Thursday, october 20, 2016

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

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

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 12

Vol. II

Dhoni, Kohli, Rahane proudly wear their mothers' name on jerseys

Issue 94

Dibrugarh, Thursday, October 20, 2016

YAHOO!: A CAUTIONARY TALE

P11

Dispur SI held red-handed while accepting bribes

Price -

5.00

P6

Pages- 12

PAGE 8

HOW TO CRACK ENTRANCE EXAMS IN 2017

P9

Pic- Firuz Ahmed, Sivasagar

ET Bureau Dispur, Oct 19: Tightening the noose against corrupt government officials, Jyoti Bania, a Sub-inspector of the Dispur police station was caught red handed by the Anti-corruption and Vigilance wing of the Assam Police while accepting bribes on Tuesday.

The tainted police official had sought Rs 20000 from one Amiya Lahon for resolving a case. (With inputs from agencies)

Aroti Tamuk bags best performing Gram Panchayat Chairperson at Pasighat Staff Reporter Pasighat, Oct 19: The best performing G r a m Panchayat Chairperson of East Siang district was conferred to Aroti Aroti Tamuk Tamuk, Chairperson, Bogong-I Gram Panchayat in the State Level Sensitization Workshop on 14th Finance Commission Grants under My Village, My Development Plan (MVMDP) organized by the Deptt of Panchayati Raj, Govt of AP on 13th Oct 2016 last at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar.

Smti Tamuk has been adjudged instrumental in the participation of inhabitants manage their daily affairs at the village and community levels through the traditional village institutions abiding by their established codes and customary laws.

The Workshop was actively participated by the District Panchayat Development Officers, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons, Anchal Samiti Chairpersons and Gram Panchayat Chairpersons of the districts.

Pic- Nakib Ahmed, Jorhat

At Tinsukia

Protesters hold protests by burning tyres at different places of Assam over pre-election promises regarding the grant of ST status to 6 ethnic communities in Assam , Organizations representing ethnic communities in Assam including Tai- Ahoms, Morans, Muttocks, Koch Rajbongshis, Sutias and tea tribes.

First day of 36-hours bandh hits Upper Assam: Several cases of violence reported The decadal long movements of Tai- Ahoms, Morans, Muttocks, Koch Rajbongshis, Sutias and tea tribes in Assam for ST recognition is yet to bear fruits Laxman Sharma/Bijoy Shankar Handique/ Mithun Baruah/Siddharth Singh Digboi/Jorhat/Tinsukia/Dibrugarh/Margherita, Oct 19 In order to push the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the state to fulfil their pre-election promises regarding the grant of ST status to 6 ethnic communities in Assam , Organizations representing ethnic communities in Assam including Tai- Ahoms, Morans, Muttocks, Koch Rajbongshis, Sutias and tea tribes today staged demonstrations across the state following their 36 Assam bandh call of which 12 hours today passed off peacefully , however paralyzing the normalcy the whole of Upper Assam including town such as Margherita, Jagun, Bordumsa, Pengaree in Tinsukia District, Duliajan and Dibrugarh in Dibrugarh District and Jorhat.

The bandh call rendered by the said 6 Organizations was marked with peaceful demonstrations and burning of tyres on the Highway, blocking the roads and closures of commercial and personnel ventures throughout the days including the shops and the educational establishments.

However, there are several incidents of violence reported from several Districts. Bandh supporters went on a rampage at Charaideo vandalizing ONGC buses and trucks. Similar incidents of vandalism were also reported from Tinsukia with bandh supporters burning tyres in the National Highway disrupting vehicular movement. The demonstrators took to streets at various locations of Tinsukia Districts and shouted slogans against the ruling government for its failure to stand to its pre-poll commitment. The entire Digboi town, Tinsukia town, Dibrugarh and Margherita wore a deserted look and the people including the passengers and daily commuters suffered a lot across all the Upper Assam Districts.

In Jorhat, at least 26 picketers were picked up by police and at least six vehicles were damaged in the early hours at Ladoigarh and at Jorhat bypass and in Mariani when picketers pelted stone at two sand carrying 407 truck and two other small vehicles which was carrying passengers from Ladoigarh and Teok to Jorhat town, informed police sources.

Picketers even stormed through the street shouting the shopkeepers to down their shutters and even pelted stone at some business establishment while

police managed to chase away the picketers and trapped six of them from in front of the Jaya Bhawan, the district headquarter of Tai Ahom Students Union this morning.

Three passenger carrying tourist Tata Sumo vehicles were halted at Nagajanka in Mariani which was on was to Kohima from Mokokchung via Dhudor Ali when picketers politely stopped the three tourist vehicles and had returned them back to Mokokchung.

The leaders of the organizations representing ethnic communities in Assam vehemently lambasted the government for its indifferent attitude towards the long standing demands of the communities and urged the BJP-led government, both in the state and at the Centre, to speed up the process of fulfilling its pre-poll promise to accord Scheduled Tribe status to six more communities or else face the movements in its intense form in near days.

It needs mentioning here that the Union cabinet had recently cleared Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Bodos living in the hills and Karbis in the plains.

Bodo and Karbis already enjoy ST status but those living in the hills and plains respectively were not given the status. It is also pertinent to add here that

on ST status to the six communities in Assam, a committee was set up by the Centre in February last to "works out the modalities soon and the demand is met".

The group recently organized a convention after 19 ST communities opposed the demand of the six communities, saying they did not fulfil the basic criteria for ST status.

However, a representative of All Koch-Rajbongshi Student's Union said that the community was granted ST status in 1996 through a President's ordinance but the status was later put on hold mysteriously. He demands the cabinet to consider their demand. "We notice that groups and communities close to the BJP are getting benefits easily. We do not expect discrimination from the BJP-led Union and state governments in Assam regarding our due rights." Meanwhile, the six other groups - Ahoms, Morans, Muttocks, Koch Rajbongshis, Sutias and tea tribes - are awaiting recognition as Scheduled Tribes. The erstwhile Tarun Gogoi led Congress government had also made several representations to the Centre for ST status to these tribes.

The president of Moran Students' Union, Arunjyoti Moran, demands that the new government must fulfil its promise to accord ST status to the six communities.

“Even if SC grants you Indian citizenship, we shall oppose in our land” ET Bureau Diyun, Oct 19

“You can go to Supreme Court and ask for citizenship but even if the Apex Court grants you citizenship we shall oppose it because we are the masters of the land”, said MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary, Chow Tewa Mein to thousands of Chakmas gathered for the biggest Buddhist festival, Kathin Cibar Dana at Diyun Mandir here today.

Chow Tewa while saying his community Khampti has no grudge for the Chakma community at large Contd. on Page 2

Thousands of Chakmas gathered in Diyun Buddha Mandir today for their biggest religious festival, Kathin Cibor Dana.

Assam wants Congress, mother industry-specific of all defection tax exemptions for politics: PPA attracting investors A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Oct 19

cmyk

Alleging that five legislator of the PPA, namely Wanglin Sawin, Tirong Aboh, Pani Taram, P D Sona and Nikh Kamin were forced to merge into the Indian National Congress, Bengia said that the Congress Party in the past had also never allowed other smaller parties like NCP, TMC and PPA to exist with their ideologies and party manifestoes.

Contd. on Page 2

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 19

Taking into consideration the lack of industrialisation in the state, Assam has asked the Centre to provide “certain exemptions” in the tax structure to make the state investorfriendly.

The state has also requested the Centre not to club Assam with other developed states while formulating economic policies. Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government would exploit the special provisions for Himalayan states under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and ask the Centre to provide special concessions to the state for attracting private investments.

Contd. on Page 2

cmyk

Hitting hard at the statement issued by former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, reportedly alleging the PPA of mergers, People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) president Kahfa Bengia retorted that it was instead the Tuki-led Congress Government which had zeroed the PPA’s strength of legislators in the legislative assembly by using unethical and unconstitutional means.

News

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

P2

India, Myanmar to enhance security, trade ties New Delhi, Oct 19 (PTI) As Myanmar embarks on a journey of democracy and development, India today assured it of unstinted support as the two traditionally close neighbours agreed to enhance ties in a range of areas including security and trade during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's top leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

voked Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and said Myanmar drew huge inspiration from the two Indian leaders in its struggle for democracy.

The two sides signed three agreements to boost cooperation in power, banking and insurance sectors besides deciding to step up ties in areas of oil and gas, agriculture, renewable energy and health care.

The two countries agreed that close coordination to ensure security in the areas along border, and sensitivity to each other's strategic interests, will help both neighbours, he said.

It is Suu Kyi's first visit to India after her National League for Democracy wrested power from the military junta in a landmark election earlier this year.

Suu Kyi, who could not become Myanmar's President due to a constitutional provision but has full control over the government, holds

The Prime Minister said as close and friendly neighbours, the security interests of India and Myanmar are closely aligned.

the position of State Councillor and Foreign Minister.

Welcoming Suu Kyi, the Prime Minister described India as her second home and assured that "India and its friendship will stand with you in full support and soli-

HOROSCOPE Aries

Taurus

You might experience a bit of an internal conflict today and be you're unsure how to proceed, Aries. One side feels an urge to fight, while another side - a more mental aspect asks you to keep this urge under wraps. It could be that this conflict keeps you immobile because of your lack of confidence in either camp. Try not to get stressed out over any one issue.

It may be hard to connect with others today, Taurus. People may be rather indecisive. On the other hand, people are apt to be more malleable. This could be a good time to take charge. Be sure that you keep in mind the best interests of all parties involved. It isn't fair for you to take advantage of people who can't make up their own minds about something.

Gemini

You've had a strong propensity for war lately, Gemini. Your drive toward getting things done has rallied and you're anxious to make progress. The problem is that you might have to hold back a bit today, since there is a great force at work encouraging to you to take a break from your current trajectory. Slow down and make a plan instead of just plowing blindly ahead toward the unknown.

Cancer

Your balancing powers will be put to the test today when your desire to fight conflicts with your need to plan, Cancer. You might be even more indecisive than usual as a result of this internal tension.

Be aware of time and the restrictions that it puts on you. Devise a plan that uses your energy in the most efficient way possible. It's especially important for you to think before you act.

Leo

Try not to get too frustrated by the indecisiveness that plagues you today, Leo. The longer you stand still, the harder it will be to get moving. The key is to find a balance between planning and forcefulness.

There's an incredible need for you make progress now. If you're met with resistance, you should probably just back off for now. Fighting won't yield positive results now.

Virgo

Indecisiveness could be your biggest nemesis today, Virgo. The general tone of the day is apt to be quite explosive as a feeling of restriction and discipline comes into conflict with a need to fight and conquer. You might find that your go-with-the-flow, easygoing attitude is exactly what saves you on a day like this. Lay low and let someone else take the lead now.

Libra

Your plans meet with harsh opposition today, Libra. You've been going along at a slow and steady pace, but you will find that abrasive tension arises the more you try to force your will on others.

Gridlock is quite likely due to the fact that there are strong forces coming to a head. Neither one of them is in the mood to yield now.

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Getting your opinions out now may stir up the maelstrom even more, but ultimately it's for the best, Scorpio. There is an explosive tone in the air right now that's difficult to ignore. You need your strong will to combat the abrasive forces at work today. You have the opportunity to initiate control over the situation.

Other people might be too unsure of themselves to make a move.

Your best plan of attack today is to not attack at all, Sagittarius. There is enough aggressiveness out there. You don't need to add any more to the fray. Let others duke it out. Your job is to wait until the dust settles. Try not to get involved in other people's disputes. You might get dragged further into the situation than makes you feel comfortable.

You might need to put on the brakes today, Capricorn. Your present trajectory isn't quite in line with the people and energy around you. Make sure you aren't stepping on other people's toes with your abrasive behavior.

This is a day to consider a more disciplined approach. You might need to establish a better structure so you use your energy more efficiently in general.

Aquarius

If you've been reluctant to make a move, Aquarius, you should consider why. What has been holding you back? Fear of failure? A negative comment from someone else? Feeling like you aren't quite prepared for the consequences of your actions? It's time to free yourself of these mental barriers that keep you from making progress. Don't let self-doubt get in the way of your plans.

Pisces

Discipline and a solid plan are your friends today, Pisces. Slow your approach and consider the consequences of your actions. This is the time to concentrate on what you need to get done and devise a plan to make it happen. There is restlessness in the air that might cause you to act hastily. Don't forget the old saying that says haste makes waste. This is an important lesson.

darity."

"You are no stranger to the people of India. The sights, the sounds and vibrancy of Delhi are familiar to you.

Welcome back, Excellency, to your second home!

"Excellency, you are an iconic leader," he said in a media statement. Suu Kyi had done her graduation from Delhi University.

In her comments, the Myanmerase leader in-

Myanmar, considered one of India's strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

Giving details of the talks, Modi said the two countries agreed to enhance engage-

Assam wants industry-specific tax exemptions for attracting investors Contd. from Page 1

Currently, industries in north eastern states enjoy several tax concessions under the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP). However, registration of new units under the policy had been kept under suspension since December 2014.

NEIIPP is an extension of the previous North East Investment Policy (NEIP), the ten-year policy that was announced in 1997 by the Central Government.

NEIIPP was announced in 2007 and is due to end in 2017.

“As the north-east, along with Jammu and Kashmir, falls under special category of states, there must be ways of providing certain exemptions to investors in the tax structure so that they are attracted to come here and set up businesses, ignoring the perceived socio-political condition of the state,” Sonowal said. The chief minister said he would soon write a letter to the Prime Minister regarding the matter, so that Assam’s case is considered differently by the Centre.

While chairing a meeting of the industry department, Sonowal said to attract investors to the state the tax regime has to be adopted working around the new GST regime. “We must send a signal to industrialists and prospective investors that the government is very serious in providing a business-friendly environment in the state for business and commerce to flourish.”

With the new BJP-led government bringing ‘Assam Ease of Doing Business’ act soon after taking over charge in Dispur, Sonowal said a positive environment has been created in the state to welcome investors. He also said Patanjali, Dabur and Mahindra and Mahindra have evinced interests to invest in the state. With regard to the proposed Patanjali plant, Sonowal said the investment would a “big one”.

He said tea sector was a prime example of how business houses could make profit and contribute to state’s economy even during adverse socio-political environment.

Expressing concern at the state’s 23rd position in the ease of doing business index, Sonowal set the October 31st deadline for 11 key departments of the government namely – revenue, finance, urban development, law and judiciary, forest and environment, taxation, pollution control, industry and commerce, fire and emergency, labour and employment, power to achieve 100 per cent ease of doing business compliance from its present 72 per cent. Sonowal said that there would be a single window for granting necessary permissions to business houses so that transparency and swiftness can be maintained in facilitating a business friendly environment.

He also said that a ‘Land Bank’ has been mooted to be set up in the state so that lands can be leased to prospective investors and also lands lying unused by defunct public enterprises would be taken back by the government so that it could be placed under Land Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Cinema Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall Screen-1

ment in several areas including agriculture, power, renewable energy and power sector.

"Let me assure you, Excellency, that as you lead Myanmar to become a modern, secure, economically prosperous and better connected nation, India and its friendship will stand with you in full support and solidarity," Modi said.

Effusive in his praise, Modi said, "Your clear vision, mature leadership, struggle and eventual success in establishing democracy in Myanmar has inspired people across the world.

"It is indeed an honour for us to receive you in India.

We are also grateful for your participation at the BIMSTEC and the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach Summit in Goa a couple of days ago." .

New Delhi, Oct 19 (PTI) Over a dozen people taken ill after eating momos from a famous outlet in west Delhi's Paschim Vihar area, following which police arrested the owners of the food joint today.

The victims fell ill after eating momos last weekend and were consulting doctors in various parts of the city

Screen-2

Contd. from Page 1

lamented that the Chakma leaders instead of requesting the locals for land they go to Court directly. He said since they are the original owners of the land that the Chakmas hold now therefore they should be requested first.

While assuring he would have no objection to the request of the Chakmas if he is approached well said that there should be a process of dialogue between the Chakmas and the locals in presence of the local MLA, Nikh Kamin for an amicable solution to the citizenship problem of the Chakmas.

Nikh Kamin, the local

Tele booking timings: 9:00AM to 8:00 PM Tele booking No.: 8876565001/ 8876565002 (Terms & conditions apply)

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

Website: www.bookmyshow.com

as well as Mumbai, where some of them had gone, police said.

A dozen people today landed at the Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute with the complaint of food poisoning and one of them made a PCR call.

After the victims' complaint, a case was registered

under IPC sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 273 (sale of noxious food or drink), a senior police officer said.

Police said they have identified at least 11 people who fell prey to food poisoning after eating momos at the outlet so far.

Legislator and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Management who have attended the Buddhist festival as the guest of honour welcomed the decision of Chow Tewa Mein and advised the Chakmas people to build a strong social relationship with the locals such as Singphos and Khamptis.

He also have advocated for a solution with solidarity and expressed happiness to have met several local leaders including Chow Tewa Mein in a common platform that has similar idea with him to solve the Chakma Hajong issue.

He have informed that the crime rates in Diyun circle have drastically came down and advised

the Chakmas to maintain peace and harmony with the all the neighbouring communities of the area.

The organising committee of the festival have invited several Bhantes including the President of Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha Association. CC Singpho, ex MLA have also spoken at the festival while Mayong and Samlung Mossang both reportedly to contest the MLA seat in 2019 were also invited but weren’t given the chance to speak at the festival.

The President of CCRCHAP Subimal Bikash Chakma, TNN Singpho, EAC and OC of Diyun were also present at the festival.

Congress, mother of all defection politics: PPA Name Change

GAANE KI ANNE (ASSAMESE) 2ND show at 12:30 PM SAAT UCHAKKEY (A) 3RD show at 03:10 PM GAANE KI ANNE (ASSAMESE) 4TH show at 05:45 PM BEIIMAAN LOVE (A) 5TH show at 08:25 PM

It is noteworthy that some sincere and talented students of Doomdooma College organized PEM wing in the year 2012 and since

then they have been working for the cause of society.

The PEM has been celebrating Kati Bihu since 2012.

The program began by planting holy basils which was followed by candle lit programme. More than 450 earthen lamps were lit and religious hymns were chanted. Nam- Geet was sung.

Later on, an interaction programme was held on the topic “Kati Bihu " , where the college students , former students and professors took part .Cultural programmes were also held

“Even if SC grants you Indian citizenship, we shall oppose in our land”

“The Congress, which ruled the state and the country for more than two third of the total length of governance since independence has no moral and legal right to talk about the validity of merger of its own legislators into the PPA fold”, he added.

BEIIMAAN LOVE (A) 1ST show at 10:15 AM

Manoj Kumar Ojha Doomdooma, Oct 19: At the time when the whole state has been celebrating Kati Bihu with a great pomp and show, the Prakirti Ekya Manch (PEM ) too celebrated it with many programmes at the forecourt of Doomdooma College of Tinsukia district in upper Assam in the evening.

Over 12 people fall ill after eating momos in west Delhi

Contd. from Page 1

INFERNO (ENGLISH) 1ST show at 11:00 AM 2ND show at 1:20 AM 3RD show at 03:40 PM MOTU PATLU : KING OF KINGS 3D 4th show at 06:00 PM INFERNO (ENGLISH) 5th show at 08:05 PM

Kati Bihu celebrated in Doomdooma

Saying that successive Congress regimes neither bothered about the provisions of the 10th Schedule of the AntiDefection Law nor the provisions of Election Symbols Representation and Allotment Order of 1968, Bengia said that the complaint of the INC leadership of foul play by PPA is “laughable” and holds no water in the eyes

of the law and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Bengia also questioned the Congress on what actions it had initiated in the past, vis a vis repeated petitions for disqualification under Anti Defection law lodged by the PPA and NCP before the Court of the Speaker.

