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Vol. II

Issue 151

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Use of antibiotics among broiler chickens in Assam and North Eastern states

AT LEAST 25 DEAD IN SIBERIA AFTER DRINKING BATH ESSENCE

P10

Price -

Entry tax on POS machine, VSAT dish antennae, mobile wifi and ATMs, which is presently 4 percent, have been waived off.

Central government oil PSUs are currently offering 0.75 percent discount on the price of diesel and petrol on payments made electronically.

"Assam government will offer additional 0.75 percent in the fuel purchased electronically. This will be effective from January 1," he said He added that 10 percent discount will be offered to

ET CAPSULES Russia's ambassador to Turkey shot dead

Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was shot while giving a speech at a public event in Ankara. Russian media report that he died of his injuries.

Andrei Karlov was attending the opening of an art exhibition in the Turkish capital on Monday night, when he was shot multiple times.

IMF head found guilty Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF, has been found guilty of negligence in a court case over a government payout to a businessman eight years ago.

Lagarde was accused of failing to stop a multimillioneuro payout to businessman Bernard Tapie for the disputed sale of a firm while she was the finance minister of France.

Lagarde faced a fine and a one-year sentence, but the judge in the case recommended that she receive no penalty as a result of the verdict.

Cyrus Mistry resigns from all Tata Group companies

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After a bitter eight-week boardroom battle against Ratan Tata's "illegal coup", ousted Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry on Monday quit from the boards of six listed companies including Tata Motors and Indian Hotels and vowed to shift his fight to a "larger platform".

In a three-page statement and a recorded video message, Mistry, who was unceremoniously removed as Chairman of Tata Sons on October 24, said the objective of effective reform and best interests of employees, shareholders and other stakeholders of the Tata Group "would be better served by moving away from the forum of the extraordinary general meetings".

" A s s a m government will offer additional 0.75 percent in the fuel p u r c h a s e d electronically 10 percent discount will be offered to patients on bills above Rs 500 in government hospitals The minister added Entry tax on POS machine, VSAT dish antennae, mobile wifi and ATMs, which is that co-operative presently 4 percent, have been waived off. societies in villages Central government oil PSUs are currently offering 0.75 percent discount on the price of diesel and petrol on payments made electronically. patients on bills above Rs 500 in government hospitals.

"Property tax and trade license fee charged by urban local bodies will be reduced by 10 percent for those making electronic payment."

The minister added that cooperative societies in villages will get cash award of Rs 25,000 if 100 percent payment

will get cash award of Rs 25,000 if 100 percent payment is made electronically

is made electronically. "If all transaction in a village in a particular Gaon panchayat is made 100 percent electronic within March 31, 2017, then such village will get cash award of Rs 5 lakh."

Farmers buying seeds and fertiliser digitally will be awarded. The state government

Rs 100 per labour will be given as an incentive to a tea garden/garden provided that the full payment of wages to a particular worker at each of the specified intervals is made through digital mode during the period from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017

has also announced Rs 5 incentive per ticket to cinema hall owners for online sale of tickets.

According to the government, all taxes under the commissionerate of taxes shall only be deposited through electronic if the tax amount is Rs 10,000 or more.

"Rs 5 will be provided to Deputy Commissioners as cash incentive for every individual citizen who have transited to digital payment mode in addition to Rs 10 already announced by Niti Aayog."

The minister said Rs 100 per labour will be given as an incentive to a tea garden/ garden provided that the full payment of wages to a particular worker at each of the specified intervals is made through digital mode during the period fromJanuary 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017 and the maximum amount of such incentive will be restricted/ available to the extent of the agricultural income tax liability to be paid to the government by such tea garden.

Asked about the impact of demonetisation on the state economy, Sarma said it has become very beneficial as more people have come under tax net.

"Earlier, we used to get Rs 1,360 crore as tax devaluation from the Centre every month.

Last month, we received Rs 2,700 crore. On December 1, our tax growth was 10 per cent," the minister pointed out.

P12

RBI imposes curbs on old note deposits exceeding Rs 5,000 Old cash of Rs. 5000, more can be deposited once per account until Dec 30 No restriction on amount deposited towards black money disclosure scheme The new order on notes ban was issued by Finance Ministry on Dec 17

News at Page 9 - Business

ECI issues direction for submission of colour photo for Electoral Photo Identity Card by Dec 31 A Staff Reporter Pasighat, Dec 19

As a part of improvement of images in the electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed for replacement of earlier black and white images with coloured images as per specification prescribed for preparation and distribution of

PVC Electoral Photo Identity Cards.

While appealing the general public of East Siang for early submission of coloured photographs by 31st December 2016, District Election Officer cum Dy. Commissioner, Isha Khosla has said that, two coloured photographs along with supporting documents like

birth certificate, mobile number and e-mail address in form-8 need to be submitted to the concerned Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of the respective Polling Station within stipulated date. The said Form-8 are available in the Election Office, Pasighat and with the all BLOs, informed the official sources this evening.

Just released from jail, Akhil Gogoi vows to foil move for citizenship to Hindu Amit Nagori Golaghat, 19 Dec

press conference for allegedly instigating people during eviction near Kaziranga National Park, leading to death of two protesters. Gogoi was first lodged in Nagaon jail for the case, but subsequently he was arrested in connection with various old cases, some as many as 10 years old, registered across the state.

Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi alleged the Centre's move to grant citizenship to Bangladeshi Hindu immigrants was a "big conspiracy" and vowed to thwart it on Monday.

"I urge all the workers, farmers and common people of Assam from today itself to protect the identity of the state.

You will see that in the next three months, we will thwart any attempt to grant citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis," Gogoi told reporters just after coming out of Golaghat jail here.

Assam is in a "crisis" and there is a "big conspiracy" behind granting citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshi immigrants, the RTI activist and KMSS president alleged.

"The BJP government is trying to amend the Assam Accord by amending the Citizenship Act. KMSS will raise a united fight against this move," Gogoi said.

He also declared a fight against "privatisation" of oil

Akhil Gogoi addressing a mass rally near the Deputy Commissioner office at Golaghat.

Photo by Amit Nagori fields in Assam through auctions and vowed bring about a logical conclusion to the ongoing investigation on the corruption in Assam Public Service Commission.

Later, addressing thousands of his supporters Akhil alleged that there was an illegal nexus of the APSC and few political

leaders of Assam. He revealed that a BJP MP and recently expelled Chairman of the APSC had a nexus and the action taken by the government against the APSC is a way to divert the Hindu Bangladeshis settlement issue. Akhil Gogoi remembered his journey from Doyang Tengani in the year 2004 and thanked the media of

Assam to spread the message of his protesting voice to the public.

He charged Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of "hatching the conspiracy" of putting him behind bars, mainly to keep him away from the by-polls in Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat and Baithalangso Assembly constituency, besides the recently held Autonomous Council polls."I also urge Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to not bow in front of Delhi and Nagpur. He should be the real 'state leader' and work for the people of Assam," Gogoi said.

The Gauhati High Court had granted Gogoi bail on December 16, paving the way for his immediate release.

Talking about the demonetization measure by the Centre, the peasant leader said it has affected the farmers severely and they are in "deep crisis".

On October 2, he was arrested from the middle of a

(Additional inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Chopra is the new brand ambassador of Assam’s tourism A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 19 Dec

The Assam government today said that actor Priyanka Chopra would be the brand ambassador of the State’s tourism for two years.

“We approached Sachin Tendulkar, but he refused. After that, we went to 4-5 more celebrities. Finally, we approached Priyanka Chopra, who agreed on this,” this was stated by Assam Tourism Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Guwahati today.

Speaking to the media, Sarma said that the government had already signed a two-year agreement with Chopra “free of cost.”

“The agreement does not have

any cost. We’ll only have to pay her during shooting and also for print advertisements as she will do so by leaving aside other work,” he said.

For her first appearance for the State, Chopra will be coming to Guwahati on December 24 to take part at the International Tour Operators Conclave, the minister added.

“With her, we’ll go global with countries like the US, the UK, Japan and Germany among others. We’ll hold promotional activities there,” added the minister further.

“As she is the best, her association will definitely help Assam in attracting more national as well as global tourists,” he added.

Leading citizens submits memorandum to CM Sonowal for development of Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec. 19

Leading citizens of Dibrugarh today forwarded a memorandum to the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal through Dibrugarh MLA Prashanta Phukan and

Lahowal MLA Rituprana Baruah highlighting important points covering educational, communication, tourism, municipality etc. areas for the all-round development of Dibrugarh in particular and entire eastern Assam in general.

The memorandum was signed by Bhudev Phukan, the President of the Eastern Assam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Mukut Hazarika, Professor and Dr. Manashi Gogoi assistant professor of the Department of Education of Dibrugarh University, Dr.

Bharati Sarma Puzari, Associate professor of the Department of Eye of the Assam Medical College & Hospital, Tarun Kumar Singh, Principal of the Oil India H. S. School, Duliajan, Ikbal Ahmed, Chief Advisor of the All Assam Journalists Union

and Manash Jyoti Dutta, General Secretary of the Dibrugarh Press Club and coordinated by social activist Nabajyoti Borkakoty.

“The main points highlighted in memorandum includes setting up a Mini

Secretariat in Dibrugarh and upgradation of the Dibrugarh Municipal Board which was the second municipality in Assam established in 1873, to a full-fledged Municipal Corporation annexing adjoining areas of Barbaruah, Thakur Than, Lahowal and

Mohanbari under its jurisdiction for proper urban planning and services including an effective storm water drainage system,’’ the memorandum stated.

Contd. on Page 4

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The BJP led Assam government today a series of sops for promoting cashless transactions in the state, and in this regard, Assam finance and tourism minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said discounts will be offered in fuel purchase besides incentives are offered in payments in government hospitals, property tax, cinema tickets, and labour payment in tea estates and in government run educational institutions.

REBATE ON CASHLESS TRANSACTION

PAGE 11

Pages- 12

A 15-year wait comes to an end

P6

Assam govt announces incentives for promoting cashless transactions A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 19

5.00

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

P2 Aries You may be inclined to stay in bed today with the latest best seller, Aries.

Who wouldn't want to spend the day this way? Alas, that isn't going to happen. The planets are practically pulling the covers off you and pushing you out of bed. There's work to be done! And more importantly, there are people you need to see right now.

Put a bookmark in the book. It can wait.

Taurus You have a lot to offer, Taurus. Everyone appreciates what you have to contribute.

Yet you've been unable to give yourself credit for all that you've accomplished. It would be worthwhile to take some time to contemplate why this is so. You have a strong need to be loved, but you must first love yourself. Your family and friends will support you, but first you must support yourself.

Gemini Whether you acknowledge it or not, there's a child inside you who needs tending, Gemini. You're proud of the person you've become - and well you should be. But you're the product of who you once were. Today's planetary positions suggest you acknowledge all parts of your past - the good and the bad. Only after you've integrated all the elements can you be the person you're meant to be.

Cancer Think of today as a wellearned rest day, Cancer.

You're usually the one people turn to when they need consolation. Today, in spite of the tension in the air, your words seem to have no effect. Let other people take care of themselves for a change. You can spend your time quietly reading a good book. It's much more relaxing to get involved in drama that's fictional rather than real.

Leo Today take stock of all that's occurring on the home front, Leo. Think back over the last few months and you will see how much of your attention has been on work rather than loved ones. There's probably some fallout as a result. Fortunately, a few days in close contact with family will put everything right. You can't blame them for wanting to be with you. Try to indulge them.

Virgo Think long and hard before making commitments, Virgo.

Much is at stake, especially where your love life is concerned. It's likely that a proposal is coming your way. Do you know how you will answer? Events may have you feeling like you're at a crossroads when actually you're more on track than ever.

The key lies in trusting your instincts and remaining true to your ideals.

Libra You will be busy today, Libra.

Nevertheless, you still may end the day with your desk piled high with projects - not because you're unproductive, but rather because you're popular and your work is valued. You may be wishing you weren't quite so valuable! Don't get stressed about all you have to do. No one expects you to get it all done immediately. Get some rest. Tomorrow is another day.

Scorpio You've been working exceptionally hard, Scorpio. Today is a good day to recharge your batteries. It seems ev-

Pick-up vehicle Two youths on-board Janasatabdi Express arrested with a 7.36 pistol and six live bullets collides with car, one ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 19 : Two youths onboard Janasatabdi Express(up) were nabbed by RPF with a 7.36 pistol and six live bullets on Monday.The incident took place when two youth passengers boarded coach no D-10 of Janasatabdi Express 10 at Dimapur. According to Sitaram

Mana, an RPF official, when he was on his routine check, he found the duo to be consuming alcohol. When the official warned them not to drink alcohol while travelling as drinking is an offence, the duo tried bribing the official with Rs. 2000.

When Sitaram Mana refused, argument took place between the

Bikul Bikash Gogoi Naharkatia, Dec 19: The Namrup Unit of AASU today staged a 2 hour long sit-in-protest at Naharkatia against the state government’s failure in repairing of Dhoodar Ali road. The programme which started at11:00am was attended by the members of AASU of Namrup unit. The members of the organisation shouted slogans against state government, local M.L.A, and local M.P towards their failure in paying any heed towards the preparation of the road. It is to be noted that the Dhoodar Ali do have a historical significance which is 212 km. long road starting from Joypur in Dibrugarh to Golaghat. The road was built by Ahom king Gadadhar Singha around 1687 but even after having a histori-

AASU protest in Naharkatiya. Photo by Dipankar Kakoty cal importance the road is marred with sink holes and potholes which pose a serious threat for all the drivers and pedestrians.

Later the AASU members submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister and P.W.D minister through the Circle Officer. The

members also said that if the government don’t take any action to this matter they will carry out economic blockade in near future.

Mithun Baruah Margherita, Dec 19: Following a joint raid conducted at Margherita Region, Margherita Excise and Digboi Excise Department seized 150 litres ID, 2100 litres FW

and 11 sets of Machine.

A total of five persons were arrested in this connection. A case has been registered under Section 63(1)(A)(D) of Assam Excise Act.

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person among dead, two injured

The Bolero Pick up vehicle collided with a Maruti Alto Car at NH 38. Photo by Mithun Baruah Mithun Baruah Margherita, Dec. 19: One person died and two seriously injured when a Bolero Pick up vehicle collided with a Maruti Alto Car at NH 38 near Margherita Bus stand on Sunday night hours. According to sources, on Sunday night, the fatal accident happened when a speeding Bolero pick up vehicle bearing registration Number AS 23 AC 7275 collided with a Maruti Alto car bearing registration Number AR 12 3606. The Bolero Pick up vehicle was Margherita bound from Ledo after allegedly unloading illegal coal, while the Maruti Alto car was on the way to Changlang Arunachal

Pradesh from Tinsukia. The deceased person has been identified as Jivan Misra (58), while the other two injured persons have been identified as Jadav Kumar Biswas and Bipul Biswas both hailing from Changlang, Arunachal.

Both the injured were admitted to Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh for treatment.

Both the driver and helper of Bolero pick up vehicle escaped from the spot of the accident. In the meantime, Margherita Police have started man-hunt operation to nab both the driver and the helper of Bolero Pick up vehicle.

One Killed in Road Mishap ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 19: A 32- year- old man died in a road mishap at NH 37 of Jorhat bye-pass when a Tata Di, bearing registration number AS 02AC 8760 hit the youth from behind on Monday morning. The person was identified as Arup Saikia. The incident took place when Arup Saikia was hit by the Tata Di while he was riding on a bicycle. Arup Saikia was severely injured in the mishap and was shifted to JMCH immediately; however he succumbed to his injuries and was

Margherita Excise and Digboi Excise Deptt seizes 150 litres ID, 2100 litres FW and 11 sets of Machine

Sagittarius

Capricorn

The apprehended youths are identified as Jaan Bora of Farkating and Rahul Gogoi of Golaghat. It has been known that three more youth are involved with these two arrested youth. Both the youths are detained by RPF in Mariyani Railway Station for further investigation.

