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Vol. II

Issue 138

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, December 6, 2016

MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN NEARS FULL FITNESS AHEAD OF TRAINING CAMP IN AUSTRALIA

World Soil Day December 5

P12

Price -

5.00

PAGE 11

How to Get Into Graduate School

P6

People resort to rasto rokho

Pages- 12

P9

PODI-BARBI OF ADI TRIBE

Demands immediate repair of Pengaree-Bordumsa Road The people of BordumsaPengaree and Kherjan resorted to road blockade here in Digboi this morning standing under the umbrella of Chhatra Mukti Sangram Samity in Tinsukia District demanding immediate and effective repair and mending of 36 Kilometres longDigboi-PengareeBordumsa PWD Road. It was an “enough is enough call” for protesters as repeated pleas and memorandums by various organisations falling into deaf ears of the administration. The activists of CMSS of Tinsukia District and representatives of common people of Kherjan in

Digboi, Pengaree and Bordumsa resorted to road blockade agitation for around 1 hour on NH38 here in the busy Charali Bazar area criticizing the local BJP MLAs of two constituencies including Digboi and Margherita for being indifferent towards the long standing electoral commitment which till date remains immaterialized in their respective constituencies falling within the political jurisdiction of both Digboi and Margherita.

Lambasting the delay to this effect, the agitators told that due to inexplicable road condition stretching through several dense reserve forest from Digboi to Bordumsa, anti-

PEOPLE GENUINE DEMANDS Due to inexplicable road condition stretching through several dense reserve forest from Digboi to Bordumsa, anti-social miscreants find themselves in vantage point to commit anti-social activities like dacoity, unnatural shoot-out, kidnapping, etc, without being caught.

Deplorable condition of the road is marked by huge ditches and dykes stretching from Kherjan area to Bordumsa.

social miscreants find themselves in vantage point to commit anti-social activities like dacoity, unnatural shootout, kidnapping, etc, without being caught. Describing the deplorable condition of the road marked by huge ditches and dykes stretching from Kherjan area to Bordumsa, the disgruntled agitators recalled the incident of 19th November Pengaree ambush and attributed the worst road condition as one of the reasons for the occurrence of such unpleasant incidents.

Meanwhile, the activist also demanded the state government to immediately stop harassing the innocent people of various militancy

infected belts on Tinsukia District in the name of counter insurgency operation. “Let security agencies conduct militant hunt operation but the operation in no way ought to create terror in the minds of the innocent rural folks who also over a period of times fell victim of militants’ atrocities,” asserted, Lakhya Jyoti Gogoi, the President of Tinsukia District unit of CMSS. According to a copy of memorandum submitted to Chief Minister of Assam through the Margherita Sub Divisional Magistrate,

Contd. on Page 4

Don't complicate border issue, China says after Karmapa’s Arunachal visit China said on Monday that India shouldn’t take any step that could complicate the festering boundary issue, reacting to New Delhi allowing the Karmapa, an exiled Tibetan leader, to visit Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by Beijing.

making his visit to the border state even more irksome for China.

“China’s position on the east section of the China-India border is clear and consistent.

We hope India can abide by relevant consensus and refrain from any action that might complicate the boundary question,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a regular news briefing.

Urgyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, heads one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism,

“We should ensure peace and stability of border areas, and sound and steady development of bilateral

PTI Beijing, Dec 5

Militants gained entry from forest behind Army camp New Delhi : The militants who attacked the Army camp at Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, had entered the premises from the forest area in its rear, official sources said today. The sources claimed that the militants used the forest area located behind the Army camp to gain entry.

P8 102 children died in Malkangiri district: Odisha Health Minister Bhubaneswar : At least 102 children have died in Odisha's Malkangiri district due to Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome so far, Health Minister Pradip Amat said on Monday.

Replying to a written question in the state assembly, the Health Minister said that out of 102 child deaths in Malkangiri district, 37 were due to Japanese Encephalitis.

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P8

relations serves the common interests of the two sides,” Lu said when asked about the Karmapa’s visit.

“China and India have constant communication on this and India is also very clear about our solemn position when it comes to the boundary question,” he added.

The Karmapa toured West Kameng district and interacted with Tibetans at Gyuto monastery at Tenzingang.

Karmapa during a preaching session on his visit to Arunachal Pradesh last week. Photo by DIPRO, Tawang

Contd. on Page 4

Free Text Books to the students of Class IX and X in Assam from 2017-18 ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 5

The Government of Assam has decided to provide free Text Books to the students of Class IX and X in Assam from next academic year 2017-18. The decision has been taken with an aim to increase enrolment in provincialised schools of the State and to reduce dropout rate.

The essence and core of the scheme is that the free text books should reach the students by 25 December, 2016 as the classes of new sessions in Assam starts in Assam from January 1 of every year.

The target group of the scheme is all the students studying in class IX and X irrespective of income of parents. The Scheme will cover all Government/Provicialized High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools, all Tea Garden, Local Body schools, all Model Schools under RMSA, Assam and all non-provincialized schools who are getting financial incentives at any point of time.

As per the notification issued by the Secondary Education Department vide no.

PMA(S)128/2016/41 Dated November 19, Contd. on Page 4

ESSENCE OF THE SCHEME Free text books should reach the students by 25 December, 2016 as the classes of new sessions in Assam starts in Assam from January 1 of every year.

TARGET GROUPS/ SCHOOLS All the students studying in class IX and X irrespective of income of parents All Government/ Provicialized High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools, all Tea Garden, Local Body schools, all Model Schools under RMSA, Assam and all nonprovincialized schools who are getting financial incentives at any point of time

Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh celebrated their festival, Podi- Barbi, a post harvest festival with traditional gaiety and fervor. READ DETAILS NEWS AT PAGE 3

Kempi Pakam becomes first Arunachalee to receive prestigious Silver Star Award A Staff Reporter New Delhi, Dec 5

Kempi Pakam, the first Leader Trainer ASTC Guide of Bharat Scouts and Guides at state headquarters of BSG, Naharlagun was awarded the ‘Silver STAR Award’ in New Delhi on December 5 in a ceremony held at Darbar Hall of Rastrapati Bhawan by President of India Pranab Mukherjee.

Contd. on Page 4

Kempi Pakam with President of India Pranab Mukherjee

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Laxman Sharma Digboi, Dec 5

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

P2 Aries Communication is a key part of the day, Aries. You will find that a great deal of information is available to you when you ask for it.

You can pull from many different resources, so don't be afraid to tap the different wells available to you. Emotionally, this may not be the best day for you, but you can overcome this as long as you keep a lighthearted, optimistic approach.

Taurus Bring things back into balance, Taurus. You've probably been so focused on yourself that you've completely forgotten about others. It's time to fill in the rest of the equation and take into account what other people feel. Balance is crucial in every part of your life so that you maintain a healthy viewpoint. A clear mind allows you to see the truth of what's really going on.

Gemini This is a good day to look at the big picture and discuss your ideas with others, Gemini. As you walk down the street, make sure you pay attention to what's going on around you. If you continue to be preoccupied by one issue, you may never see some of the other important pieces of the greater whole even though they're obvious to everyone else.

Cancer You will be in an excellent mood, Cancer, and find your positive attitude amplified as you come into contact with more and more people. The one thing to watch out for today is laziness.

There may be a great deal of it going around, especially in your camp. Don't waste the good energy of the day sitting around and doing nothing - even though it's quite tempting.

Leo Speak your mind clearly, Leo. Other people aren't mind readers like you are.

If you keep waiting for someone to figure out what you're thinking, it will be a long time before the truth comes out.

Give people a break and let them know what's going on inside your head. Communication is important, and today it begins with you. Feel free to take the first step toward opening the door.

Virgo You can soar to great heights on a moment's notice today, Virgo. There's a fast-paced, socially minded quality to the day that will encourage people to share more of themselves with others. You will find a great deal of support from many different people now. Welcome this help with open arms. Don't try to do things by yourself when you're surrounded by such a strong team spirit.

Govt Plans Biometric Jan Dhan Debit Cards For Tea Garden Workers ET Bureau Golaghat, 5 Dec: The Assam government has directed all tea garden managements to take steps for opening bank accounts of its workers and make them e-payments the deadline for this mammoth project ended this evening.

This has been the biggest impact of demonetisation in Assam.

"People are happy in the tea gardens. We are opening accounts for the first time. We will face some difficulty at the beginning but later on everything will get sorted," said Jugen Patnaik, a tea garden labourer from Doyang Tea estate, Golaghat.

Doyang is 300 km from Guwahati.

The British-era garden in Assam's Golaghat district -- one of the major tea hubs in the state -- has nearly 1,100 labourers.

Sitamani Mahar, another tea garden worker in Doyang, was happy that would be "no financial bungling".

While a section of workers are upbeat, the task is daunting for the garden management and more for the banks.

"The accounts are being opened under the Jan Dhan scheme. We have service providers who will get it done at the garden itself," said Manjeet Singh, Chief Regional Manager, United Bank of

India.

To make enrollments hassle free, biometric data of the workers are being taken so that biometric enabled ATMs can be later installed in the tea gardens. The gardens have been asked to allot space for the ATMs. Sources in the State Bank of India say no less than 1,000 ATMs will be required to cater to 11 lakh workers in around 850 large tea gardens.

In the second phase, more than 7 lakh workers of the small tea growing sector will be covered.

One dies while several injured on different road mishaps in Digboi Laxman Sharma DIGBOI, Dec 5: At least one person died and several injured in a series of different road mishaps that occurred at various location under Digboi Police Station in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam in the last 24 hours. One identified as Ramen Borgohain (41) affectionately called as ‘Horu,’ son of Mahendra Borgohain of No 2 Bapapung area breathed his last here on Sunday evening at AOD Hospital Digboi an hour after the accident he met with on Digboi – Pengaree Road at Bapapung area in Digboi. According to local sources, the deceased who was a businessman was returning home from the market on his motor cycle bearing Registration number AS23

D 3375. “He might have lost control due to ditches on the road and hit hard on his head”, a friend of the deceased suspected as the road was deserted at around 10.30 when the tragic incident took place. The immature death of Horu who was known for his soft heart, helping attitude and fun loving virtues was widely mourned by the people across the Oil town.

Meanwhile, two including a pillion rider were injured at Golai area after a Pulsar Bike bearing Registration No. AS06 L- 4149 collided with a Maestro Scooty (AS23 P 6432) last evening. In yet another road mishap that occurred at Digboi Charali this morning, a Pulsar Bike (AS06 P-

9763) hit a four wheeler EON (AS23 P- 6978) and had a narrow escape damaging the vehicle though no serious injury was reported.

Meanwhile, adding another worst picturesque to the ever increasing road accidents scenario in and around Digboi, an Omni Maruti Van (AS23 -2160) collided with a swift Dzire (AS23J - 8827) at Golai last evening where according to reports, one sustained injuries on the spot while several other were injured. However, the corpse of the deceased was sent to Tinsukia Civil Hospital for PM while the injured were being treated at different hospitals. The deceased is survived by his parents, a brother, wife and a school going child.

Good news for bookworms as 11th Jorhat Book Fair kicks off today

Libra Try to see the positive in people, Libra. Relax and don't get so worked up over your internal drama. You're the one responsible for creating this turmoil. Find comfort in a creative project. Do something that you love to do that makes you truly happy. There's an expansive feeling in the air that's likely to amplify whatever mood you project.

Sagittarius Dress in your very best today, Sagittarius. Feel free to kick up your heels and take on the town. This is a great time to go out with friends, socialize, and have a fabulous time. Put your worries aside and join a group for some lighthearted fun and merriment. Keep a smile on your face and you will find that you can walk through any door you choose.

Capricorn You will find that the more peaceful and understanding you are today, Capricorn, the better off you will be in general. Doors will open and people will welcome you with great fanfare. Be the diplomat instead of the warrior. Focus on the positive aspects of the equation instead of the negative. Luck and prosperity will come your way when you have this attitude wherever you go.

AJYCP, Jorhat Unit burnt the effigy of Dharmendra Pradhan Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and that of Pallab Lochan Das, Minister of Power and Labour in Assam Cabinet today at Jorhat. The effigies were burnt in protest against the increase price of electricity and LPG. Photo by Nekib Ahmed.

Toddlers of Tiny Tot leave their parents spellbound at Parents’ Day Laxman Sharma DIGBOI Dec 5 : A special day was dedicated to the parents by Carmel School here recently at its auditorium in Digboi, wherein the children belonging to Nursery and KG sections enthralled thier parents with their heart touching performances leaving thier parents emotionally spellbound. The Carmel School held a colorful programme on its campus to celebrate the Parents’ Day. The day being dedicated to the parents witnessed all the children trying their best to make the occasion special with pomp. It all started with the accordance of warm welcome by Sister Lily the Principal to the parents who prayed for their well being, good health and happiness.

The colorful tiny tots too with the help of mentors including Irin Banette, Bonnet Baruah and other aiding team comprising both the

Scorpio No matter what you're doing today, have fun, Scorpio.

Whistle a tune. Turn the stereo up to full volume and dance around the kitchen as you make dinner. You can find amusement in just about anything, so keep this in mind as you tackle even the menial tasks. You're responsible for your own attitude, so don't blame anyone else for a sour mood. Turn yourself around and have fun.

MEANWHILE IN JORHAT

ET CORRESPONDENT JORHAT 5 DEC: The 11th edition of Jorhat Book Fair, organised by the Assam Academic Centre is underway as the book fair kicked off today. In the inaugural function of the 11th Jorhat book fair held today at Jorhat Court field, noted writer, Rita Choudhury and director of the National Book Trust of India, Dr. Lakhinandan Bora noted writer, Dr. Bashanta Kumar Goshwami, Dr. Paran Baruah and many other dignitaries were present. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Bichitra Borthakur, which was followed by the lighting of lamp. Inaugurating the 11th Jorhat Book Fair, Dr. Rita

Choudhury said in her speech that book fair is the place where writers meet readers. She also said that it is easy to write the first book, as there is not much expectation from both the writer and reader. A souvenir named "Pragya" was also released by Dr. Lakhinandan Bora. In his speech Dr Lakhinandan Bora, acknowledging the trend of Indians’ less inclination to reading books as opposed to people in the west said that the reading habits in India is less vociferous s than that of the west. Stressing on reading as a stress buster, he said, “Books can relieved us from loneliness”. The fair has been organised by the

Assam Academic Centre, a voluntary organisation involved in educational work in upper Assam, in association with Jorhat District administration, The National book Trust, India and Assam publishers and book sellers association. On the other hand the organizing committee is expecting a good turnout to the book fair. “Nothing short of a delight for avid readers, the fair will not only features more than ninety stalls by eminent publishing houses, but is also playing host to an eclectic mix of events like book releases, panel discussions and cultural dance performances, among other things, “added Dr. Paran Baruah earlier.

teaching and non teaching staff immensely entertained the house with their assigned role sparking uncontrolled laughter and appreciation among all. Students sang heart touching songs to make their parents feel what they actually mean to them, they also danced on peppy songs and a variety of dances were performed to entertain the parents, also melodious English songs were sung by little ones. They all looked cute, innocent and adorable while executing their several days of hard work. The love for their parents was clearly seen in their efforts and performances. After numerous amazing dance performances including Dandiya and Bihu, the programme ended with the vote of thanks extended by the Superior sister Grace, who has been the Headmistress of the Pre-Primary section of the school It may be added here that after its establishment on 14th August

1966 at Shillong Road Digboi later shifted to the present location at Muliabari Digboi has been leaving no stone unturned to ensure imparting quality education among the children of all sections thus, holding the flag of the school high and fame reaching far and wide. The fraternity Carmel school known throughout for its academic outcome, literary contribution charitable works and above all the overall development of students community including the spiritual aspects are the key virtues that every parents naturally incline to see their children being nurtured with The role and contribution of Aphotolic Carmel in promoting the cause of quality education among the children particularly of the economically challenged section of the society has been worth praising.

This is how the Aphotolic Carmel in Digboi serves the cause of humanity.

NBT Director announces scheme for women writers ET Correspondent Jorhat, 5 Dec: " There is lack of awareness among women in Assam about the schemes available with National Book Trust of India (NBT) therefore not a single women have applied to published book through NBT,” said Dr. Rita Choudhury the noted writer and director National Book Trust of India in an exclusive interview with the Eastern Today on Monday.

Dr. Choudhury, who arrived Jorhat for the inauguration of 11th book fair, had inform Eastern Today that there is an exclusive scheme for women where women authors below 40 years from all over the nation can apply for their book to be published by NBT. But sur-

prisingly not a single woman from Assam had applied for it.

The NBT which is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Human Resource Development to promote women writers have launched a new scheme titled the ‘Mahila Lekhak Protsahan Yojana’ (scheme to promote women writers), under which it will publish the first work of women authors in English or any of the 22 Indian languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The prospective authors should, however, be below 40.

"There must be something wrong, that not a single woman from Assam applied for the scheme which could

bring opportunity" said Dr. Rita Choudhury.

The NBT will consider for publication books on any topic: science, literature, humanity etc. The NBT bid to help diversify the gender profile of authors and books, and give women a chance to think of a topic and pen down a book on it.

"Assam women do have potentiality and many promising young woman is here, but due to lack of awareness they failed take the opportunity to publish their books in NBT" said Dr. Choudhary while interacting with the Eastern Today.

She also mentioned that many women writers from pan India are sending their manuscripts.

WILD JAMBOS, WILD ACT

Aquarius Make sure you leave things in better condition than you found them, Aquarius. This is a good time to tidy your personal space and the environment. This is also a great time to do some shopping for yourself. Just be careful that you don't spend too much money. When beautiful things catch your eye, it might be hard for you to resist them, regardless of how much they cost.

Pisces This is one of those days in which it's easier to be yourself, Pisces. Don't feel like you need to change your personality to fit a situation. You naturally add an important dynamic to the group. Your detached, unbiased, and knowledgeable view of the situation will be an important asset to today's events. People would do well to listen to you, so be bold when expressing yourself.

A herd of wild jumbos created severe damage to the crops in the paddy fields of Thuramukh region in Golaghat . For the past couple of days this wild jumbo group coming out of Nambor Forest in search of food have been creating much trouble for the people of greater Thuramukh region . Today after damaging crops in the paddy fields the group crossed the National Highway 39. Photo by Amit Nagori

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

P3

BRO labourers union calls on Chief Minister Pema Khandu ET Bureau, Itanagar, Dec 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured the BRO Labourers Union of his full commitment to ensure the welfare and development of BRO labourers working in Arunachal in a meeting with the union held today.

The Chief Minister said steps will be taken to resolve their problems when the union called on today expressing their grievances on the hard working conditions and they being denied of their legitimate rights like labour laws, constitution of BRO, right to education, laws of the land etc.

The union also expressed that they were not provided

with proper accommodation, electricity supply, medical facilities, and no schools for their children and no social security as they had to work in remote jungles

and high altitude areas.

Further they informed that BRO labourers are not covered under any well defined policy for promotion and

regularisation of service and also they were denied of any holiday leaves and casual leaves as enjoyed by labourers working under Arunachal government.

The union requested the Chief Minister to intervene in the matter with the central government so that necessary directions may be issued to the Director General, Border Roads for providing benefits to BRO labourers as per the law of the land.

Also they requested for his intervention to enable all labourers to be registered under ‘Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board’ to avail the social security schemes provided under the boards act.The Chief Minister assured to take up the matter with the union ministry for labour and employment.

