22 july 2015, wednesday

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com

O R ET M

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

A ll ab ou t

D ib ru ga rh

&

Vol. 1

Issue 50

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Arunachal's 6th legislative assembly budget session concludes, garners appreciation by and large ET Correspondent Itanagar, Jul 21

The Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh under Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has finally passed the 2015-16 budget estimate (BE) with a thumping majority. The BE which stood at Rs. 12,533.62 Cr with a total deficit of Rs. 514.87 Cr for FY 2015-16 has received huge appreciation from every member including a few from the opposition party during the two-day discussion. In a counter reply to the members of the opposition party who had termed the BE as ‘beautiful imaginary’ budget yesterday, the ruling members including the first timer legislators said that the budget is comprehensive, contemporary, realistic and logical.

Contd. on Page 3

ET CAPSULES

APPRECIATION AND BRICKBATS Arunachal's Budget Estimate 2015-16 budget estimate (BE) which stands at Rs. 12,533.62 Cr with a total deficit of Rs. 514.87 Cr for FY 2015-16 passed with a thumping majority

This year, in view of self employment, the Govt. has earmarked Rs.150 Cr for employment generation across 11 disciplines/streams

The BE has been claimed to have enhanced the consolidated sinking fund and the guarantee redemption fund.

Although the BE has been earlier termed ‘beautiful imaginary’ budget, the ruling members are of the opinion that the budget is comprehensive, contemporary, realistic and logical Certain opposition members are of the view that it is a mixed budget which is a copy and paste from the previous budget document 2014-15 reflecting no changes in the ground reality

The State Govt. is claimed to have for the first time has had the courage and the political will to deliver equitable distribution of opportunities and development to all sectors of the society.

It is also being claimed that this budget is trying to come out of the ‘dependency syndrome’ whereby it is giving more importance to revenue generating sources which are available in the State.

Meanwhile, leader of the opposition, Tamiyo Taga maintained his stand by opposing the budget and reiterated the issue of financial mismanagement and demanded for a CBI inquiry into every department.

One other is of the budget that it is one of the most vibrant, visionary, robust and ambitious ones

JAC's 'peaceful' protest turns violent

229 Policemen recruited Golaghat, Jul 21: The Government of Assam has recently conducted examinations for recruitment of police constables. The exams were held in all the district headquarters of the state. Like in the other districts, Golaghat also held exams for filling up of 232 posts lying vacant in the police department. Additional Superintendent of Police, Golaghat, Numal Mahatto told the media that for 232 posts, 8258 candidates appeared for the interview out of which 1459 cleared the physical test.

Then, following the written exam, 1220 candidates got selected. Finally, the results have been announced and 229 candidates got selected who will be recruited very soon. (Correspondent)

1 dead due to AES Lakhimpur, Jul 21: One person died in Lakhimpur today morning due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). The person has been identified as Dhireswar Saikia of TiyakiyaAhomoni village under Panigoan Police station. The death toll due to JE and AES have increased upto seven in Lakhimpur and the disease has grown to dangerous proportions.(Correspondent)

Rupee down 5 paise against dollar Mumbai, Jul 21: The rupee depreciated by five paise to 63.71 against the dollar in early trade today due to rise in greenback against other currencies overseas. The increased demand for the US currency from importers also impacted the rupee sentiment, dealers said.

The dollar gained against other currencies overseas on expectations of increase in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve in coming months. The rupee had lost 19 paise to close at three-week low of 63.66 against the US dollar yesterday on fresh demand for American currency from banks and importers on the back of a higher greenback in overseas markets.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading up by 46.71 points, or 0.16 per cent, at 28,466.83 in early trade today. (Agencies)

cmyk

The members of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS), led by its President and Sahitya Academy Awardee Shri Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, State Chief Information Commissioner called on the Governor Shri JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhawan,

5.00

Pages- 12

Media person’s involvement in sex racket creates sensation in Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jul 21

The case of busting of a sex racket in Dibrugarh on Monday today took a sensational turn after it was discovered that Imran Ali, a reporter of a private local news channel was too ‘involved’ in the racket. The administration of the channel UATV suspended Ali with immediate effect saying that ‘Ali was found to be involved in certain character-

less activities which are not at all acceptable and tolerable for the good of our esteemed channel’. The suspension letter of Ali, who was the news and video editor of the channel, is signed by Nasimul Gani, the Managing Director of the channel and Sailesh Jain, the Executive Director of the channel. On the other hand, the Greater Dibrugarh Press Club too suspended Ali of its primary membership with immediate effect and said that the suspension will

be applicable till Ali cleared of the case. Bushan Jyoti Handique, President of Greater Dibrugarh Press club said, “We have suspended his membership from Greater Dibrugarh Press club. It is a shameful incident that a media person is involved in such shameless act. We condemned such act”. “We condemned such shameless act. Media is the mirror of the society and if media persons are involved in such incident it will be a very bad for the whole the so-

ciety,’’ said Ratul Gohain, Secretary in charge of Greater Dibrugarh Press club. Ali’s involvement in the flourishing flesh trade came into light after Nandini Guha alias Aunty, the kingpin of the sex racket made a startling comment about the involvement of Ali, by saying that Ali often comes to her ‘kothi’ to collect money.

This version of Guha was also recorded in video by Contd. on Page 4

Bhojpuri organizations defy Ulfa (I) diktat, dares Paresh Barua for face off A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jul 21

A day after the Ulfa (I) banned two Bhojpuri organizations – the All Assam Bhojpuri Yuba Chatra Parishad (AABYCP) and the All Assam Bhojpuri Parishad (AABP) – both the organizations not only dared to defy the diktat from the outfit but also challenged Ulfa (I) military chief self styled Maj. Gen. Paresh Barua for a face off when and wherever he likes.

Narendra Prakash Chauhan, the President of the AABYCP who toured Tinsukia and Philobari today, while replying to questions from journalists on stopping activities of his organization said: “I am here only, there is no question of stopping any kind of organizational activities, Paresh Barua can do whatever he likes”. On the ban, Chauhan who reached Tinsukia from Nagaon this morning with a delegation said: “There is no question of following a ban from an organization which itself is a proscribed organization”. On the other hand,

Army major dies in road mishap

Parshuram Dubey, the President of the AABP too while denying to follow the diktat from the outfit stated that the protest by hindi speaking people in the state is only because they have been targeted without any reason. “When these mindless acts of violence against the hindi speaking population will cease, the protests too will stop”, Dubey said. Chauhan also appealed to the Ulfa (I) to stop all kind of killings and come forward for talks. “Till date the Ulfa had killed several thousands of people in Assam. They must stop killings now and come for

a solution”, he said. The statements made by the leaders of the two Bhojpuri organizations are expected to further ignite the situation in upper Assam. It is learnt that a couple of such Bhojpuri organization leaders have also been provided with PSOs by the police. Intelligence agencies have already sent confidential reports to both New Delhi and Dispur with inputs that groups of heavily armed ulfa cadres have sneaked into upper Assam, particularly in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts and are waiting to strike.

2 poachers killed in Kaziranga, 3 flee ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jul 21

ET Correspondent Itanagar, Jul 21

Amid tight security, more than 300 protesters led by the Jan Andolan Committee under the chairmanship of Tame Passang marched towards the legislative building demanding resignation of the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on moral grounds.

The JAC earlier announced that it would be a peaceful sitin protest, however, it turned violent after they were blocked from marching towards the assembly road. The peaceful dharna turned out to be some sort of hot war when Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner, Mige Kamki took Passang in his official vehicle. The security on duty comprising of Itanagar police and IRBn personnel started

lathi-charge on the BJP workers injuring some. One BJP worker got 4-5 stitches on his head. The authority also pulled dozens of air firings to defuse the situation. The agitators stone pelted two police buses and a media vehicle.

Four people were injured including two police personnel.

Meanwhile, BJP has termed the Police action as vindictive attitude of the State Government.

Arunachal Pradesh ex-CM P.K Thungon convicted for graft ET Bureau New Delhi, Jul 21

Former Union Minister P.K Thungon and three others were on Tuesday convicted by a Delhi court in connection with a cheating and corruption case lodged by CBI 17 years back, after which they were taken into custody. Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Jain held 69-year-old Thungon and

others guilty of offences under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of IPC and under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court ordered that Thungon, who was the then Minister of State, Ministry of Urban Af-

4 out of 8 private universities in Arunachal are operational ET Correspondent Itanagar, Jul 21

There are eight private universities in Arunachal Pradesh and four out of these are operational as of today, according to the State Education Minister, Tapang Taloh. The minister while replying to the

question raised by BJP MLA from Ziro Tage Taki today in the assembly said that a committee has been constituted to assess the ground realities in all these private universities in terms of infrastructure, academic setup among others.

Contd. on Page 4

fairs and Employment and three other convicts - Tali AO, C Sangit and Mahesh Maheshwari - be taken into custody and fixed the matter for arguments on quantum of sentence on July 27. "Accordingly, P K Thungon, Tali AO, C Sangit and Mahesh Maheshwari, are convicted and sent to judicial custody," it said.

Contd. on Page 4

NDFB (S) millitant arrested in Kokrajhar ANI Kokrajhar, July 21 Security forces on Tuesday apprehended an alleged militant belonging to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbjit) from Assam’s Kokrajhar region. One 7.65 mm pistol, around 600 live rounds of ammunition and three hand grenades have been recovered from the arrested individual.

Arunachal Guv calls upon intellectuals and literary societies to preserve, promote and expand the assets of the society ET Bureau Itanagar, Jul 21

Price -

Itanagar today. During the interaction with the members of the society, the Governor called upon the intellectuals and literary societies of the State to preserve, promote and expand the assets of the society, especially cultural heritage, handloom and handicraft expertise and language.

Contd. on Page 3

Army Officer Poban Kumar Bora died in the road accident at Bhalukaguri in Demow. Pic - UB Photos ET Correspondent Demow, Jul 21

Major Paban Kumar Bhura, an army helicopter pilot based in Dinjan and his wife today died in a road mishap at NH37 Bhulakaguri in Demow.

Sources said that Maj. Bhura

along with his wife and eighteen months old baby were going towards Sivasagar from Dinjan in his Swift Desire car (UK-07 AG-8265) which collided head on with a Mahindra Maximo (AS-23 BC-1012).

Contd. on Page 4

Poachers have caused much trouble for the authorities of Kaziranga National Park as they are still getting into the park without giving much of a thought with regard to security officials put on alert there.

According to sources, one such incident took place yesterday when a group of poachers entered the park through Burapahar Range near Ranglu Camp. However, the forest guards were alerted regarding their entry through a tip-off and they carried out an operation. Near the foothills, gun firing ensued afterwards be-

tween the poachers and the forest authorities. The forest guards killed two poachers while 3 others managed to flee. The forest officers were able to recover 3 rifle empty cartridges and food packets.

The poachers could not be identified. It is believed that the poachers entered the park with the intention of killing another rhino. This year, Rhino death toll stands at 12 as on June 29.

Oppn disrupts Rajya Sabha over Lalit Modi, Vyapam issues ET Bureau New Delhi, Jul 21

The monsoon session of Parliament on Tuesday started on a disruptive note as a united Opposition repeatedly stalled Rajya Sabha, and demanded the resignation of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and others over the controversy involving ex-IPL chief Lalit Modi and raised the multi-layered Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh. As the opposition parties demanded a discussion on the controversy surrounding the former Indian Premier League chief, the government agreed and the chair permitted a motion for suspending the business of the House to take up the debate. Vociferous demands for the resignations of the foreign minister as well as Madhya Pradesh chief minis-

How to wear platform heels To say the first look of Pooja Bhatt's in-the-thick-of-making Cabaret is a scorcher would be an understate-

OP-ED ment. Add to that Bhatt's series of tweets, where she takes on those who dismiss her leading lady Richa Chadha as "un-glamorous," insisting "they'll eat their words" after they see the Masaan actor in Cabaret.

The Narendra Modi government, however, has made it clear that there would be no resignations. Prime Minister Modi had said earlier in the day that the government hopes the monsoon session of Parliament will see some "good decisions" being made by lawmakers. "Yesterday (Monday), the all-party meet was fruitful... We want all of us to work together," Modi said against the backdrop of opposition parties gearing up to attack the ruling BJP over its senior leaders linked to scams.

"We hope good decisions will be made in this session," he said. Congress leaders Anand Sharma and Pramod Tiwari, and Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agarwal had given the notice for suspending the business of the House to take up the debate.

ter Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Rajasthan counterpart Vasundhara Raje led to the disruption of Rajya Sabha.The opposition, mainly the Congress, has been demanding the heads of Swaraj and Raje since a controversy erupted over their alleged help to Lalit Modi to get British travel papers after his passport was re-

voked. MP chief minister Shivraj Chouhan too is under fire over a multi-layered examination and recruitment scam in the state.The monsoon session is expected to be a rocky one and the government is concerned about key bills because of the Congress' demand for the resignation of BJP leaders and ministers.

Mizoram education fund scam: Concerned officers summoned for hearing

Massive fire guts over 700 shanties in a Badda slum

Modi and the SinoIndian Game for Iranian Gas

Tuesday is the scheduled date for further hearing in an education funds scam involving top officials of

A massive fire yesterday more than 700 shanties in a slum in Dhaka's Badda area, but there have been

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Turkmenistan as part of

REGION

NEIGHBOURS

EDITORIAL

no reports of any human casualties. Firefighters said the fire started around 1:50pm and it was brought under control at 5pm, but they could not immediately say what sparked it or the figure of damage caused.

his tour of the five Central Asian republics was a critical opportunity for New Delhi to advance the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan India pipeline (TAPI)

the Lai Autonomous District Council, including a senior Congress leader and as such the Aizawl District and Sessions court has summoned the investigating officer, an ACB Inspector on that day.

Contd. on Page 4

cmyk

Every Thursday

Every Thursday & Sunday

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Nagaland Govt. orders magisterial inquiry into Phek firing incident Dimapur, July 21: The Nagaland government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the recent shooting incident at Meluri in Phek district of the state which led to the death of two civilians and injured one.

The inquiry, which will be conducted by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Phek, Kuko Mero, will look into causes and source of firing.

On July 15, 2015, 46 Assam Rifles and 12 Para Commandos, while returning from Avungkhu area under Meluri Sub-Division in Phek district reportedly encountered NSCN (K) cadres in which two of the latter were killed.

Later, while taking the two

dead bodies for legal formalities to Meluri Police Station, violence and firing erupted, causing the death of two students and injuring a woman.

Meanwhile, in view of the prevailing law and order situation and in the interest of public safety, Phek District Collector, Muruho Chotso, has in an order prohibited storage/selling/ wearing of combat dress/ camouflage dress with immediate effect.

Security personnel have also been directed not to wear combat/camouflage dress during official duty hours. Violation of this order will invite penalty as per appropriate section of law, an official release stated. (ANI)

Manipur: Locals demand implementation of Inner Line Permit system Imphal, July 20: Local residents here formed a human chain on Monday demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit system.

Hordes of women and children held hands on the roads, shouting slogans for

the acceptance of their demands.

“ILP is needed to protect the indigenous people of Mnaipur. We don’t mean to kick out the outsiders. It is for the safeguard of our people,” said a local resident. (ANI)

Govt to move fresh bill to tackle bribery by foreign officials New Delhi, Jul 21: A Bill that makes accepting or giving bribe by foreign public officials a criminal offence entailing imprisonment of up to seven years among others strict penal provisions will be moved afresh in the Parliament by the Government.

The Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Bill, 2011, lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha in May last year.

The Bill is proposed to be introduced afresh and Law Commission of India has been asked to provide their views and comments, official sources said.

However, it has not yet been decided whether it will be moved in the monsoon session of the Parliament which begins from tomorrow, they said.

The legislation will be a stand alone law to deal with bribery by foreign public officials. Bribery by foreign nationals is not covered under any domestic anti-corruption laws at present.

The 2011 version of the Bill has provision to punish both bribe taker and giver. It also empowers the government to enter into agreements with other countries or contracting states for enforcing this law and for exchange of investigative information.

The government will also give notices for consideration of the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013, which are pending in Rajya Sabha, the sources said.

The Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Bill, 2011 was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25, 2011 and referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee in April the same year.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice gave its report on March 29, 2012.

The then Union Cabinet had in 2013 approved certain additional official amendments to the Bill, which could not be taken up during the subsequent sittings of the House and

lapsed with the dissolution of 15th Lok Sabha.

The Bill comes as a part of mandatory obligation under United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which was ratified by India on May 9, 2011.

The UNCAC, which acts as a universal legal instrument to deal with the menace of corruption globally, provides a mechanism for member country to deal with bribery among foreign public officials (FPO) and officials of public international organisations (OPIO).

A 'public international organisation' includes any international body formed by states, governments, or other public international organisations, including, for example, a regional economic integration organisation.

As per the old Bill, the government can attach, seize and confiscate property of offenders. Besides it has provision for extradition of an accused official.

China companies signed 1,401 Project contracts under silk road initiative Beijing, Jul 21: Chinese companies have signed 1,401 project contracts worth USD 37.6 billion in countries along its Silk Road initiative in the first half of this year, nearly half of combined overseas contract value, according to official data released today.

The contracts were worth USD 37.6 billion, up 16.7 per cent year on year, and accounting for 43.3 per cent of contracts in the period, Shen Danyang, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesman, said.

Chinese companies signed overseas project contracts

worth USD 86.7 billion in the first six months, representing an increase of 6.9 per cent year on year, he said.The Belt and Road refer to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), proposed by China in 2013 with the goal of

List Of Phone Numbers Of Nursing Homes

boosting trade between Asia and Europe. The network passes through more than 60 countries and regions, with a total population of 4.4 billion. A number of countries were still studying the initiative and are yet to come out in full support .China has set up

USD 40 billion to fund the initiative. While India has extended support for the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar Economic Corridor, (BCIM) which is part of the Silk Road initiative, it is silent on the MSR and criticized the Pakistan, China Economic Corridor,

(PCEC) as it passes through the disputed POK region. China meanwhile has launched the PCEC with an investment of USD 46 billion. Most of the projects in PCEC were reportedly awarded to Chinese firms, as China is the main investor. (Agencies)

ASTRO FOR YOU

Tinsukia City Hospital & Research Centre Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Gnb Road Near Bujhuri-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2333349 Fax :0374-2350026/2339974

Ideas play havoc in your head today. The good thing is that you will execute them well. Here is a word of caution for you: avoid hasty decisions. Experienced people will help you find a firm footing. Pay heed to elders' counselling.

Dr.Bawaris Nursing Home Jeevan Jyoti Nursing Home

It is about time that you stopped running from your problems and stand up and face them. Your loved ones will bask in your material generosity today.

You will be magnanimous with the wallet to impress members of the opposite sex. Don't forget that time is also money.