2 hours sit in protest by AASU at Naharkatiya

eryone wants a piece of you. You may have reached the point where you have nothing left to give. It's OK to say so. If possible, take the phone off the hook and reserve the day for yourself. Sleep in, meditate, go for a walk - you get the idea!

Today could be a turning point for you, Sagittarius. Is it possible that you've finally learned how to say no? You're the one everyone asks for help.

You spend so much time on other people's problems that you have little energy left for you. This situation ultimately helps no one.

Put yourself first and there will be plenty of you left for others. If you're depleted, everyone loses.

RPF official and the two youths.

The two youths tried manhandling the RPF official. However, the on-board passengers came to Sitaram Mana’s rescue helping him to nab the duo. Later, upon checking, a 7.65 pistol with six live bullets had been obtained from one of the apprehended youths.

declared dead in the hospital.

"The person was identified as Arup Saikia of Meleng Balichapori," said Utpol Dutta, in- charge of Jorhat Traffic Police.The driver of the Tata Di had fled from the spot after the accident; however the driver was nabbed when the vehicle was seized by Dergaon Police.

“The vehicle fled from the spot and later Dergaon police was able to seize the vehicle," added Utpol Dutta, the traffic incharge of Jorhat. The deceased Arup Saikia was survived with his wife and his daughter

Children under the age group of 9, 13 and 15 participated in the four day event. Photo by Rituraj Phukan

40th All Assam Chess Championship concludes in Jorhat ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec. 19: The 40th All Assam Chess Championship 2016, was successfully concluded on December 18 at AAU Indoor Stadium here.

Children under the age group of 9, 13 and 15 participated in the four day event that commenced on December 15.

The event was organised by the Jorhat District Chess Association under the aegis of the All Assam Chess Association with an aim to give more encouragement and opportunity to budding talents of the North-East Region and give a platform to deserving players to achieve

their goals.

It was also aimed at producing national and international level players.

“From this competition, the topmost topmost player different categories will be selected to represent the state of the Assam. Expenditure for all these will be borne by the chess association,” said Pranab Dutta, organizing committee secretary.

Altogether 179 players from all of Assam’s districts participated.

All winners and runner-ups in each category will be selected to represent Assam in a national level competition.

Today's planetary positions urge you to assert yourself, Capricorn, but take care not to take this encouragement too far. You have a tendency to go a bit overboard when making a point. There are times (and this is one) when subtlety is more powerful. Try being low key and open rather than uptight and defensive. You have a warm personality, so why not let others experience it?

Aquarius You have a strong creative component to your personality.

You should use it more.

Today's planetary positions will influence both your creativity and productivity. You will likely find yourself working as never before, and with better results.

Take advantage of this phase while it lasts!

This is your moment to prove to others just what you're capable of.

Pisces You're highly sensitive and highly intellectual, Pisces.

This is a wonderful combination and part of what makes you a superstar. Today's planetary positions challenge you to think how you can best combine these two key components of your personality. Have you considered writing? It might provide the sort of balance you seek. Start writing and see if it suits you.

The barren sandbars of the mighty Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh now being used for cultivation purpose by the educated unemployed youths of the district..

Photo by Manoj Pandey

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

P4 Assam Govt. to offer 0.75% more rebate on digital purchase of fuel

BEST OF LUCK FROM THE CM

PTI Guwahati, Dec 19: The Assam government on Monday announced an incentive of 0.75% on digital payments for buying petrol and diesel, in addition to that of the Centre, taking the total benefit to 1.5%.

Unveiling an 18-point incentive scheme for transforming the state into a "less cash economy", Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unleashed a slew of measures, including a reward to first 10 farmers for procuring seeds and fertilisers through the digital mode.

Assam Chief Minister interacted with students appearing for High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) exam at Yuva Vikas Kendra, Amingaon, Guwahati and wished them luck for their exam.

Kuki Students’ Organisation renders free coaching to rural students ET Correspondent, Haflong, Dec 19: Endeavouring to bring out the best from the students so as to ensure excellence in their future endeavour and to to give an opportunity to the students in interacting with well experienced teachers, the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Mahur Block has organised free coaching for the candidates of appearing High School Leav-

ing Certificate Examination –2017 from December 1 to December 20 at J B Hagjer L P School Mahur.

Altogether sixty eight students from various communities and from in and around Mahur have been attending the free coaching where six renowned teachers from various schools of Mahur have been teaching these students.

“Since the KSO is a dedicated organisation for the betterment students and society, in addition to its other activities, we have organised this free coaching for the students appearing HSLC so that they can secure good results in the Examination. In fact we have observed that some talented students could not do well in the examination due to lack of proper guidance be-

cause their guardians cannot effort private tuition for their wards, this has actually inspired us to provide free coaching to such students,” talking to the media person, Zamkholal Khonsai. “We are really thankful to the organiser as they have given us an opportunity to teach these talented boys and girls who are underprivileged for the financial constraints,” said a teacher.

Assam Govt taking inclusive steps to resolve issues of Koch-Rajbongshi community including the ST status A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 19 Dec: Government of Assam is taking all-inclusive steps to resolve all issues of the KochRajbongshi community including the ST status, which the State Government has taken up earnestly with the Central Government. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said this while taking part in a discussion with a delegation of Biswajit Roy faction of AKRSU to-

day at Assam Secretariat.

The Chief Minister also said that the Government is taking positive steps to ensure land rights of all indigenous people of the State. The Government will provide land patta to the indigenous people who do not have the same.

AKRSU has also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister flagging various

demands of the community to which the Chief Minister assured to look into them sympathetically.

Commissioner & Secretary (Home) LS Changsan informed the AKRSU delegation that the State Government is in consultation with the Central Government for a tripartite talk as per decision taken in the last meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Sec-

In the educational front, upgradation of the Assam Medical College & Hospital to a full-fledged Medical University with adequate facilities and resources for conducting research and development activities in higher domains of medical science considering its century old services to mankind and for services to the cause of medical education as erstwhile Berry White Medical School, upgradation of Dibrugarh University to a Central University in the line and status of a South-East Asian Institute of Excellence considering its half a century of research and academic pursuits, upgradation of the DHSK College to a full-fledged Post Graduate Institute of Excellence and a establishment of a multidisciplinary sports at the college play-ground and development of the Dibrugarh Govt. Boys’ H. S. School, Dibrugarh, established in 1840, and Dibrugarh Govt. Girls’ H. S. & M. P. School, Dibrugarh, established in 1885, as model schools par excellence. Moreover, use of the Dibrugarh Govt.

Boys’ H. S. School, Dibrugarh building for

election and other official purposes needs to be stopped immediately once and for all, as this practice very badly affects the educational atmosphere of the school. Govt. of Assam needs to explore other means including construction of separate buildings for such purposes.

Throwing light on the miserly and distressful life of the retired teaching and non-teaching staff of the state universities, the memorandum pleads for a pension scheme for them citing the same as social responsibility.

Regarding Assam State Transport Corporation, establishment of a zonal office of the ASTC at Dibrugarh at its Chowkidinghee premises, considering that Dibrugarh would be at the centre of road communication network in Eastern Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as soon as the Bogibeel bridge is opened and that this measure would help ASTC generate more business opportunities.

The memorandum suggested utilization of the ASTC land at Thana Chariali for developing a multi-storey modern shopping complex or mall, which will generate revenue for the cash-starved PSU and also that ASTC land on the southern side of

the T. R. Phukan Road needs to be utilized for construction of a multistory shopping complex with a state-of-the-art workshop for ASTC buses at the ground floor, the memorandum added.

Moreover, as for connectivity the citizens asked for upgradation of the Mohanbari Airport to an international airport considering its strategic location, importance and geographic proximity to the fast developing South East Asia, and that international flights from this airport to important South East Asian cities should be started for faster economic growth of the landlocked North East India. The memorandum stressed the need for speeding up of the present runway extension project at the airport and keeping in view future needs and growing demands from industrial sectors in the next two to five decades, the memorandum suggested a new development project for the Mohanbari airport encompassing a new integrated international and domestic terminal building of at least 1000 PAX capacity, a cargo terminal and a further extension of the runway to 12000 (twelve thousand) feet to

Sarma said the benefit will be notified by oil PSU firms in coming days and it will be with effect from January 1.

"The incentive will be adjusted to VAT dues paid by the oil firms. In total, cus-

Talking about other schemes, the minister said the first 10 farmers will be rewarded Rs 5,000 and a citation each if the seeds and fertilisers are bought through cashless mechanism between July 1 and July 15 next year.

"Because of all these 18point incentives, we will have an estimated revenue loss of Rs 100 crore initially. However, if we can make people go digital, then

they will come under tax net and in the next 1-2 months, we will gain," Sarma said while explaining the larger picture.

Out of 7.8 lakh organised tea garden workers, he added, six lakh have already opened account post the demonetisation drive.

He said further that the steps are being taken to make Assam a "less cash economy", not "cash less economy".

"These steps are to make Assam a digital state. Probably, Assam is the first state in the country to announce such a wide range of incentive schemes. We will have a digital component in our next year's Budget too," Sarma said.

Asked about the impact of demonetisation on the state economy, Sarma said it has become very beneficial as more people have come under tax net.

"Earlier, we used to get Rs 1,360 crore as tax devaluation from the Centre every month. Last month, we received Rs 2,700 crore. On December 1, our tax growth was 10%," the minister pointed out.

3 tourist trains to be launched in Assam soon ET Bureau SILCHAR: Union minister of state for railways Rajen Gogainon Sunday said at least three tourist trains will be introduced in Assam in the coming months to boost tourism in the region.

of January, the first tourist train will be introduced between Guwahati and Dimapur (Nagaland). The other two between Guwahati and Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh), and Haflong and Agartala (Tripura) will be introduced in phases.

Guwahati will be introduced in the next couple of months. Gohain informed the gathering that the Centre is going to organize a North-East Festival soon.

The Judima Festival was inaugurated by minister of state (Independent charge) for rural development, sports and youth welfare and cultural affairs Naba Kumar Doley.

In his address, Doley

said the initiative has been undertaken to promote tourism and put Haflong on the tourism map of the northeast.

The theme of the festival is to preserve, promote and nurture culture, music and folk art of Dimasa tribals. Tourists can take part in adventure sports like trekking, hiking, angling and can also taste the best traditional brews of the region.

retary to the Government of Assam. There is possibility that the tripartite talk will take place in the last part of the current month, Changsan said.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd edition of three-day Judima Festival at Dibarai village near Haflong in Dima Hasao district, Gohai said by the end

The Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, ADGP (SB) Pallav Bhattacharyya and Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Lohia were also present in the meeting.

Assam Chief Minister directs Banks to establish Customer Service Providers in the tea garden

Leading citizens submits memorandum to CM Sonowal for development of Dibrugarh Contd. from Page 1

"The state government will offer 0.75% discount on the purchase of petrol and diesel through the electronic mode. This will be in addition to the central scheme of the same amount, as announced by oil PSUs," he added.

tomers will get the cashback of equivalent to 1.5% of the price of diesel and petrol purchased," he added.

enable bigger aircrafts such as Boeing 747 to land at and take off from the airport needs to be taken.

According to the memorandum to tap the benefits of the booming tourism industry, the citizens asked setting up of an office the Assam Tourism Development Corporation in Dibrugarh and that ATDC tourist information centres immediately be started in Mohanbari Airport and at Dibrugarh Town and Dibrugarh railway stations.

Also, the Jokai Botanical Garden & Germ Plasm Centre, which is known to be home to a large number of butterfly species, monkeys, leopards, birds, civet cat etc. needs to be developed as an ecotourism hot-spot having better facilities for tourists including a tourist lodge and a Nature Observation centre near the Erasuti of Dihing river inside the reserved forest. “A stage for hosting ethnic cultural shows would add colour to the project to attract tourists, ” The memorandum mentioned.

As nasty traffic jams occur regularly at Lahowal Tiniali and Convoy Road rail-road crossings, the citizens stressed construction of flyovers at Convoy Road Rail Crossing and Lahowal Tiniali rail-road crossings.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 19 Dec: With a view to ensure smooth disbursal of weekly wages of the tea garden workers following demonetization, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed the Banking establishments to step up the facility of Customer Service Providers (CSP) in the tea garden areas of the State within a fixed time frame.

Taking part in a discussion with the representatives of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Chief Minister Sonowal stressed on the need to augment the services of the CSPs alongwith ensuring the acceptability of the digital mode of transaction amongst

In his address as the special guest of the festival, the railway minster said another train between Haflong and

tea garden population. The Chief Minister directed the Banking representatives to engage the tea garden management as CSP and also to ink an MoU with the tea garden management at the earliest for effectively implementing the new financial system.

Sonowal also directed to implement the digital mode of transaction in all 782 Tea Gardens of the State in a phase manner. “The Banks and the TE Management will have to ensure opening of Bank accounts of the tea garden workers on a priority basis. Once accounts are opened, the garden workers are to be encouraged to adopt the digital mode of transaction”, the Chief Minister said.

Stating that there is a need for extensive publicity drive for popularizing the acceptance of digital transaction system, the Chief Minister asked the banks and the tea garden management to intensify co-ordination. He also directed the Banks to increase manpower to strengthen the CSP system.

Sonowal further said that along with introduction of new technology; coordinated effort is required to change the mindset of the tea garden workers. In the tea gardens having shadow telecom network, alternate system is required to be brought in vis-a-vis the digital mode of transaction, the Chief Minister said.

State Finance Minister Dr.

Himanta Biswa Sarma while taking part in the discussion directed the SBI and AGVB to ensure comprehensive measures to ensure effective functioning of the CSPs in 100 tea gardens of the State within December 2, 2016. He assured that the State Government would provide all required help to the Banks and TE Management in this regard.

Loksabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, State Power Minister Pallav Lochan Das, MLAs Teras Gowala, Sanjay Kishan, Rozlina Tirki, ACMS President Paban Singh Ghatowar, senior officials of RBI, SBI and several senior officials of State Government were present in the meeting.

BJP ASSAM PRADESH MAHILA MORCHA

Assam Chief Minister attending a State Level Workshop of BJP Assam Pradesh Mahila Morcha at Guwahati today thanked the women karyakartas for their tremendous hard work and service in bringing the party to power in Assam.

He also sought their continuous support for successful implementation of the Government's welfare and developmental programs, thus helping the Government fulfilling its promises.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

REST OF

Ruckus in Tripura assembly; TMC leader snatches Speaker’s mace Agartala, Dec 19 : The last day of Winter Session of Tripura Assembly on Monday saw repeated disruptions amid demands of resignation of Forest Minister Naresh Jamatia, who is facing allegation of moral turpitude from a former party colleague.

Former Leader of Opposition and Trinamool Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman stunned everyone after he seized ceremonial

mace from its frame and ran out as a protest against Speaker’s refusal to allow discussion on Mr. Jamatia.

Watch and Ward staffs wrested the mace replicating India’s national emblem, from Mr. Barman outside the exit door. This was third incident of mace snatching in history of Tripura Assembly.

Opposition Congress and TMC members blamed Mr.

Jamatia citing statement of a tribal leader who was recently expelled from CPI(M). Joy Kishore Jamatia, member of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, had charged the minister of committing sexual offences and conspiring against ‘dedicated CPI(M) leaders’ for personal gain.

Mr. Barman also spoke on recent sexual abuses committed by “a number of Left

Mizoram to draw additional power during Christmas Aizawl, Dec 19 : Mizoram would draw additional power during Christmas and New Year festivities through online trading, state power and electricity department officials on Sunday said.

The officials informed PTI that additional power would be drawn from December 23 till January 2 next year through the Indian Energy Exchange.

additional power to the tune of 1,260 million units during the 11 days,” electricity department officials said, expressing hope that the additional energy would provide round-the-clock electricity to the people without having to resort to load shedding.

Superintending Engineer, State Load Dispatch Centre, Vanlalrema said the number of units drawn could be variable and depend on power situation.

“We would purchase average

Vanlalrema said the state’s power requirement had grown considerably while many hydro-electric projects in the northeast region could not manage to generate more power due to less water in rivers.

