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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

What lies in for North East in BRICS Summit?

Page 8

Issue 222

Dibrugarh, Monday, January 18, 2016

If You Want To Be An Organ Donor, Here Are 5 Important Things You Should Know

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

Aurobindo Pharma receives USFDA sanction for two generic drugs

Trio in Bengaluru design 'borewell rescue robot'

Page 10

Page 6

Page 9

AAP's accusations on BJP, Delhi Police High-profile inaugural to ‘unfortunate’: Rijiju on ink attack BJP’s poll campaign in Assam ANI New Delhi, Jan17

Condemning the ink attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Minister of State for Home (MoS) Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that it was very unfortunate that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders were accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Delhi Police for orchestrating the whole incident.

"I was upset that some of the AAP leaders started BJP of orchestrating the attack. This is ridiculous actually. It is very unfortunate to accuse the Delhi

ET CAPSULES

Theft in nurses quarter in Khumtai Golaghat, Jan 17: An incident of theft at nurses quarter of a government hospital creates sensation in the greater Khumtai area in Golaghat . According to the report a nurse named Junali Borgohain who works at the Khumtai model Hospital went to her home on Bihu leave.

Taking this opportunity thieves conducted operation in the vacant quarter. Thieves stole cash, jewelery, gas cylinder, inverter and several other valuable goods worth more than a lakh. Today when the nurse returned to duty saw this in her quarter and filed a report at Khumtai Police Out post. (Correspondent)

Timber logs seized Dhubri, Jan 17 : Hatsinghimari forest official under Dhubri Forest Division seized the timber logs of road side a giant tree on chopped by the timber smugglers today. The timber smugglers allegedly chopping the road side tree planted by the forest department.

(Correspondent)

“Just because of one incident how you (AAP) can make an allegation that it was orchestrated and instigated by BJP. This statement is very unbecoming.

Police or the BJP. AAP keeps telling on people to protest in an ugly manner," Rijiju told ANI. "Just because of one incident how you (AAP) can make an allegation that it was orchestrated and instigated by BJP. This statement is very unbecoming," he added.

”

"See anybody may be upset with leader. The lady, who has thrown ink on the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, may be upset with him, but this is not the proper way to protest.

This kind of protest is not good in our civilized society," he further said.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Min-

ister Manish Sisodia had alleged that the ink attack was scripted by the BJP with the help of the Delhi Police.

"The whole incident was scripted by the BJP with the help of the Delhi Police. The BJP can even get the Chief Minister murdered," he said.

"The incident shows that the Delhi Police are ready for a deadly attack on Kejriwal. Police are not even concerned about the safety of the Chief Minister and the people of the city," he added.

Contd. on Page 3

Fire devours DEM Hr. Sec School

Modi to interact with faculty members and students of IIT-Guwahati, Gauhati University and Cotton College

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 17

The BJP’s campaign for the upcoming Assembly polls in Assam will see a high-profile inaugural with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to address a rally in the State on January 19.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 17 The IIT-Guwahati is gearing up to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will visit the premier institute of higher education on Tuesday. Modi will address faculty members and students of IIT-Guwahati, Gauhati University and Cotton College.

Prime Minister Modi will address a meeting at Kokrajhar on Tuesday, the heartland of Bodoland Territorial Council.

On the other hand, the BJP and Asom Gana Parishad had held two round of talks on alliance. BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Asom Gana Parishad has submitted a list of candidates to the BJP. He said that the BJP will discuss the list.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

"Right now, we are busy in executing infrastructure development plans to welcome the Prime Minister who is going to address students from higher educational institutes of the northeast. Our target is to bring around 6,000 people to the event," said IIT-Guwahati public relations officer Labanu Konwar.

Officials in IIT-Guwahati said Modi will connect with students

Silpi Divas observed: Two hundred artists felicitated

IS kills 280 in Syria's Deir al-Zour

Bodoland Peoples Front Hagrama Mahilary said that his party will formally announce alliance with the BJP if Prime Minister declares at least 500 crore rupees package on Tuesday.

ANI Syria, Jan 17

Shambhu Boro Tezpur, January 17

The Islamic State (IS) militant group killed as many as 280 people when its militants stormed a town in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour.

The remains of the Charred School rooms and (right) officials during their visit to the campus.

Altogether seven rooms comprising two class rooms, teachers' common-room, exam-cell, two office establishment rooms and Vice-

Principal's office room were completely devoured in a fire incident that occurred here at Daying Ering Higher Secondary School, Pasighat on last night at around 2.35 AM. Reportedly, two firefighters reached immediately at 2.41 AM, doused the inferno within three hours, and brought nor-

malcy as a result rest parts of the school. Among others, Advisor to Chief Minister Bosiram Siram and DIGP (Central Range) LH Shanliana also visited the school.

Contd. on Page 3

AACWA comes down heavily upon engineers of PWD highway division A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 17 The All Arunachal Contractor’s welfare Association (AACWA) has come down heavily upon the Chief Engineer and Executive Engineer PWD (Highway) Division for their alleged inability to complete their assigned tasks to complete the road construction in between Itanagar to Banderdewa. The AACWA has also urged upon the officers to leave their chairs since they have allegedly failed to complete works related to many bridges, culverts and drainages etc. “If they cannot complete their works within the stipulated time they should leave their chair and let efficient people

replace them”, Nabam Akin Hina, general secretary, AACWA said.

The association also said that the engineers had assured through various press release that the works will be completed within a few months time but till date even after passage of several months they have not been able to complete the works.

“Even tenders have been also finalized for black toping of road in between Itanagar and Banderdewa but contractors have not yet started the works. “The work on a few meters which is going on at Naharlagun is also substandard”, Hina said. That blacktopping works should cover all areas of road including areas of recently road widening with CC pavements by department but

blacktopping works is only executed at few meters of roads only which seems that funds were meaningless used by department for widening, he added. Moreover, AACWA suggest to IMC to fixed genuine rate for parking fees and they should deploy staff who are well trained. That IMC is taking excessive fees from car owners due to which some person are opposed to the collection system. AACWA also appealed to citizen of twin capital city to cooperate with IMC with feedback to them because fixing of parking fees will be of help to abolish reckless parking and help smooth movement of traffic at the twin capital city without any hurdle.

While officials and teachers of IIT-Guwahati are busy preparing for smooth conduct of the event, students are eagerly waiting to make it an opportunity to boost Modi's initiatives for a clean and developed India.

IIT-Guwahati student Shweta Gupta, who hails from Prime Minister Modi's constituency, Varanasi, said Modi's presence at IIT-Guwahati will inspire youths of northeast to implement the PM's ambitious projects like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India Campaign and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.

Meanwhile, the President of

ET Bureau Pasighat, Jan 17

of other higher educational institutes of the northeast through live webcast. They said Modi may also reply to queries of students from other parts of the northeast through live webcast.

Turning the dream of cultural icon Rupkonor Jyoti Prashad Agarwala into a reality the District library auditorium here became a platform of harmony today as a galaxy of more than two hundred artists from across the state besides dialogue of renowned theatre artists Bhola Kalita, Udai Sankar Saikia, Bihu Dance of Assamese cine actor Nipon Goswami, presentation of Bagrumba, Jhumroi, Tiwa, Nichi, Bihu dance etc. ethnic dances enthralled the people.

In a sense Tezpur today turned into a platform of harmony and a place of pilgrimage of artists.

Contd. on Page 3

According to Xinhua, 'a horrific massacre' was committed by the IS militants in the alBughailiyeh neighborhood in Deir al-Zour, where 280 people, largely women, children and elderly, were killed.

Several suicide bombers blew themselves up at government forces' positions.

Local artistes perform dance during Silpi Divas organized by Asom Repertory in Tezpur. Pic - UB Photos

KAAC oppose AASA supported 12 hour Karbi Anglong strike Sushanta Roy Diphu January 17

The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council has formally opposed the ‘All Adavasi Students Association’ (AASA) Karbi Anglong unite forced 12 hour Karbi Anglong strike (bandh) 20th January 2016.

Addressing a press conference in the official residence of Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Mongol Sing Timung Executive Member in charge Land Revenue made it clear that the landed property of Lahorijan and Nirmal Kumar tea estate is being given to the

Government of India’s defense department and not to any individual of Nagaland. “Dr. Jayanta Rongpi as CEM first issued one NOC to the actual patta (periodic lease) holders of the tea estate; the Ghatak family is the actual owner since 1943till now as per the records of the Council, Contd. on Page 3

As reported by Syria's state news agency SANA, the Cabinet condemned the heinous crime with Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi saying the legal and moral responsibility for this barbaric and cowardly massacre committed by ISIS hordes lies on the shoulders of all the states that support terrorism and that fund and armor Takfiri organizations which harbour hatred for all humanity.

The IS attack on the neighbourhood comes amid renewed battles between the IS and Syrian military forces in several areas in Deir al-Zour, including the vicinity of the main airbase near the Iraqi borders.

The best way to maintain a good health, beat traffic snarls, prevent accidents and minimise pollution is pedalling a cycle : Tarun Gogoi “The best way to maintain a good health, beat traffic snarls, prevent accidents and minimise pollution is pedalling a cycle,” said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while flagging off the Mega Cycle Rally - Cycle for Health organised by Assam Talks in association with Gang by SK Bikes at Latasil playground in Guwahati today.

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Flagging off the Mega Cycle Rally at around 8.25 am, Chief Minister Gogoi

said at a time when the State in particular and the world at large is confronted with natural disasters, pollution and climate change, the best way to arrest the disturbing trend is taking to cycling in a big way.

“Cycling helps to keep the environment clean by reducing pollution, ensures good health and prevents accidents,” he said.

Reminiscing his heydays, Chief Minister Gogoi said, “Cycle was an indispensable part of my life. I used to pedal 8 to 10 miles on my way to

A time when the State in particular and the world at large is confronted with natural disasters, pollution and climate change, the best way to arrest the disturbing trend is taking to cycling in a big way. Cycling helps to keep the environment clean by reducing pollution, ensures good health and prevents accidents.

Assam CM Tarun Gogoi school and later to college. I also started my political life on a cycle campaigning from house to house when I contested the municipal elections.

I saw my father going out on a cycle treating patients.”

The Chief Minister said that he was happy to see the turn-

out of young boys and girls for the event.

“The manner in which young boys and girls are coming forward to take part in the cycle rally augurs well for the State,” he said.

Gogoi while lauding the organisers hoped that the event would help to create awareness on health, minimise accidents and reduce the level of pollution.

About 250 participants took part in the rally which traversed from Latasil to Bhangagarh via Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati

Club, Nehru Stadium and Ulubari. Besides Guwahati, the cycle rally is being organised in Nagaon, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Bongaigaon.

The event, was attended, among others, by Editorin-Chief, Assam Talks, Atanu Bhuyan, Managing Editor, Assam Talks, Bedabrat Bora, Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation, Dipankar Roy, General Manager, SK Bikes, Dev Singh, Proprietor, SK Bikes, Hardeep Singh and noted actor, Biju Phukan.

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A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 17

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Road Safety week observed in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 17: District Transport Office Of Golaghat observed 27th Road Safety Week with a weeklong programe . An inauguration meeting was organized in the premises of DTO office here today and theme of 2016 was displayed through banners and posters in public places.

D.T.O Nandeshwar Lahkar said this year the theme is " Road Safety time for action ". He said we are coming up with broad program in the current month.

District Transport Office Of Golaghat organised 27th

Road Safety Week with a week program and same was inaugurated by DTO Nandeshwar Lahkar and Dinesh Gogoi by flaging off the awareness rally of two and four wheelers in a splendid manner.

A Public meeting was organized in the public bus stand today and theme of 2016 was displayed through banners and posters in public places . The meeting was presided by D.T.O officer Nandeshwar Lahkar and among others Ghanshyam Barohi Chairman Municipality , Ex Professor Dinesh Gogoi ,Purna Rajkhowa,

'Laikhuta' of 9th Special Assam Sahitya Sabha Annual Session erected at Haflong ET Correspondent, Haflong Jan 17 : The 'Laikhuta' of 9th Special Assam SahityaSabha Annual Session, Haflong was erected in presence of huge gatherings at the N L Daolagupu Sports Complex with religious ceremonially on Sunday.

The programme was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao, Sri Amarendra Barua along with Vice President, ASS Dr Parag Kumar Thakur, Asstt.

Secretary Deben Kakoti, Office Secretary, Chandan Sharma, President , Karbi Anglong ASS Pari Rongpi, Central Committee Members Bhabesh Rajbangshi, Sukhendra Phonglo, Anjali Bora, Nripen Bhuyan and representatives from every community living in Dima Hasao .

Talking to the media, Sri Ghanashyam Nath, Secretary, 9th Special Assam Sahitya Sabha Annual Ses-

sion, Haflong while appreciating all the people for their hearty cooperation to make the function a grand success. He hoped that the people of Dima Hasao would surely extend their helping hand to make the main event of 9th Special Assam Sahitya Sabha Annual Session, Haflongwhich is being held from February 2, 3 and 4th 2016.

He also disclosed that the preparation of the 9th Special Assam Sahitya Sabha Annual Session, Haflong were in full swing. All the respective communities of Dima Hasao have assured all possible help to make this mega event a grand success. It is to be mentioned here that this for the first time , this mega event is being hosted at Haflong by the Assam Sahitya Sabha aiming to promote the rich culture, tradition, language and literature of as many as fourteen tribes and other non-tribes of Dima Hasao.

Major gain for congress as Tribal Sangha GS Aditya Khaklary joins party A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 17 : In a major shot in the arm for the Congress ahead of the 2016 state assembly election, the All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) general secretary Aditya Khaklary today joined Congress at a meeting at Rajiv bhawan in Guwahati.

Last September, the Sangha had facilitated the formation of a political party, United People's Front (UPF), with

nine tribal groups under BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary's leadership.

Khaklary, who was the chief convener, is now set to sever all ties with this initiative following the BPF-BJP bonhomie.

Terming the joining of the tribal leader as a major boost for the party, APCC president Anjan Dutta further added that many more leaders will be joining the Congress shortly.

Dip Kalita , MVI Debojit Dutta , Mantu Das and Enforcement Officer Gajendra Adhyapak were made to sit over the dais and were felicitated.

Mr Dinesh Gogoi said “Not to Drink and Drive. He defined best driver is one who use less horn and break.

There are many persons who do not use Deeper as if it hurts their Ego.” Mr Dip Kalita said “The Driver one who is physically and mentally prepared should be allowed to drive.”

Earlier few minute Condo-

lence was marked for Barpathar O.C Vinod Phangso .

In the rally Dealers of Two and Four Wheelers and Bus Association and other Motor Concerning People took out rally awareing people.

In the ceremony officials of NRL gave some Modern Traffic Jackets Reflecters and other equipment to TSI Mr Sonowal .

On 12th A Free Eye and Health Check up Camp was organised at Public Bus Stand Golaghat .

On 13th January Enforce-

ment Drive against violation of Traffic rules and non use of Helmet and other was carried out at various places. On January 14 an awareness program was held in places of Dergaon and Bokakhat region with various programe. On 15th Leaf let’s was distributed among public, students and other road users in Golaghat Town. On 16th the awareness program was held in Sarupathar region with cooperation of all . DTO Mr Nandeshwar Lahkar and MVI Mantu Das & Mr Debojit Dutta has thanked the people to cooperate and participate in the programe.

LED bulb distributes to save electricity in Nagaon ET Correspondent Nagaon, Jan.17: In a bid to save power and create awareness among the people about the need to save power the state government has taken an ambitious programme of distributing LED bulbs, two each, at a subsidy rate among thirty-three lac electricity connections in the state, and in the process hopes to save at least 120 mw power.

Inaugurating the scheme at Nagaon yesterday, Rockybul Hussain, the state power minister said that the number of electricity connections in 2001 was about

six lac and power consumed was 600 MW while in 2015 electricity connection rose to thirty-three lakhs and demand for electricity has risen to about 1500 MW. Each LED bulb of seven watt costs one hundred rupees only.

The minister while adding told the government has decided not to hike power tariff for at least one year, for which the state exchequer will lose minimum 300 crore rupees. He further said the department has made necessary preparations for interrupted power supply to every district, the

Nagaon district being the first, and within one month period Marigaon, Karbi Anglong, Hojai and Dima Hachang districts will be included in this scheme.

With a view to improving power supply condition, the Minister said, massive improvements have been made in transmission and distribution of power. As a result, loss of power during transmission and distribution has been reduced to a large extent. Earlier, the Minister inaugurated an Electricity sub-centre at Deodhar, a suburb of Nagaon town.

ABSU will field candidates in 45 seats: Pramud Boro Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Jan 17: As the assembly election 2016 is coming nearer with other political parties two front line student bodies of the state ABSU and AAGSU are also getting ready to take part in the ensuing assembly poll.

Almost giving a challenge to the national political party congress and BJP in a press meet held at Prasanti lodge here yesterday evening, President of both the organizations respectively Pramud Boro and Prem Tamang said that out of 126 assembly constituencies of the state there are 5 to 91 thousand Boro voters in 45 assembly constituencies while there are minimum 5 thousand voters of Gorkha community in each of the 35 constituencies of the state. Pramud Boro openly said that in the last parliamentary assembly election ABSU openly supported BJP, as the BJP had con-

sented to seriously deal with the burning issues of the Bodos including the Bodoland problem, if it came to the power.

“However after coming to the power at the centre winning a good number of parliamentary segments with the help of Boro voters in Assam it has drastically become reluctant to the Bodo problems thereby creating an environment of grave concern among the Bodos.” He alleged adding if no any political party respond to the Bodo problems in the days to come then ABSU will field their own candidates in total 45 assembly segments in the ensuing 2016 assembly poll.

Addressing the joint press conference AAGSU president Prem Tamang said that, during the past every government has neglected the tribal problems. “But this time it will not be allowed to be so.

In this election besides tribal people Gorkhas will play a vital role.” He said and questioned Hagrama Mahilari who has been failure in addressing grievances of Bodos, during the last 15 years of his rule in BTAD how can he put attention to the problem of other communities living in the region.

Referring to the NRC up gradation process supremo of both the organisations alleged that the central government has been neglecting the issue over the year which is not a good sign for the people of the state.

The duo organizations were of the opinion that government should stress on constitutional safeguard for the people of the state and resolved to take forward the issue of Gorkha autonomous council. The duo organizations also resolved to fight jointly for their legitimate rights.

Panchayat representatives must adopt a neutral role in implementation of the welfare schemes which the state government has initiated for the development of the minorities: Borkotoky

A view of the cultural rally taken out during the Mahamilan Samaruh Of Dilihi High School, at Sivasagar. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Flow With The Tide Today. This Is Ganesha's Tip Pertaining To Your Relationships.

