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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 10

Vol. II

Issue 81

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Price -

5.00

PAGE 5

10 TIPS TO HELP YOU TUNE OUT

MODI'S ACHHE DIN ARE HERE

What is Pollution?

Pages- 12

DISTRACTIONS AND FOCUS ON YOUR STUDIES

Page - 11

Modi's achhe din are here It's been a happy week for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and not just because of the shortterm glory of the anti-terrorist surgical strike across the Line of Control in Kashmir. Short-term because Pakistan will likely retaliate, though it is doing its best to poohpooh the fact of the strike.

P-6

Snapdeal sellers cross Rs 37-cr sales mark on Day 1 Mumbai : E-commerce firm Snapdeal today said the company witnessed a ninefold increase in sales volume during the Unbox Diwali discount offer, with 37 sellers on its platform crossing Rs 1-crore turnover mark each on the first day itself.

P-5

Rupee strengthens 13 paise against dollar in early trade Mumbai : The rupee advanced 13 paise to 66.48 against the US dollarin early trade on Monday at the Interbank Foreign Exchange on increased selling of the American currency by exporters and banks. Besides, a higher opening in the domestic equity market also supported the domestic unit, forex dealers said.

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Governor wields broom at Iewduh Shillong : The second anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan saw Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan wielding the broom at Iewduh (Bara Bazaar), which is infamous for the filth and heaps of garbage.

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Bomb blast rocks village near Myanmar border Imphal: A powerful bomb was detonated along the Manipur-Myanmar boundary, near a Muslim village, officials said on Monday.

Official sources said the blast took place near boundary pillar No.79 at 8 p.m. on Sunday, hardly 40 metres from a Muslim village.

Human development in the state is Social contribution of to villages in Tirap just about halfway of goal: HDR 2014 CRPF and Longding is laudable A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Oct 3

HD REPORT, ASSAM: SOME SNAPSHOTS

While public expectations from the government have increased tremendously over the years, their level of satisfaction with the service delivery has gone down drastically. This entails the government to work in a systematic manner to bring back people’s confidence into the system. It is only through quality and dedicated service sustainable development can be achieved and people’s confidence can be regained, said Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal while releasing the Assam Human Development Report 2014: Managing Diversities, Achieving Human Development today at Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara.

Releasing the publication, the Chief Minister said that the Government has a great responsibility in ensuring that every rupee earmarked for public welfare reaches the poorest of beneficiaries. For ensuring this, all elected representatives and government officials must work towards installing the best possible administration in the state. The Chief Minister also hoped that the Assam Human Development Report will help the government to chart out policies, which will impact the lives of people. Keeping this in mind, the government has already launched the Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY) to improve farm economy of the state in sync with Garib

39,998 1, 87,511

70 % of the total cultivable land belongs to top 20 percent of the people

15 % of girls in the age of 15-19 are already married.

Kalyan Yojana launched by the Govt. of India, the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma urged all the government officials to commit themselves to the cause of the people.

Terming the Report as a reflection of the problems and possibilities of the state, Dr. Sarma emphasised on people’s participation in the government. Dr. Sarma further said that Govt. has already earmarked Rs. 500 crore for

implementation of CMSGUY during the current financial year in the state.

Alongwith Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, PWD Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Water Resource Minister Keshav Mahanta, the Book Release ceremony was also attended by UNDP Country Head Jaco Cilliers, Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, State Planning Board Vice Chairman Dipak Borthakur, NITI Ayog Adviser Jitendra Kumar among others.

Contd. on Page 4

Union Government is committed to electrify every household by 2018 while the villages will be illuminated

by March 2017

“We will provide 110% support to Arunachal Pradesh to make power sector vibrant” assertively said Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State for Power (Independent) when Chief Minister Pema Khandu met him at Sharm Shakti Bhawan today.

He asked the state government to initiate result oriented approach to ensure that power sector, which has huge potential in Arunachal Pradesh sees a major boost in the days to come.

Pema had earlier proposed for constitution of a high level group of ministers to resolve issues of Hydro power in the state, so that the projects which at present have been facing bottlenecks on various

grounds can be brought back on track.

Chief Minister further appraised Goyal about the missing links in the 132 KV transmission grid project funded by Govt of India which does not have Khup-Tawang, Rupai-Namsai, BomdilaKalaktang and Likabali-Basar zones under the project. He requested him to incorporate the left out/ missing links under the project.

A buoyant NorthEast United FC will be eyeing nothing less than a win against FC Goa in their second successive Indian Super League (ISL) football home match here today, 4 Oct.

Meeting of DLMC held at DC's conference hall today Urban Development, CDBlocks of Lazu and Dadam made a power-point presentation pertaining to their respective departments.

All the representatives of the executing agencies highlighted on their physical achievements so far and threw light on the on-going projects and schemes implemented by them under SPA, BADP, NLCPR, RIDF, MsDP, SADA, NEC, PM Package, MLALADs, and MPLADs etc.

Contd. on Page 4

Khandu also pitched for consideration of a proposal for 89 MW solar parks at Tezu.

Apart from power issues, CM requested the Union Ministry to consider for reopening of NamchikNamphuk Coal field which had been a major source of revenue generation for the state. “The economic growth and local subsistence avenues have also

been grossly affected by the closure of the project.

Therefore, the Government of India is requested to examine the matter of reopening the project at the earliest” CM appealed while giving the fact that the state government has machinery in place to curb illegal mining.

Union Minister assured Khandu of all possible support from the Ministry and informed that the Union Government is committed to electrify every household by 2018 while the villages will be illuminated by March 2017.

CM was accompanied by Chief Secretary, Commissioner Power, High ranking state Government officials during the meeting while from the Ministry side; the Minister was joined by Secretary Power GoI, Additional Secy. Power, and Joint Secy etc.

At a far isolated village, Vloding in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh 36 police officers and soldiers belong to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stationed in a camp guard the village day and night and serve the people socially.

The CRPF have been contributing in social work in different isolated and backward villages of the same region in the said District due to which local people are quite happy and feel secured.

The

CRPF

have

distributed sports materials among the children in Kaimai villages of Tirap district. On Sunday last they have participated in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and cleaned two toilets and two community buildings and every now and then organize campaigns to educate local people.

Even in Longding District, 36 CRPF Battalion have recently organized a free medical camp in Pumau village. About 400 people, including the poor were provided free treatment and medicines.

During a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan program in Longding District CRPF have

distributed 25 water tanks to schools and to villagers.

In Tisa village in the same district, CRPF have built a modern bus stand on the demand of local people for which the local people and students expressed great pleasure.

In Khonsa, in the recently held Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament in Khonsa 36 Battalion CRPF commanding officer DK Singh II, the commanding officer, Ashok Swamy and the deputy commander Subhash Chandra Verma were given the chance to encourage the winners by distributing prizes.

Jorhat SP laments over poor police infrastructure Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Oct 3

for each police personnel in these states as they divided 8 X 3 =24 hours.

“People always has high expectation from Assam Police, but to maintain people’s expectation police lacks infrastructural development, said Prasanta Bhuyan, the Superintendent of Police, Jorhat here at Bahona College today during the closing ceremony function of the golden jubilee year of the college.

“Though we do not have the infrastructures and the facilities we are consider as the finest police force in India for dealing with extremist problem. For the last 35 years, Assam has been hit hard by insurgency problems in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, in Boro dominated areas and in upper Assam border belts”, said the SP.

SP Bhuyan said that Assam police was formed in the year 1861 and that time one ‘Daroga’ can look after the entire region as crime rate was very low but now every day we have to handle hundreds of cases.

The Police have to have basic facilities and the required infrastructure, proper training, technological gadgets, only than police personnel and Jawans would be able to pace along with complicated cases happening these days.

According to the Bureau of Police Research and Development Wing (BPRDW) it is recommended to have 256 police personnel against every one lakh people whereas in Assam it is only 197 police personnel against every one lakh people, which is below 50% as recommendation by BPRDW. Moreover Assam Police personal has to work for 24 X7 but in some states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi the duty hour for police has been reduced to eight hour daily

In comparison with other state police, Assam police is expert to tackle extremists and insurgency problem. But there is area for improvement in the police –public cooperation, he added.

If the recommendations of the BPRDW Wing could be brought into reality, it would be great services to meet the expectation of the masses from the state of Assam and for the people residing along the border, Prasanta Bhuyan the SP of Jorhat added.

ISL: NorthEast eye “College teachers should Assam 2030: Zero strive to provide only second straight ISL poverty, no hunger, quality education” home win against Goa full literacy IANS Guwahati, Oct 3

cmyk

unemployment of children within the rate within the age group age of 5 of 15-59 years are years is estimated at underweight 80 % of the total DISTRICT RANKING population share 20 % of the Kamrup Metro at the top (with a value of HDI remaining land 0.703) followed by Jorhat Most underweight children are in the (HDI 0.655). The lowest age less than value has been obtained in the 2 years and district of Hailakandi lives in rural areas (HDI 0.437).

Assam at indicating that level of human development in the individuals surveyed state is just about from 27 districts of halfway of the desired the state level households and

ET Bureau New Delhi, Oct 3

Tirap DLMC held, DC asks PWD to resume works

The Tirap district level monitoring committee (DLMC) meeting was held in the DC's conference hall today under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha in which ADC, Deomali, EAC Lazu, CO, Dadam, DPO and the representatives of work departments attended. The Executive Engineers and representatives of PWD, Power, WRD, PHED, RWD, DRDA,

37.4 %

Union MoS for power assures 110% support to Arunachal

P-7

Denhang Bosai Khonsa, Oct 3

0.557 is the HDI in 13.4%

ET Bureau Dibrugarh, Oct 3

NorthEast began their campaign with a confidenceuplifting 1-0 win against Kerala Blasters in the tournament's opening match at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday.

Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa scoring the winning goal and the encouraging start would have surely put new coach Nelo Vingada in a positive frame of mind.

But the Portuguese knows there is plenty of scope for improvement.

"I know we have to play better to reach the semis which is my target and of my players, so we have to be more consistent. If we don't grow as a team and play

better, it won't be enough," he said in an ISL release.

NorthEast is unlikely to change their winning combination.

"For me this was the best eleven which I could use for the game because some players are injured and most of the players are not fully fit for 90 minutes.

But I am satisfied with the foreign players and I am also very happy with the Indian boys," said Vingada.

NorthEast's opponents FC Goa, last year's runners-up, will once again be helmed by Brazilian legend Zico. They played attractive football last year but faltered in the final against Chennaiyin FC. Zico will seek solace from last year's bitter pain with a promising start this time.

Goa conducted their preseason in Brazil and played four friendlies with Zico using different players to try out varied formations. It isn't clear who will be named in their first team.

Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, 3 Oct

Colleges can do lots for students, hence college teachers should strived for quality education and involve students in different activities to provide excess and exposure, advised Phanindra Gaidung, Director of Public Instruction (DPI) Department of Higher Studies, Government of Assam during the open session of the last day of closing ceremony function of Golden Jubilee of Bahona College of Jorhat district here today.

Mr. Gaidung during his address said that rural college of Assam like Dhemaji, Majuli, Lakhimpur and for example like Bahona College doing exceptionally well as they have improved academically very well. The DPI congratulated the faculty members of Bahona College to rank the college among ten best colleges out of 310 in the state of Assam today.

Bahona College has lots of potential with tremendous scope.

He said comparing students’ capacity between rural and urban has no difference. When I went to

rural area college it was found that student from a rural college got chance for international level competition. He further called upon the principals of the college of Assam to fasten their work to set up digital library and digital classroom as fund has been released to every college in the tune of Rs one crore, said DPI Phanindhar Gaidung.

On the other hand the DPI requested all the college to come forward with such proposals to take up schemes which the government has been taking up.

Hitendranath Goswami, the MLA Jorhat even congratulated Bahona College for its completion of 50 years and for being 10th in the state out of 310 colleges from a rural area in the state of Assam.

Mr. Goswami further suggested the teaching faculty and to the members of governing body, educationists to prepare a master plan for better development and infrastructure for the next 50 years as the buildings has gone out of time which has already crossed 50 years.

Other those who spoke in the occasion were Jorhat MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and Jorhat SP Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan.

PTI Guwahati, Oct 3

target of ending hunger by 2030 and malnutrition by 2025.

The Assam government today announced an ambitious target of eliminating poverty and hunger from the state along with achieving full literacy by 2030.

"It also targets to double agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers like farmers, fishermen, milk producers etc," it said.

Releasing the document 'Assam 2030: Our Dream, Our Commitment', Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal appealed to all stakeholders to work sincerely for achieving the targets.

On education sector, the document said the government will target to achieve full literacy in the next 14-15 years in the state.

"The Government of Assam plans to reduce the poverty ratio from 27.3 per cent in 2015 to zero per cent by 2030. The goal lays down targets for eradication of extreme poverty for all people everywhere," the report said.

"The targets laid down include elimination of gender disparities in education and ensuring access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable, including disabled and underprivileged sections of society by 2030," the report said.

The document also laid the

Contd. on Page 4

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ET CAPSULES

Page - 9

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CITY

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

PAGE 2

Tinsukia, Dibrugarh

CM attends Swachh Bharat Mission Digboi Carbon Private limited continues to run even by breaking the law programme in Dibrugarh University Sidharth Singh Tinsukia, Oct 3: The residents of Tinsukia have been suffering from unabated pollution caused by Digboi Carbon Private limited. All Tai Ahom Student Union from the last month has been agitating against the pollution caused by this unit and have staged several protests during the course to stop pollution from Digboi Carbon Private Limited.

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 3: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended a Swachh Bharat Mission Programme in Dibrugarh University on Monday. The programme was held at Rang Ghar auditorium where CM Sonowal felicitated representatives of 2 gaon panchayats, 41 villages and 11 tea gardens of Dibrugarh district.

Minister of state, Pallab Lochan Das, ViceChancellor of Dibrugarh University, Alak Kumar Buragohain, DC Laya Madduri, Dibrugarh MP Rameshwar Teli, and MLAs like Prasanta Phukan, Rituparna Baruah, Terosh Gowala and UNICEF officials

CM Sarbananda Sonowal awarding certificates to representatives of 2 gaon panchayats, 41 villages and 11 tea gardens of Dibrugarh district during Swachh Bharat programme in Dibrugarh University on Monday. Pic- Manoj Pandey.

were present during the programme.

An exhibition of innovative idea in solid waste management with

HOROSCOPE Aries

There's apt to be a comfortable feeling about today that should make you feel quite secure and nurtured, Aries. Perhaps you're feeling protected by a strong force, maybe an internal one, that's reminding you that as long as you stay within the lines, everything will be fine. There's a familiarity to things that will make it easy for you to navigate any rough waters.

Taurus

You could feel like a rat in a maze today, Taurus. Walls and long, narrow corridors take you around corners and through doorways, yet there's no indication that you're going in the right direction. Instead of wandering aimlessly, stop and ask for help. You might not have noticed that if you look up, there are knowledgeable beings there who are willing to give you advice based on their lofty perspective.

Gemini

Quietly step into the background if things aren't going the way you'd like, Cancer. Don't try to stick your nose into someone else's business, even if you think you know the right way to proceed. People probably have strong opinions, and they won't be swayed in any direction. The best you can do is take care of yourself. You will probably find that this means you shouldn't be seen or heard.

Cancer

Quietly step into the background if things aren't going the way you'd like, Cancer. Don't try to stick your nose into someone else's business, even if you think you know the right way to proceed.

People probably have strong opinions, and they won't be swayed in any direction. The best you can do is take care of yourself. You will probably find that this means you shouldn't be seen or heard.

Leo

You may feel as if your smile is unwelcome today, Virgo. It may seem to you like there's some sort of gloom and doom to people's attitudes that makes them unwilling to accept any sort of good news. Don't let this stop you from maintaining your own cheerful state. It's important that you not probe too deeply into the reasons behind other people's behavior now.

Virgo

Keep careful track of things today, Libra, for you will find that the smallest detail will make the biggest difference. Don't hesitate to go with your hunches when something simply doesn't sound right.

Stay focused and try not to get caught off guard when emotional issues come out of nowhere and disturb your thoughts. Trust yourself regardless of what's going on around you.

Libra

Be a pioneer thinker today, Libra. There's a noble courage in your thoughts, so don't let this quality go to waste. You will be surprised at how cutting edge you can be when you put your mind to it. Take a walk by yourself and contemplate the next major move that you'd like to make in your life. Feel free to brainstorm bold ways to execute this plan.

Scorpio

You may feel as if your hands are tied today and you're faced with absolutely no options, Scorpio. Don't despair over a situation that seems insurmountable.

Think of yourself as a terrific magician who can burst out of the strongest chains. You have tricks up your sleeve that can help you escape just about any situation in which you find yourself.

Sagittarius

This is a good time to take a stand on an issue that you may have been vacillating about lately, Sagittarius. People will lose confidence in you if you can't seem to make up your mind.

What they don't realize is that you've been working overtime to process all the information. Now it's time to express orally what you've discovered mentally.

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Today is one of those days in which you will be bursting at the seams to share big news with your friends, Capricorn. Perhaps you just received an important package or piece of information and you can't wait to spread the news. Be careful about who might be lurking around, however, because there could be others listening in. They may not necessarily be acting in your best interests.

Your reluctance to speak could get you in trouble today, Aquarius. You may hesitate to share what you know for fear of what others might think. You should realize that you're using this as an excuse to hide what's really just selfishness. Share your knowledge with others and you will be amazed at the knowledge that comes back to you in return.

Keep in mind that you may need to wait for it.

There may be a great tension between you and someone older today, Pisces. Perhaps there's someone who's adopting a sort of "parent knows best" personality that's starting to annoy you. Take a breather. Realize that this person isn't being critical or judgmental but just giving you advice. You should open your eyes and understand that this advice could be very useful.

special focus on Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and various low cost technological toilet options was held on the occasion.

The 3-day programme got underway on Gandhi Jayanti as a mark of tribute to the Father of the Nation.

The matter has been referred to the DC, ADC and the pollution control board but there has been no action against the erring industry. The basic demand of the people affected by the pollution is to ask this industry to stop operation and install all the pollution control devices required to curb pollution. Thereafter all the machines and devices have been installed the unit can continue operation without adversely affecting people of the surrounding area.

Maniyar Group is responsible for ensuring this unabated pollution which continues in Tinsukia and it has been somehow managing to ensure that the unit continues to run even by breaking the law and not installing pollution control device.

