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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 259
ARUNACHAL PRADESH: THE LONG JOURNEY FROM SECLUDED ENTITY TO FULL-FLEDGED STATE. PART I
Price -
Dibrugarh, Thursday, February 25, 2016
4000 MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NORTHEAST YET TO BE IDENTIFIED
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JOBS & CAREER
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Pages- 12 RSS SUPPRESSING DALIT VOICES WITH CENTRE'S HELP: MAYAWATI
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awarded ‘The Economic Times’ Trophy Arunachal CM Kalikho Pul set 2015Assamfor remarkable improvement in power sector for crucial floor test on Thursday A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 24
9 MLAs from Tuki camp switch allegiance towards Pul A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 24
ET CAPSULES
HS Physics paper leaked Guwahati, Feb 24: In a major embarrassment for the Assam education department and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, the Physics examination paper for Assam Higher Secondary final examination which was scheduled to be held on February 24, has got leaked. According to sources, the paper was leaked by someone using the social networking site, WhatsApp today. “A re-exam is likely for Physics paper of the Assam Higher Secondary final exam 2016 which was supposed to be held on Feb 24, was leaked through WhatsApp today,” said an official. The official said that the recommendation for the reexamination has already been made by the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, and the decision will be taken shortly. The Assam government is also likely to announce an enquiry on this soon. “The Assam education minister Sarat barkotoky has already been briefed on this, and he is likely to announce an enquiry, which will be conducted by a senior official very soon,” said the official. (Staff Reporter)
Minor girl raped Duliajan, Feb 24 A 10 years old minor of Bhadoi Panchali village under Bhadoi police station, Duliajan was allegedly raped by Sete Tamang (47yrs) of Magan pather, Lalmati under Pengeri police station. According to source, the accused is the son of Bahadur tamang. The accused was a Kabiraj (Local Pujari) who went to perform some rituals in the victim’s home during which he raped her. Tamang was booked under case no. u/s-376(f)/ 511IPC RW Section 8 of POSCO Act and has been sent to Dibrugarh Jail, a police official said. (Correspondent)
Pul (2nd from right) addressing the media. cluding himself. Meanwhile, in the meeting that ensued, the Congress legislators while declaring former CM and CLP leader Nabam Tuki of having lost the confidence of the majority, unanimously declared withdrawal of their support to ex-CM Nabam Tuki and thereafter, selected incumbent CM Kalikho Pul as the CLP leader. Also, resolving to stand united and work for strengthening the party under the leadership of Kalikho Pul, the legislators present in the CLP meeting also made an appeal to all the remaining INC legislators and the party workers to come forward and “join the legitimate majority led by the newly elected leader of the INC Party, Kalikho Pul.” Later, addressing the media
persons, Pul informed that he had initially had the support of 34 Congress legislators and accordingly, started their protest against the leadership of Nabam Tuki. However, alleging that many of those legislators were deceived into signing a support letter to Tuki’s leadership after the leakage of their proposed protest, Pul went on to claim that the many of those Congress legislators were forced to side with Tuki and constantly kept under duress. Adding that two former MLAs viz Gabriel Wangsu and Sawin were disqualified ‘undemocratically’ after they protested subsequent upon revelation of the intent of the papers they signed, CM Pul maintained that the development led to a fear psychosis among other
legislators and forced them to stay under Tuki’s leadership. Reiterating on this, Likha Saaya informed that initially there were 17 MLAs who were deceived into signing the resignation letters. Still later, another letter of same intent was made to sign to all the 26 MLAs. Accordingly, Saaya while reasoning that their support towards Tuki’s leadership were all under duress, also went on to assert that the majority of the Congress legislators have in principle, always supported the leadership of Kalikho Pul for all these time. Further, asserting that Kalikho Pul now enjoys the support of the Congress legislatures along with that of the BJP MLAs and also the Independent legislators, Saaya also appealed on the AICC members to accept the reality and not be misguided.
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 24
Reiterating that his government would work with responsibility and accountability, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today evening informed that pending salaries of contractual CSS staffs of various departments have been released. Within five days of assuming office, Pul said that he has not wasted any time and cleared the outstanding salaries of the Panchayati Raj, District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA), Science and Technology, Information Technology and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary departments.
While the 14-month pending wages of Rs 12.97 crore of contractual staffs under delinked schemes of Panchayati Raj Department was released, another Rs 250 lakhs was made at large to the Science and Technology for salaries and wages of the employees under Arunachal Pradesh State Council, Science and Technology, State Remote Sensing Application Centre and Arunachal Pradesh Science centre by the chief minister. The long pending salaries and wages due to the DRDA staff to the tune of Rs 30 crore was also released while Rs 60 lakhs for the staff of state coun-
cil, including Rs 30 lakhs salary deficit of the financial year 2015-16, and Rs 30 lakhs against backlog salary deficit carried over from the financial year 2014-15 was cleared for Information Technology Department. The chief minister also approved the release of Rs 60 lakhs to make payments of the salary to the staff employed against the CC schemes under Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, while the Agriculture Department’s pending bills of Rs 5 crore have also been released. Contd. on Page 3
Gogoi urges PM Modi to provide a Special Package of Rs 1000 crore each for ST, SC and OBC A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 24 Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a Special Package of Rs 1000 crore each for the upliftment of the ST, SC and OBC communities of the State. In a letter to the Prime Minister today Chief Minister Gogoi Said that the State Gov-
ernment has been implementing various welfare schemes and projects aimed at the wellbeing of ST, SC and OBC communities, including creation of infrastructure, employment generation, skill development, and for providing education and health care facilities. The Chief Minister informed that more focused attention and interventions are required for
ushering in all-inclusive development of the people of these communities. For this, there is an urgent requirement of additional allocations from the Central Government. The Chief Minister pointed out that considering the educational backwardness of these communities,
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Gogoi said that his Government had to grapple with insurgency, economic backwardness and unemployment problem and catapulted the State to the path of growth and development. “We hear these days about who is a nationalist and who an anti-nationalist. But I had to encounter insurgency vis-à-vis secessionism for long 15 years and to grapple with many problems,” he added. Raising the peculiar prob-
lems of the State, Gogoi said that Assam and the North East Region as a whole have to be viewed in different perspectives unlike other parts of the country and need special attention to come at par with developed states of the country. “The sense of alienation that prevails can be removed only through better understanding of the problems and complexities of Assam and the rest of the North Eastern States. The
the upcoming DJ Prem, the victim in the case, is that the hotel did not have crucial security system like CCTV in that particular hall where the program was organzied and the management has out rightly rejected to take any responsibility despite the incident reported to have taken place in
the hotel premises. Gopi Krishna Sharma, popularly known as DJ Prem said, I felt cheated by the hotel as they clearly refused to take any responsibility and action on their staff. In today's era where CCTV has become must, the person involved in burglary could had been eas-
(All India Rank - JEE Main)
region as a whole requires special funds to catch up with developed States like Gujarat and Maharashtra,” he added. Lamenting the discriminatory attitude of the Modi-led Government at the Centre, Gogoi said the withdrawal of the Special Category Status and changing the funding pattern from the earlier 90:10 have only helped to widen the regional disparity. Contd. on Page 4
Contd. on Page 3
ily identified and even the hotel staff role would have cone to light had their been a CCTV in the Amity 3 hall and it's entry-exit gates, added DJ Prem and asked despite such serious lapses how could such a big hotel deny from taking responsibility? Contd. on Page 4
NEIGRIHMS
(All India Rank - IIT) JEE-Main
(GENERAL CATEGORY)
ASHMITA MAZUMDAR (GENERAL CATEGORY)
Assam CEE Medical
SAURAV SHAKTI BORAH KAUSHIK R. HAZARIKA SAURAV JYOTI BORAH DEEPANKAR D. BHARALI BHANUJYA SAIKIA
Few JEE-Main QUALIFIERS
AYANJYOTI DUTTA KARANJEET GOHAIN (T.MARK:182) (T.MARK:176)
KUNAL ROY (T.MARK:162)
Victim allege crucial security lapses like CCTV missing at hotel, harassment by police in registering FIR A sense of insecurity prevailed among people going to top hotels after laptop, mobile phone and DJ set-up goods got stolen from a 3-star hotel, Aroma Residency, here on Monday night. Even worse for
Gogoi (right) receiving the award from Uninon Power Minister Piyush Goyal. Pic - UB Photos
Assam has been awarded the trophy for electrification of 8,348 villages and partial electrification of 12,841 villages and for registering a rise in consumer base from 9.02 lakh in 2001 to 34 lakh in 2015.
Govt. will work with responsibility and accountability : CM Kalikho Pul
DJs laptop, mobile phone stolen from a renowned 3-star hotel at Tinsukia Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, Feb 24
Assam has been awarded The Economic Times Trophy 2015 for remarkable improvement in the power sector. Assam has been awarded the trophy for electrification of 8,348 villages and partial electrification of 12,841 villages and for registering a rise in consumer base from 9.02 lakh in 2001 to 34 lakh in 2015. Receiving the award from Piyush Goyal, Minister of State with independent charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy at The Economic Times Power Focus 3rd Annual Summit at Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi late yesterday evening, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, “Some say that no development has taken place in Assam during the last 15 years. Today this award stands as a testimony that peace has returned and Assam is on the path of development.”
SAURAV S.BORAH (T.MARK:169)
PINGLE NATH (T.MARK:117)
SAGAR RAKSHIT (T.MARK:115)
Total JEE-Main Qualifiers : 55 Nons.
NITUPAN DIHINGIA (T.MARK:161)
SHRYA BORUAH (T.MARK:143)
ANMUN CHETRY (T.MARK:134)
AMLAN JYOTI DUTTA PORITUSH BAILUNG SHUBHAM DUTTA (T.MARK:124) (T.MARK:87) (T.MARK:127)
KAUSHIK HAZARIKA (T.MARK:118)
SANDEEP SONOWAL (T.MARK:82)
Few STAR PERFORMERS IN MEDICAL Total Selection in Medical, 2015 : 12 Nons. NEIGRIHMS Rank - 8th Assam CEE Med. SR-51
NAMRATA CHAKRABORTY
UPASANA BORKOTOKY (ASSAM CEE Med. SR-181 Sikkim Manipal Medical: 21)
SAURAV S. BORAH (Assam CEE Med. SR-125)
ANSHUMAN GOGOI (Assam CEE Medical State Rank-608)
DIBRUGARH OFFICE : Amolapatty, A. T. Road, Near Natya Mandir, Dibrugarh-1, Assam JORHAT CENTRE : Baruah Chariali, Near UBI Bank Building, 2nd Floor, Jorhat-1, Assam
Phone : 0373- 2320231, 9435031699, 8811003000 cmyk
On the eve of the seventh Legislative Assembly session, incumbent Chief Minister Kalikho Pul called for a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) conference hall to discuss in detail, the formation of new Congress Government today. Initiated on the back drove of a notice against attending the “illegal CLP meeting” by V Narayansamy, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Incharge of North Eastern States, the CLP meeting was attended by legislators Pema Khandu, Kumar Waii, Thangwang Wangham, Wanglin Lowangdong, Wangki Lowang, Honchum Ngandam, Phosum Khimun, Lombo Tayeng, Mutchu Mithi, Jarkar Gamlin, Tenzing Norbu Thongdok, Kameng Dolo, Chowna Mein, Pasang Dorjee Sona, Kamlung Mosang, Chow Tewa Mein, Chaw Zignu Namchoom and Markio Tado, along with Likha Saaya, Takam Pario, Jambey Tashi, Punji Mara, Jomde Kena, Gojen Gadi, Gum Tayeng and Tirong Aboh, taking the total strength of Pul faction to 27, in-
AWARD FOR POWERING ASSAM
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
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ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today is an ordinary day, it is business as usual, but there will be some progress. You can while away your time doing petty chores. While day-dreaming think about that coveted home, as that’s how the first plans materialise. Taurus Religious sentiments will be ruling your thoughts today. This is a great day for making a trip to a temple or a popular religious destination. You should take your parents and other family members along on this auspicious journey. Your parents are sure to pray shower their love and blessings upon you and pray for your well being. All in all, the day will turn out to be a hectic, and tiring one; but, very satisfying and enjoyable. Gemini Today, you may encounter unusual challenges. You will come up with new thoughts and tactics, which will bring about positive changes and results. Avoid any confrontation with those living around you. Keep your cool during the day. Cancer Today, there is a strong possibility that you may face unexpected job changes. You are likely to spend lavishly to please family and friends. You may feel we make money to spend on loved ones. Still it would probably be a good idea to count every penny before using it. Leo Keep the Bhagavad Gita’s verses in mind, and persist in fulfilling your duties without bothering about the fruits of your labour. Put in some extra effort to finish off whatever you undertake today. Patience bears its fruits and they are always sweet. Virgo You better identify your worth in the realms of emotions, feelings and sentiments. You shall warm up to and about everything – from play to colleagues to family. Simultaneously, you may realise where your limitations are. The artist in you will flourish beginning today. Libra Today may not be the best day to undertake any government dealings. Call it red-tapism, or bureaucratic procrastination, but it is highly unlikely that such tasks shall be fruitful today. This may test your patience, and in doing so, bring out your competency and efficiency to the fore, especially if you happen to be a public servant. Touché! Scorpio Do not get carried away by sentiments and act like an emotional fool. Today, you will be in a dilemma as you have to choose between two best things. But, as they say, right choices are always tough to make. Be practical and take the right decision. Sagittarius Today, find yourself driving all your thoughts and actions towards your family. You will also spend some superb time with your dearie and discuss intimate matters. A relaxing day today as you spend time with your friends and family, chilling out and having a good laugh or two. Capricorn You are a bighearted person and you love to help others in every possible way. But, people may take you for a ride. You may realise that if you would have been extra careful, you could have stopped others take advantage of you. By the end of the day, you will shake off such negative feelings and be grateful to the God for blessing you with all the nice things in life. Aquarius You will try everything to please your colleagues and bosses, but they will still have something negative to say about your performance. In order to be in the good books of everyone you end up hurting your own interests. The second half of the day promises to be relaxing, thanks to your sweetheart who will make special efforts to lighten your burden of work. Pisces For you, today may all be work and no play. This, however, will not stop you from putting in extra efforts to finish your pending projects and to meet your deadlines. But then who else but a Pisces is known to handle the pain nonchalantly without bemoaning the lack of pleasure?
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)
Voter Verifiable Paper Trial to be introduced in Assam A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 24: In a significant move related to the Assam assembly election which is likely to be held in April this year, voter Verifiable Paper Trial (VVPT) will be introduced. This mechanism will be used in 10 constituencies in the state assembly polls. State's Chief Electoral Officer Assam Vijendra told media that Dispur and Jalukbari assembly constituencies in Kamrup Metro district will be included in the VVPT trial. "The VVPT system will enable voters to see a printout of their ballot by displaying the name and symbol of the candidate among others," he said. Around 2,400 polling booths in 10 assemblies will be covered by VVPT. District administrations have already completed the first round of audit of EVMs in the state. Along with the EVMs, all other preparations are also being carried out by the state Election department. The Chief Electoral Officer said polls related awareness drive has been launched by the district administrations.
Best Conscious Citizen Award, 2015 awarded to Ashok Bordoloi ET Correspondent Dibrugarh, Feb 24: The Indian Patriotic Federation (Socialist) of Sivasagar declared Ashok Bordoloi of Dibrugarh as the best conscious citizen award 2015. The meeting attended by many reputed citizens to confer the award to Bordoloi was held on 21 Feb (Sunday) at Amolapatty Natya Mandir, Dibrugarh. The meeting was presided by Sunil Borthakur, the educationalist. Whereas Pranjal Rajgure, the Chief Coordinator, IPFS, Senior Journal-
ist was the convener of the meeting who narrated the aims and objectives of the Indian Patriotic Federation (Socialist) Trust and said that it was made in memory of the famous educationalist, late Keshabananda Rajguru and late Chandan Rekha Rajguru. Every year such award are given to the persons who play a distinctive role in contributing to the society by their unbiased manner of writing. Ashok Bordoloi in his speech conceded that when
hardwork and also said that there is still miles to go.
Ashok Bordoloi he started writing, he had initial hiccups but got success after little bit of
25-2-16 (THURSDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 11-55 A.M-Live Broadcast of the presentation of the Railway Budget,2016-17 by the Honorable Railway Minister 12-30 P.M-Gharjeuti (Women Programme) 1-10 P.M-Asha (Sponsored Programme) 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Lakhimi (Rural Women Programme) 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of Directorate of Distance Education, D.U.) Sd-/H.O.P
ET Correspondent Jorhat, Feb 24: Assam Agriculture University (AAU) along with its seven constituent colleges conducted the 27th Inter-College meet which was followed by a march past of all the contingents in the AAU playground here today. Major General Rajib Misra, the commanding officer of the Jorhat Military Station attended the meet as a chief guest and the meet was formally inaugurated by Dr. Kamal Mallav Buzarbaruah, the Vice Chancellor of AAU. A high tech and most sophisticated
swimming pool was also inaugurated by the VC, Dr. KM Buzarbaruah in the AAU campus. The GOC of Jorhat Military Station, Major General Rajib Mishra, looking the progress of the students said that they are the future of India and proudly advised them to look for the bright future which will make the future of India, safe and bright. “The knowledge you get inside the classroom are black and white, but participating in meets like sports,
culture, dance, drama, music etc. is amazing which will help to operate in a different world that will lead to learn the leadership quality in mind and body gestures for upcoming career of your life” said Mishra. Looking upon the fraternity of the students, the Vice Chancellor said that, this is the platform where students of all the colleges and universities come together and participate in different games and cultural events which improve coherence, friendliness and sportsmanship among them.
tended by Prof. Mihir Kanti Chaudhuri, ViceChancellor, Prof. Manabendra Bhuyan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Biren Das, Registrar, and other Deans, faculty members, staff and students. Prof. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Designated Nodal Officer briefed about the Distinguished Lecture Series and introduced Dr. Bhagwati to the audi-
ence. In his lecture titled “Assam and its Neighbours”, Dr. Bhagwati beautifully articulated the comparative status of different socio-demographic indicators of Assam visà-vis its neighbouring Indian states and foreign countries. Citing the example of not yet completed Bogibeel Bridge project over river Brahmaputra for last 14 years, Dr.
The college participated under AAU’s event wereCollege of Agriculture, Jorhat, College of Home Science-Jorhat, College of Sericulture-Titabor, College of Fishery- Raha, College of Vetenary SciencesKhannapara, College of Argiculture- Biswanath Chariali, Sarat Sinha Agriculture College- Dhubri. Altogether 1200 participants from these seven colleges took part and will also take part in various events of the Sports meet. It will conclude on 27 Feb followed by a cultural night on 27th Feb in Dr. MC Das auditorium of AAU.
