Encouraged by the success of "Curiosity", NASA has announced to launch a new Mars mission in 2016 to take a better look into the guts of the Red Planet.

The mission called "InSight" will investigate why Mars' crust is not divided into tectonic plates that drift like Earth's.

Detailed knowledge of the interior of Mars in comparison to Earth will help scientists understand better how terrestrial planets form and evolve, the American space agency said.

"The exploration of Mars is a top priority for NASA, and the selection of 'InSight' ensures we will continue to unlock the mysteries of the Red Planet and lay the groundwork for a future human mission there," said NASA administrator Charles Bolden.

"The recent successful landing of the Curiosity rover has galvanised public interest in space exploration and today's announcement makes clear there are more exciting Mars missions to come," he said referring to the success of Curiosity.                    

The 12th selection in NASA's series of Discovery-class missions, 'InSight' is build on spacecraft technology used in the space agency's highly successful Phoenix lander mission, which was launched to the Red Planet in 2007 and determined water existed near the surface in the Martian polar regions.

"Our Discovery Programme enables scientists to use innovative approaches to answering fundamental questions about our solar system in the lowest cost mission category," said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

"'InSight' will get to the 'core' of the nature of the interior and structure of Mars, well below the observations we've been able to make from orbit or the surface," Grunsfeld said.

The BSE benchmark Sensex on Tuesday shed 205 points to close at over five-week low of 18,430.85 on selling in banks and other rate-sensitive stocks after RBI dashed hopes of a rate cut, hiked loan provisioning norms and also cut economic growth projections.

After a better start, the Sensex rose by over 80 points in early trade on the back of hopes of a rate cut after the government yesterday announced a fiscal consolidation plan.

But with the central bank today keeping key interest rate unchanged and raising the provision for restructured standard accounts from the existing 2 per cent to 2.75 per cent, the markets were disappointed led by banking sector.

SBI, which fell 4.4 per cent, was the worst performer in Sensex while ICICI bank, HDFC Bank and HDFC also closed down.

Barring Maruti, auto stocks including Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp and M&M fell in 1.6-3.5 per cent range as hopes of rate cut boosting demand in festival season were dashed.

On similar lines, the 50-share National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 67.70 points, or 1.19 per cent to end below key 5,600-level at 5,597.90.

In the broader market, over 1,800 stocks including consumer durables, capital goods and PSU stocks fell, while just 997 shares rose.

After banks, the realty sector was second worst performer today with DLF losing 2.21 per cent.

New York, October 31: Mega storm Sandy battered the US East Coast on Tuesday with fierce winds and heavy rains, killing at least 13 people and causing a power plant explosion, besides uprooting trees, power lines and plunging much of Manhattan in darkness.

Sandy, one of the biggest storms ever to hit the US, battered the coastline of New Jersey, where a large number of Indian families reside, with 80 mph winds, pushing seawater up by an unprecedented 13-feet in New York City.

Floods inundated large number of areas in New York and New Jersey and an explosion at a sub-station on the east side of Manhattan's Midtown left 500,000 people without power.

Eyewitnesses said a huge ball of blue light exploded over Manhattan last night believed to be a powerful blast at Consolidated Edison station.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) declared an alert at the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant in New Jersey, which is currently in a regularly scheduled outage, as the water level reached the minimum high level criteria.

"Water level is rising in the intake structure due to a combination of a rising tide, wind direction and storm surge. It is anticipated water levels will begin to abate within the next several hours," the NRC said.

According to NRC, no plants had to shut down as a result of the storm although several plants were already out of service for regularly scheduled refueling and maintenance outages. All plants remain in a safe condition, with emergency equipment available if needed and NRC inspectors on-site.

The storm left a trail of death, and the toll is expected to mount. Two people perished in Mendham, New Jersey, when a tree struck their car, officials said.

In New York State, at least six persons were killed, including a 30-year-old man who died when a tree fell on his house. Two people died in other incidents. It also flooded ground-zero, the site of the 9/11 terror attacks here. There was also report of damage to facade of a building in Manhattan.

Two people were killed in Pennsylvania and a woman in Maryland died after hydroplaning into a tree, officials said. Authorities evacuated more than 200 patients and staff of a New York City hospital after its backup generator failed when the power was knocked out by the super storm.

According to initial estimates, the devastation has resulted in a loss of USD 10-20 billion. Sandy is no longer a hurricane because it's drawing energy from temperature differences and not the ocean, making the transition to a super storm that may push a wall of water ashore in the Northeast and lash the East with wind and rain.

John F Kennedy airport in New York City and other airports in the region have been shut down with more than 13,000 flights being cancelled in the storm affected areas. New York and New Jersey registered a record level of rainfall and shut down major transportation arteries.

Emergency has been declared in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The storm affected more than 50 million people along the entire East Coast from North Carolina to New Hampshire.

President Barack Obama cancelled his election campaign schedule mid-way and rushed back to the White House to personally monitor the situation. "I am not worried at this point about the impact on the election. I'm worried about the impact on families, and I'm worried about the impact on our first responders. I'm worried about the impact on our economy and on transportation," Obama said at a White House news conference soon after he held a situation room meeting on the hurricane preparedness.

"You know, the election will take care of itself next week. Right now, our number-one priority is to make sure that we are saving lives, that our search-and-rescue teams are going to be in place, that people are going to get food, the water, the shelter that they need in case of emergency, and that we respond as quickly as possible to get the economy back on track," Obama said.

Mitt Romney, his Republican challenger in the November 6 presidential elections, also cancelled his campaign.

Sandy forces shutting of NYSE, Nasdaq for second day

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq remained closed for the second consecutive day, the first time since 9/11, as super storm Sandy swept across New York City, leaving the Wall Street powerless. NYSE Euronext and Nasdq OMX Group said they made their decision in consultation with industry executives and regulators, and intend to reopen on Wednesday, conditions permitting.

New Delhi, October 31: The government on Tuesday gave a go ahead to a cricket series between India and Pakistan to be played in India.
NThe series of three one dayers and two T 20 matches will be played from 25th December.

The Home Ministry has given the security clearance to the series which paved the way of Pakistan cricket team to play matches in India with the host team.

Apart from the security issues, the Home Ministry also gives visa clearance to Pakistani spectators.

Several top Pakistani dignitaries are expected to visit India to watch the cricket matches.


The series would comprise three ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals between December 2012 and January 2013.

The ODI matches are likely to be played in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi and the Twenty20 games in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

In July, the BCCI had decided to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan by inviting the neighbouring country for a short series in December 2012-January 2013, to be sandwiched between the Test and ODI legs of the England team's tour of India.

The arch-rivals have not played a bilateral series since Pakistan's tour of India in 2007 after cricket ties were snapped following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his then Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani had watched the high-profile World Cup semi-final in Mohali last year.

Shimla, October 31: Congress President Sonia Gandhi says Congress has done a lot to fight corruption while BJP is not serious on the issue

In Himachal Pradesh, campaigning is in top gear for the poll bound state.

The polling for assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to take place on November 4.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi addressed an election rally in Shimla.

She said that the Centre is taking every possible step to deal with rising inflation.

Gandhi sai that in the Congress ruled states, the subsidised cap on gas cylinders has been increased in order to provide relief to the common man.

Meanwhile, BJP President Nitin Gadkari has cancelled his planned trip to poll-bound Himachal Pradesh.

Sources close to Gadkari said the cancellation was necessitated since he will be closeted with his legal advisors to discuss the possible legal notice to a section of media over carrying on a "villification" campaign against him based on "untrue and unsusbtantiated" allegations.

