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ASSENG/2015/64205
PAGE 11
Vol. 1
Issue 315
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PAGE 12
Dibrugarh, Sunday, April 24, 2016
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Flood continues to create ‘China is not Pakistan’ : CM Pul havoc in Charaideo as flood CM takes serious view of the repeated public complaints against deteriorating work quality of BRO
Suggesting measures to enable safe ride on hilly roads for the commuters, he urged for construction of crash barrier in all identified accident prone areas to protect vehicles and its occupant from falling off the cliff. To prevent head on collision between two approaching vehicles, the CM advised to install convex mirror; so that driver can see the traffic approaching from another side.
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 23
Taking serious view of the repeated public complaints against deteriorating work quality of BRO in construction and maintenance of the border roads, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul pointed out that any compromise on work quality could have serious security ramifications saying that “China is not Pakistan”.
“While neighbouring China has built high quality roads, railways and airways in the vicinity, our Indian side is still struggling with porter tracks and unable to even maintain single border road,” said the CM and pointed out the delay in completion of several border roads such as in Tawang. He also brought to the notice of Asst. DGBR over repeated public complaints on BRO’s construction materials
On small streams and rivulets, he advised the BRO not to use hume pipe culverts as it was observed that such construction did not provide convenience passage of flowing water, and instructed to use box culvert instead. Arunachal CM Kalikho Pul during his meeting with top BRO officials. Pic - ET Photo being sold in the open market. Terming it as “unfortunate”, he said: “BRO is in Arunachal not for commercial purpose but in the interest of nation and to serve the people”.
duct surprise checks to prevent such practise. He also exhorted the people not to purchase construction material illegally from BRO but to buy it from genuine dealers in the market.
Taking leakage of construction materials as serious offence, the chief minister informed that instruction has been issued to all district administrations and police department to immediately arrest all such offenders and to con-
Further urging the BRO to stay alert during the time of natural calamity such as flood, the CM advised the official to resolve all its internal limitations informing that road communication in Tawang, Anini,
Hawai and Chaglagam were presently cut off. Also to make BRO competent enough to serve the people, he advised the BRO official to increase its manpower and to supplement it with modern machines and equipments. He observed that the organisation was witnessing decline in manpower with its machineries and equipments becoming obsolete.
Pointing out that BRO had the practise of clearing landslides only to make way for vehicles temporarily, the CM said the uncleared part of the landslide posed risk to the commuter and suggested that any restoration work should be to bring permanent solution. He advised to construct proper drainage channel along the road for durability and safety. Further the CM urged the BRO to monitor its work 24 hours to prevent any compromise on its work.
Fresh landslide kills senior citizens in Tawang A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 23
treacherous rainfall. The meeting was attended by Education Parliamentary Secretary Tsering Tashi, Jambey Tashi, HoDs of various government departments, ZPC Tawang Jambey Tsering and officials of Indian Army, among others.
At least two senior citizens were killed in a landslide in a span of 24 hours of the last landslide at Thongleng village under Lumla sub-division in Tawang district at around 9.30pm on Friday. The deceased have been identified as Sangey Chomu, aged 72 years and Sangey Gombu, aged 71 years.
Meanwhile, the District Administration has issued a general alert to the people to remain cautious and alert at all times in view of heavy rains that have been lashing the district for the past one week. It also issued warnings to tourist to restrict travel to Tawang until the situation is normal.
Four persons have sustained serious injuries and three houses have completely washed out. The injured are being treated in District Hospital Tawang and have been identified as Gombu Yangzom, 30, Dema Chomu, 27, Yeshi Pema,17 and Dfema a 10month old child. The landslide was reportedly triggered by heavy rain and damaged one house adversely. The ADC informed that the roads under PMGSY and PWD at Lumla Township are also damaged at various locations, while water and power supply is disrupted at several
ET CAPSULES
Flood affects Demow, 1 died
cmyk
Demow, April 23: Due to the incessant rain in Nitai of Demow, various village were affected by the water of Dehing River. In the month of June, every time nearby Gaon/ village areas fully get affected by flood. One person name Jayanta Bori (23) was death today in the flood. According to sources, the person made a banana boat and tried to drive in the water where suddenly the flood water took him away. However, after a few hours the villagers found his death body. On the other hand the affected people constructed tent along the roads to save their life. (Correspondent)
More than 1 lakh people affected, SDRF, army rescues affected people
A portion of the road which has been severely damaged due to heavy landslide triggered by incessant rains. Pic - ET Photo villages. Around 10 houses were damaged during this week due to natural calamity. There are also damages to agricultural and horticultural land under Lumla sub-division and the District Administration is providing relief materials and as-
sistance as per norms" RWD Parliamentary Secretary Jambey Tashi extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. Tashi, who is also the MLA of the affected area met the injured at the district hospital and provided financial assistance of Rs 1, 50, 000. He has also assured
all possible help to the Thongleng victims. In the afternoon, an emergency meeting was called by Tawang DC Kamduk Duly to take stock of the situation and plan disaster management in terms of greater emergency that may arise due to the
Further, Tsering also accessed damages in different locations and personally met the affected families. He visited families who have been relocated at designated relief camps and extended financial assistance and interacted with them to learn of their grievances. The Town Secondary School and PWD School have been earmarked as temporary relief camps.
Army personal distribute food for flood affected people at Sonari in Charaideo district. Pic - Mritunjoy Das ET Correspondent Sonari, Apr 23
The massive flood in upper Assam’s Charaideo district continues to create havoc for the third consecutive day even as flood waters entered new areas today. Sources said that more than a lakh people in the newly created district have come under the impact of the floods. Today a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was pressed into service to rescue marooned people from the interior villages of the district, on the other hand, the army continued to extend help to the administration by not only conducting relief and rescue operations but also distributing cooked meals
for the flood affected people. Normal life has been affected across the district as well as in Sonari town where several areas have come under the impact of the first floods of the season. Most of the offices remained non-functional and schools are closed for the last three days. Sources said that several cattle have also been swept away due to strong currents. People are worst affected in villages like Suffry, Borpothar, Rongapathar, Helekatup, Gujibil, Borahigaon, Hingrijan, Tiok Bongaligaon, Balijan, Bhojo, Rongsual, Changmaigaon, Ratanpur, Tiokghat, Begenabari, Bekadullong, RaidoingiaNakachari etc. “The flood affected people have moved to
safer places, the army is helping, but there are no signs of the local administration or the politicians. It is quite natural too, the votes are over. Now, why will they (the politician) come to us”, a flood affected villager said. The flood affected people have also alleged that they are not getting any kind of relief materials from the government side. However, a representative from the civil administration denied the allegation and stated that the administration had infact distributed ‘some relief’ which include rice, dal, salt etc. The people are also suffering since there is no power and mobile phone services is also out of order in some locations of the districts for the last couple of days.
Arunachal Govt creates 2541 posts under the Dept. of Health and Family Welfare ET Bureau Itanagar, Apr 23
As announced by the Chief Minister, Kalikho Pul just after a day of swearing in as the Chief Minister of the state, Govt of Aruanchal Pradesh has created 2541 posts under the Department of Health and Family Welfare in order to revamp Health delivery system in the state. Out of 2541 posts, 1716 posts have been created recently vide Govt Order No. MDEV-39/14 Dtd 13/04/2016 which includes 5 posts of Super Specialists namely one each of Rheumatologist, Neurologist, Nephrologist, Gastroenterologist and Endocrinologist, 36 posts of Junior Specialists including medicines, surgical, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Obs & Gynecology, Pathologist, Microbiology, Epedemiologist, Biochemistry and Chest & TB/Pul. Medicine, 7 posts of Dental Specialists, 98 posts of GDMOs, 4 posts of Drug Inspector and
GOOD JOBS! Total Posts: 2541 1716 posts have been created recently vide Govt Order No. MDEV-39/14 Dtd 13/04/ 2016 5 posts of Super Specialists (one each of Rheumatologist, Neurologist, Nephrologist, Gastroenterologist and Endocrinologist) 36 posts of Junior Specialists (medicines, surgical, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Obs & Gynecology, Pathologist, Microbiology, Epedemiologist, Biochemistry and Chest & TB/Pul.medicine) 7 posts of Dental Specialists 98 posts of GDMOs 4 posts of Drug Inspector 53 posts of Staff Nurse 324 posts of Group C 742 posts of MTS 447 posts of RHW/MPW
53 posts of Staff Nurse, 324 posts of Group C, 742 posts of MTS and 447 posts of RHW/ MPW. Chief Minister said that the govt has created these posts under need basis in order to meet up the man power shortage in General Hospitals, District Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and Sub-Centres across the state. Besides this, it will also help to provide balanced employment opportunity and will benefit all the people of the state. The govt has decided to regularize some posts wherever deems fit and necessary and to make new appointments as per the vacancy posts. Chief Minister has instructed the Department of Health & Family Welfare to complete the appointment process within this year. In case of non-technical posts (C & D categories), appointment will be done district wise as per the vacancy position and health units in each district. Contd. on Page 3
Sunny Leone turns writer, pens short stories PTI Mumbai, Apr 23
She has won hearts with her acting stint in Bollywood and now actress Sunny Leone has taken up a new role in her career, by turning a writer. Leone has written a book titled "Sweet Dreams", which includes 12 short stories. The "Mastizaade" actress says writing was not on her mind but she did have certain ideas, which went unrecorded. "Writing wasn't on my mind. I thought about differ-
ent stories and ideas throughout the years but nothing really that I wrote down. This is the first time I have written something like this. When I was younger I had a diary, my mother read it, and that was the end of the diary," Leone told PTI in an exclusive interview.
short erotic stories, she took it up as a challenge and finished them in a span of three months. "Juggernaut came to me and proposed the idea of 12 short stories in this genre. It was a personal challenge for me to able to do it. I took about three months to write those.
Set in an Indian milieu, her fictional stories of power and play treat women as sexual equals to men while also talking about the underlying romance. The 34-year-old actress says when the publishing house, Juggernaut books, came to her with the idea of writing 12
The story, '7 E', was the most difficult because that was the first one," she said. "So it took me time to figure out the writing style... Sometimes we had to get straight to the point because it is a short story. That was challenging because you don't want to move forward so abruptly
that a reader loses track," Leone added. The "Jism 2" star says the stories in "Sweet Dreams", currently available exclusively on the Juggernaut app, are fictional and have "nothing that is derived from" her life. Even though the stories talk about seduction, Leone ensured that she does not cross any line which would make the readers, specially women, feel uncomfortable. "I wrote these stories, from what I thought a woman would like to read. For me it was important when someone is reading it, specially women, they
should not cringe or say 'it is too much for me to handle'. I wanted it to be in the slightly romantic zone." The stories will be released every night at 10 PM till May 3 and the "Ragini MMS 2" actress feels nervous as the journey has been "personal". "Now that it is going to release, I am very nervous. Besides the fact that it is a great avenue to reach out to fans, it was a challenge to see if I can do it, because you have movies and songs coming one after another, but this was personal. I hope they enjoy it.
cmyk
Speaking to Assistant Director General Border Roads (Asst. DGBR) Dr SS Porwal today, the chief minister said that since Arunachal is a strategic border state, the security issues attached with road construction could not be taken lightly.
water enter new areas
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU
PEOPLE DARBAAR
Aries Romance will keep you occupied today. Monetary success will lead to peace and the other way round. You must be careful about expenses and buy only that stuff which you really need. This can save you from putting your money into some dubious schemes. Taurus A day to talk things out, perhaps some intimate issue that has been on your mind for a while. Pending work may also see completion. You will have an urge to visit holy places or undertake a spiritual journey. Take decisions wisely to avoid unwarranted results. Gemini Today, luck is on your side. In the afternoon, you will remain reserved and subdued. But as the day progresses, you will be a different person altogether. You will transform into an enterprising and outgoing person. At work, you will impress your bosses with your brilliance. Cancer You will take advantage of your ability to influence people. At work, your power to communicate will receive widespread approval. You will enjoy social activities later in the day. Meditation will help you relieve your tension in the evening. Leo Everything comes with a price tag, and the price of success is hard work. So sweat it out; it is in your stars today. You may feel as if you are being made to work extremely hard in order to meet your targets, and the dividends you get may not seem to justify the efforts. But that should not cause you anxiety and trouble. Remember that good things come only to those who are patient. So, it is wise to play a waiting game in partnership matters today. Virgo You are most likely to hit the mark and accomplish what you set out to do today. Work pressures will have no bearing whatsoever on you. The secret, is in being patient. Libra There might be some unfavourable situations today. But despite that, your endurance will be your winning formula for success. You are likely to keep your colleagues pleased and entertained all day today. You may decide to make your love life your main concern later in the day. Scorpio Keep as much distance as possible from partnerships and JVs. At work, your experience will be enough to manage huge projects. Today you are set to emerge as a better manager of large pools of people, and guide them on the lines of your imagination and decisiveness. Sagittarius The artist in you will shine today, and how. You’ll be content with your possessions, which have been preserved over long years. Later in the day, your focus may shift to renovating or decorating your home by adding artifacts and furniture. Capricorn The pace and meticulousness with which you deal with work will leave your colleagues and subordinates in awe. People will look up to you and respect you for your ability to handle efficiently the cumbersome work that seems deadening to most other people. Your boss will be just as impressed and may reward you for your efforts. Fun and entertainment await you in the evening. Aquarius Today may give you an all-time high! The day will prove important with regard to your future. Sudden and unexpected profits are on the cards, and recognition and rewards at your workplace will make you happy. You should enjoy it while it lasts. Pisces It is a good day for you, since all the projects you take up today will reach a satisfactory conclusion. However, this does not mean that you will not be strung out, a fact you would do well to keep hidden, lest your competitors try to take advantage of it.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 24-4-16 (SUNDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-15 P.M-Hindi Film Songs 12-30 P.M-Gharjeuti (Women Programme) 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khampti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Lakhimi (Rural Women Programme) 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani-Sahitya Shitan (Youth Programme) 8-00 P.M-Gyan Malini (Sponsored Progamme of Directorate of Distance Education, DU) 8-30 P.M-Jnan Bijnan (Science Programme) 9-30 P.M- Mor Anubhavar Geet (Announcer's Selected Songs) Sd-/H.O.P
Hundreds of people were seen queuing up outside the Chief Minister's Office to meet the Chief Minister Kalikho Pul during the first day of Public Darbaar today. Keeping all other appointments aside, Chief Minister heard and redresses the grievances of the general public including those of disabled persons, women and common people on the spot during the Public Darbaar held today at the premises of his official residence here at Itanagar.
Indefinite Diphu market shutdown completes 72 hour Sushanta Roy Diphu April 23: Tension has gripped whole Diphu town followed by indefinite period of Diphu main market shutdown enforced by Karbi Students and Youth Council, All India Karbi National Assembly, KFA, Karbi Students Association, AKYU, KUYA, KYDO and AIKSO since 5.00 PM of April 20. Inaccessibility of almost every essential commodity for a population of about 70 thousand people depending on this market has totally jeopardized normal life of Diphu town. The market shutdown have been forced by various Karbi social and students organizations alleging that the victim of the April 17 incident was a rapist and the organizations who conveyed the 12 hour Karbi Anglong bandh (shutdown) to protest the incident of lynching the youth in fact
encouraged rape culture. The organizations denounced the Diphu ‘market community’ of Diphu for expressing solidarity with Bengali and its fraternal organizations. A meeting between Karbi social and students organizations including All India Karbi National Assembly, Karbi Students Association and Karbi Anglong Bengali Samaj, Bengali Student and Youth Federation, Karbi Anglong Assamese Bhasik Sangstha, Nepali Students Union, Adavasi Students Union, AJYCP, AASU and 15 other ethnic organizations was held at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, Diphu yesterday; the discussion was initiated by Karbi Anglong district administration and police authority to break the impasse of Diphu main market shutdown. In the meeting Karbi orga-
nizations while condemning the lynching incident in presence of police also denounced Karbi Anglong Bengali Samaj, Bengali Student and Youth Federation allegedly for instigating communal and ethnic feelings for shouting anti Karbi slogans during sit in demonstration at Dokmoka police station. Karbi social and students organizations also criticized the 15 ethnic organizations for extending their camaraderie with the Bengali organizations. Leaders of Bengali organizations in the meeting made it clear that anti Karbi slogans during sit in demonstration at Dokmoka police station was raised by a section of irrepressible youths who gathered there. The Bengali organization expressed profound grief for the odious remarks made against Karbi community by a section of disruptive
youths. The Karbi Anglong Bengali Samaj also agreed to remove Kishor Choudhary from all rank and position of the organization on the persistence of the Karbi organizations who alleged that Choudhary brought about communal feelings and made odious remarks against Karbi community. The meeting which begin in tense disposition concluded cordially, the Karbi organizations however kept their pronouncement reserved. Till filing of this report the standoff is continuing amid apprehension and anxiety. Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong Mukul Gogoi and Superintendent of Police Debojit Deury who conveyed the official meeting was hopeful of breaching the stalemate but the reluctance of the organizations to end the strike has play down their effort.
