22nd dec

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

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

cmyk

cmyk

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

Ph. No.-08471896580/ 07085295635

ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 197

The man who knew infinity

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, December 22, 2015

This Community In Tamil Nadu Is 2000 Years Old, But Still Faces Discrimination Every Day

Page 8

Page 9

pearing for DCW, senior advocate Guru Krishnakumar and advocate Devadatta Kamat told the court that the juvenile

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by the Delhi Commission for Women against the release of the juvenile convict in what is known as the Nirbhaya gang-rape case, saying it "shared" the concern of general citizens' but its hands were "tied" by the law. "We share your concern but our hands are tied by the existing law. There has to be clear legislative sanction to extend the detention period beyond 3 years. Under the present law, detention cannot be extended beyond three years," the top court said. Ap-

ET CAPSULES BJD MP seeks removal of Arunachal Governor New Delhi, Dec 21: A BJD member's motion seeking removal of the controversial Arunachal Pradesh Governor under a rule that entails voting is under the consideration of the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. After Bhartruhari Mahtab today sought to know her response to the notice he had given for motion under Rule 184 against the governor, the Speaker said it was under her consideration. Immediately after Mahtab raised the issue, all AIADMKmembers were on their feet seeking to support the move. PTI

KPLT cadre arrested Diphu, Dec 21: In a joint operation, security forces of Baithalangso and Donkamukam police station of West Karbi Anglong district yesterday arrested the self-styled area commander of KPLT (Karbi Peoples Liberation Tiger) of Bithung region from the residence of one Hemari Teron located in an interior village of Kolonga. Police identified the accused as Joy Ram Engleng alias Pradip Engleng (34). Police claimed that the arrested cadre of KPLT was involved in extortion in the surrounding areas along with two other cadres of the outfit and police is hopeful of nabbing them.

(Correspondent)

Bihu preservation meet Dergaon, Dec 21: Bihu Surakhya Somiti, Asom’s Dergaon Branch Committee organized a daylong programme in connection with preserving Bihu by various means of social activities.

The committee again called for a meet scheduled on December 25, 2015 at Dergaon Sahitya Sabha Bhawan.

(Correspondent)

Media fraternity meet Dergaon, Dec 21: A gettogether of media fraternity was held at Golaghat yesterday. The meet took up a proposal for discussion regarding the 1st Executive Meet of Golaghat Sangbadik Sanstha. (Correspondent)

The juvenile being escorted out of the court.

Labour is the backbone of the development, says Nyamar Karbak A Staff Reporter Nirijuli, Dec 21

The Parliamentary Secretary Civil Supply & Consumer Affairs cum Chairman APB & OCWWB Nyamar Karkab speaking on the occasion of the 3rd Foundation Day of the All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) as Chief Guest at Nikum Niya Hall Nirjuli said that the schemes which were implemented by the Centre as part of the initiative of Prime Minister

Narendra Modi which too were implemented by the state Government and APB & OCWWB have tried their level best to pay the premium for the registered workers while still contributing towards other welfare activities in different parts of the state. The labour of the state is contributing towards the state development and like other officials, bureaucrats and technocrats, labour is the backbone of the development, he added.

Contd. on Page 3

DC, Lohit assures support for demolished Bamboosa library Library award for Etalo Mega and Vijay Limbu ET Bureau Tezu, Dec 21

Meeting members of civil society and library patrons, Tamiyo Tatak, DC, Lohit assured all support to ensure that Bamboosa Library, the only leading people’s library in the state gets a permanent site. He instructed officers to initiate necessary action immediately.

To the great encouragement of the people the district officials have started action in this line as instructed by the DC said EAC Duyu Ribya. Earlier a well attended meeting of li-

brary patrons NGO representatives from ViTAES, ASSET Wakro, CALSOM, Tezu, Emow Katyi Memorial Trust, Roing, Idu Mishmi Govt. Employees Association, Roing and well wishers in large numbers from Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, Lower Dibang Valley & Itanagar on Sunday expressed their utter shock and displeasure at the sudden demolition of Bamboosa Library building, Tezu.

Contd. on Page 3

First job mela at Miao registers trainees beyond expectation Pisi Zauing MIAO, Dec 21

During his maiden visit after joining Changlang district as Deputy Commissioner on August 15 last, Sri Wayong Khimhun inaugurated the first ever jammed packed job mela at Miao organized by District Industries Centre, Chang language and Sub DIC, Miao.

Addressing hundreds of unemployed youths who came from across the district to get themselves registered, the DC expressed skeptical over presence of only 9 Vocational Training Providers out of 42 that signed MOA with the state govern-

ment. Such response of VTPs is not a good sign, etc said.

He however extended gratefulness to DIC, local administration, local NGOs and unemployed youths turning up in hundreds despite inclement weather to the job mela cum skill development awareness selection rally. He reiterated that the job mela has eventually become not annual event for imparting free of cost skill development training to pave way for school dropouts to seek jobs in private companies across the country and abroad too.

Contd. on Page 3

Rangia Civil Hospital vandalized by irate people ET Correspondent Rangia Dec 21

cmyk

A group of irate people vandalized Rangia Civil Hospital and the ambulance of the hospital following an road accident on Monday night.The accident occurd at 31st NH near Bangalikuchi Rangia killing one Safiya Khatoon(55) and injuring her sister Sabira

Bibi(38) of the same village who were standing near the NH. According to the eye witness one speedy Wagner knocked them and escaped from the spot. After the accident the public reached the Rangia civil Hospital with the injured lady in a critical condition. It is alleged that there were none in the hospital at that time but after a few minutes Dr. Mukul Bhatta who

was on duty reached the hospital and attended the injured lady. But as she was in a very critical condition Dr. Bhatta Refereed her in GMCH. At that time she was in breathing problem. The public demanded for oxygen cylinder. Dr. Bhatta arranged the oxygen cylinder but it is alleged that the cylinder was empty.

Contd. on Page 4

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the plea by Delhi Commission for Women opposing the release of juvenile accused in the December 16 gang-rape case. Reacting to the development, the parents of

had not undergone any reform programme which was mandatory under law.

Contd. on Page 4

Jyoti Singh, who is known as Nirbhaya, said they will continue the protests till justice is done. "What can I say? There are no words to describe our disappointment," Badrinath Singh, the father of the victim Jyoti Singh, told AFP.

The full Election Commission team lead by the Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Nasim Zaidi today arrived at Guwahati to review the Assam assembly poll preparedness.

The term of the current house will come to an end on 5th of June next year and election process needs to be completed before that. State Chief Electoral Officer Vijendra said, they will meet representatives of 8 political parties. Dr. Zaidi and two Election Commissioners will tomorrow hold meeting with district officials in Guwahati to review the poll related issues," he said.

CEC Dr. Nasim Zaidi being received by Kamrup (M) DC Dr. M Angamuthu (left) during his two days visit to Assam.

Pic - UB Photos

Nine BJP-joined MLAs suspended under anti-defection law A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 21

BJP State President Sarbananda Sonowal addresses media persons at a press meet at Dibrugarh.

Pic-UB Photos

Page 6

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 21

Contd. on Page 4

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 21

Contd. on Page 4

BJP using Ram Temple issue to regain its lost pride: Congress

CEC arrives at Guwahati to review Assam assembly poll preparedness

Contd. on Page 4

Assam BJP president accuses Tarun Gogoi of misleading common people Assam BJP President Sarbananda Sonowal today alleged Tarun Gogoi of concealing the developmental funds meant for the people of Assam.

At a press conference, Sonowal dared Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to reveal the budget of last 15 years of his rule to the people. He questioned Gogoi why he has hidden the facts relating to his last 15 years of rule in Assam.

Pages- 12

Page 10

Juveniles given certificate to rape women: Nirbhaya's parents on SC decision Agencies New Delhi, Dec 21

5.00

New customers of BSNL gets bonanza offers, slashes mobile call rates by 80%

Nirbhaya case: SC shares concern but refuses to stay juvenile convict's release Agencies New Delhi, Dec 21

Price -

All the nine Congress MLAs from Assam who had joined the BJP were disqualified today from the Assam Legislative Assembly under the anti-defection law for anti-party activi-

ties. The disqualified MLAs are Bolin Chetia, Pradan Barua, Pallab Lochan Das, Rajen Borthakur, Pijush Hazarika, Kripanath Mallah, Abu Taher Bepari, Binanda Saikia and Jayanta Mallah Barua. Speaker Pranab Gogoi passed the verdict in his court in the presence of nine MLAs

against whom the ruling party had initiated proceedings for termination of their membership for anti-party activities.

These MLAs sad that this only shows that the Congress is nervous ahead of the state assembly election next year, and said that the Congress will lose very badly.

EVE’S DAY OUT

Kalikho Pul files petition challenging Gauhati High Court’s order halting Arunachal Assembly proceedings A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 21

Dissident congress leader Kalikho Pul today said that he is not going to sit idle on the recent issue of Congress leadership in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. In this regard, Pul today filed a petition at the Gauhati High Court challenging the single judge bench of Gauhati High court on Thursday which kept in abeyance the impugned decisions of the Assembly passed recently. The matter has been admitted today. Pul also said that they will

Assam mascot to be absent at Republic Day Parade ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 21

In the upcoming Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, the mascot of the state of Assam will be absent even as the other states would showcase theirs representing their culture and traditions in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. This has evoked sharp reactions among the people of Assam.

Contd. on Page 4

meet President of India, Pranab Mukerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprise them about the ongoing political political upheaval in the state. The dissent leaders claimed that they have waited for two and half month in New Delhi to meet the congress president, Sonia Gandhi and vice president, Rahul Gandhi. However could not meet them as the two leaders were busy. Pul said that problem of Arunachal is at least nine month old.

Contd. on Page 3

6th Miss India North East winner wanrida Pynrope (M) of Shillong with 1st runners up Pranjali Purwayastha (L) of Guwahati and 2nd runners up Varbeewa Sonowal of Shillong pose for group photo after declared result at Shilpagram in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos

CM inaugurates sub divisional administrative office building at Gohpur ET Correspondent Gohpur, Dec 21

By way of a political campaign in view of the ensuing Assembly election, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said here that Congress will fight alone in the forthcoming elections. Congress in Assam has been able to establish a deep rooted political base. “We are sure BJP will lose in the ensuing poll as it has no base among the people and it cannot deliver their commitment to the people.” He

said while inaugurating the Sub divisional administrative Office building here today. In his speech vehemently criticizing the saffron party, Gogoi further said that BJP is an adulterated party and it will spoil the overall environment in the region. Meanwhile, claiming credit on the development in the state through various programmes during the 15 years of Congress regime, he said that development in the state like Assam is possible under the rule of Congress as this party gives priority to the

development of every section of the society, especially the poor people of the society.

Coming down heavily on the allegations labeled against the Congress party the Chief Minister also said that some political pundits mentioned that the boat of the Congress is sinking but that the Congress knows how to come out of a sinking boat. “The Modi magic is now of no use in Assam. Our “Bez” (trantik) knows how to cure ourselves.” He said.

Contd. on Page 4

Fruit processing has huge scope in Tripura: Manik Sarkar ANI Agartala, Dec 21

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar is of the view that landlocked Tripura has considerable potential in terms of developing its fruit processing industry since the agro-climatic condition is favourable for horticulture. Addressing a day-long conference on linking prospective food entrepreneurs with government schemes and the market, Contd. on Page 10

TRIPURA BUSINESS SCOPE HIGHLIGHTS Tripura has considerable potential in terms of developing its fruit processing industry since the agro-climatic condition is favourable for horticulture.

In Tripura, there are huge agri-alite raw materials and, if processed, or go for value addition, then it shall fetch a better price from the market.

In spite of the state being small in size, Tripura is well known and among the top India fruit producing state, and especially in pineapple production it globally renowned for producing the best quality with huge scope of development by value addition.

There is need to support the youth of Tripura in nurturing their entrepreneurship skills.

Through financial assistance schemes, start-ups, budding entrepreneurs and the food processing sector could be promoted aggressively.

Better education bitter fee ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Dec 21

Strong reactions from guardians were witnessed at a private school against the demand of excessive fee by the school authorities here today. According to sources, St Mary's school which is located at Rupai Siding has stipulated a huge sum of rupees two thousand in two instalments as Building Development Fee. Besides news of recovering a huge sum of rupees 1300 has come to light for issuing Transfer Certificates of the school.

The guardians have expressed their anger at the unfriendly attitude of the school. When some local journalists reached to investigate the matter the school authority was bound to issue certificates for a hundred rupees only by amending the old charge. "It has been happening all across Assam due to the indifferent attitude of the state government. If the education department monitors these irregularities such types of chaos will not be created in private schools," says a guardian. It is noteworthy that due to the poor infrastructure and lack of quality education, guardians prefer to admit their children in private schools in the hope of a bright future for their ward whereas in the name of English education, they squeeze out huge fees from the guardians.

cmyk

Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Bicycles distributed among rural girl students

ET Correspondent Mangaldai Dec 21: Army Camp based at Chapai here under its Operation Sadbhavana programme has distributed bicycles to 45 girl students of Namkhola area under Kalaigaon Development Block in Darrang district.

Befitting the occasion a ceremonial distribution func-

tion was held in Namkhola High School under the unit organized a function under Operation Sadbhavana at Namkhola High School campus on Saturday which was inaugurated by the First Lady and Senior Army Official from Army Camp Hatigarh brigade. Speaking on the occasion, principal of the school thanked Army

Camp Chapai for supporting the poor students of the locality and hope that the objective of the programme to attract rural girls to join secondary school will be fulfilled as they could overcome the difficulties of transportation with less time and effort, stated in an army press release.

Will Pakistan help NIA in the underworld killings case?

New Delhi, Dec 21: The National Investigating Agency which has already sent requests to the United States of America will now seek assistance from South Africa and Pakistan to help crack the Bharuch murder case. The NIA is probing the murders of two BJP leaders from Bharuch in Gujarat alleged to have been carried out by the underworld in a bid to create communal tension. The NIA is also finding out if these murders were a standalone incident or is it connected to a host of other incidents in the country orchestrated by the underworld in a bid to create communal clashes. The request that would be sent to Pakistan is extremely important.

The murders were allegedly masterminded by Javed Chikna who is currently in Karachi. Moreover he is part of the DGang and hence the assistance of Pakistan would be crucial to the case. Will

Pakistan help? The NIA officer says that there is no harm in sending a request seeking help. Whether they would help us or not is not something that I can comment on the officer said. Pakistan has to first accept the existence of the Dawood and his men on their soil. However the NIA has another plan and that would be to seek the assistance of South Africa.

One of the conspirators in the case, Jabo alias Miyan is based in South Africa.

Investigations show that he had taken orders from Chikna to carry out the Bharuch killings. The NIA is however more hopeful that South Africa being a friendly country would offer assistance in this case.

The information that India could get from South Africa will help the probe a great deal. Not only would it lead up to Chikna's trail, but also help the NIA learn if more such killings across the country were planned. (Agencies)

Literature-based Sanskrit must be popularized among the masses: VC program at Lakhimpur ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 21: Literature is the mirror of a society. It is the identity of a nation or illumination of nationality. The culture of literature directs the society towards amelioration.

With this in view, the regional bodies of Asom Sahitya Sabha in Lakhimpur District in association with Dakhsin Telahi Sakha Sahitya Sabha, yesterday organised an exceptional program on literary exercise as per the invitation of Dambarudhar Cheleng at Dakhsin Telahi MV School premises. A formal interaction on the different aspects of literature, recitation of self composed poetry, release of a poetry book, etc. were conducted as part of the program. The program which was chaired by Pradip Kumar Cheleng, the President of the Dakhsin Telahi Sakha Sahitya Sabha, began with the title song of Asom Sahitya Sabha performed by a host of children. Secretary Mausum Borah who anchored the program, explained the purpose with detailed e l a b o r a t i o n .

Dambarudhar Cheleng

Rajya Sabha passes SC/ST Amendment Bill New Delhi, Dec.21 : In a landmark move, the Rajya Sabha today passed the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Bill.The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2014 aims to prohibit the commission of offences against members of the SCs and STs and provides for establishing special courts for the trial of such offences and the rehabilitation of victims.Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha has decided to discuss Juvenile Justice Bill tomorrow. (ANI)

delivered the welcome address. Krishnakanta Borhah, the President of Lakhimpur District Sahitya Sabha released the poetry book viz 'Atitar Mamatajoni' composed by Dambarudhar Cheleng.

It is noteworthy that the poet dedicated the book to the memory of his elder son Nitul Cheleng who was a film journalist and a serial artist. At the beginning of the program deep homage was paid by the guests and the gathering of the program praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Nran Kumar Borah, the AGS of Asom Sahitya Sabha (ASS); Nityananda Senapati, the Vice President of Rajyabhasa and Matrybhasa Prayog Samity of ASS, educationist Tileswar Borah, literateaur Atul Borah, Atul Dutta, Gunakanta Bhuyan, Punyeswar Borah, Bhupen Borah along with many eminent personalities were present in the program as Guests of Honour. Several poets recited self-composed poetry in the program.

A host of children performed Diha Nam which mesmerized the audience.

Activists of Assam Tea Tribes Students Association (ATTSA) hold road blockade programme demanding reconstruction of dilapidated Mariani- Mukaksang road in Mariani. Pic - UB Photos

ASTRO FOR YOU Think positive today and watch the world around you changing. Regardless of how difficult things may seem, be advised to take it without getting upset. If you set your mind to something, you can do it. You have the Midas touch today, so it is a good time to introduce a new strategy.

Today you might be overdoing your aggression, domination bit so try to keep your assertiveness in check. This day is not a favourable one for new ventures and undertakings. Don’t therefore attempt anything new. Talk pleasantly. Harshness, roughness in your tone is only going to antagonize and alienate valuable friends. Above all, don’t lose your temper. Stay calm.

Act normal. Yoga and meditation will help.

You are desirous of perfection in everything that you do, and you practice this philosophy in every aspect of your life. You make sure that all of your energies are concentrated on taking forward your efforts in the right direction. You need to replenish your energies and increase your awareness today, to be able to continue your efforts.

You will take on new responsibilities. So you will be busy in your task.

You may feel exhausted due to hectic work. So it entails mental tension.

You will feel more emotional today and share your feelings with your friends and near ones. For those who are searching for a life-partner, this might be the time when you will get hitched. You will develop a new perspective on some issues in the office. Your day will be different than normal.

A fear of the unknown will keep lurking in your mind today. The shadow will only grow larger as the day progresses. You may find yourself spending too much on your foreign friends.

