11 April 2023

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Covid-19 infection on rise among kids

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(IANS): The surging cases of Covid-19 infection has also started affecting infants and children, with many of them reporting high fever, cough and even itchy eyes and conjunctivitis, said doctors here on Monday.

From the beginning, Covid was rare and mild in children. But some of those infected faced severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) -- a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.

However, this time, it is showing newer symptoms like itchy eyes that were not seen during previous Covid waves. “There has been a sudden onset of acute febrile illness with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV2 among infants, aged 6-11 months,” Dr. Vipin M. Vashishtha, member of WHO’s Vaccine Safety Net, told

Nagaland logs 2 fresh Covid cases

DIMAPUR, APR 10

(NPN): Nagaland on Monday reported two fresh Covid-19 cases and nil deaths.

According to Health department’s bulletin, the two fresh cases were reported from Wokha, pushing the total caseload to 35,991. With this, the state currently has two active cases.

The death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including 5 non-Covid cases but with positivity).

Meanwhile, India on Monday logged 5,880 new Covid cases, while the active cases have increased to 35,199, according to Health Ministry . The death count has increased to 5,30,979 with 14 deaths. While four deaths each were reported from Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, one each was reported from Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Rajasthan and two reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 6.91% while the weekly positivity rate was pegged at 3.67%.

Corrigendum

DIMAPUR, APR 10 (NPN): Apropos the news item “ULB issue: Day of judgement on Apr 17 on contempt case” it is clarified that NMA filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court in April 2013. Further, the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 was first amended in 2016 and not as published.

This is it!

IANS. “Most children presented with moderate fever, cold and mild cough with features of bronchitis. The one differentiating feature is conjunctivitis, not seen in previous waves, especially here,” he added.

Vashishtha, who is also a consultant paediatrician at the Mangla Hospital and Research Centre in Bijnor, UP, said that the Covid infection in children, which has surfaced once again after a gap of six months, is not “MIS-C, which has rash and other features”. “The incidence of Covid among children is rising. They are being brought with simple re-

SYMPTOMS: High fever, cough and even itchy eyes and conjunctivitis

spiratory infections and then testing positive for Covid,” Dr Krishan Chugh, Director and head of the department of paediatrics at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IANS.

Chugh added that children, mainly of “school going age, are increasingly being affected with fever and throat pain since the last two weeks”. He said that in most cases they are acquiring the infection from infected family members. While the infection is rising, the doctors said that there has been no case of hospitalisation and that the children are responding to treatment.

They suggested using masks, maintaining social distance, and washing hands regularly. Besides, Covid, doctors report that Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also rising among kids. RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory infections, especially in young children.

“In changing weather, along with Covid-19 and the flu, we are witnessing a spike in cases of RSV, and not only young children but even infants are getting affected by it,” Dr. R. D. Srivastava, HoD and Senior Consultant in Pediatric Medicine and Neonatology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar, told IANS. RSV is highly contagious and spreads through contact with droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, running or stuffy nose, breathing problems, sore throat, earache,

IPL: Lucknow Super Giants beat RCB by one wkt

and headache. “Prevention is the key to dealing with this. Prevention includes frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with people who have respiratory infections, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, keeping infants and young children away from crowds and people with respiratory infections, and vaccination for those at high risk,” Dr Roli Munshi, ConsultantPaediatrics at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Delhi, said.

“It’s important to contact your paediatrician for proper evaluation and treatment if your child is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection,” Munshi said. “Treatment is supportive care, such as rest, fluids, fever-reducing medications, over-the-counter cold and cough medications, humidifiers or saline nasal drops, and oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation for severe cases,” he added.

Mock drill across India to check Covid preparedness

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, mock drills to take stock of hospital preparedness were held in several public and private facilities across the country on Monday, with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visiting the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital here to review the measures taken to combat the disease.

While visiting RML Hospital, Mandaviya interacted with the heads of departments and staff. He also spent time with doctors, nurses, heads of security and sanitation services, listening to their suggestions. The

suggestions revolved around quality clinical practices, measures for infection control, hospital management, sanitation processes and patient-centric provisions.

“A huge response was seen

AAP is newest national party; Trinamool, NCP & CPI lose tag

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): The Aam Aadmi Party was recognised as a national party while the Trinamool Congress (TMC), NCP and the CPI were stripped of the coveted status by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday.

In separate orders, ECI also revoked the state party status granted to RLD in Uttar Pradesh, BRS in Andhra Pradesh, PDA (Manipur), PMK (Puducherry), RSP (West Bengal) and MPC (Mizoram).

The country now has six national parties– BJP, Congress, BSP, CPI(M), NPP and AAP.

ECI said that NCP and TMC will be recognised as state parties in Nagaland and Meghalaya respectively based on their performance in the recently concluded assembly elections. It also granted “recog-

nised state political party” status to the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in Nagaland, Voice of the People Party in Meghalaya, and the Tipra Motha in Tripura.

TMC, which was formed by Mamata Banerjee in 1998 after she parted ways with the Congress, became a state party in 2014. The party came to power in West Bengal in 2011 and subsequently expanded to Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.

TMC received the national party tag in 2016, but its dismal show in Goa and some North Eastern states has led to withdrawal of the status.

The NCP was formed by Sharad Pawar, another former Congress leader, in 1999 and became a national party in 2000 following its success in various elections.

The CPI, founded in 1925, was recognised as

a national party in 1989 but the tag was withdrawn following its dismal performance in West Bengal and Odisha elections.

The commission said that the decision had been taken after a thorough review and consultations with the representatives of respective parties.

TMC plans legal option to challenge EC move

The Trinamool Congress is exploring legal options to challenge the Election Commission’s decision to withdraw the national party status of the TMC, sources said on Monday, reports ANI.

Speaking to ANI, TMC MP Saugata Roy said, “Trinamool Congress has overcome many obstacles, we will overcome this too. We will continue to do what we have to do, it will not make any difference.”

“They’re central probe agents deputed to go where elections are to be held.”

nationwide where ministers and senior officials reviewed the preparations and capacities of hospitals and facilities,” the ministry said.

In a review meeting held on April 7, the minis-

ter had urged state health ministers to visit hospitals and oversee the mock drills on April 10 and 11. In the virtual meeting, Mandaviya had stressed on identifying emergency hotspots by monitoring trends of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection cases, ramping up testing and vaccination, and ensuring readiness of hospital infrastructure.

Besides enhancing genome sequencing and ramping up whole genome sequencing of positive samples, he had also laid stress on creating awareness about following Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Sachin Pilot firm on holding fast against graft

Congressterms

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI): With Sachin Pilot firm on holding a fast to press his party-led government in Rajasthan for action against graft, the Congress Monday night issued a stern warning to him and said any such action on his part would amount to anti-party activity.

Sources close to Pilot said he would go ahead with his daylong fast on Tuesday to press for action against corruption during the pre-

Development of North East region is govt’s priority, says Amit Shah

KIBITHOO, APR 10 (PTI): The Modi government has ended insurgency in the Northeast and brought peace and speedy development to the region, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said here on Monday.

Shah said within its two terms, the Modi government has shown what it can do for the Northeast which could not be done for decades by previous governments.

He also said that the Armed Forces (Special) Power Act (AFSPA) has

NCD seeks relief for fire victims

Sachin Pilot

vious BJP government in Rajasthan.

Taking strong objection to the proposed dharna by Pilot, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of the state Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said any such protest against its government clearly amounts to anti-party

activity and goes against the party’s interest.

Pilot on Sunday alleged that the Ashok Gehlot-led government failed to investigate cases of alleged corruption during the BJP rule in Rajasthan and announced his plan to hold a day-long fast on April 11 to press for action. The move by Pilot to open a new front against Gehlot amid the factional fighting is seen as an attempt to pressure the party high command to resolve the leadership issue ahead of the year-end polls.

Randhawa said he talked to Pilot during the day and told him to raise issues at party platforms instead of

going public against its own government.

“Pilot’s day-long fast is against the party’s interests. If there is any issue with his own government, it can be discussed in party forums instead of in the media and public,” Randhawa said in a statement. Randhawa said any such action or fast is not justified and all matters should be raised within the party platforms and not publicly like this. He said the two letters Pilot was referring to for action against graft by the previous Vasundhara Raje government have never been raised before him despite several talks and discussions.

DIMAPUR, APR 10 (NPN): Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has appealed to the Dimapur district administration, civil society organisations, NGOs and well-wishers to extend relief to the families of April 9 fire victims at East Block Colony Burma camp, where huge fire broke out Sunday afternoon killing one person and rendering hundreds of families homeless.

In a press release, NCD vice president Holuto Aye and general secretary LK Peter Anal stated that the NCD team visited fire victim families at Burma

(Cont’d on p-8)

Air quality in Dimapur city deteriorating: Pollution Control Board

DIMAPUR, APR 10 (NPN): Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) on Monday expressed concern over the deteriorating air quality in Dimapur city with RSPM level increasing every year. According to the findings of National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), one of the major sources of high RSPM levels is vehicles. The vehicle population is increasing exponentially in many cities.

In a PowerPoint presentation at the National Clean Air programme held at Don Bosco School, Dimapur on the theme “Awareness and Capacity Building”, NPCB scientist ‘B’, Yanathung Ki-

than stated that the annual average concentration of RSPM, which the government has set was 60 micro gram per cubic metre or µg/ m3. Below 60 µg/m3 shows the air quality is good.

He, however, said Dimapur for consecutive years, have shown 79 µg/m3, 78 µg/m3, 99 µg/m3, and 97 µg/m3 from 2019-2022 respectively. While RSPM for Kohima from 2019-22 has shown 91 µg/m3, 89 µg/ m3, 77 µg/m3, and 72 µg/ m3, which shows an improvement. Kithan said that air quality of Kohima and Dimapur had been placed under non-attainment cities with respect to particulate

matter (PM10), which shows a serious concern. He also highlighted the health impacts of air pollution and various sources of air pollution and its effects on people.

Kithan stated that overall pollution-related deaths were also the highest in India which includes water, lead, and occupation-related pollution. Kithan urged all the individuals, local bodies, Gram panchayat, and village councils to ensure that the open burning of plastic waste did not take place.

Stating that air pollution was affecting people throughout their lifetime, he said it was the sole responsibility of not only one

department but the whole community and individual to come together to improve the quality of environment.

According NPCB scientist ‘B’, Nagaland under the National Air Monitoring Programme has 11 manual monitoring stations and 1 CAAQMS stations-- 7 manual stations in Dimapur, one each at Bank Colony, NPCB office, Viola colony, Tenyiphe-II Chumoukedima, Burma camp, Dhobinala, Kuda-C, Nagarjan while Kohima has four manual Monitoring Stations, one opposite NST Office, PWD Junction, High School Junction, Upper Midland. Regrading waste management

in Nagaland, he said there was only one scientific treatment plant at Kohima having 50 TPD Capacity funded under ADB-assisted NE Region Urban Development Programme funded through Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. He informed that the central government launched National Clean Air Programme as a longterm, time-bound, National level strategy to achieve the targets and it has aimed at a 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2026.

Earlier, EAC Dimapur, Imlijungla Lemtur presented keynote address while vote of thanks was proposed by SDO(C) L. Samuel.

been removed from 70% of areas of the Northeast and the days are not far when the law will be removed from the rest of the region.

Shah said all disputes in the Northeast are getting resolved and 8,000 insurgents have surrendered in the last few years.

There is 66 per cent less violence in the Northeast and 88 per cent less civilian deaths, he said.

The home minister said the border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is on the verge of being resolved,

while a number of peace accords have been signed with insurgent groups, including those from the Bru and Bodo communities. He said the development of the Northeast is the priority of the Modi government and it is taking many initiatives in this regard.

“Development of border infrastructure is the priority of the Modi government. We have built border roads, border fencing, border outpost and installed floodlights,” he said.

India likely to witness belownormal monsoon rains: Report

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): India is likely to experience below-normal monsoon rainfall this year, with a 20 per cent chance of drought due to the end of La Nina conditions and the potential for El Nino to take hold, private forecasting agency Skymet Weather said on Monday.

After four consecutive years of normal and above-normal rains during the monsoon season, this forecast comes as a concern for the agricultural sector, which heavily relies on monsoon rains for crop production.

Skymet expects the monsoon rainfall to be around 94 per cent of the long-period average (LPA) of 868.6 mm for the fourmonth period from June to September. The private forecaster also predicted that the northern and central parts of the country may see a rain deficit, with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra expected to witness inadequate rains during the core monsoon months of July and August.

Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the agricultural bowl of north India, are likely to observe less-than-normal rains during the second half of the season.

In a statement, Skymet said: “20 per cent chance of drought (seasonal rainfall that is less than 90 per cent

of LPA).” It said there is no chance of excess rain (seasonal rainfall more than 110 per cent of the LPA), a 15-per cent chance of above normal rain (between 105 per cent and 110 per cent), 25-per cent chance of normal rain (between 96 per cent and 104 per cent) and 40 per cent chance of below normal precipitation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is yet to release its forecast for the monsoon season, but it has predicted above-normal maximum temperatures and heatwaves in most parts of the country from April to June. Jatin Singh, managing director of Skymet, said the return of El Nino could presage a weaker monsoon this year.

El Nino, which is the warming of the waters in the Pacific Ocean near South America, is associated with weakening of monsoon winds and less rainfall in India.

“La Nina has ended. Key oceanic and atmospheric variables are consistent with ENSO-neutral conditions. Likelihood of El Nino is increasing and its probability to become a dominant category during the monsoon is growing large,” Singh said. La Nina conditions -- characterised by the cooling of the waters in the Pacific Ocean near South America -- favours the Indian monsoon.

Health workers during a mock drill to check Covid-19 preparedness, Monday. (PTI)

Pilot’sfast‘antipartyactivity’

State needs awareness on tax: Kudecho Khamo

Missing child rescued

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 10 (NPN): A two-year old child, who reportedly went missing on April 8, was rescued by Government Railway Police Force (GRPF) on Monday and later handed over to Childline Dimapur.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, Childline Coordinator and Child Welfare Committee member, Loza Kapfo, s aid that the Government Railway Police Force found the child unattended in the Railway premises and rescued her and handed to the Childline Dimapur for identification.

Kapfo said the missing report of the child was lodged at Chümoukedima Police Station, but was later transferred to Women Police station.

The case was under investigation and more information on how the child went missing would be ascertained only after the intervention of the parents, Kapfo said.

DIMAPUR: Advisor of CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo emphasised on the need for creating awareness about tax in the state as the department being new may face challenges in implementing laws on taxes.

He said this at the felicitation programme organised by department of Taxes at Commissioner of State Taxes Training Hall on Monday.

Khamo said “Tax is a new thing for many people in the State, for which, there may be challenges

while implementing the taxes laws.”

He therefore stressed on the need to create awareness on tax and that every citizen has a responsibility to contribute in a s much as they avail the privileges available to them.

The advisor also said the department of the Taxes though considered as one of the smallest department was the main backbone of the State government pointing out that besides all round development programs of the State government, thousands of employ-

ees gets their salaries out of the taxes collected by the department.

He also express gratitude to the chief minister Neiphiu Rio for reposing faith and given the assignment of CAWD & Taxes.

Earlier, welcome and introductory speech was delivered by commissioner of taxes, Gregory Thejawelie.

