3 january 2015, sunday

"I want to assure the people of this country that we won't let the enemies of humanity succeed," Modi.

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Vol. 1

Natural Gas Infrastructure in North East India

Issue 209

Dibrugarh, Sunday, January 3, 2016

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ANI New Delhi, Jan 2

Pathankot attack: Fifth terrorist eliminated

The attack by five heavily armed terrorists on the Air Force Base in Pathankot, Punjab, on Saturday morning, was aimed at downsizing the growing international statesman-like image of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, highly-placed sources said.

The sources further said that though Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif, might have okayed the

ET CAPSULES Road mishap Demow, Dec 2: A person died in a road accident at Demow Dekhari sariali last night.

According to the sources the person was badly injured who was colliding by a vehicle at last night.

Sources said the local people informed Demow police station and they sent the injured person to Demow model hospital for but they sent the injured at AMCH for further treatment but he died on the way. (Correspondent)

One dead in a road accident at Bogapani Tinsukia, Jan 2: In a tragic road accident between Maruti alto and scooty at National highway 38 near Bogapani on Friday a youth died on the spot. The deceased has been identified as Debraj Dutta, a resident of Bordoloi Nagar in Tinsukia.

According to sources, Debraj had gone to Digboi park and while returning his scooty collided with a maruti car coming from the opposite direction. He was accompanied by a female friend whose condition is said to be serious, added sources.

Ran Over Udalguri, Jan 2: Thomas Kawa (55) of Harisinga was run over by the 55861 UP Kamakhya-Dekargaon Intercity Express at around 4 pm at Kathalguri near the Harisinga Railway station on Friday as was reported by the Udalguri Railway station authorities. (Correspondent) Irani to visit Golaghat

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Golaghat, Jan 2: Union Cabinet Minister for HRD Smriti Irani will visit Golaghat on January 6. The minister will take part in the foundation stone ceremony of Central School in Golaghat.

Along with Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and BJP State President Sarbananda Sonowal will. Golaghat District BJP has formed a strong organising committee for the programme. (Correspondent)

ANI Pathankot, (Punjab), Jan 2

Security forces during the operation.

The Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence

(ISI) thus unleashed one of their strategic assets i.e. the JeM (Masood) to carry out the calculated high visibility target (defence installation) attack not in Jammu and Kashmir, but in Punjab. The objectives were to damage aircraft and other high value air force assets, and kill as many (air force/defence) personnel as possible.

Contd. on Page 4

The security forces on Saturday evening neutralised fifth terrorist involved in the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station.

After four terrorists were killed in a gun-battle, the forces launched a massive combing operation, and killed the fifth intruder.

Four terrorists had already been eliminated by the forces in an operation that started at 3.30 a.m, claiming lives of three security personnel, while injuring six others.

In the operation that started around 3.30 a.m., five terrorists and three security personnel were killed, while six other injured have been admitted to a hospital.

BJP demands maintenance of proper law and order in Itanagar and Naharlagun A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 2

Anticipating that there might be a break down in law and order in the aftermath of the verdict to be delivered by the Gauhati High Court on the prevailing political crisis in Arunachal Pradesh, BJP, the main opposition party in Arunachal Pradesh has demanded that the state government and the administration must ensure proper law and order in the state capital and also to ensure that no innocents become victim of any kind of mindless anticipated violence.

“We are given to know that there are massive flows of volunteers from various districts to state capital townships – Itanagar and Naharlagun - and

nearby areas, many of them are reportedly armed. This has created a fear psychosis amongst the state capital dwellers”, a press release issued by Techi Necha, spokesperson, BJP, Arunachal Pradesh stated. The state government and administration are also forced to clear important decisions and financial sanctions after the current political crisis in sub-judice in the Gauhati High Court and post Gauhati High Court Double Bench verdict on the issue on January 04, 2016 anticipating ugly turn of violence in the state Capital areas in public hue and cry, which is very serious matter, the press release stated. “In the matter the BJP as the principal opposition party feels that it is the

responsibility of the state government to ensure peace and tranquility and well being of the people in any situation. The problems may be within the ruling Congress party in the current times, any breach of law and order because of their factional feuds and political upheaval should not be victimized on the innocent publics of the state”, Necha said. The press release further stated: “We demand law and order be maintained by the law enforcement authorities and if necessary adequate Para-Military forces should be enforced ahead of any untoward situations takes place to handle the situation which is going in the public and build confidence of the people”.

Assam is on the path of peace, development and social harmony : Tarun Gogoi A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 2

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the manner in which the people celebrated the New Year with gusto is a pointer that peace and stability have returned to the State.

In a statement here today, Chief Minister Gogoi said the manner in which the young and old alike enjoyed the New Year festivity till late into the night is a clear indication that peace and stability have returned to the State despite attempts by certain forces to disturb peace

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in the State. “Assam is on the path of peace, development and social harmony. Though the State has surged ahead on various fronts, it has still miles to go,” he said.The Chief Minister also praised the Assam Police for peaceful New Year celebrations by thwarting the attempts of certain sinister forces to disturb peace in the State. Thanking the people of the State for extending support and cooperation to the present Government during the past 14 and half years of its rule, Gogoi said, “I am indebted to the people of the State for reposing faith and trust in the present dispensation and giving us the

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Pathankot terror strike was aimed at pulling down Sharif's global image: Sources

meeting between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India, the people around him might have got rattled by the unexpected boost to the stature of the civilian political leadership, and there was a distinct possibility that the coterie around General Sharif might have felt marginalized after the Lahore/Raiwind Estate summit meeting.

Price -

Duty-free imports of 500,000 tonnes corn to be allowed by India

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They said that elements in Rawalpindi (read Pakistan Army) were reportedly upset at the "unprecedented" positive reaction of the international community to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's out of the box master stroke visit to Lahore from Kabul, as also by the fillip given to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's international image because of the visit, besides encouragement for liberal echelons of Pakistan civil society.

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opportunity to serve them. I hope that they would continue to extend support and cooperation enabling the Government to translate its vision into making Assam one of the developed States of the country.”

The Chief Minister urged those outside the mainstream to join hands with the Government to usher in permanent peace and faster economic development.

“I appeal to those who are outside the mainstream to give up the path of confrontation and adopt conciliatory posture by joining the peace process to usher in durable peace and faster economic development in the State,” he added.

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Three airmen martyred, four terrorists neutralized: Pathankot attack

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Justice Sharma asks DU to retrospect its credentials and to prepare a balance sheet Dibrugarh University confers various degrees to students as XVth Convocation concludes successfully A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 2

12, 823 students were conferred with various degrees during the XVth Convocation of Dibrugarh University held at the administrative building premises of the varsity today.

Delivering his convocational address as the chief guest Dr. Justice Mukundakam Sharma, former Judge, Supreme Court of India and Chancellor, Shri Lal Bhadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi said that the University has successfully completed 50 glorious years. So this is the time for retrospection and the time to prepare the balance sheet of the university to find out its achievement, gains and also failure, if any.

“I am confident and sure that the weight is definitely on the credit side for which credit goes to all the stake holders connected with the management and teaching of the university and all its students who have contributed immensely to the growth and progress of the university,’’ he said. He added Dibrugarh University as a major centre for teaching, learning and research with emphasis on enhancing human values, inclusiveness and strong industry academia interfacing within the framework of an all encompassing holistic world view.

“The central Government has declared an “Act East Policy’’ although implementation of the same in the ground realities is yet to be seen. But

Girl students in their traditional attire on their way to attend the 15th Convocation of Dibrugarh University. Pic - UB Photos once it is effectively implemented, that would act as a gold mine not only for our state but for the entire North-Eastern region,’’ Sharma added. In his inaugural address, Assam Governor and Chancellor of Dibrugarh University Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya said, “Convocation is a day to celebrate the most important component of higher education the empowerment of students.

In attaining their degrees the students are now enable to seek employment and serve humankind at large,’’. He congratulated Dibrugarh University for not imitating the western dress code and inducting traditional

Tragic death of CRPF Sub-Inspector ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Jan 2

A CRPF Sub-Inspector Minuj Kumar Nath from Lakhimpur met with a tragic death after reportedly falling from a 3-storied building in Silchar during the night hours on 31st December. The news of the death of the CRPF officer has thrown a pall of gloom in the district. Nath, 51 years, was a permanent resident of Bahpati Nath Gaon under Panigaon Police Station in Lakhimpur district. He was working in the Group Center of CRPF located at Khatkhatiya in Silchar. "He called me at around 7.30 pm and conveyed his wishes for the New Year. Moreover, he advised my brothers to study well in the year"- his daughter who has been pursuing her GNM training in Guwahati said. Nath had joined the CRPF in 1985.

After maintaining depart-

attire for the first time to hold the convocation. Acharya said in ancient India, our Nalanda and Takshshila emerged as centre of global learning and these centres of learning could attract thousands of students from India and abroad.

The curriculum which ranged from astronomy and mathematics to ethics in these ancient universities still remains a standard for emulation and inspirations as most of our universities are still pursuing curriculum which make watertight division in between humanities / Social Science and technical/ Scientific education which was aptly termed by C.P. Snow as ‘Two Cultures’. He

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Dec 2

Police said Darendra Basumatary, who is stated to be from Dotma Alengmari in Kokrajhar died on the spot when he was shot at from close range by another member of the camp Rakesh Brahma after a quarrel. Another person Aninda Daimary of Sonitpur district was received seriously injured.

mental formalities the dead body was sent home today after which the funeral was performed amidst a sorrowful environment after paying tribute to the departed soul by the people and the relatives. Nath is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter along with a host of relatives.

“Gender sensitization and awareness of sexual harassment is another area which needs to be emphasized in all levels of education as our women at present suffers from continuous covert and overt exploitation,’’ he said. He added, “Our Universities are centres of knowlwdge and they have the potential to emerge as educational centres which are second to none.

Contd. on Page 4

Surrendered NDFB killed A surrendered NDFB was killed and another received seriously injured in a clash among the group at the outfit’s camp at Sudempuri in Kokrajhar town this evening.

Minuj Kumar Nath

said the inclusion of girls in Higher Education needs to be stressed. Dibrugarh University is to be credited as 60% of the students are girl.

Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police Shyamal Prasad Saikia said that Rakesh,one of the cadre of the camp shot at Darendra after a quarrel killing him on the spot.

Another person Aninda was hit on the head and is seriously injured, he said. The three were reported drunk and Rakesh opened fired with his license pistol after a quarrel, he added.

The incident took place aaround 8.30 pm at the camp.

Rakesh was later arrested and the arms seized. The three had surrendered in 2006, police said.

2 NDFB-S linkmen arrested ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Dec 2

Security forces have claimed to arrest two linkmen of the NDFB-S from Patgaon area today in Kokrajhar district.

Acting on a tiptop information about the movement and working of linkmen, a joint team if security forces from army, CRPF and police conducted an operation and able to apprehend two persons during the raid from Kalasi under Patgaon outpost. They were identified as Hagar Narzary@Apen of Rabhabasti and Fungkha Narzary of Namapara of Serfanguri. A country made riffle and two live bullets were recovered from them.

'The link men were involved with administration input for the militant outfit, informer and supplying materials to the militant outfit', said a senior police officer.

Royal Bengal tiger poisoned to death ET Correspondent Rowta, Dec 2

A full grown female Royal Bengal tiger has been found dead at Borobazar village rear Rowta in the morning hours of January 2. Primary investigation has confirmed poisoning as the immediate cause of death. The tigress along with two four months old cubs had sneaked out from Orang National Park during the month of September in 2015.

Unable to return to Orang

National Park due to thick human settlement,it was taking shelter in a small wood in Borobazar villege in Udalguri district. Although Orang NP has been closer to Rowta but due to tussle between two district forest offices,no action to rehabilitate the tiger family could take place during last three months.

The tigress had so far killed four cows,five goats and five pigs. Local villagers and ABSU officials had been requesting Orang NP authority

for last two months for driving back the tigress with cubs causing menace in the villages.

Dipen Boro,Vice President of ABSU state committee expressing sorrrow at the death of the tigress told this correspondent that the tigress along with cubs could have been driven back to Orang NP, had rescue operations were launched by forest department in time.

When

contacted,

DFO,Dhansiri Forest Divion,Udalguri district said that regular patrolling had been arranged during last one month for the safety of the villagers and tigress.

Nature loving people of Udalguri and Darrang have expressed deep concern at the death of the tigress. Udalguri District Journalists' Union by a press release condemned forest departments of Darrang,Orang and Udalguri for the death of the tigress and urged them to rescue the orphaned cubs.

The carcass of the tiger which was poisoned to death.

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PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

Youth Day Celebrated A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 2: Youth Day was celebrated at Eshi Chiku Village, West Siang district by Junior Youth on 31st December 2015. Galo Students' Union (GSU) President Shri Binya Ronya and ASM Piri Village Shri Henka Basar graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honor respectively. The Chief Guest in his speech appraised

that GSU will strictly monitor and streamline for proper utilization of fund meant for teaching & study materials, mid day meal, school uniform and sanitary napkin for girl students and implementation of RTE from the next session 2016. He also informed that the GSU will talk to the competent authority to make effective provision for transfer of money meant for

school uniform directly into the account of the respective student. He also stressed on the role of parent and encouraged them to render proper guidance to their children for better future. Morever he encouraged the youth to take active part in promoting various awareness programme conducted by different Department and also urged to monitor area

PICTURE PERFECT

development activities.

GSU team also visited Eshi Chiku primary school and founded it in dilapidated condition with school infrastructure almost nil, improper distribution of school uniform like distribution of uniform meant for girls to boys.

Also the team expressed deep resentment over the utter negligence of State Government and Education Department.

Rangia Chandubi Festival gets underway ET Correspondent Rangia Jan 2: The five day Chandubi Festival got underway from Friday. The festival was inaugurated by Tankeswar Rava, Chief Executive Member of Rava Hasong Autonomous Council amidst a mammoth gathering. The festival is being organized since the last few years with an objective to popularize the fa-

mous Chandubi Beel and its adjoining vibrant forests and eco tourism to attract tourists to the area and also to showcase the rich art and culture of the Rabha tribes.

In connection with the festival a colourful cultural procession, seminar on eco-tourism, cultural programme of different tribes of Assam will also be organised during the 5 day of the

New Civil Sub-Division in Dima Hasao brings happiness in Diyungbra ET Correspondent Haflong Jan 2 : The people of Diyungbra in particular and of Dima Hasao in general expressed their overwhelming joy following the Chief Minister's declaration of New Civil sub-Division in Dima Hasao with its Head Quarter at Diyungbra.

Expressing great happiness Sri Mayanan Krmprai former Chairman and also former executive member of N C Hills Autonomous Council offered his herartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Chief Minister Sri Tarun Gogoi who have considered threir plea for cration of new civil sub-division in Dima Hasao. He said they have been approaching the goernment with the plea to create a civil sub-division since 1986 under the banner of Diyungbra Jalairaoni Hosom .

Sri Niranjan Hojai,

Chief Executive Member , N C Hills Autonomous Council and also the local MAC from Diyungbra expressed his great satsfaction over the creation of new civil sub division in Diyungbra which was a long pending demand o f the people of this area.

Mention may be made here that the district of Dima Hasao former N C Hills had got status of fullfledeged district in 1972 with lone subdivision at Haflong and in 1986 the Maibang Sub- Division came up but it took at least thirty years to get this Diyungbra Civil SubDivision. But the people of Garampani who had also been demanding for the creation of Civil Sub-Division since 1980 with second largest population of the district and strategic location etc have failed to get their demand fulfilled.

festival. According to the organizers, lakhs of visitors are expected to turn out for the festival.

A souvenir will also be released on the occasion. It may also be mentioned one of the biggest earthquake which occurred in 1859 created the Chandubi Beel.

Borduar Bholagaon Anchalik Rabha Student Union started the festival

since 2010-2011. Famous artist Chetana Das, Education Minister Sarat Barkatoky, Journalist Anuradha Sarma Borpujari was also present in the festival as guests of honour. The typical Rabha local food, dresses and traditional games and sports were also exhibited in the festival.

34 migratory birds stand in a row in a waterbody in Tezpur. Pic - Saurav Borkataki

Golaghat SBI turns pathetic ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 2: One of the leading Nationalized Bank of India State Bank of India is not showing concern towards cleanliness drive. The scenario is looking awkward as some SBI ATM of Golaghat town is seen piling with paper slips and ATM receipts. The scenario of G.F Road ATM is in pathetic condition as it has turned just to dustbin and even customers are seen turning to some other ATM due to dirty environment at ATM premises.

National Award for TU Employee University, has been honoured with the Most Efficient Employee in the Low Vision Category, for the year 2015.

Instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the award was conferred by the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley (on behalf of PM) on December 3, 2015 in presence of the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot during the presentation ceremony Jintu Sarma of National Awards for the Empowerment of ET Correspondent ently posted in the De- Persons With DisabiliTezpur,January 2: Shri partment of Environ- ties - 2015 in Bigyan Jintu Sarma, UDC pres- mental Science, Tezpur bhawan, new Delhi.

NO incident on Ist Jan ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 2: The Golaghat Police worked round the clock on the January 1 for the safe driving of the people. On the first day of the New Year no untoward incident has been reported

from the Golaghat town.

Not a single case was registered in Golaghat Sadar Police station.

Golaghatians celebrated New Year peacefully. According to the Officer in Charge of Golaghat Police station Garga

Narayan Bora police was all alert to prevent any untoward activities and took all measures to maintain law and order.

He thanked the people of Golaghat and appealed to maintain law and order in the upcoming days also.

Border personnel meeting of india and china on the occasion of new year Lohitpur, Jan 2: A ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) with China on the occasion of New Year 2016 was held at the Chinese hut at Damai of Zayu Garrison in Chengdu Province, China. The Chinese

delegation was led by Senior Colonel Hu Xiao Bao and the Indians were led by Brigadier SS Bhogal.

This time the meeting was marked by a novelty. After paying respect to the National

Flags and playing of National Anthems, the Chinese soldiers surprised and enthralled the audience by their performance of Hindi Bollywood songs "Jai Ho" and "Ankhe Khuli Ho Ya Ho Bandh". The Chinese women soldier

performed a scintillating dance on the rendition of the Group songs

by Chinese men.

The meeting and performance of the cultural programme by both the delegates showcased the ever growing bon-

homie and brotherhood amongst the Armies of both the Nations. It also fostered the feelings of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintenance of peace along the LAC.

A view of Border personnel meeting of India and China on the occasion of New Year. Pic - Army

ASTRO FOR YOU You are edgy today. Something may be bothering you, and this keeps you cautious for most part of the day. Ganesha suggests that you make the most of your evenings if invited to parties and other social events. Things may turn around for the good.

You are likely to remain unconquerable and unassailable throughout the day.

Caution: Stay focussed and avoid frittering away your time and energy. You may face stress at work or in some ongoing project. Expect a relatively serene evening with your beloved.

There are strong indications that today will be an action-packed day for you.

Though you will be burdened with a lot of responsibilities, you will be able to show your family members how much you care for them. New relationships will also develop in the evening.

A very hectic day for you! Today, you may have too much work to do, and taking even a coffee break may not remain an option. You will be forthright in dealing with issues and nothing will escape your sharp observation. You will be able to manage your work well, and finish it on time.

The best ideas of the greatest geniuses were nothing but serendipitous accidents. Remember this, since it is very likely that today, you are on the verge of a sudden inspiration in your professional field. So be prepared to execute work plans to perfection, because somewhere along the course of the day, your ‘big idea’ is waiting to be discovered.

Imaginative and fruitful day for you at the workplace. You will feel your professional best in the afternoon. With your elegance, you will manage to put your ideas across the table and win the approval of your boss. You may pamper your beloved lavishly later in the evening.

Work is always unrelenting and today, it manages to catch up with you in a big way. Expect to be under some pressure to meet deadlines. But all it takes is to remain level-headed and shrewd in your ways, and you can turn things around to make it a prosperous and flourishing day.

The day will usher refreshing changes into your personal life, foresees Ganesha. No matter which side of the bed you woke up on, the day promises to present itself in a cheerful light. You will build and enjoy harmonious and cordial relations with your peers at work. Intimacy and pleasure in love relations at night will be the perfect ending for a delightful day.

Cash transactions will ‘flow’ your way. Money comes easy to itching palms, and you will enjoy the green scene as you take stock of your finances with precision. Beware of people with a negative attitude as it might inflict worry on your fortunes.

You will be chased by people harbouring malicious intents. Like a lone, naive soul among a bunch of brats, you could be bullied by those having political and social clout. But worry not. Your fate is too powerful to let anyone do any harm to your reputation or health. In fact, much to the disappointment of your foes, novel ideas will guide you through hard times.

Today is a day for creative expression! Sing away to glory, for you may discover you have a wonderful voice. Focus and precision are your best tools today. But some event may cast a shadow over your clarity in the evening.

You might as well drive into a brick wall and hope it is spongy, as expect to achieve a lot of success today. However, this does not mean that you ought to give up. Indeed, it is the Herculean efforts that you put in today that will bring you many laurels and much appreciation, as well as stupendous success in the near future.

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

3-1-16 (SUNDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-30 A.M-Sponsored Programme-"Sojai Tooloo Jeewanar Path" 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-00 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-20 A.M-Seuji Chora (Children's Programme) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori 1-10 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme)3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raaijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-45 P.M-Juye Poora Soon-Interview with Veteran Singer Padma Das 8-30 P.M-SAARC News Bulletin Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

Swatch Bharat Mission at Dulom A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 2: Dulom, a village about 8 kilometers from Daporijo in Upper Subansiri district achieved a milestone today by being declared an open defecation free village with the completion in construction of 24 Individual House Hold Latrines(IHHL) under the Swatch Bharat Mission(Rural). The declaration was made during a simple ceremony attended by the DC Komkar Dulom, Ex- Minister Yari Dulom, heads of departments and the public of the place at Dulom village.

Speaking on the occassion, DC Komkar Dulom thanked and appreciated the untiring efforts of the PHED department, the PRI members and the public in making the SBM programme a success in the village. He stated that a change in the mindset and work culture of the PRI members of the village, which has been apparent in the past year, and the willingness of the people of Dulom village in adopting their village and taking it in a new direction towards development and change in

order to improve the way of life was what had made the it achieve this milestone of being declared open defecation free village.

DC Dulom further encouraged the village people to work together with the aim of making the place clean and hygienic by using correct practices in rearing pigs, installation of proper drinking water supply system and proper maintenance of the IHHLs and conduct of social service every second Saturday of the month to keep the place clean. He also encouraged the villagers to take up kitchen gardening and poultry rearing as a means of livelihood and as a source of supplementary income for the near future and also consider starting cardamom and orange plantations for the long run.

Proper planning of time for different activities like gardening, plantation work etc and giving back to the community and village will go a long way in the development of the area, he stated.

Yari Dulom praised all for their efforts and good work and advised the youth to

study hard and follow the footsteps of the older generation in taking the name of the place forward.

Executive Engineer (PHED) N. Konia was appreciative of the quality of work and declared it the best in the district and hoped other villages would follow this example. He added that with the work seen, the contribution of the government could be considered minimal and it was the will of the village people and a change in their mindset which had made the village an example for others to follow.

The mood in the village was jubilant and full of expectations of changes to come in the future with one and all appreciating the efforts of the authorities and the PHED team in making the village open defecation free. The Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) was inaugurated in Dulom village with the start in construction of IHHL on 2nd October 2015(Gandhi Jayanti) and the completion of work within 3 months by December 2015.

Arunachal BJP congratulate Doni Nich for new appointment A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 2: The entire ranks and files of Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh heartily congratulate appointment of Shri Doni Nich , to a Member of Advisory Panel of the Central Board of Film Certification, by Government of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Shri Doni Nich born to late Nich Taj and Mrs. Nich Sith of village Neelam, PO: Deed, PS: Yazali in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh held as the State President, BJYM, Arunachal Pradesh from September 2009 to January 2013 and based on his hard work and performance he has been elevated as the National Secretary, BJYM. Under his leadership as the State President, BJYM; Arunachal Pradesh, Shri

Doni Nich has been instrumental in successfully organizing BJYM National Programme of “ JARA YAAD KORO QURUBANI Road Rally flagged off at the hand of the then BJP President, NITIN GADKARI from Guwahati on October 18, 2012 and also successfully organizing Arunachal Pradesh BJYM Sarhad Tujhe Salaam (Yuva Border Visit programme) held from the month of September 2011 which was concluded in a party JARA YAAD KORO QURUBANI Rally held at Mopin Solung ground, Itanagar on Dec. 13, 2012, which was also addressed by the then National BJP President, Nitin Gadkari ji.

Shri Doni Nich had also been actively associated with various tribal sociocultural programmes including games and sports

activities in the state and at national events too.

Meanwhile the State President, Shri Tai Tagak has extended congratulations to Shri Doni Nich for his important assignment in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and hopes that his induction would pave way for tapping talents in our people towards film world and our younger generations popular step into Bollywood roles. The State President, Tai Tagak has conveyed thanks to the Hon’ble Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India under the PM Narendra Modi ji led NDA Government.

Forwarded herewith is copy of appointment order with Photograph for coverage with please.

CM Skill Development Programme A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 2: The Chief Minister’s Flagship Programme on Skill Development and Employment Generation is being implemented by the Department of Skill Development and Employment Generation in a mission mode for the benefit of unemployed and under employed youth in the state. It have set target to employ one lakh persons during 12th plan period. It also envisaged that atleast one member from every house hold shall be employed in the same period.

With a clear objective to create an avenue of employable skills as much possible as especially for those who are school/college droped-out enable them to access in the job market through various means of skill development training facilities.

With that objective first and Maiden Job Mela-cum-Skill Development Rally was organised at Itanagar in the month of September/October 2013, as many as 14012 youth that is one per cent of state population were registered. It was the first of its

kind in the country which later on becomes the role model for rest of the NE states and other states. Good doings of the state was talk of the nation. Many states approached to us to deliver talks on our success and best practices. The department was awarded the Scotch Order of Merit - “INDIA’s BEST PROJECTS 2014” Since then, to sensitize and motivate the youth in the state the Department has organized the series of Job mela-cum-skill development, motivation and train-

38 houses gutted in Lazu, Tirap

ees selection rally in all the Districts. The latest Job Mela being held in all 20 districts from 16th November to 20th December 2015.

All together 5200 youth were selected for undergoing skill development training in various discipline.

It is a matter of satisfaction that till date 9700 youth were undergone skill development training in various vocational training providers located in various part of the country. We have 42 registered vocational training providers (VTP). 2500

District Agriculture Officer, Upper Siang, Ote Darin passes away A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 2:District Agriculture Officer, Upper Siang, Ote Darin passed away on 1st January, 2016, Friday last after a prolonged illness while he was on way back to his hometown Pasighat from New Delhi.

His mortal remain will be laid to rest in his residential premise at Mirbuk village, Pasighat on Sunday, family sources informed.

ET Correspondent Khonsa, Jan 2: In a devastating fire massive at lazu village near Myanmar border on 31st December, 2015 afternoon at around 1330 hours in which 38 dwelling houses including 1(one) community hall were completely gutted and 23 (twenty three) houses including one pang (male dormitory) were partially damaged in the accident.

On hearing about the unfortunate fire accident the tirap administration and tirap dist police swung into action. Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha while ex-

pressing his a deep sense of sorrow and loss, has directed EAC Lazu to make a correct assessment of the accident and render all possible help from the dist administration to the victims of the fire accident. The District Administration has sanctioned Rs. 5,000/- each and 60(sixty) bags of rice to the victims as immediate relief whose houses have been completely gutted and the victims of partially damaged houses would be helped after the assessment by dist administration. The Tirap ZPC Chahwang Lowang has donated 6(six)

bags of rice and some blankets to the fire victims. The minister for Civil supplies, DoTCL and Mining and local MLA Tirong Aboh has expressed shocked over the fire accident at lazu and has appealed to the District Administration and all other govt agencies to render their voluntary services to the fire victims.

The cause of the fire accident is yet to be ascertained. However, there was no report of any casualty but according to reports five pigs were burnt alive which were kept in confinement.

youth are working in various cities/town throughout the country in Mall/Shopping complex, starts hotel/restaurant, as security guard, tourist guide, driver-cum-mechanic, electrician, computer operator, front office attendant (receptionist), beautician, in spa and wellness, in health and nursing, plastic processing, textile/garment making so on.

Also many of the skilled youth who have undergone skill development training are absorbed themselves in self-employment venture in the state and earning a decent income.

(DIPRO)

Born on 14th February 1964, Darin studied in Balek Secondary School upto Class-X, in IGJ Higher Secondary School, Pasighat upto Class-XII and completed his B.Sc (Agri) from Medji Phema Agriculture College, Kohima, Nagaland. He joined state service as ADO (Agriculture Officer), served as Principal of GTC, Pasighat and had been serving as DAO for last one and half year in Upper Siang district.

He is survived by his wife Smty Titel Jamoh Darin, one son and two daughters.

Hon’ble Parliamentary Sec-

Ote Darin retary (PWD) Alo Libang, MLA Olom Panyang and expressed heartfelt shock over the premature demise of Late Darin. Upper Siang DC Remo Kamki arrived Pasighat to pay homage to late Darin.

Meanwhile, Loksabha MP Ninong Ering, Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong and Ex-Education Minister Bosiram Siram have also condoled the sudden demise of Darin. Expressing deep shock and grief, all in their messages prayed almighty for eternal rest and peace in heavenly abode.

Odd-Even scheme: 229 people challaned on Day 2 New Delhi, Jan.2 (ANI): As many as 229 people were challaned on Saturday for the violation of norms in the odd-even scheme for rationing of vehicles on

the second day of its odd-even scheme. implementation in the national capital.

The odd-even vehicular restriction policy of the Yesterday, 203 people Delhi government came were challaned for the into effect yesterday violation of norms in the with thousands of vol-

unteers taking to the streets to assist traffic police in enforcing the pilot plan that will stay in force in the national capital till January 15.

Meanwhile, first air quality data from 24 locations show encouraging results of reduction in air pollution in Delhi on the New Year Day.

CAGED LEADER

The first results of ambient air data collected by mobile units of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee on 24 locations across Delhi on the New Year Day show an encouraging trend of reduction in air pollution in both PM 2.5 and PM10 categories.

The ambient air data was collected by mobile dust samplers using the Light Scattering Technique from each of the

24 locations on 1st January, at different times of the day.

The implementation of the plying of four wheeled vehicles on an odd-even basis was received with warmth by the residents of the national capital on the first day, and results of the ambient air quality measurement prove their efforts will yield positive results.

The mobile units of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee collected ambient air data from 24 locations of eight assembly constituencies - Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Kasturba Nagar, Seemapuri, Rohtas Nagar, Patparganj, Kondli and Greater kailash.

Excise Duty on Petrol, Diesel raised New Delhi, Jan.2 (ANI): The excise duty on Petrol and Diesel was raised by the government on Saturday

by Rs 0.37 per litre and

by Rs 2 a litre respectively.

The hike in excise duty will fetch the government over Rs 4,300 crore on diesel and about Rs 80 crore on petrol.

A leopard captured at Honowal Tea Esate in Marigaon today. Pic - UB Photos.

"The increase in excise duty on petrol by 37 paise and on diesel by Rs 2 per litre will not result in any increase in the current price," Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia tweeted.

On December 15, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) had cut petrol prices by Rs. 0.50 per litre and diesel by Rs. 0.46 per litre.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

Website for Rejuvenating Traditional Culture launched by AAU expert Dr Pradip Neog ET Correspondent Jorhat, Jan 2: The facilities created for the purpose include, Publication of ‘Profile Galleries’ of the Folk-Artists, Folkbased organization, and Judges of Folk lore of Assam. Publishing eBooks in Assamese and uploading of Folk music for Folk Artists.

The site is provisioning advertisement of Assamese traditional

items in low-cost and hassle free manner. An emagazine covering various aspects of great Assamese Traditional culture will also be published just before Bohag bihu. Creating 5 Discussion Forums on five crucial aspects of Assamese culture as Facebook page is another initiative.

The website has been established and prepared by Dr Pradip Neog, noted re-

searcher and writer of Assamese folk culture. Dr Sajib Boura id the Director, Publication of the site.

The website is being established under ‘ Asomiya Kristi Bikash Trust’, Assam, Jorhat.

Padamashree Dr Lakhmi Nandan Bora is one the most distinguished Trustee of the Trust, Dr Pradip Neog the Director of the e-Book said.

SC advocate Hazarika to attend GPC program ET Correspondent Guwahati, Dec 2: Senior advocate of the apex court in the country Upamanyu Hazarika will attend the next ‘Guest of the Month’ program at Guwahati Press Club (GPC) on 7 January 2016 starting at 3 pm.

The person behind the Supreme Court-appointed one-man Upamanyu Hazarika Commission on illegal migrants from Bangladesh into Assam is expected to narrate his en-

deavor to enlighten the people of the country on the threat of unabated influx from Bangladesh to India.

He expressed dismay in his report that there is an established institutionalised mechanism that enables a Bangladeshi national to freely come into the country, acquire citizenship and voting rights here and a large scale racket of fake certificates is involved.

His report elaborated that because of a porous border

between India and Bangladesh with no verification of any person being enrolled as a voter, no verification of any person getting rights over land and subsequently conferred land rights with procurement of fake certification being the norm, the local residents of Assam would soon become minority in their own land, unless pragmatic steps are taken. Member-journalists of the press club are requested to participate in the program.