Your children will gain achievements that will have you feel proud of them. You will get monetary benefit either by increment in salary or by inheritance. You will be able to gain substantial gains by investing in real estate or buying insurance policies.

Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Dec 21: With the view to popularize the Sanskrit language and literature, a 10-day state level residential training camp on Sanskrit began today at Sanskrit College here. The training camp was formally inaugurated

by Dr Dipak Kumar Sarma, Vice Chancellor of the Kumar Bhaskar Barma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University of Namati. Speaking at the meeting, Dr Sarma said that “we must change our concept that the language of the Veda is pure Sanskrit.” As the language is always dynamic, “we should change ourselves to accept the changes of a language,” Dr Sarma added. The vice chancellor further stated that “we should try to enhance the accessibility of Sanskrit among the new generation.” Such type of

training will popularize the Sanskrit language among the new generation, he said. The inaugural function of the Sanskrit training camp presided over by Dr Dinamani Bhagawati, president of the Nalbari Sanskrit College managing committee was addressed by Dr Umakanta Sarma, former professor of Dr. Banikanta Kakati Sanskrit College, Hem Saikia, deputy director of Sanskrit education, Jayanta Malla Baruah, MLA,Nalbari LAC, Achyut Ch Misra, retired professor of Kamrup College among others. In his speech, the deputy director of the Sanskrit education, Saikiya said that the Nalbari Sanskrit College should get the recognition of Degree College and that he will extend his helping hand in this regard. Another guest,

Umakanta Sarma elaborated on the history of Sanskrit education and literature in Nalbari district. As many as 70 students from various parts of the state took part in the camp. Earlier the MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah formally inaugurated the newly constructed administrative building of the Nalbari Sanskrit College which is constructed at a cost of 92 lakh rupees provided by the State Government. In his speech, Baruah demanded a separate directorate for the Sanskrit education to ensure its speedy development. He added that “we should not neglect the Sanskrit education as the Indian civilization is based on the Sanskrit.”

The Government should develop Sanskrit as job oriented education, he said.

Golaghat DTO office inaugurated

The day does not begin on a very good note as you seem to be in a belligerent mood. Be calm and patient as your hot temper may spoil a good deal. Limit your conversations and discussions with colleagues and friends.

Practising meditation and yoga will bring you some respite towards the end of the day.

Business expansion is on your cards. Your friends, relatives and other contacts across seven seas will lend a helping hand to develop your business. And thanks to your super communication skills the task will be made easier. The leader in you is all set to conquer the world.

You have sacrificed a lot on enjoyment with friends and family, done some backbreaking work and kept your focus to reach where you are right now.

A pat on your back for all the hard work you’ve put in. Now, it is time to watch the tree bear fruits. With some additional responsibilities, promotion in terms of salary or position is on the cards for you. You will get so tied up in your work that you’ll crave to have free time.

Things have become stagnant but it fails to frustrate your spirit. Slow and steady wins the race and it seems you have imbibed it very well. You will be able to seize opportunities coming your way and march ahead on your path. Financially, you will be on a stable ground.

Looking at your planetary positions for today, there is a likelihood that you will suffer from reversals in fortunes financially. Hence be wary when it comes to financial dealings.

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

22-12-15 (TUESDAY)

A view of the inauguration function of the Golaghat DTO office.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 21: The newly constructed office of the District Transport Officer (DTO) of Golaghat was

today inaugurated by the state PWD Minister Ajanta Neog. The new office building is located at Noragaon near Arengapara in

Golaghat. The two storied building cost around Rs 2.47 crores and consists of a guest house at the top floor.

An inaugural ceremony

was held where Ministers Ajanta Neog and Bismita Gogoi along with the officials of Golaghat DTO and several other guests were present.

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-30 A.M-Sponsored Programme-"Sojai Tooloo Jeewanar Path" 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-00 A.M- Radio Report on Dibrugarh Book Fair 9-20 A.M-Seuji Chora (Children's Programme)-Play-"Bolidaan". Written by Lutfur Rahman,Producer-Munin Bhuyan and Syed Sadulla 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori 1-10 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme)-Play-"Picnic". Original Story-Nirupoma Borgohain, Radio Adaptatiion-Rajib Kr. Dutta, Producer-Nabin Chandra Tumung 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-Ekalabya (Sponsored Programme of KKHSOU) 9-30 P.M-Bhaona-"Srikrishnar Dwaraka Leela" Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Miao Diocesan Youth host Kohima Catholic Youth at Miao

ET Correspondent Miao, Dec 21: A team of Catholic Youth from Kohima, Nagaland, partook of a Faith Sharing Programme with the Miao Diocesan Youth and visited Miao and Neotan between 18 and 20 December 2015 to promote and celebrate ‘Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy’ as proposed by Pope Francis.

Fr. George Pezalhoukho from Kohima together with Mr. Tosovi Philip, Youth President of Kohima Youth organized a three-day Faith Sharing Programme with the Miao Catholic Youth Commission. Camping at Newman School, Neotan, a

team comprising 16 youth from Kohima stayed with the Catholic families in Neotan village, praying with them and teaching the Catholic Faith and many new hymns and carols. Bishop George Pallipparambil who came down to meet the youth on the first day of the visit extended a very warm welcome to them and encouraged them to take up similar events in larger groups and for longer duration in future. “I am very happy that you chose to come here and I wish you all the very best for your faith sharing programme”, he said. The youth from Kohima visited the Christ the Light Shrine,

where the ‘Door of Mercy’ is installed and prayed at the Adoration Chapel there and made Confession prior to the celebration of Holy Mass at the Shrine. “We cannot describe in words how happy we are to be in Miao. This experience has certainly strengthened the faith of our youth”, said Fr. George. The Catholic faithful in Neotan was very happy to accommodate the youth from Kohima with their families for the sharing programme and the youth from the village presented a cultural programme and felicitated them with traditional shawl and mufflers.

“We express sincere grati-

tude to Fr. Felix Anthony for the warm welcome and for arranging everything so well to make our Faith Sharing Programme truly a spiritual event for all of us. We also thank the Diocesan Youth Vice President Mr. Thomas Matey a n d Tr e a s u r e r M i s s Moinem Chithan for accompanying us and making our stay memorable”, s a i d M r. P h i l i p f r o m Kohima. Several similar programmes have been planned for the promotion and celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in Miao Diocese in the coming days.

DC inaugurates Siang Sabji Mandi Pasighat, Dec 21: East Siang Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla yesterday on Sunday morning inaugurated the Siang Sabji Mandi at APMC Wholesale Market Yard, near IGJ Govt. HS School, Pasighat in presence DAO Yanung Jamoh Lego, officers, PRI leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Khosla informed that local growers/sellers were occupying demarcated parking places in market area and also highway roadsides for a longtime. The areas had heaps of garbage, rotten fruits and vegetables thrown by vendors and was a major traffic hurdle causing

inconvenience to the public.

Administration was conversant with the situation and finally had to spare alternative place to open a separate vegetable market to tackle the situation. Taking privilege, the DC further informed that the Mandi has been built over an area of one hector with 100 MT

capacity godown, grading laboratory, pay toilet, auction platform (2nos) drying yard (2nos), vermin composite pit (5nos), cattle trap approach and computerized digital weighing machine facilities.

She instructed the agriculture department to keep eyes open to maintain cleanliness in the Mandi area.

Parl. Secy. visits FTI Project site

Shri Bamang Felix, Parliamentary Secretary, Education, IPR &Printing accompany with Shri Dharmen Sharma, Principal Secretary, Home etc , Shri Satya Gopal, Principal Secretary, Finance, Shri Sonam Chombay, Secretary,IPR & Printing, Shri Shurbir Singh, Secretary Industry ,C.M. Longphong Director IPR and others officers along with villagers visited at FTI site, Jote on 21st December 2015.

ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 21: Setting up of Film and Television Institute got further boost up with the visit of secretary level team of senior officers to take stock of progress at the proposed site of Film and Television Institute at Jollan-Rakap today. Principal Secretary Home Dharmandra Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance, Satya Gopal accom-

panied by Secretary IPR, Sonam Chombay and Secretary Industries Shurbir Singh had a ground assessment of construction of boundary pillar and had a discussion with the local public leaders.

Parliamentary Secretary IPR Bamang Felix who is associated with the project since its announcement said that the state of art institute is expected

Motorcycle stolen in Tinsukia Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Dec 21: Robbers once again striked Tinsukia on monday evening and took away a black colour glamour motorcycle bearing no AS 04 6880, which was parked at GNB road parking area.

The motorcycle belonged to one Raul Ali and police has started investiga-

tion into the incident.

However, questions are raised on the parking lesse as it is the responsible of the lesse to see that nothing happens to the parked vehicles for which they even charge the owners. On the other hand, unaccounted increase in robbery cases in Tinsukia has left the residents in a panic mode

to come up within three years.

He also briefed the team that people of Jollan-Rakap have donated 200 acres of land for establishment of Film and Television Institute by Govt of India. A team from Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Kolkata made preliminary survey in September for preparation of Detailed Project Report.

Meanwhile SRFTI had submit-

ted DPR to Ministry of I &B. The official team expressed satisfaction over the works undertaken by the department and appreciated the support of local people.

Nabam Radhe and local public leader of JollangRakap who were present on the site interacted with the team and assured their cooperation.

One person run down by passenger train in Tinsukia Tinsukia, Dec 21. A youth died on Monday morning around 9 am after he was run down by Tinsukia - Ledo passenger train at railway track passing through Makum Road near Shivdham. The deceased has been identified as Imran Khan, a resident of Sharabhatti, Hijuguri in Tinsukia town.

According to sources, the deceased Imran was riding a bike with his brother and going to see his land in the area with a view to build home on the land.

At the time of crossing the railway track his motorcycle got stuck, added sources.

Earlier, on Sunday evening

Kamrup express run down a person at Hijuguri in Tinsukia.

The person, yet to be identified died on the spot. Similar accidents has been on rise in past few years both due to railway fault and human fault.

It must be mentioned that their has been huge encroachment on both sides of railway track in various parts of Tinsukia.

Infact, when the railway attempted to cover the open tracks so people do not cross tracks unauthorizedly putting their lives in risk but the entire exercise had to face strong revolt by public and finally had to be halted.

Alumni Donates Rs.10 Lacs to Alma Mater, Four Days Celebration Concludes Aalo Dec 21: The four day long extravaganzas for celebrating the Golden Jubilee year of Rama Krishna Mission School, Aalo by the alumni from 17th to 20th Dec came to a glittering end yesterday.

A cheque of Rs. 10 lacs was handed to the Secretary Rama Krishna Mission School as token of love and emotional attachment with the Alma Mater amid big applause. The retired teacher of the school Smti Pegu, senior alumni Shri Dibang Tatak, Ex. Mininter, Dr. Tejum Padu, Director Higher and Technical Education, Er. Kenjom Ete, Chief Engineer PWD, Smti Aini Taloh, Dr. Sweta Pegu Asst. Professor, Senior Advocate Ajin Apang, Nido Sakter and host of other speakers shared their old memories and role of the alumni to keep intact its reputation of the school.

Prof Ujjwal Choudhury of

1981 batch, Bhaskar Pegu 1981, Shri Showmick mukherjee 1986, Jarpum Gamlin 1993, lijum Ete 1995 and Nyali Ete 1998 gave career counseling to class X1 and X11 students

of Science and humanities.

Organizing Chairman GJC, Shri Nyali Ete and Secretary Shri Kengam Ete extended their gratitude to one and all for making the event successful. Alumni Picnic,

volleyball match between studentsâ•™ vrs teachers, Tug of War and football match between Odd and Even and cultural shows were highlights of the day long programme.

Labour is the backbone of the development, says Nyamar Karbak Contd. from Page 1

“We are implementing these schemes sincerely but there are big questions to be answered. On the other hand, the board initiated a scheme which can provide

a cumulative benefit of Rs 5 lacs.” Yora Togung, Chairman APBRDA attending the programme as guest of honour said that “we all are labour and you should not be disappointed by the word labour because every devel-

opment is made where labour force is applied.”

AAPLU President Dana Tadu also spoke on the occasion and appealed to fellow friends and colleagues to be a part of the state development. The programme

was attended by a huge gathering of workers and representatives of all the works department in and around the capital complex and Bollywood actress Kristina Bamang among others.

Kalikho Pul files petition challenging Gauhati High Court’s order halting Arunachal Assembly proceedings Contd. from Page 1

"We have tried to meet the top party leaders however could not meet

them. We have apprised about the Arunachal situation to senior leaders including Kamal Nath, Gulam Navi Azad

and V Narayanswamy."

"Our fight is not against the party but against an individual. High command should see every-

thing. We were knocking at the door of High command. Dissidence is inner party democracy."

He added.

DC, Lohit assures support for demolished Bamboosa library Contd. from Page 1

They strongly condemned the unilateral action of Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK)/ Karuna Trust in pulling down on Nov. 20 2015, the Bamboosa House, the nerve centre of the Lohit youth library movement since May 2007. The Bamboosa House, an EGS centre of DDSE Lohit where the library was functioning was abruptly demolished by the VGKK/KT Group, claiming to setup a urban PHC in Tezu.

A large number of patrons of Lohit youth libraries from all over India have conveyed their deep shock at the high handed action of the NGO, throwing out of gear a unique library initiative by & for the youth of Lohit valley. Expressing his deep anguish, a senior central govt. officer from Delhi remarked that dismantling a government building unilaterally is

a criminal act. Speaking on the occasion Smti. Sailu Bellai, spokesperson ViTAES declared the willingness of their organisation to take-up the future running of the Bamboosa library and appealed to all other organisations/groups to join hands for spreading reading habits among the youth.

Outlining the origin and growth of Bamboosa library, S. Mundayoor, Co-coordinator Lohit Youth Libraries pointed out that Bamboosa library is the first and leading People’s Library of Arunachal Pradesh. It came as a gift from AWIC, New Delhi in March 2007 to the children of Lohit, and was received by then Education Minister at Delhi. The Bamboosa library has since then been run by volunteers and activists giving their free time and energy. This has generated great interest in several patterns and media in giving wide publicity to Lohit Youth Movement.

Members then requested ViTAES to appeal to the dis-

First job mela ...

Contd. from Page 1

The DC said the main objective of the mela was to sensitize the youths regarding job opportunities who will be well equipped by VTPs with relevant skill sets that will eventually help in getting jobs in various private companies across the country.

Now it depends on you to opt for wage or self employment.

The job mela is targeted specially for school and college dropouts nd those have minimum educational qualifications of class VIII standards, he said while informing that all cost including traveling, lodging, boarding and training fees shall be borne by the state government.

He further said that in today's competitive world we got to look beyond govt job and think outside the box. In addition to skill development he expressed optimism that

such training will instill a sense of confidence. In this age of technology, social and communication, most of you are bombarded with with plethora of career choices which may confuse you. Not to mention a rear advices from family and friends. This skill development training will usher the necessary startup for you to realize your aptitude and interests thereby introducing you to skills which will definitely help you to broaden your horizons and take calculated risks.

The DC didn't miss the opportunity to remind the VTPs but the complaints coming from trainees of obvious years regarding the quality of food, lodging and at times quality of training. He urged the VTPs to ensure that basic facilties are given to to trainees during training period.

trict administration for its support in restarting the library at an early date at a permanent site. It is pertinent to mention that the Bamboosa library has been conducting activities under ViTAES and the guidance of library management committee Tezu since January 2015. This was due to the coordinator Lohit youth libraries being away in south India on medical treatment and a series of eye surgeries till December 2015. Hence when the forcible demolition took place on Nov. 20 2015 only student volunteers were present in the library.

Even though the DDSE Tezu personally rushed to the venue in the same evening and ordered immediate stopping of demolition, the VGKK/KT group ignored this advice and went ahead to demolish the entire building and forcibly shifting the books to their premises. The convenor Itanagar of Lohit youth libraries rushed to Tezu to check further damage but it was too late. It was

only after the arrival of ViTAES in charge the library items could be shifted to BRC hall for safe custody as instructed by DDSE Lohit. It is feared that the library has suffered heavily by this forcible eviction.

The Well wisher’s Meet went on to applaud the dedicated efforts of its library volunteers. The Lohit Youth Libraries Network has announced the Bhajan Award 2016 to Shri. Etalo Mega for outstanding services to library movement for his many years of service for promotion of reading in Anjaw and Lohit valleys. The Ranganatha Award 2016 for dedicated library maintenance has been given to Shri. Vijay Kumar Limbu, teacher Apna Vidya Bhavan, Wakro. Shri Sokhep Kri convenor Lohit Youth Library Itanagar, who chaired the meeting appreciated the ready support offered by various NGOs and informed them about the many schemes for library promotion and the Decennial Celebration of Bamboosa library in 2017.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Awareness on cancer care held at Mangaldai ET Correspondent Mangaldai Dec 21: With a basic idea to create awareness among the field level health workers so that they can percolate the message to the community, a cancer awareness programme was held here on Saturday at district hospital campus. A team of Oncologists from B. Baruah Cancer Institute, Guwahati participated in the programme as the resource persons and they explained about how cancer can be prevented and prompt medical attention can help to cure this disease. More than 80 field level worker including Doctors, ASHA Supervisor, LHS, Health Educators, GNM etc. participated in the event. Senior officials of the district health department including Joint Director of Health Services and Superintendent District Hospital also attended the programme. This was stated in press release from NHM, Darrang.

BPF office gheraoed ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Dec 21: Thousands of BPF activists and supporters thronged the party office along the JD Road in Kokrajhar and gheraoed, demanded nomination ticket for sitting MLA Pradip Kumar Brahma for Kokrajhar West (No. 29) to contest the Assembly election scheduled early next year. Supporters with placards shouted slogans demanding nomination of Pradip from the party to contest election from Kokrajhar west seat. The supporters demanded candidature of Pradip Kumar Brahma from the ruling party to contest the election without any hesitation.

Sahajuddin Sheik, a supporter of Brahma said that sitting MLA Brahma

is the genuine candidate to contest the election from the party as partymen are supporting him wholly. Baharan Bibi and Raihena, women supporters also demanded ticket for Pradip. They warned that BPF party activists and supporters will be disinterested if their favorable sitting MLA is denied ticket to contest election.

A mention may be made that Hagrama Mohilary, BPF president, who is also BTC chief declared 14 names leaving two seats Kokrajhar West and Bawanipur LACs recently to contest ensuing assembly elections early next year. The names of candidates for remaining seats would be announced within this month.