Pic for representation purpose.

Wildlife week held at Digboi

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 3: Assam Forest department, Digboi division in collaboration with Evergreen Foundation (NGO), Green Bud society and rural eco development NGO celebrated wildlife week at Digboi where mini

marathon, painting competition and a cultural programme was also held.

Different slogans were all used during the programme like “Save the Rainforest”, “save Dehing patkai, save wildlife” etc.

Hitendra Nath Sharma (honorary wildlife warden) Ashok Sharma (ZPC), Gauri Buragohain of Digboi College, Papu sahu (advocate of Margherita court) were also present during the programme and delivered many valuable speech.

Sastriye Sangit Sandhya organised at Dr.Bhupan Hazarika statue and memorial Park , Near Thana Charali, Tinsukia.

Pic. Sidharth Singh Cinema Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall Screen-1

Image of RSS members during path sanchalan in Dibrugarh on Sunday.

Pic- Manoj Pandey

Dandiya program organised by Marwari Yuva Manch, Sivasagar along with guest celebrities like Zee TV serial actress Priya Sarmah and DJ Mani at Bhashkar Jyoti Entertainment in sivasagar

Interactive programme on legal rights of women held at Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 3: With the purpose of disseminating knowledge on various legal rights of women, the Alumni Association, MDKG College organized a talk cum interactive program on October 1 at MDKG college auditorium.

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Dr. Rupali Majumder, Assistant Professor and Joint Secretary of the Association made a welcome address to the gathering of students.

Assistant Professor, Dr. Deepom Baruah of Centre for Juridical Studies was the

speaker of the program. He spoke on the different aspects of Women rights related to property, dowry prohibition, women trafficking, maternity benefits right and rights related to health and reproduction etc.

Constitutional safeguards for women were also discussed by him.

He also interacted with the students and answered their queries.

The program was concluded by a note of vote of thanks by Associate Professor of History, Bobita Bora.

LOST I, Shri Tumga Rime, S/o Shri Gumtum Rime of Chimpu Itanagar, D i s t r i c t Papumpare, Arunachal Pradesh has lost my Migration Certificate on 15. 08. 2016 issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Anyone having received should contact me on mob: 8414960022/ 8974408146

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

AROUND THE

STATE

Former Assam CM Gogoi writes to PM Modi over Brahmaputra issue IANS Guwahati, Oct 3: Expressing apprehension over China's decision to block a tributary of the Brahmaputra, former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi raised the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the development is a matter of concern for his state as well as other parts of the region, including neighbouring Bhutan and Bangladesh.

In a letter to Modi, he urged him to take up the matter

ture. This hydroelectric project in the upper reaches of Brahmaputra River will deprive Assam from the flow of huge volume of water which the state has been enjoying since the existence of the mighty Brahmaputra River," he said.

Former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi with China as such a dam would cause irreparable damage and cripple the

economy of Assam.

"The economy of the state is mainly based on agricul-

He said that he had also taken up the matter with the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Water Resources Minister in 2004 when China constructed a dam over river Brahmaputra in

its upper reaches.

The Brahmaputra River is known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet where it originates.

"It will be great injustice to the people of Assam from a country with whom the government of India claims to have cordial and friendly relations. We want good relations with neighbours. There is a big market for Chinese goods in this region. The matter must be taken up urgently and seriously," Gogoi said.

PAGE 3

CM Sonowal announces directs flights on Guwahati-Silchar and GuwahatiAizawl routes at Guwahati A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Oct 3: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced directs flights introduced by Spicejet airline on the Guwahati-Silchar and Guwahati-Aizwal routes in a programme held at Guwahati today. Spicejet has also introduced an additional frequency on the Guwahati-Kolkata route in the same programme.

Announcing the new flight route, Chief Minister Sonowal has advocated for an airline hub in the city so that all flights can take off from Guwahati it-

BJP minority wing distrib- Assam dials Centre on utes autos at Hengerabari China's river jam project ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam Pradesh Minority Morcha on Sunday launched an initiative to address the unemployment problem in the State and distributed autorickshaws to 20 youths at a function held at the head office of the party at Hengerabari.

President of the Morcha, Muminul Aowal said that the initiative has been taken to motivate youths towards achieving self-reliance without hankering after jobs.

The beneficiaries are from different parts of the State.

Aowal further said that ev-

ery month, 100 unemployed youths will be trained to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

“Unemployment is one of the burning issues of the State and we hope that this small step on our part will bring about a change in the scenario.

There will be no discrimination on the basis of

caste, creed, language and community for getting this benefit, but families that have no earning source will get preference,” said Aowal, adding that the Morcha in the coming days will distribute different kinds of three and four-wheelers to unemployed youths under this initiative. (With inputs from agencies)

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 3: The Assam government has expressed concern following reports of China blocking a tributary of Brahmaputra in Tibet to construct its most expensive hydro project.

While Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal said the government is awaiting information from the Centre about the latest development, experts called on India to initiate hydro-diplomacy with China.

Sonowal said: "We are concerned. This is a bilateral issue between India and China. We are taking up the matter with the external affairs and water resource ministries to get accurate information on the media reports about a tributary of

the Brahmaputra blocked

by China in Tibet on Friday.”

China's state-run news Brahmaputra in Assam agency Xinhua reported that the country "on Friday blocked a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo (Tibetan name for Brahmaputra) River as part of its most expensive hydro project, Lalho."

China's action is seen by many as a retaliation to India's decision to review Indus Water Treaty as it looked to turn the screw on Pakistan following the deaths of 18 soldiers in a terror attack in Uri. "It is unfortunate that such a development has taken place when India-Pakistan

ties are strained," said Dulal Chandra Goswami, the former head of department of environmental science at Guwahati University.

"We are worried being a lower riparian state. In my opinion, India should capitalize on its current global position as a peace loving nation to start hydro-diplomacy with China. For long no Indian government has given a thought into this aspect of bringing China to the discussion table on matters relating to sharing of a trans-border international river," added Goswami, who has been a Colin Mackenzie Chair Professor at Anna University and was associated with John Hopkins University (USA).

(With inputs from agencies)

3 sites around Guwahati to be Assam govt bats for adoption of developed as tourist attraction Gandhian philosophy in schools PTI Guwahati, Oct 3: Assam government has decided to develop three major sites around Guwahati-Kamakhya Temple, Umananda and Gandhi Mandap--to promote them as places of tourist and spiritual attraction, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Monday.

"Our Government is planning to develop Kamakhya Temple into a world class tourist and spiritual destination by upgrading the prevailing infrastructure and ensuring cleanliness in and around the temple," Sonowal said in a release.

"The second plan includes

upgrading Umananda Island, which with its temple is a natural treasure in the heart of the Brahmaputra River.

"If utilised to its full potential, Umananda can be a huge boon for the state in terms of developing tourism and adding another feather in a revitalised brand Assam," Sonowal said.

In a similar manner, Gandhi Mandap at Sarania in Guwahati has tremendous potential to be transformed into an international peace pilgrimage and tourist destination.

"We are planning to reno-

vate the Mandap and create a beautiful environment in the entire area which is situated on a hill top. It gives a panoramic view of Guwahati city along with the mighty Brahmaputra and the nearby hills. Our Government is planning to build a tower at this site from where tourists can view the entire Guwahati city," Sonowal said.

The chief minister said these initiatives coupled with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will definitely boost brand Awesome Assam and bring development in the process.

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 3: Assam's first BJP government advocated adoption of Gandhian philosophy in the state's schools on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke about the importance of Gandhian principles for students. The ministers were addressing 6,000-odd students from at least 176 schools from across the state at the Sankardev Kalakshetra in the city on Sunday.

Sonowal, recalling his days as a student at the Bindhakata Lower Primary School, said he had assumed the responsibility of cleaning up the school.

"Our school was made of bamboo and the floor was not made of concrete. I was given the responsibility to clean the school. I would reach the school half an hour before the scheduled time and clean up the classroom. I urge you to look upon your school as a sacred place and keep it clean," Sonowal said.

On the day that also marked two years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, Sonowal said, "Students must take a pledge to not let their schools get dirty and to encourage everyone in their neighbourhood to keep their areas clean."

The students participated in several competitions and cleanliness drives at the Sankardev Kalakshetra.

2 day Self Help Group Mela programme Rotary Club of on Gandhi Jayanti held at Maibang Guwahati city celebrates Gandhi Jayanti ET Correspondent

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 3: Rotary Club of Guwahati City (Provisional) celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with a range of community activities on Sunday, informed in a press release issued by Rotary Club.

The day-long activity began with the distribution of drawing kits and sweets among school children at the Fatasil-based Shree Jalaram Bhakt Mandal.

More than 125 children from the vicinity took part

in the programme, which was followed by lunch.

The club members also organised a Blood Donation Camp at Marwari Hospital & Research Centre in Athgaon. The members and participants donated several units of blood for the needy patients.

Rotary Club of Guwahati City (Provisional) is an upcoming club in the Rotary International, comprising the eight North Eastern states and parts of West Bengal.

Haflong, Oct 3: A two day Self Help Group Mela started on Saturday at Maibang, Diyung Valley block campus ended in a grand function on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on Sunday.

The exhibition cum sales mela showcased colourful tribal dresses, handicrafts, organic fruit and vegetables and ethnic food stalls were locally made and grown by some 400 plus self-help groups promoted by Diyung valley block, Maibang under DDU- NRLM. All together forty stalls by the village level federation participated in this two days programme. Villages from neighbouring Maibang areas and also from distant villages enthusiastically took part.

The two days mela had an overall sale of above fifty thousand rupees till afternoon on the second day. It needs to be mention that this kind of event held for the first time in this block in order to encourage the village level federation and self hep groups.

Education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced an essay competition on the life of Mahatma Gandhi after he learnt that most students present at the auditorium had not read about Gandhi's life.

"I urge all students to read about the life of Mahatma Gandhi in the next couple of days. We will conduct an essay competition for all of you. I also urge the teachers to look into the matter.

The first ten students will get an opportunity to have a cup of tea with the chief minister in Guwahati," Sarma told the students.

As part of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in all districts of the state, quiz competitions, book fairs, science exhibitions were organized for the school students.

The second day of the programme was organised to commemorate the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The chief guest of the programme was Subrata Thaosen, NCHAC EM for Agriculture, guest of honour, Purabi Phonglo, Dist. Information and Public Relations officer accompanied by Town Committee Chairman P Thaosen and Manager of Langpi Dihangi

Rural Bank, Mauzadar and other eminent persons from Maibang.

At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners of three best stalls with highest number of sales.

In his short speech, the Block Development officer, Projit Naiding applauded each self-help groups for their outstanding efforts in making the event a grand success. He also encouraged the groups to participate in the upcoming international trade fare held at New Delhi.

A grand musical night featuring local artists and bands was held on both the days of the event.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon the need for better connectivity of the state with the neighbouring countries.

Expressing his desire to turn Guwahati as the most focus centre in the world, the Chief Minister said that the government is preparing a roadmap for improving all modes of transportation in the state.

The new flight announcement

ceremony was also attended by Assam Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary and CMD Spicejet Ajay Singh and Chief Commercial Officer, Spicejet Debojo Maharshi among others.

With these new flights which will operate on daily basis passengers will have now more options to choose from. Silchar and Aizwal being situated amidst difficult terrain will now have better connectivity to the rest of India. These flights will further contribute to the growth and economic development of Assam and the North East.

Guwahati lad enthralls Amitabh Bachchan through his doodle art work!

ET Bureau Guwahati, Oct 3: Northeast India has no dearth of talent and this, it has proved in the recent past. Yet again, a talent from Assam, Santanu Hazarika has left the people in awe and among them is none other than Amitabh Bachchan.

way and this was what he said “No! I don’t think this is a doodle, it can’t be! This is a masterpiece”. The cast of the movie Pink was also pretty much impressed by his work.

The event was a part NDTV Youth for Change Conclave.

Santanu Hazarika, was quoted as saying in his facebook page, “When the legend himself, Amitabh Bachchan, said he was awestruck by my art.

While I explained about doodle art, he stopped me half

Santanu was the winner of Red Bull Doodle Art Global Gallery that was held recently in Cape Town, South Africa.

His doodle was selected among the 28 best doodles all over the world. (With inputs from agencies)

NorthEast eye second straight ISL home win against Goa (Preview) IANS Guwahati, Oct 3: A buoyant NorthEast United FC will be eyeing nothing less than a win against FC Goa in their second successive Indian Super League (ISL) football home match here on Tuesday.

NorthEast began their campaign with a confidence-uplifting 1-0 win against Kerala Blasters in the tournament's opening match at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday.

Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa scoring the winning goal and the encouraging start would have surely put new coach Nelo Vingada in a positive frame of mind.

But the Portuguese knows there is plenty of scope for improvement.

"I know we have to play better to reach the semis which is my target and of my players, so we have to be more consistent. If we don't grow as a team and play better, it won't be enough," he said in an ISL release.

NorthEast is unlikely to change their winning combination.

"For me this was the best eleven which I could use for the game because some players are injured and most of the players are not fully fit for 90 minutes. But I am satisfied

with the foreign players and I am also very happy with the Indian boys," said Vingada.

NorthEast's opponents FC Goa, last year's runners-up, will once again be helmed by Brazilian legend Zico. They played attractive football last year but faltered in the final against Chennaiyin FC. Zico will seek solace from last year's bitter pain with a promising start this time.

Goa conducted their pre-season in Brazil and played four friendlies with Zico using different players to try out varied formations. It isn't clear who will be named in their first team.

Goa will be without several players who are nursing injuries. Defenders Gregory Arnolin, Denzil Franco, goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury and striker Robin Singh are all on the teatment table, having picked up knocks during their pre-tournament training.

Zico has retained the core of the squad, with emphasis on Brazilian and local talents.

Focus will be on the new joiness like Trindade Goncalves, Rafael Dumas, Julio Cesar and Richarlyson and how they will be accommodated in the starting team by Zico.

SP urges puja committees to help in maintaining law and order situation during Puja A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Oct 3: Superintendent of Police, Hailakandi, Pranabjyoti Goswami appealed to the Puja Committees to help in the maintenance of law and order during the ensuing Durga Puja festival.

The inauguration of the programme was done by the NCHAC Chairperson Ranu Langthasa accompanied by Executive Member i/c Agriculture Subrata Thaosen, MAC Ajay Chakraborty, ADO Laltinangie Nampui.

self. Disclosing this, the Chief Minister said that this will further help in employment generation in the state.

Goswami asked the Puja Committees to exercise extra caution and vigil to nip in the bud the sinister designs of anti-social elements out to disturb peace and tranquillity. To ensure security to the puja revellers, Goswami asked the Puja Committees to install CCTVs in the pandals to keep a hawk’s eye on anti-social elements.

The SP said the police will go in for anti-sabotage exercise to ensure incident-free and hassle-free puja and sought the Puja Committees’ support and cooperation towards this end. Instructions have been issued to the OCs, ICs of police stations, outposts and pickets to maintain all-round vigil during Puja days.

Goswami urged upon the Puja Committees to install

fire extinguishers in pandals and to keep sufficient stock of sand to meet any exigency.

The SP asked the Puja Committees to enrol adequate number of volunteers for keeping round the clock vigil and to submit the name of volunteers ahead of the festivity without fail.

“Strict discipline has to be maintained by the Puja Committees at any costs,” Goswami said, adding, “The police will take action as per law against construction of pandals on roads hampering traffic flow and collecting subscription from any individuals by putting up road blockades.”

Goswami asked the Puja Committees to obtain necessary permission for taking out processions on the day of immersion well in advance and not to obstruct traffic flow by blocking roads unnecessarily. Immersion procession will begin at 4 pm and will traverse along the route plan specified by the SP with the timeframe set for completion of immersion by

10 pm. Water Resources Department will keep the ghats in a state of readiness for smooth immersion of idols.

An Emergency Cell will be opened on the day of immersion close to the ghat. Team of magistrates, police personnel, doctors and para-medical staff will be manning the cell, Goswami pointed out.

Fire tenders will be stationed at Hailakandi, Lala and Panchgram on the day of immersion with NDRF personnel ready to rescue anyone from being drowned. A control room will also function in the Disaster Management Cell with toll free no.

1077.

While seeking cooperation from one and all for a smooth and hassle-free puja, the SP requested the public to bring to the notice of the police immediately if they notice any suspicious objects or persons enabling the police to act swiftly.

Meanwhile, the district administration has decided to enforce dry day on Astami, Nabami and Dashami.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

NEWS

Russia backs India on surgical strikes Russian Ambassador said that they had always been with India in fighting cross-border terrorism IANS New Delhi, Oct 3: Russia has supported India's surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-Administerd Kashmir (PoK), saying every country has the right to defend itself, and called upon Pakistan to stop trans-border terror.

Russian Ambassador to India Alexander M Kadakin in an interview with CNN News18 said that his was the only country to say in plain words that terrorists came from Pakistan.

Kadakin said that his country had always been with Indiain fighting cross-border terrorism.

"Greatest human rights violations take place when terrorists attack military installations and attack peaceful civilians in India. We welcome the surgical strikes. Every country has right to defend itself," Kadakin

said.

Kadakin also assured that India does not need to worry about the Russia-Pakistan joint military exercises, and added that the exercises did not take place in

"Pakistan-Occupied Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir".

"India should not be concerned about military exercises between Russia and Pakistan because the

MLA hands over ambulance to Ruksin Community Health Centre Ruksin, Oct 3: An ambulance provided by the Health Department was handed over to Ruksin Community Health Centre (CHC), in East Siang district by Pasighat-West MLA Tatung Jamoh on Sunday.

MLA Jamoh while addressing the gathering at Ruksin CHC on occasion urged the hospital authority to make good use of the vehicle and take proper care of it for the welfare of the public. He also urged the local people to cooperate with the hospital authority for smooth running of the ambulance.

“The ambulance is specially meant for maternal and child health care purposes”, informed East Siang District Medical Officer Dr Mandip Perme. He also informed that demand has been placed for granting Sub-divisional hospital status to Ruksin CHC. Dr Perme is optimistic that the modernized ambulance ser-

vice will minimize maternal & infant mortality rate in the vulnerable area.