Mizoram has earlier drawn additional power from Tripura during Christmas and New Year every year in exchange for additional power given to the neighbouring state during pujas. (PTI)

Govt to release Rs 469 cr to clear power dues Shillong, Dec 19 : The State Government is planning to release Rs 469 crore to clear the pending power dues of Rs 772.25 crore to various power companies.

An official source said on Sunday the State Government wants to clear Rs 469 crore so that it can get power from these companies.

The companies to which the government owes money include NEEPCO

(Rs 612.93 crore), NHPC (Rs 30.89 crore), NTPC (Rs 49.27 crore), ONGC Tripura Power Company (Rs 37.41) and Powergrid (Rs 41.75 crore).

The source added that once the dues are paid, the State would be able to get additional power from these utilities.

Though MeECL had resorted to power cuts a few months ago, the load shedding was withdrawn later due to religious festivals followed by exami-

nations.

Moreover, MeECL has not implemented load shedding during the ongoing winter.

Though this will bring additional financial burden, the government is planning to take loan to tide over the crisis.

Earlier, the state cabinet had entrusted MeECL to take a loan of Rs 496.33 crore from Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and this was agreed by PFC.

Recurring council polls to up Govt’s financial burden SHILLONG, Dec 19 : With over a year left for the Assembly polls, the dual post Act will continue to haunt the government as by-elections to the district councils will be the order of the day when several MDCs will contest and win the Assembly polls.

The recurring by-polls to the councils will cost the State exchequer dearly as it happened in the case of the just concluded bypolls to seven seats that cost over Rs 2 crore.

While the Assembly polls will be held in 2018, there are many sitting MDCs who are aspiring to contest the polls which will in turn result in the byelection to the respective Council seats if they get elected to the Assembly.

In this context, sources said there will not be any end to holding by-polls to councils due to the imposition of the dual posts Act. To avoid holding by-polls and to save additional expenditure, KHADC CEM P.N Syiem sug-

gested that when the MDCs file nomination papers to contest the Assembly polls, they should not resign. Moreover, even if the MDCs win the Assembly polls, they should continue to hold the post of MDCs till 2019 to avoid additional expenditure over holding bypolls.

“Let the MDCs who win the Assembly polls in 2018 continue for one more year so that there will not be any wasteful expenditure in 2019,” Syiem said.

Marvelene’s Inn ready to cooperate with police SHILLONG, Dec 19 : The management of Marvelene’s Inn cum Guest House, which is embroiled in a controversy over the alleged trafficking case of a minor girl, said on Sunday it was ready to cooperate with the police in their investigation.

ager for Marvelene’s Inn cum Guest House said the management “condemned” the commission of criminal offence by unscrupulous persons even as it urged the police to investigate the matter properly and book all concerned.

connected or involved in the commission of any criminal offence.

In a statement issued here, Edmund Kharir, the man-

The management also clarified that the Guest House was not in any way

The Inn belongs to the family of Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh.

The management further urged the media and the public not to tarnish the name of the guest house and the goodwill of the proprietor and his family.

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NORTHEAST

leaders and workers.” He blamed the police of acting at behest of ruling party to hush up even registered complaints.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar intervened and said he has not received any complaint against Mr. Jamatia from any quarter.

He stated Mr. Jamatia has filed a defamation suit against a local newspaper for publishing ‘unsubstantiated news’.

Mr. Jamatia also rejected allegations terming them false and fabricated. He called newspaper reports as an attempt to malign him in public.

The statements of Chief Minister and Forest Minister failed to satisfy opposition members who rushed to the Well of the House and shouted slogans seeking Mr. Jamatia’s resignation. Speaker Ramendra Debnath refused to allow

further discussion on the issue and started transacting normal business of the House.

Mr. Barman suddenly climbed up the wooden fencing and snatched the mace. Watch and ward staffs were seen running after him outside the House to restore the mace.

Speaker adjourned the House for three hours after the incident.

‘Observing Governance Day on Dec 25 will hurt sentiments of Christians’ Kohima, Dec 19 : Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang on Sunday said observing ‘Good Governance Day’ on December 25 would deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Christians as it coincides with Christmas.

Reacting to local news reports regarding the controversy about Centre’s decision to observe December 25 as ‘Good Governance Day’ throughout the country, Zeliang said he, along with other Chief Ministers of the northeastern region, had earlier this year vowed to oppose the decision.

The CMs of northeastern states had opposed the decision in a meeting with the Prime Minister on the ground that December 25 is celebrated

throughout the world as the birthday of Jesus Christ and to observe a ‘Governance Day’ on that date, no matter how noble the intention, would deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Christians, he said.

“Though good governance is a constitutional right of the people, and though the date has been fixed to coincide with the birthday of the revered leader of the nation and former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, the day being Christmas Day (it) is inappropriate to hold any official function or occasion,” the CM said.

The Chief Minister had on December 12 written to the Prime Minister bringing to his notice the objections raised by various organisations in

Nagaland against the declaration of December 25 as ‘Good Governance Day’.

Zeliang pointed out that the central government has been continuously observing Christmas as a national holiday ever since India’s Independence and even before that.

He said the ‘Good Governance Day’ could be observed on some other more convenient date, so as not to hurt the sentiments of the minority Christian community in India.

“In the event that changing of date is not possible, Nagaland state may be exempted from the obligation to organise any such official function on 25th December,” the Chief Minister requested to the PM. (PTI)

NE student slips from hostel balcony, dies in Rajasthan Jaipur, Dec 19 : A 19-yearold B.Tech student from the North East, who was trying to hide from the warden after allegedly drinking with friends and entering into an argument with some others, died after trying to climb down from the third floor balcony of his hostel at a private university in Rajasthan’s Tonk district.

The student Haatma was injured on the intervening night of December 14-15 and was admitted to a private hospital in Jaipur and died on Saturday evening, SHO, Niwai, Ramavtar Singh Takhar said on Sunday.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju has taken “very serious” note of the incident and asked the “authorities and Rajasthan Police to conduct proper and speedy inquiry and submit a report”.

SP Tonk Priti Jain said that no suspicious activity was found in CCTV footage of that night.

“The student consumed liquor with four other students of northeast in the hostel room of one of the students on the night of December 14. After some time, the boys had heated argument with some other boys and started shouting.

When the hostel warden came, all of them ran away from there to hide,” Jain said.

The boy, who died, entered the room of some other student in a hurry, which is visible in the CCTV footage. He hid in the balcony and was trying to get down from there through a pillar but slipped and fell down from the third-storey.

In the pandemonium on the campus of K N Modi University, no one heard his cries. When the situation got normal after some time, all the other students went to their respective rooms to sleep and Haatma was found lying in an unconscious state in the morning.

“We have collected all the evidence and the statements of other students who were drinking with him have been recorded. His family members gave us a complaint which is being examined,” she said.

The family members along with leaders of some students union of North East arrived in Tonk on Saturday and have been shown the CCTV footage and other evidence.

“We have seen the CCTV footage and also showed it to his family members to clear their doubts on the sequence of events leading to his death,” the SHP said.

Arrangements are being made to send the student’s body to his native place.

(PTI)

Won’t contest 2019 NGT awaits council polls: Syiem proper State

SHILLONG, Dec 19 : The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council CEM, P.N Syiem, has decided not to contest the election to the KHADC in 2019 once he is elected to the Assembly in 2018.

Speaking to The Shillong

Times on Sunday, Syiem said though there was no bar for him to contest the council polls and hold the dual posts, he believes in one person holding one post.

“It is good to have one post for one man, though the law allows holding dual posts,” the CEM said.

Even after the dual post Act came into existence in October last year, Syiem continues to hold the post of CEM as the Election Commission and the Governor had ruled that the post of CEM is not an office of profit. The High Court had also upheld the decision.

Cash crunch before X’mas worries UDP, BJP in GH TURA, Dec 19 : The UDP and the Garo Hills unit of the BJP have sought the Centre’s as well as the State Government’s intervention in solving the problem of cash shortage in banks in the region before Christmas.

Addressing the gathering at UDP’s annual youth meet at Asanang village in Rongram, 18km from Tura, the party’s youth-wing working president Utjol Sangma said it would appeal to the Centre to release more Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes as the new Rs 2,000 note is “not solving the problem”.

“It was unanimously agreed that the Central government needs to be apprised of the problems being faced by

the people because of demonetisation,” said Sangma, the former president of the Garo Students’ Union.

Former Meghalaya bureaucrat and senior BJP leader from East Garo Hills Santosh R. Marak has appealed to the Government to take urgent steps to avoid harassment of common people.

“The banks have restricted the withdrawal amount for account holders but it has been found that many a time banks do not even have enough money to provide the bare minimum for customers who wait in queues for a long time. Bank branches have been run-

ning out of money forcing customers to return emptyhanded,” said Marak.

The BJP leader said with Christmas barely five days away, people have been trying to withdraw the maximum permitted amount of Rs 24,000 a week from their savings accounts but many have failed to do so because of currency shortage.

“Christmas shopping has been severely affected and the wedding season is fast turning into a disaster due to the currency crunch in the Garo Hills. The State Government should take urgent steps to see bank branches have sufficient money to provide its customers,” said the BJP leader.

Hawkers want State govt to make welfare schemes public SHILLONG, Dec 19 : The Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors’ Association has urged the government to make public and in a transparent manner all policies and schemes – including those from the Centre like schemes for godowns, creches, toilets and other facilities – meant for the welfare of the hawkers.

The hawkers’ association and TUR have been demanding reconstitution of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) with not less than 40 percent representation from hawkers and hawkers’ associations where at least half the members have to be

women.

Their five-day peaceful “non-cooperation” demonstration in front of the Municipal Board, which began on December 14 in protest against TVC’s form distribution among hawkers, will end on Monday. According to the hawkers’ body, the TVC was not properly represented by the vendors.

In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, the hawkers’ body further said the government should immediately stop all illegal evictions and conduct a survey of the hawkers and markets so as to identify vending zones.

The organisations also want the government to ensure that natural and heritage markets are not declared no-vending zones. Another demand is to complete survey of hawkers and issue licences within a month.

They further demanded immediate return of all seized goods and compensation for goods destroyed and lost.

While reiterating the implementation of the central Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, the hawkers’ body further said the government should withdraw all false FIRs filed against hawkers.

mining plan COAL CASE LISTED FOR JAN 31 SHILLONG, Dec 19 : The mining plan has yet again delayed early disposal of the case pending with the National Green Tribunal on the ban on coal mining in Meghalaya. The next date of hearing on the matter has been fixed for January 31 next year.

When the case came up before NGT on December 14, the counsel appearing for Meghalaya submitted that the government had already submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) the mining plan and guidelines, which are pending with MoEF for a considerable time.

However, the counsel appearing for MoEF made a submission that the document submitted by the State is not a mining plan but a State mining-oriented plan instead of a site-oriented plan and can hardly be dealt with

by MoEF. Further, the counsel brought to the notice of NGT that Meghalaya is claiming exemption from applicability of central mining laws on the basis of it being a scheduled State and therefore beyond the scope of the applicability of the central laws.

In view of this context, the NGT directed Meghalaya government “to file the mining plan/ guidelines as required under laws, that is, not only State specific but also mine specific, within two weeks”.

After the compliance, the NGT said MoEF would pass order in all aspects of the matter within two

weeks. “The Ministry of Coal will fully cooperate and there will be collective orders to be passed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Coal. Let that order be placed before the Tribunal,” it said.

According to NGT, after the documents are placed, the Tribunal will decide whether the mining activity in Meghalaya would be permitted and if so, on what terms and what should be the scheme of restoration.

The NGT also asked MoEF and the Ministry of Coal to submit their views on restoration of areas mined.

“We will consider the report of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) on which, views of both the ministries will be submitted before the next date of hearing in relation to restoration if not already submitted,” the NGT said.

The Tribunal also directed the State Government to file a complete statement on the coal that was found to have been extracted at the time of passing of the order dated November 12, 2014.

The NGT also wanted to know the quantum of coal that has already been transported, recovery of royalty of environmental compensation and what is the scheme of Meghalaya for restoration of the damage done to the environment and ecology as a result of illegal mining.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

Today's quote Make art, make change and “change the world.

– Alysia Reiner

Questions from a washout That the winter session would be washed out had been clear for a while. With the Opposition parties mustering all their disruptive tactics to stall the functioning of both Houses, insisting on maximalist demands on just how the debate on demonetisation should be structured, hopes for any substantive work had diminished. In the event, the session also left a hysterical afterglow, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi telling a gathering in Gujarat that he had to speak his mind in a "jan sabha" (people's meet) as the Opposition wouldn't let him do so in Parliament; and Rahul Gandhi, vice-president of the Congress party, complaining that he was not allowed to make earth-shattering disclosures on the floor of the House, but then keeping them close to his chest outside.

With theatrics such as these, both the Government and the Opposition have left a question hanging in the politically charged air: what was the point? What did either side gain by bringing Indian parliamentary democracy's most deliberative process to a grinding halt? Just two bills were passed, one of them a money bill that did not need the Rajya Sabha's nod. According to the think tank PRS Legislative Research, less than 1 per cent of the 330 questions listed for Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha were answered orally.

The Lok Sabha looked better only in comparison, with 11 per cent.

Given what was at stake in the session, the abandonment of the spirit of give-and-take that keeps the legislative schedule humming was baffling. The government has staked much political capital on key financial reforms that need cooperation across the aisles. It lost the chance to pass bills critical to the April 1, 2017, deadline for the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax. It also failed to end the session on a note of federal cooperation to set up the shift to Budget day to February 1 from next year. The Opposition, for its part, has clearly taken its cue from the BJP's playbook. By forcing adjournments while in opposition, it was successful in reinforcing the impression of a policy paralysis in the second UPA government. But the Congress has a point to prove other than what the BJP did then. To re-establish itself as a viable option for voters, the Congress needs to share its vision and road map in the Rahul Gandhi era. The floor of the House, with a tempered debate and questioning as a constructive party of opposition, is a key venue for that. Basic self-interest demands that government and opposition avert the possibility of the Budget session meeting the same fate as this one.

Bridging the learning deficit Almost five decades after India first formulated its National Education Policy, the Ministry for Human Resource Development appears to be gearing up for another revision to this policy document, and not a moment too soon. The state of education, particularly in the critical primary and pre-primary years, is far from satisfactory. Since the early 2000s, successive governments kept up momentum on a sustained investment push into schools in a bid to resolve what was viewed as a supply-side problem.Thus, this approach hoped to tackle low enrolment rates. Led by government schools, public investment in education helped raise the gross enrolment ratio from 81.6 per cent of children in the 6-14 age group in 2000 to 96 per cent or more since 2008. Yet it soon became evident that getting children into school was only the first step, especially when gaping holes remained in the system. Among these, the barriers to high-quality, equitably-distributed primary education include: high dropout rates, especially for girls; teacher absenteeism and low teaching quality; and outmoded pedagogies and insufficient resources to implement contemporary teaching methods.

The problem of poor learning outcomes is of particular concern, for it is a structural issue pertaining to the design of curricula and ingrained rote learning methods. These have been the backbone of India's teaching tradition for over half a century. But will this help create the kind of workforce that India wishes to develop: nimble, highly-skilled and ready for the digital age, the global economy and new pathways of occupational mobility? Or will the sheer weight of an outdated, colonial-era education system make Indians too sluggish and skill-deprived to cope in a highly competitive global arena? While efforts of the present and previous government to boost the quality of learning in higher and vocational education must be appreciated, policymakers ought not to ignore early childhood education and primary schooling, the phases during which the most important cognitive development milestones are attained. The tenth Annual Status of Education Report found that in 2014 the proportion of Class 3 and Class 5 students in rural areas who could read a Class 2 textbook was 23.6 and 48.1 per cent, respectively. Until ActivityBased Learning and "teaching at the right level", tools for real learning and skill-absorption, become the norm, hopes of the country becoming a great power may well remain a dream.

