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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 10

Vol. II

Issue 95

Dibrugarh, Friday, October 21, 2016

KODAK HAS LAUNCHED THE ULTIMATE PHONE FOR CAMERA OBSESSIVES

ISLAM, OURS AND THEIRS

P11

AACWA suggests state govt, PWD to immediate construct temporary bridge over Pachin River ET Bureau Itanagar, Oct 20: The All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA) General Secretary Nabam Akin Hina suggested to state govt. and particular Department of PWD (Highway) Naharlagun Division to immediate construct temporary bridge over Pachin River in between Borum Village to Lekhi Village, which will help to traffic congestion in Naharlagun areas, informed AACWA in a press release.

“If department construct the said temporary bridge over Pachin River then at least publics of capital can have relax of traffics congestion for at least 5-6 months till rainy season come as due to lack of traffic diversion and weak concerned of department many commuters face problem to reach their destination at the time”, said AACWA General Secretary Nabam Akin Hina.

Nabam Akin Hina also added that district administration should initiate strong action as per motor vehicle act against those tempo driver and trekker driver who used to drive reckless during movement at highway and due to their reckless drive the traffic congestion stat. Many of trekker even their body is not fit for running in the roads they to fly in high speed, some time it is danger of life of innocent passenger who travel the vehicles.

Price -

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PAGE 12

ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING ECONOMICS

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P9

CM Khandu makes clarion call for 100% NRC papers used to dedication towards health and education serve snacks, 2 held ET Bureau Tawang, Oct 20

MEETING AT A GLANCE

Doctors, health workers and Teachers have been urged to work dedicatedly and whole-heartedly as the state government gears up towards adopting zero tolerance towards health and education sector. Chief Minister Pema Khandu made this clarion call during a speech here at district hospital, after his formal inauguration of in-patient department building and the Khando Drowa Sangmo Nursing School.

“Zero tolerance towards health and education has been every government’s catchphrase. But it will be possible only when all the doctors, teachers and health workers give their best to their service,” urged Khandu and said that to give 100% effort, a secure attachment and bonding must be developed with those who seek our

All local grievances of the newly opened nursing school and the district hospital will be met, assured CM. Government will first work out with rationalization of staff postings, as majority of them are crowded in big towns, said CM. CM urged doctors, health workers and Teachers to work dedicatedly and wholeheartedly.

Khandu announced to contribute Rs 1 lakh from his personal expenses for procurement of generic medicines for the hospital.

Khandu urged to give 100% effort, a secure attachment and to develop bonding with those who seek our service.

CM presented an award of excellence to Miss Lama Deki for topping in her ANM class for the academic session 2015-16.

service.

“Without feelings for our work, we cannot render true service,” he said and added that healthcare and education is the noblest job in service of humanity.

As step towards priority to health sector, the Chief Minister assured that all local grievances of the newly opened nursing school and the district hospital will be met and said that all submissions received on the matter will be studied and addressed promptly.

On staff shortages for nursing schools, Khandu said that government will first work out with rationalization of staff postings, as majority of them are crowded in big towns. He asked the officials and staffs of state government to be ready to serve in any corner of the state reminding that we all are ‘public servants’.

Contd. on Page 4

Chief Minister Pema Khandu visits Tawang Monastery ET Bureau Tawang, Oct 20

TAWANG MONASTERY: DETAILS

Chief Minister Pema Khandu today visited the famous Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery, where he was received with huge fanfare and celebrations where monks lined up all along the Monastery stairs to welcome him.

The Chief Minister thanked the monks for the beautiful arrangement made in honour of his visit. He recalled the similar grand reception accorded to late Dorjee Khandu, former Chief Minister by the monks in 2007

Tawang Monastery is the the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

Tawang Monastery is known in Tibetan as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which translates to "celestial paradise in a clear night.

Monastery was founded

by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681 in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso.

The monastery is three stories high. It is enclosed by a 925 feet (282 m) long compound wall. Within the complex there are 65 residential buildings.

Of all the festivals celebrated in the monastery, Torgya is the most elaborate and colorful.

The monastery has a school and its own water supply facility, and a centre for Buddhist cultural studies.

PTI Tezpur , Oct 20

Two persons were arrested today after documents related to National Register Citizens (NRC) were found from a tea shop in Sonitpur district, where they were being used to serve snacks.

Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Deka said the documents included photocopies of marriage certificates that are attached with NRC forms, and counterfoils of other papers with the BDO of Dhekiajuli and its respective departments.

The documents were found in bags in a tea shop near Dhekiajuli weekly market in Sonitpur district yesterday.

It is serious negligence on part of secretaries of Gaon

Panchayats, Deka said, adding two persons were arrested in this connection.

The arrested persons are tea stall owner Subak Dutta and Raikashmari GP secretary Chandralal Upadhya.

The papers had been submitted by residents of three Gaon Panchayats of Rakishmari in Dhekiajuli Assembly constituency and Nij Borsala and Pirakata GPs under Borsala Assembly constituency, officials said.

Dutta had bought the papers from a kawari (used paper seller) for packing snacks.

A customer found several such papers in the shop yesterday and informed the media. Later, police recovered three bags of the documents from the tea stall, officials said.

Dhekiajuli Subordinate

Illegally operating crusher unit sealed at Itanagar

and said that such trust shown on him by the people of Arunachal is owing to the good works done by his late father.

Earlier Khandu accompanied by Health Minister Jomde Kena, MLA Tawang Tsering Tashi, Hydropower Chairman T Appa, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Sang Phuntsok offered his prayers to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

A team led by EAC Itanagar Jiken Bomjen and AMDO T Ekke carried out an inspection of all the stone crushers unit operating in Itanagar and sealed the crusher unit of one Taro Tagiya of Itanagar area today.

A hearing in this regard was held on October 17, 18 and 19 last, wherein the DM had directed the owners of the crusher unit having required NOC to complete all the formalities pertaining to the renewal of the license within a given time period.

Khandu in his speech stressed on the importance of monks and nuns in retaining peace and requested for their cooperation in development activities.

Contd. on Page 4

Earlier, a notice was served to those crusher units in the Capital Complex running illegally without documents to summon before the court of the

However, those units running illegally without document were asked to be sealed and consequently one crusher unit was sealed today.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Oct 20

Itanagar-Capital Complex District Magistrate Sandeep Kumar Singh.

Deputy Commissioner Liza Talukdar filed a case against the three GP secretaries at Dhekiajuli Police station, following which the two arrests were made.

The NRC containing names of Indian citizens was prepared only once in 1951 during the Census that year. It is being updated now to include names of those persons (or their descendants) who appear in the NRC, 1951.

Other documents which will prove the holders presence in any part of India before mid-night of March 24, 1971, are also admissible under the NRC register. The exercise is required as Assam has been facing the problem of illegal migrants from Bangladesh and NRC is important to identify them.

Unknown miscreant attacks civil police of APP Chanwang Mongchan Khonsa, Oct 20

Hunwang Homchha, Civil Police of APP was brutally attacked in the jungle area between Lekhajan and Dirok gate by two unknown miscreants while he was travelling from Bordumsa to his native village, Borduria.

The miscreants later snatched away his Bike and his purse.

However, he has been admitted to Bhramaputra Diagnostics Hospital, Dibrugarh and reported to be out of danger.

The interstate boundary road between Margherita-Deomali is being frequently used by some anti-social elements and needs patrolling by police teams W. Lowangdong, Advisor to CM and MLA 57 Borduria Bogapani has condemned the incident and advised the general public of both the states to be extra cautious while travelling the route.

HGB Mirem, Tadi Mibang inaugurates Mirem Dere constructed under MPLAD A Staff Reporter Pasighat, Oct 20

Giving a new turn to the usual practices of inauguration of any buildings or occasions by VIPs/VVIPs like MLAs and Ministers and MPs, a sixty lakhs huge community hall (Dere/ Musup) funded under MPLAD was inaugurated by Tadi Mibang, Head Gaon Bura of Mirem Village in the presence of Lok Sabha MP, Ninong Ering, local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture, Er. Tatung Jamoh and 36th Nari-Koyu MLA, Kento Rina besides host of officers, public leaders, GBs and village people.

Dignitaries along with other officials during the inauguration program Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kento Rina appreciated the effort and unity of the people of Mirem village.

Rina also advised student communities

to be studious and be best to shine the name of their village as without education, Contd. on Page 4

Say No to bandh culture!!

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 20

The people of Assam is facing a hard time due to frequent bandh called up by different organizations to meet their demand. Bandh has been creating fear physiques among the peoples of Assam. Now, bandh is like a culture in Assam and the local people observed the bandh as a holiday. Frequent bandhs in Assam has crippled down the state’s economy.

Pic for representation purpose.

cmyk

cmyk

Contd. on Page 4

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Kaziranga National Park all sets to welcome Hamid Ansari Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Oct 20: Kaziranga National Park authority has geared up to welcome Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India on October 26th on Wednesday next, said official sources here today.

Vice President of India Hamid Ansari will be the first high profile official to visit Kaziranga National Park (KNP) from the country.

The Vice President will be accompanied by his wife and will land at Tezpur Air base by a Chartered Aircraft and will hold a meet with bureaucrats, Army and Air Force officials.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Governor Banwarilala Purohit, Local MP RP Sharma including local cabinet ministers Pallav Lochan Das, Keshav Mahanta and Atul Bora is likely to escort and accompany the Vice President to Kaziranga National Park.

Elephant calf found dead in Digboi ET Correspondent Digboi, Oct 20: The alleged sensational issue concerning the InterState elephant smuggling couple of month back here in Digboi Division in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam and subsequent inquiry and transfer of the DFO thereafter, again a corpse of a female baby elephant was mysteriously found dead here this afternoon in Tingrai area of Upper Dehing Reserve Forest under Lakhipather Range of Digboi Division.

According to the villag-

HOROSCOPE Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

You may feel like the world is caving in on you in many ways today, Aries. It could be that you've recently dug your own little cave to crawl into and be safe from the outside world.

Realize that the deeper you dig in unstable terrain, the more unsteady the walls. If you aren't careful, it's likely to come crashing down on top of you.

Remember that you can only remain in charge as long as the others around you support your personality and leadership abilities, Taurus.

Avoid mutiny by taking care of the people in your world instead of simply trying to run their lives. Gain respect with kind words and a sensitive attitude rather than by enforcing harsh rules and regulations that restrict and aggravate.

There should be no doubt in your mind about which way to proceed, Gemini. Don't let self-doubt sneak into the picture. Your mind is sensitive and alert, so trust it. Take the lead when you feel confident about a situation. Make sure to eat plenty of protein-rich foods. They'll help stabilize and bring you another step closer to the realization of your dreams.

Your rock-star attitude may be getting a bit old now, Cancer. People aren't going to continue to listen to your demands for attention. Every person in the world is special, so try not to act as if you're the only one who is.

Help a child assemble a new toy today or help a friend pick out a new shirt. Do something for others instead of always expecting things for yourself.

Leo

Virgo

P2

Your ship is finally coming into port after being out in rough seas for so long, Leo. It's time to dock the boat for a while. Relax and explore the area. There is nothing wrong with getting off your vessel for a while.

You may not even realize how much you've missed solid ground until now. Remember what it's like to be stable again.

the Bogapani Elephent Corridor intersecting the NH38 during the harvest period. The irony however here is the recovery of dead baby elephant without her mother or others that generally move in caravan. However, irrespective of the reasons leading to the mysterious death of the calf, there is no denying the fact that the various impregnable belts known for habitat It is pertinent to add elephant’s here that herds of el- across the division inephants emerging out of cluding Lakhipather Reserve Forest parade towards Digboi, Namphai and the paddy field to feed Lakhipather Reserve on it crossing through Forests bear the testiers of the said area who had informed the forest departments, the corpse of the calf had started decomposing in the said forest belt which indicates the mysterious death of the creature around 6 days back.

Meanwhile, veterinary doctor from Hapjan was fetched who carrying out the postmortem allowed the innocent dead creature to be buried.

mony of the fact that poachers and illegal hunters have been active throughout thus carrying out their illegal trade sometimes on record even maintaining nexus with the rhino poachers in Kaziranga.

A poacher of Kaziranga involved in Rhino killing was earlier arrested from Namphai Reserve Forest area under Jagun Police Station. However, the reason leading to the death of the calf is yet to be ascertained in true sense though the forest sources termed it as ‘some fatal disease might have steal her life’.

30 Dengue cases in Jorhat ET Correspondent Jorhat, Oct 20 : Breaking the previous all records, Jorhat is facing a massive problem of dengue positive patients. The district has recorded thirty dengue positive patients where 17 patients are from Jorhat urban areas, Titabor 6, Baghchung 3, Salmora 3 and Kathanibari recorded 1. " Jorhat had broken all previous record of dengue" said Dr. Amrit Saikia, Joint Director of Jorhat District Health Department.

"Till now we are ongoing treatment with 30 patients"

added the Joint Director.

Dengue fever, which is commonly known as "break bone fever" as those who have it often report severe bone pain. Nausea and vomiting can also occur. The symptoms mimic malaria symptoms. Cases of dengue fever often improve within a few days. However, in 12% of dengue cases, the illness can progress into a more severe condition called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). Severe bleeding can occur resulting in organ failure and death.

"The public should be

conscious and follow the instructions govt. provide to avoid dengue effect" said Dr. Amrit Saikia.

"Those who have had a previous attack of dengue fever may experience more severe symptoms on subsequent occasions, so one should take particular care to avoid being bitten" added the joint director of District Health department.

Though necessary equipments are present in JMCH, if dengue is not prevented it could create a havoc situation.

Noted Social Worker passes away in Marherita ET Correspondent Margherita, Oct 20: Noted Social Worker of Margherita region, nature lover and prominent Singpho Ethnic tribe Bhupeswar Ninda passes away today at his Ketetong residence here in Margherita. Bhupeswar Ninda was suffering from prolonged disease at the time of his heavenly demise.

Bhupeswar Ninda was

associated with many Educational, Social and Cultural Organisations of Margherita and was the Vice President of Singhpo Jatiya Parishad.

Bhupeswar Ninda

Singhpo Jatiyo Parishad, Nature Beckon,Purvanchal Bhikkhu Sangh,8 Ethnic Tribes Parishad and many other organisations have condoled the death of Bhupeswar Ninda.

You may still be on something of a high from the last couple weeks. You will definitely be tempted to let the good times continue to roll, Virgo. Think about ways you can keep them rolling while still maintaining good judgment.

Oil official bail plea rejected for second term by Jorhat Court

Youth apprehended in Jorhat for threatening journalist

Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Oct 20: Monika Boro a Grade-II junior engineer from the Oil India Limited (OIL) of Charigaon Oil India Limited pumping station, Jorhat who was sent to Jorhat Central Jail on October 5th for sabotaging her husband Jayanta Neog-the Deputy Manager of Vodafone Pvt. Limited to commit suicide on Sept 11th at the official residence of the Oil India Limited at Charigaon in Jorhat.

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Oct 20: Jorhat Police apprehended 30 years old youth named Shravan Prajapati of Balibat area of Jorhat town for threatening Niraj Khandelwal, a journalist of Pratah Khabar, on Thursday. The incident took place, when Khandelwal was on his way to his own residence riding his bike; Prajapati stopped him and started abusing him.

"I was on my way from market to home on my bike, Prajapati stopped me and started abusing” said Niraj Khandelwal.

Ms Monica Boro had pleaded the District Session Judge Court on Oct 19th but the honorable court rejected her bail pleaded for the second time. Earlier on Oct 7th the same Court has rejected her bail petition.

Free Artifical Limb camp A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 20: Marwari Yuva Manch Dibrugarh Greater Branch in association with National Marwari Foundation is organizing a “Free Artificial Limb and Caliper Camp” at Shree Agrasen Milan Mandir, Jhalukpara in loving memory of Late Durgadutt Bagaria from November 14 to 16th November, 2016.

For registration and other details please contact at the following numbers: 9954480489, 9435033373, 9435030255, 9435030253, 9435952141.

"He even gave me death

threatening" added Khandelwal.

A FIR has been lodged in Jorhat Police Station and the youth was later apprehended from his residence.

"On basis of Niraj Khandelwal FIR we apprehended a youth named Shravan Prajapati from Balibat" said Tulumoni Duwarah, the investigation officer of the case.

"We are investigating the case, and proper action will be taken as per the law. “added Duwarah, Till the time of reporting this news the youth was in Jorhat Police Station.

AJYCP protests against local MLA Bhaskar Sharma ET Correspondent Margherita, Oct 20: Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, Margherita committee, slammed local MLA, Bhaskar Sharma for not working on development of Margherita which he assured before the Assembly Election campaign.

AJYCP criticized the saffron party’s MLA for not fulfilling their long pending demands which they have submitted through a memorandum on 4 June 2016 according to which they have cited many issues which the constituency had been facing from a long decade. The memorandum cited many issues, like; starting the incomplete Water Supply Project at Jagun, construction of the 2 No Maulang Road and Margherita

Pengree Connectivity road which is in deplorable condition, to start the water irrigation project at Alubari, Makumkilla and Maulang, providing electricity at Margherita constituency remote and rural areas, and opening up of the Ledo ITI School. .

“Bhaskar Sharma is busy in giving petty work to some BJP leaders only ,while Margherita citizens have voted him for change”, alleged AJYCP President Salil Neog.

“We will intensify our protest if the demands are not fulfilled within ten days as mentioned in the submitted memorandum”, said Kanchan Bora, General Secretary AJYCP Margherita unit.

8 MPs in Kaziranga National Park, shock over security front Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Oct 20: An 18 member Parliamentary Standing Committee for the welfare of Schedule Tribes and Schedule Caste arrived Kaziranga National Park on October 19th last. The 18 member Parliamentary Standing Committee was headed by Kirip E. Solanki, MP from Maharashtra. The Parliamentary Committee took stock of the situation how the endangered species live, how flood water enters the Park and how the

poachers take advantage to poach the one horn rhino which has created sensation among the wildlife lovers throughout the globe.

The entire teams were astonished about the security scenario of the park as they found lack of security guards throughout the huge distance of the National Park with no fence or boundary for the security of the Park, said the chairman of the

Parliamentary Committee Mr. Kirip E. Solanki.

After their visit into the national park the team later discussed with senior officials from Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and Oil and Natural Gas Commission Limited (ONGC) about their Corporate Social Responsibility (OSR) to the ST and SC community throughout the nation, informed official sources here

Don't let things get too out of control today. It's important that you maintain a bit of stability at all times.

Libra

Communicate from a centered space today, Libra.

Fortunately, the nature of the day caters to your needs and desires. You shouldn't have to work too hard to get what you want. Things should come to you naturally. You may wonder why you got stressed out before over what now seem to be small issues. Consciously release the worry and concern that are still stored in your body.

Scorpio

Work toward achieving a better unity between you and the people around you, Scorpio. It could be that certain people in your circle of friends somehow feel alienated in one way or another. Perhaps they don't feel like they fit in with the rest of the group. Remind yourself and others that everyone is unique and that all should be equally accepted despite individual differences.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

You will feel much better about yourself if you get things done today, Sagittarius. Like a meal that tastes good but isn't necessarily good for you, you might enjoy this day by being lazy, but you won't feel so good when night comes and you realize that you haven't accomplished anything.

Use the day productively so you have a sense of fulfillment by tonight.

You might consider taking a rest today, Capricorn.

Like a sailboat on the ocean, you've been taxed lately by all the turbulence. The pressure on you has been tremendous. Think about pulling your sails to halfmast in order to take a break.

You may not be going as quickly as before, but you will find that this is exactly the rest you need in order to complete the voyage.

Aquarius

Pisces

Your thinking is apt to be quite clear and rational today, Aquarius. This is especially important, since others will be looking for your thoughts and opinions on a certain matter. People will know that they can get a straight and honest answer from you, so don't disappoint them. Think through each situation clearly before you offer your advice. You will find that it's worth the effort.

