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Volume 08 | Issue 31 May 29 - Jun 04 , 2021 Price : 10

Railways On Defensive Over COVID Police Cracks Whip On Thriving Drug Will GDD Come Out Of Inertia Under Protocol Compliance Racket In Guwahati Ashok Singhal?

INSIDE PG 04 PG 05 PG 07 Cryptocurrency COVID Patients Exploring A Struggle To Claim New Frontier In Investment For Health Insurance Future-Savvy Cash In Demand, Clarity In Abeyance PG No Nibir Deka Youngsters - 02 @nibirdeka midst the rising second wave of coronavirus in , Guwahati hospitals have recently avoided cashless options toA pay for health insurance for COVID-positive patients. Hospital authorities have encouraged cash as a means of compensation or advised to opt for medical insurance leading to utter dismay. Guwahati residents have voiced their concerns regarding this alarming practice. On the condition of anonymity, a resident asserted, “The Assam government must regulate the private hospitals. In my personal experience in Guwahati, I found regular curfews in Guwahati. The very few who have availed that big hospitals are not giving Upon enquiring about the mode of of the cashless facilities have cashless Medi-claim (health payment for any treatment at the alleged that the claims form needs insurance) and charging Rs 20,000 hospital, the hospital management to be submitted in a proper way to 25,000 for an oxygen bed.” communicated that the cashless to avail of the cashless modes The Humble Currently, in Assam, there facility of payments is not of payment. They also alleged are two major ways to claim available and they are accepting mismanagement in the hospitals health insurance in the face of a only cash or reimbursement. of Guwahati where patients and medical emergency, the first and This has caused widespread their families have to wait for most convenient one is cashless, concern among the patients and hours and at times the whole day and the second, reimbursement. their families who have paid on the day of their discharge. Under a cashless Medi-claim, extra to avail the cashless option A few of the hospitals that Egg medical bills are directly taken from their respective insurance are accepting cashless modes of care of by the insurance company, companies. payment have claimed that the provided the total bill amount The issue is not limited to resentment among the hospital payable is under an assured limit Guwahati or Assam as the matter fraternity stems from the abject Becomes and the hospital belongs to a has been widely prevalent delay in settlements. “A lot of network. Hospitals usually have a across the country. G Plus spoke the settlements are delayed and Third Party Administrator (TPA) to a senior Health Insurance complicated when one has been Costly Fare: who manages the settlement, professional from Delhi who admitted with COVID-19. This is including all details of financial stated that the hospitals are bound one of the reasons for which the compensation. Reimbursement is to provide the services if they hospitals have refused to accept when one initially pays the entire have claimed to offer the services the insurance,” said an official of Blame It All bill by cash and then visits the of a particular health insurance the hospital. insurance office to get the money company. “Even in other cities, The present government of back. the same issues are happening. Assam has not intervened in the G Plus got in touch with a To be honest, apart from the matter so far. A senior health On Parking reputed hospital in the city that technicalities, it is on part of few of official, on the condition of has specifically admitted COVID-19 the hospitals to utilize the health anonymity, has informed G Plus patients in the current scenario, emergency as the patients will that the issue is between the Full Story on PG No. 03 amidst an increasing number of pay whatever cash they have with respective insurance companies restrictions on movement and them,” added the professional. and the hospital. 2 Lead Story | May 29 - JUN 04 , 2021 Cryptocurrency: The New Investment Destination For Youngsters In Assam cryptocurrency is not just limited Nibir Deka to currency or monetary exchange @nibirdeka but acts like a commodity as evident from the tokens. ryptocurrency markets across the Cryptocurrency and world experienced a Assam doomsday-like event on May 19, 2021. The major In recent times, especially post Ccurrencies tumbled rapidly, 4G availability, the advent of wiping off as much as $1 trillion digital media and the internet has from their valuations, which had significantly increased in the state. hit a record high of more than $2 Many youngsters, influenced by trillion in recent times. Bitcoin the advent of digital media and was the worst affected, having tools, have now opted to invest in fallen to 37,635.89/coin with a 32 one of the most popular virtual percent dip in its value over the instruments - cryptocurrency. last week. Dogecoin registered The ramifications of the slump a fall of almost 20 percent over detected on May 19 were felt the last 24 hours, and even the across the world. Young people fundamentally strong Ethereum across the state from Sivasagar, was down around 21 percent, Guwahati, and even Kamrup trading at $2,700. (Rural) were concerned about The currencies made slight their investments. The incidents recoveries but fell again the are remarkably indicative of how next week on May 26, as Iran cryptos have made their way into put a blanket ban on mining the state. cryptocurrency. This global event “I lost 60% of my investment Wild Fluctuations In Crypto-Markets Have Not Yet Hampered The Feeding Frenzy | Internet Photo has been trending on social media and have investments in Bitcoin, internationally. The occurrence Ethereum, Ether Classic, for fraud. However, in March 2020, months earlier. As a result, the involved with Harvard University had ramifications even in Assam. Dogecoin,” said Manob Jyoti the Supreme Court struck down price of bitcoin dropped by around in the United States of America The steep fall in cryptocurrency Sarmah, a resident of Mirza. The the ban as unconstitutional. 15 percent again. (USA) who raised the issue of markets worldwide has not majority of crypto investors that Currently, there is no regulatory Pronab Sen argues in favor of market manipulators. left Assam untouched as many G Plus attempted to speak to board in the cryptocurrency space the enforceability of money. He As for the youths of Assam, he first-time investors in the state had suffered losses. A Sivasagar in . This could lead to a lot of says, “The fiat currency is backed prescribed them “to be careful of experienced the volatility of the resident had claimed that his vulnerabilities and as such even by the power of the state and is their investments and to sell as financial markets, across the portfolio got reduced from Rs crypto-currency insiders have a legal tender. One can’t refuse it soon as the prices recover a bit and world, in a large-scale manner. 65,000 to Rs 41,000 within hours. called for regulation. But, they under the negotiable instrument then stay out. This is a game that Ankit Dutta, a civil service Despite the difficult tides, all want the crypto-currency to be act but crypto doesn’t enjoy such the majority of people will lose out aspirant, has been investing of them had a commonality in considered as a commodity rather powers,” added Sen. on.” in cryptocurrencies in small their attitude. “Yes, the market is than a currency and as a result, do Additionally, fiat money is a Meanwhile, Aishwary amounts. He said, “I was a bit volatile but I will hold on for the not want an RBI-like structure to government-issued currency that Gupta, who is involved in a anxious when the slump started long haul,” asserted Manob Jyoti monitor the currency. is not backed by a commodity such blockchain startup has called but I kept my calm as I was in for Sarmah. The risks involved as gold. Fiat money gives central for more education in the field of the long haul.” A general shift in banks greater control over the cryptocurrencies. “We have to What are these coins and Without a regulator, the economy because they can control understand the game is long term investing risk of loss increases further how much money is printed. Most and accordingly one has to invest. what is crypto-currency? whenever the demand-supply modern paper currencies, such as People can even prepare their The sample of people G Plus equilibrium breaks, this was one the U.S. dollar, are fiat currencies. long-term goals such as retirement Cryptocurrencies can act like interviewed were predominantly of the main reasons for the recent funds with cryptocurrency,” real money but they also take a first-time investors in their financial crisis. Numerous senior Reject or education: The Gupta told G Plus. digital monetary form and are families in Assam. This greatly economists of the country are two schools of thought? Thus, the current status of not managed or governed by any indicates the shift in the pattern extremely alarmed as a result of crypto in India needs to be central authority. A true product of of investment crypto-currency this. While a few investors sold addressed beyond the binary of the digital age, cryptocurrencies that has been created in the G Plus spoke to Pronab Sen, their cryptocurrencies, others banning or absolute regulation. operate without the involvement state. Most of the parents of former Chief Statistician of India, are looking for long-term As the value of Fiat currency has of banks, governments, or any these youngsters have opted for who explained the vulnerability investment opportunities. They reduced due to more mining of middlemen. However, in most conventional instruments such of cryptocurrency “The simple are the ones who retained their notes, especially after the onset cases, you will need to use a digital as Fixed Deposit (FD), Public answer to vulnerable is the cryptocurrency stock as well of COVID-19, crypto investors currency exchange to buy and sell Provident Fund (PPF), or a Life cryptos are not backed by law and while a common element in all are of the view that investing in your digital assets. Insurance Corporation (LIC). On since the value is not monitored, of their demeanors seemed like commodities will be taken up by As of April 2021, there are the contrary, the youngsters have there is a huge chance of value uncertainty. In a state like Assam, the people. In that, cryptocurrency over 10,000 different types of also claimed to be influenced change. At the moment, only the where the Non-Performing Asset will add to the portfolio along with cryptocurrency. by memes and Twitter while crypto exchanges are there and (NPAs) from a personal loan under Mutual Funds, Stocks, and FD. The different types of crypto investing in cryptocurrency. The they are only like stockbrokers.” micro-finance institutions are Assam cannot afford to miss generally fall into one of two relative example is Dogecoin, Earlier, Elon Musk, business already increasing, a crypto crash such economic changes in the categories: which was popularised mainly magnate, engineer, and might further add to the financial global scenario as the state was ›› Coins, which can include through Reddit and other social philanthropist, tweeted that Tesla blues. A non-performing asset already late to adopt the benefits Bitcoin and Altcoins (non- media platforms. (his company) would no longer be in simpler terms is a bank loan of post-1990s liberalization of Bitcoin cryptocurrencies) In April 2018, the Reserve Bank accepting Bitcoin as payment due that is subject to late repayment the economy. The state now finds of India (RBI) banned banks and to environmental concerns about or is unlikely to be repaid by the itself on the cusp of such exposure ›› Tokens other regulated entities from its heavy energy use, a complete borrower in full. but without proper financial supporting crypto transactions reversal of its acceptance of the G Plus spoke to Vivek Wadhwa, literacy, it invites the risk of Contrary to popular notions, after digital currencies were used marquee cryptocurrency just two an American entrepreneur potential losses. | May 29 - JUN 04, 2021 In The News 3 Sonowal’s Rocky Road To Delhi