Dhemaji District Administration organizes free awareness and Health Camp at Silapathar been always standing up for the disabled and homeless persons. A special shelter home for the homeless has been built at the ashram.
Vinod singh Dhemaji, Feb 24: A free awareness and health camp was organized by the Dhemaji District Administration with able support from NHPC, NRLM, ASRLMS, DRDA and District Social Welfare department at Sri Sri Sewa Ashram at Borpothar in Silapathar.
He appreciated the noble step taken up by Sri Sri Sewa Ashram which has
Free awareness and Health Camp at Silapathar
Barpeta Educational Block included in ‘Tess India’ ET Correspondent Barpeta, Feb 24: The Government of Great Britain took a great initiative to promote the students of India and to give them a quality based and effective education a programme named ‘TESS INDIA’ has started in all over the country which was organized by ‘The Open University of Great Britain’ and it is a matter of great honour and happiness for all the teachers, community and intellectuals that in this ‘TESS INDIA’
programme Barpeta District Educational Block was included. The main aim of ‘TESS INDIA’ is to develop the class room activities and exercises of LP and ME sections of India through Open Educational Resource and for that the teachers’ also have to become Students’ centre. The open Educational resource of TESS India will also help the teachers to prepare lesson plan and com-
municate with the students through open Education Resources and along with the teachers in the class room the students also will come to know about the teaching method of other schools in the country and for that some quality based activity will also be given. In this regard a one day workshop was held in Guwahati in coordination with SCERT, Assam. In this workshop, Harendra Nath Das, Block officer of
Barpeta Educational Block, Kularanjan Deka, Principal of district Educational Training Institute, Senior Lecturer, DIET, Ranjit Kumar Kalita , Bhanu Deka etc. were present their and made one work plan. In the workshop Dr. Uccharan Deka, Rtd Director, DPI (LP), Paranjap, ExProffessor, NCERT, New Delhi, Aparajita Bhardwaj, state convener, and Dr. Mizo Prabha Bora, Prof. SCERT were present as a resource teacher.
Educating the Girl Child - How Bangladesh Beats Assam: Dr. Jaimini Bhagwati ET Correspondent Tezpur, Feb 24: Tezpur University in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India organized a lecture by former Indian High Commissioner to UK, Dr. Jaimini Bhagwati, IFS (Retd.) as part of its distinguished lecture series at the Kalaguru Bishnuprasad Rabha Auditorium of the University on February 23 last. The lecture was at-
In his vote of thanks, Pranjal Rajguru expressed his gratitude to all those who given their valuable time for that.
27th Inter-College AAU meet conducted
Experts from various departments of the district as well as Medical team from NHPC were present in the awareness program giving valuable insights among the public present in the program. The program was inaugurated by Bhaskar Mili, ADC of Dhemaji district.
Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
Many other educationalists like Dr. Shristidhar Dutta, Dr. Bharati Dutta, Dr. Bipin Kakati, Kailash Sarma, Hasan Shorif, Pradip Baruah and also noted musician like Hiren Gohain, Debika Duara, Ranjana Sarmah Bordoloi, Mukul Sarma, Anil Dowera, and Abdul Khaleque spoke on the occasion.
He emphasized on opening river routes on the river Brahmaputra for improving riverine infrastructure. He also analyzed how Assam lags behind Bangladesh in different socio-demographic indicators. Dr. Bhagwati suggested that one primary reason behind the Dr. Jaimini Bhagwati favourable social sector of Bhagwati lamented the indicators pathetic pace at which Bangladesh is their indevelopment projects vestment in education in Assam has been of the girl child. He went on to emphasize moving forward.
that when the womenfolk are educated, it has a positive cascading effect on different socio-demographic indicators.
couraged the young students to join the Foreign Service as well as other All India Services like IAS and IPS.
Dr. Bhagwati also shared with the audience his experience of working in the Indian Foreign Service and dealing with different nations in various High Commissions, Embassies and the South Block of Lutyen’s Delhi. He en-
Dr. Bhagwati also asserted the need for learning through one’s mother tongue. Later, he interacted with the audience and responded to their queries ranging from issues like ‘String of Pearls’ to revival of Silk Route.
Speaking on the occasion, the ADC said many government schemes and projects are being implemented by the District authorities for the benefit of the people. Public needs to be more aware of certain schemes and facilities for their greater benefit. 36 more health camps will be taken up by the district administration this year, he stated. 590 poor beneficiaries have been selected by District Social Welfare department in which they will receive 10000 rupees for their upliftment. Free medicines were distributed on the occasion.
Unique Protest by AATASU in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 24: The Golaghat District Unit of All Assam Tai Ahom Students Union (AATASU) today protested against the BJP led central government for not fulfilling the prolonged demand for giving schedule status to the Ahom community. The members of the AATASU protested in a unique way in the heart of Golaghat town. They tried to commit suicide collectively by hanging themselves. However this was a symbolic suicide attempt to draw the attention of the concerned authorities but the scene created sensation among the public. Police and fire-tenders rushed to the spot to prevent any untoward incident. The protesters expressed their anger and stated that the BJP government promised to give Scheduled Tribes status to the six communities of Assam, but now BJP says that this could be done only after the election which clearly indicates the government's ignorant attitude towards the matter.
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
PAGE 3 Governor congratulates Umpe A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 24:The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has congratulated Weightlifter Shri Umpe Dambi, who won a Gold medal in the 11th Youth (Boys & Girls) and 52nd Men & 28th Women Junior National Weightlifting Championships-2016 at Patna, Bihar on 23rd February 2016. He won the Gold medal in the Snatch section by lifting 91Kgs. The Governor expressed his hope that Shri Dambi will excel in all levels of the sport and will bring laurels for the State and Country. He conveyed his good wishes for a bright future to the young Weightlifter.
CM Kalikho Pul congratulates Umpe Itanagar, Feb 24: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today congratulated Umpe Dambi of Arunachal Pradesh, who won a Gold Medal in the 11th Youth (Boys & Girls) and 52nd Men & 28th Women Junior National Weightlifting Championships – 2016 held at Patna recently. Dambi lifted 91kg in the snatch section to win the gold medal. The Chief Minister also congratulated Gungte Yangfo, who won a Bronze medal in the snatch section by lifting 80 kg. He further encouraged Ruba Tadu, who settled fifth in the championship for his future performance. Impressed by the achievements of the boys, the Chief Minister said that the youths in the state has immense potential, which must be nurtured by empowering them. He further announced to appropriately award the winners who have brought laurels to the state. “We have to make our youths realize their potential through inspirational and motivational exposures, career guidance and capacity building,” he said. Encouraging the youths to take up sports activities, the Chief Minister in his congratulatory message said that physical activity is vital to fostering of physical, social and emotional health to develop their employability skills. It is in this spirit that the Chief Minister said that to harness youth potential, more employment and career opportunities for sports will be created through partnerships with all segments and institutions of the state.
Congress takes to the streets demanding restoration special category status for the northeastern states A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 24: With days for the union budget to be presented, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee took to the streets protesting against the ‘indifferent attitude’ of the central government to discontinue with the special category status for the northeastern states. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Anjan Dutta led the protest rally from the Latasil playground to the office of the deputy commissioner of Kamrup Metro district in Kachari area, and submitted a memorandum to him, to be handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding fulfilment of various demands. ”We have been protesting for
more than one year over some whimsical policy decisions of the central government that has cost Assam and the other northeastern states. However, the Centre’s attitude towards our demands has remained indifferent,” Dutta said. “It was a whimsical decision of the central government to discontinue the special category state status from Assam and other northeastern states. The discontinuation of the 90:10 central funding pattern and discontinuation of the North East Industrial and Investment Policy (NEIIPP) affected the development of the state very badly,” he said. Dutta urged Modi to restore the earlier status immediately for the over-
all betterment of the northeastern region. “We also demanded the prime minister to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the six communities — Tai Ahom, Moran, Mottock, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutia and tea tribes — for the overall development of the state,” he said. The state Congress chief said they also demanded the prime minister execute the central government decision to form the Brahmaputra River Valley Authority for controlling the flood and erosion problem in the state. ”The special funding system being enjoyed by a few selected districts of Assam under the Backward Area Region Fund has to be restored immediately,” he said.
Governor invites constructive area specific suggestions A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 24: A delegation of members of the Eastern Arunachal People’s Organization (EAPO) led by Obang Dai, a retired administrative officer, called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 24thFebruary 2016. In a press release, while interacting with the senior people on the occasion, including Bani Danggen former Information Commissioner, Dr. JM Boje, Akom Yomso and Tagum Jerang, the Governor invited their area specific suggestions for the overall development of the State. The Governor emphasised that in order to arrest the migration of people from border areas, the senior people must share their experiences and provide constructive suggestions so that developmental processes reach to the remotest of the villages. Responding positively to the memorandum submitted by the EAPO, the Governor said that effort will be there to address
their grievances. Regarding decentralization of administration and developmental processes, the Governor said that if Divisional Commissioners are posted, they must be in their place of posting. Later the Governor also met two-member delegation of the Apatani Youth Association (AYA) led by its President, Taku Chatung. He advised them to motivate the youth to take up self employment projects under Horticulture-
Agriculture and allied sector. The press release stated that the Governor has been strongly advocating for harnessing this sector. He said that the State has huge potential in horti-agri sector and the youth must be partner in it. They will get employment and surplus produce will be marketed, while the Government intervenes in setting up of food processing units and cold storages. Responding to memorandum submitted on the occasion re-
garding Advance Landing Ground, Ziro by AYA delegation, the Governor said that he has already taken up the issue with Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and concerned ministers. He opined that there must be civilian terminals for passenger service operations along with defence service facilities in all the upcoming ALGs of the State. Such facilities will enhance communication amenities to the people and tourism of the State, the press release stated.
A.V.K.Murthy Aiyer, a reputed English teacher of yesteryears makes homecoming amid ovation 2-day awareness camp on PWDVA & POCSO begins English dictionary for which the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration Committee has listed his name for felicitation in the coming Golden Jubilee year of Mopin celebration in 2016. KS Narayan, a Malayalam writer who accompanied him was also all praise for the land and its people.
Aalo, Feb 24 : It is my love for this beautiful place, rich culture and emotional attachment with the students with whom I spent my service life as an English teacher that prompted me to make a homecoming all the way from the border area of Kerala and am elated to know that most of my students from Govt. H.S. School Aalo and Kamba are responsible officers or good
intellectuals,â• said Shri AVK Murthy Aiyer while giving a nostalgic tinged sharing with the Ex. Students in his brief stay at Aalo.
teachers within one year’s time. He also assured that to ensure NRHM and SSA staffs receive salaries on time; his government would put up a revolving fund to dispense wages on monthly basis. The huge pending MR bills amounting to Rs 40 crore have also been released assured Pul and informed that it would be linked with the state’s health insurance scheme since state
employees receive double benefits and it should be dispensed in an even manner. “To curb discrepancies, minor ailments will be linked with the health insurance, while major cases will have a separate funding”, Pul said. Maintaining that the state government headed by Pul would ensure that the employees would get their hard-earned salaries well in time on monthly basis, he reiterated his
He was not only a teacher, philosopher and guide but a scholar of high order who took keen interest in our culture and indulged in tribal literary activities like Galo Gomku Agom, Galo-
His punctuality in duties, motivation and commitment towards the student community were instrumental in shaping the destinies of the students. He made series of visits to Govt. H.S.S. where he served as senior teacher, Kamba H.S.S as Vice Principal with the help of his student, Er. Minjom Padu, EE PWD Mechuka and was part of Statehood Day celebration to give away the prizes for cultural competition. In the absence of convent schools for higher schooling in those days, the students relied on such individual subject teachers who really came here with that mission and zeal to serve the students.
Two-day awareness camp at Pasighat. Pasighat, Feb 24: Two-day awareness camp organized by the Dy. Director of ICDS Cell, Pasighat on Protection of Women from Domestic Violence and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (PWDVA & POCSO) has begun today in the Siang Guest House conference hall. The camp is being organized by the Deputy Director of ICDS Cell, Pasighat and participated by the government employees of various departments including police, education and medical departments. Legal experts Kami Nada (APSWC, Itanagar) and Mary Tatak (Pasighat) and Psychiatrist Dr. LC Darung of Pasighat General Hospital are attending the
sensitizing program as resource persons. While chairing the meeting cum campaign, Otel Ering Tayeng, member of Arunachal Pradesh State Women Commission stated that Indian Constitution not only grants equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women and secure equal rights for them related to religion, community, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Within the framework of a democratic polity, our laws, development policies, plans and programs have aimed at women's advancement in dif-
ferent spheres, she added. Sharing data of a survey conducted by the women commission recently in the state, Chairman Tayeng informed that the relevant ACTs intend to protect women and children through all stages of judicial process have not been able to achieve the goal because of lack of awareness. These ACTs can revolutionize the justice system if the women and children are made aware of it, she opined. DD, ICDS Cell, Pasighat Ponung Ering Angu briefed about the aims and objectives of the awareness of the campaign and had stated that alternative dispute resolution
mechanisms like mediation is the call of the hour. According to her, the awareness regarding the ACTs is needed to intensify, as there may have several cases that have not reached the proper forum to seek justice due to ignorance. Dr. Darung said it is important that the lawyers must work to ensure mediation to solve cases. It will help to clear the long backlog and police have to play a proactive role in registering the complaints of the woman/child, who had suffered abuse and make that victims feel safe and secure. He went on to add that efforts are being made to strengthen the system of alternative dispute resolution for offering mediation and conciliation services. Both the legal experts claimed that people are more aware of the safeguards and the stringent penal provision of the Act now than before and called for settling cases through mediation and conciliation and efforts are being made to create awareness in this regard among people. Duo further informed that PWDVA and POCSO have more safeguards as it guarantees victims immediate compensation also. During the open house discussions, attending participants cleared their doubts. (DIPRO)
All Namsai District Students’ Union delegation Govt. will work with responsibility and accountability : CM Kalikho Pul visits Government Higher Secondary School Contd. from Page 1 On the student stipend pending since the past nine months, Pul said that a backlog of around Rs 38 crore is still pending, but he has released Rs 20 crore. “Students have not received their monthly stipend of Rs 300 to 400, which has resulted in drop-outs”, Pul said, while assuring that all districts will receive subject
stand that the duty of the government to pay their employees on the given time frame manner would be holistically ensured. He called upon the employees to adopt seamless work culture and office decorum to provide the basic concept of public services for which they have been employed for, and echoed his stand of zero tolerance towards basic essential services.
sion Clerk (UDC) for more than two years, no provision for separate teaching for boys and girls, non-availability of IT teachers for carrying it CBSE activities, non-availability of well equipped science laboratory for secondary level, no boundary wall or good fence and classes for XI and XII humanities are run by the junior teachers and SSA teachers. “After the up gradation 5 (five) correspondence has been done with the concern authority of the department for immediate posting of specialized teachers but no action has been taken till date”, the Principal said before the delegation.
Gogoi urges PM Modi to provide a Special Package of Rs 1000 crore each for ST, SC and OBC Contd. from Page 1
the Central Government is requested to provide Central Assistance for setting up separate girls and boys hostel for the students of these communities in every district of the State. This may be taken up in the current year's budget. The Chief Minister said that for ensuring skill development of the youth of these communities, new streams may be introduced in the existing ITIs in each of the ST/SC/OBC dominated districts of the State, namely, Karbi Anglong, Baksa, Chirang, Udalguri, Dima Hasao, Kokrajhar and Dhemaji. Moreover, additional funds may be provided for infrastructure development in these institutions, such as creation of hostels, classrooms, pur-
chase of equipment etc. It is further requested that 4 new ITIs may be set up for the students of SC/ST and OBC communities. The Chief Minister also informed that 6 Autonomous Councils and 20 Development Councils have been created for specific development of the various ethnic communities of the State. Steps are also being taken for creation of 13 more such Autonomous and Development Councils. The Central Government is requested to enhance allocations to these councils for ensuring their smooth and effective functioning and for ushering in holistic development of the people in these areas. The Chief Minster said that the two hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao and Bodoland Terri-
torial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) are covered under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India. The population of the two hill districts of the State is comparable to the States of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram, which were carved out of Assam. However, the plan allocation available for these districts and BTAD, as per norm, is substantially less than the plan assistance received by the three states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram. Hence, the Central Government is requested to augment central assistance for the 6th Schedule Areas of the State to ensure their adequate socioeconomic development. The Chief Minister highlighted the need of granting ST status to the six communities of Assam, namely the Koch Rajbongshi, TaiAhom, Chutia, Moran, Motak and Tea & ex-Tea
Tribes. He also mentioned about the unanimous resolution of Assam Legislative Assembly on 5th August 2004 for inclusion of these six communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes of Assam. The Government of Assam has been consistently recommending grant of ST status to these 6 communities. In his letter Chief Minister Gogoi said that the recommendation of the State Government be acted upon in order to redress the grievances of the people of these communities. This will go a long way in assuaging the ethnic tensions in the State.
ET Correspondent Namsai, Feb 24: A delegation of the All Namsai District Students’ Union (ANDSU) visited the Government Higher Secondary School, Lathao in Namsai Districr on Monday to take stock of the problems plaguing the premier and leading educational institution of the area. The delegation was headed by President Chow Sengkhun Manchey along with his executive members, Chew Makhawa Longkan, Chow Ongfu Manpoong, Chow Mingkham Manpoong.
The Chief Minister requested Prime Minister to consider the aforementioned issues favourably to accelerate the pace of development and well-being of the people of the backward communities of Assam.
Interacting with the delegates of the union, the Principal of GHSS, Lathao cited the various problems being faced by the institution. He highlighted several issues like that the institution is functioning without senior teachers for all the subjects for the higher secondary section after up gradation in 2009, functioning without an Upper Divi-
In a press release issued by the union after the visit of the delegation, it was stated that as per CBSE guidelines it is compulsory that regular senior teachers were to be posted to GHSS along with other necessities to ascertain the goal for safe and quality education. The union maintained that education is the legal as well as one’s personal right and necessary for upliftment and development of a nation and for the society and infringement of this right is not at all tolerable in the eyes of society as well as Constitution of India provides us this right under the article 21 clause (a) Right to Education. “Right to Education also includes right to safe education, therefore it is foremost duty our central as well as state govt. to provide free and compulsory education up to class v and further safe and quality education to
the secondary level and higher level”, the union stated. The press release further added that the GHSS, Lathao has been loaded with 8 nos. of feeder school and 14 nos. of school comes under CRC, Lathao in spite of lack of facilities along with quality education which would jeopardize the future of the upcoming students and also society at large and no proper and effective steps have been taken by the state government as well as concern authorities. In the press release, the union
alleged that in spite of many effort and memorandum submitted in relation to the matter facing by the GHSS, Lathao to all the higher authorities concern, no notification or any positive response have been received till date to this end. The union demanded the state government as well as the concern authority to look into the matter with immediate effect in relation to the issues and problems being faced by the GHSS, Lathao and all such like schools which were facing poor safe and quality education.