Category: General Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Parvathiya Road Hospital Address: Parbatia,Opp Hindi Girls High School-786125, Assam Tinsukia-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :(0374)2339756 Phone Number :0374-2336319 Fax :0374-2335334 Fax :0374-2350131

Pinewood Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Subothoni Road Moniam Dewan Nagra-786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2300730 Fax :0374-2339730

Help-Line APST BUS SERVICE Ph: 0360-2212338, 0360-2351490 NIGHT SERVICES Name of Routes Departure Distance(km) Bus Fare 1) Itanagar- Shillong ( Daily service) 5:00 pm 510 460/2) Itanagar-Nyapin(Mon, Thu, Sat) 2:00 pm 325 400/3) Itanagar- Aalo (Daily service) 2:30 pm 325 350/4) Itanagar-Daporijo (Daily service from Nlg)12:00 noon 432 470/5) Itanagar - Yingkiong (Alternate day) 01.00 pm 436 550/6) Itanagar - Seppa (Alternate day) 12:00 noon 385 420/7) Itanagar - Khonsa (Sun, mon, wed, thur) 1:00 pm 677 620/8) Itanagar - Namsai (Daily service) 1:00 pm 655 580/9) Itanagar - Koloriang (Alternate day) 2.30 pm 334 400/DAY SERVICE 10) Itanagar - Guwahati (Daily service) 6.00 am 395 350/11) Itanagar - Pasighat (Daily service) 6.00 am 270 250/12) Itanagar - Tirbin (Mon, thu & sat) 5.30 am 328 330/13) Itanagar - Bomdila (Daily except Fri) 6.00 am 346 320/14) Itanagar - Aalo (Daily service) 5.30 am 325 350/15) Itanagar - Sagalee (Sun, Tues & Thur ) 7.30 am 121 135/16) Itanagar - Pakke Kessang (Mon, Wed & Fri)7.00 am 160 200/17) Itanagar-Mengio (sun, tue &Thur) 6.00 am 198 230/18)Itanagar-Kimin/ H-Camp (Daily except Sat)12.00 noon 94 80/19) Itanagar-Gerukhamukh (Daily except Fri)12.00 noon 134 120/20) Itanagar- Balijan (Daily except Sun) 12.30 pm 105 105/21) Itanagar - Sonajuly (Daily except Sun) 01.00 pm 70 80/22) Itanagar - Jote (Daily except Sun) 07.00 am & 01.00 pm 22 30/23) Itanagar- Lakhimpur (Daily Service) 3.30 pm 64 70/-

Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

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

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

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

Assam Medical College

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

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

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

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

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

Even slender shoulders gain the strength when the time comes to handle responsibilities. And so shall you, as today brings with it an increased amount of responsibility. You may find yourself drained of all your energy by the end of it. After all, handling important tasks is a tough thing. But when you look back, the satisfaction of having done a job well shall wipe out all the stress, and rejuvenate you.

Expect a pleasant surprise when you return home after a long day's work.

Today is the right time to start a new project, while older projects which had been postponed will be finished. Over the next week you will try to boost your energy levels. Parties will lead to a lot of entertainment and joy. Children will bring home pride which will put you in even higher spirits.

Today in your office you should be very careful in your work. It is likely that your superiors will not be happy about your work or your ability today. Those of you who are businessmen should try and delay sending off tenders today.

Those who have given their job interviews may not get a favorable response to it. There may be a delay in getting your call letters. Be very careful in each and every undertaking of yours today.

Add a pinch of innovation and inventiveness to your daily working style.

There shall be order in the chaotic way you perform your tasks - though not apparent to others. Revitalise yourself and plunge into work with new-found zest and vigour.

Today shall be a rather decisive day. Situations that have pushed you into a corner will force you to make rash decisions. But take stock of the situation and assess the long-term consequences of your actions beforehand.

There is all the likelihood that you will find your perfect match today and will let him/her know about your feelings. Your family means the world to you and you will be more expressive about this today than you have been in the past few years. In fact, your warm feelings will be reciprocated in equal measure and you will be showered with love- unconditional and unrestrained.

You will spend the day introspecting, but the mental peace will still seem distant. Some unavoidable circumstances will force you to handle the situations with diligence. Due to your devotion to the Almighty and spiritualism, you will be able to deal with problems pretty well.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

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

Today, you will strictly follow your plan book. However, this is only one of those rare days when things go according to plan. You are likely to keep your views to yourself, and will hardly betray what's on your mind.

You will need broad shoulders to deal with the added responsibilities which will be heaped on your plate today. And while the work will be draining, the satisfaction of a job well done will more than ease your stress. A pleasant surprise probably awaits you back home, later in the evening.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals

You are on your way to falling in love. Your parents or children are likely to fetch you substantial gains, financially or otherwise. You may want to make a few changes at work, probably a new business strategy.

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

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

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 21-7-15 (TUESDAY)

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-25 A.M-Employment News 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 Songs) 12-15 P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-30 P.M-Geetimanjari 12-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Path Hoise Bikashar" 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 8-00 P.M-Krira Jagat-Sports News by Sachindralal Bhuyan 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Passing out parade by ITBP jawans at RTC Kimin, Papum Pare district ET Correspondent Kimin, Jul 21: After successful completion of 44 weeks of rigorous training, 521 newly recruited constables of Batch Nos. 429, 430, 431, 432 and 433 of ITBP took oath in the passing out parade and attestation ceremony at RTC, Kimin on 21st July, 2015.

A spectacular ceremonial parade under the command of CT/GD Deepak Kumar Singh was demonstrated in a well decorated ground of RTC, Kimin.

Shri RKD Singh, Inspector General, North East Frontier, ITB Police Force took the salute as Chief Guest. Shri Mandhir Ekk, DIG, RTC Kimin welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries including the Zila Parishad Member of Kimin Shri Tai Tayu, media personnel and others on the passing out parade at RTC Kimin.

ITBP is deployed along Indo-China border covering 3488 KM with 141 Border Out Post on an altitude ranging from 9000 to 18600 feet. It is the most inhospitable terrain in the world where the deployment is done with adverse climate conditions, temperatures dipping up to minus 40 Celsius. ITBP scaled Mount Everest several times and the force

ET Correspondent Tezu, 21 July: Inseminator, a bio-medical waste disposing plant at district hospital Lohit has been left unused which was primarily set up for proper disposal of infected wastage coming out every day from the hospital. Unfortunately, from day one of its construction to its completion, the plant was not handed over to the Medical Superintendent for use. The construction of the plant is sponsored by North-Eastern Council (NEC) with the sponsorship worth to the tune of Rs 75 lakhs.

Audit officials from Account General (AG) Itanagar inspected the plant accompanied by K Basar DMO as directed by NEC for its proper functioning. “To run the

has excellent mountaineers. The force is also performing well in security duties in UN Missions abroad. The elite force of the country is now performing a vital role in antinaxal operations and disaster management. ITBP personnel have done a very commendable job during the rescue operations in flood and cloud burst that hit Uttrakhand.

During his speech Shri RKD Singh stressed on the importance of internal security and border guarding where the elite force

(ITBP) is deployed. He emphasised that these young constables have to be mentally and physically tough to face the challenges while performing various internal security duties and other kinds of duties. He expressed confidence that these Himveers have been imparted quality of training in all aspects and are ready to face all the daunting tasks. In their 44 weeks of strenuous and demanding training these trainees have undergone various military training and par-

took of administrative subjects like field craft, battle craft, conventional tactics, counter insurgency operation, field engineering, weapon drill, map reading, law, human rights etc.

Shri Singh appreciated the marvellous and vibrant passing out parade exhibited by the 521 constables.

He also awarded the best trophy. The programmes also witnessed different kinds of PT display, band display and other demonstrations which show the quality of training done in the last 44 weeks.

CC Singpho lauds service by media towards the cause of Bordumsa and late Gumja Memorial Football Tournament Laxman Sharma Bordumsa, July 21: Keeping in view the weakening scenario of INC in the wake of BJP grabbing a lion's share of public support across various states of India, former Congress cabinet minister of Arunachal Pradesh Government, CC Singpho, addressed the public gathered on the concluding day of the late Gumja Memorial Football Tournament here at Bordumsa this afternoon in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh as chief guest and remembered Gumja Sikhet as torch bearer of the congress for the entire area including his Bordumsa Village in the capacity of Anchal Samity Member for several years and shared publicly his allegiance with late Gumja Sikhet terming him 'a perfect epitome of true congress leader'.

Offering floral tributes and lighting candles before the portrait of Gumja Sikhet, the pioneering congress leader who had breathed his last in 2012 at a very tender age of 38 due to mutliple illness, Mr Singpho threw light on his life and achievements, his political career and party contributions from an early age of 21 besides his laudable steps to develop his

Inseminator, bio-medical waste disposing plant in defunct state

area on multiple fronts including socio-economic, religious, cultural and educational including building of new Buddha Viharas.

Mr Singpho however addressing the parents, spouse, children and brothers and sisters of late Gumja while expressing deep concern appreciated the concept of dedicating the tournament in the name of Gumja and extended all support while organizing the same in the near future to keep Gumja alive amongst all.

Earlier, the final day episode of the said prize money tournament which had commenced on the 1st of July in the Higher Sec-

Opposite Aditya Hospital Bordoloi Avenue Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh Hospital Specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) and Infertility

Other Available Facilities

*Laparoscopy * General Surgery *Medicine *Paediatrics *ENT *Dentistry * Plastic Surgery For further information Please Contact: Reception: ( 0373)-2300501 Manager- +91 9954605550 Dr.Rina Ahmed - +91 9435030074

ondary School Playground was kicked off by the chief guest on the occasion CC Singpho himself.

It may be added here that the chief guest Mr Singpho appreciated and extended his gratitude to the media for serving the various causes of Bordumsa-Diyun area besides covering the tournament in its circulation regularly.

The tournament which attracted more than thousand onlookers all around the field became more interesting when the team IRBN scored 3 goals crushing the team spirit of the the rival team BAFT in the initial 25 minutes of the game while another was scored during

the second half.

Shanti and Tikam of team IRBN Bordumsa led their team to the Championship with 4 and 2 goals respectively while the last significant was hit by team BAFT restoring a semblance of parity.

Meanwhile, congratulating the team IRBN for winning the Championship, CC Singpho handed over the Champion's Trophy together with a cheque worth 16000 rupees while Mrs Roitop Singpho the wife of late Gumja Sikhet together with other family members including brother Singwa Sikhet gave away the runners-up trophy along with a cash award worth 10,000 rupees to team BAFT.

plant, specialized personnel is required but till today there is no trained personnel posted to make it functional. At the same time, another major problem pertains to the 12 KV power backup which is needed to run the plant”, rues the DMO. Meanwhile, everyday wastage coming out from the hospital is being dumped on the backside of the hospital in the open areas without giving much thought with regard to its hazards. Disposable syringes, senile bottle, blooded cotton deposit, empty medicines bottles, etc. are visibly dumped in the open creating grave health hazards.

According to sources, in Arunachal six inseminators were built in the district hospital; regrettably, hardly a single one is functional.

Arunachal's 6th legislative assembly budget session concludes, garners appreciation by and large Contd. from Page 1 Parliamentary Secretary of IPR and Elementary Education Bamang Felix while speaking on the source of the budget said, “It is constitutionally mandatory that the finance commission under the ministry of finance, Govt. of India must provide the fund to the State and no power can stop it.” He said this to clarify the statement made by a legislator from the BJP saying that the money will come from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While praising the State Govt. under the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Felix said the Govt. is enhancing the consolidated sinking fund and the guarantee redemption fund besides setting aside Rs. 250 Cr as savings for enhancing the pension scheme for dedicated govt. employees. He said this policy is adopted so that no government faces financial constraints in the future.

Felix also said this is the year of self employment while mentioning that in the BE, the Govt. has earmarked Rs.150 Cr for employment generation across 11 disciplines/streams. He also said that the serious

challenge facing the govt. today is streamlining the youth force. Following Felix was Dr. Mohesh Chai, Tezu BJP MLA who had cleverly defended Modi during his speech. Chai said Modi was invited to attend the Statehood day. “If you wanted grant you should have mentioned in the invitation,” Dr. Chai said. He said this in a counter reply to Felix when the latter said that Modi came to Arunachal to give dialogue only but no financial assistance. Dr. Chai said, this is a mixed budget which is a copy and paste from the previous budget document 2014-15 and “as far as the assessment is concerned pertaining to the implementation of the 2014-15 budget, there is no changes in the ground reality as of today”.

Kanubari MLA, Gabriel D Wangsu said the budget is one of the most vibrant, visionary, robust and ambitious ones. Being a former journalist himself who used to cover assembly sessions, Wangsu said, “Considering the past observations, for the first time the State Govt. has had the courage and the political will to deliver equitable distribution of opportunities and development to all sectors of the society.” He said the State

Govt. through this budget is trying to come out of the ‘dependency syndrome’ whereby it is giving more importance to revenue generating sources which are available in the State.

“From this budget we could conclude that financial mismanagement in the State is in the safe hands.

This is the first time that the economy of the primary sector is well taken care of,” Wangsu added.

Leader of the opposition, Tamiyo Taga maintained his stand by opposing the budget. He reiterated over the issue of financial mismanagement and demanded for a CBI inquiry into every department.

Among those legislators who have hardly raised their voice in the assembly but have spoken today were, Yachuli MLA, Likha Sayaa, Itanagar MLA, Techi Kaso and Chayangtajo MLA, Karya Bagang.

Replying to the members of the opposition, Sayaa said, “Everyone has an angle but make sure yours is a right angle.” He asked the BJP MLAs to ‘learn to appreciate and support somebody’s good work’.

Nabam Tuki thanked everybody for the support. He gave an elaborated speech on every sector and told the

house why and how every sector is important and budget allocation is one of the primary actions to boost any sector. He asked the members to cooperate in the implementation of the budget to the fullest. He also proudly announced that every State in India is adopting the Chief Minister's Universal Health Insurance Scheme.

Nearly 20 MLAs participated in the budget discussion that lasted more than six hours. The fifth session, which has also been termed as the budget session of the Arunachal Pradesh sixth legislative assembly lasted for 11 days, finally ended. Other lists of business that were completed today include passing of the Arunachal Pradesh Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2015, presentation of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2013-14, presentation of Finance Accounts (Vol-I &II) for the year 2013-14, presentation of Comptroller and Auditor General of India Report on Social, Economic, Revenue and Economic (SPSUs) Sectors for the year ended 31st March, 2014, presentation of Comptroller and Auditor General of India Report on State Finances for the year ended 31st March, 2014.

Arunachal Guv calls upon intellectuals and literary societies to preserve, promote and expand the assets of the society Contd. from Page 1 He stressed that it is the duty of every member of the society and community to ensure that it is not lost.

Sharing his delightful experience during the recent Dree Festival celebration, the Governor said that each and every tribe of the State has many dance forms and songs.

The whole Arunachal Pradesh has a

huge collection of cultural assets. Pleased to see that young children were taking part along with ladies in the cultural programme, the Governor said that it is a positive sign and effort must be there to maintain it.

Sharing his concern that younger generations do not take interest in learning their mother tongues, the Governor advised the APLS to promote and popularize indigenous languages

amongst the youth.

Reiterating his concern of the drug menace in the State, the Governor called upon the literary society to take initiative in educating the people on the negative impact in the society, particularly the youth.

The Governor lauded the efforts of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society in collaboration with Assam Sahitya Sabha in reinforcing the age-old good

neighbours’ relationship during interstate related disturbed periods.

The Governor emphasised that Film Institute project must be expedited. It will provide large number of employment and boost tours. Stating that the institute was given to the State because of its scenic beauty and green environment, the Governor advised the people not to damage the green cover. (PRO)

Plant more trees and properly nurture it: Arunachal Guv Itanagar, Jul 21: As part of the 66th Van Mahotsava, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkowa participated in a plantation programme at Raj Bhawan, Itanagar on 21st July 2015. Planting a sapling of ‘Maha Neem’, the Governor advised all to take care and nurture the plants they have planted.

Stating that human beings are encroaching the depleting habitat of wild animals, the Governor appealed to the people of the State for increasing the green cover through planting more trees. PCCF & Principal Secretary, Environment and Forests, Dr. Shashi Kumar informed that the department has set a target of planting 7 lakh plants, of which 5 lakhs have already been planted. Starting from 1st of June, the Van Mahotsava will continue till 15th August, PCCF added.

Secretary to Governor Shri Shurbir Singh, PCCF & Principal Secretary, Environment and Forests, Dr. Shashi Kumar, PCCF (Wildlife and Biodiversity) Dr. Yogesh, Addl PCCFs Shri M. Rao and Dr. R. Kemp, and Conservator of Forest Hibu Doley along with officers and officials of Raj Bhawan took part in the celebrations and planted Neem, Coconut and Black Berry (Jamun) saplings on the occasion. (PRO)

(..AT H.M. WE LOVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TOTAL HEALTH)

DIAGNOSTICS FACILITIES

CONSULTATION DOCTORS

Æ Color Doppler Study 3D/4D Æ X-Ray (Digital) Æ Complete Digital Path Lab Æ Computerized E.C.G./ E.E.G./N.C.S. Æ Video Endoscopy Æ Echocardiography Æ T.M.T. Æ Peripheral Doppler Study Æ C.T. Scan Æ Dialysis Unit

Æ General Surgery Æ Obstetrics & Gynecology Æ Pediatrics & Pediatric Surgeon Æ E.N.T. Surgery Æ Nephrologist Æ Neurology Æ Medicine Specialist Æ Cardiology Æ Orthopedics Æ Dermatology Æ Urologist

OPP. JYOSTNA CINEMA HALL * A.M.C. ROAD PALTAN BAZAR * DIBRUGARH (ASSAM) * PIN 786005 PHONE: 0373-2301600/ (M) 094019 00997 * E-mail: hmpdc@rediffmail.com

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Margherita Town Committee Employees Association stage sit in demonstration ET Correspondent Margherita, Jul 21: Margherita Town Committee Employees Association have initiated a sit in demonstration from 20th July to 26th July, 2015 at Margherita Town Committee Office regarding their long pending demands. There are a total of 26 employees at Margherita Town Committee office. Mr Pranab Hazarika, President of Margherita Town Com-

mittee Employees Association told this correspondent that there are a total of 26 employees in the Margherita Town Committee but till today their jobs have not provincialized; no staffing pattern has been established and they have received no pension benefits. "We have had an agreement with the Government of Assam that we will receive all the benefits but till now we have

not got anything," said Ram Mohan Banerjee, Secretary Margherita Town Committee Employees Association. The ongoing sit-in-demonstration has paralyzed Margherita Town with garbage not being cleaned and foul smell has caused an outcry among the Margherita denizens.

Municipality boards and town committees across Assam have resorted to sit-in-demonstrations.

Money laundering allegations denied by SHG officials ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jul 21: The members of a women Selp Help Group (SHG) named Dhrubajyoti Atmasahayak Gut of Kaborugaon under Padumoni East Block in Golaghat made allegations of money laundering against both its president and secretary. However, both the officials

have denied the allegations. In a press release, the president Bhanuprova Das and the secretary Nizara Das said that their Selp Help Group has in possession an amount of 2 lac rupees out of which 1 lac is bank loan and another 1 lac is subsidy. Recently they had withdrawn 90 thousand rupees and

distributed it among the members while the remainder one lakh ten thousand rupees has not been released by the bank. They also stated that the details of their SHG fund are in State Bank of India Golaghat Branch and can be inquired into if the need be. So, the allegations raised against them are false and baseless.