G Plus News the present chief minister Sarma. @guwahatiplus The next option is to find a place in the Union cabinet, for that Sonowal has to get elected he 18-day old Bharatiya in any of the two houses of (BJP) led Parliament. A Rajya Sabha seat government in Assam is lying vacant after Biswajit headed by Chief Minister Daimary had resigned to contest Dr. Himanta Biswa the Assembly elections. The BJP TSarma is balancing a precarious sources said Sonowal would be political scale when it comes to asked to fill in the seat. the position of previous Chief Sonowal started his political Minister Sarbanada Sonowal in career in the All Assam Students’ the current government. Union (AASU) and served as The free flow of praise its president from 1992-1999. for previous chief minister Later, he joined the Asom Gana starting Parishad (AGP) and was elected from the chief minister to his to the Assam Assembly from junior most in the government Moran in 2001. In 2004, he was signifies the fact that Sonowal elected to the from is still the Achilles heel for the Dibrugarh. In 2011, he defected present government and is to the BJP, and in 2014, he was rooted in the political logjam elected to the Lok Sabha for the which BJP faces in Assam. This second time. will continue till the party finds Later, he served as the Union a suitable spot to rehabilitate Sports and Youth Resources Sonowal respectfully. Minister before becoming the The Former CM Is Precariously Poised Between State And Centre | G Plus Photo Sources in the BJP said that chief minister of Assam. But, Sonowal is currently weighing for Mr. Sonowal, getting back to to Jaitley and that helped wings. Yadav, Meenakshi Lekhi, and two options. The first one is to Delhi is easier said than done. him in securing a plum berth Among the names mentioned Guntupalli Venkata Lakshmi get back to Delhi with a plush During 2014 when BJP stormed in the Modi cabinet with an are former Congress leader (G.V.L.) Narasimha Rao. cabinet ministry position or back to power, late independent charge. The Modi , former How Sonowal who lost the take over the reins of the party was calling the shots on behalf government has on its agenda Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal, race to the chief minister, pushes in Assam. But, the party high of Prime Minister the reshuffle of council ministers former Bihar Deputy CM his case, this time around, that command is not too keen to when it came to allocating key by July before it sets its eye Sushil Modi, and Odisha MP too when the government and adjust him in the organization portfolios in the cabinet. for 2024 elections. Many senior . Experienced especially Mr. Modi is facing flak set up in Assam due to the In Delhi circles, it was well leaders and crossovers from BJP hands tipped to make it to for its handling of coronavirus power tussle between him and known that Sonowal was close other parties are waiting in the the Government are Bhupender pandemic remains to be seen. Egg Prices Skyrocket In Guwahati Markets Protein Fix Becomes A Costly Affair

demand has been corroborated by the Nibir Deka Assam Chamber of Commerce. “Overall @nibirdeka there is an imbalance in the supply- demand equation in the market. The natural flow of goods has been hampered,” he rates of eggs have shot up added a member of the Assam Chamber of in Guwahati amid COVID-19 Commerce. restrictions. It is being sold at Rs 16 Meanwhile, the wholesalers of eggs in for a pair, up from the earlier price Guwahati have attributed the price rise of Rs 12, while a plate of eggs is now to another factor. They have claimed Tselling for as high as Rs 220 in some areas that the input cost for eggs has increased of the city. with factors such as higher parking The price hike rates for egg-laden trucks in comes at a time Khanapara. when residents “We have of Guwahati been asked to have opted park supply for eggs for vehicles the protein in a requirements designated amid concerns of space in COVID-19. Khanapara. On Thursday, May 27, However, the rate of Food & Civil Supplies and parking in that zone has Consumer Affairs Minister of increased considerably in recent Assam Ranjeet Dass had claimed times which has added to the cost,” a that the increase in rate has been due wholesaler informed. Parking fees, earlier to the lack of supply from other states. He at Rs 1400 per truck, is row fluctuating as indicated that the demand for eggs has high as Rs 4000 to Rs 5000. risen leading to an increase in prices. His The humble egg is fast becoming costly comments have received flak on social fare for residents of Guwahati, already media by a section of people. struggling under suring prices of other The lack of supply and the increase of essentials. G Plus. 4 Concern | May 29 - JUN 04 , 2021 Railways On Defensive Over COVID Protocol Compliance Labour Practices At Loading Yards Raise Chamber of Commerce Angst

to 5 AM to stop the spread Nibir Deka of COVID-19, the workers of @nibirdeka the NFR are working round the clock to load and unload he Northeast Frontier goods at the Railway yards Railway (NFR) and the even though normal working Kamrup Chamber of hours for the same are only Commerce (KCC) have between 6 AM to 10 PM. indulged in a spat over The chamber pointed out Tdiscrepancies linked to loading that all goods sheds under and unloading of goods and the Railways lack basic violations of the COVID-19 infrastructure facilities protocols. Amid the KCC’s claims including drinking water for of labourers working round the labourers, staff, and truck clock without protection gears drivers, sanitation facility against the virus, The NFR has in most of the platforms issued a clarification. of the goods train, labour NFR has stated that despite room and staff room for the challenges, the Railways across clients, medical dispensary the country including the or ambulance, properly NFR are working to maintain constructed platform for high momentum of goods goods trains in most of the transportation to keep the stations, covered sheds for supply chain of essential loading/unloading, labour and important commodities quarters, adequate lighting moving. This is done so that and security, and proper there is no shortage of essential internal roads for the commodities as scarcity of movement of goods vehicles. goods always results in As G Plus highlighted the A Railway Goods Loading Yard | EPS the price rise of concerns raised by KCC, the commodities Public Relation Officer (PRO) stated that in most of the cases, resulting in a rise in the price of causing losses of NF Railway the railway is only charging commodities. to the common Nripen demurrage charges. people. Demurrage is a charge levied The Railways has Railways have by the shipping line to the The Railways claims it justified that round the claimed that this Bhattacharyya importer in cases where they has also helped informed have not taken delivery of the is treading a fine line clock working has been in boosting the this full container and moved it out between enforcing introduced in goods local economy reporter of the port or terminal area for COVID protocols, and and resulted that the unpacking within the allowed sheds where adequate in almost stopping free days. ensuring the supply facilities are available doubling the of the Jain added that the official of essential goods for the same and it employment work by concerned is misleading the does not suffer generation labourers public and is not aware of the has the following of labourers would create ground reality. “Majority of engaged in a crisis-like goods which arrive for public advantages: loading or situation. use are essential commodities, ›› It ensures the availability unloading “If we stop the traders of which are badly of essential and other works this, the entire affected and they are unable to and is misleading. No COVID-19 commodities thereby at those distribution chain work at night hours. Yet, the rules are being maintained at avoiding scarcity. locations. will be stopped. demurrage charges are being the railway sidings. The Railway As This can’t happen as paid by businessmen.” does not show pain if labourers ›› It results in reduction of per data we are already faced The KCC has challenged the and staff members are getting detention time thereby shared with the COVID-19 NFR authorities for an open affected by coronavirus,” he increasing mobility of with G Plus, pandemic,” said debate about the situation. further stated. wagons. As a result, wagon round-the- Bhattacharyya “We question them to clarify Meanwhile, the railway availability improves adding that social to the public by providing and authorities, taking stock of clock working and more goods can be has resulted into distancing and mask publishing data honestly - at the matter, termed the KCC’s the unloading distribution have Azara station, how many rakes claims as misleading. In a carried to places where it of 2082 rakes in been done to ensure have been cleared at the odd statement shared with G Plus, is urgently required. NFR’s jurisdiction proper COVID-19 hours in the last two months and the railway authorities stated, ›› It helps to generate from April 1 to May protocols at the Raiway how much demurrage has been “The information regarding the 24, 2021 which is Stations. collected from the traders?” introduction of round the clock additional income for 63% higher than the The NFR’s expressed Mahavir Jain. working by NFR stating that it is labours involved in corresponding figures response was “Our request to the Railway harming the interest of people loading / unloading of last year when the further countered authority is to not mislead the and allegations made therein of goods when other labourers were not by the President of people of Assam in the pandemic are baseless and far from facts.” avenues of income are working round-the- Kamrup Chamber situation of COVID 19. Railway Transportation of goods limited during the partial clock. of Commerce (KCC), PRO must know that every day is an essential service and lockdown. Earlier, the KCC Mahavir Jain who around 100 people have died accordingly, Assam Government had disputed the informed G Plus that due to Coronavirus in Kamrup has kept it outside the purview ›› Round-the-clock working claims made by there is no loading- (M). PRO is also misleading of “restriction of movement” is helpful for following the NFR saying that unloading happening that labourers maintain social in their COVID-related SOPs. COVID-19 protocols with even though the in odd hours in distance and that masks, Restriction in the movement of staggering of labours in Assam government has imposed this COVID-19 sanitizers, etc are provided to essential and other goods may a curfew in the city from 12 noon situation. The KCC them at the station. It is not true lead to hoarding of these items shifts. | May 29 - JUN 04, 2021 In The News 5 Police Crack Whip On Thriving Drug Rackets In Guwahati

