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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 12

Vol. 1

Issue 335

Dibrugarh, Saturday, May 14, 2016

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

PAGE 5

Kidnapped tea factory owner of Bordumsa Nabam Rungkhi honoured rescued in mysterious circumstances by Arunachal Government Almost 72 - hours after a tea factory owner was kidnapped from his residence at Goju in Bordumsa under Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Rohtash Sharma was rescued in the wee hours of Friday under mysterious circumstances although police has failed to arrest any of the kidnappers.

ET CAPSULES

2 drugs peddlers arrested Nalbari, May 13: Two drugs paddlers, Salim Ali of Islamsupa of Nalbari town and Atiqur R Rahman of Mollapara was arrested from his shop, situated in front of Nalbari police station this evening. The police recovered five bottles of korex from his pan shop.

Police also raided the houses of the drugs peddlers. They confessed the illegal trade of drugs in the town.

(Correspondent)

Leopard terrorised villages in Golaghat Golaghat, May 13: A leopard has been creating terror at Kamarbandha region in Golaghat. According to the report a tiger is killing cattles at a part in Borjan Tea Estate.

The tea garden labourers stated that more than ten cattles have been killed by the tiger within a week. Also the labourers having problems in plucking and other daily activities due to the terror of the leopard. However the forest officials have put a cage to catch the leopard but till they could not get success.

(Correspondent)

Rain and Thunderstorm Lashed Golaghat Golaghat, May 13: Heavy rain and thunder storm lashed several parts in Golaghat last night. Several trees were uprooted in the storm for which electricity and other essential services were disrupted and people had to suffer a lot. During the heavy rain and thunder storm a person named Debraj Karmaker got cardiac arrest and died. (Correspondent)

morning, he added.

Talking to ET correspondent, Mahesh Sharma, son of Rohtash Sharma said, he and his family is very happy over the development.

The kidnappers have abandoned his father in the jungle ahead of Namphai in between Kharsang and Miao under Kharsang Police Station in Changlang District from where police and army rescued him early this

Sharma said, the kidnappers had tied my father's hand and covered his face. They were speaking in Naga language and often use to threaten to shoot his father if their demands are not met, added Mahesh.

In the meantime, all attempts to speak to superintendent of Changlang police Amit Sharma failed

ET Bureau New Delhi, May 13

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has ruled out any possibility of forming a secular Third Front to keep the BJP away from power as he is "confident" of returning to power in the state for a consecutive fourth term.

"We are definitely going to get the majority. We'll reach the magic figure of 64, nothing less than that," Gogoi told IANSin an interview here.

He said the "question doesn't arise of allying with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)", whose chief Badruddin Ajmal had, earlier in an interview with IANS, floated the idea of a Third Front with AGP chief Prafulla Kumar Mahanta as the chief ministerial candidate.

Gogoi, heading the Assam government since 2001, said he had "doubts about Ajmal's credentials" because "there is every possibility" he might join hands with the Bharatiya

CM Tarun Gogoi Janata Party (BJP) after the results of the 4 and 11 April voting are out on 19 May. He alleged that the AIUDF had covertly supported the BJP by fielding its candidates in constituencies where its support base was "nil".

"If there is an alliance, it must be on an honourable basis, and on certain principle.

In Muslim constituencies, their support base is almost nil. Then what is the point of putting up

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, May 13

Former Assam chief minister and Asom Gana Parishad leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta on May 13 said that no discussion has taken place among the allies regarding Sarbananda Sonowal being the chief ministerial candidate.

The BJP has projected Union sports minister Sonowal as the

chief ministerial candidate and has entered into a seat sharing arrangement with AGP and Bodoland Peoples Front for the assembly polls.

Mahanta told ET, "BJP has declared Sonowal as the chief ministerial candidate. However, all allies are yet to sit together and jointly decide on chief ministerial candidate's name."

AGP, which has been facing electoral reverses since 2001, is confident that its alliance with the saffron party has worked and

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, May 13

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candidates there, where there is no chance. Indirectly, they were going to help the BJP." He also ruled out the possibility of his predecessor Mahanta, who fought the polls in alliance with the BJP, emerging as the consensus chief ministerial candidate if no party gets a majority to form the new government.

"Do you think we are fools?

Mahanta is not even our partner," he said, rather angrily.

The 81-year-old Congress stalwart hinted that he was ready to return as the chief minister for the fourth term provided the party high command decided that. "If they give me any responsibility, I'll take it up. For how long will I continue is a different matter...."

Asked if his former ministerial colleague Himanta Biswa Sarma's turning to the BJP had cost the Congress dearly, Gogoi said: "The poll result will speak for itself."

He said the Congress had lost the 2014 Lok Sabha

election even as Biswas was one of the main campaigners for the party. "We'll do much better compared to the Lok Sabha elections this time. His leaving has not affected the party at all."

Gogoi alleged that the BJPled central government was giving "step-motherly" treatment to the border state and had withdrawn the "Special Category status" given to Assam under which the state would get 90 percent grant from the central government for its budget.

"The BJP government has withdrawn the special status.

Funds for the state have gone down. Whole of north-east is lagging behind, that's why we want a Special Category status reinstated for Assam. If special assistance is not given to this region, it will always lag behind," Gogoi said.

In a high turnout two-phased poll exercise, Assam voted on 4 and 11 April to elect members to the 126-seat assembly.

PTI Itanagar, May 12

Nabam Rungkhi, the former Pradesh Councillor of NEFA, also known as the person behind establishing the state capital, has been honoured by the state government.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul handed over a new vehicle to Rungkhi in recognition of his selfless contribution towards making Itanagar the state capital, at a public meeting at Jote here on Thursday.

Pul further announced to provide a government bungalow to him and his family in the state capital in honour of his service for the state and provide a government scheme specifically in his name to his family.

He also contributed his two months’ salary, an official report informed here on Friday.

Pul said, I salute him for the contribution made by him in making Itanagar the capital of the state.

It was Nabam Rungkhi, the

Pradesh Councillor of NEFA who convinced the then Governor of Assam, B K Nehru to make Itanagar as the capital of the state". Pul said.

Balijan-Seijosa Road would be widened into 2-lane road in future as a long term plan of the government.

He carried bricks collected from the Itafort in his Narah (local bag) all the way from Itanagar to Shillong to prove that Itanagar is an important historical place and worthy to be made the capital.

Deputy Chief Minister, Kameng Dolo has urged the people to take up the animal husbandry, horticultural and agricultural activities for improving their living standards and economic conditions.

Speaking on various developmental projects of national importance like National Institute of Technology, National Film and Television Institute, Jarbom Gamlin Govt Law College, Art & Culture Centre, Government Women College at Jote, Chief Minister assured to continue these projects and as well as promote Bamboo Mission at Poma.

Responding to the demand of the people, the chief minister assured re-carpeting of the Itanagar to Jote road over a short period of time.

As the area would be a major tourist hot spot in future, he also said that Itanagar-Jote-

Highlighting the importance of these sectors, Dolo said these are the activities, where people could make money.

However, he regretted that while ignoring the importance of these sectors, our people are running after the petty governmentt contract works and white collar jobs.

Both the CM and the Deputy CM lauded the people for donating land free of cost to the NIT. The Deputy CM said once the project gets completed, it would benefit the local people in terms of employment and business opportunities, the report added.

AAPSU rejects Arunachal govt proposal on Tawang firing PTI Itanagar, May 13

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has rejected the proposal of the state government to constitute two enquiry committees - one headed by Agriculture Commissioner and the other by local ADC to probe into the Tawang police firing that claimed two lives.

"We cannot expect an independent report by these

committees since they are directly controlled by the state government. We cannot rule out possibility of political involvement in the incident," AAPSU General Secretary Biru Nasi said in a statement today.

punished which will also ensure justice to the victims," Nasi said.

The union demanded for CBI enquiry which would be independent and ensure that the wrongdoers are punished whoever they maybe.

"We appreciate the chief minister's statement when he says that 'no amount of relief can compensate the loss but we must ensure that such tragedies do not recur in future. And for that the culprits need to be

A team of AAPSU delegation would submit representations to the National Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International, the AAPSU general secretary added.

In a joint operation with the local police, the Army personnel nabbed the terrorists near a shop in A b h y a p u r, w h e r e t h e y were waiting for a vehicle. They have been identified as Ismail Ali, Mohidul Islam, Mouizinur Ahmed and Saiyyuddin Islam.

The security forces have also seized three pistols and three mobile phones from the MTFAmembers, who have been involved in cases of extortion and kidnapping in the past.

No discussion yet among allies on CM candidate in Assam: Prafulla Kumar Mahanta Army nabs four MTFA terrorists in Assam

AJYCP demands quick action on drug peddlers A strong contingent of students under the banner of Tinsukia District Students' Union (TDSU) along with its 12 Regional Units has taken out a Bike Rally today (13.05.16) demanding strong actions against the Drug traders and peddlers in the district. The rally took out from the office of the student body near Tinsukia College, Katchujan and roamed around the town before reaching Deputy Commissioner Office complex here where they have

However, police sources suggest that the kidnappers have panic following operations launched by security forces and abandoned Rohtash Sharma and fled away. However, people connected to security

establishment found it difficult to believe police theory stating that when kidnappers did not panic while kidnapping a person, there is no reason that they would panic at this stage and leave the kidnapped person without getting their demands met.

Also police sources suggest that NSCN (IM) was behind the kidnapping while sources in the army have doubts on such claim.

Definitely going to get the majority': CM Gogoi on Assam polls

TDSU holds Bike rally against Drug traders and peddlers at Tinsukia

ET Correspondent Tinsukia, May 13

after he chooses not to pick phone. Even a sms sent by this ET correspondent asking crucial question on kidnapping and rescue was ignored.

staged Dharna raising slogans against the drug traders and peddlers and demanded that District Administration and Police must be active to stop the menace with strong hands. Protesters alleged that the drug business had taken dirty turns for which not only the other common people or youths but even the students had come under the menace. It may be mentioned on 12th May last Brown Sugar has been recovered from the students of I.T.I at Tinsukia. However, they have submitted memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner in this matter.

AJYCP on Friday in a press statement flawed inaction by district administration on drug peddlers in Tinsukia district. Central publicity secretary of AJYCP Kong Gogoi said, “We have given 7 days ultimatum to the district administration to start crackdown on drug peddlers. Tinsukia, Makum, Digboi, Margherita, Jagun and Pengri are areas where drug peddlers are very active”.

Gogoi said “due to inaction by administration the youths are falling in the trap of drug peddlers and demanded those already addicted with drugs shall be treated”.

The union has said if administration fails to meet their demand the protest shall he taken to next step.

it is hopeful of a better performance this time. AGP contested 24 assembly seats. It is confident of winning more than 10 seats.

It was reduced to nil in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In 2011 it won 10 seats.

campaigned in Assam seeking a vote for change and making Sonowal chief minister.

All India United Democratic Front chief Badruddin Ajmal reiterated that no new government is possible without AIUDF.

Changing its strategy of not projecting a chief ministerial candidate, the BJP prior to assembly elections announced Sonowal as the chief ministerial candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vigorously

Ajmal said,"The Congress is restoring to blackmail and despite our repeated overtures Congress has not yielded to our offer of support. We will take a call on whom to support once results are declared on May 19."

ANI Bongaigaon, May.13

The Indian Army apprehended four armed terrorists of the Muslim Tiger Force of Assam (MTFA) from Abhyapuri in Assam's Bongaigaondistrict on Friday.

The arrest comes a week before the results of Assam Assembly elections.

Sivasagar at high risk on AIDS ET Correspondent Sivasagar, May 13

it is used to determine HIV virus in human body.

Sivasagar is in the hands of killing AIDS. The schemes of preventing and controlling AIDS in Sivasagar has come to fail as there is not any single penny for these schemes awareness camps, preventive medicines and ALIZA kits.

There had been several allegations against District Health Department and State AIDS Control Society regarding this matter.

On the other hand, some NGOs who are doing awareness camps and deals with other preventive measures among the sex workers and AIDS victims of Sivasagar has now unable to continue their work for lack of state funds for awareness campaign towards these NGO's. One of the these NGO's head of Sivasagar said that, we are unable to organize any awareness camps or took other preventive measures for last few months as the state authority of AIDS Control has not released a single penny for awareness among sex workers and AIDS victims.

According to a health official on the condition of anonymity said that State Aids Control Society has failed to supply preventive medicines and ALIZA kits as well as funds for awareness programme for this fatal disease. More importantly ALIZA kit is very important as

So, lack of awareness the number of Aids victims rises day by day here at Sivasagar.

However, According to official

sources, there are more than hundred HIV positive here in Sivasagar, but unofficially it might be more then official sources as some hide cases has yet to be determined, said a social worker of Sivasagar.

Though the health department of Assam is in 'kunvakarna' (a character of epic Ramayana) sleep, 'Blood Squad' a NGO from Sivasagar has arranged an AIDS awareness rally here at Sivasagar on Friday.

They are supported by various organizations including AJYCP and many others who distributed free condoms, which were stocked

by District health department but not distributed for this purpose. The NGO members were also distributed HIV related leaflets. There performance was highly appreciated by people.

cmyk

Rishu Kalantri.

Tinsukia, May 13

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries If you’re looking to get married, buy the ring today. But before you take the leap, weigh all the pros and cons carefully. All in all, this may be a day filled with activities related to your relationship and by the time the day ends, you may be on cloud nine!

Taurus You will be feeling listless, lazy and out of sorts today, and will tend to ignore and neglect important tasks scheduled for the day. Guard against this tendency as you could miss out on opportunities that others could then benefit from. That way, you will surely lose out professionally, particularly if you are in business. This aside, the day promises to be an eventful and fruitful one.

Gemini While today will be a day filled with a lot of festivity, you still need to guard against getting carried away. You will spend the day socialising with friends and family. You might end up neglecting your household duties in organizing some function or picnic.

Cancer You are known for your ability to set the ball rolling. Once you set your mind to do something, it is generally considered done by your peers. Today, you are eyeing a few accomplishments on the monetary front. Most part of your day will go in dealing with financial transactions, and importing and exporting goods.

Leo Guides help other people choose the right path in life and to select the correct alternatives.

It is a good day for those who are in the teaching or coaching professions. It is also a progressive day for those working in MNC’s.

Virgo You will start off on a long, arduous path to success. Some tough work will play a vital role in your progress. Don’t cut corners, and your labours will pay rich dividends and you will reap due rewards. Some opportunities are best left alone as they involve too much risk.

Libra Today will be a lucky day for you. You may receive some financial gain. There will be some good news about your children’s progress. This is the right time to invest in business.

For financial investors and share brokers this period is beneficial, so make the most of it.

Scorpio Your energy levels are high as you as you gear up for new events. However, there are chances that these events may not meet your expectations. But, don’t lose hope and get disappointed. Keep your spirits high. Implement the first lesson learnt in school: try & try till you succeed!

Sagittarius Lady luck is all smiles for you today. Suddenly, you feel like multi-tasking and becoming a jack of all. This is likely to keep you busy, almost throughout the day. If need be, your colleagues and peers will lend a helping hand.

Tezpur administration on brisk preparation for counting process ET Correspondent Tezpur, May 12: Only five days left for the counting process on May 19 the district administration here has been on brisk preparation for the counting of five LACs under Tezpur Election district including 71 No-Dhekiajuli LAC, 72 NoBarchala LAC, 73 No- Tezpur LAC, 74 No- Rangapara LAC and 75 No- Sootea LAC. “The counting process will start from 8 am onward on May

19. A total of 74 counting tables and 5 counting cells are arranged at Tezpur College here” said in a press note issued from the election office.

Press note also revealed that there will be 28 tables for Dhekiajuli and Sootea LACs while there will be 36 tables for Barchala, Tezpur and Rangapara LACs. For each of the table there will be one observer, one counting assistant, one micro-observer and one

assistant returning officer. For smooth performing of the counting process already a special training has been imparted to the concerned officials.

“Moreover, in a meeting held in connection with the ensuing counting process at the DC conference hall on May 13, Deputy Commissioner cum retuning officer, Laya Madduri reviewed the norms of election commission before the representatives of the political par-

Kuki Revolutionary Army demands regional council ET Correspondent Diphu, May 13: Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), the ethnic militant outfit which laid down arms in January 2012 to join the mainstream, right now is passing their days in confinement within designated camp of Manja, 16 kilometer from Diphu, looking ahead to for better days to come. "Just look around this tumbledown place where 74 cadres and officers live together solely depending on Rs. 3000/- per month, each of us get this amount to meet every necessary

expenses. Frequently some of us have to travel to Guwahati or Delhi; we have to manage that expenditure also from this scanty amount. Till today we have completed 4 rounds of discussion with government but could not breach the standoff, but our demand is quite simple we want socioeconomic development of our community living in Karbi Anglong autonomous district; our community has been discriminated so long by the local autonomous council, our people lives here in primitive condition

void of all basic amenities needed for human society.

Not to speak of getting government jobs till today we do not have road communication in our locality, hospital, school, electricity, drinking water etc. are considered as lavishness in Singhason hills the place where Kuki population live. Ailing persons has to be carried in shoulder for miles to get medical help. Our community does not get any help from any development department functioning under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, even

'Nature' the yearly magazine of SOFEC inaugurated

Capricorn You are in hot water, but do not lose hope during these turbulent times. Maintain a calm head over your shoulders and deal with the problems. Also, do not jump to conclusions or be argumentative with the people around you, as you may end up being at the losing end.

Aquarius You have already fulfilled your short-term objectives. But you are ambitious, and straightaway begin setting your long-term goals. But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Leisure time with family will rejuvenate and prepare you for a better stint at work.

Pisces A day of mixed fortunes awaits you, where taking risks could prove to be your undoing, or provide you with handsome returns. This is because you could come out on top by treading cautiously, but uncalculated risks will probably throw your calculations out of gear. Your success rate is unlikely to be too high; hence it may be a tough day for you. However, it will end on a promising note.