You Are Assertive As A General Rule But You Can Save It For Later. Today Is The Day To Be Generous And Accede To The Wishes Of Your Beloved. You May Even Propose To Him/Her. Taurus Definitely Not A Day When You Plan To Get Your Feet Dirty (Maybe A Pedicure, Though). You Might Delay The Start Of A New Project. Perhaps, A Romantic Escape With Your Sweetheart Or A Day In The Spa Grooming Yourself With A Lavish Makeover Will Validate Your Lethargy Today. Either Way, It Will Be Heavy On Your Pocket Gemini A Crucial Social Event At Home Is On The Anvil, And It Will Demand Most Of Your Attention. Intense Business Negotiations, Which Were Going On For A Long Time, Will Come To A Logical Conclusion. The Results Are Likely To Be Stacked In Your Favour. This, Coupled With After-Office Parties, Will Ease Out The Stress. You Are Likely To Remain Buoyant And Energetic.

Cancer You Will Make New Friends. You Will Have A Jolly Time With Them, But Some Worry Or Tension Will Nag You. But Ganesha Says That All Worries Will Go Away

By Evening, When You Relax With Friends Leo Unlike Dennis Or Calvin, Expect Your Sometimes Haughty And Mostly Naughty Kids To Behave 'Just Right' At The Right Time. It's Not That Children Like To Break Rules, They Just Want To Have Some Fun, Reminds Ganesha. Keep This In Mind While You Go About Arranging For Special Classes To Improve Their Academic Skills And Performance. Learn To Apply An Incentive-Based System, And Update Yourself On The Latest Gadgets And Recreational Technology To Keep Pace With Your Kids, Says Ganesha Virgo T Is More Than Likely That You Will Reap Financial Profits From Foreign Contacts, Predicts Ganesha. You Will Excel In All The Activities That You Undertake Today. Your Dream Of Establishing A Mammoth Business Enterprise In A Foreign Country Will Take Flight Today.

Libra Lady Luck Smiles On You Today. With All The Good Fortune On Your Side, It's Assured To Be A Day When Financial Gains Come Your Way, Especially If You Are In The Banking Business. Agreed Everything Is Going Your Way Today, But Be Careful Not To Let Your Emotions Cloud Your Reasoning And Slow You Down. Don Your Rational Hat And Lower Your Expectations A Little. It Never Hurts To Want Less, Especially Since It Is Saves You From Disappointments Later On, Advises Ganesha.

Scorpio There Are Strong Indications That Today You Will Be Receptive And Sensitive Towards The Needs Of Other People. Negative Vibes Will Disrupt Your Thinking, And You Will Rely On The Company Of Close Friends To Keep You In Good Cheer. Do Not Succumb To The Pessimism That Might Cloud Your Thought Today As It Is Only A Passing Phase, Advises Ganesha Sagittarius Your Business Is All Set To Expand With You Making The Most Of Your Overseas Contacts. Effective Communication Skills Will Help You Sail Through Your Tasks.

And You Are Making All The Right Moves To Become The Leader Of Your Pack Capricorn Success Never Comes Easy, But In Your Case, It Will Make An Exception, Says Ganesha. You Will Meet With Success In Social As Well As Professional Life, And This Will Also Make Heavy Your Treasure Box. At Work, Prepare To Get Loaded With New Assignments And Simultaneously Deal With Existing Work Pressure. But It Won't Be As Fatiguing As It Sounds; Evening Recreations Will Charge You Up For The Next Day Aquarius You Are In For A Challenging Day Today. But, Luck Is By Your Side And You Will Be Able To Come Out Of The Storm Hale And Hearty, Assures Ganesha. If You Are A Businessman, You May Enter Into Some Major Business Venture, Sign Important Contracts And Take Up New Projects. It Will Be An Exhausting Day, But It Will Keep You Charged Up. Pisces The Focus Will Be On Children Today, Says Ganesha. While They Will Be The Cause Of An Unfair Share Of Your Headache, You Will Be Surprised At Their Ability To Step Up To The Occasion, With Just A Little Amount Of Coaching.

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

18-1-16 (MONDAY)

State education minister Sarat Borkotoky during an assembly level meeting for minorities at Sonari public auditorium today (right) a view of the gathering. Pic - Mritunjoy Das ET Correspondent Sonari, Jan 17: The state government has initiated several welfare schemes for the benefit of the minorities. Although, the minority community in lower Assam has been able to reap the benefits of these schemes, the minority community in upper Assam had so far not been able to reap 100 percent benefit from the schemes. The panchayat representatives must adopt a neutral role and ensure that these welfare schemes

which the state government has started for the benefit of minority community.

This was stated by state education minister Sarat Borkotoky during an assembly level meeting for minorities at Sonari public auditorium today. On the elections of the state legislative assembly which is just a couple of months away, the minister said that the Tarun Gogoi led Congress government has been ruling the state since 2001 after which the state has

witnessed both peace and development. “In the ensuing elections too we will win and Congress will form the government under the leadership of Tarun Gogoi”, he said. The meeting was presided over by Kabir Ahmed, a minority leader of the party. Addressing the meeting, state industry and commerce minister Siddique Ahmed came down heavily upon the BJP alleging that the party is run by the communal RSS. He also stated that

the country has witnessed the intolerance wave and many people from the minority had come under attack during the BJP rule. “At present many people from the minority community are compelled to spend their days under threat. Therefore, if the BJP comes to power in the state, the peace and tranquility of the state might be disturbed”, the minister said. At the outset, Samim Ahmed, the joint secretary of the reception committee elaborated the

purpose of the meeting. The welcome address was delivered by Prakash Nag, the Working President of the reception committee. A few persons who have worked for the development of the minority community were felicitated on the occasion.

Mir Fazlur Rahman, Gojen Lahon and Durga Shyam also spoke on the occasion.

Later, a memorandum listing 28 points for the development of the five minority communities was submitted to the education minister.

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Ramdhenu (Request Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 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 (Youth Programme) 7-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Poth Hoise Bikashor" 8-00 P.M-Drama 8-30 P.M-Talk in Assamese-"Somajor Sarbangin Bikashat Boijnanik Manosikotar Prayojoniyota" by Arabinda Rajkhowa 9-30 P.M-Discussion in English

Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

DC Lohit powers Manthi village

(Left) Lohit DC Tamiyo Tatak handing over a solar lamp to a villager (midle) Yakum Tatak, wife of DC Tamiyo Tatak presenting a solar lamp to a village elder. (right) the group of students who were present during the programme. Pic - ET Photos Wakro, Jan 17: Yakum Tatak, lady of the Lohit House started the initiative of powering Manthi village by gifting a solar lamp to a village elder of Manthi. Twenty five more families received the Art of Living solar lamp gifts from Tamiyo Tatak, DC, Lohit in the graceful presence of His Holiness Swami Sri Sri Swananda, Sokhep Kri, State Editor, Deptt of Gazetteer and EAC Dakto Riba. DC Lohit appreciated the Art of living for reaching out to people of inaccessible

areas. Tamiyo Tatak requested the Art of Living to render similar services to people in border areas. Dr Rama Tewari of AOL assured that all possible will be done to provide similar assistance to the border areas.

The Apnes and girls of KGBV performed dances and sang to mark the occasion. Sokhep Kri, State Editor, Deptt of Gazetteer and EAC Dakto Riba joined the DC in lauding the efforts of the Art of Living and Wakro based NGO. Vil-

lagers of Manthi who attended the function thanked the DC, all in Lohit House and the Art of Living for the service rendered. The people were very touched by the gesture of the DC who arrived well ahead of the schedule and spent time informally interacting with the people.

The DC also discussed various social and development issues in his meeting with Social Entrepreneur Chinmay Panth on the sidelines of the event. Chinmay

Panth expressed that with little effort from the government and public participation the lives of people will be much better.

sented the BAMBOOSA MEMENTO OF GRATITUDE to DC and thanked him for the great support.

DC Tatak also met Satyanarayanan Mundayoor and library activists. Appreciating the services of Lohit Libraries the DC offered financial assistance from the district administration for Bamboosa Library. He appealed to all members of society to support the Lohit Libraries. Uncle Moosa pre-

Members of public also thanked Sokhep Kri for his affectionate care and support rendered to all activities of Lohit Youth Library Network. Vijay Swami, Executive Director of RiWATCH presented BAMBOOSA MEMENTO OF GRATITUDE to Sokhep Kri. Sokhep appreciated the service rendered by the Apna

AAP's accusations on BJP, Delhi Police 'unfortunate': Rijiju on ink attack Contd. from Page 1

"It is a very serious and dangerous incident. The Delhi Police were acting mere spectators at the event, where the whole Delhi cabinet was sitting.

It is very astonishing that there was not even a single policeman when the woman rushed to the stage and threw ink at Kejriwal. Not even a single policeman was checking people and was looking after the security of the place," Sisodia

said, while adressing reporters after the incident.

Taking on B.S. Bassiled Delhi Police, Sisodia said, "The Delhi Police keep on shouting that there is high alert in the city. Where is the high alert? Who will take the responsibility if a person comes and throws acid at the Delhi Chief Minister and his cabinet?"

"This incident only shows that the Delhi Police are ready for a deadly attack on Kejriwal. Police are not even con-

cerned about the safety of the Chief Minister and the people of the city. The whole incident is scripted by the BJP with the help of the Delhi Police. They can even get the Chief Minister murdered. The whole incident was scripted by the Saffron Party with the help of the Delhi Police," he said.

A woman, who identified herself as Bhavna, Punjab in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Sena, threw ink at the Delhi Chief Minister in protest over an alleged CNG scam.

The woman was immediately apprehended by the police. However, the Chief Minister told the cops to leave her.

"Leave her; she is talking about some scam.

Please take that paper from her she is mentioning some CNG scam," he said.

The event was organised by the AAP Government to thank the people of Delhi for making the odd-even experiment, which ended on January 15, a 'success'.

KAAC oppose AASA supported 12 hour Karbi Anglong strike Contd. from Page 1

later Sum Ronghang as CEM also approved the proposal of handing the property to the defense. The total landed asset of 3629 bighas, 3 katha and 1 locha has been fixed at Rs 3 Lakh as compensatory amount payable to the actual owner and KAAC will have to decide who the actual stake holder is. Since couple of years one Amphu Engtipi and Pele Kheize are contesting a case in KAAC claiming ownership of the property along with another NGO; this is the present status of the land in question, so far rehabilitation of the settled people of the estate is concern naturally it is the responsibility of the land owner as it is a private property and the army is simply acquiring the land lawfully and shall pay the compensation to the actual owner, who will have to prove his claim” Mongol Sing Timung said.

Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member who was also present in the press conference told the media that a section of people and organization is leveling baseless allegation against him and the revenue EM but in actuality the matter is in court and once settled and the defense takes over the land the Council will only receive the transfer charge of the land. “It is unfortunate that some political party and organization is trying to give political color and leveling false and unfounded allegation against me and my colleague, they should know the fact first.

We are here to protect our land and will not allow an inch of our land to neighboring state or individual” Tuliram Ronghang said.

The strike has been called demanding relief and rehabilitation of thousands of Adavasi people settled within Lahorijan and Nirmal Kumar tea estate as the whole landed estate is going to be handed over to Defense Estate Department

by Assam government and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council for security purpose. It may be mentioned here that the whole area is located in Assam- Nagaland border within Bokajan subdivision of Karbi Anglong autonomous district and the strategic location of the estate has drawn the attention of defense experts for acquiring the place for defense purpose.

Till now Defense Estate Department has not taken over position of the estate nor has deposited the compensation amount to Assam government for onward payment to the actual claimant. On the other hand the litigation regarding the ownership of the land is still pending in the court of KAAC. According to the records of the Draft Recovery tribunal, Calcutta the property was purchased by Hanuman Tea Company of Calcutta in 2002 from the Ghatakes on the strength of a NOC issued by the KAAC following all norms and the KAAC also allowed trans-

fer of the Patta in the name of Hanuman Tea Company of Calcutta but in spite of repetitive order of the KAAC the concerned revenue officer did not made the necessary mutation and correction in the records of the revenue department.

It also learned from a reliable source that at a time when the litigation was going on the Hanuman Tea Company of Calcutta mortgaged the whole estate to ICICI bank against a hefty loan and did not refund the loaned amount which followed a lawsuit in the Draft Recovery tribunal, Calcutta and in its appellate authority. The whole property was accrued by a Diphu based NGO by paying a negotiated amount to the ICICI bank through the Hanuman Tea Company.

Since then the ownership of the estate is in a dwindling situation several members of the NGO are claiming ownership but except one party no other claimant has any solid document to stake its claim.

Vidya Bhavan.

In a public event DC Lohit appealed to all sections of the society to support the movement against opium addiction and cultivation.

While he assured that the govt will take all possible measures to help people find alternative ways of earning their livelihood he cautioned all present that the district administration will act tough if people continue to cultivate opium and engage in opium trade. DC also

exhorted all to maintain their rich culture and traditions.

illicit cultivation and trade.

He opined that all should work in the direction to ensure that Lohit should be known for all the good and richness it has and this one evil menace of opium should never be allowed to overshadow the huge potential of growth and prosperity Lohit has. EAC Riba also advised that people should not invite tough govt action by refraining from indulging in

He informed that the district administration is monitoring all areas closely on this matter.

Chief Engineer Lupalum Kri thanked the DC Lohit on behalf of the people of Wakro for the apt guidance.

Kri also appealed to one and all to follow the good guidance of the district administration and support the govt in the effort of achieving opium addiction free society.

Fire devours DEM Hr. Sec School Contd. from Page 1

workplaces on regular basis.

East Siang DC Isha Khosla along with DDSE Obuk Panor and Genden Tsumo DDMO rushed to the school early this morning and took stock of extensive damage caused by the inferno. Interacting with the Principal and Vice Principal, she instructed them to arrange alternative arrangements immediately in the school auditorium to continue teaching-learning process without any break. The DC directed the police to ascertain the actual cause of the incident and instructed the authorities of all the academic institutions and offices to switch- off all electrical appliances before leaving their respective

Giving details, the principal and vice principal of the school P Rukbo and Vice Principal Aroti Padung Pada respectively informed that all important documents of the school and the students, all computers, all steel almirahs, Zerox machine, furniture etc were reduced into ashes. Internal board exam of Class-IX and XI on 1st February and 1st March for Class X and XII are scheduled to be held but burning of all valid documents and board provided answer scripts are matter of concern, duo added. They also appealed the visiting DC to take initiative to construct toilets for faculties and boys on priority.

Meanwhile, Loksabha MP Ninong Ering who had adopted the school last year has expressed shock and assured that he would do his best for betterment of the school soon. Local MLA Kaling Moyong termed the incident as unfortunate. Further, in his message Moyong has assured that he would extend all possible and pursue the government for necessary fund. Taking privilege, the MLA informed that government had assured him to spare funds for reconstruction of two rooms for fire gutted Gandhi Secondary School, Pasighat last year and still under process to release.

Advisor to Chief Minister Bosiram Siram while visiting and taking stock of

the incident informed that he has already conveyed the message to the Chief Minister and sought immediate help from the government.

He also assured the school fraternity that the matter would be taken up with the concerned minister. Siram assured to convince the district administration and director of school education to provide computers, printers, Zerox machine and furniture etc so that normal functioning are not hampered. He also assured to connect water supply immediately to the school with the nearby overhead water reservoir/tank on priority.

He advised the school authority to construct G+2 buildings in future keeping wide open space inside the school.

Silpi Divas observed: Two hundred artists felicitated Contd. from Page 1

It is to be mentioned here that for the first time frontline cultural platform of Tezpur “Asom reparatory” organized a typical get together programme among the artists of the state christened as “Silpi Samaruh” today at District library here in culture capital Tezpur, in connection with the Silpi Divas, that is observed every year to commemorate the cultural icon Rup Kwonor Jyoti Prashad Agarwala. The programme begun with the floral tribute at the image of the “Rup Kwonor” by the president of Asom Reparatory, Dr. Pradip Lahkar and president of Sonitpur Silpi Samaruh working president respectively Gautom Sarma and Sibanu Bora, the day long function got a unique form with the presentation of diverse culture of different ethnic communities participating from different corners of the district.

Conspicuous Bhur-tal

presentation of Mitali Dutta Bora, Bagrumba dance, tiwa dance, Nichi dance, Jhumroi etc. besides the interface among the artists conducted by Gautom Sarma provided an exceptional cultural environment to the people. Meanwhile, taking part in the interface noted Assamese cine actor Nipan Goswami shared his experience of having close contact of cultural icon Kolaguru Bishnu Prashad Rabha in his life. In the day long programme, artists from across the state, including actor Bhabani Nath, Jiban Bora, poet, Nilim Kumar, litterateur Jonardan Goswami, singer Gitali Kakoti, Bhaskor Moun, Syam Kumar Nag, Narbahadur Dorjee, Kamal Rashid Ahmed, Tarulota Das, Sunoyona Goswami, Bitupon Bora, Suja Chakrabarty, Digbija Basumatary, Pratibha Bora, Puja Goswami, Beauty Bora among others were present to share their views.

In the programme two hundred artists were felicitated with phulam gamusa, and the mouthpiece of Asom

Reparatory “Kusalib” was released by artist Assamese cine actor Nipan Goswami, Bhola Kalita and Bhola Kotoki.

On the otherhand, besides this different social organization of Tezpur including, Jyoti Bharati (POKI), Bhupen Hazarika Kola Bhumi, Trimurty Uddyan, Ban Theatre family, Asomiya Bhasha Unnati Sadhini Sabha, Lekhika Samaruh Samittee etc. observed the 65th Silpi Divas to commemorate the “Rup Kwonor”. With the floral tribute and lighting Tezpur Sahitya Sabha commemorated the cultural icon, at the premises of Tezpur Sahitya Sabha Bhawan here. Paying rich tribute to the Rup Kwonor, president of Tezpur Sahitya Sabha Hemanta Kumar Baruah said that after saint Srimanta Sankardeva, Rup Kwonor Jyoti Prashad Agarwala can be regarded as an architect of modern Assamese language, literature, and art and culture. “Authenticity of folk songs are echoed in Jyoti sangeet.” He said add-

ing the new generation should follow the ideology of the Rup Kwonor Jyoti Prashad Agarwala who bestowed his life in the revolution of building a classless society through culture.

Paying tribute to the cultural icon, president of “Chatok” a cultural organization of Tezpur, Anil Bhattacharya said that the word silpi (artist) is misused now a days.

“We notice that the opposite of the definition of the word which was given by Jyoti Prashad Agarwala. Some so called artists who have been trying to establish the Assamese culture in the world arena, dominating the folk song and the folk artists, are to be checked, otherwise the Assamese nation will one day feel insulted.”

