Saturday, 19 nov 2016

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. II

PAGE 12

Issue 123

Dibrugarh, Saturday, November 19, 2016

CHIEF MINISTER PEMA KHANDU FLAGS OFF DIGITAL INDIA OUTREACH CAMPAIGN VAN

The morality of binaries

P3

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

PAGE 8

CASH NO CASH, ATM SEARCH, AND OTHER WEBSITES TO FIND AN ATM NEAR YOU

P6

P7

PO officials under scanner for siphoning off more than 50 lakhs In what appears of an apparent case of corruption at the level of governmental agencies, of late huge misappropriation of Postal transaction has been unearthed disheartening the poor depositor and farmer of both

Lohit and Namsai district.

According to the complaint, approximately a tune of more than 50 lakhs rupees was siphoned off by the Postal Authority.

In a written letter to the Chief Post Master General North – East Circle Shillong, the letter claims that 28 cases

of fraud occurred in the SubPostal Office of Chowkham in Namsai district where the then Ranjana Singh SPM has been alleged to be involved including her husband Balraj Singh PA Namsai Sub Office in manipulation of postal record. The complaint alleges that the official at the helm of affair has not furnished or

issued Postal Money Transaction or relevant Passbook of Time Deposit (TD), Postal Life Insurance (PLI), Recurring Deposit (RD) and Kisan Vikash Patra (KVP) respectively to the customers till day. About 12 customers have also lodged complaint to SDI Jairampur Superintendent of Postal. In spite of several

complaint and completion of 4 (four) months nothing tangible has come out and the higher authority has failed to take any action against the offender.

Meanwhile, the bereaved customers appeal the Postal Authority to intensify investigation and initiate stringent action against the unscrupulous officials.

Dibrugarh District Administration all set for Lakhimpur by-election A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 18

cmyk

With the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha by-election scheduled on Saturday, the Dibrugarh District Administration is leaving no stones unturned for

the smooth conduct of the election. Chabua assembly constituency in Dibrugarh district is one among the nine assembly segments of the Lakhimpur parliamentary constituency. The others are Majuli, Naoboicha, Lakhimpur, Dhakuakhana,

Dhemaji, Jonai, Doomdooma and Sadiya. Altogether 95 polling stations have been set up in Dibrugarh district. There are 1,35,705 voters under Chabua Legislative assembly constituency including 68,990 male and 66,715 female voters.

The total number of service

voters is 167.This time 5 candidates are contesting for the seat namely Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hema Hari Pegu (INC), Amiya Handique (CPI-ML), Hemkanta Miri (SUCI) and Dilip Moran (IND).The seat fell vacant after the incumbent MP Sarbanada Sonowal

resigned in May and took over as Chief Minister of the state following BJP’s landslide victory in the assembly polls.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Sarbananda Sonowal had won by a huge margin of 2, 92,138 votes against sitting Congress MP Ranee Narah.

Winter session of Parliament : Third Day

Demonetisation continues to stall Parliament PTI New Delhi, Nov 18

Parliament was stalled for the second consecutive day on Friday due to ruckus by the Opposition parties, which were demanding in the Lok Sabha a debate on demonetisation under a rule that entails voting and the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rajya Sabha for resumption of discussion on the issue.

No business could be transacted in both the Houses due to pandemonium.

In the Lok Sabha, the Congress and some other

Opposition parties pressed for a discussion on demonetisation under a rule, which entails voting, that too through an Adjournment Motion, which means suspension of all business.

Several notices were given by various Opposition leaders for discussion under the Adjournment Motion but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected these, saying a debate could take place otherwise.

Ruckus started soon after the House met for the day, with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge demanding that the issue of scrapping of Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 notes be discussed

through an adjournment motion and not the rule being proposed by the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government was willing to discuss the issue and there was no need to press for an adjournment motion.

As the din continued, the House was adjourned for nearly one hour till noon, minutes after it assembled.

When the House assembled again for Zero Hour, the Opposition again pressed for moving an adjournment motion.

Contd. on Page 4

cmyk

Bishnu Rana Tezu, Nov 18

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

P2 Dibrugarh District Administration all set for Lakhimpur by-election A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 18: With the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha by-election scheduled on Saturday, the Dibrugarh District Administration is leaving no stones unturned for the smooth conduct of the election.

Chabua assembly constituency in Dibrugarh district is one among the nine assembly segments of the Lakhimpur parliamentary constituency. The others are Majuli, Naoboicha, L a k h i m p u r , Dhakuakhana, Dhemaji, Jonai, Doomdooma and Sadiya.

Altogether 95 polling stations have been set up in Dibrugarh district. There are 1,35,705 voters under Chabua Legislative as-

sembly constituency including 68,990 male and 66,715 female voters. The total number of service voters is 167.This time 5 candidates are contesting for the seat namely Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hema Hari Pegu (INC), Amiya Handique (CPI-ML), Hemkanta Miri (SUCI) and Dilip Moran (IND).The seat fell vacant after the incumbent MP Sarbanada Sonowal resigned in May and took over as Chief Minister of the state following BJP’s landslide victory in the assembly polls. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Sarbananda Sonowal had won by a huge margin of 2, 92,138 votes against sitting Congress MP Ranee Narah.

HOROSCOPE Aries

This is the type of day you enjoy. The climate is positive and the energy is flowing. It's as though you have a magic wand. You give it a wave and - presto - the day's tasks and chores are done! By this evening, you've scarcely tapped your energy levels. Your family will be very happy to spend some quality time with you.

Taurus

If the world collapsed today, you wouldn't bat an eyelash. You're perfectly content sailing along on cloud nine! The source of your bliss could be that new person in your life. Are you passionately, intensely, wonderfully in love?

You can yield to the magic. Let it bring out the positive parts of your personality, but keep your wits about you all the same!

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

You may have had some emotional disappointments lately, but today will restore your faith in love. All you need to do is take action. Your amazing lucidity and realism keep you from hoping for the impossible. You'd rather go to work to attain your goals than dilly-dally with illusions. Indeed, you're more likely to get results from yourself than from other people.

Pisces

Mithun Baruah Makum, Nov 17: The 141th Birth Anniversary of National Hero Veer Birsa Munda was organised on 15 November at Makum Tea Estate Tiniali Margherita by activists of All Adivasi Students Association of Assam(AASAA) Tinsukia District Committee and 14 AASAA Regional Committees. The programme began with cutting of cake before the Statue of National Hero

Veer Birsa Munda by Joseph Budding Adviser of AASAA Tinsukia District Committee which was followed by lightning of lamps by Joseph Budding and other present AASAA Activists. After that, floral tribute was paid to the Statue of National Hero Veer Birsa Munda. Joseph Budding Adviser of AASAA Tinsukia District Committee in his speech said that Adivasi People living in Assam are still de-

prived of economic rights as compared to other communities of Assam. Many land of Adivasi people are encroached and the Assam Government is not serious about it. “ We demand that daily wages be Rs 330 a day to the workers of tea Industry of Assam but as of now no concrete steps have been taken,” opined Joseph Budding.“When Indian Government declared National Hero Veer Birsa

ET Correspondent Dibrugarh, Nov 18: The Naharani Army Camp of DAO Division organized Weapon Display as part of OP Sadbhavna at Sasoni Higher Secondary School.

Where students from class VI to XII came forward and acquainted themselves with various weapons used by the Indian Army. They also actively took part and asked several questions regarding the weapons and their functioning.

Officers of Naharani Army Camp, Principal and teachers of Sasoni Higher Secondary School were present during the event.

The Principal of Sasoni Higher Secondary School thanked Naharani Army Camp for organization of such event.

Mobile SBI ATM Van at Teok

Within the next few days, you're likely to gain access to dimensions of perception you never suspected, Sagittarius. Perhaps you will become aware of certain energy phenomena, peak experiences, or other highly sensitive states of consciousness. Don't be frightened. Instead, investigate what these worlds have to offer. What you learn will help you cope with your sensitivity.

Often fiery temperaments like yours are drawn to fight for great causes despite the better judgment of more down-to-Earth people.

Your optimism is likely to receive a little boost today, Aquarius. A memorable emotional encounter may be the source of some extra zeal.

Or you may derive great satisfaction from being part of a group. The nagging chores of daily life will be forgotten for today at least.

The outlook is nothing but positive!

Perhaps you should suspend your inhibitions for the day, Pisces, and let your dreams guide you.

For instance, you might imagine that the need to make any choices has vanished. Or you might grant yourself a vacation from daily chores. It would certainly be a relief. Who knows? You might conjure up some reality from the stuff of your dreams.

Civil society stages dharna against selling of land to land mafias ET Correspondent Jorhat, 18 Nov: In a move to show opposition against procurement of land by alleged land mafia, Krishak Sramik Unnayan Parisad resorted to dharna in front of DC court on Friday. . The dharna staged was against selling and procurement of agriculture land of historical Malou Pother of Jorhat for construction of educational institute.

Krishak Sramik Unnayan Parisad alleged that the two persons named Nitish Jain and Ram Avatar are under the scrutiny.

"Ram Avatar and Nitish Jain are the two land mafias, who are purchasing the land" said Pradeep Kalita, President of Krishak Sramik Unnayan Parisad. They also mentioned that the alleged land mafias had already bought 45 bighas of agricultural land of Malou Pathar and had already started the work of boundary wall.

"We are protesting the matter by taking twenty four hours of hunger strike" added Pradip Kalita. The organisation had also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonawal against selling of the historic land.

GOLF: IndianOil Servo Masters 2016

Customer Thanks to Bank Authority Delhi’s Honey Baisoya in action here at Digboi Golf Links on Friday morning.

Honey Baisoya stretches lead to six with tournament best 64, poised for back-to-back wins Breaks PGTI record for most eagles in a season

Your surroundings are currently changing, Virgo.

Perhaps your circle of friends has already undergone a major change. The fact is that you no longer have so many prejudices about the people you meet, and no longer seek only a certain type of person as a friend. You accept whoever comes along. You may not realize it, but your attitude is completely different now than it once was. Good for you!

Are you thinking of going into business for yourself, Scorpio? Being self-employed doesn't automatically mean you will have more freedom.

Of course, you will be your own boss, but you will also bear all the responsibility for the success or failure of your enterprise. If you quit, the whole thing will collapse. Think about it.

Base your decision on reality and not fantasy.

and five other ethnic tribes of Assam.

“All Adivasi Students Associations of Assam from its foundation onward have been fighting for the rights of Adivasi people of Assam and shall continue its fight and also request to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to Declare National Hero Veer Birsa Munda Birth Anniversary on 15 November as State Holiday,” said Ramanus lakra.

Students at an army weapon display programme at Sasoni HS School in Dibrugarh on Friday. Pic - Manoj Pandey

Something is currently compelling you to be more of a world citizen than usual, Leo. You may find this somewhat disturbing. You feel as though the roots of your identity, such as your family background and social standing, are dissolving little by little. Comfort yourself with the knowledge that your family is simply changing and expanding. It will stabilize again on another, higher plane.

Libra, you're demystifying the concept of talent. You used to look enviously at other people and think, "I wish I had a natural ability like that." Now you understand that the person who aroused your envy with is just someone who had the self-confidence to go to work and refine and develop an aptitude. It's a matter of hard work, belief in oneself, and bravery in the face of risk. You can do it, too!

Munda as Adivasi than why Assam Government wants to declare Adivasi People who are the original Adivasi people of our country as Tea Tribe Community, this is injustice and inhuman,” remarked Ramanus Lakra, President of AASAA Margherita Regional Committee. He slammed both BJP led Government at the Centre and State for u-turning the issue of Tribal Status to Adivasi People of Assam

Army camp of Naharani conducts weapon display

Put on your traveling shoes, Cancer. Fear of the unknown may have prompted you to postpone certain trips.

You claimed you were too busy, but no one really believed this, not even you. If an opportunity to travel presents itself today, don't pass it up. It's silly to avoid life.

As a result, you have great leadership potential that may emerge today. Your courage, enthusiasm, and vigor will be contagious when you climb onto your soapbox.

Aquarius

Unsung hero Veer Birsa Munda’s 141th Birth Anniversary celebrated

ET Correspondent Teok, 18 Nov: For the relax of the valuable customers of the Teok, State Bank of India Teok Branch today open a mobile ATM van to distribute Rupees parallel at

their bank. Teok SBI Branch Manager Mr. Inrdajeet Singh told The Eastern Today that the branch continue this ATM Mobile van for the benefit of the customers.

Today the ATM van dis-

tributes 1000 amount of loose notes per customer and parallel increase the amount as soon as possible. The customers of the Teok SBI thank the Bank authority for their special arrangement.

Cinema Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall

Screen-1 "DR STRANGE 3D " 1ST show at10:00 AM "SHIVAAY" 2ND show at 12:10 PM "AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL " 3RD show at 03:15 PM "DR STRANGE 3D" 4th show at 06:05 PM "SHIVAAY" 5th show at 08:15 PM

Laxman Sharma Digboi, Nov 18 : Delhi’s Honey Baisoya seems poised for back-to-back wins on the PGTI. The 20year-old who won in Shillong last week, stretched his overnight lead to a substantial six shots in round three of the IndianOil Servo Masters 2016 here at Digboi Golf Links after he fired the week’s best score of eight-under-64 at the Digboi Golf Links on Friday. Baisoya’s total stood at 18-under-198 on the penultimate day.

While, Delhi’s Kapil Kumar, Honey’s cousin, continued to occupy second place as a result of his threeunder-69 on day three of the Rs. 35 lakh event.

Honey Baisoya (67-67-64), the overnight leader by one stroke, continued his golden run on the PGTI as he came up with a fantastic 64 in the third round. Baisoya, currently placed fifth in the Rolex Ranking, converted three putts from 10 to 15 feet on the front-nine to register two birdies and an eagle.

Screen-2 "AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL" 1ST show at 09:30 AM "PAGLI" 2ND show at 12:30 PM "GAANE KI ANNE" 3RD show at 03:10 PM "PAGLI" 4TH show at 05:50 PM "AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL" 5TH show at 08:30 PM Tele booking timings: 9:00AM to 8:00 PM Tele booking No.: 8876565001/ 8876565002 (Terms & conditions apply)

Ticket Rates Rs. 100/ Rs. 150/Rs. 200/Rs.250/ Rs.300 MORNING SHOWS: Rs.80/Rs.130/Rs. 150/ Rs.200/Rs.250

Website: www.bookmyshow.com

Another birdie on the seventh and an eagle for the third straight day on the 14th, where he once again drove the green, helped Honey race away into a fiveshot lead even as his nearest rival Kapil stumbled with a bogey on the 13th.

The chip-in for birdie from the bunker on the 18th was the icing on the cake for Baisoya as it gave him a healthy six-shot advantage going into the final round.

Honey, who began the tournament as the eagle leader with 12 eagles to his name, has so far added five more this week, including two in round three, in the process taking his tally to 17 and breaking Rashid Khan’s previous record for most eagles in a season which was 15 in 2014.

Baisoya said, “I feel I’m in the zone right now and I want to make the most of my good form. I didn’t make any mistakes today and putted even better than the first two rounds. I’ve made some excellent recoveries to make birdies through the week and that trend continued with the birdie from the bunker on the last hole’” dding “The 14th has been a special hole for me. I’m driving it really well on that hole and drove the green for the third straight day today for a third eagle there in as many days. I was aware that I had 12 eagles at the start of the tournament but I didn’t know about the season’s record. Nonetheless, I set myself a target to make at least 16 eagles this year. As it turns out, the two eagles today helped me break the PGTI record for the season. It feels great to have achieved that.

“I tried to maximize my lead today in order to have an easier final round. However, I’m also happy for my cousin Kapil who is playing really well. We kept motivating each other through the round today. I will try to keep the intensity going in the final round but at the same time also wish Kapil

all the best for a good finish.”

Baisoya is now also poised to join Ashok Kumar as the only other player to win his first two titles on the PGTI in consecutive events. The other golfers who have back-to-back wins on the PGTI (but not their first two wins) are Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shamim Khan, Anirban Lahiri and Mithun Perera.

In the meantime, Kapil Kumar (66-69-69), four years senior to cousin Honey, mixed four birdies with a bogey for his 69 on day three. Kapil had some early birdies after he sank a 25-footer on the second and recovered well from the hazard on the third. He kept pace with Honey till the 12th but fell back after his bogey on the 13th. Kapil ended his day at 12-under204.

Gurgaon-based Manu Gandas, another youngster, was placed third at six-under-210 thanks to his third round of 69 while defending champion Shankar Das (71) of Kolkata shared fourth place with three-time champion Mukesh Kumar (73) of Mhow and Delhi’s Shivendra Singh Sisodia (69) at five-under-211.

However, Noida’s Rahul Bajaj carded an excellent 65 to close the day in tied seventh along with four others at four-under-212. The tournament underway would conclude on 20th next with Pro- AM event slated in the morning.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

P3

Arunachal Weightlifter made the nation proud A Staff Reporter Tokyo, Nov 18 : Kojum Taba has once again brought laurels to the nation by clinching three bronze medals in Tokyo, Japan, during the Asian Weightlifting

Championship.

Taba participated in the 85 Kg body weight category, and lifted Snatch of 144 Kg, Clean & Jerk of 184 Kg and total of 328 Kg The Arunachal

Weightlifting Association extended its heartfelt gratitude and congratulated Taba for enthusiastically taking part in the competition and winning laurels for the country.

On October 28 last, in the 85 kg weight category, Kojum emerged as the strongest man among all athletes of the Commonwealth countries by excelling all the attempts with

superb finishing of 146 and 184 kgs in Snatch and Clean & Jerk sections breaking his own records set during selection trail conducted by the Indian Weightlifting Federation.

Seminar on glorious 50 year of AIR Tezu held Bishnu Rana Tezu, Nov 18: Indian Public Service Broadcaster, All India Radio (AIR) Tezu has already entered 50 year of glorious service to the people and will attained complete 50 year of its service on 15th August 2017.

On this occasion a seminar was held here at the Amik Ringya Cultural Hall on Nov 16 highlighting gist and success of AIR Tezu where Dr. Abhay Kant Assistant Professor Pol. Science, Dr. Vijay Kumar Assistant Professor Rtd. Economic, Dr P K Nayak Associ-

ated Professor Pol. Science IGG College and M K Jha FPO as a resource person who in brief delivered on a topic ‘Children & Youth Programme, Women Programme, Spoken Word Programme (Talk, Interview and Discussions) and News Relay & News based Programme’.

While appreciating the AIR long ordeal of services, Danish Ashraf DC as a chief guest lauded the Radio pivotal role since time immemorial to disseminate quality news, educa-

tion and entertainment. He also asked the Head of the Departments to include every Central Sponsored Programme through the AIR to aware the public its importance and uses.

Potam Rangmang ZPC Lohit as a guest of honor also extolled the AIR Tezu in broadcasting local news, songs and other happening at interior Wakro circle.

Drawing attention of the audience, Anand Miyi Programme Executive said AIR Tezu is the second oldest station in Arunachal commissioned on

15th August 1967 with a dubious start at Lohit River site in strength of 350 Watt Collins Transmitter and later it was upgraded to 10 KW MW Transmitter shifted to permanent office site at the heart of the Township with adequate infrastructure with prime motive to safeguard the age – old culture of the tribal communities dwelling in the eastern most district, the AIR Tezu headquarter of undivided Lohit was commissioned on 12 February 1995. The AIR daily broadcasts Dialect programmes of

the tribes, National and regional news, talks, interviews and discussion pertaining to govt. policy, health, education, general awareness and entertainment programme. Citing tough geographical topography and old transmitter, Miyi informed recent install of 100 Watt FM Transmitter to cater quality service.

