facebook.com/easterntoday
@easterntoday
For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com
cmyk
cmyk
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
How to distinguish your Brand
Issue 211
Dibrugarh, Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Price -
5.00
Pages- 12
What We as a Society Do To A TB Patient Is Far Worse Than What The Disease Does To Them
India's Qatar-gas imports turn cheaper from this year
Pathankot ops will take time, two terrorists still holed up: NSG
Page 9
Page 10
Page 6
Page 8
Recall Arunachal Governor within 24 hours: People’s Adalat Univocal approval of three resolutions with raising hands and shouting slogans concluded the never seen before ‘Arunachal People’s Rally’ renamed ‘Arunachal People’s Adalat’ at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here today. The chairs fell short as young and old with their panchayat and party leaders jammed the venue while thousands were seen atop nearby building roofs to watch and listen to their leaders, reflecting their hurt sentiment as snowballed by recent political upheaval. “We the people of Arunachal Pradesh coming from all walks of lives, civil societies’ representatives, political groups, students’ organizations have strongly condemned the undemocratic, unethical and unconstitutional act of Governor J P Rajkhowa for trying to destabilize the popularly elected and mandated state government, his anti-tribal, anti-development and anti-people approach by encouraging dissidence activities within the ruling party through unscrupulous means with malicious intentions leading to chaos and disharmony, demand the Govt. of India to recall him within
ET CAPSULES Student injured in mishap Kokrajhar, Dec 4: A student of Bodoland University received serious injured when a bike had head on collision with a tractor along the Mwiderkhoro Road near Masjid on Sunday evening in Kokrajhar town. According to eye witness, a university student was coming on a bike met head on collided with a tractor from opposite direction and received serious injured on his leg and body. The student was identified as Dwithun Basumatary of Patgaon Bwtiabili, who was immediately rushed to Kokrajhar RNB civil hospital. A team of police official rushed the spot to take stock of the incident. (Correspondent)
Keshav Saikia passes away Golaghat, Jan 4: A profound Journalist and Social Worker Keshav Saikia (76) passed away today at his residence at 6 pm. According to family members Saikia had tea in a hotel and he went to his home. After sometime the family members took him to Kushal Konwar Civil Hospital in unconscious condition where he was declared dead by the doctor. Many Organization and Institution have condoled the demise of Keshav . On yesterday he was conferred with Mahendranath Baruah award. (Correspondent)
24-hour for losing the confidence of the public as his continuation would demoralize the essence of democracy and be a severe blow to the Constitution of which he made a mockery. We urge to replace him with a new incumbent with army or external affairs background having knowledge and acumen to deal with the strategic affairs of this sensitive border state,” said the resolutions read out by organizing committee chairman and former MP Takam Sanjoy. “We have high regard for the Supreme Court to grant citizenship to Chakma-Hajong though foreigners, but we do not agree to their permanent settlement in Arunachal, not against grating citizenship to the foreigners but strongly oppose and object their forceful permanent settlement in this cent percent tribal land, protected by several laws and the purely indigenous tribal population are peace loving, simple and innocent and demand the Govt. of India to take immediate appropriate measure to resettle them in some other parts of the country and protect the tribal right, cultures of this strategic and sensitive landlocked tribal state from outside influence,” said the resolutions. “Condemning Kalikho Pul’s conversation, whose audio clip has been doing rounds creat-
Tuki team claimed it has 31 MLAs A Staff Reporter Naharlagun, Jan 4
Congress technically has 31 MLAs - 26 with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and MLAs with the dissident. What sarkar they were trying to form? If they do, they would be disqualified under the Anti-Disqualification
Arunachal Political Crisis Over 30,000 people today demanded immediate recall of Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa at the 'Arunachal People's Adalat (court)'.
BOLD RESOLUTIONS Arunachal People’s Rally’ renamed ‘Arunachal People’s Adalat’ at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium today.
Urged to replace the Governor with a new incumbent with army or external affairs background
and object their forceful permanent settlement in the state.Demand to resettle them in some other parts of the country.
Demanded to recall JP Rajkhowa, the Governor within 24-hour
Not against grating citizenship to the ChakmaHajong but strongly oppose
Condemned Kalikho Pul’s conversation, whose audio
ing lot of hue and cry and touched communal sentiments among the peace loving tribal people, his derogative remarks against a particular community is an attempt to dislodge the
social fabric and harmony and create hatred and division amongst various communities as the video clip clears his attempt to mortgage development by selling projects in ad-
vance to questionable business tycoons for granting money for horse trading/buying MLAs to realise his personal greed of dethroning the popularly elected Govt, and portraying a
cmyk
Demanded the GoAP to take immediate legal action against Kalikho Pul for creating social disharmony, hatred and division. very bad image of Arunachal to the outer world, a condemnable act beyond pardonable, Contd. on Page 3
An earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude has hit north-east India, near its borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, killing at least nine people The quake struck at 04:35 local time (23:05 GMT Sunday) about 29km (18 miles) north-west of Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Strong tremors have been felt across the region. Six of those killed were in
Manipur while Bangladesh reported three deaths. The earthquake was originally reported to have measured 6.8 magnitude. India's Meteorological Department said it struck at a depth of 17km (about 10 miles). The tremor cracked walls and a newly-built six-storey building in Imphal collapsed,
police said. Other buildings were also reported to have been damaged. As well as six people killed, more than were 100 injured in Manipur, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. In the neighbouring Bangladesh, three people were reported dead while dozens were being treated in hospital
EARTHQUAKE IMPACTS Measured 6.8 magnitude, struck at a depth of 17km (about 10 miles). Six killed, more than 100 injured in Manipur while
Bangladesh reported three deaths.
buildings, private houses, a hospital and the city's press club.
The worst affected is the Mother's Market or the 'Ima Keithel' area. It is home to lots of
Many buildings and private houses, number of electricity have been damaged.
Registration of Arunachal CM Health Insurance Card in Diyun Diyun, Jan 4: Arunachal Pradesh CM Health Insurance Scheme (APCMUHIS) enrolment will be done at CHC Diyun on 06/01/16 wednessday from 9 am onward, informed Dr. Mrinal, Chief Medical Officer, CHC Diyun. Mandatory certificates to avail this facility 1. APST should produce atleast votter ID or ST certificate. 2. Non APST should produce PRC/ TRC, or ration card. Central govt employees r not entitled.
clip has touched communal sentiments among the peace loving tribal people.
Earthquake hits Manipur, strong tremors felt across the Northeast Imphal , Jan 4
National Disaster Response Force team and central and state government forces are working together in the relief-rescue operation in earthquake-hit areas of the northeast.
NORTHEAST REGION, VULNERABLE FOR QUAKE The region has a history of powerful earthquakes caused by the northward collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Eurasian Plates are mov-
Law,” he said to clarify that the dissident included total 18 MLAs, 11 BJP, 2 independent and 5 Congress MLAs - not 34 MLAs to deny the opposition’s claim and cautioned that the five could be disqualified for violating party norms, informed the Rally Organising Committee Chairman and former MP Takam Sanjoy.
ing towards each other at a rate of 4-5 cm per year. In 2005, a magnitude 7.6 quake in Pakistan-administered Kashmir left more than
75,000 people dead. In April 2015, Nepal suffered its worst earthquake on record with 9,000 people killed and about 900,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
for injuries sustained during the quake. A 23-year-old man died when he suffered a stroke after the quake while two others died of heart attacks, news agency AFP quoted police as saying. A university student, who jumped from a fourth-floor balcony to escape, was among the critically wounded, the agency added. I was woken up by a terrible jolt and felt my building shake. We ran out into the street below. It was a complete scene of panic: people were fleeing their homes, and shouting. Several buildings have collapsed in Imphal, and many others have suffered structural damage. The worst affected appears to be the Mother's Market or the 'Ima Keithel' area. It is home to lots of buildings, private houses, a hospital and the city's press club. Many of them have been damaged in the quake and the entire area has been cordoned off. A number of buildings there have been evacuated. A number of electricity lines have been damaged and many areas are without power. At the main regional hospital in Imphal, 37 people have been admitted with injuries. This, in my experience, is the worst quake to hit Imphal. Deepak Shijagurumayum, a resident of Imphal, told AFP by phone that his house was severely damaged by the quake. "Almost everyone was asleep when it struck and were thrown out of their beds," Mr Shijagurumayum said. "People were crying and praying in the streets and in open spaces. Hundreds remained outdoors for several hours fearing aftershocks." Contd. on Page 4
Agencies working together in rescue ops, says Rijiju ANI Imphal, Jan 4
Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday asserted that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and central and state government forces are working together in the reliefrescue operation in earthquake-hit areas of the northeast. “The Principal Secretary (Home) has briefed me that the damage could be more…there is likely to be more casualties. Reports from other areas are also reaching. I am going to meet the CM and get an official briefing. The PM has sent me. After the assessment, our NDRF team, central forces and state government forces are working together,” Rijiju told ANI here. Contd. on Page 4
Earthquake impact in Assam A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 4
At least 20 people suffered minor injuries in Guwahati and other parts of Assam when a quake hit the north-eastern region this morning. Cracks developed in some buildings across Assam as the temblor hit around 4.35 a.m. with its epicentre in Manipur's Tamenglong district.
Complete story on Page 4
Hearing on stay order of 17th December 2015 adjourned until tomorrow A Staff Reporter/PTI Guwahati, Jan 4
The Gauhati High Court today heard a batch of interlocutory applications filed by Arunachal Pradesh Assembly's Deputy Speaker Kalikho Pul and some MLAs to vacate or modify the Court's earlier order of keeping the Assembly's December 16 proceedings in abeyance. Justice B K Sharma, after hearing the applications, fixed the case for further hearing tomorrow. The High Court had on December 21 given an order directing not to hold any session till January 4, 2016 of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly after hearing a batch of interlocutory applications filed by the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and some MLAs. The interlocutory applications were a prayer to vacate/ modify the court's interim order dated December 17 last on the ground that under Article 212, the proceedings of any legislature of a state cannot be interfered with by the court. The applicants had stated that the court had interfered with its interim order keeping in abeyance the decision(s) of the session held on December 16, 2015. The writ petition by the
Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, Nabam Rebia, was filed challenging the notification issued by Governor J P Rajkhowa on December 9 preponing the assembly session to December 16 from January 14, 2016 and also the notification issued by the Deputy Speaker restoring the suspended 14 MLAs. The writ petition had also challenged the order of the Deputy Speaker for holding of the session at a new place and the decision(s) of the December 16 session. Justice Hrishikesh Roy, after hearing the case on December 17, had issued notice and in the interim kept in abeyance the decisions of the assembly passed in the December 16 session and had fixed the case for hearing on February 1, 2016. A political crisis was triggered in Arunachal Pradesh with 21 of the 47 Congress MLAs in the 60-member House, along with 11 BJP and two independent MLAs, extended support to the Deputy Speaker. The Deputy Speaker was elected the Chief Minister in a session preponed by Governor J P Rajkhowa to December 16 from January 14, 2016 and held in makeshift premises, following which the Speaker filed a petition challenging both the notifications.
Smuggling of timber goes unabated in Tinsukia Lakhs of timber seized case registered Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 4
Acting on a tip-off Tinsukia and Hijuguri police on Monday seized huge quantity of illegal timber being smuggled from Kakopathar to Jorhat, exposing how the illegal timber business is going on unabated across the district. According to sources, Hijuguri police forcefully stopped a truck (bearing no AS 01 GC 2825) infront of Hijuguri police outpost after it jumped signal shown by Tinsukia police. The truck was full of timber and the driver failed to show any legal document following which police seized the timber along with the timber and detained driver of the truck, Shyam Chettri, added sources. Speaking to ET correspondent Hijuguri outpost incharge said that Tinsukia po-
lice station officer-in-charge tipped them of a truck fleeing to Hijuguri direction after jumping signal to stop. Immediately, a check naka was established right infront of the police outpost and the truck was stopped, he added. He said that on checking truck was found to be loaded with timber worth lakhs of rupees and the driver failed to show any documents, hence, we seized the entire goods and lodged a case. During the investigation it has been found out that the timber belonged to one Binod Dutta of Kakopathar, the police officer said. It must be noted that timber mafia's are active in Tinsukia district and eastern Arunachal posing a great threat to the environment. Allegations are often leveled of involvement of some forest and police officials in the illegal business.
cmyk
ANI Naharlagun, Jan 4
PAGE 2
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
4th Bhairabkunda festival at Udalguri from Jan. 20 Shajid Khan Tangla,Jan 4: The 4th Bhairabkunda Tourism Festival will be held from January 20 to 23 at Bhairabkunda a beautiful picnic spot on the foothills of Indo-Bhutan border. The three day programme includes cultural exchange between Bodaland Territorial Council, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Seminars, exhibitioncum-sales by local self help groups, half marathon race from Udalguri to Bhairabkunda, inter district wrestling competition and host of other events. An executive committee meeting of the festival organizing panel was held on Saturday which was chaired by Chairman Rihon Daimari,MLA of
A scenic view of Bhairabkunda. Pic - Shajid Khan
Udalguri LAC. It is to be mentioned that Bhairabkunda is just 20 km from Udalguri town. Situated on IndiaBhutan international border, Bhairabkunda is known as a picnic hot spot for its unmatched
scenic beauty since long back. Thousands of nature loving people visit Bhairabkunda every year to share romantic moments with nature. Perhaps time itself dances in the tune of fast flowing roaring waves of Dhansiri river. People
could also taste the hilly fishes of Dhansiri river. Walking along the streets of Daifam, a small Bhutan township is worth mentioning. One can easily experience the thrill of visiting a foreign country with-
out passport or visas. Bhairabkunda now is a small town having many government offices. A tourist lodge has also been constructed at Bhairabkunda for tourists. The festival will be organised by Bhairabkunda Tourist Centre and it is sponsored by Tourism department of BTC. The festival organized with a purpose to put Bhairabkunda with its natural beauty on the tourism map of country has already caught attention of people who long for holidaying at a spacious and hygienic atmosphere in the lap of nature. A tourist lodge has also been constructed at Bhairabkunda for tourists. It may be noted that the first Bhairabkunda festival was held in March, 2005 where thousands of people from various places took part.
Tezpur bhogali mela Assam Rifles provides sports ET Correspondent Tezpur, Jan 4 : The NGO Rupayan social Welfare society is organizing a bhogali mela in association with the various self help groups of Sonitpur district on with a four day programme from 10 January at Tezpur Hem Baruah Hall. The secretary of the Rupayan social welfare society Lakhya Jyoti Kalita stated in a release that the mela is organized with motivate the producers in increasing and popularizing the production of homemade products. The event will be inaugurated at 12 noon of 10th of January by the Deputy commissioner Sonitpur, Laya Maduri.
The home-made products like Sunga pitha, curd, Sira, Kumol Saul, pure mustard oil, including hand weaved gamusa, mekhela sador, etc will be made available at reasonable prices. The president of the Rupayan social welfare society, Deepjyoti Rajkhowa Bora urged all concerned to extend their cooperation to make the Bhogali Mela a grand success. She also stated that the mela is organized mainly to empower the women folk of the district economically. The self help groups are requested to contact over 9435185347, 9706725326, 9435506345, 9854020027 to be a part of this Bhogali Mela.
Pathankot had exposed chinks in nation's security set up. A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 4 : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the Pathankot attack by Pakistan terrorists has exposed the chinks in the country’s security set up and called for overhaul of the security set up to foil the sinister designs of certain forces who are out to tear asunder the territorial integrity of the country. In a statement here today, Chief Minister Gogoi said the Pathankot attack by Pakistan terrorists has exposed the chinks in the country’s security set up and took the Modi-led Government completely
unawares. Moreover, the attack came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise stopover in Lahore to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif to create bonhomie and camaraderie literally caught the Prime Minister on the wrong foot. “In the wake of the Pathankot attack, the Modi-led Government has to overhaul the internal security to foil the sinister designs of forces inimical to the country’s territorial integrity. It calls for serious introspection and is an eyeopener for Modi-led Government,” he added
items to Govt. ME schools
ET Correspondent, Haflong Jan 4: Continuing with assistance to local populace of Dima Hasao District, 38 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 22 Sect AR has taken a keen interest and provided sports items which include Footballs, Volleyballs, Football nets and Volleyball nets to government ME schools at
village Langting and Harangajao, Dima Hasao District on Jan 4 as part of the Assam Rifles Civic Action Programme aimed at providing assistance to schools for promotion of sports activities to the children in the area. 38 Assam Rifles is making all efforts to promote the
image of Assam Rifles since its induction and has undertaken various goodwill projects to alleviate the problems of the locals and resuscitate the existing facilities in the district. The people conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for this gesture shown by the Assam Rifles and pledged their support towards the Armed Forces.
Tree plantation drive in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 4: With a view to make our environment clean and green a tree plantation drive was taken out in Golaghat on Sunday. Bollywood producer and writer Biswajit Bora took an initiative in joint collaboration with a Mumbai based NGO named Centre for En-
vironmental Research and Assam based NGO All and Sundry. The plantation drive was started at the premises of Golaghat Jatiya Mahavidyalaya where several persons from various fields took part in the plantation drive. The saplings were planted at 142 Bn camp of CRPF in
Jonakinagar . The Mumbai based NGO has planted more than 600 saplings in different parts of Maharashtra before coming to Golaghat. People appreciated noble mission of the NGO and Abhishek Boney Singha of Assam based NGO and All and Sundry for such initiative.
Dima Hasao to approach Railway for train service in between New Haflong and Guwahati ET Correspondent, Haflong Jan 4: As the people of Dima Hasao felt that the recently introduced B G fast Passenger between Guwahati and Silchar was not at all beneficial to the people of the district as the train originated from Guwahati or Silchar failed to provide single seat for the people, the Jadikhe Naisho Hosom, Dimasa Apex body in association with various Apex bodies and NGOs of the district held a serious discussion under the chairmanship of Sri Kailen Daolagupu, President, JNH at Cultural Institute hall on Monday. The meeting was attended by Hamjanan Langthasa, Mahendra Kemprai, and former executive members, N C Hills Autonomous
Council, K. Dibragede, Senior Citizen, Anup Kumar Biswas, etc. along with representatives from various organizations and communities. All the speakers while discussing the problems faced by the people of Dima Hasao in terms of railway communication expressed concern over the attitude of the Railway authority as the BG left out the entire area from Mahur to Harangajao causing immense sufferings for the people of at least 260 villages. They were deprived of any kind of communication since this section was having only M G railway communication. After long persuasions of the people there, the railway authority sanctioned a project in the name ‘Heri-
tage line’ from Mahur to Harangajao but irony of the fact that this project was suddenly dropped without assigning any reasons. After prolonged discussion it was resolved that a memorandum would be submitted to the Railway authority through the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao on January 11th detailing the grievances of the people of Dima Hasao and also suggestion of introducing a train from New Haflong to Guwahati and vis-à-vis and also the revival of Mahur-Harangajao heritage line. The meeting also decided to go for agitational programme if the railway authority did not pay any heed to their demands.
