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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 206
Manipur holds the key to 'Look East'
Dibrugarh, Thursday, December 31, 2015
JOBS & CAREER
Page 8
The New Year is sure to bring smile for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as the state Government that has envisages zero tolerance to issues pertaining to the health sector has decided to create and fill 825 posts in various cadres in the Department of Health. Commissioner (Health) B. Siram stated that the recruitment process is expected to be completed within 6 months.
ET CAPSULES Dead body found Tinsukia, Dec 30: Sensation prevailed after the recovery of a dead body of a woman in naked condition from Potia Pathar under Tinsukia police station on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Sufia Begum, aged 45 years. SP, Tinsukia Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta said that during preliminary investigation there was no evidence of any foul play. However, we are waiting for the medical reports, he added. According to sources that as per her family members she was a psychiatric patient and was missing since three days. (Spl Correspondent)
Artist killed in train mishap Jorhat, Dec 30: One Shymal Borah (25) a folklore artist from Pokamura Bezgaon was knocked down by Jorhat - Guwahati Down Intercity Express near the Bahek gaon railway crossing under Pulibor Police station in Jorhat district here today. He was on his way to home and it is suspected that he did not hear the sound of the approaching train at the unman crossing. The locals from the Bahek gaon area has been demanding for a gate at the unmanned crossing since it had been the cause of several accidents in the past as well. (Correspondent)
BJP protest at Jorhat Jorhat, Dec 30: The Jorhat district BJP members, executives and workers today took part in a day-long protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office regarding the prevalent situation in the state in the last few days. The BJP members asked for the corporation from the state government instead of showing ‘Gundagiri’ and passing absurd comments. (Correspondent)
The Health security of the state, in view of the zero tolerance policy in this sector will be translated into reality in the coming year. The State Government that has always prioritized healthcare as the prime attention area is always taking steps to strengthen the institutional mechanism for healthcare delivery to maximize the outreach of healthcare services to every nook and corner of the state. The various posts to be cre-
Specialist discipline 101
Drug Inspector 11
MO (Allopathy) 65 MO (Homeopathic) 5 MO (Ayurvedic) 5
Radiographer 6
Biomedical Instrumentation Engineer 2
Blood Bank Technician 12
Laboratory Technician 34
ECG Technician 3 Physiotherapist 7 OT Technician 18 Staff Nurse 256 Multi Purpose Workers (MPW) 150
ANM 150
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ated under the health department are Different Specialist discipline 101 posts, MO (Allopathy) 65 posts, MO (Homeopathic) 05 posts, MO (Ayurvedic) 05 posts, Biomedical Instrumentation Engineer 02 posts, Physiotherapist 07 posts, Staff Nurse 256 posts, ANM 150 posts, Drug Inspector 11 posts, Radiographer 06 posts, Laboratory Technician 34 posts, Blood Bank Technician 12 posts, ECG Technician 03 posts, OT Technician 18 posts, Multi Purpose Workers (MPW) 150 posts altogether.
Non completion of Bogibeel Bridge - life line for people of Upper Assam and Arunachal – continues to frustrates Dibrugarhians
ACS urges state govt to carry out PGT, TGT recruitment through APPSC aspirants demanded that the advertisement issued on December 18 last by the Directorate of School Education for temporary post of Post Graduate Teacher and Trained Graduate Teacher should be recalled and handed over to the APPSC. The state government under Arunachal Pradesh Education Act, 2010 has already notified that the post of PGT and TGT shall be filled up by direct recruitment through APPSC,
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 30
Emphasizing on quality education, PGT and TGT aspirants under the banner of Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) today demanded the state government to carry out the recruitment process of PGT and TGT teachers through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). Addressing a press conference here today at Arunachal Press Club, the
ACS leaders addressing the media at Arunachal Press Club.
Contd. on Page 3
Arunachal BJP demands explanation from government on PDS scam exposed by ‘The Eastern Today’ A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 30
The Arunachal Pradesh state committee of the BJP has demanded an explanation from the Nabam Tuki led state government on the ongoing massive Public Distribution System (PDS) scam which was exposed exclusively by ‘The Eastern Today’ recently. The newspaper had carried out a series of data based exclusive reports while unearthing the scam through investigative
journalism by launching an operation codenamed as ‘OPERATION WHITE’. “The state government must come open and explain the ‘OPERATION WHITE,’ Open loot raj unleashed by Haryana based contractor on PDS in Arunachal involving multicrore scam derailing the PDS in the state”, Dominic Tadar, general secretary, BJP, Arunachal Pradesh said through a press release today. It might be mentioned that the reports had created sensation throughout the state. The
Fund crunch forces organisers to put of PPWF A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 30
The much awaited Pangsau Pass Winter Festival - 2016 which was slated from January 20 to 22, 2016 at Nampong, a bordering small town in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh has finally been called off. The decision was taken in a meeting held on Tuesday at ADC’s office at Jairampur during which PRI
members, head of departments and PPWF organising committee members were present. “During the meeting it was felt that there is hardly any time to host the mega event due to paucity of funds”, a member of the Organising Committee said. It is a colourful tribal festival that showcases the culture, crafts and cuisine of the various tribes of the state. Contd. on Page 4
Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh in its state office bearers meeting presided by the state president Tai Tagak at the party HQ, Itanagar today also condemned in its strongest terms on the controversial statements made by the Former Congress Agriculture Minister of Assam, Minister Nilamani Sen Deka about Human Resource Development (HRD) minister Smriti Irani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement was made by him at a public meeting by Congress party in the Nalbari district of
Assam on Sunday last. The state BJP unit termed it as one of the cheapest statements made by a political leader for some short term gains and to please Smti. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. It is shameful, filthy and ugly affairs from the part of Congress Party and its leader to stoop so low and indulge in such dirty politics. The party blamed the AICC for not taking any appropriate action against Shri Deka and rather protecting him till now.
All Assam Moran Students Union and Moran Sahitya Sabha has condemned the decision taken by All Assam Tribal Coordination Committe to oppose the move of granting schedule tribe status to six community of Assam. In a press release, Moran Students Union has expressed shock and anger over a decision by the
File picture of Bogibeel Bridge. Avik Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Dec 30
As 2015 comes to an end the biggest frustration for the people of Dibrugarh and upper Assam is once again the tardy progress made in the construction of the Bogibeel Brigde. The Bogibeel Bridge, the longest Rail cum Road Bridge on the Brahmaputra River is the hope of connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh which apart from easing out
communication is expected to boost trade ties between the two sisters state of Northeast. An official of the Northeast Frontier Railway said that the Bridge will be completed by June, 2017. Everybody is eagerly waiting for the completion of the bridge which will have strategic importance in the eastern part. “The Bogibeel Bridge is one of the sluggish projects ever made in the history of construction,’’ Rajib Chetia, a resi-
dent of Dibrugarh said. He said the Bandra Worli Sea link on Arabian Sea took ten years to complete but the Bogibeel project is taking too long time for completion. The railway official said construction of the 4.950 km bridge was going on as per schedule. “Everybody is working round the clock including engineers, welders and other workmen to complete the bridge within the stipulated period,” he said. Contd. on Page 4
Police are working as agents of Congress : Shantanu Bharali ET Correspondent Guwahati, Dec 30
Countering the protests by the Congress against the BJP, members of the saffron party today sat on a hunger strike across the state on Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. BJP workers alleged that the police were working under the influence of Congress-run state government. "Police are working as agents of Congress. This is jungle raaj. Our leaders are
being undemocratically arrested by police," said BJP spokesperson Shantanu Bharali. Workers of the saffron party and Congress clashed in front of state Congress headquarters here on Monday, leaving over 20 people injured. BJP workers stormed the Congress office in protest against the disparaging remarks against Union HRD minister Smriti Irani by state Congress leader Nilamani Sen Deka. Deka has
apologized, but irate BJP supporters demanded his arrest. On Tuesday, police officials went to the BJP head office at Hengrabari here looking for some of its youth leaders. "Police action and behaviour on Tuesday morning have offended us. If they want to come to our head office, they should have sent a prior notice to us. They did not have even consult with our senior leaders," said Bharali.
Contd. on Page 3
Moran Students Union condemns tribal coordination committee decision Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Dec 30
Pages- 12
Taiwan, China launch hotline after historic summit
Page 9
THE VARIOUS POSTS
5.00
7-7.5% growth in Indian economy in 2016: Kaushik Basu
State Government’s New Year Gift 825 post recruitments in Health Sector A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 30
Price -
coordination committe to approach the courts to oppose the schedulization move. Arunjyoti Moran, central committee president of All Assam Moran Students Union said that Moran community is one of the local and original community of Assam and meets all eligibility criteria for the status of schedule tribe. Contd. on Page 4
Pests and weather hit tea production in 2015 ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 30
According to team of scientists, weather conditions and increase of pests brought tea production in Assam down by 15% in 2015. Scientists of Tocklai experimental station have said that continuous rain and less sunshine had an impact on the annual production this year. The tea growing belt in Upper Assam especially tea
rich Doomdooma in Tinsukia district has been the worst hit with production down by nearly 30% to 24.82 million kgs from 31.15 million kgs. A Tocklai scientist said that they will release two new tea clones designed to yield good quality tea which can face the erratic climate situation. Bidyanand Borkakoty, adviser to NETA (North eastern tea association) said that overall production in the state was down by 13.8%
compared to last year’s figure. There are reports of increasing pest attack in some gardens as insecticides could not be use because of continuous rain and drought like situation. Tea planters during a meet said that entire Upper Assam districts witnessed a drop in production of green leaves. Assam produces more than 500 million kgs of tea every year more than half of the total production of the country.
MLDC attempts to build up Mishmi script on Roman characters
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‘Better late than never’, The Mishmi Language Development Committee (MLDC) has realised to document their rich dialogue which is virtually hovering for extinction For this noble endeavour, the educated elites from Tawra, Kman and Idu Assembled here at the BRC hall to give technical shape to the script under the active guidance of Dr Roger Blench a linguist expert and Professor from Cambridge, United Kingdom here today. The intellect from
Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit and Anjaw enthusiastically took part in this noble meet. “The rare Mishmi language is being spoken by thousands of people in Arunachal and is not used in school and is not spoken by the youngsters raising apprehension of its early extinction. Development of script will go in long way to record traditions as well as oral literature of the tribes. Though several attempt has been made to develop the language but failed or underlying study of Mishmi language’s
sounds which had not been undertaken correctly”, rues the Blench. Under Roman characters so far 7000 language have been developed till day in the world, he discloses. Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh comprised of three different groups speak different dialogue, two different groups Idu and Tawra apparently similar however Kman has common features with Meyor tribe of Walong & Kibitoo. Culturally they shared many common in cultural aspects which make
them distinct from other tribes of Arunachal. The most common reflected in them are polygamy system, distinctive house type (Longhouse) and the most common is displaying the skull of death animal is predominant identity and so forth discussed in the meet. The language was first recorded way back in the year 1850 by Robinson publication and made various attempt to write Mishmi language. The China side also made extensive work on three languages on the Chinese side of border which
is unfortunately not much use in Indian counterpart, the MLDC proactive approach to on this project will bring tangible outcome for the benefit of posterity, the Blench hopes. He also exhorts the tribes for positive perspective to give right suggestion and advice to give complete shape of the script. Meanwhile, Sokep Kri member from MLDC and Suraj Tayang GS CALSOM invites more participation of people to give deep thought and provide more hint to develop the letters.
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Bishnu Rana Tezu, Dec 30
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Ten-day state level Sanskrit camp ends ET Correspondent Nalbari, Dec 30: The Tenday state level sanskrit camp organized by the Nalbari Sanskrit College to popularise the Sanskrit language among the new generation came to an end this evening. As many as 70 students from various districts
of the state took part in the residential training camp. The closing ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Chandra Kanta Deka, former president of the Nalbari Zila Sahitya Sabha .The president of the Managing committee of Nalbari
Sanskrit College, Dr Dinamani Bhagawati presided over the closing ceremony where Dr Rajendra Nath Sarma, former HOD of Sanskrit department of Guwahati University; Dr Nripendra Nath Sarma, former principal of the KK Handique Sanskrit College;
Damayanti Devi, principal of Nalbari Sanskrit College were present as guests. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajendra Nath Sarma said that Sanskrit was an global language and its study is going on in different universities. He stressed on the practice on speaking
MARCH FOR CULTURE...
Sanskirit to popularize the language. The use of simple Sanskrit will help its expansion, he added. He further said that such type of camp will draw the young generation towards the Sanskrit Language. In the closing ceremony certificates were also distributed to the participants.
Darrang bandh peaceful Protest meeting held in Golaghat
ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Dec 30: The twelve hour Darrang Bandh called by “Prabrajan Birodhi Aikya Mancha, Asom” and few other local organizations in protest against the attack on indigenous people at Hetou Chapori here on Monday passed off peacefully. The bandh call evoked total response from all parts of the district as shops and other business establishments including Govt. offices remained closed and vehicu-
lar traffic were minimal. Meanwhile the police in connection with the incident in Hetou Chapori registered another case (no. 1063/15) U/S 147/148/ 149/325/436/427/379 IPC on basis of an FIR lodged by Maziran Nessa , Mazida Khatun and Mahima Begum has arrested Ramen Bora , the president of Mahabahu Krishi Samabai Samiti and Priyanath Nath , the complainant of the previous case (no.1061/15).
Cultural evening at DHSK College tomorrow A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 30: ‘Hurar Malika’ an entertaining programme of music, song and poetry recitation will be held on tomorrow at DHSK College premises at 6.00 p.m. Dharani Tao, coacher of Cultural and Music Department, has informed that talented students of the college shall participate in the programme. The said programme will also feature poetry recitation by a few well known poets of Dibrugarh. The programme will be graced by the pres-
ence of ex-minister Prithvi Majhi and Prasanta Phukan, MLA of Dibrugarh. The main attraction of the programme will be Mr. Maji’s recitation of his own poems and Mr. Phukan’s soulful singing of a few popular songs. Further, it is to be informed that the college is making the last minute preparations to host two mega events – Annual NCC Camp from January 2 to 11 , 2016 and Inter College Youth Festival from January 21 to 23, 2016.
Senior journalist passes away A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 30: Senior journalist and Editor of Bodosa,a daily newspaper published from Kokrajhar Chino Basumatary passes away this morning at 9 AM at a private Hospital in Guwahati. Basumatary, was a one of senior most journalist of Lower Assam’s Bodoland region, started his career as editor in Aronai, a fortnight newspaper in Bodo language in 1986, hold editorship and proprietor of Bodosa weekly from 1991 to 2005 and then he soldiered editorship of upgraded Bodosa daily newspaper from 2006 to till his death. Basumatary born in 1953 at Kashikotra of Chirang district and then involved with the Journalism profession in his whole life publishing newspaper in Bodoland language. He was admitted to International Hospital in
Guwahati since few days back following suffering of diseases and breathed his last today. He left a son, two daughters behind his wife. He was 62. He is regarded longest newspaper runner in Bodo language (29 years) and a senior most journalist among journalist fraternity in Lower Assam region. He was also founder president of Bodoland Jouranlist Association, former twotime president of All Assam Small Newspaper Association. He has also been hold Trustee of Media Trust, Assam through which Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Memorial Journalist Guest House was founded at Rupnagar in G u w a h a t i . Va r i o u s organisation and individuals condoled over his demise including Kokrajhar Press Club, MLA Pramila Rani Brahma.
ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 30: A protest meeting was today held at Maitri Sangh in Golaghat under the aegis of All Assam Unemployed Union against the role of Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) and Numaligarh Refinery Lim-
ited (NRL) for deprived the local people. Altogether, 21 Organisations took part in the meeting. The organizations criticized the BCPL and NRL for depriving the local people of Assam. The organizations warned the authorities of BCPL and NRL not indulging lobby to
deprive the local youth of Assam. In the meeting three proposals were taken and a protest body comprising representative of 21 organizations was formed and decided to do democratic protest against the BCPL and NRL for the greater interest of the local youth of Assam.
Gogoi urges to includes all genuine citizen in NRC A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 30: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi urged that the verification process of the ongoing updation exercise of NRC should be completed by February 2016. In a meeting to take stock of the NRC updation process held at the conference room of the Chief Minsiter’s Office in Assam Secretariat on Tuesday, Gogoi emphasised on early completion of NRC
updation process. Gogoi also urged upon the concerned authority to ensure inclusion of all genuine Indian citizens and take adequate steps so that no foreigners’ name finds a place in the NRC. State Coordinator of the NRC updation process Prateek Hajela informed the Chief Minister that the State Government has extended full support and assistance to the process of updation of NRC and that the
Ajmal effigy brunt by BJP ET Correspondent Rangia, Dec 30: The controversial and unparliamentary comments of AIUDF Supremo and MP (LS) Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal against Prime Minister Narendra Modi have invited sharp reactions at Rangia along with the rest of the state. The BJP activists and its supporters organized a protest programme against Ajmal on Tuesday and brunt the effigy of Ajmal at Rangia Tiniali
chawk on Tuesday evening. They also shouted slogans against Ajmal. More than 50 workers including senior BJP leader Dr. Khanin Kalita, Nipon Bhuyan, Samir Das, Subal Paul, Bhabesh Kalita and Dinesh Kalita participated in protest programme. They strongly condemned the alleged controversial comment made by Ajmal against PM Narendra Modi. They also demanded immediate arrest Ajmal for his remarks.
Frauds arrested from Rangia ET Correspondent Rangia, Dec 30: Two frauds hailing from Motihari in Bihar were arrested by Rangia police on Tuesday evening. The culprits had tried to snatch Rs. 18,000 in cash from one Pranab Kalita of Kanikuchi, Rangia. Kalita had withdrawn the amount from SBI, Rangia and was proceeding to his house. Suddenly, 3 unknown faces appeared before him and tried to snatch the bag by diverting his concentration at Rangia Highway chawk. But the
public caught them red handed. Mean while, one of them managed to escape. Police have booked the culprits and an investigation is underway. According to OC Rangia Jogen Barman the miscreants were Md. Rizwan and Dharmendar Kumar both from Bihar. The other was Shikari Mahato. The culprits had confessed that they had snatched cash from Guwahati city earlier. A case has been lodged at Rangia Police station.
officials are working sincerely for the timely completion of the works. CM reiterated the State Government’s full commitment for early updation of the NRC. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rakibul Hussain, Chief Secretary Vinod Kumar Pipersenia, Secretary Home S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram along with other top officers were present at the meeting.
