3rd feb 2016

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www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Khonsa please contact: Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa Ph. No.-08471896580/ 07085295635

ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 237

Need for Value Based Education

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

Whither 'North East Cinema'?

Points to ponder

1.23% decline in Hyundai Motor India's January sales

Rahul visits Anantpur to commemorate 10 years of MNREGA

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World Tripitaka Foundation, Thailand to develop and create Speculations rife about possibility Golden Pagoda as the first Int’l Tipitaka Center in India of AGP-BJP alliance The World Tripitaka Foundation (WTF) Thailand has decided to develop and create Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) of Tengapani at Namsai District to be the first International Tipitaka Center in India. A senior team of WTF is also expected to visit Kongmu Kham in Namsai District soon for further survey and process for the International Tripitaka Center.

The World Tripitaka Foundation (WTF) is famous for its innovative work of Pali transcription into many Asian languages. The foundation has already published its works in Pali, Roman, Thai (Tai Siam), and Singhalese besides Tai Lue, Tai Mao, and Tai Loung scripts. Now the foundation is working on the transcription and translation of Tai Khamti (Khampti) script & language and soon after will start their work on Tai Phake and Tai Khamyang scripts of Northeastern Indian Tai languages.

Silent Rally against deteriorating Law and order situation in Dima Hasao District ET Correspondent Haflong Jan 2

All Apex Bodies and NGO's of Dima Hasao District took out a silent Rally against the recent deteriorating Law and order situation in Dima Hasao District which involved kidnapping etc. on Monday.

The Rally led by Jadikhe Naisho Hosom was participated by hundreds of people from every walk of life.

Contd. on Page 4

ET CAPSULES

Two bike lifters arrested Dibrugarh, Feb. 2: Dibrugarh police today nabbed two bike lifters named Deepak Sarma and Bablu Tanti and recovered one motor cycle bearing registration number (AS 06 G 9858).The bike was stolen from Milan nagar area on yesterday. Police said the bike lifting gang has been active in Assam and till now they gang have been lifting many bikes from Assam.

(Staff Reporter)

Recently former Minister Chowna Mein visited Bangkok (Thailand) and attended the meeting with the World Tripitaka Foundation committee Thailand for the Tai Language transcription of Tripitaka. He was accompanied by Ven. Vimalatissa Bhikkhu (abode of Kongmukham monastery) and members of Tai Khampti Heritage & Literature Society.

Chowna Mein greeted the foundation members for their great effort and had praised heartily for undertaking the meritorious work of Buddha Sasana. He gave his word to work with the foundation and agreed to assist the foundation in publishing the Pali Tai Transcription of the Tripitaka to all Tai languages of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Tai Khampti linguistic team (members of Tai Khampti Heritage and Literature Society) comprising of Ven. Vimalatissa Bhikkhu and Chow Kalingna Mannoi has already completed the transcription and translation of the first volume of Vinaya Sutta (Patimukha) in Tai Khampti language and script.

The team is also expected to be working soon on transcription and translation of the 40 volumes of Tripitika in Tai Khampti language and script which will be considered to be the biggest achievement for the Tai Khampti society.

The Tripitaka or Pali canon

Chief Coordinator of World Tripitaka Foundation, Thanapat Choompolsil lauding the efforts of Tai Khampti scholars has informed that the Tai Khampti team on revision of Tai Khampti Pali and transcription of its meaning to Tai Khampti language is to be the 1st Tai branch in NE India that is able to complete the Tripitaka project successfully in a very short period. The foundation acknowledged that their project is meant for precise rendering and pronunciation of Pali language & sound of the language of Buddha and Dhamma of Buddhist Religion and preservation.

The Golden Pagoda at Tengapani. Pic - Chow Bilaseng Namchoom

is the collection of primary Pali language texts which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism. The priceless teachings of the Buddha are preserved in the Pali canon, an extensive, detailed, systematic and analytical record. The Pali canon descends from an august tradition. Within three months after the Buddha's maha-parinibbana, a counsel was convened. It consisted of five hundred learned disciples who had attained the

District police to use alcolmeter to check drunken driving.

DIPRO Bomdila, feb 2

The West Kameng police would be using the Lion Alcolmeter 500 for the first time in the district to put a check on the drunken driving cases. Though the state police was equipped with this gadget, reportedly, it was never used. Therefore, technically the district would be the first in the state to use it.

Deputy Commissioner AK Singh viewed that cases of drunken driving in the district especially in the district headquarter is low but necessary steps like regular nakas, patrolling, flying squads and use of devices like Alcolmeter should be put in use in the district for providing a just and secure environment to the common man.

The rule of law needs to prevail, he said.

The two sets of the Lion Alcolmeter 500 was procured under the Untied Fund by the district administration and handed over to SP Bomdila today.

Visibly elated Superintendent of Police, Dr. A Koan

DC AK Singh and SP Dr. A Koan with the Alcolmeters.

said that with the availability of the device the district headquarters Bomdila would be free of the drunken driving cases and would be setting an example for other districts of the state to emulate.

The Alcolmeter would be put in use in other administrative circles of the district too, he added.

SP Koan further highlighting on the last year's annual

DC visits Charju mini hydel station

Amrit Dhara inaugurates

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Dibrugarh, Feb. 2: Two free drinking water facilities "Amrit Dhara" inaugurated in Dibrugarh today. The projects, one at Thanacharali and another at Smashan ghat are taken by Marwari Yuva Manch, Pragati Sakha with the help of well-wishers. One of the members of Pragati Sakha said that for safe drinking water the projects have been taken in two different areas.

She said water is essential in for our lives and without water we can live and for that safe drinking water is necessary.( Staff Reporter)

highest state of sainthood, arahant-phala. To prevent the Buddha's words from being distorted by ignorant and unscrupulous people, they formed the First Council to preserve the teaching in its pristine purity. Their express purpose was to collect and arrange the Buddha's voluminous teachings, which they organized into what is now commonly known as the Tripitaka.

While attending the meeting, former minister

MV checking in the district revealed that of the total 446 MV checking conducted from January to December 2015, a total of 2562 vehicles were checked at various points and a total of Rs. 8, 22,150 was realized from the defaulters and assured that the district police would take all necessary steps to make the atmosphere more conducive in the district.

Gocham Taga,

Ngamrothang Hmar all set to become the Chairman of NCHAC ET Correspondent Haflong Jan 2

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 2

As the date for the state assembly election nears in Assam, speculations are rife about possible alliances in the state with the national parties.

In this line, the first party to forge an alliance with the BJP, which formally announced an alliance with the BPF last month on the 19, during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state.

Now rumours are doing the rounds that talks are on regarding an alliance of the saffron party with the AGP. According to party insiders, the BJP is having dialogue with the leadership of the AGP to iron out an alliance for the next Assembly polls in Assam to defeat the ruling Congress.

The election management committee of the BJP in Assam recently held a crucial meeting

Khonsa, Feb 2

The Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha visited Charju MHS 3200 KW on 1st February,2016 in which he has taken serious note on condition of

water conducting system of the station. He cited leakage of water at several points, condition of sluice valve and penstock pipe also Contd. on Page 3

mitted a list of 42 legislative Assembly constituencies (LACs) where it wants to field its candidates and has promise to support the BJP candidates in the rest of the constituencies.

The state has 126 Assembly segments in total.The BJP initiated the move to have a poll tie-up with the AGP with the main objective to prevent division of anti-Congress votes in all the constituencies.

The BJP and the AGP share a similar vote base among the indigenous communities in the state especially in the dominant Brahmaputra valley area.

Though the AGP is passing through a lean phase as on date and many of its senior leaders have shifted allegiance to the BJP, the regional party still have base in most of the LACs that will suffice to make the contest tougher for the BJP in its efforts to wrest power from the Congress this election.

Assam CM Tarun Gogoi assures full proof security for ensuing SAG in Guwahati A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 2

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that a fool-proof security system will be put in place for the 12th South Asian Games scheduled to begin here on February 5.

Chief Minister’s statement came close on the heels of the review meeting he had on

Monday with army, police, para-military forces, intelligence agencies and sports administrators at Assam Administrative Staff College to discuss the progress of the last minute preparations including security. Gogoi said, “Government has arranged a fool-proof security for the sportspersons as well as the spectators for the smooth conduct of the games”.

Gogoi further said that as far

as infrastructural preparedness is concerned finishing touches is going on and if there is any deficiencies last minute steps are being taken to pluck them.

All the Chefs de Mission in charge of running the games expressed their satisfaction over the facilities put in place.

Contd. on Page 4

Following the withdrawal of nomination filed by the former Chairman of N C Hills Autonomous Council Sri Subrata Thaosen, Sri Ngamrothang Hmar who filed the nomination as congress candidate is all set to become the Chairman of NCHAC unopposed.

Former AGP MLA Hiren Kr Das joined BJP

It is learnt that, earlier the then Chairman of NCHAC resigned on the eve of an emergent session of NCHAC on Jan 29th wherein the sixteen members of NCHAC belonging to Congress had to bring no-confident motion against the present Chief Executive Member Sir Niranjan Hojai but was called off and for the election of new Chairman was fixed on Feb 3.

Hiren Kr Das ,previously two times MLA from regional party AGP in SC reserved Mangaldai LAC , former president of AGP -Darrang District Committee and a veteran leader of with "jatiyatabadi" ideology of state today formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with a few of his followers.

Several senior state leaders of the saffron party including its Vice President Santanu Bharali , General Secretary Bhabesh Kalita , Nilima Deka , President Darrang BJP Manoj Kr Saharia welcome Das and other new comers to their party and greeted them with a saffron towel and a cap each in a public function organized at District Library auditorium in the afternoon today. Meanwhile talking to the media on the eve of joining BJP , the former AGP MLA justified his

Sri Subrata Thaosen, former Chairman and Sri Ngamrothang Hmar also a former Chairman filed nomination on Monday but at last Sri Thaosen has withdrawn his nomination to contest for the Chairman of NCHAC, thereby paving the way for Hmar to become the Chairman of NCHAC unopposed.

ET Corroespended Mangaldai, Feb 2

Former AGP MLA Hiren Kr Das joined BJP decision to join a National party after leading a regional political party for so many years that even from a national party he will be able to work under regional concept . Further he pointed out he has been compelled to take this decision as the top AGP leaders are planning to make pre poll alliance with the ruling Congress and the AIUDF. It may mentioned here that Hiren Kr Das will be one of the strong ticket

contender in the saffron party from the Mangaldai constituency along with other five tickets aspirants . Hiren kr Das won the seat in 2006 assembly election defeating his nearest Congress candidate and present Water Resource Minister Basanta Das . However he has to remain satisfied in the third position in the last assembly poll behind contesting Congress and AIUDF candidates.

All Assam Amateur Golf Concludes at Digboi in Its 100th Golfing year at Digboi Golf Links. and third. The prizes were given away by Mr J K Borgohain RCE Oil India Limited and Mr Amitava Misra GM I/C IOCL (AOD) in the presence of invitees, UAGA officials, golfers and guests.

Laxman Sharma Digboi, Feb 2

DC visits Charju mini hydel station.

with senior AGP leaders for forging an alliance with the regional party. The meeting was attended by the members of the BJP’s election management committee headed by Sarbananda Sonowal, the state BJP president and the Union minister of state for sports and youth affairs. The meeting held in a city hotel was also attended by a few senior leaders of the RSS based in the Northeast.

The convenor of the BJP’s election management committee Himanta Bishwa Sharma informed that a poll tie-up with the AGP was likely to be formalised within few days as the talks were in final stage on a list of Assembly seats sought by the AGP. Senior AGP leaders including Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Keshab Mahanta, Kamala Kalita attended the today’s meeting with the BJP leaders.Sources informed that the AGP has sub-

The 38th edition of All Assam Amateur Golf Tournament which was commenced on 29th last at the lush green and historic Oil Town of Digboi Golf Course concluded here recently on its 100th Golfing Year.

The winners of this edition of AAAIGC were Kyra Panging of Shillong in the ladies category and Deepraj Chetia of Margherita in the men’s category. Anurag Neog of Duliajan and Sanjiv Jaiswal of Guwahati finished second

The winners of the 38th edition of AAAIGC were Kyra Panging of Shillong in the ladies category and Deepraj Chetia of Margherita in the men’s category.

With a record entry of 221 golfers from Assam, other NE states, different parts of the Country and one foreign player, this is the most awaited Golf tournament on the golfing calendar of Upper Assam Golf Tournament. Three days of golf at Digboi Golf links saw a fine display of skills and strife. Prizes were given away

in many other categories.

The tournament was inaugurated earlier on 29th morning by Amitava Mishra Executive Director I/C IOCL (AOD) following the hoisting of UAGA flag by Vivek Seth the President of the Association in the presence of dignatries including UAGA Secretary Dr. MK Baruah , Rajiv Kalita the GM (HR) AOD, PK Goswami the Organising Secretery,AK Bhagawati the DGM(HR) who was also the Captain Digboi Golf Links and a large gathering of players and invited dignitaries.

cmyk

Chow Bilaseng Namchoom Itanagar, February 2

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You are keenly interested in supernatural and occult phenomena, and today you will indulge in this hobby. You may buy a glossy hard-bound book on tantra or other paranormal things.

Taurus This day you are going to be particularly conscious of your beliefs and principles. You will be very proud and sensitive, and are not likely to brook any adverse comment or criticism. Anyone who dares to question or deride them will get a fitting response from you.

Gemini You have been aching to arrange a family reunion or get-together at your house. Well, today is the perfect day to do it. You are also likely to invite some of your close friends and important business associates over to your place.

Cancer Today, it is quite possible that you have a presentiment of things that are about to happen. Scarily enough, the premonition may not be too far off the mark. All your senses, especially your sixth sense, are likely to remain highly active today. It is best for you to keep your eyes and ears open to avoid any misunderstanding at work or home.

Leo Always dependable, that is what you are. And today, you will just underline this fact in bold strokes through your fine display of commitment to work, and your dedication to your family. Your company may never find a better person for the job that you are assigned to do.

Virgo You are capable enough to handle big projects yourself. You are most likely to lead and coordinate large teams and extract work from them as you will.

Libra You will meet people who share the same wavelength that you do in the afternoon, and this will lead to a lot of interesting discussions. You will want to expand upon your knowledge of the world today and will be successful in your efforts.

Scorpio The crown jewel of your character will be your supreme confidence today. Try to pick up tasks that require herculean efforts, and you shall come close to achieving them.

Your nerves and buoyant nature will be infective and also leave people awestruck.

Sagittarius Your business may bring you faster growth rates than bacteria today. Moreover, banking transactions will fetch returns exceeding your expectation. Management institutes will value your expertise and experience.

Capricorn Practical and creative, you are able to utilise your talents in the best possible manner.

You will smartly solve family issues, without favouring or hurting anybody. You’ll like to play the role of a peace maker, as it gives you satisfaction from within. Also, you will love to help others as much as you can.

Aquarius Money is on your mind today! If you want to sort out financial matters, today is the day. You may have a good time with friends in the evening. You will also realise how much your friends value you and the respect you command in your wider social circle.

Pisces The mundane routine of daily life will finally catch up with you, and you will feel the urge to take a break and travel somewhere. And a break is well deserved considering the number of hours you have slaved over your current projects.

World Wetland day 2016 Observed. laxman sharma Digboi, Feb 2 : The World Wetlands Day was observed by the team of wildlife enthusiasts of Digboi organized by Department of Zoology, Digboi College and Aaranyak - A scientific and Industrial Research Organization at the important Wetland of Digboi Oil Field under Upper Dehing Reserve Forest East Block, Digboi in Tinsukia District of Assam. The World Wetland Day which traces its origin to the convention on wetlands on February 2, 1971 and has since been observed in more than 160 countries in the world.

Environmental activists,

biologists, wildlife experts and students including Honorary Wildlife Warden H N Sarma, Ajoy Kr. Das, of Aaranyak, wildlife biologist Rajib Rudra Tariang, Kedar Nath Timsina, Vice-Principal of Digboi College, Jitu Borah, Asst. Professor, Department of Political Science and a nature activist and photo journalist Hira Phukan and a host of nature enthusiastic students of Digboi College arrived at an old stretch of wetland in the heart of Digboi Oilfield area within Digboi Reserve Forest.

Meanwhile, H N Sarma addressed the students in particular and briefed about the importance and significance of observing the wetland day, while

Juthika Das Barpeta, Feb. 2: Actor, Playwright, Director ‘Liyakat Ali of Barpeta is selected for ‘Amulya Kakati’ award which have been given by ‘ Silpi Sahityik Nyas’ formed by Guwahati, AASU. It may be mentioned that this award have been given to the persons for the memory of actor, playwright late Amulya Kakati. This news really made the vet-

eran playwright happy.

Expressing his feelings Liyakat Ali said that this is the award for his dramas. And along with it his responsibility also has increased. Liyakat Ali also added that he started his acting when he was high school and at last he had to write Dramas only for the financial crisis. And from then on he and his drama became an integral part of his life. His first drama

At the end of the visit, a brief light on the scope, and purpose of the day was thrown to the group

by Tariang who also elaborated on this year’s theme of the day– ‘Wetland for our future: Sustainable Livelihood’. The students who accompanied were Abhijit Chetry, Suman Barman, Bikash Newar, Bishal Das, Tapash Basak, Jokhong Singpho, Jan Borah, Roktim Borgohain, Mandira Dahal, Susmita Borgohain, Renu Gogoi, Junu Gogoi, Nang Hema Manlong, Piyali Devroy, and Deep Kr. Borah.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 2: Golaghat District Administration is going to organise a laptop distribution ceremony at the District Library premises on 6th and 7th February. The laptops will be given to rank holders and students who have scored 50 percent and above during the last High School Leaving Certificate and Assam High Madrasa Examination held in 2015 under "Anundoram Barooah Award Scheme ". On the inaugural day total 792 meritorious students of the district will be given laptops and the next day laptops will be distributed to 1325 students.

is ‘Purbabhas’ and all total he wrote 15 dramas.

It may also be mentioned that taking Liyakat Ali’s life a cinema named ‘ Mohmukti’ was made.

He also made two TV serials named ‘Putra hanta’ and Chandni k eek raat’.He even made two documentary film taking the culture of ‘Miya Janagosthi’ and another one ‘ Luit Ke Aas Paas’.