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

A staff Reporter Dibrugarh, May 13: A meeting of SOFEC (Society for Environmental Conservation), DHSK College Unit was held at Srimanta Sankardeva Sabhakakshya today. Mr. Trikendrajit Gogoi, Associate Professor of Zoology department presided over the meeting. 'Nature', the yearly magazine of the organization edited

by Dr. Sunanda Sahu was inaugurated by Dr. Bharati Dutta, Retired Associated Pro-

fessor of Geography department. Dr. Sashikanta Saikia, Principal, Dr. Atikuddin Ahmed and Kalpana Sengupta Baruah (Vice-Principals), Dr. Priyadev Goswami, IQAC Coordinator were present in the meeting. In his speech Principal Dr. Sashikanta Saikia appreciated the members of SOFEC for their positive activities towards Nature. In the meeting SOFEC offered farewell with Certificate and a Packet of Books to Dr. Bharati

Dutta who was the founder member of SOFEC. In her speech Dr. Dutta express her feeling that the DHSK College acting as a positive role in the society. She deeply express regarding college activities and said that DHSK College will able to attain a good position very soon. All the members present in the meeting came to this point that all of them will do hard work to save and develop the nature jointly.

Reliance Jr College students shine again

14-5-16 (SATURDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 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 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 9-30 P.M- Kramasha-"Jangam",Written by Debendra Nath Acharya Sd-/H.O.P

ties” stated in the press release adding District Development commissioner, PK Mahanta and ADC, T. Pator explained in detail about the norms of the election commission and urged all concerned to not to use mobile phone inside the counting arena on the day.

Deputy Commissioner, Laya Madduri urged all concerned to extend their cooperation so that the counting process could be done smoothly.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 12: Students of Reliance Jr College bagged laurels for their institution after getting first and second positions in State Level Chemistry Olympiad, organised by Department of Chemistry Guwahati University. Today a prize distribution was done at College premises

and awards were given to Bhaskar Saikia who got first position, Paras Pratim Baruah 2nd, Beauty Gogoi 6th and Saranga Bhuiya and Kaushik Saikia who jointly got 8th position. Coordinator J.P Dutta and Subhangshu Dutta were also present. Dr T.N Hazarika, Debaranjan Sharma and Sayanika

Saikia congratulated the students.

On the other hand among students of Jatiya Mahavidyalaya Sulakshana Tamuly and Ananya Bortamuly secured 6th, Tulumoni Gogoi 7th and Mausam Dutta got 10th position at state level. They were too awarded.

the central government sponsored schemes are also barred from reaching our people by the council and the local political leaders. To tackle the situation and counter the hegemony of the larger tribes we need regional council as provided in Indian Constitution, I hope both Assam and Union government will recognize our problem and take quick step to save us" Lalsey Gangte general secretary of Kuki Revolutionary Army said in an interview at the KRA designated camp of Manja.

Sensation prevails in Bihaguri area following rape of minor ET Correspondent Tezpur, May 12: A 7 year old school going minor girl of Bihaguri Mekenor Chuburi area near here was allegedly raped yesterday evening by one Durlav Nath of the same locality, taking the advantage of absence of other family member of the victim girl at home. The minor was found in a fainted condition and rushed to the TMC in a critical condition. After the incident coming to light people of the locality got infuriated and started searing for the accused. However, accused Durlav Nath is yet to be nabbed as he has already fled from his house after committing the crime.

Family member of the victim minor girl has already lodged an FIR at Bihaguri police outpost seeking judgment of the cruel act.

Wild elephant creates havoc in Misamari area ET Correspondent Tezpur, May 13: With the other parts of the state the wild elephant is again creating havoc in northern part of Sonitpur District for the last few days. In a tragic incident, last night two persons identified as Doram hemrom (50) and his wife Shampu Hemrom (40) of Ranagapara Kacharaigaon pam under Rangapara PS in Sonitpur District sustained serious injury due to the attack by a wild elephant’s herd. The herd of the elephant also injured live stalks in the area. The injured have been admitted

here at Tezpur Medical College.

However, forest official of Kalamati gate, Gopal Deka mentioning the ongoing problem in the belt over the years said that the wild elephant’s herd use to come out searching for food in human habitat.

“We have been dealing with the issue very sincerely to deport the elephant’s herd to the Sonai Rupai Sanctuary so that it couldn’t cause harm to the human being besides livestokes and damage any property” said Gopal Deka.

International Nurse Day celebrated at Nalbari ET Correspondent Nalbari, May 12: To mark the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale the International Nurse Day was celebrated at Nalbari IMA Bhawan under the auspices of the Nalbari branch of Indiana Medical Association and health institutions of Nalbari district here today.

In the morning the Nurse Day flag was hoisted by Dr Peabody Sarma, a senior doctor of Nalbari Swahid Mukunda Kakati Civil Hospital. It was followed by an awareness rally at Nalbari town where hundreds of working nurses took part.

The open meeting presided over by Dr Kameswar Lahkar, president of Nalbari branch of IMA was addressed by Dr Om Prakash,

deputy commissioner of Nalbari as chief guest. Addressing the meeting the deputy commissioner appreciated the services rendered by the nurses towards the society. He added that as the society expects more from the nurses they should do their duty with sincerity and dedication.

The meeting was addressed among others by Dr Bhubaneswar Dutta, CMHO, Nalbari, Gita Dutta, principal of Nalbari ANM/GNM training centre, Dr Kabita Choudhuri Dutta, professor Kamrup College, Karuna Deuri, principal of Nalbari Maternity GNM training school among others. Dr Rajumani Sarma, Secretary of Nalbari branch of IMA explained the purpose of the Nurse Day.

Principals Council's Meeting at DHSK College Hijacked sound system of renowned

A staff Reporter Dibrugarh, May 13: An executive meeting of the Principal Council of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia Zone is held at the Governing Body Room of DHSK College today.

Dr. Sashikanta Saikia, Principal of DHSK College offered warm welcome to the Principals. Dr. D.K. Bhuyan, Principal of MDKG College and Zonal President presided over the meeting.

Dr. Kiron Hazarika, Principal of Tengakhat College and Secretary of Zonal Committee explained the purpose of the meeting. The meeting discuss about the

Assamese singer Jubillee recovered introduction of CBCS system by Dibrugarh University which is instructed by the UGC. The members further discussed in detail about the RUSA. At the end of the meeting it is decided to send some resolution on present defects of the edu-

cation system to the central committee.

The organising secretary of the central committee Dr. Bhupen Barman, Principal of DDR College and Dr. Budhin Gogoi of Margherita College were also present in the meeting.

ET Correspondent Tezpur, May 12: A full pack of costly sound system of about worth Rs. 15 lacs, popular of Assamese singer Jubillee, that was hijacked from Kaliabar about ten days back by a burglar’s gang while her team was way back to Guwahati after performing in upper Assam, was recovered today at the wee hour from Barghat area under here, during a successful operation conducted

by Barghat Police led by

officer in charge D. Kakoti.

It is worth mentioning that following the mounting pressure from different sources including media and aware section of the common civil society for sincere dealing with several unwanted incidents like burglary, car and two wheeler lifting, snatching of ornaments from the woman, rape and murder cases etc. the police administration here have been seen active

in this regard for the last few days. However, the police based on adequate inputs managed to intercept a TATA Magic bearing number AS-12AC-4793 with few big sized sound boxes leading to doubt on the people in the vehicle. While police asked the intercepted persons Hazarat Ali (22) and Babul Haque (27) about the goods, they admitted that they were sent by one Kader Ali of Village Gudam Ghat under

Chardwar PS in Sonitpur District to deliver the goods to already managed party.

Meanwhile following their statement police rushed to Gudam Ghat area to recover other materials of sound system which were kept buried in a ditch. Other accused involved with the incident including Kader Ali, Rubul Ali and Mohidul Ali managed to escape from the spot before the arrival of police. According to the

police a wide network of this gang has been active across the state even with the other parts of the region including Nagaland and Manipur which has been carrying out various unlawful acts like illegal arms dealing, car lifting, rape and murder, burglary etc. “They lift the cars here and through a particular channel supply it to Nagaland and Manipur.” Police said adding yesterday’s brutal killing is also a part of such act.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

PAGE 3 State Government should come up with a concrete and comprehensive antiOpium policy for the State: Governor

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 13: Twomember delegation from Upper Siang District Chapter of Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) represented by its President Smt Mekem Nopi and accompanied by Member Dr. Gepeng Litin called on the Governor Shri JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 13th May 2016. They placed the perils of social evils of Opium addiction and rampage Opium cultivation in Upper Siang District before the Governor.

Taking note of the issue raised by the NGO, the Governor expressed deep concern on drug related challenges in the State.

He suggested that the State Government should come up with a concrete and comprehensive antiOpium policy for the State. He advised the Commissioner Tax & Excise, Dr. B.M. Mishra,

who had done a commendable job in Opium eradiation as the Deputy Commissioner of Lohit District earlier, to bring out a comprehensive proposal.

Appreciating the efforts of the NGOs in different parts of the State, particularly the laudable work carried out by the Upper Siang Chapter of APWWS, the Governor suggested that drug awareness should be introduced in school curriculum. Taking cognizance of the points raising by the Women group, the Governor exhorted them to continue their crusade. He wished that other NGOs of the State will also emulate their good works towards drug abuse free society.

Earlier, the women representatives appraised the activities of the NGO in destroying the Opium

ANM School Celebrates International Nurse Day:

Aalo, May 13: The Birth Anniversary of Lady with the Lamp Miss Florence Nightingle was observed as International Nurse Day by the nurses of ANM School Aalo in a befitting manner on 12th May last. West Sinag Deputy Commissioner Shri Pige Ligu, Shri Gijum Tali DIPRO Aalo and Smty Kijum Karga Dy. Director DHS Naharlagun attended the programme as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour and Special Guest respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ligu exhorted the nurses to derive inspiration from the great soul who served the European and Indian in the Crimean War and Indians in the Revolt of 1857 and derive inspiration to serve humanity. The profession of nursing is a noble job and today it is emerging as one of the biggest ser-

fields and organising awareness campaigns in various villages of the district. They further stated that they have been doing all these interventions on their own without the financial assistance or otherwise from the state Government and requested the Governor for monetary help.

Guwahati, May 13: The brutal rape and murder of Champa Chettri, a 20-yearold in Baragolai, Tinsukia district of Assam, has led to a series of protests and demonstrations across the state.

The girl's charred and badly disfigured body was discovered floating on the Dihing River. The police have since arrested two men - Biswajit Chettri and Moinul Ali - and charged them under Section 366, 376 and 342/34 of the IPC.

President, Tinsukia Regional Committee at All Assam Gorkha Students Union, has written a letter in Hindi to the Prime Minister which has since been shared widely on social media. He writes, "It is sad that the 2012 Nirbhaya case has been repeated in Assam... I don't think you've learned anything about laws for women's safety despite all your foreign trips in the last two years."

The incident has led to state-wide protests with students from the All Assam Gorkha Students' Union organising candlelight marches, and calling for a 12-hour shutdown in protest of such barbarism and the strictest action to be taken against the accused.

Rakesh Furba Sherpa,

A candlelight march for justice for the victim was attended by more than 1,000 people, and also included celebrated mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa from Arunachal Pradesh, who scaled Mount Everest thrice, celebrity super model Rewati Chetri, and M Sangma, a celebrity cancer survivor cyclist from

Capacity building and skill development training for Farmers Concludes Aalo extended her thanks to Deputy Speaker for his generous funding. She said that due to awareness on Swachh Bharat Abhyan everyone is heading towards cleanliness for good and healthy life. In this context livestock and poultry has to be kept in confine places. The training taught about the scientific management of livestock rearing for commercial and also can opt for livelihood.

Sri Gomar Angu DDI, Sri Jumdo Diyum DPO, Sri Hembom Dirchi HDO and Sri Henge Riba SRA , Dr. Dagge Riba,VO, Dr. Lige Bagra VO attended the function. Smty Yayum Gangkak, Director Siru Rijo Tea Estateas progressive Farmer also attended and advised the trainees to rear animals and make use of animal waste like Faeces, urine, water from fish pond, rice bear as ma-

Resouce persons were Dr. Kejom Padu, Nodel officer cum programme coordinator,Dr. Taken Kamchi, Dr. Sidik Raksap and Dr. Yika Angu trained the farmers . The training was conducted at Gumin Kiin for Darka village, Jeyi village, Lipu village, Higi, and Angu Village for 12 Anchal Segments with 30 Nos.of, trainees from each segments. Altogether 360 trainees had been covered and honorarium and medicines were distributed to the trainees. And exposure tour programme is kept for farmerâ•™s exposure tour outside the state to let them know about extensive commercial livestock rearing.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 13: Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Kalikho Pul has congratulated Lady Health Visitor, Namne Mena on being conferred the Florence Nightingale Award 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India on the occasion of International Nurses Day on May 12' 2016. She received the award from the President of India.

Delighted with the news, Chief Minister in his congratulation message said

LAWS Lauds HCM for Medical Support:

Malegaon case: Mark inquiry to expose Congress' design, says Swamy American Embassy that his party considers 'Hindu terror' more threatening than the LeT. But when the United Nations declared LeT an international terrorist organisation for its role in the Samjhauta Express blast case, the Congress took a summersault and tried to change everything.

So, the Congress party was somewhere trying to save the LeT, and wasted 12 years of fine people," he added.

"The Congress party had special affinity with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, because as soon as they came to power, they revoked the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)," said Swamy.

When asked who were behind the blast, Swamy said, "The blast was carried out by terrorists, who were arrested earlier, but they (the then government) added a new list later. The old list still exists and a chargesheet is yet to be filed on that."

"Further, Congress vice president Rahul, according to WikiLeaks, told the

When told that Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh said it was an attempt

to defame former Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare, he shot back: "He will speak like that. He was killed by terrorists, but whether he had done something wrong under some influence, only an inquiry could tell this. But, I want to say that all these things happened when the Congress was at the helm, so you ask them."

Earlier, Digvijay Singh expressed his disappointment over the chargesheet mentioning the investigation conducted by former Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare was flawed, saying even martyrs are under suspicion during the rule of the NDA regime.

"The person, who gave his life fighting for the glory of the nation, is now being framed as a person who tried to falsely implicate the

accused," Singh added.

Singh also said that the Centre wants to protect the Malegaon convicts.

"We also know that you have been in contacts with all who have been involved in the terror attack, but my appeal to the Centre is please don't accuse Hemant Karkare of wrongly implicating the Malegaon convicts," he added.

Training his guns at Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Singh wondered whether this was the reason for extension given to the NIA director.

"This a matter of pity that the National Investigative Agency, which was formed to probe matters of terrorism, is now saving the perpetrators involved in terrorism," he alleged.

Maha ATS used torture to extract confession: NIA

Mumbai, May 13 (PTI) The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has raised questions over the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad's (ATS) handling of the Malegaon blast case in which it has been accused of using torture to extract confessional statement from the accused and the invoking of MCOCA provisions against them.

In the supplementary chargesheet filed today in a special court in the case of the 2008 blast in which

seven people were killed, the NIA listed many "shortcomings" in the ATS' investigations and claims how courts did not believe the confession statements of the accused.

The NIA said that accused Sudhakar Dwivedi when produced before the magistrate for confirmation of the confessional statement made by him, stated that his confession was the outcome of torture meted out to him.

The agency also said that

"dubious" methods adopted during investigation by ATS become crystal clear from the disappearance of one of the main witness.

"The CBI during its investigation in the disappearance of the witness has submitted findings against the officers of the ATS Mumbai," the agency said.

"ATS Mumbai invoked MCOCA on the basis of the involvement of accused Rakesh Dhawade in the previous two blast cases i.e.

A bandh was also declared through the Tinsukia district on Monday demanding strict action on the accused.

Main areas like Makum, Jagun, Margherita, Tinsukia, and Bargolai were completely shut down. The police detained members of the All Assam Gorkha Students Union during the bandh to prevent any violence in the district.

Chettri was reported missing by her family on April 29 when she did not return from a visit to a local beauty parlour. Her body was discovered on May 3 on the river Dihing River by some local boys who reported it to the police. She had been raped and then murdered.

After a failed attempt of burning the body, it was dumped into the river.

nure and sale in market or use in vegetable garden, paddy, maize, millet etc field to boost their lively hood.

Aalo May 13:: The Farmers Training on capacity building and skill development on SCIENTIFIC AND COMMERCIAL REARING OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY organised by The Department of Animal Husbandry Veterinary and Dairy Development concluded on a fruitful note. This Programme under Aalo- West Assembly Constituency MLALADs was funded by Er. Tumke Bagra, Deputy Speaker.

The inaugural Session was conducted at Gumin Kiin, Aalo, Sri Nyiken Lollen, ADC Kamba was Chief Guest who advised farmers to take advantage of training and rear their livestock in scientific manner and for commercial use. He also advised department to help the farmer in livestock rearing in scientific and commercial way.

Dr. Pagi Kamki Basar ,DVO,

New Delhi, May 13 (ANI): With the opposition targeting the Centre for a clean chit to six accused of the 2008 Malegaon blast case, launching a counter attack, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) M.P. Subramanian Swamy on Friday said the government should do something good for them (the six accused) so that they could forget their 12 years and mark an inquiry to expose the Congress' design.

Meghalaya.

Chief Minister congratulated Florence Nightingale Award winner Smti Namne Mena

Secretary to Governor, Dr. Joram Beda, Additional Secretary Shri B.S. Hada and Deputy Commissioner (Tax& Excise) Shri Pebom Bagra were also present in the meeting.

The two-member delegation from Upper Siang District Chapter of Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) also called on the First Lady of the State Smt Rita Rajkhowa, who is also the Chairperson of the a philanthropic NGO, ‘Muskan Welfare Society’ and apprised her about their activities and campaign.

Aalo, May 13: The Lodu Ao Welfare Society comprising people from Darak, Liromoba, Dumporijo and Kamba has lauded the noble gesture of State Chief Minister Shri Kalikho Pul for giving timely medical help to evacuate Shri Minyum Potom to Guwahati through Chopper with financial aid to facilitate his treatment at Shillong.

Shri Potom was erroneously diagnosed with TB some forcing him to undergo medication for 2-3 months resulting to serious medicinal induced liver ailment. Presently he is being treatment at Shillong. The President LAWS, Shri Bidu Poyom disclosed that timely help and intervention did wonder to save his precious life as patient is improvvice providers in the coun- ing after getting the much try. The Special Guest Smty needed treatment.

Kijum Karga Dy. Director Nursing Service and the DMO Dr. Marbom Basar stressed on the role of nurses in health delivery system and appealed public and patients to cooperate with nurses to give the best possible services.

Smty Meena Koje, Convener and Principal ANM School, Smty Kago Angu Dabi Organizing secretary and Miss Bikek Mara Tutor ANM School also stressed on the role and responsibilities of nurses and administered the pledge to all the nurses. The dignitaries lit the lamp to give tribute to Florence Nightingale and cut Cake to mark her 196th birth anniversary. All Programme officers, Medical Officers and Para Medical Staffs of General Hospital also attended the function.