He rued. Likewise, office bearers of the social-cultural organizations like Jyoti Bharati (POKI), Bhupen Hazarika Kola Bhumi, , Ban Theatre, Trimurty Uddyan, Asomiya Bhasha Unnati Sadhini Sabha, Lekhika Samaruh Samittee etc. paid rich tribute to the cultural icon.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Olympia Fine Arts International Exhibition and Symposium inaugurated countries engaging in different sorts of art work in the city from January 16. The foreign artists will get an opportunity to be acquainted with Assamese and North east culture.

"It is an unique event taking place in the northeast.

The artists' fraternity here will get an opportunity to come in contact with international art. It will also serve as a widow to NE's cultural heritage.

Mon Thet, an Artist from Myanmar painting a portrait of Jyoti Prashad Agarwalla in Acrylic on Canvas titled as My Honour to the Legend on the occasion of Silpi Diwas as part of the ongoing International art event OFAIES,2016 at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati . Pic - UB Photos

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 17: Olympia Fine Arts International Exhibition and Symposium (OAFIES) was inaugurated at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (SSK) in the

city on Saturday, in an attempt to vie for greater art patronage and connoisseurship in Assam.

The event will see 33 contemporary artists from 23

The venue is ideal to showcase Assam and the northeast as a great destination both for art and tourism," said Narayan Konwar, secretary SSK. OFAIES is being organized by Finlandbased Olympia Fine Arts Association (OFAA), in association with Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (SSK), state cultural affairs, in collaboration with IIT-G for logistical support.

OFAA was formed during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

BPPF supremo Rabiram Narzary merges with BPF A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 17: In a major political development, Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) supremo Rabiram Narzary merged with BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary-led Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) today.

A grand unification rally of the BPF and BPPF was held

Globally reputed Botanist Tea scientist Dr AC Dutta no more ET Correspondent Jorhat, Jan 17: Dr Ananda Chandra Dutta, D.Sc born February 8, 1923 is an internationally reputed botanist of Assam, India. He was born at Chekonidhara village of Jorhat. He started his career as a teacher in Mariani Middle English High School in 1944-45 and then joined the Tocklai Tea Research Centre in 1947. Dutta played a major role in the establishment of a tea museum at Jorhat in 1977. He has also prepared a list of 10,000 trees for the Tocklai herbarium.

He was awarded Degree of Doctor of Science by Dibrugarh University.

Apart from tea and science Dr Ananda Ch Dutta was a flok artist too .He was the man to play papa non stop for several hours during hours of bihu seasion.

Idol damaged ET Correspondent Dhubri, Jan 17 : Idol of Goddess Kali in Nabdaspara village under South Salmara police station of South Salmara-Mancachar Police district, was damaged last night.

Police registered a case in against two persons allegedly involve in the incident but duo reportedly fled from the village, a source said.

on January 17 at Thulangapuri, Dotma, the birthplace of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma.

Ten district committees of the BPPF and hundreds of supporters, besides Hagrama Mohilary and other BPF leaders and supporters attended the unification pro-

gram.

Earlier, Rabiram Narzary announced the party’s decision to unify with the BPF. The decision was taken after a series of talks between the BPPF party leaders and workers, and for the greater interest of the people of BTC as well as model BTC, he said.

Silpi Divas observed at Morigaon ET Correspondent Morigaon, Jan 17: Along with the rest of the state Silpi Divas in memory of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwal was observed at Kathoni Palashguri near Lahorighat under the auspices of Morigaon Zila Sahitya Sabha today.

The programme started with the flag hoisting followed by Shradhanjali to Rupkonwar. The painting competition among the school students held on the occasion was inaugurated by Prabal Basumatari, Social

worker. The Jyoti Prasad Agarwal Natya Mancha's foundation was laid by Shyam Das, Chairman, Morigaon Zila Parishad..

In the afternoon, Bhupendra and Jyoti Sangeet competion was held which was opened

by Kiran Basumatari.. the open meeting was held under the presidentship of Harendra Bora, President, Morigaon Zila Sahitya Sabha. In the meeting, several speakers dwelt at length about the contributions of Jyoti Prasad Agarwal to the greater Assamese society.

Artistes performing during central Silpi Divas organized by All Assam Students Union at Laipuli in Tinsukia. Pic - Arjun Mishra

Silpi Divas observed by NGO at Teok with grand colorful agenda More than five thousand people were present ET Correspondent Teok, Jan 17: Silpi Divas, the death anniversary of the Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla was observed at various places of greater Teok.

One of the reputed Nongovernment Organization the Gaju Foundation today observed Silpi Divas with grand colorful function where more than five thousands of people were present which was an exceptional sign. The function

was held at rural Bhogamukh gaon near

Bhogamukh Police station of Teok. The open-

Saptahik Lakhimi Imran Shah calls for more emerges from Lakhimpur book fair in the region

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Jan17: Katha silpi and the former president of Asom Sahitya Sabha Imran shah called for more book fairs of this kind to attract book lovers and book readers from the coming up generation and call upon the journalist fraternity of the region and the state to organize such type of book festivals book fair which will one day give us a good result among the new generation who has been almost going away from reading books.

Mr. Imran shah also spoke about the new style of new generation going away from reading books which shows

poor attendances in the libraries as well as in the book fairs. He said in recently held book fair at Chowkiding groung of Dibrugarh had shown a very good response as book lovers coming from Sadiya, Namrup, Borhat, Duliajan, Digboi, Naharkatiya from day one to 20 days book fair .

Mr. Solanki Bishal Vasantthe Deputy Commissioner of Jorhat praised the organizers for holding such a wonderful and a fruitful programme which will not only help people to read book but also change the pattern to attract the young school students towards

love for book reading.

The All India Congress Committee general secretary cum Jorhat MLA Rana Goswami too praised the organizers-West Jorhat journalist Association led by journalist Ramen Saikia and his associates for organizing such a wonderful book fair instead of any other.

During the inaugural function Anatar Silpi Sangha, Jorhat- a group associaeted with veteran artist led by Dr. Debojit Sharma (AIR Dibrugarh artist) and his troop performed numbers of cultural programmes during the inaugural session.

YMCA a school of music was awarded by London School Of Music ET Correspondent Jorhat, Jan 17: Altogether 15 students from YMCA school of music, Jorhat was awarded with grade one Piano certificate, the exam were conducted in the month of November 2015 while the certificates was handed over by the president of YMCA Dr. Sajib Barua during a valedictory function held at the YMCA premises today.

It may be mentioned that the YMCA school of music,at mission compound, Jorhat is a school affiliated to the Associated Board of Royal School of Music,(ABRSM)London, Michal Elliott, chief executive of ABRSM was the examiner of the said exam.

All toppers were from Jorhat district passed out with flying colours in their grade one exam, they were- Priyangana Sharma (Carmel School), Angaraj Bhaishya (Army Public School), Arshita Bordoloi (Carmel School), Shinnu Consai (Carmel School), Birinda Bora (Carmel School), Priyakshi Dutta (Sarojani girls high school), Pahi Sharma (Carmel School), Gracy Baro (Carmel School), Rohan Sarkar (Springdale school), Devansh sinha (Springdale School), Shruti Madhur Handique (Carmel School), Anuksha Antara (Carmel School), Ayan Shekhar (St. Mary school), Lammun Lal Simti (Carmel School) and Sneha Sabo (Army Public School).

Earlier, Ms Dorothy Momin, Assittant Professor from the Department of English, DCB College, Jorhat who is also the adviser to the YMCA School of Music, Jail Road Mission Compound, Jorhat welcomed the invitees, guest present during the Valedictory Function 2016 and appreciated the role of YMCA teachers specially Daina Momin from the faculty of Piano, Baba Ahmed from the faculty of guitar, Tonmoy Bhuyan from the faculty of drums and Prem Antony from faculty of guitar. She called upon the parents to keep their rhythm in to get them cleared till the last exam, which will help their ward to add another feather on their cap along with their academic carrier.

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Jan 17: Heralding a new horizon in the arena of newspaper and continuing the glorious history of the newspaper publication from Lakhimpur, a new weekly newspaper viz "Saptahik Lakhimi" emerged from the district today. The releasing ceremony which was chaired by Nityananda Senapati, the former president of Lakhimpur District Sahitya Sabha was held in the auditaurium of Hilton Bibah Bhawan in a befitting manner. The ceremony began with a Borgeet performed by artist Deepali Bhuyan at 12.

President of Lakhimpur District Sahitya Sabha, Krishna Kanta Borah lit the ceremonial lamp and publisher of the newspaper Dipak Bardalai elaborated the purpose of the program ehich was anchored by the editor Jiten Baruah.

Lakhimpur DC Debeswar Malakar released the newspaper amidst a environment.

"The news paper will play a constructive roll in the upgradation of human values and the development of the district"-he hoped in the meeting. Attending in the program, educationist Nripen Phukan, poet Bipul Dutta, senior journalist Harnul Rachid, Nanda Kishor Maheswari, novelist Jatin Saikia, cultural researcher Dr. Amarendra Gogoi, Bhuddheswar Hajartika, Paresh Sahu, Biren Borah delivered encouraging lecture in the meeting. Internationally famous scientist Uddhav Kumar Bhorali was warmly felicitated in the program.

Sub-editor Saurabh Baruah offered the vote of thanks and artist Dubari Mazumder performed a Jyoti Sangeet in the program.

ing flag of the function was hoisted by Gonesh Bora. The chairman of the NGO Gaju Foundation, Mr Gojananda Munda addressing the gathering stated that the organization has started a free ambulance service for the greater Bhogamukh area in relation with the Silpi Divas function today. There were a number of colorful cultural functions where singer Krishna Moni Nath was also

present. Mr Asok Bora, ex - lecturer of the Kakajan College and Dr. Dhiren Kalita, lecturer of the Kakajan college, Journalist Mr Tufel Zilani and more than ten numbers of special guests were present. The Chairman of the NGO Gaju Foundation, Mr Gojananda Munda offered the vote of thanks towards all for grand success of the day long Silpi Divas function.

Four injured in road mishap

Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Jan 17 : Four passengers traveling in an auto rickshaw sustained serious injuries when a Guwahati-Tura night bus hit the auto rickshaw on NEC Road at Patranga under

Phulbari police station of Garo Hills of Meghalaya close to Dhubri district last night, The injured were shifted to Hatsinghimari Civil Hospital in critical condition, a police source said.

Youth Congress organises Yuba Samaroh at Nowboicha: Suspended Chatra Mukti leaders joins in Congress alleging autocracy of Akhil Gogoi ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Jan 12: As apart of forthcoming Assembly Election related activities Nowboicha Youth Congress organised Yuba Samaroh in order to attract the voters of youth generation. It is to be noted that the Congress party has adapted special plans and programs with regard to keeping the No 110 Nowboicha Legislative Assembly Constituency seat in its hand this time too reiterating the past poll result.

Therefore, as the brother organisation of the party, Youth Congress accelerated these plans adding new dimention with this program. The agenda of

the program was presided over by the president of Nowboicha Youth Congress Committee, Iftikar Hussain. Participating in the program, Parliamentary Secretary cum MLA of the Constituency, Sanjay Raj Chubba slammed the BJP with strong words.

"The principle, the political view and the secularism of Congress Party is acceptable for all"-he stated. He remarked that Congress would win the seat again in the election and the pary would constitute the Stae Government. On the other hand Congress leader, advocate Haren Sarmah said thatthe Congres govenment is the govern-

ment of the poor.

He added that the youth would take cricial part in the election in Nowboicha. Significantly, suspended Chatra Mukti leader, convener of the district body of the organisation, Abdul Rajib becam vocal against the central leaders of Krishak Mukti Sangram Somity(KMSS) and Chatra Mukti Sangram Somity(CMSS) joining in Congress.

"Akhil Gogoi is enforcing autocracy now in KMSS. He is using the organisation for indivisual purpose. Nobody can exist in it, if he makes protest against it" -alleged Abdul Rajib ex-

pressing his grievances.

More than 150 members of CMSS under his leadership, 200 members of KMSS, ASSU, AMSU, TMPK etc joined in Congress as per the report of the party. Poly Hajarika, Muhim Payeng, the Secretary of the APYCC, Amosh Dhan, President of Nowboicha Block Congress Committee, Achitya Roy President of Karunabari Block Congress Committee, Ranoj Pegu, Lakhimpur Lok Sabha Youth Congress Committee, Secretary Moirom Changmai, Krishna Das along with Many others delivered speech in the program which was anchored

by Youth Congress activist Jintu Hajarika and Prabin Gogoi.

Gogoi denies alliance with AIUDF A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 17: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today again asserted that it would not enter into any kind of alliance with the All India United Democratic Front

(AIUDF) in the ensuing Assembly polls.

“There will be no pre-poll alliance with the AIUDF and the Congress will emerge the winner with the maximum

number of seats,” Gogoi claimed.

Dismissing media reports of an understanding with the AIUDF, Gogoi, on the other hand, predicted that the AIUDF’s vote share would

also fall drastically in the ensuing polls. With elections to the State Assembly round the corner, the different political parties of the State are working overtime to stitch electoral alliances.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Buddha asks Cong to decide on tie-up Kolkata, Jan 17:Addressing a rally at Singur for the first time since the Left Front was thrown out of power in 2011 by the Trinamul Congress cashing in on the SingurN a n d i g r a m industrialisation issue, former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Saturday asked the Congress to spell out its position on the CPI-M's proposal for alliance with the party to defeat the Trinamul Congress in the coming Assembly poll.

In the same breath Bhattacharjee asserted that the Left Front won't budge from its policy of a judicious mix of industry and agriculture."I ask the

Congress on which side are you in this fight," he said.Responding to Bhattacharjee, PCC chief Adhir Chowdhury said the Congress had apprised the party high command of the ground reality in Bengal and it's awaiting directions from it. 'We won't be influenced by the thinking of others and will take its own decision,' Chowdhury said.

Bhattacharjee's call was welcomed by AICC spokesman O P Mishra, one of the proponents of the proposed alliance.It is imperative on the part of Congress to respond positively to this call for alliance, Mishra said.

former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee The ground reality in the state points to the necessity of a broad-based alliance against Trinamul, he felt.

Speaking from the podium of Bengal Platform of Mass Organisations (BPMO), which was a

stone's throw away from the abandoned car factory, Bhattacharjee said that his drive for industrialisation, which has come under flak for the downfall of the Left, would be taken up once again, if voted to

power.He said that the time had come for them to "turn around" and stop the theatrics of "mamaati-manush," which happens to be the pet slogan of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The gathering of over 10,000 people, mostly from outside Singur, lapped it up and cheered when Bhattacharjee said that they have come to oust the present government.Bhattacharjee's speech flagged off a march of the Left and other parties under BPMO, over a stretch of 192 km from Singur to Salboni. Singur and Salboni are the two milestones, where the Left's

industrialisation drive got a jolt from the then Opposition leader, Ms Banerjee's anti-land acquisition movement. Earlier, the Left Front chairman, Biman Bose asked the crowd to pledge to show red light to Nabanna, the same way Ms Banerjee has shown red light to the Nano car factory in Singur.

Rubbishing the tall claims of industrial wave and huge investment coming to West Bengal in the Trinamul Congress regime, Bhattacharjee said that the chief minister is playing with the future of the unemployed youth by asking them to make quick bucks by selling fritters and puffed rice. (Agencies)

JD(U) may skip HC orders health official's personal appearance Punjab polls to aid AAP win Patna ,Jan 17: The JD(U) is apparently planning to not contest the Punjab assembly elections likely to be held later this year and support Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP.Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Kejriwal are good friends and the Delhi CM had supported Kumar during the Bihar polls in October-November last year.

"In Punjab, we expect a direct contest between AAP and Congress. If JD(U) enters the fray, it may cut into the votes of AAP which also contests elections in the name of good governance and development," a JD(U) leader said, adding, "To avoid any situation which may go against AAP, our party is planning not to contest the Punjab assembly elections."JD(U) is trying to expand the party in other states after its Mahagathbandhan with RJD and Congress posted massive victory in Bihar elections. Punjab has a sizeable population from Bihar working in farms and factories. Kumar's

support to Kejriwal's party will help AAP against the BJP- SAD combine and the Congress.Kumar may also follow the strategy adopted by Kejriwal during Bihar assembly elections. The Delhi CM avoided sharing dais with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi by not participating in the election meetings.During Bihar polls, Kejriwal appealed to the state voters on social media to support Kumar. "In Bihar, JD(U) and Congress are part of the ruling alliance and Kumar can't campaign for AAP and attack its own ally. The best policy will be to avoid public meetings," a JD(U) leader said.

JD(U) general secretary and spokesman KC Tyagi avoided a direct reply.

"Nitish-Kejriwal friendship is known to everyone. This time AAP is very strong in Punjab. The BJP-SAD combine will definitely lose Punjab polls and our party will be happy to see a nonBJP force victorious. To make this happen, we may stay away from the polls," Tyagi said. (Agencies)

Bill to upgrade St Xavier's under way

St.Xavire's college Kolkata, Jan 17:The state government is expediting the process of formulating the Bill to upgrade St Xavier's College (Autonomous) to a university, Mr Partha Chatterjee, state education minister, said at the valedictory convocation of the institute on Saturday.Speaking at the ninth valedictory convocation of the college, Mr Chatterjee said the state education department was making all efforts to realise chief minister Mamata Banerjee's vision of expanding the college into a full-fledged university.

"On the part of the government we are trying to formulate the Bill so that it can be tabled at the Assembly as soon as possible," Mr Chatterjee said.The minister's statement follows that of Fa-

ther Felix Raj's, principal of the St. Xaviers College, who had said at a previous press conference that turning Kolkata's prestigious institute into a university may soon be a 'reality' this year.Addressing the gathering at the convocation, the education minister said, "St Xavier's College has always been a prominent marker in the map of higher education.

The students passing out of the college will soon become leaders in their own fields."The Nihil Ultra Award of Honour was given to Prof. Albert Cardinal Gomes for his illustrious and outstanding service.Along with the minister, the vicechancellor of Calcutta University, Mr Sugata Marjit and other dignitaries were also present at the function.

(Agencies)

Kolkata, Jan 17:Justice Dipankar Dutta has asked the deputy director of health services to be physically present on Monday to explain as to why a central undertaking organisation - Indian Immunological Limited - was allowed to supply anti rabies vaccine since 2005 but was then suddenly blacklisted last December.Indian Immunological Limited (IIL) which was set up by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1982 supplied anti-rabies vaccination in several states including West Bengal.

