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www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Changlang please contact:

Ph. No.-08471896580/ 09402905002

ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 176

Dealing with Pakistan's Nuclear Breakout

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Rs 15,000 crore to be invested by Maruti Suzuki in next five years

Page 9

Page 10

The Eastern Today’s OPERATION WHITE creates terror among corrupted contractor LDSU sets 15 days timeframe for government to order high level impartial inquiry

RIPUNJOY DAS Dibrugarh, Nov 30

The Eastern Today expose on the large scale anomalies in implementation of Public Distribution System – PDS in Arunachal Pradesh through ‘OPERATION WHITE’ had not only created terror among

ET CAPSULES Suspected Ulfa (I) once again targets hindi speaking people in upper Assam Dibrugarh, Nov 30: Suspected militants from Ulfa (I) today once again targeted hindi speaking population in Namrup in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district during which two persons sustained serious bullet injuries. The incident took place this evening at a stone quarry near Dilli tea estate. The duo had been identified as Sanjoy Bharati and Gopal Shah. Hiranya Barman, additional SP (HQ) who rushed to the spot after the incident said that police suspects the role of militants in the incident. However, he declined to name any group.

Police sources said that the Ulfa (I) along with NSCN (K) might be behind the incident. Another source said that the incident is a fall of nonpayment of extortion as demanded by the militants. It might be mentioned that hindi speaking people have been at the receiving end of militants, namely the Ulfa in the past. The Ulfa had always targeted hindi speaking people as a soft target in upper Assam to ‘send a message to the Centre and security forces about its fire power’.

(Staff Reporter)

Road Mishap Dibrugarh, Nov 30: A Tata winger bearing the registration number AS-06AC-7117 met with an accident when the driver lost control and hit a roadside tree while on its way towardsTinsukia. Several passengers were hurt in the accident, with the severely injured being rushed to AMCH. (Correspondent)

World AIDS Day Dibrugarh, Nov 30: On the occasion of the World AIDS Day,’ the District Health Society, Dibrugarh has organized an awareness meeting along with a blood donation camp tomorrow at DHSK Commerce college from 11 am. (Staff Reporter)

OPERATION WHITE: Episode – III the corrupted and greedy contractors and a section of government officials but also has drawn strong reaction from the organizations. The first two episodes of ‘OPERATION WHITE’ had created so much reaction among the culprits that they are now running for cover even as the Longding District Student’s Union LDSU today set a deadline of

15 days for the state government to conduct a high level impartial inquiry into the incident and punish all those who are found to be involved in the multi-crore rupees scam. Reliable sources of The Eastern Today, who had helped the publication in unearthing the scam today informed that due to the impact of the strong and investigative journalism of the

Assam CM says, Bihar election showed BJP’s time is up A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 30

Taking the BJP and former Congressman Himanta Biswa Sarma head on, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the time of the saffron party is almost over and the Bihar election has already shown that. Attacking the BJP over the issue of alleged corruption which the saffron party has been raising all along against the Gogoi led government, the chief minister has challenged the BJP leadership to prove these allegations, and have also said that the BJP itself harbors corrupted and tainted ministers. "There is a pending CBI investigation

against Sarma, and still the BJP has welcomed him into the party fold," said Gogoi. Gogo also said that the process of the updating the NRC was started only by the Congress, and not the AGP. Gogoi also said that he will soon release a document on all the central funds which the state has received after the NDA cam into power at the centre. Gogoi also said that his son Gaurab Gogoi, which is an MP from Kaliabor is not interfering in the functioning of the state government, and said that the BJP is talking nonsense about this.

Gogoi also said that the saffron party is an expert only in marketing, and nothing else.

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publication the Haryana based contractor last night shifted the whole lot of 200 bags of highly subsidized PDS rice from the godown of Namsang General Co-operative Society to his own godown and is now preparing to lot to send to Longding.

Contd. on Page 4

ET EXCLUSIVE “The entire shifting was done quietly and from 945 pm to 10-10 pm so that people do not come to know about the illegalities of the entire black business.”

ISIS not Muslim, people of other faith defaming Islam: Assam leader ANI Agartala, Nov 30 'ISIS is not at all Muslims, rather these are people from other religion wearing masks and defaming Islam', viewed Vice President of All India Muslim Majlis-eMushawarat H.R.A. Choudhury. Speaking to ANI at the sideline of a convention Choudhury said, "I understand that these people (ISIS) are not Muslims at all. They are not Muslims and are from some other religion and wearing Muslim masks and doing all their activities.

"Choudhury, a senior advo-

cate of Gauhati High Court and president of Samajwadi Party of Assam's state committee, was one of the chief guests at the convention of Tripura State Jamiat Ulemai-Hind in Agartala Sunday.According to the senior Muslim leader, due to the destructive activities of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the entire Muslim community is affected globally and suspected to be involved or sympathiser of terrorist activities."Everyone is affected and questions are being raised (against Islam) due to the ISIS activities.

Contd. on Page 4

Pages- 12

'Passionate' PM Modi not under any 'compulsion' in Paris: Piyush Goyal

Page 6

Leader of opposition defends stand on airport issue A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 30

Leader of opposition and BJP MLA Tamiyo Taga defended his stand in connection with his statement with reference to the Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia, which he had made recently. Taga put the blame on the media for misrepresenting and misinterpreting his statement. He however re-

tracted his statement saying that he has no intention of defaming the Speaker by saying that an FIR has been lodged in an Assam Police Station. He said that all he knew is that an FIR filed against the Speaker was lodged but he declined to comment whether the FIR is related to the ‘Tarasso Firing Incident’. He also argued and dismissed reports of him published wherein he has suggested that the Governor of

Arunachal wants to improve the Lilabari airport instead of constructing an airport in Arunachal. Taga was at the receiving end of a backlash from the All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) recently wherein the latter demanded a public apology from the MLA. The union has called for a wide protest over the MLA’s statement about the airport.

Contd. on Page 3

Northeast students return with Medal and Awards from Space Camp, NASA, USA A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 30

Sixteen (16) students from Mizoram have successfully completed Advanced Space Academy conducted by US Space and Rocket Center, NASA’s official Visitor Information Center for Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, USA. The students comprised of seven (7) girls and nine (9) boys. Students from St.Paul’s Hr. Sec. School, Aizawl, Mizoram accompanied by Mr. Lalhnuna Hauhnar, Contd. on Page 3

Team Von Tiesenhausen.

Bodo postgraduate building State level stakeholders’ consultation on Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) inaugurated at DU

Vulnerable age group must be engaged and guided to adopt healthy behavior: Felix

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 30

BTC chief Hagrama Mahilari today laid the foundation stone of the building of the Bodo language learning centre at Dibrugarh University.

Mahilari stated that the expenses for the construction of the building have been allocated from the BTC funds. After laying the foundation stone of the building, a gathering was held in the Rang Ghar auditorium.

Contd. on Page 4

Naharlagun, Nov 30

Hagrama with VC, DU during the foundation laying programme. Pic - UB Photos

Bihar election’s unintended ripple effect in Tezu Jiko Linggi Tezu, Nov 30

Even as Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Nitish Kumar, who led the Grand Alliance to victory in the assembly elec-

tions recently and took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for the fifth time, it had an unintended ripple effect in remote and discreet town of Tezu in Lohit district.

Contd. on Page 3

TMPK blocks MurkongselekDekar Gaon Intercity Express

Dead body Doomdooma, Nov 28: The body of a youth has been recovered from a paddy field cottage which falls under Bordumsa police station. According to sources, the deceased was identified as Pranav Neug, 23, the son of late Lalit Neug, an inhabitant of Bokapathar village.

The cause of death has not been ascertained while people suspect it to be a case of suicide. It may be mentioned here that after completion of higher secondary, the youth had completed a hotel management course and presently living at home spending time in farm work.

(Correspondent)

5.00

Tirap district on the move: peace returns, pace of development accelerates

Page 8

BIG BREAKING NEWS

Price -

Lakhimpur unit of TMPK activists along with local people during the blockade. Pic - UB Photos ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Nov 30

Reacting to the tractor hitting accident at Upper Pahumara Railway Crossing in Lakhimpur, the regional body of the Takam Missing Porin Kebang (TMPK) initiated a protest programme today against the Railway Department in Lakhimpur. The organization today blocked the Murkongselek-Dekar Gaon

Intercity Express up-train at the above mentioned venue at 9 am joined in by the local people. It is to be noted the Murkongselek-Dekar Gaon Intercity Express down-train had earlier rammed into a tractor when it was crossing the railway last night at around 7.10 pm due to which two local youth viz Ranjan Pawe and Hiren Taid had died.

Contd. on Page 4

2 trampled to death by elephants ET Correspondent Tezpur, Nov 30

Wild elephants created mayhem in the Chariduar area of Sonitpur district by killing two persons and livestock. Two persons were trampled to death by the wild tuskers at Sonaimiri village under Chariduar PS last night, police informed. According to police, the deceased were identified as Dhanbahadur Limbu and Sabitiri Devi. The villagers of the affected village informed that a herd of wild elephants numbering more than hundred entered the village last night.

Contd. on Page 4

The state level stakeholders’ consultation on strengthening Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) organised jointly by the Department of Education, GoAP and UNESCO, New Delhi and NGO, Centre for Catalyzing Change was held today at Conference Hall of SCERT, Gohpur Tinali, Itanagar. The project aims at promoting holistic adolescent health and empowering young people with information, Contd. on Page 4

Governor JP Rajkhowa (centre) at the RGU convocation ceremony.

APCC makes it clear, AGP chief denies attempt no alliance with AIUDF of poll tie-up with BJP A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 30

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has today made it clear that it will not have any pre-poll alliance with the AIUDF. Speaking to The Eastern Today, APCC president Anjan Dutta said that the Congress that party will go alone in 2016 Assam Assembly polls. “We have neither talked to any other party regarding a possible alliance nor have considered forging any alliance in the forthcoming as-

sembly elections,” Dutta said.

Meanwhile, BPF supremo Hagrama Mohilary today said it will not enter into any prepoll alliance and will contest in 16 constituencies in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area in the Assembly elections scheduled next year in Assam. "We will not enter into any pre-poll alliance with any political party as we are considering fielding our candidates in all 16 assembly constituencies in the BTC area," Contd. on Page 4

Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, Nov 30

Calling the rumours of possible poll tie-ups between Bhartiya Janta Party and Asom Gana Parishad before assembly elections unsubstantiated, AGP state president Atul Bora said there is no question of joining hands with either BJP or Congress. Bora on the way to Dibrugarh had made a stop at AGP district office in Tinsukia town to address AGP members in an attempt to boost their morale before elections.

Bora said, all claims made by BJP that they are in talks with AGP for pre-poll tie up are a pure lie. “We are neither in talks with BJP leaders at any level nor will talk for any possible tie-up. Our support base in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh is increasing day-by-day as the misrule of Congress party in the state and BJP in the centre is before everyone,” he added.

Bora did not disclose the total number of constituencies that the regional party is looking to field their candidates during the upcoming elections.

Banks worried over bad debt recovery New Delhi, Nov 30

Almost 15 years ago, Daewoo filed for bankruptcy and a few years later General Motors took over its auto business. More than a decade later, while the Chevrolet Spark, which replaced the Korean chaebol's Matiz, can still be spotted on the road, its

MOUNTING BAD DEBT PRESSURE Lenders are trying to get the local administration and the state government to protect their interests in loans they had extended to a Rs 5,000-crore power plant, which remains under construction and has even hit equipment vendor Bhel that has a Rs 800-crore exposure.

While there has been a slowdown in fresh accretion to the pile of bad debt of banks, which added up to Rs 3.14 lakh crore at the end of September, recoveries have dwindled, exaggerating the pressure.

Over the years, thanks to persuasion by the Reserve Bank of India and t h e f i n a n c e m i n i s t ry, banks have become more transparent about recognizing non-performing assets.

Indian plant lies in a shambles. Asset Reconstruction Company (India), or Arcil, which used to spend around Rs 5 crore for maintaining the facility near Noida, is still dealing with legal cases as a plan to sell it didn't materialize. Over a thousand kilometres away in Jharkhand, Contd. on Page 10

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Raj Communications Near SBI bank Changlang

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Governor chairs 23rd NERIST Society Meeting ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 30: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, JP Rajkhowa chaired the 23rd NERIST (North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology) Society Meeting at NERIST, Nirjuli on 30th November 2015. The members of the NERIST Society, Air Marshal Pranab Kumar Barbora (Retd), Chairman, Board of Management, NERIST, Professor P.K. Das, Director, NERIST, Shri Tarh Nachung, Industrialist and non-Secretary Dr. R.P. Bhattacharjee and nominees of the members from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, States of Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim, and All India Council For Technical Education, New Delhi attended the meeting. The Governor, who is the President, NERIST Society, was pleased about the status of NERIST in production of highly qualified engineers both at junior and senior level. He urged all the NE State representatives to thrive for better and quality education of the Institute for growth and prosperity of NE States. During the meeting, the house observed that there is lack of supervision of infrastructural works. It

Governor JP Rajkhowa (centre) attends the 23rd annual general meeting of the NERIST Society. was stressed in for involving of NERIST experts for super vision of civil works to save money as well as to ensure quality construction.

NERIST and other institution like RGU and NIT should be involving in monitoring road, building etc of the state in general and capital in particular.

Mizoram representative briefed about his experience being a member of BoG of IIM, Shillong in this regard.

The Institute must engage more in consultation works so as to save more resources and to maintain autonomy of the Institute. The house was informed that all the construction work are vetted by Finance Committee and

BoM meeting of NERIST. The house noted the academic and infrastructural development of the institute and urged upon that in future, updated physical and financial position may be placed for knowledge of the members of the Society. The Institute was urged to start Science in Under Graduate level to cater the great need of NER. In his welcome address, Prof. P.K. Das, Director NERIST informed that NERIST Society is a registered society with objectives to give directions and advices for smooth running of the Institute. The NERIST Society meeting is conducted once in a year. He further informed that Board

of Management, NERIST, which looks after the management of the Institute, under the chairmanship of Air Marshal Pranab Kumar Barbora (Retd) conducts its meeting every quarter of the year. The Director, NERIST while presenting a report on NERIST, informed that the Institute conducts Conferences/ workshops and seminars regularly throughout the year involving all the faculty members. The Institute is also involved in research project and industrial consultancy. The Institute gives scholarships to Under Graduate, Post Graduate and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) students. Recently the Institute has been

Monthly bilingual news bulletin ‘Mrityunjay Batori’ inaugurated N. Patnaik Nagaon, Nov 30: Monthly publication of a bilingual news bulletin by the name of ‘Mrityunjay Batori’ from Nagaon by the managing committee of Mritunjay temple situated at Bherbheri has been announced and it was inaugurated yesterday by eminent journalist Haider Hussain at Nagaon Amolapatty Natya Mandir.

Speaking on the occasion, Hussain said, “The objective of all religion is the same, betterment of mankind. Self sacrifice is the quintessence of every religion. But people interpret religion differently to have

Arunachal Governor wishes on World AIDS Day ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 30: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa extended warm greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of World AIDS Day. He expressed hope that celebration of the Day would strengthen the resolve to make Arunachal Pradesh free of AIDS. In his message to the people on the occasion, the Governor said that AIDS is one of the biggest challenges to the whole world. It has touched all aspects of the lives of both the infected and the affected. A large number of people are affected by the dreaded disease. It is high time that people should take more responsibilities to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by spreading the message of ‘Safe Sex’, avoid taking drugs, more particularly not using syringe used by other persons including patients etc. HIV prevention is the most effective approach to reducing new infections and minimizing the impact of the disease. He appealed to the people of the State to join in the mission to contain the further spread of HIV/AIDS. At the same time, he called for creating more awareness of the disease and move towards an AIDS free generation. The goal is ambitious, but achievable. Each of us has an important role to play. “Let us all play our individual and collective roles,” the Governor appealed.

HDKP dharna on Dec 1 Haflong, Nov 30: In line with the decision taken by the Central Committee of the Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad (SAKP), Guwahati on November 4, 2015 in connection with their various demands Haflong District Karmachari Parishad (HDKP) has announced that it would stage dharna in front of the DC office, Haflong on December 1, 2015 from 11 am to 1 pm. The dharna would be held by state government employees, workers and teachers of Dima Hasao district. (Correspondent)

their selfish ends fulfilled.

Religion is not opposite to Science.” Criticizing a section of the people, Hussain said this section interprets religion in their own way, without going deep into the essence of the religion and that “they mislead the common people and thereby cause harm to the society and to humanity at large.”

This section has commercialized religion, divided people and spread ill will among different sections that ultimately brings catastrophe on the world, Hussain said. He further said religious theories have discussed everything on the

earth. There is nothing left which has not been touched upon by religion. Again, he said, religion and science are complementary and added that each is set in its own way to demystify the mystery of the universe and that there is a spiritual relation between dhyana and gyana. Meanwhile, Acharya Bhrigugiri, founder of the temple said, “Religion is another form of science.

They are not contradictory.”

He explained it by quoting slokas from various scriptures. The meeting held on the occasion was also addressed by Sailen Saikia, President of Nagaon Press

Club. It was presided over by Purnakanta Barua, retired Principal.

Earlier Prabin Goswami, General Secretary of the Temple Management Committee spoke on the objective of the meeting and the students of the Veda Vidyalaya run by the Temple committee recited Mangalacharan.

Jiten Barkataki and Tapan Kataki will act as chief editor and executive editor respectively while Ajay Mahato will look after Hindi section of the bulletin. Kanak Hazarika is the advisor to the bulletin.

granted six full time Ph.D and one part time Visveshwaraiya Ph.D scholarship by Govt. of India.

The Institute is having PDA facilities for faculty members along with QIP to enhance their academic capability. NERIST is also granted TEQIP-II grants of Rs.10 crore from world bank project since last four years. The NBA accreditation is in the pipeline and expected to visit during January 2016. The Director also highlighted on the future projects and challenges of the Institute. Institute is planning for improvement of old Hostel and modernisation of library facility. The Institute is also thriving for better laboratory facilities and research works. The Institute proposed to have new programme after addition of academic infrastructure.

NERIST is facing encroachment of land and the only hope is the state government in getting rid of encroachment. The members present in the meeting were briefed about modular pattern of admission after class 10(NEEI), after class 12 (NEE-II) and after 3 years of diploma (NEE-III) for degree course.

In the modular pattern, there is provision of exit for each of such students reducing loss of academic years.

Theft in MLA's residence ET Correspondent Rangia, Nov 30: In spite of police patrol doing the rounds, a group of miscreants broke into the house of Gopinath Das, MLA of Bako constituency last night.

According to the local public, the miscreants entered the house and looted many valuable items including three important personal file of the MLA. Meanwhile, Police rushed to the spot and started investigation. According to the police, as MLA Das is in jail custody and there was no body in the residence the miscreants easily entered the house and looted the goods as stated by the neighbors. Police are still in the dark about what all has been stolen.

Golaghat Reliance College Jr industrial visit ET Correspondent Golaghat, Nov 30: An industrial visit was undertaken by Commerce Department of Golaghat Reliance College Jr with the aim to facilitate practical knowledge for the Commerce students and give them exposure. Under the

able-leadership of Amit Nagori and Robin Khound, a team comprising 40 students of Standard XI and XII was taken on a visit to an Industrial unit of Sanjiv Tea industry Pvt Ltd at Dhuliagaon. Management staff Rashid Ali explained about machinery, process-

ing, manufacturing, marketing in a friendly manner to the students. Apart from this, the Managing Director Sanjiv Gogoi himself interacted with the students and cleared their doubts relating to industry and other business affairs. It came to be known that Sanjiv Tea In-

dustry has been recently certified to produce Zero Pesticide Tea by many Tea House Bodies and as such the students became eager and interested in visiting such an industry. Other faculty members and office staff also participated in the outing.

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

G M Hospital

Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099

Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476

Aastha Hospital Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960

Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Nov 30: To do away the usual low quality works done by private contractors though the projects are tendered properly, the PRI leaders of Bogong-I led by ASM Chairperson Tamut Tasung has submitted an appeal letter to the Deputy Commissioner here today seeking DC Isha Khosla’s interference in letting the work of construction of Mirmir Chariali -Balek Road constructed departmentally. On repeated public appeal, the said road is soon going to be reconstructed.

