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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 201
Can a Court Case Resurrect the Congress Party in India?
Dibrugarh, Saturday, December 26, 2015
Gas tanker truck fire kills more than 100 people in Nigeria
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Northeast States top cigarette, paan and alchohol spending lists
The Census 2011 puts the population of Arunachal Pradesh at 13.84 lakhs. During 2011-12, the state’s per capita income was Rs 72,091 or Rs 6007.58 per month. Spending Rs 127.32 per month meant that people spent more than two percent of their earnings on booze. The figure stands in contrast to the all India average of Rs 20.26.
TOPPERS IN THE SPENDING LIST
Arunachal Pradesh is followed by Sikkim, where the average spending per person per month was Rs 20.26. In fact, Arunachal topped the list to beat Kerala, known for its huge consumption of alcohol. While the state’s predominantly tribal-majority is exempted from paying income tax, the state government earned more than Rs 58 crore from revenue collected by alcohol sales during the period 2014-15.
ET CAPSULES Dead body recovered Rangia Dec 25: One unidentified dead body of a male was recovered from Rangia Railway station today morning. He was around 60. According to the railway police, the dead body was lying on the platform. Police recovered the body and sent it for post mortem. The body is yet to be identified. The body will be kept at Raiway morgue for 72 hours for identification as informed by the railway police. The RPF assume that the man died on the platform because of severe cold. (Correspondent)
Two killed, four injured in three different accidents Rangia Dec 25: In three different accident at least 2 persons were killed on the spot and 4 others were injured seriously at Kamrup district on Thursday night. One Saifuddin Ali was knocked down by a Nalbari bound speedy car last night when he was crossing National highway 31 near Rangia Udiana Chawk. He was 45. After being informed police rushed to spot and recovered the dead body. The body was sent for post mortem. In another accident, one Chandra Dhar Kalita was killed and two others injured at Gobordhan near Chhaygaon under Kamrup district. At Goroimari two labourers were injured while constructing the pandal for the CMs rally. All the injured persons were shifted to the GMCH. (Correspondent)
Northeast states spend the most on alcohol.
All Alcohol Category Arunachal Pradesh Rs 127.32 per month Sikkim Rs 20.26. per month
Foreign Liquor and Wine’ category Kerala Rs 61.08 Sikkim Rs 61.01.
Country Liquor Category Arunachal Pradesh Rs 44.01 Punjab Rs 43.99.
“Paan’ Category Mizoram Rs 149.09 Meghalaya Rs 110.66.
Beer Category Sikkim Rs 37.05 Punjab Rs 30.8
Cigarette’ Category Mizoram Rs 103.62 Meghalaya Rs 62.11
All figures are in average person spending per month
In September 2013, former Roing MLA Laeta Umbrey tried to move a resolution for prohibition on IMFL and beer. He later withdrew the motion after overwhelming opposition from almost all MLAs who were at the session. A breakup of the recently released data reveals that the state’s high alcohol consumption patterns are pretty evenly spread over variety as well. Apart from the ‘All Alcohol’ category, the state also topped the average spending list in the ‘Country Liquor’ category at Rs 44.01, beating out Punjab (Rs 43.99). While people in Sikkim spent the most on
‘Beer’ at Rs 37.05, it came in a close second at Rs 30.8. In contrast, the third highest average spenders on beer, Goa, shelled Rs 16.17. Kerala (Rs 61.08), Sikkim (Rs 61.01) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 54.46) topped the spending list in the ‘Foreign Liquor and Wine’ category. Arunachal Pradesh rounded off the fourth spot with Rs 51.86 per person per month. The north-eastern states of Mizoram and Meghalaya showed significantly high amount of spending on ‘Paan (all types)’ and cigarettes. On an average, people in Mizoram spent Rs 149.09 on
‘Paan’ to top the list while second-place Meghalaya spent Rs 110.66. Assam and Meghalaya are high producers of betel nut (called tamul in Assamese and kwai in Khasi) and not surprisingly, the other north-eastern states, excepting Sikkim, rounded off the top seven spots in spending on the areca nutManipur (Rs 85.75), Nagaland (Rs 69.47), Assam (Rs 59.72), Tripura (Rs 57.37), and Arunachal Pradesh (Rs 25.54). Cigarette consumption and spending too is high in the region with Mizoram (Rs 103.62) and Meghalaya (Rs 62.11) claiming first and second spot while Manipur came in third (Rs 40.01).
Prime accused in terrorist attack on Assam Rifles arrested ANI Bengaluru, Dec 25
The National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested Atoshe Chopey a cadre of banned outfit of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), allegedly the prime accused of terrorist attack on the Assam Rifles personnel earlier this year. "In a major breakthrough, based on a secret information developed by NIA, along with a team of Bangalore Police, arrested Atoshe Chopey (27), a cadre of NSCN(K), who is the prime accused in the terror-
ist attack on Assam Rifles personnel at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Nagaland, on 26th March, 2015," NIA said in a statement. "Chopey, hailing from Zunheboto district of Nagaland, is an active cadre of armed wing of NSCN (K)," it added. "He was detained from the lodge today and later arrested after confirmation of his identity. During preliminary interrogation, he has confessed his involvement in the crime," it further said.
The statement also said that Chopey was produced before the local Magistrate in Bangalore. "NIA will secure transit remand for producing him before NIA Special Judge in Dimapur in the coming days," it also added. Chopey was a part of four member team of NSCN (K), which carried out the attack with AK rifles and pistols on an unarmed group of Assam Rifles personnel waiting for a bus at a bus stop in Kohima, an NIA statement said.
Food security scheme launched in Tinsukia Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Dec 25
Tinsukia district administration today launched the food security scheme at a function at district library, during which Tinsukia MLA and parliament secretary Rajendra Prasad Singh was present as chief guest apart from deputy com-
mission Puru Gupta.
morning.
The programme was supposed to start at 10.00 in the morning but could start only after 11.00 am. This delay in start of the programme drew severe criticism from NRC officials who had gathered at district library to attend NRC related meeting at 10.30 in the
The Food Security Scheme will benefit 2.4 crore people in the state. This will cover 84 per cent and 60 per cent of the rural and urban populations respectively. According to this scheme launched by the Congress-led UPA in 2013, price of rice will be Rs 3 per kg.
Dibrugarh police foils ULFA plan to target security forces A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 25
Dibrugarh police led by Bir Bikram Gogoi, Superintendent of Police and DSP, Namrup foiled a major plan of the outlawed ULFA (I) to target security forces by timely detection of a ‘mine-like suspected bomb’ from a forest near Borpatra TE in upper Assam’s Sivasagar district around midnight on Thursday. Gogoi said that a search operation was conducted in the area based upon source information that the ULFA militants had concealed the powerful bomb which was likely to be used against security forces. Contd. on Page 3
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In a first in the state, Tirap district administration has enrolled all the UTPs of the Khonsa Sub-Jail in the Chief Minister Universal Health Insurance Scheme. The special mop up drive under CHUHIS was carried out in the sub-jail khonsa on the Christmas Day. Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha, the inspiration behind the move said that CHUHIS is one of the best health insur-
ance scheme in the country which provides insurance cover without any differentiation and discrimination. Citing the advantages of the drive DC said that due to inadequate facilities at District Hospital, Khonsa, the UPTs are often referred to dibrugarh for medical treatment. In the absence of immediate funds more often than not the full diagnosis and treatment of the UTP is not done, which aggravates their condition and leads to repeated referral to hospitals
in dibrugarh. The mounting and pending UTP medical bills are a testimony to above fact. With the coverage of UTPs under CMUHIS, the UTPs will get best of the medical facilities in good hospitals and simultaneously the district administration will save the expenses on the UTP medical bills thereby saving the resources of the state govt. DC added that more importantly it will instil a sense of Contd. on Page 3
Dibrugarh Police foiled a major plan of the outlawed ULFA (I) to target security forces by timely detection of a ‘mine-like suspected bomb’ from a forest near Borpatra TE in upper Assam’s Sivasagar district . Pic - ET Photo
Dissidence growing in Lakhimpur due to alleged ‘autocracy’ of Sarbananda Sonowal Senior party observers MP Kamakhya Tasa and party VP Shantanu Bharali in Lakhimpur ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Dec 25
With a view to prepare the panel of the BJP's MLA candidates from the four constituencies of Lakhimpur for the next assembly election, observers Kamakhya Tasa and Shantanu Bharali today arrived in the district. It is noteworthy that as observers, Kamakhya Tasa, the MP of Jorhat Constituency and Shantanu Bharali, the Vice President of the party will enlist the name of three intending persons as MLA candidates for Bihpuriya, Nowboicha, Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhona
Sarbananda Sonowal Legislative Assembly Constituencies. On this occasion, they interacted with the party activist in the Lakhimpur Circuit House.
Politiking had already started in the district was evident with the fact that the entire atmosphere was filled with slogans by supporters of ticket seekers as the observers arrived at the Circuit House. Especially, more than hundred supporters of Uday Sankar Hajarika began to demand Hazarika’s candidature for Lakhimpur LAC displaying placards and shouting slogans as 'Uday Sankar Hajarika is our candidate', 'No candidature to rootless candidates', 'Don't deprive the deserving candidates' etc. It was interesting to note that the party workers were oppos-
ing the ‘politics’ of none other than but union sports minister and state BJP President Sarbananda Sonowal. According to them, Sonowal prefers only those candidates who are close to him without taking any account of their grassroot level association with the party. "A section of state BJP leaders have already secretly prepared the candidate list. The arrival of the observer is only for show''- a party worker alleged. On the other hand the observers expressed that only the competent candidates would be selected for the MLA candidates for the constituencies.
It’s Magh Bihu in advance for the villagers of Jeraigaon as Anup Chetia sets his foot in his ancestral village Avik Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Dec 25
Magh Bihu has advanced for the villagers of Jeraigaon in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district this year. As Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu resembles endless celebrations among the people of Assam, it will be time for endless celebrations for the people of Jeraigaon as Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia alias Golap Baruah sets his foot at his ancestral village after decades. “I left Jeraigaon as a youth and returning with all my hairs turning grey; in between lot of water has flowed down the Brahmaputra, however, the issues which plagued Assam has remained the same. This is simply evident from the conditions of the poor road. Nothing has changed …..”, Chetia said responding to a phone call from this correspondent as his convoy of vehicles
A unique Christmas gift for Under Trial Prisoners in Khonsa sub Jail Khonsa, Dec 25
Pages- 12
SPIC devices to employ natural gas in fertilizer plant
Average Arunachalese spends more than 2% of their earning on alcohol: Survey Report
Data from the National Sample Survey, for the period July 2011 to June 2012, has revealed that the average Arunachalese spends Rs 127.32 each month to quench his thirst and tops the list in the ‘All Alcohol’ category.
5.00
Why Do Aamir Khan And Sheena Bora Become 'News' In A Country Where Millions Die Of Hunger?
Page 8
ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 25
Price -
travelled from Guwahati touching several towns of Assam. In Jeraigaon, right from the toddler to the octogenarian, everybody has been waiting eagerly for Chetia’s arrival on Saturday. Chetia spent the night at his father-inlaws residence in Demow in Sivasagar district and will for Jeraigaon at around 10 in the morning on Saturday. “Since morning, a festive mood has gripped the entire village as the youths are engaged in all sorts of preparations. Somebody is putting up welcome archs, somebody is building up a makeshift pandal, and somebody is busy shopping for the grand feast again. It is as if this time Bihu had advanced for the village”, the 82-year old Suren Baruah, elder brother of Anup Chetia said. Baruah lives with his wife Dibyalata and son Arup at Jeraigaon. Chetia and Ulfa Commander-in-chief
Paresh Baruah are from Jeraigaon and were at the helm of affairs when the organization was formed in 1979. Due to this reason only, Jeraigaon has seen series of atrocities unleashed by the security forces in the past in the name of conducting counter insurgency operations. Recalling those days, Baruah said:
“Those are black chapters of the past, what the people of Jeraigaon have gone through nobody can imagine. Let us not discuss these things today”. A village youth who was not even born when Chetia left Jeraigaon said that a Bihu troupe will also perform as Chetia enters the village and welcomed by the villagers.
Northeast India Celebrated Christmas with fervour IANS Guwahati/Itanagar/Aizawl
Christmas was celebrated on Friday across India's northeast region with special prayers, hymns, and masses in churches, besides the traditional spread of delicious food.
Under Trail Prisoners of the Khonsa Sub-Jail registered in the Chief Minister Universal Health Insurance Scheme.
ULFA General Secretary Anup Chetia in a program at Jorhat. Pic - UB Photos
Over 5.3 million Christians live in Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur while there are a significant number of Christians in the other northeastern states - Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh.
The celebrations began from Thursday night with church services and fellowships where the congregation sang Christmas carols - both western and local songs, composed by the local spiritualists and composers. In Arunachal Pradesh, almost in all the districts the festival was celebrated and Christmas feast was organized. From Itanagar-Naharlagun to small towns and villages such as Diyun and Gautampur the Christian community have
made special arrangement and decoration to celebrate the festival. Police officials Mizoram capital Aizawl said the Christmas Eve celebrations on Thursday night were completely peaceful and incident free. "Adequate security arrangements have been made in Aizawl, its outskirts and other parts of the state to hold the festivity peacefully," a senior police official said. Contd. on Page 3
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Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa
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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Municipal authorities dedicate road to late Badaruddin Ahmed ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Dec 25: Mangaldai Municipality Board(MMB) Chairman, Pratap Bordoloi today dedicated the road connecting NH 15 to Mangaldai stadium at Ward no-2 in memory of late Badaruddin Ahmed. Ahmed was a former legislator of the
Assam assembly apart from being a renowned social reformer and a prominent lawyer of erstwhile Darrang district. Pratap Bordoloi in the presence of retired HoD of Botany, Mangaldai college; Dr Amanul Hoque, one of the sons of late Badaruddin Ahmed; Mahibur Rahman,
Chairman of Mangaldai Development Authority; Zinkul Ali ,Vice-Chairman of MMB and the local denizens unfurled the permanent name plate installed at the entrance of the road under the aegis of ‘Rani Child Care’, a pioneer local child health institution. In a brief public func-
Christmas Celebrated
The decorated Golaghat Catholic Church. Pic - Amit Nagori
ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 25: A well organized program was arranged in Golaghat Catholic Church on the occasion of Christmas with continuous activities.
The birth of Jesus Christ was marked with different programmes at the church premises. Father Dilip Bara said the authorities were observing this Christmas as
Platinum Jubilee year of the Church. Father Jose Palely and Sister Cicly were present on the occassion along with other dignitaries’ and guests.
tion, veteran academicians Sahidul Islam and Abdur Rahman , journalist Mayukh Goswami and a senior lecturer of Assam Engineering Institute recalled the contributions of late Badaruddin Ahmed in the field of education , social development and hoped that with united efforts
from all corners of the society this road will soon become the ideal road for travelers within the municipality area in terms of an eco-friendly and clean environment. Earlier Dr Ijajul Hoque of ‘Rani Child Care’ delivered the welcome address and explained the objectives of the function.
90th Foundation Day of CPI observed ET Correspondent Morigoan, Dec 25: The 90th Foundation Day of Communist Party of India (CPI) was observed at Morigaon today with a day-long programme under the aeigis of Assam state unit of CPI. Altogether 200 delegates from different parts of state took part in the programme. The programme started with the flag hoisting cermony by Someswar Bora, Senior Leader, CPI, Morigaon district unit. The open session was inaugurated by Durlabh Mahanta, senior advocate. In his inaugural speech, Mahanta dwelt at length about the
present political scenario of the country and CPI's stand on it. Addressing the gathering, Sarat Das, leader of All India Bank Employee Federation criticised the economic policy of Narendra Modi’s government and appealed to the people to fight against corporatization in every aspect of the country. Speaking on the occasion, Munin Mahanta, Ex -MLA Morigaon said that CPI will go strengthen the left democratic force in the state and in the forthcoming Assam Assembly elections, the party will join hands with secular democratic forces.
Sri Satya Sai Vidya Vihar School celebrates Annual Day ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 25: Annual Day of Sri Satya Sai Vidya Vihar School was observed today with a day-long program at the school premises . The lamp lightning ceremony was done by Apurba Kr. Buragohain . Thereafter
floral tributes were conferred and it was followed by Veda chanting . The program was co-ordinated by Geeti Gogoi. Among the dignatories Dilip Saikia, Ajit Kr Sinha, Nirmali Gohain, Apurba kr Buragohain, Dr. Giridhar
Phukan, Dr. Dilip Gogoi, Subhashis Rajkhowa, Bipul Rajkumar, Tripti Goswami, Bharati Phukan, Biren Kakoty and Amit Nagori were made to sit on the dias and were felicitated by Seleng Chaddar. The meeting was presided over by
A.K Singha. Principal Subhashis Rajkhowa gave the welcome speech followed by the speech of Chief Guest, Dilip Saikia . The School Magazine named ‘The Chariot’ was unvieled by the Chief Guest. Thereafter, the
students were awarded for their excellence performance in academics and all round activities. A cultural programme was followed thereafter where Sai song were presented by the students.