The programme was chaired by special commission of state taxes, Y Mhathung Murry and vote of thanks by additional commi ssioner of taxes, Wochamo Odyuo.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Training on DDO-wise sub-allocation and epay bill: Training for officials dealing with DDO-wise sub-allocation and epay bill will be held on April 12 at 11 am in the Treasury, directorate conference hall. A DIPR report stated that the training has been necessitated as the new application will be introduced for DDO-wise sub-allocation from Financial Year 2023-24. In this connection, the departments have been requested to depute two officials for the training along with laptops.

Tseminyu DPDB meeting: District Planning Officer and member secretary DPDB Tseminyu, Vilhouhunuo Sachu has informed all the concerned members that the monthly meeting of the District Planning and Development Board will be held on April 13 at 12 pm in the official chamber of DC Tseminyu. All DPDB members and officers of the district have been requested to make it convenient to attend the meeting positively.

Phek DPDB meeting: The monthly Phek District Planning & Development Board meeting cum felicita-

Correspondent KOHIMA, APR 10 (NPN): BJP 41 A/C

Tizit, Mon district felicitated minister of Health and Family Welfare P. Paiwang Konyak at the programme held at BJP Bhavan 41 A/C on Monday.

Acknowledging the 41 A/C Tizit for organizing the event, Paiwang said he represents everyone and anticipated the same from the public to accept him as their leader. He attributed the success of the peaceful election to the administration RO, DC, ADC, SP and all the government officers and also the KBBB, civil societies for their

effort to put clean election into action.

He mentioned that in other constituencies money and muscle power were used but in Tizit it was the truth that triumphed.

Paiwang thanked chief minister Neiphiu

Rio, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kholi for their unstinted support and having confidence in him.

He also highlighted various issues ranging from unemployment to going road projects that

needed to be maintained. On the Oting incident, Paiwang said he has been closely observing and assured to fulfil the unfinished task.

Host of speakers, Nyawang Konyak, president BJP Mon district, Liwang Konyak from Wangla Village, Awang, chief Angh Yannu village, Lohngam chief Angh Zangkgam Village, Chuiwang Angh from Nokzang village, Pohwang Angh Tizit village, Honlem Konyak treasurer BJP Tizit and T. Wangdun president KU Tizit spoke at the programme. Over 20 chief Anghs from different villages also attended the felicitation programme.

Immanuel College organises ‘capacity building’ programme

DIMAPUR: Department of English, Immanuel College (IC) organised “Capacity Building and Personality Development Program” sponsored by National Commission for Women, New Delhi on April 10 at the College auditorium. The programme was primarily for the undergraduates female students to prepare them with communication and interpersonal

tion programme in honor of the newly elected legislators of the Phek district will be held on April 12 at 11 am in the DPDB Conference Hall. In this regard, DC and vice chairman DPDB, Phek, Kumar Ramnikant has requested all the members to attend the meeting without fail.

ANHTU convenes meeting: All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union (ANHTU) convened its executive meeting on April 21 at 10 am at LCS Building near Ao Baptist Church, Kohima. Selection of new office bearers for the next tenure will be conducted. In this regard, all district presidents and three representatives of each unit have been informed to attend the meeting.

UT, GPRN/NSCN meeting: Union Territory (UT), GPRN/NSCN has called for an emergency regional worker’s general meeting on April 13 at 10 am at Tatar Hall, CHQ, Naga Unification Camp, Khehoyi. In this connection, GPRN/NSCN through MIP has informed all the regional workers under UT to attend the meeting without fail.

skills which are pertinent for their career endeavors.

The programme had three technical sessions. In the first technical session, Dr. Toreiphi Mungleng, Asst. Professor, Unity College of Teacher Education, Dimapur was the resource person and spoke on the topic “Personal Capacity Building”.

In the second technical session, Sumit Seal, the

resource person emphasised on professional career skills and in the third session, Hitokali S Yepthomi focused on the importance of digital literacy.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Lunghilang Pamai, Asst. Professor, Department of English and welcome address by Th Sharatchandra Singh, Principal of Immanuel College. Key-

IN REMEMBRANCE

10th DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Lt. T Zubenthung Shitiri

note address was delivered by Dr. T. Imchanochetla Changkija, vice-principal

and vote of thanks by Akutu Poireng, HoD English department.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Late Tongpanglepden Ao 01.03.1953 to 11.03.2023

We the family members of Late Tongpanglepden Ao would like to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy, prayers and kind gestures shown to us following our sad loss. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to every individual who provided emotional and practical support for us during our difficult time. To those who helped us in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable and it is our family's prayer that our good Lord bless you abundantly in return. Wife, Children, In-laws and Grandchildren

MKC-134/23

Time flies fast. Life goes on at its own pace. But some Memories can never be forgotten or erased from the mind of the dearest ones.

You will always remain in our thoughts.

DP-1546/23

Loving Wife, Sons & Family Members

GRATITUDE

THEPFÜCALIE (ABA)

VIELIE

20/06/1982- 04/04/2023

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Thepfücalie Vielie would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every individuald, Churches and fraternity of Bethel Medical Centre, Kohima who stood by us physically, financially and spiritually during his prolonged illness till the time of his demise on 04/04/2023.

Words are inadequate to express our gratitude to one and all, but may the marvelous Grace of God be upon you. We shall remain ever beholden.

Loving Wife, Children, Mother and Family Members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the bereaved family of our dearest mother Lt. Mrs Neisa Kense, would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and every individual who stood by us and comforted us in prayers, in presence and with all material and financial support from the time of her illness and sad demise on the 4th April 2023. We convey our special thanks to

• Hayat Hospital, Guwahati.

• Kohimas Hospital, Nagaland.

• Oking Hospital, Nagaland.

• Radiology Dept, Oking Hospital.

• St. Francis De Sale, Kohima Town, (ACU,ACWA, Father's Association, ACYA SFS).

• CRC Pezielietsie, Kohima.

LT. KEVISETUO-Ü ( VONEÜ); DIED ON 11-04-2013

Remembering AZHOÜ on her 10th Death Anniversary. It's been a decade of missed moments. You still live on in the hearts and minds of the family you left behind.

Those special memories of you will always bring us a smile. If only we could have you back for just a while for you are forever in our hearts.

Until we meet AgAIn Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and In-laws. DC-452/23

Rev. Dr. Vihoto D. Jimomi

15th Nov. 1937 – 11th April 2022

A LIFE SO BEAUTIFUL LIVED AND A HEART SO DEEPLY LOVED

It’s been a year since the LORD took you home. We celebrate your life, cherish your faith legacy and life values that you instilled in us. Looking forward to the glorious day when we will see you again in the presence of our LORD Jesus whom you served faithfully.

YOU ARE LOVED, MISSED AND REMEMBERED

Loving wife, children, grandchildren & great grand children

• CRC Tuophema Village.

• Tuophema Kense Clan.

• Pezielietsie Welfare Board.

• Pezielietsie Youth Organisation.

• Tuophema Kohima Dzevi Krotho.

• TVSU

• ANCSU

• NASU

• Geology Department, KSCJ(A).

• DBC (dept. Edu 2015-18).

• Dr. Keneinguzo Zumu

• Dr. Etho(Oncology Dept, NHK).

• Mr. & Mrs Hekani Jakhalu Kense (Advisor Industries & Commerce Govt. Nagaland).

• Mr & Mrs Lithronla T. Rutsa, Director DUDA.

• Mr. Kevisa Kense, IAS.

• Mr. Pfuduolhou Kense.

• Mr. Neibalie Rio, Special Officer to C.M.

• Mr. Kethoneituo Seyie, Deputy Director KVIB.

• Mr. Khriehu Liezhietsu, Former MLA.

• Mr. Medo Rhetso, Viswema.

• Friends, Relatives, Neighbours, and all Well Wishers. We regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually. May Almighty God bless you abundantly for all your good deeds. Loving Husband & children

K-755/23

Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and VG, C.L. John felicitated at the programme held at Chenmoho village on April 8 hosted by 45 Tehok A/C. The felicitation programme was also held at his native village Chen-Wetnyu on April 9.

Advisor of CAWD & Taxes, Kudecho Khamo speaking at the felicitation program on Monday.

P. Paiwang Konyak and chief Anghs of different villages on Monday at Tizit.

T.R. Zeliang chairs Peren DPDB meeting

patta, the timeline for construction by land allottees and the new proposal of allotment for Peren HQ, SDO (C), Kelevituo Nisa informed that a circular has already been issued to all the HoDs to pay premium through treasury challan for the issue of land patta book of respective departments on or before April 30.

NEXT POLL

DIMAPUR: Deputy chief minister, T.R. Zeliang, who is also the chairman of Peren District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) on Monday reviewed the status of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes as well as State sponsored schemes being implemented in Peren district. He advised the departments implementing the projects to highlight the clear picture of the ongoing and upcoming projects in the meeting inorder to keep track on the progress of the work. According to a report by DIPR, the deputy chief minister expressed his willingness to work with the HoDs, public leaders, and the public for the welfare of the district.

Pointing out that

LS

polls:

DPDB was the only platform where the members can coordinate with each other and share their views and come to a logical conclusion, he encouraged the members to be regular at the DPDB meeting. He also sought cooperation from all the departments with the same enthusiasm in order to take the district ahead with progress and development.

DC Peren, who chaired the meeting, in his opening remark welcomed the chairman on behalf of the DPDB members, followed by a self-introduction by the district HoDs present in the meeting.

On the agenda of shifting of Government College, Peren, vice principal, Albert briefed the members on the basic infrastructure that was presently put in place

ECI holds CEOs conference

and further informed that the road connecting to the college from Peren SP office has also been cut off due to a landslide which needed major re-cutting. Regarding the agenda on starting of Polytechnic college, Peren, lecturer, Theja highlighted the infrastructure status as well as some of the multiple challenges faced including -proper road connectivity, electricity, demarcation of boundaries, water connectivity, transportation, and health care which needed to be addressed at the earliest. In regard to the demarcation of boundary and water connectivity, the chairman asked the college to write an application to LRSO and EE PHED so that necessary work can be carried out.

On the issue of land

Relief items distributed to fire victims

DC requested all the allottees to start their construction within this year, failing which their land patta shall be cancelled.

Addl. SP Peren, R. Tochumong Chang briefed on the urgent need to construct SDPO office and residence at Jalukie, for which the chairman entrusted him to do the necessary assessment first.

At the meeting, the house also approved the application for grant-in-aid for the renovation of Haisuiwang School, Kamdi.

Other agendas discussed in the meeting were; road alignment from Peren town to Headquarters, Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, and a proposal submitted by Peren Town during Platinum Jubilee.

At the meeting, DIC Peren, General Manager, and K. Francis Hekavi presented the departmental activities and programmes.

IBO inspects border areas

DIMAPUR: International Border Organisation Seemanta Chetana Mancha Purvotta Nagaland committee led by president, S.Kihomong Yim and general secretary, Shomwang Wangnao visited the three blocks of Mon from April 3 to 5. According to IBO, the visit of the committee was to review, inspect and understand the current scenario of

the international border. The team visited three blocks districts situated at the remotest corner of the Indo Myanmar borderPhomching, Chen and Tobu blocks. During the visit, the team interacted with the Angh, the chairmen of various villages and expressed their desire to strengthen the organizational setup goals and fulfill their mission at Nagaland state.

TBBT celebrates WHD

ECI along with CEOs and officers from States and Union Territories at the conference.

DIMAPUR: In view of the upcoming general election to the Lok Sabha, 2024, the Election Commission of India organized a conference-cum-retreat of the Chief Electoral Officers from April 2 to 4, 2023 at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, in Mussoorie Uttarakhand.

Accorditng to a press release issued by deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, Alila Chang, the conference was chaired by the commission. The main objectives of the conference was to initiate preparation for the General Elections to the House of the People, 2024, to review the organizational struc -

ture of the CEO offices and aligning them with various verticals of election process and setting up of a common minimum agenda and goals for each functional vertical of election process.

Altogether Chief Electoral Officers and officers from 34 States and Union Territories participated in the conference.

De-addiction Clinic & Diagnostic Centre launched

DIMAPUR: Golden Psychiatry and Deaddiction Clinic and Elixir Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre was launched on April 10, at 3rd mile, near Chekiye Main Gate above Breeze Bakery, Dimapur.

The inauguration programme was invoked by Aghovi Aye and dedicatory prayer by pastor NCRC, Purana Bazaar Dr. Nitoshe Nekha, Women pastor NCRC Purana Bazaar Kalitoli Jakhalu offered the benediction.

Elixir Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre, will be providing facilities like blood tests, Culture and Sensitivity, Master Health Check-up, other routine tests and OPD Consultation. The Clinic and the Laboratory will start operating from April 11, and the doctors will be available for consultation from Monday-Saturday between 8:30am- 5pm. Home services will also be available in and around Dimapur and Chumoukedima districts.

NBSE informs on Mann Ki Baat

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) has issued a circular to all heads of registered institutions of the board that the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme “Mann Ki Baat” will be aired in April 2023.

DIMAPUR: “The Birds and Bees Talk” (TBBT) project celebrated “World Health Day”-cum-“felicitation program” for teachers and students on April 5, under the theme “Health for All” at the Kohima Village Council Hall.

According to a press release issued by TBBT, Nagaland senior state lead Ruchunsinle Tep, the TBBT programme was a joint initiative led by Reckitt and implemented by Plan India to propel the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India’s initiatives on adolescent health and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.

The event was graced by principal director, School Education & Project Director, NECTAR &CEO, State

NPCC appeals for support to bring change

DIMAPUR, APR 10

(NPN): Issuing his first statement after being appointed as NPCC president, S. Supongmeren Jamir has issued an appeal to all those who want a change to join the party and achieve the goal of creating a state where everyone will be proud to pass on to the future generation.

In a message, S Supongmeren Jamir said each individual’s knowledge, suggestions and support, both physically and mentally, were vital for Congress to achieve the goal and urged all to work together and strive to become that drop of water that made a mighty ocean.

The NPCC president also noted that in the 60th year of statehood, Nagas have advanced tremendously in all sectors and which was also indeed a proud achievement for all. However, he lamented that, it was absolutely heart -

breaking to see Nagaland achieve such advancements while completely destroying and dishonouring the values of truth, dignity and oneness.

He said Nagaland had once proudly stood firm on principles and values passed down by forefathers, but was now deep-rooted in materialistic nature in its political system that has led to corruption and nepotism. He said these two elements that had taken over the value system were like a mighty dam slowly killing all the organisms living in the water as it disrupted their natural habitat.

Supongmeren also mentioned that this had also given rise to a political system where the biggest mockery was made in the name of oaths taken under the Constitution of India to serve the people, while those falling under this category included a special few.

The NPCC president also described this menace as a stumbling block for better governance and which was exhibited in the recently-concluded session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He said it best exemplified how deeprooted materialism was in the political system

He said people of the state needed to take a step back and think whether the path they were leading was for short-term or long-term development. He asked whether momentary satisfaction was required at this juncture or whether they were going to be the cause of their own downfall by choosing the easy way out.

Supongmeren called for reframing perspective and “remind ourselves that it is not only the responsibility of our present Hon’ble lawmakers to bring change but us.”

He also said the youth of today who held the vi-

sion and ambition, entrepreneurs were driving the State’s economic development. He said people at the grassroots were the backbone of Naga society and NGOs and civil society groups spearhead change at the grassroots. He also opined that, veteran leaders, former parliamentarians, former bureaucrats and retired government officers, having knowledge and experience with the system should be leading the call to collaborative action to propel this systemic change and it was time for everyone to come together.

The NPCC president said it was high time for Naga Leaders to be able to gather in one space and have the courage to voice out and accept positive criticism, setting aside all egos, and take a firm decision to work for the betterment of the State and not for any specific party, community or individual.

