January 31, 2016

C M Y K

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sunDAY • JAnuArY 31 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 28 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong Race for Zika vaccine gathers momentum as virus spreads PAGE 09

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Changs in Kohima celebrate Poanglüm

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 30 (MExN): Former Governor of Nagaland, General (Retd) KV Krishna Rao passed away on Saturday in New Delhi. He was 92.

General KV Krishna Rao (Retd) PVSM, who was also former Chief of Army Staff, served Nagaland as Governor along with the States of Manipur & Tripura from 1984 to 1989. He was also the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and Mizoram. In a condolence message addressed to his son KV Narayan Rao, Nagaland Governor PB Acharya said, “We have lost a great soul who was the beacon of soldiering and iconic figure for not only for the Army and our Nation. His contributions towards the Nation will be remembered for ever.”

Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said Nagas remember KV Krishna Rao as a Governor who was very clear of his role-a custodian of the Constitution and a fatherly figure whose advice and suggestions to the State government was most valuable.

ASTD renounce ‘chief guest’ culture

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 30 (MExN): The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has renounced what it termed as the ‘chief guest culture’ prevailing in Nagaland today. ASTD president, Supu Jamir told the media that the decision to this effect was endorsed at an ASTD general body meeting convened on January 30. Terming the supposedly dignified nomenclature as being misconceived and reduced to that of a position solely fashioned to extract benefits either in cash or in kind, the ASTD stated that it will no longer encourage the practice among unions or forums affiliated to the ASTD. “This ‘culture’ will not be entertained anymore,” Jamir said, adding that following the January 30 resolution no ASTD units will be permitted to categorise and invite any individual as ‘chief guest’ in any social function that the members may organise. According to Jamir, this misconceived materialistic notion of expectation more often than not induces an accomplished but not financially well off person to decline invitation to social gatherings the position of ‘chief guest’ notwithstanding. “It is no longer about what the chief guest has to contribute in his or her intellectual capacity rather it has become how much he or she pays.” The ASTD further reaffirmed its decision on not to endorse any ‘fund-raise’ related activity amongst its units without its permission and its resolution to stand by the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee.

Kerber stuns Williams to win Australian Open title PAGE 12

Peace through peaceful means NPCC pained over delay in finding

solution to Naga political problem

Dimapur | January 30

Former Nagaland Governor is no more

T R u T H

— Voltaire

PAGE 02

Morung Express News

Let’s open a clinic before Zika arrives. Degrees? No need, I know the names of nearly all the medicines.

o F

68 years after Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi was assassinated, his great grandson, Tushar Gandhi, became witness to a tribute paid to the Mahatma in Nagaland on January 30, 2016.

The tribute came during the 2nd National Peace Convention that began today with peace prayers, and a moment’s silence for peace, at Hotel Acacia.

The Convention, to be held from January 30-February 1 in Dimapur, has been organised by the National Peace Movement (NPM) in collaboration with Rotary International Dist.

3040 & 3240, NEISSR, Peace Channel, Universal Solidarity Movement and other NGOs. In attendance are 60 delegates from Nagaland, 42 from Madhya Pradesh, and 36 from Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala, who are attending the Convention for the second time.

Essence of peace & development

The essence of peace has always been an integral part of the development of human civilisation. C Apok Jamir, Nagaland State’s Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, said this while speaking as Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the 2nd National Peace Convention today.

“Where there is peace, there is more development and growth of the society and country,” he said, explaining how peace needs to be har-

Allege NPF government is siphoning off funds of Centrally Sponsored Schemes Morung Express News Dimapur | January 30

Leaders of Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu faiths light a lamp at Hotel Acacia on Saturday evening to mark the beginning of the 2nd National Peace Convention being held in Dimapur from January 30-February 1, 2016. (Morung Photo)

nessed in a world where many factors have made peace more difficult to attain.

In Nagaland, for instance, peace has been far for a long time given economic disparity and alienation from the Centre, observed Jamir. Other factors like illegal immigration have led to demographic changes. The formation of Nagaland State saw immense hardship and bloodshed, creating a suspicious relationship with governments in India.

While the ceasefires signed with various Naga national groups laid a basis for peace, the signing of the historic peace accord with frameworks for a political solution inclusive of all has furthered the cause for peace in the region, he noted.

This has been the result of decades of sacrifices made by people who have played a proactive in the movement.

However, “peace without development is a stop gap so-

lution,” noted the Parliamentary Secretary. “Without economic development, a nation cannot sustain peace.”

Thus, calling for the establishment of “concrete avenues” for lasting peace, Jamir affirmed that the present understanding of the “uniqueness of Naga history” by India should be taken further to usher in every lasting peace where the “rights and honour of the people are not trampled upon in the name of peace.”

Beyond conflict resolution

Tushar Gandhi, sharing stories of his great grandfather, noted how we must analyse not just acts of ‘active violence’ but also acts of ‘passive violence’ emanating from us so as to cope with future reactions to a situation. Thoughts of hatred or prejudice of gender, caste, physique, or thoughts of revenge or superiority, classify as acts of ‘passive violence’ that

need to be addressed when talking about peace.

Without this, the much preached-about term, ‘tolerance’,he said, is of finite quantity.

“Beyond a point, our tolerance bursts, we get irritated and then we explode,” he observed. Gandhi called for our conscience to be awakened without people having to sacrifice their lives for justice, as in the case of Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, MK Gandhi or Martin Luther King.

Gandhi reminded that we live in a “global village” today, where one incidence of violence anywhere affects peace everywhere.

“Peace is not just conflict resolution,” he asserted. If there is environmental degradation, we must be able to face and resolve those issues too in order to create peace. Similarly, internal elements of ego and seeking retribution must also be shed in order to create an environment for peace.

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed pain over the delay in finding an amicable solution to the prolonged Naga political problem.

“Given the opportunity, we shall play effective mediatory role to secure political and economic solution for the Naga people,” NPCC president, K. Therie said during a press conference at Congress Bhavan, Dimapur on Saturday.

The press conference was also attended by other NPCC members who had toured all 11 districts of the state under the mission, “NPCC Mass Contact for ‘Change’.”

Having heard the voices of the people in all districts, Therie maintained that “darkness has covered all over Naga people” who were complaining on the delay in finding solution to the Naga political problem. “We believe that respecting the will of the people should be the way and agenda to solve the Naga political problem,” he added.

Taking a dig at the Central Executive Committee of the NPF party which had reiterated its commitment to work for finding an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga problem, Therie said that the NPF was clueless about the content of negotiations for the Naga issue. “Instead of bluffing the Naga people, they (NPF) should

admit that they are clueless to the political solution,” he added.

The NPCC President accused the NPF Government of siphoning off funds from Centrally Sponsored Schemes meant for poor sections of the people. Therie said that the government has paid for only three days’ wages under MGNREGA during the current year. He also said that in many of the places that the NPCC toured, the VDBs have admitted that the State government has taken 50% of the funds. He said there were 4, 15, 000 job card holders in the state and if it were to be multiplied by 100 day wages of Rs 167 per day, the amount totals to an approximate Rs 693 crores.

“Where has this money gone?

This money has been missing for the last three years,” Therie questioned. He said that in some districts, the 50% of the fund under MGNREGA was converted into MLA’s fund.

Therie said that the Old Age Pension Scheme has also not been paid since it has been “looted” by the State government. He added that the Food and Civil Supplies Department was receiving enough commodities but that it was not reaching the grass root people.

Appealing the Naga people to join a political system if they want to change governance, Therie said the NPCC has brought out a ‘Roadmap’ for change in the form of a booklet which envisages administrative reforms, good governance, welfare schemes, minority participation, poverty reduction, economy of the state etc among several other areas of concern.

Nagaland may get separate flag Aam Admi Party youth wing launched in Nagaland

NEw DElhI, JANUARY 30 (hT): Nagaland may be given a separate official flag under the final accord expected to be signed soon by the Union government and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), sources said.

The issue of giving the northeastern state its own flag is almost decided, the sources familiar with developments in the ongoing negotiations told HT. A separate flag is one of 33 demands made by the NSCN-IM, which has been engaged in talks with the central government since a truce was finalised in 1997.

The NSCN-IM’s demand for a separate currency has been ruled out.

VS Atem, an emissary of the NSCNIM’s central leadership and a key figure in the talks, had told HT earlier: “If Kashmir can have a separate flag, why not Nagas?

China also has separate flags for Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan.”

Other demands include a separate constitution, dual citizenship and the creation of “Nagalim” by integrating all Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland, but the last demand is expected to be put on the “backburner for now” because of opposition from the other states.

Under the final agreement, certain

items are expected to be transferred from the Central and Concurrent list of the Constitution to the State list, which would imply greater powers for Nagaland.

The peace accord is expected to figure in the forthcoming budget session of Parliament as the document will have a few clauses requiring parliamentary sanction. They include the concept of “shared sovereignty”, special constitutional privileges to safeguard the traditional rights of Nagas with recognition of the “uniqueness of their history”.

The central government and the NSCN-IM inked a “framework agreement” in August last year to pave the way for a final accord to end one of the longest running insurgencies in Asia.

Nagaland is presently governed under Article 371 A of the Constitution, which confers the right over land and resources to the Nagas.

The negotiations have been a closely guarded secret since August 3, 2015. According to sources, even the home ministry and the Intelligence Bureau are not privy to the discussions, with the National Security Council assuming a vital role that is steered by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Joint Intelligence Committee chief RN Ravi.

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 30

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched the Youth Wing of AAP Nagaland on Saturday at Saramati Hotel, Dimapur in the presence of AAP National Executive Committee member and Observer of North Eastern States, Habung Payeng.

Addressing media persons during the launching programme, Habung Payeng stated that with the objective to bring change in the system especially for a corruption free country, AAP is launching its unit in the entire country. The motto of the youth wing is ‘No to corruption, Uproot corruption, Rebuild Nagaland.’

Speaking on the context of Nagaland, Payeng was confident that AAP will be a vibrant movement for Nagaland political system since the people of the State is fed up of the present system of governance which is festered with corruption.

Citing the political crisis of the State, he claimed that other than AAP there is no other political party which can be an alternative party in the State. “I hope Nagaland state will

AAP National Executive Committee member Habung Payeng and officials of AAP Youth Wing Nagaland at its launch on Saturday. (Morung Photo)

embrace the principles and ideology of AAP,” he stated.

Imti Jamir, who was appointed AAP Nagaland Youth Wing president, said it was high time to wipe out corruption from the State through change in the political power. For this he asserted that AAP is dedicated to bring the desired transformation.

The AAP Youth Wing Nagaland will be headed by Imti Jamir as president, Peto Swu as vice president (also in charge Kohima & Zunheboto), Imlinochet (spokesperson and in charge of Mokokchung), Amongla Jamir (administration and in charge Longleng),

Viccato S.Aye (finance and i/c Dimapur and Peren) as general secretaries, Trijungliba Sangtam (co-ordination and i/c Tuensang), Zato Awomi (publicity and in charge of Wokha and Phek), Michael A.Sangtam (public relation and in charge of Mon & Kiphire) and Sambea Jeevan Rai (minority affairs) and Kihikali Y. Yeptho (student affairs) as joint secretaries.

Later in the evening, AAP also launched the Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) a student wing of the party. The active membership drive for the AAP will start from January 31, officials of AAP informed.

A Cancer odyssey: Nothing short of a miracle Dr Tsusennaro shares how her battle with cancer unleashed a new purpose to life and career Morung Express News Dimapur | January 30

Dr Tsusennaro has gone through a roller coaster in her 15-year challenge with Nasopharynx cancer or nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NCP). Beating cancer after undergoing a grueling and painful treatment of chemotherapy and radiation at the age of 16 put her on the mountain top.

After passing the MBBS entrance exam and qualifying to be a doctor in the midst of an ongoing battle against cancer makes her achievement more than extraordinary.

Every cancer survivor’s story is unique and special. This is Dr Tsusennaro’s story, which, she

says is nothing short of a miracle.

In December 2002 when Dr Tsusennaro (also called Dr Naro Imchen), then only 16 years, was diagnosed with cancer, and doctors silently gave here four years to live as her parent sat white knuckled at the doctor’s office.

Armed with an indomitable spirit and the will to live - she utterly proved the doctors wrong and successfully survived the battle.

Currently pursuing postgraduate degree in Community Medicine in King George Medical College, Lucknow after completing her MBBS, she recently celebrated her 30th birthday on December 28, 2015 with her family in fully recovered health.

The occasion was a time of tearful reflection. Understandably, because at one point of time no one actually thought she would survive - above all her parents.

“We never expected her to survive the chemo and radia-

Cancer is not an end to life has given me this second chance

Some consider cancer to be the end of life. Dr Tsusennaro chose to fight it out. “During my treatment at AIIMS, Delhi, it seemed like the longest 3 months.

I became all bones and skin that I would look in the mirror and think to myself- how could someone become so thin…? She recalled of her suffering.

“Yet despite my failing health, I never envisioned I was going to die. Even though I was almost dead, whenever the doctor asked how I was, I would always reply I am fine,” she said.

To her, the stage to recovery was Cancer survivor Dr Tsusennaro with her parent KT Wapang and Imti- the most agonizing period she yala outside their home in Dimapur. (Morung Photo) faced, far worse than the initial tion treatment. She was all skin was a heart wrenching experi- period of treatment. and bones, all her hair was gone, ence to see her-our daughtershe had lost her voice, couldn’t dying in front of us and not be- Career at time of recovery Before her diagnosis, Dr Tsueat or drink anything,” an emo- ing able to do anything. Yet there tional Imtiyala, mother of Dr she was, comforting us, telling sennaro wanted to be an engiTsusennaro recalled of their tor- us that everything will be alright. neer - just like her father. The exmenting experience.

It was as if God gave her miracu- perience with cancer changed According to her father re- lous will power and determina- her perspective on the value of life and career. “I realized God tired engineer KT Wapang, “It tion.”

to live for a purpose. I decided to pursue career in the medical stream so that I can be useful to him and try to help people in my own small ways,” she explained.

Besides her current postgraduate studies in Community Medicine, Dr Tsusennaro has clinched another prestigious achievement. She is one of the selected doctors at the recently declared results of the 2015 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Medical Services examination (CMS).

Lessons

Cancer is always a teaching experience. Dr Tsusennaro shares some important lessons she gained. “Never underestimate the power of prayer- there is so much power in prayer than we can imagine. Learn to appreciate the simple things in life, never forget to tell your loved ones you love and care for them and always be thankful to God,” she sums up.

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sunDAY 31•01•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Changs in Kohima celebrate Poanglüm Our Correspondent Kohima | January 30

The Chang community under the aegis of Chang Union Kohima today celebrated Poanglüm festival here with much pomp and traditional gaiety.

KT Vilie, vice president, Angami Public Organization (APO) graced the festival as the special guest. He said the APO and Chang Public Organization should come closer and understand each other better from today onwards.

Stating that Poanglüm festival brings all sections of people together with sharing and exchange of gift to one another, Vilie added that festival revolves around the agricultural cycle and that many festivals connect to spring, sowing seed, first crop, harvest,

body sanctification etc.

Festivals are a time for sharing and giving, he said, adding festival should be a time of forgiveness, rejoicing, sharing and also upholding the good traditional values of forefathers.

ENPUK general secretary Chingmai Phom also shared greetings.

The festival was marked by cultural dance, folk melody, traditional showcase and Poanglüm feast.

Chang Union Kohima president proposed vote of thanks.

SIGNIFICANCE OF POANGLÜM The starting of winter festival is calculated

by Hoangang clan. The counting starts when the sun becomes reddish in color before an hour of

Chingmei village cultural troupe perform folk song during Poanglüm festival in Kohima on January 30. (Morung Photo)

sunset. The next day, collection from the harvest begins. This is done by a group called Nguoong (the Nguoongs are a culmination of people from the four clans namely- Hoangang, Kangshou, Oungh and Lamou). As the collec-

‘Look beyond govt jobs’ Tetso College celebrates Scholastic Day 2016

Students of Tetso College during the Scholastic Day 2016 on January 30.

Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): Tetso College celebrated Scholastic Day 2016 on January 30, which was graced by Mmhonlumo Kikon, Parliamentary Secretary for Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Border Affairs as chief guest.

The day saw release of annual college newsletter by the chief guest and prizes awarded to the Student of the Year and class champions of the college.

Dr. Hewasa Lorin presented a special award to Naomi Aye, currently pursuing her Masters in English at Nagaland University, for topping the English Honours Programme in the Nagaland University BA final exams of 2015. Along with Naomi, three other students of the college secured 3rd rank in English, 2nd rank in Education, and

4th rank in Sociology.

The college declared Khathila Y. Sangtam, B.A 6th Semester as Student of the Year 2015. Class champions of 2015 went to BA 4th semester; the students dedicated their award to their classmate Tiasoba Kichu who passed away last year.

An attendance bonus of Rs 2500 each was presented to teaching staff members Amar Ranjan Dey and Monjit Roy for not missing a single day of class in the previous year. Twenty students were also recognised for securing 100% attendance.

Mithun Owary, Assistant Librarian of Tetso College was also presented a certificate for spearheading the computerisation of the Tetso College library.

The Student Council and Class representatives were

also acknowledged.

In his speech, Mmhonlumo Kikon, elaborated on how social media was a reflection of the youths’ frustrations and the important role they also play in changing and solving the problems in society. Sharing stories from his own life, Kikon inspired the students to look beyond government service, stating “By not working you are destroying the future of the state”. While not absolving the government for all the problems in society, he encouraged the youth to demand development from their leaders while not forgetting that it is they themselves who elected those same leaders.

The function concluded with an informal session consisting of songs, dances and a cultural fashion show.

Acknowledgement Aien, beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and a steadfast friend to all. A bright life full of selflessness, grace and laughter, was taken by our Lord for a higher calling on the morning of 21st of January 2016.

