodness!
UPLA cadre gunned down near Nagaland border ET Correspondent Diphu Mar13 : Khatkati police of Bokajan subdivision killed one self styled cadre UPLA ( United Peoples Liberation Army) in an encounter that took place at Lalmati locality closed to Dimapur city of Nagaland yesterday. The gun battle that lasted for about one hour failed to inflict any injury on the raiding force, however one constable narrowly escaped unheard when a bullet fired from the ultra’s pistol failed to
penetrate his bullet-resistant sheath. According to police except one the entire gang consisting of about five cadres managed to flee from the place of encounter under the cover of darkness. Police has not established the identity of the saline UPLA cadre; it may be recalled here that in 1014 this outfit claimed responsibility for assassinating Superintendent of Police of West Karbi Anglong Nityananda Goswami in a face to face combat.
Three NDFB-S militants arrested
Sagittarius Today, you will probably emerge as the victorious gladiator in the arena of sports and games. But later in the day, some hurdles may come across your path. At your desk, your bosses might just lend you a helping hand to assist you to finish off pending jobs. Capricorn It's not every day that you wake up with a positive feeling, one that pushes you to make right everything that has been going wrong around and within you. Today, you may be in one of those high-spirited moods. At home, you will strive to gain the confidence of your family members while at work, you will slog hard the entire day and get adequately rewarded for the same.
Pisces You will feel like King Midas himself today because everything you take up will fructify into something successful and rewarding. You will be alight with incredible ideas and abuzz with stupendous energy. Feel free to skip the coffee!
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 14-3-16 (MONDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaagaa Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani (Youth Programme) 8-00 P.M-Play 8-30 P.M-Assamese Talk-"Puroni Asomor Sthapatya Aaru Bhaskarjya Shilpa by Dr.Chitrajit Saikia 9-30 P.M- Mandakini 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P
Village women return to their homes after collecting firewood at Desangmukh in Sivasagar. Pic - Firuz Ahmed
ELECTION ROUND UP ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 13
ECI Secretary visits Kamrup Secretary of ECI Narendra N Butolia took stock of the preparedness of ensuing Assembly election in Kamrup Election District with the DC and DEO Vinod Seshan and all other senior election related officials of the district today. During the interaction, ECI Secretary enquired about the ‘E-Subidha’ and ‘E-
Scorpio Armed with a good sense of judgement, you will make a number of encouraging changes in your behaviour today. Habits die hard, but all the effort that you put in to refine your routine will pay off brilliantly by the end of the day. Close friends and family will be pleasantly surprised by your efficiency and decisions.
Aquarius You are fully charged and raring to go! Your friends are supportive of your new schemes, and your bosses are pushing you to complete pending projects. This shouldn't be a problem, considering your current levels of energy and enthusiasm.
AFTER A LONG DAY...
Road show under SVEEP activities in Kamrup Three militants National Democratic Front of Boroland-arrested by security forces in Kokhrajhar.
Hantigiri Narzary Kokrajhar, Mar 13: Three militants of the National Democratic Front of BorolandSongbijit faction were arrested by the security forces in a joint operation at Ripu Reserve Forest on Sunday morning in Lower Assam's Kokrajhar district. They were identified as Sanjib Basumatary, Mirga Basumatary and Charan Basumatary. They were allegedly involved in serving extortion notes,
Grand children attended marriage of their grand parents ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 13: It sounds strange to hear grand children attending marriage of their grandparents but it is true as many people witness this in Salikihat of Golaghat district. In the very place a community marriage was arranged by people for such couples who did not have social acceptance from the society. In the very ceremony even old people were married and even there was arrangement for other age group too and eventually 13 couple was married. It was possible only due to efforts of local people.
collecting money and providing information to militants about movement of security forces. Three riffles, two live bullets and a mobile handset were recovered from their possession. Security forces have launched a combing operation against militant outfits in the district and have been able to apprehend large number cadres of various militant outfits in the region, a senior police officer in Kokrajhar said.
For creating awareness, to sensitize the electors, to increase the voter’s turnout, ethical voting and to create a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere in Kamrup Election District a road show was organised at Chaygaon LAC today. The road show will be conducted in all parts of the District in coming days to motivate people
In absence of any other national or provincial party except for BJP and Congress regional party HSDC (Hills State Democratic Council) is the lone campaigner in the middle
of the battle royal. For Diphu seat Congress old hand and three time MLA Bidya Sing Engleng will clash with once Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and most powerful politician of the region Sum Ronghang of BJP as well as 3 time MP and unchallenged leftist leader of undivided Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Dr. Jayanta Rongpi of HSDC. In Bokajan Dr. Numal Momin an assistant pro-
fessor of Guwahati Medical College and resident of Balipathar area is the BJP nominee whose clean image as a bureaucrat is his capital, he is the contender against babyish Congress MLA of Bokajan Klengdung Engti who is also the son of seating MP of autonomous hill districts of Assam Biren Sing Engti; 2 time MLA of Bokajan Jagatsing Engti is HSDC contender . This seat is being considered as the safest one for BJP. For Howraghat seat prob-
ably the toughest wrestle will take place, between Joy Ram Engleng of BJP,the contestant of 2014 Lok Sabha election and Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council for an extensive period, Chomong Kro of HSDC and seating minister of Gogoi cabinet and most robust figure of district Congress Khorsing Engti is the Congress nominee. Both Congress and BJP are claiming this seat to be under its domain right now.
Training of Poll officials To make the election process error free in Kamrup Election District, the first phase of election training for the Presiding Officers and Polling Officers is going on in full swing. Altogether 1260 nos. of Presiding and Polling Officers were imparted training on March 12 and 13 at D K College, Mirza. The second phase of training will be held at Suren Ram Das College of Hajo on March 20 next.
GPS System introduced in Flying Squad vehicles of Kamrup Kamrup Election District has become the path bearer in introducing GPS system in flying squads vehicles. In Kamrup, the system was installed in 12 nos. of vehicles on March 12. This facility was introduced for central tracking of the flying squad vehicles.
Toll Free No. and Control Room at Kamrup To facilitate citizens, voters, political parties and election related officials one toll free no. has started functioning at the DC office, Kamrup, Amingaon. The Toll free no. is 1800-3453975. Besides, one round the clock Control Room has also started functioning at the DC office, Amingaon. The phone no. of Control Room is 0361-2684404 and 0361-2684407.
Senitization of Voters at Kamrup The Kamrup Election District under the leadership of DEO Vinod Seshan has planned several innovative ideas to increase the voter’s turnout by motivating the electors particularly the
youth and women throughout the four LACs of Boko, Chaigaon, Palasbari and Hajo and to ensure greater participation for a stronger democracy. As a part of this plan several activities like
road show, street drama, fixing of banners and hoarding in prime locations, Gaon sobha, and workshop in colleges have been planned for all the four LACs in coming days till election.
Warm Welcome to Naba Doley, BJP candidate of Dhakuakhona LAC ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Mar 13: The political environment of Lakhimpur, regarding the Assam State Assembly Poll was becoming hot gradually. It is seen that the MLA candidates of the four LACs of the district, except Congress, are trying their level best to expose their political base after the confirmation of candidature by their party. Today Naba Doley, the BJP candidate of the same Alli-
ance for Dhakuakhona LAC arrived at his constituency at 12 for the first time from Guwahati after the declaration of his candidature. Arriving at his constituency, he bowed down at Charaimoria Namghar and took bless from god and the people. Then he was given heroic welcome with blended tone of Gayan-Bayan. More than thousand supporters thronged there from the
Battle line drawn in KA for Assam LA 2016 poll ET Correspondent Diphu Mar13: After unofficial declaration of the list of Congress contenders from 4 legislative assembly seats spread in East and West Karbi Anglong autonomous districts of Assam the battle line for triangular fight has become vivid in all the places.
Samadhan’ and other poll related preparations and expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements done by the Kamrup District Election for free, fair and peaceful conduct of election process. The ECI Secretary also inspected the functioning of some of the cells constituted for smooth conduct of the election process. Later on he attended the training programme of the presiding and polling officers at DK College, Mirza. The ECI Secretary also inspected some of the polling stations of the Districts.
Baithalangso MLA seat representing West Karbi Angling will witness similar triangular race between seating Congress MLA Dr. Man Sing Rongpi, West Karbi Angling district BJP president Arun Terang and Holiram Terang of HSDC. This is the only seat which is considered as safest zone for congress currently. Considering the peculiar terrains of the hilly district 19 satellite phones will be used for Diphu and Howraghat constituency,
several all women, right down to security personals polling stations will be formed for the first time among 245 polling stations of Diphu and 156 stations of Howraghat. Till now 172 anti socials have been compelled to write personal risk bond ensuring their non-involvement in any poll related hostility. 56,893 male and 55,305 female voters will decide the fate of Howraghat seat while 82963 male and 79004 female voters are there in Diphu constituency.
morning and they took him to Dhakuakhona in a decorated car in a bike rally. Common passengers had to suffer a lot experiencing massive traffic jam due to this rally around 80km distance to Dhakuakhona. On the other hand, several persons who previously opposed his candidature were seen taking part in the rally today. Yesterday Ex-MLA Ghana Burhagohain, though his
MLA candidature for Lakhimpur LAC was not announced by Congress until today, displayed his political strength organizing a huge Mass Convention in North Lakhimpur town. Similarly, AGP candidate of AGP-BJP Alliance, Utpal Dutta did the same on the same day with a bike rally comprising more than thousand supporters just setting his foot in the Lakhimpur LAC.
CPI and CPI (ML) took out rally jointly ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 13: A joint rally was jointly organized for the first time in Chabua town by CPI and CPI (ML) giving a Clarion call to the voters of Chabua LAC not to cast their Valuable votes in favour of Congress Party who has been branded by the people as a Party of Misrule and Corruption and BJP Party who has been identified as a party of Instigating Communalism to divide the people on the Basis of Caste and Religion. Today more than 200 CPI and CPI (ML) activists took part in the rally each carry-
ing red flags said Subhas Sen member of State Standing Committee of CPI (ML). Subhas Sen said total 59 Candidates of the State have been fielded in this Assembly Election by the Left United Platform (a joint platform of 6 Left Parties of Assam) and at Chabua LAC, Debnath Manjhi of CPI (ML) will Contest at this Assembly Election. The rally also demanded the immediate arrest of the murderers of Gangaram Kaul. Prakash Rajkhowa CPI (M) was also present at today’s rally.
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MARCH 14
PAGE 3
MLA inspects ongoing Schemes at Dadam Circle Hq.
Power crisis slate to loom large over Roing Township Jiko Linggi Roing, Mar 13: The denizens of Roing Township and adjoining areas have been facing constant problem of power crisis playing hide and seek for the past two weeks throughout the day and night despite the load shedding carried out by the department.
MLA Tirong Aboh along with EE (PWD) Er. S.K. Badalia visited today Circle Headquarter Dadam in connection with inspection of ongoing works of various schemes viz. C/O Govt. Secondary School building Khonsa, Mar 13: The 56Khonsa West MLA Tirong Aboh along with EE (PWD) Er. S.K. Badalia visited today Circle Headquarter Dadam in connection with inspection of ongoing works of various schemes viz. C/O Govt. Secondary School building, Inspection Bungalow (IB) and Rural
Link Road between Dadam and Moktowa. While interacting with the E.E. PWD and other Engineers, the local MLA urged to complete the works which are in progress in the specific time-frame without compromising the quality of
works as per technical specifications and laiddown norms. The MLA appreciated the PWD for the work which is fast progressing. The MLA was accompanied by the Chief, GB and PRI members of Dadam village. DIPRO
Ram krishna Mission organizes free Eye Camp in Itanagar
MLA visits fire ravaged IGJHSS
ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 13: Ram krishna Mission Hospital of Itanagar Arunachal Pradesh with the help of Ram krishna sevasharm Rangia organised a free eye treatment camp at Rangia Sevashram premises today with day long programme. The camp was inaugurated by Kailash Kartik N by lighting lamp.
Gives two lakhs as immediate relief
Rathindra Sarkar Principal Rangia Kendriya vidyalaya was the guest of the inaugural function. All total 300 patient were checked and free medicine were also been distributed to the patient. 46 patient will undergo for operation free of cost at Ram krishna Mission Hospital Itanagar through the Ram krishna sevashram Rangia as informed by Pradip Gupta President and Tarun Samaddar Secretary of the sevashram.Team of Two ophthalmologist including 5 para medical staffs attended the patient. Free medicine also distributed among the patient.
ET Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 13: Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong accompanied by DDSE Obuk Panor, OC N Riba and AE (PHED) Kaling Taki today visited the IGJ Hr. Sec School, Pasighat. The oldest school of the state was ravaged in a massive fire accident on Feb-15 last, gutting down five rooms. Expressing sympathy and concern, Moyong sought a detailed report on the unfortunate incident and extensive damage caused by the
inferno. He appreciated fire service for their commendable job to control spread of inferno and further granted two lacs from his discretionary fund for immediate procurement of office accessories and furniture and equipments etc. The MLA has expressed concern over repeated fire mishaps reported from various parts of Pasighat and informed that the matter has already been taken up at appropriate level by him for restructuring of the school on priority. (DIPR)
Pankaj Prasad, (name changed) a trader running an electrical goods shop in the middle of the township rued about the stark power scenario. 'Why doesn't any-
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 13: In yet another accident in the Capital Complex road which took place at O’ Point in the evening hours today, a man tragically lost his life. The decease Arun Das, a young man in his mid 20’s, was the driver of the trekker and alone in the vehicle when the accident happened, informed Karbom Tao, SI, Itanagar Police Station. According to eyewitness accounts, the trekker driver who was moving from Bank Tinali area was taking a Uturn at O’ Point Highway
Mild tremors felt in parts of Assam ANI Guwahati, Mar 13 : Mild tremors were felt in Guwahati, Nagaon and few other parts of Assam at around 4 p.m. today after a moderate earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter Scale. No causality has been reported yet. Further details are awaited.
ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 13: Golaghat Mayur Kala Kendra is going to organize a Handwriting Calligraphy Camp at Golaghat Kalabhumi from 21st March to 27th March. Interested students can contact Manisha Hazarika and Tulsipriya Bordoloy.
He called up the contractor from the spot and appreciated his gesture of honouring the Government’s directions. “The dedication and sincerity shown by the work agency and the contractor deserves applaud from all sections of the society” Pul said while hinting for rightly recognising their services. He further encouraged workers for their dedication and assured to initiate welfare measures for them. Although, on advice of CM, security has been placed in the work place, there have been repeated instances of drunkyouths misbehaving with the workers and disrupting the development work. CM appealed the youths, especially to those trouble mongers to abstain from doing so and allow the developmental works to carry on. “Good road is public property and will be used by all” he said while directing the law enforcing authority to strictly deal with such people. Concerned over the growing traffic congestion in the
capital region, CM directed the department of PWD to immediately renovate the alternate route from Jullang to ease out the traffic. He further said that Government would work out alternate route through the Donyi Polo Mission School to connect the rest capital region soon so that the potential economic zone of the area could be made good use of. Taking serious note of road side bumps and heap of mud which eventually results in damage of road and has also minimised the width, CM asked the department to immediately clear the same. He instructed for construction of proper drainage system which is again another main reason for damage of road. He also appealed the locals to stop rampant earth cutting along the National Highway, state roads, sectoral roads which has apparently taken the toll of the road stretch. “Earth cutting and dumping of mud along the road side pose severe threat of landslide during rainy season and the worst sufferers are the land owner themselves as their land and property get badly damaged besides caus-
ing road blockades for other commuters, he observed. CM appealed them to take the responsibility of disposing the debris/bumps/mud themselves in greater interest of public. CM also instructed the district administration to ensure that debris are immediately cleared to make way for a healthy and all weather road. “Issue of ROW and compensation had been a major hurdle towards sanction of the 2008 PM’s package of 4 lane highway from the ministry”, CM observed. Although national highways are funded by the central government, a collective approach and support from all stakeholder is the need of the hour, he asserted. Saying that Government’s duty is to provide the basic development and it is committed to provide the same, CM appealed the people to support the endeavour of the government by shedding away the selfish attitudes of I, me and mine philosophy. He appealed all to join hands with the government so that the required basic infrastructures are put in place. The compensation issues should be tactfully dealt with a posi-
Accordingly, junior engineer, NK Mishra claimed that in the recent flood in Central Lohit, the transmission lines have been washed away. Therefore the power is being supplied only on a single transmission line to Tezu, Chapakhowa and
Roing. 'Earlier there used to be separate transmission line for Roing, Tezu and Chapakhowa. Now all of them are dependent on a single line. Technical glitches are affecting everyone of the region, ensure that the power supply in all other regions too are cut', Mishra informed. When asked about for solutions to the power glitches, Mishra ruefully claimed that there is no so-
lution in sight and that the citizens will have to face the music till the end of the monsoon in August. 'Power grid had promised to hand over tower lines in the month of December last year; however, the work on the line is not yet completed. Some of the towers, the contractors erected failed to withstand the test during previous monsoon and fell, causing extension in the completion period' the engineer added.
divider before he fell off from the vehicle and got himself sandwiched between the vehicle and the concrete divider. Meanwhile, the people in the vicinity reacted swiftly and pulled the man out of the trapped situation. Immediately thereafter, the Police PCR Van arrived and rushed the man to the Rama Krishna Mission Hospital, where he was declared ‘Brought Dead.’ It is to be noted that autopsy reports were still not out during the filing of this report and as such, the actual cause of death could not be ascertained.