ITBP official, Head of Departments, Gaonburas, PRI member, VKV Principal with student from Tezu and general public participated in the daylong event.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu flags off Digital India Outreach Campaign Van ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 18 : Setting a milestone for an IT revolution in the State, Chief Minister Pema Khandu today flaggedoff the Digital India Outreach Campaign Van in presence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries and top government officials.

The Chief Minister appealed his legislator colleagues to extend full cooperation and support to the Outreach Campaign Van while on mobile throughout the State.

The Digital India Programme under the initiative of Prime Minister, Govt. of India, has launched various Digital India program/ products to provide several government services to the people using IT and to integrate the government departments and the people of India.

To popularise these programs and to sensitize the masses of such products and programs so

that services and benefits reaches the real beneficiaries, an Outreach programme has been conceptualized. The objective is to create awareness and sensitize people and citizens on this various products/ programs that was launched under Digital India programmes by Government of India in July 2015.

The Chief Minister welcomed this noble program initiated by

PM Narendra Modi in the State and announced to take the responsibility of carrying forward the great work ahead.

The campaign will reach out to people in rural and semi urban areas and explain the target group by explaining the benefits and details of the services offered under e-Governance, Healthcare, e-Commerce etc.

For the success of the Digital

India in its true sense it is important that population in rural areas who have been deprived of the IT revolution are aware of the benefits and avail the services without any hassles and concern, said the Chief Minister.

Outreach Campaign is a van based mobile display/ exhibition unit with Audio visual, IEC material. Van will travel

for around 10-15 days in a particular district depending on the population coverage. The van will carry out rural outreach campaign in Gram Panchayats, Post offices, CSC, Schools, Business Correspondents, SHGs, Haats across Districts, Sub- Districts and villages.

An agency M/s Jagran Solutions has been selected to execute this campaign to conduct registration drive for DI services such as Aadhaar, Digital Locker, CSC-G2C services, Scholarship portal, MyGov and Volunteer Management System. Along with this, the IT department has also included display of eServices of the various successful State run eGovernance projects.

All District Administrators has been informed with District wise timeline route plan to coordinate accordingly and extend all administrative support necessary, said the Chief Minister.

NCP condemns Chinese Embassy’s denial of Visa to Bamang Togo ET Bureau Itanagar 18th November: The state Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today strongly condemn Chinese Embassy in Delhi on denial of visa to Bamang Tago Secretary of Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) being a domicile of Arunachal Pradesh, Togo was nominated as manager of Indian Badminton team for the Thaihot China Open 2016 in Fuzhou for ongoing China Super Series Premier badminton tournament.

The state NCP sharing the

Eviction drive in ZiroHapoli Ziro, Nov 18 : An eviction drive was carried out in Ziro- Hapoli Township to remove hoardings and other objects within the distance of 100 meters from the national highway that are likely to obstruct driving or distract drivers.

Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen has issued similar orders to ADC Raga and Yachuli to remove such structures to facilitate smooth driving and avoid accidents.

The eviction drive was carried out by Town Magistrate EAC Mobia Tai and CO Bengia Yakar, along with police personnel and ALCs. (DIPRO)

deep sense of disappointment on the denied of visa to Shri Bamang Tago by the Chinese embassy who was to lead a 14-member Indian team including players and officials on the invitation of Fuzhou Municipal Sports Bureau to participate in the Thaihot China Open 2016 in Fuzhou, Cangshan District in Fujian province from 15th November 2016 onwards, the denied of visa to Tago is totally discrimination to the people of Arunachal Pradesh by the Chinese govt.

This is not for the first time

that Arunachalee sportsperson has been denied visa by China. Earlier on several occasions Chinese issued stapled visa to Arunachalee citizen who wished to visit China. India does not recognize stapled visa and therefore do not allow them to travel. In the past too, the embassy had issued stapled visas to many dignitaries, officers and sportspersons, including former Arunachal assembly speaker T L Rajkumar in 1983. Senior IAS officers Ganesh Koyu, Tape Bagra and Tajom Taloh,

legislator C P Namchoom were issued stapled visas in 2007, and sportsmen Langkung Marik, Likha Tara, Likha Lej, Tage Saa and Rei Yadi in 2011, shooter Pemba Tamang in 2010 and Indian Weightlifting Federation joint secretary Abraham K Techi and weightlifter Yukar Sibi in 2011, besides two archers from the state - Yumi Sorang and Maselu Mihu who were on their way to take part in the World Archery Championships at Wuxi in China in 2013.

The State NCP taking seri-

ous concerned on the Chinese government for politicizing the visa appealed the Govt. of India to take up the issue with Chinese counterpart to end this visa imbroglio to delivers justice to the people of Arunachal Pradesh in particular and India as a whole.

The issue of Arunachal Pradesh remains unsettled because of the territorial dispute between India and China which has put the future of the Indigenous people of Arunachal in uncertainty.

Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy Concludes with special Praise and Thanksgiving at Miao Diocese Felix Anthony Miao, 18 Nov: The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy declared

by Pope Francis last year came to a solemn conclusion with praise and thanksgiving to God at Miao on 17 November 2016.

The Diocese of Miao situated in the extreme north eastern corner of India in Arunachal Pradesh, responded to Pope Francis’ call to celebrate the year 2015 as Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, with pilgrimages, seminars on theme Mercy, conventions on Divine Mercy, 24 Hours for the Lord, and Divine Mercy Prayer Chain across the eight district of east Arunachal Pradesh.

There were animations for youth, children, women, catechists, Women Religious and Priests in the eight districts under the Diocese of Miao.

The closing ceremony of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in Miao Diocese took place at Christ the Light Shrine, Miao, where the Holy Door of Mercy was installed.

Speaking to the faithful gathered for the closing ceremony,

Bishop George of Miao Diocese, said the year of mercy has indeed been a year of blessing for all of us. “We close the celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy today, but we do not close our heart to be merciful”, he said. “The success of this great event of the Church depends mostly on what we do from now on. Let us be merciful just like our Heavenly Father is Merciful.”

The people gathered for the closing ceremony praised and thanked God for the mercy

shown unto them. This year has been a year of renewal for me and my family, said Mr. Somlung Mossang, a Catholic leader from Miao.

“We made pilgrimage – something we never did before.

There were opportunities for confession on several occasions, and all the seminars on convention on Mercy made me and my family spiritually stronger”, he said.

We thank God and our Pope Francis for this Jubilee of

Mercy, said Mrs. Lamati, the Women Secretary of the Diocese of Miao. “We are grateful to our Bishop for the various events on Mercy organized in our Diocese. We hope to be merciful always in the coming day just like our Heavenly Father has shown his mercy through Jesus Christ”, she added.

The Jubilee of Mercy has brought in so much renewal and spiritual strength to Miao Diocese, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary as Diocese.

All set for Hayuliang Bye-Election A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 18 : The election machinery is all geared up to conduct the byeelection for 45-Hayuliang (ST) Assembly Constituency between two women candidates, Dasanglu Pul from Bharatiya Janata Party and independent candidate Yompi Kri on November 19.

The election campaign for 45-Hayuliang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election ended on November 17 and according to a press statement from the state Chief Electoral Office, all polling personnel are well trained and ready to

move to their respective polling stations to conduct the election.

All polling parties have taken their positions on the evening of November 18.

Sufficient police forces have also been deployed in Anjaw district and the Ministry of Home Affairs has provided two companies of CAPF to ensure peaceful election.

The two observers deputed by the Election Commission of India are stationed at Hayuliang. The DEO/ RO of Anjaw district and the General Observer deputed by the Election Commission of India

are also women.

Women polling stations and model polling stations have been set up in the constituency and an amount of Rs 21, 56,000 has been seized till date, along with 10.7 cases of IMFL, 17 cases of beer and 19.5 pieces of opium.

The state Chief Electoral Officer has appealed to all eligible voters to cast their votes without any fear and requested to report any difficulties that may arise to the election machinery immediately for necessary action.

Galo students' Union meets PS for Land Management over encroachment ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 18 : Galo Students’ Union (GSU) president Binya Ronya, general secretary Kenge Lomi and former GSU adviser Gokar Basar called on Parliamentary Secretary for Land Management, Gojen Gadi at his official residence today to discuss various issues regarding rampant encroachment in and around government schools.

Terming the matter serious, the GSU team requested Gadi to issue effective directives from his office to all DCs and DLRSOs to conduct demarcation of land of all government schools of Arunachal Pradesh in general and Galo-inhabited areas in particular to ensure a concrete boundary line.

The union also suggested that if the state government takes necessary initiative to collect revenue from ven-

dors and inhabitants in and around school premises, it could be a good revenue generating source for the state.

Appreciating GSU’s approach and view Gadi assured the GSU that he will try his best and take necessary initiative from his end.

Gadi also expressed hope that the state government under the leadership of Pema Khandu will be able to curb the encroachment issue.

E-Office Training Programme for Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 18 : In an another attempt to make the state completely digital savy, Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh at Civil Secretariat, Itanagar inaugurated the , e-Office Training Programme for all Hon’ble Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries at the HCM Conference hall, Civil Secretariat.

The Department of IT & C is committed to make the entire Civil Secretariat paperless by the end of this year as per cabinet decision held in meeting dated 20.08.2016.

The e-office Mission Mode Project has been taken up by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG), Govt of India in order to improve efficiency in government processes and service delivery mechanisms. NIC(National Informatics Centre) is the technology partner of DARPG for implementing e-Office MMP. e-Office is aimed at increasing the usage of work flow and rule based file routing, quick search and retrieval of files and office orders, digital signatures for authentication, forms and reporting components. e-Office framework (Premium version) presently consists of e-File, e-Leave, e-Tour, Knowledge Management Sys-

tem , Personnel Information System, Collaboration & Messaging Systems.

The product is based on the Central Secretariat Manual on e-Office Procedures (eManual) based on the Central Secretariat Manual on Office Procedures. e-Office is not merely an initiative for office automation but also a highly citizen oriented reform. As a result of eOffice, the offices would have less paper work, and the ambience of the office will substantially improve. The delays in the movement of papers and files will be greatly reduced.

The common citizen will get much better services from the Government Departments, and will also find the atmosphere pleasing and welcoming.

In Arunachal Pradesh, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu inaugurated e-Office by signing an e-file for Dept of IT & Communications on 16th Aug-2016. Simultaneously, the Department of Information technology, Administrative Reforms and Personnel were on-boarded in eOffice.

Further, a decision has been taken in Cabinet Meeting on 20th Aug-2016 to implement eOffice across all the Departments in the secretariat by the end of Year-2016 as a part of e-Governance initiatives to usher in paperless and transparent governance practices in

the State.

Accordingly, Department of IT & Communications as per the direction of Chief Secretary, GoAP in collaboration with NIC has organized training for all Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries and their PS/ PA on 18th Aug-2016 followed by tentative training for departmental users of all Departments from 22nd Nov’2016 to January 2017.

Further to this, Arunachal is amongst one of the first states in the country to incorporate e-sign as part of e-office. Esign includes Aadhar based Digital Signature and doesn’t require any USB dongle. One can do e-sign from any platform and any device easily.

The first digitally signed orders regarding implementation of eoffice were issued by all the Hon’ble Ministers present during the training.

On this occasion the Hon’ble CM appreciated the efforts of the NIC team and Department of IT to deploy e-office in all the Departments of Secretariat.

He also instructed all HODs to ensure that immediately post completion of the training, all new files are moved only in eoffice system. The Department of IT has issued a complete schedule of training for all the officials of various departments of Secretariat.

DMO conducts Health camp at Lazu village in Khonsa ET Bureau Khonsa, 18 Nov: A medical team led by Dr. N.Lowang, DMO along with Dr. O.Taggu, DVBDCPO, Dr. R.Robo, MD, Dr. Foren Aran, Mo i/c Lazu PHC and Medical Staff conducted Health Camp at Lazu village wherein an Awareness Campaign cum Health check up with free distribution of medicines was conducted on 16th Nov’2016 amidst huge gathering of patients, Chief, GB, PRIs members, public leaders and villagers of Lazu and nearby villages.

While interacting with the gathering DMO Dr. N. Lowang said in case of suspected malaria- to visit nearest hospital for malaria test and anti malaria medications which is freely available in the hospitals addressing the gathering, Dr. N. Lowang emphasized on the importance of early consultation, diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses along with proper hygiene maintenance at home as well as in the village level. She appealed to the Raja, GB, PRIs member, churches members and youths to be pro active in spreading the health awareness and better acceptance of various vaccinations and modern medications by the villagers During the awareness meeting, amidst a huge gathering,

doubts and fears regarding many diseases particularly jaundice was clarified by Dr.Roto Robo, MD, GH Khonsa adding that jaundice is not a disease by itself but it causes by various other reasons like unhygienic life style, viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, liver disease, toxic substances etc.

Mild jaundice is a self limiting condition and subsides on proper diet, rest and hydration.

However, jaundice causes by liver diseases, hepatitis (B, C, and D), malaria need specific investigation and proper treatment. The fear and misconception of IV Fluid /saline and injections was clarified.

He reiterated that there is no role of local treatment by Donggi baba or Jharphuk baba in jaundice.Infact, it is detrimental to the health of the patient and many a times patient succumbs to kidney and multi organ failure due to local treatment.

He said that typhoid is caused by bacteria which spread through contaminated food and water. So, early diagnosis, treatment and prevention can avert untoward complications.

Dr. Robo appealed to the gathering not to be a self proclaimed doctor by testing blood at laboratory by them and not to be misguided by laboratory reports and its misinterpretations by lab techni-

cian and self medicine through pharmacies without doctor’s consult.

It was followed by Dr. O.Taggu’s speech on malaria.

He told about the signs and symptoms, early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of malaria.

It was followed by a Health Camp in which 100 Patients were screened. Common Illnesses complaints were headache, joint Pain, viral fever, upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Diarrhea, Hypertension etc. Out of which 10 patients with fever were tested Malaria negative (By RDT Kit). And patients were distributed free medicines.

None of the above patients were very serious at the time of examination.

Mild cases that go to the quakes for treatment get healed by this self limiting process and people have the misconception that they have been treated by these quakes. So, even serious cases go to the quakes and in no time they become fatal and get admitted in the hospitals at the last stage and succumb to the disease and die. So, she emphasized that they should attend the Govt.

Health facilities whenever they suffer from any kind of ailments and going to the quakes should be totally discouraged

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

P4

ADSU demands stern action Chief Minister Sarbananda against corrupt officials Sonowal advocates strong action ET Correspondent, Haflong Nov 18: Demanding a stern action against Rupom Dibragede, sub-Inspector, FCS&CA, Dima Hasao, Haflong, and his accomplice Babu Chetri, Chairman, Zion LAMP for corrupt practices, the All Dimasa Students Union (ADSU),Haflong, Dima Hasao warned to launch a vigorous agitation against such officials so that development, peace and harmony could get a chance to prevail in the district for long, disclosed Uttam Langthasa, Gen. Secretary,All Dimasa Students Union (ADSU) in a press meet held at ADSU office on Friday.

He said that of late, menace of corruption has increased in our district to a great extend causing a lot of inconvenience to the common masses of the district as a whole.

The All Dimasa Students’ Union has been fighting against corruption since long for the benefit of local

against illegal encroachment

people.

Recently, we the members of ADSU caught one Rupom Dibragede, sub-Inspector, FCS&CA, Dima Hasao, Haflong, redhanded while he was illegally distributing NFSA rice in huge quantity without any official order. It is again learnt that Dibragede has allegedly stored PDS item in a rented house at Zion

Village where the building of LAMP is lying incomplete. Now the question is as to how he issued licence to the Zion LAMP since the building remained incomplete.

It was not a single case of irregularities against Dibragede, the Govt. FP Shops Association, Maibang sub-Division had earlier lodged complaint

against Dibragede for his gross irregularities to the Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Assam who had also instructed the Principal Secretary, N C Hills Autonomous Council to cause an enquiry and submit the report at an early date, but surprisingly, the PS(T) was yet to submit the report till date he added.

‘Evening with a Doctor’ program at Guwahati Press Club on 19 November A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 18 Nov: The city based Wintrobe Hospital will conduct the next ‘Evening with a Doctor’ program at Guwahati Press Club on 19 November 2016. Dr Nitin Gupta (Urology) from the centre for advanced urology & kidney diseases will be available

for free consultations to the GPC members along with their close relatives from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Earlier Dispur Hospitals conducted the last Saturday evening clinic at press club, where Dr Raj Dutta (Medicine) from the well-known private healthcare institu-

tion offered free consultation to over 25 participants.

Staff-nurse Puja Missong and Pratima Lahkar assisted the physician in the clinic on 12 November, where the participants also got their blood pressure checked.

The 26 November camp will witness the presence of

Winter session of Parliament : Third Day

Demonetisation continues to stall Parliament Contd. from Page 1 But the Speaker rejected all the notices. Both Mr. Kharge and Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyay insisted that the debate be taken up through an adjournment motion.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister once again urged the Opposition to take up the debate under Rule 193 which does not entail voting and a formal motion.

Mr. Kumar said the Opposition should not “run away” from a debate and maintained that it was up to the Chair to decide under which rule the discussion will take place.

As part of their Zero Hour references, Meenakshi Lekhi and Gajendra Singh Chauhan (both BJP) raised the issue of remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday linking deaths due to demonetisation crisis to the killings in the Uri terror attack.

The remarks were expunged on Thursday night itself.

The two BJP members slammed Mr. Azad for the statement and demanded that a resolution be passed against him and he should be asked to apologise in writing.

As differences persisted and the Opposition continued to raise slogans like Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao and Vijay Mallya kahan gaya, the House was adjourned for the day.

In the Rajya Sabha where a debate took place on demonetisation for six hours on Wednesday, the discussion could not resume even on Friday as the Congress and some other Opposition parties insisted on presence of the Prime Minister.

The House also saw a clash between the Congress and the BJP members as the ruling side raked up Mr. Azad’s controversial comments and demanded apology from the Congress.

Slogans and counter-slogans

in the Upper House forced its adjournment, first till 11.30 a.m., then till noon, then till 12.33 p.m., after that till 2.30 p.m. and finally for the day.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, BJP members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Mr. Azad for his remarks.

Congress members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding presence of the Prime Minister and an apology from him as well as the government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation.

The AIADMK members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Mr. Azad’s statement had given a message to the country that the Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why it was so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt black money hoarders.

Mr. Kurien persuaded the AIADMK and the Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues.

But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raising slogans, the Congress members too were back in the Well, shouting slogans.

Mr. Kurien said Treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. “If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt,” he said.

But the din continued,

forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 11.30 a.m.

There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both the BJP and the Congress members again started raising slogans.

While the Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing at their places.

As the slogans and counterslogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon.

After repeated adjournments, when the House met again at 2.30 p.m., Opposition members continued to create ruckus.

Congress leader Anand Sharma accused the government of not wanting the House to run and for “destroying the poor” with his policies.

In the melee, the Deputy Chairman asked the MPs to introduce the Private Member ’s Bill amid continuous sloganeering by the opposition and treasury benches.

Prior to this, he read out a decision by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on a private member’s bill for special package to Andhra Pradesh after its reorganisation, moved in the last session Congress member K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao. The Bill was referred to the Speaker to ascertain whether it was a money bill and whether it can be introduced in the Upper House. However, Mr. Kurien’s statement could not be heard in the din.

Independent MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar moved his Bill to declare any country as state sponsor of terrorism and withdraw economic and trade relations with such country and to create legal, economic and travel sanctions for citizens of that country.

Following continuous uproarious scenes, Mr. Kurien adjourned the House till Monday.

