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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 229
The Surprising Historical Truth About the 'Silk Road'
Dibrugarh, Monday, January 25, 2016
Price -
5.00
What Made A Young Man Give Up The Faith He Held So Dear?
Banks to receive commission for unlocking household gold
Page 9
Page 10
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Pages- 12
French President to arrive in Chandigarh on three-day visit to India Page 6
Unprecedented Political Crisis in Arunachal
President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh? Modi Govt decides to impose President Rule in Arunachal Pradesh at an Emergency Cabinet Meeting today 1.Raj Bhavan was Gheraoed 2. Governor Letters Ignored ANI, 3.Officials Itanagar, Jan.24 Funding AntiGovernment Chief Minister Nabam Tuki Rally on Sunday said that the Union
An emergency meeting of the cabinet was held this morning which approved the decision to impose Article 356 in the state.
Cabinet’s recommendation for 4 . S p e a k e r the imposition of President’s locked Assem- Rule in Arunachal Pradesh is against the Constitution. bly premises
It is learnt that the cabinet is going to send its recommendation to the President to impose President's rule in the border state. A letter, sources said, was being readied at the time of filing of the report. Sources say the government consulted the Attorney General and decided that law and order and governance had collapsed in Arunachal Pradesh and the situation warranted central intervention. The move means that the Budget Session of the Parliament, scheduled to start sometime in the third week of February, will be far from tranquil. The passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in the Rajya Sabha is unlikely in these changed circumstances. The Congress had paralysed Parliament's Winter Session over the Arunachal issue. Congress president Sonia Gandhi had led a delegation to the President seeking his intervention accusing the BJP top leadership of planning to destabilize the democratically elected government and alleged the
The governor has piloted everything and reported to the Government of India as some people had staged a democratically peaceful protest in front of Raj Bhawan.”
Govt Justification for Prez Rule
In a move which would have huge political ramifications, the Union government today decided to impose President's rule in Congressruled Arunachal Pradesh.
In a statement issued here,
5 . G o v e r n o r Tuki said, “There is no official Publicly in- intimation. I heard news about sulted the Union Cabinet recommended imposition of The political crisis in the state was 6. Session not President’s Rule on the basis discussed at a Cabinet Meeting at of the governor’ report, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home. convened on without consulting me as Chief Jan 21 Minister or the Council of Ministers.”
"highest functionaries" of the Central Government are involved in the "unprincipled enterprise". Congress had hit out the Governor for advancing the Assembly session and deciding it agenda. The Governor had directed that the first item on the agenda should be a resolution for removal of the Speaker. He had directed that the Deputy Speaker, who is disgruntled with the Congress, "shall preside over the House from the first moment of the first sitting of the House in accordance with provisions in article 181(1) of the Constitution."
The Governor's message dated December 9 further instructs that the procedures related to removal of the Speaker "shall be completed at the first sitting of the session itself" and that "until the session is prorogued, no presiding officer shall alter the party composition in the House." Congress had argued that there is no provision either under the Constitution or Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business ("Conduct of Business Rules"), which empowers the Governor to advance (summon) the session of the State Assembly without consulting the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers.
He further stated, “Though expected because of the attitude of the governor right from the day he took charge, I don’t see any reason for such a decision. There is absolutely no law and order incident and the ruling Congress is supported by a very strong party base throughout the state. The government has been functioning. When the matter is sub-judice in the five-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, such a decision is in total violation of the Constitution and illegal. Such a situation has never occurred in this most sensitive border and tribal state of Arunachal Pradesh, a very peaceful state.
Modi master of lecture; Sarbananda ‘useless’ minister: CM Gogoi Assam CM unveils twin schemes for tea community to woo tea voters ahead of state assembly elections A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 24
With only a couple of months left for the Assam assembly elections, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today started two ambitious projects for the welfare of the tea tribes in a bid to regain the confidence of the tea voters which moved away from Congress during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls as two BJP young guns Rameswar Teli and Kamakhaya Prasad Tasa defeated two Congress stalwarts in Paban Singh Ghatowar and Late B.K.Handique to win the Dibrugarh and Jorhat LS seats respectively. Both the LS constituencies are dominated by tea voters. Although the programme today was officially organized by the Dibrugarh district administration on behalf of the state government spending lakhs of money from the government exchequer it was totally turned into a Congress poll rally with the presence of the CM and several other Congress leaders.
cmyk
The twin schemes unveiled by the CM today – Bagan Ghar
and Bagan Bus – is aimed to win back the confidence of the tea voters, largely in upper Assam and also throughout the state. Most of the legislative assembly constituencies in upper Assam have sizeable tea voters and many of them are dominated by tea voters. While unveiling the ‘Bagan Ghar’ scheme Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today distributed Land Pattas and land allotment certificates to the landless tea garden workers and also announced a grant of Rs. 75, 000 for each beneficiary. Of the amount, Rs. 25, 000 will be subsidy from the government side while the rest amount will be bank loan with a very small interest percentage. The beneficiary will be getting a plot of 1 katha and 7 lechas under the schemes to construct their houses with the monetary aid. The second scheme initiated by the CM today is the ‘Bagan Bus’ which will enable students from the tea community to travel to the schools located in the towns for higher education. The CM handed over land
pattas to some of the beneficiaries and also flagged off a fleet of 20 buses under the ‘Bagan bus’ scheme during the programme held at the Old Government Boys’ High School field, here. In all 2,700 land pattas and land allotment certificates will be distributed to beneficiaries in Dibrugarh district. Launching a scathing attacking upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gogoi said that he will be coming with a detailed account of what his government has done during the last 15 years by February 7 in the form of a white paper. He then challenged Modi to come up with what his government has done for Assam during the last 15 months. “The PM is a master of lectures, now since the elections are round the corner he is coming to Assam again and again, if he is so much concerned about Assam, why did not he come to Dibrugarh when the town was facing one of the worst floods?” Gogoi asked. The CM also criticized union minister and state BJP President Sarbananda Sonowal
Angry Reactions
for his alleged failure in bringing new projects of the state. “Sonowal is a useless minister. He has failed to convince the Prime Minister about the requirements of the state. This is why the Centre is reducing the central grants to Assam almost every day”, Gogoi said. Around 5000 people attended the meeting. The people in the tea garden areas have been staying for several decades without any land documents which often creates problems for them to avail benefits of several government schemes. This problem will be over now, he asserted. “Our party thinks for the poor people. I was born in a tea garden and had my initial education in a village school; therefore, I am very well aware about the problems of the tea gardens and villages. The BJP is a party of the rich and therefore, it only works for the benefit of the poor”, the CM added.
Contd. on Page 2
He asked, “When the Congress has some internal problems, how can 11 BJP MLAs form the government in the 60member house (reduced to 58 with the Gauhati High Court terming the acceptance of resignation of two MLAs by Speaker Nabam Rebia right) and the ruling government has the support of 31 MLAs? Is it justified for recommending President’s Rule?” “When we had demanded a change of the governor, the Government of India is giving him more power with the sole intention to topple the Congress Government which would be suicidal, as it would amount to a murder of democracy and destroy the prevailing peace. The Government of India, particularly the Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, would be responsible for anything going wrong in the state,” Tuki warned without mincing words. He said the Government of Arunachal Pradesh would challenge the Centre’s decision in the Supreme Court besides drawing the attention of President of India to protect the Constitution. Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Padi Richo asked, “Is the Arunachal situation worse than the Godhra carnage in Gujarat? How can the Government of India manipulate the Constitution with the sole objective of toppling a popularly elected state government?”
Omar Abdulla
Arvind Kejriwal
Nitish Kumar
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir
Chief Minister of Delhi
Chief Minister of Bihar
"There is something deeply unsettling about the way Raj Bhavans are being used again to unseat elected governments by encouraging defections,"
"Union Cabinet recom-
"Strongly Condemn Centre's move to impose President Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, while the matter is still pending before SC's Constitutional Bench"
V. Narayanasamy
Kapil Sibal
Randeep S Surjewala
Congree Leader
Senior Congress Leader & Lawyer
Senior Congress Leader
"Government's move to recommend President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh as a murder of democracy and violation of constitutional propriety"
Congress to move court ET Bureau New Delhi, Jan.24
The Congress on Sunday said it will ch allenge in court Cabinet's recommendation for imposing President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh if it gets presidential assent, as the party lashed out at the Narendra Modi government accusing it of "trampling" on democracy. The "very wrong" step has
spect for federalism and States being equal part of 'Team India' stands exposed," Mr. Surjewala said. Congress leader Kapil Sibal said the party will move court and alleged that the step shows that Mr. Modi is "fountainhead" of political intolerance. "We will challenge it.... This bypassing the matter, which is being heard by the Supreme
on 4th March 2012 Modi twitted that UPA is adamant on destroying Federal Structure of India. "Modiji's doublespeak of respect for federalism and States being equal part of 'Team India' stands exposed," Mr. Surjewala said. exposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "doublespeak" on federalism, the party alleged. "Modi government's decision to impose President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh reflects travesty of Constitutional mandate, subjugation of federalism and trampling of democracy," AICC communication department chief Randeep Surjewala said. "Modiji's doublespeak of re-
mending Prez rule in Arunachal shoking! Murder of constitution on Republic Day Eve! BJP lost elections. Now acquiring power through back door"
Court.... President is Constitutional head he will apply his mind and will take appropriate decision," Mr. Sibal told reporters. "Government has taken a very wrong step. There cannot be possibly any wrong step than this. The Governor had embarrassed himself and now the government is embarrassing itself. They will pay a heavy price," he remarked. Contd. on Page 3
"This is an act of political intolerance by government, which talks of cooperative federalism,"
"Modi government's imposition of President Rule in Arunanchal Pradesh reflects travesty of Constitutional mandate and subjugation of federalism".
Timeline of Arunachal crisis November 2011: Nabam Tuki wins the election and becomes Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. His brother Nebum Rebhia is appointed Speaker
to commence from January 14, 2016.
December 2014: Health and Family welfare minister Kalikho Pul is dropped from the government in a cabinet reshuffle
December, 2015: The Governor also sends a message under Article 175(2) of the Constitution of India inter-alia fixing the "resolution for removal of the Speaker" as the 1st item of the agenda for the State Assembly on its 1st sitting in its 6th Session
April 2015: Kalikho Pul charges the government with financial mismanagement. He is expelled from the Congress party on charges of anti-party activity.
December, 2015: Pul is allegedly heard making derogatory remarks about Nyishi tribe and also seeking money from a businessman to bring in a BJP government in the state
May 2015 to October 2015: Kalikho Pul meets with BJP leaders in Arunachal. More Congress MLAs join the group of rebels including the Deputy Speaker
December 2015: A parallel sitting of the assembly is held in a building near the assembly (which is locked by the Tuki government) attended by 33 MLAs, removing the Speaker, and appointing another speaker. Kalikho Pul is named the new Chief Minister.
November, 2015: A notice for resolution for removal of the Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly is submitted by the MLAs of Congress November, 2015: BJP MLAs issued a notice for resolution for removal of the Speaker of the State Assembly December, 2015: The Governor, without consulting the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers, issues an order under Article 174(1) of the Constitution of India advancing the 6th Session of the State Assembly to December 16, 2015 though the session was
December 2015: The Congress petitions the Guwahati High Court which puts the matter on hold till February, 2016. January, 2016: State leaders from the Congress come to Delhi to meet the party high command. The party says it has confidence in Tuki's leadership January 2016: President's Rule is imposed in Arunachal Pradesh
cmyk
ET Bureau New Delhi, Jan.24
Nabam Tuki Expresses Surprise and opposes Decision
PAGE 2
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 25
ASTRO FOR YOU Aries With your substantial inter-personal abilities, you will accomplish a great deal today, says Ganesha. Your power of expression will impress many people. Financial rewards are on the cards, but be cautious about minor accidents and illnesses
Fishery Minister opened the second state of the art fish market of the state at Mangaldai
Taurus You will spend your day in the company of near and dear ones, says Ganesha. Family and friends might gather at your place and you will leave no stone unturned in welcoming them to your nest. In all probability, home makers will be able to shine in cooking as well as hosting, foresees Ganesha. Emotions will run wild and free with your sweetheart, predicts Ganesha. Gemini Emotional and material security will hold equal importance today. You want to be in love, but you know that love can't buy you dough. In academics, you will be able to solve whatever problems you set your mind on. Your spare time will be spent on devising methods of making the best use of your knowledge. Today, you will make crucial choices concerning higher studies, predicts Ganesha Cancer When the going gets tough, it's better to go with the flow. But you belong to a school of thought that believes that in such troubled times, it's better to stay out of water altogether. Since it is not your day today, you are likely to postpone all important decisions and work. Ganesha approves. Leo A lot of people will sing your praises, however you will not be satisfied with whatever is occuring. The answers to some questions that have been bothering you will remain elusive. You may become emotional owing to feelings of personal loss. You will also be bothered about the near future, says Ganesha Virgo You will be in a very ambitious and conscientious mood today. Your actions will speak louder than words. You set the pace with your meticulous planning and careful execution. Ganesha says you may expect a lot of appreciation and recognition for your work coming from your boss and your colleagues Libra Your family is the cornerstone of your success. And today is no different. Your auspicious day starts from your home, and you manage to carry this luck everywhere you go with the same tempo and gusto, predicts Ganesha. Your smile enables you to keep winning people to your side. Scorpio The day today is riddled with minor, nagging ailments. Adopt a two-pronged strategy, advises Ganesha. One - change your lifestyle, and two - visit your doctor for regular examinations. Ominous at his best, Ganesha counsels to take care of your health. Sagittarius Variety is the spice of life. Add variety of activities to your daily schedule and nothing would seem boring any more, foretells Ganesha. Indulge in creative activities like writing, cooking, gardening or even reading. Catch up with friends and memories of old times; have a blast! Capricorn The achievements of the day may make you feel like you were born to succeed in life. Yes, you will be successful in whatever you do today, even if you don't try too hard for it, says Ganesha. But it's important that you at least take an initiative and not expect rewards to come for no reason. Make the most of the day for fortune may not be as favourable tomorrow. Your friends and those you socialise with will praise you for your sterling quality and powerful personality. Aquarius You will prove yourself today by staying ahead of your rivals in all ways. You will conquer your frustrations, and will soon be raring to go. Your pleasing demeanour endears you to others and you win admiration from all quarters, says Ganesha Pisces A hectic day of socialising awaits you. You will discover hidden talents and unnoticed traits about yourself. Either that, or whoever brought them to your notice was only lying to get some socialising action of their own. You are a person of action, as well as of words, and hence, will go on to act on what you have planned, says Ganesha.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)
25-1-16 (MONDAY) 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) 12-05 P.M-Ramdhenu (Request Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops 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 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-00P.M-Honourable President Shri Pranab Mukherjee's Address to the Nation on the eve of Republic Day 8-00 P.M-Drama 8-30 P.M-Talk in Assamese-"Rashtriya Sanghati Aaru Dharma Niropekshota"by Dr. Sharat Sarma 9-30 P.M-Assamese version of President's Address to the Nation 10-00 P.M-National Symposium of Poets
Sd-/H.O.P
Modi master of lecture; Sarbananda ‘useless’ minister: CM Gogoi Former Union Minister and Chief Advisor of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha Paban Singh Ghatowar said that tea garden people were the victims of exploitation in the hands of tea garden authorities and 80 to 90 per cent land were acquired by other people who have set up small tea gardens in them. He said presently the workers in the organized sector get Rs. 126 daily as
daily wages but they were getting Rs 80 to 90 working as workers in the small tea gardens. State forest and environment minister Raju Sahu too spoke on the occasion. He thanked the CM for initiating the schemes for the development of the tea community. He also appealed to the CM to initiate similar schemes for other communities like MoranMuttocks, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, etc. APCC President and MLA Anjan Dutta, parliamentary secretaries
ET Correspondent Mangaldai Jan 24 : Fishery Minister Basanta Das today inaugurated the state of the art retail cum whole sale fish market at Mangaldai which is stated to be the second of its kind in Assam. The market which reportedly consists of 84 well equipped retail counters along with 10 other whole sale chambers connected to a scientific waste disposal facilities has been constructed at an estimated project cost of Rs 2 crore and 5 lakhs . Hyderabad based National Fishery Board funded 90 percent of the total project cost while the remaining 10 percent share has been born by the state government. In
connection with the opening ceremony of the new fish market a public meeting was held out side the market premises which was attended by about two hundred local people and fish sellers . Addressing the gathering Minister said that construction of few such markets at various district head quarters of the state are still in progress and more such markets in different sub division level including at Barpeta , Gohpur, Titabor , Howly etc are coming soon as the government has already sanctioned these projects. Referring to the local fish production scenario in the state, the Minister said that the growing
An ANM administering polio drop to a child in a booth in the Milannagar area in Dibrugarh as the 3-day pulse polio immunization got underway today throughout the district and the state of Assam. Pic - ET Photo.
AGP leaders address Netaji Subash Chandra Bose 119th mass rally at Kalaigaon Birthday celebrated at Tangla
ET Correspondent Tangla,Jan 24 : Along with the rest of the country people of the town celebrated the birthday of freedom fighter Netaji Subash Chandra Bose with a day long programme. In the morning National flag was hoisted by Malai Lahiri senior advocate Udalguri Bar Association and Ex-Chairman Tangla Town Committee. Professor Ashim Roy gave a brief speech on the ocassion. Other present on the ocassion were Mukta Deka Ex-Secretary Tangla Silpi Samaj
Professor Ashim Roy singing at the cultural night programme
besides few other buisiness man.Floral tributes were paid to the Statue of Netaji present at Station chowk.In the evening a cultural night
programme was held were local bands,singers performed on patriotic and Bengali songs.Professor Ashim Roy was also sang on the ocassion.
ET Correspondent Tangla,Jan 24: Addressing a mass rally at Kalaigaon on Thursday to kick-start the AGP’s campaign for the 2016 Assembly election, former Chief Minister Prafulla Mahanta slammed the Congress for allegedly not being able to solve Assam’s burning problems despite having been in power for the past 15 years. Mahanta remarked that if the people of Assam will vote the AGP to power then the AGP will fulfil the demands of the people. The mass rally
was organized by Kalaigaon unit of Asom Yuva Parishad (AYP) and it was presided over by Mukundaram Chaudhury, MLA of Kalaigaon LAC. Several noted persons like Tapan Das, general secretary of AYP, Sunil Rajkonwar, president of AYP, former minister Nurul Hussain also spoke in the meeting. AGP State president Atul Borah was the chief guest in the meeting. A new committee of 31 members was formed headed by Naba Kr. Deka as president and Soneshwar Barua as general secretary.