TMWS condemns assault on SSA JE at Ziro Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 13: The Tirki-Manmong Welfare Society (TMWS) here in East Siang has strongly condemned the act of physical assault on Oni Ering JE, SSA, Ziro Lower Subansiri on 1st March last at Deli Joram, 73 km Joram by one
tive approach of having an all-weather road for the state. “Our people should understand this necessity and come to a conclusion to allow the development works to take place in smooth and congenial atmosphere” he asserted. Pul reiterated that district and administrative block roads would also be given equal importance and made all weather road in the days to come. Meanwhile, CM convened series of meeting with Highway engineers and district administration regarding National Highways construction in the state. He directed for immediate submission of DPRs of vital roads to the concern ministry for early sanction while he disclosed that he would also impress upon the central ministry for expediting the projects. “Arunachal is one of the most important state given the fact that it shares strategic international borders with China, Bhutan and Myanmar. It is therefore onus of the central government that state of Arunachal is given importance in all spheres”, CM emphatically said while hoping for positive gesture from the centre.
Joram Papon, S/o Joram Lalin. The society has demanded for through judicial enquiry into the matter and give the culprit an exemplary punishment as per law of the land. The TMWS has also appealed the concern department of Education
and its engineering wing to look into the matter seriously and make a departmental enquiry in this matter and make sure that such types of incidents never reoccur with any of their employees in future. “We as law abiding society have full faith in the law of the land and ex-
pects law will take its own course of action with earliest possible time as delay in justice mean denial of justice”, read a press release jointly issued by Obyak Ering, President and Tado Muang General Secretary of TMWS this evening.
Unfortunate accident of school bus in Itanagar results in injury to 16 students and 6 teachers Contd. from Page 1
Surrounded by 3 nations including China, it is upto the GoI to accord top priority to Arunachal : Pul Contd. from Page 1
When contacted the executive engineer of power department, N. Modi in-
formed through mobile that he is not in position to clarify on the power situation, as he is out of station and instead gave the contact numbers of concerned assistant engineer and junior engineer.
1 killed as trekker meets with accident in Itanagar
Calligraphy Camp
Photo separation of EVMs in Mangaldai Election Office on official holiday. Pic - Mayukh Goswami
body speak up, highlight the power scenario that has hit us badly, he questioned. Even if power is not available for the whole day, at least it should be available for 4-5 hrs', the tradesman vented out with the knowledge that one of his customer is a correspondent of newspaper, standing at the door of his shop to repair an electrical gadget, the 'power inverter'.
All students and teachers with minor injuries were rushed to Heema Hospital, while four students and one teacher I. D. Wiribou sustained grievous injuries and was later referred to Rama Krishna Mission Hospital. Employed as an English teacher in the school, Wiribou’s hand below the wrist got severed in the accident while trying to save his son, who is also a student in the same school. The
doctors have failed to reattach his hand. Tok Yapa, a mother of one of the students said that the school was on vacation since March 12 but they did not come to take their wards as the students were to participate in the church programme. She termed the accident unfortunate and appealed to other parents to remain positive. Ngurang Papung, father of 11-year old Ngurang Mecha also termed the same as unfortunate and expressed sadness at
Wiribou’s condition and appealed to the school authority to extend its support in all possible ways. Most parents were more concerned than angry and were grateful that no lives were lost. “We understand that the accident was not intentional”, said another parent. According to head warden Madam Chon Chon, who was also on the bus, “We were singing songs and were caught unaware when
the bus overturned”, adding that, “the bus was not speeding any more than usual”. After school principal S Prihim filed an FIR at Itanagar Police Station for necessary action, Sub Inspector A K Singh informed that the bus driver K.S. Ivis has been arrested and a case has been registered vide c/ n-71/16 under Section 279/ 338 of the IPC. On reports that the bus had a break failure, SI Singh said that a Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) will be held to ascertain the same.
Attempts by APDPF to re-surface in Arunachal nipped in the bud Contd. from Page 1
Accordingly to sources, there was a reliable input that the said most wanted militant in the region Babhu Dhan Chakma was coming to meet the outfit leader Gyan Ratan Chakma for having some kind of an arms deal. Security forces laid a trap and arrested the cadre with a pistol, the sources added. It might be mentioned that Babu Dhan Chakma went
missing in Jan 2014 and went to Bangladesh for training along with eight other youths to form APDPF outfit .The outfit, consisted of the fugitives of Chowkham jail break, who were involved in rape case. The group is supposed to be led by one Gyan Ratan chakma who was instrumental in drafting the bye laws of the outfit. Sources added, "The members of the group were trained by Sukesh, an active cadre of the banned armed
outfit UPDF (United People’s Democratic Front), in Bangladesh. UPDF also used the APDPF cadres to fight against the Shanti Bahini, another outfit of Bangladesh”. Gyan Ratan Chakma along with four cadres returned to Arunachal Pradesh in 2014 while remaining cadres including Babu Dhan Chakma stayed in Bangladesh. It is believed that the outfit leader Gyan Ratan Chakma, who was himself
arrested along with six others after a operation conducted by the army in 2014 in Namsai district, was trying to re - group the outfit after he managed to avail bail. Two cadres of the outfit were also killed in the operation and the army had also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition including an AK series rifle. It is a major success for the security forces as we have been able to arrest a listed cadre along with weapon, an army official said.
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MARCH 14
PAGE 4
AIUDF leaders want early declaration of candidates Hantigiri Narzary Kokrajhar, Mar 13: The party leader and workers of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) of Kokrajhar east (No.30) constituency committee has urged the central committee to declare Manu Borgoyary’s name as candidate for the constituency immediately elections to which is scheduled on April 11 next. The AIUDF has declared the name of 16 candidates in its first list on Saturday to contest during the first phase of election scheduled on April 4 next. The party will be contesting in 60 seats across the state and
extending support to secular parties in the upcoming election. The party leaders of the constituency expressed hope that second list of the candidates, which included BTAD seats would be released by March 16. In a press statement, Askar Ali, president of Kokrajhar east LAC committee of AIUDF, Mohibur Islam, president of Youth Front and Abdul Ali Mondal, BTC MCLA said that the Korajhar east constituency is ready for the polls and more strategy on the part of party is urgently required to ensure victory for the party.
BJP will form Government in Assam, says Kamakhya P Tasa Bijoy Shankar Handique
Jorhat, Mar 13: Jorhat Lok Sabha BJP MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa who is all set to fight against three time s sitting MLA cum Assam chief Minister Tarun Gogoi from 101Titabor LAC is all ready for April 4th first phase election is pessimistic to win by a huge margin, said Kamkhya Prasad Tasa at Jorhat Press club here today. Kamakhya warned Tarun Gogoi that he won’t allow him to go to Titabor as a Chief Minister, he has to go
Hectic lobbying by potential ticket aspirants of Congress at New Delhi A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 13: With hours left for the declaration of the list of final candidates for the 2016 Assam state assembly elections, there is hectic lobbying by the potential ticket aspirants of the Congress party at New Delhi. Though the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president has already drawn up the panel for each constituency with one or two or three names,
there are many who, though are not in the panel are hoping against hope to get their names included in the panel at the last moment. “The constituencies, where the panel has one name, that candidate is almost certain to get a ticket from that constituency, but there are some in which there are more than one names, and on those there will be detailed discussion at the meeting in the screening committee,” said a senior leader of the APCC.
After the names are finalized and a complete list is drawn up, the list will be shared with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi, and depending on the final approval, the list will be announced on March 16. “We are eager for the names to be announced at the earliest, so that we will get some time to prepare ourselves,” said a prospective candidate.
RMC suspends its President Sohrab Khan for anti organisation activities
as Tarun Gogoi and as a Congress candidate and himself he will not go as MP. He will go as Kamakhya Prasad Tasa as BJP candidate, said the Jorhat MP. About floating of a new party as Trinomool BJP it has no way any relation with BJP party. BJP is BJP and Trinamool BJP is floated by a breakaway group and those who were denied party ticket by selection committee at the centre, MP added. MP Tasa said BJP under the
leadership of Narendra Modi is all doing well for the greater interest of the Assamese people and heavily allegedly flayed Tarun Gogoi, Manmohan Singh for land transfer issue with Bangladesh and for non-recognition of ST status to six communities which he claimed as both the congress Chief Minister and the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is sole responsible for the process. Regarding making BJPAGP alliance issue he said
for both the parties, it will be a 100% success and profit story, as everyone knows BJP is already a regional party of Assam who has several number of contribution during the NDA rule when AGP was in power in the state. If people of Titabor vote me to power my top priority will be for development of Titabor, followed by border issue it is a long pending issue which is a perennial problem of Nagaland along with solving unemployment issues, and to investigate
more thoroughly about the uses of Central Government funds especially the alleged 100 crore drinking water project scam and the street light project in Titabor, said KP Tasa, who is also the spokesperson of BJP. But ironically KP Tasa was sent to the Parliament by the people of Jorhat, Sivasagar as till date, in last 22 months as MP, he could not fulfill a single commitment which he made before the Lok Sabha election hour to his people of his constituency. Last but not the least he said, when asked by the me-
dia persons, he said if he wins he has to listen to his party what they say. If they ask him to leave MP seats he will do so or if his party asks him to leave MLA seat he will have to obey. Further assured that BJP will win and return to Dispur from all the five constituencies from the prestigious headquarter Jorhat district including Majuli, as people want a change, as the wind of change is already blowing and we need to keep our commitment, says the BJP spokesperson Kamakhaya Parasad Tasa.
Army apprehends three hardcore NDFB(S) Terrorist in Baksa ET Correspondent Rangia Mar 13: Based on specific information of movement of three NDFB (S) cadres received from Army Intelligence, a team of Indian Army launched a joint operation with the Assam Police on March 12 and arrested three NDFB (S) cadres moving through village Hakata in Baksa district. The Cadres have been identified as Jwangsar Boro @ KK, ( 21) of Village – Duramari under PS Phatachalkuchi, Barpetta District (Assam), Mohit Mushahari, ( 20 ) of Kerhasara Village, Barpetta District (Assam) and Pramod Ramchiary @ Khankari @Raja of Jamguri Village, Baksa District (Assam).
involved in extortion, arms smuggling and other nefarious and anti national activities from around 2009-10 till Adivasi carnage in Dec 2014 and had run away and sheltered themselves in Chennai, till their return. Two 7.65mm Pistols along with 04 live rounds of 7.65mm, One hand grenade and three mobile phones were recovered from the apprehended cadres. Mohit Misahary @ pulok is 39 Batch NDFB Cadre trained in Myanmar. The apprehension of these important cadres is significant move towards thwarting the subversive plans of NDFB (S) for upcoming elections. All three cadres have been handed over to Police Station Barama on March 13.
There cadres were actively
Several organizations burn effigy of BJP state president Sonowal in Tinsukia Hantigiri Narzary Kokrajhar, Mar 13: The Religious Minority Council (RMC), BTC region has suspended Sohrab Khan, president of the council for his anti organization activities. An emergent central executive meeting of the council was held today at Magurmari with Gulzar Hussain Mallah, working president of the council in the chair in Kokrajhar district. Central executive and delegates attended from 10 district committees of the BTAD. The council after a thorough discussion adopted three resolutions which included continuation of support to BPF party, making social uplift among common publics, suspension of Khan from organization for his antiorganisation activities. During the meeting, existing working president Gulzar Hussain Mallah has
been entrusted as in-charge president of the council till formation of full pledged committee. He has assumed as in-charge president from today and his term would continue till the formation of the new committe, said Rijual Haque Sarkar, general secretary of RMC. Khan had openly declined to extend support to BPF party in the scheduled assembly election recently, due to which he had to face criticism today within the organization. Former BTC MCLA and Chief adviser of the council Baktar Ali Ahmed, after the meeting told that the council has suspended Sohrab Khan, president of the RMC for his antiorganisation activities while holding leadership in the region. He said that the council has revived it's extending support to the ruling BPF party in the election.
'The council has good understanding with BTAD administration since inception, and it's working towards welfare for common masses are very much laudable in the region', Ahmed said. 'There was no fraction within the organization, today all district committees are united which will make the organisation more strong ', he said. He also alleged that Khan has been in close contact with Congress party to gain political mileage, and had some unacceptable remarks. His remarks and statements are baseless and personal, Ahmed said. ‘We have no intension to leave the ruling BPF party at this juncture’, Sarkar adding said that the council would continue its support to the BPF party.
Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 13: Several organizations of Tinsukia including All Assam Hindu Students Union, Bengali Federation, Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad, All Tai Ahom Students Union and Mottock Yuva Chatra Sanmelan burnt effigy of BJP state president Sarbananda Sonowal here today. All Assam Hindu Students Union organizing Secretary Lalan Sahani said, we strongly condemn BJP MP Rameshwar Teli communal remark while rejecting a candidate only on the grounds that he is a Bengali. Despite our strong objections no action has been taken by BJP state president Sarbananda Sonowal which confirms his support to MP Rameshwar Teli communal remarks, Sahani added. Sahani said, we demand an explanation from BJP state president Sarbananda Sonowal and a public apol-
ogy. We have not voted voted them for communal politics, added Sahani and said voters will give them a befitting reply to such politicians. It must be mentioned that BJP senior leader from Margherita Subhas Das, who was affilated with the saffron party since 1996, resigned from party's primary membership alleging that BJP MP from Dibrugarh Rameshwar Teli told him that he may not get ticket because he is a Bengali and there is an apprehension in the party that other communities may not vote for him. He further alleged that he joined the party way back in 1996 because it was a "party with difference" but today there is nothing that can be called "value based" in the party and leaders are working for their personal greed and interests.
Lounging gets a classy upgrade with Zero Degree Contd. from Page 1
We already have three branches in Bangalore under the brand name “The Hell’s Kitchen”; so opening the fourth one in my home town Guwahati is a dream-cometrue. In the menu of my new lounge, I have brought together an assortment of food from my culinary journeys. I am sure that you will enjoy eating them as much I have enjoyed creating them.” The entire cuisine served
in Zero Degree is a happy blend of Indian, Chinese and Indonesian food and is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. An average meal for two at the restro-lounge would cost around Rs. 1,200. Tabreez Choudhury, the founder, has designed the entire space himself. Every piece of furniture installed in the restaurant has its own unique charm, concept, plus a story to tell. However, the catchiest piece of décor in the restro-lounge would be the unique beer bottle chandelier
- which is the largest of its kind in the entire country and Tabreez is aiming to enter it in the Limca Book of Records. “The previous record holding beer bottle chandelier is in Fenny's located in Bangalore. It has 1405 bottles. Zero Degree’s chandelier, consisting of 1685 bottles, will be listed in the 2017 edition of the record book as the largest in India”, said Tabreez. The music played here is peppy and hip and with a classic range of rock, pop, and easy listening numbers
for you to choose from. Live band performances will also liven up the evening and get you in that party mood. Speaking on the launch Garima Garg said, “An aesthetically created ambience with music, nice décor and theme, Zero Degree is a completely new concept in Guwahati. The food menu not only covers our country menu, but also flavours from the Ming dynasty and Southeast Asia. It is like a variety of dishes being on a served on single platter. Now Guwahati has a classy desti-
nation where we can enjoy a wonderful afternoon or evening with our family and friends.” “Guwahati is a very potential market and one of the fastest growing cities in India. The wonderful food, teamed with the singular ambience will contribute towards converting every moment you spend in the restaurant into a lasting memory. I am sure we will soon become one of the hot favourites for all people who have a weakness for good ambience, wonderful food and good music”, concludes Tabreez.