Assam BJP president accuses Tarun Gogoi of misleading common people Contd. from Page 1

“Recently Tarun Gogoi asked us to present the white paper of our 18 months rule and what funds we have allotted for the people of Assam. We will present the white paper to him, but can he show the budget of the funds which were used for the people?’’ Sonowal queried. Sonowal said after assuming power the BJP has sanctioned various schemes and Prime Minister Modi had instructed all the union ministers to visit the northeastern states after every 15 days. He said for the development of railway in Assam Suresh Prabhu has sanctioned Rs 28 crore. Sonowal accused Congress of failing to solve the burning problems of Assam. “Why Tarun

Gogoi is afraid to show the last 15 years’ budget to the people of Assam,’’ Sonowal asked. “Both the Prime minister and Chief Minister were from Assam, when the congress government was in power but why they failed to solve the burnings issues’’ Sonowal added.

Sonowal alleged, “Tarun Gogoi had once said who was Badruddin Ajmal but now he is busy building friendship with Ajmal to save his sinking ship,’’.

Sonowal also alleged Tarun Gogoi of misleading the people of Assam by stating that the ruling central government is doing nothing for the upcoming South Asian Games (SAG), whereas the BJP has already sanctioned an amount of Rs 300 to 400 crores for the games. He said for the first time such a

big event is going to be held in the North-eastern region.

Therefore, we should welcome the players of other countries to boost the tourism of the region. Meanwhile, Sarbananda Sonowal said in the 2016 election BJP will play the role of Lachit Borphukan to counter Congress and AIUDF in Assam.

He said recently Tarun Gogoi have said the assembly election of 2016 will be the battle of Sarighat.

Sonowal said where Tarun Gogoi will play the role of Mugal Commander Ram singh and Badruddin Ajmal will play as Mirjumla. When asked about the time of the elections, Sonowal simply said that it’s up to the election commissions to select the suitable time frame in consultation with the political parties of the state.

Rangia Civil Hospital vandalized by irate people Contd. from Page 1

They also demanded for the Ambulance but the driver of the ambulance was out of hospital which busted the patience of the irate public and they vandalized the hospital and the ambulance and completely destroyed the doors and windows and the furniture including ambu-

lance of the hospital.In the mean time the Dr. Bhatta hide in the hospital which increased the anger of the kith and kin of the injured lady.

After being informed Rangia police rushed to the hospital and control the irate public. In the mean time the public sent the lady to GMCH in a private vehicle.

Public demanded for an

enquary of the unfortunate incident. On the other hand an unidentified dead body of a lady was recovered beside the railway line near river Nona of Rangia on M o n d a y. T h e l a d y wearing a pink colour churidar was sent for postmortem by the Govt. Railway police today.

Illegal tobacco sale continues ET Correspondent Margherita, Dec 21: In connection with the alleged failure to check sale and consumption of gutkha and other tobacco products in the Margherita region, Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chaatra Parishad (AJYCP) Margherita Regional Com-

mittee today slammed Margherita Administration.

Salil Neog and Kanchan Bora, President and General Secretary of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee respectively alleged that in the Margherita region, gutkha mafia such as Munna, Anup and LDN

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 21: After a long wait, a pending workshop on ‘package for practices’ was held today here jointly organized by Assam Agricultural University (AAU) and Department of Agriculture (Govt. of Assam) at the Dr. MC Das memorial auditorium, AAU. The workshop was chaired by Vice Chancellor of AAU Dr. Kamal Mallav Buzarbaruah, cochaired by Probin Borkakoty, Director of Agriculture, Govt. of Assam while Dr. GM Hazarika, Director of Research, AAU and Dr. Hemen Bhattacharyya, Director Extension Education, AAU were

Assam mascot to be absent at Republic Day Parade Contd. from Page 1

Meanwhile, the Cultural Affairs Minister of Assam Bismita Gogoi today blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for things to come to this.

Talking to reporters in Golaghat today, Bismita Gogoi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on frequent visits to foreign countries and therefore he cannot give time to such internal matters of the country.

the speakers on the occasion. The Vice Chancellor Dr. Buzarbaruah said, 52 new varieties have been included in the package of practices and out of 52, 34 varieties are from AAU itself; 12 pulses varieties, 9

PVC products to the North East. The North East market is important to our growth and we are looking at a 20% market share in the next few years.

Through this set up, we are also hopeful of significantly contributing to the overall development of the North East.” he added. With the setting up of this new plant in Guwahati, Skipper Limited aims to support the Prime Minister’s initiative of ‘Make In India’. With this policy, India will be the next manufacturing hub and a competitive market globally. Skipper Ltd. currently has two PVC Pipes manufacturing plants i.e. in Uluberia (West Bengal) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat).

As part of its expansion programme Skip-

illegal sale of gutkha and other tobacco in the Margherita region then in the coming days AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee shall initiate strong agitation against the Margherita Administration, warned Salil Neog and Kanchan Bora.

per will soon be commissioning plants in Hyderabad and Sikandrabad (UP).

Skipper also entered into two separate partnership with the global giants namely Japan based Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., & Netherlands based Wavin group in order to bring world class plumbing system to the market.

Skipper's PVC business has been registering 100% growth and has already captured a significant share of the Eastern India market.

The company also has an initiative of excellence “Skipper Saathi” that, trains semi-skilled and unskilled plumbers.

Through this initiative, the company aims to contribute to the growing requirement of trained manpower in plumbing and farming sectors.

varieties of rice, oilseeds and 6 vegetable varieties have been included in the package for practices. The VC called upon both the state department and AAU to do things unitedly. Out of the 540 mil-

lion workforce, 260 million are engaged in the agricultural sector who do not have proper training or are skilled.

The Director of Agriculture, Govt of Assam, Probin Borkakoty said that the state department

is lagging far behind due to some technical problems and that is why the state’s agricultural department is often mired in controversy.

The director said, due to certain technical snags, schemes do not reach farmers in time.

Meanwhile, the director extension, Dr. Hemen Bhattacharyya said that there should be frequent liaison between Department of Agriculture and AAU KVKs concerning recent technology. He said, 283 KVKs are operating under AAU throughout the state of Assam with 137 subspecialist and 37 programme assistants.

CEC arrives at Guwahati to review Assam assembly poll preparedness Contd. from Page 1

Dr. Zaidi and Election Commissioners will meet representatives of 8 political parties separately

in a short while from now. On the other hand, tomorrow the Election Commission will hold a review meeting with all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of

Police along with other senior officials to take stock of the poll preparedness. Among other issues, revision of voter list, law and order situation, requirement of secu-

rity forces during election are likely to be discussed in the review meeting. The term of the current house will come to an end on 5th of June next year.

Nirbhaya case: SC shares concern but refuses to stay juvenile convict's release Contd. from Page 1

The DCW also said there were report from Intelligence Bureau that the juvenile has been radicalised and there were chances of he repeating the crime. But, the court said it could act in accordance with law and not contrary to law. The special leave petition, filed by DCW chief Swati Maliwal late on Saturday night, wanted the juvenile not to be released until his mental reformation is not ascer-

tained. "It's a black day for women," Maliwal said after the verdict. "The government of India in its stand submitted that there is no material to establish that the mental state of the respondent has been reformed. His behaviour and attitude in the special home confirmed by the government agencies is that the respondent continues to have criminal/perverse bent of mind which poses a serious threat to women...," DCW had written in its petition. "Thus releasing the said respondent

without even calling for an assessment of his mental state may be extremely dangerous to the society," the petition added.

The convict in Nirbhaya gang-rape case is now 20 years old. He was a juvenile in 2012 when he committed the heinous crime along with his friends in a moving bus in the national capital. The court found him guilty of raping and assaulting the victim, who later died in hospital, along with five accomplices. Since he was a juvenile, he was tried

under the Juvenile Justice Act and was ordered to be kept in a remand home for three years. He was moved to the supervision of an NGO on Sunday. The prospect of the juvenile walking free has revived public anger over the attack, with protests held on Sunday near the India Gate, where the mother of the victim was gragged away by the police.

"I knew this would happen.

I am not surprised," the mother said after the verdict and demanded fresh laws from Parliament.

Juveniles given certificate to rape women: Nirbhaya's parents on SC decision Contd. from Page 1

sources to expand our cutting-edge products and value added propositions to the rest of the country.” “North East’s extremely congenial and promising business climate was a driving force in making us the first national player to set up a manufacturing unit in Guwahati. This fully automated plant will ensure ready availability and competitive costing of the materials. This is a reiteration of our purpose and commitment of supplying products panIndia in a cost effective manner. Starting with a capacity of 4000 MTPA, this unit will propel Skipper Limited gradually to become one of the leading PVC pipe manufacturers in the region and ensure the supply of quality

ness in return for kickbacks from these gutkha mafia.

Many school students, College students, unemployed youth and young girls of Margherita region are addicted to gutkha products now, Kanchan Bora remarked. If Margherita Administration cannot stop the

AAU, Assam Agri Department meet for technology development

Skipper Limited commissions manufacturing plant in Guwahati A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 21: Skipper Limited, one of the market leaders in the PVC Pipe business for Eastern India, sets its foot in to the North Eastern India by commissioning its manufacturing plant in Guwahati. The stateof-the-art manufacturing unit is first of its kind in India in the Kamrup district near the Guwahati airport to produce plumbing and agri pipes. The plant will have a manufacturing capacity to produce 4000 MTPA plumbing and agri pipes. Sharing his thoughts on the occasion Mr. Devesh Bansal, Director, Skipper Ltd. said, “At Skipper Limited we are constantly in pursuit of innovation and have dedicated our re-

Stores and Ledo area NG Store have since many years have taken control over the illegal gutkha and other tobacco products business in the Margherita region but Margherita Administration without taking action against them allows them to continue their busi-

"We don`t understand all these laws. We only know that the system has failed us." Meanwhile, the mother of Nirbhaya burst out crying, saying she was not surprised by the apex court's decision.

Talking to media, Jyoti's mother asked: “All I have to say is that the plea, which was rejected by all three courts, will encourage more such crimes to be committed in society against women." "There

is no provision (to convict juveniles) or to punish them. They (courts) are more concerned about the accused.

Women have been cheated and they continue to be cheated. Nobody wants to do anything on women's safety," Asha Devi said after the verdict. "I will continue to fight to bring changes in the law," she said.

"Let's see what happens in the future. As of now only one convict has been released. There are four more convicts. I ap-

peal to the Supreme Court that although the juvenile has been released since there is no provision to convict him further, please convict them (other four) and hang them and give justice to Nirbhaya," she added. She, with tears in her eyes, asked: "If people have not learnt any lesson from Nirbhaya case, then what can one expect?"

The juvenile convict of the horrific December 16 gang-rape case was released yesterday. The

convict, who is now 20 years old, was known to be the most brutal of the six attackers.His freedom came as parents of the gang-rape victim protested along with activists demanding death penalty for him. The convict, along with five others, had gang-raped and murdered the 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on December 16, 2012, an incident that shook the nation and led to widespread protests.

CM inaugurates sub divisional administrative office building at Gohpur Contd. from Page 1

At the same time on the sidelines of the inauguration programme briefing the media here the chief Minister denied grand alliance with other parties of the state ahead of the poll.

“I am not talking about the any ‘mohajoot’ rather indi-

cating an understanding.”

He said adding his party does not require any alliance to win the election as the party has a notable performance in the field of developmental works for the people of the state. He further mentioned that as the people are talking about the understanding so he indicated that point. “If re-

quired decision will be taken on time since we will never give any chance to BJP.” He said and mentioned that the understanding which he meant is not about seat sharing. “I have never talked formally with AIUDF supremo Badaruddin Ajmal regarding any political alliances.” He also stated. At-

tacking the governor of the state PB Acharya he alleged that the governor is working in favour of RSS. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Deputy Speaker Vima Nanda Tanti, Ex minister Tanka Bahadur Rai, Gohpur MLA Monika Bora and senior congress leader Ripun Bora.

No fresh HIV case detected during July-Oct in Mizoram: MSACS Aizawl, Dec 21: No fresh HIV positive cases were detected in Mizoram during July to October last, according to the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS).Although the state is the second highest in the country in terms of HIV prevalence, mass awareness and education resulted in checking further spread of the dreaded disease, MSACS officials said today. The

MSACS has detected 10,448 HIV cases since October 1990 till June this year. The officials, however, maintained that the recent trend in the HIV cases was alarming as 69.31 per cent of HIV patients had been infected through intercourse, while earlier sharing of needles and syringes among drug abusers was the main cause of the infections.

(Agencies)

Bandh supporters block traffic on Imphal-Silchar road Imphal, Dec 21: Vehicular traffic came to a halt on the Imphal-Silchar road on the National Highway 37, connecting Manipur with Assam, on the first day of the 32hour bandh at Jiribam in Manipuryesterday. The supporters blocked the highway at Jiribam bridge making vehicles impossible to move on the stretch, police said.

No shops and business establishments were opened at Jiribam Bazaar. All educational institutions remained closed, they said. The bandh was called by the Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) to press their demand for a full-fledged Jiribam district. (Agencies)

Presi governing body members upset over exodus

Presidency University

Kolkata ,Dec 21:Worried about the resignation of professors from Presidency University, the governing body members have urged the state government to state the reason behind the same. The governing body meeting of the University was held on Saturday and two of the board members have asked the principal secretary of the state education department Vivek Kumar regarding the reason for transfer of the professors to state-run colleges, after the Presidency College has been made into a full-fledged University.On Wednesday, Prof. Sajal Nag, distinguished chair professor of the department of social science, tendered his resignation A few days back, heads of three other departments of the University were transferred to state-run colleges.On 23 July, three professors of Presidency University had been transferred to district-level colleges, putting a big question mark over the way the TMC government is running

higher education in the state and in particular, undermining the autonomy of the prestigious university. Prof.

Kamala Gupta and Prof.

Bhaskar Gupta of biological science department have been transferred to Singur College while Prof. Gour Gopal Roy,head of the department of mathematics, has been transferred to Gainghata College. The transfer has sparked a furore among the other professors of the university, who question the state government's 'gross interference' in the affairs of the University, besides undermining its autonomy.Senior officials of the university said that these three professors are not in the good books of the state government, on account of which, they were transferred to state-run colleges in the districts. Not only Prof. Bhattacharya, but Deboshruti Roy Chowdhury, former dean of students of Presidency University, left after she got a better position at a private university.

(Agencies)

Kohima as Smart City will boost Nagaland: MV Naidu Kohima , Dec 21:Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu has said that Kohima as Smart City would "definitely escalate" the status of Nagaland in a big way.In an exclusive interview, Union Minister explained about the Centre's ambitious Smart City project and said it was an innovative initiative to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local development and harnessing technology as a means to create smart outcomes for citizens. On asking why Kohima as Smart City in Nagaland, he said the government has accommodated a town from each of the seven North Eastern region states in the

prohibition in the state. He said it was his commitment to Bihars millions of women, who turned up in record numbers to vote in this year's assembly election.There was this apprehension about loss of employment for people involved in this (liquor) trade. So my government will give them the choice

scheme, adding that one town from Nagaland had to be obviously chosen.He expressed confidence that Kohima when completed as Smart City would not only enhance Nagaland but would be as popular destination in the whole world as all other Smart Cities in the country.When asked what Kohima as Smart City meant for Nagaland, he said it would mean instant rolling in of cash everywhere in all levels in all sectors due to virtual swarming of people here from all over the world. "They will 'commercially interact' with the masses in Nagaland buying their products, paying them cash. Tourism will boost up like anything. Manufacturing will tremendously escalate in the state. Social interactions among the peoples will be massive

leading to commercial transactions in all levels.

Sense of belonging among the countrymen/people from abroad toward Nagaland, Kohima will become deep rooted," Naidu said.He further maintained that people of Nagaland would be on par with the rest of the countrymen more intensely. "Even now, it is there but then, more nonNagaland people will visit here and hence, they will 'embrace' Nagaland, Kohima more dearly," the minister said. In response to a query on when would Kohima Smart City become reality, he said with the selection of almost all the cities under the Smart Cities Mission, all the selected cities would have to prepare city level smart city plans, which would be evaluated in the second stage of com-

petition based on a broad set of criteria to pick up the top scoring 20 cities for financing during this financial year.He disclosed that funds may be released to those 20 cities by the end of this year, adding that others would be asked to improve upon the identified deficiencies before participating in the next two rounds of competition.

According to Minister for Urban Development, the cities that would be selected during the second stage of competition would be provided with financial assistance from the Centre. "The funds will amount to Rs.200 crore in the first year followed by Rs.100 crore each year during the next three years. Smarty cities not about flash and fancy," he said.Further, Naidu asserted that a smart city would ensure core infrastructure

needed for decent living in urban areas. "We are not aiming at making our urban landscape look fanciful and flashy. The prime objective is to enhance the quality of urban life by addressing deficiencies in core infrastructure," he pointed out.

Stating that expectations in various quarters may be high but the Mission was very practical and realistic in its intentions and objectives, Naidu said making smart cities would be a challenging task and states and urban local bodies have to rise to the challenge. He said the Central Government has undertaken due measures to empower them to meet the challenge through substantially enhanced central assistance and decentralizing decision making besides assisting in capacity building of urban

Burdwan lawyers protest bail decision Kolkata ,Dec 21: Lawyers pleading for both the parties arrested in Sunday's Burdwan arson case on Sunday exploded in protest after the court granted bail to the Trinamul Congress's councillor, the key accused in the case. One of the protesting lawyers, Arup Das, said: "I am not satisfied with this judgment as others accused of similar charges were denied bail."Asked if he was trying to condemn the relief given to one of his political colleagues, Das, said "In court, I appeared as a lawyer of my clients, who were victims of circumstances, and not as a party man."As many as 20 persons were arrested by the police in

Lawyers pleading for both the parties arrested in Sunday's Burdwan arson case

Burdwan on Sunday after the CPI-M cadres and the Trinamul Congress sup-

porters clashed at the Kalna Gate crossing where CPI-M was block-

ing a street corner in support of the party's Brigade rally.The groups at log-

gerheads hurled bombs at each other and pelted stone at the policemen.