In the letter, the PRI leaders urged DC to let the work of renovation/recarpeting of Balek Road from Mirmir Chariali to Govt. Sec. School Balek be carried out departmentally by PWD without floating any tenders inviting bidders. While citing an example, the PRI leaders said that, the same road was recarpetted during the year 2009 through tender system, but within no time the road started weaning away leading to present dilapidated condi-

tion which happened due severe low quality works. So, we strongly demands for renovation/recarpetting of the same road departmentally by PWD itself so that quality could be maintained. While talking to this correspondent this evening, ASM Chairperson Bogong-I Tamut Tasung said that, the PRI leaders has already constituted a committee to monitor the work quality which will be headed by Okom Jamoh, ASM Tigra besides all other ASMs working as members.

It is pertinent to mention here that, many important roads across the district are constructed with poor quality due to which the constructed roads starts weaning away within few months. The works which are allotted to various individuals or firms through tendering process are not monitored properly or say no monitoring at all.

Or if even if there happen to come any third party monitoring team, those teams are fed with bucks and most of the time, they don’t even reach out to the site to monitor. Unfortu-

nately, the blame for all these mess goes out to the state government who becomes a poor blaming ball. As a conscious citizen, the quality work should be also monitored by public itself, as the works are done for the people who will be in the receiving end when it is not constructed properly. The state government has been seen sanctioning many roads in each financial year funds of which are pumped by central government considering out state as remote and border state. But our people are no less smarter to loot our own developmental money and hence, we as common denizen are responsible for our own poor roads. We need to wake up now; we need to shed off our greed for no one’s else, but for our self!

PRI leaders of Bogong-I has shown a way to all, let the proper development take place and public be the monitoring agent without any compromise. Then undoubtedly, the durability of roads will last longer thereby giving us a smooth drive or walk.

ASTRO FOR YOU You’ve finally realised that diet and exercise are a must, and you especially need to take good care. Today, you may wish to eat something different. Go out with some friends who you’ve not been paying attention to.

You will spend your day in the company of near and dear ones. Family and friends might gather at your place and you will leave no stone unturned in welcoming them to your nest. In all probability, home makers will be able to shine in cooking as well as hosting. Emotions will run wild and free with your sweetheart.

You will be faced with a slew of demands from various people today, and you will find it difficult to meet all of them. However, you will be able to meet the requirements that need to be met to salvage the day. People will praise your intelligence and creativity.

In all likelihood, this is going to be a fairly easy day for you. The only tough part of the day would be how to spend it. There will be hardly anything to do, anyone to talk to. Ideally, this is what you would call a perfect day. But not today. Today, you’ll miss people. You will find yourself more at peace with the unbearable chaos of the outer world than the deafening calm of your solitude. So, when you get your chance to rejoin the human race in its daily messy routine, you will be more than happy to oblige.

Call it an epiphany of sorts, but today promises to be a day of revelations for you.

Finally, things fall into place as your Odyssey nears its end, and you come to terms with your hidden talents. Follow your heart and dive into the bottomless pool of your imagination. With limitless ideas, and a silver spoon to match your steady hand, you are perfectly poised to act on what you have thought out clearly.

Your writing skills will possibly help you vent your feelings without offending others. You will successfully complete your pending assignments. Great success will knock at your door in anything and everything you undertake today.

Health is always a key issue, and today, you may have to pay some special attention to the same. It may be some elderly person in the family, or even you. Take the time to give it your full attention in order to avoid any further complications. You may do well to undergo a physical examination yourself. Remember, health is wealth. Take care.

A healthy and hectic day is in store for you today. You are likely to finish your pending tasks with new zeal. But the chaotic day will blossom into a fabulous evening when you hang out with your sweetheart.

Appreciation for all that excellent work you have put in is a no-go for you! Yet, you stand to gain nothing by losing heart. While the acknowledgement you look for has been delayed, it has not been denied and is in the offing already.

Your intuition will get the better of you today, bagging you respect and recognition. But it’s not every day that you get so lucky, so try and make the most of what’s on the platter, for all you know, intuitions could have a mood swing too.

Besides, if winning hearts is like a once-in-a-blue-moon thing, be on your best behaviour and wear your best suit — it’s a blue moon day for you today.

You plot and plan well today! A lot of your time, energy and money may go into less productive activities. But the quality of your work will near perfection. Keep it up, says Ganesha, it is this creativity which gives you an edge over others.

A hectic day of socialising awaits you. You will discover hidden talents and unnoticed traits about yourself. Either that, or whoever brought them to your notice was only lying to get some socialising action of their own. You are a person of action, as well as of words, and hence, will go on to act on what you have planned.

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

1-12-15 (TUESRDAY)

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

PRI leaders demands for departmental renovation of Mirmir Chariali-Balek Road

Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

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

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-50 A.M-Tokari Geet 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 (Hindi Film Song) 12-15 P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Path Hoise Bikashor" 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 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Chah Shramikar Aasor 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-00 P.M-Krira Jagat (Sports Magazine Programme) 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan (Literary Magazine Programme) 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Power Grid donates ambulance to Koronu/Bhismaknagar denizens

S. Ghosh handing over Ambulance Key to DMO Roing.

Bishnu Rana Roing, Nov 30: Bringing relief to the people of Koronu and Bhismaknagar area, the Power Gird Cooperation Government of India has shown its philanthropic side when it donated an ambulance at a simple ceremony here at the recently upgraded CHC Koronu. Appreciating the humanitarian gesture, M K Deori ADC Lower Dibang Valley said that the ambulance would obviously bring respite to the poor villagers when medical cases are referred to District Hospital and Assam. “The public of both Koronu and

Bhismaknagar should take care of the vehicle and dissuade its misuse”, he appealed. DMO Dr Wange also expressed huge reprieve for the public of both the areas. “The ambulance was the long felt demand of the public which got fulfilled”, he expressed. He also extended deep gratitude to the Power Grid for its generosity in donating the ambulance in the larger interest of the people of this area. The DMO also assured to arrange for a driver and its early registration and thereafter hand over to the Medical Officer in-charge CHC Koronu soon. S

Ghosh Manager Power Grid Tezu Division highlighted certain Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) incorporated in the department to help out the public where its project executes. He also thanked AIMSU and APPSU district unit for pursuing the proposal. Later, S Ghosh handed over key and documents of the vehicle to the DMO. The ADC also flagged off the ambulance amid huge applause. Power Grid Officials, O Panging Koronu CO, M Linggi ASM Koronu block, Dr Modi CHC Koronu, medical staff and local public also participated on the occasion.

The union also said termed the MLA as antiarunachal and anti-development. Taga said that he and his party want airport to be built in Arunachal also. He indirectly blamed the media saying, ‘The news was pro-

paganda’. Taga said the State Govt. is selling away all lands while simultaneously citing an example of many Chakmas and Hollongi refugees who own land in Hollongi, a site identified for the Green Field Airport construction. There are 228 Chakma landown-

Indrajit Tingwa Namsai, Nov 30: The intersection on the NH-52 at 2 Mile Namsai is quite a chaotic place especially during the evening hours when vegetable vendors and customers crowd the place on top of the evening rush of vehicular traffic. The haphazard way of selling and buying vegetables on the busy intersection is nothing less than inviting untoward happenings, pointed out many residents in the periphery of the bazaar. Vegetables and meat are sold in the open virtually on the roads with the least consideration for maintaining hygiene or safety from the speeding vehicles. The place is littered with vegetable and other wastes and the buying and selling activities often cause traffic snarls. Unfortunately, nobody cares for cleaning the place which is otherwise the entrance to the district headquarters. A prominent resident of the 2 Mile area has recently launched a social media campaign to stop lit-

tering and to keeping the town clean. He rued that many people and organisations have informed and sought the intervention of the bazaar committee and the district administration to evict the bazaar at 2 Mile but it has fallen on deaf ears. A youth organisation has also recently, on 23 November written to the Deputy Commissioner, Namsai to evict the daily bazaar at the intersection which is also an accident prone area. In the representation, the youth organisation termed the bazaar as a public nuisance and cause of many accidents. The organisation had implored upon the Deputy Commissioner to exercise his power in order to evict the bazaar at 2 Mile before anymore damages are done.

There is also a general concern regarding cleanliness of the town and particularly markets. Last year, a students’ union had distributed dustbins for the town market but of late these have vanished. Prior to that, the

ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 30: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has extended his sincere greetings to the people of the State on the special occasion of Indigenous Faith Day. He hopes that the occasion will usher in communal harmony and respect for all faiths and beliefs. In his message, the Governor said that Arunachal Pradesh is a cultural mosaic owing to prevalence of different indig-

Northeast students return with Medal and Awards from Space Camp, NASA, USA Contd. from Page 1

Space Camp Ambassador returned with the “Right Stuff” an outstanding medal given to a trainee and three Team Awards which they achieved during the 6 days (15 -20 Nov, 2015) Advanced Space Academy Program at the USSRC. Trainee Jonathan Lalrammawia

Hmar achieved the most prestigious medal called “Right Stuff” for his outstanding show of Leadership, team-work and demonstration of the characteristics of a true Astronaut. Their Team ‘Von Tiesenhausen’ named after the famous retired German-American rocket scientist also achieved other Awards during their training. Aero Design Engi-

the crew’s instructions and acquiring the highest points.

Ablative Shielding Engineering Award for designing and making the most Protective shield. Rocketry Challenge Engineering Award for successfully constructing, launching and landing a Rocket by the team at the launch-site. The Scuba activ-

was completed by the students with much enthusiasm and team work. The students also performed very well in other indoor and outdoor activities. “There are great hidden talents among our youths in Northeast which need exposure,” said Space Camp Ambassador Lalhnuna Hauhnar.

Felix makes unannounced visit to Govt.

Hr Sec. School Aronadaya Itanagar A Staff Reporter/Chow Bilaseng Namchoom Itanagar, Nov 30: Teachers are the unsung heroes who are widely responsible for human resource development said Parliamentary Secretary Education etc Bamang Felix during his unannounced visit to the most important school at the heart of the city Govt Higher Secondary Aronadaya Itanagar today. The school has strength of total 58 teachers and as many as 1608 students.

Felix made the random and unannounced visit to access the functioning of the school and to also know and understand the problem of the teachers being faced in the school. Felix while interacting with the school staff urged them to do their duty with a missionary zeal and dedication. An effective teacher understands that teaching involves wearing multiple hats to ensure that the school day runs smoothly and all students receive a quality education, he added. Felix stressed upon zero tolerance towards teachers’ absenteeism and advised the teachers to dedicate themselves for the betterment of the students. During the brief interaction, the Principal of school Hage Taker highlighted on the issues and problems faced by the school for smooth functioning. He made an appeal to visiting Parliamentary Secretary to appoint

Parliamentary Secretary Education etc Bamang Felix during his unannounced visit to Govt Hr. Sec. School Arunodaya Itanagar today. He was accompanied by DDSE Capital Mallo Yam Gollo and a team of IPR officers. night chowkidar cum peon for safeguarding and protecting the school property and to also appoint LDC and UDC for smooth functioning of the school administration work.

The school at present has only one LDC with a cashier, informed the principal. The school with only one toilet for students, sanitation facility for girls is missing in the school complex completely and the girls are compelled to use toilets meant for teachers, informed one of the senior teacher. Felix taking note of the issue urged the DDSE capital to look into the matter urgently and take necessary steps in this regard. He also

informed the teaching faculty that an amount of Rs 5 lacs will be released under maintenance head from the Department of Education for early completion of the construction of toilets for students and teachers in the school. In the matter of building, design and construction of school, Felix advised for keeping provision for building of G+2 and G+3 type of school building for future expansion of the school. While inspecting the classroom, Felix informed the principal to install green board in the classes which are in comparison to old black boards are safe and healthy. Earlier, the Parliamentary Secretary Education etc

A view of 2 Mile Bazaar, Namsai. Pic - Indrajit Tingwa dustbins were often seen overflowing with wastes as the concerned agency seems so least concerned to maintain the urban set up.

The wastes from these dustbins often spilled over to the narrow bazaar roads much to the discomfort of the shopkeepers as well as the public with the stink and mess. At a time when the

Aruanchal Governor extends Indigenous Faith Day greetings

enous faiths and practices along with both sects of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity and other religions. To preserve the indigenous cultural heritage, the people of the State need to motivate indigenous people ers in Hollongi, who appeared in the land compento take pride in their sation list, besides 245 loown faith and culture. cal landowners. Taga apThe people need to appealed to the people not to preciate the rich and make baseless allegations finer elements of the reor politicize developmental ligious practices of the issues. He declined to anState. Special occasion swer any questions raised by the media. like this will provide opportunity for better understanding of the different faiths of the State and motivate all, for honest and genuine engagements between neering Award for designing ity where they were given people from different and flying an airplane as per various underwater tasks faiths and belief. It will

Leader of opposition defends stand on airport issue Contd. from Page 1

Chaotic Bazaar at 2 Mile Namsai

Bamang Felix checked the attendance register of teachers where 16 teachers were found either on leave or absent. He asked the school authority to properly monitor and maintain the school attendance record. He insisted to DDSE on timely submission of Surprise Inspection Report (SIR) including those success stories of teachers to his office for initiating further action based on the report. The Parliamentary Secretary Education Bamang Felix was accompanied by DDSE Capital Mallo Yam Gollo and a team of IPR and present during the visit was also the vice principal of school M. Borang.

also reinforce the distinctive Indian cultural characteristic which always has been ‘Unity in Diversity’ and V a s u d h a i v a Kutumbakam – the whole world is a family.

The Governor exhorted the people to reaffirm the commitment on building better relationships and giving members of each faith the opportunity to better understand each other. He said that it must be through sincere and genuine engagements all religious people with mutual respect, understanding and goodwill.

“May the special occasion strengthen our faith in humanity,” the Governor wished in his message.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has brought out better outlooks of places, Namsai has to pull up its socks and work towards maintaining cleanliness, said a shopkeeper. The Namsai town is not only the district headquarters of the same name but also a gateway to various other districts and important pilgrimage sites.

For now, the bazaar at the 2 Mile intersection seems to be such a risky place till further changes take place.

Namsai cannot afford to continue to be such a chaotic place, all stakeholders especially the district administration must take a concerted effort to maintain cleanliness of the town, added a youth leader.

Bihar election’s unintended ripple effect in Tezu Contd. from Page 1

A day or two after the declaration of Bihar election, two senior teachers of Government Higher Secondary School, Tezu and both hailing from Bihar hurled choicest abuses, exchanged punches and wrestled with one another all in the name of ‘freedom of expression’ during the school hour; notwithstanding the fact that school students and other staff members of school were witness to their actions. Of the two teachers (identities wrapped), one is believed to be from upper caste and a strident supporter of the saffron party, the BJP while the other an OBC with political leanings towards the mahagathbandhan. The two senior teachers entered into a verbal duel on ‘political affairs’ leading to the victory of the grand alliance

during the school hours and the temper of words being exchanged increased with invoking of ‘Ranveer Sena’ an upper-caste landlord militia mainly based in Bihar.

This group was formed by Bhumihar and Rajput landlords, to stop aspirations of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes people by violent means and their organized killings. It carried out actions against Dalits and other members of the scheduled caste. The temperature of the verbal duel reached its tipping point and burst out in the form of two teachers exchanging blows openly. Not only blows were exchanged but the two wrestled furiously. And all these took place in front of other staff members and students of the school. Luckily, before things could spin out of control, the vice principal intervened and separated the two fuming and raging teachers.

CM inaugurates Job Mela cum Skill Development Awareness Program A Staff Reporter Dirang, Nov 30: Rolling out his vision plan for skill development and then making Arunachal employed, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki dedicated first of its kind Tata Motors collaborated Automobile Workshop and Mechanic trade under Industrial Training Institute, Dirang for skill development training to the unemployed youths of the state apart from inaugurating the Job Mela cum skill development awareness and selection rally here today. With 70 trainees presently undergoing training in various trades, ITI Dirang has been upgraded to centre of excellence and is poised to become model ITI of the state. Two more trades were also included viz. tourist guide and wireman in addition to the already existing five trades in the institute on the day. Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of youths, elders, Panchayat leaders, Gaon Buras, students and general public, Tuki informed that Skill Development and Employment generation program has been taken up by the state government in a holistic manner.

“We need not have to boast about our success stories as this particular program has been recognized by many including Government of India and other well developed states and have approached us to emulate our program in their states,” Tuki said while citing examples and awards received by the state government for this particular project. He further informed that Skill development program and Job Mela organized time to time by the state government has been very suc-

Nabam Tuki inaugurates Job Mela cum Skill Development Awareness Program. cessful as it had illuminated thousands of lives who are now gainfully employed or self employed in various parts of the country and abroad. CM reiterated his commitment to provide one lakh jobs by 2017, one each in every family of the state and thirty thousand in the current financial year. He directed the West Kameng Deputy Commissioner to start conducting family census for identifying families which do not have any member employed or self employed. Tuki further informed the gathering that the state government has earmarked 150 crore rupees for skill development activities in various sectors in the current year’s budget. Financial assistance to unemployed engineers is being provided to the tune of Rs. 20 Lakhs through State cooperative Apex Bank to set up small scale industries while skilled youths having certificates

will get assistance up to Rs. 10 lakhs as soft loan, he disclosed. He appealed the youths to make good use of the benefits provided by the state government. While responding to various memorandums, CM assured to take up the township road via Zimthung village to Namthung project under SIDF and Township road to Rama Krishna Sharada Mission Khaso under RIDF. CM agreed to create a new CD block for Thembang administrative headquarters in next cabinet session while for maintenance and preservation of World Heritage Site, Thembang, Rs. 2 Crore was announced. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Minister Hydro Power, Veterinary and the local MLA Phurpa Tsering lauded the CM for his initiatives for the welfare of the state and its people. In his humorous way Tsering said “Our CM is not the man of Bhashan (Speeches) but a

man of Ration (commitment)”. He further informed that the Jandorong Hydel of 1 MW at Dirang has been commissioned. Consultant of Tata Motors S P Joshi expressed willingness to extend their activities in skill development sector in the state. He stated that the Tata Motors would be happy to be associated with the Arunachal Pradesh Government in its initiatives. As many as 13 Vocational Training Providers were present to recruit local youths for skill development trainings in their enterprises. Other highlights included distribution of TV sets to GBs by CM under CM’s Rural Information Scheme. Among others, Parliamentary Secretaries Tapuk Taku and Kumsi Sidisow, Chairman DOKA Jambey Wangdi, Chairman Hydro Power development Tungri Effa, DC and district officers were present on the occasion.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Teok town committee’s new office building inaugurated

DC Jorhat inaugurates Teok town committee's new office building.

ET Correspondent Teok, Nov 30: The new office building of Teok town committee was inaugurated

by Jorhat Deputy Commissioner Mr Sulanki Bisal Basant here today. In this regard, a public meeting was held which was chaired

by Mr Rafique Uz Zaman chairman of the Teok town

committee. The executive officer and also the circle officer of the Teok revenue circle Mr Pranab Jit Kakati delivered the welcome speech at the gathering. The Jorhat Deputy Commissioner Mr Sulanki Bisal Basant appealed to all to work towards a clean Teok town in the greater interest

of the country. The DC also advised to prepare a master plan for constructing a beautiful Teok town. There were more than hundred people present at the function. The chairman of the Teok town committee Mr Rafique Uz Zaman thanked all for making the programme grand success.

