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www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Khonsa please contact: Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa Ph. No.-08471896580/ 07085295635
ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 192
Remembering the Peshawar Attack
Dibrugarh, Thursday, December 17, 2015
JOBS & CAREER
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Price -
5.00
'3 in 4 Indian adults not financially literate' Page 10
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Pages- 12
'Nervous' Kejriwal wants to be protagonist of all breaking news: BJP
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Dissident Cong MLAs join BJP’s Cong MPs, Tarun Gogoi stage dharna in to ‘impeach’ Arunachal Speaker connection with “lack of Central funds” Arunachal Pradesh was on Wednesday rocked by a political crisis as 21 rebel Congress MLAs joined hands with 11 of BJP and two independents to ‘impeach’ Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia at a makeshift venue. Up in arms against Congress Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for the last three months, 21 rebel party MLAs, including 14 disqualified on Tuesday, with the help of BJP and independent legislators, Contd. on Page 3
ET CAPSULES
Wild elephant terror yet again Golaghat, Dec 16: The terror of wild elephants continued in different parts of Golaghat. This time a herd of wild jumbos entered Gowaltoop area of Dalowjan in Golaghat today early in the morning and damaged the houses of PrakashTanti, Jagoi Tanti, Mahesh Tanti, Arun Orang and Gowardhan Rana. Soon after, a panic situation prevailed among the local people. Also people got angry over ineffectiveness of the forest officials. (Correspondent)
Incident free strike in KA Diphu, Dec 16: The twelve hour Assam and Tripura strike called by National Federation of New State evoked almost total response in Karbi Anglong district whereby demand for creation of a separate state has been placed by almost all political parties and many organizations. The dawn to dusk strike has been reported to have been incident free within the autonomous district by police. (Correspondent)
IPV vaccination Tinsukia, Dec 16: As part of the National Health Mission, IPV vaccination has been formally launched in Tinsukia. Launching this drive at Jt. Director Health Services office, SDO (Civil) Purabi Gogoi emphasised on the importance of this vaccination. (Correspondent)
IPV vaccination Sonari, Dec 16: As part of the National Health Mission, IPV vaccination has been formally launched in Sonari in upper Assam’s Sivasagar district. Circle Officer Dhiraj Das launched the programme during a function held at the Sonari Civil Hospital.(Correspondent)
Centre 'attacking democracy' by interfering in Arunachal: Congress ANI New Delhi, Dec. 16
Security forces stands on guard as organisations display banners demanding removal of Arunachal Governor. Pic - UB Photos
High offices of the Deputy Speaker and the Governor today are being misused: Tuki A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 16
The State Cabinet met here today under Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and took stock of the current situation. The Cabinet observed and decided it is saddening that high offices of the Deputy Speaker and the Governor today are being misused as tools of political conspiracy to topple the present democratically elected government in Arunachal Pradesh. Today, both of the said high offices have become nothing more than mere extension offices of the Central Government, which has uprooted the very concept of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution of India. Next, the action of Deputy Speaker
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A total number of 542 unemployed youth out of 805 job seekers were registered to undergo skill development training at the Job Mela cum Skill Development Awareness and Trainers’ Selection Rally under CM’s flagship programme for skill development and employment generation, organized here at Miao sub-division of Changlang District today. Addressing the rally, the Deputy Commissioner W Khimhun urged the youth of
holding session of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (“State Assembly”) outside Vidhan Sabha is not only patently illegal and unconstitutional but also is a part of larger conspiracy hatched amongst disqualified Congress MLAs, BJP MLAs, Central Government, Deputy Speaker and the Governor. Third, the Deputy Speaker is exceeding his jurisdiction, first quashed the Order and Notification of the Speaker disqualifying 14 Congress MLAs, who had voluntary given up their membership and then unauthorisedly held session of the State Assembly outside Vidhan Sabha. Next, under the scheme of the Constitution of India the Deputy Speaker does not have any jurisdiction or
power to sit over in appeal and quash decisions of the Speaker. The aforesaid 14 Congress MLAs were disqualified since they had voluntarily given up their membership as interpreted by the Supreme Court in several judgments. This disqualified was strictly in terms of Article 191 (2) read with Schedule 10 of the Constitution of India, Para 2 (1) (a), 6 (1) & (2) and Rule 3 (7) and 6 of the Members of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on ground of defection) Rules, 1987. Having said that, even if the said Order and Notification is incorrect, the Deputy Speaker cannot in law quash the same. Contd. on Page 3
Deputy speaker submits assembly resolution to Governor A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 16
The Deputy Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh State Legislative Assembly, functioning as Speaker, Shri T.N. Thongdok called on the Governor Shri JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 16th December 2015. In the meeting, the Deputy Speaker submitted the Resolution to the Governor, which was passed by 33 (thirty-three) Members of State Legislative Assembly for removal of the Speaker Shri Nabam Rebia in the Assembly session presided over by him. Contd. on Page 3
A Staff Reporter New Delhi, Dec 16
Seven persons have been arrested by police in connection with the attack on a girl outside a bar in Guwahati. Police sources said that two women attacked a drunken girl
the district to look beyond Govt jobs and think outside of the box. He said that the skill development training would not only develop their skills but also instill a sense of confidence for attempting to tap the private sector or become self employed. He advised the selected candidates to be attentive and sincere in their approach. Encouraging the school and college dropouts to take part in the Job Mela, Contd. on Page 3
Determined to take the BJP led Union government head on, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the State’s Congress MPs and several senior Congress leaders from the state staged a dharna in front of the Parliament House today. They staged demonstration in front of the Parliament to protest against the lack of funds from the Centre. Gogoi alleged that the Centre is yet to release an estimated Rs 20,000 crore due to the State, including in oil royalty arrears. Contd. on Page 4
Congress inventing new ways to disrupt Parliament: Naidu ANI New Delhi, Dec. 16
With the winter session of Parliament heading towards another washout after repeated disruption over several issues by the opposition parties, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs M.Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said the opposition was "inventing and manufacturing issues to stall the proceedings" of the House. "They are trying to invent and manufacture some issue or the other, to stall the functioning of Parliament. They are doing immense harm to the country and also to themselves," Naidu told the media here. "We should not become laughing stock in front of people by taking up such issues and stall Parliament over them," he added. When asked to respond to the opposition's Contd. on Page 4
Assam CM Tarun Gogoi accompanied by MPs and party leaders from Assam during his dharna in New Delhi. Pic - UB Photos
Bhupen Hazarika real son of the soil: Ratan Thyam Thyam unveils statue of the ‘Sudhakantha’ at Kalabhumi Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 16
Terming Dr. Bhupen Hazarika as the east-west cultural bridge, noted playwright with international repute padmasree Ratan Thyam said that Bhupenda is real son of the soil. “There is no doubt, Bhupenda’s songs and music will always echo in our ears. Like the mighty Brahmaputra, Bhupenda’s music is symbol of civilization.” The prominent playwright who was addressing a mammoth gathering after unveiling a life-size statue of the great music talent at Bhupen Hazarika Kalabhumi (a park that came into being in memory of the sudhakantah) at Tezpur Museum campus near DC office here said in his speech further adding that he sang the hearts of the masses; he referred to rivers, hills, cruelty, reflected the naked truth of life, the degeneration of human values and greed destroying the humanity. Contd. on Page 4
Duo involved in several theft cases arrested Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, Dec 16
Arunachal Dy. Speaker hands over assembly resolution to Governor Rajkhowa. Pic - Raj Bhawan PRO.
7 arrested for assault on girl
542 unemployed youth registered at Job Mela Changlang, Dec 16
Raising questions over Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa's role, the Congress on Wednesday lashed out at the Centre and accused them of attacking Contd. on Page 4
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 16
outside the bar on Monday night. Later some other miscreants also attacked her. The arrested persons are identified as Maya Saikia, Siva Baruah, Altaf Hussain, Bipul Deka, Janak Deka, Samin Baishya and Nur Hussain, police said. In yet another horrific incident
of moral policing, a girl was attacked by two women and a group of men outside a bar in Zoo Road in Guwahati. She was attacked while coming out of the popular Crystal Bar in Zoo Road Tiniali of the city at around 10 pm on Monday. Contd. on Page 4
In a much respite to Tinsukia and nearby areas, Makum police on Wednesday busted a group of dacoits resulting in the arrest of two persons. The duo has been identified as Jintu Tasa and Nizu Ali, residents of Shivdham area of Tinsukia. However, their two accomplices are still on the run. Talking to this correspondent, police officer leading the operation said that the duo have admitted to their role in many thefts and dacoity at Tinsukia. They used to target banks,
shops and houses, he added. Actually, on Monday the group targeted State Bank of India, Makum branch in the night. They entered bank premises through the terrace by cutting rods and other iron obstacles. However, they could not take away cash and desperately broke many counters. Makum police was investigating into this case and based on information from their sources landed this big catch. The group, involved in several thefts and robbery cases in Tinsukia, had created panic among the residents of the town previously.
The statue of Bhupen Hazarika unveiled by Thyam. Pic - UB Photos
East Siang Zila Parishad urges people to upkeep the sanctity of Governor Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Dec 16
Despaired over the prevailing criticism against the state’s governor by many section of people, the East Siang Zila Parishad convened an urgent meeting at ZPC Office Chamber on Monday and discussed at length to put forward their views before the public of the state. In a press statement, ZPC East Siang, Kaling Dai said that, since from the first Governor, the then Lieutenant Governor K.A.A. Raja, governor is a constitutional authority of the state and he is inde-
Youth from Arunachal village sensitized on Asiatic Black Bear conservation ET Bureau Pakke Tiger Reserve, Dec 16
In a first of its kind sensitization programme on Asiatic black bears, 14 youth from Shergaon – a small but important area in Arunachal Pradesh – were taken on an exposure visit to IFAW-WTI run Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) in Pakke Tiger Reserve. At CBRC, the visitors were briefed about the importance and need for conservation of
wildlife and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh. Shergaon falls in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and the residents are predominantly Sherdukpten, a tribe Buddhist by religion. To effectively spread the message of wildlife conservation among the villagers of Shergaon, IFAW-WTI partnered with a local NGO named Garung Thuk. It was decided that a 14member group consisting of youth from Shergaon will be named as conservation ambas-
sadors who will motivate locals to give up the traditional practice of hunting Asiatic black bears. Explaining the need for this awareness programme, Sunil Kyarong, Regional Head, IFAW-WTI, said, “These animals are highly valued in Arunachal for their body parts. Hunting still remains the biggest threat, but human-bear conflict has also increased multifold in the last few years. Contd. on Page 4
pendent to accept or reject the decision of the state government. Till today, we haven’t seen any one or any organization going against or criticizing the governor, but we are witnessing it today by from political critics which shows that our land is a government of 'Khusi-Khusi'. East Siang Zila Parishad despaired by seeing the critics against the governor appeals the entire public leader to check the ideology of ‘Ayaram’ and ‘Gayaram’ in the state politics. The Zila Parishad also appeals the governor to maintain the constitution procedures for the betterment of the state.
Bike theft cases on the rise, most wanted thief held Mayukh Goswami Mangaldai, Dec 16
Participants of the sensitization programme on Asiatic black bears pose for a group photo.
Darrang police who have been under tremendous strain after their alleged failure to check the rising cases of bike thefts in and around Mangaldai town in recent times, have managed to salvage some pride today as they arrested most wanted car, bike lifter Bipul Sarma alias Bipul Bhatta (40) from a hideout in Balipota under Contd. on Page 4
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A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 16
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
‘Vijay Diwas’ observed in Tripura Agartala, Dec. 16 : Tripura State Rifles troopers and the Indian Army paid tribute to martyrs of 1971 India-Pakistan war on the occation of ‘Bijoy Dibosh’ (Victory Day) in Agartala. Governor Tathagata Roy, Jail Minister Manindra Reang and top official paid tribute at the martyrs’ column at the Post Office Chowmhuni here. “Forces which come and liberate, they stay on Security forces pay their last respect during ‘Vijay Diwas’ in Tripura. Pic - UB Photos but this is the first time in the history that the forces liberated and gone back, for her the people of Bangladesh this is unforgettable and acknowledgements and I for acknowledging the the Bangladeshi people am proud today to be here fact that without the help very gratefully acknowl- for to commemorate this of India it would have edge this. This is from the occation,” said Governor been next to impossible to lips of the Prime Minister Roy after laying the defeat the brutal Pakistani (Sheikh Hassina) herself, wreath on the martyr’s army. “The Bangladesh I bow to her, I refer to her column. He also thanked people acknowledge with
Passenger resents railway abnormality Sushanta Roy Diphu, Dec 16: The people of Diphu town and nearby localities have expressed strong resentment against the NF Railway authority for causing extreme inconvenience to the passengers in the matter of procuring tickets and reservations. They have also resented the faulty arrangement of passenger compartments position in the platform. While verifying the public allegation, it was found that the ‘Public Reservation System’ is not in fact manned by any railway official rather managed by a group of women who are by no
means qualified to do the job. One of the largest revenue generating stations closes the PRS at 2.00 pm defying request of hundreds of passengers in queue while malfunctioning of the computer is cited. “Forceful collection of money from the petty traders, drug paddlers and bootleggers by Railway Protection Force and Government Railway police is helping in proliferation of the trade in Diphu town; the matter should be dealt with seriously by the railway authority,” urged a senior citizen to this correspondent on condition of anonymity.
gratitude the huge role played by the Indian army and other forces in the liberation of Bangladesh. Without the help of the Indian army the bestial Pakistani army who had done terrible torture and persecution to the people of Bangladesh they could not have been defeated,” Roy added. Commemorated on December 16 every year, ‘Bijoy Dibosh’ marks India's decisive military victory over archrival Pakistan achieved in 1971 ending the 9 monthlong Bangladesh Liberation War. The 1971 war, the third engagement between the two neighbours, led to the creation of Bangladesh as a nation. Other then security force
personnel, retired army, navy and air force officers, Bangladesh Liberation freedom fighters and civil administration official were also present to pay tribute the war heroes. Similar arrangement was also made at the Lichubagan 1971 war memorial where army personnels paid tribute. It was also on this day that the largest military surrender after World War II took place, when the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora accepted the instrument of surrender from Lt Gen AAK Niazi of the Pakistan Army at Dhaka. (ANI)
Workshop for self help groups A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 16: Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, Dibrugarh branch in association with NABARD today organized a workshop for the Self Help Groups here at Rashtrabhasa Deep Vidyalaya in Dibrugarh. Fifty people participated in the workshop. R Ahmed, Regional Manager of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, Lipi Deori, Deputy District Manager, NABARD, Prabhat Bhagavat, Senior Manager, loan section, Dibrugarh Branch, Minto Rai, Branch Manager, Assam Gramin Vikash
tion and effective impacts. Says Sunita Narain, CSE’s director general: “These steps are expected to catalyse longer term solutions to clean up the air. This winter, Delhi has already experienced rapid increase in pollution – PM2.5 levels have remained three to four times the standards and on smoggy days, the level can go up to six to seven times the standards. The Chief Justice bench has taken strong notice of the evidences of health impacts which indicate that the lung of every third child is impaired.” Action on diesel emissions from trucks and cars is a crucial step forward: The most recent study of IIT Kanpur on sources of air pollution in Delhi, submitted by Amicus Curiae Harish Salve, has given the clinching evidence on the contribution of diesel cars to PM2.5 in Delhi. It shows that diesel cars contribute at least 60-70 per cent of PM2.5 from vehicles in different parts of
Delhi. This shows that overall, vehicles are the second largest polluter for both particulates and NOx. By barring the luxury diesel segment, the Supreme Court has established a critical principle that diesel taxed low for poor farmers and freight cannot by misutilised by the rich car owners for luxury consumption and add to pollution. Anumita Roychowdhury, CSE’s executive director-research and advocacy and head of its sustainable urbanization and air pollution control team: “Dieselisation adds to the burden of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone – the key pollutants of concern in the city. The current emissions standards in India legally allow diesel cars to emit more particulate matter and nitrogen oxides – which are the most serious pollutants of concern in our city’s air – than petrol cars.” Diesel cars are legally allowed to emit three times more NOx than
@isro accomplish another momentous feat. Congrats to them on PSLV-C29 successfully launching 6 Singapore satellites," Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet. "The launch, coming at a time when we mark 50 years of IndiaSingapore ties is significant. India cherishes strong relations with Singapore," he added in another tweet. Of the six satellites, TeLEOS-1 is the primary satellite weighing 400 kilograms whereas the other five satellites include two micro-satellites and three nano-satellites. TeLEOS-1 is the first Singapore commercial earth observation satellite. Antrix mercial arm of ISRO, has Corporation Ltd, the com- provided launch services in
You already feel deeply connected to the universe. But today, you may want to particularly thank God for all His small mercies. You cherish your loved ones even more today, and you may spend lavishly on people dear to you.
You are likely to take a break from daily routine. A pleasure trip to recharge your batteries is on the charts. Winning favours from members of the opposite sex comes naturally to you. If you love someone, you will make your move today. Evening will be about doing medication, and getting attuned to yourself or maybe your sweetheart.
Participants at a NABARD sponsored workshop of Assam Gramin Vikas Bank at Rashtrabhasa Deep Vidyalaya in Dibrugarh on Wednesday. Pic - Manuj Pandey
Bank New market Branch and Bhudev Phukan, President of Eastern Assam Chambers of Commerce
petrol cars. Particulate matter from petrol cars are so negligible that they are not regulated. But emissions factor of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) shows that diesel cars emit five times more particulate matter and seven times more total air toxins compared to petrol cars. Diesel emissions have also been classified by the WHO as a group I carcinogen for their strong link with lung cancer. The emission norms for both petrol and diesel cars begin to close gaps only at Euro VI level. It is notable that while taking these urgent decisions the Chief Justice bench has also scheduled hearing for longer term solutions including leapfrogging emissions standards for vehicles to Euro VI while introducing the current emission standards in Delhi nation-wide immediately; action on power plants; and public transport strategy for Delhi and NCR.