The gaping emptiness in our hearts and lives will never be filled, certainly not one left by Dr. Imnainla such a beautiful soul. Aien, 1972-2016 though it hurts unimaginably that you labored so earnestly to give and hope during your short time with us, we are comforted, knowing you are there in the arms of Jesus, looking over us and walking beside us amidst fond memories till we all joyously meet again some day in a brighter place.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to all who selflessly supported and stood by us in countless ways during the sudden passing of our beloved Imnainla. We deeply regret that we are unable to reach out and thank every person individually but our Lord knows, and may He bless you all abundantly.

Loving Husband, Children and Family Members

tion starts, it is mandatory for each household to give some measure of paddy to the Nguoongs. The treasurer from the Hoangang clan takes two-third from the collected paddy and the Nguoongs take onethird respectively. On

the day of collection, the demarcation of the land boundary is done respectively.

The next day, the people selected to be the ambassador will venture out to neighboring villages, proclaiming the festivity.

On the day of the killing of pigs, the villagers will barter goods with the traders who have come from neighbouring villages. After the exchange of goods, the barterers will leave for their respective villages the next morning. After the de-

parture of the traders, the villagers start their part of the festivity call Edou setbu. (Edou means a group of people especially belonging to same age group, who farms in group whole year round. Setbu means sitting together). So, for three consecutive days, the Edou sits together in their chosen residence (treasurer’s residence selected by the respective groups).

In each group, there will be two men and two women chosen to take in-charge of the cooking. This particular group is called Noksenbu. In the celebration, the Edous not only keep the festivity to themselves but they also share their every dish to the elders who are no more physically healthy to join the groups.

During the Poanglüm festival, the dancing con-

tinues every night from day one but on the ninth day, dancing continues for whole night and ends only after two hours of sun-rise.

After the dancing, the Kangshou clan starts the first chopping in the field signifying the start of another harvest year. In this, the Hoangang clan will burn the roadside garbage. This is known as wan phangbu, meaning the start of fire/burning.

The next day will be a Wan phangbu Sabbath. At the end of the month, the villagers will plant the yam.

The next day after the plantation of yam will also be a Sabbath. And this Sabbath day marks the end of Poanglüm festival.

Basically, this festival is celebrated to signify the bounty harvest and also the beginning of new harvest.

Tehok Hydro Electric Merentoshi conferred Ideal Youth MLA January 30 (Dipr): MLA & Advisor Project inaugurated Kohima, to the Chief Minister, Me-

mon, January 30 (Dipr): Minister for RD & REPA, CL John inaugurated and officially commissioned the 2x500 KW Tehok Hydro Electric Project in Mon district on January 29. The power generated from the Project will be evacuated through a dedicated 11 KV line. The plant is designed taking the economic aspects into consideration to operate in synchronization with the grid supply so that the supply power which will be generated from the plant during monsoon season and off peak hours will be utilised by injecting into the grid. With the commissioning of the project, there will be improvement in power supply in the area.

CL John thanked the Convenor, initiators and the Department of Power for their support and co-operation in making the project a success. He also urged the people to cooperate and use it for the welfare of the society. He also sought continuous cooperation and support from the Department for the effective running of the machine.

Chief Engineer of power, K. Machieo while delivering the project profile said that Tehok Hydro Electric Project was conceptualized and envisaged to generate electricity contribution to the state power requirement in a small way in line with Government of India’s policy of capacity addition.

The name of the project derived from the name of the river Tehok, he added. Short speech was delivered by Convenor, Land Owner Welfare Society, W. Chennyiem Konyak and representative from Chenloishu village. The programme was chaired by Secretary, Power, KI Yanger (IAS).

rentoshi R. Jamir was conferred the Aadarsh Yuva Vidhayak 2015 (Ideal Youth MLA) on January 28 at the 6th annual national conclave of Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad (Indian Student Parliament) at MAEER’s MIT Campus, Pune.

A citation, shawl and trophy was presented to Merentoshi by Speaker, Chhatisgarh State Legislative Assembly, Gaureshankar Agrawal, Former DG, Bureau of Police Research & Development, Dr. Kiran Bedi, IPS (Retd) and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram.

The Ideal Youth MLA is conferred by the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad Foundation to 16 young MLAs from different states and political parties of India. The idea is to encourage youth participation in politics by recognizing the positive change

Merentoshi receives the Aadarsh Yuva Vidhayak 2015 award on January 28 in Pune.

these young legislators have brought in the society.

Launched in 2011, Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad aims to revolutionise the mindset of younger generations and ignite their spirit to enter public life with a purpose to serve the nation. It is an apolitical outfit and does not engage in any mainstream party politics.

It is transforming the outlook of youth and reaffirm-

ing their respect for politics, political leaders, democracy and its institutions. It is raising their extent of sensitivity, awareness, involvement, responsiveness, access and say in political and democratic processes so that a healthy democratic system can be evolved to produce competent public leaders and policy makers, from the grassroots and from all walks of life.

CM to visit Mon on February 3

mon, January 30 (Dipr): The Deputy Commissioner of Mon has informed all concerned that the Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang will be visiting Mon district to grace the inaugural program of Aboi Town Council as the Chief Guest on February 3. In this connection, all the Heads of the Department and government officers of the district have been directed to be present at ADC office complex, Aboi before 10:30 am without fail.

Graduate Teachers’ meeting

Heidi Baker with the organizers of Kingdom Invasion Conference on her arrival at the Dimapur Airport on January 30. Heidi Baker, Co-founder, Iris Ministries Missionary to Mozambique, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong and London will speak at the Conference on January 30 evening and on January 31. On Sunday, the first worship service will be held at 10:00 am while the evening worship service will be held at 4:00 pm. Both the service is open for all. (Photo Courtesy: Mongsen Phom)

Kohima, January 30 (mExn): An emergency meeting of All Graduate Teachers whose seniority had been counted from the date of appointment in the 2015 Graduate Teachers Seniority list has been convened on February 5 at CANSSEA Office, Kohima at 10:00 am to discuss an urgent legal matter pertaining to GTs Seniority. Therefore, it is mandatory for all the GTs concerned to attend the meeting and sign in the legal papers personally. For further information, one may contact 9436215297/ 9436650749.

This was informed in a release issued by Member Secretary Temjenyapang and Convenor Kekuolhouthie.

Empowering oneself to fight prejudices & inequalities

‘National Girl Child Day’ celebrated in Nagaland

Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): Under the theme ‘Educate: Towards a safer society for our girls’, the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) and the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) celebrated the National Girl Child Day along with

the rest of India on January 22.

As part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiatives, the program was held with school dropout girls undertaking vocational training under the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board at the Entrepreneur Development & Integrated Training Institute (EDITI), Kohima.

During the event, NSSWB Chairperson Bano Vi-

nito dwelling on the theme of the day encouraged the girls “not to be scared but fight back, not to easily fall for someone but learn, give their mind and empower themselves.”

Calling for independent life before marriage, she also stressed on the need for the girls to learn to be passionate about what they do and encouraged them to even attend open school.

“In order to fight with

life, one needs to be empowered and to be empowered, one needs to be educated,” she maintained.

A special session on sexual abuse was organised for the girls by the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) to increase awareness about the inequalities faced by girl child in the society and to equip themselves and even protect their friends when such situations arise.

The session started with “Changes in Me and Handling Emotional Changes”

by Vekhwusalü Dawhuo, PSK-SRCW, where she emphasised on the various emotional changes girls go through and how to handle themselves with these changes.

The session on “Gender Sensitisation- Gender vs Sex & Breaking Myths” was taken by Ajabu Tungoe, PSK-SRCW to enable the girls to share their stereotypes on male and female activity and to explore the myths about sexuality and give them a true understanding of the facts revolving around sexuality.

“Child Sexual Abuse & Safety Measures” was shared by Gracy Ayee, SRCW, to make the participants understand different types of child sexual abuse and the profile of an abuser and the safety measures in the context of child sexual abuse.

R. Juliana Medom, SRCW, emphasised on “Assertive Communication & Conflict Resolution” and taught them how to say ‘No’ to abuse and communicate feelings of discomfort. The day ended with prize distributions to the various groups for their participation in the session and the various group activities.

SaturDaY 31•01•2016

NORTH-EAST

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'There's no war like scenario in Arunachal' Irom Sharmila unlikely to New Delhi, JaNuary 30 (aNi): Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on Saturday endorsed BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha's view that when there is no war-like situation in Arunachal Pradesh, what was need for the Centre to recommend and impose President's Rule in the state.

"I think the statement of Shatrughan Sinha clearly shows that he feels the pain of people of Arunachal Pradesh. The entire nation knows that an injustice has been done with Arunachal and we await justice from the Supreme Court," Tuki told ANI. Taking strong exception to the Centre's 'war like scenario' claim in Arunachal Pradesh, Tuki said the report of the ruling regime wasn't correct, as it hadn't

Shatrughan Sinha questions PR in Arunachal New Delhi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday questioned the union cabinet's decision to recommend President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh and wondered what was the hurry when the matter was in court.

"I have tremendous faith in our dashing, dynamic, action hero Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Sinha tweeted. "But wonder who the 'great' advisors are who advised President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. That too when the matter is sub judice, in the Supreme Court, under a consulted the state machinery.

"I don't feel that it is a correct report. This report is just one side; the Centre has not consulted the state government nor the district administration. This is a report which has been made by one person. There has been no such (war-like) sit-

five judge constitutional bench. Wonder what was the hurry and worry," he added.

Sinha's reaction came a day after the central government submitted in the Supreme Court its response to a petition filed by the Congress challenging Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa's report recommending the imposition of President's Rule in the state. "God forbid, if the decision does not go in our favour, wonder what explanation and answer we will have for our respected prime minister," Sinha said in another tweet.

uation in the state and (it) won't ever take place," he added.

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha had criticised the Centre's decision to impose President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sinha in a series of tweets took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's

"great advisors" wondering what answers they will have if the Supreme Court ruled against it.

"I have tremendous faith in our dashing, dynamic action hero PM. But wonder who the 'great' advisors are who advised President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. That

too when the matter is sub judice, in the Supreme Court, under a 5 judge constitutional bench. Wonder what was the hurry and worry," he said.

"God forbid, if the decision does not go in our favor, wonder what explanation and answer we will have for our respected PM," Sinha tweeted.

The Centre had earlier submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court justifying imposition of President's Rule in Arunachal, saying there was "complete breakdown" of governance and law and order in the state and "war like situation" prevailed in the state.

President Pranab Mukherjee had earlier this week given assent to Union Cabinet's decision to impose central rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

appear before Delhi court imphal, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Irom Sharmila, who is being charged with attempt to suicide, is likely to miss appearance in Delhi's Patiala House court on February 3 and 4 as Manipur authorities have failed to sanction travelling expenses for her and her team.

The home department of the Manipur government has failed to sanction Rs.1.40 lakh as the travelling expense for Sharmila and her team. In the past she missed some court appearances on the same ground.

As per jail manual, she has to be accompanied by police, jail and medical staff while travelling to Delhi.

She is undergoing trial under Section 309 of the

'34 per cent minors in NE 'NE not interested in development of minorities' use tobacco products' Guwahati, JaNuary 30 (tNN): With the northeast battling rising tobacco usage by children (statistics say 34% minors in the northeast use such products), the newly-amended Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, of the Union ministry of women and child development has been welcomed by doctors and antitobacco activists alike.

According to the amended act, offenders who sell tobacco products to children will be heavily punished and face a longer jail term. According to Section 77 of the modified act, which came into force on January 15 this year, a person commits an offence against a child if he or she gives, causes to be

given, to the minor any intoxicating liquor or narcotic drug or tobacco product or psychotropic substance except on the order of a duly-qualified medical practitioner. The offence is punishable with imprisonment extending up to seven years and fine up to Rs 1 lakh.

"Almost 34% children in the northeastern states consume tobacco, which is very alarming. More than 5,500 children and adolescents consume tobacco daily in our country. The steps taken by the government will prove to be a milestone in child welfare from the point of view of public health. This act will save our future generation," said AC Kataki, director of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute.

Guwahati, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): The governments of the northeastern states were not interested in the development of minorities, union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah said on Saturday.

The minister made this remark after none of the concerned ministers of the northeastern states, except Assam, turned up at a review meeting of the central ministry held in Guwahati on Saturday.

"We decided to hold a review meeting of the ministry in Guwahati so that there is no difficulty of the concerned ministers from the northeastern states to come and attend the meeting," Heptullah

Manipur braces for economic blockade imphal JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Manipur is bracing for a protracted economic blockade during which people may be deprived of consumer and other items.

Two tribal students' organisations -- the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) and the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) -- in a joint statement issued on Friday night announced a blockade would be imposed from February 1 midnight. The blockade will cover National Highway 2 from Dimapur in Nagaland to border town Moreh, National Highway 37 from Jiribam bordering Assam to Imphal and National Highway 150 Jessami (Manipur) to Mizoram. Trucks and other vehicles carrying goods will not be allowed to ply, Seiboi Haokip of the KSO and A.C. Thotsho of the ANSAM said as they sought regularisation of contractual teachers.

"The contractual teachers

should be regularised for ensuring quality education in the hill districts."

These teachers were engaged from 2006. During a screening, 772 teachers were found eligible for regularisation. However, the government has not done anything to regularise their services so far.

The statement said the decision to impose the blockade was taken in view of the negligence of the government. Several vehicles were damaged on the Jiriam-Imphal highway during the 72-hour blockade from January 26 midnight.

The blockade was called by four students' organisations demanding upgradation of the Jiribam college to a full-fledged government college. No goods, including consumer items, can be brought through this highway. Some vehicles which had plied were damaged by the student activists.

State Home Minister Gai-

PLA, KYKL cadres apprehended imphal, JaNuary 30 (mexN): Troops of the 45 Assam Rifles apprehended one PLA cadre on January 29 at a vehicle check post in Pungdongbam in Imphal East District. AR identified the apprehended individual as A Binoy Singh, 36 years. He was later handed over to the Lamlai Police Station. In a separate operation on the same day, troops of the 16 AR apprehended one KYKL cadre in Uyumpok Maning Leikai in Imphal East. The cadre was identified as Pvt Athaokpam Nanao alias Laibakcha, 31 years. The cadre has been handed over to the Sagolmang Police Station.

One dead in school van mishap Our Correspondent Imphal | January 30

A school van driver was killed and 20 others, including 12 students and one traffic police personnel, were injured after a rush-hour accident today at Kwakeithel bazaar along the Tiddim Road in Imphal West.

The deceased van driver was identified as Koijam Mangijao, 33, a resident of Meitram Awang Leikai in Imphal West. All injured students from PP Kids Foundation School, Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai were under 6 years old and among them, seven were critically injured in the accident that took

place around 9:30 am.

One student of DM College, Imphal and another from TG Higher Secondary School, Imphal were among the injured. All the injured have been taken to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here.

The fatal road mishap occurred after the driver lost control of his van which rammed into a passenger loaded Tata Magic van being parked near a busy traffic point. The school van driver died on the spot and the 20 others were hurt. Both vans were badly damaged in the crash. The school van was carrying 15 students. A police case has been registered over the road mishap.

khangam has instructed police to arrange armed escorts for the trucks on the highway to ensure uninterrupted supply of consumer items.

LOST NOTICE

I, Mr. Vika Z Chishi am applying for duplicate copies of HSLC admit card and pass certificate as I have lost them.

Name: Vika Z Chishi F/Name: N Zhehoto Chishi Roll No: 621000 School: Fernwood School Kohima.

DOB: 20th July 1989

said at a press conference.

"However, none of the concerned ministers, except for the one in charge of Assam, attended the meeting today (Saturday). This indicates that the governments in the northeastern states are not interested in the developments of minorities," she said.

Expressing concern over the situation, the minister said there was large chunk of minority population in the north-

east including Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.

"The governments in the northeastern states often talk about the minorities but they are not interested in the development of the minority people," she alleged.

Heptullah said the states, particularly Assam, also do not send project completion reports, which creates problems in releasing funds as next installments or for future projects.

GrEEN Hub fELLOwSHIp 2016

Applications invited for the Green Hub fellowship from people of NE Region 1. 2.5months training in conservation video-photo documentation 2. 10 months internship with leading organizations across NER 3. Monthly stipend of Rs 4000 for 10 months 4. Interaction with eminent people in conservation & grass-root development Last date for application: 5th March 2016.

Download application form @ www. northeastnetwork.org /www.dustyfootindia.com.

Send applications - greenhubfellow@gmail.com.

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GOVErNMENT Of NAGALAND

DIrECTOrATE Of HIGHEr EDuCATION NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NO.HED/R&P/AISHE /

/Dt.Kohima the 31st January,2016

PRESS NOTE A Review meeting with the Nodal Officers of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is being called on 5th February, 2016 in connection with AISHE 2015-16.

Nodal officers from Universities, Secular Colleges , Polytechnics, DIETs and Nursing Institutes are requested to positively attend the meeting.

Date : 5th February,2016 Time : 11: 00 hrs Venue : Conference Hall, Directorate of Higher Education.

Director, HE

LECTurE by rEV. CHINGMAK CHANG On

‘A people’s approach to development’ Development of Nagaland State has been an uphill task. Various policies and programs of the Government towards uplifting the populace have not engendered a desired outcome. Increasingly, people’s initiatives are going the extra mile in bringing sustainable development.

Rev. Chingmak Chang has been at the forefront of such initiatives in East Nagaland. In this context, he will talk about Nagaland State’s Communitisation Act, initiated as a unique partnership between the Government and communities to improve public service delivery. Has the outcome been desirable? If not, did the Government fail, or the community failed communitisation?

