facebook.com/easterntoday
@easterntoday
For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com
cmyk
cmyk
www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Khonsa please contact: Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa Ph. No.-08471896580/ 07085295635
ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 255
SLOUCHING TIGER, ROARING DRAGON: HOW CHINA STILL OUTPACES INDIA
Price -
Dibrugarh, Sunday, February 21, 2016
5.00
Pages- 12
CHIEF MINISTER TARUN GOGOI FLAGS OFF MUKTI CARAVAN
PUL CALLS ON THE GOVERNOR, PROMISES TO CONTINUE WELFARE STEPS
JNU ROW: LOOKOUT NOTICE ISSUED FOR 3 YOUTHS
Page 4
Page 3
Page 6
Page 8
New Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister AGP not to forge tie-up with BJP, takes charge, spells out priorities Cong or AIUDF for Assam polls Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul convened an emergency meeting with top bureaucrats at his office, minutes after being sworn in as the eighth chief minister of the state yesterday
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul convened an emergency meeting with top bureaucrats at his office, minutes after being sworn in as the eighth chief minister of the state yesterday. Putting forward his priorities and vision before Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, Principal Secretary (Home) Dharmendra Sharma, Principal Secretary (Finance) Satya Gopal Sinha, DGP S Nithiyanandam, Commissioner to CM Hage Kojeen, Secretary personnel, DC and SP Capital, the Chief Minister issued strict directives to ensure that there was no breach of law and order in the state, particularly in capital area.
”Maintenance of law and order, curbing corruption, effective fiscal management and concrete development in all fronts by ensuring transparency and accountability will be my government’s top agenda,” he asserted. He further called for a strong work force and collective effort to take the state to newer heights.
He made it amply clear that lawlessness in the state would not be tolerated, an official communiqué said here today.
Seeking their cooperation in uprooting the evil menace of corruption, Pul said that effective and efficient financial manage-
ET CAPSULES
AFDC donates 10 lakhs to CM relief fund Guwahati, Feb 20: Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd. (AFDC) donated Rs. 10 lakhs towards Chief Minister’s Relief Fund today. Minister Fisheries and Chairman of the Corporation Basanta Das handed over the cheque to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his office chamber at Assam Secretariat. The Chief Minister thanked Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd. for the contribution.
READ TOP NATIONAL NEWS AT PAGE 6
Jat stir: Protestors set Jhajjar railway station afire, 700 train services affected
Court excuses Sonia, Rahul from appearing in Herald case CORRIGENDUM: An Apology The articles published on 02/10/2015 heading as "Tinsukia Additional SP enjoys cultural evening as forces battle militant attack" We affirm the apology/ corrigendum against the aforesaid news item published on 02/10/2015 wherein it was reported that at the time when Kakopathar police station came under heavy firing on Wednesday night at 7.30 pm which prompted all senior police officials from the district headquarters to such to the spot to boost the morale of the forces and launch counter insurgency operation, a senior police official seemed to be hardly concerned as he was busy enjoying a cultural function. At the time of publication of aforesaid news item Mr. Saurav Jyoti Saikia was neither posted at Tinsukia District nor has any jurisdiction over Kakopather Police Station, as such, the aforesaid news item was published under a bonafide mistake and due to wrong information. We had no intention to misreport and the same was due to wrong information. We sincerely express regret and apologise to Mr. Saurav Jyoti Saikia.
cmyk
PUL’S TOP AGENDAS Maintenance of law and order Curbing corruption Effective fiscal management Concrete development in all fronts by ensuring transparency and accountability
CM Kalikho Pul
ment with utmost priority towards transparency and accountability, judicious utilization of development fund would be his ultimate and prime agenda so that
the fruits of development are equitably distributed to every citizen of the state. He also emphasized on paying due attention towards health and education and said that these prime social sectors need to be thoroughly overhauled to secure the society and the future of the state. The discussion also touched various other sectors too, the communique informed. Pul would hold another meeting with all the commissioners and secretaries including DGP tomorrow, the communique added.
In yet another political move to get a stronghold over the government in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul made an official announcement that Yachuli
The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has ruled out any electoral alliance with BJP, Congress or AIUDF and said it was ready to contest coming Assembly elections independently.
Accompanied by MLAs Likha Saaya, Pema Khandu, Thangam Wangham, Kameng Dolo and Honchun Ngandam,
"During our informal talks with the BJP on seat sharing, we had sought 48 of the 126 Assembly seats for the upcoming elections. But they agreed to leave only 15 to16 seats. That is insulting to us," AGP president Atul Bora said today. "We as a regional party, wanted to keep together the votes opposed to the ruling Congress. But BJP did not give us that opportunity", Bora told news agency PTI.
Contd. on Page 3
"Our poll alliance interest was not for seat sharing alone
MLA Likha Saaya along with the Chief Minister Pul in a press meeting in Itanagar today A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 20
some of their leaders who joined the saffron party.
MLA Likha Saaya has joined his team of supporters.
Atul Bora
but was issue based for a common minimum programme in the interest of the state and the indigenous people. But BJP has come away from its promises given to the people", he said. "The BJP has also violated the Assam Accord. We had wanted the Accord to be implemented in toto. Our workers and people were upset that the BJP has taken away our people to their party," he said referring to
"In view of all these, our General Council decided yesterday not to have poll alliance with the BJP and to contest on our own. We are confident to have good results", the AGP president said. Asked if the AGP would have post-poll alliance with BJP, Bora said, "It is too early to comment on it." He said, there have been media speculations that AGP may go with Congress or AIUDF for the elections. "But AGP is not going with either of them. We have been always opposed to the Congress and our secular ideology is opposed to that of the AIUDF". After the general Council decision, Bora said, the AGP leaders have been asked to prepare the party to fight the Assembly elections on its own.
Tuki says appointing disqualified Pul as Arunachal CM malafide, unconstitutional ANI New Delhi, Feb 20
Ousted Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki on Saturday said that he was simply amazed by the brazen and strong-arm behaviour of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre and his “politically appointed” governor with regard to appointing a “disqualified non-Congress Party member” as the ninth chief minister of the remote north eastern state. Addressing the media in the national capital, Tuki described the roles of the Centre and Governor J.P. Rajkhowa as “unconstitutional, unprofessional, illegal and malafide” in intent, and added that he was severely pained to see specific articles of the Indian Constitution being violated in such a blatant manner. He also said that he had never heard of a ruling party and the opposition joining hands to form a government in a state in a democratic country like India. “Today is the statehood day of Arunachal Pradesh, where
TUKI’S NEXT MOVE
Nabam Tuki
Tuki said he would wait for the Supreme Court to pronounce its judgment first. Once that was out of the way, he said that his supporters and he would take every possible measure available to them under the law to remove the government of incumbent Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.
people have to celebrate. The entire world is watching what they (the rebels, the Centre and the Governor) are doing since day one. What was the hurry to suddenly revoke President's rule and swear in a new government? Why could not they wait? This is injustice and illegal way of running the government at the Centre,” Tuki said. He said what was even more amazing was the way the Centre had shown the Supreme Court utter disrespect and disregard in a shameless, presumptuous, brash and unabashed manner, on a matter that was still in a sub-judice state, and critical to the future of Arunachal Pradesh and its people.
“This was the Raj Bhawan, where the head of a state, which has to protect the Constitution, democracy, state and its people is doing partition rule in the state. Ultimately, he has damaged all the forces and the systems...not only the Constitution, but the entire community in the state,” Tuki said. “I would like to appeal to the Government of India, the President of India, to protect the state, since it is a border state. The way the Governor has shown disrespect for the Constitution...how he can give justice to the people of the state,” he added. Contd. on Page 3
Himanta to file 100 crore defamation case against Assam CM Tarun Gogoi A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 20
BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma today took on the Congress and Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi heads on and challenged to prove allegations brought out by against him.
procurement of generic drugs. Though chief minister did not take any name, Sarma said his name was indirectly dragged into by announcing the probe.
Sarma, who is the convener of BJP's election management committee, on Saturday said that he is going to file Rs 100 crore defamation suit against Gogoi after the chief minister on Friday directed probe into procurement of non-essential drugs by the health department since 2006.
"This has defamed my name, so I have decided to file Rs 100 crore defamation suit against Gogoi. This will be my third defamation suit against Gogoi. As chief minister is the chairman of National Rural Health Mission in the state he should disclose the names of non-essential medicines procured during my tenure as health minister," Sarma reacted.
Gogoi also asked chief secretary VK Pipersenia to find out why branded drugs were purchased by the health department during the past many years in spite of a policy for
He also said that he will file another 100 crore defamation case against the chief minister for spreading lies against him, and trying to damage his public image.
Himanta is going to file Rs 100 crore defamation suit against Gogoi after the chief minister on Friday directed probe into procurement of non-essential drugs by the health department since 2006.
(All India Rank - JEE Main)
NEIGRIHMS
(All India Rank - IIT) JEE-Main
(GENERAL CATEGORY)
ASHMITA MAZUMDAR (GENERAL CATEGORY)
Assam CEE Medical
SAURAV SHAKTI BORAH KAUSHIK R. HAZARIKA SAURAV JYOTI BORAH DEEPANKAR D. BHARALI BHANUJYA SAIKIA
Few JEE-Main QUALIFIERS
AYANJYOTI DUTTA KARANJEET GOHAIN (T.MARK:182) (T.MARK:176)
KUNAL ROY (T.MARK:162)
SAURAV S.BORAH (T.MARK:169)
PINGLE NATH (T.MARK:117)
SAGAR RAKSHIT (T.MARK:115)
Total JEE-Main Qualifiers : 55 Nons.
NITUPAN DIHINGIA (T.MARK:161)
SHRYA BORUAH (T.MARK:143)
ANMUN CHETRY (T.MARK:134)
AMLAN JYOTI DUTTA PORITUSH BAILUNG SHUBHAM DUTTA (T.MARK:124) (T.MARK:87) (T.MARK:127)
KAUSHIK HAZARIKA (T.MARK:118)
SANDEEP SONOWAL (T.MARK:82)
Few STAR PERFORMERS IN MEDICAL Total Selection in Medical, 2015 : 12 Nons. NEIGRIHMS Rank - 8th Assam CEE Med. SR-51
NAMRATA CHAKRABORTY
UPASANA BORKOTOKY (ASSAM CEE Med. SR-181 Sikkim Manipal Medical: 21)
SAURAV S. BORAH (Assam CEE Med. SR-125)
ANSHUMAN GOGOI (Assam CEE Medical State Rank-608)
Sarma said that he had tried to place the health set up in place, and wad successful in doing that, and had also earned praise and appreciation for his work. “Instead of praising my work, he his spreading lies about me, and for this I will file the defamation case against him,” said Sarma.
DIBRUGARH OFFICE : Amolapatty, A. T. Road, Near Natya Mandir, Dibrugarh-1, Assam JORHAT CENTRE : Baruah Chariali, Near UBI Bank Building, 2nd Floor, Jorhat-1, Assam
Phone : 0373- 2320231, 9435031699, 8811003000 cmyk
PTI Itanagar, Feb 20
MLA Likha Saaya from Tuki’s Camp joins Pul
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 20
PAGE 2
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You have to take care of your health, and at last you realise the importance of diet and exercise. However, today you may wish to eat something new, or try some different cuisine. Ganesha says go out with some old friends whom you have been neglecting of late. Taurus You will find comfort, perched on a branch in the family tree, today. Your maturity will help you deal with emotional issues with ease. Energy and exuberance will be an investment you make today, the results of which you will reap in the days to come, hopes Ganesha. Gemini Some of your personal belongings are very dear to you. You may have to grudgingly share them with someone else. A mild pang of jealousy may kick in. But, you are merely being protective of something very personal, so there is nothing wrong with that, says Ganesha. Cancer You are feeling lucky today. The problem is that your feelings have nothing to do with the ground reality. So, while you may get busy trying your luck at risky speculative markets, Ganesha may get increasingly worried about the losses you may incur because of your foolishness. It's better that you do nothing and spend some time with your family, make some changes in your house, or do anything to keep yourself busy. Even if you are feeling lucky, just don't try your luck, says Ganesha. Leo People involved in Sales and Marketing related jobs will attend productive meetings and will make effective presentations. However, delays in journeying are a possibility. It is a good time to recognise your inherent capabilities. You will be able to prove your worth in the next 2-3 days, says Ganesha. Virgo Ganesha suggests that you take a much-needed break from the daily rigmarole. Introduce an element of the exotic in order to replace all the mundane work that fills up your day. You may attend private and social get-togethers, and Ganesha advises you to mingle with other people to keep your spirits high. Libra No matter what you do, some days are just not happening. Considering the random mood swings that affect you today, it's in the best interest of others that you put up a 'Beware of me' sign. By being forewarned about it, you should be capable of handling your erratic behaviour. Just remember that nothing can affect your mental balance, and that this is just a phase. After slogging hard through the the day, you may desire to relax and pamper yourself later in the evening, suggests Ganesha. Scorpio Your mind shall take over the proceedings today. And it shall, in all likeliness, draw you to the work bench and keep your nose to the grindstone. But your heart will flutter like a butterfly, and if you manage to strike the right balance, you may win over your special one and your boss too, says Ganesha. Sagittarius Whatever you take up today, you are on a winning spree, foresees Ganesha. A a leader, you will guide and instruct your subordinates when they seek your advise. In a way, you even encourage and motivate them. All in all, you are a happy soul at the end of the day! Capricorn Today, you will remain unruffled by the commotion around you, says Ganesha. However, the emotions locked up inside you will probably cloud your power of reasoning and may leave you feeling a little lost. But this will only be a passing phase, and you will come out of the bewilderment in no time. You will promptly get back to pursuing your goals and your reputation with seniors will play a crucial role in bagging you tangible rewards. Aquarius If Elvis Presley is who you dreamed of being, today may be your day! You seem to impress one and all, and even money flows in! You play smart today and everything seems to work in your favour. Take care, says Ganesha, things may not be as they seem. Pisces The focus is firmly on career advancement today. Business deals, which have been a long time in the making, will finally come through. Those pursuing a profession can expect pay rises or promotions. Make sure your skills are up to the mark to be able to tackle your new responsibilities satisfactorily, says Ganesha.
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
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 (Composite Programme of 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 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raaijor Anusthan 8-00 P.M-Krira Jagat 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan -1.Talk-"Samprotik Asomiya Chutigalpar Goti Prakriti" by Dr. Ananda Bormudoi, 2.Short Story by Rajiv Baruah 10-00 P.M-Classical Music, Artist-Ud. Sabri Khan
Sd-/H.O.P
Advt. In The Member MACT Tribunal, Lakhimpur, At North Lakhimpur
Consultant Required One premier education group offering management and engineering courses in Kolkata and Jaipur need educational consultant for Assam and northeast. For details contact 9508715160/ 704494166
ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 20: BJP committee, Golaghat North Block, in a press release informed that they will register a suit in the Court against Power Minister Bismita Gogoi accusing her of alleged mal practices in connection with Old
and Widow Pension schemes in West Missamora GP of Golaghat North Development Block. The party has informed that the genuine list of beneficiaries which were prepared and rec-
ognized for the purpose of the aforesaid schemes are kept aside and a self-satisfactory list of beneficiaries has been replaced under forced sign and seal of the BDOs of Golaghat North and Kothalguri Development Blocks, COs of Dergaon and
Khumtai Revenue Circles and herself. The release stated that Bismita Gogoi who is also the MLA of Khumtai was involved as to win public trust for a benefit in the upcoming Assembly election.
Advocacy Meeting on Tobacco Control held at Tezpur ET Correspondent Tezpur, February 20: A meeting on tobacco control was held at District Library Auditorium today orgaanized by District Tobacco Control cell Tezpur. Presided over by the Deputy Commissioner of Sonitpur District, Laya Maduri, the meeting highlighted the COPTA Act and role and responsibilities of the Nodal Agencies to implement the Programme and make a Tobacco free District. Highlighting the purpose of the meeting the Nodal officer, Tobacco Control Programme (Tezpur), Dr. Durlov Ch. Saikia said that about 2200 persons died due to tobacco related disease like cancer,
hypertension, cardiac disease, lung disease, diabetes mellitus etc. He also told that tobacco contain nicotine which is more addictive drug than morphine and codeine. Tobacco also contain different toxic substance like tar, benzopirine, carbon monoxide , formaldehyde, benzene, hydrozen cyanide, arsenic, cadium , ammonia, action, lead, like substance which is carcinogenic substance and used in preparation of pesticedes and other chemical preparation. Dr. Arundhuti Deka, State Nodal Officer, State Tobacco Control Cell emphasized on community role in tobacco con-
trol in the society. She also briefly described that in spite of food value and harmful to the body 39% of people under 15yrs age group are addicted with various kind of tobacco products. To control the tobacco use the Govt. of India bound to introduce National Tobacco Control Act 2013. Pratul Phukan, Rtd. DIG, Advisor of State Tobacco Control Programme, Assam , emphasized that Government should implement tax and price policies on tobacco consumption. Furthermore, increasing excise taxes on tobacco is considered to be the most cost effective tobacco control measure. He also elaborately de-
scribes the COPTA Act to the participants and requested full implementation of the Act to make Tobacco free district as early as possible. The advocacy meeting was attended by Joint Director of Health Services, the delegate of AASU, Students of Darrang College, Students of Tezpur College, AGYCP, NSY, NCC, Scout & Guide, Chambers of Commerce, Marowari Yuva Manch, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Education Department, Police Department, Administrative Department, Tezpur Medical College, Tezpur Central University, Social Welfare etc and took oath to make Sonitpur District as tobacco free district.
ET Correspondent Dhemaji, Feb 20: Today around 4.15pm an old man lost his life at morkongselek of Dekargoan in a passenger train. The victim was crossing bridge near rail gate of silapathar town rail track and suddenly happen this incident.
Oil tanker truck stepped down ET Correspondent Dhubri, Feb 20: A full loaded oil tanker truck stepped down on the NH-31 at Gaurang Nagar near Bilasipara in Dhubri district and blazed the entire area today morning. According to source, the oil tanker was coming from Bongaigaon and suddenly stepped down on the NH-31. As a result of blazed, its flings of fire engulfed the neighboring area. Suddenly several shops were burnt and four local persons were injured who are now admitted in hospital. Later on, five engines of fire brigade arrived at the spot and controlled the situation.
