September 22, 2016, Thursday

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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. II

Issue 69

GOVT URGES PROCUREMENT AGENCIES TO PUBLICISE THEIR ACTIVITIES

Dibrugarh, Thursday, September 22, 2016

Army to conduct physical training at Rupai Doomdooma, Sept 21: The Indian Army to conduct physical tanning for the youth of Assam to recruit in army at Rupai Army Camp from August 1 to September 30, 2016.

Altogether 125 youths have registered online and those who haven’t registered yet were requested to do as soon as possible.

BCPL organizes free health check-up camps at Dibrugarh Dibrugarh: BCPL is organizing Health Check-up camps in the nearby villages.

The main objective of this initiative is to facilitate the villagers with general and preventive health care. The programme has been organized in three phases with a motive to extend medical services of specialists to address health related problems of people residing in the vicinity of BCPL. P-2

Rijiju releases book by Professor Bath; calls for prioritizing ideology in politics Naharlagun: The day Arunachal Pradesh attains political maturity by imbibing true values of democratic processes; the state can make a lot of developments both politically and economically.

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23 IAS probationers take tour of Itanagar Itanagar :Altogether, 23 IAS probationers of 2015 batch, including topper Ira Singhal, who were here at the state capital Itanagar for an attachment with the Deputy Commissioner of ItanagarCapital Complex as a part of their training called on Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin today.

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John Abraham calls on Assam CM Guwahati : Bollywood actor John Abraham, also the owner of NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC), called on Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and discussed with him issues related to the opening ceremony of the third edition of Indian Sports League (ISL) here.

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2 counter-infiltration ops continue along LoC

‘Passport Seva Kendra’ inaugurated in Itanagar ET Bureau Naharlagun, Sept 21

“The motive of the central Govt. is to take the public service and the Govt facilities to the doorsteps of the people.

With this intention Passport Seva Kendra has been established in Itanagar’, said Gen (Dr.) V. K. Singh (Rtd), Minister of State for External Affair, Govt. of India. He was speaking on the occasion of inauguration of Passport Seva Kendra, Itanagar in presence of Kiren Rijiju, MoS (Home), and GOI, host of Ministers and officers of the state Govt.

This will enable the people of the state for easy access and save time and money for obtaining passport. It has been made easy and transparent with online application and reducing verification etc. informed Singh. Efforts are on to establish such Kendras in each Head Post offices in the districts so that people can avail this more easily. Also when all the criminal records are made online and amalgamated, the time period for verification will come down drastically and passport will be made available within

Efforts are on to establish such Kendras in each Head Post offices in the districts V.K Singh assured that numbers of appointment at the Kendra will be increased as per needs For now only 20 appointments are given which will be raised as per requirement Gen (Dr.) V. K. Singh (Rtd), Minister of State for External Affair, Govt. of India very short time added the Minister.

Since passport is required commonly, he welcomed suggestions, co-operations and help from all quarters for improving the service. He assured that numbers of appointment will be increased as per needs.

Kiren Rijiju, while re-iterating the commitment of the Central Govt. to bring services to the doorsteps of the people, appealed all to cooperate and help to improve them. The passport Seva Kendra is a long felt need of the state, he said.

He informed that Adhar card is a multi utility card and

Dhaka : A woman today died and at least 25 others were reported missing after an overcorwded boat with nearly 60 people aboard capsized in south-central Bangladesh.

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The ferry sank in Shandhya river in Banaripara upazila of Barisal district, police said.

P-8

appealed for 100% coverage so that the benefits of the govt reaches to the needy immediately. Rijiju hoped that the state and central Govt. work as a team and streamline governance. It is high time we create a vibrant economy and usher in faster development.

The young generation is well educated and very much aware through media and social media. If we do not deliver now we will be treated as failure said Rijiju. Fulfilling the aspirations of the people and to serve them well should be the prime objective added the MoS. He sought cooperation from the Govt. and

Everything has become online and transparent and will eliminate touts and middlemen and will be beneficial for general public. administration for all round development.

Jomde Kena, Minister (Health and Family Welfare) thanked the central Govt. for providing facility especially the Home Ministry, GOI. Earlier while welcoming all, BB kumar Regional Passport officer Guwahati informed that now only 20 appointments are given which will be raised as per requirement. It has become online and transparent and will eliminate touts and middlemen and will be beneficial for general public.

Arunachal road project approved: Rijiju PTI Itanagar, Sept 21

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju today said the road project from Tawang to Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh has been approved by the Infrastructure Empowered Committee, headed by Cabinet Secretary, and forwarded to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for preparation of the detailed project report (DPR).

"After the DPR is ready, we will know the exact estimate of the project and will be sending it to the Cabinet for final approval," the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs told reporters on the sideline of a function here.

The ambitious road project close to the McMohan Line is still in the conceptual stage and yet to get approval from the

Cabinet, Rijiju said, adding that the Defence ministry had also cleared the project after changing alignment of the road in two portions.

"The project was conceived by the Home Ministry to benefit the people living in the border areas. When a major project is conceived, it has to be discussed in all the ministries before going to the Cabinet for final approval for implementation," he said while clarifying media reports.

"I have submitted the project proposal and officials from Arunachal Pradesh including the Chief Secretary and Planning Secretary convened a meeting at Delhi under my chairmanship along with Army Chief, Defence Secretary, Secretary Border Management of the Home Ministry including senior officials of the MoRTH, all intelligence chiefs where we have decided that the

Road accident at 14 Miles Changlang

"The operations along the LoC in Uri and Naugam sectors continue," an Army spokesman said.

1 dead, 25 missing in Bangladesh boat capsize

Pages- 12

Lomhom Tangha Changlang, 21 Sept On Monday ,an accident occured at 14 miles at around 3.30pm in the evening where two boys name Mr. Teshiak Pangtha and Shahpong Pangtha hailing from yongje havi under khimyang circle of Changlang district ,riding on the motocycle bearing its registration no. AR 12 5817, collided with one Dumper truck bearing registration no.

AS01GC6606 plying under the aegis of Bharat Infrastructure Private Limited at Panikheti, a reputed construction company for Margherita-Changlang Highway construction. According to the FIR

lodged on Monday at Changlang police station under section 19/16 U/S 279/338 IPC, it was hit and run case. The Sub Inspector Mr. S. Wangsu has been assigned to investigate the case further for fair trial. As per the police communique, the victims have got severe injuries and are undergoing treatment at U.C Das Memorial hospital. It is reported that hip of one of the victim was dislocated and another has broken his thigh.

The accused driver Vijoy Das is under custody and awaiting a preliminary bail. The case is under the incharge of Inspector Mr. B. Tangyang, who is also the officer incharge of the Changlang police station.

road should be constructed," he said.

"We have sent the proposal to the defence ministry for necessary approval. The ministry after re-aligning the road in two portions namely Mago to West Kameng and Tuting-Singa- Anini," he said.

Rijiju said the ministry had proposed to use the existing trans-Arunachal Highway from Tawang to Dirang instead of Mago to West Kameng.

From Dirang, the road would pass through Thongri, East Kameng, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, Anini, Anjaw and finally Vijaynagar.

For the other portion from Tuting to Anini via Singa, the ministry had stated that it would be time taking for which it was decided that from Tuting the road would go through Yingkiong and Pasighat to

connect Anini, Rijiju added.

Responding to a question regarding the Greenfield airport project in the state capital, Rijiju said a team from civil aviation ministry is scheduled to visit the state capital to solve all the issues including land acquisition for which a meeting had been convened at New Delhi recently.

"Land acquisition is a state government subject and I hope that the government will expedite the process soon," he said.

On civilian use of advanced landing grounds (ALGs), Rijiju said that he had discussed the issue with Airport Authority of India and as per the agreement executed with the defence ministry, there should be provision of civil terminals in all the ALGs in the state.

PAGE 8 DEOMALI FC IN SEMIS

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Srinagar : Counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control in Kashmir entered the second day on Wednesday even as the Army conducted a search to recover bodies of terrorists killed in the failed infiltration bids in Nowgam and Uri sectors.

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5.00

NAGALAND GETS RS.340 CRORE FOR ROAD PROJECTS

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ET CAPSULES

Price -

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State Tourism Minister asks UK and Australia to immediately rectify their travel advisory against Assam A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Sept 21

The Assam Tourism Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday asked UK and Australia to immediately rectify their travel advisory to its citizens on Assam. Terming the clubbing together of Assam with some disturbed parts of the country, Dr. Sarma urged his counterparts in the two countries to address this “careless oversight” and avoid inadvertently alluding Assam as a forbidden destination.

“Assam is a fine abode of natural beauty while its peace loving people give immense love and affection to all those who come here. Any misrepresentation of the actual situation creates unnecessary fears besides impacting the tourism potential of the state, as this can have a spiralling effect” - Dr. Sarma said in a press release.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued advisory to its citizens saying, “Although the overall security situation in the North-

East of India is improving, some areas within the NorthEastern states, especially in Manipur and Assam, still experience sudden and random outbreaks of violence. There have been several incidents of violence in Assam including a shooting in Kokrajhar on 5 August 2016 resulting in 14 deaths, and grenade explosions in Lakhimpur, Karbi Anglong and Guwahati. Review your security arrangements carefully, seek advice from the local authorities and avoid large crowds.”

Terming the Kokrajhar incident as a rare occurrence and one which can sadly be experienced by any modern society, the Tourism Minister said the law and order situation in Assam is perfect and any fear or apprehension is unfounded.

The Australian advisory says, "We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to these areas due to the risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and separatist and insurgent violence, including in rural areas. Insurgent groups have attacked civilians and bombed buildings in these

states. On 5 August 2016 terrorists attacked a market at Balajan Tinali in Kokrajhar district in the state of Assam killing at least 14 civilians."

Dr. Sarma said, “I wish to reassure my distinguished friends in the Governments of UK and Australia that Assam is a wonderful land of peace loving people comprising various tribal groups, rich flora and fauna, magnificent cuisines, mesmerizing landscapes and the world famous Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the very rare single horned Rhino. The diverse ethnic & cultural groups of Assamese society have co-existed with enormous harmony and displayed exemplary bonhomie for decades together. Any representation of minor skirmishes as state wide disturbance amounts to inexplicable exaggeration and causes unnecessary anxiety for our esteemed tourists who wish to visit the state.”

We shall highly appreciate if the two country immediately withdraws the said advisory, Sarma added.

Tea tribes stage protest in Margherita against the Government ET Correspondent Margherita, Sept 21

Pattas to tea tribe community of Assam.

land from the government for the landless in the community.

Activists of Assam Tea Tribe Students Association (ATTSA) Digboi Branch Committee, Pengree Branch Committee and Margherita Sub Branch Committee on Tuesday staged a Dharna for two hours at the office of the SDO (C), in Margherita against the long pending demand for land

Bijoy Tanti Finance Secretary of ATTSA Central Committee said that the Tea Tribe community living in Assam is deprived of their basic rights and that the Assam Govt has failed to provide land Pattas to them. He said that they don’t have land pattas in spite of having legitimate land.

He also demanded 2 Bighas of

The Dharna have witnessed slogans such as "Assam Government Murdabad" "Assam Government Hai Hai" "Our Demand Legal demand" "We shall fight till our death" etc. While submitting a memorandum to the SDO (C) they have threatened to intensify their agitation against the Assam Government.

MAAAK resolves to fight for overall well-being of Mebo area's land, water dispute

Namchoom takes stock of State’s Planning Process A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Sept 21

programmes of the state government and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).

Newly inducted Parliamentary Secretary (Planning), Chow Zingnu Namchoom had his first introductory meeting with the department’s officers in the conference hall of the Planning Department today.

He further emphasised the role of Planning Department in monitoring of schemes and coordination with other departments in successful implementation of government programmes.

Introducing all the officers and officials of the department, Dr Joram Beda, Secretary Planning extended a warm welcome to the parliamentary secretary and briefed him about the broad activities dealt by the Planning Department and its organisational structure.

He informed the parliamentary secretary about the new challenges faced by the department after the implementation of the 14th Finance Commission and related issues on plans and

Appreciating the department for its role in the developmental process, Namchoom sought the guidance and cooperation from all concerned in his endeavour to serve the department assigned to him.

Earlier, thanking the chief minister and deputy chief minister for the faith reposed on him by them, he expressed his confidence that the new government would do its best in bringing development in all the sectors and meet the aspirations of the people.

The Mebo Area Asi Among Kebang (MAAAK) Pasighat convened an executive meeting at Mebo town IB on Monday last Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Sept 21

(Apex) cum Rtd. Director, Elementary Education, Govt. of Ar. P..

While continuing their effort to fight for the overall wellbeing of Mebo area, especially in the field of land boundary disputes, river water ownerships and restriction on other natural resources, the Mebo Area Asi Among Kebang (MAAAK) convened an executive meeting at Mebo town IB on Monday last under the Chairmanship of Bodong Yirang, Secy. General, ABK

During the beginning of the meeting, Bani Apum, President and Osu Borang, General Secretary, MAAAK spoke and updated the meeting attendants about the present status of work undertaken by the NGO which was formed around two years ago on public mandate when issues of boundary dispute arose with the sanctuary’s authority. Apum and Borang said that, they have

written letter to Dy. Commissioner, Pasighat twice on boundary issue of D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary and response are still awaited. Duo also said that, they are yet to get the complete/original map and official documents of DEWS while it was renamed from erstwhile Lali Wildlife Sanctuary to present D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary during October 1986 where territory of the sanctuary was expanded.

Contd. on Page 4

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CITY

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

PAGE 2

Dibrugarh, Tinsukia Marwai Yuva Manch of Doomdooma immerses 134 abandoned idols

Sangrami Oikya Manch starts fair price shop

PAKISTAN PM BURNED

ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Sept 21: Doomdooma branch of Marwai Yuva Manch (MYM) under the ‘Immersion Drive’ immersed 134 abandoned idols of different God and Goddess which were left abandoned beside the roads.

ET Correspondent Tinsukia, Sept 21: The Sangrami Oikya Manch of Tinsukia with an attractive idea have decided to start a fair price shop which will provide very cheap rate compare to other

The organisation immersed 74 idols from Rupai-Siding, 33 from Hansara, 27 from 8 no. Sukriting and others from tea Township.

shops at market in Tinsukia.

The rates of eatable items are increasing rapidly, therefore the Sangrami Oikya Manch (SOM) took this beautiful initiative so that all get benefitted.

Bhawani Mandhania, President, Secretary Vishal Patwary, Dipak Patwari, Ajay Sharma and Sunil Tayal contributed for the success of the drive.

Tinsukia administration to impose Sec 144 Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad, Dibrugarh District members burning effigy of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaj Sarif at Dibrugarh on Wednesday.

HOROSCOPE Aries

You may feel a bit restless and unsettled without really knowing why, Aries. Stresses on the job could churn up repressed resentment from the past that you need to release. Try to discern exactly what these stresses remind you of. If you're unable to do this, however, you'll probably still reap the benefits of the release. Stay focused on your work and just let it happen.

Taurus

Too many people could be vying for your attention today, Taurus. All of them want advice or help.

This could be flattering, and you'll probably want to help them, but it can also be unsettling and make it hard to focus. Don't let this set your temper on edge and cause you to snap at your friends. Take each request one at a time, make no promises, and do your best.

Gemini

Squabbles may come up between you and a sibling or neighbor, Cancer. Your ability to compromise is definitely called for here. If you aren't careful, this could turn into a battle of wills. The minute the disagreement comes up, try to talk it out and turn it into a win/win situation. Otherwise, things may be said that shouldn't be, and feelings could remain hurt for a long time.

Leo

Money matters might cause you a few headaches, Leo. You could be torn between the desire to put money aside for the future and the impulse to buy something that you've wanted for a long time. There may be a way to have it both ways. Save a little less and try to find a bargain price for your item. Take everything into consideration and work it out before you make yourself crazy.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Too much rigorous exercise over the past few days might have you feeling a little sore and tired, Virgo. Your nerves may be on edge, and you could be more likely than usual to snap at those around you. Try to ease both nerves and muscle aches by soaking in a hot bath. Herbal tea might also help. Accept that you should take it easy today and then do it!

Spiritual breakthroughs may have you feeling a little disconcerted, Libra. Clearing away deadwood, such as past traumas, might tell you a few things about yourself you'd rather not face. It's vital to release them in order to progress as a human being. Even if tears are involved, this is a positive development.

You'll feel happier once it's all set free. Onward and upward!

A conference of some kind could touch upon some pretty volatile issues, Scorpio. People could disagree to the point that the meeting turns into a shouting match. You probably have strong opinions on this as well, but don't get involved. You won't be able to stop the argument, and it can only cause you stress.

If you can, avoid this meeting altogether. Think about it!

BCPL organizes free health check-up camps at Dibrugarh ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Sep 21: NGO named ‘Naba Pryash’ of Doomdooma organised a candlelit programme in memory of legendary singer Jayant Hazarika and those martyrs who have sacrificed their life with Kanaklata and Mukund Kakti to safeguard

Your values could oppose those of a business or romantic partner today, Aquarius. One of you may be overly pragmatic and the other too idealistic.

One seems callous, while the other seems to be living in a dream world. This could be a milestone in your relationship if approached properly. If you can't create a win/win situation, perhaps you should reconsider the partnership.

If you've been having trouble reaching a romantic partner, Pisces, it might be a good idea to stop trying.

Your friend is having a rough day and might not make the best company. In fact, your beloved could view a call from you as an unwelcome interruption and be short, if not downright rude. If you speak with your friend, keep it brief and plan to get together - just not today.

the respect of tricolor and to liberate it from the slavery of the Britishers.

The programme was held near the statue of Rupkunwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala where all the members of the NGO and conscious citizens of tea town were present.

ELECTED STUDENTS LEADER CELEBRATE

People participating in a health camp in Dibrugarh.

Pic: Manoj Pandey A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh Sept 21: BCPL is organizing Health Check-up camps in the nearby villages. The main objective of this initiative is to facilitate the villagers with general and preventive health care. The programme has been organized in three phases with a motive to extend medical services of specialists to address health related problems of people residing in the vicinity of BCPL. As part of this programme, the first free health check-up was organized at Kalakhowa M.V. School on 20 September 2016, Monday. Specialists from Assam Medical College as well as private practitioner in the areas of Medicine, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Paediatrics, ENT & Orthopedics from Dibrugarh pro-

Is your significant other caught up in family problems and unable to spend time with you? Don't let your insecurity get the best of you. Your partner needs to deal with family now. Relax, do what you want to do, and have confidence that you'll be spending more time together as soon as possible.