He is not only a script writer, playwright of the

Dramas, but he also wrote poems and songs. Liyakat Ali expressed his bitter experiences at mobile theatre. He told that his was used to write a drama in mobile theatre and later on he did not get his name. His drama was staged by the name of another noted person, stated the playwright with great regret. The declaration of giving this award to him really made the people of Barpeta rejoiced.

ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Feb 2: One Bijay Kumar Prasad, 45, a resident of Shankardev Nagar Doomdooma, which falls under Doomdooma Police Station in Tinsukia district is missing from January 28.

His elder brother Shobhnath Prasad has registered an FIR at Doomdooma Police Station in this connection.

AAHSU to protest against Temple looted by public representatives miscreants in Margherita

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 3-2-16 (WEDNESDAY)

Marghetita Sarbajanin Kalibari Temple where miscreants looted cash, Gold Jewellery and puja materials.In the photo seen Meena Chakraborthy who lives at the premises of kalibari.Photo send by Mithun Baruah from Margherita.

ET Correspondent Margherita, Feb 2: North Margherita Sarbajanin Kalibari, Margherita Region first and oldest Kalibari Temple established in the year 1958 was looted by miscreants on Monday around midnight.

Sd-/H.O.P

ruginous duck, falcated duck, common teal, Common Sandpiper and varieties of wildlife resources.

Liyakat Ali selected for ‘Amulya Kakati’ award 1 missing

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-50 A.M-Naam 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 7-35 P.M-Ujjwal Bhabishyat 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 8-15 P.M-Talk In English 10-00 P.M-Classical Music

Mr. Ajoy kr. Das spoke on the Ramsar Convention and about the Deepar Beel, the only Ramsar Sight of Assam.

Mr. Kedar Nath Timsina and Mr. Rajib Rudra Tariang briefed about the birds sighted in the wetland. This was followed by the entire group visiting the vast wetland. The group was thrilled to sight the migratory birds floating on the waterscape in rhythmic movement well within view for about an hour. The group also viewed a number of coots, little egrets, great egrets, indian pond herons, bronze winged jacana, little cormorants, great cormorant, Oriental darter, indian shag, ruddy-shield ducks, fer-

Laptop Distribution in Golaghat

Meena Chakraborthy who lives in the Kalibari Temple premises said that on Monday morning 6:30 am she saw that the temple lock was broken which shocked her. “I also saw

the donation box was open, the golden jewellery of Goddess kali was not there and Puja materials was also taken away”, she said.

Meena Chakraborthy said that a value of Rs 50,000 worth cash from the donation box, gold jewellery and puja matetials were looted by miscreants. Meanwhile, North Margherita Sarbajanin Kalibari Committee has lodged a case at Margherita Police Station and further investigation was going on.

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Feb 2: All Assam Hindu Students Union has announced a serial-wise protest against public representative across party lines in Tinsukia and Duliajan area towards bad to worse road conditions in the area. The organizations will start protest on Feburary 6 by burning effigies of Congress MLA from Tinsukia and parliamentary secretary Rajendra Prasad Singh, Congress MLA from Duliajan Amiya Gogoi, Congress minister Ajanta Neog, chief minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi and BJP MP from Dibrugarh

constituency Rameshwar Teli.

The organization has alleged that the stretch of road between Tinsukia and Duliajan is in worst condition, despite both the vidhan sabha constituency conquered by ruling congress parties MLA since years. Instead of working for the progress of the area they have siphoned off huge amount of money in the name of development and have accumulated huge amount of public wealth.

The bad condition of road from Deohall to Tingrai charali is the proof of the development, claimed by our public representa-

tives, said AAHSU AAHSU have said, in the second phase of protest of February 10 they will block road at Deohall between Tinsukia and Duliajan.

It must be noted that the this stretch of road is in a bad shape since last 5 years. Although, the same was constructed a couple of years back before lok sabha elections but it did not take few months to get full of pot holes reflecting huge corruption in road construction. However, neither of our public representative seemed to be worried about it and took effort for high level enquiry into the alleged corruption.

Celebration of Ningkan Kimi begins across KA Sushanta Roy Diphu February 2: The celebration of Karbi New Year on February 1 has cought on across the length and breadth of Karbi Anglong with people thronging the venues to welcome the New Year. On the recognition that the Karbies consider the first day of Thangthang (February) as the begning of the year, the authority of Karbi

Anglong Autonomous Council has declared it as holiday and holds a pilot function every year at the Council colony, of Diphu town. The ritual began with sacrifice of a fowl to invoke the blessing of Hemphu Arnam (God).

February 1 is accepted as the Karbi agrarian cycle when people survey sites for the next jhum (slash and

burn) cultivation and progressing through the year, the cycle will come full circle with the threshing of the paddy and carrying it to the house which takes place on Arkoy ( January). Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, HAD Minister Khorsing Engti have greeted the people on the occasion of Ningkan Kimi (New Year).

Awareness meet on Women and Child trafficking held A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. 2 : A meeting organized by women and Children Cell, office of the deputy commissioner, Tinsukia supported by UNICEF, Assam to sensitize women and children on human trafficking was held at the auditorium of the Kakopather Higher Secondary School on Tuesday.

Senior academician Raghavji Singh releasing the book Life Mantra in Dibrugarh on Monday.

Addressing the students Dr. kaberi Borpujari Sarma, Assistant Profes-

sor, Doomdooma College, said that women especially in the age group of 12-14 and 18-21 are most vulnerable to fall prey to human traffickers. “It has been found that on most occasions, girls from tea garden areas are trafficked to places like Rajasthan, Haryana, Kerela and even to Dubai and Kuwait for bonded labor, slavery and even as sex workers. Unscrupulous elements take advantage of poor socio-economic

conditions and indulge in organized trafficking of girls and women,” Sarma said.

Jagat Gogoi, Deputy Superintendant of Police (Head Quarter), Tinsukia advised the students not to encourage job calls which promise a lucrative salary and luxurious life without verifying the authenticity of the employers. “Don’t response to any strangers regarding jobs, marriage etc,” Gogoi emphasized.

Purabi Gogoi, SDO (sadar), Tinsukia, said that human trafficking is a 'modern day slavery' and must be put to an end generating more awareness among the people, especially girls.

She stressed that proper awareness among the adolescents will curve down the figures. She also delivered that proper empowerment of girl child will help to resist such malice.

With a gathering of

more than 200 peoplestudents, Bimal Borgohain, principal of the school said that human trafficking is one of the most lucrative businesses in the world after drugs and terrorism.

He thanked the NGO members of Surjadoya and Kulesh Talukdar, District Coordinator, women & children cell (UNICEF) for organizing such essential awareness initiative.

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

DC calls for concerted efforts to make Donggin Festival of Bori East Siang a "Worm-free district" Community Celebrated with Gaiety Pasighat, Feb 2: Giving a clarion call to health and education departments in particular, Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla today urged officials to administer de-worming tablets to all the children of East Siang District, in the ages of 1-19 years on National De-worming Day, scheduled to be held on Feb-1 next. She made this appeal while chairing a District Level De-worming Committee meeting held here at the Siang Guest House conference hall. Also present at the meeting were PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk, DMO Dr. M Perme, DDSE Obuk Panor, MS Dr. YR Darang, DRCHO Dr. T Gao, DD (ICDS) Ponung Ering Angu and medical officers.

In her address, Khosla stated that the early years of a child are the most critical and significant.

Chances of soil-transmitted helminthes-parasitic worms are very high in the district due to lack of awareness.

Parasitic worms in children interfere with nutri-

ers, anganwadi workers, health officials must be trained to respond as needed and also for administering de-worming tablets to all the children in the district. Community mobilization efforts are to be undertaken by the teachers, councilors and PRI leaders to engage community-based health workers and other local institutions, she opined.

DC Isha Khosla in Pasighat. ent uptake, and can contribute to anemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development. Deworming will reduce absenteeism in schools, improve learning outcomes, and increase the likelihood of higher wage jobs later in life.

Mass-based de-worming program for children of pre-school and school age children in the district will dramatically reduce the harm caused by parasitic worm infections in thousands. If guidelines is fully

implemented, children will have improved health outcomes and be able to achieve their potential to the fullest, she asserted.

This initiative needs to be coupled with awareness on improved sanitation, hygiene, and availability of safe drinking water for reducing worm load. She instructed the DDSE to direct all the teacher incharge (s) to take responsibilities to spread massive awareness amongst the students and their parents ensuring intensive deworming coverage and targeted outreach. Teach-

DMO Mandip Perme said, "De-worming is quick, safe and easy. De-wormed children have improved health and education outcomes." Albendazole tablets will be given to all targeted children; half tablet to 1-2 years children and one full tablet for 2-19 years. The children who are left out will be covered by a mop-up round to be carried out on 15th February next.

DRCHO Dr. T Gao through power point presentation briefed on guidelines and benefits of dewarming. Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk and attending medical officers shared their experience and views.(DIPRO)

Moyong grieves over frequent fire accidents

Doles out to fire victims Pasighat, Feb 2: Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong doled out to fire victims of Pasighat market. A massive fire on Jan-27 night had gutted 67 shops and partially damaged the attached fruit and vegetable markets within no time.

The MLA has expressed grief over the disastrous fire accident and loss of goods of the shopkeepers.

He described the incident as unfortunate and as additional relief had distributed five thousand to each to all 67 victims from his own salary today here at Balaji Mandir complex.

Moyong told the victims that new structure would take it natural time but alternative place would be spared with the help of district administration to run their businesses at the earliest possible.

Gandhi Sec School. At DEMHS School, he shared his pain and handed over three lakhs to the school Principal AP Rukbo for immediate procurement of furniture, stationeries and other required items to run the school without any hitch.

He gave various educational and safety tips to the school community so that such incident is not repeated in future.

Moyong grieves over frequent fire accidents

construct new building but was not materialized till date. However, he gave spot sanction of two lakhs from his MLA LAD and advised the school authority for judicious use of it.

Responding to the grievances placed by both the schools, MLA Moyong assured the authorities that he would take up all pending issues, related school infrastructure in particular with the advisor to the Governor on priorities to redress.

DDSE Obuk Panor in-

Governor reviews financial status

The South Asian Games Torch

Earlier this morning, the MLA along with DDSE Obuk Panor, councilor and party functionaries visited fire ravaged DEM Hr. Sec School and

Itanagar, Jan 2: In order to streamline and rationalize developmental funds of the State Government, Shri JP Rajkhowa, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh convened a review meeting at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 2nd February 2016.

The meeting was attended by Shri GS Patnaik, Advisor (FPD), Principal Secretary Finance, Shri Satya Gopal, Secretary Planning Shri Sonam Chombay, PCCP (WL&BD), Dr. Rabindra Kumar, Secretary to Governor Dr. Joram Beda and Shri Wangton Lowang, Deputy Director, DoTCL Governor reviewed the guiding principle and course of action for Thir-

teen Finance Commission (TFC) Grants for forestry related activities and Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding grant.

The Governor has insisted that the State Infrastructure Development Fund (SIDF) projects will be reviewd and finalized by a Committee under the Chairmanship of Advisor (FPD). Fund will be distributed rationally as per population, backwardness and special needs of the area.

The Governor expressed surprise that previous plan for SIDP fund distribution as per the Planning department had excluded Anjaw, Namsai, Changlang, Longding and Kra Daadi districts.

The Thirteen Finance

Commission (TFC) grant also came up for discussion. The Governor has directed that Approved plan which was already approved previously by last High Level Monitoring Committee (HLMC) should be implemented and no arbitrary changes should be made on the project priority list.

Deputy Director DoTCL Shri Wangton Lowang informed the Governor about the Development funds earmarked for districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding.

The Governor has reviewed the numbers of projects and instructed that funds should be equitably distributed to all assembly constituencies.

Donggin Festival of Bori Community Celebrated with Gaiety

gradually such centres should also be set up in the district to safeguard our culture, he said.

The Guest of Honour Er. Minli Tato DF&CSO hailed Bori community as one of the hardest working tribes of the state and appreciated their effort to break the seclusion to bring such festival and festivities at community

level to get recognition.

Bahi Koyu, CDPO Mechuka who was the Special Guest on the occasion and Chief Advisor Shri Dibang Tatak, Ex. Minister also stressed on promotion and documentation without any shift from tradition and attires to have our own distinct identity. The President DFCC Shri Takot Pangu,

Secretary SDFCC Shri Tashi Jorang and Dr. Taking Paser also spoke and dwelt on mythological aspects of the festival.

The prizes for late Tago Pangu Memorial volleyball Championship and Donggin badminton championship and cultural competitions were also gien away on the occasion.

Mock drill training on earth quake and fire for the staffs of DC

Dr. Joram Beda posted as Secretary to Governor

Pasighat, Feb 2:-A mock drill training on earth quake and fire for the staffs of DC, Office complex, Pasighat was held in the Kebang hall of DC,Pasighat. Genden Tsomu ,DDMO through power point presentation informed that since we are in the high seismic zone, we should be ever ready for any kind disaster.

Knowledge and precaution can save lives and materials.

Itanagar,Feb 02:A Govt Order issued from the Department of Personnel, Civil Secretariat, Itanagar, dated January 27, has intimated posting of Dr. Joram Beda, IAS as Secretary to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, with additional charges of Secretary ( Tourism & Political) with immediate effect until futher orders.

Consequent upon above posting Shri K.J.R. Burman, IAS is relieved from the charge of Secretary to the Governor with immediate effect.

Any disaster breaks the routine of life, She added.

Since prepared society is a safe society, we should

formed that he has been invited by the Education Secretary to discuss on various shortcomings and difficulties being faced by the schools in the district.

He would convey immediately on Feb-3 all the matters to the secretary.

He assured to spare desks and benches for the schools and urged them to take utmost care to protect school lands from the encroachers. Among others, Councilor Kaling Doruk also had spoken in all visiting places.

(DIPRO)

At Gandhi Secondary School, Pasighat where nine rooms were gutted into ashes on 28th January night last year (2015), Moyong paid a patient visit in the school and admitted that at least two class rooms, one teachers' common room and one auditorium were urgent needs of the school. Later in an interactive meeting with the teaching informed that the matter was taken up last year with the then Education Minister and Chief Minister. They had given full assurance to

Aalo Feb 02: The popular Donggin festival of Bori community of Adi tribe was celebrated with pomp and traditional gaiety at Gumin Kiin today.

Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, Er. Anong Perme, Chief Engineer Power said that festival is a rare occasion to showcase our rich attires, folklores and rich values transmitted down to us from generation to generation and it has become important to preserve this rich culture through documentation.

The young generation should be actively involved in it to shoulder bulk of the social responsibilities in future. Efforts have been made create a Permanent Society for Preservation of Culture at Itanagar to provide Grants in aid to festivals of the Adi community and

acquire knowledge and remain alert to avoid heavy damage. She also informed that such trainings helps to minimize response time, create awareness among common masses to cope with earthquake. She urged all to feel the intensity of earthquake if its occurs. One should not rush but be calm and followed Duck cover and hold principle.

She also informed that since there is frequent occurrence of fire accidents in Pasighat township, people should be educated about the dos & don'ts

ASI, Nyong Minno I/c fire Station informed that most of fire accident are due to negligence. Taking precaution and remaining alert can bring down the rate of fire accidents in the township. He dealt in detail about the ways to minimize fire accidents.(DIPRO)

Third advisor Clean Arunachal Campaign launches in Siang to join soon Itanagar, Feb 2: Shri Banshidhar Sharma, IPS (1980 batch), West Bengal Cadre will be joining as third Advisor to the Governor shortly.

The Advisor to Governor (H&P), Shri Y.S. Dadwal, who joined his duties on 28th January 2016 has gone on leave for ten days leave on health ground with permission to avail holidays for four days as requested. He is expected to rejoin his duties on 17th February 2016. In his application dated 02 February 2016, he stated as follows:“I am suffering from back/sciatica pain due to my having teo herniated

discs at the lower back. I would request grant of 10 days casual leave from 03 February 2016 to 16 February 2016 with permission to avail holidays on 06, 07,13 & 14 February 2016 being Saturday and Sundays, so that I can go to Delhi and can get medical treatment.

Thanking you,�

The governor has expressed his concern over the health of Shri Dadwal, who took over the job with utmost sincerity and commitment.

The governor further wishes him very speedy recovery so that he would return to his duties for serving the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Advocate General service terminated Itanagar, Feb 2: The South Asian Games Torch Relay will be flagged off by Shri J P Rajkhowa, HE the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on Feb 3 from Rajbhawan Helipad at 9.30 am and will culminate at IG, park Itanagar.

The SAG torch has already arrived in state.

during fire accidents. She instructed people to follow Drop-Cover- Roll system whenever some one is caught fire. The DDMO appealed all to take the mock drill seriously and save oneself and others.

Itanagar, Jan 2: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has terminated the services of the Advocate General Shri Ranji Thomas and Additional Advocate General Shri R.H. Nabam on 1st February 2016.

In exercising of power conferred to him under Article 165(3) of the

Constitution of India, the Governor withdrew his pleasure with respect to appointment of Shri Ranji Thomas as Advocate General of the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Governor has also withdrew his pleasure with respect to appointment of Shri R.H. Nabam as Additional Advocate General of the State.

Pangin, Feb 2: The Clean Arunachal Campaign has started in Pangin and Boleng in Siang district yesterday on Jan-1.

Deputy Commissioner Incharge, Taro Mize (ADC) while inaugurating the program has informed that the fortnight program of clean Arunachal Campaign was started on Feb1 in every parts of the state and further requested all HoDs, public leaders, PRI members, NGOs, all educational institutions, sector leaders and GBs to make wide publicity of the

state-wide important campaign and join rest of the state by starting clearing works in respective office complex, residential area, town roads, water tanks, wells and other public places and continue upto13th February to make the program a grand success in entire Siang district.

After the formal inauguration, a cleaning works was conducted in the office complex by staffs and public present on the occasion.

(DIPRO)

DC visits Charju mini hydel station Contd. from Page 1

reason of low water pressure resulting low water pressure at turbine point.

While interacting with Er. R.K. Pandey, AE(EM) it was brought to the notice of Deputy Commissioner that only 1 unit is generating power due to low discharge. Out of the three units one unit is shut down due to problems in generator set. Due to cute shortage of fund maintenance is not timely leading to breakdown of the machines. Gneration is further reduced due to blockage at the entry point. Er, Pandey has been directed to prepare a plan for urgent repair of the condition of the dydel station so that it can work to its full capacity.

