Mizoram Literacy At 98.63%

India's literacy level is 74%: census

New Delhi, Apr 1 : India's literacy level has increased by 9.21% in the past 10 years to reach 74.04%, according to provisional data of the 2011 census released in New Delhi on Thursday. According to the data, literates constitute 74% of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates form 26%. The literacy rate went up from 64.83% in 2001 to 74.04% in 2011 showing an increase of 9.21%.

Interestingly, females literacy level saw a significant jump as compared to males between 2001-2011.

While female literacy in 2001 stood at 53.67%, it has gone up to 65.46% in 2011. The male literacy in comparison rose from 75.26 to 82.14%.

Kerala with 93.91% continues to occupy the top position among states in the field of literacy while Mizoram's Serchhip (98.76%) and Aizawl (98.50%) recorded highest literacy rates among districts.

Lakshadweep followed Kerala with a literacy level of 92.28%, while Bihar remained at the bottom of the ladder with a literacy rate of 63.82% followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 66.95%.

Ten states and UTs viz. Kerala, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Tripura, Goa, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi and Andaman and Nicobar Islands achieved literacy rate of above 85%, the target set by the Planning Commission to be achieved by 2011-12.

The gap of 21.59 percentage points recorded between male and female literacy rates in 2001 census has reduced to 16.68 percentage points in 2011. Planning Commission has set up target of reducing this gap to 10 percentage points by 2011-12.

Mizoram With Population Of 10 Lakh Has 6 Lakh Mobile Users

Aizawl, Mar 31 :  The small northeastern state of Mizoram with a population of around 10 lakh, has over six lakh mobile phone users as of February 2011 against over 5.5 lakh in February 2010.

With the communication revolution having reached even the remotest corners of the state, mobile phone connections increased by 6.98% during the past one year - from 6,01,189 to 5,61,917, according to the latest economic survey, tabled in the assembly by chief minister Lal Thanhawla on Tuesday.

The expenses of the consumers on cellphones in the state would be at least six crore per month, assuming that each consumer paid Rs100 per month, state government sources said.

"Some subscribers pay over Rs2,000 per month," the sources said.

Among the six mobile service providers, Airtel has the largest subscribers at 2,30,000 followed by the BSNL with 1,32,436, the economic survey said.

HPC-D Very Upset with Divisive Attempts Of Mizoram Govt

The HPC-D slapped back on the some minister in the Mizo Government for the silly design of Mizoram government by way un-necessary propaganda in attempt to thwart the SoO.

The SoO was signed with faith between the Mizoram Government and HPC-D.

Read the Press Release:

Chinese Silk Will Wipe Out Assam Silk, Fears Brinda

By Sushanta Talukdar

Rangiya,Mar 31 : Communist Party of India (Marxist) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat on Wednesday expressed apprehension that the unique Muga silk of Assam would be wiped out soon as Chinese silk will come in a big way due to reduction of import duty on raw silk by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Ms. Karat, who has been in the State campaigning for her party candidates, also flayed the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress-Bodoland People's Front (BPF) coalition government for failing to demand a review of the decision by the Centre.

A member of the Rajya Sabha, Ms. Karat told journalists here that there has been a misconception that this will help the handloom sector. “It is not so. Handlooms are not using imported raw silk. So there should be no misconception on that. Certain powerloom units in Tamil Nadu and, to a certain extent, in Uttar Pradesh, may be benefited. But it will adversely affect the sericulture farmers. Chinese silk will come in a big way due to reduction in import duty on raw silk and our own farmers will suffer.

The unique Muga silk of Assam will be wiped out. There is no quantitative restriction on raw silk and once the Chinese silk starts entering, our raw silk producers, who are poor and small marginal farmers, will simply die. The UPA Government must review the decision. Unfortunately the Congrees-led coalition government in Assam has done nothing even though the State's unique Muga and traditional handloom silk industry will be severely hit,” she added.

Later addressing an election rally at Goreswar to campaign for the sitting party legislator from Rangiya Assembly constituency Ananta Deka, Ms. Karat urged the electorates in Assam to elect more and more representatives of her party to the Assembly to raise stronger voice for the poor and marginalised.

Holding party flags in their hands and sporting red caps, hundreds of CPI(M) workers, dancing to the beats of Bihu dhol and Kham (traditional drums of the Bodo tribe) and tunes of sifung (traditional Bodo flute) escorted Ms. Karat to the rally venue.

The senior CPI(M) leader also flayed the Tarun Gogoi government for not giving patta to traditional forest dwellers in the State under the Forest Rights Act.

Return Of A Prodigal

By Kaushik Deka

Asom Gana Parishad leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

I can't tell you who my favourite author is as I don't want to offend anyone in Assam and I will not reveal an English name as I would not like be seen as someone who prefers another language over my mother tongue Assamese." This was Prafulla Kumar Mahanta reply when asked to name his favourite writer. This is the kind of political correctness and dogmatic parochialism which has helped the Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly stay relevant in politics for almost four decades. After living in political obscurity for the last 10 years, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader has emerged as the main challenger to the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government in the Assembly polls next month.

In 2001, Mahanta, two-time chief minister of Assam, lost power and the post of party president over allegations of two "extras" in his political and personal life-extra-judicial killings of family members of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), also known as Secret Killings in Assam, and an extra-marital affair. In 2005, he was expelled from the AGP on charges of anti-party activities.

He fought the 2006 elections from Asom Gana Parishad (P) and was the only winning candidate of his party. From becoming the youngest chief minister at 32 in 1985, he became a pariah in Assam politics. Experts wrote the political obituary of the man who was Jyoti Basu's choice to become the prime minister. "In a meeting of the United Front held at Delhi's AssamBhavan in 1996, Jyoti Basu suggested my name as the prime minister. I politely declined as I was more committed to Assam," claims Mahanta, who is now aiming for a third-term as chief minister .

Three years ago, this seemed an impossible dream. The then AGP president, Brindaban Goswami, vowed never to allow Mahanta's return to the party. "It was tough but I took it as an opportunity to connect with people. I travelled across Assam and tried to understand where I went wrong," says the 58-year-old leader.