Health Authority, Thavaseelan K.

In his address, Thavaseelan lauded the on-ground efforts and TBBT’s presence in the state in spreading vital awareness among the adolescents. The guest speaker of the event, deputy director, Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Ruokuohelie Rutsa, spoke on the World Health Day theme “Health for all” where he highlighted the importance of crucial habits and practices in budding stage to grow up into healthier adults.

Highlights of the event was the felicitation of teachers and students from Northfield School, Ministers Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School and GMS Forest Colony, Kohima for their exemplary performance and participation in the TBBT programme.

Conference on ‘developmental problems in NE’

DIMAPUR: One day National Conference on “Developmental problems and Prospects in North East India” was organised by Research Cell St. John College (SJC), Dimapur sponsored by Bank of Baroda, Circular Road Branch Dimapur on March 31. In the inaugural session, director, SJC, Setuomenuo Ao, welcomed the participants and key note address was delivered by Prof. N D R Chandra, department of English, Nagaland University. Dr. T. Soundara Pandian, Associate Professor, Modern Institute of Teacher Education and Dr. Amrita Difusa, Assistant Professor, department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph University, Chumoukedima were the resource persons. At the conference, 12 presenters from different colleges and universities presented their papers.

In this connection, MyGov, which is the Government of India’s citizen engagement platform, has invited suggestions and ideas from all the citizens across the nation for the episode, with the objective of making it more inclusive and meaningful so that it leaves a long-lasting impression.

In order to facilitate the submission of suggestions from across the society, the MyGov platform has prepared banner and standee designs having QR code/ IVR (toll-free no.). Citizens can visit the MyGov portal using the link: https: / / www.mygov.in / group-issue / invitingideas-celebrate-100th-episodes-mann-ki-baat / and submit their suggestions.

In this connection, all heads of institutions have been requested to visit the website and also inform the students, teachers, and employees to actively participate and submit their suggestions.

DIMAPUR: Department of Health and Family Welfare led by commissioner & secretary, Y. Kikheto Sema along with a team of senior officers inspected the infrastructure at Tizit town, Mon district on April 10.

A report by DIPR stated that the team visited CHC Tizit town, where Kikheto applauded the Hans Foundation for utilizing their Corporate social responsibility (CSR)funds for the construction of building and staff quarters for CHC Tizit town.

He instructed the principal director to ensure close coordination and cooperation between the department and companies investing in CSR funding

for better delivery mechanisms.

Kikheto also appreciated the Hans Foundation for providing nine Mobile Medical Unit Van units to the Mon districts for providing Health Care to the needy people.

The team visited the Sub-centre (Health and Wellness Centre) in Tizit village. Kikheto appreciated the CHO & staff for maintaining one of the district’s best Health & Wellness centres and requested the Tizit village authorities to donate sufficient and better location sites for the expansion of office and housing facilities to its staff to which the village leaders agreed.

Book title ‘Tanela Teremsep’ released

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 10

(NPN): A book titled “Tanela Teremsep”, roughly translated to “Don’t quench the Spirit”, was released at Zuin Ki, DABA, on Monday by Rev I Wati. The book was authored by Matsung Longkumer, Jongshimanen and Dr Menjiwapong Jamir.

Delivering the author’s note, Dr Menjiwapong Jamir warned the gathering to be aware of wrong teachings, pointing out that there

were many teachings in this world but the truest teacher was the Holy Spirit. He urged everyone to learn and take it as one’s responsibility to teach and spread the message of the Holy Spirit.

Speaking on the recently launched book, Jamir maintained that the book was a step towards keeping the spirit burning/ high and said that more knowledge and understanding could be gained by reading the book He said that the book was written in the simplest

form so that it would be accessible for everyone. He later expressed hope that the book would help readers to get closer to God.

A short message was also shared by Sentila on her vision to the three authors on writing the book.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Wapongtoshi, dedicatory prayer for the book was offered by president, Dimapur Area Ao Baptist Arogo Pastor Union, Temsu, and vote of thanks by Matsung Longkumer.

T.R. Zeliang (C) addressing the DPDB meeting in Peren on Monday. (DIPR)

Grace Educational & Charitable Trust distributing food to the families affected by fire on Monday.

Assam Rifles distributed ration and food items to the residents of Chungaijeng Colony, Burma Camp, affected by fire incident on April 9.

H&FW officials inspect infrastructure at Tizit

Y. Kikheto Sema along with senior officers at CHC Tizit, Mon on April 10. (DIPR)

The three authors along with Rev I Wati (Third from right). (NP)

No one can encroach even an ‘inch of our land’: Shah

Be vigilant while serving: AR chief to commanders

KIBITHOO (ARUNACHAL PRADESH),

APR 10

(PTI): In a clear message to China from this border village in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said no one can dare cast an evil eye on India’s territorial integrity and encroach even an “inch of our land.”

In remarks that come amid China’s strong objections to his visit to Arunachal Pradesh and the three-year-long SinoIndia border standoff in eastern Ladakh, Shah said the era when anyone could encroach the borderlands of India is over. Shah also said the Modi government’s policy is to maintain peace with all countries but if anyone tries to occupy even an inch of India’s land the country would not tolerate it.

The home minister’s statement from this village close to the China border also comes days after Beijing announced Chinese names for 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh which the neighbouring country claims as the “southern part of Tibet.”

“The era is gone when anyone could encroach on our lands. Now, not even land equal to ‘sui ki noke’ (inch of land) can be encroached...,” Shah, who is on his first visit to the northeastern state as home minister, said at a public function after launching

the ‘Vibrant Village’ programme in the border village of Kibithoo which is the country’s easternmost point.

Shah, who will be in Arunachal Pradesh for two days, said no one can cast an evil eye on India because of the security forces who protect the country’s frontiers.

“In 1962, whoever came to encroach this land had to return because of the patriotic people living here,” he said while making a reference to the Chinese aggression in 1962.

Paying homage to the martyrs of Kibithoo who laid down their lives during the 1962 India-China war, Shah said they fought with indomitable spirit despite the lack of resources.

Shah said no one says ‘Namaste’ in Arunachal Pradesh as people greet each other with ‘Jai Hind’ that “fills our hearts with patriotism”. “It is because of this

attitude of the Arunachalis that China which had come to occupy it had to retreat.”

The minister said enhanced facilities for border guarding troops of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Army will also be provided.

“Our policy is that no one can challenge the honour of our borders and our forces.” Responding to a question on Shah’s visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, “Zangnan (the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh) is part of China’s territory”. “The activity of the senior Indian official in Zangnan violates China’s territorial sovereignty and is not conducive to peace and tranquility in the border areas. We are firmly against this,” he told a media briefing in Beijing.

While there was no immediate reaction from

Over 1.33 lakh PSEs found in voters’ lists: Manipur Congress

correct the wrong entries while alleging that the entries were made fraudulently by vested interested persons for their political gain.

It would undermine the conduct of free and fair elections, the memorandum added.

Talking to reporters after the meeting with the CEO, the MPCC legal department chairman said that they got a positive response from the CEO and his subordinate officers.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 10: Manipur Congress has pointed out that there were a whopping 1,33,553 Photo Similar Entries (PSEs) spread over the 60 Assembly constituencies in the state.

While pointing out the PSEs, the MPCC urged Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur to delete multiple entries of electors, in a memorandum submitted on Monday.

A delegation of

MPCC led by chairman S Shyamcharan of its legal department submitted the memorandum after meeting with the CEO at his office in Imphal’s Lamphelpat.

In the memorandum, the MPCC claimed that they have found 1,33,553 PSEs in different polling stations of the 60 assembly constituencies in the final voter list published recently.

It drew the attention of the CEO to cancel or

CPI(M) delegation meets Tripura CM over post-poll violence

AGARTALA, APR 10

(PTI): A six-member delegation of CPI(M) on Monday met Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha over post-poll violence in the state and claimed that more than 2,000 incidents of attacks on opposition party activists were reported since March 2, the day assembly results were declared.

Senior CPI(M) leader

Manik Sarkar said the chief minister assured the team of taking appropriate steps to stop such violence.

“We have seen widespread violence from the day of counting. At least 2,016 attacks, including assaults, arson, ransacking and burning of rubber plantations, were reported in our state,” Sarkar told reporters here after the meeting with the CM at his residence.

One CPI(M) worker, who was attacked on the day of counting in Khowai district, breathed his last at GBP hospital here, while four more died of shock following such violence, the former chief minister

said. “Today, our delegation met the chief minister and submitted a representation, mentioning the violence on CPI(M) leaders, workers and supporters. He assured us of taking appropriate steps to stop such attacks,” he said.

Sarkar claimed that the “BJP seems very disappointed over its declining vote share” in the recently concluded assembly elections in the northeastern state.

“The BJP thought that the entire opposition would be wiped out in the state but the results showed a steady decline in its support base with vote share reducing from 51 per cent to 39 per cent. More so, the seat tally has reduced by 11 as compared to the 2018 assembly elections,” he said.

The BJP secured 32 seats and its ally Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura got one in the last elections to the 60-member assembly, while the CPI(M)-Congress combine bagged 14 and the Tipra Motha Party managed 13.

New Delhi over the Chinese foreign ministry’s strong reaction over Shah’s visit, India routinely rejects such objections by China to visits by its leaders to Arunachal Pradesh. The home minister also inaugurated, through video conferencing, nine micro hydel projects of the Arunachal Pradesh government constructed under the “Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme” here.

Arunachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and local MP Tapir Gao were among those who were present on the occasion. On other issues, Shah said the Modi government has ended insurgency in the Northeast and brought peace and speedy development to the region.

Speaking about the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Shah said the law was removed from about 70 per cent of the Northeastern states and the day “is not far” when it will be “entirely” lifted from these areas. Referring to the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’, Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the government of India has approved (VVP) which will bring all round development of border areas. As part of the programme, the central government will provide Rs 4,800 crore, he added.

Three active Covid-19 cases in Meghalaya

Correspondent SHILLONG, APR 10: Meghalaya has reported three active COVID cases with a positivity rate of 2.40 per cent, a health official said on Monday.

Two active cases have been reported from East Khasi Hills district and one from South West Khasi Hills district, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare department, Sampath Kumar said.

The other ten districts have zero cases as of now.

“They informed us that they are trying their best to rectify the multiple entries. The deletion of around 50,000 PSEs is under process,” he said.

Appreciating the CEO for the process, Shyamcharan said that the MPCC raised the demand for rechecking the multiple entries of electors under the rules 26 of Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (Multiple Entries of Electors in different Electoral Rolls).

China criticises Amit Shah’s Arunachal Pradesh visit

China on Monday criticised Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, stating that it violated Chinese sovereignty over the area, days after India slammed Beijing’s move to rename some places in the border state in an attempt to stake its claim over the area.

While there was no immediate reaction from New Delhi over the Chinese foreign ministry’s strong reaction over Home Minister Shah’s visit, India routinely rejects such objections by China to visits by its leaders to Arunachal Pradesh. During his visit on Monday, Shah launched ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ from Arunachal’s border village Kibithoo, India’s easternmost place. Responding to a question on Shah’s visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, “Zangnan (the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh) is part of China’s territory”.

“The activity of the senior Indian official in Zangnan violates China’s territorial sovereignty and is not conducive to peace and tranquility in the border areas. We are firmly

against this,” he said at a media briefing here.

Last week, China announced renaming of 11 more places in Arunachal Pradesh in Chinese which they claim as Southern Tibet, evoking a sharp reaction from India.

“We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has made such an attempt. We reject this outright,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi. “Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Attempts to assign invented names will not alter this reality,” he said. It was the third batch of standardised geographical names for Arunachal Pradesh issued by China’s civil affairs ministry.

China’s renaming of the places in Arunachal Pradesh came in the midst of the lingering eastern Ladakh border standoff that began in May 2020. Following the standoff, India bolstered its overall military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Arunachal Pradesh sector as well.

SHILLONG, APR 10

(PTI): Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen PC Nair has asked all the commanders of the force to be ever vigilant in the volatile and dynamic environment under which the force operates in the North East region ensuring the security and well-being of the people.

He also focused on improving the operational and administrative efficiency of the force to make it capable of carrying out its task in the North East.

“Be ever vigilant of the volatile and dynamic environment under which the force operates. The Assam Rifles has always identified itself with the people of the North East and ensured their security and well-being,” Lt Gen Nair said while addressing a Commanders’ conference of the force. During the conference held here on April 8 and 9, the DG complimented the formation and unit commanders for ensuring peace and tranquillity in their respective areas of

responsibility. According to the AR spokesperson, the emphasis of the conference was on further improving operational and administrative efficiency by drawing lessons from the past.

Nair also released a compendium titled “1962 The Great Himalayan War of Valour, Glory, Sacrifice” highlighting the role of Assam Rifles on the front lines in the 1962 War.

The AR lost 143 soldiers in the 1962 war and the force was awarded five Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, two Shaurya Chakras and two Sena Medals during the 1962 War. A special screening of the film - Assam Rifles Through the Ages - was also held.

The film depicted the rich history, culture and contribution made by the Assam Rifles in the North Eastern Region since its inception as well as its role in the Counter Insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the deployment of troops in various UN Missions.

Four Covid-19 cases were detected in the last seven days, while three people have recovered from the viral infection, Kumar said.

Moreover, he also informed a total of 167 tests were conducted in the last seven days, of which 70 were conducted in East Khasi Hills district which include the State capital Shillong, six in Ri Bhoi district, two in South West Khasi Hills district and 89 in West Garo Hills district.

GUWAHATI, APR 10 (AGENCIES): A leader of a pro-Khalistan group has announced a reward of $100,000 to anyone who can throw shoe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam on April 14. A person identifying himself as Gurpatwan Singh Pannu, General Counsel of the separatist organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), sent a recorded message to several journalists in Assam in which he alleged that PM Modi was involved in killing people of Assam and pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Punjab, reports India Today NE.

“Modi will be in Guwahati on April 14 for Bihu celebrations. There is a $100,000 reward to throw shoe at the face of Narendra Modi. From Assam to Australia is SFJ going to stop Modi, who is responsible for the killing of people of Assam and pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Punjab. From Assam to Australia, SFJ will stop PM Modi. The message is from

Gurpatwan Singh Pannu, General Counsel, SFJ,” said the recorded message.

Prime Minister Modi will be in Assam to take part in the Assam government’s initiative to create a Guinness Book of World Records by assembling 10,000 dancers at a single venue to perform Bihu, and also to lay the foundation stone for several developmental projects worth Rs 8,000 crore.

Earlier, the same person Pannu had issued a warning to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly torturing pro-Khalistani supporters lodged in Dibrugarh

Manipur to levy VAT on alcoholic beverages

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 10: Manipur will start levying Value Added Tax (VAT) on alcoholic beverages as the state government is moving step by step to legalize sales of liquor.

The Manipur government had decided to partially lift the prohibition on the sale and consumption of liquor in the state. Manipur was declared a dry state in 1991 after the enactment of the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991. The decision of the state government received strong objections from various civil bodies campaigning against drug and alcohol abuse in the state. The state government has published gazette notification on March 24 amending the Manipur Value Added Tax (Third Amendment) Act, 2023.