The brutal rape and murder of a Gorkha girl is making Assam boil over with rage

Parbhani and Jalna in which the concerned courts had taken the cognisance. The way and circumstances in which the ATS invoked the provisions of MCOCA in this case becomes questionable", the NIA chargesheet said.

According to the NIA chargesheet a case was registered in November 2003 in Parbhani bomb blasts. The chargesheet was filed against two accused persons Sanjay Choudhary and Himanshu Panse. While in

September 2006 first supplementary chargesheet was filed against accused Maruthi Keshav Wagh and Yogesh Deshpande.

"The second supplementary chargesheet was filed against accused Dhawade on Novmber 13, 2008 after his arrest on November 11, 2008 i.e within two days of his arrest (in Parbhani case)," the NIA said.

"This raises considerable doubt on the integrity of invoking of MCOCA by ATS," the chargesheet said.

that the role of nurses is very crucial in saving life and providing healthcare facilities to the people. He said that the winning of the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award by Mena would be an inspiration for other fellow nurses and health workers of the state too. He hoped that with such inspiration, the nurses would work with more sincerity and dedication for further strengthening the healthcare systems in the state.

He conveyed his best wishes for her successful service ahead.

Governor congratulates Namne Mena A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 13: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has congratulated Auxiliary Nursing Midwife (ANM) Namne Mena on being conferred the Florence Nightingale Award 2016. An ANM from Arunachal Pradesh, she was one amongst 35 nurses from across the country to be conferred with the coveted Award by the President of India on the occasion of International Nurses Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 12th May 2016, stated in a press release from Raj Bhavan.

While conveying his best wishes for her service ahead, the Governor said that nursing is one of the most noble and challenging professions and a trained, dedicated and committed nurse is one of the great blessings for humanity.

He expressed confidence that Mena will inspire fellow nurses of the State and elsewhere in their service towards better healthcare, which is the need of the hour.

The First Lady of the State Rita Rajkhowa also congratulated ANM Mena, who has been working at the Raj Bhavan State Dispensary.

Review the fire auditing procedure: Governor A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 13:The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has expressed deep concern on the fire accident at Pasighat in East Siang District on 11th May 2016, which destroyed large numbers of shops.

Conveying his deepest sympathy for those traders who lost their businesses and properties, the Governor called for a through police investigation to ascertain the cause of the devastating fire accident. He further advised the State Government and District Administration for review the fire auditing procedure and to suggest various preventive measures to the people against recurrence of such dreadful incidents.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

PAGE 4

DC Tinsukia gears up, said no 'compromise with natures conservation' ET Correspondent Digboi, May 13: Following the submission of memorandum containing many fold points to DC Tinsukia

by Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad recently alleging the DFO Digboi of being indifferent towards the nature, its resources and conservation, as such demanding immediate suspension of the DFO concerned, Puru Gupta the DC Tinsukia has finally decided to go into the depth of the issue raised by the student body and initiate adequate steps to this effect.

Talking to the Eastern Today, Digboi Mr. Gupta in an uncompromising tone told that nature and its bounty resources, both flora and fauna must be preserved and protected at all cost in the division that has already suffered setback due to multiple factors. According to him, he would cross check all the allegations landing on the ground himself and if it tallies with the raised issues against the department concerned, he would not spare the intruders both

in-house as well as outside elements. Sources added that Mr. Gupta would also look into issues at Soraipung range where despite of having a Ranger a Deputy ranger has been appointed and entrusted with monetary power only to carry out financial jobs related to welfare schemes including road construction of roads and buildings worth several lakhs. Attention of DC has also been on awarding to tenders and appointment of PRO to an employee who does not deserve the same academically which earlier was adorned by a gazette officer like Bipul Das etc. However, the naturalist, environmentalist and several local natures based NGOs have been anticipating interference of a competent authority to this effect for the sake of conservation of the already depleted resources, refilling the degraded ones, checking the menace of unabated timber smuggling, illegal excavating, digging and trading on minor minerals by the illegal traders across the division.

Burglars ransacked into bank ET Correspondent Sivasagar, May 13: Burglars ransacked into the Assam Gramin Bikash Bank situated at Girin Gogoi path of Sivasagar town yesterday night. Today morning bank officials found that the burglars entered into the bank by broking the door locks. Ac-

cording to Branch manager, the burglars steal two computer monitors and other important documents. Later a police complaint was filed

by Bank. It is to be mention that the security system of this bank is very poor as the branch running without any security guards and CCTV camera.

Storm affects Charaideu again ET Correspondent Sonari, May 13: A destructive storm has heavily affected the Charaideu district yesterday night. According to the sources, the storm came around 12:04 am and affected the district Head-

quarter Sonari, Hingaritali, Nafuk, Safrai, Mathurapur, Solapothar, Nimmaga etc. areas where many people lost their residences, store houses, cow shed, shops and many more. Many schools,

Govt. offices, Anganbadi centers, Panchayat Offices etc. were also highly affected. The storm was continued for half an hour. Due to the destructive storm, electricity supply became

BPF to fulfill its commitment to people ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 13: The Bodoland People's Front (BPF) has decided to fulfill their commitment to the people of the region which is resolved in the 3rd triennial conference of the party held at Bodofa Cultural Complex, Kokrajhar which gets underway from today. Over seven thousand delegates from various districts of the state are taking part in the two day conference.

Talking to reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary said the BPF will discuss on the core issues.

He said the party will discuss on the performance of the BPF in the last ten years whether their party could have fulfilled the aspiration of the people. He also said "the BPF will decide to fulfill the com-

mitment to the people.

The party will take strategy to take the area forward and all important issues would be discussed", he said adding that the party was taking views from the delegates.

Daimary said "the new body of the BPF's parent body; youth and women wings would be formed on Saturday morning. The new body would be formed based on the voice vote of the delegates". He also said the opinions from the delegates are being taken to in the delegate sitting.

Rajya Sabha MP said "the BPF contested in 13 constituencies and as per ground report, all thirteen candidates will win in the election". He said that this time the BPF packed with BJP and AGP and defi-

nitely the three combined parties will form the government in Assam. He said the BJP, AGP and BPF combine will get at least 80 seats as people of the state have come in favor of these three parties.

In reply to a question, Daimary said the BPF wants four cabinet berths in four districts of the region so that the new ministers can look carry out more development to forward the backward region. On the first day of the conference, the president of the BPF Hagrama Mohilary chaired the 55th sitting of the Central Working Committee meeting of the party and first delegate sitting.

Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary inaugurated the delegate sitting.

India's first solar-powered train set for trial sun, will be used for the functioning of lights and fans inside the coaches in the train," said North Western Railways PRO Gopal Sharma, adding the trial run of the train will be conducted by the end of this month.

Jodhpur, May 13 (ANI): In a bid to harness solar energy, the Indian Railways is all set to conduct trial of its first solar panel-powered train in Rajasthan's Jodhpur city.

A railway official said though the train would be pulled by conventional diesel-run engines, the solar energy will be used for internal electricity gadgets.

The Indian Railways has been focusing on alternate source of fuels with trials already on to use CNG, biodiesel and natural gas among others.

"Solar panels have been installed on top of the coaches in the train and the energy, which we will get from the

According to studies, a train

SPORTS Tinsukia kick boxing players faces hardship to meet expenses for 6th Rural games National Championship

Guwahati, May 13: Indian Super League (ISL) sides NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) have appointed Brazilian Sergio Farias as the new head coach for the third edition of the tournament.

Farias has managed Guangzhou R&F in the Chinese Super League and

MLA, and Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia seeking funds for the players but nobody has provided any funds for the players. Since nobody is willing to help, 12 players decided to take loan through gold for the expenses.

The players who are selected from Tinsukia areMinaskhi Patel, Pinki Gogoi, Dipshika Rabha, Kalpana Lohar, Nomita Gowala, Jyosha Begum, Anil Mondal, Avijeet Tiwari, Raj Mojhi, Priyanka Das, Priya Dutta, Mompi Deb, Santosh Noyak, Isika Das and Nandani Goswami.

Minaskhi patel, 9 years and till now won three gold medals in National level and one gold medal in international level but due to poor financial problems here parents can't afford the expenses for her.

It’s a pretty shame for the Association that Minaskhi Platel who brought laurels Assam by winning medals but can't afford the fund expenses for the championship.

Proshannam Keshan from Makum donated Rs 15,000 and Dipali Chodhury, Principal of Gopal Krishna gtto school donated Rs 5,000.

The CNG is being used in local trains on RohtakRewari section of Delhi division. The dual fuel concept of using CNG and diesel has also helped in saving fuel and money.

The Indian Railways is the world's fourth-largest rail network.

ET Correspondent Margherita, May 13: Comrade Shikha Das secretary of All India Progressive Women's Association of Tinsukia District Committee today submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Assam through the Tinsukia District Deputy Commissioner demanding double life imprisonment of those culprits who are involved in the Rape and Murder of Champa Chetry of Baragolai under

ET Correspondent Haflong, May 13: Officials from National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) under India's Ministry of Finance today sat on a significant interaction with the executive members and the officials of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous council (NCHAC), Dima Hasao to conduct a study on state finances and recommend perspective plan along with structural and institutional reforms in public finance. It may be noted that this is for the first time such initiative from an important finance body under the Ministry of Finance has been sent to this district to make research and prepare report which could be a landmark for way out from all adversity and financial crunches the NCHAC has been facing. Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debojeet Thaosen who participated in this meeting through video conference from Guwahati, which is another laudable milestone for the council experiencing such technology from the conference hall for the first time, is of the opinion that full autonomy should be given to the NCHAC in terms of policy making and financial plan making.

He put forward the need of participatory of the council in budget preparation and said that for the annual budget planning the council may preferably have the autonomy to demarcate

Al Wasl FC of the United Arab Emirates.

superstars like Ronaldinho and Lucio.

Some of Farias' finest achievements came with South Korean side Pohang Steelers with whom he won the AFC Champions League (2009), the KLeague, the K-League Cup and finished third at the FIFA Club World Cup. He was chosen as the KLeague manager of the year in 2007.

He went on to win the South American Championship with the Brazil U17 side in 2000. His experience in working with young talent also extended to the Santos U-17 team.

The Brazilian was at the helm of the the U-17 and U-20 national sides in his country, where he groomed

Margherita Police Station whose dead body was found at Dehing river, Lama gaon on 3 May. Comrade Shikha Das said that Rs 10 Lakhs compensation should be given to the victim family members, to conduct a judicial enquiry and arrange for fast track court to make the administration more prompt and also to take steps for developing social consciousness towards ensuring security of women.

The national institute of public finance and policy to prepare findings on NCHAC allocation of budget to departments on need base.

The normal sector Principal Secretary Mukut Kemprai represented the revenue challenges of the council and showed the necessity of a permanent solution to the financial shortage especially employees' salary which is paid from the Govt. grant in aid. Principal Secretary (Transfer) also seconded on the points put forwarded. Citing the history and background of the NCHAC executive member Kulendra Daulaguphu spoke the ground reality which hampers lot of development projects vis a vis budget allocation to the two hill districts of the state on basis of population. The inequitable share of fund allocation between Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong has to be revisited and revitalized. MLA candidate and executive member Nirmal Langthasa put forward the problems of procedures involved in flow of fund from the centre to council which adversely effect in completion of works on time due to escalation of price and penalty clauses involved.

Executive member Mihir Gorlosa advocated for the mineral development policy which is a very important source of revenue for the district. He suggested that the natural resources which are inadvertently on agreement with the state government

NEUFC appoints Farias as head coach The team is expected to benefit from the worldwide experience of Farias, a former AFCChampions League winner, especially his tenure in different countries of Asia.

Sidharth Singh Tinsukia, May 13: Seventeen players from Tinsukia district were selected for 6th rural games National championship 2016, going to be held in Goa from May 16, but the players are facing financial problems. It’s a proud moment for Assam kick boxing because altogether 49 players are selected for Championship, but not a single association is helping the players financially.

Tinsukia district kick boxing coach. Arbain Patel and team manager Manoj Shah went to Sports Minister,

using solar power can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90,000 litres per year and also bring down carbon dioxide emissions by over 200 tonnes.

irregular. Apart from all these destruction, the storm became a great obstacle for artist Jublee's cultural night at Sonari for which the organizer had to stop the programme for 2 hours.

AIPWA demands double life imprisonment the murderer of Champa Chetry

"We are delighted to bring onboard Sergio Farias as our head coach. We are affirmative that our team of young and passionate footballers would learn a lot from Sergio. We believe that in him, we have one of

the best managers in the League. I am confident that we have the right man to lead the charge this season," said Ardeshir Jeejeebhoy, director of football for NEUFC. "I am excited about having Sergio as the head coach.

The most important thing about Sergio is that he is a winner; his attitude matches the ambitions we harbor for the club," John Abraham , co-owner of NorthEast United FC, said.

Caption: NorthEast United FC (NEUFC)

deprives the district of its rightful share which may in many ways be a solutions of the council specially regarding shortage of fund. Elaborating all points of discussions in the meeting CEM in charge, Atong Lianthang stressed on direct release of development funds from centre to the district so that autonomous council may function in true sense of autonomy.

A three member team from National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) comprised of Dr. Pinaki Chakraborty, Manish Gupta and Bismai Basu. The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) is an autonomous research institute under India's Ministry of Finance. It acts as a centre for applied research in sustainable public finance policy for development, advocacy and capacity development. Based in New Delhi, India, the centre conducts research on public finance and contributes to the process of policy-making relating to public finance.

The team will study the pattern of expenditure and suggest measures for public expenditure reforms as well as make evaluation and targeting of subsidies by the State. Others present in the meeting were Sr. FAO S Taron, Jt Secy L Z Nampui, secretaries of the council and other senior officials.

Memorandum submitted ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 13: The news of Golaghat occupying second place throughout the state in the case of HIV has created sensation among the people and local organisation after knowing that the patient present in almost all the villages of Golaghat. The news after finding space in Eastern Today had great impact today. Today the president and secretary of Golaghat Students Union have blamed the health department for all this misfortunes. The leaders have asked the Deputy Commissioner to take instant action regarding this burning issue and have given a memorandum regarding the same.

Madhyamik Sikshak and Karmachari Sanstha conference concludes ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 13: Assam Madhyamik Sikshak and Karmachari Sanstha threatens of agitation programme if their demands which included implement of 6th pay commission, teachers' appointment, and release of arrears are not meet in earliest manner. The Sanstha in its 49th biennial conference which concluded today at

Kokrajhar District Sports Association (KDSA) stadium in Kokrajhar after three days colourful programme adopted a 40points resolutions which will be submitted before the new government in Assam. Over 800 delegate and members from 33 district committees of the sanstha are participated the conference where issues related to the association

was discussed thoroughly and resolutions adopted.

Prasanta Datta, president of the Sanstha stated that the state government should implement the sixth pay commission in proper manner and also appoints teachers and releases the arrears.

He rued over the poor salary of the teachers in Assam compared to the Central saying that there is

a huge difference between Central and state teachers in its actual figures. He said the state government should take necessary steps to make suitable facilities to the sikshak and karmachari communities in the state. Rabin Saikia, General Secretary of the Sanstha blames state government of playing tactics in implementing the sixth pay commission saying

that the teachers have to face hardship due to negligence by the govt. On the concluding day, an open session was held which was attended among others by MLA of Kokrajhar East LAC, Director of secondary education Assam Babulal Sarma, Secretary of Madhymik Siksha Parishad, Asom Kamal Jyoti Gogoi, among others.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

Number of endangered 'Sangai' rises

Number of endangered 'Sangai' rises PTI Imphal, May 13: The number of endangered deer 'Sangai' found in Manipur has increased from 204 in 2013 to 260, according to the latest census.

Manipur Forest Minister Hemochandra told newsmen here yesterday that the wildlife census to calculate the number of the "brow-antlered deer", also referred to as dancing deer, was carried out jointly by Wildfire Wing, Forest department, state government, Manipur University and Wildfire Institute of India.

The census to determine the number was done at "Keibul Lamjao National Park" on March 29, March 31 and April 2 this year, said the minister.

A report released by Directorate of Information

and Publicity Affairs stated that another 24 Hog deer were also spotted at the marshy wetlands of Laipham Phumlak and Yawa Lamjao while conducting the census.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest P N Prasad said that there is a scheme under which Rs.30,000 to Rs.50,000 is provided to women self help groups living around the national park.

He said the department was taking up efforts to develop eco-tourism in the buffer zone of the National Park and that the department has sought assistance for infrastructure development from DoNER and Tourism Ministry.

The census was conducted using point transect method.

Manipuri girl achieves 24th rank in UPSC exam

Manipuri girl achieves 24th rank in UPSC exam

Agencies Imphal, May 13: Manipuri girl, Diana Khumanthem, made headlines overnight, as she cleared the UPSC Civil Services exam with an astounding rank of 24 in India.

Khumanthem is the highest rank holder among the 21 from the northeast who cracked the UPSC’s Civil Services Examination 2015. She secured the 24th rank among the 1,078 candidates who cleared the exam.

Diana is the second daughter of the five siblings of Ibeyaima Devi and Khumanthem Chandramani, Inspector General of Police and Director of Fire Service and MPTC. In the year 2007, Diana topped the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM) examination. Later in 2009, she topped the Higher Secondary examination.

She did her graduation in Physics from Delhi Uni-

versity and passed the same in 2012 securing the highest marks.

In 2015 she cleared the Indian Forest Service (Main) examination and ranked 9th.

UPSC declared the final result of Civil Services Examination 2015 on Tuesday.

The first position was secured by Tina Dabi, followed by Aamir Ul Shari Khan Akthar and Jasmeet Singh Sandhu in second and third positions respectively.

The final merit list was prepared based on the results of the written examination held in December, 2015 and the interviews for Personality Test held in March-May, 2016.

A total of 1078 candidates have been recommended for appointment to Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Central Services, Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.

2560 kg 'Ginseng' seized in raids PTI Imphal, May 13: An estimated 2560 kg of contraband forest item Ginseng , worth Rs 1.59 crore in market, were recovered in Manipur, an Assam Rifles statement said.

The seizure was made on May 10.

The contraband was

seized from two individuals - A Besil (39) and L Daikho (25) - both hailing from Senapati district, the AR said.