EDITORIAL

P6

Use of antibiotics among broiler chickens in Assam and North Eastern states Assam and other North Eastern states are one of the most meat consuming states of India. Apart from livestock, poultry constitutes a major portion of the meat intake by the people of these states. However, due to growing population and declining local reeds of chickens, the majority of the poultry for this region is in the form of broiler chickens and they are supplied from Andhra Pradesh. Day-old chicks are transported by air daily to Guwahati and are further sent to various places by road. The broiler farms, spread across every corner of this entire region grows the day-old chicks to full grown chickens measuring up to 3-4 kgs in weight.

Among the other poultry feeds, the farm keepers use antibiotics widely among the broilers. The most wide spread of these antibiotics is Cephalexin Monohydrate. It is prescribed to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections in chickens.

The medication operates by disrupting cell wall maintenance to destroy sensitive bacteria while preventing reproduction to stop the spread of infection allowing the immune system to destroy it naturally. This action makes it useful for treating conditions such as infections affecting the gums, joints, bones, respiratory tract, soft tissues, skin, urinary tract, or the ear (otitis media). For the broiler chicken this antibiotic is used to prevent early chick mortality and for the treatment of E. coli, Salmonella, Fowl Cholera, Coryza, and Gangrenous Dermatitis.

Assam and the Northeastern states has been consuming the broiler chicken for last two and half decade and the side effects of this antibiotic used among this poultry are now visible. An entire new generation of young population is seen having developed the signs of the most common adverse effects of cephalexin--gastrointestinal (stomach area) disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Rakib Ahmed, a broiler farmer from Mangaldai of Darrang district of Assam uses to get one thousand day old broiler chicks from Andhra Pradesh twice in a week. The consignment comes in paper baskets by air and is carried by Farhana road for 70 kms from LGBI Airport, Guwahati.

During transit, some of the chicks die due to exposure to outside heat and constant shaking in the vehicle in which they are transported. Rakib either sale the chicks in higher prices to other smaller broiler farmers or keeps them to be grown up. To meet the losses on the transit, he takes all the cares for the chicks to be grown up and being sold in market prices. For that Rakib administers all kinds of poultry feeds including antibiotics to save his chicks. In doing so he unknowingly contributes towards an impending health disaster that has begun to show its signs among the consumers.

In the cases of other poultry farmers like Derek Roy in Shillong in Meghalaya and Biren Ibotomba Singh in Imphal, Manipur the story is almost same. In case of Roy the loss in transit is much higher than that of Rakib Ahmed as his consignment has to travel more distance from the same airport. But the most significant part of poultry farming or precisely the broiler chicken farming in the entire North-East India is the use of some cheap and low quality poultry feeds. As feed plays vital role in poultry farming and is the major cost of poultry production which seriously affects the production output of the birds. So the feed and feeding management is the major important consideration for efficient commercial poultry farming. Improper feeding causes several deficiency disease which results in poor production performance. But for all these poultry farmers the concern for low cost in production along with meeting

the losses in the transit have made them to ignore some of the vital ingredients of the poultry feed with the required nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein, minerals & vitamins) in right proportion for better growth of the birds. In to Ahmed addition the regular nutrients, some additives are required to facilitate digestion and growth and is usually added in reputed commercial feed.

But lesser importance to this aspect often leads to diseases among the chickens for which antibiotics are administered heavily.

Another important practice used by broiler chicken farmers in Assam and other North-Eastern states is E.M. It is a brown colour concentrated liquid produced from the cultivation of 80 strains of beneficial microorganisms collected from natural environment. It reduces cost inputs more efficiently and improves gain in body weight. It maintains better health condition of chicks. It helps clean shed, less flies, ticks and less disease incidence. E.M. in broiler feed on daily basis is administered with water and other broiler feeds.

In many cases it was found that EM solution is being mixed with antibiotics. This causes a problem as cautioned in user manual.

However, most of the veterinary drug dealers and retailers in the North-Eastern states say in an united voice that the administration of antibiotics in broiler chickens originates from their breeding farms in South India, mostly in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. Dr. Prabin Saikia, a practicing veterinarian in Lakhimpur district, who has made some investigation over this use of antibiotics in broiler chickens says that Enrofloxacin and a similar drug levofloxacin are found to be administered in broiler chicks in large farms and hatcheries in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana from where all the day old chicks and eggs come to Assam and the North East-

ern states. He said that these antibiotics are added to water and given to chicks as young as 1 day old to stave off disease. A solution combining enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and colistin are usually administered for six days mixed in drinking water for the prevention of respiratory infections of day old chicks, Dr Saikia says.

Usually the preparation of meat, mostly pork in all the tribal societies of the North-Eastern states is based on traditional methods using no spices. Any local menu consisting meat is made of herbs and other natural ingredients. The menus like chicken curry, chicken masala, tandoori chicken-all are brought from North India to this region.

The locals mostly the youth have a craze for these chicken items and are usually they are served in hotels and restaurants and dhabas. Over the years, the organic chicken, known as the local chicken have become sparsely available and its prices also skyrocketed making the common consumers hard to buy them.

This void has been filled by the broiler chickens in North-East over the years.

They are cheaper than the organic one and contain more flesh. Thus it has occupied the major position in the dishes like chicken curry, chicken masala or tandoori chicken across North East.

Daily consumption of broiler meat along with liquor has already taken its toll among the consumers in this region. Facial obesity, weight gain and overall obesity have been noticed among the youth born after 1990-the time from when broiler chicken were brought from South India to the North-East. Now the use of antibiotics in this poultry has causing an entire generation to become antibiotic resistant. Reports of resistance to antibiotics are daily coming out from various places of this region on cases like viral fever and some minor disease. Reports

of gastrointestinal (stomach area) disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are increasing in Assam and other neighbouring states of this region. However no official records of such increase of diseases in these states have been found. India is the single largest consumer of antibiotics in the world (2010), followed by China and the US. There have been reports highlighting an increasing resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins, two classes of drugs long considered "last-resort" antibiotics for illnesses without any other known treatment in India.

Doctors monitoring these trends are of the view that lack of a regulatory system is responsible for this unchecked use of antibiotics in broiler chickens and its effects on human health.

It may be recalled that Randeep Guleria, professor of medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and a member of the Union health ministry's 2011 task force to frame the National Policy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance observed the lack of regulatory provisions in India to prevent use of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry and livestock. He said that antibiotics are heavily used in poultry and can easily enter the human chain and the environment, making pathogens resistant to such antibiotics. The policy recommended gathering data by undertaking studies on the use of antimicrobials as animal growth promoters, specifying antibiotics for use in livestock, developing regulations on usage of antimicrobials in poultry and other animals, as well as the requisite labelling requirements in food. But nothing has been done so far.

In 1950, scientists in the US discovered that adding antibiotics to livestock feed accelerated animals' growth and cost less than conventional feed supplements.

This discovery pushed farmers around the world to

use antibiotics as growth boosters. However, the problem started when farmers started using antibiotics used to fight microbial infections in humans to accelerate the growth of livestock.

With increasing awareness of the dangers of using antibiotics as growth promoters, the US and several European countries have designed policies to phase out or ban their use in the poultry industry. But the antibiotics used by large poultry farmers in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana are amnong those which have been banned in US, EU and Australia.

Like most of the other places in India, antibiotics meant for poultry and livestock are sold openly in veterinary shops across Assam and the North-East without any prescription. Any report of disease in broiler chickens in this region is quickly responded by the administration of antibiotics by vets. As a result a time bomb is ticking for disastrous public health sector of this region which is known for its underdeveloped state in India. .

In 1997, a World Health Organization (WHO) report had said that national policies on the use of antimicrobials in animals must balance the possible benefits to livestock production against the medical risk and public health consequences of their use. It further recommended that the use of any antimicrobial agent for growth promotion in animals should be terminated if it is used in human therapeutics.

But the mostly non-vegetarian population of Assam and the North-East, who has a craze for chicken dishes, an unaware position is threatening their future.

If a strict regulatory mechanism is not introduced and enforced the region may witness a health disaster in coming years due to antibiotic resistance. (On the aegis of CSE fellowship)

Indiscreet charm of a coffee house

I like coffee houses. To be candid, I like places where people meet and talk for no other reason than they like to talk. Practical people, proud of their practicality, think most talk a waste of good time. A friend chose his company motto: Be a doer, not a talker. I didn't have the heart to tell him that talking is doing. It is putting our time to good use. How is talking a kind of doing?

Let me suggest two thoughts. I know of no better way to know a person than to talk (short, of course, of making love to one). I suppose two persons can look at each other and get instantly enamoured, but usually we talk, and talk a lot, to know each other. True we often talk trivial things, Virat Kohli's bush or Katrina Kaif

's coiffure. But at times we really connect and get a true glimpse of the other person Then the miracle of a genuine relationship begins. The other point is less personal, but no less important. However superficially we talk, whether of politics or of office politics, howManish ever similar our interests or views, we always leave on the other an imprint of our different take. That difference is like leaven: it has the potential to change the other's view, a little or a lot. It is for many people the key recurrent source of exposure to a new idea.

Often we reject the other's view cavalierly, without giving it further thought. Occasionally, however, the

The last ride I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes, I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift, I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.

'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment

looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy',

tient with our slow ordering and perpetual penury. I loved that coffee house.

That affection prompted me to explore coffee houses in the many countries my work took me. From embassies and project offices I strayed into cafés in Bogota to Berlin, Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur, Paris to Port au Prince, Manila to Mexico City.

My first initiation to coffee houses was in Kolkata, to a spacious, bright Coffee Board café conveniently close to both my home and my university on College Street. It seemed forever buzzing with professors and students, journalists

and scholars, authors and artists, vagrants and vagabonds.

The visitors had one feature in common: they all wanted to be heard. If there was a quiet person among them, I didn't meet him. Everybody talked, in unison and at cross purposes, sometimes cogently and always eagerly, frequently at higher and higher decibels when the discussion got heated. It was a fun place.

The stairwell to the hall had cracks and needed repair, some tables were askew and some chairs were in disrepair, but the atmosphere was electric.

The ambience was vibrant, the people lively if discordant. Even the waiters were just right: they recognized us and received us with amused tolerance, pa-

she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?' 'It's not the shortest way',' I answered quickly. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.' I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left', she continued in a soft voice.

'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed

me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me.

It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.

The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing', I said 'You have to make a living', she answered.

'There are other passengers', I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy', she said.

'Thank you.' I squeezed her

new idea stays, germinates and kicks off a new way of thinking. So I like talk, just talk, nothing useful or practical, perhaps something facile and frivolous, which still helps me connect and learn. I like places where people talk; especially I like c o f f e e Nandy h o u s e s where robust conversation mingles with the aroma of strong java, and enthusiasm and brio overtake syllogism and precision.

Sitting alone with an espresso, I watched the cavalcade of men and women sipping latte, smoking cigarettes, reading newspapers and, most of all, talking and laughing and sharing. They differed in look and style, but the essential business of exchanging messages and meanings remained unchanged. We all need to talk

and connect. Decades later, I returned to Kolkata and, in a salute to my past, walked into another Coffee Board café in Jadavpur, in the CIT Market on Central Road. Compared to sparkling new coffee houses sprouting all over the country, this one retained the oldworld charm of a commodious hall, raucous with debate and discussion.

The stairwell had cracks, the chairs were often askew and tables were in varying states of disrepair, but the ambience was familiar: people talked, animated and excited, fought over political stands and literary opinions, waved their hands and raised their voices, a strange bonhomie wafting over the hall like a familiar aroma. The coffee was indifferent, but I felt at home.

hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.

Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

P7

Paypal vs Paytm: Here's what experts have to say This voicecontrolled smart lamp can play music, order pizza Ge has built a new voice controlled, LED `smart' lamp that can listen and talk to you, just like the way Amazon Echo does. In fact, GE says it comes with almost everything the Echo offers -only with the added benefit of lighting.

The lamp is powered by Alexa, Amazon's voice controlled technology that's behind all Echo products.

Amazon opened up the technology to third party developers in 2015 through a program called Alexa Voice Service. GE took advantage of it, making this the first lighting device to embed Alexa's voice technology.

Users can tell the lamp to play music, order pizza, or give the latest news, all through voice commands.It also comes with its own speaker, but it's not as powerful as the Echo's, which makes it closer to the smaller Echo Dot. GE says the device isn't meant to compete with the Echo, but provide another option to customers, helping expand the broader voice controlled device ecosystem.

By stripping out the real brain behind the Echo, and giving others access to it, Amazon has let anyone build their own hardware product powered by Alexa, paving the way for the Alexa ecosystem to become the go-to platform for voice-controlled devices.

GE's new device comes from C by GE, a new connected light bulb product line launched earlier this year

by GE Lighting. It will be available for pre-orders in early 2017. The price isn't finalized yet.

In similar news, Vivaldi recently launched a new version of their namesake browser that can help users change the colour of their smarthome lighting products.

We're giving users the ability to go beyond the browser and into the smarthome by integrating with Hue color lights from Philips," said the company.

As to how to go about it, here's how the company explains the steps: After enabling Hue in Vivaldi Theme Settings, a tap on the Philips Hue Bridge confirms the connection. Selecting which lights Vivaldi should control, the browser will synchronize your physical surroundings with the color of the web.

Indian legal experts pointed to a shade of unhealthy competition in global payments company PayPal's opposition to local digital wallet leader Paytm over the latter's trademark application to register its logo.

sel, intellectual property, at law firm Khaitan & Co. "It seems that considering the popularity of Paytm recently (thanks to demonetisation and the government's push for digital payments), PayPal may have decided to file an opposition on the last day of the deadline," he added.

California-based PayPal, founded by Silicon Valley bigwigs such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel in 1998, registered a notice of opposition with the registrar of trademarks on November 18, contesting that there were similarities between the logos of the two brands.

The complaint came on the final day of the fourmonth timeframe for registering opposition to sixyear-old Paytm's advertisement of its trademark application, filed on July 18.

"Paytm has been around for some time now and

Vaibhav Parikh, partner at Nishith Desai Associates, said PayPal's move seemed to stem from competitiveness.

PayPal could have objected to the use of the mark by initiating legal proceedings.

This wasn't done. Whilst filing of oppositions is fairly normal in the industry, in

the present case, it may also be a competitive move," said Samuel Niranjan, coun-

ET reached out to the lawyer representing PayPal in the matter, but he did not comment. Paytm and PayPal India said they don't want to comment.

PayPal's main contention in the notice, which is available online, is that the mark sought by Paytm is "deceptively and confusingly similar" to PayPal's. It accused

the Alibaba-backed Indian company of "slavishly adopting the two-tone blue colour scheme of its logo."

It also goes on to say in its notice that both marks begin with the term 'Pay', citing that consumers tend to remember the first mark more than the second syllable and that it could cause "a likelihood of confusion."

Rahul Dev, patent and trademark attorney at Tech Corp Legal, argued with the US company's logic. "Personally, I find PayPal's argument difficult to stand the test of law as no single party can own exclusive rights to use the generic word 'pay' in the sector pertaining to financial services.

If you review the brand names like 'PayPal', 'Paytm', 'PayU', etc, these can be clearly differentiated by their customers without much confusion."

Asus Zenfone 3 Max5.5 ZC553KL smartphone goes on sale at Rs 17,999 Asus ZenFone 3 Max (ZC553KL) smartphone was launched in November 2016.

The phone comes with a 5.50-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels.

The Asus ZenFone 3 Max (ZC553KL) is powered by 1.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor and it comes with 3GB of RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via a SD card card.

As far as the cameras are concerned, the Asus ZenFone 3 Max (ZC553KL)

battery. It measures 151.40 x 76.24 x 8.30 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 175.00 grams.

REVIEW Good

Bad

Ø Good design and build quality

ØHybrid SIM slot

ØVibrant display

ØFingerprint sensor can be iffy

ØCapable cameras

ØWeak gaming performance

ØLong battery life

ØNo Gorilla Glass

ØGood audio quality

ØA bit expensive

packs a 16-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 8-megapixel front shooter

for selfies.