Charaideo sub division civil hospital observes Foundation Day ET Correspondent Sonari, Dec 25: The 7th Foundation Day of the Charaideo Civil Hospital was observed with various programmes on Wednesday. A meeting anchored by senior health educator Pulak Gogoi was organized in the afternoon to mark the day. The nurses of the hospital presented a chorus at the outset of the meeting. In his welcome speech, Dr. Udayaditya Rajkonwar gave an account as to how the hospital have been rendering service to the patients of the sub division as well as people from neighbouring Nagaland
and Arunachal Pradesh since its establishment. In his speech Dr. Pranab Sagar Dehingia, the additional Chief Medical Officer, Sivasagar lauded the efforts of the staff and employees of the hospital for their tireless efforts in maintaining the services of the hospital, despite several limitations. Dr. Prafulla Saikia of Sapekhati Primary Health Centre, Buli Sarmah, the President of Rajapukhuri Gaon Panchayat and Bipin Sarmah, retired teacher of PKB Girls HS School also spoke on the occasion. A power point presentation on primary health care was
CHILDREN CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS DAY
Children light candles during Christmas celebrations at the Rajabari church, Jorhat. Pic - Nekib Ahmed
ASTRO FOR YOU Interactive sessions with people who think like you is on the cards. At last you may have an intimate talk with your beloved and you will get a chance to confide your commitment to the relationship. You may even express your longterm dreams. Priorities and money matters will line up impatiently to knock on your door. Your financial constraints will get an outburst today. People may be taken by surprise with the way you get poignant. You will also enjoy the higher accountability reposed on you. Today, you will get an opportunity to rejuvenate yourself with seamless energy. You will find or at least you will believe that you have found your purpose in life. It will keep you excited throughout the day, and maybe even for days to come. You may spend lavishly to improve your personal appearance. Such expenditures are only an investment. Your business acquaintances will come forward in the manner that may seem nothing short of some divine intervention. This means that they will virtually save your neck from the guillotine. You will grow wiser in your spending ways, as you will know what to buy and what not to buy. At work, you will impress everyone with your skills and efficiency. You are blessed with a visionary’s creative streak. Perhaps, that’s why, you see things differently from others. Today, thanks to the stars, your creative side will surge forth with renewed vigour. You will generate ideas effortlessly and continuously as you reach your creative peak. Just remember that having an imaginative mind means learning lessons from the past and visualising a better future. So, ideate responsibly. There will be dirt on your shoulder today, so dust it off, because every time you fall you will get up stronger than before. Your logic and analytical skills will help you find the necessary precision to accomplish tasks at work. You may spend the evening with a close friend or your beloved, engrossed in a stimulating conversation. There are many kinds of worries that you must equip yourself to deal with. To do this, you may have to learn and follow the basic steps of problem-analysing techniques. The steps involve obtaining facts, analysing them and then arriving at a decision based upon your observations. Most important, though, is that you must act upon the decision thus derived. You will live the day in two dominant shades. One part of your day will be tinted in nostalgia and thinking, while the other will be spent in making up for the time you lost while star gazing and ignoring your work. Do not let the ghosts of your past haunt you because some things are best left behind while making a new beginning. You will discover a flair for flirting as you puppet words to your romantic will with ease and grace. Most of today will be spent in the company of a loved one, perhaps a picnic for two, or a day-long romantic date. Stay prepared for the worst as this may not necessarily blossom into a long-lasting relationship. It’s a lucky day for your sweetheart! Wonder why it’s written in your horoscope? You will pamper him/her to the hilt, take them out on a shopping spree and buy whatever they lay their eyes on, even if it’s way beyond reasonable. You will go overboard to make your love feel that nothing else matters, and although this lavish outing will serve the purpose, you may later repent not keeping a count of your cash. You have your head on your shoulders and feet on the ground. Congratulations! You’ve covered the first step to success. Step two, involves an inquisitive mind and a questioning attitude. Later, you may resort to shortcuts and compromise a tad in quality. The fount of your creativity spurts today like there is no tomorrow. For lesser mortals, it takes inspiration, perspiration and a lot of desperation to come up with something creative. You, on the other hand, keenly remember the lessons from your past efforts, and use them today to scale new heights.
Charaideo sub division civil hospital observes Foundation Day. Pic - Mritunjoy Das
displayed by Dr. Pranjal Chutia and Dr. Milan Kumar.
Ipsita Konwar presented a dance item while Bina Chetia recited a poem. The vote of thanks was deliv-
ered by Dr. Rehan Sheikh. A group song was presented at the end to conclude the programme.
BOATING AND ROWING AT SIVASAGAR
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
26-12-15 (SATURDAY)
6th Tam All Assam Boating And Rowing Competition At Sivasagar Historical Big Tank Banner Under Sivasagar Boating Rowing Santha Today . Pic - Firuz Ahmed
6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Lokageet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto 8-35 A.M-Surar Satsori 9-05 A.M-Antara 11-30 A.M-Live Phone In Programme of KKHSOU 12-15P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-30P.M-Hindi Film Songs 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaga Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet 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 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Daakpakhili 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya (Sponsored Prog. of K.K.H.S.O.U) 8-30 P.M-Geetor Shorai 9-16 P.M-Barerahaniya Sd-/H.O.P
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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Concluding Ceremony of Centenary Celebration of North Lakhimpur Govt. HS School begins
Centenary Celebration of North Lakhimpur Government Higher Secondary School began today. Pic - UB Photos
ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Dec 25: The Concluding Ceremony of the Centenary Celebration of North Lakhimpur Government Higher Secondary School began today with full gaiety and fervor. It is noteworthy that, being the pioneer educational institute of entire North Assam, the school has surpassed a long period of hundred years of glory, success and pride. After successful completion of the yearlong centenary programme the concluding ceremony with a three day long programme got underway today. The programme began with the unfurling of flag by Hemendra Kumar Gogoi, the President of the Celebration Committee. The Smrity Tarpan event, paying deep homage to the departed soul of the national martyrs, expired teachers, officials and the students of the school, was administered by the ex-students of the school after it was
initiated by Anupama Deori Bharali, the Secretary of the Celebration Committee. The publication of ''Seuj Vidyalaya-Satabdir Seuj Aitijyar Sangrakhyan" Project was inaugurated by Abrar H Choudhury, the Circle Chairman of ABITA at 9.30am. Exstudent Uday Sankar Hajarika inaugurated the procession of the old and new students along with the teachers and officials. On the other hand, a great deal of ex-students actively participated in the Satirtha Sanmilan--the cordial interaction among them. Iswar Prasanna Hajarika who secured 1st division for the first time from the School in 1952, was felicitated in the program along with many other students. Moreover, souvenir 'Shatakhoj' was also released today. It is worth mentioning that the School premise was decorated with gaiety and it was filled with a festive environment on the occasion. In connection with the programme, the ex-student of the
1989 batch of the school today organised 'Satirtha Sanmilan' at Tyag Khetra. This program was organised with a view to strengthen the unity, friendship and solidarity among the students, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion and to enhance reverence to the teachers. As per the agenda, the flag of the program was hoisted by President Bhuvan Chandra Miri while acting president Simanta Kumar Sarmah administered the Smrity Tarpan. It was followed by an interaction program. On the other hand, Academic Conference, Cultural Procession, Open Session along with many other events will be held as per the agenda of the second and final day. Journalist and litterateur Homen Borgohain, Educationist Taburam Taid and many eminent personalities of the state will take part in the Open Session.
A youth dies in a road accident at Tinsukia, suicide note recovered Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Dec 25: Sensation prevailed on Friday after a youth died in a road accident at Makum Road in Tinsukia. The deceased has been identified as Bappi
Roy, a young tax consultant. However, the accident took a twist after a suicide note was recovered from dead body. The letter alleged that Bappi's wife, and her
aunty - uncle had been black mailing him since nine months. The letter further read that he was forced to pay Rs 25 lakhs orelse they will slap a false case against him.
Ulfa GS Chetia at Dergaon ET Correspondent Dergaon, Dec 25: Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia alias Golap Baruah who was released from the Guwahati central jail today appealed to the people of Assam to strengthen regionalism for the development and progress of the
state. Addressing a gathering at Dergaon Charali enroute to his ancestral home in Jeraigaon in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district, Chetia made a significant point by saying that regionalism has been gradually losing its significance in Assam due to the black se-
cret killing chapter. He also appealed to the youths to work dedicatedly towards the development of the state. The meeting was organized and attended by members of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, Brihattar Asomiya Yuba Mancha, etc.
Elephant herd creating havoc in Sonari by destroying huts as forest dept turns mute spectator ET Correspondent Sonari, Dec 25: A herd of wild elephants which comes out from the Abhaypur reserve forest located along AssamNagaland interstate border in upper Assam’s Sivasagar district have been creating havoc for the past few days by coming out of its habitat in search of fodder and destroying several bighas of paddy of the villagers living in the nearby villages. Due to human unleashed massive deforestation which has created severe scarcity of fodder for the elephants it has become a natural phenomenon for the wild elephants to come out of their natural habitat and search for fodder in the villages near to the forests. In the process villagers lose hundreds of acres of standing crops which ignite hatred in them for the ani-
mals. Even as the worthless forest department continues to a find a permanent solution to the man – elephant conflict, there have been several cases in the past during which many people have got killed or injured by these marauding elephant herds. In many cases their houses and belongings get thrashed by these elephant herds and again in return there have also been cases during which elephants had died due to poisoning. In a similar case, two huts belonging to Mohan Bhumij and Bablu Urang located near the Sonari Development Block office was destroyed by one such elephant herd on Thursday night. The family members of the two families somehow managed to flee, but all their belongings were completely routed by the el-
One of the hut damaged by the wild elephants. ephants. “The elephants apart from destroying everything also finished up all the grains which we had collected after the entire year ’s labour. Now we
He sought the support of all
to undertake visible and feasible community based works keeping aside individual demands. He disclosed that a Mega Health Camp will be conducted at Kamba f in the month of January where all specialist doctors from the state will be invited to check up multiple natures of ailments faced by people of Darak and Kamba and TV sets will be provided to GBs of the villages under Chief Minister flagship. Interested farmers in large Cardamom plantation will also given morale boost for undergoing trainings and
all saplings will be provided to the farmers free of cost and ensure market facilities in future. A drinking water supply amounting 10 Crores has already been sanctioned to overcome water scarcity in Kamba Township and Rupees 16 Crores of estimate for bridge connectivity to Kambu village has already been send to Govt. of India for consideration. Multipurpose Community Halls are being contemplated at Liromoba, Darak and Kamba circles in the line of one we have at Yomcha. He also an-
attack by the elephants; however, nobody paid any interest. The elephant herd left the place at around 4 this morning after they completely routed the entire area.
Dibrugarh police foils ULFA plan to target security forces Contd. from Page 1
“On the basis of source information, the operation was conducted and the bomb was recovered
from the area which is just 2 km from Dilli Bridge (DibrugarhSivasagar border near Arunachal Pradesh border). On sighting of the bomb, the area was im-
mediately cordoned and the services of the army bomb disposal squad was requisitioned”, the SP said. The bomb was later defused by the experts. It might be mentioned that
some days back two hindi speaking persons were critically injured when ULFA (I) militants opened fire at a stone crushing unit in Namrup which is close to the lo-
cation from where the bomb was recovered. Security forces have stepped up operations in the area to foil any likely attempts to target security forces by the outfit.
Northeast India Celebrated Christmas with fervour Contd. from Page 1
The traditional festive spirit was evident everywhere at the capital town and other places of Mizoram as the colorful decorations and illuminations were made by the revellers. Praise and worship services marked the Christmas and community feasts would be held Friday and Saturday in most of the villages and localities of the urban areas. The festive spirit has also gripped the plains, hills and valleys of Christians dominated state Nagaland as Christmas celebrations started with the stroke of midnight when church bells rang, signalling the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches, private and government buildings, schools, markets and homes have been decked up and illuminated in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung and several other towns and villages of predominantly Christian state. Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang appealed the people to forgive and learn from the wrongs of the past, and to steer the destiny of the Naga people to a better future
Christians prayed during Christmas Day at a Church in Gautampur Village, Diyun.
Shoppers have been thronging markets for the last few days; while people staying elsewhere and students pursuing academic careers in other states have returned their hearths and homes join the festivities. In Meghalaya, besides decoration of churches, homes and streets putting up Christmas trees with beautiful bells and lights while lighting the streets are the major parts of celebration. Various state govern-
ments in the region have announced holidays for several days to enable the people to join Christmas celebrations. Governors and chief ministers of the northeastern states have wished the people on the occasion. Churches in Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya play a very significant role in the life and culture of the northeastern states. "Christianity is the har-
binger of modernity as well as women's liberation in Mizoram. The Christian missionaries, therefore, are regarded as a symbol of modernisation, leading to gradual changes in the conservative attitude of men towards women," a Church head Zosangliana Colney told reporters in Aizawl.
ments on the occasion of the Christmas," Tripura Power Minister Manik Dey told IANS.
"In a reciprocal gesture, Tripura government has been supplying 40 MW electricity to Mizoram to help the state to meet their additional power require-
Non-Christians are also participating in the celebrations and feasts organised by various Christian organisations.
He said during the Durga Puja, Mizoram and Meghalaya provided electricity to Tripura to meet its additional requirement of power.
A unique Christmas gift for Under Trial Prisoners in Khonsa sub Jail Contd. from Page 1
trust and confidence for the government
plans and policies in the hearts of the astray youth which will in turn motivate them to
return to the mainstream. There are more than 50 UTPs in Sub jail khonsa and many
Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak inaugurates Nomuk Secondary School Aalo, Dec 25: The Parliamentary Secretary Food and Civil Supply and Chairman APBCO&WB Shri Nyamar Karbak inaugurated Nomuk Secondary School amid applause today. Addressing a huge gathering, Shri Karbak said that education and health is the main thrust area of the government and series of visits undertaken by him to all villages is an effort to get firsthand knowledge of the ground realities in different areas and formulate a vision plan for his entire constituency.
have nothing, no house, nothing to eat”, Mohan said. The forest department office which is just 2 kms from the site was immediately informed about the
nounced Rupees 5 Lakhs for road construction on self help basis by the villagers of Nomuk and urged other villages also to take up such works on sefhelp basis for government assistances. As road connectivity holds key to all development, Kamba- Darak, WakYomcha and Tai- Liromoba roads will be looked into on priority. He disclosed that Liromoba Higher Secondary School will have its own CBSE exam centre and DDO powers to Principals of Libromaba and Yomcha have been taken up but absence of SBI branch
and network connectivity are the grey areas which we need to look into, he said. Replying to public memorandum submitted by the Headmaster shri Pokde Yomgam pertaining to teachers quarter, boys hostel, boundary wall, assembly hall, additional classrooms, drinking water supply and furniture, the PS announced Rupees 5 Lakhs for taking up the prayer hall initially and assured to look into the other grievances on priority. Attending the function as Guest of Honour, ADC Kamba Shri Niken Lollen stressed on dedication and punctuality among
the tribal teachers for quality education among our young generation and ZPM Shri Gedo Kato highlighted on the problems of newly upgraded Nomuk Secondary School and assured to provide basic need like blackboards and sports jerseys in the school. The Special Guest and DDSE Aalo Shri Tumto Lollen also assured to look into the needs whatever is possible from his side. Shri Tojo Karga, Commandant, Yajum Nomuk, ASM Nomuk Boye and others also gave useful advises to the students. (DIPRO)
UG activities. Later, DC donated blankets to the UTPs on the day of Christmas. He was ac-
companied by EAC Tamo Riba and Dr. Thingnok from District hospital, Khonsa.
PAGE 4
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
New DPP announcement further delayed as chorus for level-playing field grows ANI New Delhi, Dec.25: Plans for announcing the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) have been postponed till January 2016, reportedly because the government, and more specifically the Ministry of Defence, wants some more time to study the recommendations of the Dhirender Singh Committee and also to assess both its short and long-term implications. According to sources, the recommendations of the Dhirender Singh Committee and the followup action being undertaken by a task force headed by Dr. V.K. Aatre, former scientific adviser to Defence Minister, is being carefully reviewed in the wake of questions being raised about the government's controversial move to limit the selection of strategic partners for defence projects to only top notch Indian companies. As of now, it is being reported that the task force led by Dr. Aatre may be reconsidering and reworking some of the recommendations to rule out complaints of bias, and its report is expected on or around January 15. The new DPP, therefore, won't be out before the end of January. The announcement of a new DPP was first made in May this year. The procurement policy sets norms for capital procurement of defence weapons and equipments
for the short as well as the long term. The Dr. Aatre-led task force has been entrusted with laying down rules for the selection of strategic partners in the private sector in long-term defence projects and was constituted in September. It was set up in line with the recommendations on DPP 2015 made by the Dhirendra Singh Committee. The committee had recommended the creation of a strategic partnership model under the 'Make in India' scheme to manufacture aircrafts, helicopters, warships, submarines and missiles among others. The defence ministry is also reportedly keen on having a detailed agreement with every private defence firm laying down specific parameters to avoid future ambiguity. Last week, , while launching a Make in India portal of the Department of Defence Production, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the DPP is in its final stages and will be forwarded to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for approval. He revealed that the ministry is targeting raising indigenized defence procurement from 30 percent currently to 40 percent in the coming fiscal, and to 70 per cent in five years. In the last three years, the average annual value of total procurement of defence
items has been an estimated Rs. 85,020 crores and domestic firms have supplied 62 per cent of these items. The basic expenditure tenet of a government is to offer fair price through fair competition. Private defence manufacturers want a levelplaying field, but it seems giving firm monopolistic commitments to select conglomerates or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through a sophisticated nomination process is in the offing. Small manufacturers further claim that the Dr. Aatre-led task forcehas only amplified the Dhirender Singh Committee's recommendations by suggesting methodology for implementation. The proposed selection process has seven fundamental parameters and identified six areas for strategic partnership, namely aircraft, warships, submarines, armoured fighting vehicles, complex weapons that rely on guidance system, C4ISTR and critical materials. Dr. Aatre's task force has reportedly further divided these six areas into 15 sub-segments; with each sub-segment having one strategic partner. It says an evaluation committee and an on-site committee will evaluate eligibility of private companies. Evaluation will be 50 per cent on technical criteria, 30 per cent on financial criteria and 20 per cent on platform specific
criteria. The conclusion appears to be that only big companies with large capital bases can deliver on big contracts. Most small defence manufacturers declared ineligible are saying the defence ministry is using the Dhirender Singh Committee and the Dr. Aatre -led task force's recommendations to find alternatives to existing and established PSU model. The financial criteria is the most contentious, as it recommends that foreign holding for listed companies should be less than five per cent, while unlisted companies have no foreign holding. Listed companies should have annual assets worth at least Rs.750 crores and an annual turnover of Rs.4000 crores for three consecutive three years to qualify for a strategic partnership. Unlisted companies must have assets worth Rs. 250-500 crores and an annual turnover of Rs. 1000 crores for the same period. The financial criterion, small players say, is biased and their demand is for the bidding process to be open.
Shri Tai Tagak, State President while welcoming ex-
On the occasion, Leader of Opposition, Shri Tamiyo Taga narrated the life story of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and urged the party
karyakartas to follow the ideal principles and ideology of the great leader. Shri R.K. Khrimey chief Spokesperson of the State BJP dwelt at length on Good Governance initiated by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also highlighted the policy and programmes launched by the BJP led Govt at the centre and various steps taken by the BJP led Govt on Good Governance.
Financial Capability: Any type of quantitative restriction should be avoided. Let all companies compete and
Ø R & D Capability: Aspirant companies must be able to demonstrate the fund that they are going to allo-
Smt. Kenyir Ringu, VP State Unit highlighted on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Programme. She urged the Members to work hard and propagate the programme to the last villages to enable the people to take benefit of the programme. State Office Bearers, Mahila Morcha,Yuva Morcha and other members of the frontal wings participated in the function.