Arunachal Governor graces RGU’s 13th University Convocation ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 30: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, JP Rajkhowa, graced the 13th University Convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Rono Hills, Doimukh as Chief Guest on 30th November 2015. First Lady of the State Smt Rita Rajkhowa, State Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, Chancellor, RGU, Air Marshal (Retd.) Pranab Kumar Barbora, Vice-Chancellor, RGU Prof. Tamo Mibang, members of executive and academic councils, deans of Faculty, Heads of departments, Registrar, parents of some of the candidates receiving degrees and medals of excellence attended the convocation. In his convocation speech, the Governor said that education is the key to development, as without human resource development, economic de-

Spices Board conducts farmer’s training programme on advanced production Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Nov 30: Much to the need of farmers from the district for advanced production of Ginger, Turmeric and Large Cardamom, the Field Office of Spices Board, Govt of India, Pasighat section organised a one day Training Programme for farmers’ under MIDH Scheme at ATIC Auditorium of College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat on Saturday, 28th November 2015 with the aim to promote and tap the potential of North East Region to emerge as a hub of organic spices. In the training programme on advanced production technology of Ginger, Turmeric and Large Cardamom, around 50 farmers from Sissen and Rutung villages participated with dedication as residents

of these villages are putting an all out effort to make production of spices as their prime livelihood. Dr. B R Phukan, Dean-in-charge, College of Horticulture & Forestry as the Chief Guest inaugurated the programme, and he appreciated the board’s initiatives for development and promotion of spices production in the State. He also highlighted the marketing prospect of organic spices and state’s potential to emerge as a front runner in both domestic and international markets. He urged the farmers for adopting scientific cultivation techniques, post harvest management practices and value addition technology. Dr. R C Skyawar commenced the Technical Session with emphasis on developments in production technology of

Large Cardamom, the need for selection of healthy seeds and planting materials, nutrient and irrigation management and the use of bio-control agents. Dr Toge Riba educated the farmers on raising the nursery of large cardamom, new replanting, nutrient management, weeding, insect-pest and disease management and post harvesting methods with a demonstration of large cardamom drier. Dr. S D Warade in his informative session highlighted about the cultivation practices of Lakadong Turmeric and Ginger with special emphasis on land preparation, nursery bed preparation, seed treatment, fertilizer and organic manure application, irrigation, weeding, post harvest management, clean storage of the produce and its value added prod-

ucts. Speaking on the Board’s developmental schemes, Field Officer, Rajamanickam R appealed the farmers to adopt scientific way of cultivation for better yield and emphasized the need for formation of Spices Producer Societies (SPS). Dr. B P Mishra, Associate Professor, College of Horticulture and Forestry coordinated the programme in the College. The Chief Guest and other dignitaries were welcomed and felicitated by Mr. Rajamanickam R, Field Officer, Spices Board. Mr. T S Augustine, Spices Board Pasighat proposed vote of thanks. The Programme was followed by a field visit under the leadership of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar which was supported by Mr Anuroop from Spices Board, Pasighat.

State level stakeholders’ consultation on Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) Contd. from Page 1 skills and values to make decisions concerning their health.

Issues that an adolescences such as stress management, dealing with puberty, peer pressure, bullying, issues on personal hygiene, sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS, STIs, substance abuse, etc have been incorporated in the AEP curriculum. Underlining the urgent need for engaging the vulnerable adolescent age group of students of Arunachal Pradesh, under the initiative of Adolescence Education programme (AEP), Parliamentary Secretary Education, IPR & Printing, Shri Bamang Felix, who attended as the Chief Guest today has said “Awareness is absolutely needed” ‘for motivating and empowering school students towards healthy behavior and imparting about HIV/AIDS., Adolescence health and other life skills. He expressed happiness that the department of Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh is also a vital stakeholder in the joint initiative of AEP along with partners UNESCO, New Delhi and APSACS( Arunachal Pradesh AIDS Control Society), which focuses on strengthening the Education Department’s Adolescence Education with students of classes VIII and IX in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.” Education Department can be a master player in the campaign for “Know HIV/ AIDs education” as its reach is spread wide and nook and corner of the state and can make it a grassroots campaign. He said that the state Government led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has taken many initiatives to empower and channelize the potentials of the youth. To streamline the dropouts has been most challenging adding that with launch of CM’s Skill Development Programme for skilling and making our youth particularly dropouts employable, he informed till date

30,000 youths have been employed in various parts of the country. Stressing on youth power to transform the world and to create awareness on HIV/AIDS, he called upon on the eve of the World AIDs Day (Dec.1), Lets all work with missionary zeal to make our state – a no HIV state of the country. Prevention is the only panacea to prevent HIV/AIDs, he added. He called upon the department of education to make a pledge to make our schools and colleges “No AIDs” campus. He asked to make and evolve a comprehensive plan and vision for effective implementation of AEP adding that the state Govt. will provide all out support for the goal towards awareness creation and empowerment of the young people of the state. Earlier, Ms. Sarita, Jadav, representing UNESCO, New Delhi, in her address said that the new initiative has taking shape, which is a vision of the state government. She reiterated the need for strengthening AEP in the state and was hopeful that the initiative would get integrated and mainstreamed into the state curriculum. She said that the program which covers issues including HIV/AIDs education is a commitment of the state government towards the youth of the state. “We (India) have the largest youth population. We have to make sure that young people have access to information”. She said that we must talk to the young people on HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health adding that teachers have important role to play. Judgemental attitude and silence on reproductive health will only hinder the access to right information and make them vulnerable. Access to information is their right, he emphasized.

Health issues such as HIV are preventable. Information, knowledge and skills are what we need to provide to the youth. Mr. B.N .Lendo, Director Secondary Education, in his address, added that the incor-

poration of AEP in our education curriculum will help develop the charcter of students adding that monitoring and frequent capacity building are key factors. Earlier, presenting an overview of AEP, Dr. Aparajita Gogoi, Executive Director, NGO, Centre for Catalyzing Change spelt out strategies and stages of implementation and integration of the program in the state.AEP will address adolescent issues in addressing child marriage, mortality of young mothers, health issues in terms of accessing health services and couselling. Education is the key to better society and informed positive choices for the young people and AEP is a sincere initiative “to help young people make better life choices”. Already three states of the country –Bihar ,Jharkhand and Delhi is implementing the scaled up AEP adding that programs have been adopted to the state specific needs adding that the same is being done for Arunachal Pradesh. The AEP will be launched tomorrow at Mopin Solung ground by the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki after the flagging of the World AIDs Rally from Akashdeep.

Based on the findings of the Needs Assessment which were shared with the participants who comprised of DDSE’s from the various districts, principals, teachers as well as officials from the education deptt., APSACS etc., a draft curriculum frame work on adolescent issues was shared with the participants for review, comments and suggestions. Based on the feedback received, the curriculum would be finalized to be used for the training of a state level cadre of Master Trainers scheduled in December. The training and technical support for the program’s implementation is being provided by Centre for Catalyzing Change, a Delhi based organization which has been implementing similar programs with both in and out of school adolescents on Life Skills and healthy be-

havior in other states of the country. The project aims at promoting holistic adolescent health and empowering young people with information, skills and values to make decisions concerning their health. Apart from the financial support from UNESCO New Delhi, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is also allocating inkind funds for the capacity building of teachers and follow-up of this project. The project was initiated in September , 2015, by the conduction of a needs assessment survey with 200 secondary school students (Class VIII - IX) from selected districts of the state to determine their Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practice (KABP) on HIV, sexual behaviour, relationships, Sexual and Reproductive Health as well with 50 teachers, district level education officials, SCERT, school principals, and community members to gauge their understanding about issues around adolescent health as well as the status and modalities of implementation of Adolescent Education Program at the state level. AEP is the need of the hours and this meeting is the first step in sensitizing the stakeholders for the introduction of this important program. The key concepts and topics to be covered under AEP are health & nutrition- on personal hygiene, eating wisely, substance abuse etc sexual and reproductive health- HIV/ AIDs, RTIs & STIs, Relationship – peer pressure and its influence, effective communication with parents/guardians etc, Values & Skills-Stress management. Resolving conflicts, etc, Culture, Society & Human Rights – sexual harassment, sexual abuse, bullying, domestic violence, Human Development - Puberty and its changes, early marriage and teenage pregnancy etc. Mr Gania Leij, Joint Director SCERT and Mr G.C Baral VP & Co-ordinator PE Cell SCERT also spoke on the occasion.

velopment based on availability of scarce natural resources, would not lead to sustainable economic growth and development.

He added that productivity can be enhanced by efficient management of labour and capital and herein lies the importance of higher education in building a storehouse of human capital. He advised the premier institute of the State to formulate alternative sustainable modules of production in order to enhance productivity of human and all other resources. Reminding Swami Vivekananda’s quotation that the real education is that which enables one to stand on one’s own legs, the Governor said that the education that the University and other Institutions impart should be useful to the Society and the ‘aam admi’.

The Governor said that universities have a significant

role in supporting knowledge driven economic growth strategies and in the making of democratic, liberal, value-based, all inclusive, socially cohesive societies. In using the public resources including public fund, you have to keep in mind five ‘Es’ – Economy, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Equity and Excellence. The success that one would achieve depends on how well these 5 ‘Ms’ Men, i.e.

Money, Machines, Materials and Methods are managed, and that would be possible by imaginatively applying the Principles of 5 ‘Es’, the Governor said while reposing his confidence that RGU will equipped its students with the knowledge and skill to apply these 5 yardsticks.

Exhorting the students and faculty to play key role in harnessing the natural resources of the State while

keeping in mind the need to conserve it for the posterity, the Governor said that there should be inter-disciplinary research on natural resource management and environmental impact assessment of various developmental projects, including hydropower. He emphasised that the University should conduct useful research on challenges to the hill economy, conflict between traditional and modern institutions as well as opportunities of border trade and how to integrate the North East economy with the Indian and global economy, keeping in mind the Act East Policy of the Central Government. The Governor suggested that the RGU to take up appropriate research projects to document the culture, traditions, customs, faiths, expertise in handlooms, handicrafts, exquisite designs, language/

dialects, costumes, folk lores, food delicacies etc. of the 26 major Tribes and about 110 Sub-Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, as very little documentation and research have been done in this area. Underscoring conservation and sustaining Nature and reminding all that otherwise they have to pay a heavy price due to erratic climate change including Global Warming, the Governor called for their commitment towards ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’.

Reminding Prime Minister’s call for devoting at least hundred hours a year towards the cleanliness drive, he said it means sparing just 17-18 minutes a day. Congratulating the candidates, who were conferred degrees on the day, the Governor said that convocations are important events in the life of all academic institutions and its graduate scholars.

KPLT challenges KAAC Ex-Member Sushanta Roy Diphu, Nov 30: Karbi ultra organization KPLT (Karbi Peoples Liberation Tigers) has issued a warning to one of the most robust Executive Members of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Mongol Sing Timung for his alleged unfavourable remark against the ultra outfit.

In a press message yes-

terday publicity secretary of KPLT SR Kron Jon has claimed that during a meeting held between Mongol Sing Timung and the self styled Area Commander of Hamren (now West Karbi Anglong district) Langchun Hansey the self pompous Executive Member deprecated KPLT by branding it as

‘selfish organization interested in extortions’.

The KPLT publicity secretary has further claimed that the Executive Member behaved rudely and downplayed the ethical and moral ethos of KPLT. SR Kron Jon has maintained that KPLT is struggling in the interest of Karbi people. Meanwhile, KPLT publicity secre-

tary has warned the Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council that he might have to face dire consequence like former Member of Autonomous Council from Sarupathat Late Narendra Killing, who was allegedly shot dead by KPLT at his residence a few years back.

The Eastern Today’s OPERATION WHITE creates terror among corrupted contractor Contd. from Page 1

“The entire shifting was done quietly and from 945 pm to 10-10 pm so that people do not come to know about the illegalities of the entire black business”, the sources said. On Nov 21, one such truck bearing Regn. No. AS06B – 1809 carrying 200 bags of rice meant for Longding district was directed to the open market in Deomali where it was sold to the Namsang General Co-operative Society”, the source said. Two

categories of rice – Below Poverty Level BPL priced at Rs. 3/- per kg and Above Poverty Level APL priced at Rs. 10/- per kg – were in the truck. The contractor sold the rice to the society at a price of Rs. 18 to 20 per kg and they are selling the same rice at a price of Rs. 22 to 25 per kg, the sources said. On the other hand, while congratulating the publication for its fearless and high standards of journalism, the LDSU came down severely upon the illegal business and those associated with it. “These people

ISIS not Muslim, people of other faith defaming Islam: Assam leader Contd. from Page 1

Those who are doing all these in the name of the Koran and Allah are misusing the name of Koran and Allah. See no religion teaches all these .......... a real Muslim can never do all these things," said Choudhury.He expressed that in India's northeast often the people of Islamic faith are often under doubt due to subversive activities conducted by intruders for neighbouring Bangladesh or even from Pakistan.According to him, Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, - the largest organisation of Muslims in India is keeping a strict vigil on such activities

and if there is any attempt to involve the local Muslim population in terrorist and ISIS activities, and so it will be very tough for them to flouring in this part of India.Though a previously released map of Islamic State territorial claims did not include India or Bangladesh but included the Middle East, including Israel, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Europe including the Balkans and Spain but of late a Twitter account affiliated with the Islamic State proclaimed the formation of a new ISIS province 'Wilayat Hind' which includes India and Bangladesh.

are making mockery of the highly subsidized government schemes. We therefore, demand a proper and high level inquiry into the whole episode and to punish the guilty”, Manlem Wangsu, President, LDSU said. Wangsu also warned that if the government does not pay any attention towards their demand they will launch a severe agitation through democratic ways against the government. It has also been learnt the Deomali police station today summoned the in-charge of the godown of the contractor

and questioned him.

However, when contacted by this newspaper C.B.Rai, the officer-incharge of Deomali police station refused to provide any details of the investigation. Meanwhile, the son of the contractor today rushed to Deomali and is ‘reportedly trying to push the matter under carpet’ by trying to ‘manage’ people. Police sources said that tomorrow they will ‘question’ the manager of the contractor who has been summoned from Banderdewa.

Bodo postgraduate building inaugurated at DU Contd. from Page 1

The programme was attended by the chief guest Hagrama Mahilari, DU VC Dr Alak Kumar Buragohain, MP Biswajit Damari, DU Professor of Assamese Department Dr Karabi Deka, Director of the university's language center Dr Bimkanta Baruah, BTC member

Ganesh Kasari, Chief Secretary AK Ray, Chairman of the All Assam Tribal Association Union, Bodo Sahitya Sabha General Secretary Kameshwar Brahma and intellectuals including Kamala Moosahari. The chief guest at the meeting stated that the state government is not doing enough for the Bodo language, so it will be a big help for the Bodo community students.

2 trampled to death by elephants Contd. from Page 1

The herd destroyed seven houses and killed one cow in the village, they informed adding that the herd damaged paddy crops also.

They further alleged that

the wild elephants have been traumatizing the village since the last one week and wreaking havoc in the area. The village is a revenue village under Chariduar Circle of Sonitpur district.

TMPK blocks MurkongselekDekar Gaon Intercity Express

APCC makes it clear, no alliance with AIUDF

the protestors raised a strong demand to pay compensation to the families of the victim.

They sought from the department to pay ten lakh rupees to each family as well as government job to a member of the both families. They blocked the train for two

Contd. from Page 1

Contd. from Page 1

There was no level crossing at the place and that was why the accident took place. So, the local people today demanded the Railway Department to set up a level crossing there. Besides,

hours. Meanwhile, a host of high level officers arrived at the spot and started discussion with the protestors promising to fulfill the demands. Later, the protesters concluded the programme as per the decision of the discussion.

Mohilary told The Eastern Today. Mohilary also appealed to all political parties to maintain peace in the region. He further said that the party was confident to win more than 14 seats. "The party wants to strengthen democracy in the region and its main poll plank will be peace and development in the region", he said.

Elephants wreak havoc in West Bengal West Midnapore (West Bengal), Nov 30: More than 40 elephants entered a village in West Bengal on Sunday and wrought havoc, leaving residents scared. Elephants split into herds and trampled over standing crops and vegetables in fields of Chandrakona forest range area. Angry villagers accused the local administration of failing to provide security to them as elephants had become a

menace. "Regularly 30-40 elephants roam around in the area. They enter villages, fields and destroy crops. It is on a regular basis that the vegetables are being destroyed by them," said a villager, Sudhir Mahato. Villagers alleged that elephants had destroyed crops worth around Rs. 2 crores in the past five days. Forest officials often tranquilize the elephants but after a few hours they return to fields. (ANI)

Encouragement for PLVs

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Gorkha Tribal status under process assures Darjeeling, Nov 30: A high level delegation led

by GJM Chief Mr. Bimal Gurung yesterday met with Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Mr. Jual Oram to push for including all the Gorkhalis as Scheduled Tribes. The GTA along with Sikkim government is demanding tribal status to 11 communities - Bhujel, Gurung, Mangar, Newar, Jogi, Khas, Rai, Sunwar, Thami and Yakha Dewan from the hills - and the Dhimal community from

the plains. The Minister in turn assured the GJM team that the files are under process and have to be vetted from various departments - which will test if the proposed communities meet with requisite requirements for ST communities or not. The Minister stated that once the communities are vetted and they are approved for ST status, and the file lands in his office, he will immediately sign it and issue the notification. One cause of worry

GJM Chief Mr. Bimal Gurung talking to Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Mr. Jual Oram to push for including all the Gorkhalis as Scheduled Tribes.

is that there are five criterion required to be fulfilled for getting an ST

status, namely: primitive traits, distinctive culture, shyness of contact, geo-

graphical isolation and backwardness. The govt has recently reworked these to include socio-economic and educational backwardness, and autonomous religious practices. Under the new rules, a state government would now send its proposal for inclusion of a community as ST to the ministry of tribal affairs, which would take the views of the Registrar General of India, Anthropological Society of India and the National Commission of Scheduled

PM Modi to interact with farmers

Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) N.K. Keny won the double distinction of being the Best para legal volunteer among all the states & union territories of India and the best para legal volunteer for North East Zone.

Dimapur, Nov 30: Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) were encouraged to commit themselves and do more for the betterment of the society by PLV N.K. Keny who has recently won the double distinction of being the Best para legal volunteer among all the states & union territories of India and the best para legal volunteer for North East Zone. Interacting with media Sunday at Dimapur, Keny lamented that though there are PLVs in every district they do not know their responsibility and urged them to recommit themselves. Narrating various difficulties faced while rendering services, she said that customary

laws create lots of hurdles when dealing with domestic cases. "I'm not against customary laws" but laws should also change with time, she said. She observed that Naga culture, do not look at the root cause but play blame game and at the end women are victimized. It may be noted that Keny received the awards from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the National Legal Services Day & commendation ceremony organized by National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) on November 9 at New Delhi. The award consisted of commendation certificates, commendation mementos and gift hampers.

(Agencies)

Gangtok, Nov 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with farmers of all four districts of Sikkim through video conferencing during his Sikkim visit in January, next year. The Prime Minister will interact with the farmers on organic farming, informed State Agriculture secretary Khorlo Bhutia.

The Prime Minister's is slated to visit Sikkim tentatively between January 10 and 16 to attend the Sikkim Organic Festival, being organised by the State

government. He is also scheduled to announce Sikkim as the first Organic farming State in the country during his maiden visit as the Prime Minister. Modi has earlier visited Sikkim in 2009 when he was the Gujarat Chief Minister. According to the Agriculture secretary, Sikkim will also be the first State in India to issue soil health cards to farmers under the nationwide Soil Health Card Scheme. "Soil health card is the complete analysis of the nutrient value con-

tained in the soil. It is Central government initiative to provide a soil health card to the farmers so that the complete nutrient indications of the soil in database," informed Kiran Pradhan, the additional director of integrated nutrient pest management. In Sikkim, around 65,000 farmers with land holdings would be issued the soil health cards. Around 400 workers in 176 gram panchayat units in Sikkim are collecting the soil samples from the fields.

Imphal, Nov 30: There is certainly a major goof-up in issuing VIP vehicle passes for the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival.