By being around negative and flip people, you might inadvertently pick up these habits. Be careful about your associates, Pisces, because you will find that others judge you according to the company you keep, especially if you start talking like them.

Make sure to maintain a respectful attitude and proper manners no matter who your company is.

Assam Sangrami Gana Mancha Sivasagar Unit Strike Against Historical Ranghar And Talatal Ghar near Government land illegally occupied by Local People.

Pic - Firuz Ahmed Cinema Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall Screen-1 SULLY (A) 1ST show at 12:00 AM INFERNO (ENGLISH) 2ND show at 2:00 PM

MOTU PATLU : KING OF KINGS 3D 3RD show at 04:20 PM SULLY (A) 4th show at 06:30 PM

Tryres being set fire to obstruct the NH37in Sivasagar by the protesters demanding inclusion of ST status today on Thursday . Pic - Neelam kakoty mazumdar

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Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 20: Modoi Kriya Manch defeated Udalguri new sports Club 21 in the first semifinal of the 20th Sundhani Football trophy organized by Sundhani Sports Club in association with Chabua Sports Association at Chabua playground here today.

Modoi Kriya Manch took a lead through striker Rupam Gogoi in the 6th minute.

Rupam received a pass from the right flank and strike the first salvo for his team.

Rupam Gogoi scored his second goal in the 14th minute. Rupam Gogoi collecting a pass from the left flank and found the back of

the net.

Papu Tanti scored the lone goal for Udulguri in the 72nd minute. Altogether, 14 team participated in the tournament.

Tomorrow Chabua coaching centre will play Kajikhowa Sports Association in the second semifinal.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Governor visits at Amingaon ET Correspondent Rangia, Oct 20: Governor of Assam Banowari Lal Purohit visited DC Kamrup office at Amingaon on Thursday.

He also took part in the Swachh Bharat Avijan one of the most popular scheme of Central govt lead by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Vinod Seshan DC kamrup along with other officials of the district also accompanied with the Governor.

Governor Purohit and DC Seshan with other officials cleaned the office premises and adjacent road. He also visited the pond in front of the DC Office. Earlier the DC and the officers traditionally felicitated Governor with Gamocha, Japi, Sarai and bouquet.

The Governor along with DC Seshan meet the officers of the DC office and discussed about various matter. Different organizations and parties also meet the Governor and discussed about the problems of the state.

Governor appealed to the people and businessman of the area to keep the surrounding clean.

P3

Health experts calls for high GST on tobacco products ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 20: Even as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) council failed to reach a consensus on the rate of taxation on Wednesday, health experts, anti-tobacco activists and voluntary organizations reiterated their demand for the highestpossible tax on tobacco products.

The Voluntary Health Association of Assam (VHAA) not only sought inclusion of tobacco products in the highest tax slab, it said states should have the right to impose additional taxes on all such products. The VHAA added that it was a proven fact that an in-

crease in tax on tobacco products led to reduction in consumption of such items.

"Higher taxes are particularly effective in reducing tobacco use among vulnerable population groups, such as youngsters, pregnant women and low-income smokers. An increase in tobacco prices by 10% decreases consumption by 4% in high-income countries and 6% in low- and middle-income countries," said Ruchira Neog, executive secretary of VHAA. As part of deliberations on the GST rate, the Cen-

tre proposed to include demerit or 'sinful' products like aerated drinks, tobacco products and pan masala in the highest tax slab of 26%, with the provision of additional cess on such items. The GST council, however, ended the discussions on Wednesday after the states failed to agree with the Centre on some contentious points.

Both experts and activists expressed concern that the current taxation system differentiated among tobacco products such as bidis, smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. Studies have revealed that bidis cause twice or thrice the amount of nicotine and

tar inhalation than a cigarette because of poor combustibility of their wrappers. As a result of this, smokers have to puff more to keep the bidi alight.

"There should be no differentiation among tobacco products. They should all be included in the highest tax slab under GST. Lower GST rates will contribute to their affordability and end up promoting their consumption by vulnerable sections of the population," said Ravindar Singh, president of the state branch of the Indian Dental Association (IDA).

A 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) report on the global tobacco epidemic named India as one of the few countries where cigarettes had become more affordable over the past few years.

Tobacco taxation in India is low when compared to the World Bank's recommendation of a tax of two-thirds of the retail price. This implies that tax should be 67% of the retail price.

"It is important to allow states to impose top-up taxes on tobacco products to make them less affordable over time," said tobacco taxation expert John Rijo. (With inputs from agencies)

Assam Police will launch new Cachar border is not vulnerable to infiltration, says Assam projects for char areas : DGP Additional Chief Secretary

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 20: The State Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Sahay has called upon the panchayat representatives of char areas to maintain a register of names and addresses of new faces in their areas and those working in other parts of the State and the country to check antisocial and jehadi activities.

The DGP for the first time arrived at the Ajim Ali char under Kurihamari gaon panchayat near Mukalmua area in Nalbari district on Tuesday on a two-day visit.

He added that the Assam Police has taken bold steps against jehadi activities in the State and has apprehended a total of 40 hardcore jehadi activists.

Minister opens ASTC control room to monitor complaints ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 20: Now anyone nursing a grievance against Assam State Transport Service (ASTC) can lodge a complaint by dialling toll-free number 18003453986 at any time of the day. If the line does not work, one can take to ASTC's Facebook page and Twitter handle or send a WhatsApp on 9854006002, 9854006003 and 9854006004.

ASTC buses will get LED screens, sound systems and microphones in the driver's console to provide a comfortable travel experience," managing director Anand Prakash Tiwari said.

State transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on Wednesday inaugurated an ASTC control room that will monitor complaints 24X7.

"The control room will ensure prompt action in case of complaints," he said.

Besides announcing 100% concession for freedom fighters and handicapped passengers, ASTC has also decided to offer discount to students, senior citizens and daily passengers. Children below five can travel for free on ASTC buses. Earlier, the age limit was three.

Besides offering services like e-ticketing, GPS and GISbased tracking of buses and automated SMS, ASTC will soon take steps to ensure security of women passengers across Assam.

The transport service authority has also begun repairing 'unfit' buses in its fleet. Sixtyfour such buses have already been repaired and another 330 buses will be given a facelift soon.

ASTC has also decided to clear all dues of retired and serving employees, as well as pay all liabilities worth around Rs 150 crore soon.

(With inputs from agencies)

"ASTC will also sell food and water on board buses.

SBI opens new administrative office at Silchar

Talking to reporters, Sahay further said that as per the guidelines of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the senior officials during

their visit will conduct a firsthand study on the population and the uninhabited char areas. He added that the Assam Police is going to implement a new project for the char areas to keep them in touch with the police.

When asked, Sahay stated the police is working to reduce crimes against women in the char areas. He added that the Assam Police has decided to open a women cell in all police stations to look after women-related

issues. The project is going on in full swing, Sahay added.

Regarding the settlement of Hindu Bangladeshis in char areas, the DGP clarified that there is no relation of Hindu Bangladeshis settlement with his two-day visit. His visit is only to strengthen the capacities of the riverine people and the policepublic relationship. Highlevel police officials also accompanied the DGP on the visit. (With inputs agencies)

Majuli to get Sahitya Sabha branch by December

Students of Assam in tour

by Red Horn Division

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 20: The Asam Sahitya Sabha to open a branch on Majuli River Island, the newest district of the state, by the end of this year.

General Secretary of the Sabha Paramananda Rajbongshi on Wednesday said the literary body had branches in every district of the state and Majuli would be no exception. "We will launch the new branch by December 31.The selection and nomination of its president and secretary will be held in January next year."

"A new branch needs 20 subbranches and 1,000 life-time members," he added. Majuli already has more than 20 subbranches of the Sabha.

Rajbongshi further said former Sabha secretary Debajit Bora has been given the task of establishing the new branch.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tapas Samaddar Rangia Oct 20: In its effort to bring about the much desired emotional integration of the people in this remote part of the country, the local Army Unit, based at Chirang under the aegis of the Red Horns Division is conducting National Integration Tour for children and teachers from various schools of Chirang to Rajasthan, with an aim to give an exposure to the rich Heritage, culture and the way of life of our brethren living in the other part of the country. The high points of the tour would be to visit and interact with the CM of Rajasthan, Vasundra Raje, and interaction with the se-

nior Army officers at Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Amidst much fanfare Commander 11 Mountain Brigade & the Deputy Commissioner of Chirang in the presence of parents, teachers and Army authorities flagged off the party comprising of 18 children and 3 teachers selected from the various schools from all corners of the district.

The children and teachers were excited and were looking forward to the tour. The tour is being seen as a welcome initiative from the Army and is sure of achieving the aim of fostering patriotism and belongingness amongst the local population.

IIT-Guwahati invites students for Ishan Vikas programme ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 20: The IIT-Guwahati (IIT-G) on Wednesday announced that it had started receiving applications for this year's Ishan Vikas programme which motivates schoolchildren in the northeast to pursue science.

An initiative of the Union HRD ministry, Ishan Vikas aims to introduce students of the region to the best institutions of higher education "The idea is to motivate in the country. students to pursue sciThe IIT-G has started re- ence, technology, engiceiving applications neering and mathematfrom schools willing to ics. Under the scheme, participate in the two- students studying in week residential Classes IX and XI (sciprogramme to be held ence) will be chosen for between November 30 a two-week visit to premier institutions such as and December 22.

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 20: Expressing satisfaction after visiting the 36-km-long Indo-Bangla international border in Cachar district, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam KV Eapen has said that the Cachar border is not vulnerable to infiltration.

“As per instructions from the Chief Minister, I visited the Indo-Bangla international border of Cachar district along with a team of MLAs together with the Additional Director General of Police (CID) Anil Kumar Jha and the Cachar Deputy Commissioner. We started from the Jellalpore BOP and visited the border areas up to Tukargram BOP. We have seen the situation and took stock of the issues including border fencing, infiltration and smuggling along the border etc., and we found that overall the situation is normal here,” Eapen said.

In reply to a question on the recent incidents of arrest of JMB cadres from Katigorah in Cachar district, the Additional Chief Secretary said “with the way border is being manned by the BSF

using modern technologies, Cachar border is not vulnerable to infiltration.”

He added that the only 1.5 km of the Cachar border is unfenced but that is well guarded by the BSF with floodlights and cameras put in for keeping a close vigil.

He also mentioned that fencing along the 350-metre riverine border area shall also be completed soon.

Unlike Cachar district, the border situation at Karimganj is believed to be unsatisfactory. Hence two such similar teams shall visit the border areas therein and reports containing observations and recommendations on the visits shall be submitted to the Government as well, Eapen informed.

The Additional Chief Secretary informed that programme was organised to acclimatise the MLAs of respective constituencies to have a feel of the situation at the international border and as a part of the programme senior leader, Phani Bhushan Choudhury, MLA from Bongaigaon led the team of MLAs in which Kishore Nath (MLA

Borkhola) Amar Chand Jain (MLA Katigorah), Krishnendu Paul (MLA Patherkandi) and Nizamuddin Choudhury (MLA, Algapur) represented Barak Valley. Also, BJP legislators Jairam Inglang and Ganesh Kumar Limbu accompanied the team.

The team also had interactions with the Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB). In the words of Phani Bhushan Choudhury, two locations at Tukargram have porous border upto 1200 metre land area which will be fenced soon.

On the other hand, Ganesh Limbu said that he is happy to understand the situation at the Indo-Bangla border and claimed that the lacunas shall be looked into with priority. Meanwhile, Cachar Deputy Commissioner S Vishwanathan said that a project of Rs 15 crore for a model town for rehabilitating the people of 176 families who are currently staying outside the fencing along the border at Nathanpur BOP has already been submitted to the Government of India. (With inputs from agencies)

ET Bureau Silchar, Oct 20: The State Bank of India opened its administrative office at Silchar. With this the bank also declared Silchar as its 5th zone in North East after Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh and Jorhat which will cater to the banking needs of the people of Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur. The new office is at Ukilpatty.

said.

He also formally inaugurated the SBI learning centre which was running in an experimental mode thus far at the premises of Banga Bhawan. The bank has 736 branches across North East together with 3,000 ATMS and 3,000 customer service points for customer facilitation.

Congratulating the SBI fraternity materialising this initiative, PVSLN Murty, Chief General Manager, North East Circle said that this office shall facilitate banking issues for the customers of the region and also shall motivate the SBI staff to render better services.

Pannalal Das, General Manager Network II said that the bank has 147 branches under the Silchar zone having an annual business turnover of Rs 16,000 crore. Das also said that affairs of the administrative office at Silchar zone will be administered by Deputy General Manager Bejoy Kumar Kuzur.

“Earlier, Silchar was under Guwahati zone and it was tough on the part of the bank to address the complaints and issues of the customers with such a difficult terrain. Silchar is the gateway to the neighboring States and we thought opening of a zonal office penetration into those areas will make our objectives more meaningful and purposive, despite this being a cost bearing initiative,” Murty

On the other hand, a donation of Rs 11 lakh was handed over to Dr Ravi Kannan, director Cachar Cancer Hospital Silchar by the Chief General Manager for setting up an oxygen unit at the hospital as a part of the bank’s CSR activity.

Dr Kannan expressed his gratitude towards the authorities of the bank for extending financial assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

2nd Falcon festival to be held at Umrangso Anup Biswas Haflong, Oct 20: Preparations are afoot to celebrate the 2nd Edition of Falcon Festival-2016 that is to be held at Umrangso, Dima Hasao on October informed Kulendra Daulagupu, incharge Tourism etc, of N C Hills Autonomous Council.

the IITs and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)," said institute spokesperson Labanu Konwar. The chosen students and the teachers accompanying them will be provided air travel, food and accommodation.

Attachments area

Falcon Festival is being organised since last year to create awareness as well as to protect migratory birds Amur Falcons that make a brief stop-over at Umrangso for about a month and half in October-November during their long flight from Siberia to South Africa, apart from promoting tourism in Dima Hasao district in Assam, India.

Daulagupu also disclosed

that Pramila Rani Brahma, Minister for Forest and Environment, Government of Assam has given her kind consent to grace the occasion as the chief guest.

Amur falcon is a small raptor of the falcon family. It breeds in south eastern and northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in South Africa. Umrangso is an industrial town in Dima Hasao district of Assam.

Earlier these birds were being killed for consumption but following the initiative taken by the Forest department of Dima Hasao and several NGOs including Blue Hills Society, the killing of these birds has come down and the people became more interested in watching the arrivals.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

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Administration distributes 150 portable Road under DoTCL solar LED lights to 5 villages at Bomdila inaugurated at Khonsa grass root level. Real development begins from the grass root level, he observed.

He also distributed track suits to all the boarders of the government residential school, Thembang.

Bomdila, Oct 20: A total of five remote villages, namely Thembang, Pamgna, Gonthung, Semnak Cherrong and Panchavati under Dirang administrative unit in the district were given 150 portable solar LED lights of 1.2w in a function held today at Thembang circle.

Initiated by the Thembang Bapu Community Conserved Area Management Committee (TBCCAMC), the French Multinational Company Schneider Electric under its corporate social responsibility made 150 solar lights available to the villages.

The WWF India played a major role in creating the Thembang Bapu Community Biological Park in 2004, which was later rechristened as the Thembang Bapu Community Conserved Area Management Committee in the year 2005.

Since then, the Western Arunachal Landscape (WAL) WWF Tezpur has

Arunachal: School girl commits suicide A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Oct 20: In a harrowing incident, a 15-year old school girl allegedly committed suicide in her room by wrapping a dupatta (stole/ scarf) around her neck and hanging herself by the ceiling fan.

Sources said that the victim, identified as Pinki Meku, a resident of Singa in Upper Siang district, was a class X student at Government Higher Secondary School, ESS Sector.

She was staying with her relatives and pursuing her studies.

Reportedly, she came home at around 2 PM and after having her food went to her room.

When the family went to check on her at around 3 PM, they found the door locked from the inside. When they managed to open the door, they found the young girl hanging by the ceiling fan.

The Itanagar unit of Arunachal Pradesh Police is investigating the case and is yet to ascertain the actual cause of death.

When contacted, the emergency medical officer of Rama Krishna Mission Hospital said that the young girl was brought in dead and in the first instance it seems to be a case of suicide.

Her relatives in Itanagar informed that that the body will be taken to Singa in Upper Siang as the last rites would be conducted in presence of her family and other relatives.

District Executive Committee meeting held on disaster management of Papum Pare district A Staff Reporter Yupia, Oct 20: The District Executive Committee meeting on disaster management of Papum Pare district was held today at the DC’s conference hall, Yupia under Papum Pare DC Tai Kaye to discuss on special cases pertaining to FDR estimate and proposals received from various circles and other relief matters.

DDMO Preetha Menon briefed the house about the objectives of meeting, and the committee discussed the cases received from various circles.

District Executive Committee members, including SP Papum Pare Tumme Amo, PD DRDA, DHO, DDI, DAO attended the meeting.

The meeting was organised

by District Disaster Management Department, Yupia.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop reiterated that adherence to Swach Bharat Mission would enhance flow of tourists to the area as Thembang village has been listed in the World Heritage Site.

been the guiding force behind all the activities of the TBCCAMC. An area of 635 sq kilometer has been demarcated by the committee to conserve the flora and fauna of the area. Also, the committee and the villagers of Thembang have to their credit operational community based tourism wherein facilities of Home stay, trekking, bird watching, tented accommodations etc

are made available.

Courtesy WWF India, the Department of Science & Technology, GoI, in 2013 had sanctioned few schemes for the welfare of the villagers. In the year 2015, the corpus fund maintained by the TBCCAMC was used to create infrastructures for the government residential school Thembang with solar water heater facility also.

Attending the inaugural

function, Phurpa Tsering, Parliamentary Secretary for Health & FW and also the local legislator, thanking the Schneider Electric urged the TBCCAMC to extend their yeomen service to other parts of the constituency and the district for the welfare of the people.

Calling upon the officers and the PRI leaders of the area, Phurpa urged them to bridge the gap and reach out to the people in the

D Riba, ADC Dirang, Kamal Medhi, co-ordinator WWF-India (WAL) and TC Atjepu, Secretary TBCCAMC also spoke on the occasion.

Among others, HoDs from Bomdila and Dirang, public and PRI leaders of Dirang block, executive members of TBCCAMC, students and villagers of Thembang, Pamgna, Gonthung, Semnak Cherrong and Panchavati attended the programme.

(DIPRO)

Chief Minister Pema Khandu visits Tawang War Memorial ET Bureau Tawang, Oct 20: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today visited the Tawang War memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the 1962 India China war.

the war of 1962 in Kameng Sector. The war monument also houses the replica of the memorial of Subedar Joginder Singh.

Indian Army and the local people of Tawang district have always maintained harmonious relations with each other.

The Chief Minister paid homage to the brave jawans by laying a wreath on the memorial followed by a hand salute and bugle salute.

Khandu accompanied by Brigadier MP Singh, Commander of the 190 Mountain Brigade went round the monument where the walls are decorated with plaques of the names of the martyred soldiers, etched in golden letter.

He said the War Memorial has attracted lots of tourists in recent days and has potential to become a major tourist site in Tawang.

He also paid his homage to Subedar Joginder Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his heroic act in

The Chief Minister greeted and interacted with officers and jawans of the 190 Mountain Brigade. He said

The 40-foot high Tawang War Memorial, also known as Namgyal Chorten was erected in memory of 2420 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the war. Former GOC-in-C of Eastern Command, Lt Gen HS Kalkat

dedicated the memorial to the nation on 2nd November 1999 and was also blessed by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

The national flag, Army flag and Air Force flag surrounds the war monument with rest other 27 flags represents the colours of the regiments that took part in the 1962 debacle.

Also the monument contains idols of Lord Buddha and Lord Avalokitshwara consecrated inside the Stupa. It is decorated with precious stones, ornaments and relics contributed by the locals of Tawang.