Carcass of Black panther recovered at Dibrujan Tinsukia veterinary hospital for autopsy. Sources said in the morning while crossing from Dibruhjan Tea estate a worker of the Tea estate saw the carcass of the Black Panther, he immediately informed to the owner of the Tea estate Bhai Kachari. Kachari later informed the forest official.
The Carcass of Black panther recovered at Dibrujan. Pic - Hira Phukon A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 4: A carcass of a rare black panther was today recovered from Dibrujan Tea estate of Khatangpani
range under Doomdooma Forest Division in Tinsukia District. According to sources there were no injury marks on the body
of the panther. The local people suspected that the panther was poisoned to death and they have demanded for an enquiry. The body was sent to
Local NGO members said that the magnificent died because of the increase of human wildlife conflict. They urged the concerned department to take awareness programme among the people of the forest villages. A Black panther is the melanistic color variant
of any panther species. Melanistic leopards are the most common from black panther in captivity and they have been selrctively bred for decacdes in the Zoo and exotic pet trade. Melanistic leopards are the most common form of Black Panther in captivity and they have been selectively bred for decades in the zoo and exotic pet trades.
Name change SOB BAHADUR BORA have changed my name to SOB BAHADUR BUDHA MAGAR vide affidavit dated 5th January 2016.
UP IN ARMS
BJP workers in Sivasagar protest arrest of party workers in Guwahati. Pic - Neelam Kakoty Mazumdar
ASTRO FOR YOU Just grab any chance you get to demonstrate your expressive abilities, as it will fetch widespread appreciation. Something about your children may make you proud. However, do not neglect the aged members of your family. This day, your heart is likely to rule your head. You will be driven by your moods feelings and sentiments. Most of the decisions will be based on your emotions, instead of your reason and experience. On no account should you be hasty or impulsive. As far as possible do not allow your feelings to interfere in your plans and decisions. If you have children, they will be a pampered lot today. Your affection, however, may not have its desired impact. Children are known to be unpredictable, but keep an eye on their activities, especially today. You may entertain your loved ones with a sumptuous dinner tonight. Your creative side will do well for itself. Your career will reach a decisive moment. You can expect a transfer, promotion or pay hike. Alongside your responsibilities will also increase. A chance of new job is also indicated. You can reject a tempting job offer. Friendships are supposed to last forever. But it all depends on whether or not the friend is around when most needed. Today, your pals may turn to you for help, and sure enough, you will be there to extend all the support you can. Get ready to make new acquaintances today, some of whom may go on to become life-long friends. You are the banner carrier for those around you today, giving hope and inspiring. Clad yourself in robes of the perfect family man. This should spread warmth and love, and will work wonders in improving relationships. Call it two sides of the same coin, but today, you shall have the uncanny desire to be your own master and servant. But this day is all set to be animated and eventful and full of life. Expect a few run-ins with the opposite sex, as you are bound to attract quite a few of them, mainly because of your killer good looks. Hitting the gym pays its dividends. You may find yourself sulking in your shell today. One event or another may lead you to shut out work. Hindsight and bitterness will not lead you anywhere, so you must steer clear of negativity. Soul searching and inner cleansing may best be complimented with meditation and yoga. A nice, easy and pleasant day is on the cards. Your professional approach will bring you much appreciation, especially in the way you handle complicated problems. The way you balance people’s opinions will help you make many friends. Recognition and rewards are awaiting you at work, and unlike in most cases, colleagues won’t be envious of your success. They will, in fact, provide the much-needed motivation for taking up new and challenging projects. For those of you looking to switch jobs, wait awhile, this may not be the right time. You will be showered with better job opportunities, but it will be wise of you to wait till you strike the right deal. Today, you social butterflies will set hearts fluttering! Also, whatever you have been working on will reach completion now. You do have a great vision, but you’re lost when it comes to executing your plans. Being a friend in need is what today will be about. Making new acquaintances and associations is also on the cards. Try not to let jealousy mar your better judgement while you are at it.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
5-1-16 (TUESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-50 A.M-Tokari Geet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Song) 12-15 P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Path Hoise Bikashor" 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 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raaijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Chah Shramikar Aasor 8-00 P.M-Krira Jagat-Sports News by Sobhit Kumar Chetry 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan (Literary Magazine Programme) 10-00 P.M-Classical Music Sd-/H.O.P
PAGE 3
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
Two NSCN(R) cadre apprehended
Recall Arunachal Governor within 24 hours: People’s Adalat Contd. from Page 1
The arms and ammunition recovered from the possession of the arrested millitants. ET Photol
ET Correspondent Khonsa Jan 4: 1st Assam Rifles along with representative of Assam Rifles field intelligence Unit and local police jointly conducted a search operation and arrested two cadres of NSCN (Reformation) at Kheti village in Tirap district today. Two cadres arrested on January 3 by the Security Force have been identified as SS Lt Wingan Agan (26) and SS Sergeant Damwang of NSCN (R) faction all from Tirap district. One assault Rifle, one automation pistol with ammunition and extortion note and extortion receipt of NSCN (R) were recovered from their possession. Local residents said that these cadres had been threatening local populace and carrying out rampant extortion by showing weapon. They also said that
all the reformation group members including their leadership in south Arunachal Pradesh in the district of Londing, Tirap and Changlang has started threatening local populace and is also carrying out rampant forced recruitment and extortion. This is the 2nd successful operation launched by 1st Assam Rifles in Tirap district. In an earlier operation on 19 Nov 2015. Security Forces recovered 01 Automatic Pistol, Ammunition, round stamp and appointment stamp of NSCN (Reformation) faction, extortion money and several undelivered and delivered extortion notes on the factions letter head addressed to public and government official were recovered from Kheti village, Tirap district. With this regard and FIR 61 dated 20/11/ 2015 is already at Khonsa Police Station by the Security Forces.
we demand the GoAP to take immediate legal action against him for creating social disharmony, hatred and division,” the resolutions added. Sanjoy earlier said, “Mother Earth respected this event by massive earthquake at 6.8 Richter scale at 4.37 am today but without any incident in Arunachal.” Referring to the Constitution, he said the Assembly was summoned during January 14 -18 with the approval of
Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers. “Congress technically has 31 MLAs - 26 with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and MLAs with the dissident. What sarkar they were trying to form? If they do, they would be disqualified under the Anti-Disqualification Law,” he said to clarify that the dissident included total 18 MLAs, 11 BJP, 2 independent and 5 Congress MLAs - not 34 MLAs to deny the opposition’s claim and cautioned that the five could be disqualified for violating party norms. “Any Congress MLAs & MPs violating party
and control of fire accidents , current power crisis in the district, final mop up round for enrollment under Chief Ministers Universal Health Insurance Scheme and mass mobilization for active participation in the regular social service conducted during sec-
ideologies should face party’s disciplinary action,” he said. “The gathering said in Delhi for last four months. They are con-
templating to quit for midterm polls. If they resign, there would be byelections,” he added. Pointing out when the Governor cannot address
the Assembly without approved by the Cabinet then how Rajkhowa dared to impose martial law in a democratic country, only seen in China, Sanjoy
asked the gathering if the Governor should be removed within 24 hours or not. The gathering stood raising their hands in support.
Unemployed youth to undergo skill development training Seppa, Jan 4 : One hundred unemployed youth of East Kameng District have been sel e c t e d t o u n d e rg o three months training on computer courses under National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) at Kameng institute vocational training and computer
education, Seppa with an objective to provide an asset to the youth in the forms of skills for sustainable livelihood. The training shall be provided by team lease service limited under the supervision of District Urban Development Agency & Housing.
Tawang prepares to celebrate Republic Day Tawang, Jan 4 : 4thJan'16 : In a meeting to chalk out programme for the ensuing Republic Day , other important issues of the District were also put forth for discussion by the Deputy Commissioner, Tawang Duly Kamduk which included prevention
Dignataries seated on the dias during the rally.
ond Saturdays. He also informed the gathering about the mandatory nature of high security registration of vehicles failing which the defaulters would be brought to book. He added that mobile courts would be set up from 20th Jan'16 for the purpose .Further, he
While briefing the trainees at Kameng Hall, Seppa today, DC Sandeep Kumar Singh advised them to be sincere and take the training seriously so as start a business for self- reliance. He was optimistic to see that the selected train-
ees shall fully devote and attend the complete training period in order to gain computer skills enabling them to work in the direction. He also advised them to develop communication skills with positive mindset and get settled in time for bright future. He
also advised them to shunned bad things rather should go for good works.
He asked the training provider to submit the attendance of the trainees from time to time. He said that an interactive session shall be kept after the completion of the training period with distribution of certificates. DIPRO
Dy. Director, DUDA E r. Ta k a r Ta c h a n g asked the trainees to put up cent percent efforts so as to gain knowledge from the training programme.
RKM Celebrates 163rd Birthday of Maa Sarada Devi
cautioned everyone from participating in the conduct of lottery which otherwise is seen as a regular feature during festive seasons. The meeting was attended by Chairperson, Zilla Parishad Sri.Jambey Tsering, HoDs,GBs and PRI members. DIPRO.
Mothers' Vision on Monitoring Spree to ensure Dry Days Aalo Jan 4: The M o t h e r ' s Vi s i o n i n collaboration with Galo Welfare Society Aalo unit, Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society Aalo unit and Paktu Ao Youth
Welfare Association (PAYWA) constantly monitored the observance of four days Dry Day at Aalo Town wef from 30th Dec.2015 to 2nd January last. They
voluntarily checked all the wine shop and Gumties and seized all illegal liquor and Gutkas along with police personal of Aalo. T h e o rg a n i z a t i o n s thanked the district
administration, police, wine shop owners and each and every individual for their moral support and corporation for successful d r y. Aalo Jan 4: The 163rd birthday celebration of (DIPRO) Sri Maa Sarada Devi was held in Ramakrishna Mission, Aalo on 1st Jan last. Various programmes were organised in the Main Prayer Hall and 350 well-wishers and admirers of the Mis-
Northeast Militants’ Hand in Arunachal Political Crisis Itanagar, Jan, 4: At least three dominant insurgent groups of the Northeast are being watched by the home ministry for their alleged role in the ongoing political crisis in Arunachal Pradesh.
party fold.
of Ulfa, NSCN(K), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) and Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), has extended support to the Nabam Tuki camp.
Refusing to divulge the names of the legislators, security sources, however, claimed that the NSCN (I-M) has played a proactive role in influencing 12 Congress legislators who deserted The Arunachal Legislative Assembly has been Referring to intercepts Mr Tuki recently. witness to several poand technical inputs, authoritative security Pointing out that out of litical upheavals that sources said that some 21 Congress legislators have often resulted in Congress legislators challenging the leader- political crises, even were found to have ship of chief minister toppling governments. been approaching anti- Nabam Tuki, 12 are Current CM Nabam Tirap and Tuki, who is facing an talks factions of Ulfa from and the NSCN-K in Changlang districts, se- uprising himself, was Tirap and Changlang curity sources said the instrumental in topdistricts asking them to United Liberation Front pling the Jarbom use their influence to of West South East Gamlin government in persuade 12 Congress Asia, a new militant 2011. It is significant MLAs from the dis- platform comprising that security agencies tricts to return to the the anti-talks factions had come across simi-
RKM Celebrates 163rd Birthday of Maa Sarada Devi
sion attended the programme. An elaborate Puja, Homa and devotional songs were sung and performed by the Sadhus, Brahmacharis, staffs and students of the Mission. Managing Committee members of the school also at-
tended the celebrations. The programme started with Vedic chanting and Stotras by monks followed by reading of life and teachings of Sri Maa Sarada Devi in Hindi language. A photo exhibition on
life and teaching of Sri Maa Sarada Devi was also arranged for the visitors. In the evening, special Aarati was performed along with Sankirtan and bhajans. Sweets nd blankets were also distributed to all casual labourers of the school. (DIPRO)
Hardcore criminals arrested from Miao market
lar inputs when the Gamlin government Miao, Jan 4: In a major included two women, from Habel Ud Din-36 years, denominations from marbreakthrough, a team of Miao-Kharsang area for Shri Amin Ul Islam-19 ket and possession of acwas toppled. The security sources, however, regretted that the involvement of insurgent groups in a political crisis may provide them with funds desperately sought by the militants. Meanwhile, the Gauhati high court will be hearing a case regarding the Arunachal Pradesh political crisis on Monday. In its last order the court has directed Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia not to exercise any of his powers in his capacity as Speaker till January 4. (Agencies)
police consist of L/SI Bharti Mingki, SI Hage Lodder, SI Umeshan C and other ranks of Miao and Kharsang Police station under command of Shri Mihin Gambo, SDPO, Miao has arrested five hardcore criminals which
their role in circulating a high quality fake Indian currency note (FCIN) at Miao market on 1st Jan last. The accused have been identified as Shri Ali Ahammad- 52 years, Shri
years and two women. All the arrested accused have come from Satarakanara viilage, PO/ PS Baghbar, District Barpeta, Assam. The police have recovered and seized 21 Nos high quality FCIN of five hundred
cused along with two Nos mobile handset, Indian currency and other goods. Accordingly, a criminal case vides Miao PS c/no02/16 U/S-489 (B) 489 (C) IPC has been registered at Miao Police Station.
Puto Bui, an independent candidate won ZPM seat at Daporijo Daporijo, Jan 4: The seat of the ZPM, 10th Gusar Anchal Samity , which was vacated as per the instructions of the High Court, was filled with the win of
Puto Bui, an independent candidate by a margin of 231 votes. He defeated the sitting ZPM Jumli Dugi of INC.
The Re- election was notified on 7th December, poll day was on 28th December and counting was done on 30th December 2015 by the Returning Of-
ficer Otem Jamoh. Puto Bui has done his B. A(Hons), L.L.B and L.L.M. and is an advocate of the Guahati High Court. (DIPRO)
PAGE 4
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
ABSU opposes Government’s move to facilitate Boro people living outside BTAD with Boro-Kochari development council Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Jan 4 : The All Bodo Student’s Union (ABSU) has strongly opposed the government’s move to facilitate the Boro People living outside the BTAD area with Boro-Kochari autonomous council. In a press note Khaneswar Boro, General Secretary of Sonitpur District committee ABSU expressing sharp reaction on the government’s move in this regard said that it is nothing but a political conspiracy to dominate the long pending Bodoland demand and to create an environment of division among the Bodos through some so called leaders of the district having vested interest. It is to be mentioned here that on 1st January the state chief minister Tarun Gogoi announced that the Bodos living outside the BTAD area will be facilitated with special financial package by creating Boro-Kochari autonomous development council. The office bearer of the students’ body stated that the State Government is trying to play vote-bank politics just ahead of the forthcoming assembly poll 2016 with sentiment of Boro people which is very unfortunate. He questioned the state government and the BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary that the state government which was totally reluctant to the burning issues of Bordos including the long pending issue creation of a separate Boroland, creation of separate directorate for the Boro Medium schools, land patta to the people living in the forest areas in Sonitpur district, and facilities of school and colleges, drinking water facilities, electrification, road communication etc. through panchayatiraj system during the last three consecutive term of congress regime in the state, how it suddenly become so sympathetic to-
wards the Bodos just ahead of the Asembly Poll. “It is nothing, but an election publicity stunt and we the Sonitpur District ABSU strongly oppose the move. Because we have been observing that some vested interest circles, including tainted individual like the BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, are behind the proposed move as if the long pending demand of creation of a separate Bodoland is fulfilled their personal interest will be affected. But Bodoland issue is a question of dignity, feelings and emotion of the Bodos.” He said further reacting to the Hagrama Mohilary’s declaration of seat sharing with the BJP outside BTAD. He said, “Hagrama Mohilary is not the supreme authority to give a political decision to the Bodo people outside BTAD area, they will take their own decision as they know their political responsibility. We know that Hagrama Mohilary has no any political mission and vision, he needs only to survive politically and enjoy the power.” He also questioned that if the BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary had a sense of belonging and political responsibility why did he not visit during the Bhimajuli Killing and December 23, 2015 to sustain the peace and harmony among the common people thereby upholding the age old relationship between the Bodos and other communities living in the region? “We urge all concerned including Tarun Gogoi, Hagrama Mohilary and the the vested circles to remain away from such move so that genuine issues for which Bodos have been fighting for the years with a “Do or Die” motto.” The ABSU leader said adding if the concerned are seen moving for it they will have to face consequence.
16 boogies AC train on climate arrives at Mariani
A volunteer explains about books on display on the Science Express. Pic - UB Photo. ET Correspondent Jorhat, Jan 4: Running on rails the redesigned Science Express is running over 2,70,000 kms on the tracks, the Science Express, the train on Climatic Action Special,with collaborative initiative by the Department of Science and TechnologyMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climatic Change, Department of Biotechnology and Ministry of Railways-Government of India, 16 boogies AC train along with 342 staff members reached Mariani Junction this morning under Jorhat district near here today which is second stoppage in Assam. Soon after the arrival of the train local students, teachers, members from various institutes, organization thronged to the train that carries all about science. It is the state –of- the- art exhibition abroad the Science ExpressClimate Action Special and it aims to create awareness from the North to south and west to east as to how climate change can be combated through mitigation and adaptation. The Science Express so far made six records during its seven phases. In the first phase in 217 days it covered 15000 km with 57 halts with 22.53 lakh visitors visited the train from 30th Oct 2007 to June 04 2008. In the phase II in 182 days it covered 17000 km with 51 halts
and 12.37 lakh visitors visited between 30 Nov 2008 to 30 May 2009. Phase III in 208 days the train covered 18000 km with 56 halts and covered 16.20 lakh visitors between 2nd Oct 2009 to 27 April 2010. In Phase IV in 194 days it covered 18000 km with 57 halts and covered 12.48 lakh visitors between 4th Dec 2011 to 16 June 2011. Since the fifth phase which was on Bio diversity special that continued for three consecutive years. In the phase V in 205 days 18000 km with 52 halts 24.2lakh visitors between dates from 5th June 2012 to 22nd Dec 2012. In the phase VI in 204 days it covered 19000 km with 62 halts 22.2 lakh visitors between 9th April 2013 to 20th Oct 2013. In the phase VII the train could reach 23.17 lakh visitors in 56 halts in 194 days within 17000 km from 28th July 2014 to 6th Feb 2015. As the phase VIII is underway so far it completed 26 halts to complete 64 halts within km of 190800 between 15 Oct 2015 to 7th May 2016. The train is schedule to reach New Tinsukia junction and communicate with young generation and make them aware about the climatic change pattern on 6th and 7thJanuary next, informed communicators from Science Express Climatic Action Special team.