Gadkari had addressed election rallies in Kinnaur and Shimla last Saturday.

IMPHAL, October 30: The Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof H Nandakumar Sharma has today clarified that the inspection conducted by a team of MU with regard to affiliation of nursing institutes is a matter of routine and protocol.

It may be recalled here that the Vice-Chancellor had ignored the objections of the MU team which had found various discrepancies in the administrative functioning of the RIMS Nursing Institute and had suggested that new admission to the course should be halted.

And in his capacity as the VC, he had given approval for affiliation to the Nursing college.

Talking to IFP the VC today said that the University had granted affiliation to three institutes inclusive of RIMS Nursing College and Catholic Medical Hospital at Koirengei has also been approved for opening a similar institute.

He said that affiliation is awarded post approval from the Nursing Council of India and recommendations from the Manipur State Nursing Council. They are the main authorizing bodies and the concern of Manipur University is just a protocol issue.

Nandakumar mentioned that the RIMS Nursing college is totally funded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the necessary infrastructure and staff are filled up adequately. The inspection team of Manipur University was not an expert evaluation and was just a formality, he added.

The main assessment has to be done by the Nursing Council of India and it is periodically carried out. “We have lack of health workers in the State; I feel that the Nursing College students will fill up the gap. The objective is betterment for the society in the health sector and providing career options”, Nandakumar added that male students can now also be admitted for the course.

Clarifying on a report about concrete caving in on a student’s room at the MU Women Hostel, the VC said that the building was inaugurated in 1982 by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and some area of the top of the building has remained exposed to the elements. It was not the roof caving in but a thick plaster which fell. The student was not hurt but her laptop and mobile had been damaged. The building has been examined by the MU engineer and necessary repairs are underway. He added that the loss of the student will be compensated immediately.(Courtesey: IFP)

New Delhi, October 31: The Reserve Bank on Tuesday sharply lowered this fiscal's economic growth projection to 5.8 per cent from 6.5 per cent earlier, in view of global and domestic factors like poor investments and subdued demand.

"...global risks have increased further and domestic risks have become accentuated by halted investment demand, moderation in consumption spending and continuing erosion in export competitiveness accompanied by weakening business and consumer confidence," RBI Governor D. Subbarao said in half yearly review of the monetary policy.

Notwithstanding improvement in rainfall during August and September, he said, the first advance estimates of the 2012 kharif production are somewhat less buoyant in comparison to the previous year.

"Accordingly, even while prospects for agriculture appear resilient, the overall outlook for economic activity remains subdued. On these considerations, the baseline projection of GDP growth for 2012-13 is revised downwards to 5.8 per cent," he said.

Indian economy recorded a growth of 5.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2012-13.

Subbarao noted that the large twin deficits -- the current account deficit and the fiscal deficit -- continue to pose significant risks to both growth and macroeconomic stability.

A large CAD poses challenges for financing it in the current global environment, he said.

In a situation of volatile capital flows, the deficit could exacerbate downward pressures on the rupee, he said, adding that a persistently large fiscal deficit reduces the space for a revival in private spending, particularly investment spending, without quickly re-kindling inflationary pressures.

IMPHAL, Oct 30: Seven opposition parties of the State will launch a sit in protest decrying the alleged scam involved in the Loktak Development Authority phumdi clearing contract, the nepotism in the staff appointment of the Manipur Assembly Secretariat and charges of misappropriation of central funds by the State Social Welfare Department.

The opposition members will observe the protest cum public awareness campaign at Yumjao Lairembi Community hall at Wahengbam Leikai around 2 pm tomorrow. The political parties include MPP,CPI,CPM,JD (S), JD (U), BJP and Trinamool Congress.

CPI State Council secretary Dr. M Nara in a telephonic conversation with IFP mentioned that the democratic set up of the State has been exploited and rampant corruption is carried out in various Government departments. The objective of the political parties is to highlight the  scams to the public and fight the corruption within the administrative system.

The political parties will bring out documents which are evidence to the various scams perpetrated and that will be highlighted to different districts of the state in the form of a public awareness campaign.

It may be mentioned that representatives of the political parties had submitted a memorandum mentioning the  scam issues to the Governor Gurbachan Jagat Singh and he had also assured the representatives that necessary action will be initiated in the regard.

Source: IFP
IMPHAL, October 30: “How many more orders are needed to be issued, by the Governor and the state government to address the displacement issue cause by the purposed Maphithel Dam Project to our villagers? How many more times the govt wants to twist the rehabilitation process? ”, were some of the questions placed before the government by members of the representatives of the Maphithel Dam Affected Villages Organization.

They were speaking to IFP after a press conference at the Manipur Press Club today.

During the press conference, representatives of several organisations had said that they reject the govt notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul on October 22 last, which said that the Deputy Commissioner as the chairman will verify families to be covered under Relief and Rehabilitation Package with regard to the two villages of Chadong and Lamlai Khunou of Ukhrul district from October 31 to November 2 and October 29-30 respectively.

During the press conference the representatives also expressed their dissatisfaction over the government’s decision and recent orders to settle the displacement issue that is inverted from the people’s expectation.

Expressing their grievance towards the government and its current process to tackle the rehabilitation and re-settlement process of dam construction, the representatives also told IFP that the government has twisted the issue. Further they informed IFP that they have struggled and been pressing the state government for nearly 5-years to constitute an ‘Expert Review Committee’ by including the representation of the people affected by the construction of dam.

And, they further maintained that on January 18, 2008, the state government had notified that the ‘Governor is pleased to constitute an expert review committee to examine the rehabilitation and resettlement programmes of the affected village as construction of the Multipurpose project’.

They further maintained that after the govt. approved to include the representatives of MDAVO on February 4, 2008 in the expert review committee, a roundabout after 7 review and consultation meeting was held and recommendation was also passed on the rehabilitation and resettlement process but the ‘recommendation of the expert committee were never materialised by the govt. authority and it has only remained in the paper’.

But the representative further said that on Sept 28 2012, another new govt order was notified to ascertain the figures pertaining to the families to be covered under relief and rehabilitation for Chadong and Lamlai village Khunou village. The representatives said they are against it.

They further told IFP that the government doesn’t seem to have a proper systematic policy to address the displacement issue as the government neither follows the national rehab-policy nor does it have a specific state policy, most of the initiatives seem to be taken by IFCD.

They further said that ‘IFCD is not only the sole authority to solve this displacement issues and their arbitrary decision would be opportune for affected people futures’.

IMPHAL, October 30: ZFC, CHurachandpur and DMRAO Sekmai have both entered the final of the 17th M Chittamani Singh Memorial Winner’s Cup by defeating their respective opponents.

The cup is being played on the home and away basis.

Playing the second leg of its semi final today at home, ZFC defeated Yarkhok FC , Ukhrul by 2-1. The goals for ZFC were scored by Jamthianlal (34th) and Helun Haokip (89th) while Reisangmei Khodang scored the only goal for the visitors in the 74th minute.

In the first leg of the semi final, ZFC had route the Ukhrul club by 4-0 playing at the latter’s home ground.

Meanwhile, DMRAO defeated YOSC, Khurai by 3-1 in the second leg of their semi final match up.

Playing at home, DMRAO struck thrice through H Anilkumar (53rd), A Lenin (72nd) and Y Hemba (81st). The visitors managed to score one through L Bharat in the 1st minute of the match itself. Their first leg semi final match had ended in a 1-1 draw at YOSC’s home ground.

The first leg of the final match will be played on Novemeber 1 while the second leg will be played on November 3.

