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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. II

Issue 112

RELIANCE JIOFI DEVICE PRICE, HOW TO BUY, AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Interior Design Career Information and Education Requirements

P7 China refuses to budge on India's bid ahead of NSG meet in Vienna PTI New Delhi, Nov 7

Ahead of this week's NSG meet in Vienna, China on Monday stuck to its guns saying there was "no change" in its stand on India's membership bid which it has indicated would be considered only after rules for entry of non-NPT countries are finalised by the elite group.

"This Friday in Vienna a plenary session of the NSG will be held. Our position is subject to no change as of date," Lu Kang, spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry, told a media briefing here.

Referring to the November 4 meeting of the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of India and China in Hyderabad , Lu said China is in close contact with relevant parties including India and have been having constructive dialogue and coordination on this issue.

NSA Ajit Doval had held talks with Chinese counterpart and State Councillor Yang Jiechi in Hyderabad during

HIGHLIGHTS Ahead of NSG meet in Vienna, China has said there was "no change" in its stand on India's membership bid "Our position is subject to no change as of date," spokesman of Chinese foreign ministry said India and Pakistan which have applied for NSG membership have not signed the NPT which the issue had reportedly figured.

The talks were held ahead of the meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in Vienna on November 11-12, where according to media reports the group could discuss the two-stage process to admit new members who have not signed nuclear nonproliferation treaty (NPT).

India and Pakistan which have applied for NSG membership have not signed the NPT. Last week, China, after the second round talks with India on its entry into the NSG, had said that it will first seek a solution to admit all countries who have not signed NPT and then discuss India's specific

application.

"On India's accession to the NSG, I can tell you that China's position is very clear and consistent" Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying had said.

"We will seek a solution that applies to all Non-NPT countries and then we will discuss the specific application of relevant non-NPT country," she had said.

The issue had also been discussed in the talks here between Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security) Amandeep Singh Gill and his Chinese counterpart Wang Qun on October 31. That meeting was held ahead of Doval and Yang meeting in

Hyderabad.

China has also been holding simultaneous talks with Pakistan on its admission into the NSG. Officials say that the focus now shifts on the kind of modalities being worked out by NSG which can accommodate India, whose non-proliferation record is regarded positive by a majority of the group's members contrary to Pakistan's record in nuclear proliferation.

About the outcome of Doval and Yang meeting at Hyderabad, Kang said the two officials exchanged views on bilateral as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

Asked whether India's concerns over China blocking UN ban on Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar, Lu said they discussed issues that have "cropped up" in bilateral relations.

They agreed to maintain contact, and control and manage relevant issues to ensure steady development of bilateral relations, he said.

Hafiz Saeed threatens India with 'surgical strike' in Kashmir PTI New Delhi, Nov 7

aggressive tone amid chants of 'jihad...jihad' by his supporters.

HIGHLIGHTS

Jammat-ud-Dawah chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has threatened India with a "surgical strike" by Kashmiri militants in Jammu and Kashmir that will long be remembered.

Hafiz Saeed has threatened India with a "surgical strike" by Kashmiri militants

"(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi had done what he had to.

Now it is the turn of Mujahideen to carry out a surgical strike in Kashmir," Saeed threatened while addressing a rally on Sunday in Mirpur, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"The surgical strike Mujahideen are going to carry out will long be remembered," he said in a rally

"Now it's the turn of Mujahideen to carry out a surgical strike in Kashmir," Saeed threatened

"The surgical strike Mujahideen are going to carry out will long be remembered.

Such a strike will not be like

that of India's one which is not even acknowledged by the world," Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, said in an

Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba who carries a $10-million bounty on his head, last week criticised the Nawaz Sharif government for giving a "cool" response to India over alleged atrocities in Kashmir, saying people in the · Valley need Pakistan's "full · practical support".

Soon after India's surgical strikes Saeed had warned the Modi government to get ready to face a surgical strike from the Pakistan army. He was criticised here for issuing the statement on behalf of the army.

Rajyavardhan Rathore: Mechukha has the potential to be placed in the tourism map of India A Staff Reporter Mechuka, 7 Nov

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Attending the first day of the Annual Adventure Festival at Mechuka, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore said that Mechukha has the potential to be placed in the tourism map of India with its pristine beauty.

The three-day mega extravaganza from November 7 to 9, on the bank of Yagyapsu aims to promote adventure tourism and expose Mechukha as a potential tourist destination.

The three-day festival is being organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the State Tourism Department, along with event partner, Centre for Cultural Research & Documentation (CCRD). To make Mechukha a tourist hub, Rathore said that “A documentary on its beauty and rich culture is essential, and that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would be eager to look into that aspect. Efforts can be made to start passenger aircraft in this

The three-day mega extravaganza is an aim to expose Mechukha as a potential tourist destination part of the country after making it as a tourist hub”, he added.

He also presented a motorbike to Mechukha Police Station on behalf of Halo Society, Itanagar and released the festival calendar. Also attending the programme, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that the pace of development could not be accelerated due to political instability for the last one and half years. “But now the central government is in unison with the state government and development

will dawn within the next two years at a speedy pace. For this, Rs 500 crore will be especially earmarked for the development of the state”, he said.

Dwelling on the background of the adventure festival, Mechukha MLA Passang Dorjee Sona said that tourism can be a big industry in a place like Mechukha as large industries cannot come up here due to tough terrain, and appealed to all to act as ambassadors of adventure tourism in Mechukha.

Arunachal East MP Ninong

Ering and Secretary Tourism Dr Joram Beda also spoke on the occasion.

Aalo East MLA Jarker Gamlin, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu and Director of Tourism Karma Leki also attended the programme.

Rich varieties of traditional folksongs and dances were presented by troupes from monks of Dong Ningluk Cham, and had various tribes presenting traditional art forms. Local houses depicting traditional houses of the district, food stalls, exhibition stalls by various government departments, and display of traditional arts and crafts were integral part of the festivities.

The cultural night also saw enthralling performances by Bollywood singer Adnan Sami and local singer Liduk Padu.

The three- day adventure gala event is poised to offer wide range of activities starting from quad biking, zorbing, rappelling, horse riding, parasailing, para-gliding, PPC, micro lite, water zorbing, rafting, river crossing, angling, trap shooting, air rifle, air pistol and archery.

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INCESSANT RAINS HIT CROPS, NORMAL LIFE IN NORTHEAST

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Conservators to submit report regarding Tinkupani deforestation case; Departmental action assured Laxman Sharma Digboi, Nov 7

Following the recovery of 33 pieces of chopped timber logs from Tinkupani Reserve Forest area of Jagun Range under Digboi Division in Tinsukia District here on 1 November an immediate inquiry was conducted by, M Tungnung the IFS Conservator of Forest Eastern Assam Circle that concluded here this evening. During an exclusive chat with Eastern Today here this evening at AOD Guest House, Thungnung who also took a stalk of a similar incident at Saraipung RF today condemned the act of merciless felling of 13 trees chopped into 33 pieces of logs and told that stern action would be initiated soon against the dereliction of duty

on the part of employees of the range concern.

According to him, based on the reply of the show cause notice to some of the responsible employees of the department to be served soon, the higher authority would initiate appropriate steps subsequently. Admitting departmental lapses to some extent, Thungnung told that unless there was a lapse in the part of the department, the event would not have occurred.

Though not sure of the nexus he told that the forest product thus recovered indicated that timber smuggling was being carried out unabated in the belt and transported in the neighbouring state where the timber mills are functional.

Stressing the need of shuffling of some of the rooted employees, he told that a fresh recruit Ranger presently

attached to the divisional office would be placed at Margherita Range West Block which till date has been looked after by Jagun Ranger from the farflung area. Taking the matter of Tinkupani Inter-state timber smuggling act seriously, Thungnung in an uncompromising tone told that destruction to nature, exploitation of forest product, wildlife poaching, encroachment and would not be tolerated at all.

Thungnung who has been carrying on the investigation since Sunday last here at various location of the Division taking stalk of other forest allied activities too said that the new DFO who has taken over the responsibility just couple of months back has been asked to remain vigilant and maintain departmental coordination maintaining

strong grip upon all the rangers and other employees of the division to ensure that such nefarious act is not repeated in near future and the quality service is rendered by all to realize the desirable end.

Thungnung during an interview with the Eastern Today also took an opportunity to thank the media house and above all the security agencies for bringing the act into the light which helped averting large scale damage to the flora kingdom.

He urged the local people, NGOs, other organizations and associations too to remain vigilant, come forward and extend their helping hands to the department in combating the menace and help conserving the rich flora and fauna kingdom of the division which has earned global reorganization.

Assam Government BSF nabbed one decides to hold Indian national with dialogues with AKRSU illegal possessions A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 7

Government of Assam will hold dialogue with AKRSU on various issues concerning the Koch-Rajbongsi community within the month of November, 2016. This was decided in a meeting held today in the Assam Secretariat between the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam VK Pipersenia and AKRSU (P) Adviser Biswajit Ray. Additional DGP (SB), Assam, Principal Secretary and Commissioner and Secretary of Home and Political Department and Commissioner of Lower Assam Division were also present in the meeting.

However, Government will inform about the exact date, time and venue of the dialogue on a later date.

State Government also expressed keen desire to resume the tripartite talks among Central Government State Government and AKRSU which was initiated in 2013. State Government will accordingly take up the matter with the Central Government for indicating date, time and venue for the talks. During discussion, state Govt. also requested the AKRSU (P) leadership to withdraw all agitational programme proposed by the organization including Rail Blockade called on 8th November, 2016.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 7

BSF troops maintaining vigilance to the issue of transborder crimes and illegal infiltration have apprehended one Indian national with illegal possessions. Troops of Border Security Force under Guwahati Frontier deployed in Cooch Behar apprehended one Indian national, seized 665 bottles of Phensidyl and 70 Kgs ganja yesterday near the International Boundary in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal.

Apprehended person was identified as Sahdut Sekh, (15yrs), S/O Faizlul Seikh R/

News Channel Ban Put On Hold By Government PTI New Delhi, Nov 7

The one-day ban on NDTV's Hindi channel, widely protested by the media, has been put on hold by Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

The decision comes after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the channel’s appeal tomorrow against the ban.

The channel was last week ordered to stop broadcasting for 24 hours (Wednesday) with the government accusing it of broadcasting sensitive details of January's terror attack on the air force base in Pathankot.

The channel has refuted the allegations and pointed out that other channels and newspapers reported the same information.

Mr Naidu had countered that the ban is "in the interest of the country's security" and that the barrage of criticism confronted by the government appears "politically inspired".

The ban has been widely condemned by journalists and editors with all press councils drawing parallels to the Emergency of the 1970s when basic constitutional

The one-day ban ordered on NDTV India was widely condemned by journalists and editors.

rights including the freedom of the press were blatantly violated.

After a large protest held by journalists from every major media organization in Delhi, the Press Club of India said the government's action amounts to "uncalled for censorship" at a time when "press freedom is already under increasing threat in the country."

Last week, when the ban was announced, The Editors'

Guild of India said the order was unprecedented and that the centre appears to have given itself the power "to intervene in the functioning of the media and take arbitrary punitive action as and when it does not agree with the coverage." The organization, a grouping of the editors of all major newspapers and magazines in the country, said if the government finds any media coverage objectionable, it can approach the courts.

O Village Kalamati, PSDinhata, Dist- Cooch Behar (WB). He was apprehended by the troops of BOP Kalamati along with 1200 BD taka near the IB. He has been handed over to local police for further legal action.

Besides, on specific input provided by Border Security Force intelligence team of Cooch Behar Sector, West Bengal, a joint team of BSF and local Police seized 70 Kgs Ganja alongwith 665 btls of Phensidyl from Sishurpara village under PS Dinhata District- Cooch Behar (WB).The Ganja and Phensidylbottles have been handed over to Customs for further disposal.

One killed in crude bomb blast in Bengal, CID probing case Kolkata, Nov 7: An elderly person was killed when a crude bomb went off in a town of West Bengal's Burdwan district on Monday, causing widespread panic in the area, police said.

The explosion occurred at a local club in Katwa town, about 160 km north of Kolkata, where a huge number of crude bombs and other explosives were found stored illegally.

"We received complaints that crude bombs were made and stored inside the local club. Further investigation is on," said Burdwan's Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Raj Narayan Mukherjee.

"It was a huge explosion.

The entire area shook with the impact and was completely covered in smoke," a local resident said.

The locals also said that the club got completely flattened and its roof was blown away.

"We came out hearing the explosion and saw the club building completely demolished. The elderly man, who was sitting in front of the club, died on the spot," another local said.

Police reached the spot and recovered plenty of fresh crude bombs among other explosives.

The CID has taken over the case.

"We have detained a few club members based on the complaint lodged by the wife of the deceased. The reason of the blast is being investigated," said Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Anuj Sharma.

(PTI)

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PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

P2 A BJP youth leader thrash black and blue by irate women due to immoral behaviour

Tengakhat College gets “B++” Accreditation from NAAC; Adds another golden feather to its cap A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov. 7: Tengakhat College, Dibrugarh has been graded “B++” by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru. This accreditation is valid for five years.

NAAC is an autonomous body established by the University Grand Commission (UGC) of India to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country.

In the earlier system, NAAC graded the institutions for each key aspect under four categories, viz.

A, B, C and D, denoting very good, good, satisfactory and unsatisfactory levels respectively based on their Cumulative Grade Point Average(CGPA). In the new system however, colleges are graded on a

seven point scale A++(3.764 . 0 0 C G PA ) , A + ( 3 . 5 1 3.75CGPA), A(3.013.50CGPA), B++(2.763.00CGPA), B+(2.512.75CGPA), B(2.012.50CGPA), C(1.512.00CGPA). Any institute getting a CGPA score equal to or below 1.50 will be marked as ‘not accredited.’

As per the latest accreditation, Tengakhat College received a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.87. Tengakhat College offers B.A in 8 major subjects, B.Voc in Automobile Maintenance & Repair and Office Automation & E Services under UGC-Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushal Kendra and Higher Secondary Courses.

Dr.Kiran Hazarika, Principal said, “This is a very proud moment for us. We have set a benchmark for

HOROSCOPE Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

ourselves by being a rural college, we enlisted as one of the best colleges in the state having “B++” accreditation by NAAC. This certainly proved that continuous hard work and team spirit can make fruitful results.

Tengakhat College offers national level standard education by nurturing human values, ethics and by imparting knowledge, which emphasizes on life skills.

The college supports a unique system of education structured on Dibrugarh University Syllabus, combining the tenets of academic excellence and corporate professionalism. The college is proud of its enviable academic ambience that assures highest learning resource support for achieving optimal learning outcomes.

Dilip Bhadra being thrashed by local residents who was caught on Uncompromising Situation with a Kharsang Girl from Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday.

Margherita, Nov. 6: A BJP youth leader of Margherita was beaten black and blue by the some irate women when the BJP leader and a girl from Kharsang Arunachal Pradesh were

found in uncompromising manner at a room near Bengali medium A,R and T High School Margherita.

According to sources, a teacher room of Bengali Medium A,R & T High

A glimpse of Chat puja celebration

While you normally like all of your romantic relationships to be extremely nurturing and comforting, you may find that this isn't always possible, Aries. There's a disconnect between you and a close partner right now that could be hard to rectify. Time is really the only thing that's likely to resolve this sort of problem.

Remember that all of your relationships can't always go exactly according to plan.

A creative project that you've been working on may be coming to a climactic peak now, Taurus. Discuss your progress with others and feel free to hold an informal critique in order to get honest feedback on your work. A piece of art should stir some sort of reaction inside another person. Consider ways in which you can challenge the people around you with your talent.

Be aware that love is likely to wear some sort of disguise today, Gemini. There's something fanciful about the way in which this new romance will manifest, so get ready. Don't think that love always has to be planned and calculated. There is a strong sense of spontaneity associated with the delicious love interest of the day. Don't dismiss those who don't seem practical or levelheaded enough for you.

Take your loved one out for a romantic dinner tonight, Cancer. Escort him or her on a magic-carpet ride to fantastic places that encourage a playful mood and carefree attitude. Consider having a bottle of wine at a playground. Decorate your house with candles and burn some incense. Create a mood that will calm the nerves and soothe the soul. Your sense of romance is right on target.

Chat Puja celebrated in Jorhat. Pic Nakib Ahmed

When it comes to romantic relationships, Leo, you might find that you're playing more of a game of hide-and-go-seek than a combined effort toward friendship, trust, and honesty. It could be that you're purposely trying to hide in order to test the stamina of your opponent.

You might want to take a new approach now, one that involves an effort toward connecting instead of distancing.

You're apt to be somewhat fickle when it comes to love and romance right now, Virgo. The key for you now is freedom. The problem with this mindset is that it might be misinterpreted. Your partner may think you simply aren't interested in him or her anymore. Remind your partner that it's OK to love someone while also needing time and space to do things on your own.

Your dreams work out quite nicely in your head, Sagittarius, but the problem now is how to turn them into some sort of real life scenario. Be careful of taking too intellectual of an approach. When it comes to relationships, things don't normally happen logically or rationally. You're going to have to leave a great deal up to chance, so just learn to deal with things as they come.

Love and personal relationships are likely to take on a much dreamier and more romantic tone now, Capricorn. Your eyes are apt to sparkle as you speak or even think of the person you care about the most. The unmistakable glow that surrounds you is likely to attract others to your side even if you aren't in the market for a romantic relationship right now.

When it comes to relationships with others, be careful about insisting that everything be done only your way, Aquarius. It could be that you have such high expectations of your partner that he or she will never be able to live up to your standards. Basically, you're setting the stage for failure by demanding that the person for you be of a certain make and model.

Your fantasies could come true now, especially when it comes to relationships, Pisces. This could be the moment you've always dreamed about, so get ready. The attractive, romantic person in the corner has been keeping an eye on you all night.

Your blood is pumping faster than ever. Remind yourself that all dreams can come true on a day such as today.

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov. 7: Major

evidences have surfaced up pertaining to the trail of Rakesh Pal’s corruption as the Chairman of the Assam Public Service Commission.

The latest reports of burning of official documents soon after the arrest of tainted Pal have assumed significance.

This was after APSC member Basanta Kumar Doley ordered peon Til Bahadur Chetri to set ablaze official documents of the APSC in its campus after the Chairman’s arrest.

Dy365 news have man-

aged to acquire evidences in its effort to expose the APSC corruption. They found half burnt letter envelopes with names of candidates appearing for various examinations conducted by the APSC in the debris.

Contrary to this, APSC member Basanta Kumar Doley revealed that the documents he had ordered to burn were not relevant. There have been gross allegations of corruption against the APSC, which also involves allegation of corruption and favoritism against its chairman Rakesh Pal.

Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad stages dharna demanding various demands; gives 15 day deadline to fulfil demands Mithun Baruah, Margherita, Nov. 6: Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad Margherita Regional Committee today staged Dharna at Margherita SDO(Civil) gate for one hour pressing various demands.More than 200 Activists of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee were present at the dharna and raised various slogans.

Kanchan Bora President and General Secretary of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee said that 124 No Margherita LAC is reeling under lack of development under the present BJP MLA Bhaskar Sharma. Denizens of Margherita are alleging that the incumbent MLA has not done enough and therefore failed to deliver his promises to the people. “Bhaskar Sharma promised that he shall do all round development works but after the 5 months of BJP Led Government at Assam nothing development has taken place at Margherita Region”, Kanchan Bora pointed out.

“On 4 June, a memorandum was given to Margherita Legislator Bhaskar Sharma by AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee but unfortunately the memorandum was not given due importance and present Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma is behaving

Activists of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee staged Dharna here at Margherita SDO(Civil) office. like former Margherita MLA Pradyut Bordoloi” alleged Kanchan Bora. A copy of the memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the Margherita SDO(Civil) as well.

The memorandum had six demands. At the top is to supply electricity to rural areas and where electricity has not reached at Margherita Region; to open the ITI School at Ledo which has been closed for many months; to start the Water Supply project at Jagun which has been closed for many years; to construct the Number 2 Maulang road which is in dilapidated condition; to Start the water irrigation project for

agriculture purpose at MakumKilla, Alubari and Maulang which has been closed for many years; to construct the Margherita Pengree connectivity road which has been in dilapidated condition for many years.