During a random observation conducted by The Sangai Express at the venue of the tourism festival, even autorickshaws and school vans were seen entering the restricted area of the festival venue by showing VIP vehicle passes. Now the moot question is who issued these passes, which must be exclusively meant for VIPs, to passenger autorickshaws and school vans. Security personnel who are put on duty at Pal-

Chief Guest Y. S. Shullai IFS, Addl. PCCF, Social Forestry& Environment, Meghalaya addresses one day One Day Workshop on National Bamboo Mission workshop on National Bamboo Mission organized by Social Forestry Division, Department of Forests and Environment, Meghalaya at Lady Hydari Park, Shillong. Pic - UB Photos

An anticipated impact sure to be brought up over the nominated members sive Alliance had projected Conrad as the CEM of GHADC. The approval of Conrad as nominated member by the District Council Affairs department will enable him to take over the leadership of the Council from the present CEM Denang Sangma. Sources said that the undue delay over the appointment of Conrad who was nominated nearly a month ago is due to alleged political reasons since the Congress-led government wants to adopt a wait and watch policy to prevent the strengthening of NPP in Garo Hills. However, a state Congress functionary has denied the charge of political interference. As far as the re-entry of Wahlang to KHADC is concerned, KHADC CEM PN Syiem had indicated that he was not in favour of re-nomination of a member who had already resigned. He had also mooted the idea of bringing a resolution to be

The collection and sampling of east district has been already completed while the work of south district is in the verge of completion. "The Agriculture Ministry has given three years of time but we will complete it by early next year. Many States are yet to start the work. Our State would be the first to finish and handover the soil health cards to the farmers," said the Agriculture secretary. The international soil day is also being observed on December 5. (agencies)

Ugly face of Sangai Festival VIP passes issued to autorickshaws, school vans

VIP passes issued to autorickshaws, school vans.

ace gate told this reporter that they were helpless as these vehicles posses VIP passes. They were compelled to give a free passage to these vehicles after thorough checking, police said. Another problem that give a big headache to the security per-

sonnel is that the registration numbers are not printed/written on the vehicle passes. That is why there is strong possibility of lending one's vehicle pass to others, they said.

The police also said that the authority concerned has not provided them the

Prem Kumar elected leader of opposition in Bihar Assembly

Shillong, Nov 30: The issue of two nominated members is likely to bring both the Government and the district councils on a collision course due to political reasons.

While the KHADC Executive Committee (EC) will discuss on Monday whether to re-nominate Congress member Gabriel Wahlang, who had earlier resigned as nominated MDC to unsuccessfully contest the Nongstoin by-poll, the name of NPP leader Conrad Sangma as the nominated member proposed by the EC of GHADC is yet to be approved by the Government. Wahlang was holding the post of Deputy Chairman when he resigned to contest the vacant Nongstoin seat. It was on November 2 that the name of Conrad was cleared by the GHADC EC and the next day it was forwarded to the District Council Affairs department. Earlier, the NPP-led Garo Hills Progres-

The evaluation of the soil is done through GPS system. The Horticulture department has purchased 110 GPS systems for the task, said Pradhan. The samples collected are tested at a laboratory in Gangtok. "The soil is tested for organic carbon, acidic range, electrical conductivity and others. Once the nutrient in the soil is known, the farmers would be suggested to do the cultivation as per the nutrient contained in the soil of their fields," said Pradhan.

moved by the EC to prevent re-entry of any nominated member by taking up the matter in a special session.

A Congress source said on Sunday that there can be a fresh tussle between the Chief Minister, who had earlier preferred Wahlang to be the nominated member, and the CEM who is still annoyed over the dual post Bill passed by the Government without due consultations. The source also added that the Chief Minister was instrumental in giving ticket to Wahlang instead of another ticket aspirant from the party, Adviser Pariong. When contacted to know the status of Conrad as the nominated member, an official source said that the Government was still examining the matter. Regarding he reentry of Wahlang, the official added that while EC was free to make its decision, and the Government will have to ultimately examine the matter. (agencies)

Patna, Nov 30: Prem Kumar was elected as the leader of the opposition in the Bihar assembly on Sunday. A day ahead of the new session of the Bihar assembly beginning on Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has 53 legislators- including 23 new

faces, in its meeting elected Prem Kumar as the leader. Prem Kumar, who belongs to the Extreme Backward Caste (EBC), is seventh-time legislator from Gaya town assembly seat in Gaya district. He is also a former minister. (agencies)

list of the vehicles to which VIP vehicle passes have been issued. On the other hand, many youth of around 20-25 years were also seen entering the festival area showing VIP vehicle passes while many other vehicles jam-packed with around 10 occupants were also seen showing VIP vehicle passes. The Tourism Department issued three types of vehicle passes for the festival - red coloured passes to VVIPs, green coloured passes to VIPs and blue coloured passes to stall owners. All the security escort vehicles of VVIPs and VIPs are not allowed to enter

beyond Palace gate if they do not possess vehicle passes. The security arrangement was however so strict that even the vehicles which have VIP vehicle pass must go through security checking at Palace gate. A visitor said that the traffic jam created by the vehicles having VVIP and VIP passes at Palace gate gives lots of inconvenience to visitors standing in long queues to get inside the festival venue.

The VVIP/VIP pass issue has come after some eating stalls were found using subsidised/domestic LPG at the festival venue.

(Agencies)

Tribes (NCST) simultaneously. After getting approval from all these institutions, the file then reaches for approval to the committee of secretaries, headed by secretary of tribal affairs and including secretaries of social justice and empowerment, legal affairs, home ministry and culture. This committee would take a decision. If it accepts the state's recommendation for inclusion of a community as ST, a Cabinet note would be prepared. (Agencies)

Tripura to supply 100 mw power to Bangladesh from December 16 Bangladesh, Nov 30: Engineers and workers of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited are working round the clock to set up the 47 km transmission line from Western Tripura to southern Comilla in eastern Bangladesh. India will ensure supply of additional 100 MW electricity to Bangladesh from December 16, when the country will celebrate Bijoy Dibosh or Victory Day. Eighteen km of this line and 67 of the 143 transmission towers fall in the Indian Territory. The 100 MW would be in addition to 500 MW that Bangladesh is presently receiving from West Bengal. Tripura government has decided to export 100 MW to Bangladesh from its share of 196 MW power from the Palatana power plant in reciprocation of Bangladesh allowing Tripura to use its ports to transport the heavy equipment for the 726 MW Palatana project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the power supply from Tripura with his counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his Dhaka visit in June this year. (ANI)

Mamata Announces 5 New Districts - Kalimpong excluded Kolkata, Nov 30: Mamata Banerjee yesterday announced that the Sunderbans, Jhargram and Basirhat would become districts and Burdwan would be bifurcated along rural and industrial lines. While the Sunderbans district will be carved out of North and South 24-Parganas, the district of Basirhat will be created by bifurcating North 24Parganas. Jhargram, now a part of West Midnapore, will

become a separate district, the chief minister said at a government event in North 24Parganas. Burdwan will be split into Industrial Burdwan and Rural Burdwan. Mamata added that the decision was taken to ease the daily problems of people living in remote corners of the existing districts. "I think we can implement the decision by next October," she said. Sources in the state government said the announcement was made

with the 2016 Assembly elections in mind, with the chief minister trying to s e n d o u t the message that she was decreasing the sizes of the districts to ensure better administration. The new five districts will be Sunderbans, Jhargram and Basirhat, Industrial Burdwan and Rural Burdwan. There was no mention of Kalimpong as a potential district. (Agencies)

State Govt has taken initiatives to preserve indigenous ponies: CM Imphal, Nov 30: Chief Minister O Ibobi on Sunday stated that the Government of Manipur has taken initiatives on establishing an exclusive sanctuary for the Manipuri ponies to protect the indigenous breed from the threat of extinction. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 9th Manipur Polo International, 2015 held at Mapal Kangjeibung. Attending the closing function of the 9th Manipur Polo International organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association as the Chief Guest, O Ibobi thanked all the Polo players from different parts of the globe who have come to the State to take part in the tournament and for having displayed their skills in the true spirit of the game. "I am proud to say that, the matches of the tournament were played at this historic

ground, Mapal Kangjeibung the oldest living playground in the world," stated O Ibobi.

Sagol Kangjei, which is now internationally known as Polo, has been played in Manipur since time im-

memorial, stated O Ibobi and added people of Manipur are indebted to the forefathers who have handed down the game which has gained immense popularity across the world. Sagol Kangjei

has been played traditionally on the indigenous Manipuri Pony, which is now one of the five rare breeds identified by the Government of India, said Chief Minister. O Ibobi also expressed concern

Chief Minister O Ibobi attending the closing function of the 9th Manipur Polo International organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association as the Chief Guest.

over the alarming decrease in the population of the indigenous Manipur ponies and stated that the State Government has initiated measures to establish an exclusive sanctuary for the Manipuri Pony to protect the breed from the threat of extinction. The Chief Minister also invited all the international Polo fraternity to participate in the next year's 10th Manipur Polo International, 2016 at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal Pologround. The closing function was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj/ Economic Development and Statistic Minister Francis Ngajokpa as President while Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister AK Mirabai and MLA O Landhoni being the Guests of Honour. Chief General Manager of State Bank of India, Guwahati PVSLN Murti also attended as Special Invitee. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

'Apostle of hope' Pope Francis makes historic visit to Central Africa London, Nov. 30 : Declaring himself as a 'pilgrim of peace and an apostle of hope', Pope Francis arrived in Central African Republic (CAR), becoming the first pontiff in recent history to visit a war zone.According to the Guardian, the pope was flanked by the Vatican security and armed UN peacekeepers during his 24-hour visit to the capital.Since March 2013, a civil war between a Muslim minority and a Christian majority has been happening where thousands of people have been killed and about 1 million people displaced.

Human rights violations

disappearances, torture and endemic rape and sexual violence are also rampant. Shortly after landing in the capital Bangui, the Pope in his address at the presidential palace, appealed to the people to not give in to "the temptation of fear of others, of the unfamiliar, of what is not part of our ethnic group, our political views or our religious confession".While a UN helicopter hovered above, the Pope interacted with the masses by greeting and shaking hands with them as the Vatican's special protection unit tried to keep the swarming multitude at bay. (ANI)

Paris: Pope's 'shoes' join protest against Climate Summit London, Nov. 30 : In the mass protest today against the banning of a climate change march in Paris, a pair of shoes belonging to Pope Francis was spotted on Place de la Republique, close to where 90 of the victims of the 13/11 massacre died in the Bataclan Theatre.According to the Guardian, the police cancelled the demonstration on the eve of the Climate Summit and the protesters laid their shoes out on the square, including a pair belonging to the Pope.'We can understand why the police are scared of further trouble, but we still

think we should have been able to march. There are huge numbers of people, who think governments are not doing enough to limit damage to the environment, and that includes the Pope,' the organiser of the protest was quoted as saying.UK Prime Minister David Cameron, US President Barack Obama, China's Xi Jinping, India's Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to attend the start of the Paris conference, which is tasked with reaching the first truly universal climate pact. (ANI)

'Passionate' PM Modi not under any 'compulsion' in Paris: Piyush Goyal Paris, Nov. 30 : Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's concern towards the climate changes came from his 'passion' for the cause and not due to any 'compulsions', Union minister of state for coal, power and renewable energy Piyush Goyal said that India can be proud of its role in the Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris."This is a very important conference and India is taking it very seriously. The Prime Minister is himself in Paris and he has articulated on many occasions that concerns for the environment, developing more and more green energy is an article of faith for him. It is not something that he is do-

If Sardar Patel had become PM, India would have become Pakistan: Kancha Ilaiah New Delhi, Nov. 30: Dalit activist and author Kancha Ilaiah has stirred a controversy by saying that India would have gone on the lines of Pakistan had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel become the nation's P r i m e Minister.Speaking at the Times LitFest on Sunday, Ilaiah said that Patel was close to the Hindu Mahasabha and added that he wouldn't have allowed Ambedkar to draft and write the Constitution.The Congress Party said everyone had a right to have an opinion."What Kancha Ilaiah has said is his personal view. One leader cannot be compared with another as every leader has his own stature. I would not like to comment on his views," Congress leader P.L. Punia said. (ANI)

the national football stadium in which 130 people were killed.Prince Charles will address the opening session of the two-week UN conference as is expected to repeat his warning that climate change is partly responsible for conflicts such as Syria.Two major rallies have been cancelled due to security reasons as France is still under a state of emergency and at least 24 activists have been placed under house arrest. (ANI)

London, Nov. 30 : Protesters in Paris who hurled projectiles at the police had tear gas used on them as a large human chain of several thousand was forged, urging world leaders to take action on global warming ahead of the Climate Summit. According to the media, a group, where some of them were masked, took part in

Obama leaves for Paris Climate Summit, to meet PM Modi today Washington D.C. Nov. 30 : U.S. President Barack Obama left for Paris to attend the Climate Change Conference (COP21) where he will join around 150 world leaders on the opening day of the Summit.The President boarded the Air Force One as he departed from the Joint Base Andrews in Washington.Obama, who after the 13/11 carnage has joined France in the war against ISIS, is likely to pay tribute to the victims of the attacks during his trip.Earlier, the White House announced that Obama will be meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Summit.Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said that Obama

ing under any compulsion; rather it is something that he deeply and passionately believes in," Goyal told ANI exclusively here.Stressing on the importance of the awareness of global warming, he added that its impact was quite visible in the past few years and the world has now realized that if the issue is not addressed soon, the end result could be catastrophic.Talking about the statement made

by US Secretary of State John Kerry that India would be a 'challenge' at the Summit as the Indian government seemed hesitant to accept more of a role in addressing global warming, Goyal said that the formed needed to view the problem in a

holistic manner."Well I think Kerry needs to look at the whole issue more holistically. The base load in India is coal base. It cannot be anything else as we don't have gas and

without a base load we can't even do renewable energy. We are a developing nation. We are rapidly creating infrastructure, setting up manufacturing, creating jobs for

our people, setting up of homes, all of which the United States and the European nations did in the last 150 years on the back of low carbon base or coal based energy," he said."Having already developed their nations, they have now realized the inconvenient truth after finding low cost shale gas. I think it's very important that the world recognizes what Prime Minister Modi articulated as convenient action," Goyal added.The Union Minister expressed confidence that India was one of the nation's which was showing leadership in terms of expanding renewable energy, looking at innovations, technology, ways to expand energy security and raising concerns for the

environment.Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Sunday to attend the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) where about 150 heads of state and governments will gather to set agenda for the Summit.The Prime Minister will address the summit in the plenary conference hall "Seine" on Monday at the leaders' event where the aim of the summit is to reach a landmark global deal on limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

During the twelve day conference, India's 25 member delegation will focus on Prime Minister Modi's call for 'Climate Justice' that he had made in his address at the United Nations General Assembly last month.

(ANI)

Paris: Police uses tear gas PM Modi arrives in Paris on 'hurling' protesters for Climate Summit

Paris turns into fortress as world leaders arrive for Climate Summit London, Nov 30 : Two weeks after the 13/11 carnage, around 150 leaders including Prince Charles are set to attend the conference on climate change in Paris opening on Monday amid intense security.According to the Telegraph, the venue for the Summit is being guarded by around 2,800 police and soldiers and another 6,300 officers have been deployed in the city which is still reeling from the series of attacks on restaurants, a concert hall and

PAGE 6

would meet Modi on the opening day of the Summit and will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the start of the two-week climate change conference.

"We have been engaging with India throughout the year in determining how they can contribute constructively to a successful outcome in Paris," Rhodes told reporters .He asserted that the US wanted to be clear with 'key players' China, India and France as they are important for forging a strong international agreement on climate change .Earlier, Obama and Modi have had discussions on the same issue during the US President's trip to India, the bilateral meeting in New York at the UN General Assembly. (ANI)

Debate on intolerance should be inside out of Parliament: Congress New Delhi, Nov. 30 : Congress leader Digvijaya Singh today criticised the Central government on growing Intolerance in the country and said it is the biggest treat and should be debated not only inside the Parliament but also outside."Intolerance is the biggest threat to the country; debate should happen not only in the Parliament but outside as well," Singh told media here.Suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party to look into its past, Singh said "If Bharatiya Janata Party is honest then did they sacked Giriraj Singh? What action was taken on Yogi Adityanath, Sadhvi Prachi and others who were giving such statements? There is no bigger issue than dividing the country."The opposition had been seeking a discussion on the issue of intolerance for quite some time.At the allparty meeting held on November 25, opposition parties made a strong pitch for an early discussion on the issue, insisting that returning of awards by writers, artistes and filmmakers should not be taken lightly. (ANI)

Paris, Nov. 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Sunday to attend the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) where about 150 heads of state and governments will gather to set agenda for the Summit. He arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport here around 11:30 pm (IST). Before leaving for Paris, Prime Minister Modi said that India will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environmental and climate change."At the @COP21 will inaugurate chucking objects at the cops of emergency, to avoid any while chanting "State of violence or provocation as India Pavilion, showcasemergency, police state, world leaders are assem- ing India's harmony with you will not deprive us of bling in Paris for the climate nature, environment & our right to conference. Earlier, in Place commitment to mitigate demonstrate."The Police de la RĂŠpublique, activists climate change. Presiarrested 280 people during placed hundreds of pairs of dent @fhollande & I will the protest and took many shoes in a symbolic protest jointly host a meeting of away in a bus and police after public demonstrations International Solar Allivans.At least 24 activists were banned by the gov- ance. Will also attend have been placed under ernment in the wake of the 'Mission Innovation' house arrest across 13/11 carnage that killed 130 hosted by @POTUS," he France, which is in a state people. (ANI) tweeted before his Russian airstrikes reportedly departure.The Prime Minister will address the kill 18 people in Syria summit in the plenary London, Nov. 30: A monitor- Ariha town Facebook page conference hall "Seine" ing group reports that states the airstrikes were on Monday at the leadaround 18 people have carried out by Russian ers' event where the aim been killed in a Russian planes where 40 people of the summit is to reach airstrike on a Syrian town were killed and more than 70 a landmark global deal on that has been held by insur- left wounded.The SOHR limiting greenhouse gas gents. According to the also claims that the emissions.During the Guardian, the Syrian Obser- airstrikes by Russia have twelve day conference, vatory for Human Rights killed more than 400 civil- India's 25 member del(SOHR), and the Local Co- ians, including 166 women egation will focus on ordination Committees re- and children, according to port that the airstrikes were the daily.The US along with Prime Minister Modi's on the town of Ariha, where other allies, including Tur- call for 'Climate Justice' heavy causalities were key, has joined in carrying that he had made in his caused as a busy market out air strikes against the address at the United was hit in the airstrikes.The Islamic State of Iraq and the Nations General AssemSOHR says three buildings Levant (ISIS) and other ter- bly last month. "When we in the town centre and the ror groups. (ANI) speak only of climate

change, there is a perception of our desire to secure the comforts of our lifestyle. When we speak of climate justice, we demonstrate our sensitivity and resolve to secure the future of the poor from the perils of natural disasters," he said.Meanwhile early opening of negotiations to finalize the draft agreement is to begin later tonight. For this purpose a special body was created in Durban, South Africa, in 2011 for negotiations on the universal climate agreement that's supposed to be adopted in Paris.Ahead of the Summit, US Secretary of State John Kerry had said that India in particular will be a 'challenge' at the Summit as its government seemed hesitant to accept more of a role in addressing global

warming."We've got a lot of focus on India right now to try to bring them along. India has been more cautious, a little more restrained in its embrace of this new paradigm, and it's a challenge," Kerry had said.Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar who will be leading the Indian delegation at the Summit, responded to Washington's 'concerns' over India's pace of climate change action saying that India cannot be 'bullied' and branded US Secretary of State John Kerry statement as 'unwarranted and unfair'.The climate summit is being organized in Le Bourget on the outskirts of Paris amidst tight and elaborate security in the backdrop of deadly 13/11 terror attacks on Paris in which 130 people were killed. (ANI)

1984 riots case: Delhi HC transfers Sajjan Kumar's case to Patiala House court New Delhi, Nov. 30: The Delhi High Court today transferred the cases of the 1984 antiSikh Pogroms against Sajjan Kumar and the other three accused from Kadkaddooma court to Patiala House court.Addressing media gathering outside High court, Sikh activist and lawyer HS Phoolka said that the victims had filed a petition stating that the case which is being heard in the Kadkaddooma Court against Sajjan Kumar should be

transferred."Today, the High court has passed an order on it by transferring the case to the Patiala House Court," Phoolka told media Senior lawyer Phoolka also pointed out that the petitioners have taken back the allegations made against the Judge of the Kadkaddooma Court, as they only wanted the case to be transferred."Now the case would be heard by the session Judge of Patiala House Court," he said."The case is against Sajjan Kumar and three

others who are accused of killing Sikhs in Sultanpuri on November 1, 1984. The case was reopened after the recommendations of the Nanavati commission," he added.The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), had earlier moved the petition in High Court alleging of legal terms violation while recording witnesses by Justice Kamlesh Kumar of Kadkaddooma court and had sought transfer of the case to another court.