The ambulance is equipped with all facilities to support child delivery inside it (in case of emergency). It was procured with fund sanctioned under 13th Finance Commission, informed Retired Joint Director of Health Service Dr T Taloh, who was also OSD to State’s Health & Family Welfare Department. He further informed that Rs 3 lakh per year was recommended by the Department for maintenance of the ambulance.

Senior medical officer O Moyong highlighted the background of Ruksin CHC which has been later upgraded to FRU in 2005.

Earlier medical officer-incharge of Ruksin Community Health Centre, Dr K Jonnom urged the local MLA to manage fund for

procuring a DG (generator) set besides fund for erection of the hospital gate to which the MLA assured to grant during next financial year.

Ruksin block ZPM Tonggeng Panyang requested all concerned to avail benefit of the ambulance service.

It is pertinent to mention here that for Governor JP Rajkhowa visited Ruksin CHC during March this year and expressed his concern over its poor infrastructure and health care facilities.

Later, he approached the State government for providing infrastructure and required health care facilities for the health centre.

Present on the occasion, among others, were District Reproductive & Child Health Officer Dr T Gao, medical staff, local PRI leaders, Gaon Burahs and government officials.

Gandhi Jyanti Celebrated as National Day of Prayer in Miao

theme of the exercise is anti-terror fighting.

That's in India's interests that we teach Pakistani army not to use itself for terror attacks against India," he added, the news channel said.

IANS Lucknow, Oct 3: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday inaugurated his new office, which will also house offices of some ministers and senior bureaucrats.

The Lok Bhawan, just across the sprawling Vidhan Sabha and built at a whopping cost of Rs 602 crore, will now be the seat of power, replacing the fivestorey ‘Shastri Bhawan’ which for decades has housed the Chief Minister’s office.

Accompanied by his father and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Chief Minister also spoke to media persons present.

He also chaired his first cabinet meeting in the plush building, spread over 6.3 acres in the heart of the state capital.

The office has been built with stone cladding, has reflective glass, and is sound insulated with double

On the economic front, Assam aims to have at least 7 per cent GDP growth every year, besides having "full and productive employment" along with decent works for all by 2030, the document said.

"The goal targets to promote

Peace is the need of the hour, said Rev. Wanglong Simai, General Secretary of Tangsa Baptist Church Association (TBCA). I am happy to be here praying for peace on the birthday of the Father of our Nation, he added.

Bishop George of Miao Diocese, who envisioned this programme to participate in the United Christian Prayer for India (UCPI) an all Churches’ association to bring about so-

Mr. Thiksal Morang, former District Director of School Education for Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh, too was present for the prayer event and prayed for peace.

Mr. Lian Paite, Principal of Living Hope School, Nongtham village, representing the Baptist Churches together with Mr. Simai, expressed joy at being part of the this initiative of praying together for peace in India.

Fr. Felix Anthony, representing the Catholic Church from

Miao Diocese, too expressed joy at praying for peace together with other Christian communities on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who taught the world to win battles not by gun and war but by peace and non-violence. “I am sure God would be very pleased to look at us today. He would be so happy to look at us all his children praying as one family”, he said.

People gathered for the prayer for peace event too expressed their happiness at being part of a significant event for peace on Gandhi Jyanti.

With prayers and peace initiatives such as this, one hopes that there would be visible signs of peace and respect for one another in India and across the world.

ET Bureau Chongkhan, Oct 3: State Education Minister Hunchun Ngandam termed Govt Higher School Chongkham as already established model school that he dreams-off in the State.

The concept of introducing model school in the state to give new direction to the education system in the state was always his dream and is in pipeline, said Ngandam. He stated this during his visit to Govt Higher School Chongkham at Namsai district here today. He was accompanied

by Secretary Education Bidol Tayeng, the Director Elementary Education Tapi Gao, the Project Director SSA Opak Gao and many other dignitaries.

He added that during his long tenure he had visited many school but has never seen any school with white boards but Chongkham School has it. This school has really stood out amongst other school of the state and I congratulate the school principal, teachers and the managements for this. I am very happy and surprised to find this school functioning as already established model school of his dreams in state, Ngandam said.

vacuum glass. While it will have a 24×7 power supply through a 33 kv sub-station, powerful generators have also been installed to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

The first floor has a 602seat auditorium. More than 1,300 officials and government employees will be sitting in the building which has three blocks.

The building has a 22,000 square metres basement which will be used for car parking, with space for 392 vehicles, and as a guard room.

The present office at Vidhan Sabha was 90 years old and with time, required many changes and hence the new building, officials said.

The Lok Bhawan, whose construction began in 2014, also has latest facilities like central air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, CCTVs, TV studio, media waiting room, VVIP lounge and other facilities.

Assam 2030: Zero poverty, no hunger, full literacy It also set to achieve maternal mortality ratio to below 70 per 1, 00,000 live births, and neo-natal mortality to 12 per 1,000 births and under 5-year mortality to 25 per 1,000 births by 2030.

cial changes through prayers, blessed the event and requested the gathered congregation to pray for peace earnestly. Peace is what the world needs now more than ever, he said.

Education minister visits GHS School Chongkham, returns impressed

Costing Rs 602 crore, UP’s new seat of power inaugurated

Contd. from Page 1

Felix Anthony Miao, Oct 3: Christians in East Arunachal Pradesh celebrated Gandhi Jyanti with a difference this year. They conducted a National Day of Prayer together with all church bodies in India and prayed for peace and communal harmony in our country.

PAGE 4

inclusive and sustainable industrialization and proposes to double industry's share of employment and GDP by 2030," it said.

While summing up the DLMC meeting the DC who is also the Chairman of the DLMC asked the PWD to resume the CC roads and pavement work at the earliest adding that the PWD that had constructed the Polytechnic Institute at Khonsa should provide all the required infrastructures like water supply, power supply and improve the approach road to make the institute functional at the earliest.

He urged the HoDs of the work departments to utilize the short working season beginning from the month of October gainfully adding that no work could be executed

Joining with Education minister in applauding the school staffs, the Education Secretary Bidol Tayeng in his brief speech, praised the cleanliness of the school premises, management of the classrooms, dedication

of the teachers, discipline of the students and the art of motivation by the principal.

Earlier, immediately after the warm reception the Minister and the dignitaries inspected the classrooms, auditorium, Science Labs and also took stock of the school premises. Although, classes remained off due to ongoing Examinations, the Minister entered in most of the classroom and tested the white boards by writing on it.

Taking advantage of the visit of Education Minister, the Principal G. Megu submitted a five point memo-

randum demanding immediate posting of Maths PGT and two TGTs, extension of five classrooms, Science Labs, extension of auditorium and posting of two Science Lab Assistants.

The Education Minister joined by Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom and accompanied by other dignitaries also visited all the Government Higher Secondary Schools of Namsai districts. He interacted with Principal of all the schools to take stock of the functioning of school. Others who spoke included PGT Economic Abhai Singh.

Human development in the state is just about halfway of goal: HDR 2014 Contd. from Page 1 Assam Human Development Report 2014 is prepared by Omiya Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development, Guwahati in collaboration with Institute of Human Development, New Delhi on behalf of Planning and Development Department of Govt. of Assam. The Report specifically highlights geographical, social, economic and institutional diversities of the state and their implications on aggregate human development outcomes. This is the second Human Development Report for the state, the first was published a decade back in 2003.

The present Report is based on a survey of 39,998 households and 1, 87,511 individuals from 27 districts of the state. The Report puts Human Development Index (HDI) in Assam at 0.557 indicating that level of human development in the state is just about halfway of the desired level. The Report observes that human development achievements have been found to differ greatly across districts.

The report categorically underlines redressing of various inequalities and significance of removing gender inequalities in achieving a better human development index in the state.

The Report also highlights an index of subjective well being of people which represents how people value the various critical processes of human

development. It is found that 56.4 percent of people are satisfied either moderately or intensely in the state.

poverty beyond income within a much wider framework and approach.

The Report also highlights some major issues and concerns. As per the Report, unemployment rate within the age group of 15-59 years is estimated at 13.4 percent. It finds that the top 20 percent of the people holds about 70 percent of the total cultivable land while 80 percent share 20 percent of the remaining land.

The Report very clearly raises concern about child nutrition scenario in the state. The Report estimates that 37.4 percent children within the age of 5 years are underweight.

Most underweight children are in the age less than 2 years and lives in rural areas. The Report also finds that about 15 percent of girls in the age of 15-19 are already married.

Coinciding the occasion, the Chief Minister also released the state government’s Vision and Strategic Architecture Document on the SDGs – Assam 2030: Our dream; Our Commitment. This document envisions recreating a secure, developed and vibrant Assam focusing on economic development as the foundation of this transformation. This will cover wide range of activities like employment generation, poverty alleviation, and development in youth affairs, infrastructure, and industrial sector, and agriculture, rural and urban development. The document further highlights the vision of the government to provide corruption free futuristic governance to the state.

The Report further observes that achievements in all three key dimensions of human development - education, health and income in the state are also about the halfway mark with education achieving two-third level growth followed by health and income which are just at the half of desired level. The Report discloses that about one-third of the population in the state are ‘multidimensionally poor’, i.e. poor in more than one dimension of human development. The Report emphasises on addressing

The Chief Minister also inaugurated a two day Innovation Lab Workshop organized by Finance Department, Govt. of Assam in partnership with UNDP in the same programme. The workshop aims to introduce concepts related to innovation in public governance, explain how policy labs work, help develop capacity to identify opportunities for innovative governance in local context, explain international benchmarks and prepare a roadmap for way forward.

Consumer Awareness Programme Held

The document has set a total of 17 sustainable development goals and 169 targets in the next 14-15 years.

"With the 15 years vision and strategic architecture in place, the detailed planning will actually be done in terms of 3-year segments," the government added in the document.

Tirap DLMC held, DC asks PWD to resume works Contd. from Page 1

The state government under the visionary leadership of young chief minister Pema Khandu was to implement his vision of introducing model school in every district but this concept has been fulfilled by this school and seems is already established model school of the state and I appreciate it, he further stated.

during the rainy months. He asked the departments to maintain a proper working coordination between them to achieve better result. Jha emphatically told the participants that some of the projects were of paramount importance and said that they must be completed within the stipulated time frame in the interest of the district.

While describing the DLMC as sacrosanct the DC asked the members to maintain the sanctity by participating in the DLMC meeting with up to date information with photographs and full preparations. He expressed his displeasure over the absence of some officers which was unwarranted.

Aalo, Oct 3: The Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs conducted a Consumer Awareness Programme on the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Arunachal Pradesh Legal Metrology Act, 2011 with the business community of Upper Market Area, Aalo on October 2 last.

J K Lobom, Assistant Controller, Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, Aalo explained in detail about the Legal Metrology Acts and advised the Traders/business community of Upper Market Aalo not to violate few important sections during their day to day business transactions. he informed of some important penal provisions in use of weights and measures or numeration other than the standards weights. Wrong mea-

sures or numeration would invite violation under section 8 (3) and penalty section 25; Non-compliance of declaration in respect of pre-packaged commodity attract violation under section 18 (1) and penalty section 36 (1); Non-compliance of Net Quantity requirement of pre-packaged commodity invites violation under section 18(1) and penalty section 36(2); Use of unverified weights or measures in transactions invites violation under section 24 and penalty section 33; Sale or delivery of commodities by use of NonStandards Weights & Measures attracts violation/penalty under section 34.

Demonstrations were also conducted by J K Lobom Assistant Controller Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, Aalo pertaining to standardization certificate, Agmarks, ISI Marks, know your LPG Cylinder, Diesel/Petrol Dispensing Pumps, package commodity items and manipulation of weights & measures.

He said that if a trader violates these sections, maximum and minimum penalty for compounding of various offences fine(s) may extend up to Rs 25000.

Nyajum Lollen, president of Upper Market Committee, Aalo extended his gratitude to all for making the awareness programme a big success.

(DIPRO)

Earlier, Mili Loyi, general secretary of Upper Market Aalo committee also addressed the gathering.

Altogether, 100 traders attended the programme in the conference hall of M/s. Aalo Hotel.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

BUSINESS

Snapdeal sellers cross Rs 37cr sales mark on Day 1 Snapadeal said mobile phones Redmi Note 3, iPhone 6s, iPhone 5s, Mi Max, LeEco Le Max 2 were the topselling phones, followed closely by Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro and Samsung Galaxy J3S with bike mode.

Mumbai, Oct 3: E-commerce firm Snapdeal today said the company witnessed a nine-fold increase in sales volume during the Unbox Diwali discount offer, with 37 sellers on its platform crossing Rs 1crore turnover mark each on the first day itself.

"As sales volumes surged nearly 9x of average daily sales, Snapdeal witnessed more than 80 per cent of orders coming from its mobile platforms. The start of Unbox Diwali sale also brought cheer to Snapdeal sellers as 37 sellers crossed the Rs 1 crore turnover (each) on Day 1," Snapdeal said in a statement.

The e-commerce firm said the traffic from tier 2 and

The e-commerce firm said the traffic from tier 2 and 3 cities increased 20 times, with the maximum surge, other than the metros, coming from Mizoram, Meghalaya, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, in that order.

3 cities increased 20 times, with the maximum surge, other than the metros,

coming from Mizoram, Meghalaya, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and

Jammu & Kashmir, in that order.

It said attractive discounts on footwear were available from multiple fashion brands and more than 1,00,000 pairs of footwear were sold on Day 1 of the sale.

"With a surge in demand for home appliances bought during the day, the products to be shipped from Day 1 of sales itself weighed nearly 3,000 tonnes, enough to fill 20 A380 jumbos (aircraft) carrying only cargo," the statement said.

Snapadeal said mobile phones Redmi Note 3, iPhone 6s, iPhone 5s, Mi Max, LeEco Le Max 2 were the top-selling phones, followed closely

by Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro and Samsung Galaxy J3S with bike mode.

In addition, Voltas 1.2tonne split air-conditioners, Dell and Acer laptops, Canon and Nikon cameras, kitchen appliances, including juicer mixer grinders and pressure cookers, were other popular products that sold throughout the day.

Snapdeal shared the list of some products, including JBL SB350 Soundbar, iPhone 6s (16GB), Samsung Galaxy J3, Blue Star 1.5-tonne 3-star split air conditioner, Acer Windows 10 Touch Screen 2in-1 laptop on which it claimed that there were attractive offers on second day of the sales. (PTI)

PAGE 5

Rupee strengthens 13 paise against dollar in early trade Mumbai, Oct 3: The rupee advanced 13 paise to 66.48 against the US dollarin early trade on Monday at the Interbank Foreign Exchange on increased selling of the American currency by exporters and banks.

Besides, a higher opening in the domestic equity market also supported the domestic unit, forex dealers said.

However, the dollar's strength against some currencies overseas capped the rupee's gains.

On Friday, the rupee had staged a resounding

Pic for representation purpose. comeback to close higher by a whopping 24 paise at 66.61 on fresh dollar unwinding from banks and exporters.

Rafale deal: Reliance, Dassault Aviation set up joint venture

Facebook launches 'lite' version Maruti shares up on robust vehicle of Messenger overseas sales growth New Delhi, Oct 3 : Facebook is launching a "lite" version of it Messenger chat app. It is aimed at emerging markets, where many people use older phones that don't have enough room to store or ability to run the full-featured application due to slower internet speeds or other issues.

"Messenger Lite" will be available on Android devices in Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Venezuela beginning on Monday. The company did not say when it would be available in other countries or whether it is also coming to Apple devices (although Android is far more popular in emerging markets than even older iPhones).

There is already a "Facebook Lite" available for people whose phones are too old or simple to run the full-fledged Facebook. Messenger

Lite is a similarly slimmed-down version of Messenger. It will let people send text, photos and links but won't do video calls, for example.

The move comes as the social media giant moves to force users to adopt Messenger if they want to send each other direct messages, instead of the main Facebook site or app. It is working: more than 1 billion people use Messenger each month.

For a while, there was a loophole-you could log in to Facebook's mobile website to access messages. But Facebook is ending this option, too, so Messenger will be people's only option.

David Marcus, head of messaging products at Facebook Inc., said in an interview that Messenger's goal is to be a "product for everyone, not only people who can

Reliance Nippon Life appoints Ashish Vohra as new CEO

Ashish Vohra. A file photo.

New Delhi, Oct 3: Reliance Nippon Life Insurance has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Ashish Vohra.

Vohra joins Reliance Nippon Life Insurance from Max Life Insurance where he spent 8 years and served as Senior Director and Chief Distribution Officer.

Vohra, a mechanical engineer from IIT BHU and an MBA from IIM Bangalore, brings with him over 25-years of experience from working with various companies including Max Life Insurance, Fullerton India

Credit, Citibank and Eicher Motors.

Commenting on the appointment, Sam Ghosh, Executive Director and Group CEO, Reliance Capital, said that the Board is delighted to appoint Ashish Vohra as the new CEO of Reliance Nippon Life Insurance.

"We believe under his leadership, Reliance Nippon Life Insurance will accelerate its pace of growth and profitability and rank among the top three insurance companies in next few years," Ghosh said.(PTI)

afford a higher-end device and more expensive data plan."

He called the web-based messaging experience on Facebook a "remnant of the past" and added that he "can't think of any other mobile messaging service that has a web version."

Facebook, he said, decided on the five initial countries to launch Messenger Lite in because there are a lot of Messenger users in these countries on older devices.

WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Facebook but operated as a separate entity, is also popular in emerging markets.

Marcus said people use the apps for different reasons and they are not in direct competition.

WhatsApp also has more than 1 billion users, and many people use both services. (PTI)

New Delhi, Oct 3 : Shares of Maruti Suzuki India today rose over 4 per cent after the company reported over 31 per cent growth in passenger vehicle sales in September.

The stock gained 4.16 per cent to Rs 5,707.25 - its 52-week high - on BSE. At NSE, shares of the company went up 4.43 per cent to touch its oneyear high of Rs 5,720.

Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Saturday reported 31.1 per cent growth in passenger vehicle sales in

September at 1, 49,143 units, riding on its highestever domestic sales.

The company had sold a total of 1, 13,759 units in September 2015, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a statement.

Domestic sales were at 1,37,321 units as against 1,06,083 units in the same month last year, up 29.4 per cent, it said adding this was "also the company s highest ever domestic monthly sales" beating the previous best of 1,25,778 in July this year.(PTI)

Arun Jaitley Arrives In Canada On 3-day Official Visit

Kalyana Rama is new CMD of CONCOR New Delhi, Oct 3: V Kalyana Rama has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR), a navratna PSU under Railways Ministry.