21st Mahasakti Jagya initiated Jivan Silpi award to with 3days programme at artist Benu Misra Mahamaya snanghat temple ET Correspondent Dhubri, Feb 20: 21st anniversary of Mahasakti Jagya initiated with 3 days programme at historical Mahamaya snanghat temple at Bagribari of Dhubri and kokrajhar bordering area from today. The snanghat temple contains the 400 years monumental heri-
tage of lower Assam. Today morning a group of scholarly priests lighted the homage burring spot with the rays from the sun. Later the group of priests recited the nonstop hymns or mantras till the end of the last day of the programme. It is ex-
pected that one lack and above pilgrims will be gathered and will pay their homage to the Devi Mahamaya for Hir blessing. All types of arrangement have been taken by the administration and temple management committee for huge number of pilgrims.
ET Correspondent Nalbari,Feb 20 : Renowned artist Benu Misra for the first time has been selected for the Jivan silpi award 2016 being constituted by Nalbari Art school in memory of its founder principal renowned artist sculpture Adya Sarma. The award will be presented in a function to be held at Nalbari Art School premises on February 22 on the occasion of the first death anniversary of the legendary artist.The Nalbari Art School has decided to observe the day as jivan silpi divas every year.On the day the
award presentation programme will be presided over by Pabin Sarma,president of Nalbari Art School where Ramani Barman,former Minister of Education and Jnanen Barkakati,senior artist will be the guests.Earlier Makibar Hussain,chairman of Nalbari development authority offered garlands on the statue of Late Adya Sarma while Hemanta Kumar Dutta will be paid rich tributes to the artist in morning session.On the occasion an exhibition and a spot drawing competition will be held on February 21 at the school premises
ET Correspondent Diphu February 20: Karbi Farmer’s Association, a Diphu based organization has accused the Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang of withdrawing maximum central sponsored fund from the government treasury without executing any work in ground. The organization has leveled this serious allegation through a press release issued on last Wednesday; however no tangible supporting evidence has been produced by the organization in support of their claim. Samsing Hansey, president of KFA in the press release has allege that maximum schematic works has been left un-executed or undone by this Congress led administration but fund has been withdrawn by the concerned departmental
officers. The KFA has also alleged that Tuliram Ronghang, himself is involved in the misappropriation of government funds along with his co-officers. The KFA president has claimed. Samsing Hansey has maintained that he has visited many schemes of Fisheries and PWD department functioning under the administration of KAAC but has not found and trace of done work as claimed by the departmental officers. The KFA has alleged that CEM Tuliram Ronghang who holds the charge of Irrigation department and all central sponsored funds himself, so being the CEM of KAAC, he himself is responsible for all the misappropriation of government funds. The CEM could not be communicated for his statement in this respect.
Foundation Stone of New Building KFA alleges of Golaghat Judiciary Laid corruption by KAAC
21-2-16 (SUNDAY)
Advt.
BJP to file a case against MLA Bismita Gogoi
An old man died
Dated- 19/02/2016 MACT Case No.66/14 Smti. Aijani Baruah- Claimant -VSSri Sadananda Hazarika- Opp Party To, Sir Sadanandra Hazarika S/o-Lt. Nakul Hazarika R/o- Sonapur P/o- Sonapur P/O- Laluk Dist- Lakhimpur (ASSAM) In the above claimed case you are hereby asked to appear before the hon'ble, Tribunal to the W/S on dated 08/03/16. Given under my hand & seal of the court on this 19th day of Feb 2016. Lakhimpur At North lakhimpur
ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 20: In a warm and auspicious atmosphere the foundation stone of the new building of Golaghat Judiciary was laid today in Golaghat. A ceremony was held in the occasion where the foundation stone was laid by Justice Hrishikesh Roy, Acting Judge in charge of Administrative Department of Guwahati High Court in the presence of Justice C. R Sharma, Portfolio Judge for Golaghat District and Minister for PWD, Law
and Legislative Depart- followed by ment of Government of Manglachharan by the Assam Ajanta Neog. students of VKV Golaghat. Minister Ajanta Neog in her In the foundation stone speech mentioned about laying ceremony her career as a lawyer Golaghat District Judge and stated that the Robin Phukan, DC Golaghat Bar AssociaAnarul Haque, SP tion and its lawyers Prithipal Singh, Presi- have great contributions dent of Golaghat Bar in the development of Association MN Dutta social and cultural fields and several other distin- in the district. The new guished guests were building of Golaghat present. Judiciary will be a six storied building which will have fourteen The ceremony was courts and total estistarted with felicitation mated amount is and lightning of lamp 29,56,49,872 rupees.
Audio cassette ‘DOLA’ released ET Correspondent Tezpur, February 20 : An audio cassette ‘DOLA’ produced by Babita Hazarika Boro and with the lyric and tune and music arrangement of noted artist and cultural activist, son of cultural icon Kolaguru Bishnu Prashad Rabha Hemraj Rabha was released today at the office of the Sonitpur Journalist Union here by noted artist Pankaj Bordoloi. It is pertinent to mention here that Hemraj Rabha has already produced a number of audio cassettes with his own lyric and tune reviving the “Argo Audio Production’ a recording studio set-up at his residence that was established by the “Kolaguru”. The au-
dio cassette ‘DOLA’ released today is also a part of Hemraj Rabha’s relentless effort in the music world reflecting the dignity of culture capital Tezpur. The audio Cassette contains six songs with the vocal (sung by) a little girl Rithi Boro a student of Kendriya Vidiyalaya, Tezpur University. Releasing the audio Cassette, Pankaj Bordoloi expressed his total dissatisfaction over not getting priority of Bishnu Sangeet and Jyoti sangeet in the recent south Asian Games (SAG) opening and closing function. “However, it is positive thing that Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s song was sung as theme song of the South
ists to take responsibility to take forward the music, culture and the literature on the right direction.
An audio cassette ‘DOLA’ produced by Babita Hazarika Boro released on today.
Asia’s mega sport event.” He said. Secretary of Tezpur Sahitya Sabha, Pankaj
Baruah pointing out the challenges faced by modern music world, urged the art-
Noted journalist and executive member of Sonitpur Sahitya Sabha Biswajit Boro in his speech wished that the little singer who is also an international level Karate player to maintain her academic line besides other performances. Working president of the Sonitpur Journalist union, Sanjib Hazarika also spoke on the occasion and wished a bright future of the little singer. The brief function conducted by Hemraj Rabha was attended by a host of dignitaries and a handful of journalist.
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
PAGE 3
PM Modi greets Arunachal, Mizoram on Statehood Day New Delhi, Feb. 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his wishes to Arunachal and Mizoram on Statehood Day. “On Arunachal Pradesh's Statehood Day, my greetings to people of the state. I pray for the state's overall development in the coming years,” Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet. “Best wishes to the wonderful people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day. May Mizoram scale new heights of progress in the years to come,” he added.s Extending his wishes to the newly formed government in Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi said: “My best wishes to the new Government of Arunachal Pradesh in fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of the people.”
Pul calls on the Governor, promises to continue welfare steps IANS Itanagar, Feb 20: Newly sworn-in Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Saturday promised Governor J.P. Rajkhowa that he will carry forward all the welfare initiatives taken by the governor during President's Rule. Pul, who called on Rajkhowa, also assured that all measures will be taken to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state. "Any kind of violence, disorders and disturbances will not be tolerated. In case of any law and order situation, it will be dealt firmly and as per law," the chief minister told the governor. "No third degree measures should be adopted but the offenders must be brought to book, while at the same time the administrative and police officers on duty will be protected for any
Pul during his meeting with Governor. bonafide action taken in the public interest," said Pul. The chief minister thanked the governor for the proactive and people-centric actions during President's Rule from January 26 to February 19. Stating that there will be
zero tolerance for corruption, Pul told the governor that a vigilance apparatus will be set up in the state secretariat, departments, districts and sub-divisions. Action will be initiated against corrupt officials. Pul said the main focus of his government will be on road communication,
health, education, power, public health engineering, security and other service sectors. Rajkhowa said he reposed his faith in the new chief minister and that he will do all that is required to safeguard the interests of the common man.
Arunachal Pradesh celebrates 30th Statehood Day Itanagar, Feb 20: The people of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 30th Statehood Day today across the state. In Itanagar at the Indira Gandhi Park, The Governor, JP Rajkhowa greeted the people and congratulated them for a popular Government under the leadership of Kalikho Pul after revocation of President Rule.
In a bid to boost the rural economy, the Governor stressed on harnessing the Horticulture to its potential which provides immense scope for micro, small and medium enterprises through development of entrepreneurship. The governor informed that the State has already become the largest producer of Kiwi fruit in the country and Kiwi Wine manufactured in Pune is reportedly in high demand. He says that he wants Arunachal to be the Winery of India with Kiwi, apple, orange and other fruits in plenty. In his speech, the Governor also touched upon development and promotion of tourism, fisheries, financial empowerment of people through various programmes. We need to harness the tribal expertise of the State in handloom, handicrafts and textiles sector including carpet making, dress designing etc. through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The matter for setting up Skill Development Centres has been taken up. Expressing his deep concern
Contd. from Page 1
the chief minister said that around 12 more MLAs are expected to join their camp and form a strong and stable government in the state. On reasons of their late joinder, Pul clarified that some people are kept under duress, and cited the instance of the dinner party, where around 18 MLAs were allegedly forced to put their signatures on blank papers. “Those who withdrew their support were removed from their seats. A Congress Speaker removed two Congress MLAs”, said Pul, and alleged the Speaker of going against the 10th Schedule of the Constitu-
30th Arunachal Statehood Day programme in Khonsa on drug addiction, he said that the Government has decided to set up drug de-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centres in 7 districts to fight opium and drug menace through Rehabilitation, Motivation, Training by the State and district Administration, NGOs, Students’ bodies etc. The Governor said that during the proclamation of President Rule, with the aid and advice of my Advisors, he has taken some important decisions in public interest, including timely payment of pension, salaries to the Government Employees including contractual employees and prompt reimbursement of Medical and Travelling Allowance bills and discontinue of out of turn officiating or functional appointments, trophies to encourage games and sports. The Governor also exhorted the people of the State to stand united to make Arunachal Pradesh an educationally, culturally and economically vibrant and selfreliant State and for peace and development of the State. Earlier, the Governor declared the three-day Festival of Arunachal open. A colour
cultural programme was presented in the inaugural function showcasing the cultural diversity. Later the First Lady of the State Smt Rita Rajkhowa inaugurated the exhibition stalls, while wife of the chief Minister Smt Dangwimsai Pul inaugurated the food stalls. In Khonsa, the Statehood Day was celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm. Addressing a huge gathering on the occasion, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha says “friends, just as the journey of Arunachal Pradesh from an unknown entity is shrouded in mystery, the political history of the region is also not less interesting. He stated that it was a long and arduous journey from an un-administered region to a full-fledged state called Arunachal Pradesh-the land of rising sun. The DC stated that the administration of this region was directly under the Governor of the provincial government of Assam. In the aftermath of the Indian Constitution coming into force, the government of Assam was relieved of its onus of administration of the Northeast
Frontier Tracts and the discretionary powers were vested in the Governor of Assam, the agent of the President of India. The President of India promulgated the Northeast Frontier Agency Panchayati Raj Regulation, 1967 based on the Daying Ering Committee. Thus the Regulation created three-tier local administration viz, Gram Panchayat at village level, Anchal Samiti at Block level and Zilla Parishad at district level. The fourth-tier in respect of NEFA was the territorial level body christened as Agency Council which was later rechristened as Pradesh Council in the year 1972. The Northeast Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 provided a new name and new political status to NEFA. NEFA was re-named as Arunachal Pradesh and subsequently in 1972 it (Arunachal Pradesh) became the Union Territory of the Republic of India. The UT was placed under the control of a Chief Commissioner. 1975 was a watershed year for Arunachal Pradesh because the Pradesh Council was converted into a Provisional Legislative Assembly
and a council of ministers was appointed for Arunachal Pradesh. Consequently, the passing of the Constitution 55th Amendment Act, Arunachal Pradesh finally attained the fullest political status on 20th February, 1987. The Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh unanimously passed the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986 in order to give effect to the 55th Amendment Act, enabling it to become the 24th State of Federal India with full-fledged Legislative Assembly and a popular government. Today we are celebrating the 30th year of attaining the statehood. We have achieved a great success in upgrading the socio-economic condition of the people.
tion. Responding to Tuki’s allegations that Pul’s Government is unconstitutional, Pul said that “the government can never be unconstitutional. The one who has the required magic number will form the government.” Maintaining that he stands by his leader till the very last breath, MLA Saaya said that he had stood by former chief minister Tuki till the end of his leadership as well. “In my two terms as MLA, I have always believed in the able leadership and vision of Pul, which I had also told the former
chief minister of several occasions. I believe in Pul’s leadership and will continue to support him wholeheartedly”, Saaya added. He affirmed that he is under no pressure from anyone to support the leader of his choice, and that he has sought the approval of the people of his constituency as well in extending his support to Pul. Saaya also said that in order to bring in development to his constituency, the leadership of Pul is a requisite, and under Pul’s able governance, Arunachal would witness great changes and developments in all spheres in the days to come.
Tuki says appointing disqualified Pul as Arunachal CM malafide, unconstitutional Contd. from Page 1
When asked why the Congress Party had not been able to prevent a split within its state unit, Tuki countered by saying that there was no split in the state unit of the party, as he still had 26 of the 45 MLAs backing him, and the people who had formed the present government in the state, had already been disqualified by the Congress Party and were no longer its members. Asked what the next steps would be, Tuki said he would wait for the Supreme Court to pronounce its judgment first. Once that was out of the way, he said that his supporters and he would take every possible measure available to them under the law to remove the government of incumbent Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor assuring his advices and guidance, the Governor wished that welfare initiatives are to be carried forward. The Governor stated that there is no good hospital with ICU facility, colleges and other infrastructures in the State and there must be accountability of the fund provided and ensure its proper utilization.
MLA Likha Saaya from Tuki’s Camp joins Pul
“I led the government and we got highest majority in the last Lok Sabha...42 out of 60 under my leadership. The government was running effectively and smoothly. There was lot of aspirations which were even fulfilled to the people. The people were very happy,” the former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister said. “We have implemented several social schemes, benefitting 14 lakh people. Arunachal was the number five state in the country for giving power to the people by empowering Panchayati schemes. Five years before our state was number 27,
and after five years, we became the fifth-ranked state in the country," Tuki added.
cratic nation of India. What has happened is blatant political injustice.”
“The Government of India recognised Arunachal as the best disciplined and maintained state. So, whatever allegations they have made are wrong. I deny all allegations (of him being a promoter of a terrorist group or having links with terrorists). Just after the appointment of the new governor by a BJP-led government at the Centre, there has been a one point agenda -just to topple the elected government in the state. The Raj Bhawan was functioning like a BJP offices headquarter,” Tuki said.
Tuki’s response to developments in Itanagar came a day after he had written a letter to Governor J. P. Rajkhowa, urging him to reinstate him as chief minister, as he was the leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the state.
Former Member of Parliament from the state Takam Sanjoy said that what has been happening over the previous ten months was virtually comparable to a functional martial law regime under Governor Rajkhowa. He emphatically stated that the illegal actions of the governor amounted to “a murder of democracy, a murder of the Constitution of India, a murder of the faith and aspirations of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, a murder and slaughter of a duly elected state government.” In a fairly grim warning and appeal, Sanjoy said, “Don’t turn the peaceful state of Arunachal Pradesh into another Jammu and Kashmir. We are not aliens, we are Indians; we are very much a part of the demo-
He also asserted that his council of ministers should be restored as it was before the imposition of the President’s rule in the state. He strongly objected to the midnight swearing-in of disqualified Congress Party leader Kalikho Pul as the state’s ninth chief minister. On his part, Pul said, “The expansion of the cabinet will happen after a thorough discussion with my fellow ministers and his Excellency. We want to thank the President for taking timely action over the law and order problem that has lasted here. He acted swiftly by imposing the President’s rule, and after that, the Governor handled the situation quite well, even the public is happy now.” He said development would be top priority for him as chief minister, and added that he is ready to engage with Tuki to sort out existing differences. Tuki, however, said, there was no question of him engaging with a “disqualified” politician.
Road blocked by angry Tinsukia residents
The DC urged the youth to be physically and mentally fit; well-educated, well-disciplined and well-equipped to shoulder the onus of our state and to channelize their energy towards constructive purposes. The occasion was marked with games, sports, exhibitions and various cultural dances of Nocte, Tutsa, Wancho and Ollo Nocte etc.
Mysterious blast injured 7 persons in Digboi Laxman Sharma Digboi, Feb 20: In a mysterious blast near the residence of Susil Mandol located at Station area under Digboi Police Station, seven persons including women and children suffered fire injuries.
burn injuries, Mrs. Sikha Mandol (35) suffered 18% superficial burn, Subroto mondol (16) who suffered deep and superficial burn (50%), Anjana Madol (13) sustains 9 % burn while Payal Mandol (16) suffered 2 % superficial burns.
According to Police, the injured were identified as Rashmi Sengupta (9), Ankita Mandol (6) both suffered 30 % superficial
According to sources, Dilip Bhattacharjee a PDS agent of Station area had bought a blue drum from a hardware vendor belonging to
Manoj Kumar Agarwal of Tinali Bazar on Friday afternoon for his use at his PDS Shop. According to Bhattacharjee, the incident occurred when his servant Susil Mandol took the drum which was kept outside the shop, to his house for safety sake and then suddenly the mishap occurred with a big blast.
The high intensity blast resulted in fire and hit all the nearby children, man and women causing burn injuries. However, the injured were immediately took AMCH, Dibrugarh for advanced treatment after administering preliminary treatment at AOD Hospital Digboi. Speaking to the ET, Manoj Kumar Agarwal described the incident and told that he
has been selling the blue drums for long ten years without any hazardous outcome. According to him, the blue drum were being sold by Hindustan Liver Limited, Doomdoma. What remains to be cleared to general public is whether the drums containing explosives or other chemicals. However the case is under investigation.
Protestors burnt tyres and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits who murder of a minor boy. Pic - ET Photo Spl Correspondent. Tinsukia, Feb 20 : Residents of Nauphukri area of Tinsukia town on Saturday blocked centre of the AT Road near Siding railway crossing for hours against the recent murder of a minor boy in the area. The protestors burnt tyres on the
road demanding arrest of the culprits. A huge traffic congestion was witnessed following the protest. The protestors were angry over over the security scenario and police inaction.
It must be noted three days back a minor was found dead at an abondoned building. The residents had alleged that all type of illegal activities take place in the said building but 72 hours past the murder of the minor police is yet to make any arrest .