(ANI)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Silence of rulers over Dhaka executions condemnable: Siraj Pakistani Naval vessel Karachi, Nov 30: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Senator Sirajul Haq has strongly condemned the silence of rulers over execution of pro-Pakistan leaders in Bangladesh.Addressing a massive demonstration on Shahrah-e-Quaid-eAzam in Karachi to protest against the oppression of the Dhaka regime, Sirajul Haq said the government of Hasina Wajid was executing the loyalists of Pakistan, while the rulers in this country were playing role of silent spectators, which was surprising and also condemnable. The rally was attended by a large number of women and children.The JI chief

said the youth and the aged people of Bangladesh had sacrificed their lives for this country but the rulers in Islamabad did not bother to raise this issue with the international forums, which showed their indifference and their deviation from country's ideology. He said the ruler's talk of a liberal Pakistan was tantamount to rubbing salt on the wounds of the martyrs of Kashmir and Bangladesh. He said that those who had been executed in Bangladesh had not been fighting for power. Love of Pakistan and its ideology was part of their faith and they had offered their lives for the love of

Sri Lanka government to unveil megapolis 'Master Plan' in January Colombo, Nov 30: The Sri Lankan government will unveil the 'master plan' it has developed to build Sri Lanka's proposed 'Western Region Megapolis', during early January 2016, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Champika Ranawaka said.Speaking at the monthly committee meeting of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), which included 30 top corporate executives of the country, the Minister said the government is planning to adopt a four pronged strategy to build the 'Megapolis' which will be built within three phases running between the years of 2016 to 2030.According

to Minister Ranawaka, the first phase would span from the year 2016 to 2020, while the second and third phases of the project will span from year 2020 to 2030."The proposed Megapolis will be built with public investments, private investments, public and private partnerships and also foreign direct investments," the Minister said.He said the government will consult the private sector and seek their views about the master plan.The meeting was chaired by CCC Chairman Samantha Ranatunga. The CCC Committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss important economic and business matters. (Agencies)

WHO, UNICEF support Myanmar's polio vaccination campaign Nay Pyi Taw, Nov 30: The World Health (WHO) Organisation and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) support Myanmar's Ministry of Health to conduct a polio vaccination campaign in 102 townships across the country, a joint statement from WHO and UNICEF said today.The campaign targeting 1.4 million children less than five years of age will start off in early December, with rounds of vaccination conducted across 15 high risks townships in Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady. The first three rounds of the campaign, scheduled December 5-7, December 26-28 and January 16-18, will target all children under five in these 15 high risk townships across the country.

Two additional rounds of polio immunisation will be conducted in another 87townships in JanuaryFebruary 2016. In Rakhine state, the routine immunisation coverage has been below 80 percent for the last years. In 2014, in some of the state's townships only 27 percent of children received the three recommended doses of oral

polio vaccine. In total, more than 3.8 million doses of oral polio vaccine will be provided to reach 1.4 million children under five years old.The emergence of such cases of vaccinederived polio virus is due to low immunisation coverage. The South East Asia Region, including Myanmar, was declared polio-free in 2014. Meanwhile, WHO and UNICEF urge the government to expand routine immunisation against all antigens to protect children against preventable and debilitating diseases.

(Agencies) The World Health (WHO) Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) support Myanmar's Ministry of Health to conduct a polio vaccination campaign in 102 townships across the country.

Moderate quake hits Nepal Kathmansu ,Nov 30:A moderate quake measuring 4.1 magnitude on the Richter scale today hit Nepal, according to the country's National Seismological Centre.The tremor hit Kathmandu at 06:10 AM local time. The epicentre was located in Shivapuri Nagarjun National park near Budhanilkantha Temple, 15 kms north from here.

No damage to life and property was reported. At least 414 aftershocks

have hit Nepal since April 25 devastating earthquake.Five days ago, magnitude 3.0 tremor rattled Gothatar area of Kathmandu. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies have said that they are unable to deliver aid to earthquake victims in the mountain region due to India-Nepal border blockade. Food and other necessities have not been supplied to survivors of Nepal earthquake victims.(Agencies)

this country, he remarked.The senator said that Indian Prime Minister Modi had stated in Dhaka that he had reached Dhaka from Delhi with the Mukti Bahini to disintegrate Pakistan. He wondered why the Pakistani rulers

could not approach the international court of justice against Modi and Hasina Wajid for their violation of the tripartite agreement in 1971. He said that the indifference of the Pakistani rulers over the execution of JI leaders in Bangladesh

and the trials of Prof Ghulam Azam and others who had bravely faced trials and hardships in Bangladesh, the present rulers had proved themselves guilty in the eyes of the nation. Had the government taken up the matter with the international court of justice in time, the lives of some of these people could have been saved, he regretted.

He said that because of the rulers' indifference, 45 people had been announced death sentence while more than four thousand others were in jails.Addressing the gathering, Sirajul Haq strongly condemned President Mamoon Husain's suggestion to the ulema to

search out a room for interest and said such a frivolous proposal could not be expected from the president. He said next time, some other ruler could seek similar concession for drinking and debauchery. Speaking on the occasion, JI Punjab chief Mian Maqsood Ahmed expressed the hope that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif would end their silence over the oppression going on in Bangladesh. He said that Hasina Wajid was fighting India's war and said that Islamabad should fight the war of Pakistan and foil the conspiracies against this country.

(Agencies)

Indian tourist bus catches fire in Pokhra Kathmandu, Nov 30: A day after 13 Seema Sashatra Bal were detained by the Nepal Police on the suspicion of crossing the border illegally and then releasing them after much chaos, another incident has further deteriorated the peaceful relations with India. On Monday, an Indian tourist bus was set ablaze in Nepal by the people; however no casualties have been reported yet.The rift between the Indian origins - Madhesis - In Nepal and the original residents of the country over the reframed Constitution had created enough trouble between India and Nepal. Supplies and essential daily goods have

suffered the most with truck being stranded for months due to the protest between the Madhesis and the government of Nepal. But, when an Indian tourist bus was burnt on the streets just for sake of showing protest, relations between the two friendly nations is not looking on a positive path. As per the latest report no casualties have been reported.The case has come just a day after 13 Seema Sashatra Bal personnel were detained by the Nepal government for hours and the reasons that they stated was that all the paramilitary officials were held as they crossed they crossed the International Border illegally and intentionally.

After the Indian Embassy intervened and pressurized the Nepal government, the officials were released. However, till that time the matter was resolved, relation between

both the embassies has deteriorated to a far extent. The Indian government is looking into the issue seriously and it looks soon some action would be implemented. (Agencies)

Incident occurs after 13 Seema Sashatra Bal personnel were detained by the Nepal Police on Sunday for hours and then released.

scheduled to visit Colombo

Islamabad, Nov 30: Pakistan Naval Ship PNS Shamsheer will be arriving at the Colombo Port on a four-day goodwill visit from November 30December 3, overnment news portal reported.

Pakistan Navy (PN) ships pay port calls to Sri Lanka on a frequent basis, with the aim to further strengthen the existing strong relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Pakistan Naval Ship PNS is the third vessel to be so named. PNS S H A M S H E E R Shamsheer derives its name from the traditional word "SHAMSHEER" which means sword and is a special type of saber with a 5-15 degree curve

from top to tip. Swords are considered as the symbol of valour in Muslim history.The first ship of the class inducted in Pakistan Navy was HMPS SHAMSHEER (F-252) which was inherited at time of independence. It served the Pakistan navy Fleet as an Anti-Submarine Frigate as well as training ship for cadets and sailors till1960.While berthed at Colombo Port, Mission Commander, Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir and Captain Syed Rizwan Khalid will pay a courtesy calls on Commander of Navy, Director General Operations and Commander Western Naval Area, the report said. (Agencies)

Khaleda gets bail in Niko graft case Dhaka, Nov 30:A Dhaka court has granted bail for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Niko graft case.Dhaka's Ninth Special Judge's Court of Md Aminul Islam passed the

resume against Khaleda in the case filed by the AntiCorruption Commission (ACC) in 2007. The bench of Justice Md Nuruzzaman and Justice Zafar Ahmed also ordered the BNP chief

order after she sought bail on surrender today.The court has fixed December 28 to hear the charge framing in the case.BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has arrived at a Dhaka court to surrender before it in connection with the Niko corruption case filed during the army-backed caretaker government in 2007.A vehicle carrying her arrived in the court premises around 12:10pm today.The three-time former premier appeared before Dhaka's Ninth Special Judge's Court of Md Aminul Islam.On June 18, the High Court cleared the way for trial proceedings to

to surrender before the trial court within two months after its verdict reaches the trial court.The order was given rejecting Khaleda's petition that had challenged the legality of the opening and proceedings of the case.The court also directed the trial court to consider Khaleda's bail petition, on condition that she did not misuse the bail.ACC filed the case in December 2007 alleging that then prime minister Khaleda and several others abused power to award a gas exploration and extraction deal to Canadian company Niko between 2001 and 2006. (Agencies)

Myanmar military releases 53 underage recruits- U.N. Yangon, Nov 30: Myanmar's military released 53 children and young people from service on Monday as part of an effort to rid its ranks of underage soldiers, the United Nations said.Human rights groups have long accused Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, of abuses such as using child soldiers, forcibly recruiting conscripts and confiscating land.Since the military handed power to a semi-civilian government in 2011, it has taken some steps to professionalise the armed forces, including the release of soldiers recruited while under the age of 18."Today's release is the result of continued efforts of the Government of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw to put an end to the harmful practice of recruiting and using children," said Renata LokDessallien, the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, in

a statement."I am delighted to see these children and young people returning to their homes and families. We are hopeful that institutional checks that have been put in place and continued efforts will ensure that recruitment of children will exist no more."The military has released 146 underage recruits this year and 699 since it signed a joint action plan with the U.N. in 2012 to end the use of children in the military.The U.N. it had no estimate for

the number of underage soldiers in Myanmar. Experts believe Myanmar's military to be between 300,000 and 350,000 strong, but the military does not release data on its size.Lok-Dessallien also called on armed ethnic groups to stop recruiting child soldiers.The U.N. Secretary-General has listed seven such groups as being "persistent perpetrators" in the recruitment and use of children in their operations.They include the powerful

Kachin Independence Army, which controls large swathes of Myanmar's northern Kachin State, and the United Wa State Army (UWSA). Operating on the Myanmar-China border, the UWSA is regarded as the largest and best equipped of Myanmar's armed ethnic groups.The announcement of the release comes amid fighting between the military and ethnic groups in the eastern Shan State, as well as in Kachin.Activists from Shan State last week accused the military of bombing schools and Buddhist temples, firing on civilians and raping women during its recent offensives.The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that up to 6,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Shan and another 1,200, including 500 children, in Kachin.

(Agencies)

Onus on 'developed' nations for handling climate change: Nawaz Sharif

Nepal seeks additional fuel from China in grant Kathmandu, Nov 30: Nepal has sought an additional 6,000 tonnes of diesel, petrol and aviation fuel and 5,000 tonnes of cooking gas in grant from China.

As it is taking time to start commercial import of Chinese fuel, Nepal requested the northern for more grant fuel so as to ease supply amid shortages due to India-imposed trade embargo. China had provided 1,000 tonnes of fuel in grant to Nepal earlier this month.Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) said it dispatched

a letter two weeks ago requesting the northern neighbour for the fuel under its annual financial and technical grants to Nepal."We have requested China to supply the fuel through the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point," said Shiva Prasad Tripathi, undersecretary at the ministry.Nepal has sought 2,000 tonnes each of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel and 5,000 tonnes of cooking gas.After signing a framework agreement with China on October 28, Nepal transported 1,000

tonnes of the grant fuel from state-owned PetroChina through the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point. Although the government plans to sign a commercial deal to import 30-40 percent of the country's fuel requirement from China, it said the deal was being delayed due to issues related to tax waiver. Ministry of Commerce and Supply has said it has sent a letter to the Chinese government, requesting the latter to waive off tax on petroleum products that Nepal plans to import commer-

cially from the northern neighbour. A ministry official said the letter was sent through the Foreign Ministry on Friday. "We have also asked the Foreign and Finance Ministries to coordinate on the issue," he said. Currently, a two-member technical team of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is in Beijing to negotiate with Petro-China on a range of issues. After Petro China told the Nepali team that the tax issues should be dealt at government-level, the government dispatched the formal letter. (Agencies)

Karachi, Nov. 30: Ahead of the Climate Summit in Paris, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif put the responsibility on 'developed' nations for approaching the challenges in climate changes, while adding that Pakistan was ready to contribute in the global efforts. The Dawn reported that the Prime Minister asserted that Pakistan would not let any hurdles come in its development process when it comes to climate changes. Sharif

after arriving in the French capital for the two-week 21st UN Climate Change Conference, told the media that even though Pakistan has 'minimum' level of carbon emissions, they will contribute in the global efforts to tackle the climate change issues. The Prime Minister will deliver his speech on Monday and will also hold bilateral meeting with other world leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. (ANI)

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Dealing with Pakistan's Nuclear Breakout Private banking in India to be closed Competition thought to be lessens down a little bit British bank HSBC Holdings Plc is closing its private banking unit in India as part of its group strategy, the bank said, marking the exit of another foreign bank from the cut-throat wealth management business in Asia's third-largest economy. The bank would offer private banking clients the choice to move to HSBC Premier, the bank's global retail banking and wealth management platform, a Mumbai-based spokesman said. The process is likely to be completed in the first quarter of 2016. After a strategic review of the global private banking operations in India, HSBC decided to close the business in India. Many foreign wealth managers scrambled to open up shop in India a few years ago lured by its long-term growth prospects. Even though India has been minting millionaires at a strong pace, it has failed to translate into profits for the foreign wealth managers that have set up teams of well-paid bankers to help manage those riches.

HSBC's private banking business in India has about 70 staff and with the closing down of business many of them would be redeployed to other bank operations.

The bank employs about 32,000 people - many of them in its back-office outsourcing unit - in India, where it also offers corporate, retail and investment banking services. The value of assets managed by HSBC's private banking unit in India was not immediately clear, but wealth management industry sources said the bank was not one of the top three players in the segment. The bank posted pre-tax profit of $7 million in its India private banking business in the six months to June, accounting for 4.5 percent of the Asia private banking business and up from $5 million in the same period a year ago. HSBC private banking in India lacked scale and closing it ties in with a review the bank is undertaking of operations around the world - selling or closing units where it lacks scale or the businesses are unprofitable, people familiar with the move said. HSBC's decision to exit India private banking business comes at a time when India's homegrown wealth managers are hiring more staff and expanding in smaller cities, seeking to attract rising numbers of new millionaires. These local firms already control some 75 percent of the market, industry executives say, and their expansion plans will put more pressure on the global banks, which are struggling with higher wages and compliance costs, and a narrower client base. India taxmen in February searched the local headquarters of HSBC as part of a probe related to allegations that the bank's Swiss business helped clients dodge taxes. The move came after details of its Swiss private banking operations and top clients were widely published in the media.

Many are also of the opinion that the bank is shutting shop because it could not turn its wealth into profit and that now the bank will offer private banking services to clients through their premier banking services and will transfer about 70 staff following a strategic review of the operations. The private banking sector of HSBC is not among the top three players in India, according to sources. This is not the first time that the bank has shut its business. Earlier in 2013, HSBC shut its retail broking and retail depository service business down due to which around 300 employees lost their jobs.

Water scarcity in India Every drop of water is of great value Despite water being an existential need for humans, it's also one of the most under prioritized but over abused commodity. Water is central to our lives but has not been the central point of focus in our planning while we rapidly evolve into an urban society. Civilizations were born and lost on account of water. Today, we have the advantage of this knowledge and we still fail to value it and plan our societies around it. The world's oldest civilization grew around the Indus and the Ganges and is still thriving. Post-independence, due importance was given to harnessing the power of water by way of controlling and storing of water through large Dams. That was the need of the hour. However, our cities and towns have subsequently grown without planning for water need vs water availability. In 1951, the per capita water availability was about 5177 m3 which was reduced to about 1545 m3 in 2011.

New report says, although India is set to become water scarce country by 2025 due to demand-supply mis-match, the water sector is expected to see investment of $13 billion from overseas players in the next few years, a new study has said. With increasing household income and increasing contributions from the service and industrial sectors, the water demand in the domestic and industrial sectors increasing substantially, says a study conducted by EA Water, a leading consulting firm in water sector. Nearly 70 per cent of country's irrigation and 80 per cent of domestic water use comes from groundwater, which is rapidly depleting. However, overseas players from Canada, Israel, Germany, Italy, United States, China and Belgium see big investment opportunity worth $13 billion in the domestic water sector. The industrial market is going to be the big opportunity till 2020, with growth in wastewater recycling and industrial water treatment, the report said. Maharashtra is emerging as a hub for the water sector. In a recent incident, nearly eighteen village councils in Uttar Pradesh are demanding a local Coca-Cola bottling plant be prohibited from extracting water from the ground, claiming its over usage has led to water scarcity in the area, said an environmental campaign group. The villages, which are located in Mehdiganj area of Varanasi district, the constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi claim they have been facing water shortages since 1999 when the plant began operations. Elected village council heads represent the voice of the people, and they are clear that Coca-Cola is not welcome in Mehdiganj. It is time for Coca-Cola to pack up and leave in Mehdiganj. CocaCola paints a pretty picture of itself internationally as a responsible user of water, but the reality in India is that it exploits groundwater at the expense of the poor who have to live with less water because Coca-Cola mines groundwater in a water scarce area for profit. Mehdiganj is largely agrarian and communities here rely on groundwater to meet most of their needs, including for personal drinking and washing, irrigation and for livestock. CocaCola uses the same groundwater source to meet its production needs - placing it in direct competition with the local community, environmentalists say.

What is the best way to bring Pakistan into the non-proliferation fold?

Julian Schofield The 2003 conquest of Iraq, disintegration of Syria, and recent nuclear deal with Iran has seemingly pushed the nuclear non-proliferation frontier to Pakistan.

There is concern that at current rates of production, within ten years Pakistan will have the world's third largest nuclear arsenal, from a count of approximately 70 boosted-fission warheads in 2008, to more than 500, and with sufficient range to reach Israel and Turkey. There is a temptation, as part of the next step to roll back nuclear proliferation, for the West to isolate Pakistan as it did with Iraq, Iran and North Korea in the 1990s.

Pakistan's current weapons grade fissile material production is four times India's, and Pakistan is more determined to concentrate these resources into warhead production. It possesses four operational production reactors at Khushab collectively able to manufacture 25 to 50 kg of plutonium every twelve months, which, combined with Pakistan's ongoing highly enriched uranium (HEU) production with 20,000 centrifuges at Kahuta, gives it the capacity to produce between 14 to 27 warheads annually.

Refinements at the Khushab site may double this total. India by contrast can manufacture between two and five nuclear weapons in the same period.

This pace has continued unabated since 1998, and has received further stimu-

lus from recent Indian-U.S. nuclear material agreements.

Turning international attention and pressure on Pakistan to compel it join the non-proliferation regime will not succeed. The 1968 Non-Proliferation treaty (NPT) is often advertised as a collective security framework to limit the spread of nuclear weapons.

In fact, it was a bargain between two great powers, the U.S. and the USSR, to jointly promise not to permit the proliferation of nuclear weapons to their allies. In particular, Moscow was concerned that West Germany would acquire an independent nuclear arsenal. Moscow and Washington conceded their failures to reign-in China, France or Israel, and the USSR accepted the NATO framework for the sharing of U.S. nuclear weapons, including with West Germany.

Huge arsenals maintained general deterrence against new nuclear weapons programs, as well as extended deterrence to insecure allies, and the deal proved a great success in arresting proliferation. With the end of the Cold War, the U.S. extended the principles of the NPT in order to neutralize former Soviet clientstates.

The outlines of a second grand bargain took place between China and the U.S. in the 1990s, with China imposing firm export controls on dual-use technology to the developing world. China agreed to cutoff Iran, but was determined to maintain its relationship with Pakistan, on

which it depends to drawoff Indian security efforts.

Pakistan's nuclear weapons program has, since 1974, received important assistance from China, including warhead designs, HEU, scientific testing and training, and missiles technology and production capacity. Although China has reduced its support to Pakistan, primarily because the latter has attained an adequate level of strategic self-sufficiency to deter India, this could be reversed promptly if India were to obtain some technological breakout capacity.