The Asus ZenFone 3 Max

(ZC553KL) runs Android 6.0.1 and is powered by a 4100mAh non removable

The Asus ZenFone 3 Max (ZC553KL) is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB OTG, FM, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). Sensors on the phone include Compass Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gy-

roscope.

About Asus ASUSTeK Computer Inc., known as ASUS, is Taiwanese multinational computer hardware and Electronics Company was founded in 1989 in Taiwan. ASUS is one of the world's largest computer hardware companies.

Its products include desktops, PC peripherals, laptops, smartphones, tablets and hybrid devices. The company has made Android phones powered by Intel and Qualcomm SoCs.

Selfie-beautification apps a hit in India The 16-year old student from Delhi `whitens' her teeth using an app called Retrica.

Clicking a good selfie may not be as im possible as getting a decent photo on your Aadhar card but it's certainly not easy.

Hunt for the right background and the most flattering light so that the dark circles don't show, then angle the phone at 45 degrees overhead to hide that double chin. But now there's no need for all that selfie gyaan, thanks to photo editing apps which not only put your best face forward but also give you a facelift in the process.

Among the most popular is BeautyPlus Me, a selfie retouch app developed by Chinese firm Meitu. After lengthening legs and widening eyes of millennials back home, Meitu -which listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has been valued at $4.6 billion -is now helping Indians spice up their online appearance.

In 2016, it was the number one trending app on Google Play in India. According to Ravish Jain, country manager Meitu, the app, available in 12 Indian languages has had more than 1 million downloads since it launched here in July.

Worldwide, it has been downloaded a billion

On the flip side, one runs the risk of looking too touched up. For example, BeautyPlus Me gives you an almost unnatural white pallor, which may not work if you are already light, skinned. "These apps work best for selfies and display pictures because if you zoom in you can see how distorted the image has become," says Karan Nath, a 23-year-old from Bengaluru.

times.

So what's the secret behind its success? In a country obsessed with fair skin, it does what bottles of skin cream and lotion can't -deliver lighter skin at the touch of a button. Some more taps on the screen airbrush away pimples and blemishes, and a quick swipe gives you a sculpted jawline and takes away a few inches from the waistline. Little wonder that Jain de-

scribes it is a "one-touchbeautification solution aimed at women in the age group of 18 to 35".

Apps like Snapchat and Instagram have long allowed people to apply filters and adjust contrast and brightness but selfie editing apps BeautyPlus Me, Lumyer, Retrica and PicsArt go a step further by enabling users to play around with their features and figure in order to fit the current beauty para-

digm.

For Neha Rani, a 23year-old working with Accenture in Bengaluru, the apps are like a dream skin doctor. "I have acne and I used to hate getting my pictures clicked. But now, I can edit away the pesky pimples," says Rani, who has three photo-editing apps on her phone.

Ishita Kaushik saves on trips to a dentist by using photo-retouching apps.

To test its makeover magic, we decided to give it a try. The home page of the app is in baby pink and gives an idea of its intended audience. As soon as you click a selfie, a default wand with sparkles appears on the image and seconds later, to a sweet tinkling sound, your face can be several shades lighter. There are 10 more editing options that range from eye brightening and removal of dark circles to making the image taller. The final image may not look exactly like you but for many, it's the way they hope to look.

Lenovo Yoga Book 2-in-1 Running Chrome OS Set to Launch in 2017 With the introduction of Android apps into the ecosystem, Chrome OS is now fast becoming the preferred choice for many.

Looking at this rise in interest, Lenovo has also announced that it will launch its Yoga Book 2-in1 with Chrome OS next year.

Lenovo's Vice President and General Manager of the Android and Chrome Computing Business Group, Jeff Meredith, confirmed this news to Laptop Mag. The Chinese PC giant has been selling the Yoga Book in two options already - Windows 10 or Android pre-installed.

Now, a third Lenovo Yoga Book running on Chrome OS option will also be made available starting 2017.

"We've had a lot of in-

terest. It's an interesting idea for education, especially with the form factor.

Over time, we probably see the Android and Chrome versions melding together, especially based on the fact that we've now seen Chrome roll out the Google Play store capability into Chrome. We'll probably maintain the three distinctive products throughout this year at least," Meredith said speaking of the Chrome OS-powered Yoga Book. There is no tangible time frame announced for the release of this new variant, but it is confirmed that Lenovo is working on it.

Meredith has also confirmed that all the features, including the Real Pen, will work the same way as on Android. Lenovo launched the Yoga Book 2-

in-1 at IFA this year, and made it available in India last week. The laptop claimed to be the "world's thinnest 2-in-1" is priced at Rs. 49,990, and is exclusively available on Flipkart. In India, only the Windows variant has been launched, and the Android variant hasn't arrived yet.

Key highlights of the Lenovo Yoga Book hybrid laptop include a first-ofits-kind Halo keyboard and Real Pen input. It features a 10.1-inch full-HD (1200x1920 pixels) IPS display at 400 nits brightness, powered by a 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Atom x5Z8550 processor with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM. The Lenovo Yoga Book hybrid packs 64GB of internal storage that is expandable via microSD card (up to 128GB).

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

P8 Opposition trying to defend the dishonest: PM

Kanpur, Dec 19 (PTI) Scaling up his attack on Opposition over demonetisation issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today alleged Parliament was not allowed to function as opposition parties were trying to defend the dishonest and were running away from a debate on the issue of corruption and black money.

NATION

Addressing BJP's 'parivartan rally' here, he also said some politicians tried to "provoke" people standing in ATM queues, but their designs were not allowed to succeed as the common man was patient and understood that larger interest of the country was at stake.

meeting convened before the Winter session of Parliament, he had suggested a debate on simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies and donations to political parties.

But Parliament was not allowed to function for a month as the opposition parties were not interested

Modi said at an all-party

in a discussion on the two issue, the Prime Minister said.

He said earlier, the opposition used to disrupt Parliament as they wanted to expose the corrupt, bring out scams. But this time, Parliament was disrupted as opposition wanted to defend the dishonest and hence were running away

from debate, he alleged.

"Our agenda is to fight for a country free of corruption and black money. But their agenda is to close (disrupt) Parliament...I am puzzled," Modi said.

Singling out Congress, he said its leaders have often claimed that lat Rajiv Gandhi brought computer

and mobile phone to the common man in India.

"But now when I say mobile phone can be used as a bank, they say the poor do not have cell phone...they said people do not have bank accounts. Now they claim poor went to the bank, but there was no money...they are spreading lies.

"Enhanced facilities for Malegaon: NIA refutes ATS women troops on borders" allegations of biased probe New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said that the government will provide enhanced infrastructure and logistical facilities at border posts where women personnel have been deployed, under the command of various frontier guarding forces.

Singh, after taking salute at the 53rd Raising Day event of paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at its camp here, said it was essential to have "gender-friendly" facilities at these far flung areas for women as the present support system is deficient.

"There should be genderfriendly infrastructure at border posts where women are deployed....I believe there is a deficiency in this regard. This needs to be

improved. I believe those border posts where women personnel are deployed, more facilities should be provided there," he said.

Apart from SSB, Border Security Force (deployed along Pakistan and Bangladesh borders) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (along Sino-India frontier) has deployed its women personnel as part of their border guarding charter.

While the forces have upgraded or created new infrastructure facilities at the border posts after women combatants were posted at these locations for the first time few years back, reports from the field units of these forces have desired that much more needs to be done in this regard.

Singh said that his ministry

will give a serious thought to a pending proposal of SSB to have its own dedictated intelligence wing to aid its ground troops mandated to secure Indian borders with Nepal and Bhutan.

"Despite not having a dedicated intelligence wing, you have been quite successful in your operations along the two borders you guard," Singh said.

He said it was surely "not an easy" task to secure the two borders as they are not fenced and are fully open which leads to heavy movement across the frontiers.

The Home Minister lauded the force for detecting and apprehending narcotics, arms, ammunition and other banned susbtances estimated at Rs 274 crore when

they were being illegally transacted across the two borders this year.

Calling SSB a "multi-dimensional" force, Singh welcomed the forces' proposal to get erected at least ten FM radio towers in the border areas along Nepal.

During the event, SSB Director General Archana Ramasundaram said the force was facing vacancies in the officer cadres and has taken some of them on deputation from other sister forces.

The force, raised in 1963, has 67 operational battalions (about 67,000 personnel) at present and secures the 1,751-km Indo-Nepal border and the 699-km long IndoBhutan border apart from being deployed to render a variety of internal security duties in the hinterland.

Shiv Sena fumes at Devendra Fadnavis's take on development vision Mumbai, Dec 19: Firing a fresh salvo at its ally in the run up to the Mumbai civic polls, Shiv Sena, which controls the cash rich city body, today asked BJP to keep talks of"development vision" to itself and refrain from giving lessons to others.

"BJP's vision in matters of law and order, corruption and demonetisation has failed," Sena said, rebutting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recent remarks that an alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls will happen only if BJP's vision of development is acceptable to it (Sena).

"At least Chhatrapati Shivaji's and Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray's Maharashtra does not need such a vision.

The Centre's vision of

Taunting Fadnavis over his claim about the crime rate declining in the state, Sena said in Nagpur itself four murders had been reported within a span of 20 hours. demonetisation has led to financial anarchy and has rendered crores jobless, while those questioning the government are termed antinational," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamna'

said.

"In an informal chat (with journalists) in Nagpur last week, Fadnavis had said an alliance with Sena will happen only if it accepts BJP's

Pathankot attack: NIA files chargesheet against JeM chief Masood Azhar New Delhi, Dec 19 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday filed a chargesheet against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar for masterminding the terror attack on the Pathankot Airbase+ in January.

The NIA also named Azhar's brother Abdul Rauf Asghar and two handlers Shahid Latif and Kashif Jan in the chargesheet filed in the Panchkula special court.

In the chargesheet, they have been charged for offences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act and the Preven-

tion of Damage to Public Property Act The chargesheet states that the same offences were also established against the attackers from the JeM - Nasir Hussain, Hafiz Abu Bakar, Umar Farooq and Abdul Qayum - who executed the terror attack at the airbase on January 2.

Pakistan, despite repeated reminders through the external affairs ministry, has not provided any evidence in the Pathankot attack and has also remained silent on allowing an NIA team to visit. It hasn't given access to Azhar and other suspects either.

The NIA had technical and

forensic evidence pointing to the involvement of Pakistan-based perpetrators in the deadly attack. The US also provided crucial evidence+ in the form of chats and email conversations of JeM members to the agency.

Pakistan has so far not acted on Interpol's red corner notice issued against all the suspects, which shares evidence, including phone conversations of the four slain terrorists, their addresses, family members' details, financial details of Al-Rehmat Trust (financial arm of JeM) and chats/messages of JeM handlers.

development vision. If this talk was unofficial, how did it get wide publicity? We do not need any clarifications on the issue, knowing the BJP's way of doing things by flaunting grand visions," Sena said.

"In an informal chat (with journalists) in Nagpur last week, Fadnavis had said an alliance with Sena will happen only if it accepts BJP's development vision. If this talk was unofficial, how did it get wide publicity? We do not need any clarifications on the issue, knowing the BJP's way of doing things by flaunting grand visions," Sena said.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister's ambitious Mumbai-Nagpur expressway project, Sena said BJP's vision might be that regions along the super highway will prosper and land prices will increase on account of this grand scheme.

Mumbai, Dec 19 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency has refuted allegations of state Anti-Terrorism Squad that it conducted investigation in the 2006 Malegaon bomb blasts case in a pre-determined and calculated manner to negate the effects of earlier probe

by ATS and CBI.

The NIA today filed its affidavit in response to a petition filed by Maharashtra ATS challenging the discharge of eight Muslim persons from the 2006 blasts case.

In April this year, a sessions court had discharged the eight persons (accused by ATS and CBI) of all terror charges after the NIA submitted that a "Hindu Right Wing" organisation was behind the blasts.

The ATS approached HC

claiming that the sessions court order was "illegal, unjust and goes against evidence on record". Its conclusion that "Muslims would not plant bombs inside a mosque was absolutely wrong, and had no legal basis," the ATS claimed.

In its affidavit, the NIA said it arrived at the conclusion that the blasts were carried out by Hindu group only after a thorough probe was carried out.

"It is not correct to say NIA conducted investigation in a pre-determined and calculated manner to negate the effects of earlier probe by ATS and CBI," the affidavit filed by NIA Superintendent of Police Vikram Khalate said.

The affidavit further said that as per NIA probe,

Manohar Narwaria, Ranjendra Chaudhary, Dhan Singh Shiv Singh, Lokesh Sharma, Ramchandra Kalsangra, Sunil Joshi, Ramesh Mahalkar, Sandeep Dange and few others allegedly entered into criminal conspiracy between January and September 2006 to commit terrorist acts in Malegaon.

"Training camps were organised in Indore where bombs were prepared and then transported to Malegaon.

Narwaria, Chaudhary, Singh and Kalsangra planted the bombs in Malegaon.

They (accused) wanted to set off the bomb in a Muslim dominated area so that it would result in communal riots between Hindus and Muslims in Malegaon," the affidavit said.

'Political slugfest over Army chief's appointment detestable' Asked whether the morale of the Army gets affected by such political controversies, he replied in the negative.

PTI Kolkata, Dec 19 : Former Army chief Gen (Retd) Shankar Roychowdhury today described the political slugfest over the new Army chief's appointment as "detestable", saying it was the prerogative of the government to select the chief of army staff.

"It is detestable. You can't stop politicians from commenting because it is a democracy. Their comments are ill-advised and ill-informed. It is futile to tell politicians not to drag the Army

into this", he told PTI when asked about the controversy over the appointment of Lt Gen Bipin Rawat as the new Army chief.

"It is the prerogative of the government to select the chief of Army staff. All the three names which cropped up in the media - Eastern Army Commander, Southern Army Commander and the vice-chief Lt Gen Bipin Rawat - are the best of the best. They are extremely experienced with total integrity," he said.

"The morale doesn't get affected. The Army will continue to do its duty but they take note of what has been said. The feeling is always there in their mind. But they know that politicians will always say something to suit their own interests," Gen Roychowdhury said.

A highly decorated war hero, Gen Roychowdhury fought the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war.

A political slugfest broke out over the new Army chief's appointment by superseding two officers with Congress asking the Prime Minister to spell out the "compelling reasons" for it and the Left questioning the move even as BJP hit back, saying they should not politicise an issue related to the defence forces.

The affidavit further relied on a statement of Swami Assemanand, accused in the Mecca Masjid blast, in which he has said the Malegaon blast was handiwork of "his boys".

The NIA in its affidavit also said that the ATS's claim that accused Mohammad Jahid Ansari had planted bomb in Malegaon on September 8, 2006 is wrong.

"It is revealed in NIA probe that on the day of the blast, Ansari was in Yavatmal, which is about 400 kms from the blast site. Twelve witnesses have supported this," it said.

It further claimed that Shabbir Batterwala, who according to ATS had supplied explosives, was in judicial custody from August to September 2006 after he was arrested by Crime Branch Mumbai.

Sniffer dogs on JNU campus to get clues on Najeeb New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) Delhi Police teams today scanned the JNU campus with sniffer dogs to search for clues that could help them trace student Najeeb Ahmed, who has been missing for over two months now, police said today.

The Crime Branch team that is probing the case after it was transferred to them reached the campus this morning with sniffer dogs and the search is currently underway, police said.

Concerned over disappearance of the JNU student, Delhi High Court had last week directed police to "scan" the entire campus, including hostels, classrooms and rooftops, of the varsity by using sniffer dogs.

The directions had come on a Habeas Corpus plea by Najeeb's mother, Fatima Nafees, who has moved court to trace her son.

Najeeb went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before. The case was transferred from South District Police to Crime Branch last month.

'Hundreds die' in India police custody, says rights group report The rights group said no policeman was convicted for a prisoner's death in custody during this period.

India's police routinely attributes deaths in custody to illness, attempted escape, suicide and accidents.