Margherita students shines in Chief Ministerial Scholarship exam ET Correspondent Margherita, Apr 23: Under the Honourable Chief Minister Special Scholarship Examination 2015, Margherita Gandhi Vidya Mandir ME and LP School Students have qualified in the scholarship examination which was held on 9 Janu-
ary 2016 at Margherita Gandhi Vidya Mandir School. The result was declared on 22 April. Total 13 Students of Margherita Gandhi Vidya Mandir ME School have appeared for the Scholarship Examination where 12 students have passed out in the Examina-
Life in Rangapara town goes out of gear ET Correspondent Tezpur, April 23 : Life in Rangapara town and it’s adjoining areas goes out of gear following flood caused due to the torrential rain during the last few days. It is to be mentioned here that many areas in Rangapara town and outskirt like Namanigaon, Tengabasti, Tatshalgaon etc. area were flooded due to the incessant rain during the last few days following. The flood caused
due to the rain water and river Gabharu damaged surface communications in these areas. On the otherhand, storm with heavy rain lashed in the area damaging lacs of properties. Moreover, it is reportedly known that one Rupsan Brahma of Rangapara area was admitted at TMC today in the morning after he had sustained burn injury following lightening.
tion. Again at Margherita Gandhi Vidya Mandir LP School total 8 students have appeared, where 7 Students have passed out. “Our students have studied sincerely to pass out in the Honourable Chief Minister
Special Scholarship Examination. I am very glad and satisfied that our students have passed and in coming days, many other students of our school shall get inspiration from it”, said Ajit Kumar Singh, headmaster of Margherita Gandhi Vidya Mandir ME School.
Training of Trainers on Rights Based Approach Guwahati, Apr 23: North East Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS) had organised a Training of Trainers on Rights Based Approach for three days from 18th to 20th April at Guwahati .representatives from various Non Governmental Organisations and leaders of Women’s Groups from Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were the participants at the training. The topics dealt with were Rights Based Approach to
Development, Constitutional provisions and laws relating to Women, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Right to Information Act. The training has enabled the participants to train others in their own communities as well as to address issues of social concern especially within one’s region. Resource person were Ranjan K Baruah from North East Youth Foundation and Nandita Deka from HRLN, Guwahati.
Governor congratulates Gauhati University Guwahati, Apr 23: Hon'ble Governor of Assam and Nagaland, Shri P B Acharya has congratulated the Gauhati University for being ranked among top five State Universities in the country in the latest rankings by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. In a letter to Dr. Mridul Hazarika, the Vice Chancellor of the university, the Governor conveyed his appreciation and happiness at the university being ranked as the 4th best university among the State Universities and 22nd among the overall rankings in the recent ranking conducted by the MHRD through the National Institutional Ranking Framework. "Of the 343 State Universities of the country, Gauhati University's performance is really commendable. It is a proud moment for all of us and especially for the State of Assam," he said. The Governor further said, "We need to strengthen our activities, academics and extracurricular activities, etc. to make Gauhati University a centre of academic excellence as well as for Social Responsibility (CSR)." He also said, "We have to introduce more skill oriented courses so that our graduates are employable and job givers. Our students, in groups, should be the messengers and nodal agents for 'Parivartan', change in the society and creators of wealth." "Let us all make Assam Golden Assam, and one of the richest States in India. We have the potential," he added. The Governor further added, "Let us, the authorities, take full charge and make every student a proud citizen of Bharat - India. Also we need to focus on overall development of students to create responsible citizens and be assets to the Nation." He concluded by saying, "I am sure Gauhati University will continue to bring more laurels to Assam. I value your, as well as our faculty members, non-teaching staff and students' contributions to achieve this laudable position."
Lakshmi Brahma crown Bwisagi Khungri ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Apr 23: Lakshmi Brahma of Kokrajhar town was crowned 'Bwisagi Khungri, 2016' in the Bwisagu festival celebration which concluded on Saturday at Habrubari in Kokrajhar. The festiv a l w a s o rg a n i z e d jointly by Kokrajhar Rongjali Bwisagu celebration committee and Bineswar
Brahma memorial Rongjali Bwisagu celebration committee. Lakshmi presented her best Bwisagu dancing talent in the festival and won the c r o w n , 2 0 1 6 . Ti n u Basumatary of Kokrajhar town and Priya Brahma of Bishmuri were adjusted as first runners up and second run-
ners up in the dancing competition respectively. Lakshmi was awarded a golden crown, cash 10001 and citation, first runners up and second runners up were given away cash 8001 and 5001 along with citation respectively.
Pramila Rani Brahma, BTC executive member D o n e s w a r G o y a r y, Pulani Brahma, secretary of ABWWF, Jogeswar Brahma, s e c r e t a r y, D B H A , noted writer Brajendra Kumar Brahma, Satyapriya Brahma Patgiri among others were R a j y a S a b h a M P prominent attendees B i s w a j i t D a i m a r y, on the concluding day Kokrajhar east MLA of the festival.
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
PAGE 3
NATURE’S FURY
Due to massive landslide on the Lazu - Dadam road communication has been severely affected to Dadam Circle headquarters in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. The landslide has been triggered due to incessant and heavy rains during the past few days. Restoration work is on and local MLA Tirong Aboh and the Tirap district administration has instructed the concerning agencies to speed up the work. Picture and Text - Gawang Sumpa.
Yazali badly affected by landslides and flash flood, MLA Likha Saya takes stock ET Bureau Yazali, Apr 23 : A day after the reports of landslides and flash flood rocked the picturesque town of Yazali, local MLA Likha Saaya accompanied by Lower Subansiri District Deputy Commissioner Lollen toured the affected area along with circle officials and Panchayat leaders today. MLA Saaya with the DC in tow trekked up to the now destroyed water tank site at Pasa Pobu (stream) which lies on the opposite bank of the Panyor River. Herein, Junior Engineer Toko Dodum (PHE) informed the inspecting dignitaries that one of the water tank which was a vital source of water supply to areas such as CSector, Government Higher Secondary School and various other residential colonies has been completely washed off while the other one has been left almost buried under the debris of the flash flood in Pasa Pobu. The DC while observing that trying to restore the buried water tank by clearing the debris around it
wherein two houses in particular, one belonging to Bengia Tadam and the other Likha Rana were badly hit by the flash flood and destroying various household properties. Also, in the vicinity, the MLA and the DC witnessed the yet another destroyed water supply pipelines which have put the availability of safe drinking water for the dwellers of Yazali to a grave risk. On being asked as to how the circle administration is coping with the issues of safe drinking water, JE Dodum informed this daily that waters are being supplied to the required areas from the bore wells of the GREF through tanker transport. He also added that the restoration works for the reconnecting the pipelines are on and will be completed by the midnight hours today. would be more costly affair, suggested for construction of a new water tank around the bank of the Pasa stream. He was reaffirmed in this thought by the MLA who also suggested for the same and directed the Panchayat members to scan for a suit-
able location immediately. Thereafter, the team merged ahead to New Yazali, a hamlet where flash flood resulting out of the incessant rain have caused greater disaster with at least two houses completely left redundant
for occupying besides destroying agricultural fields and also a fish pond. Observing that the houses were built very close to the banks of the stream, MLA Saaya suggested to the DC to issue administrative notifications to caution the people
living along the stream course to move to a safer ground considering actual monsoon is yet to arrive. Back in the town, the disaster assessing team of dignitaries proceeded to A-Sector residential colony
Later, addressing the circle officials, Panchayat and public leaders, MLA Saaya while informing that CM Kalikho Pul by virtue of being a man of action and a practical one at that had ap-
District Level Brainstorming Session on 'My NBCC official assaulted by Village My Development Plan' held at Namsai State VP BJP Yuva Morcha
ET Correspondent Namsai, April 23: One Day District Level Brainstorming Session on 'My Village My Development Plan' sponsored by Ministry of Panchayat Raj Government of India was held at Town Club Namsai on 23th April. EAC Namsai, EAC Lekang, EAC Chongkham, C.O Lathao, HoDs of Namsai district and PRI members from different circles of Namsai district were attained the programme, informed Panchayat.
During interaction, Dr. Rakesh Srivastav Dy. Director SIRDA, Itanagar and Tamar Baki, Master Trainer DRDA, East Siang as resources person highlighted the through power point presentation on the 'My Village My Development Plan' (MVMDP) in participatory Process, Situation Analysis of various Grams Panchayat for household survey pertaining to Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GDPP), important of conducting Kishan Sobha in village level and the Process of
Panchayat Plan. Meanwhile R.K Sharma DC, Namsai joint the programme in afternoon session and he urged on the important on of conducting Grams Sabha in village every month to discuss the various problems or development of villages and he also urged the important of bank account for transparency in any kind of payments or bills and he thanks to the team SIRDA for conduct suck fruitful training for the PRI members.
Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Apr 23: In what could be huge embarrassment for the State BJP, one Obang Gao, State Vice President Yuva Morcha along with one of his accomplice, Samuel Gao (JE , PWD, Mebo Sub-Division) has been booked for assaulting an official of National Buildings Construction Corporation C/o Incubation Center for Apparel & Garment Manufacturing Unit, Pasighat, 2 Mile vide Pasighat PS Case. No. 76/2016 U/s 384/551/353/ 427/506/34 IPC . According to the official of NBCC one Paritosh Goyal, Obang Gao has been demanding money of Rs. 2 lakhs from last 2-3 months. “When I denied the demand made by Gao, he started assaulting me at the restaurant of Hotel Serene Abode ”, said Goyal who was seemingly disturbed and tensed over the physical assault. According to CCTV footage, Obang Gao has been seen assaulting the official while his accomplice Samuel Gao sitting side-by on Friday 11 am. When contacted to OC Pasighat PS, N. Riba for the case initiation and its update, he said this evening that, an exemplary punishment will be given to such
offenders like Gao who are setting a wrong trend in the district and he will be arrested soon. When asked about the involvement of another accomplice Samuel Gao, working as Junior Engineer, PWD, Mebo, Riba said that, he denied his involvement in the case as he just accompanied the main accused. Meanwhile, Asst. Director Textile & Handicraft, Pasighat, Maklek Pertin has termed the assault as impediment and inimical to the development at the Pasighat in particular and state as a whole, as such repeated occurrence will set a wrong precedence and central government may hesitate to give more Centrally Sponsored Schemes in the state. Pertin also said that, such acts of our local people will delay the project. Condemning the act of assault, Tamat Gamoh, a member of All India Handloom Board member said that, this kind of act of Gao should be denounced by one and all as such misbehavior of our local people are hindrance to many development in the district. While, All Bogong Students' Union (E) President Lungkang Ering strongly condemned the act and has warned persons like Gao to
stay away from hampering developmental activities which are for the larger interest of the state. As a son of the soil who denounces even the extortion activities of his own Bogong region guys, Ering appealed police and DA to take strongest measures against Gao so that others won't dare to assault any officials in near days. Meanwhile, when contacted for his comment on the act of BJP’s Yuva Morcha V/President, State BJP President Tapir Gao said that, he won’t give particular comment at the moment until proper prove is done on the case. However, there has a disciplinary committee in the party who will look into it, added Gao over telephone. It is worth mentioning here that, this Apparel and Garment Manufacturing Unit is a first of its kind in the state and once it is completed, it will generate lots of employment for the local people. This project is an ambitious project of Modi led Central Government and involvement of BJP workers in attacking the officials of constructing agency here would surely put question mark in the working of the BJP.
proved for the site inspection to get an authentic account of the damages, assured the people of having understood their plight and expressed hope that funds for immediate relief and long term restoration works will be readily issued by the government. He also urged on the DC to do whatever is required from the district administration’s end for the same, before directing the circle PHE department to immediately restore the supply of safe water. DC Lollen informed that immediate relief in terms of cash and kind will be sent out to the victims after proper assessment and estimate of the losses incurred. As for other major destructions such as roads, agricultural/horticultural fields, he said that the restoration works will require a proper planning and assessment for the funds to be issued. He thus, appealed for patience and cooperation from the public in the matter.
Village kisan sabha celebrated Khonsa, Apr 23: A series of village Kisan Sabhas were held from 17th to 20th April at various Blocks in Tirap district under the aegis of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary and Fishery departments. The DAO H. Chimyang and DHO Charo Sumnyan and their field staff and representatives from line departments discussed with the villagers regading various development schemes. The first Sabha was celebrated on 17th April at khela and Lapnan villages in which villagers actively participated on the 18th April another Sabha was held at Tupi and Namsang villages. In Laho and Soha villages the Sabha was held on 19th April in which the villagers enthusiastically participated. The last Sabha was held on 20th April at lazu and Doidam villages. It may be mentioned here that the village Kisan Sabha is being celebrated all over the country as a part of 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
Arunachal Govt creates 2541 posts under the Dept. of Health and Family Welfare tal Promotion Committee. Contd. from Page 1 Chief Minister further said, “the main idea is to equip all health centres including subcentres with full man power.” He said, “Govt is planning to post at least one ANM, one Health Assistant and One MPW Worker in all the SubCentres”. Where there is vacancy it will be filled up with new post and where there is deficiency, it will be adjusted. Chief Minister hoped that with the filling up of man power requirement of the Health Departments, the Health Indicator of the state will improve which is very poor at present (at 4th number from the last). Saying that transfer and posting of doctors and nurses will be rationalized as per the requirement of health institutions, he requested the govt employees to refrain from making influence for transfer and posting. He also said that promotion will be done as per the seniority list and recommendation of the Departmen-
He also appealed to the health workers and the govt employees especially to those working on contract basis to refrain from forming union or association and collection of money in order to put pressure on the govt for regularization of their jobs. He further called upon the govt employees and well wishers to refrain from such activities in order to create conducive atmosphere for all round development of the state. He reiterated that as the parent of the public and its employees, govt knows what they want and realize how to take care of their genuine demands without waiting for them to ask. He said that there is no need to go for dharna and rally to press for your demands citing that whatever feasible govt will do its best to meet your genuine needs. However, the Chief Minister said that the govt will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against the govt employees, if found indulge in such activities.
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
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Jorhat roads had turned worst and is in a deplorable condition: Senior Citizen Forum ET Correspondent Jorhat, April 23: During the incessant rain for the past seven days, has brought to light about the quality of works that has been done and completed by the contractors and officials of Jorhat Road Division under Public Works Department here.
turned worst and is in a deplorable condition where contractors, engineers and officers from the PWD Department had siphoned commission and omission which ultimately is a hit on the public in general.
Charikariya river washes away Guide Dam in Dhakuakhona More than ten villages each in Western Dhemaji and Nowboicha under flood
MULTFA activist arrested ET Correspondent Dhubri, Apr 23 : Abdul Rouf, 39, an activist of Muslim United Liberation Tigers Force of Assam (MULTFA) was arrested with ammunition and a hand made bomb by Mancachar police of South SalmaraMancachar district today. On tip off, Additional Superintendent of police, Partha Pratim Saikia raided the house of Rouf at Mianpara village under Mancachar police station of the district and arrested him, a police source further informed. 2 kidnapped boys rescued Sahil Islam,15 and Ashraful Sheikh,15 both students of Class X, who were allegedly kidnapped from Dhubri town on April 17 by an armed group, were rescued by Dhubri police from Fakirganj area of Dhubri district on Thursday. In this connection, nine persons were arrested and one pistol and ammunition have been recovered. They were being interrogated at Dhubri police station.
Tea Estate authority organises relief camp
The forum along with several other organization like the AASU, AJYCP and public in general likely to take up a mass protest program in front of the office of the PWD Roads, Jorhat Division at JEC road, Jorhat, very shortly, informed P Chetia, Secretary of Senior Citizen Forum, and Alok Sharma of Jorhat here today.
According to complain from Senior Citizen Forum at a joint meeting held at the Raj auditorium here today, the condition of the numbers of Jorhat roads, especially the Jorhat-MarianiMokokchung road, Na-Ali Road, Lichubari-AAU road, Gar-Ali road had
ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Apr 23: Along with the other parts of North and Upper Assam torrential rain has still continued in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji District as well as the neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. As a result of heavy rainfall, the water level of most of the rivers is overflowing over the danger mark in both districts. Today the river Charikariya assumed devastating status and washed away a guide dam at KolakotaKharjan in Dhakuakhona. It is note worthy that the guide dam was under construction under MGNREGA scheme of 2014-15 aiming prevention of erosion of the river diverting its flow. The implementing
Teok affects badly in flood
School students crossing Jhanji River on the boat in a risky way at Jhanjimukh on 23-04-16 pix by UB Photos.
agency of the scheme is Dhakuakhona Development Block. It affected the communication to the Sub-Divisional Of-
fice of the Dhakuakhona Sub-Division along with inundating Kathorbari, Bantougaon, Kolakota, Chetiagaon, Duliagaon
villages. Several villages under Ghilamora Development Block has been inundated by river Kumatiya. The crop-
lands in Meleki, Deeghali, Chinai etc. are under the flood caused by the river. Similarly, more then ten villages like Gosanibari, Roudung, Gelahati, Pandhowa etc. under Nowboicha Revenue Circle are also under flood caused by the river Shingara. On the other hand, river Jiadhol has inundated almost ten villages, viz- Michamari, Ratua, Kechukhona, Kacharigaon etc. in Western Dhemaji for two days. The academic environment, communication system, livestock are badly affected in the flood stricken areas. The affected people have to suffer a lot as no flood reliefs was supplied to them by administration till this report was prepared.