He further urged the people of Arunachal, NGO’s, and intellectuals in general and Pema Khandu-led PPA and BJP legislators in particular, “not to get bogged down by any cheap pressure tactics of already frustrated, defeated and confused Congress leadership and their repeated preaching of Constitution and morality”.

I, Soban Singh Bisht, S/o Ram Singh Bisht, Vill - Kutoli, P.O. Jainti, PS & District - Almora, Uttrakhand declare that my name Soban Singh has been changed to Soban Singh Bisht and Smt Devki Devi to Smt Devki Devi Bisht.

Deponent Soban Singh Bisht

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

Terror modules: Assam sandbars seen with renewed suspicion ET Bureau Nalbari, Oct 19: When Assam’s Director General of Police, Mukesh Sahay, beat the afternoon sun on Tuesday with a one hour drive and one-and-a-half-hour motorboat rides in the swirling water of the Brahmaputra to personally inspect a char (sandbar) “Azimalirchar” in the state’s Nalbari district, it was clear that there was something amiss.

As India and Bangladesh are conducting a joint campaign against terror outfit Jamat-ulMujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), the BJP-led coalition government in Assam is seeing the Brahmaputra sandbars with renewed suspicion.

“The chars are the integral parts of the state. The Chief Minister (Sarbananda Sonowal) desired that I meet the people living on the sandbars and see the ground and the problems and sensitise people of various things.

There are more than 2,000 such chars in the state and I will personally visit as many of them as I can,” Sahay told reporters. The chars, largely inhabited by Bengali-speaking Muslims, are perceived to have become the hotbeds of terror activities in the state.

Over the past two years, the police arrested nearly 50 people for their alleged linkage with the JMB. Their activities were largely

restricted to the chars where a section of the youths had been radicalized. “A reason of my visit is to sensitise people against the jihadi elements…We will try and get details of all people who frequent the chars and about those who go outside the state,” Sahay said.

There is a growing suspicion that the sandbars, which are remotely located and difficult to keep tabs on, are the safe havens of jihadi modules.

The suspicion made the Sonowal government to bring the sandbars under its surveillance. "Another reason of the visit is to ensure that the names of genuine Indians are included in the ongoing updation of NRC (National Register of Citizens),” Sahay said.

Azimalirchar, located 60km west of Guwahati, is one of the 33 sandbars in Nalbari district. Some 2000 people, who live here, do not have access to drinking water, education and healthcare services. It is part of a sprawling char where two police outposts were set up six years ago but lack of manpower and motorboats to patrol the riverine stretch has virtually made them redundant.

Meanwhile, Sahay and a team of senior police officials spent the night at a makeshift camp on the sandbar on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Guwahati youth dies of drug overdose in Shillong ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 19: The body of a youth was found on Tuesday in a hotel room in Shillong, his death believed to be a result of a fatal drug overdose, police said.

The deceased has been

identified as Ram Kumar Prasad Singh of Pandu, Maligaon in Guwahati.

Singh had gone to Shillong for job purposes.

Police have recovered, used syringe and drugs from the scene. Police investigations are underway. (With inputs from agencies)

Snakecatcher Killed of Snakebite in Nagaon

P3 Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal calls for transparency in functioning of Agriculture dept PTI Guwahati, Oct 19: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has called upon the officials of the Agriculture department for bringing transparency by removing corrupt practices which would help keep the faith of the people in the government “intact”. Speaking at a meeting here yesterday, the Chief Minister said development of the state

PTI Guwahati, Oct 19: All Assam Students' Union (AASU) Tuesday took out torchlight marches across the state in protest against the proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Hindu refugees all rights of citizens.

AASU said they will not accept giving a religious colour to the illegal Bangladeshi issue.

The powerful student's body took out torchlight marches across all district and sub-division head-

New Delhi, Oct 19: The Supreme Court took the Centre to task on Monday for not being able to take enough measures to prevent racial discrimination of persons from the north-eastern states in Delhi and asked whether it is ready to set up a nodal agency for the purpose.

cant damage to property. However, there were no reports of injuries and casualties. Several firefighters were pressed into service to douse the fire.

Twenty business establishments and three residential houses were gutted in the inferno. The fire caused signifi-

However, the actual cause of the fire has not yet been known. (With inputs from agencies)

The bench said there is a sizeable population of students from the north-

Massive fire breaks out at Barpeta, 20 shops gutted

Assam comes 3rd in NE karate

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 19: Assam secured the third position in the 4th North East India Karate Championship held at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, Sikkim.

The team, led by United Karate-Do Association, Assam (UKAA), won 48 medals including 7 gold, 10 silver and 31 bronze.

Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya captured top two places respectively, stated a release.

Medal winners: (Gold) Hemphu Bongjang, Vashati Nayana Shivam, Rona Devi, Jitamrit Kashyap, Sauravjyoti Handique, Nishad Ali, Bulbul Basumatary. (Silver) Puja Kashyap, Jyotirshman Kashyap, Dhrubajyoti Talukdar, Kunjadeep Chamua, Janish Hifjullah, Dipanjali Baishnab, Prasanta Dutta Hifzur Rahman. Junior Male Team Kata (Triditpal Terang, Priyanuj Dutta, Dikshit Priyam Parasar) and Junior Female Team Kata

(Chandni Jain, Janki Devi, Babita Rai).

(Bronze) Hanee Ali, Rocktupal Bikash Chetia, Danisha Kashyap Medhi, Ananta Tanti, Jyotirshman Kashyap, Sarhan Rasul, Fiana Rahman, Chandni Jain, Tanisha Das, Priyanuj Dutta, Abhinash Bordoloi, Dikshit Priyam Parasar, Pratyay Dev Sarma, Babita Rai, Janki Devi, Sankar

He also asked farmers to go for cooperative based farm-

ing system. Directing the Agriculture department to set up 50 farms within this year so that more and more youths could be engaged, Sonowal said the government was committed to set up agri-based industries in the state in a large way.

He asked the officials to take all precautions to fight the menace of pests and insects affecting the agricultural lands.

quarters along with many important towns in the state.

"The proposed amendment Bill is a threat to the identity of local people.

Since Independence, North East is subjected to economic exploitation and political injustice. The latest Bill is another example of political injustice. The Centre is treating us as second class citizens," AASU Adviser Samujjwal Bhattacharya said.

He warned the Centre of sustained movements across Assam if the Bill

was not withdrawn immediately.

Bhattacharya also appealed to political parties of Assam and North East to oppose the Bill as it violated the fundamental of Assam Accord, on whose basis National Register of Citizens is being updated with 1971 as base year.

He wondered if the Centre was actually encouraging infiltration by bringing in the amendment to the Citizenship Act. The

proposed

2016

Amendment Bill of the Citizenship Act 1955 is currently under consideration of the Joint Select Committee of the Parliament.

Except BJP, all other parties, intellectuals, student bodies and social organisations in Assam have opposed the proposed Amendment Bill.

Even NDA member and a part of the ruling coalition, Asom Gana Parishad has opposed the Bill and said any deviation from the Assam Accord will not be acceptable.

SC questions Centre on NE people's safety in Delhi

ET Bureau Barpeta, Oct 19: A massive fire broke out at Kalgachiya in Barpeta district of Assam on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Kon Das. Kon was adept at catching snakes which made their way into people's homes, and releasing them into forests. (With inputs from agencies)

Directing the field-level officers of the department to identify the tradition-based skills of the farmers, Sonowal asked them to

work with honesty and dedication for bringing rapid growth in the agriculture sector. Likewise, he directed the district level agriculture officers to identify farming practices of crops with highest growth potential and work accordingly to maximise the gains of the farmers.

Assam students on torchlight protest

When additional solicitor general Maninder Singh said steps had been taken to prevent racial abuse of persons from the northeast in Delhi, a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said: "The steps may be on paper. It is not judicially visible on the ground. You identify a nodal agency so that the court can question it about the complaints of racial abuse received by it and the steps taken."

ET Bureau Nagaon, Oct 19: A snake catcher from Dhing in Nagaon had a tragic end after being bitten by a cobra while he was trying to put the deadly reptile in a sack, after rescuing it.

would not be possible without development of the agriculture sector and for that purpose the youth must be inspired to take up farming and adopting new technological advancements in the field.

Payeng, Tribedi Dutta, Tritpal Terang, Sumita Das, Suraj Ch Das, Jyotishmita Gogoi, Manima Phukan, Bulbul Basumatary, Ruma Changmai, Nayanmoni Deka, Jibanta Pran Ojha, Rajesh Chhetri, Tarun Konwar, Ananta Changmai and Senior Mens Kata( Sailen Sarma, Akash Ali, Ananta Changmai). (With inputs from agencies)

eastern states in Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Chandigarh where they study in educational institutions.

"Let the Centre present us with a picture perfect mechanism for Delhi, we will ask the authorities at these educational hubs to replicate it," the bench said.

The order came on a petition filed by Karma Dorjee two years ago shortly after an Arunachal Pradesh student Nido Taniam was beaten to death in Delhi.

Nido was beaten with iron rods and sticks after a fight with a shopkeeper and other men in South Delhi's Lajpat Nagar market on January 29, 2014.

Nido's friends and family alleged that the men shouted racial slurs at him and made fun of his dyed blonde hair.

The bench had taken note of the recommendation

by M P Bezbaruah committee which had suggested amendment of Section 153 IPC to make racial slur a distinct offence. It had also considered the petitioner's plea that India needed to enact stronger laws since it had ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, 1965.

The bench termed the Centre's affidavit as broad-based and said: "This is a sensitive issue which requires a proactive monitoring and corrective measures for years. There should be a nodal body to coordinate the efforts. To ask a huge amorphous body like the government to do it may not yield proper results.

The court should be able to hold some one responsible for non-implementation of the devised

strategy."

When the ASG said he would take instructions from the ministry of home affairs and file an affidavit, the bench asked: "What have you been doing for last two years. We don't want to be taken in by your promise to file affidavit. We want action on the ground."

To step around the Court's adverse comments, Singh said he would take instructions whether the government would take the legislative route to amend the related provisions in the IPC to make racial slur a distinct offence.

The bench said: "We are not on legislative measures. We cannot direct that. But tells us on Friday what steps you have taken on ground to stop persons from north-east being subjected to racial slur." (Agencies)

Road mishap held at Rangia, 1 killed Tapas Samaddar Rangia, Oct 19: In a road accident one Papu Ali of RangiaUdiana was killed on the spot while Tultul Ali was injured seriously when a speedy Balero knocked their motor cycle from the back on NH-31 near the concrete bridge of Murara on Wednesday.

After being informed, Rangia police rushed to the spot and rescued the injured one and sent him to Rangia

Civil hospital. Later, doctor referred him to the GMCH, Guwahati. It is learnt that Papu Ali was the student of BA 1st semester of West Borigog Anchalik Collage and he was on way to the collage.

According to the eye witness, the Balero was from Nalbari and was headed to Guwahati.

After the accident the irate public blocked the NH 31.

Imam sends threat texts to Assam MLA to land his enemy in trouble ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 19: The imam of a mosque in Assam is cooling his heels in the custody of the police for trying to land an enemy in trouble by sending threat texts to a BJP MLA. Police said imam Abdus Shahid of the Khilorband mosque in Karimganj district in southern Assam was trying to settle scores with a man to whom he owed Rs 50,000.

So he sent text messages in the name of his enemy to the BJP’s Patharkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul, claiming to have connections with a Bangladeshi jihadi outfit and Pakistan's ISI and demanding Rs.50 lakh from the lawmaker.

Krishnendu Paul told media, speaking on the telephone from Karimganj, today, "In five text messages sent on Oct. 15, he (Abdus Shahid) identified himself as an agent of the ISI and the JMB (terror outfit Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh), and hurled filthy words at me. He demanded Rs.50 lakh from me and threatened to kill me and my supporters. That's when I ap-

proached the police.”

The MLA added that Shahid would also call him on the telephone but not speak when the call was received.

Karimganj superintendent of police Pradip Ranjan Kar explained, "Abdus Shahid had enmity with a person to whom he owed Rs.50000. So in order to land him in trouble, he sent text messages to the MLA. At the end of each message, he wrote the name of his enemy to give the impression that it was the latter who had texted them.”

The SP added, “He appears to be a stupid. Anyway, we will soon produce him in court.”

This was the second such case in Assam this month. Earlier, a spurned suitor was arrested in Guwahati for threatening the state’s powerful minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a bid to get even with a woman who spurned his proposal. The accused, Safiqul Islam, managed to get a SIM card in the woman’s name and sent threat messages to Sarma’s private assistant demanding Rs.5 crore. (With inputs from agencies)

Cachar project proposal for rehab of 176 families ET Bureau Silchar, Oct 19: The Cachar district administration has sent a Rs 15-crore project proposal to the state government for rehabilitating 176 Indian families who were barricaded out during construction of the barbed wire fencing along the India-Bangladesh border in Cachar district.

Deputy Commissioner (Cachar) S Viiswanathan informed this to an official team during its visit to the 32-km long international border on Tuesday.

The team, which included Assam additional chief secretary KV Eapen, visited the border in the Katigora circle of the district to take stock of the progress of border fencing and rehabilitation of Indian families who have been living in no-man's land after being barricaded out during the course of fencing.

The families living outside the fencing told the officials that they were leading a miserable life in the absence of civic amenities.

Additional chief secretary Eapen said the government has taken up a plan to rehabilitate them in the mainland. He added that the 2-km reverine border that falls in this sector will also be fenced.

Apart from Eapen, other members of the team include MLAs Fani Bhushan Chaudhury (Bangaigaon), Joy Ram Ingleng (Hawraghat), Ganesh Kumar Limbu(Borchalla), Nizam Uddin Chaudhury (Algapur), Amar Chand Jain (Katigora), Kishore Nath (Borkhola), Krishnendu Paul (Patharkandi), DC S Viswanathan, SP (Cachar) Rajveer Singh and senior officials of BSF. (With inputs from agencies)

AKRSU holds rail Sahitya Sabha to release book on blockade, affects train state history soon movement in Golakganj ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 19: The Asam Sahitya Sabha - the apex literary body of the state - is all set to release 'Assam's Ethnic History' during its centenary celebrations later this year. The book, which has been one of the major projects of the literary body, involves the work of more than 50 scholars.

searchers belonging to different colleges and universities of the state. The compilation will feature the details of each and every tribe and community of the state.

Sabha secretary Paramananda Rajbonshi said, "Assam is a land of many tribes and communities who have been living here for ages. They have become a symbol of peace and harmony for the state.

The Sabha had taken up the project of publishing a comprehensive history of all these tribes very seriously."

The organization has its branches in London, in Phoenix in Arizona and in Chicago. It also has 20 branches across India. Altogether, the literary body has around 1,000 branches across the world.

On December 27 this year, as part of the celebrations, every branch office of the literary body will hoist 100 flags at each of its offices.

Apart from that, it also plans to translate 100 works of world literature into Assamese. (With inputs from agencies)

Sabha president Dhrubajyoti Borah is the chief editor of the mega project and heads a panel of prominent scholars and re-

The year-long centenary celebrations of the literary body, which was set up in 1917 and is one of the oldest in the region, will commence later this year.

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 19: Movement of Siliguri-Dhubri intercity express was affected on Wednesday, as All Koch Rajbonshi Students Union (AKRSU) activists staged a rail blockade at Golakganj.

The AKRSU staged protests demanding Scheduled

Tribe (ST) status for the Koch Rajbongshi community.

The Koch-Rajbongshi is the largest indigenous community of the state with a population of around 80 lakh.

The community was accorded ST status in 1996 through an ordinance issued

by then President Shankar Dayal Sarma. But the ordinance was later withdrawn.

The demand for ST status by the community was first raised by some intellectuals under the leadership of late Ambika Charan Choudhury of undivided Goalpara district in 1968. (With inputs from agencies)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

P4

Chief Minister calls meeting with HODs and District Level Monitoring public of Tawang district on his maiden visit Committee held at Ziro ET Bureau Tawang, Oct 19 : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on his maiden visit as Chief Minister here held a meeting at Zomkhang hall with all heads of the department. He was accompanied by Minister Health Jomde Kena, PS (RWD) Jambey Tashi and MLA Tawang Tsering Tashi.

The Chief Minister while calling for transparency and accountability in all govt of India schemes being implemented in the state announced that he will launch a grassroot level monitoring system to monitor the work progress.

He also called for the centre to send monitoring team to inspect the flagship programmes.

The monitoring system will be implemented with coordination from all respective deputy commissioners. It will be facilitated through video conferencing and a system dashboard to be introduced in the CM office. The dashboard will enable the Chief Minister to keep track

and monitor of all the ongoing schemes.

He opined that IT & Digital technologies are to be adopted in development of State and Monitoring even at grass roots and would be used as tool to fasten development without pilferation of earmarked fund. While stressing on the limited resources available with the state, he said its important that the confidence of the Centre be gained for assistance from their end.

Calling for giving up the old style of work culture, the Chief Minister emphasized the officials to change their ways and to act as true servant of the public.

He also requested the Govt officials to act as a link between the Government and the public. Further, he asked all the HoDs to be well versed with all the flagship programmes of the Govt so as to ensure proper implementation of the same. Also checked conducts of the officials, he said that while performing officials will be rewarded, the non-performing ones

WHAT CM EMPHASIZED FOR? To launch a grassroot level monitoring system to monitor the work progress.

To change the ways and to act as true servant of the public.

While reflecting on the tourism potential in the district and the state, he informed that central ministers would be soon visiting various tourist circuits in the state to study the sector to develop its potential in a professional way.

For proper harnessing of State’s potential through strong and efficient govt. machineries.

To resolve any differences through dialogues.

To be well versed with all the flagship programmes of the government.

will be dealt with strict action.

Stressing on the urgency to perform and to deliver, Khandu said that enough time has been lost due to political instability in the state. However, expressing optimism, he assured the people that the government is today stable enough to focus on development front from now on.

Khandu presented a broad picture of the developmental activities

the things in a nutshell, he emphasized the proper harnessing of State’s potential through strong and efficient govt. machineries headed by the HODs in the district.

CM Pema Khandu

being undertaken in the State under his leadership.

He also apprised the officers of the keen interest taken by the Union Government, particularly the Prime Minister of India for development of the State by the Union Government.

Identifying key sectors for overall development, he cited tourism, horti-agro and gainful employment of the youths of the State by bringing in the high-end skill development. Putting

Calling for cooperation from people of Tawang and West Kameng districts, the Chief Minister said that he would need their support to shoulder the responsibilities that he has been entrusted with.

Further calling for peace and tranquility in the region, Khandu stressed that petty issue of my home districts should not be an impediment to larger benefit of the State and emphasized that any differences should be resolved through dialogues.

APIC conducts Workshop on Right to Information (RTI) at Itanagar A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Oct 19: A workshop on Right to Information (RTI) was organised at Banquet Hall, Niti Vihar, by Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) today on the sideline of the decennial anniversary celebration of the enactment of the State Information Commission, back in October 2006.