According to the counsel of the petitioner firm, they have been applying for the tenders floated by the state government since 2005. Per annum the company supplied anti rabies vac-

cines of a value of around Rs.4 - 5 crore to the state.On 23 December 2015 when the technical bid was floated on the government website, the company, while trying to apply for the same, got to know that they had been blacklisted by the state government.On 5 January, after Calcutta High Court reopened the counsel for IIL, advocate Debashree Dhamali, filed a petition stating that the state government has blacklisted them and have not notified the firm the reason why.When the matter was heard for the first time in Justice Dipankar Dutta's single bench court, Justice Dutta asked the counsel for the state to answer as to why the company was blacklisted, but since the state coun-

Justice Dipankar Dutta has asked the deputy director of health services to be physically present on Monday

sel could not provide a satisfactory answer a second hearing date was fixed.

In the second hearing the counsel for the state submitted that IIL had not followed certain term and conditions, which is why they had been blacklisted.Justice Dutta then asked the council as to why IIL had been allowed to supply vaccines for so many years if they

had not been following the terms and conditions.

As the counsel for the state could not provide satisfactory answers to this query, the deputy director of health services has been asked to be personally present on 18 January to give proper reasoning as to why IIL had been allowed to supply the anti rabies vaccine for so long and then suddenly blacklisted.

(Agencies)

Manipuris settled outside state face threat to distinct identity Imphal,Jan 17:Cut off from their Manipuri roots for several generations, the state's people now settled in Myanmar and Bangladesh as well as Assam and Tripura are increasingly losing their distinct cultural identity.Worried over the situation, community leaders of the Manipuris settled outside the state want authorities to do something to preserve their distinct linguistic and religious identity.

Manipuris have their own script, and among the mountain tribes are the only ones following the 'Vaishnavite' branch of Hindu religion since the 18th century.

K. Sunder Gopal

Sharma, a community leader, said that the Manipuris in Myanmar were fighting a losing battle in protecting their c u l t u r e . " To d a y, Manipuris in Myanmar hardly number 10,000 as against over one lakh decades ago. Thousands of Manipuris, including devout Vaishnavas, have since converted to Buddhism," he said.He said military rulers in Myanmar did not encourage the community members to study their own language in schools or converse in it at social gatherings.Gopal said he feared that if nothing is done, the Manipuris in Myanmar will soon see their distinct cul-

tural identity lose out to the native population there.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, Manipur natives live in a few small villages. However, they have taken to speaking the local languages and only very few are able to converse in Manipuri.A cultural link with Manipur is maintained through visits by cultural troupes from the northeastern state every now and then.

There are several Manipuri villages in Assam and Tripura as well. Khaidem Kanta, vice president of Manei, an organisation of the Manipuri diaspora in Barak Valley in Assam,

said the Manipuris in the state are facing cultural and linguistic problems."The younger generation of Manipuris getting schooled in Assam cannot speak fluently or write their mother-tongue.

There is job reservation for people of Manipuri origin, but most educated youths do not get through in the absence of an elected leader to champion their cause."The Manipur governent and non-governmental organisations ought to do something for the promotion of arts and culture of the Manipuris in the Barak Valley of Assam, Kanta said. (Agencies)

Bihar Education Minister Ashok Chaudhary wraps snake in hand, photo goes viral Patna, Jan 17: Bihar has always been in news for some reasons. Be it political, crime or anything else, the reports of the state are part of news debates in the national channels. This time the newsmaker is the Education Minister Ashok Chaudhay himself. The photographs showing him wrapping a snake in the hand has gone viral on Saturday.The recently appointed minister in the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet, Chaudhary is seen holding a snake, wrapped it on both of his hands and smiling at the photographer. Soon after the photograph went viral in the

The photo was clicked on January 15, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti when the snake charmers went to meet the minister

social networking website, state president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mangal Pandey took a jibe and commented that the Jungle Raj in Bihar has started and this is just an example. (Agencies)

The photo was clicked on January 15, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti when the snake charmers went to meet the minister, after which he held the snake in it arms.

Imphal temporary market construction stopped by BJP leader Imphal, Jan 17: Following the destruction caused by the January 4 earthquake, the construction of a temporary women's market in the Manipur capital was suspended on Saturday at the behest of BJP legislator Khumukcham Joykishan who said no tender was floated for the construction and no work order was issued.Following the halt in the construction work in the legislator's constituency, hundreds of angry women vendors stormed his house to demand an alternative market for them since they have been out of business since the earthquake damaged two women's market complexes.Eight people were killed and over 100 others wounded in the quake that also razed to the ground hundreds of houses .The BJP's state unit has been demanding demolition of the two market complexes saying they pose a threat to the women vendors.The BJP's state unit president Thounaojam Chaoba demanded a CBI inquiry into the "substandard construction" done five years ago.

"Buildings and market centres built 50 years ago could withstand the earthquake but not these complexes," he said, demanding construction of new markets.

The displaced women vendors have been selling various items by the roadside, much to the resentment of the street vendors.Sensing violent confrontations between the two groups, the government hurried with the temporary construction in the Thangal market.However, on Saturday, legislator Joykishan asked the contractor to stop work since no tender for the construction was floated and no work order was issued.

Criticising Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, he said that as the legislator, he should have been at least informed."The chief minister should have some respect for the people and should not run the state whimsically," he said .On the explanation of the engineers that it was "emergency work", he said: "The construction of a marketcomplex to lodge over 2,000 vendors is not an emergency work."

Heavily armed policemen were patrolling the area to maintain law and order.

Shakhitombi, a woman vendor, told media that the BJP lawmaker should provide an alternative site.Though the women protested at his house for a long time, he refused to come out and talk with them. (Agencies)

Congress wins 108 of 278 local body seats in Manipur Imphal Jan 17 : The Congress put up a good show in the municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in Manipur, winning 108 out of the 278 seats for which polling was held on January 11.The local body elections were held in 18 municipal councils and eight nagar panchayats to elect 278 councillors and 586 nagar panchayat members in Manipur's four districts of Imphal West, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Bishnupur.

The results were declared late Saturday for 278 municipal council seats, of which the Congress won

108 seats, Bharatiya Janata Party 62, Communist Party of India 2, Lok Janashakti Party four and the Independents 102.Though elections were to be held for 279 seats, one seat remained vacant as no nomination was filed for it.As the results were being declared, Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and BJP state unit president Thounaojam Chaoba were making claims and counter-claims on their parties' electoral gains in the municipal council and nagar panchayat polls.Gaikhangam said: "Most of the Independents were fielded by the

Congress. The elected Independents have started joining the Congress."

BJP's Chaoba contended that the Congress is on the wane since it could field just 199 candidates.

Considering the fact that the BJP had no elected member in these local bodies in the past, winning such a large number of seats is a gigantic stride, he added.He said: "This shows the unmistakable (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi wave in Manipur. We are certain of wresting the political power from the Congress in the 2017 assembly elections."The way the party's position was

whittled away shows the growing resentment of the people against the Congress ministry, he added.Countering Chaoba's attacks before the January 11 polls, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi had said the outcome will establish whether the BJP has made any inroads. Upbeat by the poll results, Chaoba said: "Now it is clearly proven that the Modi wave has made a landfall in Manipur and that the Congress is on the way out."

Deputy Chief minister Gaikhangam brushed aside the BJP contention that the Congress wave is

on the wane, saying the Congress is consolidating its strength and will certainly retain power for the fourth assembly term in 2017.The BJP, which had no legislator, parliament member or other elected members in Manipur, first opened account by winning two bypolls tom the assembly in last November.The winning of substantial number of seats in the local bodies

is a major achievement for the BJP. However, the party is hamstrung by internal bickerings.The BJP has been embroiled in some blame game for its not-so-impressive poll performances. In fact, Chaoba who was to retire late last year, got a new lease till the local body polls. Now there already is a hectic lobbying for the next BJP state unit president. (Agencies)

The Congress put up a good show in the municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in Manipur, winning 108 out of the 278 seats for which polling was held on January 11

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

PAGE 6

Trio in Bengaluru design 'borewell rescue robot' Bengaluru, Jan. 17 : Three students from Bengaluru under the guidance of their teacher have invented a robot that can be used to rescue children who fall into open bore wells.

Sharad, Dhanush and Girdhar along with their teacher M. Nagraj developed the mechanism.The 'bore well rescue robot' contains a camera, oxygen supplying equipment, a robotic arm, and a safety balloon, which when operated together, can help rescue a child.When a child is trapped in a bore well, the robot can be lowered

into the pit with the help of a piston. The cameras on the robot help pinpoint the child's location.

Three students from Bengaluru under the guidance of their teacher have invented a robot that can be used to rescue children who fall into open bore wells.

Once the robot reaches the child, oxygen can be pumped in through the robot to the child.After this, through the camera, a gap below the child can be identified so that the

Congress pulls up TMC, brands Sambia's arrest a 'surrender New Delhi, Jan17: The Congress today alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mohammad Sohrab's son Sambia Sohrab was not arrested by the police but he surrendered, adding that the government wanted to establish its credential."It's not an arrest, rather its surrender.

The argument that has been advanced by the police administration is simply frivolous and childish. For the last four days, everybody knows that the person who had mowed down our soldier is the son of a TMC leader, who has got patronage of the ruling regime," West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told ANI.Chowdhury further said the Kolkata Police enacted the drama of arresting Sambia at the behest of the ruling

safety balloon can be inserted there. Once the balloon is inflated, the child can be pulled out easily.

regime."As the pressure has been mounting upon the arrest, the government has not found any alternative, but to establish their credential, and that is why the fellow was instructed to surrender before the police," he added.

Sambia, the prime accused in the Red Road hit-and-run case in which an Air Force officer was killed, was arrested last night by the Kolkata Police.He was arrested around 11.10 p.m. while he was heading towards his in-laws' house.Sambia, who is expected to be produced before the court today, was behind the wheels of the Audi car which mowed down IAF officer Corporal Abhimanyu Gaud during a rehearsal of Republic Day parade here on January 13.

(ANI)

PM Modi's 'start-up' scheme an old idea in a new package: Congress

puter system.

After seeing number of deaths of children within bore well these students decided to develop such a mechanism which can en-

In case there is no space below the child, the robotic arm can ensure the safety balloon reaches the right area. The entire operation can be manned through cameras, on laptop or com-

sure the safe rescue of the victim child.In the mid of 2015 after spending almost Rs. 15000, they succeeded in developing this model.They have demon-

Three students invented a robot

strated it at several exhibition gaining praises but there has been no support from government side which can help to develop its mechanism.In recent years, there has been a spate of incidents across the country involving children falling into open borewells, and later succumbing to death due to lack of oxygen.Nagraj mentions that if right kind of support is given to these young boys and government take it seriously such handy device can be put at each gram panchayat for immediate and easy rescue of victim children. (ANI)

BJP-PDP must form Govt. or dissolve assembly: Farooq Abdullah Jammu, Jan. 17 : National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah today rubbished reports suggesting that his party would form the government in Jammu and Kashmir in alliance with the BJP and said the

must form the alliance as they have the mandate.

Our working committee would consider this. We do not have mandate of the people," Abdullah told the media here."Delay is a bad thing for the state be-

Farooq Abdullah PDP which has the mandate of the people must form the government at the earliest or dissolve the assembly so that fresh election is conducted in the border state.Abdullah, however, said that his party's Working Committee would take a final call over government formation.

"I have never said that we are aligning with the BJP. I said PDP and BJP

cause this is a border state and going through a very difficult phase.

They have the mandate.

They must sit down and solve the problems of the people. If they can't solve the problems of the people they must dissolve the assembly and have a new election," he added.The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister had earlier said the National Conference is ready to

consider a tie-up with the BJP for government formation if such an offer is received."If such a proposal comes, then NC will call a Working Committee (meeting) and debate over it. If such a situation arises, NC can think over it as we have not closed the doors. Our doors are open," he said.

Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is expected to discuss the future course of action and ties with ally BJP over government formation today.This is the first time that the PDP is meeting to discuss government formation ever since the death of then chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7.Jammu and Kashmir has been under President's rule since January 9 as neither PDP nor their ally in power BJP has staked claimed for forming the state government. The meeting has been called against the backdrop of reports that Mehbooba is unhappy over several issues put forth by the BJP.The PDP has 27

MLAs while BJP has 25 legislators in the 87member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.The BJP had earlier said that the PDP has to make the first move by electing its legislature party leader before they can extend their support for government formation in the state. Chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7.Jammu and Kashmir has been under President's rule since January 9 as neither PDP nor their ally in power BJP has staked claimed for forming the state government.The meeting has been called against the backdrop of reports that Mehbooba is unhappy over several issues put forth by the BJP.The PDP has 27 MLAs while BJP has 25 legislators in the 87member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.The BJP had earlier said that the PDP has to make the first move by electing its legislature party leader before they can extend their support for government formation in the state. (ANI)

YSR Congress MP sent to judicial custody for assaulting AI manager

PM Modi's 'start-up' scheme an old idea in a new package

New Delhi, Jan. 17: Downplaying the new 'Start-up India' movement launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress today said that the concept was nice only as a 'phrase' and claimed that it was an 'old idea' which was being presented in a 'new package'."These are nice jumlas (phrases).

Whether the plan will succeed or not will only be decided once the schemes are set in action.

There is nothing new here as we have been supporting the start of new companies since ages. You can see that thousands of companies have emerged in India since freedom, so it's not a new concept," Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar told ANI. He asserted that the Prime Minister was proficient when it came to bottling old schemes in new containers and then presenting it as a 'solution'."Not sure if this scheme will actually aid in the country's development because the truth is that we are going back in ev-

ery field," he added.Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the Start-up India scheme where a announced a list of initiatives for the startup industries in the nation including three years of tax and compliance breaks aimed at cutting onerous government regulations and red tape.He also spoke of plans to set up a Rs 10,000 crore start-up fund, first announced by finance minister Arun Jaitley in the interim budget of 2014-15.

"Start-ups will be exempted from paying income tax on their income for the first three- years.

No inspection for threeyears of start-up businesses in respect of labour, environment law compliance post self-certification. Credit guarantee scheme will be introduced for start-ups in next 4 years, funds of around Rs. 500 crores will be given every year. A fund of Rs 10,000-crore will be created for funding of start-ups," the Prime Minister said. (ANI)

New Delhi, Jan. 17 : YSR Congress MP Mithun Reddy was sent to 14-day judicial custody on Sunday in connection with a case filed against him in November last year for allegedly assaulting Air India station manager K. Rajasekhar after he failed to accommodate the former's relative after the boarding time was over.The police took the MP into custody at Chennai airport early this morning. Anticipating that they would foment trouble, six YSR Congress MLAs were detained as a precaution ahead of Reddy's arrest.

YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy had in November last year dismissed the accusa-

tions against the lawmaker as politically motivated. But the CCTV footage of the airport showed the manager being pushed around and threatened by the politician and at least a dozen of his supporters.The station manager's medical report said that he suffered fractures due to the assault and termed his injuries as 'grievous'.A case was registered against Reddy and others under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 448 (house-trespass) of the Indian Penal Code.During the course of investigation, the po-

YSR Congress MP sent to judicial custody lice had identified involvement of 19 persons, including the MP. 16 persons have already been arrested and released on bail.

The Hyderabad High Court had last week declined anticipatory bail

to Reddy. As the MP had gone abroad, the Andhra Pradesh Police had approached the Ministry of Home Affairs for initiating a look out notice against him at all international airports in the country. (ANI)

PPP to protest against Sharif for not taking Parliament on board on CPEC Islamabad, Jan. 17 : The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has planned to launch a protest against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the next national assembly session for not taking the Parliament on board despite the

formation of a panel on the proposed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).The PPP is of the view that the Prime Minister must address the Parliament on this issue as the committee has no legal and constitutional posi-

tion.

Nawaz constituted an 11-member committee to hold periodic consultations with the provinces over the CPEC, the Dawn reports.The committee, headed by the Prime Minister, includes Chief Ministers

of all the four provinces and GilgitBaltistan in addition to federal ministers of planning, water and power, railways, communications and the chairman of the parliamentary committee on the CPEC.(ANI)

Smriti's outburst continues in Rahul's political bastion

Smriti Irani Amethi, Jan. 17 : Continuing her tirade against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on his home turf, Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani today alleged that the land allotted for the welfare of farmers was now being transferred to Gandhi family linked NGO."The Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust usurped the land, which was allotted to Amethi by the erstwhile government for the welfare of farmers," Irani told the media here."They have cheated the farmers. We have filed RTI queries, which reveals that Samrat Bicycles was handed over the plot on dubious grounds," she added.

Irani, who has lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Amethi, further accused the Congress vicepresident of cheating the

people of his parliam e n t a r y constituency."Despite claiming them to be your family members, how could you cheat them in such a manner?" she asked.The Union Minister had yesterday criticised Gandhi, saying Amethi has been left far behind i n development.Highlighting Pradhan Mantri Kisan Bima Yojna, Irani said that the Centre has approved Kisan Vihaan Kendra in Amethi, adding that if the state government provides land it would be started soon.She also promised proper development of Amethi and especially mentioned Baraulia village which has been adopted by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for its development. (ANI)

Continuing her tirade against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on his home turf, Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani today alleged that the land allotted for the welfare of farmers was now being transferred to Gandhi family linked NGO

Ban Ki-moon condemns Burkina Faso attack, expresses solidarity United Nations, Jan. 17: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon today condemned the terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of at least 29 people and expressed solidarity with the country and the region in its fight against terrorism."The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people and Government of Burkina Faso, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured," said a statement issued by the United Nations.

The Secretary-General reiterated the full support of the United Nations to the authorities of Burkina Faso and 'stands in solidarity with the country and the region in its fight against terrorism'."He calls on the authorities to do their utmost to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice promptly," the statement added.The death toll in the al-Qaeda terror attack on a top hotel in

Ban Ki-moon Burkina Faso rose to 29, while 56 others were wounded in the attack that loudly announced the end to a long, mostly peaceful stretch in Burkina Faso.The dead included six Canadians, two French and two Swiss nationals as well as an American.A fire had raged in the main entrance of Ouagadougou's fourstar Splendid hotel and screams could be heard from inside as Burkinabe forces prepared an assault to rescue hostages still trapped five hours after the assault began.Around 10 vehicles were on fire in the streets near the hotel in Ouagadougou, not far from the city's international airport. (ANI)

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of at least 29 people and expressed solidarity with the country and the region in its fight against terrorism.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Indo-Pak border to be covered by laser walls New Delhi, Jan 17: More than 40 vulnerable unfenced stretches along the India-Pakistan border will be covered by laser walls soon with the Home Ministry giving it a top priority to check any infiltration of terrorists in the wake of the Pathankot attack. All these riverine stretches located in Punjab will be covered by the laser wall technology developed by Border Security Force to completely eliminate the chances of breach of the international border

by Pakistan-based terror groups, a Home Ministry official said.A laser wall is a mechanism to detect objects passing the line of sight between the laser source and the detector. A

laser beam over a river sets off a loud siren in case of a breach. As of now, only 5-6 out of around 40 vulnerable points are covered by laser walls. This beam over the river sets off a loud siren in the case of a breach.