Sarbananda Sonowal assured to do all to save Majuli, asked to vote BJP Contd. from Page 1
Sonowal assured the mass gathering that he will do all his level best to whip out the burning problems and to save Majuli from erosion. His top priority will be to abolish unemployment and help the new generation especially the students’ fraternity in the field of education and sports. He said the long waiting dream for the Majuli island-
ers is already in process as a National Highway cum a bridge between Kamalabari to Jorhat is already in process as the Union Minister for National Highways Nitin j Gadkari had already laid the foundation and the work process will soon start which the people of Assam are aware. Sonowal flayed Tarun Gogoi for creating division among the people of Assam and among various caste and creed and for giving
unwanted comments against certain sections of the people habituating throughout the state. He said in last 50 years the congress did not work as it was supposed to be done in such a long period but only corruption looms over large throughout the country where numbers of scams which is always headline in the media. He further assured that if BJP comes to power he will work for the people and with the people of Majuli.
Students’ organizations burns the effigy of Teli and flays Sarbananda Contd. from Page 1 According to Milan Buragohain the President of Tinsukia District unit of All Assam Tai Ahom Student Union, various student organizations burnt the effigy of Mr Teli to show their protest for rendering Anti-Assamese remarks recently which created sensations in the entire District thus exhibiting the communal outlook of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Meanwhile, the aggrieved agitating bodies flayed the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal the BJP President in Assam for being mute to this effect and alleged that Mr Sonowal has been a part of the conspiracy with Mr Teli for rendering the communal remarks. According to the protestors, they have been opposing the
placements of BJP Candidates in Tinsukia, Margherita and Sodiya and had earlier demanded of the party competent authority to repudiate their candidature on various grounds and consider the deserving ones who has clean political career and can serve the mass unbiased. However, after the cries of the agitating bodies have gone unheeded, the student bodies
have resolved to obstruct all the political campaign of the BJP in the entire District. Meanwhile, the organizations urged the indigenous people and organizations to keep discarding the false and tall promises of the BJP candidates in their respective constituencies and teach them lessons for rendering the antiAssamese remarks.
REGION
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MARCH 14
Tripura CPI-M wants members to be more ideologically acquainted
CPI-M state secretary, Bijan Dhar Agartala, Mar 13: A two-day special meeting of Tripura’s ruling Communist Party of IndiaMarxist began here on Saturday to make members “more ideologically acquainted”. “The purpose of the special meeting of CPI-M Tripura unit is to make the party members and local leaders more ideologically acquainted. This is more important for those who entered the party in recent years,” CPI-M state secretary Bijan Dhar told reporters. The closed-door meeting, in which 400 delegates are taking part, would lead to “a precise action plan”, he said. The decision to hold the meeting was taken at
Kolkata plenum held on December 27-31 last year. Tripura Chief Minister and CPI-M politburo member Manik Sarkar, party’s all seven central committee members from the state, and other senior leaders would address the meet. Dhar, also a CPI-M central committee member, said that regular party classes are being held and the party has been taking steps to guide the party men to remain on the right track. “Quality of party members is a big issue for us. Our rectification move is on and this is an endless task. To maintain quality of membership is also a non-stop endeavour,” Dhar said.(Agencies)
Kenye to be consensus candidate from Nagaland to RS Imphal, Mar 13: After a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, it was decided that Naga People’s Front’s K.G. Kenye will be the consensus candidate for Rajya Sabha membership, said a source on Saturday. Kenye is the secretary general of the Naga People’s Front, the majority member of the coalition that has been in power in the state since 2003. Other members of the ruling coalition — Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) — are Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United). The coalition also has outside support. The seat in the upper
house of parliament fell vacant with the death in November last year of Khekiho Zhimomi, who was the sole Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland. The filling of this seat is scheduled to take place on March 21. In his meeting on Friday with Chief Minister Zeliang, Prime Minister Modi had in fact wanted a BJP member to be nominated for the seat, said the source. However, Zeliang told Modi that DAN had decided in favour of Kenye, the source added. President of Nagaland unit of the BJP Visasolie Lhoungu said, “We support the candidacy of Kenye. We are confident that he will do many things in the interest of the people”. (Agencies)
Nomination papers for all 3 RS candidates found valid Guwahati, Mar 13: The nomination papers of three candidates - Ripun Borah, Ranee Narah and Mahavir Prasad Jain - for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Assam falling vacant next month, were found valid on Saturday, an Assembly spokesperson said. Bora, Congress' first preference candidate and Narah second preference had on Friday filed their nomination papers from the Congress before the Assam Legislative Assembly's Principal Secretary MK Deka. Jain has filed his nomination papers with the support of the 10 Bodoland People s Front (BPF) MLAs. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has claimed that both the can-
didates will sail through as the Congress enjoys an absolute majority in the state assembly with more than 80 MLAs to vote for the party nominees. The Congress currently has 69 MLAs in the 126-member house with nine of its former members, who joined the BJP last year, disqualified from the assembly and another resigned from the House after joining the saffron party. Elections to the Rajya Sabha were necessitated following the scheduled retirement of two Congress members Naznin Faruque and Pankaj Bora on April two next. Withdrawal of nomination papers is on March 14 and polling will be held on March 21. (Agencies)
Nomination papers for all 3 RS candidates found valid
PAGE 5
NPP to move Guv over Selma nomination Tura, Mar 13: The National People’s Party (NPP) has accused the Mukul Sangma-led Government of violating the district council laws by forwarding to the governor the name of another candidate for the nominated MDC’s post even though the GHADC executive committee had recommended Conrad K Sangma, younger son of Late Purno A Sangma. The State Cabinet on Friday had recommended Congress member Selma D Shira for the nominated MDC’s post. The Garo Hills Progressive Alliance currently running the Executive Committee of the GHADC, to which the NPP is a major partner, has termed the state gov-
ernment move as ‘unconstitutional’. Following a party meeting at Tura on Saturday morning, the NPP issued a statement condemning the Meghalaya government for the move to recommend its own candidate for the district council post. The party has decided to approach the Governor to oppose the government’s recommendation. “The state government had advised for nomination to the Governor of yet another person overlooking the earlier advice to the Governor by the GHADC for the approval of Conrad K Sangma as nominated member. This is a clear violation of the Rules 6
the proposal of the state government. It also announced that a poster campaign would be taken up to make the public aware of the issue and a sit-in demonstration in front of the GHADC office will also take place on Monday morning. Meanwhile, deputy Chief Executive Member (DyCEM) Augustine R Marak questioned the move by the state government to forward the name of Mrs Shira when the GHPA had unanimously recommended Conrad Sangma’s name way back in November, last year. “That file has been sitting at the CM’s desk since then, waiting to be passed. Several reminders were sent regarding
the issue but no reply was received. Now out of the blue they have sent their own nomination,” an angry Augustine Marak pointed out. He added that the mandate from the people of Garo Hills was for a non-congress government in the district council and it should be respected. “The government has no right to deprive the people of Garo Hills from their choice of suffrage and it is not only condemnable in the strongest words but also absolutely ill-timed,” said Augustine Marak while mentioning the recent passing away of P A Sangma and accusing the state government of showing ‘disrespect’ towards the departed leader. (Agencies)
Police trade fire with GNLA, ASAK ultras
‘GNLA recruiting people in Bangladesh’
Tura, Mar 13: South Garo Hills police had two close encounters with Garo rebel outfits — GNLA and ASAK — in two separate incidents on Saturday morning leading to the recovery of a pistol, a communication set and other items. The first encounter took place at approximately 7:15 am during a counter insurgency operation at Dilnegre village of Gasuapara that leads towards Chokpot interior. Militants taking shelter in the village opened fire on the police team lead-
ing to an exchange of fire for close to eight minutes after which the ultras fled into the forests. Police teams reportedly had to restrain their firing due to the presence of women and children many of whom were out in the compound close to the encounter site. It was later revealed that a ten-member armed GNLA team was taking shelter when the raid took place. They reportedly had three AK rifles and two INSAS rifles, besides small arms. One of the militants who fled
NPP to move Guv over Selma nomination (1) of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951,” stated the NPP in
has been identified as Chandra who is in the wanted list of the police. From the encounter site a pistol with six live rounds along with a country-made gun and two mobile phones were recovered. An hour later another police team scouting the forests of Rongdotchigre village, under Baghmara police station, came across a cadre of the ASAK outfit who had been sent by ASAK militant chief Reding T Sangma to bring some food from the village.
its release. The party has decided to approach the Governor and submit its resolution asking him not to accept
Seeing the police teams, the cadre abandoned his leader’s meal as well as a high frequency communication handset and ran down the slopes of the village and escaped. Police believe the wanted militant leader was holed up deep in the jungle not far from the village when the encounter with his cadre took place. Following consistent raids by police teams on the hideouts of the GNLA and other outfits in the Durama Hills, many of the militants
have abandoned their once ‘safe’ hideouts inside their camps and moved into hiding in jungles far away to beat the police heat. The ongoing Hill Storm operation by the Meghalaya police coupled with search operations of villages located in the vicinity of the Durama Hills brought police close to nabbing a group of GNLA militants and the elusive ASAK chief Reding T Sangma on Saturday morning. (Agencies)
Sonia asks dissidents not to hurt Congress in Manipur Imphal, Mar 13: Congress president Sonia Gandhi is reported to have told 25 "dissident" legislators of the party in Manipur not to rock the party's boat ahead of the assembly polls next year and work for the return of the party to power. Gandhi did agree, rather vaguely, to their demand for sacking some ministers in the Okram Ibobi Singh government who have had little to show in terms of performance, a source said. About 25 legislators of the ruling Congress were camping in New Delhi, seeking an audience with Gandhi. However, their "dissidence" has mainly to do with their desire to have a shot at a ministry in the state before it goes to polls next year. For months, the dissidents have been demanding a major reshuffle so that they could
Congress president Sonia Gandhi be inducted into the cabinet and some of the current ministers dropped. One prominent legislator who is confident of getting a ministerial berth said, "We assured the party president of unflinching support to Ibobi Singh so that he becomes the chief minister for the fourth term". Another dissident told
IANS on Sunday that they never demanded a change of leadership as they have full confidence in Chief Minister Ibobi Singh. Yet another dissident, seeking anonymity, said Gandhi promised them that their demand that Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei
be either dropped from the ministry or stripped of the post of the state Congress president would be looked into.
That could eventually become an excuse for the dissident Congress legislators to desert the party.
"Against the 'one man one post' policy, Gaikhagam has been the deputy chief minister with several important portfolios and PCC president all these years. Our party president has assured us to look into it," he said.
Thus the crisis in Manipur unit of the Congress is still looming. Some of the dissident lawmakers had said the wind in the state now favoured the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and that they might be looking for greener pastures. BJP state president Thounaojam Chaoba has been saying that many Congress members are approaching him for admission into the party. That may not be entirely an empty claim since politicians and retired bureaucrats of all hues have been joining BJP. Meanwhile, Ibobi Singh and Gaikhangam are maintaining a studied silence.
Sources close to Gaikhangam, however, told IANS that the party is unlikely to change the years old system when assembly elections are round the corner. Dissidents target Gaikhangam, a Naga, for another reason: He was one of the Congress legislators who had signed in 2005 a memorandum demanding integration of the "Naga inhabited areas" of Manipur with Nagaland.
Tripura troopers for Bengal, Assam polls Agartala, Mar 13: Around 600 troopers of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) would be deployed in West Bengal and Assam to facilitate peaceful assembly elections in the two states, an official said here on Saturday. “The TSR troopers would provide security cover first during the assembly polls in Assam. From Assam, they would move to West Bengal,” Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Anurag
told IANS. “Around 600 (six companies) TSR jawans, led by senior officials, would be posted in Assam by March 28. After the completion of two-phase elections in Assam, they would be deployed in West Bengal,” he said. He said the union home ministry has asked the Tripura government to send the TSR troopers to Assam and Bengal as part of the central forces.
The troopers would be posted in the last five phases of elections in West Bengal, where there would be a month-long voting process for the 294-member assembly in seven phases beginning April 4 and ending May 5. A large number of central forces have already been deployed in different parts of electionbound West Bengal. “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was averse…to use the
TSR during previous elections two years back since the TSR jawans are from Left-ruled Tripura,” a TSR official, who accompanied the troopers that time, said while refusing to disclose his identity. Besides providing security during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, the India Reserve (IR) battalions of TSR were earlier sent to Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Nagaland and Mizoram to provide security during various elections in the states. The elite TSR battalions, trained for counter-insurgency operations, were constituted in March 1984 to deal with terrorism. Seventy five percent of its personnel are from Tripura while the remaining come from across the country. (Agencies)
Shillong, Mar 13: The Border Security Force (BSF) has confirmed that the proscribed GNLA is recruiting people in Bangladesh even as it refuted the reports about HNLC carrying out similar drives. Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, PK Dubey, IG, BSF’s Meghalaya Frontier, said that there was no permanent camp of insurgent groups in Bangladesh, even though the most of the makeshift camps were in Chittagong area. According to him, GNLA militants were on the run following the ongoing ‘Operation Hillstorm 3’, launched by Meghalaya Police. “BSF has sanctioned two additional battalions for counter insurgency operations,” he said adding that “militancy is under control in Meghalaya.” When asked about ULFA leader Drishti Rajkhowa’s presence in Bangladesh, the BSF official said that he did not have any information about his location. The BSF official rued that they were not getting land to establish their battalion headquarters in Meghalaya. “If we don’t proper infrastructure, our effectiveness gets affected,” he said. (Agencies)
Govt to monitor projects via satellite in NE New Delhi, Mar 13: The central government is likely to soon launch a mechanism under which various developmental projects in the Northeastern states could be monitored through satellite images, it was announced on Saturday. "The satellite images using space technology can be effectively used for planning and evaluating the progress of various developmental projects in the Northeastern states," Minister of State for Development of Northeastern Region Jitendra Singh said at a departmental meeting. "Considering the fact that the department of space already has one of its establishments in Shillong, this should not be a difficult proposition," he said. The Northeastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) is located in the Meghalaya capital. According to official sources here, the minister directed DoNER ministry officials to soon hold a meeting with officials of the space department and work out a road map on the same. The Northeastern states with difficult topography and constraints of accessibility of offers an ideal case or using satellite images of roads and other construction works for their precise assessment, the minister said. (IANS)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
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India, Mexico discuss elevating bilateral ties New Delhi, Mar 13: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday held a meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas during which they did a comprehensive review of the bilateral ties between the two countries and explored the possibility of elevating the relationship between the two countries to a new level. “During their meeting, the external affairs minister and the Mexican foreign minister undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, commercial and trade, financial, technical and other areas to further broaden and strengthen cooperation,” the external affairs ministry said
in a statement. It added that the ministers agreed to exchange high level visits in the near future and also discussed important regional and international issues of mutual interest. “The two ministers discussed ways and means of elevating the special relationship between India and Mexico,” external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup stated, adding that both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the joint commission in Mexico in the second half of this year. Swarup said that Sushma Swaraj acknowledged that the present bilateral trade volume of $6.5 billion was low and sought Mexico’s participation in flaghip programmes like Make in India, Skill India and Smart Cities.