Two vehicles engaged by the CPIM were torched and two others were ransacked. The accused were booked on charges of attempt to murder, rioting with deadly weapons (307, 147 & 148 of the IPC), illegal possession of explosive substances (3, 4 Explosive Substances Act), causing voluntary hurt with dangerous weapons (323, 326 of the IPC) and illegal possession of fire arms (25, 27 Arms Act). The accused were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (in-charge), Payel Bandopadhyaya's court yesterday. (Agencies)

HC asks Centre to provide security to retired Judges Shillong, Dec 21: The High Court of Meghalaya disposed of the order banning bandh issued on May 27 this year asking the State government to enforce it, while the Court also wanted the union Home Ministry to file an affidavit before January 4 regarding protection to be provided to the retired Judges."To sum up the legal position, we reiterate that as the order dated May 27, 2015 imposing ban on bandh culture in the State of Meghalaya has been affirmed by the Apex Court, therefore, the directions as provided in the order have to be enforced and obeyed as the law of the land. Thus this case as regards monitoring the implementation of the order dated May 27, 2015 is closed and disposed of," the Court said in its recent order.Later, in the November 2 order related to AFSPA following the spate of kidnappings and killings in Garo Hills, the High Court had referred to the

Nitish Kumar for selling milk from liquor shops after prohibition Patna, Dec 21: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has declared to enforce prohibition in Bihar, plans to put to use the liquor shops as milk selling outlets, reports said. The Chief Minister said on Sunday that the almost 6000 liquor vends in the state would have the choice of selling products made by Sudha, which is run by the Bihar State Co-Operative Milk Producers Federation Ltd. This, he said, would give a boost to the state-run entities business and also provide employment to people running this shops. Kumar said he was absolutely firm about his plan to impose

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

of selling Sudha products, the chief minister said on the sidelines of a meeting of his Janata Dal United.Kumar has admitted that his government will suffer a loss of anywhere between Rs. 30003500 crore once the first phase of prohibition is implemented from April 1 next year. (Agencies)

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has declared to enforce prohibition in Bihar, plans to put to use the liquor shops as milk selling outlets

Chief Justice and Judges of the High Court who are also getting veiled threats that they would have to face the consequence after their retirement."It may not be proper for us to say anything about our security which is, for the present, being looked after by the State.

Generally, we put all such anonymous letters into shredders but since two of us are to lay our office in January and February, 2016 and third one in March, 2019, and one cannot claim to be fully safe and secured in the wake of incident of kidnapping of the BDO, brother-in-law of the Superintendent of Police, who is in-charge of High Court security, we expect the Central government to give its response on this issue as well", the Court had observed.Referring to the matter, the High Court in the recent order said that till date, there was no response from the union Home Ministry. "Therefore, we direct

FIR against Bihar ex-CM's daughter New Delhi, Dec 21: In what could be termed as big embarrassment to former Bihar chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, a case has been lodged against his daughter Sunaina Devi. Reportedly, Sunaina Devi's daughter in law has been missing since two days.

Peeved father suspects that her daughter might be killed by her in laws for dowry.

Police has confirmed that FIR has been filled in the case. Case was registered against Sunaina Devi and four other family members by deceased Soni's father in Delha police station in Gaya town. "Ramdev Manjhi, father of Sunaina's daughter-in-law, filed an FIR alleging that his daughter was murdered by the accused for more dowry," a district police official said.

Ramdev told the police that the accused cremated his daughter without informing them. He said his daughter was married to Sunaina's son Vicky in 2008. When asked about the incident, HAM (S) spokesperson Danish Rizwan was quoted as saying: "It is nothing but an act of political vendetta.

It is a conspiracy against a Dalit leader."(Agencies)

Yoga to be introduced in Tripura schools from next year Court disposes of case related to ban on bandh, onus on State Govt to enforce order the Union of India to file affidavit after doing categorization of security cover on permanent basis for the members of the Full Bench (the Chief Justice and two Judges) so that as and when there is a request for security, it can be provided without procedural delay as per such category by the Cen-

tral government or the State, as the case may be at the place of residence of the Chief Justice and the Judges after their retirement". According to the High Court, this direction is required particularly for the fact and reason that the "Judges working in North East and dealing with the cases of insurgents over there

are differently placed than the Judges of other parts of the country from the security point of view," the order said.As the Court will remain closed for a long winter vacation, the matter will be listed before the Division Bench available on January 4 for appropriate orders," the order stated. (Agencies)

INC candidate flays BJP, Nambol Imphal, Dec 20: Nambol Municipal Council Chair-person Heisnam Somorendro who is seeking re-election on INC ticket has accused BJP Nambol Mandal of campaigning for the local body election in a very off e n s i v e manner.Speaking to media persons at his Nambol Sabal Leikai residence today, Somorendro said that BJP Nambol Mandal general secretary A Jiten distributed leaf-

local bodies. "Kohima if selected among first 20 will be a new Kohima soon enough. Kohima cannot afford to miss this opportunity of recasting India's urban landscape," the minister remarked.Naidu also elucidated that sectors that have been developing smart city technology include government services, transport and traffic management, energy, health care, water and waste. Pointing out that Smart city applications were developed with the goal of improving the management of urban flows and allowing for real time responses to challenges, the minister said a smart city may therefore be more prepared to respond to challenges than one with a simple 'transactional' relationship with its citizens.

(Agencies)

lets which were printed on BJP letterheads in and around Sabal Leikai yesterday.The leaflets alleged that Congress workers were campaigning for the local body elections by distributing application forms for MUDRA loan and housing loans to voters.But this is a fabricated, baseless allegation, Somorendro said. MUDRA loan was introduced by BJP which is in power at the Centre and it is

BJP workers who have been canvassing votes by using application forms of MUDRA loan, he alleged.All activities related with MUDRA loan is done at the Nambol branch office of Rural Bank.

Application forms for MUDRA Bank which are not available at the bank branch are available at the office of BJP Nambol Mandal, added Somorendro.

The house where the BJP Nambol Mandal office is run is rented

out by BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba, Somorendro alleged. He then appealed to all concerned not to carry out any malicious or misleading campaign.He also threatened to take recourse to legal means apart for filing a complaint to the State Election Commission if the same misleading campaign goes on any longer.Altogether 18 Municipal Councils and eight Nagar Panchayats are going to polls on January 11. (Agencies)

Agartala, Dec 21: The Tripura government will introduce yoga as a subject in schools from classes one to eight from the next academic year beginning January, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said here on Monday."Yoga would be introduced as a subject in government-run and government-aided schools from classes one to eight from next academic year beginning January," Sarkar said, addressing a function organised in connection with a state-level yoga competition.

He said: "Due to shortage of yoga trainers and teachers, it would not be introduced in all schools from the next academic year. All schools under a block would be made into a cluster for teaching yoga."The state's school education and sports and youth affairs departments has already drawn up a plan for this purpose, the chief minister said.He urged the yoga associations to help the government in making the plan a success.

(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

BJP using Ram Temple issue to regain its lost pride: Congress New Delhi, Dec.21: With the first lot of stones reaching Ayodhya for the construction of Ram Temple, the Congress Party on Monday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was using the Ram Temple issue to regain its lost pride."The age old drama has once again started. 25 years ago also, the stones were brought but the temple was never built. Whenever the image of the BJP goes down in the public, whenever they feel insecure, they start raising the Ram Temple issue," Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit told media."The business that the VHP, RSS, Hindu MahaSabha and the

New Cong MLA takes oath in Jharkhand Assembly Ranchi, Dec 21 : Newly-elected Congress MLA Sukhdeo Bhagat today took oath as a member of the Jharkhand Assembly. Sukhdeo, also the Jharkhand PCC president, took the oath in the House on the penultimate day of the Winter Session, taking Congress' strength in the 82-member Assembly to seven.He won the Lohardaga (ST) bypoll on December 14 after the seat fell vacant following disqualification of Ajsu leader Kamal Kishore Bhagat. Kamal was convicted and sent to jail for five years in connection with a 1993 criminal case. (Agencies)

CBI arrests Chandigarh Police SI for taking bribe New Delhi, Dec 21 : CBI today arrested a subinspector attached to a Chandigarh police station for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from a person threatening to file an FIR against him.CBI spokesperson here said the complainant has alleged that two FIRs and one Daily Diary Register (reports of non-cognizable offence) were registered against him and others at sector 3 police station in Chandigarh."The said sub-inspector investigating all these matters had demanded bribe for Rs 20,000 from the complainant and threatened him to take strict action and also to convert the DDR into FIR. On the request of the complainant to reduce the bribe amount, the sub-inspector agreed to accept Rs 15, 000," the spokesperson said. They said CBI laid a trap and the subinspector was caught while allegedly demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 15,000/- from the complainant. (Agencies)

The Congress Party on Monday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was using the Ram Temple issue to regain its lost pride BJP do in selling the name of Ram is world's best marketing strategy. Unfortu-

nately, the BJP has made the so called God, i.e. Ram, a political weapon which

they use to regain their lost pride," he added.Echoing similar view, Congress leader P.L Punia said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are raising the Ram Temple issue for political gains and they can do anything for that."The RSS was first saying that the issue of Ram Temple in Ayodhya is very important and that it should be built.

But when the matter went to the court, they said that the temple would be build after the orders of the High Court," P.L Punia told media."You cannot trust the RSS as they are raising this issue for political gains.

And they can do anything for that political gain," he

added.Almost six months after Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced its nationwide drive to collect stones for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, two trucks of stones arrived in the temple city yesterday.RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat had earlier in Kolkata expressed hope that a Ram temple would be constructed in his lifetime."India is rich in religion and culture.

Ram is our ideal whom some regard as god and some as a great man . Society should rise taking inspiration from Ram and Sharad Kothari and prepare for building a grand Ram temple like Somnath," the RSS chief said in his tweet. (ANI)

Spain PM says will try to form government after election Madrid, Dec 21: Outgoing Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he will try to form a new government after his conservative Popular Party won the most seats in a general election but lost its absolute majority."I will try to form a government, a stable government," he told supporters gathered outside his party's headquarters in Madrid yesterday.The Popular Party won 28.71 per cent of the vote, giving it 123 seats in the 350-seat parliament, well short of the 176 seats needed for an absolute majority and down from 186 seats in the outgoing assembly.The Socialists came in second with 90 seats while two newcomers, anti-austerity party Podemos and centre-right

Spain PM Mariano Rajoy Ciudadanos, came third and fourth respectively.

Podemos captured 69 seats while Ciudadanos got 40 seats, putting an end to over 30 years of dominance by

the Popular Party and the Socialists.The results mean the only parties able to form a majority with Rajoy would be the Socialists or Podemos, both of which are

unlikely scenarios.Going forward, King Felipe VI, the head of state, will nominate a prime minister after holding talks with the leaders of each party that has won seats in parliament.The nominated leader must then win a vote of confidence in the assembly to take office.On a first vote the candidate must get more than half of the 350 lawmakers in parliament in order to form a government. If he fails he must get more votes for him than against him in a second ballot 48 hours later, meaning a candidate can be succesful if parties abstain. If there is still a deadlock within two months of the first vote in parliament, the king must call a new election. (Agencies)

PAGE 6

Jaitley files criminal defamation cases against Kejriwal, AAP leaders New Delhi, Dec.21 : Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is under the hammer for his role in the alleged corruptions in the Delhi and District Cricket Administration (DDCA), on Monday filed criminal defamation case against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.Jaitley has filed criminal defamation cases against AAP leaders Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh, Kumar Vishwas, Raghav Chadha and Deepak Bajpai in the Patiala House Court.Earlier Jaitley said the allegations against him in connection with DDCA scam are baseless and devoid of truth."All these allegations are baseless and devoid of truth. For a total sum Rs. 114 crore, we made a stadium with a capacity of taking 42,000 people. Contrary to that, the Congress built the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium spending Rs. 900

crores. No one raised doubts on that expenditure, "Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha.The Finance Minister had earlier filed civil defamation suit in Delhi High Court of Rs 10 crores

Uproar in Jharkhand Assembly over labour amendment acts Ranchi, Dec 21: Uproarious scenes were today witnessed in Jharkhand Assembly as the opposition demanded withdrawal oflabour amendment acts forcing Speaker Dinesh Oraon to adjourn the House thrice.The opposition members trooped to the Well in protest against the Contractual Labour Amendment Act, 2015 and Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition-1948) Jharkhand Amendment Act, which were passed by voice vote on Friday. Leader of the Opposition Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha termed it as anti-

labour as it would increase exploitation. He demanded a review of the Acts.The opposition did not heed to the Speaker's ruling that their demand was not within the rules.During the course of the protests, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Saryu Roy suggested that the opposition could bring whatever amendments it wanted through the process of business instead of disrupting the House. Labour, Employment, Training & Skill Development Minister Raj Paliwar said the opposition was anti-labour as it walked out when the bills were passed. (Agencies)

Malaysia on alert Call Money scam: YSRCP boycotts after Indonesia Andhra Pradesh Assembly terror plot foiled Kuala Lumpur, Dec 21: Malaysia has declared high alert after Indonesian police claimed to have foiled a plot

by IS-linked terrorists to set off bombs in Jakarta during the New Year celebrations.

"We are on alert. We are closely monitoring the situation," Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said yesterday.He was commenting on the arrests of

five members of an alleged extremist network in Indonesia and seizure of chemicals, laboratory equipment and a flag inspired by the Islamic State group."Police personnel nationwide are on constant vigilance," said Khalid.Those arrested included a 31-year-old teacher at an Islamic boarding school in Central Java and his 35year-old pupil. (Agencies)

Hyderabad, Dec. 21: The YSR Congress Party boycotted the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Monday over the Call Money scam.Last week, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly saw the suspension of 58 Opposition MLAs including YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.The Members of Legislative Assembly were suspended after an

The YSR Congress Party boycotted the Andhra Pradesh Assembly over the Call Money scam

uproar over the Call Money scam.A massive blackmail, extortion and sex racket linked to Call Money was exposed in Andhra Pradesh, in which 80 people from different political parties have been arrested.Call money is a loan that is just a phone call away, with money delivered at one's doorstep.The flipside is that the lender can demand it back at any

Similar action must be taken by other Khaps too: Pramila Nesargi on Haryana Khap Panchayat Bengaluru, Dec. 21 : Social activist Pramila Nesargi todaywelcomed the move of the Khap Panchayat of 'no third child after the birth of two daughters and Rs. 1 to be taken from by the groom as dowry' saying Khap panachayats across the nation should take similar action and help women to exist in the society.I am extremely happy about it. At last the wisdom has dawn in the Khap Panchayat. If only they run in this direction they can modulate the society and they can eradicate the sins which are existence in the society especially the dowry as people

Pramila Nesargi

follow Khap Panchayat it will have a long way and will definitely help the society.

Similarly I hope they revise their own resolution which they have done earlier. All the Khap panachayats across the nation should take similar action and help women to exist in the society," Nesargi told media.She further added that if they (Khap) want to preserve the custom, let them do with one rupee as it doesn't matter but calling it a dowry is bad.To discourage the practices of female feoticide and dowry, the Khap Panchayat gave out a ruling of 'No third child after the birth of two

daughters and only Re 1 to be taken from the girl's family by the groom'.In an announcement which comes as a breath of fresh air as khaps are infamous for issuing orthodox diktats, Bura Khap's head Rajbir Bura said that members in a meeting held here have decided to felicitate couples who do not have a third child after the birth of two daughters and those who took no or only Re 1 as dowry from the bride's family.The Khap has also put a limit on the number of members to be part of the bridegroom's wedding procession at 21. (ANI)

Nigerian troops kill 12 Boko Haram fighters: military Lagos Dec 21: Nigerian troops have killed 12 Boko Haram fighters and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the hardline Islamist group whose six-year insurgency has claimed thousands of lives, a military spokesman said."As part

Jaitley files criminal defamation cases against Kejriwal, AAP leaders

of their determined efforts to rid the society of all known Boko Haram terrorists enclaves and hideouts, troops... conducted a fighting patrol along Damboa-Njaba-Bale road in Borno state" in the northeast of the country, Colonel Sani Usman said

in a statement late Sunday.He said the soldiers "killed three suspected Boko Haram terrorists (who) had been terrorising the communities around Sabon Gari and Damboa," on Sunday."Among those killed was the Boko Haram

terrorist Ameer (leader) in Bulayaga," he said.

Usman said a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the jihadists.He said a second encounter with the insurgents in Mainari village also on Sunday "led to the killing of nine terror-

ists and recovery of weapons which include four AK-47s and one pump action gun."Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has given the military until the end of the month to crush the Boko Haram rebellion that has killed some 17,000 and forced

2.6 million to flee their homes since 2009.The jihadist group, which seeks a hardline Islamic state in northern Nigeria, has also carried out deadly cross-border attacks in neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger. (Agencies)

time and if the borrower cannot repay, the lender can take away property.According to the police, women were coerced into sexual exploitation on not being able to return the amount.The lenders demanded rates of interest that were as high as 120 percent to 200 percent.

Promissory notes and blank cheques were taken against the loans. (ANI)

against Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, amid a raging row over irregularities in the DDCA and allegations of corruptions against him by the Delhi Government.

(ANI)

PM Modi to flag-off first electric bus today New Delhi, Dec. 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off a lithium-ion-powered bus in the Parliament at 1 pm today.The bus is the first prototype of diesel bus converted to electric.The government had planned to convert about 1.5 lakh diesel buses run by state transport corporations into electric buses to cut on huge Rs. eight lakh crore crude import bills and check pollution. (ANI)

NC youth leader shot dead Rajouri, Dec. 21 : A member of the Village Defence Committee (VDC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir allegedly killed National Conference (NC) youth leader Ishtyaq Ahmed late on Sunday night.Ahmed was shot dead by the accused after the duo indulged in a fight over the distribution of ration in the district.The victim's relative said that it was a painful situation for the whole nation and added that the people were not safe in the state.Locals held a protest in the area and blocked the Rajouri-Poonch national highway demanding action against the accused.The protest was called off after police administration officers promised to take action against the.(Agencies)

Rahul Gandhi to visit Amethi on December 23 New Delhi, Dec 21: Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Amethi for two days from December 23."Will be in Amethi on 23rd and 24th Dec on a two-day visit", Gandhi said on Twitter.It will be the first visit of the Congress Vice President to his constituency after he secured bail in the National Her-

ald case.Gandhi has been attacking the Modi government over the National Herald issue, dubbing it as '100% political vendetta by the PMO'.The government has denied the charge and said it is a matter between the accused Congress leaders and the judiciary.

(Agencies)

India's Energy Demand Will Be Double By 2040: Dharmendra Pradhan New Dehi, Dec 21: India's energy demands will be more than double by 2040 as the economy will grow over five times its current size, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said today. Mr Dharmendra Pradhan said in Lok Sabha the International Energy Agency has released India's energy outlook in the World Energy Outlook 2015 which said that for the entire period till 2040, Indian economy will grow at a faster rate than any other country in the world by an average of 6.5 per cent per year. "The demand for oil is projected to rise to 458 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.6 per cent (2013-2040)," he said during Question Hour.