DIMAPUR, October 30 : NSCN-IM leaders Thuingaleng Muivah had told the Naga frontal organisations today that the would-be-solution to the vexed Naga political problem is to be based on the 'unique Naga history'.

The leaders of Naga Hoho and the United Naga Council along with its federating units had met Isak Chisi Swu and Th Muivah at Camp Hebron in separate meetings today.

Th Muivah had dwelt on the ongoing talks with the Government of India but did not divulge the detail, sources said today. The sources said that Th Muivah had refuted to the media reports of having accepted the Constitution of India while finding a settlement. "It is not true," the sources quoting Muivah said. The NSCN-IM leader had also told the Naga leaders that the would-be-settlement is going to be a sharing of 'function' between the Government of India and the 'Naga Government', the sources stated.

Both Swu and Muivah did not disclose the tentative time in which the Naga settlement will be signed.

About 100 leaders from Manipur under the aegis of the United Naga Council took part in today's programme, the sources said. However, it is not clear how many members from the Naga Hoho participated in the 'consultative' meeting today.

First, it was the UNC delegation that met the NSCN-IM leaders and followed by the Naga Hoho delegation.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council said the consultative meeting on the Indo-Naga peace process was held at Council Headquarter, Hebron today which was participated by the United Naga Council and its constituents units, frontal organizations, the South Nagas Union of Nagaland State and representatives of Churches/other Naga civil organizations in Manipur.

IMPHAL, October 30: At least four persons were reportedly killed in clashes between underground groups in Tamenglong district today, according to reports reaching here in Imphal.

According to police sources, the encounter took place near Gaddai Hills which is under the jurisdiction of Tamenglong Police station.

The fierce encounter between suspected cadres of NSCN-IM and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) started at around 11 am in the morning and continued till late in the afternoon around 4:30 pm, the police sources added.

According to reports, four cadres were reportedly died at the spot. However, only one body of the deceased could be retrieved so far.

Of late, Tamenglong district had become a theatre of war between NSCN-IM and ZUF even leading to civilian casualties.

This has led to public protests in Tamenglong headquarters and other towns of the district even to the extent of barring the entry of armed cadres in civilian areas.

Although reports of the fierce encounter were received early, police personnel and state forces refrained from approaching towards the area, since the area is heavily infested with lots of armed militants on all sides and the unpredictability of the terrain have restricted them from approaching and investigating the encounter.

However, a combined team of 13th Assam Rifles and DOGRA Regiment trekked towards the site of the encounter and found a body of a deceased armed militant. The body of the deceased is now kept at the Tamenglong district hospital, sources said.

On the other hand, a spokesperson of Zeliangrong United Front, ZUF said a team of NSCN (I-M) came and attack towards the post of the ZUF located at Gaddai Hills in Tamenglong district.

The ZUF cadre posted on the outpost and the re-inforcement cadre was killed on the spot while two more NSCN (I-M) cadre also died on the spot while another one was seriously injured judging from the struggling marks and blood trail. One ammunition pouch, one SLR and three sniper bullets and two more magazines were recovered from the spot.

The deceased cadres of the ZUF were identified as Pathailung, aged 28 of Longchum village, Awang khul and Puileini, aged 25 of Puiti village of Haochong. Meanwhile, one of the deceased NSCN (I-M) cadres has been identified as Ringuanglung Kamei, aged 27, of Noney. The injured cadre was dragged into the forest by their fellow cadres, while another one escaped with a hand injury.

A spokesman of the ZUF stated that it will not take lightly the offensive of NSCN (I-M) which is one of the armed groups currently under ceasefire with the Indian Government.

IMPHAL, October 30: The Kangla Religious Committee, Kangla observed the Mera Hou Chongba at Kangla also known as ‘Ariba Konung’ today.

The observation was attended by Chairman Hills Area Committee, Manipur Dr Chaltolien Amo, Parliamentary Secretary MI & IPR and member, Kangla Fort Board, Keisam Meghachandra and member, Kangla Fort Board, Prof Sairem Nilbir as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Dr Chaltonlin Amo in his address expressed that people of the hills led by their leaders come down to the valley on this auspicious day of Mera Houchongba to celebrate the age old love and brotherhood amongst the people.

He elaborated that the day was observed in a very colourful manner during the times of Maharaj Chandrakirti with people of all communities participating the celebration.

Hinting at the present law and order situation in the state today, he expressed that though Hou Chongba was observed without any fear in the past, today people of the state try to reach their homes before the sun goes down.

He also said that after the Anglo-Manipur war, the Mera Hou Chongba celebration was shifted to Sana Konung from the Kangla Fort.

Participation from the public during the Mera Hou Chongba celebration dwindled after the war, he continued before adding that it was only during the era of Maharaj Okendra that the observation of Mera Hou Chongba was regenerated and public participation increase again.

The Hills Area Committee, Chairman also expressed that the observation is supported and acknowledged by all communities residing in the state and as such the state government had recognised it as a state festival and announced the day as a state holiday.

He further viewed that the celebration could be observed in a much better way with more participation from the people of the state.

An important part of the festival, the tradition of Mera Chanoutangba- a feast shared by both the people of the hills and the valley waned out after the introduction of Hinduism in Manipur during the reign of King Pamheiba and the subsequent restriction on consumption of meat amongst the Hindus, he said.

He however added that people of both the hills and valley could still celebrate together and respecting each others’ religion.

He also viewed that the brotherhood relation between the hills and valley could improve if we adopt the culture of love and unity by abandoning the present culture of gifting bombs and drugs.

IMPHAL, October 30: The JAC formed against the killing of Mona has warned that unless the government accepts its demands by October 31, the JAC will launch various forms of agitations from the next day.

The JAC has today submitted a memorandum to the state Chief Minister about the same.

The JAC members including around 60 women members tried to storm the Chief Minister’s bungalow this evening around 4pm. The procession had even crossed the Sanjenthong Bridge, however, police thwarted their attempt in front of the state Guest House and herded them on the other side of the Sanjenthong bridge.

Later representatives of the JAC were allowed to submit their memorandum to the Chief Minister around 6:30pm.

The memorandum includes demands for arrest all involved in the killing of Mona, handing over of Mona’s dead body to her parents after the arrest of all involved, dismissal of all involved if found to be government employees. The memorandum also included immediate release of the post mortem report.

It has also said that unless the involved person(s) are arrested and punished according to the law by October 31, the JAC will join hands with like minded organizations and initiate various forms of agitations from the next day.

Meanwhile, decrying the alleged killing of Herom (n) Mutum (o) Mona, locals of Kongba Ucheckon Khunou staged a sit in protest today at the residential gates of Mona’s parental residence in the locality.

The locals also blocked the Kongba Yairipok road, however the Imphal East SP himself arrive at the spot and stop the locals from disrupting traffic along the road.

Meanwhile, it may be mentiioned that Mutum ongbi Mona, 26, wife of M Ibomcha of Kongpal Mutum Leikai was found hanging from the ceiling fan hook by her father-in-law M Amu at around 10.30 am on October 28 at her husband’s residence.

IMPHAL, October 29: The two accused persons arrested for physically violating a school girl on October 20 last has been sent to jail yesterday.

It may be mentioned that a commando constable of Imphal West namely Yumnam William,28, s/o late Deben of Khagempalli Panthak and singer cum film actor Thokchom Tarun,27, s/o Jayanta of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai had enticed a schoolgirl of TG higher secondary school. The duo had taken her on a maruti car on pretext of joining a birthday party at Tampha Fast Food restaurant located along Airport road near Ghari.