Adi tribes in Itanagar and Aalo celebrate Podi-Barbi, a post harvest festival Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, 5 DEC : Podi- Barbi, a post-harvest festival of the Adi community was celebrated today with traditional gaiety and fervor across the state, with community members residing in Itanagar celebrating the occasion at MopinSolung Ground at Itanagar as well.

Largely celebrated by the Adis of Mechuka, Monigong and Tato in West Siang district, the Podi-Barbi is an occasion to extend gratitude to deities and Mother Nature for prosperous and surplus production of crops and luck in hunting.

Attending the festival, Minister Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Sports and Youth Affairs Rajesh Tacho called upon the community to preserve its age old culture zealously.

Terming cultural promotion and preservation as an important aspect for tourism, Tacho exhorted that more books should be written on folklore and its culture so that it can be preserved through ages.

Borum village ZPM Techi Tolu termed language as key to preserving any cultural value and appealed to the youths of the community to uphold their traditions, while moving simul-

taneously with modernity.

Greeting the people on the occasion, Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Passang Dorjee Sona informed that the festival of Podi-Barbi has started gaining momentum and is now truly a part of the Pan-Arunachal identity.

Calling upon the Adi community to carry forward their zeal, Sona said that the festival is not only centered on making merry but also about finding our roots. “Getting back to our roots is the best way to adopt modernity” Sona added.

Earlier, Podi-Barbi Festival Celebration Committee

Itanagar president Tako Gamlin stressed on handTaluk highlighted the ob- ing down such social rejectives of the festival. sponsibilities to the young generation so that they take A book titled, “Study of pride in it and maintain Oral Discourse through them. the Adi Folktales of Arunachal written by Nasi Responding to one-point Koje and Podi Barbi Audio memorandum pertaining Album Nineh Ge Leying to construction of permawere also released. nent office and Dere for Podi Barbi Committee at Colorful traditional dances Lik Putu, the MLA assured were displayed to mark to do it in the financial year the festive occasion.

2017-18.

He also released a new auAt Aalo, the popular festi- dio album ‘Nineh Geh val of the Adi community Leying’. was celebrated with traditional fanfare and gaiety at West Siang GWS vice Gumin Kiin, Aalo today. president Karsen Lollen Extending his Podi Bari assured to donate a greetings, MLA Jarka mithun for the celebra-

tions next year.

Retired officer Minjom Bagra, Azen Pujen organizing president PBFCC, Komi Rida chief advisor PBFCC, Leedo Ragyour organizing secretary, Joti Diru organizing president women wing and Meena Koje also spoke on the occasion.

Dances, songs and popular Jajin Jaa performance were vividly presented on the occasion.

The Podi Barbi Committee also felicitated Mijum Lona, a Galo folk lyricist, musician, composer and singer, who helped the community in releasing the audio Album.

Torturous journey but visit to Arunachal's Mechukha worth the effort IANS Mechuka, 5 Dec: A flight and two helicopter rides later, one completed a 10hour journey from Kolkata via Guwahati to reach the picturesque Mechukha Valley in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, a mere 30 km from the SinoIndian China border in West Siang district and some 130 km from state capital Itanagar.

Mechukha is bound to bowl you over with its snowcapped mountains, yellowish long grass on the vast meadows, evergreen pine forests and crystal clear water of Siyam river flowing through the valley.

Apart from the serene surroundings, what was so tempting was the opportunity to watch cross-cultural rituals, soak in the adventure games and come across first-hand stories of the 1962 Sino-Indian war.

No doubt there is a heavy deployment of military forces at Mechukha, which has an advanced landing ground (ALG) at an altitude

of 6,200 feet, but the bonding between the army establishment and the locals is deep-rooted.

"Village chiefs assist the local administration in controlling the law and order.

They also provide information about the Chinese activities along the border to the armed forces," Tyogi Dorjee, the chief of Sangey village told this visiting IANS correspondent.

The locals also depend on the armed forces for health emergencies.

Mechukha presents an interesting study for its cultural diversity. It is the confluence of contrasting cultural rituals of major tribes - Memba, Tagins, Bokar and Pailibo. While the Memba tribe practices Buddhism, the others have faith in Donyi-Polo (Sun and Moon).

An ancient narrow cave, which locals believe only people with pure heart can pass through, is a must-see spot. There are also a number of monasteries, one of which perched on a hilltop

is believed to be 400- years old.

The locals are in favour of opening up the border for trade with China, as this would usher in economic development in the remote area, 186 km from the Aalo district headquarter.

"We face hardship in taking the local perishable vegetable produce to Aalo for sale. Likewise, procuring essential goods and necessities from Aalo and selling them in the local markets are difficult.

"It would be better to open up border trade, and showcase the beauty of the spot to attract tourists to boost the local economy," Mechukha Bazaar Committee Secretary K. Mosing told IANS. "See, China, they built roads right up to the border several decades back while our road connectivity is not up to the mark, neither for tourists nor for local traders," he pointed out.

Listening to the voices coming from the grassroots, the Arunachal Pradesh

government decided to create a unique brand image for Mechukha to hardsell the valley as a tourism hotspot.

Thus they hit upon the idea to promote it as an adventure sports destination providing facilities like paragliding, para sailing, water zorbing and rafting, among others.

Before the annual adventure fest began in November 2013, tourist inflow to Mechukha was not significant. But the figures have jumped over the past two years in the entire West Siang district, a tourism official said.

"There were around 16,450 tourists, including domestic travellers and foreigners in 2015. This year till September, we have received17,315 tourists," West Siang district's tourism officer Rita Yorung told IANS on the sidelines of the fourth edition of 'Adventure@Mechukha' festival.

She said the district tourism office was getting a lot of queries these days from

potential travellers. Facilitators of adventure sports, who have been coming to Mechukha for conducting such activities, were also promoting the spot in their own localities.

"During the festival this year, all home stays and tents were occupied and local people also offered their private houses on rent to the tourists during the festival," said festival co-director Moyir Riba.

There were around 32 official home stays. Depending on the size, on an average 12-20 people can be accommodated in each home-stay.

There were about 100 tents pitched on the festival ground too.

"This year, about 480-500 tourists stayed in the home stays while 120 persons were staying in the tents," she said.

Those planning to visit Mechukha, can block November 7, 8 and 9 next year in their diaries to savour the fun at the next edition of the adventure@Mechukha festival.

Minister Tanga Byaling tours Nacho Assembly constituency on foot PTI Itanagar, 5 Dec: Panchayati Raj minister Tanga Byaling along with senior officers recently marched on foot for days in his Nacho Assembly constituency in remote Upper Subansiri district to train gram sabha members to ensure bottom-up development.

Byaling today said as gram sahba holds the key to rural development, the team conducted training at Gumsing Taying and Esnaya villages.

The training was sponsored by panchayati raj and rural development departments under the Centre's 'My village, my development' scheme.

Asked about the training, Byaling said that none should be deprived from the fruits of development.

The state government has

given top priority to rural development, but still the 14th Finance Commission (FFC) grant of Rs 44 crore for 2015-16 remains unspent.

He exhorted the ministers, parliamentary secretaries and MLAs to take initiative for preparing a village map after conducting survey to reflect the status of head of family, total number of family, income sources, available land, potential resources, irrigation, power supply and others, making an yearly and five-yearly effective action plans as per guidelines to avail the fund for development.

Known as participatory rural appraisal (PRA) map, it would be uploaded with the Mission Indradhansuh

website, he said.

The minister asked all DCs, head of departments and directed PR officials to submit the plans within 15 days as the FFC has earmarked Rs 773 crore and performance grant of Rs Rs 81 for 2016-17.

"That is why I toured my constituency in Upper Subansiri district for a tetea-tete with gram sabha members that will benefit over 15,000 people living along the Indo-China border," he said.

The village plans were essential for implementing any FFC scheme and others for which involvement of all stakeholders including the people was essential, he added.

AACWA hails police personnel as ordeal of two engineers ends ET Bureau, tanagar, Dec 5: The All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA) lauded district police personnel and some local NGOs who have been instrumental in rescuing the two site engineers of a company who had been kidnapped on November 28. Earlier, the two site engineers engaged in road construction works in remote Longding district were kidnapped by militants. “AACWA urge the public of Tirap, Longding and Changlang district to support to all contractors who are executing project in road connectivity endeavour,” Nabam Akin Hina, General Secretary of AACWA added. Appealing the people to extend all support in

strategic development work in the state, he stressed on the fact that developmental work must not be affected by militancy.

“If local officers are kidnapped by militants, then how it is possible to execute development and strategic projects which are taken by contractors from other parts of the country. Kidnapping of all sorts will discourage non-local officers to be posted in Arunachal Pradesh for any developmental works,” the press release added. Moreover, All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association also urged the state government to allot state’s developments works only to state engineering departments as the Association

believes that there are no dearth of contractors who can undertake all these high profile projects. “It is observed that many PSUs are undertaking project in our state but they are failing to complete those within given time periods; due to which developments activities of the state are badly affected,” the press release added further. As a suggestive measure, AACWA asked the State Government to initiate processes in setting up of offices of the central departments in Itanagar rather than setting of offices in cities in Assam. This can ease public inconvenience and can bring in better accessibility of common public of Arunachal Pradesh to all these central departments.

Mission Organic Value Chain Development launched ET Bureau Yupia, 5 Dec : Deputy Commissioner Tai Kaye launched Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD), a Government of India scheme, in the presence of officers and staffs of Agriculture, Veterinary, Horticulture and the service provider-Oppu Engineering and Agro Service, Naharlagun at Yupia, today.

In this connection, a meeting was conducted at the DC’s conference hall in Yupia with all District Implementing Committees to discuss on vari-

ous implications for implementation of MOVCD in the district.

DC Tai Kaye called upon the implementing agency M/s Oppu Engineering and Agro Service to come up with schemes which are tangible and beneficial to the farmers.

He also urged upon the agency to work in close coordination with district administration and all allied departments and ensure to give prior information to all concerned admin officers of the area, where they will taking up

their activities.

MOVCD- NER aims to develop an integrated farm-tofork value chain for farmers of north eastern region providing direct access to national and international markets for their value added premium products.

Among others, Deputy Director Agriculture, DVO, HDO, ADOs, AFAs and staffs of M/S Oppu Engineering and Agro Service, Naharlgun also attended the meeting.

All India Sub-Junior Badminton Raking Tournament-2016

Laa Tukum wins gold ET Bureau New Delhi, Dec 5 : A promising young shuttler of the state, Laa Tukum has owned the gold medal in the under-15 boys’ single event in the All India Sub-Junior Badminton Raking Tournament-2016 at Karnail Singh Badminton Stadium, New Delhi today.

He defeated his rival Bidyasagar Salam of

Manipur by 21-17 and 2113 in straight set in the final match.

Arunachal State Badminton Association honorary president Ratu Techi has congratulated Tukum for bringing laurels to the state and asked him to keep up the spirit in future games.

Earlier, Tukum defeated Adhee Gupta of Maharastra by 21-19, 21-14, Sidhanth

Gupta of tamil Nadu by 2111, 10-21, 21-13, Ishaan Bhatnagar of Chitistghar by 11-21, 21-16, 21-19, Gautam Walia of hariyana by 21-16, 21-16, Siddharttha Mishra of Utter Pradesh by 21-19, 21`-16 and in the final with Bidyasagar Salam of Manipur by 21-17 and 2113 respectively.

Tukum is currently ranked in fifth place in India’s boys’ single under-15 age group.

Darka FC wins 2nd Dube Rike Ete Memorial Football ET Bureau Aalo, Dec 5 : Darka Football Club became the champions of the 2nd Dube Rike Ete Memorial Football Tournament after defeating Jummi Combat Bene FC by a margin of 3-1 goals at General Football Ground, today.

Utilizing all opportunities coming their way, Darka FC pumped in three consecutive goals in the first half to make an unassailable lead. The Jummi Combat Bene fought back in the second half to score a goal to reduce the margin and goalkeeper of Darka foiled all attempts by successive acrobatic saves.

The winner lifted the coveted trophy, along with cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while the runners-up bagged the second-place trophy and cash prize of Rs 50, 000.

Attending the occasion as chief guest, the West Siang Deputy commissioner exhorted the players to take games and sports as a profession as it offers job reservations today.

He also advised the DSA and DFA to jointly select players to represent the district in State Level Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament.

Guests on the occasion,

BJP general secretary Jarpum Gamlin and former MLA Kito Sora also said that West Siang district has a legacy of good football players and such healthy tradition should be maintained by conducting such tournaments.

DFA president Liduk Ete submitted one-point memorandum suggesting sponsoring selected footballers for the Tadar Tang Memorial football tournament.

Dodam Loyi was adjudged the Best Player and Goal Keeper, while Gemar Padu of Kabu FC and Joken Ete of Jummi Combat FC were adjudged the best scorer jointly.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

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Demonetisation impact

Assam banks move SC as their ATM operations face closure threat ET Bureau Guwahati, 5 Dec : As ATMs attract crowds and grab headlines post demonetisation, banks in the State of Assam are grappling with a unique problem of their own.

The Gauhati High Court has made it mandatory for banks to employ security guards 24X7 at all of the State's 3,605 ATMs or stop operating the machines.

The decision has cast a spell of foreboding, especially as

people continue to queue up for cash outside ATMs. The HC order was triggered by a single instance of a “fraudulent” withdrawal of Rs. 35000 from the account of one Swapan Kumar at an ATM counter in Ulubri, Assam, in 2012.

The High Court, taking suo motu cognisance of the fraud, directed the police chief of Assam to explain how the “rights of a common man can be

safeguarded” at ATMs. On the police chief's advice, the High Court issued a diktat in 2013 that all banks should mandatorily employ security guards or caretakers in shifts at all ATMs across the State. A review petition filed by the banks, citing the costs of keeping guards around the clock, failed to impress the High in July 2016.

Flummoxed, the group of banks led by State Bank of

Train services to Assam disrupted by tribal protest PTI Kokrajhar, 5 Dec: Train services between Assam and the rest of the country were disrupted today by an 11-hour railway blockade called by Adavasi National Convention Committee.

members of different Adavasi organisations joined the protest programme and squatted on railway tracks from 6 AM at Kokrajhar Railway Station demanding ST status to the community.

The ANCC agitators, however, withdrew their blockade after five hours and train services resumed after assurance from Kokrajhar deputy commissioner Bivekananda Choudhury that the Assam government has taken up their demand with the Centre for tripartite talks immediately.

Police said hundreds of

Due to the blockade up Rajendra Nagar Express was controlled at Alipurduar junction, up Saraighat Express at New Alipur, up Lokmanya Tilak Express in New Coch Behar (all in north Bengal) and up Brahmaputra mail at Dhupguri, railway sources said.

The ANCC also submitted

a memorandum to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal through the deputy commissioner. The body is demanding inclusion of Santhals, Oraons, Mundas, Kharias, Gonds, Sawras, Kishans, Lohrahs, Kols, Bhils, Porjas, Bedias, Mirdhas in the ST list.

Their other demands are including Adivasi ceasefire groups in political negotiation, allotment of land and rehabilitation of evicted adivasi traditional forest dwellers in Assam, permanent allotment of land and deeds to the tea garden workers in the state.

People resort to rasto rokho Contd. from Page 1

besides ensuring the security of life and property of the people in the affected areas, the government should immediately initiate steps to repair and build rural roads in the entire district. “There was an attempt to sexually exploit a woman at Dirok in Kakopather Tinsukia District by Army personnel recently must be investigated into by Assam Government,” the memorandum which was submitted added. However, the road blockade which had impacted the normalcy on the road causing traffic

congestions bringing vehicles was lifted following the arrival of Jagadish Brahma, the magistrate Margherita who accepted the memorandum assuring the protesters of looking into the entire fourfold demands of the organization.

“After holding talks officially I will communicate the message to the concerned competent authorities for effective steps,” Jagadish Brahma added. When asked, Mr Brahma told that the concerned contractor repairing the said road earlier would also be called for if necessary.

Nevertheless, the relevant sources close to Bhaskar Sharma the MLA Margherita who himself could not be contacted on phone informed the Eastern Today that the proposal for repairing and maintenances of Pengaree-Bordumsa road falling within his legislative Assembly Constituency was already submitted and the work might kick off very soon after the necessary official proceedings. While the response from Suren Phukon the MLA, Digboi who could not be contacted is awaited till the filling of this report.

Don't complicate border issue, China says after Karmapa’s Arunachal visit Contd. from Page 1

Earlier, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for doing away with the restrictions imposed on the Tibetan leader’s visit by previous governments.

In late October, China objected to a planned visit

by the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, saying it would damage bilateral ties and amount to New Delhi breaching a political commitment on the boundary question.

Beijing’s sharp reaction came after it became known that the Dalai Lama could visit Arunachal Pradesh in early 2017 at the invitation of the state’s chief minister

Pema Khandu. “We are seriously concerned about the relevant information,” spokesperson Lu Kang said at the time, when asked for a reaction on the visit.

That was China’s second strong reaction on Arunachal Pradesh in less than a week — the first came after US ambassador Richard Verma’s visit to the state.

Free Text Books to the students of Class IX and X in Assam from 2017-18 Contd. from Page 1

2016, the Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation Limited will be the agency entrusted for printing and distribution of free text books. The Director of Secondary Education is designated as State Nodal Officer for implementation of the scheme at the Directorate level while the Inspector of Schools will be the District Nodal Officers for

implementation of the scheme of the respective Districts.

To supervise the implementation of the scheme at the State level there shall be a State Level Committee with Principal Secretary of Education Department as Chairman and Secretary of Secondary Education Department as Member Secretary and Commissioner & Secretary of Education (Elementary) Department, Director of Secondary Education,

Director of Elementary Education and MD of Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation Limited as Members.

To monitor the receipt and distribution of free text books, there shall be a District Level Committee with Deputy Commissioner as Chairman, Inspector of Schools as Member Secretary and two Principals to be nominated by the Deputy Commissioner as Members.

Kempi Pakam becomes first Arunachalee to receive prestigious Silver Star Award Contd. from Page 1

to receive the prestigious award.

Pakam was felicitated with the Silver Star Award for her meritorious service through Bharat Scouts and Guides in the nation. She is also the first Arunachalee

Pakam has been an excellent trainer and has been extending her valuable services to the state and the country. She has conducted and assisted

various training programmes for guides in and outside of Arunachal Pradesh and rendered her services as a member of the Service Team of Yamaguchi for 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan in the year 2015.

India moved the Supreme Court on Monday for relief.

A Bench of Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud stayed the order, while admitting the petition and issuing notice to the Reserve Bank of India, the Centre and the Assam DGP. The banks, represented

by Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi, argued thatengaging security guards on a 24-hour basis in 3605 ATMs would cost

them approximately Rs. 11.72 crore a month.

The individual banks need to have “flexibility” to decide whether they should keep security guards or not, depending on the threat perception and footfalls.

They argued that banks were in the process of providing Electronic Surveillance System round the clock at ATMs. This mechanism was far more responsive than security guards.