Assam DGP assures investigation on Monday clash A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 30: Director General of Assam Police Mukesh Sahay aid that Assam police is conducting investigation into the violence on Monday outside the Congress headquarters at Guwahati. He assured that police are conducting investigation into the yesterday's incident of clash in front of Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati. Several workers of BJP and Congress along with cops were injured in the clash. The DGP today said, police will take step as per law during the course of investigation. Four BJP workers have been arrested for their alleged involvement in attacking Congress workers. On the other hand, state BJP has also filed FIR against seven Congress leaders. Guwahati Joint Police Commissioner said that altogether three cases have been registered and investigation is on.
Christmas celebrated in Tangla 14 assam rifles donates computers Shajid Khan Tangla, Dec 25: Christmas - the festival of peace and joy was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Tangla along with rest of the world. Midnight masses in the churches marked the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve. In the Don Bosco Catholic church midnight prayers were led by Fr.Xebier Tete,Fr. Sebastian and Fr. Arvind Kailash. Special Christmas prayers were held in the churches today morning followed by musical programmes. The morbing prayers were led by Fr. Xavier Tete,Fr.Cornelius Panna and Fr.Threnius Sangma. A large number of people of Christian community took part in thr morning prayers in the cathedrals of Tangla .Not just the Christian faithful, but people belonging to many other faiths joined in the Christmas celebrations in the State. Whereas believers of Christianity attended the Christmas prayers early in the morning, the Don Bosco catholic church premises witnessed visitors throughout the day.
ET Correspondent Changlang, Dec 30:As a valuable contribution towards welfare of the society as a part of its Military Civic Action programme through creation of infrastructure at schools, the 14 Assam Rifles under the aegis of DGAR MCA Project donated two computer sets and printers cum scanners to the students of Junior High School , Saching in a function held in the Saching village on 28 Dec. The village headman , headmaster and the teachers of the school lauded the efforts of the Assam Rifles in providing these items. People praying during the Christmas celebrations in Tangla
The town as a whole was gripped in the Yuletide spirit with colourful decorations and Christmas carols.Don Bosco Church was the main centre of Christmas celebration for the Catholic people. A sizeable number of people attended the special morning prayers. People lighted candles and incense sticks in the Church pre-
mises and offered their prayers.Talking to this correspondent Fr. Threnius Sangma expressed his happiness and said that the midnight prayers were attended by large number of people of non-Christian faith.Visitors of different faiths kept admiring the colourful decorations and lighting of the church premises through out the day.
14 Assam Rifles also organized a Christmas Function on 25 Dec inviting the local pastor and the cultural youth society students. Gifts were distributed by the Commandant to the young students for their performances and thanked the gathering for their response on this festive occasion. At the end of the function, a Christmas cake was distributed along with refreshments. This yeoman service of the 14 Assam Rifles at the grass root level has helped them forge strong bonds with the local population.
Awareness campaign by 14 assam rifles ET Correspondent Changlang, Dec 30: In a subtropical climatic zone like Changlang, common diseases relating to health and hygiene like malariajaundice (which sometimes occurs as twin attacks), scabies and typhoid have taken a heavy toll on the lives of the people. In allegiance to this ,14 AR unit hospital in
a government-civil initiative under OP SAMARITAN have assessed the requirement of specific drugs to be distributed in the various medical camps which will be carried out in and around Changlang in the next few months and create an awareness campaign to curb the common preventable diseases.
A view of cultural procession of centenary celebration of Fuleswari Higher Secondary Girls School, Sivasagar. Pic - Firuz Ahmed
ASTRO FOR YOU Your charismatic appeal is always ready-to-use. And today, you will possibly reap rich dividends through it. But there is always scope for improvement and you will find yourself drawn to altruism. You will focus on nurturing the positive aspects of your life today. You might exhaust yourself mentally trying to set things straight. It would be better to brainstorm with someone close to you or approach people whom you have differences with. The nitty-gritty is fine, but do not forget the larger picture. Today, a strong emotional link with someone special may get established. So you will remain delighted and elated for most part of the day. Still, some petty problems may spoil your happy mood later in the day. Diffuse tension with a light-hearted approach. You are at your industrious best today. You will be able to think the unthinkable, achieve the unachievable, and impress an emotionally impregnable boss. Your confidence level will be sky-high; in fact, it will make overconfidence wallow in self-doubt. Your colleagues will be awestruck, considering themselves lucky to see you in action. You may wear the trendiest suit, drive the swankiest car and dine at the costliest restaurant, but if luck is not on your side, you can forget becoming a business tycoon. Fortunately, that is not the case with you today. With a favourable alignment of the cosmos, you are set for a day where your business proposals will be the hardest thing to overlook. Take bold and cautious steps as you launch your enterprise. Just remember, short-term gains are fine, but what you really want to focus on is the long-term goodwill of the people around you. If curiosity killed the cat, it is going to inspire you to go to exotic places and meet new people. Enriching experiences enter enthusiastically today. But hold on, don’t unpack, as you may set off on yet another adventure. You will be able to improve your relations abroad. There will be good news coming from friends or relatives living abroad. Your working ability and efficiency will make you popular in the office today. In the day today you shall have a variety of good and bad experiences. In all probability, you are set to shine out as a man of care and kindness. Shut the doors on worries and open the windows to let merrymaking and happiness sweep you off your feet today. The social bug will bite you hard. Skilled at multi-tasking as you are, today you may just take things one by one. Instincts will rule the roost for most of the time. And govern your actions too. But as peculiar as the day may be, you shall find yourself back to being your own assured self. As the day begins, you may get a strong urge to leave everything and set off on a backpacking trip. So strong the wanderer in you may be now that it may even momentarily take over the famed Goat caution. Yet alas, this being only a fleeting moment, you may soon don your dapper avataar, and head to work. If nothing else, at least, loosen your tie at the end of the day and head to a dance floor. In short, live a little. The game is set; you are put up against those who are holding a grudge against you and are waiting for an opportunity to pull you down. But, you are confident, skilful, and know your strengths very well. No matter how hard the opponents try, they will be no match to you. Throughout all of these your spouse will support you silently but strongly. You will find yourself in a philosophical state of mind today. You will be able to see things for what they really are, rather than what they appear to be. You are unlikely to try and swim against the flow today, given your mental state. You will take things as they come to you, one at a time. Some bad news could come your way and likely keep your mind convulsed with stress.
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
31-12-15 (THURSDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-30 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme) 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of Directorate of Distance Education, D.U) 8-30 P.M-Borgeet 9-30 P.M-Ankiya Naat 10-00 P.M-Classical Music Sd-/H.O.P
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Review meeting in Itanagar
A view of review meeting with the West Siang district officers office on today.
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 30: Giving speculations a backseat and rolling his development wagon, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki took a review meeting with the West Siang district officers here in his office today. Flanked by Home Minister Tanga Byaling, Cooperation Minister Jomde Kena, Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak, IGP Payeng, DC West Siang Pige Legu and all head of the offices of West Siang district discussed in length on the developmental activities undertaken in the district and the progress made so far. Adopting zero tolerance towards social sectors like health and education, Tuki called upon the officers to ensure utmost care and dedication while delivering these social sector services to the common denizens. He referred to the state flagship programmes
in education and health sector like Vidya, Girl Child Hygiene Scheme, CMHUIS etc. and directed the district officers to create maximum awareness amongst the common citizens so that more and more people gets benefits from these benevolent programmes. CM categorically directed the DC to engage few renowned NGOs for the purpose so that the plans, policies and programmes of the state government reach every nook and corner of the state.
cal. CM took note of the unconnected PD circle under Mechuka sub-division and assured to connect it by surface communication for which he directed the department of PWD to propose a proposal under RIDF. He also called upon the PWD to regularly maintain all district roads which at present is in shabby condition. He also reviewed the law and order situation of the district.
Mothers Vision with all out mission for a Drugs free and clean society Aalo Dec 30: A close scrutiny of official documents reveals that heaps of NGOs and Welfare societies are registered under the Society Registration Act but remain dormant or work on the line to mitigate its own end without touching the core issues that plague our society. As such we tend to remain mute spectators to what is going on around in our society leaving administration and police to tackle all nuisances like drug abuses, flesh trades, thefts, cleanliness and other multiple teenage problems that are doing the rounds in present time that tends to take us to an unregulated society not at all conducive for peaceful society to live in unless a uniform thought pattern emanates from our social framework to work as cohesive unit to nip all vices in the bud. The emergence of registered West Siang based NGO, Mothersâ•™ Vision is a force to be reckoned with for the last three years in eradicating drug abuses
Participating in the discussion, Home Minister Tanga Byaling informed that a Vikas Rally is being planned at Mechuka on January 11, 2016 next and asked all the officers to be prepared. Similar review meetings are expected to be conducted in regular intervals to ensure developmental activities are taken in the right earnest.
informed ACS Chairman Patey Tayum. However, the concern Education department time and again under the pretext of one time relaxation carry out the recruitment, added Tayum. He further added that if the state government doesn’t want to implement the clause of the education Act then it should amend the same in next as-
Tangla,December 24: Along with the rest of the world,Milad-un-Nabi the birthday of Prophet Mohammed,the preacher of
Islam,was celebrated here today by the followers of Prophet.Mass prayers for peace and prosperity were held in the two masjids of
the town namely Bara Masjid and Banseria Masjid. Jikirs and hymns were recited. Mass feasting was also organised.
and colonies and awareness campaign on health and hygiene. They have worked to the extent of converting the dust heaps to flower gardens and put dustbins all around the streets of Aalo and market areas. But sadly few sections of disgruntled youths have uprooted the sign board put up at self established office; a
sembly session rather than giving one time relaxation to the concern education department thus compromising on quality recruitment. When reminded about the paper leakage issue that gripped the APPSC last year, one of the aspirants John Libang said that they can expect more quality recruitment from the commission while given the fact that it is more independent. Though corruption cannot be eradicated it can be
minimized, added Libang. Questioning the credibility of concern education department, one of the aspirants pointed out that in the recently held APTET viva voce, two Xeroxed pages of PGT and TGT syllabus was issued for Rs 200 and 100 respectively. ACS informed that if the state government fails to respond to its demands on or before January 10 next, then it would launch democratic movement.
Arunachal BJP demands explanation from government on PDS scam exposed by ‘The Eastern Today’ Contd. from Page 1
Milad-un-Nabi celebrated at Tangla
and cleanliness in West Siang though its vicious and relentless campaigns. The NGO has garnered the support of the women of entire colonies, Sectors and villages to make it a vibrant movement and largely responsible for controlling drug menace, night time nuisances through self patrolling, cleaning all sectors
sad sign that is likely to upset the morale of the working women. Is it the price we pay to the mothers who are sacrificing their working, waking and domestic engagements to take a lead role in such kind of social movement? Cannot we treat them as our own mothers? We all hope that good sense will prevail upon our brethren to
desist from such unwanted and demoralizing activities and come to terms with the noble role played by our mothers. We also appeal the members of the mothersâ•™ vision to march ahead with steadier strides and spirit with the dawn of the New Year. We all wish them a happy New Year and prosperous days ahead. (DIPRO)
ACS urges state govt to carry out PGT, IMR meeting held in Seppa TGT recruitment through APPSC Seppa, Dec 30: The Infant conduct a meeting with all Contd. from Page 1
While responding to the request of DMO for ambulance services, CM agreed in principle to provide ambulance for the district hospital besides assuring to release adequate funds for restoration of power supplies in Kamba and Aalo towns. He appreciated the power department for increase in revenue collection in the district in the current fis-
A view of Mother’s Vision with all out mission for a Drugs free and clean society.
The delay in taking action has revealed that the Congress and its leaders has no respect for the women folk of the country. We demand public apology from Srimati. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Rahul Gandhi, the statement said.
The meeting also raised Issues related to high corruptions indulged by the Congress Govt. in the state in RGGVY where 62 villages covered only in papers and gross misutlisation of funds has taken place in East Kameng District. The meeting also pointed out that the Navi Mumbai state guest
house scam involving the state Govt. for leasing the state asset at a throw away prize should be properly investigated by an independent agency. The party decided to meet the state Governor and the Chief Secretary soon to apprise the Issues related to corruption in the state.
Mortality Rate (IMP) meeting presided over by the DC Sandeep Kumar Singh heed in DC's chamber, Seppa taday. Which initiating the discussion DC Sandeep Kumar Singh briefed about the action plan to be carried out in all the health carried out in all the health centers of the district in order to do away with infant and Maternal Mortality rate. He directed ANM, ASHA & Anganwadi workers to carry out ANC/RI session once in a month covering all the Villages under their Jurisdiction and submit activities report .they were also asked to referred to the nearest health centers in case of detection of pregnant women with complication and sick infant by name. He directed DMO to
medical officers in order to sensitize them an infant brought in critical condition & tracking even after treatment. A monthly meetings in the last day of the month have been fixed to review the status of IMP and activities report. There were seven existing delivery centers with addition of two more centers at Pipu and Lada for which one week training shall be imported to the outpost staffs to conduct deliveries. It was also decided to improved and upgraded labour room for deliveries. DMO C.Lowang Mallo, Dy. Director ICDs I. Baishya, MS District Hospital & DRCHO also spokes on the occasion. (DIPRO)
The brighter side of 2015 Many 'Firsts' for Arunachal As 2015 - another year goes by, it would be a better choice to end it on a good note…to look back at the brighter side of life that would never come back but has laid the foundations of a brighter future. For Arunachal Pradesh more particularly for Chief Minister Nabam Tuki leading from the front - Year 2015 undoubtedly had one of the best starts in recent times. In a Cabinet meeting held on January 16, the state government resolved to prepare the Arunachal Vision - 2030 which would detail medium and long term Development Vision for the state encompassing six broad areas like Enabling infrastructure, Economic potential, Social Sectors, Social harmony, Border development and Resource mobilization. The preparation of Arunachal Vision 2030 would base on identifying challenges, setting targets and working out a detailed development strategy. Indeed a first in history of the state government. A Steering Group to monitor the preparation of the Arunachal Vision 2030 document was formed after consultations at various levels. The Steering Group that includes Gen JJ Singh, Former Governor, Ex Members of the Planning Commission Saumitra Chaudhuri and B.K Chaturvedi held its maiden meeting on March 28 at
The state government following discussions in the All Party and CLP meetings, filed a review petition with respect to the Supreme Courts' directive regarding the Chakma Hajong refugees in the state. New Delhi. In another first, Arunachal Pradesh debuted on the rail map of the country after 29 years as a state of the Indian Union. As the state celebrated its 29th Statehood Day on February 20, the first trains - one AC Express to New Delhi and one Intercity Express to Guwahati - chugged out of the state capital - flagged off ceremoniously by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year in July the State witnessed one of the most development-centric and pro-people budget ever in the history of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Tuki, holding the portfolio of Finance, presented the State Budget for 201516 in the Assembly on July 15, which was subsequently passed by end of the 15-day session. The Budget has been viewed by experts and commentators as a very progressive Budget presented in the State in recent times. It is a people's budget wherein due weight-age has been given to social
security, employment generation, education, health, basic minimum infrastructure, among others. The CM earmarked Rs. 30 crores for his revolutionary CM's Universal Health Insurance Scheme which is the major highpoint of the Budget. The Scheme covers the entire population of the State with a health insurance benefit of Rs. 3 lac per household per year. It didn't come as a surprise that the health insurance scheme drew attention at the national level and was accorded the prestigious Skoch Award for Smart Governance in a gala function at New Delhi. The state Cabinet took a progressive decision on 3rd August to replace the State Planning Board (SPB) with the State Development Council (SDC) with concrete structural transformation to regulate development activities. The first phase of SDC meetings was held for a marathon six days starting from 18th to 24th August under the Chief Minister, who outlined the vision and mission of the SDC and took a com-
prehensive review of all economic, social and other development sectors. At the end of the first phase of the SDC meetings, it was decided to allocate Rs. 986 Crores to 32 State Departments to undertake major development activities. Additionally, some landmark decisions like the decision to start work on codification of customary laws and also conduct linguistic survey & documentation of languages in Arunachal Pradesh were also taken. The second phase of SDC meetings was held from September 14 to 16 covering rest 25 departments. Unlike the erstwhile State Planning Board, the SDC provided ample time and space to the departments to place and advocate their proposals. Earlier, the State Planning Board met for one day to complete the exercise while the SDC went minutely into the proposals of the departments that took 10 days, more than 60 hours of extensive discussion for final approval. At the end of the day, the
SDC under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister had fixed a whopping Rs 12,500 crore for developmental and welfare activities this financial year covering all the 57 government departments. Arunachal Pradesh for the third consecutive year won the "Krishi Karman Commendation Award" (2013-14) in overall food grain production category. The award was given away by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a function held at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. Arunachal was adjudged as first amongst the commendation award category for its achievement in overall food grain production as compared to previous year. The award consists of a citation and cash award of Rs 1 crore. It is quite encouraging that the production and productivity of food grains like rice and coarse cereals has been in increasing trend as is evident from the fact that the overall food grain production in the state had reached a level of 3.89 lakh MT during 2013-14 as compared to 3.62 lakh MT during 2011-12 and anticipated to reach a level of 4.10 lakh MT during 201415 depending on the weather condition. Another important development was the assurance by the Centre to consider the request of the Chief Minister for creation of the Patkai Autonomous Council to streamline the development in the backward and sensitive districts of
Tirap , Changlang and Longding in eastern part of the state. This assurance came in the meeting of a delegation of Congress MPs from the state and all Ministers and legislators of the three districts led by the Chief Minister with Union Home Minister at New Delhi. The state government following discussions in the All Party and CLP meetings, filed a review petition with respect to the Supreme Courts' directive regarding the Chakma Hajong refugees in the state. The state government also resolved to immortalize the contributions of eminent personalities who served the people in various capacities as Chief Ministers and Ministers in their public life. As per the decision the upcoming Government Law College at Jotte near Itanagar will be named after Late Jarbom Gamlin, former Chief Minister, while the ITI at Kanubari in Longding district will be named after Late Newlai Tingkhatra, former Minister. Former Chief Minister Late Dorjee Khandu will have his name immortalized with the Rajbhavan Indoor Badminton Stadium at Itanagar where he used to play regularly, while another former Chief Minister Late Tomo Riba will have his name enshrined forever with the present State Hospital at Naharlagun. The Outdoor Stadium at Jairampur in Changlang district will be named after
Nabam Tuki former Minister Late Setong Sena and the Outdoor Stadium at Tezu in Lohit district will be named after former Minister Late Sobeng Tayeng. The stretch of road from '0' Point Tinali to Helipad in Itanagar will be named after former Minister Late T C Teli while the NH52A, D Sector to Polo Colony road will be named after former Minister Late Techi Takar. As promised Gaon Buras were distributed TV sets across the state under the CM's Rural Information Programme. The same would continue till all Gaon Buras and Gaon Buris of the state would have availed the benefit. This year saw creation of two new districts in the
state - Kra Daadi and Siang - taking the number of districts to 21. On the personal front, Tuki got due recognition for his immensely successful skill development and employment generation mission. He was included in the Governing Council, the apex body of the newly created National Skill Development Mission, which is headed by the Prime Minister. The only two other Chief Ministers in the council are of J&K and Maharashtra. It is but human nature that we tend to see the bad more than the good. A single bad episode overshadows hundreds of goods. While bidding goodbye to 2015, let us savour the goods and forget the bads.