Followed by a short documentary film on his work, Rev. Chang will put the policy under scrutiny incorporating various initiatives he has undertaken.

Date : Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Time : 3:00pm Venue : DABA Elim Conference Hall, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur Limited Seats. Those interested to participate, kindly send us your name and phone number to:

 morung@gmail.com (OR)  +91 (3862) 248854 The Morung Lectures is an initiative of The Morung for Indigenous Affairs & Just Peace and The Morung Express

denying the charge of attempt to commit suicide.

She said, "I love my life and want to live. I am using fast as a weapon to achieve my goal".

On January 22, 2015, the district and sessions court, Imphal west, ordered her release as she was found not guilty of the charge.

However, later she was arrested on the same charge.

A. Romenkumar, a high court court advocate told IANS that the prosecution should file a petition for appeal or revision within three months of the court order. After expiry of this period the order reaches finality and becomes the rule of the law.

Under the circumstances, the arrest of Sharmila under the same charge is questionable.

ZION HOSpITAL & rESEArCH CENTrE

"I have been writing to the chief ministers of the northeastern states for a long time to ease these problems but there has been no response," she said.

"The northeastern states, particularly Assam, often complain that the Centre does not release funds for development activities. I would like to mention here that it was only last week that my ministry sanctioned Rs.128 crore," she said.

CANCER SURGEON FOR CONSULTATION Dr. GANESH DAS MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh), DNB, FMAS, FAIS, Trained Cancer Surgeon from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai will be available for consultation on 14th Feb. (Sunday).

UROLOGIST FOR CONSULTATION/OPERATION Dr. JOY N. CHAKRABORTY MS, DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology), FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 17th Feb. 2016 (Wednesday).

Patients requiring Consultation/Operation for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone may contact the Reception for Registration.

For Registration, please contact: 03862 – 231864, 227337, 224117 For more information, visit our website: www.zhrc.in

G.rIO SCHOOL,

LOST NOTICE

Lost Notice of Arms License No.7016 NH/New 12 bore which is in the name of Shri. Y Sashi Ao, S/o Lt.Mangyang Ao, R/o Aoyimti Village issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Nagaland.

IPC (attempt to commit suicide).

She is on fast unto death since November 4, 2000, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

It was imposed in Manipur on September 8, 1980 as the foreign trained insurgents got upperhand. One amicus curiae is representing her.

This act allows her detention for one year at one go and at the end of each year she is ritually released.

But she is always rearrested as she continues her fast outside the jail.

After being released by the court of chief judicial magistrate, Imphal west, she rushed to Delhi on October 6, 2006 for carrying on the fast at Jantar Mantar.

All along she has been

ZIENuObADZE, HIGH SCHOOL ArEA, KOHIMA NO.GRS/ADMIN/MISC-ADV-09/2016-17/

Dated: 30th January 2016

TEACHERS WANTED

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Name of the Post P.G.T (Physics) P.G.T (Botany) Art Teacher French Teacher

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For detail information kindly visit our website www.grioschool.com For any queries: (M) 8416058589 (T) 0370 2806075

Sd/- Principal

4

SunDAY 31•01•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Lithium batteries can push Hopes of an interest rate cut to strengthen rupee: Experts India's energy security Tanmay Sarkar IANS

The Indian government's Department of Heavy Industry has announced an ambitious goal of deploying six-seven million electric vehicles (EVs) across the country by 2020. This will create a huge demand for lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries and an enormous market potential can be foreseen.

The consumption of li-ion batteries in India is already quite high in the area of portable electronics and is expected to increase in the EV sector as well. But the production of li-ion batteries is insignificant in India because it does not have a manufacturing base. Hence, it primarily imports from China and the US. Going forward, how can India supply li-ion batteries to the growing EV sector?

Advanced li-ion battery technology underwent significant development in early 2000, which led to a drastic increase in the consumption of lithium-based compounds in the energy storage sector.

Its consumption by the energy sector surpassed conventional uses like high temperature lubricants and a component in the ceramics industry. Today, lithium compounds also play a major role in the medical sciences; lithium carbonate acts as a mood stabilizer for patients with bipolar disorder.

A geological survey titled 'Mineral Commodity Summaries', conducted in

the US in January 2012, assessed the end-use market of lithium compounds. The findings of the survey show that the major share of global market - 29 percent - was attributed to ceramics followed by batteries at 27 percent and lubricating grease at 12 percent.

With rapidly growing energy demands, there is an urgent need for alternative energy sources, especially for automotive industries. Renewable energy like wind and solar energy can be alternative sources of energy over conventional fossils fuels. In the automobile industry, this intermittent renewable energy needs to be stored in a storage device having high power density, like a li-ion battery, for continuous supply of energy.

According to the 'Lithium Market Outlook 2017' produced by the Roskill Information Services, the small battery market for portable devices will maintain high growth levels (10 percent per annum) and the large battery market for electric bicycles, hybrid and all EVs is expected to grow significantly (up to 28 percent per annum) by 2020.

The li-ion battery has some challenges that need to be addressed so that its potential can truly be realised. Safety is one of the key aspects in the context of EVs when they run in various climatic zones.

The expected battery life of EVs is 8-10 years, which require structurally stable electrode materials with capacity-retention ability.

Further, the battery cost is the main drawback for EVs. With advanced technology and rigorous research, costs could reduce in the future.

Globally, various governments are supporting EVs for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emission. As a result, significant amount of research has been conducted by countries like Germany and the US in developing li-ion battery technology and then scaling up their respective manufacturing industries.

Under the Make in India programme, a similar effort can be made by setting up R&D and technology development centres for indigenous li-ion battery manufacturing plants which will help realise India's ambitions of achieving energy security. The de-

velopment of this industry will generate employment as well as skill development opportunities. The total estimated support from the government needs to be in the range of Rs.250 crore (nearly $37 million) for the first five years.

For manufacturing liion batteries, India needs to secure a supply chain of raw materials and explore alternative resources like spodumene and other hard rock deposits apart from sea brine. Recycling old li-ion batteries is another solution that should be considered.

Due to growing demand, the availability of lithium faces the possible risk of being influenced by geopolitical forces since the supply lines are more easily threatened when the sources are located in a small number of countries - Argentina Bolivia, Chile and China. This issue can be overcome by bilateral agreements with lithium-rich countries like Argentina and Bolivia. This will ensure the lithium ecosystem's long-term sustainability.

The immediate need for boosting this industry is for the government to provide support to promote indigenous technology and R&D centres for manufacturing li-ion batteries. Until that time, India will have to rely on imports to achieve its EV target and meet current demand.

Tanmay Sarkar is a Research Engineer at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy [CSTEP], Bengaluru.

The views expressed are those of CSTEP.

Facebook bans selling guns on website, Instagram New York, JaNuarY 30 (IaNS): Taking a cue from President Barack Obama's stand on curbing gun violence in the US, social networking giant Facebook has banned private gun sales on its site and mobile photo and video-sharing app Instagram.

The Mark Zuckerbergfounded platform on Friday said it was planning

to stop person-to-person firearms sales on its networks, cnet.com reported.

"Over the last two years, more and more people have been using Facebook to discover products and to buy and sell things to one another," Monika Bickert, Facebook's head of product policy, said in a statement.

"We are continuing to develop, test and launch

new products to make this experience even better for people and are updating our regulated-goods policies to reflect this evolution," Bickert added. The ban, actually an update to a policy that already prohibits the sale of marijuana, pharmaceuticals, and illegal drugs, does not apply to for-sale posts by licensed gun dealers, the report said.

Earlier this month Obama had announced renewed efforts to curb gun violence, including expanded background checks.

He also sought research into smart guns that, like in one of the James Bond movies, use radio signals or fingerprint scanners to ensure a weapon can be fired only by its owner.

_

LEISURE SUDOKU

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

Game Number # 3476

MuMbaI, JaNuarY 30 (IaNS): Hopes for an interest rate cut, coupled with dovish central banks around the world and a rebound in equity markets are expected to strengthen the Indian rupee in the coming week, experts said on Saturday.

Currency market participants are hopeful of an interest rate cut during the upcoming monetary policy review by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) which is slated for February 2.

Expectations were backed up by Bank of Japan's (BoJ) decision to go in for a negative interest rate to support the Japanese economy.

The BoJ cut key lending rates by 20 basis points to negative 0.1 percent. The decision came after the US Fed maintained its status quo on key lending rates.

Recently, the European Central Bank (ECB) indicated more stimulus measures which will be

announced in March.

Further, the Chinese Yuan has been holding on a steady trajectory with positive liquidity coming in from the PBOC (People's Bank of China).

"After the BoJ's fresh round of easing, the global risk assets have now an interesting interplay of risk-on push from weakYen related carry trade and risk-off pull from the threat tit-for-tat of devaluations from China," Anindya Banerjee, associate vice president for currency derivatives with Kotak Securities, told IANS. "Therefore, as long as Chinese central bank drags its feet on allowing the Yuan to devalue, a weak Yen can boost rupee, due to some FII (Foreign Institutional Investor) flows into local asset markets."

According to Banerjee, rupee can see a range of 67.50-68.20 on spot and will remain strong against Euro, Pound and Yen.

Other market observers have predicted rupee to strengthen further inline with a rebound in crude oil prices. Crude oil prices have slightly edgedup to above $30 per barrel from lows of $26-$27.

"Rupee is gaining from equity confidence. Friday’s close of 67.79 was almost 0.6 percent appreciation from previous day.

Crude comeback or resurgence will only add to it," Hiren Sharma, senior vice president, currency advisory at Anand Rathi Financial Services, told IANS. "67.80 (extreme 68.20) to 67.45 (extreme 67.20) still holds unless crude super exceeds - reflecting rupee to appreciate - or a Yuan decline pressurises rupee and global markets."

Sharma noted, that a positive move in rupee's value can be seen due to completion of month-end US dollar buying by importers.

Besides, aggressive

buying by OMC’s (Oil Marketing Companies) was observed. This trend might slow down with a rebound in crude oil prices.

On a weekly basis, the rupee weakened by 16 paise at 67.78-79 (January 29) to a US dollar from its previous close of 67.63 to a greenback (January 22).

However, it touched a new 29-month low of 68.23 to a US dollar -- its weakest level since late August, 2013 during the intra-day trade on January 28.

The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) figures showed that the FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors) were net sellers during the week ended January 29, 2016.

They divested Rs.1,203.64 crore or $177.55 million in the equity and debt markets from January 25-29.

Similarly, data with stock exchanges disclosed that the FPIs sold stocks worth Rs.848.2 crore in the week under review.

'Gurgaon tops in real estate investment destinations' GurGaoN, JaNuarY 30 (IaNS): An industry body survey has found that Gurgaon has been preferred as the most attractive and emerging real estate investment destination in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

A survey of Delhi NCR

by PHD Research Bureau of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry found Millenium City Gurgaon is the first preference for real estate investment, followed by Delhi, Noida, Faridabad and Alwar.

Good transport connectivity, existence of employment opportunities and availability of social infrastructure including schools, colleges, hospitals, etc have made these destinations attractive for real estate investments, a spokesperson said.

According to the recent study, development of metro rail has resulted in widening choices for investments in real estate nearby metro stations.

The study revealed metro construction has not only boosted investment sentiments, but has resulted

in an increase in nearby property prices.

The survey found price is the most important factor while considering investment in real estate followed by construction quality, proximity to metro, gated community, brand name of the builder, corner plots, availability of loan, power and utilities, vaastu compliance, locality, legal payments, future prospects of the place and rent receivables.

The study stated that the source of information about real estate investment avenues is largely through personal contacts such as family members,

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3488

Answer Number # 3475

relatives, friends, colleagues, etc.

Further, real estate brokers, agents or dealers, newspapers or magazines or hoardings and SMS alerts have also resulted in widening publicity of investment opportunities.

Gradually other means of marketing are also increasing for generating awareness and publicity regarding real estate projects such as online social networking, Internet, television, etc, said the study.

The key reason revealed in the survey for buying property in the Delhi NCR region is for residential purposes, folDIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

lowed by earning decent returns on investments, buying commercial space, rent or lease, retailing, gifting and warehousing, said the study.

The study highlighted the key factors affecting real estate investment sentiments which includes high rate of interest on loan followed by inflationary pressures in the economy, lack of demand and economic uncertainties.

Mahesh Gupta, president, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, requested the union government for a deduction of up to Rs.5 lakhs from the current level of Rs. 2 lakhs for interest paid on a home loan on a self-occupied house while calculating the taxable income in the forthcoming union Budget 2016-17 to give a boost to the demand in the housing sector.

Further, decelerating prices of international commodities such as crude oil, steel and cement can be capitalised to give a boost to the construction sector and to build a strong India, Gupta added.

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

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1. Roman cloaks 6. Again 10. False god 14. Absurd 15. Hubs 16. No 17. Mystifying 19. 8 bits of data 20. Lose validity 21. Dip lightly 22. Stink 23. Burn with hot water 25. Curves 26. Shrub 30. Persons 32. Pacify 35. Chart showing routes and streets 39. Race track 40. American songbird 41. Patella 43. Lithesome 44. Mask 46. Eccentric person 47. Lit to a higher degree 50. Speech defects 53. Buttocks 54. Altitude (abbrev.)

55. Artists’ workstands

60. Falafel bread 61. Someone who is paralyzed 63. Arab chieftain 64. Auspices 65. Leaf opening 66. Declare untrue 67. A pack of playing cards 68. Something of value

DOWN

1. An indefinite period 2. Chalcedony 3. Sharp intake of breath 4. Against 5. Clairvoyants 6. Former boxing champ 7. Noggin 8. S. American country 9. Tuft 10. Mating of related people 11. Elder 12. Chose 13. Scallions 18. Record (abbrev.)

24. Copy 25. Cacophony 26. Not front 27. Atop 28. Disgorge 29. Inherited

31. Swimming hole 33. Cravat 34. Where two pieces meet 36. Style 37. Away from the wind 38. Benefit 42. Loot 43. Mayday 45. Azotic 47. Increased 48. Choice 49. Language of ancient Rome 51. Liveliness 52. Chip dip 54. Copied 56. Collections 57. Prima donna problems 58. Citrus fruit 59. Leave in a hurry 62. Request Ans to CrossWord 3487

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CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

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72.9

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1.77

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0.0531

0.0591

42.39

44.48

9.76

10.87

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SundAY 31•01•2016

NAGALAND

WSSU annual conference held Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): The Western Sumi Students’ Union (WSSU) is holding its 37th Annual Conference under the theme “Progressive Generation” at Niuland town from January 29 to 30.

Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control, Jacob Zhimomi, graced the inaugural function as chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Jacob challenged the students to pursue better education so as to become assets to society. Quipping that “time waits for none,” he urged students to make the best use of their time and youthful life and equip themselves so as to contribute towards the progress of society. Further stating that wisdom is God’s gift, he contended that to use wisdom one has to be well educated.

Reminding the gathering about the vital role

Parliamentary Secretary Jacob Zhimomi unveiling the monolith of Western Sumi Students’ Union conference at Niuland town on Saturday.

that parents play in the education and moulding of a child, the chief guest pointed out that parentchildren relationship was very important and that with proper guidance and

monitoring, parents make a great impact on the life of students.

Reiterating that government jobs have reached saturation point, he said a simple pass was

not going to help them to find government jobs.

At such times, he mentioned the need for one to have proficiency in a particular field. In this regard, he pointed out that

the government has created a department to help train young people in skill development. He further expressed that humbling oneself and inculcating dignity of labour are keys to being successful in life.

He urged the students never to possess negative and selfish attitudes that destroy the fabric of peaceful and progressive society, but rather urged them to be “God fearing” and to own good virtues.

The chief guest also unveiled the monolith of the conference and hoisted the WSSU flag.

Host of administrative and departmental officials led by Lovitoli, ADC Niuland attended the function.

Greeting the students on the occasion, Ninoto Awomi, President, Sumi Kiphimimi Kuqhakulu (SKK) encouraged the students to be trend setters of good examples.

Training on swine health management at Toulazuoma Dimapur, January 29 (mExn): Organized by Community Development Foundation under the banner of North Eastern Development Finance Cooperation Limited (NEDFi) CSR Initiative project, a training on Swine Heath Management cum Beneficiaries

Interaction Program’ was held on January 28 at Toulazuoma village, Dimapur.

The program was held with the objective to inculcate comprehensive knowledge on swine heath care management and to draw out insight from field based experiential knowl-

edge on managing pig rearing activity from among the project beneficiaries.

Resource persons were Dr. Hiabe Zeliang (Deputy Director (AH), Rev. Subong Ao (President Pig Farmer’ Association Dimapur), John (Para vet). 52 participants attended the program.

MIP-NSCN/GPRN

Kohima, January 30 (mExn): National Leprosy Eradication Programme, Nagaland, observed Anti Leprosy Day with Leprosy Patients at Leprosy Colony, Kohima on January 30.

On the occasion, vari-

ous activities were undertaken in par with the Government of India Guidelines at the State level. Dr. Aseno Rhetso Zonal Leprosy Officer (ZLO), Kohima in her speech stressed on the need for awareness and dedication from the

Kohima, January 30 (Dipr): A meeting to discuss the issues regarding wild fire at Japfü and Dzukou was held on January 29 at the DC’s conference hall, Kohima, which was attended by district administration, various departments, NGOs, youth and student bodies under the chairmanship of DC Ruovilatuo Mor. Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) and Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) highlighted that most of the hunting occurs in the months of January and February and most of the people respon-

National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) staff. She invited all concerned to spread the theme of this year's celebration: spread the message that “Leprosy is Curable” and hence, discard the Stigma attached to Leprosy.