ET Correspondent Teok, April 23: The recent flood situation turned into critical condition mainly at greater Teok town area today. Due to incessant heavy rain, the water level of the Teok River increased rapidly and a large numbers of area affected by the flood. Mainly people of the ward no 2, ward no 3 and ward
no 4 were affected badly by the flood. However a relief camp has been opened at Teok TATA tea estate leading by Mr. A J Periot, Manager and Mr. Jibon Kurmi, Welfare officer of the TATA Tea Estate, with the help of govt. department. The Welfare officer of the TATA Tea Estate, Mr. Jibon Kurmi, told the media person that
there were more than four hundreds flood affected people are available at flood relief camp at the Tea Estate Camp. The Circle officer and ADC of the Jorhat, Mr. Pronob Jeet Kakoti observed the situation and visited the flood relief camp and also assured the tea garden authority to all required support.
Agricultural Acarology causes loss to crop and man, says expert ET Correspondent Jorhat, April 23: The XIV Biennial group meeting of All India Network Project on Agricultural Acarology (study of mites) raised the contain of microscopic mite, causing loss to crops as well as to human body parts, which was discuss during the three days national meet held at the Department of Entomology of Assam Agricultural University at Jorhat campus here. On the last day of the three days session, today it was discussed for more development in research as the meet reviewed the progress of research and came to a conclusion that harmful chemical pesticides are not the answer to get rid of this microscopic creature which infects plants, loss crop loss and which also infect also
human body too. During the meet, the funding from Acarology study was increased from 50 lakh to a crore under the 12th Five Year Plan period while the Acarology centre has been increased from one to eight which is located at Assam, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and New Delhi, all under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. The meet also suggest that for Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal and Assam as for the unique and fluctuating bio-diversity it should be well documented while following study and research which was suggested by B Mallik, the coordinator of Agriculture Acarology centre of Bangalore.
“Rain and other climatic changes should be studied to understand the mites problem and the development accordingly which is becoming bigger problem every year and it was further urged that Acarology scientist to develop packages regarding how to eliminate them which is very important at this hour as it is growing bigger and bigger�, said Dr. KM Buzarbaruah, the Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University. Dr. Buzarbaruah also requested the ICAR to sanction more man power for the Assam centre which looks after all seven states of North East like Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram with only one coordinator.
Hard work and dedication made AIR Pasighat Deputy Speaker Inauvery prestigious and popular-Moyong. gurates Class Rooms:
ET Bureau Pasighat: 23 April:- "Hard work and dedication of the staff and officers of All India Radio (AIR),Pasighat have made it possible to attain the present prestige and the popularity", said Kaling Moyong MLA. He was speaking on the occasion of valedictory function of Golden Jubilee Celebration of Pasighat AIR. He felt privileged to witness the growth and development of All India Radio Pasighat which was inaugurated by his grandfather Lt. Kuttik Moyong way back in 1966. At that time people had lot of apprehensions about its future. But it has not only withstood the time but has become very popular and prestigious, said Moyong .It covers all sectors and is very informative, educative and entertaining. The local programs are very popular especially in the rural areas, so if possible the timings of the programs may be ad-
justed to their convenience, opined the MLA. Bodong Yirang, Secy. General Adi Bane Kebang said that AIR Pasighat has been a torch bearer in many aspects. In many rural areas, AIR is the only source of information, Knowledge and entertainment so the effort to reach the
unreach is very relevant, added Yirang. He hoped the good works will be continued in future also. He appealed the authorities to give due care while translating English to Adi so that no confusion arises. The Golden Jubilee Souvenir was released on the occasion
by Bodong Yirang. Jatin Morang (retired announcer),Kaling Borang (retired Program Executive),Tagum Nonang, and Sukumar Mengu (retired security guards) were felicited. Varied and colourful cultural program was also presented on the occasion.
DTFI meeting held at Pangin PANGIN, April, 23: District Health Society today conducted the District Task Force for Immunization(DTFI) meeting at DC conference hall Pangin under the chairmanship of the DC In-charge T. Jonnom
which was attended by all the stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion Jonnom asked the medical officer In-charges of all health centers and frontline health workers to make the 'National
Switch Day' successful and also cautioned the health workers to keep contingent plan in the event of road blockage. Earlier Dr.K.Perme DMO Siang highlighted
the aims and objective of the meeting. Dr. R.Darung DRCHO informed the house about the progress of switch over program in the district and National Switch Day to be observed on April-25.
Aalo April 23:- The Deputy Speaker, Er. Tumke Bagra inaugurated two new class rooms funded under RTE SSA Zilla Mission West Saing at his native village, Lipu Bagra amidst huge gathering on 22nd April last. Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Er. Bagra emphasized on proper use and care of school infrastructure and sought cooperation from the villagers on all round development works and assured to improve the school infrastructure in due course of time. Shri Tumto Lollen DDSE as Guest of honor, Shri Yidak Angu DPC RMSA as Special Guest, the DPC RMSA and many officers hailing from Lipu Bagra who accompanied the Deputy Speaker also gave useful tips on the functioning of the school. Tree plantations were carried out in the premises of the school on the occasion. Upper Primary School Lipu Bagra which was established in 1977 and upgraded in 2003 has produced many officers from the village. Today the school has been shifted to new location as the old location is not feasible for future extension. The new area for the school has been donated by Shri Hortum Bagra father of Er. Tumke Bagra free of cost.
REGION
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Manipuri tribal women to protest against land bill in Delhi Agencies Imphal, April 23: A group of tribal women from the hill districts of Manipur will be meeting President Pranab Mukherjee and other political leaders here to press upon the state’s tribal people’s demand to amend the land bill passed by the state government last year. The group consisting of mothers from the tribal districts will also be joining the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday after addressing the media. The hill districts of Manipur are against three bills that infringe upon the tribal land rights and people have been carrying out protest against it for over eight months now. Police firing during one of the protests in Charachandpur town left nine tribal civilians killed. Refusing to bury the dead bodies till their demand is met, the protest continues relentlessly in the state with the bodies of the nine deceased lying unburied for the last 239 days. Joining the protest in solidarity with the people in the state, the Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi has been holding protests in Delhi since November 4.
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Villagers in Manipur wary of losing land to Myanma Agencies Imphal, April 23: Leery of fencing work along IndoMyanmar border, a committee of about 40 villages in Manipur has announced it will not allow any government official or work inside their area. "No government agent shall be permitted to enter these border villages," said Ngachomi Ramshang, the general secretary of 'Chandel-Ukhrul IndoMyanmar Border Land Protection Committee'. The committee has been formed to represent the people of 40 tribal villages in Ukhrul and Chandel districts who fear that the central and state governments might allow their land to be ceded to Myanmar, Ramshang said. He said the Information Centre for Hills Areas Manipur (ICHAM) has been undertaking a border survey in the backdrop of the "undenied fact" that Manipur's territory is coveted through "missing" and "reappearing of boundary pillars deep inside Manipur's territory". ICHAM also represents people who fear loss of their land to the neighbouring country.
pute. ICHAM President N Rajendro said, "Photos and video clippings on the traditional boundaries of Manipur were submitted to the chief minister". The Indian government had approved the proposal for inspecting the boundary pillars along the traditional boundaries, but there has not been any progress in that work.
India has been constructing a fence along the 1,624-kilometer Indo-Burma border to control smuggling, drug trafficking and insurgency. Ramshang said it was unfortunate that the territory of Manipur has dwindled from 22,437 sq km in 1949 to 22,327 sq km in 1981. "When these matters were raised the Manipur government has been maintaining that since it is an international issue it is the government of India which should take up proactive measures," he said.
For Manipuris, the "gifting" of the fertile and forestproduct rich Kavo Valley to the erstwhile Burma still rankles, he said. Assam Rifles, which guards the 398 km long ManipurMyanmar border, has sought the erection of a 10 km long fencing near the border town, Moreh, to check the movements of insurgents and smugglers. Construction work had been started. However there were objections from the border villages since the proposed fencing ran deep inside
Manipur. A major portion of Hollenphai village near Moreh would be sliced off while the entire village of Choro Khunnou in Ukhrul district would go to Myanmar. A Home Ministry team which inspected the under construction fencing found substance in the report and the construction work was suspended. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh informed the assembly in March that there is no information about the border dis-
Rajendro said, "A central team along with the collector of Chandel district had visited some border villages in the district in September 2015. The villagers later found that the team had come to earmark the location for the border fence. The angry villagers stopped the officials from entering the areas." While the border disputes are yet to be sorted out the security forces manning the international border are not happy over the absence of the border fence. Insurgents of all hues have been sneaking in to create law and order problems. On Wednesday three Assam Rifles troopers were wounded when five bombs were detonated at Moreh.
Tripura to supply more power to Bangladesh Agencies Agartala, April 23: Tripura has agreed to supply an additional 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh, over the 100 MW of power the northeastern state is supplying to the neighbouring country, a minister said here on Saturday. "The Bangladesh Government has sought more electricity from India to tackle its power crisis in the eastern part of the country. India's Power Ministry wanted to know whether the Tripura government is ready to provide additional 100 MW of power to Bangladesh," Tripura's Power and Transport Minister Manik Dey told IANS. "The Tripura government has already informed the union Power Ministry that the state government has no problem to supply 100 MW more of electricity to Bangladesh provided that ONGC must ensure the supply of gas to the 101 MWcapacity power plant at Monarchak," he added. A 47-km double circuit transmission line has been erected, linking the power grid at Surjyamaninagar in western Tripura to the Comilla power grid in Bangladesh, to supply elec-
Palatana and Monarchak power projects (both gasbased), Tripura is going to be a power surplus state. If we supply power to Bangladesh we will be able to earn additional revenue," Dey added. The minister, who was recently in Dhaka and attended a series of meetings to finalise the power tariff, said there are some issues about the supply of gas to Monarchak power project by ONGC.
tricity to the neighbouring country. The 100 MW electricity being supplied to Bangladesh by Tripura from March 23 is in addition to the 500 MW Bangladesh is already receiving from India's West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on March 23, launched through video-conferencing from their respective offices
Champion trial: HC sets one month deadline
Agencies Shillong, April 23: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, to complete the trial of the pending case pertaining to GNLA leader Champion Sangma within a month and asserted that no further extension will be allowed. Issuing the directive, Justice SR Sen on Friday said that he was not happy with the reasons shown by the Judicial Magistrate First Class for the delay. Earlier in November, the High Court had directed Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, to complete the trial within five months. The court issued this directive after S. Dey, counsel of Champion, prayed for the transfer of the G.R. Case No. 34 (S) 2015 under section 186/506 IPC which is pending before the court of NM. Momin, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Shillong. During the hearing, the counsel, while referring to the last September 21 order, submitted that his client apprehended that this
court might deny justice to him. N.D. Chullai, who appeared for the State government, did not oppose the contention of Dey then. During the hearing on Friday, refusing to grant further extension, Justice Sen said that if necessary, Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, should go for day-to-day basis trial. A letter wherein the Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, prayed for extension of time to complete the trial was tabled before the Court on Friday. The Judge, while referring to the earlier rejection of bail application of Champion by the High Court, said that the lower court should speed up the trial. “When the bail is rejected on certain grounds the remedy is expeditious trial and the court has to come to a conclusion whether he is guilty or not guilty and to take the decision in accordance with law. It does not mean that the accused person will rot in jail forever”, the Judge observed.
in New Delhi, Dhaka and Agartala, the supply of 100 MW of power to Bangladesh and also the third international internet gateway (IIG) in Agartala. The state-owned North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), under the Union Power Ministry, commissioned the 101 MW capacity Monarchak project in western Tripura (just 10 km from the Bangladesh border). The central governmentowned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has also commissioned its big-
gest 726 MW-capacity commercial power project in southern Tripura's Palatana, 60 km south of Agartala. The Rs.10,000 crore gasbased Palatana plant, which supplies power to seven of the eight northeastern states, is a hallmark of the cooperation between both countries, as Bangladesh ensures smooth passage of heavy project equipment and turbines to Palatana through its territory by road and waterways from Haldia port in West Bengal. "With the commissioning of
"However, the gas supply problem would be resolved in a month or two," he said quoting ONGC officials. ONGC's executive director S.C. Soni said there are "certain technical issues" to supply gas to Monarchak power plant, commissioned by the NEEPCO, a miniratna company under the union power ministry. "Though we are almost ready to supply required gas to NEEPCO power plant, there are some technical and other issues to be resolved before supply of power to Monarchak project. However, all these matters would be settled soon," Soni told IANS. He said: "ONGC, which has been working in Tripura
since 1972, has so far drilled about 206 wells in the state with almost half of them gas bearing. The company has undertaken a Rs.5,050 crore ambitious plan to drill more wells and to locate more gas in Tripura." Meanwhile, a Bangladesh Government official said here that his government has taken a determined road map to increase the generation of power to a large extent in the years to come. "My government has undertaken an ambitious plan to generate 24,000 MW power by 2021, 40,000 MW power by 2031 and 60,000 MW by 2041," a Bangladesh government official told IANS in Agartala on condition of anonymity. Indian and Bangladesh had formed a company Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company limited - to set up a coal-fired 1,320 MW (660X2 MW) capacity power plant at Rampal in the country's southeastern coastal area. During his visit to Dhaka on June 6-7 last year, Modi discussed power supply from Tripura with Hasina. Modi had declared that India would eventually enhance the power supply to Bangladesh to 1,100 MW.
NPP nominates Conrad for Tura by-poll Agencies Tura, April 23: The National People’s Party (NPP) of Late P A Sangma has selected his younger son and party president Conrad K Sangma to contest the byelection for the Tura Lok Sabha seat which fell vacant following the sudden death of his father and sitting MP on March 4 last. The candidature of Conrad Sangma was declared after a high level meeting of the party at the residence of Late P A Sangma in Tura on Friday. During the meeting, which was chaired by former Rajya Sabha MP Thomas A Sangma, the name of Conrad K Sangma was proposed by his mother Mrs Soradini K Sangma and unanimously accepted by the rest of the party leaders present. Among those present at the meeting to decide on Conrad’s candidature were sitting NPP MLAs Nihim D Shira and elder brother James K Sangma, former
union minister of state and Conrad’s younger sister Agatha K Sangma, former NPP legislators Marcus Marak, Omillo K Sangma and a host of other party members. “The name of our party’s national president Conrad Sangma has been declared after it was unanimously accepted by all the members present at the meeting,” informed elder brother and current Dadenggre legislator James Pangsang K Sangma. The NPP will officially kick off their election campaign from Adokgre village in North Garo Hills on Monday. The ruling Congress has already nominated Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s wife and legislator Dikkanchi Shira to contest the by-poll. Conrad Sangma is expected to file his nomination papers before the returning officer in Tura by the 27th of this month. He is a former MLA from Selsella and was also finance minister of the state. The election for the Tura Lok
Sabha seat is slated for the 16th of next month and is expected to be a multi-cornered contest given that several parties and independent candidates have been expressing their willingness to fight the polls. The state Congress leadership has forwarded the name of chief minister Mukul Sangma’s wife Dikkanchi D Shira to the AICC in New Delhi for approval. Earlier NPP leadership y expressed confidence and faith in the able leadership of Conrad Sangma and assured him of their full support. The Party also made an appeal to the people of Garo hills to join hands, to come together and express solidarity in the memory of late P A Sangma. Tura By poll is heading for a straight fight between the Congress and the NPP. Conrad Sangma admitted that it will be a direct fight between Congress and NPP. GNC keen to contest Meanwhile, the Garo National Council (GNC) party
which propagates a separate Garo state is also toying with the idea of contesting the byelection. Speaking to The Eastern Today, deputy chief executive member in the GHADC and sitting GNC MDC Augustine Marak said that there is a proposal from party workers to contest but no decision has been taken. “No decision has been taken on whether to contest the byelection. We are meeting on Monday at the residence of GNC president Kalpana Sangma to discuss the issue,” stated Augustine Marak. GNC sources indicate that if the party does decide to join the contest they would probably field Garo Hills State Movement Committee chairman Nikman Ch Marak given that both the GNC and the GHSMC are jointly seeking a political solution to the demand for a Garoland state. Nikman is also a former student leader of the Tura Government College Students Union (TGCSU).
President attended Khongjom Day in Manipur
President Pranab Mukherjee Imphal, Apr. 23 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee visited Manipur on Saturday to attend 'Khongjom Day' as the chief guest at the main function held at Khebaching of Khongjom in Thoubal District and also inaugurated a Monument-cumTourist Centre at Khongjom. Khongjom Day is observed on April 23 every year by the Government of Manipur to pay tribute to the brave sons of Manipur, who made supreme sacrifice for the cause of their motherland in the AngloManipur War (1891). In the morning, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh lead the state in paying floral tribute to the statue of Paona Brajabashi, who led the Manipuris in the fight against the British at the Battle of Khongjom. In the afternoon, President
Mukherjee inaugurated a newly constructed Khongjom War Monument and payed floral tribute to the war heroes of Khongjom Battle at the war monument. Governor V. Shanmuganathan, Chief Minister Singh, other ministers and MLAs of the state also attended the inaugural function of the war monument. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in Imphal and Thoubal in view of the visit of the President. Search operations have been conducted in many localities of Manipur valley as a precautionary measure. Police check-points have also been opened at many critical points on the way from Imphal to Khongjom to prevent any untoward incident.