Indefinite period of Karbi Anglong strike called off
Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
Contd. from Page 1
Fishery Minister Basanta Das opening second modern Fish Market in the State at Mangaldai on Sunday.
local fish production could be apprehended from the Bhogali Uruka fish markets across the state which almost turned into "Mela" with local fish supplied in abundance . He further pointed out that presently the state recorded production of 2 lakh 82 thousand metric ton local fish which is almost double comparing to that of one lakh sixty one thousand metric ton in 2001, hence it has significantly contributed to the economy of the state. Speaking on the occasion Ratul Mahanta , State Director of Fisheries termed the fish market as the second largest market in the state while Deputy Commissioner, Darrang, Manoj Kumar was hopeful that such modern infrastructure will definitely boost the potential fish farmers of the district with the increasing demand. The function was also attended by distinguished guests including Bidyut Bikash Bhagawati , ADC, Darrang , Pratap Bordoloi , Chairman , Mangaldai Municipal Board , Rahul Das , Executive Officer , Mangaldai Municipal Board and Prashanta Borkakaoti, Circle Officer ,Mangaldai among others.
DROP FOR LIFE
Raju Sahu, Jibontata Ghatowar, Sushanta Buragohain and Rajendra Prasad Singh and MLAs Prithibi Majhi and Amiya Gogoi were present during the meeting. The welcome speech was delivered by Dibrugarh DC M.S.Manivannan. Later, Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of construction of 0.84km Sagunbari to Jalan Nagar, Jyotinagar concrete block road near Jalan Mandir under MGNERGA costing Rs 36, 26 lakh.
Sushanta Roy Diphu January 24: In a dramatic turn of event the agitating groups of Karbi Anglong opposing the move of granting schedule tribe (hills) status to the Bodo community residing in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao autonomous district of Assam, who imposed indefinite period of Karbi Anglong strike from today, have suspended the move. Addressing a press conference at Diphu Press Club Mirjeng Kro presi-
dent of Karbi Students Association told the media that the decision has been taken to honour the request of Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Tuluram Ronghang and Deputy Commissioner Mukul Gogoi. In the press meet leaders of Karbi Youth Development Organization, Karbi Farmers Association, All Karbi Youth Union and United Farmers Committee
were present. “The CEM has assured us that he will take up the matter with Central government and facilitate the agitating organizations to negotiate the whole subject with Union Government, beside this Deputy Commissioner has assured us that he will arrange official level talk between us and Commissioner of the relevant department, Assam government. Organizers of 47th Karbi Youth Festival, Karbi Anglong Primary Teacher’s Association,
Karbi Anglong Chamber of Commerce also requested us to suspend this agitation programme; but please be it clear that if the CEM and DC does not do anything as promised the stir will resume. We shall file a PIL in Supreme Court on this issue and our campaigning will continue” said Mirjeng Kro president of Karbi Students Association to the media. Answering a question
Kro said that his organization does not oppose granting of ST (Hills) status to the Bodo community in the hill districts but that should be done within the frame work of an autonomous state as provided in the Constitution of India. He also mentioned that along with the Bodo the Karbi’s living outside the autonomous hill districts of Assam will have to be granted ST (H) status throughout the nation if the issue is to be resolved affably.
Congress 'worried' over declassification of Netaji's files: BJP ANI New Delhi, Jan.24 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said that the Congress Party's uproar over the declassification of Netaji's files clearly highlighted that the grand old party was squirming with discomfort over the new development. "The Congress should tell when it is the right time to declassify the files. Why didn't they declassify the files earlier as out of 65 years, they had been in power for about 55 years," BJP leader Siddharthnath Singh told ANI. "As far as political mile-
age is concerned, I think that there should be no opposition as the declassification would only help in writing the history in a correct manner. The press conference of the Congress Party only shows that they are worried whereas the entire nation is happy with the declassification of the files," he added. The Congress Party earlier today termed the letter showing former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru allegedly calling Subhash Chandra Bose a 'war criminal' as a fake and vowed to expose all those behind this 'mis-
chief'. Congress leader Anand Sharma, told media here, that this was a 'deliberate' attempt by the ruling dispensation to divert attention from other important issues. "This mischief is a targeted one, to mislead people and try to belittle the great achievements of stalwarts of the freedom struggle. The Congress will expose and take action against this mischievous fake letter," he said. "We will take all measures to punish people once identified. Whoever is taking ownership must come forward," he
added. Sharma further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government wanted to encash on the name Subhash Bose. "The way this matter has been brought to the limelight, it raises several questions on ruling dispensation's intentions," he added. Sharma further said that BJP can't claim any leader who was on the fore front of the freedom struggle. This is what the letter allegedly written by Pt. Nehru to Prime Minister
Clement Atlee of England, on December 27 1945, says; "Dear Mr Attlee, I understand from reliable sources that Subhash Chandra Bose, your war criminal, has been allowed to enter Russian territory by Stalin. This is a clear treachery and betrayal of faith by the Russians as Russia has been an ally of the British-Americans, which she should not have done. Please take note of it and do what you consider proper and fit." The letter is signed, "Yours Sincerely, Jawaharlal Nehru."
PAGE 3
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 25
DC Leads Swachch Unprecedented Political Crisis in Congress to move Abhiyan at Khonsa
President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh? Arunachal:Making of the crisis
ET Bureau, Jan 24: The political crisis in Arunachal Pradesh has in the last few weeks has definitely led the frontier state to a serious Constitutional crisis, especially after Speaker Nabam Rebia failed to get the state assembly convened within six months of it being held earlier. According to rules, the House should have been in session by January 14. The ruling Congress Legislature Party on the other hand continues to remain split, with 21 of its 47 members sticking to their guns for removal of Nabam Tuki from the chief minister's post. With the deputy speaker also on their side, the dissident camp's strength in fact stands at 22. Backed by 11 BJP and two Independent legislators, Tuki stands to lose in the event of a floor test, as reportedly suggested by the Supreme Court last week. Dissidence in the CLP had precipitated following a situation where governor JP Rajkhowa had stepped in after the government's functioning had come to a grinding halt with the dissidents' camp gaining strength over the months. Chief Minister Tuki dropped a number of ministers since April 2015. First he dropped finance
ET CAPSULES
Notorious criminal held with grenade Mangaldai Jan 24 : On the eve of the Republic Day celebration , acting on a tip off, a joint team of police from Kharupetia PS and Jawans from Army camp Chapai here last night nabbed one Ashababu Ali (32) from his residence at Burhigaon near Kharupetia and recovered one grenade , two rounds of live ammunition of 7.65 pistol and a mobile hand set. Security forces claim that the arrested person who had earlier been sent to jail on several criminal cases including the sensational dacoity and murder of eminent lawyer Binay Kr Ghosh of Mangaldai almost one year back.(Correspondent)
Polio Vaccination in Golaghat Golaghat, Jan 24: Under the Pulse Polio Immunization Scheme to make India free from Polio vaccination started in Golaghat from today. Today the Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat Anarul Haque formally inaugurated this at Rupjyoti LP School in Golaghat . Children upto five years of age were given two drops of Polio Vaccine orally. The district health department has made all arrangements for smooth conduct of the programme. The vaccination started today and will be continued till 27 January. Total one lakh thirty thousand nine hundred seventy four children of Golaghat district will be covered under this scheme.
minister Kalokho Pul, then two MLAs were allegedly forced to resign. In August four more ministers were dismissed, while one senior minister quit in October - all only adding strength to dissidence in the ruling party. Meanwhile Governor Rajkhowa - who, according to the Congress, had converted Raj Bhavan to a BJP office - stepped in to reschedule the state assembly session from January 4 to December 16, asking the deputy speaker TN Thongdok to take up a motion seeking removal of Nabam Rebia from the Speaker's post. This order was immediately followed by Speaker Rebia dismissing 14 MLAs from the rebel camp. While Speaker Rebia, backed by chief minister Tuki, strongly resisted the House session being held in the Assembly complex, the dissidents were joined by 11 BJP members and two independents to hold the session in a make-shift assembly on December 16 and 17, during which they also "elected" former finance minister Kalikho Pul as Leader of the House, in addition to passing the impeachment motion against
Rebia. This series of developments took both sides to court, and though Speaker Nabam Rebia on December 18 got major relief when the Gauhati High Court ordered the governor's order to be kept in abeyance till February 1, 2016, a subsequent order by another judge issued an interim order restricting Speaker Rebia from holding any session till January 4. The whole bunch of petitions and counter-petitions have led the two sides to the Supreme Court, which in turn has referred the matter to the Constitution Bench which is currently deliberating upon the controversy over who had more power and jurisdiction - Speaker or Governor. Interestingly, even as the apex court is hearing the matter, a suggestion to have a House session to conduct a floor test of the chief minister with a pro-tem Speaker was reportedly resisted by Speaker Rebia, who, going the Governor's interpretation, has been already removed. The Speaker's plea was the issue of disqualification of 14 Congress legislators that he had ordered on December 16 was yet to be resolved by the court.
court against Modi’s decision to impose Prez Rule Contd. from Page 1
"They have taken the step despite knowing well the decision on President's rule cannot get approval of Parliament as they do not have majority in the Rajya Sabha," Mr. Sibal said. Congress leader V. Narayanasamy says"It is a clear case of murder of democracy and violation of constitutional propriety. In fact, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, without the Cabinet's decision summoned the legislative assembly of Arunachal Pradesh. And the body, which met on the recommendation of the Governor, the so-called Speaker and the members, it is also being challenged before the Supreme Court. Now, the Supreme Court constitutional bench is dealing with the subject whether the Governor has the power to summon the house without the Cabinet's decision," he told. Narayanasamy further said that the matter
would come before the Supreme Court next week. "Meanwhile, the decision of the central Cabinet to recommend to the President to implement the President's rule is totally against the law, against the Constitution. It is a clear case of antifederalism," he added. He also took the opportunity to lash out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the Congress would fight the recommendation 'tooth and nail'. "The Prime Minister Narendra Modi always says that the federal structure of this country has to be strengthened. This is not the way cooperative federalism has to function. Apart from that, right from day one, the Congress Government of Arunachal Pradesh is being targeted by the BJP in Delhi. We will fight it out tooth and nail. And we will ensure rule of law and constitutional scheme of things should prevail not only in Arunachal Pradesh but all over the country," he said.
Women take part in the cleanliness drive in Khonsa.
Khonsa, Jan 24 : As a prelude to the Republic Day Celebrations, a mass cleanliness drive was conducted in Khonsa township on 24th January under the aegis of Tirap Dis-
DC Asks Administrative Support for Army Recruitment Rally at Likabali Aalo , Jan 24 :The Military Station Likabali is going to organise Army Recruitment Rally at Likabali form 27th to 31st March 2016 for all districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The West Siang Deputy Commissioner, Shri
With assistance from all it would be feasible to make ‘Incredible Arunachal Pradesh’: Guv Itanagar, Jan 24 : The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has conveyed his sincere greetings to the people of the State, particularly to those entrepreneurs who are in tourism ventures on the occasion of India Tourism Day. He expressed hope that the celebration of the special Day will increase awareness about tourism industry in the State. In his message to the people on the day, the Governor said that Tourism is increasingly playing a major role in contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of places and destinations and local commu-
nity by creating jobs direct or indirect. It generates many more jobs with relatively less investment, creating largescale employment opportunities, particularly in rural and remote areas. Tourism is an important sector in the service economy. Apart from manifest economic benefits, tourism brings together people of different culture and religions and foster better mutual understanding and social cohesion. The Governor said that peace and harmony are the two vital prerequisites for effective and durable tourism. Hence tourism is one of the greatest forces for peace
movement in the World. He wished that amity prevails all over the State, Region and Country for tourism to flourish and for growth and development for all. Highlighting on ‘Tourism Arunachal’, the Governor said that Arunachal Pradesh offers ocean of tourism opportunities. It is blessed with rich cultural and geographical diversity making it one of the most popular tourist destinations among local and foreign travellers. It offers diverse forms of tourism, including cultural, rural, religious, historical, nature, wildlife, water sports, mountaineering, hiking, adventure and eco-tour-
ism to name a few. If the potential is appropriately harnessed with vision along with people’s participation with sense of responsibilities, Arunachal Pradesh will be the most sought-after tourist destination in the Country. Along with recent financial assistance from the Central government, some corrective measures taken to enhance tourist inflow and optimum utilization of fund provided, days are not far when tourism will play a big role in the economy of the State. On the special Day, the Governor has appealed to the young people of Arunachal Pradesh to go for tourism enterprises in
their own areas, which will not only give them financial empowerment but also facilitate in social upliftment and development of their villages and town. At the same time, he also advised the State Tourism Department to make plans to motivate and facilitate youth and interested people to go for entrepreneurship ventures in tourism related activities. With the State, the people, entrepreneurs, and tour operators joining hands together, it would be feasible to make “Incredible Arunachal Pradesh”, the premier tourism hotspot in the country, the Governor stated
Arunachal BJP welcomes 55th Anniversary of Boro Sahitya the cabinet’s imposition Sabha Convention celebrated at of President Rule Virengoan of Chirang. Itanagar, Jan 24 : The Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh extended warm and sincere congratulations to Shri Amit Shahji for being unanimously re-elected unopposed to the post of National President. The BJP State unit today convened a special party meeting at the State party HQ, Itanagar, which was presided over by State President, Shri Tai Tagak. The meeting was followed by felicitation programme cutting celebration cakes and shared joyous moments amongst the party workers, leaders and party sympathizers and hailed huge achievements and performance under his leadership in a short period and hopes that the party would be revolutionized across the length and breadth of the country. The meeting also welcomed the Cabinet deci-
sion today for Presidents Rule in Arunachal Pradesh in the aftermath of unending political turmoil and constitutional crisis. The meeting was addressed by the party senior leaders including Shri Gegong Apang ExChief Minister,Shri Tapen Siga Former State President,Shri Doni Nich Natonal Secretary Yuva Morcha,Smti.Kenyir Ringu State Vice President and Shri Ramesh Kadaganchi State Secretary Orgn. It was also attended by State office bearers,Morcha Heads and its office bearers and other party leaders.
Earlier, the State General Secretary Adv. Dominic Tadar extended the words of welcome and gave short briefing on the purpose of the meeting. The meeting was summoned up by the State President.
Partha Sarathi Chakraborty Dhubri, Jan 24: The 55th Anniversary of Boro Sahitya Sabha Convention was observed with a two day long programme from 23rd January at Virengaon of Chirang District of BTAD. The schedule program of Boro Sahitya Sabha was situated at Muga Charan Brahma field of Virengaon. The peoples of all section and like partner organization gathered with enthusiasm and festive mood. In the celebration program, the poster, Gate, other Organic branches like the main convention ground, book fair premises, guest house of the program and other literary stalls were systematically well
decorated. In this convention people from all parts of Assam, the neighboring State along with the Foreign Country like Nepal gathered with loving posture towards their mother language. To make a grand success of the program, 18 sub committees along with workers supervisors and volunteers were orderly constituted. The various ground premises of the central convention were inaugurated by various political and scholarly personalities. Rameswar Brahma Memorial main assembly ground was inaugurated by ExMinister Chandan Brahma. With the touch of anal-
trict Administration in which people from all walks of life including government employees, shopkeepers, NGOs members and public actively participated.
Apart from cleaning the jungles from around the hospital, offices, bazaar, roads and drains in the township were thoroughly cleaned. The truck belonging to the Urban Development department was pressed into service to dispose off the debris . The Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha personally involved the cleanliness drive and urged the people to keep the Khonsa Township neat and clean by disposing off the garbage timely adding that unhygienic causes various water born diseases like Typhoid, Jaundice, Malaria, Scabies, Skin etc. He asked them not to litter the township by maintaining a civic sense.(DIPRO)
ogy of Boro Sahitya Sabha, Book fair and Cultural handloom stalls were setup to display their items and products. In the meeting session, the various scholarly dignitaries delivered their valuable speeches on learning the education through mother language on the prospect of Right to Education Act, 2009. The retired Director of Education of BTC Biju Kumar Brahma chaired the seminar and the seminar inaugurated by Director of Education Rabi Sankar Borgoyari. The Vice President of Boro Sahitya Sabha Bisweswar Basumatary, Jagat Sargawary of Gauhati University, reader of SCERT Dr. Ajanta Brahma and resource person of Kokrajhar DIET Bandu Ram Basumatary graced the seminar.
Pige Ligu has directed all line departments connected with Security arrangement at Marshalling area and Recruitment Site, Medical Support during recruitment period, Coordinating officer, Sanitary & drinking water
arrangement, Electricity connection at Marshalling Ground and Maintenance of area to look into immediate needs of the army for Recruitment Rally by 22nd Feb so that maximum local youths can be recruited in Indian Army.
DUDA to Gear up Swacchh Bharat Mission Aalo , Jan 24 : it has been decided to make intensive campaign to launch Swacchh Bharat Mission through DUDA in a meeting held under the Chairmanship West Siang Deputy Commissioner Shri Pige Ligu at his Office Chamber of DC Aalo on 22nd Jan last. Er. Marconi Potom, Deputy Director highlighted the aim and objectives of the meeting and explained in details about the fund receipt under different component and proposed works to be untaken under various component. It has been decided to select171 households under individual toilet, three numbers of community Toilets at Old Market Dere, Goye Hissam Dere and Hidum Hikar Dere, procurement of one JCB under Solid Waste
Management for clearance of dumping ground and chocked drain in and around the town, advance payment of 5 years lease period for dumping ground, Improvement of road of dumping ground, c/o raised RCC dustbin at Old Market and general hospital one each, procurement of plastic dustbin, procurement of tools and plants for waste collection, procurement of tyres for sanitation truck, c/o parking place at Sipu Bridge, conduct of public awareness by West Siang NGO, Mothersâ Vision Aalo in all sectors and development of water logging areas into parking places. Invited representatives from Mothersâ•™ Vision and RCCN also attended the meeting.
Frauds from Rajasthan in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 24: An argument between some young girls in the heart of Golaghat town drew the attention of the public. Two hindi speaking girls from Rajasthan were collecting money from the people by showing them a document where it was stated that they were from a place named Ranipur and very poor and homeless and seeking help. When a young conscious lady saw the document she doubted as there was no authorized signature or seal. She asked the two girls about the reason of collecting money from the public. The girls told that they were collecting
money for Chennai Flood Relief. Then the conscious girl began to argue with the two girls and thus public gathered. Later police came and took the two girls to the police station. There were several members of this group who had been collecting money in different parts of Golaghat town for the last few days. But today their fraud came to light. Later on some other members of this group were also detained. Such type of incidents is not new in the state. Taking advantage of the simplicity of the people of Assam frauds often cheat or even loot people through various ways.
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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 25
Land Allotment Certificates distributed to 574 tea garden workers of Lakhimpur ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Jan 24: Under Chief Minister's Special Scheme, land allotment certificates were distributed to 574 tea garden workers of Lakhimpur district today. It is noteworthy that a piece of land measuring one Katha 5 lecha in the meantime allotted to each of these tea garden workers. On this occasion, a meeting was held in the Science and Technology Center of the Lakhimpur Deputy Commissioner's office at 1.30pm in which DC Debeswar Malakar distributed the certificates to the beneficiaries. Deputy Development Commissioner Dibakar
Land Allotment Certificates distributed in Lakhimpur
Doley anchored the program where Congress Ex-MLA Ghana Buragohain said, "The tea garden workers got a permanent address from the day. They will get an IAY
house hereafter". ADC Mouchumi Baruah, DIPRO Chumpi Chutia, Dist. Labour Officer JP Agarwala, ZP Chairman Mamoni Hajarika, Member Gagan Borah, Circle Officers of Lakhimpur, Bihpuria, Nowboicha,
Kadam Revenue Circles, Managers and Welfare Officers of Chiyajuli, Ananda, Dolahat, Koilamari Chinatolia tea estates were among those who were present in the program.