India successfully launches six Singapore satellites New Delhi, Dec. 16 (ANI): The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C29 on Wednesday successfully launched six Singapore satellites from spaceport at Sriharikotta today. The rocket with the lift-off mass of 227.6 tons has undertaken its journey in a core-alone configuration as the total payload weight is just above 600 kilograms. This is the sixth fully commercial launch by ISRO, which has put into orbits 51 foreign satellites successfully so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists for successful launch of six satellites today. "Our scientists at
ASTRO FOR YOU
You have an easy carefree day ahead. There will be no woes or worries. But you will be inclined to take up too many things at one time, more than you can handle. This may, in turn, get you stressed and uptight. You are advised to be practical and not to overdo things. If you do get into a fix, a moment’s reflection will show you that you alone are to be blamed. Try to be realistic and reasonable.
were present at the workshop. Bhudev Phukan was invited as the Chief Guest in the programme.
CSE welcomes landmark judgment stopping BSF celregistration of luxury diesel cars, SUVs ebrates
A Staff Reporter New Delhi, Dec 16: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) welcomes the landmark judgment from the Chief Justice bench of the Supreme Court of India that has stopped registration of all luxury diesel cars and SUVs with engine size of 2,000 cc in the entire national capital region of Delhi until March 2016; doubled environment compensation charge on all trucks entering Delhi; barred entry of pre-2005 trucks; and mandated all taxis in the NCR to run on CNG. The state governments have also been directed to put in place stringent measures to cut pollution from trash burning and road dust. These urgent measures are needed to address the public health emergency in the city while longer term solutions including emissions standards road map for vehicles, action on power plants and public transport strategies are on the table for continued ac-
AJYCP activists and supporters take out a rally in Jorhat demanding measures to streamline traffic. Pic - Nekib Ahmed
PSLV for 51 customer satellites from 20 countries so far.
its Golden Jubilee in Agartala
You think you are smart. You will be most certainly savouring the positive aspects of your life. Sometimes, it is quite possible that you find yourself at the end of your wits. You had better sit together with your spouse and thrash out personality clashes and private quarrels. Be it a job or business, you will face severe competition today. You will need to be extra cautious today. You will need to be more serious about whatever it is that you are doing. You will become more influential in your social circle or amongst your colleagues as a results. Communication is your best handgun and creativity your best bullet. You are full of energy, enthusiasm and exuberance. Creativity, though, will be at its best in an atmosphere free of pressure and strain. You will be a different person today, full of vigor and enthusiasm. You will be able to showcase your creative skills in your personal life and at the same time you will be able to go ahead in your chosen field and gain prestige too. You will have to make a decision about studying further in the field of higher education abroad. You reveal your true avatar of being adventurous today. It’s a favourable day for businessmen as they would make plans that would yield them huge profits. With your great communication and convincing power, you are going to impress your superiors today. Upholding all that is right and just will be the highpoint today. You will be in the right spirits to fight injustice and discrimination. The day promises to be as splendid as your will. Lack of confidence may leave you glum in the first half of the day, and to add to it, you will be loaded with work that you may have taken up from company other than the one employing you full time. The sullen mood will turn jovial by evening, and you can expect to have a good time socialising with friends and relatives. Some days, you crave to know everything. Today is one such day. You will also prove a worthy opponent. You may upset your adversaries’ plans, much to your own advantage. You have it in you to be a scholar. You will also prove the strength of your character, especially when the going gets tough. You are not too much of a money-minded person. Planning your finances for the future may not really be your cup of tea. You take every day as it comes. However, you will have an epiphany of sorts today and decide to become more serious towards life. You will finally realize the value of planning for your finances.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Agartala, Dec. 16 (ANI): The Border Security Force (BSF) organised a colourful programme recently to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. Tripura High Court Chief Justice Dipak Gupta inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.The programme was organised by various battalion of the BSF under the Tripura Frontier at the Rabindra Centenary Hall in capital Agartala. The troopers presented the colourful rich cultural heritage of India through various dances and songs.Beside this the hardship of the force in the frontier borders protecting their motherland the attack and invasion of outsiders was also demonstrated. High official and family members of the BSF personnels attended the programme.
Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
17-12-15 (THURSDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 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- Radio Report on Dibrugarh Book Fair 12-30 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme) 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of Directorate of Distance Education, D.U) 8-30 P.M-Jnan Bijnan-Talk-"Andhabiswash Aaru Bijnan Shiksha" by Dr. Kaushik Das (Concluding Part) 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
The greater message is to harness the poten- Tripura earning profit out of tial that the Orange Festival provides us: DC bamboo nursery, plantation Dambuk, Dec 16: The 2nd edition of four-day Orange Festival of Adventure and Music began with the flagging off by Ravi Dhawan, Deputy Commissioner of Lower Dibang Valley District amidst large gathering of adventure and music lovers in a beautiful valley of orange orchard at Akoko Village yesterday. While attending the inaugural function as Chief Guest, Deputy Commissioner said, “This four day carnival is a unique opportunity for the people of Lower Dibang Valley District to showcase their culture and tradition to the outside world”. He appealed to the younger friends to celebrate this festival but go home and take the larger message that this festival is giving to all of us that is to harness the potential of the festival.” “The true appreciation of the efforts made by the organizing committee and the people behind is not to just responsibly enjoy this festival but also to harness the potential that this festival provides us by unleashing the spirit that defines India today as India is being globally referred to as one of the start up nations,” DC said. He further said that, “The true
Girls from Bolung presenting a dance in memory of Lt tayeng.
recognition of the pains taken by organizing committee would be incomplete if we do not harness the potential of the festival by building up home stays and by making permanent adventure sports activities here and by getting people from this state and beyond not just during these four days but throughout the year”. He further said that the state govt and the national govt is doing their bit in terms of building all weather road connectivity in the area and “on our part we should contribute by making adventure tourism, musical tourism and the Orange Festival a permanent feature of this beautiful place”, he added. He complimented the Orga-
nizing Committee, the Indian Army and Abu Tayeng, who is the main driving force behind the successful conduct of the festival. Gum Tayeng, Parliamentary Secretary for WRD cum MLA Dambuk who is also the Chief Patron of the Orange Festival while highlighting the objective behind Orange Festival said, “The main idea is to bring in people from all over the world to explore the untouched, natural beauty of our home and also to experience the local way of life and culture”. She informed that though the festival was started on a self-sponsorship basis in its first edition but now it enjoys the support of the state govt and it has estab-
lished itself as one of the India’s Premier Festival dedicated to Adventure and Music. She thanked the Chief Minister, Nabam Tuki for his active support of the event. On the occasion, the family of Late Jomin Tayeng, the first IAS Officer of the state, felicitated the Class X and Class XII toppers of 42nd Dambuk Assembly Constituency with laptops which were given away by the Deputy Commissioner, Roing. Yarns were distributed among the beneficiaries under Chief Minister’s Grant Loin Scheme by Gum Tayeng, Parliamentary Secretary for WRD and Sipi Elapra Linggi, Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Roing. Abu Saring, Prin-
Dima Hasao BJP warns of agitation ET Correspondent Haflong, Dec 16: The Dima Hasao BJP will go for strong agitation if the State BJP fails to select senior and winnable leader as the candidature for the forthcoming Assam assembly election expected to be held during April or May 2016, several BJP leaders of Dima Hasao warned. It is learnt that Mishan Ranjan Das, Vice President, BJP Assam Pradesh and Sawad Mominul Awal, President, Minority Morcha, Assam Pradesh are at Haflong as BJP observers to obtain opinion from BJP leaders and workers of Dima Hasao with regard to the selection of BJP candidature for the lone 16 (ST) Haflong constituency on Wednesday. Meanwhile,
many BJP men opined that this is an eyewash as the state BJP leadership has already selected a name who has recently joined the BJP thereby a sense of foul play is being smelled by the most of the senior leaders and workers of Dima Hasao BJP. Dilicharan Naiding, who claimed to be with BJP since 1997 disclosed that the state BJP has taken the same path as that of Congress in selecting the candidature for the forthcoming Assam assembly election involving foul play, even exchange of huge amounts of money. He said since he is not being able to offer a good amount of money he would be denied the party ticket. The State BJP should not ignore the leaders who were with the
BJP during bad days. Now, what is going on in BJP is that those who can offer money are being welcomed, he added. Citing the recent developments vis-à-vis BJP in Dima Hasao, he said the district committee is never being informed while absorbing the leaders from other political parties. If the state BJP leadership fails to understand the pulse of the people, the BJP in Dima Hasao will face the same future as what happened in Bihar election, he added. Smt Malati Langthasa, former Vice president, BJP Mahila Morcha said the party ticket should be given to a person who is senior, active and there is probability to win with the people’s verdict. She said
Polling in Ward-5 passes off peacefully Pasighat, Dec 16: The fate of the contesting candidates of Municipal Ward-5 was sealed with peaceful polling, whereby election was held on Wednesday witnessing a turnout of 64.82 per cent. 259 male (63.79%) and 255 female (65.89%) voters exercised their right to vote. The seat became vacant due to sudden demise of Ward-5 councillor Atik Pertin. Geni Pertin, son of Lt. Atik Pertin con-
Polling in Ward-5
tested as INC candidate while BJP fielded Kaling Doruk. Adequate police forces were deployed at Town Club (Polling Booth) for maintaining
queues and other works outside the booth. According to official sources, counting of votes will take place on December 19 next. (DIPRO)
KVK’s Technology Week inaugurated Seppa, Dec 16: A Technology Week of Krishi Vigyan Kenrda (KVK) inaugurated by the DC Sandeep Kumar Singh began at Pampoli of East Kameng District yesterday. Addressing the enthusiastic trainees, HoDs and public at pampoli, DC Sandeep Kumar Singh advised the progressive farmers and the public to keep pace with the changes of time, to do away with the old methodology of traditional farming by applying and adoption of technology in farming. He directed the KVK scientists and frontal functionaries of its line deptts to impart training and technical know-how of farming to the villagers to enhance productivity. He suggested the farmers to take up ag-
riculture and its allied sectors in a larger way for production in larger quantity and higher quality paving way for easy marketing produces. He lauded the activities of Pampoli Cleanivers Committee for keeping the Pampoli area neat and clean prohibiting free roaming of pigs and cows and urged them to continue to maintain it for better health and sanitation. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the executing agency for smooth construction of the Trans- Arunachal Highway enabling it to be completed within the given time frame. Programme Co-coordinator, KVK Dr. Sanjay Borthakur highlighted the activities undertaken by the Kendra since its inception for the better-
ment of the farmers in the year 2009. He informed about the introduction of short duration rice varity called Swani at Watte, Pampoli and Wessang which proved to be a success and appealed to the farmers of other villages to introduce this plant variety, he added. He said that soil testing has been completed in the nearby areas of Pampoli and Lumdung which proved to have been feasible for agriculture and its allied sectors even without using fertilizers. Zilla Chairperson Meyuk Cheda, HoDs, PRI members and public also spoke on the occasion. An adoptive farmer Loya Tabu was facilitated. Later, DC inaugurated the exhibition stall and released the KVK Souvenir. (DIPRO)
the state BJP leadership should be cautious enough in selecting candidature otherwise people will go for strong agitation. Hamnajan Langthasa, former District BJP President disclosed that his name was in 4th position in the list of candidatures. He said, he requested the observers to select the name for the candidature as per seniority, probability of winning and of course his popularity should also be considered. More than thousand BJP workers from various parts of the district gathered here at Haflong circuit house in connection with the selecting a name for the party ticket but expressed concern over the state BJP leadership’s attitude towards the Dima Hasao BJP. They feel if the attitude of State BJP is not changed towards the Dima Hasao BJP, it would help the Congress party to win in the forthcoming election.
cipal made a brief highlight on the life of Late Jomin Tayeng while Atul Tayeng, ADC Dambuk also spoke in the inaugural function. Local cultural dances were presented in the inaugural programme. Numbers from Lama Tashi, Grammy nominated artists mesmerised the crowd in the first evening of these four day music extravaganza. Many more in the list of the star performers and bands are American Singer-Songwriter Legend Joseph Arthur, Lou Majaw, Neel and the Light Bulbs, Tritha Electric, Guru Reuben, Alisha Bhatt, Ganesh Talkies and many more. The Offroading championship by J K Tyres 4 x 4 Stage I & II over the boulders of Sisar and Sine Rivers were mesmerising. Many thrilling Adventure Sports Events like Bungee Jumping, Zip lining, Forest Paint Balling, Angling, White River Rafting, Hiking and Cycling etc are the other attractions of the festival. Know Your Army Mela by Indian Army enthralled the audience in the inaugural day. Besides the adventure and music, stalls of local food delicacies are also available in the festival ground. (DIPRO)
Kanchanpur, Dec. 16 (ANI): Farmers and youth in Tripura are engaging themselves in bamboo nursery and plantation activities to make an earning. In several villages in remote Kanchanpur sub-division, once a den of the militants, young entrepreneurs are getting involved in bamboo nursery and plantation business. Farmers who were once engaged with paddy and vegetable cultivation are now turning into bamboo growers as it is more profitable and there is huge demand for bamboo-made products traditionally as well as in industrial and construction activities. “Here, bamboo groves have succumbed to flowering and fruiting. We have started a nursery of bamboo sapling to sell them to people those who want to grow bamboo. We hope to make profit out of this and all total four persons are involved with it,” said Surajit Kumar Nath, Bamboo Nursery Farmer In recent times in Tripura there was huge crisis of bamboo particularly after the gregarious flowering followed the death of the entire grove. With the state governments initiative under Bamboo Mission for bamboo plantation to fill the forest area beside river embankments there has been huge demand of bamboo sapling which the state gov-
The Deputy Speaker has by purportedly quashing the said Order and Notification has even usurped the role of Judiciary in the present matter. This is highly objectionable and improper. The MLAs once disqualified cannot be reinstated by the Deputy Speaker. There is no such precedent in the history of democratic India. This is evident from said patently illegal conduct of the Deputy Speaker that he is playing in the hands of power hungry BJP and disqualified Congress MLAs. Further, the Constitution of India does not vest any power on the Deputy Speaker to hold session of the State Assembly at such place as he deems fit. The place for holding session of the State Assembly can only be Vidhan Sabha. In terms of Article 174 (1) read with Article 163 (1) of the Constitution of In-
Hence to make the most of the demand for private bamboo nurseries and keeping this idea Centre for ForestBased Livelihood and Extension, trained and supported the youths and farmers of Kanchancpur in bamboo nursery and plantation activities. After various training for capacity building in the area on date there are more than 300 youths and farmers who are directly or indirectly engaged with bamboo nursery or plantation. These growers expressed that bamboo is a very profitable item as there is huge demand and scope of utilizing this in versatile things and thus more and more people are getting encouraged in growing bamboo with again is rising the demand for the saplings. They added that with Tripura getting normal as insurgency has been neutralised most the people of the state have returned back to the ancestral villages, which once they were compelled to leave due to insurgency, now people are fulfilling those barren areas with bamboo sapling as the market for bamboo is even better and profitable than paddy, vegetable or rubber. Most of the growers viewed that bamboo which is also called ‘Green Gold’, will also fulfil their dream for a better future and better return from their small initiative in the coming days. (ANI)
Dissident Cong MLAs join BJP’s to ‘impeach’ Arunachal Speaker Contd. from Page 1
congregated at a community hall after the State Assembly complex was ‘sealed’ by the local administration, and ‘impeached’ Mr. Rebia in an impromptu session chaired by Deputy Speaker T. Norbu Thongdok. Twenty-seven
MLAs, including the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues, boycotted the proceedings. After the impeachment motion had been moved by Leader of the Opposition Tamiyo Taga of BJP, Mr. Thongdok called out the name of Mr. Rebia to enable him offer clarifications, if any, on the impeachment notice
but the Speaker was not present. The resolution was then put to vote and was supported by 20 dissident Congress MLAs, barring the Deputy Speaker who did not vote, 11 of BJP and two independents. All 33 of them also put their signature of consent on the resolution, which was then declared passed. Reacting to the de-
velopment Mr. Rebia, termed the move as “illegal and unconstitutional“. Earlier in the day, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul Gandhi took the matter to President Pranab Mukherjee, accusing the Modi government of trying to “oust” the party government in the State as part of a “pre-planned design”.