Cong reconstitutes its Manipur Committee PTI Imphal, Aprl 23: Seeking to keep the party unit in order in Manipur where it had witnessed dissidence recently, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday reconstituted the Pradesh Congress Committee, making it a jumbo affair with six Vice Presidents and 11 General Secretaries and as many secretaries. Gandhi had recently ap-
pointed T N Haokip, a former Minister, as the PCC President to quell infighting in the unit and had promised to make changes soon in the state organisation. With the Assembly elections in the state scheduled next year, AICC has also constituted the Pradesh election committee which has Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Haokip as prominent members.
1,000 houses damaged in hailstorm in Mizoram
PTI Aizawl, April 23: At least 1,000 houses were damaged by a massive hailstorm that hit Mizoram early this morning, district authorities said. Kawrthah village in Mizoram-BangladeshTripura border Mamit district was badly hit as over 380 houses were damaged of which 80 houses (54 houses within Kawrthah South village council area and 26 houses in Kawhthah North village council area) completely damaged by hail, the authorities said.
Three villages in Aizawl district were also ravaged by the hailstorm where at least 370 houses were damaged. Aizawl district administration officials said over 260 houses were damaged in Keifang village, while 41 houses were damaged in nearby Rulchawm village. In Ruallung village, 69 houses were damaged by hail, they said. At least 200 houses in Lungdai village in MizoramAssam border Kolasib district were damaged by the hailstorm.
Dikkanchi to file nomination on April 27 Agencies Shillong, April 23: On the first day of filing nomination papers, NPP, Congress and GNC have collected the papers from the office of West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi who is the returning officer for Tura Lok Sabha seat. The Congress candidate for Tura by poll Dikkanchi Shira, whose name is pending for the formal approval of the Congress president Sonia Gandhi after the State Election Committee gave its nod on Thursday ,will file her nominations on April 27 in Tura. Sources from the Congress informed that party has a good chance of winning the election provided that the party men work hard. According to sources, all in the party is happy with the deci-
sion of the State Election Committee to short list the name of Shira. Meanwhile, the Returning Officer Bakshi said over phone on Friday that since it was the first day, the political parties have only collected nomination papers. Though Saturday is a holiday, nominations will be accepted by him. The last day for filing of nominations is on April 29. As per the notification issued by Bakshi, nomination papers of candidates should be delivered to him in his office chamber from 11 AM to 3 PM during office hours. The scrutiny of the papers would be done on April 30, and the deadline for withdrawal of candidates has been fixed for May 2 before 3:00 PM.
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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
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Bihar reposed faith in JD-U Centre modifies SC/ST (Prevention despite 2014 poll loss: Nitish of Atrocities) Act for speedy justice New Delhi, Apr. 23 (ANI): New Rules have been notified by the Centre on Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary to revamp Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to speed up the process of dispensation of justice to victims of atrocities and liberalise and expedite access to relief for community members who have been victims of such atrocities.
Patna, Apr. 23 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was officially crowned as the national president of the Janata DalUnited (JD-U) on Saturday, said people wrote off his party after they were defeated in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. "The way 2014 elections results came people wrote us off politically, they felt that the JD (U) has no future," said Nitish at the party's National Council Meeting here. "In the same the way, when elections in Bihar took place, 'many intellectuals' didn't consider us as a competitor, saying there would again be Jungle Raj if the Mahagathbandhan assumes office, but the people of Bihar had faith in us and they voted us back to power.," he added. Nitish also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for using disgraceful language against him during poll campaigns.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "The BJP, out of arrogance, used disgraceful language. they questioned my DNA but we never lost our patience, we didn't stoop down," he added. The newly elected JD (U) president also said that his party never compromised on its ideologies. "Even while leaving the NDA and the BJP in 2013, we had said that we may lose in the elections, be-
cause we never worried for success in elections. Rather we didn't want to compromise on ideologies," he added. Nitish Kumar replaced Sharad Yadav on April 10 as party president at the party's national executive meeting held in New Delhi. JD-U Bihar unit president Vashisht Narain Singh said party leaders from 28 states attended the National Council Meeting. (ANI)
Visa to Uyghur dissident: China in no position to object, says R.K. Singh New Delhi, Apr. 23 (ANI): With Beijing protesting India's permission to a Germany-based Uyghur leader Dolkun Isa to visit Dharamsala later this month, former home secretary R.K. Singh on Saturday said China is in no position to object to Delhi's move after they blocked a move by India to get Azhar Masood on the UN terrorist sanctions list. "China is in no position to take any objection with India, after they blocked our (India's) move to get Azhar Masood on the sanctions list," Singh told ANI. "Out of 15 countries, 14 have strongly supported India's bid, but only China alone opposed the bid with-
Trump uses fake accent to mock outsourced call centers in India New York, Apr.23 (ANI): Republican presidential front runner Donald Trump recently used a fake Indian accent to make a point about outsourcing. Addressing the crowd at a Delaware rally yesterday, Trump mocked all call center employees based overseas. "You want to find out about your credit card, guess what, you're talking to a person from India," he said. He asked a question, "How the hell does that work? "So, I called up, I tell the guys I'm checking on my card, I said, 'Where are you from?'" Trump said. Then in a fake Indian accent, he added, "We are from India." The video of the rally was posted by ABC News on their twitter handle. Friday's act wasn't the first time that the New York billionaire made fun of foreign accents. Last August, at a rally in Iowa, he critiqued Chinese and Japanese business partners with a mocking impression in broken English. The real estate mogul is known for his offensive commentaries on Muslims, Mexicans, women and other several other groups, putting his foot firmly in his mouth several times on the campaign trail. He has also retracted his comments on abortion after drawing flak from various communities.
out stating any reason, resulting in prohibition of the ban on Pathankot terror attack mastermind," he added. Singh further said that despite Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) being on the sanctions list of United Nations, Beijing blocking India's move was not right. "So, China asking us to be sensitive to their concerns is beyond imagination," he added. Isa, a leader of the World Uyghur Congress, has been invited to a conference organised by the US-based Initiatives for China. Uyghurs and other Chinese dissidents in exile are expected to attend and discuss democratic transformation
in China. Reacting to India's decision, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "What I want to point out is that Dolkun is a terrorist on red notice of the Interpol and Chinese police. Bringing him to justice is due obligation of relevant countries." However, Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson of Vikas Swarup, maintained a cautious position saying that the MEA is yet to "ascertain" the details of the conference. "As you know, the conference is not being organised by the MEA. So, we are yet to have full details of the event," he said during his weekly news briefing.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had notified the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Rules 2016 on April 14, following which rules have now been framed to give effect to the amended provisions of completion of investigation and filing of chargesheet in the court
Congratulating U.N. Secretary General, the French Presidency and world leaders, Javadekar said, "The agreement explicitly highlights the benefits of 'Sustainable Lifestyle'. We have to stop extravagant consumption. If we continue in the same way, we will require three planets, while we have, only one." "This is an impetus for operationalising our vision of 'Climate Justice', enshrined in the Preamble of the Paris Agreement. Full application will ensure that developing world and poor people get justice under the current climate regime," he said. Addressing the signing cer-
emony, Javadekar said India reiterates its pledge to reduce emission intensity by 35 percent and build 40 percent capacity for power generation from non fossil fuels. He further said India would create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 billion tonnes and invest in reducing its vulnerability and enhancing adaptation to climate change. Javadekar said, "India has already started on the road to achieve. In a revolutionary measure, we have taxed coal at the rate of USD 6 per tonne, and we will invest the monies in clean environment." "If the world follows India on this, it will generate the elusive USD 100 billion much early, and more easily, he said, adding that India has undertaken a huge renewable energy program of 175 GW. "I am happy to announce that we have already achieved 40 GW. We have blended one billion litres of ethanol, and intend to double it next year, without changing the land use. We have taxed polluting vehicles and are providing subsidy for electric and hybrid vehicles," he added.
within sixty days. There is also provision of relief for offences of rape and gang rape, introduced for the first time; delinking requirement of medical examination for getting relief amount for non-invasive
kind of offences against women like sexual harassment, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of women, assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe, voyeurism and stalking. Besides, it has a provision
of admissible relief amount to the SC/ST women for offences of grievous nature, on conclusion of trial, even though not ending in conviction. It also increases the existing quantum of relief
Navjot Kaur rejects RS nomination intends to keep Sidhu away from AAP Amritsar, Apr. 23 (ANI): Dismissing reports that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had nominated Navjot Singh Sidhu for the Rajya Sabha because of his reported threat to join the Aam Aadmi Party, his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu on Saturday said if her husband wanted to join the AAP, he would have done so and nobody could have stopped him.
that there is so much difference between Navjot Singh Sidhu and the Akali Dal and that is why has been kept out of Punjab.
However, Sidhu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and BJP's Amritsar (East) MLA, told ANI: "The party (BJP) understands too that there is so much difference between Navjot Singh Sidhu and the Akali Dal and that is why he has been kept out of Punjab."
Former Amritsar MP and cricket commentator Sidhu, senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, Olympics medal-winning boxer Mary Kom, journalist Swapan Dasgupta, Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi and economist Narendra Jadhav were on Friday nominated by the Prime Minister's Office for the Rajya Sabha membership. There are 12 seats of nominated members in the Rajya Sabha, of which seven are vacant at present. (ANI)
Stating that her husband has always revered the BJP like his mother, she said, "He never questioned any decision taken by the party, and carried out all the responsibilities assigned to him by
Javadekar hails 'historic' signing of Paris agreement by 171 nations Paris, Apr. 23 (ANI): Hailing the signing of the Paris agreement on climate change by 171 nations as "historic", Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said it is a triumph of collective wisdom, and reiterated that India will reduce emission intensity by 35 percent. "On this Earth Day, we have made history; 171 countries have signed the Paris agreement, which is the triumph of collective wisdom," he said.
amount from between Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 7, 50,000 to between Rs. 85,000 and Rs. 8, 25,000, depending on the nature of the offence, while linking it with the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers for the month of January, 2016. It also provides provision of admissible relief in cash or in kind or both within seven days to the victims of atrocity, their family members and dependents, and rationalisation of the phasing of payment of relief amount to victims for various offences of atrocities.
"We have distributed 100 million LED bulbs. We have made them cheaper by 80 percent from USD4.7 to USD 0.8. India will save 80 million tonnes of carbon equivalent per annum, when we will complete LED programme of one billion lights, and for afforestation we are providing USD10 billion in the next five years," said Javadekar. Urban public transport, which is presently 300 kilometres and 2 million passengers, will increase to 1300 km and 10 million passengers in three years. We are replacing energy inefficient pumps with efficient pumps, and we will give it free to our farmers," he said. "Ratification of Paris will happen quickly. But ratification of second commitment period of Kyoto is urgent and needs to be done immediately. Developed world must take enhanced targets for 016-2020. There cannot be 'Action Holiday," said the minister, adding: "We should cooperate on Clean Actions, competitiveness concerns should not overshadow our common learesolve to build a sustainable future."
When asked would she contest election with Akalis, Sidhu said she would contest election as she had worked for it, but she would not contest elections with Akalis (in alliance with SAD).
the party with utmost honesty." He feels honoured that his name figured in the Prime Minister's special list and he was nominated for the Rajya Sabha, she said. "He is very hard working, and we have great expectations from him. He will be able to deliver in Parlia-
ment, and will raise many important issues, and bring something new for Punjab," she added. You will have to question him; otherwise, if he would have to come in the election with the Akali Dal, he would have been made (Punjab) chief. The BJP also understands
8 family members shot dead in Ohio mass shooting incident, three kids survive New York, Apr. 23 (ANI): Eight family members were found dead after being shot in the head "execution style in a rural southern Ohio community. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said investigators discovered seven adults and a 16year-old dead at four crime scenes and the victims included a mother slain while her four-day-old child lay beside her. "We're advising family members to be very careful and take particular caution," CNN quoted him as saying. Pike County Sheriff, Charles Reader said that officers are searching for the killer or killers, who are probably armed and a danger to surviving family members. "We have a specific family that's been targeted but I don't think there's been a threat to any other members of the community," he said. "I've given the family precautionary measures to make. They know we're available," CNN quoted him as saying. Reader said that the child, along with a 6-month-old and a 3-year-old, survived the kill-
ings. He, however, did not name any suspect or give a motive, but said that all victims were members of the Rhoden family.
one killer.
The Ohio Attorney informed that the residents are grappling with a kind of violence rarely seen in Piketon, a town of about 2,000 residents 90 miles east of Cincinnati.
"It would appear all of them were shot in the head.It would appear it occurred at night. ... The mother was killed in bed with the 4-day-old right there," DeWine said.
"What makes this particularly grisly is you have three children involved who were there when the executions took place," he said.
" The Rhoden family was targeted and we've talked to the family and expressed our concern. The sheriff's office will work with them for protection, " he added.
Reader said that the sheriff's office was notified in Friday morning that two bodies had been found in a bloody scene and the Officers were flagged down and told other bodies had been located. The officers at firs found seven people killed at three residences in the county, two "within walking distance" and the third about half a mile away, he said. On Friday afternoon, an eighth body was located in a fourth residence about 8 miles away, Reader said. The authorities are suspecting that there may be more than
DeWine pressed that deaths are homicides but nobody killed themselves.
Meanhile, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation. It sent more than a dozen agents to assist the Pike County Sheriff's Office after the request for help came. Ohio Governor John Kasich has called the situation "beyond comprehension" and said the state is working with local law enforcement. "Reports we are receiving from Peebles are tragic beyond comprehension. We'll continue to monitor this closely and the state will work w/ local law enforcement however we can, " he tweeted.
The new rules also provides for regular reviews of the scheme for the rights and entitlements of victims and witnesses in accessing justice at the state, District and Sub-Division Level Committees in their respective meetings. (ANI)
No 'Paribartan' in Bengal in last five years: Rahul tells Mamata
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi Howrah (West Bengal), Apr.23 (ANI): Congress vicepresident Rahul Gandhi on Saturday used West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's 'Paribartan' (change) call to target her, saying that in the last five years neither the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief has seen any change nor the people living in the state. "Mamata ji had made promises of generating employment, removing corruption etc. She had used a term 'Paribartan' (Change) saying that she would bring changes in West Bengal. It has been five years. Neither Mamata Ji has seen the 'Paribartan', nor the people living in the state," Rahul said while addressing a rally here. "West Bengal is at the same spot where it was five years earlier. In West Bengal, Mamata ji makes false promises and in Delhi, her friend Modi ji makes false promises. There is a syndicate raj in West Bengal," he added. He also alleged that the chief minister had given the contract of the collapsed Kolkata flyover to a TMC leader. At least 26 people have now lost their lives and hundred others have been injured in the recent flyover collapse that took place on March 31 in Girish Park area of Kolkata.
Pak-Americans protest outside Indian Embassy in Washington over Delhi's alleged involvement in Balochistan Washington, Apr.23 (ANI): A large number of PakistaniAmericans recently staged a protest outside the Indian Embassy in Washington, demanding an end to alleged intervention by New Delhi in Balochistan. The Dawn reports that PakistaniAmericans from the districts of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland took part in the protest. Some of them were carrying placards of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav, who was arrested recently in Balochistan. They regretted that India was encouraging separatist elements in Pakistan and urged the U.S. government to use its influence to stop this intervention. This peaceful demonstration in one of Washington's busiest areas drew the attention of scores of people.
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Nepal: Insurgency related cases should be resolved by principle of transitional justice says Dahal
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31 militants, one soldier killed in latest Afghan operations Kabul, Apr. 23 (ANI): At least 31 militants have been killed and 23 injured in the latest clearance operations launched by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in the country.
Nepal's UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Dang, Apr.23(ANI) : Nepal's UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he would take responsibility for incidents that occurred during the decade-long Maoist movement. At a press conference organised by the Revolutionary Journalists Association, at Dang, Dahal clarified he would take the entire responsibility of the then incidents as the supreme commander of the people's liberation army (PLA) and the party chair as well, reports The Himalayan Times. Dahal said that that the insurgency-related cases should be resolved through the principle oftransitional justice. The former Prime Minister further said that he did not
have any objections about the activities of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission for Investigation of the Enforced Disappeared. Dahal urged the Nepali Congress and Madhesi centric parties to join the incumbent government to give it a shape of a national consensus government. Dahal clarified he was exercising to transform the incumbent government into a national consensus one. Responding to a query relating to the recent meeting of different Maoist parties at his party headquarters, Dahal expressed dissatisfaction over some decisions of the courts deliberately made against the Maoist parties.
Pakistan opposition steps up pressure on Sharif regime over Panama leaks Lahore, Apr. 23(ANI): Amid the controversy surrounding the offshore assets owned by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family, opposition parties here have stepped up pressure on the former and suggested various investigation options. Khursheed Shah, an opposition Leader in the National Assembly spoke to Jamaati-Islami chief Sirajul Haq and Tehreek-i-Insaf's Shah Mehmood Qureshi to discuss about the several options to investigate the scandal involving the offshore accounts of the Sharif family and other Pakistanis, reports Dawn. The Jamaat chief suggested that while the government was writing a letter to the Supreme Court chief justice to set up an inquiry commission, the opposition parties should also send a similar request urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) not to turn down the former's request. The leaders also discussed the fact that the chief justice should not just be requested to probe the Panama leaks scandal, but also help bring back the looted money from abroad and announce punishment for those respon-
sible for the offence. The Pakistan Peoples Party also had a word with Tehreek-i-Insaf's Qureshi and said that the party would take the decision after going through contents of the proposed letter. The Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Mian Mahmoodur Rashid also visited PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi apparently in a move to mount more pressure on the government. Both leaders demanded that instead of repeatedly addressing the nation, the Prime Ministershould resign before setting up the proposed commission. Succumbing to growing political pressure for a wide inquiry, Sharif yesterday presented himself and his family up for accountability after requesting the Supreme Court to form a commission to investigate the Panama Papers scandal. A massive leak of 11.5 million tax documents on April 3 revealed secret offshore dealings of world leaders and celebrities, including three of his children for owning London real estate through offshore companies.