Alcohol infused doctors assault patient and challenges cops Shillong, Jul 21: "Doctors are considered to be next to Gods" but what if the Gods are all upto harassing his subjects?

Such an ironical yet shocking scene came into focus on Sunday night when two doctors completely drunk misused the powers in their hands by assaulting a patient were arrested by the Laban police when they also tried to challenge the police under heavy intoxication. As per the FIR filed by one Pynshailang Kurbah (in his 30s), while he was waiting in the emergency room of the hos-

pital for over half an hour on Sunday night, one Dr Willing Pde turned up and slapped him on the back and even challenged him to a "one on one fight" besides allegedly assaulting him after he refused to get admitted. The patient alleged that the doctor asked him get admitted without checking him or prescribing any medicines. According to police, later Dr Pde and one Dr Kevin Sangma, who was also drunk, challenged the Laban police team stating that they were under the jurisdiction of Sadar po-

lice station. Despite the resistance, both the doctors were taken to NEIGRIHMS for medical tests by Officer in charge, Laban PS, BK Mishra. The duo was produced before a local court on Monday morning after which they were remanded to three days police custody. Three cases were registered against them under section 353, 336 and 506 of IPC for assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty, act endangering life or personal safety of others and for criminal intimidation. (Agencies)

20.72 % growth in HDFC net profit at Rs 2,695.72 crore Pune, Jul 21: Private sector lender HDFC Bank today reported a 20.72 per cent growth in net profit at Rs 2,695.72 crore for the quarter ended June 30.

The bank's had earned a net profit of Rs 2,233.04 crore in the April-June quarter of 2014-15. The total income of the bank rose 26.25 per cent to Rs 16,502.97 crore during the quarter under review compared with Rs 13,070.65 crore in the same period last year,

Municipality workers on strike ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jul 21: The municipality workers of Golaghat in line with the other parts of the state are on strike from 20 July to 26 July demanding their jobs to be made permanent and including them in the Government list. As such the workers have stopped collecting garbage from the town and eventually rotting garbage are creating unhygienic conditions in places like Town area, Chowk Bazaar, Fish market and other places creating problems for public. The president of the organization Bishwajeet Bora and Secretary Ratul Tamuly said, "If their demands are not fulfilled shortly then they will be compelled to take other steps as in stopping the water supply and electricity facility."

Govt. launches scheme to check population New Delhi, Jul 21: The Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on Tuesday launched a scheme to check population growth in the country, under which home delivery of contraceptives

by ASHAs at the doorstep of beneficiaries will be done. To utilize the services of ASHA to deliver contraceptives at the doorstep of beneficiaries, 8.85 lakh ASHAs are distributing contraceptives at the door step. Under this scheme,

SCHEMES OF GOVT. Ø8.85 lakh ASHAs are distributing contraceptives at the door step Ø ASHAs are being utilised for counselling of newly married couples to ensure delay of two years in birth after marriage

ØThe pregnancy testing kits have been made an integral part of ASHA kit.

services of ASHAs are being utilised for counselling of newly married couples to ensure delay of two years in

birth after marriage and couples with one child to have spacing of three years after the birth of first child.

ØA new family planning method, i.e. post-partum IUCD (PPIUCD) has been introduced in the program.

The pregnancy testing kits have been made an integral part of ASHA kit and are being used to diagnose pregnancy early, so as to ensure early registration of pregnancy safe abortion services.

A new family planning method, i.e. post-partum IUCD (PPIUCD) has been introduced in the program.

PP IUCD services are being provided by trained health providers in government hospitals, within 48 hours after the delivery. (ANI)

Sikkim tops in suicide cases in the entire nation Gangtok, Jul 21: According to the latest survey results by the National Crime Records Bureau released last week, Sikkim has been accounted with a total of 244 suicide cases in 2014 and as such the state has left behind its 29 counterparts

giving us an accurate percentage of 38.4 and continues to be in the top positions preceded by Puducherry. Last year the national rate was 10.6 informs NCRB. Rate of suicides is the number of suicides per lakh population and the population of

Sikkim is 6.10 lakhs.

Puducherry, a Union territory on the other hand has the highest rate of suicide cases of 40.4 percent all over the country. As a matter of fact both the states have been consistent in this major issue that can be taken as the

nation's one of the most important setback. Among the 244 suicide cases in Sikkim last year, 83 were female including 24 housewives and 161 were male.

Sixty Seven of the suicide victims most of them were unemployed and government servants. (Agencies)

Hyundai all set to introduce Grand i10 New Delhi, Jul 21: South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor is eying India's lucrative compact sports and multi-utility vehicles segments, and plans to introduce compact cars under its flagship Grand i10 hatchback to improve its market share. With 17% market share, Hyundai is India's No.2 carmaker after Maruti Suzuki.

Four of its vehicles are in the list of top 10 selling passenger cars in India. The company will start delivery of its muchawaited SUV, Creta, to customers after the vehicle's launch from July 22. Hyundai Motor

India Ltd's managing director and chief executive Bo Shin Seo said the company is reinforcing its local research and development operations in Hyderabad to develop Indiaspecific cars that will have wider appeal. "India is one of the biggest potential markets for our parent, Hyundai Motor Company. India operations wants to hike its contribution beyond the current 14.5% to global sales, for which we are developing new cars catering to Asia's second largest passenger vehicle market," Seo told ET. In 2014-15, Hyundai pro-

duced 615,000 cars from its twin plants in Chennai. Of this,

over 420,000 were sold in the domestic market. (Agencies)

PROFIT FACTS Ø Private sector lender HDFC Bank today reported a 20.72 per cent growth in net profit at Rs 2,695.72 crore for the quarter ended June 30.

ØTotal income of the bank

ØThe bank's had earned

rose 26.25 per cent to Rs 16,502.97 crore during the quarter.

Ø Net non-performing

ØThe bank's other income

a net profit of Rs 2,233.04 crore in the April-June quarter of 2014-15.

(non-interest revenue) grew by 33 per cent to Rs 2,461.9 crore for the April-June quarter.

assets stood at 0.27 per cent of net advances as on June 30, 2015. Shares of HDFC Bank were trading 0.39 per cent down at Rs 1,111.25 in the afternoon trade on BSE.

HDFC Bank said in a BSE filing. The net interest margin for the bank declined marginally to 4.3 per cent in the April-June quarter

as against 4.4 per cent in the same period of the previous year. However, net interest income earned by the bank increased by 23.5 per cent

to Rs 6,388.8 crore from Rs 5,171.6 crore in the same quarter last year. The bank's other income (non-interest revenue) grew by 33 per

cent to Rs 2,461.9 crore for the April-June quarter. As of June 30, HDFC Bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) were at 0.95 per cent of gross advances, as against 1.07 per cent at the end of first quarter of the last fiscal. Net non-performing assets stood at 0.27 per cent of net advances as on June 30, 2015. Shares of HDFC Bank were trading 0.39 per cent down at Rs 1,111.25 in the afternoon trade on BSE. (Agencies)

Media person’s involvement in sex racket creates sensation in Dibrugarh Contd. from Page 1

journalists who went to cover the police raid on the sex racket den on Monday.

Quoting Nandini, Naba Kumar Bora, Officer-in-charge, Dibrugarh sadar police station said that Ali often misused the power of media and threatened her that if she does not pay him regularly, he will expose her through the media. Meanwhile, the seven

persons allegedly involved in the sex racket were produced before a Dibrugarh court today.

On Monday the Dibrugarh police arrested eight person involved in the sex racket from BC Das path, Santipara area in broad daylight. The kingpin of the flesh trade business Nandini Guha along with three girls were found involved in the flesh trade business.

The locals of the area alleged that the Nandini who is infamous by the

name of Aunty has been operating the business from her home. According to sources, Nandini has been operating for the past several years and she even used to supply girls for flesh trade to many parts of the region. “Her business is spread in many parts of Assam and once she was arrested in Guwahati for her involvement in flesh trade”, police said. In Dibrugarh too, Nandini was arrested on atleast three occasions.

Police said that a case

573/15 under section 370(A) (2) IPC RW SEC 4/5/6 IMMORAL TRAFFICKING PREVENTION ACT was registered in Dibrugarh police station and further investigation by the police is on. Interestingly, some of the city-based hotels and lodges are said to be facilitating the thriving flesh trade business. According to sources, many young girls have been involved in the flesh trade business in Dibrugarh.

Oppn disrupts Rajya Sabha over Lalit Modi, Vyapam issues Contd. from Page 1 "The government promised transparency in its functioning. This promise has been broken.

There are 14 FIRs by the enforcement directorate against him (Lalit Modi).

Governments change, laws don't change," said Sharma. The Congress leader alleged that travel documents granted to the former IPL chief in the United Kingdom to travel to Portugal to attend to his cancer-stricken wife

were "used by him (Lalit Modi) for tourism".

"Within two and a half months of coming to power, this (Modi) government asked the UK to give travel documents to Lalit Modi...," Sharma said. Finance minister Arun Jaitley accused the opposition of not being interested in discussions on key issues, after the Congress sparked an uproar in the House. "All that the opposition wants is to not let the session run. They say they want to discuss, but do not take part in the discussion,"

Jaitley said after the Congress alleged that the BJP-led government has failed to deliver on its promise of ensuring transparency in its functioning. Responding to Sharma, Jaitley asked the opposition to initiate a debate: "Start the discussion, Sushma Swaraj will reply." Later, Jaitley said: "Some opposition leaders said that they want a discussion on the role of the external affairs minister.

"I also said Sushmaji will be present during the discussions. We proposed that she will join the dis-

4 out of 8 private universities in Arunachal are operational Contd. from Page 1 The minister said that his department had directed these universities to complete the land acquisition process by this month and build infrastructure to come up within one year.

The universities include, Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences

University (IGTMSU) Ziro, Arunachal University of Studies (AUS) Namsai, Apex Professional University (APU) Pasighat, Himalayan University (HU) Itanagar, Venkateshwara Open University (VOU) Lekhi, Northeast Frontier Technical University (NEFTU) Aalo, Arunodaya University, Jollung and the

Global University at Hollongi.

When asked whether appointment of Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) is based on politics, the minister denied the statement and said both the posts of Principal Govt.

Higher Secondary School and DDSE are analogous and interchangeable.

cussion and put across her stand, but it is clear that the opposition doesn't want a discussion." On Twitter, Swaraj said she was ready for a debate. "I asked Shri Arun Jaitley to convey this to Rajya Sabha," she posted.

However, the opposition members created a ruckus, demanding the resignations of the minister and two BJP chief ministers. Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao was seen holding a placard, demanding that Swaraj be sacked.

Army major dies in road mishap They were rushed to Demow Adarsha Hospital where both the husband and wife succumbed to their injuries. Doctors said that the 18 month old baby was safe. On the other hand Dipok Kumar Tanti and handyman Kanai Mahatu of the Mahindra Maximo mini truck sustained major injuries. Both of the injured were sent to AMCH for further treatment.

Arunachal Pradesh ex-CM P.K Thungon convicted for graft Contd. from Page 1 All the convicts were present in the court. According to CBI, in pursuance to the proposal of the Government of Nagaland, the then Planning Commission had sanctioned an amount of Rs two crore for the renovation and upgradation of minor irrigation projects for Nagaland and the money was to be released in two instalments of Rs one crore each. The agency said that pursuant to the sanction of first instal-

ment of Rs one crore by the plan body, the money was kept in civil deposit by the Nagaland government and on the request of Joint Director of Irrigation and Flood Control, orders were placed for purchase of 'sausage wire' of Rs 50 lakh. CBI said that Tali AO submitted a bill of Rs 29,99,295 and he had requested that a demand draft of Rs 10 lakh should be prepared in favour of one Thanu Thungan and another demand draft of Rs 15 lakh in favour of K Konngon Konyak. The agency further said that

Mezakrol, who was the then Joint Director of Irrigation and Flood Control, got these demand drafts issued. It said that demand draft of Rs 9,98,500 issued in favour of Thanu Thungan was deposited on April 25, 1994 at Daryaganj branch of Vijaya Bank here in an account which was opened

by Mahesh Maheshwari.

The agency had said that Maheshwari had impersonated himself as Thanu Thungan and an amount of Rs eight lakh was transferred to another account of the same branch of the

bank which was allegedly opened by P K Thungon in the name of Prem Kumar. It said that an amount of Rs 1,98,000 was withdrawn by self cheque from the account opened in the name of Prem Kumar. The agency further said that demand draft of Rs six lakh and Rs eight lakh respectively were deposited in another account in May 1994 which was opened by Bandang Wapang dishonestly and fraudulently in connivance with C Sangit who had impersonated as T Mao, who was his son.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Mizoram education fund scam: Concerned officers summoned for hearing The hearing was mainly for the anticipatory bail the five accused persons, in the education scam, had filed almost two months ago, about a week after the ACB registered a corruption case against them Aizawl, Jul 21: Tuesday is the scheduled date for further hearing in an education funds scam involving top officials of the Lai Autonomous District Council, including a senior Congress leader and as such the Aizawl District and Sessions court has summoned the investigating officer, an ACB Inspector on that day. District Judge Lucy Lalrinthari on Monday called for the IO to be present before the court with the case diary and other documents on Tuesday after defence lawyer B Lalramenga produced several documents he said was proof that his clients were innocent since there were appointment documents for scores of teachers they are accused of having made up on paper to claim their salaries.

THE FRAUD HIGHLIGHTS Ø The hearing was mainly for the anticipatory bail the five accused persons had filed almost two months ago, about a week after the ACB registered a corruption case against them. ØCEM V Zirsanga, a Congress politician, and the other four are accused of illegally amassing a total of at least Rs 1.29 crores from the education scam by issuing fake pay certificates for 41 teachers, drawing salaries of some teachers more than once while apparently pocketing the salaries of several others.

18th Foundation Day

by DMA celebrated Dimapur, Jul 21: Today at the district and Sessions Court Complex the members of the Dimapur Bar Association (DBA) gathered celebrated its 18th foundation day .In a short highlight on the history of DBA, founding member and first president of the association, Dovikho Nagi said the association was formed when there were only a handful of Naga advocates.

But even in its short time of existence, DBA had represented itself in some national and international events and has grown to be biggest bar associations in the state, Dovikho said. The foundation day celebration was well attended by the members including some senior former members. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Wangshikokla while welcome address was delivered by DBA president Imti Imsong. Other highlights of the programme were obeisance to deceased members, felicitation of the first office bearers by District and Sessions Judge, song by Moatila Ao and a short speech by one founding member. Vote of thanks was proposed by the vicepresident of DBA. (Agencies)

"My first priority is to usher peace and development in the state," PB Acharya

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya Kohima, Jul 21: Inorder to facilitate the Naga issue Nagaland Governor PB Acharya on Tuesday said that the state government would continue to make ceaseless efforts. "The first priority of my government has always been to usher in peace and development in the state and towards this end my government has been persistently requesting the government of India to expedite the Naga peace process to bring about an early solution to the Naga political problem," the Governor said in his address to the Assembly on the first day of the Budget session here. "We now have an inclusive government that enjoys the trust and confidence of all the 60 members of the House, which presently does not have an Opposition Bench," he said. "This is the first time in the history of the state Assembly and also the country that the government has been joined by all members of the House on a common agenda of peace and development," he said.

He, however, said that the NSCN(K), which had been in ceasefire agreement with the Government of India since 2001, had unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire in March. "Post abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN(K), there have been sporadic attacks on security forces by the NSCN(K), resulting in the death of several security force personnel," he said. He further appealed NSCN(K) and GOI to work for the security and peace of the people. (Agencies)

ØThe judge questioned whether the ACB was really intent on pursuing the case saying they had not arrested the accused so far, but additional public prosecutor H Rammuankima argued them being granted anticipatory bail could impede investigations since some of the accused continue to hold influential positions in the autonomous district's administration.

ØDistrict Judge Lucy Lalrinthari on Monday called for the IO to be present before the court with the case diary and other documents on Tuesday after defence lawyer B Lalramenga produced several documents he said was proof that his clients were innocent since there were appointment documents for scores of teachers.

Lalramenga also produced a letter from the main complainant asking the case be withdrawn, which prosecutors said have no value since the ACB had already registered a criminal case after a detailed inquiry. Prosecutors admitted they did not have these documents although they had asked the investigating agency to share it with them. The hearing was mainly for the anticipatory bail the five accused persons had filed almost two months ago, about a week after the ACB registered a corruption case against them.

The judge questioned whether the ACB was really intent on pursuing the case saying they had not arrested the accused so far, but additional public prosecutor H Rammuankima argued them being granted anticipatory bail could im-

pede investigations since some of the accused continue to hold influential positions in the autonomous district's administration. The accused include the Chief Executive Member or CEM of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) in south Mizoram, the District Education Officer, a high school teacher attached as cashier to the DEO and two teachers who head the main teachers' body there. CEM V Zirsanga, a Congress politician, and the other four are accused of illegally amassing a total of at least Rs 1.29 crores from the education scam by issuing fake pay certificates for 41 teachers, drawing salaries of some teachers more than once while apparently pocketing the salaries of several others. (Agencies)

Pvt schools to resume classes from Jul 23 Imphal, Jul 21: The All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare A s s o c i a t i o n (AMRPSWA), ImphalManipur has stated that all private schools of the State will resume normal classes from July 23.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, secretary of AMRPSWA, L Joy Khuman said that as per the resolution adopted in the Association's meeting on July 18, private schools will remain closed till July 22 to

Robinhood Khuman, the boy who was killed in the protest by the police

show compliance to the appeals of the JAC formed in connection with the death of S Robinhood. The private schools will reopen from

July 23. Joy said that the students would attend classes by wearing black badges and all schools should observe a oneminute silence to show respect to the late Robinhood before the resumption of classes. The students should also shout two slogans demanding immediate implementation of ILPS in Manipur and punishment to personnel involved in the killing of Robinhood, Joy Khuman said. He urged all individuals concerned of the

State to extend cooperation to the Association's decision for resumption of normal classes in the interest of the students' community. The Association also urged the Govt to bring a solution to the issue. Asserting that the Association's decisions are not against the demand to implement ILPS in the State, the AMRPSWA general secretary said the decisions are taken in the larger interest of the students as well as in the interest of the State.(Agencies)

Bihar's longest flyover inaugurated

by Nitish Kumar Patna, Jul 21: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the longest four-lane flyover of Bihar here, saying it will provide people much needed relief from traffic congestion. The 2.7-km road bridge between Sheikhpura near Patna airport and Rupaspur is

Forecast for Monsoon 2015 in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura

Tripura, Jul 21: Southwest Monsoon had arrived over northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on June 12 against the normal onset date of June 5. This year, eastern end of Monsoon was weak initially as no significant weather system had developed over

day," Banerjee told the media. Without naming any political party, she said : "One political party leader, who has hardly any supporter, often blocks the road with a handful of demonstrators.

But we never do that.'

Trinamul supporters coming from the Shyamabazar five-point crossing would take Central Avenue to reach the venue and those coming from Howrah and Sealdah stations will move along Brabourne Road and SN Banerjee Road, respectively, to reach Esplanade.

A large number of party activists will also arrive from Salt Lake via Beliaghata.