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
PAGE 4
Cemetery ground inaugurated at Demow
Local MLA, Parliamentary Secretary Sushanta Borgohain by cemetery ground inaugurated at Demow
ET Correspondent Demow, Feb 24: In 107 no. Thowra constituency of Dehajan Habi gaon under Demow police station, a cemetery ground was inaugurated by Sushanta Borgohain, the local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary of Home department today at 11.30 am. A meeting was also held during the inaugural ceremony which was presided by Simmddin Ahmed, the President of Demow Block
Congress committee. “We have come together and will solve our problem and we will not divide our society as did by AGP, BJP and Congress” said Sushanta Borgohain. More than 200 members attended the inaugural ceremony and many active members of Congress, dignitaries and leaders like Mrs. Inu Gogoi, Dip Gogoi, and Hiren Gogoi were also present.
ATTSA blocks national highway at Makum
Activists of Tinsukia AATSA blockade NH against solving of different problems of tea tribe in Tinsukia. Pic - UB Photos
Spl Correspondent. Tinsukia, Feb 24: Pressing it demand for inclusion in list of Scheduled Tribe, All Tea Tribe Students Association blocked national. Highway at Makum on Wednesday noon. The protest, creating traffic jam problem continued for over 2 hours before the blockade was with-
drawn. The blockade affected movement of traffic on trio national highways, NH 37 leading to Arunachal Pradesh via Doomdooma, NH 52 leading to Tezu area of Arunachal via Kakopathar and NH 38 leading to Changlang side of Arunachal Via Digboi.
4000 medicinal plants in northeast yet to be identified A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. 24: There are over four thousand medicinal plants in the Northeast region which needs taxonomical identification, said Dr. Kailas Bhattacharya, Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Assam Medical and Hospital on Wednesday. Participating as the resource person on Awareness meeting on Ayush and Quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathic drugs at the Dr. John Berry White Memorial Seminar hall in Dibrugarh Bhattacharya said: “The universities should come forward and research on the medical plants which can be used as a tool for medicines. Northeastern region is a wild hot spot of bio-diversity but the region has no Food chemistry laboratory. We urges the government to
the use of traditional medicine for the benefit of the society. “Traditional medicines were mostly popular in the ancient period. In the middle age its popularity decreased a bit and now again its popularity has been increasing rapidly,’’ Chetia added. He said more steps should be taken to popularize the system of traditional medicine. Chetia spoke on ‘Quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathic drugs and its challenges’ in the meeting and he explain how to mitigate the challenges in the future.
set up a food chemistry laboratory in the region.’’ The Awareness meeting was organized by Directorate of Ayush, Assam in collaboration with National Ayush Mission, Assam. Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Sudhir Kumar Bhattacharya, District nodal officer of Ayush spoke about the importance of Ayurveda which is used in traditional medicine. “Now Japan and China are developing their traditional system of medicine. To keep ourselves abreast we have to learn it from other countries. Ayurveda was the heritage of our ancient India and we should preserved it,’’ said Dr. R.K. Sharma, state Drug Licensing Authority, Ayush, Assam in his key note address. Professor Dipak Chetia, B Pharma, Dibrugarh Univer-
Dr. Kailas Bhattacharya during his speech awarness meeting on Ayush in white Memorial Seminar hall in Dibrugarh. Pic - ET Photo sity said that upgradation of Ayurveda equipments is necessary to cater the needs of the people. He said in the 90’s the government took several steps to develop
natural medicine in India. Through a power point presentation, Chetia showed how the European countries have used the traditional medicine in their countries
ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Feb 24: "As a part of aspiring projects meant for the socio-economic development of North Assam by BJP-led Union Government, Lakhimpur and Jorhat District will be connected very soon by a National Highway . A bridge over the river Brahmaputra, connecting Kamala Bari and Nimati Ghat and another over Lohit-Khabaloo will be constructed along this Highway which will shorten the distance between Itanagar of Arunachal Pradesh and Kohima of Nagaland''-declared Subhas Dutta and Rupa Kaman, the Spokesmen of Assam State Committee of Bharatiya Janata Party today in a Press Conference held today in the Conference hall of North Lakhimpur Press Club(NLPC). It is noteworthy that this already declared ShivsagarDichangmukh-Tekeliphuta, Dhakuakhona-Gogamukh, North Lakhimpur-Lohit Khabaloo-Majuli-Nimatighat connecting National Highway will hit a far and wide impact on the socio-economic development of the area wherein communication problems have been lying for a long period.
Ripun Bora slams BJP
Contd. from Page 1
Congress party staged protest programme
“The discontinuation of the Special Category Status that was been in vogue since 1969 and changing the funding pattern have taken away what the State and the region were getting from the Centre,” he said, adding, “Removing regional disparity has been the basic principle of our planning. How can Assam and the North East catch up with developed States without special funds from the Centre? I will continue my fight till the State gets back its due rights.” Harping on cooperative federalism, Gogoi said that Modi’s dreams of acche din can become a reality only if it becomes the dreams of a common man. Underscoring the need for building trust and confidence between the Centre and the States, Gogoi said, “Building trust is important for things to happen. The 12th South Asian Games in Guwahati was a resounding success because everyone right from the Chief Minister to the Chief Secretary down to the sweeper
“The BJP’s “Ashirbad yatra” will not get blessing from the people of Assam, because they are even creating saffron colour in the intuitions resulting in incident like Ruhit Vamula sui-
cide case in Hyderabad.” He said adding JNU students are arrested on false charges of going against the Country. “Kanhaiya Kumar’s arrest is also a political conspiracy by the BJP which is understood by the common people. For this reason students in Assam will give an adequate lesson to Sarbananda Sonowal in the days to come. Bora also said that before coming to power Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that their government will return black money within 100 days and amount of Rs. 15 lacs will be deposited to the account of every Indian citizen, but with the passage of time it all these commitments have proved to be a fake one. On the otherhand, saying about Sotea MLA from AGP who has already joined the BJP party, Ripun Bora said that he never betrayed his party like Padma Hazarika who has left AGP only for his political benefit. “After the Rajya sabha election Hazarika was interested to join congress but later he joined BJP, we feel it is nothing unusual for a person like Padma Hazarika who has no any Political ideology.” He said mentioning that the people of Assam are not aware of the reason behind withdrawal of PIL filed against Himanta Bishwa Samah.
Chetia said that the World Health Organization (WHO) has given a node for
"Lakhimpur-Majuli-Jorhat Connecting National Road Accident Highway soon: BJP leader during the press meet killed one in Rangia Borah, Sumitra Patir, Bhupen Borah etc during the last fifteen years. "They defalcated a huge part of developmental fund prioritising nepotism and favoritism, but they got no time to stand by the poor during their adversity.
BJP leaders addressing the media in Lakhimpur. The Spokesmen expressed that Union Transport Minister would lay the foundation stone of this project on February 27 on a venue at Bakulguri in front of Brahmaputra College under Dhakuakhona LAC. "The Congress Governments, ruling the Nation for more than a half century, did nothing like that for the prosperity of the area. But the twenty months older Union Government of BJP has fulfilled its commitment honouring the hopes and aspirations of the people of Assam implementing several projects for their betterment. This could become possible only for the strong leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal, the State BJP President cum Union Minister and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi"-
stated Subhas Dutta. The duo slammed the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress State Government in the Press Conference. "The State Govt has left no-stone unturned in order to congressinise the government schemes. Further the State ruling party shamelessly has presented the developmental schemes of their own which were implemented by Atal Bihari Bajpayee-led BJP Govt"-said Rupa Kaman in the Press Conference. In support of her comment she cited the PMGSY. They further alleged that massive corruption on the developmental funds has been done in North Assam in support of Congress leaders of the area like Bharat Narah, Ripun
The future of North Assam is not safe on the hand of the leaders like Bharat Narah who has grown tea-estate on the land allotted for the flood-erosion victims, misappropriated the fund of embankment construction schemes, MLA-MP fund, tribal development fund etc"-stated the Spokesmen. On the other hand, they stated that a positive result would come out very soon in case of tribalisation of the six communities of Assam along with several issues which had not been resolved by the Congress Govts of State and the Union. They added that the Congress Party is now busy only in the propogation of BJP. the Press Conference was attended by BJP's Lakhimpur District Secretary Raju Bordalai, Surajit Bhuyan and convener of Media Cell Chabin Rajkhowa.
Assam awarded ‘The Economic Times’ Trophy Senior congress leader 2015 for remarkable improvement in power sector
ET Correspondent Tezpur, February 24: As part of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee’s state wise protest programme staged today in every subdivision and district headquarters in protest against the curtail of central fund and abolition of special backward state status the party staged protest programme in front of the DC office here also marking the protest programme. The protest programme was led by president of Asssam Pradesh Youth Congress, Hiranya Bhuyan. On the otherhand, in press meet held here yesterday evening senior congress leader and former education minister, Ripun Bora alleged that BJP has failed to implement their every commitment given to the people before the Loksabha election. Referring to the recent JNU incident the former education minister also alleged that BJP is trying to impart religious policies in every educational institution across the country. Slamming the saffron party he further said that the recent JNU episode was nothing but a part of political aggression of BJP’s student wing ABVP.
and France was at the top of the list with 75 per cent.
Dr. P. Swarnakar, Joint Director, Health services, Dibrugarh, Ajit Bora, senior lecturer, Dr. RKB Law College, Dibrugarh were present during the programme. Students from different colleges also participated in the programme.
worked in tandem.” Alluding to the Prime Minister, Gogoi said, “Nobody is super human. You have to involve people at every level to realize dreams. No one can work alone to bring acche din. One may be intelligent and sincere but they are not enough to emerge successful. I feel PM Modi doesn’t completely trust the people working with him, may be not even all of his ministers.” Emphasising on clean energy in the backdrop of climate change, Gogoi said that power must be harnessed through renewable energies like hydro, solar and wind. Harping on smart villages, the Chief Minister said that industrialization would automatically follow suit if the income of rural areas increase. “Highest amount of investments should be made on agriculture and allied sector as our country is basically agrarian. This will bring about improvement in the condition of our villages,” he added. Following a plea by the Power Minister, Gogoi said that the State
would enter into an agreement with the Central Government and other stakeholders for launching Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojna (UDAY). Speaking on the occasion Union Minister of State with independent charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable EnergyPiyush Goyal said the Centre has completed the electrification work in nearly one-third of 18,452 unelectrified villages. “The power sector is the fulcrum of India’s growth and ensuring a better quality of life to the people has been the vision of Prime Minister,” he added. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced in his Independence Day speech last year that all 18,452 unelectrified villages will get electricity within 1,000 days. We have decided to provide power to 18,452 villages within 730 days,” he said. "We have electrified 5,026 villages. Electrification of 898 villages is in progress while 1,415 villages are under energisation. Today, one-third of the overall
task of electrifying 18,452 villages has been achieved," Goyal said adding that the task of the Government is to provide electricity to every household. Goyal said the Government has transformed the country's coal scenario in a short span and not a single thermal power plant is now facing shortage of the fuel. “At present, the thermal power plants in the country have 25 days of coal stock. Besides, the coal pit-heads have so much of stock that these power plants can run for 40 days without any problem,” he added. Minister of State for Urban Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Babul Supriyo said the remarkable 9.8 per cent coal production growth has cut down coal imports and helped in the growth of the country’s economy. The function was attended, among others, by Minister for Railways, Suresh Prabhu, Vijay Karia, Chairman Ravin Group of Companies and Deepak Lamba, President of Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited.
ET Correspondent Rangia, Feb 23: In a road accident, Biren Mahanta (40) of Dhamdhama was killed on the spot and 3 other were reported seriously injured. The tempo they were travelling was knocked with a car carrying truck at NH-31 near Balagaon, Rangia on Wednesday. According to the Rangia po-
lice, the speedy tempo headed to Dhamdhama, knocked the truck and killed Biren Mahanta and injured Hari kanta Das, Jintu Patowary and Uddhab Bora who had been shifted to GMCH with the help of local police. However, the Police have seized the truck. Sources said that, Mahanta was the worker of Khadi Bhandar, Rangia.
ACMS launches agitation in support of its demand ET Correspondent Sonari, Feb 24: The Asom Chah Mazdoor Sangha today launched an agitation in support of its 8 point charter of demand across the tea estates of the state through their respective garden units. The workers took out protest rallies in the tea gardens in support of their demands. Later, they submitted memorandums addressed to the Chief Minister of Assam through their respective managers. Through the memorandum, the workers have demanded restoration of subsidized ration for the workers and their dependants, ST status for the tea community, appointment of educated unemployed youths from the tea garden community in various government jobs on a priority
basis, implementation of the Plantation Labour Act, 1951, to initiate strong measures to stop all kind of insurgent activities, to stop all kinds of misinformation spread by vested interests in the name of ACMS, to provide minimum wages to the workers of the ATCL gardens, to clear all pending PF, gratuity, etc dues and to provide ration and adequate medical services. While expressing its gratitude towards the state government for distribution of land pattas to tea and ex-tea community people, the ACMS urged upon the government to expedite the process. The decision to organize the agitation was taken during a central committee meeting of ACMS held in Dibrugarh recently.
DJs laptop, mobile phone stolen from a renowned 3-star hotel at Tinsukia Contd. from Page 1 DJ Prem said, there were additional exits gate with security guard from the particular hall from where one could have easily get away after the crime. Despite that the hotel management had no security arrangement to out a check on such incident inside hotel which is very shameful, he added. To add to his bitter experience, DJ Prem alleged that it took police over 24 hours to register an FIR. He claimed that he had gone to Tinsukia police station on Tuesday, the very next day of the incident but he was kept waiting from 12 in the noon till 5:30 in the evening by police before they finally took his complained. DJ Prem said, he was neither given case number nor a receipt copy of his complaint rather was asked to come next day. To his utter shock on Wednesday around 12 in the noon he was told that his case is yet to be registered. He lamented that his entire career is the stolen laptop and the response from the hotel and police was not as should had been. However, when the Additional Superintendent of Tinsukia police (Security) Prakash Sonowal was informed on the same he immediately called the police station and directed the authorities to step up the investigation. Addl. SP Sonowal informed ET thay a case was already registered and investigations has begun. On the hand General Manager of hotel Aroma Residency Rakesh Rozario said that it was purely the duty of DJ Prem to look after his belonging as it
was a public party. He did not even informed any hotel staff to look after his belongings, hence, how can hotel be responsible, added Rakesh but failed to explain how can hotel not be morally responsible for a theft inside hotel premises. However, he admitted that the hotel did not had security camera in that part of the hotel which was their lapse. It is learnt that police has registered a case Tsk PS 220/ 16 under section 379 of the IPC. However, till the time of filing of this report there was hardly any progress in the case. It will be important to see that whether the police gets success in cracking the case or yet another FIR would go in vain. It is important to mention here that DJ Prem was hired to play music in a bachelor party organzied at Hotel Aroma Residency. He had accordingly come from Guwahati to play professional music but the incident has shaken the upcoming DJ career. In his complaint, DJ Prem has said that at 10 pm he stopped playing music and proceeded for dinner leaving his laptop, mobile phone and other materials on the DJ table and found them missing when he returned to the table. Apart from guests, their were boys from the sound vendor and hotel staff in good numbers DJ Prem informed. In the meantime, sound vendor informed ET that during search for DJ Prem laptop bag they found several alcohol bottles hidden at one corner of the hotel hinting that perhaps those were also stolen and hidden their to take away at the right time.
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
YMA team leaves Mizoram to distribute relief
YMA team leaves Mizoram to distribute relief Imphal,Feb 24:A team of central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) led by its President Lalbiakzuala left the state this morning to distribute relief materials among floodaffected people in neighbouring Myanmar's Halkha area. A YMA spokesman said the delegation would distribute around Rs.32 lakh among 920 families in
Halkha area ravaged by flood last year.The YMA collected more than Rs one crore from people across Mizoram for aid to the victims of massive flood that caused massive destruction to the Mizo-inhabited area in Myanmar. The first phase of relief was already handed over to the people residing in other areas of Myanmar last year. (Agencies)
A section of Bengal police spineless: HC
Calcutta High Court Kolkata,Feb 24:Justice Dipankar Dutta of Calcutta High Court on Tuesday lambasted the Murshidabad police administration for its shoddy handling of the case of abduction of a Left-supported Independent councillor of Kandi Municipality, observing these were "spineless people who cannot withstand pressure." The court expressed its displeasure at the concerned police officers for neither serving notice on neither the accused nor interrogating them and observed "administration has cut a very sorry figure."He also observed, referring to another case, "I gave an order to commissioner of police and DIG, but merely circulating it seems to end their job;what can be done if superior officers do not do their duty." "I expected the superintendent of police to personally go to the spot," the court observed. "Sitting in his chamber at Behrampore is
not enough." "The zonal judge in Asansol went to the spot of the incident on a Saturday and Sunday, but your officers won't learn," the court observed. The court had directed the SP, Murshidabad, and SDPO, Kandi, last week to "leave no stone unturned" to trace the councillor, Debojyoti Roy. "Within one hour of the incident of alleged ransacking two FIRs were recorded by the same officer at Kandi police station on 17 February," the court pointed out to the state counsel,asking about the reason behind the multiplicity of FIRs in the kidnapping case. No one in the police station had the presence of mind during the ransacking to notice that several FIRs have been lodged in the same case, the counsel responded. This is a coverup, the counsel for the petitioner, Santwana Roy, Debojyoti's wife, submitted.The cat will come out of the bag if the court directs police to produce Uttam Ghosh, who lodged the third FIR as this person does not exist, they submitted. Four persons named by Roy in her FIR had cast their votes the next day and walked away, it was submitted. Disposing of the matter, the court asked Roy to move the appropriate forum. (Agencies)
HCC JV secures order worth over Rs 1,100 crore in Manipur Imphal,Feb 24:Infrastructure major Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) said its joint venture (JV) with Vensar Constructions Company Ltd (VCCL) has been awarded Rs 1,114 crore contract. The contract is to construct the ImphalKangchup-Tamenglong highway, which is a part of Asian Highway No 1. The contract has been awarded by the Public Works Department (PWD) of Government of Manipur. The project is to be completed in 42 months, it said in a statement. The project is backed by Asian Development Bank and this part of the highway starts at Imphal and ends at Tamenglong covering a total length of 111 kms, HCC said. HCC's share in the JV is 73 percent, which is Rs 813 crore, it added. The Imphal-KangchupTamenglong highway provides shortest connectivity from Manipur to the East West Corridor of the NHAI. The highway will also re-
Infrastructure major Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) said its joint venture (JV) with Vensar Constructions Company Ltd (VCCL) has been awarded Rs 1,114 crore contract
duce the distance from Guwahati to Imphal by around 90 kms as compared to the existing route via Dimapur. It passes through districts of West Imphal and Tamenglong connecting major settlements of Imphal, Kangchup, Haochong, Bhalok and Tamenglong. It is the sixth order HCC has received in this fiscal, taking the order book to Rs 4,520 crore. Besides, the company is also the lowest bidder in seven projects worth Rs 5,132 crore. The combined order backlog of HCC is likely to cross Rs 21,000 crore in the 2015-16 fiscal, it said. (Agencies)
The project is backed by Asian Development Bank and this part of the highway starts at Imphal and ends at Tamenglong covering a total length of 111 kms, HCC said.