After surprise visit to Pakistan, Modi arrives in Delhi ANI New Delhi, Dec 25 : After paying a brief but symbolically significant visit to Lahore on his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif's birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here late on Friday evening. The Prime Minister was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at Indira Gandhi International Airport here. Modi paid a surprise visit to Pakistan on his way to New Delhi from Afghanistan after a two-day visit to Russia. Prime ministers Modi and Sharif met at the latter's residence Raiwind Palace, the ancestral home of the Sharifs, in Lahore, where he also discussed Indo-Pak relations with him. "Beyond the noise, a personal connect. The Prime Ministers discuss #IndiaPakistan relations in Raiwind," tweeted Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesper-
Modi arrived at Delhi after visiting Pakistan. son, Ministry of External Affairs. The relations between India and Pakistan have witnessed some positive developments in recent past. The two countries recently decided to launch a comprehensive dialogue after Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif met in Paris.
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Modi visited Kabul, where both India and Afghanistan agreed to increase and expand training opportunities for Afghan National Security and Defence Forces in relevant Indian institutions, based on the requirements of Afghanistan. Prime Minister Modi also
Ø Financial Prudence: Since most of the projects are Greenfield projects and companies are without any previous background, putting credit ratings as one of the criterion has no meaning, as these companies would have no track record of any business done in those specific areas.
Private firms, observers and experts have suggested the following six criteria for possible implementation:
BJP leaders at the party office during the 91st Birthday of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. tends Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the Karyakartas. He stressed on the importance and need of Good Governance in the present context and urged the members to imbibe the ideal principles of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in their daily life.
Ø Serious Contender: That the company is an ongoing company and has provided a funding model for a given project, should be adequate to consider it as a serious contender for strategic partnerships.
Ø Technical Capability: A company should be assessed in terms of their global reach, networking and ability to form close associations with large global companies. No company in India today has domain specific capability. Probably, only small industry, working in tandem with DPSU' OFB's and the DRDO, are the only ones with limited domain knowledge. By this definition and parameter alone, most companies get eliminated.
Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 91st Birthday of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 25: The State Unit of Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 91st Birthday of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at State Head office Itanagar in a very befitting manner. The day is also observed as Good Governance Day to commemorate the Birthday of the great leader.
the existing bank guarantees/EMD requirements carry versus balance sheet provision.
reiterated India's full support to Afghanistan for strengthening its defensive capabilities for preserving its unity and territorial integrity and ensuring security, and strongly supported Afghan government-led reconciliation process, which respects the red lines drawn by the people of Afghanistan and the international community. (ANI)
cate for creation of infrastructure once the contract is awarded to them. They must also be in a position to deposit EMD or Security as initial guarantee and subsequently demonstrate their capability and the financial strength of their OEM partner, which in turn will form the basis final selection. The said company should have had a past record of having invested in creation of new technologies and creation of their own IPR's. Ø Executive Track Record: The Company should have executives with proven track records to be eligible. Observers say elimination on the basis of size holds no water and believe smaller companies can create a consortium or a credible joint venture to execute a procurement project cost-effectively. They say listing subjective standards like competence in system engineering; supply chain management to manage life cycle support and looking for assured revenue streams can easily be addressed by any small or medium industry. Imagining that these competencies are non-existent in small companies is a fallacy that will invite debate, criticism, and be declared anti-SME, a key focus area of the government.
Centre's cut in funds not to have impact on state development: Gogoi
Assam CM Tarun Gogoi A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 25: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi reiterated his Government’s commitment to push the agenda for development of the state and bolster the State’s journey on a robust growth trajectory in spite of Centre’s reduced allocation of fund for Assam. In a statement here on Friday, Gogoi said, “Irrespective of the Centre’s indifferent attitude towards Assam and its people and reduction of developmental funds, the State Government to purse welfare schemes along with its development agenda rigorously.” Gogoi further said that though change in funding pattern and the resultant reduction in fund flow has had an impact on the development of the State, the Government is devising a mechanism to generate its independent sources of revenue. Gogoi moreover informed that had the Centre not withheld around Rs 17,000 Crore dues of oil royalty and other developmental funds meant for Assam, the State Government could have pursued its develop-
ment agenda more vigorously. Stating the Centre’s cut in fund allocation for rural infrastructure for IAY scheme and MGNREGA, Chief Minister Gogoi said, “Such fund cut is an antithesis to rural development and indicates NDA Government’s anti-poor and pro-capitalists stance”. Chief Minister Gogoi moreover said that in spite of Centre’s indifferent attitude, the State Government has made giant leaps and moved to seventh position from 19th in composite development which was aptly clear from India Today’s State of the States survey2015. With its simple mantra for development, Assam has ranked first position in infrastructure and has registered 17 per cent increase in the length of pucca roads as against the national growth average which is only 4 per cent (India Today survey). “Overcoming all hurdles we have successfully pursued policies for the improvement in macro economy and infrastructure and as a result we are receiving dividends”, Gogoi added.
Assam Elections 2016: Can Sonowal and Sarma be the game-changer for BJP? A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 25: The key to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s game plan for victory in Assam’s legislative elections in the spring of 2016 rests essentially on two very different figures: Sarbananda Sonowal, the Youth Affairs and Sports Minister at the Centre, who is the new President of the BJP in Assam, and Himanta Biswa Sarma, a long-time Congress leader who knows the in and outs of Congress, local politics as well as government systems as few others. Facing them is Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of Congress, battling an anti-incumbency factor (having won three straight elections) and an array of party veterans. The Asom Gana Parishad of former Chief Minister Prafulla Mahanta is barely regarded as a major contender but two major parties which are regarded as crucial to either side’s success or failure are Badruddin Ajmal’s All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Bodoland Peoples Party which has held power in the Bodoland Territorial Council in Western Assam for a decade. While there are efforts by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, riding on his recent success, to stitch the first three into an electoral alliance and thus unitedly dent the BJP’s chances, the Bodoland party has not made up its mind, having shared power with the Congress on earlier occasions. Assam is a complex vortex of numerous competing ethnicities, linguistic and political groups with many large minority groups but few majorities. Thus, while Hindus continue to be the overall majority, the 2011 Census report said that Muslims comprised 34.2 percent of the overall population. Hindu groups are subdivided into many factions spread over diverse geographical areas and ethnic loyalties. This is where the Sonowal-
Sarma combination comes into play: Sonowal is a shrewd organizer of student politics and popular protests through his earlier innings in the influential All Assam Students Union and as an MP from the Asom Gana Parishad. He has enviable networks among youth groups but held his first non-organizational post when he was appointed to Prime Minister Narenda Modi’s Council of Ministers last year. That time, the BJP was on a high not just nationally but also in Assam, having captured not less than seven of 14 Parliamentary seats in the state, its best tally ever, crushing Congress heavyweights such as Pawan Singh Ghatowar and BK Handique, both Central ministers. Translated into assembly seats, the party had technically registered gains in 66 legislative seats or over double what it won in 2009. The Congress hold fell to 22 from 61. But politics is not that simple in Assam. The task appears simple but is profoundly challenging in a complex state where every few kilometres, ethnic, religious and social lines change. This is where Sarma comes in: as Gogoi’s one-time chief aide and troubleshooter, he knows, more than anyone else, how the Congress leadership thinks and its possible strategies, its strengths and weaknesses. He is a deft analyst of election trends and the ebb and flow of issues in different constituencies. Today, he is bitterly divided from his mentor and has even filed a defamation suit against the veteran leader. This is a far cry from the time when Gogoi reposed so much trust in him that he would frequently send his adviser to Delhi to convey sensitive messages about political matters in Assam to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia
Gandhi. The trust factor began to change when Gogoi’s son, Gaurav, was brought into the Congress Party. The Chief Minister defended the move saying that Gaurav had every right to aspire to a leadership role as did anyone else and could not be blocked just because of his lineage. The younger Gogoi and Sarma saw political rivals in each other; Sarma was deeply offended by what he regarded as his mentor’s lack of faith and was allegedly tailed closely by sleuths. After many months of speculation, Sarma finally walked over to the BJP and is now marshalling the antiCongress forces as its chief campaigner. He clarified one of the planks of his strategy, that of dividing the Congress: “The state government is suffering from anti-incumbency and we will have to bring in (Congress) people who are free of anti-incumbency. We cannot risk transferring of anti-incumbency from Congress to BJP.” The former right-hand man and his right-wing allies are shaking the once-apparently unassailable Congress bastion. However, given Assam’s complicated politics, many eyes are also on a person who has battled Congress for years and is bitterly opposed to the BJP as well: AIUDF founder Ajmal, who won three Lok Sabha seats last year, says that he is for a “Mahagatbandan formula” and has not set any condition on an alliance with Congress and the AGP to deny power to the BJP. His seat ratio in the Assembly rose from 10 on debut in 2006 to 18 in 2011. Not only is Ajmal a smart politician but also a hugely successful perfume baron and a cleric. He has cannily picked Hindus, Muslims and tribal candidates in various elections and has campaigned against the politics of discrimination that the Hindu right-wing has
spewed against Muslims of Bengali origin. Indeed, recent judicial pronouncements on alleged Bangladeshi immigration into the state, a highly emotive issue, as well as a report claiming that Muslims would be a majority later this century in Assam, are being used extensively by the BJP and its right-wing cohorts to drum up communal feelings. The ‘Bangladeshi’ phrase is used often as a pejorative without discriminating between Muslims of Indian origin and settlers from outside, without regard to facts but only to sweeping rhetoric. Part of this resulted in a communal horror in 1983 in which thousands died, a majority of them local Muslims. Attacks on Muslim groups and Bodos in western Assam in recent years also have sharpened cleavages and concerns. Such fears are likely to help Ajmal and the Congress mobilize the minority vote. The BJP would need to see how its clear gains in Upper Assam in the Lok Sabha elections, especially among the tea garden and Nepali communities, would balance this. The anti-Muslim stand may rebound on the party: its welcome to Hindu migrants from Bangladesh is strongly resented as is its failure to protect ‘Assam’s interests’ despite proclamations that it would oppose any border deal with Bangladesh. Yet, Mr Modi himself pushed through the historic land agreement, apart from providing a $ 2 billion line of credit and launching bus services between Dhaka and North-eastern cities. The Prime Minister courageously chose statesmanship above politics. The question is whether this will work against the BJP or in its favour. The author is Director of the Centre for North East Studies and policy Research at Jamia Millia Islamia and one of the region’s most respected authors, analysts and commentators. (Agencies)
77 held for drunk behaviour on Christmas eve in Mizoram
PAGE 5
REGION
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Tripura CM: Anti Bengali Slogan Divisive Tripura, Dec 25: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar condemned the antiBengali slogan being raised by a section of the tribal and said the demand for a separate State comprising the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) is a nefarious design by the divisive forces. "The tribal and the Bengalis are living in this State for centuries and there
is no force that can deviate us from this tradition," said Manik Sarkar while addressing a rally organized to mark the Left Front's victory in the civic body election held on December 9. The major part of his speech was aimed at consolidating Left Front's strength for another election the State is going to hold in February next, the election for 578 village committees, counterpart of
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar
the panchayat, in the TTAADC areas. The Indigenous People's Front of Twipra, a tribal based local party is challenging the ruling front demanding a separate State and evection of Bengalis from TTAADC areas. Stressing on the bond shared by the Bengalis and the indigenous Twipris, Manik Sarkar said, "182 Maharaja's ruled the State for 1300 years and they also
invited the Bengalis for running the administration and it was the local tribals who welcomed them. The State could prosper only because the amity maintained both the section of the people." He advised the newly elected members of the civic bodies to involve maximum number of people in the development process and not to take partisan attitude while implementing
Left consolidated base in Tripura in 2015 A large number of people were arrested under the new law Aizawl, Dec 25: Of the 98 people arrested across Mizoram on different charges, 77 alone were nabbed on charge of drunk behaviour on the first Christmas eve, after the Prohibition was lifted in the state, a senior police officer said on Friday. Of the 77 people arrested due to consumption of liquor, eight were from Lawngtlai town where the newly enacted liquor law was not in force and no wine shops were located in the whole district which falls within the Lai
and Chakma autonomous district council areas. The stringent Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995, imposed in the state since February 20, 1997 was replaced by the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Act, 2014 from January 15 last and wine shops began to open from March 16. A large number of people were arrested under the new law and were usually punished by doing social works including cleaning up of public places.(Agencies)
Agartala, Dec 25: The ruling Left Front consolidating its political base, a bus service to Bangladesh, and almost no militant activities in the once rebel-infested state were some of the highlights of Tripura in 2015. Elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council which constitute two third of the state territory and is the home to the tribals forming one third of the state's 40 lakh people, saw a massive victory for ruling Left. In the 30-member council, two seats are nominated by the Governor on the advice of the state government and the elections for the rest 28 seats were held on May 4. The Left Front won all the 28
Sun shines in Himachal but snow on way
There are chances of more rain and snow in Himachal from the night of December 26 Shimla, Dec 25: Sunny weather prevailed in Himachal on Friday as rain and snow was predicted by the weatherman from Saturday night, news that is sure to gladden the hearts of tourists thronging the hill state for Christmas and New Year celebrations. "There are chances of more rain and snow in Himachal from the night of December 26," an official of the meteorological office told. Most prominent tourist places like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri, Manali and Dalhousie - located in the mid-hills - may witness moderate snowfall, he said. He said western disturbances - storm systems originating from the Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region - would be
active again in the region till December 27. Shimla received this winter season's first snowfall on December 23. Another picturesque town Manali, some 250 km from Shimla, experienced mild snow that same day. Meanwhile, the state recorded a marginal rise in temperatures on Friday due to sunny weather conditions. Shimla recorded a minimum of 2.5 degrees, a rise from minus 0.8 degree. Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded a low of minus 4.4 degrees while it was 4.6 degrees at Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetans' government-in-exile, minus 4.2 degrees in Manali and 2.9 degrees in Dalhousie. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest place in Himachal on Friday, with a low of minus
10.9 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, thousands of holidaymakers have reached Himachal Pradesh to enjoy the Yuletide spirit and the footfalls of tourists are likely to continue till New Year's Eve, say members of the hospitality industry. Snow is a big draw for tourists, especially those from the northern plains. "We are going to extend our stay in Shimla due to the snow forecast," corporate executive Samara Chhabra from Chandigarh told. The mountain peaks visible from Shimla's historic Ridge are wrapped up in a thick white blanket of snow. Popular tourist resorts of Manali as well as Shimla and nearby destinations of Kufri and Narkanda are receiving a fair share of tourists. (Agencies)
seats. It was a landslide victory for the Left Front - 25 seats went to the CPI (Marxist) and one seat each to the CPI, the RSP and the All India Forward Bloc. The Left registered another landslide victory in the elections to 20 civic bodies in the state, including the 49-member Agartala Municipal Corporation, on December 9. The CPI-Mled Left Front bagged 45 out of the 49 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) leaving only four to Opposition Congress. Altogether, elections were held in 310 seats in 20 civic bodies in which Left Front candidates won 291 and Opposition Congress secured 13 seats and BJP 4. The rest two were won by
Independent candidates. This was the first time that BJP won seats in civic bodies in the state. Tripura considered a landlocked state surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides and sharing 85 per cent of its border with that country got a direct bus service when the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala and the Dhaka-ShillongGuwahati bus services were jointly flagged off on June 6 by prime ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina during the latter's Dhaka visit. The initial bus fare was fixed at Rs 1,800 including travel tax to the Bangladesh government. TRTC had purchased a 45seater Volvo bus at a cost of around Rs 91 lakh for plying between Agartala to
Kolkata via Dhaka. Bangladesh and India signed an agreement for selling 100 MW power from Tripura's 726 mg MW gas-fired thermal power project at Palatana in Gomati district on November 27. Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on July 11 unveiled the plaque for international gateway for Internet service, in presence of Governor Tathagata Roy and Sarkar at the capital city. Prasad said the proposed international Internet gateway, which will provide broadband connectivity to northeast with the help of Bangladesh, would improve the quality of service in the region. The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC)
signed a MOU with the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), an undertaking of the Union Ministry of Power, to replace sodium vapour and other lamps with LED lights. Tripura held its top position for the seventh consecutive year in providing work to job card holders under MGNREGA. The state government provided 68 days per household in the current 2015-16 against the national average of 36 days. Tripura was once a hot bed of insurgency for three decades, but with the restoration of peace and tranquility between the tribals and non-tribals, Sarkar said it has become a model state of development. (Agencies)
Nagaland: Four persons killed, 15 injured in accident Nagaland, Dec 25: At least four persons, including a woman were killed and 15 others were injured when a bus plunged into a gorge in Phek district of Nagaland on Wednesday. The accident occurred when the bus with a total of 19 persons rolled about 30 feet below the road, some kilometres before reaching Phek town. While three persons died on the spot, one succumbed to
4 persons, including a woman were killed when a bus plunged into a gorge in Phek
injuries on way to hospital, the police said The driver was among those killed. Of the 15 injured, six were critically injured when the community bus in which they were travelling from Ketsapo village to Phek town met with the accident. Three of the injured were airlifted to Kohima in a chopper. Six injured persons are undergoing treatment in different hospitals in the state capital. (Agencies)
schemes. Sarkar also made it clear that his government has no immediate plan to increase tax for civic amenities being provided by the government or the civic bodies. He also severely criticized the Central government for not providing adequate funds and said both the UPA and their successor NDA are ignoring the poor and protecting the interest of the rich people. (Agencies)
Thousands soak in Christmas celebrations in Kolkata Kolkata, Dec 25: Thousands of revellers in the city celebrated Christmas with most churches holding the traditional midnight mass on Thursday. Kolkata was all decked up with lights, balloons, Christmas trees and other decorations to welcome the occasion and witnessed a huge number of people taking to the streets to soak in the revelry. Starting from Park Street, Allen Park, Bow Barracks, St Paul's Cathedral and other famous churches in and around the city to other major landmarks, revellers poured out in thousands with the evening slipping into midnight. Kolkata Police have tightened the security measures in the city and till midnight have arrested 50 persons for disorderly conduct, a senior officer of the force said. Around 500 police personnel were deployed in the Park Street area only, the nerve-centre of Christmas revelry with officers of Deputy Commissioner rank overseeing the situation.