During the formal anniversary celebratory session, outstanding RTI activists Payi Gyadi, Nabam Pali and Ashan Ridi were felicitated, along with former chief information commissioner Y D Thongchi and Nyodak Yonggam.

An Associate Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University, Ashan Ridi is said to be the first RTI applicant in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the occasion also saw deliberations from dignitaries such as the newly inducted Cabinet minister in the state govern-

ment, Tamiyo Taga along with M Sridhar Acharyulu, Central Information Commissioner, New Delhi, Toshi Aier, Nagaland Chief Information Commissioner besides state’s Chief Information Commissioner, Dr Joram Begi and State Information Commissioner, Abraham K Techi.

In his address, Taga directed on the government officials to be cooperative with the information seekers.

“If everything is right and transparent, there is nothing to be afraid of the RTI applicants. However, if you are reluctant to share information it would only mean something is wrong,” Taga reasoned.

Also urging on the general masses to use RTI as a means to be a vigilant citizen by making it a tool to ensure judicious implementation of government schemes and fund utilisation, the BJP leader

further advocated against the use of the same as a means of blackmailing and harassing the government officials.

According to CIC Acharyulu, if the governance system improves its public redressal mechanism, there would be no need for RTI. Dwelling further on this, he added that “the government often dodges Section 4(1) and Section B of RTI Act. However, if they comply sincerely with the same, the number of RTI seekers would be significantly reduced in Arunachal.”

Also, completely negating the idea of certain public authority denying the applicants of providing information at the pretext of confidentiality, the CIC asserted that “there is no confidential matter in welfare government.”

The Nagaland Chief Information Commissioner Toshi Aier also reiterated

that if the authorities concern, comply in providing information, the room for RTI seekers will be very less. He also asserted on discouraging the misuse of RTI from every section of the society.

The state’s own Chief Information Commissioner Dr Begi while terming the RTI as an important tool in the democratic setup however went to appeal against abusing the rights enshrined in the means of RTI. On his part, the State Information Commissioner Abrabam K Techi highlighted the achievements of State Information Commission since inception through power point presentation.

He informed that so far, the commission has 1082 total number of cases, out of which 969 have been disposed off while 113 is still pending. He also disclosed that the total penalty imposed is more than Rs 19

lakhs.

The state Information Commissioner further revealed that the state government is not complying with the direction passed by the commission to initiate disciplinary action against public authority under section 20(ii) of RTI Act. Later in the technical session, Section 8 and its subsections along with clauses were thoroughly dwelt on.

The Commission also stressed on maximum disclosures of information by public authority that would minimize RTI applications.

Further, the technical sessions also emphasized on significance of website by each department with information made available and updated.

Students of Donyi-Polo School for Hearing and Visually Impaired, research scholars from RGU, students from Arunachal Law Academy and Don Bosco College were among the attendants of the event.

Coordination meeting of all departments held at Pasighat crore was announced for upgradation of Ruksin ADC building while it was inaugurated sometime back in February 2015 by former CM Nabam Tuki.

Staff Reporter Pasighat, Oct 19: As a part of reviewing developmental activities in various departments under Ruksin Sub-Division, a coordination meeting of all departments headed by ADC Ruksin T. Pada was held at Ruksin today under the chairmanship of local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary, Er. Tatung Jamoh.

In the crucial coordination meeting almost all the department put forwarded their achievements, hurdles, requirements and future proposals so as to bring better development under Ruksin administrative block, informed sources this evening.

vehicles. While Principal, Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Ruksin placed the urgent need of posting senior teachers for Humanity subjects, Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Sille placed the timely posting of senior teachers of Science subjects.

The major challenges that the department need to address were- land encroachment, accommodation problems of government officials and shortages of

On the other hand, Dr. Jonnom, MO, First Referral Unit, Ruksin urged for construction of drainage and quarters for doctors, while Bilat PHC, MO, Dr.

J. Tamuk has urged for posting of at least 2 regular doctors there as he being the lone doctor to manage both Bilat and Korang PHC is facing lots of hurdles owing to large numbers of patient.

EAC Ruksin O. Lego also placed for timely up-gradation of Ruksin ADC building which is still operating from EAC/SDO building despite up-gradation to ADC block. Sericulture farm at Sille also spoke

about need of a training centre for farmers, while police department also highlighted the improved law * order situation of the sub-division.

While responding to the various needs and proposals of the block, chairman of the meeting cum local MLA Er. Jamoh assured the various departments that he would take it forward to the state government for timely sanctioning and approval.

He said that, a sum of Rs. 5

The posting of Senior Teacher (Hum) at GHSS Ruksin was agreed by government in principle and same was the condition for posting of ST (Science) in GHSS Sille. He assured to look out for timely arrangement of all these. Jamoh also lauded the ASM Chairperson Sile-Oyan block Oni Ering for being selected as East Siang’s best ASM Chairperson Award, he also lauded the GPM Chairperson Oyan for getting award.

Jamoh suggested for timely conduction of such coordination meeting of all department so as to review the various developmental projects in the area and find out solution if there arise any hurdles.

Ziro, Oct 19: The District Level Monitoring Committee meeting for various schemes under ACA, SPA, NLCPR, NEC, RIDF, MSDP, PM’s package, SSA, RMSA, CSS, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, was held at the DC’s conference hall today.

Emphasizing on the need to select need-based schemes and projects in consultation with the district authority and PRI members, Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen said that the funds placed should be wisely used to create good infrastructures as these would always remain an asset for the district.

“Haphazard construction of infrastructures under various departments is an eyesore, as they remain unused and gets dilapidated in the longer run, which is a sheer wastage of government funds”, he opined.

To avoid this wastage, he directed nodal officer for MSDP schemes to endorse the proposals to the steering committee before onward submission to higher authorities for prioritizing need based schemes. Streamlining MsDP schemes in the planning and proposal level is very essential, he added.

He also directed DTO tourism to submit a list of

defunct tourist’s lodges and wayside amenities in the district to facilitate proper planning in future.

Directing the DPO to schedule monitoring visits to various projects DC Lollen said that there should be no compromise in the quality of work.

“Henceforth there will be continuous monitoring of the infrastructure projects. What we create today should always remain an asset for our future generation.”

On being informed about few contractors delaying construction of girls’ hostel under MsDP despite repeated reminders, the DC directed the DPO and DDSE to survey the construction sites again and change the contractors if they do not heed to the directions.

He further asked all the executing agencies to submit their UCs on time and update various MIS of different projects in their portals to facilitate fund flow.

Lollen also expressed concern that important projects like the Mini Secretariat and Biotechnology Park are yet to see daylight because of litigations and other complaints. He suggested involving elected representatives and PRI members to amicably resolve the issues.

Further, he advised ZPMs present to guide unemployed youths in adopting sustainable development schemes so that their zeal and energy can be garnered in the developmental process.

ZPC Hage Kobin appealed to all executing agencies and PRI members to work in tandem for effective implementation of various projects.

All ZPMs present were unanimous in their view that physical verifications and updated progress reports needed to be monitored by the Monitoring Committee.

They also opined that the status report of all the schemes and projects submitted to the DPO should also be endorsed to them well in advance.

They also felt the need to expedite the construction of the outdoor stadium, in the midst of the Hapoli town as it is the centre of all sports and other activities.

The HoDs presented their updated status reports of various schemes and projects under ACA, SPA, NLCPR, NEC, RIDF, MSDP, PM’s package, SSA, RMSA, CSS, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Among others, the meeting was attended by ADC Nending Chatung, HoDs, executing agencies and ZPMs of the district.

(DIPRO)

Directorate of Field Publicity conducts Special Outreach Programme on Mother & Child Health at Kurung Kumey A Staff Reporter Koloriang, Oct 19: The Directorate of Field Publicity, Ziro and Bomdila units conducted a Special Outreach Programme on Mother & Child Health and Mission Indradhanush at Amphongne village, Kurung Kumey district on October 18 last to educate rural people about various schemes launched by the Government of India for the welfare of mother and child in the health sector.

To highlight the importance of the awareness campaign a pre-publicity programme was also conducted, wherein a rally was organized and publicity materials distributed.

The rally was participated

by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, PRI members, gaon burrahs, government officials and public of Amphongne village and its nearby areas.

Speaking on mother and child health as resource person, Dr Bony Tuluk, Superintendent of District Hospital, Koloriang informed the gathering about various centrally sponsored health schemes especially meant for mothers and children like JSY and JSSK, and stressed on the need of registration, anti natal checkup, post natal checkup.

He also encouraged institutional delivery for the safety of both mother and child and informed that the Health Department has developed a system called ‘Mother & Child Tracking System’ to ensure safe delivery and to maintain proper record.

Koloriang DMO Incharge Dr S Rigia disseminated information on Mission Indradhanush and informed that they have covered remote vil-

lages of Kurung Kumey district like Damin, Parsi Parlo and Sarli, while CDPO Ringu Kama spoke on adolescence education and Kishori Shakti Yojana.

Yappa Anchal Chairperson Binya Topo, who was the chief guest on the occasion, expressed his gratitude to the Directorate of Field Publicity for organizing an educative and informative publicity programme in their remote area. He also requested DFP to organize such awareness programme in the near future and assured to extend all possible help from his end.

The other highlight activities of the awareness programme were healthy baby show, oral communication and photo exhibition.

DFP Bomdila unit FPO L Dawa also spoke on the occasion.

7th Dr T Ao Memorial North East Championship-2016 to be held A Staff Reporter Naharlagun, Oct 19: The knock-out stage for the 7th Dr T Ao Memorial North East Championship-2016 will begin tomorrow, where host Arunachal will lock horns with Manipur in the first semi-final of the tournament.

Team Manipur has experienced players, including S Subhash Singh, who has played for top clubs like Mumbai FC and Mohan Bagan, while three other players from Manipur's

Neroca Football Club, who have qualified for I-League second division this year.

Arunachal will be led by its own local hero defender Captain Gangte Chapi. Forward line will be spearheaded by R D Karma and last game’s hero Mihin Pulu, who scored four goals against Nagaland.

The midfield game will be defended by Pura Byai, but vice captain Techi Takar is doubtful to be in the first eleven as he has sustained

an injury in the last match.

Manipur is to start as a favorite, but Arunachal is the underdog and will draw a lot of home crowd support.

Also, the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association has requested all card holders like special guests and cultural troupes to take seats at any gallery without paying entry fee.

The VIP rostrum will only be allowed for committee members and participating state managers and coaches.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

REST OF

P5

NORTHEAST

GPK conducts Agartala-Akhaura rail link to be completed in 2.5 years online skill test An eight-member team of Bangladesh led by Additional Secretary of Roads and Railway, Sashi Singh and a ten-member delegation of India led by Gupte participated in the meeting.

Dimapur, Oct 19: Wheebox Employability Skill Test (WEST) is underway in the campus of Government Polytechnic Kohima (GPK) for its students.

Wheebox is a global talent assessment company that has partnered with All India Council of Technical Education, United Nations Development Program and Confederation of Indian Industries to launch this online test for students all over the country. Results of the tests from the four corners of the country would be compiled and included in India Skills Report 2017.

WEST is a 70 minute online test that assesses

Students of GPK during the WEST programme. competencies in various fields such as English language, problem solving, and mathematical aptitude

among others. The initiative aimed at benefitting the students would be held till October 30. (Agencies)

Nagaland police teams advance into last four

The match in action between Senapati FC and Nagaland police (blue) in the quarter final match.

Kohima, Oct 19: Both the Nagaland police teams, Nagaland police (red) and Nagaland Police (blue) , entered semi-finals after defeating their respective rivals on Monday in the ongoing 17th NSF Martyrs' memorial trophy played at Kohima local ground.

Playing the first quarter final match, Nagaland Police (blue) edged out Senapati FC by a solitary goal, to become the first team to move into the semi final of the ongoing 17th edition of NSF Martyrs memorial trophy.

Both the teams displayed equal strength and skills and on numerous occasions both the teams missed golden chances. However,

Ninja Gongmei (4) of police team shocked the rival team and supporters with a goal from a penalty awarded in 42nd minute. Until the first half Nagaland police was leading with a goal to nil.

After the breather, Senapati FC came back determined and well organized, however the spirited Nagaland police (Blue) did not give any room for an equaliser.

As Senapati FC could not find the back of the net till the final whistle ,the lone goal sealed the match for the Nagaland police (blue) who will now face Nagaland police (red) in the semi-final match on October 19.

Namdaibonang (10), Zhavilie Meyase(03) and

5-day CFR trg underway at Wokha

SDO (C) Wokha Mhomo Tungoe addressing the CFR training at DC conference hall, Wokha Wokha, Oct 19: Five-day training of trainers on Cumnunity First Responder (CFR) organized

by District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Wokha in collaboration with CD&HG, H&FW and SDRF and supported by Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) got underway here at DC conference hall, Wokha Monday.

SDO (C) Wokha Mhomo Tungoe, who delivered welcome address, encouraged the trainees to be active and cooperative during the 5-day training in order to become master trainers are well-versed on CFR. NSDMA media officer Karen Rose, in her introduction of the training programme, gave out basic information of the CFR programmee as well as the role of CFR. EAC Wokha Athrong

spoke on the basic concept of disaster management and on disaster management institutional structures while Fire and Emergency Services 2nd OC Keleseho Stephen Tsukru gave a brief introduction to Incident Response System (irs).

ADC Wokha Thavaseelan K gave a presentation on personal and scene safety, art of communication, consent and confidentiality, infection control and on use of gloves while deputy controller of civil defence and district commandant of home guards Wokha Avinuo spoke on the various methods of victim rescue.

The first day's training also saw a demonstration by personnel of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) before winding up with a short meeting chaired by NSDMA DPA Mercy Kithan. (Agencies)

Ruokuozhazo(14) of Nagaland Police(blue) and Zaipu(16) of Senapati FC were cautioned for unsporting behavior. In the second quarter final match, Nagaland police (red) humiliated AsufĂź Christian Institute by 9-0 goals. The experienced players and title contender police team made easy win over the visiting first timer students' team and the match become one sided.

The first account was opened through the boot of Limakumzuk(18)in25thminute and Saku found the second goal in the next minute.

Ratobe (10) forward of police team netted the 3rd goal in 39th minute. Kekrie (11) scored 4 goals in 42nd, 45th, 67th and 69th and completed a hat-trick- he became the 13thhat-trick scorer of this edition trophy. The 8th and and 9th goal were netted by Limakumzuk (18) and Lipok (7) in the 79th and 82nd minutes respectively..

Limakumzuk (18) was cautioned with yellow card for unsporting behavior.

Earlier, former NSF president and legal advisor NPF Achumbemo Kikon and advocate and convenor organizing committee Neinguvoto Krose were the match patron of the first and second match respectively.

(Agencies)

Disqualification of MLAs act: HC calls for fresh petition Shillong, Oct 19: The High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday dismissed a petition questioning the validity of the Prevention of Disqualification (Members of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya) Amendment Act, 2015, with a liberty to the petitioner to file a fresh and properly constituted petition.

During the hearing of the petition filed by one Hardeep Ryntathiang of the NCP, the court said such arguments are sought to be advanced, which are not contained in the petition. It also questioned the frame of the petition where only the state of Meghalaya and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council have been arrayed as respondents.

Upon the court expressing reservations in entertaining the petition as framed, the counsel for the petitioner sought permission to withdraw with liberty to file a fresh and properly constituted petition. The counsel for the respondents had no objection and permission was granted.

"This writ petition is dismissed as withdrawn with liberty as prayed," the court order said.(Agencies)

Agartala, Oct 19: The process of laying the 15.054 km long railway tracks to connect Agartala with Akhaura in Bangladesh will be completed in two and half years, an official at the Ministry of External Affairs said in Agartala on Wednesday. "Of the total track, a stretch of five km will be on the Indian side and the rest in Bangladesh.

The project would be completed in two and half years," MEA Joint Secretary A K Gupte told reporters here.

The total project cost, Rs

972.52 crore, would be borne by the government of India, he said adding the Indian side was being funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region while the MEA is financing it for the Bangladesh side.

The fifth meeting of the Project Steering Committee comprising officials of Bangladesh and India was held.

An eight-member team of Bangladesh led by Additional Secretary of Roads and Railway, Sashi Singh and a ten-member delegation of India led by Gupte

DHS review meeting Longleng

Participants and NHM staff during the programme.

Dimapur, Oct 19; Longleng District Health Society (DHS) held the district review meeting at IDSP Hall, CMO Office Longleng on October 18, with CMO Dr Ritu Thurr as chairperson. He spoke on health facility services provided to the public and regular attendance of NHM staffs. He also requested the staff to check

the regular update of monthly report, maintenance of all the files, accountancy and also to check the bio medical waste management in the respective health units.

The meeting was attended by all the district programme officers, MOs from respective PHCs, medical staff, nurses and DPMU staff. (Agencies)

Ex-min JA Lyngdoh resigns from UDP Shillong, Oct 19: In a setback to the UDP, former minister John Anthony Lyngdoh resigned from the party on Tuesday at the party's circle meeting held at Mawphlang.

Lyngdoh, who joined UDP on September 11, 1997, submitted the resignation letter to party president Donkupar Roy. Lyngdoh was the UDP vice-president. He had won three consecutive terms from 1998 to 2008 from Nongspung constituency.

Though Lyngdoh had held various positions in the party in the past, he was keeping aloof after he lost the 2013 Assembly polls from the delimited Mawphlang to Congress's Kennedy Khyriem.

In a statement to the media, Kestar Warjri, general secretary of the party's Mawphlang unit, lauded Lyngdoh's contribution to the development of the constituency in terms of education, water and healthcare, among others.

Speakers at a meeting held earlier in the day at Mawngap expressed gratitude to Lyngdoh for having served as MLA and MDC for 15 years.

Meanwhile, there are speculations that Lyngdoh may join the BJP, but when contacted, the former minister refused to comment on his future course of action. "I will inform you my future move when the time comes," he said. (Agencies)

Irom Sharmila launches People's Resurgence Justice Alliance, to contest Manipur polls She has also said that she wants to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek his advice on politics.

Irom Sharmila at the launch of her political party.

Imphal, Oct 19: Rights activist Irom Sharmila on Monday announced the name of her party as People's Resurgence Justice Alliance. She launched the party in Imphal.

She had expressed her desire to contest Manipur Assembly election next year when she broke her fast in August and had stated that she wanted to be the chief minister to further her demands.

Earlier in September, she also met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and sought his advice on how to defeat

"major political parties" in her state. She has also said that she wants to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek his advice on politics.

On August 9, Sharmila broke her 16-year-old hunger strike demanding repeal of the AFSPA and announced that she would take her battle to the next level by floating her party as she wants to become the chief minister of Manipur to "press" for the demands.

(Agenciees)

The process of laying the 15.054 km long railway tracks to connect Agartala with Akhaura in Bangladesh will be completed in two and half years, an official at the Ministry of External Affairs said in Agartala.

participated in the meeting.

Officials said, acquisition

of lands on the Indian side has already been started.

New Delhi is keen to establish the rail link which will connect West Bengal and Tripura through Bangladesh.

The Agartala-Akhaura railway route will connect Indian Railways with Bangladesh Railways to improve connectivity and boost trade between the two countries.