The suspected infiltration Point of Ujj River in Bamiyal used by the six Jaish-e Mohammad terrorists before storming the Pathankot air base was not covered by a laser wall. A camera to keep watch over the 130-metre-wide river bed was found to be not recording the footage.

BSF has covered this stretch by putting up a laser wall last week before Prime Minister Narendra

Myanmar sees good prospects for tourism industry in 2016 Yangon, Jan.17: Myanmar is seeing good prospects in tourism industry in 2016, with increasing number of tourists to be expected during the year.Tourists arrivals, as of the end of November last year, reached more than 4.2 million.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism estimates that the number will rise to 5 million by April 2016.Myanmar attracted 2.64 billion U.S.dollars' foreign investment in 47 projects in the sector of hotels and tourism in 2015, up 1.5 billion dollars from 2011's 1.14 billion dollars in 36 projects.Of the total foreign investment in the sector in 2015, Singapore accounted for 1.47 billion dollars, the highest among all countries and regions, followed by Vietnam with 440 million dollars.The tourism sector development in Myanmar in 2016 depends on the progress of the related investment in the previous year as well as the global and ASEAN economy.

Tourists from neighboring countries frequently visit Myanmar on motorbikes, bicycles and boats under the arrangements by tour companies in cooperation with the ministry.Rising number of foreign tourists are

seen as river cruise ships arrive in the country in the tourism season which used to start in the beginning of a year.The cruise liner MS Seven Sea Voyage which is carrying 699 visitors and 447 crew will be arriving in Myanmar on a three-day visit until Jan. 25.According to official statistics, Myanmar welcomed 25 luxury cruise ships carrying 26,000 visitors last year.Moreover, the foreign tourists are signing up for Chindwin river cruises, which offers views of Myanmar natural landscape and encounters with ethnic minority communities and their cultures.

Tourist arrival through Yangon International Airport recorded 759,181 in the first nine months (January to September) of 2015, up 82,174 from 677,007 tourists in the same period of last year.More than 800,000 tourists entered Myanmar by air, ship while more than 2.2 million tourists visited the country through border entrances and tourist arrival is highest in the Yangon, Mandalay, Inlay and Bagan hotel zones.Majority of foreign tourists come from China, Thailand, France, Germany and the United States. (Agencies)

No dowry-free wedding as 2nd phase of Ijtema ends today Dhaka, Jan 17: Like the first phase, no dowry-free marriage took place at the Biswa Ijtema venue as the second phase of the congregation is to end today after Akheri Munajat. Md Gias Uddin, a member of the Ijtema organising committee, said such marriages are not appreciated by many as they think these are low-key events.

"Only devotees are present at the Ijtema venue when dowry-free marriages take place there in the absence of brides.

This means not even many relatives of both sides get to know about the weddings. This is why we have asked families to arrange marriages in their respective localities instead of coming here," he explained.

Dowry-free marriages had been one of the key attractions of Ijtema in the past.

Such weddings would take place on the second day of the congregation.

Meanwhile, two more devotees, including a Malaysian national, died at the Ijtema venue till yesterday morning, taking the total death toll in both phases to 12. The Malaysian national, Shahidan Ibrahim, 48, was taken to Tongi Government Hospital after he fell sick on

Friday morning.For better treatment, he was being taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in the capital but he died on the way.

His namaz-e-janaza was held at the Ijtema venue.Police said Ibrahim's body would be sent to the Malaysian embassy in Dhaka and the embassy would send it to Malaysia.The other person who died was Abul Kashem.

The 65-year-old, who hailed from Jamalpur Sadar upazila's Kacharipara, died of agerelated illness on Friday evening.In the first phase of Ijtema, nine devotees, including a foreign national, died.Devotees from 16 districts joined the second phase while organisers estimate that some 2-2.5 million people would be present during the Akheri Munajat.Akheri Munajat will be held between 10am and 11:30am, said organisers. Maulana Saad Ahmed, who is from Delhi, is expected to conduct Akheri Munajat.Traffic movement has been prohibited in and around Ijtema venue for Akheri Munajat since early today. The restriction will be in force till evening.

(Agencies)

Indo-Pak border to be covered by laser walls Modi's visit to Pathankot air base on January 9.The border guarding force had started putting up laser walls on unfenced riverine stretches of international border last year in Jammu sector, which was more prone to terrorist intru-

sions till three terrorists carried out attack in Gurdaspur in Punjab in July last year. The terrorists believed to have entered India five kms downstream of Bamiyal near the Tash border outpost - a riverine point not

covered by a laser wall as well. Bamiyal has BSF posts on either side of the river with a personnel on each post keeping a watch on the river round the clock. The area is also lit up with high mast lights.

There is a possibility that the six JeM terrorists might have walked through the dry river bed at night and BSF personnel might have missed them.Officials said Bamiyal is not known as a drug trafficking route as no drugs have been seized here over the past 3-4 years. The BSF has already deployed additional personnel along the border in Punjab and boat patrolling has been intensified, particularly during night. (Agencies)

More than 40 vulnerable unfenced stretches along the IndiaPakistan border will be covered by laser walls soon with the Home Ministry giving it a top priority to check any infiltration of terrorists in the wake of the Pathankot attack.

After vote, China tells Taiwan to abandon independence "hallucination" Beijing, Jan 17: Taiwan should abandon its "hallucinations" about pushing for independence, as any moves towards it would be a "poison", Chinese state-run media said after a landslide victory for the island's independence-leaning opposition.Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won a convincing victory in both presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, in what could usher in a new round of instability with China, which claims selfruled Taiwan as its own.

Tsai pledged to maintain peace with its giant neighbour China, while China's Taiwan Affairs Office warned it would oppose any move towards independence and that Beijing was determined to defend the c o u n t r y ' s sovereignty.Reacting to Tsai's victory, China's government-controlled media used noticeably less shrill language than that levelled at Chen

Shui-bian, the DPP's last president, and noted her pledges for peace and to maintain the "status quo" with China.China called Chen, who led Taiwan from 2000-2008, a troublemaker and a saboteur of cross-strait ties, even as he tried to maintain stable relations with Beijing.

In Taiwan, the Chinafriendly China Times called on Tsai to be a "dove for cross strait peace"."Peace across the Taiwan Strait is the most important external factor for Taiwan's stable development," it said in an editorial.Tsai won 56 percent of the vote to sweep aside rival Eric Chu of the Chinafriendly Nationalist Party that had ruled Taiwan under incumbent president Ma Ying-jeou since 2008.Tsai's DPP also made huge gains in the parliamentary polls to gain an absolute majority with 68 seats in the 113seat legislature, giving her administration a far stronger policy-making

China tells Taiwan to abandon independence "hallucination"

lever over the next four years, and potentially more leverage over Beijing on cross-strait deals and affairs.

China's Foreign Ministry, in its reaction to her victory, said Taiwan was an internal matter for China, there is only one China in the world and the island's election neither changes this reality nor international acceptance of it."There is only one China in the world, the mainland and Taiwan both belong to one China and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity will not brook being broken up," the ministry added."The results of the

Taiwan region election does not change this basic fact and the consensus of the international community."Tsai has been thrust into one of Asia's toughest and most dangerous jobs, with China pointing hundreds of missiles at the island it claims, decades after the losing Nationalists fled from Mao Zedong's Communists to Taiwan in the Chinese civil war in 1949.The White House said on Saturday it congratulated Tsai and said the United States maintained a "profound interest" in peace between Taiwan and China. (Agencies)

Rampaging elephants force Myanmar villagers to tree-top refuge Yangon ,Jan 17:Pushed from their forest home by encroaching farm land, wild elephants are driving fearful villagers in a Myanmar township to seek refuge in tree houses while the animals storm their rice paddies looking for food.The elephants have trampled crops, destroyed homes and even, villagers say, killed people in their path - forcing families in Kyat Chuang to build new shelters made of wood and bamboo on higher ground.

"We have had to move our huts into the trees, so we are safe," explained San Lwin, who dashes several metres up a tree to his thatch-roofed shelter when the elephants are near.Villagers in Kyat Chaung, a farming community 100 kilometres north of Yangon, told media they yearned for the days before the elephant rampages started three

Rampaging elephants force Myanmar villagers to tree-top refuge years ago.Now they scamper up home-made bamboo ladders to their elevated huts whenever they hear the thundering sound of elephant feet, which is usually several times a week."We want them to be taken away so we can live peacefully," said Than Shin, a 57-year-old farmer.

Spurred by the loss of their forest habitats, the elephants, and villagers they have been terrorising, are some of the casualties of

Myanmar's alarming rate of deforestation, one of the fastest in the region.

The country lost almost 20 percent of its forest cover between 1990 and 2010, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. Experts say the chief drivers of forest loss are logging and largescale land concessions for commercial agriculture handed out under decades of opaque junta rule.

Myanmar's population of

wild Asian elephants is thought to be one of the largest in the region, according to the World Wildlife Fund.But the endangered species is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, a thirst for ivory, and traffickers who smuggle the animals into Thailand for the tourist industry.The newlyelected National League for Democracy (NLD) the pro-democracy party of Aung San Suu Kyi that swept to a thumping majority in landmark elections in November - said Thursday it would address Myanmar's medley of environmental issues after assuming office later this year."We will try to restore the environment in Myanmar that has been ruined for many decades," Soe Nyunt, vice chairman of the NLD's Environmental Conservation Committee told AFP. "It will not be easy," he added. (Agencies)

Dhaka reaffirms zero tolerance policy to terrorism

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan

Dhaka, Jan 17: Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at an assembly of the United Nations has said Bangladesh government has taken a zero tolerance policy to combat extremism and terrorism.

The home minister was addressing the assembly at UN Trusteeship Council in New York on Friday.Asaduzzaman shared various measures, taken by Bangladesh with the participation and cooperation of women, civil society, religious leaders, local elite, grassroots people and media, for combating extremism.

He also reaffirmed Dhaka's commitment to

providing all-out cooperation in curbing extremism and terrorism both at the regional and international levels.At the assembly, attended by 193 UN member states, its Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced a plan of action to face extremism.

Earlier in the day, the home minister inaugurated the services of Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and Machine Readable Visa (MRV) at Consulate General offices of Bangladesh in Mexico and New York, said a press release from the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN. (Agencies)

Maldives permits jailed ex-president to have surgery abroad Maldives, Jan 17 :The Maldives government said that it has given permission to an imprisoned ex-president to travel to Britain for surgery, according to media.The foreign ministry said in a statement that the permission was given on condition that Mohamed Nasheed serves the remaining years of his sentence once he returns.Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in prison last March for ordering the military to detain a senior judge when he was president in 2012. The move led to weeks of public protests leading to his resignation.

President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration drew widespread international condemna-

tion over Nasheed's sentencing for an apparent lack of due process.

The United Nations working group on arbitrary detention has ruled Nasheed's imprisonment improper and called for his immediate release.Nasheed's party spokesman Hamid Abdul Gaffoor said the former president has still not been officially informed of the government decision. Nasheed became the first democratically elected president of this Indian Ocean archipelago state in 2008 ending a 30-year autocracy led by Gayoom's half-brother.

His attempt to return to office in 2013 failed when Yameen Abdul Gayoom won a disputed presidential election. (Agencies)

Pakistan Executed 332 After Reinstating Death Penalty: Report Islamabad, Jan 17:Pakistan announced this week that authorities have executed 332 criminals and militants since lifting a moratorium on the death penalty in 2014, the first time an official tally has been released.The South Asian nation unveiled a sweeping plan to curb militancy after Taliban assailants gunned down more than 150 people, most of them children, at

an army-run school in Peshawar on December 16, 2014.A six-year moratorium on the country's death penalty was lifted and the constitution amended to allow military courts to try those accused of carrying out attacks.

Hangings were initially reinstated only for those convicted of terrorism, but in March they were extended to all capital

offences.In a written reply submitted to the parliament on Friday, the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control said 332 people had been executed in the country.However opponents of the policy stress that Pakistan's legal system is unjust, with rampant police torture and poor representation for victims during unfair trials, while the majority of those who are hanged are

not convicted of terror charges."Government are hanging petty criminals but known terrorists on death row are awaiting their punishment for years," Asma Jahangir, a lawyer and human rights activist in Pakistan, told media. The plan "can succeed only if it is fully implemented, but here we see a selective or very little implementation," she said.She went on to accuse

the government of failing to act consistently, citing the men convicted of murdering journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, who were handed death sentence years ago but have yet to be hanged.But supporters of the plan argue that executions are the only effective way to deal with the scourge of militancy in Pakistan.

According to the report

submitted to parliament, 172 religious seminaries across the country have been also been closed on suspicions of having links to militant o r g a n i s a t i o n s . Te n websites related to militant activity had also been blocked, it said, while more than 70 shops have been shuttered throughout Pakistan for selling material deemed to promote hate speech. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

What lies in for North East in BRICS Summit?

Deploying Women Troops Women Troops for Indo-China Border The women constables of ITBP were till now deployed for rendering law and order duties in troubled areas and in few instances they have been posted at the Nathu La trade pass for facilitating traders and frisking women members. The force has a total of 1,661 women personnel in its various ranks and branches of work with the maximum number of 1,033 being in the constabulary ranks.

In a landmark move, the government recently had approved induction of women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF), the first time when women would be in combat role in the country's armed forces.

But a freshly-trained contingent of 500 women personnel - which will be the first 'mahila' squad to be deployed in high-altitude posts along the India-China border commissioned into the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The women, in the rank of constable, were inducted in the border-guarding force after 44weeks of training in battle craft and mountain survival and will now be sent to frontier areas for final acclimatisation before being deployed at ITBP posts along the 3,488-km Sino-India Line of Actual Control (LAC).

These 'mahila' contingents are expected to be posted

by March this year at about 20 forward locations of the ITBP situated at heights of between 8,000-14,000 feet, including at the 'Mana pass' border post, the last village on the Indian side in Uttarakhand. ITBP Director General Krishna Chaudhary, after reviewing the 'passing out parade' of the new personnel, asked them to exhibit the best skills that they have learnt during training to discharge their duties in some of the most difficult locations in the Himalayan ranges.

This is the first time that India is deploying women troops right at the front, one which is considered to be the most arduous and tricky given the harsh climatic conditions and extreme mountainous terrain along the India-China border. ITBP, raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression, has also begun creating logistical and residential facilities for its women personnel at these posts. It is expected to be completed by early March. The force plans to have women personnel make up at least 40 per cent of its strength at these forward posts. These women, who were recruited in the force last year in February, hail from various states with as many as 97 of them, the highest number, coming from the hill state of Uttarakhand. Among the rest, 10 are from Himachal Pradesh, 51 from Bihar, 11 from Haryana, 22 from Rajasthan, 63 from Uttar Pradesh and 35 from Maharashtra.

There are a further 11 cadets hailing from Punjab, one each from Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, 35 from Assam, six from Chhattisgarh, 21 from Gujarat, 26 from Jharkhand and three from Jammu and Kashmir, among others. Women constables were first inducted into the 70,000- strong force in 2008, but they were until now only deployed for rendering law and order duties in troubled areas and in a few instances at the Nathu La pass to facilitate traders and frisk women. ITBP has a total of 1,661 women personnel in its various ranks and branches of work, with a maximum of 1,033 being in the constabulary ranks.

Juvenile Justice Act New Act Comes into Force Juveniles aged 16 to 18 years would now be tried as adults in cases of heinous crimes like rape and murder with a new law in this regard coming into force in India. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha in the Winter Session and signed by the President into Act on January 4. Under the Act, those aged between 16 and 18 years will cease to get protection under the juvenile law and will be tried as adults if they commit heinous crimes.

Under the juvenile law till now, even those accused of heinous offences like rape could be tried only by Juvenile Justice Boards and, if found guilty, sent to correctional homes for not more than three years.

The new Act allows the Juvenile Justice Board to conduct a preliminary inquiry to find out whether the juvenile is indeed guilty of a heinous offence. The JJB has been given the option to transfer cases of heinous offences by such children to a Children's Court (Court of Session) after conducting preliminary assessment. Among other key provisions of the law are - change in word from 'juvenile' to 'child' or 'child in conflict with law' to remove the negative connotation associated with the word 'juvenile'.

The revised law includes several new definitions such as orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children, and petty, serious and heinous offences committed by children. It also provides enhanced clarity with regard to powers, functions and responsibilities of JJBs and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and clear timelines for their inquiries. The demand for reducing the age for trying juveniles accused of heinous crimes was made following the December 16 gangrape case, in which a paramedical student was brutally gangraped and assaulted in a moving bus in the national capital. Several new offences committed against children which were not adequately covered under any other law are included in the Act. These include sale and procurement of children for any purpose including illegal adoption, corporal punishment in child care institutions, use of child by militant groups, offences against disabled children and kidnapping.

Pranjal Kumar Phukan "India will only gain if the North East gains"Narendra Modi.

BRICS summit focuses on introducing a new paradigm to evaluate growth and sustainable development. The 2016 BRICS summit will be the eighth annual BRICS summit, an international relations conference attended by the heads of state or heads of government of the five member states. The summit will be held in New Delhi, India, the second time the city has hosted the summit after the 2012 summit. The BRICS summit theme, "Inclusive Growth; Sustainable Development", will enable India to shape the post-2015 Development Agenda being discussed in the United Nations.

India's Northeast is increasingly emerging as a critical factor in regional economic diplomacy because the region is located at a crossroads between three major economies - East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The region is endowed with huge untapped natural resources and is acknowledged as the eastern gateway for the country. All the eight

states have different developmental prospects and resources to support their efforts in contributing to the regional as well as national economy.

However, in spite of being endowed with vast natural resources in terms of forests, biological diversity, hydro-electricity, the region has remained largely underdeveloped. A key constraint to the growth has been poor infrastructure and limited connectivity, both within the region as well as with the rest of the country.

Earlier to BRICS, in probably a first, the Northeast region has got figured in a joint declaration between India and Japan. The Tokyo Declaration issued during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan earlier this month stated that the two countries put special emphasis on "Japan's cooperation for enhanced connectivity and development in Northeast India and linking NER region to other economic corridors in India and to Southeast Asia, which would catalyst economic development and increase prosperity in the region."

This geopolitical advantage, has however, not really translated into the region's economic development despite the high growth in India's trade ties with Southeast Asia and China in the recent past.

Opportunities for NER: Prime Minister of India in his address in 2015 proposed that five countries- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa should host an annual trade fair and that India will the inaugural fair and BRICS Summit in 2016. There will also be a Railway Research Centre, cooperation among audit institutions, a digital initiative and Agricultural Research Centre. Besides this, Modi proposed setting up a BRICS Sports Council and an Annual Sports Meet, as well as a film festival on which North East region is unattended since a long time.