As per gazette notification, the words “alcoholic liquor for human consumption” shall be inserted after “Diesel Oil” in Section 9 of the original Act. The notification also

notified another insertion, “Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, in case of Oil Marketing Company having no retail depot in the state and are so urced from outside to various retailers in the state, the retailer registered under this Act shall deposit the tax payable for the indenting of motor spirit (including aviation turbine fuel, aviation spirit and aviation gasoline) and Diesel Oil at the rate as prescribed in Schedule-I of this Act, into the Government Account in the prescribed manner by a separate challan and hand over one copy of the deposited challan to the Oil Marketing Company before the oil is loaded or lifted in the oil tanker vehicle or carrier. In case, Oil Marketing

Company, if found loaded the oil without receiving the said challan from the retailer, the Company shall be treated as offences committed under section 81 of this Act” under Section 9 sub-section (3)(b) . In the explanation section, the amended Act adds, “In case of potable liquor mentioned, except country spirit, the licensee of the bonded warehouse, who sells these items to a wholesale licence holder or to a retailer holding “on” or off’ licence, shall be deemed to be the first point seller, irrespective of whether he imports such items from outside the state or he purchases such items from a manufacturer or a bottling unit or another bonded warehouse within

the state. The retail license holder while depositing the excise duty shall also deposit the tax payable under this Act into the Government Account in the prescribed manner by a separate challan and hand over one copy of the challan to the bonded warehouse.”

It further said: “In case of country spirit, the person in charge of the country spirit warehouse, who sells or supplies such items to a licensed retail vendor shall be deemed to be the first point seller who shall be liable to pay tax on the sale price of the item as defined in clause (xxvi) of Section 2 including excise duty and any other duty or fee, by whatever name called, payable thereon.

The retail vendor while depositing the cost price and excise duty shall also deposit the tax payable under this Act into the Government Account in the prescribed manner by a separate challan and handover one copy of the deposited challan to the person-in-charge of such warehouse’’ .

jail.

Pannu who claimed to be as a supporter of proKhalistani separatist leader Amritpal Singh, said: “ProKhalistan supporters Sikhs imprisoned in Assam have been tortured. Listen very carefully CM Sarma, the fight is between Pro-Khalistan Sikhs and the Indian regime and Modi. Sarma does not fall prey to this violence. We are seeking the liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation through a peaceful democratic process of the Khalistan referendum. Sharma, if your government is going

to torture and harass the six, you will be held accountable. The message is from Gurpatwan Singh Pannu, General Counsel of Sikhs for Justice (sic).”

Following this, Assam Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh informed that Central agencies in the country had been alerted and Sarma’s security too had been adequately sensitized. “In view of global events, the threat is being taken very seriously by Assam Police. The central agencies have been kept in the loop on the issue,” DGP Singh tweeted.

DECLARATION

I Smti. DHRUBA KUMARI RAI, D/o ARJA BAHADUR RAI of Peren District, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare before the magistrate. That my actual name is Smti. DHRUBA KUMARI RAI. Whereas it has been inadvertently written as Smti. DURBA KUMARI RAI, in some of my documents. That from this day of signing this affidavit, Smti. DHRUBA KUMARI RAI, shall be the right name which shall be used for all purposes. Declarant

Solemnly declared before me on this day the 31st of March 2023. Magistrate Notary DB-460/23

AffidAvit

Regd. No. 226/2023

Date 06/04/2023

I, Smti. Arenla Temsu Ao, daughter of Shri. Imlitemsu Jamir, resident of H/No. 386 Middle Point Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows :-

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and a resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That in all official documents my name is entered as “Arenla Temsu Ao.” However, in my Appointment Order bearing Order No. DSE/HINDI/GEN-1/2011/1750 Dt. 12/12/2011 my name has been overwritten/clerical mistake as well as my father’s name, whereas in PIMS bearing Employment Code No. EDN/10050 my name is wrongly recorded as “SHRI. ARENLA TEMSU”, Designation as “UGHT”, date of birth as “12/06/1990” and father’s name as “IMLITEMSU”.

3. That I am swearing this affidavit for the purpose of declaring that the actual and correct order should be “SMTI ARENLA TEMSU AO”, Designation should be “GHT”, date of birth be 12/06/1988 and my father’s name shall be read as “IMLITEMSU JAMIR”.

4. That I do hereby verify that the above mentioned statements are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing is false.

DEPONENT

Solemnly affirm before me by the deponent on this 6th day of April, 2023. NOtARY PUBLiC

DP-1543/23

A ffid A vit

No. 352/23

I, Smti. K. vetoli Sumi, D/o Kikheto Sumi, permanent resident of Toluvi Village, presently residing at PWD Colony, Dimapur : Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:-

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That my official name is K. Vetoli Sumi as entered and recorded in all my official documents, however, in my service appointment Order NO.ED/ HT/A/3/06/07 dated 21.12.2006 and PIMS, my name has been erroneously entered/recorded as Vetoli Sumi.

3. That the name K. Vetoli

5.

Amit Shah with Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, in Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh, Monday. (PTI)

Lt Gen PC Nair with others at conference.

Pro-Khalistani offers $100k to throw shoe at PM

MPCC legal departemnt chairman S Shyamcharan talking to reporters after coming out from state CEO

Gurpatwan Singh Pannu

SNIPPETS

Covid-19 cases are rising, but don’t panic, maintain hygiene: IMA

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (AGENCIES): Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday asked the citizens not to panic after the country witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases and advised the people to maintain hygiene. IMA in a statement said, “Don’t panic. We have controlled it before, We will do it now also with your support. Covid cases are rising, but don’t panic. Maintain hygiene.” The statement said that the reason behind the Covid surge in our country may be--Relaxation of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. Many people lowered their guard against the coronavirus. People with symptoms refused to get tested. This may have allowed the virus to spread undetected and infect more people, added the statement. The statement said, “The vaccination drive has developed a false sense of security, and so we lowered the guard against the infection.”

Minor girl sexually harassed by man

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI): A five-year-old girl was allegedly sexually harassed by a man in southwest Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area, police said on Monday. The incident took place on April 8 when the victim’s parents were out for work, they said, adding the accused has been arrested. As her parents were away, the girl went to her servant’s room to play with her son. However, the servant’s husband entered the room and partially undressed and flashed his private parts in front of her, a senior police officer said. The girl narrated the incident to her mother who approached the police, he said.

TN Gov assent to bill to ban online gambling

CHENNAI, APR 10 (PTI): Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has given his assent to a bill banning online gambling which was adopted in March by the state Assembly for a second time, official sources said on Monday.

The Governor has cleared the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill, they said. The bill was adopted again on March 23 by the Assembly after it was returned by Governor Ravi earlier.

9 kg heroin smuggled from Pakistan seized

JAIPUR, APR 10 (PTI): Four people were arrested and nine kilogram of heroin smuggled from Pakistan and worth around Rs 35 crore was seized in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, police said on Monday. The arrests were made on Sunday during two separate operations in Mohangarh police station and Jaisalmer Kotwali police station areas of Jaisalmer, Additional Director General of Police (Crime Branch) Dinesh M N said. Four people were arrested and a total of nine kilogram of heroin smuggled from Pakistan was seized, he said, adding the accused were under the radar of the Crime Branch for almost a month.

Man held for murdering wife in Kerala

MALAPPURAM, APR 10 (PTI): A 35-year-old man was arrested here for allegedly murdering his wife and escaping with her gold ornaments, police said on Monday. Mohammed Rafeeq was arrested for the suspected murder of his wife Fathima (30), and her gold ornaments were recovered from his house at Avanakkunnu, police said.

‘Isn’t arbitrary’, SC junks plea challenging Agnipath scheme

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed two pleas challenging a Delhi High Court judgment that upheld the Centre’s Agnipath scheme for recruitment into the armed forces, saying candidates who got selected in recruitment drives like rallies before the launch of the short-term service scheme don’t have a vested right to appointment.

The top court dismissed two separate pleas filed by Gopal Krishan and others and another by advocate ML Sharma against the high court verdict.

The bench, however, posted a third fresh plea related to recruitment in the Indian Air Force (IAF) prior to the launch of the Agnipath scheme for hearing on April 17.

It asked the Centre to file its response to the third plea related to recruitment in the IAF.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said, “Sorry, we would not like to interfere with the high court verdict. The high court had

dealt with all the aspects.”

At the outset, advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for some of the candidates aspiring for jobs in the IAF, said the petitioners were put on the provisional select list and they had cleared the written examination and undergone physical and medical tests.

“The government kept on saying that they will be given appointment letters which were being delayed due to the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Petitioners did not join paramilitary forces as they were waiting for a letter from the IAF,’’ Bhushan said, adding for three years the candidates had to wait and wait for their

TN Dalit outfits seek CBI probe into feces in water tank case

CHENNAI, APR 10 (IANS): Dalit outfits in Tamil Nadu have demanded a CBI inquiry in the case of human feces found in the drinking water tank in Vengavayal in Pudukottai district.The incident happened in December 2022 when human excreta was found mixed in an overhead drinking water tank. The tank was supplying water to a Dalit colony, who then alleged that “it was a clear case of upper caste people insulting them”.

R. Selvanathan, President, Ambedkar Study Forum, a think tank on Dalit studies, based out of Tiruchi while speaking to IANS said, “The mixing of human excreta in drinking water is a clear message to the Dalit community. The message, as per I could decode, is that the Dalits are still much much lower in strata to the upper castes and the middle

Important to have India on board: Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister

and not contract,” the bench told Bhushan.

Advocate Arunava Mukherjee, appearing for petitioner Gopal Krishan and others, said he is not challenging the Agnipath scheme but is only seeking that the earlier recruitment process forthe Army and IAF be completed.

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI): India is a global leader and can help in addressing key global challenges and promoting peace, Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova said on Monday and invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year that ‘today’s era is not of war’.

appointment letters. He called it a fit case for application of the doctrine of promissory estoppel (the doctrine prevents the promisor or enterprise from going back on promise).

The bench told Bhushan, “This is not a contract and moreover the doctrine of promissory estoppel is subject to the overarching public interest.”

It said the court is not going to nullify the subsequent recruitment of candidates under the scheme and cancellation of the earlier process of recruitment cannot be termed as arbitrary.

“There is nothing for us to interfere and it is a matter of public employment

The recruitment process was not completed as the final test for Army was postponed a number of times due to the pandemic and, in case of IAF, the result was not declared even after conducting the final test.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, said the high court had dealt with all the relevant aspects and given a detailed verdict.

“During the pandemic, there were all kinds of issues and it was extraordinary times and every institution like this court had to deal with it. It is not a question of pick and choose of the candidates. We came up with the scheme to fill up the vacancies in the interest of defence and national interest,” she asserted.

After briefing Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Verma on the ground situation in Ukraine, Dzhaparova said she updated the Indian side on Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russia’s “unprovoked aggression” and invited New Delhi to join President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace formula and the grain initiative. Dzhaparova said it is important to have India on board.

At the same time, she also said that Ukraine is not in a position to instruct India on its economic relations with other countries, in an apparent reference to New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow.

Dzhaparova’s visit to India is the first from Ukraine after Russia began its invasion of the east Euv-

ropean country on February 24 last year. Replying to a question during a brief interaction with reporters after meeting Verma, Dzhaparova described India as a global leader and a ‘Vishwaguru’ which can play a role in addressing global challenges.

“I think India is a global player. It is really a ‘Vishwaguru’ of the world. We are feeling the pain by actually fighting for the values. This is about justice.

“Rusia is questioning the very existence of my country. In our history of 1,500 years, Ukraine never attacked any country,” she said.

“We never have this imperialistic and chauvin-

istic attitude towards our neighbours. We are victims of the unprovoked neocolonial war. There is a need to promote peace and justice as your prime minister in Samarkand also said that ‘it is not an era of war’. Would we support this? Purely and fully,” she said.

The Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister, referring to Russia, said, “Unfortunately, we have a country which questions the existence of other countries.”

She also noted that an invitation to PM Modi to visit Ukraine is already there and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will also extend the same to the Indian leader.

AI deboards unruly passenger onboard Delhi-London flight

caste communities and they need not aspire to try and come up in life.”

He said that the Ambedkar Study Forum and other like-minded organisations would conduct protest marches in Pudukottai demanding CBI probe.

M.S. Sulekhamani, a Dalit woman activist associated with the Centre for Dalit Studies and Thoughts, based out of Chennai while speaking to IANS said, “The Dalits are treated meanly in several internal parts of Tamil Nadu and the Vengavayal incident is a classic example. If the CB-CID of the Tamil Nadu Police is not able to crack the case that took place as early as December 2022, then what is the point in continuing with them, let the CBI conduct a comprehensive investigation. Why is the government shying away? Any powerful vote bank at stake?”

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI): Air India on Monday morning deboarded a 25-year-old male passenger, who caused physical harm to two female cabin crew members by allegedly hitting them onboard a Delhi-London flight, which returned to the national capital around three hours after departure. The Delhi Police said the passenger, identified as Jaskirat Singh from Kapurthala in Punjab, has been detained and a case has been filed against him on a complaint filed by Air India’s cabin crew supervisor.

Sources said the flight AI 111 had around 225 passengers. The male passenger was in seat 20E in the economy class and the cabin crew used restraining devices for the passenger to bring the situation under control, they added.

After landing, the passenger was handed over to the security personnel.

“Not heeding to verbal

and written warnings, the passenger continued with unruly behaviour including causing physical harm to two of the cabin crew members,” Air India said in a statement.

When asked about his unruly behaviour, the passenger said, “mera mann kharab tha (I was upset)...”, according to a senior police officer.

Citing the complaint by Air India’s cabin crew supervisor, the Delhi Police said that after one hour of flight, Singh was seen trying to open a door of the aircraft.

“She along with her

Leave political spectacles behind while abroad: VP

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said people should leave their “political spectacles” behind while embarking on a foreign visit, in an apparent reference to a row over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made during a recent visit to the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a World Homeopathy Day function here, Dhankhar said as India lays the foundation for the centenary of its independence in 2047, every attempt that seeks to attack the country’s dignity should be blunted.

“Have you ever noticed a foreign dignitary or foreign national on a visit to this great democracy decrying or criticising his nation?

The answer is an obvious no. Why cannot we take pride in our scientists, health warriors and compliment

our innovation?” Dhankhar asked.

“Whenever we travel out of the country, we should leave our political spectacles behind. This will be beneficial for the country as well as the individual,” he added.

The vice president’s comments came in the wake of Gandhi’s remarks made in the UK, expressing regret that democratic parts of the world, including the United States and Europe, have failed to notice that a “large chunk of democracy has come undone” in India.

The ruling Bharatiya

Janata Party (BJP) slammed the Congress leader’s remarks, accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking an apology from him. The row over Gandhi’s remarks also hit Parliament, leading to a near washout of the second part of the Budget Session.

The vice president has also been critical of Gandhi’s remarks and has expressed his displeasure on previous occasions as well. Addressing the homeopathy practitioners, Dhankhar said everyone should resolve to add to India’s prestige abroad and not allow it to be maligned.

“We must take pride in our historic achievements and be proud Indians. India has become the fifth-largest global economy and by all objective assessment, by the turn of the decade, it will be the third-largest economy. This is because of the com-

mitment of our people and their good health. If we are assured of good health, nothing can stop us,” he said.

The vice president urged businessmen and industrialists to stand committed to economic nationalism. “No amount of economic gain can justify deviation from economic nationalism,” he said.

Dhankhar said homeopathy as a form of treatment has a rich history spanning over two centuries.

“In our country, in the last few years, it is being nurtured and has become a significant factor to our health apparatus and mechanism. The World Health Organization acknowledges homeopathy as the secondlargest and fastest-growing system of medicine in the world and it has marked its presence in more than 80 countries,” he added.