The bandh callers fail to HGB Mirem, Tadi realize and appreciate the Mibang inaugurates consequential ill effects of Mirem Dere constructed bandhs in social life under MPLAD Contd. from Page 1

The 36-hour Assam bandh called by Janagosthiyo Oikya Mancha from Wednesday 5am paralyzed normal life in the state. The Mancha, a forum of six organizations representing the six communities of the state which have been demanding Scheduled Tribe status, had called the bandh to protest against the delay in submission of report by the committee constituted by the Centre to recommend the modalities for granting ST status to these communities.

In some parts of Assam the bandh demonstrators vandalized public property and even assaulted general public.

On Wednesday a media team from Dibrugarh was travelling for media coverage in Tinsukia who were attacked by bandh supporters on the way at NH37 under Mohanbari police outpost. According to an eye witnesses the bandh supporter’s were on motorcycles coming from opposite direction of the car and threw stones which resulted in smashing of the car’s front glass. In the meantime police rushed to the place but seemed helpless to control the goons who called themselves bandh supporters.

The bandh demonstrators forced people to shut down their shops and even warned people from coming out of their homes.

“When will the people re-

alize that bandh cannot solve any problem but it will give rise to many problems?

Bandh will drive back the state into backwardness.

Time has come not to support the bandh and end the bandh culture in Assam,’’ a Dibrugarh based social activist said.

In the year 2010, Gawahati High Court declared bandhs “illegal and unconstitutional” as these violates the citizens fundamental rights. The order was passed by a division bench comprising of Chief Justice Chelameswar and Justice Arun Chandra Upadhyay in the light of a 1997 Supreme Court order and infact Kerala High Court judgment has declared Bandh “illegal’’.

Many organizations in Assam, mostly students’ organization, feel that the best way to draw the government’s attention is to protest against them by calling bandhs. In Assam the whole generation has grown up under the shadow of bandhs called by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and still now the rebel group called bandh during Republic day and Independence Day. A senior citizen of Dibrugarh said, “People should come out in street against such illegal bandh and give a message to these organization who calls up bandh after every ten days in Assam that people are fed up with such bandh culture in Assam,’’.

Contd. from Page 1

no progress can be achieved. Rina also appealed all the government employees presently under pen/tools down strike to stop their agitation as their continuous protest would adversely affect the public services.

He said that, he will speak to Chief Minister and Finance Minister to short out the issues of CoSAAP. While local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary, Er. Tatung Jamoh said that, he is giving importance to road connectivity in the area as road, education and health are the core sectors where development is required at the moment. He also said that, the road from Yemsing to Mirem (a direct road) is about to start its construction as its tender process has already been completed. Jamoh also spoke about why he along with party colleagues needed to change party to get funds for development his constituency. He made special mention about the Pasighat-Ledum-Tene road, Bamin-Tode road and Sainik School at IGC, Niglok to which he is emphasizing for early use for public.

While Lok Sabha MP, Ninong Ering, who funded the community hall under his MPLAD said that, he has to take care of around 27 MLA constituencies where he need to distribute developmental funds equally. In a lighter tone, he also said that, he is more

known for Dere (community hall) MP for he has sanctioned several community halls under MPLAD as per the need of the general public.

However, he added that, his MPLADs are for the developmental purposes in his constituency and he is doing no favor by giving developmental schemes to his people as funds are not given from his own pockets.

While taking the unity spirit of Mirem village, Ering appealed MLAs Er. Tatung Jamoh, Kaling Moyong and Kento Rina for united proposal of a inter district road joining PasighatLedum-Tene road to West Siang to bring better road connectivity in the area.

Earlier, village heads also spoke about the history of the Mirem Village, its connectivity with Kebang village and its evolution to the present name of Mirem (Asi mirem), rich in water.

Former MLA 37th Pasighat West Omak Apang and Kenrik Moyong, wife of Kaling Moyong, MLA Pasighat also spoke on the occasion and deeply appreciated the unity of the Mirem village where varied tribes live harmoniously from its early days. The community hall was constructed under the RWD agency and is said to be first of its kind of big hall in the region. Tabir Tatan Eko, Secretary, Organizing Committee presented the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to all the dignitaries including local MP Ninong Ering, his village folks etc.

Khonsa, Oct 20: Parliamentary Secretary of Geology and Mining and 56Khonsa West MLA Tirong Aboh inaugurated a 2 km link road under DoTCL at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lakhs at Boakfom -1 village on October 20 amidst a huge gathering. He also inaugurated a rostrum in Boakfom village on the same day.

Speaking on the occasion, Aboh while congratulating the villagers on getting a new link road and rostrum, told the villagers that development schemes meant for the village should be submitted in April – May and asked the villagers to submit proposals on time.

The MLA asked the villagers to engage in cash crops, adding that he had earmarked funds to start cash crops for the whole 56-

Khonsa West constituency.

He urged the women’s groups to grow vegetables, fruits and spices and sell them at the roadside market sheds.

Underscoring the importance of education for all round development, Aboh urged the parents to guide their children properly to enable them to receive wholesome education.

While appreciating the women of the village who not only toiled in the field but also managed to sell the local products, asked the men folks to extend their willing cooperation to women.

The MLA further urged the village elders to preserve and strengthen the traditional village council adding that no society could run smoothly and peacefully in the absence of a proper au-

thority or system.

ASM Chairperson Hedam Kmahua in his speech threw light on the settlement of the four offshoot villages of old Kothin village, viz New Kothin, Boakfom-1 and Panchoak. He appreciated MLA Aboh for ushering in unprecedented development in the constituency and urged the villagers to cooperate with the MLA for more development of the constituency.

Attractive cultural programmes marked the occasion. EE, PWD, HoDs, Chiefs, GBs, PRI leaders from whole 56-Khonsa West constituency attended the inaugural function.

The day long programme concluded with vote of thanks by Khuwang Lowang, Chief of Boakfom-1 followed by community feast. (DIPRO)

Sora Bros FC, SFS FC enter quarterfinals A Staff Reporter Aalo, Oct 20: Sora Bros FC stormed into the quarterfinals of the first Binga Ete Memorial Football tournament, 2016, in style beating Kombo FC. In a pool C match played at Aalo general ground, Sora Bros FC defeated Kombo FC by 5-1 goals to seal a place in the quarterfinals of the tournament organized

by the West Siang district sports association (DSA).

booked for the second time in the match.

Paktu Basar scored two goals for Sora Bros while Kaling Tem, Takhe Arun and Geto Sora scored a goal apiece.

The consolation goal for Kombo FC was scored by Jumi Kaye.

For most part of the match, Kombo FC played with ten men, as Bindo Lomi was given the marching order by the referee, after he was

Earlier, SFS FC beat NEFTU FC by 3-2 goals in a thrilling pool C encounter.

The win catapulted SFS FC as the group winner ahead of Sora Bros.

CM Khandu makes clarion call for 100% dedication towards health and education Contd. from Page 1

He also earlier inaugurated the new Jan Aushadhi store in the district hospital and called upon the hospital officials to prescribe only the generic medicines that cost a fraction of the branded drugs. Khandu announced to contribute Rs 1 lakh from his personal expenses for procurement of generic medicines for the hospital.

The Chief Minister in his visit to nursing school inspected the kitchen, dining room, classrooms and computer lab.

Earlier in his address, Health Minister Jomde Kena informed that state has huge shortage of

female health workers and the number of ANM and GNM graduates being produced from the state also will fail to meet up the requirement.

He therefore urged the students those interested to pursue healthcare courses to enroll themselves in nursing schools, which are being opened across the state and said “nursing school graduates will never be unemployed”.

Though nursing school is a one-time grant from the centre, the state health ministry will fully fund all the recurring expenses for its smooth functioning, assured Kena.

Earlier, the Chief Minister presented an award of excellence to

Miss Lama Deki for topping in her ANM class for the academic session 2015-16. The award is sponsored by ICICI bank, Tawang. The CM also lighted a lamp in memory of Florence Nightingale.

The student of nursing school representing various districts from Arunachal presented a group song, followed by a school anthem.

Jt Director of Medical Education Dr Ritu Doye delivered the welcome speech. MLA Tawang Tsering Tashi, H y d r o p o w e r D e v e l o p m e n t Corporation Chairman Tungri Effa, DMO Wangdi Lama and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu visits Tawang Monastery Contd. from Page 1

Exhorting youths to preserve tradition and culture, the CM appreciated the students attending schools in traditional attires once a week saying, “Loss of culture is loss of identity”.

He informed that His Holiness, the Dalai Lama will be visiting the state in March 2017 and urged all to work together to make the visit of His Holiness a success.

The Chief Minister promised to establish a health centre within the premises of monastery, a proposal which was submitted during the tenure of late CM

Kalikho Pul. He assured his cooperation for the betterment of the monastery and said that all its needs would be kept in mind.

that it is because of his good work that all 60 MLAs had decided to unanimously support Pema Khandu for the Chief Minister’s post.

Earlier in his address, Kena thanked the people of Tawang and the monks for reposing their faith on Khandu and for sending a good person to become the Chief Minister of Arunachal.

Earlier delivering the welcome address, Lama N Norbu (ex Lopon) said that Late CM Dorjee Khandu was remembered for his immense contribution towards the well-being of the monks. The monastery owes a lot to the late CM for the privileges being enjoyed by them presently and the same is expected from the present CM, he said.

Also during the visit, dances were performed by the monks in praise of the present CM and praying for his longevity.

Appreciating the peaceful nature of the Buddhist community, the health minister said that rest of Arunachal should learn from them of how to adopt peaceful and effective means for development. He also recalled the contribution made by former CM Dorjee Khandu and said

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

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Anti-incumbency worries Congress: Manipur CM IANS Imphal, Oct 20: The antiincumbency factor is worrying the ruling Congress in Manipur, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said.

Ibobi Singh, who has been in power for three consecutive terms, said the anti-incumbency feelings may tilt the balance in the January assembly polls.

The Congress leader said in an interview that there appeared to be a gap between the performance of the Congress government in Manipur and the expectations of the people.

"If our party can overcome this factor, it will win at least 50 seats in the 60-member house," he said.

"In 2002, we got 20 seats and 31 in 2007. We created a political record in the state by winning 42 seats in 2012.

"This time we are expecting about 38 seats, even after conceding the anti-incumbency factor. However it is for the voters to decide," he added.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Asked about the resignation of three Congress MLAs to join the BJP, he said the development was of no consequence.

"All of them had been ministers for over 10 years. Perhaps they were not happy as they were dropped from the ministry. But four Trinamool MLAs have joined us a few days back."

The chief minister admitted that there were some lapses in the police recruitment tests.

This is why the government cancelled the test results and held fresh tests.

He added that the appointment of ranking officials had been entrusted to Manipur Public Service Commission.

JICA project boost to Shillong-Dawki road Umshyrpi-Mylliem to get four-lane road in two years under indo-Japanese initiative Agencies Shillong, Oct 20: The Centre’s initiative to tie up with Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to widen the 71.5 km road from Shillong to Dawki has gained momentum.

Conceptualised almost two years ago, the ambitious project worth Rs 1,251 crore is aimed at constructing a four-lane road from Umshyrpi to Mylliem and from there a two-lane road to Dawki-Tamabil. An additional bridge will be constructed over the Umshyrpi as part of the project.

PWD (Roads) Minister Martin Danggo had a meeting with the officials of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and JICA representative on Wednesday.

Danggo said negotiations were on with defence authorities to part with some portions of land in Upper Shillong for widening of the road. “We have received the feasibility report and DPR and what is left is to negotiate with both civil population and defence authorities for acquisition of

land,” Danggo said.

The project is funded by the Japanese agency following an agreement signed by the Centre with Japan and NHIDCL will execute the project. Formed two years ago, NHIDCL was entrusted by the Centre to take up construction of crucial roads all over the North East.

Danggo said the project assumes significance due to the traffic flow on the route at a time when the ShillongNongstoin-Tura road is almost complete. Moreover, the Baghmara-Ranikor road project will also merge with the proposed road.

Nakamura Jun, who is part of the JICA study team, said the entire project is in the planning stage and the project will start depending on the outcome of environment and social impact assessment.

SK Deb, Deputy General Manager NHIDC, and Manager Q. Alam on Thursday met both Army and Air Force officials regarding the allotment of land for the project. “We got a positive feedback from the defence authorities and they asked

us to submit the proposals,” Deb said.

While the requirement from the army is 3.21 hectares of land for the construction of 1.42 km road, 1.5 hectares of land will be required from the Air Force for the construction of 1.1 km road in Upper Shillong, Deb said.

Alam said the estimated cost of Rs 1,251 crore for the project will involve only civil works, including bridges, but this will not include land acquisition cost.

As far as the environment and social impact assessment is concerned, Naba Bhattacharjee was entrusted with the task.

Bhattacharjee said by next month, his team would be able to submit the report.

Sources said India has tied up with Japan for the project as it is strategically important.

Moreover, the Centre has special interest in the project considering the international trade through Dawki/Tamabil.

Besides the Shillong-Dawki road project, JICA has planned Tura-Dalu road project and another project from Phulbari to Tura.

Western Ukhrul villagers repair Mahadev-Tolloi road R Lester Makang Ukhrul, Oct 20: In what seen first of its kind in Western Ukhrul, more than 700 hundred residents of eight villages, namely Ringui, Sirarakhong, Teinem, Phalee, Somdal, Tallui, Zalenbung and Lamlai Chingphei on Wednesday joined hands to repair the Mahadev-Tolloi road which has turned from bad to worse in the backdrop of the government's prolonged apathy towards maintenance of the road.

Organized under the aegis of the Mahadev-Tolloi Road Youth Committee (MTRYC) with the theme "Western Tangkhul Participatory Youth Social Work," the major repair work covered the most pitiable 33 km stretch from Mahadev junction to Sirarakhong locality along the 78 km state highway.

Executives of MTRYC and VA members of respective villages had started surveying works since Monday ahead of the earth filling works by the villagers. During a spot visit today, several hundred villagers equipped with hoes, spades and others were seen working hard filling up deep potholes with earth and cobbles.

The road had been constructed by the BRO/BRTF, as part of Construction Improvement IN CL 9(ODR) whose forest clearance started in 2003. After inordinate delay, the work was completed in 2010, at an

Manipur map can't be redrawn: Ibobi IANS Imphal, Oct 20: The law and order situation in Manipur has improved dramatically, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi says, but warns that no part of the state can ever be a part of Greater Nagaland.

With assembly elections not far away, the Congress leader said people in the state no longer lived in fear of the various militant groups, big and small.

"In the past, shops and kiosks pulled down shutters by nightfall and people stayed at home. Today people can be seen (on the streets) till late in the night and shopkeepers do brisk business," Ibobi said.

Militants used to sneak into Manipur from neighbouring Myanmar to commit crime and escape, he said.

"We have beefed up security at the border towns with the result that militants cannot make their presence felt now," the Chief Minister said in an interview.

More than 30 insurgent outfits used to operate in the urban areas of Manipur.

Police claim a significant fall in insurgency-related vio-

lence.

But stray bomb attacks continue.

"The people who are fed up with the senseless violence of the insurgents provide vital information about them (to the authorities)," said the chief minister.

According to Ibobi, the insurgents cannot find easy shelter even in the hills as almost all the tribal underground outfits have come overground after signing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact.

He however admitted that there were complaints against the activities of some of these groups.

Ibobi said: "We are in touch with the central security forces to enforce the ground rules. We have been drawing the attention of the Centre to the presence of the signatories to ceasefire in Manipur who should be confined to Nagaland only."

The NSCN-K has abrogated the ceasefire pact and resumed attacks against security forces.

Ibobi disclosed that several cadres of the two Nagalandbased outfits had fanned out to other states in the

road in exchange for the construction and maintenance of the pathway.

"But since the BRTF authorities have reneged on the agreement by failing in maintenance, we are now going to claim compensation for all the resources enjoyed by the BRTF, Ahum added.

The villagers said that road particularly, the stretch from Mahadev junction to Ringui is dotted with major potholes, and attributed the deplorable condition of the road to absence of proper drainage system.

"During the rainy season this year, two accidents had claimed three lives due to the poor condition of the road," said a villager and added that unless the government takes long term measures, the road will remain dangerous for commuters.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Northeast although they should be, legally, confined to Nagaland.

Despite threats to veto the state government order, Ibobi had on August 12, 2004, lifted the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, from seven assembly segments in Manipur.

"In the long run it has helped improve the law and order in the state," the Congress leader said. "There is no immediate plan to lift the AFSPA from other segments since we fear that in view of objections from the Defence Ministry, the government move may be vetoed," he added.

Ibobi complained that the state government had got no cooperation from the Centre on AFSPA, which gives sweeping powers to security forces.

And despite numerous allegations of rights abuses, security personnel were not prosecuted as prior approval of the Centre was a must and no such approval was given, he said.

The chief minister alsosaid that he had conveyed to the Centre that there cannot be a redrawing of the map of Manipur which has had a written history of more than 2,000 years.

Votaries of Greater Nagaland have demanded parts of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to be added to a proposed Naga homeland.

Ibobi also said that the provisions of the Sixth schedule of the Constitution, which permits autonomy for hill areas, shall not be extended to Manipur.

"Some officials in Delhi who do not know the ground realities had asked me why it cannot be done since it was extended to the Bodo areas of Assam.

"The Bodo Territorial Council is a mere dot in Assam's map. In case of Manipur, which is smaller than any district of Assam, 90 per cent of the territory falls in the hill districts.

The non-tribal valley areas constitute just 10 per cent of the territory. The government is ready to give sufficient funds for development and administrative and financial assistances. The only condition is that the state government shall monitor the mode of spending and implementation" Ibobi added.

Quakes hits KHADC to amend rules to prevent Northeast India participation of non-tribals in polls

IANS Shillong, Oct 20: A 4.3magnitude earthquake hit the India-Bangladesh border region along Meghalaya on Wednesday, and shook few other parts of Northeast India.

There was no report of major damage, officials said.

"The 4.3-magnitude quake hit few states of the Northeastern region of India at 12.50 p.m. on Wednesday noon," a meteorological department official said in Agartala.

"There is no report of major damage in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, Tripura and adjoining areas of the Northeast yet," an official of disaster management control centre in Agartala said, citing reports from District Magistrates across the region.

A quake measuring 3.5

on the Richter scale, hit some areas of Mizoram on Tuesday at 3.01 p.m.

The depths of the two tremors were measured at 40 km and 147 km respectively.

Seismologists consider India's mountainous Northeast region as the sixth major earthquakeprone belt in the world.

The Northeast has seen some of the biggest quakes in history.

In 1897, a Shillongepicentred quake measured 8.2 on the Richter scale, while in 1950, an earthquake in Assam measuring 8.7 on the Richter Scale forced the mighty Brahmaputra river to change its course.

In September 2011, Sikkim suffered heavy damage after a quake hit the Himalayan state.

Tepid response to Tura shutdown

estimated cost of Rs 7,412 lakhs.

"Now ten years down the line since blacktopping, the road is now in a deplorable condition owing to continued negligence of the government and the authorities concerned," an organizing member Matuiching Ahum told media persons on the sidelines of the social work.

Stating that the concerned authorities had been apprised umpteen times of the matter to no avail, Ahum said that the concerned villagers took up the social work by pooling in resources on their own to save the road from perpetual neglect.

He further disclosed that as per a mutual undertaking, BRTF has been freely accessing all natural resources found within an area of 30 metres above and below the whole stretch of the

P5

NORTHEAST

Agencies Tura, Oct 20: There was tepid response to the dawn-to-dusk shut down here on Wednesday as many shop owners followed the district administration’s order to avoid penalisation for violating the High Court order against strikes.

With the administration and police working in tandem, there was no report of violence during the 5am-to-5pm bandh called by a group of NGOs in Garo Hills as a mark of protest against the killing of a teenager during a clash at Rishipara last week. West Garo Hills DC Pravin Bakshi lodged an FIR against the NGOs on Tuesday and alerted all stakeholders, including shop owners, about the High Court order.