In a statement issued by theMinistry of Defense (MoD), at least 23 militants were also wounded and 4 others were detained during the same operations, reports Khaama Press. According to the statement, operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Kabul, Parwan, Paktia, Zabul, Kandahar, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Faryab, Kunduz and Helmand provinces.
Imam Sahib and center of Kunduz province, while at least 7 militants were killed and 4 others were wounded in the northern Faryab province.
At least 16 of the militants were killed and 14 others were wounded during the operations in Chardara,
The statement also said that five militants were killed in other raids conducted in Khogyani district of
Nangarhar. In separate raids conducted in Zabul, Parwan and Jawzjan provinces, another militant was killed and five others wounded and four more were arrested. The statement also said that a soldier of the Afghan Na-
The gang facilitators surrendered yesterday as the operation entered its 25th day, reports the Express Tribune. The army's helicopter gunships continued their aerial surveillance and shelling of Rajanpur's kacha tracts, including the Kacha Jamal
Meanwhile, the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the reports so far.
Colombo, Apr. 23(ANI): A delegation of senior Sri Lankan Buddhist monks and scholars led by the Speaker of the Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, visited Taxila, Pakistan's ancient Buddhist center of learning, the Taxila museum and Taxila University. The 40-member Sri Lankan Buddhist delegation arrived in Pakistan for a week-long visit on Friday. The visit is part of an initiative aimed at introducing the people of Sri Lanka to Pakistan's rich Buddhist history and reviving the heritage of Pakistan's 'Gandhara Trail', the cultural and commercial hub of which was located at the present day town of Taxila, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reports the Colombo
Page website. During the visit, the delegation also offered their religious rituals and prayed at the Taxila Museum. Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Dr Sarfraz Ahmed Khan was also present on this occasion. The delegation members thanked the Pakistan government for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to them. The delegation will be visiting different sites of Buddhist spiritual & religious significance in Mardan, Takht-i-Bahi and Swat, besides visiting Lahore, Taxila and Peshawar Museums, which are home to some of the rarest historical Buddhist holy relics.
Bangladesh varsity professor killed by miscreants
Proposed SAARC Cultural Center will enhance South Asian cultural ties says Lankan President Development Fund.
Colombo, Apr 23. (ANI): Sri LankanPresident Maithripala Sirisena said that the proposed South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Cultural Center to be set up in his country will be a great opportunity to enhance strong cultural links among the people of South Asia. Sirisena made the remarks when SAARC Secretary General Arjun Bahadur Thapa called on him at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday to discuss the progress of the project to construct the cultural center in an 8-acre land in
Sri LankanPresident Maithripala Sirisena
The President said the he would advise his Foreign Affairs Ministry to present proposals to the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu.
Matara, reports the Colombo Page. Thapa informed Sirisena about the possibilities
available for Sri Lanka to obtain financial assistance of USD 1 million for any project from the SAARC
Top Nepalese journalist held for 'corruption' Kathmandu, April 23: Nepal's Commission for Investigation into Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested Himal Southasian founding editor Kanak Mani Dixit on Friday for alleged corruption. The arrest is widely seen as vindictive and follows Dixit's opposition to Lokman Singh Karki's appointment as CIAA chief, who is known as "a permanent fixture'' in Nepal's power politics. The anti-graft body has been investigating complaints accusing Dixit of amassing illegal property by "abusing" his position as cooperative bus service Sajha Yatayat chairman. Reports said around 20 policemen arrested him from
Patan Dhoka, 15km from Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Post quoted Dixit calling the arrest "politically motivated" and "part of vendetta" for opposing Karki's appointment. Dixit had appeared before the CIAA on January 8. Nepalese media reported the arrest violated an order of the country's supreme court, which had directed the CIAA to follow proper procedure while investigating the case. The directive had come after Dixit moved the court in December saying CIAA had breached its jurisdiction and followed a flawed investigation process. Dixit, who was among 29 people whom CIAA had summoned in December,
said his arrest violated Nepalese chief justice Kalyan Shrestha's order. Some commentators linked Dixit's arrest to his opposition to India's alleged blockade of Nepal following Madheshi protests over the passage of the Nepalese Constitution last year. Nepali Times columnist Rubeena Mahato underlined Dixit has been a vocal critic of the blockade. "KMD (Kanak Mani Dixit) is being punished for his stances that did not sit well with some power centres," she tweeted. Journalist Mallika Aryal called it worrying that CIAA chief "is above all laws, (and) can defy SC order".
Operation Zarb-e-Aahan: Eleven gang facilitators surrender before Pak police Islamabad, Apr. 23 (ANI): As the ongoing Zarb-e-Aahan operation in the riverine areas of Pakistan'sRajanpur district continues, eleven alleged facilitators of a gang have surrendered before Dera Ismail Khan police and offered to cooperate.
tional Army (ANA) forces lost his life during the clearance operations.
Lankan team visits ancient Buddhist center Taxila in Pakistan
and Kacha Moro areas. Security forces also stepped up their search operations against criminal gangs in the region. The Zarb-e-Aahan operation was launched in the last week of March and was initially led by Punjab police and supported by
paramilitary Rangers against the gangsters infesting Rajanpur's kacha areas. However, following the death of seven and kidnapping of around 24 policemen by gangster, Ghulam Rasool alias Chutto, the army took over the charge of the operation.
Chutto along with his accomplices surrendered before the army on April 20 and also released the kidnapped officials. However, the operation is still underway in order to uproot other gangs holed up in the area. (ANI)
Thapa said the Secretariat plans to launch publications on Buddhist Trail shortly and it would be followed by publications on religious worship trails of Hindu, Muslim and Christianity too. He also extended an invitation to the President to attend as the Chief Guest of the SAARC Health Ministers meeting to be held later this year.
Dhaka, Apr.23 (ANI): A professor of the English department of the Rajshahi University (RU) in Bangladesh was killed by trespassers in theShalbagan area of the city this morning. The Daily Star reported that Professor Rezaul Karim Siddiquee, 58, was waiting for university transport at the Battola intersection at 7.40 a.m. when he was attacked from the rear by his assailants. The daily quoted Sushanta Chandra Roy, Assistant Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, as saying that several persons swooped down on Professor Siddiquee from behind with sharp weapons,
leaving him dead on the spot. Protesting the killing, RU students blocked Dhaka-Rajshahi highway for 45 minutes, blocking movement of traffic. The students also staged demonstration in front of the RU main gate on the highway at Binodpur in the city. The police rushed there and cordoned off the crime scene. The law enforcers have yet to identify any of the killers. They could not say anything immediately about the motive of the murder. Siddiquee joined the Rajshahi University English department in 1983.(ANI)
After man-made islands, China to develop floating nuclear power plants Hong Kong, April 23: All the radar systems, lighthouses, barracks, ports and airfields that China has set up on its newly built island chain in the South China Sea require tremendous amounts of electricity, which is hard to come by in a place hundreds of miles from the country's power grid. Beijing may have a solution: floating nuclear power plants. A state-owned company, China Shipbuilding Industry Corp., is planning to build a fleet of the vessels to provide electricity to remote locations including offshore oil platforms and the contentious man-made islands, the staterun newspaper Global Times reported on Friday. The paper quoted a company executive, Liu Zhengguo, as saying that "demand is pretty strong" for the floating power stations. In January, Xu Dazhe, the director of the China Atomic Energy Authority, told reporters that China was planning to develop floating nuclear energy plants, saying they "must undergo a rigorous, scientific evaluation," but also linking these to China's desire to become a "maritime power." Xu said at the time that developing nuclear power-generating capacity was part of the country's five-year economic development plan, which runs through 2020. China has more civilian nuclear power stations under construction than any other country. China would not be the first country to employ floating nuclear power plants. In the
1960s, the U.S. Army installed a nuclear reactor inside the hull of a World War II freighter to provide electricity for the Panama Canal Zone. And nuclear power has been on vessels since 1955, when the commanding officer of the Nautilus, an American submarine, sent word that the craft was "underway on nuclear power." Since then, nuclear reactors have provided propulsion and electrical power - for ships. Typhoons regularly cross the South China Sea, and ships and submarines that run on nuclear power generally have the means to quickly sail away from a storm. It is unclear how mobile or seaworthy these reactor ships will be. Safety regulations for the seaborne reactors are being drawn up and reviewed, Global Times said, quoting Tang Bo, an official at China's National Nuclear Safety Administration. David Lochbaum, a nuclear engineer and the director of the Nuclear Safety Project for the Union of Concerned Scientists, said that in the event of a major nuclear accident at a floating barge, like a meltdown of the reactor core, winds could carry radioactivity to large population centers. "The floating nuke accident scenario also carries with it the potential for molten parts of the reactor core burning through the bottom of the barge to reach the water below," Lochbaum wrote in an email. "The water is good for cooling, but not good for containment."
In the 1970s, an industry consortium called Offshore Power Systems also had plans for floating nuclear power plants in the United States. An electric utility had ordered a plant that would have been moored outside Atlantic City. The facility, which would have been built in Florida, was canceled, Lochbaum said. The Army's floating nuclear reactor in the Panama Canal Zone provided power during the late 1960s and into the 1970s to the grid in what was then U.S. territory. But China would be placing floating atomic power stations at islands that until recently did not exist in seas claimed by several nations. The artificial islands built by the Chinese in the past two years in disputed waters of the South China Sea have stoked tensions with neighbors and prompted the United States to assert its right to transit the area freely by sailing Navy ships close to the islands, often shadowed by Chinese vessels. In February, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington reported that the Chinese were probably building radar facilities on several of the islands. That is in addition to airstrips for large jets like one on Fiery Cross Reef, harbors to berth seagoing vessels, lighthouses and large buildings such as barracks. All that requires electricity, provided now by generators and augmented by limited solar and wind power, said Gregory B Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS.
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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Flood-like situation Rain continues to wreak havoc The heavily forested northeastern region has had rains for over a week, disrupting transportation and power links. More rains are forecast until today as per the meteorological centre in Guwahati. Continuous rain in the last couple of days has triggered flood-like situation in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, including the state capital. Rain continues to wreck havoc in Namsai and Changlang districts with reports of rising water of the Noa Dehing and the Jengthu rivers inundating fresh areas besides damaging several flood protection embankments. According to an official report from Namsai, incessant downpour deteriorated the flood scenario in the district with both Noa Dehing and Jengthu rivers flowing above the danger mark. The flood water of the rivers had inundated human habitation and agricultural fields besides damaging many embankments. Also three more households have been shifted to safe shelters from Silatoo Kachari village. Affected villagers are also being shifted from Wingseng Nongtaw village as the flood water has been reportedly entering Dirak Miri village area. The district administration has strengthened the relief and rescue operations. Heavy erosion continued at Silatoo Khampti, New Silatoo, Kakoni, Silatoo Kachari, Mahadevpur-I, Waisali, Krishnapur, Mahaloni, Ekorani, Rajabeel, Dirakmiri, Lekang Gohain, Dharampur, Murti Camp, Kherbari, Deobeel, Philobari and Nampong villages. Following incessant rain, the water level of the Noa Dehing river is continuously rising putting
International ban on ivory trade has neither reduced elephant poaching nor the volume of the illegal trade. Is it time the trade is legalised? Rajeshwari Ganesan, Alok Gupta, Sifelani Tsiko, Mandi Smallhorne, Ian Vorster
human lives and property at stake with the destruction of the only embankment resulting inundation of more houses, plantations and lands at Diyun in Changlang district. The flood water of the rivers had not only inundated human habitation and agricultural fields but damaged many embankments also. In Tawang too, where the landslide occurred, is situated at a height of about 3,048 metres (10,000-ft). As a result it killed 15 construction workers in Arunachal Pradesh where roads and bridges have been washed away by incessant rains. The men were employed at a hotel construction site in the tourist town of Tawang in the remote northeastern region. The workers were huddled in a makeshift shelter when the landslide triggered by rains buried them alive. Public works department (PWD) roads between New Lebrang and government higher secondary school were also blocked due to the landslide. Kitpi Ph-I and Ph-II hydel projects were damaged due to incessant rainfall in the state.Union home minister Rajnath Singh called Chief Minister Kalikho Pul in order to provide relief work to the affected people at the earliest and approved a assistance of Rs. 84.33 crore.
Intense Heat wave Broken all time maximum record Many parts of the country are reeling under intense heatwave conditions for the past few days. East India including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal have been observing extremely high temperatures. So much so that Titlagarh in Odisha at 47 degrees Celsius has broken its all time maximum record for the month of April. India's hottest months are May and June, but some states have already registered temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), forcing authorities to take emergency steps. More than 100 people are feared dead in India in an early-summer heat wave which forced schools to close and halted outdoor work like construction, government officials said on Thursday. The Western Disturbance affecting the hills of North India have resulted in light scattered rain over a few areas of Punjab and North Rajasthan. However, Uttar Pradesh continues to remain under the tight grip of severe heatwave conditions. In the southern Indian state of Telangana, 45 people have died from heat exposure, and another 17 in Andhra Pradesh. Some 43 were believed to have died in neighboring Odisha, although an official there said each of the deaths was being investigated. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, reeling under intense heat wave, have both sought central assistance for those hit by drought and water scarcity. The Andhra Pradesh government has urged the Centre to release Rs. 10,000 crore to resolve its
Should ivory trade be legalised?- Part III
rural drinking water problem in the next three years. Telangana has placed a demand of Rs. 3,000 crore as drought relief. The Centre has so far sanctioned Rs.791 crore for Telangana, A year ago, a heat wave killed some 2,300 people in those two states, People throughout the country have been urged to stay indoors. Officials in Andhra Pradesh were passing out free water and buttermilk to help people stay hydrated. Officials have also sent tankers of water to parched farming communities in Maharashtra and have banned people from drilling deep wells. Farmers have been ordered to move away from growing sugarcane, which require a lot of water. But a deep drought and severe water shortages are still taking their toll on the country's farmers. Last year it can be noted that thousands of distressed farmers have committed suicide, tens of thousands of farm animals have died, and crops have perished, with rivers, lakes and ponds drying up and groundwater tables sinking. Pakistan, where extreme heat killed more than 1,000 people during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan last year, has started gearing up to tackle any sudden rise of patients who report heat-related illnesses. While Northeast is coping with highest rainfall followed by landslides at various places which had become a major challenge this year and on the other hand the other parts of Indian states are experiencing drought and heat waves.