Radical preacher Amritpal’s close aide Papalpreet held

CHANDIGARH, APR 10 (PTI): Radical preacher Amritpal Singh’s close aide Papalpreet Singh was nabbed in Amritsar district and detained under the National Security Act, police said on Monday.

Addressing the media here, Punjab Police Inspector General (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said, “He (Papalpreet) is the main associate of Amritpal Singh. He has been arrested from Kathunangal area in Amritsar.”

He said Papalpreet has been detained under the stringent National

Security Act (NSA) and that six other cases have also been registered against him. Earlier, officials said Papalpreet was arrested in a Punjab Police operation that also involved its counter intelligence wing. They had also said that he was arrested in Hoshiarpur.

Papalpreet is considered to be Amritpal’s mentor and has allegedly been in contact with Pakistan’s ISI.

Gill said further legal action will be taken against Papalpreet.

The police had been conducting searches at many places, including Hoshiarpur, to nab the duo who had

been hoodwinking the securitymen since March 18 when police had launched a crackdown against the Khalistan sympathiser and his aides.

Papalpreet’s arrest comes days after a CCTV footage made the rounds on social media in which he could be seen at a ‘dera’ (place for religious congregation) in a village in Hoshiarpur.

The footage is said to be of March 29, a day after a team of the counter intelligence wing chased an Innova car from Phagwara to Hoshiarpur after the police suspected that the fugitive and his aides could be in that vehicle.

colleague tried to stop him but he threatened to hit us and used unparliamentary language. After that he became violent and hit her on her neck very hard and she fell on the floor. After that he pulled her hair and then hit the other crew member on her face.

“After that he was restrained with the help of other crew members and passengers,” the statement said.

Singh along with his parents was going to London for the first time and from there, they were planning to travel to Canada to

visit Singh’s sister, the senior police officer said.

The Delhi Police said investigation is going on.

Medical examination of the two crew members have been done. A case has been registered under Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant sections Aircraft Rules 1937.

The aircraft which took off for London Heathrow returned to the national capital shortly after departure “due to the serious unruly behaviour of the passenger”. The pilot in command decided to return to the Delhi airport, Air India said.

The rescheduled flight took off for London in the afternoon.

Sources at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the flight took off from the national capital at around 6.35 am and a brawl happened between the passenger and two crew members onboard. Then, the plane made a turn back to Delhi and landed at around 9.40 am, the DGCA sources said. “Safety, security and dignity of all on board are important to us at Air India. We are providing all possible support to the affected crew members. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers,” the airline said.

On Monday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory to airlines reiterating the existing provisions in place to deal with unruly pasengers. In recent times, there have been various incidents of unruly passengers onboard domestic and international flights.

In pursuance to this Office Advertisement. NO.CT/ESTT/74/2022 dated 2nd December, 2022; the Date & time schedule for the Oral interview is hereby notified and uploaded in the Department's web portal "nagalandtax.nic.in" and displayed in the Office Notice Board of the Commissioner of State Taxes and all respective District State Taxes Offices for information and necessary action. Therefore, the candidates are directed to visit the Department's web portal or the nearest district Taxes Offices for their allotted date & time of interview.

MEA Secy. (West) Sanjay Verma with First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova. (PTI)

Jagdeep Dhankhar

Staring at debt trap

Nagaland’s financial health is in a precarious condition unless there is a political will to arrest the deepening crisis and rescue the state from an impending economic crisis, any talk or preparation of vision documents would mean nothing. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who also holds the crucial finance portfolio presented a Rs. 2212.74 crore budget deficit for the year 2023-24. The negative opening balance for 2021-22 accounted for Rs 2363.04 crore. According Rio, the closing accumulated deficit has been reduced substantially from the estimated closing amount of Rs 2,212.74 crore in budget estimates to Rs 1,334.17 crore in the revised estimates. What is more worrisome is the state’s Internal Debt data reported at 82,782.540 in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of Rs. 85,985.410 for 2022. Capital Receipts data was reported at Rs. 1,60,751.160 and revenue receipts at Rs 23,145.66. The huge mounting debt of the state is the sum total of fiscal indiscipline over the decades and also the fact that the state has no substantial revenue earnings to substantially reduce the figure. Internal debt of several north eastern states, excluding Assam, are also high but most have better revenue earning potential. For example, Manipur’s internal debt stands at Rs. 93,684.100 in 2023 but its capital receipts stands at Rs. 2,49,950.820 while its revenue receipts are estimated at Rs, 2,44,478.620. The current 2023-24 budget for Manipur stands at Rs 35,022 crore while its budget deficit is estimated at Rs 891 crore. Meghalaya’s internal Debt data was reported at Rs. 25,648.500 in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of Rs. 21,800.000 for 2022. Meghalaya’s Capital receipts stands at Rs.244,478.620 and revenue receipts at Rs.160,353.530. The budget for 2023-24 for Meghalaya was estimated at Rs.46,600 crore and a deficit of Rs.1592 crore. Mizoram’s internal debt data stands at Rs. 24,290.000 in 2023 while its capital receipts stands at Rs. 2723.32 and revenue receipts at Rs. 11,486.63 crore. The budget for 2023-24 for Mizoram stands at Rs. 14,209.95 crore and deficit at Rs. 1,565.000. Arunachal Pradesh’s internal debt stands Rs. 1,700.000 for 2023 while its capital receipts stands at Rs. 2,441,163.810 and revenue receipts at Rs. 238,385.400. The budget for Arunachal Pradesh for 2023-24 was estimated at Rs 17,947 crore and a deficit of Rs 758.26 crore for 2023-24. From the above, it is seen that Nagaland’s debt is growing each year in tandem with annual budget deficit. The option to come out of the debt trap is to strictly curtail unnecessary expenditure and to allot funds for creation of revenue generating assets. The undue urgency given for construction projects has to be drastically cut down as they are a drain on the budget that rob the state of much needed funds as state’s share for central projects. There is need for more transparency and accountability in financial matters. The wants will perhaps never be fully met so therefore, it is important to identify the need-based areas that serve the overwhelming number of people both in the urban and rural areas. Budgets should not be a five-year ritual or at the most, a ten-year vision but a clear blueprint to set in place a sustainable economy.

DailyDevotion

Complete and Effective Divinity

If we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection… —Romans 6:5 Co-Resurrection. The proof that I have experienced crucifixion with Jesus is that I have a definite likeness to Him. The Spirit of Jesus entering me rearranges my personal life before God. The resurrection of Jesus has given Him the authority to give the life of God to me, and the experiences of my life must now be built on the foundation of His life. I can have the resurrection life of Jesus here and now, and it will exhibit itself through holiness. The idea all through the apostle Paul’s writings is that after the decision to be identified with Jesus in His death has been made, the resurrection life of Jesus penetrates every bit of my human nature. It takes the omnipotence of God— His complete and effective divinity— to live the life of the Son of God in human flesh. The Holy Spirit cannot be accepted as a guest in merely one room of the house— He invades all of it. And once I decide that my “old man” (that is, my heredity of sin) should be identified with the death of Jesus, the Holy Spirit invades me. He takes charge of everything. My part is to walk in the light and to obey all that He reveals to me. Once I have made that important decision about sin, it is easy to “reckon” that I am actually “dead indeed to sin,” because I find the life of Jesus in me all the time (Romans 6:11). Just as there is only one kind of humanity, there is only one kind of holiness— the holiness of Jesus. And it is His holiness that has been given to me. God puts the holiness of His Son into me, and I belong to a new spiritual order.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

The character of a man is known from his conversations. Menander

On ULB imbroglio Summer musings: Navigating the ups and downs of the season

Some few days back, I saw a status of a friend, who is a daughter, a sister and a mother to someone from the very proud land she was birthed. She poignantly wrote about the repeal and of the Nagaland Municipal Act in Toto without mentioning the same, God forbid if she openly spoke out about it.

It tugged at the deepest of my heart. I felt sad and powerless and scared of the powers that some wields over our Naga society. Something has gone so wrong with us that we no longer understand the meaning of equality. That uplifting the minorities is not just our fundamental duty but we should be morally obligated as a conscientious society.

The Imbroglio over the Urban Local Bodies elections has taken a toll, lives have been lost, dreams have been shattered and developments has been stalled.

Well, I am grateful to some of our leaders who takes pride in showing to the world that the Naga men folks are but just a bunch of misogynists.

I would like to implore those against ULB elections and reservations in particular that those candidates will not come from foreign lands, rather it’ll be your own

mothers, sisters and daughters, who will just be participating in the local bodies afforded by the reservations. If you say that they are at par with men and reservations is moot kindly think again. To those in power, who didn’t want to vacate the comforts of their wards for reservation just imagine if we had been having ULB elections post 2004. Your turn would have definitely come…

The youths are waiting and tired, since 2004 we have successfully managed to block funds meant for developments.

In fact, the Nagaland Municipal Act was passed in 2001. First amendment to include women reservation in 2006.

Second amendment in 2007 deleting taxation over land/ buildings etc. Those still wary about the NMA may read the Amendments.

As per the Finance ministry a total of 9,172.63 crore had been released in 2021-2022 alone. If you calculate the numbers of years, we have missed out on the funds meant for development of our towns and villages it is to the tune of thousands of crores.

In India’s budget allocations for 2023-24, it is noted that an amount of INR 764.32 billion has been assigned for improving various urban

sectors, including housing, transport, sanitation, and other infrastructures. We will be missing out all these.

As the Chief Secretary’s letter is not enough, the President of the Bar Association of Nagaland has clarified that the words “Omitted” and “Deleted” carries the same weight. The contentious “taxations over lands and properties” in the NMA has been amended.

I wonder if our CSOs has a different lawyer to interpret the NMA and the Amended Acts to them. Harping on the effects it will have on our beloved Art. 361A even when many lawyers has cleared for us is really mind boggling.

The hasty decision taken by our elected representatives to repeal the Act in Toto when the CSOs are demanding the replacement of the word “Omitted” to “Deleted” is also another thing altogether.

Where do our society go from here.?

I sincerely appeal to our elders, leaders and legitimate representatives to take decisions which will benefit all sections of the society and also alleviate our standing with the outside world.

Kuknalim.

Rukewezo Wetsah, Former President, Tenyimi Students’ Union, Dimapur.

Summer has arrived, and with it comes a wave of mixed emotions. Some of us love the season for its warm sunshine, long days, and vacations. But for others, the hot and humid weather can be unbearable, and the prospect of sweating through our clothes all day is enough to make us want to hide under a rock.

As we bid farewell to winter’s icy grip, we’re left with a big question mark. Do we welcome summer with open arms and celebrate its arrival, or do we quietly slip away and seek refuge in the shade of a tree? It’s a tough call, but one that we’ll have to make sooner or later.

One thing that’s impossible to ignore in the summer is the ice cream man’s jingle, which seems to follow us everywhere we go. The sound of the ice cream truck is like a siren song, luring us towards sweet treats and frozen delights. And let’s not forget about the importance of Dermi Cool, the trusty powder that keeps us cool and dry in the face of summer’s heat.

Gone are the days of winter clothes and heavy quilts; instead, we’re left with shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. But as the mercury rises, so too does our discomfort. The heat is so intense that we might even grow a beard in protest (or just because we’re too hot to shave).

And let’s not forget about the power cuts. Just as we settle into bed, the electricity goes out, leaving us in the dark and unable to sleep. It’s enough to make us wish for a break from the heat, or maybe a cold beer or two.

But despite all of summer’s drawbacks, we’ll soldier on and play the summer game. We’ll slather on sunscreen, sip iced tea, and spend lazy afternoons in the pool. And who knows, we might even grow to love the season’s unique charms.

So, as we welcome summer with all its quirks and challenges, let’s remember to stay cool, hydrated, and (hopefully) sweat-free. Here’s to a summer of fun, laughter, and good times.

E-cigarettes are easily available at tobacco shops and sold to anyone without any age verification, the findings of a joint survey have revealed.

The findings have been shared with the Union health ministry.

The survey conducted across six states -- Assam, Goa, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana -- and Delhi also found that e-cigarettes get delivered within a couple of days when ordered online (through e-commerce websites, exclusive vape websites, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other social media sites) and are sold without any age verification.

Also, most of the vendors are not aware that e-cigarettes have been banned by law and are openly selling those, and the e-cigarettes that are being sold are mostly manufactured in China, the survey conducted by five organisations -- Voluntary Health Association of India, VOICE, Nadda India, National Law School University India, Bangalore and Karnataka NO for Tobacco -- said.

Despite the ban clamped by the government in 2019, e-cigarettes are easily available at tobacco shops and sold to children below 18 years

of age, it added. Shops and vendors were randomly selected for the survey. A total of 100 points of sale were surveyed across the six states and Delhi.

The survey was conducted both online and offline.

The field investigators checked on the availability of e-cigarettes, age verification, awareness on the ban and subsequent penalties in case of being found guilty among the vendors.

The survey also found out that e-cigarettes are available among the tobacco vendors operating near educational institutions. Some tobacco vendors do not sell such products but assure a doorstep delivery in accordance with demand.

While ordering online, a few websites ask for age verification, which merely requires ticking a checkbox asking whether the customer is aged 18 years or above, the survey said while pointing out that most of the ecigarettes that are being sold are manufactured in China.

The key findings of the survey were presented at the National Consultation on the Enforcement of Prohibition of Electronic-Cigarettes Act 2019 -- Challenges and

Way Forward, which was held here on February 23. E-cigarettes were banned to protect youngsters from a new form of toxic addiction. However, its enforcement has been weak, resulting in the market being flooded with cheap and unbranded China-made e-cigarettes. Thus, a coordinated effort at the central and state levels is urgently needed to ensure that the ban is effective, said Bhavna Mukopadhyay, chief executive, Voluntary Health Association of India.

Considering the harmful effects and the alarming rise in its prevalence among youngsters, the government prohibited the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of e-cigarettes, including all forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat-not-burn products, e-hookahs and such other devices, called by whichever name and irrespective of their shape, size or form, vide the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019, which was introduced as an ordinance and subsequently formalised into an Act in 2019.“E-cigarettes

were banned in India due to the health risks they pose and to ensure that they do not become an epidemic among children and young adults. The government must ensure the effective compliance and enforcement of the ban,” Dr Harit Chaturvedi, chairman, Max Institute of Cancer Care, said.

Despite heavy penalties and even imprisonment, e-cigarettes are reported to be widely available across a range of sources, including tobacco vendors, general stores and online providers, Chaturvedi said, adding that a rampant use of such products has been observed among youngsters, including school children. It thus appears that e-cigarette marketers have illicitly managed to achieve a foothold in the market that has not been completely redressed by the ban, he said.

“The prevalence of vape products, especially among teens, is a global epidemic. The government’s role has been remarkable in nipping the vape menace in its bud through the enactment of the PECA. However, there is no follow-up at the ground level on enforcement. There have been very few instances of compliance, such as where the customs department has

seized e-cigarettes coming in the form of toys or some other material,” said Ranjit Singh, a Supreme Court lawyer.

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), in its directions to the states and Union territories, highlighted the weak implementation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, leading to an easy availability of e-cigarettes online, at retail or convenient stores, stationery shops and near educational institutions.

The states were directed to review the compliance with the PECA and issue necessary instructions for an effective implementation of the provisions of the Act through special drives and random checking at schools and colleges.

As a follow-up to the MoHFW directions, the states have taken an initiative to enforce the PECA. The chairman of the Child Protection and Rights Commission of Uttar Pradesh has issued directives to all districts for a strict enforcement of the PECA. The additional director general of police, crime of Bengaluru city (Karnataka) has asked the joint commissioner, crime for a strict enforcement of the PECA and provided

a list of shops where ecigarettes are suspected of being sold.