V Kalyana Rama has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR), a navratna PSU under Railways Ministry. Prior to this, he was serving as Director (Projects & Services), CONCOR since June 2015. Having worked in BHEL, BHPV before joining Indian Railways, Rama has held various challenging assignments in his career with Indian Railways and CONCOR, said a statement issued by CONCOR. CONCOR is a network of 64 terminals, offering scheduled and on demand rapid rail and road services between the hinterland and ports, and between terminal across the country. "Rama has wide experience of Engineering, System design, Railway and multi modal operations and Project planning and commissioning," the statement said.

Rama, a mechanical engineer, was also the CEO of Infinite Logistic Solutions, a JV of Reliance Logistics Private Ltd and CONCOR.(PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is on a 3-day visit to Canada. He will then visit United States for 4 days.

Toronto, Oct 3: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley arrived in Toronto today on a three-day visit during which he will review progress made in trade ties with Canada, including in the proposed comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Mr Jaitley arrived in Toronto on the first leg of his 7-day official visit that will also take him to the United States.

In Canada, he will meet top official and review progress made in the proposed Comprehensive Economic partnership agreement (CEPA) and Foreign Investment and

Protection Agreement (FIPA). Mr Jaitley will also hold meeting with foreign investors.

During his visit to the US, Mr Jaitley will attend the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

The three-day annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank will begin on October 7 in Washington.

Commerce and Trade Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was in Canada last week and had said both countries were committed to deepen bilateral economic ties.

Silver falls Rs 218, hurt by weak global cues Mumbai, Oct 3: Taking weak cues from overseas markets, silver prices tumbled Rs 218 to Rs 6,392 per kg in futures trade today, as participants reduced exposure.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver for delivery in March next year lost Rs 218, or 0.47 per cent, to Rs 46,392 per kg, in a business turnover of 265 lots.

Similarly, the white metal for delivery in December was trading lower by Rs 173, or 0.38

per cent, to Rs 45,553 per kg, in a business volume of 265 lots.

In the international market, silver slumped 0.39 per cent to USD 19.07 an ounce in Singapore today.

Traders said that the fall in silver prices at futures trade was largely in line with a weak trend in precious metals in global markets on speculation that Deutsche Bank is working to mend its finances, eroding haven demand. (PTI)

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose 160.79 points, or 0.57 per cent, to 28,026.75 in early trade. (PTI)

Rafale deal: Reliance, Dassault Aviation set up JV. New DelhI, Oct 3: In a major deal for India's private defence industry, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group and Rafale maker Dassault Aviation today announced a joint venture (JV) that will be a "key player" in execution of offset contract worth about Rs 22,000 crore as part of the fighter jet deal.

The announcement of the JV, Dassault Reliance Aerospace, comes within days of India and France on September 23 signing an agreement for 36 Rafale fighter jets at a value of euro 7.87 billion, or about Rs 59,000 crore.

The agreement includes a 50 per cent offset obligation, the largest-ever offset contract in the history of India.

The main point of the offset agreement is 74 per cent of it has to be im-

ported from India, which means direct business worth around Rs 22,000 crore.

The offset, spread over seven years, will be finalised soon.

There is also a technologysharing component, which is being discussed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Other companies involved in the Rafale deal include French firms MBDA and Thales, besides Safran, which too will be part of the overall offset obligation.

The Dassault Reliance Aerospace joint venture will be a key player in the execution of offset obligations, a joint statement by the companies said.

The development has come as a boost to the Reliance Group, which

entered the defence sector only in January 2015.

"This new joint venture called Dassault Reliance Aerospace will support Prime Minister Modi's Make in India and Skill India policies and develop major Indian programmes with high levels of technology transfer to benefit the entire aerospace sector," it added.

The proposed strategic partnership between Dassault and Reliance will also focus on promoting research and development projects under the IDDM programme (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured), a new initiative of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

"The formation of this joint venture with Reliance Aerospace led by Anil Ambani's Reliance Group illustrates our strong commitment to establish ourselves in India and develop strategic industrial partnerships under the Make in India policy promoted by the Indian government," Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO said.

"We are delighted to partner a world leader in aviation like Dassault Aviation.

This is a transformational moment for the Indian aerospace sector and Reliance Infrastructure's subsidiary Reliance Aerospace," said Anil Ambani, Chairman of the Reliance Group. (PTI)

Air India hopes more planes will get it more market share New Delhi, Oct 3: National carrier Air India expects the 40 odd new airplanes that it plans to induct over the next two years would help regain lost market share in the domestic market against private players such as IndiGo and Spicejet.

It plans fresh orders of 10 Airbus 320 aircraft to increase capacity, in addition to the 30 aircraft from the European plane maker it has placed orders with.

Ashwin Lohani, chairman and managing director of Air India, said: "On the domestic side we have not been able to add capacity till now. In the next one year there is going to be huge induction in domestic capacity by us. Today we have 55 aircraft and connect 68 domestic destination, where as our nearest competition has 100 aircraft connecting just 38 destinations. With fleet expansion will have much more coverage and capacity. We will regain our market share."

Air India, once a dominant player in India's aviation market has a 16% share in carrying passengers as on June. It had reported losses of Rs 246 crore for

the June quarter.

The carrier reported operating profit of Rs 100110 crore in the last financial year due to lower fuel costs.

"The mantra we have to achieve sustained profitability for the airline is fill more and fly more," said Lohani.

Lohani said that the airlines market share in domestic sector has gone down and this was because all the private carriers like IndiGo, Go Air were continuously adding capacity.

Air India has already ordered 29-A320 and will likely to order another 10 more aircrafts. In total, the airline will increase it's fleet size by 30 to 40 in the next two to three years.

Domestic travel has been increasing by 20% in the country, Lohani said that the same trend is likely to continue and the airline has to be prepared.

Along with the domestic sector the airline is also increasing routes in the international sector.

In the last one year, the airline has introduced four new international routes and the coming

year it will increase it to six more international routes.

"The focus is on the US, Europe, Singapore, Australia and Bangkok. With direct non stop flights," said Lohani.

The airline had initially ordered 27 dreamliners of which only 21 have joined the fleet. There are six more dreamliners that will join the fleet in the next one year. Besides, this the airline have also three 777 that we have already ordered. So, totally there will be 9 new aircrafts joining the fleet in the next one year and few for the international sector.

Lohani claimed that while the airline is moving towards profitability, he can not provide an exact timeline on when they will be completely profitable.

"The airline business is a highly dynamic business.

There is no timeline I can't put for when we will be profitability, however, we will put in our best and wait for the results. The ticket prices are decided by the market, we do not want the yields to fall but they are falling," he said.

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

“

Today's quote

Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century. –– Dame Edna Everage

Modi's achhe din are here While the PM's been having a good week since the Uri surgical strike, his rivals are facing hard times - no wonder he's smiling these days Aditya Sinha

No short cuts in Maharashtra The immediate provocation for the series of rallies in the name of Maharashtra's numerically dominant Marathas might appear to be the rape and killing of a 14-year-old girl in Ahmednagar district. All the three accused so far in the case are Dalits. While the protesters have demanded justice for the victim, their rallies have been used as a pretext for Marathas to reiterate a long-standing demand for reservations under the Other Backward Classes category and for scrapping the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989. The Marathas' demand for reservations mirrors similar ones made recently by Patidars and Jats in Gujarat and Haryana, respectively. As with Patidars and Jats, the demand for inclusion in the OBC quota is fuelled by anxiety about relative economic backwardness among a large cross-section of Marathas. Their inability to move up the economic ladder and the lack of adequate opportunities in a sluggish agrarian economy has been key factors in the agitations for reservations.

Yet, the demand for reservations for Marathas, traditionally seen as "upper castes", goes against the spirit of affirmative action that has guided eligibility for quotas in Central and State lists. Marathas are a dominant caste and play a central role in electoral politics as well as the political economy of the State. In any case, it has been judicially established that economic criteria alone cannot be taken as determinants of backwardness. The Bombay High Court had stayed an order by the previous Congress-NCP government for 16 per cent reservations for Marathas in educational institutions and jobs over and above the almost 50 per cent quota for SC/STs and OBCs put together.

The other key demand in the Maratha agitations, for the scrapping of the POA Act, seems to be clearly directed at perceived Dalit assertion. Such demands have been voiced in the past too by political groups representing landed backward classes in States such as Tamil Nadu. The implementation of the POA Act has been sketchy across India, and Maharashtra is no exception.

Conviction rates remain low, even if reporting of crimes against SCs and STs and their registration have increased, as a result of increasing awareness among Dalits and Adivasis of their legal options. Indeed, there is a case for better implementation of the Act, certainly not for its scrapping. It is therefore disturbing that political parties are trying to appropriate the seemingly spontaneous protests for any electoral dividends. The Devendra Fadnavisled government would be well-advised to address the State's agrarian distress and need for more job creation, instead of opting for short cuts such as expanding reservations, which in any case may not ultimately pass judicial scrutiny.

OPEC's roll of the dice The agreement reached at the extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, in Algiers, to trim the cartel's collective output by about 700,000 barrels a day, in an effort to balance supply and demand in the global oil market, caught markets by surprise. It was well-acknowledged that the group needed to take decisive action to staunch the two-year-long slide in global crude prices, that saw Brent prices more than halve from about $103 a barrel in endAugust 2014 to $45.45 a barrel on September 1 this year. Still, it was unclear if there could be a meaningful consensus on production cuts among disparate member-countries - which included the small-yet-prosperous West African country of Gabon, crisis-hit Venezuela, and fractious West Asian nations such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. That the 56-year-old grouping arrived at an agreement, albeit after leaving a decision on country-specific production targets to November, reflects just how desperate the situation had become for most oilproducing economies. The output cut, announced for the first time in eight years, is a tacit admission by the group's largest producer Saudi Arabia that its 'pump-at-will' approach has hurt its economy as much, if not more, than the pain it may have caused North American oil producers, including U.S. shale interests, that the policy largely sought to target.

While the big U.S. shale producers have resiliently hung on and even begun investing in new acreage this year, Saudi Arabia found itself with a huge hole in its budget. A fiscal deficit of 16 per cent of GDP in 2015 that is projected to slightly narrow to about 13 per cent this year forced spending cuts, including on wages and fuel subsidies.

This year the kingdom was driven to make its first overseas borrowing in more than a decade, a fiveyear $10 billion loan. With the economy's growth set to slow to about 1 per cent in 2016, it had few options but to return to the main fuel of its economic engine, crude oil. Given the country's involvement in conflicts across the region, both openly as in Yemen and tacitly as in Syria, its rulers have possibly realised the need to squeeze more revenue out of every barrel of oil. OPEC reportedly made a concession to Iran in order to win its involvement in the deal by exempting it from immediate production caps. With demand growth for petroleum slowing far more rapidly than previously predicted, the success of the production curbs in reviving oil prices will significantly hinge on cartel discipline - something that has often been lacking in the past.

PAGE 6

It's been a happy week for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and not just because of the short-term glory of the anti-terrorist surgical strike across the Line of Control in Kashmir. Shortterm because Pakistan will likely retaliate, though it is doing its best to pooh-pooh the fact of the strike. Recall that there was tremendous pressure on Modi after the Uri attack; not only did the strike give him relief, it gave TV studio analysts optimism about the new longterm direction India would now take, and it gave middle-class supporters reason to visit the local halwai.

Pressure is now on Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif. If he retaliates, pressure will again come back on Modi.

He will have to do something, even if incrementally more than the first strike. In the medium-term, we are in for a ding-dong period of uncertainty and anxiety. For now, though, Modi is king.

The other reasons for cheer were Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa. They did not

It has to be one of my favourite roads. After all, I walked a fair stretch of Princess Street every morning for five years on my way to college from Marine Lines station. Pound the same pavements daily, slip under creakily cranked up awnings to resist rain and you discover the most magical details. Who cared about being late for lectures? I was riveted by this road vital, vibrant and thrumming with traffic chaos.

Lined by archaic store fronts embellished with typography now only half etched on fading facades.

Elegant 19th century architecture everywhere, struggling to be seen through thick-heaped grot and grime.

Breathing ineffable romance beneath the ricketiest roofs, Princess Street continues to rule with a slew of iconic signage: Chemould Frames, Parsi Dairy Farm and Bombay's best-known homoeopathy dispensaries, beside a glut of specialist shops hawking chemicals, surgical instruments, lab glassware, diesel and electric generators. To decongest this (even then) crowded area after the 1803 bubonic plague, the City Improvement Trust demolished a row of buildings, which widened this road.

The Gothic-style Indian Art Studio was a visual marker: no future construction could go further than it at the intersection of Princess Street and Kalbadevi.

Noticing the new name

have a good week and this is good news for Modi and his party's electoral prospects in the 2019 general election, more than any surgical strike. For if there is any obstacle to Modi getting a second term, it will come from a CM; after all, it was CM Modi who in 2013-14 stormed the citadel that is Lutyens Delhi.

Nitish had looked like a candidate around whom the Opposition could coalesce by 2019, till he was reelected nearly a year back, assuming power with his friend-turned-foe-turneduneasy-ally Lalu Prasad.

His opponents claimed the alliance wouldn't last, but Lalu is firm on his two sons in Nitish's ministry getting a proper apprenticeship. His opponents claimed that law and order would take a hit, but that has not happened (though there have been high-profile crimes like the murder in May of journalist Rajdev Ranjan).

Instead, Nitish has tried to consolidate a mass base for himself by promulgating Prohibition, a move popular with Bihar's long-suffering women. He perhaps calculated it would help electorally in the way that

cases; the HC granted him bail because one case was slow in coming to trial. The SC sent Shahabuddin back to jail; even Lalu was reportedly unhappy with his release. The Patna HC has an unhappy record of overturned rulings and judgments.

hiring more teachers or giving girls bicycles did. Lalu's RJD is the largest party in the Assembly, so Nitish's room for manoeuvre is always going to be limited and he knows that efficiency in governance and development have limited returns in an impoverished and casteconscious state like Bihar.

The other Gandhis

for this long strip, linking the Queen's Necklace with Crawford Market, was revelatory - Shamaldas Gandhi Marg. The son of Anandlal Amritlal and grand-nephew of the Mahatma, Shamaldas Gandhi (1913-1998, with both his birth and death in South Africa) uniquely supported the fight for freedom. When the princely states chose between accession to India or Pakistan, the nawab of Junagadh opted for Pakistan, but the majority opposed his decision.

Shamaldas won Junagadh with a people's agitation led by a force called Arzi Hukumat (Temporary Government) on November 9, 1947.

In an interview to journalist Sheela Bhatt, LK Advani described how home minister Sardar Patel was sent a telegram by Shamaldas and SN Bhutto, diwan of Junagadh and father of ZA Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan. When news reached from Bhutto, diwan of the nawab, that the Indian army had been invited into Junagadh, Patel's face lit up. Addressing members of the Congressled Junagadh Corporation, among other citizens, the Sardar dwelt on the day when the Nawab panicked and crossed the border.

An impressive statesman, Shamaldas formed a semi government of sorts in Junagadh, with a council headed by himself as chief minister, and Dayashankar Dave and Pushpaben Mehta as cabinet ministers.

Junagadh remained a centrally administered province

till 1949 when it merged with Saurashtra as part of the Indian Union. After the Mahagujarat Andolan and Samyukta Maharashtra movement, on May 1, 1960, Dr Jivraj Mehta assumed office as the first chief minister of Gujarat state.

About 20 minutes from St Xavier's College, towards Kala Ghoda, winds a path commemorating another illustrious Gandhi. This lane behind Rhythm House is VB Gandhi Road, in the heart of a tony part of town awash in fashion design hubs, art galleries and swish cafes. The narrow alley, honouring Dr Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi (18961969), holds a heritage piece de resistance of the Jews, who contributed so generously to Bombay - the 1884 Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, built in the classical revival tradition by the philanthropic Sassoon family.

Born to a vegetable vendor from the Vaishya Vani trading community of the Konkan, Vithal Gandhi bravely beat poverty to emerge an admired social reformer, political figure and self-made businessman.

He came to be called the "American Gandhi" because he returned to serve the masses following education abroad. Schooling in Ratnagiri, he finished matriculation in Bombay and attended Wilson College, to which he would walk from his Girgaum home, unable to afford the cheapest tram fare. He funded his fees by tutoring fellow students of a generation that was exhorted, "Rise up young In-

Learn to Appreciate The Ship of Friendship A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.

The two survivors who have been a good friends, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survi-

Patna High Court struck down Prohibition. Ironically, it was the same day that the HC was taken to task by the Supreme Court for releasing criminal-politician Mohd Shahabuddin on bail. Shahabuddin, about whom Ranjan wrote extensively before he was killed, is being tried in 11 murder

Nitish may not be in the wrong, but this back-andforth on both issues has only clouded perceptions of him as an administrator (though he is likely still very efficient). Nitish, insecure of whether Lalu is working the wheels within wheels, went and had a photo-op with the PM, just to keep everyone on their toes. Regardless of its impact on Lalu, Nitish's stock with other regional CMs has dropped, as has his chances of heading a federal front. This will cheer Modi. .

As for Amma: the Tamil Nadu police have apparently filed a case against a woman in France for social media rumour-mongering about Amma's health. She has been at Apollo Hospital - incidentally, where her mentor MG Ramachandran died - since September 22; for fever and dehydration, which is ordinarily treatable in a day or two. No one has

vor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were

given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his

wife and decided to leave the second man on the island.

He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings."

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered"

dia, you are inferior to none", by communist sympathiser Amrit Dange and intellectuals like Ashok Mehta who went on to chair the Praja Socialist Party.

Pitched into the nationalist struggle, Chowpatty beach became a hub of revolutionary meetings and exchange of radical views.

Vithal played an editorial role at Young India, the journal founded by Lala Lajpat Rai, who saw spark and promise in him. On Lalaji's advice, he sailed off in 1920 on the steamship Adriatic for a Master's degree in economics at Columbia University.

Back in the country, Vithal stayed close to some of its greatest patriots even as he embarked on a venture dealing in medical products and radio accessories. It became established as one of the country's earliest corporations: American Products Company Ltd. He was gifted a watch inscribed by his US creditors, appreciative of his ethical repaying of every single penny in spite of the Great Depression. An entrepreneur with his vision alone could finally steer his pharmaceutical company, USV, to pioneering heights in diabetes treatment and ranked among the top 20 in the industry.