She was later drugged in her drink and had been physically violated.

They had also recorded the crime on mobile phone. She was later found in a shocked state at Ayangpalli road in the evening.

They mentioned rapist had surrendered to Porompat Police on October 21 and booked under charges of kidnapping and rape. However, the crime incident being under the jurisdiction of Lamphel Police was thereby transferred to the same.

They were produced before the CJM Imphal on October 25 and had been remanded to police custody for 5 days. But on account of the two accused being fully interrogated and further judicial measures being sought from the side of the petitioners family for bail, they have been produced one day ahead in front of the Ojesh Mutum,Duty Magistrate 1st class, Imphal West at around 4 pm . They have been sent to judicial custody at around 10.30 am today.

It may be mentioned that there has been demands from students and civil organizations to award ample punishment to the rapist. There has been an episode of the duo being mobbed when produced before the court on October 25.

The same irate mob had also waited at Cheirap Court today waiting for the duo.

IMPHAL, October 29: Laishram Thomas Singh of Singjamei Makha Kakwa Asem Leikai and Kangabam Manikhombi Devi of Keishampat Kangabam Leikai were claimed the first position of the men’s and women’s events of the 2nd Transformation Challenge, 2012 today.

Thomas(centre), Neelkamal (left) and Andrew (right) celebrating .

The contest organized by the Apunba Fitness Centre, Nagamapal RIMS road was held at the BOAT yesterday.

Laishram Thomas Singh received 90 points after losing 20 kgs in three months. He was at 88 kg before the start of challenge three months back but is now at 66 kgs after losing 20 kgs.

Yulembam Neelakamal (second) and Yurembam Andrew (third) rounded off the first three challengers in the men’s event.

Kangabam Manikhombi Devi lost 14-9 kgs in the three months to weigh 55.4 kg at the end of the challenge. She was at 70.3 kg three months back.

Thokchom (o) Rosy (second) and Thounaojam (o) Ibetombi Devi (third) rounded off the first three women’s challengers.

IMPHAL, Oct 29: "Manipur farmers need to produce more than 12,000 metric tonnes more of mustard oil in order to meet the need of the state which is imported from other region at present", said Dr Premjit,  Director of Extension Education, Central Agriculture University (CAU) while giving his chief guest address at the launching programme of Zero Tillage Cultivation of Rapeseed-Mustard under DRMR, Central Agriculture University (CAU) held at seijang Community Hall, Imphal East today.

Farmers in Manipur have low income due to lack of new technology of agriculture and absence of canal facility, he said suggesting that farmers should switch on to farming multiple items like rearing animals, poultry farming and piggery for earning higher income and living a better lifestyle.

Noting that with the increasing population, demand for agricultural product has also been increasing, he called for adopting innovative method and scientific technology for increasing agricultural yield and as an instance added that keeping of bee-box with bee around the mustard field increase the mustard yield by 25% and profit can increase from rupees eleven thousand to twelve thousand.    

He also distributed agricultural materials to ten farmers' clubs of Seijang villge consisting of 150 members which include 60 bags of Urea, 195 bags of Single Super-Phosphate, 50 bags of murate of

Potanus, 100 bee-box, 912 kg of rapeseed variety TS-38 from Assam  Agricultural University and 24 kg of Mustard variety like  NRC HB – 101 from Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

Roland of Bremen with the heart, symbol of the fair

Berlin, October 29: The Bremer Freimarkt (Free Fair) — historically one of the oldest fairs in Germany — has its greatest event with the Free Fair Procession "Freimarktsumzug"; this year's Freimarktsumzug took place Saturday.

The procession started Saturday morning on the opposite side of the river Weser in the "Neustadt" and passed the city hall about one hour later. 146 colorfully decorated groups were taking part, some of them dancing to their own music, and were watched by about 200.000 people in the streets during more than four hours of the whole performance. The event could also be viewed on television and on livestream on the web.

The Free Fair opened on the place behind the main station of the city of Bremen a week ago. The origin of this popular event can be traced back to the year 1035. Nowadays it has been called the "biggest Fairground Festival in northern Germany".

For a few years, an historical spectacle involving actors of the theatre group Shakespeare Company has been part of the opening performance of the fair. With a replica of an old cog an ambassador enters the banks of the river Weser close to the city and walks with his companions to the market place in front of the city hall of Bremen where the Kleiner Freimarkt (Small Free Fair) is opened.

Members of the Chimney Sweep Guild hang up a big heart at the statue of Roland as a sign of the opened market. The traditional opening takes place in the Bavarian tent on the Bürgerweide behind the main station of Bremen with the tapping of the first keg by the incumbent Senator of the Interior of the Free Hansetown of Bremen. This is followed by the dance with Miss Free Market on the stage. Late at night, also fireworks are lighted over the place Bürgerweide and can be admired by people. The exclamation Ischa Freimaak (It's Free Fair) is meant to spread a relaxed and unreserved atmosphere among the guests.

The fair is a major source of revenue for showmen, carousels and food stalls, some of which arrived nearly two weeks before the opening from all over Germany. This year the Freimarkt is to last until Sunday November 4. The subsequent disassembly, especially the technically complex rides, should then take about ten days.

IMPHAL, Oct 29 :  Saying Panchayati Raj Institute (PRI) plays the most important role in bringing development for rural community of the country, Manipur Home Minister Gaikgangam today appealed to all the newly elected Panchayat members to work sincerely to uplift the life of the community.

Gaikhangam was attending a function of the reception-cum 1st meeting of general body (special) of the newly elected members of Panchayati Raj Institute organized by Manipur State Panchayat Parishad (MSPP) at Manipur Panchayat Bhavan, Porompat, Imphal.

Saying that India is made up of 80 percent of rural communities, the Home Minister said it would be urbanized only when these communities are developed.

Even though the country has enters its 60 years of independence it has not been able to follow the principles advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, the Home Minister expressed discontentment adding the idea of Gandhi emphasizing on developing the village life and giving power to the rural people is still dragging on.

He admitted different tasks are handed to the people’s representatives to bring development under Local Self-Governments like District Council, Nagar Panchayat, Imphal Municipal Council and Panchayat at the grass root level to uplift the people.

Gaikhangam also informed a state level convention to be participated by the local bodies will be held soon. General Secretary of All India Youth Congress Rahul Gandhi will also take part it, he added.

Francia Ngajokpa, minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj also took part at the function. He called for cent percent implementation of their tasks by all the newly elected Panchayat members and fulfillment of all the benefits to the people.

At the function, three-time elected Panchyat members were presented with simple gifts as a mark of encouragement.

Besides Gaikhangam and Ngajokpa, SS Vijay Mishra, Secretary General, All India Panchayat Parishad and Prof Mehendro, Chief Advisor, MSPP among others also attended the function.

Polls to the Manipur 4th Panchayat were held on September 13 in the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur.

New York, October 29: The United States is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. The hurricane, which is expected to hit late Sunday into Monday, could affect up to sixty million people. The Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, announced that all subway, bus and train services in New York City would be suspended from 19:00 EST on Sunday evening.

	President Obama receives an update on the response to Hurricane Sandy.

The hurricane has already caused damage and fatalities in several Caribbean countries this week. Meteorologists are concerned that it will turn into a "Frankenstorm" as it amalgamates with a winter storm in the run up to Halloween. Authorities warned that a full moon could trigger high tides with storm surges of up to 3 metres which would cause sea water to surge through Lower Manhattan.

It is also expected to cause serious flooding in several areas on the Mid-Atlantic coast, including Long Island Sound and New York Harbour.