Legal market will curb poaching If the trade is legalised, there would be regular markets for ivory and this would help curb poaching. "Regulated sale of ivory can benefit conservation, as claimed by the countries with regulated markets [for instance, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia]; perhaps more important, the results [of the study] also suggest that action to close unregulated ivory markets in Africa is needed to protect the elephant," Ronald Clarke, author of "The International Ban on Ivory Sales and its Effects on Elephant Poaching in Africa", a paper published in The British Journal of Criminology in 2009, told Down To Earth. In an article published in Conservation Biology in 2014, Elizabeth L Bennett, vice-president, Species Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, says, "The legal market would be supplied from animals in the wild now or recent past (e.g., sales from stockpiles of ivory and saiga horn), from captive or semi-captive animals (e.g., rhinoceros horn removed from live animals), or from farmed animals (e.g., bear bile, tiger bones). Numerous plant and animal species are already subject to a managed trade which, in many cases, is sustainable; legal trade dominates the market and illegal trade is minimal (e.g., ornamental plants, crocodilian skins)." "In Africa, budgets are tight, and governments have bigger priorities such as funding health and education. At an international level, public sympathy for elephants rarely translates into cash, so donor funding is normally short-term and unpredictable," says Bob Smith, senior research fellow in conservation science, University of Kent, the UK. "This is why many African governments stockpiled ivory that was confiscated from poachers or came from elephants that died of natural causes before selling their ivory legally and using the money to fund conservation work," he explains. "The passionate opposition to the trade partly comes from lack of
awareness-many people think all ivory comes from poaching, whereas some comes from elephant deaths and herd conservation and management. Many people are also uneasy about the idea of making money from wildlife and are particularly uncomfortable when it involves animals as majestic as elephants," explains Smith. In "An Analysis of Ivory Demand Drivers", a 2015 study sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Society, author Daniel Stiles of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, argues that "Closing the legal market will not make the black market disappear; if anything, it will grow larger‌ There are more than enough elephants to supply a legal market from natural mortality without illegally killing a single elephant-if the ivory items are kept expensive," which, he says, can only be assured if there's a legal market. How to legalise? The task is to chalk out the road map to legalise the trade. There are a few examples to learn from. Take, for instance, crocodile farming. With declining wild populations in the 1960s and 1970s, crocodile farming began to gather momentum in as many as six countries-Zimbabwe, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Venezuela and the US. During this time many countries enacted legislations to protect crocodilian population, and CITES was enacted in 1975 to regulate trade in wild species. Crocodile farming was seen not only as a way to reduce the pressure on the wild populations, but also as a means through which commercial incentives for the conservation of crocodilians could be generated. By late 1970s and 1980s many programmes were being developed, based on the sustainable use of crocodilians to generate conservation benefits for several subspecies, including the Nile crocodile, Saltwater crocodile, American alligator, Spectacled Caiman and New Guinea crocodile. As all
species of crocodilian are listed on the CITES Appendices, international trade is regulated. Countries that are signatories to CITES, and which utilise wild crocodilian resources, must demonstrate that the use does not threaten the survival of the species. This typically involves some sort of monitoring of the wild population to assess the impacts of use, and regulation of products in trade. For example, all crocodilian skins in international trade must have a uniquely numbered, nonreusable tag attached to them-this allows "legal" skins to be easily identified. With only farmed crocodiles being used to meet the demand for meat and leather, the population in wild has increased considerably. According to a 2015 report by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, the population of crocodiles in the world has increased from 0.3 million in the 1960s to 2.5 million in 2013. China's successful breeding of tigers in captivity is another example that can be followed. Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce (TRAFFIC), the wildlife trade monitoring network, indicates that between 2000 and April 2014, at least 1,590 tigers were poached around the world. In the same period, the number of captive tigers in about 200 farms in China soared from less than 1,000 to 6,000. Though there are claims that the animal is illtreated in captivity, China's tiger farm industry vouches that the trade in captive animals helps to relieve the pressure on wild felines. Terry Anderson, executive director of Property and Environment Research Center, a US-based non-governmental organisation that looks at market-based approaches to conservation, feels that "Regulated tiger farms could provide enough tiger products to reduce the pressure on wild tigers from poaching. It would be wrong to say that by eliminating the market we eliminate the demand for tigers." Anderson adds that the focus on the issue of killing the animals means many animal rights activists may lose sight of the potential of what he calls a "conservation-commodity solution". These examples show that the demand for ivory
too could be met by farming. It is also said that the tusks of captive elephants are more in demand because of their off-white buttery colour. The tusks of wild elephants have black striations and the artefacts made of wild tusks are considered inferior. Countries with sizeable elephant populations can consider the option. In Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana, for example, people already farm elephants on ranches for trophy hunters. The naysayers Though there have been a lot of arguments in favour of legalising ivory trade, not everyone is convinced that it would help matters. The proponents of legal ivory trade say that allowing sales of stockpiles would flood the market with ivory and bring the price down. But this did not happen in 2008 when CITES allowed African countries to auction their stockpiles and China and Japan bought it in significant amounts. Even pre1990 ivory was allowed to be sold in this one-time sale. In fact, this sale of ivory is said to be the reason for the continued decline in elephant numbers. George Wittemyer and five other researchers in their study "Illegal killing for ivory drives global decline in African elephants" highlight that illegal killing of elephants in Africa increased significantly after 2008 and correlated strongly with the local black market ivory price and increased seizures of ivory destined for China. The study, which was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2014, says that in Africa 29,124 tuskers were killed in 2010 and the figure increased to 41,044 in 2011. Li Zhang, professor of ecology at Beijing Normal University, China, says that CITES' move to auction ivory
stockpile proved fatal for African elephants. "The auction opened up the diminishing ivory market and its effect is still continuing with rampant poaching of elephants," Li says. Even the decision to ban only the post1990 ivory is now considered short-sighted. "It's extremely difficult to differentiate between post- and pre-1990 ivory," says Gavin Edward. He says that CITES may not have thought of this problem while imposing the ban. "Legalising ivory trade will not end the problem," says Henley. "As long as there is ivory available, the killing will continue." Most of the illegal trade is, in fact, apparently happening at the less expensive end of the market, with seizure data showing enormous amounts entering China, explains Harvey. Henley says, "If you open up the market, you risk unintended consequences which could be disastrous for the elephant." She adds, "It is poverty and unemployment that make poaching so uncontrollable. With the best of intentions, people around the world pour money into increasing the guns and protection in vulnerable areas-but to me, that's addressing a symptom and not the cause. More money should be going into community development and education, raising awareness of the value of this wildlife to the community." There is also a need to bring the demand of ivory down. "Ivory is a status product-it has no medicinal use," says Henley. "When you know it is a social status artefact, what you need to do is shame it." Ivory trade is unlike any other industry, says Harvey. There isn't enough data to understand the possible consequences of a legal trade. "We have to ban the stuff, we have to enact strong international law and en-
China's Double-Standard
Image for representational purpose (Photo:flickme)
Sir, One of the most prominent nations of the world, now reckoned as one of the world's super powers in a show of alacrity declared once that any act of terrorism within their nation would be nipped in the bud. In the process, the nation confronts the Islamic terrorism too. Here, we refer to china. In the wake of the Pathankot airbase attack by the militants of Pakistan led by Masood Azhar, the dreaded militant, India proposed to the U.N. to list Masood Azhar, the JeM chief under the U.N. sanctions committee. It had been agreed upon, in the event of a consensus, an announcement was to be made to this effect. But just before that China came to the rescue of Masood Azhar. China requested the U.N. to keep on hold the final decision i.e. China puts veto on the proposition. Sushma Swaraj, our
External affairs minister very adroitly raised the issue before her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, while attending the foreign minister's meeting of Russia, India and China held in Moscow. Pakistan being the most favoured nation of China, the latter might have used its veto power in U.N. for the issue relating to Masood Azhar. Thereby, China exposes its identity before the world that for Pakistan, it could stoop to that low to make itself a nation that maintains double standard.
forcement efforts." Globally, a lot of effort is being made towards continuing the ban on the trade. Even Hong Kong has succumbed to the pressure. This January, Leung Chun-ying, head of Hong Kong's administration, announced plans to ban ivory trade. At a press briefing held after the announcement, Leung said, "We will take steps to totally ban the sale of ivory in Hong Kong... As to the matter of timing, we will do it expeditiously, as quickly as we can, but this will require legislative amendments and that will be a matter for the Legislative Council." The prices of ivory are already going down. In December 2015, a new research to be published by Save the Elephants, a UK-registered non-profit based in Kenya, indicated that the price of illegal raw ivory in China has almost halved over the past 18 months. The value of raw ivory in Beijing had tripled in the four years up to 2014, reaching an average wholesale price of $2,100/kg, but by November 2015 this had dropped to $1,100, as revealed in the new study by experts on ivory markets, say Lucy Vigne and Esmond Martin, authors of the study. This is because of the growing awareness in China about the impacts of buying ivory and the slowdown of the Chinese economy, say the researchers in the study. Contd. (Anil Agarwal, founder editor and director of Down To Earth and the Centre for Science and Environment respectively, wrote this piece in 2000 when India was reeling under one of its worst drought spells. For a detailed analysis of droughts in India, see 2016 Annual State of India's Environment Report.)
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JOBS & career
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Airport Authority of India Junior Executive Recruitment Airport Authority of India (AAI) Last Date: 17/05/2016. Applications from eligible candidates are invited for following posts of Junior Executive in various discipline in Airport Authority of India (AAI) : 1. Junior Executive (Engineering Civil) : 50 posts (UR-21, OBC13, SC-13, ST-3) 2. Junior Executive (Engineering Electrical) : 50 posts (UR-21, OBC-13, SC-13, ST-3) 3. Junior Executive (Information Technology) : 50 posts (UR21, OBC-13, SC-13, ST-3) 4. Junior Executive (Airport Operations) : 50 posts (UR-21, OBC-13, SC-13, ST-3) Age : 27 years for General and 32 years for SC and 30 years for OBC. Pay : Rs. 16400 - 40500 How To Apply : Apply Online at Career -> Online Recruitment at AAI website on from 18/04/2016 to 17/05/2016 only.
IT professional Jobs in IDS Guwahati IDS- an IT service provider company Last Date: N/A. IDS- an IT service provider company is looking for an IT professional with working experience in VB.NET& SQL Server 2005/2008 at Guwahati. Name of post : Executive IT No of post :One(1) Pay : Negotiable /based on present CTC. Educational Qualification: Degree/Diploma in computer science Key Responsibilities: Installing, configuring, and managing SQL Server 2005/2008. SQL Server backup, restoration, patching and upgrades of databases. Performing replication, clustering, performance tuning and optimization Transaction Log shipping and SQL mirroring. Also s/he will have to visit many different departments and varied clientele & provide on-spottechnical support. Technical skills : SQL Server Support and Maintenance User Support and interface maintenance Performance Monitoring and Tuning Troubleshooting and debugging Production implementation Process monitoring Upgrades General Application Support How to apply: Please mail your CV to idsrecruitment2016@gmail.com Please mention your expected salary & preference for part time/ full time position.
UN Academy Junior College, Udalguri. Last Date: NA. Application are Invited for the following posts of faculties in UN Academy Junior College, Udalguri. Name of post: Assistant Professor Departments: Science:- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geology, Biology Arts:- English, Political Science, Education, Economics, History, Logic & Philosophy How to apply: Contact Us 9707799628 / 9957046498. & Send Your CV at fulsingh.tezpur@gmail.com unacademyudalguri@gmail.com
Military Engineer Services Tradesman Recruitment,[463 posts] Military Engineer Services. Last Date: 26/04/2016. Military Engineer Services has issued notification for the recruitment of following posts of Civil Motor Driver, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Meter Reader, Caneman, Store Keeper-II and Peon. Name of the Post: Mate (Tradesman) No of Posts: 463 1. Civil Motor Driver (Ordinary Grade): 81 Posts 2. Chowkidar: 85 Posts 3. Safaiwala: 49 Posts 4. Meter Reader: 52 Posts 5. Caneman: 24 Posts 6. Store Keeper-II: 86 Posts 7. Peon: 86 Posts Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Matriculation or equivalent exam with valid Civil Driving License for post 1, Matriculation or equivalent exam for post 2, 3, 6, 7, (10+2) examination for post 4, Matriculation or equivalent exam or ITI for post 5. Age: Candidates age should be between 18-27 years as on 19-04-2016. Age relaxation is applicable 5 years for SC/ ST, 3 years for OBC, 10 years for PH (OH/ HH), 13 years for PH (OH/ HH)+OBC, 15 years for PH (OH/ HH)+SC/ ST & for others as per Central Govt rules. Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on written examination & skill test. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may send their application on plain paper in the prescribed format along with admit card in duplicate affixing self attested passport size photograph on it, self attested copies of relevant certificates, two self addressed envelope of size 28 cm X 12 cm with postage stamp of Rs. 60/affixed on each envelope for CMD, one self addressed envelope of size 28 cm X 12 cm with postage stamp of Rs. 60/- affixed on each envelope for remaining all posts to the concerned address as given in the notification on or before 19-04-2016 by 1700 hrs & 26-04-2016 by 1700 hrs for remote areas. Superscribe the envelope with Name of the post i.e., D'Man, Store Keeper-II, CMD (OG), Peon, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Meter Reader & Caneman along with Category (UR/ SC/ ST/ OBC/ PH) in BlockCapital letters.
Career in the Aquatic Sciences What is Aquatic Science? Aquatic science is the study of the planet's oceanic and freshwater environments. Oceanography is the study of the biological, chemical, geological, optical and physical characteristics of oceans and estuaries, while limnology is the study of these same characteristics in inland waters (lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands). What do Aquatic Scientists Study? Aquatic scientists use comparative studies, long term data, models, and theory to address a myriad of questions pertaining to water- water movement, water chemistry, aquatic organisms, aquatic ecosystems, movement of materials in and out of aquatic ecosystems, and the use of water by humans, just to name a few disciplines. Aquatic scientists study processes that cover time scales ranging from less than a second to daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, annual, decadal, or geological (millions of years), and spatial scales ranging from millimeters to ecosystems to oceanwide. Many aquatic scientists work at the boundaries of disciplines and therefore they often work in interdisciplinary groups. For example, physical and biological oceanographers collaborate to understand the effect of physical processes on organisms, while chemists and biologists work together to understand the ways in which the chemical constituents of water bodies interact with plants, animals, and microorganisms
such as bacteria. Aquatic scientists may be working at the scale of trying to understand global oceanic change or quantifying the global flux of methane from inland waters. Conversely, they could be working at the local, trying to understand the source of a pollution problem in a drinking water supply or working to conserve a local endangered population. Job Opportunities Job opportunities in aquatic science exist for individuals with all levels of education. Employers include state and federal government laboratories, universities, industries, magazines, book publishers, television, radio, legal firms, and environmental societies. After four years of college you may find employment as a laboratory technician, particularly in government positions. If you have more training, you can do the same sort of work, but will have more freedom and responsibility and may supervise other staff. University research and teaching positions generally require a Ph.D. degree. Specific duties depend on the specialized field of study and the job description. Aquatic scientists may focus on areas such as research, teaching, administration, consulting, or writing. Virtually all jobs will involve more than one of these areas. As in all other professions, it is also necessary to develop good writing and speaking skills as an aquatic scientist in addition to a proficiency in science, mathematics and computers.
Preparation for Aquatic Science Careers Job opportunities are varied, and exists at all educational levels. However, as with other fields, the higher-level jobs require more education and generally pay better. Regardless of your particular area of interest, some basic recommendations apply: *Starting as early as possible, read about whichever aquatic environment(s) particularly interests you. Spend time at a body of water near you, and study the changes over a day, week, season or longer. Be aware of what you see, and study what you don't understand. Seek out individuals with similar interests. *Concentrate on acquiring a good foundation in writing and mathematics. Take all the math, science and computer courses you can and develop your reading
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and communication skills. *Practical experience in a laboratory will put you ahead. Sometimes this means volunteering your time, but it's worth it. Locate aquatic scientists in your area, and volunteer to help in any way you can. Ask questions and discuss with them the problems and rewards of a career in aquatic science. *As an undergraduate, seek a college or university that is strong in science. Specialize in the area of science which interests you the most, but not exclusively. Math, statistics, operations research, systems ecology and computer programming are courses that greatly improve opportunities for employment in aquatic science research. Most importantly, as an undergraduate student you should make every effort to become involved in a research project in a scientist's laboratory.
*Many summer research programs are available at institutions with graduatelevel limnology or oceanography programs. These summer research experiences, generally for students after completion of the second or third year, provide a good opportunity to learn more about the discipline before embarking on a graduate program and provide valuable field or laboratory experience. You can learn more about the various programs by contacting institutions offering advanced degrees in limnology or oceanography. *Attend seminars and join aquatic science organizations such as the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography to better understand the field and current issues, and to get to know the community of people with which you want to work.
Various Jobs in Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, March 2016 [17 posts] Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Last Date: 2 days. Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education & Literacy, Govt. of India, invites applications in the prescribed format, from eligible Indian nationals for filling up the following 24 posts for its Hqrs. Office at Noida and Regional Offices located at Bhopal, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Pune and Shillong. 1. Audit Assistant : 03 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/2. Hindi Translator : 05 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/3. Stenographer : 06 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 5200-20200 grade pay Rs. 2400/4. Lower Division Clerk : 03 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/Application Fee : Rs. 400/- (no fee from Women/ SC/ST/PH/ Women and Ex.- Servicemen candidates) in the form of Bank DD in favour of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti payable at NOIDA. How to Apply: Application in the prescribed format should be send within 30 days (published on 12/03/2016 i.e. last date is 09/04/2016) and 40 days for the candidates from far-flung areas to The Deputy Commissioner (Admn.), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Hqrs., B-15, Institutional Area, Sector-62, Noida - 201307, District Gautam Budha Nagar (UP).
Engagement of Apprentice Trainees in BSNL, Assam Graduate Engineer Apprentice Qualification: The applicant must possess a B.E/B.Tech degree from a recognized engineering college/ university in anyone of the following disciplines. i Telecommunication, ii. Electronics, iii. Radio, iv. Computer, v. Electrical. vi. IT (Information Technology) vii. Instrumentation OR M.Sc (Electronics)/M.Sc. (Computer Science) from a recognized institution/university No.of Posts: 05 Stipend : Rs. 4984 Diploma Holder in Engineering Technician Apprentice Qualification: The applicant must possess Three years Engineering Diploma in Telecommunication/Electronics/Electrical/Radio/Computer Engineering ,Instrumentation, Information Technology from a Central Govt./State Govt. recognized institution or B.Sc (Electronics)/(Computer Science) in Electronics from a recognized institution/university. No.of Posts: 35 Stipend : Rs. 3542 Period of Training : The period of Apprentice training will be limited to one year only. Age Limit : 18 years Reservation of seats: The reservation for candidates belonging to SC/ST category will be as per Rules applicable for the State of Assam
Five guidelines to have a career in cloud computing The cloud computing space is evolving fast and the number of opportunities is intensifying by each passing day. There is a significant demand for fresh talent and for candidates with 2-5 years of experience for this role, according to data. Organisations are seeking specialised skills while hiring these candidates. However, experts believe that skills and expertise can be built with experience and time. But there are other crucial factors that contribute to crafting a successful career in cloud computing. Here are few tips to help you build a career in cloud computing: Awareness of Application Programming Interface (API) Awareness of API tops the list. Nothing works without them in the cloud computing space. This is particularly important for a person aspiring to build his career in the cloud software engineering. Awareness of platforms & ability to build them for virtualisation The incumbent has to have the know-how about popular cloud development environments such as, VMware, OpenStack, etc. and should have the ability to understand the mechanism to integrate these platforms into the cloud services. Expertise to bring in a USP Technically, a lot of services various organisations offer
are similar to their competition. One has to figure a USP to sell its employer's services differently. For eg - Netmagic launched NTSS, a tiered secured storage service, which may look similar to that of its competitors. But Netmagic has chosen superior security technology that brings in more guarantee and QoS. Differentiators like these need to be identified by the applicant and implement them. Awareness of solution designing and architecture The aspirant should have a solid understanding of a solution design and architecture in the physical world. This knowledge of the basics helps the person to implement and emulate most of the scenarios on a cloud platform which he would have otherwise done in a physical world. For example, Netmagic's Firewall is exactly emulating the scenario in the real world on cloud infrastructure and eventually provides the service seamlessly to end us-
ers. General knack to be an explorer The aspirant should know all technology developments in the cloud industry and related ecosystems. The ability to identify new technologies and then use them in the cloud space to make the product or service better is a critical quality that makes a great cloud computing professional. Certifications also play a pivotal role in building an effective career in cloud computing. There are two types of cloud computing careers that have emerged in the jobs space - IT professionals with specific cloud skills and IT administrators with cloud architecture know-how. According to data, some of the top jobs available in these areas for cloud computing professionals in the experience category of 2-5 and 5-10 years include, System Engineer - Cloud (Windows), Cloud Architect Lead Role, Cloud Technical Leads, Cloud and Smarter Infrastructure Consultant.