Any new great power bargain to contain Pakistan will be imperiled by the interests of three pivotal states.

China will not reign in Pakistan unless India emulates Pakistani disarmament. India will not submit to any arrangement that puts it into a separate class from the great powers.

Saudi Arabia will continue to provide financial, energy and diplomatic support to Pakistan to offset Israel or a future Iran, Egypt, or Turkey. Isolating Pakistan will push it closer under a Chinese strategic nuclear umbrella. U.S. threats to facilitate the countervailing nuclear armament of Japan, Australia or South Korea are incredible because they would cause as much difficulty for the U.S. as China.

Even if Pakistan never joined a formal alliance with China, and did not further contribute to nuclear proliferation, its regionally destabilizing arsenal would continue along its current maximal growth trajectory.

However, to put the arse-

nal into correct perspective, Pakistan's will consist primarily of fission or boosted-fission weapons (15 to 50 kiloton yields), but will likely not include massproduced fusion warheads (megaton range) for at least two decades. Its delivery systems consist of medium range aircraft (F-16s, Mirages, and JF-17s) and the mobile Haft and solid fuelled Shaheen series of missiles, which are likely never to be able to target Europe. Despite the significant destruction it could inflict on India's cities, the arsenal would remain regional and strategically insignificant as long as they weren't based outside of Pakistan.

So how should the international community approach the problem of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal?

Pakistan is quite vulnerable to economic sanctions, because of an array of ad hoc export agreements providing Pakistani goods access to EU and U.S. markets.

But the high priority placed on national security in Islamabad means that Pakistan would not likely be dissuaded by sanctions, nor has it historically. Furthermore, these trading arrangements sustain an emerging commercial class, which in turn is believed to create the conditions for a more stable democracy.

Another approach is to institutionalize Pakistan's status as a major nonNATO ally. The outlines of a constructive informal alliance should consist of military to military interaction in the form of ongoing strategic dialogues, perhaps through a permanent

NATO agency, joint training, but most importantly operational officer exchanges and student positions at staff colleges. Institutionalizing this constructive engagement of Pakistan's military would buffet it against the usual political friction typical of Pakistani-Western relations.

On the one hand, it seems absurd to establish such close relations with a nuclear-armed state so allegedly unstable, plagued with militant Islamists, and which has also been accused repeatedly of feeding insurgency in Afghanistan and Indian-occupied Kashmir. However, militaryto-military contacts are a particularly effective avenue of influence of Western values to the elites of the security state within Pakistan. This could influence everything from democratization to more humanitarian approaches to counter-insurgency. Other less amenable avenues of influence, such as through the mass population,

would compete unfavourably with indigenous nationalism and Gulf Arab-funded Islamist movements.

But Pakistan also has many factors in its favor. Its Sufi-based Barelvi variant of Hanafi Islam remains dominant and tolerant, and is the main reason Pakistani religious parties have far less influence in politics than they do in Egypt, Turkey or Indonesia. Democratic political culture in Pakistan is genuine and has widespread support, even within the military.

Pakistan has a competent national security bureaucracy, which has preserved stability at the center despite repeated existential challenges. A relationship at this level would draw Pakistan away from Chinese, Saudi and Islamist influence, would facilitate further attempts at dialogue to repair the tragedy that is Indo-Pakistani relations, and reduce the security anxiety that is propelling Pakistan's nuclear build-up.

The Economic Risks of India's Wealth Inequality "There is a line beyond which inequality is too high, and India is close to - if not already beyond - that line." wealth held by billionaires all those born in rural areas fers little hope for im- is for lower and middle-inAsit K. Biswas and Kris Hartley accounted for nearly 10 per- stay. India's cities represent provement. The benefits come workers to organize Economic inequality has been a popular topic for analysis, commentary, and political debate over the last several years, lately even garnering attention from the Pope. Recent data have elicited yet more concern. The top 1 percent of wealthy individuals in the world now own more than the next 99 percent combined; the top 0.1 percent own more than the bottom 90 percent. When examining inequality on the country level, the GINI index reveals that those countries with high income inequality are not only advanced economies but also resource-dependent laggards. For India, growing wealth inequality limits efforts to overcome poverty and reach full development. This challenge necessitates the type of fundamental structural change that can only originate politically from the ground-up.

The latest World Bank GINI data for India is from 2009. Figure 1 compares

India's score (higher = more unequal) with that of several major world economies, using 2008-2010 data. In this group, India is not an outlier. For the exception of China, however, the comparator countries are much wealthier, and in a highly developed capitalist context some inequality can be expected. As a developing country, India is not in good company. Furthermore, other measures indicate that India's income inequality (measured by consumption) hasrisen since the 1990s.

As a country's capital base grows through free-market and wealth-building institutions, the gains of growth flow upwards and disproportionately benefit the already-rich. Therefore, inequality should be measured as a function of not only income but also wealth, and the income-based data above tell only part of the story. For example, India's wealth inequality is much higher than China's (GINI [x100] of 66 to 55). In 2012,

cent of national income, roughly equal to that in the United States and Mexico and double that of Brazil and China. Before the financial crisis, this share was as high as 22 percent. Is it headed back?

The ills of inequality are well documented. Even in developed countries such as the United States, inequality has been linked to social problems including higher infant mortality rates, shorter life expectancy, and widening student achievement gaps. The structural forces behind inequality are also well known and affect most countries. In addition to continuing globalization and technological change, there are three factors intensifying India's inequality problem: population growth and migration, the success of a tiny elite, and lack of political will.

First, India's fertility rate is higher among lower-income and uneducated rural populations than higher-income populations. Having more children makes sense in agrarian economies, but not

opportunity (and challenges) for the next generation of young Indians.

Second, India's high-income population enjoys better opportunities, and its top talent can compete with the world's best (many leave to do so). Numerous Indian CEOs represent a growing elite class, and those who remain in the country are handsomely compensated. Such success can inspire young Indians, but in excess it exacerbates inequality. According to one analyst, CEO compensation in is higher in India than the United States, when measuring by dollar of revenue.

India also has the world's third highest number of billionaires (97), and even a handful of lavishly compensated executives can impact Gini coefficients.

Finally, decades of political influence have balanced the economic scales towards the wealthy. Public policies can impact the distribution of wealth, but in India redistributive efforts have not gone very far; the current politicalregime of-

of entering the globalized economy are often overoptimistically conflated with the virtues of unfettered capitalism. For example, the Trans-Pacific Partnership will create opportunities for some Asian businesses to expand their markets in the United States (the agreement is expected to boost Vietnam's GDP 11 percent by 2025), but structural adjustments to a changing regional competitive landscape will also undoubtedly displace workers and eliminate jobs. For India the impacts of the TPP are uncertain; the benefits of regional economic integration may "trickle down" to India's lower-income workers in small ways, providing additional job opportunities and more work hours.

However, this does little to close the wealth gap, as these wages fail to provide the disposable income needed for investment.

The only hope to keep India's top 1 percent from running away with the country's economic gains

and demand more distributive policies. However, this would only address the symptoms; it does little to cure the structural determinants of inequality. In addition to such policies, India needs to control population growth, close educational achievement gaps, and establish a durable and defensible competitive advantage.

India is projected to have the world's largest population by 2028, but regional competitors can spoil its economic prospects and livelihoods - such as they are by mimicking its growth model, improving education, and expanding knowledge industry capacity at equal or lower wages. Beyond regional competitiveness, India should examine its collective soul to ask whether an economy by and for the obscenely wealthy is just.

However, there is a line beyond which inequality is too high, and India is close to - if not already beyond - that line. "Who decides how much inequality is unacceptable?" is no longer an excuse for inaction.

Gaurav Gogoi in Parliament

Sir, In course of an interaction recently, Gourav Gogoi M.P. commented in New-Delhi that all the congress Members of Parliament from Assam are 'vocal'. We simply cannot give a nod to what Gourav Gogoi said.

It makes one laugh in one's sleeves as what Gogoi said is far from the truth. We doubt, whether Mr. Gogoi knows about Hem Baruah and Dinesh Goswami. Can any of the Present incumbents stand a match with the likes of Hem Baruah and Dinesh Goswami. Particularly the former who rocked parliament by his gift of the gab. Pandit Nehru, the then Prime-minister was an erudite person, nevertheless on many occasions, Nehruji consulted Hem Baruah to seek his valuable advice. Number of such Parliamentarian is few and far between. Now, coming to the contention of Gourav Gogoi. We feel like asking Gogoi, when UPA was there in the centre, why the congress M.Ps acted as a mute spectator, despite seeing acts of financial irregularity in the ruling dispensation of Assam and in the centre, why at all did they keep mum - which they are still doing in the case of Assam. Being now in the opposition, the congress M.Ps (particularly one M.P.) clamour and shout at the top of their/his voice so as to draw the attention of the Soniaji. The congress M.Ps from Assam should remember that UPA government fell due to rampant corruption, dynastic rule and the party now is reduced to a minnow in parliament. People of Assam,

mean while, have been conversant with the eloquence of Gaurav Gogoi, the dexterous way in which he explained about 'Mota Mas' and 'Maiki Mas' was really commendable!

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

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

World Aids Day

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The Theme For World AIDS Day 2015 Is "Getting To Zero."

World aids day is celebrated every year all over the world on 1st of December to raise the public awareness about AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The day is celebrated by the government organizations, NGOs, civil society and other health officials by organizing the speeches or forums discussion related to the AIDS. The President of United States declared an official announcement for World AIDS Day in the year 1995 which was started following by other countries all across the world.

According to the rough estimation, around 25 mil-

lion people died from 1981 to 2007 because of the HIV infection. Even after the access of antiretroviral treatment at many places, around 2 million people (at least 270,000 of total were children) in 2007 were infected with this epidemic disease.

World AIDS Day celebration has become the most recognized health days celebrations internationally.

World AIDS Day celebration offers the key opportunity to the health organizations to increase the awareness among people, most possible access to the treatment as well as discussing the preventive measures.

World Aids Day History World AIDS Day was first visualized by the Thomas Netter and James W. Bunn

in the month of August in 1987. Thomas Netter and James W. Bunn both are the public information officers for the AIDS Global Programme at the WHO (World Health Organization) in Geneva, Switzerland. They had shared their idea about the AIDS day to Dr. Jonathan Mann (Director of the AIDS Global Programme), who had approved the idea and recommended the World AIDS Day observance on 1st of December in the year 1988.

World AIDS Day celebration was decided by them to be celebrated every year on 1st of December accurately. They thought that it should be decided far from the election time, Christmas holidays or other holidays. It should be cel-

ebrated during time when people and news media could pay more interest and attention in broadcasting the news all across the world.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, also known as the UNAIDS, came into effect in the year 1996 and started promoting worldwide. Instead of being celebrated for only one day, World AIDS Campaign was launched by the UNAIDS in the year 1997 to focus on the AIDS programs, better communications, disease prevention and disease awareness learning for whole year.

In the starting years, the World AIDS Day themes were focused only on the children as well as the

young people, which were later recognized as a family disease as any person of any age group can be infected with HIV. Since 2007, the World Aids Day was started symbolizing by an iconic display of AIDS Ribbon by the White House.

To curb this menace which for so long has inflicted nations all around the planet. India has also not remained untouched by it. India has the third highest number of estimated people living with HIV in the world. According to the HIV Estimations 2012, the estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS in India was 20.89 lakh.

Here is a look on the steps taken by the government to curb the menace.

1. India has demonstrated an overall reduction of 57% in the annual new HIV infections among adult population from 2.74 lakh in 2000 to 1.16 lakh in 2011.

2. Various interventions and scaled-up prevention strategies under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) have been responsible for decline in new AIDS

cases.

3. A total of 67.68 lakh STI/RTI cases have been managed against the target of 68 lakh during 2013-2014.

4. The Counseling and testing services for HIV were availed by about 130.3 lakh general clients and 97.52 lakh pregnant women, against the target of 102 lakh each.

5. The highest prevalence

was recorded in Nagaland (0.88%), followed by Mizoram (0.68%), Manipur (0.64%), Andhra Pradesh (0.59%) and Karnataka (0.53%) 6. States like Chhattisgarh (0.51%), Gujarat (0.50%), Maharashtra (0.40%), Delhi (0.40%) and Punjab (0.37%) recorded HIV prevalence of more than the national average.

Christians in Politics: Personal Analysis Tirap district on the move: peace returns, Yumri Taipodia Though there were no written rules for administration of tribal villages and societies, customs and traditions were almost compatible with the modern concepts of jurisprudence. The concept of parliamentary democracy was not new to the tribal society of Arunachal Pradesh.

Most of the ancient customs and traditional laws are gratified in democratic spirit.

In the midst of all the pain and suffering which the Panchayet Raj and State Assembly electoral process introduced, few Christians began to take part in leadership in the public sphere. Some joined it since it was requested by villagers and others through self interests.

Gradually, Christians were getting more opportunities because of the democratic policies in choosing the leaders. It was a democratic style of leadership selection and Arunachal Pradesh older democratic spirit of societies which helped the Christians take part in political office.

Education System Arunachal Pradesh was the most backward region in India during the independence period, especially in terms of education. In those days there was only one school (i.e. Sadiya) in the entire state and the nearest John

Firth schools were in North Lakhimpur, Assam. Few children, who went to school at American Baptist Mission in Sadiya and North Lakhimpur, were baptized in their school. Those students became the first educated group in their respective villages, towns, society and in the entire state. Those early educated groups showed confidence as knowledgeable person since they learned Christian discipline in Mission school. Biblical principle of their lifestyle demonstrated a leadership quality potential to lead. The Christian discipline learned from those missionary teachers was the main plus points for them to have a chance in leadership selection. As a result they got privileges: village level in Panchayet Raj; district level in Zilla Parished; and State level in Legislative Assembly.

After six decades of the nation's independence, the education system in the state is still underdeveloped. Three years back it has only one university, seven government colleges, one engineering institute, one Polytechnic, three Industrial Training Institutes, one Forest Training School, one homeopathic, one forestry college and six Bible institutes scattered in 16 districts.

The present literary rate is 66.95%. This illustrates just how few educated people there have been in the past

thirty years. The lack of educated people among the other communities created opportunities for the Christians to enter politics.

Service to the Needy In early days, in the society of Arunachal Pradesh, outdated taboos and unproved evil practice prevailed. For instance, if a person was bitten by a snake, then he/she was not allowed to eat in common (family) vessels or enter from the main gate in their own home. They were not even allowed to visit other houses for many days (mostly three months) as per the local priest instruction. Their family would be totally cut off from visiting or participating in public gatherings. If a woman died during child birth, then she was not to be buried in the community graveyard but covered in a far off place or waste lands. People of same village also did not help in the burial. Those evil practices in their olden days made their life so miserable, if they fall under those problems. Instead of helping in time of natural calamities and grave crises, they treated each other indifferently.

However, the early converts in Arunachal Pradesh followed the teaching of Jesus Christ who said, "I do not come to be served but to serve" (Mk 10: 45). They began to serve the needy in time of natural calamities and crisis like health issues and material

pace of development accelerates needs. They never excommunicated people during their hour of need but rather embraced them. Hence, they considered Christians as helpful and reliable people in any emergency situations.

The service rendered by believers proved that they were trust worthy and dependable.

They played an active part in social work like house constructions and marriage functions. During those days, people of this state were engaged in warfare such as killing enemies, plundering of other villages or tribes. The words forgive and forget were rarely mentioned in their language.

Even the warriors drank human blood. In those horrible periods early Christian convert played prominent role in peace negotiation which averts taking revenge and help the communities to maintain peace and tranquilities. This helped them to win the hearts and minds of the people. Though they did nothing for their personal gain, the result of those noble deeds enabled them to become democratic leaders.

---Yumri Taipodia is columnist in various secular dailies.

A BITS Pilani Student Shares Some Gyaan On How To Crack Engineering Entrance Exams Arkid Bera "If you study well for the next two years, your life will be set!" is a very common axiom, which students hear after they pass out of secondary school. If not completely true, the hard-work during these two years will certainly define the course of your life for the years to come, so why not distribute the hard-work by starting prior to the scheduled time? I believe that the earlier one decides to prepare for engineering coaching, the better will be the yield. For me, personally, an ideal time to start IIT JEE coaching is from 9th standard itself (note that I am referring to this particular exam because preparing for it includes training for all other the competitive exams based on engineering concepts, due to similarity in the syllabus). But even if you do not start it that early, it's not a matter of concern at all.

After all, every student isn't expected to choose his/her field of study before having the taste of all the subjects satisfactorily.

The key work begins right after the 10th board exams.

Apart from the school/junior college you get into, for the next two years, it is recommended that you join some

or the other JEE coaching institute, because it focuses mainly on preparing you well for the engineering entrance examinations. Let me get into a little more depth into how one can prepare for engineering examinations. There are many aspects to be taken care of while preparing for such exams, but the most instrumental factor is the understanding of the concepts. Every topic you encounter, the first approach must be a scientific one. Jump into the details and never leave even the smallest link vague, as that might fire back hard at you on the day of judgement, you never know! Engineering entrances are all about application of your concepts in a particular time-frame. This is where coaching institutes play a vital role. These institutes work hard into integrating decent questions from all well-known books throughout, to make their own booklets, modules, practice sheets, tests, etc. Use them to the fullest, and make sure at the end of the day you are thorough with the varied methods used to solve each and every problem of those materials. Also, with each test you attempt, you equip yourself with a set of skills which include application of concepts, getting accustomed to the exam-atmosphere, and of

course, time management.

Once you are done with all the topics, then comes brushing up the skills mentioned above. The more you test yourself, the better you can judge. Error analysis is a crucial part of your preparation.

If you don't detect your weaknesses on time, how will you work on those? Smartness begins here. Your success depends on how well you gauge yourself, and handle the hitches. Having crossed this phase myself, I have a fair idea regarding the problems faced by aspirants. It isn't possible for a student to have each and every concept at their fingertips. But along with being perfect in your strong areas, you need to lift your weak areas to such a level that you can at least manage a decent amount of problems in that area, if not all. That is the tough part!

Lastly, the one who survives this phase, ultimately goes on to clinch the trophy.

There will be phases within, when efforts won't produce

the desired results. You might end up on the bottom-half of rank-lists repeatedly. But not to worry. I have seen people rise in the last 3 months of preparation, by sheer perseverance. I have also seen students getting overwhelmed by their initial marks, and ending up devastating their own bright future. Try not to fall into this category. Competitive exams are like oneday games. You take two long years to prepare for it.

An ample amount of money and immense moral support is involved. So just play it the right way, and never ever give up. Don't waste even a single minute pondering over useless things, as each minute of your preparation phase decides your progress towards your goal. Remember this is not just a test of your brain. This is a test of endurance, temperament and management.

This is no less than a game of cricket!

Good luck for the game of life!

Contrary to what outsiders think and talk about Tirap district, the district is blissfully on the move forward in its way of unprecedented development and all round progress. Thanks to the much-awaited and anticipated return of peace in the district, development activities are going on in full swing uninterrupted and unperturbed unlike in the past when insurgencyrelated incidents used to not only deterred the pace of development but also used to demoralize the officers and officials working in the district. There was a dark period in the district when the people used to virtually live with fear psychosis and the district was in the news for all the wrong reasons.

It was like the hitherto Wild West where guns ruled the roost. There used to be frequent firings in between the warring factions of the underground elements ostensibly over area domination.

Sounds of gun shots would reverberate through the verdant hills and silent valleys thereby demoralizing the people and bringing the development activities to a screeching halt. But thanks to the efficient district administration under the young IAS officer Ravi Jha, Tirap Deputy Commissioner and district Police headed by young IPS officer Jasmeet Singh, Tirap Superintendent of Police, a semblance of peace has thankfully returned which has facilitated the various government departments and the institutions to function smoothly without a hitch. The security forces including various companies of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and the CRPF are also pitching in their services to establish lasting peace and tranquillity in the district. In the meantime, Tirap people have heartily welcome the muchneeded peace talk between the GOI and the collective leadership of

NSCN (IM) which has helped the district in no small measure to enable it move ahead in the path of development and all round prosperity. Today, life seems to be all hunkydory in the district and little wonder, we find happy and smiling people go about their daily chores normally without fear and tension. The youth are all raring to go and shine in their chosen fields. This is what peace can do. Peace is indeed a pre-requisite for development of any place. Gone are the days when Tirap district had the dubious distinction of being dubbed as a place of three Ps for government employees; Punishment, Probation and Promotion.