Justice Sharma asks DU to retrospect its credentials and to prepare a balance sheet Contd. from Page 1

It is a fact that America, 30% of the Scientists in NASA is our Indian University products,’’ Assam Governor said, “We should know what the country needs and our curriculum should be in tune with this. Our dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s agenda of Look East and Act East has to be translated into actions and it should be on the agenda of our universities as

well,’’.Assam Chief Minister who was also present at the XV Convocation said, “We have to go to our strength to develop industry in Assam,’’. He said we have many natural resources in Assam but they are not enough if we would not utilize them properly. “The university should focus on the local problems and develope villages for a sustainable economy,’’ Gogoi added.

The university conferred DLitt degrees on two distinguished scholars - Dr.

Nagen Saikia and Achyuta Nanda Samanta for literature.

In his welcome speech, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alak Kumar Buragohain of Dibrugarh University said that Dibrugarh university is gearing up to face these new possibilities and challenges by virtue of its strategic location and challenges by virtue of its strategic location and proximity to the East Asian economies and in the context of the Act East Policy.

Civil Hospital at Gohana caught red ET Correspondent Sonepat, Jan 2: Mansha Ram, Accountant in Civil Hospital at Gohana was caught red handed by a vigilance team while taking bribe of Rs 5000 from Ashok Kumar, a Multi Purpose Health Worker in his office today.

He was taken in cus-

tody and a case under anti-corruption act has been registered against Mansha Ram at vigilance office, Rohtak.

Ashok had applied for withdrawal of Rs 5.50 lakh from his General Provident Fund and Accountant has demanded bribe of Rs 5000 from withdrawing the

amount. Ashok lodged a complaint in the vigilance.

A vigilance team led by Inspector Rajiv Soni and accompanied by Sandeep Ahlawat, Principal, ITI Gohana as duty magistrate, conducted the raid as per planning and recovered the amount from his possession.

Three day Jubilee celebration at Panigaon HS from Jan.3 ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Jan 2: The Concluding Ceremony of the golden Jubilee Celebration of Panigaon Higher Secondary School will be held from January 3 to 5 with a three day long program in a befitting manner.

It is not worthy that, being established in 1966 at Panigaon in Lakhimpur District, the school has contributed much in the expansion of education in the southern part of the district.

tus of a male child was found lying in a drain near village Badkhalsa and it was seen by a woman from the family of village resident Giani Ram while sweeping outside her house this morning.

After receiving information from the villagers, a medical team led by Dr Anvita Kaushik, SMO, Community Health Centre, Badhkhalsa and SHO Rai police station, Vazir Singh reached on the spot and conducted spot investigation.

Police took possession of

the foetus and sent it in the civil hospital at Sonepat for medical examination. A case has been registered against unidentified persons and police have started investigations, SHO said.

Meantime, SMO also held an emergency meeting of

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Dec 2: The United People’s Party (UPP) has welcome the chief minister’s announcement of creation of development council for the Bodo Kachari people living outside of Bodoland Territorial Area District(BTAD).

Speaking the reporters on Saturday in Kokrajhar, Urkhao Gwra, president of UPP hailling gesture of chief minister Tarun Gogoi said that his party welcome the gesture of the state govt.

‘We welcome the chief minster’s gesture’, Brahma, however said the announcement should have done inclusive taking confidence of

start with a colorful cultural procession at 9am. The major event of the day, the Open Session will commence from 1pm under the chairmanship of Kinaram Gogoi, the President of the Celebration Committee.

DR Kishir Kumar Sarmah, the Chief Scientist of the Regional Agricultural Research Center will attend the meeting as the Appointed Speaker.

Local MLA UtpalDutta, DC Debeswar Malakar,

intellectuals, community leaders.Government must take the step to ensure that there is a consensus among the people, he said.

The chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday announced the creation of six development councils Bodo-Kachari and Karbi people living outside the BTAD and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council-governed areas, besides for Kalita, Brahmin, Joldha Muslims, respectively.

Brahma said though they are dark about the structure of these councils, he said it should be with clear cut demarcation and specific power. He said the Bodo people out-

side the BTAD too need safety and security to develop their culture, tradition beside political security and the autonomous council should have proper demarcated boundary with specific power.

Brahma,on the preparation about ensuing Assembly election said that the UPP party has prepared to contest in 17 constituencies in the assembly election. He said the first list of candidate is likely to be announce

by January 20 next.

Brahma said, the 11 district committees of the party have been instructed to select consensus candidate by 15 January next.

On question of alliance or understanding with other party, he said that his party is ready for tactical understanding with those who agree to certain conditions of the party in other constituencies.

He said that the UPP and its allies are influential in 20-25 constituencies all over the state. Saying that the party though a new one is serious and all out for the election, he is confidence that ‘the UPP is clear enough about the prospect because of its distinct commitments towards the solutions of the burning, political and non-political problems of the state’.

CEM of MAC Dr Ranoj Pegu, Ex-MLA Ghana Buragohain, social activist Uday Sankar Hajarika etc will also take part in the meeting. Former Principal Paresh Borah will inaugurate the meeting in which the souvenir of the Golden Jubilee Celebration will be released by Biswa Baruah the former President-incharge of Asom Sahitya Sabha. The program will conclude with colorful cultural night.

AAHSU planted 500 trees Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 2: All Assam Hindu Students Union has declared to go for 1 lakh tree plantation in the year 2016. On the New Year day the organization planted around 500 trees in different parts of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.The organization said that global warming is becoming a challenge for human life and they want to do as much as they can to fight it.

Hindu student union plants tree on new year Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 2: All Assam Hindu Students Union has declared to go for 1 lakh tree plantation in the year 2016. On the new year day the organization planted around 500 trees in different parts of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.

The organization said that global warming is becoming a challenge for human life and they want to do as much as they can to fight it.

Pathankot terror strike was aimed at pulling down Sharif's global image: Sources Contd. from Page 1

The sources revealed that the attack's calculation was to instigate the Indian defence establishment and opposition parties into taking hardliner positions and denounce the talks that had taken place between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif, and even try to stall the forthcoming foreign secretarylevel talks scheduled for

the Asha Workers and asked them to inquire about the pregnant women in the area villages and also to keep an eye on them.

"Team of Asha Workers inquired about the pregnant women of Badkhalsa and all were found in good condition," SMO said.

With best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year ET Correspondent Sonepat, Jan 2: Abhishek Garg, SP Sonepat, today distributed here more than 500 woolen clothes among the needy children of poor families as a new year gift from the Young Thespians of the DCR University of science and technology, Murthal, Appreciating the efforts of Young Thespians, SP said that the people should have the initiative of helping others particularly needy persons.

"Human beings are expected to do act of humanity in their God gifted long life," he exhorted.

Young Thespians Coordinator, Vivek Gautam said "On seeing the children without winter clothe at many places, we made an appeal and the people responded and donated the clothes."

cussion on the topic of 'Responsibilities and duties of guardian, teachers and students in the education system at present' will be held at this event. It will be followed by a symposium on 'Roll and contribution of the contemporary education in the upliftment of the wisdom and intuition of the students'. A cultural night will commence from 6pm on the day. On the other hand, the agenda of the 3rd cum concluding day will

UG Brahma hailed council for the Bodo Kachari people

Foetus of a male child found ET Correspondent Sonepat, Jan 2: A foe-

As par the agenda the program will begin with the unfurling of the school's flag by the Principal Hemanta Saikia at 9am on January 3. It will be followed by exhibition, get together of the students and alumni meet, open session, release of souvenir, inauguration of welfare trust for the students, cultural night etc.

On the second day, the guardian conference will be held from 9am. A dis-

SP Sonepat, Abhishek Garg distributes woolen clothes to children on a road near sector-15 at Sonepat on Friday. Pic - BSMalik

the middle of this month, and in turn, bring back focus of domestic Pakistani discourse in the GHQ (General Headquarters)-driven narrative centering on disinformation that such attacks are by Indian Kashmiri elements, and that Pakistan remains the most affected victim of terrorism.

Another line that was probably and possibly being projected by the Pakistan Army-ISI-JeM

combine was that India, while maintaining a façade of going ahead with peace overtures, was actually only interested in finding an opportunity to hit out at Pakistan.

The sources said that the advance foreign intelligence and surgical intervention by Indian security agencies proved to be fruitful and rewarding in the sense that had this information not been available in time,

the damage to assets and the casualties would have been much higher.

The counter-terror operation was supervised throughout the intervening night of Friday and Saturday personally by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the three service chiefs and senior intelligence officials.

The neutralizing of the terror attack, the sources said, should be

seen as a major snub to the Pakistan elements behind it.

The dignified handling of the post-attack statements by the Indian Government and a similar response by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will clearly dampen the spirits of the strategic Jihadi assets and their mentors in Pakistan, besides also exposing them once again to the world.

Rajnath condoles Bardhan's demise New Delhi, Jan. 2 (ANI): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday expressed his condolences to the grieving family of Veteran Communist leader A. B. Bardhan who breathed his last in a private hospital here today.

the pillars of left wing politics. My condolences to his grieving family," Rajnath tweeted.

Veteran Communist leader A. B. Bardhan breathed his last on Saturday in a private hospital here.

(CPI), one of the oldest political parties in India.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her Condolences to Bardhan's family in a tweet.

Following paralytic stroke he was admitted to the hospital on December 7, 2015. His wife Padma, who was a professor in Nagpur University, had died in 1986.

Gogoi downplays anti incumbency feat

HURRY

"Saddened to hear of the demise of senior CPI leader AB Bardhan ji. He was known for his deep concern for workers, poor and needy. With the demise of Shri AB Bardhan the country has lost one of

ET Correspondent Guwahati, Dec 2: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is confident that Congress will retain power for the fourth consecutive term. He his government and party are well prepared to beat the heat of anti incumbency in the assembly polls early this year.

"We can't deny anti incumbency factor. But I don't

He was 91 and was being treated at G. B. Pant hospital here. He was undergoing treatment after tests detected a blood clot in his brain and had described his "Saddened at the pass- condition as "critical" . He lost the 1967 and 1980 Lok Sabha elecing of veteran politician AB Bardhan. Condo- Ardhendu Bhushan tions contesting from lences to his family and Bardhan was born Sep- Nagpur. He moved to colleagues in his party," tember 24, 1924. He Delhi politics in the Mamata Banerjee was the former general 1990s and became the tweeted. secretary of the Com- deputy general secremunist Party of India tary of the party.

think it would mar our prospect. Pressure is there always. Our experience suggests that we would be able to overcome the anti incumbency hurdles. How we have been beating these factors in the last three times," said Gogoi when he was interacting with media people at Koinadhara on the new years day on Friday.

He observed that BJP will be facing it difficult following the defeats in Bihar, Delhi and Uttarkhand.

He claimed that the common people are still with the Congress to retain the party for yet another term.

This, according to him, because of the commendable performance of his government.

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Trinmul Alleges Bimal Gurung of Attacking Their Cadres Darjeeling ,Jan 2:Trinamul (hill) Congress today alleged that its supporters had been attacked by GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung and people in his convoy at Patlabas near here.The ruling party said in a police complaint that the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters had fired at a Trinamul member but the bullet had missed him.

Gurung and five Morcha supporters are named in the FIR."Three of us were trav-

Bimal Gurung elling uphill to the town in a vehicle owned by Suk Tshering Lepcha around 11.30am today. At Patlabas, we came face to face with Bimal Gurung's convoy,"

Protests continue over Koh Tao murder accused

Demonstrators hold placards outside the Thai embassy in Yangon Yangon, Jan 2:Demonstrators met in Yangon on January 2 at a rally to call for justice over a court case that has strained relations between Myanmar and Thailand. Two Myanmar migrant workers have been found guilty and sentenced to death on December for the murder of two

British tourists on the Thai island of Koh Tao in 2014.

Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin, both 22, were sentenced to death for the rape and murder of Hannah Witherridge, 23, and the killing of David Miller, 24, plus two extra years for theft and illegal entry into Thailand.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

said Roshan Tamang, a Trinamul supporter. Roshan said they had stopped the vehicle to allow Gurung's convoy to pass. "There were four to five vehicles in the convoy. Suddenly, the convoy stopped and we were attacked. They also fired a shot but the bullet missed me," said Roshan.Roshan, Suk and Bhushan Tamang were admitted to the Darjeeling district hospital with injuries.

Another Trinamul sup-

porter Harka Singh Tamang was also with them. Rajen Tamang, vice-president, TMC (hills) district committee, said: "The vehicle was totally damaged and pushed down the hill. The main people involved in the attack were Bimal Gurung and Devendra Sharma (Morcha central committee member). They have attacked our supporters as people are joining our party in the Tukvar area."Gurung denied the charges. "Local

people might have clashed with the Trinamul supporters as Tukvar tea garden has been closed because of Trinamul," said Gurung.Amit P. Javalgi, the superintendent of police, Darjeeling, said: "We found that a vehicle in which four people were travelling had fallen off the road.

Three of them have sustained head injuries. We have also received a complaint from the injured and have started an investigation to find out the truth." (Agencies)

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina keen on Teesta pact, Tripura Gov tells Sushma Swaraj Agartala,Jan 2:Bangladesh govt is keen to see the resolution of Teesta river watersharing issue with India.

This was conveyed to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj by Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina raised the issue with him earlier this month, said a source close to Roy.The Teesta water-sharing deal was set to be signed in September 2011 during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh.

But it was postponed in the

Burdwan), several documents and clues indicated that those involved in the incident came from across the border of Bangladesh and they got support from locals. "Though investigation is still on, we suspect that either they were local (agents) or the people who have settled here within a decade's time," a senior CID officer said. The arrest of a bartender in early November from central part of the city revealed that a network of ISI agents were working in the state, he said. "We have information that there are specific roles given to each of these agents by the ISI. Some are here to recruit agents, some others are for collecting information from areas where either the Navy, Army or the Air Force have their base. "Apart from

Darjeeling, Jan. 2: Around 40 Darjeeling residents today pedaled across the hill town in an attempt to curb air pollution and promote the use of environmentfriendly mode of transport on a day the Delhi government imposed an odd-even number restriction on vehicles.A group of adventure lovers in the hill town had called on cyclists to pedal from Darjeeling to Sukhiapokhri, a distance of about 20km, and back.The voluntary initiative was supported by the district a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . To d a y around 10.30am, the participants, including two women and several students, turned up at Chowrasta to start the rally.The rally began with Darjeeling district magistrate Anurag Srivastava and district police chief Amit P. Javalgi in the lead."When I heard about the idea, I thought it had to be promoted. There is a lot of potential for the sport (cy-

Darjeeling? Starts 2016 by Putting Green Foot Forward cling) in the hills," said Srivastava who pedalled up to the Gorkha Rangamach Bhavan area.The organisers, among whom were businessmen and bicycle enthusiasts Sangay Sherpa, Urgen Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa and Shekar Biswakarma, said the objective of the rally was to spread

them, there are those who are here to bring in high quality fake Indian currency notes in the country and spread them here aiming to devastate the economy," a top IPS officer of Kolkata Police said. Banned organisations like the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) has spread its network in Howrah, and both North and South 24-Parganas districts, he added. "They have set up organisational bases in districts like Murshidabad, Nadia, Burdwan and Birbhum and we are probing whether they have spread into other states like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya etc," the officer said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) during its probe into the blast in Khagragarh last year has

learnt that the Jamaat-ulMujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) had tried to spread its network to Howrah, the two 24-Parganas and Hooghly. NIA also claimed that the JMB was trying to topple the Bangladesh government by establishing Sharia Law there besides spreading its tentacles in India. The NIA has filed its second supplementary charge sheet in connection with the blast against accused Nurul Hoque Mondal alias Naeem and 27 others for waging war against Bangladesh. Akhtar's grilling led to the arrest of his brother Jaffar and documents, recovered from their residence in the metropolis, showed their "deep-rooted" links with the ISI. "They trained him (Akhtar) in code management. His brother

Khaute appointed Manipur DGP Imphal, Jan 2: Manipur government has appointed L M Kahute, a 1985 batch IPS officer, as the new Director General of Police replacing Shahid Ahmed. The state government on Thursday

issued an order in this regard. According to another government order, S Ibocha Singh has been promoted to the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP). State government also promoted three

Indian soldiers who died in a battle with Pakistani army in 1971."During the meeting, Hasina spoke to Roy about the need to resolve the Teesta river issue. She said the diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India were at their best with the two countries working together on various fronts, including the land boundary agreement to resolve the Indo-Bangladesh enclaves and counterfeit money smuggling. She was hopeful that the Teesta issue could also make progress," said the source. (Agencies)

Darjeeling? Starts 2016 by Putting Green Foot Forward

a message among the hill people on the need to take up eco-friendly modes of transport."We want to make mountain biking trendy in the hills so that people start using cycles more often.