542 unemployed youth registered at Job Mela Contd. from Page 1
Khimhun made it clear that the training will provide the much needed impetus for the confused youth in realizing their aptitude and find their field of interest. He urged the Vocational Training Providers to ensure basic facilities are given to the trainees during the training period as most of the
trainees come from poor economic background and mould the skills of the youth and train them to meet the demands of the job market. He asked the DDI to devise a mechanism to constantly monitor the performances of trainees during the training period. Earlier, DDI Changlang D Changmi in his keynote address informed that sincere efforts were put forward by the
High offices of the Deputy Speaker and the Governor today are being misused: Tuki Contd. from Page 1
ernment nurseries are finding tough to fulfill the demands. “We have grown bamboo sapling in nursery for running our family better. I am a house wife and side-by-side I also work in this nursery to help my husband who had setup the bamboo nursery with hope that we can profit and develop,” said Sulekha Nath, a bamboo nursery owner. “Our village was attacked by NLFT (militants) in which 10 non-tribal people were killed and that created a rivalry between the tribal and the non-tribal. A present the situation is peaceful and we are growing bamboo nursery here. The forest department here has huge demand for bamboo sapling as they are going to plant it to stop breaking of river embankments by plantation of bamboo throughout the river banks, beside this various pandals, construction works, fencing, and at present demands for bamboo in small scale industry for producing various decorative items of bamboo like sofa, chairs and many others are there and so the return from bamboo is also very profitable,” said Rajesh Das, another bamboo nursery worker Moreover, with the setting up of bamboo based industries in the state the demand is on rise and which has turned bamboo in a lucrative item.
dia and Rule 3 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (“Conduct of Business Rules”), the place of holding State Assembly session can only be changed at the advice of the Chief Minister (and the Council of Ministers) and not at whims and fancies of the Deputy Speaker. It is noteworthy that Speaker has already declared the Order and Message dated 09.12.2015 of the Governor to be illegal since the same was passed in teeth of the Constitution of India. This Order of the Speaker has affirmed the plea of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh that Order and Message of the Governor are patently illegal and non-est in the eyes of law. The said Order of the Speaker has not been challenged before any Court. Thus, as on date the said Order is in force and holds the field. The Speaker is of the opinion that:- (a) There is no provision either under
the Constitution or Conduct of Business Rules, which confers power on the Governor to prepone (summon) session of the State Assembly without consulting the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers; and (b) The Governor’s power to issue Messages under Article 175 (2) of the Constitution can only be exercised with respect to a ‘Bill’ and not a ‘Resolution’. This position is emanating from a constitution bench judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Union of India & Ors. V. Valluri Basavaiah Chowdhary and Ors. (1979) 3 SCC 324. Thus, all or any resolution passed in the session illegally and constitutionally held by the behest of Deputy Speaker is non-est and thus the same cannot in law be implemented. Resolution(s) passed during the purported session of the State Assembly is contrary to all cannons of law and has made mockery of the Constitution of India.
department to provide maximum publicity among the youth especially school and college drop-outs to avail the
opportunity. The Job Mela was attended by 14 Vocational Training Providers from various regions. (DIPRO)
Deputy speaker submits assembly resolution to Governor Contd. from Page 1
He also submitted a detailed report of the business conducted on the first day of the Sixth Session and also on the incidents preceding the Session and shifting of the venue from Legislative Assembly to the Techi Takar Community Hall, due to non-opening of the Assembly Gate by the District Administration. The list of documents submitted to the Governor includes the Bulletin Part 1 (brief record of the proceedings of 16/12/ 2015), report by Deputy Speaker with Annexure. Vote record (by affixing signature) on the resolution for removal of Shri Nabam Rebia from
the office of Speaker; notification declaring office of Speaker vacant; video record (DVD) of the situation in which the Deputy Speaker and other MLAs were not allowed entry into the Assembly premises; video record (DVD) of the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly in which the resolution for removal of Speaker was carried; certificate of veracity from the videographer (NK Works Itanagar). In pursuance of the Governor’s Speaking Order dated 9th December 2015, the Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Assembly presided over the House and conducted the 6th Session of Sixth Legislative Assembly from 2.00 pm to 3.06 pm.
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
IPV vaccination launched in Dibrugarh 1585 child to be covered under the scheme in the district during the current month A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 16: In order to enhance the resistance power among children against polio virus so that their lives become stronger and healthier in future the Inactivated Polio Virus (IPV) Vaccine was launched in Dibrugarh district today. The highly ambitious scheme was launched by M.S.Manivannan, the deputy commissioner of the district during a programme held at the Dr. John Berry White auditorium of the additional Chief Medical Officer office, here. In his brief speech, Manivannan said that through IPV vaccination apart from securing the life of the child, it will also help them to leave a healthy life in future. He also said that the IPV vaccination will be carried out with routine immunization and no separate
Dibrugarh DC MS Manivannan administers the first drop to a child during the launch of the IPV vaccination programme of Dibrugarh district at the John Berry White Hall on Wednesday. Pic - Manuj Pandey
camps will be organized for this. He also appealed towards the employees of the health department and
health workers to take the lead in publicity of the scheme among the masses so that it can attain a high
success rate. Even if India was declared polio free in 2014, however occurrence of polio cases in
IPV launched in Sonitpur Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 16: As per decision of the central as well as state government to introduce Inactivated Polio Virus Vaccine (IPV) in Routine Immunization Programme to give additional protection to children against Poliomyelitis along with the rest of the districts, Inactivated Polio Virus Vaccine (IPV) was launched in Sonitpur by Department of Health & Family Welfare, Sonitpur today at the premises of PPC, Kanaklata Civil Hospital, here. The event was marked with the inauguration of the District level programme and addressing of the
public meeting at the hospital premises by Joint Director of Health Services, Sonitpur Dr Juri Bhattacharya. Medical Officers of Civil Hospital, ANMs and other nurses, ASHA workers and members of the District Health Society were also present in the programme. Dr Biman Sharma, District Immunization Officer, Sonitpur, Dr Ratul Bordoloi, Superintendent, Kanaklata Civil Hospital, Dr Shyama Saikia, Pediatrician and State Monitor, Dr Mahtab Hussain Saikia were also present in the inaugural function. State Monitor Dr M H Saikia highlighted the
purpose of the meeting which is to spread awareness on IPV among the people of the society. Dr Biman Sharma, District Immunization Officer, Sonitpur, speaking on the occasion said, “India was certified Polio Free on March 27, 2014, despite India’s success in aiming to eradicate polio, risks for re-introduction of the disease remain, particularly through importation from endemic countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. One of the strategies to prevent re-emergence of polio is to strengthen routine immunization coverage and further boost the immunity against polio vi-
Youth from Arunachal village sensitized on Asiatic Black Bear conservation Contd. from Page 1
Therefore, sensitising the locals on the conservation of Asiatic black bears is of utmost importance for the well-being of this specie.” During the course of the visit, the Divisional Forest Officer of Pakke informed the youth about the wildlife conservation activities being undertaken by the Forest Department in Pakke and Arunachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, Dr Jahan Ahmed, Project Lead, CBRC, shared his insights on the conservation efforts of IFAW-WTI in the landscape. Takam Nabam, Chairman, Ghora Aabhe Society, shared his experiences on the efforts of the community in conservation of wildlife in Pakke. The day long program was organised in Pakke Tiger Reserve on Tuesday (15th December 2015) with field trips. Praising the efforts of IFAW-WTI, Tana Tapi,
Divisional Forest Officer, Pakke Tiger Reserve, said, “This exposure trip and conservation training will bear fruits. I am hopeful that after witnessing the conservation activities of Arunachal Forest Department and IFAW-WTI in Pakke Tiger Reserve, the youth of Shergaon will be moved to get involved in conservation activities. This visit will also inspire them to spread the message of saving wildlife amongst locals.” The visiting team was also taken to Jungle Camp, an ecotourism site jointly run by Ghora Aabhe Society and Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department. A field trip to Pakke Tiger Reserve and IFAW-WTI bear rehabilitation site was also organised. Dorjee K Thungon, Deputy-Chairman of Garung Thuk, expressed his willingness to strengthen the bond with IFAW-WTI. He said, “This exposure visit organised for Shergaon’s youth should bring about a change in the attitude
and perception of the villagers towards conservation with a special emphasis on bear conservation.” With the intent of developing a strong bond between conservation organisations and other stakeholders, the aim of such exercises is to discourage traditional hunting practices. This first of its kind initiative from IFAW-WTI will hopefully pave a new roadmap for protecting Asiatic black bears in this landscape. Run jointly by IFAW-WTI and Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, CBRC has been actively running the bear rehabilitation programme since its inception in 2005. Since 2014, IFAW-WTI team has released 38 bear cubs in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Out of these, 20 were released in Pakke Tiger Reserve, 14 in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh and four in Manas National Park and Ripu-Chirang Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.
Students go through books on display during the Nagaon book fair. Pic UB Photos
rus by providing children with IPV. A single dose of IPV injection is to be administered to children with the third dose of OPV at 14 weeks”. Ex-principal of Tezpur College Renown Social Activist Shailaja Padmapati, was also present in the event calling on people to avail the facility of the government provided free of cost to every section of society apart from speaking on the importance of IPV. Among others Dr Shyama Saikia, Pediatrician, KCH and Dr Biman Sharma, District Immunization Officer, Sonitpur also delivered speeches emphasizing on the benefits of IPV.
neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan has raised the significance of the scheme in our country, the DC said. He also made a fervent appeal to all the guardians to vaccinate their wards without any misgivings. The programme which was chaired by Dr. Paban Swarnakar, Joint Director of Health Services, Dibrugarh was also attended by Anjanav Chaliha, additional DC, Dibrugarh, Dr. Bhaba Jyoti Bora, WHO District Co-ordinator, Dr. Suniti Gogoi, District Immunization Officer among others. It may be mentioned that a total number of 1585 number of children are targeted to cover under the IPV vaccination scheme in Dibrugarh district during the current month itself. Monisha Buragohain, the District Programme Manager, National Health Mission, Dibrugarh offered the vote of thanks.
7 arrested for assault on girl Contd. from Page 1
A group of men stopped the girl near the bar, slapped at her face and pulled her hair. Later police arrived at the place and took the girl to the police station along with another female friend of her. Notably, a similar incident happened in 2012 in Guwahati when a girl was stripped, and molested by a group of men. The incident had drawn nationwide condemnation.
Congress inventing new ways to disrupt Parliament: Naidu Contd. from Page 1
demand of resignation of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Naidu said they should study, make observations and then take position. Naidu further criticised the Congress Party for not discussing the issues in Parliament through a proper channel. "Why they are not discussing the issues in Parliament. They should have discussed the issue of Governor of Arunachal through a proper motion but they know they don't want to
discuss it, because it will boomerang them," Naidu said. The Congress Party today targeted Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and demanded his resignation over alleged gross financial irregularities in Delhi's cricket body DDCA when he headed it from 1999 to 2013. The development comes after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said yesterday that he proposed to order a Commission of Inquiry into the report of the committee set up by his government to go into the DDCA affairs.
Cong MPs, Tarun ... Contd. from Page 1
He also alleged that funds from the Non-Lapsable Pool of Central Resources were also declining. Gogoi also had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and during the course of the meeting, the former submitted a memorandum through which he sought immediate attention to several issues in the state. He sought immediate restoration of the special category status for Assam, and mentioned that Assam is characterized by special geographical and economic characteristics such as Hilly and difficult Terrain, low population density, sizeable share of tribal population, strategic location along the border with neighboring countries and economic and infrastructure backwardness leading to slower progress as compared to the rest of the country. This was duly recognized at the National level and as a result Assam was accorded Special Category Status along with Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir in the year 1969 as per the recommendation of D.R. Gadgill and approved by the National Development Council. As a Special Category State, Assam was getting Normal Central Assistance (NCA), Special Plan Assistance (SPA) and Untied Special Central Assistance (SCA) apart from special dispensation in sharing of funding in case of Centrally Spon-
sored Schemes which was either 100% share of the Centre or at the ratio of 90:10 between Centre and State,” states the memorandum. The memorandum also brings out that in the Union Budget for 2015-16 have led to drastic reduction in resources for many important schemes. “We have also noted with concern the fact that twelve Programmes/Components/ Schemes, which received budgetary support from the Centre till 2014-15, have been completely delinked from Central Support in the Union Budget 2015-16. We estimate that the impact of the delinking of these schemes from central support alone, compared to the releases of funds last year, would be to the tune of Rs.4,051.64 Crores,” states the memorandum. Besides these, the memorandum submitted by Gogoi also brings out the issue of payment of royalty, VAT etc. on crude oil, CST compensation, Balance amount of 13th FC Grant, Special Grants-In-Aid (GIA) to local bodies, Granting ST status to six communities, Peace talks with ULFA, solving the foreigners issue, floods and erosion. Regarding industrial issues, Gogoi brought out the issues of revival of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), Special Package for development of Small Tea Growers, Infrastructure, Skill development and employment generation.
Children enjoy a cart ride together as a farmer carries his harvest to his home. Pic - Rafique Uddin Ahmed
Zikir, Kamrup folk song workshop Tapas Samaddar Rangia, Dec 16: A sevenday workshop on folk songs of Kamrup and Zikir is being organised by socio cultural organizations of Rangia 'Sadhana' and 'Sandhan Care Society' at Rangia Krishak
Bhawan as on Tuesday. The workshop was inaugurated by Paramananda Das, AIR artist of Guwahati Radio Station. Dipak Talukder, Pran Gopal Das, Hem Chandra Buzarbaruah, radio artist Abdul Malik, Pradip Sarma
and Ajimuddin Ahmed are the resource persons of the workshop. A cultural programme will also be held on December 19 in connection with the workshop. 100 artists participated in the workshop. Citation will be distributed to all the participants.
Centre 'attacking democracy' by interfering in Arunachal: Congress Contd. from Page 1
democracy by interfering in the state matters. "The way the Central Government, through the Governor in Arunachal Pradesh, has conspired to remove the government there, is an attack on democracy. We will meet with the President today and ask him to interfere in this," Punia told ANI. "Today, it is Arunachal Pradesh.tomorrow it can be Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and many other states. They just want that somehow BJP-government forms in the nation. This is democracy. Only giving speech won't help.you must have faith on the Constitution. Your behavior must also
show faith on it," he added. Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will lead a delegation of Congress MPs today to meet President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, over developments in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly. Earlier, the members of the Congress disrupted Rajya Sabha proceedings raising questions over Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa's role and sought his dismissal alleging that his actions amounted to murder of democracy and Constitution. Raising the issue, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad suggested that the Governor
was interfering with the activities of the state government and the Legislature over summoning of Winter Session of the assembly and deciding its agenda without the state government requesting for it. "Governor of Arunachal Pradesh is behaving like a dictator. This is the most undemocratic thing that had not happened even during the British period," Azad said. Rajkhowa has summoned the Winter Session of the 6th Legislative Assembly from today till December 18, modifying the November 3 order summoning the assembly from January 14 to 18 next year. Meanwhile, the Congress has given an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha over the issue. (ANI)
Bhupen Hazarika real son of the soil: Ratan Thyam Contd. from Page 1
“Through his music he sharply criticized every illegal act, injustice.” He said recalling the time when he came in close contact with Bhupen Hazarika when the former was the chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Thyam further said that Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was the only person of the century who started a cultural revolution in the Northeast region. It is noteworthy that the life-size statue of the music legend has been sculpted by noted sculptor of Kolkata, Gautam Pal at his own expenses and under the aegis of Tezpur Environment Society and in asso-
ciation with the District Administration. Among other dignitaries, noted journalist and writer from Nagaland Dr. Ngully Charles Chesi, ex-vice president, Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Taren Boro, General Secretary of Tiwa Sahitya Sabha, Bidyut Bikash Senapoti, vice president of the Tiwa Sahitya Sabha, Sarat Chandra Pator, prominent litterateur Dr. Nityananda Gogoi, noted theatre personality, Sukrasarjya Rabha, retired Prof. of Rhode Island University, USA Dilip Kr Dutta, Dr. Caroline R Marak from Meghalaya HoD, Department of History, Pcchunga University Dr. J V Hluna were present on the occasion. Mean-
while, speaking on occasion, Dr. Ngully Charles Chesi said that Bhupen Hazarika was a universal figure. As a token of gratitude towards Bhupen Hazarika, whom Nagas always accepted as their icon, Chesi also gifted two special items related with Naga culture to the Kalabhumi authority. Prominent Arunachali litterateur, Yeshe Dorje Thongshi releasing a souvenir “Pustika” published in connection with the event by Prof. Dr. Pranjit Hazarika said that the depth of one of the Hazarika’s immortal songs “mur laikhyasthan (Tezpur my destination) Tezpur” was reflected today as the legendary king has got his destination at Kalabhumi in Tezpur.
Bike theft cases on the rise, most wanted thief held Contd. from Page 1
Mangaldai Sadar Police Station. Police recovered many tools suspected to be used in bike stealing but failed to recover any stolen bikes. Police reportedly identified Bipul who had undergone jail term earlier on several occasions as one of the mastermind of the recent bike theft cases and were on the lookout for him. It
may mentioned here that the tally of bike theft cases in about last one month has gone up to seven as one more bike with registration no. AS 13D 7267 owned by one Kon Deka of Bhebarghat was stolen last afternoon. Prior to this on December 4 last one motorcycle with registration no. AS13 A 9880 was reportedly stolen from the campus of AGVB, Mangaldai branch at
Tengabari during banking hours. Similarly in between November 12 and November 30 at least four more bike theft cases were reported from various parts of greater Mangaldai including LNB Road, Sankar Nagar, Upahupara etc. These rising cases of bike theft had left bike owners here spending sleepless nights while the role of police came under strong public criticism.