Earthquake hits Manipur, strong tremors felt across the Northeast Contd. from Page 1
Shaking was felt as far away as Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), 600km (370 miles) away. "Many people
were seen coming out of their homes in panic," local resident Rabin Dev told AFP news agency. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he had spoken to the
region's chief ministers and federal Home Minister Rajnath Singh "on the situation arising in the wake of the earthquake". Casualties have not yet been reported on the
Myanmar side of the border, which is sparsely populated. The region has a history of powerful earthquakes caused by the northward
collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. They are moving towards each other at a rate of 4-5 cm per year. In 2005, a magnitude 7.6 quake in Pakistan-administered Kashmir left more
than 75,000 people dead. In April 2015, Nepal suffered its worst earthquake on record with 9,000 people killed and about 900,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
Agencies working together Earthquake impact in Assam in rescue ops, says Rijiju Contd. from Page 1
“Once the assessment is done, I will come back on this. We will decide what necessary, urgent step is to be taken. State government is doing their job and we are putting additional forces from our side,” he added. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also assured that the Centre will extend all possible help to the affected states. The Home Minister briefed Prime Minister Modi over phone about the situation and the steps taken for rescue and relief. In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “NDRF team has been instructed to move from Guwahati to the areas affected by the earthquake.” Meanwhile, Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retd.) V.K. Singh condoled the loss of lives following the devastating
earthquake. “My heartfelt condolences to the families that have been affected by the devastating #earthquake in the #NorthEastern part of India,” Singh said on Twitter. Seismology Scientist, P.R. Vaid, said that the earthquake was 17 kilometers deep and moderate damage was expected within 100 kilometers of the epicenter. "Today morning an earthquake struck Manipur at 4:35 am. According to our national network, the earthquake measured 6.7 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was at the ManipurAssam border, which is 3035 kilometer north-west of Imphal," said Vaid. Vaid added that the entire northeastern region was a sensitive area and fell under Seismic Zone 5- the zone with highest seismicity. Portions of walls, staircase and roofs in some
buildings collapsed in Imphal. People rushed out of their homes and crowded in the streets and on the roads. Doctors were seen attending to injured, including children. Similar scenes were witnessed in Siliguri town of West Bengal. People braved cold on the streets and refused to return to their homes fearing aftershocks. "Everybody has come out in the open. Everybody has two to three storey houses here and everybody is scared now," said Babu Lal, a resident. Help poured in from all sides as locals took to clearing debris and civil society volunteers came forward to help the doctors treat the injured. "I was at home when the earthquake struck and soon after I came here to help with treating the injured," said Tutul Longdeb, a volunteering paramedic.
At least 20 people suffered minor injuries in Guwahati and other parts of Assam when a quake hit the north-eastern region this morning.
Cracks developed in some buildings across Assam as the temblor hit around 4.35 a.m. with its epicentre in Manipur's Tamenglong district.Chief Executive Officer of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) P.K. Tiwary said about 20 people received minor injuries in Guwahati town. Several buildings developed cracks during the earthquake in Fancy Bazar in Guwahati triggering a panic among the people of the area. One person was killed due to the panic triggered stampede that took place in Pandu area in Guwahati after the earthquake. The victim was identified as Niranjan Das. Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF) teams have been rushed to earthquake hit areas of Northeast early on Monday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in Guwahati as he took stock of the situation.
The Home Ministry is actively monitoring the situation after the earthquake in the Northeastern region. NDRF teams, including from Guwahati, have rushed to the affected areas, he said. Singh was in Guwahati last night as part of his two-day trip to Assam and experienced the quake. The Home Minister briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone about the situation and the steps taken for rescue and relief. The Prime Minister said in a tweet that he has asked Singh to oversee the situation arising out of the quake. Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday announced that he was thoroughly monitoring the situation following the massive earthquake in Northeast In-
dia and that the Centre would provide complete support to the affected areas. “The Prime Minister called me at 6 am today and told me to assess the situation in all the states. I am trying to contact all the Chief Ministers and so far I have spoke to the Assam CM. I am having trouble contacting Manipur’s CM but I have spoken to their Chief Secretary and he told that the situation is not too serious right now,” Rajnath told the media. “I am trying to contact people and am monitoring the situation. The Central Government will provide complete support and aid to all the affected areas,” the Home Minister said. Six people have been killed so far after a 6.8magnitude earthquake struck near the IndiaMyanmar border around 4:30 am today with the epicentre in Tamenglong district of Manipur.
Gogoi holds high level meeting in quake aftermath A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 4 : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi held a high level meeting to review the situation in the aftermath of the earthquake that shook Assam in the wee hours today. The strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake epicentred in Manipur hit Assam, causing damage to buildings and triggering panic. In the high level review meeting with Chief Secretary, VK Pipersenia and other senior officials, Chief Minister Gogoi took stock of the situation and directed the officials to take all
possible measures to meet any exigency. Gogoi underscored the need to create mass awareness among the people so that they could respond properly in case of any major tremor. Besides the Chief Secretary, the meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to CM, MGVK Bhanu, Commissioner & Secretary Revenue & Disaster Management, Ajay Tewari, Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Metro), Dr. M. Angamathu and Police Commissioner, Mukesh Agarwal. Later the
Gogoi enquiring about the condition of a person injured during the earthquake at GMCH. Pic - UB Photos
CRU meets starts today ET Correspondent Jorhat, Jan 4: The 22nd central conference CRU (NER) was kicked off with flag hoisting followed by a cultural procession throughout the main through fare of Jorhat. The processionwas flagged off by CRU district president Pradip Sarkar. An hour long open session followed with talks delivered by FMRAI general secretary Dr. Alok Kumar Banerjee and CITU’s All India vice-president Hemen Bhatta and along with the delegates discussed about the grievances and its demand for Medical representative working throughout the country and called for its yeoman service at the nook and corner of the region for the
The CRU procession which was taken out in Jorhat today. Pic - Nekib Ahmed people. On Tuesday more brain storming session is
likely to be held with several leaders arriving on the occa-
sion to deliver lecture to voice their grievances.
144 CRPC promulgated ET Correspondent Tezpur, Jan 4 : To maintain law and order the Sonitpur district today promulgated a prohibitory order under 144 CRPC. As per the prohibitory order issued by ADC, NA Kaskar, to be effected
immediately from January 2 five or more than five person will not be allowed gather at the public place. People with movement with arms in the public places, play ground, cinema hall, auditorium etc. is prohibited.
Without prior permission, collection, lottery, holding of meeting at public place, orgainizing rally etc. is not allowed. From 10 Pm to 6 Am playing of mice in high volume is prohibited. Moreover, riding of motor byke
with pillion rider is prohibited in the district. However, government employee, woman, children are relaxed from this restriction. And gathering at the marriage party or domestic occasion is also relaxed.
Chief Minister during his visit to the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital where the quake victims are undergoing treatment directed the superintendent and senior doctors to provide the best of medical care. 18 persons were admitted in the hospital, mostly from Guwahati, in the morning hours, of which 11 were discharged after treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called up Chief Minister Gogoi in the morning and took stock of the situation in the wake of the tremor.
Rangia BJP stage dharna ET Correspondent Rangia, Jan 4: Bharatiya Janata Yuba Morcha staged a dharna in front of Haradutta Biradutta Bhawan today demanding unconditional release of the arrested BJP activists who were arrested by the Assam police on allegations of involvement in the vandalism incident at Rajiv Bhawan, Guwahati and punishment of
former minister Nilmoni Sen Deka. The protest programme was led by Dwipen Talukder, President and Vice President Manoranjan Kalita of North Kamrup district committee. Rajib Sarma, Nipon Bhuyan, Abu Taher Hussain, Gopal Kakoty, Mukul Kalita and other leader and supporters also participated in the protest programme.
RJD to sue PM Modi for committing fraud
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Patna, Jan. 4: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is mulling to register a case of forgery against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly committing breach of trust with people of Bihar by not allocating the promised fund of Rs 1.25 lakh crore. Confirming the reports, a top RJD leader said that the party is deciding to file a complaint against PM Modi for committing fraud with Bihar people in the name of special package. During the 2015 Bihar Assembly polls, the Prime Minister promised to allocate Rs 1.35 lakh crore for the development of Bihar. In addition, Rs 40,000 crore were promised to be sanctioned for completion of ongoing projects in the state. However, Modi is now backtracking from allo-
cating full amount he promised under the name of development and progress. While campaigning for Bihar Assembly polls in August 2015, Modi hold a rally in Arrah and announced an unprecedented package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore for the development of the state, bringing the RJDJDU-Congress combine to boil. (Agencies)
"Top RJD leader said that the party is deciding to file a complaint against PM Modi for committing fraud with Bihar people in the name of special package."
Pathankot: NSG martyr Lt. Col. Niranjan's mortal remains brought to B'luru Bengaluru, Jan 4 : The mortal remains of Lieutenant Colonel Niranjan Kumar, who was martyred during the operation to flush out terrorists from the Pathankot Air Force Base, was brought to his residence here on Monday morning. His body will be taken to his native village in Kerala's Palakkad district later in the day for cremation. The National Security Guard ( NSG) Lt.
Col., who was a member of the bomb disposal squad, was killed yesterday during the combing operations at the Air Force base when a grenade he was trying defuse went off. The terrorist attack at the Pathankot base has claimed the lives of seven security personnel including Commonwealth Gold Medallist Fateh Singh and Garud Commando Gursevak Singh. (ANI)
PAGE 5
REGION
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
Adoption craze in Kolkata zoo fizzles out Kolkata, Jan 4: Abandoned by their foster parents after the craze for adoption fizzled out, many animals, including lions and tigers, in Kolkata Zoo have become orphans once again. This season only a handful - just nine animals have so far been lucky to have found someone to sponsor their living costs in the cage. The picture was different when the 140-year-old zoo started an animal adoption scheme in the middle of 2013 and corporates and animal lovers made a beeline to make a difference in the lives of the animals. "Forty-two animals were adopted right at the beginning. The craze for adopting a tiger or a lion was such that we received more applications than
the number of those animals in the zoo," former zoo director KL Ghosh said. A year later the craze started to wear off and only 12 patrons were found for adopting 25 animals. This year the picture is bleaker as the authorities are struggling to find takers for even their most prized assets. Besides lions, even tigers, elephants, rhinos and leopards - pride of any forest - are waiting for support from a foster parent. "Many of them (patrons) are not renewing their contracts with us. We are trying our best to get as many wildlife lovers on board with us," Zoo director Ashish Kumar Samanta said. Spread over 45 acres in Alipore, the zoo is the country's oldest formally
This season only a handful - just nine animals have so far been lucky to have found someone to sponsor their living costs in the cage.
stated zoological park and is now home to over 1250 animals. Ghosh said the idea behind the adoption scheme is not to generate revenue for the zoo but to create a sense of bonding and attachment between animals and public. "It goes beyond getting corporate sponsorship and tries to attract common people
who love animals and birds. If they cannot afford sponsoring a tiger then they can adopt macaws which come cheap at Rs 10,000," he said. Zoo officials said two tigers and an elephant are among those adopted this season. The zoo has five Bengal tigers and three white ones. Besides three hybrid lions, there is a pair
of Asiatic lions brought from Hyderabad. Animal adopters not only get a certificate along with the adoption card, they also get complimentary passes for zoo entry and the permission to use the animal's photograph for publication. The name of the adopter is also put up on a board near the animal's enclosure. The rate for adopting lion, tiger, elephant, rhino and leopard, all big specie of the jungles, was increased by Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh each last year. "Since the costs
"Forty-two animals were adopted right at the beginning. The craze for adopting a tiger or a lion was such that we received more applications than the number of those animals in the zoo,"
HC to hear issues on security of retd Judges, Lokayukta appointment onMonday Shillong, Jan. 4: Taking a break from the winter vacation, the High Court of Meghalaya will hear the pending cases related to the security to be provided to the retired Judges, the issues related to the appointment of Lokayukta and the delay in setting up of State Human Rights Commission on Monday. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh and Justice TNK Singh will take up the cases on Monday. Earlier, the High Court of Meghalaya while disposing of the order banning bandhs issued on May 27 had asked the Home Ministry to file an appropriate affidavit before January 4 on the issue of protection to be provided to the retired judges. During the hearing on AFSPA related matter on Novem-
ber 2, the High Court had pointed out that Chief Justice and Judges of the High Court were getting veiled threats. The Court had observed, "It may not be proper for us to say anything about our security which is, at present, being looked after by the State. Generally, we put all such anonymous letters into shredders but since two of us are to lay our office in January and February, 2016 and third one in March, 2019, and one cannot claim to be fully safe and secured in the wake of incident of kidnapping of the BDO, brother-in-law of the Superintendent of Police, who is in-charge of High Court security, we expect the Central government to give its response on this issue as well." As there was no response from the Union Home Ministry in
this regard, the Court had asked the Centre to file affidavit after doing categorization of security cover on permanent basis "for the members of the Full Bench (the Chief Justice and two Judges) so that as and when there is a request for security, it can be provided without procedural delay as per such category by the Central government or the State, as the case may be at the place of residence of the Chief Justice and the Judges after their retirement". The Court pointed that this direction was required since the Judges working in North East and dealing with the cases of insurgents are differently placed than the Judges of other parts of the country from the security point of view. The Division Bench will also take up on Monday the pending
issue of establishing State Human Rights Commission and also the inclusion of non judicial member in Lokayukta. During the last hearing, the High Court had asked the Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri to file a comprehensive affidavit before the next hearing on January 4 regarding the stand of government on the inclusion non-judicial members in the list of those who are eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of Lokayukta as per Meghalaya Lokayukta Act,2014 . The High Court wanted only judicial members to be selected to head Lokayukta and was not inclined to allow any non judicial member to be the chairperson of Meghalaya Lokayukta. Advocate General BP Todi during a hearing on December 17 had ad-
mitted that the provision prima facie appears to be creating an anomalous situation, but he did not want to take a stand or express any opinion to be placed on record as he wanted to discuss the matter with the State Government. According to Todi, the first option for appointment of Chairperson of Lokayukta should go to a retired Chief Justice or Judge of High Court, and then, in the case of their non-availability, the post should go to an eminent person. However, the Court, while asking the Chief Secretary to file a comprehensive affidavit in this regard had observed, "We are prima facie satisfied that the provision in question being contrary to the aims and objectives of the enactment is offending and may not be sustainable in the eye of law". (Agencies)
Grand Welcome for ?GNLF? Chief BJP faces 'Shibun' problems Mann Ghising in ?Kurseong? Darjeeling, Jan 4:Following the grand reception received in Kurseong, GNLF Chief Mr. Mann Ghising became emotional. Addressing the adoring public, Mr. Ghising said, "thank you for the warm welcome, your overwhelming love today made me remember my heavenly mother, following her death, it was from Kurseong that we had to take back her dead body down to the plains as GJM workers were sitting on a dharana to prevent her dead body from entering Darjeeling in order to avoid trouble in the
hills, I informed Appa (Late. Subash Ghising) and we decided to go back today I am here and you all have made me feel that my mother stands vindcated thank
you for all that"Mr. Mann Ghising said that in 2007, Late. Subash Ghising did not leave Darjeeling due to fear, he left the hills to avoid another rouns of blood-bath.Mr. Ghising
said that, only 6th Schedule Status for the hills would ensure true autonomy, development and fulfill the aspirations if the hill people. He said that the "bills that reach the Parliamentary Standing Committee are never discarded, so it woule be easier for the hills to gain autonomy via 6th Scheduled Status, as both the Center and the State had at one point in time agreed to the status, so it would be easier to convince the after gaining 6th Scheduled, the path to Gorkhaland statehood would open up." (Agencies)
Shillong, Jan 4: The State unit of BJP is virtually heading for a split following the 'arbitrary' selection of Shibun Lyngdoh as its new president. Crying foul over the latest development, the state council members of the party have petitioned the central leadership demanding revocation of Lyngdoh's nomination to the top post. A resolution adopted on Sunday and subsequently sent to various national leaders of BJP, termed Lyngdoh's nomination as "a dictatorial act and unfair practice carried out by Nalin Kohli, incharge BJP Meghalaya with Mahesh Giri MP as observer and Ranjit
Mazumdar, the BJP cocoordinator of Meghalaya." A statement issued by Ranjit Mazumdar on Saturday had said that Lyngdoh was unanimously elected whereas the party sources said that appointment of the new president was forced upon the 44 state council members who were present at the party office. According to the affected state party leaders, proper election process was not followed before zeroing in on Lyngdoh, who replaced Khlur Singh Lyngdoh. Sources said that the state council members gathered late night on January 2 at the party office to protest the
decision. The state council members demanded holding of a fresh election to the post of state party president. "We resolve to convey our grievances to the National President and General Secretary, and the Election Monitoring Committee (Central Team) BJP Head Office, New Delhi. Further we request our party central leaders to please revoke the nomination which is undemocratic and arbitrarily act and therefore in order to avoid the controversial situation or ill effect for the party structures/organization in the state, fresh and fair election should be conducted", the council members added.(Agencies)
State BJP takes photoshots at Congress party Imphal,Jan 3: With the election to 18 Municipal Councils and eight Nagar Panchayats approaching fast, BJP has intensified its poll campaign targeting Congress party in the process. Addressing election rallies at Lamlai Mayai Leikai community hall, Imphal East district and Lilong Haoreibi Turel Ahanbi, Thoubal district today, many key leaders of BJP Manipur Pradesh made scathing attacks against Congress party.