The neighboring country has agreed to lay the tracks between Akhaura and Agartala during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi in January 2010. (PTI)

Cong mired by disunity ahead of assembly polls Shillong, Oct 19: From 30 legislators in the House of 60, the Congress party, plagued by disunity, is struggling to emerge as the single largest party in the 2018 polls.

During the news conference on Monday, media persons asked MPCC president DD Lapang about the probable setback to the party following the suspension of Congress leader PN Syiem and the resignation of five Congress MDCs. Lapang said though the party currently has 30 members, it can emerge as the single largest party in the 2018 polls.

However, there is speculation that some of the Congress legislators will not

contest from the party in the 2018 Assembly polls due to their dislike of the style and functioning of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

Dropping of AL Hek and Rowell Lyngdoh from the ministry without addressing the core issue of demand for change in leadership had irked many party members.

The central BJP minister, JP Nadda, during his visit to the city last month had said the party was keen to take back Hek. The emergence of BJP, the revival mode of regional parties and the non-Congress coalition of NEDA can pose threat to the Congress, which will have to

fight heavy anti-incumbency in the run-up to the polls.

Political observers have pointed out that there will be more support to rebel leader Syiem in the days to come as he had only criticised the wrong policies of the State government, especially the hurriedly brought amended dual posts Act that resulted in the resignation of the MDCs and bye-election to seven council seats.

According to observers, while the option before Syiem is to form a new political party, end of 2017 may witness several changes with many Congress legislators deserting the party in search of greener pastures. (Agencies)

NH-29 bandh temporarily suspended Dimapur, Oct 19: Police went to action on the second day of the indefinite NH 29 bandh on government vehicles and oil tankers Tuesday when nine leaders of Co-ordination Committee on Fuel Adulteration (CCoFA) were taken into custody at Chumukedima bridge at Patkai junction after the cabinet on Sunday had declared the bandh as illegal.

CCoFA leaders were detained by police at around 7:40 a.m from Patkai Bridge where volunteers were stationed to enforce the bandh since Monday. According to CCoFA, the detention order of its leaders, which included three complainants in the fuel adulteration case, was reportedly issued by ACP Khalo Khapfo, a member of the SIT constituted for investigating the fuel adulteration case. The arrest of the CCoFA leaders took an ugly turn when protestors, numbering hundreds and anti-riot gear clad police personnel started pelting stones at each other.

The protestors marched towards NAPTC Gate 1 Chumukedima to court arrest after which police resorted to lathi charge and firing of tear gas shells to prevent them from forcibly entering the Police Complex.

Two student leaders, president and vice-president of Chumukedima Town Youth Organisation (CTYO), were seriously injured and hospitalised. The vice president of CTYO had seven stitches on the head. Vehicular movement on the highway was stopped momentarily due to the violence. Shops were also closed in the entire area.

Students (Class V) of Modern School Chumukedima had to flee from their classroom after a tear gas shell lobbed inside, causing panic.

Selection exams for class IX and X students were going on when the incident happened.

Protestors accused police of being the aggressors when they allegedly unleashed violence on the protestors without any provocation. "The police thrashed and kicked our leaders mercilessly as if they were animals," an angry protestor said.

The CCoFA leaders were detained inside a guarded staff quarter for few hours at

Policemen resort to lathi-charge against bandh volunteers outside NAPTC gate.

NAPTC and released after signing Personal Recognizance Bond, or "PR Bond."

Dimapur Police however maintained that the arrest was only a preventive measure.

An uneasy calm ensued after the violent episode as a huge posse of policemen were deployed in the Chumukedima area. Commissioner of Police Dimapur enforced Section 144 CrPC for the next 24 hours starting 7 a.m Tuesday in the NH 29 area under Chumukedima.

CCoFA members termed the timing of the curfew as "dishonesty" saying it came only after their detention presumably to legitimise the "illegal detention." It may be noted that no such order was intimated through the local dailies nor announced through loudspeakers.

'Independent inquiry' if SIT charge sheet found unsatisfactory: Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang, who was in Dimapur on Tuesday, invited the CCoFA members and held a meeting along with deputy commissioner Dimapur at his private residence in 3rd Mile.

During the meeting, Zeliang reportedly sought 7-day time during which a "comprehensive" probe will be conducted by the SIT with the condition that an "independent inquiry" will be set up if the SIT findings are unsatisfactory.

He assured that all angles of the case would be probed and also suggesting inclusion of Food and Civil Supply Department (F&CS) within the ambit of the investigation. According to CCoFA, initially the F&CS was not included in the "terms of reference" of the SIT. Also, Zeliang has as-

sured to give a written assurance through State chief secretary by Tuesday evening.

It is however unclear whether the "independent inquiry" referred to the CBI since no clear indication existed.

CCoFA suspends bandh temporarily After the meeting with the chief minister, CCoFA convened an emergency meeting at Diphupar during which the house decided to suspend the bandh "temporarily" at around 2 p.m Tuesday.

Addressing media persons, CCoFA stated that the bandh was being suspended temporarily considering the assurance given by the chief minister. The committee opined that they should give chief minister the benefit of doubt.

They however maintained it was not called off permanently indicating that they will continue the protest if the government fails to make good its assurance.

CCoFA also condemned the "illegal detention" and police "high-handedness" terming it as unlawful.

"Such violence and highhandedness is unheard of in any democracy," stated CCoFA equating the action to the "harshest of dictatorship."

In this regard, the committee demanded the higher authority to probe the matter and take disciplinary action against the officers involved.

Further, CCoFA also extended appreciation to all the volunteers for their support and co-operation during the bandh while also soliciting their support in future.

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

Today's quote of great sportsmen is “notThehowmark good they are at their best, but how good they are at their worst.

–– Martina Navrátilová

Evacuating patients The tragic death of at least 22 people and injuries caused to dozens of others in the SUM Hospital fire in Bhubaneswar on Monday throws up the question: what lessons were learnt from the AMRI Hospital fire in Kolkata that claimed over 90 victims five years ago? Was the hospital fire fighting system activated immediately and were emergency measures taken to evacuate patients? These and other aspects of the incident must be addressed by an impartial investigation. If each deadly fire in a medical facility provided lessons in hindsight, India's hospitals should be witnessing fewer events annually, with a sharp decline in casualties. That would follow the global trend, as causes of hospital fires are understood better, and regulations tightened for safety of patients, their families, visitors and staff. There is also insight within the country on why fires in hospitals could be particularly fierce. One study by IIT Kharagpur engineers points to enrichment of the local environment by oxygen leaks, which sets off fires in thin plastics. The National Building Code is specific, requiring hospitals to have horizontal evacuation exits for bedridden patients and sprinkler systems for structures of specified height, which would cover most medical institutions.

Prevention of fires and emergency response are not high priorities in India, viewed by the Centre as a municipal function under State governments. With a steady decline in the enforcement of urban regulations and building plans, fire risks have multiplied in public buildings. It will take enormous political will and active judicial oversight to enforce best practices and rein in violators. Meanwhile, patients and visitors could get a modicum of risk protection and suitable compensation if all institutions offering any form of medical care are compulsorily required to be insured against disasters. Such a regulation would make a hospital insurable only if it installs good quality fire warning and control systems. There are reports that not enough could be done in the SUM Hospital fire to move patients away quickly, as the blaze spread and affected vulnerable people receiving intensive care. It is also believed there were not enough ambulances available to shift the patients out.

Such evacuation is not the responsibility of the hospital alone, it is also the local administration's. Looking ahead, the Centre and State governments should address fire risk in medical institutions as a top order priority. This can be achieved by understanding the hazard, adopting the right infrastructure, enforcing the building code, and holding frequent fire drills to do things correctly in an emergency.

Personal laws and the Constitution The Centre's categorical stand that personal laws should be in conformity with the Constitution will be of immense assistance to the Supreme Court in determining the validity of practices such as triple talaq and polygamy. By arguing that such practices impact adversely on the right of women to a life of dignity, the Centre has raised the question whether constitutional protection given to religious practices should extend even to those that are not in compliance with fundamental rights. The distinction between practices essential or integral to a particular religion, which are protected under Article 25, a provision that seeks to preserve the freedom to practise and propagate any religion, and those that go against the concepts of equality and dignity, which are fundamental rights, is something that the court will have to carefully evaluate while adjudicating the validity of the Muslim practices under challenge.

From the point of view of the fundamental rights of those affected, mostly women, there is a strong case for these practices to be invalidated. The idea that personal laws of religions should be beyond the scope of judicial review, and that they are not subject to the Constitution, is inherently abhorrent. The affidavit in which the All India Muslim Personal Law Board sought to defend triple talaq and polygamy is but an execrable summary of the patriarchal notions entrenched in conservative sections of society.

This is not the first time that aspects of Muslim personal law have come up for judicial adjudication.

On triple talaq, courts have adopted the view that Islam does not sanction divorce without reason or any attempt at reconciliation, and that talaq would not be valid unless some conditions are fulfilled.

There are judgments that say the presence of witnesses during the pronouncement of talaq, sound reasons for the husband to seek a divorce and some proof that an attempt was made for conciliation are conditions precedent for upholding a divorce. The present petition before the Supreme Court seeks a categorical ruling that talaq-e-bidat - an irrevocable form of triple talaq that is permitted but considered undesirable in Islam - is unconstitutional. There are many who contend that instant divorce is not allowed, and that the triple talaq has to be spread over a specified time period, during which there are two opportunities to revoke it. Only the articulation of the third makes it irrevocable. It should be possible for the court to test these practices for compliance with the Constitution.

P6

Yahoo!: A cautionary tale No Indian citizen can, or should, trust a story in which Aadhaar data security is never breached On September 22, Yahoo! announced that the personal data of half a billion users had been stolen in 2014.

The theft of data was attributed to "state-sponsored" hackers, which some informed sources in California and Washington, D.C. said meant the Chinese secret service. Subsequently, claims emerged about a cracker selling personal information of Yahoo! account users on the dark Web. The company's failure to discover or report the loss for two years will raise enormous problems for its embattled chief executive, Marissa Mayer, not to mention its covert participation in the surveillance of the incoming emails of its users.

But it will be even more costly for the U.S. telecom giant, Verizon, which agreed to pay a bargain basement amount of $4.8 billion for the company in July. In the U.S., class action litigation for consumers' damages from the loss of their private information (including mobile phone numbers, passwords, and addresses) is inevitable, and will be costly: Yahoo! may ultimately owe the people harmed by this theft far

manageable, risk of digital environment catastrophe.

Imposing permanent damage on the entire society because entrepreneurs and civil servants were in a hurry, because they couldn't wait for the sober second thoughts imposed by the rule of law, even for the best of modernising and reformist motives, is a price far too high to pay.

more than Verizon was willing to pay for it.

Making Aadhaar mandatory But this is not just a story from afar for Indian citizens following the controversy about the onset of Aadhaar.

Despite a crystal clear prohibition issued by the Supreme Court against making Aadhaar registration mandatory, the Indian government and enthusiastic parties in both State governments and industry have proceeded to adopt Aadhaar-based technology and impose requirements for Aadhaar registration for social services and benefits - from educational scholarships to booking railway tickets.

The Yahoo! breach made news around the world primarily because of its scale: it's really hard to lose the data on 500 million people.

But not for Aadhaar. When completed, Aadhaar's database will cover the world's second largest population.

If (or when) the database InvestigaEben Moglen is comprotions have mised, it will revealed not be posthat dozens of Aadhaar re- sible for people to change quirements are in tension their passwords. Biometric with the Supreme Court's data is essentially unorder. Contempt petitions changeable. Whether the brought against agencies for retinal data currently stored, flouting the order will soon or the entire human gebe heard by the Supreme nomes that may eventually Court. When the judges be stored there, a breach in hear those petitions, they the Aadhaar data store will should be keeping Yahoo! in disperse information crutheir thoughts. cially identifying each Indian and that cannot be

modified in response to the loss.

So, if Aadhaar is breached, what is the plan for the morning after the breach? Despite all the puffery, and all the claims of social subsidies immune to corruption and payments systems offering convenience to the unbanked millions, no one has so far intimated how Aadhaar's proponents suggest we manage the obvious risk that stares us all in the face if Aadhaar registration becomes mandatory for most social purposes.

No perfect security The plan cannot be for perfect security, operating flawlessly forever, for

Aadhaar. No government can at present promise perfect security for even its most critical personnel data.

No "platform" company, with all the immense profits earned from processing the data of hundreds of millions of customers, can claim to guarantee perfect security of customer data.

No Indian citizen can, or should, trust a story in which Aadhaar data security is never breached.

Until we can see that the government has a realistic plan to manage the risks involved in placing all Indians' proof of identity in one big box, making Aadhaar registration mandatory means imposing on every Indian citizen an unmanaged, possibly un-

And until there is national privacy legislation, with a real system for making parties pay damages when they injure individuals by losing their critical personal information, the courts may have no opportunity or power to deal with the consequences of poor planning and hasty public policy after the fact.

Only the Supreme Court's clarity and willingness to back its order with enforcement ensure that law - rather than public relations and the optimistic talk of the startup culture - stands between our society and the consequences of hubris.

So when the judges convene to hear argument on the Aadhaar motions, they should have that emphatic punctuation at the end of Yahoo! very firmly in mind.

Trumper, Hammond, Bedi and their iconic images The partnership between player and photographer is one of the most enjoyed but least appreciated in cricket Tiger Pataudi, in one of his mischievous moods, would sometimes recall photographs of the past that were notorious for their static quality, and even imitate some of the poses. If you saw Ranji "hooking a short-pitched ball", the frontispiece of his book on cricket, you were struck by the immobility of this great sportsman whose supple wrists and feline movements held everyone in thrall.

It wasn't the fault of the cricketers. Photography hadn't evolved. It wasn't until Middlesex allrounder and photo enthusiast George Beldam made up in imagination what he lacked in technology that the first iconic picture was shot. 'Jumping Out', a brilliantly framed picture of the great Australian batsman Victor Trumper was captured by Beldam in 1905, three years after Trumper's annus mirabilis when he made a century before lunch on the first day of a Test, and finished the English tour with 2570 in a season marked by bad

weather and wet wickets.

The picture is on the cover of Gideon Haigh's recent book Stroke of Genius, with the explanatory subtitle, Victor Trumper and the Shot that Changed Cricket. Trumper was effectively, says Haigh, the first Australian to be the best at anything in the world. Many considered Trumper the greatest Aussie batsman, ahead of Don Bradman, although he averaged only 39 in Tests.

Jumping Out is an extraordinary picture. The batsman is a metre outside the crease, the front foot is in the process of landing on the turf, the bat held aloft preparatory to the straight drive is an extension of the arm, the eyes are focused, and there is power, grace and a complete lack of strain.

There is a gap between the buildings in the background which silhouettes Trumper's head, and even three chimneys (perhaps) that line up on the building to the left before which

A very ill-tempered woman Once upon a time, there had a very ill-tempered woman. She could rage over a silly little thing always.

She understood that was wrong. She consulted a Zen Master for improvement, one day. The Zen Master led her into a room after listened to her distress. He locked the door up and walked away without saying a word.

She had lost her mind completely in a flash.

She jumped and screamed for a very long time. Then, she shouted for attention.

The Zen Master turned a deaf ear to her shouting. The woman had gone silence at last. The Zen Master stood outside the door and asked,

'Are you still mad ? ' The woman yelled, ' Yes, I'm mad with myself. Why should I come to such a place and make myself suffer! ' 'How can one be calm as the still water if she is mad with herself yet? ' The Zen Master went off in a huff. Later on, he asked her again, ' Are you still mad ? ' 'Not anymore ! ' the woman replied.

'Why ? ' asked the Zen Master. ' It can't help at all ! ' the woman answered. ' You're keeping your rage down deep in your mind. Your rage will get to the top when you flare up. ' said the Zen Master and left again. When he came back at the third time, the woman

Suresh Menon the bat has stopped in its upswing just before it begins to descend. It is movement captured in a moment.

As Haigh explains, the book is not a biography of Trumper. "It is instead, for want of a better word, an iconography, a study of Trumper's valence in cricket's mythology and imagery."

It is too a study in the development of photography, social commentary, cricket technique, Beldam's obsession to find out how great players did their stuff, an effort to cancel out some of the air brushing indulged in by the few biographies of Trumper, a sideways look at the Golden Age of cricket and a study in the art of presenting profound research with a light touch. Haigh pulls all these threads together and colours them with the richness of his prose.

said, ' I'm not angry anymore. It's just not worth !.'

The Zen Master smiled, ' You're still haggle over in your mind ! It means your trouble is not let go yet. ' The woman asked, ' What is the rage ? ' The Zen Master leaned against the doorway as the sun was setting down. He poured a cup of the hot water on the ground.

The woman gazed at the steam floating into the air until it faded away. She comprehended eventually.

She bowed her thanks to the Zen Master and left.

Why should we get rage always ? Why should we get rage with someone or something always ? When we do, we also chastise ourselves at the same time ! is around always. If you ignore it, it will go away soon. Life is just too short to entangle with it.

Optical unconscious "Spoil a bowler's length and you've got him," was Trumper's credo, and the photograph is an example of action suiting words. It is cricket's version of what the German philosopher Walter Benjamin has called the 'optical unconscious', which injects us with memories of events and personalities we do not have first-hand knowledge of, but maintain an easy familiarity with.

For another chronicler of the game, however, the apex of beauty in the game was captured a quarter century after that Trumper shot. In Cricket: The Game of Life, Scyld Berry gives pride of place to the picture of Walter Hammond playing the cover drive at Sydney Cricket Ground in 192829.

"For poise, grace, symmetry, composition and power it might be the pic-

ture of a statue by Pheidias," wrote Ronald Mason, "there is a flawless balance in the distribution of every line and every mass in the field of vision, and it conveys an infinite potentiality of strength…"

The photographer, Herbert Fishwick specialised in taking pictures of Merino sheep but decided to go to the match that day.

Scyld himself calls it the "most beautifully composed photograph of the most beautiful cricket stroke."

Stunningly, Scyld takes off from there to the statues of David by Michelangelo, Donatello and Bernini, comparing how each finishes, how the transfer of weight adds to the grace.

He then goes on to tell us why the Hammond image is better than the Trumper one. "He (Trumper) makes a majestic sight as he sets himself to drive the ball straight.

But this stroke is not so

beautiful as Hammond's front foot off drive because Trumper is playing with both legs braced and his torso upright."

It's not only batsmen, of course. The iconic picture of Bishan Bedi in his delivery stride was taken by Ken Kelly after he followed the bowler around for four years.

"I could always sense his right thumb firmly levering the ball into his lefthand grip just as his arm unwound to come over, an amazing final unconscious check to establish that his purchase on the ball was exactly perfect.

Or was I imagining it?" the photographer wondered in an interview later.

No he wasn't, as his picture showed.

"I could never have posed for that, because I never realised I did it," was Bedi's reaction.

The partnership between player and photographer is one of the most enjoyed but least appreciated in cricket.

Nobels for everyone Bob Dylan is a great choice for the Nobel Prize for Literature. I cannot think of anyone else who fits the bill. This opens up the way on the other Nobel Prizes. Take physics, for instance. My grandson, Samuel, should be amongst the top two or three contenders next time around. On Saturday, his ephemeral work, the castle, juxtaposed several competing laws of physics.

He proved that the architectural integrity of his creation is not, nor can it ever be, sufficient to stave off particle/antiparticle-like annihilation as the wave strikes. Yes, Samuel, for you and others the tide will sound.