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
PAGE 4 CM condoles the death of Dr. Siddhartha Sankar Bhattacharya A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 20: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi visited the residence of Dr. Anjan Kumar Bhattacharya to convey his deepest condolences on the tragic demise of his son Dr. Siddhartha Sankar Bhattacharya in the city yesterday evening. Dr. Siddhartha, 37, who was a dermatologist at Dispur Hospitals, fell from the staircase of his Lakhimi Nagar residence on Sunday night and was rushed to a city hospital. Though he was operated upon successfully, he died on Wednesday due to brain haemorrhage. The Chief Minister spent some time consoling the members of the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. Chief Minister’s wife Dolly Gogoi and his son, MP Gaurav Gogoi also consoled the bereaved family members in their hour of grief.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi flags off Mukti Caravan A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 20: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today flagged off the Mukti Caravan, a campaign on wheels against child trafficking spearheaded by Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) in association with Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation at the main entrance of his official Koinadhara residence. Flagging off the Mukti Caravan, Chief Minister Gogoi said that the movement launched in the State would help to create mass awareness on trafficked children, sexually abused and exploited children and liberate them from bondage. The Chief Minister recalled his meetings with Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and said that the Joint Action Plan to stop children trafficking in the State was
an outcome of that. Gogoi appealed to the people, the NGOs and the media to join hands with the State Government and the BBA to put a full stop to all sorts of exploitation and subjugation of the children. “All must join hands together to make the movement against child trafficking, child labour and other sorts of exploitation a strong and vibrant one and to help liberate these children from bondage,” he said adding that all out-efforts have to be made to restore educational, health and other rights to the rescued children. The Chief Minister hoped that the movement that has spread out in different parts of the country and elsewhere would also touch the nook and corner of Assam.
AJYCP shall take the law in their own hand to punish the Congress Hooligans : Kanchan Bora ET Correspondent Margherita, Feb 20: General secretary of Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad of Margherita Regional Committee, Kanchan Bora said “124 no Margherita LAC Legislator Pradyut Bordoloi, now used Gundas and hooligans for this Fourth coming Assembly Election Campaign and I warned all the Congressman to refrain from doing any untoward incident or else AJYCP Shall take the law in their own hand to punished the Congressman
Gundas and Hooligans” as congress on 19 February at Pengree took out a protest rally against Robin Moran, a Senior Journalist of an Assamese Daily Newspaper working at Pengree under Margherita Sub Division. Salil Neog and Kanchan Bora both President and General Secretary of Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad of Margherita Regional Committee said that “Journalists are the Fourth Pillar of Democracy hence they have the freedom to
write any news by keeping proper evidence”. The incident happened when Robin Moran wrote a news about 124 no Margherita LAC Legislator Honourable Pradyut Bordoloi who went to distribute Blankets and other commodities to the residents of Kothalguri region where the residents of that area protested against Pradyut Bordoloi. Knowing this, Pradyut Bordoloi immediately escaped from there.
complaints against exploitation of children were received out of which 259 were rescued and rehabilitated.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi flags off the Mukti Caravan- a campaign on wheels by Bachpan Bachao Andolan at Khanapara. Pic - UB photos
Speaking on the occasion, senior BBA member and Director of Balashram, Sumedha Kailash appealed to one and all to strengthen the movement to save the children being trafficked from the State and other neighbouring States and to
help bring back their lost childhood by rehabilitating them into the mainstream.”I appeal to the people to lodge complaints against child trafficking and other sorts of sexual abuses to the police station and the office of Bachpan Bachao
Andolan. I also urge the media to bring to light cases of children trafficking in the State,” she added. She pointed out that in the earlier campaign launched by the organisation in the State in 2011, around 500
Around hundreds of AJYCP activists today took part in a 3-hour sit-in demonstration near the North Eastern Coal Fields (NECF) headquarters in Margherita. The student’s body demanded that the mining company should switch over the mining process from open-cast mining to underground mining citing adverse effect on people’s health and environment.
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 20: In a positive development and good news for the region, the Guwahati based HOPE, a Multispeciality Rehabilitation and Training Centre, have started the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) center at HOPE-UDAAN, at Rukmininagar in the city. The centre was inaugurated today by Dr.Parthajyoty Gogoi, Regional Director, Health and Family Welfare
Department, Govt. of India, in the presence of Dr Arun Mukherjee, Faculty of Medial Academy for Pediatric Special Needs, USA, Shubhara Mukherjee, Founder Trustee of UDAAN for the Disabled, New Delhi and Dr. Lakshyajit Das (PT), Managing Director, HOPE. The Hyperbaric Therapy is a technique to administer higher than normal mounts of oxygen by placing a pa-
The
North
Bora said that the long-time open-cast mining activity has destroyed vegetation and rendered large farmland unproductive.
Around hundreds of AJYCP activists today took part in a 3 hour sit-in demonstration near the North Eastern Coal Fields headquarters in Margherita. Pic - ET Photo
Coalfields (NEC), an unit of the Coal India Limited, currently operates four coal mines in the area. Of these Tirap, Tikak and Ledo are open cast while Tipong is an underground mine. The student's body had also demanded that the recruitment process in the company should be re-opened.
The AJYCP Margherita unit general secretary Eastern Kanchan Bora said, ”The
recruitment process has been stopped from 1994 in the Northeast Coal India Ltd. We demand that the recruitment process should be started at the earliest so that the youths of the region get an opportunity to work for the company". The students’ organization added, “The Northeast Coal India Health centre should be upgraded because the conditions of the centre is pathetic".
tient in a chamber and pumping in air, oxygen or both till the desired pressure is obtained Dr. Arun Mukherjee had introduced HBOT in India in 2001 for special need children. During the course of the day there was also seminar at the office of HOPE where Dr Mukherjee delivered a lecture on treatment of Mentally Handicapped persons and Medical and
“If our demands are not met we would intensify our movement against the Northeastern Coal Fields, Margherita and on Feb 25, we will organize dharna at all the Coal fields of the region,’’ Bora said. The organization demanded for opening of mining school in the region for the better education facilities of the students’.
“The air quality has degraded alarmingly because of the open-cast mining in the area. Anyone can feel it. Everywhere coal particles float in the air. Water sources and agricultural fields are contaminated by discharge of acidic effluents from the excavated pits. Under its environmental management programme, the NEC carries out periodical ambient air quality monitoring in the collieries. Similarly, water quality monitoring and noise level monitoring are also being conducted. In 1882, the Ledo underground mine, which is the
first colliery in the north eastern region, was opened by a British company, MS Assam Railways and Trading Company Limited. NEC took over the mine in 1973. In 1985, it switched from underground mining to open mining despite protests by locals and environmental groups. North Eastern Coalfields is a unit of Coal India Ltd, which has it’s headquarter in Margherita in Upper Assam. The unit came into existence in 1975 after nationalization of coal mines in India. It took over the private mines spread in North Eastern States of India and at present has mines operating in states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Tezpur University Students Bring Continuous updation Laurels from 31st Inter UniversityNational Youth Festival of electoral roll 2016
31st Inter University National Youth Festival of the Association of Indian Universities held at the University of Mysore from 15th February to 19th. ET Correspondent Tezpur, Feb 20 : The students of Tezpur University have continued shining in national level competitions among university students. Participating in the 31st Inter University National Youth Festival of the Association of Indian Universities held at the University of
Mysore from 15th February to 19th February, 2016, the students of Tezpur University have bagged eight prizes in different categories – First Prize in Spot Photography; Second Prizes in Light Vocal Solo (Indian), Group Song (Indian), and Folk Orchestra; Third Prizes in Debate, In-
stallation and One-Act Play; and Fourth Prize in Quiz. Indrani Kalita made the University proud with her Gold Medal in Spot Photography. The team was accompanied and guided by Assistant Professor Ananya Bonjyostna and Cultural Officer Bhupali Kashyap.
The first phase of the campaign will cover 10 districts of Assam vis-a-vis Kamrup Rural, Kamrup Metro, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Baksa, Udalguri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon and Goalpara. BBA has been utilizing Mukti Caravan as an instrument of mass mobilization and awareness since 1997. The Caravan has covered trafficking-prone villages in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, reaching out to more than 1 million people by traversing a distance of 2.5 lakh kms.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) center at HOPE-UDAAN, Guwahati
AJYCP demands halt to open-cast mining ET Bureau Dibrugarh/Margherita, Feb. 20: The Margherita Regional unit of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has called for a total halt to the prevailing open-cast mining activities carried out by Coal India Limited (CIL) in the Ledo-Margherita area in Tinsukia district.
Sumedha pointed out that the movement launched by the Chief Minister would spread out to 22 districts of Assam. Director Victims Assistance in BBA, Rakesh Sengar was also present on the occasion. The first phase of the mobile campaign will have tribal youths generating awareness amongst communities, villages and towns prone to human trafficking. The campaign will sensitise the people through street plays, folk songs infused with social messages, pamphlets, wall writings, pledge signings and awareness camps on child exploitation and need for education to
sensitise the masses. Former victims of trafficking and bonded labour will also participate in the campaign and sensitise masses about trafficking and related exploitations.
ET Correspondent Tezpur, February 20: The final electoral roll in respect of 71 Dhekiajuli, 72 Barchala, 73 Tezpur, 74 Rangapara and n75 Sootea LACs have already been published on January 11 last and the electors are advisaed to check their names in electoral Rolls of their constituencies which are available in the office of the concerned electoral registration officers and also available with the Boot level officers (BLOs). Electors can also search their names in the electoral rolls by visiting CEO’s website www.ceoassam.nic.in.
Deputy Commissioner cum election officer, Laya Madduri in a statement today further in-
forming that persons who have attained 18 years of age as on January 1, 2016 and are residing in election district Tezpur and are not yet enrolled as voters or their names are not included in the roll or there are modified or need for any correction in the electors descriptions can still apply inclusion of their names in the voter list/electoral rolls or modification/correction under the continuous updation process of electoral rolls. “Continuous updation of electoral rolls will be carried out till the last date of nomination ( up to 3.00 pm), but one should apply at least 10 days before the last date of nomination so that mandatory period of notice can be complied with.
Electors should ensure that they are not enrolled in more than one place in a constituency. It may be noted that giving false statement/ declaration is punishable offence under the provision of section 31 of the representation of people Act 1950 in connection with enrolled as an elector, which stipulates imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or both.” The Deputy Commissioner said adding the electors with multiple registrations in electoral roll (s) are requested to come forward and advised to fill form 7 for deletion of their names from the place except where they ordinarily reside.
Therapeutic Intervention for Children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Muscular Dystrophy, and he also said every autistic child needs to be accepted by the society and we work how society can accept autistic children. “Very shortly UDAAN hopes to bring latest technologies for Neural repair and rehabilitation work on special need persons in North East India at
Guwahati,” he added. FSMHP-Udaan for the Disabled is a charitable NGO founded in 1992 and registered under the Trust Act in 1994 and HOPE Multispeciality Rehabilitation and Training Centre is pioneer organization of North East working for the children with special needs. For detail see www.udaan.org/ www.aidrchope.org.
BJP launches scathing attack on Congress Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Feb 20: In a scathing attack on the ruling congress party, BJP on Saturday blamed chief minister Tarun Gogoi for his misrule which had brought untold sufferings for the people of Assam. The party also said that the congress government is eyeing of blanket distribution politics to come back to power. Addressing a press meet at Tinsukia Press Club, state BJP spokepersons Subhas Dutta and Pabitra Margherita raised questions as to what has the congress government done for the development of the land of Assam, particularly, Tinsukia district. Citing examples of 'Zero' development of plastic park at Tinsukia, except a boundary wall, Dutta said that the centre had alloted around rupees 200 crore for the development of plastic park but Tarun Gogoi government failed to take the opportunity which could had brought enormous job opportunities.
Taking on one of the ex senior minister Pradyut Bordoloi Dutta said, see the condition of Margherita constituency and one will be bound to ask where is development. Their are number of projects whose foundation stones were laid before last election but the work has not made any substantial progress, added Dutta and said last time too congress attempts were merely to woe the voters and this time also they are trying to woe voter by blanket distribution politics. The saffron party raised issues from the condition of basic facilities at tea gardens too the development of Sadiya despite hundred crore package by centre and so - on and did not miss a single opportunity to target congress. The press meet was attended by State BJP vice president Siva Bodra, spokesperson Tapan Kumar Gogoi, Marcha president Sanjay Kisan and Dist . President Bhaben Sarma, BJP media cell Convenor for Tinsukia district Sanjay Singh.
PAGE 5
REGION
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TMC wins Kandi Sonia Gandhi expresses solidarity to Naga people civic board as councillor goes missing
Ruling Trinamool Congress won by one vote Kolkata,Feb 20:Ruling Trinamool Congress won by one vote, a no-confidence motion moved by it in the Congress run Kandi Municipality in Murshidabad district, in the absence of a key councillor who was allegedly kidnapped by the Trinamool Congress (TMC).Calcutta High Court directed the Murshidabad Superintendent of Police to ensure the presence of the missing Independent councillor, Debajyoti Roy, when voting takes place at the municipality to elect the chairman. However, Roy was not present when the voting took place and Trinamool Congress won 9-8, officials said.Police said it has started an investigation regarding the councillor who has gone missing on February 17.The High Court has given the order on a petition by Roy's wife Santana Roy, also an Independent councillor,
who alleged that her husband was kidnapped by TMC as the couple had said they would support Congress during voting. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury demonstrated in front of Kandi police station against the alleged police inaction in finding out the missing councillor. He said Congress and Left parties will remove the TMC from power in the coming Assembly election.TMC district president Mannan Hossain, however, denied any role in the disappearance of the councillor and said the Congress is playing dramatics.Meanwhile, district officials said the new chairman will have to be elected within 15 days.The Congress formed the 18-member municipal board in Kandi with 13 councillors. But six of them, including the chairman, joined Trinamool last month, taking TMC's tally to nine. (Agencies)
UDP slams State Govt inaction against Syiem Shillong,Feb 20: Coming down heavily on the Congress-led government for failing to reign in one of their MLAs who continues to hold the dual post of MDC despite the Dual Post Bill having become effective in the State, the Opposition UDP has resolved to make the dual post issue an agenda in the forthcoming KHADC by-elections for the seven vacant seats. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, UDP's East Khasi Hills district president, Titosstarwell Chyne, slammed the Congress for not taking any action against KHADC Chief Executive Member and Congressman P.N. Syiem who continues to hold dual posts as MLA and MDC.Chyne also stated that the State government has wasted the time and energy of political parties and the people of the State by passing the bill. It may be reminded that two UDP legislators - Metbah Lyngdoh (Mairang) and Brolding Nongsiej (Mawthadraishan)along with four other MLAs had resigned as members of the KHADC following the passing of the anti-dual
post act which became effective from October 1, 2015. Meanwhile, speaking on the UDP's agenda for the KHADC by-polls, Chyne said issues related to the State government's interference into the domain of the traditional institutions, which is the subject matter of the district council, will also be taken up by the party. Reacting to a query, he said that the party has directed the party's circles to propose names of candidates for the two vacant seats of Sohiong and Nongkrem and added that the party has a probable chance of winning the bye-elections. Earlier there were reports that former KHADC chief H.S. Shylla is all set to contest the bye-election to the Nongkrem seat as a UDP candidate, but the party denied having received any official communication from Shylla so far. Meanwhile, the party has elected new office bearers for its East Khasi Hills District unit during the general council meeting on Friday which was attended by over 500 party members. (Agencies)
Congress-led govt wasted time, energy by implementing dual post bill: titos chyne
Dimapur, Feb 20: While ruling out a categorical support to 'Naga Peace Accord,' the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi today assured that it would support the same if the "the contents of the agreement were in the interest of the Nagas, Northeast and the Nation."According to a press communiqué from the Media Cell of the Chief Minister's Office, Nagaland, the Congress President stated this when she met the delegation of Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislator's Forum (JLF) on Naga Political Issue who called on her on February 19. Member of Parliament to Lok
Sabha, Neiphiu Rio was also part of the delegation. "We are not privy to the contents of the Naga peace accord and we cannot give a blank cheque of support as of now," the Congress chief told the delegation. According to the communiqué, Sonia Gandhi in the course of interaction admitted that the Government at the Centre has so far kept the country in the "dark about the contents, nature and status of the peace dialogues."She, however, expressed solidarity with the Naga people for the need to find an amicable, honourable and permanent peace in the State
Congress President, Sonia Gandhi is seen along with the delegation of 'Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislator's Forum (JLF) on Naga Political Issue' in this photo released by Chief Minister's Office
and the region.The delegation also told the Congress chief that the JLF comprising of leaders of all political parties in the State was formed last year to project a "common front and voice of the representatives of the people of Nagaland" on the urgency to solve the protracted Naga po-
litical problem. The delegation also pointed out to her that it was her party's Government at the Centre in 1992 which recognized the Naga problem as a national problem which requires a political solution, and not a military solution Further justifying the for-
mation of "Oppositionless Government" in the State, the JLF explained to her that it was created to "give a more cohesive, more concerted voice and views on the Naga political problem.""The merger of the Congress party legislators with the NPF was solely for the purpose of finding an early solution to the Naga political problem and not because of any other exigency," the delegation
Centre has kept the country dark about the contents, nature and status of the peace dialogues. Assures to support the 'Naga Peace Accord' if the contents of the agreement were in the interest of the Nagas, Northeast and the Nation'
Governor's address to the State Legislative Assembly 24x7 power supply by March 2017 assured Imphal, Feb 20 : Addressing the 13th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Governor V Shanmuganathan today laid down the agenda of the State Government for all round development and delivery of good governance to the people residing in both the hills and valley.It is along this line that the people will get 24*7 power supply from by March 2017, added the Governor. 'Equitable and inclusive development, with secular ideals, has been the guiding values of my Government,' said the Governor.Drawing the roadmap to make Manipur a peaceful and prosperous State with all communities living harmoniously, the Governor stressed on harnessing the potential benefits of the Act East Policy of the Government of India and detailed the policy and programmes of the State Government.The Governor said that by March 2016, the people shall be getting better power throughout the day and added that efforts are on to provide 24*7 power supply by March 2017 ."I am happy to inform that the earlier constraint faced
Governor's address to the State Legislative Assembly
by Manipur in drawing power through inter-State transmission line has been removed with the operationalization of 400 KV D/C Transmission Line (initially charged at 132 KV) from Silchar to Imphal during March 2015," he added.In view of the quantum of future power demand, State Government has taken up construction of a new 400/ 132 KV Sub-station at Thoubal Khunou.In the past 1-2 years, a number of 132 KV, 33 KV Power Sub Stations have been constructed and made operational in power deficient areas of the State, informed the Governor. The security environment in Manipur has been extremely delicate since the last few decades, ob-
served the Governor and added that the State police has been able to keep the law and order situation under control and maintain public order despite various constraints, said the Governor.Manipur Police, with the help of the Army/CPMF/AR, has been able to curb the activities of the UGs to a large extent. The Manipur Fire Department continues to serve the people of Manipur and save precious lives and preserve valuable properties.The State Government has sanctioned for opening of new 6 (six) Fire Sub-Stations at Noney in Tamenglong district, Saikul & Tadubi in Senapati district, Yairipok & Wangjing in Thoubal district and
Nambol in Bishnupur district and creation of 126 posts in different categories for the SubStations.Video conferencing facility between Jail and on line Courts will be installed shortly at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal and Sajiwa, he added. On planning and State finances, the Governor informed the House that inspite of pressure on Government resources due to restructuring of seven Central assistance to the State Plan, the State Government has been able to maintain a stable fiscal environment.The year 2014-15 closed with a fiscal deficit of (-) 3.7% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), he said and added that the State Government has been successful in reducing the outstanding fiscal liabilities relative to GSDP which have consistently declined from over 60% in 2010-11 to 45% in 2014-15 . The 14th Finance Commission gave an unfavourable dispensation to Manipur, he said and detailed that the total revenue transfer to the State under the 14th FC Award
is Rs 35,105 crore for the period 2015-20 .This is much below the actual required projection of Rs 43,731 crore proposed by the State Government under Non-Plan alone."Though our resources are limited, there is need to step up public expenditure to sustain the growth momentum posing a major challenge to fiscal management in the near term," he added. The Governor also gave the gist of Food and Civil Supplies, Education, Agriculture and Allied Sector and Natural Resources, Forest, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Irrigation, Horticulture and Soil Conversation, Pisciculture, Justice Delivery, Health and Family Welfare, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Public Works and Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Infrastructure, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Social Welfare, Minorities' Welfare, Labour Welfare/ Employment, Commerce and Industries, Information Technology, Transport and Connectivity, Youth Affairs and Sports, Art and Culture, Tourism, Economics and Statistics, Election and Publicity. (Agencies)
CM tables budget estimates Imphal,Feb 20: Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also in charge of Finance Department today tabled the budget estimates for 2016-17.Whereas the total receipts of fund is estimated at Rs 10499.83 crore, the Chief Minister proposed a total expenditure of Rs 10518.05 crore. Ibobi claimed that his Government has been able to contain the average fiscal deficit at 3.6 per cent of the Gross Sate Domestic Product (GSDP) during the last five years.Out of the total 10518.05 expenditure estimates for 2016-17, Rs 5948.26 crore is for Non-Plan and Rs 4569.78 for Plan which includes Rs 2768.83 crore under Central Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Central Plan Schemes (CPS).The non-plan expenditure includes salary expenditure of Rs 2838 crore, Rs 1091.15 crore for payment of pension and Rs 475 crore for payment of interest, among others.Ibobi stated that the budget estimates of Rs 4569.78 crore under plan also include the Central share for CSS for taking up various developmental activities. Out of this, Rs 2768.83 crore is Central share for CSS and CPS. The State Plan will be financed to the extent of 57 per cent by the Central Plan Assistance. The balance would be met by bud-
getary borrowings which includes borrowings from public account and net resources available from State's own resources, share in Central taxes and revenue deficit grant from the Centre.Stating that the State Government has been working relentlessly to provide power supply round the clock, Ibobi informed the House that 3.5 lakh prepaid meters would be installed so that majority of the power consumers are brought under the efficient (bill) collection systems. Manipur has the lowest infant mortality rate in the country. "We will continue to accord high priority to this critical sector. Expansion of JNIMS constitutes an important element of our strategy to strengthen our health infrastructure. An amount of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for construction of an Accident Trauma Centre (ATC) at JNIMS in 2015-16 and an amount of Rs 2300 lakh has been earmarked during the ensuing fiscal year for construction of 150 capacity resident doctors' (boys) hostel at JNIMS", Ibobi stated.He informed that works on construction of district hospitals for Imphal East and West have begun.For augmentation of road connectivity, an amount of Rs 125.24 crore has been
Manipur Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh provided towards roads and bridges including other transport infrastructure during 2016-17. Tourism and culture are the sectors where the State has immense potential. An amount of Rs 33.67 crore has been provided for infrastructure development for destination and circuit at different tourist centres, and adequate allocation has been made for providing tourism infrastructure in and around Imphal City.Adequate allocation has been made for setting up of Cultural University, construction of cultural complex at Palace Compound, and for setting up of the Manipur Film Institute.Due importance has also been accorded to all round development and reducing regional imbalance between hill and valley. A number of im-
told the Congress Chief.After giving a "patient hearing," she reportedly assured her party's support in the Parliament "as and when" the Bill comes up for discussion "if it was in the interest of the Nagas, the Northeast and the nation."The JLF delegation left Delhi this afternoon and will be meeting the All India Trinamool Congress leader at Kolkata tomorrow, informed the CMO. (Agencies)
portant projects have been taken up with fund under NLCPR and NEC. Under NEC, installation of 2×20 MVA, 132 KV sub-station along with associated lines & related works at Thoubal, installation of 2X5 MVA, 33 KV substation along with lines & related works at Mayangkhang, Mao and Senapati, improvement of Bishnupur-Nungba road, improvement of Tamenglong -Tamei road, Kangpokpi-Tamei road, Composite Water Supply scheme for Mualnuam and Songtal of Churachandpur district have been taken up.