Mountain biking can also be an additional attraction for tourists, apart from its health benefits. If we can all

stop using vehicles even for a single week day (in a week), it would go a long way in preserving the environment of the region," said Sangay. In Delhi, the government policy of odd-even vehicular restriction came into effect today.The pilot plan, which attempts to reduce air pollution in the city,

WB came under scanner in 2015 Kolkata , Jan2:A labourer, a couple of passport agents, a college student and a bartender were among several people arrested in West Bengal in 2015 for alleged links with ISI, putting the state under the scanner of security agencies as a "secure hideout" for agents of the Pakistani agency. Fake passports, fake voter identity cards, Aadhar cards, ration cards procured from agents allegedly employed by the ISI helped these intruders getting into the country and settling here, Kolkata Police officials said.

The state's porous international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan helped the agents to infiltrate into the country through the West Bengal, they said. "While probing the Khagragarh blast (in

last minute due to objections raised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had dropped out of the PM's delegation to Dhaka.Recently, the 2015 Long term Framework Convention, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Dhaka visit in June, suggested that the two countries are supposed to join hands for basin-wise management of common streams instead of watersharing.According to the source, Roy met Hasina on December 13 to inaugurate a memorial in Kushtia for the

IAS officers - Shambhu Singh, Suhel Akhtar and J Suresh Babu - to the rank of additional chief secretary of the state with effect from Thursday, a government order stated. Four other IAS

officers, R K Dinesh Singh, H Deleep Singh, M Lakshmikumar Singh and K Radhakumar Singh have been promoted to the rank of Commissioner, another order stated.(Agencies)

Jaffar also travelled to Pakistan along with Akhtar in 1980s, the officer said. A senior STF officer said that they had used Facebook, WhatsApp, email to communicate with ISI. "Fake Facebook accounts and email accounts have been used for communicating with their ISI bosses in Pakistan by these agents. We have found that they use female names to open up accounts for correspondence," he said. "They pass on information electronically and also through other means which could be manual. There can be others involved who acted as messengers," he added.

Following questioning of Akhtar and Jaffar, Kolkata Police-STF unit arrested contract labourer with Garden Reach Shipbuilders &

Engineers Limited (GRSE) along with his son Asfaq and brother-in-law Mohammed Jahangir as suspected ISI agents.

Grilling Mohammed Jahangir, police arrested 59-year-old passport agent Sheikh Badal for his alleged links with the ISI. "The network has spread to other parts of the country also...There can be more people involved who work in a chain system.

There are several more people around and we are trying to locate them," the officer said. "Actually these are small fries we are trying to grab the big fishes involved in the network...With the arrest of these agents avenues have opened up to reach to them," the officer stated. (Agencies)

Nitish Kumar visits temple in his native village

needs to be promoted, mainly among younger people, who are more into computer games and hardly indulge in outdoor activities.

That is why I decided to take part in the rally."Trishna Rai, 24, a resident of Darjeeling who stays in Kathmandu where she teaches at The British School, said: "This seems such a good adventure and I have come here to participate as this is also about women empowerment. I started cycling recently and I do it whenever I come here."Soon after the rally began, the district administration launched a Hunger Free Darjeeling initiative with local NGOs, Who Cares, Sahoyogi Hath and All India Women Conference.Around 300 street-dwellers were given food and blankets.The administration plans to involve NGOs, hotels, restaurants and other associations in the distribution of food among street dwellers every day. (Agencies)

One killed in suspected elephant attack Cuttack, Jan 2: A 30year-old farmer is have been trampled to death by elephants in Badasantpur village under Tangi police station in Cuttack district, police said on Friday. The mutilated body of Pramod Khuntia was found this morning from the outskirts of the village. Local people said Pramod was killed by a herd of elephants when he was returning from his paddy field last night and demanded compensation for his family. Forest officials who examined the body said prima facie it appeared that the victim was trampled by elephants. A forest official said at least 22 elephants were seen moving at a nearby area close to Khuntuni range on Thursday evening. "After getting the postmortem report and following police enquiry, we will be able to tell the exact cause of the death

of the victim," said Cuttack DFO Sudarshan Behera. The foresters have some doubt about movement of in the spot from the body was found.

Besides, the DFO said, there has been no crop loss the movement of the elephants in the area. Herds of elephants from Kapilash range under Dhenkanal division and from Khuntuni range in Athgarh division are frequenting to the area for last few weeks. The villagers last month had submitted a memorandum to the DFO demanding compensation for the crop loss caused by these elephants. After Thursday night's incident, forest officials have stepped up patrolling in most of the bordering villages close to Khuntuni range as elephants from this forest range are seen very close to human habitats.

(Agencies)

Don't squabble, Lalu tells RJD, JD-U spokespersons

DANCE PARTY...

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

Journalists & their family members enjoying Picnic at Tezpur. Pic - UB Photos.

would be in force till January 15.The restriction would be in force from 8am to 8pm.Vehicles whose number plates end with an odd digit would play on odd dates. On even days, vehicles having even numbers would run.The fine for violation would be Rs 2,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.In Darjeeling, Sean Allan Lepcha, 12, a Class VII student of St Joseph's School(North Point), was taking part in a cycle rally for the first time."Recently, my father got a mountain bike for Rs 80,000. When I heard about the rally, I decided to take part. I believe that we need to do our bit to save the environment," he said. Ashwin Tamang, 11, was one of the youngest participants.Forty sevenyear-old Uday Lama, a resident of Hooker Road here, said: "I have lived at Rennes in France for a long time and there I saw people who are 70-75 years old cycle regularly. I believe that cycling

Patna, Jan 2: Ushering in the new year, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday visited his native Kalyanbigha village and offered prayers at a temple for peace and prosperity of the people. Kumar also interacted with the villagers and heard their problems, officials said. The CM was accompanied by members of his family, Bihar Rural Development minister

Shrawan Kumar, JD(U) MP RCP Singh, Nalanda MP Kaushlendra Kumar and election strategist Prashant Kishore. He also garlanded the statue of his mother Parmeshwari Devi on her death anniversary and that of his freedom fighter father late Kaviraj Ramlakhan Singh and wife late Manju Sinha at a park in Harnaut block of Nalanda district.

(Agencies)

Patna, Jan 2: In a bid to send out a message of unity, RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday advised spokespersons of his party and ally JD-U not to squabble publicly. "Fizul mein na bole," (Don`t speak needlessly), he told the media, referring to the spokespersons. "If you don`t understand an issue, remain at home and be quiet." Lalu Prasad made the remark while accepting greetings from party leaders and activists on New Year`s day. He expressed displeasure over what he said were unnecessary remarks by several leaders of his Rashtriya Janata Dal

and the Janata Dal-United.

"Grand Alliance is intact and united. There is no rift between us. The state government is on the right track," he said. "Spokespersons must consult, discuss issues with senior leaders and take permission before speaking to the media." According to RJD leaders, Lalu Prasad is unhappy over his party colleague Raghuvansh Prasad Singh`s criticism of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over incidents of crime. Earlier, JD-U leaders reacted strongly to Lalu`s tips to Nitish Kumar on how to deal with the law and order situation. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

PAGE 6

Three airmen martyred, four terrorists neutralized: Pathankot attack Pathankot, Jan. 2: Four terrorists have been killed and three defence personnel have been martyred in the attack on the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot in Punjab where an operation

by Security Forces has been underway for over seven hours. According to sources, the terrorists had infiltrated into India three days ago from Bahawalpur in Pakistan. The heavy gunbattle between terrorists and the security forces near the Air Base slowed down and combing operations

Four terrorists have been killed and three defence personnel have been martyred in the attack on the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot

began to smoke out the hiding terrorists. Earlier on Saturday, around five militants in Army fatigue opened fire near the Air Force station here early in the morning on Saturday and a massive gunbattle occurred between the security forces and the attackers. Security forces had been on high alert since Friday following the attack on a senior police officer, due to which the attack today morning near the Air Force base was contained in the non-operational area of the base ensuring the

safety of the civilians and protecting the Air Force equipments. Based on the developments of yesterday the Army had sounded an alert accordingly and placed 2 Army Columns, a Special Forces team in the Air Force Station prior to the attack today. A National Security Guard team has also teamed up with them to foil the terrorist plans. Lauding the Security Forces for successfully containing the terror attack on the Air Force Base in Pathankot in Punjab, Home Minister

Rajnath Singh said earlier that the nation was proud of them for the success in the ongoing operation.

However, he added that India would not show mercy to anyone who threatens the safety of the nation. "We want peace, but if there is any terrorist attack on India we will give a befitting reply. I am happy that our security forces, our Army jawans, Para-Military forces and the Punjab police are retaliating strongly.

The country is proud of them," Rajnath said. (ANI)

Pathankot attack: Pak now targeting Punjab after Kashmir, warns Shiv Sena Mumbai, Jan. 2: Following the attack on the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot by terrorists, the Shiv Sena on Saturday alleged that Pakistan was eyeing Punjab after Kashmir and reiterated that talks with Islamabad were impossible as 'dialogue and terrorism' could not go hand in hand. "Whenever there is a terrorist attack on India, then there is no need to search for the culprit or find out which country they belong to. We can close our eyes and say that Pakistan is responsible. This attack is a matter of great concern as it was on a sensitive area," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told. Maintaining his stand against Pakistan, he said that this attack was proof that talks and terrorism could not go hand in hand. "What happened to-

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut day is what we feared for so long. The Shiv Sena has reiterated time and again that dialogue with Pakistan and terrorism can't go together and now peace talks are happening. The Prime Minister suddenly went to Lahore and it felt like the situation would get better,

Al Shabaab recruitment video features Trump to show racialism in US London, Jan 2: Somalia's Islamist militant group alShabaab has released a recruitment film featuring Republican frontrunner Donald Trump to show racial injustice in the United States.The film is in the form of a documentary about racial injustice in the US and features Trump's clip where he is urging a ban on Muslims from the US in the aftermath of the San Bernardino attack. The

footage of Trump appeared between two clips of militant leader Anwar alAwlaki, killed in a drone strike in Yemen in 2011, saying Muslims in the US would face a choice between leaving for Islamic countries or staying at home to fight the West.

Trump's call to ban Muslims from entering the United States has been widely criticised by American politicians. (ANI)

but it didn't," Raut said. He alleged that after Kashmir, Pakistani terrorists were now 'targeting' Punjab and this was the biggest 'threat' to India at present. "Peace in the valley has been destroyed. ISIS and Pakistan flags are being openly displayed. Will Punjab meet the

as well," the Home Minister said when asked if this will hamper the peace process initiated by India with Pakistan. "We want peace, but if there is any terrorist attack on India we will give a befitting reply. I am happy that our security forces, our Army jawans, Para-Military forces and the Punjab police are retali-

ating strongly. The country is proud of them," Rajnath told ANI. So far, three defence personnel have been martyred and four terrorists have been neutralised in the operation and crossfire. According to sources, the terrorists had infiltrated into India three days ago from Bahawalpur in Pakistan. (ANI)

Panaji, Jan. 2: Goa looks to attract more investment in 2016 with the setting up of Investment Promotion Board (IPB) for fast approvals to industrial proposals. The newly-created Investment Promotion Board has already cleared 62 proposals committing investment of Rs.5,200 crore during its last few meetings and some of which will take over two years to materialise. Industry players too feel that the creation of IPB will facilitate rejuvenating rorists. Early this morning, the investment climate, around five militants which went through bad

phase before 2015. "We are more of facilitating agency for the industry.

We help in getting approvals quicker. The proposals for expansion of existing facility is cleared within a month while others like new investment takes two-three months," IPB Chief Executive Officer Ashton Godinho said. The state wants to learn from counterparts like Gujarat where investment proposals are cleared at much quicker pace. Godinho said there is continuous effort to help investments as the proposals are reviewed

dressed in army fatigues opened fire near the Pathankot Air Force station. The Pathankot National Security Guard team and the Garud Commando Force were roped in to engage the terrorists in a gun battle that began shortly after 3 a.m. with terrorists in the non-operational area of the base. At the time of the filing of this report, four of the five militants have been killed. There is a heavy deployment of security in and around the air force base. A terror alert has also been issued for most parts of northern India, including national capital New Delhi. It is also being reported that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Pathankot, though this is yet to be formally confirmed. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is also expected to chair a highlevel security meeting that will include the three service chiefs and heads of various key security and intelligence agencies to review the overall security situation and to assess the situation on ground.

(ANI)

.It is a fact that cannot be denied, he asserted.

The MB Shah Commission instituted by the central government had recommended a CBI probe in to the mega mining scam in Odisha two years ago. But the centre has not acted on the recommendation.

Oram implicitly said that had the CBI investigations been taken up in both the multi-crore mega scams, the ruling BJD would have been in great difficulty. He refused to elaborate while saying everybody knows what is going on and there are certain things which cannot be discussed in public.

Senior BJP leaders in the state were taken aback, though they did admit in private that there is truth in what Oram had said. He

Pope Francis London, Jan. 2: Pope Francis in his New Year's address on Friday called on the world to fight misery, injustice and violence by overcoming indifference.

The pontiff made his address amid tight security with the security checking people's bags and about 10,000 people passing through airport-style screening to get into St Peter's Basilica and hear him celebrate the mass.

"We ask how long human evil will continue to sow violence and hatred in our world, reaping innocent

victims. We are witnessing hordes of men, women and children fleeing war, hunger and persecution, ready to risk their lives simply to encounter respect for their fundamental rights," the pope said.

The 79-year-old Pope in his homily urged the people to overcome the 'torrent' of misery by "building an ever more just and fraternal world, a world in which every person and every creature can dwell in peace, in the harmony of God's original creation". (ANI)

David Cameron pledges to 'come down hard' on radicals in 2016

"Whenever there is a terrorist attack on India, then there is no need to search for the culprit or find out which country they belong to. We can close our eyes and say that Pakistan is responsible. This attack is a matter of great concern as it was on a sensitive area," British Prime Minister David Cameron

Goa looks to better investment climate in 2016

Will PM Modi confront Pak, asks Congress New Delhi, Jan. 2: Following the attempted terror attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, Punjab, the Congress Party on Saturday asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take up the issue with his Pakistan counterpart. "It is a matter of serious concern.

Will the Prime Minister take up the issue with Pakistan now that he has recently visited Pakistan?" asked Congress leader R.S. Surjewala. "How does the government propose to control and check terror coming from Pakistan?

These are a few issues that Prime Minister Modi needs to address," he added. The Congress leaders also pointed out that terrorist exported from Pakistan were behind the attack in Pathankot. "First in Udhampur, then in Dinanagar in Gurudaspur and now in Pathankot.

These terrorists wore army fatigues, they kidnapped vehicles and they consequently attack army or other sensitive installations," he said. Surjewala also said that now that in the winter season the infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir is not possible, the peaceful Punjab was being targeted by the ter-

same fate? Even today we maintain that Pakistan needs to be responded to in their same language," the Shiv Sena leader said Responding to Home Minister Rajnath Singh's comment that India would retaliate if attacked, Raut questioned the Centre asking where the promised retaliation was. He also put the onus on the Pakistan government saying that they were responsible for the terrorism that sprung from their soil. Earlier, Rajnath condemned the attack and said that the Army, the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Punjab Police were giving a befitting reply in the operation underway in Pathankot.

"Pakistan is our neighbour and we want to have good relations with them including all our other neighbours

Pope in New Year address calls for overcoming 'indifference'

every fortnight. Moreover, the industry expects the state government to provide relaxation in multitude of taxes in 2016.

"The industry is expecting the budget to relax several taxes on the industry. The tax burden on the industry has increased since the ban on the mining to compensate the revenue loses," said a senior official from State Industries department.

Industry bodies like Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been pressing for incentives like sales and income tax benefits. "More than the

benefits we want that the infrastructure required for the industry should be improved. We are talking about basics like power and water supply," said Manguirish Pai Raikar, the Chairman of National Council for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs.

"Non Government Organisations (NGOs) which are opposing any and every developmental proposals should take a back seat. They should have positive thinking for the sake of their future generation," he said. (Agencies)

London, Jan. 2: Calling on the country to unite against the growing threat of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to end the appeasement of Islamist extremism. New Year's address, the Prime Minister warned the nation that 2016 will be a 'test' of their 'mettle' in the war against radicals who are seething with hatred against UK and the West and said that the people of Britain must subscribe to its values, including 'freedom and tolerance'. Pledging to come down hard on radicals, Cameron said the 'poisonous ideology' that has turned young Muslims against their own country.