Festivities for some, sorrowful Christmas for bereaved families Shillong, Dec 25: It is not exactly Merry Christmas for several families whose loved ones are no more with them to celebrate the festival this year. For the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones this year, Christmas would pass off as a painful event. With the death of P.J. Marbaniang touching almost a year now, the question of whether the late officer of Patharkhmah outpost was murdered or
died he commit suicide remains a mystery for the bereaved family. His widow and mother though are still struggling for justice. Christmas will also not be the same for the loved ones of young Intelligence Bureau officer, Vikash Kumar Singh, who was killed by insurgents in South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. His body was found on October 24 days after he was kidnapped by gun totting
men. The family of late Havildar Khomraj Bhattarai were left shattered after his decomposed body was recovered almost a month after he was abducted by militants. His body was recovered from a shallow grave near Tapa Darengchi area in North Garo Hills. Perhaps, the only consolation for these families will be that these officers lost their lives while in the line of duty. This festive season will also
leave an indelible void in the hearts and minds of several families who lost their loved ones in cases that have become an enigma. One such family is that of late Victoria Kharkongor who was found dead in the washroom at Dispur police station on July 5. While Dispur police claim that she committed suicide, others allege that she was raped and then murdered. Another family facing the same pain-
ful situation is that of Mawramsong Kharhujon, who went missing from the domestic terminal of the Mumbai airport only to be found dead later at a local hospital there. His death remains a mystery. It will however be a very joyous Christmas for the family of Dinarsing Syiemlieh and two daily labourers who were abducted earlier this month but were released unharmed. (Agencies)
Villagers, forest officials Couldn't campaign for attend to sick elephant calf in West Bengal Brigade rally, plenum due to TMC: CPI(M)
Kolkata, Dec 25: Communist Party of India (Marxist) Politburo member Biman Bose on Thursday said party workers could not complete its boothlevel campaign for the party's plenum and December 27 Brigade rally "because of terror unleashed by the ruling Trinamool Congress." "We could not cover 100 per cent booths in our campaign because of terror unleashed by the ruling TMC, but we expect people to participate in the Brigade rally from everywhere," Bose told reporters
here. Stating that all their party offices were not in a position to function because of state-sponsored terror and in many cases, Bose said workers could not even open offices at many places. "In many places we have kept our party offices closed to avoid constant confrontation with the ruling party," he said. Despite all these, the veteran CPI(M) leader believed that they would be able to assemble around 10 lakh party workers and supporters at the Brigade on December 27, which he
hoped would have representation from all districts. The December 27 Brigade rally would be followed by the party plenum and would continue till December 31, he said, adding, the party's Central Committee and Politburo meetings would be held on December 26. Bose called upon people, who have urgent work on the day of Brigade rally, to come out a little early to avoid unnecessary harassment or delay in traffic snarls because of processions towards the Brigade Parade grounds. (Agencies)
Midnapore (West Bengal), Dec. 25: Residents of Chandan Kath village in Midnapore District of West Bengal, often at the receiving end of elephant attacks, were moved when they found an elephant calf writhing in pain. The villagers informed the forest department and asked for immediate medical help for the jumbo. Attacks by elephants have been frequent in West Bengal state causing serious
injuries and deaths to villagers living near forests. The villagers were agitated as no official from the forest department turned up to attend to the injured animal. A villager, Raju Das, said the villagers' repeated pleas for help fell on deaf ears. "If the officials wanted, they could have started the treatment hours ago. I went to madam, range officer and the beat officer, but they only kept assuring me, say-
ing that the doctor will come," said Das. The calf, in a visibly serious state, writhed in pain as he lay in a field.The forest department officials reached the spot only after villagers started protesting. "Doctors are coming and the treatment of the elephant will be started soon," said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Bijay Shalimar. However, the treatment of the calf could begin only by the end of the day. (ANI)
Caption:
Attacks by elephants have been frequent in West Bengal
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
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Gas tanker truck fire kills more Modi meeting Sharif in Lahore, a bold and visionary step: Kulkarni than 100 people in Nigeria
Gas tanker truck ignited an inferno at a crowded industrial gas plant in Nigeria
Abuja, Dec 25: A gas tanker truck ignited an inferno at a crowded industrial gas plant in Nigeria on Thursday, killing more than 100 people lining up to refill their cooking gas cylinders in time for Christmas. The disas-
ter took place in Nnewi, a predominantly Christian community in southeast Nigeria. By the time firefighters managed to put out the blaze, an Associated Press reporter counted the charred remains of more than 100
corpses. A witness, Emeka Peters, said the fire broke out at about 11 am when a tanker truck that had finished discharging fresh gas at the Chikason Group Gas plant left without waiting to observe the prescribed
cooling time. "The fire exploded like a bomb, and the whole gas station went up in thick, black smoke amidst an explosion from cooking gas cylinders," Peters said. "Many people were killed, and most of them were those that had been in the station queuing all day to get their cylinders refilled." He said the fire raged for hours. Peters, 36, said most of the corpses and the few badly injured victims were evacuated to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi. "Many of them were burned beyond recognition, and I doubt if many family members of the dead victims would be able to identify the remains of their loved ones", said Peter. (Agencies)
Underprepared Odd-Even formula will not be successful: Sheila Dikshit New Delhi, Dec.25: Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday said that the underprepared 'OddEven formula' put forward by the Arvind Kejriwal led-Government to curb pollution in the national capital will not be successful. "I don't think enough preparation or enough understanding of the program (odd-even formula) that the Chief Minister is planning to implement is yet known to the people," Dikshit told. "How is it going to be implemented? Are you going to stop the car as you say that you are going to fine Rs. 2000 every time you make a mistake? Who is going to do the fine? They say that volunteers are going to do that. How the volunteers are are going to do that?" she added. "There will be chaos. I think people need to know what is to be done. The whole thing does not give you the confidence that it will be successful," she further said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had yesterday formally unveiled the blueprint for the introduction of the Odd Even
Good Governance Day to mark Vajpayee's birthday New Delhi, Dec. 25: The nation is observing its second 'Good Governance Day' on the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Friday. Several functions are being organised across the country to mark the day. Observing the Good Governance Day, BJP Karnataka will carry out Swacch Bharat campaign and activity all across Karnataka. On the occasion, Bharatiya Janata Party MPs and party office bearers will visit different areas to highlight the work done by the NDA Government for the betterment of the poor and youth of the country. Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a jibe at the BJP in a tweet saying, "No references to "Happy Good Governance Day" this year, unlike last. That's because Christmas is visible everywhere and good governance is not." (ANI)
Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit Formula, for vehicles that will ply in the city and those coming in from the National Capital Region (NCR) from January 1 to January 15, 2016. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said, "The government alone can't fight pollution; it needs the support of the people too. This initiative by this government has received all approvals. Even the Lieutenant Governor has approved this scheme. A notification will be issued on Monday." "Pollution is major problem and an important issue for all of
us. Yesterday was the most polluted day in Delhi. Our initiatives over the last few days shows we are moving in the direction of fightingpollution," he added. Chief Minister Kejriwal also said that the ambitious odd even formula will kick in from January 1 and last till January 1. It will be effective from 8 a.m to 8 p.m the violators would be fined Rs. 2000. The formula would not be applicable on Sundays. The Delhi Chief Minister also informed that the vehicles
of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, Governors of states/ Lt Governor, Chief Justice of India, Union Ministers, Leaders of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Chief Ministers of states except Delhi, judges of Supreme Court and High Court, Lokayukta will be exempted from the odd-even rule. He further said that the emergency vehicles, ambulance, fire, hospital, prison, hearse, enforcement vehicles, vehicles of paramilitary forces, Ministry of Defence, pilot and escort, vehicles of SPG protectees, vehicles bearing diplomatic corps registration numbers and those on way to hospital for a medical emergency carrying proof, would also be exempted from this rule. "CNG vehicles which will have to display the certificate, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles and women drivers with a male child up to the age of 12 will also be exempted from this rule" he added. (ANI)
Caption: Moradabad has received an electricity bill of Rs.2032 crores Shiv Sena says Ram Temple should be constructed peacefully Mumbai, Dec.25: The Shiv Sena on Friday said that the Ram Temple should be constructed in Ayodhya with peace and cooperation of all the communities, adding that there should be no involvement of court as the issue is of devotion and faith and not political. "We are trying to build a temple of Ram, that too in Ayodhya, but we have not been able to do this until now. We started a movement and made huge sacrifices for this temple construction. The people who shed their blood in this
movement are now in power at the Centre. Now, it is the responsibility of the Government to see that this temple is constructed and that too peacefully. The souls of all those who lost their lives in the movement will curse us if this temple is not constructed," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told. He asserted that the temple should be constructed with peace and co-operation of every community. "We did not start the movement of Ram Temple construction taking permission of the
court. This is not a political issue but an issue of devotion and faith and thus there should not be any involvement of court in this matter," he added. The arrival of a fresh load of stones from Bharatpur in Rajasthan earlier this week has once again swung the spotlight onto the temple controversy. On Wednesday, the issue rocked the Rajya Sabha, with political opponents of the NDA government alleging that it was intended to stir communal passion ahead of the 2017 Uttar Pradesh elections. (ANI)
Mumbai, Dec.25: The chairman of the Mumbai branch of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF),Sudheendra Kulkarni, on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to stopover in Lahore to wish Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his birthday is a historic, bold and visionary step that would leave the world community unexpectedly surprised. He also said the stopover is a great 91st birthday gift for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "It's a great day. Today is Christmas and in the true sense of the festival, we are saying Merry Christmas. Prime Minister has taken a historic, bold and a visionary step of surprising the entire world by going to Lahore and greeting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his
The chairman of the Mumbai branch of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF),Sudheendra Kulkarni birthday. Steps like these create history," Kulkarni told. "Atal Bihar Vajpayee ji would be very happy. It is a great birthday gift that Narendra Modi has given," he added. He
also said that December 25 was also Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah's birth anniversary, and reminded the people of both Pakistan and India, that it was Jinnah's cherished desire
'Sacked' UP minister should be termed Kar Sevak: Laxmikant Bajpayi Lucknow, Dec.25: The president of the Uttar Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Laxmikant Bajpai, on Friday said that sacked Samajwadi Party (SP) minister Ompal Nehra should be termed a 'Kar Sevak' for Thursday's controversial comment. "The statement made by Nehra ji reflects the feelings of the majority of this country. But the timing of the statement is not right. When the matter is in the Supreme Court, then no can anyone start the construction of the temple. No person, who is holding a consti-
tutional post, will say this statement," Bajpayi told . "Ram ke naam par Nehra Ji shaheed to ho gaye, ab unko kar sevak ki upadhi de di jaye to koi burai nahi hai. (Since Nehra has been sacked on the name of Ram, it would not be bad to name him as Kar Sevak)," he added. Ompal Nehra, a senior leader, and a minister in Uttar Pradesh, was on Friday stripped of his ministerial stature after commenting that Muslims must give up their claims on mosques in Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi and help build temples in those places.
The sacked minister had said, "Where can a Ram temple be built if not at Ayodhya? Muslims should help in building a Ram temple in Ayodhya and a Krishna temple in Mathura and give up their claim on mosques there. In fact I would say that Muslims should join Kar Seva (volunteer) for the Ram temple." The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been gathering truckloads of stones for a temple at the site in Ayodhya, where the Babri Masjid once stood, and was destroyed by Hindu fanatics in 1992. (ANI)
SP making Ram temple 'political issue' ahe ad of 2017 polls: BJP New Delhi, Dec.25: The Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) on Friday said the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh is trying to politicise the Ram Temple issue, as assembly polls are due in the state in 2017. "Samajwadi Party wants to make it a political issue because 2017 is coming. Unfortunately, in this country every year, there is an election. Therefore every one wants to raise this issue and connect it with an election. It is wrong to relate this issue with election," BJP national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh told here. "This is a process which VHP had started long time back but
neither VHP nor any organizations have said that we are going to violate the law of this country and build the Ram temple. They are hopeful that the court order will be in their favour," he added. Singh also accused the Samajwadi Party of playing vote bank politics over the issue. "Samajwadi Party ( SP) should not raise the communal frenzy in the state when it does not exist because they are playing their own card of vote bank politics," he said. Meanwhile, preparations are on to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Almost six months after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad ( VHP) an-
nounced its nationwide drive to collect stones for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, two trucks of stones arrived in the temple city on Sunday. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat had earlier in Kolkata expressed hope that a Ram temple would be constructed in his lifetime. "India is rich in religion and culture. Ram is our ideal whom some regard as god and some as a great man ... Society should rise taking inspiration from Ram and Sharad Kothari and prepare for building a grand Ram temple like Somnath," the RSS chief had said in his tweet.(ANI)
Fazilka AIR FM transmitter to cater to 36 lakh Pakistanis in Urdu Fazilka , Dec. 25:Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla inaugurated a 20kW FM transmitter in Fazilka, Punjab, on Friday on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's 91st birthday. The FM transmitter is equipped with a 16-panel FM antenna that is mounted on 300m high DD tower. It has 125 KVA DG Set, UPS,
C-Band Satellite Receive Terminal & DTH facility. The services through this transmitter will be available on 100.8MHz. This transmitter will relay the AIR Urdu Service and will be the first AIR FM transmitter that will exclusively carry AIR Urdu Service for the people of both sides of the border area. Transmission in this area will be controlled by AIR Bhatinda. The transmitter is
likely to cater broadcast upto 80-kilometer radius. This transmitter will also penetrate upto 68 kilometers inside Pakistan along the IndoPak border area in the vicinity of Fazilka. The overall coverage area of this transmitter is about 20300 square kilometers and will cater to a 32 lakh strong population on the Indian side and a 36-lakh strong population across the border. (ANI)
UP minister sacked over his 'Ram and Krishna temple' comment Bijnaur Dec.25: Ompal Nehra, a senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader, and a minister in the Uttar Pradesh Government, has been stripped of his ministerial post after commenting that Muslims must give up their claims on
mosques in Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi and help build temples in those places. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav sacked Nehra, an advisor in the state entertainment tax department, this morning sacked him for making the comment at
a function last evening. The minister, however, defended himself by saying, "I said that since the BJP doesn't have any issue in Uttar Pradesh except Ram Mandir, then the issue should be closed once and for all." He said that he was informed by
the District Magistrate about this last evening. "I said that secular leadership and Muslim intellectuals should come together and find a solution to this," he added. The sacked minister on Thursday said, "Where can a Ram temple be built
if not at Ayodhya? Muslims should help in building a Ram temple in Ayodhya and a Krishna temple in Mathura and give up their claim on mosques there. In fact I would say that Muslims should join Kar Seva (volunteer) for the Ram
temple." The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been gathering truckloads of stones for a temple at the site in Ayodhya, where the Babri Masjid once stood, and was destroyed by Hindu fanatics in 1992. (ANI)
to have communal harmony and regular interaction between India and Pakistan, and also his desire to spend his last days at Jinnah House in Bombay. Prime Minister Modi earlier in the afternoon departed for Lahore for his surprise visit to meet his Pakistani counterpart. The two Prime Ministers would be meeting at Lahore's Allama Iqbal Airport. Earlier, confirming the news, the Prime Minister tweeted, "Spoke to PM Nawaz Sharif & wished him on his birthday. Looking forward to meeting PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore today afternoon, where I will drop by on my way back to Delhi." Prime Minister Modi had earlier today extended his wishes to the Pakistani counterpart on his 65th birthday. The two Prime Ministers had last met at the Paris Climate Summit COP21. (ANI)
Former Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira joins AAP Chandigarh, Dec.25: Former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Sukhpal Singh Khaira joined the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday. The main reason for Khaira's exit is assumed to be his disappointment over Congress president Sonia Gandhi's recent decision to appoint Captain Amarinder Singh as the president of the Punjab unit of the party, as also the appointment of Ambika Soni and Lal Singh to new positions in the party. Khaira had earlier accused Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi of forgetting to bring about the promised "generational change" by playing a big hand in making these appointments. (ANI)
1 killed, 4 injured as house collapses in Delhi New Delhi, Dec. 25: One person was killed and four others were injured after the basement of a house collapsed in New Friends colony area of Delhi on Friday. The police team took cognizance of the situation and rushed to the spot. The fire team also tendered to the area where the mishap took place. The injured have been tended to. (ANI)
'Electricity' bill worth Rs. 2032 crores 'shocks' businessman in Moradabad Moradabad, Dec.25: This may be a classic case of negligence as a person in Moradabad has received an electricity bill of Rs.2032 crores. The officials in the electricity department, however, said that there is a technical glitch in the generation of online bills. Meanwhile, Parag Mittal, who has received this humungous bill, said that he has been shuttling to and fro the department but no one is ready to listen him. Parag is a businessman, who runs a flour mill in Katghar area of the city. (ANI)
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NEIGHBOURS
PM Modi announces 500 scholarships for children of Afghan martyrs Kabul, Dec.25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday announced 500 scholarships for children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces. The Prime Minister, who was addressing the Parliament of Afghanistan said, "You know that India is here to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives and not to destroy a nation. Today, I announce 500 scholarships for children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces while
scheme of 1000 scholarships will continue." The Prime Minister asserted that Afghanistan will succeed only when there is no terrorism across the border and when the nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut. "Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices Afghans make," he added. He also lauded Afghanistan for choosing democracy against all challenges faced by them. "The Parliament
Pakistan withdraws diplomat from Bangladesh: Foreign ministry
Pakistan decided to withdraw the lady diplomat Islamabad, Dec 25: Pakistan has withdrawn one of its diplomats from Bangladesh after "harassment", the foreign ministry said. "Miss Farina Arshad, second secretary at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, was constantly being harassed by the Bangladeshi authorities," Xinhua quoted a foreign ministry statement as saying on Thursday. "The government of Pakistan twice summoned the High Commissioner of Bangladesh and a strong protest was lodged against the treatment meted out to her," it said. Pakistan decided to withdraw the lady diplomat after the Bangladeshi authorities asked the diplomat to leave for reportedly having "extended fi-
nancial support to a suspected militant who faces spying charges." The police was quoted as saying that a member of the outlawed Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh, Idris Sheikh, alleged in a court in Dhaka that he had links with Arshad and that he was given 30,000 taka. The Pakistani foreign ministry slashed the incessant and orchestrated media campaign against Arshad on spurious charges linking her with so called terrorists. "Our High Commission in Dhaka issued a strong rebuttal against the baseless and fabricated charges against the diplomat. Following this protest, it was decided to withdraw her. She has since returned back," the statement said. (Agencies)
Nation pays homage to Quaid on 139th birth anniversary
President Mamnoon Hussain Karachi, Dec25: The 139th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah is being celebrated across the country on Friday with due enthusiasm. Jinnah was born on Dec 25, 1876, in Karachi. The day has been declared a public holiday. A change of guard ceremony was held at the Quaid's mausoleum in Karachi in the morning, where Commandant PMA Major Gen Nadeem Raza was the guest of honour. Cadets from PMA Kakul assumed guards' duties at Quaid's mausoleum. A contingent comprising 180 cadets from the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed guards' duties at the mausoleum. President Mamnoon Hussain along with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah paid a visit to the
mausoleum where they placed wreaths and offered Fateha. President Mamnoon Hussain along with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah paid a visit to the mausoleum. A military band played ceremonial and marching tunes, including the national anthem. In their messages on the occasion, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to the Quaid's leadership. The president urged the nation to forge unity to defeat the forces of extremism and militancy and try to uphold the principles of democracy, constitution and the rule of law. "Let us dedicate ourselves, on this historic occasion, to keep the unity of the country and glory of Islam uppermost in our thought and deed." (Agencies)
To the leadership of former President Hamid Karzai Saheb, who led the nation with wisdom and determination from the dark days of despair to a future of hope," he said. He also said that he was humbled and honoured to join Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and all the MPs to dedicate this new
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi is a tribute to the countless, nameless Afghans
who laid down their lives and sacrificed their future.