After dealing with family quarrels, you'll be a peaceful refuge for your partner.

Matters involving communication seem to be fouled up, Capricorn. Messages may not get delivered, emails may not go through, and people might misinterpret your words. This could create a mess that brings everything to a screeching halt. You need to speak to people directly, give detailed instructions, use simple language, and make sure they take notes, or beware of the consequences!

Candlelit programme held at Doomdooma

It can’t be ignore that nowadays most of the dwellers of Tinsukia are consuming tobacco and tobacco products.

There could be trouble brewing in the workplace, Gemini. Some of your colleagues neither like nor trust each other and find it impossible to work together. Adjustments are needed if everyone is going to work to the best of their abilities. If you're in a position to handle this, do it now. If you aren't, distance yourself from the situation. It's the only way to stay sane!

Cancer

Virgo

ET Correspondent Tinsukia, Sep 21: The Tinsukia district administration to imposed section 144 in regards to the rapid use and consumption of tobacco products in the district.

vided medical consultation to the villagers and free medicines were also distributed to the patients having various ailments.

More than 350 villagers from nearby areas like Panigaon, Bahbari, Kalakhowa Chariali turned out and took advantage of the health check-up camp.

The initiative was a great success as most of the people living in this interior villages have no access to medical facilities.

Continuing this campaign, BCPL is organising the next Health Check-up Camp at Lezai Higher Secondary School, Lezai, Dibrugarh on 26th September 2016.

Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL), the pres-

tigious and largest Petrochemical Complex of Assam is presently under operation and in advanced stage of stabilization.

All-out efforts are on to stabilise the units and resolve various issues at the earliest for full capacity operations of the complex. BCPL products are being sold in Assam and the entire North-East Region and also creating a market for the products in markets beyond the NorthEast.

Representatives of many National & International Agencies, Vendors etc. are visiting BCPL for various mutual business needs, which is directly/indirectly helping local economy. Sustained operation of BCPL and its growth will further enhance the prosperity of the region.

Cinema Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall Screen-1 "THE SHALLOWS (A) ENGLISH'' 1ST show at 10:10 AM 2ND show at 11:45 AM 3RD show at 1:45 PM

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Newly elected President Satyajit Buragohain and General Secretary Manash Pratim Dutta of Dibrugarh University Post Graduate Student's Union 2016-17.

Workshop held on Women's rights

Name Change

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sept 21: A workshop on women’s rights was held in MDKG College on September 19.

Eminent litterateur and social activist Professor Ratna Dutta attended the workshop as a resource person.

The workshop was organized to create awareness among the degree level students of the college about various aspects of women rights.

While speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dutta presented her views on the past rights of women and how their natural rights were subjugated by in the name of socialistic myths and rituals.

Although various legal rights have been formulated and implemented by the government to preserve and protect the inherent rights of every woman, lack of proper knowledge and information on the same have hindered the due diligence of women legal rights and justice.

Prof Ratna Dutta in her address stated that women cells in the colleges help in resolving the problems of the students, thereby helping to make them aware of their rights.

Altogether, 150 students of MDKG College participated in the workshop. .

I, JYOTI BOSU CHAKMA, S/o of Nilo Shanti Chakma, Resident of Avoipur, P.O. & P.S. Diyun, District Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh, have changed my name from JYOTI BASU CHAKMA to SUMIT CHAKMA through an affidavit dated 1st August, 2016 before the Notary Public at Dibrugarh, Assam.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

AROUND THE

STATE

Child Mortality Rate Comes Down. UP, Assam Best Performers: Government and Assam registering the highest decline of seven points each followed by Rajasthan and Odisha which registered a decline of six points each.

PTI Guwahati, Sep 21: The government said that it was on track to bring the Under5 Mortality Rate down and achieve the Millennium Development Goal.

Other states in this category include Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal (all recording a decline of 5 point); Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab (all recording a decline of 4 point).

The government on Tuesday released data from the Registrar General of India for the Sample Registration Survey for the year 2014.

The data revealed that the under-five child mortality rate fell by an average of four points during 2014. It also stated that Uttar Pradesh and Assam were the best performing states registering a 7-point decline.

The survey showed that 15 states and union territories registered a decline of four points and 16 that of three.

Bihar and Andhra Pradesh registered a decline of one point.

It also found that Kerela was the only state to register an increase in Under-5 Mortality Rate, by one point.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda said that focussed, committed and targeted interventions by the govern-

ment have borne positive fruits in 2014 and by the time the 2015 data comes, the country would have achieved the Millenium Development Goal target.

He said there was an 8.16 per cent decline in underfive mortality during 20132014 as compared to 5.76 per cent decline during 2012-2013.

In 2012-13, the under-5 mortality rate had reduced from 52 to 49 (per 1000 live births) and to 45 the subsequent year, which is a decline of four points, he said.

“We have been able to save lives of approximately 1.26 lakh children,” Mr Nadda

Army holds fire safety programme at Narangi Cantonment

Guwahati, Sept 21: The Field Ammunition Depot at Narangi Cantonment recently organized a comprehensive lecture and demonstration, incorporating modern aids, about mitigating the effects of accidental fire. Major General AK Jha, GOC 51 Sub Area, appreciated the programme and emphasized the need to stay updated with emerging safety technology.

Lectures were held on the important aspects of fire risk management.

The GOC urged the need to fight fire accidents with maximum efficacy in minimum time.

The synergized use of firefighting resources incorporating those from the Army, the Air Force, central paramilitary forces and Assam Police - to respond to a fire accident was also discussed.

Army PRO Lt Col Suneet Newton said there is a pressing requirement to prepare for fire accidents well.

(Agencies)

said.

Noting that achieving the under-5 mortality rate of 42 (per 1000 live births) is the Millenium Development Goal, he expressed hopes that when the report for 2015 is available, “we would have achieved the goal”.

“Lot of intensive programmes have been undertaken in 2014 so we believe we will cover the three points to reach the target,” Nadda said.

According to the data, 15 states have achieved a decline of more than four points, with Uttar Pradesh

Sixteen states and union territories, however, registered a decline of three points.

Under-5 Mortality Rate declined by two points in Tamil Nadu.

“The success has been possible due to dedicated efforts during the neonatal period through establishment of special new-born care units, systematic home visits by ASHA workers and improvement in quality institutional delivery,” Nadda said.

The rural-urban differential in under-5 mortality rate is reduced to 23 points in comparison to 26 points in 2013 indicating good progress in rural areas.

DC urges youth to come forward for Nation development ET Correspondent Cachar, 21 Sept: Deputy Commissioner, Hailakandi, Moloy Bora said the youth of the State on whose shoulders the future of the state and the country hinges must come forward and contribute their might towards the task of nation building.

Speaking as chief guest at a valedictory function of Induction Training of National Youth Volunteers of Cachar, Karimganj, Dima Hasao and Hailakandi at Extension Centre of SIRD at Boalipar in Hailakandi, Bora exuded the hope that the training programme would help tap the potential of the youth and channelling their energy towards nation building. The induction training programme that seeks to provide the muchneeded training and work experience would help to set up a group of disciplined and dedicated youth who have the inclination and spirit to engage in the task of nation building and help facilitate the realization of inclusive growth, he said.

“The skills you have acquired should enable you to

step up and achieve the highest goals – for yourselves, and for the continued growth of our state and country,” he added.

In speeches delivered throughout the valedictory ceremony, government officials and representatives of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) who have provided support to the programme praised their service, hailed the youth as agents of change in institutional strengthening, public service delivery and social cohesion, and reminded them of their future potential.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner gave away certificates to the volunteers who have undergone training and also distributed sports kits to youth.

The 15-day training programme organised by NYKS, Hailakandi under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India seeks to empower youth to lead from the front in the task of nation building efforts and fostering reconciliation.

Cattle smugglers apprehended A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 21 Sept: Troops of Guwahati Frontier of Border Security Force apprehended four Indian cattle smugglers today from the International Boundary in Dhubri District of Assam.

The apprehended cattle smugglers were identified

as (1) Anwar Hussain (22yrs), S/O Alluddin Akul, (2) Md Harun (20yrs), S/o Sahajahan Sheikh, (3) Rafikul Islam (19yrs), S/o Ramasuddin, (4) Md Asat Hussain (21yrs), S/o Saifuddin Sheikh. They are all residents of villBarababuchar, PO-Hazirhat PS- Sukhchar, Distt- South Salmara, (Assam). They

were apprehended by the troops of BOP Hathichar, while they were trying to smuggle cattle heads from India to Bangladesh. 29 cattle heads, two mobile phone and Indian currency worth Rs. 500/- were also seized from their possession. They have been handed over to local police for further legal action.

Beside, BSF troops of Guwahati frontier seized 323 cattle heads having an approximate value of Rs. 17,44,140/- on the intervening night 20/21 Sept. 2016.

BSF troops are always alert to the issues of trans-border crimes and illegal infiltration and are making all out efforts to prevent commission such crimes.

PAGE 3

Kamakhya temple clean-up initiative kicked off in Assam ANI Guwahati, Sept 21: A formal launch of the Clean-Up action plan for Kamakhya Temple as a part of Swachh Bharat Mission was organized in Guwahati, Assam yesterday by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in association with the Government of Assam.

The programme was launched by the Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation, Narendra Singh Tomar and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

As a symbol of cleanliness, advanced sweeping machines were inaugurated in the premises of the temple on the occasion.

During the launch, Sonowal expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Kamakhya Temple as one of the 10 iconic places in Phase one of the clean-up initiative of 100 iconic places under the SwachhBharat Mission.

He requested the people of Assam to help realize the vision of the Prime Minister to make the holy place the cleanest place in India and added that this would be a real tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

Tomar said that the Ministry is fully committed to providing all the required

John Abraham calls on Assam CM

John Abraham PTI Guwahati, Sept 21: Bollywood actor John Abraham, also the owner of NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC), called on Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and discussed with him issues related to the opening ceremony of the third edition of Indian Sports League (ISL) here.

The Chief Minister and the Bollywood actor discussed last evening the measures being taken to make the opening ceremony a success, an official release said here today.

The opening ceremony of the third season of ISL will be held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati on October 1.

Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati support in making the selected iconic places "Swachh", and that the process has been formally launched under the blessings of Ma Kamakhya Devi.

He assured that all the 10 iconic sites will become models of cleanliness in a time bound manner.

During the launch, Chief Secretary of Assam made a presentation on the action plan prepared for the three, six, nine and 12 months' timeframe.

He also requested Sonowal to constitute a monitoring committee for the temple clean-up work and volunteered to chair the committee.

He concluded by highlighting that the Assam Government was the first in the launching the programme and will also complete the implementation the earliest.

The Government of India, through its Swachh Bharat 'Clean India' Mission has proposed a multi-stakeholder initiative focusing on cleaning up 100 places across India that are iconic due to their heritage, spiritual and/or cultural significance.

Ten places have been selected as a pilot for learning and demonstration basis.

These 10 places are some of

the most historically, spiritually and culturally significant heritage places of India, including: Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer (Rajasthan), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai (Maharashtra), Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab), Jagannath Temple in Puri (Odisha), Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati (Assam), Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Meenakshi Temple in Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Taj Mahal in Agra (Uttar Pradesh), Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and Vaishno Devi in Katra (Jammu and Kashmir).

Assam MP claims he has Kashmir solution Agencies Guwahati, Sept 21: At a time when the top echelons of Central government is putting heads together to work out a strategy on Kashmir, a BJP MP in Assam said the Kashmir affair should be left to him and he would resolve it in six months.

“Let the Centre give powers to me to deal with the problem of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan in Kashmir. I will solve the problem in six months,” the Tezpur MP, Ram Prasad Sharma, asserted. He, however, did not reveal how he would solve the problem.

“I have got my own idea and strategy, which I cannot reveal,” he said.

The Gauhati High Court lawyer-turned-lawmaker said the deaths of the Army

jawans in Uri were “intolerable” and “unbearable”.

Asked if he often makes such statement to attract media’s glare to be in the limelight, pat came the reply: “My thinking is my thinking. I always speak the truth. I’m a patriotic man and I love my country more than my child. Let people speak whatever they like.

I’m dedicated to my country and party. I am concerned only about my country and my party and nothing else”.

Last week, Sharma had hit newspaper headlines by demanding that the Assam government reclaim a major Nagaland town, leased out to the neighbouring state.

“We had leased out Dimapur to Nagaland in 1963. The state government

should reclaim it and also other areas encroached by Nagaland by using force, if needed,” he had said.

His assertions had not gone down well with the Naga organisations warning him not to play with fire.

“He cannot foment violence. Border disputes should be resolved politically. If he instigates violence through such assertions, the Assamese and the Nagas won’t forgive him,” Chuba Ozukum, the chief of Nagaland’s apex social organisation, Naga Hoho, said.

The 121 sq km Dimapur is Nagaland’s largest town and headquarters of Dimapur district, one of 11 in the state bordering Myanmar.

The town is also Nagaland’s commercial hub and only railhead.

Cleanliness drive held at New Haflong Railway station

The CM assured the NEUFC that the administration would extend all possible support and assistance so that Guwahati can play the host of the football carnival.

They also discussed North East's contribution to the development of Indian football and its potential in shaping the future of the game in the country.

Kamrup-M gears up for football, Durga Puja Agencies Guwahati, Sept 21: With football and festivities lined up for the whole of next month, the Kamrup (Metro) administration has a tough task ahead. The district officials have already begun preparations to ensure that the Indian Super League (ISL) and Durga Puja celebrations are conducted smoothly.

The Kamrup (Metro) administration, in coordination with other government agencies, ISL organizers and puja committees, have listed a number of steps so that residents can breathe easy during what promises

systematic manner for the high-profile tournament.

to be a manic October.

These include better security, availability of emergency services and better traffic management.

The first major challenge will be the inaugural ceremony of the ISL to be held

at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on October 1.

Police commissioner Hiren Nath, who attended a recent meeting between various government agencies and the ISL organizers, said policemen would work in a

For the pujas in the second week of October, the focus would be on safety and security, cleanliness and traffic management. "Several crucial points were discussed at the meeting, including installation of CCTV cameras in puja mandaps," an official of the district administration said.

To ensure cleanliness, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation has decided to distribute special garbage-collection bags among puja committees. Besides, the

officials said there would be better coordination between NGOs and committees regarding garbage disposal this time.

Digging of roads for water projects in the city will be temporarily stopped during the puja days for smooth traffic. DC M Angamuthu has also directed the public works department to upgrade roads before the festivities begin.

Besides, the district administration will also try and provide continuous power supply and bus services late into the night during Durga Puja.

ET Correspondent Haflong, Sept 21: To create awareness among the people and Railway employees, as part of the Swach Bharat Abhijan, the Railway employees organized a cleanliness drive followed by plantation of trees at New Haflong Railway Station on Wednesday.

More than hundred employees belonging to Engineering, Traffic, Railway Pro-

tection Force, vendors etc took part in the cleanliness drive and more than hundred saplings provided by the Dima Hasao Forest department were planted at the Station premises and in the newly constructed amusement park near the Station.

Talking to this correspondent, P. P Das, Asstt. Divisional Engineer and Anil Kumar, Station Superintendent said that they have

organized the event as a part of Swach Bharat Abhijan to bring awareness among the people as well as among the railway employees to keep the environment clean and people friendly. He also added that they would organize such plantation and cleanliness drive in future also. The railway officials appealed the people to keep the station clean and beautiful.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

REST OF

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ARUNACHAL

CM Khandu sought support from popular NE Medical Rijiju releases book by Professor Bath; institute for establishment of state Medical College calls for prioritizing ideology in politics ET Bureau Itanagar, Sept 21 : Chief Minister Pema Khandu has sought support, guidance and cooperation from the prestigious North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, for establishment of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (Medical College) in the state.

Pema requested this during a meeting with NEIGRIHMS director Professor Dr. P Bhattacharjee who called on him here today at his Civil Secretariat office.

While terming NEIGRIHMS as one of the best models in terms of health and medical institute, Khandu requested its director to help the state in drafting the recruitment rules for Medical College faculties besides providing guidance and support in recruitment of professor level faculties.

He also appealed the premier medical institute to exchange teaching programmes and faculties through digital class rooms.

“As of now huge number of patients goes to NEIGRIHMS but it has not been empanelled under the benevolent Arunachal Pradesh Chief Ministers

Universal Insurance scheme due to some reservations raised by NEIGRIHMS officials” Khandu informed.

He requested the Director to look into the matter on a positive note so that patients going from the state get the benefit under the APCMUHIS. He further revealed that the state government is restructuring the scheme to ensure that benefits are multiplied and all bottlenecks are removed. A meeting in this regard has been scheduled on September 28 next.

The Chief Minister instructed the health department to immediately process for requirement of fund for construction of

Arunachal guest house near NEIGRIHMS for which land has already been acquired. He also assured to introduce a dedicated shuttle bus service for NEIGRIHMs from the state capital for convenience of patients.

Assuring all possible support, Prof.

Battacharjee, who is also Member of the Governing Council of the upcoming medical college at Naharlagun, asked the state government to create congenial atmosphere at the institute by providing all necessary facilities to lure faculties.

“Biggest challenge now would be to hunt for professors” he shared while assur-

ing that he would do his best to recruit best teaching faculties for the first medical institute of the state.

On the request of the Chief Minister for considering two digital class rooms for the upcoming medical college, Prof. Battacharjee informed that one Digital Class room has already been sanctioned. He assured that he would take up with the Ministry of Health, Government of India to consider one more digital class room for the state.

Health Minister Jomde Kena, Parliamentary Secretary Health Phurpa Tsering, Director Health & Family Welfare Dr. Moji Jini among others also attended the meeting.

‘Go Live’ e-governance project of Itanagar Municipal Council launches

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, 21 Sept: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today launched the ‘Go Live’ e-governance project of Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) making the urban local body digitalized and offers its services online.

ency and check corruption.

available to the citizens.