Rajat Rakhit Amolapatty, Dibrugarh

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

BUSINESS

Rupee adds 6 paise against dollar at 66.67 The rupee had gained 15 paise to end at 66.73 yesterday on fresh bout of dollar selling amid weak overseas sentiment.

Muumbbai, Oct 19: The rupee moved up further by 6 paise to 66.67 against the dollar today, with exporters and banks going on a selling spree of the US currency and a higher opening in the stock market backing it up.

Forex dealers said the dollar faced some headwinds against other currencies overseas after core US inflation rose less than forecast in September. Continued inflows by foreign funds too supported the uptrend.

Pic for representation purpose.

The rupee had gained 15 paise to end at 66.73 yesterday on fresh bout of dollar selling amid weak overseas sentiment.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex advanced 80.19 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 28,131.07 in early trade today. (PTI)

India keen to set up a mega fertiliser plant in Algeria New Delhi, Oct 19: India is keen to join hands with Algeria to explore the possibilities of setting up a multibillion dollar fertiliser project, bearing in mind the phosphatic reserve available in this North African country which is estimated to be more than 5 billion tonnes. A preliminary meeting on the issue was held here today between Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh L Mandaviya and Algerian Minister of Industry and Mining Abdessalem Bouchouareb. The price of fertiliser in India is expected to come down along with the subsidy burden if the talks between the two countries lead to setting up of a joint venture mega fertiliser company here. Mandaviya is accompanying Vice President Hamid Ansari, who is on a two-day visit to Algeria as part of his twonation trip. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta said India was looking forward to explore cooperation with Algeria in

new areas like in fertiliser, pharma, space, IT etc. Algeria was equally interested in Indian participation in development of phosphate mines and production of fertilisers through joint venture, she said. The estimated phosphate reserve in Algeria is estimated to be more than 5 billion tonnes and possible Indian investment in the sector is expected to be USD 5 to 7 billion. Indian Ambassador to Algeria Satbir Singh said if the preliminary talks result in finalisation of some agreement in future, there has to be a consortium of Indian companies from both government and private sectors which would contribute generation of funds, technology and all necessary requirements for setting up of a mega project in Algeria.

"Around 90 to 95 per cent phosphate being used by Indian fertiliser companies is imported and the production cost is also very high. If India can join hands with Algeria by providing funds and technology to set up a fertiliser company by using Algerian phosphate and gas,

and the fertiliser is taken to India, the cost would be quite low...the subsidy burden of government for fertiliser, which is Rs 86,000 crore to Rs 90,000 crore per annum, will come down," Singh said. Indian fertiliser industry is producing about 12.28 million tonnes of nitrogen and 4.37 million tonnes of phosphatic nutrient production. India ranks second in the production of nitrogenous fertilisers and third in phosphatic fertilisers. According to a report of Department of Fertilisers, by the year 201617, fertiliser demand in the country is projected to increase to about 336.77 lakh tonnes of urea, 124.13 lakh tonnes of DAP, 59.48 lakh tonnes of SSP and 47.93 lakh tonnes of MOP. Bilateral trade between India and Algeria stood at USD 1.5 billion per annum, majority of which are related to importing oil and oil products to India. India imports automobile, auto components, buffalo meat, garments among other things from the North African country. (PTI)

GST Council meet: Use rally to exit logistics stocks

New Delhi, Oct 19: Even as the GST Council meets to deliberate on the key rates, shares of companies engaged in thelogistics business gained ground on Wednesday with most counters including Gati, Snowman Logostics, Tiger Logistcics, Patel Integrates, VRL Logistics, Allcargo Logistics and Gateway Distriparks rallying 1% 4.5% in intra-day deals. By comparison, the benchmark indices, the S&P BSE Sensex and the Nifty50, were trading around 0.3% lower respectively.

Most of these stocks had rallied sharply since March 2016 when the overall market sentiment turned bullish, till the passage of the GST Bill by the Rajya Sabha on August 3.

Snowman Logistics, for instance, zoomed around 79% during this period as compared to around 22% rise in the Nifty50 index.

Gati, Transport Corporation, Patel Integrated, Allcargo Logistics, Container Corporation, Sical Logistics, Gateway Distriparks and Blue Dart

Express, too, rallied 5% - 77% during this period. However, most of these stocks could not hold on to higher levels and saw 7% - 31% correction since then.

Given the recent run-up, analysts remain sceptical and suggest investors be cautious regarding these stocks.

Though the GST Council meet has brought them back into the limelight, they do not see gains sustaining for long.

"I think there will be some more upside in case the GST becomes a reality in 2017.

There is talk of multiple rates instead of a single rate as envisaged earlier. However, the current rally in logistics stocks will fizzle out. We are just seeing a bounce back given the rate finalisation talks is underway. One can play these stocks for a shortterm pop and exit over the next one week," explains A K Prabhakar, head of research at IDBI Capital.

Given that the actual implementation, as per plans, is still six months away April 2017), analysts say that the actual benefit to the companies from the GST implementation will start to accrue only after 10 -

12 months from now.

"If all goes well, the actual implementation of the GST will happen only in the next financial year, and the benefits to companies will accrue a few quarters post the implementation. Themarkets have need to factor that in.

Another factor is the rise in oil prices. It remains to be seen whether these logistics companies will be able to enjoy higher margins or not," Prabhakar says.

"It is too early for benefits to accrue, which will only be visible in FY18. These stocks may see a short-term bounce. I do not recommend buying these stocks at the current levels," advises Prakash Diwan, director, Altamount Capital Management.

For G. Chokkalingam, founder & managing director of Equinomics Research & Advisory, the uptick in these stocks is speculative in nature and he, too, expects the rally to fizzle out soon. Moreover, he does not find comfort in the valuations of some of these stocks and is also midful if the pressure on margins going ahead.

"There is a long road that needs to be travelled before GST becomes a reality. The actual impact will be felt almost after a year from now. We are already seeing margin pressure for companies in the ecommerce segment, and they may not be in a position to offer huge margins to logistics firms. Though the implementation is an overall positive, it is not as big as the market is expecting," he says. (PTI)

P7

Global cues lift gold prices; silver turns weak New Delhi, Oct 19: Gold prices advanced further by Rs 55 to Rs 30,380 per 10 grams today, supported by positive global cues amid wedding season buying by jewellers in the domestic spot market. However, silver declined by Rs 50 to Rs 42,550 per kg on reduced off-take by industrial units and coin makers.

Gold prices advanced further by Rs 55 to Rs 30,380 per 10 grams today, supported by positive global cues amid wedding

season buying by jewellers in the domestic spot market.

However, silver declined

by Rs 50 to Rs 42,550 per kg on reduced off-take by industrial units and coin makers.

Traders said that apart from a firming global trend, increased buying by jewellers at the domestic spot market to meet wedding season demand mainly kept gold prices higher.

Globally, gold rose 0.01 per cent to USD 1,262.30

Nirmala Sitharaman unveils logo for IPR cell in patent push

She termed this as "an ambitious task" as India's intellectual property related activities need great traction.

New Delhi, Oct 19: Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today launched a logo of the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM).

She termed this as "an ambitious task" as India's intellectual property related activities need great traction.

The logo has been designed keeping in mind the slogan of the National IPR Policy: Creative India, Innovative India.

It was designed by the National Institute of Design.

Speaking on the occasion, DIPP Secretary Ramesh Abhishek said the mandate

of CIPAM is to efficiently implement the national IPR policy. He said it is coordinating IPR awareness programmes in the country.

CIPAM has been created as a professional body under the aegis of DIPP to take forward the implementation of the National IPR Policy that was approved by the government in May 2016.

CIPAM is working towards creating public awareness about IPRs in the country, promoting filing of IPRs through facilitation and providing inventors with a platform to commercialize their IP assets. (PTI)

Govt to come out with new steel policy

Traders said that apart from a firming global trend, increased buying by jewellers at the domestic spot market to meet wedding season demand mainly kept gold prices higher.

an ounce in Singapore.

In the national capital,

gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity added

another Rs 55 each to Rs 30,380 and Rs 30,230 per 10 grams, respectively.

The precious metal had gained Rs 75 yesterday.

Sovereign, however, remained unchanged at Rs 24,300 per piece of eight grams.

On the other hand, silver ready drifted lower by Rs 50 to Rs 42,550 per kg and weekly-based delivery traded lower by Rs 140 to Rs 42,160 per kg.

Silver coins remained flat at Rs 73,000 for buying and Rs 74,000 for selling of 100 pieces. (PTI)

Cess on demerit good a departure from GST concept New Delhi, Oct 19: The proposed structure of levying cess on ultra-luxury and sin goods is a departure from the GST concept as envisaged initially and the Centre would have absolute powers in future to alter the cess rate, which could go up to 2 per cent, experts said.

The GST Council yesterday mooted a four-slab GST tax structure of 6, 12, 18 and 26 per cent with lower rates for essential items and the highest for luxury goods that will also be levied with an additional cess.

"Cesses are being subsumed under GST and hence the levy of a new cess was a complete surprise. Proposal to have 5 rate structure is not aligned to the concept of simplified tax regime. Multiple slabs lead to complications on compliance and issues on classification," PwC Partner (Indirect Tax) Anita Rastogi said.

Last year, a panel headed

by Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian had suggested 17-18 per cent as the standard rate for bulk of goods and services while recommending 12 per cent for low rate goods and 40 per cent for demerit ones like luxury car, aerated beverages, pan masala and tobacco. For precious metal, it recommended a range of 2-6 per cent.

Experts said that the incidence of cess is likely to be such that luxury goods

The GST Council yesterday mooted a four-slab GST tax structure of 6, 12, 18 and 26 per cent with lower rates for essential items and the highest for luxury goods that will also be levied with an additional cess. would attract tax somewhere between 26 to 40 per cent.

"This cess that the Centre is talking about is likely to be non-creditable. Because the Centre wants to create a pool for compensation, the cess rate will likely come to between 1-2 per cent," Nangia & Co Director Rajat Mohan said.

Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP Senior Director (Indirect Tax) M S Mani said that as a concept cess does not go well with the original idea of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"Possibly they want to avoid a fifth tax slab and hence they brought the concept of cess. Cess would be helpful in a way that the rate of cess can be very easily altered whenever the Centre wants without consultation with state," Mani said.

As per the proposed GST

rate structure, the Centre plans to create a Rs 50,000 crore pool to be used to compensate the states for revenue loss arising out of implementation of GST. The amount would be raised by imposing cess over and above the 26 per cent rate on ultra luxury and demerit goods such as tobacco, cigarettes, aerated drinks and polluting items.

As the cess would vary, experts said, it would be difficult to quantify how much would be the incidence of price increase in these items.

"Most demerit goods are currently taxed between 2740 per cent. If the tax rate in GST is kept closer to that then the inflationary impact will be limited," Mani said.

The government plans to roll out GST from April 1, 2017. It will subsume excise, service tax and other local levies. (PTI)

It's all about the pricing: Why offline retailers are losing the battle to Amazon, Flipkart Pic for representation purpose.

New Delhi, Oct 19: The government is working on a new steel policy in a bid to steer the over USD 100 billion industry out of the rut and ensure that the growth is evenly spread across all the related sectors. "We are in favour of a new steel policy and I am already on the job," Steel Minister Chaudhary Birendra Singh told PTI. He added that India led the world in growth in production and consumption last year, which has continued so far in 2016 as well. "But, we need to ensure that this growth continues and for that we have to plan accordingly and come out with a policy that ensures that not only steel, but the related sectors such as iron ore, etc also grow," he explained.

Government's think-tank Niti Aayog too has pitched for for a "new and dynamic steel policy" to bring the industry back on track as well as meet the target of 300 million tonnes (MT) capacity by 2025. The country's premier policy maker feels that mere changes in the National Steel Policy, 2012, will not help the sector as in the last few years the domestic market has been

flooded with cheap imports from China, Korea and Japan, impacting its sales and profits, which have negatively influenced its capacity to repay debts. "There is need for a new and dynamic steel policy. Seeing the current situation of the steel sector, it may be unlikely to achieve the targets envisaged in National Steel Policy 2012 i.e. a capacity of 300 MT and production of 275 MT by 2025," the Aayog said in a Working Paper on the sector. It further said, "To bring steel sector back on track, mere tinkering in the present policy would not bring out a transformational change that is required." The Aayog feels that there is a need to examine the entire value chain associated with the industry, from raw materials to production of finished products, to discover the bottlenecks in the sector.

The working paper, prepared

by Niti Aayog Member V K Saraswat and Niti Aayog professional Ripunjaya Bansal, said that an ecosystem has to be created that will ensure profitability of the associated industry be it mining, pet coke, pellet, sponge iron, etc. (PTI)

New Delhi, Oct 19: Etailers have a lot to cheer this festival season with almost every company announcing record sales.

Spread over five days, the three largest online players Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal claimed to have registered very good growth as compared to last year. Buoyed by its success Amazon is reported to be lining up at least two more sale events. Flipkart is expected to join the race.

However, not everyone is amused by the action in the cyber space. Branded players, especially in the white goods space are crying foul on the deep discounts that are being offered on their products during these sales. LG and Videocon have cautioned online sellers against big discount sales and have even stopped supplies to a few.

They claim that the big discounts offered by the online retailers are in violation of e-commerce regulations and warn that warranties may not be valid on these products. Branded players fear that prices which fell below cost in some instances is affecting their brand image and sales through normal sales channel.

The structure of the business of branded players is preventing them from taking advantage of the

boom in consumption. Even in the case of garments, which is the largest selling product segment in e-commerce, branded players have failed to create a dent in the market. Most of the branded players have ventured in the e-commerce space but failed to make an impact.

A news report says that fashion lifestyle e-tailers like Abof.com, an Aditya Birla group venture, Ajio of Reliance Industries and NNNow.con of Arvind are struggling to generate volumes. Monthly gross merchandise value (GMV) of these players range between Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore, not worth a comparison with the goods that move in the ecommercespace. Explaining the muted sales, branded players say that they are not in the game on GMV generation but would rather preserve their brand.

Branded players, be it in the white goods or in garmenting space need to have a presence on the ground. Apart from their own sales channels, these companies have a franchisee network which help in pushing their products deeper and faster.

These franchisee and alternate channels have complained in the past that the discounts offered by the etailers during their mega festival sale are well below the price at which they get their goods from the company.

Footfalls in the store have not decreased, but they are

largely of customers who come in to have a look at the products but prefer buying it from an e-tailer at a lower price. Channel checks and shifting volume from brick and mortar space to cyber space resulted in thecompanies setting up e-commerce platforms on their own.

But the volume is yet to shift in their favour.

The message these Grand Festival Sales have to offer has not reached the brick and mortar branded players. The reason the GMVs go up during the short period is because of the heavy discounts they offer. Consumers are behaving like value investors.

They are buying a good product at a deep discount, which hits the market every year. Many postpone their shopping throughout the year to take advantage of these sales.

Having an e-commerce presence but selling it at the same price as the neighbourhood store will not be a differentiator. Consumers are at least not playing the game as a logistics arbitrage, but need a genuine discount. Unless companies are willing to share the distribution commissions that they are saving by bypassing the traditional route, consumers will wait for the discount sales, even if takes place once in a year.

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

INTERNATIONAL

P8

Hillary Clinton takes six-point South African struggle stalwart lead over Donald Trump: Polls and Gandhian activist dies

In the head-to-head matchup, Hillary Clinton (49 percent) is leading with seven points over Donald Trump (42 percent).

Washington, Oct 19: Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, has a six-point lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump, according to a latest Fox News poll which comes just three weeks before the general election.

A week ago, Clinton was leading with seven points.

In the latest weekly poll, Fox News said Clinton has a six-point lead over Trump (45-39 per cent).

Libertarian Gary Johnson stands at 5 per cent and Green Party's Jill Stein at three per cent.

In the head-to-head matchup, Clinton (49 percent) is leading with seven points over Trump (42 percent). Clinton's

In the head-to-head matchup, Hillary Clinton (49 percent) is leading with seven points over Donald Trump (42 percent). lead is beyond the poll's margin of error, the news channel said.

The poll, conducted from Saturday to Monday, reflects the large gender gap. While Trump leads likely among men by

seven points, he trails Clinton by 17 points among women. According to Real Clear Politics, which keeps track of all major polls, Clinton leads Trump by 6.9 per cent points. (PTI)

Johannesburg, Oct 19: South African struggle icon and husband of Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter, Mewa Ramgobin has died at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.

Ramgobin, the former president of the Natal Indian Congress which fought discrimination against Indians in South Africa, breathed his last at a Cape Town hospital on Monday.

A family member said he was admitted to hospital on October 8 and was doing well until two days ago.

Ramgobin was married to Ela Gandhi, a human rights activist and Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter.

A former African National Congress member of Parliament until 2009, he

was among the first supporters of the Release Mandela campaign. He was charged for treason in 1985.

The couple was involved in the activities of the Phoenix Settlement Trust that was established in 1904 by Gandhi near Durban during his tenure in South Africa.

Just hours before Ramgobin's death, Ela had departed for Sweden with one of their daughters Asha who is due to receive an honorary degree there.

Their son Kidar said family members were meeting yesterday to discuss funeral arrangements, as his mother and sister were due to return only on Sunday.

Ramgobin's role in politics started in his teenage years, and continued

Japan cabinet ministers visit 4 shot outside San Francisco controversial war shrine schools, suspects at large

Yasukuni honours millions of Japanese war dead, but also senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes after World War II. Tokyo, Oct 19: Two Japanese cabinet ministers visited a controversial war shrine today, after a mass visit by lawmakers angered China and South Korea which see it as a painful reminder of Tokyo's aggressive past. The ministers - internal affairs chief Sanae Takaichi and Katsunobu Kato, in charge of womens' empowerment - are close to conservative Prime

Minister Shinzo Abe, who did not visit the Yasukuni shrine during this year's four-day autumn festival. Abe, often criticised for what some see as revisionist views on Japan's wartime record, sent a ritual offering to the shrine instead.

He has not gone to the site in central Tokyo since late 2013 in an apparent attempt to ease diplomatic tensions. Yesterday

a group of about 85 legislators arrived at the leafy site for an annual pilgrimage, sparking a rebuke from Beijing and Seoul, which called on them to show "humble self-reflection and sincere remorse for Japan's past wrongdoings."

Yasukuni honours millions of Japanese war dead, but also senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes after World War II. The indigenous Shinto religious shrine has for decades been a flashpoint for criticism by countries that suffered from Japan's colonialism and aggression in the first half of the 20th century, including China and Korea.

Abe and other nationalists say Yasukuni is a place to remember fallen soldiers. They compare it to Arlington National Cemetery in the United States.

His visit in 2013 to mark his first year in power sparked fury in Beijing and Seoul and earned a diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States which said it was "disappointed". Ave has since refrained from going, sending ritual offerings instead. (PTI)

Russia halts Aleppo strikes in "goodwill gesture" Moscow, Oct 19: Moscow announced Tuesday that Russian and Syrian air forces have stopped bombing Aleppo ahead of a brief truce, a move the Kremlin said showed "goodwill" as it faces mounting criticism for backing a brutal regime offensive.

It came a day after Russia said there would be an eight-hour "humanitarian pause" in the battered city on Thursday, a move welcomed by the United Nations and the European Union which nevertheless said the ceasefire needed to be longer to allow the delivery of aid.