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg urged people to take action now to keep themselves safe. "I don't want anybody to go to bed tonight thinking that they can spend the day worrying about the night after," Mr Bloomberg said. "If you don't evacuate, you are not only endangering your life, you are also endangering the lives of the first responders who are going in to rescue you," he said.

It is expected that the hurricane will affect flights. Air France announced that it will cancel all flights to New York and Washington today. British Airways has cancelled all flights to and from the east coast of the U.S. today.

The Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, has announced that several bridges are to close from 19:00 EDT — George Washington, Verrazano-Narrows, Throgs Neck, Whitestone, Henry Hudson, Cross Bay Veterans, and from 16:00 EDT the Tappan Zee. He also said the worst of the storm has not yet reached the city.

The New York Stock Exchange trading floor is closed today but electronic transactions are still able to take place. Spokesman Rich Adamonis told Reuters "We continue to monitor the situation and to communicate with government officials, regulators, and markets participants,". The United Nations headquarters in New York have also been shut down. Several states have announced states of emergency- Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC and also a coastal county in North Carolina.

Public schools are to remain closed tomorrow in New York, Washington and Philadelphia. The Washington metro is also to be closed tomorrow because of the hurricane.

The state of Delaware has announced a mandatory evacuation order for 50,000 people from coastal areas and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie urged people not to take risks. "We have to be prepared for the worst here. I can be as cynical as any of you but when the storm comes, if it's as bad as they're predicting it will be, you're gonna wish you weren't as cynical as you might otherwise have been." he said.

The hurricane has also affected the election campaigning plans of the two main presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. Romney announced that he had cancelled a planned campaign rally yesterday evening in Virginia Beach and Vice-President Joe Biden cancelled a visit there on Saturday.

IMPHAL, October 29: Since time immemorial, the 15th day of the Manipuri calendar month “Mera” has been observed as the Mera Hou Chongba in commemoration of the age-old brotherhood and love between the valley and the hills of the state.

Manipur Titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba during the Mera Hou Chongba function at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.

Legends say that while the Meiteis who inhabited the valley region is the younger brother, the tribes who inhabited in the hills are the elder brothers.

The day was also observed today in presence of hundreds of people both from all the communities residing in the state spreading across the hills and the valleys.

The observation had commenced yesterday evening itself with people from the hills arriving at the Manipur Royal Palace for the festival. The Manipuri titular king had welcomed the visitors at his palace.

Meanwhile, the festival commenced today from the Royal Palace from where a procession was taken out to Kangla led by Manipur titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba this morning.

At the Kangla, the ‘Kabui Amaiba’ (traditional Kabui priest) performed the ‘Yengkhong tamba’ and after performing several traditional rituals at Kangla, the titular king led the procession back to the royal palace.

Later in the afternoon, a formal function was held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen to celebrate the festival.

During the formal function, gifts were exchange between the participants who were from different communities.

The titular king also received gifts from the tribal leaders and vice versa.

Speaking during the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the month of ‘Mera’ is a very important month in the hills-valley relation of Manipur.

The day has been observed since the ‘Íbudhou Pakhangba’ era. He also said that Mera Hou Chongba is a non political festival and is not confined to a single community.

He also elaborated that necessary gifts are exchanged between the two brothers residing in the hills and the plains during the festival.

Elaborating further on the way the festival was observed in olden times, the titular king said, the exchange of gifts were always followed by a grand feast. While, gifts were exchanged at the valley; for the feast the valley communities used to travel up the hills for the feast, he said. The feast has been discontinued for some time now, the titular king added.

The titular king ended his speech by expressing the need to educate the people of Manipur on the importance of the festival which would only bring unity amongst the various communities of the state.

Other highlights of the festival include cultural dance shows from various communities.

People from the hills including the village heads from the districts like Senapati, Chandel and Ukhrul and all other districts attended the festival.(Courtesy: Imphal Free Press)

SITTWE, Oct 29: Myanmar’s government said Monday it has boosted security in a western state hit by ethnic and sectarian unrest as the number of displaced rose to 28,000 people, mostly Muslims.

The latest violence between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, which began Oct. 21, killed at least 84 people and injured 129 more, according to the government. Human rights groups believe the true toll could be far higher.

A tense calm has held across the region since Saturday, Rakhine state spokesman Myo Thant said.

He said security had been stepped up in the State, with additional police and soldiers deployed, but he declined to give details.

The priority now is to ensure those who lost homes have adequate shelter and food, he said.

U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar Ashok Nigam said the figure of 28,000 displaced was likely to rise because some people who fled affected areas along the coast by boat have yet to be counted.

An estimated 27,300 of the displaced are Muslims, Nigam said, adding that the U.N. figure was based on statistics from local authorities. Human Rights Watch has said that the Rohingya have suffered the brunt of the latest violence.

Tensions have simmered in the region since clashes first broke out in June, displacing 75,000 people — also mostly Muslims.

The long-brewing conflict is rooted in a dispute over the Muslim residents’ origin. Although many Rohingya have lived in Myanmar for generations, they are widely denigrated as intruders who came from neighboring Bangladesh to steal scarce land.

The U.N. estimates their population in Myanmar at 800,000. But the government does not count them as one of the country’s 135 ethnic groups, and so — like neighboring Bangladesh — denies them citizenship. Human rights groups say racism also plays a role: Many Rohingya, who speak a Bengali dialect and resemble Muslim Bangladeshis, have darker skin and are heavily discriminated against.

IMPHAL, Oct 29 : The economic blockade imposed on Imphal-Ukhrul road against the kidnapping of contractor Iranbanta continues.

The blockade has been imposed by the JAC formed in connection with the disappearance of Irabanta.

Even though the JAC had announced its decision to impose the blockade from October 12, it became effective from yesterday.

Commodities loaded on passenger vehicles were offloaded at Seijang in Imphal East district by the blockade supporters.

Around 11am today, blockade supporters unloaded all items carried by passenger vehicles coming from both directions.

However, police personnel have collected the items and dispersed the gatherings.

It may be mentioned that Irungbam Irabanta of Nongdam Maning Leikai has been traceless since he left his house for Ukhrul on May 27. Several forms of agitation have been launched under the aegis of the JAC formed in connection with the disappearance of I Irabanta. The case was also discussed in the Assembly during its last session.

DIMAPUR, Oct 29: The NSCN faction headed by SS Khaplang has said the outfit will start holding dialogue in the ‘global arena’ only after the ‘NSCN-IM solution’.

The NSCN-K has also asked the Isak-Muivah group not to interfere in the event of the outfit holding talks for Nagas’ independence involving the Governments of India and Myanmar.

The NSCN-K has also extended its best wishes to the NSCN-IM in its endeavour for the latter’s solution.

“The NSCN wishes that the Government of India gives away any kind of package or solution to the NSCN IM but it (GOI) should also be ready to talk with the NSCN (Khaplang faction) for Naga Independence on the global arena,” the NSCN-K said today.

Meanwhile, the NSCN-K has clarified on the letter ‘purportedly’ written by the outfit’s chairman to Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) stating that it would not stand on the way of the ongoing negotiation between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India but would surely stand firm on the Indo-Myanmar-Naga political issue for Naga Independence.

“It is learnt that some people are trying to take advan- tage and manipulate the letter with ulterior motives towards the NSCN (Khaplang group) and confuse the Nagas but their efforts will not have any impact upon the Nagas or the NSCN as the people already knew the stand of the NSCN for sovereignty of Naga country at any cost.