“Gone are the days of hard files, which can be easily tampered and altered while processing. Digital files will revolutionize governance once we have paperless offices,” Khandu said.

Sanctioned in the year 2012 under the erstwhile Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) ‘Go Live’ is an e-governance project for IMC being implemented by the department of Urban Development and executed by Hyderabad based IT company M/s NavayugaInfotech Ltd in consortium with Telearc Technologies Pvt Ltd.

Incidentally, Khandu had signed the first paperless file of the IT department on August 16 last setting off the digitalization process of governance in the state.

Under JnNURM introduction of e-Governance in Municipalities was envisaged to facilitate enhanced service delivery mechanism, achieve better transparency and accountability among involved stakeholders and drive better service levels to the end beneficiaries.

However, JnNURM was discontinued in August, 2015 due to which instalment of central funds was stopped and the Mission City Itanagar project could not be completed.

“It is a dream come true for me,” Khandu said after launch of the project.

The project was initiated by Khandu during his stint as the then Minister of Urban Development.

Congratulating IMC for being the first local body to go digital, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to implement e-governance in every level of government machinery that will boost transpar-

The Chief Minister recollected his last meeting of at least 40 minutes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi, wherein, he said, digitalization of governance was a major component of discussion.

Minister for Urban Development Nabam Rebia, who was Guest of Honour on the occasion, drew attention of the Chief Minister on the gapfunding required for fully commissioning the ‘Go Live’ egovernance project under Mission City Itanagar programme for IMC. He said the state government need to put in its own resources to complete the project so that all the benefits as envisaged could be made

Rebia further opined that all state-centric projects being implemented by UD (besides e-governance) like the interstate bus terminal, parking lot, convention hall, MLA apartments, etc, which remain incomplete due to delinking of several central schemes, need to be completed from the state’s own resources.

In response, the Chief Minister informed that he has already chalked out a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee during which these issues will discussedand assured that all unfinished projects under UD will be completed by the state government including the gap-

funding of Mission City Itanagar.

Once the e-governance system of IMC is fully commissioned, citizens can avail services of all the modules that include filing of on-line application for key services (Issuance of Birth/ Death Certificates or Trade Licenses, etc.). Further, IMC will benefit in maintenance of digitized records and tracking of defaulters for Property Tax, promotion of online transactions to generate more revenue and a sound and comprehensive maintenance of information of the beneficiaries to avoid duplicity.

At the moment, the launched ‘Go Live’ project will offer two modules through which citizens can avail e-services for online registration of birth as well as death.

Present during the Go live launching ceremony include Parliamentary Secretary UD Techi Kaso, Chief Municipal Councillor, Deputy Chief Municipal Councillor, IMC Councillors, officers of all allied departments like PWD, PHED, IT, etc and representatives of Navayuga Infotech Ltd and Telearc Technologies Pvt Ltd.

MAAAK resolves to fight for overall wellbeing of Mebo area's land, water dispute Contd. from Page 1 While Todol Pertin, Joint Secy. ABK (HQ) who earlier had joined in a area inspection of DEWS boundary along Assam side comprising of PRI and ABK leaders from Arunachal and representatives from Assam, said that, the restriction of hunting and fishing are only concentrated in the left bank side (Mebo). The sanctuary’s areas near Assam are fully grazed by Assam owned cattle covering several kilometres inside the DEWS. Pertin also said that, there had no any public hearing while the land of Jopong was annexed with the DEWS. While, one, Obang Badu, Goan Bura of Borguli village said that, the sanctuary’s DFO is playing a

deceitful tactics in suppressing the villagers as a case was registered against GBs and village secretary of Borguli village a year ago when some of village people had set afire the thatches of the sanctuary.

However, Badu also pleaded MAAAK to take up drastic measures against excessive use of inverters in fishing (through electrocution), dynamite fishing and poisoning of river etc.

Stressing upon urgent need of taking the matter of sanctuary’s boundary with the government, Apel Tayeng, Chief Adviser, MAAAK cum adviser ABK (apex) said that, huge funds meant for the development and protection of DEWS are being mostly misused by the DFO. As per the

RTI documents collected, no proper works has been carried out by the sanctuary officials whereas lakhs and crores of fund has been allotted to DEWS in last few years. “Even requested documents of certain schemes and projects besides sanctuary’s original map etc through RTI are also not provided or are being evaded by the DFO knowingly just to conceal his misdeeds” added Tayeng. While Promanondo Tayeng, V/Preisident, MAAAK, Lining Pertin, Kokpak Lego, Mading Pertin, Kalingbung Tayeng, V/ President, DSU also spoke about how to take up the next measures. “We from District Student’s Union are even ready to take up bandh call and strike against the concern authorities

if our appeals are kept neglected” added Kalingbung Tayeng.

While Bodong Yirang, Chairman of the meeting pleaded for maintaining the proper channel and systems when matters are being pursued at highest level. The meeting also resolved upon consenting for new district creation comprising Mariyang, Mebo and Dambuk Sub-Divisions while following the direction of ABK (Apex) where Bodong Yirang, Secy. General and Todol Pertin, Joint Secy. (HQ) has been entrusted to follow the subject. The meeting also resolved to conduct a series of awareness programme at various villages of the Mebo sub-division from October next.

ET Bureau Naharlagun, Sept 21: The day Arunachal Pradesh attains political maturity by imbibing true values of democratic processes; the state can make a lot of developments both politically and economically. Rising above narrow political interests and looking at larger political perspective for overall development of the people should be the ideology of all political parties, stated Kiren Rijiju, MoS (Home) on September 21 while releasing a book, titled, ‘Party Politics in Arunachal Pradesh’ authored by Professor Nani Bath at Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh.

While complementing Professor Nani Bath for writing the book, Rijiju appealed the people to read it to know history of politics in Arunachal Pradesh and offer constructive criticism through various media and social platforms for a healthy appraisal of the

views expressed by the author. Elaborating on his views of political development over the years in the state, the Minister said that political ideology needs to be infused in the people and only ideologies should drive agenda of politics in elections. Commenting on the right of political representatives to change their loyalties and choosing leaders in parties, Rijiju said, ‘Let actual right be vested with the people although MLAs have right to decide their leadership in their parties.’

The Minister also lamented about the growing unemployment in the state where natural resources abound and only eight lakh indigenous populations live, he also urged all to accord economic issues along with respective political ideology as the main agenda in elections. This will facilitate inculcation of ideology and consciousness among the masses, he added.

Kiren Rijiju Earlier, the author, Professor Nani Bath explained the backdrop behind the writing of the book in which many young research scholars travelled all over the state for research on the subject. He informed that the people of Arunachal Pradesh have been most actively participating in both local and state electoral process ever since the introduction of Panchayati Raj in 1969. According to the author, another positive feature of the state’s politi-

Hindi Saptah organised

by RGU concludes today

The programme aimed to familiarize youths with the prospects of Hindi language, which has been challenged under the rapid growth of many regional languages.

In his keynote address, Professor Harish Kumar Sharma stated the contemporary challenges have reduced the quality and quantity of Hindi use among Indians. Citing the development of language amidst

foreign cultures, Professor Singh said that Hindi should be reclaimed from the current vulnerable spot.

Adding more to the issue, Dr Oken Lego, HoD Hindi, reminded the audience that Hindi should be used along with other regional languages as such that it can be brought to the forefront of the popular masses.

“Lack of a definite national language tends to put a question mark on our identity on the global stage”, he added.

Strongly condemning the outrageous attack, the APCC cautioned Pakistan to refrain from proxy war and asked them to come out in the open instead.

Dean, Department of Hindi, Dr J Sahu also pressed on the need for a definite status for Hindi in the country.

Dr Vishwajeet Kumar Mishra, Dr Shyam Shanker Singh and Dr Joram Yalam nabam also spoke on the occasion.

The ceremony was also attended by RGU Registrar Professor Rachob Taba, among others.

Qualifying rounds for Dorjee Khandu All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament ends A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Sept 21 : Playing for a spot in the main event of the Dorjee Khandu All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament-2016, at least 50 players have made it through the qualifying rounds to join the 170 players of the main event, scheduled for September 22 next.

In the men’s singles, Deepjyoti Dutta (ASM), Nitish Bora (ASM), Jerry Martin M. (TN), Ramesh Kumar P. (TN), Rajdeep Sarmah (ASM), Swadhin Gouda, (ORI) have qualified, while in the women’s singles, Megha Bora Morchana (ASM), Mopi Yumlam (ANP), Rupsa Ghosh (WB), Ashmita Chaliha (ASM), Monika Ahlawat

(CHG), Sazia Khan (MP), Rosalenia B Syeda (ASM), Dimpal Hazarika (ASM) have made it to the main tournament.

Those who have qualified for the men’s doubles include Rana Boruah (ASM) and Akshay Raito (ANP), Apoorva Javadekar and Abhishek Sadanand Kulkarni (MAH), Anmoal Behrani and Prasad Shetty (MAH), Saurav Das (ASM), and Shubham Yadav (UP), Imran Khan K and Prashanth R (TN), Prakash Raj S and Vaibhaav (KTK), Siddharth Pratap Singh (CG), and Aryamann Tandon (GUJ), Arijeet Bose and Nigel D'Sa (MAH), while Saumya Singh and Mayuri Yadav (UP), Dimpal Hazarika and

Sanghmitra Saikia (ASM), Kapu Rumi and Mopi Yumlam (ANP), Sumitra Pujari and Manali Sinha (ASM) will be playing in the women’s doubles main event in the tournament.

In the mixed doubles category, the pairs of Abhijit Datta and Rosalenia B Syeda (ASM), Jayraj Pegu and Manali Bora (ASM), Raja Gupta and Mopi Yumlam, (ANP), Rajesh Verma and Usha (RAJ), Rahul Thapa and Apali Mega, (ANP), Aehshan Kabir Ali and Sanghmitra Saikia (ASM) will be battling it out in the main tournament scheduled to begin on Thursday.

The play of few qualifying matches was still underway during the filing of this report.

Road communication in Kolariang restrored Koloriang, Sept 21 : The road communication between Palin and Kolorian has been restored this afternoon for traffic movement, while the Joram-Sarli-Hurl under 85 RCC remains disrupted at several points following a cloud burst in Kra-Daadi district on September 19 last.

According to reports, there were 24 major and 40 minor block points, where a 70-feet bailey bridge and two RCC culverts were washed away in the incident. Several vehicles were also stranded on both sides of the road for two days due to unprecedented landslides that occurred as a result of the cloud burst.

APCC condemns Uri attack ET Bureau Itanagar, Sept 21 : The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has expressed deep shock and said that it is saddened by the news of 18 brave soldiers, who lost their lives in a terror attack at headquarters of the 12th Army Brigade near LOC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

ET Bureau Roing, Sept 21 : The weeklong observation of 'Hindi Saptah', organized by the Hindi Department of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), came to an end on September 21 last at the university campus.

Keeping right attitude towards any language is imperative in honouring its worth, said RGU Vice Chancellor Professor Tamo Mibang, while adding that scholars play a vital role in ensuring vibrancy of a language.

cal culture is ‘No party is based on communal affiliations in political spectrum in the state.’ Calling it a positive development, he expressed belief that with arrival of young generation political leaders parties will attain maturity. Professor Bath also termed Rijiju as a symbol of ‘Young generation politician’ and hoped that politics in the state in general would turn for the better with emergence of such leaders.

Presiding over the function, Professor Tamo Mibang while complementing the author, stressed on good governance in Arunachal Pradesh. He said that with the coming of good governance, all existing ills of governance and political and economic problems would come to an end.

The book, dedicated to late Bakin Pertin, is sponsored

by University Grants Commission and published by ‘Himalayan Publishers, New Delhi-Itanagar.’

Men and machinery of the BRTF were pressed into service under the command of Anant Kumar Singh, OC (Officiating), which managed to restore the border road within 48 hours.

take precautions while crossing the block points/ sinking zones to avoid any untoward incidents.

Heavy rainfall has also caused a large amount of damage to public property at various places of KurungKurung Kumey District Ad- Kumey and Kra-Daadi disministration and Kra-Daadi tricts.

District Administration have been constantly coordinating The Joram-Sarli-Huri Road and supervising the agency is the life line for the people concerned for early restora- of both districts and connects tion of the traffic movement several administrative cenon this road. tres of these two border districts. This road is also very In the meantime, the Kurung important for the movement Kumey District Administra- of the armed forces guarding tion has advised everyone to the Indo-China border.

(DIPRO)

The committee saluted the sacrifice of the martyrs for the cause of the nation and extended heartfelt condolences to families of those martyred. It also prayed to the Almighty God for eternal peace of the departed soul and speedy recovery of those injured.

“The country will always remember the supreme sacrifice made by the soldiers attaining martyrdom in the Uri terror attack”, it said in a release.

23 IAS probationers take tour of Itanagar A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Sept 21 :Altogether, 23 IAS probationers of 2015 batch, including topper Ira Singhal, who were here at the state capital Itanagar for an attachment with the Deputy Commissioner of Itanagar-Capital Complex as a part of their training called on Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin today.

After brief interaction with the CS, the team of probationers was given a tour of the Civil Secretariat by the officials of secretariat. Later, the team visited the state museum and the Buddhist Gompa.

The team also visited the Ranganadi Hydro Power project at Yazali, during which the officials had an interaction with the Head of Project NEEPCO. They also visited the dam site and the power house of the NEEPCO. Earlier, in the morning the team was given a PPT by Lilly R Jomoh Assistant Professor at DNGC in the conference hall of the office of the deputy commissioner on the historical diversity and ethno cultural traditions of Arunachal Pradesh.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

BUSINESS

PAGE 5

Govt urges procurement agencies to publicise their activities

Smart City Project: Vadodara aims to become manufacturing hub

PTI New Delhi, Sep 21: The central government has directed procurement agencies Food Corporation of India (FCI), NAFED and SFAC to publicise their procurement activities among farmers through various modes in pulse producing states so that farmers get the benefit of Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The central government is procuring pulses form farmers as it wants to encourage them to grow lentils in the ensuing winter/ rabi season beginning October, an official source said.

On September 15, addressing a two-day conference,

Image for representational purpose Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh had urged states to promote pulses even in the winter or Rabi season beginning next.

Singh had also said unless farmers get the MSP they will not be encouraged to plant pulses in the Rabi season.

An official source said here

Cabinet clears Rs.1,250cr subsidy for BSNL

PTI New Delhi, Sep 21: The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the long-pending compensation of Rs.1,250 crore for public sector telecom company BSNL to support rural landline connections installed before April 1, 2002.

"The Cabinet approves subsidy of Rs.1,250 crore to BSNL as compensation for deficit incurred by BSNL in operating rural wire-line connections," said Frank

Noronha, the government's Principal Spokesperson, on Twitter.

The BSNL subsidy support will be given from the Universal Service Obligation Fund for the rural connections installed prior to 1 April, 2002, he added.

The state-run telecom firm has asked the government to provide Rs.2,000 crore to support rural wireline connections.

On the basis of the submission of BSNL and the de-

tailed information in respect of working rural wire-line connections installed before April 1, 2002, the deficit per rural wire-line connection was estimated at Rs.4,876 for 2011-12.

Accordingly, the deficit from the rural wire-line connections installed before April 1, 2002 for 2011-12 and 2012-13 were estimated at Rs.1,593 crore and Rs.1,265 crore respectively.

The Department of Telecom had paid subsidy for these connections to BSNL up to July 17, 2011.

Based on the trend at that point, regulator Trai estimated subsidy of Rs.1,500 crore for 2011-12 with effect from July 17, 2011 and Rs.1,250 crore for the subsequent year effective July 18, 2012.

BSNL has received Rs.1,500 crore subsidy and the Cabinet approved the pending amount of Rs.1,250 crore on Wednesday.

Sebi to auction Sahara group's 13 more land parcels PTI New Delhi, Sep 21: Moving ahead with sale of Sahara assets to recover money, regulator Sebi on Wednesday lined up 13 land parcels of the beleaguered group for an e-auction next month at a total reserve price of about Rs.1,400 crore.

This is in addition to 58 properties of the group that were scheduled to be auctioned in July and their combined reserve price was nearly Rs.5,000 crore.

In separate notices today, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said HDFC Realty

will auction seven properties on October 27 at a reserve price of more than Rs.710 crore, while SBI Caps will auction six properties on October 25 at a reserve price of over Rs.672 crore.

Following directions from the Supreme Court for sale of certain Sahara assets to recover money, Sebi has mandated SBI Capital Markets (SBI Caps) and HDFC Realty for auctioning a total of 61 land parcels.

HDFC Realty has been roped in to auction 31 land parcels at a reserve price of Rs.2,400 crore,

while SBI Caps has been asked to auction 30 land properties with an estimated market value of about Rs.4,100 crore.

These properties are spread across the country and mostly include land parcels. As per the court directions, they cannot be sold at less than 90 per cent of the circle rates.

After spending two years in jail, Sahara chief Subrata Roy is currently out on parole. He was sent to jail on the orders of the Supreme Court in a long-running dispute with Sebi.

on Wednesday that the government agencies have procured 3273.16 million tonnes of Moong dal benefiting as many as 330 farmer. The state-run agencies -- FCI, NAFED and SFAC -- have set up about 200 centres to procure Moong directly from farmers at MSP. The government had earlier fixed Rs.4,800 per quintal as MSP rate and bonus Rs.425 during Kharif 2016-17 season. The procurement of Moong started in the second week of September in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The government started procuring pulses at the

MSP plus bonus rate after prices fell. The procured pulses are kept as buffer stock, which the government aimed at expanding to around two million tonne this year.

The country's pulse output is targeting bumper 20-21 million tonne in 2016 after a good monsoon following two straight years of drought.

The sources said the drought in 2014 and 2015 had brought down the pulse production to 16.47 million tonne in 2015-16 and 17.15 million tonne in 2014-15.

The country recorded a 19.25 million tonne of production in 2013-14.

Flipkart crosses 100 million customers milestone

PTI Vadodara, Sep 21: The Vadodara civic authority has expressed hope that the city will be developed as an "innovative manufacturing hub" under the smart city mission.

Vadodara made it to the third list of the smart city project announced by the Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday. Under the mission, the government aims to have 100 smart cities by 2022.

60 cities have been chosen so far. 20 were selected in January and 13 in May. The remaining will be picked by 2018.