The US State Department voiced scepticism regarding Moscow's latest initiative while welcoming a halt in the bombing.

French and Russian presidents Francois Hollande and Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold a "working meeting" on the Syrian crisis Wednesday in Berlin, the French leader's office said.

The meeting will be aimed at "giving the same message to Vladimir Putin on Syria: a durable ceasefire in Aleppo and humanitarian access so that the devastation of this city can end," an aide to Hollande said.

The West has expressed increasing alarm at the situation in Aleppo, saying the ferocious Russian-backed onslaught on the rebel-held east could amount to a war crime.

"Strikes in the Aleppo region by the Russian and Syrian air forces are stopping today from 10:00 am," Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a televised briefing.

"This guarantees the security of civilians' exit through six corridors and prepares the evacuation of the sick and injured from eastern Aleppo," he said, adding that it would also guarantee safe passage for rebels to leave the area.

The UN said it was waiting for safety assurances from all sides before going in with "critical humanitarian assistance" for

Aleppo's desperate population.

- 'Goodwill' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hailed the halt as a "manifestation of goodwill by the Russian military" and denied it was meant to assuage Western critics who have accused Moscow of perpetrating potential war crimes in Syria's second city.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby remained cautious about Moscow's initiative.

"It's a little too soon to tell how genuine this is and how long it's going to last," Kirby told media.

"We've seen these kinds of commitments and promises before. And we've seen them broken. We're watching this very carefully."

A media photographer in eastern Aleppo said air strikes in the rebel-held area had stopped following the Russian announcement.

People in the city's eastern neighbourhoods were out searching for food on Tuesday, the photographer saw.

After more than five years of bloodshed, Abdel Rahman alMawwas of the civil defence White Helmets rescuers told AFP he did not trust the truce plan.

"We tried a ceasefire three times this year... No result," he said.

Air strikes were still being conducted in the broader Aleppo region, the Britain-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Over 250,000 people are under government siege in the city that was once Syria's thriving commercial hub.

In the government-held west of Aleppo city, rebel artillery fire killed four people on Tuesday and injured 20 more, the Observatory said.

On Monday, dozens of civilians including 12 members of the same family were killed in strikes in Aleppo, it added.

The brutal government offensive against eastern Aleppo --

which has destroyed hospitals and other civilian infrastructure -- has plunged Syria into some of the worst violence of the fiveyear war that has claimed over 300,000 lives.

The UN Human Rights Council said it would hold a special session on the Aleppo crisis on Friday, at the request of 16 nations including the US and Britain.

The European Union said on Monday that the Russian and Syrian "deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure" could amount to war crimes.

EU foreign ministers also warned that the bloc could impose additional sanctions against Damascus, but decided against targeting Russia despite US and British calls to punish Moscow as well.

Shoigu said Tuesday that the halt in bombing could "contribute to the success" of talks in Geneva on Wednesday on efforts to distance Syrian opposition fighters from jihadist group Fateh al-Sham Front, which changed its name from Al-Nusra Front after renouncing its ties to Al-Qaeda.

"The work will commence tomorrow," Moscow's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin confirmed, adding that Russian, US, Saudi, Qatari and Turkish military officials would be taking part.

"They are supposed to get down to the business tomorrow of trying specifically to separate on the map the socalled moderate groups and al Nusra," he added.

Russia has repeatedly demanded that Syrian rebels break all ties with the Fateh al-Sham Front, which the United Nations considers a terrorist group, as a condition for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

A short-lived truce brokered by Moscow and Washington last month could have led the two countries to coordinate strikes against jihadists, but the deal quickly unravelled. (PTI)

Pic for representation purpose.

San Francisco, Oct 19: Four teenage students were shot in the shared parking lot of two San Francisco high schools on Tuesday, and one of the students is in critical condition, authorities said.

The shooting occurred as students were being let out of school for the day from the June Jordan School for Equity andCity Arts and Technology High School, which share a campus, San Francisco Police Officer Carlos Manfredi said.

Three of the victims ran inside the school, and po-

lice initially ordered students to stay in place until police searched each room and determined it was not an active shooter situation. A fourth victim hurt in the shooting went to a hospital, Manfredi said.

"One female victim has lifethreatening injuries to her upper torso," he said.

Four male suspects wearing dark hoodies and jeans were seen running away from the area, Manfredi said.

The shooters seemed to have targeted the female student, said Karwin Sui, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Unified School District. (PTI)

Barack Obama confident of driving ISIS out of Mosul

US President Barack Obama.

Washington, Oct 19: US President Barack Obama Tuesday warned of a tough battle in Mosul but exuded confidence that Iraqi forces along with US-led coalition forces would be able to drive the Islamic State militant group out of the area.

"We are seeing the Iraqi forces, with the support of the coalition that includes the United States and Italy and other nations, moving forward and encircling Mosul," Obama told reporters at a joint news conference with the visiting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, in the Rose Garden of the White House.

"I'm confident that we can succeed, although it's going to be a tough fight and a difficult fight. It is Iraqis

who are doing the fighting.

They are performing effectively and bravely, and taking on significant casualties. There will be ups and downs in this process, but my expectation is that ultimately it will be successful," he said.

This he said will be a key milestone in what he committed to doing when ISIL first emerged. "If in fact we are successful, how do we deal with what could be a humanitarian crisis? Because ISIL, when it occupies these territories, it bleeds them dry. It feeds off of them. It oppresses the local populations. It's not very good at governance. And so just basic functions like electricity or water start running down," Obama said. (PTI)

"There will be ups and downs in this process, but my expectation is that ultimately it will be successful," he said.

by side for decades, but was acquitted a year later.

Ramgobin's commitment to the Gandhian cause saw him establish a Gandhi museum and library, organising the Annual Gandhi Lecture and educate people from different race groups on Gandhian philosophies. An author of books 'Waiting To Live' and 'Prisms Of Light', he Ramgobin was married to Ela Gandhi, a human rights would have turned 84 on November 10. activist and Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter.

In 1983, Ramgobin made international headlines when he enrolled at the persecution from apart- when he and five other University of Natal. heid-era security forces members of the resistance He was among the first to which banned him for 17 movement United Demojoin the Release Mandela years, many of those un- cratic Front sought refuge Campaign after the infa- der complete house arrest. in the British consulate. mous treason trial that sent He also faced high treason After Mandela's election, Nelson Mandela to prison charges after riots broke Ramgobin served for sevfor 27 years before he be- out in 1994 near the Phoe- eral years in the first Parcame South Africa's first nix Settlement between liament of South Africa that democratically-elected Indians and the indigenous was not exclusively white president.

Zulu community which as in the apartheid years.

Ramgobin faced intense had lived peacefully side- (PTI)

Beijing loyalists blocked Hong Kong's pro-independence lawmakers from taking their oaths by walking out Beijing, Oct 19: After winning a spot in Hong Kong's legislature via election last month, two young, pro-independence lawmakers have been blocked from assuming their new roles.

Pro-Beijing legislators walked out of the Legislative Council (LegCo) chamber this morning (Oct. 19) to block Yau Wai-ching and Baggio Leung, members of the Youngspiration political party from swearing in a second time. Their first attempts last week, which contained a racial slur against China used by Japan early last century, were nullified by LegCo's president. The two, along with three others who had their oaths also nullified-one read her oath at an ultraslow speed as a show of defiance, for example-were due to re-take them today.

The LegCo drama signals a tumultuous year ahead in Hong Kong politics amid increasing polarisation in

the legislature, even as the city prepares for a new leader in 2017. Beijing has warned that it will not tolerate pro-independence talk in Hong Kong, and the city's government has taken a hard line on it, pressuring schools to quash discussion of the topic among students.

The walk-out comes after the Hong Kong government abruptly filed a judicial review application last night (Oct. 18) to prevent Yau and Leung from swearing in a second time.

In a late night hearing, the High Court ruled that Leung and Yau would be allowed to re-take their oaths. But the court allowed the government to proceed with its judicial review application, with a hearing set for Nov. 3.

Before Yau and Leung could take their oaths again, pro-Beijing lawmakers, who make up a majority in the legislature, walked out. Their absence meant that quorum was

not met and the session had to be adjourned.

Pro-Beijing lawmakers are demanding an apology from Yau and Leung for insulting the feelings of Chinese people, but the two have said they will not apologize.

Outside the LegCo building, there were chaotic scenes as hundreds of Beijing supporters protested against Yau and Leung, calling them "traitors" and comparing them to Japanese imperialists.

Opposition lawmakers jointly condemned the walk-out, and said it was an attempt to undermine Hong Kong's rule of law by challenging a court order to allow Yau and Leung to retake their oaths. LegCo president Andrew Leung, himself a pro-Beijing lawmaker, defended the rights of Yau and Leung to retake their oaths, though he did not agree with their actions during the first swearingin ceremony. (PTI)

US Welcomes Lifting Of Restrictions On NGOs By India Washington, Oct 19: The United States has welcomed the Indian government's recent decision to lift the restrictions from some NGOs, saying the move will strengthen civil society in the country.

"We certainly would welcome and do welcome any actions by the government that support and strengthen civil society. I'd refer you to the Government of India with respect to any specific actions that have been taken regarding the NGOs in India," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said yesterday.

"But we want to see a strong, healthy civil society throughout the world.

And that certainly extends to India, which is a strong democracy," he said.

"We believe that a strong and vibrant civil society only strengthens that de-

Welcoming the decision, the US said, allowing NGOs would support and strengthen civil society. mocracy," he added.

Mr Toner said that the US supports the very good work of many of these NGOs that they play in strengthening civil society. But it is a for the Government of India to work with them with regard to taxes and other regulations that the NGOs need to comply with on ground.

"We are very clear not

just with respect to India, but with many countries around the world, about our support for NGOs and the important role that they play in any democratic society.

"And in so far as we push for a more welcoming environment for these NGOs to work in, that's just the way we work," the deputy spokesman said. (Agencies)

Seven suspected Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh activists arrested in B'desh over robbery Dhaka, Oct 19: Seven operatives of Bangladesh's outlawed JMB were arrested here over charges of robbery, police said today, amid a security clampdown following the July 1 worst terror attack at a cafe.

"Our Counter Terrorism Unit arrested them last night from Tejgaon area

with huge golden ornaments... They are believed to be members of JMB (Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh) and currently involved in robbery to run their activities," a police spokesman told media.

The special police unit also seized from them four pistols, a laptop, sev-

eral lakhs of taka and valuables which they were believed to have looted earlier, he added.

The development came amid an anti-militancy security clampdown since the July 1 terrorist attack on a Dhaka cafe when 22 people, including 17 foreigners, were killed.

(PTI)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

EDUCATION How to Crack Entrance Exams in 2017 drinks as much as you can.

Cracking any entrance exam is not an easy task.

Nobody is born intelligent but exceptions apply everywhere. Have you ever wondered why only few students are able to make it and others cry because it was not in their luck?

Are you one of them? We hope you aren’t.

20. Never lose your heart: If you find the question paper is not up to your expectations, do not just give away. Put all your acumen and energy to get the best out of it.

Some other important tips on how to crack entrance exams

Here are the best 20 tips and trick plus 5 muntras on how to crack entrance exams in 2017.

1. Think Big: To get the goal you want in life, you need motivation. The bigger your dream, the bigger is your success. Motivation creates commitment, which in turn creates zeal to just make it happen.

2. Every battle is first won in the mind. Some people are in the habit of leaving jobs half finished. Quitting is a negative habit and won’t take you far in life.

3. Take Your First Step: Know exactly where you stand and what do you need to get through this exam. Ask yourself “Am I ready?” Once you are mentally and physically prepared, you need to know about the examination like eligibility criteria, exam pattern, reservation policy (if you are in India), how many students are competing and important dates of examination.

4. Right Approach: Now it’s time to collect study material. Ask your teacher which writer’s book is best for this particular topic? Along with it purchase sample papers of the exam from local market shop. We suggest not to download sample papers and previous years question papers from internet, instead have a book. The reason behind this suggestion is while we were having discussion with some students earlier, many of them avoided downloaded material reasoning that it affects their concentration and causes eye strain. While we also feel they are right, but it depends on individual’s choice.

5. Plan your Strategy Pro-

a time table. Since we were kids once in a while every one of us had been as asked to prepare a time table by our dear teachers.

We hardly followed those.

But now that we are grown up, it’s time to take that seriously and utilize productively. Your performance has to be increasing constantly and that leaves you no other choice than to follow the time table. And this directs us to our next milestone how should you manage your time?

7. How to study: During my days in school some idiots used to laugh at me because I ask too many questions. Please don’t over judge me, I was not a nerd. But what I wanted to make sure is I am getting best of every topic.

One of the most common technique is called “Reverse engineering” in which a learner starts thinking opposite of told method used. You have to think out of box. Try to solve one numerical in different ways. If you can’t, why are teachers for? Get their help.

8. Raise hand: Got a doubt, then raise your hand. Remember what your teacher advised during your first public speed.

Same rule apply in classroom. You have to ask your doubts. Oh you are worried what will your friends say because you are going to ask such a stupid question? Is it going to ruin my impression on girls? So let it be. You are paying for knowledge, not for some fake and filthy impression. So the next time you are in class and you got a question,

topic most of the students we met felt at one point that they are not going to make it because of huge syllabus of entrance examination and competition. But it was the will power which made it happen. We suggest you to keep your head cool.

Negative thoughts really affect the whole study plan. Don’t let it ruin your confidence. Believe in yourself and say it loudly “I will make it”. Other important thing is to visualize that you have cracked the examination.

How happy you are and how much proud your parents and your relatives are.

This will surely boost your confidence and you will feel better.

exhausted your limits. See what you had missed earlier. Practice similar problems. Doing 100 quality and concepts-based questions is more important than doing 1000 questions, which have not been selected carefully.

Devise your own shortcuts and ways to tackle particular kind of problems.

Don’t Just Shoot: Well begun is half done, so start professionally, with a cool head. Read the question properly and try to understand it. If you have understood the intricacy of the questions, then half of

6. Proper Study Plan: It is justifiably same, “He WHO fails to set up, plans to fail”. No one will undermine the importance of coming up with once doing any necessary task, and if it means that making ready for any entrance test, you must be even additional careful. Prepare

raise your hand and ask.

Let the back benchers have some hearty laugh because this is best what they can do.

9. Time Management: The students should properly plan their time. Time management is a critical factor in preparation of any exam so that one can get through it. Student should develop habit of writing as many as possible tests.

10. Dedication: Dedication and spirit both are two sides of same coin. Both work extremely well if they are in coordination.

During our study on this

crease your test-taking speed.

It will help you overcome panic.

It will give you a clear picture about the topics you’re weak in.

Have a wrist watch at the day of examination.

ØIf you have enough time for the exam, pick a chapter you are weak in and one that is important from the exam standpoint. ØOr if you do not have enough time, pick a chapter that you are comfortable, have not practiced enough and that is an important chapter.

17. Group study: I was in Patna recently and I was amazed to see how students were studying there.

Vibhay Rao, the man who gave his land to students says “This is not Dilli (Delhi) Sir, these students don’t have money to join coaching institutes. So what they do is study themselves whole day and

ØAny day give priority to important chapters if you have not revised them or not practiced enough questions on them.

they come here in the evening to discuss their doubts. Previous year (2013), two students cracked IIT.” Really the whole scenario was amazing.What I want to suggest you that join group study only if it is turning out to be really productive.

exam.

18. Control your Excitement and Anxiety: Resist yourself in displaying over excitement and anxiety.

Your temperament is vital in handling the situation.

Always act, never react.

ØIt’s better to make your own notes than your friends’ or teachers’.

Ø If exams are just approaching, leave out any new chapters because it will create a lot of stress and anyway you cannot master it enough for the

11. Syllabus Check: A lot of students study everything even it is not in entrance examinations’ syllabus. Keep the syllabus of examination on study table. Check it before you begin and after you end your studies to know how much you need to cover this day.

12. Test and motivate yourself: It’s important to test your understandings and skills time to time. This makes sure that you are at right path and figures out your weak points. You can take previous year’s entrance question papers and try to solve those questions what you have studied so far. Don’t try to solve those questions which you haven’t study yet. Once you get good score in these tests, award yourself. This may be anything as per your wish like going to a movie, playing half an hour video game or reading your favorite

the job is done. Paper which starts well, ends well too. Never try such questions in which you are not sure of the right choice because there is negative marking in the examination.

15. Increase speed and accuracy: Practice, practice and practice is what you need. There are no shortcuts to success. All you have to do is practice.

Study but objective approach to the subject is mandatory nowadays.

Have a clock on your table and try to solve the sample paper in in given time.

Learn to coordinate with clock. If you are serious about entrance examination act like you are.Benefits of having a clock are: 16. Study room: Find a place which suits you best, which has least distracting elements (music, family conversation etc.).Once you got your dream room, here is the next advice. Don’t use the bed for study every time.

Drag yourself to your table, if not you are going to regret later. It will in-

fessionally and Meticulously: Analyze your shortcomings and strengths to plan your strategy. Accumulate your resources and utilize for best results. It requires strategic planning, positive attitude, hard work, careful guidance and loads of practice.

P9

comics. This not only recharges your mind but also motivates you to do better next time.

13. How to approach a question: Try conventional methods first, say experts.

If they don’t work out, try to understand the problem again and find clues that can lead you to the solution. “Go through the concepts related to the problem once again and see how they can be applied to the problem at hand.

Try to relate the problem to real-life situations. It will help you to analyze it better. Refer to the solution, only when you have

19. Fill the empty spaces: Try to fill the empty spaces means read, recite, and memorize the concepts/formulas while eating, waiting and travelling etc. Breathing exercises should be included in this regime in order to relieve the stress and be ready for intellectual challenges.

Food is also a very important aspect that needs to be taken care of when preparing for entrance examinations. Stay away from fried, fatty and high sugar foods and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Drink water or energy

ØBasics should be cleared through standard books of class. Ø Once the basics are clear, students can move up the ladder by opting to read various other books in the market.

ØHave 15 minutes break between two subjects. ØAlways remember how much days you have in your hand. Ø Always keep water bottle on your study table. ØTurn off your gadgets during study (recommended). ØA proper time table does not include whole day study. Ø Go to a park or have some fresh air somehow. Ø Always be focused while studying.

How to Become a Fashion Designer Fashion designers are the people who create the clothing and accessories purchased by the billions every year by consumers.

In doing this, designers regularly study fashion trends, sketch designs, select colors and fabrics, and oversee the process by which their original designs come to fruition in the form of new clothes and accessories. m The design process, which typically takes between 18 and 24 months, involves the following steps: m Researching future fashion trends. Some designers use trend reports that project the particular styles, colors, and fabrics which are expected to be popular for a certain season in the future. m Sketching preliminary designs. Although most designers initially sketch designs by hand, a growing number now make use of computer-aided design (CAD) software to translate these hand sketches to the computer. m Visiting manufacturers or trade shows. Fabric samples help designers decide which fabrics to use with which designs. m Creating a prototype of the article using cheaper materials. The prototype is tried on a model for design adjustments. m Making samples using the actual material, marketing them to clothing retailers, and displaying them at fashion and trade shows. When retailers at the shows place orders, these items can then be manufactured and distributed.