The Khela-Lamsa

Block ZPM Sontung Bangsia and Chief of Khela Tumwang Lowang appreciated the Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha for his concerned over problems of Charju MHS (Mini Hydel Station) and for visiting all pipelines including water source to power station on foot leaving his loads of work adding that this issue was also brought to the notice of the Chief Engineer (Hydro power) Itanagar for allocation of fund for renovation of all rusted pipelines etc but till date no action has been initiated by the concerned authority for renovation of MHS. The DC was accompanied by Er. Singpho, AE(Civil) Power, JE(Power) Khunjam Chimyang, ASMC KhelaLamsa Block and technical staff of Charju MHS.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Annual Sports Meet of Learners’ High School gets underway

ANI Agartala, Feb. 2 : First ever international open FIDE rated chess tournament concludes in Agartala.

The five-day tournament was organised by the All Tripura Parents Chess Forum at the Sahid Bhagat Singh youth hostel in Khejurbagan.

This is the first ever big chess tournament held in the state in which 139 players other than locals also from various other states like West Bengal, Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Delhi and Punjab participated.

The main aim of the tour-

nament is boosting local player’s morale, encouraging building more substantial chess infrastructure, providing more guidance to players and incentivizing their effort to make a career out of this sport and spreading chess throughout among the younger generation.

Tripura is the third smallest state in the country, with one-third population being formed of scheduled tribes.

Yet, such is the grandeur of the state, where parents of the state forms up a chess forum for the development of the sport in their culture as chess has proved itself since ages for its good ridden benefits.

ing discipline and play the game in the spirit of the game.

A few colourful cultural items were presented by the students and the teachers of the school. Headmaster of the school Abhijit Khataniar offered ET Correspondent the vote of thanks at the Golaghat , Feb 2: With a view to popularise sciend of the programme. ence learning among the students in this modern developed era of science and technology, a science exhibition cum emony of Annual Sports competition is going to Week of the school felici- be organised by Relitated him with a tradi- ance College Junior in tional Assamese Gamusa Golaghat on April 9. and a Football and The exhibition cum wished him good luck. competition will be for Presently Trinayanjyoti students of IXth to XIIth Gogoi is enrolled in the standard from all High State Football and Box- and Higher Secondary ing Academy in schools of Golaghat Guwahati.

District. It was decided

in a meeting held at the premises of Reliance College Junior where the Director Deepak Gogoi presided over and principal Priyanka Saikia Das presented the event plan. An organising committee has been formed to conduct the science exhibition and competition under the leadership of Dr. T N Hazarika. Prize money of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 will be offered to the first, second and third winners of the competition.

Annual Sports Meet of Learners’ High School gets underway

ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Feb 2: The Annual Sports - 2016 of Learners' High School (LHS ) was inaugurated by veteran journalist and the President of Managing Committee Arjun Baruah today. Baruah took salute of the ceremonial march past by the students. In his

speech, Baruah dwelt upon the importance of games and sports in a student’s career and life.

Journalist and managing committee member Dinesh Goyal and the principal of Learners' junior College Mohim Bordoloi were also

present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Director of Learners' Educational Institution Varghese Panjikaran hoisted the school flag and delivered the welcome address. Student Chailai Panda lit the Olympic flame and the students were administered the oath of maintain-

First international chess tournament concludes in Agartala

Golaghat Jatiya Vidyalaya had recently participated in the Pacific International School Games held at Adelaide in Australia. Trinayanjyoti Gogoi was one of the five members from Assam and the only member from Upper Assam who got selected in the Under 19 Indian Foot-

ball Team to participate in this International level event. Trinayan showed his sporting skill in the fields of Australia and thus brought pride to Golaghat as well as the state of Assam.

For his achievement the authorities of Golaghat Jatiya Vidyalaya yesterday at the inaugural cer-

Emami expects to start Guwahati, Baroda freight Guwahati plant in October rate drops Emami stock price A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 2: Freight rates for ninetonne pay load section for Guwahati and Baroda dropped by Rs 1,000 in the local truck transport market today following insufficient cargo movements.

Transporters said ample trucks position against inadequate cargo mainly pulled

down Baroda and Guwahati freight rates.

Capital to Baroda and Guwahati freight rates went down by Rs 1,000 each to Rs 22,000 and Rs 52,000.

Apart from it, other centres freight rates from capital managed to hold overnight closing levels on some support

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 2: "We are expecting to commission the Guwahati plant this October. This will be a mega plant which will manufacture personal care products," Emami CEO Naresh Bhansali said. The plant would be built at a cost of Rs 200 crore, he told reporters, adding it is part of capacity expansion plans.

About the performance of the brand's products during the last few quarters, Bhansali said Emami had been able to post a good growth de-

spite facing challenges in Nepal and Russia markets. On the acquisition of Kesh King brand, he said in the last nine months, there had been some challenges in integration. "We are taking steps to grow this brand.

In the next fiscal, the brand is expected to generate a revenue of around Rs 330 crore to Rs 350 crore," Bhansali said.

Bhansali said Emami is also planning to introduce other hair care products under the Kesh King brand after consolidating its position in the hair oil

On February 02, 2016, Emami closed at Rs 1036.30, up Rs 1.70, or 0.16 percent.

The 52-week high of the share was Rs 1367.90 and the 52week low was Rs 875.05.

The company's trailing 12-month (TTM) EPS was at Rs 17.46 per share as per the quarter ended December 2015. The stock's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was 59.35. The latest book value of the company is Rs 53.41 per share. At current value, the price-to-book value of the company is 19.40.

segment. Asked about Patanjali's entry into similar product lines, Bhansali said this will

help the market for ayurvedic and herbal products to grow in the country.

'Tea with Letters' in Brasilia aims to Pak maintains stand, says Anupam bring together Indian, Brazilian writers Kher never submitted visa documents ANI Brasilia:Feb.2:The 1st Edition of Cha Com Letras (Tea with Letters) was held at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia on Friday, where noted Brazilian poets Marcos Freitas, Jorge Amâncio, Welcio de Toledo and Antonio Miranda read their poems.

Cha Com Letras will be held every month at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia. It aims to bring together writers and poets of Brazil and India.

It is an initiative of the poet-diplomat Abhay K u m a r, t h e n e w Deputy Chief of Mission of India to Brazil,

with the support of the Brazilian poet Marcos Freitas.

On the occasion, Marcos Freitas read the Portuguese translation of the poem "Final Farewell To My Father" by Abhay K. The event was attended by a large number of Brazilian literature lovers.

ANI New Delhi, Feb. 2 : Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Tuesday reiterated that actor Anupam Kher did not submit his documents like other participants, which is why he was denied the visa to attend Karachi Literature Festival.

"I know Anupam Kher sahab. He is a great artist and we have great respect for him. But as it is universal practice, visa request is processed when visa application is received, not on the basis of an invitation letter from a

visiting country," Basit told ANI here.

"We wish that his office had submitted his visa documents as other participants did and got their visa on time. No visa application was submitted to us," he added.

However, Kher has flatly refused Pakistan's charges that he never applied for a visa and said that the Pakistan High Commission was lying.

"I am not angry with anyone. I am hurt and saddened...the organiser of the Karachi lit fest said

that the government officials told her not to invite Anupam Kher. I don't know why? I would request the Government of India to take up this matter (with Pakistan)," Kher told the media.

Kher, who was to attend the Karachi Literature Festival on February 5, has been denied visa by Pakistan.

The actor was denied a Pakistani visa in May 2015 as well, when he wanted to visit Pakistan to attend a literary festival in Lahore.

Silent Rally against deteriorating Law and order situation in Dima Hasao District Contd. from Page 1

Jorhat -Nataraj Kala Mandir 7th year established day cultural propgramme at Bisturam Baruah Hall on 31st jan, 2016

e Voice of East Siang, a singing talent hunt programme which er last held its semi final on Sunday evening with its 10 finalists

Singh of Assam in the afternoon to clinch the title as well as to bag the highest cash prize of Rs 30 thousand.

While Rahul Singh Sorum of Assam secured the second position and a cash prize of Rs 20 thousand while with seven points each , Dhanbir Singh of Assam , Samrat Ghoroi of West Bengal and Sahil Dey of Assam secured 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions respectively.

The chess tournament organised here will calculate the rating points which will be published formally by the all India chess association (AICA).

Science Exhibition 1 seriously injured in Bison Attack and Competition

Player Felicitated in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 2: A student of Golaghat Jatiya Vidyalaya, a premier vernacular medium school in the town was felicitated by the school authorities on Monday. Trinayanjyoti Gogoi who is going to appear in the HSLC Examination this year from

Participating players expressed that more such tournaments organising thereby boosting chess as a sport and has always been synonymously used when it comes to mind development.

The prize distribution function on the concluding day was attended by the Tripura Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sahid Chowdhury who distributed laurels and prizes among the winners.

Local veteran chess player of the state Prasenjit Dutta cinched the 1st position and became champion. He defeated top-seed Rajdip Sarkar of West Bengal in the morning and Rahul

They also submitted a memorandum to the chief Minister of Assam, Sri Tarun Gogoi through the through the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao.

Memorandum submitted against the deteriorating Law and order situa-

tion in Dima Hasao District stated that the Law and order situation of Dima Hasao District has been witnessed as deteriorated day by day.The cases of kidnapping, threatening to the family members of many responsible gentlemen of the District has been reported and FIR's have also been filed in the Police Station

of the district but till date kidnapped person is yet to be rescued.

They have also mentioned that the people of Dima Hasao District are peace loving and law abiding and as such they requested your honour to instruct the appropriate authorities to nab the culprit and the kidnapped persons be released accordingly.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 2: A man named Bubul Bora of Garigaon in Golaghat was seriously injured in an attack by a bison. According to the reports, Bora along with his two associates went to Nambor reserve forest yesterday in search of his lost buffalo. When

the trio went in different direction suddenly a bison appeared in the dense forest and attacked Bora. He was later rescued and brought to Golaghat for treatment. However, he was referred to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.

Memorandum submitted ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 2: A team of four members of United Chambers of Commerce, Golaghat met Mahendra Singh, Rajya Prabhari of State BJP yesterday in Nambor Guest House.

President Apurva Ballabh Goswami, Secretary Dip Kalita , Station Consultative Com-

mittee Member RM Binnani and Ganesh Gupta met the Pravari and Shantanu Pujari, state secretary BJP and handed over a memorandum addressed to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu demanding stoppage of Rajdhani Express at Furkating Jn. They have assured for positive action.

Assam CM Tarun Gogoi assures full proof security for ensuing SAG in Guwahati Contd. from Page 1

Gogoi also said that even the Sports Ministry of the Government of India also appreciated the excellent work undertaken by the State Government Officials in preparing the stage for the prestigious 12th South Asian Games within a limited period.

Moreover, Chief Minister Gogoi also instructed all the Departments to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam along with its handicrafts, tourism potentials and refreshing beauty. Besides, instructions were also

given to take care of all logistical issues, transportation, communication, accommodation etc. Necessary directions were also given to Transport Department, PWD, Health, PHE, to take care of 4400 athletes who will be converging in Guwahati for the games.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also appealed to the people of Assam to receive the sportspersons and administrators who will be coming from eight countries to spread camaraderie and forge friendly relations so that they can cherish the warm hospitality of Assam later on.

Double deckers back in Kolkata?

Double decker buses Kolkata, Feb 2: The state transport department has begun negotiations with major automobile manufactures for reintroducing a fleet of double decker buses which were once the city's pride. "We are talking to major bus manufacturers, including Ashok Leyland and the Tatas for bringing back double decker buses on city roads,'' said Narayan Swaroop Nigam, managing director of Calcutta State Transport Corporation. Transport department officials said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is keen on the "return of double decker buses''. The buses will first ply in Salt Lake, Rajarhat and New Town where wide road space is available, while some of the new buses will be used for taking tourists around various landmarks in the city. To give the young generation a glimpse of the city's heritage, the CSTC has spent Rs.10 lakh to renovate a double decker bus which was lying unused for the past eight years at Manicktala depot. The bus, with music system will be kept at New Town near Eco Space for public viewing from this week.

The double decker fleet,

operated by the CSTC, was phased out from city routes in 2009 to comply with a direction of Calcutta High Court. All these buses were more than 15 years old, because of which they had to be withdrawn. In the early 1980s, the Left Front government purchased a fleet of 100 double decker buses from Ashok Leyland with World Bank funds.

But, the department found the "guzzlers" too costly to be run.

Morever, the buses rusted away for lack of proper maintenance. The spare parts were sold at throwaway prices.

The double decker buses had seats for 80 passengers each against 38 in any single decker bus that plies now. The operating cost of a single decker bus is Rs.45 per km against Rs.70 per km of a double decker bus, a transport department official said. The sick state transport corporation can be revived only by introducing double decker buses, the official said.

The British had first introduced double decker buses in the city in 1926.

The first double decker bus plied from Shyambazar to Kalighat.

(Agencies)

KSO, ANSAM suspend highway stir for 10 days Kangpokpi, February 2 : The Kuki Students' Organization-GHQs and All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) have decided to suspend the proposed indefinite highway bandh starting this midnight for 10 days.The decision to suspend the bandh was taken in the aftermath of the nearly 2 hours long meeting held late in the evening today with the Government, said Seiboi Haokip, general secretary, KSOGHQs and AC Thotso, education secretary, ANSAM in a joint statement.

Education Minister, Moirangthem Okendro; IFC Minister, Ngamthang Haokip; T Vaiphei, Commissioner, Education (S) and N Praveen Singh, Director of Education (S) represented the State Government while a team compromising of 8 members led by Paotinthang Lupheng, president, KSO-GHQs and Seth Shatshang, president, ANSAM represented the student bodies.The meeting was held at the office chamber of Education Minister

Moirangthem Okendro at about 2 pm.

It also said that in meeting the 'Government assured us to fulfill our demands within the stipulated 10 days time' .

However, the two student bodies warned that if the Government of Manipur fails to implement its assurance within the stipulated time the suspended stir could come into force any time.The two apex student bodies had yesterday decided to go ahead with the proposed indefinite bandh on all the highways of the State including NH-2 (Dimapur-Moreh), NH37 (Imphal-Jiribam) and NH-150 (JesamiMizoram) from today midnight alleging that the Government of Manipur had failed to give any positive response over their memorandum to regularize the service of the hill districts contract basis teachers 2006 batch under the Directorate of Education (S) and to rule out the problems of acute shortage of teacher in the hill schools and to ensure justice to the contract basis teachers. (Agencies)

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Medical team to collect samples of mysterious disease in Manipur Imphal, Feb 2: At least 22 people affected by a mysterious disease in Thoubal district were admitted in a local hospital even as a medical team was sent today to collect samples from the affected villagers, officials said. It will help identify the disease affecting the residents of different villages in Thoubal district for the past two days, J.N. Institute of Medical Sciences director Devendra Laishram said.

At least four more people showing symptoms of the disease were admitted in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences

(RIMS) here on today morning. Reports said some others were admitted in private hospitals in Imphal.

"Twenty-two people have been admitted to the hospital with complaints of the unknown disease.

However, two patients were discharged after they showed signs of improvement," RIMS medical superintendent Maisnam Amuba said.

He said the condition of the remaining patients was not serious and appealed to the patients and their family members to

ease. "We have been consuming tube well water for decades as there is no piped water in our village. We never suffered from such disease in the past," said one of the patients. Informed sources said that authorities are making preparations to accommodate patients who might be rushed to Medical team to collect samples of mysterious disease in Manipur

remain calm. Amuba said nothing could be said with certainty about the disease, adding that samples collected from patients will help identity the disease. He said people might have taken

ill after consuming water drawn from tube wells or handpumps in areas affected by the January 4 earthquake. However, a few patients said that it couldn't be a reason for the outbreak of the dis-

Imphal for treatment.

Also, the state government has instructed health officials to supply free medicines to the affected people. A health department official said since the disease was yet to be identified; the Manipur government had not issued any advisory to the public. (Agencies)

At least 22 people affected by a mysterious disease in Thoubal district were admitted in a local hospital even as a medical team was sent today to collect samples from the affected villagers

LGBT community pins hope on SC to protect their rights Work begins Bengaluru, Feb. 2: The LGBT community has expressed hope that the Supreme Court would protect and legalise their sexual rights.

"As a transgender person and activist, I along with many other of my brothers and sisters from the transgender and the LGBT community, repose our hope on the apex court that they would defend and protect the Constitution and the fundamental rights of all citizens of India, not excluding us," LGBT activist Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli told .

"We plead to the court not to undo the good that has happened through NALSA versus union of India. The lives of many others are entwined and dependent on this judge-

ment. We plead to the court to dispense justice," Mogli added.

Echoing similar sentiments, another LGBT activist Akai said they expect that there would be a positive verdict.

Akai expressed her disappointment over the fact that hardly few of the parliamentarians know about this issue.

"The parliamentarians are really uneducated and illiterates because they don't know about sex, gender and sexuality. Very few people like Arun Jaitley, P. Chidambaram wanted to take this issue. My question is how many of the parliamentarians will know about this issue?"

Akai asked.

would hear, in an open court sitting, a curative petition filed by gay rights activists challenging its verdict "criminalising homosexuality" in the country.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur had earlier agreed to hear the curative petition against the apex court's December 2013 judgement upholding validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalises sexual activities against the order of nature, arguably including the homosexual acts, and a January 2014 order by which it had dismissed a bunch of review petitions.

The Supreme Court

The petitioners include NGO Naz Foundation,

on Umsning Bypass

LGBT activist Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli which works for the LGBT community. The plea stated that the judgement was reserved on March 27, 2012, but a verdict was delivered after around 21 months.

During this period, lots of changes took place, including amendment in laws, which were not considered by the bench which delivered the

judgement.

The gay rights activists had said thousands from the LGBT community became open about their sexual identity during the past four years after the Delhi High Court "decriminalised" gay sex in 2009, adding that they were now facing the threat of being prosecuted. (ANI)

Election tempo is gaining momentum in hilly areas of Tripura Agartala, Feb 2: In the hilly areas of Tripura Election tempo is gaining momentum as the candidates of all the political parties for the Village Committee election has started filing their nomination since the issuance of notification by the State election commission on January 29.Filing of nomination for 587 village committees will continue till February 5 and the election is scheduled for February 24. The sources at the State Election Commission said that the filing of nomination papers are going on smoothly and no untoward incident has so far been reported.Reports coming in from different parts of the State suggest that the ruling CPI (M) is running much ahead of the others as the party workers considered the

filing of nomination an occasion to launch their campaign.