abode of democracy to the Afghan nation. "We could not have chosen a more special day than the birthday of former PM Vajpayee ji who dreamt of this project with Karzai Saheb. We are deeply touched that you have chosen to name one of the wings in this building Atal Block," he added. (ANI)
"Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices Afghans make,"- Says PM Modi
China's controversial new antiterror law to pass on Sunday Beijing, Dec 25: China is set to pass its controversial new anti-terrorism law on Sunday, the largely rubber-stamp parliament said on Friday, despite U.S. criticism about its cyber provisions and concerns over human rights. The draft law, which could require technology firms to install "back doors" in products or hand over sensitive information such as encryption keys to the government, has also been criticised by some Western business groups. U.S. President Barack Obama has said that he had raised concern about the law directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a brief statement, China's National People's Congress said it would hold a news briefing on Sunday
to talk about the law, following the end of parliament's latest lawmaking session. Parliament does not challenge or block legislation proposed by the ruling Communist Party, meaning it is certain to pass. This week, the U.S. State Department said it had expressed "serious concerns" about the law which it said would do more harm than good against the threat of terrorism. China's Foreign Ministry hit back, saying technology companies had nothing to fear and the U.S. had no right to intervene. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy took the unusual step of issuing Christmas security warnings for Westerners in Sanlitun, a popular Beijing diplomatic and
entertainment district. Chinese police stepped up patrols, though no specific threat has been reported. China's official Xinhua news agency, in an English-language commentary, said the U.S. should stop harping on about the law and help Beijing fight terrorism instead. "It is always the innocent people that fall victim to terrorism and extremism, and that is why the Chinese government is taking concrete actions to protect its people, including ordinary Americans enjoying Christmas in Beijing's Sanlitun," it said. Officials in Washington have argued the law, combined with new draft banking and insurance rules and a slew of anti-trust investigations, amounts to unfair regulatory pressure target-
ing foreign companies. China's national security law adopted in July requires all key network infrastructure and information systems to be "secure and controllable". The U.S. has also said the new law could restrict freedom of expression and association. Chinese officials say their country faces a growing threat from militants and separatists, especially in its unruly Western region of Xinjiang, where hundreds have died in violence in the past few years. Rights groups, though, doubt the existence of a cohesive militant group in Xinjiang and say the unrest mostly stems from anger among the region's Muslim Uighur people over restrictions on their religion and culture.(Agencies)
PM Modi lauds Afghanistan for choosing Democracy despite all odds Kabul, Dec. 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded Afghanistan for choosing democracy against all challenges faced by them. The Prime Minister, who was addressing the Parliament of Afghanistan, paid his tribute to the countless people who laid down their lives for a brighter future of the nation. "It (the Parliament) is a tribute to the countless, nameless Afghans who laid down their lives and sacrificed their future. To the leadership of former President Hamid Karzai Saheb, who led the nation with wisdom and determination from the dark days of despair to a future of hope," he said. He
also said that he was humbled and honoured to join Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and all the MPs to dedicate this new abode of democracy to the Afghan nation. "We could not have chosen a more special day than the birthday of former PM Vajpayee ji who dreamt of this project with Karzai Saheb. We are deeply touched that you have chosen to name one of the wings in this building Atal Block," he added. Prime Minister Modi further added that the Parliament would stand as an enduring symbol of the ties of emotions and values, of affection and aspirations that bind India and Afghanistan together. (ANI)
PhD a must for principal, dean of medical colleges Islamabad, Dec 25: Although faculty members who do not have PhDs or equivalent degrees have previously been appointed professors, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has now decided that a PhD degree is a must for faculty members to be promoted to professors. Following this decision, only faculty members possessing PhDs or Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCPS) will be appointed vice chancellor, principal or dean of a medical col-
lege. Associate professors who do not possess PhDs or equivalent degrees will retire as associate professors. The decision was taken by the council's management committee to ensure high quality education and meet international standards. The current management committee was formed after President Mamnoon Hussain promulgated the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2015 on Aug 26, dissolving the PMDC executive council. (Agencies)
Beijing, Dec 25 : Twenty-five workers were trapped underground today when a gypsum mine collapsed in China's eastern Shandong Province, days after a massive landslide in a southern city killed four persons and left 75 others missing. Altogether, 29 people were working in the shaft of the gypsum in Baotai Township, Pingyi County when it collapsed, a county government spokesman said. Rescuers were trying to pull out six persons whose locations have
been traced while 19 others remained missing, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Four persons were lifted above ground, the spokesman said. The accident at the mine, owned by the Yurong trade company, was likely caused by another collapse that hit a neighboring gypsum goaf, he said. On December 20, a massive landslide struck an industrial estate in China's manufacturing hub of Shenzhen, killing four persons and leaving 75 others missing so far.(Agencies)
Teacher Who Paid For Sex With 12,000 25 workers trapped in Women Convicted Over Naked Child Photos China mine collapse Tokyo, Dec 25 : A former school head teacher, who reportedly paid for sex with 12,000 women in the Philippines, has been convicted in Japan for taking photos of naked Filipino girls. The Yokohama District Court sentenced Yuhei Takashima, 65, to two years in prison with the term suspended for four years, a spokesman told. Takashima, who reportedly had sex with girls as young as 14, escaped prison with a promise not to offend again. The girls pictured were "aged between 12 and 14" and were photographed at a hotel in the Philippines about two years ago. According to local media, Takashima had meticulously catalogued nearly 150,000 photographs of his sexual encounters over a 27-year period in around 400 separate albums. Takashima was
quoted as having said in court that he "has a habit of collecting things" and wanted "to keep the memories". The former middle-school principal started paying for sex when he was dispatched to a Japanese school in Manila in 1988. He later went on three sex tours a year to the country, making a total of 65 visits. During that time, he had sex with more than 12,000 women, saying they were aged between 14 and 70. Presiding judge Naoko Omori called Takashima's action "despicable and vicious," saying he "took advantage of the economic plight of young girls" in the Philippines, according to Jiji. "Either in Japan or in the Philippines, children should be protected. He should have known that as a teacher," she said. Takashima should be condemned for "repeating indecent acts ha-
The Yokohama District Court sentenced Yuhei Takashima, 65, to two years in prison with the term suspended for four years
bitually to fulfil his sexual desire" but he "pledged he will never do it again," she said, according to public broadcaster NHK. Prosecutors had reportedly sought a two year prison term. In Japan, possession of sexual images or videos of people under 18 can result in jail time after the government overhauled laws that had only banned the production and distribu-
tion of child pornography. The changes came into effect this summer, but it does not include drawings or digitally-created imagery. Anyone who "possesses child pornography for the purpose of satisfying his/her sexual interest" faces imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to one million yen , according to the justice ministry.(Agencies)
Somalia Islamist militants publicly execute two
Islamist militant group al Shabaab publicly executed a Somali military officer Mogadishu, Dec 25: Islamist militant group al Shabaab publicly executed a Somali military officer and the leader of a small town in the southern Somali region of Lower Shabelle, a spokesman for the group and local residents said on Thursday. The group,
which seeks to overthrow the Westernbacked government and impose its strict version of Islamic law, has remained a potent threat in the Horn of Africa country after it was forced from the capital Mogadishu in 2011. About 200 locals gathered
on Wednesday in Bariirey town, about 50 km south of the capital Mogadishu, to watch as al Shabaab militants shoot the two men dead, residents said. "Al Shabaab called us for a gathering. We thought they wanted to preach (to) us. But we saw two men whose hands and legs were bound. They opened fire on them, shooting them to death," resident Ahmed Aden told . Al Shabaab took over Bariirey about two months ago. It identified the men as the head of Mareerey, a small town that the militants seized this month, and a military officer, whom the group said it had captured at sea. "We executed them according to the Islamic sharia," Sheikh Abdiasis
Abu Musab, al Shabaab's military spokesman said. He did not say what crimes the two committed, but al Shabaab has banned many aspects of modern life and ordered executions, floggings and amputations for crimes such as theft. Police confirmed the killings. An African Union peacekeeping force working with Somalia's military has made significant gains against the group, but the militants still control swathes of Lower Shabelle, though it has been pushed out of strategic port towns. Somalia, which descended into chaos after dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991, is trying to rebuild after two decades of conflict and chaos.(Agencies)
Twenty-five workers were trapped underground when a gypsum mine collapsed
Qatar says opposes creation of opposition lists before Syria peace talks Moscow, Dec 25: Qatari Foreign Minister Khaled alAttiyah said today he opposed the creation of lists of opposition before peace talks on Syria. "We are against the absolute classification of groups. What is
more important is to understand the logic behind why these groups took up arms, their aims and motives," he told reporters at a news conference with his Russian counterpart in Moscow. (Agencies)
Bomb attack on Bangladesh mosque kills one, wounds dozen Dhaka, Dec 25: A bomb attack on a Bangladeshi mosque during Friday prayers killed one person and wounded at least a dozen, the latest in a series of attacks in the Muslimmajority nation. The bombing took place at a mosque run by the minority
Ahmmadya Muslim community in Rajshahi in the northwest of the impoverished country, police official Motiar Rahman said. "We are investigating whether it was a suicide attack or the attacker himself died in the blast when he tried to throw the bomb," he said. (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Can a Court Case Resurrect the Congress Party in India? State registers over a lakh criminal cases in 2015 Assam has for the first time registered more than one lakh criminal cases of all types in a single calendar year with incidents of theft and kidnapping topping the crime chart in 2015. Of the total cases, nearly 95 per cent are those registered under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code. The remaining cases were registered under the Arms Act, Essential Services Act and other local and special laws. The striking feature of this year's crime graph remains the abysmally low rate of conviction. Compared to last year's conviction rate of 13.1 per cent, the State this year (till October, 2015) could achieve only 9.6 per cent conviction rate, which is far below the national rate. Further, as on October 30 this year, 59,622 cases are still pending with the various police stations in the State. The tally of pending cases till December 2014 stood at 57,931 last year. "Of the 10,000-plus cases of thefts during 2015, nearly 5,600 cases of kidnapping were reported till early December," official sources quoting the crime figures compiled by Assam Police told this reporter. Moreover this year at least 27 cyber crime cases were recorded in which the culprits had managed to get access to victims' bank details and swindled money from them. Last year, over six cases of cyber crime were registered in which the offenders tried to take revenge on the victims in the web world. The latest home department figures show that the number of cyber crime cases in Assam, registered under the provisions of Information and Technology Act, 2000, leapfrogged from 154 in 2013 to 379 in 2014, with a whopping increase in rate by 146.1%. During 2005-2014, altogether 68,329 cases of crime against women were registered. A total of 78 women died due to rape while 1,388 others were killed in dowryrelated cases. The number of women killed in witchhunting cases was 123. The number of rape cases registered during the period was 15,931. The year wise breakup of the crimes against women registered with the police were 3,562(2005), 3,907 (2006), 4,547 (2007), 5,021 (2008), 6,209 (2009), 7,326 (2010), 7,075 (2011), 8,268 (2012), 10,757 (2013) and 11,657 (2014) respectively. Among the other offences, incidents of burglary too featured among the most frequently committed crimes, especially in Guwahati and some major towns. Reports further stated that till October 2015 this year, 3,965 cases of burglary were registered across the State, compared to last year's total tally of 4823. Among other major crimes, 3,184 cases of cheating and 1,924 incidents of rioting were reported till October this year. Further, the Assam Police report indicated that on an average, more than five cases of rape are being registered every single day in the State. Till October this year, already 1,591 cases have been registered. However, conviction rate of these cases continues to be very abysmal. Similarly, during the same period, 1,134 cases of murder were registered in the State although the conviction rate in this front appeared to be an improved one, compared to rape cases. The crime chart further reflected that in total 1,348 cases of criminal breach of trust were also registered. Trends show that the rate of crimes committed during the year 2015 has increased compared to the preceding year.
Odd-Even Scheme Delhi CM unveils to combat rising pollution Recently Greenpeace had released a report which described New Delhi's air pollution level is 10 times higher than that prescribed by World Health Organization. In 2014, WHO ranked India among the countries having worst air quality, as out of top 20 polluted cities, 13 were from India. And for this the Delhi government unveiled its ambitious traffic rationing scheme to combat rising pollution, exempting 25 categories of motorists including women drivers, bikers, emergency vehicles and a host of VIPs. The odd-even formula will be tried on a pilot basis for 15 days starting from January 1 and will apply between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily except on Sundays, It will also apply on vehicles entering Delhi from other states. Officials said that the scheme will be applicable only on cars, which constitute almost a third of the capital's nearly nine million vehicles - a situation that has taken Delhi's air pollution to alarming levels. Buses, trucks and other commercial vehicles will be exempt. According to the government, cars with odd registration numbers will ply on odd dates (January 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15) and those with even registration numbers will run on even dates (January 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14). The scheme won't apply on Sundays: January 3 and 10.Also according to Kejriwal the policy incorporated suggestions from the Delhi High Court and the union home ministry and was also based on widespread consultations with experts. The Delhi government decided to drastically restrict the number of cars on the roads after repeated warnings from the judiciary about the soaring pollution levels. Though he and his ministers will abide by the restrictions but these won't apply to the president, vice president, prime minister, governors, Supreme Court judges, central ministers, chief ministers of states other than Delhi, diplomats as well as ambulances and police and fire service vehicles. Cars propelled by compressed natural gas (CNG) will also be exempt and those ferrying physically challenged. Women drivers or women with kids below 12 years will be exempted from the odd-even formula. Those going to hospitals for medical emergency too will be exempted - if they show proof. The chief minister admitted that the public transport was not adequate to cope with the numbers who would have to leave their cars behind and urged motorists to go for car pooling. Also the pressure on public transport will be too much if everybody rushes to it. The practical solution would be car pooling. As about 4-5,000 additional buses and 10,000 new auto-rickshaws will be added to the public transport. Authorities also hope to increase the frequency of Delhi Metro trains and violators would be imposed a fine of Rs.2,000. The move comes amid reports that the air pollution in Delhi has reached hazardous levels. It had registered pollution level of 999 on the Air Quality Index, a new high for the pollution in the city, on November 27.
The Grand Old Party of Indian politics is trying to revitalize itself during a controversial court case against it. Sanjay Kumar Does history repeat itself? This is the debate raging among political analysts in India today. They are discussing whether the Congress Party can conjure the same magic it did in the late 1970s, when its leadership used a court case to resurrect the party after a humiliating defeat in the 1977 general elections. History has presented the party with a similar situation today. The opposition Congress Party is still reeling after its crushing defeat in the 2014 general elections. Last week, the Party President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi (her son) had to appear before a local court in Delhi seeking bail for a case related to the restructuring and ownership of the organization's mouthpiece, the National Herald. A controversial leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Subramanian Swamy, filed a case against the Congress leaders, alleging misappropriation of the properties of the National Herald through a private company. After the closure of the paper in 2008, the Congress leadership formed a
separate company to handle the debts and properties of the Associated Journals Ltd (AJL). Swamy accuses the Gandhi family of appropriating assets worth $300 million through the AJL, which was formed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul Gandhi's grandfather and India's first prime minister, in 1938. The Congress Party denies any wrongdoing. It says that the new company had been set up to manage the defunct newspaper's financial assets and that no individual received any financial benefit. Besides, the issue relates to Congress' internal adjustment and does not impact anyone outside the party. The case has now become more of a political issue than a legal one. During the court appearances of the two Gandhis, thousands of party workers all across India took to the streets to express solidarity with the Congress leadership. Sonia Gandhi has accused the BJP leader and India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, of a political vendetta. The court case is giving the Congress Party an opportunity to galvanize its party cadres, who have been lying low since
The Supreme Court of India the party's worst-ever performance in the 2014 general elections. In this election, the Congress was only able to win 44 seats in the Indian Parliament, out of a total of 545, a historic low for the group, which has ruled the country for the majority of India's independence. What lends credence to the opposition party's position is Swamy's history. The maverick politician has made a point of targeting the Nehru-Gandhi clan. He never misses an opportunity to use derogatory terms about the Gandhi family. Recently, he accused Rahul Gandhi
of being a British citizen, citing a document from a company with which Rahul Gandhi was associated in the past. No one can deny the fact that the fortunes of the Congress Party are very much linked with India's first political dynasty. The more discredited the party's first family becomes, the less appeal it will have with the masses. According to Harish Khare, editor in-chief of the English daily The Tribune, "There is an entrenched group of intelligent, sharp, determined men and women who vindictively feel that time has come to show the Nehru-
Gandhis their place." He says that there is an ongoing "larger war" between the BJP's affiliate group, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and the Congress Party. "There is a fifty years old, interminable standoff with the Nehrus and the Congress party‌ It is painfully obvious that Jawaharlal Nehru had single-handedly mobilized Indian public opinion against a Hindu rightwing takeover shortly after independence. Now its various affiliated fronts are trying to earn respectability for themselves by wanting to delegitimize the Congress Party and
the Nehru-Gandhis." The Congress Party is using the current court case to revive the memory of 1977, when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was arrested on charge of abusing of power. She used the case to galvanize the party and revive sympathy for the organization among the masses. But 2015 is not 1977. Although the party cadres are now more enthused than before, a case of financial mismanagement will not be enough to lead the party to a revival, Ă la 1977. The Congress Party is a much weaker organization now than it was four decades ago. It needs strong regional leaders, clear strategic thinking, and, above all, an idea to capture the imagination of the people. Invoking its past glory will not be enough to recapture the political power it once enjoyed. To make itself more relevant in the existing Indian political ecosystem, the Congress Party will have to present a new narrative to the nation. Its leadership will have to connect with the aspirations of India and democratize the party structure so that it reflects the changing country.