But rights groups say a large number of such deaths happen because of torture in custody - claims officials reject.

On Monday, the rights group released a a 114-page report which examines "police disregard for arrest regulations, custodial deaths from torture, and impunity for those responsible".

India's disturbing Oscar entry takes on police torture

cials.

In each of the 17 cases, the report says, the police did not follow proper arrest procedures, making the suspect more vulnerable to abuse.

India's police routinely attributes deaths in custody to illness, attempted escape, suicide and accidents The report draws on "indepth investigations" into 17 deaths in custody that occurred between 2009 and

2015, including more than 70 interviews with victims' family members, witnesses, justice experts and police offi-

"Police in India will learn that beating suspects to confess is unacceptable only after officers are prosecuted for torture," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

"Our research shows that too often, the police officers investigating deaths in custody are more concerned about shielding their colleagues than bringing those responsible to justice."

By law, every person taken into custody must be medically examined and produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.

Human Rights Watch said the government data revealed that in 67 of 97 deaths in custody in 2015, the police either failed to produce the suspect before a magistrate within 24 hours or the suspect died within 24 hours of being arrested.

The rights group said official investigations to examine wrongdoing rarely find police culpable, and the police also delay or resist filing complaints against implicated police officers.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

P9

BUSINESS

RBI imposes curbs on old note deposits exceeding Rs 5,000 Rupee makes a weak start, slips 6 paise against dollar Mumbai, Dec 19 (PTI) Rupee depreciated by 6 paise to 67.82 against the US dollar in early trade today at the Interbank Foreign Exchange due to increased demand for the American unit from importers amid foreign fund outflows.

Dealers attributed the fall in rupee to increased demand for the US currency and lower opening of the domestic equity market but the dollar's weakness against some currencies overseas

because of the mounting tension between the US and China capped the losses.

Staging a strong recovery, the rupee on Friday had gained 7 paise to end at 67.76 against the American currency, a day after succumbing to pressure created by US Federal Reserve's rate hike.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell by 80.82 points or 0.31 per cent to 26,408.74 in early trade.

Lakhs of CA Aspirants Appear for December 2016 CPT Mumbai, Dec 19 : The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) conducted the CA CPT exam yesterday in two sessions across 171 cities in India.

CA CPT was taken by 2.28 Lakh aspirants the year before.

According to TopperLearning (www.topperlearning.com [ h t t p : / / www.topperlearning.com ]) CA CPT and IPCC experts, it is essential to attempt a minimum of 170 uestions to qualify for the next level.

Time management was of the essence while attempt-

ing the 200 questions owing to the lengthy nature of some problems and case study questions. CA experts at TopperLearning strongly advise against wasting time on a difficult question.

TopperLearning Academic Head for CA CPT commented, "It is essential that candidates are well-versed with the four CPT subjects: Accountancy, Mercantile Law, General Economics and Quantitative Aptitude. Exhaustive practice, familiarity with the paper pattern, knowledge of the current trends, and conceptual clarity are sure shot gateways to success in the CPT.

4 Tata firms to vote on Mistry's removal as director this week

New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) The Reserve Bank on Monday imposed stiff restrictions on depositing more than Rs 5,000 in the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, mandating that it can be deposited only once per account till December 30, that too after explaining to bank officials the reasons for not having done that so far.

Stipulating that restrictive conditions will also apply on the cumulative deposit of such notes in a single account when it exceeds Rs 5,000, RBI said that defunct currency up to any amount can be deposited under the new black money amnesty PMGKY scheme.

"It has been decided to

for the remaining 25 per cent of the amount.

RBI said old notes in excess of Rs 5,000 into a bank account will be received for credit only once during the remaining period till December 30, 2016.

"The credit in such cases shall be afforded only after questioning tenderer, on record, in the presence of at least two officials of the bank, as to why this could not be deposited earlier and receiving a satisfactory explanation," it said. place certain restrictions on deposits of SBNs into bank accounts while encouraging the deposits of the same under the Taxation and

Investment Regime for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 2016," RBI said in a notification.

Under the PMGKY scheme,

black money holders can deposit unaccounted cash in account which will be subject to 50 per cent tax and 4-year interest free lock-in

The explanation, RBI added, should be kept on record to facilitate an audit trail at a later stage. An appropriate flag also

Note ban: PM Modi silent on gains, hints pain may last little longer PM today seemed to be suggesting that the pain might last a little bit longer New Delhi, Dec 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a well-attended public rally in Kanpur, the precursor to what many expect to be his game changing rally in Lucknow on January 2. The Lucknow public rally will come at the end of his promised 50 days of “pain” of note ban.

Sabha elections once every five years, as frequent elections not only halt development but give play to use of black money. “I again request the Election Commission to take forward discussions on these two issues, convince other political parties. My government is committed to these,” he said.

He had earlier promised that days of pain would lead to “gain” for the public. However, the PM on Monday seemed to be suggesting that the pain might last a little bit longer, and he didn’t for once utter the word “gain” in nearly an hour long speech, and exhorted people to be willing to suffer inconveniences for a few more days for a brighter future of the country.

The PM also spoke at length about the reward scheme for those buyers as well as shopkeepers who make use of digital transactions, about his government’s efforts at electrifying villages in the state, the lawlessness of the Samajwadi Party rule and the succour provided by his government to sugarcane farmers.

The PM said he had warned on the day he announced the scheme that there will be difficulties for 50 days, and after that the inconvenience will start decreasing. He asked people to bless him to succeed in this “purification of the country” and that the country was near a decisive victory in its fight against corruption and black money.

But much of his speech seemed to be asking the public to be ready to face some more hardships.

Modi pointed to the large amounts of cash being caught as evidence that his government’s fight against black money is on the right track. “Had you ever seen this much cash being caught,” he asked

The PM ridiculed the Congress questioning his effort at a “less cash economy”. The Congress, he said, claims that Rajiv Gandhi brought computers and mobile phones to India, but claim that people have no mobile phones when I talk of digital banking. “They lie and mislead people incessantly,” the PM said.

The PM railed against the Opposition for not letting Parliament function, for obstructing his fight against black money and corruption and for lying and trying to mislead people. Modi said India, post-note ban, was divided into two halves – a small minority of politicians trying to protect black money, corruption and dis-

honesty, and the other half comprising the hardworking and honest poor and middle classes of the country who are fighting this battle to reclaim their right.

The PM said he congratulated the Election Commission for having demanded from political parties to come clean on their donations. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomes the move, and he had requested at the ‘all party meeting’ before the winter session of Parliament to have a discussion on making political donations transparent.

Taking a dig at the Congress party’s lack of commitment to stopping black money, the PM said that party had a treasurer Sitaram Kesri, about whom Congress leaders themselves said how he didn’t maintain any accounts of donations received by the party. “Na khaata na bahi, jo Kesri kahe wahi sahi,” the PM said, adding this is how the Congress conducts its politics.

Modi said that added to clean political donations is also the question of holding assembly and Lok

people.

Modi said he understood that people have suffered immensely because of note ban, but this was for a brighter future of the country. “You have suffered not for your personal gain but for the interest of the country,” the PM said.

should be raised in CBS (Core Banking Solution) to that effect so that no more tenders are allowed.

However, old notes up to Rs 5,000 received across the counter will allowed to be credited to bank accounts in the normal course until December 30, 2016.

"Even when tenders smaller than Rs 5,000 are made in an account and such tenders taken together on cumulative basis exceed Rs 5,000 they may be subject to the procedure to be followed in case of tenders above Rs 5,000, with no more tenders being allowed thereafter until December 30, 2016," RBI said. .

RBI governor to brief Par panel on demonetisation New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) : Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel will on December 22 brief the Parliamentary Committee on Finance about the demonetisation process and its impact.

"Briefing by the Governor, RBI, on the subject 'Demonetisation of Indian currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 and the impact thereof,'" said a schedule posted on the Parliament website.

The briefing will start at 11 AM at the Parliament annexe building on Thursday.

Since banning of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on November 8, Government has taken a host of measures like service tax sops and incentives for making digital payments to ease out problems arising out of less currency being available in the market.

The move has led to wiping out of almost 86 per cent of the currency which was present in cash before November 8, in the form of Rs 500/1000 notes.

The RBI and government have been assuring the common people regularly that there is enough cash that has been pumped back into the system.

The Reserve Bank of India last week said that Rs 12.44 lakh crore in demonetised notes have been collected at banks.

Also, banks have issued Rs 4.61 lakh crore to the public since November 8-9 through ATMs and bank counters, it said.

"The RBI has issued 21.8 billion pieces of banknotes of various denominations since demonetisation," deputy governor R Gandhi said.

Sensex ends 115 points lower, Nifty at 8,104; telecom sector drags Mumbai, Dec 18 (PTI) In what could prove to be a crucial week in the ongoing boardroom war between Tata Sons and its ousted Chairman Cyrus Mistry, four listed firms of the group will vote on resolutions to remove him as director from their boards.

All eyes will be on the outcome of voting by shareholders of Indian Hotels Co Ltd (IHCL), Tata Steel, Tata Motors and Tata Chemicals at their EGMs to be held on December 20-23.

Besides deciding the fate of Mistry, shareholders of three companies -- Tata Steel, Tata Motors and Tata Chemicals will also vote on similar resolutions moved

by Tata Sons to remove independent director Nusli Wadia from their boards.

Shareholders of IHCL will vote on removing Mistry as director. Tata Sons holds 28.01 per cent stake in the company.

According to the information available on BSE, as on September 2016, promoter

and promoter group together held 38.65 per cent stake in IHCL. One of the key non-promoter shareholders, LIC, which had abstained in a similar voting in TCS, holds 8.76 per cent.

Mistry on his own holds 1,28,625 shares in the company, as per IHCL's 2015-16 Annual Report.

In Tata Steel, Tata Sons holds 29.75 per cent while the total of promoter and promoter group holding is 31.35 per cent while nonpromoter shareholder LIC holds 13.62 per cent.

Tata Sons holds 26.51 per cent stake in Tata Motors, while the overall promoter and promoter group holding is at 33 per cent, while that of LIC is at 5.11 per cent.

Mistry holds 14,500 shares in his individual capacity.

On the other hand, in Tata Chemicals, Tata Sons has 19.35 per cent stake and the total of promoter and promoter group holding is at 30.80 per cent, while that of LIC is 3.33 per cent. Mistry's holding is 16,000 shares. .

Sensex fell as much as 150 points during after-noon trade dragged by losses in Sun Pharma, Asian Paints and HDFC New Delhi, Dec 19 : Extending losses for a fourth straight session, benchmark indices settled on a lower note amid mixed global cues as Asian shares neared four-week low.

Sensex fell as much as 150 points during after-noon trade dragged by losses in Sun Pharma, Asian Paints, HDFC and Bharti Airtel.

Broader Nifty50 index also slipped below 8,100 level.

S&P BSE Sensex ended the day at 26,375, down 115 points, while the broader Nifty50 settled at 8,104, down 35 points.

Broader market performed in line the headline indices with BSE Midcap and Smallcap down 0.51% and 0.46% respectively.

"It is not a surprise that domestic market continues to consolidate with negative bias. And this caution will hold its trend as foreign inflows are lukewarm while domestic confidence is low.

FIIs are cautious on EMs while dollar is strengthening. Domestic market is overhanging in expectation of weak Q3FY17 results, risk of further slowdown in March quarter and postponement of GST," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services.

threatened to take legal recourse to seek damages from the failed deal.

Global Markets Asian shares slipped to four-week lows on Monday as the prospect of higher U.S. interest rates and a strong dollar stemming from the incoming Trump Administration's purported policies of cutting taxes and spending heavily threatened to suck capital out of emerging markets.

Sectors and stocks Shares of oil marketing companies (OMCs) settled higher in otherwise weak market after these companies raised petrol and diesel prices with effect from midnight of 16th / 17th December 2016.

The S&P BSE Oil & Gas index, the largest gainer among sectoral indices settled 0.93% higher.

Petnonet LNG (3.44%) was the top gainer in the index followed by IOC, GAIL, BPCL. Pharma, telecom, metals, realty, consumer durables and auto sector indices dragged

European shares are seen having better luck, following recent gains in shares of banks, resource companies and some automakers. the index down. Majority of the sectoral indices ended the day in red.

GAIL, ICICI Bank, Cipla and NTPC were the top gainers on BSE Sensex while Asian Paints, Sun Pharma, HDFC and Bharti Airtel were the

top losers.

Among other stocks, Tree House Education & Accessories ended almost 20% down at Rs 19.10, its new low on the BSE. The stock fell after Zee Learn called off its proposed merger and

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS dipped 0.3% to a four-week low. It has lost 3.7% since Trump was elected.

Leading the losses, Hong Kong shares hit a fourmonth low as the Hong

Kong dollar soared in line with the US dollar to which it is pegged, and after insurance shares were hit by a Chinese regulator's warnings. nL5N1EB03X. In addition, investors turned cautious after China's top leaders vowed over the weekend to stem asset bubbles in 2017 and place greater importance on the prevention of financial risk Japan's Nikkei, which has benefited from the yen's sharp fall against the dollar, snapped its nine-day winning streak, dipping 0.1% from Friday's one-year high.

The pan-European Euro Stoxx 600 opened slightly lower, dropping 0.21%, with most sectors trading in the red.

Basic resources were leading the falls on news that Chinese authorities are foreseeing a lower growth rate in 2017.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

P10

INTERNATIONAL

UN To Vote Today On Sending Observers To Aleppo The new draft calls on UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon to make arrangements, in consultation with Syrian authorities and the rebels, to allow UN monitoring of "the wellbeing of civilians."

UNITED NATIONS, UNITED STATES, Dec 19: The UN Security Council will vote on Monday on a French-drafted resolution to quickly deploy UN observers to Aleppo, with Russia, Syria's ally, giving cautious backing to the measure.

Moscow had presented its own draft resolution that requested that the United Nations make "arrangements" to monitor the situation, but made no specific mention of sending observers to east Aleppo.

Russia had threatened to veto a first draft presented

by France calling for observers to monitor evacuations from Aleppo and report on the protection of civilians in the besieged Syrian city.

France and the United States said the new text, which took into account Russian proposals, resulted in minor changes.

But after nearly four hours of closed-door council consultations on Sunday, a new draft was agreed.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters: "We put in some good hours of work and I think we have a good text."

French Ambassador Francois Delattre declared that the council had reached "common ground," while US Ambassador Samantha Power anticipated the member states would vote "unanimously"

Russia had threatened to veto a draft calling for observers to monitor Aleppo evacuations

at 9:00 am (1400 GMT).

"The resolution we have drafted came after intensive negotiations because our goal was to have a result --

Chinese delegation meets Nepal Prez, discusses bilateral ties PTI Kathmandu, Dec 19 : A delegation from China's ruling Communist party has called on Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari and discussed the bilateral relations here, days after Beijing provided Rs 15.80 billion to the Himalayan nation for post-quake reconstruction activities.

The meeting between the President and Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation led by their Chief of Publicity Department Liu Qibao took place at the presidential residence Sheetal Niwas here yesterday.

The team discussed the current bilateral relations.

The leaders also discussed about taking the bilateral relations to a more harmonious and stronger level, according to a press statement issued by the President's office.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong was also present.

China has provided Rs

15.80 billion to Nepal for post- quake reconstruction activities after a Cabinet meeting on December 11 decided to accept the grants worth Nepalese Rupees 15.80 billion provided by China.

China on December 9 launched a new cargo service linking Tibet and Nepal as dozens of trucks carrying goods worth USD 2.8 million left the Tibetan border port of Gyirong en route to Kathmandu.

The new rail and road cargo service linking Guangdong, Tibet and Nepal aims to boost trade with the South Asian neighbour as China pushes forward its Belt and Road (Silk Road) initiative.

It was the first such consignment being sent to Nepal after the new Prachanda government took over from his proChina predecessor K P Sharma Oli, who had signed the transit trade deal with Beijing in March this year in a bid to reduce Nepal's dependence on India despite it being expensive due to the mountainous terrain.