continued.Priority has been given to development of link roads, suspension bridges, construction of school buildings, community halls, public toilets, solar lighting, water supply, community centres, and development of playgrounds, capacity building and skill development. About Rs 43 crore has been provided for completion of Tribal Areas Inclusive Growth Infrastructure Project in 27 blocks under Phase-II. "During the ensuing fiscal year, we will continue to give the highest emphasis to infrastructure spending, both social and "With the assistance of Rs economic, such as power, 1536.24 crore under roads, irrigation, educaNLCPR from the Ministry tion, health etc. of DoNER, we have taken up 163 projects of which Adequate State's share to 110 projects costing Rs the extent of Rs 275 crore 767.35 crore are com- has been provided in pleted. Remaining 53 2016-17 for important projects are in good Centrally funded flagship progress with the balance programmes. The total of fund amounting to Rs outstanding debt is pro768.90 crore. Most of the jected at 39.41 % of the projects taken up under GSDP during 2016-17", NLCPR are located in the concluded the Chief Minhill districts", Ibobi ister. (Agencies)
Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also in charge of Finance Department today tabled the budget estimates for 201617.Whereas the total receipts of fund is estimated at Rs 10499.83 crore, the Chief Minister proposed a total expenditure of Rs 10518.05 crore
Construction of 'Times Square' like Polo market begins Shillong, Feb 20: Construction work for the Polo market project has begun .Government officials informed that the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) is the implementing agency for the project.The Union Ministry of Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation has earmarked Rs 23 crore for the project.It was a big relief for the government when the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and the East Khasi Hills district administration demolished several shops in Polo market in accordance with the High Court of Meghalaya verdict passed in favour of the State government on April 24 last year paving way for the construction of the shopping complex.The officials said that no deadline has been fixed for the project but added that the project will take more than 18 months to be completed. The government plans to develop a beautiful shopping complex extending till the Polo junction and an extensive master plan has been prepared for the same. Earlier, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had expressed the State government's intention of building a 'Times Square like' structure at the proposed shopping complex at Polo market.However, officials said that the department would require additional land for the project and added that at the moment, the NBCC would re-develop the place into a modern market.The officials also said that the department will give first preference to those shopkeepers who had been evicted from the old Polo market. (Agencies)
School girl, two others shot at in Mnp Imphal, Feb 20 : Suspected insurgents shot at and wounded three people, including a school girl, in Manipur on Friday, police sources said. Yumnam Suraj, a school van driver, was at a restaurant at Wangkhei in Imphal east district when three youths stormed the place, asked the driver some questions and then shot him. The girl, hailing from Churachandpur district and studying in Imphal, was with him when she was shot at in the arm. On hearing the gunshots, Romila, the owner's wife rushed out to intervene. The suspected rebels shot her three times in the chest from close range. She is battling for life in a hospital. The sources said the driver had brought the girl to the restaurant. The driver maintained that he and the girl did nothing objectionable, but the sources said that they were "dancing". The driver could not explain why he had brought the girl to the place.The incident comes after some outlawed underground organisations issued a public warning not to indulge in immoral activities. Locals had burned down some restaurants, claiming they were being used as love nest. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
PAGE 6
Court excuses Sonia, Rahul from appearing in Herald case New Delhi,Feb 20:Following a Supreme Court directive, a trial court on Saturday exempted Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vicepresident Rahul Gandhi from physically appearing in the National Herald case while granting bail to Sam Pitroda, one of the accused in the case. Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen granted bail to Pitroda after he appeared before him asking him to furnish a personal bond of Rs.50,000 and a surety of like amount. The Gandhis and other
accused- Congress treasurer Motilal Vora, Gandhis' family friend Suman Dubey, another party leader Oscar Fernandes were granted bail on February 4 after they appeared before the court. All were asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs.50, 000 and a surety of like amount respectively. On February 12, the apex court exempted the Gandhis and others from personal appearances, noting their presence in the trial court would cause more inconve-
criminal proceedings against the accused and expunged all adverse observations, inferences and conclusions by the high court.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi nience than convenience. lenge the Delhi High The court also fixed Court order refusing to March 21 for further quash summons issued hearing of the case. against them in the The Gandhis had moved case.Later, the SC rethe Apex court to chal- fused to put on hold
The Gandhis appeared before Metropolitan Magistrate Loveleen in a trial court on December 19 after the Delhi High Court dismissed their plea to quash the summons issued to them by the trial court on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy's complaint. (Agencies)
Following a Supreme Court directive, a trial court on Saturday exempted Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi from physically appearing in the National Herald case while granting bail to Sam Pitroda, one of the accused in the case
Jat stir: Protestors set Jat protests: Worried Kejriwal talks to Rajnath, Khattar Jhajjar railway station afire, 700 train services affected New Delhi, Feb 20 : Jat protesters seeking reservation today set on fire Jhajjar railway station as violence spread to more areas in the neighbouring Haryana. According to Northern Railway official, yesterday, a halt station near Sonipat was also set ablaze and tracks have
been damaged at several places by the agitating protesters. Services of more than 700 trains have been disrupted due to the ongoing Jat agitation in the state. According Northern Railway official, "The agitation has affected train services in the Northern. (Agencies)
New Delhi,Feb 20: Concerned by the ongoing Jat stir affecting the national capital's water supply, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today discussed the issue with Home Minister Rajnath Singh as well as Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.In a series of tweets, Kejriwal said both Singh and Khattar have assured him that army is being sent to Munak canal - a primary source of water for Delhi that was blocked by protesters on Friday.
"Spoke to Rajnath ji also and apprised him of grave situation. He has assured that army is being sent to Munak canal," Kejriwal tweeted.He also spoke to Khattar.
"He (Khattar) has assured that he will immediately send army to ensure safety of Munak canal," Kejriwal said.On Friday, Delhi Jal Board official said: "Some of the protesters forcibly shut the gates at the inlet of the Munak Canal for a few hours. This partially affected supply to five of
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
the DJB's water treatment plants at Haiderpur, Nangloi, Okhla, Bawana and Dwarka."Protests by members of the Jat community demanding reser-
vation in government jobs under the OBC quota continued to spiral on Saturday as they blocked roads and rail routes, hitting the supplies of essential commodities to Rohtak, Jind, Bhiwani and other parts of Haryana.The army conducted a flag march in Bhiwani after Jat agitators turned violent and shoot at sight orders were issued in the two districts. The agitation also turned violent in Rohtak with petrol pumps and shops set on fire, reports said. (Agencies)
JNU row: Lookout WHO dispels rumors about Zika notice issued for 3 and microcephaly youths
Delhi Police has issued look-out notice for three youths in connection with the controversial event at JNU last week
New Delhi, Feb 20: Delhi Police has issued look-out notice for three youths in connection with the controversial event at JNU last week in which anti-India slogans were allegedly raised.The police communicated the matter to the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO), asking them to alert airport authorities so that the three suspects, believed to be JNU students, do not leave the country. Following this, the lookout notice was issued on
Friday, a police source said. The three have been identified as the main conspirators in connection with the event, over which a case of sedition was registered and JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested, the source said.The police tracked the youths' call details post February 9 till the day their phones were found to be switched off. Investigators have also recorded statements of more than a dozen JNU students who were witnesses, he said. (Agencies)
Delhi Police has issued look-out notice for three youths in connection with the controversial event at JNU last week.
Britain's interior minister May says in national interest to stay in EU London, Feb 20 : Britain's Interior Minister Theresa May said today that it was in the country's interest to remain a member of the European Union. The comments come as senior ministers meet to endorse an EU deal clinched by Prime Min-
ister David Cameron which the government hopes will persuade Britons to vote in favour of remaining in the world's largest trading bloc."The EU is far from perfect, and no one should be in any doubt that this deal must be part of an ongoing process of change and reform," May. (Agencies)
Beijing,Feb 20:While the Zika virus is spreading explosively in the Americas, where an increasing number of microcephaly cases are being reported, rumours about the virus and microcephaly are also swirling.The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday issued a statement, dispelling the four biggest rumours around the mosquitoborne virus and microcephaly .Rumour Number One: Microcephaly in babies is caused by vaccines.
There is no evidence that vaccines cause microcephaly in babies, the WHO said. The statement added that there is no evidence linking any vaccine to the increase in microcephaly cases that were observed first in French Polynesia during the 2013-2014 outbreaks and more recently in Brazil.Meanwhile, an extensive review of the lit-
erature published in 2014 found no evidence that any vaccine administered during pregnancy resulted in birth defects. The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety reached a similar conclusion in 2014. Rumour Number Two: Pyriproxyfen insecticide causes microcephaly A team of WHO scientists found no evidence that pyriproxyfen affects the course of pregnancy or the development of a foetus, after they recently reviewed data on the toxicology of pyriproxyfen.The US Environmental Protection Agency and EU investigators reached a similar conclusion when they carried out a separate review of the product.Pyriproxyfen, one of the 12 larvicides that WHO recommends to reduce the development of mosquitos, has been used since the late 1990s without being linked to microcephaly.In places
with no piped water, people tend to store drinking water in outdoor containers, which serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos.Larvicides are often used in those containers to kill the mosquito in its larval stage.When people drink water from containers that have been treated with pyriproxyfen, they are exposed to the larvicide - but in tiny amounts that do not harm their health.Moreover, 9095 percent of any larvicide ingested is excreted into the urine within 48 hours. Rumour Number Three: The Zika outbreak and recently increasing microcephaly cases in Brazil are linked to the release of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in the country.The WHO said there is no evidence that the Zika virus disease or microcephaly in Brazil is caused by GM mosquitoes. The transgenic practice is a new means to control mosquitoes, in which
the genes of male mosquitoes are modified and their larval offspring cannot survive after they mate with female mosquitoes.Currently, the WHO encouraged affected countries to boost the use of current mosquito control interventions and judiciously test the new approaches that could be applied in the future. Rumour Number Four: Sterilized male mosquitoes contribute to the spread of Zika. The WHO noted that the sterilized mosquito is also a technique to control the spreading of diseases by mosquitoes. It uses low doses of radiation to sterilize male mosquitoes and the eggs laid by their female mating partners cannot survive. The organisation said there was no evidence that the technique has been associated with increases in microcephaly cases or other human anomalies or defects. (Agencies)
Severe tropical cylone Winston, with average winds of 220 kilometres (136 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 315 kilometres per hour, was forecast to hit the main island Viti Levu overnight Saturday, according to the
Fiji meteorological office.The storm brushed by the more northerly island of Vanua Levu on Saturday afternoon, with unconfirmed reports of trees felled and roofs blown off houses. "I've never seen such a strong cyclone as this one in 60 years," local resident Zalim Hussein told ."This is a monster cyclone, without doubt the strongest we've ever experienced. We're all very scared and hope it goes away quickly."National Disaster Management director Akapusi Tuifagalele told the Fijilive website that 758 evacuation centres had been prepared in the nation of about 900,000.Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia and Jetstar all cancelled flights to the
holiday hotspot, which is a popular destination for Australians and New Zealanders. "Our team of meteorologists and safety experts have been closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Winston and have determined that conditions are not suitable for flying in or out of Nadi, Fiji," Virgin Australia said in a statement.The government imposed a nationwide curfew on Saturday night, with Bainimarama saying conditions would be too dangerous for residents to venture outside."I ask parents to be especially careful of the young and the elderly," he said."Do not allow anyone to go outside during the storm itself. The threat of being hit by flying debris is extremely high."
Chandigarh, Feb 20:The Haryana Police on Saturday said instances of violence have come down in the city and efforts are being made to control the agitation Jat protestors demanding reservations. "The instances of violence have come down. We are trying hard to control violence. We have called army and paramilitary forces," Haryana DGP Y.P. Singhal said. The agitation began as Jats are demanding reservation for the community in government jobs and educational institutions. The protestors are not
blocking roads everywhere, at some place people are responding in a peaceful way after talking to police and authorities, Singhal said at a press conference. He said that blockades have been opened at many places after discussions with the agitators."Would request elders of the Jat community to discourage the youth from protesting and stop them from moving towards cities," DGP said. "Flag march is underway in affected areas. I am sure the situation will normalise soon," Singhal added. (Agencies)
North Korea Fires Artillery Rounds near Border with South
North Korea fired a few artillery rounds during an apparent military drill near a frontline island
Seoul,Feb 20: North Korea fired a few artillery rounds during an apparent military drill near a frontline island on Saturday, a military spokesman from the South said, as tensions run high following nuclear and missile tests by Pyongyang.The incident also comes days after the South said it would conduct its largest-ever annual joint military exercises with the United States next month, which usually causes a spike in cross-border friction. "The North Korean army fired a few artillery rounds" at around 07:20 am (2220 GMT Friday) from an artillery battery at Jangsangot promontory on its southern coast near the disputed sea border be-
tween the two Koreas, a defence ministry statement said. "North Korea is believed to have conducted a military drill" north of the sea border, it said.As a precautionary measure, however, the South urged residents on Baengnyeongdo island to prepare to go into shelters and fishing vessels at sea to return to nearby ports, it said.Currently, the North Korean army shows no signs of engaging in any further provocative activities, it added.In 2010, the North shelled Yeonpyeong island near Baengnyeongdo, killing four people, in response to a live-fire drill conducted by the South near the disputed sea border. (Agencies)
Arrest warrant against Musharraf in murder case
Islamabad,Feb 20:Pakistani court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against former president Pervaiz Musharraf in a murder case.A session judge on Saturday issued the warrant and directed authorities to produce Musharraf before court on March 16 in the murder of fundamentlist Ghazi Abdul Rasheed during the seige of the Lal Masjid here in 2007. Winston has been moving The court also dismissed around the South Pacific for a week, skirting around Vanuatu and Tonga and has previously taken aim at Fiji before veering away. Cyclones are common in the South Pacific and their impact is notoriously difficult to predict, with major storms capable of causing major devastation but sometimes blowing themselves out with relatively little damage. The UN humanitarian agency UNOCHA said it was ready to support the disaster management office if required.Winston had the Salman Khan potential to bring "destructive winds, heavy rains, dangerous storm New Delhi, Feb 20: The surge and a high risk of Supreme Court has isboth flash and river flood- sued a notice to actor ing", UNOCHA said in a Bollywood Salman Khan in connecstatement. (Agencies)
Flight Cancelled As Powerful Cyclone Bears Down On Fiji Fiji,Feb 20: Fiji warned residents to brace for an onslaught on Saturday as a category five superstorm bears down on the Pacific island nation, with international flights cancelled and evacuation centres activated."As a nation, we are facing an ordeal of the most grievous kind," Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said in a national address."We must stick together as a people and look after each other. Be alert and be prepared."