Adivasis stage 'Rail Roko’ agitation at Bokajan Rupjyoti Mahanta Bokajan, Dec 5: Train services along the Northeastern Frontier Railway (NFR) were severely affected following a rail blockade at Bokajan in Upper Assam' Karbi Anglong district and at Kokrajhar in Lower Assam carried under the banner of Adivasi National Convention Committee (ANCC), a conglomeration organisation of five adivasi millitant outfit including Adivasi National Liberation Army (ANLA), Birsa Commando Force (BCF), Adivasi Cobra Millitary of Assam (ACMA), Santhali Tiger Force (STF) and Adivasi People's Army (APA).Hundreds of Adivasi protesters thronged the Bokajan Railway track with banner and placards demanding early granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the early settlement of the

ceasefire millitant outfits representing the community. The protesters also expressed resentment over the snail pace of the peace talks and the delayed solution of granting ST status to the people of the community.The protesters also alleged both center and state government of politicizing the adivasi issue since long. They also warned the government of vigorous mass agitations if their demands are not meet early solutions.The 12 hour blockade which started at 6 in the morning lasted a few hours disrupting train services across the north-eastern states as many trains were halted at various stations and many were rescheduled following the blockade. The blockade was later lifted at 11 AM after the government assured of holding talks to review the demands on December 23 next.

BSNL to promote case-less transaction facility to tea gardens and GP areas with high speed internet facility Shambhu Boro, Tezpur, Dec 5: Promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modis’ Digital India Mission the BSNL Tezpur, has initiated to take forward the Tea areas besides the GPs with high speed internet facilities. In a press meet addressing the press men here the CGM, BSNL Assam Telecom circle, MK Seth revealed that the Secondary Swidching Area (SSA),Tezpur, has spread out six revenue districts of Darrang, Udalguri, Sonitpur, Biswanath Chariali, North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji. “There are 82 Telephone Exchanges for providing land and Broad band services. BSNL Tezpur has set up 42 WIMAX BTS in 6 Districts to provide internet connectivity to remote locations where land line availability is not there.” He said adding BSNL is also providing 2G and 3G services with 182 numbers of 2G and 73 Numbers of 3G sites in which 23 numbers of 2G sites in Darrang District, 83 Numbers in Sonitpur and Biswanath Chariali, 21 Numbers in Udalguri, 35 in North lakhimpur, 20 Numbers in Dhemaji.

In respect of 3G Sites, 38 Numbers of 3G sites in Sonitpur and Biswanath Chariali 62, 11 in Darrang, 7 in Udalguri 12 in NorthLakhimpur and 5 in Dhemaji. He also said that recently BSNL has upgraded 62 Numbers 3G sites with higher bandwidth sate of the art technology to facilitate the customers to have 3G data at higher speed. To facilitate more coverage in rural area BSNL has planned 169 new 2G sites covering the entire district. He said that BSNL is laying about 900 km. cable covering 20 block head quarters covering 222 number of GPs to provide connectivity to rural popu-

KLF CADRES BUSTED

lation of 6 revenue districts including Sonitpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Nowgong, Kamrup, Chilchar and Tinsukia. “This is being executed as a part of most prestigious project christened as national Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) adopted by the government of India. From Land line phone BSNL has introduced Night Free Calling to any network across the country between 9 Pm to next day 7 Am from Monday to Saturday and total free on Sunday.

For mobile customer BSNL has provided unconditional free national roaming on incoming calls. BSNL is providing attractive DATSA plans like Rs. 1099 with unlimited data for one month, Rs. 1498 with 9GB Data with one year validity.” He mentioned. He also stated that the BSNL has introduced students’ plan with Rs. 136 plan voucher which facilitates 1GB data. GM SK Dev, BSNL, Telecom Circle, Tezpur while highlighting the latest position of BSNL across the country stated mentioned that these facilities will help in going for case-less financial transaction system in tea garden areas thereby easing the tea garden labourers from exploitation. “The bank service will be improved through facilities.”

He said. .

On the other hand, stating its obligation towards the society further said that from now BSNL will give more focus on employment generation by engaging qualified unemployed youths of the region that BSNL require 15 to 20 thousand power every year.

The press meet was attended

by Principal General Manager, Mobile, G. Pokhrana, BSNL, Assam Telecom Circle and GM SK Dev, BSNL, Telecom Circle, Tezpur.

Two KLF (Kuki Liberation Font) cadres busted in a joint operation by Gorkha regiment and Bokajan Police at Balipathar and recovered 2 nos. 7.65 Pistols and 7nos. live bullets at Bokajan on Sunday. Photo by Susanta Roy

Tuliram swears for autonomous state Sushanta Roy Diphu, Dec 5: Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Tuliram Ronghang reiterated his stand on creation of an autonomous state for Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. He went over to mention that implementation of article 244(A) of the Constitution of India is the top priority of the BJPled Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

The CEM made the declaration while addressing a victory rally at Donkamokam on Sunday, “I will continuously carry forward the demand to both Centre and state government for implementation of the constitutional provision within shortest period of

time.” Ronghang said. Mentioning about the CongressHSDC alliance, he said that both the political parties are unrelated due to their uncontrolled dishonesty and sleaze committed in implementing various developmental schemes and projects in past years.

“BJP’s victory in Baithalangso by-election shows that the people have rejected the Congress and HSDC. These parties don’t matter now and they will not be able to do anything for the people. BJP is at Delhi and Dispur and Diphu only the BJP can bring welfare and development to the people of this hill district” the CEM stated. He appealed to the people to vote for BJP in the forthcoming

council elections and said, “It due to the faith of the people in BJP they have elected Dr.Mansing Rongpi.

EM for agriculture and revenue, Mangal Sing Timung said that he has identified those for the loss of BJP in Hamren MAC constituency in the by-election. He mentioned that “Due to lack of effort and hard work, BJP has lost in my constituency; I have identified those persons who are responsible for the loss of BJP in Hamren.

In the next MAC election, this will not happen I will bring the constituency back to the BJP fold.” Newlyelection MLA Dr.Mansing Rongpi expressed his gratitude to the people and promised that he will work for the development of the areas.

World Soil Day Celebrated at KVK, Sonitpur Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 5: World Soil Day and Rabi Campaign was celebrated by KVK, Sonitpur at its Napam based District office today with a daylong programme. In connection with the programme an open meeting was organized with the motto “Soils and Pulses: a symbiosis for life”, was held to sensitize the farming community on the role of pulses in sustainable soil health management.

In the beginning, Dr. P. C. Deka, Programme Coordinator of KVK, Sonitpur welcomed the dignitaries and farmers to the programme and presented an account of ongoing activities of the KVK with

special reference to issue of soil health card to farmers.

Addressing the meeting as Chief Guest, Brindabon Goswami, MLA, Tezpur LAC spoke in detail about his vision to enhance farming productivity through integrated approach. He laid stress on utilization of land for growing non-traditional crops targeting the industry sector to reap more benefit from farming. Dr. M. K. Sarma, Senior Extension Specialist of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), explained the historical perspective of World Soil Day celebration and he urged the farmers to adopt soil health management practices for sustaining productivity of soils & crops. Mr. Jadav

saikia, Chief Executive Officer of Sonitpur Zila Parishad, Dr. Jogesh Goswami, Senior Extension specialist of AAU, Mr. Bharat Rajbongshi, Assistant Director of Agriculture and Mr. Horeswar Das, Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer(Horticulture), Tezpur also spoke on different aspects of soil health management and cultivation of rabi crops. A total of 250 Soil Health Cards were distributed to the farmers during the programme.

The programme was anchored

by Mr. Hengul Jyoti Saloi, Farm Manager and ended with a vote of thanks by Ms. Angana Sarma, SMS (Horticulture).

Lt. Gen. DS Ahuja makes his maiden visit to Guwahati after taking over as G.OC Tapas Samaddar Rangia, Dec 5: Lt. Gen. DS Ahuja, General Officer Commanding 101 Area, came on his maiden visit to Guwahati after assuming the prestigious and challenging command of the 101 Area. It is pertinent to mention that the 101 Area earlier known as 101 Communication Zone has been looking after the security arrangements of the North East Region since its raising in 1963 at Shillong.

During the 1971 War, the Formation took active part in combat operations in Sylhet and Mymensingh Districts of the erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and was the first to reach Dacca, thereby earning the accolade “FIRST IN DACCA”. The General Officer arrived at HQ 51 Sub Area Narangi Cantonment in the morning, where he was received by Maj Gen AK Jha, GOC 51 Sub Area and introduced to the important appointments of the HQ and Unit Com-

manders. Lt Gen DS Ahuja was briefed in detail by GOC 51 Sub Area with regards to the security arrangements in Narangi Cantonment and other stations under command 51 Sub Area, Operational Preparedness of the formation to include Rear Area Security arrangements in a conventional war like situation, Flood Relief Scheme for Guwahati, Training and various welfare projects for the troops. After that the General Officer went out on a visit to the Narangi Cantonment accompanied by Maj Gen AK Jha, to review the situation on ground, especially the security arrangements. Lt Gen DS Ahuja expressed his satisfaction with the security arrangements and progress and development of the Narangi Military Station, he reiterated the need for awareness in all ranks with regards to maintaining the prophylactic security of the station at all times and also continuous training and

preparation by the formation to effectively fulfil its operational role. GOC 101 Area also visited the water pumping facility for Narangi and Bashishta Military Stations being operated and managed by IOCL at Noonmati on the banks of River Brahamaputra, to get a first hand assessment of the prevailing water supply problem, caused due to creation of a sand bar resulting from excessive silting. The GOC was briefed on the current status of the problem and also alternative measures adopted to tide over the predicament by the Garrison Engineer Narangi Cantonment, he expressed his deep concern over the issue and promised all assistance on behalf of his HQ 101 Area.

It may be noted that as of now the Narangi and Bashishtha Military Stations are getting approximately 4.5 lakh gallon of water per day which is 25% of their minimum requirement.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

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NORTHEAST

More teeth added to ST demand for Meiteis/Meeteis Singhla to visit Bru Keithel Imas to stage demonstration on Dec 6 refugee camp in Tripura Agartala, Dec 05: Before pushing for final leg of repatriation of Bru refugees sheltered in six relief camps, Special Secretary of Internal Security (MHA) Mahesh Kumar Singhla would be arriving Kanchanpur on Tuesday.

The agenda of the visit is of course to feel the pulse of inmates of refugee camps in Kanchanpur and Panisagar subdivisions of North district, according to sources.

Singhla would arrive at Kanchanpur from Itanagar by a MHA chopper around 11.30 or 12 pm and is scheduled to visit Naisingpara camp for interaction with Bru refugees on the same day.

"Singhla is expected to interact with refugee people at Naisingpara refugee camp to know their views before final leg of repatriation to their homeland- Mizoram", said MBDPF's general secretary Bruno Mshe over telephone from Naisingpara refugee camp on Tuesday.

The Special Secretary will stay a night at Naisingpara camp to feel the adversities facing by

Special Secretary of Internal Security (MHA) Mahesh Kumar Singhla. over 32000 Bru people, he said.

On December 7, Singhla will have a meeting with District Magistrate (DM) North district Dr. Sandeep Mahatme to know the preparation for the proposed repatriation of Bru refugees.

Earlier, Singhla had chaired third meeting of Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) in Delhi where all major stakeholders remained present.

Mizoram government officials informed that there was increase in refugee population staying in six

camps established by Tripura government. Over 32,000 Bru people have been identified as bonafide citizens of Mizoram who are staying in six relief camps since 1997.

To ensure resettlement of all the genuine Bru people, Mizoram government will have to identify more villages to accommodate all the repatriated people.

There has been indication that repartition of Reang refugees to Mizoram would start January next year not in December as planned by the MHA. (Agencies)

UCM sets Dec 7 deadline for UNC to roll back blockade Imphal, Dec 05 : Setting December 7 midnight as the deadline for the UNC to roll back the ongoing economic blockade, the UCM has today announced that if the blockade is not called off by then, they would be constrained to launch a series of movement.

Speaking to reporters at the office of UCM at Lamphelpat today, its president Elangbam Johnson said that the decision to chart out its own course of action was taken after a series of consultative meeting.

Appealing to the UNC to roll back the economic blockade, Johnson expressed hope that their appeal would be re-

Tripura BJP critical of government's failure to announce cash assistance for martyr's families Agartala, Dec 05: The Tripura unit of BJP has criticised the state government for failure to offer any cash assistance to the families of two martyrs , Shambhu Satmura (BSF) and army Naike Chitta Ranjan Debbarma. The BJP spokesperson Mrinal Kanti Deb said that all other state governments in the country including UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Telengana have announced varying amounts of assistance to the families of martyred officers and jawans but Tripura government has done nothing. 'It shows the real attitude of the state government which is condemnable' said Mrinal. He also took exception to the 'Red Salute' of forest minister Naresh Jamatya to martyred Chitta Ranjan Debbarma. 'The minister should realise the difference between his role as party leader and a minister of the government' said Mrinal.

Meanwhile, BJP's other spokesperson Subrata Chakraborty has demanded immediate sanction of all pending dues of state's officers and employees. 'The employees and officers of Tripura government are the worst paid and most deprived in the country ; this is a plain and verifiable fact; many state governments in the country including Assam have already announced sanction of payscale and allowances at par with the 7th central pay commission's recommendations ; besides, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have regularised the services of SSA teachers but the Tripura government is doing nothing' said Subrata Chakraborty.

(Agencies)

sponded to positively.

However if the appeal of the people is not heeded then UCM will take out its own course of action against the blockade, added Johnson.

The UCM president also expressed hope that the people of Manipur, cutting across community line, will extend their co-operation to the proposed antiblockade movement.

To a question on what type of movement will be launched, Johnson refused to give details but added that when the time comes it will be spelt out from time to time to the people.

The UCM leader also urged the different political parties not to indulge

in propaganda over the issue but work united to ensure that normalcy is restored for the sake of the common people.

It is also right for the State Government to invite all the stakeholders and discuss things to see how to restore normalcy in the State, he said and added that the longer the Government remains silent and inactive, the situation can only get worse.

Johnson also demanded that the Committee for Joint Naga Civil Societies immediately stop their narrow minded agenda at Delhi.

UCM is ready to extend all possible co-operations to resolve the issue at hand, he added. (Agencies)

Final hearing on CM's ST status case on Feb 3 New Delhi, Dec 05: The long-drawn case in the Supreme Court on the scheduled tribe status of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and his relatives will come up for final hearing in February next year.

The apex court comprising justices Madan B Lokur and Adarsh Goel, after briefly hearing the counsels for the petitioners, listed the pending writ petition for February 3.

Interestingly, the State of Meghalaya had filed an application for recalling the September 2 order passed by the Supreme Court in the Interlocutory Application in favour of the petitioner.

However, the government's plea was rejected following which the final hearing was fixed in February.

The apex court in September had reversed its earlier order and decided to hear the case pertaining to the scheduled tribe status of Sangma and others.

The court recalled its September 2015 order and restored the writ petition, filed

by Tennydard M. Marak and the All Northeast Indigenous Garo Law Promoters' Association, which the court will hear and decide on merit.

On September 18, 2015, the division bench comprising justices Madan B. Lokur and Uday U. Lalit had said, "We are not inclined to continue with these petitions under Article 32 of the Constitution. The petitions are dismissed but the parties may take up the issue with the High Court of Meghalaya and pending applications are also disposed of."

However, this was chal-

lenged by the petitioners who filed a recall petition against the September 18 order and the matter was heard by the Supreme Court registrar, who in an order on November 2 last rejected the petition.

Later on November 16, Marak had filed a fresh appeal against the November 2 order of the Registrar, which resulted in the Supreme Court restoring his petition on September 2 this year.

Marak had stated that his writ petition was dismissed on September 18 by the apex court without hearing the petitioner in violation of the principles of natural justice.

Basava Prabhu P Patil, senior advocate assisted by advocate Manish Goswami and the respondent's counsel led by Kapil Sibal, senior advocate, advocate general (Meghalaya) BP Todi, advocate Ranjan Mukherjee argued in the case.

The case has been pending for the last three years with several adjournments. Critics have pointed that earlier the National Commission for Minorities was given eight weeks to complete the probe on ST status, three years have lapsed without any inquiry.

They also questioned the State government's move to support the cause of the Chief Minister by filing applications in the Supreme Court whereas a citizen of the State has to fight his case alone without assistance from any quarters.

"Will Meghalaya government file petition for the cause of a common man," they asked. (Agencies)

Imphal, Dec 05: Womenvendors of different keithels of the State are set to stage a one hour demonstration on December 6 from 11 am to 12 noon in front of their respective keithels demanding the inclusion of Meeteis/ Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Indian Constituency. This was stated by Mutum Churamani convener of the Coordinating Body of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (CBSTDCM) during a press conference held at Manipur Press club today.

Addressing reporters, Churamani said that the movement to include Meiteis/Meeteis in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Constitution of India dates back to 1967 when the then intellectuals and elders of society raised the ST banner for Meiteis/ Meeteis. The movement however faded with the passage of time.

However this movement was revived in 2012 under the leadership of Prof Mohendro and various awareness campaigns were launched in different parts of the State, recalled Churamani.

Following the revival of the

movement, a coordinating body to coordinate the movement of the people to demand that the Meeteis/Meiteis be included in the Scheduled Tribe list was formed in 2016, said Churamani and added that the proposed December 6 demonstration is a follow up action of the movement.

Citing some important events in the movement, Churamani recalled that more than six thousand people attended the people's convention held at Iboyaima Shuman Leela Shanglen from May 22 this year to further the demand that the Meeteis/ Meiteis be included in the ST list of the Indian Constituency.

The decision arrived at after the people's convention was then submitted to Chief Minister O Ibobi and the State Government as a memorandum, he added.

Further a 25 days long relay hunger strike was held from August 7 to August 31 this year to give more teeth to the demand.

One hundred people took part each day during the relay hunger strike, recalled Churamani.

Fidel is immortal, death cannot take his ideals and achievements away, Tripura CM

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.

Agartala, Dec 05: A man like Fidel Castro is immortal and shall remain so; his ideals and achievements shall remain imprinted in history for eternity. This is how chief minister Manik Sarkar described late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro who breathed his last at the age of 90 recently. Speaking as the chief guest in the condolence meeting held yesterday in Rabindra Shata Varshiki Bhawan (Hall No-1) Sarkar said that Fidel had always been concerned over the impoverished condition of Cuba because of exploitation by the US imperialist forces. 'He had made an attempt to overthrow the US stooge Batista regime in his motherland through an uprising but this was foiled ; he had argued his case in his own trial and obtained a jail term instead of

death sentence' said Sarkar. Recounting Fidel's days of struggle to emancipate his country he said that with a small band of guerrilla fighters he finally overthew the Batista regime and set up a communist government in Cuba. 'He had defied the aggressive designs of the US imperialists and its intelligence and subversive wing the CIA and made Cuba a developed country that care for its people ; he had survived innumerable assassination attempts and made his country a stronger and ideal entity in the comity of nations' said Sarkar. He appealed to the new generation of youths to be inspired by the ideals of Fidel and to struggle hard for the development of India. (Agencies)

The decision arrived at after the people's convention was then submitted to Chief Minister O Ibobi and the State Government as a memorandum.

A mass rally participated by more than 2.5 people was also staged on September 18 this year. The rally started from THAU ground and culminated at Hapta Kangjeibung.

Another memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and others after the rally, said Churamani.

Earlier in 2013, the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee had sent a communication to the Ministry of Home Affairs that the Meeteis/Meiteis be included in the ST list of the Indian Constitution and it had sent a letter to the State Government to send the latest socio-economic report and ethnography report of the Meeteis/Meiteis, informed

Churamani.

It was in line with this communication from the Centre that the CBSTDCM had asked the State Government to send the said report to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs before the end of October this year.

However the State Government failed to do the needful and it was to address this that the CBSTDCM had asked for an appointment with the Chief Minister, said Churamani.