City Municipal Commissioner Dr Vinod Rao said, "Vadodara aspires to become an innovative hub for manufacturing by leveraging its economic strength and transforming itself into a cleaner and greener city by introducing a smarter way of living."

The final upgraded Smart City Proposal (SCP) submit-

Image for representational purpose ted to the Urban Development Ministry has been developed keeping in view this objective, he said.

"The city would be developed as a smart city at an estimated cost of Rs 2,010 crores. As per the smart city guideline, two types of project based on coverage of city shall be prepared.

First, a PAN city project which covers entire Vadodara and second, Area Based Development (ABD) which covers specific area of the city," he said.

Govt extends stock limits on pulses by 1 yr

PTI New Delhi, Sep 21: Homegrown e-tailer Flipkart has crossed the 100-million registered users mark, becoming the first e-commerce company in the country to hit the milestone.

The Bengaluru-based company has doubled its user base over the last year and added 25 million users in the past six months alone.

"This is a small step in our efforts to build a platform that provides quality products, affordable and accessible to millions of Indians shopping online. This milestone has further energized us to ramp-up our efforts and build a world-class shopping destination," Flipkart co-founder and CEO Binny Bansal said.

One of the most valued start-ups in the country, Flipkart has Tiger Global, Accel Partners, Morgan Stanley and T Rowe among its investors. The company has raised over USD 3 billion in funding so far and has acquired companies like Myntra, PhonePe and LetsBuy. It

has also invested in startups like Cube26, NestAway and BlackBuck.

A recent Bank of America Merrill Lynch report pegged Flipkart as the leader with over 43 per cent market share. It forecast that by 2019, Flipkart would increase its share to 44 per cent.

E-commerce companies in India have witnessed tremendous growth on the back of strong demand for smartphones and increasing data usage. India, which is among the fastest growing e-commerce markets globally, is expected to continue on the growth momentum over the three to five years.

US online retailer Amazon and Chinese heavyweight Alibaba are making significant investments in India to capture the nascent market.

India is being seen as an opportunity globally with a significant chunk of foreign investments flowing into the sector in companies like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Paytm.

PTI New Delhi, Sep 21: The government today extended stockholding limits on traders of pulses, edible oils and oilseeds by one year till September 30, 2017, to check hoarding and control price rise.

A decision in this regard was taken in the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Stockholding limits on traders of pulses, edible oils and oilseeds expires this month-end.

"The Union Cabinet has approved extension of stock limit on pulses, oil seeds and oils for a further period of one year up to September 30, 2017," Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said after the meeting.

By and large, all the state governments have supported the imposition of stock limits. This step will ensure smooth supply of commodities and will en-

Image for representational purpose able the states to act against hoarding, he said.

Paswan also said the state governments can issue control orders with the concurrence of the central government on importers, millers, wholesalers and retailers as needed.

Stockholding limits are imposed under the Essential Commodities Act in

folding and new opportunities emerging, Ahmad will bring to this key position strategic leadership along with considerable experience of working in both India and South Asia to support this transformation, Kim said.

Annette Dixon, World Bank's vice-president for South Asia, said: “Junaid's strong experience in the critical areas of water, urbanisation and social development will ensure that the bank's future strategy for India is formulated and implemented in line with the country's own development goals.” After joining the World Bank in 1991 as a young professional, he worked on infrastructure development in Africa and Eastern Europe.

He has since held several management positions, leading the bank's programme in diverse re-

gions including Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in India and South Asia.

He was based in New Delhi between 2000 and 2005 and played a leading role across a number of sectors, both in India and the region. He led the bank's water and sanitation programme for South Asia before being appointed to head its social development portfolio. Fol-

lowing this, he steered the bank's broader urban development programme in India and South Asia. During this period, Ahmad worked in the areas of infrastructure finance, dealing with the challenges of urbanisation and city management, delivering services in federal systems, as well as on issues concerning local government reforms.

Prior to joining the

president's office, Ahmad was a senior director at the World Bank, where he led the bank's global engagement in the water sector.

He was one of the first to be selected to this post through a global competition. Ahmad moved to this position after holding charge of sustainable development for the bank's Middle East and North Africa regions, where his work covered a broad array of sectors, including agriculture, environment and infrastructure.

Ahmad holds a PhD in applied economics from Stanford University, a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University, and a BA in economics from Brown University. India is the World Bank Group's largest client. As of June 2016, the bank's net commitments to the country stood at $27 billion across 95 projects.

order to check hoarding and blackmarketing.

The country is dependent on import of pulses and edible oils as the domestic production is lower than the demand.

Pulses prices in retail markets are still ruling high due to shortfall in the domestic production in past two years because of droughts.

Jaguar launches new XF at Rs 49.5 lakh ment and efficiency.

It is up to 20 kg lighter than equivalent previous generation engines, the Ingenium diesel engine is intrinsically more efficient.

Bangladesh economist World Bank's new head in India ANI Dhaka, Sep 21: Junaid Ahmad, the former chief of staff for World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, has been appointed as World Bank's new country director for India.

Junaid Ahmad, a Bangladeshi economist, has taken over as the World Bank's new country director for India, replacing Onno Ruhl who completed his four-year term.

Ahmad was formerly the chief of staff for World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. In making the appointment, Kim said, “I'm very pleased to announce Junaid Ahmad as World Bank's new country director for India.”

In a statement, he said: “India's recent growth and development has been one of the most significant achievements of our time.”

With historic changes un-

Rao informed that the civic body had prepared the revised proposal through audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers India.

Data collection on various aspects such as water supply, power supply, sanitation including solid waste management, mobility and public transport, affordable housing, IT connectivity and digitisation, health and education was taken into account to prepare the proposal.

Mumbai, Sep 21: Tata Motors-owned British brand Jaguar on Wednesday launched the all-new XF luxury saloon with prices starting at Rs 49.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Deliveries of XF are scheduled to begin from the end of September and customers can book one through any of the 23 authorised Jaguar Retailers located near them.

With the introduction of the Ingenium Diesel engine, the XF becomes the first Jaguar in India to get this power-train. The car

is launched in three diesel and two petrol variants with the top end costing Rs 61.85 lakh.

The Jaguar XF will take on Mercedes-Benz E Class, AudiA6 and BMW 5 Series. The E-Class is the highest selling model for Mercedes-Benz, which is India's largest selling luxury car maker.

The Jaguar XF is offered with the new Ingenium 2.0 litre 4-cylinder Turbocharged Diesel engine that delivers a power output of 132 kW. Ingenium is Jaguar Land Rover's new breed of engines designed for performance, refine-

The XF’s petrol engine has 4-cylinder offering 177 kW of power and responsiveness throughout the rev range, while improving efficiency. The 2.0 litre Turbocharged Petrol engine achieves ‘6-cylinder’ levels of performance and refinement from a more compact and economical structure.

This is the fourth Jaguar model to be on sale in India and third in line to be locally at the company's assembly unit in Pune. While the XJ and XE are assembled locally the F-Type continues to be fully imported.

The XF is one of the two launches planned by Jaguar this year. The Brit brand will also launch the F-Pace crossover soon.

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Today's quote

“

When hungry, eat your rice; when tired, close your eyes. Fools may laugh at me, but wise men will know what I mean.

Lin-Chi

Arunachal politics, blot on democracy

P

olitical morality, democratic norms and con stitutional principles have all taken a hard knock with the wholesale defection of 42 Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh, including the chief minister and all ministers and the speaker of the Assembly, to the People's Party of Arunachal Pradesh (PPA). Except for former CM Nabam Tuki, the entire Congress contingent will adopt a new political label under Chief Minister Pema Khandu, violating the spirit of the anti-defection law. It may be taken as a continuation of the political changes that started in the state last year when Congress MLAs revolted against then chief minister Tuki who was dismissed by the Centre. The governor later swore in a PPA government which had the support of the BJP. But a landmark Supreme Court order restored the Congress in power which formed a government under Pema Khandu. The court also seve-rely castigated the governor who has resigned since then.

This is not the first time that mass defections have made a mockery of the anti-defection law. The trend started with the switch of loyalty of Bhajan Lal from the Janata Party to the Congress in 1980 in Haryana before the anti-defection law was enacted. Mass defections have happened since then in other states in spite of the existence of the anti-defection law. Though the law has been amended to plug loopholes, politicians have always found ways to get around them. Arunachal Pradesh has seen such defections in the past also. Though the latest defections may technically not violate the law, its spirit has been violated. All the defecting MLAs were elected on Congress tickets and so migration to another party is dishonouring the mandate of the people. The ideal course for all of them would have been to resign from the Assembly and seek re-election, though that would amount to a fresh Assembly election. Pema Khandu's argument that he and his MLAs went over to the NDA camp because the state government has to be on the right side of the Centre is wrong and unacceptable. It is only an excuse to mask self-serving motives and runs contrary to the federal idea of governance.

The BJP's assertion that it had nothing to do with the political changes is disingenuous. It should be clear to everyone that the party had worked for and orchestrated the defections after the setback it received with the Supreme Court judgment in July. It is likely that other nonNDA governments in the Northeast may also be destabilized. It is unfortunate that parties do not learn from their mistakes and flout in practice all the moral, political and constitutional principles they swear by.

Responding to Uri athering evidence regarding the four terrorists who stormed the army base in Uri, killing 18 soldiers, suggests they are from Pakistan and had been sent across the border explicitly for this attack. In fact, the entire operation has the fingerprints of Pakistan's military establishment, showing yet again the country's persistent use of terrorism as state policy. The four terrorists reportedly got to the camp early in the morning, in all probability across the Line of Control just 6 km away. The terrorists carried automatic rifles, under-barrel grenade launchers and other equipment, most of it with Pakistani markings, according to Director General of Military Operations Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh. Over the last three decades or so, India has been at the receiving end of Pakistani statecraft of terrorists unleashed to attain state objectives; Uri is the latest provocation. India has limited manoeuvrability as far as a military response goes. Narendra Modi's restrained, but firm, response is an indication that India may not play the reckless game many would like it to. Condemning the "cowardly" attack, he said those behind it would not go unpunished - the heavylifting will in all probability be done diplomatically.

G

In responses in New Delhi, and on the ground in Kashmir, one thing has emerged: that India still does not have a comprehensive national policy to deal with domestic militancy as well as cross-border terrorism.

Given India's inconsistent and incomplete responses, the adversaries, both states and terror organisations, are able to exploit, and often poke fun at, the lack of a robust national doctrine. The latest attack also captures the complex reality of India-Pakistan ties and the Kashmir issue. It calls for an alert security grid and sophisticated policy responses; neither can be achieved by rhetoric and simplistic blame games. The Indian security forces have been dealing with militancy and cross-border infiltration since Kashmir went up in flames in the late 1980s. The gradual decline in violence in the Valley over the years was reversed starting 2014, and since then strife in the Valley and infiltration from the Pakistan side have both steadily climbed. The Prime Minister should take the lead to bring together leaders across the spectrum to work towards finding peace, while drawing up a national security doctrine that is free of biases and myopia. India needs to let its adversaries know it is a power capable of more than mere rhetoric while assuring its own people that its options are rooted in constitutional values. For both, a well-documented national security doctrine could be a first step.

PAGE 6

Uri terror attack: Diplomatic isolation of Pakistan an uphill task In their initial statements, most countries have refrained from either referring to the assault as an act of cross-border terrorism or directly linking Pakistan to it Measured expressions of support for India over Sunday's terrorist attack on the Indian army garrison in north Kashmir suggest New Delhi faces an uphill task in diplomatically isolating Pakistan.

stan prime minister Nawaz Sharif in New York, US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday "reiterated the need for Pakistan to prevent all terrorists from using Pakistani territory as safe havens, while c o m mending Elizabeth Roche In their recent efinitial forts by statements, most countries Pakistani security forces to have refrained from either re- counter extremist violence." ferring to the assault as an act State Department spokesman of cross-border terrorism or John Kirby said, according to directly linking Pakistan to it. a Press Trust of India report.

This has not gone unnoticed in the external affairs ministry."There is no mention of Pakistan or cross-border terrorism in any of the statements. This is telling," a person familiar with the development who did not want to be identified said.

The message from the UK foreign office on Sunday said London "condemns all forms of terrorism, and stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism, and in bringing the perpetrators to justice".

The US statement was similar.

In his meeting with Paki-

"The Prime Minister and Secretary Kerry expressed strong concern with recent violence in Kashmir - particularly the army base attack - and the need for all sides to reduce tensions," Kirby added.

The reaction from Pakistan's all-weather ally China said: "China opposes and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. We are concerned about this escalation and rising temperatures surrounding Kashmir situation... We hope relevant parties will have dialogue and consultation to resolve their differences...."

The only consolation for

Soldiers guard the army base in Uri which was attacked by militants on Sunday. Photo: PTI India came from the French, who, without specifically mentioning Pakistan, called for "decisive action to be taken, in accordance with international law, against the terrorist groups targeting India, particularly the LashkareTaiba, the Jaish-eMohammed, and the Hizbul-Mujahideen".

All three are known to be based in Pakistan.

Analysts are not surprised.

Pinak Rajan Chakravarty, former secretary in the foreign ministry, said, "India should not expect any help from the international community apart from sympa-

thetic statements on terrorism in general."

Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal noted that many countries had been subjected to terrorism and were aware of the challenges India faced from Pakistan.

"But when it comes to India and Pakistan, they usually don't want to take sides," he said.

Given this, India would have to present a water-tight case to prove Pakistani involvement in the Uri attack.

News reports said India could seek US help to decode data from the Global Posi-

tioning System (GPS) devices and satellite phones carried by the terrorists.

"Data from the GPS and satellite phones could go some way in determining who these people were, where they came from, who they were in touch with in Pakistan and in India as well perhaps," said a person familiar with the development who did not want to be named, pointing to information gathered following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Indian investigators were then able to piece together information that showed that the 10 terrorists who attacked Mumbai had come from Karachi and that their handlers were in Pakistan, the person said.

But even this may be insufficient for India to get Pakistan isolated or listed as a terrorist state given that Islamabad counts China, the US and Saudi Arabia among its backers.

India's efforts in April, despite sufficient proof to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist group by the UN was blocked by

China.

"The US too has stated on many occasions that its ties with Pakistan are independent of India," said Sibal.

Pakistan is seen as a significant Muslim country at the cross roads of South and Central Asia and the Gulf, with nuclear weapons.

"The US has made it clear that they will not sever ties with Pakistan as well as impose sanctions on it," Sibal said noting that US-Pakistan date back many decades recent frictions.

Within South Asia though, India could count on support from Afghanistan and Bangladesh - both of whom share uneasy relations with Pakistan.

"Another way of making Pakistan realise that it is opening itself to a high price is Baluchistan if they don't stop terrorism against India," said Sibal referring to India's recent strategy change of highlighting Pakistan's human rights abuses in the region.

(This article was originally published in the Mint.)

Last mile banking Official data shows that only 27 per cent of villages in India have a bank within a five km radius and the number of those without a basic bank account is still huge.

Almost 50 years ago, two years before social controls were imposed on banking in 1969, L.K. Jha, the then Reserve Bank of India governor, wrote to the then Union finance minister, Morarji Desai, that he believed it was in the best interests of everyone to ensure that more banks were opened in smaller places. That would also slow down expansion of banks in urban areas, he said. Jha went on to write that the tendency of banks to open branches in a competitive spirit in urban areas had led to a heavy concentration in cities such as Bombay, Calcutta and Delhi.

That still rings true five decades later. Official data shows that only 27 per cent of villages in India have a bank within a five km radius and the number of those without a basic bank account is still huge.

It's only after a major push from the government over the last few years that banks have reached out to the unbanked, initially through no frills or basic accounts and now in the form of the prime minister's Jan Dhan Yojana.

The numbers are impressive - over 24.1 crore bank accounts with an accumulated balance of Rs 42,094.24 crore and an entry in the Guinness World Records for

opening the maximum number of accounts in a day. Yet, the sheen of the feat has been taken off by a recent investigative report in this newspaper that found bank officials putting in Rs 1 or Rs 5 to keep some accounts, which were dormant or inactive after opening, alive. These officials said they were under pressure to inflate numbers.

Adoption of such methods should raise concern, given the potential for misuse even if that means making a deposit of just a rupee. But it is important to view this from the perspective of larger public policy and social goals.

After 2005, when the word financial inclusion first found mention in the monetary policy review of the RBI and was later introduced as a budget measure by the UPA government the next year, banks were progressively nudged to bring more of those who had no access to basic banking services into the formal banking system.

The UPA government and the central bank mandated the boards of banks to formulate plans for financial inclusion.

But the NDA government, perhaps, was quick to recognise the economically and politically transformative impact of the scheme in terms of efficient delivery of

subsidies and to provide access to financial services.

The government also recognised, last year, that the agenda of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile - dubbed as JAM - was up against the challenge of getting money from banks into the hands of beneficiaries, especially in rural areas. The dressing up of numbers and the fact that almost half of the accounts were with zero balance should now prompt the government to look beyond these banks for ensuring last mile-connectivity and universal bank accounts, and, more importantly, for achieving meaningful financial and quantitative financial inclusion.

Here's why: In neighbouring Bangladesh, millions have been brought into the formal and regulated banking system through bKash Limited, a mobile financial services provider promoted by the Dhakabased mega NGO, BRAC. bKash has used the telecom networks of leading service providers and its own agents spread across the country to enable ordinary people to send and receive funds, including international remittances, through their own mobile phones and personal identification number-pro-

tected accounts. This penetration also has to do with a more responsive central bank. What this, experiences elsewhere and the relative success of some of the microfinance providers and new money transfer firms, here, in a country of one billion telecom subscribers shows is that reaching out to the unbanked in the remotest of areas in the country will call for skill sets, organisational and management capabilities, technology savviness and commitment which may well be beyond the ken of the traditional banker. Besides, when it comes to technology initiatives - key to mobile payments and ultimately universal access to financial services - private players have been way ahead.

This is reflected in the early birds signing up for the unified interface of India, or UPI, the system which powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile app and offers banking features. This is also reflected in the early subscriptions to the government's ambitious Bharat Bill Payments, an integrated bill payments system offering multiple modes of paying utility bills such as power, water, telephone and gas. In both, more private

One day a school teacher started writing on boardShe said 9×1= 0 9×2=18 9×3=27 9×4=36 9×5=45 9×6=54 9×7=63 9×8=72 9×9=81 9×10=90 When she completed writing, she noticed that all the students were laughing at her because she had written first multiplication wrong.

everyone laughed on a single mistake.”