50th Walim Puthru Foundation Day held

Walim Puthru Foundation Day was celebrated at Chenmoho village on January 29 with Minister of Rural Development & REPA short speeches by V/P KU, C.L. John as chief guest V/P KSU and Chairman while Yemwang Angh was (school Managing Board), vote of thanks M.K. Mani (Head Master EDS) and Benediction by Ahat Pastor (Papong fellowship).

It may be mentioned Dimapur, January that Edith Douglas High 30 (mExn): The Sacred School, one of the oldest Heart Church, Toulazouma private school in the dis- was blessed by Most Rev. trict was shifted to the new Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop location due to continu- of Kohima and inauguratous sinking and landslide ed by Most Rev. Rt. Chacko at Tanlao ward where the Thottumarickal, Bishop of old school building was lo- Indore, MP, on January 30 in cated. Besides the school, the presence of Village GBs, many families have also Village Chairman, and Combeen evacuated from the munity representatives from ward due to constant land various villages of Kohima sinking since 2012. A cen- and Dimapur districts. tral team from Delhi also The highlights of the visited Tanlao ward in 2015. programme inculded spe-

be cooperative, strict and at the same time liberal with the teaching staff in matters relating to the school children, he also sought active participation of the parents and the general public for the well being and future of the students and for the excellence of the school.

The DC also disclosed that it was he who had directed the school managing board to shift the school to new location as the old school compound was dangerously affected by landslide and sinking of the area.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Lichemse Sangtam, Asst. Head Master (EDS), special no by St. Peter's Hostellers, Mon,

theme "Get up and Walk", the jubilee was marked by cultural dances from various culture troupes of Atosalim chenmoho, Chenloisho Walim Women, Chingkhao Chingha Youth and Chen-

Fr Thomas exhorted the gathering saying, “We need to know the teaching of the Church, the tradition of the Church along with all our Catholic practices as we go to the people at grass root level to strengthen our faith and the faith of the people.”

Fr Chacko, the rector of the Good Shepherd Seminary, Dimapur concelebrated the Eucharistic Celebration on January 28 and enlightened the gathering on “Being light of the World”.

Rt Rev James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima celebrated the conclud-

ing Mass and encouraged the Catechists to become agents of sowing good seed which will yield good fruit in abundance. “Good seed, good ideas, good thoughts promote life, peace, goodness,” he exhorted.

Sr Rose Tsiitso MHMSC conducted the Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament and Sr Rosin Noronha UFC led the meditation as they invited the catechists to pray for peace in Nagaland by being more merciful, compassionate and generous in day to day lives and bring about change in the society.

Meeting focuses on preventing wildfires at Dzukou and Japfü

Modern Institute of Teacher Education, Kohima observed Martyrs’ Day on January 30 to commemorate the sacrifice of all the patriots including soldiers and father of nation Mahatma Gandhi. A two minute silent prayer was observed. moho Youth; and felicitaAn essay competition on the topic "My duty as a citizen mon, January 30 the Guest of Honour.

Celebrated under the tions to the pioneers.

(Dipr): The 50th year of towards the nation" was also conducted during the day.

Edith Douglas gets new building mon, J a n u a ry 30(Dipr): The new School Building of Edith Douglas High School at Papong ward was dedicated by Nahngom Pastor KBCM in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Mon, representatives from KU & KSU, Headmasters of other private Schools and public leaders on January 30.

Speaking at the dedication program, the Chief Guest, Honje Konyak, Deputy Commissioner Mon congratulated the school authority for successful completion of the school building in time before the new academic session begins. While suggesting the School managing board to

support with 2 piglets each at Toulazuoma village. The project was launched on February 8, 2013, with the aim to enhance supplementary earnings of low income families for meeting their livelihood needs and to promote pig rearing entrepreneurs in the village.

Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): All Nagaland Catechists Convention 2016 was held at Don Bosco Institute for Development And Leadership (DBIDL), Dimapur from January 27 to 30 under the theme “Blessed are the Merciful”.

According to a press release received here, the programme started by lighting the lamp by Rev. Fr PJ Thomas, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish, Dimapur, Rev. Fr Jaison Thomas, the Director of Pastoral Center, Kohima Diocese and three Touring Catechists.

Anti Leprosy Day observed in Kohima

CorrigeNduM The press release dated 25th January 2016 inadvertently mentioned Gen. Rtd. Vs Atem, Member Collective Leadership, educational qualification as Economics graduate. However, it is to be corrected that he was a student of BSc. Chemistry from St. Anthony, Shillong. We deeply regret the mistake.

Kuknalim.

Official representatives from NEDFi, Richa (Branch Manager, Dimapur), Atono, NEDFi Dimapur Branch and K. H. Henry (Director CDF) also attended the training. It may be noted that under NEDFi CSR Initiative project, 92 beneficiaries have been given

All Nagaland Catechists Convention held

Short speeches were delivered by S.C. Chingkap, VCC Chingkhao Chingha village, Wangmao Angh Chenloisho village and Deputy Commissioner, Mon W. Honje Konyak.

New Church inaugurated at Toulazouma

sible for wildfire are those who come for picnics and hiking in the area. The DC suggested that during the period, there should be entry pass not only for Dzukou but also for places like Viswema, Khuzama, Jakhama, Kigwema, Phesama.

Representative from the Defence gave a presentation of some photographs of wild fire and jungle burning at Japfü and Dzukou during the months of January and February 2014 and highlighted that awareness should be given to the villages to prevent wild fire.

Home Guards Depart-

ment suggested that wild fire prevention campaign be carried out by the government where all NGOs, student bodies, village councils and churches can be involved to give various guidelines and that signboards can be put by in the areas.

SDO (Civil) Kohima Samuel Paul stressed on funding for prevention of wild fire and voluntary works by student bodies.

He advised that volunteers be provided badge tags or caps and also trained in guidelines.

The DFO was given the responsibility to organise awareness camps in the area.

MEx FILE BJP meeting today Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): All the frontal chief and senior leaders of the BJP have been informed that there will be a meeting on January 31, 11 a.m. at Hotel Jafü, Kohima with the party national secretary and in-charge of Nagaland Farooq Khan and all the MLAs, state office bearers, district presidents, former national executive member (NEM), ex-president. Therefore, BJP Nagaland office secretary Lachit Kachari has requested all members to attend the meeting positively.

Donation, selling of lotteries banned in Kuhuboto Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): The Kuhuboto Ghakhu Public Organization (KGPO) has banned all kinds of donation, selling of lotteries, calendars etc under the jurisdiction of Kuhuboto with immediate effect.

This was decided during the executive council meeting of KGPO held on January 22 at KGPO hall, Kuhuboto Town. A press release from KGPO President Ghoshito Shohe and General Secretary Z. Ato has informed all citizens under Kuhuboto area to keep away from any sort of donations, lotteries, calendars etc. Meanwhile, the Village Councils, churches, student unions, societies, club etc were informed to strictly maintain the same till further order.

Handing over ceremony of NWP on Feb 2

cial songs from St. Anthony’s Church-Tenyiphe, Chakhesang Baptist Church-Tou-

Kohima, January 30 (Dipr): The Department of Soil & Water Conservation in a circular has informed that the handing over ceremony of the Nagaland Water Policy to the Government of Nagaland by GIZ is scheduled to be held on February 2 at 11 a.m. at de Oriental Grand, Kohima. Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar IA has consented to grace the ceremony as the chief lazouma, and Chakhro guest. During the handing over ceremony, presentaCYA, a press release re- tion on how the Nagaland Water Policy was drafted and power point presentation on CCA-NER Project will be ceived here informed. presented by GIZ. In this regard, all the Water Resource Committee Members, Sub-Committee Members of the respective Departments, all concerned line Departments and stakeholders/NGOs have been invited to attend the programme without fail. and Officers as the most charismatic, experienced, influential, intelligent, out- KUD 28th Annual Session spoken, and perhaps one of Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): The Khiamnithe best Gynaecologists in ungan Union Dimapur (KUD) will be holding its 28th the State during her time,” Annual General Session at 10 a.m. on February 6 at the release from the H&FW Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Dimapur. A press release from the Directorate stated.

KUD informing this has asked all the Khiamniungan Dr. Sukhato lauded Dr. people residing within Dimapur district to attend the Changkija for her immense general session in “traditional attires”. After the formal initiation in bringing World programme, there will be mass cultural dance led by Bank aided Nagaland the Khiamniungan Cultural Club (KCC) Dimapur, the Health project in the derelease added. Further the release informed that an Expartment, it added. ecutive meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on February 2 at the residence of the Treasurer. All the executive members and colony coordinators have been requested to attend the meeting.

Pienyünuomia Mechü Directorate of H&FW bids farewell to officials Krotho annual day Kohima, January 30 (mExn): The Directorate of Health & Family Welfare bade farewell to Principal Director, Dr. Nandira Changkija, Addl. Director Dr. Narola Ao, Dy. Director (Nursing) Dr. Tepuhosule, Health Education Officer (IEC) Kevichol Sale, and two staff drivers from the department on January 30.

Farewell speeches were delivered by M. Pat-

ton, IAS, Comm. & Secy.

H & FW, and Dr. Sukhato Sema, the incoming Principal Director, a press release from the IEC Bureau, Dir. of H&FW stated.

Patton in his speech said that due to superannuation, much transition within a span of one year has brought a lot of difficulties within the department not only in the Directorate but also in the Secretariat.

He congratulated all the retirees and added that retirement from service is not the end but a new beginning.

Outgoing Principal Director, Dr. Changkija, and the host of outgoing officers and staffs were lauded and congratulated for their services, the release stated.

“Dr. Changkija, the lady with the iron fist in the department was much lauded by all the well wishers

State Higher Education Director retires

Kohima, January academic expansion is the that many do not reach the department will continue

PMK president Khriesamhalie Bobby Pienyü at the an- 30 (Dipr): Directorate of most important and hoped level of HoD and that she achieving greater heights. nual day at Sotha, P. Khel Kohima village on January 30. Higher Education orga- that the challenges will be should give thanks to God Principal of Mt. Tiyi (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kohima | January 30

The Pienyünuomia Mechü Krotho (PMK), P. Khel Kohima village today held its annual day at Satho, P. Khel, Kohima village.

Medochülie Pienyü and Dr. Dziesekhrielie Pienyü exhorted the gathering.

Earlier, the function was chaired by PMK president Khriesamhalie Bobby Pienyü. Statistical report was given by PMK statistic secretary Khrietuo Pienyü, while vote of thanks was proposed by PMK general secretary Vibeizolie Pienyü.

The programme concluded with a grand feast.

nized a farewell programme in honour of its outgoing Director, Chubatola Longkumer on January 30 at the directorate’s conference hall.

In her speech, Chubatola expressed it was a day of counting God’s blessing and thanked God for her years of service to the people. Stating that Higher Education has lots of challenges, he said

met under the new Director.

She also called on the principals, offices and staffs of the department to continue working for the betterment of the students and to focus on the younger students who will one day be leaders.

Congratulating Chubatola, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu said

for giving her good health to attain superannuation. He encouraged her to continue her contributions to the society stating that a new chapter in her life has begun. He termed Chubatola as punctual and a dedicated officer.

The Parliamentary Secretary also welcomed the incoming Director, I. Alempokba and hoped that the

College, Wokha, Dr. Apeni Lotha and Additional Director, Higher Education, I. Alempokba also gave short speeches at the function. The programme was chaired by Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Imjung M. Panger. A special song was also presented by the officers and staffs of Higher Education.

Transformation Crusades at Kohima, Phek Kohima, January 30 (mExn): Phek Town Churches (all denominations) Pastors Fellowship will be organising a Transformation Crusade at Phek Town Local Ground from February 4 to 7 with the theme “Arise & Shine” (Isaiah 60:1). According to a press release from the Publicity Committee Transformation Crusade, the vision of the crusade is to “deliver the youth from satanic worship”, to raise young men and women of God for mission and to bring physical healing and revival in all the churches. In Kohima, the Transformation Crusade will be held from February 24 to March 6 at Local Ground.

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

The Chalkboard

6

SunDAY 31•01•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

_____________________________ Because Children Matters

WYour amazing child o W

E

ity to make this distinction could signal if your toddler is ready to learn to read, a new study has found.

Most children do not begin formal instruction in reading and writing until they turn five and enter kindergarten, but these findings suggest that children as young as three may be tested to see how well their understanding of basic language concepts is progressing.

"Our results show

Source: IANS

ven before they can read, children as young as three years of age can understand how a written word is different than a simple drawing, and the abil-

that children have some knowledge about the fundamental properties of writing from a surprisingly early age," said study co-author Rebecca Treiman from Washington University in St. Louis in the US. "Based on the results, it may be possible to determine at an early age, which children are progressing well in the learning of emergent literacy skills and which

Once upon a time

O

drowned if a dove up a nearby tree had not seen her. Seeing that the ant was in trouble, the dove quickly plucked off a leaf and dropped it into the water near the struggling ant.

The ant moved towards the leaf and climbed up there. Soon it carried her safely to dry ground. Just at that time, a hunter nearby

children may need extra attention," Treiman added.

The study was based on two experiments with 114 children ages three to five years who had not yet received any formal instruction in reading or writing.

The children were tested to see how well they understood that a written word, such as dog, has one specific pronunciation ("dog") as

compared with a simple drawing of a dog, which could be correctly labeled as the image of a dog, a puppy or even a pet named Spot.

In the first test, researchers read the written word "dog" to the children.

Later, when a puppet employed in the experiment and read the word "dog" as "puppy," many children picked up on the mistake.

In a similar task with

drawings, children were more likely to say that the puppet was correct in using the alternative label.

The different results in the writing and drawing conditions indicated that even young pre-readers have some understanding that a written word stands for one specific linguistic unit in a way that a drawing does not.

The study was published in the journal Child Development.

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about.

The Ant and the Dove

ne hot day, an ant was searching for some water. After walking around for some time, she came to a spring.

To reach the spring, she had to climb up a blade of grass. While making her way up, she slipped and fell into the water.

S h e c o u l d h av e

Know if your toddler is ready for reading lessons

— Angela Schwindt, home schooling mom

Find the hidden picture was throwing out his net towards the dove, hoping to trap it.

Guessing what he was about to do, the ant quick-

ly bit him on the heel.

Feeling the pain, the hunter dropped his net. The dove was quick to fly away to safety.

Moral: One good turn deserves another.

o N A I l g A t S KAtIe

oes r e h r e id sup

k I

n 2008, 9-year-old Katie Stagliano brought a tiny cabbage seedling home from school as part of the Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program. As she cared for her cabbage, it grew to 40 pounds. Katie donated her cabbage to a soup kitchen where it helped to feed more than 275 people.

Moved by the experience of seeing how many people could benefit from the donation of fresh produce to soup kitchens, Katie decided to start vegetable gardens and donate the harvest to help feed people in need. Today, Katie’s Krops donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce from numerous gardens to organizations that help people in need. Katie is now a 12-year-old student at the Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville, S.C.

FACTS CORNER

•

Billy goats urinate on their own heads to smell more attractive to females.

• The person who invented the Frisbee was cremated and made into frisbees after he died!

• During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools.

• An eagle can kill a young deer and fly away with it.

• Polar bears can eat as many as 86 penguins in a single sitting.

• King Henry VIII slept with a gigantic axe beside him.

• Bikinis and tampons invented by men.

• Heart attacks are more likely to happen on a Monday.

• If you consistently fart for 6 years & 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb!

• An average person’s yearly fast food intake will contain 12 pubic hairs.

• The top six foods that make your fart are beans, corn, bell peppers, cauliflower, cabbage and milk!

There is a species of spider called the Hobo Spider.

Dot to dot

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY 31•01•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

7

Rick Warren on the 4 things that beat us up in ministry—and how to respond

W

Rick Warren

e put in long hours, we experience a unique form of loneliness and we face difficult decisions every day. It’s easy to get discouraged.

And I think discouragement is one of the most deadly of diseases. Everybody can catch it, and you can catch it more than once. It’s highly contagious and spreads easily and quickly.

But here’s the good news: Discouragement is curable. Whenever I get discouraged, I head straight to Nehemiah. This great leader of ancient Israel understood there were four reasons for discouragement in ministry.

First, you get fatigued. You simply get tired as the laborers did in Nehemiah 4:10.

We’re human beings, and we wear out. You cannot burn the candle at both ends. So if you’re discouraged, it may be that you don’t have to change anything. You just need a vacation! Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is go to bed.

Second, you get frustrated. Nehemiah says there was rubble all around. So much that it was getting in the way of rebuilding the wall. Do you have rubble in your ministry? Have you noticed that anytime you start doing something new, the trash starts piling up? If you don’t clean it out periodically, it’s going to stop your progress. You can’t avoid it, so you need to learn to recognize it and dispose of it quickly so you don’t lose focus on your original intention.

Now, what is the rubble in your life? I think rubble is the trivial things that waste your time and energy and prevent you from accomplishing what God’s called you to do. It could be committee meetings. It could be television. It could be just about anything that turns you from God’s purposes.

The third cause of discouragement is failure. They were unable to finish their task as quickly as originally planned, and as a result, their confidence went down the

drain. They were thinking, “We were stupid to think we could ever rebuild this wall.”

And you might be thinking, “I was dumb to ever think I could lead this church. I can’t do it any more.” You feel like a failure.

But you know what I do when I don’t reach a goal on time? I just set a new goal.

I don’t give up. The fact is—if you’re in the ministry, you’re going to fail. Everybody fails. Everybody does dumb things. So the issue is not that you failed—it’s how you are going to respond to your failure. Do you give into self-pity? Do you start blaming other people? Do you start complaining, “It’s impossible”? Or do you re-focus on God’s intentions and start moving again?

Finally, fear causes discouragement.

Nehemiah 4:11 says this: “Also our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to their work.’” You know the background to this story. You’ve preached on Nehemiah before, and you know there were people who did not want the wall to be rebuilt. They were doing everything they could to keep that from happening. First, they criticized the Jews, and then they ridiculed the Jews. When that didn’t work, they threatened the Jews.