Goswami failed to connect with grassroots workers and Mahanta's loyalists inside the party forced him to quit as president. Chandra Mohan Patowari, who became agp president in 2008, brought the former chief minister back to the party. "Patowari had no option. Since 1979, politics of Assam has revolved around Mahanta," says a senior journalist.

But for Mahanta, returning to the party was not enough. He persuaded Patowari to vacate the post of Leader of the Opposition for him in September 2010. This was a masterstroke as it projected him as the AGP's chief ministerial candidate. His next move was to snap the alliance with the BJP. The BJP's gain in the last Assembly elections and the fear of losing Muslim votes made Mahanta wary of the saffron party. He denies his role in the split, claiming, "I wanted the agp to grow stronger on its own." He doesn't rule out a post-poll alliance the BJP.

Mahanta is now ready to take on the Congress on corruption charges and construction of big dams on the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. About his letter to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi demanding big dams in Assam, he says, "We wanted multi-purpose small dams for flood control, irrigation and electricity. They are constructing dams only for generating electricity. Big dams cause havoc during earthquakes."

He does not talk about illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh, an issue which was the core of the Assam agitation. "As a chief minister, I could do little, as deportation of these foreigners needed the co-operation of Bangladesh. Only the Central Government can solve this," he says.

The allegation of his involvement in the Secret Killings still haunts him. "Three inquiry commissions that probed the Secret Killings did not find any evidence against me," he claims. Still, many in his own party don't want him as the next chief minister. "He is vindictive and those who had supported his ouster from the party are afraid that he will settle old scores," says a party leader. Sarbananda Sonowal, who had played a major role in Mahanta's expulsion from the agp has alread left to join the BJP.

Journalists don't have fond memories either, as many of them were jailed during his second term. "He used the state machinery to silence the voice of dissent," says a senior journalist. Mahanta doesn't agree. "I don't mind criticism. I have collected all newspaper cartoons of me and will publish them as a book someday," he says. He says he enjoys the jokes portraying him as a dumb head. "Some of them are really good," he says.

There may be charges of an extra-marital affair, but Mahanta swears by his commitment to his family. "Whatever free time I get, I spend with my family. My daughter complains that I did not give her enough time when I was the chief minister. Now I try to compensate," he says. He always wears white because it helps him stay calm and pure.

He will certainly need to stay calm in this electoral battle. The party faces severe fund crunch, dissidence over tickets and, unlike in the past, he is not the official chief ministerial candidate. But giving him company in the biggest battle of his career is an English book, Living With The Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama.

Baichung's Side Takes On Shillong Outfit

By Abhishek Ganguly

Guwahati, Mar 31 : The second division I-League kicks off on Thursday with five games at two centres (Guwahati and Madurai), but the football fraternity will have its eyes trained on one particular match - the Group A clash between United Sikkim FC (USFC) and Langsning Sports Club of Shillong at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That game will set the ball 'rolling' for the Sikkim-based club that is the brainchild of Baichung Bhutia.

Bhutia is very serious about his latest endeavour and that was visible during Wednesday's practice session. He didn't have a full-fledged workout as he is yet to fully recover from a calf-muscle sprain, but he was very much in the thick of things - keeping a close eye on the players, pointing out mistakes some of the youngsters were committing and offering valuable tips. He is clearly the general of a team of talented men who are out to make a mark.

"The players look up to Baichung as an idol and his presence does make a lot of difference," said coach Stanley Rozario. The coach added that he would speak to the India captain about having him in the reserves' bench, despite Bhutia not being fully fit. "That lifts the morale of the side, and I can also use him if required for clinching a victory," Rozario explained.

It's true that a half-fit Baichung could make a difference in any match, but with the squad the Snow Lions - as USFC are popularly called - have built, a winning start against the L Darlong-coached side shouldn't be a tall ask. Players like NS Manju, Budhiram Tudu, B Beikhokhei, Lalrinfela, Prem Kumar, M Suresh, K Kulothungan and Bijen Singh - all of whom have played at the highest level - gives USFC the edge. Rennedy Singh is also on the roster, but he won't be available in the first phase as he is recuperating after a knee operation.

Three foreigners - Johnny Menyongar, Mituski Ichihara and Joseph Lapira - have been roped in to bolster the side.

Langsning Sports Club, who have been training here for 10 days, also have three foreigners in their ranks and Rozario has seen them in action during his stint with Shillong Lajong FC. But Rozario is stressing on is an attacking game to make it a memorable 'debut' for Bhutia's side.

Thursday's Matches (Guwahati)

NISA, Manipur vs Golden Threads
Simla Youngs vs Gauhati Town Club
Langsning Sports Club vs United Sikkim FC.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Trade Proposed

By Sobhapati Samom

Imphal, Mar 31 : A 12- member Thailand delegation visited Manipur and Myanmar’s border township Tamu recently to establish a trilateral trade between India, Myanmar and Thailand.

Tharodol Thongruang Thai-Myanmar Border Trade in-charge led Thai delegation also attended a day-long Union of Myanmar Border Trade sponsored trilateral trade conference at Tamu town, near Moreh on Sunday wherein he appealed to the Myanmarese officials to help in boosting cross-border between the three countries.

“Myanmar would be the confluence of India’s Look East Policy and Thailand’s Look West Policy”, the Thai team leader said. “Myanmar would be greatly benefited from these two similar policies of India and Thailand if Myanmar takes up some pro-active initiatives”.

Vice President of the Trade Chamber of Commerce (Myanmar) U Myin Swe led the Myanmar delegation while the Indian team was headed by Officer on Special Duty L Dwijamani of Manipur Commerce and Industries (Foreign Trade).

The Myanmarese delegates responding to the appeal of the Thais assured that their country would make maximum efforts to facilitate cross-border trade between India and Thailand through Myanmar.

Proposals to identify the trade items that would be sanctioned for cross-border trade among the three countries were also raised during the meeting.

Dwijamani on behalf of the Indian delegates highlighted the importance of fostering closer ties among the three countries besides emphasising on the need to build closer relations among the three countries in the fields of culture and sports. The meet also agreed to identify the trade items for the cross-border trade jointly.