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Arunachal Pradesh celebrated Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Week from 23rd to 29th Dec A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 30 : National Research Centre (NRC) on Yak, Dirang in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Kameng, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh celebrated Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Week from 23rd to 29th December, 2015. Under the programme on 24th December, 2015 a Farmers awareness camp on “Adoption of improved scientific practices in agriculture and allied sector” was conducted at Sangti village. A total of 20 progressive farmers attended the programme. The Inaugural session was chaired by Smt. Lonjom, Anchal Chair Person of Dirang Circle. During this session Dr. N. D. Singh, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK, Dirang welcomed the participants and introduced the participants about the objective of the programme. He also apprised the participants about the impact of climate change on agriculture. Dr. D. Medhi, Sr. Sci-
entist, ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang briefed the participants about the Feeding management of the livestock. Dr. Sourabh Deori, Scientist, ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang discussed about the adoption of Artificial Insemination in livestock and its importance. The various issues of the participants related to farming were also discussed by the KVK scientific team along with a talk of Dr. W.P. Devi, SMS, KVK, Dirang, on Soil health management and a demonstration on the scientific procedure to collect soil samples from the agriculture field for testing. In continuation of the programme, an essay writing competition was conducted among the school students of Dirang on the topic “Role of science and technology in integrated agriculture”. Students actively participated in the competition. The top three essays were awarded with merit certificates and prizes.
On the concluding day, a Farmer-Scientist interaction meet was conducted at the committee room of the ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang. Dr. D. Bhattacharya, Principal Scientist cum Director in-charge, ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang welcomed the farmers and urged upon them to take the maximum benefit from the programme. All the scientists from ICAR-NRC on Yak and KVK West Kameng, Sangti (Dirang) interacted with the farmers. The farmers put on questions regarding feeding management in livestock during winter, scientific management of livestock, Insect pest management in vegetable, fruits and cereal crops etc. soil health management, vermi-compost technology, integrated fish farming etc. Following the Farmer-Scientist meet the farmers were showcased the different technologies developed by the institute.
BJP leaders effigies burnt at Naharkatia
Members of Naharkatia Youth Congress burn the effigies of BJP state President and union minister Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma. ET Correspondent Naharkatia, Dec 30: Members of Naharkatia Youth Congress today burnt the effigies of BJP state President and union minister Sarbananda Sonowal and
BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma for their alleged involvement during the attack on Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati recently by BJP workers. Several members of the Naharkatia Youth
Rangia Hunger strike ET Correspondent Rangia, Dec 30: The BJP leaders and supporters staged a 6 hours hunger strike at Rangia along with the rest of the state on Wednesday. They organised the agitation programme in front of Rangia Haradutta Biradutta Bhawan demanding immediate arrest of ex Minister Nilamoni Sen Deka and release of BJP leaders who have been arrested by the
police without any fault. Hundreds of BJP workers including senior leader Gopal Kakoty, Dr. Khanin Kalita, Dr. Chandra dhar Kalita, Subal Paul, Manoranjan Kalita, Dinesh Kalita, Bhabesh Kalita were also present in the programme. The protester also criticized the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for allegedly adopting a partial attitude over the whole episode.
Congress also shouted slogans against the BJP while setting the effigies on fire. They also demanded the immediate arrest of Himanta Biswa Sarma for his derogatory remarks upon women.
Shisu Anokia Bhauna starts ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 30: All Assam Shisu Anokia Bhauna was kicked off at Madhya Majuli Kamalabari Satra here this evening. All together 22 teams from Lakhimpur, Mangaldoi, Majuli, Dhokuakhana, Nagaon, Jorhat, Nalbari, Titabor, Teok are taking part in the five day competition. Kamalabari Sattradhikar Sri Sri Hemkanta Dev Goswami inaugurated the extravaganza.
Moran Students Union condemns tribal coordination committee decision Contd. from Page 1
He asked the members of the coordination committe to recall July 31 decision in a meeting hosted by Jangosti Ekya Manch and attented by all tribal communities representative. The tribal commu-
nities welcomed the decision to grant community status to six community of Assam on condition that it will not hamper the existing tribal community benefits in any manner, added Arunjyoti. Moran said suddenly what happened that these people have objections and hinted it's
YOUNG ACHIEVERS....
election time and the stand of the coordination committe is political motivated one. The Tribal Coordination Committee on Tuesday held a meeting at Guwahati and took a decision to approach courts to oppose schedulization of six communities of Assam.
Dc visits Tirathju mini-hydro power station ET Correspondent Khonsa, Dec 30: The Tirathju MHS at Khonsa is one of the oldest Hydel Station of Arunachal Pradesh. This Hyhel power station is critical for regular power supply to remote circles of Dadam, Kapu and Khonsa town of Tirap district. The project has been non-functional since 2005 due to landslide in the power channel region. After a minor civil work, the Hydel was made functional from 22nd June,2015 for a brief period and washed away another portion of water channel as a result again hydel station now remain defunct due to want of maintenance fund. However, the operation could not be sustained due to
prone landslide at a different point of power channel barely seven days after the start of the Hydel station. The matter was brought to the notice of the Secretary (Hydro Power), Govt. of A.P. during his visit as Electoral Roll Observer at Khonsa. As desired by Secretary (Hypro Power), Itanagar, the tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha accompanied by AE(Hydro Power) Er. R.K. Pandey and electrical staff visited the Hydel power station Tirathju and inspected the damaged portion of the power channel on 29th December. The DC has directed AE Hydro power (EM), who is currently maintaining this project to submit an es-
Rangia Businessman kidnapped ET Correspondent Rangia, Dec 30: Tension is prevailing in and around Rangia and Tulsibari following the abduction of a businessman from Tulsibari Market on Tuesday night. According to eye witnesses, one white colour Bolero was parked near the Ali Store of Hajrat Ali who has been missing till Tuesday night. After being informed the police of Tulsibari out post visited the shop of Ali when the police reached the spot they found the shop and the cash box were open. A sum Rs 40 thousand was there in the cash box. According to the local public
the miscreants abducted Ali not for money as the huge amount was lying in the cash box. Police has started an investigation. A delegation from CPI (M) led by Basudev Kalita and Parveez Arif visited the house of Ali on Wednesday and took stock of the situation. They also demanded early release of Ali. All BTC Minority student Union (ABMSU) and All Assam Bengali Federation, Baidyagarh local unit has also demanded the release of Ali. They had also threatened to launch an agitation if the businessman is not released immediately.
Non completion of Bogibeel Bridge life line for people of Upper Assam and Arunachal – continues to frustrates Dibrugarhians Contd. from Page 1
The bridge that will connect Dibrugarh on the south with Dhemaji on the north, will have 39 girders of 125 meter and 2 girders of 33 meter span, and will be the fourth across the Brahmaputra. According to the engineers all the girders are likely to be completed by March 2017. Of the 42 piers, construction of at least 7 or 8 piers is yet to be completed by Gammon India Limited, which is building the sub-structure of the bridge. The slow pace has thrown a spanner in the progress of the project. Some of the official on the condition of anonymity says, Gammon India Limited which building the sub-structure is taking long time for the completion of their allotted work. Meanwhile, a fifth bridge, a road bridge that is also under an advanced stage of completion will connect Saikhowa with Sadiya in Tinsukia district, further upstream of Bogibeel.
These two bridges will also facilitate better connectivity for eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Interestingly, the work at the Dhola Sadiya Bridge started on 2011 but comparatively the works has been going in a fast pace to complete the bridge. The total length of the bridge is 9.15 km and it will be the longest road bridge in India. The Bogibeel bridge was sanctioned in 1997-98 and its foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee on April 22, 2002. The pace of work picked up after the bridge got the status of a national project in 2007. According to some expert, the bridge will play a vital role in bring the people of the two northeastern states in close. The bridge which is the life line for many people of Upper Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh will play an important role in both road and rail connectivity. The people can easily come in Dibrugarh which have a better medical facility.
timate for restoration of the Hydel Project and estimate regarding restoration of Tirathju MiniHydro Power Station (MHS) of 4x250 kw capacity at Khonsa with a request to made funds available to undertake the restoration work before the monsoons which will help the township get sufficient power during the raining seasons when the regular supply is disrupted for several days altogether. Er. R.K. Pandey Hydro Power (EM) said that the people of Dadam circle and Kapu area comprising of 18(eighteen) villages including circle office staff of Dadam are pressing hard for immediate restoration of mini hydel station since long.
‘Assam Unnati Sabha’ programme in Guwhati ET Correspondent Guwahati, Dec 30: In a effort o start the year ahead with positive notes from various fields of activity, the All Guwahati Students’ Union and Assam Unnati Sabha organized a programme, ‘Ashar Asom’, at the Vivekananda Kendra at Guwahati. A practice since 2001, ‘Ashar Asom’ has become a prominent annual event of the calendar that brings to light several known and little-known stories of positive events in the State through experts in the field. Pointing out some of the optimistic developments in the field of education, Dr Balendra Kumar Das, Principal of the West Guwahati College, mentioned the conferring of the Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award to the Assam Agricultural University and the news of SEBA regional offices in Jorhat and another one coming up at Silchar for a better management of functions. “Another positive development was the initiative to reintroduce History and Geography courses in the school curriculum along with Spoken English. The Krishna Kanta Handiqui Open State University Award to Professor Jitendranath Goswami and fellowship to Jahnu Barua were very laudable steps taken by the institution,” he added. Pointing out the silver lining in the field of politics and current affairs, senior journalist Ronen Goswami lauded the role of the All Assam Students’ Union in the political sphere by raising crucial issues from time to time. He also mentioned the Police Commissionerate in Guwahati, HS Brahma’s tenure as the Chief Election Commissioner of India, 72 per cent voter turnout in the urban local bodies’ election in the State, breakthrough in
Fund crunch forces organisers to put of PPWF Contd. from Page 1
Visitors stroll on the famed Stilwell Road, see the Pangsau Pass and visit the Lake of No Return on the Myanmar side during the
festival. The festival was started on 2007 to showcase the rich cultural diversity of the tribal people reside in Arunachal Pradesh. Sources said that the organizers had chalked out a budget of
around 1 crore for the festival which had been able to draw international tourists in the past. Of the 1 crore amount, the state tourism and union tourism ministry was supposed to shoulder the
majority of the budget, however, due to political instability the funds could not be channelized properly and in due course of time. “We will try to host the festival next year”, the member said.
Cong-BJP protest at Haflong
Young and promising writer and poet Bipul Kalita along with actress Borsharani Bishoya after receiving the North East Youth Leadership Annual Awards in Guwahati recently. The award is instituted by Cine Trust of India. Pic - ET Photo
ET Correspondent, Haflong, Dec 30 : Protests continued in Haflong in connection with Congress leaders’ irrational statements against PM Modi and HRD Minister of India as well the arrest of BJP leaders. The Dima Hasao BJP unit led by the district president B.B Hagjer and others observed hunger strike from 10 am to 4 pm in protest
against the illegal arrest of BJP leaders at Guwahati in front the office of the DC, Dima Hasao. In a separate programme, the Dima Hasao District Congress Committee protested against the irrational and barbaric act of BJP workers who resorted to attack on Congress workers in the premises of Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati on December 28.
BJP workers during the protest at Haflong.
some high-profile cases involving politicians and corporates, among others. “Despite the politics of polarization being played directly and indirectly in the State, people of Assam have still maintained their rationality by not falling prey to the subversive elements. Issues that reach alarming zenith in other parts of the country, have not been successful here to create divide on the basis of caste, creed, religion, etc. We hope the election of 2016 also witnesses the same prudence by the people,” he added. On the cultural side, playwright Rituparna Das pointed out some exceptional work being done by amateur theater activists in several parts of the State. “With their unique style, people like Rafiqul Hussain and others are bringing theatre closer to people,” he said. He also mentioned about the eight films released this year and other 50 films under production as a ray of hope for the ailing film industry. “Good commercial success for Ahetuk by Bani Das, a mobile cinema hall in North Guwahati, a painting exhibition by cartoonist Mubin Rabha and others can be termed as positive events,” he added. As a tradition of Ashar Asom, several members from the audience, including educationists, journalists and eminent citizens, also provided some add-on information. In the field of economics, Dr Surajit Bhagawati, Associate Professor of Nagaon College, said that though the agriculture sector recorded a growth of 3.52 per cent, the outgoing year recorded highest rice production in the State. Horticultural products also witnessed a significant growth. Industry being among the most successful sectors recorded 7.3 per cent growth.
Apart from small-scale industries, the Cement Corporation of India is coming up with a cement factory worth Rs 30.68 crore in the State, with an annual production capacity of 82 tonne. The Gas Cracker Project nearing completion would fulfil a long cherished dream,” he added. Outlining the achievements in the literary filed, noted writer Pankaj Thakur mentioned about the ongoing preparation for the centenary celebration of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, and the initiative taken by the organization to translate 100 books in Assamese and other languages that would enrich the literary world. “The Sabha is also planning to create a Rs 10-crore corpus fund. Rita Choudhury’s Deolangkhui translated in Bodo language, Sahitya Akademi awards to Kula Saikia and Brajen Brahma, Pandit Tirthanath SarmaNirmala Devi Award to Ananda Bormudoi, Padma Shri to Lakshmi Nandan Bora, People of the Year Award to Dr Nagen Saikia by the Limca Book of Records were some of the highlights in the literary field this year, he recalled. Finally, pointing out the achievements in the field of sports, sports journalist Sushim Ranjan Ghosh said that the year was a fruitful one with sportspersons in Assam making their presence felt in the fields like boxing, archery, athletics, weightlifting, chess and cricket, among others. “While sportspersons like Shiva Thapa, Himanu Boro, Sanjay Boro and Jayanta Talukdar achieved in their respective fields, several women sportspersons also made the State proud,” he stated. Making a special mention of Assam’s performance in Ranji Trophy, he said fast bowler Krishna Das emerged as a star player who has a very good future.
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REGION
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
First broad gauge engine touches Tripura soil Tripura, Dec.30: 69-year long dream of the people of the landlocked state came true on Tuesday when the first broad gauge engine arrived at Dharmanagar Railway Station. Thousands of people were seen waiting for long hours, right from the morning to welcome the BG engine along with the NFR team. "It is the first time that broad gauge engine has arrived here today at around 2.30 p.m. and I along with other arrived here at around 10 a.m. and since then many people of Dharmanagar have arrived here to express they joy and feeling. They welcomed the train along with the driver.....We hope that very
69-YEAR LONG DREAM OF THE PEOPLE OF THE LANDLOCKED STATE CAME TRUE It took around 97 days to take a BG railhead to Tripura, which is also a record, according to NFR sources. The first BG engine rolling has completed on date up to Dharmanagar from Badarpur and it will continue up to Agartala on this phase According to NFR sources, the journey appeared successful as far laying of BG track.