Manipur media bodies protest over bomb threat to senior editor Imphal, Dec 16: Manipur media bodies have decided to launch protests in the wake of recovery of a hand grenade at the residence of an editor-in-chief of a local cable channel and a telephone threat purportedly by some unidentified activists. All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editor' Guild Manipur (EGM) took the decision at a joint meeting here.Police said that a Chinese-made hand grenade wrapped in a polythene bag wasfound at the entry gate of the residence of Yumnam Rupachandra, the News Editor-in-Chief of local cable channel Impact TV, at Singjamei area in the district on December 14 that was subsequently defused by bomb disposal squad personnel.At the joint meeting of AMWJU and EGM on Tuesday evening at Manipur Press Club, the scribes
decided to launch a series of protests this week which included one-day pen down strike and sitin protest at Keisampat in the state capital.In Tuesday's meeting, Y Rupachandra said he had received a phone call on the night of December 14 at his office.He said that the unidentified caller informed him about planting a bomb at his residential gate as a warning to not cover their organisational press release issued earlier.Rupachandra further informed that about a month ago, he had received phone calls from unidentified persons asking him to cover their press release.In the meeting, some other AMWJU members also reported of having received similar calls.The officer said there was a piece of paper in the packet of grenade, which had the name of a local outfit scribbled on it. (Agencies)
Committee formed to fight for rights of workers of closed tea gardens Darjeeling ,Dec 16:Despite repeated efforts by the state government and trade unions, the closed tea gardens of north Bengal have failed to reopen, prompting stakeholders to form a non-political organisation in the Dooars to take up the matter with the Centre.The Chiya Bagan Sangram Samiti, or the Tea Garden Movement Committee, is gearing up the movement in support of the poor tea garden workers who have been facing acute financial and medical aid crises. Munish Tamang, the committee's New Delhi convener.On Monday met two BJP MPs from Assam and submitted a memorandum seeking their support and representation before the central government. Tamang urged the two Advasi MPs, Rameshwar Teli and Kamakhya Prasad
Tasha, to raise the issue in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.He also apprised the legislators of the plight of the tea garden workers of north Bengal, especially of those from closed gardens. In response, the two MPs have reportedly assured of their full support towards the cause.Committee members are also lobbying to meet Tea Board of India members seeking the immediate reopening of closed tea gardens. A crucial meeting was held on Monday in Bagrakot where it was decided to organise a convention in Kolkata in January comprising industry captains, stakeholders and intellectuals and government representatives.Committee c o n v e n e r Sukhman Moktan said a meeting will be held in Siliguri on December 25 to decide on the future course of action. (Agencies)
Jharkhand legislators demand hike in area development fund Ranchi, Dec 16: The local area development fund should be increased from the present Rs.3 crore to Rs.5 crore, Jharkhand legislators from various parties said today.The issue was raised in the state assembly by Congress legislator Manoj after question hour."The present fund of Rs.3 crore is not enough to met the expectation of the people. The state government has included Rs.50 lakh for toilet construction from the fund," he said. Pradeep Yadav, legislator of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik), supported his demand and said: "The cost of construction work
and other things has risen many folds. People demand construction of hand pumps, roads and other things from the legislators' fund."Arup Chatterjee, legislator from the Marxist Coordination Committee (MCC), also supported the demand. "The Rs.3 crore fund is unchanged since 20042005."Speaker Dinesh Oraon said: "We will discuss the issue on Thursday and get the chief minister's reply."Legislator Biranchi Narayan of the ruling BJP told media: "The chief minister is in favour of hiking the fund and I think an announcement will be made soon." (Agencies)
Mizoram govt gives Rs 10 lakh to widow of slain employee Aizawl, Dec 16 : Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister R. Lalzirliana today gave Rs ten lakh to the wife of F. Zatluanga, a driver in the state excise and narcotics department, who was killed by drug traffickers in February,
2014. Zatluanga was killed on February 11, 2014 by drug traffickers in south Mizoram's Lunglei town while performing his official duty. The cheque was given as eex-gratia to the bereaved family. (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Lapang meets Cong chief; CEM to reach Delhi today Shillong, Dec 16: With the political fallout of the dual post issue by way of 'differences' between Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and KHADC Chief Executive Member P.N. Syiem lingering, the latter will arrive in Delhi today to discuss the issue with AICC leaders. MPCC president D.D. Lapang met AICC president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday and apprised her about the pending issue of dual post which has become an irritant affecting the unity of the party since the KHADC chief is at loggerheads with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma over the issue.Sources said that Syiem will explain the
same views to the high command which he had conveyed to AICC general secretary V. Narayanasamy during his Shillong visit recently to discuss the dual post issue.Syiem had earlier said that the dual post Bill was taken up by the Chief Minister without due consultations within the party. It is understood that the chief minister might also meet Sonia in Delhi. Meanwhile, distressed over repeated defeats of Meghalaya Congress, an unhappy Sonia on Tuesday asked Lapang to carefully select the suitable candidates in the state election committees.The party lost in the GHADC polls
Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang recently and also in the Nongstoin by polls despite the Congress high command giving the
State party leadership a free hand to choose candidates, Sonia told Lapang.In future, the
State Govt to regulate ownership of flats Shillong ,Dec 16: Aiming to regulate ownership of apartments and flats in the city, the Meghalaya Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Meghalaya Apartment Ownership Ordinance, 2015.Speaking to media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the State government has come out with the Ordinance since it feels that there should be legislative mandate for regulation of ownership.The chief minister said the Ordinance would enable the government to ensure that the provision of Meghalaya (Transfer of Land) Regu-
lation Act, 1971, applies and while applying the provision of this particular law, it also would enable the owners of the apartments to protect their interests in respect of interest inheritable and transferable based on the formula that notional value of the land on which the apartment stands would be assigned to the owner, he added. Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh shared a few highlights of the Ordinance, which aims to provide for the ownership of an individual apartment in a building together with an undivided interest in com-
mon area facilities. Basically this would indicate maintenance, management and equal responsibilities and contributions for the same for all owners of the apartments. The Ordinance also zeroes down on the roles of the developers and owners, formation of associations and systematic provisions for the formation of such associations.The Ordinance also looks at the notion value and subsequent calculations for registration, distribution of the common profits of the property and also provides for the provision of penalty for any contravention of the rules and
provisions by an individual or group; and to include promoters' associations or apartment owners.Amendment of departmental exam rules The State Cabinet also approved the amendment to the rules for conduct of departmental examination for police officers.On the proposal of the Home (Police) department for amendment of the Rule 5 of the Rules for the Conduct of Departmental Examination,1982, for police officers, Home Minister Roshan Warjri informed during the press briefing that the proposal was adopted and approved by the Cabinet. (Agencies)
election committee should be more careful, she told the former Meghalaya chief minister, AICC sources said o n Wednesday.Incidentally, Lapang met the AICC general secretary before meeting the party president. Lapang also held a series of meetings with Lok Sabha member from Shillong, Vincent H Pala, before and after the high level meetings.The issue of dual post issue is likely to be taken up by the AICC top brass after Syiem lands in the national capital on Thursday.Meanwhile, a statement issued by the office of the MPCC chief on Tuesday said Lapang
had given the detailed reports as wanted by AICC on the political situation. Lapang also discussion the party organization including the elections to GHADC and by election to Nongstoin, the statement added.According to Lapang, Sonia directed that the party should be strengthened and revamped properly in the State and all the frontal wings, like Mahila and Youth Congress have to work hard besides "all election committees under MPCC should do its homework thoroughly and seriously".Sonia also asked Lapang to ensure unity in the party in the State. (Agencies)
Mamata remembers Nirbhaya Kolkata, Dec 16:West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday took to the twitter to remember Nirbhaya on the third anniversary of December 16 gangrape.The Trinamul Congress (TMC) chairperson tweeted: "Remembering Nirbhaya on third anniversary of brutal Delhi incident. We cannot
compensate her loss but government must stand by her family in every way." On December 16, 2012, six persons, including a juvenile, had brutally assaulted and raped a 23-yearold girl in a moving bus in south Delhi . The victim had died in a Singapore hospital on December 29, 2012. (Agencies)
Morcha challenge to Harka: Hold Dharna at Nabanna Gangtok, Dec 16: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today dared Harka Bahadur Chhetri and supporters of the District Demand Committee to hold a dharna at Nabanna, saying the demands he and the panel were raising could not be fulfilled by the GTA because of interference by the state government in its functioning.The Morcha has also asked the committee to include formation of Gorkhaland in the 13-point charter of demands in the dharna. The committee, whose chief co-ordinator is Kalimpong MLA Chhetri, had started an indefinite dharna in Kalimpong yesterday with 13 demands, including the upgrade of Kalimpong subdivision to a district.The committee filed a police complaint today, saying there was an explosion near the venue of the dharna. The police said there was no blast and some people might have
Harka Bahadur Chhetri burst firecrackers.The committee also seeks resolution to the issue of electricity dues incurred during the Morcha's statehood agitation, repair of roads, three-tier panchayat elections in the hills, solution to unemployment problem, land rights to tea garden and cinchona plantation workers, regulated market in Kalimpong, rights to workers of unorganised sectors and
upgrade of Kalimpong hospital. The other demands are disclosure of GTA plan for overall development of Kalimpong, inclusion of 396 plains mouzas in the GTA and regularisation of the jobs of casual staff at the GTA.In a statement issued today, Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri said: "Had the state not interfered in the working of the GTA and had all promises
made by chief minister Mamata Banerjee been fulfilled, the issues raised by the district committee would have easily been resolved by the GTA. Even Harka had in the past admitted the state's interference in the GTA's functioning. Instead of holding a dharna in Kalimpong, Chhetri and the District Demand Committee should hold a dharna against the state government at Nabanna, Calcutta."Chhetri also said: "At the moment, Harka shares a very good rapport with the chief minister. If he is a true Gorkha, he should also include the demand of Gorkhaland in his list of demands and stage a dharna at Nabanna."Observers believe Chhetri would find it hard to raise the Gorkhaland demand with Mamata who is tooth and nail against the division of Bengal. (Agencies)
NPCC slams Nagaland govt for failing to protect lives of citizens Dimapur,Dec 16: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today condemned the killing of a businesswoman in Dimapur on Monday, and termed this as an example of the "state of lawlessness, where criminals are having a field day without any inhibitions to carry out their murderous activities." "Such cowardly killing, that too of a woman can never be justified in any civilized society," said a press note from the NPCC media cell.Home Minister, Y Patton is also answerable for the present state of lawlessness since policing duties with surplus manpower of over 1500 police personnel has failed to
win the confidence of the law abiding citizens, said the NPCC.It further stated that along with the state police, "the state judiciary under the spineless NPF-BJP DAN government is equally responsible for letting off many criminals who have become seasoned enough to carry out their nefarious activities unhindered." The NPCC said that the present government has failed to inspire both the state police and the judiciary to carry out its duties without any fear or favour."The present NPFBJP DAN government has miserably failed on all fronts to protect the lives of its citizens. It is time for Chief Minister TR
Zeliang to look beyond the unholy alliance of so called opposition less government and provide a semblance of an elected government running the affairs of the state," it added.The NPCC demanded that the govern-
ment "show its existence to the people" by enforcing the rule of law, allowing the police to carry out an impartial investigation into this heinous crime so as to arrest and bring the culprits to book without further delay. (Agencies)
Mamata Banerjee
Left Front stages walk out from WB Assembly Kolkata, Dec 16:Opposition Left Front members on Thursday staged a walk out from the West Bengal assembly following Speaker's rejection of admission of an adjourment motion on 'rising atrocities against women' brought by them. At the end of the question hour, CPI(M) member Anisur Rahman sought a discussion on 'increasing incidents of rape and violence' inflicted on women in state and sought a reply from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who was not
present in the house.Speaker Biman Banerjee refused to admit the motion for discussion following which the Left Front members stood up and started shouting slogans holding placards in their hands.Uproar continued during the mention hour till the agitating members left the house.Meanwhile, in order to pacify the members, Speaker asked the Left Front to make a statement during the mention hour which was declined by them. (Agencies)
Truck kills three, injures three in Bihar Dec 16, 2:28 pm
NPCC slams Nagaland govt for failing to protect lives of citizens
Rohtas,Bihar, Dec 16 : A truck killed three policemen and injured three others near a toll booth in Bihar this morning. Among the dead was a sub-inspector. The injured have
been moved to a hospital in Varanasi. Reports said that the incident happened while the police personnel were chasing the truck to collect a bribe. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
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'Nervous' Kejriwal wants to be protagonist of all breaking news: BJP New Delhi, Dec. 16: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday alleged that a 'nervous' Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wants to be the protagonist of all breaking news and said his unwarranted criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is highly condemnable. BJP leader Nupur Sharma said that the CBI conducted the raid on the orders of a court and not the government. "Are they going to challenge the court? If you go with the reaction of Kejriwal and Jaitley ji, it is amply clear that the more nervous man is Mr. Kejriwal. It is clear the Mr.
Kejriwal has avoided, perhaps not taken any action against Mr. (Rajender) Kumar despite repeated complaints against him," Sharma told. "Mr. Kejriwal should be reminded that he has made slanderous, unfounded allegation against various people without any evidence. I think he should rethink on his strategy. He just wants to be the protagonist of all breaking news possible. And he is more interested in running the Twitter account than the Delhi Government," she added. Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay echoing similar sentiments said Kejriwal's vocal asser-
BJP leader Nupur Sharma tions and his body language shows his desperation. "Some kind of question mark can be
seen in his behavior. It seems that the Delhi Secretariat has become a home for the corrupt
people. If someone has to give an award of liar of the year or u-turn of the year then it should be given to Kejriwal. Is Arvind Kejriwal fighting against corruption or supporting it? Why is he distressed with it? Why is he reacting in haste?" he asked. Kejriwal had yesterday alleged that the real purpose of the CBI raid in his office was to spirit away a file in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was the central figure in a scam pertaining to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Jaitley, however, rubbished Kejriwal's allegation.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal's Principal Secretary Rajender Kumar was questioned again by the CBI today in connection with a corruption case. Kumar was questioned by the CBI for about seven hours late last night after the probe agency sleuths raided his Delhi Secretariat office. Kumar has been booked under Sections of IPC on charges of criminal conspiracy and under various Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly favouring a private company in five contracts worth 9.5 crore rupees during 2007 to 2014. (ANI)
Eight-year-old becomes Sought President's protection to ensure police commissioner Constitution's sanctity in Arunachal: Sonia for a day New Delhi, Dec. 16: Es- tity of the constitution," Hyderabad, Dec. 16: An eight-year-old boy, Madipalli Roop Aurouna, who is suffering from Thalassemia and requires blood transfusion after every 20-25days, on Tuesday got the charge of the Hyderabad Police Commissioner for a day. After getting the charge, Roop, a Class 2 student , who requires blood transfusion after every 20-25days, signed leave letters of officials of the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate at Basheerbagh. The child, son of Ranjitha and Vikram, who is a school teacher, has expressed his wish to become the
Hyderabad Police Commissioner for a day. Roop's wish was fulfilled by Make-A-Wish Foundation - an organisation that grants wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich their human experience with hope, strength and joy - coordinator Dr. Pushpa Devi Jain. Roop said he wants to control law and order to check crimes like chain snatching. The child needs to take proper medicines, diet and go for regular checkups to see that his blood iron level doesn't go high as it may affect his other vital organs. (ANI)
calating the attack on the Centre over the current political turmoil in Arunachal Pradesh, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday expressed her 'anguish' and sought President Pranab Mukherjee's protection to ensure the sanctity of the constitution in the state. Sonia and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had led a delegation of Congress MPs to meet the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan, over developments in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly. "We went to handover a representation to the President, expressing our anguish and concern at the manner in which in the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh is sought to be destabilised. We met to seek his protection to ensure the sanc-
Sonia told the reporters here. Backing Sonia, Congress Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad asserted that the Centre was trying to destabilise and topple the government in Arunachal which was highly unconstitutional. "The state governor is the custodian of the state and he needs to ensure that everything happens according to the constitution. But we are sad to know that on the direction of the Central government the governor is being made to do unconstitutional things," Azad said. Giving details of the 'unconstitutional' activities being done by the Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa, Azad said that it was the first time in the history of the nation since Independence that the Governor, without in-
Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi forming the state, had called a Vidhan Sabha session. "Neither the Chief Minister or the Cabinet or the speaker were informed of his action. He set the agenda of the Vidhan Sabha him," he added. Earlier, the members of the Congress had disrupted Rajya Sabha proceedings raising questions over Rajkhowa's role
and sought his dismissal alleging that his actions amounted to murder of democracy and Constitution. Rajkhowa has summoned the Winter Session of the 6th Legislative Assembly from Tuesday till December 18, modifying the November 3 order summoning the assembly from January 14 to 18 next year. (ANI)
Amogh Division commemorates Fazilka Vijay Diwas An eight-year-old boy on Tuesday got the charge of the Hyderabad Police Commissioner for a day.
Obama welcomes Iraq refugee as new U.S. citizen Washington D.C, Dec. 16: United States President Barack Obama reiterated that America is at the risk of repeating past mistakes if its turns away the victims of war, especially those from Syria and welcomed an Iraq refugee as a US citizen. Obama made his statement at a natu-
President Barack Obama ralization ceremony in Washington where 31 new citizens, including the Iraqi refugee, swore the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. "There's no respite from our ideals. All of us are called to live up to our expectations for ourselves, not just when it's convenient, but
when it's inconvenient. When it's tough. When we're afraid. The tension throughout our history between welcoming or rejecting the stranger: it's about more than just immigration, it's about the meaning of America. What kind of country do we want to be?," Obama said. He called on the nation to speak out against hatred and bigotry in all of its form and asserted that Americans stand up for each other, especially when it's inconvenient. "Whether taunts against the child of an immigrant farm-worker or threats against a Muslim shopkeeper. We are Americans. Standing up for each other is what the values enshrined in the documents in this room compels us to do. Especially when it's hard, especially when it's not convenient. That's when it counts. That's when it matters," the President said. (ANI)
Fazilka , Dec.16 : The border town of Fazilka, Punjab, held a ceremony in remembrance of the heroism and valour of the brave soldiers who laid down their lives fighting for the motherland there during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. The "Saviours of Fazilka" fought the Battle of Beriwala, which raged on uninterrupted for 14 days from December 3, 1971 onwards. It was undoubtedly one of the fiercest actions of the 1971 Indo - Pak war. In this epic battle, 11 officers, 10 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and 185 soldiers embraced martyrdom while 19 officers, 11 JCOs and 334 soldiers were wounded on the battlefield. For displaying conspicuous gallantry, a total of one Mahavir Chakra, six Vir Chakras and four mention-in-dispatches were awarded.
