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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

The Pathankot Attack and India-Pakistan Ties in 2016

Issue 215

Dibrugarh, Saturday, January 9, 2016

Jugnoo to enroll female driver's, registers first in Noida

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Page 10

Centre sanctions 49.76 crores for development of Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang tourist circuit In a yet another boost to tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh, the constant persuasion of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mama Natung has started bearing fruits as the Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned Rs. 49, 7659906 (Rupees Forty nine crores seventy six lakhs fifty nine thousand nine hundred six) only for development of Bhalukpong – Bomdila – Tawang tourist circuit under North East theme of Swadesh Darshan.

It may be mentioned that this is another major development under Tourism sector this year as the state had received a whopping Rs. 97,13,67,718 earlier this month under ‘Integrated Development of New Adventure Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh’ for development of infrastructure and basic amenities necessary to tap the immense tourism potential of the state.

The proposal which has been sanctioned by the union government includes infrastructure development in one of the busiest tourist circuit of the state. Besides, way side amenities for tourists and cafeterias, eco log huts, trekking

ET CAPSULES Fake rail,airway tickets seized,one held Nalbari, Jan 8 : A joint team of Nalbari and Rangiya railway police today seized a good number of fake and blank tickets of rail and airways from a travel agency of Nalbari town.The police also arrested one Phulen Barman, the proprietor of the travel agency Sanjog tour and travels. Sources said the the railway police acting on a secret tips of raided the travel agency and recovered the fake and blank tickets. Sources added that the blank tickets used in emergency is only available at the railway station. The police seized the computer, printer, receipt books and some incriminating documents. (Correspondent)

Veteran Citizen Dies Golaghat, Jan 8: A veteran citizen of Golaghat and a leading lady in social and cultural fields Runu Goswami passed away today at her residence in Navanagar Golaghat after prolonged illness. One of Runu Goswami's sons Jayanta Goswami' is a renowned Advocate and president of Hindu Jagaran Manch Golaghat District Unit. Her death has been mourned by several organization and individuals. (Correspondent)

Mama Natung

trail etc. will be built all along the Bhalukpong –Bomdila – Tawang tourist circuit under the programme.

Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mama Natung while thanking the union tourism ministry, assured that every

Another major development under Tourism sector this year as the state had received a whopping Rs. 97,13,67,718 earlier this month under ‘Integrated Development of New Adventure Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh’ for development of infrastructure and basic amenities necessary to tap the immense tourism potential of the state. penny of the development fund would be judiciously and expeditiously used. He said that the Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to become a tourism hub and with the support and guidance of state chief minister Nabam Tuki and the central financial assistance, state

In a press statement signed by three MLAs namely Thangwang Wangham, Honchun Ngandam and Gabriel D Wangsu alleged that the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have sent threat messages to the MLAs of three districts, Tirap, Changlang and Longding

through the NSCN(K) to immediately join and support Tuki camp and if not complied with the militant group would kidnapped the relatives of the MLAs. The press statement of the 3 MLAs mentioned that a nephew of Honchun Ngandam was abducted to Myanmar by a member of the militant group Shri Johny Longriam who allegedly

A three-member expert team of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, visited Imphal to take stock of damages caused by a powerful earthquake this week.

The state government had invited the professors of IIT Roorkee to study the impact of the quake and examine affected buildings, including those in the iconic Ima Keithel, popular Mother’s market, in Imphal.

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Professor of earthquake engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Dr. Yogendra Singh, said several buildings had developed cracks and were unsafe.

“The present situation, I

had sent a message to Honchun Ngandam and Thangwang Wangham to go back to Itanagar and join Tuki camp and that he would pressurise Tuki to offer them portfolios such as PWD or RWD. The three MLAs have warned Nabam Tuki and Tirong Aboh of legal actions if they fail to bring back the abducted boy from the captive of the NSCN(K)

AKRSU bandh passes of peacefully Shajid Khan Tangla, Jan 8 The dawn-to-dusk Kamatapur bandh called by the AKRSU against their various demands passed off peacefully in the buisiness and educational hub of Udalguri district. During the bandh hours all the business establishments were shut down while the educational institutes too wore a deserted look.No untoward incident happened during the bandh except at some places the activists burnt tyres but due to the prompt action by the police major disturbances were averted while the security forces were seen patrolling the roads in the town as the commercial vehicular traffic was off the road during the bandh.

Private vehicles,motorbikes were seen plying in the town.

Police douse the fire set by AKRSU activist. Pic - Shajid Khan

ISIS jihadi executes his own mother for 'apostasy' in Syria ANI Washington D.C., Jan 8

An ISIS extremist has executed his own mother before a public audience in Syrian city of Raqqa for allegedly inciting him to leave the terrorist organisation, an expat rights group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the 20year-old killed his own mother in the Syrian city of Raqqa, ISIS' de facto capital, as hundreds of people looked on near the post office where she worked, CNN reported.

The jihadi's mother, who

will say, is dangerous. The building has developed serious damage and the administration has taken the right step by evacuating it. So it should not be occupied in its present state; it needs retrofitting before it can be occupied,” he said.

The professor of earthquake engineering further said that there was no need to demolish the buildings as they could be repaired, adding that detailed analysis was necessary and damaged portions ought to be removed and reconstructed.

Meanwhile, the women vendors of the popular Ima Keithel market staged a sit-in protest demanding an alternative place from the state government.

Reportedly, the women had staged a protest a few days ago against the officials of Manipur

Government for allegedly using poor quality materials to build the markets.

The powerful earthquake, measured by the U.S. Geological Survey as 6.8 in magnitude, struck northeast India and Bangladesh on Monday before dawn.

U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was 57 km deep and struck 29 km west of Imphal, which borders Myanmar.

It was the most powerful earthquake to hit the state since 1957, according to academics at the department of seismological research at Manipur University.

Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal and even as far away as the Myanmar capital Yangon, about 1,176 kilometers (730 miles) to the south.

wanted to escape with him, told her son that "the coalition will kill all members of the organisation."

The activist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, said that the woman was 35 years old while the pbsevatory said she was in her 40s.

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Congress slams 'uncultured' govt. for replacing Aamir as brand ambassador

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Congress all set to rule NC Hills Autonomous Council again Anup Biswas Haflong Jan 8

The joining of as many as ten BJP Executive Members of N C Hills Autonomous Council to congress last night reportedly in Kolkata has paved the way for the Congress once gain to rule the NCHAC, the congress leadership at Haflong claimed.

Earlier, as many as 18 congress Executive Members and MACs had join the BJP subsequently the N C Hills Autonomous was taken over by the saffron party with Niranjan Hojai as its Chief Executive Member but for the reasons best known to these skipping

members, the BJP has been made minority in the house with mere six members.

Sri Mahendra Kemprai, President, Dima Hasao DCC (I) who is now camping at Guwahati and monitoring the situation confirmed the recent political development and claimed at they are having as many as 22 members in the house. Though he was hesitant to disclosed about the future course of action, he hinted that they would claim their majority in the house at the earliest to the Governor and would proceed as per democratic means.

Sri B B Hagjer, President, Dima Hasao BJP talking to the

media said he has got the information of this development few minutes back only and he likes to wait for their returning from Kolkata, since everything happened in Kolkata only not in Dima Hasao. He also said there was scope of discussion yet. Only before any discussion with them we cannot say as final.

1.Fleming Rupsy Shylla, 2.Mihir Garlosa, 3.L Hlima Keivom, 4.Athong Lienthang, 5.Khawvelthang Hmar, 6.Suangthangjen Hrangkhol, 7.Hailamkambe Kuame, 8.

Laljoshua Baite, 9. Paudaming Nriame 10. Denis Teron are the newly joined congress members.

Bike lifter nabbed by locals A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 8

A car lifter was arrested on Thursday last night when he came to steal a bike at Loharpatty in Dibrugarh. Two members gang came last night to steal a bilke but their attempt was foiled by alert locals. The duo was dragging along an expensive bike at around 9.50 pm when a local youth Mazid Khan stopped them in front of his house, close to the Diamond Sporting Club, after he realised that it belonged to a friend. On being challenged, one of the thieves whipped out a pistol and threatened him to keep quiet.

The young man instantly raised an alarm. Hearing his cries his mother Reena Begum, a sitting congress ward commissioner, who was watching TV at her home rushed out. She too was threatened to keep quiet.

Soon after local residents came out of their homes and surrounded the duo. Witnesses said that one of them fired two rounds in the air to scare away the crowd.

Bir Bikram Gogoi, SP Dibrugarh said that on last night a gang of three miscreant’s gone

Experts visit quake-hit northeastern states to assess damage ANI Imphal, Jan 8

is poised to become a front runner in terms of tourism industry in the days to come.

He called upon the department officers to gear up and put their soul to ensure completion of the projects well in time with maintaining utmost quality.

3 MLAs allege CM Tuki to be hand in glove with the NSCN(K) ET Bureau New Delhi, Jan 8

5.00

What they don't tell you about growing up

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A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 8

Price -

Inter-state car lifter gang member arrested Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 8

Arrested bike lifter Ajit Bora

Loharpatty area to lift a bike but people caught one of them from the two man’s gang. “No bullets were fired but we recovered a live bullet from that area,’’ Gogoi said. He said that first the lifter Ajit giving wrong information but at last he confessed that in the morning they went to the area to survey and planned to lift a bike from that area.

Police identifed him as Ajit Bora alias Dhaniram (21), a resident of Hatibandha village in Sivasagar while the one who escaped with the pistol is said to be Bulu Gogoi, a veteran car lifter from Sonari area of Sivasagar.

Tinsukia police on Thursday late night busted an inter - state gang of car lifters arresting one person from Makum area of the district. He has been identified as Pappu Baruah alias Okiyo Asom, a resident of Chabua in Dibrugarh district.

According to police sources, Pappu has heen arrested in connection with a Tinsukia police station case for murder of a driver of a bolero vehicle alongwith lifting the vehicle.

The bolero, belonging to a resident of Tinsukia was on way to Guwahati when the car lifter attacked the driver near Jorhat and killed him and ran away with the vehicle.

Contd. on Page 4

People gather in large number to pay homage to Khanikar ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 8

The body of pioneer in the field of herbal medicine and traditional Indian Treatment Dr Gunaram Khanikar who breathed his last in Guwahati was brought to his hometown in Golaghat last evening .

Contd. on Page 4

State PWD minister Ajanta Neog paying her tribute to Dr. Gunaram Khanikor

This political development in NCHAC has forced the political observers to ponder on future of the NCHAC as well as the people of the district who are solely dependent on the Council.

Some sources claimed that this time the congress would take extra care to maintain the political stability while disclosing the possible candidature of the Chief Executive Member could be Sri Kulendra Daolagupu.

Sri Niranjan Hojai, Chief Executive Member, NCHAC could not be contacted for his reaction to the recent development even after repeated approaches.

Lady professor hacked to death by husband A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 8

An assistant professor of the Cotton College in Guwahati was hacked to death by her husband on Friday, following which the husband went and surrendered before the police. The victim has been identified as Benazir Sultana Khanam, who had only three months ago joined as a faculty in the Education department in the 115-year old college.

Police said the woman was murdered by her husband, Imdadul Hussain, with a dao (machete) around 4 AM. “While the man surrendered at the Nagaon police station early Friday morning claiming he had killed his wife, police found the woman lying in a pool of blood in their house at Chowkitop, a locality in Nagaon town,” Nagaon SP Arabinda Kalita said. He also said that the man claimed the couple had some marital problem.

The woman, who hailed from Nagaon, about 120 kms from Guwahati, had only in October 2015 joined Cotton College, as a lecturer in the Education department. “She had done her BA from our college and on completion of her MA, had only on October 6 last year joined as a faculty,” said Cotton College principal Nirada Devi. The couple had married about four years ago.

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9 Kite festival in Dibrugarh on Jan. 10 A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 8 Marwari Yuva Manch, Dibrugarh Branch is going to organise ninth Kite Festival on January 10 in Dibrugarh at Brahmaputra Kachari ghat behind SP office. The kite festival is organized by Marwari Yuva Manch is association with Mody University, Rajasthan. In 2007 for the first time in Dibrugarh Marwari Yuva Mach Dibrugarh Brach has organized the festival.

Sanjay Keshan, Board of Director of the Marwari Yuva Manch, Dibrugarh Brach said that the theme of the Kite Festival is ‘Let’s fly high and paint the sky’. He said, “Every year we organized the festival in Dibrugarh but this

time we want to organise the festival in a different way. In the last time 1200 people gathered in the festival and this time we are expecting 2000 people in the festival,’’.

Along with Kite flying that is open to all, the one day festival will include boat ride, different games for children, Instant photography and cultural show and Selfi contest etc.

Sanjay Keshan said that in last year the kite festival had evoked keen interest amongst the citizens of all age groups.

Young people as well as adults had participated in the kite festival to revive childhood memories. The joining fees for one participant will be Rs 50 and from 10 am it will start.

“Our main objective to organise the kite festival is to conserve the age old tradition

and bring a new beginning through cultural reawakening that will benefit each and every one of us,’’ said Keshan.

He added that now days the

kites are not available in the market and the children don’t know about kites. “The kite festival will bring a change for the people of Dibrugarh and

Organisers of the festival during the press meet.

our children will know how to fly kites,’’ Keshan said. The festival aimed to highlight the beauty and significance of ethnic traditions and culture.

Abhishek Khemka, a project convener of the festival said that the kites will come from Delhi. He said that Kites and lathi from outside is not allowed during the festival. “We hope that everyone will enjoy the kite festival and those who could not afford family picnic, they also enjoy a picnic like atmosphere over here,’’ said Khemka. “For the first time selfi contest between all the age groups will be organize in the festival and the best photo will be shortlisted by oppo mobile and he will be given prize,’’ said Binay Garodia, another project convener of Kite festival.

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Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa

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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Stolen computer recovered ET Correspondent Rangia Jan 8: Rangia police recovered two stolen computers from Khandikar under Baksa district on Thurs day. one Faijul Ali of Rangia Gosai solmari held in this connection.

According to the police sources they started search operation on the basis of a specific information and recovered the computers which was stolen some days ago from Pub Rangia High school and Kachari Mahal Higher secondary school.

One alto also seized from their possession registration NO(AS 01 AX 7590).

Police is interrogating the accused for further information.

It may be mentioned that in recent time 50 computers have been stolen from different educational institutions by the group of miscreants.

Tea workers convention at Silchar cial and economic development of Assam Gogoi said, “Development of tea tribe will lead to a developed Assam and it is the foremost duty of the Government bolster their development”.

CM Tarun Gogoi addressing tea workers convention at Silchar on Thursday.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 8: Assam Chief Minsiter Tarun Gogoi announced that the Government will constitute a Tea Tribe Commission to facilitate all round development of the tea tribes of Assam.

Addressing a tea workers convention at Silchar on Thursday Gogoi said, “We want all round development

of the tea communities who are living in Assam for decades as this community is playing an inseparable role in strengthening the composite culture of Assam.”

He moreover said that the proposed tea tribe commission will address all the key areas of the tea tribe community such as health, nutrition, employment etc.

Gogoi also informed that the Government will also set a separate Directorate for the education of the tea tribe community to expedite their educational development and facilitate skill development of the tea tribes.

Acknowledging the immense contribution of the tea tribe community for so-

Chief Minister Gogoi also said that the Government is all set to announce a fixed wage for the tea workers which will be higher than the existing wage as all the formalities to this regard has been completed. He further said, “Government is all set to formulate a policy called Bagan Ghar to ensure housing to all tea workers”.

Gogoi also underlined the need of bringing ‘Tea’ to the State List from the Union List and his Government is working for this.

Sport Minister Ajit Singh, Social Welfare Minister Gautam Roy, MP Sushmita Deb along with Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, Office bearers of Barak Cha Shramik Union were also present on the occasion.

National Seminar on Sustainable Rural livelihood at Tezpur University ET Correspondent Tezpur, Jan 8: The Department of Business Administration, Tezpur University, is organizing a two day long national seminar on "Achieving Sustainable Rural Livelihood through Financial Interventions and Skilling India with Special Reference to the North Eastern Region” under UGC-SAP (DRS-1) on March 4 and 5 aiming at providing a common platform to various researchers, financial organizations, livelihood practitioners, ser-

vice providers, government officials and representatives from various agencies to discuss issues, opportunities, and challenges on the interface of creating sustainable rural livelihood and financial interventions through skill up gradation.

In a press note Dr. Deba Brata Das, Department of the MBA, Tezpur University informed that sub themes of the seminar are Rural sustainable livelihood –issues, challenges and policy perspectives, Sustainable livelihood through

development of skilled human resources, Ensuring financial resources for livelihoods, Marketing and value chain for sustainable rural livelihoods, Sustainable livelihoods through natural resource management, Micro-enterprises and MNCs linkage for rural livelihoods, Role of local selfgovernment in sustainable rural livelihoods, and Technology intervention in Sustainable rural livelihoods.

“Research papers are invited from the interested participants expecting to

document success stories and hindrances of livelihood scenario which will also provide policy recommendations for implementing livelihood programmes in the North East India in particular and India in general. Conference proceedings of the presented papers will be published while the selected peer reviewed papers will be published in an edited volume with ISBN from a national level reputed publisher.” Dr. Das said in the press note adding the participants are requested to submit full pa-

Taloh accuses Guv of ‘destabilizing’ State government

Taloh being welcome by the people during the meeting at Lokpeng village, Siang district.

Pangin, Jan 8: Education Minister Tapang Taloh today criticized the role of the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa and blamed for the present political turmoil, in a public meeting held today at Lokpeng village, Siang district.

The state needs a Governor who works for development of the state and act as per the provision of constitution of India. Unfortunately, the present governor has single agenda to destabilize the democratically

MARCHING TOGETHER

elected and people friendly government of Arunachal Pradesh and it is proven time and again, Minister Taloh asserted. Our forefathers have fought to make India free from the clutches of British rulers and now it is high time to safeguard our constitution, he added.

The governor had preponed the Assembly session murdering the democracy and to encourage a section of legislators to revolt against the democratically elected government, Taloh blamed adding that the Governor has been

doing it at the behest of the BJP government at the Centre. Stating the governor as anti developmental, Taloh stated that he is encroaching in all executive business on regular basis that hampers the state's development activities.

The people of the state have given absolute mandate to the present government to rule for five years for faster development.

Therefore it is understood that the present situation is solely the creation of the Governor who has been trying to set up alternative

government in the state just to retain his chair as Governor. It is unruly and unconstitutional, asserted Taloh in his address. Rule of law should be established and unconstitutional act should be stopped immediately bringing back dignity and respect to the constitutional chair, he opined. Unconstitutional practice of the governor would paralyze the democratic rights of the elected government not only in Arunachal but others states of the country in coming days, he further stated. (DIPRO)

pers to be presented in the seminar latest by 31st January 2016. “Papers can be sent through the mail seminartezpur2016@gmail.com.