“ I intentionally wrote the first So this is today's lesson multiplication wrong because I The world may not apprewanted to teach you all a very ciate your good work but it Important lesson for life.” will surely criticise or laugh on your every single mistake.

“I wanted to tell you how the So, you need not be worworld will behave with you. As ried or depressed. you can see that I written the Always be strong to get rid table correctly nine times, but of such criticism (by learning no one appreciated that whereas to learn from criticism).”

banks - such as ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC bank have signed up compared to state-owned banks. The early movers have the advantage as business and volumes scale up. Perhaps, banks would be better off promoting subsidiaries or verticals for financial inclusion with a different set of professionals.

India has banking correspondents, who help bring people in the hinterland into the banking fold. For them to succeed, banks cannot crimp on costs. They also cannot afford to ignore investing in financial education and literacy. Banking correspondents are way too small to be viewed as a systemic risk. Yet India's banking regulator has restricted them to serving only one bank, perhaps to prevent arbitrage. Efforts at banking outreach may succeed only if there are better incentives at work for such last-mile workers and also those providers who ensure not just basic bank accounts but also products such as accident and life insurance and micro pension schemes. Payment banks licenced by the RBI may just do that - offering micro insurance and other schemes. This could be just the push which traditional banks may need soon.

Three top telecom firms -

Airtel and the Birla group which has Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd besides Vodafone - have licences for starting payment banks. These, besides India Post, will branch out to rural areas. Over time, as they scale up and transactions grow, there will be money to be made.

Of the over 24 crore accounts under Jan Dhan, the share of private banks was just three per cent. That should prompt the government and the central bank to review the method and playing field for achieving the goal of basic banking and financial services.

Should the burden of achieving the economic and social and political goal of universal bank accounts be solely on state-backed institutions? It's worth asking that question, if only because the state should not end up further eroding the institutions it owns and controls. The state should start to look gradually beyond these institutions to push its financial inclusion initiative. It is that competitive push which could well be the trigger for traditional banks to look beyond India's big cities and towns rather than setting targets.

(Written by Shaji Vikraman for Indian Express.

Republished in Eastern Today)

Menace of Caterpillar Sir, The menace of Caterpillar destroying Paddy farms throughout Assam is assuming a serious proportion.

If the menace remains unchecked, there would be definitely a state of scarcity in Assam. It is reported that despite the strictures of the agriculture minister, some officials and bureaucrats of the Agriculture department did not visit the vast affected areas, prompting some farmers to rush to the agriculture office carrying the caterpillars in bags to drive home the point about the gravity of the matter much to the embarrassment of the officials as telecast through certain electronic media. Another report suggests that the agriculture department supplied pesticides the validity of which expired. The cultivators are at their wit's end as our farmers cannot afford to purchase pesticides, spray machines and other paraphernalia necessary for fighting the menace. Our govern-

ment must come to their rescue. By the time, our agriculture minister meets his counterpart in the Union cabinet, it was already late. A solution is evading till now. Our primeminister launched many plans to alleviate the sufferings of the poor. Our farmers, too, will be benefited from schemes like Prime-minister's 'Fasal Bima Yojana'. Perhaps that will be required as a last resort. Meanwhile, hopefully innovative ways and means including pesticides will do wonders to annihilate the pests and paddies will flourish in due course. Agriculture minister's warning to the officials should not be in papers only. Rushing of the Paddy farmers to the Agriculture office with bags of Paddy swarming cater pillar is a case in Point. What is the efficacy of a department if it fails to the come to the rescue of the affected poor people at a time when it is needed most?

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

REST OF

PAGE 7

NORTHEAST CPI-M's students bodies sweep India a big player in Bangladesh, Tripura college elections could invest $25 bn: Envoy

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

IANS Agartala, Sep 21: The student bodies affiliated to the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) swept the Student Council polls in all 22 government-run degree colleges in Tripura, an official said on Wednesday.

Of the 22 colleges, candidates of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and Tribal Students Union (TSU) were earlier elected unopposed in 13 Student Councils in as many colleges. Elections were thus held for only nine councils.

"Elections were held on Tuesday and results were declared late Tuesday night. The SFI and TSU candidates got a majority of the seats in all the nine councils," an official of the Education Department said.

According to the official,

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in contests for five seats as Class Representatives, three were won by independent candidates and one seat each went to the BJP-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students Union of India (NSUI) of the Congress party.

The Student Council elec-

tions were fiercely contested, forcing the state government to deploy huge security forces in most of the colleges.

The student wing of the opposition Trinamool Congress, the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, had boycotted the elections alleging misdeeds by the SFI.

IANS Agartala, Sep 21: India is a big player in Bangladesh, having already invested $3 billion in many projects and considering the infusion of another $11 billion, a top diplomat has said.

Equally important, India Inc is investing an estimated $11 billion dollars in various ventures in the country," Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla told IANS. Prominent among these companies are Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, the Tata Group, Ashok Leyland, Hero MotoCorp, Airtel, Marico, Godrej, VIP Industries, Ceat Tyres, Ambattur Clothing, Sahara, Liamp;T and the Adani Group.

Shringla was in Tripura as a part of his visit to five Indian states that border Bangladesh. He met Chief

Minister Manik Sarkar, Chief Secretary Yashpal Singh and various other officials and dignitaries and discussed IndiaBangladesh issues.

The High Commissioner said that a large number of important projects are being implemented jointly in Bangladesh or being executed under India's Line of Credit funding.

"With the completion of these ongoing and proposed projects, the current India-Bangladesh annual trade volume of $6.5 billion would increase significantly. To boost trade and economy, India has already built two Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) on the IndiaBangladesh borders at Agartala and Petrapole (in West Bengal)."

India's Commerce Ministry constructed the multipurpose ICPs for Rs 75 crore each to provide bet-

ter facilities for effective and efficient discharge of functions like security, immigration, customs and quarantine, while also providing support facilities for smooth cross-border movement of people, goods and transport.

"A third ICP would be constructed at Dawki (in Meghalaya) and the official process has begun for this," the envoy said.

In this context, the envoy noted that a pilot cargo truck from Bangladesh recently travelled more than 1,850 km and reached Delhi in three days, successfully demonstrating the benefits of the Motor Vehicle Agreement inked by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal.

"India-Bangladesh relations have improved extensively in last five years and are much better than in the last 30 years. We are working

towards the re-integration of our economies. We have largest length of 4,096-km borders and this can be useful if its potential is realised. Realising this, both countries are developing their border infrastructure."

He said that after increasing bus services between the cities of Bangladesh and India, two new rail links -Agartala (India)-Akhaura (Bangladesh) and Kolkata (India)-Khulna (Bangladesh) -- are being developed.

"Work for constructing a bridge in southern Tripura over the river Feni to connect the northeastern states with the Chittagong sea port and extension of Bangladeshi highways to link the northeastern states would start early next year."

"Bangladesh has already offered India the use of the

Chittagong, Mongla and Ashuganj ports. India is also helping develop the Ashuganj port. All these ports would be greatly beneficial for land-locked northeast India."

The High Commissioner said that India has liberalised its visa procedures to a large extent and the Dhaka mission is issuing, on an average, 3,500 tourist visas per day.

"There are several types of visa being issued and there is no maximum limit on their issuing. This is being done to further reinforce the India-Bangladesh people-to-people contacts," he added.

Five Indian states -- West Bengal (2,216 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam ( 263 km) -share their border with Bangladesh.

World Alzheimer's Day Charming Manipuri transgender Nagaland gets Rs.340 Meghalaya crore for road projects Veterinary observed in Mizoram out to conquer the world Services IANS cinema and mobile the- Ever since her school Association Imphal, Sep 21: She is atre, one of the oldest days, Bishesh has been a attractive. She is accom- forms of entertainment much sought-after artiste to organise plished. And among and more popular than in the mobile theatres, her Manipuris, she is a celeb- films in Manipur. parents recalled. But befree antirity and a household name Not to speak of the abso- ing a transgender, she had -- a star who straddles the lute confidence that she critics galore, who said rabies vacworld of cinema and the- has developed coming to she would never be able atre. terms with her sexuality in to do films. Bishesh, howcination She is also a transgender. a society that was not will- ever, took that as a chalMeet Bishesh Huirem, 27, ing to accept her on her lenge and eventually ended Image for representational purpose

PTI Aizawl, Sep 21: World Alzheimer's Day was observed in Mizoram with hundreds of people participating in a 'Memory Walk' in Aizawl city on Wednesday.

The Memory Walk was organised by the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), Mizoram Chapter and led by state Health Minister Lal

Thanzara.

At a simple function organised before the commencement of the Walk, Lal Thanzara appealed to the relatives and neighbours of the Alzheimer's patients to give full support to the patients.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared September 21 as World Alzheimer's Day since 1994.

Supreme Court clears way for bypolls on Dec 13 Agencies Shillong, Sep 21: The stage is finally set for holding by-elections to seven vacant district council seats as the Supreme Court on Tuesday signed the order permitting the State government to hold the polls as per the schedule fixed it.

As per the calendar of events fixed by the State government, the by-elections will be held on December 13 and the counting will be held on December 16.

The draft electoral roll will be published on October 10.

After the High Court, through an order on September 1, disapproved the date fixed by the State government, the Supreme Court in its order on September 9 had stayed the order of the High Court and wanted the State government to go ahead with the polls.

The order of the Supreme Court was after the State government filed a special leave petition against the order of the High Court.

Earlier during the hearing,

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, supported by Ranjan Mukherjee, counsel for the State government, submitted that the petitioners are committed to holding the by-election for the six constituencies in KHADC and one in JHADC as per the schedule of events approved by the State government.

After hearing this, the Supreme Court in its order on Tuesday said, “That submission is recorded and the operation of the impugned judgment (HC order of September 1) stayed with the observation that the elections in question shall be completed in accordance with the schedule”.

Mukherjee said over phone from Delhi on Tuesday that since the Meghalaya Governor was yet to receive the copy of the order, there was delay in the notification of polls, but with the order uploaded on Tuesday, he hoped that the notification will be made at the earliest.

who is now all set to take her fame far beyond Manipur and the Manipuri-speaking areas of neighbouring Assam, Bangladesh and Myanmar when she sashays down the ramp at the Miss International Queen beauty contest in Thailand on November 9.

Huirem is one of the 30 shortlisted candidates from among the thousands who applied for the global contest to be held at Chonburi, Thailand.

The beauty pageant is exclusively for transgender women and has been held annually since 2004. It aims to create awareness about transgenders and encourage equal treatment for them.

A graduate in Fashion and Apparel Designing from Bangalore University and one of the highest-paid artistes in Manipuri films and its active mobile theatre fraternity, Bishesh clearly has it in her to make an impression on the judges.

Apart from standout looks and an outgoing personality, she has what the pageant seeks as a required qualification: talent in any chosen field, in her case

own terms. A sexuality that even tested the patience and understanding of her parents -- father Manglem Huirem and mother Khomdonbi.

"Please understand that my son is more of a girl and takes hours to get ready to meet the press.

From the very beginning I have been against my son's personality. But I could not reorient him," Manglem told IANS as he waited for Bishesh to make an appearance for an interview at their Imphal house recently.

Manglem, who recently retired from a government job, is also well known in Manipur's film and mobile theatre circles.

And he specialises in the role of a "woman comedian" -- a fact that he brushes aside as insignificant, saying his role-playing was "merely acting".

Bishesh's mother Khomdonbi admitted to caning her effeminate son when he first showed signs of a special attraction for girl's dresses and girlish mannerisms. But in retrospect, Khomdonbi told IANS that she should have just accepted her son's sexuality.

up dominating the world of Manipuri cinema.

As she finally materialised, wearing Bermuda shorts and a Madras jacket, Bishesh, who also runs a beauty parlour for women, specialising in bridal make-up, said she is looking forward to the pageant -- especially as she missed out last year as "her passport was not ready and visa process incomplete".

Bishesh said she has not been able to find a sponsor, so will have to fund the contest fee, travel and other expenses all by herself. She also spoke about the experience of undergoing hormone therapy, in order to change into a woman, and the personality development courses she has taken with experts.

As a prominent transgender, Bishesh is often caught up in unnecessary controversies, though not of her making.

But she has the support of other transgenders in the state who are confident that, come November, she will bring laurels to India -- and be crowned by Trixie Maristela, the current Miss International Queen of the Philippines.

Kohima's inclusion among smart cities greeted by people PTI Kohima, Sep 21: Jubilation marked Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland as it was included among the third list of 27 cities to be taken up as Smart City announced by the Centre on Tuesday.

Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, R Tohanba termed the inclusion of Kohima into the Smart Cities list as great achievement.

We are very happy and proud to be listed for the project, he said.

He also attributed the achievement to cooperation and support of the people of state capital, including Naga Mothers Association, Naga Students Federation and citizens of Kohima village under whose jurisdiction Kohima city falls.

Acknowledging central government for selecting Kohima for the smart city project, he expressed hope

Image for representational purpose of reaching the citizens with improved infrastructure and facilities.

Under the project, the city will have facilities such as assured water and power supply, sanitation and solid waste management systems, improved transportation, IT connectivity, egovernance, better security, public parks among others.

As part of the project each city will receive central assistance of Rs.200 crore in the first year and Rs.100 crore over the three subsequent financial years.

State governments and respective urban local bodies will also match the centre s contribution.

The government aims to transform about 100 cities by 2019-20.

Nagaland roads

PTI Kohima, Sep 21: The central government has sanctioned Rs.340 crore two road projects for Nagaland and also assured the state government to set up a separate high court for the state.

The centre has sanctioned Rs.340 crore for Dimapur-Chumukedima and Kohima Check Gate to Lerie Highway while the Ministry of Law and Justice has assured Chief Minister T R Zeliang to consider establishment of a separate high court in the state, a CMO release said here on Wednesday.

Kohima has already been

selected for the smart city project.

Leading a team, the chief minister called on Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday and apprised him of the need to have a separate high court for Nagaland.

The state presently has a a Bench of the Guwahati High Court.

The Union Minister gave Zeliang a patient hearing and assured the chief minister that he would take up the matter for consideration of a separate high court for the state on a priority basis.

Agencies Shillong, Sep 21: The Jaintia Hills District Unit of the Meghalaya Veterinary Services Association will organize a free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs in Jowai town at the District A.H. & Veterinary Office, Mynthong on September 28.

The Association has urged the owners who intend to get their dogs vaccinated to report to the Veterinary Hospital, Mooralang for deworming on September 21 and 22 whereas registration will take place from September 21-27.

IIM directors asked to submit expansion plan Agencies Shillong, Sep 21: The Centre is planning to double the total number of seats in premier institutes across the country to 20,000, Union Minister of Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons in the city after a meeting with directors and chairmen of all Indian Institutes of Management on Tuesday, the Minister said all IIMs have been asked to submit their expansion plan at the earliest.

The meeting was held at Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management in Shillong.

Javadekar said the shortage of faculty at IIMs would be addressed through PhD programmes and the Ministry would also take the government’s approval to extend the Prime Minister’s scholarship to IIMs. The scholarship is currently restricted to IITs and NITs in the country.

The minister said the

shortage of faculty at IIMs is not much but it is about 30 per cent in the IITs. He also wanted the IIMs to participate in the Centre’s initiative to make 20 world-class universities and institutions in the country, of which 10 will be government institutes.

tutorials and online lectures for the students.

Swayam is an IT platform that will host massive open online courses and provide high-quality education on various subjects from school level (classes IX-XII) to UG and PG students.

When asked whether the North East would benefit from the proposed worldclass institutes, Javadekar said after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, “the Union government’s focus is on all sectors of the region”.

On quota for faculty posts at IIMs, which the Minister had spoken about at IIMAhmedabad, Javadekar took a U-turn saying, “Reservation is already there, I don’t know who started it but it is the Constitution and no one can bypass it.”

Meanwhile, he stated that the IIMs have also been asked to participate in creating contents for Swayam, a massive open online courses (MOOCs) platform that will offer over 2,000 courses to around three crore students across the country.

The HRD Ministry also wants IIMs to play an active role in Swayam MOOCs project under which there will be free

Few days ago, the Minister had said the Centre intended to bring a bill to introduce quota for faculty positions at IIMs. When asked if the Ministry was mulling more IIMs in the North East, he said it would first like to make full use of the central institutions that have been established in the region before allotting any more IIMs.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

INTERNATIONAL

PAGE 8

Barack Obama rails against anti-refugee rhetoric during 71st UN General Assembly session PTI Washington, Sept 21 : In a criticism of Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump's rhetoric, US President Barack Obama said if America turned away refugees simply because they are "Muslim", it would reinforce the terrorists' propaganda and the "ugly lie" that the US is opposed to Islam.

Obama, who hosted a 'Leaders Summit on Refugees' during the 71st UN General Assembly session here on Tuesday, said the world was facing a refugee crisis of "epic proportions" with more than 65 million people having been driven from their homes, more than any time since the World WarII. "Among them are more than 21 million refugees who have fled their countries everything and everyone they've ever known, fleeing with a suitcase or the clothes on their back," he said.

"And if we were to turn refugees away simply because of their background or religion, or, for example, because they are Muslim, then we would be reinforcing terrorist propaganda that na-

tions like my own are somehow opposed to Islam, which is an ugly lie that must be rejected in all of our countries by upholding the values of pluralism and diversity," he said at the summit attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Bangladesh Prime Minsiter Sheikh Hasina.

He highlighted that in recent years, the US has put in place intensive screening and security checks to take in refugees as well as ensure the nation's security.

"Refugees are subject to more rigorous screening than the average tourist.

We've seen in America, hardworking, patriotic refugees serve in our military, and start new businesses and help revitalise communities. I believe refugees can make us stronger," he said.

"So the challenge to our security is because when desperate refugees pay cold-hearted traffickers for passage, it funds the same criminals who are smuggling arms and drugs and children.