Punjab, held a ceremony in remembrance of the heroism and valour of the brave soldiers
The ceremony organised by the Amogh Division of the Indian Army witnessed active participation by the general public. The civil administration came forward to assist the Army in organising and actively participating in the event which also witnessed active participation by the general public. Due respect was paid to the mar-
tyrs by laying of Wreatha at the Fazilka war Memorial. A 'Marathon' was organised wherein people participated with a lot of enthusiasm despite the chilly weather. Prizes were given out for various categories to the participants of the marathon. To remember the heroic act and valour of the martyrs, the children of Fazilka put
up a mesmerising cultural programme which filled everyone's heart with patriotism. Events such as painting, debate and various other activities were organised in Schools across Fazilka on the eve of Vijay Diwas and the winners were felicitated. The General Officer Commanding of the Amogh Division, Major General Bipin Bakshi exhorted all ranks of the division to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation and emulate the devotion of war veterans and martyrs. The event was also graced by Mrs Santosh Rana w/o Late Major K S Rana of 15 RAJPUT who attained martyrdom during the operations in Fazilka and many war heroes and Veer Naris (War Widows). The mere presence of these 'Veer Naris' and war veterans was a source of great inspiration for the people of Fazilka. (ANI)
Muslim-Americans are best defence against home-grown terrorism: Hillary Washington D.C, Dec. 16: Setting herself in contrast from the Republican presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton stated that that United States can stop home-grown terrorism and outlined a plan to battle radicalization on American soil. Her statement comes weeks after two Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) sympathisers killed 14 people is a mass shootout in California. Clinton in her speech at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis said that MuslimAmericans were the first,
Hillary Clinton stated that that United States can stop home-grown terrorism
last and best defense against homegrown radicalization and terror-
ism." "I am confident once again we will choose resolve over fear. And we will defeat these new enemies just as we have defeated those who have threatened us in the past, because it is not enough to contain ISIS -- we must defeat ISIS," Clinton said. Going deeper into the debate over terrorism, she talked about how she will be working to foil terrorist plans before they unfold and that she will be working with MuslimAmerican communities to fight radicalization. Clinton spoke in detail
about ending ISIS's online recruitment by shutting down ISIS-inspired Facebook and Twitter profiles. "Our security professionals need to more effectively track and analyze ISIS' social media posts and map jihadist networks. We have to stop jihadists from radicalizing new recruits in person and through social media, chat rooms and what is called the dark web. To do that we need stronger relationships between Washington, Silicon Valley and all of our great tech companies," she said. (ANI)
Punish juvenile like an adult in Nirbhaya case: Hema Malini
Actor-politician Hema Malini New Delhi, Dec. 16: Expressing her disappointment over the decision to release the juvenile convict in the brutal Nirbhaya gang-rape case, actor-politicianHema Malini on Wednesday demanded that the former should be tried as an adult as his mind is devilish. "I have told it earlier also that the juvenile was more involved in the crime than the other convicts, who harmed the girl. He has got a very devilish mind, he is crime minded," Malini told the media outside the Parliament. "You can treat him as much you want, but he is not going to get treated. He is an adult and he should also be punished like an adult," she added. Speaking in the Lok Sabha earlier on the Nirbhaya gang-rape case, the BJP MP from Mathura said that the juvenile should be treated as an adult and punished
as his mind is devilish. According to the reports, the Delhi Government's department of Women and Child Development (WCD) is planning to give the juvenile a onetime financial grant of Rs. 10,000 and a sewing machine to enable him to open a tailoring shop. The release of the juvenile has been a matter of debate for sometime now with the government not too keen to set him free. The parents of the victim have expressed grief over the decision of the government. The Centre had earlier asked the Delhi High Court to extend the observation home stay of the convict. The victim was brutally assaulted by six persons, including the juvenile in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16, 2012. She had later succumbed to her injuries in a Singapore hospital. (ANI)
Pope says 'no' to bullet-proof vest despite ISIS threat London, Dec. 16 : Flatly refusing to wear a bulletproof vest during his mega Christmas address despite the horrific threats emanating from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), Pope Francis has said that he is 'not afraid' of the terrorist organization who have threatened to invade Rome. In an exclusive interview to Express.co.uk, the Pope's spokesman said that the pontiff was 'aware' of the threats but if did not shake him, nor did he want an alterations made to his 'Popemobile' to protect himself during this year's Christmas Day message. Continuing to display his relaxed style of leadership, the pontiff has refused to listen to the advice by the police to beef up his security in the wake of threats made to Rome but the Vatican maintains that they are still on top of the Pope's security. Father Ciro Benedettini told the leading daily that church was well aware of the threats and the chilling videos being circulated by the ISIS. There is no specific threat apart from those coming from the IS or Daesh on the web. There are some
pictures of the black flag [of ISIS] on St Peter's. It could be a real threat, maybe it is something just to show how powerful they are and that is really easy to do a post like that," Father Benedettini said. Justifying the Pope's lack of inclination towards wearing a bullet proof vest, he added that the pontiff's stand was understandable as it would be 'ridiculous' to wear one on the altar. "It is understandable obviously that the police and the gendarmerie would like the Pope to be more protected, but that is something that can't be changed. He is not afraid - you have seen that he has gone to Africa, he went to the Central African Republic which everybody asked him to avoid. He knows everything [about the alleged threat] obviously but he is not very concerned," he added. According to the latest ISIS video, computer-generated tanks can be seen advancing on a crumbling Colosseum, with a ravaged Vatican City in the background and the narrator promising a final battle between "believers" and "crusaders". (ANI)
Pope Francis has said that he is 'not afraid' of the terrorist organization
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
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NEIGHBOURS
Indo-Japan partnership aimed at counter balancing China: Chinese daily Beijing ,Dec 16: The 'Special Strategic Global Partnership' struck by India and Japan during the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India is aimed at counter balancing China to emerge as regional powers, a staterun Chinese daily said. "Behind this special partnership is the ambition of the two countries to become regional powers and even global powers. It also reveals their intention to counterbalance a rising China," an article in the state run Global Times said. "The Japan-India 'Special Strategic Global Partnership' is becoming a reality. However, such special partnership seems to be fragile, given China's firm economic ties with both, the two's different preferences for strategic security and economic technologies and the gambling mental-
Lanka to renew engagements with UN Colombo, Dec. 16: In a bid to strengthen the relations with the United Nations, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Dr. Rohan Perera, has said that the new administration in the country will engage with the global body with a renewed vigour. The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in New York on Monday celebrated the 60th anniversary of the admission of Sri Lanka to the UN.In his address at the 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's admission to the UN, Perara said that the relationship between the UN and his country has undergone stresses and strains especially during the conflict and in its immediate aftermath.Further, Perara claimed that the nation has been contributing significantly to the UN Peacekeeping operations to maintain peace and security around the world. (ANI)
Detained militant says had links with Pak diplomat Dhaka, Dec. 16 : A militant detained in Dhaka confessed he had links with a female Pakistani diplomat before a Dhaka court nine days ago.According to The Daily Star, the Government of Bangladesh has not taken any action as yet.Jama'atul M u j a h i d e e n Bangladesh (JMB) operative Idris Sheikh was arrested on November 29 in Dhaka and he made the confessional on December 6.Idris said that he got a ride from the diplomat in her car from Baitul Mukarram to Fakirerpool and received 30,000 takas from her. (ANI)
ity of the leaders from both sides," it said. Tokyo and New Delhi are hoping to impose pressure on China by clinging to the other, but at the same time, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abe are making efforts to improve ties with China. "Neither wants to be the first one to clash with China, while both are prepared to seek gains from the other side's conflicts with Beijing," it said. Referring to a number of agreements such as high-speed rail and defence technology and civilian use of nuclear power, it said, "Abe has achieved all his aims from his India visit and described the agreements as heralding a new era of cooperation between the two nations." "Whether this is a new era for the two is open for discussion. But what's clear for India and Japan
"Behind this special partnership is the ambition of the two countries to become regional powers and even global powers," the daily said
watchers is that Abe is pushing forward bilateral ties regardless of the costs," it said in apparent reference highly concessional loans offered by Japan to bag the first high speed rail deal between Mumbai and Ahmedabad putting pressure on China, which is also trying to bag the bullet train contract in India.
"Knowing Abe's intentions, Modi has made contrived promises to lure Abe making more compromises or even abandoning his principles," it said. "The cooperation of India and Japan on nuclear power and defence may exert a huge impact on the Asian landscape. The signing of the MoU indicates that Japan
has steered away from its persistent principles by cooperating for the first time with a country that has not joined the NonProliferation Treaty (NPT). It means Japan admits that a country without joining the NPT can own nuclear weapons. "This is a turning point in Japan's nuclear policy," it said. "In addition, the cooperation with India in defence facilities and technologies is the first time that Japan transfers large-scale military equipment to a foreign country after Japan announced the Three Principles on Transfer of Defensc Equipment and Technology and abandoned its long-held Three Principles on Arms Exports," it said. "Through the above mentioned cooperation, the Abe administration hopes to draw close security and defense relations with India so as to estab-
lish the 'democratic security diamond' that Abe has been relentlessly pursuing since 2007," it said. "Modi has also given returns. The joint statement with Abe mentioned the South China Sea for the first time to show his support for Abe's involvement in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.Back in October when New Delhi invited Tokyo to join the Malabar exercises, India's policy on the security of the Indian Ocean had changed, the paper said. It also shows the maritime part of Abe's "democratic security diamond" that aims at containing China is almost in place", it said. "Japan hopes to help India become an economic giant and benefit from the results. It also shows that Japan is determined to compete with China along the route of the 'One Belt, One Road'," it said. (Agencies)
Crisis delays planned Nepal-Bangla accord Kathmandu, Dec 16: A planned agreement between Nepal and Bangladesh to provide easier market access to each other's products has been delayed as the designated signers have not been able to travel to Bangladesh due to the current supply crisis. As per the understanding reached between the two sides, Bangladesh will provide duty-free access to 108 Nepali products, most of which are agriculture-related. Most of them are agricultural products while some are manufactured goods. Nepal had sought dutyfree access for 153 goods. Likewise, Nepal has proposed to provide preferential treatment to 50 Bangladeshi goods. Bangladesh has been asking for duty-free access to 64 products, but Nepal has not made any decision so far, officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Supply said. Most of the items to which Nepal wants to give preferential treatment are fish products, medicines, potatoes and industrial goods."The accord was scheduled to be signed in mid-October at the secretary level, but the Nepali delegation has not been able to go to
Bangladesh to do so," said Jib Raj Koirala, joint secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supply."We have not been able to fix the time for a meeting as our entire machinery is focused on supply management." According to him, there has been regular followup from Bangladesh regarding the issue.Although Bangladesh had also sought duty-free access for its products, Nepal did not agree to the proposal during the last joint secretary-level meeting held in Kathmandu in April.According to a Commerce Ministry official who took part in the meeting, Nepal has offered to reduce customs duty by 5 percent if the duty structure is higher than 15 percent, and by 3 percent if the duty level is below 15 percent."Nepal has given the same preferential treatment to Chinese products as per the agreement signed with the Tibet region of China," said the official. "We had been mandated to negotiate with this as the bottom line."However, Nepal is considering offering duty-free access to certain products as it is re-
quired to do by the South Asia Free Trade Area Agreement (Safta) within 2016. Ministry officials said that there had been a plan to sign an agreement with Bangladesh after settling pending issues at the secr e t a r y - l e v e l meeting.During the last bilateral meeting, Bangladesh had also agreed to simplify the process of granting visa on arrival to Nepalis at two border points, Banglabandha and Burimari. Although the facility is already in force, there is a lengthy documentation procedure. Bangladesh had expressed its willingness to cut the paperwork during the bilateral trade talks in Kathmandu. Two sides had agreed to ask India for cooperation to give on arrival visa to Nepalis in Bangladesh if any Nepali reaches Bangladesh by land. Currently, it is available for Nepalese going there by air. "Now, Indian visa should be stamped on the passport of Nepali nationals reaching Bangladesh by land but Nepalis and Indian enjoy visa-free regime," said the official.The two sides
A planned agreement between Nepal and Bangladesh to provide easier market access to each other's products has been delayed
had also decided to defer discussions on a planned KathmanduDhaka direct bus service till the next secretary-level meeting. "Even though some issues still need to sort out, there had been consensus between the two sides to do so at the secretary-level talks in Bangladesh where the agreement will be signed," said Koirala.As per the deal made in
April, the two countries will harmonise sanitaryphytosanitary measures to remove technical barriers to trade. Bangladesh had submitted a draft operation guideline regarding the transportation of cargo to Mangla Port of Bangladesh by Nepali container trucks. In return, Bangladesh had sought permission for their vehicles to travel to Nepal. (Agencies)
A planned agreement between Nepal and Bangladesh to provide easier market access to each other's products has been delayed as the designated signers have not been able to travel to Bangladesh due to the current supply crisis
Pakistan still owes Bangladesh Tk18,000cr Dhaka, Dec 16: Fortyfour years have passed since Bangladesh became independent, but Pakistan has not yet paid Bangladesh its shares of money from different heads - donations and reserve. According to a government estimate, Pakistan owes Bangladesh Tk18, 000 crore in various heads. The pre-1971 West Pakistan government used to deprive the then East Pakistan financially by allocating smaller amounts in budget than what was actually needed. Every other province used to get allocation in accordance with their areas and population, but the Pakistan government never followed that rule for East Pakistan. In 1970, the West Pakistani rulers misappropriated a mas-
sive $200m fund that came as donation in the form of relief materials and cash from different countries after one of the deadliest ever cyclonic storms hit East Pakistan in November of that year. That storm, similar in intensity to a category 3 hurricane, took more than 500,000 lives in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. After independence, the Pakistan government said it could not send the money because the war broke out. But that claim could not be true. The cyclone hit in November 1970 and the Liberation War of Bangladesh began on March 26, 1971 which means that the West Pakistani rulers got nearly four months to disburse the money .But, not a dime was spent, and neither was any relief ma-
terials distributed. The money was initially kept at the Dhaka branch of the State Bank of Pakistan and was later transferred to the bank's Lahore branch during the war. After independence, the Bangladesh government placed three specific demands to the Pakistan government, several times. The demands were: unconditional apology for committing genocide during the war; repatriating the Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh; and payment of the money that actually belonged to Bangladesh .But the Pakistan government never met any of those demands. When the war began, undivided Pakistan had a foreign exchange reserve of $4.32bn, a share of which was Bangladesh's legal right. Bangladesh has
been seeking bilateral talks with Pakistan for many years but there has been no response from the other end .Foreign Affairs Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has recently said in parliament that Bangladesh has been pressuring the Pakistan government for many years. The financial issues have been raised in all bilateral talks since 1977 but without any response .According to government estimates, the Tk18,000 crore that Pakistan owes Bangladesh includes $2.16bn - half of the wartime reserve of undivided Pakistan - and $200m as the cyclone relief.Former law minister Shafique Ahmed believes that making Pakistan pay the money is still very much possible. "But that has to be done
through mutual understanding. Legal battles take time and there is no certainty of success."He also said that since Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have been cold in recent times, it would require non-stop efforts from this side.However, senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna thinks that convincing Pakistan to pay the money back will be a very tough ask."Pakistan has never been a friend of Bangladesh, so no talks will work out. Moreover, the United Nations is not known to have ever played any roles in such cases."Law Minister Anisul Huq said that the government has been trying to settle the issues. "The government is very serious about the matter," he said. (Agencies)
Heavy flooding as Philippine typhoon death toll climbs to 11
Residents walk past a house destroyed by Typhoon Melor after it hit Bulan town in Sorsogon
Manila, Dec 16: Rescuers on speedboats hauled rainsoaked residents off rooftops in the Philippine countryside today after Typhoon Melor killed at least 11 people and cut power for millions.The typhoon, which tore in off the Pacific Ocean on Monday afternoon, caused widespread flooding across central islands and also dumped heavy rain on the sprawling capital of Manila.The worst appeared to be over on Wednesday with the typhoon drifting into the South China Sea. But farming and fishing communities on Mindoro Island south of Manila were still enduring heavy flooding.Floodwaters rose sharply across parts of Mindoro on Tuesday night, forcing residents to climb onto the roofs of their homes, according to Alfonso Umali, governor of Oriental Mindoro province on the eastern half of the island which has a total population of 1.2 million."The floods have begun to subside but there are still people on their roofs. Many homes were damaged. Coast guard personnel on speed boats
hauled 21 people, including 14 children and a threemonth-old baby, from rooftops in Calapan, the capital of Oriental Mindoro, on Tuesday night."They were drenched from the rain and crying for help. The rescue was difficult because of the strong currents," according to a coast guard report, which said rescue work, was continuing even today.The death toll climbed to 11 today after local authorities in Mindoro and neighbouring Romblon, a chain of three small islands known for its marble reserves, reported six deaths.Five people have now been confirmed killed on Samar.Millions of people were also without power in the eastern Philippines and the central islands, with no guarantees electricity would be restored before Christmas.And 226,000 people remained in storm shelters, the national disaster council said.The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 typhoons a year, many of them deadly, with the strongest often happening towards the end of the year. (Agencies)
Refugees returning to Sri Lanka allowed to carry more Colombo, Dec 16: In a move that would benefit Sri Lankan refugees living in camps across the Tamil State who intend to return to the island-nation voluntarily, the UNHCR has assisted the Sri Lankan Government in increasing the flight baggage allowance for repatriating refugees by 20 kg. Now, the total entitlement is 60 kg per person."Following the UNHCR's discussion with the Government of Sri Lanka on the need for increase in baggage allowance, the government has raised the limit for baggage for Sri Lankan refugees who are voluntary repatriating from India," UNHCR spokesperson Shucita Mehta told media .Presently, refugees who voluntarily return to the island-nation are sent back on board two airliners - Sri Lankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka .After the ferry services were stopped, the refugees had been demanding an increase in the limit for luggage and this step would help them in better integration and give more confidence to them to return home, she said."We were initially told to pack our flight baggage not exceeding 40 kg and we had to choose what we have to take back. On Monday, they called to say it has been increased to 60 kg and we were able to take more," said Rosaline Vaz from Adiyanuthu camp in Dindigul, who returned from Tiruchi. A total of 23 refugees returned to Sri Lanka on Tuesday .Ms. Vaz had come to Rameswaram in July 1990 by boat as a pregnant woman and gave birth to her fourth child within few days. "Even she is 25 years old now and once we return to Mannar, we will find a job so that she can get married and all