Speaking at Lamlai, MLA Thongam Bishwajit said that Congress party has been wiped out from Thongju A/C and Thangmeiband A/C. People of the two constituencies have demonstrated that Congress party's money power and muscle power cannot always influence voters. It has been 68 years since India achieved independence and Congress party was in power for 57 years. Likewise, the same
party is/was ruling Manipur for 40 years. But the development levels of the country as well as the State are far below people's expectation and aspiration. There were hardly any Congress leaders who were not involved in graft practices, said Bishwajit adding that he joined BJP with a view to bring a revolution in the electoral politics of the State. Although it has been just 20 months since Narendra Modi took the
seat of the country's Prime Minister, he has launched 20 different welfare programmes. In line with Mahatma Gandhi's ideal about cleanliness that is revered as the father of the Nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014, Bishwajit said. He then appealed to all the people of Lamlai to elect all BJP candidates and ensure that BJP form the next State Government after the
State Assembly election of 2017. BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba, general secretary (media affairs) L Basanta, spokesman RK Shivchandra, BJP Mahila Morcha National president A Sharda Devi, former BJP Manipur Pradesh president Sh Shantikumar, RTI cell convenor M Poireihanba, Vision 2020 Chairman Dr RK Ranjan and former MLA BD Behring too spoke at the election ral-
lies. At Lilong, BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary (administration) M Ashnikumar accused the Congress party misleading the public since the past many years even as they have been advocating secularism and eradication of poverty. This was testified without any doubt when BJP won absolute majority in the Lok Sabha election of 2014. Out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats of UP, BJP secured 72
are rising we are keeping the adoption rates in tune with inflation. I don't think that money is an issue for those who want to adopt animals. There are people who can afford the costs. What we need is marketing," B R Sharma, member-secretary of West Bengal Zoo Authority, said. A new drive will be launched soon to rejuvenate the adoption scheme. "We will start a new publicity campaign to spread awareness on the scheme," he added. (Agencies)
seats while Congress managed to win only two seats. In the previous term, Congress party was in power in all the six ADCs of the State but this time Congress party could retain power only in two ADCs. People now see 'corruption, commission and communal' in Congress party, Ashnikumar said. He went on to claim that BJP is not a sectarian or nosecular political party. (Agencies)
Sitharaman takes stock of ailing tea gardens in north Bengal Bagdogra , Jan.4 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday visited three closed/ ailing tea gardens in north Bengal to assess the condition of the workers and their families. She went to Bandapani, Birpara and Denguabari tea gardens and interacted with workers and their relatives. The minister visited labourers' quarters amid a series of reports coming from the north Bengal districts of malnutrition-related deaths of several workers and their kin in the tea gardens of the region. Earlier in the morning, Sitharaman reached Bagdogra on a three-day north Bengal tour. She will be visiting Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts. In Siliguri, Sitharaman will hold a review meeting to assess the gravity of the situation, where representatives of estate managements, workers' leaders and the state administration have been invited to attend. (ANI)
Maoist area commander held in Jharkhand Latehar, Jan 4: An area commander of CPI (Maoists) involved in the attack on the convoy of BJP MP V D Ram before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls was on Saturday arrested here. Superintendent of Police Anup Birtheray said that acting on a tip-off, CRPF and District Armed Force personnel conducted a raid in Beyand village under Manika Police station and arrested Kunwar Yadav alias Baleshwar Yadav. Birtheray at a press conference said Kunwar worked under Sub-Zonal commander Shravan Yadav before becoming area commander. Kunwar, who was a named accused in five naxal-related incidents including the attack on Ram's convoy ahead of the Lok Sabha poll in Patki jungle, was living in the village since last two months, the SP said.(Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
PAGE 6
Pathankot ops will take time, two terrorists still holed up: NSG Pathankot, Jan. 4: As the counter operation entered its third day today at the Pathankot Indian Air Force Base, two more terrorists are reportedly still holed up and the final stage of the operation is underway with the joint forces of the National Security Guard, Indian Army, IAF and the Police in heavy action to neutralise the assailants. "The operations for this particular airbase are going on smoothly given the magnitude of this airbase. Joint ops launched by security forces are being conducted in an excellent manner by the NSG, Army, Air Force, Police and intelligence agencies in a combined and synergised manner. We have eliminated four terrorists and the operation to eliminate two more terrorists possibly is in final stage," Major General
Dushyant Singh, NSG addressed the media in a joint presser. He added that due to the area of the Air Base which is very large and the personal, strategic assets located there, the combing operations are going on simultaneously by the Army and other forces to eliminate the terrorists. "The entire operation will continue till all the personal assets and structures are physically combed, so it is likely that it will take a long time," Singh said. He assured that all the personnel strategic assets are secure and their safety has been ensured and that all the families living in the base are safe. The Army representative at the presser stated that the terrorists had entered the Base 'well prepared and heavily armed' with the aim of targeting the IAF assets which include aircrafts and helicopters
Rahul Gandhi urges Congress workers to extend support: Manipur quake
At least six persons were killed and over 100 others injured as a strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the India-Myanmar border at around 4: 30 a.m.
New Delhi, Jan.4: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged his party workers and NSUI volunteers in Imphal to extend all possible help to the people affected by the earthquake this morning. "I urge Congress workers, @IYC and @nsui volunteers to extend all possible help to people in this time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Manipur and other north eastern states affected by the earthquake this morn-
ing," Gandhi tweeted. At least six persons were killed and over 100 others injured as a strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the India-Myanmar border at around 4: 30 a.m., causing damage to many buildings and spreading panic among the people. Manipur bore the brunt of the temblor which had its epicentre at Tamenglong. The Army and Air Force have started working on relief and rescue operations in quake-hit Manipur. (ANI)
Pathankot attack forces NSA Doval to defer China visit New Delhi, Jan. 4: In the wake of the ongoing attack on the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to China to discuss 'border issues' has been cancelled. Doval's visit will be rescheduled as he is currently engaged with the Pathankot incident.
Doval was to hold informal dialogue with his Chinese counterpart and state councillor Yang Jiechi on Tuesday in which both officials would review the progress made on the border issues and also call on the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. (ANI)
situation was under the complete control of the NSG, Army and the Air Force. Meanwhile, firing and explosions were heard from the base where the counter operation is underway. Earlier on Monday Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting chaired to discuss the ongoing operation where he was briefed by NaThe final stage of the operation is underway with the joint forces of the National Security Guard
located in the vital Air base. "All these assets have been secured and are safe. There has been no damage to any one of them," the Army official said. He added that the Army team which was located in close proximity of the base was on 'general alert since 1st January' on the basis of intelligence inputs and had mobilised six columns initially. Two more col-
umns were added subsequently. "The terrorists opened fire again close to midday and are holed up in a double storey building which were the living quarters of Air Force personnel. Currently, operations are in progress to clear the building. We have ensured that there has been no collateral damage and civilian injuries," the Army official said. He assured that the
tional Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval The Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan scheduled for later this month looks in serious jeopardy with strong indications that the government may call off the engagement if evidence emerges that Pakistan's state actors were complicit in the attack on Pathankot's air base. (ANI)
"The operations for this particular airbase are going on smoothly given the magnitude of this airbase. Joint ops launched by security forces are being conducted in an excellent manner by the NSG, Army, Air Force, Police and intelligence agencies in a combined and synergised manner. We have eliminated four terrorists and the operation to eliminate two more terrorists possibly is in final stage,"-Says Major General Dushyant Singh
Saudi Arabia severs diplomatic ties with Iran post cleric's execution London, Jan. 4: Escalating tensions between the hostle neighbours, Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic relations with Iran after the execution of the Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Saudi foreign minister Adel alJubeir informed that Iran's diplomatic mission and related entities in Saudi Arabia had been given 48 hours to leave and asserted that Riyadh would not allow the Islamic republic to undermine the Sunni kingdom's security. The sharp decision came after Nimr's execution which sparked outrage across the Middle East and in south Asia and the move signalled further hardening of Riyadh's position towards Iran. Responding to the strong move, the United States called for the leaders in the region to take "affirmative
steps" to reduce the heightened levels of hostility. "We believe that diplomatic engagement and direct conversations remain essential in working through differences and we will continue to urge leaders across the region to take affirmative steps to calm tensions," a US official said. The massive outrage was visible among the people as they took to the streets in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and in Bahrain and Baghdad, hours after the Saudi embassy in Tehran was set ablaze by protesters. However, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, said the attack on the Saudi embassy was unjustifiable, and demanded that justice be brought to the perpetrators. "I have no doubt that the Saudi government has damaged its image, more than before, among the
Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic relations with Iran after the execution of the Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
countries in the world, in particular Islamic countries, by this un-Islamic act," Rouhani said. The cleric's execution happened despite clemency pleas which were delivered personally by the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon. "Sheikh Nimr and a number of the other prisoners executed had been convicted following trials that raised serious concerns
over the nature of the charges and the fairness of the process," Ban's spokesman said. Riyadh, meanwhile, stuck to its position that Nimr had committed acts of terrorism. Nimr was executed along with 46 other accused terrorists in the early hours of the New Year as Riyadh remained adamant that the cleric had committed acts of terrorism. (ANI)
Damodar against changing Parab dates Koraput, Jan 4: Changing dates of festivals of importance like Parab, the state level tribal festival in Koraput, causes problems and spoils the entire effort to promote tourism and culture on a global platform, observed Excise Minister Dr Damodar Rout while speaking on the first day of the threeday-long closing ceremony here on Sunday. "A lot of effort have been put behind the festival which had reached its 20th year of celebration to place it in the tourist map of important festivals of the state. At a time when people are looking at it with great importance as
a hub of rich cultural exchange, changing dates from November is a spoilsport," he said. The purpose of Parab in 1996 and other district festivals in the state later was to offer space and platform for the talent at grassroots to flourish which would oth-
London, Jan. 4: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) have released a fresh propaganda video which appears to show five people being executed on the charge of being British spies. The 11-minute footage included a 'message' for United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron which is being read by a man in an English accent, threatening attacks in the UK. In the video, an unknown terrorist is seen standing behind five kneeling hostages in orange jumpsuits and threatening an invasion by the ISIS in Europe whilst pointing a gun at the cam-
era. The five hostages are later seen 'confessing' to being part of missions which were sanctioned by UK and then appear to be executed. The clip then concludes with a young boy in military fatigue who issues a warning in English saying, "We are going to go kill the kafir over there." The video showed similarity to the previous ISIS videos featuring the British extremist Mohammed Emwazi, where the footage focuses on one man in a balaclava addressing the Prime Minister directly. The unknown terrorist is seen in the video waving a gun at the cam-
Excise Minister Dr Damodar Rout
erwise might have died unnoticed for a lifetime,he said. Koraput is the birthplace of rice and hence the site of a great civilisation with a settled way of life. Parab, over the years has been appreciated by the natives of Koraput for having given freshness to their culture with a new platform for local traders and craftsman to market their produce amidst the host of big entrepreneurs, stated Rout. This year's festival had the distinction of organising mini marathan and cycle rally from Koraput to Sunabeda on Saturday and Sunday as a part of infusing the spirit of to-
getherness among the people while getting sensitised on girls education and other issues. While Dr Bijaya Mahapatra, ADMO, Koraput, was honoured with the prestigious Sabari Samman-2015, 15 people of eminence in the field of literature, law, agriculture and administrative services at different levels of the government were honoured with Parab Samman. Among others J hina Hikaka, MP, Koraput and V Jaykumar, Collector of Koraput shared the stage. Dances from different parts of the country kept the audience spellbound. (Agencies)
Mohali: Three drug smugglers arrested with Pak SIM cards, foreign weapons ISIS video 'sends message to' Cameron, executes UK spies Mohali, Jan. 4: Three GPS Bhullar said in a press people have been arrested with ammunition and a SIM card belonging to Pakistan in Mohali. The Punjab police have recovered two AK47s, five pistols and Pakistani mobile SIM cards from the arrested. "They are notorious gangsters, criminals and smugglers. That their modus operandi. They already have pending charges against them and have time and again slipped through our hands. Upon further investigation we discovered that they smuggled heroin on the international border," Senior Superintendent of Police
conference. Post interrogation it was discovered that the arms recovered from the arrested men are made in Pakistan and China. "They also have plenty of attempt-to-murder cases against them. They have also opened fire on the police earlier. Now we are trying to catch the rest of their accomplices and this arrest will be very helpful in that," Bhullar said. However, the arrested gangsters have no extremist connection and were strongly involved with Pakistan smugglers who often kidnapped for ransom. (ANI)
The 11-minute footage included a 'message' for United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron
era and threatening Cameron with an attack on the UK while making references to the British airstrikes in Syria. Meanwhile, UK agencies began the hunt to identify the
man in the video who appears to be a Briton and the government examined the content of the footage, whose authenticity was yet to be verified. (ANI)
Manipur quake: PM personally overseeing rescue ops, says Jitendra Singh
Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Jan. 4: Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally overseeing the relief and rescue operations in earthquake-hit Manipur and other parts of northeast. "The government is concerned about the earthquake in Manipur. We want to reassure the affected states that the Prime Minister is personally following up the rescue operations. The NDRF teams have been pressed into operations, two teams have already left this morning,"
Singh told mediapersons here. The Minister of State in PMO, who would be visiting Imphal to take stock of the situation, said there have been seven casualties as of now. "The number of injured is more, there are around 80 to 90 people in hospitals in Imphal alone," he added. At least seven persons were killed and over 100 others injured after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the IndiaMyanmar border at around 4: 30 a.m., causing damage to many buildings and spreading panic among the people. (ANI)
Ops to flush out militants on: ITBP on Indian consulate attack New Delhi, Jan. 4: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on Monday said the operation to flush out militants holed near the Indian consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-iSharif is still underway. "It is learnt that the final assault has been launched by the Afghan Special Forces and the operation is underway right now. As far as the incident is concerned, at 21:15 last night three blasts occurred in front of the Indian consulate, Mazar-i-Sharif, and the militants started firing. Now, the ITBP troops returned heavy fire to prevent militants entering into the area," said Vivek Pandey PRO, ITBP. "The militants fired five-six RPG shells which passed consulate. Two to three rounds hit nearby houses. Suspected two militants injured or dead by ITBP fire since our troops saw them being dragged away," he added. Pandey further
said the consulate staff and ITBP troops are safe. The commandos of the ITBP force, which guards the consulate building, were the first to engage with the terrorists for almost an hour and were able to thwart the attack. As per reports, the terrorists were still engaged in heavy gun battle with the Special Forces of the Afghanistan Police. Last night, explosions and gunfire rang out as militants attempted to storm the Indian diplomatic mission in Mazar-i-Sharif city. Unknown number of militants attacked from a building close to the consulate which quickly prompted Afghan forces to cordon off the area. The attack came close on the heels of the terrorists attack at the Pathankot air base, where Indian security forces were still trying to eliminate terrorists, who killed at least seven military personnel and wounded 20 others. (ANI)
Unsold coal stocks mounting in Talcher Angul, Jan 4: The stock of high grade coal produced from underground mines at Talcher is mounting due to sluggish demand and high price. There are more than two lakh tonnes of coal lying unsold and the stock is increasing every day. It is because the consumers do not purchase this higher-grade coal due to higher price than the power grade coal they get from other open cast mines. Source said while the price of the underground coal remained from Rs.4900 to Rs.6100 per ton the price of opencast mine coal is between Rs.700 to Rs.1000. In Talcher two grade of underground coal are available, grade 5 and grade 8, while the open
cast coal at Talcher is graded as grade 12. Coal officials attribute the depressed demand to the high rates. Earlier,the big consumers did not have an option and were lifting the high grade coal. Now,with power grade coal abundantly available, they are not interested in lifting the costly high grade coal. Therefore, the stock is on rise at pitheads. There are two underground mines-Talcher and Nandira-at Talcher coalfield. The rising stock is a problem as it is susceptible to fire, if it is not evacuated. A senor coal official says that company authorities are aware of the situation and will take steps to liquidate the stock.(Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
PAGE 7
NEIGHBOURS
3 dead in quake-related incidents in Bangladesh Dhaka, Jan 4: A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake with epicentre in neighboring India today struck Bangladesh, prompting people to rush out of their homes in panic resulting in death of three persons and injury to nearly 100 others. Officials said three deaths were reported from Dhaka, northwestern Rajshahi and Lalmonirhat and all of them died apparently due to heart attack caused by panic. The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at 4:35 AM (local time) 29 kilometres west-northwest of Imphal, India.The tremor was felt throughout Bangladesh. In Dhaka, most people rushed out to the streets
in panic.TV news channels reported that several dilapidated buildings in the old part of Dhaka developed cracks after the pre-dawn earthquake. Fire service officials said a six-storey building was tilted and another developed cracks at old Dhaka's Bangshal and Shankaribazar areas respectively. "Inmates are still inside, we may ask them to evacuate if it appear risky after our assessment," a fire service spokesman said. According to the reports, the quake burst a gas pipeline at Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital sparking a flame, which was extinguished shortly."We have treated 30 people mostly students who
Myanmar discovers gas reserve in southwestern region Nay Pyi Taw, Jan 4: A local company in Myanmar has discovered a large offshore gas reserve off Ngwesaung Beach, Pathein in Ayeyawaddy region, an official report said today.At a location about 48 kms off the beach, the company found the gas reserve in a test well known as Shwe Yee Htun-1 at a depth of 5.3 kms below rotary table and two kms below the surface of the water .The local company, the only independent energy company led by Myanmar nationals, began drilling the well in November 2015.The country's oil and natural gas export earned over $4.6 billion in the fiscal year 2014-15, ranking first in the year .The gas, produced from the Yadana, Shwe, Yetagun and Zawtika gas
fields, were mainly exported to China and Thailand. A number of companies from Britain, Australia, Japan, Italy and India last year signed production sharing contracts with Myanmar to explore oil and gas at blocks off Rakhine coast, Taninthayi coast and Mottama in south Andaman basin. Myanmar has abundant natural gas resources especially in the offshore areas. Foreign investment in Myanmar's oil and gas sector amounted to $19.641 billion as of the end of September 2015 since late 1988 when the country opened to such investment, accounting for 34.16 percent of the total and ranking first sectorally in the country's foreign investment lineup, statistics show. (Agencies)
At least three people were killed and about 40 others injured today in Bangladesh
were brought here from different dormitories of the Dhaka University. They were injured," a duty doctor at the staterun Dhaka Medical College Hospital said.He said the lone casualty reported at the facility was a 23year-old youth who had
no apparent injury on the body meaning "he suffered a cardiac arrest in panic and died".Several people jumped in panic from the rooftops of their buildings to escape. Most other injuries were reported from quake-prone northeaster Sylhet, bor-
dering India's Assam with residents saying they desperately tried to get out of homes as the quake shook and swayed the buildings. 32 people were admitted to a state-run facility in Sylhet with minor injuries following the panic rush, reports said. Disaster expert ASM Maksud Kamal said the intensity of the tremor in Dhaka was above 4 and the tremor was felt more as it took
place at a shallow depth underground."We call it shallow focus earthquake," he said. The meteorological department said the earthquake was 35 kms deep. According an expert study, an earthquake of 7.5 magnitude might kill nearly 1,00,000 people pulling down some 70,000 vulnerable buildings in the capital Dhaka alone. (Agencies)
A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake with epicentre in neighboring India today struck Bangladesh, prompting people to rush out of their homes in panic resulting in death of three persons and injury to nearly 100 others
night to decide about the programme of January 5."However, he did not specify the time of the meeting.Ruling Awami League and its arch-rival BNP have announced programmes in capital's Suhrawardy Udyan ahead of the second anniversary of the much-talked January 5 general election. (Agencies)
More Sri Lankans have joined ISIS in Syria Colombo ,Jan 4:At least 36 Sri Lankans have gone to Syria and a few of them gave joined the Islamic State In Syria also known as ISIS. Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachi told media that information has come to light that several Sri Lankans have secretly gone to Syria with their families.He says of those who have
gone, a few have joined ISIS. The Defence Secretary says it is still not clear when these Sri Lankans had joined the terrorist group.However the police say they are unaware of reports that more Sri Lankans had joined ISIS.The last known occasion of a Sri Lankan joining ISIS emerged in July last year. (Agencies)
At least 36 Sri Lankans have gone to Syria and a few of them gave joined the Islamic State In Syria also known as ISIS
Yangon, Jan 4: Aung San Suu Kyi says building peace will be the first priority of her pro-democracy party's incoming government when it replaces Myanmar's military-backed government soon. Suu Kyi spoke Monday at the headquarters of her National League for Democracy to make the nation's Independence Day. She said the incoming government would seek to improve a ceasefire agreement the outgoing regime signed in October with eight ethnic minorities that have long fought for greater autonomy. The ethnic rebellions remain a threat to the country's unity, since several larger ethnic guerrilla
Suu Kyi armies declined to sign the agreement. The NLD secured enough parliamentary seats in the last elections to oust a military-backed party that has been in power for five years. (Agencies)
China's second aircraft carrier to focus more on military operations Incidents of intolerance Beijing, Jan 4: China's second aircraft carrier, which is now under construction, will focus more on military operations training and technological experiments to improve its defence systems as the 2.3 million strong PLA undergoes massive revamp."This aircraft carrier will have different missions than those for the Liaoning (the country's first aircraft carrier)," said Senior Captain Zhang Junshe with the People's Liberation Army Naval Military Studies Research Institute. "We use the (the first carrier) Liaoning to test the reliability and compatibility of systems on carriers, and to train personnel. The second carrier will mainly do what a genuine aircraft carrier is supposed to do: running combat patrols
and delivering humanitarian aid. Liaoning, which was refurbished after its hull was bought from Ukraine is in operation since 2013," Zhang was quoted as saying by the official People's Liberation Army Daily.Zhang said China urgently needs a second carrier, as the country is seeking to improve its defence systems and safeguard national interests. "The PLA needs at least three aircraft carriers. When it does, one can be on duty, one can train personnel, and the third can receive maintenance," he said. China's second aircraft carrier is under construction in the coastal city of Dalian, Liaoning province, Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told media last weekThe new carrier has been designed in China and will
have a displacement of 50,000 metric tons, a conventional power system, and will carry domestically developed J-15 fighter jets and other ship-borne aircraft, Yang said. The ship will use a ski jump mode for launching fixed-wing aircraft, the same as the Liaoning, he added. Zhang said the new carrier's three major systems-power and propulsion, electronic systems and weapons-will all be developed by China and will have better capabilities than those on the Liaoning.He said China will consider developing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier af-
ter it gains enough experience in operating such large vessels. As it is set to expand the fleet of aircraft carriers, Chinese defence experts said the PLA need to need to make significant changes following last week's upgradation of the status of the Missile force to the equal status of army, navy and airforce. The PLA has re-designated its missile force renaming it as Rocket Force(PRF) and formed a support wing the PLA Strategic Support Force (SSF) to provide electronic and cyber surveillance. (Agencies)
Zhang said China urgently needs a second carrier, as the country is seeking to improve its defence systems and safeguard national interests.