External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj “The two ministers also discussed cooperation in a number of areas, including oil and gas, renewable energy, urban planning and the housing sector,” he said. India is the third largest importer of crude oil from Mexico. The Latin American country ranks among the
top 10 oil-producing nations and has the world’s fourth largest shale oil reserves. “The external affairs minister also mentioned that we would like Mexico’s participation in ensuring value addition and greater use of technology in our agriculture and agro-processing sec-
tors,” Swarup stated. “She also conveyed our interest in providing launch facilities for Mexican micro and nano satellites.” The spokesman said that both sides shared their respective perspectives in engaging with the diaspora. On Friday, delivering a lecture organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) here, Salinas, while stating that India has the largest diaspora and Mexico the second largest, said that her country could learn a lot from India in dealing with the diaspora. “India has a long tradition of recognising the value of its diaspora abroad for public diplomacy,” she said. In Saturday’s meeting, Sushma Swaraj and Salinas also exchanged
views on cooperation in issues relating to women’s empowerment. According to Swarup, the Mexican foreign minister also renewed the invitation extended by her country’s President Enrique Pena Nieto to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Mexico in the near future. On Friday, soon after her arrival here on a two-day visit, Salinas called on Modi. She also interacted with the private sector at a business event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Earlier on Saturday, Salinas undertook a short ride in the Delhi Metro and inaugurated a photographic exhibition called ‘Mexico Is’ at the Rajiv Chowk metro station.(Agencies)
Plan to use satellite Two upgraded ALGs inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh images to monitor New Delhi, Mar 13: In has always operated a a major fillip to Indian flying detachment from Air Force’s operational the ALG at Ziro for air projects in NE capability along border maintenance purposes. New Delhi, Mar 13: Government is planning to monitor various projects in Northeast through satellite images. Satellite images using space technology can be effectively used for planning and evaluating the progress of various developmental projects in North Eastern states, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh said at a meeting of here on saturday. Considering the fact that the Department of Space already has its establishment in Shillong by the name North-Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), this should not be a difficult proposition, he said. Singh issued directions for conducting a meeting of the officials of Space Department and the DoNER Ministry at an early date and work out a plan as to how to go about this plan. The Minister said the North East, with its difficult topography and constraints of accessibility, of-
fers an ideal case for using satellite images of roads and other construction works for their precise assessment. The Lat-Long (Latitude and Longitude) images obtained from satellites can also help in verification of the reports regarding the completion of work obtained through other means by actually picking up the precise location at which the work has been done, he said. Secretary DoNER Naveen Verma made a detailed presentation focusing on Northeast where he said about Rs 500 crore havs been earmarked in the current union budget for installing solar pumps in Eastern and North-Eastern India. Referring to the DoNER Minister’s suggestion to offer incentives to youth who opt for startup initiatives in North East, Verma said the Department is working on different options including venture fund, offering 30 per cent of loss to be borne by the Ministry. (Agencies)
'Mistake to allow Pak team in India as ISI comes as spectators': Swamy New Delhi, Mar 13: Backing Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's statement that cricket matches with Pakistan should not be allowed to continue while bombs are being hurled at the security forces at the border, BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy today said that it was a big mistake on the part of the Indian Government to allow the Shahid Afridi-led team to participate in the ICC World Twenty20. "I agree with Uddhav. It was a mistake to allow them here. We should have that cricket match in Sri Lanka, Dhaka or Maldives or somewhere else. But in India, the problem is when Pakistan cricket team comes then all kinds of ISI people also come in the name of spectators," Swamy told ANI. "I think the Prime Minister should take a call and should see that no matches take place with Pakistan until the issue of terrorism is resolved," he added. Lauding Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for opposing the India-Pakistan World T20 match in Dharamsala, Thackeray compared cricket balls with bombs, saying that both cannot take place at the same time. Asserting that sports and politics should be kept apart, Pakistan skipper
Shahid Afridi today admitted that his side have not received so much love and affection from their own country as they have got in India. Talking to the media ahead of their warm-up game against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens on Monday, Afridi said that he has always enjoyed playing the game in India. "There are very few nations where I have enjoyed playing cricket as much as I have enjoyed in India. I will always remember the love that I and my entire team have got from the Indian fans. We didn't get so much of love in Pakistan as we have got in India," Afridi said. "I think cricket had helped in bringing the two nations closer. So, I think that sports and politics should be kept apart," he added. Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket team yesterday arrived at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (NSCB) International Airport in Kolkata after getting a green signal from Islamabad to take part in the ICC pinnacle event. The ICC has already moved Pakistan's group match against India to Kolkata on March 19 due to security concerns in Dharamsala. (ANI)
with China, two upgraded advanced landing grounds at Ziro and Along in Arunachal Pradesh were today inaugurated. “The ALGs will further enhance our existing operational capabilities in Eastern Air Command,” Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command said. He added that the new capacity build-up will enable operations by some of the force’s new inductions including the C-130J Super Hercules. “Besides enhancing air maintenance capability of the IAF in the region, the new airfield will also facilitate civil air connectivity soon,” the Air Marshal said. Vayudoot Airlines once operated from Ziro airfield in the mid-eighties. Subsequently, the IAF
The runway surface at Ziro saw a steady deterioration over a period of time due to lack of maintenance and other issues. Encroachment due to absence of a security wall further added to the declining status of the airfield. Air Marshal, C Hari Kumar There was, however, always a need to connect the beautiful valley of Ziro with rest of the country by air, for tourism as well as other purposes. The IAF took over the Ziro airfield from AAI in August 2010. Consequent to the CCS approval in June 2009, the IAF embarked on an ambitious reconstruction plan to upgrade the existing eight ALGs, including infrastructure development at certain airbases in EAC’s area of responsibility.
The ALGs for upgradation include Tuting, Mechuka, Along, Tawang, Ziro, Pasighat, Walong and Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh. The outlay plan for the upgradation of ALGs alone is nearly Rs 1,000 crore. Besides IAF, which operates all year round, Pawan Hans also operates helicopters from here during non-monsoon periods. With the inauguration of the ALGs at Ziro and Along, altogether three ALGs have since got upgraded with paved run-
way surfaces and other facilities such as aprons for ground manoeuvring, Air Traffic Control tower with associated infrastructure including perimeter road and a security wall. Three more ALGs — Mechuka, Pasighat, Tuting – are scheduled to be inaugurated in the next three months. The ALG project at Tawang, which was taken up only in 2014, is ongoing and is expected to be ready by September this year. (Agencies)
Non-bailable warrant issued against Vijay Mallya
Vijay Mallya and A Raghunath New Delhi, Mar 13: A Hyderabad Court has issued non-bailable warrants against Vijay Mallya and defunct company Kingfisher Airlines' Chief Financial Officer A Raghunath and directed that the duo should be produced before the court on April 13. The decision in this regard was pronounced by 14th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate GS Ramesh Kumar. The warrants were issued on March 10 after GMR Hyderabad International Airport filed a petition seeking Mallya's prosecution for defaulting on payments and cheating the company by issuing cheques that bounced. Mallya, who is currently in the United Kingdom and is being sought out in India over charges of money laundering, claimed in an e-mail interview with the Sunday Guardian that the banks gave him loans after evaluating all aspects, adding he is not trying to evade the law enforcement agencies but is on a personal visit. The business tycoon said he feels that he has already been branded a criminal in the country and, therefore, it was not the right time for him to return. "There was a lookout notice issued against me last year. But I didn't 'escape'. Why am I being portrayed as a criminal
now? Loan defaults are a business matter. When the banks give out loans, they know the risk involved. They decide we don't. Our own business was flourishing, but plummeted suddenly. Don't make me the villain. I have the best intentions. I'm quiet because I fear my words will be twisted like of others," he said. The government had earlier told the Supreme Court that Mallya had left India on March 2 following which the bench issued notice to him and sought his response within two weeks on pleas filed by a consortium of banks seeking direction for freezing his passport and his presence before the apex court. Meanwhile, the Congress has asserted that the liquor baron was 'made to abscond' since a lot of 'powerful' people would be in trouble if he opened his mouth. Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Manish Tewari said that it was not as if Mallya had escaped or absconded but he was 'allowed' to leave the country. "The reason why Mallya was allowed to abscond is because if he is investigated or if he decides to open his mouth, a lot of very powerful people in this county will be without their clothes," he added. (ANI)
BJP sees red, Green nod for 900 projects in 20 months: Javadekar seeks apology Mumbai, Mar 13: Environmental clearance has been given to 900 projects worth Rs 6 lakh crore in the last 20 months, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Saturday, seeking to counter criticism that several projects have been bogged down due to lack of green nod. Asserting that environmental clearance should not be a “roadblock” for development, Javadekar said that every effort should be made to safeguard the environment and also ensure that development projects do not suffer any delay. “In the last 20 months, my ministry has given environmental clearance to 900 projects entailing an investment of about Rs 6 lakh crore,” he said at the National Convention on Sustainable Development Goals here. Opposition parties and environmentalists have been accusing the Narendra Modi government of not proceeding on several projects for want of environmental clearances. Dismissing such criticism, the government has claimed that the earlier UPA regime was re-
Prakash Javadekar sponsible for stalling projects which were now getting green nod at a fast pace. Squarely blaming the developed countries for carbon emissions and its fallout on climate change, he said,”Climate change is a reality with one degree rise in temperature caused by 150 years of uncontrolled carbon emission by the developed world.” He said though India is responsible for just three per cent of carbon emissions, it is an active partner in finding solution to the problem of climate change and committed to the UN goals on sustainable development. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on cli-
mate change that “though India is not part of the problem, it wants to be part of the solution.” While 30 per cent of cumulative contribution was that of the US, Europe, Canada and other developed countries accounted for 50 per cent and China 10 per cent. (PTI) “The developed world went ahead with business as usual scenario without bothering about environmental impact. Now it has happened, and we are suffering,” he said. India being well-aware of its responsibilities was committed to UN Goals on sustainable development, he said, adding, “Our commitment is reflected in every programme be-
ing pursued by the government.” He listed out Government’s ambitious 175 Giga Watt renewable energy programme, covering solar, wind, hydropower and nuclear energy as a major step in promoting environment friendly development. India had taken pro-active measures to discourage use of fossil fuels in a bid to reduce carbon foot print, he said. “The Union Budget 2016-17 has levied a green cess of USD 6 (Rs 400) per tonne of coal. This is perhaps the highest levy in the world, as even the United States taxes coal at around USD 1. “If the developed world followed India’s example and levied higher taxes on coal, billions of dollars would accrue to pursue clean energy programmes,” Javadekar said. He also listed out plans to control vehicular pollution by moving to Bharat VI emission norms, policies on waste management and massive tree plantation drive through the Compensatory Afforestaton Fund Bill 2015 as other measures aimed at sustainable development. (Agencies)
New Delhi, Mar 13: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday kicked a row after he sought to draw a parallel between RSS and terrorist outfit ISIS, evoking sharp responses from the Hindutva outfit and BJP, which demanded an apology from him. “So, we oppose organisations like ISIS, the way we oppose RSS. If those among us in Islam too do wrong things, they are no way less than RSS,” the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said at an event organised by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. Hitting back, a RSS spokesperson in Nagaur, where a crucial meeting of the organisation’s functionaries is on, said such a comparison showed “intellectual bankruptcy” of Congress and its “unwillingness to deal with fundamentalist and cruel forces like ISIS”. RSS will consider legal action against Azad, he said. BJP too jumped to the defence of its ideological mentor, calling it a nationalist organisation and demanding an apology from Azad. The party said it was “unfortunate” that Azad had made such comments and
asked Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to disassociate from his remarks and take action against him if he does not withdraw them. “RSS is a nationalist organisation. It is very unfortunate that he has said so. It shows his mental bankruptcy. He must apologise or Gandhi should take action against him,” party National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said. He said a number of Congress leaders, ( including Jawahar Lal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi, had tried to repress the organisation but it has only emerged “stronger”. BJP also termed as “politically motivated” Gandhi’s written message to the same event that the country was passing through a “critical phase” as those in power are “spreading hatred” by targeting secularism. “She is speaking against what her party has always practiced. Congress divided nation along caste, religion and regional lines. She should not be preaching BJP,” Sharma said, accusing the party of “supporting” anti-national elements for political reasons, a reference to the JNU row.(Agencies)
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NEIGHBOURS
'Extremists must understand need for reconciliation' Colombo, Mar 13: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the Sinhala extremists to understand the need for achieving ethnic reconciliation in the country as over 700 acres of military-held land in Jaffna was returned to the original minority-Tamil owners. "I think it is wrong for those who advocate reconciliation only to visit north. They must educate people in the south. I ask our critics to come and visit the houses of those
CPN-UML urges PM Oli to seal fuel deal with China Kathmandu, Mar.13: The ruling Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPNUML) today urged Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to seal the deal to import fuel from China during his visit to the neighbouring nation. Oli's visit to China in mid- March was discussed during a meeting of the Standing Committee held today. The leaders in the meeting urged Oli, who is also the party's chairman, to seal a concrete deal to import fuel from China, reports the Himalayan Times. The controversy over the appointment of Justices at the Supreme Court was also discussed in the meeting. (ANI)
living in poor conditions to understand the reality," Sirisena said. Some 650 Tamil families in Telippali, Jaffna, and 50 families in Kopay were handed back their over 701 acres of land on Saturday which the military had acquired for their use during the nearly three decade-long civil war with the LTTE that ended in 2009. With the latest handover, all lands in Kopay have now been vested with the original owners, officials said.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena In Telippalai, Sirisena also released a school occupied by the military for over 25 years.
Two AQIS militants killed in encounter in Pak Karachi, Mar 13: Two suspected militants belonging to Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS) were killed in an encounter by the counterterrorism department of the city police in Quaidabad area of Khushab district. The encounter took place yesterday when the CTD personnel with the help from an intelligence agency conducted the raid on a militant hideout and the ensuing battle started. A senior police officer confirmed that the killed militants belonged to AQIS and described those killed as high value target, reports Dawn. AQIS is an Islamist militant organization, which aims to fight the governments of Pakistan, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh in order to establish an Islamic State. (ANI)
in Tamil dominated northern areas, which had been occupied by the military. Sirisena, elected in January 2015 after defeating the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has ordered the release of civilian lands as part of his reconciliation moves. While the Tamil minority has appreciated Sirisena's moves to give redress to them, rights groups claim many more issues such as justice for the victims of the military conflict are more crucial to ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka. (PTI)
China to build international maritime judicial centre Beijing, Mar 13: A report by the Supreme People's Court (SPC) today said the country will set up an international maritime judicial centre in its latest bid to protect national sovereignty and maritime rights. Courts across China shall work to implement the national strategy of building the country into a "maritime power", Xinhua quoted Chief Justice Zhou Qiang as saying. "We must resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty, mari-
time rights and other core interests," Zhou told nearly 3,000 lawmakers. "We must improve the work of maritime courts and build an international maritime judicial centre." According to the chief justice, some 16,000 maritime cases were concluded by Chinese courts last year, the most in the world. The country is also home to the largest number of maritime courts globally speaking, he added. Earlier reports said that some 225,000 cases in-
volving over 70 countries and regions were handled by China's maritime courts in the three decades between 1984, when the first such court was set up, and 2013. Close to 8,000 vessels, of which 1,660 were foreign, were detained and 663 were auctioned off during that period. One notable case, Zhou said, involved a Chinese fishing boat Minxiayu 01971 which took damage in a collision with a Panama-flagged cargo ship in waters off the Diaoyu Islands in Sep-
China to build international maritime judicial centre
tember 2014. The owner of the Chinese ship brought the case to Xiamen maritime court in China which was
ended via mediation. The case clearly demonstrated China's jurisdiction over the region, the chief justice said. (Agencies)
China concludes 19,000 criminal cases on pollution Beijing, Mar 13: Chinese courts have concluded 19,000 criminal cases involving environmental pollution and undermining resources in 2015, up 18.8 percent year on year, a report of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) said today. Courts at all levels also concluded 78,000 civil cases concerning environmental protection, Chief Justice Zhou Qiang said in the report. An intermediate court of Fujian province concluded the country's first public interest litigation concerning environment, the media reported. In January 2015, two non-
governmental organisations filed a lawsuit against four individuals for severely damaging forests in Nanping city. The first public interest litigation case followed the 2012 amendment to the Civil Procedure Law, which allowed agencies or organisations to bring litigation against those who undermined public welfare by infringing on consumers' interests. The report said in the 13 provincial regions carrying out the pilot project, procuratorates initiated prelitigation processes for 325 cases and 224 cases were rectified by related government bodies. (Agencies)
UMDL leaders leave for New Delhi
28 Indian fishermen arrested by Lankan Navy time Boundary Line and fishing in Lankan waters, the fourth such detention this month.
24 Daesh insurgents killed in Afghan military operation Kabul, Mar13: At least 24Daesh insurgents were killed in military operations in Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, the security forces in a statement today. The operation was launched by Afghan Army's 201 Selab Military Corps in Achin district few weeks ago. The statement said that most parts of the district have been cleared of insurgents but the operation is ongoing, reports Tolo news. The statement, however, did not provide details of casualties among the security forces. (ANI)
The president added that during the next few months all civilian lands will be released despite
criticism from the majoritarian extremists in the south. "There will be critics for everything. A small group of extremists in the south are making various allegations and criticisms against this programme. I ask them to come to the north and witness the poor situation of the innocent people, living in the camps," Sirisena said. After the war ended in 2009, Sri Lanka had come under international pressure to release large swathes of civilian lands
China concludes 19,000 criminal cases on pollution
Indian fishermen arrested by Lankan Navy
Colombo, Mar 13: At least 28 Indian fishermen were arrested today by
Sri Lankan Navy personnel for allegedly crossing the International Mari-
The fishermen belonged to Pudukottai, Pamban and Tuticorin and they were taken to Kangesanthurai port, Gopinath, the Assistant Director of Fisheries Department of Tamil Nadu, said. They were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy with assistance from the coastal guard officials, Sri Lankan officials said.
Three boats of the fishermen were seized off the coast of Thavalpadu while five boats were caught near the Delft Island. The boats have been handed over to the Mannar police and fisheries officials for further action, the Navy said. This is the fourth detention of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy this month on the charge of fishing in the island nation's waters. Eight fishermen were ar-
rested on March 3, while 29 others on March 6 and another batch four on March 10 by the Sri Lankan Navy at different locations in mid sea. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for appropriate actions for a permanent solution to the recurring arrests. She had also sought the Centre's intervention for the release of all the arrested Indian fishermen and their fishing boats in the custody of Sri Lanka.