The Thai delegation also had meetings with the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and the Chief Secretary DS Poonia prior to their departure on Monday, in connection with Thailand’s role in the ongoing 16 year-old Indo-Myanmar border trade which was opened on 12 April, 1995.

Lucy Pinder – In Awesome Glory (NSFW)

Lucy Pinder in underwear – pics by Anna Fowler

Veronika Fasterova topless in Hombre Magazine (NSFW)

Veronika Fasterova – Hombre Mexico (April 2011)

Agartala-Akhaura Rail Project Gaining Ground

Agartala, Mar 31 : The ball has started rolling in favour of the historic Indo-Bangla rail connectivity with the Railway Ministry contemplating to undertake topological survey for the extension work. The alignment for the proposed Agartala to Akhaura (Bangladesh) has already been accepted by the Bangladesh Government, the Assembly was informed here on Tuesday.

An amount of Rs 251 crore will be spent for commissioning the Indo-Bangla rail link and the project will be financed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and DoNER, said Industries and Commerce Minister Jitendra Chowdhury in reply to a notice moved by MLAs Basudev Majumder and Rita Kar Chowdhury.

He said that the project is expected to get implemented within the next three to four years. The General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Construction had visited Akhaura to oversee the alignment of the dream railway project.

Chowdhury informed the House that the Bangladesh Government is also seriously thinking of finalising a modality to allow India, Nepal and Bhutan to use Chittagong Sea Port. It may be noted that Chief Minister Manik Sarkar had urged the Bangaldesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to allow Tripura to use Chittagong Port during his visit to Dhaka in March last year. The issue also came up for discussion during the visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni during his visit to Agartala in November last year.

On setting up of a bridge on river Feni, he said that a joint team had already visited the proposed site and an organisation has been asked to prepare a detailed project report at the earliest.

The bridge would connect Sabroom in South district with Bangladesh’s Ramgarh directly ushering a wide opportunity for bilateral trade. As part of goodwill gesture, the State Government would bear expenditure for setting up the bridge.

He further said the re-opening of waterway between Tripura and Bangladesh is also under active consideration of the Ministry of Shipping. The Centre has already incorporated it in the Northeast Vision 2020.

Rihanna’s On The Cover Of Rolling Stone

Rihanna looks hot-as-balls on the new cover of Rolling Stones, unfortunately for now all I have is the cover,on newsstands Friday (April 1).

Photo: Mark Seliger / Rolling Stone

Nagaland Govt Bans Pig Products From Myanmar

Kohima, Mar 30 : The Nagaland government has banned all pig products into the state from Myanmar following outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome in that country.

An order issued by the Nagaland Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department said the state government has decided to impose a ban on import of pigs and pig products from Myanmar into the state with immediate effect following the recent outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a viral disease of pigs in that country.

All concern departments are requested to strictly comply with the government directions, the order said.

The World's Deadliest Intersection?

This Chinese public service announcement has garnered the attention it hoped for.

In an effort to promote safe driving, traffic authorities released a video depicting a string of accidents caught by surveillance cameras at what some think may be the most dangerous intersection in the world. And the 12-minute segment, filmed in the city of Heze in the Shandog province of China, has raced across the Internet--within just 22 hours of its posting on local video sharing site Youku , it amassed more than 2 million views and 279 pages of comments.

Youku's description of the piece reads as follows (translated from its original Chinese text):

Installing surveillance cameras is just one method, but improving motorists and the people's traffic safety knowledge is the key. We cannot stop traffic accidents from happening, but we will do our best to prevent and reduce the occurrence of accidents. Rise up together all people and all police, and work towards building a safe and peaceful Heze, work towards being able to go home to eat with our loved ones...

Warning: graphic content.

Ann Taylor Photoshop Fail

Today in the most breaking-est of breaking style news: not to be outdone -- or under-retouched -- Ann Taylor has one-upped rival Photochopper Victoria's Secret, apparently erasing a model's left arm in this picture for the brand's "Twist Neck Short Sleeve Tee."

Ol' Annie was clever enough to pull the image in question from its website (so we found it in the cache for your viewing pleasure) and replace it with a variety of color options, all of which come with two upper body limbs.

Please also see the case of the missing leg, courtesy of Talbots.

(Via PSD, of course)

In blue:

In "rose petal," now with 100 percent more arms:

Sites You Should Be Wasting Time On Right Now

Why was the Internet invented? For the proliferation of information? News?

Keeping in touch with friends and family?

Well, you might be doing it wrong. The correct answer is "procrastination." But it's not too late to correct yourself!

Here are seven sites this week for you to waste time on and ignore your actual responsibilities.

3eanuts

It seems like every week, a new meme pops up that alters "Garfield" or "The Family Circus" for comedic effect. But comic strip customization has rarely been as effective or as sad as 3eanuts, in which the last panel of a "Peanuts" comic strip is eliminated, throwing Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty and the gang into various existential episodes. Good grief.

Penis Size Map

Check out the Penis Size Map to find out how you stack up in your geographic location.

Cinema Nutrition

Good movies can be food for the soul, so it's only fitting that someone would break down their health value. Cinema Nutrition gives by-the-numbers breakdowns of your favorite movies.

Calliope Songs

Indulge your inner Mark Twain by spending some time on this extraordinarily researched site that not only gives extensive background on steamboats, but offers more calliope songs than you ever knew you cared about. (Seriously, just listen to one calliope tune, and don't be surprised if you find yourself sipping mint juleps and cooling yourself with ice cubes by the end of the work day.)

deviantArt Sucks

Ah, deviantArt -- a great site for burgeoning artists to show off their work, and also a great site to post your creepy anime/fetish art. DeviantArt Sucks trashes the worst of the site with a focused, and hilarious, rage.

Body Browser

Google Labs is so vast that some truly incredible work remains largely hidden from the public. One such feature is Body Browser, an excellent tool for taking an interactive look at how the human body functions.

I Always Wondered

While many sites are written to explain science in layman's terms, rarely are they as they as engaging -- or feature as beautifully illustrated graphics -- as I Always Wondered.