Depending on their experience level and also on the size of the design firm they work for, fashion designers may have varying levels of involvement in some or all of these process steps. Some fashion designers are self-employed. They generally work for individual clients on a contract or on a jobby-job basis. These types of designers tend to have sporadic working hours, often needing to make adjustments to their workday (or work nights) to meet deadlines. Other designers are employed by manufacturing establishments, wholesalers, or design firms, creating designs for the mass market.

These types of designers generally tend to have a more normal work schedule, although even they will occasionally need to work long hours to meet production deadlines or prepare for fashion shows.

Steps to Become a Fashion Designer To be a fashion designer, you should 1. Become familiar with the tools of the trade. Fashion designers can't do their job if they aren't able to put their ideas on paper and then make prototypes. In addition, programs such as Adobe Illustrator and the Optitex Pattern Making Suite may also be used by designers to easily modify their ideas and experiment with new looks. At the very least, you should have basic knowledge of sewing and drawing prior to applying to a degree program. Some fashion designers teach themselves these skills, but you could take sewing classes at a local fabric shop or learn drawing techniques through programs offered

at art museums, art councils and community colleges. Although it may be difficult to gain hands-on experience with specialized pattern-making software outside of design school, classes for Illustrator may be found at community college.

2. Apply to design school.

At this point, you should have the basic skills necessary to begin designing. Now it's time to apply to a design school where you can be professionally trained. Art and design schools may offer both associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. Associate degrees may be completed in 1-2 years and offer a basic overview of the profession. However, a Bachelor of Fine Arts may be preferred by some employers and offer greater opportunity to specialize studies in an area such as children's wear, special occasion or intimate apparel. Some schools may combine design degrees with business or marketing coursework to round out your skills. Request information from several schools to determine which offers the program that best matches your career goals. Ask for information on the school's retention and graduation rates as well for details on where recent graduates are working.

3. Create a professional portfolio. Selecting the right school is important because it will likely be the place where you develop your professional portfolio. "Attend a good school with a high reputation for turning out good designers," advises Nicola Schulten-Gaywood, an independent footwear designer in Rockford, Michigan. "You will need to show a superb portfolio."

A portfolio can vary depending on your specialty and, at the start, may include a mix of personal projects and class assignments. Your design school may also have career counselors available to help you craft a resume to accompany your portfolio.

4. Complete an internship.

Some fashion design schools may have an established internship program while other schools may leave students to independently pursue these opportunities. Either way, an internship is an important step, one that not only allows you make networking connections but also helps you learn how to work in the collaborative environment that marks most designer jobs.

"You may be creative but if you interrupt other people's ideas, are inflexible and want to "own" every idea yourself, you probably won't make it," Schulten-Gaywood says.

"If you want to start you own line, I would still advise a solid stint in the industry so you understand all aspects."

5. Get ready to work hard.

The final step in how to become a fashion designer involves working hard to prove your worth.

New designers need to be willing to step up as a part of a team rather than insisting on their particular vision. "Show that you are willing to work day and night, re-do [a design] over and over until it is perfect," says SchultenGaywood. "These characteristics are just as important as attending the right school programs."

NATION

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

Russia agrees to lease another nuclear attack submarine to India New Delhi, Oct 19: Russia has quietly agreed to lease out a second nuclear attack submarine of the Akula class to India this month in a deal worth around $2 billion. The lease of the first Akula-class submarine that the Indian Navy calls INS Chakra expires in 2021.

The lease deal for the second nuclear submarine was finalised at a summit-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The attack submarine will arrive in Indian waters in 2020-21. The decision to acquire a second Russian nuclear submarine on lease was taken after India's first indigenously built nuclear submarine INS Arihant was quietly commissioned days before the September 18 Uri terrorist attack. The 6,000tonne indigenous nuclear submarine that can fire nuclear ballistic missiles up to a range of 3,500- km was commissioned in secret even as Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif was invoking in public the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons against India.

Russia has quietly agreed to lease out a second nuclear attack submarine of the Akula class to India this month.

The Akula-class submarine is nuclear powered but is armed with conventional land attack missiles. The Arihant, however, is part of India's nuclear triad with Agni V missiles and aircraftdelivered nukes making up the other two legs. Given the sharp variation of temperatures with depth in Indian waters, the difficulty of detecting the Arihant makes it a potent weapon.

It is understood that Arihant has already been operationally deployed.

The second indigenous nuclear submarine of the

same class, INS Aridhaman, will slip into the water in 2018.

Powered by an 83 MW miniaturized reactor which went critical on August 10, 2013, the Arihant had to undergo extensive diving and missile firing trials.

Pakistan does not have a nuclear submarine, and thus lacks a nuclear triad. China has four nuclear-powered submarines in operation, a number that will go up to six in a couple of years. China's N-subs carry a version of the Dong Feng nuclear missile that has a range of up to 7,000 km. (PTI)

Hizbul Mujahideen asks Kashmiri Pandits to return to Valley Sringar, Oct19: Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has asked migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to flee the Valley in early 1990 after the eruption of militancy, to return to their homes , assuring protection to them, and also said it was planning to raise a group of Sikh youths.

"We request Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes. We take responsibility of their safety," Zakir Rashid Bhat alias 'Musa', the self-styled commander of the militant outfit, said in a brief video message released yesterday.

Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee the Valley after they were targeted by militant groups during the outbreak of militancy and have been living in Jammu and other parts of

the country.

"They should look at those Pandits who never left Kashmir. Who has harassed or killed them?" asked slain militant Burhan Wani 's 'successor'.

Dressed in military camouflage and fiddling with a grenade in the video, Bhat, who dropped out of engineering course from a Punjab college and joined Hizbul Mujahideen some years back, also gave a bizarre argument that Pandits were forced out of the Valley under a planned strategy to target Muslims.

He claimed that the government was planning to take action in the Valley in an operation similar to 'Operation Blue Star' in Punjab.

Bhat revealed in the 1.38 minute video that the militant was planning to raise

dents of paddy burning.

"We are taking action as stubble burning is a serious issue. Till yesterday, we have initiated action in 480 cases against those found burning the stubble," Principal Secretary, Environment Department-cumChairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Shrikant Walgad told PTI today.

He said fines were imposed on violators and cases under the Environment Pollution Act were tried by environment courts at Kurukshetra and Faridabad.

Asked in which areas of Haryana the problem was more prevalent, Walgad said, "Generally it is the paddy belt of Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Karnal and Yamunanagar".

Burning of paddy residue causes air pollution, smog and also poses a serious threat as it leads to medical problems such as breathing issues, allergies and asthma attacks.

It causes emission of smoke and toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and nitrous oxide. It also leads to poor soil health by eliminating essential nutrients, agri experts said.

Training workshops and awareness programmes for farmers are conducted from time to time in both states where peasants are informed about the harmful affects of stubble burning, officials

said.

The Haryana government has also directed district level committees, which have been constituted for this purpose, to monitor the incidences of crop residue burning through satellite images and submit a daily report to headquarters, Walgad said.

Besides, the committees have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and register cases against violators of this Act in special environment courts along with photographic and videographic evidence.

A multimedia campaign would also be launched in Haryana under which the district administrations would conduct workshops, competitions and rallies, apart from making preventive and educative efforts, he said.

While the air quality is being monitored through Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations of the Pollution Control Board, the incidences are monitored electronically and remotely through satellite images for which Haryana Remote Space Application Centre (HARSAC) has been engaged.

Walgad also directed deputy commissioners to gear up their field machinery to monitor the incidences of violation of the ban. (Agencies)

3 killed in armed IAF's MI-17 helicopter clash over Gurdwara crash-lands in in Punjab village Uttarakhand Muktsar, Oct 19 : Three persons were killed and four injured today in firing between two factions over the control of a Gurdwara in a village in this district of Punjab, police said today.

The incident in Mallan village took place when one faction led by Makhan Singh went to Gurdwara premises to take its "possession" which was resisted by the other faction led by Naib Singh, police said.

During the clash, members of both the factions fired several rounds at each other, police said.

"Three persons were killed in the firing," Muktsar SSP Gurpreet Singh Gill said,

adding four others were injured.

Police said Makhan Singh had been performing sewa at the Gurdwara in village Mallan for the last many years.

However, another group led

by Naib Singh allegedly took control over the Gurdwara yesterday.

"Today, a group of over 100 people, led by Makhan Singh and local villagers went to Gurdwara to regain control over the temple which led to bloody clash between both factions," said police.

Senior officials of police including SSP visited the spot and the matter was being investigated. (PTI)

Dehradun, Oct 19: An Mi-17 helicopter of Indian Air Force on Wednesday crashlanded near Mana village in Chamoli districtof Uttarakhand.

Some persons onboard received minor injuries when the helicopter carrying 15 people, including crew members, crash- landed on Thastoli helipad near Mana, police sources said.

Prima-facie a technical fault led to the crashlanding, the sources said.

The chopper has been damaged in the incident, they said. (PTI)

HIGHLIGHTS Hizbul Mujahideen has asked migrant Kashmiri Pandits to return to the valley.

The militant outfit has assured them protection.

Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee the Valley in early 1990 after the eruption of militancy an exclusive group of Sikh youths in the outfit.

"Our Sikh brothers are requesting us to join Hizbul Mujahideen...We are with them on every front and God willing, we will try and make an exclusive group for Sikhs in the outfit," he said.

About the latest trend of weapon snatching in the Valley, especially in south Kashmir districts, he said, "Many youths have taken to Jihad, snatched the weapons and joined our ranks."

Two green banners with religious slogans and as many

weapons on both sides behind him could also been seen in the video which was shot at an unknown location.

South Kashmir witnessed a spurt in weapon snatching incidents over the past three months of unrest which was triggered by the killing of Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

The unrest has so far claimed 84 lives and injured thousands of others. (PTI)

NHRC notice to Odisha Idea of compulsory voting govt on hospital fire 'not so practical: CEC

Punjab, Haryana farmers ignore ban on stubble burning Chandigarh, Oct 19: Ignoring warnings by state authorities on burning paddy stubble, many farmers in Haryana and Punjabare still continuing the banned practice, leading to health risks and adversely affecting soil health.

Both the Haryana and Punjab governments have imposed a ban on burning of paddy residue and the erring farmers can also be prosecuted by authorities.

However, reports from various areas, including Karnal district in Haryana and Patiala district in Punjab, suggest that farmers are still burning paddy straw despite being asked to shun the practice by the authorities, including the state pollution control boards and the agriculture departments.

Farmers are also being provided subsidy on farm implements like happy seeder, rotavators, straw reapers for managing straw in a sustainable manner to stop the practice.

In the last few years it has been noted that when stubble is burned in the two leading agrarian states, the pollutants enter Delhi, adversely affecting the air quality in the nationalcapital.

The magnitude of the problem can be gauged from the fact that within a span of just three weeks in the current harvest season, authorities in Haryana have initiated action in 480 inci-

P10

Victims being taken out of the hospital.

Bhubaneswar, Oct 19: Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on the fire at Sum Hospital that claimed 21 lives here, theNational Human Rights Commission today issued notice to Odisha Government seeking a report in six weeks.

The Commission issued notice to the state government through its chief secretary calling for a report, including relief and rehabilitation granted to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured, within six weeks, a release from NHRC said.

The chief secretary has also been asked to inform about the steps/ precautions taken or proposed to be taken by the state government to prevent recur-

rence of such mishaps, the release said.

The Commission has observed that callous attitude and lapses of the authorities, if any, amount to violation of right to life of the patients. It has expressed shock how the state authorities allowed such a large number of hospitals to function without proper fire safety clearance, it said.

Reportedly, the hospital in question was warned in 2013 for not keeping the safety measures, but the hospital authorities ignored it, the NHRC release said adding that in Odisha, out of 568 hospitals, only 3 have clearance of the department of fire safety.

(PTI)

We don't defend political murders in Kerala: CPI

New Delhi, Oct 19: The idea of compulsory voting has not been found practical, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said on Wednesday, months after the government rejected a similar demand in the Lok Sabha.

"Issue of compulsory voting as prevalent in some countries has been a matter of discussion earlier...We found the idea not so practical. But we will like to hear," he said.

He was addressing an international conference on voter awareness here.

In February while responding to a private member's bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on compulsory voting, then Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had said though he appreciated the intention of the members, it would not be possible for the government to introduce compulsory voting and penalise those who failed to exercise their franchise.

The Law Commission in its report on electoral reforms submitted in March last had also decided against recommending compulsory voting by terming it as "highly undesirable" for a variety of reasons such as being undemocratic, illegitimate, expensive, unable to improve quality political participation and awareness, and difficult to implement.

Later, responding to a question by reporters on the hold-

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi ing of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, Zaidi said the Commission has told a Parliamentary committee and theLaw Ministry that such an exercise can be undertaken once political parties are unanimous in amending the constitution and the poll panel's certain demands like buying new EVMs are met.

In its reply to the Law Ministry in May on the issue, the Commission had said it supported the proposal but cost involved will be to the tune of over Rs 9,000 crore.

Deposing before the parliamentary panel which gave its report on 'Feasibility of holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies' in December last, the Commission had expressed similar "difficulties".

The Commission has told the government as well as the committee that simultaneous conduct of elections would require large-scale purchase of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines.

While as per electoral law, elections can be held six months prior to the end of the term of a House, the term of the House cannot be extended except during proclamation of Emergency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said during a meeting of BJP office-bearers on March 19 that state elections coupled with local-level polls, spread across virtually every year, often "hinder" the execution of welfare measures. He was keen on simultaneous elections once in five years.

(PTI)

Amarinder Singh says Badal govt neglecting martyrs The deserted roads in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday due to strike by BJP workers in protest against the brutal killing of a party activist in Kannur.

Hyderabad, Oct 19: Voicing concern over spurt in political violence in Kerala's Kannur district, the Communist Party of India has urged the CPI-M to exercise restraint and not get provoked by the RSS as it has the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the LDFruled state.

"It's very unfortunate that continuously these type of murders and revenge murders are taking place," CPI General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy told PTI. "Both should exercise restraint, particularly RSS. Every time, it's the RSS, who has done it first (political murder). That does not mean that I defend the revenge murders (by CPI-M).

Both should exercise restraint," he said.

"Our advice (to CPI-M) is exercise restraint, and not to get provoked (by RSS) with this type of things and after all it's the responsibility of government of Kerala about the law and order situation. More responsibility is with CPI-M as it's in government (as the lead

partner)," Reddy said.

He charged the RSS-BJP with trying to create a "communal atmosphere" by "these" (political violence).

Reddy alleged that BJP president Amit Shah has appealed to editors of all news channels and newspapers that "this (political violence in Kannur district) should be made an all-India issue ... It should be in limelight. That shows they have got ulterior motives".

He denied suggestions of cycle of political violence happening whenever CPI-M is in power in Kerala, saying, "Even earlier it was taking place, even when CPM was in opposition".

BJP activist Remith was allegedly hacked to death in Kannur district, the hometown of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last Wednesday, within 48 hours of the murder of a CPM activist and toddy shop worker Mohanan.

The BJP called a 'hartal' in Kerala last Thursday to protest against the killing of its party activist. (PTI)

Amarinder Singh Bathinda, Oct 19: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh on Wednesday castigated the Parkash Singh Badalgovernment for allegedly neglecting families of fallen soldiers in the state.

He said the SAD-BJP government had failed to maintain a statue of Victoria Cross and Maha Vir Chakra recipient Subedar Nand Singh at Fauji (Shaheed) Chowk here.

Amarinder today led a

large gathering of party workers and local residents in cleaning up the "neglected statue".

Expressing anguish over its condition, Amarinder said there was no point in setting up memorials if the government could not ensure their proper maintenance.

He urged the Indian Army to take over the upkeep of such properties to prevent them from falling into disrepair.

"Our martyrs deserve no less," he said.

Amarinder, who hails from the first Sikh battalion, described the condition of Nand Singh's memorial as "yet another glaring instance of how little the (ruling) Badals care for our soldiers and their memories."

The soldier also finds mention in Amarinder's book 'Lest We Forget'.

"Unfortunately, the Badal government has never shown much respect for our army or its personnel," he said, referring to the prolonged stir of the war widows in Punjab.

"The war widows have been trying unsuccessfully to draw the government's attention to their plight," said Amarinder Singh, while reiterating his commitment to addressing the concerns of the widows and families of the martyred soldiers.

Amarinder reached Bathinda, considered a Badal stronghold, yesterday at the culmination of the second day of his Kisan Yatra road show.(PTI)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

P11

Dhoni, Kohli, Rahane proudly wear 4 Things You Must their mothers' name on jerseys Never Wear On Diwali A new ad campaign featuring cricket stars MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane has gone viral on the internet for all the right reasons.

'Dhoni, Kohli and Rahane' three surnames which are well known throughout the country. Every cricket-loving fan in India knows and idolises these three superstars who have made the whole nation proud with their exploits on the cricket field.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni India's most successful captain, Virat Kohli - India's latest run-machine and Ajinkya Rahane - India's most dependable batsman.

The three players have made a name for themselves in world cricket.

Which is perhaps why Star India, who are also the sponsors of the Indian cricket team, have roped in Dhoni, Kohli and Rahane for their latest ad campaign which highlights the role of their mothers in their lives.

The media conglomerate wants to cash in on the popularity of these three cricketers and have launched a new TV campaign named 'Nayi Soch'

deputy.

The Men in Blue are currently involved in a ODI series against New Zealand and won the first match at Dharamsala by a comfortable margin on Sunday.

Kohli starred in the match and top-scored for India with an unbeaten 85. The new advertisement was played throughout the duration of the match and quickly caught the attention of the viewers and became viral on the internet within minutes of its release.

which shows Dhoni, Kohli and Rahane proudly wearing their mothers' names on their jersey instead of their own names or father's surnames, acknowledging the fact that one derives one's identity as much from one's mother as one's father.

Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director Star India says, "We at Star India are very happy to partner with BCCI for an iconic brand initiative of "Nayi Soch". Star Plus has been a lighthouse brand for women. We have always put women first, told their stories, and are now set to take it to the next level - by

challenging orthodoxy and stereotypes that come in the way of progress for women."

Not many would know about the contributions and sacrifices made by Devki Dhoni, Saroj Kohli and Sujata Rahane which is why this advert is an eye-opener for all of us and delivers a very strong message in a subtle yet impactful manner.

Dhoni's journey from the small lanes in Ranchi to being India's most successful cricket captain was highlighted in the recent

bollywood biopic MS Dhoni: The untold story.

The film is being loved by millions and has been declared a blockbuster hit.

Kohli's mother has raised her son almost singlehandedly as her husband had passed away when Kohli was in his early teens, while Rahane also comes from a humble background.

The hard work, patience and dedication of their parents is the major reason behind their success today.

Kohli has already broken several records in a short span of time as India's Test captain with Rahane as his

Make room for storage

When redesigning a kitchen, put function first, says interior designer Jacqui Hargrove. "There's no ideal kitchen shape," she says.

"Whether it's a galley or Uor L-shaped, plan for the sink, fridge and cook top to form a triangle, with no more than 6 feet between each for ease of movement."

"The biggest mistake people make at the planning stage is not allowing for enough storage," Jacqui says. "Use every nook and cranny. Put overhead cabinets right up to the ceiling, rather than leaving a gap on top that collects dust." Consider deep drawers for easier access to pots and pans, and include enough storage for appliances that otherwise would clutter up countertops.