Dr Madan Mohan Reddy, senior consultant on orthopedic surgery from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. The participants will get free consultations on various ailments like back pain, neck pain, knee pain, major fractures, arthritis or requiring knee & hip replacements etc.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 18 Nov: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has advocated strong action against illegal encroachment and directed all the Deputy Commissioners to collect detail information about encroached land for eviction while interacting with them through video conference today. The Chief Minister further asked the DCs to apprise the State Government about the status of Land Bank in each district within one week for creating congenial environment for rapid industrialization and investment in the state.

Underlining the need for timely and effective initiatives for improving the life of the tea garden workers, the Chief Minister further instructed the Deputy Commissioners to take steps for setting up of ATMs in each Tea garden of the State.

Sonowal also stressed on proactive measures for financial inclusion of the tea garden community and spoke about house to house visit by Customer Service Providers of different Banks for opening of accounts voluntarily under Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana in uncovered areas.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon the need for raising the awareness of the tea garden community on various Government Programmes and directed the Deputy Commissioners to implement awareness activities.

Chief Minister Sonowal also directed the Deputy Commissioners to celebrate the Lachit Divas and Asom Divas in a befitting manner. The Chief Minister also asked the Deputy Commissioners to regularly monitor markets to check price rise and take steps for plantation of Me-

dicinal Plants in every Government office.

Sonowal also directed the Revenue and Disaster Management Department to release Rehabilitation Grants to the Deputy Commissioners within 10 days to facilitate quick disbursal of the same amongst beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam Vinod Kumar Pipersenia and other senior officials of State Government were present in the Video Conference.

Science Academies Lecture Workshop on “Emerging Trends in Chemical Sciences” ET Correspondent Tezpur, Nov 18: Over one hundred and fifty students along with faculty members from various universities stepped away from their busy schedule to attend the Science Academies Lecture Workshop on “Emerging Trends in Chemical Sciences” that was organized by the Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University with a three day programme from November 11. The Lecture Workshop was sponsored by the Joint Science Education Panel of the three science academies

viz. Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), National Academy of Sciences, India(NASI).

The inauguration ceremony of the Lecture Workshop was held in the morning of 11 November 2016 at the Council Hall of Tezpur University. The ceremony was graced by welcoming remarks from the Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Prof.Asim Jyoti Thakur. The Convener of the Lecture Workshop, Prof.

M. Palaniandavar and dis-

tinguished invited speakerProf.Brindaban C. Ranu addressed the gathering.

On the first day of the Lecture Workshop, Prof.Brindaban C. Ranu (FASc, FASc) from IACS, Kolkata delivered two lectures on Green Chemistry while Prof.Pradyut Ghosh (FASc and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardee 2015) delivered two lectures on Molecular Machines. The lectures on the other daysweredelivered byProf.

M. Palaniandavar (FNA, FASc, FRSC)

fromBharathidasan University,Prof.

R. Murugavel (FNA, FASc, FRSC) from IITBombay, Prof. T. Punniyamurthy (FASc, FRSC) IITGuwahati, Prof.Arun Chattopadhyay (FASc, FRSC) from IIT Guwahati, Dr. D. Ramaiah(FASc), Director CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat and Dr. M. Velusamyfrom NEHU. With attentive and aspiring students, experienced teachers and an overall knowledge cultivating environment, the workshop ended successfully.

Guwahati BSF organises Workshop for strengthening the capacity of media in Haflong Blood Donation Camp

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 18 Nov: Personnel of Border Security Force, Guwahati, CH CAPF, patgaon, Guwahati &1st Bn NDRF organized a Blood Donation Camp, here at Patgaon, on the eve of “BSF Raising Day2016”,on 18th Nov 2016 from 0930 hrs to 1330 hrs, in Guwahati.

The programme, organized in association with the Zonal Office of HDFC Bank, Guwahati, and Blood Bank of GMCH, guwahati was inaugurated by Sh A K Singh, DIG/PSO, BSF Guwahati Ftr, Sh S K Maghu, DIG(Ops), Sh Daniel Adhikari, DIG BSF, Dr Prasun Maiti, CMO(SG), Dr Jaideep Chakraborty, CMO(SG), Dr K B Singh, CMO(SG), NDRF, Sh Santanu Kalita, Manager, HDFC Guwahati zonal office, Dr Ghanashyam Thakuria, GMCH in the presence of

other senior officers and BSF/NDRF personnel, by lighting of the lamp. Sh A K Singh, DIG/PSO, BSF Guwahati Ftr addressed the audience comprising of Officers, SOs, ORs of BSF, CH CAPF & 1st Bn NDRF, alongwith their families and thanked all volunteers for donating their blood which will help needy citizens to save their precious lives .He exhorted all present in the event to voluntarily come forward to donate blood as the requirement of blood to needy persons in India is immense and as a force personnel besides contributing to the security of the nation, we can also contribute to the health of the nation by this act of kindness. He also thanked HDFC Bank for sponsoring this noble event.

The programme ended very successfully, during which 74 donors of BSF & NDRF voluntarily donated their blood.

Guwahati Baptist Church is accepting Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes ET Bureau Guwahati, 18 Nov: At a time when news of desperation and despair in the wake of demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are doing the rounds, a 19th century church in Guwahati has provided the much-needed succour to people by putting humanity over currency.

Playing the Good Samaritan, the Guwahati Baptist Church is accepting Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from people looking to buy wooden coffins in their hour of grief. Going a step further, it is also providing these boxes free of cost to those who are not in a position to afford one. Sunil Sarkar, who runs a small carpentry shop inside the church premises, is trying to ensure that no coffin buyer returns dis-

heartened. The church, only provider of coffins to Christians in the city, on Thursday sold one for Rs 3,000 (old notes) to an eager buyer whose relative had passed away at a city hospital. "For the sake of humanity, we are accepting old currency notes. We know it will be a lengthy process when we deposit the notes at the bank. But we are not thinking about it right now," said Azizul-Haque, pastor of Guwahati Baptist Church. The church is an important bastion for the Assamese, Bodo, Garo and other indigenous Christian communities in the city. Its history can be traced back to 1829 when David Scott, the then British commissioner, requested the British Missionary Society to start a mission centre in Guwahati.

Arunachal Governor condoles the demise of former Assam Governor ET Bureau Itanagar, 18 Nov: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri V. Shanmuganathan has expressed grief on the sudden demise of former Governor of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir Lt General S.K. Sinha.

Conveying heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the

Governor said that Lt General Sinha was known for his military acumen, commitment to the people and down-to-earth attitude. He made immense contribution towards the nation in various capacities during his long and distinguished career. Lt General Sinha was the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh from 17th May 1999 to 1st August 1999.

ET Correspondent Haflong, November 18: The department of Information and Publication in Dima Hasao organised a two day workshop for the working journalists, camera person and aspiring journalists of the district.

Guwahati based journalist, Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Assistant Editor of The Indian Express delivered training as one of the resource persons during these two days programme.

Another renowned resource person was Subhamoy Bhattacharjee and Pradipta Kumar Debsharma. Subhamoy Bhattacharjee is a photo journalist and assistant manager, Awareness for Conservation Wildlife Trust of India and cameraperson Pradipta Kr. Debsharma works with Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati. The participants

were taken on an early morning practical exercise to get a better grasp of understanding with the work with their still and video cameras.

It is worth mentioning that such kind of workshop was held for the first time in the district to sensitise the role of media persons as well as the students who aspire to pursue in the field. In the two days workshop subjects such as, ‘ What makes News’, ‘Why to focus on Development News’,

‘Reporting for TV and basics of TV news’, ‘Making short docu-features’, ‘Making people and places look good’ etc were covered.

The workshop brought together around fifty numbers of participants all together who were given certificates during the valedictory session. The effort of the department for such activity has been lauded by the trainers as well as the media fraternity of Dima Hasao.

Chief Minister directs dept to issue notice to people and organisation illegally encroaching the properties of the Assam Board of Wakf A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 18 Nov: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed the Minority Welfare Department to make a survey of the existing properties in possession of the Assam Board of Wakf. The survey has been ordered so that a clear estimate of the encroached lands of the Board and obtainable revenue from the Board’s properties can be made. In a meeting held in the Chief Minister’s conference room today for reviewing different activities of the Minority Welfare Department Chief Minister Sonowal directed the department to issue notices to the people and organisations illegally encroaching the properties of the Wakf Board.

Chief Minister Sonowal also directed the Minority Welfare Department to take necessary steps for setting up of a model school campus having

all modern educational facilities to uplift the religious and linguistic minorities of the state. Sonowal said that apart from containing facilities for modern education system, sports and culture, the school should also offer different skill trainings and other professional courses for holistic development of the students belonging to minority communities.

Sonowal also directed the Minority Welfare Department to identify a proper place and prepare a budget proposal for setting up a Haj Bhawan containing all modern amenities in the city. The plan for the Bhawan should have facilities for car parking, lodging and food catering service, Sonowal said. He also asked Minority Welfare Department officials for taking suggestion of intellectuals, educationists, social thinkers of the minority community for the same. On the

other hand he also directed a proper investigation of the 6.5 crore rupees fund anomaly in the construction of existing of the Haj Bhawan in the city.

Chief Minister also urged government officials to sincerely implement the schemes meant for the development of minorities of the state so that the motto of “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikash” can become a reality in the truest sense.

The government would not tolerate any lapse in implementation of minority welfare schemes, he reiterated.

Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Lohia, Commissioner and Secretary of the Minority Welfare Department Rajesh Prasad, Secretary to the Chief Minister Solanki Vishal Vasant were present in the meeting among others.

7th Assam Pay Commission submits report A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 18 Nov: The much awaited 7th Assam Pay Commission submitted its report to the State Government on Friday. Chairman of the Commission PP Verma submitted the report to Chief Minister

Sarbananda Sonowal. Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present there. Besides the Chairman, four Members namely Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, Secretary to the Government of Assam, Personnel Department Tapan

Sharma, Kameshwar Laskar, Professor Dilip Baruah, Member Secretary Simanta Thakuria as Secretary to the Government of Assam, Finance Department and Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Lohia were also present at the event.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

NORTHEAST

Media houses halt publication of morningers in Imphal Imphal, Nov 18: Imphalbased print media today halted publication of daily papers from Imphal following acute shortage of currency for exchanges with the hawkers, as the burden of the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes continued to have its impact on various sectors including the fourth estate.

Seeking an alternative arrangement, from the side of the government, a sitin-protest was also jointly organised by the All Manipur Newspaper Sales and Distributors Association and All Manipur Newspaper Publishers Association at Keisampat area at the heart of Imphal town today.

General Secretary Ajit Wangkhemcha of All Manipur Newspaper Sales and Distributors Association told PTI the resolution to stop publication of daily papers was taken during a meeting at the office of the

Not just the hawkers, morning subscribers are facing much hardship in terms of returning change as well as depositing it to the bank. daily newspaper Huyen Lanpao last night.

The meeting was held after certain banks in Imphal refused to accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes beginning yesterday although the media houses had to pay the notes despite the "November 8 declaration" regarding demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, Wangkhemcha said.

He said not just the hawkers, morning subscribers are facing much hardship in terms of returning

change as well as depositing it to the bank.

Unless the government suggested "means" to handle the hardship faced by the hawkers and the media houses and others involved, no dailies will be published, he added.

Nevertheless, there is no concrete decision on whether "publishing of daily papers will remain indefinite or not". However, English and vernacular dailies based in the hill districts are yet to take such measures. (PTI)

By-polls for two assembly segments on Saturday amid massive security Agartala, Nov 18: Massive security arrangements have been made across two assembly constituencies of Tripura before byelections on Saturday.

By-elections to Barjala constituency is all set to witness a multi-corner electoral battle with five candidates contesting the elections. The five candidates, who remain in the fray include Shistha Mohan Das (BJP), Jhumu Sarkar (Left Front), Prakash Das (Trinamool Congress), Rajendra Das (Congress) and Bimal Das (Amara Bengali).

The Khowai Assembly constituency would also witness multi-corner electoral battle as five candidates' are in the fray of

elections including Biswajit Dutta (Left Front), Manoj Das (Trinamool Congress), Tapan Paul (BJP) , Pranab Biswas (Congress) and Goutam Deb of Amra Bangalee.

According to by-elections schedule. The two Assembly constituencies would go to the polls on November 19 while results are scheduled to be announced on November 22 next.

However, heavy security arrangements have been made to hold the by-elections in both the assembly segments peacefully. Over nine companies of central para-military force including BSF (Border Security Force) and CRPF (Central

Dr. Rev. Zelhou along with the organizers and church leaders after the programme.

Dimapur, Nov 18: Advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS and harm reduction with church leaders was jointly organized

by Kripa Foundation, NBCC, NSACS and FHI 360 at NBCC platinum hall Bayavii Kohima on Thursday.

General secretary NBCC, Rev. Z. Keyho as the guest of honour in his address said the church must become a truly redemptive, inclusive community with a kinder and gentler community of faith and love.

He challenged that church must dispense grace not only within the four walls of the church but outside of the church by way of reaching out to people in need. Rev. Keyho said pastors and church workers must view the drug addicts, alcoholics, HIV/AIDS people as constituent members needing to be reached out

and ministered to. He reminded that church workers must build bridges and not only confined to the people within the church.

Rev Keyho said in the past the church looked upon the pandemic of HIV/AIDS as a judgment of God on its victims, but now the church was also reaching out, caring and showing compassion though much is yet to be done. He reminded that this seminar was an opportunity for the church leaders to educate themselves so that the church could dispense more grace and compassion.

He said church was a redemptive community, not only confined to ministering to the redeemed but also redeeming the fallen and hurting people who were suffering outside of the

Corruption has diluted Naga society: Acharya Kohima, Nov 18: Nagaland Governor P.B Acharya, who has been vocal against corruption, on Thursday expressed serious concern saying corruption has diluted the rich fabric of the Naga society. "It is high time for the people to realize that the worst enemy for development is insurgency and corruption," said Acharya, who is touring Mokokchung district.

All should stand against corruption and the religious faiths in the state should play a bigger role in this fight against corruption and various social evils, he asserted.

Lately, governor has been touring all the districts of Nagaland in order to get first hand information and to interact with the people on issues faced by them.

Speaking at the public reception held here in honour of the Governor and his lady wife, Kavita Acharya, he said Aos were the pioneers and Aos have played a major role in the formative years of the state. Well known personalities like P. Shilu Ao, the first chief minister of Nagaland, former chief minister and present Odisha Governor, Dr. S.C Jamir and Dr. T. Ao former Indian Olympian have made the state proud and they were from the Ao community, he said.

Acharya said people need to look up to such personalities who have not only contributed for their own community but the state and the nation as well.

Referring to the phrase-- "India is a rich country but the

Nagaland Governor P.B Acharya people are poor', he said Naga people need to realized that "Nagaland is rich but the people are poor". In this regard, he called upon the people to make the best use of the rich natural resources available in the state and to start-up up industries to tackle the economic and unemployment issue.

He also called upon Nagas who have been out of the state to take the challenge by coming back to the state and contribute in all possible ways.

Governor also said crores of rupees that come for development to the state from centre should be well monitored so that the beneficiaries get their due share.

Acharya also lamented that the implementation of Mid-Day Meal scheme in many schools were not satisfactory, which he said was witnessed during his

tour to various districts. Children from economically weaker section are deprived of their basic rights, he added.

On Naga political issue, Acharya said since government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was serious in bringing about a permanent solution, people should unite and bring everyone on board.

Earlier, in the program, the introduction was done by DC Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar while the welcome address was delivered by C. Angang Jamir, interim Ao Senden president. A special song was presented by 'The Refiners' while the vote of thanks was proposed by Moachila, president Watsu Mungdang.

Host of public leaders, NGOs, government officials, school children and MLA, Imkong L Imchen MLA were present at the program.

Besides the central para-military forces, adequate numbers of state forces, including elite TSR jawans with state police would also be deployed Reserve Police Force) have been deployed in two segments and their adjoining areas.

Besides the central para-

military forces, adequate numbers of state forces, including elite TSR jawans with state police would also be deployed. The

Election Commission has appointed three central observes to oversee the polling in the two assembly seats.

A total of 39,007 voters would exercise their franchise in 48 polling stations across 4-Barjala assembly constituency and 39,400 voters of Khowai assembly constituency would cast their votes in 52 polling stations.

It may be recalled here that the by-elections was necessitated following the resignation of former Congress MLA jitendra Sarkar from Barjala assembly constituency and sudden demise of Khowai MLA Samir Deb Sarkar and a veteran leader of CPI(M).

(Agencies)

Borders secured, Three-day-old rail blockade in northeast India withdrawn assures Rijiju

Church must be redemptive, kinder and gentler: Rev. Keyho church. He shared the quote of Henri J. M. Nouwen , "what I have to offer to others is not my intelligence, skill, power, influence, or connections, but my own brokenness through which the love of God can manifest itself." He challenged the members and said "as we clergy men must admit our brokenness only then can we learn to reach out to broken people in love and in compassion than our live, our ministry shines brighter".

He challenged the church leaders to reach out to hurting, suffering world with the love of God bringing healing, care and comfort to areas where it was most needed.

Ketho of Project Sunrise Kripa Foundation shared the workshop objectives while Temjen spoke on FHI 360 response to HIV/AIDS in Nagaland, NSACS officials shared the overview of the HIV/AIDS scenario in the state and how church as stakeholders could play a role. Dr. Rose Chakhesang shared on understanding drug use and its corelation to HIV/AIDS, other risks groups, and vulnerability towards HIV/AIDS, harm reduction. Dr. Joyce Angami shared the overcoming stigma and discrimination relating to HRGs in context of HIV/ AIDS. Church leaders from various churches of Kohima and others attended the program.

(Agencies)

P5

Union MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju attends the platinum jubilee celebration of Assam Regimental Centre in the city on Thursday. (Right) The family of Late Havildar Hangpan Dada.

Shillong, Nov 18: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday the country's borders are secured despite some challenges.

Speaking to media persons at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Assam Regiment on Thursday, the Minister of State for Home Affairs said there are challenges "but troop deployment is often reviewed as per the situation".

Lauding the Assam Regimental Centre for its service to the country, Rijiju said 75 years of service for any organisation means a lot.

Rijiju later attended the inaugural programme of Havildar Hangpan Dada main office block.

Havildar Hangpan Dada laid down his life while fighting the militants in the valley in May 2016 and was awarded Ashok Chakra posthumously.

The inauguration was

done by Chasen Lowang Dada, widow of the martyr.

The minister also paid homage to the fallen heroes of the Regiment and laid wreaths at the magnificent War Memorial.

Later, he inaugurated the state-of-the-art 'Bishnu' Museum, which showcases the achievements of each battalion.

Rijiju received the team of motorcycle rallyists who set out from Shillong last month to visit war memorials in Kohima, Jessami, Aradura and Imphal. The rally covered a distance of approx 1,700 km over 14 days.

After felicitating the Veer Naris (widows of gallant soldiers) and cutting the 75th anniversary cake, the minister partook in the traditional 'Barakhana' lunch and joined the thundering rendition of the regimental song.

(Agencies)

State level painting competition-2016 on water conservation to be held on Nov 21 Agartala, Nov 18: The Central ground Water Authority and Central Ground Water Board ministry of Water resources, river development and Ganga Rejuvenation is going to organize 7th state level painting competition at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala on November 21 next.

The Central ground Water Board through a press communiquĂŠ said that the union ministry water resource has been spreading the message of water through its various programmes and activities. The national painting competition on water conservation and pollution organized by central Ground Water Board is one of such activity in which students of class six to class -eight took part from all over the country. The prime objective of organizing this painting competition is to make the children aware the need of the conserving and protecting the precious natural resources.

The press communiquĂŠ added that the competition will be held in three phases including school

level painting competition, state level painting competition and national level painting competition. The first phase of the painting competition was completed n the month of October and first week of November, 2016. Almost 81 schools and 4000 students have participated in the school level painting competition. The state level painting competition to be held on November 21 at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala among the best 50 candidates selected by the eminent jury members from the paintings received during the school level painting competition.