A few shops were seen open early on Wednesday morning but the scenario changed by 11 am as

many shop owners started business fearing legal tangle.

Magistrates with armed police personnel and a camera crew monitored all business centres in the town, particularly Tura Bazar, Ringrey, Hawakhana, Chandmari and Araimile (New Tura) to check on the traders who were found violating the court order. Video footages of the closed shops were also made.

At Ringrey, Hawakhana and New Tura, a few retail stores remained closed throughout the day while others opened for a brief period.

The Garo Students’ Union was leading the protest against the death of a 16year-old boy on the night of October 14.

There was no inconvenience for commuters and vehicles. Schools and colleges were also open on Wednesday.

Agencies Shillong, Oct 20: The KHADC will amend the existing district council rules to prevent non-tribals from taking part in the district council elections.

Though in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the non-tribals do not participate in the elections, there is no rule which restricts the non-indigenous persons from casting votes and contesting polls.

In reply to a resolution moved by KHNAM’s Adelbert Nongrum, who called for a joint effort on the part of the KHADC, JHADC and GHADC, to ensure that non-tribals do not participate in the District Council elections, KHADC CEM P N Syiem assured that the amendments can be brought during the next session.

According to Syiem, there is also a need on the part of KHADC, JHADC and GHADC to collectively address the issue.

Earlier, Nongrum said that in this regard, the amendment to Rule 128 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils), Rules, 1951, was important for the preservation and protection of the indigenous tribes.

In the last elections to GHADC, there were protests from the pressure groups in Garo Hills against

non-tribals taking part in the polls.

Meanwhile, recalling the incident that took place at Iewduh on July 27, 2014, in which five Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) enforcement staff and two journalists were injured after they were attacked by an unruly mob consisting of illegal hawkers, HSPDP member P.S. Syiem moved a resolution urging the state government to take immediate action against the culprits.

During the Council’s autumn session on Wednesday, Syiem said the Executive Committee should pursue the matter. In reply, KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem said that there have been arrests but the accused were released on bail. He assured the House that it will be examined as to how the accused secured bail.

Another resolution moved

by P.S. Syiem was on the sanitation and welfare of Iewduh. “Iewduh has become dirty and poses a threat to the health of the people. Moreover, illegal sale of liquor has led to security problem in the market,” he said.

Taking part in the debate, Nongrum said the traditional market has become an eyesore.

In reply, EM in charge

market, Hadrian Lyngdoh said that on inspection, it was found that there was no proper drainage system and waste trap and that the Hima Mylliem has been directed to look into the welfare of Iewduh.

Syiem also moved a motion to discuss the use of Khasi title by non-Khasis stating that it is an urgent issue as it will affect the future generations.

To this, the CEM said he will write to all the Khasi clans seeking information about those misusing Khasi surnames.

HSPDP’s Teilinia Thangkhiew moved a motion to expand and enrich the Khasi language by coining new words by any recognized authority.

She said, “A lot of people use Kha-lish (Khasi mixed with English) and we don’t even know the proper usage of some English words in Khasi.

Recently, new Khasi words have been incorporated with ‘Sawangka’ or drama in English, ‘wadbniah’ which is research in English and others. We need experts in the field of linguistics to help in the venture.”

Replying to the motion, P.N. Syiem said, “We will bring about a new system as we can understand that the Khasi language needs to be enriched.”

Teen’s murder: Tura cop suspended Agencies Tura, Oct 20: The West Garo Hills superintendent of police has placed on suspension Sub-Inspector Laxman Chetri following a preliminary report which indicted him of allegedly manhandling one among three teens rescued from a brawl at Rishipara locality, last week.

Close to midnight of October 13, three boys who ventured into Rishipara locality were beaten up after they allegedly made an attempt to ferment trouble.

Local residents claim they were looking for marijuana when a scuffle broke out.

The three boys were rescued by a police team which took them to the

station and later the hospital for medical review.

Unfortunately, one of them died a day later in hospital from complications.

One of the detained teenagers had alleged that he was assaulted by the police officer during their detention at the police station, the same night.

The allegation was that the SI had physically assaulted the teenager after they were rescued and brought back from Rishipara locality.

The SI is accused of kicking the rescued youths on their groin.

There are also allegations that the officer failed to initiate measure to hand over the teenagers to their parents and kept them at the police station for the

entire night after medical examination was done at Tura civil hospital.

Following the allegations, the district SP Mukesh Kr Singh had ordered a departmental inquiry into the alleged incident.

The report of the probe undertaken by additional SP Vivekananda Singh was handed over to the SP on Wednesday afternoon.

“The preliminary report was received this afternoon and based on it the officer was placed under suspension and a departmental inquiry has also been ordered,” stated Mukesh Singh.

The departmental probe will be going into the minute details of the incident which took place on the night of October 13.

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Today's quote All my life I've wanted to be some“one; I guess I should have been more specific.

–– Jane Wagner

Islam, ours and theirs SC stands on triple talaq remains to be seen. But male monopoly over reading of Islam is under serious challenge [the] religion [concerned]".

The Board and its supporters insist that triple talaq and polygamy are "an integral and essential part of Islam".

What's more, it is claimed that Shariah law is Godgiven and therefore immutable.

Javed Anand

A closure of the Indian mind A video released by film-maker Karan Johar pledging not to work with "talent from the neighbouring country" is obviously a last-ditch attempt to salvage his forthcoming production, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

With the effect of a Rorschach test, Johar's pitch can be read in divergent ways. At one level, as an outright capitulation to the mob, angrily led in Mumbai by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, as well as to a wider audience currently consumed by a low-grade intolerance of anything Pakistani. At another, as a cleverly coded defence of a film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan by drawing attention to the labour of "300 Indians" on the project who face unfair rejection. Either way, the larger issue is the ease with which a boycott of people from a particular country is enforced, so that everyone is intimidated into falling in line to a Tebbit-like test. Mumbai has, of course, long kept Pakistani sportspersons at bay.

Three years ago, the Pakistani women's cricket team at the World Cup had be shifted out to Cuttack, diminishing not just Mumbai, but India itself for the failure to uphold the spirit of sport essential to a liberal democracy. Last year, even Pakistani umpires and television commentators were compelled to pull out of their duties at an international match in Mumbai. It's not Mumbai alone. In 2013, for instance, no team fielded Sri Lankan cricketers in Indian Premier League matches in Chennai.

But the current, post-Uri rash of objections to Pakistani artists is widespread - concerts have been cancelled from Gurgaon to Bengaluru, and the airwaves crackle regularly with some film or sport personality averring to keep apart from his Pakistani counterparts. However, it would be under-reading the challenge to India's syncretic legacy if the political silence around such boycotts was not highlighted. It is not enough for officials at the Centre to say that there is no change in the visa policy for Pakistani citizens. When the political leadership - in government and in Opposition - does not take the lead in persuading the silent majority that barriers to cultural and academic exchange are undemocratic and represent a closure of the Indian mind, it renders vulnerable the scattered individuals who are willing to stand up to bullying. On Pakistan, the ambivalent attitude to snapping cultural ties highlights important foreign policy questions. Do we use India's incredible soft power to win over Pakistanis and others to the ideals of democracy, liberalism, secularism, syncretism for the greater good of the neighbourhood? Or do we reduce all people-topeople contact to unrelenting enmity?

A decisive battle for Mosul After losing Tikrit in April 2015 and Fallujah in June 2016, the Islamic State has been left with little territory under its control in Iraq. Mosul, the country's second largest city, is its last significant bastion. It was where its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" in June 2014. And it was the ability of the IS to establish territorial control and run an administration that qualitatively separated it from other radical jihadi groups such as al-Qaeda. The capture of Mosul symbolised its effectiveness in combat against a weakly organised Iraqi army and a sectarian Iraqi state, then under Prime Minister Nouri alMaliki. When a coalition of Iraqi armed forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga, Shia militia groups supported

by U.S.-led air strikes and other special forces marched on Mosul on Monday, the long-planned offensive to defeat the IS decisively was finally put into action. The plan is for the Peshmerga and the militias to barricade the city from the east and south, respectively, while counter-terrorism forces and police enter the city, engage in street battles and secure it, leading to final capture. It will not be easy, even if the IS is a much weakened force compared to what it was in 2014.

The offensive to dislodge the estimated 5,000 IS fighters is expected to last many weeks. Visuals and reports filtering out from the battle zone already point to the large-scale use of suicide bombers in armoured trucks and cars taking on the coalition's tanks and advance forces. The million or so residents of Mosul - the Sunni Arabs among them in particular - who bore the excesses of the sectarian attacks led by Mr. al-Maliki's government are ready to rebel against the IS, but are wary of the Shia militias. This suggests that a military victory over the IS will not suffice, and the Mosul operation would be a test of the Iraqi government's capacity to mend the sectarian conflict that enabled the rise of the IS in the first place. Other complications too threaten the operation. The participation of Turkish forces in the attacks has not been welcomed by Baghdad, as Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has called this a "transgression of Iraqi sovereignty". The international efforts in this operation are focused towards providing air support to the Iraqi forces beyond the planning but this must not be limited to the military battle alone. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) expects a million people to be displaced during the conflict and requires international funding to help organise shelter for them. It is necessary for the UN to look ahead to ease the humanitarian crisis that could follow after the Mosul battle and help Iraq in its reconstruction.

P6

The unfolding drama over the issues of triple talaq, halala marriage and polygamy, in and outside the Supreme Court of India, opens up the larger question of whether the Islam of the mullahs and muftis is at odds with the principles of equality, non-discrimination, personal liberty and free choice enshrined in the Indian Constitution. One often hears the reigning high priests of Indian Islam proclaim: We believe in Islam and we also have faith in the Indian Constitution. In practice, this often shows up as divided loyalty. This is evident in the current debate as it was in the Haji Ali dargah controversy earlier. Equally apparent is the emerging idea of Islam which is in conflict with the Islam of the orthodox but in consonance with constitutional values.

Some Muslims talk of "our Islam" vs "their Islam".

In the Haji Ali dargah case, two Muslim women activists had petitioned the Bombay High Court asserting both their constitutional and Islamic rights to equal access, on par with men, to the sanctum sanctorum. The trustees claimed their 201112 decision restricting women's access was in accordance with Shariah law and therefore part of their constitutionally guaranteed

right to religious freedom.

In July this year, the high court ruled in favour of the women activists. An appeal by the dargah's trustees is now before the Supreme Court, which has asked them to come up with a "progressive solution".

The same conflict between orthodox Islam and the constitution is now in evidence with the petition of a Muslim woman victim of instant divorce from Uttarakhand, Shayara Bano, pending before the Supreme Court seeking the abolition of and declaration of triple talaq, halala marriage and polygamy as unconstitutional.

Two other Muslim women - Afreen Rehman (Rajasthan) Ishrat Jahan (West Bengal) - and three Muslim women's organisations - Bharatiya

Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), Bebaak Collective and All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) - have lined up alongside Shayara Bano in the apex court. Outside the court, a group calling itself "Muslim men for gender justice" collected nearly 150 signatures in a day from over three dozen cities across the country in support of the women petitioners. Significantly, while the Bebaak Collective (a joint platform of several Muslim women's groups), is focused on triple talaq, halala marriage and polygamy being declared unconstitutional, BMMA is hoping for a verdict which also deems these practices as "un-Islamic".

Ranged against them is the All India Muslim Personal Law Board which has filed an affidavit staunchly

defending triple talaq and polygamy, arguing that the apex court must not interfere in Muslim personal law.

The Board is backed by the Jamiatul-ulema, the Jamaate-Islami and other Muslim bodies. What has provided extra charge to the orthodox position is the fact of the Muslim-unfriendly Modi government filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court which supports the women petitioners. To them this is nothing but the first step towards enacting a uniform civil code on Indian Muslims in keeping with the sangh parivar's long-standing agenda.

In the past, while dealing with cases where a litigant invoked the right to freedom of religion (Article 25), the Supreme Court has based its verdicts on whether the practice in question was "an integral and essential part of

If such be the case, how is it that, forget Shias, even the Sunni Ahl-e-Hadith sect in India, considers triple talaq unacceptable? How has instant divorce been declared unlawful, polygamy banned or made conditional in many Muslim-majority countries? Is it not a fact that the entire Shariah corpus - compilation of opinions and rulings based on interpretations of the Quran and Ahadith - is man-made?

Why are Sunni ulema hell-bent on defending the continuance of triple talaq which is not only contrary to the unambiguous Quran injunction, but which even according to them is "theologically repugnant"? What, except their male-centred worldview, stops them from seeing the two-faceted nature of the Quranic stipulations concerning women: Some truly progressive by the prevailing cultural sensibilities at Islam's birth, some like "directive principles" pointing towards a far more egalitarian and gender just future society?

Will the Supreme Court revert to the "essentiality"

criterion in the present case? Or should it refrain from stepping on this "slippery slope" and limit itself, as some legal luminaries suggest, to the position that the constitutional right to freedom of religion (Article 25) is subservient to the equality, non-discrimination and personal liberty principles that precede it?

Which approach the apex court adopts remains to be seen. But one thing is clear.

The centuries-old Muslim male monopoly over the interpretation of Islam is under serious challenge.

Across the globe, an increasing number of Muslim women and men are now doing their own reading of religious texts and coming to the same conclusion.

That the core values enshrined in the Quran are consonant with the fundamental rights and freedoms embedded in the Indian Constitution, as also the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.

The real conflict today, then, is between their "our Islam" and the supremacist, misogynist "their Islam" of the patriarchs.

Islamic scholar Aziza Hibri keeps it simple: "Where there is no justice, there is no Islam". Let the Board and its ardent supporters explain to the Supreme Court and the rest of us how triple talaq and polygamy practices are egalitarian or just.

Policing Rumour Tamil Nadu is misusing hate speech laws by arresting people for social media comments Manuraj Shanmughasundaram If you are part of a WhatsApp group or on social media in Tamil Nadu, you should be worried.

The Tamil Nadu police has arrested eight people, most of them charged under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code, for spreading rumours on social media, in the past few days. This is nothing but another Victorian-era law being twisted to terrify people in a time of political uncertainty. It is an assault on free speech - an act forbidden by the Constitution and repeatedly admonished by the highest courts.

Section 505 is one among a battery of "hate speech laws". These laws, like sedition (Section 124A), were used by the British government to muzzle dissent against the rulers and strike fear

among Indian subjects.

The internet has created a culture of rapid information dissemination and citizen empowerment.

Years of free speech activism have allowed constitutional courts to mould a balanced and nuanced approach towards maintaining fundamental rights as well as public order. Yet, the Tamil Nadu police seems to have a reckless disposition to misuse penal provisions.

The fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression provided under Article 19(1) of the Constitution is certainly not absolute. The citizen's right is tempered with the state's duty to protect "interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states and public order".

The Constituent Assembly of India deliberated on the extent and scope of this fundamental right in detail on December 1, 1948. The debate sparked massive interest, but the submission of Thakur Dass Bhargava made a a telling impact. Upon Bhargava's request, B.R. Ambedkar changed the terminology from just "restrictions" in Article 19(2) to "reasonable restrictions". This was done so that the actions of the state to restrict fundamental rights can be examined by the courts to assess if they are reasonable or not. By prefixing one word, the question of fundamental rights and restrictions exercisable by the state became justiciable.

In S. Rangarajan vs P Jagajivan, the Supreme Court interpreted how freedom of expression must be treated when it conflicts with social interests. They advocated the

The great fire and the little water Among the Aztec people of Mexico, it is said that a long time ago there was a great fire in the forests that covered our Earth. People and animals started to run, trying to escape from the fire. Our brother owl, Tecolotl, was running away also when he noticed a small bird hurrying back and forth between the nearest river and the fire. He headed towards this small bird.

He noticed that it was our brother the Quetzal bird, Quetzaltototl, running to the river, picking up small drops of water in his beak, then returning to the fire to throw that tiny bit of water on the flame.

Owl approached Quetsal bird and yelled at him: "What are you doing brother? Are you stupid? You are not going to achieve anything by doing this. What are

you trying to do? You must run for your life!"

Quetzal bird stopped for a moment and looked at owl, and then answered: "I am doing the best I can with what I have."

It is remembered by our Grandparents that a long time ago the forests that covered our Earth were saved from a great fire by a small Quetzal bird, an owl, and many other animals and people who got together to put out the fire.

"spark in a powder keg" test, which simply means that freedom of expression can only be suppressed if situations created by allowing such freedom are pressing. The court said that "the anticipated danger should not be remote, conjectural or far-fetched" and it "should have proximate and direct nexus" with that expression.

In 2005, actor turned politician Khushboo faced a series of cases under Section 505 IPC for speaking out on premarital sex. In all, 22 cases were filed against her by people who claimed her interview had denigrated Tamil culture. All cases were quashed by the apex court. In the last five years, 214 defamation cases have been filed by the Tamil Nadu government against political opposition and the media. Those protesting against nuclear power and the government's policies on

alcohol have been subjected to sedition charges.

There is a mindless misapplication of archaic laws against people who are critical of the government, its policies and its agents.

Arrest of eight persons in the last three or four days for spreading rumours about the chief minister's health is the culmination of such highhanded behaviour. Those arrested have been accused of posting messages regarding the chief minister's health on social media and, in one case, conversing within a bank premises.

They have been charged under a number of provisions, including Section 505 of IPC, which deals with "statements conducing to public mischief".

Yet, none of the alleged statements bear out what public mischief was created. In Bilal Ahmed

Kaloo vs Andhra Pradesh, the apex court has said mechanically convicting a citizen for offences of such serious nature like sedition and promoting enmity and hatred "does harm to the cause". In this regard, the courts have, time and again, recommended the Brandenburg test which says that there must be an imminent danger to society to justify curtailment of free speech.

The police and their superiors seem to have paid scant attention to such judicial advice. Instead, laws have been bent to suit narrow purposes. Such actions by the police show that they do not believe they are accountable to the people, but follow orders of partisan political masters. The only way forward is for courts to play a proactive role in striking down the misuse of the hate speech laws and reaffirming civil rights in our country.

Subtle violence I deeply appreciate the views of Irena Akbar in 'Terror of hypocrisy' (IE, January 19). Perhaps we all have to speak in one voice to condemn violence. Even subtle, yet obnoxious, forms of violence like the Charlie Hebdo cartoons. But there are hardly any apologies for such forms of violence - though, of course, no number would be sufficient. If at all, I have one objection to rise.

The writer uses the word "co-religionists" frequently. But I prefer that one not call terrorists of al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Boko Haram etc "co-religionists". They don't understand the precepts of Islam. Just because they claim to be Muslim does not make them so.

Balram Thakur Na- Ali, Sivasagar

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

BUSINESS

Government to provide all support to gems & jewellery sector: Nirmala Sitharaman New Delhi, Oct 20: The government will extend full support to the gems and jewellery exports as it is recording healthy growth at a time when outbound shipments are facing challenges, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today.

India has made a big difference in gems and jewellery trade at a time when "exports are facing many challenges but this sector has stood the headwinds, and therefore we need to give all support to the sector," she said here.

She was speaking at the 37th 'Festival of Gold' being organised by staterun trading firm MMTCBSE 0.78 %.

In September, gems and jewellery exports grew by 22.42 per cent year-onyear to USD 4.46 billion.

Since December 2014, exports fell for the straight 18 months till May 2016

She was speaking at the 37th 'Festival of Gold' being organised by state-run trading firm MMTC. due to weak global demand and slide in oil prices. Shipments witnessed growth only in June this year and again entered into negative zone in July and August.

However, it turned positive in September.

The minister also asked the MMTC to organise roadshows all over the country to popularise gold coins.

When asked about the media reports of information leak of millions of ATM cards, she said: "On this, I will talk to the revenue (department)".

There is also a need to discuss the matter with the finance ministry about its implication, she said, adding breach of data confidentiality is a security subject.