Wikibombs

Wikibombs that hilariously captures all the best Wikipedia vandalism before it's taken down. Unfortunately, the site went down last week shortly after we featured it, so many of you weren't able to get there. Now it's back, so here's the link again in case you missed the Wikibomb goodness.

Kohima War Hero's Courage is Marked By City 67 Years After His Death

Plaque unveiled to young lieutenant who gave his life covering the retreat of his men

In memoriam: Lieutenant John Young's individual bravery will be marked with a plaque at his home

The bravery of a war hero is to be honoured in Glasgow, 67 years after his death.

A granite plaque is being unveiled outside the west end home of Lieutenant John Young, who died in the campaign against Japan in 1944 aged 24.

Lieutenant Young was killed while covering the retreat of his men in north-east India.

Their tactics allowed the inhabitants and garrison of Kohima to prepare themselves for the 64-day assault on the city which followed, and which ended in Japanese defeat.

The battle of Kohima, as the Japanese tried to invade British-ruled India, is regarded as a turning point of the war.

Lieutenant Young was a soldier in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders attached to the Assam Regiment.

The previously hidden story of his bravery was uncovered by Glasgow advertising firm boss Roy McCallum, who came across it while researching his own family's military service.

He brought it to the attention of local councillor Jim Mackechnie, who persuaded the council that John Young's courage should be marked.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Bob Winter, will unveil a granite plaque outside 7 Jedburgh Gardens, in the west end, on Wednesday at 10.45am.

CAG Flays BADP Irregularities in Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 30 : The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flayed the Mizoram's Rural Development Department for irregularities in the implementation of the Border Area Development Programme in the state, which shares international borders of 404 kms with Myanmar and 318 kms with Bangladesh.

''The main objective of the programme for a speedy development of the border area was not achieved to the desired extent due to inherent deficiency in planning and implementation of the programme (on the part of the state government),'' the CAG said in its report for the year ended March 31, 2010, laid in the state Assembly by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today.

''The rural development failed to prepare comprehensive district plans. A baseline survey was yet to be conducted. There was no attempt to converge the schemes, sponsored by the state government and the Centre, with the BADP,'' the CAG said.

Moreover, the Mara and Lai autonomous district councils were not given any role in execution of the programme in their respective district councils.

It was further noticed that the villages dotted near the international borders of Myanmar and Bangladesh were not identified for preparation of annual action plan for 2009-2010, thereby obviating the very purpose of prioritising these villages.

In violation of the prescribed financial rules, the department drew an amount of Rs 46.76 crore during 205-2010 presenting false bills to the government’s treasury before actual commencement of approved works, the CAG said.

Out of Rs 103.40 crore drawn during 2005-2010, only Rs 23.40 crore (23 per cent) was released to the implementing border blocks, and the remaining Rs 80 crore (77 per cent) was disbursed in the subsequent financial years, causing abnormal delay, the report revealed.

Against the BADP guidelines, the department disproportionately allocated Rs 87 crore to 16 border blocks during 2006-2010 without giving equal weightage of population criteria, it was also noted by the CAG.

Further, the department incurred an expenditure of Rs 6.71 crore during 2005-2010 towards execution of 134 'ineligible' works, mainly pertaining to construction of office buildings, residential accommodations and rest houses, the CAG flayed.

Despite the fact that the BADP guidelines emphasised that no single sector gets a disproportionately large share of total allocation, it was noticed that the expenditure under infrastructure sector alone constituted 55 per cent of the total expenditure.

The expenditure under social, education, security, health and agriculture sector accounted for two to 19 per cent of the total expenditure, the report said.

It was also revealed by the CAG that BDOs of eight border blocks completed 34 works/schemes during 2005-06 to 2009-10 at a cost of Rs 5.40 crore against the original approved estimated cost of Rs 3.32 crore with spilled over of works/schemes from two to six years, resulting in cost over-run of Rs 2.08 crore.

''As a result, the BADP failed to meet the needs of the people living in remote and inaccessible areas near the borders,'' the CAG report said.

Myanmar Military Announces End of Junta After Over 2 Decades

Yangon, Mar 30 : Myanmar's military supremo announced that the junta that ruled the country for the past two decades would be disbanded Wednesday in favour of a newly elected government.

"The State Peace and Development Council will be disbanded after the swearing-in ceremony for the new government and parliaments," Senior General Than Shwe said in an announcement on state-controlled television.

Myanmar has been under the junta's rule since 1988 when the army crushed a pro-democracy movement, killing up to 3,000 people.

The junta, led by Than Shwe since 1992, held a general election Nov 7 that voted in a new government, led by the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Party leader Thein Sein was reportedly sworn in as Myanmar's new president Wednesday morning, sources said.

He replaced Than Shwe as head of state.

Similar ceremonies were held to swear in other cabinet members and all elected parliamentarians, sources said.

Tripura-Bangladesh Business Recorded at Rs 300 Cr

Agartala, Mar 30 : Business between Tripura and Bangladesh was at recored at Rs 300 Crore in the current fiscal as against Rs 163 Crore in 2009-10, while export of eight items registered a five fold increase this year.

According to Tripura Commerce Minister Jitendra Chowdhury, in 2007-08 the export business of Tripura with Bangladesh was recorded at Rs 1.51 Crore and next two years it reduced to only Rs 32 Lakh and Rs 42 Lakh respectively but in 2009-10 it increased five fold to Rs two Crore.

The import business of seven items from Bangladesh has increased over the years, Mr Chowdhury said, adding that in 2010-11 Tripura imported goods of amounting Rs 294 Crore from Bangladesh, which was Rs 163 Crore in 2009-10, Rs 129 Crore in 2008-09 and Rs 84 Crore in 2007-08.

''The highest amount was spent for importing cement followed by small fish, broken stone and Hilsa fish, while the highest amount of export earnings was recorded from vulcanised rubber thread followed by heat resistant latex rubber thread and craft paper and paper board,'' Mr Chowdhury stated.

Tripura also exported flat rolled products of iron, woven fabrics of synthetic filament, raw hides and skin of bovine, dry fish and citrus fruits and imported bricks, flavour drinks and float glass besides, major import items.