There will be cash prize awards of Rs 5000 for the first prize, Rs 300 for second prize and Rs 200 for third prize and the certificates of merit will also be awarded to them. In addition there will be ten consolation cash prize awards of Rs 1000 each.

Students securing first position in the state level painting competition-2016 will be representing Tripura in the national level competition-2016 at New Delhi. (Agencies)

Agartala, Nov 18: A rail blockade that snapped the crucial rail link of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam in the north-east with the rest of the country since November 15 was withdrawn on Thursday.

A Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesman said rail services were likely to resume from Thursday evening or from Friday morning after inspection of tracks.

The North Cachar Hill Indigenous Students Forum (NCHISF) members had blockaded tracks since Tuesday morning at Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao district, to demand compensation to families whose land and homes were acquired by the Northeast Frontier Rail-

way (NFR) during conversion of tracks to broad gauge in 2014 and 2015.

The NFR had to cancel several important trains passing through the Lumding-Badarpur hill section due to the indefinite rail blockade.

"We have received a letter from NFR General Manager (Construction) H.K. Jaggi for a meeting with NCHISF leaders at NFR headquarters at Maligaon on November 24 to discuss the compensation issue. We have decided to call off the rail blockade," NCHISF President David Kevom told reporters at Haflong, 279 km from Guwahati.

Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar told the media that he had received a letter from Jaggi about the compen-

sation issue. Dima Hasao was formerly known as North Cachar Hills district.

"The NCHISF leaders told me about withdrawal of rail blockade from Thursday afternoon," Manoj Kumar said.

NCHISF President David Kevom said railway authorities had promised compensation to 500 families whose 300 hectares of land was acquired, but nothing was done.

NFR officials, however, said compensation of around Rs 55 crore was given to the affected families but they are demanding Rs 3-5 crore more.

The north-east region is dependent on the railways for the supply of food grain, fertilisers, petroleum products, construction materials and other consumer goods. (Agencies)

Peace a pre-requisite for development: Nagaland CM Dimapur, Nov 18: Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang on Thursday called upon the people to be united in order to promote peace in the society, saying peace was a pre-requisite for all round development.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Jalukie Town golden jubilee celebrations at Jalukie GHSS football ground, under the theme 'Towards Greater Heights', Zeliang said "Nagas are second to none; we can march forward only if we are united".

He further called upon the gathering to appreciate the hard work and contributions made by the leaders in establishing Jalukie town. "We have completed 50 years and so with new thoughts and clean mind and good vision and plan, we will enter a new epoch making era," he said. He however said vision alone cannot bring better future without the cooperation from all angles.

Zeliang therefore urged the people to forgive and forget their past and unite as one, in order to strive forward, in the spirit of Jubilee.

He said Jalukie with its fertile soil, known as the rice bowl of the state, has all the potential to become economically sound. If the people take the advantage and put a little extra effort, their economic conditions would be much better.

The chief minister also lauded the town for having the only mid-night bazaar in the State where organic vegetables, fruits, rice etc. are sold. In this

T.R. Zeliang regard, he encouraged the farmers to strive hard and to venture out, saying their produce would be of high demand within and outside the state.

With infrastructure development and various institutions flowing in to the district likeCollege of Veterinary Science at Jalukie; Diphu-Karong-Imphal railway line, 129A NHIDCL Nagaland Express Highway from Maram passing through Jalukie, foothill road from Mon to Khelma touching Maibang in Assam, he challenged the people of Jalukie to take the opportunity, by putting their minds together, to make Jalukie town better than Dimapur.

Short speeches were also delivered by advisor DUDA, N. Thongwang Konyak; Old Jalukie Village Council chairman and DC Peren. Earlier, Zeliang unveiled the jubilee monolith and released the jubi-

lee souvenir. State chaplain, Rev. Kuzierang Thou, dedicated the event with a prayer and welcome address by Rhosietho Nguori, SDO (C) & convener. 'Heruikai' was performed by the Old Jalukie village and pastor JTLBC, Mongzeung Mpom pronounced the invocation prayer.

Highlights of the event include- jubilee spotlight by Minkamlak (Jiji), folk song by Iriegong Mpom, while Jubilee song was presented by the Jubilee Choir.

Vote of thanks was delivered

by Imtui Mpom, steering committee member and benediction prayer by Rev. Fr. John, asst. parish priest, St. Xavier. Host of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, advisor, heads of offices under Peren, public leaders, NGOs, churches public and students attended the jubilee celebration. (Agencies)

MEA team start meeting with B'desh team to resolve 'Muhurichar' land dispute Agartala, Nov 18: A high level team of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) led by joint secretary Sripriya Ranganathan met Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Wednesday evening at civil secretariat.

Mrs. Ranganathan was accompanied by under-secretary Mina Kumam of MEA, Ninad S Deshpandey, first secretary (political) at Indian High Commission at Dhaka.

The team came here to hold

discussion on disputed 'Muhurichar' at Belonia subdivision. The meeting will decide the future position of the disputed land that remained 'disputed' between two neighbouring countries for more than three decades.

The Foreign Affairs team left Agartala on Thursday morning and visited the spot of Muhirichar. A nine member team of Bangladesh government has also arrived in Belonia town to participate

in the meeting led by additional secretary of Bangladesh's home minister, Abu Hena Mohammad Rahamtul Manim. Both the teams will leave for Dhaka on Thursday evening after the meeting to participate in the main meeting at Dhaka on Friday. During the Dhaka meeting, the Indian team will be led by principal secretary of Revenue department of Tripura government Sushil Kumar. (Agencies)

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Today's quote

“

You have to grow from the inside out.

None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul Swami Vivekananda Charlie Chaplin

A chance to recalibrate ties The 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control has clearly now ceased to hold, with daily exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani soldiers. The DGMO channel has failed to quell exchanges that include artillery and mortar fire.

There are no bilateral talks today at any level, and the only contact between the governments in Islamabad and New Delhi is when one country's foreign ministry summons the other's High Commissioner to issue a demarche about the growing casualties along the International Boundary and the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The two countries have even dispensed with routine niceties: Pakistan is yet to condemn the Uri attack in which 19 soldiers were killed, and India has not put out a statement on the spate of terror attacks in Balochistan. Meanwhile, fears about the LoC firing spiralling out of control have grown. In Pakistan, that worry has increased because of the impending decision on who will be the next army chief, and owing to tensions between Army Headquarters and the Nawaz Sharif government. India, having announced its 'surgical strikes' as a new red-line of response post-Uri, is concerned about a terrorist build-up across the LoC, with 18 infiltration attempts reported in the past week.

It is against this backdrop, with confidence-

building measures dismantled and dialogue dead, that Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Pakistan Prime Minister, has indicated that he will visit India for the Heart of Asia donor conference on Afghanistan in early December. A year ago, when External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj attended the Heart of Asia meet in Islamabad, she had announced the resumption of bilateral talks, called a "comprehensive dialogue". This year no such announcement appears to be even remotely on the cards during Mr. Aziz's trip to Amritsar. It is, however, a window of opportunity to take the current tensions firmly in hand, and assure regional leaders gathered at the conference - who will include Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and ministers from China and Russia that India and Pakistan can in fact sort out the concerns bilaterally. The Heart of Asia conference will no doubt reinforce India's message to Pakistan on terrorism on the need to dismantle all groups including those that target its neighbours such as India, Afghanistan and Iran.

However, in discussing the protracted violence in Afghanistan, leaders at the conference may also drive home the point that the current levels of tension and violence between India and Pakistan will benefit no one, but only worry the region at large.

After the storm When 86 per cent of currency notes in a country of 1.3 billion people are rendered illegal tender in a matter of hours, it is bound to create a short-term disruption in daily lives. Particularly so, since much of India's economic activity still takes place in the informal sector with no cheque payments, resulting not just in widespread direct and indirect tax evasion but also an inability to assess the true state of the economy.

For instance, while farmers' income is not taxed, most of them now have a Kisan Credit Card, first launched in 1998, and no-frills bank accounts whose creation has been scaled up by the present government. But the agricultural economy is still controlled by middlemen and traders who only make cash payments to farmers while reaping a profit from the difference in prices from farm-gate to fork. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax will make it tougher for such intermediaries to remain below the tax radar, though foodgrains will be zero-rated under the tax regime. Just as paying taxes on their profits is uncharted territory for such traders, the government too is navigating uncharted waters with the demonetisation drive, necessitating adjustments on the go.

Rural Indians, like their urban peers, may be in a tizzy for now over the currency swoop and face challenges in transactions, but there doesn't seem to be a threat to the rabi crop as the Opposition has sought to suggest. By last Friday, the total area sown was significantly higher than at the same time last year, except for coarse cereals. The latest relaxation, allowing farmers to withdraw Rs.25,000 a week, should assuage any concerns on this front. However, the Reserve Bank of India and the Central government were clearly not prepared for the cash crunch in bank vaults and post offices, that has become evident a week after the demonetisation. So, even soiled Rs.100 notes have been brought back into circulation to tide over the scarcity. Given our abysmal public health infrastructure, a thought should also have been spared for people's healthcare costs. Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet had cleared measures to push non-cash payments in February, but little has been implemented - using credit cards still involves high transaction charges, for example. Tweaking the exchange limit for old notes from Rs.4,000 to Rs.4,500 and then down to Rs.2,000 has created confusion, often leading to ugly scenes at banks. Afterthoughts may be inevitable in emergency situations, but the government also needs to address popular anxieties by constantly, and publicly, updating its road map.

P6

The morality of binaries Narendra Modi's political opponents stand no chance against him unless they can script a powerful counter-narrative that resonates with the masses and isn't about him Demonetisation has been done many times before, without it disrupting the lives of ordinary Indians. Not this time though. Could it have been done in a less disruptive manner? Yes. Then why wasn't it?

While there is no answer to this question from the government, some have blamed it on lack of adequate planning, and others on the necessity of secrecy. But the real answer may lie in the political rather than the economic or logistical realm.

One could debate the merits and demerits of demonetisation as the best strategy to curb the black economy. One could also debate the merits and demerits of a 'fast' demonetisation versus 'slow' or gradual demonetisation. One could debate the manner of execution, in view of the known incompatibility between the newly printed notes and the ATM machines that could not dispense them without recalibration. One could debate the impact of this demonetisation - the instant elimination of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 notes, which constituted 86 per cent of the currency in circulation - on ordinary people's lives.

I, me, myself All these aspects have indeed been widely debated.

And it was eagerly anticipated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was away on a visit to Japan, would address these issues on his return. Some were even hoping that he might roll back the move to ease the pain, at least until the logistics are in place.

Instead, the rhetorical turn in his speeches the day after

his return took everyone by surprise. Addressing public functions in Goa, Belgavi and Pune on Sunday, he sought to turn the entire narrative about demonetisation into one about himself, his political career, and the unfairness of being persecuted by powerful enemies. "I know what kind of forces and what kind of people are against me now… They will not leave me alive. They will destroy me," he said. In other words, the one who truly deserves sympathy in the present scenario is not the mass of daily wagers, street vendors, and farmers whose already precarious livelihoods have been disrupted, but Mr. Modi.

His rhetoric not only painted a sinister picture of anyone who dared to question his government's moves, in one stroke, it rendered all criticism suspect. Anyone familiar with the tropes of Mr. Modi's speeches would recognise his invocation of "those who looted the country for 70 years". In this populist narrative that he has constructed and strengthened through hundreds of speeches over the years, the Congress equals the corrupt equals the black money hoarders equals the elites equals the liberals equals the Modi-critics equals the antinationals equals the bad people who want to destroy India. At the same time, the good people equals the true nationalists equals Modi equals Modi supporters equals the Congress-haters equals the proud Hindus.

Neither of these concatenations is fixed - they are liable to be extended to include new categories or

shrunk to focus on a select for fighting black money. He few. But as encapsulated in wants them to save the counMr. Modi's teary-eyed ap- try by saving him - from his peal, the significant aspects enemies. And speaking of his are three: the moralisation of "enemies", Mr. Modi said, politics, the infusion of emo- "They thought if they pull my tion into policy debates, and hair, I will stop and do noththe reduction of all debate ing. I will not be cowed into a single question, are down. I will not stop doing you in support of Mr. Modi these things, even if you burn or not? If yes, support him. me alive." These are the If no, then it's hardly surpris- words of a person who holds ing that you are criticising the most powerful post in the what he has country, of a done.

G. Sampath person who is Sacrifice for supremely in the nation command of a party that enjoys a brute maWhile this may be a crude jority in Parliament. summary of the dynamic at Cult of the leader play, there is no denying that Could there possibly be an it is working for Mr. Modi. objective basis for such utAnyone who has been out in terances? One may recall his the past few days queuing up response when cow vigilanoutside ATMs could not have tes were on the rampage. failed to come across people "Shoot me if you want, but from every strata, but espe- not Dalits," he had said. In a cially the lower middle democracy, why must anyclasses, who, while acknowl- one shoot anyone else? Was edging the hardship they are it not possible for him to simgoing through, nonetheless ply condemn the attacks on believe that Mr. Modi has Dalits? But had he done so, taken a bold step for the good he would have ended up acof the country. knowledging anti-Dalit When he says, "I promise atrocities as an authentic isyou I will give you the India sue during his regime. By which you desired… I am asking people to shoot him doing what I was asked to do instead of attacking Dalits, by the people of this coun- he flipped the narrative of try", not only do a large num- Dalit atrocity into one about ber of Indians believe him, Narendra Modi. their words supply meaning His response to the ongoto their hardship by wrapping ing currency note crisis folit in a narrative that connects lows the same pattern. The them to a larger cause, and demonetisation is the first makes them feel good about bold, decisive step - one with themselves. One would have immediate, nationwide imto be really small-minded to pact - that Mr. Modi has complain about 50 days of taken since becoming Prime hardship if this hardship Minister. He did it in the most could help make India a great dramatic fashion. Days after nation by cleansing it of the move, the nation is reelblack money, no? But Mr. ing under the impact.

Modi's narrative doesn't stop at seeking the people's supWhat used to be financial port for demonetisation or arcana has become a tele-

vised national spectacle.

Above all, it has underlined in no uncertain terms his power as a leader, as someone extraordinary, and who towers above every other luminary in the national political landscape.

This brings us to the reason why he does not engage in a dialogue on equal terms with anyone - be it from politics or the media - on any of his moves. It's because it runs the danger of diminishing his stature. It also carries the risk of elevating the status of those he parlays with as an equal - which is another way of diminishing him in relative terms. Hence the importance of frequent foreign trips. It is as if the only individuals he can be seen to interact with on equal terms are leaders of other countries, especially countries that command a bigger say than India on the international stage. Hence the bear hug of Barack Obama, Francois Hollande, Tony Abbott, and their ilk, extendable to other larger-than-life members of the global power elite such as Mark Zuckerberg or Hugh Jackman. The only modes of interaction open to ordinary interlocutors in India are supplication, obedience, and unquestioning acceptance.

Dominating the discourse For Indian democracy to remain healthy, it needs political leaders who can challenge the Prime Minister as an equal. Right now there seem to be none. Hence his manoeuvre - which has now become standard operating procedure - of addressing his response from a podium, directly to the people of India, every time he is challenged

on any of his policies.

Ever since he became the Prime Minister, Mr. Modi has been firmly in control of the national political narrative, with not a little help from the media. The way his demonetisation drive has unfolded reveals his willingness to leverage this control to evacuate all possible alternatives to his helmsmanship of the country's destiny. He will continue to do so as long as the narrative that conflates national interest with Mr. Modi's interest remains unchallenged.

His political opponents have been quick to talk about the businessmen who bankrolled his election campaign and are thus invested in his success. But there doesn't seem to be adequate recognition of the fact that a large number of ordinary, lower-middle-class Indians are emotionally invested in Mr. Modi's political fortunes.

It is they who appear ready to undergo any hardship if it promises positive outcomes for their leader - not unlike a battalion of soldiers ready to sacrifice their lives for their general.

Going forward, we can expect more from this playbook of turning every issue into one about Mr. Modi. What should concern those who cherish democratic values is the absolute lack of imagination or ideas among what passes for the Opposition in the country.

His opponents stand no chance against him in the 2019 elections unless they can rise to the challenge of scripting a powerful counternarrative that would resonate with the masses, and also, most critically - would not be about Mr. Modi.

Reaching the new normal President Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Nepal has helped restore equilibrium to bilateral ties Earlier this month, President Pranab Mukherjee concluded a successful three-day state visit to Nepal (November 2-4).

The last presidential visit was 18 years ago, by K.R. Narayanan in 1998, and the visit was long overdue. Mr. Mukherjee is no stranger to Nepal's politics. For decades, he has been the 'go-to person' for Nepali politicians visiting Delhi. This added greater political significance to the visit.

The Nepali authorities pulled out all the stops to ensure that the visit was a success. Mr. Mukherjee's itinerary included visits to Janakpur and Pokhara, and civic receptions in both Kathmandu and Janakpur. In Pokhara, he addressed a large gathering of Gurkha ex-servicemen of the Indian Army. These public events provided suitable platforms which he used in a statesmanlike manner to restore a degree of balance in India-Nepal relations that have been through a turbulent period since Kathmandu's adoption of the new constitution in September last year.

A troubled period From the beginning, it was clear that the Madhesis were unhappy with the new constitution but at that time, the Pahadi leadership of the three

main parties - Nepali Congress (NC), CPN(UML) and Maoists - were in a hurry to wrap up the seven-year-long exercise. By the time India reacted, it was too late and the new constitution was promulgated.

Meanwhile, unrest and agitations gripped the Terai. The government, headed by the then Prime Minister K.P.S. Oli, made little effort to engage in a dialogue with the agitating groups. Instead, it blamed India for imposing an economic 'blockade' to pressure the government to accede to Madhesi demands. Eventually, after harsh rhetoric, both sides pulled back but the damage was done. An anti-Indian sentiment had been fanned. Mr. Oli's coalition collapsed, and he finally resigned in July, once again blaming India for his ouster.

Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda struck a deal with the NC to take over as Prime Minister for a period of nine months after which the Maoists will support NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba as PM for a similar period till the next elections in January 2018. To his credit, Mr. Prachanda set about trying to repair relations with India with a successful bilateral visit in September. In the near future Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari is ex-

Jumping the queue Today, a true tale of heroism that takes place not in a war zone, nor a hospital, but in Victoria station in London in 2007, during a tube strike. Our hero – a transport journalist and self-described "big, stocky bloke with a shaven head" named G a r e t h Edwards, who first wrote about this experience on the community blog

metafilter.com – is standing with other commuters in a long, snaking line for a bus, when a smartly dressed businessman blatantly cuts in line behind him. (Behind him: this detail matters.)

The interloper proves immune to polite remonstration, whereupon Edwards is seized by a

pected to visit India. All this should mark a return to normal in the relationship between the two countries. Yet such was the damage done during Mr. Oli's tenure that even during President Mukherjee's visit, #PranabDaSaySorry was trending on social media. The Nepal government had declared November 2 a public holiday amid innuendoes that this was done to keep roads clear and prevent any embarrassing demonstrations.

A presidential message During his visit, virtually every Nepali political leader met President Mukherjee. In public, his message was consistent and unambiguous: Nepal needs to complete the political transition that began a decade ago when the Maoists came overground and agreed to join the democratic political process; and secondly, in order to consolidate the gains of multiparty democracy, all sections need to be brought on board for the new constitution to succeed.