In Russia, Indian PM Looks to Close Major Defense Deals Narendra Modi's state visit to Russia could result in a bevy of important defense deals. Ankit Panda Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on Wednesday, where he will spend two days meeting with senior Russian officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit will cover the gamut of the India-Russia bilateral relationship, touching on economic, defense, energy, and counter-terrorism. Notably, Modi is expected to confirm India's sale of Russia's advanced S-400 Triumf missile defense system. India will become the second buyer of the advanced platform after China. The visit marks Modi's first state visit to Russia since becoming India's prime minister in May 2014. Modi previously traveled to Russia for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS Summits over the summer in Ufa. Last year, Putin traveled to India for a bilateral visit,
signing billions in agreements on trade and nuclear cooperation. The S-400 deal with Russia is significant in many ways. It will represent the largest Indian weapons deal with Russia since 2001, restoring Moscow's position as India's top arms provider-a position it had held since the days of the Soviet Union but has recently conceded to the United States. Additionally, as I noted in an earlier piece, the S-400 is an eminently capable missile defense system, among the best in its class in the world. Adding the S-400 to India's arsenal will bolster India's ability to protect against ballistic missiles and bombers from hostile neighbors. For Russia, India's continued appetite for defense hardware is a welcome opportunity at a time when western sanctions and drooping oil prices have hurt the
country's economy. The Russians no doubt took note when, last year, during Putin's state visit to New Delhi, Narendra Modi noted that "Russia will remain [India's] most important defense partner." Echoing last year's assurances, Modi assured Putin that Moscow would remain India's "principal partner" in defense, Russian state news reported. "Russia has been India's foremost defence partner through decades, accounting for a majority of our defence equipment‌ Even in the current environment, despite India's improved access to the world market, Russia remains our principal partner," Modi told Itar-Tass. Though the S-400 is the highlight deal, other defense-related agreements may be on the bilateral docket during this state visit as well. In what could be a boon for India's domestic defense
industry, Russia's Kamov OAO could tap an Indian firm to build 200 Ka226T light choppers. Also, as Franz-Stefan Gady noted earlier, India is interested in leasing a second Akula II-class Russian nuclear submarine. On top of these agreements, there could be new momentum on the resumption of joint development on the T-50 PAK FA fifth-generation fighter. Modi and Putin may also agree to jointly manufacture Russian Grigorovich-class frigates in India-India wants the frigates, which are similar to the Talwayclass frigates it already operates, but wants to build them in India. Beyond defense, Modi is expected to leave Moscow with new agreements on nuclear energy and trade. Modi will reiterate India's commitment to building 12 nuclear power plants with Russian technical assistance. "Nuclear energy is an
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Source: media2.intoday.in
important component of our energy security strategy. Russia is currently our leading international partner," Modi said, speaking in Moscow. On trade, Modi remarked that Indo-Russian commerce had not "achieved its full potential." India and Russia are targeting a bilateral trade volume of $30 billion by 2025, and a mutual direct investment target of $15 billion by 2025-the latter commitment came out of the recent India-Russia Inter-
Governmental Consultations in October. Beyond bilateral issues, Modi and Putin are likely to discuss broader international issues, including the fate of Afghanistan, where both India and Russia have important interests, the ongoing crises in the Middle East, and the future of regional and international institutions where both India and Russia participate, including the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
A Lie Of the Fable And Our Chief-Minister We can now foresee a dangerous Assam, dominated exclusively by Bangladeshi. The Chief-minister, as a newspaper-report suggests, can feel the abiding presence of the RSS everywhere around him but as he asserts, there is not a single Bangladeshi in Assam. We learn that a lie repeatedly told may come true. We understand that in the utilization of the funds received from centre, the Chief-minister resorts to lie. The magnitude of corruption that has been taking place in the state government departments of Bishmita Gogoi, Chandan Sarkar, Rockibul Hussain, Atua Munda cannot rock the boat of congress, as corruption has become a way of life for the party. Again, coming to the point of occupation of Xatra's land by the illegal migrants our Chief-minister vehemently opposed the fact asserting that no such illegal grabbing of Xatra's land takes place. But in fact, 8 thousand Bighas of lands of 935 Xatras have been illegally grabbed by the dubious citizens, if news paper-reports are anything to go by. Why our Chief-minister should at all tell a lie maintaining a soft corner for these dubious citizens acting as their messiah? Sir, We remember the fable, 'Tiger kills us, save' just to make the villagers believe as if they are actually killed by the tigers. In fact, it was a lie to befool the villagers. One day, the tigers really killed the hypocrites, as no villager came to their rescue when they yelled, thinking that it was yet another act of hypocrisy to befool them. We find a simile between what is explained above and the lie told by our Chief-minister.
Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
Global Warming: Evil to Earth Sir, Global warming is a major atmospheric issue all over the world. Our earth surface is becoming hot day by
day by the trapping of the sun's heat. The bad effects of it is increasing day by day and causing major problems to the living of us. Earlier it was not a big issue now because of deforestation and pollution it is increasing. To save our earth from global warming we should not cut down trees or we should not use our private vehicle instead of that we should use public transport and if we cut down the trees than from where we will we get oxygen. The main source of oxygen is plants and trees. It also creates lots of problems like melting of glaciers, flood, and strong storms etc. Yours etc Bijit Kanoi Class 7,Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Golaghat
Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
Op
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d e Why Do Aamir Khan And Sheena Bora Become 'News' In A Country Where Millions Die Of Hunger?
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
The image (left) of journal- floods started receiving ist Narayan Pargaien was more media coverage. It taken during the was ironical and unfortunate to see Uttarakhand that a stuFloods in Prashant Ghabak pid act of 2013. To a journalrecall, the Uttarakhand floods re- ist achieved what the death sulted in a loss of close to of thousands could not. 5700 lives, which is the of- This incident raised a lot of ficial government estimate questions for me. Is it the (locals put this figure media which sets the popuaround 15000). To put this lar discourse of our counin perspective, this number try? Or is the media just is bigger than the total feeding the people with deaths caused by terrorism what they want? For people in India during the last 15 to dictate terms, they years. What intrigued me should at least, learn about most was that the media the event through the mecoverage didn't reflect the dia, right? gravity and impact of the In his brilliant book, calamity. One can question 'Thinking Fast and Slow,' Narayan Pargaien's ethics Nobel Laureate Daniel and professionalism, but I Kahneman talks about am afraid to say that he may 'availability cascade' which have done a public service explains how incidents bewith his 'insensitive' act. come sticky and dominate His act caused a lot of out- the media coverage for susrage among the Indian me- tained periods of time and dia and the Indian elite. The how that can reshape Gov-
ernment priorities: "An availability cascade is a self-sustaining chain of events, which may start from media reports of a relatively minor event and lead up to public panic and large-scale government action. On some occasions, a media story about a risk catches the attention of a segment of the public, which becomes aroused and worried. This emotional reaction becomes a story in itself, prompting additional coverage in the media, which in turn produces greater concern and involvement. The cycle is sometimes sped along deliberately by 'availability entrepreneurs,' individuals or organizations who work to ensure a continuous flow of worrying news. The danger is increasingly exaggerated as the media compete for attention-grabbing headlines. Scientists and
others who try to dampen the increasing fear and revulsion attract little attention, most of it hostile; anyone who claims that the danger is overstated is suspected of association with a 'heinous cover-up.' The issue becomes politically important because it is on everyone's mind, and the response of the political system is guided by the intensity of public sentiment. The availability cascade has now reset priorities. Other risks, and other ways that resources could be applied for the public good, all have faded into the background." This explains why a lynching in Dadri becomes national news but similar cases in other parts are ignored. Why a rape of a youth in Delhi causes nationwide protests but the rape of two backward caste minors in a remote village
Why Can't We Accept 'Them' ? Anshul Tiwari "I have seen ups and downs but had never imagined that my choice could affect others, affect my freedom to speech, affect my freedom to live and even my freedom to breathe; i sometimes face discrimination for a crime i did not commit, i wonder if others would ever treat my like a human. Am i not a human, even though i am a … … … . . H O M O SEXUAL" - Rahul Sharma (name changed) Today I wil be writing on an extremely touchy issue, an issue which might take others by offence, an issue about which people dont like to talk in public, an issue no different from the lives of you and me. So, before i write any further, i apologise if the content of this article offences the thoughts of any human being. Homosexualityrefers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of the same sex, or to a homosexual orientation. Homosexuality has been a feature of human culture since earliest history Introduction and Overview In the Indian culture, homosexual people are frequently subject to prejudice and discrimination. Homosexuality in India is generally considered a taboo subject by both Indian civil society and the government. Public discussion of homosexuality in India has been inhibited by the
fact that sexuality in any form is rarely discussed openly. Homosexuality is being seen as a social evil. Not only this, Homosexuals are not accepted by majority and are treated very badly. In recent years, however, attitudes towards homosexuality have shifted slightly. In particular, there have been more depictions and discussions of homosexuality in the Indian news media and by Bollywood which can be quoted as a positive sign. Homosexuals are human beings just like you and me and we ought not discriminate them just because of their sexual preferance. After all its their life. Isnt it? Though not legal in India, homosexuality is prevailant in each and every part or strata of the society. Sexual acts 'against the order of nature' remain illegal in India, though the government no longer seeks to prosecute adults engaging in private consensual homosexual acts. In recent years, the campaign to decriminalize homosexuality has strengthened. Campaigners emphasize both human rights and health issues, particularly the need to disseminate information about HIV/ AIDS. Homosexual relations are legally still a crime in India under an old British era statute dating from 1860 called Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature.' The vague nature of the legis-
India is world's largest democracy, world's fastest growing free market economy, and a country where……….discrimination is still observed, a country where one voice raised leads to one voice less. A few days back, I saw a small kid selling 'channa masala' near my college premises. Though the fact that a child was doing it bothered me, but what bothered me more was a young lady buyer, a student from our esteemed college, calling him 'cham**r'. A lot of us are unaware of the fact that calling anyone by that name is non-permissible under the law and is also a non bail able offence. A few months back a Delhi University teacher was jailed for calling a fellow colleague by that name. These are only two of the millions of incidents. Today I will be writing on various such discriminatory incidents. From the beginning of time, India has been witnessing caste system practices. In this practice many caste have been facing discrimination. Dalits or out castes
have been treated as a subhuman class of untouchables. 'Dalits' literally means "broken or crushes". On 29th September, 08, when I was conducting a research for this article I came across an article, reading which my heart were filled with grief, sorrow and shame. On 26th December, 04 when India witnessed one of the biggest disasters, Tsunami. The Government of India had ordered relief operations in states of the South. Less did it know that these operations were being carried out with caste as a determining factor. Villages like Kadapakuppam and Pattipulam of Kachipuram in Tamil Nadu, which are homes to the so called 'untouchables', received no immediate relief whatsoever. 175 families in Kadapakuppam and 280 in Pattipulam have suffered. Despite complaints no Govt. official had gone to their aid. This is just a story of the South, in a Government school in Uttar Pradesh, Dalit students were given the worst treatment by teachers who were later handed over to the police
basically means more than 2,000 newborn die each day in India. This damage is much more than any terrorist attack or mob lynching can cause even if it happens every day. Yet there is very little media coverage on this. Our education system is not doing any better either. According to the ASER 2015 report, only 48% of class 5 students can read a class 2
lation has resulted in it being used against a wide range sexual behavior like oral sex (heterosexual and homosexual), sodomy, bestiality, etc. The punishment ranges from ten years to lifelong imprisonment. The relevant section reads: "Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine" All i want to convey to the youth is that homosexuality should be accepted for the simple fact that Homosexuals are humans and what have you go to do with their sexuality? If they find the same sex a better companion, its not their FAULT. Its the way they are, and should be accepted. None of the major Indian political parties have endorsed gay rights concerns into their official party manifesto or platform. However, one of the Politburo members of the Communist Party of India
(Marxist), Brinda Karat, did write an open letter in 2003 to the then Minister of Law and Justice, Arun Jaitley, demanding a repeal of section 377, IPC. Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination stemming from negative societal attitudes toward homosexuality leads to a higher prevalence of mental health disorders among lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals compared to their heterosexual peers. However, evidence indicates that the liberalization of these attitudes over the past few decades is associated with a decrease in such mental health risks among younger LGBT people. Gay and lesbian youth bear an increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, school problems, and isolation because of a "hostile and condemning environment, verbal and physical abuse, rejection and isolation from family and peers", psychological and physical abuse by parents or caretakers, and more sexual abuse.
when a local Govt. official made a surprise visit to the school. These incidents are indicative of the persistent caste discrimination throughout the country. It is a sad reality that even in times of extreme necessity, caste prejudices dominate social exchanges. In India the caste system is a powerful tool for social segregation and has implications in our everyday life. It weakens the human urge to excel and liberate. Though the Constitution provides certain safeguards against such discrimination but the constitutional remedies are often inaccessible to the lower castes. On June 20th, 2008, another shameful incident by a well know private school in Delhi gave us a reality check of where our humanitarian behavior actually stands. Salwan Public School on Pusa Road, refused to admit seven waste pickers out of fear that they might carry disease. This is not it, Indians from North Eastern states face high level of discrimination, abuse; be it of a mental or a physical nature, which makes them feel alienated
in their own motherland. When a foreign tourist is raped, it takes our judiciary to solve that case in a month, or even weeks, but there are millions of rape cases of Indian women which are still pending. We are not saying that don't solve the foreign cases, we are saying that if the foreign cases can be solved so fast, why can't the Indian cases be? Here a small boy who is HIV positive is treated like an untouchable. I feel irritated to see such incidents. Muslims find it hard to be trusted by others, why? Not only this, the politicians take advantage of this and play their vote bank politics. When will we realize that we are all the same? We all deserve the same. Please open up your eyes and treat everyone, if not like your brother/ sister, at least like a HUMAN BEING. All this won't stop until we take the charge. These incidents will always be made a part of the filthy politics and will be played with. I plead to you genuinely to open up your eyes and feel the brunt that others feel when they are discriminated in their own motherland.
text. That figure was 47% last year. That shows how little improvement, we have made. When school children can't do basic arithmetic and construct simple sentences, all the talk of "Acche Din" is too premature even if we clock a high GDP growth rate. And the media is just a part of the problem. There is an urgent need to change the way we consume
news.Social Media has shown that citizens can drive the media agenda and become vigilant participants in the democratic process. The first step in doing that is figuring out what is important and asking the right questions. Both the Jan Lokpal movement and the Nirbhaya protests demonstrated the power media has in shaping government policies. They were unique in a sense because citizens having a say in public policy is a kind of a rarity in India. It taught us that politicians do respond to incentives if we are persistent enough to create them. We can do that by showing that education, healthcare, and a lawful society matter more to us than opinions of movie actors or fringe politicians. We have to stop outraging about every statement politicians make and hold them accountable for what they do.
Why 'Feeling Sorry' For Burn Survivors Is Not Even The Last Thing You Should Do Shruthi Venukumar
I Love My (Discrimi)Nation Anshul Tiwari
in Bihar few days after that is ignored completely. The biggest problem with the "availability cascade" is that a lot of times it succeeds in reshaping the priorities of the government to issues which might be of less public importance and can sometimes lead to disastrous effect. The Arushi Talwar case or the Sheena Bora case are the best example of this. The bigger impact is however on the issues which get ignored because of it. India is home to the world's largest poor populationaccording to world bank estimates. While we are sending rockets to mars, we have one of the worst health care systems in the world. In India every year,1.34 million children die before completing five years, of which 7,48,000 die within the first month of their life. Which
It was while doing my early morning ritual of necessary news-trawling that I came across a name that sounds like my favourite colour. The story of 8-year old Safyre Terry is heartwrenching. She lost her father, three younger siblings, and an arm and foot to a fire at their home. Having sustained 75 percent burns to her body, she has had 50 skin grafting surgeries so far. Her custody now rests with her aunt, Liz Dodler, who made public the child's wish to receive 100 cards from all over the world for her Christmas tree. By the time I read the piece, she had already received 20,000 letters. I quickly began to scribble a note for her card, and mailed the article to my tier of best friends asking if they would like to send words her way. The spectrum of reactions from my friends was vivid. In her ever-piquant sensitivity for the world, Ms.P sighed that she could not find the right words and was upset that people will turn it into a sympathy market. She is the sponge that absorbs another's suffering in measures that most people do not. Ms.J lamented about the futility of such messages and remarked, "Look! American Greetings has already made Safyre into their poster girl for sympathy. The heights of capitalism! What use is a card anyway?" It is true that for many, their engagement with Safyre will end with sending her a card and a gift. With that, some of the collective cringe at the misfortune of a child so young will be soothed. Perhaps not many will think of extending help people involved in research
on prostheses and burns. Nonetheless, the impact of cards and other affirmations of love to Safyre and others like her cannot be stressed enough. A friend of mine thought of writing a note complimenting Safyre on her grey-blue eyes and lovely blonde-brown hair as a way to take attention away from her burns. Those kinds of compliments are dicey because, in Safyre's context, they seem to highlight the features of her body that still fall within conventional standards of beauty. If you think comparing prejudice against skin colour with the stigma burn survivors have to suffer is a hyperbole, remember that the difference is in degrees and not form. The physical pain and discomfort of Safyre's condition is a fact. The stigma attached to the way she looks because of her burns and the way she maneuvers her body because of her disability are social constructions that can be discarded if enough people willed. Airing one's sympathy for Safyre's skin condition has the flip-side of ingraining in her mind that she is not normal and that even though our heart goes out to her, she would never be accepted as a normal child, partner, love interest or colleague. Acknowledging the physical ramifications of her burns and working to minimize it is not the same as sympathizing with her because 'she will have a hard time being accepted by the world'. The latter is an apology from us to ourselves for our own unwillingness to discard our own norms of conventional beauty and ability. According to WHO
statistics, in India alone, 10 lakh people suffer moderate to severe burns every year. It is more common that noticeable in one's immediate surroundings. The story of acid attack survivor and rights activist Laxmi opens our eyes to the realities and potential of the life of a burns survivor. Safyre is in the custody of a blood relative. Unfortunately, many survivors of similar accidents end up in orphanages. I once read a report that said that sponsors and donors of aid are more likely to make donations when their charity goes out to a sizeable number of beneficiaries as opposed to a single person. The logic at work here seems to be the desire to make the most number of people better off. While admirable in cases where the donation is intended towards basics of survival, education and research etc., this logic might fail to take into account the fact that a bigger donation on a single person might make them way better off than any of the individual beneficiaries of the second instance. While it does make sense to make the bare minimum accessible to a large number instead of concentrating resources on a single deprived person, we must make sure that this logic should not influence modes of thought where 'giving' is used in a wider sense; for example, in cases like Safyre's, making donations to her process of recovery should not bind us into thinking that economic contribution is the sole way to support, and prevent us from figuring out ways to sustain her psychologically. I have often heard teenagers who have lived all their lives in orphanages say that they are grateful for the charity that makes their sus-
tenance possible. Staffers of many orphanages are known to discipline orphans by telling them that they should be better behaved than the average child because they owe their sustenance to charity. Each one of us who is involved in making monetary contributions to orphanages must keep in mind that spending time with the children, being family figures to them goes a long way in their integration into society at a later age. Human interaction with the outside world is the only way to bring them up rightly feeling like the rightful guilt-free humans that they should be. Schools of psychology hold that if a person's fundamental need to be nurtured and accepted during childhood is left unmet, they can have trouble forming healthy relationships in adulthood, may develop codependency and have trouble detaching from unhealthy relationships. Science and innovation will make life easier for children with disabilities. However, we must bear in mind thatpsychological rehabilitation is possible only by treating them as one would treat any other child while keeping in mind their special needs. Overarching sympathy, repeated references to how the lack of disabled-friendly spaces at school, work, marketplaces etc., will restrict opportunities for them, etc., should be avoided as such 'practical' reasoning will have the effect of caging their minds in a box of limitations. The example of Akshansh Gupta, a person with 95% disabilities who was recently awarded a PhD from JNU, should make every 'normal' person realize the potential of the differentlyabled.