“The memorandum had fallen in deaf ear of the administration and if within 15 days the demands are not fulfilled than AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee shall intensify strong agitational programme”, Kanchan Bora warned. He further also warned that if untoward incident occurred than Margherita Administration shall be responsible for it.

DISAM T.E edges SALMARI to clinch the final

You may be confused when it comes to matters of the heart, Libra. Perhaps you feel cheated when the object of your desire doesn't give you complete attention at all times. The fundamental security of your being is your responsibility, not someone else's. Find a way to incorporate your dreams into the dreams of others instead of always working toward goals at opposite sides of the spectrum.

Your fairytale imagination of how your romantic life should run is hooking you up with many different opportunities, Scorpio. Whether you realize it or not, the optimal situation you seek is within your grasp.

Make sure that you aren't trying to manipulate a certain person into becoming the person you want him or her to be. If you're unhappy in your relationship, perhaps you need to find someone new.

School Margherita was given to Rajesh to take private tuition. Unfortunately of late that room has been alleged to be centre of immoral incidents. The local residents taking note of the alleged immoral incidents got irritated and on Sunday daytime hour caught both the BJP youth leader of Margherita and the girl from Kharsang Arunachal Pradesh in an uncompromising situation and thrashed them. The BJP youth leader of Margherita has been identified as Dilip Bhadra of Vineer Mill Bazaar Margherita. The conscious sections of people of Margherita have demanded Margherita Administration and Margherita Police to take strict action against these kind immoral activities looming around in the town.

Assam: Official documents set ablaze after APSC Chairman Pal's arrest

Chat Puja celebrated in Sivasagar. Pic. Neelam Kakoty Mazumder.

Aurora Cinema Dibrugarh H.S Road Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall

Cinema

Screen-1 "DR STRANGE 3D " 1ST show at10:00 AM "SHIVAAY" 2ND show at 12:10 PM "AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL " 3RD show at 03:15 PM "DR STRANGE 3D" 4th show at 06:05 PM "SHIVAAY" 5th show at 08:15 PM

Bikul Bikash Gogoi Naharkatia, 6 Nov: DISAM T.E got the better of Salmari in the final to clinch the football trophy played here at Rural Sports Field, Jamuguri. The final match witnessed large gathering of fans thronging to the venue cheering for both the teams. The football competition was orginised by Bihattar Asomiya Yuva Mancha under aegis of Jamuguri Yuva Sangh.

Apart from the football match, the morning session witnessed participation of school students in Quiz competition and Debate competition held to commemorate 5th

Screen-2

DISAM T.E edges SALMARI to clinch the final

death anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

In the evening one thousand one earthen lamps were lighted as a mark of respect to the late minstrel.

Prize distribution programme was organised later. Among

the attendance on the occasion were Cultural Secretary, Satyajit Hazarika, Dibrugarh district president, Manashjyoti Baruah and Mridual Dutta; and renowned social worker Naba Gohain.

ATPA SHEILD: OIL enters final

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ET Correspodent Jorhat, 7 Nov: Oil India entered the final of ATPA Shield football tournament beating Milanjyoti Sangha by a 3-1 margin at Jorhat Stadium on Monday. Mintu Boro of Oil India found the back of the net in the 19th minute. But Milanjyoti Sangha soon equalized,

courtesy a goal from Rajiv Karmakar.The second half witnessed Oil India finding its rhythm and dominated the second half. A clear example of dominance of experience on the part of Oil India. Making their moves, Oil managed to go ahead with a goal in the 58th minute when

striker Manash Manjit Chetia scored, which was soon followed by another gaol from their captain F. Wary in the 61 minute.

With this win, Oil India booked their final of ATPA Shield, and will face the winner of the tomorrow semi-final match between Borbheta Sports Club and Lazong FC.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

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GMDC, Roing Celebrates its First Ever College Day KKBA selects 38 boxers ET Bureau Roing, 7 Nov: Government Model Degree College, Jemi Notko, Roing celebrated its first ever College Day on 7th November 2016 with gaiety and fanfare. While delivering the welcome address, College Principal, Monshi Tayeng said that it is a historic day for the college since we are celebrating the first ever college day to explore as well as harness the innate literary, cultural and athletic talents stored among

the students. He emphasized upon the need for quality, equity and excellence in higher learning institutions to be the repository of knowledge.

Highlighting on the academic progress of the institution, he said that seminars, symposiums, workshops and career counseling programmes are being thrust upon to inject innovative ideas and develop critical thinking among the students.

Inaugurating the maiden

College Day Celebrations, Chief Guest of the function, Bassu Perme, former MLA, 42Dambuk, Assembly Constituency called upon the college fraternity to work in a corporate spirit to reinforce academic ambience of the institution.

He advised them to show their ustmost dedication and sincerity to transform this nascent institution into ideal centre learning in days ahead.

He also exhorted upon the students to maintain

Pan Arunachal identity marks the end of Buddha Mahotsava ET Bureau Bomdila, Nov 7: The cultural extravaganza and colorful ramp walk showcasing the diverse cultures of state marked the closing ceremony of the three-day long Bomdila Buddha Mahotsava on Sunday.

The ramp walk presented by the head of departments of West Kameng district representing different tribes including Nyishi, Adi, Galo, Apatani, Monpa invoking a PanArunachal identity message left the large number of gathering enthralled.

The walk was led by Parliamentary Secretaries Kumsi Sidisow and Phurpa Tsering.

Attending the closing ceremony of three-days diverse culture festival, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that Arunachal is in the heart of India. MoS I&B further hailed the diverse cultures and tradition of indigenous tribes of the district and appealed the people to preserve it.

“The distance between

Delhi and Arunachal Pradesh has been shortened, as Arunachal and Northeast are in heart of Delhi” said former Olympic medalist adding that the more numbers of ministers from the center are visiting the state.

On Swachh Bharat Mission, Rathore added that West Kameng and Arunachal Pradesh should be the cleanest place in India.”

Assuring to establish FM Radio station at Bomdila, he opined that Bomdila could become the fashion capital of India.

Welcoming the dignitaries at festival, Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured to make the festival an annual calendar event following the request of local representative. The CM further asserted that his government is stable and have full support of majority MLAs. Khandu further informed his government is coming up with a mechanism for unemployed youths to create self- employment.

Union of Minister of State for Home Affairs

Kiren Rijiju has assured the people to initiate with concern ministry at Centre for immediate restoration and maintenance of Bomdila road. Rijiju also observed that Buddha Mahotsava should be an annual event. It provides a platform to six tribes of the district to come together and showcase their respective culture, he observed.

Later, Singer Adnan Sami enthralled the audience with his Bollywood popular number. Adding more colour on valedictory function, fashion show designed by Yana Ngoba captivated the frenzy crowd.

Earlier, the prizes to the winners of games and sports was given away by Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

CM Pema Khandu accompanied by Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Kiren Rijiju and Adnan Sami also visited the traditional food stalls of Khampti, Galo, Aka, Sajolang, Sartang, Bugun, Nyishi, Apatani, Monpa and Shertukpen tribes erected on the occasion of 3rd Buddha Mahotsava.

CCI-PMG projects made good progress in Odisha Bhubaneswar, Nov 7 : The Centre today said different projects being implemented under the Cabinet Committee on Investment and Project Monitoring Group (CCIPMG) have made substantial progress in Odisha.

Highways, Irrigation, Plastic and Polymer Cluster, Coal Block Development and Power Sector were reviewed at a meeting presided over

by Chief Secretary A P Padhi.

The issues flagged by the project proponents in the "There has been substan- central PMG portal were tial progress in the analysed and resolved, an projects because of this official said adding, collaborative action be- mainly the issues raised tween state and central by project developers regovernment machineries. lated to forest clearance, A number of issues have DGPS survey, conduct of socio-economic impact been resolved. studies, issue of FRA cerWe are quite satisfied by tificate, environmental the progress," said clearance, rehabilitation Shubha Kumar, Joint against the land acquisiSecretary in Prime tion, distribution of compensatory awards and exMinister's Office. gratia grants.

Around 31 projects in the The Railway projects reRailways, National viewed in the meeting

included KhurdaBolangir new BG rail link estimated at Rs 3,550 crore, SamablpurBamur doubling estimated at Rs 1,111 crore, Haridaspur-Paradeep rail link of 82 kms, TalcherBimlagarh new rail line estimated around Rs 8,111 crore, AngulSukinda new line project estimated around Rs 638 crore and JharsugudaBarpali-Sardega railway line at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore.

The National Highway projects reviewed were Tileibani-Sambalpur section NH-6 with an estimated cost of around Rs 752 cr, BinjhabahalTileibani section on NH6 estimated at around Rs 1,057 crore and many others.(PTI)

Sushma Swaraj admitted to AIIMS New Delhi, Nov 7 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was today admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, where she will undergo certain endocrinological tests.

"The minister (Swaraj) was admitted at around

7.22 PM at AIIMS. She is having diabetes and other medical problems.

She will undergo certain endocrinological tests tomorrow," a senior doctor said.

Swaraj is admitted at the cardio-neuro centre under the supervision of Balram Airan, Chief of

the Cardio Thoracic Centre.

The 64-year-old BJP leader was admitted to AIIMS in April this year after she complained of chest congestion. She was also brought here on October 25 for a routine medical checkup.(PTI)

high sense of discipline and character to be the role models for the youth of this region. Lauding the efforts of the College Principal towards quality and excellence, he mentioned that the Government Model Degree College, Jemi Notko is ideally located to emerge as the knowledge hub of Arunachal Pradesh given its immense potentialities in future.

Mibom Pertin, Convener, CDC of GMDC, & President, ABK of LDV Dis-

trict, Jowar Moyong, Chairman , CDC of GMDC ,Jivan Pulu , ASM Chairman ,Bolung, Titel Pertin, ZPM ,Bolung Anchal Block and Principal ,Abu Saring,Bolung Higher secondary School along with other dignitaries, faculties and students also participated the inaugural function.

Finally, the cultural troupes attired in local costumes displayed the traditional dances adding glitter to the ceremony.

Wildlife carcasses seized ET Bureau Ziro, Nov 7: In a surprise inspection carried out by Hapoli forest division, carcasses of a barking deer, 5 number of wild fowl and a pigeon were seized by the patrolling team led by RFO Nyilang Tachang. DFO Koj Rinyo informed that subsequent upon filing of an FIR at Ziro Police station a case has been registered

under sections of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and IPC and under investigation now.

She also directed all the RFOs of Hapoli Forest division to intensify patrolling and appealed to the District Administration, NGOs and civil societies to spread awareness and help to curb wildlife hunting.

Free eye camp ET Bureau, Itanagar, Nov 7: The Arun Drishti Eye Care and Research Centre, Itanagar conducted free eye screening camp at PWD Inspection Bungalow, Palin on November 5.

The team of eye specialists and para-medical staff of Arun Drishti Eye Care and Research Centre treated 231 eye patients out of which 25 patients have been identified as operable cases and referred to Base Hospital of Arun Drishti at Itanagar for surgery.

All the eye patients with infection were also given medicines free of cost.

The District Administration of Kra-Daadi headed

by Habung Doni, DC, B. Sorum, ADC and their officers supervised the camp along with the officials of District Health and Family Welfare department.

Similar eye screening camp will be organized at Seijosa on November 16 in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Arunachal 150 refractive error pa- Pradesh under Pakke tients were given spec- Wildlife Division intacles on subsidised formed, the Secretary, Arun Drishti. rates.

Chhath Puja celebrated Guwahati, Nov 7: Thousands of devotees offered prayers to the setting Sun on the bank of rivers and other water bodies on the occasion of Chhath Puja today. The devotees will break their 36-hour fast after prayers in the wee hours tomorrow.

The bank of the Brahmaputra was thronged by devotees and onlookers in more than a dozen locations in Guwahati as Chhath was celebrated with all its grandeur in the city and its adjoining areas. Devotees offered arghya at Kachomarighat, Fancy Bazar, Sukleshwarghat, Noonmati, Sunsali, Pandu, Lalmati, Basistha, Meen Bhawan ghat, Birubari and Jyotikuchi.

This apart, devotees also gathered around several ponds and temples of the

city to perform the puja.

"There have been elaborate preparations to conduct the puja in a smooth and disciplined manner.

Other than NCC and Scout members, we have also engaged our volunteers at the ghats to guide and help the devotees, who move with heavy baskets of prasad. Barricading and other security arrangements are in place to ensure no untoward incident takes place," said Suraj Tiwari, secretary of the Yuva Bharatiya Sangha, looking after the puja arrangements at the Kachomarighat.

However, despite the traffic arrangement done specifically for the festival, movement of devotees in large numbers created a traffic jam in the city during the evening today.

Hayuliang bypoll: Konteso Kri withdraws ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 7: Independent candidate Konteso Kri, who was in the fray for the November 19 by-election to the Hayuliang assembly constituency in remote Anjaw district, on Saturday withdrew his nomination.

Now, only two women have been left in the fray for the bypoll. The seat fell vacant following the alleged suicide of former CM Kalikho Pul.

who is contesting on a BJP ticket, will lock horns with Independent candidate Yompi Kri. The Election Commission has deployed two election observers Suparna Das Ahmad and Vinayak Azad. The model code of conduct has been enforced strictly in entire district, the chief electoral officer said in a release.

Since the district is located close to the international border, necesNortheast Democratic sary steps have been Alliance candidate and taken to deploy sufficient Pul's widow Dasanglu, security forces.

for state championship

ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 7: Kurung Kumey Boxing Association (KKBA) has announced 38-member team for the ensuing state level boxing championship to be held at Nyikum Niya ground, Nirjuli from November 9.

In an interaction session, Kolorinag MLA and Parliamentary Secretary (Home) Pani Taram ad-

vised the boxers to stay calm and cool and perform up to their potential to win fights. He also advised them to maintain strict discipline.

Taram, who also is the chief patron of KKBA, said that gold medal winners would be awarded Rs.20,000 each while silver and bronze medal winners would be given Rs.10,000

and Rs.5000 each.

KKBA advisor Yangfo Arun was also present during interaction and briefed the boxers about the upcoming championship.

The team would be led by KKBA president Nangram Roman and general secretary Biri Chattum.

Arunachal Pradesh: Mechuka festival to promote adventure tourism Et Bureau, Itanagar, Nov 7: Seeking to promote adventure tourism, this scenic valley nestled at the foot of the north-eastern Himalayan range in Arunachal Pradesh will host a threeday festival starting on Monday showcasing local sports, food and wine.

The festival, jointly organised by the union tourism ministry and state tourism department along with the event partner Centre for Cultural Research and Documentation (CCRD), Naharlagun, aims to brand Mechuka, also known as Mechukha, as a preferred adventure tourism destination.

Situated on the banks of

the Siyom river (locally known as Yargap Chu), about 30 km from the McMahon Line, the valley is locally called ‘Menchuka’ (‘men’ for medicine, ‘chu’ for water and ‘kha’ for snow).

The valley, home of five tribes, is one of the lesser-explored tourism destinations.

Apart from paragliding, quad biking, rappelling and trap shooting, the fourth edition of the festival would showcase rafting on the Yargap Chu while the local cuisine, brew and local sports are also expected to be top draws.

Weaving a bond between the ancient times and the

modern technological era, there will be demonstrations on how the locals took part in hunting in the past and the manner of take-off of microlight aircraft.

Union Minister of State for Information and B r o a d c a s t i n g Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who hails from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, will grace the festival.

The latest version of the adventure festival at the ‘Land of medicinal ice water’ is based on four elements of the universe — water, air, earth and fire.

APSCW’s legal awareness prog at Tawang concludes ET Bureau, Taawang, Nov 7: The two-days Legal Awareness Programme on “Polygamy and Compulsory Registration of Marriage, Domestic Violence, Child Labour, Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Free Legal Aid, Maternity Benefit Act 1961, Livelihood and Women Related Law” concluded successfully at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang on Sunday.

The National Commission for Women sponsored programme was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), Itanagar in collaboration with Women Welfare Association, Tawang.

Addressing the second day of the programme on Sunday, DLSA Advocate Pema Tsewang informed about the free legal aid.

He informed that most of the cases of Tawang have been disposed off in Lok Adalat.

On Sexual Harassment at Work Place, he shared that any sexual harass-

ment to women at work place is termed as violation of fundamental rights of a woman.

Speaking on the various categories of sexual harassments, he said, such cased should be reported to Police Station and district administration.

While informing about the Maternity Benefit, Act 1961, Assistant Professor Godak Bikash, Himalayan University, Itanagar informed that it is regulated for working women. The Act applies where there are 10 or more employees are working. He also shared the various categories of benefit for pregnant women. He further informed that a pregnant woman can file a complaint against her employer at Police Station, if she has been terminated from her job during her pregnancy period.

APSCW Chairperson Mitali Tingkhatra spoke on fundamental rights and other laws related to women. She also briefly spoke on Protection of Children from Sexual

Offences and Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and called for cooperation to the victims of domestic violence.

The programme was attended by more than 60 persons including government officials, Women Welfare Association (WWA) team and APSCW team.

Later in the evening, the APSCW team visited Tawang Police Station along with WWA team.

During the interaction with OC Krishna Mohan Das, he informed the Commission that there is shortage of men power.

There are only three lady constables and no lady Sub Inspector is here to handle the women related cases and also there is no separate cell for women.

The Commission urged the state government to post required staffs. The teams also visited Home for Elders and Children, Mahabodhi Center Tawang at Teli Village, Tawang and interacted with the elders and children.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

P4

Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. organizes a Cyclathon in Patanjali Ayurved to hire 5,000 people for upcoming association with NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) painted with Nerolac’s Healthy Home range of paints. Recently we organised a similar Cyclathon simultaneously across 41 cities in India to commemorate the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. We were overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we received from our dealers, painters across the cities, supporting this commitment for healthier homes and healthy, happy lives.”

A Staff Reporter, Guwahati, Nov 7: Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd., one of India’s leading paint companies organised a Cyclathon yesterday at Guwahati.

The event promoted a Swasth and Swachh Bharat.

Footballers Katsumi Yusa, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga from NorthEast United FC were also present at the event and lent their support to this initiative. Recently Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, announced its partnership with Guwahati based Indian Super League (ISL) franchise NorthEast United FC as its associate sponsor for the 3rd Edition of the Indian Super League which began from October 1st, 2016.

Speaking about the event, Mr Anuj Jain, Director, Decorative

Kansai Nerolac Paint Ltd said, “We are very proud to partner with Northeast United FC (NEUFC) and our dealers, painters and contractors to promote health and cleanliness through the unique con-

cept of a Cyclathon. At Kansai Nerolac, it is our endeavour to provide our future generations with a healthy and beautiful world. The Cyclathon is an extension of this thought promoting

healthier lives.

We are happy to be able to associate with a local home for children and make a difference in their lives by gifting them a colourful environment

The event witnessed participation from over 100 individuals from Kansai Nerolac Paints, dealers, painters and contractors, children and the footballers. It was flagged off from Snehalaya, home for children at Paltan Bazaar and traversed a distance of 3 kms.

Katsumi Yusa from NorthEast United FC who was present at the event said, “Healthy liv-

ing should be a priority for everybody. Being a sportsman, I completely support health and wellness and our entire team is very happy to be associated with Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd to promote such a great initiative.”

“The Nerolac Cyclathon has created a buzz within the team. I would like to thank Nerolac for inviting us to participate. We also interacted with our young fans, inspiring us to do more both on and off the field”, added Halicharan Narzary from NorthEast United FC, Jerry Mawihmingthanga from NorthEast United FC said, “The support from the fans has always been incredible and works as a great morale booster. The cyclathon is a great opportunity to interact with our supporters while promoting healthy lives and a ‘Swachh Bharat.”

Assam facility

ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 7: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has already laid the foundation stone of the Patanjali Herbal and Mega Food Park at Balipara in Sonitpur district.