Notice who gets fearful the quickest: “Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, `Wherever you turn, they will attack us’” (Nehemiah 4:12).

The people most affected by fear are those who hang around negative people. If you’re going to control the negative thoughts in your life, you’ve got to get away from negative people as much as you can. It’s like the old saying, “If you’re going to soar with the eagles, you can’t run with the turkeys.”

Let me ask you this: What fear is causing you to be discouraged? The fear of criticism? Embarrassment? That you’re not capable of the task? That you can’t handle pressure? How can you tell when fear is causing discouragement in your life?

It’s simple. You have an intense desire to run! “I’ve got to get out of this! I’ve got

You Can Change

What Would You Like to Change?

Maybe you’d choose to change your appearance, or find a partner, or have betterbehaved children. Perhaps you’re seeking one more step up the career ladder, or maybe just to get onto a career ladder.

Maybe you’d like to be more confident and witty, or maybe less angry or depressed, or less controlled by your emotions.

We all want to change in some way.

Tim Chester Some of these changes are good, others not so good. But the problem with all of them is that they’re not ambitious enough. and for the world.

Jesus is the perfect person, the true imGod offers us something more—much, age of God, the glory of the Father. And much more!

God’s agenda for change is for us to become like Jesus.

Broken Image Bearers And we know that in all things God In the opening chapter of the Bible we works for the good of those who love him, read, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him” (Gen- who have been called according to his puresis 1:27). We were made to be God’s im- pose. For those God foreknew he also preage on earth: to know him, to share his rule destined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn over the world, to reflect his glory.

The problem is that this is now a bro- among many brothers. And those he preken image because humanity has rejected destined, he also called; those he called, God. So we try to live our lives our way, and we make a mess of things. We struggle to be God’s image on earth. We no longer reflect his glory as we should. God’s verdict on humanity is: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

We’ve failed to be the image of God we were made to be. We can’t be the people we want to be, let alone the people we ought to be.

God’s Agenda for Change Enter Jesus, “the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4): He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (Colossians 1:15) He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. (Hebrews 1:3) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) Jesus shows us God’s agenda for change. God isn’t interested in making us religious.

Think of Jesus, who was hated by religious people. God isn’t interested in making us spiritual if by spiritual we mean detached. Jesus was God getting involved with us. God isn’t interested in making us self-absorbed: Jesus was selfgiving personified. God isn’t interested in serenity: Jesus was passionate for God, angry at sin, weeping for the city. The word holy means “set apart” or “consecrated.” For Jesus, holiness meant being set apart from, or different from, our sinful ways. It didn’t mean being set apart from the world, but being consecrated to God in the world. He was God’s glory in

he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:28–30) Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1–2; see also 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21) Whoever claims to live in [God] must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6, NIV; see also 3:16–17; 4:10–11) Making us like Jesus was God’s plan from the beginning.

Too Much for Us I’d like to play soccer like David Beckham. I could watch videos of him in action. I could study what he does. I might even persuade him to tutor me. All this might lead to a small improvement in my abilities, but it’s not going to turn me into a great soccer player.

I want to be like Jesus. I can observe him in action as I read the Gospels. I can study the life he lived and the love he showed. I could try very hard to imitate him. But at best that would lead only to a small, shortlived improvement, and indeed even that

to leave the ministry! I’ve got to leave this church!” Yet, I’ve learned in life that it’s rarely God’s will for me to run from a difficult situation. If you don’t learn in one place, guess what? God just gives you another chance to learn somewhere else.

Otherwise, you just jump from the frying pan into the fire. Running from fear only makes it bigger. So, don’t try to escape from life’s pressures.

If you’ll just hang in there, you’ll outlast that carnal person who’s giving you so much trouble in your church. But it’s important that you stick it out. A friend of mine in Los Angeles says, “When you go to a new church, the first year is the honeymoon. The pastor can do nothing wrong.

The second year, usually the pastor can do nothing right. The third year, usually, somebody has to go. And it may be that just like God had to kill off a couple million Jews in the desert before He’d let them go into the Promised Land, God may have to move some people out of your church before He fulfills the vision that He’s given you.” Never give up.

Reflection: What is it that causes discouragement in your life? Maybe you’re just fatigued. You’re just out of energy. It was the most relaxing day of my life when I resigned as General Manager of the universe. I realized something: The world did not fall apart the day I did that. I felt like I was Atlas—the whole world was on my shoulders. Would you relax and take a deep breath right now and just let it out and let God drain that stress out of your life? Let God take those pressures, those problems, those people, those circumstances, those critics, those challenges and those impossible situations.

Take a deep breath and just let it out.

And rest. Maybe you need to take a vacation. I read a statement the other day that was a great stress reliever to me. “No football team in history ever won a game without substitutions.” If you feel like you have to be there every Sunday, you’re wrong.

Maybe you need to start a regular exercise program. For instance, try walking. If you walk two miles a day, you’ll get more energy. Maybe you need to start watching your nutrition, or develop a hobby, something you enjoy so much you’re willing to leave your work for it. And sometimes that’s hard to do when you love the ministry as much as we do. But you need it if you’re going to last in the ministry.

Maybe you have frustration in your life and that’s why you’re discouraged. Rubble has piled up and your desk is heavy with work, deadlines and commitments. You’re trying to burn the candle at both ends.

What you need to do is reorganize your life. Say, “God, help me see that I’m not doing the wrong thing. I’m just doing it in the wrong way.”

Maybe you’re discouraged because you feel like a failure. You say, “I’ve been in this place for six months (or six years), and I feel like I’m treading water.” You’re never a failure if what you’re doing is ultimately for the glory of God. Maybe God’s just been trying to teach you some lessons. He wants

small improvement would probably only make me proud. I need more than an example. I need help. I need someone to change me. Trying to imitate Jesus on its own only leaves me feeling like a failure. I can’t be like him. I can’t match up. I need sorting out. I need rescuing. I need forgiveness.

The great news is that Jesus is not only my example but also my Redeemer. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). When you become a Christian, something amazing happens: You are a new creation. The power of God that made the sun and stars is focused down like a laser into your heart.

God steps into the world, as it were, and creates all over again. We’re transformed, reborn, made new.

At creation God spoke a word into the darkness, and there was light. He spoke a word into the chaos, and there was beauty.

And now again God speaks a word through the gospel. He speaks into the darkness of our hearts, and there is light. He speaks into the chaos of our lives, and there is beauty Re-Created in God’s Image What does it mean for us to be a new creation? It means we’re re-created in the image of God. It means we’re given new life so we can grow like Christ. And being like Christ means being like God, reflecting God’s glory as God’s image.

Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24) Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven [Jesus]. (1 Corinthians 15:49) Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Colossians 3:9–10) Jesus came to remake us in God’s image. Jesus took our brokenness, our hatred and our curse on himself on the cross. He took the penalty of our sin and in its place gave us a new life and new love.

God is in the business of change. He’s interested in making us like Jesus.

This post is adapted from You Can Change: God’s Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions by Tim Chester.

Tim Chester (PhD, University of Wales) is a pastor of Grace Church, Boroughbridge, and curriculum director of the Acts 29-Oak Hill Academy, which provides integrated theological and missional training for church leaders. He is the coauthor (with Steve Timmis) of Total Church and is the author of over twenty books, including You Can Change, A Meal with Jesus, and Good News to the Poor.

you to stay there but to do things in a different way. Maybe He wants you to move on.

Only God can tell you when to let go and when to hold on. But never give up on your dream! If you feel like you’re a failure, listen to this: “There is, therefore, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God does not condemn you. God loves you.

God’s not mad at you. God is on your side.

“If God be for us, who can be against us.”

One plus God equals a majority.

One of the great truths of scripture is that God is the God of the second chance, and He lets you start over. He says, “I will restore the years that the locusts have eaten.” If you would commit yourself and say, “Christ, whether I have five years or 50 years left, I want to commit it to You. I want to renew my life commitment to You right now. Lord, whether you take me home next week or in 50 or 60 years, I want the rest of my life to be the best of my life.”

Maybe you’re discouraged because of fear. You’re dealing with fears like, “I can’t handle this. It’s too much responsibility.”

Maybe it’s the fear that you don’t deserve it. It’s the fear of criticism. Fear will destroy your life, if you let it. But you can choose to resist the discouragement. Say, “God, help me get my eyes off the problem—off the circumstance—and keep my eyes on You.” Tension is a warning light that you have taken your eyes off the Lord. When you get tense, it’s God saying, “You’ve lost your focus.” “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.”

Resist the devil and his discouragement.

Recognize where it’s coming from—the answer may be just around the corner. Anybody who watches basketball knows that the game is often won in the final second.

Dr. Rick Warren is passionate about attacking what he calls the five “Global Goliaths” – spiritual emptiness, egocentric leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic disease, and illiteracy/poor education. His goal is a second Reformation by restoring responsibility in people, credibility in churches, and civility in culture. He is a pastor, global strategist, theologian, and philanthropist. He’s been often named "America's most influential spiritual leader" and “America’s Pastor.

The difference between an artist and a worship leader David Santistevan Sometimes I hate to lead worship. Why? Because nobody cares.

Nobody. cares. And that’s actually a very good thing.

• Nobody cares about the songs you wrote.

• Nobody cares about your flawless musical arrangements.

• Nobody cares about how you look.

• Nobody cares how much you know.

• Nobody cares how many mistakes you make.

What do people care about?

• They care about connecting with Jesus.

• They care about finding their purpose.

• They care about the peace of God. • They care about knowing and believing the truth.

• They care about their lives being a part of something bigger.

That’s the difference between an artist building a fanbase and a worship leader serving a community. It’s a different skill set. It’s a different goal.

An artist grows a fanbase. A worship leader grows worshipers.

An artist obsesses over their art. A worship leaders obsesses over the Kingdom.

An artist sings songs. A worship leader groans with desperation for Jesus.

An artist performs. A worship leader invites.

Art & Worship Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being an artist. It’s actually a wonderful pursuit, which I encourage every person to pursue. I want to be a better artist. If you’re reading this (which you are), discover the art you love—the art you’re best at—and make it. The problem is stopping there rather than going deep with God. The problem is when we use the local church to promote ourselves rather than promote a corporate expression of worship.

Worship leader, you are not the hero. You are not the artist in residence. You are a servant, helping others see Jesus. But art and worship can complement each other. The deeper we go with God, the better art we make. And serving in the local church gives our art a place to serve others. That’s actually why I love to lead worship. Because I can help foster an atmosphere where I’m not the center. I can labor to show the glories of one so much greater than myself. Spotlight His perfections, His beauty, His goodness, His love.

My flesh can hate it because I’m not the center, but that’s a blessing in disguise because I’m taught to live for more than me.

To expand His Kingdom. To be known not for my own greatness but for making His greatness known. You’ll never become the worship leader you were meant to be until you lose yourself in the pursuit of Jesus.

David is a Worship Pastor at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

Our job is to love people, not change them

I

Jarrid Wilson

love change. I love helping people. And I love seeing people changed by the love of God. But regardless of how much God decides to use me, I alone cannot change people. This is God’s job, not mine.

I remember when I first became a believer in Jesus and somehow thought that it was my duty to change people for the sake of advancing The Gospel—which is funny because I myself wasn’t even changed by a man or woman, but instead was loved and directed toward the only true source that could bring me change: God I would rejoice when people would find hope in Christ, but would feel like a failure when someone would turn away from wanting to know Jesus as

Lord. I took it personally.

It was a little discouraging, but that’s because my mindset was completely off. I was focusing way too much on what “I” was doing for God, and not enough on the bigger picture: God’s omnipotent power and preeminent role in the business of life change.

I believe many of today’s Christians put too much weight on themselves to bring people to Jesus. It’s our job to love people, not change them.

And we must understand the reality that only the Holy Spirit has the power and authority to do such a thing. Our calling is to simply share The Gospel in love and truth, showcasing the character of Jesus through our everyday lives. This alone is the calling of a Christian. This alone is a weighty yet fulfilling purpose for each

and every person who chooses to pick up their cross daily.

If we were to scour the Bible, we’d see there is not a single passage that states we are called to change people. Why? Because it’s not our job, and it was never intended to be. We must take a step back and realize that God’s job is to be God, and our job is to lead people toward the door that is hope. Once we’ve done this, we must let go and allow Him who created the world to take care of the rest.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment : Love each other.

Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” —John 13:34 Don’t waste your time trying to change people.

Instead, focus on loving well.

Jarrid Wilson is a husband, pastor and author relentlessly sharing the love of Jesus.

Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

8

SundAY 31•01•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Rahul fasts at Hyderabad varsity, calls for law against discrimination Interim VC also goes on leave Hyderabad/New delHi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): The protest over the suicide of a Dalit research scholar in University of Hyderabad intensified with Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi again joining the agitators at the campus and observing a day-long fast on Saturday, even as the BJP targeted him for "playing politics over dead bodies".

For more than 12 hours, Gandhi, who had participated in a candlelight vigil after Friday midnight and spent the night on the campus, sat with students, including the four others suspended, and Rohith Vemula's family members, as they held a day-long hunger strike for justice at the protest venue near the Shopping Complex. They also marked the birth anniversary of Vemula, who committed suicide two weeks ago.

Dalit ideologue Kancha Ilaiah offered fruit juice to him in the evening to end the fast.

Noting there was "massive discrimination" in universities and other institu-

tions, Gandhi asked the BJP and the RSS not to impose their ideas on students and suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi "look into the possibilities of passing a law against discrimination at universities".

"My main opposition to Modiji and the RSS is that they are trying to crush the spirit of Indian youngsters by imposing one idea from the top. Don't force one idea on students," he said.

"Please put your idea in the market place of ideas and then if students accept that idea, I am fine with it," he added.

Dozens of other students were also on the day-long hunger strike to press the demand for the resignation of Vice Chancellor P. Appa Rao and action against him and others responsible for the suicide.

"I am here today at the request of Rohith's friends and family, to stand with them in their fight for justice," tweeted Gandhi, who visited the campus for the second time in less than a week.

"A young life full of

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi lights a candle near a memorial of Rohith Vemula to pay him tributes during a visit to University of Hyderabad where the students are agitating, in Hyderabad on January 29. (PTI Photo)

dreams and aspirations was cut short."

Also paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, he also commented that all owe it "to the memory of Gandhiji and to every single Indian student who dreams of an India free from prejudice and injustice".

Former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma, workers of the Youth Congress, National Students Union of India (NSUI), students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and various universities also joined the mass hunger strike.

Congress' Telangana unit chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and other party leaders and workers were arrested near the campus when they staged a protest against the Modi government's inaction in the case.

Police beefed up security on the campus in view of the call given by the

Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to protest Gandhi's visit, and for a shutdown of educational institutions across Telangana to protest what it calls the attempts of the Congress leader to play politics over the suicide.

About 50 ABVP workers were arrested short-

ly after Friday midnight when they tried to stop Gandhi's convoy at the university's main gate.

In New Delhi, students belonging to various groups staged a protest near the RSS office, raising slogans against its "interference" in academic institutions.

Meanwhile, the BJP on Saturday asked Rahul Gandhi to "not politicise" the death of the Dalit research scholar, and stop "playing politics on dead bodies".

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters in the national capital that it was not a "Dalit versus non-Dalit" issue but a classic case of trying to score political points.

The Congress dismissed the allegations, with spokesman Ajay Maken saying Gandhi was raising his voice for justice, while central minister Bandaru Dattatreya had politicised the issue by writing to the human resource development ministry to take action against the Dalit students.

Gandhi had visited the campus on January 19, two days after Rohith committed suicide.

The university remained shut since the student committed suicide with Joint Action Committee (JAC) continuing their protest and offering stiff resistance to the attempts by the administration to conduct classes over the last two days.

Interim Vice Chancellor Vipin Srivastava, who had claimed on Thursday that normalcy will be restored soon, has proceeded on leave and the varsity said the next seniormost professor, A.M. Periasamy, will perform the duties of the vice chancellor till further orders.

Srivastava had taken over only a week ago after Appa Rao proceeded on indefinite leave in the wake of students' demand for his resignation.

However, the students refused to accept Srivastava as he had headed a sub-committee of the executive council which suspended five Dalit students following an alleged clash with a leader of ABVP. The JAC alleged that he was also involved in a case of suicide of Senthil Kumar, a Dalit research scholar, in 2008.

Pathankot attack disturbed Kerala bar scam: Babu takes back resignation, Mani says no hurry Pakistan, India talks: Sharif laHore, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the terror attack on an Indian Air Force base in Indian Punjab's Pathankot town disturbed the peace process between Pakistan and India, a media report said.

Sharif, who admitted that matters between the two countries were moving in the right direction, regretted that the January 2 terror strike disturbed the negotiation process, Radio Pakistan reported.

Following the attacks, Indian and Pakistani governments postponed scheduled diplomatic talks

till the end of January. India sought prompt action against the perpetrators of the attack, sharing "actionable" evidence against Jaish chief Masood Azhar with the Pakistan government.

There were reports that Azhar was detained by the security forces.

Sharif then held a high level meeting with security agencies and said a thorough probe be carried out, assuring India that Islamabad was seriously investigating the case and will not hesitate to act if anyone was found guilty. Pakistan, however, turned down India's proposal to jointly in-

terrogate Azhar and other suspects linked to the Pathankot attack.