Cooperation within BRICS includes the areas, such as, Trade and Economic, Industry, Finance, Agriculture, Health, Science and Technology, Education, Energy, Migration, ICT, Anti-Drugs, Anti-Corruption, Culture, etc. which are the prime areas of attention for North East.

The 40 per cent of the world population (the BRICS member countries) would like to create a workable distance from the Euro-dollar nexus and create an

equally strong common currency that can be used internationally as well as nationally. It might be something like the Euro which will help NER to transact primarily with China and other member states with this new or common BRICS currency thereby boosting trade.

The central topic of the Summit is going to be the creation of a BRICS bank currently known as the 'Development Bank' which will promote investment and expand cooperation for development projects in infrastructure and sustainable development.

The bank's aim is to include: funding development and infrastructure projects in developing and least developed countries lending, in the long term, during global financial crises and issuing convertible debt,

which could be bought by the central banks of all the member states.

This initiative will assist in providing investment in building infrastructure and resources on timely manner for NER with increased efficiency and transparency.

India and China both are talking a lot to grow trade among each other but rivalry between them has shown declining figures in trade from past few years. So, coming together in BRICS these two countries will try to sort out their differences and increase the business and trade activity thereby benefitting NER. India will effort to push the BRICS countries towards providing the required global political leadership and financial commitment to address challenges relating to poverty, inequality, social

infrastructure, agriculture and food security etc. which will aid in executing development initiatives in developing regions like NER. Challenges: BRICS is a new giant, and this is good news.

However, the bad news is that it is a giant with a quite limited capacity to run. Poverty, Political instability, disputes in power sharing and other reasons will play the decisive role to go ahead.

(Author is Regional General Secretary, CaSI Global, New York: The Global Certification body for CSR and Sustainability. He is also recipient of Peter F Drucker award from University of Swahili, Panama. He can be contacted at Pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)

The Battle That Kept the Chinese Out of Central Asia In 751, a Muslim army and a Chinese army clashed on the banks of the Talas river.

Catherine Putz It's easy to understand why the battle of Talas in 751 between the Abbasid Caliphate's Arab-Persian army and the Chinese army is often said to be one of the most important battles in Central Asian history. It was, as James A. Millward wrote in his 2007 history of Xinjiang, the "first and last meeting of Arab and Chinese armies." For many it marks a decisive point in history-"barely noticed by contemporary chroniclers" wrote Svat Soucek-which decided whether Central Asia would come under the influence of the Muslim world or the Chinese.

The battle of Talas itself decided very little, but its timing was critical.

The Abbasid caliphate in 751 was in its ascendency, having replaced the Umayyad Ca-

liphate in 750. When the Abbasids began their open revolt in 747 the first city taken was Merv (Mary, in modern Turkmenistan).

In the early 700s, Qutayba bin Muslim captured several key cities in Central Asia for the Umayyads-including Bukhara and Samarkandbefore being killed in 715 by his own army (he'd refused to pledge himself to the new Umayyad Caliph upon the death of Walid I).

Over the ensuing three decades, internecine wars and revolts against Muslim governors wracked the region and opened the door to the Chinese who were working their way back west through Tibet and Xinjiang. In 693, the Tang dynasty re-established its control of the west, though it did not reclaim Kashgar until 728.

With the rise of the Abbasids-who would eventually move the

caliphate's capital east from Damascus to Baghdad-the caliphate would again look east to expand at the same moment local politics would draw the Chinese further west.

By the mid-740s, the Tang controlled trade routes both north and

gaged in a series of campaigns to drive the Tibetans out of the Pamir mountains when a quarrel between the Chabish of Tashkent and Ilkhshid of Fergana erupted (Soucek writes that the ruler of Tashkent used the Turkish title Chabish while the ruler of Fergana used the

south of the Tianshan mountains in modern Kyrgyzstan. Gao Xianzhi (also known as Ko Sonji, a Korean general serving the Tang) had been en-

Iranian title Ilkhshid). The leader of Tashkent allied with the remnants of a tribal confederacy the Chinese had crushed years earlier, so the leader of

Fergana called on the Tang for help. Gao captured Tashkent and its leader while his army sacked the city in 750.

Eventually Gao executed the Chabish, whose son fled to the Abbasids in Samarkand for help.

The governor of Samarkand, Ziyad ibn Salih, asked Abu Muslim (the Abbasid general who had led the revolt in Merv) for reinforcements and after they arrived set off in the direction of Chinese territory. The two armies met along the Talas river.

By some accounts, both sides fielded armies in excess of 100,000 troops each (other estimates are significantly lower). The Tang were reinforced by the Karluks (Qarluqs), a Turkic Central Asian tribal confederacy, a fact which would prove unexpectedly decisive. The Karluks switched sides and attacked the rear of the

Tang army as the Abbasids attacked the front. Gao managed to escape but with only a fraction of his army.

Millward notes, however, that it was not Gao's defeat at Talas that forced the Chinese to retreat from Central Asia. Instead, before Gao could return to his unfinished business with the Abbasids, the An Lushan rebellion shattered Tang control of the west.

"The An Lushan rebellion in the Tang homelands necessitated a pullback from Tang outposts in Xinjiang," Millward writes. "Although the Tang dynasty survived the An Lushan rebellion, it would never extend power as far west as Xinjiang."

The battle of Talas, lacking any greater strategic importance, is nonetheless a key piece of Central Asia's history and provides a crucial lesson that in matters of war and empire, timing is everything.

Unlawful agitation Sir, Of late, a peculiar phenomenon shows its ugly face in the shape of agitation by some so called organizations.

The leaders of the organizations little care for the inconveniences caused to the people for their unwanted agitations. These agitationists demand something that is not possible for the authorities concerned to concede. For instance, some agitationists are hell-bent to compel the railways to ensure stoppage of the Rajdhani Express in almost each and every small stations of Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, and some other districts of Assam. This unlawful and unjust way, by which the agitationists sleep on the Railway lines to halt the train is reprehensible. This in same act of the agitationists result into delay of the train. Among the passengers who travel are some to attend wedding or job interviews or examinations. It is high time, the government should take some tough measures to curb this nuisance.

In any agitation, if the agiatationists ask for the moon, can the government bring it down? If not, it is the time, government should handle it desperately. A des-

perate situation requires a desperate handling. Incidentally, we may add that Akhil Gogoi's agitation not to evict the dubious citizens from Kaziranga National Park is not acceptable.

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

p O

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d e If You Want To Be An Organ Donor, Here Are 5 Important Things You Should Know

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Sanita Pillai Organ transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased organ with a healthy donor organ. It is often the only treatment for organ failure. In the entire process, first the patient enrols himself/herself on the waiting list for transplant. Only after getting enrolled and getting an appropriate organ, the diseased organ is replaced by the healthy one donated by a donor.

It was a great achievement in medical history when organ transplantation was introduced to us; new hope for the people who were suffering from organ failure.

Unfortunately, only a few of the people in need of a healthy organ have received benefits from the medical procedure. Yes, that's true and with that let's face some other bitter truths about the scenario of organ donation in India:

1. Nearly 500,000 people die due to unavailability of organs each year.

2. Every year, nearly 150,000 people await a kidney transplant, but only 5000 get one.

3. In India, the country of 1.2 billion people, the PMP i.e. persons as organ donor per million population is just 0.08 which is extremely low compared to other countries.

4. Every year, nearly 1,000,000 lakh people suffer from blindness and await transplant.

Apart from these hardhitting facts, black marketing is another harsh truth of which you will not feel proud. India has become one of the major black markets for organs.

Despite organ trading is illegal in India, every year nearly 10,000 organs are traded of which kidneys hold 75 percent.

Now after knowing these facts, questions may arise in your mind such as: Why there is an unavail-

ability of organs? Why are people not willing to take part in such a noble thing that can save many lives? Why is black marketing happening?

The answer to all these questions is a lack of awareness, which always confuse people for this noble cause. Hence, it is now time to clear all the confusions as getting rid of them can help save lives.

A few questions that always come in between us and organ donation are: 1. I am under 18, or I am too old. Am I eligible for organ donation?

There is no age limit for organ donation. Organs can be donated by someone as young as a newborn or as old as a 75year-old.

2. I have a history of medical illness. Can I donate my organs?

The decision to donate or use an organ depends on strict medical criteria. It

organs that can be donated by living donors include partial liver, a lobe of a lung, pancreas or intestine. Also, living donors can donate fluids or tissues that can be regenerated such as blood, bone marrow, and parts of the liver.

may turn out that certain organs are not healthy enough for donation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. The medical professionals are the best people who can determine whether your organs and tissues are suitable for transplantation.

3. If I get admitted to a hospital due to some

medical issues, and doctors find that I want to be a donor. Will they try to save my life?

If you are admitted to a hospital, the number one priority for the doctors is to save your life. The transplant team will not make any move until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death has been

determined. They will also not take any step until your family has consented to donation.

4. What organs can be donated while alive?

It has become common to donate organs or partial organs while alive.

Kidneys are the most common organs donated by living donors. Other

5. What will happen to my health after donating an organ?

Organ transplantation has same complications/ risks as all major surgeries such as infection, blood clots and pain. In fact, it sometimes also has long term complications. But it depends on many factors such as health condition of the donor, donated organ and the procedure.

Few of the long-term complications based on specific organs are: Kidney: Kidney failure, Hypertension Liver: Renal failure, Gastric problems, Intra-abdominal bleeding Pancreas: Diabetes Recovery time depends on

the same factors as complications after organ donation; health condition of the donor, organ and the procedure. It can take weeks to months.

Hence, before undergoing the procedure, make sure you ask every possible thing about risks, side-effects and recovery time to your doctor or transplant team.

Now when you have finally decided to become an organ donor, the only remaining question is: where to go? There are many health care organizations where you can donate organs and save lives. One of these organizations is Manipal Hospitals.

"Pledge to Donate" is an initiative driven by Manipal Hospitals to encourage people for organ donation and to ensure that the patients, suffering from diseased organs, can easily undergo early organ transplantation.

Remember, one donor can save 8 lives!

How NGOs In India Become Puppets At The Hands Of Why I Think Free Basics Should Not Be Banned In India Corporates In The Name Of 'Philanthropy' Abha Rai Philanthropy involves the transfer of financial resources from the donor possessing unallocated surplus financial resources and desirous of achieving his perceived cherished goal of benefitting less affluent individual/s or group in areas considered important by the donor. The donor may be an individual or a corporate identity. Here we are considering corporate philanthropy. A very important yet multifaceted buzzword, "strategic philanthropy" can be defined as the efforts made by a company's philanthropic arm to support a social cause; ultimately benefitting the community while achieving the core objectives being endorsed by the company.

Having had the opportunity to work in India for years in both the grant giving as well as the grant receiving side, I questioned the ultimate beneficiary of this strategy. In my opinion, the supposed altruistic support through charitable giving by companies is not so selfless after all. In a recent conversation with corporate foundations, an obvious link between the importance attributed to the image of the organization and the associated giving options surfaced.

In an attempt to deconstruct the rationale

for selecting India as a potential market for investment, the country's developing nature and exhibition of diverse cultures, communities and a gamut of social problems within it is often cited.

Corporate foundations bearing both an Indian as well a foreign origin continue to make "strategic investments" toward sectors that they align to most strongly. On every occasion that I have had the opportunity to interact with these corporations, I have never been disappointed with the work that they undertake. However, my cause of growing concern has always been the reason for their investment. During such situations, my experience with non-profits comes in handy. I have seen a great proportion of them becoming marionettes in the hands of large corporations. The manner in which a project worthy of investment is devised is based primarily upon the needs of the company.

The area of investment that is chosen may support the efforts made by non-profits or the needs of the community, but it is definitely not the area of prime importance. At this point, I would like to revert to my original goal of deconstructing the nuance of strategic philanthropy.

Prima facie, it seems like the strategy is developed to and for the benefit of the company. Philanthropic investments a few

times are confused with cause-based marketing efforts as well. It has been observed not once, but several times that community dwellers are asked to pose for a picture or take part in a press release to add accolades to the work being done by these large corporations.

To me, it does seem that corporate giving is very convenient in a country like India. The population that is usually targeted for such initiatives lives in abysmal conditions and any support that is rendered to them is viewed upon positively. Although, there is an emphasis that is laid upon the term "community assessment", the investments that are made by the grant-giving organizations is at most times based on their convenience, giving capacity and brand building exercise. There are also many organizations who continue to invest in India using foreign professionals who come to India for a limited term, which temporarily benefit the country and do not add to the overall growth and advancement of the country.

In my experience, I have viewed a plethora of corporate initiatives sprouting in an attempt to further their objective to portray a positive image of the company. The causes that are supported range from distributing luxury goods amongst the marginalized communities to sporadically building monumental

structures to provide education to children in communities with no access to electricity or the ability to sustain the structure.

Despite the efforts that are being made by such corporations, the Indian community and the non-profits that exist within are merely agents of furthering the objective of the respective company's philanthropic arm. Several examples of non-profit programs continue to exist whereby they have had to modify their own programs to satiate the demands made by corporations. Non-profits at most times are financially unsound and are always seeking the support of corporations to further their efforts rooted in social justice. Hence, they are manipulated into suiting the needs of the company in exchange of their support.

In conclusion, it is my earnest belief that the tenacity with which the objectives of the philanthropic needs of the companies are furthered should in fact be ascribed to supporting nonprofit and community needs. In a country that is repeatedly called a Petri dish to try and test corporate programs, the needs of non-profits seem to be getting lost. Thus, it is of paramount importance to shift the focus from strategic philanthropy from the perspective of companies' and start viewing it from the lens of non-profit organizations.

People In Kolkata Are Using Blue Bottles To Keep Away Stray Dogs. Wait, What?!

Soumick Mitra An interesting phenomenon has gripped Kolkata and some parts of West Bengal. Residents mix the colour blue or add Ujala to water filled in bottles and leave them hanging outside their doors. This, the residents claim, will stop dogs from defecating before their doors.

"The dog menace has increased in recent years.

And as a result these dogs defecate everywhere including in front of people's houses. People have started resorting to this method to stop the dogs," says Champa Guha Roy, a resident of Barasat in North Twenty Four Paraganas. "There is no logical reasoning behind this. But it seems to be working," she further adds.

However, this method of keeping the dogs at bay is not subscribed by all.

"This is a rumor and nothing else. I have seen dogs sleeping right under these bottles," says Harilal Dey,

a resident of Netaji Colony, Baranagar in Kolkata.

"There is no scientific reason for this. And I do not see the method working either."

"Dogs can recognize kero-

sene. And this is why the colour blue is used in order to make the water look like kerosene," says Champa Guha Roy. In 2013, Russian scientists found that dogs can see

certain colours. And it is scientifically proven that petroleum products negatively impact a dog's health.

Even veterinary doctors are baffled by this. Kishore

Kumar Ganguly who runs the Moitri Veterinary Clinic near Deshapriya Park, Kolkata said, "It is beyond me as to why people are doing this. The dogs have continued to defecate in spite of this measure. There is no scientific explanation for this. And it is not limited to Kolkata only. I have seen people doing this in places like Shantiniketan too. They actually believe that the dogs will stop defecating."

Most residents do not know where and how this started. They say that this has been happening for the past six months. It was mostly word-of-mouth and people watching their neighbors resort to it that this method has spread across the city and to other parts of West Bengal. Unfortunately, it isn't stopping the dogs from dirtying the place.

Amitabh Kumar

able to jump across these barriers.

Everyone should have free and easy access to the Internet. Yes, we should! But we don't. As per internetlivestats.com, at this moment India has over 344 million Internet users. That number will probably be a couple of hundreds more by the time you read this article as the ticker is moving fast. With a click of a button, over 344 million people in India can connect with the world. That seems impressive. But is it really?

I know you just rolled your eyes when you read the last line, and why won't you, some of the loudest self-proclaimed 'protectors' of the Internet have told you exactly the opposite in the most creative and entertaining manner possible.

India's current population is 1,293,241,856 people (that will also have gone up by a few thousands onIndiaOnlinePages.com by the time this blog is published). That simply means that about 949,107,897 people are still unconnected to Digital India. An overwhelming number of this 'unconnected' population is made up of women and senior citizens. So according to the math, it has been 20 years since the Internet was first introduced by VSNL in 1995, and still 85% of the Indian population is unable to use one of the greatest technological and communicational innovation in modern history.

Let me put this in perspective, back in 1995, Virat Kohli was 7 years old. DDLJ was the coolest new movie in theatres. P.V. Narasimha Rao was our prime minister, and Windows 95 ran on our giant PC's. Yup, since then so much has changed for a 'few' of us. Be it in the field of education, health, housing, transportation. Sadly, due to reasons that persist, a majority of Indians were never fully included in this rapid change.

These inequalities continue to grow. Most of India cannot keep up with the modern innovations of the privileged minority of India because they are either unable to afford these changes over other basic necessities, or they are not even aware of the choices available. When it comes to the Internet #FreeBasics is an experiment which might be

But, here are some questions for the critics, the sceptics, and those who

believe that Armageddon is just a click away (they were around during the Y2K bug as well, somehow the digital world as we know it did not end on 1st Jan 2000) 1. Have you used Free Basics? It can be used on any mobile phone, just type in www.freebasics.com on your browser.

2. Do you have access to the Internet? As all the opinions, comments, for and against this one are coming from people for whom access to the Internet is a normality.

3. Is there any research available on how Free Basics will affect the Indian population? Or do you possess a crystal ball which helps you see the future of the most dynamic technology and its exact effects on the smartest youngest largest democratic population in the world?

4. How long should a common Indian wait before they can have access to a little bit of the Internet? Another 20 years may be? 10? Because "some" Internet ,

better than "no" Internet if nobody is willing to guarantee the exact time the voiceless, internetless population must wait to get free full Internet.

Here are a few reasons why I don't think we should get TRAI to ban Free Basics: To start with, if this solution works to provide e v e n .0000000000000000000000001% of the Internet to the 85% of the unconnected people in my country it is

worth it. At the very least, it will familiarise them with the Internet and help them form an opinion about this technology.

Presently, Internet access is not high on the list of demands of large sections of the Indian population, mainly because they don't know what they're missing! If they did, free and full access would be an election issue. Perhaps contrary to predictions, Free Basics could be a nudge in this direction.

Also, efforts are being made to digitalize governance. This can never be successful if we fail to get the masses connected. If social security schemes of the government can be connected through this platform (and I am sure it can be done), it can create a swift, corruption free, hassle-less mechanism for the citizens (like we have done for our passport and pan card applications). Wouldn't that bring about an unimaginable constructive change in India?

What I stated above is just one idea, but going by the fact that information

is empowerment, how can we kill an experiment attempting to spread information for free?