Reservations: Is The History Repeating Itself? In today's world of growth and progress, one major factor that still holds us back from walking with the world ahead is RESERVATIONS. Do we really need reservations? Shouldn't the admissions in IIT's, and other universities be on the basis of merit and academic performance rather than reserving seats for candidates who haven't worked hard? What will be the difference between a student scoring 90% and getting admission in a esteemed institution and a student scoring 50% getting into the same institution just because he/she has a reservation. Because of this a deserving student might just lose an opportunity. I myself have just given my 12th board examinations and am running around for admissions, which ever form I have bought there has been one thing in common, questions about cast,
category, etc. For example, I was faced with questions like Do u belong to Gujarati community? Do u speak Tamil? Are you SC/ST or OBC? Are you a Christian? I mean, where do I go? I read the prospectus and I find that preferences and reservations are given to so and so community, etc. and seriously, I got so fed up. I discussed it with my mom and she was quite chilled out about it. But when I told her that St. Stephens has a quota for Christians, Venki for Tamilians and Telugu, Narsee Monjee for Gujrati's, etc. she started laughing and said " Shouldn't Hindu college have a quota for Hindu's? There should be a reservation for Hindu's. Then she said thank god it is not like that" And then she started laughing. Obviously she
was joking. Thamkfully there is no reservation for the Hindu's and other mainstream communities. I think reservation creates a caste divide. I dont think that there should be reservations, every community should be given equal opportunity. Even if there are reservations they should be on the basis of economic backgrounds. Those who are of a weak economic background but are deserving should be given reservation and provisions should be made to enhance their talent. I read in a survey that every year out of the number of children born in India 45% are highly talented but 95% of them are not able to enhance their talent just because they are poor or of an economically weaker background. Shouldn't children like these belong to the reserved categories?
But still, now that even Gujjar's are fighting for reservation, there will be a time when the whole country would be full of reserved categories. Now that'll be funny for sure, those who are in majority will then become minority and the minorities will be the majority. But the point to be noted is that at the time of independence we were all together, each individual had his/her integral value, after independence reservations started and now 49% of the population is reserved. Isn't that bad. Am sure that there will be a time when the whole country will be divided into castes, classes, quotas for everyone and a world where there would only be fights and riots. Where will people like you and me go? Will we be accepted anywhere? Wouldn't that be a pre-independence scenario?
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
BUSINESS
SPIC devices to employ natural gas in fertilizer plant Chennai, Dec 25: Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation (SPIC) has begun work on a Rs.6,000 crore plan to switch over to natural gas from naphtha as feedstock in its manufacturing process. For this purpose, SPIC has drawn up a three-pronged strategy. The first one calls for replacing naphtha with natural gas as feedstock for use in its urea plant. Second, modernising the existing vintage plant and third, increasing the production capacity. "We have started the conversion work by ordering equipment. How-
ever, engineering and erection of the equipment has been kept pending. The conversion (from natural gas to naphtha) will increase the production capacity to two million tonnes per annum," said a top official. The conversionmodernisation-capacity increase plan was announced at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors' Meet held during September 2015. A SPIC official said: "All the urea manufacturers in the country have been asked to use natural gas instead of naphtha as feedstock in their manufacturing process. The switch
over of manufacturing process is in line with the policy announcement. Currently, we are using naphtha as important pipeline linkage as natural gas is not available to us. The final leg of conversion will be completed along with the implementation of gas pipeline project." Regarding the brownfield project, he said the urea plant was established some 40 years ago and it had been modernised several times. "We would like to modernise once again to take the plant to next level, extend the life of the plant, reduce energy
SPIC STRATEGY HIGHLIGHTS SPIC has drawn up a three-pronged strategy
Second, modernising the existing vintage plant. Third, increasing the production capacity. consumption and increase production capac-
Source: app.investmentguruindia.com ity from the present 0.62 million tonnes by 1.27
million tonnes," he said. (Agencies)
Prabhu seeks pension scheme immunity for railways workers
Source: i2.wp.com
Suresh Prabhu, Union Railways Minister. Source: thehindu.com
ANI Moscow, Dec 25: India's Reliance Group and Russia's Sistema have signed an agreement to establish a joint telecommunications company. According to TASS, Sistema's principal owner Vladimir Yevtushenkov said that his company has signed an agreement with Anil Ambani's Reliance Group to establish a joint venture. On November 2, Sistema signed binding documents on the merger of its Indian telecom businessSistema Shyam TeleServices (SSTL) and Reliance Communications, which is one of the largest telecom operators in India. The two compa-
nies signed the agreement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the CEO Forum in Moscow, during his two-day bilateral visit to the country for the sixteenth annual Summit. The transaction implies that the telecom business is spun out from SSTL and merged with the business of Reliance Communications. SSTL share in the capital of the combined company will be 10 percent. The market capitalisation of Reliance is about USD 2.5 billion, so this share is estimated at USD 250 million. The transaction is expected to be closed in the second quarter of 2016.
Aurobindo Pharma gets USFDA nod for acid reflux cure medicine New Delhi, Dec 25: Aurobindo Pharma said it has received final approval from the US health regulator to manufacture and market Famotidine Tablets used for acid reflux treatment. "The company has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Famotidine Tablets," Aurobindo Pharma said in a BSE filing. The approval has been granted for Famotidine Tablets of 20 milligram (mg) and 40 mg strengths. "The approved ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Application) is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug product Pepcid Tablets, 20 mg and 40 mg, of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc,"
the company added. Famotidine tablets are used for the short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and active duodenal ulcer. Quoting IMS data, Aurobindo Pharma said the approved product had an estimated market size of $29 million (nearly Rs 192.10 crore) for the 12 months ending October 2015. This is the 54th ANDA to be approved out of Unit VII formulation facility in Hyderabad, India, for manufacturing Oral Non-Antibiotic products, the company said. Aurobindo now has a total of 226 ANDA approvals (198 Final approvals including 10 from Aurolife Pharma LLC and 28 Tentative approvals) from the USFDA. (Agencies)
Mr. Prabhu informed the All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) about his submission to the Finance Minister at a meeting. The Minister recently also said that he was in discussion with the Finance Ministry seeking additional
help to meet the 'unbearable burden' of the Seventh Pay Commission's recommendations. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Railways Minister in the previous government, had also raised the issue with the then Finance Minister in March
2014. However, the Ministry of Finance, through a letter written in May this year, didn't agree to the proposal to exempt railway workers from the purview of NPS. Every central government employee appointed on or after January 1, 2004, has to face a deduction from his or her salary (10 per cent equal contribution from the employee and the employer) toward the NPS, which is a defined contribution scheme, instead of the defined benefit scheme that prevailed earlier. Prior to 2004, government employees, including 1.4 million employees in the Railways, were entitled to a fixed pension linked to their final salary at the time of their retirement. (Agencies)
GVK Lounge at CSIA selected as 'World's Best First Class Lounge'
The GVK Lounge, Mumbai. Source: aninews.in ANI Mumbai, Dec 25: The GVK Lounge at Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai has been selected as the 'World's Leading Airport Lounge-First Class 2015' at the recently concluded World Travel Awards in Morocco. The GVK Lounge stands tall amongst some of the world's best airport/airline lounges, which were nominated in this category. The GVK Lounge qualified for nomination in the world category by virtue of winning the award for 'Asia's Leading Airport Lounge' at the 'World
V-Mart Retail shares rise 20% on RBI's nod
The first one calls for replacing naphtha with natural gas as feedstock for use in its urea plant.
Reliance, Russia's Sistema join hands to establish telecommunications company
New Delhi, Dec 25: Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has urged Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to consider a long-pending demand of Railways employees to exempt them from the National Pension Scheme just like the defence forces. "May I request you to kindly have a re-look into the case sympathetically and consider favourably the demand of the Railway Federations to exempt Railway employees from the purview of NPS," the minister wrote in a letter last month, adding there was strong merit in the case. Mr. Prabhu said railway unions had been drawing a parallel with the nature of duties performed by the armed forces, which are exempt from the NPS at present.
PAGE 10
Travel Awards - Asia and Australasia' in Hong Kong on October 29, 2015. The GVK Lounge is operated by Travel Food Services Limited (TFS) and Performa. G. V. Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. said, "The GVK Lounge blends the finest of Indian hospitality with luxurious, world-class design and amenities. It embodies our commitment to delight our guests and provide them with every comfort during their stay at the airport." "We are setting new global benchmarks in hospitality within airports and we will keep raising the
bar in the years to come. Our efforts should guide us towards a time in near future when passengers will look at the airport not merely as a stop, but as a destination in itself," added Reddy. Gaurav Dewan, Chief Operating Officer, TFS said, "The GVK Lounge was designed to offer essential facilities with a lavish touch - a restful, luxurious experience that would help passengers unwind from travelinduced stress. It is the perfect gateway where they can engage in work or indulge in culture, cuisine or pleasure, as their disposition may be. "The World Travel Awards are regarded as the Oscars of the tourism industry and we could not have hoped for a better endorsement of our efforts and services," Gaurav added. Beat Ehlers, Managing Director, Performa said, "We are elated at being recognized for the unrivalled premium customer experience we have created by working with our partners GVK and TFS. The GVK Lounge concept is based on personal interaction, warmth
and deep understanding of the mind-set of our guests. The award is a toast to the success of the ideas and insights that went into making the lounge." The experience at the exclusive First Class (FC) section is akin to a five star hotel with highly personalized service and care to details. The service concept is based on maximum comfort, providing exclusive and the highest level of attention without compromising privacy. MFC travelers enjoy high-class amenities such as a la carte dining, individual spa treatments, relaxation rooms, shower facilities, concierge services, etc. The kitchen crew, comprising a strong set of Indian and international talent, transform the a la carte dining area into a gourmet restaurant upholding the highest culinary standards. The service personnel in the FC section consist exclusively of highly trained, multi-lingual Senior Attaches with background in the hospitality industry. One has to truly experience The GVKLounge to believe it.
Mumbai, Dec 25: The shares of V-Mart Retail rose as much as 20% intraday on BSE after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently allowed Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) to buy up to 49% stake in the company. "Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)/ Registered Foreign Portfolios Investors (RFPIs) can now invest up to 49% of the paid-up capital of VMart Retail Limited under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS)," RBI said in a statement. Recently, the company's shares came down from the day's high, and were trading at Rs 570, up Rs 81.50 or 16.68% higher from previous day's close. The stock of the company opened at Rs 518.80 per scrip from the previous close of Rs 488.50 on
BSE. The day's high and low stood at Rs 586.20 and Rs 518.80, respectively. The central bank said the foreign shareholding by FIIs/ RFPIs in V-Mart Retail has gone below the revised threshold limit. "Hence, the restrictions placed on the purchase of shares of the above company are withdrawn with immediate effect," it added. As of quarterended September 2015, FIIs held 23.09% in VMart, according to BSE data. The company has passed resolutions at the Board of Directors' level and a special resolution by the shareholders has been passed, agreeing for enhancing the limit for the purchase of its equity shares and convertible debentures by FIIs/RFPIs, RBI said. (Agencies)
BSNL to hive off tower infrastructure into new firm Mumbai, Dec 25: The mobile tower infrastructure of the state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will be hived off into a separate subsidiary in nine-months, Union Cabinet Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said recently. "The establishment of a new subsidiary tower company and the transfer of all tower-related assets and liabilities of BSNL is targeted to be completed in nine-months," Prasad said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The Cabinet, in its meeting held on August 5, 2015, had approved the proposal for hiving off telecom tower structure of BSNL into a separate subsidiary company, which will be fullyowned by BSNL. The establishment of a separate company for holding and managing the tower infrastructure assets of BSNL will enable the new com-
pany to unlock the true potential of the tower business and leverage it for expansion of investment and spread of infrastructure, the telecom minister said. "No such proposal is under consideration at present for Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)," Prasad said. In case of BSNL, tower assets are included in the figures of 'Aerial and Masts', for which the net book value is Rs 2,206 crore and in case of MTNL, the tower assets are included in the figures of 'Apparatus and Plant', for which the net book value is Rs 2,825 crore as on March 31, 2015, Prasad added. (Agencies)
Nalco inks treaty with Chinese company for R&D
Indian auto market walk on gas in Indonesia Chennai, Dec 25: Indonesia's auto market, dominated by Japanese companies, are facing competition from India's Tata Motors, Mahindra, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto as they plan to expand their operations in the South Asian nation. "Japanese brands have a strong presence in our market. Indian companies also produce good quality products. But, they have to fight a lot to grab share and position in Indonesia. However, overall it is good for the Indonesian customers that presence of Indian brands has increased competition and created more choice for the people," Saut Siringoringo, Indonesia's Consul General in Mumbai told. Indonesia is the third largest two
wheeler market in the world. It has also transitioned from being merely an export-oriented car production hub to a major consumption centre for vehicles on the back of rising per capita GDP. Japanese brands such as Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki have a combined market share of over 90 per cent in two wheelers. Toyota, Honda and Suzuki dominate in cars. Indian companies such as Tata, TVS Motor and Bajaj have been actively expanding in Indonesia with their new product ranges. Now, Mahindra & Mahindra is looking to tap Indonesian market. It plans to sell its trucks in Indonesia, which has huge transportation needs. "I find growing interest among the Indian vehicle compa-
FLOURISHING INDIAN AUTO FIRMS Indonesia's auto market, dominated by Japanese companies, are facing competition from India's Tata Motors, Mahindra, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto. India's Tata Motors, Mahindra, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto can be dominating as they plan to expand their operations in the South Asian nation.
Indian companies such as Tata, TVS Motor and Bajaj have been actively expanding in Indonesia with their new product ranges. Now, Mahindra & Mahindra is looking to tap Indonesian market. It plans to sell its trucks in Indonesia, which has huge transportation needs.