The duo and the recovered items were handed over to the Forest Department by the security personnel, the statement said.

PAGE 5

Rijiju, Sonowal to campaign in GH Agencies Tura, May 13 : The Congress election strategy to concentrate their campaign attack on the BJP, instead of the NPP which is contesting the Tura by-election, has threatened to boomerang on the Mukul Sangma led campaign as the BJP trains its guns on the ruling party in Meghalaya pulling out all stops to make this one of the most hotly contested election in recent times.

Buoyed by the public ‘response’ to its election campaign for the NPP in Garo Hills particularly after holding one of its biggest election rallies in the heart of Tura on Wednesday evening, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to exert maximum campaign pressure on the Congress.

Two of the party’s best known faces in the national arena and hailing

from the North East – Union MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju and Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal – are arriving at Resubelpara in North Garo Hills for a major election rally on Saturday, the last day of campaigning.

Resubelpara is currently in the Congress kitty as far as the last assembly election results are concerned with former Chief Minister Salseng C Marak being the current elected representative.

Meghalaya BJP leaders informed that the party wants to prove the Congress wrong when it comes to allegations about neglect of the North East.

“Sonowal and Rijiju are leaders from the North East who have been given important positions in the cabinet by Prime Minister Narendra

Kiren Rijiju Modi to work for the development of the region.

We want to show to the people of Garo Hills that BJP are with the people of the North East. That is one of the reasons we are paying tribute to one of the greatest tribal leaders P.A. Sangma by supporting his son’s candidature in this election,” informed BJP leaders.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and BJP national spokesperson and Meghalaya incharge Nalin Kohli were deputed by the party to campaign for NPP candidate Conrad K. Sangma. They held two meetings on Wednesday at Gokulgre village of Bajengdoba and Tura bazaar, the latter wit-

nessing one of the party’s best public turnouts.

The public rally at Tura assumes significance for both the contesting NPP party and its supporting ally BJP given that the current MLA of South Tura has thrown his weight behind the Congress candidate Dikkanchi D. Shira.

South Tura MLA John Leslee K. Sangma had extensively campaigned for (L) P.A. Sangma in the last MP election but this time round has shifted camp to the Congress.

Meanwhile, as campaigning draws to a close, political alliance continue to shift from one party to another.

The NPP’s block president and general secretary from Mendipathar, B.D. Shira and Digros D Shira have resigned from

Manipur’s Askar Ali ranked 167 in UPSC exam Imphal (Manipur), May 13 : Yet another Manipuri has made the state proud as he cleared the UPSC Civil Services exam after Diana Khumanthem who was ranked 24 in India.

S.Askar Ali was ranked 167th in the 2015 national civil services exam. He had aspired for a slot after becoming the First Meitei Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) as well as the first only Graduate IAS officer from the state.

Askar Ali who cleared the 2013 Prelim exam conducted by the UPSC, failed to clear the Main Exam was determined to crack the coveted Civil Service Exam by any cost. He have achieved

Manipur’s Askar Ali ranked 167 in UPSC exam

an almost improbable feat of cracking the demanding civil services test on his second attempt of 2015 UPSC Exam by dropping for one year.

Askar Ali is a graduate from the Hindu College,

under Delhi University in Physics Honour. His childhood determination to become an IAS officer have made him to leave his higher studies after completion of Graduation and went on joining Coaching

Classes as a preparation to crack the Civil Services Examination.

From a very remote village in Thoubal district, Askar has started his student’s career by securing the top lists in every qualifying exams.

Hailing from a poor family, born to Md. Ahmad Ali a peon at the Horticulture Department, Ali is the second son of the five siblings, had a very tough time in pursuing his academic careers.

Hardly to manage the expenses of the family with the petty income and Askar Ali’s expenditure, his mother use to work physically in the village door to door even sell her kitchen garden products at the market for earning

money for maintaining the expenses.

Notwithstanding the quality of education from his locality school, Mehmood English High School, he shifted his school at Standard Robert in Class VI and not satisfied shifted to Catholic High School, Canchipur and passed his HSLC Examination securing 9th position conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur.

Askar Ali was provided scholarship by the School Authority, to bear each and every expenditure in his studies and free hostel including fooding and lodging till he completes his XIIth Exam. (ANI)

Nagaland: College of Veterinary Science to be Inaugurated in June Agencies Kohima, May 13: Union Minister for Agriculture & Cooperation, Radha Mohan Singh informed Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang that the College of Veterinary Science (CoVS) in Jalukie would be inaugurated in the later part of June, 2016 with the academic session beginning soon under the Central Agriculture University, Imphal.

Zeliang who is in New Delhi along with some of his cabinet members,party colleagues and officials, apprised Singh about

progress for the commencement of the work.

He also requested the minister to ensure that the academic session is carried out smoothly with adequate supervision. Singh assured that the academic session 2016-17 would start soon, and that the college would be inaugurated by June 2016.

Zeliang also called on the DoNER minister Dr Jitendra Singh at his North Block office. During the meeting, they discussed at length about the state’s needs and priorities for various projects to be funded

under NLCPR &NEC. Zeliang also apprised Singh about the lack of senior IPS officers in the state and requested the minister to help in clearing the pending proposal for enhancement of the quota from 33.3% to 50% for induction to NPS officers to IPS, which was the case at the time of constitution of the state’s IPS cadre in 1989.

The MoU for establishment of a College of Veterinary Science at Jalukie under Peren district was signed between government of Nagaland and the Central Agricul-

39, the militants told the police they recently fled from the NLFT camps at Chittagong Hill

Tracts in southeast Bangladesh.

According to them, more NLFT cadres from

3 held on charges of stealing cash from BSNL office in Dimapur PTI Kohima, May 13: Three persons were on Thursday arrested in Dimapur on charge of stealing more than Rs.10 lakh from the office of BSNL Dimapur in Nagaland, police said on Thursday.

Acting on a complaint lodged by Accounts Office of BSNL Dimapur that some miscreants had broken into the office and stole the huge amount on May 7 last, personnel of East Police Station led by Officerin-Charge, Mekando Odyuo carried out raids and arrested the trio, a release issued from Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur police said.

The arrested have been identified as Kivelikho Chakasang, Kenizulie Sachu and Vikram Mukherjee.

The stolen amount, worth Rs.10,16,659, was seized from the possession of the accused persons.

Japanese health sector asks for 15,000 nurses from Manipur

Nagaland CM TR Zeliang with Radha Mohan Singh

ture University (CAU) Imphal on January 22, 2016. The College of Veterinary Science, Nagaland, once established, will introduce vari-

ous courses on veterinary science and other related disciplines in the country with the approval of the Board of Management.

Six Tripura militants surrender Agencies Agartala, May 13 : Six guerrillas of National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), who fled from their Bangladeshi hideout, have surrendered to the police, officials said here on Friday.

The guerrillas were led by their self-styled Second Lieutenant Gantha Charan Rupini, 39, and their surrender took place on Thursday night, Tripura police spokesman Uttam Kumar Bhowmik said.

Aged between 34 and

the party along with their supporters.

While Digros has cited personal reason for the resignation, block president B.D. Shira has expressed his displeasure over the joining of former Congress minister Frankenstein W. Momin into the NPP fold recently allegedly keeping the local unit in the dark.

A similar resignation drama was also unfolding in Samanda region of East Garo Hills where unhappy NPP members allegedly joined the Congress.

“As many as 209 NPP supporters have joined the Congress in Samanda,” informed Congress minister Deborah C. Marak over phone from Williamnagar. The joining reportedly took place in the presence of MPCC chief D.D. Lapang on Thursday.

Bangladesh were likely to surrender, Bhowmik said.

Over the past one month, 22 NLFT rebels with a huge quantity of arms and ammunition have surrendered to the Tripura police after escaping from their hideout in Bangladesh.

NLFT cadres and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) militants undergo arms training in hideouts in Bangladesh which shares an 856-km border with Tripura.

Banned in 1997 by the union home ministry,

the two outfits advocate secession of Tripura from India. ATTF, however, has become almost defunct due to the surrender of most of its cadres.

A senior police official, citing intelligence reports, said that Bangladesh Army and security forces in separate raids have recently busted two different camps of NLFT and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IsakMuivah faction) in m o u n t a i n o u s Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Agencies Imphal, May 13: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said Japanese Embassy has requested to provide 15,000 trained nurses from the state to work in Japan.

Addressing an event held here to celebrate International Nurses Day, 2016, Ibobi said there is a great demand of trained nurses from Manipur in South East Asian countries.

“This is because of the quality of our nurses who serve the patients with a kind and sympathetic heart and their sacrifice in the profession is widely appreciated,” he added.

Expressing the importance of cleanliness in the health care system, he assured of looking into the matter of reintroducing Uniform Allowance and Risk Allowance to the nurses.

Health and Family Welfare Minister D K Korungthang appealed to the nurses not to discriminate the patients on the grounds of caste, creed, rural, urban or hill and valley. As a part of the function, nursing advisors and retired nurses were felicitated and the Best Overall Nurse Award, Prizes for National Cleanliness Day held at JNIMS etc were also distributed. International Nurses Day is celebrated every year all over the world on May 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the modern nursing founder Florence Nightingale.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

PAGE 6

Govt to woo foreign filmmakers to India: Rathore Cannes, May 13 : Seeking to woo more foreign filmmakers to the country, India has set up a Film Facilitation Office (FFO) to create an environment that inspires them to tap talent available in the Indian film industry, Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said today.

Inaugurating the India Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, Rathore said the FFO would act as a facilitation point for film producers and assist

in obtaining permissions, giving information on shooting locales as well as on facilities for production and post-production.

A dedicated web portal to take this application process online would also be operational in the next few months, the minister said.

The FFO, he said would identify and recommend policy changes at the central and state levels that would make India a more film-friendly destination, Rathore said ac-

Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore cording to a press release here. issued by his ministry Rathore also said that the

I&B ministry had requested state governments to appoint a nodal officer for the purpose of promoting and facilitating film shootings in their state.

He further added that the FFO would regularly engage with these nodal officers to remove any roadblocks and ease out the process of permissions as well as promote the states internationally through initiatives such as conducting familiarisation (FAM) tours for foreign film-

makers, and participation at international markets.

The minister also highlighted the government's recent initiative of instituting the Most Film Friendly State award as part of the National Film Awards to encourage the state governments to support the film industry, the statement said.

He also unveiled the official poster and brochure of the 47th International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa in November, 2016, it added. (PTI)

Indian lesbian School principal in Hathras removed couple lose court for segregating students on caste basis fight to stay in UK Hathras (Uttar trate Avinash Krishan

Indian lesbian couple lose court fight to stay in UK

London, May 13 : A married lesbian couple from India has lost their legal battle to stay in the UK on the grounds that their relationship would not be legally recognised in India.

The couple, who cannot be named for legal reasons, arrived from India as friends in 2007 and went on to enter into a civil partnership in Scotland in 2008, which they converted into marriage last year.

Judges at the UK's Court of Appeal rejected their application to remain in the UK yesterday on the grounds that their relationship would not be legally recognised in their home country of India.

According to the 'Guardian', they both completed Master's degrees in Scotland and then found work and have always lived on legal visas in the UK and now want to acquire an "Indefinite Leave to Remain" in the country.

The Court of Appeal, however, analysed background material on India and accepted that India provided no legal protection or recognition of same-sex couples but felt

their return to India would not be a violation of their right to a family life as there was no evidence the couple would suffer violence on return.

"My family do not know that I am a lesbian or that I am married. If I return home they will treat me as a single woman and start looking for a suitable husband for me," one of the women who cannot be identified was quoted as saying by the report.

"I won't have any legal protection for who I am because my marriage will not be recognised in India. In India we will both have to hide who we are.

In the UK we enjoy our family life together," she said.

The couple's barrister, S Chelvan, said: "This is a landmark judgment, as it is the first case from the Court of Appeal to address the balancing of the rights of migrant samesex couples to legal recognition and protection, with immigration control and economic interests of the UK." The couple are now planning to appeal against the decision to the UK's Supreme Court. (PTI)

Singh said the the principal has been removed after taking cognizance of this alleged discrimination during admission.

"Prima facie, it appears that Section A had more number of students from the general category as compared to OBC and Scheduled Caste. Similarly, Section B had greater strength of OBC students, while section C had more students from the Scheduled Caste category," he said.

Singh said that orders had been issued for reshuffling the sections and ensuring proportionate number of students from all castes in every section, adding the teachers of all the three sections have also been changed.

A school teacher, who refused to reveal his name, said that the caste

Principal removed for segregating students on caste basis at Hathras

divide was very clear in the lists prepared by the principal.

"Pramod Gaur (from general category), the class teacher of 9A, has maximum students from the general category in his class, only a few are from other castes. It is evident from the list that Sandeep

RBI Governor, Raghuram Rajan granted, Rajan told CNBC news channel, "It's a good question. I think we have accomplished a lot... I think that ... I mean, there is always more to do."

Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy yesterday had suggested that Rajan should be removed from the post of the RBI chief and accused him of being responsible for "unemployment and collapse" of industrial activity.

"In my opinion, the RBI

Governor is not appropriate for the country. I don't want to speak much about him. He has hiked interest rates in the garb of controlling inflation that has damaged the country... The sooner he is sent back to Chicago, the better it would be," Swamy had told reporters outside Parliament.

Rajan, who had earlier also served as the Chief Economist of IMF and is known as a key commentator on financial issues globally, is the on-leave

52 gold bars seized at Mumbai Airport Mumbai, May.13 : The authorities at the Mumbai Airport on Friday seized 52 foreign marked gold bars following the inputs from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU).

The gold bars, weighing 116.6 gms each, was seized from flight SQ422 based on information provided by the Singapore Airlines crew.

A passenger, Kareem

Shakeel Ahmed, has been apprehended for questioning in this regard. He has admitted to his offence and will be produced before the magistrate for judicial custody.

The gold had been allegedly dumped by the accused passenger in the front galley dustbin of the aircraft, which was noticed by the Singapore Airlines crew.

NIA has become 'Namo Investigation Authority': Congress

Chaudhary, the class teacher of 9B, hailing from the Backward Class, has maximum students from the same caste in his class. According to the list Sunil Kumar, class teacher of 9C from Scheduled Caste category, has maximum SC students in his class," he said. (ANI)

Rajan indicates interest in second term; says "more to do"

London, May 13 : Indicating his interest in a second term as RBI Governor, Raghuram Rajan today said he has enjoyed every moment of the job but there is "more to do", despite calls from some sections of the ruling BJP against any extension for him.

"There is a lot of fulfillment from making things actually happen for improving the environment... I have enjoyed every moment of the job," Rajan said here.

Rajan, whose current three-year term as the Reserve Bank Governor is ending this September, was asked about the "heat from the BJP and the government" on whether he should be given another term and about the politics happening on this matter.

To another question on whether he felt his agenda as the central fit in lieu of illegal grati- banker would remain fication," said a CBI state- half-finished if the second term was not ment.

"It was further alleged that the officer has also requested the Medical Officers of the Medical Board to intimate Bank particulars by opening a Hyderabad, May 13 : The new bank account, so that world's largest cargo airthe alleged bribe can be craft, Antonov An-225 landed at the Rajiv deposited in the new bank Mriya, Gandhi International Airaccounts," it added. port in Hyderabad on Friday.

The CBI has conducted Also called the Dream, it searches at the accused is powered by six turbo fan Deputy Commandant's engines. It is the longest residential premises and and the heaviest aircraft also at the premises of her built with a maximum husband in Kolkata, takeoff weight of 640 which led to recovery of tonnes. crew operates incriminating documents. Six-member the aircraft.

(ANI)

CRPF Dy. Commandant in CBI net over illegal recruitment racket New Delhi, May.13 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against a Central Reserve Police Force ( CRPF) Deputy Commandant for her alleged involvement in an illegal recruitment racket.

Deputy Commandant Dhurwa of the 133 battalion in Ranchi and a few others are accused of trying to influence the recruitment process and making an attempt to take bribe from the candidates.

"It was alleged in the complaint that the officer had approached Medical Officers of the Recruitment Board to declare medically unfit candidates as

Pradesh), May 13 : A school principal in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh was removed on Friday for allegedly segregating students on the basis of caste.

According to the students and teachers of Seth Phulchand Baagla Inter College, the principal Radheshyam Vaishnav had divided the ninth standard students on the basis of their castes.

Section A of ninth standard had the students from general category, while Section B had maximum number of students from the Other Backward Classes (OBC). Section C had students from the Scheduled Caste (SC). The class teachers of all the three sections also belong to same castes.

Hathras District Magis-

52 gold bars seized at Mumbai Airport

Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.

The RBI Governor is currently on a visit to the UK for a series of lectures and recently said that he had not heard from the government on extension of his term at the central bank.

After assuming charge as the RBI Governor in September 2013, Rajan has gradually raised the short-term lending rate from 7.25 per cent to 8 per cent and retained the high rates throughout 2014.

He had earlier kept the rates high, citing inflationary concerns despite intense pressure from the Finance Ministry and the industry for softening them with a view to boosting growth.

The Governor began the process of lowering the rates in January 2015 and since then it has come down by 1.50 per cent to 6.50 per cent. (PTI)

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala New Delhi, May 13 : Extremely disappointed over the charges being dropped against Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case, the Congress Party on Friday alleged the National Investigative Agency (NIA) has become 'Namo Investigation Authority' working for leaders affiliated to the BJP and RSS. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the charges being dropped against ABVP leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and other BJP or RSS affiliated people has shocked collective conscience of the nation on account of the manner in which blatant disregard and misuse of authority of NIA is being done by the BJP government.

"The NIA under Modi ji has become 'Namo Investigation Authority' purely aimed at giving clean chit to the BJP, RSS affiliated leaders in various criminal cases," he added.

Surjewala further said

Ashok Chakra awardee Hemant Karkare investigated the 2008 Malegaon blast where 11 people were arrested pursuant to his investigation.

"The BJP, Shiv Sena had then also called Mr. Karkare a traitor to the nation. He laid down his life fighting valiantly terrorist like Azmal Kasab and today the BJP once again has killed Karkare's memories by disbelieving a thorough investigation done by him," he added.

The NIA today filed its chargesheet in the September 2008 Malegaon blasts case and dropped the names of Sadhvi Pragnya Singh Thakur and four others as 'accused'.

The Malegaon 2008 blast case was a first case in which Hindu extremists, including Lt. Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur were chargesheeted in 2009 by the Maharashtra AntiTerrorism Squad.