About 15,000 security personnel will be deployed for managing the crowd and traffic, while Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) will be used to keep a hawk eye on the rally. "Parking arrangements for the vehicles have been made at Outram Ghat, Princep Ghat and

Kolkata, Jul 21: The Trinamool Congress is on a hunger strike in Darjeeling to press for some demands of tea workers. The Darjeeling Zilla Tea Employees and Workers' Union, backed by TMC, this evening said the fast will take place in the Upper club side adjacent to Caventer near Mall area of the hill

West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee speaks at a public rally in Kolkata.

Saheed Minar ground respectively," said a senior police officer. On the other hand, suspended Trinamul Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh during the day began a hungerstrike for an indefinite period in Presidency Correctional Home protesting against the failure of the Central Bureau of In-

vestigation (CBI) to arrest "influential" people, including chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who, according to him, had benefited from the Saradha Group scam. Ghosh was produced before Bankshal Court in connection with the scam earlier in the day. He submitted before the court that "CBI officers should

Bay of Bengal for quite a long time. By the end of June, the region comprising of all the above states was rain deficient by 31 per cent. However, good rain in July reduced the deficit. With more spells of good rains in offing, we expect these northeastern states to improve further. (Agencies)

TMC Darjeeling Hill tea employees on hunger strike

Bengal CM seeks apology in advance Kolkata, Jul 21: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who will supervise the arrangements of a major event of the calendar year "Martyrs Day" to commemorate the death of 13 youth Congress supporters who took bullets on 21 July in the year 1993, sought an "apology in advance'' from the people who will be greatly incovenienced as traffic in all the city's arterial roads will be thrown out of gear.

"We would have shifted the venue to the Brigade Parade Ground though the huge ground would be too small to accommodate the mammoth crowd that would turn up. But, we have to stick to the spot where the killings took place. We don't take out processions every now and then unlike many political parties. But, only on 21 July every year we all gather here to pay homage to our martyrs. I request the people to bear with us only for one

expected to ease the traffic in the heart of congested Patna. Bihar's Road Construction Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh lauded the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corp for building the flyover. The project was built at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore, an official said. (Agencies)

go to the dais of the 21 July Martyrs' Day rally, organised by the Trinamul Congress, to arrest the main culprits, who will be found there, instead of deliberately keeping him behind bars purposely." His plea to allow him to come out of the correctional home for 20 hours on parole was rejected on Monday.

town. The TMC alleged workers in the Pussimbing tea garden were being forced to work more than eight hours a day and were being denied paid holidays if it fell on Sunday. The union further charged that the management stopped the practice of giving three days off to labourers for constructing toilets. (Agencies)

Rs 8.69 crore announced on 73 absconding Maoists Ranchi, Jul 21: The Jharkhand government on Tuesday announced a combined reward of Rs 8.69 crore on the heads of 73 absconding Maoists and militants of the People's Liberation Front of India. Chief Minister Raghubar Das has given consent to the proposed reward money in the event of arrest of the rebels, an official release said here. Each of the 16 Left Wing guerrillas in the 'ranks' of Central Committee Secretary, Special Area Committee Members and Regional Bureau Members carry the maximum reward of Rs 25 lakh, the release said.

Varying amounts were also announced for the rest of the absconding extremists. (Agencies)

Chattisgarh Assembly witnessed a ruckus in its first day of Monsoon session Raipur, Jul 21: Seeking an immediate CBI probe and also demanding for a discussion on the alleged scamin state civil supplies then Opposition Congress created a complete disruption in the first day of the Monsoon session of the Chattisgarh Assembly.

The latter which was quiet adamant over its demand of taking up the issue for discussion through an adjournment motion notice in the House made the Assembly to adjourn twice amid din. As the business of the House was underway after the question

hour, state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel raised the matter of corruption in the state Civil Supplies Corporation unearthed by Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) in February this year seeking a discussion over it by moving an adjournment motion notice.

"The focus of the entire country is on Chhattisgarh due to the scam in civil supplies department and the investigation agency ACB is trying to save prominent people involved in the scam," Baghel said. Countering his charges, Parliamen-

tary Affairs Minister Ajay Chandrakar said the ACB had already filed a charge sheet in a local court in this connection and since the matter is sub-judice there could be no discussion in the House.Supporting Chandrakar, state Higher Education Minister Premprakash Pandey said only "baseless" charges were being levelled by the Congress in the adjournment motion notice. Enraged over the minister's statement, the Leader of Opposition in Assembly T S Singhdeo and Baghel

charged that farmers suffered due to corruption in civil supplies department and discussion on it was imperative. However, Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal dismissed the motion stating that the matter was sub-judice. "Congress members have only levelled charges rather than pointing to any concrete lapses on the part of the government in the motion notice. Since the matter is sub-judice, it can't be taken up for a discussion," he said.

(Agencies)

Chattisgarh Assembly

Automatic refund of confirmed/ Rac e-tickets on cancellation of trains becomes effective

New Delhi, Jul 21: Ministry of Railways has decided to grant automatic refund of Confirmed/RAC e-tickets on cancellation of trains similar to waitlisted e-tickets. There shall not be any requirement for cancellation/filing of TDR ( Ticket Deposit Receipt) for refund of e-tickets in case of can-

cellation of trains. This has become effective with effect from July 13. However, in case of cancellation of trains, PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counter ticket shall continue to be refunded across the reservation counter as per the existing provisions .(ANI)

Congress dubs Kejriwal's demand for control of Delhi Police as 'inappropriate'

New Delhi, Jul 21: Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh on Tuesday dubbed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's demand to turn over the control of

Delhi Police to him as 'inappropriate'. "In any country the national capital's police is always under the Central Government. So Kejriwal's request for the Delhi Police to be under him is inappropriate," he told the media.On Tuesday, Kejriwal had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi through an open letter published in major newspapers to either spare some time for law and order in the national capital, or turn over the control of Delhi Police to him. (ANI)

Major newspapers can predict if you'll be 'fat' in future Washington DC, Jul 21: A new study analysed 50 years all the food words trending in 2015 in major newspapers like the New York Times and London Times, and will now predict a country's obesity level in 2018. Lead author, Brennan Davis, Associate Professor of Marketing from California State University at San Luis Obispo said that the more sweet snacks mentioned and the fewer fruits and vegetables mentioned in the newspaper, the fatter your country's population

'Terror has no place in our society': BJP on Yakub Memon Mumbai, Jul 21: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon's curative petition against death sentence, saying the verdict clearly shows that terror has no place in our society. "I think it's absolutely imperative to have people like Yakub Memon hung to death because 1993 blast victims know the kind of anxiety they have had to deal with. Law does take its time, but it's imperative to send out a message that terror has no place in our society," BJP leader Shaina NC told.

Memon will be hanged on July 30 at 7:00 a.m. in Nagpur Jail. Justice (Retired) P.D. Kode, who gave the death penalty to Memon in connection with the case, said that the court's decision has made the common man retain his faith in the judiciary. On July 27, 2007, Memon was sentenced to death by Justice (Retd.)

Kode, who was then the special judge of the court set up under Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act in Mumbai. However, his sentence was upheld by a Supreme Court bench headed by then Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan on March 21, 2013. On April 9 this year, a three-member bench headed by Justice A R Dave rejected his review plea. President Pranab Mukherjee had also rejected his mercy petition. (ANI)

would be in 3 years. But the less often they're mentioned and the more vegetables are mentioned, the skinnier the public will be, he added.

These findings provide public health officials and epidemiologists with new tools to quickly assess the effectiveness of current obesity interventions. If people wished to estimate obesity rates in three years, the best indicator would be what is mentioned in the paper on Tuesday. The study is published in the journal BMC Public Health. (ANI)

Afghan professionals learning IT, Communication skills in India New Delhi, Jul 21: India is offering a combined course in IT and Communication to the professionals from war-torn Afghanistan. Many professionals from Afghanistan are undergoing short-term combined courses in Delhi conducted by NIIT under ITEC fellowship programme, sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs. At present, four Afghans are learning IT and communication skills at NIIT Delhi. The institute aims to educate the Afghan professionals so that they

can perform better in their respective fields efficiently. Ahmed Nasir Begzad, Finance officer in State Minister, Afghanistan, said that his country lacks in IT and Communication training centers.

"This is a good opportunity for us to come here and join this kind of course and also when we return back to our country we teach other students to learn more about English," said Begzad.

Mohin Mirzada is working with the Ministry of Refugees, Afghanistan, and is optimistic about the com-

A large number of Afghan professionals come to India to improve their skills in IT

Govt. accuses Congress of 'running away from debates' New Delhi, Jul 21: Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday alleged that the Congress is running away from debates as they know that their allegations would fall flat. "Jaitley conveyed quite clearly in the House to not go into a debate on whether to have a debate or not. He said Sushma Swaraj will give a statement to which they can debate on.

We said we will give answers to the questions you ask. So, when we took a clear stand on this issue and

kept our views clear even outside the House, after lunch, their demands suddenly changed. Now, they are asking first for resignation of the ministers before any kind of debate," Prasad

told. "I know the Congress Party has a shifting stand.

Therefore, the people have shifted away from them. But how can they shift their stand in a couple of hours.

The Congress leaders themselves do not know what the stand of their party is. It is very unsure of its stand to be taken in the Parliament.

And we would like to give a clear statement that the Congress Party is running away from debates. Because they know that when the debate begins, their allegations would fall flat," he added. The Rajya Sabha

was adjourned for the fourth time on Tuesday as the Congress continued to insist on the resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for her alleged involvement in helping former IPL boss Lalit Modi.

The leaders belonging to Congress, Samajwadi Party and CPI (M) had earlier moved motions seeking discussion on the issue. However, when the government offered a discussion, the opposition backtracked and said that discussion will follow only after the resignations by ministers. (ANI)

Not aware of what the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' programme is about: Haryana Health Minister Chandigarh, Jul 21: Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij claimed that he has not been invited to the key event related to the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaing, after questioning the state government's move to rope in actress Parineeti Chopra for initiative, on Tuesday "I don't know who is organizing this function, so how can I go there and attend it," Vij said on Tuesday referring to the 'Call for Action' event at Gurgaon being organised by the state government this evening under the Centre's flagship scheme. Notably, both Health and Education are key departments along with

the Women and Child Department, which has been made the nodal department, for the success of the Narendra Modi government's BBBP programme. Khattar, State's Women and Child Development Minister Kavita Jain, Parineeti, US Ambassador Richard Verma, besides other dignitaries are slated to take part in the event. Last week, Parineeti Chopra was announced as the brand ambassador for the campaign by the Haryana government after which Vij had expressed ignorance on the issue and even went on to say that they do not need "any actor or actress for this

campaign". Vij on Tuesday said, "I am not aware what the programme is all about.

My department (Health) does not have any intimation. Moreover, Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma's name also does not figure in government advertisements issued in the print media today about the event. So, I presume he too must not be invited for the function". Vij, who was considered to be in the race for chief ministership after BJP won the polls in Haryana last year, has often taken veiled jibes over functioning of Khattar. However, he today sought to downplay any differences with the

The Crime Branch of the Goa Police began its probe into the alleged payment of USD 976,630 in bribes Panaji, Jul 21: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, on Monday ordered a probe by the Crime Branch into the matter. The Crime Branch of the Goa Police began its probe into the alleged payment of USD 976,630 in bribes to a state minister and officials by an international consultancy firm, media reports said on Tuesday. "I have spoken to the director general of police and asked him to direct the Crime Branch to conduct the initial probe on the basis of which we will approach the Central Bureau of Investigation," Parsekar had told reporters. Parsekar said he was "convinced" about the authenticity of the bribery charge because it was made in the United States Justice

PAGE 6

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

Department's documents.

New Jersey-based consultancy firm Louis Berger's top officials have already pleaded guilty to offering bribes to the tune of $3.9 million to secure contracts in Asian countries like India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Kuwait. While the settlement announced by the Justice Department did not identify the politicians and officials who were offered the bribes, the documents revealed that the amount of $976,630 in bribes was paid during 2009-2010 to a Goa minister and other officials.

The consultancy firm was part of a consortium that eventually won a contract to execute a water and sewerage project in Goa. On Sunday, Defence Minister Manohar

Parrikar said not one but two ministers received bribes, adding that the graft deal was struck in a bungalow in Goa. Addressing party workers in Margao, 35 km south of Panaji, Parrikar also put the spotlight on erstwhile chief minister Digambar Kamat, claiming that the deal could not have happened without

the knowledge of the finance minister. In 2010, Kamat also held the finance portfolio, while Churchill Alemao headed the public works department, the state government agency responsible for executing the project. Both Kamat and Alemao have denied their involvement.

(Agencies)

Chief Minister. "The Chief Minister is my dear friend.

I neither have any differences with him nor any difference of opinion," Vij posted on his twitter handle. He said that the talk of differences is a creation of Congress leaders who had to bite the dust at the hustings. 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, aimed at ensuring survival, protection and empowerment of the girl child, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Panipat in the state in January this year, an event in which Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit had also been present. (Agencies)

munication skill training in India. "In Afghanistan, there is lot of problem for example the condition is not good in Afghanistan and there is no good institute where we can learn English and to improve our knowledge so we came to India," Mirzada said. Every year, a large number of Afghan professionals come to India to improve their skills in IT, communication and other areas. "At present we have offered the basic courses to Afghanistan students, one is of course is proficiency in English

course where these students come from very remote locations. They do not have opportunity in their country.

With our courses they go back with a confidence of at least speaking English in their country. With our curriculum and as well as our teachers, we have been able to have their confidence build up," said Ravi Malhotra, Head of sales in NIIT. India has been using 'soft power' to help rebuild war-torn Afghanistan. Skill training to professionals is the major thrust for the country. (ANI)

15 people defying the carfew were arrested: Jammu

Jammu, July 21: After some VHP activists burnt terror outfit IS's flag, curfew was clamped in Rajouri town leading to protests by minority groups who said that the flag bore religious scripture. About 15 people defying the curfew have also been arrested today, District Magistrate of Rajouri, Deepti Uppal, said, adding that the situation was being brought under control. "Restrictions under Section 144 of CrPc were imposed in the town for banning of assembly of four or over four persons, but still people are trying to violate the restrictions and it has become necessary to impose curfew restrictions in the town," she said. The situation is tense but under control after reports of burning of IS flag by some VHP activists some days ago here, police officials said.

Muslims in Rajouri have threatened to hold protests and 'bandh' if the police do not arrest the VHP and Bajrang Dal activists for

burning the flag bearing Quranic verses. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh has appealed for calm from both the communities.

"There should be no communal tension. We appeal to both the communities to observe calm," he told reporters. But Singh ruled out arrest of VHP activists. "As far as the setting afire the IS flags is concerned, it is a terrorist outfit symbol," he added. "They (VHP activists) cannot be arrested.

This is not possible, why should we arrest them?

Why should they be arrested," he said. However, clarifying that it had no intention to hurt the sentiments of Muslims, the VHP, on the other hand, asked the protesters to demonstrate against the IS for writing holy inscriptions on its flag. "We had only burnt the IS flag. We did not know as to what was written on it in Persian," the state VHP patron, Ramakant Dubey said on Tuesday. (Agencies)

SC's decision on Yakub Memon will deter other likeminded criminals: Nikam Pune, Jul 21: With the Supreme Court dismissing the curative petition of 1993 Mumbai serial blasts accused Yakub Memon, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam on Tuesday said this historic decision by the apex court will deter other likeminded criminals.

"This is a very important and historic decision because accused Yakub Memon had tried to prolong the execution of death penalty by one or the other ground. The Supreme Court while awarding the death penalty to the main conspirator like

Yakub Memon has primarily considered that such type of conspirators should be dealt with severe sentence in order to deter other likeminded criminals," Nikam told.

Memon will be hanged on July 30 at 7:00 a.m. in

Nagpur Jail. On July 27, 2007, Memon was sentenced to death by Justice (Retd.) Kode, who was then the special judge of the court set up under Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act in Mumbai. However, his sentence was upheld by a Supreme Court bench headed by then Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan on March 21, 2013. On April 9 this year, a three-member bench headed by Justice A R Dave rejected his review plea. President Pranab Mukherjee had also rejected his mercy petition. (ANI)

Never had a heart to heart relation:Ram Vilas Paswan New Delhi, Jul 21: Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who snapped his five-year-old ties with RJD chief Lalu Prasad during Lok Sabha polls, says the two never had a meeting of hearts even when they were together."I never had a heart to heart relationship with Lalu. Even he did not have it with me. I never wanted to go with Lalu in an alliance. Except once in 2010

Assembly polls, I never fought elections in Bihar in alliance with Lalu. In 2009 I was in UPA due to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's initiative," Paswan. He was replying to queries on how he could attack Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for allying with Lalu when he himself had fought elections in alliance with the RJD chief in the past. The LJP chief was

the first to quit NDA after the Gujarat riots in 2002 and his Lok Janshakti Party had been in an alliance with the RJD since 2009. Prasad and Paswan were also ministers in UPA-I government.

In the first few years of the UPA-I , both had bitter relations, which was said to have emanated because of claims over Railway portfolio. The two had come together only when 2009

Lok Sabha polls had neared, when they had dumped Congress resulting in disastrous results for all the three parties. Unhappy with the delay in firming up seat-sharing arrangements with Congress and RJD in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Paswan broke ties with Prasad's RJD and sealed an alliance with BJP which led to a turn around in his party's fortunes. Paswan has

been very critical of Lalu in recent months and even predicted doom for Nitish Kumar in the upcoming assembly polls because of his alliance with the RJD chief.

"Lalu is one person who keeps one hand on the neck of his alliance partner and another on the feet," said Paswan. On the 2009 poll debacle, he claimed that Prasad benefited from his votebase but RJD chief's

supporters did not vote for LJP. Paswan, whose party has dropped hints of his chief ministerial ambitions, ruled himself out of the race for the top post. The LJP president feels that "not declaring a CM candidate is helping the alliance" in Bihar. He said it is BJP's right to claim Chief Ministership if NDA comes to power as it is the largest party.(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Myanmar fishermen to be repatriated from India Yangon Jul 21: Myanmar officials are planning the return of Myanmar fishermen who were detained for illegally entering Indian waters, official media reported today.The detained Myanmar fishermen will be transported by Indian coast guard ships to Coco Islands in Myanmar waters.

Meanwhile, official data showed a total of 514 trafficked Myanmar citizens had returned home from Indonesia's Benjina Island earlier this year.