“The NSCN leader SS Khaplang is not talking about the Nagas of Myanmar only but in fact he is talking about the 14th August, 1947 declaration of Naga Independence by the Nagas of Indian imposed Nagaland State. He is also talking about the 1951 plebiscite of the Nagas and the boycott of the 1952 Indian sponsored elections in the Indian imposed Nagaland state.”

Hence, the NSCN advises these groups and individuals that their intention to create further rift among the Nagas at this juncture is only displaying their true immature colour and the nature of their approach towards the NSCN and Naga people for their individual gains and cheap publicity,” the NSCN-K’s ‘ministry of information and publicity (MIP) said today.

“The letter of the then joint leaders clearly states that it (NSCN) will not stand in the way of IM solution for no Naga knows what is the exact contents or demands of their so-called 15 years long talk which is tightly hidden within their lips however, unfortunately the people came to know through the print media that their tight lipped talk is about solution within the Constitution of India (unacceptable to any Naga).

Therefore, the NSCN leader only assured that it will not interfere in the affairs of the said IM solution but in fact the NSCN leader SS Khaplang was happy to learn that some sort of solution is likely in the immediate future for the benefit of the IM and therefore wished them in their endeavor.

The decision in this regard had been taken before the June 2011 split and this letter was the outcome of this decision jointly taken by the three leaders (S.S. Khaplang, Gen. Khole and Kitovi) but despite knowing the fact fully, these gentlemen are now trying to twist it with ulterior motives to malign the NSCN and its leader SS Khaplang but, as the old saying goes, truth would triumph in the long run.

The letter of the then joint leaders clearly stated that it (NSCN) would not stand in the way of IM solution for no Nagas knew what was the exact contents or demands of their so-called 15 years long talk which was tightly hidden within their lips.

The NSCN as the people’s only matured organization standing for Naga sovereignty makes it known to everyone that only after the IM solution, would start its negotiations for Naga Independence on the global arena and therefore asked the IM not to interfere in the affairs of NSCN and GOI and Myanmar when it finally starts its negotiation which is going to be participated by all the Nagas including NGOs and public alike.

The NSCN leader only urged the NSCN IM not to stand on its way as it did to the ongoing IM negotiations for the IM solution as the NSCN had nothing to do with the IM solution which had been clearly mentioned in its earlier statements.

In the meantime, the NSCN wished the GOI to give away any kind of packages or solution to the NSCN-IM but it (GOI) should also be ready to talk with the NSCN for Naga independence on the global arena, further said the statement.

Gaza, October 28: The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, has become the first Arab leader to visit the Gaza Strip since its occupation by Israel in 1967.

Shiekh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani

The Emir of Qatar called for unity of the various Palestinian groups. Speaking at Gaza's Islamic University, he asked, "Why are you staying divided?" "There are no peace negotiations, and there is no clear strategy of resistance and liberation. Why shouldn't brothers sit together and reconcile?"

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniya said the visit demonstrated Gaza is "not alone" and broke Israel's blockade of Gaza. Israel regards Hamas as a terrorist group. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas contacted the emir directly to point out the international community recognizes Mr Abbas as the Palestinian leader.
Spokesman Yigal Palmor for Israel's Foreign Ministry said, "This is more than strange, especially since Hamas is internationally recognized as a terror group. By hugging Hamas publicly, the emir of Qatar has thrown peace under the bus."

Qatar has been active internationally in recent years. The emir founded the Al Jazeera international television news network. Qatar has negotiated in Lebanon and with the Taliban. There is also an America airbase in Qatar. The country also maintains contacts in Islamic politics and scholarship.
Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world at $88,000.

Silvio Berlusconi

Rome, October 28: Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was yesterday found guilty of tax fraud and sentenced to four years in prison, which was reduced to one year because of a law passed by Mr Berlusconi which aimed to reduce overcrowding of prisons.

The fraud relates to the purchase of television film rights by a company owned by Mr Berlusconi, Mediaset, which the company then re-sold at exaggerated prices. Although sentenced to one year in prison, Mr Berlusconi, 76, might not serve the one-year sentence because there will be two opportunities to appeal the verdict, which may take many years and no prison time is served until after the verdict is confirmed. Mr Berlusconi is also banned for three years from any political office.

The Secretary of Mr Berlusconi's centre-right People of Freedom party, Angelino Alfano, said the ruling confirmed there was "judicial persecution" against the former prime minister; while according to Antonio Di Pietro, one of Berlusconi's political rivals, "the truth has been exposed".

Mr Berlusconi resigned in November from his position as Prime Minister. He has in the past faced several allegations against him, including embezzlement, fraud, and bribery. A separate trial is currently underway in Milan over allegations he paid for sex with an under-age prostitute, Karima el Mahroug.

NEW DELHI, October 28 (Agency): With 11 ministers, Andhra Pradesh takes the cake in the reshuffle of the Union Cabinet as it overtook Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan in its strength in the government.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and other dignitaries at the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Union Council of Ministers, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi.

In fact, there are not only five additions from the southern state but one minister has been elevated to Cabinet rank, among the total of 22 inductions and promotions made on Sunday.

Andhra Pradesh, which has witnessed turmoil over the Telangana issue and the emergence of YSR Congress, now also boasts of having the largest number of Cabinet ministers -- four. It is the only major state where Congress is in power on the basis of its own strength. With Congress performing laudably during polls, the state has contributed significantly towards UPA coming to power in 2004 and 2009.

While Tamil Nadu and Kerala have eight representatives in the Council of Ministers including those of DMK, Maharashtra follows suit with seven, including those of NCP.

Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan have six ministers each at the central level.

In today’s reshuffle, West Bengal saw induction of the second highest number of MPs in the Council of Ministers with three new faces, in an apparent move to take on Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress which parted ways with UPA over two months ago.

Two members each from party-ruled Kerala and Rajasthan also found place in the Union Council of Ministers. One each has been inducted or elevated from Uttarakhand, Delhi, Assam, Gujarat and Karnataka.

Though there are as many as 16 Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha from Maharashtra, the party has not included a single minister from the state in the exercise.

This was despite the fact that there have been three vacancies from the state following the death of Vilasrao Deshmukh and resignation of Mukul Wasnik besides Prithviraj Chavan being made the Chief Minister.

Sushilkumar Shinde, Milind Deora and Pratik Patil represent Congress in the Cabinet from Maharashtra, while Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel and Tariq Anwar are ministers from NCP. Congress has not got a single representative in the Cabinet from either Marathwada or Vidarbha region.

Arunachal Pradesh got a representation in the government with Ninong Ering getting a berth.

With the exit of Subodh Kant Sahai, there is no representative of Jharkhand in the ministry. The resignation of Agatha Sangma and Vincent Pala has put Meghalaya in the same category.

Goa is not having a minister at the Centre for the last over six years. Manipur is also in the same bracket.

DIMAPUR, Oct 28: NSCN-IM leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah will have a crucial consultative meetings with the Naga frontal organisations including the Naga Hoho and the United Naga Council (UNC) on October 30 at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur. The NSCN-IM leaders are first expected to update the latest position of the talks with New Delhi to the Naga leaders before the 'crucial consultations'.

Sources disclosed Newmai News Network today that all the Naga tribe presidents from Manipur under the aegis of the UNC will arrive Dimapur on Monday to have the 'home consultations' on Tuesday. However, it appears that the Naga Hoho and the UNC teams will meet the NSCN-IM leaders separately.

Swu and Muivah had a meeting with top leaders of the NSCN-IM both from the civil and the military set up on October 25.