Sri Lankan refugees living in camps across the Tamil State who intend to return to the island-nation voluntarily these vessels which we are taking can help us save some money," she said.Organisation for Eelam Refugees' Rehabilitation (OfERR) - an NGO working for the safe, informed and voluntary return of Sri Lankan refugees to the island-nation, welcomed the move to increase the baggage allowance."We welcome the decision to increase the baggage allowance, as it would help returnees to take some more of their personal belongings. If the ferry services are resumed, it would help them take more things," Offer treasurer S.C. C h a n d r a h a s a n said.Repatriation should not be a "deprivation" to them, as they can take only limited things with them while returning, he said, calling upon the Indian and Sri Lankan governments to come together to announce a package for the returnees, which would include ferry services, enabling them to take more of their personal belongings."Ferry would help them take back their fridges, mixies, motor bikes, which they had bought with their life-time savings. If they are able to take them across, they need to spend money to buy them again once they return and intend to start a new life," he added.Over a lakh Sri Lankan refugees are living in camps across the State. (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Remembering the Peshawar Attack
Silk Industry Assam's Timeless Silks The Government is also aware that silk handloom industry in Assam is passing through a difficult phase. The State of Assam does not produce required quantity of mulberry silk as per the demand of the consumers of the State. Mulberry silk yarn is supplied by the traders from other parts of the country, due to which consumers have to purchase yarn at higher rates from the open market. In the State of Assam, few silk fabric traders have been doing business by producing the Assamese dress materials, particularly Mekhela-Chadar of mulberry silk at the weaving units outside the State with Assamese traditional patterns and designs. As a result, the local producers have protested for importing such hand woven silk fabrics from outside the State. Assam, which leads the nation in silk production, is taking steps to give sericulture a further boost as well as improve the yarn's quality. The silks in Assam are mainly limited to making traditional dresses, though slight diversifications can be seen nowadays. There is still a lot to be done by the entrepreneurs and policy makers. The easy availability of other varieties of artificial silks from other areas and at cheaper costs have overshadowed these natural silks. It is to be noted that Assam silks are sustainable textiles and have a negative impact on the environment. If used in a proper manner, they can be a powerful growth propeller for the rural region. It is high time that effective measures should be taken by the government, traders and entrepreneurs to make Assam silk a larger global brand. Otherwise, the state will lose its status and dignity of being an indigenous silk producer of the country. Also to increase the number of trained qualified weavers, a number of skill upgradation programmes have been implemented through various schemes like cluster projects and group approach projects under Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme. Besides, the State Government has been imparting training to the weavers through 102 Handloom Training Centres and 4 Handloom Training Institutes every year. Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles is also implementing Silk Mark scheme through the Silk Mark Organization of India for popularizing the products made of pure silk to protect the interest of consumers. Silk Mark which is a quality assurance label attached to the products made of pure silk and is applicable to all the silk products made of pure silk covering all varieties of silk viz. Mulberry and Vanya (Tasar, Eri & Mugs) silks. Under the Silk Mark Scheme, there are 177 authorized users in NE region, including Assam, who uses Silk Mark labels. Further, Muga Silk of Assam, has been registered under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
Twelve months after the slaughter at Army Public School, where does Pakistan stand on terrorism? Muhammad Akbar Notezai On December 16, 2014, the Taliban launched the deadliest attack in Pakistan's history, killing at least 148 people, including 132 schoolchildren, at the Army Public School in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mohammad Khorasani, also known as Omer Khorasan, who heads the Jamatul Ahrar, a faction of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) led by Maulana Fazllula, quickly accepted responsibility for the attack. A spokesperson for the Jamatul Ahrar said the assault was in retaliation for the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan. He further claimed that the school had been targeted because "almost all students are the children of army personnel." The attack on the Army Public School was unequivocally condemned, nationally and internationally. Even the Afghan Taliban weighed in, calling it "un-Islamic." Hafiz Saeed chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, whom India accuses of masterminding the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, also expressed outrage. He called the murder of children "cowardly behavior" and said that Islam "never taught us to kill innocent children and women even in war." Incidentally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also home to Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Prize Laureate. She was reportedly singled out and shot in the head on October 9, 2012 by the TTP as she rode to school in a van
with other girls. Malala luckily survived. The TTP was founded in 2007 in the tribal areas of Pakistan, and has links with the Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda. "I could not control my tears. I cannot explain but I wept. I know it was against the rules of our profession but it was the moment to break the rules." One of the gravediggers, Mr. Taj Muhammad, at Peshawar's largest graveyard was speaking to the Associated Press. He added, "I have buried bodies of the deceased of different ages, sizes, and weights," He told AP. "Those small bodies I have been burying since yesterday felt much heavier than any of the big ones I have buried before." In the 2013 general elections, the Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI), led by former cricket star Imran Khan, won a majority of seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Given Khan's pro-Taliban stance, analysts say, militancy increased. In 2014, newspaper reports had 39 militant outfits operating in the province, with 20 other groups functioning in the garb of Pakistani Taliban. As for Khan, his critics say he has not changed his proTaliban stance, citing three reasons for their believe: First, he did not condemn the Taliban when they attacked the All Saints Church of Peshawar in 2013, killing 81 Christian worshippers. Second, while he did criticize the Peshawar school incident, he neither named the Taliban nor did he condemn them. Third, Khan was quoted by a national news-
paper in 2014 as saying: "The Taliban did not want to enforce sharia in the country at gunpoint but wanted to liberate it from the U.S. war." The PTI leaders vehemently rebuff the claims, calling them propaganda against their party leader. "The APC Peshawar massacre led to a supposed shift in the country's security paradigm," Umer Ali, who is a journalist based in Rawalpindi, told The Diplomat, "Progress against the TTP militants is commendable, but the likes of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) still remain at large - not to forget Maulana Abdul Aziz, the cleric of Lal Masjid (mosque), who vows to resume his venomous campaign as the ISIS threat looms over our heads." Ali adds that dark times are ahead unless the security establishment stops patronizing non-state actors. Changed Pakistan? After coming to power, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan also urged peace talks with the TTP. Following the attack on the APC, however, Sharif said in a televised address, "The Peshawar atrocity has changed Pakistan. We need to eradicate the mindset of terrorism to defeat extremism and sectarianism." He added, "This horrendous attack has shaken the nation as the terrorists attacked the future of this country." The Peshawar tragedy united both the civilian and military leadership of the country, resulting in a National Action Plan (NAP) to eradicate terrorism. To execute the plan, the government subsequently presented the 21st constitu-
googleimages tional amendment and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015. Both bills passed, among other things allowing for the establishment of military courts for terrorists, for speedy trials. The Washington Post has reported that after years of terrorist attacks, military coups and political upheaval, Pakistan has for now settled into a period of relative calm. Over the past nine months, government statistics show, major terrorist attacks have declined 70 percent, and Pakistanis are flocking back to shopping malls, resorts and restaurants. However, Marvi Sirmed, a columnist with The Nation, writes, "One important factor in NAP's ineffectiveness has been continuous problem of ownership and responsibility among various tiers of the state. Whereas the military institutions have been eager to claim credit of successes, the blame of failures and inaction has been
invariably put on civilian security machinery. The civilian leadership and institutions on the other hand have largely been appearing as lame ducks." In Punjab province, Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada was at the forefront in cracking down on banned outfits under the NAP. He was killed in a suicide attack along with 19 other people at his political office in Shadi Khan village, Attock District. One of the Taliban-affiliated militant groups, Lashkar-e-Islam, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was retaliation for military operations against them. A Lahore-based journalist told The Diplomat that counterterrorism efforts had traditionally been directed at the tribal areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the government ignoring Punjab, where sectarian and religious extremist groups are based. As a consequence, Punjab is now a major source of terrorism. However, the journalist
agrees that since the attack on the APS in Peshawar, the government had been much more aggressive in tackling terrorism. The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), set up to provide quality research and capacity building services for parliamentarians and parliamentary functionaries, recently noted that the National Action Plan is a stop-gap arrangement for tackling the menace of terrorism. It can be termed a short-term strategy - but even based on that understanding it has serious challenges. The country still needs a comprehensive antiterrorism strategy with short-, medium-, and longterm goals. It also needs different strategies for different types of terrorist groups, such as religious and nationalist separatists. The national consensus that formed in the wake of the tragedy in Peshawar has created the conditions for developing just such a comprehensive strategy. The government need only seize the opportunity.
Suicide and Indians
India and Japan Boost Ties During Abe Visit
Is suicide just an issue of mental sickness?
Tokyo and New Delhi get serious about deepening their partnership.
At least 15 suicides took place every hour in the country during last year, which saw over 1.31 lakh people ending their lives, with government data also noting that Maharashtra saw the highest number of such cases while Chennai heads the list among cities. Data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) also said that as many as 69.7 per cent of those who committed suicide had an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh while one out of every six persons who took the extreme step last year was a housewife. According to PTI, Maharashtra saw 16,307 suicide cases in 2014 followed by Tamil Nadu (16,122) and West Bengal (14,310), the data said. The percentage break-up of the three states' share vis-a-vis the suicide tally stood at 12.4, 12.2 and 10.9, respectively. Among the mega cities, which have a population of over 10 lakh, Chennai reported the highest number of suicides with 2,214 deaths followed by Bengaluru (1,906), Delhi (1,847), Mumbai (1,196) and Bhopal (1,064). The rate of suicide in cities was marginally higher at 12.8 per cent as compared to the all-India suicide rate of 10.6 per cent, the report added. It said that 'family problems' (other than that linked to marriage) contributed to 21.7 per cent of the suicides while illness related-issues were behind suicides in 18 per cent of the total cases reported last year. Data also shows that one out of every six suicide cases was a housewife and the overall maleto-female ratio for suicides during the 2014 was 68:32. The highest cases of suicide, 19.7 per cent, was seen among the self-employed with housewives accounting for 15.3 per cent of the total, daily wagers 12 per cent, salaried persons 7.4 per cent, students 6.1 per cent and retired people 0.7 per cent. As many as 69.7 per cent of those who ended their life had an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh while 26.9 per cent had an annual income of between Rs 1 to Rs 5 lakh, the report said. Talking about patterns, 41.8 per cent people committed suicide by hanging, 26 per cent by taking poison, 6.9 per cent by self-immolation, 5.6 per cent by drowning themselves and 1.1 per cent by jumping off buildings or in front of trains. While 20.2 per cent were matriculate, 19 per cent were primary school passouts. Also, 14.3 per cent persons who committed suicide last year were illiterate with another 11 per cent being intermediate pass-outs, the report added. According to a report of WHO, 258,075 people committed suicide in India in 2012, with 99,977 women and 158,098 men taking their own lives. India's suicide rate was 21.1 per 100,000 people, according to the report. The most suicide-prone countries were Guyana (44.2 per 100,000), followed by North and South Korea (38.5 and 28.9 respectively). Next came Sri Lanka (28.8), Lithuania (28.2), Suriname (27.8), Mozambique (27.4), Nepal and Tanzania (24.9 each), Burundi (23.1), India (21.1) and South Sudan (19.8). More than 800,000 people die by suicide every year - around one person every 40 seconds, according to the report.
Harsh V. Pant Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in India last week to take part in the 9th annual India-Japan summit talks with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. Both leaders evaluated the state of their "special strategic and global partnership" as well as reviewed the implementation of various decisions taken over the last year on the economic and trade front. During Modi's visit last year, Japan had announced the doubling of its private and public investment in India, to about $34 billion, over a period of five years. The two leaders wanted to ensure that the momentum in economic ties is maintained and they did not disappoint. The biggest announcement during Abe's visit
was the Indian decision to adopt Japanese bullet train technology for its first high-speed railway. This 505 km corridor linking Mumbai with Ahmedabad will be financed by a Japanese loan at just 0.5 percent interest. This is significant for both Japan and India. Earlier this year, Japanlost out to China in bidding to build a highspeed railway in Indonesia. And India has been concerned about China's growing role in infrastructure development in South Asia over the last decade. This decision brings Japan to the center stage of infrastructure development in India. Abe underscored this by expressing his commitment to support India's efforts by sharing advanced skills and technologies and through the active mobilization of Japanese public and private sector involvement, including Japan's Official De-
velopment Assistance (ODA), of which India is one of the largest recipients. In line with the Modi government's "Make in India" initiative, a broader defense agreement underpinning joint development of weapon systems was unveiled. The framework will enhance Indo-Japanese defense and security cooperation by making available defense equipment and technology necessary to implement joint research and joint production. Japan will also now permanently join India and the United States for the annual Malabar exercises. The two nations also signed a pact to share classified intelligence, which is likely to be a precursor to the long pending deal to jointly produce the US-2 search and rescue amphibious military aircraft. This defense partnership between the two Asian pow-
ers is embedded in their "unwavering commitment to realize a peaceful, open, equitable, stable and rulebased order in the IndoPacific region and beyond," as well as the need to "uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity; peaceful settlement of disputes; democracy, human rights and the rule of law;" and (pointedly) "freedom of navigation and overflight." Though the much awaited nuclear deal between the two nations still remains a work in progress, Japan has now agreed to the principle that it can conclude a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with India, making an exception to its rule of not conducting nuclear commerce with a state that is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Japan's most powerful business lobby, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), had sub-
mitted a proposal last month calling upon the government for an early signing of the treaty. The relationship between India and Japan is perhaps the best it has ever been, largely because they have prime ministers who look at the region and the world in very similar terms. Both leaders are emblematic of a new, ambitious and nationalistic Asian landscape. They have decisive mandates to reshape the economic and strategic futures of their respective nations. Modi has underlined that India and Japan share a "fundamental identity of values, interests and priorities." Japan's economic and technological development has inspired Modi to emulate the Japan model, with flexible and bold fiscal policy that encourages private investment in infrastructure and technology. Meanwhile, Abe, a longs The United States is playing a significant role in
bringing India and Japan closer as well. The three nations had their first trilateral meeting at the foreign ministerial level earlier this year in September. Though China views the framework with suspicion, many in China are acknowledging that the IndoPacific has emerged as a critical regional space for India and China needs to synchronize its policies across the Indian Ocean region and the Pacific. These developments underscore the changing regional configuration in the Indo-Pacific on account of China's aggressive foreign policy posture as well as a new seriousness in India's own China policy. Modi's outreach to Japan has been a significant part of his government's foreign policy so far as strong security ties with Tokyo are now viewed as vital by Delhi. Abe's visit has further reinforced these trends and, if nurtured seriously, can pay great dividends to both India and Japan.
Anti-Tobacco Act And the Congress Sir, Rahul Gandhi, Prince of the congress paid visit to Assam's minority dominated Barpeta's Char areas along with the Chief-minister and other stalwarts of the state congress during his last visit to Assam. There is every reason for the people to rejoice. But what surprises us is the way the huge gathering of the meeting was managed, during the period of Rahul Gandhi's lecture, a pandemonium suddenly started just behind the dais as telecast through the electronic news channels. The reason behind the scramble is not far to seek. Our Chief-minister always blames the centre for not releasing adequate fund for the state and that the state is passing through a financial predicament. News telecast through the electronic medias and published through news papers suggest quite a different story. Rs. 125 crore have been set aside for purchase of threads and blankets for distribution among the people and to the list of threads and blankets another lucrative item for the poor gullible people, too, is added. Some congress leaders started distributing the alluring item 'Bidi' with containers of tobacco and lime which results into said
pandemonium. This act implies, the congress under the leadership of the Chief-minister tries to allure the gullible people to tobacco, banning which the state assembly passed a bill, now 'Anti Tobacco Act'. Now, our question, is the state congress is maintaining a double-standard? Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Various Jobs in NEIAH, Shillong [112 posts] North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong. Last Date: 04/01/2016. North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, Meghalaya, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India invites applications from Indian Citizen for the following posts to be filledup by Direct Recruitment / Deputation / Short Term Contract basis: 1. Deputy Director Administration : 01 post 2. Finance Manager : 01 post 3. Accounts Officer : 02 posts 4. Assistant Administrative Officer : 01 post 5. Junior Engineer (Civil) : 01 post 6. Junior Engineer (Electrical) : 01 post 7. Accountant : 01 post 8. Junior Accountant : 01 post 9. Cashier : 01 post 10. Private Secretary : 01 post 11. Upper Division Clerk : 03 posts 12. Principal Ayurveda college : 01 post 13. Professor (Ayurveda) : 10 posts 14. Associate professor (Ayurveda) : 10 posts 15. Lecturer (Ayurveda) : 10 posts
JOBS &
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CAREER
Manager, Engineer, Officer Jobs in BCPL, Dibrugarh [PWD Only] Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL). Last Date: 26/12/2015. Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) is looking for experienced professionals for the following posts in special recruitment drive for PWD candidates : 1. Senior Manager (HR) : 01 post 2. Manager (Chemical) : 02 posts 3. Manager (Electrical) : 01 post 4. Manager (Finance & Accounts) : 01 post 5. Manager (Mechanical) : 01 post 6. Deputy Manager (Chemical) : 02 posts 7. Deputy Manager (HR) : 01 post 8. Senior Engineer (Chemical) : 02 posts 9. Senior Engineer (Mechanical) : 01 post 10. Senior Officer (Finance & Accounts) : 01 post How to Apply : Apply Online at BCPL website from 01/12/2015 to 26/12/2015 only.
Faculty Jobs in NIT Meghalaya National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya. Last Date: 31/12/2015.