“The unit will give direct employment to 5,000 people and benefit one lakh farmers. The complete profit from the Food Park will be dedicated for the welfare of Assam by setting up school and skill development centres in each district,” Ramdev was quoted by PTI as saying.

He said the facility would incur an investment of around Rs 1,300 crore and would be ready by February 2017.

“This Balipara unit of Patanjali will produce Rs 20,000 crore annual productions with an annual production capacity of around 12 lakh MT. We target to speed up our construction so as to open the Park formally on February 15, 2017,” Ramdev was quoted by PTI as saying.

“The unit will manufacated and examined by a ture wide range of conscreening committee comprising experts from OIL and IIT Guwahati.

Bora said all the arrangements for the initiative will be completed by the ET Bureau, end of the current fiscal Nalbari, Nov 7: Veteran and OIL hopes to start journalist and Editor of work on the first startup Dainik Asam, Radhika by the beginning of the Mohan Bhagawati was conferred the Samannay next financial year.

The OIL CMD added Award 2016 yesterday by that the company would Samannay Mancha, a also open a skill develop- leading organisation of ment institute at Ghograpar in Nalbari Amingaon and a place district. has been given to it by the As the senior journalist State government for this was unable to attend the purpose. award-giving function Besides, a driving insti- due to indifferent health, tute to train youths on the organisers presented high-skilled driving, in- the award at his residence cluding heavy vehicles and cranes, is also com- this morning, which coning up at Amingaon on sisted of a memento, a the outskirts of the city, citation, cash award, a for which the State gov- brass metal jaapi, and a ernment has allotted 80 seleng sador, besides a bighas of land. This will bundle of books, among be operated as a regis- others. tered society in collabo- The award was instituted ration with the State gov- by the Samannay ernment and auto major Mancha of Nalbari. In a Maruti Suzuki India, written message sent to Bora further said. the organisers, which was read out at the award-giving function, Bhagawati called upon the people to unitedly fight the 'enemy' by putting up a united front in gion? this land of Srimanta "We spent about Rs 1.5 Sankaradeva and Azan crore on this edition. But it is worth it. Earlier, there were mostly negative news about northeast Indians. Now, people are getting familiar with our ET Bureau, art and culture. So, there Dhekiajuli, Nov 7: One is a positive change. cadre of the banned NaModels, designers and tional Democratic Front other artistes are getting of Bodoland (Songbijit) exposure as well," said was arrested at the organiser.

Dhekiajuli in Assam's The fashion shows pre- Sonitpur district on sented the beautiful creations by designers from the region. If Pallavi Talukdar showcased a range inspired by the silk of Assam, Manipur's Kumarjit Laishram pre- ET Bureau sented the state's popular Guwahati, Nov 7: The attire for women - Customs department of phanek and phee in the state on Sunday colours like yellow, pink seized a huge consignment of Chinese goods and green.

Popular Assamese de- from the Inter-state Bus signer Dhiraj Deka, a Terminus at Guwahati. regular at the fest, is excited to present his collection on Sunday.

Sonowal calls indigenous 'OIL startup fund to boost entrepreneurship' minorities as sons of soil ET Bureau, Guwahati, Nov 7: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today assuaged the concerns of indigenous minority communities in the state calling them sons of the soil.

Interacting with the leadership of indigenous minority organizations of the state, the Chief Minister said that any discourse may take place in the political arena but the indigenous minority people being the sons of the soil should not be swayed away or be afraid of any such dis-

cussion.

Instead he called upon them for devoting their energy for positive works and overall development of the state.

The Chief Minister further said that the government believes in inclusive development and is committed to ensure Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas .

Government is committed to develop ‘Team Assam’ involving all communities living in the state and will safeguard the indigenous mi-

nority communities from all threats , Sonowal asserted.

The Chief Minister asserted the government will work for ensuring equal opportunity and upholding fundamental rights and constitutional safeguard for them.

The interaction programme was attended by about 40 indigenous minority organizations of the state representing Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain communities. (With input from agencies)

5 in fray for Lakhimpur by-poll ET Bureau, North Lakhimpur, Nov 7: The by-election to 14 Lakhimpur HPC will see five candidates in the electoral fray.

The above was stated by the District Returning Officer here following the expiry of the day of withdrawing candidature on Saturday.

According to the Returning Officer, no candidate withdrew their candidature from the electoral contest, thus making all the nominated candidates remain in the fray. The Returning Officer made this announcement before the agents of the

contesting candidates at a meeting held in his office chamber on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by election observers Rajendra R Sobhen and Benudhar Behera. The meeting also finalised the poll symbol for all the five candidates. Accordingly, besides the known symbols of hand, lotus and paddy grain and sickle for the Congress, the BJP and the CPI, auto-rickshaw was selected for Independent candidate Dileep Moran and battery torch for SUCI candidate

Hemkanta Miri.

Speaking at the meeting, the election observers explained various aspects of the electoral code of conduct. They informed the meeting how much the candidates could spend at the most.

Saurav Dubey, Election Observer (Expenditure) also informed the meeting about the rules to be followed by the candidates on the expenditure front.

It may be mentioned that more than 15 lakh voters would exercise their franchise on November 19 for this by-election.

New bridges to facilitate road connectivity ET Bureau, Tezpur, Nov 07: People of the northern belt will soon be able to enjoy hassle-free surface communication as soon as the ongoing construction work of four lane project from Dibrugarh via Koliabar-Chariali bordering Sonitpur district and Dolabari and Jamuguri etc., areas up to Dhemaji, connecting the northern and southern belts and the neighbouring State of Arunachal Pradesh is completed. Besides, a few major bridges including an additional bridge over river Brahmaputra at Koliabhomora area and Chowkighat is also slated to get completed as the National Highway Infrastructure Development Authority (NHIDA) has already released the required funds specially sanctioned for the big-budget project.

It is worth mentioning that due to the gradual increase

of traffic volume and the dilapidated condition of NH 15 and 37 (A), motorists and common people have been facing a slew of problems, besides witnessing frequent road accidents in the last few years. More importantly, hundreds of Lakhimpur or Dhemajibound vehicles plying from either Guwahati or from any part of upper Assam have to touch Tezpur town, compounding its traffic problems. But the administration here hopes that as soon as this four lane project is completed, people will get respite from the traffic problem besides better communication, which will also result in the socio-economic development of the region.

Addressing a press conference recently, the Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur, Manoj Kumar Deka revealed that the funding agency National Highway

Infrastructure Development Authority (NHIDA), of the Government of India has already released an amount of Rs 2,68.40 crore for the project. "The work is on in full swing and the inhabitants who have lost their properties for the ongoing construction work have been paid their compensation under the Fair-Compensation Act." The Deputy Commissioner added that in Jamuguri and GohpurTammanna Gaon areas, a problem in connection with releasing of lands occupied by the locality stood as a constraint, but that has also been settled. He also urged the people to extend their helping hand for the early completion of the big budget project. However, replying to a query regarding discrimination in giving compensation in some areas, he said that though such questions did arise, but it was settled as per government norms.

Guwahati, Nov 7: The ‘OIL Startup Fund’ recently announced by public sector giant Oil India Limited (OIL) is intended to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the northeastern region and the company hopes that it will also lead to employment generation and creation of business opportunities in the region.

Addressing a press conference here today, the Chairman and Managing Director of OIL, Utpal Bora said that the Rs 50crore fund would promote entrepreneurship among younger Indians by creating an ecosystem that is conducive to the growth of startups in the oil and gas sector, which has a huge scope for application of technologyenabled ideas.

The OIL CMD said that while the oil and natural gas sector is contributing enormously to the growth of the country’s economy, the sector faces various critical chal-

lenges and new ideas are required to negotiate those challenges.

“OIL will be partnering with institutes of excellence in the North-east.

Initially, we have identified IIT Guwahati to take this initiative forward, wherein the institutes shall facilitate idea incubation. In this regard, we have concluded preliminary discussions with IIT Guwahati on November 4 and IIT Guwahati has agreed to provide three slots at its incubation centre,” Bora said, adding that a formal MoU will be signed with IIT Guwahati in the first week of December.

“Later on, we will bring some other universities and technical institutes to the fold to take the initiative forward,” he said.

OIL also plans to create a dedicated website for its startup initiative for inviting applications with project ideas.

The ideas and applications received through the website will be evalu-

I look cool with the glasses on. I am also shy."

Irrespective of his shyness, Papon ensured to make the attendees stand on their feet and sway to his hit Bollywood numbers like "Moh moh ke dhaage", "Kyon" and "Jiyein kyun". He even made them dance to Bihu songs. As the crowd consisted of many north Indians, he gave a gist of the Assamese songs.

Prior to his gig, Papon told newsmen: "It feels great because this is one festival that I've been trying to play for a couple of years now, but we couldn't organise our dates. This year we made sure that we planned early, blocked our dates and we are so happy about playing at the North East Festival."

There were more northeast bands, including Reverse Tragedy and Traffic Jam. Talking about the threeday fest, Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organiser of North East Festival, told newsmen that: "We have food stalls and handloom from the region. We even flew down 35 northeast models for fashion shows. There are 30 musical acts."

How do such fests help the people from the re-

Present on the occasion, Bodoland Territorial Council Chief Hagrama Mohillary declared that he would allot 1,000 acres of land to Patanjali Ayurveda in Bodoland for setting up of a similar unit and a ‘gaushala’.

Samannay Award presented to Bhagawati

Assam: Papon urges Delhiites to explore northeast India ET Bureau, Guwahati, Nov 7: Flaunting a Made in Assam T-shirt, Assamese singer Angaraag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, urged the attendees of North East Festival here to visit the "beautiful" region.

During his performance at the fest's fourth edition here, he said: "We (northeast India) are a part of India. You don't need passports to go there.

There are no guns there.

We have music. Please come to northeast India."

He praised filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, who produced "Pink" - a film that breaks stereotypes about the perception towards people from the region, among other things.

The singer, who hails from Guwahati, also has a close association with the capital, where he studied in the 1990s.

"I am made in Assam and my heart is in Delhi. I miss the blue sky," the singer, who wore shades, said referring to the increase in pollution after Diwali celebrations.

Talking about why he wore sunglasses for his evening performance, he said: "There are three reasons. One is because of (singer) Mika, and I think

sumer products such as cosmetics, nutritional foods and kitchen essentials among others,” Ramdev was further quoted by PTI as saying.

“I request the local farmers to plant herbal and medicinal plants so that that they can supply their local produce to the unit and reap benefits. The plant will produce rice bran oil from the remains of rice husks,” he was quoted by PTI as saying.

The Yoga practitionercum-entrepreneur said he would soon contemplate of creating a viable market for green tea to facilitate the small tea growers of Assam.

Stating the moment as historic, Sonowal claimed Patanjali Food Park would be the biggest project ever to be set up in Assam.

Fakir.

He further said that the time was ripe to identify as to who was a friend or foe of the nation. As the unfortunate electorate of this State could no longer depend on their elected representatives to further their collective cause, he therefore urged the common people to remain united, no matter what the provocation may be in order to save the Assamese nation in this hour of peril.

The veteran journalist stated that rulers and administrators come and go, but the nation never dies. "We should therefore not allow the nation to die at any cost", he said.

The function, presided over by Hamid Ali, president of Samannay Mancha, was addressed

by Jogendra Kalita, Principal of Banbhag College, and Janendra Narayan Dev Goswami, Professor of Barkshetri College, among others.(With input from Agencies)

NDFB(S) Cadre Arrested at Dhekiajuli Monday, by a joint team of Assam Police and CRPF. The apprehended cadre has been identified as Birkhang Wari. One pistol has been seized from his possession.

Chinese goods worth Rs 13 lakh seized in Guwahati

"My creations are commercially viable. There are gowns, palazzos with kurtis and also Mekhela chador. I have mixed eri and mugha silk with multi-coloured fabrics.

The models will walk to the songs sung live by Ananya Dutta," Deka told mediapersons.

The consignment containing clothes worth Rs 13 lakh made in China is suspected to be smuggled into India via Manipur. A pick-up truck carrying the consignment was also seized.

3 drug abusers nabbed by locales in Kharghuli

ET Bureau, Kharghuli, Nov 7: Locales of Kharghuli in Guwahati on Sunday night nabbed 3 youths involved in drug abuse

and untoward incidents in the area. The trio has been identified as Babla, Babu and Papu and was handed over to the Latasil police.

REST OF

NORTHEAST Incessant rains hit crops, normal life in northeast

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Agartala, Nov 07: At least one person was killed and crops were damaged in incessant rains caused by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam over te past three days, officials said on Monday.

The normal life has been thrown out of gear in the northeastern states, they added.

A 21-year-old youth, Biswajit Roy, died while crossing a flooded canal in Agartala on Sunday night.

His body was recovered late on Sunday night.

An official of Tripura's Disaster Control Centre said that several hundred families in different parts of Tripura took shelter in relief camps, as their homes and villages were flooded following incessant rains.

"Many houses were also washed away in western Tripura. Low-lying areas

Seasonal crops in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam were the worst affected by the postmonsoon rain. were inundated. District Magistrate Milind Ramteke and Additional District Magistrate Kuntal Das have visited the affected areas and met the affected people," Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Samit Roy Chowdhury told IANS. Seasonal crops in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam were the

worst affected by the postmonsoon rain.

"Seasonal crops like potato, cauliflower, cabbage and various other vegetables were badly damaged due to the rains in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam," agricultural expert Chandan Debbarma told IANS. In Aizawl, a Mizoram Disas-

ter Control Centre official said that the rains since Friday damaged many houses built in the hilly terrain.

He said as vehicular movement was restricted by landslides and uprooted trees, normal life was severely affected in different parts of eastern and western Mizoram.

Meteorological Department officials in Agartala, Aizawl and Silchar (southern Assam's main commercial city) said that the situation is likely to improve from Monday night.

"There would be no heavy rains in the next couple of days. Light or moderate rains are likely to occur in some places of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam," Meteorological Department Director in Agartala Dilip Saha told IANS. He said that the deep depression, generated in the Bay of Bengal four days

back, has now lost its strength and it currently exists in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, southern Assam and adjoining northeastern Bangladesh.

Refuting the reports in a section of media, Saha said that no cyclone has occurred in the past one week in the region.

"The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has never announced a cyclone in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur or southern Assam and other areas. To declare a cyclone, its wind speed must be 65 km per hour, besides fulfilling other criteria. The wind speed of the current deep depression did not cross 55 km per hour," the official said.

He added that a high-level IMD committee in Delhi after considering various aspects declares a phenomenon as a cyclone.

(Agencies)

P5 Harsh central rule: fund devolution to Tripura dips

Agartala, Nov 07: Strict implementation of rules by Centre have stood in the way of fund devolution to Tripura on centrally sponsored schemes. Failure on the part of state administration to furnish utilisation certificates on spending of sanctioned money worsened by the deterioration in work culture in the state have contributed to aggravation of the problem. The issue came up in a review meeting of the chief secretary in Conference Hall No2 of the state secretariat on October 22. While the chief secretary Yashpal Singh took to task junior officials for failure to provide utilisation certificates , the reality that emerged from deliberations in the meeting has become a matter of concern.

Giving details, highly placed official sources said that Centre provides funds for as many as 66 centrally

sponsored schemes. In the year 2015-2016 the state had received Rs 2712 crores on the 66 schemes but the figure has dipped in the current financial year . In the 2016-2017 financial year the state has so far received Rs 1339 crores which is Rs 1372 crores less than what is actually due. The government of India's total budgeted fund on centrally sponsored schemes countrywide for the 2016-2017 financial year is Rs 1,82,328 crores.

'The main reason for less receipt is failure to furnish utilisation certificates ; despite sustained pressure the high-ups in the administration have failed to elicit utilisation certificates from the lower rung of the administration' said sources .In the review meeting the chief secretary raised the issue and took to task officials representing concerned departments but the

effect is 'unlikely to be very positive'. Earlier , the chief minister Manik Sarkar had also stressed the issue of falling devolution of central funds but the expected result is yet to be achieved.

The chief minister who is deeply concerned over the issue has issued fresh and strict instructions to prepare utilisation certificates to facilitate early devolution of funds.

Meanwhile, senior officials in the administration said that despite failure to furnish utilisation certificates sanction of funds could be obtained. 'But this can not happen because we can not visit Delhi to persuade and convince the concerned central ministries to sanction funds and certificates will be provided in time; other states often resort to this to have their allocated funds sanctioned ; here we are helpless' said a senior IAS officer.

(Agencies)

Nagaland, others fail to imple- Ampareen, War & Lanong prepare Launching of communitisation of ICDS ment anti-infanticide law New Delhi, Nov 7: Nagaland is among 23 states/UTs in India that has not implemented the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act, 1994.

This was stated in the latest report released by the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR)-- "The State of the PC&PNDT Act: India's losing battle against female foeticide" The Act has not been implemented 23 States/UTs, even as 1.3 million girls are found to be "missing" every year, the report 290-page report stated.

Out of the 23 states Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry had not registered a single case under the PC&PNDT Act since 1994.

It further pointed out that the states and UTs which had not secured a single conviction under the PC&PNDT Act since 1994 are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka , Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and West Bengal and Union Territories of Chandigarh.

Expressing regret that "the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) is all set to fall further from 919

as per 2011 census to below 900 as per the current sex ratio at birth being registered by the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report", the report criticizes governments for under-reporting "actual number of missing girls due to sex selection." "More cases of infanticide under Indian Penal Code were registered than cases under the PC&PNDT Act during 19942014, and this exposes abysmal implementation of the PC&PNDT Act," ACHR observed.

Pointing out that "India registered 2,266 cases of infanticide under Section 315 and Section 316 of the Indian Penal Code against 2,021 cases under the PC&PNDT Act during 1994-2014.", the report says, "During 1991 to 2011, a total of 25.5 million girls, i.e. 1.3 million girls per year, went missing primarily because of the sex selection."

"As only 2,021 court and police cases were filed from 1994 to 2014 under the PC&PNDT Act, it implies that on an average only one court case was filed approximately for 12,614 cases of sex selection:, the report notes, adding, "As conviction was secured only in 206 cases during 1994-2014, it also implies that only one conviction was secured per 1,23,755 cases of sex selection."

The report further says, "As many as 17 out of 29 States and six out of seven Union Territories (UTs) had either not registered any case or failed to secure any conviction under the PC&PNDT Act as on date", adding,

TVCU opposes 33% quota for women in civic polls Tuensang , Nov 7: Tuensang Village Citizens Union (TVCU) on Sunday made its stand clear that it was against the decision of the state government to hold civic polls with 33% reservation for women. This was unanimously resolved by the union, it added.

In a press note TVCU president H. Wongto and joint secretary Imlong Zanchu while clarifying that the decision of the union had "no motive against the women folk or their rights", said it was done so to protect the aged old respectable customs and traditions of the Nagas.

TVCU however pointed out that the implementation of reservation was "a serious and crucial issue which in long term would definitely hamper the respectable positions and norms which has been

descended down to us by our forefathers." Such move was destructive for the Nagas, the union added.

TVCU further stated that "Article 371 (A) clearly affirms the right to maintain the traditional procedures and practices of the Nagas and this move of the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) stepping against Naga customs is an extreme disrespect and is something which Naga society cannot adhere to the stand".

The union said it welcomes the decision to hold the civic polls, but was completely against implementation of 33 % women reservation.

TVCU said the union would have no problem if any capable women are nominated or contest openly in the civic polls without any reservations.

(Agencies)

"All these states are covered under the Beti Bachao Beti Padao scheme, the flagship programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrest the falling Child Sex Ratio (CSR) under the age of 0-6 years."

ACHR stated that it had taken strong exception to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's proposed amendments to the PC&PNDT Act in March 2016, which seeks to "weaken the Act further at the insistence of the medical lobby."

"The proposed amendment seeks to restrict the scope and operation of Section 23 (1) only to cases where the accused medical professional 'indulges in or assists or aids sex determination/ selection or for conducting pre-natal diagnostic techniques on any person for the purposes other than those specified in sub-section (2) of Section 4', while the existing provision of Section 23 (1) covers contravention of 'any of the provisions of this Act or Rules made thereunder'," the report says.