Pakistan's Daily Times, in an editorial on Saturday, noted that the Pathankot attack had come "just as the two sides had groped their way back to the negotiating table after initial aggressive intent was on display from the (Narendra) Modi government". "On present trends at least, the post-Pathankot scenario has a chilling resemblance to post-Mumbai," said the daily, referring to the 2008 attack in Mumbai that left 166 people, including many foreigners, dead.

tHiruvaNaNtHaPuram, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): K. Babu, who resigned as Kerala's excise minister after a court ordered a case against him for allegedly accepting a Rs.50 lakh bribe to permit bars to continue to function, on Saturday took back his resignation following pressure from the ruling Congress-led UDF. The opposition CPI-M termed it a "perfectly scripted act" by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Babu got a reprieve on Thursday when the Kerala High Court put on hold the lower court directive. The United Democratic Front leadership also asked former finance minister K.M. Mani, who quit in November last year over allegation that he took bribe from bar owners to reopen closed bars, to return as he too got a favourable order from the high court.

However, Mani said he was "in no hurry to return". Talking to reporters in Kochi, Babu said: "I became an MLA on a Congress ticket and then became a minister in the UDF government headed

by Oommen Chandy in 2011. "As soon as my name surfaced in the Thrissur vigilance court about a baseless bribery allegation, without even waiting to read the judgment, I put in my papers and vacated my official residence and returned my official car. "I also attended a farewell given to me by my staff, but today (Saturday), my party and the UDF said the situation that prevailed during my resignation no longer exists, hence I am taking back my resignation, because that's what my party and the UDF wants," Babu said.

Babu resigned on January 23,

soon after the vigilance court ordered a case to be registered against him after the vigilance department asked for a month's time to submit a verification report. Whistleblower bar owner Biju Ramesh had earlier filed a complaint that he gave Babu Rs.50 lakh as bribe to permit bars to continue to function.

Earlier this week, on Babu's petition, the high court not only suspended the Thrissur vigilance court order for two months but also pointed out that the lower court appeared to be in a hurry, as the case was also being heard in the high court.

Babu was forced to reconsider his decision at a leadership meeting of the UDF held at Chandy's official residence on Saturday.

The UDF leadership meeting also asked Mani to return, but he re-

fused. "I am thankful to the UDF for reposing absolute faith in me, but at the moment I am in no hurry to return. I will discuss this new request in my party," Mani told reporters in Kottayam.

CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said what people were seeing was a "perfectly scripted act" by Chandy. "He knows that he (Chandy) is tainted, so he wants Babu to return. The high court has not exonerated either of them, it has only stayed the lower court's order for two months," said Balakrishnan. The bar scam first surfaced in October 2014 when Ramesh alleged that the then finance minister Mani was given Rs.1 crore as bribe by Kerala's bar owners to facilitate reopening of the 418 closed bars in the state. Later, he alleged Babu too had taken bribe.

Kamduni gang-rape: Death for three convicts, life terms for three Budget session likely from February 23

KolKata, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Three people convicted for the brutal gang rape and murder of a college student in West Bengal's Kamduni village were on Saturday sentenced to death by a court here while three other convicts got life imprisonment.

Six people were convicted on Thursday for gangraping and murdering the 20-year-old girl while she was returning home from college in Kamduni village of North 24 Parganas district on June 7, 2013.

Observing that the case fell within the rarest of rare cases, Additional District and Sessions Judge Sanchita Sarkar pronounced capital punishment for Saiful Ali, Ansar Ali and Amin Ali who have been convicted of gang rape and murder.

Sheikh Emanul Islam, Aminur Islam and Bhola Naskar, who have been convicted on charges of gang rape, criminal conspiracy

and causing disappearance of evidence, were sentenced to life imprisonment.

As soon as the news of the three getting death spread, the family of the victim as well Kamduni villagers broke into tears hailing the verdict.

While nine people were arrested and charged for the crime, the court on Thursday acquitted Rafiqul Islam and Nur Ali while the ninth accused Gopal Naskar died while the trial was on.

Even as he cried in joy, the victim's brother said he will be meeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeking reversal of the acquittal of the two accused.

During the hearing for the quantum of punishment, the defence counsel contended that the case did not fall under the rarest of rare case and as such did not warrant death penalty.

He cited several Supreme Court judgements arguing

Women activists participate in a demonstration demanding highest punishment for convicted persons in the Kamduni rape case and the re-arrest of two acquitted persons near the city court in Kolkata. (AP Photo)

that convicts have not been awarded death penalty even in cases that were more heinous than the instant case.

Pointing to the severe injuries inflicted on the victim's private parts, the prosecution pleaded for

death penalty asserting that the convicts even after being convicted did not show repentance.

Rejecting the defence counsel's arguments, the judge called out the names of each of the convicts as she

pronounced the sentence.

The residents of Kamduni led by Tumpa Koyal and Moushumi Koyal who had formed a forum seeking death penalty for all the accused, hailed the verdict saying their fight for justice

has been vindicated.

Alleging police slackness in the case, the forum members had knocked on the doors of top political and constitutional authorities including the president, demanding that the trial be expedited.

Police also drew flak after the victim's uncle, a key witness in the case, succumbed to his injuries following a scuffle with security personnel during one of the protests in September 2013.

Street protests singed Kolkata and other parts of the state in the days and months after the Kamduni incident.

Women, youths, rights activists and college and school students, as well as leading lights of the civil society took out marches and rallies, and addressed meetings demanding justice and railing against what they called the "deteriorating law and order".

New delHi, JaNuary 30 (Pti): The Budget session of Parliament is likely to begin on February 23 as the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh meets here on February 4 to finalise the broad schedule.

The main focus of the session will be the transaction of the General and Railway budgets but the government is also keen to get passed a number of key reforms measures including the contentious GST and Real Estate Bills. Sources said that the session is likely to begin on February 23. Usually, the budget session begins in the third week of February and concludes early May. There is a recess in between when the budgetary demands for grants are discussed in the committees.

The General Budget is expected to be presented in the Lok Sabha on Feb 29, the last day of February, as is the practice traditionally.

Meanwhile the process for the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, where the tenure of the Assemblies is set to end in May-June, will begin in the midst of the session and that could raise questions about the number of sittings. A curtailment may be necessary to accommodate campaign by leaders during the elections.

Against the backdrop of near washout of the previous sessions, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today expressed the hope that Congress will "see reason" and help in passage of GST legislation, which is stuck in the Rajya Sabha during the coming session.

Nation remembers High time India rescues its health care from ICU: Experts Mahatma Gandhi New delHi, JaNuary 30 (Pti): The nation today remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his 68th death anniversary with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the country in paying homage to the Father of the Nation.

Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Modi paid floral tributes at Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat here.

D efence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Urban Development minister M Venkaiah Naidu were among those who paid homage to the Father of the Nation at Rajghat, where an inter-religion prayer was held.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi along with Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit paid homage to Mahatma.

While Gandhi along with Dikshit left soon after paying tributes, Azad stayed back as several other eminent persons came to pay their respects.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also visited the memorial.

The Father of the Nation was assassinated on this day in 1948 here.

Tributes were also paid to those who sacrificed their lives for the country on the occasion of Martyr's Day.

New delHi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): At a time when the Indian government has launched several promising initiatives to improve health care facilities in the country especially in the hinterlands, experts feel that it is high time that policymakers learn from past failures and step up efforts to give every citizen affordable, accessible and accountable quality health care.

In a bid to explore the underlying challenges of delivering on the promise of “health for all” in India, Haryana-based O.P. Jindal Global University - in collaboration with Harvard Global Health Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - recently brought together stakeholders from various walks of life to deliberate on underlying issues impeding the much needed growth of the country's healthcare sector.

“Nearly 18 percent rural population in the country has no access to health care,” said Rakesh

Kumar, joint secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at the “International Conference on Delivering on the Promise of Universal Health Coverage in India: Policy Options and Challenges,” in New Delhi earlier this month attended by academics, policymakers, doctors, lawyers, public health practitioners and government representatives.

He warned that “70 percent of deaths in India will be caused by non-communicable diseases by 2020” if no serious steps are taken now.

Explaining the impact of poor health care on the country, Ramanan Laxminarayan, distinguished professor from Public Health Foundation of India, reiterated that India is “very different from other countries” where “people may go into financial impoverishment” because of high primary health care cost.

“Out of pocket medical expenses are 65 percent of the to-

tal medical expenditure while 86 percent of rural and 82 percent of urban population is not covered under any government scheme," added Narendra Gupta, joint convenor, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan.

At a recent public event in the capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he envisions an India where every citizen has access to good health care.

However, the problem of poor health care in the country runs much deeper.

“The National Health Bill 2009 was good in spirit but its formulation was faulty and it failed to recognise that health is a state subject,” informed Ravinder Singh Duggal, country coordinator, International Budget Partnership, adding that the “Draft National Health Policy 2015” is a good effort in this direction.

According to Richard Cash, senior lecturer on global health from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, it is best for In-

dia to "find local solutions for local problems" as the issues of the state of Kerala might not be the same as that of Uttar Pradesh.

While public-private partnership model for health care is thought to have the potential of transforming the sector, many stakeholders believe that in the absence of any regulatory framework for private players, it is not a viable option.

According to Kesav Desiraju, former secretary, department of consumer affairs and former secretary, ministry of health and family welfare, out of 416 medical colleges in the country, about 60 percent are in the private sector.

“At macro level the numbers could be impressive but we are not getting the desired results,” he noted.

Highlighting the legal framework when it comes to health care, Anand Grover, senior advocate, Supreme Court of India and former UN special rapporteur on right

to health, said that there are no jurisprudence developed by high courts and the Supreme Court with regard to the right to health.

For the prime minister, health care is an integrated system that understands and builds on the best and most effective of different traditions.

On the way forward, Ajith M Sharan, secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, said: “We need to look at different kind of paradigm” with more focus on paramedics.

“There are 700,000 trained AYUSH practitioners in India today and we need to integrate them officially into the system,” he informed.

In a recent move, a group of secretaries constituted by Prime Minister Modi has recommended providing free health and life insurance to 100 million extremely poor households in the country identified as “deprived” under the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census.

SundaY 31•01•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Race for Zika vaccine gathers momentum as virus spreads Rod Nickel & Natalie Grover Reuters

Companies and scientists are racing to create a Zika vaccine as concern grows over the mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to severe birth defects and is spreading quickly through the Americas.

Zika is now present in 23 countries and territories in the Americas. Brazil, the hardest-hit country, has reported around 3,700 cases of the devastating birth defect called microcephaly that are strongly suspected to be related to Zika.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO), stung by criticism that it reacted too slowly to West Africa's Ebola epidemic, convenes an emergency meeting on Monday to help determine its response to the spread of the virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has activated an emergency operations centre staffed around the clock to address Zika, agency officials told Reuters.

On Thursday, the WHO

said as many as 4 million people in the Americas may become infected by Zika, adding urgency to the research efforts. Vaccine developers made clear a vaccine for widespread public use is at least months, if not years, away.

The closest prospect may be from a consortium including drugmaker Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc that could have a vaccine ready for emergency use before year-end, according to one of its lead developers. Inovio's share price gained more than 15 percent in Friday trading.

Canadian scientist Gary Kobinger told Reuters on Thursday the first stage of testing on humans could begin as early as August.

If successful, the vaccine might be used during a public health emergency

by October or November, said Kobinger, who helped develop a trial vaccine for the Ebola virus.

Privately owned vaccine developer Hawaii Biotech Inc said it began a formal programme to test a Zika vaccine last fall as the virus started to gain trac-

Lediane da Silva, who is eight months pregnant, is seen in the shanty town of Beco do Sururu, Recife, Brazil on January 29. (Reuters Photo)

tion in Brazil, although it has no timetable yet for clinical trials.

"Right now, we are in the pre-clinical stage, as I suspect everyone is," Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elliot Parks told Reuters.

Another private vaccine developer, Boston-based Replikins Ltd, said it was preparing to start animal

studies on a Zika vaccine in the next 10 days. Data from the trials on mice and rabbits would likely be out in the next couple of months, Replikins Chairman Samuel Bogoch told Reuters.

"No one has the $500 million on hand to take it (a vaccine) all the way to human trials. Somewhere along the course we hope

to have big pockets join strongly suspect a link beus," Bogoch said. tween Zika and thousands of children born in Bra'FIGHT THE MOSQUITO' zil with abnormally small Zika had been viewed heads, brain defects and as a relatively mild illness impaired vision. until Brazilian health offiThere is no treatment cials identified it as a mat- for Zika infection. ter of concern for pregnant Efforts to combat Zika women. While a direct are focussed on protecting causal relationship has not people from being bitten and been established, scientists on eradicating mosquitoes,

a tough task in many parts of Latin America, where people live in poverty and there are plentiful breeding grounds for the insect.

"We do not have a vaccine for Zika yet. The only thing we can do is fight the mosquito," Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said on Friday, reiterating her call for a national eradication effort.

Rousseff said tests for the development of a vaccine would begin next week at the Butantan Institute, one of Brazil's leading biomedical research centers in Sao Paulo. U.S. President Barack Obama spoke on Friday with Rousseff about the spread of the virus, the White House said.

"The leaders agreed on the importance of collaborative efforts to deepen our knowledge, advance research and accelerate work to develop better vaccines and other technologies to control the virus," the White House said in a statement.

Zika has hit Brazil just as it prepares to host the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 5-21, an event that draws hundreds of thousands of athletes,

team officials and spectators. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) assured teams on Friday the Olympics would be safe from Zika, but urged visitors to carefully protect themselves.

U.S. lawmakers have begun to press the Obama administration for details of its response to Zika. At least 31 people in the country have been infected, all of them after travel to affected countries.

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is planning a hearing on Zika "very soon," said Republican Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who called the threat posed by the virus to the United States a "big concern."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said he did not expect the United States to be hit hard like other some countries in South America and the Caribbean.

"We prepare for the possibility of a major outbreak but we believe it is unlikely to happen," Fauci said.

Thai politician charged over US govt to withhold some Clinton emails with top secret information video mocking junta leader BANGKOK, JANuAry 30 (reuTerS): A former Thai politician is facing up to five years in prison after being arrested for sharing a video mocking the leader of the military junta, police said Saturday.

Narong Reungthanawong, 39, a member of the Pheu Thai party of ousted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, was arrested on Friday afternoon and charged with violating Thailand's Computer Crime Act, Police General Chairop Choonnawat told Reuters.

Narong, a former councillor in the Bangkok district of Bang Khen, shared a satirical music video critical of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha using the Line messaging application in mid-January, Chairop said.

Government officials who saw the video reported Narong to police, he said.

"The overall content (of the video), the message, and the images damaged the prime minister and the government," Chairop said.

Sunai Phasuk, a senior Thailand researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the arrest of Narong was a sign

of an increasing slide into authoritarianism by General Prayuth, who siezed power from Yingluck in a May 2014 coup.

Critics of the prime minister have increasingly been hit with charges of computer crimes and sedition, mostly for alleging corruption by the military government, Sunai said.

But Narong seems to be the first person charged for simply making fun of the junta leader, he said. "Prayuth seems to have very thin skin when it comes to tolerance for criticism and mockery," Sunai said. "He is making himself untouchable."

Human rights groups have criticised what they say is a sharp rise in repression in the kingdom since the military took over.

Hundreds have been briefly detained by the military without charge for sessions of "attitude adjustment". The government has also sharply increased the use of secretive military trials against people deemed security threats, including dozens charged with violating draconian laws against insulting the monarchy.

WASHINGTON, JANuAry 30 (reuTerS): The U.S. State Department conceded for the first time on Friday that intelligence officials were correct to say that at least 22 emails sent through Hillary Clinton's private server contain some of the government's most sensitive secrets.

The seven email chains from Clinton's time as secretary of state, amounting to 22 separate messages, will be withheld from the public as a result because the information in them is classified at the highest level as "top secret," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

The announcement came three days before the Iowa caucuses, when the first votes are cast for the presidential nominations and where Clinton is locked in a tight race with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to become the Democratic nominee for the November election.

"These documents were not marked classified at the time that they were sent," Kirby said. He added that the department was now investigating whether the information in them was classified at the time it

Chinese police break silence on missing Hong Kong bookseller HONG KONG, JANuAry 30 (reuTerS): Chinese police have made their first statement on the fate of one of five missing Hong Kong booksellers, believed by many to have been abducted by mainland agents, acknowledging widespread concerns but offering no fresh information.

Lee Bo, 65, a dual British and Chinese national and owner of a publisher and bookstore specializing in books critical of China's Communist Party leaders, disappeared from Hong Kong on Dec. 30. The disappearances have prompted fears that mainland Chinese authorities may be using shadowy tactics that erode the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong has been governed since its return to China from British rule in 1997.

In a rare but brief letter to Hong Kong media on Friday, police in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong offered no fresh information and did not address their Hong Kong counterparts' requests for a meeting with Lee, government radio station RTHK reported.

The letter repeated two points earlier released by the Hong Kong police - that Lee had sent a letter stating he went to the mainland on his own accord and that mainland authorities had

A printout showing Lee Bo, specializing in publications critical of China, and four other colleagues who went missing, is displayed outside a bookstore at Causeway Bay shopping district in Hong Kong, China. (Reuters Photo)

confirmed to Hong Kong that he was "understood" to be on the mainland, RTHK reported. "If there is news, we will notify (Hong Kong) in a timely fashion," it said.

The British government is still waiting for responses to its diplomatic requests for information and access to Lee. Lee's wife visited him in a mainland guesthouse last weekend. She issued a statement saying he was healthy and in good spirits, and that he was a witness in an on-going investigation.

The four other booksellers are believed to be still in mainland detention, including Swedish national Gui Min-hai, who disappeared from the Thai resort town of Pattaya last October.

He surfaced on Chinese state television this month,

stating that he had voluntarily turned himself into Chinese authorities last month over a fatal drink driving case more than a decade ago. As international diplomatic concern intensifies, the European Union on Friday delivered some of its strong criticism yet of China's human rights record.