He however, pointed out that the Union Home Ministry was considering the proposals of starting border huts to boost border trade between Tripura and Bangladesh, while launching of flight service on Agartala-Dhaka-Chittagong route was also on active consideration of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

To enhance the connectivity, both sides have already finalised the alignment of Agartala-Akhaura railway link and technical survey would begin soon.

The Ministry of External Affairs would spent Rs 146 Crore for track laying work in Bangladesh side and Rs 105 Crore would be spent by DoNER for construction in Indian side, he added.

Model Poonam Pandey To Go Nude if India Cricket Wins Cup

New Delhi: Some fans pour milk on cut-outs of their favourite cricketers, some hold chain prayer meetings for divine intervention during the Indo-Pak epic semifinal clash on Wednesday at Mohali, while there are still others who vow to shed all their clothes if India lifts the World Cup trophy.

Model and cricket fan Poonam Pandey has promised to strip naked in the view of thousands if India wins the Mohali semifinal against Pakistan and eventually lifts the Cup, though she is also open to a players' dressing room peep show if the Indian cricket board permits it, reports said.

The Kingfisher Calender girl's intention to bare all is bound to pile on additional pressure on the Indian cricket team already coping with mounting crowd expectations at home, not having won the Cup since 1983.

Poonam recently started a fan page on Facebook to cheer the Indian team. She follows in the footsteps of Paraguay's Larissa Riquelme and Argentinian Luciane Salazar who promised to strip if their football teams won the FIFA World Cup.

Hoax Triggers 'RIP Jackie Chan' Tweets

New Delhi: The 56-year-old popular Hong-Kong actor, Jackie Chan has become the latest victim of Twitter death hoax. "RIP Jackie Chan" has been one of the top trending topics on Twitter and Google all day today.

Apparently a fake report filed fake CNN article put together by the owner of a blog called Skiphopz triggered off the rumours.

The article was put together using an online, free anonymous service, which allows users to just paste HTML code and recreate a webpage without having to host it.

The article, which was entitled "Jackie Chan Dies Of Heart Attack", sparked off the rumour which led to flood RIP messages for Jackie Chan.

Not too long ago a tweet paying homage to former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam had sparked rumours of his death.

Northeast To Be Power Self-Sufficient By 2014

Shillong, Mar 30 : Power Grid Corp of India CMD S.K. Chaturvedi Monday said the northeastern states would produce 5,000 MW power and be self-sufficient by the end of 2014.

"By 2013-14, the northeastern states are expected to produce 5,000 MW of power. As of today, the power requirement in the region is more than 2,000 MW, but the region on its own can produced only 850 MW," Chaturvedi told IANS on the sidelines of the Indian Institute of Management-Shillong convocation here.

He said the 750-MW ONGC's gas-based power project at Palatana in Tripura and the 750 MW Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station in Assam, the 600 MW Kameng hydroelectric project, and the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri project in Arunachal Pradesh will help meet the region's demand by 2014.

"Apart from these four mega power projects, there are other smaller power projects in the region which will altogether produce 5,000 MW power," Chaturvedi said.

Currently, the Power Grid is transmitting about 1,200 MW to the region to meet its requirement.

The northeastern region, known as the power house of India, has a hydropower potential of about 60,000 MW.

Flying Institute in Nagaland Coming Soon

Kohima, Mar 30 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today announced that a flying institute was in the pipeline at Dimapur.

Replying a question of Leader of Opposition of Tokheho Yepthomi (Congress) on the concluding day of the Budget Session in the Assembly, Mr Rio said a survey was being conducted in this regard.

He also informed the House that the institute would be set up through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), adding he had appealed to the Leader of Opposition to appoint some members from the Congress for nomination in the Construction Committee to give suggestions to the government.

He said the institute was aimed at training the local youths to help them avail of job opportunities.

India Plans Major Road Projects On China, Pak Borders

By Sujit Chakraborty

New Delhi, Mar 30 : India  is all set to build 558 roads at a cost of Rs 500 billion along the border with two hostile neighbours -- China and Pakistan -- in a bid to effectively counter the former, which is working at a break-neck speed to execute world-class infrastructure along the Indo-China and Indo-Pakistan border region.

Sources in the Union home ministry and Border Roads Organisation confirmed the report and added that the 27,986 kms of road projects are expected to be completed by 2030 in a phased manner. In the first phase, a total of 277 road projects have been earmarked to be completed at a cost of Rs 248.86 billion. The total length of the projects is estimated to be 13,100 kms.

However, maximum priority has been attached to the completion of all the road projects along the Indo-China border. To ensure time-bound completion of all the road projects, the BRO has recently moved 46 of its units to Arunachal Pradesh, 21 units to Sikkim, 33 units to Uttarakhand , seven units to Himachal Pradesh  and 61 units to Jammu and Kashmir .

This apart, the central government has also decided to build an all weather road along the 1,417 km long Indo-Myanmar border region besides construction of at least 50 helipads to ensure quick reaction from the air force and the infantry, in case of any eventuality.

India had redrafted its military doctrine on building border infrastructure along the Indo-China region as road and rail connectivity at the international border areas are now seen as a force multiplier in a real war situation, as they help faster movement of equipment and quick mobilisation of troops against any enemy build up.

To ensure time-bound implementation of all these projects besides making an on-the-spot study of the available resources and additional requirements, Defence Minister A K Antony accompanied by the Army Chief V K Singh visited all the sensitive posts along the Indo-China border region. Later, the Antony interacted with the jawans deployed along the border posts and also held a high level meeting with the commanders and others posted in the region.

Similarly, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram  also toured the Arunachal Pradesh including the border districts Tirap and Changlang besides Manipur and Mizoram to get a feel of the border areas.

While the leadership in New Delhi  has finally begun execution of its massive road network projects along the Indo-China border region, it is still ignoring expansion of rail network in the border areas of sensitive the north-east region. The recent rail budget did not mention anything about its proposed eight projects to build 277 km long rail line at a cost of Rs 2,692 crore with neighbouring countries.

The five pending projects in Bhutan are: the 58-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu, (Rs 302 crore), the 51-km Pathshala-Nanglam, (Rs 753 crore), the 41-km Rangia-Sandrup Jhonkar via Darrang, (Rs 581 crore), the 23-km Banarhat-Samtse, (Rs 205 crore) and the 18-km Hashimara-Phunt Sholing, (Rs 168 crore).