In addition, he highlighted the historical and civilisational links between the people of the two countries and linked the destinies of the two countries by emphasising that they have a "vital stake in each other's well-being and security". He praised the people of Nepal for

magnificent idea. He turns to the elderly woman standing behind the queuejumper, and asks her if she'd like to go ahead of him. She accepts, so he asks the person behind her, and the next person, and the next – until 60 or 70 people have moved ahead, Edwards and the seething queue-jumper shuffling further backwards all the time. The bus finally pulls up, and Edwards hears a shout from the front of the line. It's the elderly woman, addressing him: "Young man! Do you want to go in front of me?"

their achievement in the quest for peace and stability, describing it as a "historic undertaking". In Janakpur, he talked of the spiritual ties among the people by invoking Ram and Sita but without mentioning either Hinduism or secularism, a sensitive issue in the new constitution. His visit to Pokhara to address the ex-servicemen was tribute to the bravery of the 32,000 Gurkhas currently serving in the Indian Army and the 126,000 pensioners.

Even in Nepal, not many are aware that in addition to the Nepali Rs.4,000 crore that is now disbursed annually after the OROP implementation in terms of pensions, India has substantial welfare schemes covering solar electrification and drinking water supply to ex-servicemen's villages, medical care and provision of ambulances to their associations, and education and scholarships for their children. In Pokhara, he highlighted the advantages of the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship that enables Nepali citizens to find easy employment in India.

Mr. Mukherjee was not expected to announce any major projects though the announcements about renovating the ghats along the Bagmati river just below Pashupatinath temple and the construction of

two dharamsalas adjoining the Janaki Mandir in Janakpur address long-standing Nepali requests. More significant was that Nepali students will now be eligible to sit for the entrance examinations for the IITs and the additional scholarships for postgraduate studies in water resources management and hydel power at IIT, Roorkee.

Prachanda's challenges M Prachanda has his hands full. A third of his nine-month tenure is over and the dialogue with the Madhesi groups has not made any discernible progress. Without forward movement, it will be difficult for him to have the local body elections during his stint. The issue pertaining to the number of parliamentary seats from the Terai had been resolved in January by a constitutional amendment restoring 'population' as the key criteria in delimiting electoral constituencies though the Madhesis have yet to accept closure on it. Issues pertaining to provincial demarcation, restrictions on appointment to high-level constitutional positions for naturalised citizens, status of Hindi and other languages and composition of the upper house are still pending.

These are contentious and require a degree of political

consensus which is still missing. The NC and the Maoists do not have complete agreement between themselves yet and neither do the Madhesi groups have a unified negotiating position. Consequently, the dialogue has been desultory so far.

Of these, provincial demarcation is possibly the most complex but if movement is registered on the others, it would create a positive climate in which to devise a mechanism for the demarcation. The second difficulty will be to get the two-thirds majority necessary for a constitutional amendment. For this, the CPN(UML) will need to be brought on board, and Mr. Oli is not showing any signs of relenting though there are others who may be more amenable to a compromise.

Mr. Mukherjee's successful visit, coming after Mr. Prachanda's official visit to India in September followed by a second visit to Goa for the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit, has helped stabilise India-Nepal relations. This has provided Mr. Prachanda with much-needed political room for manoeuvre; he now needs to use his considerable negotiating skills to make progress on the pending constitutional issues during the remaining part of his short tenure.

Black and white The dark reality is that the money hoarders have found an escape route.

There are already incidences of a spurt in the sale of gold. Also, many of those with black money are making those employed under them deposit it in their 'Jan-Dhan' accounts. These activities need to be checked.

Also, the move is likely to promote plastic money but the big question here is: How confident are we about cybersecurity after the recent breach that resulted in the security of nearly 3.2 million debit cards being possibly compromised? These aspects need attention.

Nonetheless, demonetisation is a positive measure that will help in wiping out black money and fake currency, curbing terror funding. The Opposition's demand for a rollback is absurd. Had it truly cared so much about the poor people, it would have demanded a smoother conduct of the overall demonetisation process.

Shankar Rajak Milannagar, Dibrugarh

TECHNOLOGY

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

P7

Cash No Cash, ATM Search, and Other Websites to Find an ATM Near You The demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes has made long queues outside ATMs a common sight.

If you are looking for ways to find an ATM with cash near you as well, the good news is that technology is here to rescue you. The cash crunch has led many organisations and individuals to come up with tools to help you find the answer to the question on everyone's mind - where's the nearest ATM near me? While some of these tools just help you find working ATM with cash near you, others even tell you how long the ATM queues are.

1) Cash No Cash Cash No Cash or Cashnocash.com, launched

by Quikr and NASSCOM, is a website that provides you information about ATMs with cash in your vicinity based on your pincode. Type your pincode in the search box and hit the Find Cash button to find which ATMs are still working and have cash. Cash No

Cash will highlight the ATMs with cash in green pins, the ones with long wait time in orange, and out-ofcash ATMs in red.

2) CMS ATM Finder CMS Infosystems is a company that manages 55,000 ATMs across the country. It has setup an ATM finder tool that provides information on working ATMs; you can select any city and find out if nearby ATMs have cash or no cash. This is limited to only the 55,000 CMS ATMs, but it has the benefit of having accurate information, straight from the company that operates these ATMs. 3) Walnut Walnut, a personal finance management app, lets you locate ATMs with cash in your area. The app has approximately 2 million users and tracks when they withdraw cash from an ATM. Based on this information, it can tell you if the ATM has cash or no cash;

KEY HIGHLIGHTS Cashnocash.com, ATMsearch.in, CMS ATM Finder help find working ATM nearby Walnut app can also be used to locate ATM with cash in your area Other apps find nearby ATMs, but give no data on its cash status & queues

the user base also shares details such as the length of the queue with Walnut, providing the app with more data to serve to other users looking for cash. The company says it plans to add information regarding the availability of specific notes at ATMs in the next update.

In the app, determining if an ATM has cash or no cash is quite easy. ATMs that are

not working are marked as grey pins on the map, while the ATMs that were active recently are highlighted in orange pins. However, it is the green pins that you need to look for - these are the ATMs near you with cash in them, as per the last year.

4) ATM Search Offering information based on crowd sourced

data, ATM search.in is a website that can provide you information about status of ATMs in areas around you. Search for any area on the website by typing the location and hitting the Search ATM button. You will get a list showing ATMs that have cash or no cash, and how long the ATM queue is, along with nearby landmarks.

As a crowdsourced website, ATM Search lets users update the information about existing ATMs in the database, and allows them to add unlisted ATMs by providing basic details, such as bank name, landmark, and crowd status.

Other ATM finders While the above-mentioned tools will tell you whether a nearby ATM has cash or no cash, if you are looking only for tools that answer the question: "where is closes ATM near me?", there are a couple of other options as well.

Google Maps has long had a feature that lets you

find ATMs in your vicinity; just tap on the search bar in the app and the interface shows options like restaurants, gas stations, and ATMs. Just tap on the 'ATMs' option and you will get a list of ATMs nearby.

The company has integrated the same functionality on its home page as well.

Google.co.in now shows the 'Find an ATM near you' button below the search bar; tapping the link takes you to Google Maps, which shows you the ATMs around you, based on the location. However, Google Maps and Search do not show if any ATM close to you has cash or not.

The Nearby app is also useful if you are looking for an ATM around you. All you need to do is to click on the *ATM* button on the app interface when it opens and it will show you all the ATMs close to you and tell you how far away you are from it. However, it does not tell if the machine has cash and how long the queues are.

PS4 Pro Review Games like Rise of the Tomb Raider make full use of the PS4 Pro Others like Watch Dogs 2 do not The biggest gains are better frame rates

AMD Radeon-based graphics engine Ø Memory: GDDR5 8GB ØStorage size: 1TB For gamers, 2013 was an interesting year. The PS3 and Xbox 360, though commercial successes for Sony, Microsoft, and publishers such as EA, and Activision, were seen as waning stars. The popular notion amongst the decision makers in the industry was that mobile and PC gaming were in ascendancy and would take over consoles. Except no one - not even Sony realised how successful the PS4 would be, despite having off the shelf components that many gamers and pundits in the business deemed as underpowered before launch.

After three years, 40 million PS4 units sold, and a seemingly infinite number of leaks, Sony launched the PS4 Pro in November. It's not the start of new console generation, which is why the company hasn't labeled it as the PS5. Rather, the PS4 Pro exists to give Sony a fighting chance against an increasingly fragmented gaming ecosystem that's seeing the PC, Xbox One, Xbox One S, PS4, smartphones, micro-consoles, and handheld consoles jostling for a share of your entertainment expenditure.

And while a majority of these options range between low-end to to midrange, the PS4 Pro is positioned as a high-end experience. There's support for 4K 2160p resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), enhanced virtual reality, and the promise of higher frame rates. Yet it's not meant to replace the PS4, but rather to exist alongside it. Is it worth bothering with?

PS4 Pro what's in the box?

Since the PS4 Pro is not officially available in India, we bought ours from the grey market which had ready supply on release day. Our PS4 Pro unit came with an HDMI cable, a power plug that's similar to what the original Xbox One (not Xbox One S) uses, a Micro-USB cable that many Android smartphones ship with, and Sony's standard headset, which in our experience, should be replaced with something more substantial.

There's a Quick Start Guide, and a leaflet for Horizon Zero Dawn. And in case you were wondering, yes, it does ship with the revised DualShock 4 controller we've seen with the PS4 Slim. The light bar on the controller has been modified so you can see what colour is emanating from it while playing, without having to tilt it.

Though wireless, you can connect the revamped DualShock 4 to your PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro via USB, making it ideal for games that require split second response times, such as Street Fighter V. The new DualShock 4 works with older PS4s as well.

This aside, it's similar to the original DualShock 4.

Hopefully its analogue sticks don't wear out as fast as its predecessor's did.

PS4 Pro specifications Ø Main processor: Single-chip custom processor CPU: x86-64 AMD "Jaguar", 8 cores ØGPU: 4.20 TFLOPS,

Ø External dimensions: 295×55×327mm Ø Weight: Approx.

3.3kg Ø BD/ DVD drive (read only): BD × 6 CAV, DVD × 8 CAV ØInput/ Output: 3 x USB 3.1 Gen.1, AUX port ×1 Ø Networking: Ethernet, WiFi 802.11 a/ b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 Ø AV output: HDMI (supports 4K/HDR), digital out port The PS4 Pro has astoundingly good build quality and some thoughtful design tweaks such as clearer Eject and Power button icons. We covered this at length in our initial impressions piece.

How do PS4 Pro games play on a 4K TV? Hooking up the PS4 to a 4K TV, in our case a Sony Bravia KD-65Z9D, the difference was evident, albeit in varying degrees. Titles like Shadow of Mordor and Rise of the Tomb Raider are sterling examples of games taking advantage of the PS4 Pro's added horse power, allowing a higher frame rate and sharper visuals. What's more is that they contain graphical options that allow you to choose which of the two you prefer.

Others like Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Dishonored 2, and Titanfall 2 are a step up from their usual full-HD performance but without any settings for you to

tweak, particularly in Dishonored 2's case. The PS4 Pro is the definitive version of this game due to a consistent performance and gorgeous aesthetics versus what it is on the PS4, Xbox One, and even PC. As for older games? The likes of Infamous: Second Son and its standalone expansion, Infamous: First Light benefit as well.

There's a wider, vivid colour palette and traversing the streets of Seattle feel a lot more fluid.

Ratchet and Clank - while being quite the looker on the PS4, makes full use of the Pro in the same fashion.

So far, so good. But as we said, the impact is felt in varying degrees. As we noted in our Watch Dogs 2review, the game doesn't look all that different on the PS4 Pro. Neither does Sony's monster hit, The Last of Us. In fact, the latter runs a whole lot worse on the PS4 Pro in terms of frame rate. The same applies to Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and Skyrim as well. Simply put, they aren't as fluid as their PS4 counterparts, forget better performance.

Although Sony has stated it's aware of this issue and is looking into it, at this point in time it appears that your mileage will vary.

Should you buy the PS4 Pro if you only have a full-HD panel?

The answer to this depends how sensitive you are to frame rate drops and clunkiness in games. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Dishonored 2, Titanfall 2, Shadow of Mordor, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Infamous: Second Son, and Infamous: First Light see gains for an improved experience, which make it worth considering the PS4 Pro if these are your preferred titles.

Perhaps the biggest beneficiary is IO Interactive's stealth assassination episodic adventure Hitman, which is notorious for not running too well on any platform - except the PS4 Pro. It has an much

needed performance benefit on the PS4 Pro. Final Fantasy XV's Judgement Disc demo too is perceptibly smoother experience.

Image quality, while better in all these games wasn't a colossal step up from what they looked like on a standard PS4.

One difference is that the PS4 Pro ran without being as noisy as the standard PS4. Whether we were playing a game or installing it from a disc, the decibel levels never got to the point of being a distraction.

The biggest problem with the PS4 Pro right now Sony and its partners need to elaborate the benefits of the PS4 Pro clearly. Right now, all we know is that games will support the console. But we don't exactly know to what degree. Is it just better frame rate? Is it greater details with improved visuals? Or is it simply just enhanced VR? Be it patch notes, boxes of games, or even descriptions of the games on digital storefronts, there's very little in way of explaining what PS4 Pro owners get. We won't be surprised to see this being rectified with newer games hitting the shelves in months to come, but until then your best bet is researching if a game you want to play takes advantage of Sony's hardware to the degree you need it to.

PS4 Pro India price Internationally, the PS4 Pro costs $399 (approximately Rs. 26,500). Like we mentioned earlier, it's not available in India officially just yet. You can however, import it or buy it via the grey market at around Rs. 45,000 at the moment. You will however, lose out on warranty and after sales support.

Sony India has not announced an India release date for the PS4 Pro, but if we were to take a guess, we'd say January is when it could be available, possibly at Rs. 39,990. This is because the standard PS4 had a price of $399 at launch in the US, which translated to Rs. 39,990

when it was made available in India in January 2014. Of course thanks to currency fluctuations and other reasons, the PS4 Pro price in India could well change.

PS4 Pro worth the upgrade?

The PS4 Pro is both a relic and a somewhat cutting-edge piece of hardware. While the reasons for the latter have to do with its specifications, the former is because it gives insight into Sony's thought process when designing the PS4 and the time period it launched in.

As it stands the PS4 Pro puts consumers and Sony in an awkward situation.

If you own a PS4, there's no immediate reason to get the PS4 Pro. If you haven't bought a PS4 yet, the PS4 Pro is the one to get. The PS4 is cheaper but outputs games at a lower resolution. Nonetheless, the difference isn't exactly visible unless you're on a 4K display in certain games and in some cases, it's near negligible.

Plus, better explanations on PS4 Pro specific game features would certainly help.

At the same time, the advantages of a higher frame rate on the PS4 Pro in supported titles are obvious and do alter the experience positively. It fits a niche between the already discounted PS4 and a semi-decent gaming rig which would set you back by around Rs. 60,000 or so.

With every game from Sony such as Gran Turismo Sport, The Last Guardian, and Horizon: Zero Dawn supporting the PS4 Pro, the future of the PS4 Pro is interesting.

Depending on third-party developer support, you could end up with a machine with close to highend PC performance in most popular games, along with the added bonus of boost in Sony's own exclusives.

So if that's what you're looking for and don't want to build a gaming PC or wait for something like the Xbox Scorpio, the PS4 Pro will suffice.

Vivo X9, X9 Plus, and Xplay6 Launched: Price, Specifications, and More KEY HIGHLIGHTS Vivo X9 priced at CNY 2,798 (approximately Rs. 28,000) for 64GB model Vivo X9 Plus pricing to be announced later Vivo Xplay6 has been priced at CNY 4,498 (approximately Rs. 44,500) Chinese handset manufacturer Vivo has unveiled three new Android smartphones, the X9, X9 Plus, and Xplay6 in its homeland.

The Vivo X9 has been priced at CNY 2,798 (approximately Rs. 28,000) for the 64GB model and the 128GB model is priced at CNY 2,998 (approximately Rs. 30,000) - both variants are available to buy. Unfortunately, the Chinese company has not revealed pricing for the Vivo X9 Plus as of now. Vivo Xplay6, on the other hand, has been priced at CNY 4,498 (approximately Rs. 44,500) and is now available to pre-order in China. The Vivo X9, X9 Plus, and Xplay6 will be available in Gold and Rose Gold colours.

The highlight of the Vivo X9 and X9 Plus smartphones is that they sport dual front-facing cameras. Both the handsets feature a 20-megapixel camera with Sony IMX376 sensor and f/2.0 aperture at the front alongside an 8megapixel camera. Both the phones also pack a 16megapixel rear camera with PDAF (phase detection autofocus).

For specifications, the Vivo X9 features a 5.5-inch fullHD (1080x1920 pixels) Super AMOLED display and is powered by an octacore Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (MSM8953) clocked at 2GHz coupled with 4GB of RAM. It will be available in 64GB and 128GB storage models. The dual-SIM Vivo X9 runs FuntouchOS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

It sports a fingerprint scanner embedded in the home button. It supports 4G with VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/ A-GPS, and MicroUSB. The handset is backed by a 3050mAh battery which comes with fast charging support. It measures 152.6x74x6.9mm and weighs 154 grams.

The Vivo X9 Plus is the larger smartphone among the two (other being Vivo X9) and features a bigger 5.88-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) IPS display. It is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 653 (MSM8976 Pro) processor clocked at 1.4GHz coupled with 6GB of RAM. The Vivo X9 Plus

will be available in just 128GB storage model.

The dual-SIM smartphone runs FuntouchOS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and features fingerprint sensor embedded on the home button. It packs a large 4000mAh battery with fast charging support. It measures 162x79x7.4mm and weighs 199 grams.

Lastly, the Vivo Xplay6 smartphone launched on Wednesday sports a dual curved display. It features a 5.46-inch Quad HD (1440x2560 pixels) Super AMOLED display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor coupled with 6GB of RAM. It will be available in just 128GB storage model. It runs on FuntouchOS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and supports dual-SIM.

The biggest highlight of the Vivo Xplay6 is its dual rear camera which comes with a 12-megapixel camera with Sony IMX362 sensor, PDAF, f/1.7 aperture, and dual-tone LED flash. It also comes with a 5-megapixel secondary rear camera.

The handset also sports a

16-megapixel front camera with f/2.0 aperture. It sports a fingerprint scanner embedded on the home button. It measures 153.8x73.5x8.4mm and weighs 178 grams. The handset supports 4G with VoLTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, and Micro-USB. It packs a 4080mAh battery with fast charging support.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

P8

NATION

Navy rubbishes Pak Navy claim that it Jayalalithaa's mental functions ' stopped Indian sub from entering waters absolutely normal': Apollo Hospitals New Delhi, Nov 18: Dubbing it as "blatant lies", the Navy today denied the Pakistani Navy claim that it had prevented an Indian submarine from entering its territorial water.

"Indian Navy categorically denies the statement of Pakistani Navy as blatant lies," Navy spokesperson Captain D K Sharma said.

He added that the Indian Navy did not have any under water movement in the said waters as claimed by the Pakistani Navy.

A statement issued by Pakistani Navy had claimed it has proved its vigilance and operational competence by detecting and blocking an Indian submarine from entering Pakistani waters.

"The unsuspecting submarine was detected and localised south of Pakistani coast on November 14 (rpt) 14. Thereafter, despite submarine's desperate efforts to escape

Since her hospitalisation, state ministers and AIADMK cadres have been organising special poojas at various temples across the state, praying for her speedy recovery.

Chennai, Nov 18: Apollo Hospitals on Friday said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's "mental functions are absolutely normal" and that she can leave for home as and when she wants to, but continues to recuperate in the ICU to avoid any infection. The 68-year-old AIADMK supremo was "Indian Navy categorically denies the statement of also "living beautifully" Pakistani Navy as blatant lies," Navy spokesperson without ventilator, but respiratory support was beCaptain D K Sharma said. ing given to her periodidetection, it was continu- nation to the Middle East cally to ensure that her lungs don't collapse, ously tracked by Pakistan and African countries.