As a municipal corporator Vithal was actively involved in the 1948 takeover of BEST from the British and execution of the State Transport networks. Voted mayor of Bombay and then Member of Parliament, he proved pivotal to implementing several laws and

practices we take for granted today. A charming contribution he made to the life of the common man was the idea that our taxis be painted black topped with yellow - the ubiquitous kaali peeli selected for yellow being an easily spotted colour and black for low maintenance. His suggestion caught Nehru's fancy immediately. And the rest is travel history.

More than a century before VB Gandhi and his comrades congregated at Chowpatty with such fervour, Modi Sorabji Vatcha Gandhi (1778-1857) was inspired by balmy breezes wafting over exactly those salubrious sands.

Surveying the pleasant scene one evening, he announced to friends gathered that he intended to build a place of worship close to these pleasant acres.

I sit in a cool inner hall of the Vatcha Gandhi Agiary on Hughes Road with its panthak (head priest), Ervad Aspandiar Rustomji Dadachanji. The fragrance of sandalwood wafts in sweet waves reaching the garden walls outside while he kindly reads to me from a notepad with jottings he has written in Gujarati about the benefactor of this fire temple.

The legacy of Bombay's fire temples parallels the catapulting of the city as India's financial centre.

Those were the days in which successful sethias and merchants gave unstintingly back to a city that had earned them their fortune. Ship chandler and gun carriage factory manu-

stated the cause. A London specialist in multiple organ failure and critical care flew in. Posters have mysteriously appeared around Chennai from supporters threatening suicide if she's not publicly shown immediately. Residents have stocked up on supplies, remembering that after MGR died, his cadre's grief led to widespread violence. DMK supremo M Karunanidhi even asked the acting Governor to step in, which he did: according to an official release, he went to her room and looked at her.

Amma is Modi's friend and pillar, but, in the last elections she showed some Delhi ambition (her state controls 40 MPs). In 2019, she can play a key role in a fractured Parliament. Beyond her, one sees nothing but churn in state politics, as Karunanidhi himself is at least 93. His son Stalin is a 60ish dud. Rajnikanth missed his window of opportunity. In TN, therefore, there isn't going to be a leader who can pose an obstacle to Modi's second term. No wonder Modi's been smiling this past week.

Though in politics, as in life, you never know what next week will bring.

facturer Sorabji was no exception. Though he lost little time in initiating the construction, Sorabji passed away in the year of the first war of Independence. His three sons decided to go ahead with realising his dream, and the agiary was completed and consecrated on February 8, 1858.

Community historian Marzban Giara shares that Sorabji was the great-greatgrandson of Modi Hirji Vatcha Gandhi from Surat, who bequeathed the Zoroastrians of Bombay their first open-to-the-sky dakhma, or Tower of Silence, to dispose the dead.

This was in 1672 at the Doongerwadi, whose green grounds slope trellises across the street from where Hirji's descendant was to later build the Vatcha Gandhi Agiary. Five more dakhmas were added till 1800, in those jungles of roaming hyenas and jackals... where peacocks still dance at dawn to the sonorous chant of fourth-day uthamna prayers.

A year after introducing the dakhma, Hirji had actually also constructed the city's earliest agiary at Fort.

It was reduced to rubble by the terrible fire of February 1803 which destroyed over one-third of Bombay's structures. By default, another agiary built behind Flora Fountain in June 1709 - Banaji Limji Agiary - is now the oldest surviving.

Dubbed Kote ni Agiary, or "fire temple of the Fort", it is often called Bakri Agiary, as goats always gently graze in the courtyard here.

Shabby Railways Sir, Modern age shows us, how we can maintain the sheen outside to attract others and how shabby we are inwardly. Many poor romantic young boys are instrumental in tying the nuptial knots showing bikes, resplendent dress with girls from middleclass/ rich families. Even talented girls are entrapped by the sheen maintained by romantic poor boys. This is exactly what we try to pinpoint. Suresh Prabhu, the Union Railway Minister, recently paid a visit to the Dibrugarh Railway station (Old) and naturally the station received a spectacular facelift in honour of the visit which is still maintained by the authority as the platforms wear a clean look. One visiting the station would be under the impression that the Railways uphold our Prime-minister's mission, 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' in letter and spirit.

But one will be flabbergasted to note the shabby precincts well within the station towards Santipara Railway-gate, Garbage is dumped not only by the Railway authority but also the neighbouring businessmen, the vegetable vendors litter the areas to such an extent that all the commuters, particularly pedestrians have to experience foul, nauseating smell emanating therefrom. The area, one of the busiest thoroughfares of Dibrugarh fraught with commuters, throughout the day. One cannot pass the area without holding one's nose. We fail to understand, why at all the Indian Railways maintains the sheen outside, is shabby inside. We appeal to the Railway authority to take appropriate steps to do away with the nuisance.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

REST OF

PAGE 7

NORTHEAST Governor wields broom at Iewduh Bomb blast rocks village

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

Agencies Shillong, Oct 3: The second anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan saw Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan wielding the broom at Iewduh (Bara Bazaar), which is infamous for the filth and heaps of garbage.

In a function held to mark the occasion at Iewduh, Khlieh Iew, here on Sunday, Shanmuganathan not only led from the front as far as the cleaning job was concerned but also implored people to contribute to the cause of cleanliness.

He felt that to maintain cleanliness people’s cooperation was a must. “It is all about cleaning the mind. Every Indian must be pure in his thoughts and actions,” he said.

Sharing his experience Shanmuganathan said that markets outside the country are clean and well

Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan takes part in a cleanliness drive at Iewduh (Bara Bazar) to mark the second anniversary of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on Sunday. looked after and he observed that Iewduh, being a traditional market, can attract tourists if people here take the responsibility of improving the look of the market.

Stating that Meghalaya, which boasts of Mawlynnong, is already ahead in terms of cleanliness, the Governor said Iewduh can be made clean by following in the foot-

steps of the villagers who catapulted Mawlynnong to the global map.

“Iewduh can be the cleanest market in the entire country. If we can make Mawlynnong as one (of the cleanest village) then why not Iewduh,” the Governor said.

Meanwhile, Urban Affairs Minister Ronnie V. Lyngdoh termed the Governor’s visit to Iewduh as historic. He lamented that the littering in and around the traditional market does not give a good impression of the State.

Among other dignitaries present were Roshan Warjri, Health and Family Minister, H. Lyngdoh, Executive Member in charge of Market, Y. Tsering, Additional Chief Secretary, P. S. Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, H. M. Shangpliang, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, M.

Kharkrang, SP, East Khasi Hills, Paiem Ricky Nelson Syiem, Syiem Hima Mylliem.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Engineering department observed the Swachh Bharat Mission at Sacred Groves, Mawphlang, where the governor was the Chief Guest.

Iewduh a hub of activities Meanwhile, within a span of a week, several VVIPs have lined up in Iewduh.

It all started with Urban Affairs Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh’s inspection on September 26.

Again, for the first time Chief Minister Mukul Sangma visited Iewduh on September 29 where he negotiated through the narrow lanes and bylanes of the market.

And finally on Sunday the Governor was a visitor to the place.

One in every four men in Seven saved Aizawl facing cancer threat from drowning Northeastern state is tobacco use.

Zomawia, quoting the PBCR, said cancer killed on an average 725 persons every year in Mizoram, which has a population of around 11 lakh.

One in every four men in Aizawl facing cancer threat

IANS Aizawl, Oct 3: Men in Mizoram's capital Aizawl have much higher probability of developing cancer than their counterparts in any other part of the country, an official said here on Monday.

According to the Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCR), the probability of contracting any type of cancer in a lifetime (up to 74 years of age) is one in four males in Aizawl against one in seven to

eight men in important cities in India.

"Probability of contracting cancer among females in Aizawl is one in five persons, whereas it is one in eight in Mumbai, one in seven in Delhi," Eric Zomawia, Mizoram nodal officer of cancer and principal investigator for PBCR, told reporters.

As Mizoram tops all other states in India in tobacco consumption, the PBCR found that the major source of cancer in this

Traders’ rescue: Demand for AFSPA in GH Agencies Tura, Oct 3: The Assam-Meghalaya Peace Forum has urged Meghalaya police to double their efforts to rescue the eight traders who are still in the custody of Garo rebels belonging to the ASAK outfit even as it demanded the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Garo Hills.

Moniruz Zaman Moni, chief convener of the forum that is headquartered in Haat Singimari town of South Salmara, met West Garo Hills SP Mukesh Singh in Tura on Saturday. “We conveyed our demands to the Meghalaya police in a meeting with the Tura SP to ensure that all steps are taken for the rescue of the traders,” Moni told the media.

A delegation of the forum had accompanied South Salmara Additional SP Dhrubajyoti Bora and an army team to Tura to bring back 50-year-old Saher Ali, one of the nine abducted traders, who managed to escape on Friday morning from the militants in remote

Chokpot region of South Garo Hills.

The ASAK outfit is reportedly demanding Rs 20 lakh for the release of the eight Assam traders who belong to Mankachar town of Dhubri district.

The peace forum is also seeking imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the troubled region to contain the rising crime and abduction.

“The common man on both sides of the interstate border is suffering because of kidnaps and murders. These crimes need to be stopped and AFSPA must be imposed,” said Moni.

The forum is also asking Meghalaya Government to provide compensation to the families whose loved ones have been killed by both criminals and militants alike.

On the reasons for traders still going into militantaffected areas, Moni said, “It is because of their economic condition that they are compelled to visit sensitive places to make a living by selling their goods and earn some money for their families.”

There were 4,656 new cases of cancer, including 2,089 among females, reported between 2012 and 2014, confirming that, on an average, there were 1,552 new cancer cases per year in the state, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh.

According to Aizawl PBCR, as many as 2,176 people died of various types of cancers in three years till 2014. Of the 2,176 cancer victims in three years (2012-2014), 830 were females and 1,346 males.

There are 29 PBCRs in the country with 11 of them in the northeast region, comprising eight states.

HC to take up education scam case today Agencies Shillong, Oct 3: The High Court of Meghalaya will take up the education scam case on Monday amid reports of the State Government misleading the Supreme Court through an interlocutory petition claiming that the CBI had already acted upon the previous FIR in connection with the matter.

It was after the police failed to act promptly that CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing, who had filed the FIR against persons involved in the education scam, sought the intervention of the High Court for a CBI probe into the matter that will be decided by the Court.

Earlier, the CBI had limited its inquiry based on the order of erstwhile Shillong Bench of the High Court, which took up writ petitions of the affected candidates, and the investigating agency did not probe the FIR. Last week, the state government filed an affidavit before the High Court stating that the cases pending in the High Court and the Supreme Court are identical. It also claimed that the FIR filed by Kharshiing was probed by CBI. Kharshiing wanted a CBI probe to examine the criminal angle in the education scam aimed at taking action against the guilty as the police had not acted promptly.

While the earlier CBI inquiry was not on the FIR lodged with the police, the case pending in the Supreme Court is related to the formation of the High Level Scrutiny Committee which segregated the ‘tainted and non-tainted teachers’ after the probe report was submitted to the Court by the CBI. Both Kharshiing and her lawyer N. Syngkon have reiterated that the special leave petition pending before the Supreme Court is not identical with the case pending in the High Court.

Agencies Nongstoin, Oct 3: A joint team of Nongstoin police and Fire and Emergency Service personnel rescued as many as seven people, including a one-year-old baby, from drowning after they were stranded in the middle of River Porjalem (Phot Kynthei) here on Sunday.

S. Nongrem, station officer of Nongstoin Fire and Emergency Service, told media persons here that the victims were rescued after Nongstoin police informed that five persons were stranded on a boulder in the middle of the river at Porjalem. After rescuing the victims, the team noticed two more persons crying for from a small patch of land. The emergency service swung into action once again to bring the duo to safety.

The seven persons have

been identified as Twistiful Shangdiar (38), Tiewlili Shangdiar (18), Phran Thongni (22), Kolondar Thongni (26) and the baby from Siejlieh village in Nongstoin, and Firstmonrose Lyngdoh (20) and Kyrpang Myrthong (23) of Dilingiem village.

The victims had gone to wash clothes in the river when there was a sudden rise in the water level. “We thank all the members of the rescue team for saving our lives,” said Twistiful.

Talking about the manpower crisis faced by the Fire and Emergency Service in the area and poor infrastructure, Nongrem said, “During emergencies, we have to risk our lives to ensure safety of the public,” he said and added that the office has only two life jackets.

Chavang Kut to be held from Oct 30

near Myanmar border

IANS Imphal, Oct 3: A powerful bomb was detonated along the ManipurMyanmar boundary, near a Muslim village, officials said on Monday.

Official sources said the blast took place near boundary pillar No.79 at 8 p.m. on Sunday, hardly 40 metres from a Muslim village.

Soon after the blast, the police and Assam Rifles troopers rushed to make investigation.

No arrest was made.

There has been no claim from any underground

Bomb blast rocks village near Myanmar border organisation either.

The police said the motive behind the blast is yet unclear.

Some villagers said, "We

feared more blasts and exchange of fire. Most of us fled towards the town to stay in the houses of relatives and friends."

Bangla cooperation limits Centre’s role Agencies Shillong, Oct 3: The surgical strikes by India on the terror pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) have brought the focus on Bangladesh, which, however, was prompt in taking steps to weed out Northeast militants from its soil.

The Bangladesh authorities’ alacrity and tough action against militants from the North East has resulted in dwindling makeshift camps of the insurgents in the neighbouring country, official sources said on Sunday.

With the improved relationship between India and Bangladesh, the situation is different compared to Pakistan as for the last 10 years, the number of camps of Northeast militants has drastically reduced from over 150.

In the past, there used to be continuous denial on the part of Bangladesh on the existence of Northeast militants on its soil, but this was contradicted by surrendered militants who had taken shelter in the neighbouring country.

Moreover, the BSF had shared details of militant camps with Bangladesh which acted promptly.

The Bangladesh authorities continue to carry out operations against militants from the North East tak-

ing shelter in the neighbouring country, the State police and the BSF have confirmed.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had on Friday hinted at the need for India to take similar steps like the one in POK to neutralise militants from the North East taking shelter in Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.

However, the security forces have a different view on the matter as Bangladesh is taking proactive steps in dealing with the militants compared to Pakistan.

“The case of attack by India on the terror pads in Pakistan is different from that of Bangladesh, and in fact, Bangladesh authorities have been taking action against the Northeast insurgents on its soil,” a BSF official said.

The official added that with the frequent vigil by both the personnel of Border Guard Bangladesh and BSF, there is considerable check on the anti-India forces along the border and the neighbouring country.

According to the official, from hundreds of camps of Northeast militants, which existed in Bangladesh several years ago, currently there are only a few hideouts in the neighbouring country.

However, there were reports in the past that some Tripura and Meghalayabased militant camps still exist in Bangladesh.

“Based on inputs, we regularly take up the matter with our counterparts in Bangladesh during our periodic meetings to take action against militants and criminals holed up in the neighbouring country,” the official added.

As per the BSF sources, the hideouts of HNLC in Bangladesh include Pucthichera and Phanai Punaee in Moulavi Bazar area (Rest camp) and two transit camps, one at Nunachera also under Moulavi Bazar area and another at Bulsuri under Rangmati area (Transit camp).

Other training camps include Arusumer in Chittagong Hills Tract and Islapunjee and Noonchera in Moulavi Bazar.

Besides, the Tripura-based militants had also set up temporary camps in Chittagong Hills Tract.

However, the BSF and police sources said the difficulty in tracking the HNLC cadres who are few in number in Bangladesh is that they have mingled with the border population besides engaging themselves as workers in betel nut plantations.

Rally for KV rape victims to be held Chavang Kut to be held from Oct 30 Agencies Kohima, Oct 3: The Chavang Kut, the biggest festival of the Kukis in the Northeast, will be celebrated from October 30 and continue till November 1.

“The three days of thanksgiving celebration will see a sea gathering of Kuki tribes in India and kindred KukiManasseh brethren from beyond the borders of Manipur, such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland and from other parts of India; also expected is bigger participation from brethren from Myanmar, Bangladesh” the organising committee, headed by Chinkholal Thangsing, said in a statement.

The Chavang Kut 2016 (Celebration of Brotherhood) will be celebrated with the theme “BIGGER, BETTER, STRONGER” at Peace ground, Churachandpur, Manipur, according to the celebration committee.

The committee aims to make this year’s celebration a "bigger and better event that will further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood of the Kuki-Manasseh groups in South East Asia".

The festival will have sharing of vision, sparks of wisdom from leaders of the various kindred groups who shared the same ancestry, the statement added.

Agencies Shillong, Oct 3: Members of several pressure groups and civil societies in Garo Hills will hold a rally on Tuesday in protest against the rape of two high school students of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Tura.

The members of GSU, FAF, FKJGP, ADE and AYWO, in a letter to Minister in charge of School Education and Literacy Deborah C. Marak, condemned the incident saying sexual abuse of minors is a “serious issue” and the accused must be “severely punished”.

The groups also condemned the female teacher at KV Tura for “diluting facts” and putting pressure on the girls to keep the matter under wraps. “We urge you to ensure that justice is meted out (to the victims) and corrective measures are taken. We do not make these demands lightly because we will continue to agitate till the victims get justice. We

will not be patient if the accused teachers come back to teach the students,” said a statement issued on Sunday.

Talking about the role of the CRPF officer, R.K Behera, they said the man, though not directly involved in sexually abusing the girl, had helped the other accused.

However, in a statement issued here on Sunday, Behera, who is one of the members of the Vidyalaya Management Committee, while denying any role in the episode, said he got a call from acting principal Yogesh Joshi around 2pm on September 29.

“He told me he was in big trouble and urged me to come to the school. I was going to have lunch, but thought it would be an urgent matter related to the ongoing examinations at the Vidyalaya. So I went to the school with an officer, S.K Yadav, Inspector Rajkumar, Head Constable (GD) Dinesh and HC/DVR Rajeev in a vehicle pro-

vided by the civil police,” he said.

Behera’s daughter is also a student of the school and studies in Class IX. He further said on reaching the school, Joshi told him that both he (Joshi) and Deepjyoti Das, another accused, were framed in a sexual harassment case.