Mr Dharmendra Pradhan said LPG will substitute for firewood as cooking fuel and industrial en-

ergy use will be buoyed by substantial growth in domestic manufacturing encouraged by the Make in India initiative.Gas production will rise to 90 BCM (billion cubic metres) in 2040, subject to adjustment to the current formula that determines the price paid to domestic producers. The demand for natural gas is projected to rise to 149 MTOE with a CAGR of 4.6 per cent (2013-40).India requires a cumulative USD 2.8 trillion in investment, an average of USD 110 billion per year, to meet the supply projections, 75 per cent of which is in the power sector, and an additional USD 0.8 trillion to improve energy efficiency.Cumulative investment of USD 62 billion in upstream oil, USD 192 billion in refining, USD 127 billion in upstream gas and USD 11 billion in bio-fuels is projected till 2040. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Govt to launch helpline for domestic workers Dhaka, Dec 21:The government will launch a helpline for domestic workers to provide them with necessary assistance.The draft of Domestic Worker Protection and Welfare Policy2015 was approved by the cabinet today afternoon.Cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam briefed the reporters after the cabinet meeting at the secretariat.He said the policy for domestic work-

ers has been prepared in line with the Labour Act.The government will chalk out a series of programmes to raise consciousness for curbing torture on domestic helps, he added.Those who will violate the human rights of the housemaids will be punished under the existing law.As per the policy, Labour Welfare Foundation will do the management of the domestic workers. (Agencies)

Arrest warrants against 24 in Rana Plaza murder case Dhaka,Dec 21: A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against 24 absconding accused of a murder case filed over Rana Plaza collapse that killed over a thousand people in April 2013.Dhaka Senior Judicial Magistrate Al Amin passed the arrest warrants after accepting the charge sheet today afternoon. Among the accused, Rana is in jail and 16 are on bail.The court

also asked the investigation officer concerned to submit an update regarding the arrest warrants on January 27.The eight-storey building that housed five garment factories, a shopping complex and a branch of BRAC Bank, collapsed on April 24, 2013 killing over 1,135 people, mostly female workers, and injuring over 2,500 others.

(Agencies)

Pakistan not privatising national flag carrier Islamabad, Dec 21: Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar made it clear on Sunday that the government had no plan to privatise the Pakistan International Airlines.The finance minister said in a press release that his government was only seeking a strategic partner for the airline, and efforts are being made to invite reputed and credible international strategic partners to ac-

quire only 26 percent shares of the PIA's core business.Dar vowed to make no compromise on transparency during selection of the strategic partners. He assured that the government has no plan to lay off the existing airline employees and that they will keep their jobs and careers without any amendment in their employment terms and conditions.

(Agencies)

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

China landslide: 91 missing in Shenzhen after pile of construction waste collapses Beijing, Dec 21: The number of people missing after a landslide in southern China has almost doubled to 91, after a huge mound of construction waste collapsed and buried 33 buildings in China's latest industrial disaster.Premier Li Keqiang ordered an official investigation into the disaster in the southern city of Shenzhen, which comes four months after huge chemical blasts at the northern port of Tianjin killed more than 160 people.A wall of mud smashed into multistorey buildings at the Hengtaiyu industrial park in

the city's north-western Guangming New District on Sunday morning.

Guangdong authorities sent a team to investigate and said the accumulation of a large amount of waste meant that mud was stacked too steep, "causing instability and collapse, resulting in the collapse of buildings",.A nearby section of China's major WestEast natural gas pipeline also exploded, the official China Central Television (CCTV) broadcaster reported, although it was not clear if this had any impact on the landslide.China's

president, Xi Jinping, ordered provincial authorities to do everything possible to minimise casualties, treat the injured and comfort family members.Li ordered central government officials to help Shenzhen authorities in the rescue, Xinhua said. China's cabinet sent a group to help coordinate rescue efforts, which included more than 500

At least 91 people, including 32 women, have gone missing after a massive landslide struck an industrial estate in China's Shenzen city

The landslide in Shenzhen was caused by a mound of waste mud that was stacked too steeply and collapsed, burying 33 buildings

80 missing, 3 dead as big waves sink Indonesian boat Jakarta,Dec 21: Rescuers have pulled out 39 survivors and three dead from a passenger boat that sank in central Indonesia after being buffeted by high waves, and resumed efforts on Monday to reach scores of others still missing.The fibreglass ferry was on its way from Kolaka in Southeast Sulawesi province crossing the Gulf of Bone to Siwa town in South Sulawesi province, when it was overwhelmed by waves more than 3 metres high during stormy weather on Saturday, said Roki Asikin, head of the search and rescue agency in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi.The boat was carrying 110 passengers and 12 crew members, Asikin said. The passengers included 14 children.Operational

Survivors of the ferry

chief of the local search rescue agency Ivan Ahmad Rizki Titus said the National Search and Rescue Agency was deploying a helicopter and boats, while the navy was sending in warships to join the rescue efforts.

He added that a CN-235 aircraft of the air force joined the search on Sunday.Earlier, six rescue boats and ships were dispatched after they received a distress call from the crew, who reported that the vessel was

starting to take on water about 21 kilometres southeast of Siwa port, Asikin said.Fishermen found four people who had been on the boat, including a woman and a child. They told authorities that the boat sank hours after being hit

firefighters and 30 rescue dogs.Hundreds of rescuers sifted through rubble looking for survivors after the landslide left everything covered in mud, Xinhua said.The frequency of industrial accidents in China has raised questions about safety standards following three decades of breakneck economic growth. (Agencies)

by high waves.Thirty-five other survivors and three bodies were found later on Sunday, said Transportation Ministry spokesman Julius Barata. He said all of the survivors were taken to hospitals.The search for the 80 people still missing was called off at Sunday nightfall and resumed Monday morning.The acting chief of the Kolaka port authority, Muhammad Yunus, said the Marina boat was seaworthy when it left for the estimated six-hour voyage.

Indonesian boat accidents have killed hundreds of people in recent years.

Boats are often overcrowded and safety regulations are poorly enforced. The vast country spans more than 17,000 islands with a population of 250 million, and boats are a popular and relatively cheap form of transportation. (Agencies)

5 Morcha men held for trying to show black flag to PM Oli Kathmandu,Dec 21: The police have arrested five cadres of the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha for trying to show black flags to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at Duhabi in Sunsari today.The Morcha cadres, who were carrying black flags and enforcing banda, were arrested near Sunrise Bank.

The police informed that the protesters also clashed with the security personnel during the arrest.PM Oli arrived at Itahari in Sunsari at 12 pm to inaugurate the CPN-UML district council.Morcha cadres Mahesh Yadav, Bhupen Yadav, Khelan Yadav, Pushpa Yadav and Ranjit Goswami were arrested. Meanwhile, SN Meheta, Rameshwor Mandal, Muna Sah and Awadanarayan Yadav received injuries during the clash with police.

(Agencies)

Indian cop suspended for helping Sirisena vows to resettle displaced Tamils within six months criminal with links to Lanka Colombo Dec 21: The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police in Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, India has placed under suspension an Inspector of Police attached to the Mandapam Police Station, for allegedly demanding a bribe from a notorious criminal with links to Sri Lanka to help him secure anticipatory bail in a criminal case.Acting on the recommendation of Superintendent of Police (SP) N M Manivannan, DIG Anand Kumar Somani ordered the suspension of A. Danapalan."It is highly reprehensible and unbecoming of a police officer to have contact with the criminal from November 1 to December 10, 2015. He demanded Rs 50,000 and new tyres for his car for doing him a favour in connection with his bail application," the DIG said in his suspension order.The order was served on the In-

Indian cop suspended for helping criminal spector of police on Saturday. The nexus between the police officer and the criminal, who was arrested during a vehicle check here on December 12, came to light when police interrogated him after his arrest, the SP told the media.The accused R Selvakumar (33), who acted as a kingpin of a gang which smuggled narcotics to Sri

Lanka, faced about a dozen cases. He had been evading arrest and the Mandapam Inspector of Police helped him to be at large, he said.The accused, who hailed from Rameswaram, came on police radar in 2008, when he came in contact with an agent of the LTTE and started smuggling batteries, motors and other

goods for the organisation.

He was arrested in 2008 under the provisions of Unlawful Activities (prevention) Act and under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Act in December 2009 by the CID wing of the Narcotics Intelligence Bureau (NIB) when he attempted to smuggle a kg of heroin, police said. (Agencies)

Nepal to sign trade and transit pact with China Kathmandu, Dec 21: Nepal is preparing to sign a trade and transit treaty with China similar to one that exists with its southern neighbour, India. The Nepali side has forwarded a proposal to the northern neighbour for approval.The Foreign Ministry has announced the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa to China on Sunday at the invitation of the Chinese government. In Beijing, Thapa will meet his Chinese counterpart Yang Yi and senior Chinese political leaders and officials. An official meeting of the foreign ministers has been scheduled for Thursday.If China consents, Nepal will have access to Chinese ports for export and

import to a third country.

The nearest Chinese port from Nepal is Shanghai. If the two neighbours sign the pact, Nepal's dependency on India for trade with the rest of the world will end.

But, officials said, Nepal will have to drastically improve its connectivity with China.The idea behind the trade and transit pact is to diversify Nepal's trade, officials said, terming the bid as Nepal's exercise as a sovereign nation. Nepal will also seek Free Trade Agreement with China during Thapa's visit. Top priority will be attached to duty free access for Nepali exports to China.China has granted duty-free access to 8,800 Nepali items but many of them are not exportable to

the north. "We are seeking concessional treatment for exportable items, rather than the big numbers," said officials.Another top agenda of the visit is government-to-government deal for importing fuel from China. The two sides are expected to settle issues related to tax, transportation and logistics. On connectivity, officials said Nepal's priority is to open at least four border points-Kerung, Tatopani, Korala and Kimathanka. "These four passes have an immediate prospect of opening. While resuming trade from these points, we will gradually seek the opening of five more routes," said officials.During the visit, Nepal and China will sign an

agreement for Rs13 billon pledged by the Chinese president during the Boao Forum in his meeting with former President Ram Baran Yadav. A big chunk of the aid will be spent on widening the Kodari Highway that connects Kathmandu with the Chinese border. Following the April earthquake, Nepal's trade with China via Tatopani in Sindhupalchok has been disrupted. As an alternative, the Rasuwagadhi border point with China has been opened but the road is difficult for big cargo vehicles to pass.Nepal accessed 1.3 million litre fuel granted by China via Kerung after India imposed an unofficial border blockade citing unrest in the Tarai. (Agencies)

Colombo Dec 21: Moved by the plight of Tamils displaced during the three-decade-long civil war, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has promised to set up a special task force to resettle them within six months. "I will set up a special Presidential Task Force to resettle these people in their original places within 6 months. I will bring the military, police and the state agencies together to achieve this," Sirisena said addressing a Christmas event in Jaffna yesterday. "I went inside their homes and I saw the sorry conditions they live in," the President said.

Sirisena also criticised those who accuse him and Prime Minister Ranil

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena Wickremesinghe of compromising national security by easing the rigid security conditions imposed in the north. "I invite those who shout from Colombo about national security to come and inspect these living conditions. I will provide all facilities for them to visit the

north if they want to," he said. "The national security is not under threat. The national security is a question in the lives of these people who have been displaced 25 years ago," he said .He said although his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa's government had been able to finish the war and bring in peace, true reconciliation has not been achieved.

"The war was won, peace has returned but the root causes of the war still remain," he said. Sirisena since January has brought in some relief measures for the Tamil minority in response to their long felt demands. Sirisena's government released civilian lands occupied by the military for over 30 years, lifted travel

restrictions to the north and appointed civilian governors by removing the exmilitary governors in the two provinces. He charged that the Rajapaksa followers in his own party were trying to topple the government by using alleged national security challenges as an issue.

A UN panel has said around 40,000 mainly Tamil civilians were killed in the final months of the country's separatist war. UNHCR Mid-year Trends 2014' published by the UN agency said 1,23,028 persons of Lankan origin were refugees, another 16,190 were asylum-seekers (pending cases) and 30,847 were declared IDPs, either protected or assisted by UNHCR as of June 2014.

(Agencies)

China calls on U.S.' Kerry to respect China's core interests Beijing, Dec 21 : The United States needs to respect China's core interests, including stopping selling weapons to Taiwan and ending military patrols close to islets controlled by China in the South China Sea, the country's foreign minister told his U.S. counterpart.In a telephone call with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the world is becoming a more challenging place, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement

released on today."As the U.S. seeks cooperation with China, it ought to respect China's core interests and important matters of concern," the statement paraphrased Wang as saying.Wang explained to Kerry China's position on Taiwan and the South China Sea, asking the United States to end arms sales to the self-ruled island and stop "shows of force" with ship and aircraft patrols close to Chinesecontrolled island in the disputed South China Sea, the statement added.The

U.S. angered China last week by approving a new round of weapons sales to Taiwan. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to the island at the end of a civil war with the Communists in 1949 and Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. China has also been upset with what it sees as provocative U.S. actions in the South China Sea, including the patrols.The Pentagon said on Friday it was looking at Chinese complaints that a B-52 bomber recently flew

near a Chinese artificial island in the South China Sea, a sensitive issue because the two powers disagree over Beijing's territorial claims in the region. China claims almost all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of maritime trade passes each year.

The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims. Wang and Kerry also discussed the crisis in Syria and the Iran nuclear deal, China's Foreign Ministry added. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

WIDE PROSPECTIVE Indra Kr. Bhujel

Polio Eradication An achievement for India It took India nearly 16 years, since it began its efforts to eradicate polio, to finally get rid of the wild polio viruses from the country. The success of polio eradication in India is a tribute to the strong commitment and leadership of the Government of India and the state governments. Ably supporting them were the polio partners-WHO, UNICEF and Rotary International. However, the fight against polio couldn't have been won without the dedication and hard work of the frontline workers and volunteers, and the unequivocal support of all sections of the society. Backing this monumental effort was an investment of millions of dollars by the government and donors. While tremendous progress has been made over the past many years and sustained over the past three years, India remains at a risk of polio resurgence through a distant or cross-border importation of the wild poliovirus from countries with ongoing transmission.

India has, during previous years, exported wild polioviruses to other countries. The risk of the virus returning to India from any of the currently infected countries is a real one. India, therefore, needs to ensure that high population immunity is maintained against poliovirus, the surveillance remains sensitive to pick up any importation and all states are in a state of emergency preparedness to respond urgently to any importation, if it were to occur.

India is fully aware of the present global situation of polio eradication. As a polio risk mitigation strategy, 102 vaccination posts have been identified along the bordering areas of Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan to ensure continuous vaccination of children under the age of five years crossing these borders.

The country is also seeking polio vaccination of all travellers coming to India from the polio endemic and recently infected countries before their departure to India.

India is already playing a critical role in the development of the polio end-game strategy, with support from WHO and other partners. The strategy involves a switch from trivalent oral polio vaccine to bivalent oral polio vaccine and a phased withdrawal of the oral polio vaccines from the programme with the possible introduction of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in routine immunization schedule. India has conducted research to support policy decisions as a major part of the polio endgame strategic planning. And is using the polio infrastructure, expertise and operational experience to strengthen routine immunization in the country and protect its children from other vaccine preventable diseases, as well as for health system strengthening, by applying the lessons learned from polio eradication for achieving wider health objectives in the country.

Food Security Act Will be implemented in Assam from next week The Assam government said it will implement National Food Security Act from December 24 and provide subsidised rice to 2.4 crore people in the state. As from December 24, Food Security Act will be implemented in Assam and from this scheme around 2.4 crore people will be benefited by receiving subsidised rice.And about 60 per cent population from the towns and 84 per cent of the people living in villages will be benefited under the Act. According to the Act, every eligible person will get 5 kg of rice every month at Rs 3 per kg. The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA 2013) converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of the Government of India. It includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and the Public Distribution System. Further, the NFSA 2013 recognizes maternity entitlements. The Midday Meal Scheme and the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme are universal in nature whereas the PDS will reach about two-thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas).

The intent of the National Food Security Bill is spelled out in the Lok Sabha committee report, The National Food Security Bill, 2011, Twenty Seventh Report, which states, "Food security means availability of sufficient foodgrains to meet the domestic demand as well as access, at the individual level, to adequate quantities of food at affordable prices." The report adds, "The proposed legislation marks a paradigm shift in addressing the problem of food security - from the current welfare approach to a right based approach. About two thirds(approx 67%) of the population will be entitled to receive subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System. In a country where almost 40% of children are undernourished the importance of the scheme increases significantly."

Also the state government will provide a food security allowance to the beneficiaries in case of non-supply of food grains; The Public Distribution System is to be reformed; And the eldest woman in the household, 18 years or above, is the head of the household for the issuance of the ration card; There will also be state- and district-level redress mechanisms; and State Food Commissions will be formed for implementation and monitoring of the provisions of the Act.# The cost of the implementation is estimated to be $22 billion(1.25 lac crore), approximately 1.5% of GDP. The poorest who are covered under the Antodaya yojna will remain entitled to the 35 kilograms (77 lb) of grains allotted to them under the mentioned scheme. As things stand, 13 states and UTs have rolled out the Food law, of which Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan have implemented it fully, while Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Chandigarh have done so partially.

At present, the Centre is allocating foodgrains to 13 states/UTs as per the new food law, while the rest are getting foodgrains quota as per earlier PDS norms.

The man who knew infinity He tried to show his works to the mathematicians of India of that time, but no one was able to see the genius and the mathematical knowledge in his theorems, identities and equations. His works were so ahead of his time that it was really hard to the regular mathematician to understand him. Thanks to G.H hardy, the Cambridge Wrangler, who recognize truth of his findings and Ramanujun's genius.

Mathematics as a branch of science has always earned fear and respect from one and all.

Those who can do it are seen with awe and veneration, those who cannot with mercy and pity.

Not only this, special treatment is given to those who can teach math in schools and colleges. These teachers even take more salary compared to the others.

The math teacher takes the entire laurel and applauds when the students secure a good position in HSLC exam despite the fact that his success has the contribution of the sum total of the marks of all the subjects.

The importance of mathematics as a subject cannot be denied, nor the fact that excels in it is a proof of talent. But despite all the glorious prospective of mathematics, today's India is much behind in it. No doubt once it produced genius like A r y a b h a t a , Brahmagupta, Bhaskara, Bharti krishnaTritha, Ramanujun, D.R. Kaprekar to count a few , the present educational system failed to produce a world class mathematician. In the elementary level, math is either taught or imparted; it is never infused in the mind of students. The math teacher creates an atmosphere of fear and tension among the students as soon as a child attends the classes. In most of the Government schools, the teachers of the elementary level are untrained higher secondary candidate, without a back ground of mathematics in their secondary level. It is a havoc to think a teacher of mathematics with no formal education in science. Assam and the entire North - East has the most pathetic condition. The lower primary has combined classes with maximum two teachers to teach all the subjects. One can imagine what knowledge of math and science can be imparted under this

situation.