Nawaz Sharif to Visit Lanka's Khaleda to sit with senior leaders tonight Most Sacred Buddhist Shrine Dhaka, Jan 4:BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will sit in a meeting with the party's senior leaders at her Gulshan office to decide regarding the programme of January 5.Syrul Kabir Khan, an official of Khaleda's press wing, told the Dhaka Tribune: "BNP chairperson will meet the senior leaders of the party on Monday
Suu Kyi: Incoming government to prioritize peace in Myanmar
Nawaz Sharif to Visit Lanka's Most Sacred Buddhist Shrine
Colombo, Jan 4: Giving a new look to Islamic Pakistan in keeping with changing times, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will be breaking a time honoured religious taboo to visit Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Sacred
Tooth at Kandy, when he is in the island nation on an official visit between January 4 and 6.However, the ice had been broken way back in December 2010 itself, when the then Pakistani President, Asif Zardari, responded favourably to a request
from the then Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to send the Buddhist relics of Gandhara for exhibition in Lanka. In June 2011, the Director of General of Archeology, Pakistan, Dr Fazal Dad Kakar brought down the Gandhara relics to Lanka. Pakistani High Commissioner Seema Ilahi Baloch ceremonially presented a casket containing the relics to monks of the Bodhigyana Kapuwa temple at Kaduwela near Colombo. Not to be outdone, India brought the
Kapilavastu relics to Lanka in August 2012.Pakistan is clearly keen on using its Buddhist past to promote ties with Sri Lanka with which it has been having excellent relations on account of its unstinted military support to the island nation during its 30 years war against Tamil separatists. During his current visit, Nawaz Sharif will be signing 10 agreements to promote trade and investment.There will be an agreement to monitor money laundering and terror financing also. (Agencies)
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will be breaking a time honoured religious taboo to visit Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth at Kandy, when he is in the island nation on an official visit between January 4 and 6
not new to Pakistan: Author New Delhi, Jan 4 : Pakistani author Haroon Khalid says that incidents of intolerance have been happening in his country for a few years now and hopes that India's bubble of "tolerant" silent majority is never busted.One of the biggest such incidents in Pakistan, according to Khalid, was the assassination of Punjab's governor Salman Taseer by his fanatic security guard."Salman Taseer came out in the defence of a Christian woman called Asia Bibi, who had been accused of blasphemy and awarded capital punishment. What was the scariest thing though that Taseer's assassin, Mumtaz Qadri, was projected as a hero, a defender of Islam, while Taseer was vilified further after his death," Khalid, who recently penned the book "A White Trail: A Journey Into The Heart Of Pakistan's Religious Minorities," told media"For a lot of analysts the death of Taseer represents the time when the myth about the silent tolerant majority was busted," he adds.India, so it seems, fortunately has so far been safe from such a horrible incident, he says. "However I do see a lot
of parallels between the condition in India and Pakistan of a few years ago. First is the 'myth' that the majority of 'us' are tolerant while it is only a vocal minority that is intolerant. This is a dangerous assumption. "Acts of hatred and intolerance tend to happen in contexts and environments where there is a tolerance for such intolerance. Like Pakistan, one would hope that India's bubble of 'tolerant' silent majority is never busted," he says.Another parallel, he says that he is noticing "is this idea of hush, to not talk about growing intolerance, fearing that this would somehow project a negative image of the country". "Many people in Pakistan were raising this voice in Pakistan when things looked bad here. One hears similar voices in India and that is not the voice of sanity," he says.He also rues that religious fundamentalism and intolerance have seeped into the Pakistani society and have become an everyday reality.Khalid, also a freelance journalist, describes his book, published by Westland, primarily as a travelogue. (Agencies)
Indian Foreign Secretary to have talks with Sri Lanka
Owners of 4 gas stations remanded in custody Kathmandu ,Jan 4:The Kavre District Court has remanded proprietors of four petrol pumps in police custody for further investigation into cases related to black marketing and fraud.After hearings on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, Judge Anawi Mainali ordered them to be sent to custody for further investigation, said Registrar Hiranya Bhandari. District Attorney Office had last week filed blackmarketeering cases against Basanta Kishan Poudel and Umesh Baniya, proprietors of Panchkhal Oil Store; Bholanath Gautam and Rajendra Gautam, propri-
etors of Mata Palanchok Fuel Centre; Atma Ram Thapa and Baniya of Ugrachandi Oil Store, and Binod Banjara, proprietor of Jaya Ambe Traders. Bholanath Gautam and Baniya are at large.The DAO has sought a fiveyear prison term, return of the money their customers were cheated out of and a fine of an equivalent amount-a penalty more severe than a twoyear jail term suggested by police.During an inspection, the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) had found them cheating customers on the quantity of fuel. The agency con-
firmed that the stations had dispensed 2-5 percent less fuel to their customers. As per the charge sheet, Panchkhal Oil Store has been charged with committing fraud worth Rs6.97 million over 13 months; Mata Palanchok Fuel Centre (Rs4.93 million over 15 months); Ugrachandi (Rs3.97 million over eight months); Jaya Ambe (Rs776,800 over 10 months).Panchkhal had sold 2.02 million litres of diesel and 214,000 litres; Mata Palanchok (1.27 million litres of diesel and 220,000 litres of petrol); Ugrachandi (970,000 litres of diesel and 292,000 litres
of petrol); Jaya Ambe (219,000 litres of diesel and 32,000 litres of petrol) over the respective periods. The quantity and value of the fraud was determined based on their transactions.Proprietor of Narayan Oil Store Ghanashyam Khatri and Thakur Bajgain of Mata Ugrachandi, who are facing similar charges, are at large. Cases have not been registered against them yet. Shree Ram Shrestha, Bimal Shrestha and Saroj Shrestha-proprietors of the Panchakanka Oil Store-who face a case at the District Administration Office, are also at large. (Agencies)
Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar Colombo, Jan 4: Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is likely to visit Sri Lanka next week for talks, sources told the media. Sources said that the date for the visit is not confirmed but he may arrive before January
15.Jaishankar is expected to have brief talks with the Sri Lankan Government and also set the groundwork for a visit to Sri Lanka next month by Indian Foreign Minister S u s h m a Swaraj.(Agencies)
PAGE 8
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
India earthquake
How to distinguish your Brand
Manipur state hit by 6.7 magnitude tremor An earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude hit northeast India near its border with Myanmar andBangladesh early Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed. At least four people were killed and 100 injured by falling debris in and around Imphal, the capital of Manipur state. The quake struck at 4:35 a.m. local time about 20 miles northwest of Imphal. Strong tremors were felt across the region. Witness accounts reported a quake that was unlike anything they had felt before. An intense shaking that lasted from 35 seconds to two minutes. The US Geological Survey said the quake of magnitude 6.8 was 57 kilometres (35 miles) deep and struck 29 kilometres (18 miles) west of Imphal, the capital of Manipur on the border with Myanmar. The quake struck while many residents were asleep, and roofs and staircases of some buildings collapsed in the city of about 2,70,000 people. Disaster rescue workers battled to find workers believed to have been buried beneath the rubble of a building that had been under construction. They were unsure how many might be trapped. People in Bangladesh and Nepal ran from their homes, and the quake was also felt as far away as the Myanmar city of Yangon, about 1,176 km (730 miles) to the south, residents. India's seven northeastern states, joined to the rest of the country by a narrow sliver of land, are located in an area of frequent seismic activity. The border region is remote, and sparsely populated on the Myanmar side. The early morning tremor was also strongly felt in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. According to reports around 40 people were being treated at a major hospital, including one university student who jumped from a fourth-floor balcony and was in a critical condition.India's meteorological department said the epicenter of the quake was in Tamenglong region of Manipur state, near the country's borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. India's northeastern region lies at the northern end of the Indian plate, a major tectonic plate that is in constant friction with the Eurasian plate. Friction between the two plates triggered the massive earthquake in Nepal last April, which killed over 8,000 people and displaced thousands more in the Himalayan nation. The last big earthquake to hit Assam was on Aug 15, 1950. The 8.6 magnitude quake had its epicentre in eastern Tibet but wrecked havoc across northeast India, killing thousands. The earthquake had severe effects on topography and the regime of rivers: Riverbeds had considerably silted up and many had permanently changed their courses, adding the effects of floods to those of shaking. Aerial reconnaissance revealed that 10,000 (square) km of hill area were affected by landslides.
Beheading on the rise Is it really a need? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia carried out at least 157 executions in 2015, mostly beheadings. It is the highest amount of executions since 1995. The last time Saudi Arabia executed more than 150 people in a single year was in 1995, when 192 executions were recorded. In 2014 the total number of executions carried out was 90 - meaning that so far there has been a 68% increase in executions over the whole of last year. But while some crimes, such as premeditated murder, may carry fixed punishments under Saudi Arabia's interpretation of the Islamic law, or Shariah, drug-related offenses are considered "ta'zir", meaning neither the crime nor the punishment is defined in Islam. A majority of the death sentences were carried out for non-violent crimes. Saudi Arabia follows sharia law and while many of the beheadings were allegedly carried out in line with this strict interpretation of Islamic law, drug-related offenses are considered "ta'zir," meaning that the punishment is not described in the Quran. The most surprising and shocking thing is that Saudi Arabia kicked off 2016 by beheading 47 people in one day, across 13 cities, leading politicians, human rights experts, and journalists on social media to compare the close U.S. ally to the extremist group ISIS. Among those killed was Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent cleric in the Shia minority religious group. Al-Nimr was arrested and tortured for his role leading the peaceful democratic uprising against the western-backed Saudi absolute monarchy in 2011. Saudi Arabia is one of the most repressive regimes on the planet. It is an authoritarian, theocratic monarchy that bases its laws on an extreme interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law). Its Wahhabi (Sunni extremist) ideology and frequent use of beheadings have led it to be compared to ISIS. Algerian journalist Kamel Daoud described Saudi Arabia as "an ISIS that has made it". Comparisons of the Saudi monarchy to ISIS flooded social media in response to the mass killings, alongside accusations of western hypocrisy and double standards. Coinciding with the rise in executions is the number of people executed for non-lethal offenses that judges have wide discretion to rule on, particularly for drug-related crimes. Rights group Amnesty International said in November that at least 63 people had been executed since the start of the year for drug-related offenses. That figure made for at least 40 per cent of the total number of executions in 2015, compared to less than four percent for drug-related executions in 2010. In a lengthy report issued in August, Amnesty International noted the case of Lafi al-Shammari, a Saudi national with no previous criminal record who was executed in mid-2015 for drug trafficking. The person arrested with him and charged with the same offences received a 10-year prison sentence, despite having prior arrests related to drug trafficking. Human Rights Watch (HRW) found that of the first 100 prisoners executed in 2015, 56 had been based on judicial discretion and not for crimes for which Islamic law mandates a specific death penalty punishment. Reprieve says Pakistan has executed at least 315 people in 2015, after the country lifted a moratorium on executions early last year following a December 2014 Taliban attack on a school that killed 150 people, most of them children. Only a fraction of those executed since then have been people convicted of a terrorist attack.
-Pranjal Kumar Phukan Marty Neumeier, author of "The Brand Gap", said - A brand is not a product, a logo or an identity. Instead, a brand reflects the set of feelings evoked for an organization, by anyone who speaks or thinks about it. It is more of an emotional affair, than a tangible one. In today's market, it has become essential for a brand to distinguish itself from the competition, which in all likelihood has developed the same product, if not better. In addition to how innovative your product is, it's important to understand that survival and growth in the end-user domain depend largely on how people perceive your brand. More importantly, it matters how well your consumer distinguishes you from the rest, when given the freedom to choose. Why? An average consumer gets served about 600 brands in a single day, through print media, social media and television commercials. In those same 24 hours, his routine requires him to go to work, attend to his nutrition, and think about his family - basically, he follows his Maslow-ic needs to the grave. In the exquisitely little time that he can spare, he is expected to make a choice based on the little attention that he reserves for advertisements, if any. In other words, there are just too many choices out there, but a scary shortage of time to make a choice. The only thing that can convince him to trust your product, is how your brand presents itself. So, how do you go about it? Social media has enjoyed a consistent track record of being one of the most prolific platforms available to mar-
keters today. Factors that distinguish social media from conventional outreach methods, include the fact that it's invasive, simple to use - and by & large, _free for the end user. In a way, a good social media brand presence is the equivalent of running your own newspaper and getting it delivered to all your target consumers. Sounds like a fairy tale, doesn't it? Let's take a look at some definitive statistics. The figures indicate that users of varying age groups are available on social media - a veritable indicator, more than anything else, that there is no longer a demographic bias over the usage of services such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. But with the availability of broadspectrum audience analysis, it is important to carefully evaluate and form the right strategy of reaching out to each segment of this pool of users. Such a strategy can exist to serve three important goals. 1. Defining your target audience in specific terms 2. Listening with an intent to engage 3. Engagement (Call To Action) Clearly, your primary objective in the above order exists to identify the people you want to target. This target group can be determined based on your product mix. For instance, a vaguely defined target audience for an F&B manufacturer specializing in kid's confectionery might result in misdirected advertisements. The ideal setup for such firms would require them to be visible in platforms designed for children and unless they're sure about streamlining their social media efforts they are likely to waste resources
on an unhelpfully holistic audience set. Apart from unwanted expenditure, this also creates a risk of diluted brand identities. The next variable in the brand equation is your ability to listen to your target audience. In fact, social media listening skills have been widely hailed as the cornerstone of all marketing efforts in recent days. Social Media Research & Analysis firms like Salesforce (Radian6) and SprinklR have developed technology solutions that enable organizations in maintaining a carefully monitored social media outreach effort. The open nature of social media makes it possible for virtually every end-user to become a potential influencer for your product. Depending on individual product experiences, these people can either serve as promoters or detractors for your product. For massmarket brands, it is important to identify detractors at the right stage and then direct the respective manufacturing/ support teams to address their grievances. For successfully identified promoters of your product, it is important to find ways to incentivize their influence in an ethical manner. For example, a leading navigation-based cab company in India developed a plan where one use gets credited free travel miles when he/she refers the cab company's app to a friend. The results seen in this pilot were exponentially large. That's the benefit of promoting services in the digital age - advertising expenses are no longer strictly traditional. Instead, social media allows you to focus on the human aspects of marketing. The third and arguably most important part of digital branding, is the elusive call-to-action. Again, as a departure from traditional pitching techniques, this can get tricky. It requires an organization to initiate a transition in the conversational tone, from informative to lucrative. For an easier understand-
Image for representational purpose
ing, let's address the transition by splitting it up. So far, the described methods have been largely informative and interactive. We're listening to our audiences and solving their problems. In doing so, we are delivering that much-needed 'wow' factor which will eventually translate into customer delight and word-of-mouth growth. For an end-user who has never used your product, though - this level of interaction is still incomplete. Like everyone else, there has to be a way to incentivize the potential customer's response to your ad. This is where your firm's website becomes useful. It has been observed that a content-rich website can serve as an excellent hub around which most social media marketing efforts can be developed. Look at it this way - the conversation/ad on social media is the tip of the hook, and the real hook is the website. Having studied the interests of your target audiences in steps 1-2, you now have a reasonable understanding of what your customers need. On your own website, you have the opportunity of giving it to them. Content which is entertaining and shareable, and would serve your customers as social currency, is the way to go when it comes to generating buzz for your
website/service. You might be an app provider, or someone who sells physical products with extensive logistics involved. Irrespective of the nature of that transaction, it is possible to offer resources to your customers in the form of shareable articles, blog posts, videos (and in some cases even standalone music tracks) so that they keep coming back to your website for more. Once a penetrative social media effort starts building traffic for your website, you know you're doing something right. An important piece of the digital brand identity puzzle, is your color palette. Included below, is a representation of the effects that various color combinations have on users. As referenced earlier in "The Brand Gap", establishing a unique identity is essential for brands in order for them to remain relevant in the minds of users. And colors help in achieving exactly that. Also, a soothing color palette which is unique to your brand will ensure that people can still figure out who's talking if your company's logo is hidden. And for many marketers, that is the ultimate achievement. Apart from external influencing, it also makes sense to have a viable
bit of product-brand integration. More than anything else, it is your existing users who can help in reaching out to more people, and in carrying the voice of your brand. And the only tool of communication available between you and your existing customers, is your product. So it's equally important to integrate your brand identity into product design as well. As a direct example, if you pick up any Apple product in the market today and hide the logo, would it be hard for you to identify it? Brand Identity Development is a continuous cycle, which requires you to be at the forefront of user feedback, user preferences, and possible product innovation. And let's not forget, as long as you are running the company of your dreams, this cycle consumes you too. The brand is you, you are the brand.