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REGION Manipur to stockpile rice, fuel to tide over blockades Imphal, Feb 24: Blockades, which are almost a way of life in Manipur, could soon become a thing of the past with the inauguration of a broad gauge railway line to Jirbam, some 220 km from here that will enable the state to stockpile rice, fuel and other essentials as these will no longer have to be transported by road. The arrival of the first goods train from Silchar over the weekend with 1,250 tonnes of rice means that truckers will no longer have to drive down to Dimapur in Nagland to pick up the foodgrain on a highway that is often prone to blockades. This apart, they will be saving some 30 km each way.The train to Jirbam
will run once a week and a similar service will ply to Tripura capital Agartala. Meanwhile officials said that the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will soon start stockpiling fuel at the proposed railhead at Mallom, 10 km from here. The newlyconstructed depot can store 5,124 kilolitres (kl) of petrol, 11,796 kl of diesel and 5,055 kl of kerosene. There is another IOC depot at Chingmeirong near Imphal, but it can store only 840 kl of petrol, 3,341 kl of diesel and 2,528 kl of kerosene enough for just a few days. Tribal groups in Nagaland have been calling frequent blockades, shutdowns and general
Manipur to stockpile rice, fuel to tide over blockades
strikes along the two national highways linking Manipur to Assam on many localised issues. On one occasion some Naga organisations had imposed a blockade for 103 days and it would have continued had it not been for the fact that Congress president Sonia Gandhi and then prime minister
Manmohon Singh had visited Manipur ahead of the 2012 assembly electionsOfficials said that the blockades apart, all vehicles from Manipur are forced to pay illegal taxes in the guise of goods tax, road tax and godown tax. Armed cadres of some outfits are seen openly extorting
these taxes in some towns along the National Highway-2 (NH-2) that snakes through Nagaland. Antisocial elements also earn easy money by masquerading as foreign-trained insurgents, officials said. Drivers who refuse to bring money from the truck, bus and oil tanker owners are beaten up; the vehicle's documents seized, kidnapped and in some instances shot dead, officials said. Officials also said that
The arrival of the first goods train from Silchar over the weekend with 1,250 tonnes of rice means that truckers will no longer have to drive down to Dimapur in Nagland to pick up the foodgrain on a highway that is often prone to blockades.
ADCs get Rs 267.4 cr from Union Govt Shillong, Feb 24: The Union government has sanctioned Rs 267.4 crore as one time assistance for the three autonomous district councils of the State. Informing this on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, however, expressed concern over the approach of the Union government and added that assistance to the district councils must be passed on a regular basis.According to the chief minister, the 14th Finance Commission did not give any recommendation for providing funds to the autonomous district councils in the State, and added that the Central government can give funds to the State which can be passed on to the ADCs. He informed that the Central government had
recently indicated to the State that the ADCs would be provided funds on the condition that the district councils should sanction developmental projects.The chief minister further mentioned that he would call a meeting of the ADCs in the State to discuss the matter.Sangma also said that the support of the centre to the district councils is specific to creating assistance in sync with the objective of serving the community.NDA Govt does not understand complexities of NE: Mukul The chief minister minced no words in slammed the BJP led NDA government at the Centre for failing to understand the complexity of the problems of the Northeastern states even as he castigated the
Union government for not taking any follow up measures for setting up of four additional border haats in Meghalaya which had been approved by the erstwhile Congress led UPA government. Sangma said that the State government is yet to know the fate of the four additional border haats which were approved by the previous government.Stating that border haats could prove to be the game changer for people living in border areas, he questioned the delay in announcement of the same despite the fact that 50 per cent of the funds for the project had been released.He, however, asserted that the matter had been taken up at the Ministry level and added that the process of con-
structing the border haats would be expedited.It may be mentioned that two border haats in East Khasi Hills, one in South Garo Hills and one in West Khasi Hills were approved by the erstwhile UPA government. Launching a scratching attack on the NDA government, Sangma accused the Centre of withdrawing many developmental programmes from the Northeastern region which affected the momentum of development. He also lamented that the NDA government withdrew the programme for creating necessary infrastructure for promoting trade and commerce in the country even as he added that special block grants for the Northeastern states had also been withdrawn."I have met the Prime Minister on the matter and followed it up
with several letters but we are yet to get any favourable reply," Sangma said, while demanding restoration of the special block grants.He further said some projects in Ri Bhoi district had been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 10 crore under the Border Region Grant Funds (BRGF) but the programme was stopped and the projects were hanging fire. On the peace pact with the ANVC and ANVC-B groups, the chief minister said the State and Central governments need to jointly take the responsibility of following up the post peace signing process but it is being shown that the whole responsibility of pact follow up lies with the State government. (Agencies)
HAVELLS GALAXY now in Kohima Dimapur,Feb 24: Havells India Limited, a$ 1.4 billion leading fast moving electrical goods company and a major power distribution equipment manufacture with a strong global footprint, today inaugurated its exclusive retail showroom "Havells Galaxy" here at High School Junction.This was formally inaugurated by Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA and Chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.This is the first Havells Galaxy in Nagaland. The company already has more than 325 Havells galaxies across India. "Havells Galaxy" will offer people of Kohima an end to end solution to all electrical needs from the time electricity enters home to the light output. It offers a wide range of stylist & high quality and
energy efficient electrical equipment including industrial switchgears, cables, fans, CFLs, lighting fixtures, electrical water heaters, crabtree switches a domestic appliances etc.Most of the electrical products from Havells today are part of the home dĂŠcor ad reflect an individual's personality and lifestyle. Today, customer involvement is much higher in selecting various electrical products and they are continuously looking for better ambience and convenience. Keeping in mind the ever changing requirements of the customers, 'Havells Galaxy' was conceptualized and has emerged as a pioneering concept in the India electrical industry. Expressing happiness over the opening of first Havells Galaxy in Kohima, Sandip Kumar Phukan, general manager, Havells India Ltd
strong global footprint. Its product range includes industrial and domestic circuit protection switchgear, cables & wires, motor, fans, power capacitors, CFL lamps, luminaries for domestic, commercial and industrial applications, modular switches, Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu and others during the water heaters and doinauguration of Havells Galaxy in Kohima mestic, commercial and said "The Galaxy sym- is the first galaxy of industrial applications, bolizes Havells' innova- Havells in the state. modular switches, water tive leadership position Havells business in heaters and domestic apin the electrical and Nagaland has shown an pliances covering the power distribution upward trend in terms of entire gamut of houseequipment market. It will turnover and within a hold, commercial and serve to provide an array short span of time, the industrial electrical of electrical appliances company has entrenched needs. Havells owns and consumer products, itself to become the most prestigious global brands all created to adhere to preferred brand in the like Crabtree, Sylvania, the demands of modern electrical equipment Concord, Luminance living. The products we industry.Havells plans to and Standard.With 91 are offering combine the open many such galaxies branches/representative attributes of elegance, by the end of this finan- offices and over 6500 professionals in over 50 technological advance- cial year. countries across the ment and convenience in one."Havells India has Havells India Ltd is a globe, the group has been operating its prod- $1.4 billion FMEG com- achieved rapid success in ucts in Nagaland for the pany (Fast moving elec- the past few years. past many years and this trical goods) with a (Agencies)
Mukul assures Rs 2.5 crore to GHADC staff Shillong, Feb 24: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has assured Rs 2.5 crore to the cash-stripped GHADC to allow it to pay salary to its staff.This was informed by GHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member Augustine R. Marak following his meeting with the chief minister and Transport Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh to dis-
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma
cuss the issue of release of revenue share from the Transport department. In a statement issued to the media on Tuesday, Marak said the outcome of the meeting was positive. "The chief minister has given the assurance to release the share amounting to Rs 2.5 crore immediately for
once rice and fuel are stockpiled in Imphal the frequent blockades would not hit the people where it hurts the most. Whenever there are blockades, all petrol pumps go bone dry and ubiquitous roadside vendors sell one liter of petrol at Rs.150 or even higher. And, while most consumer items vanish from the market, the prices of those still available are jacked up with immunity. (Agencies)
the purpose of staff salary. We have huge amount of dues pending with the Transport department since the last five to six years and we are following up the matter with the concerned department," Marak said in a statement here.He hoped that the amount will be released in installments. (Agencies)
Maheshwari sworn-in as Meghalaya HC chief justice Shillong,Feb 24:Justice Dinesh Maheshwari of Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court was on Wednesday sworn-in as the chief justice of the Meghalaya High Court.Governor V. Shanmuganathan administered the oath of office to Chief Justice Maheshwari at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan.Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, ministers, judges, legal and civil officials were present on the occasion.Chief Justice Maheshwari, 57, succeeds Justice Uma Nath Singh who retired as chief justice on January 14. Since then, Justice Sudip Ranjan Singh served as the acting chief justice of the state high court. (Agencies)
Kalraj Mishra to visit Nagaland on February 26 New Delhi, Feb 24: Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Kalraj Mishra is scheduled to visit Nagaland on February 26 where he would attend regional Conclave on MSMEs in Chumukedima, near Dimapur. Ministry sources told KNN that he would review the MSME ministry schemes and would also be meeting the Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang.The participating states at the conclave would be Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. (Agencies)
Bomb explodes at ex-AIR official's home Imphal,Feb 24:A medium intensity bomb exploded at the gate of the residence of former AIR Imphal Joint Director BB Sharma on Tuesday night.The blast, which did not cause any casualty, took place at Imphal's locality of Uripok Yambem Leikai at around 7:30 pm, a senior police officer said.A team of Manipur Police, led by Imphal West SP, visited the site to conduct further probe. The reason of the attack is not known and no outfit has claimed responsibility so far.B B Sharma had served as the Joint Director of Regional News Unit of All India Radio, Imphal before he retired and joined BJP. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
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RSS suppressing Dalit voices with Centre's help: Mayawati New Delhi, Feb. 24: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Wednesday accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of suppressing the voice of Dalits with the help of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Government at the Centre. Commenting on Rohith Vemula's suicide at the University of Hyderabad, BSPsupremo Mayawati said the varsity's administration and students, along with the RSS and the BJP, were responsible for the Dalit student's suicide.
"In Hyderabad University issue, our party holds the administration, students, two ministers at theCentre and their RSS organisation responsible for it. This is not the first case of Dalit student suicide in Hyderabad University, even during the Congress regime, several Dalits were oppressed and they committed suicide," she told reporters outside Parliament here. "Dalit students had formed a forum in the name of Baba Sahib Ambedkar. That forum
BJP calls Left 'a witch' in India's growth story
BJP Member of Parliament Meenakshi Lekhi New Delhi, Feb 24: In a sharp attack on the Left, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday called it the witch in India's growth story. Even as the JNU row is simmering on the streets, BJP Member of Parliament Meenakshi Lekhi targeted the Left while initiating a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to Parliament. "When we were children, we saw some witch or some demon in the fairy tales. Likewise, there are witches in every growth story," Lekhi said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid protests from the Left members. She further listed out killings allegedly committed by the Left cadres in Kerala which is headed for Assembly election, and accused them of committing "atrocities on cam-
pus" and "white-washing their brutalities through repressive policies". "They have committed Taliban fashion of executions," Lekhi alleged. Lekhi attacked the Left soon after Prime Minister Modi entered the House. Lekhi said while the Narendra Modi government was making strides amid a volatile global economic scenario, the Left parties keep raising issues to "derail" development. "With seven per cent GDP growth, India is emerging as a leader in the global economic sphere despite adverse international conditions," Lekhi said. She also highlighted several initiatives taken by the government, including Make In India. On foreign policy, she said the government has done immense work barring a few glitches in neighbourhood but did not elaborate.(Agencies)
Pro-Apple protest against FBI in New York NewYork, Feb 24: A group of activists gathered outside Apple's flagship store to protest against the FBI's attempt to install software with backdoors in all of Apple's iPhones. With posters saying "Don't break our phones" and displaying cell phone images saying "No entry" in hands, the high-spirited protesters braved drizzling rain and bitter wind outside the Fifth Avenue Apple Store, Xinhua news agency reported. "We are standing in solidarity with Apple and their decision to oppose the FBI's scheme to put backdoors to the iPhones," said Jeff Lyon, chief technical officer of the activist group Fight for the Future. The protest occurred against the background of a major feud between the country's law enforcement agencies and Apple over its security measures on iPhones. The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a motion last Friday to compel Apple to comply with a court order to help the Federal Bureau of Investigation access data on an iPhone owned by the terrorist shooter of San Bernadino, California. The FBI has in its possession of the iPhone 5C used by Syed Farook
and his wife Tashfeen Malik, but couldn't access the data on the phone without a passcode. The couple shot dead 14 people in December 2015 in San Bernadino and were later killed by police. In response to FBI's request, a federal judge ordered Apple to create a software that bypasses a security feature that erases data in the iPhone after 10 unsuccessful unlocking attempts. "This case sets a dangerous precedent for the FBI to get a court to order Apple to push new software on all their phones that creates a government backdoor," said protester David Moore. In a statement released last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook refused to comply with the court order, saying that "in the wrong hands, this software which does not exist today - would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession," which would in turn compromise the data security of all Apple's customers. "Once you break one phone, you break all the phones. All our phones are breakable using the same technology," said protester Theo Chino. (Agencies)
BSP supremo Mayawati had begun to grow, students were raising their voices against Dalit oppression there, but the cur-
rent government did not like it. Then RSS with the help from Central government target them, they
were oppressed, because of which Rohith Committed suicide," she added. She also requested the government to include a Dalit in the panel constituted to probe Rohith Vemula's matter. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments today following uproar over Rohith Vemula's suicide. Mayawati raised this issue as soon as the House met for the day and said the 'Dalit students are targeted'. Rohith, who committed
suicide last month, was among the five research scholars suspended by the Hyderabad University in August last year over an alleged assault case. The matter took a political turn with allegations that the extreme step taken by Rohith was a result of discrimination against Dalit students at the behest of Union Minister of State for Labour Bandaru Dattatreya, following his letter to the Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, seeking action against their 'anti-national acts'. (ANI)
Koraput district library to get a facelift Koratpur, Feb 24: The 40-year-old district library of Koraput in Odisha is to get a facelift and plans are afoot to develop it as a model library. While the process of shifting the library from its present location to the building of the district culture department has already begun, plans are afoot to equip it with latest technology and infrastructure. For the past several years, the library had been lying neglected and unattended. To attract more people to the library and inculcate reading habit in public, especially students, it has been decided to develop it as a model library, where readers can spend hours together, Koraput collec-
tor Jaya Kumar V said. Under the renovation plan, the old library will be replaced by e-library. While new furniture will be purchased for readers, additional racks have been procured to ensure space for books. All these years, one had to spend hours to find the required book. Though the library has some valuable century-old books on many subjects, they were just bundled and thrown into a corner in the absence of an efficient system. "Soon we will digitize the library so that a visitor can track the book just with a click of the mouse," the collector said. According to the collector,
the number of books on various subjects and languages in the library will be increased from 35,000 to 1 lakh. The library was established in 1979 and is being run by information and public relations department. The administration plans to equip the library with books on various subjects ranging from literature, history, science and fiction to books on academics and magazines helpful for students preparing for various competitive examinations, including civil services. "We want people from all age group to spend time in reading at the library. Special reading compartments will be made inside the li-
brary for students preparing for competitive examinations to ensure that they are not distracted by others," the collector said. The administration plans to introduce membership fees for the library so that one can take a book home for a certain period. Meanwhile, Koraput District Librarian Association (KDLA) has welcomed the administration's decision to renovate the district library. "At a time when children are losing their reading habit, the initiative will go a long way in instilling the habit in public and attract more students to the library," said secretary of KDLA Seikh Ibrahim.(Agencies)
Jat stir: Haryana Janhit Congress demands President's Rule Chandigarh, Feb. 24: Haryana Janhit Congress chief Kuldeep Bishnoi on Wednesday alleged that former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh and Professor Virendra Singh are to be blamed for the worsening situation in the state and demanded imposition of President's Rule. "The terror and fear in Haryana now is like the 1947 situation. Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Professor Virendra Singh are to be blamed in this case. We have demanded a case of treason against them," Bishnoi told the media here. Bishnoi further blamed the Haryana government saying that there is no fear of administration. "The chief minister has no experience, no thinking to
Haryana Janhit Congress chief Kuldeep Bishnoi control the situation. There is no fear of the administration. The administrative officers are going against the law and order and we have demanded action against them too. The government is responsible for this," he added. "We met the gov-
ernor and asked him to impose President's Rule. The governor has given us assurances that he will look into the matter. If required we will go to the court. If we have to approach the President we will. We have also demanded CBI investigation
on this," Bishnoi said. Meanwhile, life is returning to normal after agitators called off their protests demanding reservation under OBC category. All road and rail routes have been cleared and traffic has been restored. Yesterday, curfew was lifted from most of the places and traders opened their shops. On Tuesday evening, former Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda and his MP son Deepender Hooda faced ire of traders whose properties have been damaged by the agitators at Rohtak. Authorities have asked the two leaders to leave Rohtak. After an audio tape of Prof Virender Singh, political advisor of former chief minister, went viral. (ANI)
Govt. challenges Rahul Gandhi for debate on JNU row in Parliament New Delhi, Feb. 24: Challenging Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for a debate on the JNU row in the Parliament, Union Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday asked the former to respond to the government's queries and put forth his views before the nation. "We would like Rahul Gandhi to participate in the debate, respond to our queries. Rahul Gandhi.please reply what is your and your party's stand on the sloganeering in JNU," he told the me-
dia here. Prasad further stated that the nation wants a reply from him, adding that it would happen only when he participates in the parliamentary debate. "Mr. Rahul Gandhi, we would like to know from you that a great, courageous brave army officer captain Pawan, who also hailed from JNU died fighting for the country. You associate with the legacy of Pawan in the JNU or you dissuade yourself with the legacy of those who are raising a slogan- 'Bharat ki barbaadi tak jung
Union Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
chalegi'? That's the issue. Mr. Gandhi.come let's have a debate," he added. Earlier, the Congress vicepresident said that the Centre won't let him speak in the Parliament because they are scared of his re-
marks. "The government said they are open to a discussion. Yes. But they will not let me speak in the Parliament. I will speak (in Parliament) but they will not let me speak because they are scared of what I will say," Gandhi told the media here. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha witnessed adjournments on the first working day today with the opposition parties lashing out at the government for the situation arising out of the incidents in JNU and Hyderabad University. (ANI)
Railway resources constantly dwindling: Prabhu New Delhi Feb 24: The resources of Railways are "constantly dwindling" as freight and passenger fares are not being decided in an optimum manner, the government said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Responding to supplementary during Question Hour, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said "resources of Railways are constantly dwindling" as they are "not
decided in the most optimum manner". He said the share of railways in freight as compared to other modes of transportation is declining. Referring to the creation of a Rail Development Authority, he said there should be a "trade off" to ensure that interests of the freight operators and passengers as well as that of Railways is protected. Efficiency should
be the parameter in deciding on freight, he said. Stressing the need for private participation in Railways, he also said there was a need to ensure that while private participation is there, it should not affect the interest of the travelling public. The minister recalled that in December last, a concept paper was floated on the regulatory framework and
setting up of the proposed Authority. The proposed body will protect consumer interest, promote competition and encourage market development. When some members raised issues about railways lines and development of Railway Divisions, Prabhu asked them to wait for the Rail Budget to be tabled on Thursday. (Agencies)
Rajnath to Rahul: Whoever wants to speak in Parliament can speak
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh New Delhi, Feb. 24: Rejecting Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's remark that the NDA government is scared of him, and therefore, will not let him speak in parliament, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the government is not in the business of stopping anyone who is willing to speak in the august house. "Our government will not stop anyone from speaking. Whoever wants to speak in the Parliament can speak," Singh told the media here. Gandhi said that the BJP-led NDA Government would not let him speak in the Parliament because they are scared of his remark.