Today, all are willing to come and work in Tirap district thanks to the much improved environs.

So, happy days are here again. What the people need is to shake off their smallness, come out of their cocoon, do away with their perpetual negative syndrome and be a part of the sweeping development processes taking place in the state and also willingly accept the winds of change blowing across the state. No place can develop and flourish in isolation.

The Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha is travelling the proverbial extra mile to ensure that the youth; the potent force for any society are engaged gainfully to prevent from going astray. In this context, he along with the organizers had organized the muchhyped Thansen Wangchdong memorial football tournament at Khonsa in September.

This football tournament proved to be a real boon for the young football players of the district in honing their inherent skills. The players who represented Tirap district in the recently concluded Tadar Tang Memorial football tournament held at Tezu performed creditably beating the football

powerhouse of the state under the department of East Siang district 2-1. PWD Highway. Apart from They lost very narrowly the development activities against West Siang dis- in all spheres including cretrict and East Kameng ation of infrastructures in district 1the district, 2 and 1-3 Denhang Bosai human rerespecsource develtively. In the past the opment has also taken a giTirap district players used ant leap in Tirap district. to lose by huge margins. This year brilliant Ranphoa So, this was a greatly im- Ngowa hailing from Kheti proved performance by village is not only the lone the players. Currently, di- Arunachal student who saster awareness badmin- cracked the coveted UPSC ton tournament in Examination but also a few memory of former Tirap other Noctes students qualiDeputy Commissioner fied for the UPSC (Mains) late Kamlesh Joshi who which can be viewed as a was killed in a tragic silver-lining in the otherchopper accident on 4th wise dark clouds hovering August is in progress. over the Tirap skies thanks Many youths both boys to the nagging problem of and girls are very enthu- insurgency. This year one siastically partaking in brilliant student from the fathe tournament. Such a mous Ramakrishna Sarada sporting event is helping Mission School, Khonsa sethe youth to utilize their cured the second position in youthful energy towards the All India Science Exhiuseful and constructive bition held in Mumbai next purposes. Apart from ac- only to Tamil Nadu. A numcording top priority to ber of young Nocte girls youth-related ventures from Tirap district are servand activities the Deputy ing as Air Hostesses in variCommissioner has also ous private and governinitiated a number prag- ment-run Airlines. Ms Luni matic measures and Bangsia from Khonsa vilawareness campaigns to lage who is an accomuse as an effective cru- plished Bharat Natyam sade against drug menace dancer is teaching Bharat in Tirap district. He is in- Natyam classical dance in volving PRI leaders, Kalashetra, Chennai. The chiefs, GBs, NGOs, gov- popular Rapper K for ernment officials, Subject Kekho from remote Lazu Experts and village elders area won the Arunachal has to work tirelessly and got talent contest and today selflessly defeating the he is the musical ambassadrug malady in the dis- dor for the state. trict. It is needless to menSo, against all odds and tion here that by virtue of in spite of challenges gaits proximity to the infa- lore, Tirap district is sailmous Golden Triangle, ing smoothly in the river use of opium and other of all round development contraband drugs is ram- and progress that can popant in the district. The tentially provide the disDeputy Commissioner is trict a pride of place in the also making an honest ef- state of Arunachal fort to implement the vari- Pradesh. Thankfully, at ous schemes in Education this critical juncture when department and Health Tirap district is going department in letter and through a delicate phase spirit to ensure that the of transition, a young and real benefits percolate energetic Deputy Comdown to the poorest of the missioner in Ravi Jha is poor and the real target at the helms of affairs groups. He is emphasiz- which is the real icing on ing on effective imple- the cake. With a peaceful mentation of the Chief ambiance, effective disMinister's flagship trict administration, improgrammes to benefit the proved Policing, receppeople belonging to all tive and cooperative sections of society. people and sincere govA number of important ernment officers and offiprojects are going on in cials, no force on earth Tirap district on a war can stop Tirap district footing like CC road and from forging ahead to Pavement construction in achieve its cherished the Khonsa Township goal. In conclusion I am roads, District Secretariat tempted to quote building and other Rabindranath Tagore who people-friendly projects. said, "I slept and dreamt The Polytechnic Institute that life was joy. I awoke buildings at Kheti are and saw that life was sercompleted and will be in- vice. I acted and behold augurated soon. The work service was joy." (The on the NH-315 between writer is DIPRO, Tirap Hukanjuri check gate and and can be reached at Khonsa will begin soon denhangbosai@yahoo.co.in)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

BUSINESS

Rs 15,000 crore to be invested by Maruti Suzuki in next five years New Delhi, Nov 30: Maruti Suzuki is looking to invest nearly Rs 15,000 crore spread out over the next five years, to buy land in the country and to ramp up its dealership network. The carmaker already has the widest dealership network in the country. Maruti is expecting a two-fold jump in sales once its Gujarat plant is in commission. The huge investment plans come at a time before the plant goes on steam, to ensure capacity for additional inventory, stock and distribution. According to a report, the company chairman R C Bhargava said that the total investment amount

needed for ramping up the distribution and dealership network was nearly Rs 30,000 crore. Out of this, Maruti will be investing half of the money, and dealers will be putting in the other half. Maruti Suzuki currently has nearly Rs 13,000 crore in reserves.

The company operates over 1,700 outlets in the country. In the month of October, Maruti Suzuki maintained its leadership position in the domestic passenger vehicle market, with four of its models featuring in the top 10 selling brands last month. According to the latest data from Society of Indian Automo-

SpiceJet's stake targeted by few Gulf airlines, says Ajay Sinha Dubai, Nov 30: No-frills airline SpiceJet has said that certain airlines from the Gulf have shown interest in picking up stake in the company. While the airline did not mention which Gulf aviation companies were keen on buying into SpiceJet, the company's chairman Ajay Singh said that they were not looking to dilute stake at this time.

Two leading Gulf airlines, Etihad Airways and Qatar

Airways both have bought stakes in multiple airlines to expand their operations, routes and fleet. The airline is in talks with Boeing and Airbus to buy more than 150 planes, Singh said on Sunday, predicting he would decide which manufacturer to place the order with by the end of March 2016. Such an investment would cap a remarkable turnaround for India's second-biggest budget airline by market share, which came close to collapse late

last year after running out of cash. Singh subsequently bought back into the airline, acquiring a controlling stake. SpiceJet has reported profits in the past three quarters, having made losses in the five preceding quarters. Singh now wants to more than quadruple the carrier's fleet from 41 aircraft at present. "We are in the process of placing a large aircraft order; the airline will order in excess

of 150 planes - we hope to do that in this financial year," SpiceJet's chairman and managing director Singh said. "We're looking at both Airbus and Boeing.

The (Boeing 737) Max aircraft as well as the (Airbus A320) Neo. We have received offers from both of them," Singh told Reuters.

He said the order would be with a single manufacturer, declining to estimate the likely value of the deal because negotiations were ongoing. (Agencies)

India's food security not an issue for WTO New Delhi, Nov 30: The World Trade Organization's (WTO's) draft declaration for next month's ministerial meeting in Nairobi made no mention of finding a permanent solution to India's concerns on food security, but promised to "address all aspects of agriculture reform as a matter of priority". The first draft for the meeting in mid-December, however, did take note of the failure of the WTO membership to reach an

to WTO members on Friday, said. Further, it said that the RTAs, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and RCEP, remained complementary - and not a substitute for - the multilateral trading system.

The government has so far refused to comment on the draft declaration, which has kept the issue of new agenda items open, including some contentious areas such as the link between trade and climate, currency and the global value chain.

agreement on most issues that were part of the Doha work programme and raised concerns about the rush of regional trade agreements (RTAs). "We welcome the advances made in the Doha Development Agenda. We regret that it has not been possible to reach agreement on all areas of the negotiations, including agriculture, non-agriculture market access ( NAMA), services, rules, including fisheries subsidies, and TRIPS. In particular, we note the importance of agriculture to many WTO members, including LDCs (least developed countries). We will therefore address all aspects of agriculture reform as a matter of priority," the five-page document, which was released

These are areas that India is not comfortable with and believes that some of them don't belong to WTO. WTO chief Roberto Azevedo said there was a need to reconcile views in view of the stalemate and the draft has sought to touch upon the less contentious issues. "Of course, we also need to tackle the most contentious issues - such as the reaffirmation of the Doha Development Agenda and instructions on the way forward, and openness to talking about new issues. I will set up a different process to deal with those tough, contentious issues, and we will be starting this process after the General Council is finished next week," he said in a statement.

(Agencies)

bile Manufacturers (SIAM), Maruti's Alto retained the top position in October with 22,861 units sold, as against 21,443 units in October last year.

The company's compact sedan Dzire was the second best selling model, with 21,084 units sold as compared to 16,542 units in October last year. Its premium hatchback Swift was third, selling 17,669 units, as compared to 14,310 units in the year-ago month.

WagonR stood at fourth position last month with 14,734 units. The company had sold 14,310 units of the compact car in the same period of last year. (Agencies)

ENORMOUS INVESTMENT Maruti Suzuki is looking to invest nearly Rs 15,000 crore spread out over the next five years, to buy land in the country and to ramp up its dealership network.

Maruti is expecting a two-fold jump in sales once its Gujarat plant is in commission.

The company had sold 14,310 units of the compact car in the same period of last year.

According to a report, the total investment amount needed for ramping up the distribution and dealership network was nearly Rs 30,000 crore. Out of this, Maruti will be investing half of the money, and dealers will be putting in the other half.

WagonR stood at fourth position last month with 14,734 units.

Maruti Suzuki currently has nearly Rs 13,000 crore in reserves.

The company's compact sedan Dzire was the second best selling model, with 21,084 units sold as compared to 16,542 units in October last year. Its premium hatchback Swift was third, selling 17,669 units, as compared to 14,310 units in the year-ago month.

Gururaj supported by Foxconn, Flipkart, Accel Mumbai, Nov 30: Ravi Gururaj, a serial entrepreneur-turned-investor who heads Nasscom's Product Council, is back donning the entrepreneur's hat.

Gururaj's latest venture QikPod, which is ready to go live, has roped in a stellar set of financial and strategic investors, including the Taiwanese manufacturer of Apple iPhones, Foxconn, Silicon Valley venture fund Accel Partners, Flipkart and Delhivery.

These investors are pumping $9 million, or about Rs 60 crore, into QikPod's first round of funding, one of the largest cheques to come in for a yet-to-be-launched startup. Gururaj, one of the most recognizable faces in the country's startup ecosystem, is setting up a network of fully automated, self-serve lockers in residential complexes, office compounds, cafes and kirana stores across the country, starting from Bangalore, to ease the delivery process for online retailers.

Gururaj said that QikPod's network and services will be made available to all couriers and e-commerce companies in the country. Gururaj's idea is to help e-commerce

players overcome the problem of failed deliveries, a pain point for most e-tailers globally, making the lastmile logistics less complicated. QikPod is poised to create greater consumer convenience and substantially reduce last-mile delivery costs, along with the benefit of cutting carbon emissions through shortened and fewer delivery routes, said Gururaj. QikPod plans to install 50,000 lockers across the country which can be set up in varying sizes, starting from a low-footprint 10-compartment column to hundreds of compartments across a large parcel locker room.

These can be installed in the receptions and lobbies of apartment buildings and offices as well as in retail locations such as coffee

shops and grocery stores.

The service is currently free to consumers as well as for locations and sites that wish to install and host a locker. Gururaj said, "I had always planned to jump back into building a venture, but took a while to identify a tangible, valuable and large growing problem area where I could build an innovative company." He said the new venture won't impact his role at Nasscom where he will continue to serve on the executive council and as chair of the product council. "There is a dire need for a more convenient shipping alternative to home delivery to sustain the high growth in ecommerce and hyperlocal categories. A connected locker is a simple and effective solution to this prob-

lem. For consumers, there will be no more hassles of payments, returns, coordinating timings with delivery staff, and for the e-tailers, this will finally enable true economies of scale," said Prashanth Prakash, partner, Accel Partners. In India, Amazon, the e-commerce behemoth, uses kirana stores and other pick-up points in an indigenous improvisation on Amazon Lockers, which the company operates in the US and some other markets. Amazon Lockers act as self-delivery locations to pick up parcels from.

Others like hyperlocal delivery player Roadrunnr launched 'Mailbox' recently to help cater to the problem of missed deliveries for its e-commerce clients.

(Agencies)

CEOs busy in lower-rung hiring Mumbai, Nov 30: With companies laying significant stress on the quality of hires, CEOs are getting involved in hiring rank and file as well. CEOs usually get involved when senior executives are hired. HR experts, however, say given the greater revenue implications of mis-hiring, CEOs are now spending more time even while hiring lower rung employees. Kamal Karanth, MD, Kelly Services & KellyOCG, India, said: "We have noticed this trend of CEOs getting involved with the rank-and-file kind of hiring in the last 7-8 months. It is quite visible in sectors like IT, BPO, FMCG and pharma.

CEOs are actually coming to us and discussing the various aspects of hiring, which has become critical because of the direct linkage of revenues to the number of seats filled. The external environment in particular is forcing CEOs to ensure the quality of hires, the scale of hiring, the pace of hiring as well as the price." Pharma is one sector where quality is sacrosanct, especially in R&D and manufacturing. At Wockhardt, the chairman

and MD get involved in hiring of managers up to 3-4 levels below the business heads. But in areas like R&D, quality and manufacturing, which directly impact the quality of products and services, their involvement goes down to lower levels as well. "We treat these functions differently because the levels of granularity and probity that are required here are of a much higher order and we bring a much sharper focus even at middle-level hiring as well in these areas," said Prem Singh, president, global human resources, Wockhardt.

With emphasis on quality of recruits, Singh said if the company hires a wrong per-

son, the damage it does to the organization is far more than keeping the position vacant. "Another reason why the top management gets involved in the hiring process is to gauge the leadership and capability of the candidate to bring a differential value to the organization, and potential to grow to the higher levels," said Singh. "It's the right thing for a CEO to do - to get involved in hiring the rank and file," said Ronesh Puri, MD, Executive Access India. "Mid-management is your future senior management and, therefore, quality is equally critical and suboptimal hiring can happen when due attention is not

paid. Most progressive companies, especially in FMCG and IT, are doing this already now." The reason is that a lot of mis-hiring is taking place due to bad choices. "Companies cannot take a chance on hiring anymore at any level as mis-hiring is very expensive," said Puri. Gurprriet Siingh, GM & head, YSC India, however, believes if CEOs get involved in the lower-rung hiring process too, they risk building a culture of control. "Getting involved in rank-and-file hiring for a CEO is unusual. There are certain situations that require it: for example, when building a new team or for a startup, the CEO may be involved and more hands-on initially. However, typically a good leader would ensure explicit clarity about the kind of culture fit and competence that is required so that her direct reports and other managers down the line are able to make the right selection decisions. By doing this, a CEO ensures that she is delegating responsibility; also facilitating replication of skills and enabling culture-building," said Siingh. (Agencies)

TECHNOLOGY Moto 360 Smartwatch Price: Rs 19,800/The second-generation Moto 360 smartwatch comes in two sizes. Designed for both men and women, the wearable device comes in 46mm design and 42mm design for men, while for women it comes in only the 42mm size, which is said to be designed for slimmer wrists. The Moto 360 is

built out of aircraft-grade 316L stainless steel, with Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the screen from scratches. The smartwatch is also IP67-certified, making it dust and water resistant (withstanding immersion in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes.)

As for other specifications, the new Moto 360 comes in two screen sizes: 1.37-inch

(of screen resolution 360x325 pixels and a 263ppi pixel density), and 1.56-inch (of screen resolution 360x330 pixels and a 233ppi pixel density). The device is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz, which comes paired with Adreno 306 GPU clocked at 450MHz. The smartwatch has 4GB of in-

ternal storage, and 512MB of RAM. The 42mm variant comes with 300mAh battery, which as the company claims could last up to 1.5 days of mixed use with Ambient off. The 46mm variant comes with 400mAh battery, which could last up to 2 days with ambient off, and a full day with ambient kept on. It supports both Bluetooth 4.0 LE and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g.

PAGE 10

Real estate asset monetisation of AI's takes off

Kolkata, Nov 30: Starting with the sale of its properties in Mumbai, Air India's (AI) plan to monetise its real estate assets has finally taken off after gap of nearly three years. Following several unsuccessful attempts, the national carrier has finalised a deal to sell four of its apartments in south Mumbai to public sector lender State Bank of India (SBI) for Rs 88 crore. The Union Cabinet recently approved the sale and the apartments will be handed over to SBI in December, a top official said. "This is the first time that we have actually sold some property as per the conditions laid in the turnaround plan," an Air India spokesperson said.

The three-bedroom, hall, kitchen (BHK) flats, each measuring 2,033 sq ft (carpet area), are located at Ster-

ling Apartments on Peddar Road, South Mumbai.

These used to house top executives of the national carrier. Now that key officials of AI have relocated to Delhi, the flats were identified as surplus and were put up for sale. SBI has purchased these flats to use these as official residences of its top brass. As part of its turnaround plan, AI intends to sell real estate assets worth Rs 5,000 crore to retire high-cost debt and generate funds to meet working capital. These include parcels of land, residential and commercial estate in India and abroad. AI has also sought cabinet approval for sale of its land in Kolkata for Rs 25 crore and a residential property in Mauritius for Rs 3.5 crore to the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC). (Agencies)

Banks worried over bad debt recovery Contd. from Page 1

lenders are trying to get the local administration and the state government to protect their interests in loans they had extended to a Rs 5,000-crore power plant, which remains under construction and has even hit equipment vendor Bhel that has a Rs 800crore exposure. With no support from the state, locals and unpaid vendors are taking away pipes and other material from the under-construction facility. While there has been a slowdown in fresh accretion to the pile of bad debt of banks, which added up to Rs 3.14 lakh crore at the end of September, recoveries have dwindled, exaggerating the pressure. A document prepared for a recent meeting of bank chiefs with finance minister Arun Jaitley had noted that "the situation requires special focus in banks like Bank of India, IDBI, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, UCO Bank, and United Bank of India". At least two lenders — BoI and IOB — have reported losses, while Dena Bank is just sitting on the edge. Over the years, thanks to persuasion by the Reserve Bank of India and the finance ministry, banks have become more transparent about recognizing non-performing assets.

But there has been little improvement when it comes

to recovery, bankers admit. "The economic environment is poor and companies are over-leveraged.

So, even if we want to sell an asset, we are not getting buyers or the right price," said a senior executive. But the bigger issue is the challenge posed by defaulters, who approach multiple legal forums to delay the process of banks initiating action.

No one illustrates it better than Vijay Mallya and the defunct Kingfisher Airlines, which approached several courts to avoid getting the "wilful defaulter" tag. Mallya is not the only one indulging in "forum shopping". "It is for the courts to recognize that. If someone is using the legal options to delay the process, we can't do much — courts need to take that into account," said a senior government official. There is a problem with the infrastructure at the debt recovery tribunals too, something that the finance ministry is trying to fix. In fact, sources said, it is looking if the adjournments are too frequent and why people are unwilling to join. While minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha said that a fund is being planned to deal with impaired assets that can be revived, asset reconstruction companies believe that the legal framework too needs to be strengthened, and they have not been consulted on this.

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Features

Page 11

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Home remedies to curb cold and cough With the change in weather, viral cough and cold are common ailments that kids suffer from. Try some of these remedies to treat the ailment and boost your kid's immunity: 1. Steam: If your little one suffers from cold and has trouble breathing, get him/her to take steam.

Make the kid stand in the bathroom with hot water

running or simply heat water in a wide bowl and make the kid inhale the hot fumes for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Adding eucalyptus oil can also help soothe your child's system.

2. Honey: Known for its soothing effect, dip your finger in honey and let your baby lick it two three times in a day. If your child is older than

five years, mix a spoonful with cinnamon powder and ask him/her to have it.