It was only on November 28 that the Chief Minister gave an audience to a 7 member team of the CBSTDCM, said Churamani and added that during the meeting they submitted their concept,

documents and data on why the Meeteis/Meiteis need to be included in the ST list of the Constitution of India.

The Chief Minister was also asked to take up the matter at the Cabinet meeting and during the five days CLP meeting held from November 28, but this did not receive any positive response, added Churamani.

It is unfortunate that the issue has still not featured in the Cabinet meeting, said Churamani but added that this will not dampen their movement.

He also said that the Imas of Khwairamband keithel have extended their support voluntarily and they will stage a one hour demonstration in front of their keithels in the valley area from 11 am to 12 noon on December 6.

Slogans will also be raised during the demonstration.

Churamani appealed to the Imas to give free passage to traditional rituals, students and essential services during the one hour demonstration and sought the support of all local clubs, CSOs and meira paibis.

(Agencies)

Re-invent dignity of labour: Khriehu Dimapur, Dec 05: Parliamentary secretary of Youth Resources and Sports and State Lotteries and Music Task Force, Khriehu Liezietsu asked students to re-invent the dignity of labour while addressing the gathering as the chief guest on the occasion of 21stannual day programme of Oriental College Kohima on December 3 at the college auditorium.

Liezietsu advised the students not only look for government and white colored jobs but opt for skill and capacity by becoming skilled workers and entrepreneurs which would boost the economy of the state.

He said that currently the state was mostly dependent on outsiders. "It is high time we as a society and state become selfreliant, we should be physically and mentally prepared ourselves to do all the jobs for our development, as well as for our daily survival" he added.

He said students as future leaders should practice and inculcate positive actions and thoughts for what they sow today would be reaped tomorrow.

Lauding the college authorities for imparting quality and skilled development education to students, the parliamentary secretary also asked students to acquire the education system imparted by the college.

He was also optimistic that the

Khriehu along with the college faculty members after inauguration of indoor stadium college as a Christian institution was catering to the moral and spiritual aspects of the students' growth and developmental.

He also appreciated the farsighted pioneers of the college who had understood the importance of quality education.

He said without quality education a man could not realize his full potentials. Liezietsu also appreciated the college authorities and faculty member for imparting quality education to students.

The parliamentary secretary also lauded the extra effort being put by principal, Dr. Kechukietuo Dzuvichu to make the college excel in many fronts.

Principal Dzivichu in his welcome speech said college has

been excelling in academic and other curriculum activities all because of dedicated faculty, management members and students.

He said college would focus on skill development while not forgetting imparting quality education.

Academic awards were also presented to students, special award to teachers and special presentation to graduating students. Cultural programme also marked the day.

Earlier parliamentary secretary, also inaugurated indoor stadium and basketball court at the college premises. Pastor, Christian Revival Church, Kohima Village invoked God's blessing for the success of the programme. (Agencies)

Nun from Kerala scripts success story in Garo Hills sans Govt.

Shillong, Dec 05: At a time when the State government's ambitious Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme (IBDLP) is yet to reach the grassroots, Sister Rose Kayathinkara, who introduced rubber cultivation in Garo Hills, remains an unsung social worker for empowering Garo villagers by helping them take up livelihood initiatives without much assistance from the government agencies.

Apart from rubber cultivation, Sister Rose has also encouraged farmers to go for large-scale coconut plantation, dairy and poultry farming, besides helping them tap agri-horticulture produces.

However, Sister Rose is worried as she feels that the rubber cultivators, unlike in other states, are not getting any support price from the State Government.

During a recent visit to Mendipathar in North Garo Hills, Sister Rose revealed that as the current price of rubber in the market is low, the Meghalaya government should have given support price to the farmers.

She cited the case of Kerala where the losses incurred by farmers when the price of rubber is low are adjusted as they get financial support from the government.

Former deputy chief minister Timothy Shira, who represented Resubelpara constituency in the past, also viewed that the rubber price has come down to Rs 100 per kg while earlier the price ranged from Rs 160-230 per

Sr Rose examines assists workers in examining rubber sheets at Mendipathar Multi Purpose. kg. "Farmers are losing due to the lack of support from the State government," he added.

Poor road connectivity is another hurdle for the farmers in Garo Hills as after rubber plantation they take a long time to reach the processing and marketing places.

It was in 1987 that Sister Rose introduced rubber cultivation in Mendipathar. The catholic nun belonging to the Medical Mission Sisters founded the Mendipathar Multipurpose Cooperative Society in 1998 to promote rubber plantations, which helped the villagers to be free from the greed of middlemen and money lenders.

Later, there was large-scale cultivation of rubber in other parts of Garo Hills.

The Society receives the rubber sheets from the farm-

ers who cultivate them in their respective plantations.

The aim of the Society is to help the subsistence level farmers to get fair wages for their hard work, prices for their produce, and more direct access to money and markets.

Before the Society came into being, from 1987 to 1990, Sister Rose had carried out awareness programmes among the villagers and farmers on the need to eliminate middlemen and money lenders and even fought against those who had exploited local farmers.

"The idea of planting rubber in Garo Hills originated in 1986 and I contacted the Rubber Board for advice," Sister Rose said.

A boggy in the train was booked from Kerala to bring in rubber plants and people in Garo Hills were taught to

carry out plantations, she said.

"In 1990s, there was lack of enthusiasm among the farmers to carry on with the rubber plantation as they often asked me what they will eat if they carry on with rubber plantation, but when they gradually reaped the benefits, there was renewed interest," she added.

In North Garo Hills, besides facilitating the sale of finished rubber sheets, Sister Rose expanded her work by taking up poultry (in 2003) and piggery farming (2008) and started a mini-shopping complex (stationary shop) and dispensary, among others in Mendipathar .

The stationary shop sells goods at reduced prices and hence attracts many customers. Moreover, through her intervention, many thrift societies among women were formed to save their income from money lenders. She was also instrumental in starting several self-help groups and cooperative societies in many villages in Garo Hills.

Sister Rose, who received several awards from the State Government and other agencies, have now encouraged farmers to take up coconut cultivation and other agrihorticulture produces since the land is fertile. Coconuts were planted over several hectares of land in East and North Garo Hills and she wants more people to take up coconut cultivation as the land does not degrade unlike other plantations.

In her mission to provide jus-

tice to the needy, she had to face many hurdles.

Sister Rose recalled that in May 2012, there was an attempt to kidnap her by some extortionists who entered her convent and attacked the aged nun Cecilia. Thanks to the intervention of the inmates, the abduction was prevented though the kidnappers dragged Sister Cecilia who identified herself as Sister Rose to divert the attention of the goons.

Sister Rose, who started her profession as an X-Ray technician, joined the congregation of Medical Mission Sisters in 1961 and came to the North East in 1972. She studied medical technology and secured Bachelor's Degree in social services that helped her to focus on her field of interest.

She was also associated with Caritas India's North East Regional Forum as its coordinator and focused on the empowerment of women.

The first social activity of Sister Rose started in 1977 and continued till 1984 at Rajabala, West Garo Hills focusing on the empowerment of underprivileged women, including the Muslims.

Even at the age of 74, Sister Rose, born in Bharananganam in Kerala, is energetic and carries on with her mission to serve the people. "The people of Garo Hills always welcome development, and the need of the hour is seriousness on the part of concerned agencies to improve the livelihood of the people," she said. (Agencies)

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

P6 World Soil Day December 5

Today's quote To succeed in your mission, you “must have single-minded devotion to your goal.

– A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Due diligence, unsafe drugs Good intentions alone are not enough to secure the public interest. For governments, the manner in which it is protected is equally vital. The Delhi High Court verdict quashing all notifications banning the manufacture and sale of 344 Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs is a lesson in how not to administer a regulatory law. The ban on combination drugs that have little therapeutic value was undoubtedly done for bona fide reasons. However, the government could not convince the court that the ban was valid despite statutory bodies such as the Drug Testing Advisory Board (DTAB) and the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) not being involved in the process. There is little doubt that a number of combination drugs should be taken off the shelf. The government believes, as do many health activists, that some combinations are unsafe and/or promote antibiotic resistance, while others lack particular therapeutic value, justification or advantage. Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw has correctly refrained from going into the merits of the ban, and has chosen to subject to scrutiny the process by which the decision was arrived at. While concluding that the ban was invalid because the power under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act was exercised without consulting the DTAB and DCC, he has found that the government went about the process in a haphazard manner.

Initially it was noted that in the case of FDC drugs for which manufacturing licences were granted by State licensing authorities between September 1988 and October 2012, the process was done without any approval from the Drugs Controller. When they applied afresh to the Centre, on being asked to do so, their applications were not considered by the Drugs Controller; instead, the Centre formed 10 committees. When these panels failed to consider all the applications, another one, the Kokate Committee, was formed. However, this panel went into the question whether these drugs posed a risk to consumers or lacked therapeutic value and justification. Based on its report, the Centre issued notifications banning these FDCs. In effect, the Centre seemed to have delegated its power to ban drugs to a non-statutory committee, when the Act itself provided for expert bodies through which technical aspects of administering the law were to be considered. The government ought to have been more mindful of the processes. It is possible that an appeal will be filed on the legal aspects of the judgment, but the real lesson from the episode concerns governance, and not the law alone.

Indonesia's blasphemy protests Some 200,000 white-clad Indonesians took to the streets of Jakarta to call for the arrest of the city's governor, Basuki Purnama. Mr. Purnama, who is a "double minority" for being ethnically Chinese and a Christian, riled the sentiments of certain hardline sections in September when he said a Koranic verse had been used to trick voters into believing that Muslims ought not be led by a non-Muslim. Since then, Indonesia has been convulsed by protests, including one near the presidential palace in early November that turned violent. The embattled Mr. Purnama has been slapped with blasphemy charges, and an investigation is ongoing. His political proximity to President Joko Widodo does not appear to have slowed the momentum of the protests. Prior to winning the presidency in 2014, Mr. Widodo was the governor of Jakarta, and Mr. Purnama, a frontrunner in the February 2017 governorship election, is on track to forge a pathway to even higher political office. Mr. Widodo has been silent on the motives driving the latest protest, even as he appeared at the scene to praise its relatively peaceful tenor. However, the recent arrest for treason of at least eight people, including Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno, suggests that other political factors may be at play, including an attempt to whip up public sentiment against Mr. Purnama securing a second term as governor.

Given the Jakarta-centric locus of the protests, it is likely that anger over Mr. Purnama launching largescale slum evictions in the city has brought many from among the poorer sections to their feet. Yet the fact that the demonstration was orchestrated by the right-wing Islamic Defenders Front Party, which also set up charity operations in the affected North Jakarta neighbourhoods, indicates that support for Islamist ideology from local residents has been a critical factor. This development, if it gains wider momentum across the countryside, could be a retrograde step for Indonesia, which has until now, like neighbouring Malaysia, stood out as a regional bulwark against extremism, maintaining secular tolerance of Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist minorities. Adventurism of this sort could endanger the accommodating fabric of Indonesian society years after the post-Bali bombing purge of fundamentalists. This is especially a matter of concern in the context of suspicion that hundreds of Indonesian youth recently travelled to Syria to join the Islamic State. While Mr. Widodo's encouraging remarks to the protesters are understandable, the onus is on him to take a stand against allowing the latest turn of events from turning into a launching pad for a more intolerant national ethos.

A

ccording to Central Soil Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Dehradun, India is losing 5,334 million tonnes of soil every year due to soil erosion because of indiscreet and excess use of fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides over the years.

On an average 16.4 tonnes of fertile soil is lost every year per hectare.

The non-judicious use of fertilizers has led to deterioration of soil fertility causing loss of micro and macronutrients leading to poor soils and low yields causing low agricultural yields.

Realising the severity of the problem Prime Minister Shri Nardendar Modi called for focusing the attention of improving the health of the soils across the country to boost the productivity and increased prosperity. Referring to the song “VandeMataram” he said that in order to achieve true meaning of ‘Sujalam and Suphalam’ it is necessary to nurture the soil and improve the soil health.

In order to implement the

concept of improving the been sanctioned under Soil soil health he launched the Health Management Soil Health Card Scheme Scheme. Apart from the mo(SHC). The Ministry of Ag- bile soil testing labs, the riculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture has Government of India has the also sanctioned the functarget of issuing 14 crore tioning of 2296 mini soil-testS H C ing labs across the in 2016Pandurang Hegde 17. This c o u n t r y.

An estiwill accelmated budget of Rs 568 erate the process of soil testcrore is assigned towards ing in remote areas. It has realising this scheme. This created employment opporis being implemented in col- tunities for rural youth with laboration with the state technical and educational governments from the year skills.

2015-16 under which 253 How will these soil health lakh soil samples will be cards help to improve the tested every three years to soil fertility? generate approximately 14 In the first stage these crore SHC. tests will reveal the status of the farmer’s soil with reThe large area of opera- spect to macro nutrients like tion and the enormity of col- N, P and K, micro nutrients lecting data at ground level and show the presence of is herculean task. Neverthe- pH value. Using this basic less the Ministry of Agricul- information the farmer can ture is committed to assess progress to the second the soil samples and issue stage of how to improve his SHC.As on 15 November soil fertility by using spethis year, 34.47 lakh soil cific dosage required realizhealth cards have been dis- ing the optimal yields. tributed to farmers across These cards will contain the advisory based on the stathe country. tus of the soil nutrient on In order to expedite the the farmers land. It will also process of soil testing, 460 suggest what kind of soil new soil-testing labs have management he needs to

undertake to stop the soil deterioration and improve the soil fertility.

These cards will be issued for three cropping cycles, showing the soil status at the end of every cropping season. Thus, the SHC are not a one shot solution, but a continuous process that provides the basic information on the health of soil for the farmer.

The unscientific farming practices and overuse of fertilisers and pesticides is rendering the agricultural soil useless by destroying the soil fertility. With the impact of climate change, the availability of water for irrigation will be greatly reduced. The low availability of soil organic matter and constant soil erosion due to high temperatures will lead to desertification.

In order to address this problem it is essential to create a sound data base for addressing the crisis. The collection of soil samples and analysis of soils across the country will provide the scientific information about the conditions of soils

across diverse ecological zones in the country. Based on this, it becomes feasible to implement the measures to rebuild the soil fertility. It will not only reduce the costs of inputs, but will help the farmer to improve his yields and eventually to alleviate poverty.

There is close link between healthy soils and healthy food. With the indiscriminate use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides, the soils in our country have been heavily poisoned. Poisoned soils will produce foods that will cause health problems. We may produce more yields by applying more chemical inputs, but the final produce is devoid of micronutrients that are essential for building the healthy body.

With 17 per cent of world’s population and just 2 per cent of geographical area, and with high level of poverty, it becomes essential to improve the condition of soil in order to provide food security and employment to 55 per cent of the populationengaged in agriculture.

The SHC initiative has been lauded by the UN food body, FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation). On the occasion of International Year of Soils in 2015 the FAO Director Jose Graziano told Agricultural Minister Radha Mohan Singh that the SHC could be model for other countries, to secure food security thorough healthy soils.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the slogan of “Swastha Dhara, Khet Hara”, which means ‘healthy earth and green farms’. In order to create healthy earth, we need to create healthy soils.

The Union Agriculture Ministry is working closely with state governments to create conditions for evolving healthy soils and green farms that will pave the road map to achieve the targets of doubling the farmers’ incomes and address the issue of poverty of soil and farmers. *Author is an independent journalist and columnist based in Karnataka.

Regularly writes on environmental issues.

Notes for a cashless economy The November 8 announcement was aimed at eliminating black money and corruption, apart from dealing with the counterfeit currency industry. It has also given a god-sent opportunity for the digital economy.

I

ndia's economic landscape, in terms of everyday transactions, has been transformed, so to say, in one fell swoop. The life of every Indian, from a corporate CEO to a cobbler, has changed like never before ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the trailblazing decision to withdraw old Rs.500 and Rs.1, 000 currency notes from circulation.

The biggest reform, with a purpose Apart from turning out to be the biggest economic reform in independent India, this revolutionary measure is making it incumbent upon everyone to embrace and promote digital platforms for money transactions.

Necessity is the mother of invention, to use a clichéd adage. Herein lies the importance of the crucial and game-changing role the youth and other digitally literate people can play in educating the unlettered and semi-literate men and women in the use of mobiles and digital platforms for money transactions.

The November 8 announcement was basically aimed at eliminating the twin menaces of black money and corruption, apart from dealing a death blow to Pakistan's terror-funding machine and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)sponsored counterfeit currency industry. It has also given a god-sent opportunity for providing a huge thrust to the digital economy and reap a bouquet of benefits that would accrue from such an all-encompassing transformation the country is going to witness in the days and months to come. The positive cascading effect would give a major fillip to our for-

mal economy and help im- those with sinister motives prove the country's GDP in and evil designs across the the long run. border.

There comes a time in the Soon after the National history Demoof a nacratic AlM. Venkaiah Naidu l i a n c e t i o n when a came to major shake-up has to be ef- power in 2014, the Union fected by taking a momen- Cabinet at its very first meettous decision to bring about ing constituted an SIT (spea tectonic shift in the atti- cial investigation team) tudes of people, especially headed by the former Suthose who have been ex- preme Court judge, M.B. ploiting and milking the Shah, to go into the issue loopholes in the system for of black money. begetting illegal and tainted Similarly, at the very first wealth.

G20 Summit he had attended Despite having a deep at Brisbane in November understanding of the tem- 2014, Mr. Modi stridently porary difficulties it might took up the issue of black cause to the common man, money with other global the Prime Minister, in a cou- leaders. "Increased mobility rageous move, decided to of capital and technology withdraw Rs.500 and has created new opportuniRs.1,000 denominations in ties for avoiding tax and view of the gigantic propor- profit sharing. I urge every tions black money was ac- jurisdiction, especially tax quiring, leading to a virtual havens, to provide informaparallel economy. He was tion for tax purposes in acalso aware of the growing cordance with treaty obligamenace of counterfeit cur- tions," he told the world rency being pumped into leaders. This forceful pitch the country from across the by the Prime Minister led to border and the sinister man- the inclusion of a clause on ner in which it was being combating tax evasion in used by terrorists, smug- the final communiqué. glers, separatists, women Later, the Black Money and child traffickers and (Undisclosed Foreign Indrug dealers. He took this come and Assets) and Imtimely and path-breaking position of Tax Act, 2015 decision to prevent the came into force on July 1, shadow economy from 2015 for disclosure of forcausing any further damage eign black money within to the country. three months by paying 60 Not a sudden decision per cent tax.

The decision was not Other measures include sudden. Mr. Modi took all the constitution of a Multithe necessary precautions Agency Group (MAG) on and alerted the nation about the Panama Paper leaks and the likely stringent mea- the passage of the Benami sures the government Transaction Bill, 2015, an would be taking to unearth anti-black money measure, black money. Who should in the Lok Sabha. India also fear the consequences of inked agreements with such a historic decision? many countries, including The answer is simple. Only the U.S. to add new provithose in possession of ill- sions for sharing banking gotten, unaccounted information. Double Taxamoney in our country and tion Avoidance Agreements

Chopsticks A woman who had worked all her life to bring about good was granted one wish: "Before I die let me visit both hell and heaven."

Her wish was granted.

She was whisked off to a great banqueting hall. The tables were piled high with delicious food and drink.

Around the tables sat miserable, starving people as wretched as could be. "Why are they like this?" she asked the angel who accompanied her. "Look at their arms," the angel replied. She looked and

saw that attached to the

people's arms were long chopsticks secured above the elbow. Unable to bend their elbows, the people aimed the chopsticks at the food,

missed every time and sat hungry, frustrated and miserable.