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, APRIL 24
BUSINESS
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YuppTV launches 18 Sri Lankan Naturals launch 'Naturals@Home' channels on its platform ANI Colombo, Apr 23: World's largest over-the-top (OTT) provider for South Asian content, YuppTV has expanded its offering with the launch of 18 Sri Lankan TV channels across a variety of genres such as general entertainment, news, music, spiritual etc. As a part of the association, prominent Sinhala, Tamil and English channels such as Siyatha TV, Derana TV, Dan TV, Channel C, Nethra TV and Prime TV will be made available on YuppTV platform, worldwide. Approximately three million Sri Lankan expats are estimated to be spread across the globe, with the majority concentrated around Europe, Middle East and Canada. Sri Lankan expats can now en-
Founder and CEO YuppTV, Uday Reddy. (Photo: d152j5tfobgaot.cloudfront) joy their favorite programs anytime, anywhere on multiple internet enabled devices. Two of Sri Lanka's most popular TV channels from Capital Maharaja Organization, Shakthi TV and
FreeCharge partners with BookMyShow
Govind Rajan, Chief Operating Officer, FreeCharge. (Photo: dqweek) ANI Bengaluru, Apr 23: FreeCharge, India's leading digital payments platform has announced its partnership with BookMyShow to offer the fastest and secure digital payments option for movie lovers. Customers can now pay for tickets for movies, sports, plays and events at BookMyShow in less than 10 seconds with the FreeCharge wallet. For cricket lovers, this tie up offers the opportunity to book VIVO IPL on BookMyShow using the FreeCharge Wallet with exclusive cashback offers of up to INR 175. Speaking on the partnership, Govind Rajan, Chief Operating Officer, FreeCharge said, "BookMyShow offers immense convenience of booking tickets on-the-go. We are ex-
cited to partner with BookMyShow and enhance the experience for customers with the amazingly fast FreeCharge wallet. BookMyShow partnered with us for the bank grade payment gateway security features and a rapid checkout experience with 99 percent success rate that we offer to customers and merchants. Our endeavour is to be the digital payment OS for a digital India and with each partnership, we are inching closer towards this vision." Marzdi Kalianiwala, VP-Business Intelligence and Marketing, BookMyShow said, "We are glad to have FreeCharge on board as a payment partner, and we're sure our users will be happy with the convenience and fast checkout experience while paying for their tickets using FreeCharge."
Investment of Rs. 200 crore planned by Swiss Military Mumbai, Apr 23: Swiss Military, a lifestyle brand for men, has embarked on a store expansion plan to enhance its presence in India. Swiss Military Lifestyles Products Pvt Ltd, the Indian marketing arm of the company has outlined a capital investment of Rs 200 crore to set up its own stores and to develop a logistics and warehousing network, a top company official said. "We have been selling in India since 2011-12 and now is the time for a major retail presence. We have decided to have 172 stores in key markets across India," Mr. Anuj Sawhney, MD, Swiss Military Worldwide. He added that the company would
own and run 12 stores and the remaining outlets would come up through the franchise route. "The store rollout will start from May this year and all the stores will be up and running by the end of 2017," he said. "The amount will be invested in the first phase, to complete in 2017. In this phase, we expect revenue of Rs 700 crore and target to grow at 250 per cent year on year," Mr Sawhney said. Investment plans for the second phase would depend on the response to the first phase. The Swiss company, which started in 1984 with only watches, is now present in 26 countries. (Agencies)
Sirasa TV, were already available on YuppTV. Speaking on the partnership Founder and CEO YuppTV, Uday Reddy said, "At YuppTV, we have always sought to enable the best,
most preferred entertainment options for our users across the globe." "We have constantly enhanced our content offerings to appeal to the sensibilities of our diverse consumer base.
Allowing access to these channels through our platform will add to the delight of our Sri Lankan expat viewers as they will be able to watch their favorite programmes from anywhere in the world," added Uday. With the partnership, YuppTV became the first OTT service provider in the world to provide Live TV access of such an exquisite bouquet of Sri Lankan channels, which would be made available to subscribers at a very affordable price. These new channels will be part of Sri Lankan TV packages and can be accessed through the YuppTV website or via its app on Smart TVs, Smart blu-ray players, streaming media players, gaming consoles, smartphones and tablets.
Infogain names Aloke Ghosh as Chief Financial Officer ANI Mumbai, Apr 23: Infogain, a leading business and IT consulting firm, has named Aloke Ghosh as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He brings more than two and a half decades of industry experience to the role. Infogain's CEO, Sunil Bhatia said, "I have known Aloke for many years, as a colleague. He possesses a vast understanding of our space and has a track record of successfully managing finance and strategies in global organizations. His financial knowledge, leadership capabilities, deep understanding of strategy and international experience will be invaluable assets at Infogain." In his previous role Ghosh was CFO and Company Secretary at Blue
Star Infotech Ltd. Ghosh's previous positions include Corporate Controller and Head Global Finance at Tech Mahindra, CFO at Mahindra Holidays, and VP-Finance and CFO at Reliance Global Communications. He is an Associate
Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ACS) and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (FCMA). He was selected as one of the top 100 CFO's in the country by the CFO Institute for two consecutive years. "Infogain has a great team and stable relationships with several Fortune 100 customers among many others," said Aloke Ghosh, CFO, Infogain. "I look forward to being a part of the team, and joining Infogain on its journey to a global leadership position in digital transformation. I am proud to be part of a growing company with such a strong market presence and reputation for innovation and dedication to its customers and partners."
Flipkart launches 'Trendstalk Autumn Winter' ANI New Delhi, Apr 23: India's largest e-Commerce marketplace, Flipkart has announced the launch of Trendstalk's Autumn Winter 2016-17 edition to empowering local sellers to create and sell products at par with global brands. Trendstalk will offer sellers global fashion trends and forecasts in partnership with WGSN, a global trend authority for fashion and creative industries and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Garnering real time information from WGSN, Flipkart will offer sellers with top-notch global trend analytics. It will closely work in association with WGSN to guide sellers with real actionable insights on latest fashion trends that are making waves around the globe. Flipkart will also bring together a group 30 designers from NIFT and independent fashion consultants to develop design illustrations and tech-packs exclusively for fashion category sellers. "The launch of Trendstalk last year made fashion insights more ac-
cessible to our seller base. Over 50 sellers have adopted this platform and have created 2000 styles, which are currently available on Flipkart," said VP Fashion Flipkart, Rishi Vasudev. The latest edition of Trendstalk in partnership with WGSN and NIFT will enable the sellers to create a niche for themselves in the cluttered market of fashion offerings. "We will not only democratize fashion for all small and medium sized sellers but also guide sellers to make their own mark in the online space. Initiatives like
these offer sellers the opportunity to understand the evolving fashion industry and streamline their collections to suit the needs of every customer," added Rishi Vasudev. "The WGSN and Flipkart association will help the sellers to understand global trends ahead of season and create their product with confidence for the right market and at the right time. WGSN will ensure they have insights that are accurate and as actionable as possible," said Business Director-South Asia WGSN, Priya Sachdev.
Rs.100 crore to be raised by Southern Health Foods Chennai, Apr 23: Fulcrum Venture India-backed Southern Health Foods Pvt. Ltd., is planning to raise Rs.100 crore to meet its expansion plans, said a top company official. Promoted by first-generation entrepreneurs I.S.A.K. Nazar and his younger brother, Southern Health Foods is the maker of 40 ready-to-cook health products and two health drinks under 'Manna Foods' brand name. Mr. Nazar, Southern Health Foods, Managing Director
said: "Currently, we hold 67 per cent and rest by FVI. As we are growing exponentially, we are planning to raise Rs.100 crore to meet our expansion plans. Even after the dilution, we will be holding majority stake of 60 per cent and rest by FVI and India-based foreign investor. The deal will be concluded in six months' time." With limited resources, the 15-year-old Southern Health Food has been posting 60-70 per cent growth yearon-year basis. Last year, it
clocked sales revenue of Rs.55 crore and this year it plans to touch Rs.100 crore. "We are the pioneers in the area of producing ready-to-cook products. We produce healthy foods right from six-monthold child to adults. While our products will remain natural and traditional, we are moving out of conventional mode to scale up our sales by appointing qualified persons on the board, for sales and marketing, introducing more health conscious products and ex-
porting to several countries. To create awareness and capture mass market, we have roped in cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin as our brand ambassador," he said. Southern Health Foods has new 15 products in its pipeline. By April end, the company will roll out coconut milk, tamarind concentrate, ginger and garlic pastes and tomato puree under Smart Kitchen brand name. Coconut milk is imported from Sri Lanka. "While the existing
health products will be produced at our Ponneri factory, the new items will be outsourced to private firms in Salem and Krishnagiri. Coconut milk along with dry fruits such as apricot, figs and dates will be imported. Going forward, we expect 30 per cent of revenue will come from new products," he said. The company exports its products to Malaysia, U.S. Canada, South Africa, Australia and GCC. About 15 per cent of revenue comes from exports. (Agencies)
for Chennaites
ANI New Delhi, Apr 23: India's leading unisex salon chain, Naturals announced the launch of its innovative and new on-demand professional beauty and wellness service 'Naturals@Home' in Chennai. With over 550 salons spread across 80 cities in India today, Naturals will offer services to woman customers only. Naturals@Home will soon launch a mobile app along with its presence in cities including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Hyderabad. Naturals@Home plans to expand its services in over 80 cities over the course of the next six months. The professional beauty chain will soon increase verified and experienced professional beauticians. It will bring home groomers on board, who will be given scooters to commute. The
mode of payment includes CoS (Cash on Service), Netbanking and Card payment options. The Naturals@Home grooming services can also be prebooked with service offering ranging from threading to spa treatments. "E-com is the future for this generation. When everything is just a click away; why stay behind on the beauty needs. We don't want to limit our client to our salons, so we want to be available at their doorstep and so the Naturals@Home," said Founder Naturals, Veena K. Naturals@Home is an initiative with a strategic effort of Naturals recent investment of Rs. 100 crore in Yuvraj Singh-funded startup Vyomo, a Bangalore-based mobile platform for beauty and wellness services; rebranded as Natural@Home.
HDFC Bank likely to scale Q4 profit up by 21 pct ANI New Delhi, Apr 23: The country's second largest private sector lender, HDFC Bank has estimated to show a 20.6 percent growth in January-March quarter profit at Rs 3,385.4 crore compared to Rs. 2,806.9 crore in the previous fiscal. Net interest income, the difference between interest earned and interest expended, may grow 19.3 percent to Rs. 7,173.3 crore during the quarter against Rs. 6,013.2 crore in corresponding quarter of last fiscal. Analysts say loan growth may be driven by retail growth, adding asset quality may remain stable. They see improvement in fee income growth and slight pressure on net interest margin.
RentSher helps startups, SMEs in their journey to make big
Image for representational purpose only. (Photo: news-pr) ANI New Delhi, Apr 23: With the easy funding flow of 2015 drying up, the theme of the season today including guidance from VC and investor community is to execute like a cockroach. It means survive under extreme conditions like cockroaches do. Even the theme around unplugged 2016 happening in May is also around the same with different entrepreneurs and investors giving their view on why this approach is important. Setting up a simple office for a small team of 10-15 people is daunting and expensive tasks. Apart from your usual expenses such as rent and bills, you could be spending upwards of Rs. 1.5L on office desks, chairs and other furniture. A good corei5 laptop, which costs above Rs. 40,000/- for team of 15 will set you back by
another 6L. Add to that server, printers, UPS, projector and so on so forth, you will be looking at upfront investment of Rs. 10 lakh even before your first day in new office. Investing heavily in depreciating assets could kill your startup even before it starts. Fortunately that is where office furniture on rent and laptops on rent comes into picture with companies like RentSher providing the complete office equipment on hire reducing your upfront capital investment and allows your infrastructure to grow gradually as you grow. RentSher is a marketplace and has tie ups with top laptop provides in Bangalore and Delhi NCR. This allows them to cater to any order size from single laptop for a day for a presentation to more than 100 laptops for month if you are
conducting training, marketing campaigns, etc. Currently serving in Bangalore and Delhi NCR including Gurgaon being the hub for startups; RentSher already has close to 50 corporate clients benefiting from its services including likes of Pikipoll - a social market discovery platform, Icarus well known design firm, Stockal Software, Ultimus a BPM company, Westside apparels, Liveair enterprise mobile solutions and even BBMP during the Bangalore local election times. Customers for RentSher range from students renting laptops for academic projects, startups renting PCs for their team, training institute and even city councils who need laptops and projectors just for few hours for elections, trainings or key agenda dissemination.
Raasi Concrete DFO introduced by India Cements Chennai, Apr 23: Re-positioning its strategy for the Orissa market, The India Cements Ltd has introduced Raasi Concrete DFO (designed for Odisha) in Bhubaneswar. Raasi Concrete is Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) produced by inter-grinding high quality clinker with reactive silica
and gypsum using next generation grinding technology. Raasi Concrete PPC has ingredients such as amorphous silica which reacts with calcium hydroxide to form additional strength, making the concrete strength grow in time. The company has eight cement plants, and
two grinding units spread across five States - Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. It has under its portfolio brands such as Sankar Super Power, Coromandel Super Power, Coromandel King and Raasi Gold. (Agencies)
SunEdison dragged to court for bankruptcy Washington, Apr 23: U.S. solar energy company SunEdison Inc filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, becoming one of the largest non-financial companies to do so in the past 10 years. Once the fastest-growing U.S. renewable energy developer, SunEdison embarked on an aggressive acquisition strategy that left it struggling with $12 billion in debt. In its bankruptcy filing, the company said it had assets of $20.7 billion and liabilities of $16.1 billion as of September last year The company said it secured up to $300 million in new financing from its first-lien and second-lien lenders, which is
subject to court approval. The money will be used to support SunEdison's operations during its bankruptcy, such as paying wages and vendors. "Our decision to initiate a court-supervised restructuring was a difficult but important step to address our immediate liquidity issues," said Ahmad Chatila, SunEdison chief executive officer. He said the company planned to use Chapter 11 to reduce debt, shed non-core operations and take steps to get the most value out of its technology and intellectual property. Although solar project developers such as SunEdison continue to benefit from robust demand, their
shares have been hit by investor concerns that demand could fall in tandem with weak oil prices. SunEdison has struggled with its own problems, as well. Breakneck expansion during 2014 and 2015 left the company saddled with huge debt. In addition, the company has become embroiled in disputes with its yieldcos, or publiclytraded subsidiaries that own and operate renewable energy assets, some of which were acquired from SunEdison. The yieldcos, TerraForm Power and TerraForm Global, were not part of the bankruptcy. (Agencies)
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Preparing hard for WC: Mary Kom KKR take on Pune, eye year's Rio Games. "I have to make it to the final of the world event in Astana," she added. On reports that her name has been shortlisted to fill the vacancies in the nominated category of the Rajya Sabha, Mary Kom said, "It is a great honour for me. I haven't imagined about it. I was only focusing on my training and upcoming qualification event."
ing to improve my technique day by day," she said. The 33-year-old, who missed out on an Olympic
'Some people out to destroy global brand IPL' PTI Pune, Apr 23: Indian Premier League has emerged as a global sports brand, but some people are trying to "destroy" it and new controversies are being created every year, leading BCCI to consider shifting the cash-rich tournament abroad in 2017, IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said on Friday. When the ICC World Twenty20 was taking place in India just a month ago, nobody raised the issue of water being used for preparing cricket grounds, he said referring to controversy around using water for maintaining pitches for IPL matches in droughtaffected Maharashtra. The senior Congress leader, who was in the city to attend a party function, was speaking to reporters. "Several matches took place in Maharashtra during T20 World Cup and same amount of water was being used (for IPL matches). However, nobody questioned use of
water at that time and it is only during IPL the issue has been raised," he said. "In the last one decade, IPL has emerged as a global brand and people in 182 countries see the games. However, some people are trying to destroy it. "It is very difficult to build a brand, but it is very easy to destroy it and if such things keep happening, we will have to think of shifting the game out of the country," he added. He supported Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)'s decision to move the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court order directing shifting of IPL matches outside Maharashtra in view of the prevailing drought in the state. Both Maharashtra Cricket Association and MCA are affected bodies and they have all the right to go to the apex court against shifting of IPL matches. "We will implement whatever the apex court rules."