“After that, SI B. Thapa came to the spot and I prepared to leave for office. “But the students had by then closed the main gate. So I told them that I did not come here to help Joshi but to help them and my daughter who is in this school,” Behera said on Sunday.

However, the pressure groups on Sunday raised some pertinent questions like why a few students were asked to come to the teachers’ quarters for a birthday party and why not the entire class was invited. Why was the birthday of the acting principal not celebrated in the classroom.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

INTERNATIONAL

PAGE 8

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif consults Pak, India NSAs talk over phone, opposition after surgical strike by India agree to reduce tension: Aziz

Pakistan and India have been engaged in the war of words after surgical strikes by India last week.

Islamabad, Oct 3: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday chaired a special meeting of all parliamentary leaders to evolve a united stand and response in the wake of surgical strikes by India on terror launching pads across the LoC. Pakistan and India have been engaged in the war of words after surgical strikes by India last week.

Pakistan has denied India's claim of surgical strikes and termed it crsoss-border firing. Radio Pakistan reported that Sharif chaired the important meeting of all parliamentary leaders in capital Islamabad.

"The Prime Minister will take the political leaders into confidence about the developing situation at the

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif eastern border in the wake of blistering statements from the Indian leadership," it reported.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry briefed the meeting about the latest situation in Kashmir

and the Line of Control.

Imran Khan, who is protesting to remove the prime minister over alleged corruption, skipped the meeting but his party was represented by former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.(PTI)

Taliban launch fresh attack on Afghan city of Kunduz was continuing on the outskirts of the city.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban had captured several checkpoints in the city.

"A massive operation started on Kunduz capital from four directions early this morning," Mr Mujahid said via his official Twitter account.

Officials said that Afghan forces repelled the night-time attack

The capture of Kunduz by the Taliban last September was a huge blow to the country's Western-backed government. The militants abandoned the city after four days but they had proved their growing capability.

The group raided Tarin Kot, the provincial capital of Uruzgan, earlier this month.

Afghan government forces are estimated to have control over no more than two-thirds of Afghanistan.

The attacks come ahead of a major international donor conference in Brussels on Tuesday, where Afghanistan's international partners will discuss ongoing funding for the country.(PTI)

Kabul, Oct 3: The militants attacked from four sides of the city in the middle of the night.

Mahmood Danish, spokesman for the provincial governor, said Afghan forces had repelled the attack.

Kunduz was briefly captured by the Taliban last September - the first time the insurgents had taken a major city - but government forces, backed by Nato, recaptured it within days.

In southern Helmand province, militants have

also taken a strategically important district to the south of Lashkar Gah, killing the local police chief, officials say.

A number of other police casualties were also reported.

Four killed in landslides in China

China opens desalination plant in South China Sea islands

Beijing, Oct 3 : At least four persons, including an elderly woman, have been killed and another injured when a landslide buried two buildings in northwest China's Gansu province.

The landslide which hit the area yesterday destroyed two low-rise residential houses in Wudu District, Longnan City, the district government said.

More than 200 rescuers pulled out five people from the debris of one building as the search efforts ended this yesterday.

A 75-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man died immediately. Two of the other three injured people were in a serious condition and died despite treatment.

Earlier thirteen people were killed and 29 others listed missing in heavy rain and landslides afterTyphoon Megi devastated parts of China in the last few days.(PTI)

Residents in Kunduz told the BBC they heard heavy fighting and helicopters flying over the strategically important city.

Mohammadullah Bahej, head of the police co-ordination office in Kunduz, said the militants had been pushed back but fighting

Beijing, Oct 3 : Firming up its hold over the disputed South China Sea, China has established a desalination plant in Sansha city, a prefecture-level city formed in 2012 to administer a number of islands and atolls including those claimed

by Beijings maritime neighbours in the area.

A 1,000-tonne-a-day desalination plant was put into use on Yongxing Island of Sansha City, to meet the fresh water need of people on the island, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The new facility, which was officially commissioned on Saturday, is capable of treating 1,000 tonnes of seawater per day and 700 tonnes of processed water is directly drinkable.

Currently, the desalination equipment on Yongxing Island can process 1,800 tonnes of seawater per day.

It was essential to support a large infrastructure development including settlements, specially that of fishermen.

Sansha City was officially established in 2012 to administer the a host of disputed islands, including the Spratly Islands which are a disputed group of 14 islands, islets and more than 100 reefs.

China has already developed the area with schools, offices and other administrative infrastructure headed by local government.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan contested Beijings claims over the area.

An international tribunal formed following the Philippines petition has struck down Chinas historic claims.

Beijing, however, rejected the verdict and continues to consolidate its hold over the area. (PTI)

Islamabad, Oct 3 : Pakistan and India have agreed to reduce tensions after their National Security Advisors spoke over phone, top Pakistani diplomat Sartaj Aziz said today about the first such contact after the Uri attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC. Aziz said a contact was established between India's NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Nasir Janjua after recent tension between the two countries on the Line of

Control (LoC).

They agreed to reduce tensions on the LoC, Aziz said about the contact between the two NSAs for the first time after the September 18 Uri terror attack

by Pakistani militants that soured ties.

"Pakistan wants to reduce tensions on LoC and focus on Kashmir," Geo News quoted him as saying.

He said that India wants to divert the world's attention from Kashmir by escalating tensions.

Last week, Indian Army

Sartaj Aziz carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC in

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists waiting

Saudi Arabia abandons Islamic calendar for govt pay Riyadh, Oct 3: Saudi government workers will be paid according to the Gregorian calendar instead of the Islamic Hijri calendar, making the working month longer as part of cost-cutting measures, newspapers reported on Monday.

HIGHLIGHTS Saudi government workers will be paid according to Gregorian calendar.

This will make working months longer for Saudi workers.

Saudi Arabia is cutting government spending due to falling oil prices.

The change, approved by cabinet last week, brings civil service pay in line with the government's January-December fiscal year, the Arab News and Saudi Gazette reported.

years of the global oil price which provided most of its revenue.

The reports said the latest austerity measure took effect on October 1.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, is cutting government spending and re-orienting its economy after a collapse over the past two

The Hijri calendar consists of 12 months of 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon, meaning the Islamic year is several days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used in the world.

Last week, cabinet also

A file picture of Saudi men at a mosque.

cut by 20 per cent the salaries of ministers and froze the wages of lower-ranked civil servants.

Almost twice as many Saudis are employed in the bloated public sector - where hours are shorter and leave longer - than in private firms.

In April, the king's son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong to kickstart fiveday India trip today

announced the wideranging Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy.

Among its goals, Vision 2030 aims to boost private sector employment, cutting the government payroll to 40 percent of the budget from 45 percent by 2020.

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device. (PTI)

to sneak into India.

The surgical strikes came days after Pakistani terrorists stormed an Army camp in Kashmir's Uri, killing 19 soldiers.

Pakistan has denied that the surgical strikes took place on Thursday and have called it "cross-border" firing.

Talking about Sharif's recent US visit, Aziz said the Prime Minister had explained to the world leaders that incidents of border tensions would continue between both countries without the resolution of Kashmir dispute.(PTI)

Russian intelligence says it detained Ukrainian spy Moscow, Oct 3: The Russian intelligence agency FSB says it has detained a Ukrainian journalist who is suspected of spying in Russia.

The FSB claimed in a statement on Monday that Roman Sushchenko is an officer with the Ukrainian military intelligence who has been collecting information about the Russian Armed Forces.

The reporter's employer, Ukrinform, said early on Monday that Sushchenko has been working for them since 2002 and was based in Paris the past couple of years. Ukrinform said Sushchenko was in Moscow last week on a private visit and disappeared on Friday before surfacing in a Moscow jail.

A Russian state news television station onMonday showed images of a disheveled Sushchenko being led by masked men to an interrogation room.(PTI)

Donald Trump mocks Hillary Clinton's illness, mimics her collapsing

The Singaporean Prime Minister would be accompanied by his wife Ho Ching, a number of key Ministers and senior officials.

Beijing, Oct 3: Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong will arrive in India today on a five-day visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties in a range of areas including trade and investment.

The Singaporean Prime Minister would be accompanied by his wife Ho Ching, a number of key Ministers and senior officials.

During the visit, he will be hosted for lunch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders will hold bilateral talks to explore ways to bolster ties between the two countries.

Both leaders will tomorrow witness the exchange of an MOU on cooperation in industrial property between the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, and Singapore's Intellectual Property Office.

BILATERAL TIES Besides that, two more MOUs will be exchanged on cooperation on establishment of a North East Skills Centre in Assam between the Assam Government and the Institute of Technical Education Education Services, and cooperation in skills development between the National Skill

Development Corporation and Singapore's Institute of Technical Education Education Services.

Lee will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee and attend a reception for Singaporeans based in India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on the Prime Minister of Singapore.

The Prime Minister of Singapore's delegation would include Minister of Trade and Industry S Iswaran, Acting Minister of Education and Senior Minister of State for Defence, Ong Ye Kung, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Maliki Bin Osman, the External Affairs Ministry said.

Members of Parliament Denise Phua and Vikram Nair will also be part of the delegation.

INDIA-SINGAPORE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP The Prime Minister of Singapore will also visit Udaipur in Rajasthan on October 5-6. State Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will call upon him and also host the Singapore Prime Minis-

HIGHLIGHTS Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong on five-day visit to India.

PM Narendra Modito hold bilateral talks with PM Loong.

PM Loong will also visit Udaipur in Rajasthan.

ter to a lunch.

During his visit to Udaipur, Lee will attend the launch of Centre of Excellence for Tourism Training as part of skills development collaboration under the IndiaSingapore Strategic Partnership signed in November 2015.

Besides that, he will also witness the signing of an MOU on cooperation on tourism and urban solutions between Rajasthan Government and Singapore's International Enterprise.

An agreement on a Capacity Building Programme in tourism and hospitality between the state government and Singapore's Cooperation Enterprise will also be signed.

He last visited India in December 2012 to attend the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.

Donald Trump New York, Oct 3: In yet another controversial campaign move, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump openly mocked Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for her bout of pneumonia several weeks ago and then imitated her collapsing.

"Here's a woman, she's supposed to fight all these different things and she can't make it 15 feet to her car. Give me a break," he said at his event in Manheim, Pennsylvania, mimicking a stumble after he was done.

"She's home resting right now, she's getting ready for her next speech, which is going to be about 15 minutes and it's going to be in two or three days," he was quoted as saying by media reports.

When Clinton famously collapsed at the 9/11 memorial, from what her doctor suggested was an episode of walking pneumonia, Trump had stayed quiet. He had even wished her well.

But as his campaign has hit a rough patch, he has

dispensed with any such magnanimity.

A few days ago in Iowa, he made fun of her for the fall, saying Clinton takes "all those days off" and then "she can't even make it to her car".

On Saturday night, he actually acted out his taunting. The Republican has said he plans to be "even nastier" about former president Bill Clinton's affairs to "unnerve" Clinton in the next presidential debate. "She's nasty, but I can be nastier than she ever can be," he had said.

Last year, Trump had mocked a journalist's physical disability during a campaign rally, drawing rebuke from many.

Trump had berated New York Times investigative reporter Serge Kovaleski for his recollection of an article he had written a few days after the 9/11 attacks.

Trump had mock Kovaleski's physical condition. The reporter had arthrogryposis, which visibly limits flexibility in his arms.(PTI)

EDUCATION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

PAGE 9

Top 10 Tips for Utilizing 10 Tips to Help You Tune Out Distractions and Focus on Your Studies Time More Efficiently these activities are part of your higher purpose. Start saying NO5 to activities that complicate your schedule, suck up your time, and create stress. On the other hand say YES to activities that simplify your life, reduce stress, and create more time.

Set reminders

Whether you are a student or already in the workforce, various distractions pose a serious threat to your learning productivity. While a couple of minutes here and there spent on social media or other activities seems innocuous at first, the amount of time you actually spend on things that are not essential to your studies add up yearly to precious hours — maybe even days — that you could have otherwise spent productively on your learning tasks. In fact, a 2005 Basex study cites that U.S. businesses lose $588 billion per year due to interruptions.1 On a smaller scale, diversions such as games and social media represent major roadblocks to skill acquisition and mastery.

To help you tune out the noise and focus on your studies, we’ve put together this helpful list of tricks and tools.

Develop a routine and stick to it Whether we like it or not, we live in an ADHD world.

Without a set schedule, life can become chaotic rather quickly. To prevent chaos from overrunning your priorities, a Harvard Business Review article suggests adopting rituals in our daily and weekly routines.2 By closely following the rituals you have set, you can maintain focus and work better.

As you progress in your course work, you can evolve the rituals that make up your daily routines using different techniques and practices that work better for you.

Find the right place to study or work Picking the right place to study is crucial because it has a major influence on the efficiency of the learning process.3 While you might like to study in your room, you’ll easily be distracted

by TV, video games, or fashion magazines lying next to your bed. A coffee shop

might seem like a good option but it can be noisy at times, and if you live in a place like New York City, you’d be surprised at the amount of crazy people that cause commotions in public areas on a daily basis. Be sure to find a quiet and well lit place. If you are planning on spending long hours working or studying, it’s a good idea to make sure that your chair and desk are ergonomically designed for greater productivity. A bad physical setup can mess up both your posture and your work efficiency.

Turn off all electronic devices.

While we all love our tablets and smart phones, these gadgets expose us to a world of distractions. Ironi-

cally, many of these devices were meant to save us time but end up wasting valuable time instead.

For many people, cell phones have become a “new best friend” that enables them to see what everyone is up to, a highly appealing feature especially for people who lack real human connections.

Even if you aren’t actively trying to access your smart phone, you’ll be distracted by notifications, texts, and incoming calls.

The bottom line is that your mobile device is the enemy of productivity and you should declare your study space and time a gadget-free zone.

Establish priorities via the CEO & Worker Bee modes.

Our friend Chase Reeves from Fizzle has a great theory on working. He proposes that within all of us are two modes of action: our inner CEO and our inner Worker Bee. Your inner CEO is the planner. He or she strategizes, prioritizes what’s important and plans the day. When the CEO is done planning, your Worker Bee comes to life. This is your inner “task rabbit” that carries out the activities set by the CEO.

In that vein, we recommend keeping not one, but two to-do lists. One is a master list of all of your high level priorities, and the other would be your daily to-do list. If you love lists, then you might even want to consider a “Not To-Do” list, that tracks time-wasting activities you should avoid. There’s a couple of cool and useful apps that can help you track multiple to-do lists: Clear(Mac/iOS) and Wunderlist (PC/Android/iOS). You can then get your tasks done one at a time. Remember, multitasking is counterproductive4 despite what every job description says.

Don’t do it!

Visualize with paper.

In many contemporary classrooms and workplaces, tablets and computers are beginning to replace pen and paper for note-taking.

However, you are better off ditching the keyboard and writing out your notes by hand. It keeps you more engaged and provides a means for visualizing ideas, and questions.

Shut down other windows.

When taking any online course and especially when learning a digital skill like online marketing, program-

ming, graphic design and web development, it’s virtually impossible to avoid using your computer. While engaging course materials, studying, or practicing lesson concepts, it is of paramount importance to be diligent in blocking out the potential distractions that exist on your computer: news and entertainment sites, social media, video games, and instant messaging.

For those who lack the self control needed to ward off digital distractions, consider the following apps: Website blockers – Use SelfRestraint (PC) and SelfControl (Mac) to block distracting websites for predetermined blocks of time.

Software blockers – Concentrate and Think are two very cool apps (Mac) that help you eliminate distracting software on your desktop.

Time trackers – Rescue Time is an awesome app that runs behind the scenes and helps you figure out how you spend your time.

Productivity-enhancing tools – Adopt the pomorodo technique, a method of breaking up your work into 25 activity blocks that you can manage and rotate easily. There are a number of pomodoro apps to help you get this done.

Know when to say “No.” When you are learning something new and exciting, it’s easy to take on a lot of coursework, projects, and networking meetings that are relevant to what you are doing. Well and good, but doing so sometimes abruptly leads to situations wherein you find yourself intensely busy yet still facing the dilemma of whether to fit other related activities in your already tight schedule.

When taking on new work or meetings, make sure that

In any endeavor, it becomes very easy to forget stuff as you get busier and busier. If you are intensely involved in a project, for example, it often happens that you become so engrossed on what you are doing that you lose track of time and miss an appointment or an important phone call. Fortunately, Post-it and reminder apps exists. I am a big fan of physical Post-it’s but sometimes, even those fail to get the job done. If you are a Mac person, OS X and iOS have a simple yet effective Reminders app; otherwise, Remember the Milk is a great reminder app that works on any device.

Schedule distractions As the famous saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” The fact is, working without breaks will do far worse than making Jack dull. It can get him real tired and burned out on studying the subject, abruptly preventing further progress in his learning track. To avoid burnout, set regular breaks into your schedule and think of them as rewards for hard work. When practicing Pomodoro, you’ll have a brief five-minute break every 25 minutes but you should also plan larger breaks every 90 to 120 minutes throughout your day to keep you fresh and alert.

Make sure to also schedule “me” time or time with loved ones in the evenings and and on weekends.

Time is a priceless treasure. Treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. You cannot make six minutes out of five just because you managed your time effectively. Each day you are given the gift of a new day, 24 hours. Utilize it the best way possible and don't let it slip through your fingers. You cannot ever replace lost time. You can't buy time or save time; you can only spend time…once it's spent it's gone!

Prioritize Determine what's truly important to you. Schedule

to set targets that will lead you to achieving them more regularly. Setting goals may be very effective at raising your self-confidence by focusing on progress. In addition to having increased performance levels, goals will keep you more highly motivated.

Structure Your Day As individuals, we all have peak performance times. Learn when it's your best time for greatest productivity, quiet thinking, exercise, etc. and arrange your day accordingly to maximize your personal advantage.

Each person has an 'ideal'

in your home; it pays off in less wasted time searching for something you just can't seem to find. Over the years, studies have shown that people working with a messy desk or work area spend an average 1.5 hours per day looking for or being distracted by things (at just minutes at a time!) In addition, create a (centralized) list of what you want to get done. Manage the activities and projects you can control; clearly distinguish between what is and is not actionable. You can also group activities that can be done simultaneously or on the same trip out. The key

Reflect and adjust.

You will want to closely monitor yourself on a daily and weekly basis and make adjustments. You should regularly ask yourself the following questions. While these are related to your studies and how to better acquire new skills, you could just as well use them in any work or life situation.