Netaji’s birth anniversary observed in Sonari ET Correspondent Sonari, Jan 24: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 119th birth anniversary was observed in Sonari under the aegis of Netaji Sangha, Sonari. Accordingly, on Jan. 22 a massive cleanliness drive was taken up in and around the statue area of Netaji at Sonari court tinali. A film depicting the life and
works of Netaji was screened from 6 pm at the premises of Netaji Sangha situated in Bhabanipur. On Jan. 23 after airing of patriotic songs through FLS, a massive cultural procession was taken out in Sonari town. The procession went through the main throughfares of the town and ended at Sonari court tinali near the statue
of Netaji where Sonari MLA and education minister garlanded the statue of Netaji. Later, flag hoisting and competition for school children as well as their guardians were carried out at the premises of the sangha. Later, during the prize distribution ceremony held in the evening, former general secretary of AASU Tapan
Kumar Gogoi, physician Dr. Rajen Gogoi, social worker Bibhash Chandra Paul, former health dept employee Sudip Ranjan Paul, journalists Mritunjoy Das, Surjya Borah, BJP leader Anup Singh Rajpurohit were present. Later, a cultural programme based upon patriotism as a theme was held.
Union sports ministry sanctions twin projects for Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 24: It seems that the people of Dibrugarh are all set to reap some sweet benefits for having Sarbananda Sonowal as the sports minister of the country. With relentless efforts from some of the energetic and new office bearers of the Dibrugarh District Sports Association backed up by two top office bearers of Dibrugarh Press Club, a 12 crore project for upgradation and modernization of the outdoor stadium and a 50 lakhs project for the renovation and extension of the existing indoor stadium has been sanctioned by the union sports ministry and that too in a record short period of time. Coming up with the details of the projects, Dr. Debojit Dutta, Vice President of DDSA and Munindra Nath Saikia, general secretary of DDSA said that the upgradation work will enable Dibrugarh to host several top sports events apart from hosting Ranji trophy matches. “The upgraded stadium will have new sports hos-
DDSA officials addressing the media.
tel, new galleries, media centre, and pavilion with AC, continuous power supply, drainage and internal roads, parking etc facilities while massive renovation and repair work will be carried out for the indoor stadium. The time sanctioned for completion of work is two years and the government will be releasing Rs. 5 crores as first installment for the outdoor stadium project”, Dutta said. While expressing his gratitude towards the union sports minister, Dutta also re-called the
contribution made by Prabir Kumar Chakraborty, President, Dibrugarh Press Club and Manash Jyoti Dutta, general secretary, Dibrugarh Press Club in conceiving and preparation of the Detailed Project Report. The funding for the outdoor stadium project will be done from the National Sports Development Fund, Dutta said. “Dibrugarh is a upcoming modern city where people have become health conscious, parents now-a-days send their
young children for regular sports camps like badminton, tennis, cricket, football etc. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to have ultra modern sports facilities in and around you apart from having qualified coaches. The sanctioning of the projects will help in imparting scientific training of events”, Saikia added. Apart from the two projects, Dibrugarh is also having a National Anti Doping Agency centre which will be the lone centre for the region.
Congress rebels Noted social worker award Preparation afoot to winning teacher Joyram observe Republic ready to form Gowala no more Day in Digboi government with BJP support in Arunachal Pradesh PTI New Delhi, Jan 24 : Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh who revolted against Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today welcomed the Union Cabinet recommendation for imposition of President's rule in the state and said they were ready to form an alternative government with the support of BJP and others. "We welcome the Centre's decision as there was complete breakdown of Constitution. Nabam Tuki constitutionally, democratically and morally has no right to rule. He should have resigned long ago," MLA and spokesman of the rebel group, Pasang Dorjee, told PTI tonight. Dorjee said the rebel Congress group has 21 MLAs and they were supported by 11 BJP legislators and two independent MLAs while Tuki has support of just 26 MLAs in the 60member Assembly. "We have 34 MLAs and we are ready to form the government," he said. Asked whether they would support a BJPled government, Dorjee said that question does not arise at all as the rebel Congress group has more MLAs than the BJP. "We are still in Congress and we want a Congress-led government, not BJP-led government. We are against Nabam Tuki but not
against Congress party," he said. The Union Cabinet today has recommended imposition of President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh but suggested for keeping the Assembly under suspended animation. Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju asserted that the Cabinet recommendation was in accordance with the Constitution as the Assembly did not hold its session for more than six months. "And this year on the 21st January, the six months time has completed. President's Rule could have been imposed immediately but since the matter is subjudice and the decision is pending in the Supreme Court. But the time frame of six months has exceeded. "We do not have any role in the recommendation of President's Rule because it is a constitutional process," the minister said. Asked whether BJP would support a Congress-led government as claimed by him, Dorjee said for the interest of Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP would be ready to support the Congress rebel group. "We are for development of Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP is also for development of Arunachal Pradesh. So, why will not they support us," he said.
ET Corresnpondent Sonari, Jan 24: Noted social worker and state award winning teacher Joyram Gowala of Sonari is no more. He was 81. Gowala passed for his Heavenly abode at around 8-15 this morning at his Borahi Charali, Ward No. 13 residence after battling multiple ailments. He was born in 1937 at Cintamonigarh in Jorhat to parents Motilal and Kalawati. He started his career as a LP school teacher at Geleki after completing his education. Later, he was transferred to Sonari Town LP School in 1961 and permanently settled down in Sonari. A follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Gowala apart from his professional commitments has engaged himself with various organizations of
Joyram Gowala Sonari as a social worker. Making notable contribution for the development of the academic side of Sonari, Gowala was involved with the coming up of schools like Sankardev Sishu Vidya Niketan and Parbati Prasad Baruah memorial LP School. The state government recognized his dedicated service which he ren-
dered with sincerity and devotion by awarding him with state teacher award in 1992. He was associated with various organizations like Pathikrit Gosthi, Samalay Gosthi, Govt. Pensioners Association, Senior Citizen Forum etc. State education minister Sarat Borkotoky had condoled the death of Gowala. In a condolence message to the bereaved family, the minister said that Sonari had lost a genuine social worker and dedicated teacher and his loss will be irreparable. Several other organizations and associations, individuals have too condoled the death of Gowala. His cremation took place at the Sonari Public Crematorium. Gowala is survived by his son, son-in-law and two grand children.
Laxman Sharma Digboi, Jan 24 : The National Function Celebration Committee has been making untiring efforts to observe the significant Red Letter Day on 26th January here at the historic Jubilee Play ground with a series of day long agenda here in Digboi in Tinsukia District. According to Republic Day agenda, the significant day would kick off with floral tribute at Gandhi Samadhi located near Digboi Press Club followed by unfurling of National Tri-colour. While at the Jubilee Play ground following the hoisting of National Flag centrally and taking the guard of honour and parade and March past subsequently, there would be a series of activities in-
cluding felicitation and award ceremony, cultural presentations, Vande Mataram, fruits distribution among the patients at Digboi Community Health Center and games and sports items to mark the day. Meanwhile, enough security personnel have been deployed by various agencies including the local Police and IOC (AOD) to ensure incident free celebration. According to police sources, constant patrolling, Mobile check post, and several other gadgets have been brought into use at various vulnerable locations including oil and installations point to thwart the subversive activities of the miscreants whose presence in and around cannot be denied. Meanwhile, Chandan Milli, the
Inspector, Digboi Police Station told this reporter here this morning that enough resources have been activated to make the day a peaceful and remarkable one beside urged various socio-cultural organisation to remain vigilant and co-operate the Police in realising the common objective without any untoward happenings. However, according to sources, the movement of cadres from the Paresh Baruah led UEFA faction have been suspected in and around Digboi, Pengaree, Bordumsa, Margherita and Doomdoma who have been making continuous efforts to create chaos anywhere in Tinsukia Districts to disrupt the celebration of the said significant day.
AGP kick starts it poll campaign in upper Assam with rally at Naharkatia ET Correspondent Naharkatia, Jan 24: With the assembly elections drawing closer all political parties in Assam have started the blame game in a bid to draw the limelight and grab the attention of the voters. A public meeting of AGP was held today at the Naharkatia Stadium which was attended by more than 10,000 people of Naharkatia, Tinghkong and Tengakhat. The meeting was attended by State President of AGP Atul Borah, ex-education minister Brindaban Goswami, Renupama Rajkhowa and various other members of central committee. The meeting was presided over by president of Dibrugarh AGP committee Purnanda Gogoi. A bike rally of more than 100
bikes was taken out to welcome the guest, along with cultural procession which was attended by the cultural troupes of various communities. In his speech, Brindaban Goswami accused that the BJP led government at the Centre as well as the Congress government in the state both have failed in doing any good to Assam. The BJP-led government has done injustice to the people of Assam since it came to power in Delhi. It first handed over precious land of Assam to Bangladesh. Now it has decided to permit Hindus and other minorities from Bangladesh to come and settle down in Assam, the AGP president said. Equating the BJP with the Congress, the AGP raised slogans against both par-
AGP Dibrugarh district President punakon Baruah the meeting.
ties and said they were two sides of the same coin. “There is no difference between the BJP and Congress as far as Assam’s burning issues are concerned. While the BJP has decided to let
Hindus and other minorities from Bangladesh to come in and settle in Assam, the Congress has extended support to it,” AGP president Bora said. Moreover, AGP strongly protesting AIUDF chief
Badruddin Ajmal for his comment that all Muslims in Assam should come together to fight for their existence and warned him against creating conspiracy to divide the people of Assam on
communal lines. When asked about pre-poll alliance with other political parties, the party president said that one person cannot take the decision of its own it will be the party committee who will take this decision but also said that they may think about making pre poll-alliance with party who will guarantee safety and security of the people of Assam. He also said that Naharkatia AGP committee has grown stronger under the leadership of Naren Sonowal and exM.L.A Kusumbar Tairai Gogoi. It may be mentioned that in the previous election Naren Sonowal has succeed to give tight contest with Pranati Phukan and this time too, the party is leaving no stone unturned to capture the constituency.
Manipur BJP leader held for violating curfew, released Imphal,Jan 24: Hours after being taken into custody for violating curfew restrictions, BJP legislator Khumukcham Joykishan was released unconditionally by a court yesterday.Police said the legislator from Thangmeiband constituency (adjacent to Imphal town) in Manipur was taken into custody as a precautionary measure since there was apprehension that he would violate the curfew restrictions. He was detained at 10.15 p.m. and released at 3 p.m. by the chief judicial magistrate.The district administration had clamped indefinite curfew on Friday night in some parts of Imphal town to prevent the legislator and his supporters from creating a law and order situation. Joykishan has been demanding suspension of the construction of the temporary market in a busy Thangal street.He and his
supporters had marched towards the town and bulled through the police barricades, daring police to arrest him saying: "I have broken the law".Thongam Bisajit, another legislator said: "The agitation shall continue whether Joykishan is released or detained. The Congress government is making its presence felt without caring for the sentiment of the people."Okram Joy of the BJP also appealed to the government to find an a m i c a b l e solution.Hundreds of men and women tried to violate the curfew after the legislator was detained, prompting police to fire several rounds of tear gas shells. The agitators said they will launch a relay hunger strike from Sunday. They also staged a sit-in protest, demanding unconditional release of the legislator. (Agencies)
Meghalaya trumps Manipur in Northeast junior TT Imphal, Jan 24:Meghalaya swept up all but one of the gold medals on offer at the table tennis tournament for Northeast juniors here on Saturday, with Manipur denying them a clean sweep in the boys singles final.Five states (Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Sikkim) took part in the test event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Sports Hall, which acted as a prelude to next month's 12th South Asian Games 2016. All the mixed doubles matches were held on Saturday, with Meghalaya's Tanushree Das Gupta and Suranjit Dey reaching the final along with Camelia Diengdoh and Bibek
Das.The former pair took the gold with an 11-9, 11-9, 4-11, 7-11, 11-7 victory.It was Tanushree's first gold of the day, adding to her girls doubles final win yesterday, and she then added another in the junior girls final when she went up against fellow Meghalayan Anwesha Choudhury.Tanushree came from two games to one down to beat her opponent 11-4, 911, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8 in the best of seven-game final.The boys final was also an all-Meghalaya affair. Bibek Das and Prithvi Dey won the match by four games to two, 12-14, 11-7, 3-11, 118, 11-7.The action concluded with T Yogesh Singh (Meghalaya) facing K Rohit of Manipur. (Agencies)
48-hour strike in Manipur from today: UNC
Manipur strike Imphal ,Jan 24:The United Naga Council (UNC) has called for a 48-hour general strike beginning from the midnight of January 24 in all the tribal territories of Manipur.A press release from the Publicity Wing of the Council informing this stated that the general strike has been called to draw the political intervention of the Government of India in the matter of the passing of the "3 anti tribal Bills and Resolutions" passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31, 2015 and the subsequent killing of 9 innocent civilians, whose bodies are still lying at the Civil Hospital in Churachandpur. Religious programmes, earthquake related activities, educational institutions, medical, electricity, water supply and media have been exempted from the purview of the general strike. UNC also sought the revocation and nullification of the Notification/Order of the Home Department, Government of Manipur on "Re-Organiing of Police District boundaries". Hundreds of tribal villages which were carved out into 4 valley districts of Imphal should be placed back to its original respective districts, UNC maintained.The council demanded the withdrawal of all Manipur Police Commandos and IRBs from Cease Fire and SoO covered territories and also demanded adequate justice
to the victims of K. Somrei Naga Village who were indiscriminately fired upon and beaten up by alleged Manipur Police Commandos of ABCI based camp on December 27, 2015 during the village's Christmas festival programme at 7.30 pm.The apex Naga body in Manipur state maintained that the Naga people along with other tribal people will abstain from this year's Republic Day celebration over the "indifferent attitude" of the Government of India being shown towards the tribal people.In this regard, UNC has strongly appealed to all right thinking Naga and tribal citizens to extend fullest support and co-operation to the proposed 48hour general strike and also to stand united till their long cherished political aspiration is achieved. The Council has informed Tribal Hohos/Frontal organizations/Regional organisations to take up appropriate steps to ensure that the 48-hour democratic general strike is strictly implemented in their respective jurisdictions. "Anyone found violating this directive shall be at his/ her own risk and UNC shall not be held responsible for any untoward consequences," it warned. UNC further informed the people to remain alert against the "evil designs and policies" of adversaries to sabotage the democratic rights and movement. (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 25
Shillong remembers Netaji on his 119th birth anniversary Shillong, Jan 24: Along with the rest of the country, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's 119th birth anniversary was observed here on Saturday. Rich tributes were paid to the legendary freedom fighter in a programme organized by the Greater Shillong Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on the State Central Library premises. On the occasion, UDP working president, Bindo M Lanong hoisted the Tricolor in presence of fellow party legislator Paul Lyngdoh and others.Addressing the gathering, president of the committee, Naba Bhattacharjee said that Bose, the freedom fighter, had paved the way for the country's progress and urged the gathering to follow the principles and ide-
served that the independence of the country would have been delayed if there was no Indian National Army."Netaji belonged to the Indian National Congress but he was removed from that position because he refused to be a rubber stamp of one particular family who were running the country. Shillong remembers Netaji on his 119th birth anniversary
als of Netaji. Meanwhile, Paul Lyngdoh said that Netaji had a close tie with Shillong and the people of the Khasi Hills."There is a deliberate attempt, to bury under the debris of history, authentic national leaders like Netaji and as con-
scious citizens of the country we should not allow this to happen," Lyngdoh added.On the occasion, Lyngdoh also called for "keeping the memories of Netaji alive" even as he urged people to emulate the sense of dedication that Netaji had towards the nation. He ob-
He was from the Congress but not the Indira Congress, these are facts that the country should be aware of," Lyngdoh pointed out.He also said that for history to be authentic, citizens have to be conscious and be the guardians of history. "It's our solemn responsibility to preserve the places Netaji stayed in while he sojourned in Shillong,"
Lyngdoh added.Former minister, Bindo Lanong recalled the attachment Netaji had with the Hill State. Stating that not much was known about Netaji post 1945 Lanong said, "A Khasi army person, who served in Vietnam during the Second World War II, did not believe that Bose died (in the 1945 air crash)." He further mentioned that
in 1937/38 Bose, while addressing a gathering at Patna had said that democracy was found in Khasi Hills. It may be mentioned that a hundred secret files, which could throw some light on the controversy over the disappearance of Subhash Chandra Bose, were made public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Netaji's 119th birth anniversary on Saturday. (Agencies)
Along with the rest of the country, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's 119th birth anniversary was observed on shillong on Saturday. Rich tributes were paid to the legendary freedom fighter in a programme organized by the Greater Shillong Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on the State Central Library premises
411 NE youth to join Delhi Police
Jan 26 Kma traffic rules
Kohima, Jan 24:In a record time, eight Recruitment Teams led by Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCsP) from Delhi Police flew down to the eight North Eastern states, carried out the recruitment drive and declared the results within one month. IGP & Nodal Officer for NE citizens in Delhi, Robin Hibu said Delhi Police recruited 411 youth out of which 33% were reserved for female candidates. From Nagaland 33 males and 15 females were selected while 10 (males) have been kept on waiting list.He said that the entire recruitment process was completed without any complaint. Latest transparent strategy during recruitment was adopted-- biometric, omr, no interview, vigilance team, CCTV, computer-
Kohima, Jan 24:Sr. SP Kohima has informed that in view of the 67th Republic Day celebration at Secretariat Plaza, Kohima, the traffic regulations would be enforced on January 26, 2016 from 6 a.m. as part of the security arrangement.In a press release, Sr. SP Kohima, Joseph Hesso, stated that only vehicles with appropriate car pass would be allowed entry to the Secretariat Plaza. The release also stated that parking outside the main gate of the Secretariat Plaza would be free for all public.Kohima police informed that no vehicle would be allowed to be parked by the roadside from 6 a.m. No Parking: From BSNL Telephone Exchange till Classic Island and From Raj Bhavan to New Secretariat complex via High School Junction.It has been warned that defaulting vehicles on the above mentioned stretch of the road would be towed away and towing charge shall be recovered from the defaulters. Entry of heavy vehicles as well as unloading in the town would also be restricted from 7 a.m. onwards. (Agencies)
ized answers checking, thorough rehearsal, declaration of result on same evening after written exam etc., he said. Hibu said that the successful candidates would be called to Delhi soon for training after the respective state police clear the verification process. He said that the Delhi Police Special Unit for North Eastern States have prepared elaborate arrangements for arrival of the successful candidates. Delhi Police will request all Nodal officers of eight state police to book tickets for all candidates and they will be received at the railway station by NE Special Police Unit, Hibu said. Initially, an orientation cum interaction programme would be held to familiarize them about Delhi & NCR. "I will also
hold a lecture on strict discipline of the Delhi police training unlike those that are done back home", he said, adding, in Delhi Police if one is found to be undisciplined, they are immediately terminated from service. Hibu was optimistic and hoped that the NE youth should successfully complete their training. During the training process, Special NE Police Unit cops will mentor them. They will be divided company wise led by Sub-Inspectors, he said. Hibu further made knon they he would be constantly monitoring and assisting them. "I will encourage them to do their best during the training in order to join the Delhi Police Elite Commandos. The best ones can also be deputed to NSG, Ministry of External Affairs and other lucrative central
aspiring candidate during the rally deputation on promotion". Besides regular duty, Hibu said he would also personally encourage some of brilliant NE youth from the 411 newly recruited personnels to avail coaching and sit for competitive exams like UPSC, CPOs , Banking, MNC, SSB or to pursue higher studies in Delhi for better jobs etc.The new re-
cruits would be deployed in areas where large number of North East people resides like Munirka, Kotla, Khirki extension, Safdarjung, Sunlight Colony, Jamia, Janakpuri, Burari, Mukherjee Nagar, Civil Line, Timarpur, Mahipalpur, Vasant vihar, Ambedkar Nagar etc. (Agencies)
33 Males & 15 Females from Nagaland; 10 on waitlist