Making his address in a video posted on the

Downing Street website, the Prime Minister said that extremism was a major social problem which he would 'take on'. 'When our national security is threatened by a seething hatred of the West, one that turns people against their country and can even turn them into murderous extremists, I want us to be very clear: you will not defeat us and we will not just confront the violence and the terror. We will take on their underlying, poisonous narrative of grievance and resentment," Cameron said. The Prime Minister asserted that tacking extremism was one of the 'biggest challenges of our age' among other issues and said that the country was in the middle of a 'turnaround decade'. (ANI)

CBI slowdown in ponzi probe Odisha, Jan 2: Union Tribal Welfare Minister Jual Oram on Friday raked up the multi-crore mega mining and ponzi scam issues in Odisha and said the CBI investigations had discernibly 'slowed down'. Stating the unstated, Oram went on to remark on a local television that the central government is perceived to be 'soft' towards the BJD government in the state.

His remarks which, many across the political spectrum, conceded to be the 'unstated truth', raised eyebrows and some even predicted that Oram would run into trouble for having aired such views.

Talking to a local television channel, Oram said the CBI investigations in to the chit fund scam had slowed down

Union Tribal Welfare Minister Jual Oram

should not have gone public, is what they say without disputing the content of Oram's statements. In fact several top leaders of the state BJ P have been expressing the disillusionment over the central leadershi p's 'soft' attitude towards the Naveen Patnaik government. Political compulsions and central leaders such as Fi-

nance Minister Arun J aitley, party president Amit Shah perhaps feel that it is better to keep the BJD boss in good humour as an aggressive stand against him would benefit the Congress in Odisha, remarked a BJ P leader here while speaking on conditions of anonymity.

He also revealed that on certain occasions the central party lead-

ers have asked them to 'wait' rather than go full blast against the state BJ D government. The party line from the centre is strengthen the BJP organisation first.

But what they do not realise is that only an aggressive opposition role will help strengthen the state unit, he added.

Meanwhile, Oram's remark on Friday has prompted the Congress circles here to jump in glee and note that their charge of a 'deal' between the BJP and BJD has been confirmed.

Right from the AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi to the OPCC chief Prasad Harichandan, the Congress has been alleging a secret understanding between the BJD and BJP - protection from CBI in lieu of support in

parliament is the quid pro quo that has taken place, allege the Congress. It may be noted here that the CBI investigations in to the chit fund scam had started off a year ago with a big bang as several BJD activists including a MP and MLA being arrested. The CBI had also questioned Saroj, an aide of CM Naveen Patnaik and functionary of the BJD. But over the last eight months or so, the probe has slowed down. The SP and another DSP rank officer who was investigation one of the major chit fund companies have, in the meanwhile, been transferred raising doubts in the opposition political circles here. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Pakistan, Sri Lanka to sign MoUs for trade and training Colombo, Jan 2: Pakistan and Sri Lanka are going to sign two memoranda of understand ding (MoUs) for promoting trade and providing training services during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Colombo next week.The prime minister along with a delegation will be on a trip to Sri Lanka from January 4 to 6 where two MoUs will be inked for deepening trade and investment ties between the two countries."First agreement will be between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Sri Lankan Export Development Board in a bid to promote trade and exchange delegations between the two sides," a senior official in the Ministry of Commerce .The second MoU will be between the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design and the Sri

Snow to disperse smog in China Beijing, Jan 2 : Snow will disperse smog in parts of China, the weather observatory said today .Snow will hit northern China and northeastern China, while rain will sweep some parts in southern China on Monday and Tuesday, the National Meteorological Center forecast.There was a new yellow alert on Saturday for smog in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, Shaanxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Sichuan.China has a fourtier warning system, with red as the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.The public has been warned to take protective measures when engaging in outdoor activities, and those who suffer from respiratory diseases are advised to stay indoors.

(Agencies)

Speculation of a cabinet reshuffle before first cabinet meeting in the New Year on January 6 Colombo, Jan 2: The first Cabinet meeting of the unity government in the New Year will be held on January 6 under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, currently overseas on a private visit, is expected to return to the island on January 2, the Government Information Department said."The Cabinet meeting was not held this week as a considerable number of ministers were not available due to yearend holidays," government sources said.Speculations are swirling among political circles that a Cabinet reshuffle is likely to take place before the next Cabinet meeting on January 6.

(Agencies)

VIEW POINTS ØPakistan and Sri Lanka ØDevelopment Board in a are going to sign two memoranda of understand ding (MoUs) for promoting trade and providing training services during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Colombo

bid to promote trade and exchange delegations between the two sides

ØThe second MoU will be

ØFirst agreement will be

between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Sri Lankan Export

between the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design and the Sri Lankan Gems and Jewellery Training and Research Institute for imparting training to Pakistani students

Lankan Gems and Jewellery Training and Research Institute for imparting training to Pakistani students.The Sri Lankan institute has expertise in gems cutting and polishing and many Pakistani students will benefit from this expertise. Pakistan wants to increase quota for rice exports to Sri Lanka from

6,000 to 10,000 tons. In exchange, Sri Lanka is seeking to enhance export of tea and rubber to Pakistan. During the PM's visit, the sixth secretary-level technical talks will be held between trade officials of the two sides on various technical and trade-related matters.

They have already a free

Pakistan, Sri Lanka to sign MoUs for trade and training

trade agreement (FTA) in place, but are eager to further liberalise the partnership in order to expand scope of the FTA from goods to services and investment. They will also talk about enhancing businessto-business partnership. In this regard, Pakistani trad-

China restructures military as Xi eyes 'strong army' Shanghai, Jan 2: China has unveiledchanges to the structure of its military described by President Xi Jinping as "a major policy decision to realise the Chinese dream of a strong army", state media reported.The changes announced late Friday will see a new army unit set up to oversee China's arsenal of strategic missiles.The changes come as China acts more aggressively in territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea and

aircraft carrier.At the same time, Xi, who is chief of the Communist Party and also serves as head of the military, is planning to slash China's number of troops by 300,000 to roughly two million to craft a more efficient fighting force.China's Central Military Commission, which Xi chairs, on Friday also released guidePresident Xi Jinping lines to help build the country's vision of a comes just after Beijing modern military before announced on Thursday 2020 by cutting troops it is building its second and improving the qual-

ity of combat personnel, Xinhua said.The new PLA Rocket Force is tasked with maintaining conventional and nuclear weaponry with the ability to both deter and strike, Xi told a ceremony for the founding of the three new organizations, according to Xinhua.But a spokesman for China's Ministry of Defence denied any shift in the country's nuclear weapons policy."China's nuclear policy and nuclear strategy are consistent, there

has been no change whatsoever," spokesman Yang Yujun said Friday, according to a transcript posted on the ministry's website.The new unit would take over from the Second Artillery Force, he said. Beijing's forces have been involved in sometimes tense confrontations with Japanese and Philippine units over maritime disputes in the East China Sea and South China Sea respectively, prompting fears that the disputes could result in armed clashes. (Agencies)

New tax system will help achieve economic sovereignty: Dar Islamabad, Jan 2: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar urged the business community to take optimum benefit from the voluntary tax filing scheme, unveiled by the government for them on Friday, and supplement the government's effort for achieving economic sovereignty and self respect for Pakistan."Today's tax scheme is a scheme for the interest of the country and its every ones day of success," he told a big gathering of the business community leaders at the Prime Minister Secretariat where the prime minister formally announced

voluntary tax filing scheme for the filers and non-filers in order to make them as genuine taxpayers by taking benefit from the new scheme. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar however clarified that this scheme would not be applicable for the members of the parliament and only traders could benefit from this scheme.He lauded the efforts of the prime minister for his contribution in resolving the problems of business community, farmers and service sectors in the country. The finance minister on the occasion reiterated the government's commit-

country.Dar informed the gathering of the traders that the government has decided to table voluntary tax scheme for non-filers to the parliament to fulfill its legal requirement and approval from the parliament. The government, he said, would present non-filers scheme in the National Assembly sesFinance Minister Ishaq Dar sion for debate and approval instead of promulment to check leakages, gating it through an orditheft, corruption and nance or SRO. He added completely eliminating that the government has the SRO culture besides reached an agreement ensuring transparency, after an extensive five good governance and months parlays with accountability in the gov- business community ernment tiers for the leaders and the governprosperity of the ment wanted to get its

China sends warning to Taiwan as it prepares to elect first woman president

Tremors felt in Nepal post New Year celebrations Kathmandu, Jan 2: Nepal's Sindhupalchok District experienced its first aftershock of the New Year at the crack of dawn on Saturday.The tremor was a light one, measuring 4.2 on the Richter Scale and occurred at 3.15 a.m .The National Seismological Centre (NSC) had on Friday recorded a tremor on the Indian side, close to Nepal's Darchula District. (ANI)

ers will organise a singlecountry exhibition in Colombo from January 15 to 17, which will showcase the commodities produced in Pakistan. Similarly, Sri Lankan businessmen will also hold a trade show in Pakistan.The FTA with Sri Lanka has a significant im-

portance because it was the first trade accord Pakistan signed with any country.

Apart from this, Colombo is one of the closest business partners of Islamabad among regional nations as ties with India and Bangladesh often turn sour and hurt the trade relationship.At present, the volume of trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is $350 million, which they want to increase to $1 billion by expanding its scope."Sri Lanka has an edge in export of finished and made-up garments whereas our strength is in fabrics and textile products," the commerce ministry official said. "It will be a big breakthrough if they succeed in including services and investments in the FTA," the official said.

(Agencies)

Tsai Ing-wen is an unusual arrival in the conservative and male-dominated world of Far East Asian politics Beijing, Jan 2:As a Britisheducated admirer of Margaret Thatcher, the woman set to become leader of China's fierce rival Taiwan was always likely to be regarded with suspicion by Beijing's Communist Party apparatus.The fact that she is head of a party dedicated to promoting the island's independence from the Chinese mainland only makes matters worse.Beijing duly

met expectations yesterday by firing a warning shot across the bows of Tsai Ingwen, favourite to become first woman leader of Taiwan - the first woman leader, in fact, in the modern Chinese world.Zhang Zhijun, China's minister responsible for Taiwan affairs, warned it would be "unswerving and firm as a rock" in the face of threats to its sovereignty over the island."Let's not regret the

value of peace and development after we've lost it," he said, in a New Year's message.Ms Tsai, an academic by background, is an unusual arrival in the conservative and male-dominated world of Far East Asian politics. But polls put her Democratic Progressive Party well in the lead for the presidential election due to take place in two weeks' time.

(Agencies)

approval from the parliament and make the scheme as part of the bill.The finance minister also appreciated the representatives of the business community for their efforts and cooperation in the finalisation of the scheme. He asked them that they would fulfill their commitment and visit cities and streets and add one million assesses, which would gradually be increased 2 million assesses in the country. The finance ministers said that present government has doubled development budget from Rs 600 billion to Rs 1,200 for the prosperity of the country and welfare of the people. (Agencies)

Karachi police arrests ISIS 'recruiter' Karachi, Jan 2: The Karachi Police's Counter terrorism department arrested a militant of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria ( ISIS) for recruiting young men and deporting them to Syria.During the initial investigation, it was revealed by the suspect of sending three young men to Syria and one among them

has been killed, reports the Dawn.The suspect belonged to the banned Jundullah (Haji Aqakhel group) and was collecting funds for the IS in Karachi and Quetta.Meanwhile, the Rangers claimed to have detained two suspected militants belonging to a banned group. (ANI)

Govt. snatched voting rights in Bangladesh municipal elections: BNP chief

Khaleda zia Karachi, Jan2 : Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Ziahas accused the government of snatching voting rights in municipal polls on Wednesday by using the administration, law enforcers and presiding officers.Zia said that the government used the administration, law enforcers and presiding officers as their own party members and threatened them to work in their favour.The BNP chief's remarks came at an address at the Institution

of Engineers, Bangladesh, in Dhaka.The programme was organised by BNP's student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), marking its 37th founding anniversary.Zia said that the polls showed that free and fair election is not possible under the "HasinaRakib administration".Zia also rejected the results of the polls, urging her party members not to be disappointed and assured that free and fair elections would be held in future.(ANI)

5.8 strong earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan and India Islamabad, Jan 2: Strong tremors have been felt in capital city Islamabad and its adjoining areas.Reports reaching Daily Pakistan said the earthquake that shook the country from Mansehra to Kasur, lasted for only few second.

The earthquake occurred near Feyzabad, Afghanistan, and also jolted many parts of Afghanistan and India.According to geological wing of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) tremor measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale was felt in Peshawar, Swat and other surrounding areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Saturday.The shocks were also felt in Mohmand Agency, Kurram Agency of Fed-

erally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and several districts of Punjab including Lahore, Sargodha, Chiniot and Mianwali.The reports, however, carried no information about magnitude and epicentre of the earthquake.No loss to property or life has been reported yet.Fear and panic has gripped the residents, especially in the mountainous regions which received a 7.5 strong earthquake on October 26 - centred in the Hindu Kush, the 800km mountain range that stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan - leaving more than 300 people dead and over 2,000 injured. (Agencies)

Petition filed in Pakistani court against Modi's visit Islamabad, Jan 2:A petition against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Pakistan has been filed in the Lahore High Court.Petitioner named Muneer Ahmad contended on Friday that Modi, along with a 120member delegation visited Pakistan without any official permission, The Nation reported Information about his visit was received through social media and no legal procedures were adopted, he said.The federal govPetition filed against Modi's visit ernment, the Civil Aviation and Airport Security on December 25 paid a Nawaz Sharif.The two meeting at Sharif's Jati Force (ASF) were made surprise visit to Pakistan prime ministers held a Umra residence in party to the petition. Modi and met Prime Minister one-and-a-half hour Lahore. (Agencies)

6.4 magnitude quake jolts China Beijing, Jan 2: A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit China on Saturday, said the China Earthquake Net-

works Centre (CENC). The quake hit Mudanjiang city of northeast China's Heilongjiang province at

12.22 a.m. (local time) today,.The epicentre was monitored at 44.81 degrees north latitude and 129.95

degrees east longitude, with a depth of 580 km, according to the CENC. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

Year of LPG Consumers

"Vision 2030" Natural Gas Infrastructure in North East India

Govt to Make LPG Available to All in 3 Years The NDA government t announced that taxpayers with an annual income of more than Rs 10 lakh will not get subsidised LPG cylinders from the new year.

This is the central government's decisive step to curbing the supply of subsidised cooking gas. At present, all households are entitled to 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidised rate of Rs 419.26, while the market price of each cylinder is Rs 608. In the assessment year 2014-15, a total of 20.26 lakh assesses were reported as having a taxable income above Rs 10 lakh, according to the Central Board of Direct Taxes data. Also the government had asked well-off people to voluntarily give up using subsidised LPG and instead buy cooking fuel at market price, oil ministry said in a statement.

So far, over 57.5 lakh LPG consumers, out of nearly 15 crore customers, have given up subsidies.

And declaring 2016 as the "Year of LPG Consumers", the government on announced its plans to make clean cooking fuel available to all households by 2018end. It also announced an online bill payment facility.

As it will work to increase accessibility and availability of the cooking fuel in the country," said Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan. In coming three calendar years 2016, 2017 and 2018, it will set an ambitious target to provide clean cooking fuel to entire population. While the emergency helpline number 1906 for India's cooking gas consumers was launched. The consumers can call on this helpline number 1906 for assistance in dealing with gas leakage. While normal call rates will apply. On the current LPG availability in the country, the minister said there are 27 crore subscribers, of which 16.5 crore are active subscribers, while the oil marketing companies cover around 60 percent of the population. Although the scheme wanted to cover 100 percent population. But keeping in mind the affordability and accessibility issues it is hoped that a large proportion of population will avail the facility with the increase in their purchasing power due to economic growth, in next three years. Though the pilot experiment is on. But from this year 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 has announced.

Water shortage in Northeast The fight for drinking water continues Although the Northeastern region has an abundance of natural resources, especially water, its people face acute crisis in terms of pure drinking water availability.

It has 34% of total surface water in India. It receives high rainfalls around 2,500 millimetres on an average.

One of the major rivers of Asia, Brahmaputra flows through the region. The region however faces a contradictory situation as monsoon months often see devastating floods, but during non-rainy seasons many areas face water scarcity. Many areas have hilly terrains where there is not much water retention. Rain water runoff is quick and many of the springs and streams dry off in non-rainy seasons. The region needs proper management of its rich water resources and also development of required infrastructure. One aspect of water management is providing drinking water to the teeming population. At the national level, the main drinking water source is tap water (44% of total households), followed by hand pump/tube well water (42% of total households). In North-Eastern regions, only 21% of households have access to tap water. The main drinking water source in the region is hand pumps or tube wells (45% of total households). All the states in this region (except Mizoram) are characterised by rural areas with close to 3/4th of the population living in rural areas. Hand pump is the water source that is used the most in rural India, and with these states being mostly rural, a high percentage of hand pump or tube well water is being used.