Every where they are organizing big and colourful rallies before filing the nomination with an aim to made an initial impact among the voters.The Indigenous People's Front of Twipra, considered being the main challenger to the ruling Left Front also not lagging far behind as they are too organising rallies and small meeting besides filing of nomination. Party president Narendra Chandra Debbarma said, "The entire organization has been geared up and the workers are busy with filing nomination. Our intention is to file nomination for all the constituencies as we don't have alliance with any other party.

However, finally how many nominations have

been filed will be known only after the last date for filing nomination is over."However, the political observers are keenly watching the BJP which gained much ground in the only left ruled State in the country since Narendra Modi formed the government at the centre. It generated much interest among the political observers since their candidates captured the second position in many areas in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council election early last year though the party did not have much organizational base in Tripura.

The BJP State president Biplab Deb did not denied their organizational weaknesses and said their priority is filing nomination in all the constituencies.

He said they are considering it as a means to reach in the grass root level. He also accused that the CPI(M) workers are threatening the BJP workers in interior areas of Manu and Chawmanu to prevent them from filing nomination.The main opposition in the State assembly Congress lost much of its organizational base among the tribals of the State over the years.

The party's debacle in the last lok sabha elections added to its woe's.

The TPCC president Birajit Sinha admitted this and said they are trying to put up maximum number of candidates and expecting good result in certain areas. However, he is still doubtful if they will be able to file nomination in all the constituencies.In many earlier occasion the

State witnessed alliances but this time all the political parties are fighting it alone. Even the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura, a long time ally of the Congress led by former insurgent leader Bijoy Hrangkhawal, too fighting the election without any alliance.

However, there are reports that political parties locally reaching into arrangements and sharing seats among themselves to ensure a good fight against the ruling CPI (M). The 587 Village Committees are considered as counterparts of the panchyats in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. Total 4597 representatives will be elected from 2634 segments as many of these are double member constituencies. (Agencies)

Meghalaya tops growth chart in India: Report New Delhi, Feb 2: The tiny hill state of Meghalaya despite many constraints has emerged as the fastest-growing state in the whole country with a growth rate of 9.7% in 2013-14, higher than the fastest-growing big state of Madhya Pradesh (9.5%) and several notches ahead of the national growth rate, says a report compiled by IndiaSpend. IndiaSpend is the country's first data journalism initiative and a project of Spending & Policy Research Foundation based at Mumbai.

Meghalaya's growth in GSDP of 9.7% was better than that of Bihar, which had a GSDP growth rate of 9.1%.

Meghalaya has also India's second-lowest unemployment rate (after Gujarat) with 0.4% in rural areas and 2.8% in urban areas in 2011-12.

In fact, most of the Northeastern states including

India's fastest-growing state is Meghalaya, with a growth rate of 9.7% in 2013-14, higher than the fastest-growing big state, Madhya Pradesh, at 9.5%

Meghalaya have done better than many developed states and are way ahead than the national average, the IndiaSpend research has revealed.The eight NE states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura - are growing fast, educating their people at a rate much faster than the rest of India, reducing their dependence on agriculture, and generally prospering, the research

has revealed. But the growth is not creating enough jobs and livelihood opportunities, it added.In October last year, Meghalaya with a double digit compound average annual growth of 10.8 per cent and Rs 27,300 crore worth GSDP, had emerged as one of the most competitive states in the country among North East states.This was revealed in a study by Harvard Professor Michael Porter's Institute of Competitiveness founded by Michael Porter and based at Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.

As per that study, at current prices Meghalaya's GSDP was 4.2 billion dollars (Rs 27,300 crore) in 2014-15.

The State's GSDP has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 10.8% between 2004-05 and 2014-15.The IndiaSpend research found fewer people (12.8 million) live

below the poverty line in the entire North East than in just one large state, Karnataka, which has 12.9 million poor people.

Other thing evident is that while NE states are often clubbed together, the study found, in many cases, wide differences occur. Manipur has the high poverty rate while Sikkim in the same region is just the opposite with high prosperity.

Unemployment in urban areas across all NE states is higher than rural areas and is in line with the national pattern. The states have widely varying rates of poverty, which largely reflect unrest and insurgency.While 36.9% people live below the poverty line (the ability to spend Rs 1,170 per family per month in urban areas and Rs 1,118 in rural) in Manipur, where a cocktail of insurgent groups have crippled the economy, only 8.2% of the population is below

the poverty line in Sikkim, the study found.But in Sikkim where plentiful hydro power has raised incomes the figures are Rs 1226 (urban) and Rs 930 (rural).

In Meghalaya, the percentage of population below the poverty line was 17.1% in 2009-10 and fell to11.9% in 2011-12. Although the number of people below the poverty line might be lower than the national average, the intensity of poverty in these states is much higher. Poverty in the NE, like the rest of India, is a more rural phenomenon than urban; 11.6 million people of the 12.8 million living below the poverty line are in rural areas. The two main reasons for poverty are under-developed agriculture and unskilled labour, according to the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD).

(Agencies)

Shillong, Feb 2: Work for the Umsning Bypass, an integral part of the Umiam-Jorabat Expressway Project, has finally begun.An official source informed that work on the Bypass began last week with earth cutting and construction of culverts to be taken up in the first phase.The project has been set for a June, 2017 deadline.

Asked why it would take 18 months to complete a 5-6 km stretch of the road, the official said the project would take time since the road would be constructed as per a new alignment.

The official also asserted there were no more hurdles to the project since all formalities for the land acquisition process has been completed.

Initially, the government had planned to continue with the four lane road from the existing NH 40 through the busy Umsning market but opposition from the NGOs and local residents forced the government to take up the Umsning Bypass project. (Agencies)

Nitish disappointed with smart city list Patna, Feb. 2: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expressed his disappointment over Bihar being left out from the list of the 20 smart cities shortlisted by the Centre.

"Striking regional imbalances in Modiji's smart city list. Such deliberate neglect of states like Bihar, UP & WB on part of GOI is disappointing," wrote Kumar in a tweet.

The 20 cities shortlisted would be the first to receive funds, thus kickstarting the process of developing them into 'smart cities' under the 'Smart Cities Mission'.

A ' smart city' is an urban region that is highly advanced in terms of overall infrastructure, sustainable real estate, communications and market viability. It is a city where information technology is the principal infrastructure and the basis for providing essential services to residents. There are many technological platforms involved, including but not limited to automated sensor networks and data centres.

(ANI)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

PAGE 6

Rahul visits Anantpur to commemorate 10 years of MNREGA Anantpur, Feb. 2: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday arrived at Bandlapalli, Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh to commemorate ten years of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) here.

The MGNREGA was the UPA government was flagship rural job guarantee scheme, which was announced by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi in February 2006. Within two

years, by April 2008, it was available in all the districts of India.

Since the scheme was first rolled out, the expenditure on the programme has amounted to over Rs 3.14 crore of which 71 percent has been spent on wage payments to workers.

Under the MGNREGA scheme, 100 days of work is given to job-card holders, which was designed as a safety net to reduce migration of the rural poor by providing them with work and wages.

A few months ago, the

Pak denying me visa for my 'pro-PM stand': Anupam Kher

Veteran actor Anupam Kher

Mumbai, Feb. 2: Veteran actorAnupam Kher on Tuesday said that his viewpoint on Kasmiri Pandits or his pro-Prime Minister stand might have forced Pakistan to reject his visa. "Maybe it has been done due to my point of view on Kashmiri Pandits or my pro-PM stand that my visa has been denied," Kher told.

Kher accused the Paki-

stan High Commission of lying on the claims that he never applied for visa.

"Technically, they have to say something, if I haven't applied for it then on what basis Karachi Lit Festival had put my name, I didn't tell them to put my name. The Pakistan High Commission is lying, rest of the 17 people got visa only I was denied," he added.

Kher further said that art and culture don't have boundaries. "Yesterday Amina, called my manager and apologized for my visa not getting approved," he added.

He further requested the government to take this issue with Pakistan.

(ANI)

ister Narendra Modi had last year dubbed it a "living monument" of Congress' "failure" to tackle poverty in the last 60 years.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday arrived at Bandlapalli, Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh

Centre decided to permit an additional 50 days of work in drought-hit areas under the MGNREGA scheme to provide a relief to farmers in various parts of the

country. The NDA government which was initially critical of the scheme, has continued with the programme after coming to power even as the Prime Min-

"Do you think, I will put an end to the scheme.

My political wisdom does not allow me to do it. This is a living monument of your failure to tackle poverty in 60 years. With song and dance and drum beat, I will continue with the scheme," Prime Minister Modi said during the Budget Session last year.

Congress vice-president Gandhi today ques-

tioned Prime Minister Modi's 'political wisdom' for hailing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) a 'cause of national pride and celebration' a year after dubbing it a 'living monument of INC failure'.

"After calling NREGA 'living monument of INC failure' Govt now hails it as cause of 'national pride & celebration'!

Shining example of Modiji's pol wisdom," Gandhi said in a tweet.

(ANI)

Students' protest outside Delhi Police headquarters

Scores of students from different political wings on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Delhi Police headquarters

New Delhi, Feb. 2: Scores of students from different political wings on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Delhi Police headquarters against an incident of alleged cop brutality with students protesting outside the RSSheadquarters in Jhandewalan with regard to the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula.

Students from the All India Students' Association (AISA), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) protested shouting slogans against the Delhi Police.

DST and DBT will improve health and sustainable technologies The Delhi Police is facdian researchers in the ar- These important partner- ing their ire after a twoeas of antimalarial thera- ships and combined in- day-old video surfaced pies, Dengue, and West vestment of CAD$ 2.9 Nile virus diagnostic tech- million with matching nologies. On sustainable funding from the Indian technologies, India and government will help furCanada are working to- ther Ontario's leadership gether to ensure reduced in biotechnology and energy use in buildings, clean technology research increased water conserva- within Canada, providing tion and development of a continuing platform for innovative low carbon bilateral academic and inconstruction materials and dustry collaborations that improved performance of will create new market structures and flows, in- pathways and improve the cluding networks and lives of Canadian and Ininternet connectivity. dians. (ANI)

Canada, India to collaborate on health and sustainable technologies New Delhi, Feb.2: The Government of the Canadian province of Ontario is pleased to announce an investment of CAD$ 900,000 through the Ontario-India Research Collaboration Fund (OIRCF) for three projects.

This bilateral program between the Ministry of Research and Innovation and India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will improve health and sustainable technologies.

DST and DBT are also partnering with IC-IMPACTS - a pan CanadaIndia Research Centre of Excellence co-hosted by three Canadian Universities including the University of Toronto - on a CAD$ 2 million call for proposals, matched by the Indian government for the

upcoming year.

The Ontario-India Research Collaboration Fund (OIRCF) project in biosciences will develop new treatments against drug resistant malaria that can be deployed in remote areas. The two projects in clean-technology will develop a new water treatment system, as well as community energy storage facility in an Indian setting.

IC-IMPACTS and DBT, in collaboration with Ontario institutions are partnering to develop novel, rapid and portable diagnostics that are suitable for deployment and use in rural and remote settings and which will enable more effective health intervention and treatment across both nations.

This initiative will augment existing partnerships between Ontario and In-

showing men in police uniform, and even in civil dress, ruthlessly beating up some students. The students targeted in the video were reportedly protesting against the tragic death of Hyderabad University Dalit scholar Vemula.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to express his ire over the incident, saying that the Delhi Police was being used as a private army by the BJP and the RSS. Kejriwal also attacked the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of being "at war with students all across". (ANI)

Maneka's suggestion to control female feticide 'bizarre': Congress

Murud tragedy: Body of last student Health Ministry to issue guidelines fished out Mumbai, Feb. 2: Search and rescue operation teams on Tuesday morning fished out the body the 14th and the last student,who were swept into the sea when they went for a swim in Murud-Janjira beach adjoining Raigad district in Maharashtra on Monday afternoon.

The teams resumed aerial search for the missing boy off Murud coast, pressing two helicopters -one each of Navy and Coast Guard - into service. The incident occurred when 18 students, undergoing BSC and BCA computer courses in Pune's Inamdar College, were swept into the sea when they went for a swim in the afternoon.

However, one student was still missing, whose body was fished out on Tuesday morning. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted, "Extremely saddened & shocked to know about the Murud incident where 14 students lost their lives. My deepest condolences to the families.

"Instructed the Collector to take care of all students.He informed that 14 bodies recovered,saved lives of 5 girls & are being hospitalised. "Coast guard has started rescue operation as 1 student is missing.There were 116students, 8teachers &3 staff members from Inamdar College, Pune" (ANI)

regarding Zika virus today

Jaipur, Feb. 2: As "ZIKA has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO)", the Union Health Ministry will issue guidelines regarding Zika virus by Tuesday evening, said Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda at the Regional Editors Conference here.

Zika is mosquito-borne virus, which is linked to birth defects in America.

The UN health agency yesterday convened an emergency meeting of independent experts in Geneva to assess the outbreak of the virus. The meeting was convened

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda after noting a suspicious link between Zika's arrival in Brazil last year and a surge in the number of babies born with abnormally small heads.

WHO estimates there could be up to four million cases of Zika in the American continents in the next year, but no recommendations were made to restrict travel or trade. The last such public health emergency was declared for the devastating 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which killed more than 11,000 people. A similar declaration was made for polio the year before.

Stating that the government will soon come up with a policy to check price of medicines with

same salts, Nadda said under the Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) scheme cancer medicines are being made available at 80 percent less price and cardio vascular implants at 60 percent less price.

Referring to medico legal cases, Nadda said a pilot project has been launched in PGI, Chandigarh, where doctors could give their witness online, and after receiving the success, the project would be implemented across country. (ANI)

'I will fight till the end to help gay marriage cause, says petitioner Poonawala New Delhi, Feb.2: Tehseen Poonawalla, a gay rights and social activist, besides being a supporter of the Congress Party, said Tuesday that irrespective of the Supreme Court's ruling on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalises sexual activities "against the order of nature", arguably including homosexual acts, he would plead with the apex court to legalise gay marriage.

Poonawalla, who recently filed a writ petition against the Juvenile Justice Act, which Parliament passed last December, wrote on his Facebook page, "I really hope the highest court of our land does justice to those who have a different sexual

orientation. However, either way that the curative petition goes, I will be pleading before the court to legalise gay marriage.

If 377 is struck down, it makes my task easier, if it is not, I will try finding a way around this inhuman law, through my petition."

He further wrote: "I have a solid legal strategy, and I want to fight this battle for justice. I hope to file my petition within a week of the judgment (whatever it may be on Section 377), and I'm confident justice will be served. Even if 377 are not struck down, I will go before the courts to allow same sex marriage."

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court is expected to conduct an open court sitting on a curative petition filed by gay rights activists chal-

Tehseen Poonawalla

lenging its verdict on "criminalising homosexuality" in the country.

An apex court bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Mr. Justice T.S. Thakur had earlier agreed to hear the curative petition against the apex court's December 2013 judgement upholding the validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code

(IPC), which criminalises sexual activities against the order of nature, arguably including the homosexual acts, and a January 2014 order by which it had dismissed a bunch of review petitions.

The petitioners include the NGO Naz Foundation, working for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT)

community. The plea states that the judgement was reserved on March 27, 2012, but a verdict was delivered after around 21 months.

During this period, lots of changes took place, including amendment in laws, which were not considered by the bench, which delivered the judgement.

Gay rights activists have said that thousands from the LGBT community have become open about their sexual identity during the past four years after the Delhi High Court "decriminalised" gay sex in 2009, and they were now facing the threat of being prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on Monday observed that homosexuality could be a ground for divorce. The court's observa-

tion came while hearing two matrimonial discord cases involving a gay man in one and a lesbian woman in the other.

Chapter XVI, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code dating back to 1860, [1] introduced during the British rule of India, criminalises sexual activities "against the order of nature", arguably including homosexual acts.

The section was declared unconstitutional with respect to sex between consenting adults by the High Court of Delhi on 2 July 2009. That judgement was overturned by the Supreme Court of India on 12 December 2013, with the Court holding that amending or repealing Section 377 should be a matter left to Parliament, not the judiciary.

(ANI)

Congress leader Shobha Oza New Delhi, Feb. 2 : Calling Women and Child Development ( WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi's suggestion of sex determination tests 'bizarre', the Congress Party on Tuesday said it will adversely affect the save the girl child project.

"It is a bizarre proposal

by Meneka Gandhi ji. On one hand we are trying to save the girl child, we have brought in the PC and PNDT act to ensure we curbfemale feticide, on the other hand the minister comes with a bizarre idea," Congress leader Shobha Oza told here.

"In fact if this happens, the mother has to undergo misconduct from her own family and pressure from her own fam-

ily to abort girl child from very day one. And this will adversely affect our endure to save girl child," said Oza who is also the president of All India Mahila Congress.

The Women and Child Development Minister had yesterday said she has suggested that child sex determination during pregnancy be made compulsory, that the gender of the child be registered right from that moment and the birth be tracked.

She said that in her personal view, woman should be compulsorily told whether it is a boy or girl child whom she is going to give birth and the mother's name should be registered to be able to check whether she has given birth or not. (ANI)

Crime Branch arrests double murder accused Sandeep alias Kale on Tuesday. He was wanted in a double murder case.

Sandeep had also been accused of murdering a retired Delhi Police head constable Harikishan. A swift car used for the crime has been recovered.

The Crime Branch arrested a dreaded criminal namely Sandeep alias Kale on Tuesday

New Delhi, Feb. 2: The Crime Branch arrested a dreaded criminal namely

The criminal duo Rakesh alias Boda and Sandeep were accused in the Jhajjar shootout in which three under trials were gunned down in police custody three months back. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Hurdles to install democracy in Myanmar remain: US Pak Govt to speed Washington, Feb 2 : With Myanmar's new Parliament beginning session, the US has hailed the development as a "very important step forward" but cautioned that impediments to realisation of full democratic government remain."Millions of people around the country, including many voting for the first time, elected their representatives on the 8th of November of last year," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference, during which he "congratulated" all the

elected members of the new parliament of Myanmar, which the US still calls as Burma.