"Indeed this is hell! Take me away from here!"

She was then whisked off to heaven. Again she found herself in a great banqueting hall with tables piled high. Around the tables sat people laughing, contented, joyful. "No chopsticks I suppose," she said. "Oh yes there are. Look - just as in hell they are long and attached above the elbow but look... here people have learnt to feed one another".

(DTAA) were also signed with countries which were considered safe tax havens such as Mauritius and Cyprus. India also joined the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (AEOI) to combat tax evasion and unearth black money. Later the Income Declaration Scheme was announced and, finally, the Prime Minister warned during his "Mann Ki Baat" address to the nation that the time is up for black money hoarders.

Support and the road map As the country is passing through this momentous phase, marking a tectonic shift, it is our good fortune that most Indians be they illiterate or literate, rich or poor, rural or urban dwellers - are lending their wholehearted support to the Prime Minister's drive against black money and corruption. At this juncture, one should salute the common Indian for bearing this temporary inconvenience with fortitude and patience in the larger interest of the country. That people are in sync with the Prime Minister was also reflected in opinion polls carried out by various agencies.

Another testimony of this support was captured in the results of the recently held by-elections in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. In the municipal elections held in Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Bharatiya Janata Party swept to power, clearly indicating that the people were willing to suffer temporary pain for long-term gain.

The Prime Minister's agenda for moving towards digital transfer of money is the need of the hour

wherein day-to-day transactions take place without cash. Yes, in a society as layered and complex as ours, the challenges that lie ahead are many, but the road map has been laid out in a statesman-like fashion by the Prime Minister.

The government on its part has suggested various measures for people to move towards a less-cash economy. Transactions in physical currency would gradually come down as more and more people switch over to digital currency.

An important aspect that should be noted here is that India has the highest use of cash in the world, according to MasterCard report. It is apparent that such high use of cash would only strengthen the country's informal economy, which is not in the larger interest of the nation. Reduced use of cash would choke the grey economy, curb money laundering and result in increased tax collections to the government's coffers.

All this would ultimately benefit the common man, as a less cash economy would plug loopholes in the public system.

Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile The Prime Minister has steered the country in the right direction for people to move towards digital transactions - right from the launch of the Jan Dhan Yojana to JAM (Jan DhanAadhaar-Mobile) and other initiatives, including the Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd. (MUDRA) Bank, all of which are a demonstration of his commitment towards improving the living stan-

dards of every Indian.

With Aadhaar acting as an important link between the people and the government, the common citizen need no longer do the bidding of unscrupulous and corrupt officials to secure what is rightfully his.

A Moody's report has pegged the impact of electronic transactions to 0.8 per cent increase in GDP in emerging markets as against 0.3 per cent increase in developed markets.

People need to make full use of electronic payments as they are faster and easier to trace.

The various options towards a cashless or lesscash economy include Unified Payments Interface (UIP), Bank Card, prepaid cards, using various cards at any PoS (point of sale)/ ATM, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based mobile banking, Aadhaar-enabled payment system (AEPS) and ewallet or digital wallet.

As part of the drive to promote digital transactions, the Prime Minister himself conducted a workshop for his personal staff.

Various ministries too are undertaking similar workshops for their respective staff.

Eventually, it is planned to ensure that every transaction takes place through the mobile phone. With more than 1,033 million mobile phones in India, including about 250-300 million smartphones, an important requirement is change of mindset among all sections - I am sure every Indian would become part of this awe-inspiring initiative launched by the Prime Minister to take the Indian economy to majestic heights.

Fundamental Duties to fore There have always been accusations that the judiciary intrudes into the domain of the legislature. While such intrusion is welcome in instances where the legislature has failed to uphold its duty, the recent interim order appears to be a dangerous precedent.

The top court has in a way thrust patriotism upon cinema halls. While there was an emphasis on Fundamental Duties by the Indira Gandhi government, this government too seems to be following the same route. An example can be seen in the form of the advertisements released on Constitution Day, wherein Fundamental Duties were given wide prominence and in the "Mann Ki Baat" programme.

Ravi Yadav Golaghat, Assam

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

P7

Top 10 Mobile Wallets In India As shopping patterns continue to evolve, so does the payment platform industry that propels the former.

Mobile wallet is a new concept in India that has been surpassing credit card usage and is slowly beginning to replace the traditional payment methods.

A mobile wallet, in simple terms, is a virtual mobilebased wallet where one can store cash for making mobile, online or offline payments. There are various types of mobile wallets in India, such as open, semiopen, semi-closed and closed - depending on the type of usage and payments that can be made.

Here are some of the top 10 mobile wallet companies in India and what they offer to their customers.

1. PayTM PayTM is one of the largest mobile commerce platforms in India, offering its customers a digital wallet to store money and make quick payments.

Launched in 2010, PayTM works on a semi-closed model and has a mobile market, where a customer can load money and make payments to merchants who have operational tie-ups with the company. Apart

7. Citi MasterPass Citi Bank India and MasterCard recently launched 'Citi MasterPass', India's first global digital wallet for faster and secure online shopping.

By using this, Citi Bank Debit And Credit Card Customers become the first in this country to be able to shop at more than 250,000 e-commerce merchants. It ensures faster checkout with a single click or touch and stores all your credit, debit, prepaid, loyalty cards and shipping details in one place.

from making e-commerce transactions, PayTM wallet can also be used to make bill payments, transfer money and avail services from merchants from travel, entertainment and retail industry.

Capitalizing on the scope and growth of India's education market segment, they recently partnered with premium educational institutions in India to introduce cashless payments for fees, bills and other expenses.

Number of installs: 1,000,000+ 2. Momoe Momoe is a Bengaluru based mobile payments startup that focuses on changing how customers pay while eating out, travel and shop. Using the Momoe app, one can store their credit card details and make mobile payments at various restaurants, grocery stores, apparel, salons and other retail outlets.

The app's initial foray was into restaurants which attracted many installs due to the ease of payment options. The users were able to see live tabs, split bills and pay directly, without having to wait for a physical bill to arrive. Even though its services are currently available only in Ban-

galore, due to the growing popularity of the app and investment funds they will soon be expanding their services to six new cities.

Number of installs: 100,000+ 3. PayUMoney PayUMoney, a Gurgaonbased company that provides online payment solutions launched its wallet service last year. This e-wallet by PayUMoney enables the user to store cash and pay for various services and transactions.

In order to differentiate themselves from other players, they provide a wide range of benefits that include one-touch check out and discounts / cashback

offers on every transaction made. This e-wallet also provides instant refunds on order cancellations and buyer protect to ensure the right purchase and customer satisfaction.

Number of installs: 100,000+

Owing to the growing need for convenience, MobiKwik has also recently tied up with large and small time grocery, restaurants and other offline merchants.

Number of installs: 10,000,000+

4. Mobikwik MobiKwik is an independent mobile payment network that supposedly connects 25 million users with 50,000 retailers and more.

This mobile wallet lets its users add money using debit, credit card, net banking and even doorstep cash collection service, which can in turn be used to recharge, pay utility bills and shop at marketplaces.

5. Citrus Citrus Pay is a popular ewallet app for cash storage, payments and money transfers. Besides tying up with online service providers from varied sectors, they are now collaborating with Woohoo, a gifting and shopping portal to let its customers shop at more than 5000 offline stores listed with them.

Number of installs: 100,000+

6. State Bank Buddy This mobile wallet application was launched by State Bank of India to let users transfer money to other users and bank accounts, pay bills, recharge, book for movies, hotels, shopping as well as travel.

This semi-closed prepaid wallet offers its services in 13 languages and is available for non-SBI customers as well. This app also allows its customers to set reminders for dues, money transfers and view the mini-statement for the transactions carried out.

Number of installs: 100,000+

8. ICICI Pockets Pockets by ICICI is a digital bank that offers a mobile wallet for its customers. It provides the convenience of using any bank account in India to fund your mobile wallet and pay for transactions.

With Pockets, one can transfer money, recharge, book tickets, send gifts and split expenses with friends. This wallet uses a virtual VISA card that enables its users to transact on any website or mobile application in India and provides exclusive deals or packages from associated brands.

Number of installs: 1,000,000+

9. HDFC Chillr Chillr is an instant money transfer app created by HDFC to simplify money transfer and payment process for its customers.

Using this mobile payment app, one can transfer money to anyone in their phone book, thereby cutting out on the hassles of adding a beneficiary. It is currently available only for HDFC Bank customers and can be used to send money, recharge, split bills, request funds or transfer and will soon be able to pay at online & offline stores.

Number of installs: 100,000+ 10. LIME Axis Bank, the third-largest private sector bank launched 'LIME', an application that offers a mobile wallet, payments, shopping and banking facilities.

This mobile wallet is available for both account & non-account holders and lets a user add money using his or her credit, debit and net banking details.

One can also share the wallet with their loved ones or pool in funds into a shared wallet for a particular purpose (Example: Gifts, vacations, etc.)

InFocus to Launch Moto X (2017) Leaked in Live Aadhaar-Enabled Images That Show a Metal Body Smartphone with Iris and No Moto Mods Support Scanning Feature Despite numerous reports about the Moto X series being discontinued in favour of the Moto Z series, Lenovo in June said that the Moto X series is "alive and well". Now, a series of leaked images claimed to be of the Moto X (2017) is doing the rounds of the rumour mills, though some reports are tipping it may be a new Moto Z series handset.

US-based handset maker InFocus will soon launch a new smartphone in India that will support Aadhaar authentication using the iris scanner on the device.

Priced at under Rs. 12,000, the device will be made available early next year. InFocus also says it has been awarded STQC (Standardization Testing and Quality Certification) from the Indian government and the company plans to launch more devices supporting Aadhaar-based biometric authentication in the future.

STQC certification authenticates the use of Irisrecognition devices, used for biometric authentication linked under the Aadhaar project.

"InFocus smartphone features IriTech's superior iris image quality assessment and on-board K7 generation algorithm to provide good quality images and avoid false positives while maximising true positive identification rates," InFocus India Country Head Sachin Thapar told PTI. Apart from UIDAI, IriTech also works with government agencies in the US, Kenya and Columbia. The smartphone with embedded algorithm can complete an image capture and K7 image generation in less than 2 seconds. It can capture the iris image under various environments, including under direct sunlight.

"Moreover, the biometric data from the InFocus device gets encrypted by a UIDAI key at the chip level in device, making it impossible for anyone but the Aadhaar server to see the information. Such encryption prevents information leakage of all kinds," Thapar said.

Thapar added there is a great potential in the integration of iris recognition technology in a ubiquitous

The leaked Moto X (2017) images, posted by Slashleaks, show the smartphone with a metal body, and a round camera panel that seems quite similar to that on Moto Z. Interestingly, the Moto X (2017) in the leaked images does not have any pins at the bottom-back, which can enable the support for Moto

device like a smartphone.

"While the M425 will be made available in the next 2-3 months, we will bring more devices with this technology as we have received the certification," he added.

Thapar was referring to an iris scanning variant of the InFocus Bingo 20 (M425), which was launched in March this year at Rs. 5,749.

Currently, Samsung is the only phone maker to have already embedded Delta ID's ActiveIRIS technology in its Galaxy Tab Iris.

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has held discussions with handset makers and operating system providers to embed the identification technology onto their devices. The availability of smart devices that are Aadhaar-enabled will help people authenticate their Aadhaar biometrics on the phone itself to avail of various government schemes, subsidies and services.

"The InFocus Aadhaarenabled iris smartphone is a great example of the innovation possible on the Aadhaar platform. The phone is timely as it can be used for applications like opening instant bank accounts with eKYC and as a

cashless micro ATM for merchant payments. This will accelerate JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) implementation," said Nandan Nilekani, former Chairman of UIDAI. The dual-SIM InFocus Bingo 20 (M425) smartphone is a 4G-VoLTE enabled smartphone that runs Android 5.1 Lollipop, and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor. The phone features a 4.5-inch display, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of inbuilt storage that's expandable via microSD card (up to 64GB), apart from a 2300mAh battery.

Stating that the device can be used as a secure and reliable biometric solution in various arenas like banking, E-PDS (Electronic Public Distribution System), MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural employment Guarantee Act) payments, E-governance services such as passport, taxation, healthcare and education, Thapar said this also represents a huge leap towards facilitating biometric identification.

"It also eliminates use of any separate devices for biometric identification," he added.

Mods. The Moto X (2017) smartphone bears a home button, which is thought to sport the fingerprint sensor.

Considering that Lenovo has already clarified earlier this year that its upcoming Moto Z flagship devices will come with support for attachable mods, it seems unlikely that the leaked smartphone in the leaked images is from Moto Z series.

Earlier this month, some other images of the alleged Moto X (2017) smartphone were leaked by techdroider, which also showcased a similar round camera panel at the back of the device.

The Moto X (2017) leaked images by techdroider also lacked any pins for MotoMods support.

The Moto X (2017) smartphone is expected to be made available in Gold and Silver colour variants, as can be seen from the leaked images as well. How-

ever, other specifications about Moto X (2017) have still not been leaked. As it goes with every other leak, we will suggest you to take this one with a pinch of salt as well.

Lenovo's Moto brand recently announced two new mods, that is, a 3000mAh Mophie Battery Pack and an Incipio Car Dock that allows charging and comes with a 3.5mm audio output.

Reliance Jio Is Opposed to Discussion of Interconnect Issue, Says COAI Mobile operators' association COAI has told a parliamentary panel that its efforts to anchor a meeting over contentious interconnect issue failed to take off after Jio held that its intervention is not warranted on a "bilateral matter".

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has written to Anurag Singh Thakur, Chairman of Standing Committee on Information Technology, saying COAI invited all members for a meeting on November 16, in line with the Committee's "instruction" to attempt to resolve points of interconnect (PoI) issue.

"However, on... November 15, 2016, COAI received an e-mail from RJIL (Reliance Jio) stating that provision of PoIs is a subject matter which is inter se between the parties and RJIL has been regularly intimating relevant operators regarding the requirement and provisioning of PoIs," sources told PTI quoting from the letter dated November 24.

"And in the given circumstances, it will not be appropriate to discuss this issue at the broader COAI forum."

As a result, the meeting was called off, the COAI letter

said.

COAI further pointed out that on November 16, it had once again asked RJIL to reconsider the stance and agree to a meeting as the industry body was "merely playing the role of getting the various operators together". "... However, once again, on November 17, RJIL reiterated that they desired to pursue all PoI-related discussions with the relevant operators directly and there was no need to have a meeting at COAI. RJIL submitted that COAI has no role to play in the matter," the

letter said.

The association further claimed that Jio indicated it would require written instructions from the Committee confirming COAI's representation that such a meeting had indeed been called for. "... in spite of the best efforts by COAI to comply with the direction of the SPC and convene a meeting to bring all members for resolution of the PoI dispute, such efforts have failed," COAI regretted.

Jio, according to the COAI letter, has stated that the matter is bilateral in na-

ture, PoI is governed by licence conditions, interconnection is subject to enforcement by DoT and TRAI and the former is already seized of the matter, adding that "COAI's intervention is not warranted and is inappropriate on the matter".

COAI's letter is a followup to November 10 meeting called by the standing committee on the issue of call drops and call failure. That meeting was attended by representatives of COAI and Reliance Jio, and the interconnect issue too came up for discussion.

Relationship between COAI and Jio have soured in the last few months over interconnection-related issues.

Reliance Jio has accused incumbent operators such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular of not providing it with sufficient points of interconnect leading to massive call failures while the operators as well as COAI have blamed the free calls offered by the newcomer for the "tsunami of network traffic".

In August this year, Jio had accused COAI of acting as "mouthpiece" of dominant incumbent operators, and in weeks following that, the two warring sides clashed once again when COAI dubbed Reliance Jio as a 'Back Door Operator'. Jio hit back terming the COAI's allegations as "defamatory".

Matters came to a head on November 11, when Jio skipped the quarterly executive committee meeting of COAI - of which it is a member - saying its participation is possible only once the association rehauls proportionate voting right rules currently based on revenue of member companies.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

NATION Dengue, chikungunya cases taper off as season ends

PTI New Delhi, Dec 5: Chikungunya and dengue cases in the national capital tapered off as the vector-borne disease season ended in the city that witnessed the worst outbreak of chikungunya in the last 10 years.

153 fresh cases of chikungunya were recorded in the past week, taking the total number of people afflicted by the vector-borne disease to over 12,068 this year. 197 cases were reported in the week before that, according to a report release by the SDMC today.

According to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, which updated its dengue tally last week to six, 105 fresh cases of dengue were reported in the last week.

Dengue, chikungunya cases taper off as season ends

4,305 cases have been recorded till December 3, with the last month seeing 655 cases. Last year, 841 cases of dengue were reported in November.

"As many as 12,608 suspected cases have been recorded this season till December 3 out of which

9,633 have been confirmed," according to the report.

At least 11,915 suspected chikungunya cases were reported in the city till November 26.

SDMC tabulates the data for vector-borne disease cases in the national capi-

tal on behalf of all the civic bodies.

Of the total chikungunya cases, 761 have been reported in areas falling under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), the highest among the three corporations.

665 confirmed chikungunya cases have been reported in areas under SDMC and 390 under EDMC this season.

3,808 cases have been reported from areas falling outside the jurisdiction of the three municipal corporations. And, 4,009 cases have been recorded from other states.

At least 15 fatalities have been reported at various hospitals in the city due to complications triggered by chikungunya, though the civic bodies have kept the

death tally at zero.

Delhi and other parts of north India faced a spike in chikungunya cases after nearly 10 years. In 2006, over 13 lakh suspected cases of chikungunya were reported.

Last year, out of the 15,867 dengue cases, 7,283 were reported in October, the highest in the season. Also, September last year had seen 6,775 cases but only 1,362 cases were reported this September.

At least 21 deaths due to dengue have been reported at various hospitals, including nine at AIIMS. In 1996, Delhi had recorded about 10,252 cases of dengue and 423 deaths, prompting the authorities to declare it a notifiable disease.

IANS New Delhi, Dec 5 : India and Britain on Monday commenced their annual bilateral maritime exercise 'Konkan', which will be conducted in two phases in Mumbai and Goa, an official said. "Exercise Konkan, named after the Western coastal region of India, was institutionalised in 2004. Since then, the exercise, hosted in rotation by both the navies, has grown in complexity, scale and intensity," an official statement here said.

The exercise will be conducted in two phases in Mumbai and Goa. In the first phase, from December 5-16, the two navies will undertake planning for combined maritime operations.

In the second phase of the exercise held at Goa, the marine

commandos of the Indian and Royal Navies will conduct Live Exercise (LIVEX) sharing the best practices and lessons learnt from recent operations, especially in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), the statement added. "It will familiarise both forces with each other's planning processes and further enhance synergy and inter-operability. In addition, participation of IN Marcos and Royal Marines would add another dimension to the exercise and provide valuable opportunity for both navies to interact and cooperate in the field of Maritime Security Operations," it said.

P8 Militants gained entry from forest behind Army camp

Militants gained entry from forest behind Army camp

PTI New Delhi, Dec 5: The militants who attacked the Army camp at Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, had entered the premises from the forest area in its rear, official sources said

today. The sources claimed that the militants used the forest area located behind the Army camp to gain entry. The area has barbed wire and a small wall, they said.