(Agencies)

NEIGHBOURS

Former top adviser on bribery charges Beijing ,Jul 21: China's former top political adviser Ling Jihua has been expelled from the Communist Party, removed from all government positions, and will be prosecuted on corruption charges, a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Party's Central Committee decided .The Supreme People's Procuratorate said it is investigating Ling on suspicion of bribery.It said the former vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the Party' Central Committee is arrested in accordance with the law.An internal investigation alleged that Ling took huge bribes and used his position to seek benefits for others.The CPC

Political Bureau meeting decided to transfer the case and relevant evidence to judicial organs.It said investigations had found Ling seriously violated the political discipline and rules of the Party, as well as the Party's organizational and confidentiality discipline.He took advantage of his posts to seek profit for others and accepted huge bribes personally and through his family, according to a statement released after the meeting.It also said Ling had obtained a great deal of the Party and State's core secrets in violation of laws and discipline. He also violated regulations on integrity and selfdiscipline.The statement added that Ling committed adultery with a number of women and traded his

power for sex. He should bear major responsibility for his family members' acts of seeking profits with the influence of his position, it said .Investigations also found clues showing that Ling may have engaged in other criminal offenses.Ling's acts deviated from the Party's nature and purpose, seriously violated the Party's discipline and severely undermined the Party's image, the statement said.Ling became a household name in 2012 when his son crashed a Ferrari in Beijing with two nude or half-dressed women in the car, according to various reports. His son was killed in the crash. Ling was accused of covering up the scandal. (Agencies)

MP's son Rony charged with murder

Dhaka, Jul 21: The police have pressed murder charges against Awami League lawmaker Pinu Khan's son Bakhtiar Alam Rony in a case filed over killing two people on Dhaka Street.General Recording Officer (GRO) SI Mahmudur Rahman of Dhaka CMM court told the media that DB Sub-Inspector Dipak Kumar Das, also investigation officer of the

case, submitted the charge sheet with Metropolitan Magistrate Aminul Islam's court under section 302 of penal code around 1:20pm Monday. He said: "A total of 37 people have been made prosecution witness in the case. The court fixed August 13 to decide whether it will take the charges into cognizance."On April 13, Rony, who was in a drunken

stupor, opened fire from his car indiscriminately near Dilu Road leaving two people - rickshaw-puller Abdul Hakim and daily Janakantha's auto-rickshaw driver Yakub injured.Hakim succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on April 15 while Yakub died on April 23.Hakim's mother Monowara Begum filed the murder case with

Ramna police on April 15.Rony's driver Imran Fakir made a confessional statement on June 1. Rony was arrested based on his information and later taken into police custody for interrogation.Later, he was placed on remand several times.On June 17, Kamal Mahmood, a friend of Rony, gave a judicial statement in the case.Later, two more friends of Rony told a Dhaka court that Rony had fired five bullets at New Eskaton that killed two persons.Tiger Kamal and Md Jahangir Hossain, who was in the Prado jeep during the incident, told the court that Rony had been under the influence of alcohol when they were going to Dhanmondi from Moghbazar. Rony was annoyed with the tailback created in front of the road near Dilu Road around 1:45am, ahead of Pohela Boishakh, and fired five shots from the jeep indiscriminately, they said.Metropolitan magistrate Md Nuru Miah recorded their statements. (Agencies)

Probe sought over reports on Lankan ISIS militant

Colombo, Jul 21: The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka, on behalf of the Muslim Community has expresses its deep dismay at media reports of the first Sri Lankan killed in battle in Syria with the Islamic State (IS) militants.In a letter to President Maithripala Sirisena, the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka said that the group of extremists who call themselves the caliph-

ate or Islamic State (Formerly known as ISIS) is a threat to Islam and the group violates both Sharia law and humanitarian law."Islam is a religion of mercy and tolerance that totally prohibits the taking of innocent lives. There is no theological basis for any crimes to be committed through terrorism or violence. The Muslims of Sri Lanka join Islamic scholars

PAGE 7

and Muslim leaders around the world to condemn without any reservation the ISIS and its leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi for failing to respect key tenants of Islam.

Their actions are un-Islamic and inhumane," the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka said.The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka call on the President and the Government of Sri Lanka to conduct a thorough investigation, pun-

ishes all who may have violated the laws of the land, and ensures that no more Sri Lankans are misled in to joining any terrorist movement.The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka also said that as civil society representatives of Muslims, they are committed to help in any investigation and action that would be initiated by the Government. (Agencies)

Massive fire guts over 700 shanties in a Badda slum Dhaka, Jul 21: A massive fire yesterday more than 700 shanties in a slum in Dhaka's Badda area, but there have been no reports of any human casualties.

Firefighters said the fire started around 1:50pm and it was brought under control at 5pm, but they could not immediately say what sparked it or the figure of damage caused. A committee has been formed to find out more about these matters.Although the authorities did not receive any missing person report, some people claimed that had not seen some of their family members since the fire.

Most of the tenants survived the inferno because they were away at their village homes on Eid vacation. The fire that raged over the slum for nearly four hours turned the 700-800 shanties into ashes. Only the bamboos, that were the pillars, could be seen after the fire was doused. The slum, known as Bhai Bhai Boarding, was built on a big pond opposite to the Lion Eye Hospital.

The shanties had wooden floors and bamboo fences.The blaze also damaged several floors of the adjacent high-rise buildings.

The slum is owned by a fam-

ily of five brothers who live in and also own these highrise buildings. Mehedi Hasan, one of the owners, said that yesterday morning, hours before the fire started, he had seen a person making fuska, a popular street snack, in a mobile rickshawvan near the slum.He lives on the second floor of one of the adjacent high-rise buildings and saw from his balcony that the the fire spread from the kerosene stove that the man was using to make fuska. However, authorities have yet to confirm this and the man who was allegedly making fuska could not be found

either.Some of the residents of the slum who mostly belong to the low-income group said they did not know where they would go now that their house and belongings have been charred. A woman named Helena Begum could be seen running to and fro at the scene looking for her daughter and grandchildren. "My daughter Shilpi called me when the fire broke out. She told me that she had been trapped and the heat was becoming unbearable. But I have not found her or her two daughters after the fire has been put out," Helena said.

Many call feedback collection 'political sham' Kathmandu, Jul 21: The Lotus Party Venue in Koteshwor was brimmed to its capacity by people who had come to give feedback on the first draft constitution . The lawmakers of the Kathmandu constituency no 2 were there to answer to the queries and to note down the suggestions put forward by the people. While a considerable number of people showed up at the venue to share their opinions on the constitution draft before lawmaker's duo Bidhya Bhandari and Deepakraj Kuikel, there were also many people who choose not to participate, even those who were present at the event. "It is just a sham," said Santosh Maharjan, an onlooker who was at the

venue. He said the event was nothing but a waste of government fund."How would they present all the feedback from all over the Nepal by July 23 in Parliament? This is cheating gullible people like us. We won't be fooled by the government," Maharjan said.Like Maharjan, many left the hall mid-way through the programme, complaining that their voices were not going to be heard amid the crowd of party cadres. They claimed that a large majority of the people at the venue who were speaking about the constitution draft were the cadres of various political parties."The leaders took seven years to give this draft, but they haven't included any new things in it,

other than terming Nepal a 'republic and secular nation'.

Those who were involved in giving feedback to the lawmakers were the agents of the political parties," said Damoder Subedi. "If only these things were to be included in the upcoming constitution, why all this drama for all these years?"Mitra Sapkota, a teacher and a lawyer by profession also did not attend the programme. He said received the constitution draft and there was no way he could read it cover to cover within a few hours and give his feedback to the lawmakers in the afternoon. "How could one read 128 pages of the draft and understand all in a matter of few hours?

Giving feedback without

was talking to the Air and Naval Chiefs who called on President Mamnoon Hussain in Islamabad and exchanged Eid greetings.Meanwhile, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of different countries and prominent personalities called on President Mamnoon Hussain in

Islamabad and exchanged with him Eid greetings.

Those who called on the President included the envoys of the United States, China, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Korea, Bosnia, Libya, Philippine, Palestine, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.The

President also telephoned Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and extended Eid greetings to him. Talking to him, the President welcomed the Iranian nuclear deal. The Iranian president emphasized the need for promotion of trade ties between the two countries.(Agencies)

Doctors graft hand to man's leg for a month to keep it alive Beijing, Jul 21: Surgeons in China have restored the use of a hand severed in an industrial accident by grafting it onto a man's ankle for

a month before re-attaching it to his arm. The groundbreaking surgery was carried at Changsha, the capital of Hunan Prov-

ince in central China.A worker, named only as Mr Zhou, lost his left hand when it was completely severed by a spinning blade machine at the factory where he worked. The injuries to his arm were so severe that the surgical team, headed by Dr Tang Juyu of Xiangya Hospital, believed time had to be allowed for nerves and tendons to heal .But the delay would have meant Mr Zhou would have lost the use of the hand."Under normal temperatures, a severed finger needs to resume blood supply within 10 hours, but that time is even shorter for

a separated limb," he said.

"If a limb is short of blood for too long, its tissues die and it will be unsalvageable.Instead the team attached Mr Zhou's hand to his ankle, where it was "kept alive" for more than a month. Then, in another operation lasting 10 hours, the hand was re-attached to his arm. The patient can already move his fingers slightly, but more rehabilitation will be needed before he regains full use of his hand. Chinese surgeons have previously re-attached a woman's fingers following a work accident. (Agencies)

knowing the issues would be worthless. This is why I didn't participate in the programme," said Sapkota.He added that even the language used in the draft was hard to understand by common people. Dipesh Rimal, a recent UAE returnee was having tea with his friends at a local tea shop close to the venue. He too had a cynical view regarding the politics of the country and the leaders. "If only our leaders had made a conductive environment here, I wouldn't have gone to a Gulf country as a migrant labourer. Many youths like me wouldn't be unemployed. Going there and giving our feedback is just a waste of time," Rimal said.

(Agencies)

Several Lankans sought asylum in Switzerland this year

Pakistan President reveals the national agenda about war on terror Islamabad, Jul 21: President of Pakistan appreciating the sacrifices rendered by the security forces in the war on terrorism has said that the operation Zarb-e-Azb will continue till complete elimination of terrorism. He said our sacrifices in the war on terror will not go in vain.He

Mohammad Ali, director general of Fire Service and Civil Defense, said firefighters had trouble accessing the place because the road leading to the slum was too narrow for their truck to enter. If the road was broader, they could have doused the fire much earlier, he said. Local lawmaker Rahmat Ullah said he would try to arrange compensation for the victims by taking a bank loan .Vehicular movement on the Badda Link Road remained suspended for over an hour when the firefighters were trying to bring the blaze under control. (Agencies)

Colombo, Jul 21: Several Sri Lankans had sought asylum in Switzerland this year, according to the latest statistics from the State Secretariat for Migration SEM .Almost 12,000 applications for asylum were lodged in Switzerland in the first six months of 2015 with Eritreans ac-

counting for more than half.

The latest statistics from the State Secretariat for Migration SEM show 11,873 applications between January and the end of June - up 16 per cent on the same period last year.More people requested asylum in the second quarter than the first, with

June registering a bumper 3,805 applications The SEM said the increase in the second quarter was mainly down to the higher number of Eritreans arriving from southern Italy.Weather conditions also played a role, with more people migrating in the summer months.But it

pointed out that the increase was modest in European terms. The Swiss share of asylum requests lodged in Europe had more than halved since 2012.Pius Betschart, deputy director of the Federal Office for Migration told the Schweiz am Sonntag newspaper online that in the first five months of this year asylum requests were under last year's levels."Then they rose suddenly, and now we have 1,000 requests a week," he said. The largest number of requests came from Eritrea, followed by Somalia, Sri Lanka and Syria.Eritrean applications tend to be successful. "The vast majority of the Eritreans are in need of protection under Swiss law," Betschart told the media.

The State Secretariat for Migration expects asylum requests to reach around 29,000 by the end of this year. Last year the total was just under. (Agencies)

Chinese man acquitted of murder after 11 years in prison Beijing, Jul 21: A Chinese national walked free today after a court overturned his conviction in the murder of a graduate school classmate, for which he spent 11 years in prison.

Citing insufficient evidence, the Xiangtan Intermediate People''s Court in central China''s Hunan Province, overturned the guilty verdict against Zeng Aiyun, a former graduate student of engineering at Xiangtan

University, convicted in 2004 of murdering his classmate Zhou Yuheng.Zeng had been sentenced to death three times by the same court.The Supreme People's Court rejected the verdicts and ordered a retrial. Chen Huazhang, also the victim's classmate, was found to be the real killer. Chen poisoned Zhou with diazepam on October 27, 2003 as he was jealous of the attention

Zhou enjoyed from their mentor.

Chen deliberately laid a false trail and imputed the murder to Zeng, who was in love with the victim''s ex-girlfriend.

Chen and Zeng were both arrested in November, 2003. Zeng was sentenced to death while Chen received life imprisonment. Chen was sentenced again to life imprisonment today and fined 178,143 yuan (US $29,108) as compensation to the victim's family. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

US Firm Bribe

Modi and the Sino-Indian Game for Iranian Gas The Indian prime minister makes his opening move in a mini "Great Game."

Paying nearly a million dollars as bribes In India since 1998, Louis Berger has offices in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad and has maintained a steady stream of business since then.

Apart from the Japanese-funded water project, it won the contract to prepare a feasibility report for the controversial Goa sealink and Mopa airport. The New Jersey-based construction management firm has been charged with bribing a minister in Goa and Guwahati and bribing Indian officials several crores of rupees to win two major water developmental projects in Goa and Guwahati. The bribery of $976,630 for a Goa project included payments to a Minister, the details of which have not been disclosed by the Department of Justice. As the US firm has agreed to cough up a $17 million fine for a criminal act to resolve charges that it bribed officials in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Kuwait. Along with Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh who is under the scanner in a disproportionate assets case, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and former Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat could face some embarrassing queries over the US case.

Also two of its former executives - Richard Hirsch (61) of Philippines, and James McClung (59) of the UAE pleaded guilty to the bribery charges.

Whereas Sentencing hearings for Hirsch and McClung are scheduled for November 5, 2015. The Indian government, assisted by Japanese government, initiated the five-year Goa Water Supply and Sewerage Project to expand, rehabilitate and build water and sewerage facilities. Louis Berger was part of a consortium for the project in Goa. The consortium included two Japanese firms and an Indian partner. It was alleged that Louis Berger maintained a detailed diary and account of bribery made to Indian officials. According to court documents, the company through its employees and agents, together with others, used terms like "commitment fee," "counterpart per diem," "marketing fee" and "field operations expenses" to conceal the true nature of the bribe payments. This is not the first time Louis Berger has got into trouble in the US for corrupt business practices. In 2010, the firm was found guilty of over-charging the US Agency for International Development some $10 million for projects in Afghanistan. In May 2015, its former CEO, Derish Wolf, was sentenced to 12 months home confinement and was ordered to pay a $4.5 million fine for his part in that crime. Louis Berger who was also hopeful of landing major contracts in the Modi government's smart cities programme now seems to be at stake.

Highest Number of Deaths Records of Accidents in Northeast According to experts, a number of factors are responsible for the high rates of accident, of which careless driving over difficult terrain continues to reap a deadly toll every year. It has also been said that road accidents in Assam and neighbouring states shoot up during the monsoon and winter period. Such accidents have continued to rise as problems like poor visibility over roads have gone unaddressed. The NCRB report identified trucks and lorries as the biggest causes of road accidents in India. In 2008, at least 25,135 people were killed by such vehicles across the country. Accidents involving two-wheelers was the second biggest threat to road users, as they were involved in the death of 23,552 people. Cars, both private and government owned, were major factor in road accident deaths. In 2008, 10,222 lives were lost in accidents involving cars.

A break-up of various causes of accidental deaths in 2008 in India showed that the 34.5 per cent of those were due to road accidents and rail-road and railway accidents were responsible for 7.6 per cent. In a report, the bureau reveals that rate of accidental deaths per thousand vehicles was quite high in Assam. In 2008, the figure stood at 1.9, whereas it was 0.7 in the case of Gujarat and 0.6 in Goa. During the same year in Assam, 4,262 road accidents took place, and 1,721 people lost their lives. The number was among the highest the State recorded in recent years. In Arunachal Pradesh, the number of deaths per cars that year was more alarming. The rate of accidental deaths per cars stood at 5.7, the highest in the entire country. Sikkim is another State with high road accident deaths. In 2008, the all India percentage share was 37.1, but it hovered at 72.5 in the State. Manipur and Tripura also had rates higher than the all India percentage share. Significantly, Assam is one of the States identified as "high prone areas on the basis of percentage share of deaths due to unnatural causes (rail road and railways accidents)". While the all India share stood at 8.3 per cent, Assam was seventh in the list with 11.7 per cent.

While on the other hand Assam recorded the highest number of deaths in accidents among the northeastern states in 2014 while Meghalaya had the maximum increase of reported traffic accidents in the country, according to a report. The Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2014 report provided by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed that there were 4,51,757 accidental deaths reported in the country, an increase of 12.8 per cent compared to 2013. In 2013, there were 4,00,517 accidental deaths recorded in the country. The data revealed there were 52 accidental deaths every hour in 2014. While every hour nearly two persons died in "natural calamities", the data revealed that nearly 36 people were killed in "unnatural accidents" every hour in 2014. "Out of 4,51,757 accidental deaths, 3,16,828 and 1,14,728 deaths were due to unnatural causes (70.1 per cent) and other causes (25.4 per cent), respectively, and the remaining 4.5 per cent deaths were due to causes attributable to forces of nature," the report said. Accidental deaths attributable to nature include deaths owing to floods, earthquake, landslides, lightning and epidemic, among others.

Deaths owing to unnatural causes included traffic accidents, air crash, drowning, collapse of structure, stampede, and others, while deaths owing to other causes include those caused by consumption of spurious liquor, suffocation and deaths of women during pregnancy, among others.

Micha'el Tanchum

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Turkmenistan as part of his tour of the five Central Asian republics was a critical opportunity for New Delhi to advance the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan India pipeline (TAPI), slated to transport to million cubic meters per day of natural gas to India, helping the world's fastest growing major economy meet its own skyrocketing demand.

However, instead of announcing a major Indian initiative to expedite the selection of TAPI's consortium leader, the hurdle that has stymied TAPI's implementation, Modi suggested that an alternative land-sea route via Iran for transporting Turkmen gas should also be considered. Modi's high profile plug for an Iran-Oman-India subsea pipeline by proposing its use for Turkmen gas exports was a savvy diplomatic gesture aimed at Beijing's April 2015 agreement with Islamabad to construct most of Pakistan's portion of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline. Coming just days before the Iran and the P5+1 announced the Iran nuclear deal, the suggestion was the prime minister's opening shot in a Sino-Indian mini "Great Game" to orient the flow of gas exports from a post-sanctions Iran.

The Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline was originally conceived in 1995 as the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline, a project that would have delivered 31 million cubic meters per day (mcm/ d) of Iranian gas to India. Under Washington's pressure after the 2008 U.S.-India Civil Nuclear agreement, New Delhi withdrew from the project in 2009. Meanwhile, China revived the IP pipeline in the wake of the April 2, 2015 Framework Agreement between Iran and the P5+1 nations over Iran's nuclear program. On April 20, 2015, Beijing signed an agreement with Islamabad to construct a pipeline from Pakistan's Chinese-built Gwadar

port to Nawabshah, where it can join Pakistan's domestic gas distribution network. A boon for energy-starved Pakistan, the IP pipeline will deliver enough gas from Iran's massive South Pars field to generate 4,500MW of electricity, covering Pakistan's current shortfall in power production.

For Beijing, the IP pipeline is an energy geopolitics power move, advancing China's Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road initiatives (collectively termed "One Belt, One Road," or OBOR). The IP pipeline agreement is part of a $46 billion infrastructure package to establish the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), extending from the Chinese-administered Gwadar port on Pakistan's Indian Ocean coast to China's westernmost city Kashgar (Kashi) in Xinjiang. A subsidiary of the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation will construct the pipeline financed by a $2 billion Chinese loan, covering 85 percent of the construction cost.