Usage of other water sources than the main sources of tap water, well water and tube well includes water from lake or pond, springs, river/canals, etc. Only 4 % of households in the country use these other sources, but in North-East the number goes up to 15%. The region has many natural water sources like springs, lakes, ponds and these are easily available and many a time these are the only available water sources to the people living in remote areas and so these are widely used. The general trend is that in all the states majority of households have a drinking water source near household premises.

Assam and Sikkim are different, where majority of households have a drinking water source within their premises.

Manipur performs worst with only 16% of total households having access to drinking water source within premises. When types of drinking water source are considered, there are quite a few variations in rural areas.

Rural population in Assam largely depends on hand pumps, followed by uncovered well and other sources.

Sikkim provides tap water to majority of its rural population. Many rural households in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura use uncovered well water. In Manipur and Mizoram, major drinking water source comprises other sources like lake, river, spring, pond, etc. Small urban centres in the North-East have access to tap water. The smallest state of the North-East, Sikkim, leads on this front and Nagaland trails last. Urban population in Assam also uses hand pumps a lot. In Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya, other water sources are often used.

The region is seriously lagging behind in terms of water supply infrastructure development as well as proper operations and maintenance of existing infrastructure, even after central government and several international organizations have spent a lot of money in this regard. Lack of overall infrastructure development also hurts. Frequent landslides in monsoon damage water supply pipes. To sum up, development and maintenance of proper infrastructure should be given high priority in the region.

Pranjal Kumar Phukan Abstract: The report has relied extensively on secondary sources of data for projecting supply, demand and pipeline infrastructure which the team would like to acknowledge, without which the basic structure of this report would not have been possible. The share of natural gas in the energy mix of India is expected to increase to 20% in 2025 as compared to 11% in 2010.

In recent years the demand for natural gas in India has increased significantly due to its higher availability, development of transmission and distribution infrastructure, the savings from the usage of natural gas in place of alternate fuels, the environment friendly characteristics of natural gas as a fuel and the overall favorable economics of supplying gas at reasonable prices to end consumers. Power and Fertilizer sector remain the two biggest contributors to natural gas demand in India and continue to account for more than 55% of gas consumption. India can be divided into six major regional natural gas markets namely Northern, Western, Central, Southern, Eastern and North-Eastern market, out of which the Western and Northern markets currently have the highest consumption due to better pipeline connectivity.

Keywords: Natural gas, Power, Fertilizer, Demand, Consumption, North Eastern market In future, the natural gas demand is all set to grow significantly at a CAGR of 6.8% from 242.6 MMSCMD in 2012-13 to 746 MMSCMD in 2029-30.The total supply of natural gas is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2012 to 2030 reaching 400 MMSCMD by 2021-22 and 474 MMSCMD by 2029-30.

The supply profile for the projected period has been provided in Table below.

The design capacity of pipeline network in India is expected to reach 815 MMSCMD in 2029-30.

However, considering the addition of capacity directly linked to the existing/ planned sources of natural gas in the country, the gas grid capacity in India (pipeline emanating from source) is expected to reach 582 MMSCMD in 2029-30 from the present 274 MMSCMD. This capacity is expected to take care of

the natural gas supply scenario in the projected period. In addition to the trunk lines regional gas pipelines, similar to the intra-state network of Gujarat, are recommended for highly industrialized states. It is expected that going forward the Southern and Northern part of India would catch-up with the Western part in terms of pipeline infrastructure while Eastern and North Eastern part of the country would lag behind and would require policy boost for industrial development to attract more investments.

The Indian economy has been projected to achieve an average real GDP growth of 6.4% during 20082035. Energy availability is key to economic growth and therefore, going forward high economic growth would lead to increase in the energy consumption of the country. The primary energy mix of India is also set to alter on account of the substitution of oil by natural gas. The share of natural gas in the energy mix is expected to increase to 20% in 2025 and beyond as compared to 11% in 20104.

India can be divided into six major regional natural gas markets namely Northern, Western, Central, Southern, Eastern and North-Eastern market. Out of these, the Western market accounts for the highest consumption of natural gas with more than 50% of the total gas consumption in the country. This is followed by the Northern market that consumes ~25% of the overall consumption.

The Eastern market accounts for the lowest consumption in the country among all the gas markets.

Power Sector Demand Power sector has been the biggest consumer of natural gas in India in the past and is expected to remain so going into the future.

However, the future demand for natural gas from the sector is likely to be constrained by the ability of the power plants to pay for a higher fuel expense, reduced availability of domestic gas supply and power sector reforms.

Gas contributes to about 10% of power generation in India. Gas based power generation is constrained by the higher cost of gas as a fuel and its availability

across all the regions. In recent years the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of gas based power plants has dropped to around 50% due to lack of natural gas availability at affordable prices. Natural gas demand for gas based power generation remains highly price sensitive and it is expected to fall drastically at a price in excess of $8-$9/MMBTU. The total Installed Generation Capacity in the country by the end of 11th Plan (as on 31.03.2012) is 1,99,877 MW comprising 38,990 MW Hydro, 1,31,603 MW Thermal (including 18,381 MW from gas), 4,780 MW nuclear based power plants and 24,503 MW from renewable energy sources including wind.

Growth drivers of Oil and Gas Sector.

Natural gas demand from the Eastern region is expected to increase over six times over the projection period while the North Eastern region demand is likely to more than quadruple over the same period with demand rising from 5 MMSCMD in 2012-13 to 24 MSMCMD in 2029-30.

Geographical distribution of these pipelines has remained uneven as the states closer to the gas source have had the benefits of higher utilization of gas and local development of gas market e.g. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, etc. Other states/ under developed have not been able to utilize benefits of gas due to less gas availability and inadequate pipeline infrastructure.

Scope for further development India is expected to have circa 32,727 Kms of natural gas pipeline with a design capacity of 815 MMSCMD in place by 2030. However, the addition of 'capacity at source' i.e. the capacity that actually connects supply points to the markets is likely to increase to 582 MMSCMD. Regional markets with the biggest gap between the demand and planned addition in capacity need to be targeted for further expansion of pipeline infrastructure so that the infrastructure keeps pace with the ever rising demand. The expected share of North East market in the total demand and planned pipeline capacity has been provided

Impact Oil and gas pipeline projects have been among the biggest infrastructure projects in developing countries in recent years.

The climate change impact of methane leakage from aging gas pipelines has been one of the biggest impacts of such projects in the past. Therefore it is important that the environmental and social impact linked to natural gas pipeline projects in the country also receives sufficient policy focus.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is one framework that may help in preventing /minimizing any adverse impact re-

est tax slab to offset any revenue loss to states.

3. Bring gas under declared good status.

Independent operator for system discipline and security of supply There is also a need to consider constituting an independent Pipeline System Operator (PSO) in order to streamline tariff-sharing among various pipeline system owners as well as ensuring system discipline.

The natural gas pipeline network operating in the country today is operated by six players - GAIL (India), Gujarat State Petro net Limited (GSPL), Gujarat Gas Company Limited (GGCL), Reli-

Table: Consolidated source wise supply of natural gas from 2012-13 to 2029-30

MMSCMD 2012-13 2016-17 DomesticSources 101.1 156.7 LNGImports 44.6 143.0 Gas Imports (Cross border Pipelines) 0.0 0.0 T otal 145.7 299.7 * TAPI pipeline projectedto get commiss Present Supply Scenario

in Table below.

The present supply of natural gas in India is mainly from the nominated blocks, operated by ONGC and OIL, private and joint venture fields like PannaMukta &Tapti (PMT) and from the fields awarded under NELP like RIL's KG D-6.

As can be seen above, the share of planned pipeline capacity for North East regions is likely to meet the share ofdemand for these markets till 2030. However since the difference is not substantial and pipelines dorequire additional capacities, more pipelines could be planned to cover these regional markets based onactual progress in the buildup of demand. It should also be noted that the share of natural gas demandand pipeline infrastructure in the North-eastern markets is significantly lower than that for theother regions. There is a need to commit more resources towards stimulating demand in these regions sothat greater balance is achieved in terms of the availability of natural gas. The increase in natural gasdemand in the eastern and north-eastern regions resulting from additional initiatives and resources wouldneed to be coupled with addition of more natural gas pipeline infrastructure here to support thedevelopment of the natural gas markets in these regions.

GAIL India ("GAIL") owns the largest network of the natural gas transmission infrastructure present in the country. The company currently owns and operates 9,000km (approx.) of highpressure natural gas pipelines with a transmission capacity of more than 160mmscmd. The rest of the country's natural gas trunk pipelines network is owned

by Gujarat State Petro net Limited (GSPL) and Reliance Gas transportation Infrastructure Limited (RGTIL)with a small network owned by Gujarat Gas Company Limited (GGCL) and Assam Gas Company Limited(AGCL). Although the gas pipeline coverage has increased, it is still inadequate to channelize the gassupply to demand centers in the country.

Environmental and Social

Various options exist to resolve the above issues as discussed below:

ance Gas Transportation Infrastructure Limited (RGTIL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL). In such a multi-operator environment, a revenue sharing model may be implemented where all pipeline owners would be allowed to develop a network according to the PNGRB regulations while the PSO would work as a shell company, operating the entire network, having equity of each pipeline owner proportionate to the pipeline capacity that the owner entity offers to the PSO. Alternatively, a model where the entry charge would be collected by the transporter, wherever the gas enters a pipeline system, and the exit charges would be collected by the PSO, who delivers the gas to a customer, may be implemented.

1. Change the Central Sales Tax (CST) Act to recognize contractual path to demonstrate sale of gas under CST. (Currently it follows the physical movement of the goods outside the state).

2. Include gas sales under Goods and service tax (GST) maybe with the high-

(Author is recipient of prestigious Peter F Drucker award for his outstanding contributions in the field of management from University of Swahili- A Fully accredited chartered Government University. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)

sulting from laying of pipelines.

Evaluate alternatives to the present differential tax regime Natural gas attracts differential tax treatment in different states within India which restricts free movement and swaps across geographies. In swapping of natural gas the 'title of ownership' in gas is bartered with that of another entity, nearer to the end consumer, to enable delivery without gas having to travel over avoidable long distances.

Swapping of gas helps in managing inherent limitations in handling, storage and transportation of natural gas.

Stalling of Parliament - Proceedings

Sir, Enough is enough. The stalling of parliament proceedings by the congress - led opposition puts

the congress in poor-light, as the reasons cited for stopping the proceedings are quite flimsy. Besides, it costs the exchequer dearly. As we know, The National Herald case is subjudice and exclusively a matter under judiciary, the ruling dispensation, as such, have no say on it. Moreover, the case was not filed

by BJP, which was filed by a member, Subramonium Swami. As a lesser mortal, we simply know that the executive cannot dictate terms to the judiciary. In the Nationals Herald case, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are summoned by the court to appear on 19th December.

There is nothing abnormal or unnatural in it. Perhaps, emboldened by the Bihar assembly result, the congress is girding up its loins to show its strength. Parliament is not th right arena. Again, coming to the point of Arunachal Pradesh, when of sixty M.L.As as many as thirty three M.L.As met the Governor showing their majority, what else Governor could do, but to call for an emergency session. In our opinion, that is a non-issue. This episode is not unprecedented in Arunachal Pradesh. Ex. Chief-minister Gagong Apang did it. Then what have the parliamentarians to do with the happenings of Arunachal Pradesh? Stalling of Parliament on this pretext or that costs Public

money. We appeal to all Parliamentarians and the power that be to legislate strict law to bridle such stalling cases so that Public-hard-earned money cannot be squandered.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

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JOBS & career

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

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 5 days from the date of publication of this advertisement.

No TA / DA is admissible.

Page 9

Applications are invited for the posts of Asst. Professor at N.N. Saikia College, Titabar, Jorhat, Assam.

N.N. Saikia College Titabar Applications are invited from eligible candidates having UGC norms with NET/ SLET/SET (as mandatory requirement) Ph.D. (compliance with UGC regulation 2009) M.Phil degree obtained on or before 10.07.2009 (excluding candidates obtained M.Phil/Ph.D. degree from off Campus Centre) for the following sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors in the UGC scale of pay.

1. Assistant Professor- Assamese - 1 post, unreserved.

2. Assistant Professor - Chemistry-2 posts (a) Post reserved for OBC/MOBC (b) 1 post unreserved.

3. Assistant Professor- Geography - 2 posts (a) 1 post unreserved (b) 1 post reserved for ST(P).

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. The candidate must have a PRC and must know local languages. Application with bio-data and all relevant attested documents from HSLC onwards along with a Demand Draft of Rs. 1000/- (non- refundable) drawn in favour of the Principal, payable at UBI, Titabar Branch should reach the undersigned within 15 days from the date of publication of the advertisement. No TA or DA will be paid to the candidates.

Sd/- Principal, N.N. Saikia College, P.O. Titabar-785630 Dist. Jorhat, Assam.

Job posts vacant at Dimoria College, Khetri, Kamrup (Assam) Applications along with a demand draft of Rs.1000/- (one thousand) (non refundable) only drawn in favour of Principal In-Charge, Dimoria College, Khetri payable at Central Bank of India, Khetri Branch along with full bio- data supported by selfattested copies of certificates and mark sheets from HSLC onward and contact number are invited from the candidates having latest UGC norms in the regular UGC scale of pay and will be received by the undersigned within 10 days from the date of publication of this advertisement for the fol lowing vacant sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors.

The candidates having Ph.D Degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for award of Ph.D Degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted f rom the requirement of NET/SLET/SET. Those who have obtained M.Phil Degree on or before 10/7/2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidate obtain M.Phil/Ph.D Degree from the off campus centre.

(1) Assamese: 02 (Two) Posts: (i) 01(One) Post: (Unreserved), (ii) 01(one) Post: (Reserved for SC), (2) Political Science: 01 (One) Post : ( Reserved for ST(H)), (3) Geology: 01 (One) Post: (Unreserved), (4) Botany: 01 (One) Post: (Reserved for OBC/ MOBC) (5) Education: 02 (Two) Posts: (i) 01(One) Post: (reserved for ST (P)), (ii) 01(One) Post: (Reserved for SC), (6) Post: Anthropology: 01 (One) Post against FIP of UGC. The candidates should have a Permanent Residential Certificate and must know local languages.

The age of the candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015and relaxable up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates. The OBC/ MOBC, SC and ST candidates must submit their relevant caste certificate from appropriate authorities. Those who are in service must apply through proper channel.

No TA/DA will be provided for appearing interview.

Sd/- Dr. Hem Ch. Deka Principal In-Charge Dimoria College, Khetri, Kamrup (Metro) PIN: 782403, Assam

Sd/- Principal, Darrang College, Tezpur Ph. No.:- 03712-220014.

Indian Army SSC Officer (Technical Entry) Recruitment 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 : 2027 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.

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 5 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

Career in Hospital Management and Administration Introduction Medical establishments such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and so on are looked upon as edifices of hope by the diseased and the ill. Like any other business, medical establishments are organized institutions. They follow complex processes and need efficient manpower to manage these processes.

Hospital management and administration is concerned with the organization, coordination, planning, staffing, evaluating and controlling of health services for the masses.

The primary objective is to provide quality healthcare to people and that too in a cost-effective manner. Professional hospital administrators have proven how institutions can be managed proficiently, economically and successfully in a given time period.

There has been seen a remarkable growth in the hospital industry in India, which has lead to a great demand and popularity of the hospital management related courses. The requirement of professional administrators in the hospitals is growing briskly mostly because the nature of work in hospitals is quite different from other organizations. Hospitals are expected to deliver quality service 24 x 7 x 365.

The urgent nature of its work and the level of efficiency that is expected have increased the need of well-formulated hospital management courses.

Further, various educational institutes have started offering hospital administration courses in India. What's more, a career in hospital management helps you to achieve two goals in life, namely: a good pay package and service to mankind.

Step-by-Step Every sphere of work demands a specialist and the hospital industry is no different. Earlier senior doctors were responsible to perform the role of a hospital manager apart from their normal medical duties. However, times have changed. Earlier there were just hospitals. Now, hospitals themselves have been categorized as ordinary hospitals, specialty and super specialty hospitals.

Moreover, there is manifold increase in the complexity and processes that take place in the successful management of a modern day hospital. This in turn has lead to a tremendous demand for efficient professionals who can handle the day-to-day chores of hospital management and administration. Highly trained professionals are needed for the smooth operating of a hospital.

The first step for a successful career in hospital management and administration is to earn an undergraduate degree in Hospital Administration.

For a bachelor's in Hospital Administration (BHA) you need to complete 10+2 with a total of 50% marks and biology as a compulsory subject. For a

postgraduate degree in Hospital Administration (MHA), you have to be a graduate in any stream.

This program is available for both medical and nonmedical students.