Details are available in the university website www.tezu.ernet.in and for further queries. Participants can also contact Prof Debabrata Das, (9435015074), Convener of national seminar organizing committee and Head of the Department and Dr. Anjan Bhuyan (9954060665), joint convener of the committee.” It said.

Dead body of adolescent girl found in Dhubri ET Correspondent Dhubri, Jan 8: The dead body of an adolescent girl of Gauripur was found in Dhubri district on Wednesday. As per sources, the girl of Noorboxo of Phukuripara of Gauripur was missing from Jan 1. The local people traced the scarred dead body of Rumi Begum lying on a pond and reported to the local police station. The local people suspect it to be a rape and murder case. Further investigations into the case are on.

120 cattle seized at Dhubri ET Correspondent Dhubri, Jan 8: 120 cattle were seized at Bilasipara and other twenty numbers of cattle were seized at Golakganj on Wednesday night. As per reports, a group of cattle smugglers brought one hundred above cattle from outside Assam and kept at Beltoli of Bilasipara under Dhubri District to smuggle in to Bangladesh by loaded trucks such as AS-17B 6764, AS-17B 6336, AS-17

8574, AS-17B 1341 and AS-17B 0341 accordingly.

On the basis of confidential report, student organization like AKRASU and AMMSU jointly operated with the help of local people and seized the smuggling cattle. Another operation carried out by Golokganj police and seized twenty nos. of cattle from the hands of cattle smugglers. The smugglers were carrying the cattle at Posterghat of IndoBangladesh border area.

DANCE SHOW

A view of the Sadhavana rally of Manav Dharma Ashram which was taken out in Golaghat today. Pic - Amit Nagori

ASTRO FOR YOU You will be torn between work and family as both try to grab your attention.

You may reserve the evening for having fun. You crave to become famous and are likely to accomplish your ambition shortly.

This is not a day when you should be fooling around with your health. Do not take your health and fitness for granted. You will be feeling lazy and listless all day long. Chances are that you could fall ill on account of carelessness.

Both physical exertion as well as mental stress should b meticulously avoided.

From sunset onwards you can rest easy. The period of care and caution will have passed.

It’s time you took stock of your personal life. Is there someone you want to propose but are afraid to do so? Do not to let the fear of rejection stop you from making an effort. There are strong indications that you will be accepted if you speak your heart today. So let him/her know how you feel. The time to make your dream come true is now.

Today, Cupid will send its arrow right through your heart. You will be trembling with pain – the sweet pain of lust and love. But the overzealous Cupid may not stop at just that. Just to be completely sure, it will virtually do shooting practice at you. You can do nothing but tell your love interest how badly you have been hit. However, you be as conservative as possible in your approach.

It’s fun, fun and more fun on the horizon! You might take time out for some leisure and frolic today. Broaden your horizon with a bit of travel since you are very likely to be going on a small trip to recharge your batteries. When it comes to work — which you seem to have put on hold — it is a matter of pride for you to play the role that you essay within your company. But for today, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Today you need to carry on with your success without resting on your past laurels. You will also need to stay focused and organised to continue with the same success level that you enjoyed in the past. Pay attention to your relationship matters as they are the quintessential of your success and peace of mind.

It is very likely that you will arouse immense jealousy in others with your success and growth in business. Your business rivals may attempt to dent your credit worthiness in one way or the other. You may prefer to deal with them subtly rather than confront them openly.

You may find yourself at crossroads, wondering which path to take. Crucial decisions regarding your personal life may numb your thoughts. Let this not interfere with your routine or it may lead to complications at work and with loved ones. Avoid making any hasty decisions, and in case you cannot find an apt solution, then delay the decision altogether.

Stay stern, as it might be necessary to exercise your grit to get the desired results today. Your presence may be dominating at the workplace, but your subordinates will find your manner pleasing as you hold them in awe of you.

Do not get carried away by your success or the tables may turn.

You will prioritise your needs, and the most critical would be the need to manage finances to save for the future. Also, the company you choose to keep will reflect the kind of person you are. So, beware of who you befriend.

Today, you will have a lot of fun with your siblings! Though generally wellorganised and methodical, you will enjoy going with the flow of what your siblings and friends plan for you. Sometimes, spontaneity is a good thing.

Today will not find you in the best of spirits. You need to guard against being sad for the smallest of reasons. Pessimistic thoughts could creep in, owing to some external influences. You need to keep your will-power strong to remain positive. Increasing your awareness will help you see things with more truth and clarity.

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

9-1-16 (SATURDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti 6-15 A.M-Gandhi Prarthana 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan (Students' Broadcast) 6-50 A.M-Zikir 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Live Phone-In Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Chah Shramikar Aasor 8-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa" (Sponsored

by Brahmaputra Diagnostics and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.) 9-30 P.M-North East Collage 10-00 P.M-Classical Music A cultural troupe performing during the Desang Festival in Desangmukh, Sivasagar Today. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

Sd-/H.O.P

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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Service to people is my prime duty Be partner of development: Ering

Pasighat, Jan 8: "Service to people is my prime duty" said Loksabha MP Ninong Ering today while addressing in a public meeting, held at Depi-Moli village Dere.

I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of East Arunachal Parliament constituency as a 'Sevak' and committed to continue to work forever all-round development of humanity.

Responding to a four points memorandum submitted by the villagers, Ering assured that he would always work for well-being of people.

Environment, healthy and sustainable economy and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles are his priorities. He gave spot sanction of five lacs for maintenance of village link/approach road in addition to five lacs for flood control measures.

He instructed the ADC Nari, Moki Loyi to conduct survey with experts so that a sustainable water project could be setup to deliver potable water to every household.

In his advisory speech , the MP stated that "Leaders cannot bring fulfill all the demands. People have to have a strong incentive to work hard for development of the society in particular and the state and nation as a whole. Citing example of Israel, the he said it was founded in 1948 with a few million people. Quickly, they developed themselves in all fronts and today known for their technological advancement in the world. Israelis emphasized on education and toiled selflessly for development of their nation. Sustainable

developments are an absolute necessity and require cooperation between administration and citizens.

People must participate in development process with sustainable development commitments and at the same time, create local and innovative solutions, he opined. Before concluding his deliberation, the MP announced to sanction ten lacs from his discretionary fund and one lac from his salary for the fire victim families of Lazu village, Khonsa where reportedly 38 residential houses were reduced to ashes in a major fire accident on Dec-31 last.

Among other prominent personalities, ADC Nari Moki Loyi, ZPMs Kenyom Dabii and Takir Kakki and Anchal Chairperson Yalum Sora and GBs also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

‘Shanti Doot Motor Cycle Rally 2016’ flag off at Roing

District task force meeting held Aalo, Jan 8: The District Task Meeting for IPPI 2015-16 was held at DC’s Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Shri Pige Ligu Deputy Commissioner, West Siang district on7th Jan last.

Shri Ligu advised the officers attending the meeting to be sincere in their duty and Govt. and insisted on implementation of programme in proper way to give maximum benefit to the public.

He assured to give all assistantances for successful implementation of programe. The sensitization of Kayakalp programe to District Kayakalp award committee was also done in the meeting. The review of RBSK, Mission Indradanush-II was also taken up. Education & ICDS department which are

and Dr. K. Ori DFWO briefed the important of the meeting. . Achievements of the last year 3 years performance of IPPI was reflected by Sri Yomto Lollen, DPM West Siang District through Power point presentation and various issues for the successful implementation of IPPI Programme. He also informed house that 1st Round of IPPI has been fixed on 17th Jan 2016 and 2nd Round on 21st Feb 2016.

District task force meeting held in Aalo. the main Stakeholders of RBSK programme assured to provide upto date list of no. of students/ children enrolment in schools and

AWC in soft copy to the Health department within short period.

Dr. Marbom Basar, DMO Aalo shared his experience

and directed all the MO i/c of health facilities to bring the issues in implementation of the IPPI and other programe in such meeting

Shri Tumto Lollen, DDSE, Aalo, Shri Bahi Koyu, I/C Deputy Director ICDS, West Siang District, Medical Officers I/C from peripheral health facilities and members of District Level Award Committee on Kayakalp also attended the meeting. (DIPRO)

‘Mission Indradhanush Senior monk dies at 68 Itanagar, Jan 8 ‘Mission Indradhanush’ (MI) was formally launched in the state by Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tacho at his official bungalow on 6th April, 2015. Depicting seven colours of the rainbow as its logo, the mission aims to cover children who are either unvaccinated or are partially vaccinated against seven vaccine preventable disease which include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B. To accelerate the process of Immunization by covering cent percent and also to achieve target of full coverage, five high focus districts have been selected in Arunachal namely East Kameng, East Siang, Upper Siang, Changlang and Lohit where number of left-out children is stated to be higher than other districts in the state. As per the mission guidelines, these districts will be targeted by intensive efforts to improve the routine immunization coverage. The vaccinations will target 0-2 age group of chil-

dren and pregnant women.

Under the Mission Indradhanush, an amount of Rs. 76 lakhs has been allocated by 90:10 ratios by the Central government, though the amount is not sufficient to materialize the programme even then the health department is persistent in its effort to get success and immunize all unimmunized children.

Joining the rest of the country, Pentavalent Vaccine was launched under Routine Immunization Program in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, the 21st November, 2015.

The launch formally started with first administration of intramuscular vaccine to an infant at Banquet hall.

Pentavalent vaccine is a combination of Diphtheria, Pertusis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib in one single injection instead of 3 separate injections.

Pentavalent introduction basically means introduction of Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine, a new addition to Routine Immunization program which will reduce the

morbidity and mortality mainly from meningitis.

The vaccine will be given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age. Those infants who already had one or two doses of DPT will continue with it (as before) and new cohort of infants at 6 weeks will get Pentavalent vaccine from the day it is launched.

This vaccine can be given up to one year of age only.

The new vaccine has the advantage of vaccination against five diseases in one prick of injection whereas under the ongoing Universal Immunization Programme the children were vaccinated against four diseases in two pricks.

Studies also show that 23-73 per cent of Bacterial Meningitis in children below one year is due to Hib which accounts for 50,000 to 60,000 cases of Meningitis every year. Out of it, 1/3rd children die and about 1/3rd suffer from crippling diseases such as deafness, paralysis and mental retardation

A Staff Reporter Naharlagun, Jan 8: Senior Buddhist Monk Venerable Gynapiya Mahathero passed away after a prolonged illness this morning at 7.30 AM in Namsai today.

Gynapiya breathed his last in the Pariyati Sasana Buddhist Vihara Namsai. With his death, Gynapiya attained the ultimate maha parinirvana. In Buddhism, the term parinirvana is commonly used to refer to nirvana-after-death, which occurs upon the death of the body of someone who has attained nirvana during his or her lifetime.

He was 68 years old. Gynapiya who is originally from Panjan, Jorhat district of Assam was the head monk in Theravada Buddhist Temple in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

A funeral date had yet to be decided.

His last rites will be performed in accordance with the Theravada Buddhist ritual popularly known as Poi Leng within the 20 days time, informed Venerable

Aggaddhamma, Head monk of Pariyati Sasana Buddhist Vihara Namsai.

The Theravada Buddhist Society Itanagar expresses deep sorrow over the passing away of Venerable Gynapiya Mahathero and prayed for his attainment of eternal nirvana.

With his death, the Theravada Buddhist Society has lost one of its prominent monks and he will be long remembered in Buddhist Society.

Massive traffic awareness campaign concludes with a positive note

The ‘Shanti Doot Motor Cycle Rally 2016’ flag off at Roing by DC Ravi Dhavan.

Bishnu Rana Roing, Jan 8: ‘Shanti Doot Motor Cycle Rally 2016’ has been flagged off by Ravi Dhavan DC and T Ringu SP Lower Dibang Valley as a chief guest and guest of honour here at the VKV Auditorium with a noble theme for a Healthy, Wealthy and Peaceful life as well as sensitization of killer drugs which has become an alarming issues in our society.

In his message, the DC appeals the NGOs and Societies to come fore in order to alert the youth against the vicious affect of the drug and educate the youth about the detrimental effect of the menace. “The administration is always ready to sup-

port this cause and will cater facilities in organising such humanitarian service to make an addiction free society. The youth being most vulnerable need to be targeted in this campaign, he urges further.

This gracious endeavour being initiated by the Brahmakumaries Rajyoga Meditation Centre including L/Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai district and Sadiya of Assam for 9 (nine) days in which two days each would be contributed in each district to generate wide awareness campaign in the school, villages and outskirt pocket of township.

Meanwhile, BK Vinod, BK

Thakuria, BK Rajani from Tinsukia, Sisters in-charge from respective districts including hundred of brothers and sisters and student of VKV Roing also participated in the ceremony.

Hornbill Public School also displayed beautiful dance mesmerising the guests.

Overall 25 Bikers all being the member from Brahmakumaris as resource person who are completely drugs free and transform themselves from Rajyoga meditation would disseminate the message during 9 days of awareness campaign which will be culminated at Namsai district on 16th January next.

Pasighat, Jan 8: The fourday long road safety and traffic regulation awareness campaign organized by District Administration concluded here on Thursday with a positive note today in presence of Loksabha MP Ninong Ering, DC Isha Khosla, MEO Deepak Shinde, HoDs, officers, leaders and common masses. People were given safety tips and advised to follow traffic rules during driving in order to save precious lives and avoid frequent road accidents. They were also given pamphlets containing directions and advisories during the campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla underscored the need for traffic awareness.

She appealed the civil society, media and NGOs to come forward and help to aware people so that proper implementation of laws can be done. Driving in a busy town like Pasighat is also a major source of stress, especially during rush hour.

Urbanization has resulted in an increase in the number of

people who have to use a car to get around. There is a need to streamline this huge rush of traffic in Pasighat town and stringent traffic rules are to be implemented and those who violate the law must be dealt sternly, said the DC. Accidents are a major cause of death and disability. Our youths should understand that driving over a given

speed limit is not only illegal, but also dangerous and increases the chances of an accident. When a youth takes a vehicle out, then the seniors become tensed, as they are unsure if they would return home safely or not. The DC also said, "The traffic rules have been made to make sure that no accidents or casualties happen on the road, and it becomes

Lokpeng Primary School celebrates Silver Jubilee Pasighat, Jan 8: Lokpeng Primary School, Siang district celebrated Silver Jubilee yesterday on Jan-7 with pomp and show. Education Minister Tapang Taloh gracing the occasion as Chief Guest congratulated the school community and appreciated their efforts and enthusiasm.

Addressing the gathering, minister Taloh said teaching is a noble profession and all should maintain its dignity. All should be forward looking and dedicate to take the society forward with proper reformation. Quoting "River always flows where there is suitable place and development comes where conducive atmosphere prevails", Taloh said positive and right thinking would create suitable atmosphere for development and

vided by the government for development of education, he further added in his speech.

Chief Guest Taloh who is also local MLA of the area sanction ten lacs for construction of a multipurpose community hall at Lokpeng-II village, five lacs for extension of community hall at Lokpeng-I, five lacs and three lacs renovation of Lokpeng-I and Lokpeng-II schools and two lacs for development of Lokpeng playground.

all should resolve to lift the society. All should rededicate to contribute for the upliftment of the community.

The government is working of the welfare of the teachers and therefore the teachers in turn should realize their responsibilities and work with more dedication and missionary zeal so that the literacy rate of the state is raised, he opined.

"I am doing my best for development of education department. State university at Pasighat, government general colleges in all districts, establishment of engineering colleges and various institutions for higher studies are exemplary achievements. Overwhelming response and supports have been received so far across the state and being the minister of the department

I will do my best to honor the responsibility entrusted upon me by the people to bring radical change in the society and eradicate students' sufferings" Taloh said. He would do right thing in right time to achieve the success, Taloh affirmed and sought fullest cooperation and supports so that govern-

ment programs and policies are implemented properly and deprived sections of the society are benefited. Teachersstudents-parents relations is of prime important. Hence, there should be extra efforts by the teachers to have friendly relation with the students. He also appealed the parents to coop-

erate with the teachers to mould the children in right direction. The minister advised the students to be punctual, sincere and attentive in studies and love and respect their teachers for their brighter future and to worthy citizens for the nation. They should avail optimum benefits being pro-

Siang Deputy Commissioner N Lego gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour also spoke on the occasion. Guru-Sishiya relation should be maintained; he advised adding that teachers should update themselves with the latest methods and the requirement of the moment.

the moral duty of the people to follow these traffic rules and regulations. Only, the family of the person affected by an accident knows the real pain that is endured by the family just because the person did not follow traffic rules". Talking about the absurd driving activities of the youths, Khosla said that the youths are nation's potential and future and

therefore it is the responsibility of the nation to make sure that they remain safe.

They should obey traffic rules to make driving a more enjoyable experience, opined Khosla. She administered an oath where everyone pledged that they would follow traffic rules and regulations in their life.

DTO (Tpt) Chakfa Wangsu said it is difficult to work alone and cooperation of society is necessary for betterment of people. Wangsu further informed that his department is taking steps to decentralize and decongest the town. N Ete (MVI) also spoke on the occasion. East Siang unit of All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation actively participated in the event.

Students of Karpung Karduk Folk Music Academy, Rayang and Town Middle School, Pasighat of were invited to stage street play, songs and demonstrations. Traffic police also demonstrated safety measures. Voice of Siang participants enthralled the audience on the occasion.

(DIPRO)

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Road mishap, 1 killed ET Correspondent Rangia Jan 8 : One Pradip Kalita(45) of vill Rampur near Ghograpar under Nalbari district was killed on the spot while crossing the NH 31st at Rangia Highway chawk on Friday morning. A speedy truck (No. AS01 DC 2571) Knocked Kalita who was a bus conductor by profession was crossing the NH with a passenger. The passenger somehow manages to save his life.

The truck also knocked the bus(No. AS01 FC 5916) where Kalita was serving as a conductor.

Police seized both the vehicles. The body of kalita sent for post mortem. It is alleged that the drivers parked their vehicle on the NH 31 near Rangia fly over illegally which create resentment among the public.

Ban on Kerosene distribution system in Dhubri ET Correspondent Dhubri, Jan 8: The Food and Civil Services department has imposed a ban order upon Kerosene distribution system in the jurisdictional area of Dhubri district. The ban order states that no dealers or PDS shops can withdraw their allotted kerosene from their respective depots. The sudden order issued by the authorities has created confusion among the dealers and the people of the district.