(Author is recipient of prestigious Peter F Drucker award for his outstanding contributions in the field of management from University of Swahili- A Fully accredited chartered Government University. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)
Air Pollution: A Serious Problem is one such form that refers to the contamination of the air, irrespective of indoors or outside .There are many reasons of it but mostly it is caused by cars, growing cities, development of economy and industrialization. Day by day the fresh air of the environment is getting polluted because of the mixing of particulates, biological molecules, and other harmful materials. It occurs when any harmful gases, dust, smoke enters into the atmosphere and makes it difficult for plants, animals and humans to survive as the air becomes dirty. Such polluted air is causing health problems, diseases and death. Pollution emitting from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes cause immense amount of pollution. We rely on them to fulfil our daily basic needs of transportation. But, there overuse is killing our environment as dangerous gases are polluting the environment. Due to pollution Respiratory and heart problems, Global warming, Acid Rain etc. We should use public mode of transportation, the use solar roof, recycling, To Conserve energy turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room etc. To save our earth from pollution we have to take this steps. Yours etc Bijit Kanoi Class- 7 Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya
Bonanzas Galore Sir Air pollution is a most serious problem of the current time all over the world especially in the large cities because of the huge amount of pollution. Air pollution
Sir, Time and again, we harp on the same string that Dibrugarh district's revenue earning is one of the high-
est in India and that it is the highest in Assam. But this district of upper Assam is still without a sub-division, falls a victim of Politics. Shrewd Politicians like the Chief-minister knows when and how to curry favour with the people. As the election is fast approaching, Chief-minister, in a show of magnanimity starts declaring umpteen numbers of bonanzas that include among others the names of 15 new sub-divisions. Naharkatia figures among the 15 proposed sub-divisions. One can be sure, this is yet another spark shown by the Chief-minister to befool the people, as such bonanzas had been declared on earlier occasions toobut never materialized. This time, these bonanzas are declared at the fag-end of the present ruling dispensation's tenure, the fate of which is hanging in the balance, whether or not the party will make it to the next Government. 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
Op
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
Page 9
ed
What We as a Society Do To A TB Patient Is Far Worse Than What The Disease Does To Them On a hot August morning was the first time for me, I in 2014, I reached Dharavi felt uneasy. "Won't it seem in Mumbai at around 11 like I want to maintain disam. I waited outside for tance from them if I am Govinda, a Program Man- wearing the mask? Doesn't ager with it create NGO Opm o r e Lipi Mehta eration stigma?" I ASHA, who a s k e d heads a team of commu- Govinda. "Don't worry nity health workers. He madam, they are used to and his team work towards it," he replied. the treatment of TB pa- As we entered the slum, tients in the area, known the sunlight was suddenly as one of India's 'TB cut out. We walked on jute hotspots'. This is of course bags, bricks, loose stones firmly away from the more and anything else that was glamorous part of Mumbai available to avoid stepping - that of film stars and ce- into the drain, somewhat lebrities. Here, concerns a perennial presence cutare a lot more basic. Like ting across Dharavi. One how Govinda arrived on of the first houses we vishis bike and asked if I had ited was of 8-year-old my N95 mask ready be- Anjali's. She had just refore we went in to inter- covered from thyroid TB. view TB patients and their Govinda told me that she families. The mask is a had a nodule on her throat great preventive measure but her parents hesitated against the disease and in seeking treatment because fact, all health workers of what the neighbours must wear it, but since it would say about how their
daughter had become 'deformed'. I spent just over two hours in Dharavi that day, and those few hours were enough to make me wonder, on my way back home, as to how terrifying the situation of TB is in India. In a country with the highest number of TB cases in the world (23%), where treatment should be the need of the hour, social stigma is a prime factor that deters people. TB is normally cured in 6 months to 2 years but social stigma? It sticks on with patients being identified as 'that person who had TB' even long after cure. One of the most dangerously propagated ideas is that "TB patients are a bad omen". In fact in some places in India, a person infected with TB is considered 'unlucky' or even associated with witchcraft.
40-year-old Kumar Pal, an Indian street-food vendor, spent weeks in bed in isolation, during his TB treatment as he was completely abandoned by his family and friends. And such social isolation doesn't only cause loneliness, it leads to depression and can even shorten a person's lifespan. Cases like Pal's prove that the mental trauma that society inflicts on a patient far outlives the physical pain that TB causes. And that's not it. There is also the fear of what others will say if patients reveal that they have TB. Take for instance Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district, where chronic TB is a silent killer. I accompanied my former boss and a crew to a few villages where house after house, TB patients recounted government apathy and social stigma as reasons for not seeking treatment.
After His Euro Trip, Will Rahul Gandhi Be Taking Over The Congress As President? The speculation about Rahul Gandhi taking over as Congress president anytime soon is on again. Currently, the vice-president of the Indian National Congress is in Europe. On December 27, Rahul took to Twitter to announce that he will be travelling to Europe for a "few days", the first time that he has gone public about a trip abroad. This was expected as the BJP has beentargeting him over his unscheduled and unpublicised travels outside the country lately. Sources in the party say that the Congress Vice President could be back anytime after January 8 following which a meeting of Congress Working Committee may also happen. "He (Rahul) is ready to take on the mantle. It is wrong to say that he does not want to become President. There is also no truth in suggestions that Gandhi may wait till the completion of assembly polls in Assam before he is elevated as Congress President," a party functionary said on the condition of anonymity. The leader felt that the elevation of Gandhi should be happening "sooner than later" but refused to attach a timeline. Congress President Sonia Gandhi had responded by saying "ask him" when reporters queried her on Rahul's elevation as President in the party some days back at the Foundation Day function. The riders attached in the statement by the party functionary make it clear
that the matter is far from settled. It could very well be that Rahul Gandhi would wait for the results of the Assam polls which are likely to be held in March or April this year as it would give his stature an additional fillip in the case of a victory. Of course, if Assam is lost, he might have to wait a little longer before assuming leadership. However, the worstcase scenario would be if he takes up the position before Assam polls and the party ends up losing as the loss would surely be blamed on him by sections critical of him within the party and outside. A pragmatic Congress would certainly not want that to happen. It is also likely that the speculation has caught on again after the Congress' improved performance in Bihar polls. However, the party was only a small player in the Bihar polls whereas in Assam it heads the government and a victory there would certainly add more to the theory that the Congress is up and running again. Senior party leader Digvijay Singh had said a few months back that the grassroots Congress workers wanted the elevation to happen soon but the decision can only be taken by the Congress president. A section of leaders in the party also believe that Rahul should have agreed for an elevation long back. A meeting of the Congress Working Committee in September last year decided to extend the deadline of the completion of
The stories of Fatehpur's patients are also reflected elsewhere in India. Mahmood, a rickshaw puller from Mumbai refused to seek treatment on similar grounds. And down south, "People are ready to die without taking medicine because they won't share with neighbours their TB disease," writes CM Munegowda from the Institute of Public Health, Bangalore. There is a large section of TB patients who suffer in similar ways, not just because they have the disease, but also because they happen to be women. A case study by the Indian Red Cross Society states that as many as 100,000 women are rejected by their families each year because of TB. Deena, a social worker says, "If it is a girl of marriageable age, her condition is hid-
terie that has been close to Sonia Gandhi. Last year, the divide between the Old Guard and the New Guard - or supporters and followers of Rahul Gandhi came to fore when the latter publicly criticised the former. It remains to be seen what role Priyanka Gandhi would play in case Rahul Gandhi takes over as president. Several Congress leaders have spoken openly about the need to have her on board in a formal way after the party lost the General Elections held last year. It has been noted by several observers that Rahul Gandhi has stepped up his game after returning from a mystery tour after the party's loss in the General Elections. On one hand, the elevation of Rahul Gandhi might energise the younger leaders in the party and help the vice-president control the party and implement his agenda in a smooth manner. At the same time, it will be necessary for him to keep the Old Guard in check so that it does not derail his plans for the party. The ball is now in his court. Courtesy: Youth ki awaaz.
a study by the US National Library of Medicine that statesmen are"concerned with the impact of TB stigma on their economic prospects, which include job loss and reduced income." This stigma, coupled with the pressures of 'being a man' in Indian society can even lead to alcoholism and intimate partner violence. It is important to remem-
ber that we as a society are doing far worse to TB patients than the disease actually is. We don't flinch before perpetuating this cycle of stigma and shame. Yes, the TB burden in India needs to be heavily reduced in terms of the number of cases. But this can't happen without first tackling the hellish situations we are creating for TB patients every single day.
Book Review: Munnu- A Boy From Kashmir Saikat Datta
party's internal polls for one more year till 2016. This led to a speculation that Rahul's elevation has been advanced for one more year. The party, however, later indicated that the Congress Vice President could be given the responsibility even earlier and the one-year extension is only the upper limit for completing internal polls. The internal polls were initiated by Rahul Gandhi following a similar exercise in the Youth Congress which he headed earlier. Sonia's latest term comes to an end in December this year. The organisational polls held after five years culminate in the election of the new party President. Sonia, who took over as Congress chief in May 1998, is already the longest-serving president of the 129-year-old party. Rahul Gandhi became Vice President of the Organization in January 2013. It is known that the socalled Old Guard has not been very keen on Rahul Gandhi taking over as the President of the Grand Old Party. The term Old Guard is used for the co-
den from potential suitors, neighbours and relatives for fear that she won't get married." While many women fear rejection by their families and societies, many Indian men fear losing their jobs. In September 2015, businessman Ratan Tata said at an event in Mumbai that TB stigma "results in discrimination at schools and workplace." This is reflected in
Munnu, a deeply personal tale that echoes the loss of peace in a valley once called heaven on earth, is one of the most powerful novels to emerge out of India, says Saikat Dutta Book: Munnu- A Boy From Kashmir Author: Malik Sajad Publisher: 4th Estate (Harper Collins) Pages: 384 Rs: 599 Since 1947, as the instrument of accession was signed over to India by the last Dogra king, Hari Singh, the Kashmir valley has become the battleground for conflicting ideologies and political aims. Telling this complex story isn't easy, and different competitive perspectives deepen the conflict. Born out of this conflict is a generation of writers who grew up after 1990, when militants returned from training camps in Kashmir to fuel an insurgency that continues till this day. Kashmir's story gets another re-telling as a young boy, Munnu, grows up in the Srinagar suburb of Batamaloo, caught up in the swirl of protests and military crackdowns. But Munnu is also a gifted artist, and uses his illustrations to tell his story. What emerges is arguably one of the most powerful graphic novels to emerge out of India. Munnu is also Malik Sajad, a cartoonist who draws upon his father's wood carvings to learn his craft as a young and impressionable boy in the
Srinagar of the '90s. Munnu watches the violence unfold outside his neighbourhood as bodies are returned after encounters with security forces. He is haunted by images of death, but also has time to fall in love and grapple to express himself - first through poetry, and then through his art. His story, perhaps the same as many of his generation, is also his attempt to understand Kashmir's complexities. Like Art Speigelman's seminal Maus, in which the Jews were metaphorically portrayed as mice, the Kashmiris in Munnu are hanguls, the endangered deer species indigenous to Kashmir. Perhaps consciously, Munnu also draws inspiration from the other great political cartoonist, Joe Sacco, whose work chronicled the Israeli occupation of Palestine for an earlier generation. While the Indian state is the clear villain, there aren't too many heroes either. Malik is cynical of militants and the Hurriyat and confused about the forced eviction of Kashmiri Pandits in the early '90s. Like him, they too are victims, but while telling their stories, he is far more circumspect and forgiving than he is about tragedies inflicted on Kashmiri Muslims. He is also deeply suspicious of 'intellectuals' who treat Kashmir's conflict as another means to build careers and travel to foreign lands. In some ways, Malik is also now one of them, as the world reaches out to him to appreciate his art and his
emerging voice as a cartoonist and a chronicler. The book is not easy to read and is peppered with images of violence as young Munnu tells the story of "forced disappearances, fake encounters" and the "brutality" of the Indian Army. Malik accuses the army specifically for one "fake encounter" and in another revelation, accuses an army officer of sexually harassing him. While some of it may have been true, Malik seems to be confused about some crucial de-
tails. For instance, he claims the Indian Army was still in Srinagar despite being ordered out of the cities in November 2004. Such factual inaccuracies throw a brief shadow over powerful images that are detailed and well-crafted by a talented young man. As the book comes to an end, Munnu emerges as a deeply personal tale of the loss of innocence of a young boy, echoing the loss of peace and paradise in a valley that was once called heaven on earth. Courtesy: Dnaindia.com
10 New Year's Resolutions that are made to be broken
Minal Metkari This article lists out 10 New Year resolutions that are made, probably to be broken.
Every New Year's Eve, people make a list of resolutions with an aim to accomplish them in the next year. You may hear those enthusiastic New Year resolutions from your
friends and family. What people forget, is that instead of making a long list of resolutions, if they make one or two and focus on them instead, then they would really succeed
in achieving them. On this New Year's Eve, glimpse through these famous New Year's resolutions that have never seen the light of day. 1. Wake up Early For all those insomniacs, who cannot make it to the wee hours of the morning, this is one of the most common New Year resolution which they fail to fulfil. 2. Weight loss and fitness Have that one friend, who like many, makes a New Year resolution to avoid those spicy junk food and join gym? Don't worry, it wouldn't take much time for this resolution to fade as it is the most common New Year resolution that has never been a success for most.