"The government said they are open to a discussion. Yes. But they will not let me speak in the Parliament. I will speak (in Parliament) but they will not let me speak because they are scared of what I will say," Gandhi told the media here. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned thrice on the first working day over slogan-shouting and protests by the Opposition over the suicide of research scholar Rohith Vemula at the Hyderabad Central University last month. Later on Wednesday, a high-decibel debate is expected when the Rajya Sabha discusses the JNU controversy from 2 p.m. (ANI)
Latur incident 'not an attack on individual but on force': Fadnavis Mumbai, Feb. 24: Condemning the incident of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Latur being thrashed by the local goons, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said it was not an attack on an individual, rather on the police force, adding that such acts won't be tolerated. "Have told DG & MoS home to visit Pangaon in Latur. Govt feels that it is not an attack on individual but on force, won't tolerate such act," Fadnavis said in a tweet. ASI Yusuf Sheikh was forced to chant 'Jai Shivaji', 'Jai Maharashtra'
by around 250-300 local goons. The cop was also paraded around besides being assaulted. The incident reportedly took place on February 19. The incident apparently took place when two policemen tried to stop the locals from hoisting a 'saffron flag' during Shivaji Jayanti festivities in Pangaon town of Latur district. As many as 15 culprits have been arrested so far in the incident. Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra legislative council, Dhananjay Munde, will later in the day visit Latur and meet the ASI. (ANI)
RS adjourned till 12 noon over Rohith Vemula's suicide New Delhi, Feb. 24: The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon following uproar by the members of opposition parties over the suicide of Hyderabad University PhD scholar Rohith Vemula. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha and demanded the government's response to allegations that the research scholar, a Dalit, was persecuted and two Union Ministers had a role in it. Rohith,
who committed suicide last month, was among the five research scholars suspended by the Hyderabad University in August last year over an alleged assault case. The matter took a political turn with allegations that the extreme step taken by Rohith was a result of discrimination against Dalit students at the behest of Union Minister of State for Labour Bandaru Dattatreya, following his letter to Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, seeking action against their 'anti-national acts'. (ANI)
Kerry seeks 742 million dollars in aid to Pakistan Washington, Feb.24: In a bid to aid Pakistan with 742 million dollars, United States Secretary of State John Kerry has told US lawmakers that the Obama administration was helping Afghanistan and Pakistan fight terrorism. Kerry said that he is helping Afghanistan and Pakistan to counter violent extremism, deepening strategic dialogue with India, supporting democratic gains in Sri Lanka and Burma and encouraging the peaceful resolution of competing maritime claims in the South China Sea. In his testimony before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kerry said the State Department has requested 742 million
United States Secretary of State John Kerry dollars in aid to Pakistan to support its citizens as they seek security, build democracy and sustain economic growth and development. However, US plans to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan was also questioned by the committee. Kerry responded that the issue is complicated and said Pakistan also has been an ally for a long period. (ANI)
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
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NEIGHBOURS
All 23 on board crashed Tara Air twin otter dead: Nepal Army Kathmandu,Feb 24: All 23 passengers of the crashed Tara Air twin otter has been confirmed dead, according to Nepal Army sources. The plane was found crashed at a forest in Soli Ghoptebhir of Myagdi district after four hours of intense search and rescue operation.Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Tara Bahadur Karki has confirmed that all 23 passengers on board the plane were killed in the crash. Karki said that a team of Nepal Army have reached the crash site and have located the wing and tail section of the plane. However, search is still on for the fuselage.Aviation Minister Aananda Prasad Pokhrel confirmed that the plane was found crashed at a jungle in
Myanmar military announces intervention in ethnic armed group fighting Yangon, Feb. 24: Myanmar military has announced intervention in two ethnic armed groups' fighting in Namhsam and Kyaukme townships in the country's Shan statenorth. The military will conduct combined operations in the areas, a military announcement was quoted as saying.Fightings intensified between Shan State Army-South (SSA)-S, led by Ywet Sit, and Taaung National Liberation Army (TNLA) in the first half of this month and their clashes have forced 3,657 people to flee.Due to clashes, villages were set on fire, monks were arrested and some villagers were killed, the report said. Denouncing the acts of SSA-S Ywet Sit Group, the military's North-East Command asked the group to return to the territory designated for them through the joint Monitoring Committee and the Myanmar Peace Center.However, the SSA-S Ywet Sit Group rejected to comply with but deployed more troops in the areas, the report added. Meanwhile, an important proposal was submitted to the parliamentary House of Representatives (Lower House) on Feb. 16, urging to end the current conflict in Shan state-North's Palaung autonomous zones and Kyaukme township as soon as possible.TNLA troops have been fighting with SSA-Ywet Sit Group in Namhkam township since last November, but their clashes have intensified in the middle of this month in the area around Lotnaw village. The SSA-S was one of eight armed ethnic groups that signed the ceasefire pact with the government on Oct. 15 last year.The TNLA, along with two other armed ethnic groups, was not invited to sign the agreement. (Agencies)
Kekarko Butta in the district. Myagdi district DSP Bishwa Raj Khadka said the plane was completely destroyed by fire upon crash. Police constable Phool Kumar Thapa Magar who was among the first to reach the crash site All 23 passengers of the crashed Tara Air twin otter has been confirmed dead, according to Nepal Army sources said the crash site was situated on a very treacherous terrain and the de- three crew members on the flight was normal, bris of the plane was scat- board vanished early in said Jasoda Subedi, tered in an area of some the morning en-route Chief air traffic controlat Pokhara 200 meters. "The plane Pokhara-Jomsom.The ler was on fire and it is still plane took off from Airport.'"See you back, burning," he said during Pokhara Airport at 7:50 Ghorepani normal, good a telephone conversation am and lost control with day' were the last words with the media. Thapa Pokhara Air Traffic Con- from the captain. also said that the weather trol after 10 minutes of in the crash site was very take off when it reached However, the plane did airspace of not made any contacts for cold and deteriorating the further.Various police Ghorepani, Myagdi.Pilot minutes with the Jomsom teams are on their way to Roshan Manandhar, dur- Airport. Later on, rethe crash site.The Viking ing his final conversation peated contacts with the 9N-AHH Twin Otter with Pokhara Air Traffic Captain from both with 20 passengers and Control, mentioned that Pokhara and Jomsom air-
ports failed. Two helicopters were dispatched from Pokhara for the search mission.Among the passengers, the airline officials said that a Chinese, a Kuwaiti and two infants were on board.Tara Air added the brand new Viking DHC6-400 Twin Otter aircraft to its fleet in September last year.The short take-off and landing (STOL) plane boasts cutting edge avionics technology with an inte-
grated full glass cockpit that features an enhanced ground proximity warning system, traffic collision avoidance system and full colour weather radar. Nabin Khadka, a local of Dana-1, Kavre in Myagdi district, who reached the crashed site with police constable Phool Kumar Thapa Magar said the debris of the plane was scattered and the aircraft was still on fire. (Agencies)
All 23 passengers of the crashed Tara Air twin otter has been confirmed dead, according to Nepal Army sources. The plane was found crashed at a forest in Soli Ghoptebhir of Myagdi district after four hours of intense search and rescue operation
Resolving Kashmir dispute key to regional peace, Pakistan tells EU Islamabad, Feb 24: Since Pakistan has been endeavoring to promote peace, security and stability in the region, it was imperative for the European Union and international community to take steps to resolve Kashmir issue, which is the biggest source of instability in the region.This was said by Senator Mushahid Hussain, who led the Senate Defence Committee delegation, which arrived in Brussels for interaction with European Union and Euro-
pean Parliament. Their first engagement was a seminar organised by the European Institute for Asian Studies, where Mushahid referred to Pakistan's pivotal role in the region saying that Pakistan had hosted the largest and the longest duration refugee population for the last 35 years as Pakistan had been in the "eye of the storm" since the Soviet military intervention in 1979. He said that Pakistan had suffered and sacrificed the most since 9/11 hav-
ing lost over 60,000 soldiers and civilians, children, women and men but the people of Pakistan had demonstrated tremendous resilience. Mushahid said that the political forces, the armed forces, the parliament and the government and civil society as a whole, were united in their quest to free Pakistan from terrorism and extremism.He also criticised policies, which had resulted in instability in the region, adding that the attempt on "regime change" in Iraq,
Syria and Libya had been dangerous since it led to the emergence of more instability and terrorism. Mushahid referred to the recent Indian blockade against Nepal, which was not only a failure but it also shows a mindset of hegemony and attempt to browbeat and bully a small neighbour like Nepal by India. Mushahid said "the rise of Islamophobia in Europe is dangerous as it shows emerging bigotry based on race and religion". A lively question and an-
swer discussion followed which was also participated by Senator Farooq Naek, Senator Abdul Qayuum, Senator Farhatullah Babar and Senator John Kenneth Williams.The delegation also called on EU Military Committee Chairman General Mikhail Kostarakos and EU Foreign Committee Chairman Elmar Brok. General Mikhail praised Pakistan's role in the region saying "Pakistan is very important ally of the EU". (Agencies)
Police claim success in Avijit murder case
Police claim success in Avijit murder case
Dhaka,Feb 24:Investigators have got some crucial information in connection with the murder of secularist writer Avijit Roy from the two alleged militants arrested recently in the
city.Sources said that the duo - Kamal alias Shahin and Shah Alam alias Salauddin - had been involved in the gruesome murder that took place on February 26 last year. Police say they are members of banned militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team. The newly-formed Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CT) unit and the DB police arrested the two militants from Badda on Friday. They were placed on six-day remand on Monday.Former Buet
teacher Avijit Roy, also founder of Mukto-Mona blog, was hacked to death by assailants near TSC when he and his wife Rafida Ahmed Bonya were returning from the book fair. Bonna sustained severe injuries in the attack.Bombs recovered from the alleged den of Ansarullah in Mohammadpur are similar to those found in Narayanganj on October 25 last year, investigators said.They think that either some members of banned Islamist group
Harkat-ul Jihad al-Islami (HujiB) joined Ansarullah or they trained the Ansarullah members. Both the groups want to establish Islamic rule in the country. DB Bomb Disposal Unit officials told the Dhaka Tribune that they had found the bombs inside the false ceiling of the flat. Similar arrangement was seen in Narayanganj.DB Assistant Commissioner Rahmattullah Chowdhury said they had found six grenades which were made of lo-
cal materials. Moreover, they found bomb-making manuals written in Bangla and Arabic."We saw similar preparation of grenades from the HujiB members detained earlier. May be some bomb makers of HujiB have joined Ansarullah," he added.At least seven members of HujiB were arrested by the DB police in Narayanganj last year. They had returned to Bangladesh after getting military training from Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba for two years. (Agencies)
City facing water shortage of 550m gallons every day Karachi,Feb 24: Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Managing Director Misbahuddin Fareed has said that there is need of 1,100 million gallons of water every day to meet city water needs, against which only 550 million gallons are being supplied through Indus river system.Distribution of this water is a great challenge for water board. At present, River Indus is the only source of water for Karachiites and that too has reservoir of seven days, he lamented. This he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a three-day Pak Water Expo 2016 as chief guest and later talking to media in Expo Centre, Karachi. The event is organised by Prime Event Management with support of Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). PSQCA Quality Control Director Shabir Ahmed Qureshi participated as guest of
City facing water shortage of 550m gallons every day honour.Fareed told the participants that supply of 100 million gallon water from Hub Dam is still discontinued causing more water shortage in the metropolis. Due to this many areas of city are experiencing acute water shortage as such areas are getting water supply only once in 15 days.Last year, he said, heat waves killed 2,200 people and shortage of water was told to be one of reasons. This year too, heat waves are predicted and if it is experienced situation will get worse.
The government should take abreast of situation and take steps including construction of dams and water reservoirs, he urged. I n t e r n a t i o n a l organisations are predicting that glaciers are melting at pace in Pakistan it will deepen further and irreparable loss of human, marine life and industry.He said that 420 million gallons of untreated sewage is being poured in sea causing pollution. There is also much need of desalination plants in the city. "The Supreme
Court of Pakistan has ordered to install treatment plants in all industries at shores to curtail pollution, which is yet to be implemented." All industries should install their own treatment plants, he advised.The Sindh government has approved PC1 for installation of combined effluent treatment plant having capacity to treat 500 million gallons of water and work has started on project. "Untreated domestic and industrial waste is being discharged in River Ravi which is poured in River Indus and finally in Arabian Ocean. Treatment plants should be installed in all parts of country." He said that many major companies are selling wa-
ter in the bottles pretending it as mineral water to consumers, which should be stopped. "Pak water expo is a good initiative which should be expanded at further level," he suggested.Project Director Kamran Abbasi said that more than 24 companies have participated in this event and more than 30 stalls are established. Equipment used in water distribution, treatment and conservation will be at display in the three-day expo, he added. PSQCA Quality Control Director Shabir Qureshi said that laboratories of authority are providing testing services and raising consumer awareness about mineral water.(Agencies)
KWSB Managing Director Misbahuddin Fareed says River Indus, only source of water for Karachiites, is left with a supply of seven days only
2 Bangladeshi students killed in Australia road crash
2 Bangladeshi students killed in Australia car crash
Dhaka,Feb 24:Two Bangladeshi students have been killed and another has been critically injured in a fatal road accident in Belmore of Sydney, said police.A resident reported hearing a loud skid before the vehicle smashed into a power pole on Canterbury Road in Belmore about 3.40am on Wednesday (Australia Time). Police and emergency services rushed to the area with more than 10 rescuers working to free the three men, all Bangladeshi students, trapped inside the vehicle. CCTV footage of the moments before a car "basically disintegrated" after it collided into a telegraph pole in Belmore shows the Toyota Camry travelling alongside a white Nissan Skyline at what appears to be high speed.The
short clip shows a third car, a blue Toyota Aurion, following the front two at a similar speed, it said.Just seconds later the black Toyota Camry was almost split in half as it wrapped around a pole, killing two men, believed to be 20, and leaving another man, 20, fighting for his life in St George Hospital. Other footage from a nearby store shows the Camry cross from the right hand lane, in front of the skyline just moments before the driver skidded out.He appeared to over correct before slamming into the pole on Canterbury Rd.Police are looking into the possibility the car was involved in street racing at the time of the crash.Some of the friends were travelling in another car and witnessed the crash. (Agencies)
Human rights report urges Sri Lanka to translate promises into action
A report on the state of human rights around the world has urged Sri Lanka to translate its promises of accountability into action. Colombo,Feb 24:A report on the state of human rights around the world has urged Sri Lanka to translate its promises of accountability into action.
promises of accountability into action," Champa Patel, Amnesty International's South Asia Director said following the release of the world report.
Amnesty International noted that the UN Human Rights Council resolution in September on an investigation into atrocities committed during the conflict offers a ray of hope to victims and family members, but precious little has happened since.
Amnesty International launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world today and warned that international protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national selfinterest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights.