Lately, the government is giving training to the newly joined TET teachers in the form of Del.Ed (Diploma in elementary education). I have the experience shared by so many trainees during their training classes.

Those who come as a Resource person to conduct the classes are themselves half - learned and half - trained. Most of the trainer cannot explain what they want to explain, and most are the trainer who had been working as a subject teacher in some of the government school. They are so called Resource person not for their knowledge, but for their long experience as a working teacher. Barring a few, most of them are time pass guy who don't have any respect for the subject and teaching, which makes them failure in their training session. They can't inspire the new teachers, neither do they success to show the wonder of math to them. I personally know few of my friends who teaches mathematics and science in school despite they being appointed as Social science or language teacher, simply for the fact that the school don't have a math or science teacher. I hesitate to ask how their students do in the subject.

Other factors that influence the teaching - learning process of mathematics in school are the text books, its contents, the exam patterns and the existing environment of the school.

The state text books have a total void of the biography of any of the mathematician. We get nothing about any of the mathematicians, neither in the math text book nor in any other text books.

Though there is something in the CBSE based text book of class IX and X, they are not sufficient.

It is a fact that we learn that subject most easily which has some-

thing to inspire us, something to cater our attention and quenched our curiosity. Each topic of mathematics has one or more mathematician's life and work content in it. Their story can be a source of inspiration to the learners. How we become eager to know about the writer when any story or a beautiful poem touches our heart, how we feel friendly with the author, dream to be a writer, the same is possible if math or science should be taught as a lucid subjects , not something very hard and terrific.

I remember how lately I knew about Euclid as the founder of geometry. It was my ninth standard when our English teacher taught us 'What is a great book' by Mortimer Adler. There it was mentioned Euclid's 'Geometry' as one of the great book that should be read first before you try to understand Newton.

Biography of mathematician with inspiring anecdote can become a good instigating element for the beginner of mathematics. As far as my knowledge is concern, I have seen not a single text book of school level that has the biography of mathematicians, at least in Assam. But we have so many inspiring wizard of mathematics. Let us talk about Srinivasa Ramanujun, the mathematical genius who is totally absent from our text book.

In the modern India, there is no other mathematician that can ask for an equal status that with Ramanujun. He is the uncrowned king of number theory. Born in the year 1887 on 22nd December in Madras, in not so reach family, he was inclined to mathematics from his childhood. He had a religious upbringing and simple schooling. But his genius was seen during his first few years of schooling only. Once when the teacher was teaching

about division, he had a very interesting question to ask. He asked what if nothing is taken from nothing, would still there be left anything; or nothing?

While the class laughed at Ramanujun, his teacher was able to understand instantly the genius of the question as well that of the student who asked it.

Later, the teacher explained the class what Ramanujun meant was what is left when zero is divided by zero? It was really a question which was impossible to be asked by a student of standard two or three, far more impossible to be understood by the student of the same grade. But to Ramanujun, math was his something that remains in his fingers strip. He almost solved the entire book of the mathematics of twelfth standard when he was eleven years. Later he completed the study of " A Synopses of Elementary results in Pure and Applied Mathematics' by G.S Carr. It is said that this book become instrumental in awakening of the mathematical genius in him.

As it always happen, those who are blessed with knowledge are always tortured by poverty, so did happen with Ramanujun. He was so poor that he had to collect the thrown away papers for his mathematical practices. His education was never complete as he could not pass his secondary exam. His inclination toward math was so strong that he never gave attention to any other sub-

ject. He didn't have a good job and better salary. But nothing stopped him in his pursuance of mathematics.

He tried to show his works to the mathematicians of India of that time, but no one was able to see the genius and the mathematical knowledge in his theorems, identities and equations. His works were so ahead of his time that it was really hard to the regular mathematician to understand him.

Thanks to G.H hardy, the Cambridge Wrangler, who recognize truth of his findings and Ramanujun's genius. He made arrangement to call him in England and they worked collaborated till the last. Ramanujun could not bear the climate of England and fall sick.

Later he died at the ripe age of 32.

An interesting incident during Ramanujun's stay in hospital is always mentioned to show his genius in numbers. Hardy once visited Ramanujun at the hospital. Just to start the conversation, he said that the cab that boarded him to the hospital had rather a dull number on it number plate. Now for a mathematician, a dull number is that number whic has practically no additional property except its magnitude. The cab number was 1729 .But for Ramanujun,it was an interesting and unique number; He said to Hardy that it was the only smallest number that could be expressed as sum of the cube of two numbers in two different ways as: 13+ 123 and 93

+ 103 ! Hardy to amazed once again at his genius!

Ramanujun had given more than 3900 theorems, identities and equations to the world of mathematics, and still there are so many hints and guides there in his notebook that is being researched. Though the government of India had announced the year 2012 as the National Year of Mathematics to commemorate his birthday, but still we can do more.

He has not only enriched the number theory, but also brought the world's notice to India when it was trying to register its presence in the map of the world.

Recently when Mark Zuckerberg , the Chief executive and the co founder of the social media facebook was asked about the scientist that inspired his life, his answer was James Maxwell and Ramanujun.

Srinivasa Ramanujun is an inspiring persona l i t y. H i s b i r t h d a y should be celebrated with all hues and colours in all the schools and colleges, his work and life should made known to the young one so that the world may get more Ramanujun. His birth day falls on 22nd December, let the educational department advertise his photo on news papers remembering him on his birth day, at least the common people will know who he was, , and students can cut out the photo and paste in the school's wall magazine.

'Hawala' And our Ministers Sir, Does congress High Command Soniaji know about the magnitude of corrupted tactics of the ministers of Asssam?

Does she know about their investing fabulous money in the business of Real-Estate in Delhi-Mumbai-KolkataGurgaon-Bangaluru? We common people are at our wit's end thinking wherefrom they get this money of colossal amount. A news item published in a section of the press suggests that one particular cabinet minister, as usual sent money of Rs. 50 Lakh through 'Hawala' and the messenger, one Mr. Sarkar, who happens to be a manager of the Hotel owned by the said minister is the intermediary. Incidentally, this minister possesses number of Hotels in Certain metropolitan cities outside Assam. It is interesting to note that one MR. Jain who usually looks after the affairs of 'Hawala' in Assam along with some of his accomplices and to whom the said amount was said to have been handed over, has since disappeared from the scene, even his phone remains switched off. As the matter is very much precarious, a matter that relates to 'Black-money', the minister is perplexed as he is unable to report the matter to the Police.

So, the apprehension of NDA at the centre is not unfounded that the fund meant for development works is looted by the ministers with impunity and the benefit for whom the fund is intended never reaches the beneficiaries. Soniaji

should remember, how corrupted all the ministers are under Tarun Gogoi! Perhaps, this will cost the party dearly in the next assembly elections. This example is just one among myriad of such cases. Through this column of your esteemed daily, we appeal to Sri. Narendra Modi, our Prime-minister to use his good office to unveil more such cases through the central agencies like NIA, CBI so that more and more ministers can be unmasked in the days to come.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

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

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

Op

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Once a flourishing community in the first millennium AD, the Tamil Jains are a largely forgotten entity in the 21st century.

Mahima Jain outlines the everyday battles faced by this minority group and explains why they continue to lack economic and political agency despite being granted minority status in 2014.

On January 30, 2014, a century worth of efforts of the Jain community to be recognised as a religious minority came to fruition when they were finally granted minority status by the Government of India.

Jainism, like Buddhism, emerged around the fifth to sixth century B.C. in present-day Bihar.

Vardhaman Mahavir, the last and 24th Jain Tirthankar (one who has attained nirvana), was born in Vaishali, Bihar, around 2,614 years ago. It spread across most of North India, and in the third century B.C. made its way to the South. The movement to the South also marked the division of the religion into the Digambara (sky-clad) and Shvetambara (white-clad) sects. The religion was widely followed and remained popular in its early history, but today Jains constitute around 0.4 percent of the Indian population and are scattered across various regions.

Differences Within The Jain Community The religion might seem to have one common narrative: of rise in the first millennium AD and a decline in the second. But because it spread to different parts of the country, the sociocultural and political history of each region has played a key role in shaping the future of the Jain community in that region. Thus, the Jain community in each region is a distinct minority with a unique history. Today, the

Jain community is spread across Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Most of these states have a Jain population that is indigenous and rooted in the identity of the respective state. If there are Jains settled in other parts of India, say for instance in the Kerala or Sikkim, they hail from one of the other states mentioned above.

There are around 89,265 Jains constituting just around 0.12 per cent of the population of Tamil Naduaccording to the 2011 Census but they are of two different groups: first, there are Tamilians who are Jains, or "Tamil Jains" or "Samanars"; their ancestors have lived in the region for over 2,000 years, and they share the Tamil language, culture and heritage with others in the region. According to estimates, they number between 25,00035,000, mostly settled in the four districts of K a n c h i p u r a m , Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvallur and Villupuram and Chennai. Second, there are the North Indian Jains (mainly Gujarati and Marwaris) who have settled here over the course of the last hundred years.

The 'Tamil' Jains The presence of the Tamil Jains, who follow the Digambara sect, in the Tamil region, dates back to the thirdrd century BC. They have been an integral part of Tamil history, and at some points in the first millennium AD, at the height of their power, even enjoyed a fervent royal patronage.

Tamil epics such as Silapaddikaram by Illango Adigal, and Civakacintamani by Tirutakkadevar and Valayapathi, and numerous

ed

This Community In Tamil Nadu Is 2000 Years Old, But Still Faces Discrimination Every Day

rock-cut monuments are only some symbols of a bygone glorious era. Today, most Tamil Jains are engaged in agriculture and continue to reside in rural areas. According to the Jina Kanchi Jain Matha, the religious overseer of the Tamil Jains, located in a small village called Mel Sithamoor, the community is spread across not more than 120 villages across North Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Jains' everyday battles are many: from protecting their places of worship to access to finance and education, to fighting for recognition in day-today life. When the minority status was granted, the Tamil Jains felt that they were finally being heard.

Since the decision was announced, there has been excited activity among the Tamil Jains to spread the word on financial aid, protection of religious sites and educational grants.

The Tamil Jains view themselves as an educated, endogamous, farming community that is now, with great difficulty, climbing the social ladder. Many Tamil Jains, especially young men, have moved to the cities to pursue careers as teachers or in the IT sector, and some have set up businesses. As per a community census, there are 1,000 to

Mahima Jain 1,500 families in Chennai.

They too are spread across the city and blend so well in the milieu that you are likely to miss them.

Furthermore, since Independence there have hardly been any Tamil Jains who have occupied any key bureaucratic or legislative posts. Given their small numbers and the fact that they are dispersed over a large geographical area and

live in deep pockets, they lack agency in the public sphere. To address this lack of a cohesive voice, the community has organised many public gatherings in the past few years, where learned members of the Tamil Jain community conduct seminars for people of all ages. These can be lectures on the religious tenets, or tours of Jain monuments in a particular district, or even renditions and performances of Silapaddikaram.

The community also has intra-community magazines, newsletters and Facebook groups where they engage with each other on issues pertinent to the community. Another means through which a shared identity is fostered is gurukuls or boarding schools for Tamil Jain children. These schools not only impart primary and secondary education, they also teach the philosophy, principles and practices of

From India, With Love: Cultural Appropriation And 50 Years Of Light On Yoga Fifty years ago, Indian brary. guru BKS Iyengar pubBut yoga has also long lished an instruction been a participatory culguide ture with to yoga practitiot h a t ners in Shameem Black helped m a n y t o different make the practice a glo- places. For many people bal sensation. Today, - including some Indians Light on Yoga: Yoga - it no longer connotes Dipika (1965) is re- much other than the garded as the book that globalised wellness inintroduced the physical dustry. Indeed, it's quite and spiritual practice of possible that yoga's sucyoga to the West. cess within global conWhile Iyengar - who sumer culture has indied last year - might spired much of this nahave been pleased by his tionalist fervour. ongoing impact, the past Nationalism and 50 years have also wit- globalisation have often nessed controversy gone hand in hand. For about the globalisation many 20th-century Inof yoga. Recently, the dian promoters, spreadUniversity of Ottawa ing yoga beyond the nacancelled a free yoga tion was frequently an class for the disabled. important nationalist Why? Because of con- project. cerns about "oppression, Late 19th-century adcultural genocide and vocates of yoga, such as diasporas due to colo- Swami Vivekananda, nialism and western su- thought that the practice premacy". This decision could represent a dishas sparked the latest tinctively Indian contriround of debate on bution to the world whether yoga in the (Vivekananda also West constitutescultural hoped that the world appropriation. could pay). Yoga alIt's true that yoga has lowed many Indians to a special relationship to look powerful on a gloIndia. While yoga is not bal stage, even and espea singular tradition, In- cially when India was dia is usually seen as the not politically strong. land of its birth. In recent When Iyengar's now years, the Indian govern- classic Light on Yoga ment has made world- appeared for an internawide headlines with its tional English-reading nationalist promotion of audience, it represented yoga.

Indian cultural heritage India now boasts a na- in empowering rather tional yoga ministry and than embattled ways. has promoted an InternaAppearing in the midtional Day of Yoga. It 1960s, a period of dispirencourages yoga within ited national mood after schools. It includes yoga India lost a border war within itsTraditional to China, Light on Yoga Knowledge Digital Li- projects confidence that

Page 9

India has much to share with the world. Despite its modest demeanour, the book exudes poise and openness, not fragility or anxiety, when it comes to spreading the practice worldwide.

While we usually think of Light on Yoga as a set of physical instructions, it also offers cultural instructions about how to consider the practice. Iyengar's manual brought together philosophical description, imaginative storytelling and scientific language.

The book created a very distinctive form that described each pose, or asana, through stories, philosophical teachings, physical instructions, medical effects, and photography.

This form of writing located yoga within different ways of knowing the world.

By including these di-

verse ways of thinking about yoga, Light on Yoga valued the ability to speak in many ways to many people. Indeed, this diversity reflected something important about yoga itself. As the book famously declared: This concern for plurality shapes the modern ideas of Indianness that emerge in the text. Reading Light on Yoga, one can feel simultaneously connected to forms of d e v o t i o n a l Srivaisnavism and to Darwinian theories of evolution.

The manual's rhetoric resonates with the language of the Upanishads - the central texts of Hinduism - as well as with the vocabulary of Western medical anatomy.

Anticipating today's hot question of whether yoga is religious, Light on Yoga suggests that yoga is not exactly a religion in itself:

Being "Indian" and being "Western" are not adversarial identities in Iyengar's book. Instead, they are intimately intertwined. This approach, which suggests how yoga can support expansive forms of identity, is one of Light on Yoga's key legacies.

Yoga was globalised by Indians, in dialogue with people from many parts of the world, long before the practice became a billion-dollar industry.

None of this is to say that we can't productively ask questions a b o u t h o w p o w e r, i n e q u a l i t y, a n d r e s p e c t shape yoga in its travels around the world. I believe we should. But one of the important legacies of Light on Yoga is its cosmopolitanism.

If we're going to defend yoga against desecration, let's defend this generous openness to the world.

Jainism.

In recent years, the community has also actively worked towards preserving and protecting its monuments. According to the findings of a recently concluded survey by the French Institute of Pondicherry, there are nearly 450 Jain sites across Tamil Nadu, with the majority in Madurai, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Kanchipuram districts.

While many are protected sites, there are several others which are either abandoned or under the care of local communities. These sites are often targets of vandalism and granite quarrying, and there are few that are "converted" into Hindu places of worship. The community has also been asking the Government to hand over the 17 Jain temples that are currently under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department. Battling cultural and religious hegemony to maintain their unique identity and history has perhaps been one of the biggest challenges.

The Cultural And Historical Identity Of The 'Tamil' Jains So far, I have briefly explained how the community is trying to resurrect itself in the 21st century in the face of economic hardships, cultural and religious hegemony, and population woes.

With all these efforts, the picture one gets is of a jigsaw puzzle being pieced together. A major piece of this puzzle, which is beyond their control, is how others perceive the cultural iden-

tity and history of the Tamil Jains. But how the Tamil Jains can make themselves visible in an ever burgeoning cultural landscape is a question that they can answer only in parts.

Questions such as why is it that the Tamil Jain community has been left behind when other Jain communities (like the one in Karnataka or from Gujarat and Rajasthan), though minorities, have fared well, require a deeper analysis.

Bound By Faith, Separated By Culture To take the example of the North Indian Jain community in Tamil Nadu, most individuals hail from Rajasthan and Gujarat, and came to Tamil Nadu in search of economic prosperity and are engaged in trade and commerce. The community has grown in almost all cities in the state, especially in Chennai, and has also succeeded financially. While it might be an exaggeration to say the entire North Indian Jain community here is rich and prosperous, it cannot be denied that they are doing much better economically than the Tamil Jains. This is a fact that is obvious and wellrecognised. The stereotype of a rich Marwari or Gujarati is only too ubiquitous, not only in Tamil Nadu but across India.

Many North Indian Jains have been in the region for more than two generations, but their cultural identity that of a Marwari or a Gujarati - is intact. Their numbers too are small, but they are easily recognisable as Jains. For a majority of people in Tamil Nadu, Jains are outsiders and hail from Rajasthan or Gujarat. The disparity between the North Indian Jain community and the Tamil Jains is vast.

While the former bears the impression that they have succeeded and are well off,

the latter continues to struggle economically and socially.

The two communities are bound by faith and separated by culture. The bonds seem rather tenuous. Both view each other as ''others'' while speaking of culture and regional histories, and 'brethren' while talking of religion. There is no animosity between the two, but there is no great friendship either. It is not uncommon for a Tamil Jain to blame their obscurity on the North Indian Jain community.

They believe they were side-lined and forgotten because of the overt success of the North Indian Jain community. An extension of this belief is that their community has been forgotten by their history and their own people, i.e., other Tamilians. This is not untrue and there are many incidents when Tamil Jains are asked if they were "converted" to Jainism in recent years.