Navy Fleet units and Pakistan Army's power- Apollo Hospitals Chairman pushed well clear of our ful Army Chief Gen Pratap C Reddy said. waters," the statement Raheel Sharif had on Asked by reporters when had said.

Wednesday claimed that Jayalalithaa could resume On Tuesday, Pakistan his men killed 11 Indian her official responsibilities, Navy said that China Pa- soldiers in cross border Reddy said "responsibilikistan Economic firing across the Line of ties at that level are to Corridor's first cargo Control (LoC). This guide and direct. I supcontainers were safely statement too was denied pose that she can do well escorted in the Arabian by the Indian Army.

Sea towards their desti- (PTI)

FICN smuggling stopped completely: Rijiju

Union minister Kiren Rijiju New Delhi, Nov 18 : Fake Indian currency notes (FICN) worth around Rs 400 crore are in circulation in the country at any given point of time and smuggling of such notes from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal has completely stopped after the demonetisation announcement, Union minister Kiren Rijiju today said.

"Smuggling of FICN from three international borders - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal - has completely halted after the announce-

ment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he told reporters here.

The Minister of State for Home said at any given point of time, fake notes valued around Rs 400 crore are in circulation in the country.

He said annually counterfeit notes worth Rs 70 crore are infused in the country.

Proceeds of illegal sale of drugs, opium, arms etc. have also been completely stopped, Rijiju said, adding hawala transaction is

also badly hit.

Fake notes worth Rs 12.35 crore were seized by the security agencies till June.

In 2015, counterfeit notes worth Rs 34.99 crore were seized while in 2014, the value was Rs 36.11 crore and in 2013 it was Rs 42.90 crore.

An estimated Rs 700-Rs 800 crore terror funding is done in India out of which Rs 300-Rs 400 crore are being used by Naxals annually, Rs 20-Rs 30 crore by Kashmiri separatists and Rs 350-Rs 400 crore by insurgents in the northeast.

Meanwhile, official sources said there are around Rs 40,000 crore black money in circulation in the country and these funds were also badly hit by the demonetisation of old Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes.

The total currency in circulation in the country as on September was Rs 17,00,000 crore, sources said. (PTI)

Navy inducts 4 types of indigenously developed sonars New Delhi, Nov 18: Navy today formally inducted four types of indigenously developed sonars that will boost its underwater surveillance capability.

The systems included Abhay - compact hull mounted sonar for shallow water crafts, Humsa UG upgrade for the Humsa sonar system, NACS - Nearfield Acoustic Characterisation System, and AIDSS - Advanced Indigenous Distress sonar system for submarines.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who today handed over the sonars to the Navy, praised the force along with DRDO and said he expects more synergy in the coming days.

The systems have been designed and developed by NPOL, a Kochi based laboratory of DRDO. With the induction of these four systems, the underwa-

ter surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost, besides providing a fillip to the quest for selfreliance in this critical area of technology.

Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as shallow water crafts and coastal surveillance/patrol vessels.

It is capable of detecting, localizing, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both its active and passive modes of operation.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed onboard a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

Indian Navy has proposed to induct this SONAR on three of the Abhay class

ships.

Intensifying the command over the high seas is the Humsa -UG that is designed for upgrading the existing Humsa sonar system.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three different classes of ships.

AIDSS is a distress sonar is an Emergency Sound Signaling Device which is used to indicate that a submarine is in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for long period, so as to attract the attention of passive sonars of ships or submarines in the vicinity and all types of standard rescue vessels in operation.

It is also provided with a transponder capability. (PTI)

Former militants, stone-pelters to take part in 'Kashmir Back to Paradise' conference by Art of Living Jammu, Nov 18 : Former Militants, stone-pelters and victims of militancy will take part in a conference 'Kashmir Back to Paradise' by Art of Living (AOL) to promote peace and usher in an era of peaceful and prosperous Kashmir.

The Spiritual guru and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju will also take part in the conference.

The conference will take place on 23rd of November here in the winter capital, Program Director AOL, Sanjay Kumar said.

The objective of the Conference is to provide a platform to diverse stakeholders from Kashmir such as ex-militants, stone pelters, victims of militancy, youth leaders, women, entrepreneurs, NGOs, Sufi leaders, academicians, media persons in art and culture, Sikh

community representatives to share their views on the current situation in Kashmir and ponder over a peaceful solution.

Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will be the keynote speaker and Kiren Rijiju will be the Guest of Honour, he said. He said that it will go a long way to promote peace and harmony and usher in an era of peaceful and prosperous Kashmir. (PTI)

even now."

"She lives beautifully without ventilator but that has been kept so that the lungs should not collapse. Only for that purpose it is used.

She is sleeping normally, eating normal food and increased high-protein diet that her body needs," he said.

"Her mental functions, I can assure you, are absolutely normal," he added.

Reddy said that Jayalalithaa has "recovered completely" and that "she is doing well," but continues to recuperate in the ICU to avoid any infection.

She was in ICU "to keep her infection-free, not to get exposed to any infection," he said.

"Even when we get fever for 10 days and take all

AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa.

those antibiotics for 10 days, our resistance is low.

So it is normal sense for us to see that she is now in a place where the restrictions are there so that she won't get infection,"

he added.

The Chief Minister can leave the hospital "any time she will want to," Reddy said. Meanwhile, party Spokesperson Nanchil Sampath said that

Jayalalithaa will return home in a few days.

"The doctors told me she is all right," he said.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection, with respiratory support, among others.

Specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; and from London, have treated her during the period.

Since her hospitalisation, state ministers and AIADMK cadres have been organising special poojas at various temples across the state, praying for her speedy recovery.

(PTI)

12 security personnel Police gives copy of Central killed this year in notification to Zakir Naik's IRF Nov 18: Police day for its alleged terror by Naik's speeches. ceasefire violations Mumbai, have handed over a copy activities.

Youths from Malavani in

In areas of IB under the control of the BSF, there has been 210 violations till November 1, as compared to 253 last year, he said.

New Delhi, Nov 18: A total of 12 security personnel have been killed this year because of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and the IB as compared to 10 last year, the government said on Friday.

However, the number of injured has drastically shot up to 66 this year as compared to 26 last year.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said there has been 167 ceasefire violations along the LoC and the IB, under the Army

control, till November 14 this year as compared to 152 last year.

In areas of IB under the control of the BSF, there has been 210 violations till November 1, as compared to 253 last year, he said.

In total the Army lost 8 personnel till November 14 and the BSF four till November 1.

However, 59 Army personnel were injured as compared to 17 last year.

While 71 BSF personnel were injured last year, the number has risen to 76 as of November 10 this year.(PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi to play 'major role' in UP Assembly polls: Congress

Priyanka Gandhi New Delhi, Nov 18: Priyanka Gandhi will campaign for Congress and play a "major role" in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election to be held early next year, party leaders said on Friday.

"She (Priyanka) is going to play a major role. Let everything be finalised," UP Congress campaign committee chairman Sanjay Singh said.

"It has been decided that she will campaign for the party in the state elections.

She has accepted our request to campaign. Whenever we will get her schedule, we will use her time accordingly," Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar said.

He added that once the elections schedule will be announced, it will bring

more clarity on her plans for campaign in the state.

Earlier, Babbar had said Priyanka's presence will give confidence and energy not only to the party men but also to the people across the state.

He had also mentioned that if she gives enough time then Priyanka could campaign in all the 403 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. n the past, Priyanka has not campaigned in elections outside Amethi and Raebareli Lok Sabha constituencies, represented by her brother Rahul Gandhi and mother Sonia Gandhi respectively.

A large section of Congress leaders believes that the party will gain immensely if she campaigns across the state.

(PTI)

of the Central notification banning Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for five years to office-bearers of the city-based NGO, promoted by controversial preacher Zakir Naik.

"After receiving the copy of notification from Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday, the Mumbai Police served it to IRF officebearers (in their office at Dongri here)," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ashok Dudhe told PTI today.

The Union cabinet had approved a proposal to outlaw the IRF on Tues-

In a gazette notification, the Home Ministry had said the IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and its president Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities.

IRF came on radar of investigative agencies after one of the terrorists in Dhaka attack had allegedly posted on social media that they had been inspired

western suburbs who had left their home to join Islamic State earlier this year were also allegedly inspired by the preaching of the televangelist.

Police had arrested some members of IRF for allegedly motivating and radicalising group youths from Kasargod in Kerala to join ISIS. The case is under investigation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Naik is currently out of country apparently to evade arrest, sources said.

(PTI)

Note ban an ill-planned move: Akhilesh Akhilesh Yadav says farmers in Uttar Pradesh have been forced to face a "government-made crisis" Lucknow, Nov 18: Criticising the Centre for "foisting crisis" on farmers, who have been at the receiving end of nature's wrath for consecutive years, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the "ill-planned" demonetisation could have an adverse impact on the economy. He said the state's farmers, who hoped that this time round they will make up for the losses of past years, have been forced to face not a natural calamity but a "government-made crisis".

"This has been forced by the government knowingly," he said, adding, "They (BJP) have the most knowledgeable persons and if such intelligent people force hardships on people what more can be said," he wondered.

Talking to reporters after presiding over a Cabinet meeting, the chief minister said, "The meeting was of the opinion that farmers should get relaxation in use of Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes...cooperative banks to which farmers are directly linked should get relaxation as money is not promptly reaching bank branches."

On the Centre's stand that demonetisation will check corruption, Akhilesh said cases of graft involving new currency notes are already making news in some parts of the country.

"We have also come to

Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav was speaking in Lucknow. Photo know that corruption through new notes has already started. Such reports are surfacing in newspapers and especially on the social media," he said, claiming the goal of unearthing black money and weeding out fake currency notes will not be achieved.

Attacking the Central government over "lack" of preparations before demonetising high value notes, he said, "Even ATM machines were not equipped for the new notes...the currency exchange can take as long as six months or a year.

"People will get relief only when markets start functioning properly but till then if farmers and labourers suffer huge losses all the economic statistics will lag behind and so will the coun-

try," Akhilesh said, adding it will impact employment, factory workers and daily wagers the most.

"The entire country is today saying that preparations were not made and everything was changed suddenly. If we believe in them (the Centre) and something emerges from a neighbouring country then they will put the country into problems...if there are no proper preparations, it can spell danger to the country," he said.

Mandis have come to a "standstill" and soon reports will come how the daily wagers are facing problems, Akhilesh said.

Relaxation is being sought in hospitals and also for farmers because the government will be at a loss if any business comes to a halt, he said. (PTI)

Kejriwal to address 21 rallies in Punjab Chandigarh, Nov 18: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will address 21 rallies from November 20 to November 30 in Punjab to spruce up the partys campaign in the poll-bound state.

"Kejriwal will be in Punjab from November 20 to November 30 to address 21 rallies in different parts of the state," a party spokesman said here to-

day.

He will start his campaign from Jalalabad, the constituency represented by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, and end his tour of Punjab at Gurdaspur on November 30, he said.

The places to be covered

by Kejriwal include Bathinda, Moga, Muktsar, Sangrur, Rupnagar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur,

Pathankot, Amritsar and Tarn Taran, the spokesman informed.

AAP is eyeing to wrest power in the Punjab after the 2017 Assembly elections in the state.

Kejriwal is expected to base his campaign on the construction of the SutlejYamuna-Link (SYL) canal issue, the drug menace, law and order and procurement of crops in the state. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

EDUCATION P9 Indian Education System: What needs to change?

Focus on skill based education

What do we need to change about the Indian Education System?

Education has been a problem in our country and lack of it has been blamed for all sorts of evil for hundreds of years. Even Rabindranath Tagore wrote lengthy articles about how Indian education system needs to change. Funny thing is that from the colonial times, few things have changed. We have established IITs, IIMs, law schools and other institutions of excellence; students now routinely score 90% marks so that even students with 90+ percentage find it difficult to get into the colleges of their choice; but we do more of the same old stuff.

Rote learning still plagues our system, students study only to score marks in exams, and sometimes to crack exams like IIT JEE, AIIMS or CLAT. The colonial masters introduced education systems in India to create clerks and civil servants, and we have not deviated much from that pattern till today.

If once the youngsters prepared en masse for civil services and bank officers exams, they now prepare to become engineers. If there are a few centres of educational excellence, for each of those there are thousands of mediocre and terrible schools, colleges and now even universities that do not meet even minimum standards.

If things have changed a

Our education system is geared towards teaching and testing knowledge at every level as opposed to teaching skills. "Give a man a fish and you feed him one day, teach him how to catch fishes and you feed him for a lifetime." I believe that if you teach a man a skill, you enable him for a lifetime. Knowledge is largely forgotten after the semester exam is over. Still, year after year Indian students focus on cramming information.

The best crammers are rewarded by the system. This is one of the fundamental flaws of our education system.

little bit somewhere, elsewhere things have sunk into further inertia, corruption and lack of ambition.

Creating a few more schools or allowing hundreds of colleges and private universities to mushroom is not going to solve the crisis of education in India. And a crisis it is we are in a country where people are spending their parent's life savings and borrowed money on education - and even then not getting standard education, and struggling to find employment of their choice. In this country, millions of students are victim of an unrealistic, pointless, mindless rat race. The mind numbing competition and rote learning do not only crush the creativity and originality of millions of Indian students every year, it also drives brilliant students to com-

Get smarter people to teach

For way too long teaching became the sanctuary of the incompetent. Teaching jobs are until today widely regarded as safe, well-paying, risk-free and low-pressure jobs. Once a teacher told me in high school "Well, if you guys don't study it is entirely your loss - I will get my salary at the end of the month anyway." He could not put across the lack of incentive for being good at teaching any better. Thousands of terrible teachers all over India are wasting valuable time of young children every day all over India.

Implement massive technology infrastructure for education

India needs to embrace internet and technology if it has to teach all of its huge population, the majority of which is located in remote villages. Now that we have computers and internet, it makes sense to invest in technological infrastructure that will make access to knowledge easier than ever. Instead of focussing on outdated models of brick and mortar colleges and universities, we need to create educational delivery mechanisms that can actually take the wealth of human knowledge to the masses. The tools for this dissemination will be cheap smartphones, tablets and computers with high speed internet connection. While all these are becoming more possible than ever before, there is lot of innovation yet to take place in this space.

mit suicide.

We also live in a country where the people see education as the means of climbing the social and economic ladder. If the education system is failing - then it is certainly not due to lack of demand for good education, or because a market for education does not exist.

Education system in India is failing because of more intrinsic reasons. There are systemic faults that do not let our demand for good education translate into a great marketplace with excellent education services. I discussed the reasons previously in this article: Will Education make a comeback in India?

Let's explore something else in this one: what should change in India education system? What needs to be fixed at the earliest? Here is my wish list:

Reward creativity, original thinking, research and innovation

Our education system rarely rewards what deserves highest academic accolades. Deviance is discouraged.

Risk taking is mocked. Our testing and marking systems need to be built to recognize original contributions, in form of creativity, problem solving, valuable original research and innovation. If we could do this successfully Indian education system would have changed overnight.

Memorising is no learning; the biggest flaw in our education system is perhaps that it incentivizes memorizing above originality.

Effective deregulation Until today, an institute of higher education in India must be operating on a notfor profit basis. This is discouraging for entrepreneurs and innovators who could have worked in these spaces. On the other hand, many people are using education institutions to hide their black money, and often earning a hefty income from education business through clever structuring and therefore

bypassing the rule with respect to not earning profit from recognized educational institutions. As a matter of fact, private equity companies have been investing in some education service provider companies which in turn provide services to notfor-profit educational institutions and earn enviable profits.

Sometimes these institutes are so costly that they are outside the rich of most Indian students.

There is an urgent need for effective de-regulation of Indian education sector so that there is infusion of sufficient capital and those who provide or create extraordinary educational products or services are adequately rewarded.

Take mediocrity out of the system Our education system today encourages mediocrity in students, in teachers, throughout the system.

It is easy to survive as a mediocre student, or a mediocre tea cher in an educational institution.

No one shuts down a mediocre college or mediocre school. Hard work is always tough, the path to excellence is

fraught with difficulties. Mediocrity is comfortable. Our education system will remain sub-par or mediocre until we make it clear that it is not ok to be mediocre. If we want excellence, mediocrity cannot be tolerated. Mediocrity has to be discarded as an option. Life of those who are mediocre must be made difficult so that excellence

Personalize education - one size does not fit all Assembly line education prepares assembly line workers. However, the drift of economic world is away from assembly line production. Indian education system is built on the presumption that if something is good for one kid, it is good for all kids.

Some kids learn faster, some are comparatively slow. Some people are visual learners, others are auditory learners, and still some others learn faster from exper ience. If one massive monolithic education system has to provide education to everyone, then there is no option but to assume that one size fits all. If however, we can effectively decentralize education, and if the government did not obsessively control what would be the "syllabus" and what will be the method of instruction, there could be an explosion of new and innovative courses

geared towards serving various niches of learners, Take for example, the market for learning dancing. There are very different dance forms that attract students with different tastes. More importantly, different teachers and institutes have developed different ways of teaching dancing. This could never happen if there was a central board of dancing educa-

tion which enforced strict standards of what will be taught and how such things are to be taught.

Central regulation kills choice, and stifles innovation too. As far as education is concerned, availability of choices, de-regulation, profitability, entrepreneurship and emergence of niche courses are all inter-connected.

Allow private capital in education The government cannot afford to provide higher education to all the people in the country. It is too costly for the government to do so.

The central government spends about 4% of budget expenditure on education, compared to 40% on defence. Historically, the government just did not have enough money to spend on even opening new schools and universities, forget overhauling the entire system and investing in technology and innovation related to the education system. Still, until today, at least on paper only non-profit organizations are allowed to run educational institutions apart from government institutions. Naturally, the good money, coming from honest investors who want to earn from honest but high impact businesses do

not get into education sector. Rather, there are crooks, money launderers and politicians opening "private" educational institutions which extract money from the educational institution through creative structuring. The focus is on marketing rather than innovation or providing great educational service - one of the major examples of this be-

ing IIPM. Allowing profit making will encourage serious entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to take interest in the education sector. The government does not have enough money to provide higher education of reasonable quality to all of us, and it has no excuse to prevent private capital from coming into the educational sector.

Re-define the purpose of the education system Our education system is still a colonial education system geared towards generating babus and penpushers under the newly acquired skin of modernity.

We may have the most number of engineering graduates in the world, but that certainly has not translated into much technological innovation here. Rather, we are busy running the call centres of the rest of the world - that is where our engineering skills end.

The goal of our

new education system should be to create entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, scientists, thinkers and writers who can establish the foundation of a knowledge based economy rather than the low-quality service provider nation that we are turning into.

Make reservation irrelevant We have reservation in education today because education is not available universally.

Education has to be rationed. This is not a long -term solution. If we want to emerge as a country build on a knowledge e c o n o m y, driven by highly educ a t e d people - we need to make good education so universally avail-

able that reservation will lose its meaning.

There is no reservation in online education - because it scales. Today top universities worldwide are taking various courses online, and today you can easily attend a live class taught by a top professor of Harvard University online if you want, no matter which country is belong to. This is the future, this is the easy way to beat reservation and make it inconsequential. (Courtesy: www.startup.nujs.edu.com)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

INTERNATIONAL

Panamagate: Pak SC unhappy with PTI's arguments Islamabad, Nov 18: Unimpressed with the arguments of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) counsel Hamid Khan in the Panamagate scandal accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his children of laundering money to purchase their Londonproperties, the Supreme Court has asked the former to build his case and not politick.

It was not as expected by the PTI when their senior counsel opened his arguments yesterday before the five-judge apex court bench hearing the Panamagate case. The counsel quoted at length from three speeches made

by Sharif - on April 5, April 22 and May 16 - to proclaim his innocence before the nation, reports the Dawn.