Foods Security act held at Bilasipara ET Correspondent Dhubri, Jan 8: The Food Security Act of 2013 was officially launched at Bilasipara Sub-Division

by SDO (C), Atanu Sharma recently. The implementation of this Act will benefit about 3, 95,898 BPL beneficiaries of the Sub-Division. In the inauguration programme, SDO(C) Atanu Sharma stated that BPL category beneficiaries will get 5 kg rice per member of the family at the rate of 3 rupees per kg only and under the Antodoya Achani 11,690 nos. of beneficiaries will get 35 kg rice at the rate of 3 rupees per kg.

Officers of Food and Civil Services of the sub-division, Presidents and Secretaries of Co-operatives of the Sub-division and dealers were present during the programme.

French Army to be first foreign contingent to participate in RD Parade New Delhi, Jan. 8 (ANI): For the first time in history of Republic Day celebrations, French Army contingent will be participating in the parade along with the Indian Armed forces, said sources with Ministry of Defence.

It is for the first time that any foreign army contingent will be taking part in prestigious Republic Day Parade.

Meanwhile, a French Army contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade, is already in India for 'Shakti-2016'- eightday counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint exercise in Rajasthan.

French President Francois Hollande will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations this year.

Assam CM condoles demise of Mufti Mohammad A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 8: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressed grief over the demise of Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. "In his death, the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation has lost a great statesman, towering personal-

ity and above all a vibrant humanist. Mufti's chequered public life spanning several decades will be remembered by posterity." The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Khumtai Bhogali Bihu Utsav from Jan. 11 ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 8: The 3rd Annual Brihottar Khumtai Bhogali Bihu Utsav organised by the people of Khumtai and organising Committee headed by Minister of Cultural Affairs Handloom Textiles & Sericulture Backward Classes Welfare Bishmita Gogoi at 2 no Sensuwa will get underway with a five day long programme commencing from Jan 11. As per the programme chalked out,

Bhogali Gate Inauguration, Bhogali Flag Hoisting, Plantation programme, SHG Mela cum Exhibition, Competition of Traditional Games, Meji Ignition & Feast, Folk Dances of Seven Sisters, Open Meeting & Cultural Night will be held during the five day long programme. Working President Jayanta Baruah & Secretary Chandan Goswami has urged the people to participate in the same.

Madhabi Gupta passes away ET Correspondent Rangia Jan 8: Madhavi Gupta, retired teacher of Rangia Railway High school passed away after prolong illness on thurs day night in Kolkata.

She was 70. She was associated with many social and cultural organizations. She was also the member of Rangia Ram Krishna Seva Ashram. She was loved and respect by all as popular teacher. She

had a soft corner for poor students whom she helped much.

Ghanashyam Kalita MLA and Ananta Deka Ex MLA Rangia condoled the death of Miss Gupta. She dedicated her whole life for the welfare of the students.

Different organization including Ram Krishna Seva Ashram and teachers and students of Railway high school condoled the death of Madhavi Gupta.

AASU stages protest for hospital at Bhogamukh ET Correspondent Teok, Jan 8: Demanding to immediately open the 30 bedded Bhogamukh Govt Hospital situated at the rural Bhogamukh area of Jorhat district the All Assam Student Union’s Teok Simalaguri Mauza Anchalik branch today observed a protest against the Assam government at the hospital campus. It might be mentioned that the hospital built at an approximate cost of 4

AASU stages protest for hospital at Bhogamukh. Pic - N. Pathak.

Tribal Student’s Union voices concern over the brutal murder of Dhemaji student in Bengaluru ET Correspondent Lahkimpur; Jan 8: With regard to the issue of 'no-security' to the life and property of the students of the North Eastern Region in various parts of the country, the Central Committee of the All Assam Tribal Students' Union has become vocal against the Union Government along with the concerned state governments. The organisation has expressed strong concern on the issue in connection with the murder of Angshuman Padun, the son of Biren Padun and Nalini Padun, permanent inhabitant of Silapathar Kangkan Nagar in Dhemaji District.

It is noteworthy that the student who was studying in a New Delhi based college was brutally murdered in Bengaluru while he was on a tour. Such kind of serial condemnable incidents have proved that the stu-

dents of the region are very much insecure elsewhere in the country. Regarding the issue the organisation has criticised the negligence of the Union Government and the concerned state governments who have failed to provide adequate security to the outsiders. Meanwhile, central President of the organization, Nirmal Payeng, General Secretary Lakhyajit Deuri, Joint Secretaries Dharmendra Bundigiyary, Dimbeswar Narah, Edcation Secretary Ranjan Pegu, Lakhimpur District President Abhijit Deuri, and Vice President Nabajit Taku demanded a high level impartial inquiry to probe the murder of Angshuman within 20 days and the arrest of the culprits. Further they demanded a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh as compensation to the victim’s family. They also called upon the union home

National Pioneer Jr. College Tangla organizes quiz competition on the ocassion of college week Tangla, Jan 8 : National Pioneer College Tangla one of the pioneering junior colleges of the entire district and state which had produced excellent results in recent years had organized a quiz competition among its students on the ocassion of ongoing college week.

The interesting and high voltage quiz was conducted

by amateur quiz master Hridoijyoti Ojah who himself is a 5th position holder in the HS Commerce 2014 from the institute.The quiz was initially hosted by Shankar Dutta Professor of Dept.of English. The scoreboard was maintained

by Manisha Sarma. A total of five teams participated with three members

each.After five battling rounds which comprised questions from current affairs,science,inventions,literature and general academic curriculum.The team of Pulakesh Pathak,Mousumi Baruah and Kankan Chaliha emerged as champions.While The team of Chinmoy Bharali,Mithinga Boro and

Chiranjib Bharali emerged as 1st runners-up. The team of Anghshuman Das,Arohan Xavier Mushahary and Debabrat Deka emerged as second runners-up. The winning teams would be awarded with certificates and trophies on Annual prize giving ceremony of the college.

India to be fastest growing economy in 2016: World Bank Rajesh Mishra New Delhi, Jan 8: The World Bank has projected that India would comfortably remain the fastest growing economy in 2016, at a rate more than a percentage point higher than that of China.

In its report, the World Bank has projected the Indian economy to grow at 7.8 percent in 2016 and China to grow at a more modest 6.7 percent. The world economy as a whole would grow at 2.9 percent it estimated, a modest upturn from the 2.4 percent growth estimated for 2015.

The Indian economy is

constantly expanding with new opportunities in various sectors.

ways, the government has left no stone unturned to accomplish its mission.

The liberalization began in India after 1991 in the way of rapid development that took place. As part of this initiative, lenders were roped in from various markets. India is at the moment the third largest economy in the world after the US and China.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has repeatedly said that the Good and Services Tax (GST) would be implemented soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is coming up with new initiatives and programmes in its endeavor to boost the Indian economy. With a promise to build 100 new cities and high-speed rail-

crores in 2011 is yet to become functional due to lack of finishing works and lack of equipment. There were more than hundred protesters during the protest during which the AASU demanded before the Government to immediately open the hospital for the benefit of the people.

Jitu Neog, general sectary of the Jorhat district, AASU and a numbers of leaders were available during the protest.

While making these projections, the Bank report introduced a caveat saying that "a faster-than-expected slowdown in China combined with a more protracted deceleration in other large emerging markets is a risk". It said this remained a low-probability scenario, but if it did happen there could be a significant contagion risk for the

rest of the world.

"Compounding this risk is the possibility of a protracted decline in potential growth throughout emerging and developing economies, persistently subdued growth in major high-income countries, and an escalation of geopolitical tensions," the report warned, adding that a sudden readjustment of expectations about the future trajectory of US interest rates could also play a destabilizing role by combining with domestic fragilities and policy uncertainties in some developing countries.

ministry to ensure the security of the students and other people of the North Eastern Region. It is to be noted that the organisation had already administered strong protest

against the murder of Angshuman on January 6 in North Lakhimpur town by burning the effigies of PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Raj Nath Singh,

HRD Minister Smriti Irani, Youth Welfare and Sport Minister (State) Sarbananda Sonowal, Home Minister (State) Kiren Rijiju and CM of Assam Tarun Gogoi.

Inter-state car lifter gang member arrested at Makum Contd. from Page 1

According to sources, the entire operation is being monitored by the superintendent of Tinsukia police Mugdha Jyoti Mahanto and it is a

team of policemen from SP office who took the help of Makum police and arrested a Pappu Baruah who was taking shelter at Makum since over a month. The gang seems to be very big and there are possibilities of

more arrests, added sources.

In the meantime there are inputs that Pappu might be working and an Ulfa linkman. However, police is trying to verify the same.

People gathered in large number to pay homage to Khanikar Contd. from Page 1

Today his last rites were performed where thousands of people gathered near the Hamdoi High School in Tetelitol to pay homage to the departed soul .

The Golaghat District Administration has taken all

necessary steps to give State honour to late Dr Khanikar as according to the state government orders. State PWD Minister Ajanta Neog on behalf of CM Tarun Gogoi and the state government paid homage. The Deputy Commissioner Anarul Haque and the Superintendent of Police P.P

Singh along with several official of Golaghat District Administration paid floral tribute with full state honour . Apart from local people a foreigner also came to pay tribute to the departed soul.

Later Dr Gunaram Khanikar's dead body was taken to his Medicinal Herbs Garden.

Media persons greeted at Doomdooma ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Jan 8: A meeting was held at the Doomdooma Town Committee premises recently to greet the scribes of the locality on the occasion of the New Year. The meeting

started at 5 pm during which Dibrugarh based BJP leader Subhash Dutta who was deputed by union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, was present. A file was presented to each scribe as a token of greet-

ings for the New Year.

Doomdooma Town Committee Chairman Dulu Aarandhara, Doomdooma Press Club Secretary Manoj Dutta, President Anuj Kalita and the members were present.

A minor inhumanly abused, husband arrested but wife absconding Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Jan 8: In a bizarre incident that could shake the whole of humanly people living around the region, a minor girl of around 8 years age inhumanly abused was rescued by district administration and police on 5th of January 2016 from the house of one Talom Taloh from Mirsam village with the help of a newly formed local NGO named Women Against Social Evils (WASE).

After the team of WASE received the information regarding the abuse on the little girl, Addl. Dy. Com-

missioner was informed who in turn took the police and raided the house. But the door of the house was found locked as accused has got some prior information regarding the raid, however, the WASE activists laid a net and subsequently Taloh and his wife was seen receiving their sons in a private school at Baskota and later followed & arrested as officers concern of administration and police were in touch with the WASE team. The rescued minor whose condition was critical then had fresh burnt and cut marks with multiple wounds in the

whole of her body with collarbone and leg bones fractured who was immediately admitted to General Hospital Pasighat. Accused Talom Taloh was arrested on the same day following an FIR with Pasighat PS Case No. 3/2016 U/s 367/ 34 IPC R/w Sec-14 of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, but wife Osi Paron Taloh is absconding who is also equally responsible. When asked, Child Specialist Gagam Dai told this reporter at Medical today that, the girl was brought to medical under critical condition, but now she is gradu-

ally recovering. “There are many more tests to be conducted with different doctors including a Psychiatrist as the girl is severely abused having multiple injuries”,said Dai. The WASE activists Joya Tasung Moyong, Omem Ering, Momang Jamoh, Ome Jamoh, Omem Gao, Oyam Tamuk who strongly coordinated with the district administration and police which led to rescue of this minor girl expressed their thankfulness to ADC Shipak Shinde and SI Apang for their prompt action. But they appealed the

Members of the NGO along with the victim girl. authority concern to give a stringent punishment to the offenders and including immediate arrest of ab-

sconding Osi Paron Taloh.

The activists also met DIG Central Zone here today to speed up the case as there

is every possibility of accused influencing the police. According to WASE activists, Mr and Mrs Taloh is a habitual offender under whose care some people has got mysterious death earlier for which they have been jailed before. The minor girl is said to be from Laimekuri Assam and further detail of the incident can be known only after the victim is completely recovered. ICDS Dy. Director East Siang, Ponung Ering Angu is also closely monitoring the incident and taking care of the girl while pursuing the police to act tough on the offenders.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

HC asks CBI to Imphal-Mandalay bus service hits infrastructure roadblock ,Jan 8:India's this would evoke a good speaking on condition of K u l a c h a n d r a register FIR against Imphal plans to remove travel response from the people anonymity.In spite of this, Potsangbam, who has bottlenecks with and go a long way in prothe India-Burma Friend- taken several cultural minister, others Myanmar, with a bus ser- moting tourism .It would ship Association has been troupes from Imphal to vice from this Manipur help legalising border organising tour packages Myanmar, said: "There is

Shillong, Jan 8: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday allowed CBI to register an FIR and prosecute state Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and seven members of Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) for granting permission to 13 persons to construct 'illegal' highrise buildings in the state.

Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh also directed CBI to prosecute the highrise building owners, including an independent MLA supporting ruling Congress. Disposing of a petition filed by four advocates, the HC granted liberty to CBI to register the case at its headquarters in Delhi and to seek liberty from the Supreme Court, if so advised, to prosecute the accused in

a Delhi court so that the trial could reach the logical conclusion within time and to the satisfaction of the litigants. Stating that Shillong falls under Seismic Zone 5, the highest risk earthquake zone, the Chief Justice said granting permission to construct high-rise buildings in violation of laws have to be dealt with firmly.

The order came in the wake of the Supreme Court declining to stay the order of the High Court. Earlier, the HC had held that all constructions beyond G+3 are illegal and the role of CBI was limited only to finding out officers responsible for granting permission for making the illegal constructions and who are the beneficiaries of such orders.

(Agencies)

West Bengal: Police constable shot dead Kolkata, Jan. 8 : A police constable was shot dead by unknown people in East Midnapore district in West Bengal last night.The incident happened around 10:30 pm during the patrolling by cops of Mahishadal Police Station, when they saw two men with a large bag standing beside the NH41.When the cops asked the men to identify themselves and show the bag, they opened fire on the cops and reportedly threw bombs on them as

well.In the altercation that followed, one of the men shot constable Nabakumar from pointblank range after which both the assailants fled from the spot.The injured constable was carried to the nearby Mahishadal hospital and then to the Tamluk Hospital where the doctors declared him dead.Police force was rushed to the area where the incident took place and a hunt was launched for the two suspects.

(ANI)

Manipur youth killed as quake debris falls on him Imphal, Jan 8: A young man, who went on Thursday morning to salvage anything of value from a damaged private school run by his uncle, was killed when a portion of the school wall collapsed and fell on him, officials said. Mangboi Taothang and a friend went to the school site in Leimakhong area in Imphal West district, when the accident took place.A portion of the school wall collapsed, killing Taothang on the spot and seriously injuring his friend.Doctors said Taothang was dead when he was brought to the hospital in Leimakhong. Meanwhile, three experts from IIT-Roorkee told reporters in Imphal on Thursday that there was no need to demolish the damaged complexes of Laxmi and New Market.The experts accompanied by Manipur's Works Minister K Ratankumar inspected

the damaged market complexes."There is no need to demolish the complexes. The damage can be repaired. However, nobody can predict earthquakes and as such, people should not go near the complexes since they are still dangerous," Jogendra Singh of the IIT said.Meanwhile, hundreds of women vendors have been staging a sitin protest demanding an alternative market site for them."If the women vendors are not happy with the observation of the IIT officials, they should submit a memorandum to the government for necessary action," the minister said. Social Welfare Minister Akoijam Mirabai also visited the site, and said that if the women vendors lodge a protest, the cabinet will hold a meeting to discuss the issue."The government is always ready to hold talks with the women vendors," she said.

(Agencies)

capital to Mandalay appears to be faced with a major impediment - poor road conditions along the border areas - but this has not affected the thriving interaction across the border .Official indications are that the proposed service will be put off for an indefinite period."The government has been informed of the bad road condition along the border areas," Manipur Chief Secretary O. Nabakishore said. India planned to introduce the Imphal-Mandalay bus service over a distance of 580 km as a part of its Look East policy, hoping

trade, as various goods could be brought straight to Moreh in India and Namphalong in Myanmar.As it is, hundreds of Indian tourists and traders travel to Namphalong every day without travel documents for binge shopping.During his visit to Myanmar last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had signed an agreement with its leaders to construct 71 bridges along the road where the Indian buses will ply. The Myanmarese government has started construction of two bridges. The Indian cabinet has also sanctioned

Imphal-Mandalay bus service hits infrastructure roadblock

Rs.371.58 crore for constructing the remaining 69 bridges. The construction will be supervised by the Indian embassy in Myanmar. Construction material, labour and machineary will be transported from India to Myanmar through the 110-km-long NH 102 from Imphal."It will take some decades since the

two national highways connecting Manipur with Assam see general strikes and blockades round the year. Besides, during the rainy season the trucks cannot ply along these mountain highways due to rockslides. All projects in Manipur are far behind the schedule for these reasons," an official said,

and has been receiving encouraging response.

Backpackers have also been travelling by themselves along this route.Besides, several officials, tourists and traders from Myanmar and Thailand often come to Imphal for governmentsponsored festivals.

India planned to introduce the Imphal-Mandalay bus service over a distance of 580 km as a part of its Look East policy, hoping this would evoke a good response from the people and go a long way in promoting tourism

Strengthening of democratic forces in Pak important for resolving ties: Nitish Patna, Jan. 8 : Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise visit to Lahore last month, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the democratically elected government in Islamabad must become stronger for resolving ties between the two Asian neighbours."As far as the Prime Minister's visit to Pakistan is concerned, it is my personal opinion that his visit was absolutely right. At this point, it is very important for the democratically elected government there (in Pakistan) to become stron-

Nitish Kumar

ger as there are other factors also there," he told the media here. The Chief Minister also drew attention towards the fact that the Kargil War took

place at a time when former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was making all attempts to mend the relations between the two

nations."One must understand that the democratically elected government there has control over very limited departments. Whenever talks are initiated, the anti-national elements create trouble," he added.In an unprecedented diplomatic development, Prime Minister Modi landed in Lahore to meet his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his way back from Afghanistan last month.Exactly after a week after the Prime Minister's visit, the terrorists attacked the Air Force base in

always electrictrifying response from people. It may be because of the fact that the people would like to meet Manipuri origin Myanmarese there.

They are still preserving language, culture and religion and the Indian visitors feel at home there".

(Agencies)

Pathankot.Six terrorists were neutralised in the terror attack at the Pathankot air base that began in the wee hours on January 1. Seven security personnel were martyred in the terror attack.The conspiracy behind the terrorist attack in Pathankot was hatched in Markaj, Pakistan, as per high-level official sources.Putting the ball in Pakistan's court, India yesterday said the attack has once again put renewed focus on the challenge posed by cross-border terrorism.