Project for round the clock water supply in Aizawl Aizawl, Dec 30: Mizoram government would be able to provide 24-hour water supply to the people of Aizawl city after completion of the new water supply project, state Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Minister Zodintluanga on Wednesday. Tender was being floated for the Asian Development Bank (ADB)funded water supply project to supplement the existing
Greater Aizawl Water Supply Scheme Phase - I and II, Zodintluanga said. "After completion of the project, those having water connection in Aizawl would be able to have water in their pipes all the time," Zodintluanga said. The Rs.173 crore water supply project, scheduled to be completed by January 2018 would have the capacity to discharge 37 million litre of water per day, he said.(Agencies)
Mamata blames Centre for tea garden situation Siliguri, Dec 30: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today blamed the Centre's "indifference" for the plight of tea gardens of north Bengal, most of which are at the brink of closure while their workers are living in penury. The ailing tea gardens of West Bengal have left its employees in lurch, as several deaths of its workers have been reported in the last one year. Some were consumed by the poverty while others took their own lives. "The Centre's indifference is re-
sponsible for the situation in tea gardens," she said in response to questions by reporters on her way back to Kolkata after winding up her two-day trip to north Bengal. Banerjee said that the state government, keeping in mind the problem of poor tea workers, has accepted a Rs 100 cr project. "The project will be implemented soon," she said. Arrangements are being made to provide rice to the tea workers at Rs two per kg, she added. (Agencies)
Nagas cannot afford to inherit killings
Naga society, Secretary, Finance, Government of Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema IAS
Dimapur, Dec 30: Expressing pain over the killings that are taking place in the Naga society, Secretary, Finance, Government of Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema IAS said that the Naga people could not afford to inherit killings and then pass it on to next generation. Speaking at the 36th annual session of Diphupar Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (DSKK) at Diphupar, Kikheto said there was time for hatred, animosity, peace and for everything and added "now is the time for Nagas to make peace and not war." Referring to the motto of DSKK, "Live for Value," the Secretary said that living a valuable life meant that one should value life. However, Kikheto lamented that the value of life was drastically eroding with rampant killings in the Naga society. He called
upon the Nagas to forgive and forget the past and to move on together as one towards a greater future. "Let killings be the past and let peace and unity be the future," he appealed. Describing Diphupar as a cosmopolitan area where almost all Naga communities reside, he encouraged the Sumi community inhabiting the area to set positive examples and promote peace and unity. According to Kikheto, setting any positive example should begin from the inside which would gradually begin to glow and would be noticed by people. "It is not the external that makes you a person but the inner qualities which actually defines a person." Kikheto said. He advised the students to be humble as they climb the ladder of success and contribute their part to the society. Delivering a brief speech, Diphupar Naga Students' Union, President, Sakulemba Jamir lauded the support and contributions rendered by the DSKK towards Diphupar village and its constituents. The inaugural programme of DSKK annual session was attended by a host of former officials from Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, Western Sumi Hoho representatives, Sumi officers and other dignitaries. The annual session will culminate on December 30.(Agencies)
69-year long dream of the people of the landlocked state came true on Tuesday
shortly passenger train will start service," said S K Paul, a local who have been waiting for several hours along with family members to witness the arriving first broad gauge train engine. It took around 97 days to take a BG railhead to Tripura, which is also a record, according to NFR sources. On September 20, the state bid adieu to meter gauge rail engine to pave the way for undertaking BG conversion work. S Das, Station Manager of Dharmanagar rail station said, "Actually our dream has come true and the project has crossed its first step. The first BG engine rolling has completed on date up to Dharmanagar
from Badarpur and it will continue up to Agartala on this phase. Later on it will go up to Agartala and the rolling will be completed." According to NFR sources, the journey appeared successful as far laying of BG track. After running the BG railhead, the NFR is scheduled to bring ballast train to Agartala passing through all stations by first week of next month. If the ballast train journey appears okay, then the NFR will conduct CRS inspection on the newly built BG rail track for safety clearance followed by the final run of the BG passenger train by after March 31 next. (ANI)
Crowd gathers as firm claims to shift building Krishnanagar , 30 Dec: Policemen were posted to keep curious onlookers at bay at Fulia on NH 34 in Nadia district as a Haryana-based construction firm claimed to shift a house 70 feet from its present location. "We are here to keep away the crowd and ensure veicular movement along the road as some construction activity is taking place at the spot. We are here to maintain law and order," a police officer said on Wednesday. Claiming it would be able to shift an entire construc-
tion for the first time in West Bengal, Shib Charan Saini, the owner of the company said, the technology entailed setting up huge jacks (normally used in vehicles to lift up to change the wheels) and to disconnect the house from ground base. Done with mathematical calculations, the one-story pucca construction was gradually placed on trolley kept on iron tracks and being taken forward very slowly to a scheduled spot, the construction firm claimed. The process had began on
December 19 and it would take a month to finish the job, he said. The owner of the house, Amal Sharma said since his house faced demolition threat due to widening of 4 lanes of NH 34, he would have to incur a cost of Rs 17 lakh for constructing a new home. However, with the government having given him Rs 16 lakh as compensation, he decided to try this new technique after hearing the firm from North India had completed such tasks in other states and even stopped tilting of caved-in buildings
SP leader Totaram Yadav arrested in booth capturing case Mainpuri, Dec 30: Samajwadi Party leader and Chairman of Processing and Construction Cooperative Federation Ltd (PACCFED) Totaram Yadav was today arrested in connection with a booth capturing case during the recent Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh. He was arrested by SHO (Kotwali) Manohar Singh outside a school when he came out after attending a sports week function there, which was also attended by PWD Minister Shivpal
Singh Yadav and other SP leaders. Totaram had approached the Allahabad High Court for quashing the case registered against him but the court had dismissed his petition. He was, however, evading surrender in court. Later, Shivpal Singh avoided questions on Totaram's arrest and instead highlighted the importance of sports. In reply to a question as to why he and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav did not participate in Saifai Mahotsav, he said
informed the JAC representatives that the government has been holding joint consultative meetings with several tribal leaders to bring a permanent solution regarding the turmoil in the hill districts particularly in Churachandpur since the passing of the three bills. According to Mangchinkhup, the JAC had submitted their threepoint charter of demand to the government on November 9, and had appealed the State government to convey a special Assembly session and take a decision that the three bills will not affect the hill areas. He said on December 24, the JAC had conveyed a joint consultative meeting with various organisations and again resolved to demand the government to call a special Assembly session and withdraw the three bills
Kolkata, Dec.30: A Kolkata court yesterday extended the judicial remand of suspended Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh, Saradha group chairman Sudipta Sen and his close associate Debjani Mukherjee in cases related to the Saradha scam. Passing the order, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Arvind Mishra said the judicial remand of the trio has been extended till January 11 next year The counsel for
or insert a clause that the bills will not affect the hill areas and to include a representative of the Centre in the talks. He said at this the Chief Minister has urged the JAC representatives to consult eminent judges or advocates and to submit in written the areas in the bills which can adversely affect the hill areas and that the government of Manipur will never have a tripartite talk with any JAC by including representatives of the Centre during talks, however, any JAC can directly approach the Centre on any issue. The government delegate was led by the Chief Minister and included the entire council of ministers except for the tribal ministers, whereas a 16-member strong JAC team was led by its chief convenor Mangchinkhup. (Agencies)
Seoni, Dec. 30 : A propylene gas tanker overturned in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday. The driver of the tanker
from before. After getting drunk, they assaulted the college girl after throwing water at her. Surprisingly the two ladies, who invited the girl at the party, tried to save these three foreigners but somehow, police including special police officials from North East police unit of
Delhi police (DPNER) could chased , searched whole night and arrested them and sent to jail. These Northeast ladies are working at Spas, ladies are married and have children back home at Northeast state. Till now 3 foreigners from African countries and the two ladies have been
sustained injuries and has been admitted to the hospital. The reason for the accident is yet to be known.(ANI)
India successfully test-fires long-range surface-to-air missile Kolkata, Dec.30: The Indian Navy on Wednesday successfully test-fired the long-range surface-to-air missile from onboard INS Kolkata. The missile has been jointly developed by the India Navy, DRDO and Israel's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, Elta Systems, Rafael and other companies. The Ministry of Defence expressed jubilance over this quantum jump in air defence capability of the
Indian Navy. In a series of tweets, the Defence Ministry said, "Indian Navy achieves a significant milestone in enhancing its anti missile defence capability. Successfully test fires long range surface to air missiles from INS Kolkata. Aerial targets destroyed at extended ranges.Quantum jump in air defence capability of Indian Navy. LRSAMs being fitted in capital warships progressively. Joint effort of Indian Navy, DRDO & M/s IAI, Israel"(ANI)
Tradition of sending greeting cards in the era of e-cards remains alive in India
Two killed in road accident in UP
With New Year's Day just around the corner, enthusiasts in Rajasthan thronged gift shops to buy greeting cards for their loved ones. Jaipur, Dec.30: Despite the popularity of social media websites, some people in parts of India are trying to keep the tradition of sending greeting cards on special occasions alive. With New Year's Day just around the corner, enthusiasts in Rajasthan thronged gift shops to buy greeting cards for their loved ones. "Personally the physical, the card that has been going on through generations because e-greeting you just normally treat as an email, you open it and you forget about it but something that stays in your house, you can put it on the fridge, you can basically keep it as a memory is a card," said a resident of Rajasthan's Jaipur city, Neha, on Tuesday. "I think it firstly depends whether you are meeting the person in-person or not. Obviously you are meeting him in personal
you will give him a personal card. On the other hand it also shows the importance of that person in your mind, so typically if the person is important then you will do everything to make him feel special and then will come up with a proper card, probably flowers or a gift or whatever," added another local, Praleya Ahluwalia. However, in southern Coimbatore city the cost effective e-cards remained a popular option among people. "Of course we buy a greeting card to wish our friends. Nowadays we prefer more than greeting card, wishing in Facebook and Twitter is more than easy to wish our friends," said a local, Nivedita. Although industry data show that retail sale of greeting cards has declined, institutional sale has seen a surge as most of the companies prefer to send greeting cards to their clients or customers. (ANI)
Northeast girl gang-raped, 3 Africans foreigners arrested New Delhi, Dec 30: In a shocking case, 3(three) foreigners raped a college girl who hails from Northeast at a party in the national capital on Tuesday night. According to report from Delhi Police, the girl was invited by two other Northeast ladies for the party, who had known these foreigners
the accused expressed opposition when the CBI said that it was ready to initiate trial in cases related to the Saradha scam. The counsel cited the CBI's earlier deposition in court that the probe into the Saradha scam is ongoing and said that the trial could not be conducted unless the investigation is complete. The CBI had taken over the investigation in June, 2014, following the Supreme Court's orders. (ANI)
Propylene gas tanker overturns in MP, driver hospitalized
they were busy with other work. Totaram along with his 20 aides, including the presiding officer, were booked by Mainpuri police for booth capturing in Bewar block in October. The decision to lodge the case was taken after a twominute video went viral on WhatsApp in which he was purportedly seen capturing a booth. Totaram, had, however claimed that the case was a conspiracy against him.(Agencies)
Joint Action Committee of CCpur Remains Adamant; Talk with Government Ends Inconclusive Imphal, Dec 30: Another round of talk between the Manipur government and the Joint Action Committee of Churachandpur formed against the three bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31 ended inconclusive yesterday at the conference hall of the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi's bungalow. The talk which started around 4pm lasted for around two hours and concluded around 6pm. The two sides however, failed to bring any solution as the JAC remained adamant with their earlier demands, which included withdrawal of the bills or insertion of a clause that the bills will not affect the hill areas and to include a representative of the Centre in the talks between the JAC and the State government. Sources said during the meeting, the Chief Minister
in Hooghly and Kharagpur of the state by the same technology. The house has already been shifted by a distance of 20 feet, Sharma, his neighbours and the construction firm claimed. Local panchayat authorities and district administration had not been officially intimated about the exercise and said they were not sure if it was structurally possible. However, police confirmed there was a crowd at the spot for past ten days and vigil was kept on the activities. (Agencies)
Saradha scam: Judicial remand of accused extended till Jan 11
arrested for rape of college girl. Whole night DPNER representatives including lady DPNER was with victims and assisted delhi police and accompanying them to court with the victim, added the report. Meanwhile, DPNER has appealed the people from Northeast specially
women and girls who are residing at New Delhi to be cautious while accepting party invitations. "Since new year is coming, we all must alert our people especially females not to accept party invitations even from own Northeast people," cautioned DPNER. (Agencies)
Etawah, Dec 30: Two people were killed when their car was hit by a tanker on the NH-2 under Bakewar police station area here this afternoon, police said. The ill-fated car which was on its way to Kanpur, dashed into the tanker, killing Syed Umar Idrees Zaidi (47) and Mohammad Naved (40) on the spot, police said. The deceased belonged to Agra, police said, adding, the bodies have been sent for post mortem.(Agencies)
2 men rape nursing student in UP Kanpur, Dec 30: A 22year-old nursing student was allegedly raped by a man and his friend who also filmed the act here, police said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, police are suspecting that Bhura and the victim girl were having a love affair, they said. The victim's brother complained that one Bhura Singh from their village and his friend Saurabh Singh raped his sister on December 26, SP (Rural) Surendra Tiwari said. The victim, a nursing student at medical college here and stays in Kalyanpuri area, was called by the accused Bhura to his residence on the pretext of giving money her father had sent, he said. The accused offered her food laced with sedative and then along with his friend raped her. They also allegedly filmed the act on a mobile phone, Tiwari said. Following the incident, the woman informed her family about it and administered some medicine on her own. She was then rushed to a hospital with deteriorating health conditions, the SP said. During investigation, police claimed it was revealed that the victim girl and Bhura were having a love affair. An FIR has been registered against the accused duo who are absconding, police said, adding that an investigation is underway in the matter. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
PAGE 6
Big stories of 2015 Digvijaya Singh seeks CBI Inquiry into Mysterious Vyapam Scam under Supreme Court Supervision
Cabinet approves construction of 69 bridges in Myanmar
NewDelhi, Dec 30 Digvijaya Singh, General Secretary of Congress, has filed a petition in Supreme Court where he sought investigation of Madhya Pradesh's mysterious Vyapam scam by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of apex court.
The move comes after submission of SIT report said that 44 persons involved in the scam were found dead, either due to heart attack or "unnatural" circumstances, during investigation. Congress upped ante against Madhya Pradesh govern-
ment after unnatural death of Mhow's veterinary student Amit Sagar, 44th person involved in the case, was reported recently. Most high-profile death in Vyapam scam case is that of Shailesh Yadav, son of Ram Naresh Yadav (MP
Governor as well as former CM of Uttar Pradesh). 50-year-old Shailesh was found in Lucknow's residence of Ram Naresh Yadav. Congress alleged that Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan is also involved in the case.
Arun Jaitley and Delhi Opposition Parties Slam AAP Government Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Government was slammed on 19th MaY by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said that governance is not a political agenda of AAP. He said this while pointing out the bureaucratic impasse Delhi is passing through
due to conflict between Delhi Government and Lt. Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung. Jaitley also said that Delhi people's choice is turning to be costly for them. BJP leader Vijender Gupta called Arvind Kejriwal incompetent to run the govern-
Mumbai trains blasts: Five awarded death, seven life in jail A Mumbai special court on 30th sep awarded death penalty to five and life sentence to seven others, all convicted in the 7/ 11 serial blasts in Mumbai suburban trains which killed 189 people.On September 11, Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act
(MCOCA) Judge Y.D. Shinde found all the 12 prosecuted men guilty of their role in the July 11, 2006, serial blasts in the suburban trains Mumbai's lifeline - which also left injured 817 peak-hour commuters rushing home that rainy evening.
ment and referred locking of Principal Secretary (Services) Anindo Majumdara's room a "disgraceful act". Congress's Ajay Maken advised Kejriwal to abandon the politics of opposition and instead seek solution to innumerable problems
plaguing Delhi. Swaraj Abhiyan, a group floated by dissident AAP leaders, opined that democratically elected government's choice should be respected but condemned "petty" political fight affecting bureaucracy.
quiring a publicly limited company called Associated Journals Limited (AJL) through their owned private company, Young Indian. The complaint also claimed that, through this fraud, they had got the publication rights of the National Herald and Quami Awaz newspapers, with real estate properties in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. A court directed Sonia, Rahul and five others accused to appear before it on December 19. Congress called it as a political vendetta and they even disrupted parliament activities. However, as per the court's direction, Sonia
1,122,56 crore For Flood-Stricken J&K
The Centre has sanctioned Rs.1,122.56 crore from National Disaster Response Fund to Jammu and Kashmir on 31st Jan to come out of the financial crisis. The state asked for Rs 44,000 for fulfilling
the expenses. J&K last year was hit by the worst ever flood in September. Decision to release funds was taken by Governor N.N. Vohra and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during a meeting.
and Rahul appeared in the Patiala House courts complex in Delhi and got bail in the case. The bail had been given on personal bonds of Rs. 50,000 each. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 20, 2016. Modi's Lahore visit The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his birthday. Modi surprised the whole world with his dramatic visit to Lahore on Christmas, on his way back from Afghanistan, where he was on an official visit. During his twohour stay in the city, the Indian leader attended the
wedding of a granddaughter of the Pakistan premier. The visit is considered to be a positive sign on future discussions on Indo-Pak relations. The foreign secretaries of both the countries are likely to meet in Islamabad on January 15, 2016. Meanwhile, political parties in India had mixed reactions over the visit. The Congress alleged that Modi was in Lahore to "promote private business interests (and) not India's interest". JD(U) Aam Aadmi Party and Shiv Sena, slammed the PM for his unexpected move. The Left, however, welcomed it.
Chennai Floods Chennai rains, which soon transformed into the most destructive natural calamity of 2015 in India. More than 400 people lost their lives and 18 lakh people were displaced
from their native places due to this massive rains and floods. The nature's fury which we witnessed between September-December 2015 is the most tragic natural disaster of the
year. With 26 million searches, Google declared Chennai rains as the biggest moment of 2015. On Twitter, 1.4 million tweets were generated regarding Chennai rains, which made
it as one of the most talked about story on social media. It was heartening to see how brands came together and offered their assistancefor Chennai flood victims. (Agencies)
Ram Temple will be built with court's order: Mahesh Sharma New Delhi, Dec. 30: Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Mahesh Sharma on Wednesday reiterated that the Ram Temple would be built in Ayodhya with the court's order. "The people of the nation want the construction of the Ram Temple there. It will be built with the court's order or with everyone's consent. The government or senior party leaders will take a decision on it," Sharma told. Echoing similar sentiments, Minister of State
for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Ram Temple is not a political or an election issue. "The matter is in court," he added. The Ram Temple-Babri Masjid issue returned to hog the limelight at the end of this year following arrival of a truckload of stones at the Ramsevak Puram workshop in Ayodhya. The arrival of the stones evoked a sharp reaction from the Muslim leaders. Sharma on Tuesday clarified the BJP's stance on the issue
visit of then prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May 2012, it was agreed, at
Government of Myanmar has started work on constructing two bridges, on its own, as these bridges
The construction of 69 bridges in Myanmar has been approved
the request of Government of Myanmar, to undertake construction of 71 bridges in the Tamu Kyigone - Kalewa (TKK) road section of the Trilateral Highway. The
needed urgent attention. As a result, construction of the remaining 69 bridges will be undertaken under Government of India's assistance. (ANI)
"During the visit of then prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May 2012, it was agreed, at the request of Government of Myanmar, to undertake construction of 71 bridges in the Tamu - Kyigone Kalewa (TKK) road section of the Trilateral Highway."