The three pending projects in Nepal are: the 12-km Nepalganj road to Nepalganj (Rs 149 crore), 15-km long Nautanwa to Bhairwaha, (Rs 176 crore) and 56-km New Jalpaiguri to Kakrabitta, (Rs 358 crore).          

On the other hand, China has already expanded its rail network up to Tibet . Now it is working on another plan to extend its rail line from Lhasa to its second largest city of Xiagaze to get the access to its strategically located Chumbi valley. This valley is close to the Sikkim and Siliguri corridor, connecting the entire north-east through rail and road network.

Besides the rail network, China has also expanded its road network along the Indo-China border region in the last decade. According to sources, China has so far constructed three major highways, of around 6,000 km, besides 55 more roads along the border.

Significantly, the Centre has decided not to reopen the historic Stilwell Road despite intense pressure, mainly from the trading community. This road has been caught up in complications as both the Indian security agencies and the Myanmar government are reluctant to reopen this historic road. Myanmar is apprehensive of the militants which hold sway over its Kachin province, and might create major law and order problem if this road is reopened.

On the Indian side, the Stilwell Road is 61 km, on the Chinese side its 632 km, and the major stretch lies on the Myanmar side, at around 1,033 km. China has, however, started developing a 1,739 km long road from Kunming in Yunnan province to Pangsau pass on the Indo-Myanmar border.

China is also helping Pakistan to develop highways on Jaglot-Skardu Road and Sazin-Thakot Road besides preparing a feasibility report on the Karakoram highway-Dushnabe Road within the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Besides, China is also funding Pakistan for its ambitious power projects and other infrastructural development within PoK.

Mizoram's Per Capita Income Estimated at Rs 50,021

Aizawl, Mar 29 : Per capita income of the state of Mizoram for the year 2010-11 was estimated at Rs 50,021 as against the national Per Capita income of Rs 54,527 for the same period, according to the Economic Survey report presented by the state chief minister Lal Thanhawla in the assembly on Tuesday.

Report of the economic survey revealed that the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) was expected to grow at around 9.57 per cent during 2010-11 while the national economy (GDP) was projected to grow at 8.6 per cent during the same period.

Tertiary sector of service sector continued to have the contribution to the GSDP with its share hovering between 58 per cent and 60 per cent during the past half a decade.

While around 60 per cent of the population of the state depended on agriculture, the sector's contribution to the GSDP was only 19.84 per cent during the same period and that of the industry was 20.20 per cent.

The Economic Survey indicated that 32 per cent of the cultivated area was under jhum and only 20 per cent of the demand for rice could be met within the state while a total of 14,28,600 tonnes of rice was lifted by the state government from outside.

Inflation, measured from wholesale price index show 25.80 per cent increase in December, 2010, the survey report added.

Mizoram: People Died Of Malaria, Not Black Magic

Aizawl, Mar 29 : Doctors who conducted verification of the mysterious deaths of six people in Thanzamasora hamlet in south Mizoram's Lunglei district said they died of cerebral malaria even as animistic priests of the hamlet, locally known as bawlpu claimed that they died due to a curse of another bawlpu.

Lunglei district deputy commissioner Maragaret Zohmingthangi said doctors sent from the Lunglei Civil Hospital suspected the cause of death of those villagers to be cerebral malaria and distributed malaria drugs free of cost to villagers in the area.

A person, taken ill with similar symptoms, like those who dies was treated successfully at Chawngte town when he was administered with medicines used to treat malaria.

Six people died in Thanzamasora during the past fortnight and their bodies had allegedly turned blue-black after the death which caused panic among superstitious villagers.

The village priest claimed that they were cursed with black magic by a witch from another village and he was incapable of lifting the strong spell'.

Another bawlpu from a nearby Chawngte town promised to visit the village on March 29 to remove the spell, Zohmingthangi said, adding that the villagers were animists and extremely superstitious.

Many Chakma and Bru communities in Lunglei and Lawngtlai district in south Mizoram still follow primitive religion and believe in evil spirits where native priests still perform animistic rituals to pacify such evil spirits'.

Neepco To Prepare Shelf For Northeast Power Projects

Shillong, Mar 29 : The state-run North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (Neepco) has offered to prepare a shelf of detailed reports of potential power projects in the region which can be later taken up by the respective states.

"It has been known since the years that the region has tremendous power potential. The power potential of the region is estimated at 58,000 MW. Unfortunately, nobody has come forward for investigations. One of the reasons is because of the hostile terrain," NEEPCO director (technical) Utpal Moral said here on Sunday night.

He added that during a meeting with the North Eastern Council (NEC), Neepco officials have made an offer to prepare a shelf of DPRs. The NEC is likely to fund DPRs of about 10 projects.

"The states can then decide who can take up the projects," Moral said, on sidelines of the biennial conference of the Diploma Engineers Association of Neepco.

In Meghalaya, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has identified 23 projects, he said.

Moral also added that Neepco has signed three MoUs with the Mizoram government to install three more hydel power plants the 635 MW Chhimtuipui project, 815 MW Lungreng project and 76 MW Mat hydro power project in Mizoram.

Meghalaya power minister AT Mondal, while speaking at the biennial conference, said the state was power surplus but with investment-friendly policies of the government, it had turned into a power deficit state.

"Meghalaya's power requirement is 610 MW while its generation is only 186.7 MW. This reflects on how much the power scenario has changed in the state," Mondal said. During the day-long conference, the Diploma Engineers Association re-elected Arabinda Gogoi as its president and Debojit Neog as general secretary.

Incentive For Northeast India: Does It Help?

By Margaret Gangte

Introduction

The incentive package scheme under the North East Industrial Policy, 1997, reintroduced as the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007 intended to promote biotechnology and power generation up to 10 MW and employment generation for the region. The strategy is to incentivised investors with subsidy grant on capital (30%) and insurance (100%) along with total exemption on tax and customs.

The policy was greeted with overwhelming positive response from the business communities for the generous incentive package. The policy enthused investors, raised hopes of the people in the region as it sets a pathway to unleash potentials of the region in its hydel power resource, flora and fauna and human assets. 