Space and surface There's no such thing as too much counter space. Choose a surface that's easy to work on and care for.

But keep in mind that grout between tiles is hard to maintain and that stainless steel will scratch very easily.

Parcooking Short for "partial cooking," parcooking involves partially cooking a dish now and finishing it later, presumably when you want to serve it. It's a time-honored technique to keep dishes that normally dry out easily moist and flavorful, and avoid needing to reheat them when it's time to serve (which makes your food taste like, well, leftovers.)

It's also a great when you need to start cooking a dish one way (baking chops to keep them juicy, for ex-

ample) and finish it another way (on the grill for that delicious char, for example, or like a curry, shown in the video above) or you have a lot going on at once but everything needs to be ready at the same time (like Thanksgiving dinner.)

Parcooking is a pretty general cooking method, and it's really about timing and the recipe you're making.

That means the how depends heavily on the food you're cooking, and how (or when) you plan to finish it.

Parcooking a casserole may involve baking it through but stopping shy of a crispy crust or firm, solid body that won't fall apart when you dish it out. Parcooking rice or pasta on the other hand may involve boiling in water until it's just shy of al dente, and finishing it later in a pan full of homemade sauce. Because it's so widely applicable, it's useful for almost anything.

Blanching Speaking of cooking vegetables, blanching is a bit like parcooking, but shorter, faster, and specifically meant for fruit and vegetables. It's simple, and it's the secret weapon restaurants use to make their veggies delicious. Here's how it's done: 1. Bring a pot of water (salted or unsalted, depending on your dish) to a rolling boil.

2. Drop your fruit or vegetables into the hot water for a short, specific amount of time-usually just a few minutes.

3. Remove your fruit or vegetables, and place them into a cold water or ice bath to immediately stop the cooking process.

This technique is perfect if you have something you want to heat thoroughly, but you don't want to sacrifice its texture or flavor to do it.

Carryover Cooking Speaking of "cooking

Avoid loose fitting salwar Another thing that can be avoided is a loose fitting salwar, more specifically the Patiala ones. Since ananarkali or a kurta or a kameez is synonymous with traditional dressing, you can team it up with achuridaar or fitted leggings and avoid the salwar that can catch fire because of its loose fitting.

Sarees with long loose pallu

Power play

See the light

Be sure there are appropriate power sources for relocated or new appliances.

Many people realize too late that they don't have the right gas or electric lines, Richard says. Plumber Stuart McGroder also suggests measuring appliances to ensure that they fit comfortably into allocated spaces. "If a dishwasher is crammed in, it could push up against the hose and won't drain properly," Stuart says.

Unlike in other rooms of the house, overhead lighting is insufficient in kitchens, says electrician Richard Terode.

"In the kitchen, you don't want the light behind you, casting a shadow on the workspace. You need it positioned to fall in front of you." He likes under-cabinet lights because they shine directly on countertops.

Five Useful Cooking Techniques No One Teaches You Most of us learn to cook through trial and error, the Food Network, or being forced to feed ourselves when no one else will do it.

So naturally, no one's born knowing how to sautĂŠ chicken, or blanch vegetables. Here are some basic (but useful) cooking techniques chefs use every day, but the rest of us rarely pick up.

you must never wear on Diwali. These are basically things that must be careful with on this diwali. A little caution is always good and you can have a memorable Diwali with friends and family.

The first and foremost thing that ladies need to watch out for is the dupatta. While you can dress up in your favorite anarkali or salwar kameez, it is advisable not to wear the dupatta when you go for the fireworks celebration. Since the dupatta hangs freely on your shoulders, there is every possible chance of mishap. You can wear it at the time of religious festivities and the Puja, but make sure to do away with it once you are out for burning crackers at night.

While Kohli says , "Main jitna Kohli hu, utna Saroj bhi."

And finally Rahane concludes by saying, "Log kahte hai baap ka naam raushan karo, lekin mere liye Maa kaa naam bhi raushan karna utna hi important hai."

can also bring along certain safety concerns.

Accidents on Diwali are something that we all hear about every year, and that is the reason we thought of putting together some pointers for you on things

Watch out for your dupatta

The commercial is divided into three segments starting with Dhoni. Captain Cool says, "Itne dino se main apne pita ka naam pehen raha, tab to aap ne kabhi nahi poocha ki koi khaas wajah?," when asked by a reporter on why he is wearing his mother's name on the back of his jersey.

Top 5 Kitchen Design Tips

Think ahead

What to wear on Diwali is a question we all must be pondering upon as the festival of lights is just around the corner. However, the question is that while we want to dress up at our traditional and ethnic best, it

thanks to its own heat," this process is called "carryover cooking." You may rely on it already, but it's actually a really powerful tool you may not think to actually use. When you take a roast or a chicken out of the oven a few degrees shy of its recommended safe temperature, or when you take your steaks off the grill and then let them rest, you're actually relying on carryover cooking to finish your dish for you. And that's not a bad thing!

Think about it: When you take a dish off the burner, or out of the oven, it's still hot for a while, right? The same processes you started by adding heat to the food itself will continue as long as the food is warm enough.

That's why "perfectly cooked," almost always comes after "take it out of the oven at (safe temperature minus X degrees) and let it rest." Food retains heat

and continues to cook well after being removed from a heat source. The bigger, denser, and more proteinrich the food, the more carryover cooking is a factor.

Toasting and Blooming Spices Hopefully you're not the type to shy away from seasoning your food, but when you're ready to take seasoning your dishes to the next level, it's time to get familiar with toasting your raw spices (like in the video below) before you add them to your food, and blooming ground spices in oil (like in the video above) before you start cooking. You may have seen recipes that suggest you toast nuts (like pine nuts, specifically) or seeds (like fennel or anise seed) to release their flavor before you either add them to a dish or grind them up and use them as seasoning.

Talking of sarees, we can obviously not count them out when it comes to what to wear on Diwali. A saree is an epitome of class and elegance for Indian women and what better occasion to wear them than on Diwali. The only word of caution here would be to make sure the saree is tied neat and clean, and the pallu does not hang loose. You can always tuck it in and make sure you are taking care of the safety factor well.

Improperly tied sarees Another couple of things that you can do with sarees; firstly, tie it a little higher than you normally do so that the lower end is not exposed to any stray fire sparks that are coming out of the crackers.

So whatever fabric you choose to wear on Diwali, be it a suit or a saree, avoid synthetic materials completely. They stick to the body and are highly prone to catching fire. Moreover, in the event of some mishap occurring, it is difficult to get away with synthetic fabrics as the fire spreads rapidly.

Festival of lights is a beautiful time to get together with family and friends and revel in joy and celebration. Being safe is something that is of utmost importance. So please keep in mind the above things when you choose what to wear on Diwali. Wishing that the day is happy and safe for one and all!

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

P12 Favourites India under pressure to reclaim ACT hockey title Kuantan (Malaysia), Oct 19 : Asian Games gold medalists India start as the overwhelming favourites to reclaim the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) men's hockey tournament featuring continent's top six nations, starting here on Thursday.

Winners of the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy at Ordos five years ago, India have since then been indifferent in fielding their best squad for this competition, which suffered from lack of enthusiasm among the continent's hockey elite.

After two editions of the annual event were not conducted in 2014 and 2015, the Asian Champions Trophy got a boost from the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) decision to include it in the qualification system for future Olympics and World Cups.

The FIH decision has attracted the top Asian hockey talent to the Malaysian post city of Kuantan which will quality action from October 20 to 30.

Fielding their best-available squad that was marred by a spate of injuries, India's billing as the hot favourites could put them under pressure.

Twice defending champions Pakistan, who are the best performing team in the Asian Champions Trophy's short history, and former Asian champions South Korea will be eager to pull off a surprise against the higher-ranked opponents.

Indian team coach Roelant Oltmans has implored his side for positive results in this outing.

"Our quarterfinal ouster in the Olympics was a disappointment, but it has instilled a belief in the players that they can match the best in the world. Now, Indian hockey fans will be looking for some good results," says Oltmans.

Ranked number six in the world and way ahead of the other teams competing in this tournament, the Indian players are aware that nothing less than the title will be deemed as a positive result.

Dhoni's India ready to dominate Kiwis once again New Delhi, Oct 19: It may be just another ODI in a bilateral series, but there is lot at stake for Dhoni, who has been under pressure after Test skipper Virat Kohli led India to the number one ranking following a 3-0 whitewash.

With India up 1-0 in the five-match series, Dhoni and his men would like to reassert themselves at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in order to further consolidate their lead.

It is expected that Dhoni would not tinker much with the playing XI from last game with Suresh Raina, who missed the opening match, being ruled out of the second ODI as well after failing to recover from a bout of viral fever.

At the face of it, there is apparently no danger to Dhoni's captaincy since the team is still winning matches. But if one digs deeper, Virat has slowly and surely been the man everyone is looking forward to as a leader.

A 'Clean Sweep' in Test series with a career-best double hundred, followed by an effortless 85 Not out

Limited over Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be eager to regain his golden touch even as Virat Kohli eyes another smashing knock at his home ground when favourites India lock horns with a hapless New Zealand in the second ODI here tomorrow.

in first ODI, Kohli has time and again showed as to how it is done "leading from the front."

For Dhoni, it's now about showing the world that he is far from being dubbed as a spent force in limited overs after earning sobriquet of 'Best Finisher" some years back.

While Kane Williamson's

'Black Caps' is struggling to stay afloat in the series, India's 'Captain Cool' is fighting a different battle to remain the 'supreme' commander' of 'Men in Blue'.

Dhoni is still supremely fit and agile behind the stumps. His captaincy acumen cannot be questioned.

Testimony to that is Hardik Pandya opening the bowling and Kedar Jadhav fill-

ing in the role of a part time off-spinner.

But then runs aren't exactly coming from his bat. The big hits aren't being executed with perfection that used to be his hallmark a few years ago.

He was run out for 21 in the last game and although that didn't affect the outcome of the match in any way, but the skipper knows only too well that he has to play a few impact innings in coming weeks.

No wonder Dhoni's intensity while batting at Kotla nets during an optional session was there to be seen. For the record, he needs another 61 runs to complete 9000 ODI runs. But there must be a lingering shadow of Virat standing right behind him.

A 3-0 Test series victory has set a benchmark.

Now Dhoni would like to ideally win the series 5-0 against a New Zealand side. A blip here or a hiccup there would invite more criticism as people take it for granted that India will win hands down against New Zealand. (PTI)

Ana Konjuh upsets Barbora Strycova in 3 sets at Kremlin Cup Moscow, Oct 19 : Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh ousted sixthseeded Barbora Strycova in the first round of the Kremlin Cup on Tuesday, winning 6-4, 1-6, 6-2.

The 18-year-old Konjuh will now meet Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova in the second round after she upset Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10) after a tense deciding tiebreak.

Seventh-seeded Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, a former champion in Moscow, is also in the second round after winning 7-6 (2), 57, 7-5 against Czech qualifier Katerina Siniakova.

Pavlyuchenkova’s reward is a second-round match again former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia,

who beat Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-3 in a match featuring 15 breaks of serve.

“It was very difficult for me to hold my serve because my opponent was returning very well and she was at times making so many great winners,” Jankovic said.

Australia’s Daria Gavrilova reached the second round with a 62, 6-2 win over Lucie Safarova, and goes on to meet third-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain in the second round.

In the men’s event, sixth-seeded Pablo Carrena Busta of Spain came back from a set down to reach round two with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (2) victory over Austrian

second half and Andre Silva scored a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot.

For Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas it was a 92nd win in the Champions League, allowing him to surpass Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez and establish a new record.

Leicester's Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur found themselves hanging on for a point as they claimed a 0-0 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in Group E. A Vincent Janssen header that came back

off the bar was the closest Spurs came to scoring at the BayArena. The home side piled on the pressure in the second half but Javier Hernandez was denied by a brilliant save on the line by Hugo Lloris and Stefan Kiessling missed a great chance late on.

"We can be pleased with the point," said Lloris. "The game turned in the second half, Leverkusen pressed high and we struggled a bit. I think the draw is a good result for us."

IBC President Brig. PKM Raja attended the meet in which the Indian body was welcomed into the fold by WBO founder Chairman Luis Batista Salas.

New Delhi, Oct 19: The Indian Boxing Council, a licensing body for the country's professional boxers, has been inducted into the World Boxing Organisation with voting rights in the WBO's annual convention at Puerto Rico.

IBC President Brig. PKM Raja attended the meet in which the Indian body was welcomed into the fold by WBO founder Chairman Luis Batista Salas. "I am extremely delighted that Indian Box-

ing Council has been formally welcomed into the WBO fold. This paves the way for Indian Boxers to participate in WBO Events and be eligible to compete for WBO Asia Pacific as well as WBO World Titles," Brig. Raja said.

"It was a momentous occasion for me as President of IBC, when many prominent Boxing Promoters from Asia, Europe, America and Africa congratulated me immediately after the WBO an-

nouncement and expressed their keen interest to join hands with Indian Boxing Council for the promotion of Professional Boxing in India," he added.

The convention was also attended by Neerav Tomar, Managing Director and CEO of Infinity Optimal Solutions (IOS), which is the India promoter of star boxer Vijender Singh. Vijender is the reigning WBO AsiaPacific super middleweight champion. (PTI)

Spelling out practical problems it had encountered in implementing the Justice Lodha committee's reforms in the BCCI and its affiliates in totality, Mumbai Cricket Association has said it already had in place measures that, by and large, jell well with the reform process.

Ana Konjuh will now meet Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova in the second round.

veteran Jurgen Melzer.

There was also a win for seventh-seeded Paolo

Lorenzi, who saw off fellow Italian Federico Gaio 6-4, 6-4.

Leicester City maintained a perfect record in Group G in their first foray in Europe's elite club competition by edging FC Copenhagen 1-0.

Riyad Mahrez scored the solitary goal in Leicester's win over Copenhagen.

Indian Boxing Council inducted in WBO

MCA writes letter to BCCI on implementing reforms

UEFA Champions League: Riyad Mahrez takes Leicester City closer to last 16, Real Madrid win big Paris, Oct 19: Riyad Mahrez secured another Champions League victory for Leicester City while big boys Real Madrid, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also in winning form.

Leicester maintained a perfect record in Group G in their first foray in Europe's elite club competition by edging FC Copenhagen 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday with Mahrez getting the only goal of the game. Islam Slimani headed down a Jamie Vardy cross for Mahrez to score with a close-range volley with the outside of his left foot five minutes before half-time.

With Porto winning 2-1 away to Club Brugge in the group's other game, Claudio Ranieri's side now know a win away to Copenhagen in their next match on November 2 will secure a place in the last 16. "We're in a good position now," said Ranieri.

"We knew it would be tough.

Copenhagen tried until the end.

It was difficult at the start, but the performance was good."

In Bruges, Jelle Vossen put the home side in front early on but Miguel Layun lashed in the equaliser midway through the

Vijender Singh (left) is one of India's most celebrated boxers. He's the reigning WBO Asia-Pacific super middleweight champion.

Just three points separate all four teams in the section, but it is Monaco who are on top after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at CSKA Moscow. Ivorian striker Lacina Traore, on loan from Monaco, scored against his parent club in the 34th minute but Bernardo Silva equalised for the visitors late on.

Trouble mars Madrid win Reigning champions Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 victory at home to Legia Warsaw in Group F after supporter violence marred the build-up to the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Five fans and two police officers were treated for minor injuries following clashes outside the stadium before kick-off.

When the game began, Vadis Odjidja struck the post for the visitors before Gareth Bale fired in the opener and a Marcelo shot went in off Tomasz Jodlowiec.

Miroslav Radovic pulled one back from the penalty spot but Marco Asensio made it 3-1 before the interval and substitutes Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata added further goals in the second half.

Zinedine Zidane's side is level on seven points at the top of the group with Borussia

Dortmund, who were 2-1 winners over Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang burst through for an early opener and a superb Julian Weigl strike made it 2-0 but Dortmund was hanging on after Bruno Cesar reduced the deficit midway through the second half.

In Group H Juan Cuadrado came off the bench to score a late winner as 10-man Juventus beat Lyon 1-0 in France.

Gianluigi Buffon was in fine form for the Italian champions as he saved a first-half Alexandre Lacazette penalty, while Juve had Mario Lemina sent off early in the second period.

But Cuadrado netted the winner 14 minutes from the end as the hosts failed to make their man advantage count. "I should thank Mario Lemina for his sending-off because I thought we played better with a man less," said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri.

They are level at the top of the group with Sevilla, who were 1-0 winners away to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Samir Nasri netting the only goal. (PTI)

New Delhi, Oct 19: Spelling out practical problems it had encountered in implementing the Justice Lodha committee's reforms in the BCCI and its affiliates in totality, Mumbai Cricket Association has said it already had in place measures that, by and large, gel well with the reform process. It has also assured the BCCI that the Rs 18.92 crore subsidy it received from the Board will be kept in FD till clearance for its utilisation is received from the Supreme Court. The letter, signed by joint secretary PV Shetty and sent to the BCCI a couple of days ago, said changes that were required to be made in its constitution as formulated by the Lodha panel, needed 2/3rds majority of its general body at its specially convened SGM. "Alteration or amendment or addition to Memorandum of Association or to these rules shall not be made except at a General Meeting by a resolution carried by a majority of two thirds of the votes of the members present

and voting at the meeting," Shetty stated in his letter.

Shetty noted that while the Board was a policy maker its state bodies were the "decision executing" bodies, in preparation of stadium for hosting matches - including ground preparation - that started four months in advance. He also observed that all the immovable property like stadiums are owned and operated by the associations and not BCCI, right through the year. "This infrastructure, though required to be created at a massive cost is not used throughout for

cricket, which is required to be maintained at a very high cost throughout the year, even when there is no cricket. Also, there are taxes levied by the local authority, which is never without the dispute and litigations which prolong for years together," the MCA official has stated in its communication to the BCCI. It was also pointed out by Shetty that while the BCCI takes care of the needs of just the cream of players in both seniors and juniors, it's the duty of the associations like MCA to take care of thousands of other players. (PTI)

PCB chief to return home from London after heart surgery Karachi, Oct 19: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Shaharyar Khan will return home from London tomorrow finally putting paid to all speculations about his stepping down from the post.

The former career diplomat has been in London since last two months and underwent a heart surgery but has made a remarkable recovery despite his age of 83.

"Yes Shaharyar will reach Lahore on Thursday morning and will be taking charge of the PCB affairs as soon he reaches home," one source in the PCB told PTI. Speculations had been rife that due to his health is-

sues, Shaharyar might step down although in August the patron in chief of the board, Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif had asked him to carry on working for another year or so.

Khan was initially brought in as Chairman in place of Najam Sethi for two years which expired last August.

"But he is now keen to carry on and he is fine now. This is bad news for those who wanted to see his back from the board," another source said.

Khan was also unable to attend the ICC executive board meeting in Cape Town recently and Pakistan was represented by the

head of the executive committee, Najam Sethi and chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmed.

The source said that soon after he comes to office, the PCB Chairman has to give approval to the list of players to be awarded the new central contracts for the next 12 months and also has to take decisions on retaining or firing some senior employees in the board.

Khan has been a big supporter of having bilateral cricket ties with India and has been pushing for this but in his absence in the last two months the PCB has largely maintained silence on this sensitive issue. (PTI)

Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com

Editor: Prahlad Hammey

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : 0373-2327517