The session yesterday marked a historic turnaround for the National League for pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's Democracy party, which for years was suppressed by the military. The party won 80 per cent of the elected seats in general elections in November for the upper and lower houses, qualifying it to form a government."This outcome is a testament to the courage and sacrifice

who will now take their seats in Burma's parliament," he said.

"The seating of this parliament is a very important step forward in Burma's democratic transition, although of course there remain important impediments to the realization of full democratic and civilian government," he added.

Aung San Suu Kyi shown by the people of Burma over many years, including more than 100 former political prisoners

The US, he said, is encouraged by the commitment of Myanmar's political leaders to work together in the spirit of national unity and

reform.Kirby said the US is hopeful that this will continue throughout the transition period and beyond."We stand ready to support the new government and remain committed to assisting the people of Burma in their pursuit of democracy, development, and national reconciliation," he said."We look forward to providing support for these new parliamentarians as well as all the people in this country seeking to promote democratic practices in the coming years," Kirby said.

(Agencies)

With Myanmar's new Parliament beginning session, the US has hailed the development as a "very important step forward" but cautioned that impediments to realisation of full democratic government remain

At least 20 killed PIA workers on full strike after PM in Taliban suicide Nawaz bans union activity blast in Kabul Karachi, Feb 2 : At least 20 people were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul at a police base on Monday, days before the reconciliation talks with the group were set to take place. 29 people were wounded in the bombing at the entrance of the base, which left several bodies and charred debris strewn around the area.

The attack comes amid the Taliban's unprecedented winter offensive despite a renewed push to restart formal peace talks.Deputy interior minister of Afghanistan Mohammad Ayoub

Salangi said ten people were reportedly killed and 20 others injured in the boming in Deh Mazang square of Kabul city. He also said that most of the victims were civilians.Kabul police spokesperson Basir Mujahid reported a death toll of nine, adding that as many as 12 people including a woman were wounded.The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claiming on Twitter that up to 40 police were killed and wounded.

(ANI)

Islamabad, Feb 2:Employees of the national flag carrier have announced to shut down operations from Tuesday (February 2), because of what they called the government's refusal to accept their main demand of calling off the organisation's privatization plan.While PIA Joint Action Committee announced shutting down all kind of operations across the country, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif enforced the Essential Service Act for six months - a move which bars protesting members of the Pakistan International Airlines from participating in any union activity.The aviation division had sent a summary to the prime minister which was approved on Monday.

According to the new act,

PIA workers on full strike all PIA unions stand dissolved with immediate effect.The government move prompted the PIA employees announcing shutting down operations.Soon after the PM's decision to enforce the Essential Services Act was announced, Chief of Joint Action Committee of PIA's protesting employees Capt Sohail Baloch told journalists that the body will

go ahead with the strike they had announced earlier."We are going to go ahead with our plan. I don't know what the restrictions are‌ but if there are any restrictions we are ready to face them, even if we are baton-charged," he said.He said the organisation was ready for negotiations but it was unbelievable that the government promulgated the Mandatory

Services Act despite PIA employees' ongoing protest."Rest assured we will not fly from tomorrow 7pm. There is no way we are going to let the government privatise the PIA," he told the media."Our sit-in will continue as per schedule. However, we are open to talks," he added. "We are also ready if government resorts to baton-charge."

The PIA employees kept the administration offices closed against a bill that recently sailed through the National Assembly, converting the airlines into a public limited company.Meanwhile, the PIA management has asked the employees to call off their protest and resume duty and said that because of workers' strike for six days the organisation had incurred a loss of Rs600 million. (Agencies)

2 earthquakes shake Siargao China works toward artemisinin lupus treatment Island again Manila, Feb 2:wo mild earthquakes shook Siargao Island anew early this morning, February 2, 2016, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.The Phivolcs bulletin said a 3.6 magnitude earthquake recorded at 1:01 a.m. and its epicenter was plotted 121 kilometers (km) northeast of Burgos town, Siargao Island, in Surigao del Norte, with a depth of 14 km.

Another 2.4 magnitude quake was also recorded at 3:06 a.m. of this same day. The epicenter was traced 82 km southeast of nearby General Luna town of that same tourist

island in Surigao del Norte province, with a shallow depth of 7 km, Phivolcs said.

The two tremors were tectonic in origin and no aftershock was registered, it said.The quakes were caused by movements alon g a l o c a l fault in Siargao Island, the state agency added.Meanwhile, the provincial monitoring action center of the Surigao del Norte Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Council there said no damage or casualty had been reported by these two tremors early this morning. (Agencies)

Beijing, Feb 2 : The China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) is considering an application for clinical testing of the antimalarial artemisinin in treating lupus.The application by the team led by pharmacologist and Nobel Prize laureate Tu Youyou has reached the final stages of review, a CFDA source confirmed on Tuesday.The discovery of artemisinin, widely used in the fight against

malaria, enabled Tu to win the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Tu and her colleagues have been working on treatment of autoimmune diseases with artemisinin for the past decade, with promising lab results on lupus. If the CFDA permit is issued, her team will begin large-scale clinical testing.In May last year, a team from Shanghai Institute of

day.

President Maithripala Sirisena will grace the occasion as the chief guest.The theme for this year is 'Let's protect wetlands for the future for a sustainable living'.

Regionally, European Union funded Solid Waste Management for Batticaloa Programme implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will conduct a clean-up campaign today.Awareness on the wetland cleanliness will be provided to those who pass by the Batticaloa lagoon. (ANI)

systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own tissue and organs and can damage the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain and blood. Traditional therapy for the potentially fatal ailment is a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressives which themsel v e s c a n damage patients' immune systems.

(Agencies)

US raps China on Hong Kong booksellers freedoms and rights in accordance with law" since the territories return to China, he told a regular briefing.Three of the five went missing in southern China. Another disappeared in Thailand and a fifth in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, raising fears Chinese authorities are extending their reach internationally.

Lanka observing World Wetlands Day today Colombo, Feb.2: Sri Lanka has planned national and regional events to mark World Wetlands Day, which falls on February 2nd.The Daily Star reported that the date marks the 1971 adoption of the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty that helps protect wetlands, reached in Ramsar, Iran.In Sri Lanka, the national ceremony to mark the World Wetlands Day will be held at the premises of Mangrove Conservation Project of the Sudeesa (formerly known as Small Fishers Federation of Lanka) at Chilaw to-

Materia Medica obtained a permit for similar tests of a water-soluble artemisinin derivative to treat lupus.In a meeting with Li Bin, minister in charge of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, on Monday, Tu suggested health departments spend more on artemisinin research, which, she believes, has great potential in the treatment of a range of conditions.Lupus, or

Members of the Civic party voice their concern about missing booksellers outside the China liaison office

Washington, Feb 2: Washington called on Beijing on Monday (Feb 2) to explain the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers, with a State Department spokesman saying the incidents "raise serious questions about China's commitment to Hong Kong's autonomy".The five, all affiliated with Hong Kong's Mighty Current publishing house which is known for salacious titles critical of Beijing leaders, disappeared in recent months and are feared to

have been detained in mainland China."We urge China to clarify the current status of all five individuals and the circumstances surrounding their disappearances and to allow them to return to their homes," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters in Washington.

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry Lu Kang said on Tuesday it was "not proper" for the US to comment on China's domestic affairs. "Hong Kong residents have been fully entitled to

Mainland law enforcers have no authority to operate in Hong Kong, where Lee Bo vanished on Dec 30.Lee, who has a British passport, and Swede Gui Minhai, who vanished in Thailand, were both born in China and were rumoured to be preparing a tell-all book about the love life of President Xi Jinping.Activists, local media and various poli-

ticians in Hong Kong have expressed concern that Lee may have been abducted from the city.This would be a serious breach of the "One country, two systems" agreement under which Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 while retaining its own government and freedoms not available on the mainland.

Some of the former British colony's pro-democracy lawmakers, activists and residents believe mainland authorities are kidnapping critics to try to silence dissent.Lawmakers from Britain and the European Union have also spoken out on the disappearances, with Sweden's foreign minister saying the treatment of its citizens was "completely unacceptable".(Agencies)

The United States has called for Beijing to explain the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers.

up implementation of NAP

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Islamabad, Feb.2 : Pakistan Government is facing internal pressure for taking a series of aggressive steps for ratcheting up the pace of implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) on countering terrorism and extremism.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a meeting, emphasised that successful implementation of NAP is imperative for everyone.

The government continues to be pilloried for not doing enough to execute the 20 point National Action Plan almost 13 months after NAP was initiated in the aftermath of Army Public School tragedy of December 2014.Sharif added that terrorism will be eliminated from every nook and corner of the country and praised the progress of Operation Zarb-i-Azb.(ANI)

Blasphemy law can be reviewed, not amended: CII Islamabad, Feb.2 : Pakistan Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Maulana Mohammad Khan Sheerani has said that a 'review' of the blasphemy law does not mean that it could be changed or amended.

Sheerani told the media that it is the CII's responsibility to review and assess all laws formulated in the country and if the government forwads any amendment in the blasphemy law, then the Council will certainly look into it.

The CII is mandated to review all laws in the country and suggest amendments to bring them in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Sheerani , however, said that reviewing a law did not mean that the CII would amend it to suit the wishes of a certain segment of society.The CII has, in the past, turned down almost all proposals suggesting any changes to the blasphemy laws.(ANI)

Malala calls for 1.4 bln dollar education fund for Syrian refugee children

Malala Yousafzai Karachi, Feb 2 : Nobel prize laureate Malala Yousafzaiwill seek to persuade world leaders at a conference in London to raise 1.4 billion dollars in 2016 for Syrian refugee children's access to education .Heads of state and government and ministers from countries around the world will meet in London for 'Supporting Syria and the region' conference, which aims to raise funds for humanitarian crises caused by the Syrian war, the

Dawn reports.

According to a report issued by the Malala Fund, some 7,00,000 Syrian children living in refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon and in other Middle Eastern countries do not attend school.Malala said in an interview that she had met many refugee children from Syria who are not going to school. It came as a complete shock to her and said that they need teachers and schools. (ANI)

Bangladesh hands death penalty to two war criminals Dhaka, Feb 2: A special tribunal court in Dhaka has sentenced two war crimes convicts to death over crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.

Four out of six charges pressed against Obaidul Haque Taher and Ataur Rahman Nani razakars of Netrakona, The Daily Star reported.

According to the two charges that earned Taher, 66, and Nani, 62, death

penalty, they were accompanied by other razakars and the Pakistan army attacked Laufa village under Barhatta Police Station on October 19, 1971, and detained 10 people. Seven of the detainees were later shot dead while one survived with bullet injuries and two were freed. The razakars also raped women there. Between November 15 and 16, the duo along with other razakars detained seven people. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Need for Value Based Education

Child labour More than Hundred Children Rescued In Arunachal Child labour is the universal problem and it's very much in picture in developing countries like India. In India poverty had prevented governments from expanding mass education and compulsory education program.

There are many instances seen in the past where a large number of child labour are seen working in the industries like match industry of sivakasi , glass industries of Firozabad pottery industry of khurja , gem polishing industry of jaipur or the lock industry of Aligarh etc.The most violated human rights are children rights. Around 185,000 children are working as domestic labour (2001 census). It is the most highlighted problem globally. The children's are being forced in many labour works, domestic works, bonded labour, rag picking, forced to work in roadside eateries, prostitution, in factories etc. Poverty, child trafficking, ignorance of parents, discrimination of gender, children are easily targeted only for the reason that they cannot raise their voice as adults.

In Arunachal Pradesh around 104 children working as domestic helper, child labourer in various shops,auto mechanic shops,hotels have been rescued/recovered from Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli, Banderdewa during the "Operation Smile-II" being organized between Jan 10-31 to find missing children being used as child labourer.

A dedicated team of police personnel was constituted for successful implementation of Operation Smile-II led under the supervision of various Police personnel. It is reported that Police has achieved success in such a challenging task because of dedication of the team and active collaboration of Child Helpline, Itanagar accompanied by Labour Officer, CDPO, Itanagar and Oju Mission, Naharlagun. Whereas around 80 children have been rehabilitated with their parents/guardians, 24 children have been accommodated at Oju Mission, Naharlagun and will soon be re-united with their families. Moreover Child labour in domestic work has been strictly banned by the Government, because of the increased cases of child abuse and sexual abuse of children especially girl child. The government has a special cell to help children in exploitive circumstances. These cells comprise of social inspectors, as well as other administrative personnel, employed specifically to deal with child labour issues.There are many organization which aims to stop the child labour on global level such as CRY, UNICEF, ILO etc. To stop child labour is not only governments but each individual's social responsibility, as children are assets of a nation. We know that there are various numbers of children who are voluntary Labour to help their family and have also seen in the past that various Compulsory Education program could not make a hallmark to remove the biggest problem of Child Labour because they could not satisfy the call of economic needs of the working child. Also there can be learning while earning program which just not gives educational to the child labor but also fulfils there economic needs but at the same time can also learn from the steps taken in other countries.

Kamduni gang rape India still the same West Bengal has the dubious distinction of having the highest incidence of crime against women for the second consecutive year in 2012 according to data of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The ruling Trinamool Congress government and the State administration have desperately tried to play it down, but the people's confidence in the police is at the lowest and their patience with the government is wearing thin.

The brutal gang rape and murder of a 20-year-old college girl in Kamduni village in the Barasat sub-division of North 24 Parganas on June 7, which came to light when the girl's body was discovered in a fish pond, brought the people on to the streets in protest and anger. Two years, seven months and 20 days after the gangrape and murder, a Kolkata court found six of the eight accused guilty of gangraping and murdering the woman at Kamduni village in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. Two accused were let off due to lack of evidence.Trinamool Congress MP Nurul Islam faced the full wrath when he visited the place the next day.As more and more people joined in the demonstration, the protest assumed the proportion of a mass agitation. The judge found Imanul Islam, Aminul Islam and Bhola Naskar guilty under sections 376 (d) (gangrape), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of IPC. The verdict in the case, in which nine men, including one who died during the trial, were chargesheeted, was pronounced by Additional District and Sessions Judge. Three convicts - Saiful Ali, Ansar Ali and Amin Ali - could face death penalty as they were charged under sections 302 (murder), 376A (rape), 376D (gangrape), 120B (criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) under the IPC. However, charged under sections 376D, 120B and 201 of the IPC, Emanul Islam, Bhola Naskar and Aminur Islam face a minimum imprisonment for 20 years and a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. Rafiqul Islam Gazi and Noor Ali were acquitted for want of evidence, while Gopal Naskar had died in jail. This was the first sentencing under the new anti-rape law in the state. According to the NCRB data, 30,492 cases of crimes against women have been recorded in West Bengal in 2012, including 2,046 cases of rape, 4,168 cases of kidnapping, 593 dowry deaths, and 19,865 instances of domestic violence. In 2011, the number of cases stood at 29,133.

The residents of Kamduni led by Tumpa Koyal and Moushumi Koyal continue to press with their demand for death penalty for the convicts and also opposed the acquittal of the two accused. Led by the two Koyals and several eminent personalities from the city, many of the friends and relatives of the victim, had floated a platform 'Kamduni Pratibadi Mancha' seeking speedy justice and capital punishment to the guilty. They knocked on the doors of top political and constitutional authorities including the president, demanding the trial be expedited.

But will the victim get justice of what she has the right or just like any other rape case this case will also run for a long time without any fruitful result.

son develops himself as a woman or a man. It helps man to grow in all dimensions, mastering and controlling emotions and the will. The final result of education is a cultured person.

Whereas the present system of education is a perfect reflection of Pranjal Bezborah our materialistic attitude. It never teaches us how to think, how to Values are what women penetrate and explore. and men live by and Even if it produces large what they would die for. number of intelligent proThe preamble of our fessionals, because of its constitution mentions incapacity to inculcate justice, freedom, equality and fraternity - these good values in the recipiare values that do not de- ents, it does not contribpend on the circum- ute to the cause of the stances of the individual, nation in the way it to acquire a meaning. should.

Religious leaders pro- Kautilya, a successful claimed the same values diplomat of ancient India, - Justice - in the face of defined education as social, economic, politi- 'training for the country cal and religious struc- and love for the nation'. tures that oppress man Swami Vevekananda and dehumanize him; viewed education as "the Freedom - from the in- manifestation of divine ternal compulsions and perfection already existexternal pressures that ing in man." "The highest constrain man; Equality education is that which - arising from the com- does not merely give us mon fatherhood of God information, but makes and Fraternity - of mu- our life in harmony with all existence", says tual concern.

It is not very easy to give Rabindranath Tagore. A a precise meaning of careful review of these value. Generally speak- viewpoints reveals that a ing, value is a yardstick balanced development of of beliefs that influence many dimensions of huand guide our behavior. man personality, i.e., Value literally means physical, intellectual, something precious, moral, emotional, aesdear, and worthwhile. thetic, social and spiritual, Values give direction and is the key to true educafirmness and bring to life tion. The whole purpose the important dimension of education is to realize of meaning. Values the inner dignity of man, prove a great source of which ultimately leads to motivation or movement an integral development for the person. Without of personality. If such a values, one floats like a concept could be sucpiece of driftwood in the cessfully translated into reality no force of terror swirling waters.

Education is a process will work, no world war by which a human per- will take place and peace will prevail on this earth.

The concept of modern day education, particularly higher education, has adversely changed with the main objective of passing the university examinations with good marks and giving a few skills to fit into a job. Earlier, in the man-making education the head saw the meaning of information, the heart saw its righteousness and use within the boundaries of morality and the hand put it into action. But modern higher education has ignored the heart; it has ignored the fact that students are a subject matter of immense significance both for the present and the future of their country.

Higher education in science and technology, which, majority of the students opt tries to equip

Again there is a limit for the humans to absorb changes and materialistic development. The present day youths stretch themselves beyond the limits to the extent of disturbing their mental poise and affecting the psychological well-being due to which values are forsaken and the interpersonal relationships break down.

The youth have become the victims of over vaulting materialistic ambition and unknowingly have accelerated their life.

The youth have been caught in an 'achievement fever' and have become slaves of their own machines.