Sebi to use drum-beaters, loudspeakers for attachment notices New Delhi, Oct 20: Sebi can attach properties in wake of large-scale defaults by entities collecting money fraudulently from gullible investors Fraudsters and defaulters who have failed to return investors' money may soon see at their doorsteps people with drums and loudspeakers announcing summons to them, as also attachment and sale ofassets seized by regulator Sebi for recovery of funds.

Sebi, which was given powers to attach properties in the wake of large-scale defaults by entities collecting money fraudulently from gullible investors, plans to

rope in third- party agencies "for providing services of affixture of notices /summons and public announcement of proclamation of attachments, sale notices, etc" at all its offices.

These agencies, which can be registered asset reconstruction companies, reputed NBFCs or detective and other professional agencies having a good track record of recovery work, will need to affix the orders, notices, summons and other communications at addresses provided by Sebi.

"If, at the time of affixture, the addressee is found to be available at the address

away from project awards based on one metric such as estimated revenues," Tyagi said.

Moody's said India's economy is set to grow at the fastest pace among major economies in 2016 and 2017 although GDP growth remains constrained by various factors, including inadequate infrastructure investment.

More developed PPP markets such as the UK, Canada and Australia, according to the rating agency, use both availability-payment and demand risk models and relatively standardised bid documents -- features that could address some of the bottlenecks faced by the Indian framework.

"In particular, these more developed PPP markets typically feature well-developed regulatory frameworks, largely standardised project contracts, a large and sophisticated investor base and predictable project pipelines," Moody's said.

There has been a large decline in private investment in PPP projects in recent years for a number of reasons, in-

cluding delay in project approvals and land purchase by the government, complicated dispute resolution mechanism in concession agreements and lower than expected revenue due to aggressive assumptions, it said.

Delay in project completion has resulted in cost overruns and revenue losses to private concession owners.

These factors have impacted the financial viability of some projects and their ability to service debt.

The poor performance of some infrastructure projects, including PPP, has been a source of stress for both developers and the Indian banking system, it said.

The Financial Stability Report (FSR) of the Reserve Bank in June stated that infrastructure, which accounted for 14.2 per cent of total advances of the banking sector, accounted for 34.4 per cent of restructured standard advances and 13.9 per cent of gross non-performing assets of commercial banks. (PTI)

RIL Q2 preview: Gross refining margins likely to moderate Mumbai, Oct 20: Reliance Industries (RIL) is expected to see its gross refining margins (GRM) decline in the September quarter after repeating a seven-year high in the June quarter, even as analysts expect its petrochemical margins to remain healthy and offset the fall in GRMs. In a Bloomberg poll, five analysts estimated a consolidated net profit of Rs 7,268 crore and revenue of Rs 62,920 crore. In the September 2015 quarter, the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 6,720 crore and turnover of Rs 75,117 crore. RIL will announce its financial results for the July-September 2016 quarter on October 20.

Analysts expect the company's GRMs to be $9.1-10.4 per barrel in the September 2016 quarter, lower than the $11.5 per barrel reported in the previous quarter, which was a seven-year high. However, the company's June quarter GRMs were ahead of analyst estimates, leaving room for the possibility of a surprise in the September quarter as well.

"Brent averaged $45.7 per barrel in the quarter, almost flat sequentially. After being subdued in July 2016, Singapore refining margin increased in August-September 2016 resulting in almost flat GRM of $5.1 per barrel in the quarter. The refiners had huge inventory gains in the previous quar-

ter, which helped their GRMs and profits. However, lack of the same is expected to hit the refiners hard," Swarnendu Bhushan and Harshraj Aggarwal wrote in an Elara Capital report.

Pressure on the refining business is also likely to pull down the company's standalone performance sequentially. The firm is likely to report its first sequential decline in standalone profit after six consecutive quarters. "After six consecutive sequential earnings increases, we expect RIL's standalone earnings to moderate two per cent quarteron-quarter, mainly due to weaker refining. But, RIL may surprise again," analysts Anil Sharma and Ravikumar Adukia wrote in a Nomura Research report.

In the September 2015 quarter, the company reported a standalone net profit of Rs 6,561 crore and revenue of Rs 64,515 crore. Sequentially, the company's standalone net profitwas at Rs 7,548 crore in the June 2016 quarter.

The firm's refining throughput and petrochem margins are expected to remain robust. "Petchem margin of 15.2 per cent compared to 12.7 per cent is expected, while volume is to increase eight per cent year-on-year to 6.7 mt (million tonnes)," analyst Sudeep Anand wrote in an IDBI Capital report.

RIL is expected to report its highest-ever utilisation in the refining segment at 118 per

WHAT'S IN STORE? Estimated consolidated net profit of Rs 7,268 crore Estimated revenue of Rs 62,920 crore Gross refining margins expected at $9.1-$10.4 per barrel Refining throughput at highest ever 118% Petrochemical margins to remain healthy cent in the September quarter. "Refining throughput is expected to be 6-8 per cent higher quarter-on-quarter)/ year-on-year," wrote Jal Irani, Yusufi Kapadia and Vivek Rajamani in an Edelweiss Research report.

There could be a likely lag effect of the rise in oil prices in the company's shale segment on its September quarter performance. "We estimate consolidated profit after tax of Rs 7,100 crore, which will benefit from last quarter's 33 per cent uptick in oil price in the shale segment as shale consolidates with a quarter lag," the Edelweiss Research report noted.

Analysts have not factored in any revenue generation from RIL's new telecom business launched in September, as services under this vertical are at present being offered free to customers.(Agencies)

Pic for representation purpose. the order/notice/letter/summons/ etc may be served personally on the ad-

dressee," Sebi said.

Besides, these agencies will have to "make a proclama-

tion of attachment/sale at or nearby the attached property, by beat of drum or by public announcement through loudspeakers," the regulator said.

Sebi said it can consider issuing necessary directions or instructions to the defaulters or the revenue and local authorities to extend assistance to the agency in the process.

In a notice inviting expression of interest (EoI) from the interested parties to provide these services, Sebi said the services would be required at the regulator's head office in Mumbai as also at its four regional offices. (PTI)

Rupee makes a weak start, Xiaomi sells record 1 million slips 3 paise against dollar handsets in India in 18 days

"PPP needs to develop to boost infra investment" New Delhi, Oct 20 : Moody's Investors Service today said PPP model in India's infrastructure needs to be developed further to attract more private investment for the sector that would help propel growth.

Stating that historical underinvestment and rapid economic growth are straining India's existing infrastructure, Moody's said adjustments to the publicprivate partnership (PPP) framework to align it more with more mature markets globally could help attract new private investment.

While the country's PPP mechanism has seen reasonable success in some sectors over the last 20 years, the level of activity has been low in the last four fiscal years due to challenges, Moody's V-P and Senior Analyst Abhishek Tyagi said.

"As such, India's PPP framework will benefit if it is developed further to address key issues regarding improved risk allocation, the ability to renegotiate unpredictable factors in bid documents and a move

P7

Pic for representation purpose.

Mumbai, Oct 20: The rupee on Thursday got off to a bumpy start as it tumbled 3 paise to 66.71 against the US dollar after demand for the American currency from importers went up.

Forex dealers said fresh demand for the US unit and its gains against the euro and other currencies overseas ahead of a closely-watched European Central Bank meeting pulled the rupee down, but a relatively

strong opening of the domestic equity market minimised the loss.

On Wednesday, the rupee had closed 5 paise higher at 66.68 against the US dollar on sustained selling of the American currency by banks and exporters.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex traded higher by 216.80 points, or 0.77 per cent, at 28,201.17 in early trade Thursday. (PTI)

Post SBI security scare: Here is how you can secure your debit cards Mumbai, Oct 20: Days after the State Bank of India (SBI) blocked 6,00,000 debit cards over reports of security breach, clouds of suspicion hover above the heads of customers who fear falling prey to financial fraud.

"Card network companies like the NPCI, Mastercard and Visa had informed various banks in India about a potential risk to some cards owing to a data breach. Accordingly, State Bank of India (SBI) has taken precautionary measures and blocked cards of certain customers identified by the networks,"said a company statement on Thursday.

The SBI has asked its customers to use its fraud prevention facilities, adding that it was in the process of issuing new cards to its customers at no cost.

However, a series of measures can be taken to guard oneself against data theft and financial misuse.

Changing the ATM pin frequently is one way of keeping one's coffers safe. How often should you change your ATM PIN? The answer is-every three to six months or at least once a year according to the standard advice given by cyber experts.

One might ask as to why the banks are being overly cautious? Well, considering the reports of breach of data by financial institutions in the last few months, the threat of a securitybreach seems all too real to diregard for the customers.

Even Axis Bank had recently informed the Reserve Bank of India that it had experienced a cyber attack.

Reports of from several account holders complaining of their ATM card details being compromised have

also surfaced, following which several banks have asked their customers to change their card security details and stick to their own ATM networks. According to reports, the overall number seems to be 3.2 million so far. And, perhaps, still counting.

According to Reshmi Khurana, Managing Director and Country Head-Operations for Kroll Advisory Solutions in India, there have been reports of customers reporting transactions on their debit cards in China and that is how banks came to know of the breach of data and in turn complained to payment services.

"While it is not confirmed, the breach of data seems to on account of a malware inserted in a white label ATM network, which is why banks are cautioning their customers to stick to their own bank's ATM network and not use non-bank ATMs,'' said Khurana.

An ATM breach means that PIN numbers of all customers using a partilcuar ATM network, that is infected, stands compromised.

Hence, it is advisable that one changes the PIN number as soon as one gets an alert from their respective bank. If possible, cancel the ATM card and apply for a new one.

Also, avoid using the same PIN for multiple bank accounts. Besides, signing up for SMS alerts from the bank is really helpful as it swiftly prompts a meassage once a transaction gets carried through. This way even if there is fraud, at least you will come to know of it immediately and alert your bank to block your card to prevent further loss. (Agencies)

Beijing, Oct 20: Chinese cellphone maker Xiaomi has sold a record 1 million smartphones in India in 18 days during theDiwali festive season, despite boycott calls of Chinese goods in the country, state media reported on Thursday.

The Beijing-based company now aims at becoming largest smartphone vendor in India, the world's fastest growing handset market, in the next three to five years, said Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi.

Lei, in an internal letter on Wednesday, announced that the company has sold 1 million smartphones in the first 18 days of this month in India, state-run ChinaDaily reported.

"India is an extremely important market in Xiaomi's globalisation strategy. It has become our largest market outside of the Chinese mainland," Lei said.

The announcement comes after its arch-rival Huawei Technologies Company Limited said it would start assembling phones in India from October.

The move highlights Xiaomi's latest efforts to revive declining sales as the Chinesesmartphone market, its home turf, is reaching saturation, the report said.

It came in the midst of anxieties among Chinese investors over growing calls for boycott ofChinese goods in India following China's blocking of India's move to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar at the UN and blocking India's bid to become the member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

According to Lei, the firm has sold 1 million smartphones within 18

Xiaomi Mi Max. days in October in the runup to Diwali, the biggest festival in India.

In September, Xiaomi became the third-largest smartphone vendor within India's top 30 cities with 8.4 per cent market share, the firm quoted data from International Data Corporation (IDC) as saying.

"We will continue investing in India-expanding our supply, and further improving our after-sales service," Lei said.

Launched in 2010, Xiaomi achieved a rapid rise by seizing the e-commerce boom in Chinato sell handsets directly to consumers. But as online sales of smartphones peak, it is struggling with declining sales and facing mounting pressure from rivals such as Oppo and Vivo, the report said.

IDC China research manager Jin Di said it is hard to say whether Xiaomi can prevail in Indian market, given the growing competition from both its Chinese peers and Indian vendors.

"Almost every major Chinese smartphone brand is eyeing a presence in India. I do not thinkXiaomi has a big edge, especially when India's ecommerce business, which

Xiaomi is most good at, is not as well-developed as that of China," Jin was quoted as saying by the report.

Also, it will take time for Chinese brands to properly localise their operations, given the different business environments and polices in India and China, she added.

In the second quarter of 2016, smartphone shipments in India grew by a healthy 15 per cent annually, while the global smartphone market grew at a modest three per cent.

Chinese brands' captured almost 27 per cent of the Indian market, data from Counterpoint Research show.

Xiaomi's arch rival Huawei said on Tuesday it would start manufacturing its first smartphonemodel in India in October by partnering with a local factory whose annual production capacity will reach 3 million units by the end of 2017.

Zhao Ming, in charge of smartphone business at Honor, the sub-brand of Huawei said, "The India smartphone market is likely to exceed 100 million units this year. It is a market no one can neglect. We have longterm commitment to it". (PTI)

Dai-ichi Life Insurance eyes stake in Union KBC AMC

Pic for representation purpose.

Mumbai, Oct 20: Japanese financial services major Daiichi LifeInsurance has evinced interest in buying some stake in Union KBC Asset Management and is in preliminary talks with the fund house's current majority shareholder Union Bank of India.

Last month, Union Bank had completed acquisition of 49 per cent shareholding of Union KBC AMC and

Union KBC Trustee Company from the Belgium-based KBC Participants Renta SA and its affiliates.

Post acquisition, the Union KBC Asset Management Company and Union KBC Trustee Company have become wholly owned subsidiaries of the bank.

"The talks are currently under way for a potential deal," a source told PTI. While Dai-ichi Life Insurance

refused to comment on the issue, repeated attempts to reach out to Union Bank did not elicit response.

Union Bank already has a life insurance joint venture with Dai-ichi Life and Bank of India.

"Dai-ichi Life stands to be a strong contender due to its global expertise in providing financial services and also, the bank already has a life insurance JV with the company," the source said.

Union KBC AMC asset under management stood at around Rs 4,000 crore as on June 30, 2016.

Prior to Union Bank's acquisition of stake in Union KBC AMC, the bank was holding 51 per cent in the mutual fund JV and the remaining 49 per cent was with the KBC Asset Management NV through its 100 per cent subsidiary KBC Participations Renta.

Last October, Union Bank had said it would be buying out the 49 per cent stake of KBC Asset Management in Union KBC Asset Management Company. (PTI)

INTERNATIONAL P8 Al Jazeera journalist Hamza Pakistan SC issues notice to Sharif, Mohamed freed in Somalia others in corruption case

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Mohamed, a British national, was detained on Tuesday afternoon Islamabad, Oct 20: The The three-judge SC bench, along with a driver, fixer and cameraman.

Somalia, Oct 20: Al Jazeera journalist Hamza Mohamed has been released from detention by Somali security agents in the capital Mogadishu.

Mohamed, a British national, was detained on Tuesday afternoon along with a driver, fixer and cameraman.

He had been in Somalia for a week on a reporting assignment.

Mohamed has frequently travelled to the country over the past few years to cover politics, economics and culture for Al Jazeera "with accuracy and integrity", according to a state-

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud shakes hands with Mohamed in September 2014 (A file photo) ment released by Al Jazeera Media Network on Wednesday.

The Federal Republic of Somalia had earlier in-

formed the network that Mohamed was being held for questioning and there were no charges against him. (PTI)

court heard several petitions, including by Imran Khan of Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf, which accused Sharif and his family members of illegally transferring money abroad after the Panama Papers leaks showed his family of possessing properties in the UK. In addition to Sharif, the court also issued notices his daughter Maryam, sons Hasan and Hussain, son-in-law Muhammad Safdar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, director general Federal Investigation Agency, chairman Federal Board of Revenue, and the attorney general.

consisting of Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, adjourned the case for two weeks after initial hearing.

Cricketer-turned-politician Khan, who is leading the alleged corruption case against Sharif, was present in the court.

Later talking to reporters, he said Sharif was behaving like a king but he would make him accountable before the law.

Khan also hoped that the hearing of the case would be completed soon as "justice delayed is justice denied".

"We hope that the case's

Pakistan's Supreme Court today issued notice to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members in the 'Panama Papers' leaks case, acting on petitions seeking his disqualification over alleged corruption and illegally possessing assets abroad.

proceedings will reveal details of several issues that were concealed from the nation," said Khan,

who has given a call to lockdown capital Islamabad on November 2 to force the Prime Min-

ister to resign.

He said it was his constitutional right to hold protest and warned of consequences if government tried to stop or detain him.

According to the Panama Papers, three of Sharif's four children - Maryam, Hasan and Hussain were owners of offshore companies and "were owners or had the right to authorise transactions for several companies."

Sharif and his family have dismissed the allegations of money laundering and denied any wrongdoing but the opposition is demanding an independent probe. (PTI)

Islamic State leaders Iraqi Special Forces Join Indonesian Police Kill Man 'abandon' Mosul as Wielding Machetes, ISIS Symbol Iraq forces close in Mosul Offensive Against IS

Police have often been target of attacks by extremists in Indonesia.

Jakarta, Oct 20: Indonesian police shot dead a man carrying knives, suspected pipe bombs and a symbol of the ISIS group after he launched a daylight assault on officers near Jakarta today, an official said.

The man was shot three times as he stabbed wildly at officers on a busy intersection in Tangerang, a satellite city outside the capital, Jakarta police spokesman Awi Setiyono told AFP. Setiyono said the perpetrator threw two suspected pipe bombs at the officers, but neither detonated, and displayed an IS symbol on a nearby traffic pole during the frenzied attack.

"A man suddenly stuck an ISIS logo sticker on a traffic police post, took a machete from his bag and blindly attacked our personnel," he said.

The attacker -- believed to be a member of a local hardline group -- was also carrying a turban, along with knives and the suspected bombs, Setiyono added.

The 21-year-old attacker later died from his wounds, the spokesman said.

He said police investigating the case had discovered that two of the attacker's brothers were police officers in Tangerang.

Three officers were in-

jured and taken to hospital.

Police have often been the target of attacks by extremists in Indonesia, a country that has long struggled with Islamic militancy.

In January, police officers were targeted by gunmen and suicide bombers at a traffic post in central Jakarta. The ISIS-claimed attack left four civilians and four militants dead, and injured several police officers.

Police and military personnel have also been killed in clashes with extremists in a remote part of Sulawesi, where for years a ragtag militant group has been waging a conflict against security forces from their jungle hideout.

Indonesia suffered significant attacks in the 2000s including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people, mostly foreign tourists.

A sustained crackdown weakened the most dangerous networks but ISIS has proved a potent new rallying cry for Indonesia's radicals, stoking fears that militants fighting with the group could seek to organise attacks back home. (PTI)

US: Man sentenced to 30 years for trying to aid Islamic State Washington, Oct 20:Federal authorities had asked for the 30-year sentence for Badawi with lifetime supervised release.

A former California college student was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in prison for trying to aid the Islamic State group. Muhanad Badawi, 25, was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release during a hearing in federal court in Santa Ana. He was convicted earlier this year of conspiracy to aid a foreign terrorist organization and other crimes.

Authorities said Badawi and now-25-year-old Nader Elhuzayel concocted a scheme for Elhuzayel to fly to the Middle East to fight for the Islamic State and that Badawi lent him his debit card to buy a one-way plane ticket to Israel with a six-hour layover in Tur-

key.

The men, who were arrested last year, shared their support for the Islamic State in conversation and on social media.

In recorded conversations, the pair discussed how it would be a blessing "to die in the battlefield," the U.S. attorney's office said.

"The significant sentence the defendant received illustrates the gravity of this crime and the threat the defendants posed to the United States," Deirdre Fike, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles office, said in a statement.

Federal authorities had asked for the 30-year sentence for Badawi with lifetime supervised release, which is the same sentence that Elhuzayel received last month from U.S. District Judge David O. Carter.

Defense attorney Kate

Corrigan, who has said Badawi never actually intended to fight for the Islamic State, had requested half the amount of prison time and 20 years of supervision.

She cited his lack of criminal history and age and said she planned to appeal the sentence.

"The real message from today's hearing is that anyone who thinks they want to support ISIS or even dabble in its rhetoric better be ready to serve a lot of time in prison," she wrote in an email.