Trying hard to control violence: Haryana Police
Musharraf's plea for permanent exemption from appearing in the case.The former president has never appeared before the court during 55 hearings of the case.The three-day standoff in July 2007 at the Lal Masjid claimed scores of lives, including of students and security personnel. The chief cleric's brother, Ghazi Abdul Rasheed was among those killed in the operation. (Agencies)
SC issues notice to Salman in 2002 hitand-run case tion with the 2002 hitand-run case in which one person was killed and four others were injured. The apex court ordered the issuance of notices on plea filed by the Maharashtra Government challenging the actor' s a c q u i t t a l b y the Bombay High Court in the case. Salman was acquitted of all charges in the case by the High C o u r t l a s t y e a r. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
PAGE 7
NEIGHBOURS
India, Nepal hold delegation-level talks DMP: Tight security New Delhi, Feb 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli led delegation-level talks here on Saturday, the second day of the latter's six-day visit to India. "Deliberating the details of a deep-rooted relationship PM Narendra modi and POM K.P. Sharma Pli lead delegation talks," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup stated on Twitter. The talks got underway after a meeting between Modi and Oli at Hyderabad House here.
This is the first bilateral visit by a prime minister from the Himalayan nation since 2011 when Baburam Bhattarai visited India. In 2014, then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala visited India for the swearing-in ceremony of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
Government wants to maintain partnership with China
Nepali woman deported from Sri Lanka reported missing
Colombo,Feb 20:The Government says it wants to maintain its strong partnership with China while also having economic agreements with other countries.Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that there has been a general perception that Sri Lanka is extremely sensitive to investments from China.He said that China has been an aggressive partner and Sri Lanka wants to continue with that partnership. But he said Sri Lanka also wants to open its markets for more European investments and this has been made possible as a result of the commitments the Government has made on the human rights issue. The Finance Minister expressed these views while speaking to the business community in Austria where President Maithripala Sirisena is currently on a two day visit.Speaking further the Minister said that Sri Lanka can be a hub for investors looking at markets in India."We little Sri Lanka have the access into India," he noted.He said that investors can setup their manufacturing plants in Sri Lanka and have access to the Indian markets with better logistics. (Agencies)
Pakistani Marines capture 40 Indian fishermen off Gujarat Ahmedabad, Feb 20: Pakistan's marine security agency captured at least seven Indian fishing boats and 40 fishermen off Gujarat's Jakhau port in the Arabian Sea. National Fish Workers' Forum secretary Manish Lodhari said of the seven boats captured late on Thursday night, six are from the Okha port and one from Porbandar. He apprehended that many more boats might have been captured than reported so far. Pakistan marines had captured two Indian fishing boats and 12 fishermen on January 7, half a dozen boats and over 50 fishermen on January 25, 10 boats and 68 fishermen on December 20 and over a dozen boats and 60 fishermen in October last. (Agencies)
In August 2014, Modi paid a bilateral visit to Nepal, the first by an Indian prime minister in 17 years. Modi again went in November 2014 for
Kathmandu, Feb 20:A Nepali woman deported from Sri Lanka has been reported missing as she was not on the flight which reached Nepal. Malati BK, 38, was refused entry by the Sri Lankan immigration authorities and was deported from the country on February 7.She was placed on a ColomboKathmandu flight of Air India that was set to land at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) via New Delhi. After the flight arrived in Kathmandu, the staff of Air India handed over Malati's passport and a copy of her ticket to the immigration officers at the TIA, but she was not with them.Although Air India's passenger list
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli led delegation-level talks
the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) summit in Kathmandu. Earlier on Saturday, Oli was ac-
shows Malati as a passenger, she wasn't found at the TIA immigration, raising a serious question about the security systems deployed by the TIA and Air India.The immigration officers at TIA have sent her passport and ticket's copy to the Department of Immigration (DoI) for further investigation. The case has completely astounded the immigration officers at the DoI."The case looks very funny but is extremely serious one. It raises questions about the security systems at our immigration and of Air India," said an official in a condition of anonymity.The source hinted at the role of agents who take girls and women to Gulf and other
corded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was accorded a guard of honour. Fol-
lowing this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary. During the meeting, Oli told Sushma Swaraj that India and Nepal have a natural and civilisational relationship, according to Swarup. Oli's visit assumes significance as ties between the two South Asian neighbours in the last few months soured after the adoption of a new constitution in the Himalayan nation sparked violent protests in the country's southern plains. (Agencies)
A Nepali woman deported from Sri Lanka has been reported missing as she was not on the flight which reached Nepal.
destination countries. "There are high chances that Malati was sneaked out with the help of agents who are hand in gloves with immigration officers," added the source. Air India staff, which handed Malati's passport to the TIA Immigration Officers, have said
that she was in the flight from Delhi to Kathmandu and provided a copy of the record of passengers who boarded the flight to back their claim.According to the airlines staff, Malati ran away while she was being brought to the immigration counter from the flight.Once Nepali citi-
Oli's visit assumes significance as ties between the two South Asian neighbours in the last few months soured after the adoption of a new constitution in the Himalayan nation sparked violent protests in the country's southern plains.
zens are deported from any foreign countries, they are brought to the DoI for investigation. The DoI can even detain the deportees for a certain period of time for investigation.The DoI has formed a three-member committee to look into the case. "We are investigating the case of Malati to find her out through a committee. As of now, we can't say whether she had boarded the flight from Delhi or fled after landing at the TIA," said Director General at the DoI Kedar Neupane.Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the new transit points to traffic Nepali girls into Gulf and many other destination countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. (Agencies)
Chinese govt demands total loyalty from media Brijing,Feb 20: Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare, high-profile tour of the country's top three state-run media outlets on Friday, telling editors and reporters they must pledge absolute loyalty to the party and closely follow its leadership in "thought, politics and action."The remarks by Xi, also head of the ruling Communist Party, are the latest sign of the party's increasingly tighter control over all media and Xi's unceasing efforts to consolidate his
powers. Xi overshadowed the party's propaganda chief, Liu Yunshan, who accompanied him on his visits to the newsrooms of the party newspaper People's Daily, the official Xinhua News Agency and state broadcaster China Central Television. At CCTV, Xi was welcomed by a placard pledging loyalty to the party."The central television's family name is the party," the sign read, anticipating remarks made by Xi at a later meeting.
"The media run by the party and the government are the propaganda fronts and must have the party as their family name," Xi told the propaganda workers at the meeting during which he demanded absolute loyalty from state media."All the work by the party's media must reflect the party's will, safeguard the party's authority, and safeguard the party's unity," Xi said."They must love the party, protect the party, and closely align
themselves with the party leadership in thought, politics and action. " Willy Lam, an expert on elite Chinese politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said Xi is raising standards for the state media by requiring that they obey the will of the party's core leadership, which is increasingly defined by Xi himself in another sign of how he has accrued more personal authority than either of his last two predecessors."This is a
very heavy-handed ideological campaign to drive home the point of total loyalty to the party core," Lam said."On one hand, Xi's influence and power are now unchallenged, but on the other hand, there is a palpable degree of insecurity." Lam said Xi faces lurking challenges not only from within different party factions, but also from among a disaffected public, grown unhappy with the slowing economy and a recent stock market meltdown. (Agencies)
Myanmar activists say destruction of opium fields blocked Yangon,Feb 20: Antidrug activists said the military and local police are preventing them from destroying fields of opium poppies in northern Myanmar, a major cultivation area for the drug that can be made into heroin. The Pat Jasan group has more than 1,000 members engaged in the current eradication campaign and is affiliated with Christian churches of the Kachin ethnic minority. The effort it started in late January is opposed by farmers and militias that profit from drug trafficking. Three Pat Jasan activists have been injured by land mines and one 19year-old member has been shot dead. The group claims to have destroyed many acres (hectares) of poppies. They say they were told that the military would
Myanmar activists say destruction of opium fields blocked not provide security for any future attempts at clearing the poppies because Pat Jasan is not a registered organization. Myanmar is the world's second-biggest producer of opium after Afghanistan. Most opium is produced in Shan and Kachin states, and in Kachin state, drug use is especially common among the young and among migrants who scavenge the detritus from gem mines. The
area is part of the infamous Golden Triangle, the drug-producing area where the frontiers of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. The Myanmar government and local authorities in 1999 launched a 15-year plan to eliminate opium poppy cultivation, but last year the deadline was extended to 2019.Although there are accusations that the military has profited, the drug trade has flourished largely because of politi-
cal considerations. In some cases, ethnic minority groups fighting the government have helped finance their struggles through the drug trade, but in others the government has ignored the trade in exchange for ethnic militias' loyalty. Pat Jasan was formed two years ago when community anti-drug activists joined hands with the Kachin Baptist Convention, the state's most influential civil institution.The Pat group had been on its way to destroy poppy cultivation in SadonKambaiti, in northeastern Kachin state bordering China, when they
were stopped earlier this week in Wai Maw township outside the state capital Myitkyina. "All we wanted is to stop poppy production and drug addiction among young people," said Tang Gun, a leader of Pat Jasan."We are losing our society and this is why we are campaigning against poppy production." "We don't understand why we are banned from destroying poppies," he said. "The authorities should actually ban the poppies from being grown, not us. The poppy fields are in their area of control." (Agencies)
Anti-drug activists said the military and local police are preventing them from destroying fields of opium poppies in northern Myanmar, a major cultivation area for the drug that can be made into heroin
for all 21st Feb events
Tight security measures have been taken for all programmes centring Sunday's International Mother Language Day in the capital
Dhaka,Feb 20:Tight security measures have been taken for all programmes centring Sunday's International Mother Language Day in the capital, says Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia. Particularly four-tier security steps have been arranged around Central Shaheed Minar for peaceful observance of the event.The DMP commissioner briefed it to journalists during a visit in Shaheed Minar around 11:30am Saturday. Pointing at some media reports that BNP Chair-
person Khalade Zia's motorcade to Shaheed Minar could face obstruction, Asaduzzaman Mia said: "We are servant of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. It is our duty to arrange security for every citizen of the country. If anyone feels insecure, we will must ensure security for him/her following evaluating the intelligence reports in this regard."No criminal would be able to run any attacks on the Shaheed Minar premises by breaking their security arrangements, the DMP boss continued. (Agencies)
Pakistani investigation team likely to visit India next month Islamabad, Feb 20 : A team of Pakistani investigators is likely to visit India next month for collecting evidence relating to alleged involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the Pathankot airbase attack, the media reported on Saturday. "The investigation team's visit is expected," a senior diplomat told media, adding that dates for the visit were yet to be finalized. The registration of an FIR by the Counter-Terrorism Department of Punjab police on Friday has, however, paved the way for the visit of the six-member investigation team constituted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif weeks after the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station, part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force on January 2 that resulted in the death of
14 people - six attackers, seven security personnel and one civilian. The investigation team will visit the site of the attack and collect evidence related to Indian claim that the terrorist strike was planned in Pakistan and executed by a group of four who had crossed the border into Pathankot. The investigators will also meet officials of India's National Investigating Agency investigating the attack. India, a diplomatic source said, was ready to receive the Pakistani team and facilitate it in investigations. The decision regarding cooperation with Pakistan was taken at a meeting in Delhi presided over by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in which issues relating to the visit of the Pakistani team were discussed. (Agencies)
Pakistan troops kill five militants Islamabad, Feb 20: Pakistani security forces today killed at least five militants in a gunfight in a restive northwestern tribal district bordering Afghanistan, the military said.Troops encountered the militants near Ghalanai, the main town of Mohmand, one of the seven tribal border districts which have been home to AlQaeda and Taliban-led militants."Five terrorists were killed by security forces in Mohmand early morning today," a military statement said. Troops engaged the militants as they were planning a "terrorist activity", it said without elaborating, adding that the bodies were handed over to the local administration.The clash comes after Taliban militants killed at least nine policemen in two almost simultaneous attacks in Mohmand Wednesday. They killed seven police in an ambush on a checkpoint in Pandyali area of Mohmand and shot dead two more who were guarding a solar-powered tube well in Michni
area.Pakistan's army stepped up its offensive in the region after the Taliban's massacre of 153 people, mostly children, in Peshawar in December 2014, and killed or pushed hundreds of militants to Afghanistan. Overall, levels of militantlinked violence have dropped dramatically, with 2015 seeing the fewest deaths among civilians and security forces since 2007 - the year the Pakistani Taliban umbrella group was formed.But the threat posed by the Taliban remains, particularly in the northwest.Last month Taliban gunmen stormed a university in the northwestern town of Charsadda, killing 21 people in a chilling reminder of their ongoing ability to carry out occasional high-profile and brazen attacks.Pakistan's Islamist insurgency began after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, which led to a spillover of militants across the border and a surge in recruitment for Pakistani extremist groups. (Agencies)
PAGE 8
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Slouching Tiger, Roaring Dragon: How China Still Outpaces India Human resource development Need of the hour
Human Resource Development today deals with all aspects of human development whether they relate to poverty, gender discrimination, denial of human rights and liberty, impact of globalization and environmental concerns. The adult literacy rate in India as per UNDP Statistical Update 2008 was 65.2% which ranked India at 148 among 179 countries. As per the Human Development Report 2009, the Human Development Index (HDI) for India in 2007 was 0.612, placing it at 134th position in a list of 182 countries. The movement of HDI over the years from 2000 to 2007 in India and other selected countries show that improvement in HDI in India in recent years has been better than in several countries such as Brazil, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. However, adult literacy rate in 2007 was 66% in India as against 90% in Brazil, 90.8% in Sri Lanka and 92% in Indonesia. Also, the combined GER in education in 2007 was 61% in India as compared to 87.2% in Brazil and more than 68% in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Moreover, India's HDI rank is lower than its per capita GDP rank by six places, indicating that India's human development effort still needs to
catch up with the progress made in GDP per capita. The current challenges facing India with respect to HRD are to universalize secondary education and provide the right to education to all children, achieve full literacy for adults, upscale higher and technical education, and expand opportunities for vocational training. In addition, the Government is also faced with the challenges of drawing up inclusive plans to bridge regional, social, gender and economic disparities which would provide equality of opportunity as well as a productive and meaningful life for all. A related challenge is to ensure availability of funds for ensuring upgradation and strengthening of education infrastructure required to meet the desired objectives. The Government's aim is to increase the GER to 25% by 2016 and 30% by 2020. For this purpose, enrolments in universities and colleges need to be raised at an annual rate of 8.9% to reach 21 million by 201112. Over the past two decades, India has witnessed huge improvement in its HDI score from 0`410 in 1990 to 0`554 in 2012.But India is still counted among the countries having some of the lowest indicators of human development. In strong competitive environment in international trade prevailing today, that country will be a sure winner which has an efficient human resource cultivating new innovative ideas.
Rubber cultivation Needs to be boosted Rubber is traditionally grown in India in the hinterlands of the South West Coast comprising of the state of Kerala and adjoining Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Considering this fact, the expansion of rubber cultivation, which is of prime importance for setting up rubber production, has to take place mainly in non-traditional areas. Non-traditional areas so far identified as almost fully or marginally suitable for rubber cultivation are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, lower reaches of hills of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura excluding the other state of India. In modern world, the usage of rubberboth synthetic and natural-is innumerable. It is considered highly sustainable due to its renewable quality. The demand for natural rubber is high in the market. Asia produces the highest amount of natural rubber in the world. In India, Kerala is the largest producer of rubber followed by Tripura. The favourable climatic conditions found in the Northeast are suitable for the flourishing growth of rubber trees and nearly 4,50,000 hectares of the region's arable lands has already been marked for rubber farming. The commercial rubber plantation in the Northeast was introduced during the British colonial rule. Farmers in the regions are now fast realizing the economical viability of rubber cultivation and they have started growing these valuable cash crops on large scales. As per reports a perfect example could be seen at Dhoopcherra village in Tripura, where the Jhumia tribals are practicing rubber cultivation. In other states like Assam, farmers of Karbi Anglong and Gopalpara districts are enthusiastically taking up rubber cultivation on a big scale. Over 2,900 hectares of land in Gopalpara is under Rubber cultivation and it provides a source of livelihood to nearly 7,000 families. In 2007-08 Tripura had 41,165 hectares of land under rubber cultivation; Assam had 18,225, Meghalaya 6,838, Nagaland 2,697, Manipur 1,914, Mizoram 551 and Arunachal 458 hectares. To meet domestic demands, India has been importing rubber. Therefore, the government should give greater impetus to rubber cultivation in areas like Tripura. Tripura was now in a prominent place in rubber cultivation so the central government should provide all kinds of support to the state government and rubber growers as India's northeastern states are categorised as non-traditional areas for rubber cultivation.