"Once the proposed amendment is allowed, the irregularities in record keeping as per Form F which are part and parcel of sex selective tests would escape the rigours of the existing Section 23 as the prosecutors shall have to prove indulgence in or assistance or aiding sex determination/ selection or for conducting pre-natal diagnostic techniques by the accused medical professionals or diagnostic centers/clinics, " the report stated. (Agencies)

Mukul rules out alliance with BJP/NEDA Agartala, Nov 07 : Trinamool's all India vice president and observer for Tripura, Mukul Roy ruled out any alliance or electoral understanding with BJP or its northeastern umbrella body , NEDA for the assembly elections of February 2018. Interacting with the media persons in the state Trinamool headquarter here on Saturday, Mukul said Trinamool would have nothing to do with BJP or NEDA. 'As is well known , we are now trying to forge a secular alternative at the national level by bringing together like-minded parties to stand against the divisive and communal policies of BJP-led NDA ; hence any understanding with BJP or NEDA is not possible here for electoral gains' said Mukul. He added that even if a proposal from BJP came for alliance there was no question of considering it.

Even though the state leaders of the party looked disappointed with Mukul Roy's announcement, they did not make any comment on the issue. (Agencies)

for 2018 battle Shillong, Nov 7: With the surprise entry of former Congress MDC Neil Antonio War to the BJP, East Shillong (formerly Laitumkhrah) will witness a different contest in the 2018 Assembly polls.

Though more than a year is left for the Assembly elections, the political parties and their candidates have started making their calculations.

Sitting legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh from the Congress will face both UDP leader Bindo Lanong and War who is keen to contest the Assembly polls on a BJP ticket.

As per the current trend, a pre-poll alliance of nonCongress parties may not be possible in East Shillong constituency as both BJP and UDP will field separate candidates.

Former deputy CM Lanong, who was defeated by Ampareen in 2013, said on

Sunday that by all means he would again contest the seat.

Asked whether the contest will be mainly between three candidates Lanong said, "It will be multi-cornered as there will be more candidates in the fray apart from the three."

As far as War is concerned, he made it clear after he joined the BJP on Saturday that if the party allots him a ticket, he is ready to take on the sitting legislator.

Congress sources believe that while Ampareen will be the main target of both UDP and BJP, the non-Congress parties fighting separately may become advantageous to her.

However, sources from both UDP and BJP indicated that concentration in certain pockets during election will benefit them, which will brighten their prospects.

(Agencies)

Bijan reacts to statements made by TMC's Mukul Roy Agartala, Nov 06: 'Before the by-elections, Trinamool Congress is showing signs of imminent defeat in the polls', said CPI (M) state Secretary Bijan Dhar.

Interacting with media persons after the press meet of TMC's vice president Mukul Roy and his comment 'if CPM creates blockades during election, then TMC will create obstruction', Dhar said TMC workers are equipped with such culture. 'The people of Tripura never create obstruction during exercise their democratic rights', said Dhar.

On the allegation raised

by TMC over secret nexus with BJP, Dhar said TMC has nexus with

all fascist, divisive and communal forces and TMC had already formed the alliance during last assembly elections of West Bengal. Similarly, TMC in Tripura provides support directly and indirectly to those forces who have raised their slogan for separate state.

CPI (M) always works for people and peace loving people of the state will strengthen our bases with their experiences, said Dhar. Dhar also hoped that peace loving people of the state will defeat all divisive and communal forces and secure the massive victory of both CPI (M) candidates in Barjala and Khowai in the by-elections. (Agencies)

KHNAM finds it tough to get right candidates Shillong, Nov 7: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) is finding it difficult to get deserving candidates for the district council by-polls scheduled for December 13.

KHNAM working president Adelbert Nongrum has urged probable candidates to come forward to contest on the party's ticket. Of the seven vacant seats that are going to polls, KHNAM has fielded candidates only for two - Mawthadraishan and Laban.

"We need candidates who are willing to serve for the purpose of the indigenous people," Nongrum said,

adding, "The time is too short and we are hopeful that people will come forward."

The other seats for the MDC by-election include Nongspung- S ohi ong, Nongkrem, RambraiJyrngam, MairangNongkhlaw and Amlarem.

Meanwhile, the campaigning for the December 13 by-polls is yet to pick up pace and parties are expected to go full steam ahead only after filing of nominations that will start on November 21.

All the parties, including the BJP, have fielded candidates for the district council by-polls next month. (Agencies)

Social welfare officials along with public.

Dimapur, Nov 7: Department of Social Welfare officially launched the communitisation of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) on November 3 in Tuensang district in collaboration with Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) and it would be carried out in 20 villages of Tuensang district in the initial phase.

Secretray, Social Welfare Dellirose M. Sakhrie as the chief guest emphasized that, ICDS was a comprehensive scheme to cater to 6 basis services for children between the age of 0-6 years and lactating mothers. She further encouraged the community to be aware about their entitlements and make ICDS function effectively in their respective District.

Director, Social Welfare, Merang T. Aier said that de-

partment would be handicapped without the support of the community and he further stressed that ICDS scheme could be successfully implemented in the state only if the community leaders and stakeholders were willing to actively participate and make it their own.

Rev. Dr. Chingmak, secretary, ECS shared about the initiatives undertaken under ICDS and gave a power point presentation on the status of children and their development indicators in the Anganwadi centres.

Deputy commissioner, Tuensang Alemjongshi expressed his appreciation that ECS was a wellestablished society among the thousands who have proved their commitment to genuinely

serve the people and hoped that more NGO's will work like ECS to make Nagaland a better State.

Chairperson, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), Bano Vinito Chishi as the guest of honour, exhorted the gathering and encouraged the community leaders, mothers and SHGs to come together and work for the wellbeing of the children in their respective villages.

State Coordinator, State Resource Centre for Women, Gracy Ayee shared about Women helpline (181), 24x7 helpline toll free number and One Stop Centre which catered to women affected by violence. She also gave information about schemes for girl child- BetiB achaoBetiPadhao and SukanyaSamriddhi Account scheme Yojana.

Project manager, NSSWB Asalie Alex Kruse shared about Microfinance and Self Help Groups and the benefits that could be availed under the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation.

The Social welfare Department officials later travelled to Hakchang and Maksha villages and visited the Anganwadi Centres being implemented by the ECS as communitiasation project of ICDS. (Agencies)

M'laya bags environment, education awards Shillong, Nov 7: Chief Minister Mukul M. Sangma received the award for the Most Improved State (small states category) in Education and the Best State Award in environment (small states) at ITC Maurya in New Delhi at the India Today States of the States Conclave.

An official statement said the annual India Today 'State of the States' is the country's most extensive and thorough study to ascertain which states are leading in terms of governance, education, agriculture, infrastructure, economy, environment, cleanliness and inclusive development.

"Started in 2003, the annual State of the States relies on objective data sourced from the central government, state governments and others creating a robust and reliable barometer of growth and development," the statement said.

Keeping with the spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism, India Today has evaluated the states under two categories of Best Performing and Most Improved considering performance

records of 2013-14 for Best Performing and the records of 2012-13 and 2013-14 for Most Improved.

Participating in the Panel Discussion of chief ministers on what works and what does not work for the State, Sangma said a new benchmark has been set for Meghalaya and the potential of tourism is increasing as the government has been able to create a turnaround in terms of perception of the State as a conflict zone.

Sangma said forestry is a major sector where Meghalaya has grown by utilising the resources available in the State. He also informed that the government is focusing on making living in rural areas attractive and remunerative to mitigate the challenges of urban migration.

Answering to questions on violence and crime in the State, the chief minister said the complexities here need to be understood whereby the State shares an international border that is porous and becomes a passage for illegal activities. He, however, said the North East region is collectively tak-

ing up the issue with the Centre and the State has been able to contain crime.

The SO2 (sulphur dioxide) concentration is at 2ug/m3 making it one of the lowest in the country and 3 per cent of the geographical area in Meghalaya has green cover, the statement said.

The social forestry and environment department has brought over 300 sq km area under plantations through the national afforestation programme transforming barren lands into lush green forests with the management and involvement of communities.

In terms of education, the state has increased its spending per 6-15 age group population by 325 per cent from 2015 to 2016, the statement added.

The programme was also attended by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley who later gave the awards in different categories. Chief Ministers, Ministers and representatives and officials from various states of the country were also present at the conclave.

(Agencies)

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Today's quote

“

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter doesn't mind.

Bernard M. Baruch

Looking for a humane solution The agreement between India and Sri Lanka on

establishing a Joint Working Group on fisheries is a small step forward in resolving the dispute between fishermen of both countries. In fact, such a mechanism had been in place until a few years ago to address problems that arose whenever fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by Sri Lanka. The points agreed on are important: a hotline between the Coast Guards of both countries, a meeting of the JWG once in three months, and a meeting of the fisheries ministers every six months. Welcome too is the commitment that there would be no violence or loss of life of fishermen. These measures are useful in getting Indian fishermen or their boats released from custody, but they are unlikely to have any immediate impact on the livelihood crisis facing the fishermen of northern Sri Lanka. Such a crisis may grip Tamil Nadu fishermen too one day, after the fishery resources in the Palk Bay are exhausted. The real issue is how long trawlers from Tamil Nadu will continue to fish in Sri Lankan territorial waters, and how soon bottom trawling is ended. The official statement after the talks between the foreign ministers refers to "expediting the transition towards ending the practice of bottom trawling at the earliest". An agreement on this is crucial, but in the absence of a time frame there remains a question mark over a solution emerging.

Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen are firm on an immediate end to all incursions and are against seized Indian boats being released without legal process, even though they agree that the arrested fishermen should be released. In talks between representatives of fishermen held a few days earlier, Tamil Nadu fishermen had asked for a three-year phase-out period for their trawlers, and a deal under which they would fish for 85 days a year until then. This was rejected outright by the Sri Lankan side, which holds that the Indian vessels cause serious economic and ecological damage. One way of preventing boundary transgression is to find a livelihood alternative for Tamil Nadu fishermen. Equipping them for deep sea fishing is an option. For now, Tamil Nadu should show greater understanding of the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen, who are economically weaker and yet to fully recover from a devastating war, and agree to a more reasonable phase-out period. Sri Lanka, then, can look at a licensing system under which fishermen from both sides can fish on specified days using sustainable methods and permissible equipment.

It is important that all sides recognise that there is a humanitarian dimension to the issue.

Back from the brink in Lebanon

The election of Michel Aoun, the 81-year-old

former general, as Lebanon's President ends a twoand-a-half-year political stalemate. It signals hope that the country's fractious political class will come together to form a government invested in addressing the many challenges it faces, from basic civil issues to threats coming from neighbouring, civil war-stricken Syria. The length of time it took to elect a President in itself shows the complex nature of the political system. Under a long-standing arrangement, the President has to be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia. The major political parties represent these sects, and reaching a consensus on key issues is tricky. What makes matters worse is external intervention. Hezbollah, which represents the Shia community, has Iran's backing, while the Sunni political faction led by Saad Hariri is supported by Saudi Arabia and the West. President Aoun, a Maronite politician, is a Hezbollah ally. His election is the result of an agreement among the Shia, Sunni, and Christian factions. Mr. Hariri backed Mr. Aoun's election in Parliament, while the President, in return, named Mr. Hariri as Prime Minister. The Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah, has declared that he won't oppose Mr. Hariri's appointment.

However, Mr. Hariri may find it difficult to form a truly representative government that can survive in Lebanon's confessional system. His acceptance of Mr. Aoun as President could be a tactical move given the Sunnis' diminishing political clout in the country. He may also face pressure and resistance on foreign policy from Hezbollah, which runs a militia that is stronger than the national army.

Hezbollah fighters are arrayed alongside the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, while Mr. Hariri's regional patron, Saudi Arabia, backs the antiAssad rebels. The animosity between Mr. Hariri and Mr. Nasrallah has a personal side as well. Mr. Hariri accuses the Hezbollah of assassinating his father, the former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. But despite these fault-lines, there are many areas of cooperation. The country saw deadly bombings, claimed by the Islamic State, over the past two years, reviving memories of the 1980s civil war atrocities. Fighting between Sunni armed groups and Hezbollah is common in certain pockets. Lebanon also faces a huge refugee crisis - a million Syrians have crossed the border since 2011. Unless these issues are addressed quickly, Lebanon could also plunge into civil strife.

The leading political groups need to set aside differences and expand the scope of the understanding they have now reached.

ong mentally?

P6

Self-criticism is integral to self-regulation A key component that makes good journalism is the ability to accept mistakes and offer timely corrections.

A. S. Panneerselvan For nearly a century, the space for free media has seen a cyclical oscillation of governments' attitude towards media. Governments create a strong legal framework to protect freedom of expression and then invent methods to subvert them. The enabling environment for media is usually followed by a restrictive and stifling one. The push-back comes from media practitioners and the public to regain the space.

Institutions that have power to impose punitive measures on news media organisations and journalists should remember some of the cardinal principles that govern this profession: ask questions, provide the context, hold those in power accountable, and provide information that is both comprehensible and comprehensive. Journalism should be read as a common good and not as a crime.

A disturbing ban The day-long ban of an India channel raises disturbing questions about the status of the freedom of expression, its legality and long-term implications. The statement of the Editors Guild of India ex-

plained how the decision to impose the ban violated the fundamental principles of freedom and justice.

This newspaper's editorial, "Ominous curb on media freedom", rightly argues for an independent forum to decide violations and that "a committee of officials is not the ideal body to make an independent assessment of what constitutes information that poses an imminent danger to military personnel or civilians". In the high decibel media bashing, it is important to bear in mind the observations made by Raj Kamal Jha, editor of a leading newspaper, in the presence of the Prime Minister. "Good journalism is not dying; it is getting better and bigger. It's just bad journalism makes lot more noise than it used to do five years ago," he said.

Is there a way to distinguish good journalism from the bad one? What are the yardsticks? Is an adversarial relationship with the government alone a marker of good journalism? From my personal experience as a journalist for three decades, the best visible distinguishing element, among numerous components that make good journalism, is the ability to accept mistakes

and offer timely corrections. News organisations may be staffed with some of the most outstanding talent in the world. However, they cannot wish away mistakes, errors in editorial judgment and human frailties in this deadline-driven process.

Good and ethical ones rectify the mistakes and the bad ones often camouflage them, and on occasions justify them. The idea of self-reflection, the act of holding the mirror close, the space for course correction and the constant striving for improving the quality of journalism are important in the newsrooms of respectable news organisations.

My last column, "What ails business journalism",

was a product of the same concern. It flagged a major failure. The 800-oddword column was a call to resharpen business reporting skills. However, a long-time reader of this newspaper and editor of the Chennai-based business magazine, Industrial Economist, S. Viswanathan, felt otherwise and has written a reply twice as big as the column. This office values feedback, criticisms and contrarian views. It often engages with readers who differ from the newspaper's position on a host of issues and strives to encourage dialogue.

Given the newspaper's reach and our own country's diversity, we recognise that it is impossible to produce a report

or an editorial or an opinion piece that satisfies every reader. But, I believe the newspaper should be seen as a whole, which may contain sections with which one agrees and those with which one disagrees. And, that's par for the course.

There are two parts to Mr. Viswanathan's criticism of my column. First he has a very restrictive idea of the office of the Readers' Editor. In his introductory note to his rejoinder, he wrote: "I understood the role of the ombudsman was to respond to readers' suggestions and criticisms. But this senior journalist with wide experience revels in functioning as a regular columnist freely commenting on all and sundry issues." But, the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Readers' Editor, which are binding, spell out the key objectives: "To institutionalise the practice of self-regulation, accountability, and transparency; to create a new visible framework to improve accuracy, verification, and standards in the newspaper; and to strengthen bonds between the newspaper and its millions of print plat-

form and online readers."

The ToR makes it clear that responding to readers' complaints is just one component of the RE's work.

The changing ecosystem Mr. Viswanathan's response actually validates my column rather than repudiating it. First, he talked about the changed revenue model for publications where substantial revenue five decades ago was from the cover price as opposed to the present situation where advertising accounts for bulk of the revenue.

Second, he agreed with the column that direct interaction between the top honchos and the media is limited. "Corporates zealously guard their gates through PR agencies," he wrote. He then listed the names of the select business leaders who broke the mould to talk to the press and then veered off into the legal cost of taking on the corporates. Then he shifted his focus to "200 year plus adoration of the superiority of phoren oracles", citing a far more open door policy by corporates towards journalists from The Economist, Financial Times or The New York Times. His letter is a testimony to the challenges in front of business journalism in India.

Over the barrel: A swadeshi index World Bank rankings on ease of doing business ignore the complexity of the Indian landscape. An indigenous framework is needed.

Was it a mistake for the prime minister to set his government the target of improving India's rank order in the World Bank's "ease of doing business" index from 131 to 50 within two years? I ask this question because the latest report published last month places India just one notch higher than what it was two years back. I also ask because the reaction to this report has been surprisingly defensive. The PM has directed the bureaucrats to explain the reasons for this laggard result and the steps that must be taken to improve performance.

I am of the view that the PM should not peg his objective of improving business conditions on the World Bank index.

My reasons are threefold. First, the World Bank index is based on limited data. Second, there is a disjunct between the complexity of our polity and the simplicity of the Bank's methodological approach. And third, numbers are easy to misrepre-

sent. They seldom tell the full story.

The PM should direct his officials to prepare an indigenous "ease of doing business index" based on the government's prioritisation of sectors and businesses and the key factors required to attract investment into these priority sectors.

The World Bank report is based on data gathered from just Mumbai and Delhi. Yet the language in which it is reported suggests it is reflective of conditions across the country. Further, the index is derived by looking at 10 sub indices. The final score is an average of the scores for each of these sub indices. Several of these, like registration of property, ease of getting a construction permit, payment of taxes, securing an electricity connection and acquisition of land, are matters over which the Centre has only partial control. It cannot "ease" the business conditions in these areas without the support of the state governments. Given

the number of states that are not under the control of the BJP, it could be argued the PM was setting himself up for disappointment. Finally, it is always easy to misrepresent a number. The fine print of the World Bank report does spell out the assumptions and conditions that underpin the derivation of its rank ordering, but in the subsequent commentary these caveats are given short shrift. In fact, they are almost always fully distilled out. The discussion is invariably focused around the number, which is the rank.

Doing business in India is unquestionably difficult.

The PM is right to exhort his colleagues to replace the red tape with the red carpet. This said, the government should not strap its policy objectives onto the coattails of generic and broad-based parameters developed by international institutions. It should contemplate instead the creation of its own indigenous index focused on improving business conditions for identified compa-

nies in priority sectors.

What should be the government's priority for private sector investment?

One could offer several answers but for the purpose of elaborating the above point, let me suggest the emphasis should be on labour intensive manufacturing industries and clean energy. I am not suggesting physical (housing, roads, ports, pipelines, etc) and social (education, water, health, etc) infrastructure or distribution and delivery systems (cash transfers) because whilst these are of crucial importance and in desperate need for investment, I do not believe the private sector will invest in these sectors. This is because the return on investment will be low and the banks will not extend credit - at least not until they have recovered the loans made for such infrastructural projects during the period 2003-2011.

Next, what are the major obstacles impeding the flow of capital into manufacturing and clean technology? Three major

blockers stand out. One, land acquisition. This is because land records are imprecisely recorded and this embroils prospective investors in a tangle of agents, petty bureaucrats, lawyers and politicians. Two, the inadequacy and poor quality of essential infrastructure (water, housing, electricity, roads etc).

This adds to the costs of production and erodes competitiveness. Three, the lacunae regarding intellectual property rights, fiscal stability and contract sanctity. This deters investors from investing in R&D and setting up technology centres.

The answer to the above two questions offers guidance on the derivation of an indigenously relevant "ease of doing business" index. To increase the inflow of capital into labour intensive manufacturing and/ or energy related technologies, the government should track an index that is influenced by progress on matters related to the digitisation

of land records, availability of water, travel time from point of production to port of export, availability of skilled labour, rules relating to taxation, IPR and so forth.