Conclusion Many scholars have tried to explore how the Tamil Jains, who as mentioned earlier, are an integral part of Tamil history and culture, were pushed to the margins and nearly forgotten. This "othering" process has been so ingrained that the Tamil Jains live in obscurity and are hardly acknowledged as a living community. What also adds to this amnesia concerning the Tamil Jains is the mistaken understanding that "culture" and "religion" are the same. As is apparent in the case of the Tamil Jains, a cultural identity cannot be confused with a blanket, stereotypical religious identity. Such confusion can lead to the marginalisation of minorities who are subsumed under a larger minority.

For The 1st Time In India, A Team Is Trying To Climb 2 Frozen Waterfalls. Find Out Why You know you are truly alive when you're living among lions. Our lions are the two massive 200-plus feet frozen waterfalls of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.

Welcome to 'The Fall'. In January 2016, a team of passionate filmmakers and mountain climbers will come together to film a first of its kind ascent of two uncharted and never before conquered waterfalls and this is how it came into being.

How It All Started Almost two years back, Abhijeet, pro mountaineer and photographer, learned (well, realized) that nobody in India had ever climbed a frozen waterfall in the country. Why? Most likely because it is too dangerous. But to Abhijeet, the idea and the challenge were too exhilarating to let go without a fight.

He not only wanted to make the climb but he also wanted to film it. He shared the idea with me and, just like him, I was blown away by it. But as the adrenaline receded, my mind was clouded with questions. For example, how will we get the crew competent enough for the project, are people ready to take such risks in our country, does a country like India care about adventure sports and many more such thoughts kept me awake at nights. But, as the saying goes, 'I didn't say no because between safety and adventure, I choose adven-

Anchit Thukral ture.' And that was it. I decided to take a leap of faith and we started ideating on the campaign. The past few months have taught me that it is not only about the right people being in the right place at the right time, but it is also about knowing what to do when you find yourself there. Fast forward 18 months‌ that moment has turned into 'The Fall'.

Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located in the heart of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. There are two frozen waterfalls above 200 feet in the valley. To give you some perspective, the waterfalls are as big as a 20 storey building. It is for the first time that any Indian is attempting the climb of a frozen waterfall in India. And it is cold out there‌ very cold, in fact. The temperature in January can go down to as low as -20 degrees Celsius.

Preparations This one of a kind adventure gives us goosebumps, but also makes us excited at the same time. Each member of the team has been going through intense physical, mental and emotional training to make this happen because the terrain is deadly and one mistake can lead to death. There really are no second chances. Are we

crazy? Perhaps. But the idea behind this project is to make an attempt to let common people like us understand and feel the emotion that goes behind every experience and every triumph by conquering extreme physical, emotional and psychological barriers that we meet along the way.

It is mind over matter in the truest sense.

The Team The project is very close to the heart of each and every team member. The team includes 9 members and an independent rock band called 'The Local Train'. Though the band won't be travelling with the team, they are giving the soundtrack for the official film, 'The Fall'.

Our core team includes: Abhijeet Singh: Mountaineer/Photographer Pranav Rawat: Mountaineer/Instructor/Apple Farmer Anchit Thukral: Filmmaker Ankur Phougat: Director of Photography S h u b h r a n s h u Chaudhary: Mountaineer Every step has been a challenge. For each of us, this project is very special. For the past few months, we have fought innumerable challenges to make this happen.

And this project is a little contribution from our side towards securing Mother Nature and its greatest keeper, the mountains.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

BUSINESS

New customers of BSNL gets bonanza offers, slashes mobile call rates by 80% New Delhi, Dec 21: To speed up customer acquisition, state-owned telecom firm BSNL has slashed mobile rates by up to 80 percent for the first two months under a scheme for new customers. "BSNL has revamped its infrastructure now. We have decided to cut mobile call rates by up to 80 percent for new customer so that they get experience of our revamped services," said BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava. The call rates have been reduced both per minute and per second billing plan, and will be valid only for the first two months of a customer's joining BSNL. New customer buying BSNL connection will have to buy plan voucher of

Crude prices, GST to influence markets Dehradun, Dec 21: The domestic equity market may see volatile trading sessions in a holidayshortened week ahead, with movement of crude oil prices expected to be an important factor driving stocks in the near term, say experts. Markets will remain closed on Friday for Christmas.

"We expect the market to be volatile in the near term due to domestic cues amid the prevailing uncertainty over the passage of the GST," said Vinod Nair, head (fundamental research), Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services. The GST Bill is stuck in the Rajya Sabha where the ruling NDA government does not have a majority as well as due to stiff opposition by the Congress. The government has planned to roll out GST from April 1, 2016. Vivek Gupta, CMT director research, CapitalVia Global Research, said, "Market may remain volatile due to concerns over continuous falling of crude oil prices." Over the past week, in the broader market, the index gained 475 points to close at 25,519.

(Agencies)

A GRAND WELCOME ØTo speed up customer

acquisition, state-owned telecom firm BSNL has slashed mobile rates by up to 80 percent for the first two months under a scheme for new customers. ØThe call rates have been reduced both per minute and per second billing plan, and will be valid only for the first two months of a customer's joining BSNL.

Rs 36 for per second plan and Rs 37 for per minute plan, including MNP customers). Customers opting for Rs 37 scheme will be

Ø New customer buying

ØSimilarly, after recharg-

Rs 37 scheme will be charged 10 paisa per minute for making local as well as STD calls within BSNL and 30 paisa per minute on other network.

ing phone for Rs 36, customer will be charged 1 paisa for every 3 second duration on local and STD calls made within BSNL network and 2 paisa for 3 second on other network. ØThe company has also gone mobile number portability (MNP) positive with 1,57,564 people joining network customers and 1,24,158 leaving its network between July to November period.

charged 10 paisa per minute for making local as well as STD calls within BSNL and 30 paisa per minute on other network. Similarly, after re-

charging phone for Rs 36, customer will be charged 1 paisa for every 3 second duration on local and STD calls made within BSNL net-

BSNL connection will have to buy plan voucher of Rs 36 for per second plan and Rs 37 for per minute plan, including MNP customers). ØCustomers opting for

FDI all set to improve external finances, bolster Re: Moody's New Delhi, Dec 21: Describing India's focus on FDI as "credit positive", Moody's Investors Service said improvement in the external situation will also provide support to the rupee."If recent changes in the policy successfully shift the composition of foreign capital inflows towards foreign direct investment, it would lower capital account volatility, a credit positive," Moody's Investors Service VP (senior research analyst) Rahul Ghosh said. The government had last month significantly liberalized the foreign direct investment (FDI) regime, putting most of the sectors on the automatic

route. According to officials, as much as 90% of in-bound FDI comes through the automatic route. Ghosh said the improvement in India's external accounts in recent quarters, coupled with the growth outperformance against major emerging markets, should provide a measure of support to capital inflows and, by extension, the rupee. In the past, Ghosh said "these (external flows) were skewed somewhat towards portfolio investment, raising balance of payments risks from reversals in investor sentiment".

The government, in the midyear economic analysis 201516, said India's external position "appears robust", with

Moody's Investors Service VP (senior research analyst), Rahul Ghosh.

the current account deficit (CAD) at a comfortable 1.2% of GDP. It said foreign exchange reserves have risen

to $352 billion (as on December 4), which "seem ample". The net FDI inflows have grown from $15.8 billion in the first half of 2014-15 to over $17 billion in April- September of the current fiscal, which "is noteworthy against the background of uncertainty in other capital inflows".

The analysis said the nominal value of the rupee against a basket of currencies has remained steady or strengthened. "The rupee has gone from being one of the worst performing currencies to one of the best-performing against the dollar this year," it said.

(Agencies)

Wholesale inflation to be in range of -1.10% to -0.90% in Dec: Report New Delhi, Dec 21: Inflationary pressures are likely to see an uptrend largely due to the deficit monsoon and weakening of rupee, while WPI is expected to be in the range of ()1.10 percent to (-) 0.90 percent in December, a Dun and Bradstreet report says. According to the report, the rain deficit poses upside risks to inflation as food prices remain elevated. Moreover, the increase in MSP in wheat and some of the winter-grown pulses is likely to put

pressure on food prices while the weakening of the rupee is also likely to stoke inflation. "Inflationary pressures that are subdued owing to low crude oil price and restrained demand will go up once these trends change course," the D&B report said. D&B expects WPI inflation to be in the range of ()1.10 percent to (-) 0.90 percent during December. The wholesale inflation, although in the negative zone for the 13th consecutive month, moved up to (-)1.99 per-

cent in November as food articles, including pulses and onions, turned dearer. It stood at ()3.81 percent in October. The report noted that the recovery in Indian economy is "still fragile". Going forward, the deficit rainfall and subdued rural demand are threats to the recovery process, it said.

"Muted investments, a weakening rupee and slower-than-anticipated pace of reforms have tempered confidence of the business community in the recent period,"

Downfall in General insurance penetration to 0.70% in 2014-15 New Delhi, Dec 21: Penetration of general insurance in India has come down to 0.70 per cent in 2014-15 from 0.80 per cent in the previous fiscal despite an increase in per capita premium during the same period, according to data from the General Insurance Council. Industry has blamed the decline on slow economic growth during the period, apart from life insurance players snatching away some products from the general insurance industry like medical insurance. However, the general insurance density - per capita premium - went up slightly from Rs 664 to Rs 686 last fiscal. In fact, the insurance density has increased threefold from Rs 235 to Rs 686 over a decade. "The dip in general insurance penetration was due to lower economic growth.

Premium rates are small in the country and hence we should look at how many

work and 2 paisa for 3 second on other network. The state-run telecom company has roped in Aegis BPO for its customer service which also serves leading private telecom operators. BSNL has also started monitoring complaints on the social media to provide resolution to aggrieved customers.

The company has also gone mobile number portability (MNP) positive with 1,57,564 people joining network customers and 1,24,158 leaving its network between July to November period. At the end of September, BSNL mobile customer base stood at 79.6 million and the company figured among top 5 players in terms of new subscriber addition during the month. (Agencies)

G Srinivasan, GIC chairman and MD, New India Assurance.

people are getting insured," said G Srinivasan, GIC chairman and MD, New India Assurance. Talking about the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, a social security scheme which was launched early this year, he stated that it has done well in increasing the number of people covered. As of November, 9.25 crore people have been brought cover under the PMSBY scheme. However, it has not helped much in increasing premium collection. The decline in pen-

etration was also due to the fact that some products like mediclaim have been taken away by their peers in the life insurance sector, according to industry players. "Some products like health insurance have been taken away by the life insurers. This is also a reason for the marginal fall in the general insurance penetration," Universal Sompo General Insurance executive chairman ON Singh said. Gross direct premium income of the general insurance industry, consisting of 28 players, including five exclusive health insurance players, increased from Rs 26,110 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 84,686 crore in 2014-15, as GIC data reveal. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance managing director and chief executive Tapan Singhel said: "The industry has grown in double-digits during the period as against the single-digit growth in GDP and this mismatch

was responsible for the marginal fall in the general insurance penetration."

Health and personal accident insurance segments, which enjoy a market share of 26.1 per cent, have grown at CAGR of 24.3 per cent during past decade.

The industry is moving more towards personal lines, keeping with international trend, the report says.

The capital employed by general insurers increased to Rs 43,546 crore from Rs 16,527 crore during past one decade, while investments have also gone up by more than fourfold -- from Rs 31,584 crore in 200607 to Rs 1,39,887 crore in 2014-15. The number of offices has increased from 5,112 to 10,381, while policies issued have more than doubled from 6.04 crore to 12.60 crore during the past decade. Moreover, net retention ratio also increased from 67.6 per cent to 78.90 per cent during the period.

(Agencies)

Dun & Bradstreet India Senior Economist Arun Singh said. Singh added that while the government has taken certain measures to revive investment and ensure flow of funds to infrastructure projects, the government needs to proactively take the reform agenda forward. "Progress of the winter session of Parliament is expected to influence business optimism and revive investor confidence in the short term," he added. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

LNG-carrying ships to be built by Cochin Shipyard

Kochi, Dec 21: Cochin Shipyard will be the first one in India to build sophisticated ships to carry liquefied natural gas (LNG) under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Each such ship costs over $200 million and those built here would be marketed across the world as well.

The PSU under the shipping ministry aims to build at least three such ships in the next few years. Shipping ministry sources said Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has selected French technology company Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) to build the LNG carrier containment system.

About 90% of LNG ships being built around world are based on the GTT system.

"Cochin Shipyard will be official license holder of GTT technology from Monday," a shipping ministry official said. With this, CSL will be able to participate in

the bidding process to supply such carriers. Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has already contracted substantial LNG from the US to be shipped over the next 20 years. "They are in the process of finalizing transportation contracts with reputed LNG shipping companies who can build ships meeting their specifications.

Since the government is keen that three of the nine ships required for GAIL should be made in India, CSL will have the advantage in this bidding process," said an official. At present, the shipbuilding segment is monopolized by the Koreans, who enjoy about 85% market share globally. Shipyards in other countries with minor share include Japan, China, Spain and France. Sources said two private sector yards in the country were keen to get the technology but they opted out. (Agencies)

Rise in gold prices on global cues Chennai, Dec 21: Gold prices rose 0.36 per cent to Rs 25,300 per 10 grams in futures trade today as speculators created fresh positions, taking positive cues from global markets. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in farmonth April was trading higher by Rs 92, or 0.36 per cent, to Rs 25,300 per 10 grams in a business turnover of four lots. The metal for delivery in February moved up Rs 169, or 0.22 per cent, to Rs 25,151 per 10 grams in a turnover of 121 lots.

Market analysts said a firming trend in overseas market where gold extended gains as investors assessed the pace of future US interest-rate increases, which the Federal Reserve has stressed would be gradual, influenced gold futures here. Meanwhile, gold climbed as much as 0.2 per cent to $1,068.72 an ounce in Singapore today. (Agencies)

Fruit processing has huge scope in Tripura: Manik Sarkar Contd. from Page 1

which was organised by ASSOCHAM in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Sarkar highlighted the food processing sector in the region and urged those involved with the sector to utilise the vast potential of raw horticultural produce through various financial assistance schemes and agencies like MSME, NHB, APEDA, NABARD, QCI, NHM, NERAMAC, public and private sector banks and other financial institutions. "The discussion which is going on fruit processing is very relevant, as at present, we cannot think about setting up of mineralbased industries, and it will not be profitable. In our state, there are huge agrialite raw materials and, if we can process it, or go for value addition, then it shall fetch a better price from the market. here till now. I will request ASSOCHAM that they should not only communicate knowledge on how it should be done but also bring investors from outside," said Sarkar. He added that in spite of the

state being small in size, it is well known and among the top India fruit producing state, and especially in pineapple production it globally renowned for producing the best quality with huge scope of development by value addition. Sarkar further said: "In present scenario, when production has gone down, still we are at fifth position." "We have two types of pineapples.

One is small, which we call "Que" and the bigger one is known as "Queen". The small is juicy and sweet, and according to many, it is the tastiest one found in India.

The bigger is a little less sweet but more juicer and, if it is canned, then it can be exported. The small one also has scope of processing for packet products and NERAMAC under NEC had started it, but now it has stopped," he added. "We are fifth in pineapple production, in Litchi, we are seventh, fifth in groundnut production, I am not sure what is our position in jack fruit production, but I believe we should be within fifth position, but no one thinks about them," Sarkar said. "This is the position of fruit production in our

state. Besides, we do not have to bring vegetable from outside except those which do not grow here.

There are two or three vegetables which we produce in excess and send them outside," the chief minister said.

He said there is need for supporting the youth of Tripura in nurturing their entrepreneurship skills. He said that through financial assistance schemes, start-ups, budding entrepreneurs and the food processing sector could be promoted aggressively.

Sarkar highlighted the growth of agriculture and the processed food sector in the North-East region while comparing it with the overall growth of the economy of Tripura. He said that focus for development should be on food processing which is one of the major sectors with unexplored scope to strengthen the economy of Tripura. Professor. Anjan Mukherjee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Tripura University, MP (Lok Sabha) Jitendra Chaudhury, M Nagar Raju, Secretary, Department of Industry and Commerce of Tripura and other dignitaries also addressed the gathering at the conference held at Pragnya Bhavan in Agartala.

Rationalisation of coal price likely early next year Patna, Dec 21: State-run miner Coal India may take a decision on price rationalisation of various grades of the fossil fuel early next year."The discussions on the same are underway and by the end of the ongoing fiscal hopefully a decision would be taken with regard to price rationalisation," a source privy to the development said. The miner is looking at rationalising prices of coal in grades ranging from G1-G5. When asked about the proposal, Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said that the price rationalisation proposal was on the cards as some issues have been raised with regard to pricing of the fossil fuel."It shall be our endeavour to see that pricing of coal is rationalised because there are some issues relating to pricing of coal and Coal

Coal and Power Minister of India, Piyush Goyal.

India is presently engaged in a debate on that," the Secretary said. Refusing to elaborate on the same, the secretary said that "what will pan out difficult for me to say but they (Coal India) are looking at it." Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal had earlier said that the Centre needs to rationalise prices of certain grades of coal as per gross calorific value (GCV) but there is

no need to align them to international rates. "Indian coal prices were never linked to international prices. They were by and large set to Indian requirement and kept very reasonable over the years.

And therefore the fall in prices internationally has not really affected the country's coal prices," he had said."However, a lot of stakeholders, particularly consumer

organisations and my own studies show that certain grades of coal are not being priced properly. "So we need to rationalise the prices to make them linear based on the gross calorific value," he had said. At present, average international (Free on Board) coal price was quoted at USD 52 per tonne. On the other hand, average domestic prices of coal were in the range of Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,200 per tonne. Asked whether the rationalisation of coal prices would be aligned to that of the international market, Goyal had categorically said, "No it will not be aligned with international prices. Those prices keep on fluctuating and they may even go up in the future. It will be aligned to the GCV of the coal so the station heat rate of the power plant or the consumers in the other sectors get coal at a rational price." (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Features

Page 11

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE 3 Unique Non Vegetarian Recipes of Arunachal Pradesh Arnab Ghosh Arunachal Pradesh remains one of the less explored states of India, owing to its remote location and inadequate communication facilities. The hill state has some amazing biodiversity spots, national parks, wildlife habitats and rich tribal culture that enthrall visitors. However, the cuisine of Arunachal Pradesh is equally compelling. Most of Arunachal recipes are not difficult to make and they are also healthy.

Below listed are three tasty Non-vegetarian recipes of Arunachal Pradesh.

Poora Mach This recipe, made with herbs and Sole fish tastes awesome and it is healthy too. You will need 500 grams fish and a few

Source: spicesnflavors.files.wordpress.com spoons of Mustard oil to make it. You will also require ingredients like ground Mustard seeds, crushed garlic, lime juice, chili powder, Chopped co-

riander leaves, Turmeric powder and salt.