In one critical area, China still has an overwhelming lead. India, it seems, is replac- ness. Business spending ing China as Asia's star accounts for more than economy. While China's three-quarters of China's growth has slipped below R&D spending. For India, 7 percent, new reports the figure is closer to onesuggest that India's third. Huawei leads the economy will expand by pack in China, but it is 7.6 percent in the fiscal hardly the only Chinese year ending in March. company investing in Leaving R&D. In aside the Andrew Kennedy 2 0 1 5 , accuracy China had of these figures, the pre- 301 companies among the occupation with growth world's top 2500 R&D rates has obscured an spenders, while India had equally important trend: 26. China is blowing India Against this backdrop, it away in technological in- should come as no surnovation. prise that China and India It starts with money. are on very different deChina now spends more velopmental paths. While than $200 billion on re- Chinese patent data are of search and development; dubious significance, for India, the figure is less China-based inventors are than $50 billion. The dis- tallying a growing number parity is not simply due to of overseas patents. OverChina's larger economy. all, Chinese firms have China devotes more than more than twice as many two percent of its GDP to patents in the United R&D - a greater share States as their Indian than in much of Europe. counterparts. Huawei In contrast, India has alone holds more than struggled for years to get 30,000 patents worldabove one percent. In fact, wide. the Indian figure has Scientific publishing barely changed since shows a similar trend. 1990, when the country's The latest data indicate that per capita output was less 13 percent of the most than a quarter of what it frequently cited science is today. and engineering papers inChina's surging invest- cluded an author from ment in R&D is not led by China. That was compagovernment but by busi- rable to the figures for
nese government has an unhelpful tendency to tell businesses where they should be investing. China's financial system steers too much capital to state enterprises and not enough to small private firms. The government's regulation of the stock market obviously has a long way to go.
university system. India also boasts a critical mass of tech-savvy, Englishspeaking professionals who integrate easily into global innovation networks. Since 2010, in fact, U.S. firms have spent more on R&D in India than in China, thanks to investments in software in particular.
gratulate themselves on their country's newfound economic stardom, they'd be well advised to think long and hard about India's place in the increasingly global knowledge economy. In that regard, India isn't catching up to China, but falling further behind.
For sure, India has its strengths. Its political system is naturally more conducive to free and open debate, although this has not translated into a strong
Despite these caveats, China is emerging much faster than India as a source of innovation and knowledge creation. So before Indian leaders con-
Andrew Kennedy is Senior Lecturer in the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. Follow him on Twitter at @andybkennedy.
Will I be called anti national, Mr. Prime Minister, for expressing my dissent against your government? The Indian government is at are supposed to be the idenwar with college campus tity of the JNU campus. Stuactivists across the country. dents debate openly and Ever since Narendra Modi challenge established nobecame the prime minister of tions. the country almost two The government now quesyears ago, his government tions this openness and freehas launched a concerted dom-the very democratic attempt to stifle liberal voices right of dissent-in the name in the counof nationaltry. His main Sanjay Kumar ism. It's not targets have that such been India's questioning universities, which have his- has taken place on the camtorically been liberal and pus for the first time: Anysecular playgrounds. one who has studied in The latest victim of this ideo- Delhi and has been part of logical crusade is the New the university culture in the Delhi-based Jawaharlal city can vouch for the culNehru university (JNU), a ture of non-conformism prestigious and much- across the JNU campus, sought-after educational in- which was built in 1960s to stitution. The president of promote higher education in the JNU student's union India. Kanhaiya Kumar has been arrested under sedition The Hindu right-wing govcharges and senior minis- ernment, which has never ters of the ruling Bharatiya found any considerable Janata Party (BJP) govern- foothold on the campus, is ment have termed his voice trying to infiltrate this basof dissent on the university's tion of liberalism and free campus as "anti-national." thought by using the might It all started last week, when of the state. The academic a group of JNU students life of the campus is now in held an event to commemo- a complete state of paralyrate the hanging of Afzal sis, with students and teachGuru, a convicted terrorist ers alike out on the streets in the 2001 attack on India's demanding the release of the parliament who was hanged student union president. to death in 2013. According In a hard-hitting article a to the reliable sources inside writer writes that "we are livthe campus, some Kashmiri ing under a government students shouted anti-India that is both rabidly malign slogans when members of and politically incompetent. the BJP's student wing, It is using nationalism to Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi crush constitutional patrioParishad (ABVP), provoked tism, legal tyranny to crush them and claimed undis- dissent, political power to puted rights over Kashmir. settle petty scores, and adThese sorts of clashes of ministrative power to deideas and points of views stroy institutions."
He further adds that "make no mistake: the purpose of such a use of state power is to put all defenders of liberty, all radical critics of the state, on the defensive. Its purpose is to make traitors of all of us." A similar form of interference by the ruling party at a university in Hyderabad forced Rohith Chakravarthi Vemula, a PhD student, to suicide. A student from the dalit community, a highly marginalized social group in
mier universities in south has injected a deep sense of fear among students. Similarly, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), a major center for art and film-making, has been under sustained attack by the Modi government over the many months. The government intends to control the free-thinking, liberal culture in the institute and wants to promote Hindu nationalism in the academy, which has produced many
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Source: ndtvimg India, he was denied a scholarship and his admission was terminated on the ground that he was questioning the beliefs and values of the Hindu religion. The central education minister, Smriti Irani, acting on the complaint of the ABVP, humiliated him to the point that he took his own life. This blatant interference in the internal affairs of one of the pre-
well-known artists over the last five decades. The rightwing BJP wants the FTII to be headed by Gajendra Chauhan, whose sole claim to fame is his proximity to the ruling party. Never before in its decades-long history has the institute been headed by a person of such limited artistic accomplishments; it was always mentored by leading
film personalities who have proven credentials in the world of art and film. The BJP government's intolerance towards liberal India is also seen in a range of other issues, including its ban on beef, attack on rationalist writers, campaign against socalled "love jihad" and its blatant attempt to rewrite history. Many of these campaigns have come together to resemble a concerted campaign against India's Muslim minority. Modi received a historic mandate in 2014 after he ran promising good governance and economic development, but more than 20 months into his tenure, the predominant narrative of the government is no longer about development. Instead, the government is more focused on implementing a divisive agenda at the behest of the BJP and its patron organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Modi promised a government that would take everyone under its wings, but he has let loose deeply divisive forces, both inside and outside his party. The latest incident at JNU has shocked Indian society and seriously raised questions about the intentions of the government. Ever since the BJP came to power, it has been at war with those who do not subscribe to its rightwing Hindu ideology. It terms anyone who raises
Stagnant NRC
Neither irony or sarcasm is argument. Samuel Butler
Strength lies in differences, not in similarities. Stephen Covey
Image for graphical representation only. Source: albertoforchielli
Modi's New Mantra: 'If You're Not With Me, You're Anti-National'
QUOTES There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles. Stephen Covey
Germany and England, and more than double China's total between 2004 and 2008. India's share of highly cited papers has risen as well, but only to two percent. While China has become known for a nationalistic approach to technology and innovation, it looms much larger than India in global scientific collaboration. The latest data indicate that 16 percent of U.S. academic science and engineering articles with a foreign co-author had one from China. China's total was higher than that of every other country in the world, including longstanding collaboration leaders like the United Kingdom and Germany. India's share of the total has grown as well, but only to three percent. China has its weaknesses, to be sure. One recent study estimated that Japan was nearly five times as efficient as China at converting innovation inputs (money and well-educated labor) into innovation outputs such as patents. China's treatment of foreign firms, including rampant intellectual property theft, is alienating some of the world's most innovative companies. The Chi-
Source: axomlive
Sir, We rightly anticipated about a foregone conclusion. It is reported in a section of the Press that the abnormal increase in population in certain districts of Assam renders the task of update of NRC almost stagnant, as manifested by the helpless submission of the co-ordinating officers responsible for working out the NRC before the apex court. Much to the dislike of the AAMSU, who play the pivotal role as the messiah of the dubious citizens supported by certain national parties, we have been harping on the same string that the task of finalizing a correct NRC would not be an easy one given the fact that umpteen numbers of the dubious illegal settlers covertly helped by certain politicians go all out to substantiate their authenticity as a bonafide Indian citizen. Why do they choose only Assam? Why not other states of India? There must be a tacit mission in liaison with a national political party of
Assam, the said party's members since independence, never want that Assam should remain as an integral part of India. Had there not been a timely and emphatic exertion of 'Bharat Ratna', Lokapriya Gopi Nath Bordoloi who could convince Mahatma Gandhi, to-day, Assam would have been a part of Bangladesh. Some politicians with nefarious outlook still harbor that hope by tacitly helping infiltration. Be that as it, we appeal through your esteemed daily to the Government of India, to direct NRC officials not to accept any PRC or Birth Certificate produced by these dubious citizens from other states of North east, mainly Nagaland and to arrange for verification of each and every document of these citizens that include among others is the admit card of SEBA. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
a dissenting voice as "anti national." The JNU episode is a classic case of how the government wants to control the political discourse of the country. It reveals how the government is desperate to stifle all liberal voices who would dare question the right wing narrative. The irony in the JNU case is that the BJP, which terms all those who question Afzal Guru's hanging as antinational, has been sharing power with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir, which hails the Kashmiri separatist as a hero. The BJP has so far failed to inject dynamism into the economy and introduce long-promised structural reforms. By peddling the narrative of nationalism, the Hindu right-wing group wants to polarize Indian politics and continue to win elections across the country. By empowering the forces of political belligerence, the Modi regime is trying to hide its own failures on the economic front. The prime minister's political actions prove his critics right that he cannot come out of his sectarian mindset. Despite being the prime minister of India for almost two years, he continues to polarize the Indian society.
Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing.
Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
JOBS & career
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
IOCL, Bongaigaon Refinery Trade/ Technician Apprentice Recruitment Last Date: 15/03/2016. Applications are invited from candidates meeting following qualification and other parameters for engagement as apprentice at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bongaigaon Refinery in the trade/disciplines mentioned below. 1. Trade Apprentice/ Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant), Discipline-Chemical No of post: 25 2. Trade Apprentice (Fitter), Discipline-Mechanical No of post: 10 3. Trade Apprentice (Boiler), Discipline-Mechanical No of post: 5 4. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Chemical No of post: 25 5. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Mechanical No of post: 15 6. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Electrical No of post:10 7. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Instrumentation No of post: 5
CRPF Recruitment 2016 - Apply Online for 229 Asst Sub Inspector Posts Directorate General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India has published notification for the recruitment of 229 Assistant Sub Inspector (Steno) vacancies. Eligible candidates may apply online from 01-02-2016 to 01-03-2016. Other information like educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below‌ CRPF Vacancy Details: Total No. of Posts: 229 Name of the Posts: Assistant Sub Inspector (Steno) 1. General: 78 Posts 2. OBC: 75 Posts 3. SC: 46 Posts 4. ST: 30 Posts Age Limit: Candidates age limit should be between 18 to 25 years as on 01-03-2016. Relaxation of age will be applicable up to 05 years for SC/ ST and 03 years for OBC candidates & other relaxation details refer the notificaton. Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent from a Board or University recognised by Central or State Government. Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on written examination, PST, skill test, medical examination. Application Fee: Candidates should pay Rs. 100/- by online mode through net banking, creadit/ debit card/ SNI Challan. Application fee will be exempted to SC, ST, ex servicemen & women candidates. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.crpfindia.com from 01-02-2016 to 01-03-2016. Instructions to Apply Online: 1. Before applying online candidates should have valid e mail id & contract number. 2. Candidates should scan their photograph & signature. 3. Log on the website www.crpfindia.com. 4. Click on New Registration & read all instructions. 5. Click on Yes Button & Fill all the details. 6. Take a print out of online application for future use. Important Dates: Starting Date for Apply Online: 01-02-2016. Last Date for Apply Online: 01-03-2016.
IOCL, Digboi Refinery Jr. Engineering Assistant Recruitment Last Date: 26/02/2016. Applications are invited from Indian Nationals fulfilling the eligibility criteria for the under mentioned posts in the pay scale of Rs 11,900-32,000 at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (Assam Oil Division), Digboi Refinery. 1. Jr. Engg. Asstt-IV (Production) - Chemical No of posts: 8 Educational Qualification: 3 (three) Years regular full time Diploma in Chemical/ Refinery & Petrochemical Engg. or BSc (Math, Physics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry) from a Govt. recognized Indian university/Institute. 2. Jr. Engineering Assistant - IV (Power & Utilities) - Mechanical/ Electrical No of posts:4 Educational Qualification: 3 (Three) Years regular full time Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from a Govt. recognized Indian university/Institute and possessing Boiler Competency Certificate with class as prescribed by the Boiler Authority of the State. 3. Jr. Engineering Assistant - IV (Instrumentation) - Instrumentation No of posts: 3 Educational Qualification: 3 (Three) Years regular full time Diploma in Instrumentation/ Instrumentation & Electronics / Instrumentation and Control Engineering from a Govt. recognized Indian university/Institute. 4. Jr. Materials Assistant-IV - Mechanical/ Electrical/ Instrumentation No of posts:1 Educational Qualification: 3 (Three) Years regular full time Diploma Engineering. Age: Minimum 18 years and maximum 26 years as on 01/01/2016 (Relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates for the posts reserved for them). Scale of pay: Rs.11,900-32,000 Selection Method: Selection would be based on Written Test of 3 hours duration and Skill/ Proficiency/ Physical Test, the later being of 'qualifying nature' only. Every candidate will have to secure a minimum of 40% marks at each stage for qualifying the selection process, relaxable by 5% for candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD against reserved positions. How to Apply: Typed Applications as per the prescribed format along with the Demand Draft (As applicable) as given with the advertisement , supported by self attested photocopies of all relevant documents (qualification/experience/age/caste/ category etc.) should be sent by Post only to Chief Human Resource Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (AOD), DIGBOI - 786171 so as to reach on or before 26/02/2016.
ASSAM NAVNIRMAN SAMITY recruits Delivery Controller in Guwahati Jan 2016 Name of the Organisation: ASSAM NAVNIRMAN SAMITY Post:: Delivery Controller Job Category: Marketing Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Eligibility-1.Minimum 10th pass. 2.Candidate must have own two-wheeler. Salary-Negotiable+TA/DA Please contact at 8822356832/8721867783 Please send your Resumes to:: navnirmanassam@yahoo.com
Page 9 Indian Institute Of Technology Guwahati Guwahati - 781 039 Phone : 0361-2583000, Fax : 0361-2690762 Applications in prescribed forms are invited from the Indian Nationals for the following posts at this Institute : Deputy Librarian - 1 post (UR) Pay : PB3 ; `15600 - 39100, AGP = `8000/Essential Qualification & Experience : (1) Master's Degree in Library Science/Information Science/ documentation with at least 55% of the marks or equivalent. (2) 5 years' experience in a responsible position in an academic library. (3) Evidence of innovative library service and organisation of published work and professional commitment, computerization of library. NB : The point No. 3 above indicates that - the applicant is expected to have a proven record of implementing new ideas in library service and experience of working in IT enabled library of a educational and research organization. Desired Qualification & Experience : a) M. Phil/ Ph.D. degree in Library science / Information Science/ Documentation/ Archives & Manuscript keeping. b) Experience of working in Computerized Library. Age : Below 50 years Assistant Workshop Superintendent - 1 post (UR) Pay : PB 3 ; ` 15600-39100/-; Grade Pay = ` 5400/Essential Qualification & Experience : Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. 4 years experience in Machine Shop in a responsible capacity covering production, planning, estimating, production control and control of labourers. Desired Qualification & Experience : Teaching experience in relevant field. Person should have knowledge in handling sophisticated equipments such as CNC machine, FMS set up, EDM, CMM, LASER machine, plasma cutting and welding machine etc. knowledge in various manufacturing related software such as CNC programming, MASTERCAM, Solid edge, Pro-E-package etc.; able to guide practical training of students, conversant with maintenance of equipments and machineries, knowledge in planning and development of laboratories, workshop etc., knowledge of purchase, storage and issue of engineering materials, equipment and accessories. Age : Below 40 years
Extension Officer, Economic Investigator Jobs in Commissioner of Industries & Commerce, Assam O/o Commissioner of Industries & Commerce, Assam. Last Date: 24/02/2016. Applications are invited in the on-line application form given in the departmental website from intending candidates for filling up of the following posts under Commissioner of Industries & Commerce, Assam. 1. Extension Officer (Industries) No of posts: 87 Pay: Rs 5200 to Rs 20200, GP= Rs 3000 Educational Qualification: 3 years Diploma in Specific Engineering branches or MSW or Degree from recognised university with advanced proficiency certificate on Computer Applications/ Industrial Management . 2. Economic Investigator No of posts: 6 Pay: Rs 5200 to Rs 20200, GP= Rs 3000 Educational Qualification: Degree with Economics/ Statistics. Age: 18 to 38 years. How to apply: Candidates have to apply on official website www.investinassam.com . The last date of online application is 24-02- 2016 upto 12.00 midnight.
Career Opportunities for a Horticultural Worker Career option in Political Science Horticultural workers perform various gardening duties in settings like nurseries, parks and botanical gardens. They work under the direction of a supervisor and may advance to a supervisory position after several years of on-the-job experience. Horticulture workers may obtain an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree for the purpose of advancing their careers. Horticultural Worker Job Description Under the direction of a supervisor, horticultural workers grow, sell and harvest flowers, plants, shrubs and trees. They are employed at nurseries, botanical gardens, landscape companies, parks and arboretums. Horticultural workers often perform arduous labor in varying weather conditions. Gardening requires horticultural workers to bend, pull, push, stoop and stand for long periods of time. Horticultural Job Duties Horticultural workers prepare seed beds, transfer plants to containers, move container plants around the work site, till the soil and unload shipments of packaged soil and other gardening products. They may also propagate new plants through grafting and other measures, as well as prune plants and trees. Wearing protective gear like dust masks, safety glasses and protective
Horticulturists working in fields. Source: imagescaler clothing is essential to the horticultural worker's job. The use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals exposes horticultural workers to substances that may be harmful. Caution when using gardening equipment and tools is also necessary for horticulture workers to avoid injury. Specialized Duties Some horticultural workers analyze plants to figure out whether they are nutrient deficient, infected with disease or infested with pests. They then determine the best measures to remedy the problems. Horticultural workers also use numerous gardening tools and equipment and clean and care for them to keep them in good condition. Arboretums and botanical gardens employ horticultural workers who strategically place plants
to create natural-looking settings. Horticultural workers are knowledgeable about soil conditions, irrigation needs, nutrient requirements, light intensity, plant pathology and plant insects. They also prune and weed areas to keep plants healthy and vigorous. \Horticultural workers in nurseries are involved with filling orders and packing plants for shipping. They transplant or dig up plants, flowers, trees and shrubs into individual containers to prepare them for selling. Keeping the landscape around the nursery wellmaintained may also be part of horticultural workers' duties. Horticultural Worker Career Advancement To advance their careers, horticulture workers may consider completing postsecondary educational courses and
programs. Technical schools and community colleges offer certificates and associate's degree programs in horticulture that include classes on botany, plant propagation and soil science. Students considering a career in sales or management may consider courses in nursery operation and ornamental plants, while those looking for careers in landscaping may take courses on landscape design, weed management and pesticides. Students may also complete bachelor's degree programs, which generally offer a stronger foundation in plant biology, plant materials, growing practices, chemistry and business management. Salary Info The salary range for most horticulturists from about Rs.29,706- 57,773. The median salary for these professionals is about Rs.40,572.