To this, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed observed that "instead of going into mind-numbing rhetoric, the counsel should have relied on the documents submitted by the Prime Minister and his family

Justice Saeed also expressed his apprehension at the way the proceedings were going in this case and said that this hearing would likely continue until 2099.

members", adding that Khan's case should be that the documents the respondents are relying on were wrong.

"Please focus on the [case] at hand," Justice Saeed advised the petitioner's counsel, adding that the courtcould not draw any conclusion on the basis of the Prime Minister's speeches.

Justice Saeed also expressed his apprehension at the way the proceedings were going in this case and said that this hear-

ing would likely continue until 2099.

When the counsel pointed out that Sharif had promised the nation he would quit if found guilty, Justice .Khosa reminded Khan that the Prime Minister had made that promise with himself, not with the counsel.

The PTI's lawyer also lamented that the speeches failed to offer any explanation of how the Sharifs generated the capital to install factories in Dubai when they had gone broke

Iraqi Forces Advance Into Mosul Under Fire, 1 Soldier Killed Mosul, Nov 18:Iraqi troops advanced cautiously into eastern districts of Mosul on Friday, facing stiff resistance from Islamic State militants a day after they paused their assault due to poor visibility, officers said.

Airstrikes, automatic fire and artillery were heard from dawn and one soldier was reported killed in clashes. Civilians, some of them wounded, could be seen fleeing the fighting.

According to the officers, the Iraqi forces aim to take complete control of the city's Tahrir area and from there move into the adjacent Muharabeen district.

The officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Iraqi forces launched the long-awaited operation to

retake Mosul a month ago but have only advanced into a few eastern districts.

The troops have faced fierce resistance, with snipers, mortar fire and Islamic State suicide bombers driving armor-plated vehicles packed with explosives.

On Thursday, cloudy skies over Iraq's second-largest city obscured the visibility of the drones and warplanes on which the troops rely, hindering their advance. Instead, special forces secured areas they had seized, set up checkpoints and swept for explosives.

The pause also allowed the residents running out of food in areas liberated from IS to get some supplies from Iraqi troops and aid organizations.

Mosul is the last major

holdout for the militants in Iraq. Driving them out would deal a severe blow to the Islamic State's selfstyled caliphate stretching into Syria.

IS on Friday claimed responsibility for an attack the previous night in which a suicide car bomber struck a wedding near the western city of Fallujah, killing at least 10 people and wounding 32.

The wedding was full of government-allied Sunni tribal fighters who are also part of the campaign to rid the country of IS, said Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Saad Maan.

It was the second incident this week in Fallujah. On Monday, twin suicide bombers targeted the city's security checkpoints, killing six people. (Agencies)

Kashmir dispute hinders ChinaPak corridor: Chinese media Beijing, Nov 18 : Admitting perhaps for the first time that Kashmir dispute "does hinder" the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, a state media report here today said that this does not mean China should "appease" India to prevent it from playing "little tricks".

"The dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan does hinder Chinas efforts in pushing the (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) forward, but this does not mean China should appease India to prevent the country from playing little tricks," said the article in the Global Times - part of the Peoples Daily group of the ruling Communist Party of China.

It said "India should be aware that its ambition of becoming a great power wont be realised if it contributes little to promoting regional integration and regional economic development."

The article was in response to a piece by US-based analyst Panos Mourdoukoutas in Forbes magazine yester-

day criticising Beijing over the ambitious project. The Forbes piece has said that China has done "very little to appease India."

The daily has regularly carried articles critical to India for the past few months.

Todays was, however, a rare admission that the Kashmir dispute hinders the CPEC project, which runs through the Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK).

India has expressed reservations over the project that links western China to Gwadar Port in the restive Balochistan province in southern Pakistan. The project gives China easy access for trade to Central Asian states and European markets.

China has defended the project, saying it is a commercial project aimed at improving peoples lives.

In the Forbes piece, Mourdoukoutas said that "China should make peace with India for forget about the project".

He said China desperately needs CPEC. Its part of Chinas vision "to write the rules of the next stage of

globalisation" and help its export and investment engines grow for years.

"So far, China has done very little to appease India.

In fact, it has done quite the opposite: repeatedly blocking Indias efforts to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group," he said.

"And things could turn worse, if pro-Indian forces in Pakistan sabotage Chinas CPEC route. That raises the possibility of an open confrontation between China and Pakistan on the one side, and India and its allies on the other," he said.

Countering Mourdou koutas, the Chinese media article said, "Indias strategic suspicions toward Chinas rising presence in South Asia may hobble its ambition to be a great power, even though some observers think otherwise."

The CPEC "does not target India, and we believe that Chinas efforts to improve infrastructure in Pakistan have no intention of supporting the countrys dispute with India," it said. (PTI)

Thailand's Queen in Hospital With High Fever, Lung Infection Bangkok, Nov 18: The royal palace of Thailand says Queen Sirikit has been hospitalized with fever and lung infection, a month after her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died.

Friday's statement says the 84-year-old Sirikit had high fever on Wednesday. She

was admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital and doctors succeeded in bringing down the fever on Thursday, when she was able to "breathe well and eat."

It says an X-ray revealed a lung infection for which she is being treated with antibiotics.

The queen has been in poor health for years and is known to have suffered a stroke.

Bhumibol, the world's longest serving monarch, died on Oct. 13 after battling several illnesses for years. The country is observing a one-year mourning period. (Agencies)

after the nationalisation of their industries nor did they explain where the family found the money to revive sick industrial units that were handed over to them in 1983.

The court, more interested in the matter at hand, nudged the counsel in the direction of a financial investigation report carried out by an agency in the British Virgin Islands in 1999 for the Al-Taufiq case, where a suspicious activity report had also been generated.

At one point, when the counsel contested the Prime Minister's claims regarding the payment of Rs. 360 million in tax, Justice Khosa observed that it was not the court's job to scrutinise the entire life of a person. The judge said that the matter of paying taxes was irrelevant to the case at hand and asked the counsel to focus his arguments on the London properties.

The Chief Justice also emphasized that in criminal trials, the benefit of the

doubt always went in the favour of the suspect, adding that the counsel's arguments were not a substitute for tangible proof.

"We are giving you the chance to address the court for the sake of our satisfaction, but after hearing you for over an hour, we are still at the same position," the bench observed.

"On the basis of your arguments and replies filed, it seems [the case] is not so simple that we may straightaway come to a definite conclusion and pass an order unless there is a detailed inquiry within a solid time frame, conducted by an inquiry commission headed by a Supreme Court judge," the bench said.

At one point, Justice Khosa even quipped it appeared that the judges were more prepared than the lawyers in the case, especially since an elected Prime Minister was in the dock.

The apex court will resume hearing in the Panamagate matter on November 30.

(IANS)

Former Lankan diplomat arrested for corruption Colombo, Nov 18: A former Sri Lankan ambassador to the US, who is a close relative of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested and today sent to police custody for allegedly misusing state funds during the previous regime.

Jaliya Wickramasuriya was arrested yesterday by Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) on charges of financial fraud. He has been accused of accepting USD 245,000 as commission while serving as the ambassador in Washington.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne remanded him to police custody till December 2, ColomboPage reported.

The former diplomat allegedly accepted the commission in connection with a contract to refurbish the Sri Lankan embassy in the US and had reportedly remitted the money to Sri Lanka.

Wickramasuriya is a close relative of Rajapaksa. He

was arrested by the FCID at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo when he was attempting to leave the country.

President Maithriapal Sirisena, Rajapaksa's successor, came to power on a promise to fight corruption. Soon after taking over in January last year, Sirisena ordered criminal investigations into corruption under the Rajapaksa regime. Rajapaksa's closest family members face allegations of bribery, extortion and even murder.

Rajapaksa's two sons legislator Namal and exnavy officer Yoshitha and two of his siblings are currently on bail after being charged with corruption. Sri Lankan government has sought help from the US Federal Bureau of Investigations and other international organisations to track down billions of dollars said to have been siphoned out of the country during Rajapaksa's decade in power. (Agencies)

India using artillery fire to escalate tension: Maleeha Lodhi tells UN

Pakistan's ambassador to the United State, Maheela Lodhi New York, Nov 18: Pakistan has drawn the attention of the United Nations to what it said was India's "intention" to escalate tension on the Line of Control by launching artillery barrages, which were threatening regional peace and security. Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi wrote to UNSC President and and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon saying Indian troops in Kashmir launched artillery barrages last week in a major escalation of attacks along the LoC threatening regional peace and security, Geo News reported.

"This was the first use of such weapons in 13 years and was a clear indication

of the Indian intention to further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and security," she wrote.

Lodhi said it was an effort by India to divert the international attention from its "continued violations of human rights" in Kashmir, the report said.

She called on the UN chief and the Security Council as the custodians of international peace and security to take note of the continued ceasefire violations by India that pose a real danger to regional peace and security.

She told the UN authorities that the frequency of these violations has increased over the last two months. (Agencies)

P10

Pak Navy claims it stopped Indian subs from entering waters

Indian submarines might have been on an "intelligence gathering" mission when detected by Pakistan Navy

Karachi, Nov 18: Pakistan Navy today claimed that it prevented Indian submarines from entering its territorial waters. A Pakistan Navy spokesman said the Indian submarines after being detected near Pakistan's territorial waters had been pushed back.

"The Indian Navy, in order to fulfil its nefarious designs, was deploying submarines. The Pakistan

Navy, alert and using its extreme skill, prevented Indian submarines from entering Pakistani waters," the Pakistan Navy spokesman said in a statement.

"Pakistan Navy fleet units detected the presence of Indian submarines in the southern parts of Pakistani waters...And restricted their activity," the statement said. The spokesman claimed that

Pakistan Navy had been successful in thwarting the efforts of the Indian submarines to keep their presence camouflaged.

"The Navy had constantly pursued the submarines and pushed them back," he said. "The Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to defend its borders and capable of responding to any aggression befittingly," he added.

Commodore (retd) Tasneem Ahmed, a Pakistani defence analyst, said Indian submarines would have been detected by air reconnaissance.

The Indian submarines might have been on an "intelligence gathering" mission when detected

by Pakistan Navy, Pakistani naval experts were quoted as saying by media reports. (PTI)

Trump meets Japanese Prime Minister Abe This was Mr. Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader after he was voted to power in one of the most surprising results of a US presidential election held on November 8.

Washington, Nov 18: Donald Trump has met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the US President-elect's first meeting with a foreign leader after winning the presidential elections last week.

"I am convinced Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence," Mr. Abe said after the meeting on Thursday that lasted for about 90 minutes at the Trump Towers in New York.

Mr. Abe, whose country is one of Washington's closest allies, said the two leaders can have "a relationship of trust".

"I am very honoured to see the President-elect ahead of other world leaders. The Japan-US alliance is the axis of Japan's diplomacy and security.

The alliance becomes alive only when there is

This handout picture, released by Japan's Cabinet Secretariat on November 18, 2016 shows Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) in a meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump (L) in New York. trust between us," Mr. Abe told reporters after the meeting, which was closed for the press.

Presidential transition team has described the meeting as private.

This was Mr. Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader after he was

voted to power in one of the most surprising results of a US presidential election held on November 8.

He has spoken with as many as 32 world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(PTI)

South Korea blocks Google export of mapdata Seoul, Nov 18: South Korea on Friday rejected Google's request to export government-supplied data for its global mapping service, arguing it would make the country more vulnerable to attack by North Korea.

It was the second such rebuff for the US tech giant, which said it was "disappointed" by the decision.

"There are concerns that Google's request to export map data could escalate security threats amid confrontation between South and North Korea," the land and transport ministry said in a statement.

South Korea's strict National Security Law prevents Google from exporting government-supplied maps on the grounds that it could expose the location of sensitive military installations.

Because the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty, the two Koreas remain technically at war.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc, operates its mapping services by exporting map data from each country to its headquarters in California and 14 data centres situated around the world including the US and

Singapore.

It was forced to use a third-party server when it first rolled out Google Maps in the South in 2008, and only offered a limited, bare-bones version.

Google argues that the security law is outdated and unfairly restricts the company from providing a full range of mapping services, such as driving directions, public transit information and satellite maps.

The US tech giant backed up its complaint by claiming it could offer a wider range of services for isolated North Korea - including driving directions from the capital Pyongyang to the country's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, and locations of the North's notorious labour camps.

Seoul officials had proposed that Google blur out security information like power plants, military installations, government buildings and the presidential office on its mapping service.

In its statement on Friday, the government said Google had turned down the offer.

"We're disappointed by

this decision. We've always taken security concerns very seriously," Taj Meadows, Head of Google's Asia-Pacific Policy Communications said.

On the subject of South Korea's security concerns, Meadows referred to a statement issued in August that said the map data that Google sought to export "does not contain sensitive information affecting national security".

It argued that Google had complied with the law by using lower resolution satellite images of South Korea than for other parts of the world.

Removing or blurring specific locations would prevent Google from providing users with "the most complete information available", the statement said.

South Korea is among a handful of countries along with China and Russia - where Google is not the number one ranked search engine.

The homegrown Naver search engine - which only uses government-supplied maps that camouflage sensitive installations - is the domestic leader in search and mapping services.

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

BUSINESS

P11

Sensex back in green, up 121 pts at mid-session

Reliance Global launches international calling app

Mumbai, Nov 18: Market recovered some lost ground at mid-session, with BSE Sensex trading higher by over 121 points and NSE Nifty recapturing the 8,100-level on across-the-board buying led by power, healthcare and realty stocks amid higher opening on European bourses.

The 30-share index, which had lost about 110 points in early trade on hints of rate hike in December by US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, rebounded to

1,290.06 points in the previous four sessions.

Value-buying in most of the counters and a higher European opening also helped in boosting the sentiment, brokers said.

The 50-share Nifty reclaimed the 8,100-mark by recovering 42.45 points, or 0.52 per cent, to 8,122.40.

quote 121.40 points, or 0.46 per cent, higher at

26,349.02 at mid-session.

The gauge had plunged by

SEBI to auction Sahara group's five land parcels

Securities and Exchange Board of India head office in Mumbai.

New Delhi, Nov 18 : Moving ahead with sale of Sahara assets to recover money, regulator SEBI today lined up as many as five land parcels of the beleaguered group for an e-auction next month at a total reserve price of over Rs. 130 crore.

Earlier, 13 properties were put on the block in October and their combined reserve price was about Rs. 1,400 crore.

Prior to that, 58 properties were auctioned in July with a collective reserve price of nearly Rs. 5,000 crore.

In separate notices today, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said SBI Caps will auction three properties on December 28 at a reserve price of about Rs. 102 crore, while HDFC Realty will auction two properties on December 27 at a

reserve price of over Rs. 29 crore.

Following directions from the Supreme Court for sale of certain Sahara assets to recover money, SEBI has mandated SBI Capital Markets (SBI Caps) and HDFC Realty for auctioning a total of 61 land parcels.

HDFC Realty has been roped in to auction 31 land parcels at a reserve price of Rs. 2,400 crore, while SBI Caps has been asked to auction 30 land properties with an estimated market value of about Rs. 4,100 crore.

These properties are spread across the country and mostly include land parcels. As per the court directions, they cannot be sold at less than 90 per cent of the circle rates.

After spending two years in jail, Sahara chief Subrata Roy is currently out on parole. He was sent to jail on the orders of the Supreme Court in a longrunning dispute with SEBI. (PTI)

Tata Consultancy and Vedanta wins ACES awards Singapore, Nov 18 : Two leading Indian companies have been awarded for their leadership in sustainability, corporate social responsibility, eco consciousness and community care at the third annual Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards (ACES).

TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) was named Industry Champions in the Leadership category.

A pioneer in the IT industry, TCS leadership is evidenced by its strong global footprint that spans a vast network over 45 countries with a workforce of over 350,000 employees, noted ACES organisers MORS Group of Malaysia.

TCS mission statement stresses its aims to help customers achieve their business objectives by providing innovative, bestin-class consulting, IT solutions and services, it noted.

Even more remarkably,

the company aims to "make it a joy for all stakeholders to work with us," said MORS which spearheads a series of programmes for companies across Asia.

"This commitment to go above and beyond mere duty and business is what distinguishes Tata Consultancy Services as an industry champion," said MORS, which holds its annual awards in Singapore.

TCS was also named "Most Socially Responsible Company of the Year" for its deep commitment to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) responsibility role.

Indias Vedanta Limited was named "Top Companies to Work For in Asia."

The staff turnaround/attrition rate at Vedanta, at 5.38 per cent, is lower than the industry average, because there are numerous measures and policies in place that both attract and retain the talent at

Vedanta, said MORS. "At Vedanta, the emphasis is on the freedom for the staff to learn, to lead, explore, experiment, innovate and evolve as both a professional and as a person.

"The company focuses on utilising and grooming talent by rotating them across businesses in order to experience new roles and also as part of the preparation for employees to take up key positions in the future," said MORS. Additionally, there are various development programmes for employees that include skill mapping exercises to help identify skill development needs, the identification of top talent through succession planning and the sabbatical learning programme to build inhouse talent, it observed.

Eleven Indian companies were nominated among 185 Asian businesses for ACES 2016 awards.

(PTI)

However, stocks of consumer durables, FMCG and metal companies continued to face selling pressure, leading to a restriction in recovery to some extent.

Also, the 50-share Nifty reclaimed the 8,100-mark by recovering 42.45 points, or 0.52 per cent,

to 8,122.40.

Among the gainers were: NTPC, Sun Pharma, Hero MotoCorp, M&M, Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Cipla, Bajaj Auto, RIL, Maruti Suzuki, Lupin and HDFC Ltd. Broader markets were also back in better shape with mid-cap and smallcap indices adding up to 0.78 per cent. Globally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.43 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei rose by 0.59 per cent. European markets were also higher in their early trade.

(PTI)

Industrial oils surge on rising demand

Image for representation purpose.

Mumbai, Nov 18: In futures, castorseeds also climbed due to heavy speculative demand on the back of consistent export inquiries.

Meanwhile, groundnutoil, refined palmolein and linseedoil all held steady in the absence of any buying activity.

In the non-edible segment, castorseeds bold advanced by Rs 25 per 100kg to Rs 3,625 from Friday's closing level of Rs 3,600 and castoroil commercial gained by Rs 5 to Rs 755 per 10 kg from Rs

750. Linseedoil ruled stable at Rs 830 per 10 kg.

Turning to futures, castorseeds for the March contract opened slightly higher at Rs 3,790 and later moved-up further to Rs 3,848 before finishing at Rs 3,843 as against Rs 3,785 yesterday, showing a net gain of Rs 58 per tonne.

However, moving to edible segment, both groundnutoil and refined palmolein closed unchanged at Rs 1,290 and Rs 505 per 10 kg, respectively. (PTI)

Rupee cracks 68-level, tumbles 32 paise vs US dollar

Image for representation purpose.

Mumbai, Nov 18: The rupee took a sharp plunge of 32 paise to crash below the 68-mark against the US dollar in early trade on Friday on higher dollar demand from importers after the American currency strengthened overseas coupled with lower opening in the domestic stock market.

Dealers said dollar's strengthening against rivals overseas following hints of interest rate hike in December from US Federal Reserve chief

Janet Yellen also weighed on the domestic currency.

Besides, foreign fund outflows kept pressure on the rupee, they added.

The rupee had staged a smart rebound against the US dollar to end higher by 12 paise at 67.82 in yesterday's trade on fresh selling of the greenback by exporters and banks.

Meanwhile, the benchmark Sensex was trading lower by 49.21 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 26,178.41 in early session.

(PTI)

New Delhi, Nov 18: Premium train tickets are likely to see a downward trend in the coming days.