I would like to close my thoughts by just registering my protest against the one-sidedness of this debate. No, I do not mean pro or contra, I mean the fact that all the opinions, editorials, comments are coming from one section of the society, which is super privileged with access to the Internet.

It is the height of hypoc-

risy, that the same individuals who are making millions today due to the Internet, would not allow others to even use it.

Why should 85 % of India only serve as clients to these business owners? If there is an opportunity for 85% of the disconnected Indians today to be business leaders of tomorrow, then why are we acting like a roadblock?

The only reason why I and many like me make our living using the Internet is because back in the day our parents could afford it, our schools informed us about the importance of it, our teachers trained us in using it. Well, most Indian parents can't afford the Internet, most of the Indian kids have no schools with teachers.

Plus, why are you so scared? We are Indian's give us a bit and see how we make the most of it, give us a path and we will jump each and every hurdle.

Make the basics free!

And see what India can be! Courtesy:youth ki awaaz

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

BUSINESS

Aurobindo Pharma receives USFDA sanction for two generic drugs Chennai, Jan 17: Drug firm Aurobindo Pharma has received final approval from USFDA to manufacture and market its Tranexamic acid injection and Paricalcitol capsules in the American market. The company plans to launch the Tranexamic acid injection by the end of this fiscal and Paricalcitol capsules in the first quarter of the next fiscal. "The company has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Ad-

ministration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Tranexamic Acid Injection, (100 mg/ml) 1000 mg/10 ml single-dose vial," Aurobindo Pharma said in a statement. The approved Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) is a generic version of Pharmacia and Upjohn Company's Cyklokapron injection in the strength of 100 mg/ ml, it added. "The approved product has an estimated market size of $50 million (nearly Rs

ShopClues launches online furniture store

Image for representational purpose

ANI New Delhi, Jan 17: India's first and largest managed marketplace ShopClues is expanding into the furniture category. Maintaining its market leadership position, it recently announced a furniture store with a wide assortment of 40,000 products across 60 categories on its platform. The products will be sourced from thousands of merchants across India to fulfill the requirements of its customers. All the high quality products are available at an unbeatable price point and assure full satisfaction to shoppers. ShopClues has associated with numerous popular brands, which

includes @Home by Nilkamal, Usha Furniture, Nesta Furniture by CenturyPly, HomeTown, The Attic, Orka Bean Bags, Bluebell Ergonomics, Invogue, Dolphin Bean Bags and others. Speaking on the launch, Nitin Kochhar, VP-Categories, ShopClues said, "Furniture is the most essential part of one's home and ShopClues aims to provide a wide range of quality products to help you decorate your abode in style. All products come with the same stamp of quality assurance and competitive pricing that are a hallmark of the ShopClues brand." "The impeccable interface of the furniture store has also been designed with a lot of precision to ensure easy browsing and convenient classification filters for the users," added Nitin Kochhar.

Furniture store will also include a Low Price Mart section, which offers the best entry level pricing options on products available across the industry. (ANI)

Regular container train service to Cochin Port begins from Coimbatore

Source: static.dnaindia.com Coimbatore, Jan 17: A regular container service to International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), Vallarpadam, Cochin Port Trust (CPT) commenced from the Irugur Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Coimbatore.

The first train was flagged off by CPT Deputy Chairman, G Senthilvel at a function.

The train will leave Irugur on Saturdays and return from Cochin on Thursdays and are scheduled to connect the direct shipping services to Far East, China, Europe and the Middle East

leaving Cochin on Mondays and Tuesdays. The import containers from these mainline ships can be moved to Coimbatore by the Thursday return service and by availing this service, exports to Europe will save seven days by avoiding Colombo transhipment, an official release said. CPT and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the running of this regular service, which will be of great advantage to the ExportImport (EXIM) community in-and-around Coimbatore district.

CONCOR will provide storage space at very attractive terms and conditions to shipping lines who desires to stack the empty containers at Coimbatore.

Top officials of CPT, CONCOR, ICD Irugur, customs department and Steamer Agents Association and representatives of trade were present at the function. (Agencies)

336.75 crore) for the 12 months ended November 2015, according to IMS," it said. Tranexamic acid injection is used in the treatment of shortterm control of bleeding in people suffering from haemophilia, including dental extraction procedures. This product is on the World Health Organisation (WHO) list of essential medicines, it added. The company has also received approval for its Paricalcitol capsules in the strengths of

AUROBINDO PHARMA HEADS TOWARDS HEALING Aurobindo Pharma has received final approval from USFDA to manufacture and market its Tranexamic acid injection and Paricalcitol capsules in the American market.

The company plans to launch the Tranexamic acid injection by the end of this fiscal and Paricalcitol capsules in the first quarter of the next fiscal.

These capsules are indicated for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease.

Tranexamic acid injection is used in the treatment of short-term control of bleeding in people suffering from haemophilia, including dental extraction procedures.

Rail Development Fund gets World Bank as anchor investor Washington, Jan 17: The World Bank would be the anchor investor in the new Railway Development Fund, which would be used to fund modernisation of Indian railways, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu has said.

"We have decided to work with the World Bank on creating a Railway Development Fund.

This was already initiated. But now, we have taken it forward," Prabhu said here yesterday after his meeting with World Bank officials.

Noting that the World Bank would be anchor investors in this new fund, along with other co-investors, Prabhu said, "This fund would be kick started soon as there is unanimity in the World Bank leadership".

He also said the World Bank leadership has realized that based on the performance in the past one year, Indian Railways is in the "right direction". However, Prabhu did not divulge the size of the fund, but indicated that it would be the largest ever provided by the World Bank to the

Indian railways, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu.Source: thehindu.com

Indian Railways. Prabhu is here to attend a World Bank meeting on transportation. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) would look into the possibility of revenue generation through nonrailway operation, he said.

"To help us monetization issues, bringing in the global best practices. Globally railways get 30-40 percent of their income from non-railway operations. In India it is not even two percent. So this is going to be challenging time particularly when Indian railways would have to bear the additional burden of the pay commission," he said. During his meet-

ing with Secretary Foxx, the two leaders decided to create an umbrella agreement with the Department of Transportation about transportation sector in general. "Today we also agreed to make railway specific umbrella agreement with the Transport Department, which would help to work on many things," Prabhu said. Prabhu also said, "One of the things we have agreed to work on is to creating a regulatory framework for safety, which is a very important issue for India.

We want to enhance the safety of the Indian railways". In his interaction

Image for representational purpose New Delhi, Jan 17: Overseas investors pulled out close to Rs 3,500 crore from the Indian equity markets in the New Year on concerns of renewed worries over the health of Chinese economy and sharp fall in crude oil prices. However, these investors continue to remain

bullish on the Indian debt market and invested a net amount of Rs 3,239 crore during the period. According to data available with depositories, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) infused a gross amount of Rs 36,368 crore into equity markets in January 115, while they pulled out

MARUTI JOINS IN THE HIKE RACE Ø Maruti Suzuki India hiked prices of its vehicles across models by up

to 12,000, joining others like Honda, Toyota Kirloskar, Tata Motors and Skoda in taking such a step from this month. Ø The average hike in the ex-showroom prices across models, starting

from entry level hatchback Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, is between Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000, Ø The company has also hiked prices of its recently launched premium

hatchback Baleno in the range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,000. Ø The company currently sells a range a vehicles starting from entry-

level car Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, priced between Rs 2.52 lakh and Rs 13.74 lakh. also hiked prices of its recently launched premium hatchback Baleno in the range of Rs 5,000 to Rs

with a group of investors and infrastructure companies, Prabhu asked them to come and invest in Indian railways. "With 100 per cent investment allowed in most segments of railway infrastructure such as suburban rail, metro rail, locomotive and rolling stock, manufacturing and maintenance, signalling and electric works and dedicated freight lines, the Ministry of Railways envisages investments worth USD142 billion in the sector that will not only bring about more efficiency in the lifeline of Indian transportation but also boost manufacturing and fulfil the directive of Make of India," the Rail Minister said. Meanwhile, USIBC president Mukesh Aghi has lauded Prabhu's effort to overhaul India's rail infrastructure. "In less than 2 years, Minister Prabhu has undertaken serious efforts to give a facelift to the Indian railways and revolutionize the way Indians travel, transport goods and services and conduct business," Aghi said.

(Agencies)

Foreign Investors withdraw Rs 3,500 crore from equities Rs 39,852 crore during the same period, resulting in a net outflow of Rs 3,483 crore (USD 520 million). Capital poured in by the FPIs is often referred to as 'hot money' because of its unpredictability, although they continue to remain among the most important drivers of Indian stock markets. Market experts attributed the outflow from the stock markets to several negative factors such as concerns over China's growth, crude falling below USD 31 to 12-year lows and weak index of industrial production (IIP) data. The outlook for the Chinese economy and the ongoing

Maruti Suzuki raises car prices by up to Rs 12,000 New Delhi, Jan 17: Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India hiked prices of its vehicles across models by up to 12,000, joining others like Honda, Toyota Kirloskar, Tata Motors and Skoda in taking such a step from this month. The average hike in the ex-showroom prices across models, starting from entry level hatchback Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, is between Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000, the company said in a statement. Besides, the company has

1 mcg, 2 mcg and 4 mcg.

The product is a generic version of Abbvie's Zemplar capsules in same strengths. "The approved product has an estimated market size of $38 million (nearly Rs 255.93 crore) for the 12 months ending November 2015, according to IMS," Aurobindo Pharma said. These capsules are indicated for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease, it said. (Agencies)

12,000, it added. The company currently sells a range a vehicles starting from entry-level car

Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, priced between Rs 2.52 lakh and Rs 13.74 lakh.

Baleno is priced between Rs 4.99 lakh and Rs 8.11 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

Honda Cars India has already increased prices of its vehicles across models by up to Rs 10,000. Czech carmaker Skoda has also increased prices of its model range by up to Rs 33,000 from January 1. Toyota Kirloskar Motor also raised product prices by up to Rs 31,500. Similarly, Tata Motors has hiked prices of its passenger vehicles by up to Rs 20,000 from this month.

(Agencies)

collapse in oil prices have triggered FPIs to pull-out money from the stock market. A contraction in industrial production in November also dampened investors' sentiments.

FPIs, which stayed away from the debt markets during the period under review, invested money in the debt market mainly on account of positive outlook for the Indian rupee.

In 2015, FPIs had infused a net amount of Rs 17,806 crore in equities and Rs 45,856 crore in the bond markets. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

SBI ties up with Snapdeal to benefit e-commerce sellers

SBI chairman, Arundhati Bhattacharya.

Source: 24indianews.com

ANI New Delhi, Jan 17: The country's largest lender, the State Bank of India, announced the launch of SBI e-Smart SME to offer easy working capital to online e-commerce players here today. The bank has tied up with e-commerce major Snapdeal to offer instant loans to its sellers. In a briefing to the media, SBI chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya said, "The e-commerce growth has created a new ecosystem enabling more than five lakh sellers to sell product on digital platform. It has also opened up opportunities for the banking industry." The bank is also

planning a similar tie-up with Flipkart, Paytm and Amazon going forward, she said. "The biggest challenge for SMEs is to raise financing through formal banking is often they don't have collateral or a long history of financial statements to give confidence to lender," added Arundhati Bhattacharya. However, she also said that women entrepreneurs will have a special concession of 25 basis points. Loans below Rs. 10 lakh will be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Scheme. The bank had hired management consulting firm BCG to facilitate the development of this credit model. (ANI)

Government contemplating measures to enhance steel industry Jamshedpur, Jan 17: The government is contemplating appropriate measures on a priority basis to boost the steel sector and also held discussions with various stakeholders for inputs, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said. "We are in internal discussions on the measures and also held talks with all stakeholders in this regard," Tomar, who was in the steel city to inaugurate a newly constructed school in Kandra in adjoining SeraikelaKharswan district, said.

Talking to reporters at Sonari Aerodrome here,

the Steel and Mines Minister said the sector is the backbone of the country's economy. The steel sector also has a major contribution in the country's GDP, he said adding that after talks with all stakeholders in view of the prevailing slump in the steel industry, the proposals had been placed before the Commerce Ministry to seek its view. Stating that dumping from China was the reason behind the prevailing situation for the steel sector, Tomar said the government had already issued a quality control order to address the issue. (Agencies)

Image for representational purpose

Special 2G Court to take notice of Aircel-Maxis case Mumbai, Jan 17: A special 2G court will consider ED's charge sheet filed against former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and four others in the Aircel-Maxis deal related money laundering case. Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed the charge sheet on January 8 after which special CBI judge O P Saini had fixed the matter for Monday for consideration. ED named Dayanidhi, Kalanithi, his wife Kavery Kalanithi, K Shanmugam, Managing Director of M/s South Asia FM Ltd (SAFL), and two companies - M/s Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd (SDTPL) and SAFL - as accused in the case filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency

has also told the court that further probe relating to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal and related issues are subject of further investigation under the PMLA. The approval was given when P Chidambaram was Finance Minister in 2006.

The charge sheet alleged that proceeds of crime worth Rs 742.58 crore was paid by the Mauritiusbased companies for Dayanidhi in the two firms, SDTPL and SAFL. "The investigation under PMLA was taken up and it revealed that proceeds of crime of Rs 742.58 crore was paid by the companies based in Mauritius for Dayanidhi Maran, in the two companies namely SDTPL and SAFL," the charge sheet

said. ED also alleged that the two firms were owned and controlled by Kalanithi and the money had been utilised by the companies in their business. It said that it had attached assets held by Dayanidhi, Kalanithi, Kavery and others equivalent to amount of proceeds of crime of Rs 742.58 crore under the PMLA. It also claimed that Dayanidhi had obtained Rs 742.58 crore through companies of his relatives by "camouflaging the proceeds of crime as capital contribution in SDTPL and SAFL" and committed the offence of money laundering in receiving the amount in the companies owned and controlled by his brother Kalanithi and sister-inlaw Kavery. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Features

PAGE 11

ENVIRONMENT Sand-sucking machines taking away river dolphin home in Assam Regulated manual mining of sand primarily for real estate growth is no threat to the last of the river dolphins in Assam.

Sucking the Kishore sand out of the riverbed with monstrous machines is.

River Kulshi or Kolohi, the 210 km southern tributary of the Brahmaputra, was home of the gharial a species of crocodile less than 100 years ago. It is now the prime habitat of the shihu or freshwater dolphin (Platanista gangetica), India's national and Assam's state aquatic animal that figures in the Red List of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The river has an estimated population of 33 freshwater dolphin.

An indicator species, the freshwater dolphin is to a river ecosystem what the tiger is to a forest ecosystem. Like the striped cat, this predatory aquatic mammal has been trying to evade poachers who hunt it for oil that is believed to cure rheumatism.

Now, it is grappling with sand-sucking machines that are scraping the riverbed too fast for it to breed.

Kulshi originates in Meghalaya's West Khasi Hill range at an elevation

of 1900 metre and enters Assam at Ukiam after flowing down 100 km northward. Two other rivers Umsiri Talukdar and Drun join it at Ukiam, which is called tribeni sangam (meeting point of three rivers) and Kulshi's source point. After flowing 15 km downstream, Kulshi splits into two branches at the foothill of Kulshi Inspection Bungalow. The two branches cross NH37 at Kukurmara and Chhaygaon and reunite at Nagarbera before falling into Joljoli and finally into the Brahmaputra.

Kulshi is the lifeline of some 200 villages - as their primary source of water, fish and construction-grade sand. The pressure on the river is high because of its proximity to Guwahati, where real estate development is one of the highest among Indian cities. The demand makes sand miners plunder the riverbed without paying heed to the health of the river.

A nod from the Ministry of Environment and Forests was all that sand mining once needed. It became stricter in 2012 when the Supreme Court made environmental

clearance from Union Government mandatory for mining minor minerals. There are two legal sand mining units or sand mahals (officially demarcated area for extraction) notified along the Kulshi under the provision of Assam Minor Mineral Concession Rule 2013.

These are at Kukurmara and Amtola.

The Kukurmara unit is permitted to extract 1.75 lakh cubic metres of sand from an 8-hectare stretch of the river for seven years. The specification for the Amtola unit is 10,000 cubic metres from a 4.5-hectare stretch. Mining is no threat at these units unlike unregulated extraction from other sand storage zones of the river.

Worse, illegal sand mining there is done by machine.

According to Environment Impact Assessment Authority, sand has to be extracted manually. On an average, six miners can manually extract 10 cubic metres of sand in eight hours. By using a suction machine, two miners can take out double the volume within this timeframe.

Permission to mining units comes with a rider they cannot do mechanical mining. But suction

machines are extensively used in the interior stretch of the river. The consequences : formation of deep gorges in the riverbed, erosion of the banks (a miner named Pradip Rabha was recently buried alive by a mass of earth that came off the bank of river Batha flowing parallel to Kulshi) and, and as Former Professor of Zoology of GU Mrigrendra Mohan Goswami says, water turbidity that threatens the dolphins' breeding behaviour. Besides, dolphins prefer the shallow stretches targeted by unscrupulous sand miners. A forest official told this reporter that he had seen dolphin migrating to Batha river during monsoon, a sub-tributary of Kulshi river.

"Sand extraction should be scientific and planned so that the depth of the river is maintained," says ecologist Abani Kumar Bhagabati. But river ecology and riparian interest have been put in the backburner for commercial gains.

Illegal mining cannot thrive if there is official will to check it. In areas under the jurisdiction of Kulshi Forest Range, sand is transported daily with impunity. The onus is on the officials to sensitise

the common people about the importance of the dolphin habitat.

The forest department did crack down on the sand 'mafia'. It has seized 35 suction machines from various stand storage zones under Kamrup West Forest Division. It has also confiscated 80 illegal sand-laden trucks from March 2014 to July 2015.

Diesel spillage from these trucks, usually parked in the riverbed for loading sand, threatens to suffocate the aquatic denizens including the dolphins.

The Pollution Control Board of Assam has pointed this out.

Experts say sand is soul of a river. It provides stability to the river bed, and exploitative mining adversely impacts aquatic micro-organisms that are critical to soil structure and fertility. The sand also works as shock absorber against strong current during floods, and dictates the water holding capacity of a river.

According to IUCN, sand mining is mainly responsible for the dramatic near-extinction of the gharial in India. John Rowntree, the last British Conservator of Forest wrote in his book Memories of the Chotta Sahib about sighting a sizeable

Source: Nezine.com population of gharials in Kulshi. The reptile apparently migrated from Kulshi to the quake-created Chandubi Lake via a 2.5 km long channel called Lokiyajan. The last gharial in Chandubi was seen in 1977.