The NIA took over the case in 2011. (ANI)

World's largest cargo plane lands in India Hyderabad was chosen over other Indian airports as it has a very long runway, wider ground maneuvering area, technical facilities and proximity to the transcontinental air route.

The plane arrived from Turkmenbashi in central Asia at 2.19 a.m. for a day's halt.

"Its purpose (to land in India) basically, they are carrying a special payload from Europe to Perth in Australia. I understand it's

An-225 Mriya aircraft

an Australian government special cargo and it's on its way. Its transit halt in Hyderabad is for a day.

From here it goes to Jakarta and from there to Perth. So we are very happy that An225 has visited Hyderabad," said S.G.K. Kishore, the Chief Executive Officer of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited.

Reportedly, the plane is carrying a generator that weighs 116 tonnes.

The plane was developed to transport Soviet Buran space shuttle or other heavy cargos. An-225 can carry up to 250 tonnes of cargo as compared to 157 tonnes capacity of doubledeck Airbus A-380, the largest passenger aircraft in service.

The plane was designed and constructed during 1984-1988 and has set many world records for transporting heavy cargos around the world. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Afghan CEO Abdullah Abdullah says foes dream of toppling the government Former Pak PM Gilani rejects paying ransom for son's release

Kabul, May 13 : Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah said enemies of Afghanistan and their supporters continuously dream of toppling the government by ramping up insurgency activities.

In his remarks made during a recent ceremony to introduce the new intelligence and minister of defense picks in Kabul, Abdullah said the enemies of Afghanistan do not want the safety of

Afghanistan even for one day.

Reiterating the government's definition of enemy, Abdullah said anyone picking arms to fight the Afghan government and forces is the enemy of the Afghan people.

However, he said the government kept its arms open for the militants laying down their arms and joining peace process.

Regarding the new picks for National Directorate

Afghan CEO Abdullah Abdullah says foes dream of toppling the government

of Security and Ministry of Defense, Abdullah said Masoom Stanikzai is an active and committed official.

Abdullah also hailed the Afghan security forces for their services and devotion for defending the country against the enemies.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani appointed Mohammad Masoom Stanikzai as the acting Intelligence National Directorate of Security

(NDS) Chief by issuing a decree last week.

MasoomStanikzai was the last nominee for the Ministry of Defense who was rejected by the Afghan lawmakers following his introduction to the parliament house.

The National Directorate of Security, the key intelligence agency of the country got an acting chief following the resignation of Rahmatullah Nabil last year. (ANI)

Nepal Par- Human rights violations par for the course in Pakistan's Sindh province liament Karachi, May 13 : Hu- support and follow them. bloodied clothes, as I rights abuses in The Punjabis in Pakistani have picked up many of suspends man Pakistan's Sindh prov- society have always the bodies myself." and particularly in aimed and retained a de- The tens of hundreds of lawmaker ince, its capital Karachi, which sire to establish and im- security personnel deis widely regarded as the pose a stranglehold on ployed in Karachi often richest city, has Sindh, and this is re- launch operations against Lharkyal country's become par for the flected through reports of leaders and supporters of because of the massive human rights local Sindhi political outLama course, frequency with which violations, which has left fits and the Muttahida

Lharkyal Lama Kathmandu, May.13 : The Parliament in Nepal suspended controversial lawmaker Lharkyal Lama on Friday after the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority filed a corruption case against him.

The anti-corruption constitutional body had filed the corruption case against the UCPNMaoist lawmaker on Thursday.

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar read out a notice about his suspension at the end of the House meeting today, reports The Himalayan Times.

Gharti informed that the suspension would be effective according to provisions of the CIAA Act, 1991 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002 till the Court would make a final verdict on the case.

The Commission had accused Lama of embezzling the state property worth Rs 94.47 million while assuming various positions including chairman of the Monastery Development Committee, lawmaker and state minister.

The Commission had investigated into property details of Lama, a permanent resident of Helambu-6 in Sindhupalchok district, from fiscal year 20012 to 2015-16.

The anti-corruption constitutional body said it found that his expenditure in last 15 years did not match with his earning, with a difference of the mentioned amount.(ANI)

such incidents take place and are reported by domestic as well as foreign media.

Pakistan has a population of about 20 crores, making it the world's sixthmost-populous country.

Of its four provinces Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Punjab has the majority population, estimated to be 100. 6 million, while Sindh has an estimated population of 55.25 million, and it is on the basis of demographic strength, that Punjab has historically almost always had a dominant presence over the other three provinces, and been able to have a tight and controlled grip over the politics and administration of these areas.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), which is Punjabi-dominant and led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been quite successful in forging a powerful troika-like partnership with the Pakistan Army and the country's premier intelligence outfit, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The last two have been known to carry out or spearhead operations that have led to involuntary disappearances, detentions, and torture of Sindh-based leaders and activists who

the international community quite concerned, and the United States in particular, airing the view that Pakistan appears often indifferent to the fates of smaller ethnicities and minorities in its geographical terrain.

Karachi is the country's commercial capital, and yet here, we see the domineering presence of security deployment, tasked with the responsibility of undertaking "operations" against those elements which they say are responsible for spreading "fear" through mafia groups.

The Pakistan armed forces and paramilitaries use these so-called operations to target those identified as the opposition with the civilian authority's blessings, especially those leaders espousing the cause of Sindhis and other minorities, some of whom become victims of targeted killings.

For example, recently, during a march organised

by Sindh Awami Tehreek (SAT), participants were fired upon.

Shafiq Baloch, an eyewitness to the incident, said, "We were marching to the (Karachi) Press Club and as soon as we crossed the street, were fired upon. I cannot tell you how many of our young men were injured. You can see my

Quami Movement (MQM), the reason being, its growing clout and acceptance as a political party with national credentials in places such as Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur.

What is probably of even greater concern to the Punjabi element in Pakistani society is the growing representational presence of the MQM in the Parliament and in provincial assemblies.

This is one of the main reasons why reports keep surfacing of MQM leaders and their supporters being taken into police custody or arrested on false charges of spreading fear and terror. Some are even incarcerated in torture cells at undisclosed locations, and even end up being victims of target killings.

There have been many cases of human rights and religious persecution in Sindh.

Senior MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar said, "We demand from the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the army chief and the Sindh Rangers chief explanations about the incarcerations of MQM leaders, and in particular, information on Wasim Akhtar."

Dr. Qadir Magsi, Chairman of the Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party, said, "The resources of Sindh are

Human rights violations par for the course in Pakistan's Sindh province

meant to be for the people of Sindh. We are completely opposed to those elements who are indulging in the wanton robbery of the province, and will do everything in our power to prevent it.

The revenue earned from the province, or allocated to it by the federal government, must spend it for the welfare of the people of Sindh."

So deep is the Punjabi bias against the MQM, that all rallies and public functions that are to be addressed by its founder, Altaf Hussain, via video conference or radio from London, where he is on self-imposed exile, are prohibited or unlawful and unwarranted strictures are put in place, to prevent him from gaining popularity or reaching out to the masses.

Popular figures like senior journalist Hamid Mir, intellectuals and civil rights activists like Sabeem Mehmud and social activist like Khurram Zaki have been eliminated.

Zaki's daughter said

"The lives of members of our family are in danger. The people, who are in power and supposed to be protecting us, are doing absolutely nothing."

The situation in Sindh is such today that minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Shias become victims of target killings. Leaders of these communities claim that the only accusation or blame against them is there links with the MQM, which is seen as representative of the people and for peace.

They say that they will continue with this support of the MQM. Forced conversion of Hindu Sindhi females is a grave concern among Hindus in Sindh. Many cases have been reported of forced conversion from Hinduism to Islam.

Among them, some have political reasons behind these conversions so that the majority of Sindhi Hindus are forced to leave Sindh. There have been many cases of political persecution in Sindh as well. (ANI)

Pak admits relations with U.S. under 'stress'

Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Lahore, May 13 : Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz stated that relations with the United States have been under stress for the past three

months because of conditions attached by Washington to the funding of F-16s sale.

According to Dawn, the adviser admitted this while winding up a de-

bate in the Senate on an adjournment motion on the US decision to withdraw proposed subsidy on the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

Aziz said that PakistanUS relations had come to a standstill in 2011 because of incidents of WikiLeaks, Raymond Davis, Abbottabad operation, Datta Khel and Salala. Since 2013, he said Pakistan's relations with the US had witnessed an "upward trajectory".

"In the past three months, however, this upward trajectory in relations has witnessed a downward slide, as reflected in a de-

cision of the US Congress to block partial funding for eight F-16 aircraft," he said.

Aziz said that the action by the US might have been caused by concerns raised by Washington on the nuclear issue which had been firmly rejected

by Pakistan.

"We have also rejected frequent demands, especially by the US Congress, for the release of Dr Shakil Afridi. The US officials, Congress, thinktanks and media, in tandem with our adversaries, have also been blaming Pakistan for

supporting the Haqqani network without giving any concrete evidence to enable us to take additional action against it or other terrorist organisations," he added.

Asserting that the Haqqani Network issue remained the top US concern at the moment, Aziz said that Indian lobby in the US had not been cooperative especially after the Pathankot incident.

However, he assured the Senate that in view of the importance of the issue, Pakistan had been making all-out efforts to finalise the F-16 deal with the US administration. (ANI)

Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Karachi, May 13 : Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday rejected 'rumours' circulating on social media regarding the release of his son Ali Haider Gilani after three years in detention.

"All people on social media are not our friends. There may be some other people on social media who do not like us," the former prime minister said in response to a question whether ransom money was paid for his son's release, reports Dawn.

Gilani said that his son was recovered after a successful military operation carried out by the US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.

There had been a military operation on a foreign country's soil, leav-

ing several al-Qaeda terrorists dead. This resulted in the release of Ali Haider from Afghanistan.

The PPP leader lauded the efforts of the US and Afghan forces for the safe recovery of his son.

Gilani said that he received several phone calls, congratulating him over his son's recovery.

Ali Haider arrived in Lahore earlier on Wednesday after being rescued during a counter-terror raid by the US and Afghan forces in eastern Afghanistan Tuesday.

He was kidnapped by the militants in the outskirts of Multan on May 9, 2013, just two days before a bitterly contested national election in which he was campaigning. (ANI)

Chinese minister calls on Nepal PM Oli

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli Kathmandu, May.13 : Chinese Minister for State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television Cai Fuchao called on Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli at the latter's official residence in Baluwatar on Friday.

During the meeting, the duo discussed matters relating to mutual interests and bilateral relation, read a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Secretariat on Friday,reports The Himalayan Times.

They also discussed exchange of news and information and mutual cooperation between the media of two countries.

On the occassion, Cai Fuchao said that the meeting held between Prime Minister Oli and

President Xi Jinping during former's visit to China would help further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Prime Minister Oli during the meeting informed the Chinese minister that a high-level task force has been formed to implement the agreements signed with China during his visit to northern neighbour, the statement read.

He also said that Cai Fuchao's visit to Nepal would help further strengthen cordial relationship between the two countries.

Prime Minister Oli also lauded the Chinese Government's help during the earthquake and post-quake reconstruction works.(ANI)

Anticorruption Campaign in China Snares Former Top Party Official Beijing, May 13 : Chinese prosecutors have charged one of the Communist Party’s top former officials, Ling Jihua, with taking bribes, illegally obtaining state secrets and abuse of power, according to a report on Friday by Xinhua, the state news agency.

Mr. Ling is one of the highestranking officials to be taken down under the sweeping anti-

corruption campaign run by President Xi Jinping and his ally, Wang Qishan, who manages the party agency in charge of discipline and inspection.

The announcement said the indictment was filed in a court in Tianjin, a city southeast of Beijing, but it did not say when a trial might be held. If recent history is a guide, Mr. Ling will almost certainly be convicted of

the crimes and have to serve a long prison sentence.

Under the previous president and Communist Party chief, Hu Jintao, Mr. Ling rose to be the head of the General Office, which handles administrative matters for the party chief and other senior officials. He was the equivalent of the White House chief of staff.

Mr. Ling’s downfall began af-

ter party leaders discovered in 2012 that he had tried to hide that his son, Ling Gu, 23, had died in a car crash in Beijing.

Salacious details of the crash became commonplace in Beijing political circles: Two young women in the Ferrari were injured, and one later died.

Mr. Ling was moved to a lesser post as head of the United Front Work Department. Afterward,

internal party conflicts over Mr. Ling’s actions weakened Mr. Hu, who was working out details of the transfer of power to Mr. Xi that year.

Talk began circulating that Mr. Ling had also engaged in shadowy dealings with Zhou Yongkang and Bo Xilai, two other senior party officials who were facing corruption investigations. Political insiders in

China said senior officials were mentioning all three men as enemies of Mr. Xi. Both Mr. Zhou and Mr. Bo have been convicted of corruption and are in prison.

In July 2015, the party announced that it had expelled Mr. Ling and removed him from public office because it said he had taken bribes, committed adultery and improperly hoarded a large amount of state and party “core secrets.”

The Chinese government has been asking the United States to return to China the youngest brother of Mr. Ling, Ling Wancheng, who has a $2.5 million mansion in Northern California that was purchased from a professional basketball player in 2013. Ling Wancheng, also known as Wang Cheng or Jason Wang, could decide to seek asylum

in the United States. If he were to seek asylum, he could become one of the most high-profile defectors in the history of the Chinese Communist Party.

In January, a Chinese official, Liu Jianchao, who was then in the party’s anticorruption and discipline agency, said that China was “dealing” with the case of the youngest brother and “had undertaken communication with the United States.”

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

How the US-India Defense Partnership Came to Blossom Under Modi

Missing in India 43,000 Bangladeshi Nationals Assam and Bangladesh roughly share a 262 kilometre border. Hundreds of migrants from the neighbouring Muslim-majority country are allegedly illegally entering Assam every day and have become a major (Photo: iamamlan) source of conยกict and resentment in the area. Over the years, the issue of in ltration has snowballed into a huge crisis with the small state in the north east of the country allegedly turning into a gateway to migrants from Bangladesh.

As per reports at least 43,000 Bangladeshi nationals, who entered India on valid documents, have vanished during the last four years, with only 19,995 persons deported during the same period. Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju divulged this information and added that 24,364 disappeared in 2011, while 6,761 was deported the same year. Last year, only 116 Bangladeshi nationals disappeared, while 474 were deported.

There are also reports of Bangladeshi nationals having entered the country without any valid travel documents. As entry of such Bangladeshi nationals into the country is clandestine and surreptitious, it is not possible to have accurate data of such Bangladeshi nationals living in various parts of the country.

Whereas according to Rijiju, powers of identification, detention and deportation of illegally staying foreign nationals, including Bangladeshi nationals, have been delegated to the State Governments under Section 3(2)(c) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. In Assam, the detection and deportation of illegal migrants are done through the Foreigners Tribunals established under the provision of Foreigners Tribunal Act, 1946.

Altogether 100 Foreigners Tribunals are working at present towards detection and deportation of illegal migrants in Assam.

The Supreme Court of India has directed, in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 562/2012, to prepare an action plan for detection and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Assam and also effective guarding of the India-Bangladesh border. Many, including the ruling Congress and the opposition All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), do not believe that infiltration from Bangladesh is as rampant as the AASU and others claim. But the fact remains that since 1985, Foreigners' Tribunals have declared over 38,000 persons in Assam as illegal migrants.

Most of these 38,000 have gone missing, are absconding for fear of being caught, have been detained in camps, or been pushed back across the border. Over 1 lakh are pending in the Tribunals, and a sizeable number are likely to be declared foreigners. The BSF has identified 19 vulnerable patches/border outposts along the Indo-Bangla border. Security has been strengthened and close vigil is being kept along the identified vulnerable patches. Moreover, Bangladeshi authorities have been urged to take effective steps to check the illegal infiltration of their national into India, especially through vulnerable and riverine areas.

Detecting of HIV Golaghat occupies second place Overall HIV prevalence in India continues to rise, according to the United Nations' latest annual global AIDS update, despite figures indicating that the number of infections has stabilised in many high-prevalence states. The Indian epidemic is concentrated among vulnerable populations at high risk for HIV. The concentrated epidemics are driven by unprotected sex between sex workers and their clients and by injecting drug use with contaminated injecting equipment. Several of the most at risk groups have high and still rising HIV prevalence rates. According to India's National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), the bulk of HIV infections in India occur during unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Consequently, and as the epidemic has matured, women account for a growing proportion of people living with HIV, especially in rural areas.

And that according to the government, the number of infections nationwide came down in 2004 The northeastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland continue to register an increase in HIV cases, primarily due to a high incidence of injectible drug use among the youth. The region has been declared one of the country's high-risk zones, with close to 100,000 people infected with HIV. The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has already put three northeastern states -- Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram -in the 'high-prevalence category'. Manipur alone accounts for almost 71% of AIDS cases in the region.

After detecting of HIV positive case in Gauhati Medical College Blood Bank, Positive HIV cases have been detected in almost all the villages in Golaghat district of HIV recently and it has been revealed through an official fact.According to sources, Kamrup is in the first place the and Golaghat district is currently in second place in the rising number of HIV cases which has been the subject of concern. As per reports from 2003 to the present, the number of HIV-infected people has risen to 400 and the death has tolled to 30 so far. Besides these, 6 of 20 infants have died. As per the source of the last ten years the 25375 persons have been screened in Golaghat ICTC of these 400 people are HIV-positive and 85 people are suffering from AIDS. While the government's response has been scaled up markedly over the last decade, major challenges remain in raising the overall effectiveness of state?level programs, expanding the participation of other sectors, and increasing safe behavior and reducing stigma associated with HIV?positive people among the population.

As Ash Carter's recent trip to India highlights, U.S.-India defense ties are ready for a new era.