Badawi was born in Sudan but moved to the United States as a child and lived in Orange County, where he studied engineering, Corrigan said.

While in custody, he stopped eating and dropped from 140 to 109 pounds before a judge ordered him force-fed last December. (Agencies)

Workers injured in Saudi Aramco oil facility blaze Riyadh, Oct 20: Several workers were injured in a fire at a Saudi Aramco crude oil facility near Riyadh on Wednesday, without affecting operations, the Gulf oil giant said.

"Aramco regrets to report that several workers were injured as a result of a fire at a crude oil facility in Alwsea

and all are being treated," it said in a post on its Twitter account.

"The fire is under control.

Company's operations are not impacted," it added.

Aramco did not immediately give an exact number of those hurt but Saudi newspaper AlRiyadh said 17 people were hospitalized, with three need-

ing treatment in intensive care.

In September, a fire ripped through Aramco's Gulf coast Ras Tanura oil terminal injuring eight workers.

The company is at the heart of Saudi Arabia's wide-ranging Vision 2030 plan to wean the economy of the world's biggest petroleum exporter off oil. (Agencies)

Peshmerga forces advance in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul.

Qayyarah, Oct 20: Jihadist leaders are fleeing Mosul, a top US general in the coalition battling the Islamic State group said Wednesday as Iraqi forces closed in on the northern city.

Mosul was where IS supremo Abu Bakr alBaghdadi declared his "caliphate" two years ago but is now the group's last major stronghold in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who announced the launch of a broad offensive to retake the city on Monday, visited the front line on Wednesday.

In the biggest Iraqi military operation in years, forces have retaken dozens of villages, mostly south and east of Mosul, and are planning multiple assaults for Thursday.

"We are telling Daesh (IS) that their leaders are abandoning them. We've seen a movement out of

Mosul," said Major General Gary Volesky, who heads the anti-IS coalition's land component.

He told reporters in a video briefing that the many foreigners among the 3,000 to 4,500 IS fighters would likely end up forming the core of the holdout jihadist force.

Volesky noted that the Iraqis would screen anyone leaving Mosul, and attempts by foreign fighters to blend in to an expected exodus of displaced people would be thwarted.

"It's difficult for them to blend into the local population based on the number of different types of foreign fighters that there are," he said.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians were still trapped in the city with dwindling supplies, many sheltering in basements as air strikes intensified on IS targets.

(Agencies)

Another North Korea missile fails after launch, say U.S. and South New York, Oct 20: North Korea test-fired a missile that failed immediately after launch early on Thursday, the U.S. and South Korean militaries said, hours after the two countries agreed to step up efforts to counter the North's nuclear and missile threats.

The missile was believed to be an intermediaterange Musudan and was launched from the western city of Kusong, where the isolated state attempted but failed to launch the same type of missile on Saturday, the U.S. Strategic Command and South Korea's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The launch came shortly after the United States and South Korea agreed in Washington to bolster military and diplomatic efforts to counter the North's nuclear and missile programs, which it is pursuing in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"We strongly condemn the North's continued illegal acts of provocation," the South's Joint Chiefs

of Staff said in a statement.

Japan condemned the launch and said it would make a formal protest to the North through its embassy in Beijing.

The failed missile launch was the eighth attempt in seven months by the North to launch a weapon with a design range of 3,000 km (1,800 miles) that can be fired from road mobile launchers, the two militaries said.

North Korea has been pursuing its nuclear and missile programs at an unprecedented pace this year.

In June, North Korea launched a Musudan missile that flew about 400 km (250 miles), more than half the distance to Japan, a flight that was considered a success by officials and experts in South Korea and the United States.

North Korea said on Thursday that it would continue to launch satellites despite its rival South's objections, in a statement by its space agency carried by official media. (Agencies)

Baghdad, Oct 20: Iraqi special forces charged into the Mosul battle Thursday with a pre-dawn advance on a nearby town held by the Islamic State group, a key part of a multipronged assault on eastern approaches to the besieged city.

The addition of the elite troops, also known as counterterrorism forces, marked a significant intensification of the fight for Iraq's second-largest city. As they advanced, attack helicopters fired on the militants and heavy gunfire echoed across the plains.

IS militants unleashed nine suicide car and truck bombs against the advancing troops, eight of which were destroyed before reaching their targets, while the ninth struck an armored Humvee, Lt. Col Muntadhar alShimmari told The Associated Press.

He did not give a casualty figure, but another officer said five soldiers were wounded. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information.

The special forces entered the town of Bartella, a traditionally Christian village that fell to IS in 2014, around midday.

The fighting thus far has been concentrated in a cluster of towns and villages outside Mosul that are mostly uninhabited and littered with roadside bombs planted by the militants, which has slowed the Iraqi advance.

The special forces are expected to lead the way into Mosul, where they will face fierce resistance in an urban landscape where IS militants are preparing for a climactic battle. The offensive is the largest operation launched by Iraqi forces since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, and is expected to take weeks, if not months.

The Kurdish forces known as peshmerga, who are also taking part in the offensive, announced a "large-scale operation" to the north and northeast of Mosul on Thursday.

"The operation will be in three

fronts," the peshmerga said in a statement, and follows recent gains by the Kurds to the east of Mosul and Iraqi security forces to the south.

Peshmerga forces stationed on mountains northeast of Mosul descended from their positions and charged toward the front line.

They used bulldozers and other heavy equipment to fill trenches and moved armored vehicles into the breach after about an hour of mortar and gunfire at IS positions below in the village of Barima.

Military operations also appeared to be underway in the town of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul. Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the town early Thursday. A day earlier, Bashiqa was pounded by airstrikes and mortar fire from peshmerga positions high above.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider alAbadi, speaking by video link to diplomats meeting in Paris, said the Mosul offensive was moving "more quickly than we thought."

He also vowed to protect civilians fleeing the fighting and said the government "will not allow any violations of human rights." He said most residents of the region have welcomed the advancing forces.

The Islamic State group captured Mosul and the surrounding area during a lightning advance across northern Iraq in 2014, and IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced the formation of a self-styled caliphate from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque. Mosul is the largest city controlled by the extremists and their last major urban bastion in Iraq.

Amer al-Jabbar, a 30-year-old soldier with the Iraqi special forces, said he was happy to be taking part in the assault on Bartella and hoped to avenge two brothers killed while fighting for the security forces.

"I had one brother who became a martyr in 2007 and another who became a martyr in 2014," he said. "I want to avenge them

and I'm ready to die."

Iraq's U.S.-trained Special Forces are seen as far more capable as the mainstream security forces that crumbled as IS advanced in 2014. The Special Forces, including the vaunted "Golden Division," have played a central role in liberating several cities and towns over the past year, including Ramadi and Fallujah, in the western Anbar province.

More than 25,000 forces, including the Iraqi army, the peshmerga, Sunni tribal fighters andShiite militias are taking part in the Mosul offensive, which began Monday after months of preparation. They will be advancing on the city from several directions.

The special forces advanced in some 150 Humvees decked with Iraqi flags and Shiite religious banners. Ali Saad, a 26year-old soldier, said the Kurdish forces had asked them to take down the religious banners, but they refused.

"They asked if we were militias. We said we're not militias, we are Iraqi forces, and these are our beliefs," he said.

Mosul is a Sunni majority town, and many fear the involvement of the Shiite militias in the operation could stoke sectarian tensions. The Shiite militias have said they will not enter the city itself, but will focus on retaking the town of Tel Afar to the west, which had a Shiite majority before it was captured by IS. The U.S. military is carrying out airstrikes and artillery shelling in support of the operation. More than 100 U.S. forces are embedded with the Iraqis, and hundreds more are playing a supporting role in staging bases.

Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, the top commander of U.S. land forces in Iraq, said Wednesday that U.S. Army Apache attack helicopters are striking IS targets in support of the operation. The deployment of U.S. attack helicopter crews brings added risk for American troops.

(Agencies)

Turkish jets strike Syrian Kurdish militia targets Ankara, Oct 20: Turkish jets have struck the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish militia north of the embattled city of Aleppo, killing as many as 200 militia members, Turkey's state-run news agency reported Thursday.

The Anadolu Agency, quoting military officials, said the raids were carried out late Wednesday night, attacking 18 targets in the Maarraat Umm Hawsh region in northern Syria. Between 160 and 200 militia fighters were killed in the raid.

The targets hit were in areas that the Syrian forces had recently taken over as they pressed ahead with their campaign to drive Islamic State militants from areas north of Aleppo.

The Syrian Kurdish force has been an ongoing source of tension between NATO allies Turkey and the United States.

The U.S. considers the militia group, known as the People's Protection Units or YPG, to be the most effective force in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. Turkey says the group is an extension of its own outlawed Kurdish militants who have carried out

Turkey's state run news agency, Anadolu, said the 18 Syrian Kurdish targets hit included nine buildings used as headquarters, meetings points, shelters or arms depots as well as five vehicles. a series of deadly attacks in Turkey over the past year and considers it to be a terrorist organization.

Ankara has grown increasingly wary as the YPG succeeded in securing large swaths of territory along the Syrian-Turkish border. In August, Turkey sent troops and tanks into northern Syria to help Syrian opposition forces drive the Islamic State group away from an area bordering Turkey and to curb the

Syrian Kurdish forces' territorial expansion.

The Turkish attack came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would not 'wait for terrorists to come and attack' but would go after them before they have the chance to strike.

Anadolu said the 18 Syrian Kurdish targets hit included nine buildings used as headquarters, meetings points, shelters or arms depots as well as five vehicles. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

EDUCATION

P9

Advantages of Studying Economics

Benefits of an Economics Degree If you make a point of keeping up to date with current events around the globe and love anything to do with startups, businesses, or economics, it is probably a good idea to look into an economics degree to enhance your future with an economics career. There are numerous career options for economics majors students.

At its heart, economics is a human-oriented subject, though it may look to be all about money on the surface. Economics can, in fact, be defined as the study of how people allocate and utilise resources on an individual and collective basis.

This human-centric element renders the Economics major courses available very wide-ranging, indeed. There are many different ways to approach this diverse subject and a host of advantages of studying economics. In fact, there are both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees available for undergraduates pursuing Economics major courses.

What is Economics?

Economics is a social science that explores an entire range of issues that influ-

ence financial decisions.

Economics looks at how individuals and organisations use, produce, consume, and distribute the world’s goods and services. Knowing about money is not enough: areas like sociology, law, psychology, politics, geography, and history should be examined as well. Any knowledge in these expansive fields would further enhance and increase the benefits of studying economics, since these subjects are all inter-disciplinary and understanding one subject would potentially deepen the understanding in another.

Microeconomics and macroeconomics are the two main types of economics. As the names imply, microeconomics focuses on the economical behaviour of individuals (e.g. companies, families, consumers), while macroeconomics looks at economies on the global or national scale, with a focus on such issues as inflation, unemployment, and fiscal policy. Both types of economics subjects have wide-ranging applications in the real world, thereby further broadening the career options for Economics majors graduates.

Indeed, the skills acquired by students of Economics major courses extend far

beyond the knowledge gained; students also develop transferable soft skills, including analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate quantitative data as well as qualitative research findings. The advantages of studying Economics differ from the advantages of studying other humanities subjects, since Economics allows students to learn how to analyse very specific figures which enable them to predict future economically-oriented events.

This can render Economics graduates a marketable, employable asset that differentiates them from other graduates.

What to expect from an Economics Degree?

An Economics degree offers students an amalgamation of lectures, smallergroup seminars, written assignments, project reports, and perhaps examinations.

A Bachelor of Science in economics will focus more on mathematics and statistics. The latter two subjects have broad-reaching application within a practical context, and most prestigious corporations and financial institutions require employees to have a solid grasp of mathematical principles. Thus, in such cases,

the benefits of an Economics degree are particularly noticeable.

A Bachelor of Arts in Economics will still entail a mathematical element; however, it takes a more qualitative approach and incorporates related theoretical fields such as psychology or sociology. Degrees in areas like Behavioural Economics do not necessarily limit the career paths for Economics majors students though, because companies are increasingly recognise the need for creativity and in-

novation, in order for their consultants and analysts to come up with solutions within a dynamic, financial context.

Whether you decide to pursue a BA or BSc, a degree in Economics will ask that you understand both Economic theory and how to engage in empirical investigation. A knowledge of statistics will help you investigate issues in public policy, business, or financial industries. If you do not have a ready aptitude for maths and information technology, or an ability to tackle problems, then the thrill and the benefits of studying economics may be far more diminished for you.

In such a situation, economics may not be the right choice for you, and there are many other academic programmes discussed here which may be more suited to you. However, if you do have those qualities, and enjoy keeping up to date with current affairs as well, then this subject may be the key to a plethora of career options for you Economics majors graduates out there.

A degree in Economics will certainly not preclude you from continuing onto an academic career; it is a very respectable degree that many professors and re-

searchers are passionate about. It can also frequently be offered as part of an Honours programme and combined with many other subjects, including modern languages, politics, sociology, computer science, law, and engineering, among others.

Is a Masters Degree in Economics worth it?

Master of Economics A Master of Economics degree is geared towards enabling students who already have a solid base of economics-based knowledge to learn how to apply these economic principles to real-life situations. As most economics graduates would tell you, a Master in Economics allows you to hone in on your analytical skills, to utilise your expertise to come up with innovative solutions to a diverse range of problems, and to learn how to master various econometric techniques and software. Given the broad scope of scenarios in which such a skills-set can apply to, a Master of Economics degree is rapidly becoming a popular choice for those pursuing graduate studies, alongside courses such as Finance, Accounting, and Management.

A Master of Economics course is generally considered a social science course which involves the analysis of economic systems. Thus, students have the opportunity of examining systems from production and distribution to the consumption of goods and services. The best Master in Economics programmes are structurally divided into core modules including microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics.

Generally, economics integrates facets of other social sciences, such as sociology and international studies, and adds its own flavour to them by allowing students to develop their skills in mathematics and statistics.

This allows students to draw conclusions based on numerical evidence and quantitative techniques.

In numerous Master of Economics programmes, students are given the chance to specialise in particular areas, for instance, in financial economics, development economics, sustainable economic development or in economic history. This frequently opens the door to those individuals who might later be interested in a career that is orientated towards academia or in economic research. Two famous economics whose names have become synonymous with global economics are Alan Greenspan and Jeffrey Sachs.

Requirements when applying for a Master of Economics

What distinguishes a Master of Economics course from an undergraduate Economics degree is the depth of mathematical sophistication required. After all, applicants would need a firm grounding in this area, in order for them to make the most of their master degree and to further stretch the boundaries of their understanding. Some universities offer courses in mathematics and in statistics, primarily tailored to those students who are hoping to study a Masters in Economics course and who lack an academic grounding in mathematics. Nevertheless, the most rigorous and best Master in Economics programmes usually state, as an explicit requirement, that the applicants possess a mathematically-oriented Economics degree.

For those who are applying for a Masters of Economics course, they should be keen to pursue independent research which uses complex statistical data; be prepared to undertake exercises which require a comprehensive understanding of probability, calculus and linear algebra; be attracted to social issues; and be ready to apply their qualitative and quantitative research methodology to a widening spectrum of scenarios. Applicants should expect that the courses will frequently be updated to fit in with the latest theories and latest global and economic situations.

Some Master in Economics programmes ask for a GMAT or the GRE. It is therefore best to check with the institution that you wish to apply to. In order to enable institutions to assess whether you are ready for graduate-level study, some may request a short written description of any economics-related courses which you may have taken as part of your undergraduate programme of study.

What to Expect from a Master of Economics?

The majority of Master of Economics programmes last for one or two years, fulltime. If you have a day job, some programmes are also available part-time as evening classes or as online courses. A two-year postgraduate Economics programme is particularly suited to students without an economics or mathematics degree, thereby providing them with additional time in which to master the fundamental principles before then going on to study areas of specialisation.

Introductory courses in Economics involve the history and theory of economics, the types of economic systems (such as macroeconomics or microeconomics), economic policies, and how global economies work. Overall, courses will entail a great deal of analysis and research. Final assessment is usually in the form of a dissertation or a supervised final examination. Some institutions encourage students to undertake internships as well, preferably within a field that revolves around the subject of economics.

Lastly, pursuing a Master in Economics course is beneficial for students who are considering or intending to continue unto PhD-level.

Ultimately, the expertise and knowledge gained through theoretical teaching and research, as well as the professional skills that such a postgraduate degree equips you with, cannot ever be deemed redundant to one’s career-oriented development. If you are seeking a versatile, knowledge-enriching postgraduate course, then it is certainly worth your time checking out the best Master in Economics programmes in town. (Education post)

How to manage time with 10 tips that work Which time describes the world in which you really live, real time or clock time?

The reason time management gadgets and systems don't work is that these systems are designed to manage clock time. Clock time is irrelevant. You don't live in or even have access to clock time. You live in real time, a world in which all time flies when you are having fun or drags when you are doing your taxes.

master of your own time: 1. Carry a schedule and record all your thoughts, conversations and activities for a week. This will help you understand how much you can get done during the course of a day and where your precious moments are going. You'll see how much time is actually spent producing results and how much time is wasted on unproductive thoughts, conversations and actions.

The good news is that real time is mental. It exists between your ears. You cre-

2. Any activity or conversation that's important to your success should have a time assigned to it. To-do

ate it. Anything you create, you can manage. It's time to remove any selfsabotage or self-limitation you have around "not having enough time," or today not being "the right time" to start a business or manage your current business properly.

There are only three ways to spend time: thoughts, conversations and actions. Regardless of the type of business you own, your work will be composed of those three items.

As an entrepreneur, you may be frequently interrupted or pulled in different directions. While you cannot eliminate interruptions, you do get a say on how much time you will spend on them and how much time you will spend on the thoughts, conversations and actions that will lead you to success.

Practice the following techniques to become the

lists get longer and longer to the point where they're unworkable. Appointment books work. Schedule appointments with yourself and create time blocks for high-priority thoughts, conversations, and actions.

Schedule when they will begin and end. Have the discipline to keep these appointments.

3. Plan to spend at least 50 percent of your time engaged in the thoughts, activities and conversations that produce most of your results.

4. Schedule time for interruptions. Plan time to be pulled away from what you're doing. Take, for instance, the concept of having "office hours." Isn't "office hours" another way of saying "planned interruptions?"

5. Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your

time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time.

6. Take five minutes before every call and task to decide what result you want to attain. This will help you know what success looks like before you start.

And it will also slow time down. Take five minutes after each call and activity to determine whether your desired result was achieved. If not, what was missing? How do you put what's missing in your next call or activity?

7. Put up a "Do not disturb" sign when you absolutely have to get work done.

8. Practice not answering the phone just because it's ringing and e-mails just because they show up.

Disconnect instant messaging. Don't instantly give people your attention unless it's absolutely crucial in your business to offer an immediate human response. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.

9. Block out other distractions like Facebook and other forms of social media unless you use these tools to generate business.

10. Remember that it's impossible to get everything done. Also remember that odds are good that 20 percent of your thoughts, conversations and activities produce 80 percent of your results.

NATION

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HM orders SIT to trace Najeeb Ravi Shankar Prasad after students' siege at JNU gets VIP security cover New Delhi, Oct 20: The agitating students, who have been accusing the JNU administration of not doing enough to trace missing student Najeeb Ahmed, said they have not softened their stand and allowed VC M Jagadesh Kumar and others to leave their offices only to attend a scheduled meeting of the Academic Council.

As the students' protest over the missing student entered the sixth day, the Home Minister directed the Delhi Police to set up a special team to trace Najeeb who went missing on Saturday following a brawl with a group of ABVP supporters in a JNU hostel.