Chandubi, Chal and Beeldora three wetlands all connected to the Kulshi - from where the dolphin gets its food. The dolphins frequent their confluence to feed on the fishes that move to and from the wetlands. The confluence of Chandubi is upstream of

Beeldora, and dolphins move to the upper reaches during monsoon to meet its food requirement, usually 10 per cent of its body weight. The movement depends largely on the scale of sand mining activity along the river.

In 2014, three dolphin carcasses were spotted in the Kulshi. Though cause of death is not known one of them bore injury marks, indicative of poaching. The mammal is fortunate to have residents of Kukurmara as

friends. But there's no safety elsewhere along the river, particularly from illegal sand mining. Concrete growth needs sand, but not at the cost of a river.

( Kishore Talukdar is an independent journalist based in Guwahati. His areas of interest include Development journalism and Environment journalism. He can be contacted at tdrkishore@gmail.com ) Courtesy: Nezine.com

Poachers blamed for destroying Study finds that deadly amphibian Manipur's Fauna fungus may decline

As nature lovers in the region appealed to local fishermen not to use poison to kill fish and migratory birds in the Loktak lake, those eking out a living by fishing in the freshwater lake denied any wrongdoing.

They instead blamed hardcore poachers and those belonging to rich families for trapping or shooting avian fauna and other wildlife in the area.

The fishermen also denied that they polluted the largest freshwater body in the north-east region and pointed out that 30 streams carried rubbish into it. "A wrong impression has been created that fishermen kill migratory birds by using poison or snaring them. For generations, this lake has been a source of livelihood for us. Since the times of our forefathers, we have done nothing to harm nature," fisherman Lukhoi told.

reasons. The national park is said to be run on a shoestring budget. The cash-strapped wildlife wing of the state forest department does not even have funds to fence off areas rich in fauna or construct a drain etc.

Source: newsx.com Another fisherman Ahanjao said," People from rich families often come to the lake with licensed guns and shoot birds. There is nobody to restrain them." He said he retrieved two dead migratory birds from the lake on Monday, which were handed over to wildlife officials. Recently, birdwatcher Elangbam Sarat rescued a migratory duck from a bird hunter by paying him Rs.200. It will be sent to the zoological garden in Imphal.

Union Minister Prakash

Javadekar on Sunday assured that the Centre will extend all help to protect the brow antlered deer that inhabit the 40 square km Keibul Lamjao national park, a part of the Loktak lake, since there were only 204 such animals left in the wild. The minister for forest, environment and climate change visited the national park on January 9.

Meanwhile, wildlife staff and other officials are facing an uphill task in protecting the avian and other fauna in the area due to a number of

The Loktak Development Authority burnt most of the shacks belonging to fishermen on the floating biomass in the Loktak lake, but over 300 huts have come up again. Asked to explain the sale of live and dead birds in villages on the fringes of the national park, a wildlife official said: "We have a skeletal and unarmed wildlife staff at the national park.

"Hardcore poachers and bird hunters are armed and do not care about wildlife guards.

Likewise, sale of bush meat in all hill districts cannot be stopped as it will be against tribal food habits." Courtesy: northeasttoday.in

Rough times for the tree of life on coral reefs Marine scientists are calling for a re-think of how marine protected areas (MPAs) are planned and coordinated, following a global assessment of the conservation of tropical corals and fishes.

Researchers from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (Coral CoE), at James Cook University in Townsville, analysed the extent to which the evolutionary histories of corals and fishes are protected, rather than looking at individual species.

"Our interest was in evolutionary branches of the tree of life, rather than the traditional focus on rare, threatened or endemic species," said Professor David Bellwood from the Coral CoE. "In particular we were interested in the longer branches, which represent

the greater proportion of evolutionary history.

"When we looked at tropical Marine Protected Areas from that perspective, we found that protection of corals and fishes falls significantly short of the minimum conservation target of protecting 10 per cent of their geographic ranges.

"Just one sixteenth of hard corals species are afforded that minimum level of protection, and for fishes -- the wrasses -- less than a quarter reach minimum protection levels."

Professor Bellwood said that while it was still useful to focus on the conservation of rare, threatened and endemic species, planning protected areas around evolutionary history helped provide a deeper perspective.

"In effect, we are looking at protecting the reef equivalent of cultural heri-

tage, the critically important history of living organisms," he said.

"It is not just species that need protection but the genetic history that they contain. In a changing world this evolutionary diversity is likely to be increasingly important, as reefs respond to new challenges.

The researchers found that the shortfall in protection for corals was greatest in the Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific.

For fishes, the highest concentrations of poor protection are in the Western Indian Ocean and the Central Pacific.

"Even though our estimates are highly conservative, the inescapable conclusion is that most evolutionary branches of the tree of life on coral reefs are inadequately protected by the current system of Marine Protected Areas," Professor

Bellwood said.

Around 830,000 multicellular species call the world's threatened coral reefs home, and half a billion people rely on the reefs for ecosystem services including food security, income and protection against natural hazards.

"MPAs continue to provide important and essential protection to certain species and habitats, but the bigger evolutionary picture needs to be considered in planning and coordinating the choice and location of future protected areas," Professor Bellwood said.

"This is especially important in light of chronic decline due to deteriorating water quality and periodic damage by coral bleaching and cyclones." Courtesy: sciencedaily.com

A new study by WCS and other groups offers a glimmer of hope for some amphibian populations decimated by the deadly chytrid fungus: climate change may make environmental conditions for the fungus unsuitable in some regions and potentially stave off the spread of disease in African amphibian populations struggling to adapt to changes brought about by global warming.

Chytrid or Bd -- short for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis -- can cause a disease called chytridiomycosis, which is found worldwide and is a major contributor to amphibian declines and extinctions.

The study took place in Africa's wildlife-rich Albertine Rift, which extends along parts of Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania. Researchers conducted a baseline assessment of how chytrid was affecting amphibians in the region and found the fungus was widespread.

However, when measured under climatic modeling scenarios, the range of the fungus will contract by 2080 say the study's authors. Under the model they developed, the scientists say the likelihood of Bd occurrence is predicted to decrease during warmer periods, and when precipitation exceeds an annual rainfall threshold above 1,800 mm per year. But the authors

warn that climate change may negatively affect amphibians in other ways such as reducing available habitat.

"We infer that Bd prevalence in the Albertine Rift may decrease as a result of climate change," said the study's lead author Dr. Tracie Seimon of WCS. "This is borne out by the modeling we have presented here, which indicates a major range contraction of habitat suitability for this fungus by the end of the cen-

better understand resistance to other strains with different pathogenicity, or the potential for environmental triggers such as seasonal variations to make frogs more susceptible to current strains."

The researchers took samples from museum specimens of amphibians and discovered the earliest record of the fungus came from an Itombwe River frog collected in 1950 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Source: images.sciencedaily.com

tury."

In addition, microscopic examination of amphibians did not reveal the presence of disease in the majority of the infected frogs indicating they may be regionally resistant.

Said co-author Dr. Denise McAloose, Chief pathologist at WCS "While chytrid is wiping out amphibians worldwide, there may be some resistance of amphibians in the Albertine Rift to this organism. However, further study is needed to

Said co-author Dr. Andrew Plumptre of WCS: "The long history of chytrid in the Albertine Rift, coupled with our findings that most frogs found carrying this fungus appeared to be in good health, gives us hope that frogs in this part of Africa are somewhat resistant to this disease" The scientists say that baseline data they collected and modeling predictions are important for comparative studies, especially if significant

changes in amphibian health status or climatic conditions are encountered in the future.

"The Albertine Rift is one of the world's hotspots for amphibian biodiversity, and is also one of the most threatened" said Seimon.

"Baseline data on Bd can help to form a more complete picture of the presence and significance of this fungus and help guide and inform discussions on climate and species-related conservation strategies at both the local and global levels."

The study appears in the journal PLoS ONE; authors include: Tracie Seimon, Samuel Ayebare, Emmanuel Muhindo, Guillain Mitamba, Denise McAloose, Alyssa Ammazzaloroso, Anton Seimon and Andrew Plumptre of WCS; Robert Sekisambu, Wilbur Lukwago, and Mathias Behangana of the University of Kampala in Uganda, Eli Greenbaum of the University of Texas; Michele Menegon and Fabio Pupin of The Science Museum of Trento, Italy; and Danny Meirte of The Royal Museum for Central Africa, Belgium.

WCS's work on this study was supported by the United States Fish and the Wildlife Service's Amphibian in Decline Fund, the IUCN Save our Species Fund, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation. Courtesy: sciencedaily.com

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 18

PAGE 12

Maxwell guides Aussies to clinch Tinsukia defeat Jorhat ODI series against India ANI Melbourne, Jan.17 : Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell thumped brilliant 96-run knock to help his side claim a three-wicket win over India in the third match and thereby taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 296 runs,Australia reached the score with seven balls to spare, thanks to Maxwell, who smashed eight boundaries and three sixes, to provide his side with a series win.

Besides Maxwell, opener Shaun Marsh (62) and skipper Steve Smith (41) were other

Glenn Maxwell

notable figures for the hosts.

For the visitors, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets each

to provide their side with some hope but their efforts went in vain.

27-year-old Maxwell was adjourned `Man of the Match` for his re-

markable contribution with the bat.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Virat Kohli smashed 117 runs off 117 balls to help India post 295 runs, which was a par score on the slow MCG wicket.

Out-of form opener Shikhar Dhawan, who got dismissed cheaply in the first two ODIs, managed to contribute significant 68 runs before being dismissed by John Hastings.

Ajinkya Rahane also smashed a half-century while opener Rohit Sharma got dismissed for just six runs after scoring centuries in Perth and Brisbane.

The two sides will now play their fourth match, a dead rubber, in Canberra on Wednesday.

ET Corespondent Margherita, Jan 17: Tinsukia Railway Division Sports Club today defeated Jorhat Cricket Coaching Centre by five wickets in the 10th Nandadhar Bordoloi Bordoloi All Assam Cricket Tournament organized by Margherita United NGO at Margherita Public High School ground in Tinsukia district. Altogether, eight teams participated in the tournament.

Put into bat, Jorhat Cricket Coaching Centre were bundled out for 82 in 23.3 overs. Parthib Hazarika scored 20 off 31 balls hitting two sixes and

Amrit Basfor contributed 14 off 18 balls with the help of two boundaries.

For Tinsukia Railway Division Sports Club, Sunny Ahmed, Depankar Banerjee , Deepak Gohain and Bimal Cricket Goswami took two wickets each by giving away 0, 14, 20 and 24 runs respectively.

In reply, Tinsukia Railway Division Sports Club scored 84/ 5 in 19.5 overs.

Danish Ahmed scored 22 off 48 balls with three boundaries and Yasir Ali contributed 17 off 24 deliveries hitting two fours.

Dayal Krishna Dutta took two wickets for 24 in six overs and Tusenfa Buragohain took one

whole unit, Sport24 reported.

Martin Guptill ANI Hamilton, Jan.17 : OpenerMartin Guptill and skipper Kane Williamson smashed half centuries each to help New Zealand claim a ten-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the second Twenty20 here at Seddon Park on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, Umar Akmalmade 56 runs off 27 balls to guide his side to a target of 169 runs for the hosts.

In reply, New Zealand chased the target in just 17.4 overs, thanks to

Guptill (87) and Williamson (72) for their unbeaten partnership of 171 runs.

Pakistan bowlers made several efforts to break the opening stand, but failed to do so.

With the win, New Zealand have also levelled the series.

Pakistan had won the opening T20 by 16 runs.

The two sides will play the third and the final match of the three-match T20 series in Wellington on January 22.

IPL scandal: BCCI to decide fate of tainted Ajit Chandila, Hiken Shah Agencies New Delhi, Jan 17: The fate of tainted cricketers Ajit Chandila and Hiken Shah will be decided by the

24 last and were given time till January 4 to file a written response to the charges against them.

The Committee, then, also

Ajit Chandila BCCI's (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Disciplinary Committee, headed by president Shashank Manohar, in Mumbai, on Monday The three-man panel, also comprising Jyotiraditya Scindia and Niranjan Shah, is expected to pronounce a decision on former Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf, who too had been named in the 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing scandal, as well.

Chandila and Shah appeared in person before the Committee on December

decided to issue a notice to Rauf to respond to the charges against him.

It met again on January 5 when Shah appeared in person, made an oral submission and a written reply to the findings of the enquiry against him.

The Committee also considered the request of Rauf to give him more time to respond to the findings of the enquiry against him.

The panel then decided to meet on Monday at the BCCI's headquarters.

judged man of the match.

Tomorrow, Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching will take on Duliajan Cricket Coaching.

In-form Kohli becomes fastest batsman to score 24th ODI ton

Lavishing praise on Stuart Broad, who bagged six wickets by giving away just 17 runs, De Villiers said that the former played a major role in getting the Virat Kohli results, but added that the entire unit displayed ANI New Delhi, Jan.17 : Indian good skill.

promises: PCB

us in the UAE, or Sri Lanka or wherever we can mutually agree on.

They have to keep their contractual obligation," Sethi told ESPNcricinfo.

Sethi maintained that Pakistan had suffered due the controversy and had failed to get their share of the revenue when they toured India in 2012.

"They had snubbed us in 2009, and when we went to India to play a bilateral (limited-overs) series in return in 2012, they didn't even share the revenue.

Now according to the current MoU I made them sign, Pakistan gets four home series, two for them and they agreed.

wicket for Jorhat Cricket Coaching Centre.

Danish Ahmed of Tinsukia Railway Division Sports Club was ad-

De Villiers hails `best` England bowlers post Test series defeat

Guptill, Williamson level Pak won't tour India T20 series for Kiwis until BCCI fulfils against Pak Agencies Lahore, Jan. 17 : The chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) executive committee, Najam Sethi, has flatly ruled out the possibility of Pakistan touring India until the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) fulfils the conditions set by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two boards in 2014.

According to the Dawn, Sethi has asserted that no cricket between the two countries is possible until India follows the plan as mentioned in the MoU.

Danish Ahmed being handed over the man of the match award. ET- Photo

AB De Villiers ANI Johannesburg, Jan.17 : South Africa skipper AB de Villiers has heaped praise on the England bowlers following his side's sevenwicket defeat in the third Test in Johannesburg, saying it was the best

bowling he has ever faced.

The swashbuckling batsman believes that his home conditions suited extremely well to the England bowler and, therefore, they performed pretty well as a

The 31-year-old insisted that although his side tried hard to counter the oppositions' attack, his side failed to succeed in their efforts.

With the defeat, the visitors lost the four-match series 0-2 following the second match againstEngland ended in a draw.

The two sides will now lock horns in the final match in Centurion, starting from January 22.

batsman Virat Kohliregistered his 24th ODI century and thus becomes the quickest batsman in the world to reach the milestone.

The 27-year-old smashed six boundaries and a six to reach the milestone during his side's third ODI of the five-match series against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

Earlier in a day, Kohli also became the fastest batsman to reach 7000 ODI runs in 161 innings, surpassing South Africa star AB de Villiers' record of 166 innings.

Record-chasing Djokovic ready to rumble in Melbourne heat

"They will have to fulfil what they owe us this year or the next (before we can tour India). They owe us four home series, and Pakistan gets to host the first one. It was supposed to happen in December but [it didn't].

Eventually, they have to fulfill their obligation before we will go there.

They either have to play

Despite that, they have held our 2015 series and postponed it for next available window but this time they have to play before getting to host us in 2017," he added.

According to the MoU, India and Pakistan are due to play six bilateral series between the years 2015 to 2023.

Agencies Melbourne, Jan 17: World number one Novak Djokovic is a red hot favourite to overcome all opponents and clinch another Australian Open title this year, although extreme temperatures will be a wild card the Serb has to watch out for.

Djokovic opens the defence of his title on Rod Laver Arena on Monday against South Korea's rising talent Chung Hyeon, right about the time temperatures are expected to approach 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit) at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic famously withdrew from his quarter-final against Andy Roddick in 2009 due to heat exhaustion with temperatures at about the same level. He was the defending

champion at the time.

"You got to get yourself ready for whatever is coming your way," Djokovic said on Sunday when asked about the possibility of the extreme heat.

"You spend the off-season training hard, getting your endurance level to that extent where you can actually handle these conditions.

"Of course, sometimes it's very difficult to handle them if it goes over 40 degrees.

"Whatever is coming our way tomorrow, I'll try to be ready for it."

Djokovic has been ready for it since his 2009 meltdown.

He is now considered one of the fittest players on the circuit, with his off-season workouts helping set the base for his four titles in the last

Novak Djokovic five years at MelbournePark.

He demolished 14-times grand slam winner Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the final, a performance that was praised as "perfection" by the Spaniard and Djokovic admitted seeing the ball "as a watermelon".

"The opening week of the

year in Doha went extremely well for me," Djokovic added.

"I've been preparing well, taking some time to really work on certain things, get a good foundation, good base for the long season."

Rising mercury, it seems, may not be enough.

Broad dethrones Ashwin as number-one Test bowler ANI Dubai, Jan.17 : England spearhead Stuart Broad has become the numberone ranked bowler in the world in the recent ICC Player Rankings for Test Bowlers following his match winning performance in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa.

Broad had entered the Johannesburg Test in third position on 853 points but, after figures of two for 82 and six for 17, the 29-year-old earned 27

points to leapfrog Ravichandran Ashwin of India and South Africa's Dale Steyn into the top position. Broad now sits on 880 points and leads the India spinner by nine points.

in 1980.

Broad has gained four places after earning 40 points since arriving in South Africa as he has picked up 15 wickets in three Tests to date.

Broad is the first England bowler since Steve Harmison to top the ranking. Harmison had reached the top in 2004 and stayed there for 120 days. Before Harmison, Ian Botham had achieved the number-one ranking

Broad's team-mate Ben Stokes has also improved his rankings. He has gained 10 places in the bowling chart and is now in 33rd spot, having moved up two places to 36th in the batting table.

Stoke has also gained three places in the all-

rounders' category to claim sixth position , just three points behind India's Ravindra Jadeja.

The only good news for South Africa is the movement of Kagiso Rabada.

The fast bowler took five for 78 in the first innings, which means he has vaulted 28 places to 74th in the latest rankings.

In the ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen, England's Joe Root has reclaimed second position after scoring his ninth century in his 38th

Test.

Root's 110 helped England to take a slender 10-run lead for which he has been rewarded with a jump of two places.

Root had last achieved second position after the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2015, before reclaiming the top spot after the second Test in Dubai.

Root now trails numberone ranked Steve Smith by eight points and leads

third-ranked Kane Williamson of New Zealand by two points.

South Africa's Dean Elgar and Jonny Bairstow have also made gains in the latest rankings. Both the batsmen have moved up two places each with Elgar now in 26th position and Bairstow joining Faf du Plessis in 30th spot.

With the series defeat, South Africa had also lost the position of top-ranked Test side to India.

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