Dhoni believes Pietersen's injury can be `blessing in disguise
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ANI Pune, Apr.23 : While pointing out the bench strength of the team, Rising Pune Supergiantscaptain Mahendra Singh Dhonihas said that his teammate Kevin Pietersen's injury could turn out be a 'blessing in disguise'. Pietersen was forced to retire after facing only one ball as he hurt his leg while trying to take a single during Supergiants' 13-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League clash at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Friday. The former England batsman immediately called for assistance before being carried back to the dressing room. Following their third consecutive loss in the tournament,
Dhoni admitted that his side's death bowling was far from impressive, while stating that they could bring in all-rounders like Albie Morkel or Mitch Marsh in the next game. "We're playing with six bowlers, yet our death bowling isn't great," Dhoni was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "Maybe we can look to bring in Albie Morkel or Mitch Marsh in the next game. With the kind of players we've got, it has always been difficult to drop someone. We need to strengthen our bowling line a bit." Pune are currently seventh in the points table and will play their next game against tabletopping Kolkata Knight Riders at home on Monday.
berth in last month's Asian Qualifiers, said, "This time I will give my best to qualify. And if I qualify I
will try to get a bigger medal in Rio." The World Cup is her final chance to qualify for this
Reacting to another query, she said women boxing in India has seen changes after the sport was included in Asian and Commonwealth Games. "Now competition is becoming tougher and tougher and upcoming boxers are improving. We want more support."
Indians enjoy positive day at shooting World Cup IANS Rio de Janeiro, Apr 23: Indian shooters enjoyed a positive day at the lnternational Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/ Shotgun) with Sheeraz Shaikh and Mairaj Ahmed Khan (men's Skeet) and Gurpreet Singh (men's Rapid Fire Pistol) getting off to good starts in their respective events at the Olympic Shooting Centre here. Sheeraz Sheikh began
his first round of qualification on the eighth day of the tournament with a perfect score of 25 to be on top of the standings. Mairaj Ahmed Khan was lying 22nd having shot two rounds of 24 and 22 each. Man Singh, the Indian in men's Skeet, was in the 46th place. In men's Rapid Fire Pistol, Gurpreet shot 289 to finish the first round of the qualification stage in the 14th place. He started
strongly with scores of 99 and 98 in the first two relays of 10 shots. He then registered a 92 in the third relay to slide down a little in the leader board. Earlier on the seventh day of the competition, 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang and Chain Singh shot 615.5 and 617.1 in the qualification round of the men's 50m Prone event to end 45th and 48th respectively.
third consecutive win
IANS Kolkata, Apr 23 : Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would look to continue their winning momentum in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but it won't be an easy task as they lock horns with Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Rising Pune Supergiants at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Sunday. Newcomers Pune have not had a great start to the tournament and have lost three of their four games. On the other hand, KKR have won three out of four matches. The one contest that the Knights lost was against defending champions Mumbai Indians in Kolkata where the visitors chased down KKR's formidable 187. Kolkata have been a team who have backed up their brilliant bowling with some quality batting to steer home on the other three occasions, which include wins over Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab. The Supergiants have only clinched the opening tie against Mumbai Indians, but then succumbed to the Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore. But on Sunday, Dhoni will be keen on having a turnaround in his fortunes. The injury to star batsman Kevin Pietersen may have come as a blessing in disguise for the hosts as they
can now field all-rounders like Albie Morkel and Mitchell Marsh. "We're playing with six bowlers, yet our death bowling isn't great," Dhoni said after the game against RCB. "Maybe we can look to bring in Albie Morkel or Mitch Marsh in the next game. We need to strengthen our bowling line-up a bit." The Knights on the contrary look a settled bunch and it is unlikely that skipper Gautam Gambhir will tinker too much with the winning line-up. The bowling has been led well by the spinners and the likes of pacers Umesh Yadav and Morne Morkel have chipped in
Shiv Kapur edging closer to historic Asian Tour title AGENCIES Chiba, Apr 23: Indian Shiv Kapur remained strongly in contention to end his 11-year title drought on the Asian Tour when he grabbed the third-round lead with a two-under 69 at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship here on Saturday. Shiv parred 14 straight holes before hitting back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th to seize the outright lead with a nineunder 204 total at the 150 million Yen (approximately US$1.27 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour. Overnight leader Kodai Ichihara of Japan, chasing for a first career win, posted a 71 to trail by one shot while a host of proven champions including Marcus Fraser of Australia and K.T. Kim of Korea are two shots back at the Chiba Country Club, Umesato course.
Fraser, the current Order of Merit leader, Kim, who won last week, Yuta Ikeda of Japan, Hung Chien-yao of Chinese Taipei, Sanghee Lee of South Korea and Thailand's Thanyakon Khrongpha are tied in third place on 206 strokes. After making a stretch of pars in-
Tiger Woods `close to competitive return` Johannesburg, Apr.23 (ANI): Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods is poised for a competitive return, the player's long-time friend has revealed. The 40-year-old, who saw his form take a dip after suffering a series of back injuries since 2013, hasn't played competitively since August last year. He also skipped the recently-concluded Augusta Masters saying he was 'not physically ready' for the opening major of the year. His appearance during a junior golf event this week
sparked speculations that he would be making his competitive return immediately. Confirming the news, the 14-time major champion's friend Notah Begay, a professional-turned commentator, said that Woods was getting closer to a competitive return and that the physical attributes he would need 'are starting to materialize', Sport24 reported. However, Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said that 'there is no timetable' for the player's return. (ANI)
cluding a huge 40-feet putt on the eighth hole, Shiv stayed cool under pressure to give himself a fighting chance to end an 11-year title drought on the Asian Tour. "It is a great feeling to lead in a tournament. At the start of the day, the goal was to keep doing what I've
been doing. It was a battle of patience for me because the putts didn't fall," said Shiv, who tied the knot on April 3. "I had a 40 feet par save on the eighth hole. That was a bonus and it kept my head in it so to speak. That hole seems to have troubled me
the whole week but I got one back today and steadied ship. From there I played steady golf," he explained. He hopes to keep a level head in the final round as he aims to become the third Indian after Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa to win in Japan. "It is never easy to win a tournament. You have to go out and play good golf. You can't play average golf and win. Whether it is 10 or 15 guys in contention I have to go out there and play good golf," said Kapur. Ichihara struggled with his ball striking and was disappointed not to build on his overnight lead as he returned with two birdies against as many bogeys. Among other Indians in the fray, Jeev Milkha Singh scored 69 to be tied 42nd on even-par 213 total. Rahil Gangjee carded twoover 73 to take his three-day total to two-over 215 and got a share of the 62nd position.
well too. The top-order has also clicked for KKR with Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa scoring a truck load of runs. They have been ably supported by Manish Pandey at No.3. However, Pune are a dangerous side with some fine batters and great all-rounders and if the likes of Faf du Plessis, Steve Smith, Thisara Perera and Dhoni have a good day on the field then things are going to get tough for the two time champions. The wicket is likely to be flat and the match is supposed to be a high-scoring one and that is where KKR's experience in the bowling line-up will be tested.
Virat Kohali fined for slow over rate PTI Pune, Apr 23: Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining slow over rate during the team's Indian Premier League game against Rising Pune Supergiants. Kohli and AB de Villiers smashed brisk half centuries to guide Royal Challengers Bangalore to a 13-run win over Rising Pune Supergiants here on Friday night. "Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli has been fined after the team maintained a slow over rate during last evening's VIVO IPL match against RPS. "Since it was his first offence of the season under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr. Kohli was fined Rs 12 lakh," the IPL said in a statement. Sent into bat on Friday, RCB rode on De Villiers' 83 off 46 balls with the help of six boundaries and two sixes and Kohli's 80 off 63 deliveries, during which he struck seven fours and two hits over the fence, to post 185 for five. Later, RCB bowlers restricted Pune to 172 for eight.
Gayle won't be barred from BBL: CA chief Melbourne, Apr.23 (ANI): West Indies controversial batsman Chris Gayle will not be prevented from playing in the Big Bash Twenty20 league next season, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland has said. Earlier this year, the 36-year-old explosive southpaw had stirred a controversy following his infamous 'Don't blush baby' boundary-line interview with a female television reporter. He was later fined USD 10,000 for his inappropriate comments. However, Sutherland seemed to have back-tracked after CA strongly condemned the actions of the Melbourne Renegades batsman and that it would come over the top of any team that tried to sign Gayle for the sixth edition of the lucrative tournament.
"No matter what anyone at Cricket Australia thought [of the incident] at management level, board level, I think you're on a slippery slope if you start making judgements on players who could or shouldn't be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domestic competitions," Sutherland was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. "Because, when does that ever end? My view is unless there's a very, very strong reason along the lines of anti-corruption, then its difficult for us to be making those judgements," he added. Gayle, who is currently playing for Royal Bangalore Challengers in the Indian Premier League, was the leading scorer for Renegades with 260 runs in eight games.
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PTI Olympic bronze medallist and five-time boxing world champion M C Mary Kom on Friday said she is focussed on qualifying for Rio Games by performing well in the upcoming World Championships in Kazakhstan. "I am practicing very hard and preparing for the upcoming World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan in May, for qualification. I hope I will do my best in this to qualify. My dream is to qualify and get Olympic gold medal," Mary Kom told reporters here after being announced as brand ambassador of Country Club. "Preparations are going on very well and I am trying to improve on my weaknesses, improve my speed and try-
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Anushka seems to be very busy these days
Samuel Jackson surprised by Deepika Our Indian superstar, Deepika Padukone may be in Toronto shooting for her upcoming Hollywood debut, XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, but the actress adopts the Indian way of greeting people. Recently, when she met well known American actor/ producer Samuel Jackson on the sets for the first time, she greeted him in the Indian way by folding her hands and saying Namaste. Samuel Jackson was pleasantly surprised by this and with little help from Deepika returned the greeting in the same manner. The two bonded almost instantly and discussed the Indian culture at length. Sources from the sets also share that they heard Deepika teaching Samuel some easy Hindi words. Post the meeting, Samuel took to a photo sharing networking site and wrote, "Awwwwright, just met The Most Beautiful @deepikapadukone on my way outta here. She's ALL THAT!!!! Wow?"
Priyanka to get special treat by Meera
Anushka Sharma is currently shooting for two projects at the same time. Anushka Sharma has started her second production venture 'Phillauri' opposite Daljit Dosanj which is a horror comedy and the actress is said to be playing ghost. However the actress literally running from one set to the other as she is simultaneously shooting for 'Sultan'. A source says, " Anushka has been shooting in Punjab and Delhi. Fortunately some part of 'Sultan' too will be shot at Punjab. So it is going to be a bit better situation for her. For 'Sultan' she has to go through a lot training and it is bit tiring for her. Moreover, soon she is likely to shoot for final schedule of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' as well. But she is balancing it all and enjoying it too."
Meera Chopra, who is making her Bollywood debut as a lead in forthcoming horror film '1920 London', wants to hold a special screening of the film for her cousin and actress Priyanka Chopra. Meera is said to have spoken to Priyanka the day she landed in India to receive her Padma Shri honour earlier this month about her film and immediately Priyanka made it a point to see the trailer. 'I am waiting for Priyanka to come back so that I can show her the movie. She loved the trailer. She's a great emotional and physical support I have here in this industry and because I completely look up to her, it makes it even more special for me to show her something I am very proud of,' Meera said in a statement. Priyanka is currently shooting for American TV series 'Quantico' abroad, and is also doing "Baywatch" movie. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, '1920 London', which also stars Sharman Yash Raj project, the in YRFs "Kill Dil" Joshi, is slated to film will be produced (2014). release on May 6. by Maneesh Sharma and directed by debutant Akshay Roy. The movie also stars Ayushmann Khuranna. "Meri Pyaari Bindu" will mark Parineeti's singing debut as well. The actress, who made her Bollywood debut with Maneesh's directorial venture "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", was last seen
Parineeti ready for 'Meri Pyaari Bindu' A ctress
Parineeti Chopra will start working on her upcoming film "Meri Pyaari Bindu" in next two weeks. The 27year-old actress, who will be seen on big screen after approximately a year of no show, is preparing hard for her role. "The film starts in 2 weeks. Preps on in full swing! #MeriPyaariBindu," Parineeti tweeted. A
Padmanav Bordoloi releases his first Bihu xuriya album Dihing Disang Dimoru
Weight loss mission of Zareen Khan continues Zareen Khan's mission weight loss continues. The actress has now hired a special cook for her meals and carries her dabba containing nutrition bars and other low-fat packaged food wherever she goes. A lot of youngsters have been approaching Zareen at the gym and on social networking websites asking her for weight loss tips. She has been sharing her diet and fitness tips, but cautioning them from going on a crash diet.
China's Box Office ruled by 'The Jungle Book' Disney's 'The Jungle Book' stomped out the competition in Chinese theatres in the week ending April 17, earning $49.1 million after opening on April 15, the China Film News reported on Tuesday(19th April). Actionthriller "London Has Fallen" came
in second place during the week, pulling in $21 million, Xinhua news agency reported. "Chongqing Hot Pot", a domestic heist drama about events leading to a bank robbery, raked in about $7.2 million to land in third place in the week.
Noted singer and composer Padmanav Bordoloi, of Indian Idol and SaReGaMaPa fame, released his first Bihu xuriya and folk fusion album Dihing Disang Dimoru at the Guwahati Press Club. The album was released by noted actress Zerifa Wahid, veteran musicians Anima Choudhury and JP Das, editor in chief of Prag News Ajit Kumar Bhuyan and Bihu Samrat Biman Baruah. Speaking to the media during the launch, singer and composer Padmanav Bordoloi said, "Ever since I began singing, I have continuously been flooded with requests from my fans to compose a Bihu xuriya album. So this album is a dedication to all those people who have maintained their trust on me and supported me all through the journey." Dihing Disang Dimoru is Padmanav Bordoloi's first folk fusion audio visual album which con-
sist of six audio songs with four of them already been shot into videos. The title track Dihing Disang Dimoru is a melodious beautifully picturised Bihu xuriya song. Dihing Disang Dimoru is Padmanav Bordoloi's first Bihu xuriya composition and has already won accolades from music lovers and has become one of the most popular Bihu xuriya songs of 2016. Videos of song Dihing Disang Dimoru, Rumjhum, O Bulu Roi Ja and Bogakoi Dhuniya have already been released and have been appreciated by music lovers throughout Assam. To sum up, audio visual album Dihing Disang Dimoru is a true and honest musical effort combining Assamese Folk and Classical Fusion in a modern and peppy way with its roots and essence maintained in an authentic manner. Film actress Zerifa Wahid, who was one of the chief guests on the occa-
sion, said, "My best wishes to Padmanav for his new album. He is one of the most dedicated and loved singers that Assam has ever produced and is hugely loved throughout the country." Padmanav, who was the first Assamese to become a finalist in Indian Idol 2007, and later went on to become a finalist in SaReGaMaPa 2013, is a powerhouse of talent; a singer, performer, songwriter, music composer and an anchor, that's how diversely talented Padmanav Bordoloi is. Padmanav Bordoloi's first Hindi composition 'Teri Jo Baatein Hain', earned him the nomination for GIMA Award this year. One of the few male singers from Assam to sing in Bollywood films, Padmanav was also awarded the Young Achievers Award in 2008. Trained in Hindustani classical and Western classical music, Padmanav is a perfect blend of fusion voice and music.
Sharman to start shooting 'Tom Dick Harry 2' soon Known for his excellent comic timing, actor Sharman Joshi is all set to get back to the comedy zone with the sequel of "Tom Dick And Harry". The film will be directed by Deepak Tijori, who also helmed the 2005 original about three deaf, dumb, and blind men. "I am doing a film called Tom Dick and Harry part 2. It is a 'Golmaal' film genre comedy. It's a fun script and I am playing a deaf character in it. I had also done a similar play called 'All The Best' so I know this character very well," said Sharman. The film also stars Aftab Shivdasani and Jimmy Sheirgill. Sharman has starred in several hit comedy films like "Golmaal", "Dhol" and "3 Idiots". The 36-yearold actor says it will be "fun" returning to comedy after a long time. "I'll start filming in August and release will be next year. I am looking forward to it. It's been a long time since I've done a comedy. So doing it after a long time should be fun." Sharman will also team up with his "Hate Story 3" director Vishal Pandya's next, "Wajah Tum Ho" in which he is playing a police officer. "It is the first time I am playing a cop. It's a great part that Vishal had written. I'll be mouthing very interesting one liners in the film," Sharman said. The "Rang De Basanti" star will be next seen in the horror "1920 London". Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, the film also stars Meera Chopra and is scheduled to release on May 6.
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