However, the revision of the policy subsequently in 2007 led to withdrawal of facilities and concessions including reduction in transport subsidy that eluded investors with disappointment. Imposition of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT), full income tax payments and restriction of excise exemption only on the value addition on raw materials reduced drastically the incentive amount. 

Similar incentive package extended to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and J&K has been seen as disincentive as these states weaned away business from the northeast region. 

Fiscal incentive scheme is critically assessed in the context of policy making process in government. The paper raises speculation about the inadequate policy process adversely affecting the policy effectiveness.

Goal and Purpose
A policy must have a purpose and a longer term goal.  The mounting and ongoing problem of employment dominates the entire socio- economic and political dilemma of the region. Unemployment problem affects governance condition that in turn caused low investment and retarded economy for decades. It is in this context that the goal of a development policy for the region should be identified. For the northeast region, security and development are most critical for the region. Therefore the identified goal will be stability, growth and equity.

The stated goal can be achieved only through development linked to investment.  To achieve the objective of development, the strategy is to adopt a participatory approach of involving local communities through gainful employment of youths in projects and programmes.

The strategy must plan for effective ways to trap potentials and development of capacity. Mere recognition of potentials without commitment to action betrays the hopes and dreams of people. Development policy must reflect the expectations, hopes and dreams of people through the stated goal, purpose and strategy.

The NEIIP however has an ambitious goal of development through industrialisation for northeast region. It adopts a strategy of investment through private sector participation and motivating their participation through fiscal incentive scheme. The goal of industrial development for a remote landlocked region is quite unrealistic. The strategy of the policy is not local need based as it represents mainly the interest of business community. The policy formulation has not adopted a participatory approach and therefore critical issues of the region remained unresolved viz; problem of unemployment, governance and retarded economy.   

Process and Approach
A policy must be formulated through a process which is credible, reliable and transparent. The history of NEIIP from its inception till the recent modification speaks for itself. The original policy promised a 100% exemption but it delivers only 57% exemption after the revision in 2007.

The reduction of the exemption was effectuated in the policy by usage of the term ‘value addition’ translated into accounting format to mean ‘added activities on the raw materials’ to receive the exemption. It means, excise duty will not be charged on additional activities on the raw material while it will be charged on raw materials only. Raw materials occupy a substantial component in the production line and mostly supplied by local entrepreneurs.

The excise duty charged on raw materials completely excluded the local entrepreneurs from receiving the benefit of the policy. The larger external investors nevertheless do not stand to gain from the policy either. It has been stated that all the old and existing projects had factored in the 100% exemption in the cost estimates.

When the project cost estimates were changed under the revised policy due to reduced exemption, it led to distortion in the cash flows and dislocation of investment plans. The reduced exemption increased the cost of production and makes the project unviable financially. 

The incentive policy has been regarded as deterrent by investors. But for the region, the loss of credibility of the policy is in greater degree. The policy debate does not speak a line on the development agenda of the region while it got completely absorbed on the issue of reduced incentives. The policy evidently had been biased towards the business community and is least involved with local needs.

Frequent changes in policy terribly have shaken the investor’s confidence. Changes occurred to correct a mistake. The mistake in this case is the misuse of the benefit of NEIIP, 2007. The misuse occurred because there is no mechanism to detect the misuse and restrained the defaulters by punitive actions to deter repeat of actions.  Instead of identifying the problem and taking corrective action to rectify the mistakes, the policy provisions evinced keen interest on the misused amount instead of putting in place a system to stop the misuse.

The huge incentives by way of capital subsidy, working capital subsidy, interest subsidy and insurance subsidy are granted to production units only after proper verification of their credibility. In other words, wrong information furnished by the production units can be subjected to severe punishment.

The policy paper based on the notification by the Department of Revenue remained silent on how to detect the defaulters or how the defaulters would be punished. Without risk identification and risk management plan in the policy to detect and punish defaulters, the process cannot produce credible, reliable and transparent policy.

Assessment of outcome
The first subsidy was introduced for transport sector to cushion the high transportation costs of a remote and landlocked region.  The full exemptions of revenue and duties gradually emerged by 1977 as a special fiscal package for the region. 

The incentives, however, failed to induced growth and development. From the national perspectives, the overall cost benefit analysis of the amount foregone as subsidies and the exemptions do not commensurate employment generation and associated growth level. From regional perspective, the incentives contributed to growth disparity in the region with 91% of investment concentrating in Assam and Meghalaya.

The impact assessment of Tata Evaluation Committee (TEC) evidenced the low investment and the low level of employment in the region during the period 1977-2004 in comparison with other peripheral states availing the same fiscal incentives. From sectoral growth perspectives, the region’s potentials in hydel power, tourism, tea and horticulture are not prioritised for strategic planning and development.

It led to a lopsided, unplanned and undesirable growth in tobacco and its products which further contributed to health hazards in the region. Reports of cancer caused by use of tobacco in the region are the highest in the country.

The incentive package in the end could not induced investors due to protracted decisions and consequent withdrawal of the incentives over the past few years. The incentive has neither promoted local entrepreneurships nor has it alleviated the condition of poverty through employment or helped to tap potential in unexplored areas. The incentive policy had fallen far too short of the expectation and failed to deliver the good promise of development for the region.  

Statistics provided by TEC, 2007 for the period 1997-2004 revealed the failure of the policy, 1997 to achieve the goal of industrialisation and to bring north-eastern region at par with the rest of the country. The region’s participation in the economic development is at abysmal low level at 4% GDP against the national level at 27% GDP, industrial growth registered only 3% against the national level of 7%, market linkages remain undeveloped, low credit deposits at 2% deter investment, low investment results in the low employment opportunities. The stagnant situation sustained the socio-economic- political problems and the region remain undeveloped and alienated.

The second policy, 2007 did not show better strategy to improve development of the region. The subsequent modifications reduced the incentives and discouraged the investors. It has been apprehended that small scale and local enterprises stand to loose completely from the benefits assured by the original policy granting full exemption on huge capital investment.