Russian military says 32 hurt in plane crash, but no deaths

The Il-18 is a four-engine passenger plane designed in the 1950s, and some are still in service with the Russian military for transport duties.

MOSCOW, Dec 19 : The Russian military says that one of its planes with 39 people on board crashlanded in the far north of the country, injuring 32.

The military said the plane, an Il-18 turboprop, crashlanded Monday near the town of Tiksi in the Yakutia region on the Laptev Sea in the Arctic.

It said in a statement that helicopters evacuated people from the crash site and that 32 were hospitalized, including 16 in grave condition.

The Il-18 is a four-engine passenger plane designed in the 1950s, and some are still in service with the Russian military for transport duties.

not to obtain agreement necessarily on 100 percent of our text, but to reach goals we consider essential," French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault

told AFP in Haiti.

The vote, initially tabled for Sunday, was delayed until Monday to allow the Russian delegation to consult

with Moscow on the final draft resolution that provides for UN and other international observers to be dispatched to eastern Aleppo.

"The text left standing includes all the core provisions to allow for UN monitoring, to get the 100-plus UN people ready to go to team up with the ICRC and the Syrian Red Crescent," said Power.

Evacuations of fighters and civilians from Aleppo were suspended on Sunday after gunmen attacked buses for a similar operation from two rebel-besieged villages.

Huge 'dead zone' found in Bay of Bengal PTI Berlin, Dec 19 : The Bay of Bengal hosts a 'dead zone' of an estimated 60,000 square kilometres - an area that contains little or no oxygen and supports microbial processes that remove vast amounts of nitrogen from the ocean, scientists including those from India have found.

Dead zones are well known off the western coasts of North and South America, off the coast of Namibia and off the west coast of India in the Arabian Sea. "The Bay of Bengal has long stood as an enigma because standard techniques suggest no oxygen in the waters, but, despite this, there has been no indication of nitrogen loss as in other 'dead zones' of the global ocean," said Laura Bristow, a former postdoc at University of Southern Denmark.

Researchers, inculding those from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)

Removing more nitrogen from the oceans could affect the marine nitrogen balance and rates of marine productivity.

Globally, warming of the atmosphere through climate change is predicted to lead to an expansion of 'dead zones' in the ocean.

in Goa, demonstrated that some oxygen does exist in the Bay of Bengal waters, but at concentrations much less than standard techniques could detect and some 10,000 times less than that found in the air-saturated surface waters.

The researchers also discovered that the Bay of Bengal hosts microbial communities that can remove nitrogen, as in other well-known dead zones and even some evidence that they do remove nitrogen, but at really slow rates.

"We have this crazy situa-

tion in the Bay of Bengal where the microbes are poised and ready to remove lots more nitrogen than they do, but the trace amounts of oxygen keep them from doing so," said Bristow, now a scientist at the Max Planck Institute (MPI) in Germany.

"Remove the last amounts of oxygen, and the Bay of Bengal could become a major global player in nitrogen removal from the oceans," said Wajih Naqvi, former director of NIO and a coauthor of the study published in the journal Nature Geosciences.

It is currently unclear whether climate change would lead to the removal of these last traces of oxygen from the Bay of Bengal waters.

However, the Bay of Bengal is also surrounded by a heavy population density, and expected increases in fertiliser input to the Bay may increase its productivity, contributing to oxygen depletion at depth.

"Time will tell, but the Bay of Bengal is at a 'tipping point', and we currently need models to illuminate how human activities will impact the nitrogen cycle in the Bay of Bengal, and also globally," said Bristow.

At least 25 dead in Siberia after drinking bath essence

Homemade spirits and household products containing alcohol are popular throughout the former Soviet Union as a cheap alternative to the standard brands .

Image by: iStock Russia, Dec 19 : Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement that 42 people had sought medical attention over the weekend after having drunk the liquid labelled as hawthornscented bath essence, 25 of whom died.

Authorities said the product bore a label warning it is unsuitable for consumption, but the lotion was nonetheless "consumed like alcohol."

The product contained methanol, a toxic substance used in antifreeze, investigators said.

Cheap perfumes and facial toners containing alcohol

are sold without the trading restrictions on alcoholic drinks, while those who buy them to drink are the most socially disadvantaged.

Two people have been detained over the deaths, investigators said, and searches are being conducted at the markets where the deadly product was being sold.

Homemade spirits and household products containing alcohol are popular throughout the former Soviet Union as a cheap alternative to the standard brands but are also blamed for a large number of alcohol-related deaths.

Japan pulls plug on troubled fast breeder nuclear reactor ‘Monju’ AFP Tokyo, Dec 19 : Japan has scrapped plans to generate electricity at a multi-billion dollar experimental nuclear reactor, the government said today, giving up on the decades-old project due to spiralling costs.

Once touted as a “dream reactor,” the Monju facility was designed to generate more fuel than it consumes via nuclear chain reaction, an attractive alternative in a country with few natural resources.

But its complex fast breeder reactor technology has been plagued with problems that have left it idle for more than a decade. It has also been a financial black hole since construction began in 1986, given its initial 1 trillion yen (USD 8.5 billion) construction cost and daily operating costs of 50 million yen, even while shut down.

The government “will not restart (Monju) as a nuclear reactor and will take steps to decommission it,” science minister Hirokazu Matsuno told the governor of western Japan’s Fukui prefecture where it is located. Fukui governor Issei Nishikawa, who was informed by Matsuno and indus-

try minister Hiroshige Seko at a meeting, criticised the decision as “fast and sloppy”.

“I don’t think there were sufficient deliberations,” Nishikawa said. Japan has become increasingly nervous about nuclear power in the years since the 2011 tsunami disaster that triggered the Fukushima meltdown crisis, the world’s worst such accident since Chernobyl in 1986.

While some local governors in Japan have opposed the restart of reactors, not all are opposed due to the economic benefits and jobs nuclear technology brings. The Fukui government, for example, has been cooperative, partly in return for financial rewards from Tokyo.

Despite the decision to scrap Monju, the government has not completely given up on fast breeder technology. The area around the Monju facility will be turned into a research centre for nuclear technology, including plans to explore a different type of fast breeder reactor, according to the ministry.

It will remain “a long term project” that will also involve cross-border joint research, it said.

Pressure on Myanmar as region holds Rohingy AFP Yangon, Dec 19 : The fate of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim minority took centre stage today as regional ministers held crisis talks over a security crackdown that has drawn rare criticism from neighbouring nations. More than 27,000 Rohingya have fled northwestern Myanmar for Bangladesh since the start of November to escape a heavy-handed counter-insurgency campaign.

The army says it is hunting militants behind deadly raids on police posts in October. But Rohingya survivors have described rape, murder and arson at the hands of security forces – accounts that have raised global alarm and galvanised protests in

treat to be held,” Malaysia’s foreign minister Anifah Aman said ahead of the talks. The vast majority of Myanmar’s Rohingya population are denied citizenship and have lived for years under movement restrictions that many have likened to apartheid.

In this Nov. 22, 2016 photo supplied by Amnesty International, Rohingya refugees cross the border into Bangladesh close to Whaikyang in Cox’s Bazar District, Southeastern Bangladesh. (Amnesty International via AP)

capitals around Southeast Asia.

The exodus has caused an unusual open spat within the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the regional 10-member block that usually prides itself on consensus diplomacy and non-interference. Today,

foreign ministers from the bloc met in Yangon for emergency talks, a gathering Malaysia said was the result of pressure building on Myanmar to

resolve the crisis.

“Constant pressure from both the international community as well as Malaysia has led us to this point and to the re-

Thousands have fled over the years on rickety boats, seeking sanctuary in Muslim majority countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. The latest crackdown in Rakhine generated a fresh wave of public anger, particularly in Malaysia, where tens of thousands of Rohingya eke out tough and often dangerous lives as undocumented workers.

cmyk

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

SPORTS

P11

India clubbed with Sri Lanka in Ishant, Pietersen, Steyn women's World Cup Qualifiers released ahead of IPL-10 PTI Dubai, Dec. 19: The Indian women's cricket team has been clubbed alongside Sri Lanka among others for next month's ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers from where top four sides would make the cut for tournament-proper in June.

The tournament will run from January 7 to 21 at four Colombo venues and the sides finishing in the top four of the Super Six stage will join defending champion Australia, host England, former winner New Zealand and reigning ICC World Twenty20 champion West Indies in the World Cup from June 26 to July 23.

Asian champion and former World Cup finalist India leads Group A which also includes Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Thailand, while South Africa heads Group B which comprises Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Each side will play four matches in the first round, following which the top three sides from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, while also carrying forward points they earn against teams which have progressed

to the Super Six stage from their group.

The top four sides from the Super Six stage, in which each side will play three matches against teams from the other group, will complete the eightteam line-up for the World Cup 2017.

Holly Colvin, ICC's Women's Cricket Officer and a World Cup winner with England in 2009, said: "This is an extremely important event on the women's cricket calendar as it offers a final opportunity to the sides to qualify for the ICC Women's World Cup, which is the ultimate event for any cricketer."

Groups: Group A: India, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Thailand Group B: South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland and Papua New Guinea Warm-up matches: 5 February - India v South Africa, P Sara Stadium; Sri Lanka v Pakistan, Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA); Ireland v Bangladesh, Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC); Zimbabwe v Scotland, Colombo Cricket Club (CCC); Thailand v PNG, Moors Sports Club.

Tournament fixtures (first round) 7 February - Sri Lanka v India, P Sara Stadium; Ireland v Zimbabwe, MCA; South Africa v Pakistan, NCC; Zimbabwe v Scotland, CCC 8 February - Pakistan v Bangladesh, P Sara Stadium; Scotland v South Africa, MCA; Sri Lanka v Ireland, NCC; India v Thailand, CCC 10 February - India v Ireland, P Sara Stadium; Thailand v Zimbabwe, MCA 11 February - South Africa v Bangladesh, P Sara Stadium; Scotland v PNG, MCA; Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, NCC; Ireland v Thailand, CCC 13 February - Zimbabwe v India, P Sara Stadium; Sri Lanka v Thailand, MCA; South Africa v PNG, NCC; Pakistan v Scotland, CCC Super Six stage (teams to be confirmed after 13 February matches): 15 February - Match 21, P Sara Stadium; Match 22, NCC; Match 23, CCC 17 February - Match 24, P Sara Stadium; Match 25, NCC; Match 26, CCC 19 February - Match 27, P Sara Stadium; Match 28, NCC; Match 29, CCC 21 February - FINAL.

PTI New Delhi, Dec. 19: Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, English batting star Kevin Pietersen and South African speedster Dale Steyn were among the biggest names to be released by their respective franchises ahead of the Indian Premier League's 10th edition next year.

As many as 140 cricketers, including 44 overseas players, have been retained, while 63 were let go by the eight franchises for season 10.

Ishant, who just returned to the Indian Test team after a long injury layoff for the ongoing fifth and final match against England in Chennai, fetched Rs 3.8 crore from Rising Pune Supergiants in the players' auction last year.

Rising Pune Supergiants had finished seventh in the last edition of the league.

Rising Pune Supergiants (11), Royal Challengers Bangalore (10) and Kolkata Knight Riders (9) were the franchises to release a major chunk of the players.

England's former star batsman Pietersen earned Rs 3.5 crore from Pune and South African pace spearhead Steyn had gone for Rs 2.3 crore to debutants Gujarat Lions.

Pietersen, who couldn't play last season following an injury, has been released by the Pune along with Ishant, all-rounder Irfan Pathan and spinner Murugan Ashwin.

Delhi Daredevils, who spent Rs 8.5 crore on all-rounder Pawan Negi, have set the player free after he couldn't

feature in most of the matches for the team.

Kolkata Night Riders have released their overseas players - Jason Holder, Colin Munro, John Hastings, Brad Hogg and Morkel, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have axed Trent Boult and Ashish Reddy, among others along with Morgan.

Other big stars to be omitted included former Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson (Kings XI Punjab), South Africa Morne Morkel (Kolkata Knight Riders), New Zealand duo Corey Anderson and Martin Guptill (Mumbai Indians), Australia's Nathan CoulterNile (Delhi Daredevils) and England's ODI skipper Eoin Morgan (Sunrisers Hyderabad).

ATK coach Molina's approach was Kings XI Punjab have It's going to be a tough like Mourinho's: Derrick Pereira biggest purse going season, says East Bengal into IPL auctions

coach Morgan

also won the trophy in the inaugural season of the ISL. "A lot of coaches like to entertain people. And there are coaches who like to play effective football. I think Molina is the second one.

Like Mourinho he will play according to the need of the hour and by the tournament format," Pereira opined.

Molina earlier commented during the group stages of the tournament that six draws are like two wins, both fetching you six points, drawing mixed reaction from pundits.

In a tournament like ISL where finishing in top-four assures you of playoff berth, the former Atletico Madrid custodian had always maintained his aim was to finish in the top half and nothing else.

"They were the most organised team," Pereira said.

"They played to a plan and Molina knew what he was doing all along."

From making nine changes in the semi-final second leg against Mumbai City FC to

handing starts to many nonfirst team regulars in the first leg in Kolkata, many eyebrows were raised courtesy his uncanny approach.

His decision to play the taller Dani Mallo in goal in place of the in-form Debjit Majumder was surprising but proved to be a masterstroke as Mumbai's tall attackers like Diego Forlan and Matias Defederico were thwarted in the semi-final.

"Mallo had the height to gather the aerial balls which could have been a threat keeping in mind Mumbai's tall players," former East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya said.

"Hs (Molina) strategy clicked and I think a lot of credit should go to Debjit for the way he played. For him the team won six-seven matches.

"What could have worked is the fact that Molina has also been a goalkeeper and spending so much time with a top keeper like him, Debjit learnt a lot," Bhattacharya said.

PM congratulates junior hockey team for world cup win

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PTI New Delhi, Dec. 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight congratulated junior hockey team for winning World Cup and said it augurs well for the future of Indian hockey.

"Extremely proud of our youngsters! Congratulations to our junior hockey team for winning the #JuniorHockeyWorldCup," he tweeted.

He added that the "win au-

gurs well for the future of Indian hockey & will make the sport even more popular among youngsters."

India defeated Belgium 2-1 to clinch the Junior World Cup held in Lucknow earlier this evening.

chise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will go into the players' auction with the biggest purse among all the franchises, after they on Monday announced list of cricketers retained for next year's tournament.

Punjab have the maximum money of Rs 23.35 crore for the auction among the eight teams. Their current squad strength is 18, according to a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) statement.

"The window for the franchises to retain players for the VIVO Indian Premier League 2016 season closed at 1700 hrs IST (December

44 overseas players, have been retained by the VIVO IPL franchises for 2017 season," it added.

India's One-Day International (ODI) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also retained by his franchise Rising Pune Supergiants.

Dhoni led the side last year and is expected to continue as the skipper in the next edition. India discard Suresh Raina was retained

by Gujarat Lions..

Pune have retained 16 players while Gujarat too have same number of cricketers in the squad.

"It's something that you dream about (I-League trophy) and I am no different. My aim is to make East Bengal the most successful club in India." "But as I said, it will be a long season ahead of us with 18 games to be played," the Australian said when asked about the fact that East Bengal are still to win the I-League.

Morgan helped East Bengal win their last national level tournament when the city giants clinched the

Federation Cup in 2012, fourth foreigner in around beating Dempo of Goa. the Christmas time. It is important to get the right Since then, the 2003 people. If we have to wait Asean Club Cup winners till the first game, so we have dominated the local have to. We have got a Calcutta Football League big enough squad to not (CFL) but failed to make miss one foreigner." their mark in India.

"The fixtures are out but "It's not been there for a there is still going to be long time, is it? I think we some changes. We have all realise that this is a four or five away games good opportunity for the before we play our first club to do that (win the game. So, obviously that's league). During my first something we have to stint with East Bengal, we look at." did everything to try and win it."