"When nations with their

Obama said he called the summit because the refugee crisis is "one of the most urgent tests of our time - our capacity for collective action. own internal difficulties find themselves hosting massive refugee populations for years on end, it can risk more instability. It oftentimes surfaces tensions in our society when we have disorderly and disproportionate migration into some countries that skews our politics and is subject to demagoguery," he said.

For the past year, Trump has been warning that letting refugees in would make the US vulnerable to new terror attacks. The brash tycoon has spearked a wave of criticism over his comments on

Pak PM consults army chief ahead of UNGA address

Nawaz Sharif PTI Islamabad, Sep 21 : Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan's powerful army chief General Raheel Sharif ahead of his speech at the UN in which he is expected to raise the Kashmir issue, amid signs he may tone down his rhetoric to reduce tensions with India.

An official from the Prime Minister's Office said the two last night discussed the situation in Kashmir and tense relations with India after the terror-

ist attack on an Indian army camp in Uri on Sunday in which 18 soldiers were killed.

Sharif had a plan to forcefully highlight the Kashmir violence, but the scenario changed after Uri terrorist attack which spotlighted the issue of cross-border militancy.

"The prime minister might strike a balance in his speech.

He would talks about the Indian atrocities in Kashmir but also would be conciliatory to end tension," said the official.

Sharif may also offer proposals

to address the Kashmir issue, including emphasis on implementing UN resolutions and the mediatory role of the international community.

No statement was issued after the talks between the two Sharifs, which was their first contact since the Uri attack.

Geo TV reported that the conversation between the two leaders shows that the situation after Uri attack was serious.

The Uri incident was one of the deadliest attacks on Indian Army in recent years, as heavilyarmed terrorists stormed a battalion headquarters of the force.

Four militants involved in the terror strike were killed.

India's DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh has said the four killed were foreign terrorists and had carried with them items which had Pakistani markings and that initial reports indicated that they belonged to Pakistan-based Jaish-E-Mohammed group.

Sharif is poised to address the 71st UNGA session in New York later today.

race, immigrants and refugees, including calling for a ban on Muslim travelers to the United States.

And this week, one of Trump's sons triggered an online storm with a tweet comparing Syrian refugees to a bowl containing an assortment of tainted and untainted candies.

Obama said he called the summit because the refugee crisis is "one of the most urgent tests of our time - our capacity for collective action. To test, first and foremost, our ability to end conflicts, because so many of the world's refugees come

from just three countries ravaged by war - Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia," he said.

Obama, who is attending the last UN General-Assembly session of his presidency, said nations cannot excuse the mentality that allows for violence with impunity.

He added it was not fair that a handful of countries, mostly with limited resources, are bearing the burden of hosting the maximum refugees.

"And collectively, we continue to make excuses. It's not the subject of this summit, but we all know that what is happening in Syria, for example, is unacceptable. And we are not as unified as we should be in pushing to make it stop.

"It's a test of our international system where all nations ought to share in our collective responsibilities, because the vast majority of refugees are hosted by just 10 countries who are bearing a very heavy burden among them Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran, Ethiopia. Countries that often have fewer resources than many of those who are doing little or nothing," he said.

The refugee crisis also tests

1 dead, 25 missing in Bangladesh boat capsize PTI Dhaka, Sep 21 : A woman today died and at least 25 others were reported missing after an overcorwded boat with nearly 60 people aboard capsized in south-central Bangladesh.

The ferry sank in Shandhya river in Banaripara upazila of Barisal district, police said.

The body of an unidentified woman has been recovered by rescuers while an operation to locate other missing people was underway, said SM Akhteruzzaman, superint

endant of police.

ML Oishi with around 60 people on board, capsized at Dasherhaat point while its passengers started to get down after it anchored there, the Dailystar online reported citing the police.

Some people are believed to have swam ashore.

Boat accidents are frequent in Bangladesh, through which some of the world's mightiest rivers - the Brahmaputra and the Padma - flows.

In February last year, 69 people died in central Bangladesh in a boat mishap.

China working to create largest regional trading bloc: US official Washington, Sept 21 : China is working towards creating one the largest trading block in history spanning from India to Japan, a top US trade official has said.

US Trade Representative (USTR) Mike Froman said that not signing Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) would be akin to conceding the Asia Pacific space to China.

"China is executing on its regional strategy: the One Belt, One Road initiative, the Silk Road Fund, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the challenges in the East and South China Seas, and its push to conclude the regional comprehensive economic partnership, or RCEP," Froman said yesterday in his address at the Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

"RCEP is a mega-regional trade agreement with 16 countries, spanning from India to Japan. It would be the largest regional trading block in history.

Russia too has an active regional strategy, signing partnership agreement with countries in the region and through its Eurasian economic union," Froman said.

Observing that China is posing a major challenge to the US, Froman said that answer to this challenge was to put TPP in place as soon as possible.

"China is not our adversary. But it is a competitor that in many respects holds very different views of its role and responsibilities than other major powers," he said. "There is a perception that China doesn't play by the same rules that we and much of the rest of the world do, that it's taking advantage of us, and that it's asserting its interests in the AsiaPacific region, and more generally, at the expense of ours and at the expense of its neighbours," he added. What is interesting about this debate is that while the diagnosis might be right, many have come to exactly the wrong prescription.

The answer to this challenge is not to allow China to write the rules of the road for trade, but for the United States to lead that effort, he said. "The answer is not to allow China to carve up the markets of the future, but to level the playing field and give American workers and businesses a shot to compete and win. The answer to China's challenge is not to withdraw from TPP, but to put it in place as soon as possible," Froman said. He said that at a time when political discourse in the US was increasingly turning inward, it is worth recalling what is at stake in the Asia-Pacific.

The US is a Pacific power

Observing that China is posing a major challenge to the US, Froman said that answer to this challenge was to put TPP in place as soon as possible.

with a long history of leadership and deep interests in the region, he asserted.

Forman warned that for the US turning inward meant turning away from this century's greatest economic opportunity.

The Asia-Pacific is one of the world's fastest-growing regions, home to nearly half of humanity and over one-third of the world economy. In less than 15 years, two-thirds of the world's middle class will call the Asia-Pacific home, and they will want more of everything that America is great at making, Forman argued.

"From cars to cosmetics, from apps to streaming movies, from beef and pork to fresh fruits and

vegetables. And their governments and businesses will be among the fastestgrowing investors in everything from infrastructure to aircraft to satellites -- all of which we lead the world in producing. TPP puts us at the center of that growth story," he said.

It brings together 12 countries comprising nearly 40 per cent of the global economy, countries large and small, developing and developed, to define high standard rules of the road for the future of international trade, Froman said. He said it cut or eliminates over 18,000 foreign taxes or tariffs on US exports, making it easier for American work-

ers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses of all sizes to compete and win in the global economy.

Froman said the RCEP kinds of arrangements present a very different future than that envisaged

by TPP. Unlike TPP, these agreements do not raise labour and environmental standards. They do not ensure that government owned corporations have to compete fairly against private firms.

They do not protect intellectual property rights and they do not maintain a free and open Internet, he said.

According to Froman, without TPP, US' partners in the region will question the wherewithal of America as a Pacific power. "If Congress fails to follow through in a timely fashion, they will have no choice but to question the reliability of our commitment to the region. And failure to lead in the Asia Pacific will have broad spillover effects around the globe," he warned. "Whether it's negotiating other trade agreements, leading international economic policy, or making commitments to countries outside of the economic realm, turning inward and failing to deliver on our promises undermines the credibility of the United States more generally," he said.

the nations' shared security.

"Not because refugees are a threat. Refugees, most of whom are women and children, are often fleeing war and terrorism. They are victims. They're families who want to be safe and to work, be good citizens and contribute to their country‌ who are interested in assimilating and contributing to the society in which they find themselves."

He underlined the need to recognise that refugees are a symptom of "larger failures" such as war, ethnic tensions or persecution.

"If we truly want to address the crisis, wars like the savagery in Syria must be brought to an end - and it will be brought to an end through political settlement and diplomacy, and not simply by bombing."

He told the summit that as President, he has increased the number of refugees America is resettling to 85,000 this year, which includes 10,000 Syrian refugees.

In the coming fiscal year, the US will welcome and resettle 110,000 refugees from around the world - which is a nearly 60 percent increase over 2015.

10 killed, three missing as flashfloods, landslides hit W. Indonesia

A file photo Jakarta, Sept 21 : Flashfloods and landslides struck West Java province in western parts of Indonesia overnight and into Wednesday morning, leaving 10 people dead, 30 injured, three missing and hundreds of others displaced, China's Xinhua news agency reported a disaster agency spokesman as saying. The flashfloods occurred at about 1am Jakarta time in several areas at Garut district as water in two rivers overflowed due to heavy downpours, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster agency told Xinhua by phone. Eight people have been killed, 30

wounded and one has gone missing in the flashfloods, he said. In Sumedang district, landslides hit two houses, leaving two people dead and two others missing at about 10pm Jakarta time Tuesday, Sutopo added. Search operations for the missing as well as emergency relief efforts are underway, involving soldiers, police, those from local disaster agency and search and rescue office.

Hundreds of affected people have been moved into government office buildings and military stations, Sutopo added. Indonesia is frequently hit by floods and landslides during heavy rains. - Bernama

Clinton and Trump spar over each other's foundations Washington, Sept 21 : In another round of sparring, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have accused each other of misappropriation of funds meant for charity and "fraud" after reports said that two rival presidential candidates have overlapping interest in their charities.

Trump's version of charity is taking money from others to settle his own legal issues, charged the Clinton Campaign.

On the other hand, the Trump Campaign alleged that the Clinton Foundation is first and foremost an arm of the Clintons' political and buckraking apparatus.

Allegations between the two campaigns flew thick and fast following publications of news reports in the US media that raised questions about the two charities and foundation.

The Wall Street Journal in an investigative report said that Bill Clinton's speaking fee overlaps with the Foundation business.

"These revelations show that the Clinton Foundation is first and foremost an arm of the Clintons' political and buckraking apparatus," alleged Jason Miller, senior communica-

tion advisor to the Trump Campaign.

"After all, if there is one thing the Clintons are known for, it is that there is no line they won't cross and no corner they won't cut in order to earn a quick buck," Miller said.

In an investigative report, it also said that Trump spent more than a quarter-million dollars from his charitable foundation to settle lawsuits that involved the billionaire's for-profit businesses, according to interviews and a review of legal documents.

"Clearly the Trump Foundation is as much a charitable organisation as Trump University is an institute of higher education," said Hillary for America deputy communications director Christina Reynolds.

"Trump's version of charity is taking money from others to settle his own legal issues and buy at least two pictures of himself, which experts say is a clear violation of laws governing charitable organisations," she said.

"Once again, Trump has proven himself a fraud who believes the rules don't apply to him. It's past time for him

to release his tax returns to show whether his tax issues extend to his own personal finances," Reynolds alleged.

Trump has proven time and again that he only cares about looking out for one person, himself, and it doesn't matter who he steps on to make that happen, alleged the Democratic National Committee press secretary Mark Paustenbach.

"Now, we've learned he has gone so far as turn his 'charitable foundation' into a slush fund for covering his legal settlements, making illegal political contributions, and buying extravagant portraits of himself.

"Today's report that the Clinton Foundation is feting the wife of a Palestinian man convicted of helping bomb innocent Israeli citizens is deeply disturbing, especially in the wake of this weekend's attacks," Miller said based on another report in The Journal.

"The decision to honour the wife of a terrorist by Hillary Clinton's foundation shows a complete lack of judgment and a callousness that should disqualify her from holding the presidency," he alleged.

US: Number of unauthorised immigrants same in last 5 years, says report

A file photo PTI Washington, Sept 21 : The number of unauthorised immigrants in the US has remained almost same between 2009 and 2014 even as the count of those coming from India has gone up by 130,000 in the same period, according to a report. As many as five lakh unauthorised immigrants were from India in 2014, the Pew Research Center said in latest report on Tuesday.

Pew said the US unauthorised immigrant population - 11.1 million in 2014 - has stabilised since the end of the Great Recession with the number from Mexico declined but the total from other regions of the world increased.

India is the country that saw the greatest increase in unauthorised immigrants since 2009 with a rise of about 130,000, for a total of 500,000 in 2014, Pew said. Overall, the

top five birth countries of unauthorised immigrants are Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, India and Honduras.

Mexicans remain the majority of the nation's unauthorised immigrant population, but their estimated number - 5.8 million in 2014 - has declined by about half a million people since 2009.

Meanwhile, the number of unauthorised immigrants from all other nations - mainly those from Asia and Central America - grew by 325,000 since 2009, to 5.3 million in 2014, it said.

"The decline in unauthorised immigrants from some parts of the world, mainly Mexico, was roughly balanced by an increase in unauthorised immigrants from other parts of the world, so the total US unauthorised immigrant population had no statistically significant change from 2009 to 2014," Pew said.

In 2014, 59 per cent of

unauthorised immigrants lived in just six states - California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois.

More than a third (36 per cent) lived in California and Texas combined.

Mexico is the leading birth country of unauthorised immigrants in at least 38 of the 50 states and District of Columbia.

El Salvador is the leading birth country in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

The Philippines is the top birth country in Alaska and Hawaii.

Other top birth countries include Brazil in Massachusetts, India in New Hampshire and Guatemala in Rhode Island.

Indians constitute the second largest number of illegal immigrants in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin.

India is the third largest constituent of illegal immigrants in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Montana, Oregon and South Carolina.

In 2014, as many as 59 per cent of unauthorised immigrants lived in just six states - California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois.

More than a third (36 per cent) lived in California and Texas combined.

The states with the highest shares of unauthorised immigrants in their overall populations in 2014 were Nevada (seven per cent) and California (six per cent)

EDUCATION

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

PAGE 9

12 Tips for Being Punctual – Improve Your Life by Being on Time Being on time matters; it matters a lot. However, a large number of people have a problem being punctual. In fact, surveys show that 15 to 20% of the US population is consistently late. container in the fridge.

As a second example, if you’re constantly late to meetings because you can’t find what you need, start preparing for meetings long beforehand. At least an hour before the meeting, gather all of the materials that you’ll need and place them on a corner of your desk or on a chair.

There are many negatives that go along with having a habit of being late. Here are a few them: m Being late signals to others that you have selfcontrol problems. In addition, people who are not punctual project incompetence. m Being late is rude to those whom you keep waiting. It tells others that you don’t value their time (which is the same thing as not valuing them). mBeing late will probably make you feel flustered and insecure, and this will be reflected in the way in which you conduct yourself during any meeting or appointment that you’re late to.

chronically late. Conscientiousness includes regard for others and making deliberate choices.

Regardless of the reason why you have a tendency to be late, there are things you can do to adopt the mBeing chronically late habit of being on time. can make you lose clients, Below you’ll find 12 tips it can make you lose your for being punctual. job, and it can strain your relationships with the 1.

Make Being people who are most im- Prompt a Priority. The portant to you. first step in becoming In addition, there are sev- punctual is accepting that eral different reasons you have a punctuality why a person might have problem. Then, realize a punctuality problem. that it’s not a cute or Some of these include the quirky character trait. Infollowing: stead, it’s a habit that’s having a negative impact mSome people like the on your career, on your adrenaline rush that business, and/or on your comes from cutting it relationships. close. They can’t moti- Make a commitment to vate themselves to take drop the tardiness habit action unless there’s a and become punctual. mini-crisis looming on the horizon.

2. Know Why You Want to Be Punctual: mDisorganization is one Whenever you want to of the main reasons why create a new habit, you people are chronically need to be very clear on late. It’s hard to be on the reasons why you time when you can’t find want to build that habit. any clean clothes to wear, The more reasons you you misfiled the docu- have for wanting to adopt ments that you need for a new habit, and the your meeting, or your car stronger those reasons keys seem to have grown are, the more likely it is legs and walked off. that you’ll be able to make the new habit stick. mPeople who are easily Sit down with a pen and distracted have a ten- a piece of paper and ask dency to be late. After all, yourself what you’ll gain just when they’re about by overcoming your tarto walk out the door diness habit and adopting something shiny catches a habit of punctuality, intheir eye and distracts stead. You can write them long enough to down things like the fol-

(after all, few things are brush your teeth? How as stressful as always long does it take you to running late). take a shower? How long does it take you to get lBeing on time will re- dressed? How long does duce friction with your co- it take you to fix your workers; nobody likes to hair? be kept waiting.

Once you’ve tracked how long it takes you to lBeing on time will let get ready in the morning, your boss know that you you may realize that it can be counted on, which takes you 45 minutes to could lead to a promotion. be ready to walk out the Be very clear on the ben- door, not the 25 minutes efits that you’ll gain by that you previously being punctual, and then thought. If this is the case, keep reminding yourself accept that you need to of those benefits in order start getting out of bed 20 to motivate yourself to minutes earlier in order to become someone who’s make it to your morning prompt. destination on time.

3. Track How Long Tasks Take: A lot of people who are constantly late have trouble determining how long it takes them to perform different tasks; even those tasks that they perform on a regular basis. For example, they might think that it takes them 25 minutes to get ready in the mornings, when the reality is that it takes them a lot longer than that.

If you fall into this group of people, do the following: lMake a list of all the tasks that you have to get done in the morning in order to get ready to leave for school or work (or wherever it is that you go in the mornings). lThen, spend a week tracking how long it takes

4. Use a Timer : Once you know how long it actually takes you to complete different tasks, use a timer to make sure that you adhere to those times.

For example, if you know that it takes you three minutes to take a shower, set a timer for three minutes right before you step into the shower. Then, when you hear the timer ring, turn the water off and step out of the shower right away.

5. Be Ruthless With Your To Do List : One reason why you may have a tendency to be late is because you simply have too much to do. If your schedule is unrealistic, how can you possibly be on time for anything? It’s better to say “no” to something you don’t have time for than it is to say “yes” and then be an hour late.

Take out your to do list and ruthlessly cross out anything that’s not a priority. Make sure that you only commit to do the number of things which you can realistically get done, and which you can realistically be on time for.

Punctual people accept that they can’t do it all.