(ANI)

No communal tension in WB, says Mamata Kolkata, Jan. 8: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee today said there is no communal tension in the state.Banerjee, who was speaking at Bengal Global Business Summit here, said unity in diversity is the mantra of the TMC regime. She also claimed that the Maoist violence has come down in West Bengal."Even the people residing in the hills are smiling. There is no tension," she said. (ANI)

Sazo urges youth to liberate community from backward tag Two killed Dimapur, Jan 8:Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker, Chotisuh Sazo has urged the younger generation of Chakhesang community to strive hard and obtain the best education so as to enable them to liberate the community from being tagged as "backward".He was speaking at the 62nd general session of Chozubami Students' Union coinciding with t69th general conference of Chakhesang Students' Union at Chozuba village, Thursday.Urging the students to work hard and obtain quality education so as to lead the society, Sazo said "it is upto you to liberate our community from being labelled backward." Asserting that "backwardness" was just a state of mind, Sazo challenged the student community to refine their worldview, to expand their horizons and to translate their visions and dreams into action.

Sazo said that educationally Chakhesang tribe fall

under "backward tribe" category among the indigenous inhabitants of the state because the tribe had late access to modern education. He said still the number of educated people amongst the tribe was still "quite low."He then pointed out non-acceptance of Christianity and western way of life earlier and Indo-Naga conflict as significant causes of the slow growth of education among Chakhesang tribe.

Sazo said Chakhesangs were deeply involved in IndoNaga conflict and thus gave less importance to modern education and had to come a long way in the field of education.At present he said other Naga tribes were of the view that Chakhesangs should no longer be tagged as a "backward tribe" as the community have made some significant progress in the last few years.While maintaining that whether the tribe continue to fall under "backward tribe" cat-

egory or not should be seriously deliberated by all, he admitted that the community has been making noticeable progress in the field of education. Despite agriculture being the main source of economy and employment in Phek district Sazo said the income generated was negligible as there was no m e c h a n i s e d farming.Traditionally, he said, Chakhesang community was no less advanced than others in cereal crop cultivation even though rough topography of the land does not permit for vast cultivation of cereal and leguminous crops.Pointing out that the tribe have an advantage of growing fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, bee keeping etc., Sazo said "we need to change our attitude towards professional and commercialized farming to improve our agriculture base economy." "Studies and trainings in various professional skills must be encouraged and sup-

in road mishap

Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker

ported beyond a certain level of general education if we are to race with the rest of the world," he said. The speaker also expressed concern that the Naga youth have taken up cultures that are destructive in nature because of the easy access to social media and internet. He said Nagas can give many to the world through the good side of the traditional culture such as respect for the elderly, honesty, dignity of labour, sincerity etc. but regretted that these qualities were fast withering from Naga society. Sazo then appealed the Naga society to re-

vive these virtues and encourage the youth to learn and appreciate them. NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Kethozelhou Keyho and Chakhesang Students' Union president Seve R. Vadeo also extended greetings on the occasion while K端n端sayi Rhakho delivered Chozubami SU presidential address.The Speaker was accompanied by deputy speaker Imtiwapang Longkumer, commissioner & Secretary NLA N. Benjamin Newmai and chairman Nagaland honey bee mission Pusazo Luruo.

(Agencies)

Bhutan's PM in Kolkata

Bhutan PM Lyonchoen Tshering Tobgay (R) with WB Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi (L)

Kolkata, Jan 8: Bhutan attaches high importance to its relations with West Bengal, an immediate and a friendly neighboring Indian state. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Thursday conveyed this to West BengalGovernor Keshari Nath Tripathi on the sec-

ond day of his four-day visit to West Bengal's capital Kolkata.

Lyonchoen, economic affairs minister Norbu Wangchuk and other members of the delegation paid a courtesy call on the governor at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata on T h u r s d a y

afternoon.According to a news release from the Prime Minister's Office the Prime Minister also said that the two sides would only benefit from collaborating in all areas of mutual interest.The leaders commended Bhutan and India's exemplary relationship and bilateral cooperation, which they agreed has proved to be greatly beneficial in promoting economic and commercial ventures between the two c o u n t r i e s . " To d a y, Bhutan-India friendship is looked upon as an excellent example of how two nations despite their differences in size and popu-

lation can enjoy a relationship that is mutually beneficial," the news release stated.Meanwhile, the delegation also visited Dakineshwar and Kalighat temples in the city. Lyonchoen and the officials offered prayers and paid respects to two of the most holy shrines of goddess Kali in India .Later in the evening, the Prime Minister attended a dinner as the guest of honor, hosted by the Chief

Minister of West Bengal at the Eco-Tourism Park.The Prime Minister on Wednesday met the state's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Lyonchoen will attend the two-day Bengal Global Business Summit beginning in Kolkata starting from today.

He also visited the Bhutanese consulate and interacted with the consul general on Wednesday. (Agencies)

Bhutan attaches high importance to its relations with West Bengal, an immediate and a friendly neighboring Indian state.

Shillong,Jan 8: Two persons were killed on the spot and two other sustained injuries when the car in which they were travelling met with an accident at Shillong Bye pass under Mawryngkneng Block, East Khasi Hills district on Thursday morning.The ill fated case, proceeding towards Jowai, was first hit from behind by a giant twelve wheeler truck and due to the impact of the collision, it collided with the dumper coming from the opposite direction. The driver of the Alto 800 along with another occupant sitting in the front seat sustained injuries, while two other occupants Starbor Shadap (53) and Brington Synnah (48) sitting in the back seat died on the spot. (Agencies)

Two suspected militants shot dead in Manipur Imphal, Jan 8: Security forces have gunned down two suspected militants in Manipur; police said today.The Assam Rifles shot dead the two near Rihang villages in Ukhrul district on Wednesday.

Police said the suspected militants had set up an ambush along the path the personnel took for daily patrol.After the gunfight between the two sides ended, one AK-56 assault rifle and 10 rounds of ammunition were found at the spot. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

PAGE 6

Congress slams 'uncultured' govt. for replacing Aamir as brand ambassador New Delhi, Jan. 8: The Congress Party on Friday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA Government for replacing actor Aamir Khan as the brand ambassador of Incredible India campaign run by the Tourism Ministry, saying it reflects ' vendetta politics' and 'uncultured behavior' on part of the ruling dispensation. "There was a tweet by the spokesperson of the BJP that Aamir Khan was removed and subsequently

they said that his contract was over. This shows their vendetta politics.

Whoever is going to be the next ambassador is not very important, but the way Mr. Aamir Khan is discourteously removed, the government must have tagged Mr. Aamir Khan for his government programme instead he was removed and that too very unceremoniously which is the most uncultured behavior from the government's side,"

Suspected al-Qaeda operative was 'facilitator': Delhi Police New Delhi, Jan. 8: The Delhi Police on Friday said that Anzar Shah, who was arrested for having alleged links with the alQaeda, was a 'facilitator' involved in sending a recruit abroad for training.

"We came to know about the existence of this module by the end of 2014. We arrested Mohammed Asif and also Abdur Rehman from Cuttak. Interrogation of the two revealed startling facts, on the basis of these facts we arrested Anzar Shah from Bengaluru," Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Arvind Deep told. "We produced

him in the court yesterday and he will be in police remand till January 20. His main role was that of a facilitator. His main involvement was to send one Umar Hyderabadi abroad for training," he added. A team of Delhi Police Special Cell reportedly arrested a madrassa teacher on Wednesday from Bengaluru on suspicion of having links with an al-Qaeda module operating in India. He was subsequently produced in a Delhi Court on Thursday which sent him to police custody till January 20. (ANI)

Ram Janmabhoomi row: Congress pulls up 'communal' BJP

Congress leader P. C. Chacko

Congress leader P. C. Chacko told here. "This is a kind of negative approach, anyone who expressed their feeling freely is not appreciated

in this present regime and the present government they are trying to take vindictive action against those people who don't agree with them," he added. On Thursday Khan said it was an honour for him to be the brand ambassador for the Incredible India campaign for the past 10 years and added that he would always be there for the service of the nation.

The Bollywood star's comment came a day after a

controversy erupted after a section of the media reported that the Central Government had removed him as the brand ambassador of theIncredible India campaign under the Tourism Ministry. Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma, however, clarifying his ministry's position on the issue yesterday and said that it was purely a contractual matter with advertising agency McCann Worldgroup. (ANI)

"This is a kind of negative approach, anyone who expressed their feeling freely is not appreciated in this present regime and the present government they are trying to take vindictive action against those people who don't agree with them,"

Govt., Congress lock horns over Aamir's 'trimmed' security New Delhi, Jan. 8: Following the trimming of security on certain Bollywood celebrities including Aamir Khan, the Congress reignited the 'intolerance' debate and alleged that the actor was paying the cost for expressing his opinion against the Narendra Modi Government. Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewalla Bollywood personalities Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan dubbed the move as a 'titfor-tat' on the part of the ment has now become definitely raises a quesruling dispensation. "First famous for," Surjewalla tion that is this being done reports emanated that In- told. Further hitting out at only for law and order or credible India icon Aamir the Centre over the se- is it an exercise to send a Khan, who is a renowned curity nix, he added that message, that if you actor, was suddenly re- the 'trimming' had been criticise the Modi Governmoved. Has it arisen on done for those people ment then you will be punaccount of the free ex- who had expressed con- ished in more ways than pression of opinion and cern on the growing at- one," Surjewalla added. the atmosphere on intol- mosphere of intolerance However, the Centre erance that Aamir spoke and if this was the downplayed Aamir's seabout? Is it a tit-for-tat government's way of curity being nixed and that the Modi Govern- sending a message."It said that such a call had

been made only after a thorough assessment.

"Agencies who work in the field of security make such calls only after a thorough assessment.

This is a common process of theirs to decide which actor or politician needs what level of security," Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told . The Mumbai Police reduced security for a number of Bollywood personalities, including Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan saying that 'manpower' was being wasted. Aamir and Shah Rukh were provided extra security last year after they faced severe retaliation for their remarks on 'intolerance' from political parties and various outfits. (ANI)

Kiran Bedi slams returns of 'abhorrent' Jallikattu

BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav

New Delhi, Jan. 8: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Friday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of raking up the Ram Janmabhoomi issue keeping in mind the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and called for unity among the secular forces to counter the same. "This is very dangerous. I am worried.

They will do something communal before the 2017 assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. This is the method of BJP. We should be wary of it. All secular forces must unite against it," Aiyar told.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had earlier lashed out at those opposing a seminar on Ram Janmabhoomi in the

Delhi University campus. The two-day seminar titled "Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Temple: Emerging Scenario" is scheduled to begin on January 9 at the Delhi University's Arts Faculty. The event is being organised by Arundhati Vashishtha Anusandhan Peeth (AVAP), which is a research organisation founded by late VHP leader Ashok Singhal.

The university had drawn flak from students and teachers over the event earlier.The university, while defending itself, had reportedly said that it has nothing to do with the subject of the seminar, adding that the venue for the event was available to outsiders for hiring. (ANI)

Ram Madhav to meet J-K BJP leaders today Srinagar, Jan. 8: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav will meet party leaders in Jammu and Kashmir here today after the party decided to back Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti for the post of Chief Minister. The J&K Chief Minister's post is lying vacant after the death of 79-year-oldChief Minis-

ter Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who breathed his last on Thursday morning at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi. Meanwhile, BJP leader Choudhary Lal Singh had on Thursday said Mehbooba Mufti deserves to be the CM, and his party ( BJP) should not be having any problem with her coronation.

(ANI)

New Delhi, Jan. 8: Former IPS officer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kiran Bedi on Friday slammed the Centre's decision to permit the controversial sport of 'Jallikattu' in Tamil Nadu saying that the 'abhorrent' and 'brutish' tradition did not encourage a civilised society. "It's abhorrent and this kind of brutish brutality is not meant to be shown on television. We are trying to encourage a civilised society which is moving towards peace and harmony. These games do not encourage that," Bedi told . Hitting out the decision of reviving the bulltaming sport, she questioned the reason behind

going against the Supreme Court's decision of banning it in the first place.

"The Supreme Court had shown great wisdom by banning it. Why should we against the SC order? How is this benefittign our society? What does our next generation see? Provoking a bull to be mad, and then tease it and hurt the bull is against life, "Bedi added.

Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan welcomed the Environment Ministry's nod to the Tamil Nadu Government to conduct 'Jallikattu' and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the same. "Thank our honourable Prime Min-

ister for giving permission for conducting Jallikattu this year. There was a situation that there will not be any chance of conducting this more than 200-yearold tradition. Due to some reasons this event was facings a crisis, but our Prime Minister has made all the arrangement now," Radhakrishnan told. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change issued a notification today saying that 'bulls may be continue to be exhibited or trained as a performing animal, at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat in the manner

BJP leader Kiran Bedi

by the customs of any community or practiced traditionally under the customs or as part of culture'.

However, there were certain provisions that such races will organised on a 'proper track' and bulls are put to proper testing by the authorities of the Animal Husbandry. (ANI)

Delhi HC to decide on Odd-Even scheme on Jan 10

Senior Advocate R. K. Kapoor

New Delhi, Jan. 8: Senior Advocate R. K. Kapoor on Friday said that the Delhi High Court, which heard the state government's reply on the success of Odd-Even scheme, will decide the matter on January 10.

Kapoor told the media that the Delhi Government presented statistical data in the court to show that implementation of the Odd-Even scheme had been a success. "Harish Salve, who represented

the Delhi Government in the court, today submitted a report in which the statistical figures were presented to show that there has been some improvement in pollutionlevel. He also said that the substantial improvement in pollutions was hampered by smog," Kapoor said. "We said that the pollution-level had already come down by December when the scheme had not been enforced," he added.

He said that a clampdown

on using of cars was discriminatory as most pollution was caused by dust and the two-wheelers.

"Another figure given to the court claimed that most pollution is caused by dust. So it was asked why the cars are being stopped when dust and other vehicles also cause pollution. We put forth our view and said that when diesel vehicle and two-wheelers are polluting the environment then why only the cars should be stopped, it is discriminatory," he said. "The court has noted down our arguments and the case has been scheduled for

Monday (January 10).

The court is going to announce its order on Monday. It has reserved its decision in this regard on Monday," he added. The High Court on Wednesday had asked the Delhi Government as to why the Odd-Even trial should last for more than a week.

Responding to the High Court's question, the Delhi Government had said that the OddEvenformula was working and was well received by the people. The oddeven scheme was launched January 1 to curb alarming rise in vehicular pollution. (ANI)

"Another figure given to the court claimed that most pollution is caused by dust. So it was asked why the cars are being stopped when dust and other vehicles also cause pollution. We put forth our view and said that when diesel vehicle and two-wheelers are polluting the environment then why only the cars should be stopped, it is discriminatory,"

Odd-Even rule: Delhi Govt. to submit pollution report in HC

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai

New Delhi, Jan. 8: Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said that the Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP) Government would submit its report on the level of pollution in the national capital in the High Court and added that the status quo of the Odd-Even formula would be known only after the order is passed. Rai also said that the Odd-Even scheme has gathered diverse views from the people, with some accepting it while others criticising the move. He added, "It had already been

decided that the formula would be implemented for fifteen days and only after weighing the pros and cons would the future of the scheme be decided."

The Delhi High Court had earlier asked the state government as to why it was necessary to run the OddEven traffic rule for more than a week and asked if the scheme could end on Friday. The High Court also asked the government to submit a detailed report on its findings on the pollution level for the first seven days. (ANI)

Thank PM Modi for permitting 'Jallikattu'- Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan Chennai, Jan. 8: The Ministry of Environment on Friday gave the nod to the Tamil Nadu state government to conduct 'Jallikattu'- the controversial bull-taming sport that is celebrated around the festival of Pongal every year in Tamil Nadu.

"Thank our honourable Prime Minister for giving permission for conducting Jallikattu this year. There was a situation that there will not be any chances of conducting this more than 200 year old tradition. Due to some reasons this event was facing a crisis, but our Prime Minister has made all the arrangement now," Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan told . He thanked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially party chief Amit Shah and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar for giving the permission to the Tamil community. Ministry Of Environment Forest And Climate Change had issued a notification saying that 'bulls may be continue to be exhibited or trained as a performing animal, at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka,

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan

Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat in the manner by the customs of any community or practiced traditionally under the customs or as part of culture.'

However there were certain provisions that such races will organised on a 'proper track' and bulls are put to proper testing by the authorities of the Animal Husbandry. The Veterinary Department has been notified to ensure that the bulls are in good physical condition to participate in the event which will be strictly monitored by the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and State Animal Welfare Board or the District Authorities to ensure that no unnecessary pain or suffering is inflicted on the manner.

(ANI)

BJP backs Mehbooba Mufti to step in as J-K CM New Delhi, Jan. 8: Expressing his support towards Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said if she takes over the post then she must also take ahead the atmosphere of development and faith created by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in the valley. "Hope that the atmosphere of development and faith created by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Jammu and Kashmir will be taken ahead by Mehbooba ji if she be-

comes the Chief Minister," Naqvi told here. In Jammu and Kashmir, the ruling PDP President and MP Mehbooba Mufti is expected to become new Chief Minister of the State following demise of her father and former CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Thursday. PDP has unanimously decided to support her for the top post of Chief Minister. The coalition partner BJP said it will go with PDP's choice on Chief Minister's post. BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav is visiting today to meet State's party leaders to ensure smooth transition of power in the State. (ANI)

State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Saudi Foreign Minister holds talks with Pak leadership Islamabad, Jan 8:Days after his trip was postponed due to spiralling Saudi-Iran tensions, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister today arrived here and held talks with the Pakistani leadership on a host of issues including regional security situation and Islamabad's concerns over the 34-nation alliance to fight militancy. Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and held delegation-level talks with the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz. He also met army Chief General Raheel Sharif. Adel briefed the Prime Minister on the details of the Islamic military alliance

against terrorism after Pakistan announced its readiness to join it once all details are made available.

Sharif said that Pakistan welcomes Saudi Arabia's initiative and stressed that it supports all such regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and extremism. They also discussed regional security situation and matters of bilateral interest.

The Prime Minister called for further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, in all fields of cooperation, including defence, security, economic and commercial ties, according to an official statement. Adel also briefed Sharif on Saudi Arabia's

Myanmar military to continue offensive against armed group Nay Pyi Taw, Jan 8 : The Myanmar military has vowed to continue launching offensive against the ethnic Arakan Army following at least 10 recent clashes with the group, a media report said today.The government forces have pledged to remove the armed group from Rakhine state in western Myanmar where it is operating.It was reported that seven members of the government forces including one commanding officer were killed in a sniper attack and many others were injured.The government

forces captured three Arakan Army members and seized some weapons during last week's clashes in Rakhine state.The armed group, while retreating, took five men and two women working on a farm as hostages.The Arakan Army was among the three armed groups that have not been invited to the government's peace deal.The government signed a nationwide ceasefire accord with eight armed groups on October 15 2015 and a formal political dialogue was set for mid-January.