China pledges new push against 'hostile forces,' separatists Beijing, Mar 13: China's chief prosecutor said today that battling "infiltration, subversion and sabotage by hostile forces" is a key priority this year, with terrorists, ethnic separatists and religious extremists all in his crosshairs. In a speech to the annual session of China's national legislature, Cao Jianmin also listed combating cybercrime and ensuring national sovereignty in cyberspace as items topping the list of 2016 priorities. Prosecutors will also continue to follow up on cases brought to as part of an almost three-year-old nationwide anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by the ruling Communist Party's watchdog agency, Cao said. Although he identified no specific groups or individu-
als as threats, Beijing has in the past cited a long list of "hostile forces" it accuses of seeking to end communist rule and plunge China into chaos, division and economic ruin. Those include agents of foreign governments, civil society groups who challenge the party's absolute authority, religious dissenters such as the underground church and the banned Falun Gong meditation sect. Those campaigning for ethnic rights are also frequently cited, including exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama and advocates for the Turkic Muslim Uighur minority from the northwestern region of Xinjiang. In an accompanying address to the legislature, top judge Zhou Qiang said Chinese courts convicted 1,419
people last year of national security and terrorism crimes that carry potential death sentences. That compares with 712 people sentenced for incitement to separatism, terrorism and related charges in 2014, before last year's passage of a sweeping new national security law. Fighting corruption also remains a priority, with prosecutors handling 4,490 cases involving more than $154,000 last year, up 22.5 per cent from 2014, Cao said in his report. That was out of a total of 54,249 officials investigated, Cao said. Those prosecuted for graft last year include 22 former officials at the ministerial level or above, including Zhou Yongkang, a past member of the party's all-
powerful Politburo Standing Committee who was sentenced to life in prison for corruption. Such cases are referred to prosecutors only after suspects have been thoroughly investigated by the party's Central Committee for Discipline Inspection. The body, whose methodologies and standards of evidence are kept secret, said this month it had dished out demotions and other punishments to nearly 300,000 officials last year. However, Cao said prosecutors have yet to indict 41 officials of ministerial rank or above under investigation for corruption, including Ling Jihua, a key aide to former president Hu Jintao. Ling has been under investigation for at least 15
months since being removed as head of the party's United Front Work Department in December 2014. Starting from Oct. 2014, China has also brought about the return of 124 corruption suspects who had fled abroad to 34 different countries, including some who had turned themselves in, Cao said. Details weren't given on new measures to prevent Chinese Internet users from accessing overseas websites; something China insists is its innate right in order to protect its "national cyberspace sovereignty". China already blocks a wide range of foreign websites featuring news, research tools such as Google, social media including Facebook and Twitter, and file-sharing sites such as YouTube.
India, Nepal gear up to save the tiger Kathmandu, Mar 13: Senior forestry officials from India and Nepal are meeting in New Delhi from Monday to chalk out a joint strategy to save the tiger population along the trans-boundary corridor after 14 of the felines were killed during the last one year. Officials here said both countries were mulling a joint strategy to save the endangered animal after an increasing number of cases of tiger-poaching along the Nepal-India border were reported. The two-day meeting in New Delhi will focus on
saving tigers on both sides of the international border, said Akhileshwor Karna, who is leading the Nepali delegation. Between January 2015 and February 2016, at least 14 tigers were killed in the border areas causing panic on both sides. Six of the endangered species were killed on the Nepal side. With the increase in tiger-poaching cases, the ambitious project to double the tiger population in the region by 2022 has hit a roadblock. Surmounting the challenges in the trans-border
India, Nepal gear up to save the tiger area is the key to the success of the project, said Karna adding that apart from this the officials will also discussthe joint
strategy for saving the tiger. Tigers from India's Dudhwa National Park and Balmiki Tiger Re-
serve and from Nepal's Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park and Shuklaphanta Wildlife reserve, regularly cross the international border with officials on both sides facing similar difficulties in saving the endangered species. In India and Nepal, over 45,000 sq.km land in the trans-border area from Bagmati to Yamuna rivers is home to 15 conservation areas and wildlife parks. The tiger population in Nepal is estimated at around 200 and in India at 2,200. (IANS)
UMDL leaders leave for New Delhi Kathmandu, Mar 13: Senior leaders of Nepal's United Democratic Madhesi Front (UMDL), who have been demanding amendments in the newly adopted Constitution including the issue of provincial boundaries, left for New Delhi today. Tarai Madhes Democratic Party chairman Mahantha Thakur, Vice-chairman Hridayesh Tripathi and Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal chairman Upendra Yadav were among those who left
for the Indian capital. According to reports, the leaders, who will be attending a programme in New Delhi, will also be meeting the leaders of various political parties. The UDMF leaders had submitted a seven- point memorandum to Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resolve the Madhesi issue and to address their demands before mid-April. (ANI)
Bio-engineered pig corneas helping to restore vision in China Beijing, Mar 13: Bio-engineered corneas made from pigs’ eyes in China may help millions of patients to see again, ophthalmologists have said. A 14-year-old boy regained his sight after receiving a pig cornea transplant on February 25, said Yuan Jin of Sun Yat-sen University ophthalmology centre in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The boy had injured his right eye with a firecracker during New Year celebrations. “He developed ulcer in his right eye and had lost his sight before the transplant. A week after the transplant, he had regained some vision. In the future his sight may be close to normal,” Mr. Yuan told state-run Xinhua news agency. The cornea is the eye’s outermost transparent layer. Every year, more than five million Chinese patients are blinded by cornea disorders or damage. The demand for cornea transplants far exceeds supply, so bio-engineered solutions could restore the eyesight of millions of Chinese, Mr. Yuan said. Research into the use of animal corneas began in 2003 at Ainier Cornea Engineering Company, Shenzhen and the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an. After success in animal tests, clinical tests were carried out
in 2010 on 100 patients in four hospitals in Beijing and Wuhan, with 94 patients regaining some or all of their vision. Pig corneas proved just as successful as human, Zhang Mingchang, director of ophthalmology at Wuhan Union Hospital said. Forty-seven patients who received the transplant at Wuhan Union Hospital have fully recovered their eyesight, said Mr. Zhang. Artificial corneas are not a miracle cure for all disorders, however, they cannot help, for example, with severe penetration wounds. Zhang Bin, director of Ainier Cornea, said initial trials were conducted using tissue from chickens, cows, ducks, geese, monkeys and sheep before pigs were selected. Some corneas may carry viruses and pig tissue was found to have the lowest risk of infection in the recipient. The bio-mechanical properties of human and pig corneas are very similar, he said. The company gained China Food and Drug Administration approval in April last year for “Acornea,” the first such commercial product to be accredited, and it has since gone into mass production. “It takes 20 days of quite complex processes from removing the tissue from the donor to produce one Acornea,” Mr. Zhang added.
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Why foreign companies should invest in India and not China? Part-II Dams on Brahmaputra India needs to take this issue seriously A vast and densely populated region of North-east India that depends on water from Brahmaputra and its tributaries is feeling agitated over China's ambitious efforts to redraw its Photo:picsmag water map. China's reported plan to divert the Brahmaputra from its upper reaches is being seen as a direct affront to India and a violation of International norms of sharing river waters. Once the construction of dam is complete, the control on the water of Brahmaputra will be in the hands of China. As the Brahmaputra is the lifeline of North East India, the life and environment in the region will be adversely affected by this development. The Brahmaputra flows for about 1,625- km inside the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and for a further 918-km inside India. This is not the first time that tension is building up between India and China over Brahmaputra projects, which could affect the flow of water into India. The BJP was quick to react to these reports and demanded that if there is fresh evidence of China's intentions then India should immediately take up this matter with the Chinese authority. Since the last two years, there are reports that China wants to divert Brahmaputra waters from the Himalayas. If it is diverted, we will have real problems which will affect the economy of the whole region. These reports are of real concern to India. Besides India, which have raised the construction of a 510 MW dam on the Brahmaputra in talks with the Chinese leadership for many a times. Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia had expressed similar concerns over eight dams being built on the Mekong river. The blame game, voiced in vulnerable river towns and Asian capitals from Pakistan to Vietnam, is rooted in fear that China's accelerating programme of damming every major river flowing from the Tibetan plateau will trigger environmental imbalance, natural disasters, degrade fragile ecologies, divert vital water supplies. A few analysts and environmental advocates even speak of water as a future trigger for war or diplomatic strong-arming, though others strongly doubt it will come to that. Still, the remapping of the water flow in the world's most heavily populated and thirstiest region is happening on a gigantic scale, with potentially strategic implications. On the eight great Tibetan rivers alone, almost 20 dams have been built or are under construction while some 40 more are planned or proposed. China is not alone in disrupting the region's water flows. Others are doing it with even worse consequences. But China's vast thirst for power and water, its control over the sources of the rivers and its ever-growing political clout make it a singular target of criticism and suspicion. Although China is saying that it is constructing the dam to produce power but actually some hidden agendas are also associated with it. The water resources of Brahmaputra will be a strong point to blackmail India. If China blocks the water in Brahmaputra, it will lead to famine in the whole NE region.
India launches sixth satellite, Complete own navigational network Moving a step closer to completing the satellite network for its own location positioning system, India successfully launched the IRNSS 1F, the sixth and penultimate of the series. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is to be a cluster of seven satellites that will provide location services over India and neighbouring countries, just like the Global Positioning Service (GPS) that most of the world, including India, currently uses. The IRNSS-1F rode into space on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, near Chennai. This was the 34th successful satellite launch by the, which has come to become one of the world's most reliable launch vehicle. As in the case of previous five successful launches of IRNSS satellites with similar configurations, 'XL' version of the the launch vehicle (PSLV-C32) was used on Thursday. This was the twelfth time the variant was used by ISRO. According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman, PSLV C-32 has put the satellite into the right orbit and have only one more in the constellation to complete the regional navigational system, which we hope to do next month. The IRNSS network is already operational. It had started working after the launch of the fourth satellite in March last year. A minimum of four satellites are required to make the system operational. ISRO and some educational institutions are already receiving the data and using it for developing some location solutions. The fifth satellite was launched in January this year and has become operational. The first satellite in the series was launched in July 2013, followed by another one in April, 2014 and the third in October the same year. The IRNSS system is designed to provide location accuracy better than 10 metres. Once it becomes fully operational, the IRNSS would be used to provide terrestrial and marine navigation, help in disaster management operations, and offer voice and visual navigation services. The IRNSS 1F, besides having the navigation and ranging payload, is also carrying a Rubidium atomic clock, which will transmit navigation service signals to users.
will assist the government Delhi Mumbai Industrial in eliminating multiple Corridor (DMIC) project processes. India's new e- which will expand India's Nivesh web portal allows manufacturing and serinvestors to apply for vices base and develop some 80 government per- DMIC as a Global Manumits online. Of the facturing and Trading 134,870 applications filed Hub. digitally so far, about 74 India saw the slowest ecopercent have been ap- nomic growth during the proved and 1.5 percent are UPA regime. Various facpending past tors such as regulatory hurdles, lack of transparPranjal Kumar Phukan deadline. The govern- ency and policy paralysis One difference is visible ment is also addressing the added to the slowdown between the Indian and inconsistencies that exist and this was deterrence to Chinese economy. While between the central and foreign investors. During India exports services state government laws. the UPA regime of the 569 China on the other hand Synchronized inspections central sector projects, exports manufactured are taking place to avoid delays in implementation goods. Also China is an multiple inspections by were reported for about export oriented economy the Department of Labor, half (227) of the projects, as compared to the domes- Inspectorate of Factories resulting in cost overruns tic consumption economy and Boilers and State Pol- of about 18.8 %. Time of India. India can con- lution Board. Labor laws overruns have been high tinue to pursue economic are being amended and in road transport (90 reforms and boost infra- made more business projects), power (51 structure investment, it has friendly and flexible. The projects) and railways (35 the potential to grow at 7% amended labor law will projects). to 8% per year for a sus- provides greater flexibility The climate for projects tained period. Meanwhile, in the hiring and terminat- clearance has improved. the Chinese economy is ing employees which was Many Coal mines, power transitioning from a high a problem in the manufac- stations, SEZs projects are growth economy to a turing sectors as the cleared by the present govslower economy whose unions protests led to a ernment. Several coal growth rate is gradually strike thus hampering mines were also auctioned coming down below 7% business. Several archaic thus raking in money for per year. Thus India is British era laws are also the exchequer. The government has cleared 42 poised to be the fastest being overhauled. growing BRICS economy The government has em- stalled projects worth Rs over the medium to long barked on the structural, $ 1.7 bn since it presented term, making it a very at- operational and adminis- the Budget for 2015-16. tractive destination for in- trative reforms of the tax Ten power generation and vestment in new factories system. The government transmission projects with by multinationals eager to has already passed the investments over $ 1.1 bn tap the fast growing Indian Goods and Services Tax have also got the green (GST) in the Lok Sabha signal. A total of 155 consumer market. India's growth is likely to but the opposition parties projects worth $ 8.4 bn improve from 7.2% in have stymied its further were cleared in its first 16 2014 to 7.5% both in 2015 progress in the Rajya months. Since the NDA and 2016 (up 1.2% and Sabha. It may be taken up came to power in May last 1% from the January by the government in a year, 91 projects worth $ WEO forecast), China's special session of the par- 4 bn have been put back growth is projected to slip liament or may be passed on track. Most issues from 7.4% in 2014 to through the ordinance which were delaying coal 6.8% this year and further route. The introduction of based power projects to down to 6.3% next year. a countrywide GST, in totaling about 65,000 MW However, IMF has sug- place of myriad existing and gas based projects gested an important strucIndia saw the slowest economic tural reform agenda for India to reap productivity growth during the UPA regime. Varigains. This includes removing infrastructure ous factors such as regulatory hurdles, bottlenecks as well as relack of transparency and policy paforms to education, labor, and product markets for ralysis added to the slowdown and this was deterrence to foreign investors. raising labor force participation and productivity. Single window clearance levies (including excise with a capacity of 24,000 systems are being imple- duty, custom duty and MW have been resolved. mented by many state gov- luxury taxes) will facili- Looking long term, India's ernments. The framework tate business and reduce economy is too hard for includes online submis- high administrative costs. the biggest companies to sion to process and ap- The present government ignore. Investments to Inprove all investment pro- has laid out plans to con- dia will come on merit. posals. The government is nect its big cities with India will face only a limalso introducing a coordi- freight corridors. At ited impact from the glonated clearance systems present, the planning of bal woes as the country's e.g. for environmental distribution networks is macro policies are good. clearances, to facilitate in- not very efficient, which The Indian economy is formation exchange be- creates risk. For example, picking up. There is a contween various ministry de- when an item moves from tinuing need, which the partments, regulators and one state to another, there government is trying to industry. The Government is value added tax to pay. address, of putting some launched an "e-biz" portal As a result the location is of the stalled projects back that integrates 14 regula- not necessarily optimal on track. With its exports tory permissions in one based on logistics; it is of- to China being small, the place to facilitate easy ap- ten based on how you potential negative effect is provals The Ebiz program move goods and avoid the negligible. provides a secure one stop value added tax. The gov- High intellectual property shop for all investment, ernment is in the process protection burdens, qualregulatory, compliance of implementing tax re- ity control issues, rising and business related infor- forms. The central labor costs, management mation and services 24x7 alongwith the state gov- overheads, logistics on a single portal. This ernments has launched the overheads and other hid-
Image for representational purpose (Photo:clickflick) den costs mean manufacturing in China isn't as cheap as it first looks. China is the front running candidate for a potential major crash. Novice investors, many of whom have limited education and financial savvy, may be perplexed and angry if their savings get wiped out. This could create a broad grassroots backlash against the authorities and may result in social unrest and could even lead to a revolution or a coup. China has made progress toward a market oriented economy but the communist party still protects local firms and the state owned enterprises from competing foreign companies. It retains the framework of a planned economy with five year plans setting economic goals, strategies and targets. The State and the Communist Party directly manage and control the only legal labor union. China lacks predictability in its business environment. China's current legal and regulatory system is opaque, inconsistent and often arbitrary. Implementation of the law is inconsistent. Lack of effective protection of intellectual property rights is a particularly damaging issue for many foreign companies. Both those that already operate in China and those that have not yet entered the market have had their product IP stolen by Chinese companies. The investments made into speculative real estate projects or business ventures, has invariably created an artificial bubble in those spaces also. The bursting of bubble in these spheres would further compound the losses of the investors. Mid Term to Long Term Implications " In the mid-term and long term scenario, the crashing of the stock market may herald a Chinese economic collapse in 2017 and the early indicators of the same are given below Slump in the Industrial
Production " Industry has been the major driving force behind the Chinese economic growth. In February, industrial production growth has receded to just 6.8%. It was 18.5% during the pre-global recession era in February 2007. " Fixed asset investment (the purchase of any physical asset) is a leading indicator of future manufacturing activity, is also down by 4% from last year. Consumer Spending Fallen Drastically " In order to give an impetus to the industrial growth, the domestic consumer spending needs to be high, so that reliance on foreign export can be reduced. " However, due to the market uncertainties, the retails sales in the present times in China are at its slowest pace in the last nine years. Housing Market in China is Collapsing " The housing market in China makes up about 25% of the economy. Due to the above mentions reasons, as also, when investors will default on what they have borrowed, as scrutiny in the housing market grows, the real estate prices will tumble. " A latest survey regarding real estate trends in China's largest cities shows that 61 out of the 70 major city centres have experienced a price declines. India should take advantage of the slowdown in China and to invite US and European companies to set up manufacturing facilities in the country. It is becoming increasingly difficult to do business in China. This is where there is an opportunity for India. US companies are willing to move a lot of investment in India...either manufacturing or setting up other plants for local environment. The red tape of Indian bureaucracy is becoming greener now. From policy perspective, there is a very strong sup-
Poor Sarbananda!