Five Christians take part in RSS rally Shillong, Jan 24: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Saturday took out its maiden 'Path Sanchalan' (procession) here in the capital of Christian-majority Meghalaya.In Shillong, nearly 300 RSS cadres mostly from the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities from across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills areas - donning khaki shorts and white shirts and armed with sticks marched from Upper Mawprem to Balika Vidyalaya School.The rally was organized to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. RSS cadres also took out a road march in Zikzak area of South West Garo Hills district to pay tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 119th birth anniversary.Five Christians participated in the Shillong rally.Praveen Shewale, RSS organising secretary, Khasi Hills, informed that 10 Christians joined the organization after attending medical camps.On being queried on the issue of cow slaughter, Shewale said,
"RSS ideology does not dwell on such matters." Stating that there is nothing political about the rally, he said that it is part of creating awareness on nationalism."It is a historic moment for us (RSS) today in Meghalaya to take out Path Sanchalan in Shillong and Garo Hills to pay tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 119th birth anniversary," RSS Shillong unit leader Makashang K h o n g s h e i said.Khongshei, who has been associated with RSS since 1993, exuded con-
fidence that more people will be joining the group in Meghalaya to protect the interests of the indigenous people. "We are not against any person belonging to any religious faith as our base is to be a 'Rashtriya' (nationalist). In India, there are 33 crore ways of worshipping god. Therefore, it does not matter, Christian or non-Christian, but what we need is unity," he said. Addressing the cadres, Khongshei lashed out at the failure of the government to develop the state."In 44 years of statehood, Meghalaya is noth-
ing but a failed state without any hope for its people. This state has no education policy, agriculture policy and no policy for youth but only corruption. If you check the records, Meghalaya is nothing but a state still copying and pasting rules and regulations from Assam," he said.On the influx of Bangladeshi migrants into the state, he alleged that people at the helm of affairs were "sleeping" as most of the areas in the state were being dominated by Bangladeshis. (Agencies)
Mamata Proposes, Gurung Disposes: No Friendship Darjeeling,Jan 24:Even as Mamata Banerjee extended an olive branch to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung, the latter was in no mood to reciprocate, and instead demanded that the chief minister give up her divide and rule policy first. During her brief speech at the foundation day of the Sherpa Development Board at the North Point School ground, Banerjee said without taking any names, "I want to convert Darjeeling into Switzerland and that's why I come here frequently. As I want development work to take place here, I do not say anything to those people who are against me. I want to work but cannot do so if we continue to fight." It was a subtle hint of a gesture of friendship by the CM, but the GJM president was blatant in his reaction. "First, she should pledge she would
not indulge in a divide and rule policy. Only then will I meet or talk to her," Gurung said in a press conference at the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan, 2km from the CM's programme venue. The chief minister did not dwell much on the GJM today but on her arrival to the hills, she had made an oblique reference in Siliguri. "Indulging in arson will not solve anything. If you have any problems, you should talk to the state government," Banerjee said, referring to the torching of government properties by GJM activists during the statehood agitation. Gurung however, was obdurate that it was the chief minister who was fomenting trouble in the hills. "She brings trouble to the hills whenever she comes here. It hurts our feelings. I have not fought with her nor created trouble. She is attending
Mamata Proposes, Gurung Disposes
programmes in my area without facing any disturbance," the GJM president said. North Point School ground in Singamari, where today's programme was held, is just a stone throw's away from the GJM party office which falls under Gurung's constituency. A once blooming relation between Banerjee and GJM has gone sour with the latter accusing the former of trying to curb
the statehood demand by creating divisions among the hill communities by creating development boards. Banerjee however, said she visited the hills to make contacts with the people and to know their problems and address them. "I have visited the north Bengal regions more than a hundred times, which even an MLA cannot do. I only want to have good relation with people and
work for them and develop the area. Darjeeling has been neglected for several years," she said at the function.Making use of the mass gathering, the CM tried to touch the people's chord with the Assembly election just around the corner. "Let others say whatever they want. All I want is the support of the people. I want to say that you should support those who love and care for you. I will continue to visit the hills," Banerjee said.However, Gurung rebuked the CM's speech and termed it as dramatic. "Let her show a single project that has been completed as announced be her over the years. One must give from the heart. But the chief minister only engages in vote politics. We had a very good relation earlier, but that has broken due to her divisive politics," the GJM chief said. (Agencies)
Mukul in Bangladesh Shillong, Jan 24: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has arrived in Bangladesh to take part in the Investors Meet organised by the Prime Minister's Office from January 24 to 25.After his arrival on Saturday, the Indian High Comm i s s i o n e r Harshvardhan Shringla, inquired about the hotel facilities available in Shillong, as he is anticipating many visitors along with a 500-member strong sports contingent from Bangladesh for the ensuing South Asian Games in city.The Chief Minister assisted by David Nongrum, Chairperson of MTDC assured the Indian High Commissioner the best of the facilities for the visitors. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister attended an interactive session at Sylhet organized by Sylhet Chamber of Commerce under the banner of 'Exchange of Views'. (Agencies)
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French President to arrive in Chandigarh on three-day visit to India New Delhi/ Chandigarh, Jan. 24 : French President Francois Hollande will land in Chandigarh at around 1 p.m. this afternoon on a three-day visit to India.The President will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during sightseeing to tourist spots Rock Garden, Capitol Complex, Government Museum and Art gallery in Chandigarh. Prime Minister Modi and the French President are expected to address a CEOs forum and IndiaFrench Business Summit in Chandigarh, thereafter the visiting dignitary will depart for New Delhi.He will be accorded a cer-
French President Francois Hollande emonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday. Later, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House, which will be followed by signing of agreements in various key sectors. On January 26, the French Presi-
dent will witness the Republic Day parade at Rajpath as the chief guest. This is the fifth time that a serving President of France will be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day function.Also, for the first time in independent India's history, foreign troops (French troops) will be participating in the Republic Day parade.Earlier, the Indian troops had participated in the Bastille Day celebrations in France in 2009. On July 14, 2009, the Indian troops from the three services - army, navy and air force marched down the Champs Elysees in Paris along with the French
Army on the Bastille Day. The event also witnessed the participation of the Maratha Light Infantry, which is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army.India and France will hold detailed discussion on ter-
rorism in the backdrop of Paris and Pathankot attacks.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the talks will be held to further deepen the cooperation on terrorism as it has now become an interna-
¨ Prime Minister Modi and the French President are expected to address a CEOs forum and India-French Business Summit in Chandigarh, thereafter the visiting dignitary will depart for New Delhi ¨ ,He will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House, which will be followed by signing of agreements in various key sectors. ¨ On January 26, the French President will witness the Republic Day parade at Rajpath as the chief guest. This is the fifth time that a serving President of France will be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day function
tional problem.Ways to enhance trade between the two countries will also be high on the agenda.Bilateral trade between the two sides is around eight billion dollars. On the defence side, negotiations are on advance stage for 36 Rafale multirole fighters deal with France.New Delhi's relationship with Paris is very comprehensive. It covers number of sectors such as defence, civil nuclear cooperation, railways, smart cities, science and research, space and culture.India expects some forward progress in all these areas during the French President's visit. (ANI)
Seek Netaji answers Girls commit suicide in TN: Women activists from Russia: Mamata seek HRD Ministry's response New Delhi, Jan. 24 : Women activist Shamina Shafiq today dubbed the suicide committed by three female students of a medical college in Tamil Nadu as 'shocking' and demanded a thorough probe so that the truth behind the unfortunate incident comes to the fore."It is shocking that three students of the same college have committed suicide. There must have been a very serious issue that these girls took such a step. It is very unfortunate," Shafiq told ANI.The former NCW member further said two angles must be looked into this unfortunate incident to get to the bottom of this case. "A proper investigation should be carried out to find out the exact cause. Why they decided to end their lives in such a sad manner? With the increase in suicide cases in the colleges, it is necessary for the institutes to have proper psychological counselling to which the students can look upon in case they face any kind of mental trauma," said Shamina."There are various angles, which need to be looked upon. First, whether there was any psychological counselling? It is very necessary for the colleges to have such counselling as to
said that the students had filed several complaints against Subramanian but to no avail. Citing "torture" by the management, the girls hoped that their suicide would finally force the authorities to take action against the chairman.The girls accused the administration of charging 'excess fees' around Rs. six lakh and never giving the bill. They also mentioned that the college lacked proper classes or teachers and there was 'nothing to learn'.The students had been protesting for more than a month over lack of infrastructure, but it was only in the last two weeks that the protest turned vigorous.The police, which has begun investigating this matter, has so far arrested the Shokkar Verma, the son of the chairman, in connection with this case.The incident comes days after Rohith Vemula, a Dalit scholar of Hyderabad University, allegedly committed suicide after he and his four friends were suspended by the authorities from the hostel after a fight with the ABVP activists in the campus.The Hyderabad incident has sparked nationwide outrage with the Opposition demanding the resignations of Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya. (ANI)
NIA arrests eight more terror suspects across six cities
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Kolkata, Jan 24: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday urged the Central government to initiate talks with the Russian government to obtain information on the whereabouts of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose after his disappearance.At a programme organised by the state government to commemorate the 120th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter at Chowrastha here today, the CM also demanded that the Central government declassify all files it possesses related to Netaji. Miss Banerjee also sought to know if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Russia, tried to enquire about any files related to Netaji in the Russian government's possession."Researchers in Russia are maintaining that Netaji did not die in the plane crash (as claimed) and that he was last seen there. Let the Central government talk with Russia. I need the
file that the Russians have prepared, which has information on Bose," the chief minister said."Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi had visited Russia recently. I do not know whether he asked for the files there, but the people want to know," she added.Questioning why a DNA test of the ash claimed to be that of Netaji has not been conducted all these years, Miss Banerjee said,"Even after 75 years of Netaji's escape from Kolkata, we do not know what happened to him. What answers should we give to the coming generation when they ask what happened to Bose? Why has the central government not conducted a DNA test to establish the truth?"She further said that the state government has already declassified all the files related to Netaji and that the Central government should do the same to a bid to unveil the mystery behind Netaji's disappearance. (Agencies)
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the Central government to initiate talks with the Russian government to obtain information on the whereabouts of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose after his disappearance
Ten previous chief guests for Republic Day parade New Delhi, Jan. 24 : The following are the heads of the state who visited India as the chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations in the last ten years:-2016: President François Hollande (France),2015: President Barack Obama (United States),2014: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Japan),2013: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel W a n g c h u c k (Bhutan),2012: Prime
Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (Thailand),2011: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Indonesia),2010: President Lee Myung Bak (South Korea),2009: President Nursultan Nazarbayev (Kazakhstan),2008: President Nicolas Sarkozy (France),2007: President Vladimir Putin (Russia),2006: King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud (Saudi Arabia) (ANI)
Women activist Shamina Shafiq where the students can go and look upon when they are facing any kind of mental trauma. Second, it is necessary to find whether there was any kind of sexual harassment with those students?" she added.Meanwhile, former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Barkha Shukla Singh shifted the blame on the BJP-led NDA Government, saying that the HRD Ministry has been under controversies ever since the saffron party has come to power."Recently, a student from Hyderabad University committed suicide and now these three girls in Tamil Nadu. What is the ministry doing?" Shukla asked."The (HRD) Ministry should
refrain from politics and must focus on students as it is a question of their future. It is very unfortunate that the students are forced to end up their lives in such a manner," she added. Three second-year students of Svs Medical College of Yoga and Naturopathy and Research Institute at Kallakurichi near Viluppuram in Tamil Nadu committed suicide on Saturday evening, accusing the administration of charging excess fees and 'torture' and blaming college chairman Vasuki Subramanian for their death. The three girls namely E. Saranya and V. Priyanka (both 18 years) and T. Monisha (19 years) in a two-page suicide note
Amit Shah reaches BJP office to file nomination New Delhi, Jan. 24 : With preparations on for Amit Shah's second term as the BJP president at the party headquarters here, here is what the BJP leaders had to say:Ananth Kumar - This is second term for Amit Bhai Shah. We all congratulate him. He has led us with enthusiasm and energy. He has made the BJP as the number one party in the entire world.And under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra bhai Modi to carry on and to communicate the good governance and achievements of the NDA government. The energy and enthusiasm of Amit Shah is required. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi -We have once again proposed his name for the BJP president. We are confident that the party will move ahead with vigour and enthusiasm and achieve victory in all spheres. Ravi Shankar Prasad - We all are very happy that Amit Shah ji is going to be nominated to become party president again. Under his extraordinary leadership, the BJP which has become biggest
party of the world, will scale new height. Anandiben Patel - Today, we have gathered here to make Gujarat's young Amit Shah ji the president. Amit Bhai Shah started off of a normal worker of the party. He also kept working in the ABVP. And after working slowly and steadily, he has become the national party president. I have come to extend my support to him from Gujarat. One has to face a lot of problems as a party president. I am proud that both the party president and the Prime Minsiter Narendra bhai Modi ji are from Gujarat. Laxmikant Parsekar - We have come to Delhi to witness the nomination of Amit Shah ji as party president for the second time. Mr. Amit ji has rose from a simple worker to the highest position in the organisation. He has worked as the Yuva Morcha leader and during the last term of past three years he had been heading the party organisation. During his term, he has taken the party to great heights. And I am proud to
Amit Shah make a mention here that he has been unanimously re-elected for the same position once again for the next term of three years. I wish him best luck and I hope that during his second term, the party will further broaden its base across the country. Piyush Goyal - I got the luck to work along with Amit Shah. I have watched his work especially his miraculous work in Uttar Pradesh. His leadership of the party is very inspirational for all of us. He had done the extraordinary work of maintaining the balance among the party workers throughout the country. I am very confident that the party will continue to grow under his
leadership. Jitendra Singh - I think during the last few years that Amit Bhai Shah has become thepresident of the BJP, these have been some of the best times for the organisation. It was the time when party grew at such a fast pace that it became the largest party of the world. The organisation also witnessed its visibility in those states and in those areas where it could never have been imagined like Jammu and Kashmir and north east. This has been possible because of the focused approach and the hard work put in by the leadership of Amit Shah, in combination of the charisma of Narendra Modi. (ANI)
Bravery should be in nature, says PM Modi
Modi New Delhi, Jan. 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today praised the courage of bravery awards recipients, saying bravery should be a part of our nature."The bravery of a few gives a new life to many others, sahas (bravery) has to be a part of swabhav (nature)," Prime Minister Modi said."As important as the incident is what came in the mind of the brave child at that crucial moment. Presence of mind is very essential. I want to congratulate all those awarded and I congratulate their parents," Prime Minister Modi added. Prime Minister Modi fur-
ther said this one incident of bravery should be a stepping stone towards a lifetime of such incidents.Twenty-five children, three girls and 22 boys, two posthumously, have been selected for the award from across the country for their extraordinary acts of bravery. The National Awards for Bravery was initiated by the Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW) to give due recognition to children who distinguish themselves by their outstanding deeds of bravery and inspire other children to emulate them. (ANI)
BJP demands strong action against 'suspended' Sarfraz Alam Patna, Jan. 24: Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) leaderRameshwar Chourasia today demanded strong action against suspended Janata Dal (United) MLA Sarfraz Alam, who allegedly misbehaved with a woman on a train, and said that the Bihar Government initiated action against him only after pressure from the
admitted to have travelled by Rajdhani Express.Earlier, Alam had denied the charge and said that he was not on that train.Railway Superintendent of Police, P.N. Mishra, yesterday said that Alam was interrogated for four hours during which he admitted to have travelled by the Rajdhani Express without a ticket.He also said
BJP demands strong action against 'suspended' Sarfraz Alam
media."The question is that his ( Sarfraz Alam) track record was very bad then why did the CM give him ticket? Why did they take action only after pressure from the media? Mere suspension is not enough, the CM should take strong action against him," Chourasia told ANI. "He is talking advantage of his position. Who gave him the license of travelling without ticket? Who gave him the right to sit on reserved seats? He is misbehaving with the people who voted him," he added.Alam yesterday
that the ticket examiner of the train was aware of the fact that Alam was travelling without ticket.Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar yesterday suspended Alam from the party.An FIR was registered on Monday against Alam for harassing a couple onboard Rajdhani train. He has also been charged with misbehaving with the woman passenger."I did not even travel by that train. There is politics behind this to tarnish my image. I will initiate legal action," Alam had earlier said. (ANI)
Pak SC to hear pleas against Sharif for denotifying Urdu as 'national language' Islamabad, Jan. 24: Pakistan's Supreme Court will soon take up two contempt petitions against the country's Prime Minister Nawaz Shariffor not notifying Urdu as the national language despite explicit court orders.The three judge apex court bench headed by Justice Mushir Alam will hear the petitions on January 28.The premier has been dragged to court for violating its September 8, 2015, verdict and delivering official speeches in the English language on several occasions. Last September, the Supreme Court had asked the government to consider and
implement Urdu as the official language within three months.The review petition, however, states it is practically impossible to adhere to the time span of three months suggested by the top court for the translation of laws from English to Urdu, considering the vast reservoir of laws on different subjects.The court has stated that if subsequent to this judgement, any public bodies or public officials continued to violate the constitutional commands of 'Article 251', citizens who suffer a tangible loss directly and resulting from such violation shall be entitled to enforce any civil rights.(ANI)
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NEIGHBOURS
Parents wait as Kiwi released in Myanmar Yangon, Jan 24:The parents of a Kiwi jailed in Myanmar for insulting Buddha say they won't feel complete relief over his release until he's on a plane headed home.Philip Blackwood, a 32-year-old former Wellingtonian, was found guilty of insulting religion in Myanmar by using an image of the Buddha wearing headphones on Facebook to
promote the bar he managed.He has spent more than a year in prison but was this week put on an amnesty list, which will allow him to be released. Blackwood's mother, Angela, told media they were ecstatic to hear of his release, but were now in the dark about when he would return."It could be within the next few days or it
could take up to a week. But at the moment we're in limbo about when he will actually arrive home," she said."I can't feel it's going to happen until he's on the plane. Then we'll breathe a huge sigh of relief."She said the amnesty had taken them completely by surprise."It's been a nightmare really. We've done everything we could to shorten his sen-
tence and then this came completely out of the blue."Ms Blackwood said his passport had been lost, which was complicating the process. Philip Blackwood and his two Myanmar co-accused were all sentenced to more than two years with hard labour when they appeared in a Yangon court last March.The poster,
which appeared in 2014 on the Facebook page of the newly opened Yangon bar, sparked outrage on social media in the predominantly Buddhist country.Bar general manager Blackwood, bar owner Tun Thurein, 40, and manager Htut Ko Ko Lwin, 26, were arrested and charged with breaching the Religion Act. (Agencies)
The parents of a New Zealand man jailed in Myanmar say they're waiting for him to get on a plane back home before breathing a sigh of relief.