6. Be Prepared to Be On Time : Preparation is one of the keys to punctuality. As an illustration, if you’re constantly late leaving your house in the morning, set up the night before. The night before, do the following: lChoose the clothes that you’re going to wear and lay them out. lPack your briefcase and leave it by the door. lMake sure that your house keys and your car keys are by the door.

lowing:

you to complete each of these tasks. For example, mThose who lack con- lBeing on time will help how long does it take you scientiousness are you to cut down on stress to wash your face and make them late.

lMake your breakfast —one idea is to cut up some fruits, put them in a container, and store the

Thoughts About Being Early : A lot of people think that those who are important keep others waiting. Therefore, being early is a sign that they’re not that important. And no one wants to feel unimportant.

However, being early is really a sign of being organized, having respect for others, and having good time management Always be prepared to skills. And these are all be on time. character traits of important people. Keep telling 7. Give Yourself a yourself, “Important Time Cushion. Even if people are punctual”. you know how long it takes you to perform dif- 10. Always Leave on ferent tasks—such as Time : The moment driving to work or driv- which ultimately detering to a meeting across mines whether you arrive town—give yourself where you’re going late some extra time in case or on time is the moment of unexpected events. in which you walk out It’s a given that things your door. Once you’ve are not going to run reversed engineered the smoothly 100% of the time at which you need to time. leave in order to arrive at Here are some of the your intended destination myriad of things that on time, force yourself to could go wrong as you try leave at that time. to get to your meeting Think of the following across town: scenario: you’ve calculated that you need to lJust as you’re leaving leave by ten a.m. in oryour office you spill cof- der to get to your meetfee on your shirt, so now ing with the board of diyou have to change into rectors ten minutes early. the spare shirt you keep Therefore, at ten a.m. on in the closet. the dot get up and go.

Look at the following: lThere’s construction along the route that you «If an email comes in at usually take, so now you 9:59 a.m., ignore it. have to take a different, longer route.

«If a colleague walks into your office two minlIt starts to rain, which utes before you have to slows down traffic. leave, tell them you can One of the habits of give them two minutes. people who are punctual When the two minutes is that they don’t just give are up, excuse yourself themselves the amount of and leave. time that they need to get to where they’re going «If it’s 9:58 a.m. and on time. Instead, they you feel like trying to also give themselves a squeeze in one more task time cushion in case before you leave, have something goes wrong. the discipline to stop yourself, get your things, and 8. Be Prepared to walk out.

Wait : People usually don’t like to be early be- «If you get up to leave cause they feel that the and you notice that your time that they spend diploma–which is hanging waiting for others is on the wall– is dusty, wasted time. That is, make a mental note to they prefer to be late clean it when you get rather than having some back. Under no circumdowntime. The key to stances should you start overcoming this hurdle is looking for a dusting cloth to be prepared to have to to clean it before you wait. Waiting time leave. doesn’t have to be If you leave for your apwasted time. pointments on time–and Do the following: you give yourself a time cushion in case somelKeep a manila folder thing goes wrong–, you’re filled with industry re- practically guaranteed to lated articles and take it be on time. with you so that you can catch up on your reading 11. Set Up Reminders while you wait. : Set up a reminder for meetings and appointlPlan to answer emails ments an hour before you on your iPhone. have to leave. Also, set up another reminder for lUse the downtime to fifteen minutes before close your eyes for a you have to go. That way, while and meditate. you can time yourself so that you’re ready to leave lSee the waiting time as on time. “extra time” and use it to 12. Practice the Day Bework on a personal fore. For important project, such as working events, such as a job inon your novel or on your terview or if you have to business plan for the give a presentation, pracsmall business you want tice how to get to where to start on the side. you need to be the day beThe best way to avoid fore. That way, you won’t being late is to plan to be lose time on the day of the early. In addition, you can important event trying to stop dreading being early find the right address. by having a plan for how Make a good first impresyou’re going to use the sion when it comes to imwaiting time. portant events by practicing the day before so that 9. Change Your you can be on time.

What’s your choice?

An estimated 1,80,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from across India fly abroad every year to pursue higher education. A majority (over 54 per cent) of them enrol at American universities while 11 per cent still prefer to enrol at British universities. With xenophobia on the rise after the June 23 Brexit referendum, and the difficulties caused by the current student visa system in the U.K., the flow of Indian students, which has been falling steadily in recent years, is likely to ebb further. Despite this new development, the U.K. remains the third most favoured destination for undergraduate and postgraduate students who are ready — given the astonishingly high cut-offs demanded by the few topranked colleges and universities in India — to pay an arm and leg for higher education abroad.

U.S. admission The admissions process for U.S. colleges/universities is thorough and extensive. For prospective undergraduate students, writing prescribed tests — SAT/ACT and language tests such as TOEFL / IELTS — is mandatory. In addition, application essays, letters of recommendation from school principals, class teachers and respected academics, a well-rounded profile furnishing proof of community service, internships and extracurricular activities are also required to be submitted to colleges/universities. It is recommended that aspirants start working on applications a year in advance. Once the admissions committee of your chosen undergraduation college reviews your application and finds you suitable for admission, you will receive a letter of acceptance even before you receive your Class XII board exam results.

Graduates of Indian universities applying for admission into postgraduate programmes of the U.S. universities will need to write the GRE or GMAT exams plus an English proficiency test (TOEFL / IELTS). Admission applications are judged on the basis of academics, professional exam scores and co-curricular and extra-curricular records of applicants during their undergraduate education and work experience. Besides, it is important to demonstrate a strong interest in the chosen field of study through a well-crafted resume and Statement of Purpose. After submitting your application, you may also receive an interview call. The decision on your admission is made after evaluating all these factors.

On the other hand, unlike the longer four-year bachelor’s and two-year master’s programmes offered by the U.S. universities, the shorter three-year undergraduate and 10 or 12-month master’s programmes of British universities provide a much more focused system of education, while offering arts, science and commerce and professional degree programmes. As in India, courses at British universities focus on a single discipline.

There are also similarities between the British and Indian school systems, both of which encourage early division into streams, making it easier for Indian students to adapt to the British tertiary education system.

U.K. admission The application procedure for British universities is simpler than the usual American process. For undergraduate admissions, writing standardised tests such as SAT and ACT is not required, although IELTS scores for proof of English competency are often mandatory.

Moreover, applications to all British universities is centralised through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) which requires only one letter of recommendation and a single Statement of Purpose for all U.K. applications (there is a limit of 5 universities one can apply to). Of course, a strong profile with good academic scores and a record of co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities is very helpful here as well.

For graduate students, GRE or GMAT scores are optional for specific universities and courses. Applications are judged on the basis of school and college academic performance and experience in the professional and extracurricular realms. Essays, Statements of Purpose, references and a well-drafted resume along with a standard IELTS score are sufficient for applications to graduate programmes in the U.K. Students can apply to as many universities as they wish, unlike the undergraduate system, and the applications are not centralised: the universities tend to handle graduate admissions directly.

Although scholarships for overseas students are rare and less generous than in the U.S., and admissions are fiercely competitive, the chances of students from Indian schools offering CIE and IB curriculums getting offers are very favourable. Top-ranked Oxbridge and other universities apart, the U.K. has numerous other universities spread across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland that provide high quality, globally respected education. Unlike the U.S. where Class XII exam results are not of great importance, U.K. universities give conditional offers dependent upon securing a certain score in Board exams to secure a place.

NATION

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Home Secy briefs Rajnath on Kashmir situation PTI New Delhi, Sept 21: Home Minister Rajnath Singh was on Wednesday briefed on the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, who visited the troubled state in the wake of the Uri terror attack Mehrishi conveyed to the Home Minister his assessment on the prevailing situation in the Valley as well as border areas after his interaction with Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and civil, police and intelligence officials The Union Home Secretary visited Srinagar on Tuesday after the terror attack in Uri in which 18 soldiers were killed

Home Sec Rajiv Mehrishi briefs Rajnath Singh on Kahmir situation.

The Home Minister was also apprised about the steps taken to check infiltration along the LoC and the International Border with Pakistan, official sources said

Heavily-armed militants suspected to be from Pakistan-based JeM had stormed an Army Brigade Headquarters in Uri in Kashmir on Sunday, killing 18 jawans.

Railways to maintain distinct identity: Prabhu

Railway Minister suresh prabhu PTI New Delhi, Sept 21: There will be no separate rail budget as the government today decided to end the 92year-old practice by merging it with the general budget.

However, even after the merger, the distinct entity and the functional autonomy of the Railways would be maintained.

The functional autonomy of the Railways will be maintained, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that it was de-

cided for merger of the rail budget with general budget but distinct identity of the railways will be maintained.

Following the merger of budget, the Railways would not have to pay dividend to the central government though it would still get gross budgetary support from the exchequer.

As far as the salary and pension bill of railway employees is concerned, it will remain the responsibility of the national transporter as there will be no change in the existing practice.

Delhi gets Asia's largest sewage treatment plant Agencies New Delhi, Sept 21: Asia's largest and cheapest Sewage Treatment Plant (70 MGD) was on Tuesday inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at Coronation Pillar in Outer Delhi. "It will be one step behind potable water, which can be further treated to get drinkable water," said Kapil Mishra, water minister.

Delhi Jal Board (DJB), CEO, Keshav Chandra, said that once constructed, it will be counted among the world's largest treatment plant. "Earlier at Bharwara (near Gomti river) a sewage treatment plant of capacity 345 million litre a day (MLD) was established but was not successful because of lack of technology. So, we designed the blueprint, by considering all necessary things, including technology," Chandra said. Estimated time for completion this plant is two and a half years and estimated cost is Rs.7.3 crore per MGD. "The specialty of this plant is that it will generate 60 per cent of electricity and will be consumed in starting process," added Chandra.

The methane gas released from sludge will be used in generating electricity.

"Construction of the plant

will not only enhance the sewage treatment capacity but will also ensure the discharge of high quality treated effluent into the drains, thereby, improving the quality of flow in the supplementary drain which outfalls into Yamuna.This process will also lead in abatement of pollution in Yamuna," said Mishra. Areas benefitted from it include Shakti Nagar,Kamla Nagar, Roop Nagar, DU Campus,Nehru Nagar,Swaroop Nagar, Bhalaswa, Sant Nagar, Wazirabad Group of Colonies etc. "This plant will become the identity of Delhi Jal Board in the country and,we have set an aim that no colony in Delhi will be spared from water pipeline till December 2017. DJB also started the plant at Dwarka and Bawana, which were not working since 12 years," said Mishra. He also added that after construction this area (known as Coronation Pillar) will be known with the name of DJB. The plant shall be based on Activated Sludge Process Technology and will be fully automated with the facility of online monitoring of all the treated effluent parameters. The world's biggest sewage treatment plant is in Seattle (80 MGD).

A joint committee set up to finalise the modalities for the merger of rail budget with the general budget in its report, submitted in the first week of this month, to the Finance Ministry recommended various changes including waiving off the payment of dividend by the Railways but continue with the practice of getting gross budgetary support (GBS) from the exchequer.

In the financial year 2016-17, the railways had to pay dividend of Rs 9,731 crore, of which subsidy was Rs 4,301 crore, as a result the national transporter had to pay Rs 5,430 crore to the exchequer.

At present, the railways has to bear an additional burden of about Rs 40,000 crore on account of implementation of the 7th Pay Commission awards, besides, an annual outgo of Rs 33,000 crore on subsidies for passenger service.

The decision to merge the railway budget with the general budget is significant as in recent years as political heavyweights, particularly regional satraps, have used this occasion to nurture their constituencies in a big way.

2 counter-infiltration ops continue along LoC Agencies Srinagar, Sept 21: Counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control in Kashmir entered the second day on Wednesday even as the Army conducted a search to recover bodies of terrorists killed in the failed infiltration bids in Nowgam and Uri sectors.

"The operations along the LoC in Uri and Naugam sectors continue," an Army spokesman said.

One soldier was killed on Tuesday as the Army foiled two infiltration bids in the two sectors of Kashmir.

While bodies of militants have been spotted nearly 300 meters short of the Line of the Control, a search is on in neighbouring areas to find out if there are more casualties on ultras' side, official sources said.

About 15 terrorists had attempted to cross the Line of Control, the sources said.

However, the sources said it was not possible to re-

trieve the bodies of the militants as that could bring the jawans in the enemy line of fire.

The sources said there is remote possibility of recovering the bodies of terrorists killed in these areas.

The sources said a search operation was being conducted thoroughly in both the areas which is densely forested.

About 15 terrorists had attempted to cross the Line of Control, the sources said.

However, the sources said it was not possible to retrieve the bodies of the militants as that could bring the jawans in the enemy line of fire.

The sources said there is remote possibility of recovering the bodies of terrorists killed in these areas.

The sources said a search operation was being conducted thoroughly in both the areas which is densely forested.

The infiltration bid was

Cabinet approves hike in pension for freedom fighters PTI New Delhi, Sept 21: The pension given to freedom fighters and their heirs will be hiked by 20 per cent after the Union Cabinet today gave its nod to the proposal.

In his Independence Day speech this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the government would increase freedom fighters' pension.

"The Prime Minister had announced that the pension for freedom fighters or their heirs will be

increased on the basis of 20 per cent plus DA. The proposal has been approved," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said after a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

Addressing the nation on the 70th Independence Day from the Red Fort, Modi had said: "The government is taking steps to increase the pension for freedom fighters by 20 per cent.

So those who are receiving Rs 25,000, will now get Rs 30,000.

This is a small act of reverence on my behalf.

DCW recruitment case: Kejriwal named in FIR, lashes out at PM PTI New Delhi, Sept 21: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today alleged that ACB has registered an FIR against him at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the "administrative and financial irregularities" in the functioning of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).

The AAP chief also distributed copies of the FIR which named him along with DCW chief Swati Maliwal as "known/suspected/unknown accused".

Continuing his tirade against Modi, Kejriwal said the AAP government will soon call a Special Session of Delhi Assembly where he will expose the "conspiracy" behind the registration of the FIR. Maliwal was on Monday booked by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Delhi government on charges of alleged irregularities in recruitment in the women's panel.

"In the FIR registered by the ACB, my name is also

PAGE 10

Arvind Kejriwal there...But it does not contain any details on my alleged role. One does not put the name of the Chief Minister in the FIR just like that.

"It cannot happen without the Prime Minister's approval.

It is clear that the FIR has the PM's nod. We will soon call a Special Session of the Delhi Assembly where we will expose the conspiracy behind this," the Delhi CM told reporters at his official residence.

Kejriwal's deputy Manish Sisodia alleged that it is an attempt to "destabilise" the Delhi government.

The FIR was registered on a complaint by former DCW chief Barkha Shukla Singh.

A case under sections 13(D) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the IPC was registered against Maliwal, ACB chief Mukesh Kumar Meena had said.

army base in Uri Sector, killing 18 soldiers and injuring several others. All the four terrorists were also killed.

At the meeting convened

by Rajnath Singh, Doval and top officials of the ministries of Home and Defence, paramilitary forces and chiefs of intelligence agencies briefed him on the prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley as well as along the LoC, official sources said.

Counter insurgency operation in J&k made days after the bloodiest attack by four Jaish-eMohammed terrorists on the Army camp in Uri which had claimed the lives of 18 soldiers.

After the Uri attack, the terrorists had again made an audacious attempt to cross the Line of Control in Uri and Nowgam sectors with Pakistani troops violating ceasefire and firing at Indian positions to

give cover to the terrorists.

Army has refrained from making any comment on the number of terrorists killed during its operations to neutralise the infiltration attempts as the operations are still going on.

The infiltration bids and the ceasefire violation came two days after four militants of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-eMohammad stormed an

They said any confirmation about the number of terrorists can be made after it retrieves the bodies which is a "remote" possibility now considering the area in which they might be lying.

The Pakistan Army had violated the ceasefire and started firing across the LoC. There were reports that the firing took place apparently to give cover to terrorists trying to sneak into the Indian territory.

Awaaz-e-Punjab won't contest Punjab polls: Sidhu Agencies New Delhi, Sept 21: In a dramatic twist, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday said that his new front, Awaaz-ePunjab will not contest the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls.

Stressing that the political front was a forum launched for the betterment of Punjab and not a political party, Sidhu said he was willing to enter an alliance to serve the people of Punjab but was not willing to divide votes.

Ever since his announcement of the new front on September 8, Sidhu was being seen as a major contender and someone who could spoil the party for other political parties especially the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which started off on the right foot in the state but of late has lost some steam.

Earlier, Sidhu had clearly said that his new political

Navjot Singh Sidhu front will contest all 117 assembly seats in the elections to be held early next year to ensure that "people in Punjab and Punjabiat won".

Along with the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh, a legislator of Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, and two independent legislators, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjeet Singh

Bains, too joined the front.

Pargat Singh was last month suspended from the Akali Dal for "anti-party" activities.

Sidhu had resigned from the Rajya Sabha on July 18, fuelling speculation that he may join the AAP. The Bains brothers, who had fallen out with the Akali Dal top leadership three years ago, have significant influence in Ludhiana district.

SC refuses to stay Maharashtra's new law on dance bars PTI New Delhi, Sept 21: In an interim relief to Maharashtra, Supreme Court today refused to stay the operation of a new law meant to regulate the licensing and functioning of dance bars across the state, though it questioned some of its provisions.

The apex court, however, allowed three dance bars which were granted licences by the state administration to continue to function under the old rules and directions issued by it from time to time.

A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and C Nagappan, during the brief hearing, questioned certain new provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016.

"How can there be CCTV

cameras in the performance areas? Is it not the infringment of right to privacy? We have no objection to installation of CCTV cameras at the entrance of dance bars," the bench said.

Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Maharashtra, said the police cannot be stripped of its investigating right by not allowing CCTVs in the performance areas of dance bars.

"These are security arrangements and CCTV footage is a crucial evidence. Tomorrow, if anything happens in the dance bars, this CCTV footage will help in investigation. To ensure that regulations are complied with by the dance bars, we need the CCTVs in performance areas," Naphade said.

Senior advocate Jayant Bhushan appearing for Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA)

said the installation of CCTV in performance areas would have a "chilling effect" and breach the right to privacy as people would refrain from coming to the dance bars.

The bench also prima facie agreed to the contention of Bhushan that the regulation that no liquor can be served in the bar where dance is permitted was absurd and irrational.

"This will be a situation like juice bars. They want no alcohol beverages to be served in a bar. What sort of dance bar it will be where no liquor is served? It will be like juice bars where dance is separated from the bar," Bhushan contended.