While the Delhi Police has issued a public notice on the harmful side of e-cigarettes as well as on compliance with the PECA, there have also been reported seizures of China-made e-cigarettes from Noida and Mumbai. E-cigarettes and such devices are battery-operated systems that heat up a substance (in liquid or solid state), which constitutes of nicotine and often flavours, to create an aerosol for inhalation. Nicotine is very addictive and creates dependence. These act as gateway products. E-cigarettes are very attractive by way of design, come in alluring flavours (chocolate, hazelnut, peppermint, gummy bears, crème brulee, mango, cranberry etc.) and their use does not leave a trace of bad smell associated with conventional smoking.

Therefore, the young population, adolescents and children are particularly vulnerable to get initiated to nicotine addiction through the use of e-cigarettes. This is evident from reports from several schools in India where teachers found e-cigarettes in students’ bags. Teen ecigarette use has become an “epidemic” globally. PTI

Career in sports: Scoring for people and the planet

When we play games we want to score and win. True spirit of sports is always positive which helps people to be united and spread friendship. Sports means not only playing but it includes many other aspects when it comes to a career in sports. The importance of sports has always been relevant from ancient days. Apart from winning medals or trophies it can also become a toll for peacebuilding and bringing positive changes in the society.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), which takes place annually on 6 April, presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe. Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right and a powerful tool to strengthen

social ties and promote sustainable development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all.

The global theme for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2023 is “Scoring for People and the Planet”. As in previous years, this overarching theme allows for IDSDP activities to broadly focus around the impact and influence of sport on sustainable development and peace.

From empowering women and girls, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups to advancing health, sustainability, and education objectives, sport offers tremendous potential for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for promoting peace and human rights.

The United Nations has long recognized the power and

universality of sport, using it to unite individuals and groups through supporting sport for development efforts, participating in events from the global to the grassroots level, and developing its own sports-related campaigns and initiatives.

Due to its vast reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace. To raise awareness of this potential, 6 April was declared as the IDSDP by the UN General Assembly.

The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition by the UN of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.

When it comes to career then there are many opportuni-

ties and the best one is to become a sports person for which we need training and practice from childhood.

Apart from being a sports person we can study courses like Physical Education and become coaches for others. There are many sports institutions in the country and abroad that train sportspeople and others who want to make physical education as their career choice. Other common career opportunities related to sports include event managers to organize sporting events, sports journalists, physiotherapists, sports journalists, sports commentators, etc.

We are aware that sports Industry means any sponsor, corporate, health workers, fitness trainers, broadcaster, or any other individual or entity involved in promoting, developing, and/or investing, either directly or indi-

rectly, in sports-related activities in India. Skill erosion in sports is a serious constraint as more than 90 per cent of the sports persons who take up sports as a passion leave sports because of non-availability of opportunities within the Sports Sector.

There are more opportunities now as sporting events have increased and India has moved beyond cricket of 50 over or test matches.

Government provides support to sportspeople and many get employment in the public sector undertakings or other corporate. There are also scopes for sports psychologists and strategists who can make good winning strategies. The best part is that one can be successful in this field even if s/he is not good in academics.

Ranjan K Baruah bkranjan@gmail.com

Lilon Lamichhane, Karbi Anglong, Assam

Despite ban, e-cigarettes widely available at shops, sold without age verification: Survey

SNIPPETS

Jilted lover stabs

minor girl in Delhi

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(IANS): A 17-year-old girl sustained injuries after she was stabbed multiple times by her jilted lover after she discontinued her relationship with him, the police said on Monday. The incident took place on Sunday at around 1 p.m. in Southeast Delhi’s Molarband Extension area. The police said that the girl is undergoing treatment at a hospital, where her condition is stated to be stable. .

Two girls jump out of moving car

SRINAGAR, APR 10 (IANS): Two teenage girls reportedly escaped molestation on Monday by jumping out of a moving car in J&K’s Kupwara district. The Kralgund police station received information that two teenage girls had sought lift from a private vehicle at Rasripora to go to Watergam. On boarding the vehicle, the driver and another person attempted to molest the girls upon which they jumped out of the car at Rasripora, the police said. Based on this information, a FIR under the relevant sections of law has been registered at the Kralgund police station.

Raj Univ provides free

IAS, RAS coaching

JAIPUR, APR 10

(IANS): Students aiming to take competitive exams like IAS and RAS will get free coaching in Rajasthan University after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched the scheme. The Chief Minister on Sunday launched the scheme through video conferencing on the occasion of the foundation day of NSUI. Needy students can prepare for the competitive exams for free. After the inauguration, CM Gehlot also promised to give free mobile phones to women on Raksha Bandhan along with the setting up of special camps for government schemes on April 24.

Iranian trio arrested for posing as cops

GURUGRAM, APR

10 (PTI): Three Iranian nationals who allegedly robbed foreigners by posing as police personnel here have been arrested, officials said on Monday. The accused were arrested by the Delhi Police earlier and confessed to their crimes in Gurugram. They have now been arrested by the police in Gurugram after being taken on a production warrant from Delhi, they said.

The accused -- Hossein Rezaeifard, Marammad Hussain Peerfalak, Abdol Salam -- are now on police remand. According to the officials, an FIR was registered on January 15 at Sadar police station in which Yemeni national Mohammad Ashq Abdul Aziz alleged that he was robbed of USD 4,300 and passport by three men posing as cops.

Guard duped of ` 40k on pretext of work as ‘playboy’

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI): “Do you want to become a playboy and make quick money?”

When Prakash, a security guard in Delhi, received this message from a girl he had come across on Facebook, he thought it was a good way to earn some extra bucks, unmindful that it could be a trap to extract money from him. He readily agreed to pay the initial charges to get himself registered with a firm for the job. The girl initially asked him to pay Rs 1,000 as registration fee which he transferred from Paytm to a Standard Chartered bank account of a man. By the time Prakash realised it was a trap and approached police, he had lost Rs 40,000.

Ghulam Nabi Azad attacks Rahul

SAYS RAHUL HAS TIES WITH ‘UNDESIRABLE BUSINESS’

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): Former Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad’s allegation that Rahul Gandhi has ties with “undesirable businessmen” triggered a political row on Monday with the BJP asking Gandhi to clarify the “serious charge” made against him.

The Congress hit back at Azad alleging that with every passing day he “falls to new depths” to demonstrate his loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Azad’s contemptible statements on the Congress’ leadership reflect his desperation to remain relevant, the Congress said.

In an interview with the Malayalam News channel Asianet News on Sunday, Azad, referring to the Gandhi family, said,”the entire family has associations with businessmen, including him (Rahul). I can give you 10 examples of where he would go, even outside the country, to meet people who are undesirable businessmen.”

Seeking an explanation from Rahul Gandhi over the allegation, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said,”Ghulam Nabi Azad

has made a serious allegation that whenever Rahul Gandhi goes on a foreign tour, he meets many ‘unwanted businessmen.”

“Who are these ‘unwanted traders’ and what are their interests? Is Rahul Gandhi trying to weaken India at the behest of anti-India businessmen and working against Modi ji (PM Narendra Modi)?,” he said at a press conference in Patna. Prasad also wondered why Gandhi is maintaining a “stoic silence” over the alleged involvement of Congress leaders in “a number of scams”. “Revelations made by Azad are serious in nature... Rahul Gandhi needs to clarify,” the senior BJP leader said.

Azad’s charge on Sunday came a day after Rahul

10 held for vandalising mosque in Haryana

Gandhi had taken a swipe at some leaders who have quit the Congress in recent years and some of whom have joined the BJP, while keeping up his offensive against the government over the Adani issue.

Hitting back at Azad, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “With every passing day, Ghulam Nabi Azad falls to new depths to demonstrate his true character and his loyalty to Mr (Narendra) Modi.”

“His contemptible statements on the Congress leadership reflect his desperation to remain relevant. I can only say that he is pathetic,” Ramesh said in a tweet.

In a sharp counterresponse to Ramesh, BJP general secretary (Organ -

Identification of minorities: SC gives states 6 weeks to respond

NEW DELHI, APR 10

isation) BL Santhosh said, “with every passing day you are becoming a bigger trumpeter for ‘Emperor without clothes.”

Coinciding with the launch of his autobiography, Azad has been giving a series of interviews, slamming the Congress leadership and the party and said one has to be “spineless” to remain in the Congress party. He also made some disparaging remarks against Rahul Gandhi as he squarely blamed him for his ouster from the party.

Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir also hit out at Azad on Monday, saying his criticism is a manifestation of “treachery and highest form of ungratefulness” towards the NehruGandhi family on his part.

“Former Congress LOP in Rajya Sabha should also have counted ‘out of turn’ promotions, favours and positions both (official and organisational) he enjoyed during his four decades in power due to Nehru-Gandhi family’s blessings and trust reposed in him,” Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Saifuddin Soz and Tariq Hameed Karra said in a joint statement.

(PTI): The Supreme Court Monday gave the states of Rajasthan and Telangana and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir six weeks to submit their responses on the issue of identification of minorities at the state level, after the Centre pleaded for giving them a “last opportunity”.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K M Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, told a bench of Justices S K Kaul and A Amanullah that responses were still awaited from Rajasthan and Telanagana. Part reply from Jammu and Kashmir was also awaited, he said. He urged the bench to give them the last opportunity to furnish their responses. The bench, while giving them six weeks to respond, said copy of its order be sent to the two states and the Union Territory informing them that the apex court will close the opportunity for accepting their responses if they fail to do so within the deadline. The top court posted the matter for further hearing in July.

The apex court was hearing the pleas, including the one filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay,

Siddaramaiah questions Centre’s move to conduct CRPF exam only in Hindi & English

which has sought directions for framing guidelines for identification of minorities at the state level, contending that Hindus are in minority in 10 states.

While hearing the matter on January 17, the apex court had expressed displeasure over six states and Union Territories (UTs), including Rajasthan and Telengana, not submitting their comments to the Centre on the issue of identification of minorities at the state level. “We fail to appreciate why these states/Union Territories do not respond and thus give last opportunity to the central government to obtain the responses from them, failing which we will presume that they have nothing to say,” it had said.

On January 17, Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, had referred to the status report filed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs which said that 24 states and six UTs have so far furnished their comments on the issue.

The status report, filed in the apex court in January, had said that comments from six states and UTs -Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan

and Telangana -- were still awaited.

On November 22 last year, the Centre had told the top court that it has held consultative meetings with all state governments, UTs and other stake holders on the issue of identification of minorities at the state level and 14 states had furnished their views so far. nDuring the earlier hearing, Upadhyay had told the bench that he has challenged the validity of section 2(f) of the National Commission for Minority Education Institution Act, 2004. Terming section 2(f) of the Act, which empowers the Centre to identify and notify minority communities in India, as “manifestly arbitrary, irrational, and offending”, his plea has alleged that it gives unbridled power to the Centre. “Can minority status be decided district-wise? How can that be done,” the bench had earlier observed during the hearing.

On May 10 last year, the apex court had expressed displeasure over the Centre’s shifting stand on the issue of identification of minorities, including Hindus, at the state level and directed it to hold consultations with the states within three months.

Govt using new software to spy over people opposed to it: Cong

CHANDIGARH,

APR 10 (PTI): A group of men armed with lathis allegedly barged into a mosque in a village in Haryana’s Sonipat, attacked people offering namaz and vandalised the place, police said on Monday.

At least six people were injured in the Sunday evening attack in the mosque in Sandal Kalan village, they said. Police have arrested 10 people for the “unprovoked attack”.

An additional police force was deployed after the

incident but the situation is peaceful in the village now, a Sonipat police official told PTI on Monday.

Sonipat Police Commissioner B Satheesh Balan said that information was received at night that some anti-social elements had entered the mosque. They beat up those offering prayers. “It was an unprovoked attack. There was no previous incident reported in the village which would have caused disharmony (between communities),” he said.

BENGALURU, APR 10

(PTI): Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Monday opposed the alleged decision of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to conduct its recruitment examination only in Hindi and English and not in Kannada. Terming it an injustice to candidates from the nonHindi speaking states like Karnataka, the former CM said the “double engine” government of the BJP has “failed” the state’s aspirants.

“I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immedi-

Siddaramaiah

ately allow the candidates to write the exam in Kannada too. It is important to relax the rule of writing the exam only in English and Hindi to help candidates from nonHindi states,” Siddaramaiah said in a series of tweets. Stating that language does

not reflect knowledge, and it is just a medium of communication, he said, though candidates who have studied in Kannada medium are smart, they are unable to clear the exams because of language barrier. “This is injustice towards our youth.”

“Our youth are being deprived of jobs due to 40 per cent corruption of the state BJP govt and language policy of the Union BJP government. This has increased the unemployment rate and destroyed the future of our youth,” he twitted.

7 killed, 37 injured after tree falls on tin shed in Akola temple

AKOLA, APR 10 (PTI):

Seven persons were killed and 37 others injured when a tree fell on a tin shed under which people were standing in a temple premises after heavy wind and rains in Maharashtra’s Akola district, officials said on Monday.

The incident took place at around 7.30 pm on Sunday at Babuji Maharaj temple located in Paras village under Balapur taluka when the people had gathered for the ‘maha aarti’, Akola Col-

State Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadna-

Fast by Pilot would amount to anti-party activity: Congress

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): Taking strong objection to the proposed dharna by former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, the Congress on Monday evening said any such protest against its sitting government clearly amounts to anti-party activity.

Pilot on Sunday alleged that the Ashok Gehlotled government failed to investigate cases of alleged corruption during the BJP’s rule in Rajasthan and announced plans to hold a day-long fast on April 11 to press for action. Sukhjinder Randhawa, the Congress’ Rajasthan in-charge, said he talked to Pilot during the day and told him to raise issues at party platforms instead of going public against its own government.

“Sachin Pilot’s daylong fast is against the party’s interests. If there is any issue with his own government, it can be discussed in the party forums instead of in the media and the public,” Randhawa said in a statement. Randhawa said he has been an All-India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for the last five months and Pilot never dis-

cussed the issue with him.

“This is clear anti-party activity. I am in touch with him and I still appeal for calm dialogue since he is an indisputable asset to the Congress,” Randhawa said.

“I personally called Sachin Pilot and asked him to raise such matters at party platforms instead of going public like this,” he told PTI when asked if he had discussed Pilot’s proposed fast with him.

Randhawa said any such action or fast is not justified and all matters should be raised within the party platforms and not publicly like this. Randhawa said the two letters Pilot was referring to for action against graft by the previous Vasundhara Raje government have never been raised before him despite several talks and discussions.

Sources close to Pilot said he will go ahead with his day-long fast on Tuesday to press for his demand for action against corruption during the previous BJP regime in Rajasthan and added that his fight is against graft under the Raje dispensation and not targeted at anyone else.

vis expressed grief over the incident which he termed as “very serious and unfor-

tunate”.

Seven people were killed and 37 others injured, Fadnavis said, adding that he has given directions for an inquiry into the incident. The government will provide a compensation to the families of the deceased, he said.

The district authorities said families of each of the deceased will be given a compensation of Rs 4 lakh and the injured persons will be given monetary as-

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Due to the heavy wind and rains, a 100-year-old tree fell on a tin shed under which around 40 people were standing, the district administration said. Five men and two women were killed and 37 others received injuries, it said.

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI): The Congress on Monday accused the government of using a new software to spy over people opposed to it and damage India’s political and democratic system.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that the Modi government first used Cambridge Analytica (CA), then Pegasus, then Israeli Contract Hackers led by “Team Jorge” and now it is vying for a new spyware to “meddle in Indian political system and Democracy”.