University attackers Dhaka vows to thwart creation of terror hub Jan 24:DThe arrested.The men, who beBangladesh government longed to a closed religious entered Pakistan via Dhaka, has warned that it would study group, believed they not allow anyone to set up should "wage armed jihad" Torkham: army a terrorist hub within its against the Bangladeshi
University attackers entered Pakistan
Peshawar, Jan 24: Security forces have arrested four facilitators who helped terrorists enter Pakistan from Afghanistan via Torkham border and reach the target, Bacha Khan University. Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa gave details about the progress in investigation in the Bacha Khan University attack, which has claimed at least 21 lives."We have arrested four facilitators, who helped the attackers enter Pakistan and then took them to Mardan," he said. The main facilitator (code named Target A), who received and made arrangements for clearance of attackers at Torkham border check-post, had not yet been arrested and intelligence-based operations were continue to nab him, he added.The DG ISPR said the attack on the university was planned and controlled from Afghanistan as the phone call of Omer Mansoor, who later claimed responsibility, was made from Afghanistan. Omer Mansoor and his deputy Qari Zakir were making calls to attackers from Afghanistan and on the day of attack around 10 calls were made from a location from across the border, he added.He said Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif had conveyed this intelligence-based information with the Afghan president later.Lt Gen Bajwa also played the audio recording of a phone call made by Omer Mansoor to a Peshawar-based journalist while claiming responsibility of the attack.Producing the facilitators before media, he said one of them was Adil, a mason by profession who recently did some masonry work at Bacha Khan University and later drafted the map of the premises for the attackers. He kept the attackers at his home in Mardan and briefed them about the map of the university, the DG
ISPR added. He said two other facilitators, including Riaz and Noorullah, young people from Mardan, hired a rickshaw and took the attackers from Mardan to Bacha Khan University in Charsadda District.The fourth facilitator, he said, was son of Adil, who knew the plan and helped his father in the whole process.He said the main facilitator (Target A) took help of his wife and niece in purchasing ammunition for attackers from Darra Adam Khel. The two women went to Darra Adam Khel and brought the ammunition while concealing in their burqas (veil), he added.The 'Target A', his wife and niece were now on the run and would soon be arrested as the hunt for them was going on, he said.About the identity of attackers, the DG ISPR said one attacker had been identified as Amir Rehman, who hailed from South Waziristan Agency while identification of the remaining three was in progress.Responding to a question, he said investigation about financing to the facilitators and attackers was in the process and added, "As we get credible information, it will be shared with media."The DG ISPR urged the people to extend cooperation to the security forces in the fight against terrorism since their role was very important in winning the war. He said the operation Zarb-e-Azb was progressing successfully and the security forces were fully vigilant. He added that additional steps were required in that regard.To another question about border management with Afghanistan, he said the issue was under consideration and a lot of measures had already been taken. "Humanly it is not possible to seal the 2700-kilometer long border, but we are working to stop border crossing by terrorists."(Agencies)
ISPR says Omer Mansoor and his deputy Qari Zakir made 10 calls to attackers from a location in Afghanistan on the day of attack * Four 'facilitators' who helped terrorists launch carnage arrested
borders.This comes as police continue their investigations into a group of 26 Bangladeshi workers whom the Singapore authorities deported last month for plotting terror attacks in their own country.Fourteen are currently detained in jail after they were arrested for having links with banned militant groups such as the Ansarullah Bangla Team. The remaining 12 were released but police are monitoring their movements The Bangladeshi authorities have said there was nothing to show the men had contact with terrorist groups before they left the country."When they were in Bangladesh, they were not connected (to any terror group). What they did in Singapore we do not know," Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told media. Since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, she has been cracking down on militant and
Bangladeshi workers spending their day off at the Lembu Road open spacetion
terrorist groups in Bangladesh, a Muslimmajority country of 160 million people. Sounding a stern warning, Mr Khan said: "We don't allow anybody to create a hub for terrorists. Bangladesh is a secular country and we do not entertain terrorists."In the past three years, leading members of the farright Jamaat-e Islami party, the country's biggest Islamist political group, have been hanged after being convicted of genocide during the Liberation struggle of 1971.Amid the government crackdown, groups determined to convert Bangladesh into an Islamic nation with a syariah legal system have increasingly targeted pub-
lishers and secular bloggers, four of whom were murdered last year. In announcing the arrests in Singapore, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the 27 Bangladeshi workers were planning terror attacks back home. All but one of these construction workers, aged between 25 and 40, were deported. The last man is serving a 12week jail term in Singapore for trying to leave the country illegally after learning his friends had been
government and also donated money to entities believed to be linked to extremist groups back home.One of the 14 detained in Bangladesh is 40year-old Ali Abdul, who had worked in Saudi Arabia before he went to Singapore. He worked in Singapore for 10 years, according to a local newspaper report.Police in his hometown of Chuadanga said a background check showed that he had no prior record."He left Chuadanga more than 15 years ago. There is nothing about him in our history. He went to Saudi Arabia and then Singapore... He comes from a very poor family," local police superintendent Rashidul Hasan told media. (Agencies)
"We don't allow anybody to create a hub for terrorists. Bangladesh is a secular country and we do not entertain terrorists". Bangladesh home MinisterAsaduzzaman Khan
Wife of missing Hong Kong bookseller says reunited with husband in China HongKong, Jan 24 : The wife of one of five missing Hong Kong booksellers said she met with her husband in China, according to a statement released by the Hong Kong police on Sunday amid growing diplomatic pressure on Chinese authorities to clarify the fate of the men.Lee Bo, 65, an owner of a publisher and bookshop specialising in books critical of China's Communist Party leaders, vanished in late December amid widespread speculation that Chinese authorities may have abducted him in the financial hub and spirited him across to China for an investigation.Lee, who has dual Hong Kong and British citizenship, sur-
faced on Saturday, meeting wife at a guesthouse in mainland China, the Hong Kong police said in a statement issued after midnight on Sunday.His wife, Sophie Choi, told police that she had met with her husband at a guesthouse in China on Saturday and that he was healthy and in good spirits.The statement cited Lee's wife as saying he was "assisting in an investigation in the capacity of a witness," though she didn't give specifics on the location nor the nature of the investigation, the statement added. The Hong Kong police said they would continue to probe the case, and would put in a fresh request with police in
China's southern Guangdong province to arrange a meeting with Lee Bo.Calls to the mobile phones of Lee and his wife went unanswered.The disappearances have prompted fears that mainland Chinese authorities may be using shadowy tactics that erode the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong has been governed since its return to China from British rule in 1997.So far, Chinese authorities have not responded to multiple requests for comment from Reuters, nor have they made any substantial statements explaining Beijing's role in the disappearances nor the fate of the men.A
senior foreign diplomatic source in Hong Kong with direct knowledge of the matter said at least six foreign governments had now officially pressed China for information regarding the disappearances, but so far there had been a "deafening silence".The source who declined to be named given the sensitivity of the case, said the "suspicious circumstances suggested a rendition of one of the disappeared persons" by China.Publishers and book vendors in the city have also been unnerved by the mysterious disappearances, and in some cases pulled books critical of Beijing's leaders from their shelves. (Agencies)
Gazipur factory boiler blast kills 5 Dhaka, Jan 24:At least five people, including a woman, were killed and 10 injured in a boiler explosion in a factory in Gazipur near Dhaka yesterday.Of the deceased, authorities could confirm the identities of three. They are: Siddiqa Jebunnessa, 40, Md Selim, 45, and Kawsar Hossain, 40. The remaining two bodies have burnt so badly that they could not identified until last night.Injured workers including Abdul Kadir, 45, and Kamal Hossain, 42, and the five dead bodies, were first taken to the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital around 7pm.Hospital sources said both the injured men, who have suffered more than 30% burns, are in critical condition.Witnesses said the boiler in the factory named Smart Metal
A firefighter trying to douse the fire that burnt five people to death in Gazipur yesterday
and Chemical, located in Pubail of Gazipur, exploded with a loud bang around 4pm. Around 30 people were working in the factory which caught fire right after the explosion. Many workers came running out to save themselves.Jebunnessa, who was an assistant teacher at the local Baraibari Government Primary School, was walking past the factory when the explosion took
place, said Joydebpur fire service station officer Hasibur Rahman. The other two dead Selim and Kawsar were workers at the factory.Four firefighting units from Gazipur and Tongi later brought the factory fire under control.Local ward councillor Bazlur Rahman said the factory melt old tires to manufacture a special kind of oil used along with pitch for carpetting
roads."Authorities have in the past asked the factory management several times to shut it down because of the risky process of burning and melting tires. But the management paid little heed," Bazlur said.Gazipur Deputy Commissioner (DC) SM Alam said a three member-probe committee, headed by ADC Rahenul Islam, has been formed to investigate into the incident. The committee has been asked to file a report in three days.The DC also said that families of the deceased had been given Tk10,000 each for the carrying funeral expenses.Owner Iman Uddin and the other management staff of the factory have been on the run since the blast took place. (Agencies)
Xi Jinping back to China after visits to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran
Chinese President Xi Jinping Beijing, Jan 24: Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing early Sunday after visits to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran.Xi visited Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two countries agreed to upgrade the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Xinhua reported.
He then visited Egypt at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah alSisi. The two sides signed a five-year outline document to further advance their relationship. At the invitation of Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, Xi visited Iran. The two sides agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. (Agencies)
Xi visited Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Nepal keen to import raw jute Kathmandu, Jan 24: The Nepalese businessmen are planing to source raw jute and jute mill materials from Bangladesh as India continues to impose an economic blockade on Nepal due to adoption of new Constitution in the Himalayan nation.Bangladesh commerce ministry officials said a four-member delegation from Jute Association of Nepal might visit Dhaka next week to discuss the matter. Nepal could also seek to import fuel oil and basic commodities from China and Bangladesh. According to a letter sent from Embassy of Nepal to commerce ministry, the Nepalese business delegation will be led by Raj Kumar Golchha, president of the Jute Association of the Nepal.An official said after full implementation of the Motor Vehicles Agreement with India, Bangladesh would seek transit facilities from India and the country's commodities export to Nepal and Bhutan would increase. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal on July 15 last year signed a Motor Vehicles Agreement for seamless movement of people and cargo among the neighbours. The MVA within the sub-grouping of the South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) nations would increase economic benefits for the region.The big three parties including Federal Socialist Forum Nepal decided to pass the amendment bill in the Nepalese Parliament on Sunday even without a deal with the Madhesi Front, according to a report in Nepali Times.The top leaders of the three major parties are hoping that India will ease its stranglehold on the supply of fuel and other essential commodities when the bill is pushed through.During the visit, the Nepalese delegation is likely to meet high officials at the commerce ministry and local businessmen to exchange views on further promoting business relations between Nepal and Bangladesh, including in textiles and jute sectors. During last couple of months, four jute mills in Nepal namely Biratnagara, Pathibhara, CB and Niki Jute mills closed down. The major causes of the shutdown of several jute mills were lack of raw materials and the market for jute products. The investment worth more than one billion rupees is at risk of going waste while some 12,000 people have been rendered jobless with the closing down of four jute mills. (Agencies)
Nepal's parliament approves first amendment to new constitution Kathmandu, Jan 24: Nepal's parliament has voted to amend the country's new constitution after its promulgation four months ago, on Saturday night.Speaker of the parliament Onsari Gharti Magar announced endorsement of the first amendment to the Constitution of Nepal at a house session in Kathmandu, Xinhua reported. Three articles of the Constitution - Article 42, Article 84 and Article 286 were amended aimed at addressing 11-point demands raised by the Madhesi parties. Two-thirds majority of the 601-member parliament endorsed the bill on the first amendment of the new constitution in view of addressing the key demands of the Madhesi parties who have been running anti-constitution protests in the Terai region of Nepal bordering India for the past four months. When put to vote, the bill garnered 468 votes while seven lawmakers voted against it.The amendment has ensured higher representation in the government bodies on the basis of proportional inclusion of the Madhesis, as well as other marginalised communities. However, the lawmakers of agitating Madhesi parties have shunned the voting say-
ing the constitution amendment failed to address their core demand of fresh demarcation of provincial boundaries.Lawmakers from Madhesi parties walked out from the house when the lawmakers voted for the Constitution Amendment Bill. Over 50 protesters including 10 police personnel were killed in the violent clashes during the agitation launched by the Madhesi parties. Madhesi fringe parties, under the banner of the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), will continue the protests against the constitution, leaders said. A prominent leader of the agitating Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party Sarbendra Nath Sukla said they will continue protests against the constitution since their demands were not addressed by the first amendment. In an effort to resolve the prevailing unrest in the Madhes region, major political parties had tabled a bill a month ago to amend the constitution and increase the Madhesi presence in government bodies through proportional representation. Nepal issued the new constitution on September 20 last year after it became secular republic in 2008 with the overthrow of the 240-year Monarchy. (Agencies)
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The Surprising Historical Truth About the 'Silk Road' Corruption Needs to be end soon Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International currently ranks the national perception of corruption in India to be 87th highest in the world (in an index of 182 positions). While many nations fare better than India in this ranking, many evidently fare much worse, including regional neighbours Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, the real significance of perceptions of corruption does not lie in the extent to which phenomena such as bribery are perceived to be prevalent across society. A more important assessment is of how differing forms of corruption are deemed to be concentrated at different levels of the state, and whether such practices are seen as integral to the consolidation of power. In India, public scandals of the previous twenty years, which link numerous elected politicians and even government ministers to repeated acts of parliamentary corruption, embezzlement, land seizure, blackmail, extortion, kidnap and murder, serve to erode the assumption of legitimate political authority and the efficiency of the ballot box. While bribery in its many forms undoubtedly impedes the proper functioning of institutions, the preponderance of criminal politicians corrupts the very notion of the accountable and democratic state on which the idea of India rests. In explaining the rise of India's criminal politicians, one might consider the possibility that a new type of charismatic political leader emerged during the 1970s that broke with the 'statesman' model of the Congress Party, and was valued for their willingness to dirty their hands on behalf of their constituents. Certainly, a profound change overtook political leadership during this period, as violence began to be valued more highly by certain sections of the electorate, particularly within ethno-regional movements. However, the widespread incorporation of criminals into Indian politics stems initially from the use of coercion during Indira Gandhi's 'State of Emergency' from June 1975 to March 1977. During this period, the Congress Party embarked upon a dictatorship, ostensibly to secure national unity in the midst of parliamentary turmoil. The lack of faith in state institutions, and the popular suspicion that power is frequently derived from criminality, invites a critical reading of India's rise to superpower status. The global authority which the nation is likely to wield in coming years is only to be lauded if power and prosperity is distributed more evenly within India itself: a challenge which requires a serious engagement with the problems of state corruption. Whilst the task facing the Indian state is indeed substantial, the recent popular outcry shows that the country is rich in the popular will to enact such reforms. The one thing that needs to be ensured is proper, impartial, and unbiased use of various anti-social regulations to take strong, deterrent, and timely legal action against the offenders, irrespective of their political influences or money power. Firm and strong steps are needed to curb the menace and an atmosphere has to created where the good, patriotic, intellectuals come forward to serve the country with pride, virtue, and honesty for the welfare of the people of India.
Consumer Rights A must gain knowledge for everyone In the 20th century, the presence and influence of the market grew dramatically in consumer life. We began to purchase things from the market for a price. Soon, mass production and industrial production came into being, giving the consumer world an entirely new dimension. Have you ever wondered how much urban consumers depend on the market for fulfillment of even their basic needs. This over-dependence on the market and the inherent profit motive in mass production and sales has given manufacturers, and dealers a good reason to exploit consumers. As a consumer, you would know how market products are constantly under-weight, of inferior quality and do not prescribe to quality standards specified by quality-control agencies. Consumers not only do not get value for their money but also often have to suffer losses and inconvenience due to market manipulations. These rights were conceptualized in the developed world's consumer context where consumers are wealthy and completely dependent on the market to fullfill their needs. These rights had to be redefined keeping in mind the realities of a developing country like India. Even though strong and clear laws exist in India to protect consumer rights, the actual plight of Indian consumers could be declared as completely dismal. Very few consumers are aware of their rights or understand their basic consumer rights. Of the several laws that have been enacted to protect the rights of consumers in India, the most significant is the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Under this law, everyone, including individuals, a Hindu undivided family, a firm, and a company, can exercise their consumer rights for the goods and services purchased by them. It is important that, as consumers, we know at least our basic rights and about the courts and procedures that deal with the infringement of our rights. Customers consist of a number of consumer rights and it can be seen that one's statutory rights are more "powerful" as compared to the contractual rights one has agreed to and therefore one should use this as opposed to having a warranty (one should be aware of that a warranty might cover something that GA cannot protect you from). If a dispute pops up (faulty goods are used as an example), one does not have to argue that he has a contract that claims that goods should have satisfactory quality -which legislation already implies. If one is to argue some contractual term, it is required for him to prove it. Besides, using the consumer rights or legislative rights compels the store to take the law for consideration, and not act in the way that they are doing one a favor by offering some remedy out of the goodness of their own hearts i.e. replacing or repairing or refunding.