Iran has already built its section of the pipeline to the Pakistani border. Pakistan has promised to construct the remaining 80 km of the pipeline from Gwadar to the Iranian border once sanc-

tions end.

Critical for Beijing, the IP pipeline creates the potential to import Iranian gas via Pakistan through its extension to China's vast northwestern province of Xinjiang.

Home to the restive Uighur minority, Beijing needs reliable gas supplies to rapidly develop the province to secure its integration within China and to establish it as China's gateway to Central Asia. Xinjiang is one of the principal launching points for China's OBOR initiative.

India's answer to China's OBOR is New Delhi's International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC) initia-

tive, centered on India's construction of a deepwater port in the Iranian coastal town Chabahar, approximately 72 km east of Gwadar. The Chabahar port will serve as INSTC's Indian Ocean outlet. With India's overland access to Central Asia blocked by Pakistan and China, Chabahar and the INSTC running northward through Iran and Afghanistan will provide India vital access to Central Asian markets, enabling India to effectively compete with China. India has had difficulty establishing a position in Central Asian oil and gas production, in part, because of its lack of direct

However, instead of announcing a major Indian initiative to expedite the selection of TAPI's consortium leader, the hurdle that has stymied TAPI's implementation, Modi suggested that an alternative landsea route via Iran for transporting Turkmen gas should also be considered.

Modi's high profile plug for an IranOman-India subsea pipeline by proposing its use for Turkmen gas exports was a savvy diplomatic gesture aimed at Beijing's April 2015 agreement with Islamabad to construct most of Pakistan's portion of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline.

Coming just days before the Iran and the P5+1 announced the Iran nuclear deal, the suggestion was the prime minister's opening shot in a Sino-Indian mini "Great Game" to orient the flow of gas exports from a post-sanctions Iran.

access to the region.

With Beijing having already invested more than $50 billion in Central Asian infrastructure projects, India's INSTC is the tortoise to China's OBOR hare. While the INSTC is a potential, long-term Eurasian gamechanger, an Iran-OmanIndia line would immediately and fundamentally alter the pattern of energy exports in the Arabian Sea and with it the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean.

The initiative for an Iran-Oman-India pipeline can also be traced back to another transformational Indian prime minister, the late P. V. Narasimha Rao who raised the idea during his 1993 visit to Oman's capital Muscat. Twentytwo years later under India's current change agent prime minister, negotiations between New Delhi and Muscat concerning the pipeline restarted in earnest. In February 2015, India's External Affairs Minister and Oman's Foreign Minister concluded an agreement supporting the project, citing technological advancements that increase the project's feasibility as the motivating factor for the agreement. However, the prospect that an Oman-India pipeline would transport natural gas from a postsanctions Iran was also a compelling factor.

When the New Delhi-based South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE) conducted its study, SAGE analyzed the feasibility of transporting natural gas from Iran's South Pars field via Oman to India's west coast. Moreover, the feasibility study was based on a volume of 31 million cubic meters per day, the exact volume India was slated to receive from Iran before it withdrew from India-Pakistan-Iran pipeline.

A week prior to the Iran-P5+1 Framework Agreement, Fox Petroleum issued a proposal for the construction of the Oman-India MultiPurpose Pipeline (OIMPP), a deep water pipeline system to transport Iranian natural gas via Oman to a receiving terminal on the coast of India's Gujarat state.

Costing an estimated $5.6 billion, the 1,600 km pipeline would transport 8 trillion cubic meters over a 20 year period. Citing recent advances in deep-sea pipeline technology, Fox Petroleum's chairman asserted that gas imports to India via OIMPP would be less expensive than India's LNG imports by $1.5-2 per million BTU. The same pipeline system could also be used to transport natural gas from Qatar to India, thereby creating a nexus of Persian Gulf natural gas suppliers oriented toward supplying the world's fast growing major economy.

And, as Modi intimated in Ashgabat the potential would even exist for Turkmenistan to export its gas to India across Iran and via the undersea pipeline.

With Beijing's strong head start in Central Asia, a post-sanctions Iran is New Delhi's key to becoming a major player in Eurasia. Modi's Central Asia tour and his public promotion of an IranOman-India pipeline signal a new round in the SinoIndian mini Great Game.

To advance, New Delhi will have to match Modi's diplomacy with major investments in energy and transportation infrastructure. The TAPI pipeline and an Oman-India pipeline are the places to start.

Corruption at rise

Sir, Indian economy is 6th largest in the world and it fares pretty well in some of the global competitive indices. Corruption is also costing India in numerous ways that are not immediately quantifiable.

India's goal to transform itself into a market for foreign companies and attract investment is increas-

ingly being challenged by corruption and red-tape.

India ranked a dismal 94 out of 176 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International.

Perhaps the greatest cost is to India's social fabric which is being irreparably harmed, leading to a deficit of the public's trust in government. Corruption is one of the causes for structural poverty, instability and inequality in India. To put in perspective, India's healthcare budget for the year 2012-2013 was 24,890 crores (USD 4.05 billion) or 68 percent of the amount lost to corruption. Corruption is also costing India in numerous ways that are not immediately quantifiable.

India's goal to transform itself into a market for foreign companies and attract investment is increasingly being challenged by corruption and red-tape.

It is a serious economic issue as it adversely affects the country's economic development and achievement of developmental goals. It promotes inefficiencies in utilisation of resources, distorts the markets, compromises quality, destroys the environment and of late has become a serious threat to national security. It adds to the deprivation of the poor and weaker sections of the economy.

The important causes of corruption in India are poor regulatory framework, exclusivist process of decision

making aggravated by discretion and official secrecy, rigid bureaucraticstructures and processes; and absence of effective internal control mechanism.

Social acceptability and tolerance for corruption and absence of a formal system of inculcating the values of ethics and integrity further propagates corruption. It can only be fixed by those who live in this country -- 'we, the people'.

Yours etc Natasha Gogoi Tengakhat

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

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Yogesh Pawar To say the first look of Pooja Bhatt's in-the-thick-of-making Cabaret is a scorcher would be an understatement. Add to that Bhatt's series of tweets, where she takes on those who dismiss her leading lady Richa Chadha as "un-glamorous," insisting "they'll eat their words" after they see the Masaan actor in Cabaret.

While the jury is still out on whether Chadha, the poster girl for art-house cinema's makeover will set cash registers ringing at the box office, Cabaret - speculated to be inspired by yesteryear cabaret-queen Helen's life has brought the focus sharply onto not only the cabaret as a genre but leading ladies down the years who've shimmied their way into the national imagination creating a niche in the world of filmlore, like few others.

The pioneer...

Right at the top is the AngloMyanmarese Helen who began dancing from 12 in films like Awara and Shabistan (1951). Seven years later she danced her way into audience's hearts with 'Mera naam chin chin chu' in Shakti Samanta's Howrah Bridge (1957) and has continued to stay there long after she hung up her dancing shoes with 'Main Hoon Lili' in Bond 303 (1986). While the famously media-averse recluse couldn't be reached for comment by this writer, author Jerry Pinto nails it perfectly in his definitive book on the dancing diva, Helen: The Life and Times of an HBomb. "It wasn't quite lust that Helen aroused, although her dance numbers were chiefly about the pleasure men derive from the female form in motion. Helen was the desire that you need not be embarrassed about feeling. You could forgive yourself that feeling because there was something about her that transcended the tawdry clothes, the bizarre make-up, the invasive camera angles, the inane lyrics and the repetitive choreography and suggestive movements."

From 'Gham Chhod ke Manao Rang Rali' Gumnaam (1965), 'O Haseena Zulfowali' - Teesri Manzil (1966), 'Aa Jaane

The saga of cabaret in Bollywood Jaan' - Inteqam (1969), 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' - Caravan (1971), 'Aao na gale lagao na' - Mere Jeevan Sathi (1972), 'Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai' - Anamika (1973), 'Mehbooba Mehbooba' Sholay (1975), 'Mungda Main Gud Ki Dali' - Inkaar (1978), 'Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Deewana' - Don (1978), Helen reprised so many deliciously dangerous women. Be it dancer, gangster's moll, faithless lover, spy, imperial lady boss or the sickle-bearing toddy-shack owner she effortlessly slipped into the wigs and skin of each character.

Many like film and sociocultural historian Mukul Joshi lament how despite the fan-following, whistles and wolf cries, Helen really hasn't got her due. "In many ways she was far more important part than the lead actors.

Without her as a foil, and without her character's fall from grace in her films, how could they come out smelling of roses?" According to him, Bollywood has always insisted on making blacks and greys darker and whites lighter. "When a Rajesh Khanna or Amitabh Bachchan refuse to give in to Helen's seductions, she was shown successfully wooing villains like Ranjit, Prem Chopra or Pran. This made the hero seem more virtuous the heroine more pure."

Which is why his lament about recognition and status as an iconic legend taking its time finding her when far smaller performers from cinematographers to music directors were chosen over and above her - rings true. "In a way such shortsighted negation of her contribution symbolises the film industry and society's transfer-projection of the straitjacketed stereotype which they want to trap women in.

Why else would the foil for everyone from Madhubala, Vyjayanthimala to Hema Malini and even Raveena Tandon not get her rightful due?"

The contenders...

Through the 60s Helen remained the undisputed queen of cabaret. But demand was growing and the occasional dance number went on to become the

staple. Joining ranks with the queen to create a holy trinity of cabaret queens were Bindu and Aruna Irani who came to be known for both their oomph as dancers and viscerality as vamps.

The now Pune-resident Bindu had already been married for two years when she was offered Kati Patang by Shakti Samanta in 1970.

"Samanta offered me the role on the condition that I dance," she reminisces. And this song was nowhere near her earlier outings on the screen for a song (notable among which is the Madan Moahn composition in Raga Yaman Jiya Le Gayo Ji Mora).

Initially, she was hesitant fearing comparisons with her icon. "Helenji was my icon, I wasn't sure if I could dance the cabaret anywhere close.

Samanta encouraged me saying this was more part of the narrative than dancing.

He told me how my character is taunting the heroine. It helped that the song was more dialogue than lyrics. I don't know whether its magic of the Asha Bhosle-R D Burman combination, my moves or the far-ahead-ofits-time costume but I'm amazed how four and half decades later people still remember the song and even call me Shabbo."

Expectedly, she soon became a rage playing the glam-doll dancer in Mere Jeevan Saathi, Dushman, Garam Masala, Raja Jani, Dharma and Joshilay in the early '70s. She remembers letting go of all inhibitions, "As a cabaret dancer I couldn't wear a sari/

From 'Pithu' to Playstation

My knees are a network of scars - unseemly white lines that snake their way around the skin, making me selfconscious whenever I wear shorts. They are the remains of old wounds, sustained as a child on the nearby playground. There's one particularly deep one, the memory of which is still fresh enough to smart, when I fell face down on a sharp piece of stone in the dry mud while playing pithu. I must have been around 10 years old then and it was our favourite game. My friends and I would wait

ed

PAGE 9

eagerly until five in the especially, was great for evening so we could the long afternoons durplay. Sammy, an enter- ing summer vacation prising older boy who we spent hours playing in played with us, had the the shade, out of the responsibility of storing fierce sun. Kanche was the seven pieces of Gargi Gupta treasure, and we stone that we kept them careplayed with. It was im- fully, sorting them into portant that they be of different colours, green the right size and abso- being the most common lutely flat so they could and white, the rarest. My be piled one on top of the friends and I would trade other and yet stacked them - ten greens for one loosely enough to fall white. apart when struck by a Then there was the spinball. ning top, which required Kids these days don't intricate skill to get right. play pithu; neither do If you were really good they know the joys of at it, you could even spinning a top or playing scoop the spinning top with kanche. The latter, with the string and place

it on your palm. And remember that other wicked game called 'Darkroom', played indoors? After the first few times my gang of mixed-gender adolescents shut the door in my bedroom and turned off the light to play Darkroom, my mother forbade me from playing it again!

Generations change, and along with them, lifestyles and skill sets.

Today's generation has an almost instinctive knowledge of gadgets and the virtual world that the earlier ones entirely lacked. But in the process, what today's youngsters have lost out on are all these wonderful games that we played, such as Dog in the Manger, gilli danda and Dodgeball. Not only did these games require intense physical activity, but they were also great social bridges - my group, for instance, had a Muslim, a Christian and the children of a motor mechanic. What's more, they required little by way of investment - just some empty space where we could run around. But as our cities expand and every bit of land is built upon, that perhaps is the greatest luxury to ask for.

ghaghra-choli. Though I wore glamorous revealing costumes I wore skincoloured nylon stitched to my blouse to cover bare skin. That made me comfortable." Others like dancing sensation Jayshree T - who Helen once called her legatee on record - too agree that the skin-coloured fabric was what made her comfortable.

"While most were decent, I've had to contend with the occasional choreographer who'd try to include a risquĂŠ camera angle or move. But I was no novice and saw through it. I'd put my foot down and refuse such moves," remembers the dancing diva who thanks to her live shows had fan following larger than many leading heroes.

Both she and Padma Khanna

Gargi Gupta

The year was 1998, and I had just got my first job as a sub-editor at an English language daily in Kolkata. The salary: Rs5,000/- It wasn't grand, but it meant financial independence, or so I thought until I found myself spending a good portion of what I earned on phone calls to my then-boyfriend in Pune. It was far more convenient to call from the PCO booth next door as its glass-fronted cabin afforded far more privacy than home, where the landline was placed right in the middle so everyone could hear when it rang.

It also meant that everyone could hear you speak.

My boyfriend and I would tie up to call by turns, deciding on a day and a time in advance. But it was always after 9pm, when the 'pulse rate' would drop from Rs7 to Rs4. Even so, a half-hour conversation - and what's a half-hour between sweethearts? - would cost a cool Rs120. If you called up even once a week, it meant Rs480 nearly 10 per cent of what I earned. Our phone calls were forever see-sawing between expense and sentiment.

Today's generation, living in an era where one can

who were trained in kathak insist their training helped them perform better as cabaret dancers too. While Jayshree T remembers her photographic memory for steps and improvisations she added, Khanna felt everything from expressions and hand movements needs a differtn approach for cabarets. "Otherwise it'd look awkward and funny," Khanna says citing the instance of a dancer-actor trained in Bharatnatyam who would be stiff in her Western dances. "Even when she danced with Amitabh Bachchan she was a scene-stealer for all the wrong reasons," she chortles. This dancer-actress who did all the closeup footwork for Meena Kumari in Pakeeza also

places Helen on the highest rung when it came to cabaret. "Then there was Aruna Irani who brought a rare kind of raw energy to her moves, Bindu was daring and Jayshree T was a master of anything she did. Given our training in kathak both Jayshree and me could bring a different sensual aesthete to our dancing."

As the cabaret's grip on the national imagination grew, even Shashikala Sheesha Aur Phool (1966), IndoSiryan beauty Faryal in Jewel Thief (1967) and Mumtaz in Apna Desh ( 1972) were taking to the genre, often with aplomb Cabaret meets disco...

In 1978 two dancing divas were shooting simultaneously at Mehboob studios. Helen was shooting 'Yeh Mera Dil' for Don while Kalpana Iyer was shooting for 'Jab Chhaye Mera Jadoo' Lootmaar. "Slim was in.

Disco was in. I was hungry for work and never did any nakhras. I came from a simple middle-class Mumbai family.

Money was tight and making ends meet difficult. I began dancing early with live stage shows first and modelling later."

Since she was punctual, disciplined and learnt steps quickly filmmakers could shoot without wasting shifts. "On the sets of Lootmaar I signed the title song for Bambai ka Maharajah, Kudrat (Chodo Sanam), Sajan ki saheli (Nau taak mangta) and Pyaara Dushman (Hari Om Hari). It came to point where I was just working in multiple shifts with all the top stars," says Kalpana Iyer on facebook messenger from Dubai where she's settled.

Remembering how the scenario was changing rapidly, she remarks, "The era of lavish huge sets was gone. The directors I worked with wanted to shoot in real discos," and adds, "While choreographers changed, the music director was soon only Bappida for most of my songs sung either by Asha Bhosle or Usha Utthup. I'd developed a working understanding of my look with the late gifted and brilliant designer Allan Gill. The chemistry we shared shows in our

work even today."

The roti-robbers...

Given how insecure some leading ladies began to become of the cabaret queens, it wasn't surprising to see them soon taking on these roles too. "Khud ki toh kha hee rahe the, abb cabaret dancers ki roti bh churaane lage," smiles Jayshree T sadly Historian Joshi too concurs with Jayshree T. He observes, "While Bollywood lead actresses like Kareena (Talash/Muskan jhooti hai), Priyanka (Gunday/ Asalame-Ishqam), Deepika (Om Shanti Om/ Dhoom Tana), Bipasha Basu (Players/ Ho Gayi Tunn), Anushka (Bombay Velvet), Lauren Gottlieb (Detective Byomkesh Bakshi/Calcutta kiss), Gauhar Khan (Once Upon A Time in Mumbai/ Parda Parda), are doing item numbers and cabarets in various films, this isn't a new trend, Mumtaz did it in 1972 and a decade later the late beautiful member of the Junagadh royal family Parveen Babi impressed everyone with her sizzling moves in Namak Halal (Jawan Janeman and raat baaki)."

Seniors like Bindu, Jayshree T and Shashikala admit that they often were left to figure out fitness and fashion on their own. "Today they have an army of bouncers, makeup men, designers, personal trainers and other minions at their beck and call," remembers Shashikala who designed her wigs and costume for her outing in a cabaret number on her own. "I had been to Europe and seen what the actual dancers wore. I used my own ingenuity to come up with something matching." Bindu too remembers being particular about both diet and exercise.

"I never ate lunch on the sets. I'd carry buttermilk, beetroot soup and fruits.

When you dance on a full belly it shows through the costume." Never one to mince words, songstress Asha Bhosale had recently quipped in a radio interview: ""When you see what heroines in films of today wear and the kind of dance moves and gestures they do, one can only think of Helen and Jayshree T as devis."

Hold the phone! reach anywhere in the world at the press of a button and where call rates have crashed to fractions of a rupee, will never understand how limiting too expensive phone calls were - and how liberating public call booths, or PCOs, were.

But for our generation, young in the 1990s, PCOs were a lifesaver. Unlike our parents, we weren't bound by the home telephone to keep in touch with each other. I could call mother from the market if I had forgotten to ask her something. She, in her time, would have had to make the long trudge back. I could make secret assignations over the pay-phone, spending just a one Rupee coin, and no one need ever know.

PCOs, in those days, like the mobile rechargewallah nowadays, nearubiquitous as thousands of poor, middle-class unemployed had jumped at the opportunity to start a small business, something that required low initial investment and guaranteed steady subsequent returns. "Uncle", the PCO booth owner I frequented, for instance, had tried his hand at several jobs before he opened a PCO. In the seven years or so I

knew him, I saw him go from one phone-line on a makeshift table to three glass cubicles. Business was good, and so was the company it brought.

Uncle and I would chat for hours about this and that - he soon became something of a relationship counsellor, someone I could speak to freely. It

got so that I suspect his wife got a little jealous of our camaraderie. Towards the end, she'd always be there when I went to make or receive a call.