What is my main goal?

What is my goal for the week?

What do I need to do today?

Where am I at the moment?

Is this technique/schedule/place/relationship/situation working?

Is it worth improving?

How can I improve it?

We hope you use these tips to improve your study and work efficiency.

those items and activities first and then schedule everything else around it to the extent you can (noting some things are scheduled at precise times and there is less flexibility). Don't cancel the important (not urgent) activities for any reason.

Plan Planning is a crucial skill when you want to accomplish something. However, it's often the first thing forgotten when things get hectic and busy. Planning magnifies time by providing direction and enhancing productivity. Life is simpler and easier when planned out.

Delegate Anything you're doing that could be handled by someone else could be delegated. If you look at your time in terms of dollars you can compute how much your time is actually worth.

Then, you may be more willing to delegate the more routine tasks, chores, etc. and free your time and energy for your top priorities and high-level work.

Set Goals (Have Strong Intentions/a Vision/Direction) Establish specific goals on a daily basis to help you decide what you want to achieve with your time and

work style that operates as a function of who they are, their body and personality type. Begin to understand and honor that style in you and you'll be more effective as a result.

Value Your Time If you demonstrate by your words, actions and commitments that your time is important to you, others will recognize how you value your time and will show more respect of it. On the other hand, if you don't value your time, don't expect anyone else to. By valuing your time, you are in essence valuing your self. One important thing to remember is that the only way others will respect your time is if YOU respect your time.

Replicate Yourself No, you cannot actually duplicate yourself or add more arms and legs but the fact is, you can find someone who is just as good as you in a given task. You can also automate or systematize some of your routine tasks. Replication is about increasing your results without expending more time and energy.

Get Organized Have a place for everything both in your office and

is to focus on about 6 activities you wish to accomplish at the start of each day and to keep your list manageable.

Become Fully Focused in the Moment By focusing on what you are doing you permit yourself to get absorbed in the activity, be more relaxed and increase your creativity.

Fact is, when you allow yourself to become totally focused on what you are doing at the moment, a freer flowing momentum occurs and you actually get the job done faster and easier. Be deliberate in how you use your time. Make the present perfect rather than splitting your attention.

Eliminate Time Wasters Yes, we all have them in our life---interruptions, distractions, poor planning, ineffective behaviors and attitudes, over-commitment, etc. Rather than letting time control you, take control of your time and your life by incorporating some of the tips listed above. Take personal responsibility for creating stronger boundaries and communicate them to your colleagues, bosses, significant others and family.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

NATION

Baramulla attack: Search operations called off, one jawan martyred

Forces giving befitting reply to Pakistanbased terror groups: Rajnath Singh

Baramulla attack: The army so far has not confirmed the death of any terrorist.

Srinagar, Oct 3: Search operation has been called off hours after terrorists, last night, attacked the battalion headquarters of 46 Rashtriya Rifles at stadium colony in North Kashmir's Baramulla. The terrorists are likely to have escaped taking advantage of night cover.

A BSF jawan was martyred while another has been injured in the attack. Top army and police officials are presently at the spot assessing the situation. The army and J&K police's Special Operations Group personnel conducted search operations in the area around the army camp. An injured jawan is undergoing treatment at the Rashtriya Rifles hospital. He's said to be out of danger.

"Terrorists tried to enter the camp but our forces retaliated and the terrorists

Baramulla attack: No firing took place post 1 am this morning. fled, search operations continue," IG BSF (Kashmir) Vikas Chandra said.

On Monday morning, army and police conducted searches in the houses in Gulnar park, stadium colony and Janbazpora. Officials said militants had manged to attack the camp late night.

The firing continued for three hours. However, after 1 am no firing has taken place.

The army so far has not confirmed the death of any terrorist. A senior official toldThe media that the terrorists may have escaped taking advantage of darkness. (Agencies)

Leh, Oct 3: Hours after terrorists attacked an Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said security forces were giving a "befitting reply" to such attempts by Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

"Our security forces are giving a befitting reply," he told reporters here when asked about the attacks on security forces by terrorists in the state.

The attack on the camp of 46 Rashtriya Rifles in Baramulla, which also houses a unit of the Border Security Force, started at around 10:30pm and repeated exchanges of fire ensued.

One BSF jawan was killed and one wounded when

PAGE 10

terrorists tried to enter the Army camp, Baramulla superintendent of police Imtiyaz Hussein said.

The first major attack on security forces by terrorists came four days after the Indian Army launched surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Sunday night's attack in Baramulla took place exactly a fortnight after terrorists struck at the Army brigade headquarters at Uri, killing 19 soldiers.

The home minister is on a two-day visit to Leh and Kargil to interact with a cross-section of people and take their suggestions on resolution of Kashmir issue.

Asked about his trip to Ladakh, Singh said he has

HIGHLIGHTS Rajnath said forces are giving "befitting reply" to Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

Terrorists on Sunday night attacked an army camp in Baramulla district.

Rajnath Singh come to understand the problems of the region by interacting with a cross section of people.

"Whatever problems the people face here, we will try to resolve them," he said.

This is Rajnath Sing 's fourth visit to Jammu and

Kashmir ever since the unrest began in the state following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8.

Singh had led an all-party delegation to Srinagar and Jammu on September 45.

The leaders of various

One BSF jawan was killed in the gunfight with terrorists. political leaders met over 400 people who came in 50 different delegations representing various sections of society in Srinagar and Jammu.

Earlier, the home minister had visited Srinagar on August 24-25 and July 2324.(PTI)

2 held with country- SP releases candidates list; Akhilesh made revolver Arvind Kejriwal salutes PM Modi Yadav 'unaware' of decision

for surgical strikes, urges to unmask Pak's false propaganda

In a video released by him, Arvind Kejriwal has not only lauded PM Modi for his actions but also strongly condemned the "false propaganda" being floated around by Pakistan.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in a still from the video New Delhi, Oct 3: In the aftermath of the Uri terror attack and the subsequent surgical strikes conducted by India across the LoC, political parties have come vehemently in support of the Indian army as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi took a major detour from his usual narrative and congratulated Prime Minister Modi for the "first action worthy of his stature". Now, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has come out in support of the Prime Minister.

In a video released by him, Arvind Kejriwal has not only lauded PM Modi

for his actions but also strongly condemned the "false propaganda" being floated around by Pakistan.

"Last week, our army bravely avenged the Uri attack - in which 20 soldiers were martyred - and entered the terrorist camps to conduct surgical strikes. I have hundreds of disagreements and contentions with the prime minister on various issues but the conviction that he has shown in this situation, I salute him for it," Kejriwal said.

He then lashed out at Pakistan saying it had lost all control after the surgical strikes and indulged in blatant false propaganda

against India. He describes how Pakistan is taking buses full of journalists to the spot where India claims to have conducted the surgical strikes and tries to oppose the claim by showing that life in the said area is going on as normal.

Emphasising that several international news organisations like BBC and the New York Times were running reports questioning the existence of such an operation by India, Kejriwal added that Pakistan is working hard to insult India on an international level.

"My blood boiled looking at this. The BBC, New York Times also questioned whether the surgical strikes actually happened? Pakistan is hell bent on tarnishing India's image. I appeal to the prime minister that just likes him, along with the army, answered strongly on land, they should also unmask the false propaganda being floated by Pakistan.

The way Pakistan is continuously calling us a liar that should also be challenged. The whole country is with you, we all are with you," he said.

He ended the video hailing the country. (PTI)

Jammu, Oct 3: Two persons were arrested and a country-made revolver was seized from their possession in Katra town of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district today.

Information about the presence of two suspicious persons in a guest house was received by the

police, following which it was raided and the duo was nabbed. A countrymade revolver was also seized from their possession, a police officer said.

They have been identified as Deepak and Gulab and booked under various sections of the Arms Act, he said. (PTI)

Geelani condemns killing of exsarpanch in Kashmir Srinagar Oct 3 : Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today condemned the killing of a former village headman by militants in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, saying it is "un-Islamic and inhuman" to kill an unarmed person.

"While condemning the murder of Fayaz Ahmad (ex-sarpanch) of Kandizal Kakpora Pulwama by unidentified gunmen, Geelani said it is un-Islamic and inhuman to kill any unarmed person without any

proper reason and this is unjustified," a spokesman of Geelani-led Hurriyat said in a statement.

The former village headman affiliated to oppositionNational Conference was shot dead by militants in his house at Kakapora yesterday.

While Geelani has been condemning killing of unarmed persons in the past, he has rarely raised his voice against killings of mainstream politicians and political workers. (PTI)

Baramulla attack: Terror and hatred can never succeed, says Rahul Gandhi

Vikas Yadav (left) and Nitish Katara (right) New Delhi, Oct 3: The Supreme Court Monday modified the jail terms for Vikas Yadav and Sukhdev Pehlwan in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, reducing them by five years each. Vikas will now have to undergo an imprisonment of 25 years without remission while Sukhdev will be jailed for at least 20

years.

A bench led by Justice Dipak Misra said that the Delhi High Court order of sentencing the duo to jail terms consecutively under charges of murder and for destruction of evidence shall be modified and the punishments shall rather run concurrently. Vikas was sentenced to 25 years in jail

The third convict in the case, Vishal Yadav hadn't appealed against the High Court order and he has to undergo 30 years in jail without remission.

Nitish Katara, a business executive was murdered by Vikas and Vishal over the victim's relationship with their sister Bharti. He was abducted from a marriage function in Ghaziabad and killed in February 2002.

Vikas is the son of influential Uttar Pradesh politician DP Yadav.(PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. been given ticket from Prayagpur seat of Bahraich, Aman Mani Tripathi, son of Amar Mani Tripathi, who is in jail in connection with poetess Madhumita murder case, has been given ticket from Nautanwa seat in Mahrajganj district, the SP state president said.

Subhash Rai from Jalalpur (Amebedkar Nagar), Mohd Irshad from Nakud (Saharanpur), Sanjay Yadav from Obra (Sonebhadra), Usha Verma from Sandi (Hardoi) are the others who were given SP tickets, he said. Besides them, the party state president also changed the candidates of 14 constituencies including that of Sardhana seat in Meerut, where Pintu Rana has been given the ticket instead of Akhilesh's close aide Atul Pradhan.

Pradhan, former state president of SP Chhatra Sabha is considered close to Akhilesh. He had fought the 2012 polls against BJP

Sangeet Som and ended up at the third place. The others who got the party tickets included Pakshalika Singh, who has replaced Vinod Kumar Sikarwar from Khairagarh seat, and Chandra Bhushan Singh Bundela alias Guddu Raja who replaced Jyoti Lodhi from Lalitpur.

Later today, a meeting was held at SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav's residence in which Ramgopal Yadav, Shivpal Yadav and Akhilesh were present. "There are no differences in the party over ticket distribution," Ramgopal said.

When asked about giving ticket to Aman Mani, Ramgopal said he was given a ticket in 2012 also.

On being asked about Akhilesh's ignorance about the latest round of ticket distribution, Ramgopal added, "It was the work of state president and there is nothing wrong in it."(Agencies)

BJP cancels Manohar Parrikar's felicitation in Goa following Baramulla attack

Nitish Katara murder case: SC modifies jail term for Vikas Yadav, Sukhdev Pehlwan under murder charge and another five years for destruction of evidence. Similarly, it was 20 years for Sukhdev for murder and an additional five years for destroying evidence.

The top court upheld the High Court order on specifying a minimum jail term without remission and said courts are empowered to do so.

Lucknow, Oct 3 : Earlier in the day, the ruling Samajwadi Party declared the candidates for nine Assembly seats besides changing the candidates of 14 constituencies ahead of the 2017 UP polls.

Moments after SP UP chief Shivpal Yadav announced candidates for nine Assembly seats besides changing the candidates of 14 constituencies today, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said he was "not aware" of the decision, while adding that candidates may be changed in future.

"I do not have any information..I am at present inaugurating this building..Tomorrow I will start metro work in Kanpur. In future, more candidates will be changed," he said at the sidelines of an event.

On being asked about giving party ticket to Aman Mani Tripathi, son of a murder accused, and refusing the ticket to Atul Pradhan, who is considered close to him from Sardhan (Meerut), Akhilesh said, "I have given up all my rights..All the rights are with people".

On being quizzed further over the issue, he said, "Now I can either be truthful or political. I cannot change some of my habits."Earlier in the day, the ruling Samajwadi Party declared the candidates for nine Assembly seats besides changing the candidates of 14 constituencies ahead of the 2017 UP polls.

While Congress 'turncoat' Mukesh Srivastava has

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

New Delhi, Oct 3: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday took to Twitter and condemned the terrorist attack on army base in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir during wee hours of Monday morning.

Rahul, in his tweet, said: "Strongly condemn the attack on the army base in Baramulla. Terror and hatred can never succeed against the courage and resolve of our brave hearts.

Rahul is currently in Uttar Pradesh leading a Kisan

Yatra to campaign for his party for the forthcoming assembly elections in 2017.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers as they defend and protect our country. Salute to the martyr who laid down his life," he added.

One Border Security Force (BSF) Jawan was martyred and another injured in the attack. The situation is currently under control. Search operations were conducted in the locality to look for presence of any other terrorists. (PTI)

Panaji, Oct 3 : In the wake of the militant strike on camps of the Army and the BSF in north Kashmir's Baramulla last night, the Goa unit of BJP on Monday said it has cancelled a felicitation ceremony of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikarwhich was scheduled on Tuesday.

"The felicitation, which was planned to be held on Tuesday (4 October), stands cancelled due to the terrorist attack on army base at Baramulla," BJP state unit president Vinay Tendulkar told PTI on Monday.

He added that the ceremony has not be postponed but cancelled altogether.

Stating that it was Parrikar's request to can-

cel the function, Tendulkar added that the BJP local unit too had decided last night not to go ahead with the event following the attack.

At least two terrorists and a BSF personnel were killed, while one BSF jawan was injured when militants attacked two adjoining camps of Army and the paramilitary force at Baramulla late last night.

BJP had decided to host public reception for Parrikar at Azad Maidan on Tuesday for the "successful surgical strikes" across the Line of Control (LoC). On Saturday, the party had announced that they would bring Parrikar in a procession from Dabolim airport to

Panaji.

BJP's decision had evoked strong reaction from different quarters, including party's ally Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) stating that such an event should not be held when our soldiers are braving militants on the border.

MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar had told reporters in Vasco that even Parrikar would not accept such a felicitation.

Newly-formed Goa Forward Party, which was the first one to oppose the felicitation, had cautioned BJP against politicising the efforts of brave soldiers.

Congress had also expressed its discontent with the planned programme. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

ENVIRONMENT

What is Pollution?

PAGE 11

Water management

decrease in quality of air leads to several respiratory problems including asthma or lung cancer.

Chest pain, congestion, throat inflammation, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease are some of diseases that can be causes by air pollution. Water pollution occurs due to contamination of water and may pose skin related problems including skin irritations and rashes.

Similarly, Noise pollution leads to hearing loss, stress and sleep As someone who started develop a uniform system of view groundwater and surhis professional career more data collection for all States face water in an integrated, disturbance.

Pollution, we hear it every other day at school, college and read about it in newspapers.

So what is it? Pollution occurs when pollutants contaminate the natural surroundings; which brings about changes that affect our normal lifestyles adversely. Pollutants are the key elements or components of pollution which are generally waste materials of different forms. Pollution disturbs our ecosystem and the balance in the environment. With modernization and development in our lives pollution has reached its

peak; giving rise to global warming and human illness.

coal burning; this releases sulphur dioxide into the air making it toxic. The effects of air pollution are evident too. Release of sulphur dioxide and hazardous gases into the air causes global warming and acid rain; which in turn have increased temperatures, erratic rains and droughts worldwide; making it tough for the animals to survive. We breathe in every polluted particle from the air; result is increase in asthma and cancer in the lungs.

cides, pesticides like DDT on plants pollutes the ground water system and oil spills in the oceans have caused irreparable damage to the water bodies. Eutrophication is another big source; it occurs due to daily activities like washing clothes, utensils near lakes, ponds or rivers; this forces detergents to go into water which blocks sunlight from penetrating, thus reducing oxygen and making it inhabitable.

Water pollution not only harms the aquatic beings but it also conWater Pollution has taminates the entire food chain by severely affecting humans dependent on these. Water-borne diseases like cholera, diarrhoea have also increased in all places.

taken toll of all the surviving species of the earth. Almost 60% of

proper nuclear waste disposal, accidents, etc.

It causes cancer, infertility, blindness, defects at the time of birth; can sterilise soil and affect air and water.

Thermal/heat pollution is due to the excess heat in the environment creating unwanted changes over long time periods; due to huge number of industrial plants,deforestation and air pollution. It increases the earth’s temperature, causing drastic climatic changes and extinction of wildlife.

Light pollution occurs due to prominent excess illumination of an area.

It is largely visible in big cities, on advertising boards and billboards, in sports or entertainment events at the night.

In residential areas the lives of the inhabitants is greatly affected by this. It also affects the astronomical observations and activities by making the stars almost invisible.

Soil pollution occurs due to incorporation of unwanted chemicals in the soil due to human activities. Use of insecticides and pesticides absorbs the nitrogen compounds from the soil making it unfit for plants to derive nutrition from. Release of Effects of Polindustrial waste, mining and deforestation also lution exploits the soil. Since plants can’t grow prop1. Environment Degerly, they can’t hold the radation : Environment soil and this leads to soil is the first casualty for

3. Global Warming : The emission of greenhouse gases particularly CO2 is leading to global warming. Every other day new industries are being set up, new vehicles come on roads and trees are cut to make way for new homes. All of them, in direct or indirect way lead to increase in CO2 in the environment. The increase in CO2 leads to melting of polar ice caps which increases the sea level and pose danger for the people living near coastal areas.

4. Ozone Layer Depletion: Ozone layer is the thin shield high up in the sky that stops ultra violet rays from reaching the earth. As a result of human activities, chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were released int to the atmosphere which contributed to the depletion of ozone layer.

5. Infertile Land : Due to constant use of insecticides and pesticides, the soil may become infertile. Plants may not be able to grow properly. Various forms of chemicals produced from industrial waste is released into the flowing water which also affects the quality of soil.