This index should be developed by third party, non-partisan, non-government technocrats and its details should be in the public domain. The data should be published periodically and the government should be monitored and evaluated against the progress made along the scale of this index. I am not suggesting that the World Bank index be completely ignored. For in the absence of anything else, they are a check against complacency. But I am suggesting that indices like those prepared by the Bank should not be the pivot around which policy is framed; nor should they be the cause of distraction from the more important task of identifying and removing the obstacles in the way of significant and disproportionately impactful private sector investment.

The secret of happiness A certain shopkeeper sent his son to learn about the secret of happiness from the wisest man in the world. The lad wandered through the desert for 40 days, and finally came upon a beautiful castle, high atop a mountain. It was there that the wise man lived.

Rather than finding a saintly man, though, our hero, on entering the main room of the castle, saw a hive of activity: tradesmen came and went, people were conversing in the corners, a small orchestra was playing soft music, and there was a table covered with platters of the most delicious food in that part of the world.

The wise man conversed with everyone, and the boy had to wait for two hours before it was his turn to be given the man's attention.

The wise man listened attentively to the boy's explanation of why he had come, but told him that he didn't have time just then to explain the secret of happiness. He suggested that the boy look around the palace and return in two hours.

"Meanwhile, I want to ask you to do something", said the wise man, handing the boy a teaspoon that held two drops of oil. "As you wander around, carry this spoon with you without allowing the oil to spill".

The boy began climbing and descending the many stairways of the palace, keeping his eyes fixed on the spoon.

After t w o hours, h e r e turned to the room where t h e wise m a n was.

"Well", asked the wise man, "Did you see the Persian tapestries that are hanging in my dining hall? Did you see the garden that it took the master gardener ten years to create? Did you notice the beautiful parchments in my library?"

The boy was embarrassed, and confessed that he had observed nothing.

His only concern had been not to spill

the oil that the wise man had entrusted to him.

"Then go back and observe the marvels of my world", said the wise man.

"You cannot trust a man if you don't know his house".

Relieved, the boy picked up the spoon and returned to his exploration of the palace, this time observing all of the works of art on the ceilings and the walls. He saw the gardens, the mountains all around him, the beauty of the flowers, and the taste with which everything had been selected. Upon returning to the wise man, he related in detail everything he had seen.

"But where are the drops of oil I entrusted to you?" asked the wise man. Looking down at the spoon he held, the boy saw that the oil was gone.

"Well, there is only one piece of advice I can give you", said the wisest of wise men. "The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon".

Delhi is choking With both the Central and Delhi governments passing the buck and engaged in a political duel, the National Green Tribunal should push the Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to take firm steps in controlling and curbing air pollution that appears to be smothering large parts of north India. Perhaps the Delhi Chief Minister needs to pause a little and concentrate on the health emergency at hand.

Debashish Das New Delhi

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

P7

Reliance JioFi Device Price, How to Buy, Google Home First Impressions and Everything You Need to Know HIGHLIGHTS

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard by now about Reliance Jio and want to know if getting on the network is worth it.

Reliance is giving away free SIM cards to everyone with

unlimited free usage of the network until December 31, and unlimited use of Jio's different services, which include news, music, and video on demand. However, your phone may not be

compatible with the network and one device that could help bring your whole house online is the Reliance Jio JioFi. Given how cheap calling is in India, the reason most

people are interested in Jio right now is to access free, fast, and unlimited data. As of now, mobile data in India is still pretty expensive - for example, a 1GB pack in Assam from Vodafone will set you back by Rs. 248. Reliance Jio has changed all that with data as low as Rs. 25 per GB. As we write this before everyone gets access to the Reliance Jio network, the speeds are great and there are no FUPs. Consuming 10GB of mobile data on another network would be inconceivable, but many people are consuming that much in a single day with Jio, and that's likely to continue at least during the preview offer.

Many people are just getting a Jio SIM and then switching on the Wi-Fi hotspot on their phones. The problem with this is that it drains the phone's battery, and thus limits the usefulness. That's where the JioFi comes into the picture.

What is Reliance Jio JioFi The JioFi is a personal hotspot - the kind of thing you've seen some all mobile carriers. The Reliance JioFi is a small device that will fit into your pocket, and acts as a bridge between the 4G network and a local Wi-Fi network that it creates, which your phone, laptop, and other devices can connect to. It's a very simple way of getting your home online, and it comes with a rechargeable battery - that means that you can plug it in at home, or put it in your pocket and take your connection with you when you head out.

Interestingly, you can use the Jio Join app on your phone to place calls or send messages through the JioFi. This means that even if your phone does not support 4G, you can make full use of Reliance Jio's network thanks to the JioFi. The Reliance JioFi comes with a Reliance Jio SIM that, once activated, can be used to connect to the network. You can of course use SIM cards of other operators in the JioFi if needed, though obviously you will need to pay for usage on that network.

HIGHLIGHTS Anyone can buy a Reliance Jio JioFi It is priced at Rs. 1,999 It's a great way of getting started with Jio without a VoLTE phone How to buy a Reliance JioFi? Just walk into the nearest Reliance Digital/ Reliance Digital Xpress Mini store

and purchase a JioFi. You'll need to carry a passport photo, one photo ID, and an address proof. Once you fill out the forms the number

will be activated, and you'll have to call 180089011977 for televerification - the exact steps are given on the package and it's pretty straightforward.

The store executives say that the process should happen within four hours, though in our experience with getting two Reliance Jio connections activated, it took more than a day each time.

Reliance JioFi Price and tariff plans The JioFi is priced at Rs. 1,999, down from its earlier price of Rs. 2,899 and data is free to use until December 31. As of now, the company has made no statement about what the plans will be post that date, though they are likely to be similar, if not better, than what's being offered to other Jio SIM card holders.

BlackBerry DTEK50, DTEK60 Launched in India: Price, Release Date, Specifications, and More BlackBerry on Monday at an event in New Delhi launched its latest Androidbased smartphones in India - the DTEK50 and the DTEK60, priced at Rs. 21,990 and Rs. 46,990 respectively. The DTEK50 will go on sale in the country from this weekend, while the DTEK60 will go on sale in early December.

To recall, the BlackBerry DTEK50 was launched back in July this year, and began shipping in select regions in August. The BlackBerry DTEK60 on the other hand, after numerous third-party retail and official listings, was finally launched late last month.

The latter sports a fingerprint sensor on the rear panel.

Both smartphones run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with BlackBerry's skin on top. The customisation alongside BlackBerry Enterprise services, and the DTEK by BlackBerry app, makes the company call them the 'world's most secure Android smartphones'.

The company's also touting that the smartphones are ready for enterprise adoption with its Enterprise Mobility Management solutions.

The single-SIM (MicroSIM) BlackBerry DTE50 sports a 5.2-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) display with a pixel density of 424ppi. It is powered by a 1.2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 SoC coupled with 3GB of RAM. The smartphone bears a 13-megapixel rear

camera with PDAF, dualtone LED flash, and a 6-element lens with an f/2.0 aperture. On the front, it bears an 8-megapixel fixed focus camera with an 84-degree wide-angle lens and an f/2.2 aperture.

The smartphone comes with 16GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded via microSD card (up to 2TB).

Connectivity options include 4G LTE (with support for Indian LTE bands), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, FM radio, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS/ AGPS, and NFC. It is powered by a 2610mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 2.0 that's said to deliver up to 50 percent charge in 51 minutes, with up to 17 hours of talk time, and up to 12.8 days standby time. It 147x72.5x7.4mm and weighs in at 135 grams. Sensors on board include accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, magnetom-

eter, and a proximity sensor.

The single-SIM (Micro-SIM) BlackBerry DTEK60 on the other hand bears a 5.5-inch QHD (1440x2560 pixels) display with a pixel density of 534ppi. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC (with two Kryo cores clocked at 2.15GHz, and two Kryo cores clocked at 1.6GHz) coupled with 4GB of RAM. The smartphone bears a 21-megapixel rear camera with PDAF, dualtone LED flash, and a 6-element f/2.0 lens. On the front, it features the 8-megapixel fixed focus camera as the DTEK50, an 84-degree wide-angle lens and an f/2.2 aperture.

The BlackBerry DTEK60 bears 32GB of inbuilt storage that's expandable via microSD card (up to 2TB).

It is powered by a 3000mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0, and rated to deliver up to 26 hours of

HIGHLIGHTS The BlackBerry DTEK60 bears a Snapdragon 820 SoC The BlackBerry DTEK50 bears a Snapdragon 617 SoC Both smartphones run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow talk time, and up to 14 days of standby time. Connectivity options include 4G LTE (with support for Indian LTE bands), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS/ AGPS, and NFC. It measures 153.9x75.4x7mm and weighs in at 165 grams. Sensors on the smartphone include accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor.

The speakers are powerful when they coordinate with your other devices Home can control Google's Chromecast streaming TV devices Home seems smarter than the Echo out of the gate

Google's new smart speaker is at once a secretary, a librarian and a radio.

Ask about your day, and the Home speaker will give you the time, weather, estimated commute, the news and upcoming calendar appointments. It will convert miles into feet, and dollars into euros. Want to hear Adele or Coldplay? Home will fetch you some tunes.

If this sounds familiar, it's because Amazon has already been at it for about two years. Its Echo speaker can do what Home does and more, thanks to Amazon's head start in partnering with third-party services such as Domino's Pizza and Fitbit.

But Home is smarter in a few other ways, as it taps what it knows about you from Gmail, Maps and other Google services. Home is also Rs. 3050 cheaper, at about Rs. 7930 (though Amazon offers a mini "Echo Dot" version for just Rs. 3000).

At your command Think of both Home and Echo as extensions of your iPhone or Android device.

Sure, I can check weather on the phone, but why not just ask the speaker as I'm getting dressed? And no need to lift a finger to check the calendar. With guests over, I can resolve trivia disputes using voice searches and avoid screens. This week, I was able to keep tabs on the Chicago Cubs' quest to break a century-long World Series drought.

Both devices work as alarm clocks or timers - great in the kitchen. Both can control lights, thermostats and

other internet-connected appliances, though you need capable devices first.

Of course, I have to get used to speaking aloud with no one around. Privacy is a concern, too, once I enable all the features. Anyone within hearing distance will know when I'm seeing the doctor or leaving my apartment empty for vacation.

Home and Echo are continually listening for commands, though Google and Amazon say nothing gets passed back to them until the speakers hear a keyword - "OK, Google" for Home and "Alexa" for Echo. A light comes on to remind you that it's listening. You can turn off the microphone temporarily, too.

Longing for more Neither device is all that proactive. Android phones with the Google Now assistant will remind me when it's time to leave for work or the airport, based on estimated travel times. But I'm usually not checking the phone as I'm getting ready to leave. I could use a nudge from either speaker. On the other hand, I might find a stranger's voice jarring when I think I'm alone. It's a new technology, and companies still have to figure out the right balance.

And while Home and Echo offer the basics, neither lets me dig deeper. Sure, I have an appointment at 11am, but where is it and with whom?

And how can I get there? It's back to the phone. Another limitation: Both speakers are tied to a single account, so families won't get individual calendars and prefer-

ences.

In unity The speakers are more powerful when they coordinate with your other devices.The best stab so far comes from Amazon. Ask Echo the weather, and the speaker will tell you current conditions and the day's forecast.

But if you have an Amazon Fire tablet nearby, you automatically get a full-screen display with the week's forecast. Ask Echo about the Cubs, and you'll hear the score. The tablet gives you inning-by-inning breakdowns.

Home can control Google's Chromecast streaming TV devices, but the preview I've been testing has been painful to use. You can pause, resume or forward video; you're also supposed to be able to rewind and start from the beginning, but Home gets fussy. It currently works only with YouTube video (Netflix and Google Photos are coming soon). Even then, Home keeps thinking I'm requesting a song that doesn't exist. There's potential here, but controls on the phone are much easier. Watching TV shouldn't take a lot of work.

Ideally, the technology will just know where and how to present information and entertainment. In such a scenario, you can set one alarm, and Google or Amazon will find you wherever you are whether it's on the speaker at home, or a phone if you're away. Or if you ask the speaker about a nearby restaurant, directions go to your phone. For now, unifi-

cation is limited to a shopping list you can add to and view (or hear) from any device.

Early smarts, early dumbs Home, with an early incarnation of a Google digital companion called Assistant, seems the smarter of the two out of the gate. It knows about my upcoming flight, based on reservations in Gmail. It offers commute times using transit, as Google already senses through my Android phone that I don't drive to work.

Home can also estimate driving time to just about any other destination. Echo sends me to work, even when I ask about Boston.

And Home is alone in setting alarms more than 24 hours away.

But partnerships will make these speakers more useful.

I can ask Echo about my Fitbit goals or order pizza from Domino's; I can't with Home. Amazon has more than a thousand such partnerships, known as skills.

Google's integrations are initially limited to calling for Ubers, changing news or music providers and controlling smart devices from Phillips, SmartThings and Nest (a Google sister company).

Google still has bugs to work out. How are the Chicago Cubs doing? Home told me the Cubs are the regular-season division leaders and are based in Chicago. Duh! I had to ask again for the World Series score.

And after the Cubs won in extra innings early Thursday morning, both Home and Echo were nonchalant in giving me the final score. I wouldn't have known from either that the Cubs were now the world champions and that Chicago fans got to finally celebrate.

Microsoft Selfie Now Available on Android; Enhances Your Selfies With Machine Vision In 2013, Oxford Dictionary proclaimed 'selfie' to be the word of the year and rightly so, after all the word came into mainstream usage almost instantly after front cameras on smartphones improved.

Though smartphone manufacturers are doing their bit to improve the front cameras on smartphones.

Microsoft wants to improve the quality of these images by machine intelligence, and has now brought its Selfie app to Android.

Almost a year after being released on iOS, Microsoft Selfie has now been launched for the Android platform via Google Play.

The app by Microsoft essentially improves the quality of images taken by your front camera using machine

HIGHLIGHTS App can now be downloaded from Google Play Adjusts white balance, exposure, and lighting to improve quality Considers age, gender, and skin before improving the quality

vision tech.

"Backed by computer vision technology, Microsoft Selfie intelligently considers age, gender, skin tone, lighting and many other variables - all with one click. Users can transform average photos into en-

hanced, natural photos in seconds," the company says in its product description on Google Play.

The Microsoft Selfie app adjusts the exposure, colour balance, and lighting among other things to improve the quality of

your selfies and can be used to remove the slight imperfections by just one tap. Users also get the option of choosing the colour theme of their images in the app.

Just like on App Store, the app is available for free on Android and can be downloaded from Google Play Store.

Google Says Yet to Receive Permission for Street View Launch in India Google is yet to receive permissions - primarily on the policy front - to launch its Street View feature in India, Sanket Gupta, Maps Lead, Google India, said here on Thursday.

Street View allows users to explore world landmarks, discover natural wonders, and step inside locations such as museums, arena, parks and transport hubs.

In India's immediate neighbourhood, countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have it in the south Asian region while Indonesia in the southeast, and Japan are deploying it,

said Gupta.

"As of now we have not been able to get permissions. Discussions are still happening on that front.

It's more of a decision on the policy side that we have not been able to get permissions. Technically, we just need cameras and cars," Gupta told the media here.

With more than 5,000 cities and six lakh villages mapped in India, the company aims to develop more country-relevant features.

"There are certain features which are especially rel-

evant to India and the country has inspired the development of such features and many are now available globally."

"The landmark-based directions feature that we developed for India and from India, has been launched in other countries. We will launch it in Indonesia.

Then we have the 'Named Intersections' and local guides programme. The offline maps feature was inspired from India," Gupta said.

India is among the top five countries using offline maps today.

HIGHLIGHTS Street View allows users to explore world landmarks, natural wonders Company aims to develop more country-relevant features India is among the top five countries using offline maps today "We are also trying to explore partnership with the Railways for real-time train travel data but we don't have a timeline on that," Gupta added.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

INTERNATIONAL P8 Barack Obama Says Would Be Deeply Dozens arrested for attacks Disturbed If Donald Trump Is Elected on Hindus in Bangladesh

Washington, Nov 7: President Barack Obama today said that he would feel "deeply disturbed" if Donald Trump is sworn in as his successor and reiterated that the billionaire is not somebody who is fit to be president in any circumstances.

"He (Trump) is not somebody who's fit to be president in any circumstances.

I would feel deeply frustrated, not because anything he said about me, but because I would fear for the future of our country," Obama told MSNBC. "I say that mindful of the fact that there are disagreements between Republicans and Democrats, but I've said this in speeches before. When I ran against John McCain, I thought he had wrong ideas, and I believed I would be a better president," he noted.

"But I didn't think that if

Barack Obama said that Donald Trump is not somebody who's fit to be president in any circumstances.

John McCain was president that basic standards of decency, basic constitutional norms would be out the window. When I ran against Mitt Romney, I disagreed with him on his economic policies, but he released his tax returns, I wasn't worried about what kinds of business interests

that he might have," he added.

"When Donald Trump says that he is prepared to be president, and he will have his family run his businesses, not in a blind trust, when he's got all kinds of business interests that nobody knows what's what and where money is

coming from and where it might be going, that is the kind of unprecedented attitude with respect to the highest office in the land that would make me concerned about the country as a whole," Obama said.

Obama who is on a campaigning blitz in key battleground states said the good news is that the majority of the American people recognise that he's not fit to be president.

"The challenge that we always have, is that who votes doesn't always match up with the attitudes of the majority. If we had a system in which consistently the majority of the American people voted, not just during presidential years, but midterms, Congress would look very different and we'd have very different policies," he said.

"In Hillary Clinton, the country has somebody

who is an outstanding public servant, knows her stuff, is as experienced as anybody has ever been for this office," he said.

"And you have another guy who is temperamentally unfit to be commander in chief, unqualified, doesn't know anything or seem to be concerned about learning basic public policy, who has shown himself to be a bully and willing to discriminate against people, who are not like him, or somehow oppose him," Obama alleged.

"When you have a choice that stark, the idea that you would sit on the sidelines is unacceptable," he said.

Observing that progress is never made overnight, Obama said the fact of the matter is that nobody is going to be able to deliver everything to everybody right away from this office, as powerful as it is. (PTI)

Hillary Clinton One State Away Bilawal tweets in support Clinton From Losing Electoral College Karachi,ofNovHillary 7: In re- Donald Trump has not

Washington, Nov 7: Observing that the electoral college map is less solid for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton than it was four years ago for outgoing president Barack Obama, a top American pollster today said the former Secretary of State is one state away from potentially losing the electoral college.

"The electoral college map is actually less solid for Clinton than it was for Obama four years ago where four years ago we had Obama ahead in states totaling 320 some electoral votes," forecasting guru Nate Silver told ABC New Sunday.

"Clinton has about 270, so she's one state away from potentially losing the electoral college. You'd rather be in her shoes than Donald Trump's but it's not a terribly safe position," he said.

Silver is considered the foremost pollster in the US having correctly predicted the 2008 and 2012 elections. The former Secretary of State and First Lady, Silver argued, is a lot weaker in the Midwest where four years ago Obama was leading in Ohio by four points.

"Clinton's probably a couple of points behind there. Iowa, maybe the best poll in the country, the Des Moines Register Poll showed her down seven points in Iowa, a state she'll probably lose," he said.

"So the demographics for Clinton don't actually work as well when you underperform among white noncollege voters; but it's contesting the electoral college. Her electoral college polling in the swing states is a little bit weaker than Obama's. So in some sense, it's a deceptively large or small lead for Clinton in some ways whereas Obama had a bigger lead electorally than you'd thing," Silver said.

"The other thing is that we see lots of polls that show numbers like Clinton 44 per cent, Trump 40 per cent. If you only have 44 per cent of the vote that means you're vulnerable if most of the undecideds break in certain way whereas four years ago it was like Obama 49, Romney 46. So, in that sense both candidates still need a good turnout on election day and still have their work cut out for them," he argued.

If Clinton were to beat her

polls by three points and you see something we call a borderline landslide, but if it goes the other way, and all of a sudden Trump could very easily win the electoral college, he stressed.