As per media report, Railways Minister has asked officials to ensure that trains gets booked to the maximum capacity and to ensure that Railways officials are likely to offer tickets at lucrative prices for the seats that would go unreserved.

The fall in ticket prices is expected on the unreserved seats on premium trains like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Duronto

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Committee set up to review the Allowances sanctioned to central government employees under 7th Pay Commission is likely to have finalised Allowances for central government employees.

"Today there had been a crucial meeting of the Committee on Allowances. They may finalize all the allowances in today's meeting itself or some of them", said Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government Employees, in a circular to its fraternity.

Mishra referred to the "crucial meeting of the Commit-

has lost passenger traffic to airlines. For shorter distances, people have even begun choosing road as mode of travel.

(Agencies)

of Reliance Communications, also announced an introductory offer under which customers can avail talk time worth Rs 200 on sign-up with Rs 100. Customers will get calling rates starting at Rs 1.4 per minute.

Exports from special economic zones logged a marginal growth of 0.77 per cent to Rs 4.67 lakh crore in 2015-16.

Rail fares in premium trains likely to fall in lean season

trains a day or two before the departure.

Since the launch of surge pricing on Shatabdi, Duronto and Rajdhani train tickets, Railways

New Delhi, Nov 18: Reliance Global Call (RGC) today launched an international calling app which enables direct- dialling of contacts, doing away with the need to enter toll- free or PIN numbers.

RGC India', a subsidiary

Govt cancels Gitanjali Gems' SEZ project in Maharashtra

7th Pay Commission: Final touches given to Allowances of central govt employees; may soon see disbursal

Image for representation purpose.

Image for representation purpose.

"The service is available to all mobile phone and landline users of the country including prepaid and post-paid subscribers on the networks of Reliance, Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Tata, Aircel and MTS," said a company statement.

Customers can register for the RGC service via the website, or download the mobile app from Android Play Store and iOS App Store, it added.

"The 'RGC India' app enables direct-dialling of international contacts, without the need to enter toll-free number or PIN numbers," said Gurdeep Singh, Co-CEO, RelianceCommunications, and CEO of RCOM's Consumer Business. (PTI)

tee on Allowances" held on November 16.

The government had formed a committee headed by finance secretary Ashok Lavasa which has been mandated to submit its views on the 7th Central Pay Commission's proposals on Allowance. The committee had held its first meeting on July 22 and had a fourmonth deadline to complete its task.

The CPC examined 196 allowances and given its recommendations on abolishing or raising some of them while recommending others to be subsumed with other perks. (Agencies)

New Delhi, Nov 18: Government has approved the cancellation of Gitanjali Gems' special economic zone (SEZ) project in Maharashtra.The decision regarding this was taken by the Board of Approval (BoA), headed by Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, on its November 9 meeting, an official said.

"The cancellation, however, is subject to the development commissioner furnishing a certificate that the developer has not availed any tax or duty benefits including under service tax exemptions, if any, under SEZ Act/

Rules," the official added.

The company's gems and jewellery SEZ was notified on June 9, 2008, and its formal approval expired on October 24, 2011. The Development Commissioner of Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone had stated that the developer could not get green zone converted to industrial zone even after lapse of eight years from notification.

The BoA has also approved the cancellation of Karanja Infrastructure's Free Trade and Warehousing Zones (FTWZ)

in Raigad.

SEZs are export hubs, which contribute about 23 per cent in the country's total outbound shipments.

Exports from special economic zones logged a marginal growth of 0.77 per cent to Rs 4.67 lakh crore in 2015-16. The exports from such 204 zones were Rs 4.63 lakh crore in 2014-15.

As per the Commerce Ministry's data, as on March 31, these zones had attracted investments worth Rs 3.76 lakh crore and generated employment for 15.91 lakh people.

(PTI)

Luxury home rate may fall by 25-30% New Delhi, Nov 18: Prices of luxury homes is likely to fall by 25-30 percent following demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as transactions in this segment involved lots of cash payments, according to real estate consultant JLL. "The real estate sector will definitely be affected by the demonetisation exercise as it has traditionally seen a very high involvement of black money and cash transactions," said Ashwinder Raj Singh, CEO - Residential Services, JLL India.

"However, almost all such incidence has been in the secondary sales market, where cash components have traditionally been a veritable 'must'."

In other words, he said, the resale properties segment will take a big hit.

Stating that the luxury and high-end segments of housing segment will see a major impact, he said: "The legal banking/ financing channels have accounted for only a small part of all transactions in this space.

The demonetisation move is

likely to result in luxury property prices dropping by as much as 25-30 percent as sellers struggle to offload properties to generate liquidity."

The luxury home buyers will suddenly have a much wider bandwidth of options to choose from, he added.

"With black money suddenly being wiped out of the market, a lot of investors who have been investing in projects with unaccounted-for money and raising prices to book profits - will be eliminated from the system, thereby aiding a muchneeded correction," Singh said.

The primary market - or, more specifically, the market formed by projects undertaken by reputed and credible developers in the top 8 Indian cities - would remain more or less unaffected, the consultant said.

This is because buyers into such projects take the home loans/finance route to buy their homes, and transactions are done through legal channels, he said, adding that there would not be

any major impact on sales in this segment.

"However, there might be an impact on quite a few projects in tier 2 or 3 cities where cash has played a role even in primary residential sales. However, the turmoil in this segment will settle down in a short period of time," he said.

On the overall impact on the sector, Singh hoped the passage of the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act 2016, the Benami Transactions Act and now the demonetisation move would ensure that going forward, the sector will lose much of its historic taint and become more transparent.

"Only players who conduct their business with integrity will survive. This augurs well for end-users, who will be aware of their rights, have the assurance of not being cheated and will no longer need to contend with constantly rising prices," he said.

Over the long term, the Indian real estate sector will emerge stronger, healthier and capable of long periods of sustained growth, JLL said.

Government may put total ban on exchange of old notes soon New Delhi, Nov 18: In what could further shock the people facing huge cash crunch following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise the highvalue currency notes, the government may put a ban on exchange of old notes.

As per media sources, the government might announce a total ban on exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes soon since it has purportedly got several reports on anomalies in exchange of old notes.

Sources further said that the government may only allow deposit of old notes at banks. Such deposits can be withdrawn only through ATMs or by cheque.

A decision regarding the same might be announced

before November 24.

With the demonetisation creating hardships in the middle of marriage and sowing seasons, government yesterday allowed witdrawals up to Rs 2.5 lakh for weddings and up to Rs 50,000 for farmers but more than halved the limit of exchange of defunct notes to Rs 2,000.

Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said the families preparing for a wedding can withdraw up to Rs 2.50 lakh from bank account giving PAN details and self declaration.

However, with effect from today individuals can exchange invalid 500 and 1,000 rupee notes totalling Rs 2,000, as against Rs 4,500 earlier, only once till

December 30.

Besides, farmers who have taken crop loan or have kisan credit card can withdraw Rs 25,000 per week. Also those who have got payments through RTGS or cheque deposit in KYC compliant bank account can withdraw an additional Rs 25,000 a week. This takes the total cash withdrawal limit for farmers from KYC complaint bank accounts to Rs 50,000 per week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 surprised citizens by announcing demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee notes and since then large number of seemingly unending queues before banks and post offices are seen in order to exchange these currencies.

(Agencies)

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

P12 England 103/5 at the end of day 2

Pune enter top-4 after thrilling win against leaders Delhi

Pune enter top-4 after thrilling win against leaders Delhi New Delhi, Nov 18 : FC Pune City beat Delhi Dynamos FC 4-3 during their 2016 Hero Indian Super League encounter in front of almost 9,000 fans at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi on Friday. Pune’ Mohamed Sissoko missed a penalty before Kean Lewis scored to give the Lions a first-half lead. A brace from Anibal Rodriguez and Sissoko made it 3-1 for the hosts before an Eduardo Ferreira own-goal made it 3-2. Goals from substitutes Lenny Rodrigues and Malsawmzuala in stoppage time saw the match end 4-3 in favour of the hosts as leaders Delhi succumbed to their second defeat of Hero Indian Super League 2016.

The hosts had a great chance of taking the lead early on after Sissoko threaded in a delightful pass to Ferreira inside three minutes. Ferreira found himself

in a one-on-one situation with Soram Poirei but his shot was straight at the Delhi custodian, who was glad to concede a corner.

Delhi’s first opportunity came in the 14th minute courtesy of a smart through-ball by Souvik Chakraborty that put Florent Malouda in behind Pune’s defence. The Frenchman managed to get his shot away but Edel Bete was quick off his line to make the save for the hosts.

Malouda had another chance five minutes later when he attempted a shot from outside the penalty area. This time Delhi’s marquee player failed to test Bete in goal as Pune countered from the very next attack through Momar Ndoye, who forced Poirei into a save at his near post after outpacing Delhi’s defence.

The Stallions should have been in front in the 25th minutes after Kim Kima con-

ceded a penalty for a foul on Rodriguez. Sissoko stepped up to the spot and sent his effort low to Poirei’s left but the Dynamos shotstopper got a strong hand to the ball and made the save to keep it at 0-0.

The penultimate chance of the opening period for Delhi saw Marcelinho in on goal with just the keeper to beat after a pass from deep inside their own half. However, the Lions’ top-scorer this season scuffed his shot, allowing Pune’s defence to clear the danger.

Delhi took the lead from their next attack with Memo squaring brilliantly for Lewis, who made no mistake with a controlled left-foot finish to make it 1-0 a minute from half-time. Ndoye could have equalised for the Stallions in stoppage time at the end of the first half but Poirei again came to his side’s rescue as Pune went into the break a goal down.

Pune levelled 10 minutes into the second half after Rodriguez won a free-kick on the right flank for the Stallions. Jonatan Lucca put in an inch-perfect ball from the set-piece, which Rodriguez headed into the back of the net to make it 1-1.

Antonio Habas’ men went in front in the 62nd minute thanks to another set-piece from Lucca. The Brazilian’s free-kick somehow made its way to Sissoko, who found himself unmarked inside the six-yard box. The Malian made no mistake this time around and redeemed his earlier penalty miss by slamming the ball into the net.

Rodriguez scored his second goal of the night two minutes later by capitalising on Ruben Rocha’s poor control from a Poirei pass and firing into the bottom corner from range to give his side a two-goal cushion.

Delhi tried to mount a comeback with Marcelinho going

inches wide of reducing the deficit in the 68th minute.

Substitute Bruno Pelissari and Malouda also went close to scoring but Bete was equal to the task to deny the Lions.

The visitors did pull one back 11 minutes from fulltime after Ferreira’s attempted clearance off a David Addy cross from the left hit the back of the net for the first own goal of the season. It set up a dramatic climax to the match with the game resting on a knife-edge with score at 3-2.

Pune made it 4-2 in injurytime with Lenny side-footing a Lucca pass to send the home fans into raptures.

Delhi though weren’t giving in that easy and responded soon after with substitute Malsawmzuala scoring his first goal of the season to make it 4-3. That proved to be the last goal of the match as Pune brought themselves back in semis contention.

Jayawardene replaces Madrid derby highlight of weekend matches in Spanish league Ponting as Mumbai Indians head coach

Indian players celebrate the dismissal of Joe Root as the England batsman trudges back to the pavilion. Photograph: Aijaz Rahi/AP PTI Visakhapatnam, Nov 18: Indian spinners roared back to form to leave England reeling at 103 for five in their first innings as the hosts strengthened their position in the second Test here today.

The spinners showed what they can do on a pitch offering help and were led by the in-form Ravichandran Ashwin, who picked up the key wicket of Joe Root (53) and Ben Duckett (5) after scoring a crucial half century earlier in the day.

For England, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow were in the middle at close of play on day two with their team still trailing by 352 runs.

India, starting the day at 317/4, added 138 runs to post 455 with overnight centurion Virat Kohli going on to make 167 besides Ashwin (58) and debutant Jayant Yadav (35) making valuable contributions.

When he got the chance to bowl, off-spinner Yadav went on to make take his first Test wicket by having Moeen Ali leg before

with India making successful use of the DRS. The ball started turning and keeping low from lunch onwards, but Root stamped his class to notch up his 24th fifty in the 50th Test.

But he could not make it fully count as Ashwin (2/ 20) provided the crucial breakthrough when the Englishman stepped out only to be holed out at long-off.

With Root back in the hut, India were soon on top of the opposition and a DRS decision also went in India's favour as Kumar Dharmasena's 'not-out' decision of Ali was successfully reviewed by the home side to hand Yadav his maiden scalp that reduced England to 80 for five.

The fielding was also sharp and Wriddhiman Saha executed a MS Dhoni-like back flip to run out Haseeb Hameed (13).

The 19-year-old opener played with utmost caution and consumed 50 balls in his 50-ball innings.

But a misjudgement for a second run cost him his wicket with Saha execut-

ing a fine run-out by moving in front of the stumps before backflicking the ball right onto stumps.

In the second session, Hameed and Root hung on after they lost skipper Alastair Cook (2) in the third over.

With a peach of delivery that sharply came in, Mohammed Shami (1/15) dislodged Cook's offstump, breaking wild celebrations among the Indian fielders.

Shami and his fellow pacer Umesh Yadav consistently hit the deck at 140kphplus speed in a fine display of pace bowling.

Earlier, Ashwin batted beautifully in his innings spanning two hours and 26 minutes and found a fine ally in debutant Yadav as they put up a crucial 64 run stand for the eighth wicket after Moeen Ali's triple blow in the first session.

Brief Scores: India 1st innings: 455 all out in 129.4 overs (Virat Kohli 167, Cheteshwar Pujara 119; James Anderson 3/62, Moeen Ali 3/98).

England 1st innings: 103/5 in 49 overs. (Joe Root 53; R Ashwin 2/20).

Sports Minister Vijay Goel congratulates new FIH President Narinder Batra

Power Sport Images/Getty Images Mahela Jayawardene PTI Mumbai, Nov 18: Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has replaced Ricky Ponting as the head coach of Mumbai Indians for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).

Jayawardene's appointment has come in the wake of Ponting's contract coming to a close.

The former Australia captain was Mumbai Indians chief coach for the the past two seasons after taking charge from former India coach John Wright.

Commenting on the Sri Lankan's appointment, team owner Nita Ambani said, "Jayawardene is an astute figure in the modern era of cricket. He is a perfect role-model for the young Mumbai Indians squad. I am sure our global fans, who have always believed in the team and expects the best, will welcome Mahela to our Mumbai Indians family."

Jayawardene has rich experience in limited overs cricket having being part of the winning World T20 2014 Sri Lankan squad and leading the country to the finals of 2007 ICC

Cricket World Cup. The 39-year-old possesses the requisite attitude and the appetite for a new role in his career.

The Sri Lankan while accepting the challenge has termed his new assignment as the "start of a new chapter" and is looking forward to bringing the best of his life learning to the field.

"I am very excited by the appointment and glad that the Mumbai Indians management appreciated my presentation and ideas," said Jayawardene adding, "I am looking forward to working with a really talented squad, all the support staff, and the owners to help strengthen the two-time IPL champions.

"Mumbai Indians have the most passionate fan base in the IPL and I have always been wowed by the amazing support the team gets at Wankhede Stadium. In what is a new chapter in my career, I will be striving hard to bring them more on-field success and joy."

Jayawardene will soon be travelling to Mumbai to conduct a detail meeting with the team management.

IANS Madrid, Nov 18: League football returns to Spain following the international break with what could possibly be a season defining game for both Real and Atletico Madrid on Saturday night.

The first Madrid derby of the season sees league leaders Real visit the Vicente Calderon Stadium for the first time since their dramatic win over Atletico Madrid on penalties in the Champions League final, reports Xinhua.

Despite criticism of their performance, Real Madrid have a six point lead over their neighbours, who know defeat would virtually mean the end of this season's title challenge.

Diego Simeone's side will be at virtually full strength as forward Antoine Griezmann has recovered from the foot injury he suffered on international duty.

But Real Madrid have lost Alvaro Morata with a hamstring injury and although Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric should be able to start, Tony Kroos is also sidelined.

Real Madrid players Pepe, Karim Benzema and Casemiro are also doubt-

ful due to injuries.

If the game needed any further emotion, it will be the last league derby between the two sides in the Calderon as Atletico prepare to move to their new ground at the start of next season.

FC Barcelona have a magnificent chance to put the pressure on both their title rivals when they take on Malaga earlier on Saturday afternoon. Andres Iniesta is still sidelined for the Catalans and Samuel Umtiti has a muscle problem, but Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba should be able to return following their injury lay-offs to give a timely boost to Luis Enrique's men.

A win for Barca against an improving Malaga would momentarily take them top of the table and mean Real Madrid would need to win in the Calderon in order to maintain the leadership.

However, Deportivo la Coruna, who will face high-flying Sevilla in Saturday's early kick off, are in trouble.

Deportivo are struggling for goals, while Sevilla, despite having the same number of points as Atletico Madrid, have only

one league win away from home in the last 16 months.

A loss on Saturday could cost Deportivo coach Gaizka Garitano his job.

Eibar and Celta also play on Saturday, before Sunday kicks off with Espanyol's visit to play Alaves. Alaves took three vital points from Osasuna before the international break, but have only one home win all season, while Espanyol's two wins have both come on the road.

Valencia will hope to get back to winning ways at home to rock bottom of the table Granada,, while third from bottom Sporting Gijon have a tough game at home to in-form Real Sociedad before Sunday's best game sees Athletic Club Bilbao entertain Villarreal.

Third placed Villarreal have lost just once all season and are unbeaten in seven of their last 10 visits to Bilbao, while the home side, who recover Mikel San Jose, Aymeric Laporte and Benat after injury, will look to veteran striker Aritz Aduriz, who has scored 10 goals against Sunday's rivals, to lead them to victory.

PTI New Delhi, Nov 18: Sports Minister Vijay Goel has congratulated Hockey India chief Narinder Batra on being elected as the first non-European President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on last Saturday.

Goel expressed hope that the game of hockey will spread world wide under

Batra's leadership.

"I hope that under Shri Batra number of hockey playing nations in the world will increase and hockey will regain place of prominence in the international arena," Goel said in a message.

Batra on Saturday became the first non-European President of the FIH after he was elected to the top

post by an overwhelming margin during the penultimate day of the 45th FIH Congress in Dubai.

Batra, who is the president of Hockey India, defeated David Balbirnie of Ireland and Australia's Ken Read to become the 12th FIH President - the first Asian to grab the post in the world body's 92-year-old history.

Leander Paes to promote gender equality at Global Citizen Festival India IANS Mumbai, Nov 18 : Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has joined the Global Citizen India movement to end extreme poverty in the country by 2030. He will be a guest speaker at the gala on Saturday.

"I am so delighted to be invited to be a guest speaker at the Global Citizen's Concert. It is a great initiative and I commend the organisers for the awareness they bring to various issues of the world through this platform," Paes said in a statement.

Paes will promote the cause of gender equality at the event, to be held at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex here.

"In my career as a tennis player, I have played and won quite a few Grand Slam titles. But I especially cherish the ones with my mixed doubles partners. The way we complemented each other's strengths, made it so much more special and

Leander Paes memorable. Our job was to put the ball in the other team's court," Paes said.

"Who did it, didn't matter.

We played to win each time we went out. We played as one. And we contributed equally to our success.

Without my mixed doubles partners, I would be half as successful," Paes said.

The inaugural Global Citizen Festival India will see participation from international as well as Indian ce-

lebrities, with British band Coldplay making their debut performance in the country.

Other celebrities lending their star power to the event are Jay Z, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, A.R. Rahman, Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Arijit Singh, Dia Mirza, ShankarEhsaan-Loy, Monali Thakur and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.

Printed and Published by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com

Editor: Prahlad Hammey

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : 0373-2327517