an increasing number of junkies G Plus News from affluent families taking @guwahatiplus the plunge into the world of drugs. “There is an increase in the uwahati, May 28: demand of drugs like heroin and Cracking the whip on brown sugar in Guwahati and drug mafia in the state, there are many pockets where the Assam government the peddlers sell drugs to the has given all-out orders addicts,” said a police official Gto the police to put an end who did not wish to be named. to the menace in the state as “The addicts are mostly from Guwahati is fast turning into well-to-do families but the consuming city from transit parents avoid disclosing this to point of narcotic substances. the police,” he said. Close on the heels of taking The officer said that 1 mg of the reins of power in Dispur, heroin costs around Rs 500 and Chief Minister Himanta one kilo of heroin in Guwahati Biswa Sarma has specifically is as high as Rs 4 lakhs. He instructed top police officials to explained that these illicit items put a brake on the thriving drug are also in demand at parties in business in the capital town the city. of Guwahati and other areas, The increasing demand which has taken into its vicious is evident from the number grip a large number of youths. of peddlers arrested from In one of his tweet on 25th different parts of the city in the Police Make A Flurry Of Arrests In The Last Few Days | G Plus Photo May, the chief minister said, recent past. “Assam police intensifies As soon as the new would do anything to get drugs the drug parcel without even Guwahati are gradually getting its action against narcotics,” government took charge in and they would be also used to knowing that they are carrying addicted to drugs and students adding that 22 cases were Dispur, all the pockets of drug smuggle drugs in the city.” drugs.” between class 7 to class 10 are registered and 42 persons were dealing in Guwahati are under A city police officer said, It is very easy for drug very vulnerable to drug abuse. arrested till 25th May. strict surveillance. Some of the “The slum children are even smugglers to operate if children Now the police officials are And the actions are visible pockets are Ulubari, Chattribari, used as drug carriers as they are used for drug delivery, even keeping a vigil in slum on the ground. In last seven Fatasil Ambari, Bhhotnath, require money and for Rs 50 another police source said. areas and schools to detect the days, number of seizures Saukuchi, Hidayatpur, to Rs 100 they agree to deliver Many school children in menace. has been made by the Assam Jyotikuchi, Six Mile, and many police of drugs like morphine, more. brown sugar, heroin, cocaine, Similarly, other districts synthetic drugs like ecstacy, of Assam are also keeping all methamphetamine, spasmo drug activities under police proxyvon (SP) and yaba. surveillance. According to the The Assam police Director police, heroin in its injectible General of Police (DGP) Bhaskar form (called No 4) is mostly Jyoti Mahanta talking to G Plus imported from Myanmar said, “Assam police has been through and . trying to eradicate activities Brown sugar which is a such as drug trafficking for a residual item in the production long time. It has been intensified of smack is a relatively new further as the new Assam chief entrant in Guwahati and minister Dr. Himanta Biswa produced at selected pockets in Sarma has asked us to give a few north Indian states. utmost priority to the issue. However, sources claimed We are yet to catch the bigger the possibility of consignments cartels.” now arriving from Myanmar as Assam police have been on well. the job to nab the drug mafia but NCB source said, they have always failed as only “Consignments these days petty peddlers are arrested but come from Myanmar through the cartels remained unknown. Manipur, , and then A source in the narcotics Guwahati.” control bureau (NCB) talking to As Guwahati is considered G Plus said, “The drug scenario as a transit point for drug in Guwahati is deteriorating smuggling, as soon as the new and the demand for drugs government took charge special is increasing among the city teams have been designated in youths.” railway stations and airports for The source revealed that nabbing drug smugglers. according to the recent seizure The drug smugglers and trends it is found that demand peddlers are targeting small for drugs like morphine, children of Guwahati so that J a n s y o g N . 2 9 0 / 1 brown sugar, heroin, cocaine, they enter the world of drugs synthetic drugs like ecstacy, and the business keeps growing. methamphetamine, spasmo A source in Narcotics Control proxyvon (SP) and yaba (a Bureau (NCB) said, “The designed drug made by mixing drug peddlers and smugglers methane phetamine and are trying to lure the small caffeine) has increased. children especially studying The demand for heroin has between classes 7 to 10. Once soared in Guwhati steadily with the students are addicted they 6 Business | May 29 - JUN 04 , 2021 Govt Eyes Land Availability For Large-Scale Industries In State

production activities of the G Plus News state, Mr Patowary said, @guwahatiplus ‘Industry sector contributes 39% to the state GDP. In the current COVID situation, it should be uwahati, May 28: To the collective responsibility of fast track the land all the GMs that industries and acquisition for setting tea gardens function smoothly up of the big industries, with strict compliance to Assam government is COVID-19 SOP guidelines.’ Glooking at the districts with In view of the oxygen the maximum land availability. requirement in the state, the To attain its goal, Commerce Minister directed the GMs to and Industries Minister provide full support to the Chandramohan Patowary oxygen production units and instructed the general facilitate smooth movement managers of the district of raw materials to the industries and commerce pharmaceutical plants in their center (DIC) to coordinate with respective districts. the Deputy Commissioners for Patowary further instructed land allotment of additional the GMs to visit the industries, Industrial Estates in each tea factories and address any district. issues and emphasized that no For instance, it has been industry should shut down due highlighted that Dhemaji to the COVID pandemic and no has the highest potential for industry should lay off any of industrial development with its employees. improved connectivity through He also mentioned that the the Bogibeel Bridge and so Ministry of Food Processing A Big Boost To The State’s Industrial Standing Seems Likely In The Offing | Internet Photo GM in Dhemaji was asked Industries has set a target for arranging a land bank for of 13,000 Mini Food Parks in establishment of a 1,000 bighas Assam and asked the GMs called upon the GMs to announced the introduction local sellers, MSMEs and Industrial Estate in the district. to identify suitable land so bring the weavers, artisans of the Assamese language on artisans. With the addition of In an industrial review that the units in the informal and craftsmen into the its platform. The addition of Assamese, the Flipkart app is meeting Mr Patowary reviewed sector may avail the benefits. e-commerce platform and Assamese will simplify the now available in nine Indian the status of industrial activities In view of the MoU of allow them national market e-commerce journey of millions languages (Hindi, Tamil, in the districts of Assam. the Industry Department access. of customers from the region Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Discussing the present with Flipkart, the Minister Meanwhile, Flipkart has and create opportunities for Bengali, Gujarati and Odia). Bullish Himanta Makes Biggest Ever Investment In State’s Oil Sector to OIL India and the remaining G Plus News amount will be paid by the @guwahatiplus end of September this year. The Assam government has raised its stake in NRL to uwahati, May 27: 26% from the initial level of Chief Minister 12.35%. “Govt of Assam today said that he is bullish raised its stake in NRL to on the development of 18.59%; another 7.41% shall be Gthe Assam as his government acquired in near future. Total today formalised the biggest investment of Rs 2,187 cr will investment of Rs 2,167 crore be the highest ever investment in oil sector in the state ever by Govt of Assam in any PSU,” made by raising the stakes in Mr Sarma said. Numaligarh Refinery Limited- NRL, is the largest among which is one of the offshoot of the four refineries operating historic Assam Accord. in Assam. The refinery was set “I am bullish on the up as per Clause 7 of Assam development of Assam and Accord signed in 1985. oil sector will play dominant The refinery was role in realizing that dream,” commissioned in the year 2000 Mr Sarma after presenting a and it was a subsidiary of cheque of Rs 1000 crore to OIL Bharat Petroleum Corporation India, which picked up stakes Limited (BPCL). in NRL in March on behalf of With disinvestment of the Assam government. BPCL, NRL’s status as a Public Assam Looks To Massively Capitalise On Its Oil Revenues | Internet Photo Of the total Rs 2,167 crore, Sector Enterprise was slated Assam government today paid to be lost. characteristics of the NRL, up the matter with the centre in NRL to 26% from the initial first tranche of Rs 1000 crore To retain the public sector the Assam government took and decided to raise its stake level of 12.35%, Mr Sarma said. | May 29 - JUN 04, 2021 City 7 Will GDD Come Out Of Inertia Under Ashok Singhal?

G Plus News the and it is said @guwahatiplus that he was very close to Late BJP national leader Pramod Mahajan. ill the much Ashok Singhal contested from desired stalled Gauhati West constituency in developmental works BJP’s ticket in 2006 but lost. in Guwahati come out Meanwhile, Ashok Singhal, of its inertia with the after his father expired, changeW of guards of Guwahati entered business and became a Development Department (GDD). successful businessman. Ashok Singhal, the new GDD Singhal took the dealership minister has his task cut out as of Ujala indigo dye for the his predecessor Gauhati (East) northeast and the brand became MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya very popular in the northeast. has underperformed while he He later entered real estate and was holding the portfolio. became a tycoon in Guwahati. A state level executive member As a real estate expert many of the developmental works in (BJP) Rajkumar Tewari talking to Guwahati are carried out by him G Plus said, “I feel Ashok Singhal under the banner of Protech will certainly perform better Group. than Bhattacharya.” BJP in 2011 fielded Manoj Explaining why the member Phukan from Gauhati (West) narrated that Singhal was born and Singhal had to contest and brought up in Guwahati and independently. He lost again and has been involved in the process also had to leave the party. of development of the city for In 2015 through Ram Madhav, many years. Singhal rejoined BJP and in 2016 Singhal’s father Parmanandji contested from Dhekiajuli and The First-Time Minister Has Great Expectations Riding On Him | G Plus Photo Singhal was a businessman in won. In the last five years he has Guwahati and his incense sticks done many developmental works was working on it for years. and threatening officials for not 2018 shop was located in Aditya Press for the people of Dhekiajuli and Meanwhile Siddhartha being sincere, but after his of The councillors are irked Building. has also gained the confidence of Bhattacharya after joining as being the GDD minister, no great and it is the prerogative of the The owners of the building Assam chief minister Himanta GDD chief in 2018, was seen impact was made by him in the GDD minister to conduct such were associated with Rashtriya Biswa Sarma. visiting Guwahati Metropolitan city. elections. Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Sources close to Singhal Development Authority (GMDA) It’s almost going to be three Many projects, especially the BJP. expressed that the new GDD and Guwahati Municipal years and the city wards are Guwahati water supply project, Gradually even Singhal minister had a plan for Corporation (GMC) offices like without any councillors as the have been pending since ages in started getting associated with development of Guwahati and he a Bollywood Nayak, slamming election is pending since July the city. Air Quality Improves Amid Barrage Of Unwanted OTPs COVID-19 Restrictions Have Recipients Concerned

G Plus News City Breathes A Sigh Of Welcome Relief @guwahatiplus

UWAHATI: In a positive development, ew residents of Guwahati Guwahati’s air quality have expressed concerns has considerably over simultaneously improved amidst receiving numerous one- Gthe night curfew and other time password (OTPs) COVID-19 restrictions in Assam. Fmessages from different websites The city recorded an Air Quality without registering on them. Index (AQI) of 38 as of 4 PM of “I received some 30 OTPs subscriber wants to trace where May 27, which is considered as at once, all from different the SMS is coming from but it’s ‘Good’ air quality, according to companies. I have neither visited not possible to figure out why the Central Pollution Control those portals nor registered for an SMS has come,” the official Board (CPCB). the product,” said Yash Jain, a informed. The higher the AQI value, the resident of Guwahati. The telecom official further greater the level of air pollution This has been a recurring said that only a company server and the greater the health occurrence mostly for customers will be able to point out why the concerns related to it. of Vodafone Idea (VI). OTPs have been received by the The change in the air quality The OTPs are usually received users. can be attributed to the reduced due to a transaction or real-time Moreover, a former industry movement of vehicles following protective change. insider has alleged that data the COVID-19 restrictions in the A Clearer Horizon Is Always Uplifting | G Plus Photo G Plus spoke to an official from selling is another factor that is state. VI who stated that the telecom linked to the matter. “Whenever If we compare today’s AQI air quality has improved. another year, in 2019 which company can only track the you go to buy a car, how come you with that of the same day in On May 27, 2020, an AQI was pre- COVID times, on the source of the SMS but cannot get similar messages of car deals previous years, it is evident that of 46 was recovered which is same date (May 27) the AQI in ascertain its purpose. from other shops,” the official Guwahati residents breathe easy considered as good air quality Guwahati was 72, which is much “We can find out if the explained. post-COVID-19 lockdown as the as well. However, if we go back higher than what it is today. 8 In The News | May 29 - JUN 04 , 2021 Assam Govt Cancels Congress MLA Notification Increasing Rupjyoti Kurmi Fired Upon Near Tea Worker Wages Nagaland Border