Some institutes offer certificate and diploma courses in hospital management, you can also pursue short - term, distance learning courses in this regard. The Indian Society of Health Administrators (ISHA) offers a one-year distance learning program in hospital administration and nursing administration. On the other hand, the Tamil Nadu Open University offers a two-year distance learning MBA course in Hospital Administration.

Start Early 10+2 level is the earliest level when you can make a beeline towards this profession. It is desirable to have organizational skills that will help you guide you towards this particular career path later on in life.

Is it the right career for me?

To be a successful professional in this field you should have a service-oriented bent of mind and the capacity to work for long hours. Furthermore, you must have a high emotional quotient to survive the highly charged atmosphere of a hospital.

Other essential traits include skill to take swift decisions, a friendly approach towards work and the ability to handle work pressure and the public at large. Also, if you possess the ability to cope up with

deadlines, have excellent communication skills and leadership qualities then this is the right career for you.

What would it Cost Me? The annual fee for the three-year BHA program is approximately around Rs. 40,000. On the other hand, the cost of pursuing MHA is about Rs. 10,000 per semester with four semesters making up the two-year course duration.

This is the average cost that you will have to dish out to pursue an undergraduate or a post-graduate program in hospital management and administration. However, the actual expenses may vary from institution to institution.

Funding/Scholarship Various state governments extend scholarships for SC/ST/BC students. The criteria for fee waivers, scholarships and financial aid is as per the prescribe norms of the respective academies.

Job Prospect The importance of health care can never shrink and the number of institutes providing health care is only increasing. There are more than two and half lakhs health care institutes that require quality hospital administrators and managers in India The growing need of high professionalism would only increase the importance of hospital management courses in India.

Along with the government, various private hospitals are today competing

with each other to provide first class health care services to the masses across the country. In this respect, the demand of professional hospital administrators is rising tremendously.

Pay Packet The salary of an administrator working for a medium grade hospital is around Rs.30,000 per month. The annual remuneration of an administrator in a super specialty 1000-bed hospital can easily go into lakhs of rupees.

Demand and Supply The healthcare concept in India has undergone a tremendous change in recent years. People have become increasingly aware of the importance of healthcare and this has led to higher expectations and an increased demand for a high quality of medical care and facilities.

A large number of private hospitals and clinics have come up all over the country. With increasing emphasis on quality of health care and patient satisfaction, there is a remarkable need for persons with a professional qualification in hospital management.

Market Watch The government of India is making special and concerted efforts in providing health care in both rural and urban areas of the country. With more and more private players also entering the hospital industry the demand for efficient administrators and managers is bound to go higher and higher.

There is a massive growth especially in super specialty hospitals due to which the demand for hospital managers and administrators have immensely increased. Moreover a professional course in hospital management not only opens door for various big and small hospitals but also in corporate, private and public sectors.

International Focus The sector also offers prospects of global recognition with medical tourism becoming more widespread. If you're talented and demonstrate a good work ethic, you can advance quickly. There is no limit to where your dreams and ambitions can take you in the exciting and fascinating world of hospital management and administration.

13. Different roles, different names While medical graduates generally take care of the more technical aspects of hospital administration, non-medical graduates handle the operational aspects. The tasks would typically involve managing the staff, health services, technology decisions, IT management and working under a given budget.

You can work as hospital superintendents, dean or director of medical colleges, medical directors, nursing directors and so on. Other roles include head of departments and as administrators with substantial managerial responsibilities. A hospital manager will be in charge of the overall organization

and management of the hospital to ensure its smooth functioning.

Tips for getting Hired 1. For a career in hospital administration, you should possess some unique qualities such as an innovative attitude, responsibility, self motivation and selfless devotion towards humanity.

2. As health services and medical managers are responsible for hundreds of employees and very expensive equipment and facilities, you should be able to make effective decisions, interpret data and understand information systems and finance.

3. A post-graduate degree or a MBA in this field is desirable.

4. Since you will be dealing with people all the time you must have strong communication skills.

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

Duty-free imports of 500,000 tonnes corn to be allowed by India Nagpur, Jan 2: India will soon ask state-run traders to import half a million tonnes of dutyfree corn after the second straight drought cut output, in what would be the country's first overseas purchase in 16 years, two government sources said. India has agreed to allow state-run traders such as PEC Ltd to import corn to curb rising prices and obviate shortages, said a government official directly in-

50 per cent decline in profit of HDFC profit Noida, Jan 2: Mortgage lender HDFC Ltd said it has recorded 50 per cent decline in profit on sale of investment to Rs 57 crore for the quarter ended December. The company had earned a profit of Rs 113 crore in the same quarter a year ago, HDFC Bank said in a regulatory filing. Income from dividend was Rs 135 crore during the quarter as compared to Rs 103 crore in the same period a year ago, it said. This includes dividend of Rs 127 crore from HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company, it added. "The Corporation under the loans assignment route sold loans amounting to Rs 1,240 crore in the quarter to HDFC Bank as against 1,234 crore in the same quarter last fiscal," it said.

(Agencies)

Rs 1,500 crore raised by Yes Bank, Canara Bank via bonds Kolkata, Jan 2: State-run Canara Bank and private lender Yes Bank recently announced raising Rs 1,500 crore each by issuing Basel III compliant tier-II bonds. "Bank has successfully raised Rs 1,500 crore of Basel-III compliant tier-II bonds.

The issue was closed on December 31, 2015," Yes Bank said in a regulatory filing. Canara Bank in a filing said the Bond Committee has decided to raise Basel-III compliant tier-II bonds amounting to Rs 1,500 crore by way of private placement. "Accordingly, the Bank has successfully raised Rs 1,500 crore under BASEL-III compliant Tier-II Bonds on December 31, 2015, with a coupon of 8.40% per annum," Canara Bank said in the filing. (Agencies)

volved in the decisionmaking process. The official requested anonymity because he is not authorised to talk to the media. The government will import only non-genetically modified varieties, another government official said. Trade ministry spokesman Rajinder Choudhury did not have an immediate comment.

(Agencies) Downfall in gold price Chennai, Jan 2: Gold prices were marginally

CHRONOLOGICAL FALL Gold prices were marginally down by 0.20 per cent to Rs 24,933 per ten grams in futures trade.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in February 2016 fell

by Rs 49, or 0.20 per cent, to Rs 24,933 per ten grams in business turnover of 3,319 lots.

Also, the metal for delivery in far-month April contracts traded lower by Rs 46, or 0.18 per cent, to Rs 25,030 per ten grams in 39 lots.

Analysts attributed the fall in gold futures to a weak trend at spot market on sluggish demand but a better trend overseas restricted the rise Globally, gold traded At the spot market in the higher 0.08 per cent to national capital, gold prices $1,061.70 an ounce in plunged by Rs 260 to Rs 25,390 per 10 grams.

London.

down by 0.20 per cent to Rs 24,933 per ten grams in futures trade as traders cut down their holdings amid sluggish demand in the spot market, even as the metal strengthened overseas.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in February 2016 fell

by Rs 49, or 0.20 per cent, to Rs 24,933 per ten grams in business turnover of 3,319 lots. Also, the metal for delivery in far-month April contracts

Mumbai, Jan 2: Country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has reported a 8.5 per cent increase in total sales in December at 1,19,149 units as against 1,09,791 units in the same month in 2014. The company said its domestic sales increased 13.5 per cent during the month to 1,11,333 units as against 98,109 units in December 2014. Sales of passenger cars went up 11.6 per cent to 91,043 units as compared to 81,564 units in the yearago month, MSI said in a

BSE filing. The company said sales of utility vehicles, including Gypsy, Grand Vitara and Ertiga, jumped 58.8 per cent to 9,168 units in December 2015 from 5,774 units in the corresponding month in 2014.Sales of vans - Omni and Eeco - rose 3.3 per cent to 11,122 units in December 2015 as compared to 10,771 units in the same period of last year. Exports during the month declined 33.1 per cent to 7,816 units as compared to 11,682 units in December 2014, MSI said.

(Agencie)

Rahul Yadav's new venture have Yuvi as batsman

Premium segment aimed by luxury car makers to drive sales New Delhi, Jan 2: As India's luxury car market steps on the gas to more than double its yearly sales from 40,000 to 1,00,000 units in five years, the premium segment is what sharp-eyed marketers are focusing on for future growth. Premium-segment upgraders are beginning to turn into the biggest and fastest growing catchment for luxury car companies, say industry experts, driving much of the doubledigit growth in luxury vehicles for the third consecutive year. Despite growth,

luxury car sales at 35,00038,000 units a year is still one-fourth of the premium segment sales which is more than 1,35,000 units a year.

With a nearly Rs 5-10 lakh price differential - premium segment cars cost Rs 15-20 lakh while most luxe models start around Rs 25 lakh - this is the cherry that luxe marketers are picking, particularly with entry-level luxury models like the BMW X1or the Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA. Said Roland Folger, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, "The

premium segment is proving to be a good potential customer base for us. There has been an emerging trend where the current owners of premium segment vehicles are gradually upgrading to a luxury marquee like Mercedes-Benz. While we have seen current owners of premium cars upgrading to our CClass or even E-Class sedans, the percentage of upgraders is higher in the new-generation cars like the A-Class, B-Class, the CLA and the GLA." With the luxury vehicle market tipped

to hit 1,00,000 units in five years, auto experts say the premium upgraders will become a bigger customer segment in the near future. Said auto expert Abdul Majeed, partner, Price Waterhouse, "Most luxury car makers have realized that they need to strategically bring down their price points. Hence, they have launched their entry-level range at Rs 2530 lakh. Since this overlaps with the top end of the premium car market, those customers will obviously upgrade to luxury." Said N Raja,

director and senior VP - sales and marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, "Though a majority of customers consider value for money as the main criteria for purchase in which initial buying cost becomes a major motivator, slowly but surely they are moving towards quality as well, looking at factors like cost of ownership including resale value." Given the Rs 5-10 lakh price differential between premium and luxury, what's driving the migration is also some smart finance options. (Agencies)

PE inflows jump 67% to 8-year high of $21bn New Delhi, Jan 2: Total private equity (PE) investment in India in 2015 rose to its highest in eight years and almost equalled the total foreign direct investment (FDI) in equity inflows three years back, according to a report.

Investments from PE firms rose 67% to $21billion in 2015, from $12.5 billion, a year earlier. The previous

high was $18 billion, recorded in 2007, the report from VCCEdge said. The data excludes real estate and venture debt. A separate report from the same research firm had earlier said that PE funds invested about $2.4 billion in the real estate sector, across 53 transactions, in the first nine months of 2015, This was higher com-

pared to $2.1 billion that they invested in 2014 across 80 deals. FDI in equity inflows for 201213 was $22.4 billion, out of the total $34 billion the country received. Last year, India received total FDI investments of $44.3 billion, according to latest figures from the department of industrial policy & promotion (DIPP). The report said an-

gel and venture capital inflows helped early-stage investments. "It was an actionpacked 2015 for early-stage investment in India as Angel and Venture Capital investments were the prime drivers of capital inflow. Angel and seed investments grew 64%, increasing to $327 million from $200 million in 2014," according to the re-

Rs. 4,000 crore saved by Petronet's Qatar contract for consumers Mumbai, Jan 2: Petronet LNG, India's biggest gas importer, signed a revised contract with RasGas of Qatar to import gas at a significantly lower price to reflect falling global prices, saving consumers around Rs.4,000 crore.

The new contract will save downstream consumers in India around Rs.4,000 crore a year, according to Junior Minister for Oil and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan.

"The new formula between the two companies is a win-win situation.

Where the previous con-

tract meant that Petronet had to buy LNG from RasGas at $12-$13 per mmBtu, the new contract means a price of $6-7 per mmBtu," Mr. Pradhan said at the function where the contract was signed. He added that the penalty of Rs.12,000 crore imposed on Petronet for importing less gas in 2015 than was agreed in the previous contract has been waived.

The need for re-negotiation became apparent when global crude and petroleum prices crashed, meaning that Petronet was overpaying for RasGas'

LNG under the previous contract. "This year started off with an inclination that gas prices would fall. Ironically, we were buyers but were still anxious. This agreement will relieve a lot of that anxiety," Mr. Prabhat Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Petronet LNG, said during the event, adding that the agreement was reached on November 10, but was signed only on Thursday. Mr. Pradhan said that the new pricing formula under the reworked contract, which would come into effect on

January 1, would apply to 7.5 million tonnes of LNG India has agreed to buy from RasGas until the long-term contract ending in April 2028. Petronet has agreed to purchase an additional 1 million tonnes under the revised contract. The Oil Minister also noted that January 1, 2016 would mark exactly one year of the government's PAHAL direct cash transfer scheme, saying that in that time it has become the world's biggest digital public distribution system. (Agencies)

November core sector output shrivel by 1.3 per cent Jamshedpur, Jan 2: Registering the steepest fall in over a decade, the core sector output in November 2015 shockingly shrank 1.3 per cent compared to the same month a year ago, indicating a possible hiccup in the nascent economic recovery and a downturn in industrial production. The industrial output in October 2015 had recorded a fiveyear high of 9.8 per cent year-on-year growth on account of a favourable base even as October 2014 registered a negative growth 2.7 per cent. A fortnight ago, the government had scaled down its GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal to 7-7.5 per cent from the earlier projection of 8.1-8.5 per cent. The GDP growth in the first half of this fiscal (April-September) slipped

traded lower by Rs 46, or 0.18 per cent, to Rs 25,030 per ten grams in 39 lots. Analysts attributed the fall in gold futures to a weak trend at spot market on sluggish demand but a better trend overseas restricted the rise. Globally, gold traded higher 0.08 per cent to $1,061.70 an ounce in London. At the spot market in the national capital, gold prices plunged by Rs 260 to Rs 25,390 per 10 grams on Thursday. (Agencies)

8.5 per cent increase in Maruti's December total sales

SHRINKING PRODUCTION The core sector output in November 2015 shockingly shrank 1.3 per cent compared to the same month a year ago.

The industrial output in October 2015 had recorded a five-year high of 9.8 per cent year-on-year growth on account of a favourable base even as October 2014 registered a negative growth 2.7 per cent.

The GDP growth in the first half of this fiscal (April-September) slipped to 7.2 per cent from 7.5 per cent in the same period last year.

A fortnight ago, the government had scaled down its GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal to 77.5 per cent from the earlier projection of 8.1-8.5 per

Significantly, ever since the release of the ongoing series of core sector data in April 2005, the overall core sector has been in negative growth territory only on four other occasions - in July 2005 (-0.3 per cent), October 2013 (-0.1 per cent), March 2015 (-0.1 per cent), April 2015 (-0.4 per cent).

to 7.2 per cent from 7.5 per cent in the same period last year. Significantly, ever since the release of the ongoing series of core sector data in

April 2005, the overall core sector has been in negative growth territory only on four other occasions - in July 2005 (-0.3 per cent), October 2013

(-0.1 per cent), March 2015 (-0.1 per cent), April 2015 (-0.4 per cent). None of these contractions were as steep as the one in November. The

output of eight core industries - that comprise nearly 38 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) - contracted in November owing to a fall in production of crude oil (-3.3 per cent), steel (-8.4 per cent), cement (-1.8 per cent) and natural gas (3.9 per cent). Coal production increased by 3.5 per cent while refinery production went up by 2.5 per cent and fertilizer output rose by 13.5 per cent. Electricity production remained flat in November 2015. The core industries - coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement and electricity - had recorded an 8.5 per cent growth in November 2014. (Agencies)

port. Venture capital funding also saw a rise, recording the highest ever jump to cross a new milestone in 2015. Overall 473 VC deals were registered during the year, up from 307 recorded in 2014.

Deal value too more than doubled, shooting up to $5.4 billion during the year, compared with $2.3 billion a year earlier. (Agencies)

Former Housing.com CEO Pune, Jan 2: Yuvraj Singh's YouWeCan Ventures has invested an undisclosed amount in Rahul Yadav's latest venture, Intelligent Interfaces. Yuvraj announced this in his official Facebook page: "Proud to back Rahul Yadav and Intelligent Interfaces (ii) in helping the Government govern 100x better with the help of technology. Get ready for the (r)evolution!"

Nishant Singhal, cofounder and partner at YouWeCan Ventures, confirmed Yuvraj's investment but refused to disclose the amount. "We are in a nondisclosure period. All I can say is yes we have invested in the company and work has already begun at Intelligent Interfaces," he said.

Intelligent Interfaces is

Yuvraj's 11th investment through his $10-million seed-stage venture capital fund. Launched by him and Singhal in April, YouWeCan Venture's previous investments include beauty wellness app Vyomo, online healthcare marketplace Healthians and private jet booking platform JetSetGo. This announcement comes two weeks after Yadav announced that his data analytics company was being backed by Flipkart founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal. Micromax's Rahul Sharma and Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma have, reportedly, also backed the firm. As reported earlier, the former Housing.com CEO was close to raising $15 million for his new venture.