Why the 'Silk Road' is a massive misnomer, in more ways than one. Akhilesh Pillalamarri China was traditionally known as the "Middle Kingdom," the place whence all roads expanded outward to reach the wider world. In contemporary times, there has been a lot of attention focused on China's "One Belt, One Road" project, which is marketed as the modern iteration of the ancient 'Silk Road.' It aims to establish a web of interconnectivity throughout Eurasia, by both land (the belt) and sea (the maritime road), allowing goods and commodities to be transported everywhere, supposedly, like the old Silk Road. But the name "One Belt, One Road" betrays a common misconception about the historical Silk Road, namely that it was a "road" with actual start and end points. The historian Valerie Hanson in her book, The Silk Road: A New History, writes: ‌the 'road' was not an actual 'road' but a stretch of shifting, unmarked paths across massive expanses of deserts and mountains. In fact, the quantity of cargo trans-
ported along these treacherous routes was small." She goes on to note: ‌'silk' is even more misleading than 'road,' inasmuch silk was only one among many Silk Road trade goods. Chemicals, spices, metals, saddles and leather products, glass, and paper were also common. The concept of the Silk Road is, in fact, relatively new, and people who lived along Central Asia's trade routes would have never heard of it, although people sometimes spoke of a road to Samarkand, the central point of Eurasian trade routes. The phrase "Silk Road" was coined in 1877 by Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen, a geographer who worked in China. He came out with an atlas that envisioned a "relatively straight and well traveled" land route from China to Europe. But this has not been backed up by archaeological evidence, which instead demonstrates "a patchwork of drifting trails and unmarked footpaths." Nonetheless, despite this plurality in paths, most did
converge eventually at a few large oasis hubs and nodes, like Bukhara, Samarkand, Fergana, Merv, Kashgar, and Khotan. Trade was always precarious, and wars and disruptions could easily reduce its volume. The expansion of European shipping after 1500 further led to the drying up of trade, but because of their local nature, Central Asian land routes never fully collapsed. Furthermore, due to the great distances involved, it is highly unlikely that caravans traveled along the whole length of Eurasia. Instead trade continuously passed between middlemen and exchanged hands every few hundred kilometers about 500 kilometers at most. There is no evidence that the Roman Empire and China ever traded directly and the earlier Roman coins found in China are actually Eastern Roman (Byzantine) coins from the sixth century. In any case, the Chinese state dissociated itself with trade, and most trade was conducted in China by private initiative. The Tang Code of the Emperor Taizong (reigned 627-649) viewed com-
merce as polluting and did not allow officials above the fifth rank (out of nine ranks) to enter marketplaces. On the other hand, sea routes boomed during the ancient and medieval periods, and continue to do so. Like the overland routes, there has never been one maritime road, although there were more long-distance trips by sea than by land. It was not uncommon for Arab sailors to go from Basra in Iraq to Guangzhou in southern China. But like the land routes in Eurasia, there were also many local, overlapping trade routes, with terminal points in places like Ceylon and Srivijaya in
Sumatra. The Indian Ocean has always been a center of commerce, as Arabs, Persians, Indians, Malays, and others used the monsoons to transport large quantities of goods swiftly from East Africa to China, overcoming the problems of time and distance. India, unlike China, has many caches of Roman coins, brought over by sea. Sea trade along the southern rim of Asia far exceeded, by hundreds of times, the volume of goods transported by land, even before the arrival of European ships and the creation of a globalized economy. Will this historical pattern manifest itself in the
present day? Judging by the volume of trade in the maritime Asia-Pacific, this already seems to be the case. Oceanic trade will continue to dwarf landbased trade in Asia. The creation of land-based transportation can, and already is, boosting the economies of many Eurasian states, especially landlocked ones. But this will only be the case as long as the road follows the pattern of the traditional Silk Road and includes many branches, local routes, and hubs, so that everyone can prosper, without forgetting certain places, like Afghanistan, which does not yet have a lane along China's new project.
Is Bhutan on the Cusp of a Revolution in Private Sector Growth? Much work needs to be done, but Bhutan should celebrate its quick progress on economic development. Mark Turner Bhutan has made remarkable developmental progress since the 1960s when the Third King decided to end the Himalayan kingdom's self-imposed isolation from the rest of the world. Then, it took up to six days to travel from the Indian border to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu. Now the journey takes 5 hours on a paved road while one can catch flights from Paro Airport to a variety of international destinations. Western-style education, which was virtually nonexistent in the 1960s, now caters to all children to the end of high school. There have been dramatic improvements in life expectancy, infant mortality and poverty levels. GDP has consistently grown, often at a rapid rate. The Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) records rapid progress for Bhutan. In the BTI's Status Index, which examines the political transformation towards democracy and a market economy in developing and transition countries, the country has climbed from 110th rank in 2008 to a remarkable 54th place in the forthcoming BTI 2016 report. However, the economic growth that has supported all welfare improvements
has been largely government driven. The challenge today is to generate the private sector expansion that will provide jobs and continue to raise living standards. Bhutan's economy needs diversification Economic growth in Bhutan has greatly relied on hydropower development from which the surplus output is transmitted to India. But hydropower has not generated much employment. Tourism of the high costlow impact variety has created approximately 28,000 jobs in hotels, transport, handicrafts and catering. Other service industries are typically in retail and repair activities and while such businesses are numerous they lack variation and innovation. Large private sector companies are few in number and state-owned enterprises play major roles in the economy. Agriculture continues to be the principal source of livelihood for the 65 percent of the population who reside in rural areas but the sector has registered little growth in recent years and accounts for less than 20 percent of GDP. The government has identified the private sector as the engine of growth for Bhutan in both the Tenth (2008-2013) and Eleventh (2013-2018) Five Year Plans. It has also acknowledged that the growth must be
more broad-based and diverse than it has been in the past. But there are constraints to realizing the plans' ambitions for the private sector. Private sector expansion must be aligned with practice of Gross National Happiness The first constraint is the need to align private sector development with the country's development philosophy and practice of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This novel approach to development rejects focus on GDP growth in favor of policies that foster good governance, sustainable socioeconomic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. The Prime Minister has argued that "GNH and business can reinforce each other," while the Economic Affairs Minister has observed that GNH "challenges businesses to be innovative and creative, to respect environment, identity and culture." Actions by successive governments have contributed to an improvement in the country's business environment which saw Bhutan rocket from 148th rank in 2013 to 71st in 2016 in the World Bank's global Doing Business survey. In large part this has been due to changed methods of calculating certain indicators but there has been a steady
flow of measures aimed at making more businessfriendly regulations and enhanced government processes. Also noteworthy are the very low level of corruption in Bhutan and the successful promotion of good governance especially when compared to the country's South Asian neighbors. Geography and infrastructure still adversely affect private sector development. The mountainous terrain and the annual monsoon make it difficult to construct infrastructure that is "technically sound and climate resilient". Also, Bhutan is landlocked, bordered in the north by China and in the south, east, and west by India. Bhutan has no relations with China and over 80 percent of its trade is with India. Transaction costs are high and include extensive documentation, customs procedures and, given the country's landlocked status, the need to use ports in India for trade with third countries. Education presents further problems. Issues of access have been resolved but quality is the pressing concern. Standards vary across the system and are biased in favor of urban areas. There is also a mismatch between the products of the education system and the present and future needs and demands of the
market. Furthermore, the schools and tertiary institutions are producing ever larger numbers of graduates but there are insufficient jobs for them. Many reject employment in agriculture and drift into the towns where youth unemployment rates are already high. The government needs to act as a catalyst for entrepreneurship One way forward for Bhutan and its GNH is through ICT, education, and "clean" manufacturing in such fields as food processing, handicrafts, and hydropower parts and maintenance. Entrepreneurship is key to fulfilling these aims and the government needs to act as the catalyst. One of its ambitious projects was Education City. The goal of this projected "knowledge community" was to attract international education providers to 1000 acres of hillside outside of Thimphu to create a global education hub. Unfortunately, lack of international interest and illegalities in land dealings led to the shelving of Education City in 2014. IT-Park, also near Thimphu, has been more successful in attracting local and international businesses to its precinct but the number of companies and workers remains modest. Its record reflects the difficulty of attracting foreign direct in-
vestment (FDI) to Bhutan. Making more credit available to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is also a necessary condition to encourage entrepreneurship and experimentation in new types of business venture. Bringing down the cost of banking, making funds more available and extending services to rural areas, perhaps through mobile phone technology, are among the options that could be pursued. The government should also trumpet the kingdom's virtues more loudly. These include political stability, education in English, very low levels of corruption, good governance and preferential access to the vast Indian market. This will contribute to the overall effort of government to promote broad-based and diverse private sector growth that is needed for Bhutan to continue on its chosen developmental path and to secure the happiness that the country's development philosophy pursues. Mark Turner is a visiting professor at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra. He is one of 250 country experts who are currently working on the forthcoming edition of the Bertelsmann Stiftung's Transformation Index BTI 2016 which will be released in February.
Debananda Konwar, Ex. Governor Sir, There is no dearth of 'Joker' in Indian Politics. The latest instance we noticed, when Debananda konwar, the erstwhile Governor of Bihar/Tripura joined the AIUDF led by Badaruddin Ajmal. Mr. Ajmal delivered a prolific lecture with perfect relevance in Assamese on the occasion of joining Mr. Konwar. But people raised eyebrows when Mr. Konwar started lecture in broken Bangladeshi Bangla just to curry favour with these people. He also did not hesitate to mention, Assamese cannot be the Primary language of Assam. We find no difference between the Badan Borphukan and Debananda Konwar. Incidentally, perhaps Mr. Konwar cannot publicly divulge the reasons behind his shifting from Bihar to Tripura. Needless to say, by his abominable modus operandi as a Governor of Bihar he lowered the image of Assam. Our Chief-minister is fully judicious in making him a persona Non-Grata in congress, thereby rejecting him outright and the rejected stuff of congress has been welcomed with spreading of red-carpet by AIUDF. Mr. Konwar's daughter Nandita Konwar fully deserves Kudos for taking a leaf out of
her fatner's book. Mr. Konwar would do well not to deride his own mother-tongue by stooping to that low. May good sense prevail in him. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
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What Made A Young Man Give Up The Faith He Held So Dear? Atheism for its being an a crowd. irreligious and God-refus- For a seventeen-year-old ing system of belief, more religion becomes an imappropriately disbelief, has portant decision, espegarnered much trepidation cially for those living toand also judgement from day where religion is ofthe genten seen as eral puba cause Sahitya Poonacha for conlic. But what one flict or a doesn't count as an impor- dogma. Possibly more tant aspect of Atheism is than half the people in the understanding the trans- world could be called formation to atheism as a closet Agnostics. The realization, or process. atheist I am tracing the Accused for its journey of though was a irreligiosity and con- religious boy, rather on the demned for its refusal to extreme end of it, who believe in God, society extensively read religious sometimes comes down philosophy and had a with an axe on atheists. strong belief, or an inAn atheist I know found duced belief, in religion. He that atheism was a slow recounted how he read all transformation as a snake the holy scriptures, went sheds its old skin. Aware- to temples and prayed to ness triggered curiosity God dedicatedly, and none and there the journey be- of this under the influence gan. It was a gradual pro- of his parents or extended cess of learning and ex- family. ploring the strands of But very soon he began to thought that had hardly see cracks in the large ever occurred to him be- manmade construction of fore. He called it a personal religion. If traced back in realization. Introspection History, religion is broadly often causes some of the created through discourse most intense debates our and dialogue between huminds can engage in. This man beings looking for a realization for him came way to explain the workduring his teens, the cru- ings of a world and a reacial juncture where a cri- son for human existence sis of identity afflicts all, as it is. When his sister fell the only cure for which is seriously ill, the family to pick a group or rather, took her to men of religion
and performed poojas at various temples. Still a teenager at the time, he observed the entire episode, taking in everything and processing it for what it was. When he saw that it was not the prayers but medicine and science that cured her, it shook the foundations of his religiosity. Despite the doubts that started arising slowly, he still firmly refused to lose faith in religion. Reading never fails to make one question the order of things. When he began looking through history and literature, he found that his reasons for keeping faith in religion were largely inadequate. Repeatedly coming across references to religion being used as a political tool and the kind of deeprooted hold that it had in society, he became increasingly wary of it. At the same time a friend of his was also dabbling in Atheism, and the path of an atheist was suddenly not so inaccessible to him anymore. He was introduced to the opinions and the arguments of famous atheists such as Bill Maher, Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. Watching these men deconstructed the idea for
source: www.youthkiawaaz.com
him, they succeeded in convincing him too. He started out Agnostic, he concedes. In the initial phase, he was looking at religion as the virus and not God as such. It was his family, he said, that allowed flexibility in his intellectual ponderings giving him the space to come to his own conclusion on the matter. "Without my being sure how could I convince them?" he asked. He did give up the quest for a while, with his education coming in the way and his attention being diverted to his examinations. He even admits that regardless of his quest he did resort to 'praying to
God' before his exams. He stresses that Richard Dawkins destroyed God for him and that Charvak's argument that there is no god only causality brought him to his turning point. He calls Atheism a science, and he said that a catalyst for his transformation into an atheist was the physics course he took in college as one of his papers for the first semester. "God took a lot of time to get over," he said and insisted that it was the idea of fighting irrationality with rationality that really puts believers in God and atheists at loggerheads. He believes that it is this belief in God that causes
Do Films Like 'India's Daughter' And 'Slumdog Millionaire' Portray India Unfairly? Sehr Taneja "When will you send her to India to visit me?" I asked my best friend's mother in the United States. My friend's mother's response was startling: "I can't send her there. I've heard girls disappear in India and are never to be seen again. Is that true?" I was dumbfounded. I spent the following thirty crucial minutes explaining that while women's safety is a matter of concern for us, this analysis wasn't necessarily true. This was just one of the many times I was thrown into a situation when I had to justify and defend the image of my motherland before a group of foreigners who had been exposed to a merely superficial image of India put forward by movies like Slumdog Millionaire and documentaries like India's Daughter. These otherwise remarkable creations cut India's vast culture and multiple realities down to a small segment of disturbing issues that reinforce outsiders' stereotypes and reduce India to a shattered land of appalling ideologies and disturbing realities. While we cannot deny that these are not the only representations of India in in-
ternational media, it is also important to acknowledge that such ghastly cases create lasting impressions that often manifest as a general understanding. This was especially true in the case of India's Daughter which described the position of women in India, perceived as a broad representation of the attitude toward women and the perception of sexual assault in the nation. As I squirmed with disgust and disbelief while watching Leslee Udwin's award-winning India's Daughter, I recalled the numerous times I had crossed the same road in Delhi. A stark realization was that as a college student in a foreign land, I was alone in my pain and no one around me could understand the effect such a documentary could have on me. While I struggled to comprehend the gush of sentiments and tame my wrath at hearing the dreadful comments of the rapists and their lawyers, I felt myself become smaller inside. However, soon after I had gotten a grip on my emotions, an internal debate broke out within me. As a feminist, I was abhorred by the ban on the docu-
mentary, but as a member of Indian society left to defend its image in outside lands, I understood what the government's rationale was. I believe that 'India's Daughter' is the harsh reality that we are often forced to confront, but whether it portrayed the right image of India or a simply reductionist offering to the outside world is debatable. I was struck by the realisation that the lawyer's comments such as, "in our society, we don't let our girls out after 8 p.m." or Jyoti's parents' statements that explained how others were shocked that they were celebrating the birth of a girl child, were perceived abroad as representations of Indian society at large. Regardless of how many times Leslee said in interviews that she was trying to shed light on the issues in the world and not just in India, the reality was that this documentary was centered around a particular case in our motherland and it tainted the image of India outside its borders, conveniently excluding all that is there to celebrate about our country. In such a situation, the opinions of these few people were accepted as the views of Indians at large, making it difficult for others to dif-
ferentiate between people who held these repelling thoughts from progressive and respectful Indians. While Leslee explained that she was thrilled to see the mass protests that broke out following the rape, these too were presented in a dim light in her documentary, with a slanted focus on the tear gas and lathi charge that the government used to shut down the protests. Once again, I had to explain that this isn't always the case in India and that we really do practice freedom of speech. The reality was that I was perturbed by the documentary that felt so close to home. But even with these overwhelming emotions, I wasn't around people who could acknowledge these issues and pledge to fight them with me, rather I was with foreigners who began to see this as an image of India; those who understood India's poverty through 'Slumdog Millionaire' and its women through 'India's Daughter'. Leslee's documentary provided a tainted view of India to the world, emphasizing one gruesome rape case that we are all in the battle against, but in the process, it veered the worlds' perception in a way clearly against our
Mukesh Singh, one of the prime accussed in the Nirbhaya Rape Case of Delhi. Source: googleimages
motherland, reducing reality to one case and the opinions of billions to those of a specifically disturbing rapist and his two chauvinistic lawyers. This simply ignored the masses of people who are, perhaps, even more forward-thinking that those in the West. We are forced to accept that a sudden force cannot change age-old traditions in India in; rather, these are deep-rooted problems that need to be tackled within society with patience and reason. While India shifts from its patriarchal society to equality, the world needs to stand with us and not against us. But, if outsiders like Leslee choose to use one heinous case to turn the world into our enemy, then the battle becomes more difficult. We will then be left to confront the shallow perception formed on the basis of a documentary. I face it now when I am abroad and when strangers walk up to me questions with questions about India drawn from documentaries such as this one. I don't support the ban, but I also don't completely agree with the way the documentary was made. I believe that if Leslee truly wanted to support India's fight and make this global comment on gender equality, she should have considered it her duty to provide both sides of the story: the forward-thinkers in addition to the appalling rapists. Here, I again emphasize that while India's Daughter is not the only picture of Indian women in international media, it is a rather memorable one that has left a grotesque mark on the image of India in the outside world. As India's daughter in a foreign land, I was able to fathom this reaction, hoping that my fellow citizens would support me in the effort to show the world the charms of India that extend beyond the realms of what Leslee depicted in the span of an hour.
chaos in society, and insists that mixing of religion with identity, putting people against each other is what the real problem is. Atheism bore a sound structure for him, that other socio-cultural identities didn't and, therefore, he took cover under Atheism. But at no point does he believe that Atheists form a homogenous group. In this sense, he points to the different atheists that exist; the immoral atheists who would be a threat to society, the indifferent atheists who see atheism as just something that keeps them away from working to alleviate problems afflicting society, the
soft and calm ones who rationalize about it but will not enforce it, and the atheists who preach to propagate the idea of atheism in a proselytising manner. He calls being an atheist "scary but fun." Some might dispute the fun part of it. But his coming to the realization didn't necessarily mean the end of the journey. He received various reactions from his family and even others in society and that's where an atheist encounters the stigma of being an atheist or choosing to be one. To many he was an 'idiot' or 'stupid'. Others told him he, "won't go to heaven," and that what he believed was a 'fad'. Some of these were his own relatives. He is thankful though to never have faced any exceedingly violent reactions. His father had given him the freedom to choose his own path and his mother, he says, allowed him to believe what he wanted as both his parents raised him as a free-thinker. He jokingly adds that the only question his aunt had was, "How?" Another relative of his told him that now there would be nobody to blame his actions on, or take credit for it. College to him appears to be a liberal space
that encouraged his questioning and accepted his individuality. But the reaction that frustrates him the most tends to be, "All your arguments make perfect sense, but, I will still believe in God." Doubting is not a bad thing he says, and adds laughing, that he would recommend Atheism as a lifestyle choice. To him, it's enough if people start questioning and the realization will come on its own. The first step of just asking the question is more than enough. Atheism might seem like a popular movement or some sort of pagan ideology to some people, but atheism is liberating in itself and one can see why. Many important questions about religions remain unanswered and God as an answer to a question today would seem like a joke. Religion acts as a discipliner but, when it becomes a perpetrator of violence the only escape might be disbelief. In a world where various belief systems exist, a logical mind would agree that acceptance of disbelief as a system is only fair. But when has the world ever run solely on logic is the real question?