“Just like Pegasus, Cambridge Analytica and the recently exposed ‘Team Jorge’ - the Modi government has now bought a new spyware to snoop, spy and surveil individuals and institutions? These institutions include - Opposition parties, NGOs, media houses, civil-rights activists, judiciary, Election Commission, and ev-

ery other Institution which protects any semblance of democracy,” he told reporters.

“If Modi ji is spending so much on malware and spywares to snoop and spy on institutions - why can’t he tell the nation that to whom does the Rs 20,000 Crore in Adani’s shell companies belong to,” he asked. Citing media reports, he said that according to trade data analysed by a prominent newspaper once again, the BJP government stands “exposed” before the nation for its role and complicity in the “illegal and unconstitutional surveillance racket”.

“Who in the Government of India purchased and deployed the illegal spyware - ‘Pegasus’ from Israeli company NSO and who in the Government of India has started deliberations for this new spyware,” Khera asked.

LITTLE STAR HR. SEC. SCHOOL

Midland: Dimapur

Announces Commencement of BRIDGE CLASSES

FOR HSLC APPEARED STUDENTS from 12th April 2023 till HSLC Results are declared Time : 09:00 a.m to 01:00 p.m.

This course is available for students of ANY School who have appeared the recently concluded HSLC Exam 2023 and who plan to take up Science in Hr. Secondary. This Course will help students to prepare for the Science Course and help in choosing subjects.

Following subjects will be taught:

1. Maths

2. Physics

3. Chemistry

4. Biology

5. Computer Science

Registration for the Bridge Classes may be done at the School Office on any working day or any of the following URLs.

validity.

3. GST Registration Certificate. 4.

https://tinyurl.com/mryvz4f2

https://littlestardimapur.com/

Ghulam Nabi Azad

Reliance, Jindal keen to get Future Retail

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): As many as 49 players including Reliance Retail, Jindal Power Ltd and Adani group have submitted Expression of Interest (EoI) for acquiring the assets of debt-ridden Future Retail, which is currently going through insolvency resolution process. Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, which is the holding company for retail operations of RIL and April Moon Retail Private Ltd, a joint venture between Adani Airport holdings and Flemingo group have again submitted their EOI, after the lenders of Future Retail decided to invite fresh bids after dividing FRL’s assets into clusters.

According to an update from FRL’s Resolution Professional, the 49 players would be permitted to submit “resolution plan(s) for any/all such Clusters under Option II”.

Some of the other players who have submitted Expression of Interest (EoI) include Century Copper Corp, Greentech worldwide, Harsha Vardhan Reddy, J C Flowers Asset Reconstruc-

tion Pvt Ltd, Pinnacle Air Pvt Ltd, Universal Associates and WHSmith Travel Ltd among others.

On March 23, 2023 creditors of Future Retail invited new expressions of interest where prospective buyers can bid for the debtridden firm “as a going concern or individual cluster or a combination of clusters of its assets”, as it failed to attract a resolution plan in over four months.

Earlier, it had received EOI and finalised 11 prospective bidders including Reliance and April Moon Retail, but could not get a resolution plan despite two extensions in deadline for submissions.

The Committee of Creditors had provided two options in the EoI, for which

the last date for submission was April 7, 2023.

In the first option, the Prospective Resolution Applicant (PRA) could bid for the acquisition of Future Retail as a whole, including its shareholding interest in its subsidiaries.

While under the second option, Future Retail’s business has been distributed in five clusters diving business, in which PRAs can bid for “any individual cluster or any combination of clusters.”

Giving its reasons, the new EOI had said “having regard to the complexity and scale of operations of FRL, the resolution professional has, in consultation with and prior approval of the CoC of FRL, categorized the business of the corporate

Sensex, Nifty eke out gains in volatile trade, rise for 6th day

MUMBAI, APR 10 (PTI):

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty eked out gains in volatile trade on Monday, extending the winning streak to a sixth day even as investors preferred to stay on the sidelines ahead of the start of quarterly earnings.

The 30-share BSE Sensex ended marginally up by 13.54 points or 0.02 per cent to 59,846.51. During the day, it climbed 276.14 points or 0.46 per cent to 60,109.11.

The broader NSE Nifty advanced 24.90 points or 0.14 per cent to finish at 17,624.05.

Among the Sensex firms, Tata Motors ended with over 5 per cent gains.

Wipro, Power Grid, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, NTPC, Titan, Tata Consultancy Services and HCL Technologies were among the other major winners.

Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank were among the laggards.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Japan ended in the green, while Shanghai settled lower.

The US markets ended in positive territory on Thursday. The stock markets in the US were closed on April 7 for Good Friday.

“The positive quarterly

business updates from auto and real estate firms caused strong movements in their respective sectors, but the overall mood was slightly dampened by solid US job data, which raised fears of further rate hikes by the Fed.

“The release of inflation data in India and the US, along with the FOMC minutes, have now become crucial in determining the market trend,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

The Sensex climbed 143.66 points or 0.24 per cent to settle at 59,832.97 on Thursday. The Nifty gained 42.10 points or 0.24 per cent to finish at 17,599.15.

ZUF serves 7-day ultimatum on ZUF-J

debtor in five clusters.”

CIRP was initiated against FRL by its lender Bank of India after it defaulted on loans.

As per the provisions of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, expression of interest was invited from prospective bidders on October 04, 2022.

Later, it was reissued and the submission date was extended for the Resolution Plan and a final list of 15 PRAs was published on November 15, 2022.

Earlier on March 15,

FRL had informed that almost one and a half months after resigning from the suspended board of FRL, Kishore Biyani has withdrawn his resignation.

This came after the RP had raised objections to the contents of Biyani’s resignation letter and had requested him to recall it.

FRL operated multiple retail formats in both the hypermarket supermarket and home segments under brands, such as Big Bazaar, Easyday, and Foodhall. At its peak, FRL was operating over 1,500 outlets in nearly 430 cities.

DIMAPUR, APR 10 (NPN): Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) on Monday alleged that ZUF faction led by Jianchui Kamei, which entered into a Cessation of Operation (CoO) on December 27, 2022 with the Government of India and Government of Manipur, has failed to disclose the contents of the agreement or agreed points to the Zeliangrong people even after more than three months since the tri-partite agreement was signed.

ZUF through its MIP has, therefore, served a seven-day ultimatum on the ZUF-J to produce the actual document with all the agreed points to the Zeliangrong people.

ZUF warned that failure to release the document within the stipulated time would be construed that “Jianchui gang has entered into an agreement which is detrimental to the cause of Zeliangrong Homeland demand.”

In the event of not producing the document by ZUF-J, MIP said the Zeliangrong people “must realize that they have wilfully hidden their traitorous act with the signing of this agreement.”

ZUF also cautioned that those leaders and individuals conniving with ZUF-J without knowing the agreed terms and conditions would be equally responsible for “this treacherous act committed against the interest of the Zeliangrong people.” It stated that such individuals would also be held accountable for compromising the common interest of the people, adding that “immediate actions deemed fit shall be taken against them.”

Bajaj Auto takes charge of Triumph’s India sales ops

NEW DELHI, APR 10 (AGENCIES): Bajaj Auto has announced that it has successfully completed the transfer of Triumph India’s sales and marekting operations. The announcement comes after three years when the duo announced a strategic partnership in 2020. In a regulatory filing today, Bajaj Auto said “This launches the next phase of the partnership, effective from April 1st, 2023, where all the current 15 Triumph Motorcycle dealerships will be managed by Bajaj Auto.” According to a report by the Livemint, Bajaj Auto and Triumph India entered into a partnership in 2020 where they announced to jointly collaborate to create a new range of mid-sized Triumph Motorcycles in the country. To be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant, these mid-size Triumph Motorcycles will be available by this year.

“The Triumph dealers will join this family as the fifth exclusive retail channel within a network of over 6000 dealers and sub-dealers across Bajaj’s brand portfolio in India. All the existing Triumph dealerships will remain exclusive to the brand and continue to provide a high customer experience in line with Triumph’s global standards,” the company said in a press note.

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director - Bajaj Auto, said, “ We will also leverage our formidable distribution network to rapidly expand the exclusive Triumph stores in India in preparation for the soon-to-be-launched, exciting new motorcycles.”

NCD seeks relief for fire victims

(From p-1)

Camp’s Ward No.3 and donated a small relief Rs. 10,000.

NCD said the team also visited Old Naga Cemetery for ground assessment after report of fire incident.

According to NCD, the team found that “some of the epitaph/ woods written on the memorial stones and marbles” were burnt black. The council said the team advised the Naga Cemetery chowkidar

to be watchful so such fire incident did not happen again in future. NCD team also visited the construction project, Elevated Prayer Hall, undertaken by Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur at Old Naga Cemetery.

It may be mentioned that NCD and ASTD signed an MoU on March 7, 2022 for beautification and revamping of the Naga Cemetery in preparations for the platinum jubilee of NCD in 2024.

Rupee gains 5 paise to close at 81.97 against US dollar

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(PTI): The rupee appreciated by 5 paise to settle at 81.97 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, tracking a weak American currency in the overseas market. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 81.90 against the US currency and finally closed at 81.97 (provisional) against the greenback, registering a gain of 5 paise over its previous close. During the session, the rupee touched a high of 81.78 and a low of 81.98 against the dollar.

On Thursday, the rupee closed at 82.02 against the US currency. On April 7, equity and forex markets were closed on account of Good Friday.

The dollar index, which gauges the green -

back’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.02 per cent to 102.06. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures advanced 0.05 per cent to USD 85.16 per barrel. According to Anuj Choudhary - Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, a belownormal monsoon forecast by Skymet and a strong dollar in early Asian trade weighed on the rupee but positive domestic equities cushioned the downside. The dollar strengthened as non-farm payrolls, though slightly below forecast, indicate a tight labour market. Unemployment rate also slipped to 3.5 per cent from 3.6 per cent. This raised odds that Fed may hike interest rates by 25-bps in its FOMC meeting in May, Choudhary said.

“We expect Indian rupee to

trade with a slight negative bias on strong US Dollar and positive crude oil prices,” Choudhary said. However, positive global markets and fresh FII inflows may support the rupee at lower levels. Investors may look

forward to CPI, Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes retail sales and industrial production data. On the domestic equity market front, benchmark indices continued their winning run for a sixth day with

SSC/NPSC /BANKING

LAND FOR SALE

the 30-share BSE Sensex advancing 13.54 points or 0.02 per cent to end at 59,846.51 and the broader NSE Nifty rising by 24.90 points or 0.14 per cent to 17,624.05.

SNIPPETS

Police: 5 killed in shooting at downtown Louisville building

LOUISVILLE, APR 10

(AP): Police say five people have been killed in a shooting at a bank building in downtown Louisville and the suspected shooter is also dead. Police say six others were brought to the hospital after the Monday morning shooting. The Louisville Metro Police Department said Monday on Twitter there was an ongoing situation and asked people to avoid the area. “There are multiple casualties,” police said in the tweet. Police described it as an “active aggressor.” Witnesses who left the building told WHAS-TV they heard gunfire inside the building. Numerous police vehicles were seen on television footage.

4 killed,18 injured in blast in Pak’s restive Balochistan province

KARACHI, APR 10

(PTI): A powerful blast targeting a police vehicle in a busy marketplace in Pakistan’s restive southwestern Balochistan province on Monday killed at least four people, including two policemen, and wounded 18 others, in a fresh wave of attacks targeting security personnel.

The explosion occurred near a parked police vehicle next to Qandhari Bazar on Shahrah-e-Iqbal in the provincial capital Quetta, the Dawn newspaper reported. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but previous such attacks have been blamed on Baloch insurgents and Islamic militants. “The target was a police vehicle and the bomb was set off remotely,” SP Hameed Qambrani said. He said the blast also damaged several vehicles parked outside shops in the area. “The explosives were planted in a motorcycle,” SSP Operations Captain (retd) Zohaib Mohsin said.

France: 4 bodies

found after Marseille building collapse

MARSEILLE, APR 10

(AP): Two bodies were found on Monday in the rubble following an explosion that collapsed a building in the southern French city of Marseille, bringing the confirmed death toll to four as rescuers continue searching for four more people who are unaccounted-for. Two other bodies had previously been found overnight. The judicial authority will proceed to identify the victims, firefighters said in a statement. Minister for Cities and Housing Olivier Klein told reporters that at least four people have died, after he met with rescuers on site. The collapse occurred shortly before 1 am on Sunday, in an old quarter in the center of Marseille, France’s second-largest city, less than a kilometer (a half-mile) from its iconic old port.

Palestinian teen killed in army raid as settlers hold march

JERUSALEM, APR 10

(AP): The Palestinian Health Ministry said a 15-year-old boy was killed by Israeli fire during an army raid in the occupied West Bank on Monday.

The shooting came as thousands of Israelis led by at least seven Cabinet ministers marched to an evacuated settlement in the territory. The march was a defiant signal that Israel’s most right-wing government in history is determined to accelerate settlement building on occupied lands despite international opposition. It also poses a new test for Israel’s security forces after days of unrest fuelled by tensions over a contested Jerusalem holy site.

China ends drills ‘encircling’ Taiwan

Sayssuccessfully ended‘combat readiness’patrols

BEIJING, APR 10 (PTI): China on Monday said it has successfully completed its three-day large-scale fire and fury military drills “encircling” Taiwan, including the use of an aircraft carrier, aimed at showing its anger over the US House Speaker’s meeting with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.

The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA ) successfully completed all tasks of its combat readiness patrols and exercises around Taiwan Island, official media here reported.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said on Sunday that in the past 24 hours, 70 Chinese aircraft and 11 Chinese ships were spotted around Taiwan.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Beijing has not ruled out the possible use of force to reunify the self-ruled island with the mainland.

China’s military launched exercises around Taiwan on Saturday. (Reuters)

Analysts say that PLA’s exercises this time compared to last August when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s predecessor Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei, becoming the first highprofile American politician to visit the island defying Beijing’s redlines, were muted and far less in intensity.

China deployed its aircraft carrier ‘Shandong’ and the state-run CCTV showed missiles being fired from several of China’s coastal areas into the Taiwan Strait, the busy waterway that separates the self-governing island from the mainland but chose to end it in three days compared to its previous response. Officials here attribute the reason for short-term drills to Presidential elec-

tions in January next year and Beijing was averse to creating a negative public impression in Taiwan which may shore up public support to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headed by Tsai, a firm opponent of reunification with China.

China hosted former Taiwanese politician Ma Ying-jeou, heading Kuomintang (KMT) party which advocates peaceful ties with Beijing. Ma concluded his visit to China just around the same time Tsai visited the US.

The PLA on Saturday said its forces launched combat readiness patrol and military exercises around Taiwan Island, which will last from April 8 to 10.

The patrol and exer -

Dalai Lama apologizes after video asking boy to ‘suck my tongue’

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(AGENCIES): The Dalai Lama, the Tibetans’ 87-year-old spiritual leader, apologised on Monday after footage showed him asking a young boy to “suck my tongue” at a public event.

“A video clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting when a young boy asked his Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug,” said a statement on the exiled leader’s Twitter account, which has 19 million followers.

“His Holiness wishes to apologise to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused.”

Dalai Lama asking a young boy to suck his tongue.