Singh called up the Commissioner of Delhi Police and gave the instruction to set up the special team. The students did not allow the VC and around 12 other officials to come out of the administrative building since

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today ordered Delhi Police to set up a special team to trace a missing JNU student even as its Vice Chancellor and some other top officials were allowed to leave their offices after being under siege by agitating students for over 20 hours. yesterday afternoon as part of their protest though mediapersons were allowed to go inside it.

JNU teachers association, which has been supportive of the students on most of the issues, criticised the

confinement of the VC and others. The VC had this morning warned the students of strict action over the "illegal confinement".

Coming down heavily on protesting students, the VC said several rounds of talks

Delhi Police form SIT to trace missing JNU student New Delhi, Oct 20: Delhi Police today constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to trace a missing JNU hostel inmate following a direction from Union home minister Rajnath Singh as protests by a section of students raged on in the campus over alleged inaction by authorities.

"We have formed an SIT under Additional DCPII(South) Manishi Chandra to probe in the case. We have also informed the SSPs concerned as well as police officers across India and have given out advertisements in newspapers," said Nupur Prasad, Additional DCP-I(South).

The student, Najeeb

Ahmed, went missing on Saturday following a brawl on the campus the night before.

"We have also announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for any person who provides information about Najeeb," Prasad said.

Singh called up the commissioner of Delhi Police and gave the instructions to set up the special team to find the missing student.

Agitating JNU students confined the vice-chancellor, M Jagadesh Kumar, and about 12 other officials in the university's administrative building yesterday afternoon.

The officer said that the

JNU administration is also making efforts to trace Najeeb.

Prasad, however, refused to divulge details about the locations where they have searched for Najeeb.

Debunking the kidnapping theory that has been doing the rounds ever since Najeeb went missing, she said, "We haven't got any CCTV footage but an eyewitness saw him going out of the Parthasarathy Rocks area. The family hasn't told us about receiving any ransom call for his release."

She also said that they have seized some medicines, laptop and his phone, which he had left in his hostel room. (PTI)

Kashmir Valley peaceful; more vehicles hitting roads Srinagar, Oct 20: Increased movement of traffic on main roads of Kashmir and the city's civil lines hinted at return of normalcy even as the other facets of life in the valley remained suspended for the 104th consecutive day as separatists extended the shutdown till October 27.

The separatist-sponsored strike in Kashmir completed 104 days today but there was semblance of normalcy on the roads in the civil lines areas, including the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, and in the outskirts of the city here as more private cars, autorickshaws and cabs plied the roads, officials said.

Traffic snarls were witnessed at many places while some shops were also open in these areas as more people were now defying the separatists call by resuming their day to day activities, they said.

A large number of roadside vendors set up their stalls

on the TRC crossingBatamaloo axis passing through Lal Chowk, the officials said, adding the situation was improving with each passing day.

They said there were no restrictions on the movement of people anywhere in Kashmir and security forces have been deployed in strength at various spots prone to protests and street violence.

Deployment has also been made in some other areas to instill a sense of security among the people so that they can carry out their day to day activities without fear, the officials said.

Meanwhile, life in other areas of the Valley remained affected due to the strike.

Most of the shops and business establishments were shut in rest of the Valley.

They open only during the periodic relaxation announced by the separatists.

However, the officials said, an increased movement of private transport was also

seen in these areas.

The ongoing unrest in Kashmir has affected the education as schools, colleges and other institutions continued to remain shut in the Valley.

The government has decided to hold board examinations as per the schedule next month, drawing criticism from students and parents who accused it of being insensitive to lack of academic activity due to shutdown.

The unrest, which began a day after Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter in south Kashmir on July 8, has left 84 people, including two cops, dead and several thousand injured.

Thousands of youth, including some top separatist leaders, have been arrested by police over the past three months in an attempt to break the impasse.

Over 300 persons have been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA). (PTI)

Members of Producers Guild to meet Rajnath Singh New Delhi, Oct 20: Film & Television Producers Guild of India presidentMukesh Bhatt and Apoorva Mehta from Dharma Productions, which is behind "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", will meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here today to discuss the smooth release of the upcoming film.

Vijay Singh of Fox Star Studios will also accompany them during the afternoon meeting with Rajnath Singh.

"We would be meeting

Rajnath Singh to discuss about the safe release of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'," sources from Dhrama Productions told PTI. Director Karan Johar will skip the meeting as he is busy with the post-production of the film in Mumbai, sources added.

The movie, which stars Fawad Khan, ran into trouble after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) said they won't let any movie featuring Pakistani artistes release in India.

Seeking to calm tempers

over opposition to the release of his directorial venture, Johar had made a fervent appeal against stalling the release, saying he will not engage with talent from Pakistan in future.

MNS continued their protests as the party rejected Johar's statement that he will not "engage with talent" from Pakistan in future.

The Maharashtra government has, however, assured protection to cinemas where the film will be screened from Diwali weekend. (PTI)

were held to convince the students about sincerity of the university authority to locate Najeeb but they were continuing with their "illegal" activities".

"This is a university run in a democratic manner. We value debate and discussion. That's why we had several rounds of discussions with the students to convince them that the university is sincerely working to locate Najeeb Ahmed.

"We have tried by every possible means to convince the students that we are trying our best to locate Najeeb. However, they are not relenting and resorting to this kind of illegal means," Kumar said hours before he was allowed to go.

He said, "We cannot be coerced by these illegal means. The university has to be run in a proper manner and the academic activities should not suffer. We

again appeal to the students not to resort to this kind of illegal activities which will affect the university."

Rejecting allegations of inaction, he said the administration had written to the police about the missing student and an inquiry by the university will be expedited and "guilty" punished.

Later, Delhi Police said they have formed a special investigation team (SIT) to trace Najeeb. Commenting on the issue, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, said, "It is wrong to confine VC and other officials. Some students have come in JNU to do politics and not study.

All activities should be done within the law."

An FIR for kidnapping and wrongfully confining a person was lodged at Vasant Kunj North police station after the police received a complaint from the student's guardians. (PTI)

BJP trying to take 'mileage' of surgical strikes: Rajeev Shukla Meerut, Oct 20: Accusing BJP of creating a hype over surgical strikes, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla has said BJP is trying to get "political mileage" out of the strikes and its credit should be given to Army only.

Army had conducted surgical strikes during the Manmohan Singh government also but back then they were not publicised, the Rajya Sabha MP and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association Secretary said here yesterday on the sidelines of a cricket match under Col CK Naidu under 23 tournament. .

He claimed that BJP is trying to take "political mileage" out of the surgical strikes ahead of the Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Assembly polls.

In the wake of Central

government's bid to construct Ramayana museum in Ayodhya, he said that BJP "remembers" Lord Rama at the time of Uttar Pradesh elections.

The way BJP is indulging in "posters campaign" in the wake of surgical strikes is not right, Shukla said.

He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying if he has "personal relations" with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif then India-Pakistan border issue has not been resolved yet?

When asked about upcoming Uttar Pradesh polls, Shukla said that people are "fed up" of BJP, BSP and SP in the state that is why Congress would form the next government in the state in 2017 under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit. (Agencies)

No hidden agenda behind triple talaq opposition: Law Minister New Delhi, Oct 20: Government has no "hidden agenda" of imposing uniform civil code or behind the opposition to the triple talaq among Muslims, says Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad rejecting allegations by religious bodies and opposition parties as completely baseless.

He also asserts that while India respects freedom of religion and faith, "unreasonable or discriminatory" practices cannot be held integral to it and protected.

"This whole apprehension that we are bringing uniform civil code or it is an agenda is completely baseless. The two need not be linked at all. The Law Commission is examining it and let there be a widest consultation possible by all the stakeholders," Prasad told PTI in an interview.

He said the people opposing the common civil code should tell so to the law panel which has sought public opinion on the subject.

"Say your opposition also. But the government presently has nothing to say. Let the Law Commission take a view. The entire argument of any hidden agenda is something which I deny with all the authority at my command," he said.

Prasad cited the practice of "untouchability" to assert that religious practices need to be in accord with constitutional values and emphasised that "gen-

der justice, gender equality and gender dignity" were at the core of the Narendra Modi government's priority. "... we respect freedom of religion and freedom of faith which are protected by the fundamental rights. But every unreasonable or discriminatory practice cannot be held integral to faith....

"For instance, can anyone claim that untouchability against Dalits flows from my faith and I can practice it.

Therefore, religious practices also need to be in accord with the constitutional values," he said.

The government had on October 7 opposed in the Supreme Court the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, maintaining that it cannot be regarded as an essential part of religion.

Responding to questions on the issue of triple talaq, the senior BJP leader said a set of women cannot lose their rights for being from a particular religion.

"Can in a secular country like India a big chunk of women be forced to live in a state of vulnerability only on the ground that they belong to a particular religion?" he questioned.

Noting that gender equality stands embedded right from the day the Constitution came into existence, the minister said development and empowerment of women were also among government's priorities. . (PTI)

New Delhi, Oct 20: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has been accorded a VIP security cover of armed central paramilitary personnel by the government recently.

Officials said the cabinet minister for Law and Justice and Electronics and Information Technology has been brought under the Y security cover and his security duties will be handled by the CRPFs special VIP security commandos.

They said as part of this protocol, about seven-eight armed Central Reserve Police Force personnel will be deployed for the security duties of the minister, a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar.

A threat assessment report prepared by central security agencies had recommended the requirement of such a

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. cover for Prasad after which the Union Home Ministry sanctioned it, they said.

The Z+ category is the highest VIP security cover followed by Z and while 40 commandos are usually deployed for the Z+ protectee, the latter has about 25-30 personnel. ?Y is a scaled down cat-

egory but the commandos are similarly armed.

Sometime back a similar Y cover was accorded to Nita Ambani, wife of Reliance Industries Limited Chairman Mukesh Ambani, on a full payment basis.

The CRPF provides VIP security cover to over 60 protectees. (PTI)

Jayalalithaa completely well, will return home soon: AIADMK

Jaya will return home soon, said AIADMK. Chennai, Oct 20: AIADMK today asserted that its hospitalised supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was "completely well" and will return home soon.

"Amma (Jayalalithaa) has progressed very well under the daily monitoring of Apollo Hospital doctors and specialists and soon she will return home," AIADMK spokesperson C R Saraswathy told reporters here.

She said Jayalalithaa, who had dedicated her life for public service, was "taking rest" as per doctors' advice.

"Otherwise, she is completely well and will come home soon. God is by her side on her health," she said.

A number of benefits were awaiting the people of Tamil Nadu, she said in an apparent reference to the many pro-people measures launched by the Jayalalithaa government and indicating that more were likely to be announced.

68-year-old Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration.

A specialist from London besides three-member team

of doctors from AIIMS, Delhi, had also examined Jayalalithaa, who is being treated for infection with respiratory support.

Meanwhile, former AIADMK minister and BJP leader H V Hande also expressed confidence that Jayalalithaa will return home soon.

Hande visited Apollo Hospitals and said he met the doctors and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, M Thambidurai.

Hande visited Apollo Hospitals and said he met the doctors and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, M Thambidurai.

He was informed that the passive physiotherapists were taking good care to Jayalalithaa, he said.

"I am confident she will return home within a week or 10 days," Hande, who had served as Health Minister in the MG Ramachandranled AIADMK government, said.

Meanwhile, party workers and supporters of Jayalalithaa continued holding special prayers in temples, churches and mosques across the state, wishing for her speedy recovery. (PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir Government Sacks 12 Officials for Alleged Anti-National Activities HIGHLIGHTS 12 officials sacked, 2nd time in 26 years for 'antinational' activities Government acted on CID report, some also charged under Public Safety Act

Over 90 people have died in clashes with security forces since Burhan Wani was killed on July 8.

Srinagar, Oct 20: The Mehbooba Mufti government in Jammu and Kashmir has sacked 12 officials for their alleged role in fuelling unrest in the state. More than 100 others are being watched closely, and there could be more sackings, sources said.

The dismissal from service of the 12 government employees for "antinational activities" was ordered on Wednesday evening. Those sacked are mid-level officers from different government departments, including patwaris or land revenue record officials and teachers.

Officials said the government acted on a report prepared by the state police's Crime Investigation Department or CID.

Several of those sacked have been charged under the Public Safety Act or PSA, which allows people to be jailed without trial for six months.

More than 90 people have died and over 12,000 have been injured in violent clashes in Kashmir since July 8, when Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani was killed by security forces. The government has said that the violent protests and stone throwing have been organised and encouraged by insurgents backed by Pakistan.

The action against the government officials comes amid a massive crackdown by the state police in which more than 9,000 people have been arrested for disrupting peace and more than 450

Over 90 have died, 12,000 injured in clashes since Burhan Wani's death

have been detained under the Public Safety Act or PSA, which allows people to be jailed without trial for six months.

This is second time in 26 years of militancy in Kashmir that government officials have been sacked over allegations of anti-national activities in the state.

In 1990, five officials were sacked for their pro-separatist stand, among them Naeem Akhtar who was then a Deputy Commissioner in the Excise Department. Mr Akhtar is currently a top People's Democratic Party or PDP minister in the Mehbooba Mufti government.

That dismissal had led to a three-month-long strike by government employees in Kashmir. (PTI)

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Kodak has launched the ultimate The technology phone for camera obsessives sector's record year Kodak, the iconic camera company that famously failed to adapt to the world of digital and smartphone cameras, has unveiled a smartphone with a highpowered camera aimed at photography fanatics.

niche segment but there are hundreds of thousands of people [in the UK] this would appeal to,” said Charlie Henderson, Bullitt’s product manager. “This stands out in a sea of black or white metal phones”

The company has teamed up with Bullitt, a Readingbased manufacturer that specialises in building unconventional handsets, to release the Ektra, a premium phone to go on sale this year.

The two hope to carve out a niche in the brutally competitive smartphone market by focusing on camera obsessives, rather than trying to challenge Apple, Samsung and Google directly. It is aimed at those who may already own a DSLR but want the convenience of having a quality camera with them at all times.

The Ektra – named after Kodak’s ground-breaking 1941 camera that ushered in an era of accessible photography – claims to far surpass the cameras on mainstream smartphones.

The Ektra, which will cost £449 when released in December, is going on sale first in the UK and Europe, with Bullitt holding off on a launch in the US where sales are dominated by mobile networks. The company is in discussions with a number of retailers and operators about selling the device.

It features a 21-megapixel camera, advanced menus for tweaking shots and Google Snapseed, a de-

tailed editing app, as well as a dedicated shutter button and styling more reminiscent of a retro photography age than the glass and aluminium designs of modern handsets.

The Android handset is shaped like a camera, features a lens that dominates the rear of the phone, and comes with an SD card slot for extra storage. It has a powerful processor that allows it to instantly process the high-definition shots.

While it is the second Kodak smartphone pro-

Government school teachers served notice for using mobile phones

duced by Bullitt, it is the first that truly aims to capitalise on the company’s photography credentials. A previous device, released to a low-key launch last year, was aimed at novices.

Bullitt, founded in 2009, does not build self-branded handsets that compete with bigger manufacturers but designs electronics for niche areas of the market by licensing well-known brands.

and headphones for Ted Baker and Ministry of Sound. It is also developing a Land Rover smartphone.

It builds ultra-rugged handsets for JCB and Caterpillar, as well as speakers

“Millions of people identify themselves as keen photographers. This is clearly a

According to accounts filed at Companies House, Bullitt saw a 25pc increase in handsets sales last year, although revenues were flat at $99m (£80m) due to a lower average sale price and it swung to a $2.8m loss as margins decreased and investments rose.

Kodak, which had failed to adapt to the rise of the digital camera and then the smartphone, declared bankruptcy in 2012. It sold its portfolio of patents to a group of technology investors including Apple and Google for $525m and reemerged a year later.

The notices were served to seven male teachers of three schools yesterday, Chief Educational Officer, P Ayyannan said.

“During a surprise check carried out recently in these schools, it was found that the teachers were using mobile phones in classrooms, in the presence of students despite a ban.

The district education de-

partment had already given instructions to all the headmasters and headmistresses of government and its aided schools not to allow teachers to use mobile phones in the class rooms,” he said.

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 full specs and price leaked ahead of Oct 25 launch

The official made a visit to Kavindapadi Government Boys Higher Secondary school, Anthiyur Pudupalayam Government High school, and Erode Manickkampalayam Government Higher Secondary school and found a few teachers using mobile phones inside the class rooms.

A notice has also been forwarded to the respective headmasters in this connection, he added.

The alleged Xiaomi Mi Note 2, as per the leak, will come with a 5.7-inch QuadHD Super AMOLED display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor with up to 6 gigs of RAM under the hood. The phone will further come with up to 128GB of internal memory and a 4,100mAh battery powering the whole thing.

Just like the Mi 5s launched recently, the Mi Note 2 will also support Qualcomm's new Ultrasonic fingerprint sensing technology and come with the Snapdragon Sense ID built right in to the home button. The technology essentially allows manufacturers to embed the fingerprint

sensor within frames or panels, instead of relying on dedicated areas, like the home button.

Moving on, just like the Mi 5s, the Mi Note 2 will come with a dual camera setup on the rear: one consisting of a 23-megapixel IMX 318 sensor and another consisting of a 12megapixel IMX 378 sensor.

The Mi 5s comes with two 12-megapixel cameras on the rear, where one shoots in standard RGB (colour) while another shoots in monochrome.

While the RGB sensor captures colour details and

The twelfth annual TIN100 Report, produced by the Technology Investment Network (TIN), was launched this week and managing director Greg Shanahan says that growth is set to continue, with positive signs across all sectors and regions.

"This is easily the best year in the tech sector that we've ever seen," Shanahan says. "Growth is over 1 billion dollars, which in the

context of New Zealand's GDP is massive - and that's up from around $600 million last year.

"In no previous year since the launch of the TIN100 Report 12 years ago has change been so dramatic or widespread," he says.

"This year's data signals that an inflection point has been passed as the industry hits critical momentum, reflecting longer term acceleration of technology growth and a significant closure of the export earnings gap between dairy and tech."

The annual report tallies earnings in three major sec-

tors - high-tech manufacturing, biotechnology and information and communications technology (ICT) - for the year to 2016.

In line with last year's trend, all three sectors are on the rise.

More positively, growth was seen across every region of the country as well as all overseas markets, with seven of the report's 12 secondary sectors reporting double-digit growth.

In the regions, Wellington led revenue growth with 15.3 per cent - thanks largely to activities such as digital media and augmented and virtual reality.

New Galaxy S8 Leak Recycles Note 7 Technology

Jeff Clarke, Kodak's chief executive, said: “Kodak has a rich history in imaging technology and the launch of the Kodak smartphone today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing the latest advances in photography to consumers."

Xiaomi will launch its next flagship phone, the Mi Note 2 on October 25.

Ahead of launch, its full hardware specs and price have found their way to the World Wide Web, much to Xiaomi's dismay. The purported slide deck for the phone shared on Chinese social media website Weiboleaves nothing to the imagination.

Seven teachers of government and aided schools in the district have been issued showcause notices by the district education office here for allegedly using mobile phones in the classrooms, despite a ban.

New Zealand's technology sector has cracked $1 billion in growth for the first time, with revenue up 12 per cent in the space of a year.

information, the monochrome sensor captures more light (and higher contrast) according to Xiaomi.

Xiaomi is using the Sony IMX 378 shooter in the Mi 5s. It would be interesting to see how Xiaomi incorporates the dual-camera setup in the Mi Note 2.

Other features include: Quick Charge 3.0, NFC, and USB-C. The Mi Note 2, as per the leak will start at $415 (roughly Rs 27,705) for the base 4GB RAM and 64GB memory option and will go all the way up to $445 (roughly Rs 29,717) for the top-end 6GB RAM and 128GB memory option.

While Samsung continues to address the damage the Galaxy Note 7 is causing to its public perception, others are looking forward to the release of the Galaxy S8.

This will be the moment when the South Korean company can start to rebuild its reputation with the public. A recent leak suggests that we’re going to see the S8 pick up some of the technological advances that the doomed Note 7 proudly promoted.