Counting of votes begins for six MLC seats in Telangana Centre Sanctioned Rs
National Herald case Subramanian Swamy's private criminal complaint against Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son and the Congress party vice president Rahul Gandhi, in connection with the National Herald newspaper was a political setback for the Congress Party in 2015. The mother-son duo of India's erstwhile first political family had to appear in a court for getting bail to in the case. Swamy filed a complaint on November 2012, alleged that both Sonia and Rahul have committed fraud and land grabbing worth Rs. 16 billion (US$240 million) by ac-
New Delhi, Dec. 30: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of 69 bridges including approach roads on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) road section of the trilateral highway in Myanmar at a cost of Rs. 371.58 crore. This will impart all weather usability to the TKK road section, which is also part of the route for the proposed Imphal-Mandalay bus service. It will improve connectivity between India and Myanmar and facilitate the movement of goods and traffic. During the
Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Mahesh Sharma
of construction of Ram Temple, saying his party and the government had already given their opin-
ion that people of the country want the temple to be constructed as soon as possible. (ANI)
Hyderabad, Dec.30: The counting of votes for the six legislative council seats in Telangana has begun. A total of 19 candidates contested from six seats in four districts of the state. Polling was held on December 26 for two constituencies each in Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy districts and one each in Khammam and Nalgonda districts as part of biennial elections
for the legislative council from local authorities constituencies. Telangana Chief Electoral Officer K. Bhanwarlal said the polling process was peaceful and a total of 98.81 percent of voters cast their votes. Of the 12 MLC seats for which notification was released on December 2, elections for six seats have become unanimous with the rul-
ing Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) candidates getting elected unopposed in Karimnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad, Medak and Adilabad districts. Polling was held for the remaining six seats in Khammam, Ranga Reddy, Mahaboob Nagar and Nalgonda districts. While the TRS has contested all six seats, the Congress has fielded candidates in
Mahaboob Nagar, Ranga Reddy and Nalgonda districts and extended support to a CPI candidate on Khammam seat. On the other hand, the opposition TDP, in alliance with the BJP, contested for Ranga Reddy and Mahaboob Nagar seats, while the YSR Congress has fielded its candidate only for Khammam seat. (ANI)
Congress targets Govt., calls PM Modi 'dictator'
Congress leader Anand Sharma New Delhi, Dec. 30 : The Congress Party on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of working like a 'dictator' and alleged that the BJP-led NDA Government which came to power on big promises has miserably failed in
fulfilling the same. "Prime Minister Modi came to power on big promises. He sold a dream to people and today after 20 months, not only are his policies failing, he is working like a dictator," Congress leader Anand Sharma told the media here. "This government is trapped in their own promises, big promises which have now turned out to be empty one," he added. Sharma, who is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, further slammed the government for weakening the welfare schemes built by the previous UPA regime. "The present Modi Gov-
TN allots houses for flood victims under 'Housing for All' scheme Chennai, Dec 30: Ten thousand families living along River Adyar have been given permanent houses to relocate them to safer places and to make the river free from obstructions. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Ten thousand families Jayalalithaa gave away have been given permathe keys to five benefi- nent houses to relocate to safer places ciaries in a function at the Secretariat to mark Perumbakkam. The state the allotment. The fami- government has anlies will be given Rs. 5000 nounced that one lakh each to shift their belong- houses would be given to ings and Rs. 2500 per the hutment dwellers along month for a year as suste- the rivers Cooum, Adyar nance allowance. The and Buckingham Canal in state slum clearance board the city under the 'Houshad built the dwelling units ing for All' scheme and much earlier in through the state Slum Thoraipakkam and Clearance Board. (ANI)
"Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa gave away the keys to five beneficiaries in a function at the Secretariat to mark the allotment."
ernment has made major cuts in education, health and women welfare in the budget. The farming sector was earlier depressed and now this government has failed it," he added. Sharma also alleged that there has been no tangible change from Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic efforts. The Congress leader further said that there is a great agriculture distress in the country and the government has not initiated any effective step in this regard. "Government normally imports 40 lakh tonnes of pulses. This year, when there was shortage, government im-
ported only 20 lakh tonnes," he added. "The question which arises here; when the government needed to import 50 lakh tonnes, why didn't they import the much quantity?" asked Sharma. Launching a tirade against the ruling dispensation, Sharma said that the government was clueless on how to revive the economy. "On economic front, the government numbers are far removed from reality, there is gross mismanagement. We are doing badly in every sector," he said. "If you go by old method of GDP calculation, the growth is only 5.2 percent," he added. (ANI)
After panchayats, Haryana sets educational qualification for municipal polls Chandigarh, Dec.30: Haryana Cabinet has decided to amend Section 13 A of Haryana Municipal Act 1973 and Section 8 of Haryana Municipal Corporation Act 1994 to make minimum educational qualification compulsory for aspirant of contesting local body polls on the lines of Panchayat polls. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, in a press conference yesterday, said that minimum educational qualification for male candidates would be matriculation while for females and males belonging to scheduled caste it would be middle pass. The primary pass women belonging to Scheduled Caste would be able to contest polls. As per proposed amendment, the candidate should have func-
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
tional toilet at home and he or she should not be defaulter of cooperative bank loans and electricity department. Earlier, the state government has amended the Panchayati Raj Act fixing qualification for candidates to contest Panchayat polls. The decision was challenged in the Supreme Court and the apex court had pronounced decision in favour of the state government. (ANI)
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
NEIGHBOURS
Taiwan, China launch hotline after historic summit Taipei, Dec 30: The first hotline between China and Taiwan was launched on Wednesday, in a move designed to build ties between the two sides following a historic summit between their leaders. Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to set up the hotline between senior officials during a landmark meeting in Singapore in November. The talks reflected a rapprochement between the two sides since Ma came to power in 2008, but which
8 trapped Chinese miners found alive after 4 days Beijing, Dec 30: Eight miners were found to be alive five days after their mine collapsed in China's Shandong province, authorities said on Wednesday. The gypsum mine accident happened on Friday evening in Pingyi county. At that time, 29 people were working underground. One is confirmed dead, four escaped, and seven have been rescued so far, Xinhua reported. Rescuers found signs of life on Wednesday morning and contacted the eight miners. They are trying to send them provisions. The owner of the mine drowned while working with the rescue team early Sunday. The rescue has been obstructed by the structural instability of the tunnel and falling debris. Holes have been drilled into the ground so that life detectors can be lowered.(Agencies)
Indo-Pak talks 'challenging': Sartaj Aziz Islamabad, Dec. 30: Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that during the proposed meeting in January, foreign secretaries will draw up a map for the next six months for talks on 10 identified subjects. Sounding a note of caution against unrealistic expectations from the talks, Aziz said the dialogue process is challenging as it involves difficult decisions and important issues. Aziz made a policy statement in Pakistan Senate regarding the short visit of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi to Pakistan on December 25. He said there will be progress on some issues soon, while it will take time for progress on others. He further said that Prime Minister Modi's visit was a goodwill visit and it has been welcomed by majority of people in Pakistan and India and the international community. He said the warmth of relations created by the Lahore meeting will hopefully have an impact on the formal dialogue. (ANI)
has stoked fears of growing Chinese influence in Taiwan. Andrew Hsia, chairman of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), talked with China's top Taiwan affairs official Zhang Zhijun this morning, according to a statement from his office. "Chairman Hsia said in the phone call the hotline is an important concrete outcome from the meeting of the leaders of the two sides. He expects the two sides can communicate more smoothly in urgent matters through the hotline," the
statement said. It described the hotline as "another important step forward" in exchanges between China and Taiwan. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, confirmed the call had taken place, Beijing's state news agency Xinhua reported. "We hope the two authorities will make efforts to maintain and promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," Xinhua quoted Ma as saying. November's summit was the first time leaders from the two sides
ties with Beijing, with voters saying trade deals have been agreed in secret and have not benefited ordinary citizens. The KMT suffered its worst-ever showing in local polls last year and is tipped to lose in the presidential election in January. China and Taiwan split at the end of the civil war on the mainland in 1949, and Beijing still regards the island as a province awaiting reunification, never ruling out the use of force to achieve it.(Agencies)
" The scope of Al Qaeda's deadly resilience in Afghanistan appears to have taken American and Afghan officials by surprise."
Al Qaeda reemerging seems to be forcing Pentagon and American intelligence agencies to assess whether they could again become a breeding ground for attacks
camps are sprouting up in Afghanistan. The recent reports of Al Qaeda reemerging seems to be forcing Pentagon and American intelligence agencies to assess whether they could
again become a breeding ground for attacks on the US. Most of the handful of camps are not as big as those that Osama Bin Laden built before the 9/11 attacks. The scope of Al Qaeda's
deadly resilience in Afghanistan appears to have taken American and Afghan officials by surprise. The administration has not talked much about the new challenge or its strategy for confronting the threat from Al Qaeda as it hurries to help the Afghan government confront what has been viewed as the more imminent threat, the surge in violent attacks from the Taliban, the Haqqani network and a new offshoot of ISIS. (ANI) .
Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for MQM, PPP and Pasban leaders in Dr Asim terror case Karachi, Dec 30: An antiterrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday issued nonbailable arrest warrants for five absconders in a terror case registered against former federal minister and PPP leader Dr Asim Hussain. The court ordered Investigating Officer (IO) Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Altaf Hussain to arrest and produce the absconders ? Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) Waseem Akhtar, Anis Qaimkhani, Saleem Shahzad, PPP's Qadir Patel and Pasban leader Usman Moazzam ? before the court on the date of the next hearing on January 8. MQM's Rauf Siddiqui who was also named an absconder in the investigation report is on
pre-arrest bail. A First Information Report (FIR) booked Dr Asim for allegedly treating and harbouring terrorists, gangsters and activists of banned militant outifits at the North Nazimabad and Clifton branches of his hospital at the behest of political leaders. Police in the remand paper earlier had stated that IO Rana Zulfiqar had questioned Dr Asim, who confessed to having provided treatment to alleged terrorists of the MQM and gangsters of Lyari at his hospital and harboured them after MQM leaders Waseem Akhtar, Rauf Siddiqui, Anis Qaimkhani and Saleem Shahzad, Qadir Patel of the PPP had allegedly asked him to do so. The court on
US condemns terrorist attack in Pakistan
A young Taliban suicide bomber on Tuesday blew himself up outside a crowded government office in Pakistan's restive northwest
Washington, Dec 30: The US has condemned the Taliban attack outside a regional government office in Pakistan that killed at least 26 people, calling it unacceptable and contrary to the aspirations of the Pakistani people. "We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims of today's violence," said Mark Toner, the State Department Deputy
had met since their traumatic 1949 split. No agreements were announced between the two, which still refuse to formally recognise each other's legitimacy, and Ma Ying-jeou's participation faced significant opposition at home. Tensions between Taiwan and China have decreased markedly since Ma, of the Chinafriendly Kuomintang party, (KMT) came to power promising to beef up trade and tourism links. But public sentiment in Taiwan has recently turned against closer
Al Qaeda reemerging amid US' battle against ISIS and Taliban
New York, Dec. 30: Amid counter-terrorism efforts by the United States against ISIS and the Taliban, an old enemy of the country, Al Qaeda, seems to be reappearing as their training
Spokesman. A young Taliban suicide bomber on Tuesday blew himself up outside a crowded government office in Pakistan's restive northwest, killing at least 26 people and injuring nearly 60 others, in one of the deadliest attacks since the Peshawar school carnage that left over 150 dead. Condemning the attack, Toner said "The United States remains committed to the
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"A young Taliban suicide bomber on Tuesday blew himself up outside a crowded government office in Pakistan's restive northwest, killing at least 26 people and injuring nearly 60 others, in one of the deadliest attacks since the Peshawar school carnage that left over 150 dead." people of Pakistan and to the Pakistani Government's efforts to fight terrorism." "Such blatant disregard for human life is unacceptable and contrary to the aspirations of the Pakistani people for a secure and stable and prosperous nation," Toner said.(Agencies)
Wednesday (today) also expressed displeasure over provision of incomplete prosecution documentation by IO DSP Hussain to Dr Hussain and directed the IO to produce all prosecution documentation along with a list of documents before the ATC in the next hearing. The court, in a hearing earlier this month, had ordered that copies of all prosecution documents, including statements of witnesses, be handed over to Dr Hussain in compliance with Section 265-C of the Criminal Procedure Code by December 30. It is pertinent to mention that Dr Hussain has been on physical remand of the National Accountability Bureau and will be produced before the court on Jan 5.
The arrest of Dr Hussain, chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission, came on Aug 26 and was described as the first major action against PPP leaders during the ongoing Karachi operation. Following the end of his 90-day preventive detention with Rangers, police sought multiple extensions in his remand for further questioning and collection of evidence in a case relating to treatment of, and sheltering, terrorists. After police released him on Dec 11, he was arrested by NAB from the court's premises and an accountability court later remanded him to the anti-graft body's custody until he was arrested by the police again on Monday. (Agencies)
Myanmar demonstrators return to border Myanmar, Dec30: A small group of Myanmar nationals protesting the Koh Tao murders ruling returned to the border pass next to Kanchanaburi province Wednesday morning and Thai authorities warned tourists to avoid the Three Pagodas area there. About 20 demonstrators, residents of Myanmar's Phaya Tong Su area, showed up at the border checkpoint near the Three Pagodas pass at about 9am. Their rally was the third in five days and the protesters continued to express dissatisfaction with the death sentences handed down by the Samui Provincial Court for two Myanmar migrant workers convicted of murdering two British backpackers on Koh Tao in September last year.
On Monday, the protesters submitted a letter demanding the release of their compatriots and a review of the investigation that led to their arrests and convictions. Myanmar and Thai security authorities guarded their border checkpoints on Wednesday. Thai soldiers advised tourists not to approach attractions near the Three Pagodas pass. Myanmar authorities continued to prohibit tourists from Kanchanaburi from crossing the border to Phaya Tong Su and closed their crossing there for the fifth consecutive day in the name of safety. Demonstrators left at about 11.30pm. They said that they arrived only to seek a response to the written demand that they filed on Monday. (Agencies)
39 injured in clashes during municipal polls in Bangladesh
At least seven people were injured in two separate clashes between AL and BangladeshNationalist Party (BNP) men at two polling centres Dhaka, Dec. 30: At least 39 people have been injured across Bangladesh in clashes at different polling centres during the voting for the municipal elections supporters of Awami League (AL) nominated candidate Masudul Haque Masud swooped on AL rebel candidate Tarikul Islam Chanchal at Bhuapur
municipality of Tangail and his polling agent Aminul Islam Babu at Ghatandi polling centre early this morning. Tarikul and Babu are being treated at Tangail Medical College Hospital. At least seven people were injured in two separate clashes between AL and BangladeshNationalist Party (BNP) men at two polling cen-
tres of Matlab municipality in the district. At least five people were injured at Dakkhin Baishpur Government Primary School polling centre where the police had to fire 15 shots to bring the situation under control. Three BNP agents were beaten up by ruling AL activists in Swarupkathi municipality in Pirojpur early today. (ANI)
One killed, 11 injured in shooting at Russia's Caucasus Moscow, Dec 30: One person was killed and 11 were injured in a shooting at a UNESCO heritage site in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region of Dagestan, local health authorities said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Tuesday night near the fortress at Derbent, which claims to be Russia's oldest city. "As a result of a shooting by the fortress one person was killed and 11 were injured," a spokeswoman for the local branch of the health ministry, Tatyana Abdullayeva said. The injured, five of whom are in serious condition, have been taken to hospital for
treatment, Abdullayeva added. Police official Magomed Taymuradov said the incident had taken place near Derbent's historic citadel -- declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 - and that security forces were searching for suspects. The Kremlin is fighting a deadly insurgency against Islamist rebels in the largely Muslim North Caucasus, with unrest particularly intense in Dagestan. The leader of Dagestan, Ramazan Abdulatipov, told Interfax news agency the attack could have been staged by "bandit groups" that "continue to take vengeance for the peace and tranquility the people of Derbent live in."
Sartaj Aziz fails to satisfy Pak MPs on PM Modi's visit
Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz Karachi, Dec. 30: Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, has not provided satisfactory information to the opposition lawmakers with regard to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise visit to the nation. Aziz was asked to brief the Senate on the recent visit of Prime Minister Modi but could not come up with any new information that prompted the opposition lawmakers to dismiss the government's response as
'unsatisfactory'. Leader of Opposition Aitzaz Ahsan, who belongs to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), said the information provided by Aziz was 'bereft of details'. Ahsan made it clear that the opposition considered Prime Minister Modi's visit as a positive development and did not want to subvert it. Aziz stressed that he had not concealed any details, urging the house to accept what he said in the briefing. (ANI)
At least 118 people were killed in Dagestan between January and November as a result of the armed conflict, according to the Kavkazsky Uzel news portal, which monitors militancy in the North Caucasus. Islamists in the North Caucasus have previously been united under a local Caucasus Emirate organisation, but are now increasingly flocking to the Islamic State group, which in June declared it had established a franchise there. Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate AlNusra Front has called on jihadists from the Caucasus to stage attacks in Russia in response to Moscow's bombing campaign in the country.(Agencies)
Police arrest former Indian military officer for spy links New Delhi, Dec, 30: Delhi police say they have arrested a former Indian Air Force officer on charges of passing secrets to Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Police claimed on Tuesday that the man, accused of giving details of air force exercises to ISI, had fallen victim to a "honey trap". "Ranjith KK has accepted to have passed air force-related information pertaining to a recent air force exercise, movements of aircraft and deployment of various units in air force," said Ravindra Yadav, Delhi police joint commissioner of crime, in a statement. The arrest comes days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to try to ease troubled relations. The two nuclear-armed countries frequently accuse each other of spying on military activities. Police alleged that ISI used a woman to lure him into passing on top-secret information through mobile phone and the internet. "As per the investigation so far, it has been assessed that (he) was befooled by the cross-border spies," Yadav added.(Agencies)
Afghanistan, US, Pak, China to discuss Taliban peace process next week Karachi, Dec. 30: Afghanistan will host the first round of preparatory meeting with Pakistan, the United States and China next week to gear up for possible reconciliation talks with the Taliban, an official at the Afghan president's office said. The preliminary meeting will focus on the move to resume the peace process, which was stalled in July following the death reports of Taliban chief Mullah Omar. The decision to hold the first round of preparatory meetings in Kabul follows Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif's visit to Afghanistan on Sunday. (ANI)
Afghanistan will host the first round of preparatory meeting with Pakistan
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Manipur holds the key to 'Look East' LPG subsidy No LPG subsidy for tax payers earning over 10L In the preliminary segment, customers will have to deliver a "self-declaration" that his/her taxable income is much less than Rs 10 lakh to avail of the LPG subsidy. Petrol and diesel costs have already been decontrolled. After LPG, kerosene is the most effective other gasoline which continues to be being subsidised by the officials. Finance minister Arun Jaitley has, meanwhile, expressed the desire that the ambitious GST regime will be "possible" in 2016. Cooking gas consumers with taxable income of more than Rs.10 lakh per annum will no longer get benefit of the subsidy on gas cylinders, the government announced.To be applicable from the New Year, the directive would be effected initially on a selfdeclaration basis. While many consumers have given up subsidy voluntarily, it is felt that consumers in the higher income bracket should get LPG cylinders at the market price. So, the government has decided that the benefit of the LPG subsidy will not be available for consumers if the consumer or his/her spouse had taxable income of more than Rs.10,00,000 during the previous financial year computed as per the Income Tax Act, 1961. Of the 16.35 crore cooking gas cylinder consumers in the country, 57.5 lakh have voluntarily given up their subsidy. With the implementation of the Pahal initiative for paying consumers cooking gas subsidy directly into the bank accounts of 14.78 crore consumers up to end-November, it has become the world's largest direct benefit transfer scheme, as was noted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To cut the subsidy bill and reduce fiscal deficit, the previous UPA government had restricted the number of subsidised domestic cylinders per household to six every year in September 2012, revising it to nine the following January. The cap was revised in January 2014 to 12 cylinders a year, starting April 1. The subsidy for 12 cylinders in a year is transferred directly to the bank account of consumers which they use to buy LPG at market rate. The subsidy payout on LPG in 2014-15 was Rs 40,551 crore, which this fiscal will be less than half as oil prices have slumped to a six-year low. During April-September, the subsidy outgo was Rs 8,814 crore. Currently, there are no estimates of how many LPG customers may have a taxable income of Rs 10 lakh or more.