Oriental Bank of Commerce Specialist Officer Recruitment Oriental Bank of Commerce. Last Date: 21/12/2015. Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC), a Government of Indian Undertaking invites online applications from Indian citizens for following 21 posts in Officer Cadre : 1. Chief Manager (Risk Management) : 02 posts 2. Senior Manager (Risk Management) : 05 posts 3. Manager (IT) : 10 posts 4. Manager (Forex) : 02 posts 5. Manager (Debt/Equity) : 02 posts Application Fee : Rs. 500/ (Rs. 50/ for SC/ST) to be deposited at any of the branch of the Oriental Bank of Commerce. How To Apply: Online application will be open from 07/12/2015 to 21/12/ 2015 at Oriental Bank of Commerce website : www.obcindia.co.in
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya invites applications in Prescribed Format from Indian Nationals for appointment on permanent/ contract / deputation basis, possessing consistently good academic record and requisite qualifications and experience, with commitment to work, passion for teaching & research and an inclination towards institutional development, for positions of Assistant Professors and Associate Professor in various disciplines. Name of post: Assistant Professor / Associate Professor No of posts: 10 posts (UR3, OBC3, SC3, PWD1) on regular/ contract basis in various disciplines Essential Qualification: Ph. D. with 1st Class at UG & PG levels with consistently good academic record Pay Scale : for Assistant Professor Rs. 1560039100 AGP Rs. 6000 / 7000 / 8000 and Rs. 3740067000 AGP Rs. 9500 for Associate Professor posts How to Apply : Apply Online at NIT Meghalaya website on or before 24/12/ 2015 only and hard copy of the system generated application should reach to the Registrar, NIT Meghalaya, Bijni Complex, Laitumkhrah, Shillong793003 on or before 31/12/2015.
Indian Army SSC Officer (Technical Entry) Recruitment Indian Army Last Date: 08/01/2016. Applications are invited from married/ unmarried male and unmarried female Engineering Graduates and also from Widows of Defence Personnel for grant of Short Service Commission in the Indian Army in all Arms/ Services. Course commencing in October 2016 at Officers Training Academy (OTA),Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Category of posts: 47th SSC (Technical) for Men : 100 posts in various Engineering streams, Age : 2027 years 18th SSC (Technical) Women : 10 posts in various Engineering streams, Age : 2027 years Widows of Defence Personnel : 01 post, Age : 19-29/20-31 years Remuneration: Pay Scale : PB3 Rs.1560039100 Grade Pay Rs.5400 and MPS Rs.6000/ How to Apply: Apply Online at Army recruitment website http://joinindianarmy.nic.in from 09/12/2015 to 08/01/2016 only.
NEEPCO Special Recruitment Drive for PWD Persons North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO). Last Date: 20/12/2015. North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) is looking for promising, energetic & enterprising professionals with brilliant academic record to join the organization for the following positions against a Special Recruitment Drive for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) : 1. Trainee Engineer (Civil) : 02 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 20600-46500 2. Trainee Engineer (Electrical / Mechanical) : 02 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 20600-46500 3. Trainee Accounts Officer : 02 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 20600-46500 4. Trainee Personnel Officer : 01 post, Pay Scale : Rs. 20600-46500 5. Law Assistant : 01 post, Pay Scale : Rs. 1550039500 6. Junior Engineer (Civil) : 05 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.15000-37000 7. Junior Engineer (Electrical/Mechanical) : 05 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.15000-37000 8. Chemist : 01 post, Pay Scale : Rs.16000-39100 9. Assistant Accountant : 01 post, Pay Scale : Rs.15500-39100 10. AssistantI : 01 post, Pay Scale : Rs.15500-39100 11. Dresser III : 06 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.11500-26000 12. Laboratory Attendant III : 04 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.10500-23000 How to Apply : Apply Online at NEEPCO website from 06/12/2015 to 20/12/2015.
The Eastern Today has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.). 1).Among the following which is NOT an electronic banking delivery channel? a) Internet Banking b) Mobile Banking c) ATM d) Mobile Vans Answer is: D 2).The Rate at which the domestic currency can be converted into foreign currency and vice versa is called as_______. a) Exchange rate b) MIBOR c) LIBOR d) Inter Bank Money Rate Answer is: A 3).Crossing on a cheque can be cancelled by the _____ of the cheque, under his full signature. a) Drawee b) Payee c) Holder d) Drawer Answer is: B 4).Which of the following category of advance accounts in NOT an NPA? a) Standard Account b) Substandard Account c) Loss Account d) None of these Answer is: D 5).Which of the following statement is true? a) Banks can accept both demand and time deposits from public b) Banks cannot accept demand and time deposits from public c) Banks can accept only demand deposits from public d) Banks can accept
demand and time deposits only from government Answer is: A 6).Among the following which one is correct statement? a) A Nationalized bank is the sole authority to issue and manage currency in India b) A cooperative bank is the sole authority to issue and manage currency in India c) SBI is the sole authority to issue and manage currency in India d) RBI is the sole authority to issue and manage currency in India Answer is: D 7).Interest payable on savings bank accounts is________. a) Regulated by Finance Minister b) Regulated by RBI c) Regulated by Central Government d) Regulated by SBI Answer is: B 8).Which are all the usual deposit accounts of banks? a) Current accounts, saving bank accounts and term deposit accounts b) Current accounts, electricity accounts and premium accounts c) Loan accounts, savings accounts and term deposit accounts d) Current bill accounts and term deposit accounts. Answer is: A 9).Fixed deposits and recurring deposits
are________. a) Repayable on demand b) Repayable after an agreed period c) Non repayable d) Repayable after death of depositors Answer is: B 10).Accounts are allowed to be operated by cheques in respect of _______. a) Both Current accounts and fixed deposit accounts b) Both Savings bank accounts and fixed deposit accounts c) Both Savings bank accounts and cash accounts d) Both Savings bank accounts and current accounts Answer is: D 11).Which among the following statement is correct? a) Saving deposit are the same as current deposits b) The rate of interest on current account and saving accounts are same c) Interest is paid on current accounts at the same rate as term deposit accounts d) Normally no interest is paid on current deposit accounts Answer is: D 12).Which of the following is known as cross selling? i). Sale of debit card to the credit card holder ii). Sale of insurance policy to a depositor iii). Insurance of cash against cheque pre-
sented by a third party a) Only i) b) Only ii) c) Only iii) d) All i), ii) and iii) Answer is: D 13).If a bank returns a cheque unpaid, it is called as______. a) Drawing of the cheque b) Dishonor of the cheque c) Payment of the cheque d) Cancelling of the cheque Answer is: B 14).Which is the first state in India to launch RBI's e-payment system for commercial tax payers? a) Punjab b) Gujarat c) Karnataka d) Kerala Answer is: C 15).Who is the chairman of the committee constituted by RBI to study issues and concerns in the Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) sectors? a) M Damodran b) C Rangrajan c) Dr. K C Chakraborty d) Y H Malegam Answer is: D 16).Among the following which is known as "Demat Accounts"? a) Accounts in which shares of various companies are traded in electronic form b) Accounts which are operated through internet banking facility c) Accounts which are
Zero Balance Accounts d) None of these Answer is: A 17).NEFT stands for_______. a) National Electronic Funds Transfer System b) National Effective Fund Transfer System c) Non Effective Fund Transfer System d) Negotiated Electronic Fund Transfer Solutions Answer is: A 18).What is the prescribed upper limit transaction through RTGS? a) Rs. 5 lakh b) Rs. 1 lakh c) Rs. 2 lakh d) Rs. 3 lakh Answer is: B 19).Distribution of insurance products and insurance policies by banks as corporate agents is called as_______. a) Deposit Insurance b) General Insurance c) Bancassurance d) Banking Insurance Answer is: C 20).Banks are calculating the interest of the savings bank account on________. a) Minimum balance from 10th to last day of the month b) Minimum balance during the month c) Maximum balance during the month d) Daily product basis Answer is: D 21).Among the following who is the largest share holder of a nationalized bank? a) Government of India
b) RBI c) SBI d) NABARD Answer is: A 22).Banks in our country normally publicize that additional interest rate is allowed on retail domestic term deposit of_______. a) Married Women b) Minors c) Senior Citizen d) Government Employees Answer is: C 23).When the rate of inflation increases__________. a) Amount of money circulation decreases b) Purchasing power of money decreases c) Value of the money increases d) Purchasing power of money increase Answer is: D 24).Among the following which is NOT considered as the money market instrument? a) Shares and bonds b) Commercial paper c) Repurchase agreement d) Certificate of deposit Answer is: B 25).Which of the following is an example for the financial assets? a) Infrastructure Bonds b) Indira Vikas c) Krishi Vikas d) All the above Answer is: D 26).Capital Market is a market that deals with_______. a) Long term funds
b) Gilt-edge securities c) Short term funds d) None of these Answer is: A 27).Regional and Rural Banks fall within supervisory purview of_________. a) RBI b) SEBI c) IRDA d) SBI Answer is: A 28).Among the following which does not comes under the category of Development Banks? a) State Finance Corporation b) Export-Import Banks c) Industrial Development Bank of India d) Industrial Investment Bank of India Answer is: B 29).Which of the following is not an example of primary securities? a) Bonds b) Bills c) New Currency d) Shares Answer is: C 30).Bombay Stock Exchange was made functional as early
as__________. a) 1850 b) 1930 c) 1910 d) 1870 Answer is: D 31).Among the following which rates is decided by the market condition and not by RBI? a) Inflation Rate b) Bank Rate c) SLR d) CRR Answer is: A 32).Which among the following institutions is NOT directly associated with the financial sector in India? a) SEBI b) Planning Commission c) BSE d) BIFR Answer is: B 33).Where was the first Share Market in India was established? a) Kolkata b) Delhi c) Mumbai d) Gujarat Answer is: C
BUSINESS '3 in 4 Indian adults not financially literate'
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Mumbai, Dec 16: Three out of four Indian adults are not financially literate, a new study has showed. The S&P Ratings Services 'Global Financial Literacy Survey' found that that 76% of Indian adults do not adequately understand key financial concepts, including risk diversification, inflation and compound interest. This is lower than the worldwide average of financial literacy, but roughly in line with other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and South Asian nations. In India, 26% of adults in the richest 60% of households are financially literate, compared to 20% of adults in the poorest 40% of households. Worldwide, 36% of adults in relatively richer households and 27% of adults in relatively poorer households are financially literate. India's income gap deepened when bro-
ken down by topic, the survey said. "Poor adults are 21 percentage points less likely than richer adults to correctly answer the compound interest topic correctly. With regard to interest, the gap is 11 percentage points," it said. In all, 38% of adults with tertiary education are financially literate compared to 30% of adults with secondary education, and 18% of adults with primary education, the survey found. While the array of financial products available in Asia continues to grow rapidly, the survey found that most consumers lack a general understanding of credit, compound interest and other key concepts. "Research increasingly shows that saving money is better for development than credit. Yet just 14% of adults in India save at a formal financial institution - and their weak financial skills raise questions as to
Solution on food security seeked from UN food expert Nairobi, Dec 16: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Hilal Elver, called on WTO trade ministers to immediately address the issue of public stockholding, a statement that will come as a shot in the arm for India. She said that public stockholding programmes constitute the first line of defence for developing countries
whether they're getting the most out of their money," the survey noted. Only 14% of Indian adults correctly answered the question on knew about risk diversification. Conversely, 56% answered correctly on the inflation question correctly. About 39% of adults who have a formal loan are financially literate, while more than a quarter (27%) of formal borrowers were found to be not financially literate. Only about half of the participants (51%) understood compound interest. According to the survey, three-quarters of Asian adults and twothirds of adults worldwide are not financially literate. In comparison, 57% of adults in the US and 67% in UK are financially literate. In Asia, Singapore is home to the highest percentage of financially literate adults (59%), followed by Hong Kong and Japan (both at 43%). And less than a third of adults
A BAD SIGN
Image for representational purposes only.
Worldwide, 36% of adults in relatively richer households and 27% of adults in relatively poorer households are financially literate.
This is lower than the worldwide average of financial literacy, but roughly in line with other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and South Asian nations. In comparison, 57% of adults in the US and 67% in UK are financially literate. In Asia, Singapore is home to the highest percentage of financially literate adults (59%), followed by Hong Kong and Japan (both at 43%). And less than a third of adults in China (28%) are financially literate.
in China (28%) are financially literate. The survey also shows a material gap between men and women in almost every country. WWorldwide, there is a five percentage points gender gap, with 65% of
men not being financially literate compared with 70% of women. In India, the gap was wider with 73% of men and 80% of women not being financially literate. The survey was based on interviews of more
than 150,000 adults across 140 countries. Individuals were tested on their knowledge of four basic financial concepts: numeracy, risk diversification, inflation, compound interest (saving and debt). (Agencies)
Three out of four Indian adults are not financially literate, a new study has showed. The S&P Ratings Services 'Global Financial Literacy Survey' found that that 76% of Indian adults do not adequately understand key financial concepts, including risk diversification, inflation and compound interest.
SAARC trade gets Indian Business card
against price shock, production volatility and food insecurity? as she stressed on the need to find a permanent solution to the food security issue. "Trade rules must be shaped around the food security policies that developing countries need, rather than policies having to tiptoe around WTO rules," Elver said in a statement. (Agencies)
IEX: Power prices will remain depressed Kolkata, Dec 16: The price of power will remain depressed for the rest of the year and even beyond, as capacity addition continues to outstrip demand, Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, Director, Business Development, Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) said. "We operate on the price-discovery model and since November 2014 we have noticed a decrease in prices. This trend will remain through this year and perhaps for some time," he told reporters. According to latest available IEX data, the market price of power dropped to Rs 2.85 /kwh on an average between April and November 2015 compared with Rs 3.51 /Kwh in 2014-15. Over the last five years about 80,000 MW capacity has been added but demand has grown by only 30,000 MW in this period creating a big demand-supply gap, he said Power exchanges provide a competitive option for power purchase and IEX rates have always been lower than bilateral rates due to the price-discovery
process, Mediratta said. IEX data showed that while its power price was lower than bilateral price for all the years reviewed between 2010-11 and 2015-16 (till November 30), in some years like 2013-14 it was nearly 30 per cent lower. The lower prices have brought generators under pressure as they were able to recover only their operating costs and their plant load factors were dropping, he said. Discoms were trying to make use of the cheap power. IEX operates in three product segments - the day-ahead market, the term-ahead market (intraday, day-ahead contingency, daily and weekly trading) and the trading of green energy through renewable energy certificates. The regulator was now awaiting a policy direction from the Union Power Ministry on the proposal of IEX being allowed to transact cross-border power trading. "Some progress has been made in this direction," he said, declining to provide more details. (Agencies)
Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, Director, Business Development, Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). Source: www.powertoday.in
In India, 26% of adults in the richest 60% of households are financially literate, compared to 20% of adults in the poorest 40% of households.
New Delhi, Dec 16: Taking forward its bonhomie with Pakistan, India is all set to launch an "India Business Card" for the business community in SAARC countries. The stumbling block so far for issuance of this card had been Pakistan, but the decks
have now been cleared with renewed ties with Pakistan, a senior government official said. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi all set to visit Pakistan to attend the SAARC summit in late 2016, the government wants to deliver on the announcements he
made during the summit in Nepal. In the past two weeks, India and Pakistan have had two meetings at the level of National Security Adviser (NSA) and foreign ministers. Earlier in July, India relaxed business visa norms for Pakistan, which is valid for three
years now, up from one year earlier, and businessmen would be able to visit up to 15 places. Intelligence agencies had expressed apprehension over easing visa restrictions on businessmen from Pakistan, but the government prevailed over their concerns saying it was required to bring in normality in the region. "The India Business Card will have a special logo and will be only given to businessmen of high repute. It is being done with an aim of ease of business and gels with the 'Make in India' policy of the government," said a senior Home Ministry official. It was not clear whether Pakistan businessmen would be allowed in the manufacturing sector and given a green signal to open factories here. "We are still working on the modalities and the business card is being issued to facilitate trade and commerce," said the official. (Agencies)
36 % tumble in November's gold imports in value terms Chennai, Dec 16: The country's gold imports fell by 36.48 per cent to $3.53 billion in November this year on account of sluggish global prices. The world's second-biggest gold consumer had imported gold worth $5.57 billion in the same month last year. Data released by the Commerce Ministry showed that import of both gold and silver has declined in value terms in November this year. Even the overseas purchase of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones has taken a hit. Silver imports declined by over 55 per cent to $285.01 million in November this year from $643.71 million in the year-ago period. In the London market, the average gold prices had fallen to $1,088 per ounce in November this year while its rates were high at $1,176 in the same period last year.
TUMBLING PRICE ¨ The country's gold imports fell by 36.48 per cent to $3.53 billion in November this year on account of sluggish global prices. ¨ The world's second-biggest gold consumer had imported gold worth $5.57 billion in the same month last year. ¨ Silver imports declined by over 55 per cent to $285.01 million in November this year from $643.71 million in the year-ago period. ¨ In the London market, the average gold prices had fallen to $1,088 per ounce in November this year while its rates were high at $1,176 in the same period last year. ¨ Silver prices had also dropped in the same period. That apart, import of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones declined 53.49 per cent to $977.51 million from $2,101.75 million in the said period. ¨ As per the data, exports of gems and jewellery too narrowed by about 22 per cent to $2.89 billion in November this year, as against $3.68 billion last year.