The mobile revolution was definitely a boon for all of us, but it's sure taken away the romance of the PCO.

PAGE 10

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Navy lines up indigenisation plan with 'Make in India' New Delhi, Jul 21: The Navy has unveiled a 15year plan to achieve full indigenisation in all phases of warship construction, from ship-building to systems to weapons, and aligned it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India". The Navy wants to involve private industry in a big way in this initiative. The Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan 2015-2030 is aimed at enabling the development of equipment and systems through the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian industry over a 15year period, the Navy said in a statement. A warship can be broadly divided into three segments - float,

move and fight. The Navy has achieved 90 per cent indigenisation in the float category, while the move (propulsion) and fight (weapons) components stand at 60 and 30 per cent

respectively, which are priority areas to be addressed.

Among platforms, a major area of concern is helicopters. "This is one area where there is a huge opportunity for indigenisation

of our future naval aviation assets," Navy Chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan said last week. The Navy issued its first 15-year indigenisation plan in 2003 and then revised it in 2008. The current revision was done to dovetail it with the 'Make in India' pitch. The Navy has individual plans for capacity augmentation - the Indian Maritime Capability Perspective Plan for fleet augmentation, Maritime Infrastructure Augmentation Plan and the Maritime Cooperation Roadmap all of which are from 2012 to 2027. The plan's objective is to have a 200-ship navy by 2027 as was recently stated by Vice Chief of Navy Vice Admiral P. Murugesan. (Agencies)

Two wheeler firms toy with ABS Chennai, Jul 21: India's two-wheeler industry is getting ready to install ABS as a safety feature on motorcycles expecting a legislation which will make it mandatory for higher displacement bikes. According to top auto industry sources, ABS fitted locallymade motorcycles may soon become much more common than it is now as volume prompts ABS manufacturers like Bosch to manufacture twowheeler ABS locally rather than sourcing it from Japan as they do now. Already a handful of products offer ABS as an option and the customer reaction to this safety feature has been very positive. Bajaj Auto has just rolled out its RS200 with ABS while TVS Apache RTR 180 also has an ABS option. Top ABS maker Bosch is in talks with a "number of OEMs" that are looking at kitting out higher-end bikes with ABS.

Said Kartikeya Joshi, marketing & sales head, Bosch Chassis Systems India: "We make four-wheeler ABS locally but in two wheelers, we are currently supporting demand through our manufacturing facility in Japan.

Later on, if the market improves and the volumes pick up speed, we will take a call on manufacturing in India." Currently the TVS Apache is the cheapest ABS-fitted bike in India at under Rs 1 lakh and the

options for an ABS-fitted bike for less than Rs 3 lakh are just a handful. The ABS option is more common among the super luxury cruiser bikes that are in Rs 10-30 lakh price range.

Sources say big volume bike makers like TVS will consider offering the ABS option on other models in its range as "the market and regulations move forward".

Others like Royal Enfield are reportedly "in talks" for ABS technology too. Said

ALL ABOUT 2 WHEELERS Bajaj Auto has just rolled out its RS200 with ABS while TVS Apache RTR 180 also has an ABS option.

Currently the TVS Apache is the cheapest ABS-fitted bike in India at under Rs 1 lakh and the options for an ABS-fitted bike for less than Rs 3 lakh are just a handful.

The ABS option is more common among the super luxury cruiser bikes that are in Rs 10-30 lakh price range.

Apart from TVS Apache and the Bajaj RS200, KTM models also have ABS as do Harley Davidsons As per reports, there is a high demand for the ABS variant of the Bajaj RS200 bike.

Right now the only ABS-fitted bikes under Rs 10 lakh price range are, apart from TVS Apache RTR 180 (Rs 86,000) and Bajaj RS200 (Rs 1.35 lakh), KTM Duke 390 and RC390 (Rs 1.87 lakh and Rs 2.10 lakh), Aprilia PRO at Rs 5.63 lakh, Harley Iron 883 and Ducati Monster at just under Rs 7 lakh, Kawasaki Z800 at over Rs 8 lakh and Harley 48 at over Rs 9 lakh.

The rest of the superbikes kitted with ABS are priced between Rs 10-33 lakh.

a company spokesperson: "Royal Enfield is working on two new platforms and will be coming out with new products 2016 onwards that will have global appeal. As part of our R&D process, we keep exploring and working with various partners on design and technology. We can share more details as and when we are ready to announce our new products." The good news is that a clutch of Indian bike makers are now thinking of the ABS option. "Apart from TVS Apache and the Bajaj RS200, KTM models also have ABS as do Harley Davidsons," said Joshi.

"Bosch is in advance talks with other OEMs and will announce it as and when it is realized. There is a slow growth in the acceptance of this technology driven by market forces. For instance, we are told that there is a high demand for the ABS variant of the Bajaj RS200 bike," he added. Right now the only ABS-fitted bikes under Rs 10 lakh price range are, apart from TVS Apache RTR 180 (Rs 86,000) and Bajaj RS200 (Rs 1.35 lakh), KTM Duke 390 and RC390 (Rs 1.87 lakh and Rs 2.10 lakh), Aprilia PRO at Rs 5.63 lakh, Harley Iron 883 and Ducati Monster at just under Rs 7 lakh, Kawasaki Z800 at over Rs 8 lakh and Harley 48 at over Rs 9 lakh.

The rest of the superbikes kitted with ABS are priced between Rs 10-33 lakh.

(Agencies)

Lower price of yellow metal makes investors worried Pune, Jul 21: A selloff in China's bullion market sent gold prices in the city's bullion hubs down to near the Rs 25,000-per-10 grams level - close to a four-year-low mark. However, jewellery stocks surged as investors bet on a lower price of the yellow metal to perk up jewellery demand. The prospects of the Janet Yellen-led US Fed raising rates later in the year, which will strengthen the dollar and

YELLOW METAL...MAIN MATTER OF CONCERN Stock prices of Gitanjali Gems surged 13.7%.

Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri gained 9.4%.

Shree Ganesh Jewellery was up 11.8%. hence weaken the price of gold (since it's inversely related to the greenback's strength), also prompted speculative selling, further

aggravating the slide in the price of the yellow metal.

In Mumbai's bullion market, at 8pm, the price of gold was hovering just

above the Rs 25,000 mark, according to quotes available from Nakoda Bullion, one of the largest gold traders in India. In a recent relatively muted session on Dalal Street, stock prices of Gitanjali Gems surged 13.7%, while Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri gained 9.4% and Shree Ganesh Jewellery was up 11.8%. Several other jewellery stocks also closed with strong gains.

(Agencies)

Dip in FIIs holding in top Gujrat firms Ahmedabad, Jul 21: The first quarter of fiscal 2015-16 saw foreign institutional investors (FIIs) pulling out their money in over two dozen Gujarat-based companies. An analysis of top Gujarat firms listed on the stock exchanges show that as many as 27 companies witnessed reduction in FII holding thanks to profit booking. Lower than expected corporate earnings by Indian companies is also believed to be a reason. As per

shareholding status of leading companies from Gujarat as on June 30 of 2015-16, FII holding Adani Enterprises, Cera Sanitaryware, Symphony Ltd, Alembic Pharma, Sintex Industries, Arvind Ltd, AIA Engineering among others have come down in the first quarter as compared to the quarter ended March of 201415. In case of Adani Enterprises Ltd, FII holding dipped to 12.47% in June from 17.95 March end, it dropped from

30.40% to 26.35% in Ambuja Cement saw a drop of 26.35% from.

"In June quarter, FIIs reduced their holding in the range of 0.25 to 0.50% in a number of companies. FIIs at present are finding American markets more lucrative than emerging markets," said Nilesh Kotak, a city-based stock analyst. As per the data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, FIIs pulled out Rs 5,768 crore in May and Rs

3,344 crore in June from Indian equity markets.

The foreign investors had pumped in Rs 11,721 crore in April this fiscal. "The corporate earnings for some companies in June quarter were not up to the mark, which became a cause of concern for many FIIs," said a Mumbai-based analyst.

However, Torrent Power, Cadila Healthcare, Adani Power as well as APSEZ saw increase in FII holding over March quarter. (Agencies)

Indiabulls' LAP biz to be rated by Crisil Mumbai, Jul 21: In an industry-first move aimed at mitigating risks in the country's lending space currently burdened by huge bad loans, ratings major Crisil and Indiabulls Housing Finance (IBHFL) have joined hands to independently rate each of IBHFL's loan disbursals under its loan against property (LAP) business. Currently, the LAP business in the country is dominated by private players and is estimated to be worth about Rs 1.2 lakh crore. Most of the LAP loans are taken by proprietors of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to meet the funding needs for their businesses. According to a report by IFC, a World Bank arm, in 2012 itself total loan requirement for Indian SMEs was about Rs 10 lakh crore of which just about 10-12% was met through LAP. The requirement is much higher in the

current tough business environment, industry players said. Dominated by private lenders, HDFC, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IBHFL and Bajaj Finance are the key players in this segment.

Currently, total LAP disbursals across the industry is estimated to be at about Rs. 5,000 crore per month, an IBHFL official said. Under the deal, Crisil will independently grade IBHFL's loans which are disbursed against proper-

ties kept as collateral with lenders. Starting immediately, the ratings major will be grading all of IBHFL's new LAP disbursals, company officials said. According to Gagan Banga, VC & MD, Indiabulls Housing Finance, SMEs are a vital segment of the economy and IBHFL has been making efficient finance available to this segment for over 10 years. ""The grading scale will provide an independent and critical

AIBEA launches nationwide agitation against the banking sector

Kochi, Jul 21: The All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) recently launched a national-level agitation against the banking sector reforms being

pursued by the Centre. As part of the ongoing agitation, the AIBEA proposes to collect one crore signatures from customers and general public. Signatures

are being obtained demanding strengthening of public sector banks, stopping bank privatisation and granting of banking licence to corporate companies.

AIBEA general secretary C.H. Venkatachalam said, they would meet the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hand over the petition demanding remedial action to ensure a vibrant banking sector. Besides, he said the AIBEA would publish latest list of bank loan defaulters' during the monsoon session of Parliament, as bad loans were on the rise month after month. The AIBEA held country-wide demonstrations urging the authorities to declare Kingfisher Airlines owner Vijay Mallya as a wilful defaulter and to recover the loan dues of Rs.7,000 crore, immediately by confiscating his properties. (Agencies)

Investment deal: India, US holds different opinion Nashik, Jul 21: India and the US have an ambitious target of a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) to be concluded at least over the next year, but the two sides remain far apart on the text to be negotiated. After the initially exchanged model treaty texts were rejected by either side, the US said it would be comfortable negotiating the text that is the basis of the 'still-in-progress' comprehensive economic partnership treaty between India and Japan. Instead, India has said it more comfortable with the text being negotiated with Canada.

Washington's trade negotiators, who were informed last week, will now go through the India-Canada text to see which parts would be applicable to the India -US treaty. While the two governments want to announce this by the time

input to the company in underwriting and managing this key loan segment." An independent scrutiny of the LAP credit underwritten by the company should also provide comfort to our stakeholders," Banga said. To rate each LAP by IBHFL, Crisil will look at key aspects of the borrower like financial strength of the business, management, nature of business, collateral quality and adherence to underwriting process. (Agencies)

Stronger enforcement remains the focus behind drafting IPR policy Pune, Jul 21: Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently said the final draft of the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy focussed on stronger enforcement and was being vetted by an inter-ministerial group, following which it would be sent to the Union Cabinet. The enforcement of IPR would be done by increasing the manpower in Intellectual Property Offices and reducing the pendency of IPR filings, the Minister said, at an event on 'Protecting Brands Abroad with the Madrid System' organised by FICCI. India has been under pressure from foreign countries to strengthen its IP regime, after multinational pharmaceutical firms have had adverse verdicts in recent times. (Agencies)

Hero Motors gets new CMD Pankaj Munjal is the new name

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Barack Obama possibly for the last summit before he demits office, the two systems remain very far apart in their approach to trade and investment, with suspicions running high on either side. During finance minister Arun Jaitley's recent visit to the US, the BIT and totalization agreements featured high on the bilateral

agenda. "There were references from the US side about their concerns with regard to intellectual property regulations in India," Jaitley said. The differences include definitions of investment, IPR regulations and dispute settlement including international arbitration. With entrenched positions on either side, the negotiations promise to be a bruising battle. (Agencies)

Nagpur, Jul 21: Hero Motors Group, which includes flagship company Hero Cycles, has elevated Pankaj Munjal as chairman and managing director (CMD).

Pankaj has taken over from O P Munjal, who led the Ludhiana-based company for more than 60 years, Hero Motors Group said in a statement. O P Munjal has now been elevated to the position of chairman Emeritus. The group comprises cycle major Hero Cycles, auto parts manufacturing companies - Hero Motors, ZF Hero Chassis Systems and Munjal Kiriu Industries - hospitality arm Munjal Hospitality and luxury home decor products company Oma Livings. (Agencies)

Green signal by RBI to ANZ Bengaluru, Jul 21: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has got RBI's approval to open two new branches in India in Gurgaon and Bengaluru. It began a second innings in the country when it opened its Mumbai branch in 2011.

The Gurgaon branch opened this month. The Australian lender is betting big on India as a growth engine in the region offering a full range of institutional banking services including transaction banking, foreign exchange and interest rate solutions, deposits and advisory services. "Our commitment to India is growing -- certainly I see it as a very important part of our regional

Smith: I am excited about India strategy. I think, we were probably slower in our build-up of our India business than we should have been. India is more significant to us now and that is likely to increase particularly taking into account China's slowing growth," said Michael Smith, CEO

of ANZ, in Bengaluru.

Smith said that the Australian lender, which has a market capitalisation of AUD 85 billion and assets of AUD 772 billion, would probably apply for more licences. "While branching is not as essential as it used to be because of the sheer

size of the country, it makes sense to (set up branches)," he said. ANZ had previously sold its India business to Standard Chartered Bank, but then made a reentry in 2011. The ANZ Bengaluru hub is the largest technology capability for the bank outside Australia, employing over 2,500 in the technology team. The team is involved in trade finance and mortgage credit assurance. Globally, it employs over 5,500 technology professionals.

In India, it employs 7,300 people that includes both technology and operations.

The headcount has progressively gone up over the years from around 800 employees in 2006. (Agencies)

"BCCI is extremely proud to host this prestigious event. We want this World Twenty20 to be a memorable experience for our participants and fans. I am confident that all the venues nominated will deliver a world class event."

-Anurag Thakur, BCCI Secretary

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

PAGE 11

Tour de France: Froome retains lead; Thomas suffers freak crash Paris: Chris Froome was reminded just how quickly the Tour de France title could slip from his grip as his Sky team mate Geraint Thomas suffered a freak crash in Monday's 16th stage. The day's laurels went to Spaniard Ruben Plaza Molina although the action was way behind as Froome's key lieutenant Thomas was sent flying off the road. In a tricky final descent Thomas bumped into Frenchman Warren Barguil and collided head first into a telegraph pole, disappearing over the road into the vegetation. "Everyone was anticipating that descent as a critical moment of the race," Froome said. "I think there is some riders who look to gain some time in moments like that I think we've seen Nibali riding in similar fashion and we can expect more of that in the next few days." Thomas said: "I was just taken out." The Welshman, who is sixth overall, was quickly back on his bike and reached the finish incurring only minor losses. "I apologise I wanted to brake just before

India to play Nepal in a friendly New Delhi: India will play an international football friendly match against earthquake-ravaged Nepal on August 31 in Pune, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Tuesday. The AIFF has agreed to play the match as a gesture of support to the quake-damaged country. The match will be held at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.

Nepal is in the midst of the enormous task of rebuilding the country after the April and May earthquakes and the AIFF has decided to do its bit by playing a international football friendly to spread goodwill, an AIFF statement said. AIFF general secretary Kushal Das hoped the initiative will "provide solace" to the people of the country.

"AIFF have always been a staunch supporter of football in Nepal. They are our neighbours. We felt football will be able to provide some solace to Nepal," he said in a release on Tuesday. "I need to laud All India Football Federation for being the first nation to bring football back into the veins of the Nepalese people," Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA's regional development officer for South and Central Asia, said in the release.

(Agencies)

the bend but (American) Tejay van Garderen pushed me with his shoulder and my finger slipped from the brake lever, I'm sorry," said Barguil. Froome, who also

lost team mate Peter Kennaugh as the British champion abandoned the race, said: "He's OK he's a tough guy he's going to be up there in the Alps." The

incident brought back memories of the 2003 Tour, when Spain's Joseba Beloki, who was trailing Lance Armstrong in the overall standings, attacked

on the same descent and crashed out of the race.

Armstrong avoided Beloki and in the process cycled down the hill across a small field and, after jumping

over a ditch, rejoined the road. Among his main rivals, only Alberto Contador attacked Froome in the climb up the Col de Mense but the Spaniard could not open up a telling gap. Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali, who fell out of contention in the Pyrenees, also attacked to pull away but Froome did not bother chasing the Italian on another hot day on the Tour. Plaza Molina of the Lampre team won solo after a 201-km ride from Bourg de Peage, attacking a group of breakaway riders in the final climb of the day. Slovakian Peter Sagan of Tinkoff-Saxo was second for the fifth time on the Tour this year despite riding spectacularly in the descent, while Colombian Jarlinson Pantano took third place for IAM Cycling. Froome still leads Colombian Nairo Quintana by three minutes and 10 seconds and third-placed Van Garderen is 3:32 off the pace going into Tuesday's rest day. The race will then enter a crucial spell with four gruelling stages in the Alps. (Agencies)

British Open: Zach attack earns Johnson victory Sd. Andrews: American Zach Johnson claimed the second major triumph of his career after winning a fourhole playoff at the end of a captivating, cliffhanger of a final round in the British Open on Monday. In an Open that never seemed to want to end, the 39-year-old surged through the field with a closing 66 before overcoming South African Louis Oosthuizen (69) and Australian Marc Leishman (66) in extra holes. "I feel blessed to be the champion and honoured to be part of the history of this game," said Johnson after a round played in a damp and heavy atmosphere but, more importantly for the players, in light winds. "It has been a week of patience, courage and trust. I can't play any better than I did. I just stayed in it, waited for the opportunities and made a few putts." Johnson, who won the US Masters in 2007, took a vice-like grip on the playoff by ramming in birdie putts of 12 and 18 feet at the first two holes and could afford the luxury of taking a bogey at the 17th before a par four at the last sealed victory. Oosthuizen, the winner of the Open when it was last played at St Andrews in 2010, was

level par for the extra holes while Leishman effectively played himself out of it when he three-putted the first. He ended two over.

Johnson wiped tears from his eyes before hugging his wife as he walked off the 18th green to pick up the coveted Claret Jug and a first prize of 1.15 million pounds ($1.79 million). One of the first to congratulate Johnson was fellow American Jordan Spieth who failed to make the playoff by one stroke after a day of fluctuating fortunes. Spieth, 21,

bidding to become the first player since compatriot Ben Hogan in 1953 to land the opening three majors of the year, finished with a threeunder 69 for 274, 14 under.