Deforestation threatens mankind Possible of becoming a dangerous trend in NE Nearly 20 years ago, North East with just 7% of India's land mass had 24% or so of India's forests. But today it has only 12% or so of India's forests. The future looks bleak. Yet, no one is bothered. Slaughtering of trees profitably (for a few) continues in nearly every state. The 2007 Forest Rights Act that would have given indisputable rights of ownership upto a maximum of 4 hectares and prevented larger land holdings has not been implemented. Consequently individuals own hundreds of hectares while some have none. Meanwhile the plunder goes on. The wild animals unable to find food within forests have taken to marauding in well trop paths. Humans who used to depend on forest produce have to buy wood chips that they could collect easily, even though their right to do so has been protected in the Forest Rights Act of 2007. Increasing population, need of more space for habitation, heavy and continuous deforestations in the entire states of North East is not only leading to heavy atmospheric carbon emission but also the region towards heavy impact of climate change and unknown diseases. According to a report from the India State of Forest Report 2015 on the decrease of 628 sq km forest cover in the North East region of India is more than a cause for worry. The report said there has been a net decline of 628 Sq. Km. in the forest cover since 2013 in the North East. The loss is more than the total area of Mumbai city. According to current assessment, the total forest cover in the North East is 171,964 Sq. Km, which is 65.59 per cent of its total geographical area, in comparison to the national forest cover of 21.34 per cent. Very dense, moderately dense and open forest cover constitutes 14.81 per cent, 43.85 per cent and 41.34 per cent, respectively, the report said. The main reason for this decrease is attributed to the biotic pressure and shifting cultivation in the region. Among the North Eastern States, Mizoram has recorded the highest decrease in forest of 307 sq km, followed by Nagaland 78 sq km, Arunachal Pradesh 73 sq km, Tripura 55 sq km, while Sikkim recorded a forest cover loss of 1 sq km. On the other hand, nationwide, the forest cover has increased by 3,775 sq km as compared to 2013 assessment, the report said. The forest of North East region is known around the world for their rich biodiversity and dramatic scenery. It has been identified as one of the 18 biodiversity hot spots of the world. The region is broadly classified as six major forest types: Tropical moist deciduous forest, tropical semi evergreen, tropical wet evergreen, subtropical, temperature and Alpine. Largely closed to the outside world for the last fifty years, in recent decades, deforestation and watershed deterioration has progressed rapidly due to land clearing by migrants and local people and high timber demand from Bangladesh and urban centres in India. Illegal logging and forest clearing is made easier where the occupational rights to forest are weak and unclear. The entire region of Northeast is suffering from the impacts of climate change and the impact on people, fields and livestock is devastating and set to get worse.
An old Manipuri folktale work and open the rail link hopes for prosperity once to Agartala only after the "the eastern gates are decimation of the NLFT opened". But opening the and ATTF, the broad gaugeastern ing of gates for B a r a k Subir Bhaumik Manipur Valley's rail - and Innetwork dia -- must begin with re- has gained speed after the turn of peace and stabil- Dimasa-Karbi insurgents ity in the state itself. If have lost teeth. Manipur remains dis- But this is not to say the turbed, as it currently is, push given to the project it is difficult to see how it by the Modi government. can function as India's The opening of the broad overland bridge to south- gauge rail service to east Asia. Let me explain Silchar from Lumding why. will surely be one major The Modi government point when the BJP cammay be faulted for many paign starts for the 2016 a lapse but none can over- Assam elections. But look its huge push for what if parties ask for improving connectivity in votes after doing in a year the Northeast. Look at the what previous governspeed at which the broad ments failed to do in 17 gauging of the Barak Val- years! ley railway section has Now after Barak valley, been achieved. Now the the work on extending the work to extend railway to railway to Imphal and Manipur is going on at then on to Moreh on the considerable speed. Manipur-Myanmar borOne of the factors that der is in full swing. But were long delaying the Manipur's thriving insurwork on the broad gaug- gents are not making it ing of the rail network in easy for the contractors. Barak valley was the ex- A top Calcutta based firm tortion and terror un- has been slapped with leashed by militants in the huge demand notice for two hill districts of Assam 'tax' by at least five insur- Dima Hasao and Karbi gent outfits. That is afAnglong. Much like fecting work. Tripura could only finish It will be further affected
if there are road blockades, so common in Manipur since the proNagalim groups started using it to pressurise the Centre and the state government to concede their demands. Blockades will disrupt supply of crucial construction material and movement of machinery. With the pro-ILP groups threatening an agitation again if the three bills passed by the state assembly this year are not implemented, uncertainty is gripping all those working on the Silchar-JiribamImphal section. President Pranab Mukherjee has not
given assent for the three bills without which it will not be law. The Centre has not pushed for Presidential assent because the government in Delhi is BJP and the one in Imphal is Congress. But if the Modi government has to really 'act east' and expedite the road and rail expansion into Manipur to help open the 'eastern gates', it has to ensure peace in the state. It has to bring to the table as many insurgent groups as possible -- and ensure that those like NSCN(IM) who are negotiating don't resort to extortion.
Least it needs to do is to ensure no statewide agitation engulfs Manipur because that will hugely delay work on the railway and the roads that are critical to connectivity with south-east Asia. Trouble is if the three bills are implemented, it will surely placate the Meiteis but it will upset the tribals. That was evident when the bills were passed. Violence erupted in Churachandpur immediately and despite beinjg rivals over contesting homeland demands, Naga and Kuki tribesmen made common ground to op-
pose the three bills. For the Modi government, therefore, Manipur remains the key to the challenge of turning round the Northeastern region. With insurgency decimated in Tripura and the state serving as an excellent opening to Bangladesh for access of Chittagong port, one can say the 'western gates' have opened. A very friendly government in Dhaka has only helped the process. Work on several rail and road, water and internet connectivity between Bangladesh and Tripura has unlocked the promise of undoing the loss of the pre-Partition networks. But unless a Tripura happens in Manipur, 'Act East' will remain a cliche. (Subir Bhaumik is a former BBC Correspondent and now works as Senior Editor of Dhaka-based bdnews24.com. His books on Northeast "Insurgent Crossfire" and "Troubled Periphery" are well acclaimed. His forthcoming book "Agartala Doctrine" is being published by Oxford University Press.)
Nepal's Government Considers Amendment to Resolve Constitutional Crisis Nepal's prolonged constitutional crisis may be headed toward a solution. Ankit Panda Nepal's months-long constitutional crisis appears to be winding down after the government indicated that it is willing to acquiesce to some of the core demands of protestors. At a meeting of the Nepali cabinet this weekend, the government agreed to back a bill including a constitutional amendment that, if ratified by the country's parliament, would alter the new constitution to satisfy two of the three primary grievances of the protestors. Specifically, the amendment would address proportional representation and federal constituency delimitation issues in the constitution. The political crisis over Nepal's constitution has been particularly bitter given that the nation is almost evenly split over the appropriateness of the new constitution. "The bill has ensured proportional inclusive
participation in various state organs as demanded by the agitating parties and has also proposed delimitation of the electoral constituencies based on population," Nepal's Minister for Industry Som
tion." "Besides these issues, the demands related to citizenship and other issues can also be settled through negotiations. So, we urge them to withdraw the protests immediately," Pandey
eign ministry, in a tweet noted that "India welcomes develop'ts in Nepal as positive steps that help create the basis for a resolution of current impasse." India, given its important interests in Nepal and his-
Nepal's Minister for Industry, Som Prasad Pandey. Source: www.khabarbani.com Prasad Pandey told the added. toric ties, has sought to press. He added that a Across the border to resolve Nepal's constitupolitical mechanism the south, in India, the tional crisis. Additionally, "will recommend solu- Nepali government's due to cross-border ethtions to disputes over signaling has been met nic and cultural ties bethe proposed provincial positively. Vikas tween the Nepalis of the boundaries within three Swarup, a spokesper- Terai and Indians living months of its forma- son for the Indian for- along the Nepali border,
the current instability, if prolonged, could destabilize the Indian border. The de facto blockade of the border is one symptom of the problems arising for India from the constitutional crisis. The Indian government has worked closely with the new Nepali government, led by Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). After Oli was elected in early October, the Indian government has been diplomatically pursuing a political solution to the crisis. It appears, that with Sunday's cabinet meeting, the crisis could be heading toward a resolution. It is unclear if the acute sense of disenfranchisement driving protests for the last four months will dissipate immediately following the proposed constitutional amendment. The broader social and political issues underpinning the divide in Nepal between Kathmandu elites
and the people of the Terai are likely to persist. Nepal's constitutional crisis has now been ongoing for over four months. Following the promulgation of a historic new constitution earlier this autumn, protests broke out in the country, primarily among Nepal's ethnic Madhesi and Tharu groups, who reside in the Terai plains in the south of the country. These groups alleged that the new constitution disenfranchised them, effectively relegating their status to that of secondclass citizens. As the crisis continued, protesters in the Terai effectively blockaded Nepal's border with India, resulting in a near-total cessation of land trade. Critical supplies, including fuel, medicine, and food were in short supply in Nepal as a result. The consequences of the blockade have grown particularly sharp as the winter sets in, forcing the government to consider compromise now.
Home Ministry's Inertia
Sir, AIUDF Chief Badaruddin Ajmal has every reason to feel jubilant and complacent about the success of his party in the forthcoming assembly election in
Assam. one cannot help thanking our Chief-minister for showing his magnanimity towards Badaruddin Ajmal's AIUDF. Even when, Ajmal passes derogatory remarks on congress and the Chief-minister, the latter prefers to reamin mute for fear that once he reacts, whatever little chance for alliance that remains now will evaporate. This evaporation may enrage the High command. Home-ministry headed by the Chiefminister received a severe jolt following brutal killing of a police personnel in Bagharbari Beltali goan under Jinjia Police station, Biswanath Chariali. Reports suggest that Police-team led by Monoj Baruah, O/c with some policemen went to the said gaon for arresting two thieves, on a tip off as the two thieves stole valuable paraphernalia from nearby Power-Grid. As the Police team came back arresting the two culprits, rumour was spreaded like bonfire that the Police-team came to the village in search of Bangladeshi. The entire exercise of rumour was engineered by the local members of AAMSU. The villagers got so much enraged that they caught the Police team, gave them severe thrashing so much so that Dwipen Hazarika a policeman was beaten to death, while all others received serious injuries. This episode laid bare the fact, how serious the Bangladeshi are at the prospect of leaving Assam that these people never hesitate to kill
anybody that stands in their way and as usual, the AAMSU leaders have always been fanning the flame. When one raises such issue to the Chiefminister, it turns his head. All that we expect is, the guilty should be apprehended and be meted out exemplary punishment. For fear of incurring displeasure with the High command, Chief-minister should not sit tight. We pity our Home ministry for its inertia. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Various Jobs in NEIAH, Shillong [112 posts] North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong. Last Date: 04/01/2016. North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, Meghalaya, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India invites applications from Indian Citizen for the following posts to be filledup by Direct Recruitment / Deputation / Short Term Contract basis: 1. Deputy Director Administration : 01 post 2. Finance Manager : 01 post 3. Accounts Officer : 02 posts 4. Assistant Administrative Officer : 01 post 5. Junior Engineer (Civil) : 01 post 6. Junior Engineer (Electrical) : 01 post 7. Accountant : 01 post 8. Junior Accountant : 01 post 9. Cashier : 01 post 10. Private Secretary : 01 post 11. Upper Division Clerk : 03 posts 12. Principal Ayurveda college : 01 post 13. Professor (Ayurveda) : 10 posts 14. Associate professor (Ayurveda) : 10 posts 15. Lecturer (Ayurveda) : 10 posts
Applications are invited for the posts of Asstt. Professor at Darrang College, Tezpur (Assam) Applications are invited from Indian citizen for filling up following Sanctioned vacant posts ofAssistant Professor in the revised pay band + AGP Rs. 15,600 - 39,100 + AGP 6000 with other allowances as per rule as admissible time to time. Eligibility: Candidates must have UGC norms with NET / SLET / SET Degree as mandatory required qualification. Candidates who obtained M.Phil degree on or before 10-7-2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidates obtained M.Phil / Ph.D. Degree from off campus centre. However, the candidates who are or have been awarded a Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. degree) regulatory 2009, shall be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility conditions of NET / SLET/ SET for requirement and appointment of Assistant Professor. The Candidates must have a Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) and must know local language. Applications failing to fulfill the requirements will be rejected. The age of the candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015 and relaxable up to 5 years for SC / ST candidates. Candidates who are in service must apply through proper channel. Applications with full bio- data (P.C. of marks, postal address, telephone no. etc) and attested copies of relevant testimonials along with the PRC and a non refundable Bank draft of Rs. 1000/- (Rs. 500/- for SC / ST candidates) drawn in favour of Principal, Darrang College, payable at SBI, Tezpur should reach the undersigned within 10 days from the date of publication of this advertisement. No TA / DA is admissible.
JOBS &
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CAREER
Assistant Professor in Political Science and Assamese Vacancy in Saraighat College, Kamrup.
Indian Army SSC Officer (Technical Entry) Recruitment
Application are invited from the candidates having UGC Norms with NET/SLET/SET Degree as mandatory required qualification for filling up the following sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors in the UGC Scale of Pay Rs. 15600/- 39100/- + AGP Rs. 6000/ - with other allowances admissible as per rules. Candidates those who have obtained M. Phil. Degree on or before 10.7.2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidates obtained M.Phil/Ph.D. Degree from off campus centre. However, those candidates who are or have been awarded a Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the UGC ( Minimum standards and procedures for award Ph.D. Degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET/SLET/ SET. The age of a candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01.01.2015 and relaxable upto 5 years for SC/ST candidates. Candidates must have a Permanent Residential Certificate(PRC) and must know local languages. Application with complete Bio-data and all relevant testimonials from HSLC onwards with a Bank Demand Draft of Rs. 1000/- in favour of Principal, Saraighat College payable at SBI, Changsari Branch must reach the undersigned within 15 days from the date of publication of the Advertisement.
Indian Army Last Date: 08/01/2016. Applications are invited from married/ unmarried male and unmarried female Engineering Graduates and also from Widows of Defence Personnel for grant of Short Service Commission in the Indian Army in all Arms/ Services. Course commencing in October 2016 at Officers Training Academy (OTA),Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Category of posts: 47th SSC (Technical) for Men : 100 posts in various Engineering streams, Age : 2027 years 18th SSC (Technical) Women : 10 posts in various Engineering streams, Age : 20-27 years Widows of Defence Personnel : 01 post, Age : 19-29/20-31 years Remuneration: Pay Scale : PB3 Rs.1560039100 Grade Pay Rs.5400 and MPS Rs.6000/ How to Apply: Apply Online at Army recruitment website http://joinindianarmy.nic.in from 09/12/2015 to 08/01/2016 only.
(1) Assistant Professor- Political Science : One Post, Un-reserved (2) Assistant Professor- Assamese : One Post, Unreserved Sd/- Principal, Saraighat College P.O. Changsari Dist : Kamrup (Assam) PIN: 781101
Assistant Professor in English, Political Science, Bengali, Economics in Lala Rural College, Hailakandi. Applications in standard forms (in duplicate) are invited from eligible candidates for filling in the following vacancies of Assistant Professors against the UGC revised pay band of Rs. 15,600- 39100 + AGP Rs. 6000/- with other allowances as per rule. 1. English : 1(one), Reserved for ST(H) 2. Political Science: 1 (one), unreserved 3. Bengali : 1 (one), Reserved for OBC/MOBC 4. Economics : 1 (One) Unreserved Intending candidates must have the required UGC norms with NET/ SLET/SET (as mandatory requirement). Candidates having M. Phil degree on or before 10.07.2009 may also apply excluding the candidates obtained M Phil/ PhD from off campus centre. Candidates who have been awarded Ph.D in accordance with the UGC (Minimum standards and procedure for award of Ph.D) Regulation 2009, shall be exempted from the requirement of minimum eligibility condition of NET/SLET/SET. The age of the candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01/01/2015 and relaxable up to 5(five) years for SC/ST candidates. The in service applicants must apply through proper channel as per the latest circular of DHE, Assam. The candidates must have PRC (permanent residential certificate) and must know local languages. Applications with complete bio data and all relevant testimonials from HSLC onwards along with a non refundable A/C payee demand draft of Rs 1000/- only drawn in favour of Principal, Lala Rural College, payable at United Bank of India, Lala Branch, should reach within 15(fifteen) days from the publication of this advertisement. No TA/DA is admissible to the candidates called for the interview.
Sd/- T. K. Dey Principal-in-charge & Secretary Lala Rural College PO : Lala, Dist. Hailakandi PIN 788163, Assam
Sd/- Principal, Darrang College, Tezpur Ph. No.:- 03712-220014.