3. Quit Smoking Now for all those smokers, who plan to quit smoking the coming year - Good luck with that. 4. Deal with that Stress This is that resolution which is never fulfilled as the people making it never stop worrying, which in turn limits enjoyment in their lives. Having a stress-free life is a state of mind that can only be achieved by not overthinking and stressing over just anything under the sun. Which is unfortunately seldom understood. 5. Working hard Everyone makes this resolution almost every year, but the adjective explains why most of them fail. Hence, this New Year resolution usually does
not succeed. 6. Say no to alcohol Now if quitting cigarettes was like going to the moon, then to quit drinking alcohol and going on the Mars, would be an appropriate analogy. You may find so many who drink themselves silly on the New Year's Eve, swearing that they would not touch alcohol from next year, but this hardly lasts for few days. Though drinking some alcohol is healthy, too much is too bad, and a resolution cannot stop the ones who like to hit the bar every now and then. 7. Self-transformation "I will be the better version of me. I will make up for my mistakes." This is another common
resolution which can only be lived up to if we really work hard for the betterment of ourselves and change things that once limited our personal growth. 8. More time to family Amidst their hectic schedule, people find it difficult these days to cherish some quality time with their families. So they make resolutions to give maximum time to their families from the next year on. They also set the pace by planning an outing and dinner on New Year's Eve, but hardly succeed in maintaining this throughout the year, making this resolution another known failure. 9. Managing finances better
Now for all those who spend a lot and end up broke most of the times, managing finances and saving some money is a real job. It requires a sincere check on your expenditures and a habit of wise savings. Though many such people make a New Year resolution to have a better financial year and save more, they hardly abide by it. 10. Some Social service Though an uncommon resolution, this can be kept up if we dive into some social service for the betterment of the society. Helping those in need is like offering service to God and the happiness this work brings is incomprehensible. C o u r t e s y : Dnaindia.com
BUSINESS
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
India's Qatar-gas imports turn cheaper from this year New Delhi, Jan 4: The world's largest gas exporter Qatar has slashed the price of gas it supplies to India by almost half by removing a floor and cap in the pricing formula, but has introduced a small fixed component to protect its interest. The revised formulation, which came into effect from January 1, has led to a reduced cost of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to about USD 6.56.6 per million British thermal unit (mmBtu) from the last billed USD 12.60 per mmBtu. Under an existing 25-year contract, RasGas of Qatar will price 7.5 million tonnes a year of LNG it sells to Petronet LNG at 12.66 per cent of 3-month average price of Brent crude. To this, a fixed component of about USD 0.60 per mmBtu will be added, sources privy to the development said. So, if the 3-month average price of Brent is USD 45 per barrel, the gas price
comes to USD 5.7 per mmBtu. Once the fixed component is added, that makes it USD 6.3 at the time of dispatch of LNG in ships from Qatar ports. The cost of shipping the gas in its liquid form (LNG) from Qatar to India is USD 0.33 per mmBtu and so, the delivered price of the gas at Dahej in Gujarat will be USD 6.63. Sources said RasGas previously priced LNG at 12.66 per cent of 12-month moving average of the basket of crude oil imported by Japan (Japanese Crude Cocktail). This formula had a rolling ceiling and floor of 60-month average JCC, plus or minus USD 4. While the international oil prices dropped to multi-year lows in 2015, this ceiling and floor meant that LNG cost to India would remain at highs of USD 12-13 per mmBtu even though gas in spot or current market was available at half the rate. This floor and ceiling
Indian solar power capacity may increase 4 times next fiscal year: Goyal
Piyush Goel, Union Minister of Coal, Power and Renewable Energy.Source: www.thehindu.com
New Delhi, Jan 4: India may increase its solar energy capacity four-fold during the next fiscal year ending March 2017, Piyush Goel, Union Minister of Coal, Power and Renewable Energy says. "Today our solar capacity is about 4,500 MW and the capacity addition target for this year is about 2,000 MW. During 201617, we are hoping to add 12,000 MW in solar sector alone. Thus, including other renewable sources, there will be a total capacity addition of about 15,000 MW during next fiscal," he said. The government is focusing on speed, skill and scale rather than subsidies to drive reforms and progress in the energy sector. The minister said water heaters that ran on solar energy had subsidy components some years ago. "Our government inherited a huge subsidy bill," he said adding, "If you keep depending on the clutches of the government, you would never able to achieve scale and path breaking innovation. Our government will handhold and support you in the initial period for a
while, but ultimately the project has to be technoeconomically viable," he added. He highlighted the pace with which LED bulbs were distributed in the country as part of government's energy efficiency drive initiative. Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a public sector entity engaged in distribution of LED bulbs, is expected to contribute about seven crore bulbs this year. "The same company distributed six lakh bulbs in 2013-14 during previous government's regime. Due to economies of scale, the prices have come down by 76 per cent now. It is a standalone project now and there is zero subsidy. Upfront payment is Rs.10 and the balance is paid over 10 months. Today, about 4 lakh bulbs are distributed every single day," he added. Mr Goyal also said that the ministry was expediting electrification of all villages without power. As on April 1, 2015, there were 18,452 villages across 19 states without electricity. "Prime Minister, in August this year, has asked us to electrify these villages in the next 1,000 days. But we have taken a pledge to achieve that in the next 730 days. Currently we are electrifying 100-120 villages every day. We will ramp it up to 200 villages a day. We have also planned to install off-grid systems in villages that pose challenges for grid power," he stated. (Agencies)
had benefited India when rates remained at USD 8-9 despite crude oil shooting up to USD 147 a barrel and LNG rates touching a record USD 20 per mmBtu. The price change will help India save billions of dollar in energy cost during the remainder of the 25-year contract ending April 2028, they said. This is now the first time that pricing of the LNG under this contract has been changed. RasGas had in 2002 agreed to sell gas to Petronet at a floor equivalent to USD 16 a barrel of oil price and ceiling of USD 24 a barrel. This translated into a minimum gas price of USD 2.01 per mmBtu and a maximum price of USD 3.04 per mmBtu. In 2003, however, Petronet renegotiated the price and went for a fixed price at USD 20 per barrel oil (USD 2.53 per mmBtu) for five years from 2004 to 2009. For the next five years, it agreed to a price linked to moving average of the last
CHEAP IMPORTS Ø The revised formulation, which came into effect from January 1, has led to a reduced cost of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to about USD 6.5-6.6 per million British thermal unit (mmBtu) from the last billed USD 12.60 per mmBtu. Ø Under an existing 25year contract, RasGas of Qatar will price 7.5 million tonnes a year of LNG it sells to Petronet LNG at 12.66 per cent of 3-month average price of Brent crude. Ø Once the fixed component is added, that makes it USD 6.3 at the time of dispatch of LNG in ships from Qatar ports.
5 years of crude oil and thereafter direct indexation with crude oil. Sources said this led to the price going up by USD 1 per year for
ØTo this, a fixed component of about USD 0.60 per mmBtu will be added, sources privy to the development said. So, if the 3month average price of Brent is USD 45 per barrel, the gas price comes to USD 5.7 per mmBtu. Ø The cost of shipping the gas in its liquid form (LNG) from Qatar to India is USD 0.33 per mmBtu and so, the delivered price of the gas at Dahej in Gujarat will be USD 6.63. Ø In 2003, however, Petronet renegotiated the price and went for a fixed price at USD 20 per barrel oil (USD 2.53 per mmBtu) for five years from 2004 to 2009.
five years from 2009, and from January 2014 to USD 12.66 per mmBtu at oil price of USD 100 per barrel. Had Petronet not
Ø While the international oil prices dropped to multi-year lows in 2015, this ceiling and floor meant that LNG cost to India would remain at highs of USD 12-13 per mmBtu even though gas in spot or current market was available at half the rate Ø This led to the price going up by USD 1 per year for five years from 2009, and from January 2014 to USD 12.66 per mmBtu at oil price of USD 100 per barrel. Ø Had Petronet not changed the contract, the price of LNG from Qatar would have been USD 3.04 per mmBtu for 25 years.
PAGE 10
Dip in India Inc's M&A deal tally to 31% to $23 billion in 2015
Image for representational purpose.
New Delhi, Jan 4: Corporate India's shopping spree witnessed a significant decline last year with deals worth USD 23 bilchanged the contract, the lion, which was down 31 price of LNG from Qatar per cent over 2014, says would have been USD 3.04 a report. According to per mmBtu for 25 years. VCCEdge, Merger and Acquisition (M&A) deal (Agencies) value declined 31.5 percent to USD 22.9 billion in 2015, compared to USD 33.5 billion in 2014. VCCEdge is the financial research platform of the VCCircle Network, which telecom operators are not is part of News Corp. ready to implement it be- The decline in overall deal cause of various com- volume was despite the plexities that we brought fact that the number of to the notice of the Court," transactions during 2015 Cellular Operators Asso- were more than the preciation of India (COAI) di- vious year, indicating that rector general Rajan S there was significant deMathews said. COAI, cline in deal size. "While AUSPI and 21 telecom the aggregate deal value is operators including less than the previous Vodafone, Bharti Airtel and year, M&A deal volume in Reliance have said that the 2015, at 938 deals, is decision has been taken higher than 2014's 892 knowing fully well that deals," the report says. laws of physics make it Deal value declined sigimpossible to provide nificantly for domestic 100% call drop-free net- M&A, though both inwork. Telecom operators bound and outbound deals have submitted before grew significantly during court if the penalty is levied, the companies will end up paying around Rs 1,000-1,500 crore. However, Trai has said that maximum outgo under the Hyderabad, Jan 4: Budrule in a year would be get carrier GoAir, whose around Rs 800 crore if fleet expansion plans networks are not im- were affected after Europroved. (Agencies) pean aircraft maker Airbus recently indicated a potential delay in the delivery schedule for A320 Neos, is likely to get clarity on the matter in two weeks, airline sources said. The Wadia-promoted airline was to induct these fuel-efficient aircraft from the next fiscal, but due to some "industrial reasons" the aircraft maker had indicated IRCTC Chairman and a potential delay in the Managing Director Dr. delivery of these planes. A.K. Manocha. "Airbus is expected to or by making a phone call get back to us on the isto 0120-2383892-99 or the sue of A320 Neo (new toll-free number at 1800- engine option) plane this 1034-139 or "1323". They month, which will clear can also choose to SMS to the air about its delivery 139 by giving details of schedule," the sources their PNR and seat num- said here, expressing ber. The mobile app "Food hope that some firm On Track" is now avail- communication from able for booking too. Airbus in this regard would come around (Agencies)
Trai orders telcos to follow call drop regulations from Jan 1 Kolkata, Jan 4: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has written to operators to ensure compliance with call drop regulations, effective January 1, even as service providers remain defiant and say compensation to subscribers will be paid only after court orders them to do so. "Trai has written to all telecom operators reminding them about call drop regulations with expectations that they have put all mechanisms in place to comply with them," said an official source. Trai issued amendment in Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations on October 16, 2015 in which it added a rule mandating mobile service providers to compensate their subscribers for call dropped or automatically disconnected due to technical glitches in
Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General, Rajan S Mathews.Source: www.bharatexhibitions.com
their network. The rules mandate telecom operators to provider Re 1 compensation for each call dropped, with a compensation cap of Rs 3 per day. Telecom operators have approached the Delhi high court against this regulation. "The matter is subjudice and we will compensate consumers when court directs us to do so," Association of Unified Telecom Service Provid-
ers of India (AUSPI) secretary general Ashok Sud said. He said, however, the industry is aware that there is no stay on the regulation. Trai has submitted before the court that it will not take coercive action against telecom operators till the next date of hearing on January 6. "Any coercive action for us means to even comply with the regulation. As of today our
Clarity on A320 Neo delivery may be received by GoAIr
IRCTC all set to enhance its e-catering portfolio ANI New Delhi, Jan 4: The famed culinary skills of Indian women will soon add to the taste of food served on the country's trains, as Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is planning to tie up with a string of self-help groups (SHGs) for enhancing its e-catering portfolio. The empanelled SHGs will be displayed on E catering websites with their menu and prices. Passenger may choose meal or food items offered by SHGs and place the order. This will help in sustainable development of SHGs. "The proposed association with SHGs is part of our plan to empower women,"
said IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director Dr. A.K. Manocha. "The initiative aims to develop local communities and ensure all-inclusive growth." The IRCTC head noted that India has no less than one crore SHGs, mostly functioning in rural and semiurban areas with 10 to 20 members (majority women) per group. "We plan to collaborate with some of them which are into making food items," he added. "The finer points will evolve clear in the weeks to come." Currently, IRCTC provides e-catering facility in all the trains passing through the most important 45 stations of Indian Railways. It also pro-
vides food to 1516 trains without pantry cars. The food is directly delivered by the vendor on the berth/ seat of the passenger. In its ecatering service which facilitates supply of food on ordering two hours before boarding the train, IRCTC is already in a collaboration with Foodpanda, KFC, Domino's, Street Foods, Wimpy, TFS, Jan Aahar, Mio Amore, Alibaba, Cafe Lite, Hello Curry and Ratna Cafe besides IRCTC Food Plaza and IRCTC Fast Food Units. The e-catering facility allows passengers to have food of their choice at agreeable prices while travelling. They book online at www.ecatering.irctc.co.in
2015, the report said. "Domestic M&A deals fell 58.5 per cent to USD 8 billion during the year. Inbound and outbound deal value grew 70 percent to USD 7.8 billion, and 95 per cent to USD 5.1 billion, respectively, during the year," the report added. Healthcare, financials, telecommunications, information technology and materials were the top five sectors for M&A activity by value during 2015. Also, Mumbai toppled Bengaluru and Delhi on M&A front. The financial capital led the merger and acquisition race drawing 180 deals worth USD 4.6 billion. New Delhi and Bengaluru saw 112 and 104 deals respectively. Meanwhile, equity capital markets remained supportive, helping 70 companies raise USD 2.3 billion in public offerings during 2015, up 2.4 times from what was raised in 2014. There were 64 deals in 2014, the report said. (Agencies)
January 15. The budget carrier was supposed to have 26 Airbus A320 Neos by end of 2017. GoAir had, in June 2011, placed order for 72 new A320 neos, valued at about Rs. 32,400 crore on list price, with Airbus. Airline spokesperson was not available for comments. GoAir had late last year said that deliveries of these planes were likely to be pushed back by 3-4 months. As per the earlier schedule, the planes were set to start joining the fleet from April this year. One of the top three lowcost carriers, GoAir had 9.2 per cent market share in November last year. GoAir, which is the second profitable carrier after the IndiGo, currently has 19 A320s in the fleet operating 144 daily flights across 22 domestic destinations. (Agencies)
25% stake in IDBI Bank may be $7.4 bn downfall in FPI's net inflow in debt markets in 2015 diluted by Govt. Bengaluru, Jan 4: around Rs. 51,000 crore
Chennai, Jan 4: Staterun lender, IDBI Bank, is planning to raise Rs.3,771 crore by way of qualified institutional placement (QIP) which could see government stake reduce by 25 per cent, according to an exchange filing. "Govt. of India has conveyed its approval to IDBI Bank to raise capital to the tune of Rs.3,771 crore, through QIP route, at an appropriate time during the year." According to bank officials, IDBI Bank has projected a capital requirement of Rs.6,000 crore to support its growth needs apart from meeting Basel-III norms. Earlier this week, the bank said that the government has decided to infuse Rs.2,229 crore into the bank. At present, the government holds 76.5 per
DILUTED STAKE Ø State-run lender, IDBI Bank, is planning to
raise Rs.3,771 crore by way of qualified institutional placement (QIP) which could see government stake reduce by 25 per cent, according to an exchange filing. Ø Govt. of India has conveyed its approval to IDBI Bank to raise capital to the tune of Rs.3,771 crore, through QIP route, at an appropriate time during the year. Ø IDBI Bank has projected a capital requirement of Rs.6,000 crore to support its growth needs apart from meeting Basel-III norms. Ø Earlier this week, the bank said that the government has decided to infuse Rs.2,229 crore into the bank. cent in the bank. After this infusion, government stake in the bank will go over 80 per cent. However, if the bank goes ahead with its proposed QIP issue, the government's stake
in the bank will come down by around 25 per cent, bank officials said. The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of IDBI Bank will get a boost following the QIP issue. (Agencies)
Overseas investors poured in just about $7.4 billion in the Indian debt markets in 2015, after having pumped in a staggering $26 billion in the preceding year. Foreign funds also stayed away from Indian equities in 2015 and invested just Rs. 17,806 crore ($3.2 billion) in stock markets last year. In comparison, FPIs had been investing around Rs. 1 lakh crore each into equities in the preceeding three years. The decline in inflows has been attributed to a slew of domestic and international factors including concerns of a global slowdown, Chinese equity meltdown and an imminent interest rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Besides,
DECREASING OUTFLOW
Ø Overseas investors poured in just about $7.4 billion in the Indian debt
markets in 2015, after having pumped in a staggering $26 billion in the preceding year.
Ø Foreign funds also stayed away from Indian equities in 2015 and invested
just Rs. 17,806 crore ($3.2 billion) in stock markets last year.
Ø In comparison, FPIs had been investing around Rs. 1 lakh crore each into
equities in the preceeding three years.
Ø FPIs infused a net amount of Rs. 45,856 crore ($7.4 billion) in the debt
markets in 2015 as compared to a record investment of Rs. 1.6 lakh crore ($26 billion) in the previous year.
Ø In 2013, FPIs had pulled out around Rs. 51,000 crore ($8 billion). Ø Prior to that, overseas investors had invested about Rs. 35,000 crore, Rs.
42,000 crore and Rs. 46,408 crore in 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively.
delay in implementation of major economic reforms in India also dampened investors' sentiments. As per the data available with de-
positories, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) infused a net amount of Rs. 45,856 crore ($7.4 billion) in the debt markets in
2015 as compared to a record investment of Rs. 1.6 lakh crore ($26 billion) in the previous year. In 2013, FPIs had pulled out
($8 billion). Prior to that, overseas investors had invested about Rs. 35,000 crore, Rs. 42,000 crore and Rs. 46,408 crore in 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively. The capital poured in by the FPIs is often been called 'hot money' because of its unpredictability, but these overseas entities have still been among the most important drivers of Indian stock markets. Interestingly, most of the inflows witnessed in 2015 into Indian debt market have gone into government securities. Despite weaker inflows this year, FPIs' cumulative net investments into the debt markets, since being allowed over two decades ago in November 1992, has now reached about Rs. 3 lakh crore. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
Features
Page 11
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Medicinal benefits of Camphor Five simple hacks to boost up your metabolism
Camphor, known as 'karpur' in Hindi, is commonly used in Indian households. It is of two types - the edible camphor and the synthetically made camphor. Whether for religious ceremonies, as a room freshener, or in the form of an essential oil, the strong fragrance of camphor is loaded with healing properties, while also being known for spreading positivity. Camphor used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor (kapur) tree. Today, camphor is chemically manufactured from turpentine oil. It's medicinal properties, however, are lesser known. We have therefore, compiled a list of benefits that camphor provides you. Take a look! 1. Digestive problems: People who suffer from frequent gas problems can get relief after consuming edible camphor called 'Pachai karpooram' in Tamil, which is derived directly from the tree. It brings relief by preventing the formation of gas in the first place. Camphor can also help one in preventing or treating digestive problems like diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. 2. Inflammation: Camphor
Source: beautyglimpse.com has immense anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an amazing addition in ointments and oils. Applying camphor oil on a wound can speed up the healing process and reduce swelling. Some common skin problems that can be treated with camphor include acne or pimples. 3. Relief from spasms: Camphor is an effective anti-spasmodic, which means that it helps a person experiencing spasms to get instant relief upon application. Camphor is effective in curing even the most extreme form of spasmoci cholera. 4. Common cold and flu: The distinct scent of the camphor helps ease nasal congestions and trigger an open and smooth airflow. Those people who suffer
from frequent coughing can use camphor to seek relief. 5. Boosts libido: Camphor is an aphrodisiac that when consumed or inhaled, boosts one's libido by arousing those parts of the brain that are responsible for sexual urges and desires. 6. Osteoarthritis: There is enough evidence to prove that the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms reduce by about half when one applies camphor to the skin and over stiff joints. Researchers firmly believe that camphor is the ingredient in the most ointments that improve arthritic conditions and joint pains. 7. Stimulates hormones: Camphor works as an efficient hormone stimulator that helps in increasing li-
bido as well as sex drive. Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction can apply camphor externally. This will stimulate the nerves and allow adequate amount of blood circulation in the area. 8. Improves blood circulation: Camphor works effectively in stimulating and improving blood circulation throughout the body. This, in turn, ensures that the heart stays healthy and the body keeps fit. 9. Nerve disorders: Over the years, research has shown that camphor is an effective treatment for nervous disorders, convulsions, epilepsy and muscular contraction. Patients who suffer from such conditions must always consult the doctor before consumption because an excess of it can be counter-productive. However, one safety precaution while using camphor oil made from synthetic camphor is to never use it on cuts, burns or any open wounds as it is poisonous when mixed in our blood stream. It is highly flammable, so use it with caution. Last but not the least, never apply camphor oil directly on the skin. Always dilute it with oils like olive oil, coconut oil, wheat germ oil or almond oil.