Turnout of voters, in particular that of the African American community matters a lot to in the final results.

"It is true that Democrats have a larger base, and so if Clinton gets her voters to turn out and the weakest part of that might be African-Americans who turned out in very big numbers for President Obama four ago and eight years ago, maybe millennial voters.

"If they turn out in big numbers, and there are better signs for Democrats in states like Florida and North Carolina recently, then she's in a pretty safe position," he said.

"If they don't, though, and if there is a big white working class vote for Trump, if you see some suburban Republicans convert back to Trump at the last minute because he's been relatively quiet on the campaign trail, that's a case in which she could lose potentially.

(PTI)

Two people involved in Sabri murder arrested

by CTD: Sindh CM Murad Shah Islamabad, Nov 7: The CTD headed by Raja Umar Khattab made a major breakthrough and arrested two people from Liaquatabad called Ishaq alias Bobby and Asim alias Capri. Their weapons were also recovered... After a probe and forensic investigation, we found proof of involvement in 28 cases."

Shah said there was 'conclusive proof' two were involved in nine 'major incidents': " Oct 29 attack on Nazimabad majlis " Oct 17 attack on a majlis " July 26 attack on army personnel in Saddar " June 22 attack on Amjad Sabri " May 21 killing of two traffic constables at Aisha Manzil " April 20 attack on policemen " Dec 2015 attack on military police near Tibet Centre " Nov 20, 2015 attack on Rangers personnel in Ittehad Town " Aug 29, 2015 attack on Supreme Court judge Advocate Syed Hamid Haider in Hassan Square "The investigation is ongoing, we are still matching

evidence with equipment.

We didn't want to make any announcement until we were sure."

The weapons have been matched with bullets from the post mortems, he said.

They were also involved in various instances of target killing of 12 other police personnel and seven Shia target killings, he said.

A large quantity of weapons were recovered from the suspects, including three SMGs, two MP5 rifles stolen from police, 27 pistols, and lots of hand grenades and IEDs, he said.

These weapons have been matched with empties [bullet casings] collected from crime scenes, he said.

"There have been protests in Malir today, but there is no particular community or sect being targeted," the CM said.

"This is to stop terrorism.

If we have suspicions, we are detaining people. And when they are being cleared, we are releasing them."

"This is the biggest menace in our country and we will go to any extent to end it. I request the people of Karachi and across Sindh to support us in this matter," the Sindh CM said.

"Those involved in the kill-

ing of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) activists will also be apprehended."

"We detained people from both sides [Shias and Sunnis] who were suspected of involvement in violence and terrorism," he said.

When asked about arrest of former senator Faisal Raza Abidi and his alleged involvement in sectarian killing the CM said, "Faisal Raza Abidi was arrested for possession of unlicensed weapons."

Police personnel involved in the arrest of suspects will be rewarded, he added.

Adviser on Information to Sindh Chief Minister Moula Bux Chandio and Sindh Inspector General (IG) AD Khawaja were also accompanying Shah during the press conference.

Amjad Sabri was gunned down in Karachi June 22, 2016, after unknown assailants fired at his vehicle in the city's Liaquatabad area, critically injuring him. He was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed hospital immediately, where Sabri succumbed to his injuries.

Responsibility for the attack was earlier claimed by a spokesperson for the Tehreeki-Taliban Pakistan Hakimullah Mehsud group. (Agencies)

sponse to a tweet saying that Clinton was on her way to becoming the president of the 'most powerful country in the world', Bilawal expressed hope that it was the case, using the popular hashtag #ImWithHer in a display of solidarity.

Bilawal's show of support comes just a day before the US election is set to take place Nov 8. Hillary Clinton could become the first American woman elected president, breaking the ultimate glass ceiling after having become, at the Democratic nominating convention in July, the first female candidate for a major party.

Clinton has come under fire for her speeches to Wall Street and the use of a 'home-brew' email server which was used to send at least 22 top secret emails.

Her Republican opponent

hesitated to draw on stereotypes of women, describing the former first lady, New York senator and secretary of state as weak and lacking stamina.

Based on its analysis of media endorsements, electoral trends and opinion surveys, Dawn understands that Democrat Hillary Clinton is more likely than her Republican rival Donald Trump to win the presidential election on Tuesday.

The American national average of all polls collected on Sunday gives Clinton less than twopoint lead, her 46.6 points against Mr. Trump's 44.8.

In favourability rating, she leads Mr. Trump by 5.4 percent. But this is not comforting as both are still in the negative zone, her minus 13.8 against Mr. Trump's minus 19.2.

(Agencies)

Libyan coastguard rescues 115 migrants off Tripoli Tripoli, Nov 7: Libya's coastguard said it rescued 115 migrants today who had been aboard a rubber boat that broke down off Tripoli, and that one migrant had drowned.

The migrants "were on a rubber boat that broke down northwest of Khoms," some 100 kilometres (60 miles) from the capital yesterday, navy spokesman Colonel Ayoub Qassem told AFP. He said the rescue began at 7:30 am local time and it took two hours to take the migrants to Khoms port where they were given medical aid.

They were then passed to the interior ministry's department tackling illegal immigration, he added.

The migrants were of various African nationalities.

People smugglers have exploited the chaos gripping Libya since the 2011

uprising that overthrew dictator Moamer Kadhafi to traffic migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe.

As many as 4,220 migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean so far this year, a higher number than the full-year totals for 2014, 2015 or any other year on record, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The Libyan Red Crescent said yesterday that in the past week it had retrieved the bodies of 40 migrants who had drowned attempting to reach Europe.

The same day, 10 migrants' bodies were recovered from a rubber boat and more than 2,200 people were rescued at sea, according to the Italian Coast Guard. On Friday, 1200 migrants were rescued in eight operations. (PTI)

Water detected on metallic asteroid Psyche Washington, Nov 7: Scientists have detected the presence of water on Psyche, the largest metallic asteroid in our solar system and the target of a proposed NASAmission.

Previous observations of Psyche had shown no evidence of water-rich minerals on its surface.

However, new observations from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii show evidence of water or hydroxyl on its surface.

While the source of these molecules on Psyche remains a mystery, scientists propose a few possible mechanisms for its forma-

tion.

Water-rich minerals detected on Psyche may have been delivered by carbonaceous asteroids that impacted Psyche in the distant past, said researchers including Joshua Emery, from University of Tennessee in the US. Psyche is about 300 kilometre across and is made of almost pure nickel-iron metal.

Located in the asteroid belt, it is thought to be the remnant core of a budding planet that was mostly destroyed by impacts billions of years ago.

The study was published in the Astronomical Journal.

(PTI)

More than 100 Hindu houses and 17 temples have been vandalised and looted since violence began last month.

A Hindu priest offers blessings of light to Hindu devotees during a candle-lit prayer in Dhaka.

Dhaka, Nov 7: Police in Bangladesh have arrested dozens of people following violence against Hindus, a senior officer said on Sunday, after a spate of attacks prompted concerns that authorities were not doing enough to protect the country's biggest minority.

Hindu homes and temples in the Brahmanbairs district of eastern Bangladesh have come under attack during the last week, after a local youth allegedly shared a Facebook post that some said denigrated the Masjid al-Haram - a holy site for Muslims.

Muslims protested and demanded action against the Hindu youth, who denied sharing the post. Police arrested the young man for hurting religious sentiment, but that failed to defuse tension and

quell rioting.

Abu Zafar, the officer in charge of Nasir Nagar police station in the district, told reporters that so far 53 people had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) estimated that more than 100 Hindu houses and 17 temples have been vandalised and looted since the violence began on October 30.

Rana Dasgupta, general secretary at the BHBCUC, told Reuters news agency the violence was aimed at driving people from their homes.

"The purpose of the attacks is to free this soil from the minority community and also to occupy their properties and assets," Dasgupta said.

Attacks on Hindus, who

make up about 8 percent of the population, and other religious minorities are not uncommon in the mostly Muslim South Asian country, but the scale of the recent antiHindu violence is unusual.

Bangladesh's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into the attacks. The head of its fact-finding committee said the violence was the result of a "pre-planned conspiracy", and criticised local authorities for allowing the demonstrations that triggered the rioting to go ahead.

"The administration, including police, was negligent and callous in handling such a sensitive issue," NHRC's Enamul Hoque Chowdhury said.

The violence comes amid international concern about rising militancy in Bangladesh and the growing influence of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the country.

In July, assailants carried out an attack on a cafe in an upscale district of the capital, Dhaka, in which 22 people were killed mostly non-Muslims and foreigners, including one American. (Agencies)

Iraqi and Kurdish forces are unable to cope with the volume of explosive ordnance left behind by ISIL Afghanistan, Nov 7: When fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) abandon bomb-making factories, they usually rig them with explosives designed to kill anyone attempting to enter.

Well aware of the risk, the Iraqi troops that found one on the eastern approach road to Mosul recently let Lieutenant Mohammed Abdulkadir go first. The Lieutenant, a quiet friendly man with a well-maintained moustache, is trained to defy instinct and move towards improvised explosive devices (IEDs) rather than swiftly away.

He is one of a team given the often lethal job of disabling the weapons, typically left by ISIL in large quantities as they withdraw from an area, and linked to roadside tripwires, house entrances or even children's toys.

First, Abdulkadir checked the doors of the factory, which is housed in a nondescript roadside garage.

Then the windows. For once, it was clear. ISIL fighters appeared to have made a hurried retreat.

"They ran away," he says with a faint smile. "Just like rabbits."

The workshop lies a few miles east of Mosul in territory clawed back from ISIL as part of the twoweek-old offensive to retake Iraq's second city of Mosul conducted primarily by regular troops alongside Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga.

Fighting has devastated the area. House after house is caved in or blown into piles of concrete and twisted metal by air strikes and shelling.

Piles of sheet metal and rubble line the roadside and one particularly powerful explosion left strips of corrugated iron hang-

The remains of an ISIL lorry bomb, which was shot with a tank shell by Iraqi troops.

ing from disconnected power lines.

Abdulkadir, clad in fatigues adorned with a telltale insignia depicting a bomb against a yellow explosion, explained how ISIL made IEDs here. A cement mixer blended explosive material - often based on ammonium nitrate, but sometimes also C4 and TNT. Welding and metal cutting gear was used to craft containers or components for the devices. ISIL fighters took most of the actual explosives with them when they left, but other elements remain and residue dusts the surfaces and ground.

In one corner sit rows of rusted metal cylinders about the size of a paint tin. These are casings for IEDs containing a 1015kg charge and used to target personnel or unarmoured vehicles.

"They put them on the road with a cable ‌ so that when you push it explodes," Abdulkadir says.

Dozens of pressure strip detonators are stacked against another wall, sealed in plastic and with coils of wire on one end.

There are larger metal drums too, designed to hold about 100kg of explosives and target tanks or armoured vehicles.

Marcus Wilson, manag-

ing director of Conflict Armaments Research, describes this kind of crude mass production as fairly typical of ISIL operations, adding that in some cases the group has taken bomb manufacturing to truly industrial scales, both in terms of quantity and division of labour.

"One workshop will make only switches or cut plates, for example, and then another will only make the explosive mixture. These components will then be assembled in yet another facility."

Another room of the workshop contains a deliberately unremarkable dusty red saloon car. Part of the interior has been ripped out and wires lie across its front seat. This would have been one of ISIL's most devastating weapon: A vehicle-born IED. "There were so many cables and barrels [of explosives] inside," Abdulkadir says. "We found it ready to explode."

Sometimes cars like these are booby trapped, he says, reeling off the possible methods of detonation, including via ignition key or a pressure pad under the seat.(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

EDUCATION

Interior Design Career Information and Education Requirements Learn about the education and preparation needed to become an interior designer. Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details about degree programs, job duties and state licensure to find out if this is the career for you.

If you think designing interior spaces to be visually appealing sounds interesting, then you should consider a career in interior design. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree for this position, as well as state licensure and many opt for special certification.

Essential Information Interior designers work with interior spaces to make them visually and physically pleasing.

While decorating the space is a prime responsibility, interior designers might also focus on architectural aspects of the space, such as crown molding. To work in the field of interior design requires postsecondary education, preferably from a program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design or the Council

for Interior Design Accreditation.

Interior Design Career Information Interior designers can be found designing for a variety of settings, such as schools, homes, restaurants, airports or office buildings. They are skilled in both architectural and decorating aspects of interior space.

When interior designers begin working with a space, they consider the purpose of the rooms.

They make design plans or draw up blueprints that include structural features, such as builtin bookcases. Interior designers also consider characteristics of a space, including colors, lighting and furniture.

An interior designer

might be self-employed or work for a design or architectural firm. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that in May 2015, the median salary for interior designers was $48,840, although salaries can range from $26,130 to over $91,360.

Typically, salaries are determined by years of experience, type of employer and any specialties an interior designer might possess.

Employment Outlook According to the BLS, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% between 2014 and 2024. Competition for these positions, though, is predicted to be high. With the in-

creasing popularity of green or efficient energy options, interior designers with experience in this area might have an added benefit for employment opportunities.

Education Requirements A bachelor's degree in interior design is recommended for entry-level positions. These undergraduate programs place heavy emphasis on studio work. Students should expect to take drawing, 2-D design and 3-D design, including learning CAD software. Additional core coursework in an undergraduate program might include building compliance, sustainable technology and design

theory, such as topics in environmental design.

The work completed in a 4-year interior design program leads to building a portfolio and fulfilling an interior design internship.

License Information Some states do require interior designers to be licensed. This means they must take an exam that is administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Criteria for licensing will vary by state, according to the American Society of Interior Designers (www.asid.org). The average requirements for licensure are six years of combined education plus experience.

To maintain licensure, interior designers might be required to complete continuing education courses or programs.

Interior designers need to have an eye for aesthetics and great communication skills. At minimum, a bachelor's degree is typically required, and licensure may be necessary to satisfy state requirements.

Numerous factors play into an interior designers' salary, including experience and industry.

7 Interior Designers and Architects of India to Watch Out For Kapil Gupta is part of Serie Architects that has offices in London, Mumbai and Beijing. Gupta and his partner, architect Christopher Lee, create some stunning work in urbanism and design. If 'different' has a synonym, they have to be it. Been to Blue Frog or Tote in Mumbai? That's them. We love Serie's work for its industrial craft-like quality. http://www.serie.co.uk/

P9

TOP 5 INTERIOR DESIGN COLLEGES IN INDIA Until the 80s, the study of interior design was only considered to be a part of architecture studies. But with changing times, lifestyle trends and evolving mindset of the people, interior design has grown to become a fully-fledged professional course today.

The number of people

dwelling in cities is off the charts and unfortunately living spaces are shrinking day by day. This calls for smart usage of space and who else to the rescue other than Interior Design!

So yes, interior design is in its prime time in India and the industry is looking for lakhs of talented interior

designers, professional and freelancers alike.

So if you are an aspiring interior designer looking for Interior Design Courses and Colleges in India, here's a comprehensive list of the 'Top 10 Interior Designing Colleges in India' to help you to make an informed career choice!

National Institute of Design (NID) Location: Delhi Courses Offered: 1. 4 year B.Des courses in Furniture, Textile, Ceramic & Glass Design 2. 2.5 year M.Des courses in Furniture, Textile, Ceramic & Glass and Lifestyle Accessory Design Why Join: India's top most design school in terms of faculty, exposure and placements

Sai School of Interior Design

Location: New Delhi Courses Offered: 1. Certificate in Furniture Samadhan 2. Certificate in Vastu Shastra 3. 1 year Professional course in Interior Design 4. 2 year Advanced Professional course in Interior Design Why Join: Known for its specialized certificate courses and placements

Sanjeev Punjabi & Sangeeta Merchant (SPASM Design Architects) Sanjeev Punjabi and Sangeeta Merchant begin each project on a clean slate, with fresh ideas. The duo operates in India and East Africa - two tropical zones with diverse cultures. This has greatly helped in the way they approach every venture. We admire their interpretation of the values of the sites and its subsequent transformation and evolution. For instance, the Mbweni Ruins House that sits on a cliff on an isolated beach in Tanzania prompted the architects to visualise the house "as a body of timeless brute as a continuum of the horizon". http://www.spasmindia.com/

sP+a (Sameep Padora and Associates)

Shabnam Gupta

Designers hanker after large square-footages.

So if you have a small studio apartment that you wish to do up tastefully, chances of getting a good designer to handle the job are slim. But for Shabnam Gupta, all spaces - large and small - are grist to her mill. Her spaces are infused with a wonderful, endearing idiosyncratic quality. We like her attention to detail: A window grille that apes falling rain, a trail of miniature ants walking across the wall. This interior designer-furniture-and-lifestyle store-owner is very practical when it comes to space management as well. http://www.theorangelane.com/

Sameep Padora's work includes commercial and residential projects as well as product design. His work reflects modernity and draws immensely from the surroundings.

Padora, whose work has been featured in The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture, shuns straight lines and derives most of his inspiration from natural forms.

Therefore, most of his projects like Indigo Deli, Palatte and the Galeecha showroom have a magnetic pull - these spaces offer you a totally different special experience. http://www.sp-arc.net/

Sir JJ School of Art Location: Mumbai Courses Offered: 4 year BFA program in Interior Decoration Why Join: Known for its rich history (established in 1857) and notable alumni

Arch Academy of Design

Lotus Design Studio Location: Jaipur Courses Offered: 1. 4 year Undergraduate program in Interior Design 2. 2 year Postgraduate program in Interior Design 3. 3 year Vocational program in Interior Design 4. 1 year Short Term course in Interior Design Why Join: Known for its choice of courses and international programs and affiliations

This young, talented firm welcomes three disparate design streams into its fold: Architecture (Sidhartha Talwar), graphic design (Ankur Choksi) and engineering (Ambrish Arora). What we like about this design team is that their signature style is to not have one. Therefore, if you are their client, you could expect the unexpected and the unusual. The only constants are a refreshing perspective and a wholehearted openness to experimentation. Their projects are rich in visual details. They currently have several hospitality projects under their belt.

Rajiv Saini

Kapil Gupta and Christopher Lee (Serie Architects)

An autodidact when it comes to design, Rajiv Saini made heads turn almost immediately after setting up practice in 1995. We vote for Saini because despite having elite clients, his designs refrain from glitz as he stays away from tawdry exhibitionism. His work is contemporary, yet rooted in this country's culture. Indian craft is often presented with a modern twist. Saini doesn't cut any design-corners. His work for the Devigarh Palace in Udaipur epitomises his style. http://www.rajivsaini.com/

Aamir Sharma & Hameeda

Sensual earthiness, like something right out of a dream. That's how most Aamir Sharma projects look like. This Hyderabad-based interior designer largely uses an industrial material palatte - concrete unfinished walls, raw black slate and rusted metal sheets. He clubs this ruggedness with delicate touches of customised art. What we like about this award-winning designer is his go-getter attitude that governs his design sensibilities. Though residential design is his forte, Sharma has worked on some interesting retail and restaurant designs. http://www.aandh.in/

IILM School of Design Location: Gurgaon Courses Offered: 4 year Undergraduate program in Interior and Furntiure Design Why Join: Offers scholarships to its students based on the performance in the Aptitude/ Analytical test and Personal Interview conducted by the institute

NATION

P10

India, UK denounce terrorism, says it's no limited security challenge

Miscreants jailed for burning down schools, says J-K CM Mehbooba Mufti

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

New Delhi, Nov 7: India and the UK today agreed to start a strategic dialogue on home affairs issues covering areas like visas and organised crime even as they voiced concern over terrorism, which they saw as threat that was not a "limited security challenge" and whose arc spread "across nations and regions".

After holding extensive talks which covered a wide range issues including trade, investment, security and defence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May called for Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the November 2008 terrorist strike in Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attack to justice.

Addressing a joint press event with May, Modi said they discussed ways to purposefully work together

India and the UK today agreed to start a strategic dialogue on home affairs issues covering areas like visas and organised crime. to combat the growing forces of radicalisation and terrorism. "We agreed that it is not a limited security challenge.

Its arc of threat spreads across nations and regions.