(Agencies)

TECHNOLOGY Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is powered by 1.5GHz quad-core and it comes with 1.5GB of RAM. The phone packs 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) packs a 13megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 5megapixel front shooter for selfies.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) runs Android 5.1 and is powered by a 2300mAh non removable battery. It measures 134.50 x 65.20 x 7.30 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 132.00 grams.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is a single SIM (GSM) smartphone that accepts a Regular SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, 4G. Sen-

sors on the phone include Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, and Gyroscope.

GENERAL Form factor: Touchscreen Dimensions (mm): 134.50 x 65.20 x 7.30 Weight (g): 132.00 Battery capacity (mAh): 2300 Colours: Gold, Pink,

Industrial workers' inflation rises to 6.72% in November New Delhi, Jan 2: Retail inflation based on consumer price index for industrial workers (CPIN) rose to 6.72% in November while food inflation increased to 7.86% during the month.

The corresponding rate of inflation and food inflation was 4.12% and 2.58%, respectively in November 2014. This rise in inflation is mainly due to increase in prices

of items in food group, eggs, milk, vegetables, potato, tomato, flowers and tailoring charges, among others. However, chillies, onion, brinjal, cauliflower, methi and radish, among others, put downward pressure on the index. Indices were above all India level at 36 centres while it was below national level at 41 centres.

(Agencies)

White, Black DISPLAY Screen size (inches): 4.70 Touchscreen: Yes Resolution: 720x1280 pixels HARDWARE Processor: 1.5GHz quadcore RAM: 1.5GB Internal storage: 16GB Expandable storage up to (GB): 128

EIR report received by Orchid Phara from USFDA Kochi, Jan 2: Drug firm, Orchid Pharma, has received Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the U.S. health regulator on the successful inspection closure for its Irungattukottai formulations plant in Tamil Nadu.

Shares of the company, rose by 9.91 per cent to settle the day at Rs 64.90. The facility was inspected by the USFDA in the month of May 2015, it added. Orchid is present in segments such as anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory, central nervous system, cardio vascular, nutraceuticals and oral as well as sterile products.

(Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

The Caribbean side are currently trailing 0-2 in the three-match series and will now play the inconsequential third and the final Test in Sydney, starting from Sunday.

PAGE 11

Jason Holder

Indian legend Bembem Revamped Premier Badminton League begins today Devi to bid adieu to football

from the game after the upcoming AIFF 21st senior women's national tournament.

Reflecting on her magnifi-

cent journey, the 35-yearold midfielder said in Facebook post, "I have been lucky enough to have had a wonderful career rep-

ANI Mumbai : The revamped edition of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) will begin here on Saturday with the Saina Nehwal-led Awadhe Warriors taking on the hosts Mumbai Rockets in the opening match.

The League has been revived after a gap of two years following a successful inaugural Indian Badminton League in 2013.

Besides Mumbai, other five franchisee participating are Delhi Acers, Hyderabad Hunters, Bengaluru Top Guns, Chennai Smashers, and Lucknow-based

Saina Nehwal Awadhe Warriors.

Malaysian veteran Lee

Chong Wei was bagged by Hyderabad Hunters while

Holder says wounded Windies aim to end Aussie tour on high

Recalled Amir vows not to let Pakistan down again

Mohammad Amir ANI Karachi: Disgraced Pakistan fast bowlerMohammad Amir has expressed that he is elated after being named in the limited-overs squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, insisting that he will never let his country down again.

The 23-year-old left-hander received a five-year ban from all forms of cricket and served three months in

prison for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

He has selected in the national squad for the first time since his conviction, however, it is subject to the granting of a visa by the New Zealand authorities.

Reflecting on his international recall, an elated Amir said that he had been aiming to earn his spot back in the national side since his return to cricket, adding that

there was no better feeling than playing for one's own country, PakPassion.net reported.

Expressing his gratitude towards the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving him a second chance, Amir admitted that he had learnt a lot from his mistakes and vowed that he would never let the cricketing family down again.

Amir also insisted that he

was a more mature person now, adding that he was indebted to have a supportive team behind him and for their guidance and help.

Considered as one of the most promising talents, Amir had taken 51 wickets in 14 Tests and 25 in 15 one-day internationals before he was handed a five-year ban for bowling deliberate no-balls by prearrangement during the fourth test against England at Lord's in 2010.

Earlier, the tainted bowler was included in the 26member national fitness camp in Lahore, whose return in the camp saw divided opinions coming out from the national team.

Amir displayed impressive form in domestic matches as well as in the Bangladesh Premier League ( BPL) after ending his five-year ban for spot-fixing four months ago Pakistan will play three-match ODIs and three-match T20s starting from January 15.

Wenger backs Ozil to direct Arsenal to PL glory ANI Johannesburg : Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that midfielder Mesut Ozil has grown tremendously to lead his side to this season's Premier League victory.

Describing the 27-yearold player as a 'complete athlete', Wenger said that the German had grown in stature and was ready to take responsibility for the team, Sport24 reported.

Wenger insisted that Ozil plays in a position

Arsene Wenger

England reach 76-1 at lunch against Proteas

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ANI Cape Town: England have reached 76-1 at lunch on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa here at Newlands on Saturday.

Opting to bat first, skipperAlastair Cook failed to turn his good start into big total as he got dismissed for 27 at the hands

of debutant Chris Morris.

At the end of the first session, opener Alex Hales and Nick Compton were at the crease on their respective scores of 38 and three.

England are currently leading 1-0 in the four-match series following their massive 241-run win over the hosts in the opening match in Durban.

that completely suits him, adding that his current form makes him difficult to stop this season.

Earlier, Ozil had turned out to be the key performer for his side as Arsenal secured a 2-0 win overBournemouth to go one point clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal will begin 2016 as the league leaders and will play their next match against Newcastle on Saturday.

Jason Holder ANI Johannesburg: West Indies skipper Jason Holder believes that his side have gained some confidence from their series loss against Australia and they are now looking forward to end the tour on a high note when they take on the hosts in the final Test in Sydney.

The 24-year-old bowler in-

sisted that his side fought really well in the last two days of the second Test, and called on his side to maintain that standard in the upcoming match as well, Sport24 reported.

Holder, however, admitted that his bowlers needed to improve for the final Test, saying that they had to display a lot more disciplined performance than they had

shown in the second match.

Earlier, the eighth-ranked Windies suffered a humiliating 177-run defeat in the second match against Australia in Melbourne. With the defeat, the Caribbean side are currently trailing 02 in the three-match series and will now play the inconsequential third and the final Test in Sydney, starting from Sunday.

World championship double bronze medallist PV Sindhu was snapped up by Chennai Smashers.

Kidambi Srikanth went to Bengaluru Top Guns whereas 2014 Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap was bagged by Hyderbad.

The second leg of the tournament, after its two-day stint in Mumbai, is to be held in Lucknow on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The winners will receive 3 crore rupees, the runners-up two crore rupees and the losing semi-finalists will get 75 lakh rupees each.

Djokovic to warm up for Aus Open in Qatar ANI Johannesburg: World number one Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will begin his 2016 campaign at the Qatar Open, which starts on Monday.

The Serbian dominated men's tennis last year as he bagged three Grand Slam titles besides making 15 consecutive tour finals and will aim to maintain his rampaging form during his warm-up tournament for the Australian Open in Qatar.

Djokovic said that he was excited to come back and perform at his best in the season opening tournament, Sport24 reported.

He also became the third man to reach all four Grand Slam finals in a year and would have completed a career grand slam if he hadn't lost in the French Open to Stan Wawrinka last year.

‘Tennis-brat’ Kyrgios vows not to change in 2016 ANI Melbourne : Controversial Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has insisted that he will not change his behavior in the upcoming season, but admitted that his sole objective would be to win tournaments in 2016.

Kyrgios had sparked controversy when he made lewd remarks to Stan Wawrinka during their Montreal Masters match last year. He was also handed a suspended ban and a fine by the ATPtour for his remark.

Reflecting on his previous season, the 20-yearold mercurial player said that although he had a roller coaster ride in the previous year, he added he has no regrets for his

Nick Kyrgios

behavior, News.com.au reported.

Kyrgios said that he had grown up as a person since the incident, insist-

ing that he had been trying to become much more mature. The Australian tennis-brat would play along with retiring

Lleyton Hewitt for Australian Green at the Hopman Cup before heading into the Australian Open.

Vintage Federer content with his Grand Slam haul Vintage Federer

ANI Melbourne : World number three Roger Federer has expressed that he would be 'OK' even if he is not able to add to his record 17Grand Slam titles in theupcoming season.

The Swiss maestro, who reached the finals of two Grand Slams last year, revealed that it would be amazing to win another Grand Slam title but admitted that he wouldn't be frustrated if he fails to win any more major

championship, News.com.au reported.

Federer, who will play at this week's Brisbane International before the Australian Open, admitted that he was content with what he had

achieved in his glorious career, adding that he wants to win in Brisbane again.

Federer won six of his 11 finals last year, with all five losses in finals being to world number one Novak Djokovic.

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ANI New Delhi : Legendary Indian footballerOinam Bembem Devi has announced that she will retire

resenting my country for 20 years and the State team for 24 years. The upcoming AIFF 21st senior women national will be the last tournament I would play for the state team. It's been an incredible journey and I enjoyed every moment of playing."

The Manipur player, who had the distinction of playing in a foreign league, was signed by Maldives side New Radiant in 2014 where she emerged as the highest scorer, smashing six goals in three matches.

Bembem, who became the national team captain in 2003, led India to their first major title at the 2010 South Asian Games. She was also named as the AIFF Women's footballer of the year in 2001 and 2013.

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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

PAGE 12

Regional Film Festival to be hosted by Arunachal Pradesh runachal Pradesh is eager to prove naysayers wrong by hosting a regional film festival in February next year. From February 17 to 20, the state capital will host the 'Film, Northeast 2016?, a film festival to showcase some of the best films from the Northeast and at the same time fend off criticism over the Centre's decision to set up a film institute in the state. Earlier this year, the Centre had approved plans to establish a national institute for film, television and animation in Jote near the state capital Itanagar.

While filmmaking has gained popularity recently, the film industry in the state is still at a nascent stage in comparison to those of Assam and Manipur. Parliamentary secretary for the state information and public relations department Bamang Felix feels the planned festival

A

will act as proof that the decision to establish a film institute in the state was the right one. "I will not name them but some chief minister had questioned how Arunachal can establish a film institute," Felix said.

He also said that the idea

been sea changes in the development of information, communication and in the field of cultural activities" in the state. Until January this year, there was not a single functional cinema hall in the state. Tuki said that many young filmmak-

A

Zubeen opposes restrictions of organizers of Bihu function The ULFA-Independent has warned Assam singers from singing Hindi songs in the upcoming Rongali Bihu functions and the organisers to desist from holding dances set to Bollywood songs. In an email, the Paresh Baruah faction said "We urge the singers to keep away from singing Hindi songs and the dancers to also refrain from dancing to such songs, we urge the artistes to perform the local ethnic communities' songs and dances at the Bihu functions".

Meanwhile, Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg opposed restrictions imposed by Bihu Sanmilani Samanyarakhi Samiti on all Rongali Bihu programmes. Earlier, Bihu Sanmilani Samanyarakhi Samiti imposed some restrictions on Bihu programmes. They

to set up institute was conceived by chief minister Nabam Tuki much before it was announced. Tuki, who officially launched the festival that will conclude on February 20 to coincide with the 30th statehood day, said that "there have

ers have been making their presence felt of late "which is laudable". He also informed that a policy guideline to promote the film industry will be framed soon.

He also said that films will also help boost the state's tourism sector. The festival is being organized by the department of Information and Public Relation in association with Film Federation of Arunachal. The festival has been divided along several competitive and non-competitive segments which will showcase fulllength and short documentary and feature films. There will be two major segments in the festival viz competition and non competition which is further divided into Chiaroscuro, Clapperboard, Our Stories and First Cut under competition category, and Magic Mirror, Bioscope, Clapstick Caravan, Arunachal Preview under non competition category.

urged all concerned not to continue Rongali (Bohag) Bihu functions beyond 12 am in the night and also to restrict all Rongali Bihu programmes to one month alone. They called for stopping Bihu functions by 12 midnight for avoiding unwarranted situations that have come to plague late-night Bihu functions. They had also urged the artists and organizers to wear traditional dresses during Bihu programmes.

Manipuri Dance troupe enthralled a crowd attending an Indian Cultural programme at the National Theatre of Mandalay, Myanmar on December 24. The event was organised under the aegis of the Indian Consulate office, Mandalay, Myanmar and was attended by a strong Manipuri contingent comprising of 56 members.

The State team headed by Indo-Myanmar Fraternal Alliance president RK Shivchandra had left Imphal from the ISKCON complex on December 14.

The December 24 programme was attended

by Mandalay minister of Social Welfare Dr Win Hlaing, Mandalay minister of Transport U Kyaw San and Consulate of India to Myanmar Dr Nandakumar.

The evening was also attended by several diplomatic luminaries including the Chinese Consulate General to Myanmar.

People of Manipuri origin who are scattered around Mandalay thronged the National Theatre, according to Shivchandra who had coordinated the show from the Indian side. Artise of the Lianda Folk and Classical Academy and a dance exponent Manju Elangbam presented the Manipuri dance, he said.

The crowd which comprised mainly of young people filled the hall with

Vidya Balan hospitalised Actress Vidya Balan, who had plans to celebrate New Year with her husband Siddharth Roy Kapur abroad, had to cancel their outing and return home and get hospitalised after suffering shooting pains which could be due to a kidney stone. The couple had boarded a connecting flight from Abu Dhabi to their destination but minutes later while the aircraft was taxiing to take off, Vidya suffered from shooting pain in her back. The pain was so severe that the paramedics were called on board and they were taken off. She was taken to a clinic at the airport for examination. "Vidya is currently in expert hands at Hinduja hospital and is well on her way to recovery," said her spokesperson.

National Theatre in Myanmar enthralled

by Manipuri dance

thunderous applause to each movement of the dancers who performed the Dasa Avatar featuring 10 incarnations of gods including Lord Buddha, he said. The evening, he said was meant more than a dance show as Mandalay and the rest of Myanmar is looking up to act as a major key player in the Asian economic map rather than remaining in the back waters during the

last 50 years under the Military junta regime.

Though much is left to be desired in the much hypeup Look East Policy or Act East Policy, a road map has already been drawn on what to do next said Shivachandra. He further said that Myanmar and India shares a cultural heritage and embrace the same religious root. The Manipuri dance performance speaks volumes of

Shillong Girl Crowned Miss India North East 2015

S

hillong girl W a n r i d a Pyngrope has been crowned Miss North East India 2015 at a beauty pageant held in Guwahati. "I'm very proud to win the crown not just for myself or my family but I'm also proud close relationships between the two nations, he said. He continued the attire of the dancers performing Thougal Jagoi which bears a deep similarity with those of other South East Asian countries and the mongol-

oid feature of the Manipuris also attracted the crowd much. Apart from the Cultural Evening of India, the dance troupe during their tour also staged certain performances at different Manipuri localities in Mandalay. The most eventful and heart rendering moment had been the performance at Gundicha Mandav of Bamon Khunjao of Mandalay.

to be able to win the crown form my state Meghalaya and I'm glad I was able to bring the crown home," 25- yearold Wanrida said. "Now that I have won Miss North East India my next aim is to compete in #MissIndia but first I will

need to go through the audition rounds which will be conducted on 4th January at Guwahati and I hope to get selected," she said.

First runner-up was given to Pranjali Purwayastha of Guwahati and 2nd runners up to Varbeewa Sonowal of Shillong.

Sallu Bhai upset with 'good friend' Iulia Vantur

If gossip mills are to be believed, Salman Khan is becoming possessive about rumoured girlfriend, Romanian actressanchor Iulia Vantur. Post his 50th birthday bash with his family and close industry friends, the star was apparently sulking over Iulia mingling with his guests, a little too much for his liking. An eyewitness says, "Salman was a bit upset because he didn't like that Iulia get-

ting over friendly with some guests at the party.

An argument of sorts followed." A source close to the actor confirms the news and says, "Yes, Salman bhai was a bit unhappy with Iulia and when the party wrapped up, he conveyed the same to her politely. He didn't yell at her." Salman Khan's bash had a huge, glittering turnout and Iulia was seen photo bombing a few of his snapshots with guests.

Queen is in the mood for introspection

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With most of Bollywood headed overseas for a yearend break, Kangana Ranaut prefers to stay put in Mumbai.

Apparently, the actress is in the mood for introspection.

2015 was her year with 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' making box office records, and she

being considered the highest paid actress in Bollywood.

The actress was also part of the Women in the World summit and the Paris Fashion Week to attend the Dior show.

Presently busy with her next, 'Rangoon', she is looking at raising the bar in 2016.

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