(Agencies)

Pak has to curb terror activities to continue talks: Gowda Kadapa, Jan 8: Union Minister of Law and Justice D V Sadananda Gowda today said that if Pakistan wants to continue talks with India, it has to take steps to curb terrorist activities originating from its soil. "Now ball is in Pakistan's court. Pakistan has to respond positively to continue the bilateral talks. If Pakistan wants to continue talks, it has to take steps to curb the terrorist activities, which are harming our country, from its soil," Gowda said addressing a press conference here."The Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are taking all necessary steps to maintain good relations with Pakistan and trying to ensure to take the bilateral talks forward to maintain peace in the sub-continent," he stressed. Praising the soldiers, commandos and intelligence officials for efficiently handling the terror attack in Pathankot air base, he paid rich tributes to those who sacrificed their lives while fighting the terrorists.

Based on the information of intelligence department, all (security) forces were alerted who efficiently handled the Pathankot terror strike, otherwise it may have turned out to be "worse than the Mumbai terror

attack (of 2008)," the minister said. Gowda said the government is keen on maintaining harmony and good relations with the neighbouring countries and also to safeguard the nations's interests. Six terrorists, who had sneaked into the country from Indo-Pak border in Pakistan, attacked the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in Punjab during the intervening night of January 1 and 2. They were killed during a counter-operation by Indian forces that lasted for about three days in which seven security personnel were killed. Notably, putting the ball squarely in Pakistan's court, India yesterday linked the Foreign Secretary-level talks to Islamabad's "prompt and decisive" action in the Pathankot terror attack for which it has provided "actionable intelligence".

Uncertainty prevails on talks scheduled for January 15 in Islamabad between Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry following the Pathakot terror attack which was originated from Pakistan.

There is a widespread speculation that the talks may be put off to enable National Security Advisors to meet before that.

(Agencies)

Union Minister of Law and Justice D V Sadananda Gowda

Arabia's growing tensions with Iran over the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, in the Kingdom. During the talks with Aziz, the two sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields and underscored the need to develop jointly a counter narrative against

Sharif said that Pakistan welcomes Saudi Arabia's initiative

growing tensions with Iran over the execution of a Shia cleric in the Kingdom.

Sharif expressed deep concern at the escalation of the situation and condemned the burning down of Saudi Embassy in Tehran. The

Prime Minister called for resolution of differences through peaceful means "in the larger interest of the Muslim unity". Adel was originally scheduled to arrive on Sunday but the trip was delayed due to Saudi

extremism and terrorism.

The two countries agreed to hold political consultations twice a year alternately in Islamabad and Riyadh. They agreed to make a concerted effort to promote multi-faceted cooperation and work together to defeat "common enemy - terrorism and extremism. (Agencies)

Days after his trip was postponed due to spiralling Saudi-Iran tensions, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister today arrived and held talks with the Pakistani leadership on a host of issues including regional security situation and Islamabad's concerns over the 34-nation alliance to fight militancy.

Sri Lanka to mark one year of good governance tomorrow Jan 07, Colombo: A series of programs will be held today to mark the completion of one year of the democratic governance, established under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena.The political change in the country to restore democracy and establish good governance was initiated following the election of President Maithripala Sirisena on 8th January last year.The main national ceremony on the occasion will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), under the patronage of President Sirisena, the Government Information Department said. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, grandson of the

pioneer of the Indian independence struggle Mahathma Gandhi will deliver the keynote address of the ceremony. Mr. Gandhi, a civil servant and a diplomat, has served as Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and South Africa.Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, ministers, diplomats, intellectuals and artists will participate in this ceremony.The academic book 'One Nation - Great Power', published to mark this historic occasion will also be launched during this ceremony.In addition, a special religious program startsdat 7:00 a.m. at the historical Kalutara Bodhi to bless President Sirisena, the government and the people of the country.A ceremony

to mark the 117th birth anniversary of late Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Bandaranaike statue in Galle Face, under the patronage of President Sirisena.The President is also scheduled to visit the Kotte Sri Naga Viharaya to pay a floral tribute to the late Most Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero.The President launched the "Tell the President" and "Janapathi Hadabima" programs at 11:00 a.m. at the President's House in Colombo tomorrow. Citizens can submit their complaints and grievances through the "Tell the President" program.President Sirisena declared open the Development Evaluation Of-

fice at the Presidential Secretariat tomorrow. The office was built to review the development activities that have commenced across the country and to check whether the advices and guidance given by the President for the betterment of the people, are properly implemented.On January 09 the President will address the Parliament at 10:30 a.m. and on the same day from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. a Culture Show will be held at the Independence Square premises.A photographic exhibition titled "Janapathi Abhimangalawasara Seya Samaruma" will be held at the Arcade Independence Square, Colombo to mark the President's completion of one year term in office.

(Agencies)

PM: BNP defeated in municipal polls for arson attacks Dhaka, Jan 8: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has opined that BNP failed to get votes from the countrymen in the immediate past municipal polls owing to its nationwide arson attacks in the name of toppling the government. The PM made the statement while addressing an event on the occasion of distributing laptops and multimedia projectors to different educational institutions in Tungipara Bangabandhu Memorial Complex today noon. Tungipara upazila administration hosted the programme. Sheikh Hasina said: "The countrymen did not vote in favor of BNP in the municipal elections for its involvement in countrywide arson attacks. Legal action ought to be adopted against Khaleda Zia for

Sheikh Hasina burning people alive in the name of overthrowing the government. She appeared in court with shouldering the burden of defeat."Free flow of democracy ensures the county's development and we have proved it as well in the meantime. No advancement can be possible in absence of democracy."Later, the prime minister inaugurated newly constructed Tungipara

Sheikh Russell Shishu Park.Earlier, Hasina placed wreaths at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.The PM and her sister Sheikh Rehana offered prayers at the mazar seeking eternal peace of departed souls of Bangabandhu, Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib and other martyrs of the August 15 massa-

cre. Prayers were also offered seeking country's continued peace, progress and prosperity.Later, the prime minister joined a Doa and Milad Mahfil in the mosque of the mausoleum.Local Awami League leaders, newly elected mayors and councillors and the family members joined the programme as well. (Agencies)

"The countrymen did not vote in favor of BNP in the municipal elections for its involvement in countrywide arson attacks. Legal action ought to be adopted against Khaleda Zia for burning people alive in the name of overthrowing the government. She appeared in court with shouldering the burden of defeat."

Sheikh Hasina

Six Koreans confirmed with dengue after Sri Lanka visit

Six Koreans have been confirmed with dengue fever after visiting Colombo

Colombo, Jan 8:Six Koreans have been confirmed with dengue fever after visiting Colombo, Sri Lanka in December for volunteer work, the Korean media reported.

This marks Korea's first confirmed case of group infection of the virus, health authorities said Thursday.Two others are waiting for final test results from the Korea National Institute of Health, but the chance of infection is highly likely as they were tested positive in an initial test.According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and Keimyung University, the eight - five students, two school staffers and one professor - were among the 35 volunteers who visited Sri Lanka from December 23 to 31.The

Government is monitoring the remaining 27 for possible infection but they have not shown symptoms of the disease.The KCDC suspects that the eight were infected after being bitten by mosquitoes while staying at an elementary school there for volunteer work.The eight initially suffered from high fever and headache, but most of them have recovered and are expected to be released from the hospital soon, the KCDC said.Dengue fever, a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, is transmitted by mosquito, and not by human-to-human contraction. Korea has more than 100 dengue fever cases every year, but patients only contract it abroad with no cases of the disease spreading within Korea. (Agencies)

Four arrested in India over kidney-selling racket Colombo, Jan 8: After selling one of his own kidneys for 500,000 rupees (RM33,000) in December 2014, Kasparaju Suresh, who was studying hotel management in Hyderabad, allegedly became an agent, persuading 15 people to sell their own kidneys."He (Suresh) wanted to lead a lavish life by making money by selling his kidney," said S. Sudhakar, a senior police officer from Nalgonda district in Telangana state. "After learning the tricks of the trade, Suresh became an agent himself."Potential donors were tested in Gujarat or Maharashtra states before being traf-

ficked to Sri Lanka where the operations took place, Sudhakar said.Three hospitals in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo are suspected to be involved in the illegal trade, police said, with potential donors lured through social networks such as Facebook and WhatsApp.Three others were also arrested in relation to the case, named as Md. Abdul Hafeez, Palem Mahesh and Kothapalli Naresh, all aged in their twenties and thirties.Recipients of the kidneys were charged 2.7 million rupees for the transplants, police said.

(Agencies)

US pressures China over North Korea relationship Beijing, Jan 8: South Korea unleashed a high-decibel propaganda barrage across its border with North Korea today in retaliation for its nuclear test, while the United States called on China to end "business as usual" with its ally.The broadcasts, in rolling bursts from walls of loudspeakers at 11 locations along the heavily militarised border, blared rhetoric critical of the Pyongyang regime as well as "K-pop" music, ratcheting up tension between the rival Koreas.

North Korea later responded with its own broadcasts.South Korea, which has grown increasingly close to China in recent years, also said its foreign minister would speak with his Chinese counterpart later on today.Wednesday's nuclear test angered both the United States and China, which was not given prior notice, although the U.S. government and weapons experts doubt Pyongyang's claim that the device it set off was a hydrogen

bomb.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday he had made clear in a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that China's approach to North Korea had not succeeded."China had a particular approach that it wanted to make, that we agreed and respected to give them space to implement that," Kerry told reporters. "Today, in my conversation with the Chinese, I made it very clear that has not worked and we cannot continue business as usual."China is North Korea's main economic and diplomatic backer, although relations between the two Cold War allies have cooled in recent years. China's Foreign Ministry urged North Korea to stick to its denuclearisation pledges and avoid action that would make the situation worse, but also said China did not hold the key to resolving the North Korean nuclear issue."Achieving denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and safeguarding the peninsula's peace and stability accords

John Kerry, US Secretary of State (L), speaks with Chinese Foreign Minister

with all parties' mutual interests, is the responsibility of all parties, and requires all parties to put forth efforts," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing.The North agreed to end its nuclear programme in international negotiations in 2005 but later walked away from the talks. Seismic waves created by Wednesday's blast were almost identical to those generated in North Korea's last nuclear test in 2013, Jeffrey Park, a seismologist at Yale University, wrote in a post on the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists website, adding to scepticism about the hy-

drogen bomb claim.The South Korean broadcasts are considered an insult by the isolated North which has in the past threatened military strikes to stop them.The last time South Korea deployed the loudspeakers, in retaliation for a landmine blast in August that wounded two South Korean soldiers; it led to an armed standoff and exchange of artillery fire. The sound from the speakers can carry for 10 km (6 miles) into North Korea during the day and more than twice that at night, the South's Yonhap news agency reported.North Korea boosted troop deploy-

ments in front-line units on Friday, and South Korea raised its military readiness to the highest level at locations near the loudspeakers.The South vowed to retaliate against any attack on the equipment, raised its cyber security alert and cancelled tours of the Demilitarised Zone on the border.Kerry said he and Wang agreed to work closely to determine what measures could be taken given increasing concern about the nuclear test. He said America has a "firm and continued commitment to regional security and global nonproliferation".U.S. Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives could join forces in a rare display of unity to tighten sanctions on North Korea. Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, told reporters that Democrats would support a North Korea bill likely to be brought for a vote by Republicans next week. A congressional source said it was expected as soon as Monday. The House measure would target banks fa-

cilitating North Korea's nuclear programme and authorise freezing of U.S. assets of those directly linked to illicit North Korean activities. It would also penalise those involved in business providing North Korea with hard currency.It was unclear how more sanctions would deter North Korea, which has conducted four nuclear tests since 2006. The United States and South Korea are limited in their military response. Washington sent a pair of nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers over South Korea in a show of force after North Korea last tested a nuclear device in 2013. North Korea responded then by threatening a nuclear strike on the United States. A South Korean military official told Reuters that Seoul and Washington had discussed the deployment of U.S. strategic weapons on the Korean peninsula, but declined to give details.

Media said the assets could include B-2 and B-52 bombers, and a nuclear-powered submarine. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

The Pathankot Attack and India-Pakistan Ties in 2016

North Korea's nuke test UN Security Council condemns North Korea's nuclear programme has been a source of great concern for the international community for more than 20 years.The state is now believed to have conducted four underground nuclear tests. The latest test, announced on 6 January 2016, was described by North Korean media as a miniaturised hydrogen bomb test. There has been no independent confirmation of this, but it is the first claim of a hydrogen bomb, known to be immensely powerful.What this means is that it claims to have made a nuclear device small enough to fit on a missile. At the time, experts said it was impossible to confirm the claim. Nevertheless, its nuclear ambitions have stepped up in the past year. Earlier this year, North Korea said its plutonium and highly enriched uranium facilities at nuclear plant Yongbyon had restarted.All of the tests appear to have originated at a test site called Punggye-ri, also known as P'unggye-yok, in a remote area in the east of the country, near the town of Kilju. North Korea's previous tests followed rocket launches. The North put its first satellite into space with a long-range rocket in late 2012, in what the UN said was a banned test of ballistic missile technology, imposing sanctions.

The US is concerned that such long-range rockets could threaten its mainland with atomic bombs. The first indication was a geological report of a quake registering about 5.1 reported in North Korea, close to the nuclear test site.

Then KCNA announced that a successful test of a hydrogen bomb had taken place. It comes within a month of a claim by Kim Jong-un that they had an H-bomb. In the United States, concern revolves around the missile capacity that may be coupled with such a weapon and whether it could hit the US west coast. This concern has been compounded by a number of long-range missile tests by North Korea in recent years. Although North Korea's latest test has drawn widespread concern, it is by no means the only country capable of launching a nuclear weapon.

The nine nuclear countries, which include the U.S., Russia, U.K., France, China, India, Pakistan and Israel, possess more than 15,000 nuclear weapons altogether, according to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The U.S. last conducted a nuclear weapons test in 1992, while China last did so in 1996. India and Pakistan last ran a nuclear test in 1998.

But North Korea has continued to flout the testban treaty in what is seen as a way for the hostile state to remind the rest of the world of its presence and nuclear capabilities.

Facebook Free Basics Is the controversy really needed?

Facebook Free Basics, and the service lets people with feature phones and other devices access online services without paying data charges. The program has faced vocal criticism in India and elsewhere from net neutrality activists who fear that Facebook is creating a walled garden that will limit and control who gets to see what on the Internet. You cannot just surf over to anyplace on the web with Free Basics.

Which raises the question: Is Free Basics an altruistic effort to connect the world's financially strapped people to information and opportunities, or a neocolonial race to capitalize on those markets?

Indian regulators recently asked one of the country's largest telecom providers, Reliance Communications, to cut off access to Free Basics until it has been evaluated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority and deemed legal (or not). Facebook says it built Free Basics as a closed service because it's able to control the amount of data that gets transmittedthat keeps the costs down, which is good for Facebook since it has to get local telecom companies to provide access (the theory being that Free Basics and its marketing leads to full-Internet contracts for those carriers). And Zuckerberg argues that the value of Free Basics goes far beyond simply sending Facebook messages. Zuckerberg compares Internet access to health care, education, and libraries, and repeats a claim Facebook has made beforebased on Facebook-commissioned Deloitte researchthat "for 10 people connected to the internet, roughly one is lifted out of poverty."

Over the last year Facebook has worked with mobile operators, app developers and civil society to overcome these barriers in India and more than 30 other countries. More than 35 operators have launched Free Basics and 15 million people have come online. And half the people who use Free Basics to go online for the first time pay to access the full internet within 30 days. So the data is clear. Free Basics is a bridge to the full internet and digital equality.

Data from more than five years of other programs that offer free access to Facebook, WhatsApp and other services shows the same. If we accept that everyone deserves access to the internet, then we must surely support free basic internet services.

That's why more than 30 countries have recognized Free Basics as a program consistent with net neutrality and good for consumers.

Critics of free basic internet services should remember that everything facebook is doing is about serving people. This is not about Facebook's commercial interests - there are not even any ads in the version of Facebook in Free Basics. If people lose access to free basic services they will simply lose access to the opportunities offered by the internet today.

Days after Narendra Modi left Lahore, militants attack an Indian Air Force base.

Ankit Panda Last week, I discussed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold surprise stopover in Lahore on his way back from Kabul. The Lahore stunt was a great photo op and ended 2015 on a high note, but the potential for India-Pakistan ties to derail in the new year was always present. I suggested that "unforeseen events, including a major terrorist attack on Indian soil by Pakistan-based terrorists" could derail talks. Unfortunately, just eight days after Modi had departed Lahore, six unidentified militants struck the Indian Air Force Station at Pathankot, in northern Punjab.

Over nearly three days of fighting, seven Indian security personnel were killed by the militants. On January 4, the sixth and final attacker was reported dead. Though the identities of the attackers remain undetermined, reports citing senior Indian officials have suggested that they belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Kashmiri separatist group designated as a terrorist group by several states and the United Nations.

Separately, on Saturday, militants in the Afghan

city of Mazar-i-Sharif assaulted an area surrounding the Indian consulate.

That these attacks came days after the Lahore theatrics is no coincidence.

If photographs of Modi and Sharif walking handin-hand while grinning had caused undue optimism about the prospects for peace between India and Pakistan in the new year, the attack at Pathankot should restore a degree of sobriety to expectations. Senior Indian intelligence officials are alleging that the militants at Pathankot had received training from a "professional armed force in Pakistan." If these attackers were indeed Jaish-e-Mohammed militants, abetted and trained

by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, then, like last July's attack at Gurdaspur and, more importantly, the November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, we can expect a slowdown in the pace of rapprochement between New Delhi and Islamabad.

The fundamental problem for the Indian prime minister in approaching Pakistan is the great 'known unknown' variable of the degree to which the Pakistan's army is on board with comprehen-

sive peace talks. As Praveen Swami argues at the Indian Express, the Pathankot attack suggests that the answer is likely no. Reports around Modi's Lahore stopover that Lt. Gen. Nasir Khan Janjua appointment as Pakistan's new national security adviser had 'linked' the country's civilian leadership's preferences with the military appear less grounded now.

So far, the Indian government's response has been cautious and unwilling to give up on the recent Modi-Sharif camaraderie in Lahore.

Modi condemned the Pathankot attackers as "enemies of humanity"-a statement that was read by some Indian observers as insufficiently blunt in calling out Pakistan.

Irfan Siddiqui, a special adviser to Nawaz Sharif, cautioned India against pointing fingers at Pakistan. "India should understand that Pakistan itself had been one of the greatest victims of terrorist attacks on its soil," he said.