Two Indian Army offic-

ers and five jawans were killed in an eight-hour long gun battle at the military camp near the Army's 16 Corps headquarters in Nagrota on November 29. Three militants were also neutralised in the attack.

The Army unit is located just three kms from the Corps Headquarters at Nagrota. A statement by the Army soon after the attack had said that the terrorists forced their way into the Officers Mess complex by throwing grenades and firing at the sentries.

However, Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag said on the sidelines of an event that the incident was under investigation and a final report will clarify everything.

102 children died in Malkangiri Indo-British annual district: Odisha Health Minister Sterilisation remark of Union minister nonsensical: Bihar CM naval exercise begins

Nitish Kumar IANS Patna, Dec 5: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday termed Union Minister Giriraj Singh's remark calling for a sterilisation drive in the country as nonsensical.

"It is nothing but nonsense.

Sterlisation is not a tool to control population. The state governments have been doing their best to control the country's population," he said.

Giriraj Singh, Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leadder, said a day back that after 'notebandi' (demonetisation), there is a need for 'nasbandi' (sterilisations) in the country.

Nitish Kumar also said that people were facing

difficulties after demonetisation but were not angry since they liked this "right decision".

"Demonetisation is the right decision; it is liked by people who are facing difficulties or inconvenience but are not angry," he told the media after his weekly 'Lok Samvad' here.

Nitish Kumar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also act against people with 'benami' (held by proxy) properties. "After demonetisation, the central government should start action against holders of such properties."

The Bihar Chief Minister reiterated his support to demonetisation should not be seen as his increasing closeness to the Bharatiya Janata Party. "There is no chance of it," he said.

Ali Anwar, a senior leader of the Janata Dal-United headed by Nitish Kumar, has reacted strongly to the sterilisation comment of the Union Minister.

Whether sterlisations are actually done or not, such endeavour will lead to sterlisation of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Anwar said.

Giriraj is the second BJP leader who has sought sterilisation. Last week, former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Sanjay Paswan too had said sterilisation will help control India's population.

In October, Giriraj Singh said the Hindus should seriously think of increasing their population by producing more children.

He also had recalled that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat had advised the Hindus in August last year to produce more children and said no laws can prevent them from producing more children.

Giriraj Singh is the BJP's Lok Sabha member from Nawada in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar also congratulated Modi for winning a readers' online poll for TIME Person of the Year. The editors of the magazine will now decide 'Person of the Year' awardee.

Separatists placed under house arrest, life partially affected

Srinagar, Dec 5: Normal life was partially affected in Kashmir on Monday due to a strike called by separatists even as authorities placed Hurriyat Conference leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest to foil their plans of holding a march to Lal Chowk city centre."Geelani and the Mirwaiz have been placed under house arrest as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order," a police official said.

The separatist groups had

called for a march to Lal Chowk on Monday to protest civilian deaths during the unrest in the Valley that began on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces.

The authorities have sealed off Clock Tower and surrounding areas in Lal Chowk to prevent the separatists from assembling there. Shops and other business establishments remained closed due to the strike call but transport - both public and private - was plying in

many parts of the city.

Schools and government offices are closed due to public holiday to mark the 111th birth anniversary of former chief minister and founder of opposition National Conference Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

Reports of shutdown were received from other districts and towns of the Valley but the situation so far is peaceful, the official said. The unrest in the Valley has left 86 people dead and thousands others, including 5,000 security personnel, injured.

102 children died in Malkangiri district: Odisha Health Minister IANS Bhubaneswar, Dec 5: At least 102 children have died in Odisha's Malkangiri district due to Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome so far, Health Minister Pradip Amat said on Monday.

Replying to a written question in the state assembly, the Health Minister said that out of 102 child deaths in Malkangiri district, 37 were due to Japanese Encephalitis.

"All necessary steps have been undertaken by the state government to curb

the outbreak of the disease," the Minister said.

He said while health awareness activities have been conducted at all levels, trained doctors and nurses were deployed to district headquarter hospitals for efficient case management.

Amat said pigs and piglets have been isolated 2.5 km away from the human habitation and their blood samples have been screened for Japanese Encephalitis virus infection with the help of veterinary departments.

Meanwhile, the vaccina-

tion drive against the deadly Japanese Encephalitis started on Monday in Malkangiri.

A total number of 175 teams are prepared in the district. Control rooms are set up in the district and at block-levels along with 11 emergency teams.

The programme would be carried out from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. everyday for 15 days.

A total 2,18,027 children aged between 1 and 15 years have been identified for the vaccination, said a health department official.

Deadlock over demonetisation debate continues in LS PTI New Delhi, Dec 5: The deadlock over the nature of debate on demonetisation persisted for the third week in the Lok Sabha today with opposition accusing the government of running away from discussion under a rule that entails voting despite the decision causing havoc for the common man.

"Why is the 56-inch afraid?

Why is government running away from debate... Don't be afraid of voting. We want voting", chanted opposition members despite Home Minister Rajnath Singh expressing readiness for an immediate debate and leaving the issue of the nature of debate to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

The debate on demonetisation has been listed in today's agenda under Rule 193.

Attacking the government for the "faulty" execution of demonetisation, Opposition members alleged that a large number of people have died, lakhs rendered unemployed with farmers and traders being the worst hit.

People are unable to get their salary and pension, Mallikarjun Kharge (Cong) and Sudip Bandopadhyay (TMC) said. Kharge said 17 opposition parties have now

Deadlock over demonetisation debate continues in LS decided to seek a debate under Rule 184 that also entails voting instead of Rule 56 under which an adjournment motion is taken up.

Putting forth a stout defence, the Home Minister insisted that the decision has been taken in national interest and it would strengthen the economy and curb black money and graft.

As regards difficulty in implementation, he said the government is willing to the opposition's suggestions and they must start a debate immediately without fussing over rules.

As Congress and TMC members protested, he said even the opposition ranks were

divide over the rule governing the debate as he pointed out that A P Jithender Reddy of TRS had given a notice for discussion under Rule 193, which does not entail voting.

Singh said the decision should be left to the Speaker.

The Speaker wanted members to take up the debate without any rules and said whether to take up division of votes on this or not can be decided later.

This was not acceptable to opposition members who again stormed the Well chanting slogans and targeting the Prime Minister.

Kharge targeted the government following Singh's statement and wondered if

the opposition members raising concerns of farmers and labourers were traitors.

Attacking the government, Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP) said 16 people have died in his party-ruled Uttar Pradesh due to demonetisation and alleged that the government had taken the decision on suggestions of big industrialists.

"You should call an all-party meeting. If you had to do it, we should also have been taken into confidence," he said, inviting barbs from treasury benches.

Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) said there cannot be 'bahasbandi' (stopping debate) in the name of

' n o t e b a n d i ' (demonetisation), and alleged that 105 people have died so far due to the hardships faced at bank or ATM queues.

Reddy (TRS) said Modi's intention to curb black money was welcome but the decision's implementation is a problem. "People are facing a lot of problem.

Whether under Rule 193 or 184, let there be a debate," he said.

As opposition members continued with vociferous protests, the Chair adjourned the House for the day.

Earlier, as soon as the House assembled for the day, Kharge said the Opposition was ready to initiate the debate under Rule 184 instead of their original demand for it to be held under Rule 56, and the government must now agree to it.

"We have come down from Rule 56 to Rule 184. Now the government should also come down from Rule 193 and agree to Rule 184," he said.

The government has been maintaining that it was ready for a debate on demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes under Rule 193 that does not entail voting.

Two killed, 15 injured as naval ship Betwa tips over PTI Mumbai, Dec 5: Two personnel were today killed and 15 others injured when INS Betwa, a guided missile frigate, tipped over during undocking at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

"There has been an incident in the cruiser grounding dock at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai involving INS Betwa. The

incident occurred during undocking evolution wherein it is suspected that dock blocks mechanism failed," navy spokesperson Capt D K Sharma said.

Explaining the situation, he said the 3,850-tonne ship, having a length of 126 metres, tipped over while it was being undocked. The mast of the ship hit the dockyard

ground, he said.

It was docked for repairs and while being returned to the water -- a process that involves tipping the ship -- the system tripped and the entire ship fell sideways. The main mast of the frigate broke.

While two naval personnel died, 15 others were injured with one of them in a serious condition, the spokesman said.

INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class guided missile warship (F-39), slipped on the dock blocks during a refit at about 1350 hours.

The ship had run aground in January 2014 and collided with an unidentified object which led to a crack in its sonar system, and had also seen salt water ingress into sensitive equipment.

Named after the river Betwa, the frigate has been in service for over 12 years. It was indigenously designed and built with the capability to operate at extended ranges, with speeds up to 30 knots.

It is one of the key warships of the Western Naval Command. It is armed with Uran anti-ship missiles, Barak 1 surface-toair missiles and torpedoes.

EDUCATION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

PAGE 9

How to Get Into Graduate School Applying to graduate school can seem like a daunting task. Unlike in high school when guidance counselors were available to help you through the process, it feels as though there are so many confusing details of the graduate school process! This guide will help walk you through how to apply to graduate school and get in.

Preparing During Your Undergraduate Degree (Years 1-3) Pick the right classes This comes before getting good grades and may in fact be more important.

You should pick classes that will impress graduate schools. This means choosing classes that are relevant to your field of interest and that are high level or challenging. Ø Complete

required courses as early as possible. Undergraduate programs typically have "core" requirements within majors and some graduate programs (e.g. medical school) have strict undergraduate course requirements to get in. Getting the basic required courses done in

the beginning will avoid schedule conflicts later and allow you to take more advanced classes. Ø When choosing elec-

tives, try to create a theme. Even if you do not have an official minor or double major (either of which can be helpful!) it's good to have organization to your electives. You should be able to describe how the knowledge you gain in these classes will benefit you in graduate school. Some people advise choosing directly related subjects for electives (e.g. a computer science major might take courses in mathematics) while others advise taking something very different (e.g. a computer science major might take courses in English so that they stand out from the general applicant pool). The important thing is to have good reasoning for how these courses benefited you. Having a general theme will make it easier to do this.

Get to know your professors This is arguably the most important step. A good letter of recommendation can make all of the difference, and this is the step that people too often put off until it is too late. Cultivating a relationship with people in your field will help you immensely in the graduate school application process. Reaching out will likely also enrich your academic experience (and enhance your grade!).

You don't have to be that kid who is always raising their hand in class (no shame in that though) to

have a good relationship with a professor. Ø Go to each of your

professor's office hours at least once. If your professor doesn't have open office hours set-up, introduce yourself at some point after class. Make sure you have something to talk about-asking questions about the course material, possible directions or careers in your field, or the professor's research works great. It does not have to be a long of formal meeting, this is just so that they know your name and face. It also gives you an opportunity to assess if this is someone you want to maintain a relationship with. If not, you don't ever have to meet with them again. However, people are often surprised to find that professors appear and act differently in a one-onone meeting and are usually eager to interact with and help students.

ØGet involved in the de-

partment. University departments often host events or get togethers with other students and professors. Try out at least one. It's an easy way to help people remember who you are and for you

to make a good impression. Other ways to get involved could be as a tutor or a teaching assistant in the department. ØWhen you find a profes-

sor you like, continue to reach out to them. Ask them questions, discuss your intentions to pursue graduate school, ask them about research opportunities. And yes, a little sucking-up can be helpful. The more often you show up early, raise your hand, and go above and beyond on assignments, the more they will be able to write in your letters of reference later.

Work on your grades Getting excellent grades will obviously put you in a better position when applying to graduate school.

However, it is listed third because doing the above two steps is arguably more important, and both will typically improve your grades.

Try to obtain research positions or internships relevant to your field during your free time Often graduate schools are looking specifically for research experience. This is where your relationships with professors will come in handy. However, if you are unable to secure a research position at some point, try to get jobs or internships in relevant positions. Don't despair if you do not get a competitive job in your field. At the end of the day it is all about how you spin your experience. Make a note of skills you gained at jobs or times you showed good

qualities while working to use in your graduate school letter of intention.

Take your work seriouslyeven if it is in the wrong field. You never know when you will need a good reference!

Do at least one extracurricular activity The graduate admission process places less emphasis on the "wellrounded" candidate than the undergraduate admission process, but it is still good proof that you weren't spending all your free time partying. You may also be able to use it to bolster your resume and letter of intention.

Planning, Organizing and Taking Tests (Summer Before You Apply) Consider where to apply Deciding this early on will help you immensely in staying organized and not missing an opportunity just because of a missed deadline. A good rule of thumb for choosing schools is to have two back-up schools (schools you are almost certain you will get into), two "on target" school (schools where you think you are right at/in the middle of the admission criterion) and

two "reach schools" (competitive schools where, realistically, you might not make the cut).

If you'd rather take a year off to work or do research than go to a "lower-level" graduate school, you can save some money by not applying to back-up schools. Ø Keep in mind that the

applications and sending test scores are expensive!

At this point, it would probably be a good idea to ask your professors about the schools your are considering. They usually have a good idea of the quality of programs at other schools and what type of experience you will get there. They may know things not advertised by the school, like that they are only interested in people looking to

enter academia. They will also have a good sense of how students from your school do when applying to graduate school, and can help you make realistic choices.

Make a list of schools based on the variety of factors that are important to you Things to consider when making your decision: Ø Your interests. This is

especially important if you are looking to apply to a PhD or other research based program. Look into work that has been produced in recent years by the schools you are interested in, browse the professors' websites and their interests. If nothing the department is doing excites you, you should look elsewhere. Ø Financials. Does the school provide funding or support for your program? What is the cost of living where the school is located? Will there be dorms? Ø Size of the program. ØLength of the program. ØProgram structure. Is it all courses? Mostly research? Thesis optional?

Opportunities for work training? Ø Geographic location.

This is one of those things that people sometimes downplay too much but you should be honest with yourself about where you would and would not be willing to study. Maybe you need to stay on the West coast to be near a partner or maybe you are only willing to go to school in a city. If you program is only a year or so, it's more advisable to put less weight on this but for a longer program this could be a major factor in your happiness and therefore success. Besides your preferences, there may be reasons to go or avoid going abroad. For instance, in Canada and other countries it is common for masters students to receive funding-something unheard of in the US. On the other hand, completing a medical degree outside the country you intend to practice in can be extremely detrimental. Ø Researchers or professors who you may want to work with. Applicants often plan too far ahead with who they will or will not work with in graduate studies. The truth is, students often find that personalities end up clashing unexpectedly or their own interests change. However, knowing that there are at least 2 people doing research in an area of your interest at any school you are applying to is important. Ø Prestige or ranking of the school/department.

Too much emphasis is of-

ten put on this as rankings are typically variant and unreliable. Still, nobody was ever hurt by graduating from an Ivy League school.

Investigate grants or scholarships that require applications Many looking to apply to graduate school skip this step. Some because it seems like too much extra work on top of all the other graduate school application mayhem, some because the rejection rates are high for incoming students, some because they do not have a research proposal ready. However, even if you do not win an award, applying can be beneficial. On graduate school applications they always ask if you have applied for any scholarships. Typically, the school actually makes acceptance decisions before you hear back from these scholarships/grants. That means that all they really want to know is, did you put in some effort to get funding. Ø External funding can save the school or department money, making you more valuable. Many of the pieces of scholarship and grant applications are things that you need to prepare for graduate school applications (e.g. CV, personal statement, recommenders,transcript).

Even if you do not have a stellar research proposal, you will at least gain some experience in writing a proposal.

Decide who will be your recommenders This is where those relationships you built with your professors will come in handy. For most masters and PhD programs, having professors as your recommenders is ideal.

For some programs, such as business school, it may be more beneficial to have at least one work-related reference. The most important thing is that the recommenders bare people who actually know who you are. You might have got an A in Organic Chemistry, but if the professor doesn't even know your name, they can't write you a good recommendation. Ø Remember that the school you are applying to will get hundreds of applications-they can tell the generic ones from the ones with personality. It helps if your recommender is someone well known in the field-but only if they

school. After seeking advice on where and how to apply, asking for a letter is very simple. ØNever ask a someone for a recommendation in front of others, it can make them uncomfortable or put them on the spot. A polite way to ask for a recommendation is "Would you be willing to write me a strong recommendation?"

Phrasing it this way will give the person an option to decline if they don't really feel like they can write you a strong recommendation. A graduate school receiving a weak or generic letter of recommendation will be able to see right through it. Don't worry though, most people are happy to help students as they have likely been helped themselves! ØRecommenders will appreciate you being able to give them a list of schools and scholarships you will need for them to write rec-

know you and will put in the effort to help you! It is generally not advisable to ask a TA or other student for a recommendation (the graduate school will have no idea who they are!). If you know your TA well but not the professor, consider asking them to co-write a letter with the professor that is signed by both of them. The same thing applies for faculty members who do not hold professor positions-sadly the university you are applying to may not recognize them or give them credibility.

ommendations for (though it's fine if this changes a little with time).

You should also ask if your referees would like anything from you. Sometimes they want a list of your accomplishments or interests to help make your letter more personal. Ø Offer to give any additional information they require. Giving your recommenders your resume and a list of things you think they did well in their class, at your job, etc. can help them write a stronger, more personal recommendation

Ask for your recommendations Doing this in the summer or September ensures that your recommenders will have plenty of time to write your letter, and you won't be asking them in October-December when many other students will likely ask. They will appreciate your politeness and advanced warning-just make sure to keep reminding them as the deadlines get closer. Some professors strongly prefer students to ask them in person though many don't care if they are asked over email. You should know your relationship with your recommenders will enough to gauge which is more appropriate. An easy and natural way to ask them is to ask for a meeting to discuss graduate

Applying (Fall Before Applying) Start brainstorming for your personal statement or letter of intent You may need more than one of these or different variants depending on the requirements for different schools (or grants/scholarships). Ø Make some bullet points for why you want to go to graduate school and why you are passionate about the field you are in. Ø Make a list of qualities that you think you have shown and that you believe graduate schools will be interested in. For instance, hard-working, goal-oriented, self-motivated, independent, passionate... Ø Make a list of things that you have done related to the field you wish to go

Get organized Put all of the deadlines for the schools and scholarships you are applying to in your calendar. This includes when test scores and transcripts must be sent by, when recommendations must be received, and when all final application materials are due. ØMake a list, organized by school/scholarship or required materials. There are many variations in application requirements between school from length and content of personal statement to`required test scores.

Take all required standardized tests Make sure that you are done with the GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, etc.

For some tests, such as the MCAT, it is recommended to actually take the test earlier, before your third year of university. For other exams, taking them by the end of the summer before you apply to graduate school will give you a small buffer zone where you may be able to retake the exam in early fall to get a better score in time. Keep in mind that seats in these exams sometimes fill up quickly-book well in advanced!

into. From courses, to jobs, this will also help when creating your resume/CV. Ø Make a list of your accomplishments. Now is not the time to be modest, think of every award you have won, every competitive position you have been given. Ø Make a list of any other activities or events that may interest an admissions committee.

Write your statement There are many possible ways to write a graduate school statement. Look online for some inspiration and to get a sense of the different styles. How you write your statement should depend on how you think you can write most strongly and portray yourself in the best light. You should emphasize the first two bullets above, while showcasing the other three. For instance, people often start with a "hook" or anecdote about why they are passionate about the field. Creating a "theme" to your statement by choosing one of the items from the list in the second bullet, will help make you memorable. Ø Write a first draft. Ø Edit it yourself. Printing out the statement and marking it up on paper is often more helpful than rereading it on your computer. Ø Have others read it. If your university has a writing center that you can seek help at, do! If not, consider switching statements with another friend who is applying to graduate school or asking someone else in the field to read your letter. Hearing someone's reaction to your statement can be invaluable. Ø Re-read your statement at least once a week until the deadline.