Librarian post vacant at Pragjyotish College, Santipur, Guwahati - 9 (Assam) Applications are invited for the post of a Librarian from eligible candidates having UGC norms with NET/SET degree as mandatory required qualification in the revised Pay Band+AGP Rs. 15600-39100 + AGP 6000 with other allowances as per rule as admissible time to time. Candidates who have obtained M.Phil degree on or before 10.07.2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidate obtained M.Phil/Ph.D degree off campus centre. However, candidates who are or have been awarded a Ph.D degree in accordance with the University Grants Commission (minimum standards and procedure for award of Ph.D degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted from the requirement of NET/SLET/SET. Applications are to be accompanied by attested copies of all relevant testimonials from HSLC Examination onwards inclusive of all documentary evidences relating to ones proficiency in ICT bases Library Management System, working experiences and training etc. The age of a candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01.01.2015 and relax able upto 5 years for SC/ST candidates. The candidates must have a Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) and must know local languages. Application must be accompanied by Demand Draft of Rs. 1000/- (nonrefundable) in favour of the Principal, Pragjyotish College, Guwahati payable at SBI, West Guwahati Branch and should reach the college within 10 days from the date of publication of this advertisement. No TA/DA will be admissible to the candidates. 1. Librarian 1 (one) post : Unreserved. Sd/- Principal i/c (Mrs. Pallabi Sarmah) Pragjyotish College Santipur, Guwahati - 9
The Eastern Today has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.). 1).Which of the following represents the correct meaning of 'REPO RATE'? a) Rate for borrowing rupees by banks from RBI b) Rate applicable for grant of priority sector loans c) Rate offered by banks to their prime customers d) Rate at which RBI sells Government Securities to banks Answer: A 2).Reserves which can act as a liquidity buffer for commercial banks during crisis times are_______. a) CAR b) CRR & SLR c) CRR d) SLR Answer: B 3).Saving Bank accounts are opened by________. a) Cooperative banks for savings b) Trading entities, manufacturing entities and individuals for saving purposes c) Individuals for saving purposes d) Traders and Manufactures for business purposes Answer: C 4).A customer drawing a cheque on a bank has a right to________. a) Stop payment of the cheque before it is paid b) Stop payment of the cheque before it is issued c) Take back the cheque from the bank after it is paid d) Stop payment of the cheque after it is paid Answer: A 5).Among the following which is not a function of a commercial bank? a) Providing services such as locker facilities, remit-
tance b) Deciding policy rates like CRR, SLR & Repo Rates c) Issuing Credit/Debit/ ATM cards d) Providing projects finance Answer: B 6).Which is not a salient feature of a debit card? a) No bad debts to banks and no suits for recovery b) No interest earning for banks c) Work like a normal withdrawal slip d) 45 days credit is given to the card holder Answer: D 7).Which of the following is a measure taken by RBI to control inflation in our country? a) Contraction of Supply of Currency b) Increase in SLR c) Raising of Repo/Reverse Repo Rate d) Increase in CRR Answer: C 8).What type of loan is granted by banks for purchase of the White Goods? a) Mortgage Loan b) Consumer Durables Loan c) Consumption Loan d) Home Loan Answer: B 9).What is s Stale Cheque? a) A six months post dated cheque b) A cheque which has completed sox month from its date of issue c) A cheque issued without drawer's signature d) None of these Answer: A 10).Ram has been nominated in the savings account of Site. Ram requests the bank authorities to allow him to
operate Sita's account as she is unwell. What will the bank do? a) As nomination will come into effect only after death of the depositor, bank will not allow. b) Out of pity from Sita and on account of long term relationship, the bank may allow. c) Bank can take a promissory note from Ram and allow him to operate the account. d) Bank will allow Ram to operate the account as he is the nominee. Answer: A 11).What is mean by Mortgage? a) Registration of charge with the Regional Transport Authority b) Registration of charge with the Registrar of companies c) Making the security of immovable property available as a cover for a home loan by the borrower d) Sale of a moveable security in the event of default by the borrower Answer: C 12).Which among the following constitutes the largest percentage of retail loans in India? a) Consumer Loans b) Personal Loans c) Auto Loans d) Home Loans Answer: D 13).Credit risk to the bank is high from which of these cards? a) Debit Cards b) Credit Cards c) ATM Cards d) All of these Answer: B 14).Depreciation of an asset occurs due
to________. a) Fire in the unit b) Theft c) Labor problems d) None of these Answer: D 15).Among the following which is NOT a source of funds of a commercial bank? a) Borrowing from RBI b) Capital c) Deposits d) Call money borrowings Answer: D 16).Among the following which is a Credit Card Association? a) Citi Cards b) Master Cards c) Indian Cards d) SBI Cards Answer: B 17).Which among the following is the main resources of RRB? a) Deposits from the public b) Share Capital c) Borrowing from the Sponsored Banks d) All of the above Answer: D 18).RRBs are owned by_______. a) Sponsor Bank b) State Government c) Central Government d) Jointly by all of the above Answer: D 19).Under which of the following category will you classify Regional Rural Banks? a) Scheduled Commercial Banks b) Co-operative Banks c) Development Banks d) Private Sector Banks Answer: A 20).Paid-up share capital of Regional Rural Bank is contributed by________. a) NABARD, the concerned state government and the Sponsor Commer-
cial Bank in the ratio of 60:20:20 respectively. b) Central Government, state government and Sponsored bank in the ratio of 50:15:35 respectively. c) Central Government only d) State government only Answer: D 21).RRB are empowered to transact the business of banking as defined under__________. a) Banking Regulation Act, 1949 b) Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881 c) Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976 d) The Banking companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertaking) Act 1970. Answer: A 22).RRBs are managed by_________. a) The State Government b) The Sponsor Bank c) Reserve Bank of India d) A Board of Directors Answer: D 23).Deposits with Regional Rural Bank are insured by__________. a) General Insurance Corporation b) Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation c) Life Insurance Corporation of India d) None of these Answer: B 24).To open a new branch a Regional Rural Bank requires___________. a) Permission of Director, Institutional Finance b) Permission from NABARD c) RBI License d) DRDA Approval Answer: C 25).For the purpose of In-
come Tax Act, 1961, the Regional Rural Banks are treated as____________. a) Scheduled Banks b) Non- Scheduled Banks c) Co-operative Banks d) Nationalized Banks Answer: C 26).On the current account balances maintained by the Regional Rural Banks with them, the commercial Banks may__________. a) Pay interest as applicable to savings accounts b) Waive incidental charges c) Pay interest up to 9% d) Pay interest at such rates as may be mutually agreed to Answer: D 27).By Virtue of the amendment carried out by the Regional Rural Bank (Amendment) Act, 1987, the Chairman of a Regional Rural Bank is to be appointed by_______. a) Reserve Bank of India b) Sponsor Bank in consultation with NABARD c) State Government d) Central Government Answer: B 28).All RRBs are required to maintain their entire Statuary Liquidity Ratio (SLR) in_______. a) Gold holdings only b) Time deposits with sponsor banks c) Government and other approved securities d) Current accounts with sponsored Banks Answer: C 29).Among the following statements which is correct about to Regional Rural Banks? a) RRBs can enter into arrangements, with the sponsor banks for providing
remittance facilities to its customers. b) Where RRBS can afford the investment, they can install lockers also c) Sponsors Banks travelers cheques can be issued by RRBs d) All of these Answer: D 30).Who is the Regulatory Authority for Regional Rural Banks? a) RBI and NABARD b) Central Government c) State Government d) Sponsor Bank Answer: A 31).Out of total priority sector advances of RRBs, at least ______should be advanced to weaker sections. a) 40% b) 35% c) 25% d) 30% Answer: C 32).With a view to increase their resource base, RRBs have been permitted to_________. a) Open Currency Chests b) Handle pension and other government business as sub-agents of those banks
which are authorized to conduct government business. c) Issue of credit/debit cards and setting-up of ATMs. d) All of these Answer: D 33).Which among the following category of banks were mooted with a view to providing an institutional mechanism for promoting rural and semi-urban savings as well as for the provision of credits for viable economic activities in local areas? a) Regional Rural Banks b) Land Development Banks c) Local Area Banks (LABs) in the private sector d) Private Sector Banks Answer: C 34).Among the following which is most important component of the liabilities of commercial banks? a) Other borrowings b) Demand deposits c) Time deposits d) Interbank liabilities Answer: C
DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
BUSINESS
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7-7.5% growth in Indian economy in 2016: Kaushik Basu Hyderabad, Dec 30: The Indian economy is expected to grow at 7 to 7.5 percent in 2016, World Bankchief economist Kaushik Basu said. "Roughly it is in a ballpark of the kind of figure. We (World Bank) have given over 7 percent or somewhere between 7 and 7.5 percent which no matter whether the top-end of it or bottom end of it. India will still be the leader among major economies. Not only in 2015 but we expect India to lead that chart in 2016 as well," Basu told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here. Until October, the
World Bank retained India's growth forecast at 7.5 percent for 2015-16 and expected it to be 7.8 percent in 2016-17 and 7.9 percent in 2017-18. He said the World Bank would review the growth projections of countries on January 7 or 8. "Every six months the World Bank takes stock of the whole global situation and puts out forecast. We review regularly and we are going to do on 7th or 8th of January. I don't know which way it will go(for India)," he said when asked whether there is any revision of growth predictions for India. On the
impact of the rate hike by the US Fed on investment scenario in the country, the former chief economic advisor said though there could be some outflow of investments, the impact is minimal. On the exports front, Basu said India needs to focus more on manufacturing-based exports as wages are rising situation in China is on the rising path. "I think India has great potential in exports and in particular in the manufacturing sector. In manufacturing historically India has done well. The opportunity in the manufacturing sector is very high especially since
EXPECTED GROWTH The Indian economy is expected to grow at 7 to 7.5 percent in 2016.
On the impact of the rate hike by the US Fed on investment scenario in the country, though there could be some outflow of investments, the impact of India is minimal.
World Bank had given over 7 percent or somewhere between 7 and 7.5 percent which no matter whether the top-end of it or bottom end of it. On the exports front, India needs to focus more on manufacturing-based exports as wages are rising situation in China is on the rising path.
Until October, the World Bank retained India's growth forecast at 7.5 percent for 2015-16 and expected it to be 7.8 percent in 2016-17 and 7.9 percent in 2017-18.
wages are rising in China. But it is true that that over last 12 months if you look at the trend in exports we
have not done well," he said. He, however, said the ease of doing business is improving when com-
pared to last year and the trend may contribute for higher exports in the long run. (Agencies)
World Bankchief economist, Kaushik Basu.
Cuts in lending rate 50% erosion in United Spirits' net worth may make HDFC loans cheaper
Image for representational purposes only.
Pune, Dec 30: Following SBI, country's second largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has reduced base rate or the minimum lending rate by 0.05 percent to 9.30 percent. The reduction in base rate will bring down interest rate on all loans. "Based on the quarterly review, the bank decided to lower the base rate" said HDFC Bank Treasurer Ashish Parthasarthy. The revised rate, one of the lowest in the industry, became effective on Monday. HDFC Bank had last reduced its base rate to 9.35 percent in September this year. Base rate is the lowest lending rate below which banks do not lend to their customers. Asked about fixed deposit rate cut, Parthasarthy said, "It has been stable for past 3-
4 weeks. Let's wait and see."With regard to credit growth, he said there is some traction in the economy and the bank has generally outperformed the market. Following the status quo by the Reserve Bank in bi-monthly monetary policy review earlier this month, HDFC Bank is the first large bank to cut base rate. RBI left repo rate, at which it lends to the system, unchanged at 6.75 percent. The cash reserve ratio (CRR), or the amount of deposits banks park with RBI, was also retained at 4 percent. To improve transparency and ensure speedier monetary policy transmission, RBI issued uniform methodology for calculation of base rate on the basis of the marginal cost of funds. The new methodology issued earlier this month will ensure fair interest rates to borrowers as well as to banks. As per the guidelines effective April 1, banks will fix their lending rates as per their marginal cost of funding every month, which will be based on the rate offered on new deposits. (Agencies)
India's internet subscribers may reach 50 crore next year: Prasad
Telecom Minister of India, Ravi Shankar Prasad.Source: media2.intoday.in
Bengaluru, Dec 30: Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Internet subscribers may reach the 50 crore mark in the country next year. "India currently has 40 crore Internet subscribers. Earlier, I have said about the target to reach 50 crore users in two years but now it looks that the 50 crore mark is likely to be achieved next year," Prasad said during a discussion on "Integration
of SC/ST entrepreneurs: Digital and Skill India" here. Speaking about the 'Digital India' programme, he said the government will connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with optic fibre in coming years. He also spoke on the concept of 'digital village', where one block in every state will be selected to ensure that technology can be used to deliver education and healthcare services. Under digital village, the focus will be upon four things - e-education, telemedicine having linkage of primary health centres with district hospital, resource centre as a virtual classroom including training in all gap areas and LED light at the centre of village along with wi-fi, he added. (Agencies)
GAINING POPULARITY ¨ Internet subscribers may reach the 50 crore mark in the country next year. ¨ India currently has 40 crore Internet subscribers. ¨ The government will connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with optic fibre in coming years. ¨ India shall introduce the concept of 'digital village', where one block in every state will be selected to ensure that technology can be used to deliver education and healthcare services. ¨ Under digital village, the focus will be upon four things - e-education, telemedicine having linkage of primary health centres with district hospital, resource centre as a virtual classroom including training in all gap areas and LED light at the centre of village along with wi-fi, he added.
Bengaluru, Dec 30: Crisis-ridden United Spirits said its net worth has eroded by more than 50 percent of its peak net worth due to a host of reasons, including provisions on advances to its erstwhile promoter group firm United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd. United Spirits (USL) has called an Extraordinary General Meeting of its shareholders on January 22, 2016. In a notice for EGM, USL said, "The company shall report to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) of the fact that the accumulated losses of the company as on March 31, 2015, have resulted in erosion of more than fifty percent of its peak net worth during the immediately preceding four financial years." It further said: "This extraordinary general meeting is being convened to consider and approve the enclosed report of the Board of Directors on such erosion and its causes, and the measures being taken as per the relevant provisions of SICA (Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985), and also to approve the reporting of such erosion to BIFR in terms of Section 23 of
Image for representational purposes only.
SICA." The company said its accumulated losses as on March 31, 2015 at Rs 5,045.45 crore is greater than 50 percent of the peak net worth in the immediately preceding four financial years at Rs 5,849.62 crore. United spirits said two main reasons for accumulated losses are "diminution in the value of long-term investments in subsidiaries and loans and advances to subsidiaries due to low capacity utilisation, negative margins, or strategic shift in business (Rs 716.16 crore)" and "provision on advances to United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd (Rs 995.45 crore)". Others reasons are diminution in the value of
investments and advances in overseas subsidiaries (Rs 184.85 crore), loss on sale of shares in subsidiaries (Rs 10.84 crore), profit on sale of manufacturing unit (Loss of 35.65 crore), provision for doubtful debts, advances and deposits (Rs 113.40 crore) and provision for sales and other taxes (Rs 97.32 crore). The company said total provisioning amount of Rs 2,082.39 crore "is mainly due to exceptional factors and does not reflect upon the long term prospects of the company." USL said it has generated cash profits during six months ended September 30, 2015, and it is taking steps, including entering into certain agree-
ments and/or arrangements with certain overseas subsidiary companies of Diageo Plc for manufacture and sale of certain key brands, to improve its financial health. "These agreements/arrangements allow the company to gain a diverse, global product portfolio, additional sales revenue and improve the company's standing in the market. The benefits have been evidenced by our improved profitability declared in the previous two quarters ended June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015," it added. In April last year alleging fund diversion to Kingfisher and other UB group entities, Diageo-owned United Spirits had asked its erstwhile promoter and current chairman Vijay Mallya to quit the board, even as the liquor baron outright rejected the demand and the charge. The board of United Spirits Limited (USL), in which Diageo has bought a controlling 55 percent stake for about USD 3 billion, asked Mallya to step down after "various improprieties and legal violations" were found in a probe into loans worth Rs 1,337 crore given by USL to UB Group firms. (Agencies)
Fairfax to hold 35% in ICICI Lombard Image for representational purposes only.