Some Interesting Food Joints From Guwahati ........Food, glorious food! Hot sausage and mustard! While we're in the mood -......... Real foodies must have heard this poem by Oliver that earnestly describes how humans crave for the eats that delights!! The p o e m might be Moumita an oldie but I, whenever am content with the platterful of dishes I have somewhere; trust me; these are the only lines that instantly comes to my mind. I know how much we adore good food and how nicely we manage to gulp down that extra bowl of tasty 'gulab jamuns' even when we are full to the neck after that hefty dinner! In the recent years, Guwahati has witnessed a huge advancement in terms of eateries and food joints. Many popular restaurant chains of the country have extended their business and thus have
favourites, Chinese, Continental, street foods etc. You also might opt for places which are famous for nightlife or have option for buffet, or simply are famous for their sweets and bakes. Spoilt for choice already? Well fret not; we have listed out some interesting food joints r om Karmakar fGuwahati which have shot to popularity in the past few days in terms of service and food quality. Khorikaa Resturant: The word 'Khorika' means barbequed dish in Assamese. Situated at Ulubari, this restaurant is famous for its ethnic Assamese delicacy and not only the barbequed items. Whenever you want to savour that typical Axomiya cuisine, you ought to visit Khorika. The restaurant is quite spacious with that traditional touch in its interior and the staffs are friendly, you can visit here with
Barbeque Nation. Source: nelive.in made their presence to be felt in this city. Northeasters, the food lovers as always at the same time have reciprocated to this tremendously. Most of the cafe and the restaurants are set beside the G.S. road, the most happening place in the city. You will get to choose from a lot of cuisine options like regional
your family and friends. Now I call it interesting because of the dishes that it offers in its menu, all you would have to choose from are only the traditional Assamese food items (traditional in every sense!). You may have different 'akhaj' means thali in Assamese, traditional barbequed items and other main courses. The price
won't dig a hole in your pocket while you will get appealing food in a favourable quantity which is a plus point. What would be the best of all if you ask then I personally would suggest not missing the Poora Hahand Roasted Pork with Bamboo Shoot! 16 Anna Bengali: Situated at Lachit Nagar, 16Anna Bengali stands as one of the restaurants dedicated to Bengali cuisine. Though the word '16 Anna' means 16 annas in literal terms it also means complete or total in Bengali. This food joint is interesting in terms of the dishes it offers, you might choose from the menu or you might choose from a few items that are specially made every day. The seating area is cosy and the ambience is warm, the service is quick and the staffs are friendly. The items have thoroughly been selected from the kitchens from Bengal, so you can select your main course from a wide array of vegetarian and nonvegetarian items followed by lip smacking dessert items. Price could be a bit pocket pinching but you'll not pay attention to it after you relish the food. Don't forget to have the Shukto and Shorshe Iilish when you visit.... Barbeque Nation: There have been talks in the town about this restaurant, not only because of its rare way of serving food but also the unmatched quality of food it offers. Barbeque Nation as the name suggests is all about barbequed dishes, cocktails, mocktails and buffet, where you will find cuisines like Chinese, Continental, North Indian, etc. Here you'll find yourself in a very comfortable and cosy seating arrangement and friendly and helpful staffs. The fact worth mentioning here is that, they serve
barbequed items as starters and these are unlimited! Yes, and that's why this place is a blessing for the real foodies. Another interesting fact about this place is that the starters are not directly served on your plates rather they arrange a barbeque on the table you have selected, and it's a dining experience you'll not like to miss. There is no definite menu (other than the choice of vegetarian and non vegetarian) from where you may choose some items as it only provides buffet and the items keeps on changing. This restaurant celebrates some food festivals from time to time to let us enjoy some extraordinary cuisines across the world. Price does not seem much provided the abundance of choice it offers....... Confucius: Confucius, as most of us are not aware of was a Chinese philosopher dated centuries ago. Yes you got the idea that this restaurant offers pure Chinese cuisine. When I say Chinese food, don't expect the commonly found dishes that begin with 'chilly' (pun intended) but rather the authentic dishes from China. Above that, as soon as you enter the restaurant, the ambience is Chinese to the core, the staffs are friendly and the food is awesome. If you love this cuisine, this is the best place for you, you might get confused with the menu as the names of the dishes are not common but for your understanding, a small detail regarding the same is given. I was content with the food quality and all the preparations though found the price not so pocket friendly. Do try the dishes they make with the Rice Noodles. Courtesy: Nelive.in
Becoming fitter and slimmer is everyone's in-built desire in the present days where junk food and fast food are a big rage and our metabolism is taking the slow road. Many people complain that despite a significant amount of workout and a healthy diet, they are not able to maintain a slim and fit body. But in the race to become more toned, we forget that our lifestyle choices have a lot to do with our metabolism. Time for a few simple hacks to get that metabolism up and running, we think! Look no further! Mentioned below are such simple and effective hacks: 1. Water breaks: One of the simplest and most effective ways to spur your metabolism is drinking water before every meal. Normally, two glasses of water before every meal is good enough
to kickstart your metabolism in a significant way. However, restrain from drinking water after or in between meals. That will just cause your body to bloat. 2. Green tea: Green tea is a very good source of antioxidants, especially catechins, which really kick starts your metabolism. A cup of green tea without any sugar fires up your metabolism causing your daily calorie burns to increase by 100 calories. 3. Walk the talk: Literally! Since many people spend a lot of their time everyday talking on the phone, the best thing is to stand or walk while answering your calls. If you walk as you talk, you can burn about 20% extra calories than what you burn while standing. So, make sure every time your phone rings you take a
Source: knowledgefans.com small stroll or at least stand while you attend the call. 4. Lentil's the way: An iron deficiency negatively impacts your body's capacity to burn calories. Lentils are a good source of iron as about 355 of your daily iron needs can be provided by them. Thus, having lentils can help you keep your your iron lev-
els at optimum, helping your body function more effectively and burn calories faster. 5. Increase probiotic consumption: Food products like yogurt and pickles, which are high in the healthy bacteria - probiotics, are again a good way to set your metabolism off and help you in burning a few extra calories.
Traditional Dance Forms of Mizoram Arnab Ghosh Mizoram, located in North East India is sought by tourists for its serene natural splendor and
*Cheraw Beyond doubt, this is a major dance form loved by the Mizo people and verbally it is referred as bamboo dance. Earlier
The dance form called Chheih Lam is performed in accompaniment with rice beer. It is performed to denote completion of a day's work. This dance
dances holding shield and sword to the tune of gong beats. Sarlamkia is a community dance type which is quite similar in form to
Cheraw. Source: nelive.in
amazing wildlife. However, the tourists also find the cultural life of the Mizo people quite captivating. Despite being converted to Christianity for a long time, they have their cultural roots largely intact. The residents of Mizoram love indulging in songs and dances on various events throughout the year. The diverse Mizoramdance forms are really enjoyable and interesting. These dance forms reflect the carefree and jubilant spirit of Mizo tribes. Below listed are the major folk and tribal dance forms practiced by Mizo people.
Cheraw dance was related to age old Mizoram rituals but nowadays, there is no such restriction. They use long bamboo sticks to perform this dance. The dance form involves rhythm and absolute precision. In this dance, men usually sit facing one another and they tap long bamboo staves to rhythmic beats. Girls wearing colorful costumes step out and in between the bamboo beats. The clapping of these bamboos generates a sound which serves as core rhythm of Cheraw dance. In this dance form, various stepping are used imitating nature and wildlife. *Chheih Lam
Sawlakia. Source: nelive.in
symbolizes spirit of exhilaration and joy. This dance is performed with song which is sung with bamboo tube and drum beats. The dancer is surrounded by people sitting in a circle around him. Eventually, the dancer is joined by those circling him. *Sawlakia This is one of the ancient and traditional dances celebrated by people of Mizoram. Sawlakia was performed earlier by them to celebrate winning a war. It recaptures actions of a hero who has won the war. While women and men stand in their places, the hero
Sawlakia dance. In this variant, no song is used but gongs and drums are used to make the beats. Nowadays, Sarlamkia is used in schools in Mizoram for diverse cultural activities. *Chai lam Chai lam is a festival based dance performed by Mizo people. In this community dance, women and men stand one after another forming a circle. They hold each other by shoulders and waists. They sing a song in chorus and dance while swinging to its rhythms. The drum and gongs are also used. Chai dance was earlier performed while the dancers drank rice beer. *Par Lam This is one of the newer dance forms the Mizo people have embraced. In this dance, female dancers wear colorful attire and tuck flowers in their hair. They dance to the tunes of songs which are sung by themselves. They also wave their hands while dancing gracefully. A couple of men play guitars to provide background music to the dance. Courtesy: Nelive.in
cmyk
cmyk
"I had every intention to play this morning. Unfortunately, due to inflammation in my knee I need to rest and am confident to be out there against Aussie Gold tomorrow evening."
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
PAGE 12
Serena William
Hobbling Serena ruled out Laxman's 281 voted the best of opening Hopman Cup tie Test knock of last half century Agencies Perth, Dec 4: World number one Serena Williams was ruled out of her opening match at the Hopman Cup mixed team event in Perth on Monday because of inflammation of the knee, organisers said. The 34-year-old was scheduled to play her first official match since the U.S. Open last September for the United States in their round robin tie against Ukraine but pulled out after a morning warmup at the venue.
BCCI decision on Chandila, Hiken Shah tomorrow PTI Mumbai, Jan 4 : The BCCIs three-member Disciplinary Committee, headed by President Shashank Manohar, is set to decide on the fate of tainted cricketers, Ajit Chandila and Hiken Shah, here tomorrow. The two players had met the committee members in person here to answer questions put to them on December 24 before the three-man panel deferred taking a decision by giving them time till today to file a written response to the charges of spot-fixing against them. The three-member disciplinary committee comprises Manohar, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Niranjan Shah. Chandila was arrested by the police for trying to spot-fix IPL games in 2013 along with Rajasthan Royals teammates Sreesanth and Ankit Chavan, both of whom have been banned for life by the BCCI. Shah approached one of his colleagues from first-class cricket, who was also a member of one of the IPL teams. The "inappropriately approached" player had reported it to his franchise team, which passed on the information to Anti Corruption Unit of the BCCI. ACU head Ravi Sawani was also present during the December 24 meeting. "The new disciplinary committee members asked me the same questions as were asked by Delhi police. I have said whatever I told Delhi Police. Everyone knows what the court has said. I hope I will get justice from this new committee. I dont know when the verdict will be given," Chandila told reporters after his disposition. "I was asked questions by Shashank ji, Niranjan ji and Scindia ji - via video conference. Ravi Sawani was also there. I also received transcript of the questions asked and answers given.
Serena William
"I'm disappointed to not take the court in Perth today," Williams said in a news release. "I had every intention to play this morning. Unfortunately, due to inflammation in my knee I need to rest and am confident to be out there against Aussie Gold tomorrow evening." Williams, who is using the event as preparation for her tilt at a 22nd grand slam singles title at the Australian Open later this month, will be replaced in the U.S. team by 20year-old Vicky Duval.
'The anticipation is that there will be at least one day-night Ashes Test'
Agencies New Delhi, Dec 4: Eclipsing several other great individual knocks, VVS Laxman's masterly innings of 281 against Australia at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, in March 2001, was rated as the greatest Test performance of the last 50 years. The honour was accorded to the Hyderabad stylist's fabulous series-turning knock after India trailed by 274 runs on the first innings, by his fellow-players, commentators and journalists in a poll published in the January issue of ESPN's digital magazine the Cricket Monthly. Laxman, promoted to No. 3 after his first innings' 59 in the team's score of 171, came up with the magical innings and also added 376 runs for the fifth wicket with Rahul Dravid (180). In his tribute, one of seven by participants in the Test, leg spin legend Shane
We haven't had any formal conversations with the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board)," Sutherland told ABC Radio during the third Australia-West Indies Test in Sydney. "With the success of the Adelaide Test match this year, the anticipation is that we will have at least one day-night Test (in 2016). "It seems like it would be a natural progression for there to be an Ashes day-night Test match in 2017-18." The historic Adelaide match attracted a total attendance of 123,736 fans over three lively days. The opening day gate of 47,441 was the biggest at
the Adelaide Test since the famous 1932-33 'bodyline' series. Sutherland said there will be further meetings with Pakistan and South Africa representatives later this month. "We'll have meetings in Dubai (in January) with a lot of the chief executives and certainly will be talking to counterparts at Pakistan and South Africa," Sutherland said. "They definitely know it (day-night Tests) will be on the agenda. The right place, right time and right conditions -- we're going to see more Test cricket played in the evening."
Day-night Ashes Test on the cards Agencies London, Dec 4: England's next Ashes series in Australia may have a day-night Test match, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said on Monday. Sutherland said his organisation was negotiating with Pakistan and South Africa about the possibility of staging day-night Tests on their touring schedules later this year. He also floated the prospect of hosting an Ashes day-night Test in 201718 amid high interest in the concept following November's first pinkball Test between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide.
"It is certainly on the radar. We haven't had any formal conversations with the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board)," Sutherland told ABC Radio during the third Australia-West Indies Test in Sydney. "With the success of the Adelaide Test match this year, the anticipation is that we will have at least one day-night Test (in 2016). "It seems like it would be a natural progression for there to be an Ashes daynight Test match in 201718." The historic Adelaide match attracted a total attendance of 123,736 fans over three lively days. The opening day
gate of 47,441 was the biggest at the Adelaide Test since the famous 1932-33 'bodyline' series. Sutherland said there will be further meetings with Pakistan and South Africa representatives later this month. "We'll have meetings in Dubai (in January) with a lot of the chief executives and certainly will be talking to counterparts at Pakistan and South Africa," Sutherland said. "They definitely know it (day-night Tests) will be on the agenda. "The right place, right time and right conditions -- we're going to see more Test cricket played in the evening."
Warne recalled: "I was bowling in the footmarks and Laxman was hitting the same ball through cover or whipping it
through midwicket. It was so hard to bowl then." Ricky Ponting said "his work through the leg side in particular was a source
of wonderment to many of us... Ultimately we bowled for near enough to two days at him without even looking like getting him out."
Federer's day out in Brisbane Agencies Brisban, Dec 4: With only a couple of weeks to go for the Australian Open tennis stars took to court Down Under. However, the likes of Roger Federer, Victoria Azarenka, Radek Stepanek and Garbine Muguruza were seen in a lighter mood in Brisbane. As part of Nickelodeon Kids Day the tennis stars, led by Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam winner, posed for pictures with the cartoon characters. The ageless warrior Federer won six titles, in 11 finals, last year but failed to add to his tally of 17 Grand Slams, this despite reaching the finals of two majors - losing to arch-ri-
Agencies London, DEC 4: England's next Ashes series in Australia may have a day-night Test match, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said on Monday. Sutherland said his organisation was negotiating with Pakistan and South Africa about the possibility of staging daynight Tests on their touring schedules later this year. He also floated the prospect of hosting an Ashes daynight Test in 2017-18 amid high intere the concept following November's first pink-ball Test between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide. "It is certainly on the radar.
VVS Laxman
Roger Federer val Novak Djokovic at both the Wimbledon and US Open. The Swiss maestro, a winner of 88 titles on the ATP Tour, has stated that it would be amazing to
win another major title but revealed that he wouldn't be frustrated if he fails to add to his existing tally. Federer, who kickstarted his 2015 campaign by win-
ning in Brisbane - that replaced Adelaide as an ATP Tour destination - is back to defend his title in Queensland. After an injury filled 2014 and a substandard 2015 season, former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka has ended the season ranked outside the top-20 for a second straight year. Since reaching the finals of the US Open in 2013, Azarenka has failed to reach the last 4 of a Grand Slam.The two-time Australian Open winner, who has won titles in Sydney and Brisbane in the past, will look to get her campaign back on track in 2016.
Lodha committee proposes sweeping reforms for BCCI PTI New Delhi, Jan 4 : The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee today recommended sweeping reforms for the controversyridden BCCI, suggesting a bar on ministers from occupying positions, putting a cap on the age and tenure of the office-bearers and legalising betting. In a series of drastic reforms, the three-member panel, headed by Justice (Retd) R M Lodha, also suggested one unit should represent
one state, while taking away the voting rights of institutional and city-based units. The committee also suggested the restructuring of the BCCI's administrative set-up, proposing the position of a CEO accountable to a nine-member apex council. Addressing a crowded press conference after submitting a 159-page report to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether these recommendations would be binding on the BCCI, Lodha said
he held 38 meetings with Board officials, cricketers and other stakeholders. "First thing is about the structure and the constitution. As you know, presently the BCCI has 30 full members. Some of these members do not have any territory like Services, Railways etc. Some of them do not play tournaments. Some of the states have multiple members like Maharashtra has three, Gujarat has 3. With the interactions we had, except few it was broadly rep-
resented to us that one state as a unit of representation in BCCI is a very fair idea," Lodha said as h gave detailed explanations for the recommendations. Among the most sensational recommendation by Lodha panel was the suggestion to legalize betting. The panel felt that the move would help curb corruption in the game and recommended that except for players and officials, people should be allowed to place bets on registered sites.
38th All Assam Amateur invitational Golf Championship from Jan.29 Dibrugarh, Dec 4: The 38th All Assam Amateur Invitational Golf Championship is scheduled to be held in the last weekend of January ie on the 29th, 30th and 31st January 2016. This annual event held under the aegis of the Upper Assam Golf Association attracts more than 250 amateur golfers from the North Eastern States and from all over the country. Held over 3 days, the Assam Open, as it is popularly called, is meant to encourage golfing talent and over the years has
witnessed highly competitive golf. Started in 1977, the Assam Open is organized by the Upper Assam Golf Association (UAGA). This Association is a non-profit organization having about 200 members from all the 9 affiliated clubs of Upper Assam namely Assam Oil Company, Digboi, Planters' Clubs at Margherita, Naharkatia, Tingri, Doomdooma, Panitola, Dibrugarh, and Moran, and Oil India Ltd ie Zaloni Club. The Association has the
sole objective of promoting golfing activities in the region and organizes tournaments in the various affiliated clubs for 42 Sundays in a year at club level and has been active for more than 40 years. The venue of the Assam Open is the Digboi golf Club. This course is a Golfers' paradise and being a natural course, abundantly blessed with Nature's beauty, offers unique challenges to be cherished for life. Hence the Assam Open is tailor made to bring
out the best in all Amateur Golfers. The event is played over 3 days. The first day is for 1930 handicaps and ladies, from whom the best 5 cards are chosen, to play in the next day. The next 2 days are for handicappers 0-9 and 10-18. There are 54 prizes to be won in different categories and various formats, and one is almost sure of taking a silver back home. Interested golfers are requested to visit www.uaga.co.in for details.
Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com
Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik
Editor: Ripunjoy Das
cmyk
cmyk
Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.