In the light of these continually increasing pressures, it is vitally necessary for higher education

future, it is very evident that we have to place value education at a really priority level in the syllabus. Lest we will be condemned by posterity for neglect to perceive the signposts of the time, we, the educators have to make an urgent and conscious decision to include a meaningful syllabus of value education in our institutions and to support the same with all the vigour at our command.

The syllabus should be such as to find acceptance by different sections of the society, with different cultural and religious backgrounds. The framework should be concrete enough to provide a definite frame of reference and yet supple enough to enable institu-

source: highpowerv them for materialistic development, which is mistaken for progress. The engineers, doctors, scientists, economists and men of commerce change very much in the name of civilization and they advance materialistically. Change and materialistic development do not signify human progress and progress of the society.

institutions of learning to consider their special role in education in human values. When we have agreed that the basic aim of education in our institutions is not only instruction in the subjects of the syllabi but much more, the formation of our young women and men, to turn them into individuals that could steer bright

tions to explore the fuller dimensions according to their own needs and circumstances. While providing a framework that is specific to India, it should also provide a larger context in the universal sphere.

The aim of value education is to enable the student to be truly Indian, really modern and deeply

human. These are three essential and fundamental values, like the three sides of an equilateral triangle, each side providing necessary support to the other two sides, which in turn is supported by them. The base is provided by the most important human dimension, on which is added the Indian, leading on to the modern dimension.

The human dimension provides a criterion of reference of authenticity to the other two. The Indian dimension comprises the appreciation of one's culture, language and traditions, moving on to regional and national level. The modern dimension must foster a scientific attitude, temper and spirit and strengthen the development of attitudes. The human base brings a depth dimension to values, focusing on the beyond the self dimension and nurture the growth of values.

The students in our colleges and universities must be enabled to engage in value exploration and value personalization and making the accepted values part and parcel of one's behavior. A programme of value education that is accepted and conducted by the colleges and universities with the same seriousness of other examination subjects, is sure to pay important dividends, not only in the individual lives of the students and staff, but in the fabric of the whole institution.

Pranjal Bezborah is a Professor in the Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University.

Email id:pranjalbezborah@yahoo.com

Why India Transferred Attack Helicopters to Afghanistan India's attack helicopter transfer to Afghanistan suggests a new era in ties between New Delhi and Kabul.

Earlier this month, the

capabilities in the ongoing Afghan Ministry of De- struggle against the fense inducted three Mi- Taliban across the coun25 attack helicopters into try. the Afghan Air Force On January 20, Afghani(AAF). The helicopters stan confirmed that three multirole were supMi-25 had plied by InAnkit Panda been asdia and sembled and mark the first time that New Delhi were ready for operational has transferred lethal use. The Mi-25s will likely military equipment to Af- see their first use in the onghanistan. The AAF in- going struggle against ducted three of four Taliban fighters in Helmand scheduled Mi-25 helicop- province. "We have always ters. The Mi-25s will re- been helped by India. The place Afghanistan's aging helicopters donated by InMi-35 attack helicopters dia to Afghanistan have been and provide a much- assembled and will help us needed boost to fight terrorists," Ghulam Afghanistan's air support Sakhi Ahmadzai, deputy

chief of procurement at the Afghan defense ministry, told Tolo News.

The Mi-25 agreement between the two countries was announced in November 2015, when Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar and Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai visited New Delhi. India had previously supplied three Hindustan Aeronautic Limited (HAL) Cheetal trainer helicopters to the AAF. The Afghan Air Force already has experience with Russian-made Mi-24 attack helicopters and operates five older Mi-35s, that were supplied by the Czech Re-

public in 2008. The AAF's existing Mi-35s, however, are not commonly used. As Franz-Stefan Gady explained in The Diplomat in November, the "Mi-25 is a close-air support aircraft armed with a YakB fourbarrelled, 12.7mm, builtin, flexibly mounted machine gun, as well as rocket and grenade launchers. It can be deployed against ground troops including armored and slow moving air targets. It can also serve as a low-capacity troop transport (up to eight paratroopers), and be used for medical evacuation missions." The helicopter

is thus well-suited for the AAF's role in helping the Afghan National Army take Taliban positions with close-air support.

Unfortunately, given the many challenges facing Afghan security forces in Afghanistan, the Indian transfer of Mi-25s is not a game changing development on the battlefield. Instead, the broader significance of the transfer is in what it tells us about New Delhi's approach to security in Afghanistan. Despite close ties between India and Afghanistan, New Delhi took until early 2016 to deliver lethal weaponry to Kabul due to

concerns that doing so could aggravate Pakistan, which sees increased Indian support for the Afghan government as a potential threat.

The Indian government, however, is moving away from that old paradigm in managing its relationship with Afghanistan. Indeed, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed his interest in decoupling India's approach to Afghanistan from its approach to Pakistan when he made a surprise stopover in Lahore just hours after having declared his support for Afghanistan before the Afghan parliament.

Union Minority Affairs Minister's Allegation

source: frontline

Sir, The allegation against the state Government by the Union minister for Minority Affairs during her last visit to Assam that the State government fails to submit the utilization certificate of Rs. 128 crore paid to the state by the centre in presence of Sukur Ali, the minister for Minority Affairs of Assam. Mr. Ali had no answer. We understand that the Chief-minister often resorted to tall-talks belittling the Union Ministry constantly complaining that the Union government never wants development of Assam and that, maintains a close fisted Policy in depriving Assam of its dues. But it seems, the reality speaks otherwise. Despite the hue and cry raised against the corruption in different departments of the state, the Chief-minister always maintains a defiant outlook. In respect of minority affairs, the worst-affected are the indigenous ones as the state ruling dispensation knows it for certain that it makes no difference if the indigenous minority likes it or not, but are conscious enough to follow a policy of appeasement to the immigrants taking into account their numerical strength. The fact remains that only a small fraction of the fund reaches

the beneficiaries, the rest having been embezzled en route. Ms Nazma Heptullah, during her visit to the minority dominated areas could read the plight of the poor lot to the letter. Will the state Government explain why it maintains a double-standard towards the minority?

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

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Whither 'North East Cinema'? Points to ponder The film fraternity of the appear, and the creative north-eastern part of In- expressions of each filmdia is not homogeneous maker merit respect. unlike the political entity The people's mindset, called the 'North East'. strongly influenced by the Many in the film festival so-called mainstream circuit would recall the Hindi cinema, is a clear angry outbursts from indicator of why local four gifted filmmakers films, even if they earn from accoAssam lades Manoj Barpujari a n d on naManipur tional - Aribam Syam Sharma, or international stages, Dr Bhabendra Nath are not getting the exSaikia, Jahnu Barua, and pected response. Though Jwngdao Bodosa - at the the advent of digital cinInternational Film Festival ema has made filmmakof India (IFFI) in the mid- ing cheaper, and exhibi1990s when they were tion and distribution of asked to address the me- films easier than ever bedia together. Not surpris- fore, films made outside ingly, their anger made the the Indian mainstream authority cancel the press continue to be neglected. meet. Those who believe Satellite-based digital cinthat arts cannot be judged ema system has made it on the basis of a coterie possible too for a film to consider the classification be released simultaof the 'North East' a non- neously in hundreds of entity, a misnomer; their theatres with no extra logical positivism under- cost of prints, but the scores the view that ev- dearth of suitable cinemaery state belonging to the viewing spaces and an North East is culturally as indifferent attitude on the unique as any state in part of the authorities other parts of the coun- concerned are stunting try. The small states in the the growth of regional region do not really have cinemas in the northa significant filmmaking eastern states. Frustratradition, but they have tion is understandable; their own experience, eleven-time national however trivial it might award winner Jahnu

Barua once announced that he would never make a film in Assam but ended his sabbatical after eight years.

Given this backdrop, should there be a separate film policy for the region to safeguard the interests of local filmmakers? If linguistic and ethno-cultural barriers were not enough, the film fraternity in each of the north-eastern states lacks interaction.

The ground realities require policymakers and filmmakers to sit together from time to time for formulation of a feasible film exchange project so that regional films grow and prosper. The moot point is: if there could be a North East Council, a North East Zonal Cultural Centre, a North East Industrial Policy, a DONER (Development of North Eastern Region) ministry, and a North East Section at international film festivals, there could very well be a North East Film Policy.

This categorisation, objective not subjective, could enhance a regional filmmaking tradition and overcome constraints in its way.

Cinema in the North East

began on a serious note when Jyotiprasad Agarwala, the pioneer of filmmaking in the region, made the first Assamese film Joymoti (1935). It was a phenomenal film if analysed in the overall context of contemporary Indian cinemas, but the audience failed to appreciate its off-beat merits and followers of the visionary failed to tread similar path of filmmaking. They made films largely with historical or mythological fervour without much commercial success. Even the legendary music maestro and the region's sole Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner, Dr Bhupen Hazarika made films mainly to satisfy the viewer's larger demand. The so-called golden ages of Assamese cinema - the 1970s and the 1990s - failed to last long.

The picture of pathetic struggle for survival of the region's cinemas is not complete without discussing Manipur. Manipuri cinema was the first to put the region on the global celluloid map with Aribam Syam Sharma's epochmaking Imagi Ningthem (1981). But all the theatres in Manipur were con-

verted to video halls following threats by secessionist outfits against screening of mainstream Indian (Hindi) films in 2000. Local filmmakers later went digital to resurrect the industry that has also come to earn the nickname Imphalwood, invariably following militants' diktats to shun anything not akin to Meitei culture. Today, Manipur produces some 50 digital films on budgets ranging from Rs 6 to 15 lakh. It took 12 years for a Manipuri film to be made in celluloid again; producer-director couple Chandam Shyamcharan and Manorama Devi had their film Japan Landa Imphal (2012) released at a new auditorium of the Manipur Film Development Corporation.

The region can boast of many other new generation filmmakers. In Mizoram, Mapuia Chawngthu produced, directed and shotKhawnlung Run (2012) for only Rs 11 lakh.

It was the first 'big-budget' film in Dulian dialect, the lingua franca of the Mizos. In Tripura, a film proved cinema can play an important role in rais-

Song of the soil "My fair Tusu has be- lifestyle, their environcome dark after visiting ment, their profession, Kolkata because of the their social calendar and city's saline water," goes myriad other things and the lamentation of the folk interpret them in their singer describing Tusu's own way. For example, in misfortunes. Usually the agomoni song, usually worshipped in the rural sung prior to Bengal's bighamlets of the western gest festival, Durga Puja, region of Bengal and in the goddess is seen not t h e only as Chhota Uttara Gangopadhyay a deNagpur montribal slayer belt, Tusu is a folk god- as depicted in the relidess, the protector of gious scriptures but also crops. But when the as the married daughter workers in the coal belt who returns to her parenadapted their agrarian tal home every autumn, lifestyle to that of the reflecting the excitement miner, it had an impact on and the anguish of a their songs too. The sym- mother looking forward pathy for their fair- to her daughter's visit skinned goddess in their from a faraway land. tusu song is a reflection of their own agony of Although few people are having to adjust to a new lifestyle.

raphy, customs, etc.," points out Bhattacharya.

"The tempo of bhatiyali songs is very slow. It is sung by the boat people of lower Bengal where the rivers flow slowly and the boat follows in its wake. The boatman has enough time to reflect on life's philosophies. But nouka baicher gaan, also a boatman's song, has a fast tempo because the boat goes against the tide and the boatmen have to ply their oars in unison and with all their might."

Folk songs borrow from any and every aspect of life. When the building of concrete building came into vogue, the labourers spun their own songs to seek relief from the hard

class apart. The mysticism of life, the search for the divine, etc. are main topics of their songs. Although baul music verges on the spiritual, it does not have any particular religion in mind; there are various subsects but that is based on their philosophical beliefs rather than on religious rituals. During Makar Sankranti (mid-January), bauls from India and Bangladesh congregate at an annual meet on the banks of the Ajay River in West Bengal's Birbhum district; this is a good opportunity to learn about baul songs and philosophy. Baul is now recognised by UNESCO as an "intangible cultural heritage of

One also finds the strains of jhumur songs in the songs sung by the tea garden workers of north Bengal. Jhumuris from Purulia district. So when the people from Purulia went to work in the tea gardens, they carried their genre of music with them.

But life in the tea gardens was vastly different from that in Purulia. The lyrics too changed accordingly.

"We may not have a separate genre of industrial folk songs like those found abroad, say in the US, but some of our folk songs come close," explains Kalikaprasad Bhattacharya, an eminent singer and research scholar, and the mentor to an extremely popular television reality show in Bengali. The recently concluded musical show put great emphasis on the folk genre of Bengal, as well from neighbouring states in eastern India, and kept not only the home crowd but also the diaspora audience spell bound with the variety and ethnic appeal.

Folk songs, after all, are an integral part of any society. People draw their inspiration from their own

Source: Trans World Feature

aware of Bengal's repertoire of folk songs, experts believe there are 30 to 35 formats that are still prevalent though it is well-nigh impossible to put a figure to the actual number of formats. The number of formats can easily increase if one considers that Bengal's repertoire of folk songs date from the days when both West Bengal and Bangladesh were part of one unified region.

Among the region-based formats, there are bhawaiya, gambhira, jhumur,bhadu, tusu, etc.

"The folk songs are also a lesson in regional geog-

work. Called chaat petanor gaan, they are a musical record of the labourers' hard life and the urbanisation they saw around them.

Sometimes, the content of songs is the same but the names are differentgambhira of Malda district and gajanof south Bengal are sung in honour of Lord Shiva. Hindus and Muslims have their own set of wedding songs that talk about the new life that a girl is going to enter, how to conduct herself, etc.

The bauls or the singing minstrels of Bengal are a

humanity."

Folk songs are mostly an oral tradition. Only very recently efforts are being made to record them for posterity. "It's important to draw a musical map of Bengal," believes Bhattacharya.

Not only songs but the indigenous instruments are also disappearing one by one. One such casualty is the violin-like Sarinda.

Sometimes, it is the musical instrument that indicates the region from where the singers originate; for example, the bauls of Birbhum district use a string instrument called Khamak but those from Nadia district do

not do so.

filmmaker Jahnu Barua. Source: livemint ing issues of concern for the region. Yarwng (2008), made in Kokborok language and directed by Joseph Pulinthanath, tells the story of large-scale displacement of tribal people by a hydroelectric power project in Tripura in the late 1970s. When it was screened at the IFFI Goa, the director's speech made the Central minister assure relief for the 60,000 displaced people! In Arunachal Pradesh, Crossing Bridges (2012), the first film made in the Sherdukpen dialect by Sange Dorjee, earned accolades for showing maturity in handling the sub-

ject.

Making films on a shoestring budget may seem easy in this hilly region, but making even marginal profits out of them is a Herculean task. Without a single big screen around, filmmakers like Mapuia Chawngthu or Sange Dorjee are not in a position to release their films in their own backyard.

Cinema halls in Assam too have come down to less than 65 from 150 plus owing to exhibition and distribution bottlenecks and threats from militant outfits besides fall in viewership. Cultural departments or film corpo-

rations in the region are yet to wake up to the industry's needs though they partly finance, albeit irregularly, film projects without attaining expected results. The situation calls for deep introspection from where a groundbreaking rule for a suggestible 'North East Cinema' cannot, perhaps, be overturned.

Courtesy:nezine (Manoj Barpujari is a senior journalist, poet and critic based in Guwahati.

He also won national award for best film critic in 2012 and Munin Borkataki award for literature in 2003.)

This hypersonic jet could make a New York-Mumbai run in 25 minutes

Urbanisation, the pressure from mainstream media and other reasons are leaving an impact on the old folk songs. Alan Lomax writes in his book, Folk Song Style and Culture, "Big governments, national education, information network and worldwide marketing systems kill of cultures that do not conform to those of the power centres."

According to experts, it is rather difficult to sustain urban people's interest in folk songs because the format is more suited to the rural background.

To portray them on stage by keeping the feel intact is difficult indeed.

"Therefore, we believe in-situ preservation is so important," says Amitava Bhattacharya of Banglanatak dot com, an organisation that essentially works to guide and train rural artisansacross crafts and musicto become economically self-sufficient. "While we hold exhibitions in India and abroad to showcase the art form, be it music or crafts, we also encourage artists to practice in their own villages. It is a way to inspire the younger generation too." To facilitate, they hold various fairs and cultural programmes in the districts to draw the attention of the urban people.

Practising artists and those who want to know about these indigenous cultures and folk music can stay with artists too.

On a positive note, Banglanatak's efforts to build a bridge between the local artists and the urbanites, and the exposure of the richness of folk music showcased on a mainstream media channel have seen a revival of people's interest in the traditional repertoire of folk songs of Bengal. To sustain the interest is the main challenge. Courtesy: Trans World Feature

Hypersonic jet. Source:dailymail When it comes to air used with this aircraft: the travel, there are primarily jet could reach speeds of three factors that define up to Mach 24, or a blisthe state of the art: ca- tering 29,618 kilometers pacity, comfort and per hour. speed. And while, with the likes of the Airbus While at first glance this A380s has all the and the trappings of Boeing Marco D'Souza vapourware, Dreamlinersthe fact that -there the person have been huge strides in behind this design has the first two areas, the solid aircraft and comissue of commercial air- mercial vehicle design lincraft speed has all but pla- eage warrants another teaued over the past four- look. The designer, and-a-half decades: ever Charles Bombardier, is a since the legendary Canadian-born engineer Concorde made her whose family business is maiden flight on 2 March Bombardier Inc and 1969, it sparked unparal- Bombardier Recreational leled excitement at the Products. The Bombarprospect of faster-than- dier brand has long since sound commercial travel. been synonymous in the But it's been about 15 world of transportation years that this iconic air- for everything from crecraft last took to the skies ating the finest passenger commercially, and there's train carriages to the been no real news of a world's most advanced successor. private jets to even being the inventor of the snowAll that just may change mobile. though--a company called Imaginactive re- This particular new-age cently unveiled plans for jet, called the Antipode, is a hypersonic private jet designed to have wingconcept. Hypersonic, in- mounted boosters that dicating many times the provide enough thrust to speed of sound, is some- propel the aircraft to an thing that warrants being altitude of 40,000 feet at

Mach 5 before detaching from the accelerators.

After separation, a supersonic combustion ramjet engine kicks in, pushing the plane to its top speed of Mach 24.