One of the other regulation which was strongly contested by IHRA pertained to the mandatory condition that dancers are to be employed by the bar owners.

AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan arrested Mamata urges people

to work for peace PTI Kolkata, Sept 21: On the United Nations International Day of Peace, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today urged people to work together for peace in their homes, in the neighbourhood and for global harmony.

"Today is the UN International Day of Peace. Let us work together for peace in our homes, peace in our neighbourhood, peace in the world," Banerjee tweeted.

"My heartiest greetings and best wishes to all," her tweet read.

The International Day of

Peace is observed every year around the world on this day.

The UN General Assembly had declared September 21 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people.

Agencies New Delhi, Sept 21: In yet another jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), its legislator Amanatullah Khan was on Wednesday arrested by the Delhi Police following a complaint of sexual harassment by his brother-in-law's wife.

According to police, Khan was called to the office of the DCP, Sarita Vihar for questioning after his brother-in-law's wife filed

a complaint and was later arrested.

"Came here at (the) DCP office Sarita Vihar for general discussion. But they arrested me," Khan tweeted later.

A first information report (FIR) was lodged against Khan at Jamia Nagar police station in south Delhi on September 10.

The complainant has accused Khan of seeking physical relations but the

MLA has denied the charge.

The AAP leader was booked under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force on woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), 498-A (relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) and criminal conspiracy, police said.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

TRAVEL & TOURISM

PAGE 11

21 Places In India Where Your Girlfriend Won’t Say No To Your Proposal Proposing to your girlfriend, most often than not, can be quite a tricky and anxiety ridden situation. While we won’t be able to help you in other departments, we sure can suggest some dazzling places in India to propose.

Go beyond the regular candle light dinner; profess your love on the highest motorable pass in India or on a starry night in the desert, enchant her with a hot air balloon over the breathtaking wilderness or in an open air Jacuzzi facing the mountains. If nothing else, you would at least be applauded for your ingenuity (which might want her to reconsider into a yes)!

In a hot air balloon over Ranthambore National Park

On a yacht enjoying the sunset in Goa There is something about Goa. The winsome beaches, hippie vibe and crazy nightlife set the air of cheerfulness. You can take advantage of that and set off on a peaceful and romantic yacht cruise in Goa. Enjoy the sweet solitude with just each other for company. As the sky breaks into a mesmeric view with sunset, pop the question. Break into a song too, if you desire! It would be hard to say no in such lovely settings.

In an open air Jacuzzi of a luxury resort in Munnar/Wayanad A great romantic place where it would be difficult for your girlfriend to say ‘no’ is in a hot air balloon that floats away over the majestic Ranthambore National Park. As she is busy enjoying the beauty of nature with clusters of green below, the open blue skies above and wondering about the loveliness of life, you can pleasantly catch her off guard with a proposal. And since she is stuck with you mid-air for some time, there is no evading the answer.

In the boundless expanse of the salt marshes in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat Does your girl have a thing for the offbeat? Take her to the salt marshes in the Rann of Kutch.

Enjoy the surreal feeling of being isolated from the world. With unbridled view of the horizon, you can confess your unhindered love for her.

Being under the stars while camping in the Thar Desert

You can profess your love and make a grand proposal at Udaipur Lake Palace, a divine floating sight in white. Dripping of royalty and with ornate architecture and the background of Aravalli Mountains, feel like a king and queen of an enchanted era. It would be hard to say no in such settings.

If you wish to try something that has seldom or rather has never done before, then you can opt for this. Ask for her hand while spotting a tiger at Kanha or Corbett. Something about the offbeat proposal, sight of a tiger in the wilderness might just stir something in her.

And if she does concur, it is a story that you can proudly narrate to your grandkids years after!

Amidst the splendours of Shimla You can sweep her off her feet at Shilma, where the air is crisp and the sights are divine. The salubrious weather and soothing aura of the place would instantly set her in a calm peace of mind.

Spend quality time together as you amble through the main town where cars are banned.

Take in the mystic charm of the place and pop the question.

Your girlfriend’s a Bollywood buff? She is sure going to dig a proposal in this ‘Jewel of Kashmir’.

After all, there is a reason why actors would break into a song at Dal Lake when they had to woe their love interest.

Steeped in nature’s beauty, this water body transports you into a dream world of clear waters, carpet of Lilly pads and cotton candy clouds. The whole setting is simply soaked in romance.

In a luxury tent of Amani-Khas, Ranthambore Whisk her away to into the wilderness to Aman-i-Khas that lies on the edge of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park.

This luxury tent is embraced by the stunning backdrop of Aravalli Hills. The unique combination of romance in the wild that also provides luxury, peace and t h e comfort of nature are sure to melt her heart away.

In the deserted Vyas Chhatri of Jaisalmer

Under the open sky while camping in Jawai Leopard Camp For a fetching experience, you can lure her away to the Jawai Leopard Camp. This rather unexplored side of Rajasthan opens up many charms for you and your partner.

In the heart of dramatic wilderness, are the luxury tents. Providing the romantic setting is the private deck with the background of rocky caves, kopjes, Anogeissus scrub and river-bed. As you unwind and cherish this wonderful experience, gently bring her attention to your proposal.

Under the misty waterfalls of Wayanad On the sand dunes in Jaisalmer at sunset How about taking her to the sea of sand dunes in the golden city of Jaisalmer? Feel like two lovers on a quest seated on a camel and making way through the extensive desert. Take your cue for proposal when the sun sets into the horizons and turns the clear sky into a fiery shade.

Blessed with nature’s charms, Wayanad transports you to another dewy world with thick forests, majestic ridges, deep valleys and interlaced jungles. Adding to the magic is the misty waterfalls. Spend special moments with your beloved here. As she is overwhelmed by the stunning sight of the cascade and calmed by the caresses of nature, you can pick your moment and further leave her pleasantly dazed with the proposal.

In front of the greatest symbol of love –The Taj Mahal

If she is the sorts who loves history, mythology and arts, Vyas Chhatri of Jaisalmer, a place of epic proportions is where you can profess your legendary love.

As she is left awe-struck with this memorial of Sage Vyas (the author of the Mahabharata) on the famous golden sands and falls deeper in love with you, besot her with a proposal she can’t refuse.

If she is the adventurous types and has a fancy towards snow, it can’t get better than a proposal in the Himalayas. Being surrounded by snow-capped mountains and breathing in the crisp air, brings in its own allure and makes for a worthy remembrance. Also, the freezing weather may just want her to cuddle closer.

In the middle of Dal Lake in Srinagar

Starry nights bring in a romantic appeal. You can further amplify this experience with camping in the Thar Desert with your better half.

Setting the perfect tempo for your proposal are the stars, (which unlike in the city are actually visible in this pollution-free air), the vast expanse of dunes embracing you both and that magical desert aura.

In the King’s room at Udaipur Lake Palace

While spotting a tiger at Corbett

You can treat your beloved to a Jacuzzi experience. And not the regular one! Opt for an open air Jacuzzi of a fancy luxury resort in Munnar or Wayanad that spells class and romance.

Not only will the magnificent view of the nature teamed with the pampering of the tub mellow her, but she will also be proud that you did not mind shelling out the money for this special occasion.

Being surrounded by mountain ranges in the Himalayas

So you can’t do something as grand as build a monument of love of her like emperor Shah Jahan did, but you can certainly take her to one of the greatest symbols of love that ever existed. As you both stroll around the Taj Mahal hand in hand and are awestruck by its magnificence, set the tone by your proposal.

Propose while scuba diving in Andaman

At the highest motorable point in India Khardung La Pass

At Dona Paula Beach: The Beach of Love

You can discover the fascinating underwater kingdom together with the riveting activity of scuba diving in the azure waters of Andaman.

While you both unravel the mesmerising corals, colourful fishes and natural sponges, confess how you want to make your kingdom together with showing a ring. This is especially great if you are not too good with words as neither of you will be able to speak at that time and will have to communicate with sign language.

You can do something extraordinary and take her on a ride to the highest motorable point in India -Khardung La Pass. As she holds you tight, passes through the winding roads and takes in the breath taking views of pristine nature, it is sure to stir up some romance and adventure. Pop the question at the heights and if would be hard to refuse. If nothing else, you can always pride yourself in going biking at this highest mortorable point!

Here is how the legend goes.

Dona Paula Beach is named after the Portuguese Viceroy’s daughter who was deeply in love with a local fisherman. This was not approved by her father and in a fit of sorrow, the love struck woman jumped off the cliff into the Arabian Sea. This sandy retreat today stands as a symbol of love and romance. And if your girlfriend is the sort who loves a love story then you have come to the right place.

Beside a heartshaped lake with a view of the valley: Chembra Peak in Kerala It is almost as if nature itself made the perfect setting for a proposal. You can make your desire clear at the heart-shaped lake with an enchanting view of the valley at Chembra Peak in Kerala.

Get to spend spellbinding moments at this misty and fresh spot. It would be hard to say no at such a salubrious place.

On the crystal clear blue waters in a beach resort of Goa You can take your girl to the fun capital of India.

And if she is a beach lover then all the more better! Select a beach resort on the crystal clear blue waters.

Celebrate your love by the therapeutic sounds of the waves. You can pop up a champagne bottle and along with it, pop up the question too.

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

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2nd Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament 2016, Tirap

Deomali FC in Semis ET Correspondent Khonsa, Sept 20: Deomali Football Club defeated Paniduria Football Club 1-0 in the first quarter final of the second ongoing Thansen Wangchandong memorial Football tournament organized by W.Lowangdong and family in collaboration with Tirap district administration at Nehru Stadium in Khonsa here today.

Wangdian Lowangdang of Deomali FC scored the goal in the 43rd minute.

Lowangdang received a pass from the left flank and found the back of the net. Pandiduria missed some crucial scoring opportunities.

View of match being played between Deomali Football Club and Paniduria Football Club at Khonsa. Pic - Dr. Changwang Mongchan

TODAY' MATCH Dated : 21-09-2016

2nd QUARTER FINAL

TIME : 03:OO PM

BORDURIA

V/S THINGDONG FC

Dohang Moithak of Deomali was booked with yellow card for unruly behavior in the 41st minute.

Dhoni captain of Wisden's all-time Indian XI PTI New Delhi, Sep 21 : Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named the captain of the all-time India Test XI chosen by cricket magazine Wisden.

The celebrated team has been picked ahead of India's 500th Test which will be played against New Zealand in Kanpur from tomorrow.

The openers in the side are Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, followed by Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, all-rounder Kapil Dev and Dhoni the wicket-keeper batsman.

The bowlers who made the cut are Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Khan and Bishan Singh Bedi. The 12th man is Mohammad Azharuddin.

Wisden Test XI: Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS

India vs New Zealand Test Series 2016: Indian team is working on handling spin, says Virat Kohli Kanpur, Sep 21 : Captain Virat Kohli is not overtly worried about the Indian Test team's recent struggle against spinners but says they are surely working on this aspect since a side that aspires to be a champion can't leave any window for the opposition to exploit. Sri Lankan spinner Rangan Herath had wreaked havoc last year during the Galle Test, where India struggled to chase 176 and were all out for 112. Herath had taken seven wickets in the second innings to spell doom for the visitors. It evoked criticism as media questioned Indian team's ageold ability to dominate the spinners. As it is expected that the Green Park pitch for the series-opening

Test in Kanpur will a s sist spinners, Kohli was asked to respond on this aspect. "I think it's not a concern," he said categorically but acknowledged that "It is an a r e a where we can improve."

Kohli argued that they lost the Galle Test in Sri Lanka because they could not play spin as they would have liked. "We did not execute our batting plans, but we rectified that. The team

wants to improve on that aspect of the game, something we surely needs to g e t strong.

S o much was build u p ( i n media).

W e countered

Virat Kohli conditions really well away from home - England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, we focused on pace, so we

didn't pay that much attention on spin. That was one area where we feel that we could have worked or should have worked more.

"Now we are putting in more efforts to bat against the spinners longer. We are practicing the small little things. We are covering all bases because if you want to be a champion side, you don't want to give the opposition any window to get into the game and that's an area that needs to be worked on through the course of this season.

Good thing is that we are playing a lot of Test cricket," he said. Kohli said the current side has all the ingredients to be a dominating side in the

world. "We believe we certainly have what it takes to be the best in the world.

One area where we have tapped into is belief. Lot of young players coming into can lack belief, there could be a lot of insecurities, whether I'll play in the next game or whether my position is settled or not.

So, it's all about getting rid of all those feelings.

"When you step into the pitch, you need to tell yourself that I own this position for next 10 years for India in Tests, that's how you can be confident and stress-free. That's how you can express yourself and that's what this team has been able to do. You want to play bold cricket, take risks," said Kohli.

Japan Open: Ajay Jayaram, H S IOA sends a 208-member Prannoy, K Srikanth reach second Contingent to 5th Asian round of men's singles Beach Games Kashyap, who is making a comeback after recovering from one of the worst injuries of his career. After an hour and two minutes battle, eight seed Srikanth managed to eke out a come-frombehind 14-21 21-14 2321 win over Kashyap, who is playing only his second tournament after recovering from the injury.

Ajay Jayaram Tokyo, Sep 21 : It turned out to be a mixed day for Indian shuttlers at the Japan Super Series with Ajay Jayaram, H S Prannoy and K Srikanth fighting their way to the second round of the men's singles competition here today. While Jayaram defeated Indonesia's Sony Dwi Kuncoro 21-19 23-21 in

a 46-minute match to avenge his loss at the 2013 Hong Kong Open, Prannoy had to dug deep in his reservoir to eke out a 23-21 19-21 21-18 win over Malaysia's Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin.

World No. 13 Srikanth, who reached the quarterfinals at the Rio Olympics, had to toil hard to surpass compatriot P

Jayaram will now face Srikanth, while Prannoy will take on the winner of the match between Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki Vincent and Denmark's Viktor Axelsen, seeded second, who won the bronze medal at Rio. B Sai Praneeth, who had clinched the Canada Open in July, played his heart out before losing 21-9 21-23 10-21 to NG Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong.

PTI New Delhi, Sep 21 : Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Tuesday announced that it would send a contingent of 208 members to participate in the 5th Asian Beach Games starting on September 24 at Danang, Vietnam.

IOA is sending a larger contingent this year as compared to the last games held in Phuket 2014 where about 117 athletes participated.

The athletes will participate in 13 disciplines which include, swimming, Kabaddi, Handball, Kurash, Pencak Silat, Sambo, Ju-Jitsu, Woodball, Sepaktaklaw, Pentaque, Shuttlecock, Voninam and Muay Thai.

The Asian Games held in

2014 in Phuket, saw India take home 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal and 7 bronze medals. In the overall medal tally India stands at a world rank of number 9, with a total of 10 gold medals, 1 silver medal and 11 bronze medals.

With a much larger contingent, India is hoping on to get more medals this time. The athletes have started departing for Vietnam.

Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, IOA said, "We are sending a bigger contingent this time for the Asian Beach Games. I wish them all the very best for the games. We are expecting India to win maximum medals this year, and also improve their overall medal tally.

Laxman, Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni (captain, wicketkeeper), Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Bishan Singh Bedi, Mohammad Azharuddin (12th man).

"There can't be a better location to receive the ICC Test Championship mace than this ground where we last played a home Test seven years ago."

Pakistan's Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq holds the mace handed over by ICC chief executive David Richardson during a ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.

Misbah-ul-Haq says it's a big achievement to lead Pakistan to No. 1 in test rankings, given the team has not played on home soil for seven years.

Pakistan awarded ICC Test Championship mace PTI Lahore, Sept 21 : pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq on Wednesday received the ICC Test Championship mace for leading the side to the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings for the first time since the current rankings system was introduced in 2003.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson presented the mace to Misbah at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the Pakistan Test skipper said it was befitting that the mace presentation was taking place there.

"There can't be a better location to receive the ICC Test Championship mace than this ground where we last played a home Test seven years ago," said Misbah.

"It is ironic for both the players as well as the fans that the journey to the number-one position has been outside Pakistan. The players have missed on the crowd support, while the spectators have been unable to watch live some magnificent team and individual performances. But I am confident that things will change and international cricket will soon return to Pakistan," he added.

Pakistan are only the fifth side after Australia, England, India and South Africa to top the ICC Test rankings, while Misbah is the ninth captain to lift the mace after Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith (all Australia), Mahendra

Singh Dhoni (India), Andrew Strauss (England), Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla (both South Africa).

Delighted to hold the mace in the twilight of his career, Misbah said: "It has always been a dream to lift an ICC trophy as captain.

To be only the ninth international captain to achieve this honour in the traditional format of the game is something to be very proud of. This mace is a reward for the efforts and hard work of each and every individual who has been part of this group over the past few years."

Richardson congratulated the Pakistan team, saying it was all the more impressive that it had reached the number-one Test ranking despite not being able to play a series at home since March 2009 when terrorists attacked the Sri Lanka cricket team's bus here.

"The ICC Test Championship mace is a symbol of excellence and a recognition of a side's outstanding performance in the purest format of the game. Being part of a team that is ranked No.1 in Test cricket is a pinnacle achievement for any cricketer. Pakistan is a deserving recipient of the mace.

"I hope that the team continues to go from strength to strength. A strong Pakistan side is good for international cricket," Richardson said.

Number two ranked India will host New Zealand in a three-Test series, starting

tomorrow, and if they win it, they will move to the top of the table even before Pakistan begin their threeTest series against the West Indies on October 13.

The two-Test series between Bangladesh and fourth-ranked England begins in Chittagong on October 20, while South Africa will play against thirdranked Australia in Australia, where the first Test will commence in Perth on November 3.

These fixtures will take place in the run-up to the annual cut-off date on April 1. The side that will top the ICC Test Team Rankings on April 1 will also receive a cash award of USD 1 million, while the second placed side will collect USD 500,000 and the third and fourth sides will get USD 200,000 and USD 100,000, respectively.

Misbah admitted that his team would have to produce strong performances to finish as the number-one ranked Test side at the April 1 cut-off date.

"The next target we have set for ourselves is to finish as the number-one ranked Test side at the April 1 cut-off date. It is not going to be easy as we have series against formidable sides like the West Indies, New Zealand and Australia. But instead of getting overawed by our opponents, we need to trust in our abilities, focus on our strengths and try to be as consistent as possible," Misbah said.

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