Against many odds, have been on the anvil for and design capabilities Prime Minister Narendra the past 18 months or so. will enable the two Modi - with capable as- When the final details are navies to operate a sists from President filled in, the U.S. and In- complementary set of Obama - has repaired the dia will have exchanged deck-based platforms (PU.S.-India strategic equa- a memorandum of agree- 8I patrol aircraft; E-2D tion that had begun to ment to share naval logis- Hawkeye early warning fray during the latter tics, an understanding to aircraft; F/A-18E/F Suyears of his predecessor's share U.S. aircraft carrier per Hornet fighters - if second technolo- agreement on co-producterm in of- Sourabh Gupta gies (par- tion in India is reached) fice. As an ticularly a that will enable the two expression of goodwill catapult launch system), navies to operate sepafor his energetic espousal and the commencement rately but synergistically of the bilateral cause, of upgraded maritime across the Indian Ocean Modi will be formally dialogues, including on domain. welcomed on the South anti-submarine opera- With Beijing's progresLawn of the White tions, at the official 2+2 sive sub-surface penetraHouse in early June. His as well as officer-to-of- tion of the Indian Ocean fourth visit to the Oval ficer level. In 2015, the now a fact, a navy-toOffice, less than halfway two defense heads re-au- navy dialogue and at-sea into his (first) term, is a thorized their defense exercises tailored to this reflection of framework agreement for undersea dimension will Washington's primus in- an additional 10 years, enable New Delhi to both ter pares standing among identifying the security remedy its under-prethe major powers within of free movement of law- paredness in the area of the constellation of New ful commerce and navi- anti-submarine sonars as Delhi's global and Indian gation across sea lines of well as deter the entry of Ocean and Asia-Pacific communication as a PLAN nuclear attack interests. newly-shared national submarines into the Bay interest. of Bengal. In time, as Against a lesser set of U.S.-sourced advanced odds, Defense Secretary More consequentially, communications gear faAshton Carter has re- Carter and Parrikar, dur- cilitates seamless and sestored momentum to the ing their unusually-en- cure ship-shore and platU.S.-India defense part- gaged period of interac- form-to-platform intellinership that appeared to tion (they've met four gence-sharing, it will be stalling during the past times in the past year), also open the door - and half-decade following have laid the foundation the eyes of the Indian India's disinclination to of a new and elevated Navy's civilian masters sign three 'foundational phase of strategic de- to the virtues of a more agreements' which, at the fense cooperation - U.S.- interoperable equation time was imagined, India Defense Partner- with the U.S. Navy along would append the Indian ship 2.0 - that will fun- strategic approaches to armed forces to US damentally, albeit incre- the eastern Indian Ocean. geostrategic purposes in mentally, transform the A couple of years from the Indo-Asia-Pacific means by which the In- now, it is likely that the and beyond. During the second week of April, A couple of years from now, it is Carter paid his third visit likely that the Indian Navy and the in 30 months to New U.S. Pacific Fleet, individually, will Delhi, and the seventh by operate a set of network-centric a U.S. defense secretary to India since 2008 (durintelligence, surveillance, and reing this time only one connaissance (ISR) assets that allow visit was reciprocated) a common information picture a reflection of the promiabout the eastern Indian Ocean to nence accorded to New Delhi within the be formed and exchanged as well as Pentagon's emerging provide a basis for cooperative constellation of interests responses to possible threats. within the Indo-Asia-Pacific strategic arc.

The contrasting out- dian Navy and the U.S. Indian Navy and the U.S. reaches capture a truth Pacific Fleet engage each Pacific Fleet, individuthat permeates the U.S.- other within the confined ally, will operate a set of India strategic engage- reaches of the Eastern network-centric intelliment: New Delhi seeks a Indian Ocean and the gence, surveillance, and broad-based and loosely- southern Bay of Bengal. reconnaissance (ISR) asdefined strategic partner- The agreement to share sets that allow a common ship with Washington as logistics during peace- information picture envisioned in its 'Act time will enable the two about the eastern Indian East' policy; the U.S., by navies to mitigate capa- Ocean to be formed and contrast, has emphasized bility gaps in broader In- exchanged as well as proa narrower and focused dian Ocean waters that vide a basis for cooperamaritime defense align- have seen a growth in tive responses to possible ment in the Indo-Asia- operational commit- threats.

Pacific, as epitomized in ments. It will also breathe life into the India-U.S. Credit for the renewal of its 'Rebalance' policy.

In New Delhi, Carter and Maritime Cooperation defense-maritime ties counterpart Manohar Framework agreement goes to both parties. The Parrikar laid the that had envisaged "an proximate catalyst for the penultimate touches to a appropriate agreement stepped-up engagement series of defense coop- on logistics support" - 10 was the Modi eration, technology shar- years after its signing. government's willingness ing, and research and co- The understanding to to cast aside its inherited production project-re- share aircraft carrier cata- blinkers and re-evaluate lated agreements that pult-launch technology three Bush administra-

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter visits India to strengthen military ties in response to China's growing power (Photo: d.ibtimes) tion-era foundational defense agreements (on logistics, encrypted communications, and geospatial mapping) with a fresh set of eyes. A 'nonpaper' to this end was solicited from the Pentagon in late-2014. Of even greater consequence has been laudable openness to jettisoning India's long-standing disinclination to be associated in any way, shape or form with extra-regional strategy and purpose in its hitherto jealouslyguarded Indian Ocean zone of core interest.

For his part, Carter deserves credit for his perseverance in working through the fundamental alignment-autonomy contradiction that afflicts U.S.-India strategic ties to tease out a middle ground that combines New Delhi's longing for defense technology-sharing (to boost autonomous capabilities) with Washington's yearning for navy-to-navy interoperability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. In doing so, he has overruled his own earlier, and extravagant, conception of the role of India - as host of U.S. 'over-the-horizon' bases and participant in U.S.-led 'coalition-ofthe-willing' conventional missions - within US and allied military strategy.

The US-India Defense Partnership 2.0 nevertheless needs to be kept in perspective.

Its geographic writ is unlikely to extend beyond the sea lines of communication and strategic (eastern) approaches of the Indian Ocean and southern Bay of Bengal aside for emergency disaster relief missions.

From a functional standpoint, military-grade intelligence sharing or any

hint of federated defense planning or capabilities, including joint threat assessment and expeditionary or amphibious operational cooperation, remains off-the-table. Most of the smaller-scale 'pathfinder' defense technology cooperation projects on the roster too, particularly those marginally attached to the maritime sphere or which entail private-to-private technology transfer, are likely to wither on the vine.

A sense of proportion must also inform an understanding of the China factor. The eastern Indian Ocean will remain for some time a decidedly distant 'far seas' theater of operation for the PLAN - even as it goes about coupling a recent emphasis on 'blue-water defense' to its historical interest in 'offshore defense.' Not until 2014 did the PLAN's South Sea Fleet Surface Task Group conduct its first - and solitary - training deployment there.

The interests involved, too, are limited (albeit vital - free access, unimpeded navigation) and correspond with India's own such interests east of Malacca - meaning, they are amenable to diplomatic give-and-take. Earlier this February, India and China inaugurated, and institutionalized, a mid-level official Maritime Affairs Dialogue that will allow both sides to broach these and related issues of common interest. Later in the year, China and India along with Russia are to hold a first-ever, stand-alone ministerial-level consultation on security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region.

New Delhi neither sees itself as locked in a tri-

Man-elephant conflict have been killed, hundreds of houses have been destroyed and huge amount of crops have been damaged as a result of this conflict. The root cause of this conflict lies in the widespread destruction of forests by humans for personal gains and has been increasing day by day. Until the people are sensitized about the need for conservation of forests by various agencies, the problem of this conflict is bound to remain and recur. Perhaps, the frequency of its occurrence might increase in the days to come if proper steps are not initiatedimmediately.

Yours etc Gwshad Basumatary, Haltugaon, Kokrajhar.

Drug Peddlers' Hey Day Image for representational purpose (Photo: indiasendangered) Sir, The rising incidents of man-elephant conflict in our State is unfortunate and very alarming. Over the years, several people

Sir, News telecast through the electronic media of Assam suggest that Police force in Guwahati suddenly woke up from slumber, went all out to nab the drug traffickers in and around the city and were instrumental in nabbing notorious drug smugglers like Afridi, Samsun Nessa.

Meanwhile, these drug smugglers had caused

irreparable damage to many youths maiming them for life. The most shocking point to note is their success in permeating their drug-empire.

While the Policemen in Guwahati show much alacrity in nabbing the drug peddlers and are instrumental in seizing the cache, their counterparts in Dibrugarh appear to maintain a passive outlook towards the drug peddlers, if newspaper - reports are anything to go by. The report also enlightens us about the modus operandi of peddlers with their sprawling and ever spreading empire from Myanmer, Nagaland, Assam to Arunachal Pradesh with its centre in Kalibari, Dibrugarh. Of course, Dibrugarh Policemen managed to nab only a handful of small fry. Sheikh Ilahi, the master at the helm of the drug empire hoodwinking (?) the Police could spread the tentacles with some of his accomplices. It is a matter of grave concern that more and more youths, not excluding the school students who get lured to this poisonous item. It is a pity that neither the local administration nor those responsible for protecting the people could not so far nab the main culprits and allow a section of the new generation to go to the dogs.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

angular strategic relationship with Washington and Beijing (rather both sets of ties are guided by bilateral actions on separate tracks) nor is Beijing the 'threat' that some in both capitals perceive it to be (the latest Defense Ministry Annual Report dispenses with the characterization of China as a 'threat').

China too has never complained about US defense technology transfers to India, especially in a bilateral context.

US-India defense cooperation (other than bigticket military sales) has for too long failed to attain take-off speed, owing in part to a lack of trust arising from a tendency on both sides to view defense cooperation initiatives through a lens of entrapment. The tempered expectations but dependable delivery in US-India Defense Partnership 2.0 may be marked as the moment when the two parties dismounted the high horse of unattainable ambition and settled for a more productive, albeit modest, equilibrium that translated their mutual visions of order into practical cooperation on air, land, and sea in the Indian Ocean and AsiaPacific region. For their foresight and wisdom to compromise, Carter and Parrikar deserve a token of praise. Courtesy: the diplomat Sourabh Gupta (sourabhgupta@chinausicas.org) is a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies in Washington, D.C. This article was originally published by Pacific Forum CSIS PacNet here, and represents the views of the respective author.

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200.

So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

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ed

How These Class 10 Students Are Using Drones To Tackle One Of Delhi's Biggest Problems Approximately a month the city, check the polluback, I read about a tion and land on its own. group of school-going Pollution monitoring kit youngsters - Sanchit, contains sensors like Pranav, and Triambikay - CO2, O2, and a dust senfrom Delhi who devel- sor, measuring the presoped a drone that detects ence of specific comair pollution. pounds in the In what could Shruti Sonal air and proprove to be a viding readboon for one of the ings in ppm (parts per milworld's most polluted cit- lion). One device can ies, their invention cor- measure air pollution rectly reports the chemi- readings of several cities cal composition of the air without having to deploy it is flown in. multiple drones! The data Unlike the typical large air is then sent to a server, pollution monitoring sta- which displays live readtions or instruments/tools, ings on pollution levels on this one is portable and a web page. Interestingly, compact. It is a fully au- the data can not only be tonomous device that viewed by the governcomes equipped with a ment or environmental GPS, a barometer, accel- experts but also by the erometer, a gyroscope public, making them acand a pollution monitoring tive participants in the toolkit, and is designed to efforts to protect the entake off, hover around vironment.

I was extremely curious to understand what drives Class 10 students who are at an age where they are typically dealing with the trappings of puberty, to achieve so much. Well, according to Sanchit, it was their interest in technology, engineering and a common aspiration to build gadgets for a cause, which united them as friends and inventors.

By January 2015, Sanchit had developed a keen interest in drones and started researching on the technology involved.

Pranav, intrigued by his research, suggested that they build a drone which could help bring greater accountability of pollutants present in the air.

Not ones to sit helplessly as they read news reports about the deterio-

rating conditions in Delhi, they decided to use their interest in technology, to be the change.

The first step was to create a prototype, which came with its own set of struggles. Since the three lived so far apart, they organised weekly meetups at the MakerSpace, a community driven initiative where tools and devices are available for those looking to collaborate to design and build new gadgets. Here they discussed the features of the drone, designed its aerodynamics, planned the materials that needed to be used, and soon they had a blueprint. In the meantime, they also saved up money to buy the necessary materials for the drone.

By July 2015, in a span of five weeks, they were ready

with their first prototype of the Air Pollution Monitoring Drone! With a hint of pride in his voice, Sanchit told me, "We made this drone for about just one-fourth the cost of commercial drones, used for a similar use! The total cost to make this was about INR 40,000."

I wondered if it was difficult balancing the project alongside school.

"Yes, it was quite tough.

We used every free period to research the project! Our parents were not supportive at the start. But knowing the scope of this project and our huge interest in it, they eventually backed our efforts." With teachers, it was a mixed bag."Some were really impressed seeing our passion but others were not that much happy

Sanchit, Pranav, and Triambikay at work (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz) about it. They wanted us to focus on academics and textbooks, and not deviate."

According to Sanchit, he is now brushing up on his software skills, putting together a team of highly skilled people and working on the backend architecture of his future organisation.

"I believe that we and the government can easily

cooperate with each other on the large-scale use of drones, regulating its use in India and also removing the ban on its use. Our intention is to use drones to help people and raise awareness amongst the general public," outlines Sanchit.

What a marvellous thought to sign off with!

As the movement to

clean Delhi's toxic air gathers momentum, such innovations can play a significant role in bringing together the efforts of the government and the common man. Drones have already effectively been used in China to monitor air pollution. Hopefully, in India, too this brilliant innovation can be utilised to its full potential. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

How 5 Strangers Taught Me Life Lessons I'll Never Forget

With Millions Homeless, Why The World Needs To Care About The Migrant Crisis

We all have some personal stories which at moments make us realise how valuable life is and how fateful we have been for living with grace and dignity. I have learnt enormously from those subtle avoidable instances which helped me shape my true colours.

I Am 76 And My Fate Tortured Me To The Limit Life lessons from my old house help in Ambala working for us for the last 15 years I was the most loved one in the family, my parents went to every saint and seer in Lahore and asked for blessings to get a child. It was after eight long years they heard the cry of a baby in the house. Before me, all were born dead. I brought good luck and fortune in the house and after me, the family was blessed with four more healthy kids.

I was the pride and honour of the family. There were very few girls in the town who went to the school and I was the one getting the best education. The illiteracy of my parents didn't stop them from getting their children educated. My father

With the advent of the ever, this seems like a 21st century, there has problem to me as I feel been a rise in the influx people need to go beof migrants in various yond this emotional recountries. Numerous sponse and look at the people have been shifting bigger picture. Will the from their native land to migrants be willing to inother nations for a better tegrate into another settlement. Everyone de- country where their beserves to live a peaceful liefs may be challenged? and prosMost of perous life miHarsh Mahaseth the w h e r e grants arequality prevails, and riving are not skilled or people enjoy political, eco- educated, and so they nomic and social free- could become a burden dom. on the country and its economy. Can the EuroHowever, due to political pean countries, such as instability in the world, Greece and Italy, which these diaspora dreams are already facing an seem to be failing steadily economic crisis, increase as increasing number of the number of depenfamilies risk their lives to dents further leading flee from the suffering them into financial dethat their dream nation pression?

is invaluable and most of the decisions I have taken is from books.

People in my family had sensed bad omens and we left the country before bloodshed started in 1947. There was enough money to start a new business and the financial acumen of my learned father helped him establish a business in India. I continued my studies and experiments with the life. I was eight when we escaped the war and at 14, I was asked to marry. The illness of my father and Amma's kind approach forced me to say yes. I never believed in fate before marriage but life showed me what power it holds over humans.

I didn't know how to cook and had never even thought of trying it. My parents never asked me to clean the house either. I thought life would be same, my decisions, my books, wisdom, learning. But within a few years, my husband's great business crashed and we were bankrupt. The big house was taken away by money lenders and we moved to a small hermitage.

There were no nuts for break-

Kunal Arora

failure. I started working as a maid, washing utensils and cleaning houses. Every penny I earned was filled with my patience to bear the harsh and cuss words.

I am 76 now and I am still working for the betterment of the family. My siblings are rich and happy and I was the one most knowledgeable in the house. I have two sons but if I stop earning the family will fall. I faced domestic violence and still have the marks on my body.

Life never stops, we cannot escape, one can simply smile at every problem to make it powerless. Don't let your wrong decisions power your fate.

Just 10 Rupees For Dinner A couple with limited resource and their limitless gaze, a roadside incident in Gurugram Their eyes showed thirst for the green fountain juice being poured into the glasses. They were old and skinny, maybe in their 60s. The lady looked extremely tired and traumatized, her sunken face and dried lips showed as if she was hungry from days. The man wore scars of hardship on his body and a muddy, ragged white shirt over it. Both gazed at people gulp-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: wiredpen) was a gold merchant and one of the richest and respected in the city. I was always surrounded by books which helped me create the world I wanted. By the age of seven, I had studied what people study in their twenties. The wisdom provided by the books

fast now, no meals for some days. By some means, we gathered money which helped in feeding ourselves. I decided to pursue a nursing course to have a better future but I couldn't bear the cutting and killing of animals and that one wrong decision resulted in a big

ing the chilled liquid and putting empty glasses on the counter. They held on to whatever assets they had in their life, a blanket, some utensils, and a few clothes.

The old man checked his pockets and took out 10 rupees. The couple looked at each other for

a while, and the lady broke the silence, "We need to have something for dinner." They looked around and decided to take a few chapattis and that was all the food they had.

A Street Outside Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah When devotion is just practised inside holy borders, an incident outside the holy shrine After the holy chants reviving the miracles and beauty of Allah, it was the time to let the seers rest and enjoy the night in the remembrance of divine and putting the requests of devotees upfront. Dressed in glittery sheets and images of Mecca printed on it, surrounded by red roses and millions of devotional threads, hundreds praying at the feet, looks like the door of heaven has opened and there lies the King of happiness showering blessings. A man in a white dress and grey waistcoat, a nicely embroidered prayer cap on his head closed the heavily decorated wooden doors. A huge stand was laden with incense sticks and the ashes appeared like falling stars. People were leaving with a smile on their face, some murmuring the ending prayers, some waiting for the last glimpse of the pir.

The street outside the Dargah saw the breach in devotion.

Disfigured creatures waiting outside for the people to show their crippled limbs. A small girl whose face was burned, and had twisted fingers, blocked the way and asked for money.

People who were lost inside gave her a ruthless expression, covered their face with a cloth and moved. Some asked Allah to have mercy on her as if they had nothing to give. She spoke nothing and tears came out of her eyes, she looked at the sky as if asking someone 'are you happy now?' Does aura of the door to heaven have boundaries? Is he only interested in those who can walk and offer a sheet? Does karma really play or it's a myth?

A Fig Tree That Ate It All Feed the needy, Gods already have enough. A holy tree in my hometown Ambala and a boy living in a small hermitage near it.