Loosen the fillets from the fish's backbone but they should be attached to sides still. Rub the fish

5 ways to revive your skin this winter Glycerine and rosewater This is by far the most effective way to keep your skin from drying and scaling this winter. Take some glycerine and mix it with rose water. Simply dab it on to your skin after a shower and you will not need any moisturiser.

Glycerine works as a natural moisturiser and rosewater helps in keeping the skin fresh and supple.

Oil massage Skin has a general tendency of drying in the winter, oil is something helps it restore its texture this season. Make sure you go for massages, every once a week - especially hot oil massages. The massage will help the oil to soak into your skin and make sure it stays moisturised throughout the season. In fact, it also helps in keeping you bones strong during winter.

Cleanse with milk Milk is a natural

Source: imbbpullzone.laedukreationpvt.netdna-cdn.com

cleanser which not only cleanses dust without removing natural moisturiser of the skin, it also moisturises and hydrates the skin. Take a cup of chilled milk, soak a cotton ball in it and apply milk on your skin.

Drink lots of water

This is the easiest thing to do for your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated is the simplest way to take care of it this season. Make sure you drink lots of water, this will help you get rid of the toxins and other impurities that keep settling on your skin. (Agencies)

Lower blood cholesterol with these 5 foods

Source: healthandmindcare.com

A good diet is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. Believe it or not but the diet to eat plays an important role in keeping the cholesterol level in check. One can easily lower their cholesterol levels by doing some exercise with a good diet.

Here are some foods that can lower cholesterol level: Olive oil

One should use olive oil in their diet to get its hearthealthy benefits. It also helps in lowering the cholesterol level in the body because it contains a potent mix of antioxidants.

Nuts Nuts like walnuts, almonds not only keeps us healthy but also reduces the risk of heart disease.

Try eating a handful of nuts everyday but make

sure that it's not salted or coated with sugar.

Fish Regular consumption of fish helps in keeping the heart healthy as it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which reduces your blood pressure and risk of developing blood clots.

Oatmeal Oatmeal contains soluble fiber that reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol. It reduces the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream as well.

Foods with plant sterols or stanols Eating of foods with added sterol and stanol like grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes helps you in lowering your cholesterol level. It also reduces the risk of heart disease.

with oil well both in and outside. Mix all other ingredients to form a paste and then marinate fish pieces in it for a couple of hours. Wrap the fish in banana leaves and roast over charcoal fire. Serve it with steaming rice.

Egg Tadka dal This is another yummy recipes of Arunachal that is rather unusual for others but simple to prepare.

You will need ingredients like moong dal, masoor dal, chopped onion, tomatoes, chilies and 3 boiled eggs. You will also need spices like salt, turmeric powder, panch phoron.

At first, you will need to pressure cook both dals in water along with salt and turmeric powder. The boiling should be done after 2 whistles. Now, heat oil in a pan and sautĂŠ fry the paanch phoron. Add the onion and chilies after a

few minutes. Add the tomato next and sautĂŠ for a few minutes more. Pierce the boiled eggs with forks and add them to pan. Pour some water next. Cover using a lid and simmer for some time. Add the cooked daal and stir everything well. Simmer for a few more minutes and serve hot with rice.

Rongpu Takeng Made with boiled egg, this is a kind of chutney and a sumptuous spread that can be savored with rotis. You will need two eggs, grated ginger and a dash of salt. If you want, chop a green chilly.

At first you will need to hard boil the eggs. Then, chop them into pieces and mix with grated ginger and salt in a blender. You may make the paste coarse or smooth, as per your liking.

Serve with hot rotis.

Courtesy: Nelive.in

Treat joint pains, arthritis this winter naturally!

Winter season is here with all its chill. The cold weather brings with itself a lot of ailments and the most common of it all is joint pain specially arthritis pain.

Arthritis is a form of inflammation of joints. It involves severe pain, swelling in joints, and joint stiffness. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, of which Osteoarthritis is the most common. Sounds painful? It is indeed agonising.

Going by data in our own country, India currently is home to around 2.5 million arthritis patients, according to experts.

As such there is no cure for arthritis, but definitely certain natural remedies can help a lot: -Weight loss: Weight is actually very important to keep a check on arthritis pain as when you lose weight, it will surely put less pressure on your knees.

Source: extremenaturalhealth.com.

-Massage: A good massage of arthritic joints can help a lot in reducing pain and stiffness during winter season.

-Exercising: It is a notion that exercising will aggravate arthritis pain, but it is not true as exercising will only provide mobility to the bones.

-Eating turmeric: Studies suggest that turmeric helps a lot in treat-

ing both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

-Omega- 3 fatty acids: Believe it or not but eating food rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids at least once a week could halve the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This is so because Omega- 3 fatty acids decrease the production of chemicals that spread the chronic joint condition.

Six wonderful health benefits of eating potatoes!

Potatoes are a very popular food stuffed with phytonutrients carotenoids, flavonoids and caffeic acid, which are thought to promote health. The vitamin C in potatoes also acts as an antioxidant.

In contrary to the common belief that potatoes make people fat, studies have claimed that eating potatoes could actually help in losing weight if they are prepared in a healthy manner.

Though potatoes are a high-carbohydrate food, eating them in moderate quantities won't make you fatter.

Much of the world's population make potatoes as a staple dietary item owing to their immense health benefits.

Here are some amazing health benefits of this popular food:

* Potatoes help maintain healthy blood pressure because they are loaded with kukoamines (plant chemicals that help lower blood pressure). * Aid in digestion due to their high fiber content. * Prevent heart disease as potatoes also contain carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), which are beneficial for heart health and the functioning of other internal organs. * Potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous which are all essential nutrient for a healthy skin. * Boost immunity due to their high vitamin C content. * Contain high levels of flavonoid antioxidants which are credited with protecting against many types of cancer.

Source: i.dailymail.co.uk

Food to try out while in Shillong Paulami Dutta If you visit a place and do not try out the local cuisine or the street food or even the regular delicacies made with a special touch, you haven't really visited the place, right? After all food is an integral part of our life, way of living and sometimes even history.

If you are planning to visit Shillong, we have a quick guide for you. As you enjoy the lush greenery, the nip in the air and the blue skies, you could also enjoy the cuisine.

And if you are a Shillongite and caught in the rat race, we will just refresh your memory. This weekend you could pamper your taste buds may be.

Jalebis - Yes. You read that right. Popular belief is Shillong is a paradise for non-vegetarians. But try out the Jalebis of Delhi Mistan Bhadar, right at the heart of the city, Police Bazar. This sweetdelight will tickle you taste buds and you will surely not stop at one or two pieces. The shop is one of the oldest sweet shops of Shillong.

Along with the famous

jalebis, they also offer a range of other vegetarian delights ranging from puri sabzi, chana bhatura, lassi and the other delight gulab jamun. You might have to wait for your turn as there is a steady queue of people and the tables are full for the most part of the day.

Momos- If you are going to Shillong and for some reasons have decided to miss out on the Momos, and then trust me your trip is incomplete. These dumplings a Tibetan delight is all you need after a

is a must. The taste of Khasi food stays with you for a long time and you might actually want to come back to Shillong just for the cuisine. Jadoh is a typical Khasi dish - a mixture of rice and pork or sometimes even chicken.

And if you love pork you would probably also want to try out Dohkhlieh that includes boiled pork and onions and chillis.

Tungrymbai though has a pungent smell is a popular chutney made from fermented soyabean and other Source: nelive.in spices. It is widely popular in Shillong. Another favourite is Tungtap or dry day of sightseeing or when fish deliciously cooked and you have a growling will tease your taste buds. tummy. There are a num- Khasi food is found in little ber of eateries and restau- food joints all over the town. rants that serve a wide You could also try Trattoria, range of Momos. Momos situated in Police Bazaar. have also become an inteBakery delights - Shillong gral part of the Shillong has a tradition of baking destreet food. The steaming lightful things. And to not try plate of dumplings comes the cakes, pastries or even with different fillings and biscuits is truly unfair on the you could choose between taste buds. These cakes and chicken, pork or veg- biscuits will also come handy etables. And you could also if you are planning day long order fried Momos. They trips to Cherrapunji or taste equally good.

Mawsynram. You could Khasi food- If you like to stock your bag with cakes experiment with food, this from RB Stores or Mahari

and Sons.

Street Food- from Aloo Muri to chanas and those mysterious looking cooked eggs, Shillong does love its Street food. The aloo muri stands are so crowded that one would actually have to wait before you get that delightful paper packet.

Boiled potatoes, hot chillies and a little of other ingredients and the puffed rice, simply stirred makes a wonderful mix. Equally popular is the chana walla that carries his little box around town and quickly makes a mouth-watering mix. The green chilli that they mix makes it all the tastier. Fried eggs are also in high demand and vendors make brisk business on a daily basis. The Pani puri is a relatively late invention in Shillong but has caught up pretty fast. Then there are pakoras and bhuttas that one could try on a rain washed late afternoon or the modest chat popular throughout the country.

Apart from this Shillong offers a variety of Chinese food and there are plenty of restaurants across the city.

Courtesy: Nelive.in

cmyk

cmyk

"It was an innings of sheer quality from 'The King' and the rest of us were able to sit back and watch someone at the top of his game."

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Brendon McCullum on Kane Williamson's innings

PAGE 12

Williamson ton guides Kiwis to Davis Cup hero Murray 2-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka bags BBC Spoty award ANI Hamilton: Kane Williamson became the number one-ranked Test batsman as New Zealand secured the two-match series 2-0 after comprehensively defeating Sri Lanka by five wickets on day four of the second match in Hamilton on Monday. Resuming at the overnight position of 142-5 and requiring another 47 for victory, New Zealand wrapped up the match under an hour without losing another wicket, with Williamson remaining unbeaten on 108 and BJ Watling unbeaten on 13. Williamson, who was

The New Zealand Black Caps pose with the series winning trophy.

Blatter, Platini given eight-year FIFA bans

Sepp Blatter (right) and Michel Platini.

ANI Zurich: FIFA's embattled president Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini have been banned from all football-related activities for eight years on Monday. Blatter and Platini were serving a 90day provisional ban handed by the FIFA's ethics committee over claims that the latter had received a ' disloyal payment ' of 1.35 million pounds from the outgoing president in 2011.

Both had earlier denied any wrongdoing and insisted that the payment had been legitimate following an oral contract.

However, the FIFA ethics committee found that both showed 'abusive execution' of their powers and stated that the 'assertion of an oral agreement was determined as not convincing and was rejected by the chamber'. In addition to the lengthy bans, Blatter and Platini have been fined 50,000 and 80,000 Swiss francs respectively.

Both had previously said they would make an appeal against any sanctions.

With the ban, Platini's hopes of succeeding Blatter as the president of the world football governing body in the upcoming election have been derailed. (ANI)

adjudged the Man of the Match, capped off a remarkable year by setting a new record for scoring most number of Test runs by a New Zealand batsman in a calendar year. He accumulated a staggering 1172 runs for his nation in 2015. The 25-year-old prolific batsman has also scored a test double century, four other centuries and four half-centuries in this season. With the win, New Zealand have extended their winning streak in home Tests to 13. New Zealand will now take on Sri Lanka in a five-match ODI series and two Twenty20 matches to follow.

Premier League: Ighalo's brace helps Watford shock Liverpool Agencies London: Nigerian international Odion Ighalo scored twice as a buoyant Watford won 3-0 at home to Liverpool to consolidate seventh position in the Premier League, only one point behind the top four. In the day's other game, West Ham United stayed eighth after a fourth successive draw -the last three of them goalless -- when they were

would have overtaken them with a win but remained ninth, having taken only one point from three games. Not since April 1987 have Watford, promoted to the top flight this season, won four successive games at this level of English football.

Deeney and Ighalo have now scored 17 of the team's 21 goals between them this season. This eighth victory from 17 games leaves them

ANI Belfast: World number two Andy Murray, who inspired Great Britain to their first Davis Cup title in 79 years last month, has bagged the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for 2015 in Belfast. The 28year-old, who has been voted second time in three years, said that he had not been expecting to win the award, adding that he felt very humbled to be up there in front of so many great athletes. The two-time Grand Slam champion, who won Olympic gold in 2012, admitted that he had never thought Britain would comeback from the bottom level to be ranked number one side in the Davis Cup. Rugby player Kevin Sinfield finished second ahead of third-placed Jessica Ennis-Hill, who was crowned world heptathlon champion in August.

Chennaiyin captain Elano granted bail in assault case ANI Margao: Chennaiyin FC captain Elano Blumer was released on bail on Monday after being arrested by Margao Town Police for allegedly assaulting industrialist Dattaraj Salgaonkar, the FC Goa's coowner, following his side's Indian Super League (ISL) final triumph. Chennaiyin defeated Goa 3-2 in a pulsating thriller to win the second edition of the ISL at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Fatorda. However, the celebrations were marred by the incident which happened after the match at the FC Goa dugout .

Andy Murray with the BBC Award.

Nagpur pitch receives official warning post India-Proteas Test series ANI Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued an official warning to Jamtha Stadium, Nagpur under the ICC Pitch Monitoring Process after the third Test between India and South Africa received negative reviews. The sanction

took into consideration the fact that there had been no concerns about the performance of the pitch after any of the other international matches played at this venue. Earlier, the ICC had agreed with the 'poor' rating given to the pitch by the match referee Jeff Crowe

after the Nagpur Test between the two sides ended within three days. Crowe observed that the pitch did not allow a fair contest between bat and the ball. The finding was made by ICC General Manager- Cricket, Geoff Allardice, and ICC chief match referee, Ranjan

Madugalle, after watching footage of the match, reviewing the post-match reports from Crowe, and considering the response provided by the BCCI. The Nagpur Test was played from 25-27 November in which India won by 124 runs against South Africa.

Match drawn, Dibrugarh Tinsukia Railway in semis Sports Reporter second goal for his team in the claim three points Dibrugarh, Dec 21: Tinsukia 25th minute. After conceding

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores celebrates at the end of the game with Odion Ighalo and Nathan Ake.

held by managerless Swansea City, who are still in the bottom three. The lacklustre defeat by Watford was a bad blow for Juergen Klopp's side, who

handsomely placed although a tricky programme awaits over the festive period with games against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Sports Reporter 42.2 overs. Vikash Chetri Dibrugarh, Dec 21: The top scored with 66 runs. For two-day match of Nuruddin Dibrugarh, Prasanta Ahmed senior district be- Sonowal claimed five wicktween Dibrugarh and ets while Dipak Gohain took Tinsukia was t h r e e . drawn today Nuruddin Cricket Dibrugarh at DDSA stawere 49/1 in dium. Put into bat, Dibrugarh 12 overs in their second esdeclared their first innings at say when the match was 323/8 in 109 overs. Ritupan called off.

Prasanta Patawali scored an unbeaten Sonowal was unbeaten on 57 while Saurav Bhagawati 24 runs. Simanta Dutta took and Jyotiraditiya Chetia the only wicket for Tinsukia. scored 54 each. For Tinsukia, Courtesy the draw, Vikash Chetri bagged six Dibrugarh claimed three wickets. In reply, Tinsukia points while Tinsukia were bundled out for 147 in bagged one.

Railway Divisional Footbal Sports Club today defeated Duliajan Football Academy 3-2 in the second quarter final of the fourth Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh Invitation Prize-money Football Championship organised

by All-Assam Muttock Yuba Chatra Sanmilan Central Committee at Janamukh Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Tinsukia district. Duliajan Football Academy opened their account through Sagar Gurung in the 8th minute.

Then, Sanjay Bora of Duliajan Football Academy scored the

two goals, Tinsukia Railway quickly came into the game by scoring the first goal through Chiranjeeb Moran in the 30th minute. At the lemon break, Duliajan Football Academy had the upper hand in the game. In the second half, Tinsukia Railway’s captain Satyajit Gogoi scored the second goal for his team in the 67th minute to tie the score at 2-2. Then, Nobin Chawra scored the winner for Tinsukia Railway in the 87th minute.

Tomorrow, 2nd Assam Police Battalion, Makum will play Oil India Football Club, Duliajan.

Tourney

La Liga: Real Madrid hit 10 past nine-man Rayo, Atletico lose Agencies Madrid: Real Madrid closed to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona after demolishing nine-man Rayo Vallecano 10-2 while Atletico Madrid missed a chance to seize top spot outright by losing 1-0 at Malaga. Gareth Bale landed the first four-goal haul of his career as Real bounced back in style from last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Villarreal, with Karim Benzema netting a hat-trick

and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.

Real Madrid did not initially have it all their own way at the Bernabeu and their demanding fans are clearly yet to be convinced coach Rafa Benitez is the right man for the job.

Benitez and his players were again whistled after they fell 2-1 behind early on. Danilo put the home side in front before Amaya and Jozabed replied for Rayo. However, once Tito was sent off for a wild

tackle on Toni Kroos in the 14th minute and Jose Raul Baena received his marching orders 14 minutes later, Real quickly restored their lead and went in 4-2 ahead at halftime. Bale levelled with a header and Ronaldo struck from the penalty spot after Baena had earned a second yellow card and conceded a penalty for a foul on Sergio Ramos.

Winger Bale then sped clear and drove the ball low into the corner four minutes before the break. Rayo had

Gareth Bale scored four goals as Real Madrid crushed Rayo Vallecano.

little chance against waves of Real attacks and Benzema made it 5-2 three minutes into the second half before Ronaldo headed in a James Rodriguez cross in the 53rd. The Portugal forward set up Bale for his hattrick in the 61st and the Wales international added a 70th-minute tap-in to double his league goal tally for the season to eight.

Benzema made it 9-2 in the 80th minute and Real hit double figures when the France international notched his third in the final minute. It is the third time Real have scored 10 goals in a La Liga game and the first since they beat Elche 11-2 in 1960.

The game between Atletico and Malaga was an ill-tempered affair short on quality and genuine chances.

Atletico had captain Gabi sent off 11 minutes into the second half at the Rosaleda and Malaga made the breakthrough three minutes from time when a Charles volley deflected into the net off Diego Godin. Gabi was dismissed when he handled the ball, picking up a second yellow card, and 13thplaced Malaga left it late before snatching victory.

JayBee Auto Agencies Pvt. Ltd. Chiring Chapori, T.R. Phukan Road P.O. Dibrugarh- 786001, Assam Duliajan- 786602

An ISO 9001 : 2008 Company Ph - +919954748962/ +918811098573 Email : jbaapl_dib@jaybee.biz

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.