New Delhi, Dec 30: The Competition Commission has cleared Prem Watsa run Fairfax Financial Holdings' proposed acquisition of additional nine percent stake in ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company for an estimated Rs 1,550 crore. Following the transaction, Fairfax will hold 35 percent in ICICI Lombard, while ICICI Bank will have about 64 percent stake. In a tweet, Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it has approved "acquisition of additional 9 percent shares in ICICI Lombard General Insurance by FAL Corporation." Fairfax Financial Holdings of Canada, in October, announced that it has agreed with its joint venture partner ICICI Bank to acquire an additional
nine per stake in ICICI Lombard. The proposed transaction values the company at Rs 17,225 crore (USD 2.6 billion), Fairfax had said. Earlier, foreign partners were only allowed to hold 26 percent stake in an insurance venture which has now been increased to 49 percent after the passage of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Act earlier this year. Fairfax is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. ICICI Lombard is the largest private sector general insurance company in India with gross written premiums of about USD 1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2015. (Agencies)
In-car air purifier by Philips launched in India at Rs 7,999 Mumbai, Dec 30: Sensing a growing market for air purification devices in the country, Philips' automotive division Lumileds India launched an in-car air purifier -GoPure Compact 110 -priced at Rs 7,999. "GoPure Compact 110, Lumileds India MD, designed especially for Rajiv Khosla.Source: the Indian market, will media.licdn.com help users eliminate incar air pollution. Cur- uct through other retail rently, we are launching channels." Khosla did not this device as an after- share revenue the company exmarket product No more foul smell p e c t s from this to be sold through the online product, saying "it is too channel," Lumileds India early to put a number to MD Rajiv Khosla told re- sales". The product will porters. "As the market be imported from the evolves, we may launch company's manufacturmore variants of this de- ing plants in China. vice and also sell the prod- (Agencies)
Interviews to be skipped for junior level central government jobs from January 1 New Delhi, Dec 30: All central government ministries and their Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) were recently told to dispense with the requirement of interviews for selections at junior level posts within next two days, however, they may continue with skill or physical test. The timeliness set regarding completing the process of the discontinuation of interview by December 31, 2015 has to be adhered to strictly, a communique sent by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to secretaries of all central government ministries said. From
January 1, 2016, there will be no recruitment with interview at the junior level posts in government of India ministries, departments, attached and subordinate offices, autonomous bodies and PSUs. "All the advertisement for future vacancies will be without the interview as part of the recruitment process," it said. The decision to discontinue interview for recruitments is for all Group C and non-gazetted posts of Group 'B' category and all such equivalent posts, the DoPT said. "It is also clarified that as skill test or physical test is different
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Loans worth Rs 50,000 crore given by banks under MUDRA: PM Modi New Delhi, Dec 30: Underlining that financial inclusion is the government's core focus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said banks have given loans worth Rs 50,000 crore to small entrepreneurs under the MUDRA Yojana. Addressing dalit entrepreneurs, he said: "80,000 borrowers have benefited from the scheme under which more than Rs 50,000 crore worth of loans have been given primarily to SC, ST, OBCs and women entrepreneurs who are engaged in small business and provide jobs to about 14 crore persons." Modi hailed Babasaheb Ambedkar's contributions, saying that he was not only the architect of the Indian Constitution, but also an accomplished economist. "Babasaheb rightly said that industrialisation will give maximum benefit to our Dalit sisters and brothers," he said, adding that people participating in the function
pay crore of taxes and employ lakhs of youth. To support businesses of SC/ST, the government has created Rs 200 crore venture capital fund with IFCI as the nodal agency. It has so far given loan worth Rs 144 crore to 28 businesses belonging to the SC/ST community. "Our Government is your Government. We are working for your empowerment," he said. The Prime Minister assured the dalit entrepreneurs that the government is working for their benefit. The successes of members at the gathering today could inspire anyone who faces adversity, he said. He expressed hope that dalit entrepreneurs would be able to double in next two years what has been achieved in the last 10 years. "This is possible because this is your government at the Centre," he said. Modi recalled one of his "Mann Ki Baat" programmes, where he had exhorted people to talk
from interview, they may continue. However, these tests will only be of qualifying nature. Assessment will not be done on the basis of marks for such tests," it said. In case of specific posts where the ministry or department wants to continue undertaking interview as a process of recruitment, a detailed proposal seeking exemption will have to be sent to the DoPT with the approval of the minister or minister-in-charge. The ministries have been asked to send a consolidated report to the DoPT by January 7 in this regard. "Report so to be furnished with the
not just about their rights, but also about their duties. He said that this gathering of dalit entrepreneurs is one which has not just talked about their duties, but has successfully fulfilled them. The Prime Minister presented five business excellence awards to dalit entrepreneurs. Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry founder Milind Kamble said that the body is working for the growth of dalit entrepreneurs. It is also working with other chambers on affirmative action, he said. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said that last year about 1.5 lakh person belonging to SC/ST were trained. He said the ministry has identified about 7,500 persons engaged in manual scavenging and they have been given a grant of Rs 40,000 to look for small business opportunities. (Agencies)
approval of the minister or minister-in-charge shall include the details of the name and number of posts where the interview is discontinued and posts for which the exemption has been sought within the purview of the administrative ministries or departments," the order said. Similarly, the Department of Public enterprises has also asked all ministries to advise PSUs under their administrative control to adopt a revised mechanism of recruitment for the non-executive level posts by dispensing with the practice of interview. (Agencies)
TECHNOLOGY Lenovo K4 Note Price: Rs. 10,990/Most of the specifications of the phone are as expected, and include a 5.5 inch, fullHD display, support for NFC and MicroSD cards, a fingerprint scanner at the back and a 3.3 Ah battery. Camera resolution continues to be just 13 MP and 5 MP (front). However, many would be hoping that the quality of the pictures on the Lenovo K4 Note will be better than its predecessor. According to our information, the phone will be powered by a mid-range processor, the MediaTek MT6753, which could disappoint some fan who were hoping for the high-end Helio X10. The MT6753 is a modified version of the MT6752 and offers slightly less power compared to the original. Another key aspect is RAM. Many media reports are saying that the K4 Note will come with double the amount of RAM compared to the K3, which means it will come with 4 GB.
However, both our source and the company have said that there will be only one model, with 3 GB of RAM, while many online sources are pointing to two models - one 3 GB and another 4 GB. Though NFC and a fingerprint scanner are present, there will be no infrared blaster, gesture control etc. Other missing features in the K4 include wireless charging and resistance to water and dust. (Helio X10 supports wireless charging.) However, given that the K4 is purely a mid-range device, these are omissions that are unlikely to hurt its sales. Despite the metal build, the thickness of the phone will be comparable to that of its predecessor (which was 8 mm), and the phone will reportedly be made by Motorola's factories in China.
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
PAGE 11
Leicester Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel
Durban Test: England beat South Africa by 241 runs Agencies Durban: Moeen Ali took three wickets on Wednesday as England made quick work of securing victory in the first Test by bundling out South Africa for 174 before lunch and ensure a 241-run victory on the last day at Kingsmead. It was only the second triumph in the opening Test of a series for England in 11 years as South Africa's status as the top-ranked Test nation looked distinctly hollow, extending their number of successive Tests without a win to seven. England will take a massive morale
boost into the rest of the four-test series with a quick turnaround time before the second Test starts in Cape Town on Saturday. South Africa already had their backs to the wall at 136 for four wickets overnight, chasing an improbable 416 for a win, and their hopes of survival rested heavily on AB de Villiers. But the stumperbatsman lasted only three balls at the start of the final day and was out on his overnight score of 37. De Villiers was trapped leg before wicket to Ali and failed to overturn the decision on review with the
Para-athletes denied entry in stadium, allege harassment ANI New Delhi: Two international para-athletes Pradeep Raj and Suvarna Raj were on Tuesday reportedly denied entry at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium to witness the final match of Pro Wrestling League. "The traffic police didn't allow us to park in the area, despite our car having a disability sticker. We had to park at a distance and walked to the entry gates, where we were again denied entry. They told me to go back, as there were no arrangements, neither ramps nor seats for disabled," said Suvarna. "Even though we have VIP passes and VIP
car stickers, our car was not allowed to park in the VIP parking. They didn't allow us to enter, saying the seats were full," said Pradeep Raj. "A member of the organising committee told us that we can't go inside, as it was very risky. There is nowhere that a wheelchair can be accommodated. You should go home and watch it on TV. Why have you come here?" he added. Expressing dissent, Pradeep said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the disabled as "Divyang" in his national broadcast, but nobody is doing anything in reality to address the harassment they face regularly.
Barca terminate new player's contract hours after signing him ANI Barcelona: Barcelona terminated Sergi Guardiola's contract just hours after signing him after the Catalan giants found that the new signing had published offensive tweets about the club. According to reports, the 24-year-old striker signed a deal with Barca's B team but was
immediately sacked after enraged fans of the club informed officials of Guardiola's offensive comments made on Twitter last month. Guardiola, a diehard Real Madrid fan, took out his frustration at Barcelona after the Catalan club defeated Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu.
England players' celebrates the fall of a South African wicket.
CAPTION: Anderson, Elliott return for New Zealand ANI Wellington: Corey Anderson and Grant Elliot have been included in New Zealand's T20 squad for the two-match series
against Sri Lanka after significantly recovering from their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Brendon McCullum, who decided to call curtains on his in-
ANI Zurich: Michael Schumacher's former team-mates have marked the two-year anniversary of the Formula One legend's skiing crash with sadness. Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said that he
was really close to the German driver's family, adding that he was expecting a miraculous recovery to happen for the F1 legend. Montezemolo, under whose reign Schumacher won a record five consecutive world championships, hadn't visited his
Shane Watson is eager to get back in the Aussie set-up for ODIs and T20s
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Durban on Wednesday. Pietersen, who played 104 Tests for England, took to Twitter to congratulate the visitors, particularly Nick Compton, for scoring 134 in his first match in South
Cup, suffered a stress-related back injury in May and had only begun playing competitive cricket since last month. The inclusion of veteran batsman Elliott, who returned to the T20 squad after he was left to recover from a broken wrist during the ODI series, is expected to strengthen the middle order. Kane Williamson, who will succeed McCullum as captain in the World T20, was also named captain for the Sri Lanka series. The 13-man T20 squad for the Sri Lanka series is as follows: Kane Williamson (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
Sports Reporter scapled seven wickets for Dibrugarh, Dec 30: 37 in twelve overs while Dibrugarh manage a lead of Muktar Hussain took three 58 runs against Bongaigaon for 22 in his seven overs. In at the end of the first day of reply, Dibrugarh were Nuruddin Ahmed Senior In- placed at 164 for seven in 53 overs ter-district cricket Nuruddin Cricket w h e n tournastumps ment at DDSA stadium here were drawn. Jyotiraditiya today. Opting to bat first, Chetia was unbeaten on 80 Bongaigaon were bundled runs off 180 balls scored out for a paltry 106 in 53 with the help of eleven overs. Prandip Sarkar boundaries. Salim Ahmed scored 31 off 57 balls, hit- contributed 39 off 43 balls, ting five boundaries while hitting eight boundaries to the Manish Das contributed 17 fence. For Bongaigaon, Sunil off 26 balls with the help of Ranjan Gogoi bagged five for three boundaries. For 56 in 19 overs while Sujay Dibrugarh, Dipak Gohain Tarafdar took two for 17.
DR College in final Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 30: Debraj Roy College, Golaghat defeated Sonari Commerce College by 83 runs the first Semi-final of the Inter-college cricket tournament organized by Dibrugarh University Sports Board at DU playground here today. Choosing to bat first, DR College managed 172 runs in 30.4 overs before being bundled out. Debasish Bhuyan scored a quickfire 55 runs off 22 balls, laced with seven boundaries and two sixes. Sonu Das contributed 38 off 40 balls with the help of four boundaries. For Sonari Commerce College, Mujakir Ali scalped four
College Cricket wickets for 32 runs in 6.4 overs while Yakub Ansari claimed three wickets in his seven overs conceding 16 runs. Chasing the target, Sonari Commerce College were shot out for 89 runs in 25.1 overs. Nabin Gupta remained unbeaten on 27 runs off 43 balls, a knock laced with two boundaries and two maximums. Arun Kumar Sah scored contributed 22 runs off 23 balls. For DR College, Hari Prasad Saikia bagged five wickets for 13 runs in 5.1 overs while Sanjeev Hazarika took two for 19 in his six overs.
Leicester held by City, share top spot with Arsenal
Schumi's two-year crash anniversary marked with sadness
with the bat. Watson appeared in 59 Tests since his debut in 2005 against Pakistan, scoring 3731
runs at an average of 35.19.His highest score of 176 came against England in 2013.
Pietersen hails England's ‘brilliant display’ against Proteas ANI Johannesburg: Former skipper Kevin Pietersen has praised England for their 241-run victory against South Africa in the Kingsmead Test in
ternational career before the World Twenty20 in March, was left out of the 13-man squad. Anderson, who played a vital role for his side in the 2015 World
former colleague since the tragic incident. Echoing similar views, son of great Enzo Ferrai, Piero Ferrari, said that he felt sad to see Schumacher in such a condition, insisting that he had never imagined that fate would have this in store for him.
Africa. "That's a quite brilliant display from @englandcricket in Durban! I'm most happiest for the return & batting of, @thecompdog," the 35-year-old tweeted.
With the win, England have taken 1-0 lead in the series. The second Test of the four-match series against South Africa will be played at Newlands from Saturday.
Schumacher, who has record seven Formula One titles and 91 race wins, was injured while skiing during a French Alps vacation in 2013 and has been going through his painfully slow recovery at his Swiss lakeside home.
PCB gives green signal over Amir's selection in NZ tour ANI Karachi: Disgraced fast bowler Mohammad Amir has received clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over his selection in the national squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Speaking on the matter, Pakistan chief selector Haroon Rasheed said that they had received the green signal from the PCB
Bash League (BBL), believes that he was just one innings away from being able to contribute well
Piedt tried his best at stonewalling, going 27 balls without scoring before edging a ball from Chris Woakes onto his pads, which popped up for James Taylor to catch at short-leg. The last man out was Morne Morkel, leg before to Stuart Broad for eight, leaving JP Duminy 26 not out as he held up one end for South Africa. Finn finished with figures of 4-42, while Ali took 3-47. The second Test at Newlands runs from Jan. 2-6 with the two remaining matches in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Anderson, Elliott return, McCullum out of NZ T20 squad
Watson eager to represent Australia in ODIs, T20 WC ANI Sydney: Three months after putting away his Baggy Green, Australian allrounder Shane Watson has said that he is still eager to play for the national side in the shorter formats of the game and is looking forward to the World Twenty20 to be held in India next year. Watson, who retired from Test cricket following his side's Ashes series defeat against England, said that he has had success in the shortest format of the game. The 34-year-old said that he wanted to return to his previous form, adding that he could make a significant contribution to his team. Watson, who scored just 10 runs for his team Sydney Thunder in the opening match of the Big
television technology showing the ball would have grazed the leg stump. South Africa had still not added a run to their overnight tally when Temba Bavuma was stumped by Jonny Bairstow off Ali's bowling in just his second over of the day. Nightwatchman Dale Steyn was bowled by Steven Finn, who had been the wrecker-in-chief late on the fourth day, and Kyle Abbott was also trapped lbw by Ali as England grabbed the first four wickets of the day for just seven runs. Dane
Dibrugarh end Day 1 on top
to select Amir for the forthcoming tour against New Zealand. He added that they were mulling to include the 23-year-old in the squad provided his visa issues were sorted. Earlier, Amir was included in the 26-member national fitness camp in Lahore, whose return in the camp saw divided opinions coming out from the national team.
Leicester City's Jamie Vardy is challenged by Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi during their Barclays EPL match Agencies London: Leicester City went level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal after drawing 0-0 with title rivals Manchester City at the King Power Stadium. The clash between the division's two top-scoring sides provided plenty of entertaining moments but 'keepers Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart were equal to everything thrown at them. Jamie Vardy wasted Leicester's best chance late in the first half while ManchesterCity, who have not won away in the league since mid-September, went close through Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi. Leicester, who suffered their first defeat in 11 league
games at Liverpool on Saturday, have 39 points from 19 games and trail Arsenal on goal difference. Manchester City leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur to go into third place and trail the top two by three points. "It was a pretty fair result," Leicester keeper Schmeichel said. "They had a few chances and we had some chances. It's slightly disappointing but we'll take a point. We are a very good team, we proved that at the back end of last season, and this season too, and we are right up there in the mix. We are halfway through this season, it is still only December and there is a long way to go yet," added Schmeichel.
Euro Athletics chief says Russia unlikely to feature in Rio Olympics ANI Berlin: European Athletics president Svein Arne Hansen has admitted Russia is unlikely to compete in next year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in the wake of a high number of doping cases among the country's athletes. Hansen, whose body works closely with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on doping and medical issues, called on the country to work harder in order to get rid of the issue before the start of the tournament. Hansen be-
lieves that there was an immediate need for Russia to change their culture. According to reports, an IAAF inspection committee will visit Russia in January to monitor the country's reform process on the matter and would declare their decision accordingly. Russia was suspended for an indefinite period last month after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) alleged state-sponsored doping in the sporting superpower, which involves destroying samples and intimidating laboratory staff.
European Athletics president Svein Arne Hansen
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"They had a few chances and we had some chances. It's slightly disappointing but we'll take a point. We are a very good team, we proved that at the back end of last season, and this season too, and we are right up there in the mix."
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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Page 12
FASCINATING FACTS
The Cunning Bats Many years ago, the members of the jungle did not have any King. The animals said, "The lion must be the King of this jungle." While the birds said, "The Hawk must be the King." There were many discussions and debates, but no final decision could be taken. The bats were cunning. They approached the animal and said, "Since we too are animal, we would like our dear lion to be the King. He is surely the most powerful among us." And the animals thought that the bats were on their side. The bats then went to the birds. "Since we are birds, our dear Hawk must be made the King of this forest. He is so royal and dignified," they said. And the birds thought that the bats
were on their side. A few days went by. One day the birds came to know that the cunning bats were not honest. They informed the animals about this. "So the bats think they are clever, let us teach them a good lesson," said the animals. So, the next day, the birds and the animals made peace with each other. The lion was made the King. The newly crowned King addressed to the bats, "You must choose the group to which you belong." The bats thought. "We must join the animals because the lion is the King." "We are animals!" the bats announced. "But you have wings. No animal has wings. You must join the birds," said all the animals. "Bats have babies. They do not lay
ABRA CA DABRA
*The earliest fossil cockroach is about 280 million years old - 80 million years older than the first dinosaurs! *The praying mantis is the only insect that can look behind its shoulders. *One kind of insect called a spittlebug, lays its eggs in a big nest of saliva bubbles. *A snail can sleep for 3 years straight! *The heaviest insect in the world weights 2.5 ounces. *A cockroach can live for up to 3 weeks without its head! *A butterfly has its taste receptors in its feet! *The mayfly only lives for 8 hours! *The female black widow's poison is 15 times deadlier than a rattlesnake's! *There are worms in Australia that are over 4 Feet Long!
CRAFTY CRAFTS Make Your Own Calendar! What You Need: o Paper o Pencil o Ruler o Pictures o Glue
eggs. And birds lay eggs. Since, the bats give birth to young babies without eggs, they cannot be birds," said the birds. The bats felt helpless. They just stood there, not know-
ing what to do. Since then, the cunning bats have been hiding during the daytime in deserted places. They come out for food only at night when others are asleep.
LAUGH OUT LOUD
Instructions: 1. Use last year's calendar to refer to. If the last day of the year was on a Monday, January 1st is on a Tuesday. 2. Be careful to add February 29th if it is a leap year! 3. With your ruler, make 7 columns and 5 rows for the days. 4. Write the numbers in each day, and the month at the top. 5. Glue pictures to dates. For example, if your sisters birthday is on May 10th, you can glue her picture on that date.
Magnetic Comb What You Need: o Plastic Comb o Paper o Ping pong ball Instructions: Tell your friends you have a magic, magnetic comb. 1. Rip up the paper into tiny pieces. 2. Run the comb through your hair a few times and move it over the small paper fragments. 3. The paper jumps onto the comb. 4. Comb your hair a few more times to recharge it's "magnetic" ability. 5. Place the ping pong ball on a flat surface and bring the comb close to it. 6. The ball starts to move towards the comb! Note: Your comb itself is not really "magnetic." By running it through your hair, your're causing it to get "charged" up with static electricity. This creates a small amount of magnetic activity.
Readers can send articles, poems, sketches, stories, travel experiences, achievements etc to editor.easterntoday@gmail.com or can post to The Eastern Today. T.C Borah Building, First Floor, Near to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee. Dibrugarh, 786001 Assam.
The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. "Just think how nice it will be to look at it when
you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.' A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher, she's dead."
RIDDLES Q: A young lady did not run away from a lion. Why? A : Because the lion was a man-eater. Q: What has more letters than alphabets? A: The Post Office. Q: It goes up when the rain comes down? A: An Umbrella. Q: 6 was afraid of 7. Why? A: Because 7 ate 9 Q: Cats kill rats, Water kills? A: Fire
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