Reach out to professors at the universities you are applying to This is more important for programs that require you to be admitted with an advisor or lab group.

Some universities actually strongly discourage you from reaching out to individual professors. Look on the department's website for information for graduate school applicants to see if they have a policy on this. It is always a good idea to reach out to people you may want to work with in the future but if you aren't sure who to contact, the graduate chair is usually a safe bet. You should explain that you are applying to graduate school, that you are very excited about the opportunities available at their university, and think of a few questions to ask. ØIn many universities the acceptances are put to a vote by faculty, so having someone already familiar with your name is beneficial. If you need to be accepted to a research group for admittance to the program, more consideration and discussion will be necessary at this stage.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

Japan PM Shinzo Abe to make a historic visit to Pearl Harbour Abe's visit comes after US President Obama journeyed to Hiroshima in May. Abe will be the first Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbour.

Tokyo, Dec 05: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is to become the first Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbour, announcing Monday a trip to Hawaii this month for talks with the U.S. President Barack Obama.

Abe, who will be in Hawaii on December 26 and 27, will visit the site of the surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, that began World War II in the Pacific.

The Hawaii visit comes after Obama in May journeyed to Hiroshima, the Japanese city where a US plane dropped the world's first atom bomb in the closing chapter of World War II. Nagasaki was bombed several days later.

Obama gave a speech that, while it offered no apology, was generally well received in Japan as it focused on the suffering of the atomic bomb victims.

On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was attacked with 140,000 people dying in the immediate blast or later from radiation exposure. Days later another bomb exploded above Nagasaki, killing more

US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. than 70,000 people.

Opportunity for Japan-US ties Abe on Monday hailed Obama's soaring speech at a cenotaph in Hiroshima, as a handful of surviving victims looked on. Obama's "message towards a nuclear-free world during his visit to Hiroshima remains etched into Japanese hearts," Abe said.

"I'd like to make it (meeting with Obama) an opportunity to send a message to the world that we will further strengthen and maintain our alliance to-

wards the future," he said.

"And at the same time, I want to make it an opportunity to signal the value of Japan-US reconciliation."

Obama's trip had sparked speculation that Abe could visit Pearl Harbour in response, though the government previously denied that was under consideration.

Abe's wife Akie visited Pearl Harbour in August and said on Facebook that she offered flowers and prayers at the USS Arizona Memorial.

Taiwan urges calm from China after Donald Trump call In Taipei some said they now fear a Beijing backlash.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen(L), US President-elect Donald Trump(C) and China's President Xi Jinping (R). China awoke Monday to criticism from Trump on Twitter, days after it responded to his telephone conversation with Taiwan's president by accusing the Taiwanese of playing a "little trick" on Trump.

Taipei, Dec 05: Taiwan urged China to stay calm today after the Taiwanese leader's unprecedented phone call to US President-elect Donald Trump angered Beijing, as residents and analysts in Taipei expressed fears at the possible fallout. Ties between Taipei and Beijing have grown increasingly frosty since China-sceptic Tsai Ing-wen took power in Taiwan in May, ending eight years of cross-strait rapprochement. Beijing has since cut off all official communication with the self-ruled island, which it still views as part of its territory.

Tsai's call on Friday was the first between a Taiwanese leader and an incoming or serving US president since Washington switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. China has protested to Washington at Trump's breach. The incoming president responded with a Twitter broadside accus-

ing China of currency manipulation and militarising the South China Sea. On Monday Taiwan's China affairs minister Chang Hsiao-yueh urged Beijing to consider the matter with a "calm attitude". "The government values ties with (China) and the president has reiterated time and again that Taiwan will not go back to the old way of confrontation‌ I don't think there is an act of provocation," she told reporters.

Tsai herself has made no comment but the presidential office has insisted there is "no conflict" between Taiwan maintaining relations with the US and with China. In Taipei some said they now fear a Beijing backlash. "I doubt that a short phone call will help Taiwan that much in the long-term, but it will infuriate China and they will likely take vengeful moves against Taiwan," said receptionist Hu Chi-hui, 38.

Saleswoman Ho Li-chin,

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INTERNATIONAL

43, said she fears China will try to isolate Taiwan even more in the international community. Political analysts said Tsai was gambling that the call would increase her bargaining power with Beijing. Fan Shih-ping of the National Taiwan Normal University, said Tsai wanted to show Beijing that "giving Taiwan the cold shoulder would drive it further towards the US".

But as she battles falling approval ratings at home over domestic issues, observers agreed the move was unlikely to significantly improve her popularity - and could damage it further. "Beijing will not leave the matter at that and this could do Tsai more harm than good, such as prompting Beijing to get Taiwan's diplomatic allies to switch recognition," said Tang Shao-cheng, a political scientist at the National Chengchi University.

(AFP)

Nawaz Sharif signs financial plan for Pakistan's big dam project in PoK Islamabad, Dec 05: Pakistan Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif today approved in principle the financing plan of the much-delayed 4500 megawatt Diamer-Basha Dam project on the Indus river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and asked officials to expediate its construction.

Secretary Ministry of Water and Power Mohammad Younus Dagha presented the dam's financial proposal to the prime minister. The dam will be constructed in GilgitBaltistan's Diamer district.

Sharif instructed Dagha and the secretary of planning and finance to expedite the completion of the financial process and begin the physical process before the end of next year, Radio Pakistan reported.

The financial plan, made on a self-reliance basis, proposes that construction

of the dam will receive a portion of the required funding from allocations made by the Public Sector Development Programme and from resources generated by Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda).

The rest of the financing for the dam will be arranged on a commercial basis by the Ministry of Water and Power either through Wapda or through leasing its existing projects.

The construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam has been considerably delayed. It was approved for construction by Council of Common Interests in the year 2009.

The Diamer Basha Dam will provide 8.1 Million Acre-Feet (MAF) of gross storage of which 6.4 MAF will be the live storage and a capacity to produce 4500 MWs of cheap and clean energy.

Sharif instructed Dagha and the secretary of planning and finance to expedite the completion of the financial process and begin the physical process before the end of next year, Radio Pakistan reported.

The storage capacity in the existing dams in Pakistan is fast depleting due to silting and the country is losing on its agricultural production after every few years due to dry season and needs to be overcome by constructing

more storages.

The project was delayed and the government of the then President Asif Ali Zardari re-launched it to complete it in 2019. However, again it was delayed due to lack of resources.

It was originally sched-

uled for completion in 2016, and then 2019, when a decision about its construction was taken by the military government of Gen Pervez Musharraf, but work on the project did not progress at all during his rule.

On October, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had refused to commit funds for USD 14 billion dam project, two year s after the World Bank declined to fund the project following Islamabad's refusal to seek an No Objection Certificate from India.

India, which considers any construction in PoK as illegal, had earlier lodged protests with Pakistan as well as China and the US to stop funding any infrastructure project on a territory that is being held illegally by the neighbouring country.

(Agencies)

Scribes protest over Japanese navy veteran recalls reporters assault Pearl Harbor 75 years on during Ramdevs visit Kathmandu, Dec 5: A group of Nepalese journalists staged a demonstration in Saptari, demanding transfer of district police chief who allegedly assaulted a scribe during Yoga Guru Ramdevs visit to a temple.

The journalists from Saptari held candle-light demonstration yesterday, demanding immediate transfer of district police chief SP Diwesh Lohani.

According to the Saptari chapter of Federation of Nepal Journalists, Lohani allegedly assaulted a journalist and others when Ramdev was visiting Chhinnamasta temple on November 26.

The journalists said they were compelled to stage a series of demonstration as the government did not pay attention to the "blatant injustice" they had to suffer.

The journalists claimed that the government had shown no interest in fulfilling their demand though they had served a 48-hour ultimatum at the District Administration Office on Wednesday.

They called on all journalists not to attend any programme organised by Nepal Police, boycott all type of news related to them and not to attend any press meet, among others.

(PTI)

Trump tweets against China's currency, military policies

Osaka, Dec 05: Navy aircraft mechanic Kuniyoshi Takimoto watched as Japanese planes roared off the aircraft carrier Hiryu to attack Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941.

The shock assault 75 years ago Wednesday in Hawaii sparked patriotic celebration in Japan but left Takimoto feeling uneasy.

"I wondered if such a poor country would be all right fighting such a big one," the former real-estate agent, now 95 and one of the few Japanese participants still alive, told AFP at his home in Osaka.

This attack brought America into World War II - though it was already well underway for Europe and China.

This year's anniversary comes after President Barack Obama's visit in May to Hiroshima, the Japanese city pulverised by a US atom bomb in the closing days of the conflict.

Japan's Pearl Harbor blitz fired up resolve in the US, with president Franklin Roosevelt declaring the day would "live in infamy".

"It was just a start... and more or less a deceptive attack," Takimoto said, stressing that given its surprise nature some success was virtually guaranteed.

He and other crew members were stunned when first informed of the mission after their flotilla departed towards Hawaii.

Reaching an area 460 kilometres (285 miles) from target, the first wave of some 180 planes, including nimble Zero fighters, roared off the Hiryu and other carriers, followed later by a second swarm.

Washington, December 5: US President-elect Donald Trump railed against China in a series of tweets, accusing the Asian giant of currency manipulation and flexing its military might in the South China Sea. "Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency (making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into their country (the US

doesn't tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea? I don't think so!"

It was not clear what prompted the Sunday n i g ht's tweets, which came amid a controversy over a phone conversation Trump held with the leader of Taiwan, a self-ruled island Beijing considers part of its territory. (Agencies)

"ROLLING THE DICE" Pilots and mechanics were phlegmatic throughout, as aircraft took off one by one minus any special rituals or even "banzai" cheers.

"What you see in kamikaze movies never happened on aircraft carriers," Takimoto said firmly. "We had to do our jobs, rolling the dice against death."

Despite his misgivings about the risks of attacking the US, Takimoto was proud to support the pilots.

"We built relations of trust that went beyond words," he said.

Japan also attacked the Philippines, Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Malaya, Burma and the Dutch East Indies, in one fell swoop overturning what had seemed an eternal Western colonial order.

But despite such initial success, the tide was fated to

Kathmandu, Dec 5: Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari has warned of a "serious crisis" if the political parties could not end the current stalemate over the Constitution amendment bill and hold elections by January 2018 for implementing the statute.

President Bhandari called an all-party meeting at Shital Niwas yesterday and expressed concern over political instability.

The four-hour long meeting was attended by the ruling parties the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Nepali Congress, the main opposition CPNUML and the Madhes-based

parties.

In the meeting, she advised the parties to work jointly on holding the three layers of elections.

The Constitution implementation requires the local, provincial and federal polls to be held by January 2018.

"Constitution implementation has not taken on momentum as expected. If the three elections are not held within January 2018, the country will face a serious crisis. This looming risk has left me worried," one of the leaders, who was present at the meeting, quoted the president as saying.

"If disagreements continue

among the political parties, others might try to influence us. I suggest the leaders to move forward while prioritising national sovereignty and unity among the political forces," she was quoted as saying by another leader.

The government registered a Constitution amendment bill in Parliament last Tuesday with an aim to address the demands of the Madhes-based parties, mainly over the provincial boundaries, citizenship, language and representation in the Upper House.

However, the parties have not come to an agreement about the amendment bill.

US President-elect Donald Trump.

Japan's Pearl Harbor blitz fired up resolve in the US, with president Franklin Roosevelt declaring the day would "live in infamy". quickly turn - confirming Takimoto's fears.

In June 1942 at the epic Battle of Midway a US aerial blitz engulfed the Hiryu in massive flames.

A thousand crew members died, while 500 survivors, including Takimoto, were barely rescued by nearby Japanese ships, a scene he described as "hell".

American cultural studies and Hawaiian history at the University of Tokyo.

TUNNEL VISION After Midway, US-led forces began to reconquer the Pacific, island by island on battlefields in Guadalcanal, Saipan, the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Japan finally surrendered but only after the US dropped two atomic bombs the second on Nagasaki - and the Soviet Union declared war.

Takimoto has no plans to personally commemorate Pearl Harbor this year, calling it just one of many momentous episodes in the war.

For himself, he calls Midway "much more important".

Indeed, Pearl Harbor draws little attention compared with annual events marking the atomic bombings, solemn, nationally televised memorials attended by the prime minister.

Among the few instances of remembrance are brief fireworks in Nagaoka, the hometown of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who masterminded the attack but was killed after the US targeted his plane in 1943.

In the US, meanwhile, every Dec 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, while the atomic bombing anniversaries are not officially commemorated.

Such historical tunnel vision on both sides is no surprise, said Yujin Yaguchi, professor of

"NO EMOTION" "People more naturally remember getting a beating rather than meting one out," he said.

Both Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima have mythic symbolism in their respective countries and are deeply intertwined in historical justifications. Without Pearl Harbor there would have been no Hiroshima, goes one argument. Another is that a conventional attack on a military base is not the moral equivalent of targeting civilians with nuclear weapons.

Obama's visit to Hiroshima, the first by a sitting American leader, was generally well-received in Japan, and seemed to be an attempt at seeking common ground, though no apology was offered.

The trip sparked debate on whether nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should return the gesture and visit Pearl Harbor.

Abe on Monday made a surprise announcement that he would visit the site this month when he goes to Hawaii for talks with Obama.

Abe's wife Akie made a quiet offering of flowers and prayers at Pearl Harbor in August.

Before Monday's announcement, Takimoto, who has over the years denounced the war and the leaders who started it, said Abe would go only if he thought it would boost his popularity.

"I know his purpose - I won't be moved at all," he said.

(Agencies)

The Madhesi political parties want the revision of the Constitution amendment bill as they think their demands have not been met.

"If it is not reviewed, the gap between the state and the Madhesi people could increase further," expressed Mahantha Thakur, the Chairman of Terai Madhes Democratic Party.

Similarly, the opposition parties including the CPN (UML) wants the Constitution amendment proposal to be withdrawn.

They are objecting to the proposed change in boundaries of Province 5.

In response to the demand of

the Madhesi parties, Prime Minister Prachanda is learned to have expressed his readiness to revise the amendment proposal in order to reach a political consensus for the sake of implementing the constitution.

"We are ready to consider amending the bill if that helps break the deadlock," Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav quoted Prachanda as saying.

Meanwhile, UML Chairman K P Sharma Oli reportedly told the ruling parties and the President that his party was fully committed to holding the polls. (PTI)

At Least 11 Killed, 75 Injured Nepal Prez asks parties to end stalemate over Constitution In Fire At Karachi Hotel Karachi, Dec 05: A predawn fire at a hotel in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi on Monday killed at least 11 people and injured 75 others, police and a doctor said.

Among the dead were four women while the injured included some foreigners.

The blaze broke out in the kitchen located at the ground floor of the four-star hotel located on the city's Shahrah-i-Faisal, and swept through the building, trapping scores of hotel guests in their rooms.

Most of the victims had suffered from smoke inhalation or suffocated, Chief Fire

Office Tehseen Siddiqui told Dawn News. He added that the hotel has now been evacuated completely.

Some people were injured after jumping from windows to escape the blaze.

Police Senior Superintendent Saqib Memon said the cause of the fire in the Regent Plaza Hotel was not clear and an investigation had been launched.

Memon confirmed the death toll and said it took three hours for the fire to be brought under control.

International and domestic cricket players were among those injured in the blaze.

The team, which was stay-

ing at the fourth floor of the hotel, woke up to the fire, said Nadeem Khan, head of the UBL Sports Department.

He said bowler Yasim Murtaza's ankle was fractured as he jumped from the second floor to save his life and the player is now recovering at a hospital. Karamat Ali was also injured.

International cricketer Sohaib Maqsood was also staying at the hotel but remained safe in the fire, said Nadeem.

Building fires in Pakistan are often caused by faulty wiring or electrical short-circuits. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

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BUSINESS

PM Narendra Modi asks Indian 53,221 petrol pumps energy companies to become MNCs in the country: Govt "Energy in general and hydrocarbons in particular is an important part of my vision for India's future," he said.

New Delhi, Dec 05: Pushing Indian energy companies to become multinationals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today outlined a vision for creating energy corridors to the Middle-East, Central Asia and South Asia, saying stable and reasonably-priced energy is key to economic development. The world's thirdlargest energy consumer needs to raise domestic oil and gas production to cut imports as also establish partnership with regional energy powerhouses, he said while addressing the inaugural session of Petrotech conference.

"Energy is a key driver of economic growth. Sustainable, stable and reasonably priced energy is essential for the fruits of economic development to reach the bottom of the pyramid," he said. "On one hand, to meet the increasing demand, we need affordable and reliable sources of energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at Petrotech-2016 inauguration event.

On the other, we must be sensitive towards the environment."

The Prime Minister said hydrocarbons will continue to play an important part in India's growth, but the country needs energy that is accessible to the poor as also efficiency in use and energy security.

"Energy in general and hydrocarbons in particular is an important part of my vision for India's future," he said adding that it rests

on four pillars of energy access, efficiency, sustainability and security.

Stating that the country needs to increase domestic oil and gas production and reduce import dependence, he said, "I have set a target to reduce import dependence by 10 per cent by 2022. This will have to be achieved during the period of increasing oil consumption."

Hardselling a strong, investment-friendly policy

framework to boost domestic hydrocarbon production, Modi said a new hydrocarbon exploration and production policy has been introduced to provide for uniform licence for exploration and production for all forms of hydrocarbons, including shale oil and gas and coal bed methane.

This also covers open acreage policy allowing bidders to choose the acreage they wish to explore, revenue sharing model instead of profit sharing to reduce any scope for disputes and marketing and pricing freedom for crude oil and natural gas produced.

He attributed the USD 5.6 billion investment in Russian oilfields that will provide 15 million tons of equity oil equivalent, to a proactive foreign policy and energy diplomacy.

"I hope that our oil and gas sector companies will take the opportunity to tie up with their for-

eign counterparts to explore for more equity oil‌ Indian energy companies must become multinational and work towards India-Middle East, India-Central Asia, and India-South Asia energy corridors," he exhorted.

He called on global hydrocarbon companies to come and Make in India.

"Our constant efforts have improved India's ranking in Ease of Doing Business. Let me assure you that our commitment is strong and our motto is to replace red tape with red carpet."

Stating that hydrocarbons will remain the most important source of energy for many years to come, the Prime Minister said India is poised to account for one fourth of the incremental global energy demand between 2013 and 2040. It is expected to consume more oil in 2040 than the whole of Europe. (PTI)

Gold falls by Rs. 200 on weak Rupee continues good run, gains another 7 global cues, muted demand

Gold fell 0.64 per cent to $1,169.60 an ounce in Singapore.

New Delhi, Dec 5: Gold prices drifted lower by Rs. 200 to Rs. 29,050 per 10 gm at the bullion market here today, tracking a weak trend overseas amid tepid demand in the domestic spot market on prevailing cash crunch following demonetisation of high value notes.

Silver strengthened however by Rs. 200 to Rs.

41,200 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers.

Traders said that apart from a weak trend overseas, fall in demand from jewellers and retailers in view of scarcity of funds weighed on gold prices.

The Government on November 8 had announced the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a

bid to flush out black money, leading to cash crunch in the financial system.

Globally, gold fell 0.64 per cent to $1,169.60 an ounce in Singapore.