Students in humanities are There are different opporfamiliar with subjects like tunities for students studyPolitical Science. All the ing political science. Aspircolleges or senior second- ants who are eager to beary school offers this sub- come lawyer need to unject in humanities or in derstand more about this social sciences. Students subject. People who fully take this subject in higher understand the nature and secondary level or all col- meaning of constitutions, lege level. rulings M a n y Ranjan K Baruah and regupeople lations ofthink that this is just an or- ten pursue political science dinary subject and has less and law can go on to law scope. Lack of awareness school and become lawand information is a cause yers. for such thinking amongst As this subject is available many. This subject brings in all the colleges of arts lot of opportunities for so one of the demanded young people who wanted profession could be to make their career teacher in schools or in through this subject. college. Like teaching anPolitical science is a social other areas where students science discipline that of political science gets deals with systems of gov- associated is research. ernment and the analysis Many teaching positions, of political activity and particularly in the univerpolitical behavior. It deals sities but also in colleges, extensively with the theory Information Technology and practice of politics Institutes, Management which is commonly Institution require research thought of as the determin- activities. One can do reing of the distribution of search in a variety of empower and resources. It ployment settings-in a uniis the study of politics and versity, institute, business power from domestic, in- or industrial firm, N.G.O. ternational, and compara- or even in the non-profit tive perspectives. It entails or advocacy sector. There understanding political are some premier Univerideas, ideologies, institu- sities and research institutions, policies, processes, tions in India which need and behavior, as well as Research Analysts/Regroups, classes, govern- search Fellows/Research ment, diplomacy, law, Associates for carrying strategy, and war. out policy relevant Political science draws projects. upon the fields of econom- Political science graduates ics, law, sociology, his- choose to become intory, geography, psychol- volved in print, television ogy, anthropology, public or radio journalism, where administration, public they apply their expert unpolicy, national politics, in- derstanding of political ternational relations, com- systems to create reports parative politics, political about current events. Poorganization, and political litical scientists might theory. cover elections, conduct
interviews, or attend press conferences where they often have the opportunity to ask questions. Political science graduates can also join the media as political correspondent/analyst/ researcher. Many students of political science after finishing their graduation and masters or post graduation prepares for examination like civil services. This is possibly the most popular choice of many political science students. In a country like India where politics or elections are common , so there are many different opportunities for the students who studies political science . These days political parties also hire experts to make and plan election strategies where graduates of political science may get involved. Knowledge of foreign language would help one to work outside. Subjects like peace and conflict studies are also associated with political science which brings more opportunities for young people of North East to study conflicts for bringing changes in positive way . Our region has been affected by conflicts, so authentic studies and research related to conflicts may bring positive changes in the society and also help government to make new policies and programmes. Exams Update: NERIST: Aspirants may apply for NERIST Entrance Examination (NEE) 2016 for various courses like Base Module (Certificate Course), Diploma Module & Degree Module
Courses in Technology streams and also Degree Module course in Forestry. Last date for application is 7th March. MGIMS: Last date for applying for MBBS course at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Science is 18th March. Entrance test would be held on 17th April, the entrance examination is consists of paper of physics, chemistry and biology with multiple choice questions and Gandhian thought shall be of long and short answer type. Scholarships Update: University of Washington, School of Law is offering Scholarships for students from developing countries for pursuing their LL.M. in Sustainable International Development Law program at the University of Washington. The aim of LL.M. scholarship is for developing emerging leaders and professionals in the field of anti-corruption and bribery prevention who are committed to advancing commercial transparency. Last date for applying is 15th February. King's College London offers King's India Scholarships for Indian students for pursuing their research programs at King's College London. Candidates must be due to commence an M.Phil/PhD research degree program at King's College London. Last date for applying is 29th February. (Writer may be reached at bkranjan@gmail.com or 98640 55558 for any career related queries)
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
BUSINESS
US brand Harley-Davidson left behind by Royal Enfield in market capitalisation New Delhi, Feb 20: Niche bike-maker Royal Enfield has piped US brand HarleyDavidson in terms of market capitalization. The gap between the market caps of the two companies was $57 million higher than that of Harley's. The gap was $13 billion two years ago. Royal Enfield, which is the twowheeler arm of Eicher Motors, posted sales of 1,25,690 units as against 82,215 units in the year-ago period, up 52.87% in the fourth quarter of 2015. Having established its business
Presence of VLCC to be expanded in Africa, Malaysia Kolkata, Feb 20 : Beauty and wellness group VLCC may expand its presence in Africa, where it has already made an entry through Kenya in 2014, and is investing more in Malaysia and the Gulf region, Vandana Luthra, VLCC founder said. The company has entered the east African country through a majority joint venture with a local partner for setting up a wellness centre. VLCC operates mainly through three verticals - its fitness centres, vocational training academies and manufacture of a comprehensive range of herbal and natural body and haircare products. It clocked a Rs. 816.3 crore turnover in 2014-15. Around 70 per cent of the turnover is accounted for by services with the balance from retail sales of beauty and wellness products. It is also planning an investment of about Rs 50 crores for brand development of its personal care products business the group now has 301 outlets across 11 countries in India, Asia and Africa. It also plans to strengthen its presence in the Gulf. (Agencies)
Image for representational purpose. Source: autocarpro
firmly in the domestic market, the company is now eyeing major markets across the world to sustain its growth momentum. In the past few months, Royal
Enfield has expanded its global footprint in key nodal cities like London, Madrid, Paris, Dubai, Bogota and Medellin. The company plans to produce up to 9 lakh motorcycles by the end of 2018 from its two existing manufacturing facilities and a third upcoming facility, in Tamil Nadu. Royal Enfield is also building two new technology centers -- one in India and another in the UK -- to enhance capability and execute its long-term product strategy. (Agencies)
motion (DIPP), told reporters investment commitments had reached Rs 15.2 lakh crore ($222 billion). The commitments fell some way short of the Rs 25 lakh crore announced at the three-day Vibrant Gujarat event a year ago. Kant said he expected 80-85% of the pledges to convert into serious business, much of it from foreign investors. It can take 18 months to three years for a memorandum of understanding to yield a final investment, he added. "This was the biggest multi-sectoral event ever done across Asia," he told a briefing, describing the
Niche bike-maker Royal Enfield has piped US brand HarleyDavidson in terms of market capitalization. The company plans to produce up to 9 lakh motorcycles by the end of 2018 from its two existing manufacturing facilities and a third upcoming facility, in Tamil Nadu.
Image for representational purpose. Source: dreamstime
cent of the IT service companies' revenues come from exports, especially the US and Europe. A strong dollar boosts their earnings in rupee
REPEATING HISTORY Riding on a firm global trend and strong demand from domestic jewellers, gold prices shot up by Rs 540, topping the 29,000-mark again, to close at Rs 29,290 per 10 grams.
Chennai, Feb 20: Riding on a firm global trend and strong demand from domestic jewellers, gold prices shot up by Rs 540, topping the 29,000mark again, to close at Rs 29,290 per 10 grams. Silver also shot up by Rs 375 to Rs 37,475 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers. At the bullion market here, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity zoomed by Rs 540 each to Rs 29,290 and Rs 29,140 per ten gram respectively -- a level last
In the past few months, Royal Enfield has expanded its global footprint in key nodal cities like London, Madrid, Paris, Dubai, Bogota and Medellin. Royal Enfield is also building two new technology centers -- one in India and another in the UK -- to enhance capability and execute its long-term product strategy.
days was a commitment by Oracle Corp for $400 million (Rs 2,733.6 crore) to set up nine business incubation centres. Though some participants who spoke to Reuters lauded the event, several complained about a lack of foreign involvement. "The response is overwhelming, but mostly from Indians. Amitabh Kant, Secretary of India's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Source: thedollarbusiness
event as a success. Research commissioned by the free-market Friedrich Naumann and Cato institute has found the rate of conversion of such
terms. The rupee depreciated by 5.92, or 9.57 against the US dollar on heavy fund outflows in last one year. It has further slumped and is currently hovering at Rs 68level. As per the data available with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), overall deployment of equity funds in software stocks stood at Rs 43,115 crore last month as compared with Rs 41,998 crore December. The previous high was in September, when investment in the sector rose to Rs 43,053 crore. MFs' exposure to soft-
Rs 29,000-mark crossed by gold price Image for representational purpose. Source: livemint
The gap between the market caps of the two companies was $57 million higher than that of Harley's. The gap was $13 billion two years ago. Royal Enfield, which is the twowheeler arm of Eicher Motors, posted sales of 1,25,690 units as against 82,215 units in the year-ago period, up 52.87% in the fourth quarter of 2015.
pledges into real investments in India has typically been far lower -- with no state exceeding 20%. Among investments signed in the last seven
There are Indians everywhere. Usually in Germany, in events like these, stalls are thronged by foreigners," said Ingo Eibbeck, a representative of German manufacturer Schneider International. (Agencies)
MFs optimistic on IT stocks; exposure at record high of Rs 43K crore New Delhi, Feb 20: Mutual Funds remain bullish on software companies, raising their allocation to all time high of over Rs 43,115 crore last month in view of the weakening rupee, which increases IT exporters' profitability. In comparison, equity fund managers' deployment in software stocks was Rs 35,463 crore in January last year. Industry experts said that fund managers have been raising their allocation in software stocks due to declining rupee against the US dollar. About 85 per-
Silver also shot up by Rs 375 to Rs 37,475 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers. At the bullion market here, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity zoomed by Rs 540 each to Rs 29,290 and Rs 29,140 per ten gram respectively -- a level last seen on February 13, when it had touched the multi-month high. Sovereign too rose in sympathy with gold and traded Rs 100 higher at Rs 23,000 per piece of eight gram. Gold prices again crossed Rs 29,000 per 10 gram level largely in tune with firming trends overseas and wedding season buying by jewellers as well as retailers, bullion traders said. Globally, gold climbed 1.85 percent to USD 1,230.70 an ounce and silver by 0.75 percent to USD 15.38 an ounce in New York in yesterday's trade.
17% downfall in housing sales and 13% in new projects of July-Dec 2015: CBRE
ROYAL ENFIELD‌THE NUMBER 1
$222 billion pledges racked by 'Make In India' New Delhi, Feb 20: The week-long "Make in India" fair happening in Mumbai closed with $222 billion (Rs 15.2 lakh crore) in investment pledges, but thin attendance by foreign firms at the event launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi means many are unlikely to actually happen. The Mumbai jamboree was the biggest in India, but earlier events such as the "Vibrant Gujarat" launched by Modi when he led the state have only seen 13% of deals implemented, according to independent research. Amitabh Kant, Secretary of India's Department of Industrial Policy and Pro-
PAGE 10
seen on February 13, when it had touched the multi-month high. Sovereign too rose in sympathy with gold and traded Rs 100 higher at Rs 23,000 per piece of eight gram. Gold prices again crossed Rs 29,000 per 10 gram level largely in tune with firming trends overseas and wedding season buying by jewellers as well as retailers, bullion traders said. Globally, gold climbed 1.85 percent to USD 1,230.70 an ounce and silver by 0.75 percent to USD 15.38 an ounce in New York in yesterday's trade. Following gold, silver ready also spurted by Rs 375 to Rs 37,475 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 415 to Rs 37,510 per kg. On the other hand, silver coins were unaltered at Rs 54,000 for buying and Rs 55,000 for selling of 100 pieces. (Agencies)
ware stocks was at 10.55 percent of their overall investments last month compared with 9.97 percent in January 2015. Fund managers remained bullish on software stocks in the entire 2015. Their exposure increased from Rs 33,970 crore in December 2014 to Rs 42,000 crore in December 2015. IT was the second-most preferred sector with fund managers after banks. Deployment of equity funds in traditional investment sectors like banking stocks was at Rs 78,644 crore during the
period under review. MFs have an exposure of Rs 33,785 crore in pharma firms, followed by auto (Rs 26,653 crore) and finance (Rs 23,131 crore). The BSE IT index marginally grew 0.12 percent in last one year, while the BSE Sensex fell by nearly 15 percent. MFs are investment vehicles made up of a pool of funds collected from a large number of investors. The investment in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, among others. (Agencies)
Mammen of MRF elected ATMA Chairman
MRF Chairman and Managing Director K.M. Mammen Source: thehindubusinessline
Pune, Feb 20: MRF Chairman and Managing Director K.M. Mammen has been elected as the Chairman of Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA), a lobby group representing the automotive tyre sector in India. Mr.Satish Sharma, President (Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) Apollo Tyres Ltd., has been elected as Vice Chairman of ATMA, according to a statement. Mr.Mammen is the eldest son of the MRF Founder, the late K. M. Mammen Mappillai. The Chennaibased tyre major reported net profit of Rs.388.15 crore on revenue of Rs.3,260.90 crore in the quarter ended
December. Mr.Mammen has held various executive positions in business associations in the country, including President of the IndoAustralian Chamber of Commerce. He is currently an executive board member of FICCI and a member of the Board of the Madras Christian College. Set up in 1975, ATMA represents the Rs.50,000 crore automotive tyre industry in the country. Eleven large tyre companies comprising Indian and international manufacturers, who account for more than 90 per cent of tyre production in India, are members of the association. (Agencies)
Image for representational purpose. Source: peterrawski
Bengaluru, Feb 20: Housing sales fell 17% while new projects declined by 31% in the second half of 2015 due to high price and cautious buyer sentiments, according to property consultant CBRE. In its latest report 'India Residential, H2 2015', CBRE said residential demand remained sluggish with housing sales dipping by around 17% compared to the first half of 2015. Hyderabad and Mumbai were the only exceptions that witnessed balanced sales activity. "The continued decline in demand across leading cities was largely attributed to unsold inventory and high price points amid cautious buyer sentiments," the report said. New project launches declined by nearly 31% compared to the first half of 2015 as a result of a weak pace of residential
sales across India. Capital values and rents in most markets maintained status quo. In the premium/ luxury segment, capital values remained stable barring the housing markets of Bengaluru and DelhiNCR. Bengaluru witnessed capital value appreciation across eastern, south-eastern and southern markets owing to sustained occupier demand and limited availability of premium stocks in these locations. Delhi-NCR, however, witnessed a marginal dip in capital values in the range of 2-4% across Vasant Vihar/Anand Niketan, Shanti Niketan/ Westend, Chanakyapuri and Greater Noida Expressway. Capital values across the high-end and mid-end segment also remained largely stable across cities except for Hyderabad and DelhiNCR. (Agencies)
Ikea to make India global sourcing hub for bamboo products Bengaluru, Feb 20: Ikea, the world's largest furniture retailer, plans to make India its global sourcing hub for bamboo products as part of its strategy to increase bamboo product portfolio across its stores. Furniture made from bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants, accounts for about 1% of Ikea's global sales of EUR 30 billion (about Rs 2,28,600 crore), and is mainly sourced from Indonesia, China and other far east countries. The Swedish retailer known for its ready to assemble products now wants to change that. "We believe India can be the game changer in the bamboo furniture industry. India can be the leading bamboo furniture producer in the world if they get it together," said Patrik Antony, communications manager at Ikea India. Ikea has recently partnered with a bamboo grower in Bangalore and is looking at roping in at least a dozen suppliers from primarily northeastern states. The firm is in talks with a few state governments to incentivise bamboo culti-
Image for representational purpose. Source: dreamstime vation and supply. Ikea is responsible for approximately 1% of world commercial-product wood consumption, making it one of the largest users of wood in the retail sector. Ikea will open its first Indian store early next year in Hyderabad. It plans to open 25 stores - each large enough to fit about four football fields - in the country by 2025. Ikea said India is the first country where it has announced its long term plans even before opening a store, indicating the potential it sees in the market. "What we normally do is open one store and we look at what happens. This is the first time Ikea is opening a country and not a store," Antony said. (Agencies)
More seats with lower fares filled in by airlines Mumbai, Feb 20: Domestic airlines carried 76.55 lakh passengers in January, registering a robust growth of 22.58 per cent as compared to the same month last year as low fares helped fill up more seats. In the same month last year, the airlines carried 62.45 lakh passengers, official data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) showed. The growth in passenger traffic in January is significant as it grew faster than 19.7 per cent in December and 20.34 per cent throughout 2015. In January last year, the growth of passenger traf-
Image for representational purpose. Source: priestmangoode
fic stood at 21.33 per cent. A substantial decline in jet fuel prices, which constitutes more than 40 per cent of the total operational cost of an airline, helped the airlines offer tickets at lower prices attracting many passengers. Airfares this year were 1520 per cent lower than the previous year. (Agencies)
cmyk
cmyk
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
PAGE 11
Mayookha wins gold in You cannot buy a Asian Indoor Athletics World Cup: Blatter
me really happy, especially since I'm not used to competing indoors. However, I expected something better than 6.35m. But I'm not complaining at all. The Asian title is quite an achievement," said Mayookha after winning the gold. Another Indian, M A
Prajusha finished fifth with a jump of 6.15m. Dutee, meanwhile, won a bronze in women's 60m dash with a time of 7.37 secs in the final. Earlier, she had set a national record while winning her heats in 7.28 secs. Viktoriya Zyabkina of Kazakhstan overcame a sluggish start to win the
final race in a Championship record of 7.27 secs, well clear of China's Yuan Qiqi (7.33 secs). Sugandha Kumari brought the third medal for India as she won a bronze in women's 1500m with a time of 4:29.06. In women's shot put, Manpreet Kaur (Jr) finished sixth with her best throw of 15.21m. In men's high jump, Tejaswin Shankar failed to clear the opening height. In women's pentathlon, Swapna Burman was at second spot after three events with 3285 points. She finished second in the first event of 60m hurdles, clocking 8.85 secs. She then finished third in shot put with a best throw of 11.38m before clearing 5.74m in long jump.
Morris provides late heroics for South Africa Capetown, Feb 20: For the second week in a row all-rounder Chris Morris conjured a victory for South Africa on Friday, taking the hosts to a three-wicket win over England off the last ball of the first Twenty20 international at Newlands. England looked set to defend a modest total as Reece Topley started the last over, with South Africa needing 15 runs to win. Kyle Abbott stole a single to get Morris on strike. The tall Morris struck the next two balls for four and six. After a dot delivery, he hit twos off the last two balls. Topley had a chance to run out Abbott to force a tie and a super over but fumbled a throw from long-off. Morris finished with 17 not out off seven balls. A week earlier his 62 off 38 balls was a match-winner
Faf du Plessis in the fourth one-day international. The Man of the Match, though, was legspinner Imran Tahir, who took four for 21 to restrict England to 134 for eight after the tourists were sent in to bat. England looked set for a big total as opening batsmen Jason Roy and the in-form Alex Hales hit 38 off the first 3.3 overs before Roy clipped Kagiso Rabada to Hashim Amla at mid-wicket. Tahir
came on to bowl after the six-over power play had yielded 50 runs for Roy's wicket. He struck with his fourth ball when Hales top-edged a sweep to backward square leg. JP Duminy held the catch despite being knocked to the ground by Rabada, who was also running for the ball. Tahir followed up by dismissing Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan and Moeen Ali. The latter two wickets
were off successive balls and he narrowly missed a hat-trick when a googly went over Chris Jordan's middle stump. South Africa made a confident start, with Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers putting on 31 for the first wicket. But England bowled well on a slow pitch and no batsman was able to dominate. Allrounder Ben Stokes and leg-spinner Adil Rashid were impressive in the middle overs, taking one for 19 and one for 24 respectively. It seemed to be England's match when Chris Jordan dismissed David Miller and David Wiese in the penultimate over. But that merely set the stage for Morris. The Delhi Daredevils, who paid over $1 million for his services in the 2016 Indian Premier League, will feel they have made a good purchase.