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs (Photo: pbs.twimg)
Sir, Poor Sarbananda! In tune with the leader of the congress legislative party Tarun Gogoi we also have a hunch to feel so. Perhaps, Sri Gogoi wanted to explain, how the BJP leaders of the state totally failed to prevail upon the BJP President Amit Shah, how Mr. Shah unable to feel the pulse of the bonafide BJP workers, imposed some new-comers and some with a tainted career of the past. People of Assam really are getting ready, girding up the loin to bring about the much needed change of guards. The picture now is unfolding by degrees exactly the way it had happened in Bihar. BJP leadership, instead of jumping at the finalization process so quickly, should have churned out the issue in a meticulous way after taking the pros and cons into account discreetly. From our past lessons, we learn, how a thing done in haste can
land us in troubles. At the same time, we notice that there are too many ticket aspirants and it is next to impossibility for BJP to accommodate all. But we are of conviction that there was a serious lacuna - somewhere in the selection of candidates that is destined to put the party in a quandary, dimming its prospect of forming the next government. On the other hand, the congress appears to take a tough stand in cautioning the would be rivals if deprived of party tickets by the President of the APCC Anjan Dutta. BJP usually criticizes the congress for looking helplessly at its high command for cutting the 'T' and dotting the 'I'. But it appears now, the reality speaks otherwise. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
port from the government and bureaucracy for economic reforms. India is insulated from global volatility as compared to many other countries as exports are a relatively lower share of total GDP. India has a more diversified export base as it is less reliant on exports of manufactured goods as compared to many other countries. This is due to the large component of Indian service sector exports notably information technology and business process outsourcing services. The advantages of doing business and investing in India include democracy, the rule of law, independent judiciary, a robust regulatory framework, separation of powers between the center and the state and economic reforms. The government also places a high importance on infrastructure development, including highways, ports, railways, airports, power, telecom and more and the Indian government actively seeks domestic and private investment for its infrastructure sector development. India as a country has many factors which can attract new businesses and investors from all around the world. Foreign companies have found that manufacturing in China isn't much of an advantage once all costs are taken into account. In the longer run government policies, the pace of economic reforms (including compliance with WTO commitments), political instability, Chinese foreign policy and social unrest will adversely affect the business climate for foreign investment in China. Concluded (Author is Regional General Secretary of CaSI Global US, Executive Council Member of Gerson Lehrman Council, Texas, US and Editorial Board member of International Education and Research Journal (IERJ). He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)
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Prospect of Tourism in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh Part-1 The tourism sector is one of the most lucrative areas in the entire Northeastern India and as per data ,the majority of the youths are still unemployed due to lack of avenues in private and public sectors companies inspite of opportunities in these sectors had they been tapped. The government sector are the
only areas where one can find job in two distinct way- one if you have come up in top five in the competitive exams or interviews and secondly by back door policy else the mediocre have no place to survive in the North east India in particular and in India in general. Therefore most of the youths choose two paths
Noa Dihing river - Namdapha National Park (Photo: amdaphatoursandtreks.file)
either the youth moves employment or any other out to metro cities for pri- sources to sustain their vate jobs or remain back lives and owing to this and join militant groups or most of them have to clung to travel drugs dragback to Lomhom Tangha w h e r e net. Moreover prit h e y vate companies hardly were once and join the comes to North eastern more fierce groups. Is India creating no space this how the lives of the for employment for un- surrendered and wayemployed youths. The ward youths in the NorthGovernment at the cen- eastern India should be? tre have to advocate such The saffron party should ideas as to bring back the give some niche on these wayward youths in the vex issues so that the North east to the main youths whom God had stream and that would be created for some noble possible if jobs are cre- cause be streamlined and ated for the surrendered give an emoluments in the youths, militants and form of employment, school dropouts. There business prospects and are many surrendered financial assistance. youths whose lives have The most feasible and renot been restored or given sourceful areas are touran opportunity to lead a ism and hospitality secdignified life in the soci- tors in the North East. ety after they had surren- One such area is in the dered. They do not have district of Changlang in
How I Came To Understand Why So Many Indians Have Lost Faith In The Legal System "Justice? You get justice transgender individuals. after 32 years in the 1984 in the next world, in this In 2014, citing the auction anti-Sikh riots case. world you have the law."- process as illegal and ar- Nearly 3,000 members of bitrary, Supreme Court the Sikh community were William Gaddis. On a very usual day in cancelled the licences of killed after Indira office, I got a call from 214 coal blocks. This was Gandhi's assassination. my father. In a grim done even after the pri- Or the Babri Masjid voice, he informed me vate miners' argument demolition case, the afthat cancella- termath of which claimed that our 25year-old tenant Ali Abbas tion will cause the lives of more than an estimated 2,000 people, mostly from had filed a case against us. He accused loss of 4.4 lakh crores the minority community. all male members of the and will hit investors' con- Or take the Uphaar cinfamily of forcefully ex- fidence. ema fire case in Delhi. It tracting rent, harassment And Sahara India Chief took 18 years for the and attempts to vandalise Subrata Roy is still wast- case to reach its end. his belongings. Most ab- ing away in Tihar Jail for Annoyed by the number surd was the claim that the failure to pay a bail of years it took and the we had leased our prop- amount of 10,000 crores. unsatisfactory judgement erty to said tenant for 100 The humanistic approach, the court pronounced, years. We were left with free legal aid to weaker Neelam Krishnamoorthy, no option but to fight sections of society, pub- the mother of the young back. It has been four lic interest litigations victims of the tragedy got (PIL) and low fees to back at the Indian judiyears now. Though I had already fight cases are some of ciary with her comment, started feeling frustrated the features which make "Looking back, I think I and helpless, it was far less than what one of my relatives had to go through who fought for more than 20 years to finally win his case, or far less than what thousands of other citizens face when their cases go on for years. But people in India have more trust in the courts than their democratically elected governments. With a history and repuImage for representational purpose (Photo: tation of taking bold decdn.youthkiawaaz) cisions, courts are the hope and strength of commoners in the coun- our judicial system strong made a mistake. I should and approachable. have picked up a gun and try. The following are some Never Ending Hope For shot the culprits, pleaded insanity in court and I judgements from the re- Justice cent past which left me However, even with the might have been out by best features, Indian ju- now. Maybe that would in awe of our judiciary. The Supreme Court diciary is far from the have been justice." banned the open and best. People perceive While these are criminal common usage of red courts as the long route cases, the condition of civil beacons on cars by poli- to justice and think of it cases is equally bad. For ticians, bureaucrats and as the last resort. Ac- example in my case, there even by private individu- cording to the National has been no hearing from als. The Court said the it Judicial Data Grid, as on the last one year. It was reflects a "Raj mentality." 16th February 2016, the fifth time we pleaded Now, only high dignitar- there were 2,09,11,662 with the judge to take the ies holding constitutional cases pending in Indian case forward. posts can use red bea- courts out of which Highlighting this weakcons when on duty while 69,55,415 are civil and ness of Indian courts, those engaged in emer- 1,39,56,246 are criminal. many movies are made in gency duties can use blue Considering the enor- Bollywood. One such epic mous amount of pending movie was Damini, where or multicolour lights. In another landmark cases, in 2010, Andhra it's the rapist's lawyer who judgement, the Supreme Pradesh High Court finds it more convenient to Court recognised judge V.V. Rao said it defend his client in court. transgender people as the will take 320 years to That's because in a court third gender for the first clear the backlog of of law, it is easier to mould and twist facts, and time. It also directed gov- pending cases. Justice Delayed Is Juspressurise, influence and ernments, both at the break witnesses. If not centre and at the states, tice Denied to recognise them as Many exploit this weak- anything else, one can educationally backward ness of our justice sys- keep delaying the proand consider reserving tem as a tool to harass ceedings hence delaying seats for them. Hopefully, the justice seeker. Con- the judgement. As the fathis will help to end the sider the never ending mous dialogue of Sunny discrimination against pursuit for justice even Deol goes, "tarik pe tarik
milti rahi hai, lekin insaaf nahi mila my lord, mili hai toh sifr yeh tarikh (we keep setting dates for the next hearing, but do not get justice delivered)." Ye Andha Kanoon Hai Last year, the judiciary surprised most of us when actor Salman Khan got acquitted by the High Court in the 13 year long hit and run case. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Jayalalitha was cleared of all corruption charges after 18 years. Ramalinga Raju, founder of Satyam, got bail after one month by the sessions court after being convicted in a trail court for an accounting fraud of 7000 crores. It casts doubt in our minds. Does our judicial system behave differently for rich and influential people? A study conducted by National Law University students with the help of the Law Commission reveals that out of 373 death row convicts over 15 years, 75% of them belonged to weaker sections of society. A shocking 93.5% of those sentenced who recieved the death sentence for terror offences were found to be Dalits or from religious minorities. A court of law does not work on emotions or popular sentiment. Neither does it matter whether you're rich or poor. It pronounces judgement based on facts, logic and the evidence produced. All you need is to get a sharp lawyer on your side and support from police and witnesses to get the desired judgement. So, it was on a usual Sunday recently, when my father got a call from one of the respected members of our locality who is also part of the local peace committee. He arranged for arbitration between us and the opponent. After a few negotiations and certain compromises, our opponent handed the keys to us, with which we got our property back after four long years. Referring to the courts, or 'ada-lath', as an addiction ('lath'), he prayed, "may God save people from hospitals and courts." Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
Arunachal Pradesh. It is inhabited mainly by Tangsas, Tutsas, Singphos, Lisus, Yobins, besides other temporal residence from the plains. But of late some Chakmas have been granted citizenship by the Supreme court and thereby had been enrolled in the voter list. It is the 12th district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This district have several tourist hotspots namely Namdapha Tiger National Project, Pangsau pass, World War II Memorial, Stillwell Road, Vijoynagar and dozens of unexplored tourist destinations. This district too have vast amount of hydrocarbon deposits. But the crude oil exploration is being carried out whereas the coal extraction is yet to be awarded to reliable firms.
Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh is unique in its natural beauty, culture and tradition. Located in a picturesque valley and surrounded by scenic mountains. (Photo: gozer)
The district was under cent percent forest cover few decades ago but of late thirty percent have been destroyed owing to urbanization and timber industries. The state government too had granted special financial package under the Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding(DOTCL) to the three given district to
lift up their economic status at par with their counterparts. However many villages are yet to be equipped with basic facilities like roads, electricity, water supply, and medical facilities. The department such as DOTCL is just an eye wash in real sense; it doesn't reach the poorest of the poor for their basic requirements.
Of course the state had advocated a special financial package through DOTCL but the larger part of packages had been reduced in other heads like SPA, RIDF, etc. So ultimately, the figure remains the same. Though the funds has been allocated in one area, the others areas had been curtailed. Contd
After A Nearly 20 Year Ban On Elections, Is BHU Finally Ready For Student Politics? If there was one event ates the student union which caught the atten- with utter lawlessness tion of the media, and of and pompous display of everyone else, beyond power which serves no Mr. Modi's speech at the apparent purpose. centenary convocation of Banaras Hindu Univer- In a similar manner, the demand for sity, it was the revival of the alleged Anand Singh students' roughing up of a student soon after union by a group of stuthe Prime Minister had dents took a turn for the wrapped up his speech. worse as students The said student was clashed with police and shouting out to the PM to restore the students' union elections within the varsity. What happened thereafter has been much talked about. The student in question is one Ashutosh Singh, a B.A. sophomore in the Faculty of Arts. His Facebook profile proudly boasts that he is an active member of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, the student wing of the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. That he chose such a glitzy occasion to voice his dissent, and that too concerning the revival of the students' union within the campus, brings into serious question his intentions. Moreover, given the controversial and the rather riot-obscured history of student union elections in this central varsity, his demands lose the force that was intended to be woven around them. It is necessary to go back in time in order to understand the legitimacy of his alleged concerns. The student union was banned abruptly when large-scale violence paralysed the campus on February 20th, 1997. A student was killed during a blatant display of firearms while an election rally was underway at the amphitheatre ground. The then Vice-Chancellor of the University Dr. Y.C. Simhadri ordered an indefinite ban on union elections within the campus, and rightly so. To this date, an ordinary student at the university associ-
One would most certainly agree with this proposition. The manner in which Ashutosh was slapped hard across his face in the full glare of television cameras displays the audacious contempt with which sympathisers of the ruling party have gotten into the habit of treating dissent.
hemently against the restoration of a union. Tanvi Chaudhary, a final year student of Masters in Financial Management, says that union politics has become synonymous with brazen displays of power, in which power is wielded only by a few persons who are so removed from the concerns of an ordinary student that it is extremely
Banaras Hindu University Campus (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz) held the otherwise peaceful campus to ransom over an entire weekend. There was widespread loss of public property as several buses and an Amul pickup van were torched. The rioting was quelled when a large contingent of local police and Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel were asked to intervene. Subsequently, five hostels, all belonging to the arts and social science faculties were ordered to be vacated indefinitely. Semester exams had to be pushed back. It could not have been any more ironical that a movement intended to guarantee the welfare of the students resulted in causing them intense hardship and mental anxiety. Now, it is being alleged that criminalisation of dissent is happening across university campuses.