"There have been some marked improvements on human rights in Sri Lanka during the year, notably on freedom of expression. People are not as afraid to speak out anymore as reports of the dreaded 'white van' kidnappings have dried up. The UN Human Rights Council resolution in September on an investigation into atrocities committed during the conflict offers a ray of hope to victims and family members, but precious little has happened since. The Government must now translate its
Amnesty International has documented how many Governments have brazenly broken international law in 2015 in their national contexts: more than 98 states tortured or otherwise illtreated people and 30 or more illegally forced refugees to return to countries where they would be in danger. In at least 18 countries, war crimes or other violations of the "laws of war" were committed by Governments or armed groups. (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
A Reality Assam's first smokeless village For over four decades, firewood had been the only fuel for the most of the village's women. Wracked by bouts of cough caused by the soot-filled air in the blackened kitchens, cooking was an ordeal for them. Cooking with firewood is (Photo:cliparts.art) passe in Daimukhia since all households here have LPG. It has been officially declared it as India's first smokeless village, owing to its conversion from conventional fuel to LPG. Assam Oil Division (AOD) of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has declared Daimukhia village of Doomdooma as a smokeless village under its 'Smokeless Village Mission'. This declaration was made by Senior LPG Area Manager of Tinsukia area office, Ranjit Borgohain, in a special programme. It is to be noted that all the 206 households of the village have got LPG connection. Dwelling upon the concept of smokeless village it can be said that this mission has been launched in order ensure good health of women and children as smoke affects our health in various ways. Moreover Daimukhia is the first smokeless village in upper Assam, fourth in the State and seventh in the Northeast. In Karnataka 274 households in Vyachakurahalli village located in Chikkaballapur district have LPG stoves now, and nobody cooks with firewood any more. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has officially declared Vyachakurahalli as the first smokeless village in India in the month of December .According to the Union health ministry, 83% of women living in rural India die because of inhalation of smoke in the kitchen. And the first smokeless village is a part of an initiative undertaken by the ministry to make oil companies adopt different villages and work on turning them smokeless by informing people about the importance of using gas stoves. Cooking has been a very tough task in many villages of India. The soot filled kitchens lead to cough, and many long term health problems. Also as per reports this year India's cleanest village will soon become India's first 'smokeless' village if the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) pulls off its plan to get the villagers to switch from cooking fuels like kerosene, charcoal and firewood, to LGP. Mawlynnong, a village in Meghalaya, has been adopted by an IOCL distributor and aims to pull off the 'smokeless' plan within two weeks. The village, located near the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills, has been famous for its exceptional cleanliness over the last 10 years. It has 93 households and about 520 citizens. The IOCL recently launched free-trade LPG in the area, which allows householders to buy 5-kg cylinders of cooking gas from designated shops simply showing proof of identity. The idea is to cater to outstation customers, customers with an LPG emergency, and single occupant households. Freetrade gas has been launched in Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Tezpur and Tinsukia in Assam. To promote more 'Smokeless Village,' Government should begin with an awareness campaign to make people understand the ill effects of smoke that is generated when they cook with firewood.
Right to Information Awareness is the solution to any problem In India, RTI Act was introduced in 2005 and since then this law has proved to be a strong weapon in the hands of people, for ensuring transparency in government departments and containing corruption. By 2010, more than 85 countries have national-level RTI laws or regulations in force including the major developing countries like China and India. In Asia so far almost 20 nations have adopted FOI laws including Kazakhstan (FOI Act, 1993), South Korea (Act on Disclosure of Information by Public Agencies, 1996 adopted in 1998 and amended in 2004), Japan (Law concerning Access to information, 1999 came into power in 2001 and amended in 2003), China (Open Government Information Regulation, 2008 which came into effect in 2009) and Indonesia (FOI Law, 2008 which came into force in 2010). In South Asia, countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, have not adopted any related legislations. Only Nepal (2007), Bangladesh (2009), Pakistan (2002) and India (2005) have such laws. Although the Act of Right to Information have been criticized on several grounds. It provides for information on demand, so to speak, but does not sufficiently stress information on matters related to food, water, environment and other survival needs that must be given pro-actively, or suo moto, by public authorities. The Act does not emphasize active intervention in educating people about their right to access information -- vital in a country with high levels of illiteracy and poverty -- or the promotion of a culture of openness within official structures. Without widespread education and awareness about the possibilities under the new Act, it could just remain on paper. The Act also reinforces the controlling role of the government official, who retains wide discretionary powers to withhold information. The most scathing indictment of the Bill has come from critics who focus on the sweeping exemptions it permits. Restrictions on information relating to security, foreign policy, defence, law enforcement and public safety are standard. But the Right to Information Act also excludes Cabinet papers, including records of the council of ministers, secretaries and other officials, this effectively shields the whole process of decision-making from mandatory disclosure. By enacting the Right to Information Act India has moved from an opaque and arbitrary system of government to the beginning of an era where there will be greater transparency and to a system where the citizen will be empowered and the true center of power. Only by empowering the ordinary citizen can any nation progress towards greatness and by enacting the Right to Information Act 2005 India has taken a small but significant step towards that goal. The real Swaraj will come not by the acquisition of authority by a few but by the acquisition of capacity by all to resist authority when abused. Thus with the enactment of this Act India has taken a small step towards achieving real Swaraj.
Arunachal Pradesh: The long journey from secluded entity to full-fledged state. Part I India was under the ment had no development mighty British rule for plans or programmes for more than two centuries the tribesmen in the beduring which almost all ginning. The realization of the regions of the coun- the many tribesmen residtry came under its admin- ing in the inhospitable hills istrative of the region c o n t r o l . Denhang Bosai dawned very However, late in the it is rather intriguing that corridors of power of the nothing was known about British India. Later on, the tribes of present the Northeast Frontier Arunachal Pradesh and Agency (NEFA) shot into the region during the most prominence albeit for all part of the British rule. the wrong reasons; ChiOnly in the later parts nese aggression in 1962 beginning from the early and the great Assam 40s people had a vague earthquake in 1950. knowledge of the many These were truly defintribes residing in the re- ing moments for the inA festival celebration of Arunachal Pradesh in progress. (Photo: mynortheastindia) gion. The famous British nocent tribesmen. The writer Verrier Elwin hill dwellers as they were played a stellar role in better known then used with great curiosity. ministration smoothly. flora, fauna and colourful rated tracts were kept throwing open some of rivers, streams, big trees Apart from the Singphos, tribes. The GOI also dis- outside the purview of the facets of tribal life of and even rocks to demar- The different ethnic Khamtis, Sherdukpans covered some important regular laws of the counthe hitherto unknown re- cate boundaries of their groups lived in complete and the Monpas, the historical ruins like try and were adminisgion to the outside world land. Since these tribes- isolation in the then other tribes had no reli- B h i s m a k n a g a r , tered differently by passthrough his writings and men lived in complete iso- Arunachal Pradesh. gion of their own. Apart Malinithan, Itafort and ing regulations and framtravelogues. lation, they were oblivi- Leave alone coming in from the Singphos, places of Hindu pilgrim- ing procedures from time ous of the winds of mod- contact with the outsid- Khamtis, Monpas and age like the famous to time. The region was Some people came to ern development blowing ers, the tribesmen were Sherdukpans the other Parashuram Kund. The eventually given formal know about the region across the globe. The hill not even aware of the ethnic tribes have no Indian government at recognition as a separate and its tribesmen be- dwellers did not have the existence of other tribes scripts of their own. long last came to know administrative unit with cause of the constant necessity to venture out in the region. They lived Some of them wor- that these unknown hill the notification of 1914 by conflict between the Brit- of their territories be- in naked or semi-naked shipped the forces of Na- dwellers were the Adis, the Foreign and Political ish expedition and survey cause Nature bestowed condition. ture including the Sun and Galos, Apatanis, Nyishis, departments of the govteams and the tribesmen upon them whatever they Moon and their Ances- Mishimis, Khamtis, ernment of British India. who considered any out- required. In most parts, Summers and winters tors. Medicines and other Singphos, Monpas, The notification facilisiders as intruders. The necessities of life were Sherdukpans, Akas, Mijis, tated extension of Assam tragic incident of killing of Wanchos, Frontier Tracts RegulaSummers and winters made little or beyond their imagination. Noctes, Captain Williamson and So, in the absence of Tangsas etc. tion, 1880 to the hills ocno difference to them. They lived his men during such an modern medicines the by the hill dwellhappily in the lap of Mother Nature. priests played a pivotal Just as the origin of these cupied expedition in 1911 at ers. Komsing village in for- For the tribesmen, the day was to toil role in looking after the tribesmen and their existmerly Siang district, cold- in the field and the night was to sleep. sick people. ence in the unknown So, the hill areas inhabblooded murder of a They had neither worldly wants nor Use of priestly chants, jungles for many centu- ited by those tribesmen Circle Officer and CRPF ries are shrouded in mys- were separated from the these worldly wants were available personnel at Chayangtajo animal sacrifice and tery the political history of Darrang and Lakhimpur those hard, harsh and unforgiving in undivided Kameng disjungle medicinal herbs the region is also not less districts of the province trict, massacre of more was largely practised by interesting. It was a long of Assam to put these days. Since they lived in naked or than 80 survey team most of the tribes. The and arduous journey from areas under own adminmembers including Brit- semi-naked state, the urge for clothes diseases that the priests an un-administered re- istrative jurisdiction and other accessories was blissfully found no remedies for, gion to a full-fledged thereby using the power ish officers at Nyinu village in undivided Tirap where treated as a curse state called Arunachal under Regulation of 1880. absent. district and other such from the malevolent Pradesh-the land of the As a result, the Northugly incidents have been natural salt springs were made little or no differ- spirit. Apart from engag- rising sun. Before the east Frontier Tracts came recorded in the history of available. So, there was ence to them. They lived ing themselves in agricul- advent of modern demo- into being. The governpresent Aunachal no need for them to happily in the lap of tural practices, the tribes- cratic institutions, it was ment of British India was Pradesh. travel to the plains in Mother Nature. For the men were expert hunters the village councils with reluctant to introduce full search of salt. The cur- tribesmen, the day was to and fishermen. different nomenclatures administration in the reThese are of course, rency was hardly known toil in the field and the that administered the gion inhabited by the hill dark chapters that the or seen as these tribes- night was to sleep. They They loved community people. tribes. world and the people of men practised barter sys- had neither worldly wants hunting and fishing. They Aunachal Pradesh would tem. They lived honest nor these worldly wants also celebrated a number These village councils In fact, the British India not like to recall. The and simple life in the hills were available those of festivals to mark vari- had great influence over was keener to protect the Britishers did not venture and they never used locks hard, harsh and unforgiv- ous occasions. Most of the villagers. Later the interests of the plains out beyond the plains of and keys. ing days. Since they lived these tribes used the pat- Political Assistants (PAs) people and harboured Assam due to which in naked or semi-naked tern of the waxing moon and Political Interpreters unfriendly attitude tothere was a total lack of Most of these hill dwell- state, the urge for clothes to start their agriculture (PIs) appointed from wards the tribesmen communication and un- ers came in some contact and other accessories cycle. Since their subsis- amongst the villagers mainly because very little derstanding of the region with outsiders long after was blissfully absent. tence totally depended on played a pivotal role in as- was known about these and its people. The tribes- India's Independence their land, forests, rivers sisting the administration. tribesmen. The adminismen of the unexplored through teachers, VLWs, However, interestingly, and animals, the tribes- The Gaon Burhas (GBs) tration of this little known and unexposed region WHO DDT sprayers and almost all the tribesmen men greatly venerated also later acted as a link region was directly under came in contact with other government em- in the region had a settled Nature. between the administra- the Governor of the prosepoys of the Assam ployees. However, even agriculture and were govtion and the villagers. vincial government of Rifles and other plains- after India's Indepen- erned by well-defined and This veneration for the There was no Police Assam. The federal govmen deployed by the Brit- dence the simple modern well-structured traditional Nature brought them then. ernment of British India ish regime to take puni- equipments like mirror, systems unlike the other closer to her. Life was used to earmark some tive action against the 'fe- torch light, comb, match nomads or tribesmen in hard, harsh, cruel and at It may be mentioned here fund for administrative rocious' tribesmen living box etc were things of other parts of the world. times unforgiving then. that for a very long time and development purin the hills who often great mystery and curios- In fact, the Apatanis had The tribesmen literally the present Arunachal poses of this region raided and attacked the ity for the simple and in- a very well-developed lived at the mercy of Pradesh was a part of which was implemented people living in the foot- nocent tribesmen. The practice of wet rice cul- Mother Nature. How- undivided Assam. The by the government of hills of Assam. These un- transistors or radio, tivation by using ever, long after 1947, the Inner Line Regulation of Assam. (The writer, known tribesmen were watches, pens and irrigational systems even year India got freedom 1873, for the first time, DIPRO, Tirap who also apparently fiercely pro- clothes were luxury those days. So also the from the British rule, the separated some tracts in- writes for The Times of tective of their land, for- items for them. They Noctes, Wanchos, Adis government of India dis- habited by some tribes- India, India Today and ests and rivers. Apart looked at the strange etc had traditional institu- covered that the hitherto men from the districts of Outlook can be from these punitive ac- plainsmen; the way they tions that greatly helped unknown region was a Assam and British ad- WhatsApped in tions, the British govern- dressed, spoke and ate in running the village ad- rich land with varied ministration. These sepa- 8415023508.) Contd.
The JNU row
Jawaharlal Nehru University campus (Photo: cdn.oneindia)
Sir, The recent events in Jawaharlal Nehru University have taken the entire nation with awe and outrage. The anti-national sloganeering and the attempted glorification of Afzal Guru by a group of students should be strongly condemned. Proper investigation should be carried out into the matter and the guilty be brought to justice. However, the handling of the situation by the Central government and Delhi police cannot be commended. The police crackdown on innocent students and teachers of the university and the subsequent arrest of student leader Kanhaiya Kumar for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans is very autocratic. Leveling of the colonial-era sedition charges on JNU students and the unchecked violence against the students, teachers and activists in Delhi's Patiala House courts have sent a message that the rule of law could be enforced selectively. It is very unfortunate to see that certain right-wing elements are trying hard to label the premier institute as anti-national hub just because they differ in ideologies.
Slogans like "shut down JNU" and "shoot every traitor" only show how insensitive these organisations and their leaders are. Moreover, some TV news channels have started their own trial into the matter and have already declared the students guilty on the basis of some video tapes- which are now believed to be doctored, before the charges are proved in the eyes of the law. It has done nothing but confused and polarised the audience. The definition of nationalism and patriotism is debatable and universities should play leading roles in holding such discussions. The colonialera sedition law under Section 124-A of the IPC should be re-examined and should not be levied for mere sloganeering. Overall, it is vital that sanity and amiability remain in our university campuses so that the process of nation building may continue. Yours sincerely, Himangka Kaushik Dibrugarh
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JOBS & career
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
IOCL, Bongaigaon Refinery Trade/ Technician Apprentice Recruitment Last Date: 15/03/2016. Applications are invited from candidates meeting following qualification and other parameters for engagement as apprentice at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bongaigaon Refinery in the trade/disciplines mentioned below. 1. Trade Apprentice/ Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant), Discipline-Chemical No of post: 25 2. Trade Apprentice (Fitter), Discipline-Mechanical No of post: 10 3. Trade Apprentice (Boiler), Discipline-Mechanical No of post: 5 4. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Chemical No of post: 25 5. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Mechanical No of post: 15 6. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Electrical No of post:10 7. Technician Apprentice, Discipline-Instrumentation No of post: 5
CRPF Recruitment 2016 - Apply Online for 229 Asst Sub Inspector Posts Directorate General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India has published notification for the recruitment of 229 Assistant Sub Inspector (Steno) vacancies. Eligible candidates may apply online from 01-02-2016 to 01-03-2016. Other information like educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below… CRPF Vacancy Details: Total No. of Posts: 229 Name of the Posts: Assistant Sub Inspector (Steno) 1. General: 78 Posts 2. OBC: 75 Posts 3. SC: 46 Posts 4. ST: 30 Posts Age Limit: Candidates age limit should be between 18 to 25 years as on 01-03-2016. Relaxation of age will be applicable up to 05 years for SC/ ST and 03 years for OBC candidates & other relaxation details refer the notificaton. Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent from a Board or University recognised by Central or State Government. Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on written examination, PST, skill test, medical examination. Application Fee: Candidates should pay Rs. 100/- by online mode through net banking, creadit/ debit card/ SNI Challan. Application fee will be exempted to SC, ST, ex servicemen & women candidates. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.crpfindia.com from 01-02-2016 to 01-03-2016. Instructions to Apply Online: 1. Before applying online candidates should have valid e mail id & contract number. 2. Candidates should scan their photograph & signature. 3. Log on the website www.crpfindia.com. 4. Click on New Registration & read all instructions. 5. Click on Yes Button & Fill all the details. 6. Take a print out of online application for future use. Important Dates: Starting Date for Apply Online: 01-02-2016. Last Date for Apply Online: 01-03-2016.
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IOCL, Digboi Refinery Jr. Engineering Assistant Recruitment Last Date: 26/02/2016. Applications are invited from Indian Nationals fulfilling the eligibility criteria for the under mentioned posts in the pay scale of Rs 11,900-32,000 at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (Assam Oil Division), Digboi Refinery. 1. Jr. Engg. Asstt-IV (Production) - Chemical No of posts: 8 Educational Qualification: 3 (three) Years regular full time Diploma in Chemical/ Refinery & Petrochemical Engg. or BSc (Math, Physics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry) from a Govt. recognized Indian university/Institute. 2. Jr. Engineering Assistant - IV (Power & Utilities) - Mechanical/ Electrical No of posts:4 Educational Qualification: 3 (Three) Years regular full time Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from a Govt. recognized Indian university/Institute and possessing Boiler Competency Certificate with class as prescribed by the Boiler Authority of the State. 3. Jr. Engineering Assistant - IV (Instrumentation) - Instrumentation No of posts: 3 Educational Qualification: 3 (Three) Years regular full time Diploma in Instrumentation/ Instrumentation & Electronics / Instrumentation and Control Engineering from a Govt. recognized Indian university/Institute. 4. Jr. Materials Assistant-IV - Mechanical/ Electrical/ Instrumentation No of posts:1 Educational Qualification: 3 (Three) Years regular full time Diploma Engineering. Age: Minimum 18 years and maximum 26 years as on 01/01/2016 (Relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates for the posts reserved for them). Scale of pay: Rs.11,900-32,000 Selection Method: Selection would be based on Written Test of 3 hours duration and Skill/ Proficiency/ Physical Test, the later being of 'qualifying nature' only. Every candidate will have to secure a minimum of 40% marks at each stage for qualifying the selection process, relaxable by 5% for candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD against reserved positions. How to Apply: Typed Applications as per the prescribed format along with the Demand Draft (As applicable) as given with the advertisement , supported by self attested photocopies of all relevant documents (qualification/experience/age/caste/ category etc.) should be sent by Post only to Chief Human Resource Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (AOD), DIGBOI - 786171 so as to reach on or before 26/02/2016.