Terrorists move across borders with ease and endanger

the entire humanity.

"I conveyed our deep concern to Prime Minister May regarding cross-border terrorism and the need for the international community to take strong action against States that support and

sponsor terrorism," he said.

On her part, May said the two countries face the shared threat of terrorism as individual countries, as partners, and global powers, and have agreed to strengthen cooperation, in particular by sharing best practices to tackle use of internet by violent extremists.

"We have also agreed to establish a strategic dialogue on Home affairs issues covering visas, returns and organised crime. As part of this we will step up speed and return of those Indians who have no right to be in the UK," May said.

The joint statement issued after the talks said May strongly condemned the September terrorist attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri and offered condolences to the victims and their families.

In an obvious reference to Pakistan hailing slain Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani as "martyr", the joint statement said, "There should be no glorification of terrorists or efforts to make a distinction between good and bad terrorists. They agreed that South Asia should be stable, prosperous and free from terror and called on all countries to work towards that goal."

Strongly affirming that terrorism is a serious threat to humanity, the leaders reiterated their strong commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds. They shared the view that there should be zero tolerance to terrorism, the statement said. (PTI)

India hopes early extradition of Delhi govt demands Mallya after May-Modi talks fresh study to find sources of emission

New Delhi, Nov 7: India expects early extradition of industrialist Vijay Mallya from the UK to face probe in the money laundering case against him after the two countries today agreed not to allow fugitives and criminals escape law and resolved to facilitate outstanding extradition requests. In talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May, the issue of extradition requests figured and officials dealing with the issue from both sides were directed to meet at the earliest. Sources said India expects forward movement in Mallya's extradition from the UK following the talks. They said the specific issue of Mallya's extradition had also figured in the talks between the two sides in the run up to the meeting between Modi and May. Asked whether Mallya is-

sue figured in the talks, Joint Secretary (Europe) in the External Affairs Ministry Randhir Jaiswal referred to the Indo-UK joint statement issued after the discussions which said the two Prime Ministers affirmed their strong commitment to enhancing cooperation under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Former IPL boss Lalit Modi is also evading law in India and today's talks may help Indian authorities to push for his early extradition as well. Both Mallya and Modi, who have made the UK their home, are wanted by the ED in money laundering cases. "The two leaders agreed that fugitives and criminals should not be allowed to escape the law.

They expressed their strong commitment to facilitate outstanding extradition requests from both sides. "In this context, they directed that the officials dealing with

extradition matters from both sides should meet at the earliest to develop better understanding of each countries legal processes and requirements; share best practices, and identify the causes of delays and expedite pending requests," the statement said. It also said the two leaders agreed that regular interactions between the relevant India-UK authorities would be useful in resolving all outstanding cases expeditiously. The Enforcement Directorate has already sought issuance of an Interpol red corner notice against Mallya in connection with its money laundering probe against him. India has asked Britain to hand over 57 wanted people, including Chirstian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. 17 extradition requests from Britain are pending with Indian authorities. (PTI)

Farmers Stage Protest At WHO Tobacco Conference Venue

Image for representation purpose.

New Delhi, Nov 7: Indian tobacco farmers staged a demonstration at the venue of a global conference organised by the WHO here today to protest against the "nondemocratic" way of framing "one-sided" policies on tobacco.

India is hosting the Seventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP7) to World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for the first time.

The farmers also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to insti-

tute an investigation and expose the opaque working of WHO-FCTC and NGO operations in India who orchestrated atrocities against farmers.

They said that WHO's FCTC global conference, which decided to keep farmers away from the critical decision-making about their future despite repeated appeals, is expected to severely impact the lives and livelihoods of 4.6 crore Indians associated with the tobacco industry.

"We pledge to fight against the non-transparent machinery of WHO FCTC. We appeal to the

policy makers to investigate the hidden agenda of global organisations that, under the garb of development and welfare, are silently working towards destroying local markets and livelihoods in developing economies, which is against their own guiding principles.

"They are creating an environment that facilitates the entry of global corporations to manipulate and earn profits from the lucrative Indian market," said B V Javare Gowda, President of the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA).

Murali Babu, General Secretary of FAIFA, appealed to the Prime Minister to recognise the hardships that confront crores of Indian farmers as global representatives get together to "destroy their future".

"Tobacco control measures need to be more inclusive and should not be decided only by health officials and activists, but should allow participation from tobacco growers and realistically acknowledge the problems they face," he said. (PTI)

India asks Britain to extradite 57 wanted persons New Delhi, Nov 7: India today asked Britain to handover 57 wanted people, including Chirstian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, so that they can be brought to justice for committing various offences in the country. This was conveyed during the bilateral

meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May here.

Britain also hand over to India a list of 17 people whom it seeks custody under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty or against whom Letter Rogatory were issued, official sources said.

Among the people India

seeks extradition include Chirstian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal. Both the countries are believed to have agreed to expedite the each other's all extradition requests and help to take all such cases into logical conclusion, sources said. (Agencies)

New Delhi, Nov 7: The Delhi government today demanded that the Centre conduct a fresh study to find out sources of emission and their respective share in polluting the national capital's air.

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain wrote to his Union counterpart Anil Dave urging him to instruct the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to undertake the scientific investigation.

His letter came on a day neighbouring Haryana and Punjab rejected the city government's argument that biomass burning in their states was largely responsible for the capital's foul air and alarming levels of smog.

"Satellite imagery from NASA shows large scale crop burning and pollution from the industries of nearby states like Punjab and Haryana, which have

tremendous amounts of pollution.

"In this scenario, it is imperative that the source of emissions and their respective pollutant load contribution is investigated for the entire NCR," Hussain wrote.

This, he said, will ensure that states "own up" to their responsibilities.

Early this year, a team led

by IIT-Kanpur Professor Mukesh Sharma had submitted a report titled 'Comprehensive Study on Air Pollution and Green House Gases (GHGs) in Delhi'.

The widely quoted report had put the contribution of biomass burning in pollution within the city (during winters) at 17 per cent (for PM 10) and 26 per cent (for PM 2.5). PM 2.5 and PM 10 are ultrafine respirable pollutants that are harmful to the respiratory system and can lead to cardiac issues in human beings. (Agencies)

Delhi govt suggests Centre to consider artificial rains New Delhi, Nov 7: The Delhi government today suggested the Centre to consider engineering artificial rain over Delhi and the NCR region which are grappling with recordbreaking levels air pollution.

At a meeting between the Centre and NCR states, Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain said "the Centre should consider (engineering) artificial rains."

However, Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said there is a need to examine its "workability".

"We will have to examine technical aspects and its workability. The Aviation Ministry will also have to take a decision. The area involved will be vast...more than 50

kilometres. So, we will seek details from the Aviation Ministry. If it is possible, we will take the necessary steps," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while enumerating the steps his government will take to fight pollution had yesterday mentioned that his government had received a proposal on artificial rain through cloud seeding.

"We have asked the Chief Secretary and the Environment Secretary to work with the Centre and assess its possibility and effectiveness," he had said.

Artificial rain is produced by spraying clouds with substances like silver iodide or solid carbon dioxide. It helps increase precipitation and disperses fog. (PTI)

27 Chhath devotees injured in honey bee attack Dhanbad, Nov 7:Twenty-seven Chhath devotees, including women and children, were injured in an attack by a swarm of bees when they were offering prayers to the Sun God at Anand Bhawan Talab at Jharia.

The attack by the bees yesterday evening led to a stampede-like situation with some devotees jumping into the pond to save themselves, police said.

Five persons including two children were admit-

ted to a hospital after the incident yesterday. Doctors said today that they were out of danger.

Other 22 injured persons were released after first aid, the police said.

Police officer S K Sinha, who was deployed at the spot, said there were honeycombs on trees near the waterbody which might have been affected by fire crackers or stones thrown at them from someone in the crowd. This led to the attack by the bees on devotees at the bank of the pond. (Agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Jammu, Nov 7: Several people involved in burning down of schools in Kashmir have been arrested and those responsible for bringing education to a standstill will not be spared, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Monday as she hinted that schools in the Valley may reopen in the coming week after remaining closed for nearly four months. "The authorities have already taken into custody some miscreants who were engaged in burning down of schools. They have been arrested and put behind bars," she told reporters.

"When everything started moving in Jammu and Kashmir, some miscreants burned down our schools which impacted the education system. We will not spare those

who burned down our schools. I hope that in the coming week, there would be some good news (with regard to reopening of schools)," she said.

The chief minister said, "Children (of Kashmir) have been coming here (in Jammu) for studies and unfortunately, some of our schools have burned down and education has come to a standstill in a way (in Kashmir)."

As many as 34 schools have been burned down and 110 government buildings damaged in Kashmir Valley since the ongoing unrest began following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.

Out of the 110 government buildings, 65 were either completely gutted or par-

tially burned down and 55 were damaged through "other means". Amid outrage over the burning of schools, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of this development and asked the state government to take steps to prevent such incidents and "unmask" to culprits.

Earlier this week, the Centre too had asked the state government to check such attempts and make efforts for reopening the schools which have been closed since July 9.

Asked about the change of heart and stubborn attitude of the separatists with regard to the situation in Kashmir, she said, "You are posing a question to the wrong person. You should ask this question to them (separatists), what can I say." The Civil Secretariat opened in Jammu, the state's winter capital, today after functioning from Srinagar for the past six months.

As part of the biennial darbar move, Raj Bhavan, Civil Secretariat and other state government offices closed in Srinagar on October end and reopened here today. Mufti was accorded traditional guard of honour upon her arrival at the Civil Secretariat by a contingent of Jammu and Kashmir Police. (Agencies)

Anti-govt protests rock Jammu on darbar move re-opening Jammu, Nov 7 : Protests rocked Jammu on the reopening of Civil Secretariat as part of the bi-annual darbar move, with the opposition parties holding separate demonstrations, accusing the BJP-PDP led state government of complete failure on all fronts.

Congress activists led by President of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), G. A. Mir and other senior leaders of the state unit of the party marched towards the building of Civil Secretariat, but were stopped on way.

Police used batons to stop the protesting workers of both the parties from moving towards the secretariat building.

"Five of our women workers were injured in the cane charge. Several of our senior leaders including Mir and several former ministers are amongst 300 party workers who courted arrested today," Chief Spokesman of state Congress Ravinder Sharma claimed.

He said the party was forced to come on the roads to protest the "complete failure of the state and the Central government" on all fronts.

Congress workers also raised slogans against the BJP-PDP coalition government.

"Not a single promise that was made to the people of the country and the state prior to the elections has

Congress activists marched towards the building of Civil Secretariat in Jammu on the re-opening of Civil Secretariat as part of the bi-annual darbar move. been fulfilled. The people of the country and the state are left in the lurch," Sharma said.

Activists of National Conference led by Mustafa Kamal, Party General Secretary and several senior leaders staged a protest march from the party office in Jammu but were stopped as they marched towards the Civil Secretariat.

"Over 300 of our workers including the Provincial President and other senior leaders courted arrest," NC spokesman, Madan Mantoo said.

Accusing the BJP-PDP coalition in the state of "complete failure" to govern the state, the NC leader said, "be it Kashmir or Jammu or Ladakh, this BJP-PDP government has completely failed on all the fronts."

Mantoo said that while the people of Kashmir were suffering due to the con-

tinuous unrest in the valley for the past over four months, the people in Jammu are facing the worst-ever situation due to ceasefire violations from across the border.

"Be it the promise of making bunkers for the border residents or giving them five Marla plots, the government has failed to do anything in this regard.The government has miserably failed on all the fronts," Mantoo said.

Meanwhile, several organisations of Gujjars and Bakerwals also held a protest alleging the government was forcefully evicting them from their lands.

Police said they have detained protesting workers of both the parties.

"We are compiling the list of the number of people detained," a senior police officer said.(PTI)

Pb govt politicising sacrifice of freedom fighters: Ghuggi Chandigarh, Nov 7: Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi today alleged that the state government is "politicising" the sacrifice of freedom fighters and "insulting" them by not announcing anything for them during the inauguration of Jang-e-Azadi memorial.

"What is the use of spending Rs 200 crore to construct war memorial when the families of freedom fighters are running pillar to post for government help announced for them," he said.

"Rather than running away from its duty, the government must renew the 45year-old freedom fighters pension policy," the AAP leader said.

Ghuggi alleged that the Badal government, while inaugurating Jang-e-Azadi memorial at Kartarpur yesterday, invited the family members of freedom fighters but "insulted" them by not announcing anything for them.

Leaders of SAD-BJP alliance kept on praising themselves in their speeches but did not even mention the freedom fighters, in whose memory the memorial was built, he alleged.

"Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal must have shown courtesy to visit the protesting freedom fighters' families, but he along with his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal preferred to flee from the venue," Ghuggi claimed.

He claimed that there is a strong resentment among the people and they are ready to throw out corrupt leaders in upcoming Assembly elections.

"Slogans being raised against the Chief Minister while he was addressing the gathering, itself say a lot. Akalis must understand the anger of the people and stop committing atrocities on the common people," the AAP leader said.

"After AAP forms government in Punjab, the families of freedom fighters will be given due respect. It is because of the sacrifice of freedom fighters that we are enjoying freedom and their families deserve more respect than ordinary people of country," he said. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

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BUSINESS

ICICI Bank Q2 net profit dips 13% Sensex ends five-session losing run; rallies to Rs 2,979 crore on bad loans 185 points on FBI relief for Hillary Clinton Mumbai, Nov 7: Country's largest private sector lender ICICI Bank Monday reported 12.8 percent dip in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,979 crore for the September quarter as its provisioning for bad loans shot up by 7-fold.

The bank's net profit in July-September quarter of the last fiscal was Rs 3,419 crore.

Its total income during the second quarter of the current fiscal increased to Rs 32,435 crore, as against Rs 25,138 crore in the year-go period, ICICI Bank said in a statement.

However, on standalone basis, the bank reported a marginal 2.3 percent rise in net profit at Rs 3,102 crore for the second quarter as compared to Rs 3,030 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal.

Its total standalone income increased to Rs 22,759 crore compared with Rs 16,106 crore on standalone basis in the same quarter of 2015-16.

ICICI Bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans jumped to 6.82 percent as against 3.77 percent at the in the year-ago period.

Net interest income remained almost flat at Rs 5,253 crore.

ICICI Bank's gross nonperforming assets (NPAs) or bad loans jumped to 6.82 percent as against 3.77 percent at the in the year-ago period.

Similarly, net NPAs nearly doubled to 3.57 percent compared with 1.65 percent in the previous fiscal.

During the quarter under review, the bank has made provisions (other than tax) and contingencies of Rs 7,083 crore as against Rs 942 crore in the same quarter of the previous fis-

cal.

According to statement, the bank further strengthened its balance sheet by making additional provisions of Rs 3,588 crore which comprised of provisions of Rs 1,678 crore for standard loans and entire loss of Rs 395 crore on sale of NPA during the six months ended September 30 which is permitted to be amortised as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, recognized upfront.Besides, the bank has made a floating provision of Rs 1,515 crore during the period. (Agencies)

Visa quota: UK offers liberal visa scheme for Indian businessmen New Delhi, Nov 7: Eyeing India as a key trade partner after exiting from the European Union, the UK today announced a first-ever easier visa regime for Indian businessmen that will come with swifter passage through British airports and access to EU. India had in past also sought easier visa regime for its nationals and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked his counterpart Theresa May to provide "greater mobility" for its students and researchers.

Speaking at the India-UK Tech Summit, May said: "So we will offer, for the first time to any country that needs visas to enter Britain, what we called 'Registered Traveller Scheme'.

"That means the Indian nationals who frequently come to the UK and to fuel growth in both our countries, the entry process will become significantly easier," she said at the event organised by CII that was also attended by Modi.

She said the businesses will have to fill fewer forms, and they would get access to the EU-EEA (European Economic Area) passport control and swifter passage through British airports.

"In short, more opportunities for Britain and India and a clear message that Britain is very much open for business," she added.

Theresa May said it is not just the legal framework that are essential for effective trade and investment, it is about people too.

"It is crucial that those who do need to travel between our countries for business can do so, that is the reason why when I was Home Secretary, I made visa process for Indians much easier," May said.

She further said India now has one of the best UK visa services in the world with more application points than any other country and is the only place where it is possible to get a same day visa. "...That happened because we listened to our businesses. And we are still listening. Listening to the fact that there are many people from India who are to bring their skill, ideas, businesses to Britain for the good of your economy

Theresa May said it is not just the legal framework that are essential for effective trade and investment, it is about people too.

and ours," May added.

Talking about removing trade and investment barriers, the UK Prime Minister said Britain is working side by side with India to make it easier to do business here.

"We can break down barriers and make it easier to do business...That is why the UK is working side by side with Prime Minister Modi to make it easier to do business in India, for example by strengthening intellectual property rights, and paving the way for world's leading services sector to operate in Indian market benefiting India and UK alike, But I am determined that we will go further," she said.

The UK Prime Minister said, "I will be discussing with Prime Minister Modi how we can increase the detail and depth of our trade and investment discussions, and identify what more we can do, now, to unleash our businesses, industries, exporters and investors."

She added "this does not need to wait for us to leave the EU". "As countries, we both need to ensure we take advantages of the opportunities for the century ahead and we can do so together," she said.

May further said that as Prime Minister Modi pursues his ambition for smart cities, 'Make in India' and 'Digital India', in Britain "we are focused on the economic reform and social reform and building the country that works for everyone".

"I believe we should throw our entire weight behind each other's efforts. In fact, Prime Minister Modi and I are going even further and announcing a new India-UK urban partnership focusing on smart cities," she added.

This is demonstration of

long-term relationship, not just trading but sharing skills, technology expertise, she said.

Emphasising on the importance of India, the UK Prime Minister said that outside Europe, this is her first bilateral visit and "first ever trade mission".

"We listen to each other's music and eat each other's food and share a passionate rivalry with each other on cricket," she said, adding "I want to talk about the importance of the relationship today and the limitless possibilities that I believe would be open to us in the future".

Talking about importance of free trade, May said it creates rising tides that lifts all boats, it creates jobs, improves productivity, and improves living standards.

"We have a strong starting point with Britain investing in India more than any other G20 country and India investing in Britain that it does in all EU countries put together," she added.

May said that right now, British businesses are exporting everything from engines to insurance to India. "...Those things are happening despite the continuous existence of barriers to trade and barriers to cooperation," she said while stressing on the needs to exchange ideas and technology.

The UK Prime Minister said that huge opportunities for tech companies exists in India as every second three Indians are experiencing internet for the first time, there is a billion plus people with so many graduates and startups. "I am looking forward to visiting Bengaluru tomorrow to see the startup capital in India," she said. (PTI)

Mumbai, Nov 7: Ending its five-session losing run, BSE benchmark Sensex Monday recouped nearly 185 points on positive global sentiments as chances of Hillary Clinton in the US election brightened following a relief from FBI in personal email server probe.

The US elections and outcome speculation caused nervousness in global markets last week but the news of a reprieve, mere two days ahead of polls, for Clinton from FBI brought cheers for investors as the investigative agency did not find any material evidence for potential criminal charges.

Besides, domestic equities got a major push from covering-up by speculators, who had been creating short positions.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd, said, "Market reacted positively to the outcome of US FBI's clean chit to the Democratic presidential candidate. Investors expressed an interim relief in the midst of esca-

lating worry in the final lap of election battle. Further, short covering on pharma, bank stocks has also supported the rally."

The Sensex opened gap-up at 27,552.27 and hovered between 27,591.15 and 27,398.72 before closing at 27,458.99, showing a gain of 184.84 points, or 0.68 percent.

The gauge had lost 667.36 points in the previous five sessions.

The Nifty after shuttling between 8,535.85 and 8,481.45 ended higher by 63.30 points, or 0.75 percent, at 8,497.05.

Buying activity was so strong that all the sectoral indices, except capital goods, ended in the green, rising by up to l.94 percent.

Tracking overall trends, broader markets were also in better shape with the small-cap surging 1.19 percent and the mid-cap index rising 0.59 percent.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 343.30 crore on Friday, as per provisional data.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 343.30 crore on Friday, as per provisional data.