Forget The Beaten Path, The Answer To India's Education Crisis Lies In An All New Approach Adithya Narayan While previous generations of young adults had to pick between a financially viable job and a career in the social sector, today there are multiple opportunities for social change that are monetarily sustainable as well. India has also seen a steady rise within social entrepreneurship in the development space. These entrepreneurs are typically young, dynamic individuals who seek to find solu-
profit organization that believes in an excellent education for all children - believes that entrepreneurial ideas that could address existing problems in innovative ways and mobilize people and resources in the right way are necessary to fundamentally shift the status quo in education. In an effort to bring more youngsters face-to-face with real world problems within the education sector, Teach For India has launched the Innovation
necessary knowledge, mindset and skills necessary for the 21st century?" For the overall purpose of the Innovation Weekend, the participants will be focusing their efforts on designing solutions for students from low-income communities in Pune. Through a process of discussion and debate, participants (in 8 teams of 6 members each) will engage with the problem statement and delve into understanding the various
Source : Google Image
tions to some of the most pressing issues that plague those who're at the bottom of the social and financial pyramid in India. With multiple incubators like Villgro and UnLtd India stepping forward to offer support to these young change makers, social entrepreneurship has slowly begun to evolve as an exciting career option for the youth in India. After years of battling the education crisis in India, it has become increasingly apparent that solving it is going to demand a lot more than the regurgitation of old solutions. It's going to demand our most innovative and collaborative thinking - ideas that aspire to advance progress for our most disadvantaged children. Today, mere academic success isn't enough to realize every child's true potential. Teach For India - a non-
Weekend, Pune - an InspirED event that follows the format of a weekend-long marathon where multiple teams with participants from diverse backgrounds will come together to find innovative solutions to a local problem embedded within the education system of the city. Through a process of collaborative problem solving, the weekend not only provides youngsters an opportunity to use design thinking to solve real world problems, at the end of the weekend, the solutions will also be shared with the larger community working in the city. This three-day event will be held between the 22nd - 24th January 2016 and will see college students, designers, corporates as well aspiring entrepreneurs in Pune coming together to answer the question posed to them - "How do we ensure high school students in Pune have the
factors that contribute to the problem at hand. They will speak to different external stakeholders to the education ecosystem and together brainstorm on possible solutions to the problem - subsequently moulding the same into a product, service or program. With the help of mentors, they will then design a functional business model for the same and present it to a panel of judges that includes Meher Pudemjee (Chairperson - Thermax), Sheetal Bapat (Founder Shyamchi Aai Foundation) and Joseph Cubas (Head, Research and Planning Avasara Academy) among others. Over the course of the year, Teach For India plans to take this format to other cities across the country. Watch this space for more updates as the Innovation Weekend in Pune unfolds! Courtesy:youth ki awaaz
BUSINESS
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 25
Banks to receive commission for unlocking household gold New Delhi, Jan 24: The Indian government will pay banks a 2.5 percent commission to unlock the country's massive stash of gold under a new monetisation scheme, the central bank said, as the ambitious plan received a poor response from banks and customers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Gold Monetisation Scheme on November 5 to lure an estimated 20,000 tonnes of gold hoarded in households and temples into the banking system and trim
the import bill of the world's second biggest gold consumer after China. But only a few kilograms trickled in over the last two months as banks showed little interest in popularising the scheme because of negligible returns for them. Now the government has decided to pay the participating banks a total commission of 2.5 percent, including 1.5 percent handling charges, for the first year, the Reserve Bank of India said in a statement. Support from banks is
Moody's may demote ONGC, OIL
Source: bsmedia.business-standard.com
New Delhi, Jan 24: Oil and Natural Gas Company (ONGC), its overseas arm ONGC Videsh (OVL), and Oil India (OIL) were among a list of 120 global companies put on review for downgrade by Moody's Investors Service due to "declining prices that are near multiyear lows, weakening demand and a prolonged period of oversupply." "Oil prices have deteriorated substantially in the past few weeks and have reached nominal price lows not seen in more than a decade. Moody's has adjusted its view downward for the likely range of prices. We see a substantial risk that prices may recover much more
slowly over the medium term than many companies expect, as well as a risk that prices might fall further," according to a company statement. Even if a modest recovery in prices takes place, producing companies and the drillers and service companies that support them will experience rising financial stress with much lower cash flows, according to the statement. The international benchmark Brent crude has fallen below its 13-year low of $28 a barrel twice in the past week, and experts predict prices could fall further while oversupply of oil is unlikely to abate in the near future. (Agencies)
Alstom to expand Sri City facility New Delhi, Jan 24: Alstom Transport India has started expanding its rolling stock manufacturing facility at Sri City, near Tada, in Andhra Pradesh, a top company official said. Bharat Salhotra, Managing Director, Alstom Transport India said, "We have started gradually expanding our manufacturing capacity. Over the next few months, the production capacity of rolling stocks will get enhanced to 20 metro train cars per month from seven cars per month. At a later date, we might enhance this number to 300 train cars per annum." "The expansion is being planned keeping in mind the everrising demand for public transportation from extremely congested cities. "We also have developed a low-cost transportation model for tier-II cities, which has been sent to the Centre. "Besides
manufacturing and supplying rolling stocks, we are ready to provide full range of turnkey services such as signalling systems, power supply and track work as more cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Varanasi, Guntur and Ahmedabad are planning to introduce metro rail services," he said.About the investment, Mr. Bharat said it would be significant as India was turning into an important market for Alstom after 'several wins' (metro rail projects). The number of employees in India had risen to 1,600 from 350 and this would reach 3,000 in three years. "We are planning to service domestic as well as overseas markets, too.Over the next few years, we expect about 50 per cent of revenue to come from exports," he said. (Agencies)
crucial to the success of the scheme. Similar programmes in the past have failed as they were not profitable for the banks. Under the current scheme, Indians are encouraged to deposit jewellery, bars or coins with banks so it can be refined to meet fresh demand and cut the need for imports. Banks, however, were saying they could not offer attractive rates unless the government compensated them for the loss from higher rates. "The 2.5 percent commission will make the scheme attractive for
GOLD UNLOCKING COMMISSION The Indian government will pay banks a 2.5 percent commission to unlock the country's massive stash of gold under a new monetisation scheme.
Under the current scheme, Indians are encouraged to deposit jewellery, bars or coins with banks so it can be refined to meet fresh demand and cut the need for imports.
Now the government has decided to pay the participating banks a total commission of 2.5 percent, including 1.5 percent handling charges, for the first year.
Source: bsmedia.businessstandard.com
Banks, however, were saying they could not offer attractive rates unless the government compensated them for the loss from higher rates.
banks even after offering a decent interest rate to
customers," said a Mumbai-based bullion
dealer with a private bank. (Agencies)
Railways gaze at e-commerce to shore up freight revenue Mumbai, Jan 24: Indian Railways, the world's fourth largest network, is looking to cash in on India's booming $4 billion e-commerce industry to boost revenue from its freight operations. In the upcoming Railway Budget, the Union government may soon look to tap into various "sunshine sectors" of the economy including automobile sector, e-commerce industry and the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment to deliver goods, senior ministry officials said. The Indian Railways is also exploring ways in which it can help in door-to-door transportation of goods. It may soon use 'Road Railers', capable of movement on road as well as rail, to provide last mile connectivity. Other delivery mechanism which the Indian Railways may look into include RO-RO (roll on, roll off) through which loaded trucks can be carried directly on railway wagons between two destinations, an official said.
Source: indiatransportportal.com Konkan Railways is running the RO-RO service since 1999. The Indian Railways is in the process of carrying out a detailed study of as many as 46 commodities to find out the potential sectors which can help increase its declining freight traffic growth. "We will carry out a detailed study and hold discussions with industry players to explore potential areas which the Indian Railways can tap in to boost freight growth," said another ministry official. Some of the areas which the Indian Railways
is considering include refrigerated goods, building material, horticulture, courier express and parcel, marble, glass among others. "For instance, there is a lot of potential in horticulture. Its output has grown faster than food grains in the past few years," the official added. At present, the Indian Railways mainly carry commodities such as coal, pig iron and steel, iron ore, cement, food grains, fertilisers and mineral oil. "We also need to find the appropriate delivery mechanism. "The trial run
for Road Railers is over and we may soon look to introduce it on the DelhiChennai route," said the official. More than 65 per cent of the earnings of Indian Railways come from freight and around 25 per cent from passengers. The railways' earnings from freight have been poor throughout the year. It carried 816.71 million tonnes of revenueearning freight in AprilDecember this fiscal year, up only one per cent from same period last year. In comparison, freight traffic grew over five per cent in April-December 14. Revenue growth from freight has also halved to 6.6 per cent in April-December 2015. While the passenger fares for travel in rail are among the lowest globally, the freight rates, on the other hand, are among the highest. This has led to a sharp decline in the share of railways in the total transportation of freight traffic from 89 per cent in 1950-51 to 36 per cent in 2007-08. (Agencies)
Ready to Occupy Homes expo begins in Hyderabad Hyderabad, Jan 24: A 'Ready to Occupy Homes' exhibition by frontline housing finance company HDFC got underway in Hyderabad. As many as 3,500 properties, from apartments to villas, to suit different budgets and requirements have been featured at the 2-day event, at JRC Conventions and Trade Fairs on Narne Road, Raidurgam. Member, Executive Management of HDFC, Mathew Joseph, who earlier inaugurated the event, said the exhibition provides customers the option of choosing what he or she sees. The "comfort of seeing", he explained, is quite important as it addressed the concerns of customers, their hidden fear, related to the timeframe specified about the possession date. "Sometimes it becomes
imperative to consider an option of buying a 'ready to move-in 'property as they as devoid of risks such as fear of project being delayed, construction not being up to the mark…", a release issued on the occasion said. Those opting for ready to occupy property, especially those living in a rented accommodation, get to save on the rent. The exhibition is significant from a realty sector's perspective since it serves as a platform bringing together various developers. It's a win-win situation for the customers, developers and HDFC with the housing finance company, whose loan book in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, according to Mr.Joseph, is Rs.15,000 crore, looking to generate new busi-
the new bikes. Priced at Rs.49,490 (drum option) and Rs. 54,490 (disk variant) - ex-showroom, New
Delhi - the new Victor will target those in the age group of 25-40 years, particularly the family man,
in the commuter segment, which accounts for 80 per cent of the bike sales in the country.
TVS EXPECTATIONS Ø TVS Motor Company has introduced two new bikes - 110cc Victor and 200cc Apache Ø It aims at strengthening its presence in the commuter and performance segments. Ø The two significant bikes that are designed to get significantly improved market share in motorcycle segment. Ø The new Victor roll-out comes on the back of beefing up TVS Motor's position in the executive category. Ø The new Apache is expected to further boost company's position.
India to purchase more crude oil
Source: s1.ibtimes.com Mumbai, Jan 24: India is set to import more crude oil from Nigeria, already one of the biggest contributors to the country's oil imports, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said. "Nigeria has now agreed to increase the term contract from 1.7 million tonnes per annum to three million tonnes in 2016," Mr. Pradhan said on the sidelines of the fourth IndiaAfrica Hydrocarbon Summit in New Delhi. Nigeria is the third-largest contributor to India's oil imports, accounting for 11.59 million tonnes (MT) in the first half of this financial year, behind Saudi Arabia (19.56 MT) and Iraq (17.01 MT). The benefit of a term contract is that not only does it assure a certain quantity to be supplied but also ensures a stable price unlike oil bought from spot markets whose price can fluctuate drastically. Apart from Nigeria, Sudan also wants to increase its engagement
with India. India, on its part, is also keen to diversify its oil import basket as Saudi Arabia's national oil and gas company recently announced that it would be selling oil to its Asian customers, including India, at a premium of $0.6 a barrel above the prevailing market price in February. "They (Sudan) have offered more oil blocks for exploration and asked for Indian companies' expertise to raise production from existing fields," he said. Sudan currently owes India $240 million for the oil it consumed from the Greater Nile Oil Project in the country of which OVL owns 25 per cent. The modalities of repayment are being worked out, the Minister added. Sudanese Oil Minister Mohamed Zayed Awad said he had offered Blocks 8, 15 and 24 to OVL for exploration and urged the Indian company to consider buying a stake in Block 17, which reportedly produces 7,000 barrels of oil per day. (Agencies)
Rashmi Verma inaugurates "Shresthkriti" Exhibition ANI New Delhi, Jan 24: IAS Secretary,Textiles Rashmi Verma inaugrated the "Shresthkriti" Exhibition along with the launch of cottage premium brand on January 19th in the presence of Alok Kumar IAS, DC Handlooms, A. Madhukumar Reddy IRTS, Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Pramod Nagpal Managing Director, CCIC at Central Cottage Industries Emporium Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan. The exhibition showcases handcrafted creations by Shilpguru's and National
Award Winning Artisans and Weavers including unique artifacts, paintings, wooden panels, antique oil lamps, brass handicrafts, marble artefacts, painted wooden artefacts, dhokra, pottery, paper mache, saree, shawls, and home linen. The exhibition will continue till January 31st from 10 am to 7 pm. The highlight of the exhibition was the new launch of "Cottage Premium"- an exquisite collection of highly exclusive and very limited collection of handicraft and handloom products for the connoisseur of crafts.
"Empowered Youth are the Backbone of any Nation," says Sukhbir Singh Badal Source: thehansindia.com
ness. Hyderabad, he added, is the most sought after destination in the realty space with the products of good quality and the city boasting of well developed infrastructure. Moreover, realty prices in all the comparable south Indian markets are expensive. Stating that the Hyderabad market was a little de-
pressed sometime ago, he said now is the time to buy realty in the city. HDFC has a total of 18 branches in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including eight in Hyderabad. It plans to take the number in Telangana next month to 11 with the opening of a branch in Karimnagar. (Agencies)
TVS Motor introduces 2 new bikes Mumbai, Jan 24: TVS Motor Company has introduced two new bikes - 110cc Victor and 200cc Apache - aimed at strengthening its presence in the commuter and performance segments. "We are launching these two significant bikes that are designed to get us significantly improved market share in motorcycle segment. We have spent about Rs.300 crore in developing the two bikes. Our products will meet not just Indian standards, but also global standards," Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company said after unveiling
PAGE 10
The new Victor roll-out comes on the back of beefing up TVS Motor's position in the executive category that makes up about 54 per cent of commuter segment. To be priced in the range of Rs.88,990-Rs.1.15 lakh (top-end model that may include Antilock Braking System and other features), the Apache RTR 200 4V, which incorporates many new features, will target college students and first jobbers. The existing TVS Apache model is doing well with about 30 per cent growth in sales. The new Apache is ex-
pected to further boost company's position. Mr. Srinivasan said the company would aim at monthly sales of 25,000 units for Victor and 7,000 units for the new Apache. "We expect at least three per cent increase in our market share to 10 per cent in bikes," he added. It expects the overall market share in 2wheeler market to increase to 14 per cent (from 12 per cent in 2014-15) by the end of this fiscal and to 16 per cent by next fiscal. (Agencies)
ANI New delhi, Jan 24: Punjab Government has launched the biggest ever employment drive in the history of the state and on offer are 1,13,766 government jobs that will be offered to youth of Punjab within one year. For record, the Badal Government had offered over one lakh Government jobs to youth in its earlier regime. Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister,Sukhbir Singh Badal says, "Empowered youth are the backbone of any nation. Our mission is to ensure overall development of Punjab, which could be achieved by creating enough employment opportunities for the youth. We will ensure that there is 100 per cent fair selection and transparency at every level in the employment drive." Besides jobs in government offices in all groups like A, B, C and D the Punjab youth would be encouraged to take up jobs in private sector as well. Punjab government is working to create massive job opportunities for youth. There were huge opportunities in sectors like Information Technology, Agro processing and manufacturing sector in the state. Sewa Kendras have the potential
to offer 12,000 jobs. The new and renewable energy department is set to emerge sunrise sector in Punjab. While it aims to make Punjab a solar state of the country, it has potential to catapult farmers into entrepreneurs and create huge job opportunities for Punjab youth. With reforms introduced by Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd., the PSPCL has shown a turnaround in its performance. The power sector will offer 39,821 jobs to Punjab youth within one year. The school education department has on offer 30,107 jobs for youth in teaching and related fields. With Punjab emerging on top in the country in opening of new schools and with lowest dropout rate, the department would offer jobs to youth. About 2198 jobs are available in higher education and language department, as many as 5301 job opportunities are in health and family welfare department, 4566 jobs are available in cooperation department and transport department has on offer 3952 jobs. By generating these employment opportunities, Punjab Government is setting the youth of Punjabon the path to Development.