Still, Rajnath Singh, India's Minister of Home Affairs, encapsulated the Modi government's longstated approach to peace talks with Pakistan: "We want good relations with

(L to R) Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.Source: gdb.voanews.com

not just Pakistan but with all our neighbours. We also want peace but if there is any terror attack on India, we will give a befitting reply." Despite Singh's assurances, New Delhi isn't positioned to impose kinetic costs on Pakistan for its continued use of sub-conventional warfareto extract diplomatic leverage. While it can choose to impose economic costs on Pakistan, doing so will do little to condition those elements in the Pakistani military that would see peace talks

forestalled until India is ready to make key concessions on Kashmir.

For India, the challenge now will be navigating a return to comprehensive peace talks against the backdrop of the attack at Pathankot. New Delhi has sought to pursue a 'twin track' approach to diplomacy with Pakistan, where it attempts to push ahead toward peace while seeking to simultaneously punish Pakistan for behavior it deems inappropriate. Pathankot's lasting impact on the current

spell of rapprochement is yet to be determined. It could go down as a minor road bump, or it may be the beginning of another complete derailment.

For both sides, the focus should be on productive diplomacy at the level of foreign secretaries and a continued security dialogue at the national security advisor level. If anything, for Modi's government, Pathankot is a reminder that the path toward peace will be far from frictionless this year.

The Truth Behind the Maratha Empire in India A new film in India sparked a debate about the nature of the Maratha Empire.

One of India's favorite it was this state that repastimes is having acri- versed centuries of monious debates about steadily increasing Musits history. These debates lim political control over are often reductionist, the subcontinent. By the failing to m i d appreci18thate the Akhilesh Pillalamarri c e n complexity and nuance of tury, it was the largest past events and the dif- state in South Asia and the ferent sociopolitical mi- Mughal emperors in Delhi lieus of pre-modern India. were its puppets. Bajirao Too often, commentators Mastani follows the life read their own biases into and career of Bajirao Ballal Indian history, either to Balaji Bhat, the Peshwa, overemphasize the sec- or prime minister, of the tarian and religious as- Maratha Empire from pects of interstate war- 1720 to 1740. While fare or to Bajirao was an extremely anachronistically find a successful general who progressive vision of tol- won 40 battles, he faced erance in some medieval social difficulties on the ruler or the other's king- home front due to his dom. second marriage to a For the past few weeks, Muslim woman named India's latest historical Mastani. debate has focused The film itself is very wellaround the legacy of the made, with outstanding Maratha Empire (1674- visuals and is well worth 1818), triggered by a new a watch for anyone interBollywood film, Bajirao ested in Indian history and Mastani. The Maratha early modern warfare Empire was founded by techniques in the subconthe Maratha warrior-hero tinent. One can observe, Chhatrapati (Emperor) for example, that fireShivaji, in response to the arms were relatively rare, chaos and misrule that despite being present in prevailed in the Deccans the subcontinent ever in the late 17th century. since the 15th century.

This occurred as the Gunpowder was chiefly Mughal Empire expanded used for artillery, which into southern India. Hindu was widely used. The nationalists revere the Maratha navy was also Maratha Empire, which successful in fending off originated among a Hindu European navies with warrior people of the cannons for half a cenwestern Deccan penin- tury. But, at this point in sula. Their reverence Indian history, the cavstems from the fact that alry clearly had the upper

hand, more so than poorly armed and trained infantry and elephant units, which had limited utility in battle despite always being sought out. The Maratha cavalry contributed to the success of the empire by raiding swiftly and deeply into Mughal territory and leaving with their booty before the

themselves, and thus their kingdom was "never Hindu," which ignores the fact that the dominant religion of the ruling class of any Indian state at this time was a major part of that state's character, regardless of how the religion was interpreted or applied in a political

Mughal army could catch them. Their dependence on horses and the lack of firearms in the infantry, however, proved to be a difficulty when facing European armies armed with muskets.

This raiding tendency of the Marathas is what sparked a debate about the Maratha Empire in the wake of the film's release. Detractors of the Maratha Empire allege that the Marathas only wanted a kingdom for

sense.

Further criticisms of the Maratha Empire allege that they were the "Mongols" of South Asia, who only campaigned for chauth, a fourth of the revenue of other kingdoms, whether Hindu or Muslim.

Maratha raidsagainst Bengal in 1742 and Jaipur in 1750 are especially criticized because these led to the deaths of many Hindus.

But all this misses the point. Of course, like any

other kingdom in the 18th century, the Maratha Empire meant to preserve itself, even if it meant fighting Hindus and allying with Muslims. The patchwork of states to emerge from the declining Mughal Empire at the time was so complex that it was inevitable that alliances of convenience between states of different religious denominations were the norm. There is no doubt that the Marathas, like all Hindu states, were influenced by Islamic practices, art, architecture, and warfare, and that later, Hindu nationalist historians exaggerated their Hindu credentials.

Yet there is no doubt that the imposition of the jizya tax on Hindus and the demolition of several important Hindu temples during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (who reigned from 16591707) would not have occurred under Maratha rule, thus incentivizing many Hindus to defect from the Mughal Empire during or after Aurangzeb's reign. Unquestionably, the Marathas were consciously Hindu and interested in establishing Hindu political power in the subcontinent. Though, like the Christian states of Iberia during the reconquista,

they were also interested in fighting and allying with whomever suited their needs at the time.

The Maratha commitment to establishing a traditional Hindu state in the subcontinent is evidenced by the enormous effort they took to coronate Shivaji and officially found the Maratha Empire in 1674. This came at a time when grand Hindu imperial coronations were rare, due to most rajas being the rulers of smaller states or under Mughal control.

During the coronation, Shivaji housed and fed 50,000 guests including Brahmins (Hindu priests) from all over India, had himself weighed against seven metals and various valuable spices, all before bathi n g i n w a t e r brought over from the Ganges river, sacred to Hindus. Finally, he was declared lord of the umbrella (Chhatrapati, his title), a traditional symbol of kingship for great Hindu and Buddhist rulers, in imitation of the gods Varuna and Vishnu, signifying that the world was encompassed under the great king's umbrella. Thus, by intent and symbolism, it is clear that the Marathas were clearly establishing an empire steeped in Hindu culture and symbolism, if not formally so in a political manner.

Feather to a glorious cap India's dress, our best wishes to you.

Sir, Cricket-lovers of Assam have for a long time reYours etc. mained starved to see someone from Assam to Ashok Bordoloi don Team India's dress, but that speculation still Dibrugarh remains a distant dream. Now, with the advent of the new-year, a good news make all the cricketBest Letter lovers of Assam jubilant. Krishna Das, Known The best letter of the month in the Letter to the as the Barpeta Express, who could make it to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of India A team, having been picked up for his heRs 200. So please keep writing. roic haul of 44 wickets from 8 matches in the last Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : Ranji Trophy. Our language fails us to express our The Eastern Today feeling for this young boy of Assam. Kudos to Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Krishna Das for bringing laurels to Assam.

Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: Krishna, Please keep on adding more feathers to 0373-2328944 your glorious cap and one day don the Team Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

Op

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Page 9

ed

What they don't tell you about growing up One of the best and most vision had several alternaconvenient methods of tive endings. These intortures in an Indian fam- cluded being a Cowboy ily, is what the poor little and smoking a Marlboro dreamy kids are subjected like Suresh Oberoi, playto, when ing the guests visit Bistirna Barua Guitar with my hair dotheir home.

After the initiation with a ing an impromptu tango Nijor Naamtu Kuwa (Tell like Slash of the band them your name), Kun Guns and Roses, of paintclassot porha kuwaa (tell ing like Picasso and of them which class you are travelling like I had got in), the big bang comes. itches on my feet, and the Tumi dangor hoi kikoribo lands of this world was my khuja (literally translated balm. When Bhupen means-what do you want Mama sang "Moi eti to do, when you grow up). Jajabor" (I am a nomad, This is where, I as a kid literally, Mama was a mualways became inventive. sical nomad) and Maa exIf one day I wanted to be plained what a Jajabor an astronaut, to the next meant, I was unequivoset of guest I expressed my cally happy. Yes, finally, desire to be an Engineer, someone spoke my truth. and to a few more my in- How can I, but not be a nate desire to be a Civil Jajabor? When I was in Servant. But what they class VIII, I tried to read, didn't care to ask, and I and I use the word "tried didn't deem fit to say was to" with full emphasis, that I was and always go- because although it seems ing to be a Dreamer. I was a small book, but "A brief too much in love with life History of Time" is one and living, yes! even as a hell of a mind bender. I kid to be to stuck with just don't remember much of one possible version of my anything from that tome, life. My life, in my own but one thing that in the

grand scale of the Universe we are but minute compositions. We don't even qualify as a blot in the Saree of the Universe, we are so freakishly small.

What this book taught me was to imagine more. And also to look at the sky.

Phanindra Kumar Devachaudhury's classic Axomiya Romance "Anuradhar Dex" too reaffirmed this believe by saying "Akaaxoloi sabolage, akaaxoloi sale monbohol hoi" (One must look at the sky, for it broadens your mental horizons).

And then to contrast it with all that I read and felt, were these curious neighbours who were always very concerned about my upcoming future. I used to wonder why? I mean a few of them had daughters of my age and in my innocence and optimism I used to think - am I like a prospective groom for their daughters? But time and tide told me that this was at best an innocent mis-

take, for neither my parents were filthy rich nor did I look like Hrithik Roshan. And hence it used to irritate me more. What is this whole fascination about growing up? Why in fact is the severe emphasis on growing up? Does it really matter at what age I grow up, is there like a time frame? And what actually is this growing up, like we grow up and up and we die, now where is the fun in that? It is only now, much later when I am 28 years old, have seen the world a little, have faced my own questions and realised that to most I don't have adequate answers and that I must wait, that I realize; that you keep on growing every moment.

You grow up in silence, when you realize that the most essentials truths of life cannot be expressed in words. You grow up in your solitude, when you understand that you yourself are such a complicated being; with so many layers to your being that to

expect someone else to comprehend you fully is an exercise in futility. That instead of seeking to be understood we must try our level best to understand. You grow up when you realize that in this journey called life your "Truths" will change considerably along the way.

That what you believe to be just today, may not be tomorrow. And that it's best to realize that seeking consistency is like seeking pleasure, you don't seek it, and you find it when the heavens and the hell somehow align for your sake. You also grow up when you realize that the only ultimate and essential truth in life is death and that there is no schedule that it follows. You can be blessed with the best of wealth, health and what not, but a freak accident and from an "is", you become an "was". Yes, that's how easy it is!

So dear readers, if you have found a few moments from your busy life, to read what I am writing,

I thank you, for you like me are one of those who never knew what to answer when guests bombarded you with their curiosity in your growing up ambition, just smile! For we are the ones who attained Nirvana in our teens (With Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit being a catalyst surely) that there cannot be one singular ambition for life.

For life itself is too ambitious to be bound by the

sycophancy of our ambition. That life itself is too much of a rebel. So live, my beautiful friends, like now, here and keep growing, every moment and never ask your kids, if you have them someday - what they want to be when they grow up! For when it is time they will know, that every moment we live we are becoming what we are meant to be, only if we live it well!

(Bistirna Barua is an

alumnus of JNU, where he did his Masters and M.Phil. from. Currently pursuing his PhD on the Cinematic works of Gulzar from the same University, he writes; whenever his heart forces him to. In all his time eroded innocence, he still believes that: writing is his exorcism. Currently with the Assam Civil Service, he serves as Assistant Commissioner, Dhubri).

C o u r t e s y : www.thethumbprintmag.com

Is Love The Key To A Happy Marriage? Here After The Failure In Bihar, 4 Issues That Will 'Haunt' BJP During Assam Elections Are 5 Things I Find More Important Tallulah D'Silva I was recently invited to raise the toast at my dear cousin's wedding. Ashwin has been one of my best and sweetest cousins. And he had asked me a year in advance to mark the date as rumours were rife of my supposedly busy schedules! Closer to the big day, there were frantic calls to make sure I had the details of time and exact day penned in my diary lest I arrive late or miss the wedding entirely! When some of my friends ask me how I manage kids, work, home, writing, community work and my passion for nature, I love to quote noted biologist and conservationist George Schaller often, who once said that if you want something done, always ask a busy person!

I liked the theme of the nuptials that the couple had chosen- 'Love and trust are the foundations of a successful marriage'. But I mulled, as I tried to list points and asked some of my young relatives and friends, whether love was really a pre-requisite to marriage. And therefore, if one falls in love and marries, is their marriage better than an arranged one?

A lot of young couples often look down on arranged marriages thinking them to be inferior or no good. But a glance at the statistics reveals that more number of divorces were apparently solemnized on love! Why is this happening?

If we look at the notions or gestures of love today, you will agree with me that it has somehow taken on a dramatized tone. And we are surrounded by this very visual drama of love- kissing of toes, bending of knees, overtly public dis-

plays of 'koochie-cooing', indeed a lot of 'show'. And because of this, the drama extends into married life and no sooner tough times arise, there is more drama in a bid to throw it all away instead of assessing and repairing.

Breaking of furniture, banging of doors, walking out in a flourish, the works!

Just like falling in love gives us references to base our actions of love on, when times are rough in marriage, we use references from our experiences and these are a reflection of our own parents' marriages or those of our relatives and friends. At this point, I looked back at Ashwin's parents and wondered if their successful marriage could be used as a reference to reflect and learn and cite as one, Ashwin and his new bride Venessa, could bring to memory whenever they encountered a rough patch in their marriage.

Albert, Ashwin's dad, has been my most favourite maternal uncle. A great mentor, friend and father figure, he has been like an anchor to my growing up years and remains one even today as I sail through my middle ages. He married this sweet and cheerful lady, Irene, on my 7th birthday and from what I recall, they publicly shared only a few gestures of their love that I can remember (not that their marriage was bereft of the sweet nothings of love). He held his wife's hand on the day of his engagement and kissed her on the day of their marriage. That was it. No drama or show of love other than that. But there were more visible gestures, far greater than the 'acts of love' we are otherwise exposed to. And I reminisced these as I listed the greater

tenets of a successful marriage.

Companionship: When I was in school and lived in Panjim with my parents, Albert and Irene would visit us often. Since my parents were at work, they would pick me up from

in lively repartee washing a pile of clothes on the wash stone in the kitchen yard. My uncle seemed to have no inhibitions to do the ordinary chores around the house. I have seen couples that usually distribute chores and housework

were palpable from his concern for members of the family, neighbours, friends and sometimes even strangers.

Trust: There were very difficult times when they had to carry on certain tasks independently. There was

school on a cycle! And once home, I would love to tell them some of the silliest and embarrassing jokes.

They would both listen patiently to my banter, laugh and allow me to be in my elements and carry on. I noticed then that they shared this camaraderie between them. They were like companions, comfortable in each other's company, there was a certain ease with each other. And we normally notice this trait in couples that have grown old with age. Not those who have been recently married!

Dignity: I used to spend a lot of weekends during my high school days at their old house in Colva. One day while I was playing hide and seek with my cousins, I was in the backyard and stumbled on them

but this was so pleasant to see. He would also potter around the ancestral house helping out my grandmother and his siblings with housekeeping chores.

Respect: Albert and Irene were State Government employees, working in different departments. I used to visit them often in their offices and later for a cup of tea together at a local cafe. They would share their individual experiences and mundane tasks of the day, acknowledging each one's ability to dispose of their duties efficiently. Never condescending nor belittling. The mutual respect they had for each other was apparent in the way they dealt with each other both at work and home.

Empathy: If anybody needed help with anything, Albert would be at the doorstep, always willing to help, with Irene by his side.

There was this particular time when I had hurt myself while fabricating a metal gate for one of my first projects. My eyes had swollen up from fine metal dust since I had not used protective gear whilst welding the joints. I could have gone alone to the doctor or requested my fiancĂŠ or Papa and Mama who gave me a good dressing down for my carelessness.

When I called my uncle, he was home in a jiffy to rush me to the ophthalmologist.

His concern and sympathy

this particular time when my grandmother was very ill and my uncle had to travel and be away from home quite a bit and Irene had to hold fort and take care of the responsibilities of the children and her own mother. And in these times, there were extended periods where no communication was possible but they fulfilled their duties with no hindrance and no space for doubts and misunderstandings.

And these tenets formed the fertile ground on which they nurtured their children, two sweet and loving boys. They didn't have to tell them what to do but made a good example of their marriage or relationship. In today's world, it is far more important to raise good boys than raising girls to be independent with the sky as the limit.

What use is it if we are raising girls to be free and enterprising, and then find that their partners are intolerant to all of that? I am confident that (my cousin Ashwin and) our youth today are aware of this and march forward with confidence that love and marriage will work on a strong foundation of companionship, respect, dignity, empathy and trust. No drama, no pretense. Just the bare truth and simplicity of love.

Dedicated to Albert and Irene, Salazar and Bela, Anthony and Maria, Ralph and Doris.

After BJP's major debacle egory Status Provision, in Bihar, Congress is leav- which was allotted to 11 ing no stone unturned to states of the country (incling tightly to its seat in cluding 8 states of the Assam where Assembly North East). Under this, Elections are scheduled the special category states for early 2016. As a smart received Normal Central move, Assam Chief Min- Assistance split into 90% i s t e r grants and Ta r u n 10% loans by Nidhi Nagpal Gogoi rethe central cently asked state BJP government. While for president and Union Min- other states the funding ister of State for Sports pattern is 30% grants and and Youth Welfare, 70% loans. As a compenSarbananda Sonowal, to satory measure, the devocome out with a white pa- lution of central taxes has per showing what the cen- increased from 32% to tral government led by 42%, but a lack of adBJP had done for Assam equate market or any maduring its one and a half jor industry will make it a year tenure. mammoth task to repay Whitesheet: Gogoi's 70% loan to the centre.

Googly For BJP Step-Motherly Treatment The North East already During Floods breathes under the pres- North East has always sure of alienation and ne- been a victim of the glect by the rest of coun- Centre's "flood politics". try. To add to their troubles On one hand, Chennai inis a feeling that the stantaneously received Rs Centre's discriminatory 940 crore flood relief aspolicies are hampering sistance from the centre their growth. In such a whereas, on the other scenario, a fact sheet of hand, Assam still toils to the progressive initiatives receive Rs 387.2 crores undertaken by the BJP sanctioned for rehabilitagovernment since 2014 tion of 2014 floods under can somehow manage to National Disaster Rebring the ball in BJP's sponse Fund (NDRF). The court. But the big question saga for flood relief still is, has the Central govern- continues as it is deprived ment done enough for of funds to deal with the Assam or did it resort to havoc created by floods in lopsided planning and 2015, despite Tarun Gogoi policies keeping Assam's writing letters to Modi development at stake? asking for more funds.

Here are some of the is- The central government sues that will haunt BJP if has only granted the 1st in-

floods and no special funds granted under NDRF, the inequity towards not so- developed cities is quite apparent.