The airplane also incorporates a special design feature that enables it to withstand and dissipate the intense heat that is inherent to such extreme speeds: a nozzle at the front of the airplane enables a phenomenon called Long Penetration Mode (LPM,) which reduces heat buildup on the surface of the airplane while countering the buildup of shockwaves as it accelerates past the sound barrier.

Imaginactive--the website propounding this aircraft design--doesn't actually build anything. It is a non-profit organization that releases design ideas that can be taken up by other companies for actual implementation.

It's left to be seen, though, whether any aircraft manufacturer does decide to take up the challenge of rebooting supersonic commercial travel.

Courtesy:dnaindia

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

BUSINESS

1.23% decline in Hyundai Motor India's January sales Pune, Feb 2: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) reported 1.23% dip in total sales at 44,230 units in January. The company had sold 44,783 units in the same month last year, HMIL said in a statement. In the domestic market, the company's sales were up 9.3% to 38,016 units last month as compared with 34,780 units in January 2015. However, the company's exports declined by 37.87% to 6,214 units as against 10,003 units.

HMIL's Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing)

Rakesh Srivastava said the company has started the year on a positive note registering the domestic volume of 38,016 units with a growth of 9.3% over last year. "The growth momentum (in the domestic market) of last year has continued on the back of strong performance of products like Grand, Creta and i20 Elite/ Active," he added. On the upcoming Auto Expo 2016, Srivastava said, "We look forward to presenting the Hyundai experience at the Auto Expo through our prod-

ucts and technology towards meeting the growing aspirations of the customers." Globally, Hyundai's sales in January fell 13% to 3,38,035 units, down for the first time in six months. The company said that sales were dragged down by dwindling demand from China, Brazil and Russia. In 2015, the company posted its lowest annual profit for the first time in five years, bogged down by a slowdown in China, Hyundai's largest market in terms of sales volume.

(Agencies)

DECLINING SALE

HMIL's Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), Rakesh Srivastava. Source: media2.intoday

Globally, Hyundai's sales in January fell 13% to 3,38,035 units, down for the first time in six months.

Stocks down of China, Profit to come under pressure for NBFCs Hong Kong after weak ANI such as utility vehicles, toring in moderation in loan year on the back of robust New Delhi, Feb 2: cars and used vehicles. growth, which fell from mortgage and corporate factory activity survey With stocks of banks out Provisioning of Rs 341 19% year-on-year loan loan book growth for

Source: previews.123rf Shanghai, Feb 2: China and Hong Kong stocks indexes fell after the release of worse-than-expected China factory activity survey. China's blue-chip CSI300 index was down 1.5 percent, at 2,901.37 points, by the lunch break, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.8 percent, to 2,688.87 points. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dropped 0.9 percent, to 19,511.59 points, while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index lost 1.5 percent, to 8,120.48. China's official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) contracted at its fastest pace in almost three-and-a-half years in January, missing market expectations, and marking

the sixth consecutive month of factory activity contraction. "Economic weakness has always been a major concern for stock investors, so today's PMI data is not unexpected," said Zhou Lin, analyst at Huatai Securities. "The market has not yet found its bottom as the investor mood remains very gloomy." A further slide in stocks threatens to trigger an increasing number of margin calls, while an expected regulatory tightening in the bill market also worries investors.

Stocks fell across the board in China, while in Hong Kong, most sectors fell, with the energy shares among the biggest decliners. (Agencies)

Zinc falls by 1.1% on weak overseas trend

Source: france-metallurgie

ANI Nagpur, Feb 2: Zinc futures fell 1.13% today as participants cut down their bets on a weak trend in base metals in the global market after Chinese manufacturing activity fell to its lowest level in three years last month and subdued domestic spot demand. At the Multi Commodity Exchange,

zinc for delivery in February contracts was trading lower by Rs 1.25, or 1.13%, to Rs 109.20 per kg, with a business turnover of 344 lots. The metal for delivery in March month fell Rs 1.15, or 1.03%, to Rs 110 per kg in a turnover of just one lot.

Traders said the fall in zinc prices in futures trade was mostly in tandem with a weak trend in the base metals pack at the London Metal Exchange (LME) after Chinese manufacturing activity fell to its lowest level in three years to 49.4 in January. Globally, zinc fell as much as 1.5% to $1,598.50 per tonne at LME.

of favour for some time now, investor preference has shifted to nonbanking financial companies (NBFCs). However, while Q3 FY16 results reported so far indicates that expanding net interest income (NII, or revenue) may not be a near-term challenge thanks to buoyant retail interest, experts say a closer look at the results suggests tougher times are imminent for NBFCs. Take the case of M&M Financial Services. The impact of credit slowdown was steep for the company as its net interest income (NII) declined by 1% year-onyear due to higher interest reversal and moderation in lending yields on account of change in loan mix. Assets under management (AUM) growth in Q3'FY16 was guided by higher proportion of relatively low-margin products

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper for delivery in February declined by Rs 4.40, or 1.41 per cent, to Rs 307.20 per kg in a business turnover of 433 lots.

The metal for delivery in far-month April fell Rs 4.05, or 1.28 per cent, to Rs 312 per kg

On strong demand Indian factory activity bounces back to growth in January - PMI New Delhi, Feb 2: Indian manufacturing activity unexpectedly returned to growth in January as firms raised output on stronger demand, a survey showed, adding to expectations the central bank will likely leave policy unchanged this month. The Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by Markit, jumped to a four-month high of 51.1 in January after slumping to a 28-month low of 49.1 in December. The 50-mark demarcates contraction from expansion. "The opening month of 2016 saw a rebound in new business from both domestic and ex-

ternal clients - leading manufacturers in India to scale up output following a short-lived downturn recorded in December," said Pollyanna De Lima, economist at Markit. "January's PMI data paint a brighter picture of the Indian economy. " The new export orders sub-index rose to 52.5 from 51.5, the highest reading in five months, which coupled with a similar increase in domestic orders suggest renewed demand for Indian goods both home and abroad. That is good news for the Reserve Bank of India which cut rates four times last year, by a cumu-

lative 125 basis points, to boost economic growth as inflation remained subdued. But retail inflation is currently above the RBI's 5 percent target for March 2017 and the PMI showed firms increased prices at a steeper rate even though input costs rose at a slower pace. "Although the RBI is likely to continue its monetary policy loosening cycle in 2016, February's meeting will probably see the repo rate remain unchanged at 6.75 percent as the central bank will remain wary of inflationary pressures building in the country," said De Lima. (Agencies)

Mr. Mithun Chittilappily, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries. Source: vguard

ANI Kolkata, Feb 2: V-Guard crore (up 27% year-on- growth two years ago Indiabulls Housing Fi- Industries has surged 10% year) on account of (Q3'FY14) to 15% in the nance much in contrast to to Rs 981 on the BSE in higher delinquencies and December quarter of LIC Housing Finance. early morning trade after change in recognition FY16. Consequently, JM Analysts say higher the company reported norms for non-perform- Financial foresees slower growth for Indiabulls more than doubled net ing loans(NPL) took the loan book growth of 16% Housing Finance is due to profit at Rs 21.48 crore for profit for Q3-FY16 down over FY15 and FY18 for increase in loan ticket size the third quarter ended by 51% on an annual ba- LIC Housing Finance. (more Rs 25 lakhs), sug- December 31, 2015 sis. With the managegesting that the growth is (Q3FY16). The company profit of Rs 9.23 crore ment guiding for cau- Dewan Housing Finance perhaps on a relatively had in the same quarter year tious loan growth, ana- also witnessed moderation lower base, given the re- ago. Net revenue from lysts at Prabhudas in growth of AUM in cent shift in strategy to operations for the quarter Lilladher reduce their Q3'FY16. This along with focus on housing loans. were Rs 416 crore; an inprofit growth estimates higher interest cost cur- Better disbursal to infra- crease of 5.3% over the by 30% over FY16 and tailed NII growth to 18% structure sector (29% corresponding quarter of FY17. HDFC, India's year-on-year as against growth year-on-year) last fiscal. largest mortgage firm, analyst expectation of 25- hedged L&T Finance to saw asset quality remain 27%. Analysts at IIFL at- counter the moderating "Efficiency in operations robust but failed to keep tribute the slower pace of 17% growth in retail loan and better working capital have suppace with the Street's AUM growth (25% in portfolio. Nitin Kumar of management ported in improving the estimates as profits (Rs Q3'FY16 versus 27-28% Prabhudas Lilladher margin," V-Guard Indus1,520 crore) rose just by historically) to repayment sums up that the quarter tries said in a release. Earn7% year-on-year due to rate of 5% cent being gone by has not been the higher provisioning and higher than the usual 3.3%. best for most NBFCs due lower non-core income. They say with no exit bar- to stress on account of Loan book growth in the riers in the form of loan NPL recognition. In adthird quarter at 13% on an prepayment charges, it is dition to this, Abhinesh annual basis, too, moder- easier for borrowers to Vijayaraj of Spark Capiated compared to histori- shift their loans to any tal feels that as most Chicago, Feb 2: The cal levels of 15-20%. Like- other bank or NBFC. Of NBFCs cater to custom- world's largest car manuwise, even in the case of the lot, results of Indiabulls ers with irregular cash facturer in terms of sales, LIC Housing Finance, Housing Finance and flows, challenges on ac- Toyota has announced a production halt for one though profit (Rs 420 L&T Finance have been count of NPL recognition week in Japan, citing a crore) grew by 22% year- more assuring. AUMs ex- may persist, apart from shortage of steel and a on-year, the Street is fac- panded by 29% year-on- depleting asset quality. shortage of parts, several media reports have said.

The company has attributed the move to a blast at the Aichi Steel Corp which has led to several supply problems. The company's plants in Japan will remain shut from February 8 to in a business volume of 13, Toyota has said in a 31 lots. Analysts said a statement. The company weak trend in most in- has clarified that producdustrial metals at the London Metal Exchange (LME) as China's official factory gauge signaled conditions deterio- Chennai, Feb 2: Gold rated for a sixth month, prices rose by Rs 50 to indicating weaker de- Rs 26,688 per 10 gram in mand in the world's big- futures trade after specugest commodity con- lators widened positions sumer, mainly weighed amid a better trend overSource: livemint seas. Gold for delivery in on metal prices here. current month was trading higher by Rs 50, or 0.19 per cent to Rs 26,88 per 10 gram in a turnover Ø Copper futures fell 1.41 per cent to Rs 307.20 per kg as speculators of 78 lots at the Multi Commodity Exchange. trimmed positions amid a weak trend in global markets.

The metal for delivery in far-month April contracts Ø At the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper for delivery in February also rose by a similar declined by Rs 4.40, or 1.41 per cent, to Rs 307.20 per kg in a business margin to trade at Rs turnover of 433 lots.

26,795 per 10 gm in a turnover of 169 lots. AnaØ The metal for delivery in far-month April fell Rs 4.05, or 1.28 per cent, lysts said the rise in gold prices at futures trade to Rs 312 per kg in a business volume of 31 lots.

ings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin improved by nearly 300 basis points at 8.31% in Q3FY16 against 5.48% in year ago quarter. Commenting on the company's performance, Mr. Mithun Chittilappily, managing director, V-Guard Industries said, the business outlook remains positive; we continue to see an enhanced demand for certain categories of our products, considering the forthcoming summer season. At 09:46 AM, the stock was up 6% at Rs 943 on the BSE as compared to 0.08% decline in S&P BSE Sensex.

A combined 13,357 shares changed hands on the counter on the BSE and NSE so far.

Production of Toyoto in Japan to be shut for one week

Copper falls 1.4% on weak global cues, low demand ANI New Delhi, Feb 2: Copper futures fell 1.41 per cent to Rs 307.20 per kg as speculators trimmed positions amid a weak trend in global markets. Moreover, subdued demand at domestic spot markets also put pressure on prices.

V-Guard Industries surges as Q3 profit more than double

In the domestic market, the company's sales were up 9.3% to 38,016 units last month as compared with 34,780 units in January 2015.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) reported 1.23% dip in total sales at 44,230 units in January.

The company had sold 44,783 units in the same month last year, HMIL said in a statement.

However, the company's exports declined by 37.87% to 6,214 units as against 10,003 units.

PAGE 10

tion operations elsewhere in the world will not be affected. According to a report in CNN Money, the company said in a statement that it will take all the necessary measures to minimise the impact of the incident on vehicle production. In 2015, Toyota retained the title of being the world's largest carmaker, with the company selling 10.15 million cars in the year. The company outpaced the scandal-ridden Volkswagen and US rival General Motors. (Agencies)

Rs 50 rise in gold in futures trade on global cues

LOW DEMANDS, GREAT LOSS

Source: thehindu

was mostly in tune with a firming trend overseas after data showed a further contraction in China's manufacturing, adding to the case for safe-haven assets as investors boost holdings.

Meanwhile, gold rose as much as 0.4 per cent to $1,122.40 an ounce in Singapore. (Agencies)

Maruti Suzuki dips post January sales ANI Bengaluru, Feb 2: Maruti Suzuki India has dipped 3% to Rs 3,971 on the BSE after the country's largest carmaker reported a 2.6% decline in total sales in January 2016 at 113,606 units, due to lower export sales. The company had sold 116,606 units in the same month in 2015.

Earlier, in the month of March 2015, Maruti Suzuki India had recorded negative growth of 1.6% in monthly sales.

Exports during the month declined 34.6% to 7,223

units as compared to nouncements of Janu- combined 921,081 on the counter on the 11,047 units in January ary sales numbers. A shares changed hands BSE and NSE so far.

2015. The domestic sales increased 1% during the AFTER JANUARY EFFECT month to 106,383 units as against 105,559 units in Ø Maruti Suzuki India has dipped 3% to Rs 3,971 on the BSE after the January 2015, Maruti country's largest car-maker reported a 2.6% decline in total sales in JanuSuzuki India said in a ary 2016 at 113,606 units, due to lower export sales. statement. Ø The company had sold 116,606 units in the same month in 2015. Earlier, Sales of passenger cars in the month of March 2015, Maruti Suzuki India had recorded negative fell 1.4% to 87,757 units, growth of 1.6% in monthly sales. while utility vehicles Ø Exports during the month declined 34.6% to 7,223 units as compared to sale grew 26% at 8,114 11,047 units in January 2015. units over the previous year, it added. At 11:09 Ø The domestic sales increased 1% during the month to 106,383 units as AM, the stock was against 105,559 units in January 2015, Maruti Suzuki India said in a statedown 2% at Rs 4,010 ment. on the BSE. It touched intra-day high of Rs Ø Sales of passenger cars fell 1.4% to 87,757 units, while utility vehicles 4,118 before the an- sale grew 26% at 8,114 units over the previous year, it added.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Features

PAGE 11

FLORICULTURE Chrysanthemum Cultivation Chrysanthemum is one of the most important flower crops commercially grown in different parts of the world. This flower produces more yield under greenhouse conditions. In India, commercial cultivation of this flower has good demand.

This flower has different names in different belts in India; it's called Guldaudi in Hindi belt, Chandramalika in the eastern state, Samanti in the southern states and Shevanti in the western states. The chrysanthemum belongs to the family of "Asteracea" and genus of "Chrysanthemum L.". Basically this flower is native to Europe and Asia. Chrysanthemum can be grown in greenhouse, poly house, shadenet, pots, containers and even backyards. Chrysanthemum flowers are mainly used for garland making, religious offerings and as cut-flower for party arrangements.

When it comes to botani-

cal description of chrysanthemum plant, the species of chrysanthemum have shallow root system with herbaceous perennial nature growing about 50 cm - 150 cm tall, with deeply lobed leaves and large flower heads, yellow, pink or white. As flower demand is very high in India, one should in India, one should plan properly to get the flowers in the market especially in marriages and festival seasons.

Varieties of Chrysanthemum in India There are many local and commercial hybrid and improved varieties available. However, it is your responsibility to find out proper high yielding cultivar suitable to local conditions. Contact local horticulture or floriculture departments for suitable variety. Here are some of the high yielding commercial varieties of chrysanthemum flower.

Commercial Varieties: Kirti, Arka Swarna, Birbal Sahni, Shanti, Y2K, A r k a Ganga,Sadbhavana, Appu, Bindiya, Coimbatore varieties, CO 1 (yellow coloured flowers), CO 2 (purple coloured flowers), MDU 1 (yellow coloured flowers) Indira and Red Gold ,Pankaj, Ajay, Sonali, Swarna, Ravi Kiran, Akash, Yellow Start, Chandrakand, Indira and Rakhee are the popular varieties.

Climate Required for Chrysanthemum Cultivation Basically , the chrysanthemum plant is a short day plant, in other words, it requires long days for vegetative growth and short days for flowering.

Light and temperature are the main factors that influence the growth of the plants and flowering.

For its vegetative growth it requires long day with bright sunlight and high temperature ranging from

Source: upload.wikimedia

20 째C to 28 째C. For bud formation and flowering it requires short day and low temperature ranging from 10 째C to 28 째C. This crop requires the relative humidity of 75% to 90% which suitable for proper plant growth.

Soil Requirement in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- The best suitable soil for chrysanthemum cultivation is well-drained sandy loam good textured soils. Having good amount of organic matter will result in excellent yield. Avoid the soils where too much of water stagnation is possible.

The optimal soil pH range for its growth is 6.5 to 7.5.

Land Preparation in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- The land should be prepared by giving 2 to 3 ploughings followed by harrowing to prepare the beds for planting.

Supplementing the farm yard manure of 20 to 25 tonnes/ha in the last plough is recommended.

Propagation and Planting in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Chrysanthemum plants are propagated vegetatively through suckers, terminal cuttings or by micro-propagation.

Suckers: In this method of propagation, after flowering, the stem should be cut back just above the ground level. This induces the formation of side suckers which should be separated from the mother plant and should be planted in sand bed.

Apart from this, well rooted suckers can be directly transplanted in the field. Generally, 1,10,000 suckers should be required to cover the 1 hectare land. To protect against wilt disease, roots

of the suckers should be dipped in 1 gram of emisan in one liter of water. These suckers should be planted during rainy season at 30 cm x 30 cm spacing on one side of the ridges. Pinching should be carried out once in a month after planting to induce more lateral branches on the plants.

Terminal cuttings: These terminal cuttings should be taken from a healthy stock plant. Length of cuttings should be about 5 cm - 7 cm. The cuttings should be dipped in 2500 ppm indole butyric acid (IBA) (rooting hormone).