He was detained briefly at Lanka police station, then let off. One must clearly draw a line here. The manner in which he was sought to be silenced must exhort us to sympathise with him, but not the cause which he was espousing. Union politics has always been dubbed as the nursery of future politicians in the country. A democratic environment within university campuses, which allows for free and unimpeded exchange of ideas, is the lynchpin of all learning. On the other hand, BHU must go through a rigorous process of experimenting with democratic ideas before being able to welcome a full-fledged student union in the campus. The popular opinion within the campus is ve-
improbable that democracy would have any meaning for them. This sentiment is echoed across a broad spectrum of students in the varsity. Charles Caleb Colton, an English political thinker, remarked: "Liberty will not descend to a people, a people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed." It must always be remembered that BHU does not exist in a vacuum. Varanasi is still a deeply feudal society, and its politics can't be expected to be any different. Meanwhile, let us expect that in its 100th year of existence, BHU attains some maturity in order to be able to become worthy of a working students' union and that Ashutosh's dream may become a reality. Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MARCH 14
BUSINESS
ONGC to endow $5 bn on KG basin block Mumbai, Mar 13: Stateowned ONGC may invest about $5 billion in its KG basin block KG DWN 98/ 2 to produce 17 million cubic meters per day (mcmd) of gas and 75,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil by 2019 fiscal, a top official said. "With the new gas pricing model, the discovery had become more viable for production. The investment decision will be taken in next couple of weeks," ONGC Chairman Dinesh Sarraf said. The announcement comes within days of the government freeing up natural gas pricing. This fresh investment in developing the KG DWN 98/2, with re-
India prohibits more than 300 combination of drugs New Delhi, Mar 13: India has banned the manufacture and sale of more than 300 combination medicines, including two widely used cough syrups, being sold without government approval, a senior health ministry official said on Saturday. The move is aimed at curbing the misuse of such medicines in India, where nearly half the drugs sold in 2014 were so called "fixed dose combinations." Combination drugs are used worldwide to improve patients' compliance, as it is easier to get patients to take one drug rather than several. But inconsistent enforcement of drug laws in India has led to the proliferation of hundreds of such medicines entering the market based on approval from regulators of individual states, rather than the central government. Policymakers gave pharmaceutical companies a chance to retroactively prove the safety and efficacy of these drugs by submitting data on their drugs. The committee was tasked with classifying the drugs into rational, irrational, and those that need further studies, said KL Sharma, a joint secretary at the health ministry. The banned medicines include the codeine-based cough syrups Phensedyl and Corex, the Times of India said in a report earlier on Saturday, citing unnamed sources. Phensedyl, made by US drugmaker Abbott Laboratories , accounts for about a third of the Indian cough syrup market, and its sales are estimated to make up more than 3 percent of Abbott's $1 billion India revenue. Corex is sold by Pfizer Inc. Several medical experts said it did not make sense to prescribe the cocktail for cold symptoms. However, Abbott's former and current medical representatives said the combination was being promoted and administered as a treatment for a wide variety of illnesses, including colds and fevers. (Agencies)
51% stake acquisition completed by Apollo in Assam Hospitals Guwahati, Mar 13: Apollo Hospitals today said it has completed acquisition of majority stake in Guwahatibased Assam Hospitals. "We have now completed the acquisition of a 51 per cent majority stake in Assam Hospitals, Guwahati," Apollo Hospitals Enterprise said in a regulatory filing. The Chennai-based health care major had last year announced to acquire a majority stake in Assam Hospitals for a cash consideration of up to Rs 57.25 crore. "The objective of the acquisition is to strengthen Apollo Hospitals' leadership position in the hospital space, as well as enhance its presence in the North Eastern region where it already has a strong brand equity," Apollo Hospitals said. Assam Hospitals was incorporated in 1997 and commenced operations in 1999. It currently runs a 220 bed hospital facility. It recorded a turnover of Rs 83.1 crore for the year ended March 2015. (Agencies)
serves of 70 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas and 23 million tonnes of oil will be over and above the capital expenditure of Rs. 30,000 crore for FY17. KG DWN 98/2 is next to the famous KG D6 block, owned by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), which reportedly pumped $1.4 billion worth of gas from ONGC's field. ONGC has taken the decision to develop the block itself without any foreign partners. When asked if ONGC will partner any global major in developing the deepwater block, Mr.Saraff told: "Going by the confidence shown by
the ONGC team, we have decided to develop the block on our own. All the technical expertise and project management consultants (PMC) are available in the market." Earlier, ONGC partnered global oil majors of the likes of Norway's StatOil, Brazil's Petrobras and Chevron Corp. of U.S. to develop the block but they all walked away due to delays and bureaucratic hurdles. While ONGC has announced its investment plans to develop its deepwater block in KG basin, other players like (RIL), Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation
ONGC INVESTMENT State-owned ONGC may invest about $5 billion in its KG basin block. KG DWN 98/2 to produce 17 million cubic meters per day (mcmd) of gas and 75,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil by 2019 fiscal. (GSPC) and Cairn India are likely to follow the suit as government's reform decisions in the hydrocarbon sector to move towards a transparent market
This fresh investment in developing the KG DWN 98/2, with reserves of 70 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas and 23 million tonnes of oil will be over and above the capital expenditure of Rs. 30,000 crore for FY17. ONGC will partner any global major in developing the deepwater block.
economy are expected to unlock significant investments of close to $30-$40 billion in the exploration sector alone, according to industry body CII."This is
amongst the most important structural reforms in the sector as a policy of marketing and pricing freedom will expedite investments in the sector leading to the immediate development of discovered gas resources thereby resulting in a sharp increase in domestic gas production in next few years. PSC extension policy announced for discovered fields also bring clarity and will lead to considerable investment in these matured fields," said Sashi Mukundan, country head for BP India and Chairman, CII National Committee on Hydrocarbons. (Agencies)
Green nod given for 900 projects worth Rs 6 lakh crore Chennai, Mar 13: Environmental clearance has been given to 900 projects worth Rs 6 lakh crore in the last 20 months, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, seeking to counter criticism that several projects have been bogged down due to lack of green nod. Asserting that environmental clearance should not be a "roadblock" for development, Javadekar said that every effort should be made to safeguard the environment and also ensure that development projects do not suffer any delay. "In the last 20 months, my ministry has given environmental clearance to 900 projects entailing an investment of about Rs 6 lakh crore," he said at the National Convention on Sustainable Development Goals here.
change that "though India is not part of the problem, it wants to be part of the solution."
Union Minister ,Prakash Javadekar (Photo: static.dnaindia) Modi government of not proceeding on several projects for want of environmental clearances. Dismissing such criticism, the government has claimed that the earlier UPA regime was responsible for stalling projects which were now getting green nods at a fast pace. Squarely blaming the developed countries for carbon emissions and its fallout on climate change, he said, "Climate change is a
reality with one degree rise in temperature caused by 150 years of uncontrolled carbon emission by the developed world". He said though India is responsible for just 3% of carbon emissions, it is an active partner in finding the solution to the problem of climate change and committed to the UN goals on sustainable development. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on climate
While 30% of cumulative contribution was that of the US, Europe, Canada and other developed countries accounted for 50% and China 10%. "The developed world went ahead with business as usual scenario without bothering about environmental impact. Now it has happened, and we are suffering," he said. India being well-aware of its responsibilities was committed to UN Goals on sustainable development, he said, adding, "Our commitment is reflected in every programme being pursued by the government." He listed out the government's ambitious 175 Giga Watt renewable energy programme, covering solar, wind, hydropower and nuclear energy
as a major step in promoting environment-friendly development. India had taken pro-active measures to discourage use of fossil fuels in a bid to reduce carbon footprint, he said. "The Union Budget 201617 has levied a green cess of $6 (Rs 400) per tonne of coal. This is perhaps the highest levy in the world, as even the United States taxes coal at around $1. "If the developed world followed India's example and levied higher taxes on coal, billions of dollars would accrue to pursue clean energy programmes," Javadekar said. He also listed out plans to control vehicular pollution by moving to Bharat VI emission norms, policies on waste management and massive tree plantation drive through the Compensatory Afforestaton Fund Bill 2015 as other measures aimed at sustainable development. (Agencies)
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Rajan worries for economic recovery amid disappointing IIP numbers
Raghuram Rajan, RBI Governor (Photo: static.dnaindia) ANI New Delhi, Mar 13: Reserve Bank GovernorRaghuram Rajan today said the economy will witness volatility in its recovery as the IIP numbers have been disappointing. Addressing the reporters after the RBI board meeting, which was addressed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Rajan said, "We are in recovery. That's broadly what we said before and by and large, we would stick to that. There is volatility in this recovery process." The RBI chief described the index of industrial production (IIP) numbers released yesterday as disappointing, which indicated that the economy is broadly moving in the direction of strengthening growth. The industrial output for the third month in a row remained in the negative territory, contracting 1.5 per cent in January due to poor showing of manufacturing and capital
goods sector. The declining industrial output prompted India Inc to press for a rate cut by RBI, which is scheduled to announce its monetary policy on April fifth. Talking about govt.'s plan of action to stick to the fiscal consolidation path and ease the monetary policy to boost growth, Rajan said the number of 3.5 per cent fiscal deficit target is a firm indication of government's intent for fiscal consolidation. He also said that the markets and RBI are comforted by the govt. action. "There are ideas that have been floated, for example, moving to a cyclically-adjusted fiscal deficit rather than a fiscal deficit that does not take into account ground condition. This is something that a number of countries also do. My guess is that all these issues will also be explored by the commission that is looking at this," the governor said.
Willful defaulters under Anurag Dalmia granted bail in tax evasion case Sebi's radar, to be barred from mkts
Opposition parties and environmentalists have been accusing the Narendra
New Delhi, Mar 13: Dalmia Group of Companies' Vice Chairman Anurag Dalmia has been granted bail by a Delhi court in a black money case of alleged tax evasion lodged by the Income Tax Department. The court granted the relief to the 59year-old Mr. Anurag after he appeared before it in pursuance to summons issued to him.
He was granted bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 50,000 with one surety of the like amount. The court also directed him to inform it whenever he leaves the country. The court also granted bail to businessman Parag Dalmia, also summoned as accused in a separate black money case of al-
leged tax evasion, on furnishing of bail bond of Rs. 50,000 and surety of like amount.
As per the department, he is the director of Dalmia Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and Globus Estates Pvt Ltd. He is not associated with the Dalmia Group of Companies. The court has now fixed both the cases for May 18 for scrutiny of documents and recording of pre-charge evidence. Regarding Mr. Anurag, the department has filed two similar complaints for years 2006 and 2007, alleging he was holding a foreign bank account but did not disclose it in his income tax returns and there were undisclosed deposits in the account. It claimed that the account
Image for representational purpose only (Photo: economictimes) maintained at HSBC Bank, Switzerland, was opened in November 2000 by Mr. Anurag but on being confronted, he denied having any such foreign account. The complaint said the to-
tal balance in the bank account as on March 31, 2006 was over USD 62 lakh (Rs. 27.9 crore) and USD 22 lakh (Rs. 14.17 crore) as on March 31, 2007 in addition to the in-
terest. Regarding Mr. Parag, the department claimed he was maintaining a bank account with HSBC Bank, Geneva, which was opened in October, 1998 and the balance in the account was about USD 2.7 lakh which amounts to Rs. 1.2 crore as on March 31, 2006 in addition to the interest. When confronted, Mr. Parag refused to comment on the issue of having foreign bank account, the income tax department's complaint alleged. The complaints were filed by the department in January under sections 276 (c)(1) (wilful attempt to evade tax), 276(d) (failure to produce accounts and documents) and 277 (false statement in verification) of the IT Act. (Agencies)
ANI New Delhi, Mar 13: The Securities and Exchange Board of India ( SEBI) today decided to bar the wilful loan defaulters from raising public funds through stocks and bonds as also from taking board positions at listed companies. Market regulator, Sebi has also decided to bar such defaulters from setting up market intermediaries such as mutual funds and brokerage firms. These defaulters are also barred to take any control of any other listed company. The move taken by Sebi comes after a raging controversy over UB Group
Chairman Vijay Mallya, who has exited the country amid continuing efforts by the banks to recover dues totalling over Rs. 9,000 crore of unpaid loans and interest. Addressing the media after an important board meeting by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the regulator's Chairman U K Sinha said, "The new rules on restraining wilful defaulters would come into effect after they get notified." "After the notification, all the persons would stand disqualified from all positions at listed companies," added Sinha.
Refuelling service for ships BSE looks to avoid trade reversals started at Chennai Port Chennai, Mar 13: Chennai Port Trust commenced supplying bunker fuel to ships at anchorage, an official said. Till recently, international vessels that were passing various Indian sea ports had to go either to Singapore or Colombo for bunker fuel. Chennai Port has started supplying bunker fuel through barge to vessel berthed at five nautical miles from the port. "The supply of bunker fuel to ships at anchorage is a business which international ports such as Singapore and Colombo have excelled in. We started this facility with the aim of converting Chennai Port into a bunker hub in the East Coast," said Chennai Port Traffic Manager B.Vimal. "It also makes sense for interna-
tional vessels to use the new bunkering facility as they need not have to come inside the port for fuelling alone. It also saves them from paying pilotage, berthing and wharfage charges and time," he said. According to a statement , Indian Oil Corporation supplied 1,430
tonnes of IFO 380 CST grade bunker to MT Jag Lakshita belonging to GE Shipping. HPCL is planning to commence its bunker services soon. Mr.Cyril C. George, Chairman, Chennai Port, stated that this initiative was taken under the ease-ofdoing business campaign
CPT STRATEGIES Chennai Port Trust commenced supplying bunker fuel to ships at anchorage. Chennai Port has started supplying bunker fuel through barge to vessel berthed at five nautical miles from the port. They aim at converting Chennai Port into a bunker hub in the East Coast. It also saves them from paying pilotage, berthing and wharfage charges and time.
and would benefit the trade and the port since many vessels, which used to call ports at Singapore or Colombo would now come to Chennai for the service. Mr.Y. Leeladharan, Chairman of Chennai and Ennore Ports Steamer Agents' Association, said: "The commencement of this facility will cover various types of vessels which carry dry and liquid cargoes to India and overseas. For instance, Panamx, Capesize, Handimax, VLCC and other types of vessels, which are on their way to nearby ports, needing fuel can call on Chennai Port to avail the bunker facility. This is going to benefit oil firms as it would fetch them foreign exchange." (Agencies)
Mumbai, Mar 13: To ensure safety of the securities markets, top stock exchange BSE will introduce a new mechanism to automatically cancel re¢ versal trades executed on its equity derivatives segment from this week. The new mechanism, Reversal Trade Prevention Check (RTPC), is aimed at preventing potential cases of trade reversal taking place on the exchange's trading platform which may have been undertaken for the purposes of tax evasion. It will act as a preventive measure wherein the second leg of a potential reversal trade will be automatically cancelled by trading system at the time of order matching in an on-line real time manner. The exchange is imple-
tracts on S&P BSE Sensex. Besides, a mock trading session was conducted yesterday to enable the trading members to conduct necessary testing of their trading applications for this check. Image for representational purpose only (Photo: s3.india) menting the new measure with effect from March 14, 2016, the exchange said. To begin with, RTPC has been made applicable on select set of contracts in equity derivatives segment. The facility would be applicable on all contracts available for trading in the equity derivatives segment except for stock futures, futures contracts as well as current and near-month options con-
Reversal of trade implies that for a buy transaction initially entered into by a broker for a particular client for a specific quantity, there is a corresponding sale transaction which takes place during the day for the same quantity between the same set of broker/clients and viceversa. Earlier, BSE had implemented self-trade prevention check functionality and periodic price bands to curb manipulation in the capital markets. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MARCH 14
Features
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ENVIRONMENT Spawning aggregations devastated Honeybees poisoned with 57 different pesticides due to overfishing Globally declining fish populations are a frequently cited ecological and commercial calamity, but relatively little attention has been paid to the specific threats faced by fish that gather and spawn in large groups, says Yvonne Sadovy, writing in an article forBioScience. The marine scientist, affiliated with the University of Hong Kong and Science and Conservation of Fish Aggregations (SCRFA), outlines the challenges unique to these populations. "Many aggregating species face growing threats to their populations from increasing harvest and lack of effective management," she says. Appearing in temporarily high abundances, the fish are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation as a result of both increased catchability and lethal and nonlethal biological factors. According to Sadovy, aggregations in small-scale fisheries in particular could be dangerously overfished by only a few active boats, but large-scale industrial fisheries are also susceptible. The author also describes
Overfishing- a growing threat (Photo: worldwildlife) how changing economic conditions could contribute to rapid species declines. Many exploited fish populations were once safeguarded from collapses by costs of fishing that rose as fish numbers declined. Given the high catchability of aggregate spawners and consumers' growing ability to pay premium prices for desirable species, this safety valve is vanishing. Instead, fishing pressure could be ramped up, leading to a "downward spiral toward extinction." The Chinese bahaba is a clear example. Insufficient or inappro-
priate management contributes to the problem, says the author: "Fisheries management was long (and largely still is) based on the concept of 'stocks,' with management units and monitoring typically treating localized demographic effects and local overfishing as unimportant." Such approaches may neglect the complex migratory dynamics and life histories of many individual populations, reports the author. Also, biological factors can increasingly compromise reproduction in aggregations as fish numbers de-
cline. Sadovy does see an ongoing role for fishing of aggregate-spawning species, which she describes as being of great economic and food security value globally, but this can be continued only "if it is done right" and if management is truly precautionary. In cases where insufficient management and enforcement are a problem, she proposes that "no fishing of spawning aggregations should occur until appropriate measures are implemented to ensure their sustainable use." Courtesy: Sciencedaily
250-million-year-old new species of reptile discovered in Brazil An international team of scientists, from three Brazilian universities and one UK university, have discovered a new fossil reptile that lived 250 million years ago in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southernmost Brazil. The species has been identified from a mostly complete and well preserved
of the Guarani ethnic group and means 'fierce lizard'. It references a mythological beast called Teyú Yaguá, usually depicted as a lizard with a dog´s head. Teyujagua is very different from other fossils from the same age. Its anatomy is intermediate between the more primitive reptiles
insights into how ecosystems on land recovered and developed following this extinction. After the extinction, ecosystems on land were sparsely populated, providing opportunities for some groups of survivors to expand in number and diversity. Archosauriforms and their close kin like Teyujagua became the dominant animals in ecosystems on land and eventually gave rise to dinosaurs.