G Plus News G Plus News @guwahatiplus @guwahatiplus

he Assam Government ssam Congress MLA has cancelled its earlier Rupjyoti Kurmi narrowly notification of an escaped unhurt after he increase in the daily wage was fired upon on the of tea garden workers Assam-Nagaland border Tby Rs 50, which was due to be onA Thursday, May 27. The incident implemented because of a stay occurred when he visited areas order in the Gauhati High Court of Disai Valley Reserve Forest in Ahead of the Assam Assembly Mariani, to address issues of a Elections, in February 2021, the land dispute with people from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- Nagaland. led government decided to hike Before the incident, the MLA the daily wage of tea garden had asked the Mariani Police workers in the state by Rs 50, Station (PS) to offer protection. i.e. a hike from Rs 167 to Rs 217. A High Court Stay Order Is The Reason Behind The Move On the day of the MLA’s visit, The tea garden owners opposed the entourage was fired upon settlement in the Assam side of this decision which was taken The notification regarding the the order (temporary suspension) by unidentified men from the the border,” the official toldG without the consent of the tea hike in daily wage was challenged of the Assam Government of the Nagaland border. “There is a Plus. companies and their owners. in the Gauhati High Court by the daily wage hike of the tea garden continuous dispute going on in Leader of Opposition (LoP) Thereafter, the Labour Welfare members of the tea association labourers, a decision which was the area and I visited to check the Debabrata Saikia has claimed Department cancelled its earlier because of which it was never taken in a hurry ahead of the situation. They fired upon us and government apathy on the matter. notification and formed a implemented. The petitioners Assam Assembly elections. we somehow escaped,” Kurmi told “Till date, the government has not committee under provisions of had contended before the High Meanwhile, a meeting G Plus. taken any action in this regard. So Section 5 (1) (a) of the Minimum Court that no committee or sub- between Chief Minister Dr The issue of encroachment this kind of thing happened today. Wages Act, 1948, with its Assam committee, which is required Himanta Biswa Sarma and the has been acknowledged by a I have urged the Government of amendment vide the Assam Act, under the Minimum Wages Act, tea employers and employee forest official of the Jorhat Forest Assam to take concrete steps in 1964, Section 2 effective from 1948, had been formed before representatives is scheduled Department. “This has been the wake of illegal land grabbing August 11, 1964, for fixing and deciding on increasing the daily later today to discuss the matter ongoing for some time and the incident on the Assam-Naga revisiting minimum wages for wage of the tea workers. of daily wages for the tea garden area is volatile even for officials. border in addition to investigating the tea garden workers. The Gauhati High Court stayed workers. They have installed permanent the incident soon,” added Saikia.

A Carpet Of Blushing Red Under Summer Delights | May 29 - JUN 04, 2021 In The News 9 Record Scorcher

uwahati on May 24 recorded a maximum of 37.9 degrees celsius which is almost 6 ‘India’s Death Rate A Lie’ G degrees above the normal temperature and the highest in the Rahul Blames Second COVID Wave On PM’s ‘nautanki’ month of May in the last 10 years. “Guwahati recorded 37.9 degrees on Monday and the G Plus News addressing a virtual press @guwahatiplus conference. historical record is 40.3 degrees Gandhi touched base with on May 1, 1960,” Sanjay O’Neill many sensitive topics like Shaw, Deputy Director-General ongress leader Rahul vaccination, and mutation of of Meteorology told G Plus. Gandhi on Friday, May the virus, among others. He Guwahati recorded 38.2 28, took a dig at Prime said, “The problem is that there degrees on May 15, 2014, Minister Narendra Modi is no vaccination strategy. The which currently remains the and the Centre over the Prime Minister doesn’t think highest in the last 10 years. Cprevailing second wave of the strategically. He is an event Alongside Guwahati, neighboring COVID-19 pandemic in India by manager, he thinks one event at areas in the northeast region saying that India’s death rate is a time. Understand the dangers have seen a significant increase a lie. of mutation of this virus. You’re in daily temperatures. Silchar “The Prime Minister’s creating a liability for the whole recorded 39.4 degrees, Lengpui ‘nautanki’ is the reason behind planet. Why? Because you are with 38.2 degrees, Itanagar with the second wave of COVID-19 allowing 97% of the population 38.1, and Agartala with 38.7 in India. He did not understand to be attacked by the virus as degrees had the highest recorded COVID-19. The problem here is only 3% are vaccinated.” The Gandhi Scion Launches A Blistering Broadside temperatures on Monday. neither the Prime Minister has Gandhi also pointed out that “Silchar recorded the maximum understood the viral disease till COVID-19 is not just a disease Government of India about Lockdowns & wearing of masks temperature on Monday at 39.4 now nor the Centre. India’s death but is an evolving disease that COVID-19 repeatedly. Later, is a temporary solution but degrees which is record-breaking, rate is a lie. The government will become fatal if more time PM Modi had expressed India’s vaccine is a permanent solution the previous record for the month should tell the truth,” the and space is given to it. victory against the virus. to COVID,” Rahul Gandhi of May was 39.1 degrees on May 25, Congress leader added while “We had warned the This is an evolving disease. emphasised. 2006,” the director added. Oral Health: Lessons From The Pandemic t is said “We are what we which are best known to dental eat ‘’ and what we eat goes surgeons, and can be properly through our mouth. So, it’s detected by them only. A person very important to maintain infected with coronavirus tends oral hygiene. As oral and to have viral load in their saliva Dr. Gitartha Talukdar Idental health is a key indicator and saliva play a very important of overall health, well being and role in transmission of the quality of life. It encompasses a coronavirus as we all know it Another important advice is broad spectrum of disease from spreads highly through droplets. to change the toothbrush and caries to carcinoma (cancer) and It would be very effective if we tongue cleaner after a person oral manifestations of various can reduce the the colonization has recovered from covid. As infections in our body. But of the virus in mouth which will that toothbrushes and tongue the discussion here is about reduce the transmission of the cleaners can carry the virus relation of oral health with the infection to a large extent. To do consequently re-infecting the unprecedented pandemic that so, oral rinse with mouthwash person or others in the house has shattered the world i.e. four to five times daily for one using a common washroom. Covid-19. minute [ for 30 seconds in the These were a few pieces of Various studies have suggested Representative Image oral cavity and 30 seconds in the advice following which we various oral manifestations, back of the throat ] is essential [ can contribute individually in but few are found to be more although there is no any clinical the fight against this invisible common. One of the earliest sign evidence ]. Any mouthwash enemy. that was detected in relation Anosmia ( loss of smell ). Other dry mouth ). These oral would fulfill the purpose but (The author is a dental surgeon to covid infection is Ageusia ( oral manifestations of Covid-19 manifestations can be detected mouthwashes containing practicing in Guwahati. All views loss of taste ) or Dysgeusia ( include Gingival inflammation, by people themselves. There are povidone iodine [ PvP-I ] is expressed in this article are his distortion of taste ) along with Oral ulcer, Xerostomia ( other oral manifestations too, found to be most effective. own.) Weather report for the week

Guwahati SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI

SATURDAY

T-Storms T-Storms T-Storms T-Storms T-Storms T-Storms T-Storms

31°-24° C 31°24° C 28°23° C 27°23° C 29°23° C 29°23° C 29°23° C 10 G Talk | May 29 - JUN 04 , 2021