"Playing three away matches ahead of a home "But as you could see the game will be tough for fans today morning at the us," Morgan said. ground, the only thing they want is to win the I- Talking about the other League. Hopefully, we sides, he reckon will give will try and achieve it," a good fight, he said: "The said 60-year-old. guys in Bengaluru too will be thinking about the Morgan is yet to get his sides like Mohun Bagan full quota of four foreign- and East Bengal." ers but he is not willing to cite that as an excuse.

"Yeah, there are some good teams in the league.

"I don't want to see that With Churchill they have as an excuse that we the pick of all the top playdidn't win the I League ers in Goa now. So a lot because we did not have of the player's from the the best foreigners." other three clubs (Dempo, Salgaocar and "There is always some- Sporting) will look to play thing rather getting the in the I-League."

For Zlatan Ibrahimovic age is just a number, wants to continue playing till age of 50 Johannesburg, Dec 19 : Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who believes that age is just a number, has insisted he can go on to play for another 15 years if he stays healthy and continues to find the back of the net.

Despite being 35-years-old, Ibrahimovic has been in prime form this season and has scored 10 times in his

quoted Ibrahimovic as saying. "I think I could play also at 50, but it won`t be down to me. The older I get, the better I get, like red wine!

You like red wine? I`m a perfect example of that. The older I get, the better I play. last nine matches in competitions, thus proving that he is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to scor-

ing goals.

"I feel happy, I feel good.Even if I`m 35, in my mind I`m 20," Sport24

"Revealing the secret behind his success, the Swede said that taekwondo has helped him a lot to stay in shape."I`ve played in differ-

ent championships, in different countries, and you need to adapt your body to the game and the way it`s played here," he said.

The United striker scored both the goals in his side`s 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and has now scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, besides having three assists to his name as well.

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IANS Kolkata, Dec 19 : Indian Super League (ISL) champions Atletico de Kolkata's (ATK) coach Jose Molina went about his job without pomp but poise, according to Indian coaches.

ATK beat Kerala Blaster 43 (1-1 in regulation time) in the final at Kochi on Sunday.

Often criticised for his lack of enterprise in attack and defensive attitude, fanned by the eight draws in 14 league games, Molina's approach was similar to Manchester United's renowned coach Jose Mourinho, Indian coach Derrick Pereira observed.

"He is like Mourinho in the way he goes about his business," Pereira, who formerly coached Pune FC and Salgaocar in the I-League, told IANS on Monday.

ATK beat Kerala Blasters on penalties to clinch their second title in three years with Molina tasting glory on his first season in charge.

In the process, the Spaniard emulated his fellow countryman Antonio Habas who

IANS Kolkata, Dec 19 : East Bengal head coach Trevor James Morgan on Monday said the ILeague football tournament starting next month will be a tough nut to crack.

"It will not be easy as all the 10 teams will be ready. Some of our opponents are known while some are unknown. It's going to be a tough season," Morgan, in his second stint at the helm of the red and gold brigade, told reporters after East IANS 15, 2016)," the BCCI said in Bengal's first practice Mumbai, Dec 19 : Indian a media release. "As many Premier League (IPL) fran- as 140 cricketers, including session here.

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

P12 JUNIOR WORLD CUP | HOCKEY

A 15-year wait comes to an end LUCKNOW, Dec 19: “Murde ke taboot me itne keel gaad do ki wo fir uth na sakey (Put so many nails in a coffin that the dead can’t get up again)” has been the favourite phrase for the Indian junior hockey team.

With 25,000 people cheering the team on in a stadium that could accommodate just 15,000, the boys did just that and were crowned World champions, dominating and dismantling Belgium 2-1 in the final of the Junior World Cup here on Sunday.

It was a clinical performance that had both Indian flair upfront and European stubbornness in defence as the host came close to the ‘perfect game’ the team management had hoped for.

Belgium tried to defend like it always does but for once, the Indians, instead of trying to break their structure, simply slid past the defence and created gaps that flummoxed the opposition.

This was Indian hockey’s first-ever world-level title in 15 years, the last being its maiden win in the same competition in 2001. It was also the first time that a host has won this title.

An early lead for India was expected to force the Belgians to break up and move upfront, and the plan worked. It also helped that a vociferous crowd on its feet made it impossible for the Belgians to even communicate.

India attacked from the word go and got the first chance in the second minute but Mandeep hit

Karun Nair slams maiden Test triple, becomes second Indian after Sehwag Avinash Sharma Chennai, Dec 19: Karun Nair notched up his maiden Test triple hundred and became only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to achieve the milestone.

The 25-year-old Nair from Karnataka blasted 31 fours and four sixes en route his triple ton against England in the fifth and final Test match, here.

The Indian team takes a victory lap after beating Belgium in the Junior World Cup final in Lucknow on Sunday.

wide. But the intent was clear and a penalty corner a minute later only added to the pressure on Belgium.

In terms of possession, circle entries, and shots on target, India dominated every department of the game.

A long scoop from Sumit in the Indian half found Gurjant positioned right at the edge of the circle and the latter, in a replay of his goal in the semifinals, turned and reverse hit into the net to put India ahead in the eighth.

In fact, this Indian team has used aerial scoops throughout the tournament to great effect and it worked again in the final.

With a packed Belgian defence that conceded no space, India often used the diagonal scoop to not just relieve pressure but bypass the defenders. With the forwards trapping the accurate passes cleanly inside the striking circle, Belgium was forced to back-

pedal furiously. The Indians also proved their physical superiority, outrunning for possession every time Belgium managed to take control.

So composed was the Indian defence that the Belgians, when they occasionally managed to find the momentum to attack, were often unable to reach even the penalty spot. The Indian defenders made sure to clear the ball out of their own half as soon as possible.

Captain Harjeet Singh kept falling back in defence to assist Dipsan Tirkey while Simranjeet Singh handled the midfield duties well, assisted by Varun Kumar, who was pushed ahead on the left, and Sumit.

Mandeep Singh, Gurjant and Parvinder Singh came close to scoring but were unlucky to hit wide.

Vikramjit Singh and Armaan Qureshi, both normally strikers, played feeders instead, sending the ball in often. Simranjeet finally

doubled the lead in the 22nd minute after being put through by Gurjant, deservedly named Man of the Match. India, in fact, could have won by a bigger margin if it had connected all the crosses that materialised.

Unlike the previous games, there was no aimless running. Every time India scored, or came close, it held possession, slowed the game a bit, regrouped and then attacked, not as a battering ram but as a knife, cutting through the spaces.

At the same time, Belgium found little space to orchestrate its own attacks. The second half was better for Belgium but India’s defence held firm, till the last 30 seconds, when it conceded back to back penalty corners and a goal, but it only changed the scoreline, not the result.

Earlier, Germany mixed aggression with discipline to win 3-0 against Australia and finish third.

The results: Final: India 2 (Gurjant Singh, Simranjit Singh) bt Belgium 1(Fabrice van Bockrijck); 3/4 place: Germany 3 (Timm Herzbruch 2, Jan Schiffer) bt Australia 0; 5/6 place: Argentina 2 (Nicolas Keenan, Tomas Domene) bt Spain 1 (Marc Perrellon); 7/8 place: the Netherlands 6 (Thierry Brinkman 2, Bram van Groesen 2, Thijs van Dam, Morris de Vilder) bt England 2 (Tom Sorsby 2).

Player of the Tournament: Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon (Esp).

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Loic van Doren (Bel).

Up & Coming U19 Player of the Tournament: Timm Herzbruch (Ger).

Fair Play Award: New Zealand.

Fans Choice Award: Harmanpreet Singh (Ind).

Earlier, he became the third Indian batsman after Dilip Sardesai and Vinod Kambli to convert their maiden Test hundred to a double century. India now lead England by 127 runs as the hosts crossed the 600-run mark.

Nair shared a 169-run partnership with R Ashwin (64*) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Earlier, at the lunch interval, Ravichandran Ashwin (9) was giving company to Nair (122) at the crease with India trailing by just 14 runs and having 5 wickets in hand in their first innings.

England had scored 477 in their first essay.

Vijay (29), who had come down the order at No. 6, was the only batsman dismissed in the session as Liam Dawson picked up his maiden wicket in the 124th over after trapping him in front of wicket.

Earlier, resuming at an over-

Katun Nair clebrating his maiden triple hundred in Chennai.

night score of 391-4, Nair and Vijay found the going a bit tough against the duo of Dawson and Stuart Broad.

While Dawson bothered Vijay with his slow deliveries in the 110th over, Broad almost had his man in the 115th over when he induced a slight nick off the Tamil Nadu batsman but umpire Simon Fry felt otherwise and England didn't have any reviews left.

In the next over, Nair blasted Dawson for a six over longon, while Vijay picked up a boundary off Ben Stokes behind point in the 121st over. One over later, Nair sliced Stokes behind point to pick up another bound-

ary and along with it his maiden Test century and he celebrated the achievement by raising his bat.

Vijay's fall in the 124th over brought Ashwin to the crease and after a few overs, Nair once again repeated his treatment to Stokes, picking up successive boundaries off the bowler to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Ashwin picked up his first boundary when he late cut a Dawson delivery behind point. Just before lunch, Adil Rashid was introduced into the attack and Nair hit him through extra cover as India took lunch after the 135th over.

Top Scorer of the Tournament: Edward Horler (Eng) - 8 goals.

Sakshi Malik brings redemption to wrestling mired with court battle, doping scandal in 2016 PTI New Delhi, Dec. 19: A bitter court battle, followed by an embarrassing dope scandal, before some redemption through an Olympic medal - Indian wrestling in 2016 mirrored the script of a Bollywood potboiler in which Sakshi Malik emerged as the new star on the horizon.

For most part of the year, wrestling hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons, making it a tumultuous Olympic build-up after twotime medallist Sushil Kumar found himself ousted from contention just a couple of months before the Games in Rio. The chain of events that set in ended up disgracing the sport before Sakshi emerged an unlikely saviour in the Brazillian city.

Sakshi not only scripted history by becoming the first woman wrestler from India to bag an Olympic medal, she also became the first to win a medal for the country at the Rio Games before shuttler PV Sindhu capped it off with a silver.

Fighting back from 0-5 down to beat Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan 8-5 in the dying minutes of the bronze medal play-off match in women's 58kg freestyle, Sakshi ended India's painful wait at the 2016 Rio Olympics for a medal and immediately sent the nation of 1.2 billion into euphoria.

In fact, the 24-year-old's feat also covered up for the under-achievement of Indian wrestlers at the mega-event with just one medal coming

In September 2015, Narsingh had bagged an Olympic berth for India at the World Championships in Las Vegas with a bronze medal.

However, despite securing a quota place, Narsingh always knew that he may not be an automatic choice to represent India in the 74kg category at the Rio Games with Sushil being in the same weight category as him.

Sakshi Malik from a strong eight-member team that boasted of three women for the first time.

Even London Games bronze-medallist Yogeshwar Dutt failed to live up to the expectations, bowing out in the qualifying round to end his Olympic campaign on a disappointing note.

Though Sakshi's heroics provided solace, it was not enough to eclipse the shock and embarrassment that India had to endure with Narsingh's ouster from the Olympics.

Narsingh was eventually handed a four-year ban for flunking a dope test after the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) overturned the clean chit given to him by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had appealed against NADA's allclear to Narsingh at CAS, three days ahead of his scheduled opening bout at

the Olympics.

The 27-year-old's name had appeared in the official Olympic schedule after he underwent the mandatory weigh-in but the CAS verdict dashed all his hopes.

In fact, the run-up to the Olympics was nowhere close to being ideal for either Narsingh or the Indian team with more than one controversy affecting their focus.

Personally for Narsingh, there was no dearth of trouble ahead of the Games.

What started as a minor tussle for an Olympic berth in men's 74kg freestyle, snowballed into an ugly slanging match that ended in a legal battle: though he won in the court, the ordeal was far from over as Narsingh landed in a bigger mess with his blood sample returning positive for a banned substance.

Going by norms in the WFI guidelines, a quota belongs to the nation and not to an individual and hence, former world champion Sushil insisted on a trial to decide who would represent India at the Olympics in 74kg category.

Narsingh, on the other hand, kept staking his claim for the berth. Even Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had been steadfast in its stand to send the Maharashtra grappler to Rio on the basis of him grabbing the quota and also due to fear that it would prompt other wrestlers to demand trials in other weight divisions as well.

With WFI not keen on holding a trial, Sushil moved the Delhi High Court.

But in the end, it was heartbreak for the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist and 2012 London Games silver medallist as the court rejected Sushil's plea on June 6.

With still two months to go for the Games, it was finally time for Narsingh and the others to solely focus on their preparations and not get distracted by other issues.

But even as things started

to fall in place, about a fortnight before the commencement of the Olympics, Narsingh found himself in the midst of a doping scandal.

What followed was another battle to clear his name.

Narsingh claimed innocence, saying it was a conspiracy against him and his food supplements and water had been spiked. Even WFI stood firmly behind the wrestler, supporting his sabotage theory.

Although Narsingh and WFI failed to provide enough evidence against the conspiracy theory during a number of hearings in front of the NADA panel, it cleared the wrestler of all charges, convinced that he was a victim of sabotage.

It seemed that the nightmare was finally over with Narsingh boarding the flight to Rio, but only to be barred from competing, a day before his scheduled bout.

With WFI adamant on clearing Narsingh's name, his case was eventually handed over to the CBI, which is currently probing it.

For a sport that was surrounded by controversy for major part of the year, the end couldn't have been without a hiccup either as the Professional Wrestling League stood postponed to next year. The organisers claimed that government's move to demonetise currency played a part in it.

With PWL 2 now rescheduled from January 2-19, wrestling can only hope for an auspicious start in 2017.

A moment of a match during the 13th Capt Jintu Gogoi Memorial Football tournament in Dibrugarh on Monday. Photo by Manoj Pandey

Moran Town Club, Dibrugarh Railway win Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 19: Moran Town Football Club and Dibrugarh Railway Division Sports Club won their respective matches of 13th Captain Jintu Gogoi, VrC Memorial Football Tournament played at at Chowkidinghee field Dibrugarh on Monday.

The first match was played between Sonowal Kachari Students Union Football Club Tengakhat and Moran Town Football Club. Both the teams exhibited competitive spirit and scored 11 goal in the first half. The

first goal of the match of was scored by Tomba Singh of Moran Club in 8th minute while the second goal was scored by Hirakjyoti Moran

minute which helped his team register victory over Sonowal Kachari Students Union Football Club Tengakhat by 2-1.

Today

The second match of the day was played in the afternoon between Dibrugarh Railway Division Sports Club and Haluwating F.C. (Amguri). Both the teams scored 1-1 goal during the gruelling regulation time. Match was decided by penalty shootout in which Dibrugarh Railway Division Sports Club beat Haluwating F.C. (Amguri) by 6-5.

Tinsukia Railway Division Sports Club V/s Duliajan Football Academy. of Sonowal Kachari Students Union in 26th minute of the first half. In the second half, Sakirul Ali of Moran Club scored the 3rd goal of the match in 45th

Jhalukpara boys’, CCD in semifinal Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec. 19: Jhalukpara Boys’ Club set up a semifinal clash with Cricket Club of Dibrugarh in the senior division cricket league tournament on Wednesday after they defeated Namrup Cricket Academy by 78 runs here today at DDSA stadium.

Opting to bat, JBC piled up 144 for six in 30 overs.

Wasim Ahmed played a patient knock of 37 off 61 balls, hitting four fours while Arjun Paraskam scored 30 off 19 balls, laced with three boundaries. Harun Kazi and Roshan Pandey chipped in with 21 and 18 runs respectively.

For Namrup Cricket Academy, Biraj Chetia took four for 11 in 6 overs while Dipen Konwar scalped three for 38

in 6 overs.

Chasing the target, Namrup were bundled out for 66 in 16.1 overs. Dipen Konwar was the only batsmen, who scored double figure mark of 12.

Harun Kazi scalped four wickets, giving away 16 runs, and Sandeep Sharma took three wickets, conceding 14 runs. Harun Kazi was adjudged man of the match.

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Editor: Prahlad Hammey

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