Rooted in the most narrow lane and about hundred years old, there was a great fig tree which mesmerized even the animals to stay close to it, embracing a big area with its wide

and open figure and giving shelter to hundreds of birds. Considered as the most sacred and home to seven Gods, we were not allowed to plant it at home. It was said to possess a divine power to make any wish come true. The trunk of the mystical tree was covered with red threads which held the wishes of those who visited it. Every day hundreds of devotees surrendered themselves to the tree and placed eatables to charm the Gods, later consumed by stray dogs.

I went there with my wishes rolled in a red thread and a platter to lure the omniscient tree.

Chanting mantras to put more power in the thread and thoughts, I saw a small child crying and staring at the food at the foot of the tree. The boy lived in a hermitage close to the tree. I went down on my knees and asked him what he wanted, he pointed to the platter in my hand. I surrendered my wishes to the hunger of a child and fed him with my hands. His smile was much more than what I would have gotten by tying a piece of thread to a tree.

Bewitching Black Eyes A blind woman helped me find myself near Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in Delhi.

I was waiting for the bus. Cars were moving in and out and making crazy, irritating sounds, senses warmed up and vision illusioned. Weather painted the face of people with sweat. No bird, no creature, only humans moving around with a passive look.

With no voice and utter silence in her appearance she was sitting on the bench alone. A cloth covered her head and a stick guided her steps. The gracious face had a smile whose reason I was looking for. She was touching the seat next to her again and again, may be in order to touch who she was waiting for. I noticed her moving almost fifty times to find no one there but the smile and divinity on her face remained.

Mesmerized by her aura and patience, I was lost in her silence. The world around her was black but she could see it better than me, feel it better than me. I sat inside the bus but still wondered who she was looking for. Patience and tolerance were what I was missing and I found it through the vision of blind eyes.

Courtesy: youthkiawaaz

TRUTHOLOGY POLITICS/ GEOPOLITICS is the biggest tool of organisation of human societies and humanity..

People belonging to ruling party monopolising common public resources and prosper, and people from opposition party suffer with least accessibility to it..

These utterly exploitative and

inhumane politco-socio-economic system and practices has been seriously unsustainable and disharmonious for healthy existence and progress of humanity.

Greatest innovations will have to be thought about in these realms so that resources of the societies/ nations are distributed and enjoyed by everyone in an equitable manner.

Tagam Mibang Whether people belong to ruling or opposition party, people after all are citizen of the same nation and a member of globalised humanity and as such deserve equitable share of resources.

Disparity, inequality in distri-

bution and enjoyment of resources has been the biggest sole reason of myriad problems with human societies and humanity. Collective effort by every member of humanity to optimise consumption of resources and sharing the extra resources with others in an philanthropic manner will almost root out most of the major problems of humanity forever.

hand). Apart from the moral obligation on states to provide asylum to people who have suffered because of a repressive government and generalized violence, Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to seek asylum in any other country.

However, once the migrants reach their target destination a new, large and persistent underclass is formed within that society. It is rather tough to create a long-term strategy which would help ease the situation. Should nations at first take in the refugees and accept their humanitarian responsibility and once peace is re-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz) piles onto them.

The news and image of the little Syrian boy, Alan Kurdi, who was found dead on a Turkish beach in September 2015 shook the world. Just like this unfortunate three-yearold, there are thousands of other innocent civilians suffering.

People think of one question, which is "What can I do to help?" This can range from creating awareness via social media sites or print media, donating to refugee assistance funds or just talking about it and showing some compassion. How-

While there are questions that would make us think that it is right to deny asylum to refugees we should also look at the statistics. In the fiscal year of 2015, a total of 200,000 migrants had arrived on the European continent, which is just 0.027% of Europe's total population.

stored, urge the refugees to return? While this sounds like a viable option there are various problems that might render such suggestions impractical. While so much is happening around us, there really is no need to ask the question of why we should care about the migrants.

Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan have already taken over 4.5 million refugees while the entire European Union has allowed in over 500 million inhabitants (a mere drop in the ocean if one looks at the real issue at

While it would be cruel to reject humanity and not give abode to refugees, it also poses a question of national financial security.

Clearly, this is an issue which currently has no perfect answer. Courtesy: youthkiawaaz

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

BUSINESS

42 % rise in indirect tax collections of April New Delhi, May 13: Indirect tax collections for April 2016 grew 42 per cent over their level in April 2015. April's collections amount to 8.3 per cent of the Budget Estimates for the financial year. "Indirect Tax collections for the month of April 2016 was Rs. 64,394 crore registering a growth of 41.8 per cent as compared to Rs. 45,417 crore collected during the same period previous year," the government announced. The Budget Estimate for indirect tax collections for this financial year is Rs. 7,78,000, 9.7 per cent higher than the actual col-

Kyocera sponsors 'International Ice Hockey Federation's' world championship ANI New Delhi, May 13: KYOCERA Document Solutions, one of the leading document solution companies, continues to support theInternational Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in 2016. The company will remain an official sponsor of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and continue as the tournament's exclusive partner for printing and copying equipment.

For the past six years, sponsorship of ice hockey's top international event has been an important part of Kyocera's marketing strategy. "This exciting partnership emphasizes our ability to produce outstanding performance and our ambition to achieve excellent results every time," said Pascal Seifert, General Manager of European Marketing at KYOCERA Document Solutions.

"With over half a million pages printed and copied during a typical World Championship, we have an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of our document imaging devices and the value of our reliability."

Reflecting on the history of this successful partnership, Martin Zollner, IT Director of the IIHF recounted his experience with Kyocera. "When we first looked at printing devices, our priority was to work with a company that could offer fast, stable products and service. We have been very impressed with KYOCERA products. As you can imagine, results need to be announced immediately, so speed, reliability and accuracy are critical. We have been so impressed that our Head Office will use only KYOCERA products going forward. We travel around the world with the Championship, so ease of use in each local language is important.

We are fortunate that Kyocera continue to work with us and provide us with outstanding products and support."

This year's local partner for service and support is KYOCERA document solutions Russia, Kyocera's sales company in Russia. The 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will take place from 6th May until 22nd May 2016 in Moscow and St Petersburg.

lections during 2015-16 of Rs. 7,09,022 crore.

Central excise collections saw a 71 per cent increase in April 2016, coming in at Rs. 28,252 crore compared to the Rs. 16,546 crore in April 2015. Excise collections thus made up nearly 44 per cent of the government's total indirect tax collections in April. The growth in total indirect tax collections were mainly driven by the growth in excise collections due to several additional revenue generating measures taken by the government over the last year such as increasing the excise duty on petrol,

MOUNTING HIGHER Indirect tax collections for April 2016 grew 42 per cent over their level in April 2015. April's collections amount to 8.3 per cent of the Budget Estimates for the financial year.

The Budget Estimate for indirect tax collections for this financial year is Rs. 7,78,000, 9.7 per cent higher than the actual collections during 2015-16 of Rs. 7,09,022 crore.

Service tax collections amounted to Rs. 18,647 crore in April 2016 compared to Rs. 14,585 crore during the same period of the previous year, a growth of 27.9 per cent.

Indirect Tax collections for the month of April 2016 was Rs. 64,394 crore registering a growth of 41.8 per cent as compared to Rs. 45,417 crore collected during the same period previous year.

Central excise collections saw a 71 per cent increase in April 2016, coming in at Rs. 28,252 crore compared to the Rs. 16,546 crore in April 2015.

The third category of indirect tax collections, customs duty collections, came in at Rs. 17,495 crore in April 2016, up 22.5 per cent from the Rs. 14,286 crore seen in April 2015.

diesel, and tobacco. Excluding such measures,

the growth in total indirect tax collections stood

at 17 per cent, according to the government.

PAGE 10

59% downfall in Indian Bank's Q4 profit

Service tax collections amounted to Rs. 18,647 crore in April 2016 compared to Rs. 14,585 crore during the same period of the previous year, a growth of 27.9 per cent.

The third category of indirect tax collections, customs duty collections, came in at Rs. 17,495 crore in April 2016, up 22.5 per cent from the Rs. 14,286 crore seen in April 2015. This data comes at a time when the government announced on Tuesday that it has unearthed approximately Rs. Image for representational purpose. (Photo: 50,000 crore of indirect content.indiainfoline) taxes evasion and undisclosed income of Rs. 21,000 crore over the last Chennai, May 13: Indian 2016, from 4.40 per cent Bank reported a 59 per in Q4, 2015, Indian Bank two years. (Agencies) cent drop in Q4 net profit increased its Q4 provito Rs 84.49 crore from sions against loan losses by last year as the state- 45 per cent to Rs 813.58 owned financial services crore, compared with the company set aside more same period last year. money to cover its bad With deterioration in its loans and reported nearly asset quality, net NPAs flat operating income. The stood at 4.20 per cent in perfect digital payments bank's Q4 operating profit Q4, compared to 2.50 per solutions, TranServ's cur- rose a mere 1.2 per cent cent last year. For the full rent focus on corporate and to Rs 827.41 crore from year, I n d i a n B a n k ' s business strategies ensures the year ago. The Chennai- profit fell 29.2 per cent a healthy balance between based lender saw fresh to 711.38 crore from sustainability and growth, non-performing assets last year. The bank said and has led to its position (NPAs) rise to 71 per cent its capital adequacy raas one of the most prom- to Rs 5,703.82 crore for tios were in line with from Rs RBI's requirements. The ising fin-tech ventures in 2015-16 the country. The company 3,338.87 crore the previ- bank said that its transhas also forayed into the ous year and identified its actions from mobile and corporate space through its stressed sectors as power, i n t e r n e t b a n k i n g i n small value employee pay- textile, iron and steel etc. creased to 52.69 per ments delivered via the With Gross NPAs widen- cent from 50 per cent.

Udio app and is looking to ing to 6.66 per cent in Q4, (Agencies) capture 35 percent of the market by the end of the current fiscal. Furthermore, TranServ has been actively trying to create a more integrated, ubiquitous and holistic mobile payments infrastructure within the country through ANI owned subsidiary of its innovative tech-based New Delhi, May 13: With an Cinepolis and is the first insolutions. Not only did it ever increasing focus on en- ternational exhibitor in India. pioneer the concept of so- tertainment arena, Paytm, The company has aggressive cial payments in India, but India's largest mobile pay- plans of rolling out 400 and commerce plat- screens by 2017. Cinepolis in has also partnered with ments has added another India has been awarded with Micromax and Visa to es- form, feather in their entertainment 'Most Admired Retail Launch' tablish a cross-channel, portfolio by partnering with in 2010, 'Most Admired Redigital-led, online-to-offline Cinepolis, the leading inter- tailer-Innovation' in 2011, payments ecosystem to national exhibitor in India. 'Fastest Growing Multiplex fulfill its vision of making With the collaboration, Paytm Chain' in 2015 and 'Most AdIndia a truly cashless users will now be able to book mired Retailer-Entertaintheir movie tickets with 236+ ment' in 2015, 'DLP Marketeconomy.

TranServ announces phase of growth with new members on board ANI New Delhi, May 13: TranServ, one of the leading digital payments company, has recently strengthened its leadership ranks with the appointments of Salil Mody as its SVP - Corporate Strategy and Ushpinder Singh as the SVP and Head- Merchant Business. These appointments highlight the company's focus on key areas of business strategy as well as creating the right blend of people in the organization. Salil comes with an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and holds a Master's degree in computer engineering from University of California.

He comes with valuable experience in the payments space with eight years at PayPal across Silicon Valley and India. His last role, prior to joining TranServ, was at MasterCard where he was responsible for market development for South Asia. At TranServ, Salil will focus on driving corporate

Anish Williams, Co-founder and CEO, TranServ.

(Photo: dqindia) strategy, inorganic growth and innovative initiatives like micro-credits.

Ushpinder has joined TranServ to lead the Merchants Business and would be responsible for sales of the Udio product suite with a focus on API integrations and digital payment solutions of the company. Ushpinder comes with 16 years of work experience with 6.5

years in the mobile payments space. Prior to TranServ, he was heading partnership and strategic alliances at MobiKwik.

Before venturing into mobile payments, Ushpinder has worked with various CMM L5 technology consulting companies, both in India and US. Speaking on the new appointments, Anish Williams, Cofounder and CEO,

TranServ, commented, "2016 is an important year for us at TranServ. We launched our flagship product Udio, India's first social wallet, and have been adding interesting features to our Udio product suite for merchants.

We have even forayed into the corporate space with expense management solutions, and have also just secured Series C investment from Micromax and IDFC Mutual Funds."

"We are now aggressively focusing on providing more secure and seamless payment offerings for both our merchants and consumers. By welcoming Salil and Ushpinder, we are looking to leverage their expertise in digital payments to consolidate our leadership position within the Indian market even further. We are confident that their addition will add another dimension to our business strategy and will aid us immensely in our continued growth and success," added Anish. With an end-goal of creating the

Paytm, Cinepolis tie up to expand consumer entertainment avenues

Furlenco ties up with NoBroker to ease furnishing woes ANI New Delhi, May 13: India's first online furniture rental company Furlenco has partnered with NoBroker, a brokeragefree marketplace for home-seekers and homeowners to connect without having to deal with brokers. As part of the alliance, people who finalize a house with NoBroker can now enjoy the option to furnish it with top quality rented furniture by Furlenco. Furlenco is now live on NoBroker's website and people looking for a house in Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore through NoBroker can opt to furnish their houses with stylish and contemporary furniture on rent as listed on the latter's website. Commenting on the collaboration, Founder and CEO Furlenco, Ajith Mohan Karimpana said, "Finding an accommodation can be

a tough challenge in metros. The situation becomes worse for the urban migrant population with white collar jobs who have to move cities or homes every three years.

In such scenarios, they have to sell their furniture and picking up the right pieces again becomes a tedious task." "By joining hands with NoBroker, we will give home seekers registered on their platform, easy access to furnishing their new pad through our furniture rental model. Within this one year, we have already beautified almost 5000 homes in Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore with our aspirational products.

Through this association, we are mutually trying to create a community of furnished homes," added Ajith Mohan. "NoBroker has been disrupting the real estate space by leading

Founder and CEO Furlenco, Ajith Mohan Karimpana. (Photo: e27) brokerage free rentals for the past two years. Since our inception, we are always looking at ways to create a seamless and convenient customer experience. The tie up with Furlenco will go a long way in benefiting our nine lakh customers," said Amit Kumar Agarwal, CEO and

C o - F o u n d e r , NoBroker.com. "Furnishing is one of the first things that anyone looks for once they have found a house.

So it was only natural for NoBroker to partner with Furlenco. We are always looking at genuine and cost effective ways to help our customers save money. We

are already helping our customers save more than 18 crores in brokerage every month. This tie will definitely help our customers and we are very happy to be partnering with Furlenco," added Amit Kumar. A novel concept in the furniture space, Furlenco makes furnishing homes quick, easy and affordable. As part of their service, they charter an array of award-winning designer furniture that is high on quality with matching furnishings and decor on a monthly subscription fee.

The service also includes free doorstep delivery and installation making it an extremely convenient and hassle-free approach to own a home with dreamy interiors. One can rent beds with mattresses, sofa sets, couch sets, dining tables, recliners and much more starting at just Rs.999 per month.

HDFC ERGO launches interactive forum to solve consumer queries ANI New Delhi, May 13: HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, one of India's leading private sector general insurance companies, has announced the launch of a one of its kind 'community' platform for public. This community aims to provide a peerto-peer channel where users can get advice, discuss their experiences and share information about anything and everything under the umbrella of non-life insurance.

This initiative by HDFC ERGO brings together insur-

ance experts, existing and potential customers of nonlife insurance and knowledge seekers on a single platform as a community to discuss experiences, share information and opinions on insurance products and services.

The main purpose of the community portal is to provide authentic, value-added and usable information to its users, which is again user generated. Some of the key elements of the portal are insightful articles, trending topics in forums, HDFC ERGO Facebook and Twitter live

feeds, polls and more insight on insurance. Speaking at the launch of the community portal, Ritesh Kumar, Managing Director and CEO, HDFC ERGO General Insurance said, "The community portal has been designed with an objective of helping users take informed decisions and/ or get more insight about non-life insurance. The portal aims to educate and empower its users with the true value of insurance and help them in harnessing it properly. As the process of digitalization intensifies, we are re-

modeling our offerings, services and delivery mechanism to reinforce our presence in the virtual market place. We have set a target for ourselves to emerge as the preferred platform for education and thought leadership on best practices." In this digital era, where citizens have turned to netizens, it's become portent for brands to plank their presence in the digital world, leaving no stone unturned to reach out to the masses. So in this kaleidoscopic platform, today, every brand is bombarding brand-centric

information and jamming the social media space too. This eventually is soon going to lead a saturation point. On the flip side, a consumer will absorb all sort of brand communication, but for making a decision, he will more likely trust the opinion of his peer/ friend, as he can relate with them more. Basis this premise, we believe being there is simply not enough.

It's time to leapfrog from Networks to Community; and try to convert followers/fans to evangelists/brand advocates.

Cinepolis screens across Cinepolis, Cinepolis VIP and Fun Cinemas. "At Paytm, we are committed to bring to our consumers what they love the most. When it comes to entertainment, it goes without saying that online movie ticketing wins the race. With Cinepolis' strong presence across the country, we aim to offer multiple alternatives to our cinema lovers," said Vice President Paytm, Renu Satti."

Cinepolis India is a wholly

ing Achievement Award' in 2015. "We are passionate to create the best customer experience for our patrons.

Paytm is one of the fastest growing mobile payment and commerce platforms in the country. This strategic partnership will help us increase our online outreach and enhance the overall customer experience," said Business Head-Strategic Initiatives Cinepolis, Devang Sampa.

3 superbikes launched in India by MV Agusta Pune, May 13: Italian super-bike maker MV Agusta has launched three superbikes in India through a distribution tieup with the Pune-based Kinetic Group. Known as the Ferrari of the bike world, MV Agusta launched F4 which is a 1,000-cc bike, F3 (800cc) and Brutale (1090 cc).

MV Agusta F3-800 will come at an entry price of Rs 16.78 lakh, Brutale 1090 cc at Rs 20.10 lakh while F4 RR 1000-cc will be the costliest at Rs 50.10 lakh. Kinetic has set up a separate company,

MV Agusta India, and a distribution brand called Motoroyale by Kinetic, to sell the bikes which will compete with Triumph, Ducati, Benelli and Kawasaki which are in the range of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 34 lakh.