In a statement on its website, the 28-nation bloc's China delegation called recent televised confessions by detained Chinese and European citizens "unacceptable". It described the disappearance of the booksellers a "worrying trend". China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying later described the EU's criticism as irresponsible and "not constructive".

passed through her private clintonemail.com email account run on a server in her New York home.

The department and intelligence officials have been arguing about the emails, which are being made public under a federal court order, for at least five months. The State Department initially maintained that Clinton might have obtained the same information independently through non-classified channels.

The decision to no longer pursue this argument will add to the questions Clinton has faced for months over her handling of sensitive government information as she seeks to maintain her position as the favourite to become the Democratic nominee.

The Clinton campaign criticized the State Department's decision as the result of "bureaucratic infighting" and "over-classification run amok," adding that the emails should be released.

Some information has been censored in more than 1,300 emails already made public because the State Department says it is classified, including the privately shared thoughts

Hillary Clinton takes the stage to speak during the Scott County Democratic Party’s Red, White and Blue Dinner at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa. (Reuters Photo)

of foreign leaders and government officials. But this is the first time that entire chains are being withheld.

Congressional Republicans have criticized and investigated Clinton for her use of a private email server for her work as a secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.

Some of her Republican rivals for the presidency, including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, have called for her prosecution.

Reince Priebus, the Re-

publican National Committee's chairman, said in a statement that Clinton had "put our national security and diplomatic efforts at risk."

The government forbids handling of classified information, which may or may not be marked that way, outside secure government-controlled channels, and sometimes prosecutes people who remove it from such channels. The government classifies information as top secret if it

deems a leak could cause "exceptionally grave damage" to national security.

U.S. Representative Adam Schiff of California, the House Intelligence Committee's leading Democrat, defended Clinton in a statement, saying classification determinations are "often very complex" and she was "responding to world events in real time without the benefit of months of analysis after the fact."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken Clinton's server and other computer equipment, but has declined to share details of its inquiries.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest downplayed questions about whether Clinton might be prosecuted by the Justice Department. "That's not something I'm worried about," he told reporters.

Clinton initially said she never sent or received classified information through her email. In recent weeks she has more often said none of her emails were marked that way.

Following a court-ordered schedule, the State Department has already released most of the roughly 30,000 work emails Clinton returned to the department.

The department had been ordered to release all the emails by Friday, but last week asked the court for a one-month extension.

The State Department also said it would agree with a request from the White House that Clinton's emails with President Barack Obama, 18 in all, be withheld from public release for several years under the Presidential Records Act.

10

sunDAY 31•01•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

James reaches milestone in win over Pistons

Los AngeLes, JAnuAry 30 (AFP): Kevin Love tallied 29 points and LeBron James reached 26,000 career points as the Cleveland Cavaliers dumped the Detroit Pistons 114-106 in a NBA Central Division contest. Love, who was passed over by the Eastern Conference coaches for the upcoming all-star game, enjoyed his second-highest scoring game this season. The power forward scored 34 against Orlando on November 23.

James became the youngest player ever to reach 26,000-point mark when he made two free throws during the third quarter in front of a crowd of 21,000 at The Palace arena.

The four-time league MVP became the 17th player in league history to hit that milestone. He finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and a team-high eight assists. "Anytime I accomplish something like that, I give thanks to my teammates and all my former teammates," James said.

Point guard Kyrie Irving finished with 28 points for the Cavaliers, who are 3-1 since Tyronn Lue replaced David Blatt as head coach.

Center Tristan Thompson posted a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. "The pace really created a lot of opportunities for us, a lot of possessions," Irving said. "We found our spots and executed really well."

New coach Lue is trying to get the Cavaliers to play at a faster tempo. "We've got to learn on the fly with Ty being the head coach," said Love, who made five of the team's nine three-pointers.

"It's going to take a little bit more time, but it was good to see that tonight."

Center Andre Drummond's 20 points and eight rebounds led the Pistons.

Drummond, the first Piston selected to the all-star game since Allen Iverson in 2009, had 25 points and 18 rebounds in Detroit's 10499 victory over Cleveland on November 17.

Shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 19 points and seven rebounds and rookie forward Stanley Johnson added 15 points and five assists for Detroit.

sell Westbrook combined for 59 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 116-108 victory over the Houston Rockets at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Durant scored 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field and had 12 rebounds and three assists. Westbrook earned his sixth triple-double of the season with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. "Good win for us," said Thunder coach Billy Donovan. "As the game wore on our defense got better and better, and more and more consistent."

Center Enes Kanter finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds off the bench as Oklahoma City improved to 36-13. Guard James Harden led the Rockets with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Forward Corey Brewer added 17 points as Houston dropped to 25-24.

Knicks end losing streak The New York Knicks snapped a four-game losing skid with a 102-84 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Durant, Westbrook New York narrowly carry Thunder missed its second wire-toKevin Durant and Rus- LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Marcus Morris of the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills. (AFP Photo) wire win of the season. The

12th SAG Torch Yuvraj, Ishant among 8 marquee players for IPL auction Relay at Kohima KohimA, JAnuAry 30 (DiPr): For the first time a mega sports event, 12th South Asian Games (SAG) is being organised in North East India from February 5 to 16 with Guwahati and Shillong being hosts to the Games. And with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India directing the organizing committee of the 12th SAG to conduct Torch Relay at all capitals of the North Eastern States, the torch relay is scheduled to arrive at Kohima on January 31.

In this regard, a relay programme will be organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, (YRS) Nagaland, Kohima in the state capital on February 1. The relay will start at T.T. Indoor Stadium at 6:30 a.m. and culminate at Khuochiezie (Local Ground) Kohima. Torch relay team, State renowned sports persons, School children from Education Department, College students from Higher Education Department, NSS volunteers, NCC Cadets, Bharat Scouts & Guides, NYKs, Indira Gandhi Stadium Academy from Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Dignitaries & Officials of the State Govt, will participate in the relay.

The YRS Department has also invited all the Sports Association affiliated under the aegis of Nagaland Olympic Association, Sports enthusiast and citizens to participate in the relay.

Delhi venue at risk of losing World T20 matches mumBAi, JAnuAry 30 (reuters): New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla ground is in danger of losing its World Twenty20 fixtures after the Indian cricket board (BCCI) moved a match against Sri Lanka away from the venue due to administrative lapses. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) failed to get the requisite clearances from various civic authorities in order to host the Feb. 12 T20 match between India and Sri Lanka, forcing the BCCI to transfer the contest to Ranchi. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said the DDCA needed to procure all the necessary clearances

by Sunday if they were to continue as the hosts of the March 8-April 3 tournament.

"As far as the World Cup is concerned, the World Cup management committee has met today and has also discussed the issue of DDCA," Thakur said. "They have given a deadline of January 31, five o' clock, to come out with the required NOCs (no-objection certificates) so that they can continue as a host of the World Cup matches. "If they are unable to do so by 31st evening, then the BCCI will shift those matches to the seven other remaining venues." Delhi is scheduled to host four matches in the tournament, including a semi-final on March 30.

Watson to lead Australia for final India T20 Khawaja in for injured Finch syDney, JAnuAry 30 (reuters): All-rounder Shane Watson will lead Australia in the third and final Twenty20 international against India on Sunday in the absence of Aaron Finch, who was ruled out after damaging his left hamstring during Friday's second match in Melbourne.

Finch suffered the injury while batting during the team's 27-run loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which saw India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja has replaced Finch in the squad for Sunday's match and has also been included in Australia's one-day international squad for the tour of New Zealand.

"It is an honour to be asked to lead the side on Sunday, although the circumstances are far from ideal," Watson said in a Cricket Australia statement.

"We may have lost the series but there is a great deal to play for with the ICC World Twenty20 coming up and you can be sure we will be determined to do well in Sydney."

The 34-year-old Watson has previously captained Australia in a lone test and nine ODIs and is the country's second most experienced player in T20 internationals behind opening batsman David Warner.

neW DeLhi, JAnuAry 30 (Pti): Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma and Kevin Pietersen will be among the eight marquee players up for grabs at the IPL 2016 Player Auction schduled to take place in Bengaluru on February 6.

As many as 351 cricketers will go under the hammer, out of which 230 will be Indians and 131 foreigners.

Interestingly, there are 29 Australians amongst 130 capped players in the auction list, three more than the number of capped

Indians.

The capped players from other countries taking part in the auction come from South Africa (18 players), West Indies (20), Sri Lanka (16), England (7), New Zealand (9) and Bangladesh (5), besides the associate nations of Canada (2) and Ireland (2).

A total of 219 uncapped players will feature in the auction, with 204 of them being Indians playing on the domestic circuit.

Yuvraj and Ishant are the two Indian marquee players and it remains to

be seen how they fare in the auction after being released by their respective teams.

Yuvraj has been released by his franchise, Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore, for the last two seasons after attracting the highest bid in the previous auctions, while Sunrisers Hyderabad let go of Ishant after he had a forgettable last edition where he picked up one wicket in four games.

The remaining six marquee players are Shane

Watson, Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn, Dwayne Smith, Martin Guptill and Pietersen.

“The player auction will kick-start the countdown to the ninth season of one of the most popular sporting events in the world. The franchises have returned to the drawing board, reworked plans and devised new strategies, over the last few months.

They will have the opportunity to bid for some of the biggest names in the game,” IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said.

Suns took a 2-1 lead early in the game but never got back in front.

The Knicks' lone wire-towire win this season came against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 2. The 18-point win margin against the Suns was the Knicks' second biggest this season.

They defeated Milwaukee 122-97 on opening night.

Phoenix has lost 13 straight road games, the longest road losing streak for the franchise in 32 years. The Suns' last road win this season came against Chicago on December 7. Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony returned after missing two games with a sore knee. Anthony had 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for his 12th doubledouble of the season.

Blazers trip Hornets Guards Damian Lillard, Allen Crabbe and CJ McCollum combined for 59 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 109-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

Forward Michael KiddGilchrist made his season debut for the Hornets as he returned from shoulder surgery to finish with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Nearly $1 mln in FIFA funds missing in Guatemala guAtemALA City, JAnuAry 30 (reuters): Nearly $1 million in funds from soccer's global governing body FIFA may have gone missing from Guatemala's soccer federation last year, according to sources and an internal audit seen by Reuters. Dozens of soccer officials worldwide have been charged by U.S. authorities probing corruption in FIFA, in an investigation that has sent shockwaves across the sport. In 2015, the Guatemalan soccer federation (Fedefut) received 8.24 million quetzals ($1.1 mln) in nine deposits from FIFA from February to October, according to a document signed by the federation's accountant and seen by Reuters.

The Fedefut budget presented early last year totaled about $1.5 million but only included about $250,000 in FIFA funding while the remaining funds from the nine deposits were not included, according to sources knowledgeable about the internal audit.

Kohima Inter Ward Football & Volley Tourney ICC U-19 WCup: Nepal create history

KohimA, JAnuAry 30 (mexn): The inaugural function of the 4th Kohima town Inter Ward Men’s Football and Women’s Volleyball Tournament 2016 will be held on February 1 at 11:30 a.m. at Kohima Local Ground with PWD (R&B) Minister Y. Vikheho Swu as chief guest.

All participating teams have been requested to reach the venue by 10:30 a.m. with their respective flags without fail.

Sixteen Wards will compete in Men’s football while twelve Wards will compete in the Women’s Volleyball event which is being organized by NPF 9th Kohima Town A/C under the theme “Unity and Friendship through Sports and Music.”

The Men’s Ward teams have been divided into two

pools – Pool A which comprises Ward-14, Ward -2, Ward-15, Ward -19, Ward -10, Ward-13, Ward 18, Ward-11; and Pool B which comprises Ward-17, Ward8, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward -1, Ward-4, ward 16 and ward 12.

Similarly, the Women’s Ward teams are also divided into two pools – Pool A comprises Ward-19, Ward -9, Ward-18, Ward -2, Ward -10, Ward-12; while Pool B comprises Ward-16, Ward13, Ward-17, Ward-11, Ward -7 and Ward-15.

The Inter Ward women singing competition will be held at the State Academy Hall on February 3 starting 5 p.m. Each group will present two songs – one compulsory song titled “Great is thy faithfulness” and the other of their own choice.

The Band competition

will he held on February 4 and 5 starting 5 p.m. Each band will perform three songs – Smokie’s “Mexican Girl” being the compulsory song while the bands are free to pick two others songs of their own choices.

On February 1 at 12 noon, the first match will be played between Ward 14 and Ward 2 and the second match at 1.40 p.m. with Ward 17 taking on Ward No 8 for men’s football.

The women’s volleyball matches on the same day will see Ward 19 take on Ward 9 in the first match, while Ward 16 take on Ward 13 in the second match. In the third match, Ward 2 will take on Ward 10 while in the fourth match, Ward 11 will lock horns with Ward 7.

The tournament will conclude on February 6.

FAtuLLAh, JAnuAry 30 (Pti): Nepal rode on leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane's five-wicket haul, which included the first hattrick in the tournament, to beat Ireland by eight wickets and book their maiden berth in the Super League quarter-finals of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup at Fatullah on Saturday.

Besides Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka advanced to the quarter-finals. Nepal and India took the top two spots in Group D, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka advanced from Group B. Opting to bat, Ireland were restricted to a mere 131 for nine and then Nepal, which had stunned New Zealand in their opening match, coasted home in the 26th over with Yogendra Karki making 61.

Lamichhane had Lorcan

Tucker and Adam Dennison caught off successive balls in his fourth over and then bowled Fiachra Tucker with his next delivery to complete the hat-trick.

In Sylhet, Sri Lanka survived a tense run-chase by Afghanistan before clinching win and a place in the quarters. Skipper Charith Asalanka top-scored with 71 in Sri Lanka's modest 184 all out, but Afghanistan were bowled out for 151 despite opener Karim Janat's 40 and Waheedullah Shafaq's 47. Kamindu Mendis, who possesses a rare talent of bowling both right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox spin, claimed three wickets for 36 runs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan scored a seven-wicket win over Canada after bowling out the unfancied rival for 178. Hasan Khan took three wickets and Shadab Khan

took two. The Pakistanis surpassed the target in the 41st over with opener Zeeshan Malik scoring an unbeaten 89 and Saif Badar 44. Zeeshan was later declared player of the tournament.

Brief scores: Group D: Nepal beat Ireland by eight wickets in Fatullah Ireland: 131 for 9, 50 overs (Harry Tector 30 not out; Sandeep Lamichhane 5/27, Dipendra Airee 2/18); Nepal: 132 for 2, 25.3 overs (Yogendra Karki 61, Aarif Sheikh 31 not out).

Group B: Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 33 runs in Sylhet Sri Lanka: 184 all out, 48.1 overs (Charith Asalanka 71; Shamsurrahman Wali 3/19, Karim Janat 2/37, Zahir Khan 2/36); Afghanistan: 151 all out, 44.5 overs (Waheedullah Shafaq 47, Karim Janat 40; Kamindu Mendis 3/36).

Dominant Djokovic looks to join Laver, Borg

meLBourne, JAnuAry 30 (AFP): Novak Djokovic is poised to enter Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg territory as he chases a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title in Sunday's final against Andy Murray.

The peerless world number one is strongly favoured to deny Murray for a fourth time in the Melbourne final and secure a victory which would push him further up the list of the sport's greats.

Should he again vanquish the world number two, Djokovic will join Borg and Laver with 11 Grand Slam titles, and equal Roy Emerson's record of six Australian crowns -- and all at the age of just 28.

Djokovic destroyed the all-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in Thursday's semi-final to yet again underline his dominance in the men's game, and enter his fifth straight major final.

"Fighting for a Grand Slam trophy is a pinnacle of our sport. This is exactly where you want to be," Djokovic told reporters on Saturday.

"You work hard to put yourself in this position. Of course, adding to that the fact that I am able to make history is just an additional encouragement and incentive for me to do well. "If you want to win Grand Slam titles and be the best in the world, you have to win against the best players in

the world. Going to be ready for that."

This will be the 31st meeting between the pair in a rivalry that goes back to their junior days.

Murray is just seven days older than the Serb and while he enjoyed some success earlier on the professional tour, Djokovic has won 10 of their last 11 encounters.

Djokovic holds a 6-2 win-loss record against the Scot in Slams and a 3-2 advantage in major finals. There is not much each other does not know about the other's game. "It's two games that are very much alike, so it's basically who's going to outplay who from the baseline," Djokovic said.

"I think serve is an important factor in tomorrow's match. I think both of us will try to serve high percentage of first serves and not allow the other player to attack the second serve too many times. "Yeah, a lot about tactics and a lot about how you handle your emotions of the greatness of that occasion of playing for the Grand Slam title." Djokovic wore down Murray in last year's attritional final, in which the first two sets lasted two-and-ahalf hours, and is renowned for his powers of endurance.

Djokovic mastered Rafael Nadal in the longest ever Grand Slam final in five hours, 53 minutes at the 2012 Australian Open, and last year he won the physical battle as he put

away Murray in four sets.

As well as his three losses to Djokovic in the Melbourne Park final in 2011, 2013 and 2015, the Scot also went down to Federer in the title match in 2010. "I don't think many people are expecting me to win on Sunday," Murray said. "I have to just believe in myself, have a solid game plan, and hopefully execute it and play well. "But the previous disappointments, it's one tennis match. Doesn't matter what's happened in the past really. It's about what happens on Sunday."

Djokovic, while confident of another victory, knows what lies ahead in Sunday's decider between two patient, defensive players.

"I'm expecting a battle with Andy, as it always is. Very physically demanding match. Lots of rallies, exchanges. It's no secret we know how we play against each other," he said.