These cuttings should be put in sand beds in shade conditions.

Manures and Fertilizers in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Chrysanthemum crop responds very well to manuring and requires about 10 to 12 tonnes of well rotten farmyard manure (FYM) per acre. This farm yard manure can be supplemented at the time of land or soil preparation. As a basal dose, apply 50 kg of 'N' (Nitrogen), 160 kg P2O5 and 80 kg K2O. For increasing the flower yield, spray GA3 at 50 ppm at 30, 45 and 60 days after planting. Micronutrients like foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.25% + MgSO4 0.5% can be applied. As part of biofertilizers, soil application of 2 kg each of Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria per ha at the time of planting should be applied. It should be mixed with 100 kg of farmyard manure (FYM) and applied.

Irrigation in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:The frequency of irrigation depends on the stage

Source: upload.wikimedia of growth, soil and weather conditions.

Proper drainage system should be maintained for chrysanthemum grown both in beds and in pots.

Irrigation should be carried twice a week in the first month and subsequently at weekly intervals.

Weed Control in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Weeds should be controlled or avoided for proper growth of the plants and good yields of flowers. If these flowers are grown in greenhouse, makesure to control the weeds as these weeds consume moisture and nourishment from plants.

Two to three hand weeding should be carried out for proper growth of the plant. First weeding should be carried 4 weeks after planting.

Good herbicide can also be applied to control weeds in greenhouse or open field or even in pots.

Pests and Diseases in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Aphids, mites, thrips, leaf miners, leaf folder, root rot, leaf spot, wilt, rust, powdery mildew, chrysanthemum stunt and chrysanthemum

mosaicdisease are some common pests and diseases found in chrysanthemum cultivation. For control measures of these pests and diseases, contact floriculture department.

Flowering and Harvesting in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Usually Chrysanthemum plants take 5 to 6 months from planting to flowering. It all depends on the cultivar (varieties), plant starts yielding flowers after 3 to 4 months of transplanting in the field.

For cut-flower purpose, stem should be cut about 10 cm above the soil to avoid cutting into wooden tissue. The lower 1/3 of stem should be placed in water to extend the life of cut flowers. The best way to protect the flowers is to sleeve the flower bunch with a transparent plastic sleeve. The right stage for harvesting depends on the variety grown, marketing and purpose harvesting depends on the variety grown, marketing and purpose. Post Harvesting in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Loose flowers can be packed in bamboo baskets or gunny bags for

marketing. The capacity of bamboo baskets ranges from 1 to 7 kg while gunny bags can accommodate 30 to 35 kg of loose flowers.

Yield in Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Generally, flowering seasons vary from region to region. The natural blooming seasons for most of the regions lasts from July to Feb. One can harvest the flowers around 15 times. The yield can be obtained from 10 to 11 tonnes of loose flowers per acre.

Some Best Tips for Chrysanthemum Cultivation:- Here are some the tips to be followed in chrysanthemum cultivation for better yield. *Always use disease free planting material if they are grown on larger scale. *Crop rotation should be practiced for better yield. *Proper pinching and disbudding should be followed for standard/spray chrysanthemum production. *Maintain proper temperature for quality flower production. *Use bamboo stick for the support of tender stem of the plants.

Plants with easy-maintenance you can grow in winter Be it the humid summer or dry winter, nature somehow finds its way to spread its cheers and colours all around.

containers during winter.

Raise containers off the ground on pot feet or bricks to improve drainage.

This time round, we have dug up a few plants, which are striking enough to take centrestage in your balcony garden ones that will bloom into early spring -from January to March or April.

Winter blossoms "During winter, the best flowers to grow in Indian climate are petunia, cockscomb, antirrhinum, cineraria, zinnia, calendula, chrysanthemum and marigold. Flower plants need soil up to 5 inches deep. So, all you need to do is take an earthen pot of 6-8 inches, dig a hole in the soil and bury the seed about 2 inches deep. After 6 weeks, you will see the seeds sprout into saplings. The aftercare is very essential.Sprinkle water as and when required," says Nirupom Sen, secretary-cum-CEO, AgriHorticultural Society of India.

Practical considerations Plants grow very little in winter. So, make sure you start with propersized ones. Use sufficient numbers of plants for the size of a container to make an impact from the very beginning.

Position your container where t will get as much sunlight as possible to ensure that your plant remains green and healthy. Water your pots carefully in winter.Smaller plants are more susceptible to over or underwatering. Make sure you check the compost regularly as it can dry out fast. It is not necessary to feed plants in

Growing technique Petunia One of the most popular annual flowering plants, they are quick-growing and known for beautiful blooms in pink, purple, red, white and yellow.Petunia seeds can

be sown when temperature is cool. These plants grow between 6 inches to 4 feet and are perfect for hanging baskets and planters. The seeds are very small, so one needs to take extra care while sowing. Prepare the potting mix before sowing the seeds, water and allow the pot to drain.

Sprinkle seeds on welldrained soil and gently push them down. Do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate. You can use small containers as petunias are low-growers. Light sandy soil is ideal.

Cockscomb or celosia It is a hardy annual that reaches up to 1.2 metres in height. Celosia plants are also known as cockscomb that flower from summer and continue into early autumn. They have flowers in yellow or pink.

It is best to grow cockscomb plants in large groups. Germination time is five days to two weeks. These require full sunlight or light shade.

Ordinary soil will do to sow celosia. Maintain a moist soil with regular

Source: whatabloom watering. These plants require proper light for growth.

Cineraria These plants are not suited for growing in hot, dry climates. If you are growing cinerarias in the garden, they should be grown in partial to full shade, and planted in slightly acidic, rich, welldrained soil with high compost content. Water them regularly to keep

the soil evenly moist. But be careful not to overwater. Cinerarias readily reseed themselves in the garden or even in containers.

Zinnia These are easily grown plants known for colourful flowers. Zinnia is propagated directly from seeds. You need to sow the seeds sometime between April and May, when the weather is a bit

warm. Spread soil over the seeds in a way that it covers them partially, as they need light to germinate. Make the soil moist and cover the container with a plastic bag to maintain humidity level.

Seeds should sprout within a week. Take a medium-sized container with adequate number of holes for drainage. From sandy to loamy, these plants can be grown in any type of soil. Add

leaves mold or compost to the soil for better results. Zinnia thrives in full direct sun with some afternoon shade. BDW, they just grew one of these on the International Space Station, making it the first flower to bloom in space.

varieties and up to 5 inches for giant marigolds. Place your marigolds where the plants will be in sunlight for at least six to eight hours every day. Use any kind of welldrained soil. It requires occasional watering.

Marigold No flower is as easy to grow as marigolds.

These annuals shine in gold, copper, white, yellow, orange, red and mixed colours. Marigolds bloom from mid-summer till winter.You can select the colour and size that are perfect for your garden or container.Plant these next to your tomato, eggplant, chili pepper and potato plants because marigolds are known to keep away some insects that can harm these plants. Just get marigold saplings from the nursery.

Dig a small hole with a trowel and place the sapling in the container. Add potting soil gently around the roots. Marigolds can be planted much closer in containers than in the ground. Allow about 3 inches between small

Calendula These are a very prolific, easy-to-grow annual flowers. Also known as `pot marigolds', calendulas produce orange, yellow, and lemon coloured blossoms on long stems. Flowers bloom from mid-summer till winter. They look great as indoor embellishments.Calendulas are grown from seeds, which are sown early in the season. They germinate easily and grow real quick. Low in mainte nance, calendula plants like rich, well-drained soil, but are also tolerant of average to e slightly poor soil. Improving your soil quality will produce much healthier plants and flowers, so add plenty of com post. Water them during dry periods, once or twice a week. (Agencies)

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

PAGE 12

Raina to lead Rajkot team in IPL 9 Tinsukia beat Bokakhat by 8 wkts ANI New Delhi, Feb.2 : Indian batsman Suresh Raina has been appointed as the skipper of the Rajkot franchise for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Keshav Bansal owned-side, which has also appointed Australia batsman Brad Hodge as its head coach, will be known as Gujarat Lions.

Raina, who earlier played for scandal-hit Chennai Super King (CSK), had never missed an IPL

Suresh Raina match and remained the league's top scorer with

3699 runs at a strike rate of 140 in 132 matches,

ESPNcricinfo reported.

The four other players in the Gujarat Lions at present are New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Australian all-rounder James Faulkner.

Earlier, Pune's New Rising and Rajkot's Intex won the bid of the two new franchises for the next two editions of the IPL. The IPL 2016 Player Auction is slated to be held in Bengaluru on February 6.

off 91 balls with five Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. 2: boundaries and Jubin Tinsukia beat Bokakhat Doley contributed 18.

Anuj by eight Pathak, wickets Subham in the J.K. Baruah Trophy Sharma, two-day J.K. Baruah Trophy Un- Sekhar Gowala and der-19 Inter-District Govind Darjee shared two Cricket Tournament at wickets each for Tinsukia.

Tinsukia District Sports Tinsukia scored 135 in Association Stadium to- 45.5 overs before being bowled out. Animesh day.

Put into bat, Bokakhat Baruah scored 42 off were all out for 118 in 35 9 6 b a l l s l a c e d w i t h overs in the first innings. eight boundaries and Rajeev Thakur scored 40 Kunal Dhar contributed

Pak contingent gets govt Wizards beat Waveriders clearance for SAsian Games to end HIL losing streak PTI Karachi, Feb 2 : Pakistan's 456-strong contingent for the upcoming South Asian Games in India has been cleared by its government to participate in the event starting February 5.

"The government has given clearance for the contingent to go to India and take part in nearly 22 disciplines including field hockey," Akhtar Ganjera, the Director-General of Pakistan Sports Board, told PTI. The Games are set to be held in two cities Guwahati and Shillong from February 5-16.

Ganjera said there would be no compromise on the security for the Pakistani contingent during the Games and the Indian Olympic Association had assured them of top notch arrangements for the athletes.

"We are going there to compete and try to win and also foster better relations with India," he said.

Pakistan Olympic Association President Lt General (ret) Arif Hasan said players' safety was their primary concern.

"We have asked the Indian government to provide the best possible security to our

athletes and they have assured us there would be no issues at all."

Hasan said Pakistan's participation in the hockey event was significant since the last time the two sides played in was the 2014 Champions Trophy. The occasion was marred by the Pakistani players' unruly behaviour after the match.

"Hopefully this time there will be no problems and even though overall our preparations for all the disciplines might not be satisfactory but we are hopeful our athletes will compete strongly," he said.

At 54, retired Bruno mulls boxing return ANI Johannesburg, Feb.2 : Retired heavyweight champion Frank Bruno is mulling to make a return to competitive boxing at the age of 54.

Bruno, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003, admitted that he has returned to training and he wanted to return to the boxing ring in order to get free from his mental illness completely.

The former heavyweight boxing champion, who won the WBC belt in

Frank Bruno 1995, admitted that his illness had left him feel suicidal on many occasions and, therefore, he wanted to return to the ring in order to avoid psychiatric

PSL beneficial for Pak cricketers, affirms Afridi

hospital, Sport24 reported.

Bruno has not fought any bout since his defeat at the hands of Mike Tyson in 1996

ANI Karachi, Feb.2 : Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi believes that the first edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) can help the senior players to regain their form, and added that the league would also provide a good platform for youngsters to learn.

Pakistan had recently suffered a 1-2 T20 series loss againstNew Zealand following their threewicket defeat in the final match in Auckland.

Reflecting on the defeat, Afridi said that his side failed to perform as per their standards, but insisted that they have a potential to rise, the Dawn reported.

The 35-year-old stressed that his side learned a lot on the tour and would perform better in the upcoming World T20 in India.

The PSL is slated to be held in the United Arab Emirates from February 4 to February 23.

A file photo

AGENCIES New Delhi, Feb. 2: Uttar Pradesh Wizards bounced back from three consecutive defeats to beat Delhi Waveriders 64 and pocket five crucial points in the Coal India Hockey India League (HIL) at the Shivaji Hockey Stadium here on Monday.

For Wizards, VR Raghunath converted a penalty corner in the 19th minute to give them the 1-0 lead. Chinglesana Singh (54th), Jamie Dwyer (55th) scored two field goals and Wouter Jolie converted a penalty corner in the 58th to make it six goals for the

visitors.

Field goal is counted as two in this edition of the HIL and two quick goals dented Delhi's chances.

Waveriders found their goals from Justin ReidRoss (55th) and Mandeep Singh (58th).

They will also have to blame their penalty corner experts, who failed to score from as many as 10 chances.

With this win, Wizards collected five points and but they still will be fifth with 12 points. Jaypee Punjab Warriors also have 12 points, but are ahead on goal difference.

Whereas, Delhi remained at the third spot

After a rough tackle in the fifth minute inside Wizards circle, RupinderÂ's flick lacked power and precision as PR Sreejesh put it away and later the Indian goalkeeper had to reach to his left and palm away a reverse-hand strike from Simon Child.

Tristian White misjudged the bounce after the first drop off a chip from the deep and it allowed Ramandeep Singh to make his side's first realistic attempt at the Delhi post. However, Ramandeep drove the ball straight at goalkeeper Devon Manchester, much to the relief of the home camp.

Nadal gets Argentina Open wild card AGENCIES Buenos Aires, Feb. 22 : Rafael Nadal has been granted a wild card to defend his Argentina Open title in Buenos Aires next week, organisers said on Monday.

The 29-year-old Spaniard, who defeated Argentine Juan Monaco in last year's final, will play his first match of the tournament on Wednesday or Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nadal, currently ranked

Shahid Afridi

with 17 points - same as Kalinga Lancers - but the Bhubaneswar-based outfit has a better goal difference.

Wizards, coming off three back-to-back defeats at home, showed a lot of patience as Waveriders made an impressive start.

Melbourne and I hope that Buenos Aires will once again be the start of a good run for me. I will try my best to make sure it is," the 14-time Grand Slam winner said.

The ATP 250 tournament will also boast world No.6 David Ferrer, No.9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and No.12 John Isner.

Rafael Nadal fifth in the world, said he sought a place in the claycourt tournament after his first-round exit at the

Australian Open last month.

"I asked for this wild card after the bad result in

Nadal's next assignment after Buenos Aires will be the Rio Open starting on February 15.

35.

For Bokakhat, Jubin Doley took four for 39 in 12 overs. Kalam Raza took three.

At the end of day one Tinsukia took a lead of 17 runs.

In the second innings, Bokakhat were bowled out for 149 in 36 overs.

Saibal Ghosh top scored with 43 off 52 balls with six fours and Bikash Patel contributed 38 off 63 balls.

For Tinsukia, Subham Sharma bagged five for 51 in 15 overs.

For chase in the second innings, Tinsukia need 133 runs to win.

Tinsukia scored 133 for two in 27 overs. Amit Singh top scored with 57 off 75 balls with nine fours to the fence and Pranay Aich scored 54 off 82 balls with seven boundaries.

Tinsukia qualified for the quarterfinal.

Guardiola admits taking `risk` with Man City ANI Johannesburg, Feb.2: Pep Guardiola, who will succeed Manuel Pellegrini asManchester City's new manager for the next season, admitted he is taking a risk by joining the England club.

Guardiola, who would leave his current club Bayern Munich at the end of this season, had reportedly signed a three-year deal of more than 15 million Euros a year to take over as new City manager.

The 45-year-old Spanish revealed that he needed a new challenge in his career and, therefore, he is ready to lead his new club, Sport24 reported.

City, however, paid their gratitude to Pellegrini for

being supportive and for remaining entirely focused towards achieving his targets.

Pellegrini, who recently signed a 12-month extension contract with City, announced that he would leave the Etihad on the original date which was June 30.

City are currently at the second spot in the league standings and are just three points behind surprise leaders Leicester City.

City, which have also managed to reach the finals of League Cup, will lock horns with Sunderland in their next league clash on Wednesday.

Duminy calls for strong start in England ODI series

JP Duminy ANI Johannesburg, Feb.2 : South African all-rounder JP Duminy has admitted that his side have to make a strong start of the fivematch ODI series against England in order to build an important mark for the rest of the series.

The 31-year-old, who believes that South Africa's confidence in one-day cricket is good, insisted that his side would try their level best to maintain their consistency in the format, Sport24 reported.

Duminy, however, admitted that the hosts would go

in with a lot of confidence against 'tough' England side.

Duminy said that although the ODI series against England would be harder, he added that his side had enough game plans to combat the opposition's attack.

South Africa, who lost the four-match Test series against England 1-2 before eventually claiming a huge 280-run win a dead rubber fourth match, will play their first ODI at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

AIFF announces 28 probables for South Asian Games PTI New Delhi, Feb 2: With merely four days to go for the competition, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) today unveiled its 28 probables for the South Asian Games in Guwahati.

Twenty one of them have already joined the preparatory Camp in Guwahati, which commenced from January 31.

India have clubbed alongside Sri Lanka and Maldives in Group A. The hosts will clash

against Sri Lanka in their opening fixture on February 6 before taking on Maldives on February 10.

The under-23 side's coach Lee Johnson said the side is well-prepared for the competition. "We have imbibed a new setup for the U-23 National Team and most of the Players are new. The lads understand the importance of the Competition and they remain focused on emulating the success of the Senior Team," he said. When inquired about the squad fitness,

ing minor injuries. But we expect them to train within the next couple of days." The squad will further be trimmed down to 20 and will be announced in the next couple of days.

South Asian Games Logo Lee opined, "The squad is fit and looks in good

shape except Nikhil and Amrinder who are nurs-

Poojary, Samad Ali Mallik, Prabir Das, Aiborlang Khongjee.

Midfielders: Sumit Passi, Jayesh Rane, Pronoy Halder, Amoes Thiruvanathanadhah, Lallialzuala Chhangte, Germanpreet Singh, The list of the 28 M a w i h m i n g t h a n g a , Probables is as follows: Zodingliana, Rowlin Goalkeepers: Amrinder Borges Vinit Rai, Udanta Singh, Rehenesh Singh.

Paramba, Kamaljit Singh. Forwards: Halicharan Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Narzary, T. Haokip, Salam Sandesh Jhingan, Ranjan Singh, Udanta Narayan Das, Kaushik Singh, Vinit Rai, Jeje Sarkar, Bikramjit Singh, Lalpekhlua.

Abhishek Das, Nikhil Head coach: Lee Johnson.

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