Fail in Asia Cup, lose World Shami out of Asia Cup Cup spot: Shahid Afridi New Delhi, Feb 20: Shahid Afridi Pakistan captain fired a stern warning salvo to the national players, and called upon them to pull up their socks during the Asia Cup in Bangladesh or lose their place for the ICC T20 World Cup in March this year. “Everyone's been given a lot of chances to do come good. I believe the captains, coach and selection committee have all very supportive. But if you don't give the results... and we are not asking for too much, just do your bit to contribute. There's the Asia Cup now, where more players will get chances. But if there are others showing good form here, sure why not we can have them for the World T20." Boom Boom said to Cricbuzz.
cmyk
Although Pakistan named their 15-man squad for the World T20 last week, the explosive all-rounder said that ‘last minute’ changes could yet be made based on the performances of players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Asia Cup T20, which commences February 29. International cricket’s governing body; the International Cricket Council (ICC) had earlier set February 8 as the initial deadline to submit the World T20 squads. According to an ICC official, member nations can tinker with their team com-
binations until March 8. Pakistan T20 skipper, at the age of 35 is now heading into a crucial final chapter of his decorated playing career. Afridi is expected to call time post next month's ICC World T20 in India, and had his hands full lately with the added responsibility of leading Peshawar in Pakistan Super League (PSL) apart from the selection duties, media and corporate commitments. His bowling form looks good, and the 5 for 7 in Sharjah against Quetta couldn't have come at a better time for Boom Boom Afridi. "I have always given importance to my individual performances," Pakistan T20 skipper says. "A leader's performance is very important and it is essential that I contribute. I believe in this part of the world, we can sometimes lack in consistency but I'm hoping to continue this through the Asia Cup and until the end of the World Cup.” The erratic and yet entertaining Afridi has spent nearly 20 years on the international circuit, but the zeal for cricket is still the same as it was on October 4, 1996 when Boom Boom announced his arrival with the fastest ton in one-day internationals, 102 off just 40 balls with 11 massive hits, some out of the ground at Nairobi Gymkhana.
New Delhi, Feb 20: Mohammad Shami was on Friday ruled out of India's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, raising doubts over his participation in the ICC World Twenty20, which will take place in India after the continental tournament. Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named as replacement for Shami by the selection committee.
After a long injury layoff, post last year's World Cup, Shami was recalled to the national squad for the tour of Australia, only to be ruled out again by a hamstring injury. Shami had not proved his fitness at the time of the announcement of the squad, on February 5, for the two tournaments.
ANS Zurich, Feb 20: Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter insists that the vote to host the 2022 football World Cup was not fixed, saying that "you cannot buy a World Cup." Blatter said that former French president Nicolas Sarkozy had asked Michel Platini to vote against the US bid to host the 2022 World Cup. The quadrennial event was eventually allotted to Qatar.
had the courtesy to phone me and say; 'now we have had a meeting with the head of state and if the head of state is asking me to support France for different reasons then I will'. He said 'my vote will not be for the Americans'.
"You cannot buy a World Cup, it will go at the end where the higher political influences are," Blatter was quoted as saying by the BBC on Saturday. "For 2022, Platini at least
which goes to criminal law," he said. Football's world governing body will elect a successor to the Swiss on "I am sure there is justice February 26. in this world and that I Prince Ali bin alhave committed nothing Hussein, Sheikh Salman
London, Feb.20 (ANI): Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, who came under severe criticism for describing homosexuals as 'worse than animals, posted and then deleted a bible verse on Instagram that called for the people in same-sex relationships to be 'put to death'. Pacquiao cited a Bible quote on his Instagram account reading, "If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." According to the Guardian, the post was up for around two hours and received more than 18,000 likes before being deleted. The eight-division world champion saw his reputation take a severe hit when he said that animals are better than homosexuals because they could distinguish between male and female. Although Pacquiao issued an apology on social media for his insensitive remarks, Sports brand Nike decided to sever its eight-year-old tie with the boxer saying his comments were 'abhorrent'. He insisted that God was on his side and that his opinion was based on the Bible but added that his only mistake this week had been to compare people to animals. Gay marriage is illegal in the Philippines due to strong resistance from the Catholic Church, with 80 per cent of the country's total population subscribing to the faith. His comments sparked outrage on social media as various celebrities slammed the boxer for his insensitive remark. Pacquiao, who will bid adieu to boxing after his last fight against Timothy Bradley in April, intends to fight for a senate seat in the May elections.
"I knew then there would be a problem. We tried but it was too late," he added. The Swiss football administrator has once again claimed that he is innocent as he awaits the judgement of a corruption appeal against his eight-year ban from the sport.
bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, Gianni Infantino, Tokyo Sexwale and Jerome Champagne are the five candidates who will lock horns to succeed the 79year-old Blatter.
Bangladesh to host next SAFF championship present at the meeting.
New Delhi, Feb 20: Bangladesh has been awarded the rights to host the 2017 SAFF Championship as well as the inaugural Club Cub Championship later this year. The decisions were made at the executive committee meeting of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) in Trivandrum on Friday. Maldives were the lone competitor against Bangladesh in bidding for the next edition of the SAFF Championship, scheduled to be held in December, after Bhutan had pulled out of their initial bid. "Bangladesh and Maldives bid for hosting the 2017 SAFF Championship, and the executive committee meeting awarded Bangladesh the rights through discussion as well as based on the
opinion of the sponsors (World Sports Group)," SAFF general secretary Anwarul Haq Helel told the media over phone from Trivandrum yesterday.
“I did not think that the sponsors would agree to award it to Bangladesh. I agreed on principle to hosting the Club Cup Championship which was my dream as the SAFF president to introduce in this region like in Europe. However, they have finally agreed to hold the club championship. I will sit with the board (BFF executive committee) within the next 48 hours to take a final decision,” said BFF president Kazi Salahuddin, who is also the president of SAFF.
It will be the third time that Bangladesh will host the championship, after having hosted the showpiece event in 2003 and 2009. Bangladesh clinched the title in the 2003 edition but was eliminated from the semifinals of the 2009 edition.
The SAFF Championship and Club Cup Championship will be held in every alternative year, said Salahuddin, who did not attend the meeting due to his engagement with this month's Bangabandhu Gold Cup.
Helal, a former general secretary of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), informed that Bangladesh has also been proposed about hosting the inaugural edition of Club Cup Championship, which is expected to be held at the end of this year. There was no representative from Bangladesh
Helal also informed that India were awarded the hosting rights for SAFF Women's Championship in August-September this year but they did not discuss the issue regarding whether Afghanistan, who have already joined Central Asian Football Association, will be allowed to take part in the next SAFF Championship.
NZ's McCullum hits fastest test century, off 54 balls AP Christchurch, Feb 20 : New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hit the fastest century in test history, from 54 balls, in his last international match as the home side put on a display of power hitting today, the first day of the second test against Australia. McCullum beat the previous mark of 56 balls shared by West Indies 'Master Blaster' Viv Richards and Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq, and his innings led New Zealand to a creditable 370 after being sent in
on a green pitch. In reply, Australia was 57-1. McCullum raced from 80 to 100 in just four balls, with two sixes and two fours off Josh Hazlewood, reaching the record with a four through extra cover. McCullum was eventually out for 145, superbly caught at deep square leg by Nathan Lyon off James Pattinson, off 79 balls with 21 fours and two sixes. His innings had guided New Zealand from early trouble at 32-3 to 253-5 when he de-
aged to ride my luck all the way through and we're in a pretty strong position at the end of day one." The main piece of luck was a reprieve after being brilliantly caught by Mitchell Marsh at gully. McCullum was on his way back to the pavilion when replays showed Pattinson had overstepped, and it was a noball. Brendon McCullum parted. "The record is something you're immensely proud
of but of course you don't set out to achieve it," McCullum said. "I man-
Corey Anderson, who batted in McCullum's shadow, still reached a brisk half century from 39 balls and was out
soon after McCullum for 73. At tea, B.J. Watling was on 6 and Tim Southee on 5, after a ballistic second session that saw 199 runs scored at a rate of 8.9 runs per over. The century partnership for the fifth wicket between McCullum and Anderson, from 57 balls, was the fastest in test history, beating the stand for the 10th wicket between New Zealand's Nathan Astle and Chris Cairns against England in 2002. The McCullumAnderson partnership of 179 came at the staggering rate of 9.76 runs per over.
cmyk
PTI Doha, Feb 20 : Long jumper Mayookha Johny fetched India a gold medal while sprinter Dutee Chand settled for a bronze after shattering national record in 60m dash in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships here. Mayookha controlled the long jump competition from the very outset and finished on top of the podium with a leap of 6.35m, an effort that propelled her to India's first Asian indoor title in the event. Bui Thi Thu Thao of Vietnam took the silver with a 6.30m jump while Olga Rypakova of Kazakhstan finished third with an effort of 6.22m. "Winning in Doha made
cmyk
cmyk
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
PAGE 12
Anaya's Bollywood tryst Assamese singer Anaya Brahma forayed into Bollywood with the 2012 track "DJ play that song", but she says she never got the kind of appreciation that she expected from the Hindi industry. Nevertheless, she is trying her best to etch her name in the thriving industry. Samir Karnik's film "Chaar Din Ki Chandni" served as a launchpad for Anaya, who later acted in a Bollywood movie "This Weekend". Despite the projects, she is still struggling in Hindi filmdom. "I didn't get much appreciation from Bollywood‌ I did playback singing in 'Chaar Din Ki Chandni', but that didn't click. I am still trying my luck. It's
Source: wikimedia a journey and irrespective of my experience so far, I am happy," Anaya said. "People in Bollywood know about
Assam because a lot of musicians are from the state. Not just the singers like Papon, but also guitarists. Whenever I
Zubeen publishes 'Zubeen Gargor Gaan Aru Kobitar Golpo'
Source: kothasobi Its needless to say that Zubeen Garg's contribution to Assamese music is almost unsurpassed. In an age when very few took up singing as a professional career in the Assamese music industry, Zubeen brought in a gust of fresh air. This singer has brought a new trend to the Assamese music industry. While he has enriched the Assamese music industry, he has also rendered his voice in other languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla, Bodo, Nepali, etc. Zubeen Garg has sported quite a few artistic hats. He is also an equally popular actor who has essayed various roles in movies like 'Tumi Mor Matho Mor',
'Dinabandhu', 'Mon Jai', 'Rodor Sithi', 'Gaane Ki Aane', 'Xaat Nomboror Xondhanot', 'Mission China' etc. He always tries to bring something new to the table. This time fans of the singer will be able to see this singer, composer, lyricist, producer, director, poet and writer in a new light - as a short-story writer through a recently published book titled 'Zubeen Gargor Gaan Aru Kobitar Golpo'. The book published by Assam Publishing Company of Panbazar, Guwahati contains ten songs and eight poems of Zubeen Garg, which transform into short stories. These much appreciated songs include
'Pakhi Pakhi Ei Mon', 'HahileTumi', 'Xobdo Jodi Prerona Hoi', 'Pakhi Meli Diye', 'Mugdha Hiya Mor', 'Kaar Porokh', 'Ondho Aakakh', 'Diya Ghurai Diya' etc. This book also contains 49 rare photos of Zubeen Garg. It also carries views on the artiste and his musical journey by the likes of Phanindra Kumar Devchoudhury, Kalyan Kumar Kalita, Hemanta Sarma, Robson Baruah, Pabitra Margherita and Zublee Baruah. Apart from this, various comments about Zubeen written by his father Kapil Thakur, wife Garima Saikia Garg, Pami Borthakur, Dev Borkotoky, Diganta Bharati, Jatin Bora, Rajesh Bhuyan, Prastuti Parashar, Nitumoni Saikia, Sanjiv Narayan, Priyanka Bharali, Babu Baruah, Nahid Afrin, Nibir Swapnam Shiwam, Amrita Gogoi, Kalpana Kalita, Ajay Phukan and others are also published in this book. Anup Baruah has shot the cover photo while popular cover designer Sourich Mitra has designed the cover. The book contains 136 pages and is priced at Rs. 100.
say 'I am from Assam', they get happy as they know that there are a lot of melodious people in Assam. In fact, their expectations go up. Anaya has also unveiled a new Assamese song "Awara Romeo", which she performed during the threeday Rongali fest. She will be releasing another track soon. "I will be releasing a Bodo folk song soon. I have recreated an old folk song. There are two Hindi singles lined up for release as well," said the singer, who has a distinct way of dressing and gives importance to fashion too. "My fans like the way I dress up and see me as a style icon. I am a performer, so I need to look good as well," said Anaya.
Bad roles are better played by Piggy Chops: Dwayne Johnson Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra, who has now become a popular name in the West due to her role in American thriller series "Quantico", will next be seen playing a negative character in upcoming film "Baywatch". Her co-star Dwayne Johnson feels the actress plays bad roles "better" than the good ones. "She's (Priyanka) cool, but does bad even better. Can't wait. #Baywatch," Johnson posted on Twitter. The National Award-winning actress will be seen playing the villain in the movie, based on the popular 1990s TV series of the same name. Johnson, best known as The Rock, earlier welcomed the "Bajirao Mastani" actress on board by sharing a video on Instagram. In the video, he is seen in the frame with the former beauty queen against seaside. "She's one
FairyPriya all set is debut in Bollywood
#KiAndKa! Thank you for the love Amit Uncle". In the film Arjun will be seen playing a house husband, while Kareena will play an ambitious marketing manager. "Ki & Ka", which is slated to release on April 1, is Balki's first film in which the "Piku" actor will not be playing Source: Indianexpress the lead. They have previously turn, Arjun tweeted: "The worked together in films three correct adjectives to like "Cheeni Kum", describe you more than "Paa" and "Shamitabh".
of the biggest stars in the world. Insanely talented, relentlessly smoking and extremely dangerous - perfect for #Baywatch. Welcome @PriyankaChopra to our bad a** and incredibly dysfunctional family.
Cue Rated R slo-mo running on the beach. We start shooting next week. W o r l d . #WelcomeToBaywatch," Johnson wrote alongside the video. One of the most watched TV shows glo-
bally, "Baywatch", was about the Los Angeles county lifeguards who patrol the beaches of Los Angeles, California. It starred David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson among others.
TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS
Custard Apple Kheer Ingredients 5 large custard apples 100 gm jaggery 1 tsp cardamom powder
Source: axomtube
The bold and beautiful actress FairyPriya Ahmed, who astonished us with the powerful performances in movies like TRP Aru, Rodor Sithi is all set for bollywood now. FairyPriya will be seen on a bollywood film titled "Romeo Highway". FairyPriya is already busy with her several national television projects. She has appeared some episodes of Crime Petrol. She's performing a character called Pooja in Zee TVs Kaala Teeka television series. She is also a
part of Aadhe Adhoore, which is the second original soap of Zindagi television. Again she is in Tedi Medi Family which is an Indian sitcom television series broadcast on BIG Magic. Coming to regional television performances, her role in Khaplang Kai is one of the most talked about roles among the others. Apart from the upcoming Bollywood film she has some other regional films like Dispurat Gavoru, Tumar Premot Pori and Surya The Power.
Jacqueline Fernandez and Sooraj Pancholi undergoes Ferrari 'fight'
1 cup broken green gram (roasted) 1 cup coconut milk 1 Tbsp almond flakes 1 Tbsp pistachio flakes 3-4 cups water Method Wash & peel the custard apple, separating the seeds and pulp. Discard the seeds and store the pulp in refrigerated condition. In a pressure cooker, place the roasted green gram and add 3 cups water, cook it till soft. (3 whistles) In a non-stick pan place
Source: thecandidadiet the jaggery and cardamom powder and cook till the jaggery melts. Add the cooked green gram & custard apple pulp to the jaggery mixture mix well, add coconut milk. Bring to a boil. Garnish with nuts serve chilled. Tip: Using khajoor ka gur instead of sugar cane jaggery, gives it a good texture.
Lin Laishram, model from Manipur to debut in Vishal Bharadwaj's Rangoon Lin Laishram, a junior national champion in archery is all set to make her presence felt in Bollywood.
'Ki & Ka' fun, progressive: Big B Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who will be seen doing a cameo in filmmaker R. Balki's upcoming film "Ki & Ka", says the trailer of the film looks "cool, fun and progressive". "Ki & Ka", which stars actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Kapoor in the lead, is based on the life of a young, married couple whose relationship challenges the gender roles placed upon women and men in Indian society. "Next Balki film 'Ki & Ka' trailer... With Kareena and Arjun... Cool, fun and progressive... haha," Amitabh posted on Twitter. In re-
Source: cloudfront
Source: santabanta
J acqueline Fernandez and Sooraj Pancholi have been paired together for Bhushan Kumar's next single, 'GF/BF', directed and choreographed by Remo D'Souza. However, even before the video can be unveiled, the two actors have been locked in a rather amus-
The gorgeous model from Manipur will be seen playing an interesting role in Vishal Bhardwaj's Rangoon. Lin feels that people will tend to stereotype her based on her looks, but she insists that she prefers to focus on the positivity. Lin, who was in consideration for the lead role of Mary Kom in the Omung Kumar biopic until Priyanka Chopra bagged it will now be seen in 'Rangoon'.
ing fight - over Bhushan's Ferrari! He had promised to gift his Ferrari 458 Italia Spider to whoever impresses him more in the music video. Now that the video is ready to be out, their fight has even hot up. They both want to lay their hands on Looking forward to her big ticket to Bollywood, the luxury sports car.
Source: blogspot the actress has felt respected working with the noted director Vishal Bharadwaj along with the dedicated ensemble star cast. Lin thinks that
her role in 'Rangoon' is very special and a lifechanging experience, not only for her but also for her people back home.
Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.
Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik
Editor: Ripunjoy Das
cmyk
cmyk
Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com