3. Carom Seeds: Boiling water along with carom seeds (ajwain) and tulsi leaves can help to keep the cough in check. It also helps in relieving chest congestion.

4. Massage: Massages work best for children who are below two years of age. Mix mustard oil with garlic and massage your baby's chest, back and neck area. Also cover the baby's palm and feet with the oil for a quick relief.

5. Keep your kid hydrated: When your kid is going through a bout of sneezing and coughing, it is very important to keep him/her hydrated. Drinking water at regular intervals will help fight the

common cold and reduce the inflammation in the throat along with washing out the infection.

Other fluids in form of warm soup or a fresh juice are also beneficial for replenishing the body's lost energy.

6. Salt gargling: A glass of hot water with a teaspoon of salt can be useful to ease a sore throat. Ask your kid to gargle with salt water twice a day. The saline

Not so common uses of Salt You can't think of having your food without it, but salt has a number of other uses too, besides adding taste to your food. Here are some not-so-common uses of salt that you will be glad to discover.

In washing your veggies Salt has anti-microbial properties and hence is an inexpensive means to clean your vegetables.

Cleaning artificial flowers and leaves Place them in a bag with one cup salt and give them a good shake. It will remove most of the dirt and dust.

Removing stains from skin Salt aids in removing fruit and vegetable stains from skin. Rub your

hands with some salt and water and then rub them on stainless steel and see the stains gradually fade away.

Cleaning metal You can clean metals like copper, brass silver to a sparkling shine by rubbing them with a mixture of salt and burnt charcoal.

Cleaning wood Mix salt with warm water and clean your furniture with this mixture and then wipe with dry cloth.

Keeping ants away You can keep ants away by sprinkling salt around drains, kitchen slabs or other areas frequented by them.

For killing weeds Salt also come handy in

gardening if you have to kill weeds. Just sprinkle salt around the weeds and pull them. They will not re grow again.

Keep milk fresh Sounds unbelievable, but by adding a pinch of salt to milk you can prevent it from getting spoilt.

Remove foul smell

You can place a packet of salt in shoes, closets, racks and almirahs to remove old, stale smell.

For stronger teeth Mix salt with your regular toothpaste/with mustard oil and massage your gums and teeth to keep them strong and free from disease.

Know your diet for glowing skin!

Dig into sprouts, kiwi, yogurt and other nutritious food items for a radiant skin, says an expert.

Here are some of the beauty essentials:

* Protein repairs damaged tissue. Eatables like eggs, yogurt and beans offer a good dose of protein. * Eat foods high in antioxidants that help protect

your skin from damage.

Cherries, blueberries and other deeply coloured berries are best source of antioxidant. They help you in fighting off blemishes. * Essential fatty acids help to retain the elasticity of the skin and are good fats which must be included in the diet. Walnut is the type of nut that contains significant amount of omega-3 fatty acid. Other great sources of fatty acids are spinach, cauliflower and broccoli. * Vitamins help to keep the skin hydrated and

make it glow. Food such as papaya, strawberries, kiwi, orange, guava, sprouts and green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins and help to enhance the radiance of the skin. * Essential minerals like zinc and sulphur are a must in one's diet to prevent acne and skin related issues. Minerals are also responsible for rebuilding keratin and collagen that are important ingredients for glowing skin and shiny hair. Pumpkin, mushroom and sunflower seed are high in minerals. (Agencies)

Treat your neck pain naturally Experiencing neck pain is very common these days all thanks to our hectic lifestyle and stressful working culture. Almost two-third of the population in world, witnesses neck pain at some point in their lives.

Neck pain can be caused by various spinal problems. Examples of common conditions causing neck pain are degenerative disc disease, neck strain, neck injury or even common throat infection leading to swelling in the lymph node can lead to a stiff neck.

But, don't worry we bring

to you natural remedies that you can easily adopt: -Ginger: Consuming ginger juice, tea or extract can help a lot in reducing pain caused by inflammatory diseases like neck pain.

-Arnica: Arnica is one of the best remedies used to relieve pain. It is made from the extracts of fresh Arnica flowers and helps relieve neck pain relief and stiffness.

-Menthol and camphor: Applying menthol and camphor on the affected area increases blood circulation and produce a warm or cooling effect which soothes the neck muscles.

-Lavender: Lavender has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, but these days its oil is extracted and used in aromatherapies and mas-

sage oils which provide relief from neck pain.

So, go ahead, make the most of these remedies and say bye-bye to neck pain.

water helps soothe the pain.

7. Turmeric milk: Due to its antiseptic properties, turmeric is known to treat viral infections such as cough and cold. Add turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and make your kid have it every night. It provides instant relief for an aching throat and runny nose. Since it is a rich source of calcium, milk also provides energy to your kid.

Cauliflower, potatoes, onions cut stomach cancer risk You may want to start eating large amounts of white vegetables as scientists have found that they keep stomach cancer risk at bay.

The study, undertaken by Chinese scientists at Zhejiang University, found eating cauliflower, potatoes and onions reduces the chance of contracting stomach cancer but that beer, spirits, salt and preserved foods increased a person's risk of the cancer, The Independent reported.

Former nurse weaves princess wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy. Stomach cancer kills around 13 people every day in Britain and has just a 15 per cent 10

year survival rate.

Cabbage, kale and celery were also found to be preventives against the disease. All of the vegetables are thought to contain vitamin C, commonly found in potatoes, which acts as an antioxidant against cellular stress in the stom-

ach. Eating around 50g of the vitamin every day brought the risk of developing the disease down by eight per cent.

Scientists estimated for every 100g of fruit eaten daily the risk of cancer decreased by an average of five per cent.

(ANI)

3 Sumptuous Naga Recipes Without Oil Arnab Ghosh Nagaland is well known for its sumptuous cuisine which focuses on fresh foods, herbs and spice.

However, Naga dishes are quite healthy and the spices are obtained from natural extracts and herbs in most cases.

They do not use artificial preservatives, condiments and seasonings in their kitchens. In fact, some of the most enticing and tasty Naga dishes are cooked without using any oil! Below listed are three such Naga recipes cooked without oil.

Naga Tomato Chutney This is not your regular Tomato chutney laden with sugar or jaggery! It is one tangy and spicy pickle meant for waking up your taste buds. As you can expect, chilies are among the ingredients used to make this dish.

The ingredients are tomatoes, green chilies, ginger and garlic pods, a handful of mint and coriander leaves. You will

also need to use some salt and water.

At first, all the ingredients together and boil them with salt and water. Ensure the chutney goes not get burnt. Once it is cooked and there is no water, smash everything well using ladle. It should be served with hot rice chicken curry and daal.

Naga Chicken Curry no oil t is quite hard to think that you can cook a yummy chicken dish without using oil at all. However, This Naga dish is not hard to make and it is quite healthy as well.

Nagas use Bastanga or fermented Bamboo Shoot but you may also use fresh bamboo shoot.

You will need to use ingredients like a pound of chicken, bamboo shoot and chopped cabbage.

You will also need to use crushed tomatoes, ginger, garlic and green chilies.

For garnishing chili flakes and coriander leaves are used.

At first, clean and cut the chicken into pieces. Then, crush the garlic, ginger and green chilies. Now

mix the chicken with all other ingredients in a deep pan. Cook it until chickens become tender.

Add salt as required and the garnish using coriander leaves. It is served with hot rice.

Porong- Naga Style

smoked red chilies, garlic, tomatoes, salt and cilantro leaves. You can also take fermented bamboo shoot instead of tomatoes.

At first, you need to cut the chilies lengthwise and cut the tomatoes too.

Next, crush and peel gar-

This fish dish tastes awesome but no oil is used.

The fish stock oozing out of the fish makes the gravy.

The Porong is one of the tastiest fishes used by Nagas. You should use fresh Porong for the best results.

The ingredients are cleaned and skinned Porong,

lic cloves. Mix the fish, vegetables and salt well.

Boil the mixture in some water in a deep pan over low flame and keep the lid on. After half an hour turn off the flame and spread chopped cilantro leaves on top. Serve it with a late of hot rice. Courtesy: Nelive.in

Kitchen tricks for everyone Your kitchen is where you spend at least two hours (or more) everyday. It is also a place, which needs to be kept clean because food borne diseases can be easily transmitted thanks to contaminated food or dirty kitchen surfaces.

Here are some tips that you should keep in mind...

- Your kitchen counter is used several times a day - to cut vegetables, lay out utensils, etc. Hence, make it a habit to keep it clean and dry as much as possible. Use a disinfectant and a soft, clean cloth to wipe it down several times a day.

- Avoid leaving wet utensils on the counter - they might attract bacteria.

Wipe them dry and then put them in their place.

- Always keep your dustbin covered and in a corner. Spray an insect repellent in your dustbin

every night before you turn it. This will ensure that the bin does not attract roaches and other bugs.

- Your refrigerator handle can be a hotbed for bacteria. Hence, clean it everyday with a moist cloth to ensure that there are no dirty fingerprints on it.

- The kitchen floor bears the brunt of a lot of spills.

Keep a mop handy to wipe off any food that has accidentally spilled on to the floor.

- Your stove also tends to get dirty quickly. Hence, make it a habit to clean it regularly. Use a mixture of water and lemon to remove the grease.

- Keep two vegetable chopping boards and alternate between them. It is

preferable to use a wooden chopping board instead of a plastic one since wooden ones tend to last longer.

- Very often the smell of stale food tends to overwhelm you when you step into your kitchen. To beat this, cut an onion into four pieces and place it around the kitchen. Onions can literally soak in smells.

(Agencies)

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"The inaugural day and night Test in Adelaide was a huge success, enjoyed by cricket followers across the world. I would like to congratulate both the Australia and New Zealand teams on a thrilling game of cricket."

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson

PAGE 12

Changlang football Club (A) enter last four Results

1st Wangnia Pongte Memorial Football Tournament Raushik Baruah Changlang, Nov 30: Changlang football Club (A) got the better of Changlang football Club (B) 2-0 in the last quarter final of the 1st Wangnia Pongte Memorial Football Tournament held at

Changlang. Both the teams made a cautious start and were happy playing the waiting game. After the break, the tempo of the match changed as CFC(A) pushed forward more often and were rewarded in the 50th

minute when Samkom Tangha found the back of the net after he set up by Anil Zongsam from the left wing. The lead was doubled in the 75th minute by Emey Haisa which sealed their place in the semis. The first

Changlang football Club (A) beat Changlang football Club (B)

semifinal will be played on 3rd December between Leo Changlang and Mount Sinai School while in the second semifinal Zaaro FC will take on Changlang football Club (A) on 5th December.

2-0

Today’s Match Zaaro FC Vs Changlang football Club (A)

BAI congratulates PV Sindhu post Macau Open victory ANI New Delhi: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has congratulated ace shuttler PV Sindhu over her third consecutive Macau Open Grand Prix Gold win.

The BAI has announced a cash price of Rs. 10 Lakhs for Sindhu. Speaking on the announcement, President

Akhilesh Das Gupta said, "She has yet again made us proud because of her play and determination to prove herself on the International platform. We were confident that she will retain the title and she has stood up to our expectations as a player who has a bright future ahead. We at Badminton

Kumble steps down as Thanai Tea Mumbai Indians mentor Estate in Agencies Mumbai: Anil Kumble has decided to step down as chief mentor of Mumbai Indians with immediate effect. The legendary spinner was associated with Mumbai Indians since January 2013. "I sign off with the obvious satisfaction of moulding a set of brilliant individuals to a high performing unit. Over the 3 years, MI met unprecedented success winning the IPL twice & the Champions League once. Winning both trophies in the same year (2013) being our crowning

glory," read a statement from Kumble on Monday.

Mumbai Indians confirmed Kumble's departure, expressing their gratitude towards India's highest wicket-taker in both Tests and One-Day Internationals.

"Anil Kumble is a legend and we thank him for all that he has done for Mumbai Indians. I have personally learnt a great deal from him and will continue to seek his wise counsel and guidance," said the Indian Premier League franchise's co-owner, Akash Ambani.

Cairns cleared by UK court after perjury trial 'Hell'

An action moment from the match between CFC(A) and CFC (B) Pic - ET Photo

ICC chief hails historic day-night Test ANI Dubai: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson has lavished praise on the success of the first day and night Test, saying that the concept can greatly enhance the traditional format of the game.

Australia and New Zealand created history by playing the iconic longer format of the game under floodlights for the first-time ever at the Adelaide Oval. Expressing views on the same, Richardson said: "The inaugural day and night Test in Adelaide was a huge success, enjoyed by cricket followers across the world. I would like to congratulate both the Australia and New Zealand teams on a thrilling game of cricket." Considering the Adelaide Test as a `great advert` for the format, Richardson further said ,"Although day/night Tests will not be feasible at every venue, it certainly provides a new dimension for players, spectators, broadcasters and fans alike and it is here to stay. We need to make sure we take all the learnings we can from this first match, identify what has worked well and what needs improving, and make sure that future day-night Tests are as good, if not better."

"I have every confidence that day/night Tests will continue to be embraced by more Boards in the near future too, in time, become a regular feature of Test match scheduling ,"he added.

Association of India are proud of her and wish her to win more such tournaments in the future". Sindhu dominated the entire proceedings as she outclassed World number six Minatsu Mitani of Japan 21-9, 2123, 21-14 in the thrilling summit clash to clinch the title.

Agencies London: Former New Zealand cricket captain Chris Cairns was cleared by a London court on Monday of claims he had lied in a libel case three years ago when he said he had never been involved in cheating.

Cairns, 45, had been accused of falsely claiming he had never cheated at cricket during a libel action he brought against Lalit Modi, the former boss of the Indian Premier League over comments Modi had made

on Twitter in 2010.

London's High Court ruled in Cairns's favour in 2012 and ordered Modi to pay 90,000 pounds ($135,000) damages. However, Cairns, who played 62 Test matches and more than 200 One-Day Internationals, was charged last September with perjury and perverting the course of justice by British police. He always denied any wrongdoing and was acquitted of the offences by a jury on Monday at Southwark Crown Court.

semifinals Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Nov 30: Thanai Tea Estate drubbed Manohari Tea Estate 2-0 in the second quarter final of the Arun Jalan Memorial prize

Prize money Football money inter-garden running trophy football tournament here at Mokalbari Tea Estate playground in Dibrugarh. The tournament is being organized

by Mokalbari Kanoi Tea Estate in association with Dibrugarh District Sports Association. Thanai Tea Estate drew first blood goal through striker Madhav Sonowal in the 4th minute. In the second half, Saurav Baruah scored the second goal for his team in the 63rd minute by converting a pass from the left flank.

Manohari Tea Estate tried their best to come back into the match but failed in their attempts.

Tomorrow, Rohmoria Anchalik Football Club will lock horns with Tamulbari Tea Estate.

Ashwin achieves career-high ICC Test rankings Big win for Tinsukia ANI Dubai: Following India's four-match Test series win against South Africa, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has climbed up to the career-high second spot in recent ICC Player Rankings for Test Bowlers.

Besides, Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood has also entered the list of top 10 after his side's three-wicket win over New Zealand in historic day and night Test in Adelaide. Ashwin claimed 12/98 in the match to spin his side to a 124 runs victory in Nagpur. Ashwin's ascent means that James Anderson and Yasir Shah drop to joint third on 846 points, while Stuart Broad falls to fifth. Despite dropping three places to 18th, there was good news for Peter Siddle who reached the 200 Test wicket milestone in Adelaide. Meanwhile, Hazlewood produced man of the match figures of nine wickets for 136 runs as Australia clinched the three-Test series 2-0 in-

side three days in the inaugural day/night Test. In doing so, the 24-year-old also passed the 50-wickets milestone (53 wickets in 12 Test matches to date) and soared 10 places to 10th. Other bowlers to head in the right direction during the Nagpur and Adelaide Tests include Amit Mishra (up two to 31st) who joins Imran Tahir (up by 14 places to 35th) in making career-high gains, while Black Caps bowler Doug Bracewell is one place and a single point further back in 36th after gaining four places. There were also career-high gains for Mitchell Marsh (up five to 55th) and Dean Elgar (up five to 68th) in a list which continues to be led by South Africa's Dale Steyn. As far as ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen is concerned, Australia skipper Steven Smith and England's Joe Root have regained joint pole position in the ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen, as AB de Villiers has dropped two places to

Ashwin has climbed up to the career-high seco ... the latest ICC test rankings for bowlers third. The South Africa middle-order batsman now trails the duo by nine points, but a strong showing in New Delhi could see him regain top billing. New Zealand opener Tom Latham has moved up four places to 35th after scores of 50 and

10, while Mitchell Santner rocketed into 66th position after a mature showing on his debut where he scored 31 and 45. For host Australia, Shaun Marsh has moved up eight places to 56th, while there were careerhigh rankings for Mitchell

Starc (up five to 73rd) and Peter Nevill, buoyed by a first innings 66 and who is the highest mover overall (up 22 places to 79th). Murali Vijay is the top ranked India batsman in 12th position, while his captain Virat Kohli has moved up one place to 16th and there were also gains for Shikhar Dhawan (up one to 32nd) and wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha (up 10 to a career-high 92nd). JP Duminy also moved up three places to 40th after scores of 35 and 19 in a low scoring match. There is one change in the top five all-rounders as Mitchell Starc has moved up to a career-high fifth position. Meanwhile, in the ICC Test Championship Australia has moved into second position on 109 points following its 2-0 series win. A victory for India could move them as high as second place in the ICC Test Championship if they win the fourth Test, starting from December 3, with Australia dropping to third and Pakistan to fourth place.

over Rudra Sports Correspondent balls with two boundaries Dibrugarh, Nov 30: and two sixes. For Rudra Tinsukia Town Club defeated Club, Ranjit Singh bagged Rudra Club by 145 runs in four wickets for 36 runs the 1st Chandra Dutta Me- while Bapan Acharjee took morial Cricket Tournament two wickets for 27 runs. In organized by reply, Rudra Chandra Dutta Cricket Tinsukia Club were District bundled out Sports Association at TDSA for 124 runs in 26.2 overs.

Stadium in Tinsukia. Alto- Promod Singh scored steady gether, 10 teams participated 47 runs in 61 balls with in the tournament. Electing to three boundaries and two bat, Tinsukia Town Club sixes while Rajesh Sharma scored 269 for 9 in 40 overs. contributed 33 runs. For Pappu Mahato top scored Tinsukia Town Club, with 51 runs slamming six Abhilash Gogoi took four boundaries and two sixes. wickets for 17 runs. Amit Sanjib Baruah scored 50 off Singh and Rupam Dutta 45 ball with seven fours and took two wickets each. Toone six while Abhilash Gogoi morrow, Saptarshi Club scored a quickfire 40 off 28 will play Talap Red Cap.

Holder insists Windies to expose weak Australia's middle-order in Tests

'Historical' Davis Cup victory my most 'emotional win': Murray ANI London: Britain number one Andy Murray, who scripted history after winning Davis Cup for his country after a long gap of 79 years, said that he had never been as emotional as he was after the win. The world number two defeated Belgium's David Goffin 6-3 7-5 6-3 to give the visitors an unassailable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five tie. The 28-year-old said that it was obviously an amazing feeling, adding that it would probably take a few days before it really

Andy Murray along with his teammates with the Davis Cup trophy.

sinks in. The Briton insisted that it was incredible that they managed to win this competition as he did not know that it would ever be possible. Murray, who gave Britain its tenth team title, has now added Davis Cup to his major titles apart from Wimbledon, the US Open and the Olympic Games. He has now joined John McEnroe and Mats Wilander as the only men to have an 8-0 singles record in a Davis Cup year, and with the doubles he is only the fourth man to win 11 rubbers in a single year.

WI Skipper Jason Holder.

ANI Melbourne: West Indies skipper Jason Holder has said that his side can win the upcoming Test series against Australia if they analyse and exploit the weaknesses of the inexperienced middle-order batsmen of Australia. The 24year-old said that his side would also try to put pressure on the players, who are looking for their way back into the side. Holder in-

sisted that his side needed to play aggressive cricket and head into the series with a lot of belief to win. Describing the Australian side as `pretty hard`, the talented player said that they have to remain confident before opposition's bowlers. West Indies will play a four-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI before heading into the threematch Test series, starting from December 10.

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