Murray's second serve, once considered a weakness, has more power and the extra oomph gives him more weapons to complement his already formidable return and defensive game. "There has been a lot of talks about his second serve, and I'm sure he and his team are very much aware of that," Djokovic said. "But on the other hand, I'm also working on things to improve, and I'm sure that we will try Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) speaks with his coach Boris to explore each other's weaknesses to- Becker during a training session at the 2016 Australian Open morrow and see what happens." in Melbourne on January 30. (AFP Photo)

Sunday 31•01•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Chang traditional showCase

The Morung Express presents glimpse of the traditional showcase during “Poangliim” festival of Chang community at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima on January 30. Morung Photo/ Chizokho Vero

Malaika arora and arbaaz are heading for divorce

‘T

he Mansions Of The Gods' is the ninth animated Asterix film based on the graphic comic written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. For those unfamiliar with this comic book series, the stories follow the exploits of indomitable Gauls based in Britanny, the north western region of France, as they resist Roman occupation.

Our pint-sized hero Asterix (voiced by Roger Carel) and his dim-witted, oversized friend Obelix (voiced by Guillaume Briat) who live in the village, persistently resist these threats with the help of their magic super-powered potion supplied by the village druid, Getafix.

Directed by Louis Clichy and Alexandre Astier, the storytelling is simple, fluid and punctuated with mild

humour. It is genuine and unpretentious, retaining the satirical elements and witty charm of its source material, with colourful characters that certainly know how to deliver their trademark puns and great punch-lines.

The action sequences are a series of set pieces strung together around a wafer-thin plot and sub-plots, but they are entertaining nevertheless.

The slapstick and running gags are well-timed and thought-out, but they are not the most inventive sequences.

Visually the frames are colourful and the animation lively. The characters animated beautifully in 3D are faithfully recreated. You feel that they've leapt straight out of the pages of the comic. Overall, despite its appeal and lovability, the film misses to add depth and gravitas to a full-on Asterix Adventure.

Movie Review

BAjiRAo MAStAni runs BeyonCé criticised for 'cultural into legal trouble again! appropriation' in new music video

B

2

C M Y K

016 has definitely not started on a good note. Especially in Bollywood where the only thing we have been hearing since the beginning of this month is either breakup or divorce. It’s sad that some of the most adorable couples like Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have parted ways. Even surprising when reports came rife that even Farhan Akhtar and his wife Adhuna have called it quits.

Well, we dunno why this sudden outburst of heartbreaks but turns out Salman Khan’s brother Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan too are heading for divorce after being

together for 17 years.

Reports suggest that things got evident when Malaika moved out of their Bandra home recently and is said to have shifted to an apartment in Khar, along with her 14-year-old son Arhaan. This apartment is in the same building where her sister Amrita Arora’s inlaws reside. Although an official confirmation on the same is yet to be made.

But it can be noted that Malaika, who was hosting television show Power Couple along with Arbaaz, is also no longer seen on the show. Speaking of which, a source was heard stating, “Right from the beginning of the shoot in December,

the couple had asked for separate rooms and did not talk to each other on the sets. Even during breaks, they went to their respective rooms and had no interaction at all.”

Proving further, Malaika was also not spotted at Arpita Khan’s baby shower, which was held recently. However, denying the above reports, Malaika’s manager chooses to maintain, “As far as I know they are very much in love and are not headed for a divorce.” Now what truth beholds Only time will tell.

But it’s really shocking to see celebrity couples taking such drastic steps, one after another.

B

ajirao Mastani was one of the best films of 2015. It portrayed the life of the Maratha warrior Bajirao Peshwa and his second wife Mastani. Ranveer Singh played the role of the fearsome general and Deepika played the infamous Mastani. The movie won a great many accolades and was appreciated by all. It also had its fair share of controversy.

Earlier on, Prasadrao Peshwe, descendant of the royal family had alleged that the film was factually incorrect and that portraying the royal ladies dancing was disrespectful.

And now, the period film has entered the news for the wrong reasons once again.

A Madhya Pradesh court issued a notice to the three for apparently not showing the script to the living descendants of the Bajirao family. A news report revealed that a man named Tamkeen Ali Bahadur, who claimed to be the descendant of the royal family, has complained that neither the script nor the movie was shown to him and his family prior to the release. As a result, he felt that the facts have been changed and distorted which has severely damaged the family’s social image.

In accordance to this complaint, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, writer N S Inamdar and all the people associated with the film’s making and release have been asked to present a clarification in front of the Jabalpur bench within a month.

eyoncé has sparked an argument about cultural appropriation after the release of the music video for Hymn For the Weekend, which she recorded with Coldplay. In the video, parts of which are filmed in Mumbai, she plays a Bollywood actress and wears what appears to be traditional Desi clothing.

The video, which shows frontman Chris Martin covered in colour during the Indian Holi festival, was

E

ven as critics are calling Kung Fu Panda 3 the best in the trilogy, Jack Black knows that it's the public that demanded another movie. "I think there's a hunger for panda," he laughs. "People want more panda. And that's a good sign. But then the panda's been very good to me! I've had great experiences making these movies and travelling the world to promote them."

With this third adventure, Black sees the story coming to a proper climax.

"You've got the beginning,

the middle and now here's the big finish," he says.

"And I think it's the best of the three in many ways.

Three is the magic number! It's got a really kickass emotional ending. The whole crowd was flipping out when we screened it at my kids' school."

Intriguingly, both Black and his costar Angelina Jolie got their children involved in the movie. "We forced them," Black jokes.

"It's like, get out there and do your job. Earn some money for this family!"

On the third film,

Other stars have faced criticism for cultural appropriation in the past.

Iggy Azalea was criticised for dressing in Indianstyle garb in her music video for Bounce, and Katy Perry has come under fire on multiple occasions for dressing as a geisha.

More recently, Kylie Jenner was criticised for wearing a bindi, and there is a whole movement against non-Native Americans wearing headdresses at music festivals.

Aryan is not making film debut, says dad Shah Rukh

Hillstar

ryan Khan maybe a carbon copy of his superstar dad Shah Rukh Khan, but the youngster is yet to step into Bollywood. At the recently held 21st Life OK Screen Awards, Shah Rukh Khan, who was the host for the evening, revealed that his 18-year-old son Aryan is busy with his academics and is yet to make his film debut.

“Aryan is not making his film debut yet. He is still busy with his studies,” said the proud father at Screen Awards 2015 red carpet. Aryan Khan is currently studying in London and always seems to be on his father’s mind as Shah Rukh posts his thoughts about Aryan many a times on Twitter.

The ‘Happy New Year’ actor, who is also a father to 14-year-old Suhana and baby AbRam, is known to be extremely protective of his children. He had earlier revealed that he preferred to send Aryan abroad to study, as he wanted to keep him out of the media glare.

NOW SHOWING

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Jack Black says Kung Fu Panda 3 is the best one yet

released ahead of Coldplay and Beyoncé's joint Super Bowl halftime performance on February 7. It also features a cameo from Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor.

The video has caused people to criticise Beyoncé for 'appropriating' the Indian culture, in part due to her adoption of Indian clothing. People have argued she is using Indian culture for her own profit, wearing Henna on her hands and "dressing up as an Indian woman":

Charlie Puth:

'Bullying made me ill' Black's son Samuel and four of Jolie's children with Brad Pitt were given small roles to play. Actually, Black says that 9-year-old Samuel petitioned him for a part once he heard that they were making a third movie. "I was like, 'We'll see what I can do. I'll try to get you a line,'" Black laughs.

"And I was able to pull some strings."

Since making the first Kung Fu Panda in 2008, Black admits that he feels like he has a lot in common with his character Po. "When I was a child, I took the obligatory one year of karate," he says. "I believe I

got a yellow belt, and then I also did some judo. I believe I made it to a green belt. But never kung fu. I'd always wanted to do kung fu."

And he threw himself into the role physically. "I use my body an awful lot, actually," Black explains.

"I mean, they're filming us while we're doing our vocal recordings and they use it for reference. To get the proper sounds, I would really do the things that I was supposed to be doing. Like, if I was supposed to be tired from running, I would run around. It was very method acting in that way!"

T

he 24 year old pop star has revealed his life was made a misery by a group of nasty kids, and he is convinced the trauma made him sick. "It was mostly verbal, like name-calling and such, the verbal stuff was massive amounts of discouragement like, 'How could you remotely think you could make it in (the music) industry?' but I didn't listen, because I knew I was pretty dope," he tells Britain's The Independent.

"But they would team up against me so bad and they would kick me in a place that wouldn't feel fantastic and I would need to throw up and they would then say I was pretending to throw up."

After leaving school, Charlie went on to launch a successful music career, scoring huge hits with songs such as See You Again and Marvin Gaye, and he reveals the bullies are now fans. "It leaves a bad taste in my mouth when they are nice to me now and they show all these fake cards all at once," he adds. "I am pretty civil with everybody because I hate bad energy but it makes me so uncomfortable. So I just say, 'It's nice to see you, OK I'm going to leave now'. But I mostly stay in the house."

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Kerber stuns Williams to win Australian Open title

C M Y K

MELBOURNE, JaNUaRy 30 (REUtERs): Angelique Kerber upset world number one Serena Williams 6-4 3-6 6-4 to clinch the Australian Open on Saturday and become the first German to win a grand slam title since her childhood idol Steffi Graf in 1999.

The 34-year-old American had been seeking her seventh Melbourne Park title and 22nd overall, which would have moved her into a tie with Graf for the most grand slam singles titles in the Open era.

The seventh seeded Kerber, however, was not overawed by the occasion of her first grand slam final, breaking twice in the first set as Williams made 23 unforced errors.

Williams cut down on the errors to send it into a third, which Kerber, who had the opportunity to serve it out while leading 5-3 only for the American to battle back, clinched when Williams hit a volley long in the next game.

"When I played here the first round I was match point down and playing with one leg on the plane to Germany," an emotional Kerber said in a courtside interview.

Serena Williams (left) talks to Angelique Kerber after the Australian Open final in Melbourne, on January 30. (AFP Photo) "I took my second The 28-year-old Gerchance to play the final grand slam champion and liams raced through the 30 after a double fault but first game to love and then managed to suppress any man then played superb against Serena. To win it is it sounds really crazy."

The opening salvo had put pressure on the Ger- demons she may have had defensive tennis against my dream come true. the powerful Williams, "Now I can say I'm a looked ominous as Wil- man, who was down 15- and held on.

scrambling to force her to play an extra shot that ultimately contributed to 23 unforced errors from the American in the first set.

Those errors and a lack of timing on several potential winners enabled the German to break again in the seventh game and then seal the first set in 39 minutes when Williams made another unforced error.

The pair held serve in the opening two games of the second set before Williams began to get her timing back and made less errors as she raced out to a 4-1 lead, though the concerned look she shot her supporters in the players' box suggested she had been battling to work the German out.

Williams sent the match into a decider when Kerber hit an easy forehand into the net to clinch the second set. Both players suffered early breaks in the third set but the championship appeared to have tipped in the German's favour in a marathon sixth game when she finally converted her fifth break point to take a 4-2 lead.

She extended that to 5-2 and was serving for the title at 5-3 before Williams fought back, though the inspired German was able to clinch her first grand slam and then collapse onto the court in jubilation.

Gracious Williams earns plaudits after shock defeat

S

erena Williams' relaxed outlook on life spilled over even in defeat on Saturday when she appeared to be almost as happy that Angelique Kerber had won her first grand slam final as the German herself.

The 34-year-old Williams lost the Australian Open final to the seventh-ranked Kerber 6-4 3-6 6-4 in just over two hours of scintillating tennis on Rod Laver Arena in which the German negated the American's power and capitalised on unforced errors.

"I was actually really happy for her.

She played so well today. She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from, just to always stay positive and to never give up," Williams told reporters.

"If I couldn't win, I'm happy she did."

Williams had been bidding for her seventh Australian Open title and 22nd overall, which would have moved her into a tie with Kerber's childhood idol Steffi Graf for the record in the Open era.

Even though that record disappeared into the Melbourne evening, Williams beaming smile and graciousness in defeat drew warm applause from the crowd and praise from the sporting world.

"Fantastic gesture after match point and such kind words -- a great champion, @serenawilliams!," Manchester United and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said on Twitter.

The response after defeat was a far cry

from the player who was once booed by fans at the 2009 U.S. Open after a heated exchange with a line umpire for which she given a suspended ban and ordered to pay half of a $175,000 fine.

Williams has previously said that a cut foot and blood clot on her lung that almost cost her career, and life, five years ago had helped her reassess, while in the last 12 months she has also recognised she is in the twilight of her career.

She was under immense pressure last year when she had the opportunity to become the first player since Graf in 1988 to claim a calendar grand slam, only to have the dream ended by Roberta Vinci in the U.S. Open semi-finals.

Williams took the rest of the season off to rest niggling injuries and deal with the disappointment of missing the grand slam achievement.

That loss, however, also appears to have helped her deal with expectations and she no longer puts that pressure upon herself.

"Every time I walk in this room, everyone expects me to win every single match, every single day of my life. As much as I would like to be a robot, I'm not," she said.

"I do the best that I can. I try to win every single time I step out there, every single point, but realistically I can't do it."

(Reuters)

Man United win over Derby Real, Atletico transfer bans suspended eases pressure on Van Gaal

LONdON, JaNUaRy 30 (REUtERs): Under-pressure Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal enjoyed a rare highlight after weeks of gloom when his side comfortably beat Derby County 3-1 on Friday to reach the FA Cup fifth round.

Goals from Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and Juan Mata put the 11-times Cup winners through, with second-tier Derby only briefly threatening a shock when George Thorne equalised shortly before the break at a noisy Pride Park.

Dutchman Van Gaal has been under mounting pressure after a recent poor run of form and shortage of entertainment, but United were good value for their fourth-round win.

He had lambasted the media on Thursday, accusing them of "sacking him three times" this season and told the BBC before kickoff it was hard to enjoy his job in the current climate.

United were booed off after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Premier League at Old Trafford last weekend, which left them fifth and struggling to qualify for the Champions League, but backed by 5,000 fans they produced a more vibrant performance.

Not that it was all plain sailing.

When Thorne equalised against the run of play after 37 minutes United's

BaRcELONa, JaNUaRy 30 (REUtERs): Real Madrid and their neighbours Atletico Madrid have had their bans on signing new players for the next two transfer windows suspended pending the outcome of appeals to FIFA, the clubs said in separate statements on Friday. The pair, who are third and second respectively in La Liga, were hit with the suspensions by FIFA for breaching rules on signing non-Spanish under-18 players.

The bans do not cover the current transfer window, which runs until the end of this month. “The FIFA appeals committee has conceded a provisional suspension while our appeal is presented,” Atletico wrote on their Twitter account. Real added on their website: "Real Madrid has announced that the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided to provisionally suspend the sanction imposed on the club." Both clubs announced they would appeal after being given the punishments earlier this month. The FIFA probe concerned players featuring in competitions with Atletico from 2007 to 2014 and with Real from 2005 to 2014.

Murray-Soares win Aus Open doubles

Jamie Murray, right, of Britain and Bruno Soares of Brazil hold their trophy after defeating Daniel Nestor of Canada and Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in the men's doubles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne on January 30. (AP Photo)

MELBOURNE, JaNUaRy 30 (REUtERs): Britain's Jamie Murray gained an early claim to bragging rights over younger brother Andy when he combined with Brazil's Bruno Soares to win the Australian Open men's doubles title early on Sunday.

Murray and Soares beat Canada's Daniel Nestor and Czech Radek Stepanek 2-6 6-4 7-5 in the final that followed Angelique Kerber beating Serena Williams for the women's' title. Andy Murray, who turned up for the trophy presentation, will meet five-times champion Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final later on Sunday.

"Andy you should be in bed. I don't know why you're here taking photos but we'll be there supporting you," a tearful Murray said in a

courtside interview.

It was the first grand slam title for the Briton and his Brazilian partner, in their first major tournament together.

The Murrays are also the first brothers to make the men's singles and doubles finals at the same grand slam in the Open era.

Murray actually held a championship point while serving at 5-4 in the deciding set but blew the opportunity, though the Canadian and Czech pairing were unable to consolidate.

Soares then gave them a 40-0 advantage in the 12th game and held on to clinch the title two points later.

"We had them on the ropes for a bit in the second set but they came through and that's why they're grand slam champions," Nestor said.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Lt. Dr. Inakhe Hoshikhe Yepthomi 31-01-2015

Slowly your breath grew heavy.

He saw your face grow tired , And called your name so gently.

You closed your eyes and went to sleep.

You silently rested Hard working hands stopped that day Mind of a visionary halted.

A child’s heart stopped beating, Weary legs walked no more And a man of principles left.

So you walk to eternity!

We will trust you to God’s great care And on heaven’s shore, When we meet, We will hold you to our hearts again.

Loving Wife, Children & Family Members

Daley Blind celebrates with team mates after scoring the second goal for Man United. (Reuters)

insecurities briefly returned and, but for a superb last-ditch tackle by Chris Smalling to deny Chris Martin, they could have been trailing at halftime.

Van Gaal told the BBC: "We gave their goal away but at halftime I said that it was a good performance, keep it up and we will win.

And we did."

with a goal of real quality.

Receiving the ball on the left edge of the penalty area when he looked marginally offside, the England captain cut back on to his right foot and curled the ball past helpless keeper Scott Carson.

Impressive United striker Anthony Martial should have doubled their lead but his touch let him down in front of goal and QUALITY GOAL the visitors were stunned Rooney had put the visi- when Martin's clever pass tors ahead after 16 minutes was brought down by

Thorne who stabbed a shot past David de Gea. Derby had the first chance of the second half when right back Cyrus Christie's low cross just evaded Tom Ince, while at the other end Mata was inches away from restoring United's lead.

They deservedly went back in front after 65 minutes when Blind met Mata's centre with a first-time shot and Mata wrapped it up when he converted Martial's cross.

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