ASSAM NAVNIRMAN SAMITY recruits Delivery Controller in Guwahati Jan 2016 Name of the Organisation: ASSAM NAVNIRMAN SAMITY Post:: Delivery Controller Job Category: Marketing Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Eligibility-1.Minimum 10th pass. 2.Candidate must have own two-wheeler. Salary-Negotiable+TA/DA Please contact at 8822356832/8721867783 Please send your Resumes to:: navnirmanassam@yahoo.com
Indian Institute Of Technology Guwahati Guwahati - 781 039 Phone : 0361-2583000, Fax : 0361-2690762 Applications in prescribed forms are invited from the Indian Nationals for the following posts at this Institute : Deputy Librarian - 1 post (UR) Pay : PB3 ; `15600 - 39100, AGP = `8000/Essential Qualification & Experience : (1) Master's Degree in Library Science/Information Science/ documentation with at least 55% of the marks or equivalent. (2) 5 years' experience in a responsible position in an academic library. (3) Evidence of innovative library service and organisation of published work and professional commitment, computerization of library. NB : The point No. 3 above indicates that - the applicant is expected to have a proven record of implementing new ideas in library service and experience of working in IT enabled library of a educational and research organization. Desired Qualification & Experience : a) M. Phil/ Ph.D. degree in Library science / Information Science/ Documentation/ Archives & Manuscript keeping. b) Experience of working in Computerized Library. Age : Below 50 years Assistant Workshop Superintendent - 1 post (UR) Pay : PB 3 ; ` 15600-39100/-; Grade Pay = ` 5400/Essential Qualification & Experience : Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. 4 years experience in Machine Shop in a responsible capacity covering production, planning, estimating, production control and control of labourers. Desired Qualification & Experience : Teaching experience in relevant field. Person should have knowledge in handling sophisticated equipments such as CNC machine, FMS set up, EDM, CMM, LASER machine, plasma cutting and welding machine etc. knowledge in various manufacturing related software such as CNC programming, MASTERCAM, Solid edge, Pro-E-package etc.; able to guide practical training of students, conversant with maintenance of equipments and machineries, knowledge in planning and development of laboratories, workshop etc., knowledge of purchase, storage and issue of engineering materials, equipment and accessories. Age : Below 40 years
UCO Bank Law Officer, Engineer Recruitment UCO Bank. Last Date:15/03/2016. UCO Bank, a leading Public Sector Bank, invites applications from Indian citizens for the following posts: 1. Law Officer: 21 Posts 2. Engineer: 04 Posts [ Civil Engineer: 03, Electrical: 01] Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Degree in Law with minimum 55% marks for Post 1, Degree in Civil Engineering/ Electrical Engineering for Post 2. Age: Candidates age should be between 28-35 years for Post 1, 21-30 years for Post 2 as on 01-04-2015. Age relaxation is applicable by 5 years for SC/ ST, 3 years for OBC & for others as per rules. Selection Process: The selection will be made through the online test conducted by IBPS and interview conducted by Bank. Application Fee: Candidates should pay Rs. 600/- (Rs. 100/- for SC/ ST/ PwD candidates) by online through the bill desk payment gateway. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.ucobank.com from 23-02-2016 to 15-03-2016
‘The Eastern Today’ has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.). 1).Shaheen (Eagle)-4 is the name of the joint Air Exercise which was conducted between China and ________. Answer: Pakistan 2).Name the communication satellite which was launched by ISRO and has successfully placed in its orbital slot 83 degree east? Answer : GSAT-6 3).Which of the following government has decided to reduce the syllabus up to class 8th by 25%? Answer: Delhi 4).International Film Festival for persons with disabilities 2015 was hosted at________. Answer: India 5).Mumbai Team has won the Buchi Babu Memorial Trophy by defeating which of the team in the finals? Answer: Tamil Nadu 6).Asian Boxing Championship 2015 was hosted at________.
10).Who is the winner of the Italian Grand Prix of Formula One 2015? Answer: Lewis Hamilton 11).Who has been appointed as the New Director General (Electronics & Communications Systems) of DRDO? Answer: J Manjula 12). 3-days Organic Fair and Food Festival was held at which of the following states? Answer: Himachal Pradesh 13).Which of the following Indian Organization has signed a MoU with the Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) to start the construction of naval ships? Answer: Reliance Group 14).6th Indo-Maldives joint Training Exercise was started at Pangode Military Station which was located at ____________. Answer: Kerala Answer: Bangkok 15).Who has been ap7).Asian Highway No.1 pointed as the new memlinks India with which of ber of the Niti Aayog? the following two coun- Answer: Ramesh Chand tries? 16). Which of the followAnswer: Thailand and ing Financial Institution's Myanmar license has been can8)."e-Pragati" is related celled by RBI recently? to which of the following state? Answer: Sahara India Answer: Andhra Financial Corporation Pradesh Ltd 9).Who is the second 1 7 ) . C o m m o n w e a l t h Australian Cricketer Youth Games 2015 was (next to Ricky Ponting) hosted at_________. to win back to back Allan Answer: Samoa Border Medals? 18).Which of the followAnswer: Shane Watson ing state has launched
Wazan Diwas to identify children with inadequate diet? Answer: Uttar Pradesh 19).Name the Indian Weightlifting Champion who won Gold medal in the 5th Youth Commonwealth Games (CYG)? Answer: Deepak Lather 20).Who among the following has launched the e-version of the 100 volumes of Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (CWMG) in New Delhi? Answer: Arun Jaitley 21).As per the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) which of the following Stock Exchanges has the highest number of listed companies in the world? Answer: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 22).Which State government has passed the Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to set matriculation as the minimum education qualification for elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions? Answer: Haryana 23).President's Cup of Golf 2015 is held at_________. Answer: South Korea 24).Which of the following state has recently approved the formation of Anti-Terror Squad? Answer: Jharkhand 25).7 Indians were recognized in the New
Group of Philanthropists list in the 9th edition of Forbes Asian Magazine. Who among the following is NOT one of them? Answer: Akash Ambani 26).Deepak Lather is related to which of the following sports? Answer: Weightlifting 27).Which of the following state's Food and Drug Administration has decided to ban gutka, pan masala and other similar products for one year? Answer: Haryana 28).Name the first Indian Golfer to get qualified for President's Cup of Golf? Answer: Anirban Lahiri 29).India had set a bilateral trade target of 1 billion dollar by 2018, with which of the following countries? Answer: Belarus 30).Which Country's Supreme Court has ordered to adopt Urdu as their official language of the country? Answer: Pakistan 31).India has signed an agreement with which of the following country to cooperate in all criminal matters including gathering evidence? Answer: Indonesia 32).Which of the following state has decided to launch motorbike ambulances from next year? Answer: Maharashtra 33).Who is the head of the 21st Law commission of India? Answer: Ajit Prakash
Shah 34).Which of the following has been newly established by Indian Navy at Karwar, Karnataka? Answer: INS Vajrakosh 35). ISRO Chairman ________ has received the Prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize 2014 from the President Pranab Mukherjee? Answer: A S Kiran Kumar 36).Tamil Nadu's 1st Global Investors Summit (TNGIM) 2015 was held at________. Answer: Chennai 37).Who is the Union HRD Minister of India? Answer: Smt Smriti Irani 38).PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 10th World Hindi Conference which was held at _________. Answer: Bhopal 39). What is the percentage of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route for White Label ATM Operations (WLAO)? Answer: 100% 40).First World Hindi Conference was held in 1975 at_________. Answer: Nagpur 41).Who has been elected as the new chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) during the 67th Annual General meeting 201516? Answer: Shashidhar Sinha 42).What is the theme of
10th World Hindi Conference? Answer: Hindi Jagat Vistar and Sambhavnaye 43).PM Narendra Modi has approved the _________ Law Commission of India (LCI) for the period of 3 years from 1st September 2015 to August 2018. Answer: 21st 44).India and ______ has agreed to maintain peace along the border after the Director General level meeting. Answer: Pakistan 45).Who among the following has launched the national web portal for the promotion of a national apprenticeship scheme? Answer: Smriti Irani 46).Name the Indian Bengali American author who has won the prestigious National Humanities Medal from the hands for US President Barack Obama? Answer: Jhumpa Lahiri 47).Name the Indian American Who has been selected as the post master for Sacramento in California? Answer: Jagdeep Grewal 48).What is the name of the new species of human relative discovered in South Africa by the Professor Lee Berger from the University of the Witwatersrand?
Image for representational purpose (Photo: flckr)
Answer: Homonaledi 49).Name the Water Policy Expect who has instrumental in drafting India's 1st National Water Policy in 1978? Answer: Ramaswamy R. Iyer 50).World Hindi Day was observed on__________. Answer: 10th January 51) Who among the following has won Best opposite spiker award in women's Volleyball championship 2015? Answer: Lonneke Sloetjes 52) Which Telecom company has introduced Nirvoy life insurance scheme in Bangladesh? Answer: Telenor 53) How many organization of National Dialogue Quartet, the Tunisian civil society has won 2015 Nobel Peace Prize? Answer: 4 54) What does the letter 'T' denotes in the term UNCTAD?
Answer: Trade 55) China has recently launched a __________ satellite called 'The Jilin-1'. Answer: Remote sensing satellite 56) Which of the following mobile service provider launched its Wi-Fi app recently? Answer: Airtel 57) President Pranab Mukherjee is on six days visit to three nations, which of these is NOT one of them? Answer: Egypt 58). Which country will host 8th BRICS Summit on 2016? Answer: India 59). Who is the winner of 1st Hridaynath Mangeshkar award? Answer: Lata Mangeshkar 60). Who is Ravindra jain? Answer: Music Director
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
BUSINESS
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Exports: 17 out of 30 sectors decline in January New Delhi, Feb 24: Exports of over half of the sectors, out of the 30 closely monitored by the Commerce Ministry, were in the negative zone in January due to a fall in global prices and demand. Outbound shipments of as many as 17 sectors, including petroleum products, engineering and leather, dipped last month, according to the ministry data. Exporters' body FIEO said the government should announce incentives in the Budget to boost the shipments. "Inverted duty structure in respect of various items may be given due consideration in the Budget as it not only effects exports but also the manufacturing
Rs 5.47 lakh crore direct tax collection till Feb 13 New Delhi, Feb 24: Total collection from direct taxes stood at Rs 5.47 lakh crore as on February 13, which is 68.7 percent of the budget target for the fiscal. "Net (direct tax) collection was Rs 5.47 lakh crore as on February 13, 2016. This amount is 68.7 percent of the target of Rs 7.96 lakh crore," Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) member Surabhi Sinha has said. Direct taxes include personal Income Tax and corporate taxes. The government anticipates a shortfall of about Rs 40,000 crore from direct tax collection in the current fiscal. However, the shortfall would be made good as the indirect tax revenues are likely to overshoot budget targets by a similar margin. Of the Rs 14.5 lakh crore tax revenue target, Rs 7.96 lakh crore was estimated to come from direct taxes (corporate and income tax) and another Rs 6.5 lakh crore from indirect taxes (customs, excise and service tax). (Agencies)
sector," Federation of Indian Export Organisations DECLINING EXPORT (FIEO) President S C Ralhan said. India's ex- Exports of over half of India's exports declined 13.6 ports declined 13.6 perpercent in January to USD 21 cent in January to USD 21 the sectors, out of the 30 billion. The continuous decline billion. The continuous closely monitored by the in exports is expected to impact decline in exports is ex- Commerce Ministry, jobs and put pressure on the pected to impact jobs and were in the negative current account deficit. During put pressure on the current zone in January due to the month, top two sectors -account deficit. During a fall in global prices engineering and petroleum products -- contracted 27.6 the month, top two sectors and demand. percent and 35.18 percent, re-- engineering and petroleum products -- con- Outbound shipments of spectively in January. tracted 27.6 percent and as many as 17 sectors, which con35.18 percent, respec- including petroleum Agri-products, stitute over 10 percent of the products, engineering tively in January. These country's total shipments, sectors make up about 42 and leather, dipped last too recorded a negative percent of the country's month, according to the growth during the month total exports in 2014-15, ministry data. under review. when it stood at USD 310.5 billion. Agri-products, which constitute too recorded a negative eight out of 13 main agriover 10 percent of the growth during the month culture products slipped country's total shipments, under review. Overall, into negative territory. Ex-
Overall, eight out of 13 main agriculture products slipped into negative territory. Exports of rice, cashew and oil meals fell 33.46 percent, 24.6 per cent and 77.5 percent, respectively.
ports of rice, cashew and oil meals fell 33.46 percent, 24.6 per cent and
5% stake in NTPC to be sold by govt, aims for Rs 5,030 crore New Delhi, Feb 24: In the sixth public sector unit (PSU) share sale this fiscal, the government will on Tuesday sell 5% stake in India's largest power producer NTPC at a floor price of Rs 122 a piece to raise Rs 5,030 crore. The share sale, which comes days ahead of the Budget 2016, will be the first under Sebi's revised offer for sale (OFS) rules that allow the bidding for shares spread over two days. The government has fixed a floor price for the sale of over 41.22 crore shares in
NTPC at Rs 122 a piece, a 3.82% discount to its closing price on the BSE. The shares of NTPC closed at Rs 126.85 on the BSE on Monday. While the issue would open for institutional bidders on Tuesday, the retail investors, for whom 20% shares have been reserved, will get to bid on February 24. At a floor price of Rs 122, the NTPC share sale would fetch about Rs 5,030 crore to the exchequer. NTPC is the first company to hit the mar-
Image for graphical representation only. (Photo: worldartsme)
kets under the revised offer for sale (OFS) guidelines of the market regulator the Securities and Ex-
change Board of India (Sebi). In a BSE filing, NTPC said that government will sell over 41.22 crore shares in the company at a floor price of Rs 122 a piece. The bidding would remain open from 0915-1530 hours on both the days. A 5% additional discount would be offered to retail investors, which are those who bid for shares worth not more than Rs 2 lakh. The Cabinet in May 2015 had approved the 5% stake sale in NTPC. The government holds 74.96% in the
First 50 lakh phones to be imported by Ringing Bells: Govt. official Ashok Chaddha and Promoter Mohit Goel "explained their business model".
'Projection of 7.6% growth this year very significant' New Delhi, Feb 24: Terming the projected 7.6% growth for the current fiscal as 'very, very significant', economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das expressed the government's commitment to work towards boosting economic growth. The statement assumes significance as it comes just a week before the presentation of Budget 2016-17 by finance minister Arun Jaitley in the Lok Sabha. It is expected that government will focus on growth by increasing public spending as private investment stays muted due to an uncertain global environment. "The world economy today is experiencing the kind of the volatility which we never saw earlier. There was time when we used to say what is going to happen next week in Europe or in some part of the world we do not know. But today, we have come to a position we do not know what is going to happen the very next day in which part of the world. "We live in a global village. Therefore, whatever happens in any part of the world affects us because India over the last several years is getting increasingly globalised," he said in the finance ministry's YouTube channel. However, he said, India remains a bright spot amid the global slowdown. The Central Statistical Office (CSO) in its advance estimate of its national income for 2015-16 projected a growth rate of 7.6%, the highest in the last 5 years. "So, there is uncertainty, there is volatility all around. I think amid all these problems, amidst when we are in a sea that is in turbulence, India is remaining afloat. "Not only remaining afloat, this year as CSO has already given out we are expecting a growth of 7.6% which can be considered as very good, given the circumstances. We were used to 8% or 9% growth, but given the problem which the world is encountering, I think 7.6% growth is very, very significant," he said. (Agencies)
Decline in these exports has been instrumental in dragging down India's overall merchandise exports. Due to continuous dip, the total merchandise shipments are expected to reach a figure of USD 270 billion in 2015-16.
77.5 percent, respectively. Decline in these exports has been instrumental in dragging down India's overall merchandise exports. Due to continuous dip, the total merchandise shipments are expected to reach a figure of USD 270 billion in 2015-16. India has aimed at taking exports of goods and services to USD 900 billion by 2020 and raising the country's share in world exports to 3.5 percent from 2 percent. The exports in the past four financial years have been hovering at around USD 300 billion. On the other hand, exports of pharmaceuticals, plastic, carpet, tea and coffee have recorded positive growth in the last month. (Agencies)
Ringing Bells President Ashok Chaddha and Promoter Mohit Goel.(Photo: rediff)
Pune, Feb 24: Ringing Bells will import the first 50 lakh units of its handset, a government official said following a meeting with the company's promoter. The firm had earlier claimed that making devices in India would help it sell a smartphone for as little as Rs. 251. The company, which claims to have received
more than 6 crore registrations for its Freedom 251 phone, has promised delivery of 50 lakh handsets by June 30. Of this 25 lakh will be online orders and 25 lakh would be those received offline. In a meeting with Department of Electronics and IT (DeitY) officials following a summons, Ringing Bells President
This follows instructions from the Communications and IT Minister to examine the "veracity" of the venture. According to a senior ministry official, Mr. Chaddha and Mr. Goel stated that initially they plan to import 50 lakh handsets to meet the demand and will then start manufacturing in India in a phased manner. When contacted a company spokesperson said the company is presently importing components from Taiwan and will be assembling them at a pilot facility in Noida, UP. The company plans to set up at least two manufacturing plants in the next 6-8 months with an ini-
tial investment of Rs.350 crore. As per reports, Mr.Chaddha had earlier said the company would benefit from economies of scale and would save on the 13.8 per cent duty by going for Made in India components. The ministry official said, during the meeting, the company confirmed that they have received payment for 30,000 handsets which has been parked in an escrow account. Ringing Bells had earlier said the amount (over Rs.75 lakh for 30,000 devices) has been deposited with the payment gateway as per guidelines and the company will claim payment only after submission of delivery proof. (Agencies)
World's first modular smartphone G5 with dual camera, virtual-reality set launched by LG Barcelona, Feb 24: South Korea's handset maker LG unveiled its first modular smartphone, the G5, in Barcelona in a bid to counter competition from its major rival Samsung. The new premium model -- made using different components that can be independently upgraded or replaced -- comes with a removable battery and accessories such as virtual reality headset and a sound system developed by Danish firm Bang & Olufsen. LG is banking on its G5 to counter competition from fellow South Korean Samsung, the world`s top handset
will be launched at the same time on LG`s main markets, CEO Juno Cho told reporters in Barcelona, without detailing exactly where and when.
FIRST OF ITS KIND South Korea's handset maker LG unveiled its first modular smartphone, the G5, in a bid to counter competition from its major rival Samsung. The new premium model -- made using different components that can be independently upgraded or replaced -- comes with a removable battery and accessories such as virtual reality headset and a sound system developed by Danish firm Bang & Olufsen.