Pollution not only af-

Pollution occurs in different forms; air, water, soil, radioactive, noise, heat/ thermal and light. Every form of pollution has two sources of occurrence; the point and the non-point sources. The point sources are easy to identify, monitor and control, whereas the nonpoint sources are hard to control. Let us discuss the different types of pollutions, their causes and effects on mankind and the environment as a whole.

The CWC was established more than 70 years ago and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) 45 years ago. Both these institutions deal with water but the CWC, which deals mainly with surface water, has always enjoyed a high profile because it was tasked to plan and design India’s river-valley projects -- dams, barrages, reservoirs and canals. Jawaharlal Nehru had once called these dams “modern temples”.

CWC was, until recently, run and managed mainly by civil engineers. Perhaps it deserved a high-profile status because some of its former Chairmen and Members were the most wellknown civil engineers of India -- Dr K L Rao, Dr Pritam Singh, Y K Murthi and Dr Thomas. According to the International Commission on large dams, there are about 15000 dams in India and CWC may have designed most of the large and medium dams. These dams have contributed significantly in increasing India’s total irrigation potential to over 100 million hectares. Although water is a State responsibility, CWC has over the years become the central authority to oversee and supervise all river valley projects.

In order to define and delineate its special and exclusive role, it even installed its own hydrological network in every State rather than trying to improve/upgrade the existing State network.

The CWC defends this practice by asserting that it uses its own data in interState disputes, as between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Cauvery. Rather than

Types & Causes of Pollution Air Pollution is the most prominent and dangerous form of pollution. It occurs due to many reasons. Excessive burning of fuel which is a necessity of our daily lives for cooking, driving and other industrial activities; releases a huge amount of chemical substances in the air everyday; these pollute the air.

Smoke from chimneys, factories, vehicles or burning of wood basically occurs due to

than half-a-century ago in the then Central Water and Power Commission (CWPC) -- later to become Central Water Commission (CWC) -- I welcome the Mihir Shah Committee Report and consider it important and long overdue. I was also closely associated for over a decade with the World Bank-funded National Hydrology Project (NHP) which was unique and exclusive to India and which made it the only country in the world where all available hydrological data -- rainfall, riverflow, groundwater and water quality -- are collected, collated, validated, and computerised in a user-friendly form to be instantly available at specially-created State, regional and Central Water Data centres.

the species live in water bodies. It occurs due to several factors; the industrial wastes dumped into the rivers and other water bodies cause an imbalance in the water leading to its severe contamination and death of aquatic species. If you suspect that nearby water sources have been contaminated by a corporation then it might be a good idea to hire an expert to see your options.

Also spraying insecti-

erosion.

Noise pollution is caused when noise which is an unpleasant sound affects our ears and leads to psychological problems like stress, hypertension, hearing impairment, etc. It is caused by machines in industries, loud music, etc.

Radioactive pollution is highly dangerous when it occurs. It can occur due to nuclear plant malfunctions, im-

increase in pollution weather in air or water.

The increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere leads to smog which can restrict sunlight from reaching the earth. Thus, preventing plants in the process of photosynthesis.

Gases like Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide can cause acid rain. Water pollution in terms of Oil spill may lead to death of several wildlife species.

2. Human Health : The

fect humans by destroying their respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological systems; it also affects the nature, plants, fruits, vegetables, rivers, ponds, forests, animals, etc, on which they are highly dependent for survival.

It is crucial to control pollution as the nature, wildlife and human life are precious gifts to the mankind.

during its 70-year existence, it preferred to create its own network thus forfeiting the trust of the States. It was the World Bank-funded NHP which performed this task in the 1990s. There developed a “CWC-cult” which made its engineers feel professionally superior to all other Indian engineers. Whenever a team of engineers from any State came to Delhi to discuss a new project, it had a feeling of nervousness or trepidation.

The CWC practised professional discrimination not only against non-civil engineers e.g. hydrologists, geologists and hydrogeologists, but also against its own engineers. If an engineer chose to become a hydrologist, he/she was shunted off to the field for river-gauging or data collection and was not promoted beyond the post of Superintending Engineer or Director. The NHP broke down such barriers and recommended posts of Chief Engineers for specialists like hydrologists and hydroWorld Bank representative once asked CWC why promotions for specialist cadres were restricted, it invoked certain colonial rules in defence.

The worst victim of CWC’s apathy towards "non-engineers" is the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) in Roorkee. It was established by CWC but it never enjoyed an independent professional role and all its activities are invariably overseen/monitored by CWC. In early 2004 when I last visited NIH it had a professional staff of over 200, of whom 90 were PhDs in various hydrological disciplines. In fact, many Sates were unaware of its existence. I think hydrologists are also specialists who deserve the same respect as civil engineers and I am sure the proposed NWC will eradicate this professional apartheid.

Although groundwater is the dominant part of nature's water resources, it is never treated on par with surface water in India. The CWC is located in Delhi whereas the CGWB is situated in Faridabad, some 30 miles away. For far too long we have neglected groundwater at the expense of surface water. Its development has been left to commercial drillers. As Mihir Shah rightly comments in his interview in The Hindu (19 August 2016): “We must

holistic manner. CWC and CGWB cannot continue to work in their current independent, isolated fashion”.

Agriculture is yet another professional field where civil engineers and agriculturists do not see eye-to-eye.

This is because the civil engineers consider themselves academically brilliant and they have to score very high marks in order to enter a degree course; those who do a course in agriculture do not require an equally meritorious academic performance. In India, in general, agriculturists do not enjoy the same professional status as those in the USA and Europe. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Soil Conservation Service (USSCS) are world leaders in setting up not only agricultural and agronomic standards but also in developing water management techniques on and off the field. Although the CWC (and the State irrigation departments) designed thousands of dams and succeeded in delivering water through a network of distribution canals to the fields, they do not have any agriculturalist on their staff or liaise/cooperate with the agriculture department in managing crop water. It was the World Bank that came to our rescue and developed an interface between engineers and agiculturalists by funding such innovative projects as the Water and Land Management Institute and Water and Land Management Training and Research Institute in various States. Both have vastly improved onfarm water management.

The CWC has always been focused on irrigation water and not on drinking water. Whatever its terms of reference were when it was established, it should have included drinking water as an integral part of its agenda. It should also have drawn the attention of both the Central and State governments to the urgency of drinking water supply. As a result irrigation water and not drinking water became our national priority. It was only in 1987, when the National Water Policy was formulated that drinking water became a top priority.

Despite its drawbacks, the CWC has done a magnificent job during the past 70 years and has saved us from starvation and famines. It should now welcome and endorse the main recommendation of the Mihir Shah Committee to create a National Water Commission.

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

PAGE 12

ISL: Mumbai City FC Edge Past FC Pune City

An action moment of tody’s ISL match Pune, Oct 3 : Mumbai City FC tasted a rare away win after putting it across FC Pune City 1-0 in their opening match of the Indian Super League at Balewadi Stadium, Pune, on Monday.

Matias Defederico's goal in the 69th minute was the difference between the two sides in an engrossing Maharashtra Derby that

saw Pune take control early in the game and Mumbai have the last laugh in the second session.

The teams showed plenty of promise at the start and provided glimpses of their attacking intents. It were the hosts, however, who enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession and had clearer chances in the first 45 min-

utes.

Pune City had the first look at the rival goal early in the game when a mistimed freekick saw the ball fall nicely at the feet of Jonatan Lucca but the Italian midfielder’s left-footer lacked the zing to trouble Mumbai goalkeeper Roberto Neto.

Lucca turned provider for Pune in the 10th minute

when his cross at the far post saw Izumi Arata rise high to head the ball but under pressure from Mumbai defender Aibor Khongjee, the former international could not beat Roberto under the Mumbai bar.

Mumbai City were playing second fiddle to the hosts in the first quarter and had to wait till the 23rd minute to test goalkeeper Edel Bete. It was defensive midfielder Pronay Halder who did that with a half-volley from just outside the box but Bete was well-positioned to collect the ball safely.

The best chance of the half fell for Gustavo Oberman in the 38th minute. A delightful through ball from the centre saw Oberman beat the off-side trap. It seemed like the goal drought would end for the hosts only for the Mumbai goalkeeper to leave his charge and make a stunning save.

All eyes prior to the start of this clash were focused on Diego Forlan. The Mumbai marquee and joint top scorer at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa had little to

contribute in the first session, although he showed glimpses of the touches that has made him such a renowned striker.

One such touch in the 45th minute saw him find Leo Costa inside the goalmouth but Pune defender Gouramangi Singh made a timely tackle to deflect the shot for an abortive cornerkick.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 69th minute and it was Forlan’s magical touch that made it happen.

Aibor’s cross from the right saw Forlan flick the ball towards Defederico, and even before anyone could realize what happened, the Argentine controlled the ball and fired in a low shot which sailed into the net.

Pune had a chance to draw level in the 73rd minute when Lucca intercepted a pass and found Jesus Tato but the Spanish forward could not beat the goalkeeper at the first post. Another clear chance was wasted when Tato chose to go for glory rather than find an unmarked teammate just ahead of him.

Namsai Badminton Lodha committee tells banks tournament concludes to halt BCCI disbursements Chow Pingpasara Mantaw and Chow Meuseng Mancheykhun emerged as Winners

ET Bureau Namsai, Oct 3: The duo of Chow Pingpasara Mantaw and Chow Meuseng Mancheykhun won the first title of Namsai Open Grand Prix Men’s Double Badminton (Open Category) tournament at Namsai here on Monday. The tournament which was organized by Tai Badminton Club (TBC) in collaboration with Namsai District Badminton Association concluded today where altogether 21 teams participated in it.

The 1st runners-up were Chow Kiyon Manpang and Sri Rajiv Rai and the 2nd-runner-up were Hemanto Sonowal & Gaurav Das. The final match played between Meuseng & Pingpasara Vs the duo of Kiyon & Rajiv was witnessed by Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom who

attended as Chief Guest with other dignitaries like President Tai Khampti Development Society (TKDS) Chow Siharaja Choutang, ZPC Namsai Chow Kyasing Mounglang, ZPM Namsai Chow Mahajini Choupoo and i/c DC Namsai B Talukdar along with many sports aficionados.

Lauding the efforts of TBC for organizing the tournament, Chief Guest of the function Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom in his speech was in the opinion of decentralization of sports quota so that the Eastern District belt also seizes the opportunity of sports quota in jobs in the State too. He also appreciated the Tai Badminton Club for taking up such initiatives of organizing the badminton tournament to keep the youths of his districts

away from anti social activities.

Speaking on the occasion as Guest of Honour, President of Tai Khampti Development Society Chow Siharaja Choutang giving importance of sports in today's life, appreciated the efforts of TBC and stressed upon that in sports there is opportunity for government jobs in the form of sports quota. He urged the local officers to come forward and guide the youths towards sports related activities.

The event concluded with award presentation ceremony to the finalists

by Chief Guest Chow Zingnu Namchoom and other guests present.

The first match was played between Chow Chanta Enling & Chow Nariya Pungkhung Vs Gaurav Sonowal & Hemanta Das.

New Delhi, Oct 3: Lodha panel has directed banks not to disburse any funds for financial decisions taken by BCCI at its SGM on September 30.

Fuming at the defiance of its recommendations, the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha panel has "directed" banks, where BCCI holds accounts, not to disburse any funds for the financial decisions taken by the Board at its Special General Meeting on September 30.

"It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the 'Emergent Working Committee' meeting of the BCCI on 30th September 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations," the committee has stated in a letter to the banks.

The letter has also been addressed to BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke, CEO Rahul Johri and Treasurer Anirudh Choudhary.

"You are aware that by way of this Committee's direction dated 31.8.2016, no further decisions were to be taken regarding the future apart from routine matters. The disbursement of these amounts are not routine, and in any case, not emergent,"

the committee said.

"You are also aware that the BCCI has chosen to breach the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court as well as the first set of Timelines set out by this Committee which includes the Fund Disbursement policy to be framed by 30.9.2016.

"As the status report is to be taken up for directions by the Hon'ble Court on Thursday, 6.10.2016, you are hereby directed not to take any steps towards financial disbursement of the amounts as resolved/approved after the direction dated 31.8.2016. Any violation of this direction will be placed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court for appropriate directions," it added.

The panel also cited the July 18 Supreme Court verdict, which had told the BCCI to "cooperate and act in aid of the Committee and its directives".

The BCCI is on the backfoot in the ongoing tussle with the Lodha Committee, which has filed a status report in the apex court asking for the removal of the Board's entire top brass for violating its recommendations in the September 30 SGM. (PTI)

Strong Indian contingent at Asia-Pacific in Korea Incheon, Oct 3: A six-member strong Indian contingent is all set to tee off at the AsiaPacific Amateur Championship, the winner of which will get a chance to play alongside the world's elite at the Augusta National in the following year's Masters.

The tournament will take place at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, which hosted the Presidents Cup, where Anirban Lahiri made history by becoming the first Indian ever to represent the International team.

The winner gets a berth at 2017 Masters and the runner-up gets a spot in final qualifying for 2017 British Open.

Three of the six Indian players in Incheon this week are on golf scholarships in the United States.

Priyanshu Singh, who played Asia-Pacific last year has since won the All India Amateur championships in December and has been at Nova SouthEastern University for three years; Mangalore-born Rigel Fernandes, was based in Dubai,

but later moved to US to join the IMG Academy and this April he joined the University of South Florida. Viraj Madappa, a Bengalurean, became top Indian amateur in ranking and has just joined the Texas A&M University for golf.

But the highest ranked Indian amateur in this team, Rayhan Thomas, has been making waves on the pro circuit in Dubai, where he has been a regular feature in the Top-10 on Middle-East and North Af-

India post 178-run win over New Zealand; clinch series 2-0 India today posted a 178-run victory over New Zealand on the fourth day of the second cricket Test at the Eden Gardens here and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in three-Test series.

Kolkata, Oct 3: India today posted a 178-run victory over New Zealand on the fourth day of the second cricket Test at the Eden Gardens here and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in three-Test series.

Brief Scores: India: 316 & 263 all out in 76.5 overs (Rohit Sharma 82, Wriddhiman Saha 58 not out, Virat Kohli 45; Matt Henry 3/59, Trent Boult 3/38, Mitchell Santner 3/59).

New Zealand: 204 & 197 all out in 81.1 overs (Tom Latham 74, Luke Ronchi 32; Ravindra Jadeja 3/41, Mohammad Shami 3/46, Ravichandran Ashwin 3/82).

Aalo sets for its 1st Binga Ete Memorial Football Tournament Lodha panel shot out a letter to the banks asking them to hold the funds.

Namsai Badminton tournament concludes

India vs New Zealand: Second Test cricket match, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India.

rican Pro Tour. Born and brought up in Dubai, Rayhan was pulled out of normal school to do home schooling and focus on golf.

The remaining two Indian amateurs here are Chandigarh lad Yuvraj Sandhu, who has distinguished himself very well this past season in India, and Naved Kshtij Kaul, who last year lost in the finals of both All India Juniors and Seniors (to Priyanshu).

None of these youngsters is in no hurry to join the pro ranks

and in the meantime, they have all garnered immense amount of experience on international courses, because of teams being sent to various international events by Indian Golf Union.

Priyanshu and Madappa played the Asia Pacific last year also, while Kaul comes in from World Amateurs in Mexico; Rigel Fernandes, who played for India at 2014 AsiaPacific, has been in US for last few years and Rayhan even won a pro tournament as an amateur in Dubai.(PTI)

A Staff Reporter Aalo, Oct 3 : The stage is set for the first Binga Ete Memorial Football Tournament (BEMFT), 2016, which will kickstart at Aalo general ground from October 7.

The tournament, organized by West Siang District Sports Association (DSA), is being sponsored by Science & Technology Secretary Gaken Ete, in memory of his father.

A total of 17 teams from across the district will slug it out for glory.

“We are making all efforts to make the event a grand success”, said DSA secretary Karik Lollen, and expressed hope that the teams would play competitive football over the

next 20 days, so that the profile of the tournament is further raised.

The winner will take home a cash prize of Rs 1.25 lakhs and a trophy, while the runner-up purse is Rs 75,000, informed Lollen.

He said there are also individual prizes of Rs 10,000 each for player of the tournament and highest scorer.

The fixture for the prestigious tournament has been drawn and the teams have been divided into four pools.

Last year’s DSA champion Jummi Combats FC Bene has been pitted against FC Tadin, Kugi Ao FC, Puakgumin FC and strong contender Kabu FC in pool A. Gotu TK Darka, FC

DPGC Kamki, Sipu FC and Memo United FC are placed in pool B. Newcomers NEFTU FC, Kombo FC, SFS FC and Sora Bros FC are clubbed together in pool C while pool D comprises of MAE FC, Darka FC, Pakam FC and Ngomdir PH FC. The inaugural match between Jummi Combats FC Bene against Tadin FC on Friday will set the tone for the tournament.

West Siang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu will attend the opening ceremony of the tournament as chief guest.

The two semifinals would be held on October 24 and 25 while the final will be held on October 27 next.

ICC Test rankings: India back to No 1 after beating New Zealand at Eden Gardens HIGHLIGHTS India will hold onto the numero uno spot irrespective of how the Indore Test pans out.

Over the next month, each Test team is involved in a series.

India's captain Virat Kohli celebrates with teammates the fall of a New Zealand wicket at the Eden Gardens.

Kolkata, Oct 3: India has reclaimed the No 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings following their 178-run win over New Zealand at Eden Gardens on Monday.

Points gained from victories in the Kanpur and Kolkata Tests saw Virat Kohli's team move past Pakistan and back to the top spot, which it had briefly held onto in August.

India had moved back to No 1 during the Test matches in the West Indies, but slipped down to sec-

ond following the conclusion of the drawn Pakistan v England series. Going into the India v New Zealand series, Kohli's team was one point behind Pakistan. By beating New Zealand in their 500th Test match, India moved to Kolkata needing to win to reclaim the top spot in the ICC rankings.

Pakistan are now at second place, followed by Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimba-

After New Zealand leave, England arrive in India for a series featuring five Test matches. bwe.

Over the next month, each Test team is involved in a series. Pakistan host West Indies for three Tests in the UAE starting October 13; England play two matches in Bangladesh this month; Sri Lanka play two in Zimbabwe, also in October; and the three-Test Australia v South Africa series starts November 7.

After New Zealand leave, England arrive in India for a series featuring five Test matches starting November 9. The third India v New Zealand Test match starts on Friday in Indore.(PTI)

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