EDITORIAL Opinion Beyond Chanakya The Alien Within Prakreetish Sarma new government in a state militants and apparently holed up is always cause for some off-country. What wrangling went Who Is Our Countryman, Pray, optimism. In the case of on behind the scenes of that ordeal And Who Is Not? Assam though, optimism and its eventual resolution remain and expectations are unknown for now. n unfortunate incident One of the striking features of the incrediblyA high this time. But the proverbial lotus that took place recently that committee is that it considered The prospect of a single party in has blossomed from this muck of took the internet by the various suggestions made power at both Centre and State is separatist strife is the tantalising storm; when a Punjab- to it while drafting and also a cherished alignment – almost of prospect of lasting peace. based YouTuber who took into consideration reports, astrological proportions. Whether Peace! That rare flower that wasA unhappy over MLA Ninong articles, and samples by various that translates to tangible, positive grows unseen in distant hillsides, Ering’s request sent to Prime organizations such as Naga differences in the lives of citizens hidden from the view of desperate Minister Narendra Modi, to not Hoho, North East Student is a different matter altogether. hordes who clamour for a glimpse launch the PUBG mobile game Organization. The stakeholders Ease of doing politics is one thing; of it. Peace with a militant outfit again(which was banned last year of the committee interacted with competence in effecting changes that has in its charter the stated in the wake of Indo-China war). more than 800 different student on the ground quite another. objective of carving out an Nino Ering was concerned organizations, professionals Governments come and go, but independent state separate from regarding a lot of issues attached of various backgrounds such the unwillingness to learn; has harsh realities of life often remain the Union, not so much as an act to the said game such as privacy as lawyers, doctors, etc. The fuelled the issue of various unchanged for the vast majority. of secessionist dissent, but rather, breach issues which would pose committee found out that people stereotypes; there are a lot of This glorious state of ours had it claims, in the spirit of correcting a potential threat to the safety from the northeastern part of stigmas attached with people has its fair share of historical, the historical injustice of being co- of the country per se. However, India often migrated to places of , and the geographical and economic opted by force. YouTuber Paras alias Bunty, as such as Delhi, Tamil Nadu, etc. to sad reality is that people from inequities in the past. Hopefully, Up until now, the Union’s it appears had certain issues look for opportunities in terms of other parts of India mostly have the operative part of that reality is response to this claim has been with the representation of MLA education and jobs. those stigmas attached. One ‘past’. Can the new government, led brutally simple: deploy military Ninong Ering and took to Youtube When the coronavirus such inference can be traced by a charismatic and very capable forces - tasked solely with to air his opinion. He not only had entered India in 2020, an from an incident that occurred Chief Minister, make a dent in protecting the nation from foreign attacked Ninong Ering by passing atmosphere of animosity was last year; Kaku Fancy Dress, a unassailable problems like floods invaders - to quell an internal racist slurs by labeling him as created towards the people from Delhi-based store had put up an and erosion? Pragmatists wouldn’t rebellion. In enlisting the might someone “who is not even an northeast India and reports animal(leopard) print attire as bet on it. Can it make noticeable of an outward-facing force, the Indian” but went ahead and said of “betel nut” spitting, abuse traditional Naga attire and had progress in the economic outlook Union ended up proving the that he couldn’t trace Arunachal both physical and verbal as the put it up on reputed e-commerce of the lowest strata of society? militant’s very point – that the Pradesh in the map of the Union perpetrators had labeled them as websites such as Flipkart, Cynics would say never. Can it latter represent, and constitute, a of India. He also said that as it Chinese owing to their mongoloid Snapdeal, etc. Later with propel the state in the span of foreign nation. was located in closer proximity features. And a lot of highlanders concentrated efforts, the actual five short years to the top five, in It is the lasting hope of some to China; so it belonged to China. had to leave for their native places dress of the ‘Chakhesang’ Naga terms of developmental indices? that the current dispensation is among in a short time out of lurking fear community was put up to point We simply do not know. Optimism in Dispur will not go down such those territories of the Indian of further victimization. These out the stark misrepresentation. has its limits, and realism, its philosophically suicidal roads Union over which China has very incidents fuel the feelings of If we go back in history; deep- inescapable gravity. again. Chanakya’s stratagems always made its claim and in fact, alienation as seen in YouTuber’s rooted biases can be observed Still, let’s put realism and have proved woefully inadequate the 1962 war stands as a testimony case as well labeling Arunachal back home as well. One would gravity aside, if only for a while. in solving the ULFA ‘problem’. to the vitality of the region for Pradesh to be a part of China will be taken aback by the regressive Politicians are acutely aware of One hopes the new Chief India. The said YouTuber was do no good. views held by fellow northeastern the power of perception. One of Minister has the wisdom to go immediately booked under It will help the dragon who held similar backward views; as the new CM’s first major - and beyond Chanakya. various penal provisions of the has left no stone unturned in author Paramananda Mazumdar very public - successes has been Indian Penal Code (IPC) and fuelling the feeling of animosity in his work ‘Samaj Sankat securing the release of an oil- Executive Editor: Devajit Sharma has been taken into custody or alienation. The Chinese tend Sanyati’ had opined that leading and-gas engineer abducted by @devajitsharma3 by Punjab Police and as Union to encash upon such kinds of freedom fighters of Assam Minister for Youth Affairs Kiren incidents as they want this feeling such as Kuladhar Chaliha had Rijiju has said that a demand of alienation/other’s to prevail vehemently protested against to hand over the accused to which will further lead to unrest the proposal to grant autonomy Guardian Ministers And Arunachal Pradesh Police under and secessionist demand. A report to the Tribals. He had further the provision of transit remand on migration in the northeast pointed out towards anarchy; Double-Edged Swords for proper investigation has also was prepared by V.V. Giri Labour if tribals would be allowed to been made in the 2020 infamous Institute where they found out run the administration. Even, he Assam government has replicated the Maharashtra model Garga Chatterjee’s case. that northeasterns find it difficult veteran Congressman Rohini of appointing guardian ministers to oversee development These issues of name-calling, to adjust in a new atmosphere Kumar Choudhury who was also works in various districts. passing slanderous comments, such as in an urban setup and a member of the constituent The 13 state cabinet ministers were charged with giving racist slurs are not new and in even if they try to adjust, their assembly had said that if power personalized attention to each district. Every guardian the wake of the 2014 infamous easy-going and friendly outlook was accorded to the tribals they Tminister is expected to review the implementation of various State Nido Tania case, a committee is often misunderstood. This is would secede from India and and Central government projects, and help districts in times of natural was set up by the Ministry one of the primary reasons why would join Tibet or China. calamities, disasters and emergencies. of Home Affairs namely the northeastern people tend to stick (The author is currently This initiative throws up many questions. First, will guardian Bezbaruah Committee, to suggest together in a group(maintain practicing as an Advocate in minister trample upon the rights of local legislators or panchayat guidelines, measures to deal the homogeneity) when they are Gauhati High Court. The views bodies? In fact the very concept challenges the idea of decentralisation with the increased rate of crimes staying outside the northeast. expressed in the article are his of powers and creates an effective political vigilante group. against people of the northeast. The lack of knowledge and own.) Overburdening cabinet ministers will only serve to create another level of `yes-minister’ bureaucrats and legislators This is especially true since guardian ministers are also expected to review quarterly budget implementation and ensure effective implementation of State and Central-sanctioned funds. rA Strange Fate Of Usually, a minister hailing from a particular district is made Letter to the Editor guardian minister of that district. If a district has no representation in Mammoth Proportions the state cabinet, then an outsider is appointed. Also, one minister can serve as guardian minister for more than one district. In Maharashtra, the guardian minister concept has been followed It is heartbreaking news for many of us that as many as 18 elephants died from a lightning strike at a by respective governments since 2004, and it is being used as a political hill in the Kundoli proposed reserve forest of Kathiatol range in Nagaon. It is also a matter of doubt for the tool to expand the base. For instance, between 2004 and 2014, senior citizenry whether the jumbos were actually killed by lightning, or there are other reasons behind this tragic NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who represents the Baramati assembly segment, incident. As we already know from years of sad experience, wild elephants of Assam have been victims of was guardian minister for Pune. This had helped the NCP to expand its poaching, train accidents, poisoning, electrocution et al in recent years, phenomena that are threatening base in the district. The party had also managed to strengthen its hold the very survival of elephants in the State. According to the 2017 census, the elephant population of over the Pune Municipal Corporation and kept the Congress away. Assam is only 5719. The State government must look into the matter seriously and take necessary steps In Assam, it’s too early to predict whether guardian ministers will to secure the futu0re of these graceful mammoths, sustain the beauty and ecological integrity of the achieve desired goals, or simply become another layer in the already places they live in, and develop the setting for a homogenous relationship between man and elephants. congested halls of power. G Plus News Rupak G. Duarah, Rajahnagar, Guwahati-40 @guwahatiplus | May 29 - JUN 04, 2021 Op Ed 11 Cow Protection Bill, A Potent Tool Of Atrocity?