Meanwhile, separate sources said the NSCN-IM is expected to ink the would-be settlement within two months i.e either in November or in December. However, after the October 30 'home consultations' things may become clear on the talk position with the government of India. The 'home consultations' is not going to be like the usual meetings but 'crucial' in a way that in two months' time both the parties i.e. NSCN-IM and New Delhi are endeavouring to wind up the 15 years long dialogue while settling the vexed Naga political problem.

On August 14, the 'Nagas Independence Day', NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu in his speech had said that 'before signing the agreement we will come back to people for consultations." Given this background, many have speculated that the ongoing 'home consultations' are the final consultations by the NSCN-IM leaders with the Naga civil organisatiomns. "I think this leg of  Swu and Muivah may be the last one to Nagaland before signing the historic agreement," a Naga public leader expressed optimistically who does not want to be named.

Meanwhile, Naga tribe leaders from Manipur have started arriving Dimapur since today for the October 30 date with Isak Swu and Th Muivah. Around 50 delegations from Manipur are expected to participate in the 'home consultations' at Camp Hebron.

IMPHAL, October 28: After an alleged suicide of a housewife, there has been a heated scuffle among the in laws of both families.

The deceased housewife is identified as Mutum ongbi Mona,26, wife of M Ibomcha of Kongpal Mutum Leikai. She was found hanging from the ceiling fan hook by her father-in-law M Amu at around 10.30 am today at the said residence.

According to reports, M Ibomcha works in the police reserve lines as a constable. Mona runs a beauty parlor from home and they got married in April this year.

Today morning, Ibomcha left home for work early and Mona had cooked for her father in law. Amu had heard Mona’s mobile ringing for quite some time and went inside the waiting room to enquire.

Then, he saw Mona hanging from the ceiling fan hook. The neighbors were alerted and Mona was rushed to JNIMS hospital but she was announced dead on arrival.

Whereas, reports from Mona’s maternal family said that a phone came to Heirom Ganesh (Mona’s younger brother) from Ibomcha at around 11.20 am. Ibomcha had cried on the phone and said that Mona was at JNIMS hospital. On reaching the spot, the lifeless body of his sister was found and the incident was known.

Mona’s family members and other relations came to Kongpal and saw the scene of the crime.

They had mentioned that Mona will not be able to reach the fan hook even after a plastic stool and a cane stool was bundled up. The action was imitated by a woman of the same height but could not reach the fan hook. Further, the mosquito net was found torn along with the inner vest of Ibomcha by the irate family members. They had alleged that Mona was done to death by her husband.

The claim was however rejected by Ibomcha and his father. Following the contradiction, a heated argument broke up and Mona’s in laws tried to storm Ibomcha’s residence. After Porompat police arrival, the heated scenario was brought under control. Police is presently guarding Ibomcha’s reseidence.

Mona’s body is not claimed and is kept at the JNIMS mortuary still.

IMPHAL, October 28: The 15 day Workshop on Indigenous Musical Instruments of Manipur concluded today at the Tribal Museum and Research Centre, Sagolband Bijoy Govinda Akham Leikai.

The valedictory function was attended by Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee and Ethnomusiologist, Laishram Birendrakumar, former director NEZCC, Dimapur Aheibam Birendra and Director IGRMS prof KK Mishra as the chief guest, president and guest of honour, respectively.

Laishram Birendrakumar said in his speech that there are more than 30 tribes in the state.

“The map we see of Manipur today is just the political map; however the musical map is much far and wide”.

Aheibam Birendra said that there are 35 tribes in Manipur and every tribe mingling with each other over centuries. Artefacts of each tribes are still maintained at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahlaya (National Museum of Mankind), Bhopal.

He said the 15 day workshop is a living example of unity amongst the people of Manipur since time immemorial.

Speaking on the occasion, KK Mishra expressed that not many people know about the existence of such museum in Manipur.

Elaborating on the existence of such museums, he said that the Bhopal museum is quite the contrary to the people’s perspective of a museum.

He elaborated, that people usually see a museum where items are displayed in a glass box, however the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahlaya (National Museum of Mankind), Bhopal is quite different from a conventional museum spreading across 200 acres with open space displays of antiques from across the country and outside.

He also expressed, “Due to globalization we are losing our culture including our musical instruments”.

“The introduction of Jazz music in the country has adversely affected our indigenous music.”

“Indigenous musical instrument makers are hard to find today in the country”, he said.

JIRIBAM, October 28: Jiriabm branches of student bodies including the All Manipur Students’Union, district committee, Manipur Students’ Federation, special branch and Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur, Jiri Local Council has announced that the state Education Minister will be boycotted from entering the sub-division unless the Minister look into the several grievances faced by the students of the sub-division.

The student bodies released a joint press statement today announcing their decision.

It has said that student bodies of the sub-division had urged the state Education Minister to inspect the schools in the sub-division and to look into the grievances faced by the students earlier, but the Minister has failed to acknowledge the appeal.

It has continued that the schools of the sub division have been facing several grievances for a long time which the state government has always looked away from.

It pointed out that some of the problems in the sub division are lack of teachers in the schools, lack of infrastructure and school buildings, improper transfer of teachers.

It has further elaborated that there are no teachers for Commerce at the Jiribam Government Higher Secondary School and demanding a teacher, the school students staged a sit in protest for two days in front of the school on August 16 and 17. The release continued that the state authorities instead of considering the demand of the students, transferred regular teacher N Rajen Singh (Geography lect) and utilised another teacher of the school N Dhana Singh Graduate Science Teacher.

It continued even as there are no commerce teachers in the school, there are five Biology teachers in the school with the latest addition of one Ch Dhiren Singh (Biology teacher).

It has also informed that a certain teacher of the school identified as Somendro Mukharjee Sharma (English teacher) has not attended the school for the past seven years though he is said to withdrawing his salaries regularly. The student bodies have further questioned why the government has failed to look into the issue.

Considering all the stated issues, the student bodies have stated that the state Education Minister will be boycotted in the sub-division.

It has also expressed the student bodies’ hope that the Education Minister will act according to the wishes of the people of the sub division.

Yangoon, October 27: Myanmar's government has appealed for peace in the western state of Rakhine, warning that ethnic violence there that has taken at least 56 lives in recent day’s risks harming the country's reputation as it seeks to install democratic rule.

The mob violence pitting the Buddhist Rakhine community against the Muslim Rohingya has seen entire villages torched and has drawn international calls for government intervention.

"The army, police, and authorities in cooperation with local people will try to restore peace and stability and will take legal action against any individual or organisation that is trying to instigate the unrest," said a statement from the office of President Thein Sein published on Friday in the state-run Myanmar Ahlin newspaper.

Since Sunday, 25 men and 31 women have been reported dead and 60 men and four women injured in the violence in four Rakhine townships, state government spokesman Win Myaing said on Thursday.

He did not break down the casualties by ethnic group. The government said 1,948 houses and 8 religious buildings had been destroyed through Wednesday.

"As the international community is closely watching Myanmar's democratic transition, such unrest could tarnish the image of the country," the presidential statement said.

In June, ethnic violence in the state left at least 90 people dead and destroyed more than 3,000 homes.

About 75,000 have been living in refugee camps ever since. A statement issued late on Thursday by the office of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the latest violence as "deeply troubling."

"The widening mistrust between the communities is being exploited by militant and criminal elements to cause large-scale loss of human lives, material destruction, displaced families as well as fear, humiliation and hatred affecting the people from all walks of life," it said.

Ban called on Myanmar authorities "to take urgent and effective action to bring under control all cases of lawlessness."