Globally, in the Asian region, Japan's Nikkei moved up 1.61 percent, Shanghai Composite was higher 0.26 percent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng up 0.70 percent.

European markets also joined Asian markets as Frankfurt's DAX climbed 1.71 percent, while the Paris CAC rose 1.81 percent in their initial deals. London's FTSE too surged 1.37 percent. The US stocks futures too were trading in positive terrain ahead of Monday's market opening.

In the domestic market, 21 scrips out of 30 ended higher while only nine scrips closed lower.Top gainer was Lupin with 6.93 percent rise to Rs 1,519.

The company has announced it received a notification that the inspection carried out by USFDA in March 2016 at its Goa facility is now closed and the agency has issued an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR). This closes all outstanding US FDA inspections at Lupin's Goa facil-

ity.

Other gainers were: SBI 4.06 percent, ICICI Bank 3.36 percent, ITC 3.05 percent, Tata Steel 2.10 percent, Hero Motoco 2.05 percent, Adani Ports 1.77 percent, NTPC 1.40 percent, Axis Bank 1.32 percent and Coal India 1.03 percent.

Among the laggards were: TCS 2.18 percent, L&T 1.34 percent, HUL 1.09 percent, Tata Motors 0.94 percent and ONGC 0.85 percent.

Sector-sise, metal rose 1.94 percent followed by healthcare 1.89 percent, bankex 1.70 percent, realty 1.50 percent, FMCG 1.15 percent, finance 1.05 percent and oil & gas 0.83 percent.

While, telecom fell by 0.53 percent and capital goods 0.09 percent.The market breadth turned positive as 2,020 stocks ended higher, 861 finished in red while 142 ruled steady.Total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 3,203.53 crore, lower than turnover of Rs 4,545.34 crore registered during the previous trading session. (PTI)

India, UK natural Tata-Mistry feud: FPIs seek partners, says May speedy resolution, protection of minority shareholders

New Delhi, Nov 7 : Stressing that India and the UK share a "natural partnership", British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday said the two nations have "much potential" in boosting their relationship.

Addressing the inaugural session of the India-UK Tech Summit here, May said that Britain believed in free trade between the two countries.

"We believe in free trade‌we can breakdown barriers and improve trade," she said.

May said India invests more in UK than in any other European country, and similarly the UK invests in India more than other any other G-20 country.

May also talked about common values of democracy and rule of law between the

two nations, saying that a large number of Indian origin people live in the UK and the two nations "can work together to shape the future".

The visiting leader also expressed hope to take bilateral trade to the next level.

She also announced that Indian business visitors would now be eligible for the Registered Traveller Scheme of the UK which is aimed at a facilitative visa regime.

She stressed that with Brexit, the UK would forge a new global outlook and her visit to India is aimed at greater trade and investment and fewer trade barriers.

The British Prime Minister, who is on a three-day India visit, is accompanied by a large trade delegation.

(IANS)

Donald Trump accuses IBM of moving jobs to India; says will slap 35% tax, if elected Washington, Nov 7: Donald Trump since the start of his Presidential campaign has been vowing to give Americans their jobs back by solving H1B visa problems and outsourced jobs. Now, he is after IBM. Trump said IBM fired 500 workers in Minneapolis and shifted their jobs to India and other countries.

He has warned he will be forcing a 35% tax on companies for such actions, if he gets elected.

"IBM laid off 500 workers in Minneapolis and moved their jobs to India and other countries. A Trump administration will stop the jobs from leaving America, and we will stop the jobs from leaving Minnesota. If a company wants to leave Minnesota, fire their workers and move to another country and then ship their products back into the United States, we will make them pay a 35 per cent tax. We will also unleash American energy including shale oil, natural gas and clean coal," Trump said in his speech in Minneapolis.

He also said that he will cancel all "harmful" Obama regulations that hurt Minnesota farmers, workers and small businesses.

"We will become a rich nation once again. But to be a rich nation, we must also be a safe nation," he said.

He also claimed that her rival Hillary Clinton wants a 550 per cent increase in Syrian refugees pouring into the US, wants virtually unlimited immigration and refugee admissions from the most dangerous regions of the world.

"Her plan will import generations of terrorism, extremism and radicalism into your schools and communities.

When I'm elected President, we will suspend the Syrian Refugee Programme and we will keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country," Trump said.

He said that his administration will not allow any refugees without any local community supporting them and will secure and defend the borders of US. "Hillary supports totally open borders, and strongly supports Sanctuary Cities like San Francisco where Kate Steinle was murdered by an illegal immigrant deported 5 times. Thousands of Americans would be alive today if not for the open border policies of Obama-Clinton," Trump said (Agencies)

When I'm elected President, we will suspend the Syrian Refugee Programme and we will keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country," Trump said.

Life Insurance Corporation of India alone has an exposure of about Rs 37,500 crore to different Tata group companies.

New Delhi, Nov 7: Concerned over the Tata-Mistry feud impacting stock valuations, foreign investors are approaching SEBI as well as the independent directors and management of Tata Group companies to ensure that interests of minority shareholders in the listed entities are protected.

More than two dozen Tata group companies, including software bellwether TCS, are listed on the bourses, and most of them have substantial holdings by foreign investors. Their market valuations have taken a hit after the sacking of Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistryon October 24 and ensuing spat between him and the group being played out in the public.

Sources said that Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and other overseas entities are approaching markets regulator SEBI in the wake of the ongoing board room battle at Tata group.

The aim is to ensure that interests of minority shareholders are well protected and foreign investors hope that the issues within the Tata group -- which commands market valuation of about USD 120 billion -are sorted out at the earliest and in an amicable manner, sources added.

According to them, foreign investors are also reaching out to the independent directors and the management of respective listed Tata group companies.

These investors are looking to ensure more clarity against the backdrop of persisting uncertainties which have negatively impacted the market valuation of various listed Tata companies, they added.

Mistry was removed by the board of Tata Sons -- the holding company of most group entities -- but he continues to remain the Chairman in some of the listed Tata companies. Mistry is

still a director at Tata Sons.

At the end of September, FPIs held 17.02 percent stake in TCS, 26.01 percent in Tata Power and 13.07 percent in Tata Steel, among other firms.

On November 4, board of Indian Hotels Co Ltd, the group's hospitality arm, unanimously supported Mistry's leadership and continuance as Chairman of the company.

SEBI is also keeping a close watch on the developments at Tata group and would look into any possible breach of corporate governance norms and listing regulations.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has asked financial institutions, including LIC and banks, to keep a watch on developments at Tata group to safeguard investors' interest.

State-owned insurer LIC and various banks have significant exposure to Tata group in terms of their investments in various companies.

Life Insurance Corporation of India alone has an exposure of about Rs 37,500 crore to different Tata group companies.

Following his ouster, Mistry has accused Tata Sons of cornering him into being a "lame-duck" chairman in the near four-year tenure and also hiding USD 18 billion of potential write-downs across five group firms, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel Europe. He has also alleged potential financial issues at the various companies. (PTI)

RBI likely to cut policy rates in February, April, not in December: BofA-ML New Delhi, Nov 7: The Reserve Bank is expected to maintain a status quo in the upcoming December meet and will go for a 25 bps rate cut each in its February and April policy review meeting, says a Bank of America Merrill Lynch report.

According to the global financial services major, the accommodative policy stance of the central bank would be largely driven by weak global growth and the fact that inflation is expected to be on track to its March2017 target of 5 percent.

"We expect the RBI MPC to pause in December and cut 25 bps each in February and April," Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a research note.

The report noted that there are 'five compelling reasons' for a 50 bps RBI rate cut by April. First, growth is weak at sub-5 percent in old GDP series (7.1 percent in new GDP), well below its estimated 7 per cent potential,

Image for representation purpose. second, inflation will likely slip to 4.1 percent in October, on course to the RBI's 5 percent March-2017 target.

Other reasons being, 50 bps RBI rate cut in early 2017 should send a clear signal to banks to cut lending rates, while, RBI rate cut expectations should support the Indian Rupee (INR) by attracting Foreign Portfolio Investors inflows into bonds and rate sensitives.

Finally, the bankruptcy code

and Goods and Services Tax (GST) legislation should convince the RBI MPC of the government's pursuit of reforms.

MPC, which has three members nominated by the government and the rest from RBI, lowered repo rate to 6.25 percent from 6.50 percent at the end of two-day deliberations on October 4.

The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled on December 6 and 7. (PTI)

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

P12 S.Africa win by 177 runs to Himachal batsman capitulate against spin extend Aussies´ losing streak

Proteas´ 242, declared their second innings on 540 f AFP Perth, Nov 7: Emerging paceman Kagiso Rabada took five wickets as South Africa won by 177 runs in Perth to hand Australia a rare defeat in the first home Test of their season on Monday.

Set a huge victory target of 539, Australia were dismissed in their second innings for 361 on the final day as they succumbed to their fourth straight Test defeat.

Australia hadn´t lost the first Test of a home season since 1988, but Rabada stepped up after Dale Steyn´s shoulder injury to help South Africa complete a remarkable victory.

Debutant spinner Keshav Maharaj (1-94) delivered the final blow, trapping

Shaun Marsh out of second Test with broken finger; Joe Burns, Callum Ferguson in squad Agencies Perth, Nov 7: Australia's day went from bad to worse after losing the first Test against South Africa, with Shaun Marsh ruled out for the next clash in Hobart.

Marsh broke his left pinky finger in the third one-day international in Sri Lanka earlier this year and re-broke it in Australia's losing effort at the WACA. Australia captain Steve Smith said Marsh slipped over in the first innings and played through the pain, scoring 63 and 15.

"At the moment he's pretty shattered. Hopefully the surgery goes well and he can be back soon," Smith said. Joe Burns has been recalled after losing his opening spot to Marsh after the second Test in Sri Lanka.

Burns was in something of a play-off with Marsh for the opening spot at the WACA and, despite posting a century in Queensland's first Sheffield Shield game against New South Wales, the incumbent West Australian kept his spot.

Burns, 27, has three centuries from his 12 Tests with an average of 41.52.

He will be challenging Callum Ferguson for a place in the team for the second Test after the South Australia veteran also received a call-up into what is now a 13-man squad.

Ferguson, who also scored a ton in his first Shield game this season, has played 30 ODIs for Australia but has not represented the country since 2011.

Team physiotherapist David Beakley said in a Cricket Australia statement Marsh should be available for the Test series against Pakistan, which starts on December 15 at the Gabba.

Australian Test squad: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Joe Mennie, Joe Burns, Callum Ferguson.

number 11 Nathan Lyon lbw for eight, with Peter Nevill unbeaten on 60.

Steven Smith´s Australia lost all three Tests on their tour of Sri Lanka in July and August, and they will now look for a quick recovery at this week´s second Test in Hobart.

Resuming at 169 for four, a draw was Australia´s only hope and it appeared a forlorn task, with manof-the-match Rabada ensuring that was the case with 5-92.

With star paceman Steyn suffering a shoulder injury that will sideline him for at least six months, Rabada stepped up in fine style to lead the South African attack.

The 21-year-old claimed three wickets on day four and two more on Mon-

day to record his fourth five-wicket haul in just nine Tests, a record for a South African player of his age.

The rot set in early for Australia on the final day, when a searing Rabada yorker hit Mitchell Marsh on the pad on 26, although he was given not out by umpire Aleem Dar. The South Africans reviewed the decision and were successful, ending a 50-run stand between Marsh and Usman Khawaja and striking the first blow of the day.

Rabada then grabbed his fifth wicket when he trapped Mitchell Starc lbw with another fast yorker for 13.

Rabada is shaping as a perfect long-term replacement for Steyn, hav-

ing also claimed the wickets of Shaun Marsh (15), Smith (34) and Adam Voges (1) on the fourth day.

JP Duminy capped his fine match, having made a century in South Africa´s second innings, by claiming the wicket of Khawaja with his part-time spin, lbw for 97.

Dimunitive batsman Temba Bavuma, who produced one of the great run-outs on the fourth day to dismiss David Warner, the first Australian wicket, was brought on to bowl and almost struck with his first ball in Test cricket.

It skidded through and struck Khawaja right in front of the stumps, but Bavuma had overstepped and it was a no-ball, denying him the honour of becoming just the 21st bowler to claim a wicket with their first ball in Test cricket.

However, Bavuma had his moment later in the innings, breaking an obdurate 65-run wicket ninth-wicket stand by having Josh Hazlewood caught off a leading edge for 29.

South Africa, who looked almost out of the match on the second day when Australia cruised to 158 for none in replay to the Proteas´ 242, declared their second innings on 540 for 8 after lunch on the fourth day to set Australia a record run chase.

England Unveils Football Squad for Scotland, Spain Ties

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 7: Hosts Assam managed a huge lead of 157 runs against Himachal Pradesh at the end of the third day in their Group A match of the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy at the DDSA stadium in Dibrugarh today.

With no play possible on the second day due to rain, Assam started day 3 at 241/9. The start of Himachal batsman struggling against Assam bowlers at DDSA stadium on Monday.

Pic: Manoj Pandey the day was delayed due to sluggish outfield.

The last wicket pair boundaries and five overs. They were off to immaculate as they managed to add some maximums. AS Jamwal a dismal start as both trouble the opposition handy runs for the home of Himachal Pradesh their openers returned to batsman by bowling the pavillion with- good line and length. side before the final wicket fell. U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy out opening their Spinners Rahul Singh Assam ended account. There and Riyan parag their first innings at 272 managed a fiver at the were not many notable wrecked havoc on the contributions for the spinning track by claimruns in 100.4 overs. For expense of 77 runs. the hosts, Riyan Parag In response to Assam's away side apart from N ing five and four wicktopscored with 126 runs first innings, the entire K Kanwar's unbeaten ets each giving away 35 off 196 balls which was Himachal side could only 28 runs off 21 balls. and 23 runs respecstudded with seventeen manage 115 runs in 53.5 Assam bowlers were tively.

Tendulkar to take part in Kerala's anti-narcotic drive launch PTI Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will participate in the state-level inauguration of 'Vimukthi', an awareness mission against liquor and narcotic abuse, here on November 20.

The mission, envisaged to promote abstinence and create comprehensive awareness against drug abuse, is an ambitious initiative by the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state.

State Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan today told the Assembly that Tendulkar had already agreed to be a part of the drive, as per request of the state government.

"The state-level inauguration of the government's anti-liquor and narcotic campaign will be held on November 20.

Sachin Tendulkar, who had already agreed to be part of the drive, will participate in the inaugural function," he said.

Sachin Tendulkar The cricket maestro's service would be utilised effectively to promote the campaign, he said while replying to a calling attention by C Divakaran (CPI) on the need to strengthen awareness programmes to achieve abstinence and check narcotic abuse.

Detailing the functioning of 'Vimukthi' mission, the minister said mass awareness programmes would be held against consump-

tion of liquor, narcotic substance and nicotine and its allied products under the drive.

It would be implemented with the support of various stakeholders, including women Self Help Group Kudumbashree, volunteers of student cadet cop and national service scheme and various youth and women outfits, he said.

"A governing body,

chaired by the Chief Minister and an Executive Committee led by the Excise Minister have already been set up to coordinate initiatives of the mission.Vimukthi will have committees at various levels," Ramakrishnan said.

To check drug abuse among youngsters, the government has already set up 'anti-narcotic clubs' in over 700 colleges and a number of schools across the state, he said.

Complaint boxes to submit complaints against drug abuse had been set up in over 1,000 schools so far, the minister added.

The Kerala government had discussed with Tendulkar about the state's anti-narcotic campaign when he met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Secretariat here in June.

Vijayan had then said that the cricket legend had given consent to use his name to strengthen the campaign against liquor and drug abuse in the state.

Cristiano Ronaldo extends Real Madrid deal to 2021 IANS London, Nov 7: England's interim football manager Gareth Southgate has announced a 25-member squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland and international friendly against Spain.

The England football team is scheduled to meet Scotland on November 11 while the tie against Spain is on November 15.

Experienced goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has rediscovered his form at Italy's Serie A outfit Torino, is expected to retain his place in the starting XI. The 29-year-old will be keen to make amends for a disappointing campaign at the European Championships earlier this year when England crashed out following a defeat to vastly improved Iceland in the second round.

However, Hart is facing stiff competition as the first choice custodian for the England team from Tom Heaton, who has been in impressive form for Burnley this season.

John Stones and Gary Cahill are expected to be retained at the centre of the defence.

However, Everton captain Phil Jagielka, who had pulled out of England's important World Cup qualifer away to Slovenia, will also be in contention for a look in.

The Liverpool duo of Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana, Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City also return to the squad after missing out England's last engagements against Malta and Slovenia due to injuries.

Uncapped Burnley defender Michael Keane retained his place in the squad which was announced on Sunday evening.

"Over the last few weeks we've been looking at as many games as possible and keeping track of all of the players.

There were some players that weren't available to us last time with injury who are in good form that make the frame -- the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling. It's good to be able to welcome them back," Southgate was quoted as saying by the official website of England's Football Association (FA) on Sunday.

"Similarly Harry Kane. We had some good discussions with a lot of the clubs over the past few weeks, and Tottenham have been very helpful in terms of Harry's availability. Of course, Jack Wilshere is a player that we feel has a lot of class and is

now starting to get more 90minutes under his belt. It's good to bring him back into the squad," he added.

The match against Spain will be England's last international engagement this year.

The squad Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Torino), Tom Heaton (Burnley).

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Michael Keane (Burnley), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Bournemouth, loan from Arsenal), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United).

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City).

AFP Madrid, Nov 7: Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to retire at Real Madrid after agreeing a bumper new five-year contract to be signed on Monday that ties him to the Spanish giants until 2021.

"The official event for the renewal of Cristiano Ronaldo's contract will take place tomorrow, Monday November 7, at 1:30pm [local time] in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium," Madrid said in a statement on Sunday.

"The Portuguese forward will extend his contract until 30 June 2021 at the event attended by club president Florentino Perez and the player himself."

Ronaldo, 31, follows in the footsteps of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as the latest Real star to agree a contract extension in recent weeks as the club prepares to serve a one-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA. According to UK media reports Bale's lucrative new six-year deal will

earn the Welshman as much as $750,000 a week before tax.

H o w e v e r , Ronaldo, whose previous deal expires in 2018 is expected to remain the highest earner at t h e Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo is already the worlds' highest p a i d sportsman according to American magazine Forbes, raking in $88 million between his salary and endorsements in 2016.

Ronaldo has shot himself into the Real record books by plundering 371 goals in 360 games in his eight seasons since swapping Manchester United for Madrid for a then world record fee in 2009.

And Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane called on Ronaldo to end his playing days in Spain like he did when re-

tiring from club football in 2006.

"What he has to do is finish his career here," said Zidane after Sunday's 3-0 win over Leganes extended Madrid's lead at the top of La Liga.

"Cristiano is unique for what he has done and what he is doing.

"It is his dream to end his career here. I am happy that he can renew and finish with this white shirt like I did a long time ago." As well the individual accolades of winning the Ballon d'Or in 2013 and 2014 for the world's best player since joining Madrid, Ronaldo has won eight trophies with Los Blancos.

Most notably he scored in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid as Real ended a 12-year wait to win their 10th European Cup. Ronaldo was Atletico's

scourge again as he netted the winning penalty in a shootout victory to once again win the Champions League in May. His only La Liga title came under Jose Mourinho in the 2011/12 season.

However, arguably Ronaldo's crowning glory came in leading Portugal to their first ever international tournament win at Euro 2016.

After suffering knee ligament damage in the Euro 2016 final, Ronaldo has endured a slow start to this season.

His scoreless performance against Leganes extended his worst ever goal drought at the Bernabeu to five matches.

However, Madrid's confidence in handing out a huge deal that will secure Ronaldo's position as the world's highest paid sportsman has not been shaken.

"There is nothing wrong, he is not worried," insisted Zidane.

"He looks good, he is motivated, he likes to scores goals and even more so in this stadium, but he is calm."

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Editor: Prahlad Hammey

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