hen on May 22, the as an attack on their mothers by Since 2014-15, data suggest there Governor of Assam, Hindus. has been an exponential growth in Sri Jagdish Mukhi The same topic has been widely national beef exports. Currently, declared in the State discussed in the Constituent India exports around 1,28,400 Assembly that the Assembly during the drafting A plant based diet metric tons of beef, around 11.88% Arijit Ghosh stateW intends to table a bill related the Constitution of India. Many of the world’s total consumption, remains the most to cow protection in the next members of the Constituent 8.64% more than the European sitting of the house, it was no more Assembly, such as Seth Govind sustainable choice Union, making us the fourth that 71% of the vessels contain a surprise act to many. Somewhere Das, Pandit Thakurda, Shibban when it comes to largest beef exporter in the world. lipid concentrations, which proves down the line, people were Lal Saxena, Ram Sahai, and Raghu This says that a large number of that the people of this region expecting this move by the BJP- Vira, advocated and proposed for food consumption people in the country depend on were used to animal protein. This led Government, as it was trying a clause against cow slaughter in and its impact on the this trade for their livelihood, and is an argument for the idea that to implement north-India-centric the draft constitution, as a means environment. Only if policies banning or even curtailing food alone cannot be blamed for ideologies in the state. of safeguarding the economic and it may affect the fundamental impaired heal and fitness. Since the right-wing party agricultural need of society. But the world starts going right to food and livelihood of this Another perspective from took over New Delhi in 2014, the in the end, it was able to hide its vegan or vegetarian will section of society. In a country which this issue is often discussed country has seen an enormous irrationality by protecting the cow it succeed in reducing with more than 300 million is the environmental impact and rise of vigilantes in the name under the Directive Principles, and cows, it could be argued that this consequences on sustainable of cow protection, which has not under Fundamental Rights. greenhouse emissions would be equivalent to economic development goals. Beef is not become a heavily politicised Paralelly, on the 25th of April suicide. Hence, except for a small sustainable at all. As per a study issue in contemporary India. The 1951, the Assam Gazette published percentage of conservative carried out by Oxford University, roots related to cow protection the “Assam Cattle Preservation Hindus, this radical approach beef production carries an can be traced back to the late 19th Act, 1950” which prohibited the would also not be agreeable to enormous environmental century, amidst the rising religious slaughter of bulls, bullocks, cows, most people, mainly because it footprint, contributing to land and sentiments, communalism, and calves, male and female buffaloes, curbing large-scale smuggling would hit the bottomlines of all water degradation, deforestation, economic reasoning, when Arya and buffalo calves without a of cows from Assam, as current businesses related to bovines. acid rain, biodiversity loss, and Samaj sought to mobilize Hindus certificate. Simultaneously, the legislations do not prohibit the Moreover, there have been even coral degradation. around cow protection. As per the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the transportation of cattle outside people advocating for the beef ban Further, the beef industry is ideology of its founder, Swami Prevention of Cruelty to Animals the state. Assam shares 263 km of with arguments from the health responsible for the release of 12 Dayanand Saraswati, “During the Act served as measures against border with Bangladesh, where the perspective. Red and processed times more carbon dioxide and rule of the Aryans, no slaughter cattle slaughter in India. But all demand for beef is high as it is a meats do increase health risk, as uses up to 50 times more land of cows or other service animals these steps were apparently not part of their staple diet. According per experts. High intake of red and compared to other animl farming was allowed, and since the flesh- enough to curb cow slaughter, as to Inspector General of Border processed meats led to a higher practices. eating foreigners started to come envisaged by the saffron party, Security Force, Rajesh Kumar, risk of cardiac arrest, diabetes, A Plant-based diet remains the to India the miseries of the Aryans because no present provision between 2019 and 2020, a total of cancer & premature death. But most sustainable choice when it gradually increased.” mentioned rigorous punishment 24,060 cows were seized from the red meat does not only mean beef comes to food consumption, and By doing this, Saraswati gave or a fine for violations. The Assam-Bangladesh border, which or buff. Meat derived from farm- its impact on the environment. But rise to the emergence of three outcome is that we are now is an alarming number. There reared mammals such as pork and it is just a matter of numbers and themes associated with cows - that witnessing various new legislation are allegations that, since the BJP lamb also falls under this category, only if the world starts going vegan the cow is the symbol of Hinduism, sbeing introduced in almost every came to power in Assam, there raising question about the selective or vegetarian will it meet the goals that it homogenised Hindu society state run by the BJP. has been a hike of over 200 per biases of society. Also, historical of reducing greenhouse emissions. from non-Hindus, and finally the As per Assam Chief Minister cent rise in cow exports from the evidence shows that we have (The author is a lawyer by equating of cows with the female Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state. But since Assam shares state been consuming animals since profession and was previously body, thereby giving it the status of proposed act shall not ban beef boundaries with West Bengal and the very beginning of civilization. associated with NGOs working in mother (Gau Mata). Since then, any consumption or cow slaughter, , it is impossible to get A recent study of the potteries the field of wildlife conservation. All attack on cows has been equated but rather act as a measure of an accurate picture. unearthed from Harappa shows views expressed are his own.) Resplendent Verses From The Soul ften while reviewing attract you to delve into the the mighty Brahmaputra at a poetry book, one book. The book was launched at a Saraighat. The poetry speaks of comes across a torrent unique ambiance – on the banks various social issues, personal of verses that hitw of the mighty Brahmaputra at emotions, and abstract ideas. you instantly – not on the 10th Jeevan Kite Festival The poems close to my heart are Oyour face, but straight at your with the impressive Saraighat ‘The Storm’ which is a reflection heart. This is the sheer power of at a distant horizon. The cover on the present COVID crisis Saikh Md. Sabah Al-Ahmed poetry, as opposed to prose. The of the book was also launched and lockdown times; and ‘One fact of the matter is that poetry at the same event amidst a lively Evening In November’ which must be insulated from prose. audience by the river on a Sunday talks about a winter evening in a book has reached many hands The poetry of young Snehal afternoon of February 7, 2021. small town like Dibrugarh where as well as touched many hearts. Deb hits you straight at your The book attracted quite a crowd I had spent my childhood.” His soulful poetry has enriched heart as it pours out straight at the WissenMonk stall, making His verses are like the rain many souls and received much from his heart. A young civil the event a grand success. pouring down in torrents. In one love and appreciation from his engineer and budding poet Young Snehal Deb was born of his poems titled ‘Sand Clock’, readers. His poetry is perennial from Guwahati, Snehal has and brought up in Dibrugarh the maturity and contrast in his and ever-flowing, and there are published his first poetry and later shifted to Guwahati. feelings are succinctly evident: many more evocative verses collection titled Whispers From He drew inspiration from the ‘Have you seen a sand clock?/ that are on their way to touch Saraighat, which is a beautiful Saraighat and Brahmaputra So simple yet so baffling/ The the hearts and minds of readers garland of 26 poems spread over over the years in the city. He Snehal opens up in a frank tête- mighty Brahmaputra and the from this honest poet at heart. 32 pages that also includes 28 has written countless poems, à-tête: “The book is basically Saraighat inspired him to write (The reviewer is a recipient illustrations/pictures. Published some of which got published a collection of poems which I poetry which got compiled of the Reuel International Prize by WissenMonk, the impressive in The Assam Tribune and had scribbled down at various into this book. Whispers from for Poetry (2019) and a Faculty cover of the Saraighat Bridge other e-magazines. On being moments in life, sometimes Saraighat, the debut book by of English and Social Sciences over the mighty Brahmaputra is asked about his poetry and at an off period in school or Snehal Deb, is making noises all at Don Bosco School, Panbazar, one of the first sights that would the passion to scribble them, while traveling or gazing at around the country. The poetry Guwahati) 12 Lifestyle | May 29 - JUN 04 , 2021 On Vedic Blocks Or Vedhas In Vaastu Hemanta Kumar Sarmah he Vedic Vaastu has entrance doors and windows Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic identified certainof less measure of height and Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist. Vedhas or flaws in breadth, disproportionate to houses. They are sixteen the house measure, forms kubja causes vyangya vedha. This in number and the vedha. This causes diseases like causes the family head to be Tpresence of any of them will leprosy, tuberculosis, asthma, deformed. cause trouble for the residents. jaundice etc., to the house- 13)Muraja: a main door with 1) Kutila: If the roof of the owner and the inhabitants of either of its two sides higher house is lower than the height the causes muraja vedha. This of the owner, a kutila vedha is house. causes family- extinction, and formed. This causes the death 6)Kana: If there is a window poverty. of the family head. on either side of the main 14)Supta: a house built on the 2)Kuttaka: a house built on door,it gives kana vedha. This sleeping ground causes supta the up-paved ground causes causes eye diseases to the vedha. A ground is said to be kuttaka vedha. This causes house- owner. sleeping if the construction of troubles from devils and evil 7)Andhaka: a house having the house begins in ghatis 3, spirits. no windows on its front forms 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the 5th, 7th, 9th, 3)Kanka: A house having 3 or andhaka vedha. This causes 12th, 19th, and 26th asterisms 5 corridors of unequal measures ailment to the house-owner. respectively counted from the of lengths and breadth forms 8)Rudhira: a house sun’s asterism. This causes the kanka vedha. This causes constructed without following death of the family head. distress to the family head. 81 divisions of Vaastu purusha, of calamities and sometimes of low height which is 15) Sankapalaka: a house 4)Kaikara: a house of forms rudhira vedha. This death too. disproportionate to the house constructed without pillars extraordinary height and width causes dysentery to the 10)Digvaktra: a house having plinth forms chipita vedha. forms sankapalaka vedha. This causes kaikara vedha. This inhabitants of the house very windows of more height and This makes the family-head flaw makes the inhabitants cause’s harm to the mistress often. breadth, disproportionate fall for vices like gambling, ugly-looking. of the house. Many women had 9)Badhira: a main door or to the house-measure forms drug-trafficking, pornography, 16)Vikata: A formidable and troubled lives who lived in tall simhadwara placed to the digvatra vedha. This causes loss prostitution etc. hideous main door forms vikata mansions or havelis. ground level causes badhira of progeny and abortions. 12)Vyangya: a house that vadha. This causes the death of 5) Kubja: a house having vedha. This causes many kinds 11)Chipita: a house is ugly looking and grotesque the family head. Living In The Present Moment: How To Be At Complete Peace read a quote somewhere that in our life, we have to learn says, “If it won’t matter to you how to remain present in 5 years, then do not waste and control what we are 5 minutes thinking about it”. doing now. Eckhart Tolle Abhijnan Pritam Sarma A lot of the things around us has quoted, “Nothing ever Ioften trigger us, and then we have happened in the past; it a prolonged emotional reaction. If happened in the Now; One of the easiest ways to be you have a prolonged emotional Nothing will ever happen at peace is to read any book. This reaction, that is your mood. So, in the future; it will happen might be very difficult for people it becomes important to balance in the Now.” It simply nowadays as they have been the reactions that we have as means that anything addicted to instant gratification soon as something happens which has happened in the given by short entertainment in in the environment. If you are past has actually happened social media. Once you get used controlled by the surroundings, in one present reality, and to the smell of books, not only you may lose your precious nothing can ever happen in it brings you peace but you are time. As Roman philosopher the future, but everything miles ahead of many who do not pointed out, “We are more often that happens is in the read books in terms of knowledge. frightened than hurt; and we now. Although we know suffer more from imagination this simple fact, to apply iii) Write down your than from reality.” When you do it in the true sense is hard. thoughts: have experienced some event that One who has mastered has managed to make you feel not presence has control over When recursive thoughts are well, that is natural. But, if that their future reality. overpowering your mind and not event manages to keep your mind presence. environment, they find it tough I am suggesting 3 ways, how letting you accomplish any task, in a fearful, regretful, sorrowful, There is another kind who to live in the present. “You only we can become more present and try to write down whatever you or angry state for a long period likes to predict and control the have control over three things in bring peace to our lives : are thinking. This would bring then it can harm your day-to-day future. It is impossible to control your life: the thoughts you think, clarity to your mind. It is one life. Many people around us have whatever happens to you in the the images you visualize, and i) Avoid multitasking: of the best ways to relinquish experienced terrible events in future, but anxious people may the actions you take,” said Jack Do not indulge yourself in many negative thoughts and enjoy the their past, but they are not able find it hard if there is any kind Canfield. activities at a time. This might presence of now. to create a new future, as they of uncertainty. This section Essentially, the fact is that if steal away your present peace as (The author has completed his are mentally rehearsing their past of people may call themselves a person dwells on past events, you are not fully into one piece master’s degree in Linguistics from events. Seneca rightly said, there perfectionists, they cannot find he/she would have regrets, grief, of work. Therefore, try to always Delhi University. He can be reached is unnecessary suffering inside peace if they cannot predict or anger. Similarly, anyone who make one work priority at a time. at [email protected]. people’s minds, only because their future. While predicting lives in the future, may have The views expressed in the article somehow, they have lost the and trying to control others/the anxiety. Therefore, to have peace ii) Read books: are his own.) | May 29 - JUN 04, 2021 Feature 13 Mustard Oil in Ayurveda and Astrology: A Guide To Infection Prevention & Control ince early childhood, I have seen that my grandfather, father, and uncles were snorting mustard oil every Smorning before showering and every night before bedtime. Mustard oil was used extensively for cooking, body massages, applied on the scalp for vitalizing the hair and belly Dr. Ashis Kumar Acharjee button. We also followed the same practice mainly in the winter season. My grandfather regarding the use of mustard oil was a traditional ayurvedic against viral infections. practitioner and he explained However, in Astrology, viral that the use of mustard oil infection found prominence to protects our body from various fire and water element categories fungus and bacteria, cough and of people. As mentioned in cold, enhances hair growth, the classical Ayurvedic texts, reduces body pain, etc. The mustard oil is Shiro Virechana. newborns were given mustard This means that it cleanses the oil massages to enhance the cranial cavity. Nasal spray or strength of the skin barrier. nasal insufflation (nasya) with As time passes, the uses of Representative Image mustard oil helps with thinning mustard oil are substantially the mucus and clearing the nasal reduced due to the marketing of cavity and the respiratory tract, various types of refined oils for which also helps in enhancing cooking, various massage oils, falls under one of three main of burning symbolizes the and circulatory systems plus mental faculties through the baby oils, and modern lifestyles. dosha types Pitta, Kapha and purification of one’s system the function of movement, nasa (nose) to the brain and the Looking at the way of current Vata based on their body type, breathing, and urination. nervous system. Pouring it into COVID-19 pandemic situation in personality, and sensitivities. Water: (Pisces, Cancer, the belly button is considered the world, especially in India, A person’s unique ratio of Vata, Scorpio Signs) are emotionally nourishing vessels of the body which has created a devastating Kapha, and Pitta is said to define absorbent, moody, and and is an important Ayurvedic situation, I attempt to focus their Ayurvedic constitution, Ayurvedic texts mention changeable. It rules the practice. Pure mustard oil on prevention as mentioned a blueprint to achieve optimal mustar seeds under lymphatic system, body-liquids, is often used as a natural in Ayurveda texts and Vedic health. blood, mucus, lymph, and remedy to treat coughing and astrology. The Charaka Samhita (400- a group of herbs that reproductive system. Sensitive congestion. Astrology and Ayurveda are 200 BC) is one of the oldest cleanse the cranial to the environment, water Test-tube and animal studies genuinely connected. Astrology and the most important cavity, and have signs are susceptible to fungal, show that mustard oil and its has used the concept of classical ancient authoritative writings bacterial, and viral infection. It components may help decrease elements, which typically refers on Ayurveda written by the anti-fungal and anti- easily absorbs negativity from the growth and spread of certain to water, earth, fire, air, and legendary Physician Charak. He inflammatory properties people and places. types of cancer cells. Thus, the aether. says that an Ayurvedacharya, Similarly, in Ayurveda, Pitta daily practice of lubricating Similarly, Ayurvedic while attending a new patient means fire and water, Vata our nostrils with mustard oil, medicine is based on the idea should always keep an account means air and space, and Kapha once in the morning before that the world is made up of of the celestial bodies in the sky means earth and water. So, we showering or bathing and every five elements namely, Aakash and combine the results with his find a very close relationship night before bedtime and at (space), Jala (water), Prithvi perfect knowledge of Ayurveda by the elimination of viruses, between Ayurveda and the belly button may perhaps (earth), Teja (fire), and Vayu to know Lighterthe exact depth andof bacteria, faster fungus. Astrology. protect us from the infection (air). A combination of each disease and the time it will take Earth: (Taurus, Virgo, In Ayurvedic texts, mustard from the coronavirus as well. element results in three doshas, to cure. Capricorn Signs) are grounded seeds are mentioned under the But, people with eye problems known as Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. In VedicScan astrology, everythe sign QRand steady. code It rules the skeletal group of herbs that cleanse the or after eye surgeries, should These doshas are believed to belongs to an element and every and eliminatory systems of the cranial cavity and are used for avoid the use of mustard oil as it be responsible for a person’s element determines the unique body and is also considered decoction enema, have an anti- is bad for eyesight. physiological, mental, and constitutional makeup of the important to repair tissue, prurient activity, induce emesis, (The author is a retired Sr. emotional health. Emotional human Getbody. the Ggrowth, Plus and reproduction. app and have a pungent taste. It has Audit Officer of the Internal health is not the same thing as Fire: (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius There are tendencies toward antibacterial, antifungal, and Audit Officer, Assam Urban mental health as it “focuses on Signs) are passionate, strong, weight gain, glandular disorder, anti-inflammatory properties Water Supply & Sewerage Board, being in tune with our emotions, energetic. It rules the function of and tumors. that work well against diseases Guwahati. He holds a Ph.D in vulnerability, and authenticity.” internal burning or combustion, Air: (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius related to fungal and bacterial. Vedic Astrology & Ph.D in K.P. Each person has a unique especially digestion and Signs) are spirited and full of But, nothing was found Astrology (Advance Stellar body constitution and generally assimilation of food. The act vitality. It rules the nervous mentioned in Ayurveda texts Astrology)