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JANUARY 25
Features
PAGE 11
ENVIRONMENT Answer as to why some cuckoos have blue eggs For roughly a century, researchers have been trying to figure out how different female cuckoos manage to lay such a variety of different egg colors to match different host birds. Now, a group of researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has come up with an answer to this puzzle, in cooperation with researchers from all over Europe and Asia. The short answer is that "the female bird decides everything," says researcher Frode Fossøy. Fossøy is part of the cuckoo research group at the Department of Biology at NTNU. The results of the group's work have just been published in Nature Communications. "We've been able to show for the first time that the blue egg color is inherited via the female cuckoo only. The father has no effect on the color
of his daughter's eggs," says Fossøy. Researchers have investigated a wide variety of samples from Europe and Asia. They found a clear relation between blue eggs and genetic material that only comes from the mother (mitochondrial DNA), and no relation between egg color and genetic material that comes from both parents (nuclear DNA). Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) are parasitic. Female cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, as is well known. The young cuckoo then usually throws the other chicks out of the nest, getting rid of any competition for the parents' attention. Potential host birds develop traits to prevent being tricked by the parasites--they get rid of eggs that don't look like their own. To avoid this, female cuckoos need to lay
eggs that look identical to that of the host bird's, both in color and shape. This means that there is a sort of evolutionary arms race going on between cuckoos and host birds, where cuckoo eggs come to resemble that of their host birds' more and more over time. Different cuckoos can therefore lay eggs of many different colors and patterns. They can be blue, brown, green or grey, and have different combinations of spots and patterns. But each individual female cuckoo can only lay eggs in one color, so different females specialize on different host species. This is part of the reason why egg color is a trait inherited only from the female birds. Males may make a mess of things The research group doesn't have definitive proof that all egg characteristics are inherited from the female bird, just that
blue eggs are. Whether other egg colors are also only inherited via females is currently not known. There has been speculation that cuckoos that lay blue eggs may actually be a different species, but no other characteristics indicate this. The nuclear DNA of the birds that lay blue eggs is the same as any other cuckoo -- meaning that the species is the same. A single male cuckoo can mate with several female birds that lay eggs of different colors. This could make a mess of things. If a male with genes for one color mated with a female with a different egg color, their daughter's eggs could be an intermediate color that doesn't match any host, meaning that host birds would be able to spot the difference and get rid of the parasitic egg. For this reason, there are evolutionary advantages for both the male and female birds that only fe-
Dangerous carnivores and coexistence with it Life is replete with things we don't like that are good for us. For instance, Brussels sprouts when you were a kid, or common house spiders under your eaves. But with enough information about benefits and risks, combined with the passage of time, we learn to accept and sometimes embrace formerly unpleasant or misunderstood things. But what if those things are potentially dangerous? How can you sway a population to tolerate, say, endangered tigers and thus enhance worldwide conservation efforts? That was the question facing Neil Carter, assistant professor in the Human-Environment Systems program in Boise State University's College of Innovation and Design. Carter was part of a study to measure the psychological predictors of tolerance for tigers in the Bangladesh Sundarbans, where the large carnivores have a rocky and sometimes violent relationship with local communities. That study recently was published in the journal PLOS ONE with the title, "Toward Human-Carnivore Coexistence: Understanding Tolerance for Tigers in Bangladesh." Lead author is Chloe Inskip; additional authors include Carter, Shawn Riley, Thomas Roberts and Douglas MacMillan. "The study highlights the importance of understanding the social and psychological drivers of tolerance or intolerance for wildlife," said Inskip. "By doing so we can develop interventions appropriate for building tolerance for endangered species, including those which pose a threat to people." Bangladesh's Sundarbans
region, home of many of Asia's dwindling number of remaining tigers, also is home to some of the most severe carnivorehuman conflict in the world. Peppered with mangrove forests, it has one of the highest rates of people killed per year by tigers.
increase that tolerance while balancing the risks and costs? How can we re-orient interventions toward the positive aspects of living near these animals?" Carter and his co-researchers expected to find that negative inter-
conservation efforts and tolerance of species presence will be key to carnivore conservation across increasingly anthropogenic landscapes and shape efforts to develop tolerance-promoting strategies," the study concludes. A similar study could
Source: images.sciencedaily.com
The Bengal tiger is the national animal of Bangladesh and, as a symbol of courage and power, has strong cultural and religious significance. More importantly, the animal is central to helping maintain a healthy ecosystem and contributing to biodiversity. Because of this, tigers enjoy a highly protected status in Bangladesh, although some illegal tiger killings do still occur. Unlike other tiger habitats in Asia, the Sundarbans mangrove forest included in this study is perpetually flooded, making it an attractive fishing ground for local farmers. Hundreds of thousands of locals also tap the forest each year for fuel wood, livestock fodder, honey, and other household resources. People are most often attacked by tigers when they enter the forest. "Our question was: Do people tolerate this?" said Carter. "And if so, why? And how can we
actions with tigers, experienced either directly or indirectly by almost every household they surveyed, influenced residents' tolerance levels. Instead, they found that attitudes were more closely aligned with villagers' cultural and religious beliefs and risk perceptions. In fact, 93 percent of those surveyed said they believed tigers should be protected. Forty-seven percent were supportive of an increasing tiger population, while only 22 percent felt the population should decrease. Study findings could be used to develop interventions that enhance tolerance for tiger presence in Bangladesh and elsewhere. These could include social marketing campaigns, with education and awareness components tailored to specific sites. Other possible uses include reducing the perceived risk from tigers, such as tiger-proofing houses and livestock pens. "Local communities' support for carnivore
benefit the western United States, where residents are coming into more frequent contact with large carnivores as more and more open space is developed. For instance, evidence shows that beliefs about cougar populations in Montana influence how locals accept and view the carnivores. Unlike in Bangladesh, where tigers have been present for centuries, the threat of large carnivores in populated areas is new in most western states, adding a different twist to risk perception. While Carter has had a lifelong fascination with tigers, he now is expanding his work to broader human-carnivore interactions. He currently is part of a team that submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation to fund a study of coyote populations in the Owyhees and he is interested in also looking at how local residents view cougars and, possibly, wolves. Courtesy: Sciencedaily.com
males carry the genetic trait for egg color. That way, their offspring will have a much greater chance of surviving. Sex chromosomes Egg color traits are therefore most likely connected to the bird's sex chromosomes. In birds, these are the W and Z chromosomes (similar to X and Y in mammals). Male birds have a ZZ chromosome pair, while females have a ZW pair. In other words, only female birds have W chromosomes. Thus, if the gene for blue egg color is located on the W chromosome, this gene will be inherited unchanged from mother to daughter. Another possibility is that egg color is connected to mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA, which is also inherited only from the mother. 100 per cent certainty Using a massive data set, including data from museum eggs that are over
Source: cdn.phys.org 100 years old, the researchers have been able to conclude with 100 percent certainty that blue egg color is inherited solely from the mother. As a biologist, it isn't often you can come to a conclusion with 100 percent certainty. But this is an exception. Spread from Asia The researchers' results have mainly come from Finland, and cuckoos that lay eggs in redstart ( P h o e n i c u r u s phoenicurus) nests, as
well as material from blue eggs in China. The blue egg color has most likely originated in Asia. "It happened about 2.6 million years ago," Fossøy explains. This trait was developed so long ago that four new species of cuckoos have evolved after blue eggs appeared. The blue egg trait thereby spread from Asia west to Europe, as female birds mated with local males and found local hosts to trick with their
blue eggs. Because blue eggs are inherited only from female birds, this geographic spread hasn't affected egg color. More work ahead Just a few years ago, Fossøy published a study of three species of cuckoos in Bulgaria that indicated that male birds could affect egg colors. While the trait for blue eggs is certainly only inherited from female birds, this may not be the case for other colors. Courtesy: Sciencedaily.com
Persistent pond slider on the move Using genetic methods, scientists of the Senckenberg Research Institute in Dresden discovered that the introduced pond slider is capable of reproducing in Europe even outside of the Mediterranean region. The turtle, originally from North America, poses a significant threat to the native turtle fauna and, according to the authors of the study recently published in the scientific journal "Conservation Genetics," should be intercepted in Europe. The pond slider (Trachemys scripta) is the world's most widely distributed species beyond its native range. These turtles with a shell length of up to 30 centimeters are native to the Southeastern U.S. - but today, they are found on all continents, except for Antarctica and a few oceanic islands. "The turtle can be found in the wild in practically all European countries." explains Dr. Melita Vamberger of the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden, and she continues, "These reptiles owe their wide-spread distribution to the captive animal
Source: www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org trade." The species is considered a threat to native turtles, since it is in direct competition with them regarding food as well as nesting and basking sites. Moreover, the introduced reptiles are potential carriers of parasites and other pathogens. Since the 1990s, the import of these popular pets with their vividly orange to red head stripes has been outlawed in Europe. "However, in some countries, in particular in the Balkan states, the illegal trade continues to flourish," adds Vamberger, and she goes on to say, "But for a long time, it was not clear whether the species could become invasive in Europe." Until now, the successful reproduction and
establishment of these animals had only been documented in the Mediterranean region. The Slovenian-German team of researchers around Dr. Vamberger and the director of Senckenberg Dresden, Professor Dr. Uwe Fritz has now been able to demonstrate by means of genetic studies that the turtles also reproduce in Slovenia. The biologists took samples of 77 turtles from three sites and could show that they reproduce in all areas examined in Slovenia. "We selected the sites based on climatic differences," explains Fritz, and he adds, "Unfortunately, the pond slider also reproduce and spread in the vicinity of Ljubljana a temperate, continental
climate." For the first time, the researchers were thus able to offer genetic proof that Trachemys scripta can also reproduce outside the Mediterranean region with its mild climate. Around Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, fewer animals were found that were related to each other than in the warmer regions, which could indicate that the turtles reproduce less frequently here. "However, it is likely that more animals with new genetic material are being released near the city, which necessarily leads to fewer related animals," cautions Vamberger. Due to the potential for expansion beyond the Mediterranean region and the potential threat to native species, the sliders should be classified as invasive, according to the biologists from Dresden. "In addition, we recommend to intercept the pond slider, at least in habitats occupied by native turtle species, in order to prevent the spread of the invasive turtle and the displacement of the native inhabitants," says Fritz in closing. Courtesy: Sciencedaily.com
The lizard of consistency found in Chile During a field trip at 3000 metres above sea level, a group of scientists, led by Jaime Troncoso-Palacios, Universidad de Chile, discovered a new endemic iguana species, in the mountains of central Chile, scientists. Noticeably different in size and scalation, compared to the rest of the local lizards, what initially grabbed the biologists' attention was its colouration. Not only was it unlike the already described ones, but also appeared surprisingly consistent within the collected individuals, even regardless of their sex. Eventually, it was this peculiar uniformity that determined the lizard's nameL. uniformis. The study is published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.
The researchers found the lizards quite abundant in the area, which facilitated their observations and estimations. Apart from a thorough description of the new iguana along with its comparisons to its related species, the present paper also provides an indepth discussion about the placement of the new taxon, which had been confused with other species in the past. While most of the other lizards from the area and its surroundings often vary greatly in colouration and pattern between populations and sexes, such thing is not present in the new species. Both males and females from the observed collection have their bodies' upper side in brown, varying from dark on the head, through cop-
pery on the back and light brown on the tail. The down side of the body is mainly yellowish, while the belly -- whitish. The only variables the scientists have noticed in their specimens are slight differences in the shade with two females demonstrating unusual olive hues on their snouts. These differences in morphology were also strongly supported by the molecular phylogeny through the analysis of mitochondrial DNA, which was performed by Dr. Alvaro A. Elorza, from Universidad Andres Bello. Accustomed to life in highland rocky habitats with scarce greenery, these lizards spend their active hours, estimated to take place between 09:00 h and 18:00 h hidden under stones. However, they
might not be too hard to find due to their size of about 8.5 cm for the males and their abundance in the studied area. The females are more slender and measure 7 cm in length on average. Having caught one of their specimens while holding a yellow flower in its mouth, the scientists conducted further examination of the stomach contents of the studied individuals and concluded that the species is omnivorous, feeding mainly on plants as well as insects and roundworms. In conclusion, the researchers showed that there is still a huge gap in the knowledge of the close relatives of the newly described species and their "challenging taxonomy." C o u r t e s y : Sciencedaily.com
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Rohit achieves career-best fifth spot in ODI rankings ANI Dubai, Jan.24: Indian opener Rohit Sharma has climbed up to the careerbest fifth spot in the recent ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen following his scintillating performances in the recentlyconcluded series against Australia, which the world champion won 4-1. The 28-year-old has now become India's second highest-ranked batsman behind Virat Kohli (second), with captain MS Dhoni slipping seven places to 13th position in the latest rankings. Sharma, who was declared Player of the Series, earned 59 points for his performances and he is now 64 points behind Kohli, who trails numberone ranked AB de Villiers of South Africa by 75 points. Australia's dominant performance in the series is
reflected in the fact that Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith have also gained in their rankings, while David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and John Hastings have achieved a careerhigh ranking. Maxwell, who scored 169 runs in the series, has moved up two places to eighth, Smith's 315 runs have helped him rise five places to 15th, and Warner has jumped five places to 18th after scoring 220 runs. Meanwhile, in the bowling department, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dropped two places to 11th, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has slipped seven places to 20th, Axar Patel has fallen four places to 33rd and Umesh Yadav has plunged five places to 41st. The only bowlers inside the top 50 to improve their
Rohit Sharma
rankings are India's Ravindra Jadeja, who is in 22nd place (up by two places), and Hastings, who is sitting in 49th position (up by 62 places). Outside the top 50, Ishant Sharma has gained 15
Federer is `nowhere near` Djokovic, taunts Tomic
Bernard Tomic ANI Melbourne, Jan. 24 : In an apparent jibe at Roger Federer, rising tennis star Bernard Tomic said that the Swiss maestro is 'nowhere near' the level of world number one Novak Djokovic. Considered once as the one
Djokovic sees off spirited Simon to reach Australian Open quarters
of the promising talents on the tour, the 23-year-old saw his progress dip in recent years amidst a number of off-court controversies. Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam champion, had earlier questioned the Australian's desire to improve and become a top 10 player say-
ing, "Many seasons now in a row we have seen or heard that top 10 is the goal, and he's missed out on it by a long shot." Following his third-round win over John Millman at the ongoing Australian Open on Saturday, Tomic took a dig at Federer's current standing in the sport. "If he believes I'm very far away from the top 10, I also believe my prediction that he's nowhere near Novak's tennis right now," Tomic was quoted as saying by News.com.au. However, Tomic insisted that his game was top-eight material when in form and reiterated that he was determined to compete with the best in the world and maintain consistency.
Aguero brace rescues Man City from jaws of defeat
With the win, Djokovic has now set up a quarterfinal clash with seventh-seed Kei Nishikori, who claimed 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the fourth round. Meanwhile, third-seed Roger Federer will also aim to seal his quarterfinal-berth when he will take on his Belgium opponent David Goffin.
Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 24: Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre defeated Dibrugarh Railway Sports Club by ten wickets in the Rajanu Bora Senior Division cricket tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium here today. Altogether, eight teams participated in the tournament.
ET Correspondent Margherita, Jan 24: Tinsukia Divisional Sports Club defeated Marine Club, Margherita by 48 runs in the second semifinal of the 10th Nandadhar Bordoloi Memorial All Assam Cricket Tournament at Margherita Public Higher Secondary school. Elected to bat, TDSC scored 148. In reply, Marine Club were all out for 100 in 24.5 overs.
Azhar Ali admits reconciling differences with recalled Amir
Azhar Ali ANI Karachi, Jan.24 : Pakistan ODI skipper Azhar Ali has admitted that he has resolved his differences with tainted fast bowler Mohammad Amir ahead of the three-match series against New Zealand, which starts on Monday in Wellington. Earlier, Amir's inclusion in the 26-member training camp for the New Zealand tour generated divided
opinions within the squad, with Azhar along with veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez refusing to train with him. The 30-year-old also appealed for resignation as the ODI skipper following Amir's inclusion, but later agreed to continue his job after the Pakistan Cricket Board rejected his plea. Reflecting on his current bonding with Amir, Azhar said that he and the recalled
ANI Johannesburg, Jan. 24 : Star striker Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City rescued a 2-2 draw against a spirited West Ham in their Premier League clash. City were trailing twice to an Enner Valencia double, but the Argentine international twin strikes rescued
the visitors from the jaws of defeat at Upton Park. Manuel Pellegrini's side have won just one away game since September 12 and are now three points behind surprise league leaders Leicester City in second place, Sport24 reported. However, City would drop to third if Arsenal avoid defeat against Chelsea on Sunday.
fast bowler had moved on and were looking forward to the challenge ahead, the Express Tribune reported. Azhar, who admitted that his job was to maintain harmony in the dressing room, insisted that Amir bowled well in the recently-concluded T20 series and, therefore, he would try to get the best out of him in the upcoming series as well. Amir, along with former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, were found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal on February 5, 2011. Considered as one of the most promising talents, Amir had taken 51 wickets in 14 Tests and 25 in 15 one-day internationals before he was handed a five-year ban for spot-fixing.
ANI Johannesburg, Jan. 24 : Adam Lallana scored the decisive goal in the 95th minute as Liverpool completed a dramatic 5-4 win over Norwich City in their topsy-turvy Premier League clash at Carrow Road. Steven Naismith, who was making his first appearance for the hosts following his move from Everton, and Wes Hoolahan's penalty helped Norwich take a 3-1 lead on 54 minutes. However, goals from Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and James
Milner immediately put Liverpool ahead before the stoppage-time drama unfolded, Sport24 reported . Although Sebastien
Bassong netted in added time to make it 4-4 for Norwich, Lallana delivered a twist in the last minute of a frantic finale.
Lehmann hospitalized with deep vein thrombosis London, Jan.24 (ANI): Australian coach Darren Lehmann, who reported a swollen left calf ahead of the fifth ODI against India in Sydney, has been hospitalized with deep vein thrombosis. The 45-year-old, who was referred for an immediate scan, was admitted to the Royal Prince Albert Hospital in Sydney for observation overnight
Darren Lehmann
during the India's innings. Speaking on Lehmann's condition, Cricket Australia's chief medical officer John Orchard said the coach was much stable now, but added that he had been advised not to travel at the moment. Orchard further admitted that Lehmann would take some time before returning back to the coaching role, the Guardian reported.
Opting to bat, DRSC scored 112 in 27.1 overs before being bundled out. Dipankar Raidengia remained unbeaten on 30 off 28 balls(4X3) and Jagjit Singh scored 18 off 29 balls(4x3). Amar Ghosh contributed 14 runs. For DCCC, Gunjan Jyoti Deka scalped four for 29 in 7 over and Arindam Baruah took three for 34 in 7 overs.
In reply, DCCC without losing wickets eased past the target in 28.4 overs by scoring 116. Dipu Chetri and Krishanu Sarkar remained unbeaten on 53 and 52 runs each respectively. Gunjan Jyoti Deka was adjudged man of the match award. Tomorrow, Jyoti Moral Sangha will play Cricket Club of Dibrugarh.
TDSC beat Marine Club
Lallana's late strike helps Liverpool win nine-goal thriller
ANI Melbourne, Jan.24 : World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a dogged challenge from Gilles Simon in a five-set thriller to progress through to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Sunday. The Serbian defending champion produced an error-strewn performance as he made a remarkable 100 unforced errors during his 6-3, 67(1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Simon of France. The match lasted over four hours and a half hours at Rod Laver Arena.
places and is now in 71st spot. Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc missed the series against India, resulting in him dropping from the number-one position. Starc had moved to the top
after he bowled Australia to the ICC Cricket World Cup victory last year in March. Starc's slip means New Zealand's Trent Boult will start the three-match series against Pakistan as the number-one ranked bowler. He leads Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan by seven points. In the series against Pakistan, New Zealand will have an opportunity to move ahead of thirdranked South Africa. However, to make it happen, it will have to win all three matches against Pakistan. Meanwhile, India, after winning the Sydney ODI, has retained its second position on the ICC ODI Team Championship. It trails Australia by 15 points but is just one point ahead of South Africa, which will play five ODIs against sixth-ranked England from February 3.
Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre win
Player of TDSC adudged man of the match
Injured Maxwell ruled out of T20 opener against India
Glenn Maxwell ANI Adelaide, Jan. 24 : Australian swashbuckling allrounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the opening T20 international of the three-match series against India due to a lingering hamstring injury. "He has still got a little slight hamstring niggle so ... he will spend a few days in Melbourne at home and join the squad when we get there in a couple of days,"
acting coach Michael Di Venuto was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia. Meanwhile, Di Venuto will replace head coach Darren Lehmann for the T20 series after the latter has been hospitalised with deep vein thrombosis. After clinching the fivematch ODI series 4-1, Australia will take on India in the first T20 in Adelaide on Tuesday.
Sindhu cruises past Gilmour to lift Malaysia Masters title Penang (Malaysia), Jan. 24 (ANI): Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu has eased past Kirsty Gilmour to win the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold tournament here on Sunday. The two-time bronze medallist at World Championship claimed a thumping 21-15, 21-9 win over Scotland's Gilmour in a one-sided summit clash that lasted
just 32 minutes. Earlier, Sindhu had claimed an upset win over South Korean top seed Sung Ji Hyun in a three-game thriller to secure her spot in the final. It was Sindhu's fifth Grand Prix Gold event title. She had earlier won this tournament in 2013 before clinching three more Grand Prix Gold tournament titles at the Macau Open.
In the absence of Lehmann, Australia's batting coach, Michael Di Venuto will look after the team for the upcoming three-match T20 series against India. The Steve Smith-led side, who won the fivematch ODI series 4-1 against India, will now head into the T20 series, starting from Tuesday in Adelaide.
Sindhu cruises
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