Johnson, Leishman and Oosthuizen ended the regulation 72 holes on 15 under.

Irish amateur Paul Dunne, who went into the final round of golf's oldest major in a tie for the lead, slumped to a closing 78 and ended in a share of 30th position on 282. Earlier, Johnson came sprinting out of the blocks with a swashbuck-

ling run of seven birdies in the opening 12 holes. He dropped strokes at the 13th and 17th, completely mishitting his second shot at the notorious 'Road Hole' after his feet slipped in the wet rough. Johnson bounced straight back by gently caressing a 35-foot birdie putt into the cup on the 72nd green, letting out a roar of delight as the ball disappeared into the hole before squatting down and producing a theatrical fist pump.

Leishman then missed a 20foot birdie putt at the 18th

that would have given him outright victory but had the consolation of knowing his last two rounds of 64 and 66 tied the record Open low for the closing 36 holes.

Oosthuizen appeared to be out of contention until he grittily holed a 15-foot parsaving effort at the 17th and chipped to four feet at the 18th before rolling in his birdie putt to join Johnson and Leishman in the playoff. Spieth's chances were effectively wrecked when he took four putts from 100 feet to double-bogey the eighth and he eventually had to settle for a share of fourth place with Australian Jason Day (70). "I made a mental mistake," said Spieth. "If you make a double-bogey it's a very difficult climb back. "I hit my first putt off the green and there's absolutely no reason to do that." American Jordan Niebrugge went round in 70 to finish as the leading amateur, in a tie for sixth spot on 277 with British pair Justin Rose and Danny Willett and Spain's Sergio Garcia. It was only the second time the championship had finished on a Monday after heavy rain and strong winds caused havoc earlier in the tournament. (Agencies)

technical committee wherein the Deodhar Trophy will feature four 50overs matches across five days between January 2428. It will be on the lines of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy. There will be three teams. Just like Challenger series, the Vijay Hazare Trophy champions will be one of the teams, which will compete with two other

etc). Now these two teams will be selected by the national selectors from the performance of Vijay Hazare Trophy. "The Deodhar trophy will be played on a 3team format which comprises of the champion team of the Vijay Hazare tournament and 2 other teams which will be selected by the Senior National selectors," read the statement. Also, the Vijay Hazare Trophy's national one-day championship's format is in for a change from the zonal to knock-out as all teams on basis of performance will now be divided into groups, just like the Ranji Trophy.

"Starting this year, the senior men One-day and the T20 tournaments will be played on a Group basis( like Ranji Trophy) and not on Intra Zonal basis. Being the first time, the teams have been divided into 4 groups and these groups have been made based on last year's performance in the respective tournaments," according to the statement. A new Under-19 Challenger tournament has

ior level this year which will feature three teams selected by the junior National selectors. It will provide yet another opportunity to all the players to perform before the national squad is selected for the Under-19 World Cup, to be played in Bangladesh in January. Two new tournaments are being introduced for women cricketers from this year, an Inter-state and then Inter Zonal One day Under-23 tournament and a three-day Senior Women Inter-Zonal tournament, which will provide more opportunities to the women cricketers. In all BCCI plans to hold 900 matches through the nine-month calendar year which they have computed to "2100 cricket days". The logic behind 2100 cricket days is that on a particular Ranji Trophy date, if supposedly nine four-day matches are held across the country, it will be calculated as 9x4=36 cricket days. Similarly five one day matches played on same date will be calculated as five cricket days. (Agencies)

Kolkata's Eden Gardens to host 2016 World T20 final

Mumbai: Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the final of the World Twenty20 next year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Tuesday. The BCCI named eight venues for the biennial event, which has been staged across three cities in each of its previous five editions. Bengaluru, Chennai, Dharamshala, Mohali, Mumbai, Nagpur and New Delhi will be the other venues for the March 11-April 3 event, the board said in a statement. "BCCI is extremely proud to host this prestigious event. All the venues identified have hosted many prestigious matches," board secretary Anurag Thakur said. "With this announcement, we have begun our preparations in right earnest. We want this World Twenty20 to be a memorable experience for our participants and fans.

"I am confident that all the venues nominated will deliver a world class event." India co-hosted the 50-over World Cup in 2011 with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and went on to win the tournament. BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya will head a managing committee for the 16team tournament featuring 10 test playing nations and six associate teams. Sri Lanka won the last edition of the tournament in Bangladesh in 2014. (Agencies)

Milind Soman is now the 'Ironman'

Zurich: The Bollywood actor and model, Milind Soman, has just added another feather to his cap. The former national level swimmer is 'Ironman'. The 49-year-old has rightfully earned the title after successfully completing the Ironman Triathlon held in Zurich, Switzerland on 19 July. The triathlon is considered one of the world's toughest races and had 2,000 participants which included seven Indians. Milind, who is a national level swimmer for India, has been preparing for this competition for the last few months. The triathlon includes a 3.8-km swim, a 180.2-km cycle ride and 42.2-km run raced in that order without a break which the participants are required to complete within 16 hours to win the title of 'Ironman'.

The supermodel finished in 15 hours and 19 minutes (being precise 15:19:29). He later tweeted, "One Ironman Done:) Beautiful experience, finished in 15hrs and19mins. Thank you for all your good wishes people, your love makes a difference!!!#50thYear #BecauseWeCan #Live2Inspire." He has been practicing for the race for the last few months and had been updating his social media with pictures of his preparations. A regular at Mumbai Marathon, he ran 1500 km from Delhi to Mumbai to raise awareness over environmental issues in 2012. (Agencies)

South Africa's Ashwell BCCI drops five-decade-old Duleep Trophy from domestic calendar Prince and Petersen in record stand teams (India A or India Red been introduced in the junMumbai: The packed inter- ception served as a virtual national schedule has forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India to erase the more than half-a-centuryold Duleep Trophy interzonal competition from its schedule for the upcoming season. The BCCI's 201516 domestic calendar, which, in a media statement, boasts that it will host 900 matches in the span of six months, starting October 1, has discarded the inter-zonal competition which was started in 1961-62. The tournament was conducted to perpetuate the memory of K.S Duleepsinhji, nephew of K.S Ranjitsinhji in whose memory the national cricket championship is played. It's not clear whether the tournament, which since its in-

selection trial to pick Indian teams for home and away Test rubbers in days gone by, will be resurrected in the next 2016-17 season. The BCCI's statement is totally silent about the axing of such a prestigious tournament in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, in the BCCI's domestic calendar, unlike in previous seasons, there is also a huge twomonth gap between the conclusion of the Ranji Trophy league phase (December 4) and the commencement of the knock-out stage (February 3). This has been apparently done to accommodate various limited-overs competitions run by the BCCI, like the One-day Inter-State league, Deodhar Trophy

Domestic itinerary Ranji Trophy league: October 1- December 4, 2015 Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage: December 8-16, 2015 Vijay Hazare Trophy knock-outs: December 21-25, 2016 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group stage: January 2-10, 2016 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League: January 15-20, 2016 Deodhar Trophy: January 24-28, 2016 Ranji Trophy knock-outs: February 3-28, 2016.

Irani Cup: March 6-10, 2016.

both played over 50 overs and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 championships. The Ranji Trophy concludes on February 28 followed by the Irani Cup between the national champions and the Rest of India from March 610 which also marks the end of the domestic season. The board also decided to implement the suggestions given by the Anil Kumble-led

London: South African batsmen Ashwell Prince and Alviro Petersen piled on a record 501 runs for the third wicket in Lancashire's county championship match against Glamorgan on Monday. It was the highest partnership for any wicket in the county's 151-year history, and only the 13th time in first-class cricket that any stand passed 500 runs. Glamorgan finally parted the pair when Prince was out for a career-best 261. Petersen, having batted for more than eight hours, then fell six overs later for 286, also the best of his career with Lancashire 625 for four on the second day of the match at the Welsh seaside resort of Colwyn Bay. They declared on 698 for five, their fifth highest-ever score. (Agencies)

cmyk

cmyk

Page 12 DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

RNIASSENG00425/TC

FLORICULTURE Orchid Diversity in Northeast India The mega-diversity centre of India, the Northeast Region which comprises of eight states, viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura is unique in itself.

It occupies 7.7%of India's total geographical area supporting 50% of the flora (about 8000 species), of which31.58% (2526 species) are endemic. The region is rich in orchids, ferns, oaks (Quercus spp.), bamboos, rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.), magnolias (Magnoliaspp.) etc.

Orchids, believed to have evolved in this region, form a very noticeable feature of the vegetation here. Of about 1331 species of orchids, belonging to 186 genera reported from India; Northeast India sustains the highest number with about 856 species. Amongst them, 34 species of orchids are identified among the threatened plants of India and as many as endemic to different states of this region. Out of the eight orchid habitat regions in India, the two most important areas namely; the Eastern Himalayas and the North Eastern Region fall within the political boundaries of North Eastern Region. Terrestrial orchids are located in humus rich moist earth under tree shades in North Western India. Western

Ghats harbour the small flowered orchids. Epiphytic orchids are common in North-Eastern India which grows up to an elevation of 2,000 mmsl. Some of the valuable Indian orchids from this region which are used in hybridization programme.

Endemic orchids Orchids are distributed from tropical to alpine zones in forest trees, secondary vegetations, river banks, bamboo and palm thickets, forest floor, grassy slopes and rocky areas and are considered as an element in Farming System Research. The North East India has highest flora of monotypic orchid genera.

North East India is reported to harbor a large number of valuable threatened orchids also. It is to be noted that there are some orchid species which are endemic not only to this region, but also to the home states in which they are distributed like in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh Himalayas, the Naga and Manipur hills, the Lusai - Mizo hills and Khasi -Jaintia hills.

Orchids in Arunachal Pradesh There are 600 species of orchids in Arunachal Pradesh alone - the highest number in any state. Major epiphytic genera include Aerides, Arachnis, Bulbophyllum, Coelogyne,

D e n d r o b i u m , Cymbidium,Eria, C l e i s o s t o m a , Rhynchostylis, Vanda etc.

Most of the epiphytic orchids are ornamentals. In the tropical valleys of Arunachal Pradesh, one can find cascades of colorful flower-spikes of Rhynchostylis retusa, Aerides odorata, A.williamsii, A. rosea, Cymbidium pendulum, C. aloifolium, Dendrobium aphylla, D.nobile, D. moschatum, D. fimbriatum etc., loaded on tree trunks during spring which add

beauty to the surrounding

wood. In sub-tropical hill forests, bunches of "pineapple orchids" the Dendrobium densiflorum, D. giganteum, D. grandiflorum, D, eburneum, D.mastersii, Vanda coerulea, Renanthera imschootiana (red vanda), Coelogyne etc., greet the onlookers.

The pink flowers of Anthogonium gracile found on the cut ends of rocks and edges carpet the exposed areas adding beauty to the landscape.

Among terrestrials, Acanthephippium,

Arundina, Anoectochilus, Calanthe,Phaius, Paphiopedilum are common. Amongst them, Arundina graminifolia, the "bamboo orchid" is normally seen grown in the open sunny areas amongst grassy patches in the foothills. In the thick forests, Anoectochilus and Geodorum, popularly referred to as the "Jewel orchids" group having beautifully designed velvety leaves. Arunachal is the home state of rare and endangered Lady's Slipper orchids.

Orchids in Assam In Assam, as many as 182 species of orchids are identified. Tropical wet evergreen forests of Lakhimpur district and its adjoining foot hills of Arunachal Pradesh is very much rich

and more than hundreds of eye-catching and colorful wild orchids are seen to bloom throughout the year.

Mostly they are epiphytes.

Goodyera procera and Spiranthissinesis are adapted to aquatic habitant whereas Vanilla pilifera and Galeola altissima areclimbers. Orchids grow best in the evergreen and semi-evergreen forest and to someextent in moist deciduous forests. Species belonging to genera Acanthephippium,Anoectochilus, A p o s t a s i a , Agrostophyllum,

Coelogyne, Cymbidium, D e n d r o b i u m , Eria,Oberonia,, Calanthe, Eulophia, Geodorum, Habenaria, Malaxis, Nephelaphyllum,Vanilla, Zeuxine, Didymoplexis, Galeola, Bulbophyllum, Camarotis are the commonly found orchids.

Assam has as many as 26 species of threatened orchids. Amongst endemic orchids, Bulbophyllum obrienianum, Calanthe odora, Dendrobium parciflorum, D.spatella, Eria pumila, Eulophia candida, Liparis plantaginea, L u i s i a macrotis,Phalaenopsis mastersii, Tainia barbata are found in the state.

Orchids in Manipur Many epiphytic and terrestrial orchids of immense horticultural value are

grown in wild.About 207 species of orchids belonging to 67 genera have been reported from this state.Venda coerulea (Blue Vanda) and Rananthera imschootiana (Red Vanda) are included inschedule VI (plants) of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Amended 1991). Dueto over-exploitation, most of the orchids have already been depleted considerably andseveral are seen only in orchidaria. Some of the taxa facing threat of survival areAnoectochilus tetraplerus, Aldrovenda vasiculosa, Ascocentrum ampullaceum,Ascocentrum miniatum, Dendrobium bensoniae, Dendrobium d r a c o n i s , Dendrobiumheterocarpum and Dendrobium wardianum (Hedge 2012).

Orchids in Meghalaya: The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills around Shillong in the state of Meghalaya boast of morethan 300 species of orchids. Epiphytic orchids can be seen on the stunted trees ofRhodendron arboreum, Quercus and Castonopsis species.

Ground orchids likeAnoectachilus brevilabris, the jewel orchid and Liparis pulchella can be seen. Otherorchid species available in the state are Paphiopedilum insigne, P. venustum,Rynchostylis retusa, Coelogyne corymbosa, Dendrobium d e v o n i a n u m , Cymbidiumelegans and Vanda coerulea (Nayar and Sastry 1987, 1988, 1990; Haridashan and Rao1985).

Orchids in Mizoram:

Orchid Breeding and Trade Several local species of Vanda, Cymbidium, A s c o c e n t r u m , Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis,Calanthe, Coelogyne, Dendrobium etc are in great demand in international market for breeding materials. In breeding programme, selection of good and healthy plant and flower by visual observation accounts to a great extent. Evidences of natural hybridizations occurring among wild species were reported. Hundreds of natural inter-generic, interspecific or intra-specific natural hybrids of Dendrobium are found in nature. Most of Indian species of Cymbidium, Dendrobium andVanda studied have been recognized in breeding programme specially to produce primary hybrids due to their inherent attractiveness coupled with their ability to transmit these

characters to hybrids. In Dendrobium, offspring's of reciprocal crosses show variations in characters like cane length and flower colour, flower size, flowering season and flower yield.

Selection of flower size and flower colour is effective in Dendrobium improvement programme. In Cymbidium, fragrance is the most important character sought after by breeders.

Cymbidium munronianum has been used as parent in several breeding programmes. The higher order hybrid, Paphiopedilum F.C. Puddle with six species in parentage plays a predominant role in breeding for white flower colour in the genus.

Majority of commercially grown orchids today are hybrids derived from Arachnis, Vanda, Renanthera, Ascocentrum, Cymbidium,Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium,

Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum. Vanda sanderiana and V. coerulea are the two important vanda species found in the back ground of most of the vandaceous hybrids. Polyploidy hybridization have

played an important role in the development of orchid hybrids. Genera like Cattleya, Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum, Vanda, Dendrobium etc., have given maximum number of man-made hybrids. Most

orchids have two basic sets of chromosomes. Tetraploid plants are more fertile bearing flowers of bettertexture, bigger and more intense colouration.

Many Indian species have earned world wide recognition in breeding program due to their inherent attractiveness coupled with their ability to transmit these characters to hybrids.

Utilization of the diversity Orchid hybrids with different colour and different forms are used as cut flowers, floral display and as exhibits. Tribal people of North -eastern hill region use wild orchids for a variety of folk medicine as orchids are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates and otherphytochemicals. Fragrant orchids add delight to the outdoor living areas.

Leaves, tubers and pseudo bulbs of different species are used for edible purposes.

Mizoram is the home land of Vanda coerulea (Blue Vanda) and Renantheraimschootiana (Red Vanda). Mizoram is also the natural home of Paphiopedilumhirsutissimum and P. villosum. Apart from these, there are many orchid species which arehaving ethnobotanical values are Arundina graminifolia, Eria spicata, Eulophia nuda,Geodorum densiflorum, Malaxis acuminata, Phaius tankervilleae, Pholidota imbricata,Rhyncostylis retusa and Vanda testacea (Nayar and Sastry 1987, 1988, 1990).Othertuberous orchids having medicinal importance are Eulophia and Habenaria.

Orchids in Nagaland: Nagaland has about 241 species. Most of the orchids here are epiphytes or lithophytes. Afew terrestrial orchids are also found in the state. Major genera are Acampe,Acanthephippium, Aerides, Anoectochilus, A n t h o g o n i u m , A p h y l l o r c h i s , Arachis,Ascocentrum, Bulbophyllum, Calanthe, Ceratostylis, Cleisostoma, Coelogyne,Cryptochilus, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Diplomeria, Eria, E u l o p h i a , Flickingeria,Galeola, Gastrochilus, Goodyera, Habenaria, Kingidium, Liparis, Luisia, Malaxis,Micropera, Oberonia, Otochilus, Paphiopedilum, Papilionanthe, Perisrtylus, Phaius,Pholidota, Pleione, Renanthera, Rhyncostylis, Spathoglottis, Thunia,

Vanda and Zeuxine(Nayar and Sastry 1987, 1988, 1990).

Orchids in Sikkim: The entire peculiar geographical feature helps Sikkim to become a biodiversity hot spot(Nayar and Sastry 1997, 1998, 1999) and it harbours around 540 species which aredistributed in humid sub-tropical, temperate and alpine forest up to an elevation 5000mmsl. The most beautiful and very rare plants of the Alpine zone are Cypripediumtibeticum, C. himalicum and C. elegance. Some endemic species of orchids reported areOberonia micranthus, Malaxis saprophyllum, Liparis dongchenii , Calanthe trulliformis, C. alpina, C. whiteana, C. chloroleuca, C. anganii, C. keshabii, C. yuksomensis,Risleya atro purpurea, Dediciea cunninghamii, Cymbidium w h i t e a e , Taeniophyllumretro apiculatum, T. c r e p i d i f o r m e , Thrixpermum pygmaeum, U n c i f e r a lancifolia,Biermannia bimaculata, Gastrochillus affinis, Vanda pumila (Medhi and Chakrabarti,2009). Other rare species of the state are Satyrium nepalense, A n o e c t o c h i l u s sikkimensis,Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidium eburneum, Cymbidium d e v o n i a n u m , Dendrobiumfalconeri and Vanda pumila. Cymbidium eburneum, Cymbidium devonianum,Dendrobium chrysotoxum, Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium wardianum and Vandapumila are the most threatened species of the state Orchids in Tripura: There are 66 species of orchids of which Dendrobium has the highest species diversity(14 species). Endangered orchids like Blue vanda (Vanda coerulea) and Red Vanda(Renanthera imschootiana) are found in the state.

Artists performing song at Serendipity, a musical evening organized

by Vibrant Beats in association with Department of Cultural Affairs, Govt of Assam in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos

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

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.