nies as well as component makers to come to Indonesia," he said adding, "the availability of huge cheap labour coupled with growing consumption from the middle class have been attracting companies. Also, Indonesia is a highly urbanised economy in South East Asia. "Mean-
while, we are not only inviting Indian companies to invest in Indonesia, but also facilitating our companies to set up shops in India as part of the make in India campaign. At least five companies across agro, food and IT sectors have set up operations in south India in the recent past," he added. (Agencies)
Bhubaneswar, Dec 25: State-owned aluminium maker National Aluminium Company (Nalco) on Wednesday signed an agreement with China Aluminium International Engineering Corporation (Chaleico) of China, for Research and Development (R&D) cooperation in the fields of mutual interest. Under the pact, the two companies would be separating iron concentrate from red mud and extracting gallium from bayer liquor. "Extraction of marketable iron concentrate from red mud will be our first R&D project with Chaleico.This will be a
major step in extracting value out of red mud, which is otherwise treated as an industrial waste," Nalco Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) T K Chand said. "On successful completion of the project, the efforts will be commercialised through a demonstration plant," he added. The agreement was signed on Wednesday, in presence of Nalco CMD and BK Satpathy, Executive Director (Business Development), Nalco and Guo Pu, General Manager, Chaleico, who were also present at the occasion along with other senior officers. (Agencies)
Features
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Page 11
WOMEN’S Different Sarong Styles of North East India The states of the North East are known for their abundant natural beauty, their richness of culture and also inimitable sense of style. Top Indian as well as international designers collectively agree that North East part of India is the most fashionable zone in the Indian sub continent. There are several styles that have originated in North East and then spread to various corners of India and amongst them is theSarong. A Brief History of Sarong The sarong is a beautiful wrapper that is stitched together in the form of a tube. Men and women all across the world wear the Sarong now and in Indonesia it is pretty much recognized as the national dress. Sarongs are made in a wide variety of material like woolen cloths, hand woven plaids. Wrapper Ikkats, Batik wraps, silk plaids and silk woven Ikkat are famed enough. Phanek of Manipur Phanek is recognized to be the loveliest and the most unique form of sarong found in North East India. The Phanek is a thicker version of the Sa-
rong as Manipur has a stitched version of the cool climate. The organic Phanek in markets; a loin loom is used for hand Phanek is supposed to be weaving Phaneks. The hand stitched by the Loin Loom is also called wearer. the Fly Jainsem Shuttle o f Moupee Debroy Meghalaya Loom or the Back Jainsem Strap Loom. All the tra- is a wrap around skirt ditional symbols and mo- worn by members of tifs on the Phanek have Khasi tribes of their own religious and Meghalaya. Walk around cultural significance. in the streets of Shillong There are two main vari- and you will see several eties of Phanek; Metei modern versions of the Phanek and Tribal Jainsem worn by fashPhanek. Interestingly you ionable young ladies. The will never ever see a Jainsem is a long wrap around skirt or sarong that is paired with a longish wrap that is often one shouldered. Local Meghalaya designer Elizabeth Marbaniang has taken the Jainsem to another level in showcasing it in Shillong fashion shows. Jainsem can be made up of woolen plaids as well as silks like Tussar and Muga. The rustic version of the Jainsem is also worn around the upper body wrapped like a tube when the tribal women go for a bath. Dakmanda worn by Garo and Khasi Tribes Phanek of Manipur. The Sarong is adapted to Source: nelive.in become a complete dress
by the talented weavers of the Garo Tribe of M e g h a l a y a . TheDakmanda is also woven by the fly shuttle loom and it is much longer in length than the traditional sarong. The colour of the Dakmanda is vibrant and interspersed with traditional geometric patterns which signify local aesthetics and tribal imagery. Mostly tribal families use their own personal loom for weaving Dakmanda and the task is considered to be an important part of their daily household chores. The Dakmanda though it is essentially a variation of the Sarong is draped around the body like a Lungi and paired with fitted or loose shirts. Rigu, Rabhas and Chin worn by Tribes of Assam Both the men and women of Dimasa tribes wear clothes which they organically make in their homes. Most women of the Asamese tribe like wearing a structured wraparound skirt called the Rigu. This skirt is a little looser than the Jainsem and is made up of the famous Endi silk. The Rigu is usually paired with an embroidered vest
known as Rijamaphai. The men also wear a deep green version of the sarong in a dhoti style and they call it Dhuni. Unlike Manipur the tribes of Assam wear their own versions of Sarong irrespective of the gender, age and economic status The Thai Phake tribes of Assam have their own version of the Sarong called the Chin. The Chin is generally striped in appearance though it can also have geometric patterns. The length stretches from the waist to the ankles and is flanked by a waistband with bells called Chairchin. Males of the tribe wear a fusion between the sarong andlungi called the fatong with a shirt called Sho. Interestingly children of these tribes are not permitted to wear the Chin. Traditionally these dresses are only supposed to be worn by youngsters above the age of 12. Rabhas is also a tribe of Assam known for their unique dressing style. Rabhas tribe has their own loom called theKoum Kantong which they use to produce their own cloth. Their preferred version of the Sarong is
Lufung that is a slightly loose wrap around skirt traditionally made with the colours red and black. The Lufung is secured around the waist by a beautiful belt decorated by cultured pearls and mini conch shells known as Labok. This Lufung gives the tribal women ample benefits as it is easy to drape and serves as a convenient accessory during their traditional dances Azu Jangnup Su of Nagaland The zemi, angami and Rongmei tribes of Nagaland all wear their very own versions of the Sarong. There are more 30 different tribes and sub clans in Nagaland and they all have their own dressing code. Apart from the Zemei women who only wear white coloured garments the other tribes all wear vibrant colours in their skirts. The traditional garment of the Ao women is a skirt which is about 2 meters long and is draped around the waist like a wrap around skirt or a sarong. One of the edges of this skirt is tucked in to provide a good grip. There is a lot of variety in skirts
Jainsem of Meghalaya. Source: nelive.in and the colours, textures and patterns. The popular kind of skirt worn by Ao tribes is Azu Jangnup Su that is coloured with red and yellow vertical panels. The fish tailed skirt version of the sarong is colourful and also known
as the cucumber seed skirt. The angami tribal women go for a lot of diversity when it comes to their bottom wear and their sarongs are coloured bright with a number of contrasting panels and designs. Courtesy: Nelive.in
7 Common Hair Removal Mistakes Simple Steps To Get Rid Of Body Odour You've probably been waxing and shaving for as long as you can remember‌but you could be making a number of hair removal mistakes and not even know it. And, no, we don't just mean shaving with a dull/ old razor. Apart from damaging your skin and your hair follicles, you could have nasty side effects in your bid to be hairfree if you're making these mistakes. Follow these tips for smoother skin always. Mistake #1: Shaving In The Morning Shaving in the shower first thing in the morning is convenient, yes, but doesn't give you the best results. That's because your legs swell ever so slightly when you sleep, which means you may miss a few hairs. Shaving at the end of the day helps give you a closer shave. Mistake #2: Being Lazy About Exfoliating We all know that we should be exfoliating, but we're all guilty of not taking it seriously. Exfoliating is the best way to prevent and banish those annoying ingrown hairs. By sloughing away dead skin, you prevent hair from getting trapped below the skin. No matter whether you wax or shave, you need
to exfoliate to ensure smoother skin and to make sure all the hair comes off easily. Mistake #3: A LastMinute Wax At Home Have a hair emergency, but there's no time to run to the parlour? That's when most of us try to play beautician and experiment with athome waxing kits. Unless you have experience, know what you're doing and wax slowly in the proper direction, it's only going to lead to disaster. Waxing in a haste and not really knowing whether you're doing it right will mostly always result in breaking the hair or even bruising the skin. Just stick to good old shaving in such situations and leave the waxing to the professionals. Mistake #4: Shaving With Soap Using your usual bar of soap as a make-do alternative to shaving cream is a big nono. Admit it, you've tried it at least once. Soap doesn't provide enough protection to the skin and can cause razor burn as well as not let you have a close shave. Plus, using a razor with soap can be extremely drying for the skin. Please get your hands on shaving cream, other-
Source: content14.popxo.com wise your hair conditioner works way better than your bar of soap. Mistake #5: Waxing Too Often It's tempting to head to the salon at the first sight of stubble, but it's essential to space out your waxing appointments. Wait at least 4 weeks before your next wax to avoid hair breakage and in-growth. Your hair should be a quarter inch long at least for it to come off easily. Mistake #6: Stretching Your Brows As You Tweeze Making faces, flinching and lifting your brows or pulling them taut while you tweeze can end in di-
saster. By doing so, you can throw off the symmetry you want and not be able to see the proper shape you want which could mean that you can end up over-tweezing. Just relax your face as much as possible while you pluck away those stray hairs. Mistake #7: Not Moisturizing After Simply wiping down your skin post shave or post wax isn't enough, you need to moisturize to keep your skin hydrated and soft. Hair removal is a drying process. Use a gentle lotion that is fragrance-free as you don't want to irritate your skin since it's pretty sensitive after waxing or shaving.
3 Things You Do While Sleeping That Are Ruining Your Skin! We all know that sun exposure, pollution, stress are all daily factors that are damaging and aging your skin. But did you know the way you sleep can also give you premature wrinkles and lines? We tell you how you're sleeping position and what you sleep on can be ruining your skin. Switch up the way you snooze for some actual beauty sleep! 1. Sleeping On Your Stomach Sleeping on your front is pretty much the worst way to sleep. Crushing your face against your pillow every single night is the fastest way to lead to wrinkles, especially lines on your forehead. If you've ever woken up with
Source: shefinds.com those sleep lines on your face then you need to change your sleeping position stat. Oh, and chest wrinkles are also another side effect of sleeping on your stomach. 2. Sleeping On Your Side We all spend some snooze time on our side at some
point in the night. But sleeping on your side all through the night can form creases on cheek, chin and around your mouth. Before you freak out, you could alternate between sides instead of favouring just one side. Also, scoot lower down so only half your
face is on the pillow and you're not smashing your cheeks into it. The best position is to sleep in is on your back! 3. Sleeping On A Rough Pillowcase When you sleep on a rough pillowcase for long periods of time, it can break down collagen of your skin which reduces firmness and cause wrinkles. A rough surface can tug at the skin and also cause dryness, and we all know dry skin is more prone to lines and wrinkles. The best kinds of materials for your skin (as well as your hair) are satin and silk. They're gentle on your skin and can help it retain moisture.
There's nothing worse than being a "smelly cat" amongst your friends! The reasons could be many: from excessive sweating to poor hygiene to even your diet. We give you some of the easiest tips to smell awesome, always! 1. Do not compromise on hygiene There is no amount of deodorant or perfume in the world to compensate for a shower after you work out. Seriously, the whole point of exercising (besides toning up your muscles and revving up your metabolism) is to work up a good sweat. So don't skip a shower before you leave the changing room. Wipe yourself dry with a cotton towel, and half the battle is won, right there. 2. Switch out your deo for alternatives Research suggests that due to parabens and aluminums found in antiperspirant deodorants, excessive use might actually harm you in the long run. So let's not take any chances. Keep a solid perfume handy. It's fresh, floral and great to use. Body oils too are a great way to keep fresh and smell good. 3. Apple cider vinegar to
the rescue Don't you love how many uses this magical bottle has? Apart from giving you shiny hair, the vinegar is actually an antiseptic and kills off the smelly bacteria and fungi upon usage. You can add it to your bath water or just wipe your underarms dry with it. It's great to do this on days you're chumming too, when odour can be especially persistent. 4. Restore the pH balance of your skin Our body and its largest organ, i.e., skin, is always engaged in saying toodles to toxins. Sometimes the products we use can clog our pores, not allowing us to get rid of enzymes that are disposed of by sweat.You can use a bit of witch-hazel or add tea-tree oil to your bath water, and maintain the pH balance of your skin. You can also apply these directly on any parts of your body. 5. Detox, please! It could be the burger you hogged or the excessive caffeine in your system that is literally stinking up your act! Take the load off by allowing your body to take a time out. To accelerate the process, try this detox juice:
Take 1 green apple, 4-5 spinach/kale leaves, a few strands of parsley, a small piece of ginger and blend. Top it with a squeeze of lime and drink up. And remember to make sure your
actually good for your skin. So let nature take its course. Make up for it by staying hygienic and using a perfume when you're around others. Aquatic, cool perfumes are a staple
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gut is healthy - add a probiotic drink to your daily regime help aid digestion too. 6. Make the most of your signature scent Finally, don't get embarrassed of sweating. The weather is very humid right now, and sweating is
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amongst both genders, whereas citrus and floral fragrances can also wake you up. And always keep a small perfume in your handbag for rushed mornings or middle-of-the-day touch-ups. 7. Put your trust in airy fabrics and regular grooming Yes, cotton might crumple in the heat, but polyester is doing you absolutely no good whatsoever. It may be harder to maintain, but natural fabrics - which don't fit too tightly - allow your skin to breathe and your sweat to actually dry up instead of just sitting on your skin. As well, remember that underarm fuzz will trap sweat (and odours!), so a regular waxing session is a good idea. And while you're at it, exfoliate too, so that dry and dead skin cells and dirt and impurities clogging your pores are cleansed regularly.
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"The ICC has informed that Kusal's B sample has also been tested positive for a banned drug. We are appealing against this and will back him with legal representation while doing every possible effort to help him to get out of this issue."
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Sri Lanka sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera
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‘Unlucky’ Marsh dropped for second Test against Windies ANI Melbourne: Australian top-order batsman Shaun Marsh has been dropped from the Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against West Indies, which starts from Saturday. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja, who was recovering from hamstring injury sustained during the second Test against New Zealand, has been recalled for the second Test against Windies. With this, Australia will return to the batting line-up they used in Brisbane and Perth, with the captain Steve Smith returning to number four and allowing Khawaja to bat at first down. Reflecting on Marsh's omission, Smith
said that the 32-year-old was 'extremely unlucky' to be dropped, but admitted that the selectors' decision would be in the best interest of the team. For the visitors, Shannon Gabriel, who has been ruled out of the upcoming match after suffering a foot injury in Hobart will be replaced by uncapped bowling all-rounder Carlos Braithwaite. The Caribbean side are currently
Shaun Marsh dropped for the 2nd test even after scoring a terrific 182 in the 1st test in Hobart.
Woods seeks `pain-free` comeback in 2016 ANI California: Having struggled all the year round, former world number one golfer Tiger Woods has insisted that he is looking forward to play 'pain-free' 2016 season, maintaining that he will continue to play golf at the highest level. The 39-yearold admitted that 2015 was physically a very tough year for him as he didn't manage to build on a swing pattern through-
Tiger Woods
out the year. Describing his year as ` roller-coaster `, Wood hopes to sustain good health and stressed
that he would try to return on track in the upcoming year. According to reports, the winner of 79 career PGA Tour events believes that he would remain a contending and emerging golfer over the next few years. Woods, who now stunningly ranks 414th, has not won a tournament since the 2013 WGCBridgestone Invitational. He bagged his last major title in 2008 winning the US Open.
City Police sails into final Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 25: City Police, Guwahati beat Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club 4-3 via tie-break in the second semifinal to book their place in the final. They will take on Oil India FC in the final of the fourth Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh Invitation Prizemoney Football Championship organised by AllAssam Muttock Yuba
Chatra Sanmilan Central Committee at Janamukh Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Tinsukia district. The match ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Both the teams toiled hard in the first half but could not break the deadlock. City Police drew first blood through Doumaln Basumatary in the 59th minute. Doumaln collected a pass from Sanam Boro and tapped the ball into the
back of the net. Nobin Chawra of Tinsukia Railway equalized in the 87th minute after he converted a pass from Bhaskar Gogoi. In the penalties, Thitar Ghosh, Phulen Bayan, Tapan Kalita and Sanam Boro converted for City Police while Santosh Chetia, Debashis Kundu and Dulab Gogoi scored the goals for Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club. The final will be played on Sunday.
trailing 0-1 in the threematch Test series against Australia and the two sides will play their second match in Melbourne followed by the third test i n S y d n e y. A u s t r a l i a Playing XI: Joe Burns, D a v i d Wa r n e r ( v c ) , Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
Chris Rogers calls on `unforgivable` Windies to improve performance ANI Melbourne: Former Australian opener Chris Rogers has said that it will be 'unforgivable' for West Indies if they come up with another dull performance in the second Test of the three-match series between the two sides. The 38-yearold insisted Windies to display a bit more desire and hustle than they had shown in the opening Test. West Indies continued to display shoddy fielding in the first Test as veteran batsman Marlon Samuels looked disinterested in the field,
Delighted Bayliss says England upbeat for Proteas series
yawning and walking around with his hands in his pockets. He further called on the Caribbean side to play more as a team rather than individuals, insisting them to play at the top of the game in the upcoming matches. West Indies suffered a humiliating innings and 212-run defeat in the opening Test in Hobart, which triggered widespread criticism from former greats on the current plight of the islanders' stand in the international cricket.
England coach Trevor Bayliss ANI Johannesburg: Delighted by his side's last warm-up game victory, England coach Trevor Bayliss believes that his side are fully prepared and show good sign ahead of the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Earlier, England displayed their strong preparation as they beat South Africa A team by an innings and 91 runs in their final warm-up match in Pietermaritzburg. Reflecting on their win, the 53year-old coach said that his side displayed an all-round
performance, adding that it was important to get into a winning habit ahead of the tour against the world number one team. Bayliss, who was jubilant to see all top four batsmen scoring runs, insisted them to continue with their present form in the forthcoming series as well. Meanwhile, South Africa, which suffered a 0-3 series defeat in the recentlyconcluded series Test against India, will aim to bounce back when they will take on England in fourmatch series, starting from Saturday.
All Assam Inter 'Short' Bavuma district kick Boxing aiming big for Proteas to work with his small to be held at Sonari ANI Johannesburg: Ahead stature despite people of his side's upcoming seeing it as a challenge
ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 25: The 4th All Assam Inter district kick boxing competition and 3rd All Assam professional prize money kick boxing competition organised by All Assam kick boxing federation will be held at the public playground of Sonari in Sivasagar from 28th to 31st January. Utpal Borah and Master Ahmed Ashraf, the president and the secretary
of the federation informed that the matches of sub-junior, junior, semi-contact, light-contact, full-contact, low kick, thigh-kick, K-1, Aero-kick boxing and musical form events of senior category would be conducted in the competition. The competition will be open for all. In order to participate in the competition, interested parties may contact– 9954330733/ 8751091282/ 9954453721/ 8753875743.
Test series against England, South African batsman Temba Bavuma believes that his short height is not a disadvantage for him and his techniques are also honed around his size. Bavuma, who is likely to play at number seven position in the series, is by far the shortest batsman in the line-up, standing 162cm tall. The 25-year-old insisted that he has learned
for him. Bavuma, who is looking forward to the upcoming series, asserted that although he enjoyed the experience of opening in India, the middle-order position is where he feels most comfortable. Describing every series as `big`, the right-hand batsman said his aim would be to try to establish himself as one of the regulars in the team.
Yasir Arafat disappointed by PSL omission ANI Karachi: Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has expressed his disappointment after being dropped from the first edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying that it is a massive let down that the player of high calibre like him is ignored from a local tournament. Describing himself as a 'Twenty20 specialist', Arafat said that it was shocking that he didn't manage to find place in his own league despite having proven record in the shortestformat of the game.
Yasir Arafat
Arafat stressed that he was playing this format of cricket from last ten years, maintaining that he had even played in all the top leagues around the globe. Expressing his views on the PSL's future, the all-rounder, however, said the upcoming Twenty 20league would help in nurturing young players at the highest standards possible. The PSL is slated to be held in the United Arab Emirates from February 4 to February 23.
Meghalaya protest the shifting of SAG badminton event to Guwahati Shillong, Dec 25: Protesting against the shifting of the badminton event to Guwahati, the Meghalaya Olympics body today said they would write to the government and the organising committee of the South Asian Games requesting to allow the event to be played in the city as decided initially. "We'll write to the government and the organising committee of the
SAG requesting them to allow the games to be held as decided earlier," Meghalaya State Olympics Association Working President John F Kharshiing said. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the MSOA last evening, he said. The state government had also protested the decision and state sports Secretary F R Kharkongor had sent letters of protest to the
bodies concerned. Kharkongor said the decision to shift the event from Shillong to Guwahati would adversely affect the morale of the co-host state and requested the decision makers to respect the sentiments of the people of the state. Earlier, the SAG Games Technical Conduct Committee had pointed out two issues with regards to the badminton court at the SAI
complex at the North Eastern Hill University premises. Kharshiing said the issues raised by them were that the lighting should be increased from present 1000 lumens to 1500 lumens and that the practice area should either be planked or carpeted. Terming the issues as "minor", Kharshiing said these could be rectified well ahead of time. (Agencies)
Dibrugarh in sight of victory Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 25: Dibrugarh are in a commanding position after Mangaldoi are reeling at 25/5 in their second essay after being bundled out for a paltry score of 59 in the first innings. This transpired on an eventful first day of the two-day Nuruddin Ahmed Senior Inter-district cricket tournament match between Dibrugarh and Mangaldoi at DDSA stadium today.
Electing to bat, Dibrugarh managed to score 172 runs before being bundled out in 43.3 overs. Ritupon Phatwali topscored with 43 runs off 57 balls, hitting four fours and two maximums. Ishan Ahmed and Salim Ahmed contributed with useful knocks of 31and 26. For Mangaldoi, Kailash Roy and Utpal Goyari shared three wickets each for their team giving away 30 and 69 runs respectively.
In reply, Mangaldoi were bundled out for a paltry 59 in 27 overs in the first innings. Nihar Das( 22) was the only notable scorer. For Dibrugarh, Prasanta Sonowal scapled six wickets while Dipak Gohain claimed three wickets. Dibrugarh having got a lead of 113 runs enforced the follow-on and asked the visiting team to bat again. In the second innings as well the Mangaldoi
batsman failed to apply themselves. They were reeling at 25/5 in a mere 12 overs when stumps were drawn. For Mangaldoi, Nimesh Lashkar and Amar Sohail were at the crease on 9 and 4 respectively. The wrecker-in-chief of the first innings, Prasanta Sonowal was at it again as he accounted for three of the five wickets to fall while Ritupon Phatwali claimed the other two.
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