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hen it all started, we were so sure it’d be over in a fortnight or two. For the sake of not sounding stupid,W no one had said it out loud, but we had known for sure that this could never turn into Ayaan Halder a six months of captivity for crimes we denied committing. It was too surreal a thing to purposelessly. That was until ever be true. ‘It’ll be twenty- there was news of a star falling one days of rejuvenation’, we to the ground, and then another, had told ourselves, a part of and another, and the bags under us rejoicing at the possibility our eyes became darker, more of self-discovery; of rebuilding prominent. For we had the time severed ties, of making love to mourn them, more time than to save loveless marriages, we usually had for the morbid of running out of cigarettes state of affairs the human life one rainy night, and then is. And for a while, it was death kicking the habit forever. Of that kept us busy in this struggle the possibility of cooking our for our lives. As for the stars, children hot, savoury meals, cancer had taken its course with of finishing that book we had one, and the other had greeted never started writing, of finally death like an old friend, but it watching that show everyone was the third that truly broke had gone on and on about a year our hearts, for he was “young, ago, and of the hope that we’ll Representative Image and perhaps a bit reckless”. And walk out of our homes a few so in mourning, we had crawled fortnights later, better versions through the coming fortnights, of ourselves. After all, a twenty- keep themselves sane? We would have given to scrape down from our balconies, and finally accepting that surreal second day of captivity for these asked ourselves. And bonded it all off! But it was okay, for looked at the bloodstained was the new normal, although crimes we never committed labourers? Holocaust victims? we had found ways to ‘Netflix roads, we had known that these we really still hoped that we would become a sentence too Soldiers fighting other peoples’ and Chill’ with our loved ones, men, women and children had were wrong. At some point surreal to ever be served. wars? Colonized nations in their and more often than not, with always been expendable to us; through the fortnights, we had And so in our little abodes, entireties? And the women! ourselves. And somewhere and that natural selection was stopped shaving our beards, we talked of more cotton fiber How had the women kept between ‘What’s eating Gilbert never quite natural when it and on sleepless nights, dipped to blanket our bodies and our themselves sane through all Grape’, and beautiful French came to human beings. These in rock and roll through our souls that had finally gotten a these centuries? Did a lifetime cinema, our rooms became moments were quiet; sans the cheap earphones, we truly chance to rest, of more songs of captivity never seem like an movie theatres, and the movies, clanging and the banging, and became hermits in our new about fireflies floating through idea too surreal to them? our safe place. the hopeful crackle of the flames little worlds. Our mothers the quiet of our now vacant And though from our that made promises to ward off screamed out in agony when midnights, of old photographs wonders, we were a little this evil. Perhaps because these they could no longer recognize in the family album, and of old tired, our smiles we still wore; moments were the only touch of us beneath these coats of mates whose texts we finally refilling the ink in our pens, reality we’ve had in this whole rugged lunacy, and after the had the time to reply to. And and writing on about the kind of ordeal. Otherwise, the idea of initial skirmishes, we stopped in murmured glee, our lips life we used to know, and were And so in our little abodes, our captivity still seemed too coming out of our rooms unless stretched to the brink of our sure to go back to in another surreal. So we looked on for it was for our meals. We now subconscious sorrows. fortnight or two. For although we talked of more cotton a while, and then went back kept our ear against the wall, But then a fortnight whizzed the young ones missed their fibres to blanket our to our safe places, because we tracking movements in hopes of by, and then another, and lovers, and the aging missed could. avoiding conflict, and we called another, and with them, whizzed the scent of their newspapers bodies and our souls that Romanticizing the monotony out to our friends one midnight; by a bit of the surrealism that crackling with the morning had finally had a chance that came with the safety and we cried. We cried because surrounded the idea of our tea, this idea of captivity that to rest, of more songs within our cages, we watched it was all we could do, and we captivity. After all, hadn’t the we were continuously being another eternity pass us by, and cried until our crying became world seen enough plagues, and told was the new normal, still about fireflies floating one fine morning, we realized the new normal. But no one wars and tanked economies for seemed farfetched to us. So we through the quiet of now that we had broken the promise else could see our tears, for the us to believe otherwise? Our sang ourselves more songs, and of worshipping the human length of our hair now covered hair was now longer, and for read ourselves more stories, vacant midnights... form that we had made to our eyes. And no one else all the home quarantining in and we delved into the world ourselves, and now we weren’t could hear our songs over the the world, some of us now felt of cinema like we had never even sure about whether to be passionate chaos surrounding a little homeless. Perhaps we before. For after all, we finally comfortable in our own skins Chinese Democracy and our wished that we had paid more had the time to. From Satyajit or not. We had bags under our final exams. But that’s okay, we attention in class when Anne Ray to Eddie Vedder, and from eyes, and the weighing machine needn’t worry. We’ll probably be Frank’s diary had been read to Margaret Mitchell to Manto, the creaked every time we stood on out of our homes in a fortnight; us; maybe little Anne had told world became our oyster. We And while we were at it, one it, and when we looked around for anything over six months of Kitty a secret or two about how went on to play our guitars until fine morning, we could smell the us, we saw the ties we had given captivity for these crimes we to kill time when time itself had the last string had snapped, and scent of a crisp, new newspaper. our hearts and souls to rebuild didn’t commit is too surreal a come to a halt. listened to what Leonard Cohen But alas! It was not mingling through the passing fortnights sentence to ever be served. Perhaps we wished that we had to say until he mumbled with our morning tea! The had somehow been severed (The author is an alumni of had stocked up more on our us to sleep. We decorated and paper, it reeked of blood that again. The meals were now less the Assam Rifles Public School, choice of poison, perhaps we redecorated our rooms until had grotesquely seeped from warm, and working from home Laitkor, Shillong, and is currently only wished to drive through everything had found itself a the toes of the ones who had set meant that the bedrooms where pursuing his BBA-LLB degree the aorta of our cities while our perfect spot, and in our own out on their journeys in hopes of love had been made were now from NEF Law College, Guwahati. favourite songs blasted in the lime lights, we stood. this captivity that had seemed turned into office cubicles, and Since his childhood, he has been background. And all this while, And before we even knew it, safer to them. And that is when every time someone cracked a passionate about literature, and some of us had wondered. We the fortnights had whizzed by us it hit us; that is when all those good joke on Netflix, we found is currently working on several wondered what people had done again. Now our hair, it covered things we had wondered about ourselves sharing high-fives literary projects both in the prose to keep themselves sane before our eyes, and the day we were a few fortnights ago began to with the walls instead. It was and poetry formats. In 2019, humankind painted its mere so sure would soon arrive was make sense. It was not that the in the middle of May when the his short story, ‘The Gift’ was surface with the temporary trait nowhere to be seen. The mind oppressed chose to remain sane; Cyclones had hit our coastlines, published in the anthology “50:1” of being tolerable. A transience collected every residue from it was just that they had no and now we had nothing to released by Xavier’s Institute of a few of us had somehow our nights that melted into other choice. And so, for the few wash down the monotony Communications, Mumbai, at gotten used to. How did slaves mornings, and oh, what we moments that we had glanced with, as we chewed on it so their annual fest ‘Istoria’) | May 29 - JUN 04, 2021 News This Week 15