LG`s main markets, CEO Juno Cho. (Photo: androidcentral.)
maker that is due to unveil its own S7 smartphone on the eve of the start of the Mobile World Congress, the top annual trade show for wireless devices. The G5
"We think smartphones` best days are still ahead," said Juno Cho, despite slowing growing demand that saw rival Samsung`s fourth quarter net profits drop and Apple`s iPhone sales rise slower than ever in the same period. Meanwhile LG`s parent company LG Electronics` net profit halved last year on the back of a global economic slowdown and increased competition in the mobile sector. (Agencies)
firm. It had last sold stake in NTPC in February 2013. NTPC would be the sixth PSU to hit markets in the current fiscal. The disinvestment department has held roadshows in Singapore, Hong Kong, London and in the US. So far this fiscal, the government has raised over Rs 13,300 crore through the disinvestment in five PSUs -- EIL, Indian Oil Corp, PFC, REC and Dredging Corporation. This is against a target of Rs 69,500 crore for 201516. (Agencies)
Rs 31 profit to be earned by Freedom 251 on every unit sold
Image for graphical representation only. (Photo: firstpost)
New Delhi, Feb 24: India's cheapest smartphone Freedom 251 has taken the entire gadget world by storm with buyers being overexcited and the industry on the phone's business model. While the mobile industry is in disbelief how Ringing Bells can afford to sell a 3G smartphone at only Rs 251, the maker of this phone Mohit Goel said that he will not only deliver the phone on the promised date but will also make a profit. In an interview, Goel said that he will make a "profit of Rs 31 on each handset sold." "Why am I being hounded? What wrong
have I done? Why am I being called a 'bhagora' (who'll run away with the money)? I intend to do a valid business, just like any other startup, and I have a business plan ready," said Goel. Meanwhile, the telecom ministry has found that a device with such specifications would cost about Rs 2,300. Apart from the jaw-dropping price, the company that was set up five months ago by Amity University graduate Mohit Kumar Goel, is also in the midst of controversy with analysts alleging that its maker has merely rebranded a device by its rival, Adcom. (Agencies)
Free Basics suspiciously helped one dominant player: Vodafone Group CEO Mumbai, Feb 24: Making a strong pitch for more competition in offering Internet services, Vodafone Group chief Vittorio Colao has spoken his mind on Facebook's Free Basics, saying it was helping just "one dominant player" in India. The social network's zero-rated plan, in partnership with telecom operator Reliance Communications in India, offered free access to basic Internet services through select partner websites. But soon, the programme ran into a wall of criticism in India as critics saw the product violating
the principle of net neutrality, which states that the entire Internet should be available to everyone on equal terms, be it content or speed. Earlier this month, Facebook shut down the controversial programme after a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) directive to this effect. "The important thing for me is always to preserve fairness as you know we were not part of the Facebook experiment... I had always said I found that model was disproportionately helping one already dominant player. So to me,
rather than saying this model is good, this is bad, it's really to say which model allows more competition, more services," Colao said. He was replying to questions about the ban on zero-rated data plans put in place by India's telecom regulator Trai. He, however, clarified that zerorating could be good in some places, including the education sector. Launched in 2014, Facebook is running the Internet.org programme across over 17 countries providing basic Internet access to over one billion people. (Agencies)
TECHNOLOGY Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge phone specifications Building the heat at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, the leading Korean smartphone maker Samsung released its flagship smartphone Galaxy S7, its curved-screen companion Galaxy S7 Edge and Gear 360 camera that will take the high-end smartphone war to a new high. According to the tech website www.igalaxys7.com, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will be available in India with a reported price of Rs. 53,000 and Rs. 60,000, respectively. The smartphones are expected to hit the market by mid-March this year. Its new Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are much better and a refined version of its previous version. There are some really nice enhancements like camera, dual SIM/expandable memory. However, with similar look & feel and changes mostly inside it will be difficult to draw customer to retail for replacement. The phones: The 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 and 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge are constructed with 3D glass and metal and given ergonomic curves for a comfortable grip. The new Galaxy devices look similar to its predecessors Galaxy S6. The Galaxy S7 Edge features curves on all four sides. Features The device's new Always-On Display gives users a simplified, zero touch experience to check about a missed call or SMS. Both the devices are IP68 water and dust resistant.
Image for graphical representation only. (Photo: technewstoday) Camera The new phones have advanced cameras for high-quality images. The company has introduced the first dual pixel camera on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones, delivering brighter and sharper images even in low light. The Dual Pixel technology gives clear photos with a brighter lens with wider aperture and bigger pixel. The camera has a faster shutter speed and a more accurate autofocus even in low-light conditions. Optimised performance Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge deliver fast wired and wireless charging technology. Additionally, the hybrid SIM card tray allows users to insert a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage. Samsung also made significant hardware and software updates to optimise gaming performance on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. Software * The Samsung Galaxy S7 runs on an Octa core (2.3GHz Quad + 1.6GHz Quad), 64 bit processor and has a 4GB RAM. * It has a 2560 X 1440 (534ppi) 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with Dual Pixel 12-megapixel (F1.7) rear and 5-megapixel (F1.7) cameras. * Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge runs on an Quadcore (2.15GHz Dual + 1.6GHz Dual), 64 bit processor and has a 4GB RAM. * It has a 2560 X 1440 (577ppi) 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with Dual Pixel 12-megapixel (F1.7) rear and 5-megapixel (F1.7) cameras. Both phones run on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) operating system.
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
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Asia Cup T20: Rohit, Nehra give India convincing win over Bangladesh balls) was the other notable contributor. In reply, Bangladesh were never in the game being restricted to 121 for seven in the stipulated 20 overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Their decision to prepare a greenish wicket and unleash four pacers boomeranged badly as the home team's batsmen could neither handle spin or pace and were virtually decimated on the day. Veteran Ashish Nehra (3/ 23) was literally
Messi's late brace inspires Barcelona to 2-0 win over Arsenal in CL tie
Lionel Messi ANI London, Feb.24 : Star Striker Lionel Messi scored twice in the last 20 minutes as Barcelona sank Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of the last-16 Champions League tie at Emirates Stadium. In the first half of the match, none of the sides were able to break the deadlock. It was in the 72nd minute of the match when the Argentine forward opened his side account with a lightning fast counter-at-
tack, the Guardian reported. Messi struck the second goal for Barcelona in the 83rd minute to make it 20 against Arsene Wenger's side. The La Liga Leaders are now unbeaten in their 33 games in all competitions, including 14 wins from their last 15 games. Barcelona will now aim to book their place in the quarterfinals when they take on Arsenal in the second leg of the last-16 tie on March 17.
Ashish Nehra
unplayable with his variations as well as brisk pace
that he generated. He was on a hat-trick in his final
Guwahati, Feb 24 (PTI) : Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan kicked off their AFC Cup football campaign with a commanding 5-2 victory over Maziya Sports and Recreation Club of the Maldives here today. Mohun Bagan scored through Sony Norde, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Glen Cornell in their Group G 'home' leg match at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium. Norde struck the opening goal for Mohun Bagan when he sent his powerful freekick into the back of the net in the 19th minute. The Kolkata giants, having failed to make the grade at the top tier Asian Champions League, scored their second goal through a Jeje Lalpekhlua strike in the 33rd minute. Mohun Bagan went 3-0 up two minutes later as Glen Cornell found the back of the net with a lovely strike to leave the visitors staring
at embarrassment. After the change of ends, luck smiled on Maziya as Imaaz Ahmed reduced the margin with a tap-in. However, Mohun Bagan continued their good run of form with another goal, again through Jeje in the 69th minute. Barely three minutes later, Cornell, too, once again joined in the party, scoring the team's fifth and his second goal. Courtesy an own goal by Raju Gaikwad in the 77th minute, Maziya reduced the margin. The reigning I-League champion side is playing at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium as the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata has been shut down for matches to prepare it for next year's Under-17 FIFA World Cup and none of the other stadiums nearby fulfil AFC standards.
He added that the match would provide him with good opportunity to fulfill his desire to play before the T20 pinnacle event. The 32-year-old, who has not appeared in international cricket for South Africa after being ruled out during the first Test against England in December, has been included in the World T20 squad despite being doubtful.
ANI Johannesburg, Feb.24 : South African fastbowler Dale Steyn, who was sidelined for two months due to shoulder injury, is keen on playing some games before the World T20 to be played in India next month.
Dale Steyn Town on Saturday. Rundle said that the fast
`Time is right,` says retiring McCullum
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ANI Johannesburg, Feb.24 : New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has insisted that it was right time to call curtains on his glorious international career despite belting fastest century in the history of Test cricket a few days ago. The 34-year-old, however, admitted that it was not 'the ideal way to go out' as Australia claimed a 2-0 series sweep by winning the second Test by seven wickets in Christchurch on Wednesday. McCullum, who finished his Test career with 6,453 runs, also expressed that he hoped to be remembered 'as a guy who played for the right reasons and who, if in doubt,
McCullum was prepared to take the positive option,' Sport24 reported. The pugnacious batsman bid adieu to the international career in his trademark swashbuckling fashion by setting records for the fastest century and most sixes in Test history (107). He also admitted that he was moved by a guard of honour given by the Australians.
Rohit built his innings to perfection amidst top-order collapse, hitting seven fours fours and three sixes as the 25,000 strong partisan Bangladeshi fans were stunned into silence. He was complemented well by young Hardik Pandya, who smashed a quickfire 18-ball-31, including a huge six off home team's 'wonder boy' Mustafizur Rahaman, and four sweetly-timed boundaries. The Rohit-Pandya stand yielded 61 runs for the fifth wicket in only
4.3overs. Their 50 run stand came off only 17 balls. While India got into trouble at 52 for three after first 10 overs, the next 10 saw them score a whopping 114 runs, primarily due to Rohit, who enthralled one and all with his dazzling stroke play. When he was finally out to brilliant catch in the deep by Soumya sarkar, India had not only recovered but were also on their way to a competitive target.
Skipper Dhoni finished the innings with a pulled six off Al-Amin Hossain (3/37).
BRIEF SCORES India: 166/6 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 83, Hardik Pandya 31; Al-Amin Hossain 3/37) Bangladesh: 121/7 in 20 overs (Sabbir Rahman 44; Ashish Nehra 3/23). India win by 45 runs.
Mohun Bagan drub Rohit Sharma named Nissan's Maldivian club 5-2 Indian brand ambassador in AFC Cup
Steyn seeks game time ahead of World T20
According to Sport24, Dale Steyn's agent Dave Rundle said that the former will return to competitive cricket in a club game in Cape Town, where he will feature for a Western Province Cricket Association against St Augustine Cricket Club in Cape
over. Jasprit Bumrah (1/23 in 4 overs) also dealt an initial blow while Pandya (1/23 in 4 overs), Ravichhandran Ashwin (1/23 in 4 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (0/25 in 4 overs) maintained the pressure to indicate the real difference in quality between the two sides. It was a welcome victory for India and their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Bangladesh soil after their disastrous ODI series loss, here last year.
bowler would play in the first day of the twoday fixture.
The ICC World T20 is slated to be held from March 8, with South Africa playing their opening match against England on March 18.
ANI Yokohama( Japan) ,Feb.24: In a bid to strengthen their global sponsorship deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Nissan has named Indian opening batsman Rohit Sharma as their new brand ambassador. The decision was taken with an aim to support a new line-up of cricket talent for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20. Besides Rohit, West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell and New Zealand skipper Suzie
Rohit Sharma Bates will help the Japanese car manufacturer to bring cricketing excitement among the fans worldwide, starting with the ICC World Twenty20 in India from March 8. The trio have joined
South African bowling legend Dale Steyn and rising star Kagiso Rabada in the Nissan cricket family, who were recently announced as Nissan cricket ambassadors in their home country for the next year. Reflecting on his deal, the 28-year-old righthander said that he was excited to work with Nissan, adding that he was looking forward to perform well in the next month's T20 pinnacle event. "The ICC World T20 is very special to me and
takes a tremendous amount of hard work and innovation to win. It remains one of the most exciting cricket competitions in the world and I'm looking forward to sharing that with the fans," he said. In addition to an advertising campaign, Nissan's cricket ambassadors will be active on social media across the tournament, supporting other fan focused initiatives such as Nissan Play of the Day and sharing great cricket content.
Suarez backs `best` Barcelona to defend Champions League crown ANI London, Feb.24 : Barcelona forward Luis Suarez believes that his side have the required quality to be crowned as the winners of the Champions League again following their comfortable 2-0 win against Arsenal in the first leg of the last16 clash at Emirates Stadium. Describing Barcelona as the 'best team in the world,' Suarez said that
the defending champions were extremely ambitious and that they want to carry on winning trophies for the Spanish giants. The 29-year-old, however, urged his side to become more focused on achieving their goals and warned his side that they still had one more game against Arsenal in order to advance to the quarterfinals.
Luis Suarez "We know that we have taken advantage but you never know what could happen in Champions League games. Arsenal
are fighting to win the Premier League and they have players who can make differences in the second leg," Suarez was quoted as saying by goal.com. It was star striker Lionel Messi who scored two late goals to help Barcelona sank Arsene Wenger's side 2-0. The two sides will now play in the second leg of the last-16 tie on March 17.
Sturaro's equalizer helps Juventus settle with draw against Bayern in CL ANI Johannesburg, Feb.24 : Midfielder Stefano Sturaro netted a late equalizer to help Juventus settle with a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the last 16 Champions League tie.
Bayern dominated most of the first -half, with forward Thomas Muller putting his side ahead in the 43rd minute of the match. Mid-fielder Arjen Robben doubled the Germans' lead by scoring a goal in the 55th minute, Sport24 reported.
Although Juventus had a great chance to open his side's account in the opening minute when striker Mario Mandzukic ran to fire a speculative shot towards a goal post. It was in the 63rd minute when forward Paulo
Dybala smacked a goal against Bayern before substitute Sturaro came up with an equalizer just six minutes later to rescue Juventus from a defeat. The two sides will now play their second leg of the last-16 on March 17
Afridi reconsidering T20 retirement amid `huge family pressure` ANI Karachi, Feb.24 : Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi has revealed that he is reconsidering his decision to retire from the shortest format of the game at the end of the World T20 in India amidst 'huge pressure' from his family and friends. The 35-year-old, who plays only T20 internationals, had announced his intention to retire from the international cricket following the conclusion of
the 2015 World Cup. Afridi revealed that he had been facing immense pressure from his family and friends to reconsider his decision to bid adieu to cricket. "For a while now there is a lot of pressure from my family, a lot of pressure from my friends, including my elders, who say there is no need for me to retire from Twenty20. That is a huge pressure. For now, in truth, I am focusing only on the World Cup. That is a huge challenge for
energy to play. He further said that he would take his final call on the matter after the conclusion of next month's T20 pinnacle event, with Pakistan playing their opening match against India on March 19.
Shahid Afridi me, the flamboyant allrounder was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. Commenting on his
health, Afridi said that he was feeling absolutely fit at the moment, insisting that he still has a lot of
"First I want to see where Pakistan stand in the World Cup. Whether I am capable of taking the team forward on the back of my performances. I want to check where I am standing myself. As far as playing
goes my fitness is zabardast (awesome). Energy is also there. I can play cricket. But I would be able to tell things clearly after the World Twenty20," he added. The skipper, who appeared in all five editions of the pinnacle event for Pakistan, had led his side to World T20 glory in 2009 in England. Afridi won 16 matches and lost 19 in his 35 games as captain for Pakistan.
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Mirpur, Feb 24 : Favourites India launched their campaign in style as they thrashed Bangladesh by 45 runs riding on a brilliant 83 by Rohit Sharma in the opening encounter of the Asia Cup T20 tournament here on Wednesday. Put into bat on a pacerfriendly wicket, India scored a challenging 166 for six with Rohit scoring his runs under pressure after they were reduced to 42 for three at one stage. Hardik Pandya (31 off 18
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Page 12
FASCINATING FACTS
A Camel and Jackal Once there lived a camel and a jackal. They were good friends. They lived near a river. One day the jackal came to know that there was a field of ripe melons across the river. His mouth watered. But he could not cross the river. He went to camel and told him about the melons, the camel was also tempted to eat melons. He carried the jackal on his back and crossed the river.
The longest conga to this date included 119,986 people. The smallest cat is the Singapuras and weighs only 4 pounds. The longest movie made lasts 85 hours and is fittingly titled "The Cure for Insomnia." Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing 29,028 feet high. Did you know that there is a world record for seeing how many times you can attempt a world record?! The smallest dog recorded was a Yorkie and
was only 4 inches tall. The biggest dog weighed 344 pounds- more than two full grown men! The largest baby to be born so far weighed in at 15 pounds, 5 ounces! The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. The fastest bird is the peregrine falcon. It can fly at a speed of 168-217 miles per hour. Antarctica is the coldest continent on earth, where a temperature of 126.9 degrees F below zero was once recorded.
CRAFTY CRAFTS Stained Glass Look Alikes What You Need: o Wax paper o Crayons o Crayon sharpener o Scissors o Flat objects (glitter, dried leaves, pictures, cutouts, etc.) o An iron
Both of them reached the field. They started eating the melons. The jackal started howling loudly. The owner of the field came running and started beating the camel.
howled. The jackal replied, "It is my habit to howl after a heavy meal".
When the owner went away the camel asked the jackal why he had
Both of them returned to the river. The jackal jumped on the back of the
"It is my habit to howl after a heavy meal" (Photo: medinapublishing)
LITTLE SCIENTIST
camel. When they were in the middle of the water, the camel began to roll in the water. The jackal said, "Why are you rolling in the
water?" The camel replied, "It is my habit to roll in the water after a heavy meal". The jackal could hardly save himself. Moral: Tit for tat.
LAUGH OUT LOUD
Ringing Fork
Instructions: 1. Cut two pieces of waxed paper to be the same size and shape. 2. Collect flat things that you want to encase in the waxed paper. 3. Place one sheet of wax paper down, and arrange all your flat objects on it. Add crayon shavings as a colorful background and surrounding color. 4. Place the other piece of wax paper on top, and iron the artwork (make sure you iron on an appropriate surface). Iron until all the shavings are melted and the wax paper is stuck together. 5. Wait for it to cool, then trim the edges. Make a hole near the top to hang it if you would like!
Stained glass art (Photo: 4.bp.blogspot)
WHAT AM I ???
(Photo: cliparts)
What You Need: ¢ 3 foot length of string or thread ¢ Fork Instructions: 1. Tie the fork to the center of the string. 2. Tie one end of the string around your right index finger, and tie the other end around your left index finger. 3. Touch your fingers to your ears and let the fork hang in front of you. 4. Have a friend tap the fork with a spoon and you'll hear a loud ringing in your ears! The sound has traveled up the string to your ears. Tip: Try tying other metal objects to the string and see what sounds they make.
Readers can send articles, poems, sketches, stories, travel experiences, achievements etc to editor.easterntoday@gmail.com or can post to The Eastern Today. T.C Borah Building, First Floor, Near to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee. Dibrugarh, 786001 Assam.
A father noticed that his son was spending way too much time playing computer games. In an effort to motivate the boy into focusing more attention on his schoolwork, the father said to his son, "When Abe Lincoln was your age, he was studying books by the light of the fireplace." The son replied, "When Lincoln was your age, he was The President of The United States."
RIDDLES Q: What is small and sharp and has one eye? A: A needle!
FIND YOUR PATH
Q: What is the quickest way to double your money? A: Fold it in half! Q: What begins with T, ends with T and has T in it? A: A teapot Q: What has a neck but no head? A: A bottle Q: Which letter of the alphabet has the most water? A: The C
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