In the national capital, 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity gold fell Rs. 200 each to Rs. 29,050 and Rs.28,900 per 10 grams respectively. The precious metal had gained Rs. 250 on Saturday.

Sovereign, however, held steady at Rs. 24,400 per piece of eight grams in scattered deals.

On the other hand, silver ready advanced by Rs. 200 to Rs. 41,200 per kg and weekly-based delivery

by Rs. 40 to Rs. 40,365 per kg.

Silver coins remained steady at Rs. 74,000 for buying and Rs. 75,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

Services sector contracts on cash shortage; worst in 3yrs: PMI New Delhi, Dec 05: Hit hard by cash shortage, services sector contracted in November - that too at sharpest rate in three years - as new orders fell for the first time since June 2015 though subdued inflationary pressure opened up room for RBI to lower rates, a monthly survey showed today.

The Nikkei India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), which tracks services sector companies on a monthly basis, stood at 46.7 in November, down from 54.5 in October. A reading above 50 means the sector is expanding while a score below this mark signals contraction.

The index has registered a contraction for the first time since June 2015 and marked the sharpest reduction in output in almost three years.

"The latest set of gloomy PMI figures for the Indian service sector shows that companies were heavily impacted by the ban on Rs 500 and 1,000 notes. The cash shortage resulted in fewer new business intakes, which in turn caused a fall in activity and ended a 16-month sequence of expansion," said Pollyanna De Lima, IHS Markit economist and author of the report.

The Nikkei India Composite PMI Output Index also dropped to 49.1 in November from October's 45month high of 55.4, pointing to a contraction in entire private sector activity,

Image for Representation purpose. including the manufacturing sector.

Many companies, surveyed for the monthly PMI scorecard, commented that the cash turmoil restricted client bookings.

Moreover, the currency scarcity also weighed on manufacturing performance where growth of new work flows slowed.

Lima further said the disruption in business activity is expected to be "shortlived", with many panelists anticipating a pick-up in activity as these high-value banknotes are replaced and black-market firms end their operations.

"In fact, business confidence improved to a threemonth high," he said.

The anticipated replacement of high-value rupee notes, improved advertising

campaigns, favourable government policies and the withdrawal of unregulated companies from the market all boosted sentiment during the latest period, the survey noted.

On the prices front, the reduction in money supply kept inflation in check in November. Input costs facing service providers were broadly unchanged, which in turn encouraged firms to lower their selling prices.

"In light of these numbers, further cuts to the benchmark rate are expected," Lima said.

The Monetary Policy Committee, headed by RBI Governor Urjit Patel, in October cut benchmark interest rates by 0.25 per cent to 6.25 per cent. The next RBI policy review is on December 7. (PTI)

paise against dollar

Image for Representation purpose.

Mumbai, Dec 05: The rupee firmed up 7 paise to 68.13 against the dollar in early trade on Monday, rising for a fifth straight day on increased selling of the US currency by exporters and banks.

A higher opening in the domestic equity market gave the uptrend some momentum, but the euro sinking to a 20-month low against the American currency after Italy Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigned following a

heavy referendum defeat, capped the gains.

On Friday, the rupee had gained 14 paise to close at 68.20 - the highest level in more than a week - on growing expectations that the Reserve Bank will lower key rates in its policy review scheduled for December 7.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose 42.63 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 26,273.29 in early trade on Monday. (PTI)

Demonetisation: Make e-payments if contract exceeds Rs 5,000, FinMin to govt deptts New Delhi, Dec 05: All government departments have now been directed to make e-payments for amounts above Rs 5,000.

"In order to attain the goal of complete digitization of government payments, the Ministry of Finance has again reviewed the existing limit of Rs. 10,000 prescribed regarding e-payment to Suppliers etc. It has now been decided to lower this threshold limit from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5,000.The last review in this regard was made only in August, 2016," the finance ministry said in a statement.

"All the ministries and departments of the government of India have been now directed by the Ministry of Finance to ensure with

immediate effect that all payments above Rs 5,000 to suppliers, contractors, grantee and loanee institutions etc are made by issue of payment advises only," an official statement said.

Following the announcement of demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes on November 8, the government has been taking a slew of measures to promote digital transactions.

While the finance ministry has instructed PSU and private banks to waive the transaction cost for all payments made through debit cards, the road transport ministry has asked vehicle manufacturers to provide a digital tag on all new cars for e-payments at toll plazas and checkposts. (Agencies)

Finance ministry has instructed PSU and private banks to waive the transaction cost for all payments made through debit cards.

Image for Representation purpose.

New Delhi, Dec 05: There are 53,221 petrol pumps in the country of which 41,140 are located in urban areas, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Power Minister Piyush Goyal said the expansion of retail outlets network by oil marketing companies (OMCs) throughout the country is a continuous process to ensure adequate availability of motoring fuels like petrol and diesel in thye upcoming

urban as well as rural areas.

There are 53,221 petrol pumps in the country of which 41,140 are located in urban areas and 12,081 are in rural areas, Goyal said during Question Hour, speaking on behalf of Petroleum Minister Dharmedra Pradhan.

Retail outlets are set up

by OMCs at identified locations based on field survey and feasibility studies. Locations found

to be having sufficient potential and which are economically viable are rostered in the marketing plans for setting up retail outlets, he said.

Replying another question, Goyal said as many as 33 prospective projects of setting up petroleum pipelines are under process.

The total length of these projects was 14,880 km and will have a combined capacity of 80.5 MMTPA. The Minister said oil public sector undertakings have formulated a mechanism for optimisation of cross country petroleum product pipeline projects taking into consideration the low cost transportation and other inherent advantages of pipelines compared to other modes of transportation covering the requisite investment with cost benefit analysis and potential generation of employment thereof.

(PTI)

Flipkart's Binny Bansal, Sachin Bansal named Asians of the Year Mumbai, Dec 05: Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, founders of Flipkart, have been chosen for the Asian of the Year 2016 awards

by Straits Times of Singapore as part of a group called the 'The Disruptors'.

The Asian of the Year 2016 awards recognizes entrepreneurs "operating at the frontiers of technology's interface with business" who have launched companies that have disrupted traditional business model for the benefit of end consumers. The other disruptors include the founders of Tencent, GoJek, Grab and Razer.

"We are truly humbled and honoured to be chosen for this award," said Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal in a joint statement. "It validates our commitment to creating a world-class internet company that is transforming the lives of Indians by making a better quality of life both accessible and affordable to them. Flipkart's innovative steps, aimed at transforming commerce in India through technology, have truly disrupted the market and it makes us proud to be recognised for this

Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal. achievement. We accept this honor on behalf of all Indians."

Earlier this year, Time Magazine put Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal on the list of 100 Most Influential People in the world. In September 2016, Flipkart emerged as the 'E-commerce company of the year' in a nationwide consumer study conducted by BusinessWorld Group in association with Nielsen.

Flipkart also emerged as the top-ranked Indian brand in the Ipsos study of India's most influential brands in April.

Awarded since 2012, the 'Asian of the Year' award recognises "a person or people who have contributed significantly to im-

proving lives at home or in the wider region". The Asian of the Year, in 2012, was Myanmar President Thein Sein. In 2013, the award was shared by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and President Xi Jinping of China. In 2014, the award was given to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in 2015, it was awarded posthumously to Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father.

According to the award citation for 2016, 'The Disruptors have "made the inevitable march of technology easier to understand and accept by millions of people concerned about their old ways of life yielding to an unfamiliar new one." (Agencies)

Indian economy will grow five-fold by 2040; has shown more resilience, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi .

New Delhi, Dec 05: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India's economy is expected to grow five fold by 2040, and has shown signs of more stability and resilience than any other economy in the world.

PM was speaking at the inauguration of Petrotech Exhibition. Petrotech 2016 is the 12th International Oil and Gas conference and exhibition being held in New Delhi from December 5 to December 7.

"We expect growth in manufacturing, transport, civil

aviation among other sectors", said the Prime Minister. "While global economy goes through uncertainty, India has shown tremendous resilience" he added.

PM said that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is at the highest level and the current account deficit has improved steadily, India crossed the USD 300 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) milestone between April 2000 and September 2016, firmly establishing its credentials as a safe investment destina-

tion in the world.

PM added that India will provide electricity to all by March 2018 and reiterated that sustainable, reasonable priced energy is crucial for development.

On the fillip to the energy sector in the country he added that government aims to provide piped natural gas connection to 10 million, double pipeline network to 30,000 km in 5 years.

We need to increase domestic oil and gas production and reduce import dependence; our efforts should be towards gas-based economy, said Prime Minister Modi.

Calling upon multinational companies to invest and make in India, he said India needs to improve on project management and execution. " My message to global hydrocarbon companies is: we invite you to come and Make in India", said Modi.

To meet the increasing demand, we need affordable and reliable sources of energy. Our commitment is strong and our motto is to replace red tape with red carpet, he added. (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

P12 Railway beat Tinsukia Cricket Academy Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 5: Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club registered 77 runs victory over Tinsukia Cricket Academy in the A-division cricket league tournament organized by Tinsukia district Sports Association at Tinsukia district Sports Association stadium today.

Put into bat, Tinsukia Railway piled up 206 for six in stipulated 35 overs.

Samarjit Nath top scored with 57 off 52 balls, laced with eleven boundaries to the fence. Dipankar Banerjee chipped in with 41 off 36 deliveries, hitting three fours and one maximum and B.M. Rao contributed 30 off 30 balls with four boundaries.

Anuj Pathak, Yash shah,

Rohit Agarwal, Ajay Gohain, Pallav Das and Subhajit Yadav took one wickets a piece for Tinsukia Cricket Academy.

In run chase, Tinsukia Cricket Academy were bundled out for 129 in 34.4 overs. Ajay Gohain slammed 30 off 35 balls with two fours nad two sixes and Aransh Saikia contributed 17 off 31 balls.

For Tinsukia Railway, Sunny Ahmed scalped three for 27 in 6.4 overs.

Abhilash Gogoi and Pranjal Sarma took two wickets each conceding 11 and 26 runs respectively. Tinsukia Railway topped the table with nine points winning three matches in a row. Tomorrow, Tinsukia Town Club will play Cosmo Club.

Mustafizur Rahman nears full fitness ahead of training camp in Australia Dhaka, Dec 05: With Bangladesh's training camp in Australia only days away, maverick pacer Mustafizur Rahman's prospects of returning to the team from rehabilitation are getting bright.

The left-arm seamer and other injured pacer Ebadat Hossain have bowled long spells under the supervision of national team trainer Mario Villavarayan at the Academy ground on Sunday, reports bdnews24.com.

Both are close to full fitness, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) Chief Physician Debashish Chowdhury.

"Mustafizur and Ebadat have bowled with an intensity of 80-90 percent of the abilities in the practice session this morning. Our trainer is very happy with their progress. The good news is they were able to bowl two spells...without any discomfort," Chowdhury said on Sunday.

"The thing is bowling at such intensity means they are almost fit. If they are giving 80 percent here, we can assume they have achieved (full fitness).

"We only have a few days

left. Another gym session and bowling session will be held in the meantime.

The selectors or the team management will then consider sending them to Australia or New Zealand."

A provisional squad will fly to Australia in two contingents on December 9 and 10. After taking part in a training camp in Sydney, the final squad will head for New Zealand on December 18.

Chowdhury believes the pace duo can train with the others in Australia.

"We are assuming they will be able to follow the training drills and schedule that the other bowlers will follow there."

Another pacer, Mohammad Shahid, has suffered a knee injury in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.

"He suffered the injury last week. We ran tests on his (anterior crutiate) ligament injury today. His knee is better than before...but he still needs to rest for a week more.

"We will assess the injury again in a couple of days later and then we will be able to tell you about the next step."(IANS)

Real Madrid, Barcelona eyeing Manchester United's Anthony Martial With France's Paris Saint-Germain also being linked to Anthony Martial this week, Manchester United certainly seem to be facing a fight to keep the star at the club.

HIGHLIGHTS Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are reportedly interested in roping in Manchester United forward Anthony Martial The France international cost an initial $36 million to United Madrid could offer forward James Rodriguez in a swap deal

Anthony Martial.

London, Dec 05: Spanish football giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are reportedly interested in roping in Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.

According to the British publication The Sun, the France international who

Sydney, Dec 05: Controversial all-rounder Glenn Maxwell could still find himself on the outer in Australia's second oneday international against New Zealand on Tuesday.

Darren Lehmann's embattled side coasted to a 68-run victory against the visitors in the first game in Sydney on Sunday, with captain Steve Smith scoring 164 and combining in a 127-run partnership with all-rounder Travis Head

(52).

Maxwell, however, was not selected for the game and was fined by the team for comments he made beforehand to express how "painful" it had been for him to bat behind wicketkeeper Wade for Victoria.

The team's performance on Sunday, ending a fivematch losing streak in the one-day format, probably meant that Maxwell could again find himself on the outer, which Head sug-

cost an initial $36 million to United, would be offered at $60m.

The report also said Madrid could include a player in the deal.

A further $8 million is on Martial's current contract at United if he scored 25 goals for coach Jose

Mourinho's side this season and that same amount once he earns 25 caps for France.

Madrid could offer forward James Rodriguez in a swap deal with coach Zinedine Zidane unwilling to accommodate the Colombian in his side.

With France's Paris SaintGermain also being linked to Martial this week, United certainly seem to be facing a fight to keep the star at the club. (Agencies)

Mike Hussey may become Australia's T20 team coach Melbourne, Dec 05: Former batsman Mike Hussey has been tipped for appointment as Australia's stand-in coach for their Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka.

Cricket Australia (CA) have confirmed they will need a caretaker coach for the three-match T20 series at home with head coach Darren Lehmann to accompany the Test squad to India for their overlapping tours in February.

Hussey, a 79-Test veteran, was in India earlier this year as a batting consultant with Australia for the World T20 tournament. Before that he was the assistant coach with Australia A for their four-

Glenn Maxwell may miss again as Australia look to rebuild confidence

Glenn Maxwell is likely to stay out of the second ODI against New Zealand after Australia snapped their five game winless streak.

Raina, Pathan practise ahead of UP-Baroda Ranji game in Nashik

gested.

"When you win like we did yesterday, I'm not expecting it to change too much," Head told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "(But) it's not my job to do that. I get told where I'm put and try to perform."

Head said despite his own role in the victory and having played 13 of the side's 16 one-dayers since his debut against West Indies in June, he was taking nothing for granted, especially since he and Maxwell were both off-spinning allrounders.

"The pressure is always on in the side. In any Australian cricket side, you've probably got five guys that are banging down the door that aren't in the squad," Head added.

"The competition for spots is always on. And when you're in the side, it's equally as hard to stay in it. You have to be performing, but I am definitely not feeling comfortable.

"I'm happy with the performance but was disappointed to have got out and done all that hard work having got to 50 and helped build that partnership.

"If I can keep performing then I can stay in the side and that's what I hope to do." (Agencies)

day games against South Africa A and India A. "I'm already interested in it (coaching), definitely, but I'm not sure I'm keen to be in it in a full-time capacity because if you're with an international team you're pretty much on the road for 10 months a year and that's certainly one of the reasons why I retired," Hussey was quoted as saying in Cricket Australia's website on Monday.

"It's certainly not something that I'm in the short term looking to get back into on a full-time basis, but perhaps down in the future and certainly coming in as a consultant type and helping out for a few weeks here or there, is

HIGHLIGHTS Hussey has been tipped to become Australia's stand-in coach for T20I series vs Sri Lanka Australia would be needing a stand-in coach for the threematch series at home However, Hussey is not that keen for a coaching job something that's really interesting."

The 41-year-old said in March he wasn't keen on a full-time coaching position due to the demands of international cricket but was open to pursue shortterm roles. (Agencies)

Golfer Aditi earns partial LPGA Tour membership

Simi Mehra IANS Florida, Dec 5: With this, Aditi became the second woman after Simi Mehra to earn the status.

Aditi scored a 1-over 73 in her first round, then made a strong comeback in her next rounds, shooting a 2-under 70, 1-under 71 and 1-under 71 to begin the final round On Sunday in the tied-27th position.

"It's been a long week @ROAD2LPGA qualifying. Short by 2 to earn a full status @LPGA but had great experience with Terry McNamara on my bag," Aditi wrote on Twitter.

Jaye Marie Green of the US won the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament with an overall score of 13-under 347.

Suresh Raina PTI Nashik, Dec 5 : Rival captains Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan today practised at the Nashik District Cricket Association (NDCA) ground ahead of the Ranji Trophy encounter between Uttar Pradesh and Baroda.

The four-day-game commences December 7.

Both the teams have arrived in the city and cricketers including Raina and Pathan prac-

tised at the ground this morning, NDCA officials said.

Fans thronged the ground to catch a glimpse of their favourite cricketers and also took selfies.

Squads: Baroda: Irfan Pathan, Deepak Huda, Kedar Devdhar, Aditya Waghmode, Dhiren Mishtry, Swapnil Singh, Pinal Shah, Sagar Manglorkar, Babasafi Pathan, Atit Seth, Rishi

Aarothe, Akshyay Bharambhat, Viraj Bhosale, Rudresh Waghela, Gurujinder Singh Maan.

UP: Suresh Raina, Praveen Kumar, Kuldip Yadav, Samarth Singh, Shvam Choudhari, Akash Nath, Rinku Singh, Ankit Rajaput, Imtiyaz Ahmed, Sourabh Kumar, Updendra Yadav, Shubham Choube, Almas Savkat, Issar Azim, Dipendra Pandey.

India are big favourites in Hockey World Cup: German coach PTI Lucknow, Dec 5 : Germany's junior hockey team coach Valentin Altenburg today said that hosts India will be one of the contenders to win the FIH Junior World Cup set to begin here on December 8.

"India is going to be a big favourite this World Cup and I know they have been working hard for more than two years.

Harendra is doing a great job with the team spirit they have," Altenburg said here on arrival.

The coach believes that most of them having played HIL has given them exposure for big ticket events.

"And all the players are individually strong and almost everyone has played the HIL which helps them a lot to understand the highest level of hockey as they have played with or against some of the finest players in the world.

I think if any team wants to be World Champions then they have to beat India," Altenburg said.

Two-time consecutive winners of the Junior World Cup (2009 and 2013), the German national squad descended to Lucknow City hoping to bag a hat-trick of titles.

For the record, Germany has won the Junior World Cup six times in the past making them the most decorated team participating in the marquee event

Junior hockey team coach Valentin Altenburg for the youth teams across the globe.

"Yes, we have won the World Cup six times and we are here for a hattrick. The World Cup happens once in four years and for many players it's a one-time opportunity to play the World Cup and win the World Cup. So it's not too difficult to motivate the team to do it again and this time they are chasing the goal of a hattrick," stated the team's Head Coach Altenburg, who was also the Head Coach for the senior men's squad that won the Bronze at Rio Olympics.

Altenburg has been closely working with this junior team for threeand-a-half years and he believes this World Cup will be a stepping stone towards spotting players

who will go on to play for the senior squad.

"We already have a couple of Under-21 players who have played for the senior team and Timm Herzbruch played at the Olympics too. We see this as the stepping stone towards being on top of the world in hockey and Junior World Cup is the stage where you can see who can be your future," he added.

The 34-year-old German Coach also pointed out that India will be a team to beat at this World Cup. Germany had lost to India in the Final of the Four Nations Tournament held in Valencia (Spain) in October this year.

Germany are grouped in Pool C with Japan, New Zealand and Spain.

Tele : 0373-2327517

Editor: Prahlad Hammey

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