The NEIIP, 2007 did not envisage a long term goal of growth, stability and equity. It sets the objective of development on a medium term but this objective is overshadowed by a dual unspoken objective of providing fiscal incentive to investors with very little focus on the development agenda of the region.

The prime concern seems to be to help the business community out of this policy than helping the region. This objective eventually is reflected in the current debate on the size of the incentive rather than on the impact assessment of the policy on development of the region.

Conclusion
If the goal is stability, growth and equity, the objective should be development.  If development is a genuine agenda, it should not be confined to few sectors alone like power or biotechnology but must include unexplored potentials in ecotourism, horticulture, dairy, fishery and small scale enterprises as driver of engines of growth and development. If the strategy is to achieve the objective of development in order to reach the goal of stability and growth; policy makers must reverse the top down approach with bottom up approach to involve local participation.

If the policy process is credible, reliable and transparent; it will fix accountability on the mis-utilisation, underutilisation and pilferages. Finally, if the policy is in the interest of the region, the fiscal incentive would translate into visible development.  If none of the above happened, the policy has not helped. The way forward is to look ahead and think on how to do it again.

(The writer is currently based in New Delhi. She is the Deputy Financial Advisor, Ministry of Defence, Department of Finance, Government of India. Feedback can be send at margaret_gangte@hotmail.com)

‘Only A Regional Party Can Solve Assam's Problems'

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

As a student, he led one of the most powerful mass movements in India — the six-year-long anti-foreigners movement in Assam from 1979 to 1985. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta went on to become the youngest ever Chief Minister in India at the age of 33, heading the first Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) government in Assam. He also headed the second AGP-led government in 1996.

In the 2006 Assembly poll, Mr. Mahanta led a new regional party AGP (Pragatisheel) after he was expelled from the AGP in 2005 for alleged anti-party activities. Following his return to the AGP in 2008, grassroots workers hope that a united outfit will perform better in this Assembly election and recapture power in Dispur. He spoke to Sushanta Talukdar about his party's prospects. Excerpts:

How important are the 2011 Assembly elections for your party and for the future of regionalism in Assam?

The importance and relevance of regional parties in the context of Indian politics is growing every day. For upholding democratic values and for making Assam a corruption-free State, the 2011 Assembly elections are very important for the AGP. A regional party-led government can best address burning issues like the foreigners' problem, floods and erosion, backwardness, unemployment, and insurgency in the State. The national parties have always been indifferent to these problems and are not interested in solving them.

In the 2009 Lok Sabha poll, the Bharatiya Janata Party benefited more from the tie-up with the AGP. How do you see the rise of the BJP in Assam given your conviction that the State's future depends on regional parties?

The BJP could secure more seats only because of help from the regional parties. It is true that in the Lok Sabha polls the BJP benefited more from the alliance than the AGP. However, we have a strong conviction that only regionalism can ensure prosperity for Assam.

In the event of your party falling short of a majority, is the AGP open to a post-poll understanding with the BJP on government formation?

We are hopeful of securing the magic number on our own. Hence we have not given much thought to a post-poll alliance. We will take a decision on a post-poll alliance if the need arises depending on the poll outcome.

Your party was trying to push through a “grand alliance” of all non-Congress parties. Do you think the Congress will benefit because this never materialised?

We still believe that the grand alliance of all non-Congress parties would have been a better choice as it would have prevented a split of the non-Congress vote. On the floor of the Assembly, we succeeded in exposing rampant corruption, scams, and the misrule and failure of the Congress. Legislators of all the Opposition parties — the AGP, BJP, CPI(M), CPI, and the AIUDF — were united and maintained floor coordination. As a goodwill gesture and to send a message to the four Opposition parties on the need to forge a grand alliance, we decided not to field any candidate in the constituencies represented by their leaders.

The Congress may benefit in some constituencies due to the non-materialisation of the grand alliance.

What will be the top priorities of the AGP if it is given the mandate to rule again?

Our priorities will be to enact a strong legislation to eradicate and prevent corruption; implement the Assam Accord; compile the National Register of Citizens within two years; make sincere efforts to find a permanent solution to the insurgency problem acceptable to all by holding dialogue with all the insurgent outfits; and give employment to one lakh unemployed every year. We will also provide rice at Rs.2 a kilo to every poor family and free healthcare to all students up to the university level.

Shillong Chamber Choir Ready For Personalised Concert in Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 28 : They enthralled US President Barack Obama on his India visit last year, and now the 16-member Shillong Chamber Choir will perform to the audience's taste at a personalised concert here in April.

The Meghalaya-based choir, which won TV talent hunt show 'India's Got Talent 2', will perform April 7 at Mumbai's Shanmukhananda Hall, said a press statement.

This will be the group's maiden concert in Mumbai. It will be promoted by Indigo Live.

The highlight of the concert will be that the audience will get an opportunity to select the songs of their preference, which the choir will perform.

Audience members can nominate their song preference through social media platforms - www.facebook.com/liveindigo and www.twitter.com/liveindigo.

Tickets for the two-hour concert are priced Rs.300-Rs.2,000. These will be available at www.bookmyshow.com and at Rhythm House and Cafe Coffee Day outlets at Shivaji Park, Sion and Matunga from April 1.

UK Puts Aircraft Carrier For Sale On 'Military eBay'

The Royal Navy's former flagship HMS Ark Royal has been put up for sale on the Ministry of Defence's auction website.

HMS Ark Royal

Just two weeks after the aircraft carrier was decommissioned at its home port of Portsmouth Naval Base, Hampshire, the Ark Royal has been advertised on the edisposals.com website.

The sale follows that of its sister ship HMS Invincible, which was towed away last week to a scrapyard in Turkey after being sold on the same internet site.

Although the Ark Royal could also be sold for its scrap metal, other proposals for it include a commercial heliport in London as well as a base for special forces to provide security at next year's Olympic Games.

And a move could be made to turn it into a nightclub and school in China.

Bidders have until 10am on June 13 to put their tenders forward for the ship. No minimum price is given.

The website edisposals.com is run by the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) arm of the MoD which has a budget of £14 billion to equip the UK's armed forces.

Also on sale on the site are three Type-42 destroyers HMS Exeter, HMS Southampton and HMS Nottingham.