"The vigilante attacks, targeted threats and extremist rhetoric must be stopped. If this is not done, the fabric of social order could be irreparably damaged and the reform and opening up process being currently pursued by the government is likely to be jeopardized," said Ban.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the US was deeply concerned about the reports and urged restraint.

Washington, October 27: Barack Obama scripted history when he cast his ballot 12 days ahead of the November 6 polls, becoming the first sitting US President to vote early in the election described by him as an "extremely tight" race between him and his Republican rival Mitt Romney.

Amidst his hectic electioneering schedule, 51-year-old Obama flew in from Richmond in Virginia to cast his vote at the Martin Luther King Community Center in his home town of Chicago on Thursday.

As Obama entered the polling booth, he greeted everybody and said it is exciting to get to vote early. "This is the first time a President's ever going to be early voting," he said. "That's pretty exciting."

Earlier in the day, Obama in an email to his supporters said that he is going to vote early. "This afternoon, I'm casting my ballot in my hometown of Chicago. I'm told I'll be the first sitting president to take advantage of early voting," he said.

"Look, this race is extremely tight. It's going to come down to which side can more effectively turn out the vote in these final days, and early vote is a huge part of that. Whether people get out to vote this year, in this election, is even more critical than the last time around. So this is serious, and I'm going to need your help if we want to win," said Obama who, according to snap polls, won two of the three high-stake presidential debates against his Republican challenger Romney.

Jeddah, October 27: After having spent a day in prayer on the 'Mountain of Mercy', millions of Muslim pilgrims, including Indians, descended on the city of Mina on Friday to perform the symbolic Haj ritual of stoning the Satan.

Clutching the pebbles collected on their way overnight from the town of Muzdalifah, the flock of pilgrims started arriving in Mina early in the morning as the city's roads choked with people making their way to their camps.

Large crowds began the rite in which pillars symbolising the Satan are stoned as a mark of the believers' resistance to the devil. The ritual will continue for two more days as the pilgrims complete their pilgrimage.

The faithful also sacrificed animals to mark Prophet Abraham's sacrifice of his son Ismail in the name of God, as Muslims celebrated Eid al Adha in several parts of the world.

The five-day rituals of Hajj began on October 24 when millions arrived in the holy city of Mecca.

They travel from Mecca to the nearby city of Mina to spend a night in prayer and spend time near Mount Arafat before performing the symbolic ritual of devil stoning.

The stay on Arafat where Prophet Mohammad delivered his last sermon is the most important ritual of the pilgrimage and was performed by nearly 3 million pilgrims including 1.7 lakh from India.

Mount Arafat is also known as Jabal Al Rahm or 'Mountain of Mercy'.

A white sea of humanity in seamless white robes assembled on Arafat with the chant of 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik' (Here I am O God, answering your call).

As the faithful spent the day praying for mercy and forgiveness, and contemplating on their lives, many were seen in tears.

"I really can't describe the feeling of being here at Arafat for the first time. It is overwhelming," 63-year-old Rayees Nomani, from Lucknow, was quoted as saying by Arab News.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and every able bodied Muslim who can afford to travel to Mecca is expected to perform the pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime.

Noida, October 27: Defending champion Sebastian Vettel set the pace for Sunday's Indian Grand Prix by emerging the fastest driver in both the practice sessions as Red Bull put up an impressive show, in Greater Noida on Friday.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso pushed hard in the intense second practice session but the two Red Bull cars came out on top in the end.

Sahara Force India's Nico Hulkenberg was struggling initially but made a move upward when he clocked 1:27.233 to be eighth. The German was 14th in FP1.

Paul Di Resta was 11th in the second Sahara Force India car, just head of Sergio Perez, who did not take part in FP1 due to fever.

Vettel set the fastest lap in 1 minute 26.221 seconds and was followed by team-mate Mark Webber, who was behind by just 0.118 second. It was an impressive show by Webber as he improved his FP1 timing by almost two seconds.

Vettel, the winner of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, had clocked 1:27.61 in the FP1 while Webber (1:28.175) was fifth.

Alonso, who gave a stiff competition to Vettel in the entire one-and-a-half hour afternoon session, clocked his fastest lap in 1 minute 26.820 seconds to be third. He was in the same position in FP1 too.

McLaren's Jenson Button had begun well but he was outpaced by Mercedes' Nico Rosberg and Kimi Raikonnen of Lotus.

Rosberg, who is coming into the race after two consecutive retirements, was fourth with a timing of 1:27.022. This was after Raikonnen had set the fastest timing and about 30 minutes were left in the session.

It was followed by a tight battle between Vettel and Alonso as they kept outpacing each other. Both of them were stunned by Webber, who clocked 1:26.339 to lead the field but Vettel's following scorching lap in 1:26.221 minutes could not be improved upon by anyone.

New Delhi, October 27: International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday said that the decision of IOA's Special Committee that Hockey India will be the sole body to run the game in the country will be "suspended" till the disposal of the case pending at the Delhi High Court.

Indian Olympic Association had accepted a decision by its special committee that HI should be the official body in the country but the High Court, on a petition by Indian Hockey Federation, had ordered to maintain status quo till the case is finally disposed off.

The IHF had apprised the FIH about the decision and the world body today acknowledged that the IOA's decision to recognise HI as the hockey body in the country will be "suspended" for the time being.

"You will be aware that counsel appeared for the FIH at last week's hearing before the Delhi High Court, and based on his submissions the Court noted for the record that the FIH disputes that the Delhi High Court can properly exercise jurisdiction over the FIH in this matter," FIH Chief Executive Kelly Fairweather wrote to IHF Secretary General Ashok Mathur in response to a missive earlier sent by the latter.

"Nevertheless, while maintaining and insisting upon that jurisdictional objection, the FIH acknowledges your position that the effect of the Court's order dated 25 September 2012 is that the IOA Special Committee's decision of 5 September 2012 is suspended pending trial of the IHF's petition challenging that decision, and that therefore no reliance can be placed on that decision in the meantime," the letter said.

The FIH official, however, made it clear that HI remained India's hockey body recognised by it.

"I simply note that, as set out in my 1 June 2012 letter, the effect of this is that we are exactly where we were when I wrote that letter, i.e., Hockey India is and remains the FIH's member for India," it said.

New Delhi, October 27: Moving ahead with the ambitious plan for direct electronic cash transfer, PM Manmohan Singh has set up a high-powered committee headed by him which will identify the schemes to be covered and ensure smooth rollout of the programme within specified timelines.

The National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers will have 11 cabinet ministers, two ministers of state with independent charge, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, the Chairman UIDAI and the Cabinet Secretary as its members.

The Committee will act as a mechanism to coordinate action for the introduction of direct cash transfers to individuals under the various government schemes and programmes, a PMO statement said.

The scheme, which is expected to benefit one-fourth of the country's population, is being introduced to check corruption and pilferage of subsidised items.

The Committee would "provide an overarching vision and direction to enable direct cash transfers of benefits under various government schemes and programmes to individuals, leveraging the investments being made in the Aadhaar Project, financial inclusion and other initiatives of the Government, with the objective of enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability," the statement said.

It will determine broad policy objectives and strategies for direct cash transfers and identify government programmes and schemes for which direct cash transfers to individuals can be adopted.

The Committee will suggest the extent and scope of direct cash transfers in each case besides specifying timelines for the rollout of scheme, the statement said.

It will coordinate with various ministries and departments involved in enabling direct cash transfers and ensure timely, coordinated action to ensure speedy rollout of direct cash transfers across the country, the PMO said.