Abrupt Suspension Of The North East Industrial And Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) It seems that centre is on the path of rectifying its arbitrary and wrong moves as the elections are on the brink. On December 1 2014, the centre had suspended registration of new industrial units under North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP). The policy was aimed at making the region competitive with the rest of the country by granting the industrial units 100% income tax exemption and excise duty exemptions and numerous other benefits. After a yearlong lull, the government has finally revoked the suspension but much harm had been caused since then.

The prospective investors refrain from investing in North East owing to its unstable Industrial policies which is primarily the reason North East has not been able to grab any major investment under 'Make In India'.

If BJP does not rise above its quite visible discriminatory policies, breaking the incumbency would be an ordeal. Immediately after the Bihar loss, Kiren

it thinks of producing its factsheet or even when it tries to garner votes in Assam.

Removal Of Special Category Status For Assam The 14th Finance Commission came as a blow to the Northeastern states as the Union Government removed the Special Cat-

Rijiju, Minister of Home for State forwarded a proposal to PM for granting ST status to six communities of Assam. But will this proposal be genuinely acknowledged or will it just be BJP'S election agenda? Only time can tell the fate of BJP in Assam.

stalment of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) 2015 i.e. 207 crores and 414 crores is still pending with the centre. The centre has not done any extraordinary deal by offering SDRF to Assam as it is available to every state too. With non-existent media coverage of Assam

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

BUSINESS

Jugnoo to enroll female driver's, registers first in Noida ANI New Delhi, Jan 8: Jugnoo, a leading on demand auto rickshaw aggregator, registers first female driver in Noida as it focuses on diversity and creating equal opportunity. This initiative has been in the pipeline for some time now and is part of its social responsibility than being a result of increasing women passengers in the region.

There are ladies who are breaking social norms and driving auto rickshaws to make a consistent living and it is more of a natural progression for Jugnoo to

get them on-board making them more efficient and provide them with consistent income. Elaborating on the topic, Samar Singla, Co-founder and CEO, Jugnoo commented, "Fortunately, the mindsets at the grass root levels have really seen a sea change, and it was only welcoming for us to come across women who were ready to take on the challenge and deliver in this male-dominated industry. Our job is to support them and make it happen for them."

Jugnoo also provides an incentive to female driv-

JUGNOO INITIATIVE Ø Jugnoo, a leading on demand auto rickshaw aggregator, registers first female driver in Noida. Ø It focuses on diversity

and creating equal opportunity.

ers by offering them referral/ride schemes that are competitive and encourage them to perform better and remain more engaged. In addition to being

trained in customer handling, Jugnoo also focuses on training its women drivers on their own safety and also make them aware of the country's legal system

on training its women drivers on their own safety and also make them aware of the country's legal system.

of its social responsibility than being a result of increasing women passengers in the region.

Ø Jugnoo also provides an incentive to female drivers by offering them referral/ ride schemes that are competitive and encourage them to perform better and remain more engaged.

in terms of traffic regulations etc. The company plans to bring onboard two

lady drivers every month and expand its network Pan-India.

Ø This initiative is part

Source: static.dnaindia.com

Ø Jugnoo also focuses

Tinder lays down Voonik launches its first TVC featuring Farah Khan shop in India

Image for representational purpose Mumbai, Jan 8: Tinder recently announced the setting up of operations in India. India is the first country to where the dating app has expanded operations outside the US. The company has appointed Taru Kapoor as the India Head to lead operations. The company has more expansion plans in the pipeline.

Kapoor will focus on establishing the Tinder brand in India, steering its user growth and increasing user engagement by focusing on local user needs. Tinder CEO, Sean Rad in an exchange4media report said that they have exciting plans for Tinder in 2016 and having Kapoor on board is a step towards making India one of their core markets. He further added, "Kapoor's passion for Tinder and understanding of

the Indian market makes us even more confident in our plans to expand in India".

Kapoor is an MBA graduate from Harvard and was an active member of startups and VC community at the business school. Her previous stints include The Boston Consulting Group and Sequoia Capital India.

She also brings with here extensive experience in business development, product and growth strategy, and financial modelling and planning. On the appointment Kapoor in the report said, "being part of a young brand like Tinder is both exciting and challenging". She added that the company is already the market leader in India without significant focussed efforts in the past and the future potential in India is astounding. (Agencies)

Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10 to come to a stop

Image for representational purpose New Delhi, Jan 8: If you have been using Internet Explorer 8, 9, or 10, you will soon have to upgrade to IE11 because Microsoft will stop extending support for IE 8, 9 and 10 next Tuesday.

The company introduced

its new browser called Microsoft Edge with Windows 10. This was designed to replace Internet Explorer.

"With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a new browser called Microsoft Edge to replace Internet Explorer. While the company is still delivering Internet Explorer 11 with Windows 10, the company does not really want users to use Internet Explorer anymore," the company's web post said. Microsoft will deliver the update on next Tuesday for Windows 7 computers and Windows Server 2008 R2 users.

(Agencies)

ANI New Delhi, Jan 8: Voonik, India's leading fashion marketplace for women, unveils its first TV ad campaign featuring ace Bollywood director, Farah Khan. The video promotes the idea that every day is an occasion to be fashionable. This concept is highlighted with the campaign tagline, "Har Din Fashion Karo". Voonik appointed Mullen Lintas as the agency behind its TV ad campaign and the film has been produced by Jamic Films with Nikhil Rao as the director. The commercial will be aired across leading TV entertainment and lifestyle channels from January 10th, 2016 onwards.

"Through this TVC, we aim to engage with 'real

women' between the ages of 21 and 35 who desire to be fashionable but often make an effort only on special occasions. For too long, fashion has been the preserve of a few and the real woman was never part of that movement," said Voonik CEO and CoFounder, Sujayath Ali. "Voonik changes that by giving them easy access to the largest collection of women's fashion with over 15 Lakh products, by showing them an insanely relevant shopping feed through an intelligent engine that understands their personality, tastes, lifestyle and budgets and through a fabulous shopping experience that is enjoyable and engaging," added Sujayath. Speaking on the ad film, Shriram,

and look good, no matter what the occasion."

"Sometimes, we just get too caught up in conventions. This campaign encourages women to seize every opportunity to celebrate her beauty .The TVC aims to encapsulate this message and create a deeper connect with the women audience through Bollywood the use of Bollywooddirector,Farah Khan. centric elements. Farah Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com Khan fits in with this concept perfectly through Iyer, National Creative her strong association Director, spokesperson with all things filmy and Mullen Lintas said, the glamour quotient as"Voonik wanted us to cre- sociated with her brand of ate a very simple yet ap- cinema," added Lintas. pealing film that would The TVC airs on Jan 10th hit a chord with its female at 8 pm on colors and customer base. Our idea colors HD during the is based on the insight that screening of the Stardust every woman has an in- awards 2016, co-hosted nate desire to dress up by Farah Khan.

IndiaMART to elevate SME section with launch of Digital campaign ANI New Delhi, Jan 8: IndiaMART, India's largest online marketplace launched a digital video campaign, to bring the emerging entrepreneurs to the limelight in a concise montage to commemorate and give voice to such SMEs who have benefitted from the IndiaMART alliance. Acknowledged as the true heroes of India's growth story, these entrepreneurs share their journey to success while on how IndiaMART helped them scale their business effectively with the reiteration of '#IBelieveInIM'.

Endeavoring the mission of 'make doing business, easy', IndiaMART allied with the SMEs to help them sustain and scale their businesses pushing the boundaries of how they trade today and

Source: www.aninews.in achieving full-fledged sustainability for their venture.

Highlighting IndiaMART's crucial role in the Small and Medium Business sector, the campaign will showcase how small enterprises grew with increased profitability and size through the business matchmaker.

The campaign videos showcase how sellers from various segments of

enterprises have achieved real time growth and productivity. The videos focus on sellers who have built their brands and expanded their businesses on IndiaMART. "By coming on board with IndiaMART, we have enabled the MSMEs of India with an Opportunity to Innovate. Through the launch of this digital campaign, we want to show-

case the pride our customers take in associating with IndiaMART," said Director, IndiaMART, Dinesh Gulati. "As their business growth has multiplied over the years, their belief and trust in us has grown even stronger.

SMBs see the highest Return on Investment with IndiaMART with an increased profitability and wider geographic reach," added Dinesh. He also said that the company aspired to put a face to the millions of stories we have experienced in our journey so far and what better way to do so than through social media. People will be able to easily relate to these stories as the campaign encompasses real people talking about how they achieved real growth in real businesses.

PAGE 10

Oil dips below $35 on rise in stockpiles London, Jan 8: Oil prices fell below $35 per barrel for the first time since 2004 on Wednesday, tumbling more than five percent as the row between Saudi Arabia and Iran made any cooperation between major exporters on cutting output even more unlikely. A sharp rise in gasoline stocks in the United States reinforced the picture of a market that is awash with oil and refined products. The international furore over Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shi'ite cleric ended speculation that OPEC members might agree to production cuts to lift prices. "There are rising stockpiles and the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia makes any deal on production unlikely," said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets. Evidence of slowing economic growth in China and India has meanwhile fu-

Image for representational purpose

elled fears that even strong demand elsewhere may not be enough to mop up the excess crude that has resulted from near-record production over the last year. Benchmark Brent futures were traded at $34.48 a barrel at 1606 GMT, down $1.94 on the day, and at their lowest level since early July 2004. The price is on track for its largest one-day drop in percentage terms in nearly five weeks. U.S. crude futures were down $1.48 at $34.49 a barrel after slipping 79 cents the previous day.

(Agencies)

India to develop by a robust 7.8% this year

Source: static.dnaindia.com New Delhi, Jan 8: India is projected to grow by a robust 7.8% this year and 7.9% in the next two years, the World Bank forecast said, citing strong investor sentiment and the positive effect on real incomes of the recent fall in oil prices. In its latest Global Economic Prospect report which is released every six months -- the World Bank marginally reduced India's growth rate 0.2% in 2015 and 0.1% in both 2016 and 2017. However, India continues to be the bright spot of the global economy, as Chinese growth is projected to slow further. The World Bank estimates that China grew at an estimated 6.9% in 2015 (0.3% less than its June projection). According to the report, China is estimated to grow at 6.7% in 2016 and 6.5% each in 2017 and 2018.

The growth rate projections is 0.3% in 2016 and 0.4% in 2017. While Russia and Brazil are expected to remain in recession in 2016. "In contrast to other major developing countries,

growth in India remained robust, buoyed by strong investor sentiment and the positive effect on real incomes of the recent fall in oil prices," the World Bank said. India's currency and stock markets were largely resilient over the past year, even during bouts of volatility in global financial markets, the report said. Reserve Bank of India, it said, has rebuilt reserves while net FDI flows have remained positive.

Ongoing fiscal consolidation in India has reduced the central government's fiscal deficit to close to 4% of GDP (on a 12-month rolling basis), down from a peak of 7.6% in 2009. In the report, South Asia is projected to be a bright spot in the outlook for emerging and developing economies, with growth speeding up to 7.3% in 2016 from 7% in the year just ended. The region has smaller trade links with China than other regions, and is a net importer of oil and will benefit from lower global energy prices. For FY 2016-17, India, the dominant economy in the region, is projected to grow at a faster 7.8% and growth in Pakistan (on a factor cost basis) is expected to accelerate to 4.5%, the report said. (Agencies)

Didi Kuaidi app to sell cars online Spinny to offer pre-owned cars' to Beijing, Jan 8: China's top car-hailing company Didi Kuaidi will expand its online car sales business into a day-to-day automobile ecommerce operation through its app in the near future, the company has said. The company ventured into selling cars online last month, during e-commerce marketing campaign, which saw 200 new cars being sold in only two hours on the Didi Kuaidi platform.

Didi Kuaidi started working with carmakers and dealers to sell cars online in December after utilising its robust user base to tap into China's test drive market through the app, state-run Xinhua news agency has reported. The test drive service, which was launched in October, allows users to book test drives with 92 car models from 19 brands, such as Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln and Audi, with vehicle prices starting at 100,000 yuan (about $15,400). Global auto brands are now using Didi Kuaidi's test drive platform to offer a full range

of auto-related services, including pricing and demand projections, targeted product recommendations and other auto e-commerce initiatives. After a little more than three months of operation, the test drive service has expanded from Beijing to five other cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hangzhou. Having attracted more than 1.8 million users with over 1.4 million orders, the company plans to expand the test drive service into 20 other tier-one and tier-two cities across the country in the coming year. Didi Kuaidi, which is backed by Chinese Internet giants Tencent and Alibaba, said it plans to build its fastgrowing test drive business into an open, big datadriven automobile service platform. With nearly 300 million registered users and over 14 million drivers, Didi Kuaidi could enable carmakers and dealers to build more effective and beneficial connections with users, buyers and media with

navigate over odd- even formula Image for representational purpose

its big data integration and analysis capabilities. Zhu Lei, vice president of Didi Kuaidi, said it's difficult for China's traditional car sellers to gain accurate customer information and turn potential buyers into actual buyers, but the data and networking capabilities from Didi's test drive platform can accurately grasp customer car use and purchasing needs. Car sales slowed this year amid an economic slowdown and purchase restrictions, but China remains the world's largest automobile producer and consumer, with output and sales both exceeding 21 million vehicles from January to November 2015. (Agencies)

ANI New Delhi, Jan 8: Spinny, the go-to platform for buying and selling used cars aims at making your purchase process for an oddnumbered car simpler.

It has launched a new odd-even filter on its website to facilitate users in finding a preowned car of their choice with a specific registration number.

Speaking on the launch of this filter, Niraj Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of Spinny said, "Since the announcement of the odd-even formula by the Delhi government, almost 10 to 15 percent of the queries that we are receiving are related to odd/even used cars." "Most cus-

MAKING ODD-EVEN FORMULA SIMPLER Ø Spinny, the go-to platform for buying and sell-

ing used cars aims at making your purchase process for car simpler.

Ø It has launched a new odd-even filter on its website to facilitate users in finding a pre-owned car of their choice with a specific registration number. Ø The policy has appeared to have a positive ef-

fect as people have changed their perspective towards services and concepts such as carpooling that they wouldn't have previously used.

Image for representational purpose

commute

simpler,"

Ø Spinny has also made a post on its blog regard- Niraj Singh. He further

ing similar solutions that have been implemented added that the organizaacross cities in the world. tion believes that the rotational policy is the need tomers already have a antee of getting a num- of the hour for Delhi. car and want to buy an- ber plate of one' own The policy has appeared other one with the op- choice. Residents of to have a positive effect posite number. While the capital are, there- as people have changed buying a new car, one fore, relying on used their perspective todoesn't have the guar- cars to make their daily wards services and con-

cepts such as carpooling that they wouldn't have previously used." In a bid to augment the awareness around the government's initiatives, Spinny has also made a post on its blog regarding similar solutions that have been implemented across cities in the world.

Features

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Page 11

WOMEN’S Homemade Conditioners For Softer, Shinier Hair!

Every girl wants her hair to look and feel like a million bucks. For that to happen, we're willing to splurge on the best hair products the market has to offer! But what if we told you that you can make your own magic potion of homemade hair conditioners using simply organic ingredients? Yes, you certainly can! They're not just inexpensive, but they're also really easy to prepare.

Now you can wake up to smooth and baby soft locks every single day. Ladies, here's how to make your very own signature hair conditioner!

1. Honey, Olive Oil And Banana Twist!

When it comes to making your hair smooth, soft and healthy, these three power ingredients go hand in hand. They not only moisturize hair strands, but also prevent your hair from breaking and reverse damage caused by pollution and heat.

Step 1 - Add 2 tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of olive oil into a glass container.

Step 2 - Peel a ripe banana, slice it into tiny

pieces and drop them into the container.

Step 3 - Mix all the ingredients well and pour them into a blender to make a paste.

Step 4 - Apply the paste onto your strands and put on a shower cap to avoid dripping.

Step 5 - Leave it on for 510 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Step 6 - Use shampoo after and pat dry using a towel.

2. Coconut Oil and Egg Yolk To The Rescue Egg yolk has something your hair desires the most.

You're right! It's protein.

It's responsible for making your gorgeous mane long and strong. Coconut oil does almost the same as well. It offers deep penetration to your hair follicles and improves its texture drastically.

Step 1 - Crack an egg and separate the yolk from the white.

Step 2 - Pour the yolks into a bowl and add a teaspoon of coconut oil.

Step 3 - While whisking, add half a cup of water and continue stirring.

Step 4 - Apply the mix to

your mid lengths and ends.

Massage gently after.

Step 5 - Let it rest for 4-8 minutes, and wash your hair with chilled water.

3. Yoghurt, Orange And Coconut Milk Paradise Oranges are rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

This helps keep your hair from falling and helps it grow faster. At the same time, coconut milk offers deep nourishment to your hair as it contains vitamin E and healthy fats.

Step 1 - Empty one big cup of yoghurt into a bowl.

Step 2 - Add 1/4th cup of orange juice, 4 teaspoons of lemon juice and the white of the egg into the mix.

Step 3 - While blending all four ingredients, pour half a cup of coconut milk and continue stirring.

Step 4 - Apply the paste after you've shampooed on the ends and leave it on for a good 30 minutes.

Step 5 - Rinse well with cool water and mild shampoo after.

4. Fresh Mint And Tea Leaves At Your Service Believe it or not, but tea leaves have essential minerals and vitamins in them.

These properties are responsible for making your hair strands strong and giving them a glossy texture. Mint leaves, on the other hand, have cooling agents in them that protect your scalp from damage and rash caused by the heat.

Step 1 - Grab a bunch of mint leaves and wash well.

Step 2 - Cut the leaves into fine pieces and toss them into a utensil that contains water.

Step 3 - Boil the water for about 3-5 minutes and strain the liquid. Keep the liquid aside to cool down.

Step 4 - Now, grab a pan and add a cup of water and generously toss black tea leaves into the water.

Step 5 - Leave the liquid to heat for about 5-6 minutes till you get the smell of a strong liquor.

Step 6 - Strain the liquid, and wait for it to cool down.

Step 7 - Then, mix both cooled liquids together and apply to your scalp.

Step 8 - Leave it to sit for 5-10 minutes and wash it off with warm water and mild shampoo.

5. Aloe Vera Gel And

Sesame Oil Save The Day! Aloe vera isn't just for treating skin issues, it's for your hair too! It moisturises, hydrates and offers deep nourishment to your hair follicles.

Hello, happy hair!

Step 1 - In a stainless steel container, add 2 tablespoons of sesame seed oil and 2 big tablespoons of aloe vera gel.

Step 2 - Mix both ingredients well.

Step 3 - Then, add a tablespoon of olive oil and 1 cup of unflavoured yoghurt.

Step 4 - Blend all these ingredients well to form a paste.

Step 5 - Apply the natural paste to your damp hair and leave it on for 510 minutes to soak.

Step 6 - Wash it off using warm water after.