A quick round up of the news that mattered during the past week Severe cyclonic storm Yaas 6 crosses North Odisha coast India records the lowest The severe cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ crossed the North Odisha coast on May 26, with an estimated wind speed of COVID-19 cases in 44 Days 130-140 kmph gusting to 155 kmph. Yaas is likely to move 1 over Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district later today, with 100- Maintaining the declining trend in daily cases, 110 km per hour winds, before weakening and turning India recorded 1,86,364 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, toward Jharkhand by midnight. It is likely to move north- May 27, the lowest 24-hour rise in 44 days. The total tally northwestwards and weaken gradually into a severe of COVID-19 cases in India has been pushed to 2,75,55,457, cyclonic storm during the next 3 hours and into a cyclonic according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on storm during the subsequent 6 hours, reports the India Friday, May 28. It is, however, the second time in May that Meteorological Department (IMD). the single-day rise in COVID-19 cases fell below the 2-lakh mark, while the recoveries continue to outnumber daily cases in the country.

TRIFED and NITI AAYOG to partner for job opportunities Even their father can’t arrest me, 7 The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development 2 says Ramdev Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) will now be partnering with NITI Aayog to implement the Van Dhan Amid a war of words brewing between the Indian Medical Yojana, in the districts that have been identified as Association (IMA) and yoga guru Ramdev with the latter aspirational districts by NITI Aayog as per an order by raising questions over the efficacy of modern medicines, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs released on May 24, 2021. Netizens started trending #ArrestRamdev on social media. TRIFED was established in 1987. The basic objective of Speaking over a Zoom video call, Ramdev responded to the the TRIFED is to provide a good price of the Minor Forest threats. He said, “Khair, arrest to unka baap bhi nahi kar sakta Produce (MFP) collected by the tribes of the country. The Ramdev ko (Anyway, even their father can’t arrest Ramdev).” Van Dhan Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal In a recent video that surfaced on social media platforms, Affairs and TRIFED. Ramdev is heard saying he has developed a thick skin for such comments and trends by netizens and retaliates in the same manner.

Punjab-Based YouTuber Wait time at highway toll plazas 8 charged for racist remarks 3 set to be 10 seconds A Punjab-based gaming YouTuber has been The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on charged with racial discrimation charges for making racist May 26, said it has issued guidelines to ensure service time of remarks against Arunachal Pradesh MLA, Ninong Ering. not more than 10 seconds per vehicle even during peak hours He has been brought to Itanagar, where he will plead his at the toll plazas along national highways. The new guidelines case. The Youtuber Paras Official had made a rant video will also ensure seamless flow of traffic at the toll plazas by against the legislator after Ninong had written a letter not allowing vehicles to queue up for more than 100 meters. to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi regarding the Although at most toll plazas, there is usually no waiting time re-launch of the PUBG mobile game. In his letter to PM after the mandatory FASTags (prepaid rechargeable tags for toll Modi, Ering had written that “PUBG is a big threat to the collection) are used. security of India and privacy of our citizens and a way to circumvent & disregard our laws.”

Couple ties knot mid-air 24 Indian States Report Decline amid COVID-19 restrictions in Active COVID-19 Cases 9 4 A couple from Madurai, Tamil Nadu decided to During a press meet held on May 27, the Union seal the deal mid-air, by booking an entire chartered Health Ministry said that a total of 24 states of India have flight to get married in the sky on May 24. The couple reported a decline in active cases since last week. The tied the knot on-board while the rented flight flew from Ministry held a press conference to review the current Madurai to Bengaluru. Relatives and guests were the COVID-19 situation in the country. Along with the fall in other passengers on the flight. In a video that has now the overall active and daily case count, the ministry also gone viral, the groom was seen performing the marriage discussed the way forward. Meanwhile, the highest single- rituals while the wedding photographer encouraged the day tests were conducted in India on May 26, Wednesday newlyweds to smile for the camera. Relatives and other at 22,17,320. wedding guests were seen inside the tightly packed aircraft flouting all COVID-19 protocols while enjoying the event.

Facebook, Twitter come Fugitive Mehul Choksi arrested in under scrutiny for new IT 5 Dominica 10 laws Mehul Choksi, one of the country’s most wanted men in On February 25, the Central government had announced connection with the Punjab National Bank scam, was captured a new set of IT rules: tighter regulations for social media by the local police of Dominica on Wednesday night while trying firms, requiring them to remove any content flagged by to flee to Cuba in a boat. Choksi is wanted in India by the Central authorities within 36 hours among other conditions. Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate The rules drew flak from across the country as large on charges of fraud and money laundering. He is accused of companies like Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp were siphoning off almost Rs 13,600 crore in the PNB scam. He fled given 3 months to comply with the new regulations which to Antigua in January 2018, just weeks before the scandal came ended on May 26. Meanwhile, Whatsapp has sued the to light. Indian government citing a breach of privacy issue. 16 Catching Up | May 29 - JUN 04 , 2021

Barasha Das OFPIC THE WEEK Cotton College Anniversary Celebrating a 120-Year-Old Legacy

he erstwhile British European principal will be better office itself. province of Assam did appreciated by the students over The foundation stone of the not have any proper the private colleges of Bengal.” college was laid at that very plot institution for higher Justifying the demand to on 17th April, 1901. The British education till the end establish the same in Gauhati administration had already spent Tof the 19th century. In 1892, a Baruah wrote, “It’s easier to a substantial amount of money private second grade college commute from upper to lower to revive the situation after the was established in Sylhet by Assam than from lower to upper. great earthquake of 1897. Due to a zamindar. A section of the Also Gauhati is the nearest to financial constraints, a second Assamese intelligentsia had Calcutta. After the completion grade educational institution was already been demanding the of the railway connectivity to sanctioned. establishment of an institution for North Gauhati (which was then The first building was higher education in the province. under construction), it will be constructed under the Till then Assamese students had easier to travel to Calcutta.” He supervision of Subhrendu Mohan to go to Bengal to pursue higher urged the commissioner that Goswami, assistant engineer of studies. until the college was established PWD. It was “a spacious and lofty the government single storey building containing should provide three airy and well-lit classrooms, hostel facilities besides the principal’s room, the Waiting To Exhale | Photo: Ranjan jyoti Sarma for the Assamese office, and two large halls, one of students in which is a combined laboratory Calcutta. and lecture theatre and the other Moved by the an examination hall and library.” memorandum Named the Gauhati Government and honouring College, it was formally the public inaugurated on 27th May, 1901 by Price Hike, Curfew And Pandemic Pressures: opinion, Sir Sir Henry John Stedman Cotton. Henry Cotton Three weeks later, on 17th June, Whither Peace Of Mind? announced the the first student was admitted. setting up of a Recognising the great service With prices of essential items skyrocketing in the city, After the establishment of the college in the province. The official rendered by Henry Cotton, residents are having a hard time sourcing a balanced diet. college in Sylhet, the demand in resolution (GAD number 7445- the residents of Gauhati, at a Assam intensified among not just 48G) dated September 29, 1899 public meeting on March 26, From eggs, oil, vegetables and pulses, every item is seeing the intelligentsia but also among states, “The chief commissioner 1901, decided to rename the a slow, never-ending uptick in prices. To avoid crowding at the masses. The most vocal has decided to abandon his own college after him even before the local grocery store, one might want to order vegetables among them was Manik Chandra scheme. He will endeavour to give the college was formally opened. Baruah. Two publications, ‘Assam’ effect to what is evidently the Recommendations were sent to and meat online, but even that convenience and ‘Times of Assam,’ were wish of the educated community the Government of India, which comes with an added cost. That apart, instrumental in mobilising public for the establishment of a local accorded permission vide its food items delivered are not always opinion in this regard. The Assam government college… the chief circular number 752, dated August fresh, or the best of quality. Club of Shillong also voiced its commissioner has decided 28, 1902. A news report in the support for a college. However, that this local college shall be ‘Times of Assam’ dated 20th April, In between deciding to go out and there was also a division of entertained in Gauhati”. 1901 read, “The public of Gauhati buy goods oneself, or ordering them opinion on where the college The decision needed clearance could not have done a more online, the bite on should be established. A section from Her Majesty’s government appropriate thing to perpetuate our pockets is the suggested Sivasagar or Jorhat. which was sanctioned on 20th the memory of the foremost In 1899, Manik Chandra Baruah June, 1900. Sir Cotton ordered the popular ruler of the province than biggest kamur submitted a memorandum to PWD to allot a plot of land for the by associating his name with the today! then Chief Commissioner, Henry college. However, the Executive college of Gauhati which is to be John Stedman Cotton, on the Engineer informed that there was opened shortly.” Thus, in 1902 issue. He wrote, “Assam is the no suitable place in Gauhati for the Gauhati Government College only province which does not the same. At this, Manik Chandra officially became Cotton College. have any college. Indeed, there is Baruah and Bhuwan Ram Das The first principal Cotton not a single institution worth the went to Shillong and suggested a College was Frederick William name. A college at Gauhati with a plot at the premises of the PWD Sudmerson.

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