Image for representational purpose only (Photo: themarshalltown) fossil skull that the team has named Teyujagua paradoxa. The fossil was discovered in the beginning of 2015 by a team from the Paleobiology Laboratory of the Universidade Federal do Pampa (Unipampa), in a Triassic rock exposure near the city of São Francisco de Assis. This discovery, published today in the journal Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group), helps to clarify the initial evolution of the group that gave rise to dinosaurs, pterosaurs (flying reptiles), crocodiles and birds. The name Teyujagua comes from the language
and a diverse and important group called 'archosauriforms'. Archosauriformes include all the extinct dinosaurs and pterosaurs, along with modern day birds and crocodiles. The discovery of Teyujagua is important because it lived just after the great Permo-Triassic mass extinction event that occurred 252 million years ago. This extinction wiped out about 90 per cent of all species then living and was probably triggered by giant and intense volcanic eruptions in the eastern part of what is now Russia. Teyujagua provides new
Teyujagua was a small, quadrupedal animal, and grew up to about 1.5 metres in length. Its teeth were recurved with fine serrations and sharply pointed, indicating a carnivorous diet. The nostrils were placed on the upper part of the snout, a typical feature of some aquatic or semiaquatic animals, such as modern day crocodiles. Teyujagua likely lived in the margins of lakes and rivers, hunting amphibians and procolophonids, extinct, small bodied reptiles similar to lizards. Dr Felipe Pinheiro, from Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul said: 'The discovery of Teyujagua was really exciting. Ever since we saw that beautiful skull for the first time in the field, still mostly covered by rock, we knew we had some-
thing extraordinary in our hands. Back in the lab, after slowly exposing the bones, the fossil exceeded our expectations. It had a combination of features never seen before, indicating the unique position of Teyujagua in the evolutionary tree of an important group of vertebrates.' Dr Richard Butler, from the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, said: 'Teyujagua is a really important discovery because it helps us understand the origins of a group of vertebrates called archosauriforms. Archosauriforms are spectacularly diverse and include everything from hummingbirds and crocodiles to giant dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Brachiosaurus. Teyujagua fills an evolutionary gap between archosauriforms and more primitive reptiles and helps us understand how the archosauriform skull first evolved.' Excavations in the site where Teyujagua was found are still ongoing, with more promising fossil materials being found. These new discoveries will certainly provide new insights into the nature of terrestrial ecosystems just before the appearance of the first dinosaurs, as well as the patterns of faunal recovery after major extinction events. Courtesy: Sciencedaily
European honeybees are being poisoned with up to 57 different pesticides, according to new research published in the Journal of Chromatography A. A new method for detecting a whole range of pesticides in bees could help unravel the mystery behind the widespread decline of honeybees in recent years, and help develop an approach to saving them. Honeybees are under threat globally: in the US, dramatic declines in bee populations due to a condition called colony collapse disorder (CCD) continues to put crops at risk an farmers out of business. Several studies have shown a link between pesticide use and bee deaths and the European Union has banned the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. But it's not as simple as banning one pesticide that's killing bees; the relationship between pesticide use and bee death is complex and scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what's happening. In the new study, researchers from the National Veterinary Research Institute in Poland have developed a method for analyzing 200 pesticides at the same time, to figure out what's really putting honeybees at risk. "Bee health is a matter of
Poisoned honeybees 9Photo: cdns.yournewswire) public concern -- bees are considered critically important for the environment and agriculture by pollinating more than 80% of crops and wild plants in Europe," said Tomasz Kiljanek, lead author of the study from the National Veterinary Research Institute in Poland. "We wanted to develop a test for a large number of pesticides currently approved for use in the European Union to see what is poisoning the bees." With so many pesticides currently in use, it's difficult to work out which ones are harming the bees. Certain combinations of pesticides, or their use over time, could affect honeybees in different ways. In order to understand what's
really going on, we need to know which pesticides and at what concentration levels are present in honeybees. Kiljanek and the team used a method called Quechers, which is currently used to detect pesticides in food. With this analysis, they could test poisoned bees for 200 different pesticides simultaneously, as well as several additional compounds created when the pesticides are broken down. About 98% of the pesticides they tested for are approved for use in the European Union. The team used the method to investigate more than 70 honeybee poisoning incidents. Their findings revealed 57 different pesticides present in the bees --
it's a toxic puzzle they hope their new method will help solve. "This is just the beginning of our research on the impact of pesticides on honeybee health," said Kiljanek. "Honeybee poisoning incidents are the tip of the iceberg. Even at very low levels, pesticides can weaken bees' defense systems, allowing parasites or viruses to kill the colony. Our results will help expand our knowledge about the influence of pesticides on honeybee health, and will provide important information for other researchers to better assess the risk connected with the mix of current used pesticides." Courtesy: Sciencedaily
India's wastelands found a new frog species A team of researchers from India and the National University of Singapore (NUS) has discovered a new species of narrow-mouthed frog in the laterite rock formations of India's coastal plains. The frog, which is the size of a thumbnail, was named Microhyla laterite after its natural habitat. The discovery by the research team, led by Mr Seshadri K S, a PhD student from the Department of Biological Sciences at the NUS Faculty of Science, was published in the journal PLOS One on 9 March 2016. Tiny frog discovered in rocky wastelands Laterite rock formations are prominent landscape features in the coastal plains of southwest India. They are broadly considered as rocky areas as they are usually devoid of trees and other vegetation, and are therefore classified as wastelands. These areas are often used for dumping activities and are heavily mined for construction materials in the form of bricks. While conducting field surveys as a part of his citizen science initiative "My laterite, My habitat," independent researcher Mr Ramit Singal, who is one of the authors of the journal paper, spotted the frog in laterite habitats in and around the coastal town
of Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. He brought it to the attention of Mr Seshadri and his collaborators, who worked together to describe the frog. The frog, which measures around 1.6 centimetres, is pale brown with prominent black markings on its dorsum, hands, feet and flanks. It has a call that
tentially be used as a mascot to change peoples' perception about laterite areas." To ensure the validity of the frog as a new species, Mr Seshadri and his team members studied the genes, body structure, colouration and vocalisations of four individual frogs. They also compared the results with data of closely re-
The newly discovered frog species (Photo: images.science)
can be easily mistaken for that of a cricket. The newly discovered species was named Microhyla laterite (M. laterite) after the habitat it resides in. The research team suggested Laterite narrowmouthed frog to be its common name, as frogs in the Microhyla genus have a smaller mouth compared to other frogs. Mr Seshadri, who is the lead author of the journal paper, said, "By naming the frog after its habitat, we hope to draw attention to the endangered rock formations that are of ecological importance. M. laterite can po-
lated species. "One could easily confuse this frog with other species like Microhyla ornata which is thought to occur all over India. However, it was evident from analysing the genes that M. laterite is a distinct species, and is closely related to M. sholigari, which is found only in the Western Ghats," said Mrs Priti Hebbar, one of the authors of the paper who is studying the effects of forest fragmentation on frogs in India for her PhD. "All three species are small and similar in appearance and only a critical examination
would reveal the differences," she added. Further studies and conservation efforts Based on preliminary assessments, the research team suggested M. laterite to be classified as Endangered under the guidelines of the Red List by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as the geographic range of the frog is narrow, within an area of 150 square kilometres in southwest India. "In spite of its geological heritage, laterite areas in India receive very little protection from any legislation. Given the threats these fragile habitats are facing, there is a strong imperative to conserve them," said Mr Ramit. Since M. laterite appears to be restricted to laterite rock formations along the west coast, the researchers intend to conduct further research to determine the evolutionary ecology of the frog, and to test for an association with laterite formations. "How amphibians persist outside protected areas is not known. This critically endangered frog can be used as a basis for declaring its native laterite habitats as "Conservation Reserves" or "Biological Heritage Areas" under existing legislations in India, allowing us to further our knowledge and understanding of amphibians," said Mr Seshadri. Courtesy: Sciencedaily
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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MARCH 14
PAGE 12
Knock against Proteas has Participation of Indian boxers in Rio made me wiser: Dhawan Olympics at stake after AIBA warns India
PTI Mumbai, Mar 13 : His brilliant 73-run knock in the warm-up game against South Africa might have fallen just short of ensuring a win for India, but opener Shikhar Dhawan said the crucial time he had spent at the crease has made him more "wiser" ahead of their ICC World Twenty20 campaign. Chasing a steep 197 for win, Dhawan smashed 73 off 53 balls before retiring but the knock was not enough to take India home as the hosts fell short by four runs at the Wankhede Stadium last night. "As (an) individual, it was a good learning for me as I batted till the 15th-16th over, so with my calculation for the next coming games, I will be more better. It was a good learning
complete the task. Everyone gave their best and that's what matters. We were chasing such a big total, and wickets fell early on, after that there was a good partnership and came so close. It was only a matter of two runs. We learnt a lot from this game. What we have leant today, will be implemented in the future."
ANI New Delhi, Mar.13 : The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has issued a final warning to India that they must hold an election by March 31 or else they would be termiDhawan said that Team nated. India has now got used to the expectations of home crowd. Shikhar Dhawan for me and I got more wiser," Dhawan told reporters at the post-match conference late last night. Asked why despite having some of the best finishers of the game, India
failed to cross the hurdle yesterday, the 30-year-old left-hander said, "Certainly, these are normal things. It does not happen that the best finishers will always guarantee you to
Indian boxer Vijender Singh ANI Liverpool, Mar.13 : After registering his fourth successive knockout professional win by pummelling Hungary's Alexander
Horvath, star Indian boxer Vijender Singh has said that it is a good start for him, adding that he was looking forward to register two more knock-
"My target is to win Asia title in front of my home crowd and looking forward to register two more knockout wins in April before I play in India. I would like to thank Indian fans in Liverpool and all supporting me on digital media," he added. Vijender will next be seen in action on April 2, the opponent and venue for which would be decided later. The 30-year-boxer will now gun for his maiden title in the professional circuit when he fights for the WBO Asia belt come June in front of home fans in New Delhi.
Messi masterclass hits Getafe for six AFP Madrid, Mar 13 : Lionel Messi scored, provided three assists and missed a penalty as Barcelona pressed home their advantage at the top of La Liga with a 6-0 thrashing of Getafe here. Atletico Madrid stayed eight points adrift of Barca at the top with 3-0 win over Deportivo la Coruna thanks to goals from Saul Niguez, Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa. Juan Rodriguez's own goal opened the scoring at the Camp Nou yesterday, before Messi saw his penalty saved by Vicente Guaita, teed up Munir El Haddadi and Neymar and smashed home his 36th goal of the season all
before half-time. Neymar and Arda Turan rounded off the scoring to seal Barca's 12th straight La Liga win after the break. Real Madrid are now 15 points adrift of Barca in third ahead of their trip to Las Palmas on Sunday. An eighth defeat in nine games leaves Getafe just a point above the relegation zone. "This is a unique team, different to the rest and which does things that make it seem like there is nothing the opponent can do," said Barca boss Luis Enrique. "It is a great pleasure to be in this position." The European champions
Bopanna-Mergea suffer first-round defeat at Indian Wells
Rohan Bopanna ANI Indian Wells (California), Mar. 13 : Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna and his Romanian partner Florin Mergea were knocked out of the BNP Paribas Open after suffering defeat in the opening round of the men's doubles event here on Sunday. The Indo-Romanian pair failed to maintain their momentum after winning the
first set and eventually end up with 6-2, 4-6, 4-10 defeat at the hands of Spanish pair of Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez to crash out of the tournament. Meanwhile, Spanish maestro Rafael Nadal along with his partner Fernando Verdasco also bowed out of the tournament after suffering a 6-3, 5-7, 8-10 defeat at the hands of Bryan brothers.
Lionel Messi weren't even at full strength as Enrique left Luis Suarez on the bench ahead of Barca's return to Champions League action against Arsenal on Wednesday. Yet, the hosts still only took seven minutes to break the deadlock as Jordi Alba's
This means that the Indian Boxers, who will be participating in trials for Olympics 2016 will not be allowed to participate and hence the Indian contingent will go into Olympics minus their boxers.
K Narsee, the head of the Ad hoc committee formed by the AIBA, "We stay close as a family. said the organisation We'll try to share the burden of expectation as a has written a final group and not individuals. warning to India that Indian representative at We are playing at home they must hold election the International Olymand expectations of home by March 31. pic Committee (IOC), crowds will always be Randhir Singh, too there. "If they fail to do so, said the AIBA has said We are also used to that," they will be terminated. that the election he said.
Vijender ecstatic post fourth pro bout win, says looking forward to win WBO Asia belt out wins in April before he plays in India in June for the WBO Asia belt. The Indian sensational boxer had little trouble outpunching his opponent, who failed to get up after being thrown off balance by his body blows in the third round at the Liverpool Echo Arena here on Saturday evening. "It's a good start for me beginning 2016 on a winning note. I am happy for registering knockout win. I think this is a great start for me looking ahead my fight in India in June this year," Vijender said.
Currently, they are suspended and if this doesn't happen they'll be permanently terminated," he added.
driven cross towards Messi was scooped into the far corner of his own net by Rodriguez. Barca's one fallibility this season was exposed moments later when Neymar was chopped down by Emiliano Velazquez inside the area. Messi took responsiblity, but for the ninth time in 20 spotkicks Barca failed to convert, as Guaita dived to his left to turn the five-time World Player of the Year's effort to safety. Guaita's intervention kept Getafe in the game for just a further nine minutes as Messi directed Andres Iniesta's through ball onto El Haddadi's head for the second.
should be held and the federation should be formed under their guidance.
and DG SAI Injeti Srinivas and Randhir Singh had a meeting three days back to discuss this issue after getThe Ad hoc committee ting the final warning.
India will not seal World T20 title, predicts Indian astrologer ANI Karachi, Mar.13 : In what may come as a major shock to the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team, an Indian astrologer has predicted that the hosts would not be the winners of this year's World T20. Greenstone Lobo, who says his analysis is based on research and is scientific, however, added that Pakistan could emerge as the winners of the T20 pinnacle event if they managed to reach the final. He categorically said that Shahid Afridi's side might just go against Dhoni's team if the two sides come to a final show-
were not in favour of big wins.
Indian Cricket team down, the Dawn reports. Lobo predicted that Dhoni had a chance of
bringing trophies in few smaller events, but added that the skipper's stars
The astrologer, who is also an author of a book on astrology, 'What Is Your True Zodiac Sign?', also expressed his views on the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 19. Lobo insisted that the clash seemed to be in favour of India, adding that Dhoni's side would overcome Pakistan in the league stage. India will start their ICC World T20 tour against New Zealand at Vidarbha Cricket Stadium in Nagpur on Tuesday.
Murray outmuscles gutsy Granollers to reach Indian Wells third round ANI Indian Wells (California), Mar.13 : World number two Andy Murray produced a remarkable performance as he saw off Marcel Granollers to book his place in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open here on Sunday.
his Spanish opponent, the 28-year-old Scottish player rebounded strongly to secure a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) victory in the thrilling second round of the tournament.
Describing Granollers as a 'smart' player, Murray admitted that the former had made right decisions After a slow start against during the game, adding
that he had made quite difficult for him to claim a victory.
Andy Murray
With the win, Murray has now set up a thirdround clash with Federico Delbonis of Argentina, who has also made it to the next round after claiming a 7-6 (86), 6-4 win over Joao Sousa.
Afridi ecstatic in India, says 'never received so much love in Pak' ANI Kolkata, Mar.13 : Asserting that sports and politics should be kept apart, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi on Sunday admitted that his side have not received so much love and affection from their own country as they have got in India. Talking to the media ahead of their warm-up game against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens on Monday, Afridi said that he has always enjoyed playing the game in India. "There are very few nations where I have enjoyed playing cricket as much as I have enjoyed in India. I will always remember the love that I and my entire team have got from the Indian fans. We didn't get so much of
love in Pakistan as we have got in India," Afridi said. "I think cricket had helped in bringing the two nations closer. So, I think that sports and politics should be kept apart," he added. The skipper also downplayed media posers about Pakistan's reluctance to send the nation squad to India for the World T20, saying that his side were prepared, both mentally and physically, that they would definitely travel the host country. Admitting that the first two matches against Bangladesh and India would be extremely important for Pakistan, the 38-year-old called on his side to start the rhythm
Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi from the opening match itself. "The first game is always very important. We will take the rhythm from the very first game. We will play our first match against Bangladesh and then India.
Both matches are extremely crucial. Bangladesh are playing good cricket as well. I think we have to maintain our rhythm from the very first match. We have been performing well in this
(Eden Gardens) ground. We are well aware about the conditions here," said Afridi. The right-handed batsman also praised the Indian side, saying that they had been performing well in recent times. "No doubt, India are playing a good cricket. If you look at our last game against India in the Asia Cup. I think there was a great performance from Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh. They had done really well in that game," he said. Afridi, however, said that his bowling department is looking good at the moment, adding he was confident that they would do the job for Pakistan. He further insisted that his side were lacking in proper implementation of their
game plan, saying that they would surely emerge victorious if they stick to their plan. "I think team planning is very important. We should play according to the team plan and we are missing that. I don't live in the past. But I think, we should learn from the past. If we play according to the team plan then we will definitely do well," Afridi affirmed. The Afridi-led side arrived to a warm welcome in Kolkata yesterday after getting the security assurance from the concerned authorities in India and the ICC. The ICC has moved Pakistan's group match against India to Kolkata on March 19 due to security concerns in Dharamsala.
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