Silver prices had also dropped in the same period. That apart, import of pearls, precious and semiprecious stones declined 53.49 per cent to $977.51 million from $2,101.75 million in the said period. As per the data, exports of gems and jewellery too narrowed by about 22 per cent to $2.89 billion in No-
vember this year, as against $3.68 billion last year. Experts said gems and jewellery shipments have been declining for the last few months in the wake of sluggish global demand. According to the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, gold imports are expected to cross 1,000 tonnes this year,
buoyed by a sharp fall in global prices, as against 900 tonnes in 2014. Gold is the second-largest import item for India after petroleum. Higher gold import bill adversely affects the country's current account deficit, which takes hold when value of imports is more than that of exports. (Agencies)
Imports of truck tyre decline as domestic firms cut prices Dehradun, Dec 16: Import of truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres have declined by almost half as domestic tyremakers reduce prices, according to All India Tyre Dealers Federation. TBR imports declined following an 810 per cent price reduction by the domestic tyremakers, who were reluctant to cut the price despite steep fall in natural rubber prices. Tyre imports stood at 54,175
the import of TBR tyres into the country. Domestic firms claimed that imports from China were posing a big threat and hence have sought safeguard duties. Dealers opposed the move stating that very high TBR prices maintained by the Indian companies, despite fall in production costs, was the key reason for the surging imports. Tyre manufacturers said tyre production for passenger car
Image for representational purposes only. units in November as against 106,700 units in June, according to a statement from the federation. "The prices of TBR tyres and non-radial nylon fabric conventional tyres were reduced by 67 per cent along with additional discounts of 2-3 per cent (that is, drop in price is in the range of Rs.1,900-Rs.2,300 per pair). This decision led to drop in TBR imports to the extent of almost 48 per cent during November, 2015 from the earlier peak of June 2015," the statement added. The tyre dealers and domestic manufacturers have been at loggerheads over
segment was only showing growth, while production in other vehicle categories was declining. "Massive surge in dumping of cheap tyres from China is meeting a significant domestic demand while domestic capacities are lying unutilised. This does not augur well for Indian manufacturing", Raghupati Singhania, Chairman Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association, had said. "Tyre industry is passing through a difficult year as production growth is not only slackening but contraction is being witnessed across key tyre categories," he added (Agencies)
Stock of Adani Enterprise gains nearly 5%
Image for representational purposes only. New Delhi, Dec 16: Shares of Adani Enterprises rose by nearly 5 per cent after an Australian court rejected a bid by environmentalists to stop Adani Group's $16.5 billion controversy-hit coal mine project. The stock gained 4.53 per cent to end at Rs. 78.50 on BSE. During the day, it surged 6.99 per cent to Rs. 80.35. At NSE, shares of the company climbed 4.66 per cent to settle at Rs. 78.55. Buying was also seen in Adani Power and Adani Transmission that gained 1.50 per cent and 1.06 per cent, respectively on BSE. In a re-
lief to Adani Group, an Australian court rejected a bid by environmentalists, but said the firm has "exaggerated" the economic benefits, including the amount of jobs and royalties. The mega project in Queensland's Galilee Basin, which would become Australia's largest coal mine, was challenged by Conservation group Coast and Country in Brisbane Land Court on the ground that it would affect groundwater, climate change and biodiversity, including black-throated finches, an endangered species. (Agencies)
Flight from Ahmedabad to London started by AI Ahmedabad, Dec 16: Air India commenced its first direct flight from Ahmedabad to London via Mumbai. The inaugural flight took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad at 0430 hrs with 247 passengers on board. A Dreamliner Boeing 787 aircraft will operate daily in this sector. This flight is the fifth frequency of Air India in the India-London sector. The airline is already operating four frequencies to London - three from Delhi and one from Mumbai. "The daily flight is likely to benefit the 1.5 mil-
lion-strong Indian Diaspora living in Britain and more than 6 lakh Indians from Gujarat. Passengers travelling by the direct flight will not need to change aircraft at Mumbai," Air India said in a statement. From Ahmedabad flight AI-131 will take off daily at 0430 hrs to arrive Mumbai at 0545 hrs, leave Mumbai at 0705 hrs and land at London at 1130 hrs. On the return leg flight AI-130 will leave London at 1330 hrs, arrive at Mumbai at 0400 hrs next day, and depart from Mumbai at 0530 hrs to land at Ahmedabad at 0645 hrs. (Agencies)
"For Doug, it's all about hitting his areas as hard as he can for as long as he can. One of his big work-ons has been to swing the ball a bit more consistently, and he's working really hard at that. If he keeps putting the ball where he is at the moment, he's going to get a lot of wickets."
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
NZ bowling Coach Dimitri Mascarenhas
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Barekuri FCC sail into semis Avik Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Dec 16: Barekuri Football Coaching Centre today beat Dibrugarh Football Coaching Centre 2-1 in the last quarter final of the 12th Jintu Gogoi Football Tournament, organised by Dao Division of the army in association with Dibrugarh District Sports Association at Chowkidinghee ground. Brekuri FCC opened their account through Striker Newson Kom in the 13th minute. Newson collecting a pass from the midfield deftly finished it making it 1-0. Meanwhile, for Dibrugarh FCC, Binod Gogoi equalized in the 47th
Dibrugarh FCC (red) and Barekuri FCC players (black) tussle for the ball during their quarterfinal clash
Cummins replaces injured Gabriel for remainder of Oz tour ANI Melbourne: Fast bowler Miguel Cummins has been called into the West Indies squad to replace the injured Shannon Gabriel for the remaining two Tests of the three-match series against Australia. The 27-year-old Gabriel suffered an injury on his left ankle during his side's humiliating in-
nings and 212-run defeat in the first Test in Hobart. Meanwhile, Cummins, who has bagged 99 wickets till now in domestic cricket, made only one appearance for the West Indies in an ODI against Ireland. West Indies will next play the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne followed by the third Test in Sydney.
Makum United beat Moran Town Club A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 16: Makum United today defeated Moran Town Club 5-4 via tie-breaker in the league match of the fourth Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh Invitation Prize-money Football Championship organised by AllAssam Muttock Yuba Chatra Sanmilan Central Committee at Janamukh Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Tinsukia district. Earlier, regulation time ended in a goalless draw. Both the teams toiled hard to break the
deadlock without success. Altogether, 17 teams participated in the tournament. For Makum United, Ratan Singh, Robert Gangte, James Eaity, Giron Singh and Jyotish Tai converted their spot kicks while Bitankar Singh, Anand Prakash Ekka, Sunil Rai and Chandan Khaiir converted theirs with Sanjay Nagbonshi missing his spot kick. Tomorrow, Tinsukia Town Club will take on Janamukh Football Club.
minute with a firm strike from the right flank. However, in the first half Barekuri FCC largely dominated the game. As the game progressed, Binow Singh of Barekuri FCC found the winner for his team in the 72nd minute. Meanwhile, Sana Singh and Sahajyoti Kalita of Barekuri FCC were shown the yellow card. Tomorrow, in the first semifinal Lingerijan Tea Estate FC, Naharkatiya will play Barekuri Football Coaching Centre while in another semifinal Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club will lock horns with Belogoni Tea Estate.
ANI Melbourne: Out-offavour Dwayne Bravo has joined the chorus of criticism directed against the West Indies Cricket Board for the current plight of the islanders' standing in international cricket. The 32-year-old all-rounder said that it was painful to see the current state of the Caribbean cricket and called for a stronger relationship between players, board members and management staff. He claimed
Golaghat District Bodybuilding Association's Ejazul Haque bags Junior Mr Assam title ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 16: Golaghat District Bodybuilding Association's Ejazul Haque bagged the title of 'Junior Mr Assam' in the ‘Mr Assam’ Bodybuilding Championship. The competition was held at the ITI grounds in Bongaigaon on 12 and 13 December. The competition was organised by Bongaigaon District Bodybuilding Association in collaboration with All Assam Bodybuilding Association or the ABBA. A total of 6 par-
ticipants namely Ejazul Haque, Ashik Ahmed, Dibya Jyoti Konwer, Khirod Chetia, Hemanta Dutta and Kiriti Gogoi from Golaghat District Bodybuilding Association took part in the event. The team was led by Golaghat District Bodybuilding Association's President Parshwajyoti Sharma, VP Taz Ahmed and Secretary Pranob Chetia. It came to be known that All Assam Bodybuilding Association has nominated Junior Mr Assam Ejazul Haque for the ‘Mr India’ Bodybuild-
Ejazul Haque bagged the Junior Mr Assam title
ing Championship to be held in Chennai on 7and 8 January next year.
Burns, Warner eye Hayden, Langer's opening record in Tests ANI Sydney: Australian batsman Joe Burns revealed that he had discussed with opener David Warner about their plans to break the opening Test partnership record of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. Lavishing praise on Warner, the 26-year-old said that he considered himself quite lucky to have got the guidance of Warner regarding opening in the Test cricket. Burns, whose selection for the Boxing Day Test against West Indies is in doubt following his dip in form,
Joe Burns
is preparing to play for the Brisbane Heat in their first Big Bash game against the Melbourne Renegades at the Gabba. Reflecting on his selection for the Melbourne Test, Burns said that he doesn't ask
NZ bowling coach hails luckless Bracewell post Dunedin Test ANI Wellington: New Zealand bowling coach Dimitri Mascarenhas has heaped praise on bowler Doug Bracewell, describing him probably the `best` bowler, during his side's 122-run win over Sri Lanka the first Test in Dunedin. The 25year-old, who had been luckless during the first Test as he had two catches dropped off his bowling. "Doug's probably been the best bowler, but he isn't getting all the wickets. That's how teamwork goes in a bowling unit. Sometimes it might be your day. As long as you keep plugging away, the next day will be his," NZ bowling coach Mascarenhas was quoted as saying. The bowling coach further hailed Bracewell, saying that the latter had been working extremely hard and said that he hopes he would soon be getting a lot of wickets. "For Doug, it's all about hitting his areas as hard as he can for as long as he can. One of his big work-ons has been to swing the ball a bit more consistently, and he's working really hard at that. If he keeps putting the ball
Bravo fires back at `dishonest` West Indies Cricket Board
about his selection in the Test squad as it would distract him. He, however, stressed that he consulted coach Darren Lehmann about the things that needed to be done to improve his batting. Earlier, Lehmann had raised the prospect that one of the two batsmen, Shaun Marsh or Usman Khawaja, was likely to open the Boxing Day Test at the expense of Burns, who has been struggling with form after scoring 71 and 129 in the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.
that there were a lot of dishonest people who are at the helm. Bravo, who is currently playing in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash League, insisted that West Indies have potential players who can compete against the best in the world but attributed the lack of infrastructure ad facilities as primary reason of the Caribbean cricket's downfall. Bravo was deposed from his role of captaincy a year ago and was sidelined for
Determined Serena still harbours hopes of calendar Grand Slam ANI New York: World number one Serena Williams has admitted that completing the calendar Grand Slam will be a priority for her next year, but said that she is not going to put any extra pressure on it. The American tennis prodigy saw her dreams of completing a calendar grand slam crushed when Italy's Roberta Vinci claimed a 2-6, 64, 6-4 win over Serena in the US Open semifinals at the Flushing Meadows in September. The 21-time Grand Slam champion, however, admitted that she would have to start the 2016 season on a strong note and said that it would be a little difficult to defend the French Open, referring to her lack of flair in the claycourt, where she had won only three times. Serena, who won three Grand Slams this season bagged Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award for her superlative performance.
WI allrounder Dwayne Bravo
the West Indies' World Cup squad earlier this year. His relationship
with the WICB took a hit after his side walked out of their tour of India last year in a row over contracts. The maverick all-rounder has not been picked in the ODI squad since and subsequently called curtains on his Test career after being sidelined by selectors for a period of time. Earlier, former stalwarts Brian Lara and Michael Holding slammed the WICB for its bad governance.
Fabregas urges Chelsea to perform like a `big player` ANI London: Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said that his side must take responsibility for their
year-old said that there was an immediate need to change the mindset of the players, insisting them to try to remain at the top of the game.
Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas during an EPL match
poor run and start performing like a `big player` if they want to win the upcoming Premier League matches. Earlier, Chelsea had failed to part ways with their miserable season as they crashed to their ninth defeat in 16 league games with a 21 loss to leaders Leicester City. Reflecting on their defeat, the 28-
The midfielder further urged his side to stop thinking about future and start performing better in order to prove themselves. Speaking on his performance, Fabregas said he would try to give his best performance and was looking forward to the upcoming match. Chelsea will now lock horns with Sunderland on December 19.
McIlroy bags his third Euro Tour Golfer of the Year title ANI Johannesburg: World number three golfer Rory McIlroy has been named as the European Tour Golfer of the Year for the third time in his last four seasons. Considering the achievement as a `huge honour`, the 26-year-old said that he felt extremely proud to win the prestigious award for the third time. Admitting that his injury was a major setback of the season, the Northern Irish professional said that it was quite satisfying to finish
McIlroy in action
the season strongly with his second victory in Dubai. McIlroy also became only the seventh player to be awarded European number one in consecutive campaigns. McIlroy failed to defend both his British Open and PGA Championship crowns after missing three tournaments in the summer due to a freak ankle injury while playing football. But he ended his modest season by winning his third DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in four years.
Bir Lachit Borphukon College in next round NZ’s Doug Bracewell in his delivery stride the game. "They've got to be a tough Test," he said where he is at the moment, some really talented and skill- New Zealand have already he's going to get a lot of wickful players. It's hard work. taken an unassailable 1-0 lead ets." Describing the upcomWe know how strong they in the two match series and ing Test against Sri Lanka as are. They've lost a couple of will aim for a clean sweep `tough`, Mascarenhas admitbig players, but the ones com- when they will take on Sri ted that the opponents have ing in are getting opportuni- Lanka in the second Test at got some really good players ties and hopefully are going Seddon Park, Hamilton, and said that his side would to be taking them. It's going starting from December 18. have to work harder to win
ET Correspondent Sonari, Dec 16: Bir Lachit Borphukon College, Sivasagar thrashed Gargaon College by a huge margin of 150 runs to enter the next round in Group – C of the Dibrugarh University Inter College Cricket Tournament which is cur-
rently underway at the 42. Amarendra Bora Sonari public playground. claimed 2 wickets for T h e Gargaon Sivasagar Cols i d e Inter College Cricket l e g e . w o n In rethe toss and decided to ply, Gargaon College bat first and scored 199 was shot down for a palfor the loss of 6 wickets. try 48 runs in their allotRajib Phukon scored 77 ted 19 runs. Wasim while Arpan Dutta made Akram Ansari scored
15. For Sivasagar, Arpan Dutta claimed 3 wickets while Rajib Phukon and Dhurbajyoti Mahanta got 2 wickets each. Asfak Manzoor and Banku Dey were the two umpires for today’s match. Sonari College will play against Nazira College tomorrow.
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
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FASCINATING FACTS ØNight butterflies have ears on their wings so they can avoid bats. ØMonarch caterpillars shed their skin four times before they become a chrysalis, growing over 2700 times their original size. ØThere may be as many as 3,000 different kinds of insects - more than all the other animal and plant species combined. ØLocusts can eat their own weight in food in a day. A person eats his own body weight in about half a year. ØThe desert locust is the world's most destructive insect. It can eat it's own weight in food every day. ØThe honeybee has to travel an average of 43,000 miles to collect enough nectar to make a pound of honey! ØOut of every 1,000 Mosquitoes, one female carries a disease that could be fatal to humans. ØHoneybees have hair on their eyes. ØThe average housefly lives for one month. ØThere is only one insect that can turn its head - the praying mantis. .
The Curse of the Bullock Long time ago, in a small village lived an old woman with her daughter. While the old woman was hard working, her daughter was lazy and selfish. They had a bullock. "We should take proper care of our bullock." The old woman would say. "Hah! Animals should serve us, not we serve them," the daughter would reply. There was a pond, at some distance from the old woman's house. Every afternoon, she used to take the bullock to the pond to have a bath and to drink water. Meanwhile the lazy daughter would eat and sleep. One day, the old woman fell ill. She requested her daughter to take the bullock to the pond. "It is very hot today, dear! The bullock must be thirsty," said the old woman. "Look! I have some sweets here. I know you love sweets, dear. Take the bullock for a drink. While he is drinking water, you can eat these sweets," the old
CRAFTY CRAFTS Crayon Creation Paperflakes What You Need: * White paper * Colored paper *Glue *Scissors woman added, handing a box of sweets to her daughter. The greedy girl agreed. But as soon as she was out of her mother's sight, the lazy girl tied the bullock to a tree and sat down to eat the sweets. The thirsty bullocks waited for the daughter to finish eating the sweets. "I hope she eats fast. I am really thirsty,"
ABRA CA DABRA
Jumping Cards What You Need: * Two identical decks of cards Instructions: 1. Prepare a deck of cards by putting the seven of spades and the eight of clubs at the top of the deck. 2. Take the seven of spades and the eight of clubs from the other deck and put them at the bottom of the deck you will be using. 3. Show your friend(s) the two cards at the top of the deck and put them back on the top. 4. Tap the deck twice and then show your friends the bottom two cards. They will think the cards magically jumped to the bottom of the deck!
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thought the bullock. But after having eaten all the sweets, the daughter returned home and lied to her mother that she had taken the bullock to the pond and that the bullock drank water from the pond. The bullock was extremely angry. He cursed the daughter, "In your next birth, you may be born as a Chatak, a bird
that drinks water when only it rains. As you kept me thirsty today, so will you remain thirsty." The Curse of The Bullock came true. In her next birth, the daughter was born a Chatak. It is said that a Chatak is a bird that waits for rains, remaining thirsty throughout the year, despite having water all around.
LAUGH OUT LOUD Old man Santa limped into the doctor's office and said, "Doctor, my knee hurts so bad, I can hardly walk!" The doctor slowly eyed him from head to toe, paused and then said, "Mr. Santa, just how old are you?" "98!" Santa announced proudly. The doctor just sighed, and looked at him again… Finally he said, "Sir, I'm sorry. I mean, just look at you. You're practically
Instructions: 1. Cut your white piece of paper into a square. You can use a ruler to get the shape perfect. 2. Fold the white square into quarters. 3. Cut small holes, lines, and other shapes into the folded edges. 4. Unfold the paper and glue it onto a piece of colored paper. 5. You now have a beautiful snowflake decoration!
Source: etsy.com
one hundred years old, and you're complaining that your knee hurts? Well, what did you expect?" The old Santa said, "Well, my other knee is 98 years old too, and it don't hurt!"
RIDDLES Q: What is small and sharp and has one eye? A: A needle! Q: What is there a lot of in the Atlantic Ocean? A: Water! Q: What did the baby corn say to the mother corn? A: Where's pop-corn? Q: Which is a dress that you can't wear? A: Address Q: Which is the table that we can eat? A: Vegetable
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