One of Samsung’s suppliers has spoken to the Korea Herald about a key feature that the Galaxy S8 will be adopting from the Note 7 platform. Iris recognition added an extra layer of security to the Note 7. It was destined to be a particularly strong selling point as Samsung pushed the phablet towards the enterprise market. I have no doubt that the visual security aid was always coming to the Galaxy S8, it’s a technology that is relatively new in the smartphone space, it is easy to understand while feeling futuristic and it’s a unique selling point of the Galaxy range when compared with chief rivals Apple and its iPhone devices.

The only difference is that rather than building on the success of the Note 7's security profile, the Galaxy S8 will effectively start from scratch and have to build up the confidence of the enterprise and consumers sectors in this new technology.

Samsung is in a delicately balanced situation over the Galaxy S8. Under normal circumstances, the fourth calendar quarter would see most of the attention placed on the phablet device, and as interest on that started to peter out after Christmas, the speculation on the new S flagship would take over.

This year the Galaxy Note 7 is getting a lot of attention placed on it but for all the wrong reasons, and the Galaxy S8 is receive the attention some three months ahead of schedule.

In a quixotic quest to reduce spoilers and leaks, Samsung has asked suppliers and employees to not talk about the Galaxy S8 (reports Android Authority). Given the pressure that the Galaxy S8 team will be under to deliver not just a successful phone, but a company-saving slice of wonder, it’s no surprise that DJ Koh and the rest of Samsung Mobile’s execu-

tive team will want not want to smother those working on the S8. Not that I think it will make a blind bit of difference to the volume of leaks and rumors that the internet will cover.

The Galaxy S8 is the natural firebreak in the company’s portfolio to move on from the Note 7 nightmare. The use of iris recognition is a great example. If all had went to plan it would be an evolutionary step, and ease the smaller S8 into the enterprise space following the Note 7's success.

Now the Galaxy S8 will have to make a revolutionary jump. Although iris recognition was promoted with the Note 7, that handset is going to be remembered for something else. While there may be a latent memory in tech circles, the S8 will have to do the heavy lifting and reintroduce much of the Note 7's advances as if it was the first time. Iris recognition will not be the last time the S8 faces this challenge.

The handset is going to have to be sold as revolutionary in many more areas than was planned if it’s going to successfully rebuild Samsung’s reputation.

Tesla releases video of fully autonomous Model X electric car It’s an impressive feat for a car that shows no visible signs of the typical paraphernalia required to pull off the stunt.

Google’s car, for instance, has a large spinning lidar on the top and various other visible signs of automation.

Musk said that the release of the video was the cause of Tesla’s delay announcing the inclusion of the eight cameras, 12 ultra-sonars and radar being embedded in each new Tesla car.

Tesla announced on Wednesday that from now on all of its electric cars will be built with the components required to turn them into fully autonomous vehicles at a later date. Now chief executive, Elon Musk, has re-

leased a video showing what that really means.

The video shows a Tesla Model X driving out of a garage, picking up a human driver – who is required to be in the driving seat for the car to legally self-drive in the

US – and then driving itself around some public roads, navigating junctions and highways before returning to a parking lot, letting out the human driver and then going off to park itself.

Talking about the video, Musk said: “When searching for parking, the car reads the signs to see if it allowed to park there, which is why it skipped the disabled spot.”

The Tesla chief execu-

tive also said that a software update to enable self-driving beyond what is currently enabled with the company’s Autopilot wasn’t possible because “retrofitting to full selfdriving hardware is very difficult. The cost delta [difference] is more than buying a new car. I wish it weren’t.”

Tesla has been bullish

on its ability to produced technically superior cars and update them with software giving them new features, including semiautonomous driving functionality, releasing its Autopilot software under a so-called beta tag.

This attitude, which is markedly different to traditional automotive

manufacturing, has ruffled feathers with some concerned about the release of unproven automation. Germany recently told Tesla to stop the use of the word Autopilot within its marketing and reminded existing Tesla owners that they must have full attention on the road at all times when behind the wheel, even with driving aids active.

The death in May of a Tesla driver using the company’s existing Autopilot systemalso prompted an investigation by safety regulators.

While self-driving cars are evidently capable of piloting themselves around public roads most of the time, the times when unpredictable situa-

tions occur and the cars must take action are still areas of concern. Legislation is also far behind allowing more than basic testing on public roads in most places, meaning self-driving cars owned and operated by members of the public are years away.

But with the announcement of the bundling of self-driving hardware into every new Tesla, and demonstrations of fully autonomous driving, the electric car company has placed another stake in the ground that could put it ahead of both technology companies such as Google and automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Mercedes and Audi.

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

P12 India rise to best FIFA rankings in 6 years New Delhi, Oct 20: The Indian football team achieved its best FIFA ranking in over six years when the side jumped 11 places to be 137th in the latest list released today.

India, who defeated 114th ranked Puerto Rico in an International Friendly in Mumbai in September, garnered 230 points for the month.

In August 2010, India were ranked 137th which stayed India's best ever FIFA Ranking since then.

National Coach Stephen Constantine sounded delighted but wasn't willing to read too much into it. "When I came over for my second stint, one of my tasks was to improve our FIFA Rankings. With the results which we have had so far, it is clear that we have succeeded," he told www.theaiff.com.

"It's been a total Team effort.

Unless Mr. Patel (AIFF President Praful Patel) and Mr. Das (AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das) allowed me to do the things and the manner I wanted it to be done, this won't have been possible ever," he stressed.

"But this is just the beginning of the long-term plan which we envisage for Indian Football. I am certainly not over the moon as I feel my Team can achieve much more," he stated.

India were ranked 171st when Constantine took over as National Coach for the second time in February last year and slipped to 173rd in March even before Constantine could have his first game in-charge against Nepal, which India eventually won 2-0 on aggregate.

Constantine mentioned about the impact the national team has made after reducing the average age from around 32 to 24. "We have been able to reduce the average age of the team from around 32 to 24 which is very significant indeed," he quipped.

"The AIFF Academies were set with a purpose and if you look at my Team, there is continuity. We have introduced so many youngsters from the AIFF Youth Development setup and also from the AIFF scouting network," he maintained. (PTI)

Succi’s goal scripts Chennaiyin’s India v New Zealand, 2nd ODI, Kotla: NZ first-ever win over NorthEast beat India by six runs despite Pandya heroics Guwahati, Oct 20 : Defending champions Chennaiyin FC won their second 2016 Hero Indian Super League game on the trot when they beat table-toppers NorthEast United FC 1-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.

Davide Succi’s goal in the 49th minute from the edge of box proved to be the difference between the two teams in a match attended by almost 33,000 passionate fans.

The opening few minutes were quite subdued with both teams being cautious off the blocks. The first real chance of the half came in the 16th minute when Baljit Sahni’s attempt at a cross clipped a defender through to Succi, who couldn’t capitalise on the loose ball collected by a diving Subrata Paul.

The 27th minute saw Siam Hanghal being brought down outside the box by Didier Zokora and the resultant free-kick by Maurizio Peluso wobbled its way to Paul, who did well to palm it away before Hans Mulder headed over the rebound.

The game sprung to life at this juncture with the Highlanders earning back-toback corners with one of them a free header put over

Club

New Zealand (243/9) beat India (236) by six runs

award:

Chennaiyin FC

Hardik Pandya scored 36 runs and combined for 49-run stand for the ninth wicket with Umesh Yadav

Player of the Match: Katsumi Yusa

Kane Williamson notched up his 8th ODI ton

Winning Pass of the Match: Siam Hanghal Chennaiyin FC edged past North East United in a thrilling match today.

by Gustavo Lazzaretti.

In a big blow to NEUFC’s hopes, Nicolas Velez had to limp off the field in the 38th minute. The final major chance of the half again went to Chennaiyin with Maurizio Peluso striking a dipping shot on goal off Baljit’s short corner but a diving Subrata again made a good save as both teams went in 0-0 at the break.

The deadlock was broken four minutes into the second half as Succi found the back of the net with a breathtaking volley from the edge of the box. Hanghal’s long ball was volleyed on the turn with Succi’s back initially towards goal. It left NorthEast’s fans stunned

as the Super Machans celebrated the Italian’s brilliance.

NorthEast pulled together quickly as Katsumi Yusa got past his man and turned in a low cross which seemed to be heading towards Holicharan Narzary but young Jerry Lalrinzuala somehow made the crucial interception to save the day. The Highlanders had another chance minutes later with Emiliano Alfaro through on goal. This time Bernard Mendy pulled out a crunching tackle to thwart the striker.

The game kicked into high gear with NorthEast giving it their all, earning a series of corners in the process. It seemed the home side would

Swift Moment of the Match: Jerry Lalrinzuala

ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Siam Hanghal Hero of the Match: Bernard Mendy equalize any moment but the Chennaiyin defence was resolute and held on to their one goal advantage with Alfaro wasting a couple of chances towards the end of the match. With their firstever win against the Highlanders, Chennai now move up to third in the standings with seven points from four matches.(Agencies)

Pakistan to Stage 'Fly-In, Fly-Out' T20 Final in Lahore Dubai, Oct 20: Pakistan will stage the 2017 final of their Twenty20 franchise league in Lahore but teams will fly in and fly out for the showpiece event in a sobering nod to the delicate security situation in the country.

Some 414 players were placed in the draft for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Wednesday, a list which included former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, West Indian stars Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, Australia's Shane Watson, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and England's Twenty20 captain Eoin Morgan.

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen will also take part, while the inclusion of Morgan is particularly noteworthy after he withdrew from England's ongoing tour of Bangladesh over security concerns.

HIGHLIGHTS

Match awards:

Pakistan Super League Draft 2016.

Five teams took part in the inaugural edition of the PSL which was held entirely in Dubai and Sharjah in February this year.

PSL chairman Najam Sethi announced on Wednesday that the 2017 final will be held in Lahore, the bustling city where the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by militants in

2009.

That outrage forced Pakistan to play their "home" matches at the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates with only a brief visit by Zimbabwe in 2015 snapping the isolation.

"The second edition of the PSL, again with five teams in competition, will be more successful and the final will be held in Lahore," Sethi announced at the draft ceremony.

"International players know what we can do; most of them are ready to come to Pakistan and play."

Sethi said top-level security will be put in place for the players.

"It will be a fly-in, fly out plan and the government has promised to give full security to the players. We are convinced that the final will happen in Lahore," he said.

McCullum said he was delighted to be playing in the PSL for the

first time.

"It's a great honour to be part of the PSL and I am sure with development plans in place this league will give Pakistan some very good players," said McCullum.

Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Sarfraz Ahmed said the tournament can impact on the national team's fortunes.

"From the first edition we unearthed a number of talented players like Mohammad Nawaz, Sharjeel Khan and Hasan Ali so it is the door for talented players to make their mark at international level," Ahmed told AFP. Pakistan's Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq led Islamabad United to the PSL title earlier this year.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a profit of $2.6 million (260 million rupees) from the first edition. (PTI)

New Zealand beat India by six runs

New Delhi, Oct 20: After his match-winning debut with the ball in the 1st ODI of the India v New Zealand series, Hardik Pandya stepped up with the bat scoring a vital 36 runs in the slog overs taking India close to the target of 243, but India fell agonising short by six runs as New Zealand won the 2nd ODI at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi on Thursday and levelled five match series 1-1 with three more matches to go.

Chasing a target of 243, India found themselves tottering at 184 of 8after the 41st over, before Pandya and tailender Umesh Yadav joined forces combining for a 49-stund run stand for the ninth wicket. The New Zealand bowling attack, otherwise disciplined, wilted under pressure even as Pandya and Umesh soaked in the immense pressure as they knocked the ball around, found gaps, converted ones in twos and managed to find that odd

boundary But the experience of Trent Boult and Tim Southee came through in tough time as they bowled marvellously well to deny India and take New Zealand to their first ever win at Kotla.

A target of 243 in ODIs these days generally is a walk in the park and if the team is India playing India, then more often than not they end up being the winning side. But if the match at Kotla, chasing down even 243 can get a bit tricky and on Thursday, against a disciplined NZ attack in the

New Zealand : Fall Of Wickets: 1-0 (MJ Guptill 0.2 ov), 2-120 (TWM Latham 20.3 ov), 3-158 (LRPL Taylor 30.6 ov), 4-204 (CJ Anderson 40.5 ov), 5-213 (KS Williamson 42.4 ov), 6-216 (L Ronchi 43.3 ov), 7-224 (AP Devcich 45.1 ov), 8-225 (TG Southee 45.5 ov), 9-237 (MJ Henry 49.2 ov)

India : Fall Of Wickets: 1-21 (RG Sharma 7.1 ov), 2-40 (V Kohli 11.4 ov), 3-72 (AM Rahane 18.4 ov), 4-73 (MK Pandey 19.2 ov), 5-139 (KM Jadhav 31.1 ov), 6-172 (MS Dhoni 39.3 ov), 7-180 (AR Patel 40.1 ov), 8-183 (A Mishra 40.5 ov), 9-232 (HH Pandya 48.5 ov), 10-236 (JJ Bumrah 49.3 ov)

Barcelona edged past Manchester Manchester City Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona punished 10-man Manchester City in the Champions League on Pep Guardiola's return to his old club.

HIGHLIGHTS Lionel Messi has scored 15 goals in his past 13 Champions League games against English opposition.

Manchester City suffered their heaviest Champions League defeat, conceding four goals for the first time.

Has Pep Guardiola's tactics got the better of him?

London, Oct 20: In an eventful night, Luis Enrique's men prevailed over Pep Guardiola's side.

Thanks to Leo Messi's hat-trick. The talismanic Argentine once again proved to be the difference. Just back from injury already he scored four goals. The score line of 4-0 might be little harsh on the visiting side unless you have watched the match on television. So what went wrong? Has Pep Guardiola's tactics got the better of him? Many pundits have raised question about his tactics he employed in his match against Luiz Enrique's side. Taking lessons from his defeat at the hands of Messi's masterclass at Camp Nou, Guardiola was ready this time. He had his tactics ready. Unlike his last semi final encounter against Barcelona with Bayern Munich he has consolidated his back four from the beginning, not allowing enough space for MSN to wreck havoc.

The Catalan coach seemed determined this time. His tactics this time were uncharacteristically not from

Pep Guardiola Pep's coaching manual.

The first half witnessed some rash fouls from Manchester City's players leading to regular interruptions of the game. Clearly the City's players were given instructions to get to the skin of Barcelona in whatever means. In the 28th minute, when Gerard Pique was deprived of space, he decided to take matters into his own hand, burst himself by running through two City players, only to be stopped rashly by a sliding tackle

from behind by David Silva. The tackle was harsh keeping in mind that Pique was running from Barca's box and nowhere expecting to threaten the goalkeeper. The Spanish defender was forced to withdraw due to the injury later Some feisty challenges committed by City. Some may argue this is the best way to get into the skin of Barca. It looked as if City players were keen to ock Barca by playing rough and pressing high.

Fernandinho was guilty of stopping Neymar by chopping him down inviting the referee to book him. To some extent, the plan worked. Pep Guardiola's men had their chances to make things in the first half. The best chance came from a set piece when John Stokes rose high and headed the ball wide off the near post in the 45 th minute. The script would have been different had Nolito, Gundogan and John Stokes found the back of the nets. No wonder, if any one the MSN tridents were in similar position they would have buried the ball into the back of the nets. Neymar found himself in a similar spot as Gundogan, who calmly sent the ball into the net pass the keeper. The only difference may be the class here. When asked was the plan working until the red card, the City boss remarked "We were there". Well, indeed it was a pretty even game until Claudio Bravo's moment of madness. Bravo tried to be too clever who came off his line mistiming his

pass. The goal keeper who was brought supposedly to have good feet cost the game once again. Well, that's why he is there for!!

Guardiola brought Bravo replacing fan favourite Joe Hart this summer to suit his style of possession based football. Much to the role of a modern day sweeper keeper, Bravo came off his line only to mistime the ball to Luiz Suarez. The striker tried lifting the ball to the net but Bravo puts his hands to block it. The referee immediately gave the Chilean the marching orders.

The match complexion changed thereafter with City reduced to 10 men.

It is very difficult to stop the rampaging Barca defending with 10 men and City had paid the price for it resulting into a humbling 4-0 defeat. For Pep Guardiola it might not be wrong to say that the Catalan's tactics backfired this time, but all is not lost yet for him.

Can he redeem himself from two weeks from now at the Emirates when they host Barcelona?

2nd ODI, India ended up short.

Kane Williamson's calm and composed 118 off 128 balls, despite minimal support from his fellow batsman, had helped NZ to 242 for nine, but the Kiwi skipper got good backing from his bowlers as they managed to chip away the Indian wickets at regular intervals.

India never really enjoyed an upperhand while batting, exemplified by the fact that India's best partnership was 66 runs that came for the fifth wicket between MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav. However, the duo got out at crucial junctures of the match and despite Pandya's valiant knock New Zealand emerged victorious in a thriller. (Agencies)

Messi's opening goal was the 100th in all competitions for him, Neymar and Luis Suarez combined in 2016.

Messi has scored more Champions League goals against English clubs than against sides from any other country.

London, Oct 20: City were competitive in the first half, but made far too many errors against a ruthless Barcelona revelling in Messi's return from injury.

A Fernandinho slip inside his own box put Messi clear for his first, then Kevin de Bruyne lost possession allowing Andres Iniesta to set up the Argentine for a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

The evening got worse for the visitors when goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was sent off for handling outside the box and minutes later Messi struck again.

Barcelona were also reduced to 10 men in the last 15 minutes as substitute Jeremy Mathieu was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Raheem Sterling, but by then the damage had been done.

Willy Caballero saved a late Neymar penalty, but the Brazilian scored from open play minutes later to complete a comprehensive win for the La Liga side.

The victory maintained Barcelona's 100% start in Group C and extended their lead over City to five points.

It was the first time City had conceded four times in the competition and another miserable return to the Nou Camp for Guardiola.

During his celebrated four-year tenure as Barcelona manager

the Catalan won 14 trophies, but he has now twice lost heavily to the Spaniards - the other defeat a 3-0 first-leg semi-final loss against Bayern Munich.

Messi's compatriot Sergio Aguero was only named on the substitutes' bench for City as Guardiola chose De Bruyne in the 'false nine' position, with Sterling, David Silva and Nolito in support.

If it was a surprising decision, the tactics were largely effective in the first half as City, crowding the midfield and pressing high, proved Barcelona's equal in terms of possession and passes and were undone by the sort of mistake it is impossible to protect against.

The visitors had chances of their own too. Nolito forced keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen into action, while John Stones should have headed home a wonderful Silva free-kick.

But City's fate was sealed before the hour when Bravo clumsily passed to Luis Suarez and, despite being outside the box, instinctively saved the striker's chip, leaving referee Milorad Mazic with little option but to send him off.

To add to City's woes, Pablo Zabaleta was forced from the field, the captain injured in the build-up to Bravo's sending-off and replaced by Gael Clichy.

City reverted to a three-man

Messi is now the top scorer in home games in Champions League history (50).

Pep Guardiola has conceded nine goals in three Champions League meetings with Barcelona since leaving the Catalan giants.

Barcelona has missed 11 of their 27 penalties taken in all competitions since the start of 2015-16. defence, but more goals followed.

The defeat adds to the team's first wobble of the Guardiola era with the Premier League leaders now without a victory in four matches and ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League on only goal difference.

Barcelona had yet to hit the heights of last season this term, but one reason for that was the recent absence of Messi with a groin injury.

The Argentine scored within three minutes of his La Liga return at the weekend, and in front of his old boss proved again what a magical player he is.

He ruthlessly took advantage of Fernandinho's slip and revelled in the space created by Bravo's sending-off. He scored from three of his four shots and also created chances for others.

It was Messi's weaving run that forced a panicked Aleksandar Kolarov to concede the penalty and then the Argentine put Neymar through for Barca's fourth.

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