The Verese, Milan-based MV Agusta makes the world's most premium high-performance superbikes, known for handcrafted designs and extremely powerful engines which are 3- and 4cylinders, making them as good as a car engine.

(Agencies)

GOOD NEWS FOR BIKE LOVERS MV Agusta has launched three superbikes in India through a distribution tie-up with the Punebased Kinetic Group.

Known as the Ferrari of the bike world, MV Agusta launched F4 which is a 1,000-cc bike, F3 (800-cc) and Brutale (1090 cc). MV Agusta F3800 will come at an entry price of Rs 16.78 lakh, Brutale -1090 cc at Rs 20.10 lakh while F4 RR 1000-cc will be the costliest at Rs 50.10 lakh.

The Verese, Milan-based MV Agusta makes the world's most premium high-performance superbikes, known for handcrafted designs and extremely powerful engines which are 3- and 4cylinders, making them as good as a car engine.

Features

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

PAGE 11

WOMEN’S Handy Kitchen Tips Indian Kitchen's are rich with handy tips. Every ingredient available in Indian kitchen's have more than one role.

They not only add flavour but also useful in giving us many other solutions for day to day kitchen problems. Here are few handy kitchen tips for you: " To help store syrups and squashes for a longer time, boil the container for five to ten minutes; dry it before pouring in the contents. " For fragrance or food health daily cuppa add sun-dried orange peels. " To remove coconut shell easily, with-

out taking a hammer to it, keep the coconut in deep freeze for an hour prior to its use. Remove and keep in lukewarm water for 15 minutes.

The shell comes off with the help of a knife. " To keep your microwave odour free, microwave a bowl of water with a lemon piece inside and run it for 30 sec. Do it once a week for great results. " Before shampooing oiled hair, rub a mixture of dry gram flour and a pinch of turmeric powder onto the scalp, and hair lengthwise. This mixture will absorb excess oil, reduce dandruff,

strengthen hair and add volume. Moreover you will need lesser shampoo to wash the hair after dusting the powder. " To remove excess indigo from clothes, soak them in water to which a few spoons of vinegar had been added. " In order to remove the smell of egg from crockery, rub the dishes with used tea leaves or rinse with a little vinegar. " Heat nuts, fruits and raisins in the oven before adding to the cake and pudding batter; that way they are not likely to sink to the bottom of the cake.

" To make a glass table shine, boil used tea leaves again in water.

Add vinegar to it. Pour over the table and clean it with a newspaper and see it sparkle. " Whenever you want to boil a cracked egg, add some vinegar to the water and place the egg in it. It will ensure that the egg remains inside the shell. " To remove seeds from lemon, just roll it on a hard surface applying a little pressure from your palm. Now cut it, you will find all seeds coming out easily. " When you prepare butter at home, you get buttermilk as a by-

product. Boil this buttermilk on medium heat; you will get paneer at no extra cost. " Salt sprinkled into a frying pan will prevent the oil from splashing or food sticking to the pan. " Do not add salt to 'rajma' and 'urad dal' while boiling. It will take half time to boil when salt is subtracted. " Kids are fussy when it comes to eating soya. Add 200 gms. of flour to one kg. of regular wheat flour and use this to make rotis. It is nutritious and blends well. " To cure a headache, take a lime, cut in

10 quick & easy beauty hacks for the really busy girl!

All of us have had days where we've hoped for some miracle that will make us look beautiful (or at least presentable) in time for school, college or work. A full-blown makeup session, however, is a luxury that few girls can afford with their busy schedules. A lot of girls are therefore on the constant lookout for hacks that can make their beauty regime a little swifter, save them time in the morning but still somehow end up making them look fabulous. If you are one such girl, look no further. Here is the conclusive list of beauty hacks for busy girls.

1. For perfectly winged eyeliner

can save time and energy and get the perfect eyeliner with half the effort you usually put in.

Plus, you'll get them perfectly even on both sides.

And you thought that was impossible this whole time!

2. For big, bright eyes If you are tired of going to work or college looking like your eyes will drop shut at any given moment because you are, well, tired, this is for you.

Most girls will agree that simply applying kajal does not make their eyes pop. The problem is that they only apply kajal on the lower eyes. In order to make your eyes look bigger, apply kajal on the in-

cara? One easy solution to this is to keep your essentials handy, maybe right at your bedside table! You can, for example, save time every morning if your moisturizer is right by your side when you wake up. And if you know that you will be too tired at night to remove your makeup properly, simply keep wet wipes by your bedside table. These simple steps will ensure that you do not waste too much time every morning.

Get a bright, makeup pouch to keep it all together and brighten up your dresser or nightstand.

4. For beautiful curls Using a curler every morning is time consum-

Being busy does not mean that you do not have the right to flaunt yourself. Following these easy and handy tips will surely add more beauty in your looks. (Photo:)

We've all had moments where applying winged eyeliner perfectly on both eyes has seemed more difficult than doing your actual job. One wing is always longer or thicker than the other, making it necessary to wipe and start all over again. In this tedious process, we end up losing precious time and sanity. In order to get perfectly winged eyeliner, take the help of a spoon or a credit card. Place the spoon below your eye and use its curve to line your eyes perfectly. For a straight line, do the same with the credit card. You

ner rim of your upper eyelid too. You will notice the difference as your eyes will look bigger instantly, ensuring that you do not look as sleep-deprived as you probably are. For this hack, a gel based eyeliner or kajal, or like the one by Maybelline, works best as it glides smoothly along the inner eyelid, unlike pencil kajals.

3. Time crunching in the am Do you waste a lot of time running around like a headless chicken every morning because you can't remember where you put your foundation or mas-

ing and tedious. Wash your hair at night and braid it while it is still wet. Sleep in with your braids (make five to six braids for better curls more braids equals tighter curls). When you open your hair in the morning, you'll have beautiful curls, perfect for the 'beachy' look in the office. Spray on some hair spray to keep your hair in place and proceed to looking gorgeous through the day 5. Fuller, kiss-me lips You don't have to go to Kylie Jenner extremes to get sexier, fuller lips. Just

adding some drops of peppermint oil to your lip balm will make your lips appear plumper. You can buy peppermint oil here.

Also, applying a lighter pencil on the centre of your lips (just a few shade lighter than your lipstick), and using a gloss over that will make your lips appear fuller. These easy hacks will get you the perfect pout without spending a lot of time in front of the mirror. So go ahead and simply invest in a bit of peppermint oil and some light lip pencils for an easy, simple way to sexier lips in seconds.

6. Lipstick that will last all day It can be irritating and unproductive to take breaks during work in order to reapply your lipstick. But at the same time, you need to make sure that you look great while at work or meeting friends. The trick is to ensure that your lipstick lasts longer. One idea is to invest in brands that manufacture long lasting lipsticks and lip colors especially for this purpose. Alternatively, use this hack: after you have applied lipstick, hold a tissue over your lips and apply translucent powder over it with a brush. Your lipstick will last way longer than it usually does.

7. Chip-proof nails Baking soda works well on nails that have yellowed. Stained nails are fairly common since a lot of us never take off our nail paint and allow our nails to breathe. And if you find that your nail paint chips too much and too easily, and you're too busy to reapply it as and when required, use glitter on them. Glitter nail paint tends to last longer than normal one. For a chic look, you could apply nail glitter only on the root of your nails, where the white portion often makes them look unattractive.

The glitter lasts metaphorically forever! You won't have to worry about coating again every time your nails grow.

8. Hair‌. And lovely!

If you have flyaway hair that simply won't stay in place, this hack may make your life a lot easier. If you often find yourself combing at work or using the washroom mirror to make your hair look presentable, try spraying hair spray or dry shampoo on your bobby pins before you put them in. Your hair will stay in place and so will your pins. Also, if you spend too much time drying your hair naturally (it takes a really long time, as we all know) put your hair dryer to use.

You will save so much time. And a pro tip - drying your hair with a cotton T-shirt takes so much less time as compared to drying it with a towel and will also help cut down on frizz.

9. Foundation fix Incorrectly applied foundation can look flaky and call for constant reapplication. To avoid that, put foundation at the centre of your face and blend outwards. To contour your face quickly, apply concealer in the shape of '3' on your forehead and cheekbones and spread it out lightly. And if you are hesitant about using foundation, you can use tinted moisturizers or BB creams in their place to give your face a soft glow while simultaneously moisturizing it. L'Oreal's True Match Liquid Foundation is perfect for a natural, flawless look.

10. Dry shampoo and leave-in conditioner Dry shampoo and leavein conditioners are perfect for days when you simply don't have time to shampoo but you also cannot go out with your hair all greasy and unmanageable. For busy women, it then becomes a convenient beauty hack. Instead of spending time washing your hair, simply put on dry shampoo and leave for work. Check out the BBlunt Dry Shampoo for instant grime-free hair. A leave-in is great to apply on damp hair to prevent it from frizzing as it dries and keeps it smoother, even in this humidity.

Maintaining a kitchen is no less than ruling a country. Few handy tips come like a drops of rainfall over a drought striken place. (Photo:livemint) half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away. " Candles burn slowly and evenly if placed in the freezer for an hour or two before

using them. " While steaming fish, place a piece of cheesecloth at the bottom of the pan. The fish can be lifted out without breaking.

" Have a bad toothache? Fill the tooth with a pinch of turmeric powder. It will give you instant relief.

Courtesy: kitch enflavours

7 styling tricks to hide that tummy bulge almost every girl has Bodies come in different shapes, sizes, and structures. So do bellies. Some people have flat ones, some washboard, and some curvy. Forget the media ads and fitness products that tell you that having a tummy bulge is a problem - it's not! All you have to do is know how to play it right and you're ready to own the world!

And here are 7 fab ways you can do that!

1. Wear draped outfits with wider silhouettes Draped outfits create vi-

sion of less volume. This is because belts tend to only emphasise the area over which they are put on by drawing the attention of the eye towards it. So if you are looking to exude the image of a flatter tummy, do avoid belts.

3. Wear untucked shirts and tops Untucked shirts and tops, which go over your jeans, trousers or skirts, are great for reducing the tummy line, as they create a silhouette which is wide, and thus proportion the tummy

tuck in the tummy. Corsets, bodysuits, waist cinchers, shaping panties are all the options you have if flattening your tummy area is something you are looking to do. Invest in smart lingerie for a softened tummy line.

6. Avoid fitted garments with ruching or drapes on the torso Fitted garments with ruching or drapes, especially around the torso or tummy area will only serve to emphasise your stomach.

This is because such out-

Wearing the right kind of dress will surely help you to hide the tummy.(Photo:)

sual lines which allow the tummy area to be toned down. However, you must go for loose drapes in an outfit with a wider silhouette if you are attempting to achieve this effect.

Tightly-fitted drapes will only cause your natural shape to be emphasised more, thus creating a defined tummy line, which is probably not what you are looking to do if you are reading this article.

2. Ditch belts Belts are not your best friends, if you are looking to restructure your stomach area to create the illu-

against the rest of the body, making it appear slimmer.

4. Layering is awesome Layering is another great trick to make your tummy appear smaller than it is.

Layering your clothes by putting on a jacket or trench coat - what our fashion writers call "the third piece rule" - will definitely help your tummy area look slimmer. This is because the added layers balance the tummy against the width of the body, thus making it appear smaller.

5. Say yes to shapewear Shapewear is a blessing if you are really looking to

fits tend to emphasise your natural body silhouette and your natural tummy line. If that's not what you want, you should stay miles away from such drapes!

7. Try flared or flowy tops, skirts, and dresses Anything flowy will work wonders for you if you are looking to de-emphasise your tummy. Try an a-line dress or a flared top - the volume on such outfits will help balance out the proportions of your body and create an illusion of a slimmer upper body overall.

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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, MAY 14

PAGE 12

Kumble retained ICC Cricket Committee Tomic snubs Rio Olympics citing `busy playing schedule head, Dravid made member PTI Dubai, May 13 : Former India captain Anil Kumble was today re-appointed ICC Cricket Committee chairman for a second term of three years while his one-time team-mate and batting great Rahul Dravid was named member of the top panel.

Kumble, the all-time highest wicket-taker for India, was appointed as the chairman for his first term in 2012 and will now continue to head the panel until 2018.

Meanwhile, another former India captain Dravid and ex-Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene have been appointed to the ICC Cricket Committee, adding even more cricketing experience to the list of eminent people already on the panel.

Dravid and Jayawardene have played 1,161 interna-

India captain Anil Kumble tional matches between them from 1996 to 2015, and each has been appointed for a three-year term.

They will attend their first meeting at Lord's on May 31 and June 1, three weeks before the ICC Annual Conference takes place in Edinburgh, Scot-

land, the ICC said in a statement.

Dravid has been elected by the current Test captains as current player representatives, replacing former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has completed his final three-year term.

Jayawardene has been ap-

Djokovic bounces back from bagel to reach Italian Open quarters

Novak Djokovic ANI London, May 13 : World number one Novak Djokovic displayed resilience and composure as he stormed back from a first set bagel to defeat Thomaz

Bellucci in thrilling three sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the Italian Open in Rome yesterday.

The Serbian defending champion recorded 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Bellucci in one

of the strangest matches of his career and will next face Spanish rival Rafael Nadal for a berth in the semifinals, the Guardian reported.

In contrast, world number three Andy Murray had a relatively easy time, cruising into the quarterfinals after registering a thumping 6-0, 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy in a contest that lasted one hour and 17 minutes.

Meanwhile, Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who is still coping an injured back, joined his Swiss compatriot and French Open champion, Stan Wawrinka, on the way home after being beaten by Austrian Dominic Thiem in the third round.

pointed as a past player representative and takes over from former Australia captain Mark Taylor, who has also completed his final three-year term.

Former Australia off-spinner and ex-Chief Executive of Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA), Tim May, has also been elected by the current Test captains as current player representative, replacing Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who has completed his threeyear term.

Richard Kettleborough, three-time ICC Umpire of the Year, has been appointed as umpires' representative in the committee and replaces Steve Davis, who retired last year.

ICC General Manager Cricket, Geoff Allardice, who also administers the ICC Cricket Committee meeting, said: "I want to thank Mark Taylor,

Kumar Sangakkara, L a x m a n Sivaramakrishnan and Steve Davis for their significant contribution to this committee.

"I welcome Rahul Dravid, Mahela Jayawardena, Tim May and Richard Kettleborough, and I am confident that these highly credentialed individuals will carry on the good work of their predecessors to make the sport even more competitive and attractive."

The ICC Cricket Committee is representative of all stakeholders in the modern game, including players, umpires and the media. It is empowered to make recommendations on cricket playing issues to the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) and, if the matter is a policy matter, the ICC Board for approval.

ANI London, May.13 : Australian controversial tennis star Bernard Tomic has said he will skip the upcoming Rio Olympics due to his 'extremely busy playing schedule' and 'personal circumstances'.

While insisting that he has always represented his nation passionately and has given his all when wearing the green and gold, the 23year-old said he would instead play at an ATP World Tour tournament in Mexico during the Olympics, the Guardian reported.

Explaining his inability to feature in Rio Games, Tomic said he had made a commitment to the tournament organisers to defend his title that he has won for the past two years in Bogota before knowing that the date and venue were changed. The tournament will now be held in Mexico.

Last week, Tomic was

Bernard Tomic warned by Australia Olympics chef de mission Kitty Chiller to improve his behaviour after the maverick player gave up on the last point of his first-round match against Italian Fabio Fognini by holding his racquet the wrong way round at the Madrid Masters.

Later, he aggravated the situation with his outspo-

ken comments in Madrid claiming he didn't care about losing the point given the wealth he had earned already in his short career.

Earlier this week, Tomic raised many eyebrows as he pulled out of the Rome Masters after just eight minutes into the opening round game citing illness and excessive heat.

Rahul Dravid, Jayawardene join ICC cricket committee ANI Dubai, May.13 : Former India captain Rahul Dravid and ex-Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena have been appointed to the ICC Cricket Committee, adding even more cricketing experience to the list of eminent people already on the committee.

Dravid and Jayawardena have played 1,161 international matches between them from 1996 to 2015, and each has been appointed for a three-year term. They will attend their first meeting at Lord's on 31 May and 1 June, three weeks before the ICC Annual Conference takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dravid, along with former Australia off-spinner and ex-Chief Executive of Federation of International

Cricketers' Association (FICA), Tim May, have been elected by the current Test captains as current player representatives, replacing former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has completed his final three-year term, and Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who has completed his three-year term.

Jayawardena has been appointed as a past player representative and takes over from former Australia captain Mark Taylor, who has also completed his final three-year term.

Richard Kettleborough, three-time ICC Umpire of the Year, has been appointed as umpires' representative in the committee and replaces Steve Davis, who retired last year.

Meanwhile, Anil Kumble

India captain Rahul Dravid has been re-appointed as the Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee for a three-year term. The former India captain was appointed as the Chair in 2012 and will now continue to head

the group until 2018.

ICC General Manager Cricket, Geoff Allardice, who also administers the ICC Cricket Committee meeting, said: "I want to thank Mark Taylor, Kumar

Sangakkara, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and Steve Davis for their significant contribution to this committee.

"I welcome Rahul Dravid, Mahela Jayawardena, Tim May and Richard Kettleborough, and I am confident that these highly credentialed individuals will carry on the good work of their predecessors to make the sport even more competitive and attractive."

The ICC Cricket Committee is representative of all stakeholders in the modern game, including players, umpires and the media. It is empowered to make recommendations on cricket playing issues to the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) and, if the matter is a policy matter, the ICC Board for approval.

WHO urges pregnant women to skip Rio Olympics amid Zika scare

WHO urges pregnant women to skip Rio Olympics amid Zika scare

ANI Johannesburg, May.13 : Amidst growing concerns over the spread of Zika virus, the World Health Organisation has advised pregnant women to avoid travelling to Rio for the upcoming Olympics.

Despite stating that the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes will be lower as the Olympics will be held during Brazil's wintertime, the UN health agency urged athletes and visitors to wear bodycovering clothing along with a slew of other precautionary measures, Sport24 reported.

It has asked visitors to choose accommodation

with air-conditioning, rather than relying on leaving windows open for ventilation.

The agency further stated that anyone visiting Rio should use a condom while having sex for at least four weeks after their return in order to avoid the risk of sexual transmission.

Brazil has been most affected by the mosquitoborne virus that has spread rapidly through Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to experts, the Zika virus causes the birth defect microcephaly in babies born to women infected with the virus.

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