6. The Perks Of Avocado And Fresh Cream Did you know that avocados can save your hair from damage and dryness?! Well, it does a fantastic job of supplying fat and protein to your hair follicles! Not mention that it makes your hair

Source: imbbpullzone.laedukreationpvt.netdna-cdn.com

super glossy and thicker after use.

Step 1 - Scoop the flesh out from one yummy avocado.

Step 2 - Put it into a bowl, and add 2 tablespoons of cream, water and olive oil.

Step 3 - Mix all these fabulous ingredients well.

Step 4 - Apply the paste to your hair, and using a fine comb, spread the paste to your roots and hair follicles.

Step 5 - Put on a shower cap and leave it to soak for

about 20-30 minutes.

Step 6 - Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry using a towel after.

7. The Goodness Of Shea Butter Shea butter as a natural ingredient contains nourishing and hydrating properties. When applied to hair, it not only increase its volume, but also fixes split ends.

Step 1 - In a saucepan, toss one huge scoop of shea butter and turn on the heat.

Step 2 - Add a tablespoon

of olive oil and mix both hot liquids using a spoon.

Step 3 - After a couple of minutes, pour the liquid from the pan into a container and leave it to cool.

Step 4 - Add a teaspoon of vitamin E to the cooled mix.

Step 5 - Using your fingertips, dip them into the mix and generously spread them across your scalp and strands.

Step 6 - Leave it to dry for about an hour.

Step 7 - Wash it off with cold water after.

Fashion Errors That Make Surprising Benefits of Oily Skin!

An Outfit Look Tacky!

There are many things that money can't buy. You can buy clothes but not style, you can buy expensive shoes but not always make them look like it. This also works the other way around. You can have style and not expensive clothes, you can be a trendsetter and still wear a T-shirt you got from the thrift store. It all depends on how you style yourself and present yourself to the world that really matters! Here are 7 things you should avoid if you want to make your clothes look more expensive than they are!

1. Avoid a clash of loud colours Colours make a person look bright and fresh, but clashing too many colours in one ensemble can only make you look a little over the top. If you are into colour blocking, always stick to a maximum of two colours with no prints.

Wear a bright orange top over blue bottoms, but wearing the same orange with printed trousers will only drag your look down.

Choose rich colours like maroon, navy or violet.

2. Avoid loud prints Unnecessary loud prints in your clothes is not a good idea if you want to look sophisticated and elegant.

Stick to prints in neutral colours and stay away from prints on bright coloured fabric. Neutral prints are a classic and will never go out of style. Invest in these items of clothing rather than spending

Do not avoid that visit to the tailor for alteration if you must. Ill-fitted clothes make you look sloppy and untidy.

Wearing oversized sweaters and shirts is a trend, but always make sure to balance it out by wearing a

Source: popxo.com money on bright printed tops or dresses.

3. Avoid wrinkles No time to iron? Might as well not wear that piece of clothing and opt for a fabric that does not get crushed easily. Wrinkled clothes not only make you look untidy but they also make your clothes look cheaper even if you might have spent a decent amount of money purchasing them. Respect the clothes you spent money on and always find time to iron them before heading out.

4. Avoid ill-fitted clothes

tight bottom with a loose top. Dresses with the wrong fit and huge tops that do not fit will do nothing for you except to make you look like one of the hangers in your closet. Streamline your look with a belt if you really want to look good in oversized clothes.

5. Avoid too much shine Sequins look pretty when you're headed to that party or a night out with your friends, but wearing them a tad too much during the day? Not a good idea.

Avoid clothing items with

too much bling on them during the day because they will only make you look unnecessarily flashy and draw unwanted attention.

6. Avoid big prominent logos on outfits Logos are a brand's way of connecting to the world, and while you might be more than happy to have purchased something from that expensive brand you have always loved, you need not shout it out with a huge logo on your T-shirt.

There are a lot of fakes in the market that are doing that nowadays and one might mistake that top for a cheap rip-off. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

7.

Avoid overaccessorizing Style is really all in the teeny-tiny details, and accessories can make or break your look. Avoid fake, colourful accessories and choose your jewellery wisely. If you are already wearing prints or clothes with a lot of detailing on them, the best thing is to avoid accessories altogether. If you are wearing a bland solid coloured top or dress, then accessorize with bold statement pieces. It's all about the right balance!

Shocking and hard to believe, but having oily skin is actually a good thing! It has tons of benefits which tend to go unnoticed. It has certain plus points that are not only known to protect your skin from environmental factors, but also give your skin a flawless complexion. If you're a girl who has oily skin, fret no more! Here are 7 reasons why having oily skin is actually a boon.

1. Be Forever Young!

If you've noticed, people who have dry skin age faster. On the contrary, oily skin does the opposite. Interestingly, it camouflages fine lines and wrinkles because it has small amounts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties! Dry skin is much more prone to wrinkles than oily skin.

The vitamin E found in sebum acts as a protective layer that protects your skin from the harsh UV rays, dust, bacteria, and other environmental stressors. It's like a blessing in disguise.

2. Welcome, Baby Soft Skin You don't need to invest

in a moisturizer or a cream to soften the texture of your skin, the oil on your skin is 100% natural. It's responsible for making your skin smooth and baby soft. It will keep your skin moisturized and

impact on your delicate skin. Don't stop using products which contain SPF though. The more protection, the better!

4. Tough Luck, Pollution!

One of the biggest advan-

Source:i2.wp.com/www.diyhealthremedy.com

protect it from dryness and harmful pollutants.

3. Hide No More From The Sun You never have to worry about running out of sunscreen, because oily skin acts like a natural barrier against the sun. When your skin is moist, it tends to burn less. The sun's harmful rays have a lesser

tages of having oily skin is that it keeps the pollution away. It does not give the bacteria and dust a chance to settle on your skin to damage it. Keep washing your skin on and off to lower the chances of skin damage.

5. Skin Hydration Guaranteed The more you sweat, the

more water you consume!

This indirectly keeps you hydrated at all times. To lessen the chances of acne, use wet wipes.

These babies will clear your face from the grime, bacteria and dust out there. Drink as much water as you can as it will reward you with moist and hydrated skin in the end.

6. Vibrant Glow Always Look at it this way, there are tons of women who splurge on expensive products to make their skin glow. You on the other hand, have it for free! If you take care of your skin that is, you could have a dewy and youthful appearance easily.

7. Makeup Lasts Longer Did you know that oily skin makes your makeup stick longer on your skin? Well, that's true! It helps balance makeup application, and gives your skin a natural look.

You also don't need to apply heavy foundation, face compact powder will absolutely do the needful.

Things You Need To Know If You Have Sensitive Skin!

Source: prevention.com If you think about it, we're all trying to better, or perhaps maintain, the quality of our skin. Almost everyone has the complete lowdown on their own skin

type - be it dry, oily, or a combination of both. However, one of the most misunderstood realities of skincare is figuring out the issue of sensitive skin. What

exactly is it? What causes it? How to control flare ups? So if you're one of the many trying to better understand your sensitive skin.

1. It's more common

than you think Most women have sensitive skin. The severity may vary from girl to girl, but it is an issue that almost all women have to deal with at some point in their lives.

And what's more, studies have shown that in every ten years or so, cases of skin sensitivity become increasingly widespread.

2. It's your environment Chances are that if you live in a crowded metropolis, your skin is bound to develop a certain degree of sensitivity. Pollutants in the air you breathe, the food you consume, and the hard water you wash with play a significant role in triggering breakouts.

3. Hormonal havoc Let's face it ladies, our hor-

mones play a huge role in our lives. Hormones access your skin through tiny blood vessels and help in maintaining good skin health. But whenever your hormone levels fluctuate, your skin is one of the first casualties. While this is a normal part of the menstrual cycle for some women, prolonged skin sensitivity calls for a visit to the doctor to diagnose any underlying hormonal condition.

4. Your skin is too clean While keeping your face and body clean seems to be quite an obvious solution to a variety of skin problems - bear in mind that too much of a good thing needn't always be beneficial. In fact, repeated washing of your

face can rob your skin of its defenses. We'd recommend washing your face no more than twice a day (morning and night) using a gentle cleanser.

5. Watch out for direct sunlight Many women unknowingly suffer from sun allergies, where prolonged stints in direct sunlight cause redness, swelling and itching on all exposed skin. While sun-sensitivity is often genetic, it is possible to prevent breakouts by wearing protective clothing and loads of sunscreen. The hours between 10am and 4pm are when the sun can inflict the most damage, so it pays to be extra-careful.

6. Your grooming habits

might be to blame Fond of perfume? Make sure it's organic and skin friendly. Love wearing foundation? Favour allnatural brands. When shaving your legs, ensure that your razor blades are no more than four to five shaves old. Clean your makeup brushes regularly and check all your product labels to ensure that they are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

7. Say no to stress Your skin cells undergo daily wear and tear, which is completely normal. However, stress and anxiety prevent these cells from carrying out the repair and maintenance work required to maintain skin health.

Stress is an important cause

of skin dullness, breakouts, and sensitivity! Letting go of stress will be a boon to your skin, and not to mention your overall well-being.

8. You could be dehydrated Dehydration breaks down your skin's natural defenses and can be a sensitivity trigger. While drinking water is the most obvious solution, it pays to observe your climate and note the temperatures you expose your skin to.

Moving in and out of air conditioned rooms in the summer months is a major cause of year-round skin dehydration, with increased skin sensitivity being the outcome. Ditto long, hot showers in the winter.

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He didn't have time to go to the voters and ask for their votes, insisting that it would be difficult to fight against other candidates.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Michel Platini Suspended UEFA president

PAGE 12

Lord Vishnu cover controversy: Non-bailable warrant against MS Dhoni ANI Anantapur : In an unpleasant news for Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a court in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh has issued a non-bailable warrant against him for allegedly 'denigrating' a Hindu god by posing as Lord Vishnu on the cover page of a magazine.

Dhoni has been asked to be present in court on February 25th in the controversial cover case.

In September last year,

the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the criminal proceedings against Dhoni and also issued notice to social activist Jayakumar Hiremath, who had filed the case against the cricketer.

Dhoni had earlier approached the apex court seeking quashing of a criminal case against him in the Karnataka High Court for allegedly outraging religious sentiments for his portrayal of Lord Vishnu on a magazine cover.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Mirza-Hingis breeze into Brisbane International finals ANI Brisbane: Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis continued their rampaging form as they sealed final berth in the season-opening Brisbane International tournament on Friday.

Amla hails Cronje's ‘inspirational’ leadership ANI Johannesburg : Former South African skipper Hashim Amla has extended his tribute to late skipper Hansie Cronje, describing his leadership style as `inspirational`.

The 32-year-old said that Cronje, who died in a tragic airplane crash in 2002, was never loud-mouthed and all the players who played under him were inspired by the way he captained.

Amla had stepped down as Proteas Test skipper shortly after the conclusion of the drawn second Test against England at Newlands.

Speaking on his performance as the skipper, Amla insisted that everyone had his own style of leadership, adding that one should remain as natural as possible, Sport24 reported.

Amla further insisted his players to stop imitating anyone else and be original in order to achieve heights in life.

Earlier, Amla's leadership had come under sharp criticism since the start of the England series but he returned to form with the bat, scoring 201 in the first innings at Newlands.

After winning his first three series against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and West Indies, he oversaw a rain-affected drawn series against Bangladesh and the 3-0 defeat in India.

With his resignation, swashbuckling batsman AB de Villiers will be captaining the side in the final two Tests of the series in Johannesburg and Centurion.

Dhoni is currently in Australia to play five One Day International's and three T20Is against the hosts from January 12th to January 31st.

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 8: Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre(A) beat Namrup Cricket Academy by 47 runs in the Simang Arnold Phulari Invitation (under15) Inter-District Cricket Tournament organized by Dibrugarh City cricket Coaching Centre at Dibrugarh District Sports Association Stadium here today. Altogether, eight teams participate in the tournament.

Put into bat, Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre(A) piled up 198/6 in

allotted 35 overs. Manash Pratim Baruah top scored with 52 off 70 balls laced with eight boundaries and

Under-15 Cricket Subham Pandey contributed 50 off 67 balls with the help of six boundaries.

For Namrup cricket Academy, Anand Sharma and Vikash Gupta took two wickets each by giving away 17 and 38 runs respectively.

In reply, Namrup Cricket Academy were all out for

161 in 32. 2 overs. Akhil Kalita scored 60 off 64 balls with the help of nine boundaries and one six. Rahman Ali Khan contributed 15 off 50 balls with one boundary.

For Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre (A), Upamaninue Saikia bagged 5 for 11 in 6.2 overs and Dibakar Saikia took 3 for 22 in 6 overs.

Akhil Kalita of Namrup Cricket Academy was adjudged man of the match.

Tomorrow, Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre (A) will play Cricket Club of Sivasagar.

Djokovic fends off Mayer to sail into Qatar Open semis ANI Johannesburg : World number one Novak Djokovic displayed an imperious form as he brushed aside eighth-seeded Leonardo Mayer in straight sets to sail into the semifinals of the Qatar Open in Doha.

The Serbian survived a second set challenge and bounce back to claim a 6-3, 7-5 win over the Argentine in a thrilling quarterfinal clash, Sport24 reported.

The top-seeded IndoSwiss pair, who won their 25th match in a row, claimed a 6-3, 7-5 triumph over Russian-Slovenian pair of Alla Kudryavtseva and Andreja Klepac in the semi-final contest.

Earlier, Mirza and Hingis bagged nine women's doubles titles in 2015, including two Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, since joining forces in March.

The Karnataka High Court, however, refused to quash the case, prompting Dhoni to file an appeal in the apex court.

Dibrugarh cricket coaching win

Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic said he played well in the first set, adding that Mayer had shown brilliant efforts in the second set.

The 28-year-old will now face Tomas Berdych, who has also made it to the semi-

Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis have won 25 consecutive matches and are on the verge of breaking the record of 28 matches set by Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva in 1994.

Banned Platini withdraws bid for FIFA presidency ANI Johannesburg: Suspended UEFA president Michel Platini has withdrawn his name from the race of becoming the next FIFA president, saying that he is dedicating himself towards clearing his name.

According to Sport24, Platini said that he would fight for himself and would concentrate his resources on appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport ( CAS) and the FIFA electoral commission.

Platini, along with his FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter, have been serving an eightyear ban from all footballrelated activities over claims that the former had received a ' disloyal pay-

Michel Platini ment ' of 1.35 million pounds from the outgoing president in 2011.

The 60-year-old, who was still struggling to understand his suspension from all football-related activities, insisted that there was nothing illegal in his oral contract.

In addition to the lengthy bans, Blatter and Platini have also been fined 50,000

and 80,000 Swiss francs respectively.

With Platini's withdrawal, five candidates are now left in the race for the election namely Prince Ali bin alHussein of Jordan, the UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman, former diplomat Jerome Champagne and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale.

Cullinan calls on Proteas to embrace criticism ANI Johannesburg: Former South African batsman Daryll Cullinan has urged his country's players to show maturity by embracing criticism and called on his former side to work upon them.

Cullinan's comments came after the second Test match between England and South Africa ended in a draw in Newlands.

Reflecting his views, Cullinan,

who appeared in 70 Tests and 138 ODIs for South Africa, wrote on his Facebook page, "There is nothing wrong with criticism as long as it is backed up by facts and has credibility behind it.

One of the things that our cricket lacks is the maturity to embrace it, work with it and evaluate its value."

The 48-year-old believes that accepting criticism positively

could only be expected from the people, who are secure enough in their opinion and credibility,Sport24 reported.

England have taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match series following their massive 241-run win in the opening match against the hosts.

The two sides will now lock horns in the third match in Johannesburg, starting from January 14.

finals by sweeping aside Britain's Kyle Edmund 6-3, 6-2.

Earlier, second-seed Rafael Nadal had advanced to the semifinals after beating

Proteas name squad for remaining Tests, ODIs against England ANI Johannesburg : South Africa have named an unchanged squad for the remaining two Tests and the 14-man squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against England.

Reflecting on the Test squad, Cricket South Africa selection convener, Linda Zondi said that they were highly impressed by the side's performance in the second match that ended in draw and therefore, had decided to carry on with the same team for the remaining matches.

As far as ODI squad is con-

Speaking on his decision, Platini said that he didn't have time to go to the voters and ask for their votes, insisting that it would be difficult to fight against other candidates.

Novak Djokovic

cerned, Aaron Phangiso has been dropped while Rilee Rossouw, who was ruled out of the series against India due to injury, has been recalled for the series against England.

South Africa are currently trailing 0-1 in the fourmatch series following their humiliating 241-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban.

The two sides will play the remaining two Tests in Johannesburg and Centurion followed by five-match ODI series, starting from February 3.

South Africa Test squad: AB de Villiers ,Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl, Hardus Viljoen.

ODI squad: AB de Villiers, Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis ,Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn.

MHA dubs DDCA probe committee as `unconditional` ANI New Delhi : The Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA) on Friday declared that the probe committee formed by Delhi Government to look into the affairs of the Delhi and District Cricket Board ( DDCA) was `unconditional and illegal`.

In an open letter to Delhi government, Lt Governor's Secretariat SCL Das questioned the formation of committee, saying that the elected Government of National Capital territory of Delhi is neither the Central Government nor the State Government , and

therefore, they are not allowed to form a commission of inquiry.

The three-member probe committee headed by lawyer Gopal Subramaniam was formed by Delhi government in the wake of the financial irregularities within the capital's cricket association.

Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

Expect `exciting` ODI series against India: Lehmann ANI Johannesburg: Australian coach Darren Lehmann has admitted that the upcoming ODI series against India will be an 'exciting' one, adding that it will provide a good challenge for his young team.

Lavishing praise on the tourists, Lehmann said that India were playing an aggressive brand of cricket, insisting that he hopes they would perform in the same way in the upcoming series as well.

The 45-year-old coach described India as a quality side and, therefore, called on his side to play well in order to beat them, Sport24 reported.

Lehmann, however, backed his young players, saying that they had become quite useful to the international conditions and that they would surely handle the situation well.

Australia will face India for the first time since beating them in the semifinal of the ICC Cricket World Cup in Sydney in March 2015 when they will take on the tourists in the five-match ODI series, starting from January 12 in Perth.

Floyd Mayweather feels Bill Cosby is given more attention ANI Washington, D.C. : Floyd Mayweather feels that everyone is paying way too much attention to Bill Cosby's incident that happened decades ago.

In a recent interview, the 38-year-old boxer said if the allegations against Cosby are true what he did is not right, but it pales in comparison to rampant po-

lice brutality, reports TMZ.com.

Mayweather thinks everyone should focus on serious problems in the world and not stale, decades-old accusations.

In an interview sometimes back, the 38-year-old UFC fighter topped the headline with his statement that racism still exists in the sports of boxing.

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