The statement said the Dalai Lama leader “often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident”. The video, which has 1 million views on Twitter, also shows the Nobel peace laureate apparently giving the boy a peck

Biden plans to run for a second term, but not announcing it yet

WASHINGTON, APR 10 (IANS): US President Joe Biden has once agains teased a run for a second term but stopped short of announcing it. “I plan on running,” Biden told an NBC news interview Monday, adding, “but we’re not prepared to announce it yet.”

Biden has said before that he intends to seek a second term but he would announce it only after consulting his family. First Lady Jill Biden told CNN in February, “I’m all for it, of course.” Though an official announcement has not been made yet, there are every indication that the US President will run for a second term, defying questions

about his age, including by members of his own party.

Biden is 80 and is already the oldest president in US history, at the age of 78. If he wins, he will be 82 when he starts the second term in 2025.

Former President Donald Trump, the leading Republican challenger to Biden as of now is 76 and will be 78, if he wins and secures a second term. He lost his reelection in in 2020 to Biden and is running a third time, dogged by mounting legal troubles. President Biden is currently at 42.6 per cent approval rating in FiveThirtyEight’s aggregate of polls, with 52.6 per cent disapproval rating.

cises take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island’s east, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command.

These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking “Taiwan independence” and external forces and against their provocative activities, Shi said, adding that the operations are necessary for safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that secessionist acts of “Taiwan independence” and the connivance and support of external forces to them pose the “greatest danger” to peace in the Taiwan Straits. Acts of “Taiwan independence” are incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits “as fire and water,” Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the ministry, said in response to questions about the ongoing military exercises around the Taiwan Island.

WASHINGTON, APR 10 (PTI): Khalsa is a “uniting and not a dividing force” and a “couple of mischievous characters” are distorting the cardinal virtues of Sikhism by using virtual media, India’s envoy here has said, days after instances of violence at the Indian missions in the US and some other nations by a small group of pro-Khalistan supporters.

Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who comes from an illustrious Sikh family, made the remarks on Saturday at an event where he was presented with the prestigious “Sikh Hero Award” from Sikhs of America along with several other eminent Sikh Americans. “Khalsa, which was created on the Baisakhi day, by Guru Gobind Singh is a uniting and not a dividing force,” Sandhu said in his keynote address at the event, which was attended by eminent Sikh Americans from across the country. The Khalsa tradition was initiated in 1699 by the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh.

The important concepts and fundamentals in the Sikh religion and history include universality, unity, equality, honest living, seva, meditation, peace of mind, and harmony between people, he said.

The Khalsa flag -which flies at the Akal Takht and Nishan Sahibs -- is a flag of unity, peace and universal love, the Indian diplomat said, asserting that Sikhism is a religion of inclusion, brotherhood, love, equality and diversity.

“We must keep these cardinal virtues in mind and not what a couple of mischievous characters spin using virtual media,”

Singh said in an apparent reference to the instances of

violence by a small group of separatists in the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

In his speech, Sandhu shared with the Sikh diaspora the rise of India and some of the key accomplishments of the country in key sectors of the economy, digitisation, health and entrepreneurship.

“In such a scenario, Punjab and the youth in Punjab need to be connected with the economic, financial, tech and digital revolution happening in India,” Sandhu said.

“The government, people and in particular the youth must take advantage of the expanding partnership with the US in various fields that Prime Minister Modi and President Biden are trying to put in place,” he said.

Noting that youth and their parents are spending millions of dollars for sending their children to the US and Canada, Sandhu said the New Education Policy that has been put in place, and the efforts of the Prime Minister will ensure that such education is available in India as well as Punjab.

Imran Khan demands probe into death of complainant

LAHORE, APR 10 (PTI):

on the lips in presence of an audience who are heard clapping and laughing, while a man captures the moment on a phone. Reuters has not verified the clip.

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, is regarded by Beijing as a dangerous separatist. He has worked for decades to draw global support for linguistic and cultural autonomy in his remote, mountainous homeland. He now lives in a compound next to a temple ringed by green hills and snow-capped mountains in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala.

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday demanded a “proper inquiry” into the death of a Sub-Inspector, the complainant and a crucial witness in the assassination attempt on him in Punjab province in November last year.

Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), suffered bullet injuries in the right leg on November 3 when gunmen fired a volley of bullets at him and others standing on a container-mounted truck in the Wazirabad area, some 150 km from Lahore, where he was leading a ‘Long March’ to Islamabad press for snap polls.

Sub Inspector Aamir Shahzad Bhadar, who died of cardiac arrest on Sunday,

was the complainant in the case registered against the gun attack on Imran. Bhadar was the Station House Officer of the Saddar police station in Wazirabad when Imran Khan was attacked in November 2022. He was at his house in his native village Bhadar near the Kharian town of Gujrat when his condition deteriorated, according to family sources. In a series of tweets on

Pak FM tables bill in Parl seeking approval for poll funds for Punjab & Pakhtunkhwa

ISLAMABAD, APR 10 (PTI): Pakistan’s cashstrapped government on Monday presented a bill in Parliament to authorise funds for holding snap elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in line with the directives issued by the Supreme Court despite rejecting the apex court’s decision on the matter. The tabling of the bill by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar comes hours before the deadline given by the Supreme Court for the disbursal of Rs 21 billion to the election commission to hold the polls ends. The bill titled “Charged Sums for General Elections of Provincial Assemblies of Punjab and

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bill 2023” was presented in both houses of Parliament — National Assembly and Senate

The apex court last week ordered the government to provide Rs 21 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by April 10 to enable it to organise polls.

Elections are due to be held on May 14 in Punjab but the date for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections has not been decided as yet.

The government had rejected the decision by the court on provincial elections but in a Cabinet meeting on Sunday decided to seek approval from Parliament for funds. While presenting the bill in the National Assembly, the finance minister said that it is now the responsibility of Parliament to decide whether funds to ECP should be released or not.

Dar said snap polls ordered by the apex court were not in the national interest due to security, and economic situation.

Gilded carriage, jewels, emoji in King Charles III’s Coronation

LONDON, APR 10 (PTI):

A gilded air-conditioned horse-drawn carriage, a series of historic crown jewels and a brand-new emoji for social media to give a modern touch are among the details released by Buckingham Palace in London on Monday for the grand Coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla next month.

The 74-year-old monarch, who succeeded to the British throne after the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September last year, will be formally crowned at a solemn religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6.

It marks a 70-year gap since this royal tradition was last seen in action for

the late Queen in 1953 and next month’s ceremony will include many of the same elements but also add modern-day touches chosen by Charles.

“On the morning of the 6th May, Their Majesties will travel from Buckingham Palace in The King’s Procession to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State

Coach,” the palace said.

“Created for Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Her late Majesty’s reign in 2012, the coach has only ever conveyed the Sovereign, occasionally accompanied by the consort or a visiting Head of State,” it said. “The gilded crown on the top of the Diamond Jubilee State Coach was

carved from oak from HMS Victory, and the coach’s interior is inlaid with samples of woods, metals and other materials from buildings and places with specific connections to Britain and its history,” it said.

This horse-drawn carriage is the far more comfortable one of the two to feature in the two-way procession, including airconditioning and shock absorbers. The less comfortable royal carriage, the Gold State Coach, will be used for the shorter return journey from the Abbey to the palace.

“The coach, last seen during the Pageant of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in June 2022, was commissioned in 1760

Monday, the 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician and PTI chairman called the death of the police officer “sudden”.

“We demand a proper inquiry into the sudden death of SHO Amir Shehzad, of a heart attack. He had registered the FIR of Wazirabad assassination attempt on me & was a critical witness in unearthing the conspirators behind this assassination plot being inquired into by the JIT,” Khan tweeted.

Khan also referred to a few other deaths of other witnesses in the case relat-

ing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s money laundering case.

“It is equally important to recall the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of FIA investigator Dr Rizwan as well as the deaths of Maqsood Chaprassi and all other witnesses in Shehbaz Sharif’s money laundering case,” the expremier said. Mohammad Rizwan, who probed the money laundering charges against Prime Minister Sharif and former Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz died of a heart attack in May last year.

OFFICE OF THE TOBU TOWN STUDENTS’ UNION

B.P.O. Tobu – 798603, Dist. Mon – Nagaland Motto – “For a brighter tomorrow” FELICITATION

The office of the Tobu Town Students’ Union with immense joy and pride would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Smti. Wanpong Konyak, D/o Shri. A Nyaoba Konyak on being appointed as Chairman Bio-Resource Mission, Govt. of Nagaland and Ms. Beley Konyak D/o Shri A.M Kaiba for being crowned as Miss Mon and Miss Eastern Nagaland during the Aoleang Festival cum 3rd International Trade Fair & Expo held at Mon Town on 5th & 6th April 2023.

The Union is indebted for bringing laurels to the community and further extends best wishes for their future endeavours.

(SHILLEN JACOB) (MOBA AGASSI) President General Secretary K-756/23

OFFICE OF THE AMAHATOR AREA GB's UNION

P.O District Kiphire, Nagaland-798611 APPRECIATION

The Amahator Area GB'S union with immense delight expresses our heartfelt congratulations to Shri. Thronglise Sangtam, Keor Village, Hon'ble Kilonser, NSCN-IM (USR) for elevating to the post of collective membership.

The union further extends happiness to the collective leadership.

Sd/(TSAYANGPI SANGTAM) General Secretary DB-459/23

and was first used by King George III, to travel to the State Opening of Parliament in 1762,” the palace said.

“The coach has been used at every Coronation since that of William IV in 1831. The coach will be drawn by eight Windsor Greys and, due to its weight of four tonnes, will travel at walking pace,” it said.

Once back at the palace, the newly crowned King and Queen will receive a Royal Salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces w ho would have been on parade that day.

The Royal Salute will be followed by three cheers from the assembled service personnel, as a tribute from the Armed Forces.

OFFICE OF THE CHEKIYE GHAMI BAPTIST AKUKUHOU DIMAPUR : NAGALAND FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, Chekiye Ghami Baptist Akukuhou congratulates Shri. Toiho Yeptho, Hon'ble MLA for being elected as representative of 33 A/C Suruhuto in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Elections. May our Almighty God bless you with good health, wisdom and serve in His Glory for the welfare of our Community and the Naga Society in general.

We further extend our prayers and best wishes as you take up new responsibility.

DP-1545/23

Staff & Board of Deacon CGBA

Taranjit Singh Sandhu

Imran Khan

Ishaq Dar

Khalsa is a ‘uniting and not a dividing force,’ says Ambassador Sandhu

Beley, Naten crowned Miss, Mr Eastern Nagaland 2023

Sushma Seth celebrates lifetime award, says her heart belongs to theatre

Veteran actress Sushma Seth, who is known for her work in theatre, TV and films, has been away from the limelight but has been keeping herself occupied with dance-drama workshops and music. The 87-yearold actress was conferred a lifetime achievement award by Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards(META).

She spoke in detail about her love for theatre, its popularity today and what all she is planning to do to make theatre popular among all age groups.

She recalled her active involvement in theatre and playing lead roles in dramas like Rano in ‘Ek Chadar Maili Si’, Katherine in ‘Taming of the Shrew’, Raina in ‘Arms and the Man’, Susan in ‘The Little Hut’, Tarla in ‘Aiyee Bala Ko Taal Tu’ and more. The actress said that despite doing so many things from directing plays to costume designing and selling tickets, she never felt tired.

She told IANS: “I cherish those years of continuous, wonderful theatre involvement, directed ‘Desire

nings - but it never tired me, I felt elated. I was overjoyed after receiving the award. I have been associated with META since its inception.”

Sushma started her acting career in the 1950s and she was the founder member of Delhi-based theatre group Yatrik. With films, TV and OTT, theatre somewhere is losing its charm.

Beley Easter and Naten Lemba were crowned as Miss and Mr Eastern respectively during the recently held 2nd edition of Miss Eastern Nagaland and 1st edition of Mr Eastern Nagaland coinciding with the Aoleang Festival at Mon Town.

In the Miss category, Chingkela T Sangtam and Polem Pangmei (Konyak) were placed in the first and second runners-up positions respectively.

Similarly, in the Mr category, Thejoy H Phom and Angnyei Taulem L (Konyak) were placed in

the first and second places respectively.

22-year-old Beley from Konyak community is a BA graduate from Unity College, Dimapur while 18-year-old Naten from Chang community is a student of Patkai Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima.

The two winners walked away with cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and gift hampers worth Rs 30,000 respectively.

The first and second runners-up received Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.

Subtitle winners are:

Miss congeniality - Naonglemla W Chang; Best Rampwalk - Chingkela T Sangtam; Mr PhysiqueBangloy W Konyak and Mr Congeniality - Angnyei Taulem L (Konyak).

The event was graced by Y. Mankhao MLA, DC Mon, presidents of ENWO, KU among other officials.

The event saw a huge response as it was held alongside the Aoleang Festival at local ground, Mon Town. The event was organised by Society for Promotion of Oriental Arts and Aesthetics (SPOAA). (Correspondent)

Salman unveils new poster of ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’

Bollywood superstar

Salman Khan shared a new poster of his upcoming film ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ on social media ahead of the trailer launch.

Salman took to Instagram, where he shared the new poster. In the image, the ‘Dabangg’ star is seen sporting long hair, sunglasses and a beard.

In the caption he wrote: “#KisiKaBhaiKi -

siKiJaan trailer out at 6 p.m.”

The makers of the film are all set to unveil the trailer of the film on Monday.

The movie also stars Palak Tiwari, Venkatesh, Shehnaaz Gill and Raghav Juyal among many others.

Directed by Farhad Samji, the film will be released in theatres on April 21. (IANS)

Tiger Shroff reveals why he hates ‘competing’ with himself

Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff has revealed why he hates competing with himself and treated his fans to some jaw-dropping pictures.

Taking to twitter, Tiger shared a slew of pictures flaunting his perfectly chiseled body and washboard abs.

In the pictures, the son of actor Jackie Shroff can be seen sporting just blue denims, as he chose to go shirtless.

He posted the pictures with the caption: “Hate competing with myself... kicking my own a** everyday.”

FELICITATION

On the work front, Tiger will be seen in ‘Ganapath’ later this year, alongside Kriti Sanon. The film will hit the theatres around the Dussehra festival on October 20, in five languages - Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu.

The actor will also be seen in ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, which also stars Akshay Kumar. Prithviraj Sukumaran joins this spectacle as he brings on board his acting prowess as the powerful antagonist. The film will release in December 2023.

(IANS)

With immense pride and joy, the office of the Wokha Village Council (WVC), Wokha Village Youth Organization (WVYO), Wokha Village Students’ Union (WVSU), Wokha Village Eloe Ekhung (WVEE), Wokha Village Govt. Employees Union (WVGEU), Wokha Village Elders Forum (WVEF) and Wokha Village Baptist Church (WVBC) would like to congratulate Dr. Chumben Murry for being appointed as Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland with the status of a Cabinet Minister.

We also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Neiphiu Rio for his good will gesture shown towards the public of Lotha Community in general and to Wokha Village in particular for appointing Dr. Chumben Murry within his esteem office ministry tenure.

Further, we wish that Almighty God bestowed blessing upon both the leaders with good wisdom and fortune ahead.

(Echungthung Murry) (Chibenthung P Kikon) General Secretary President Wokha Village Youth Organisation Wokha Village Youth Organisation

Under the Elms’, ‘Gandhiji’s Sadhna’, did costumes, sought advertising, sold tickets. At the time I was teaching speech and drama at Convent of Jesus and Mary and rehearsing in the eve-

Skin-to-Skin time with your little one

One of the most amazing and life-altering experiences a person can have is becoming a parent. Even the most seasoned travellers may be unexpectedly tested by the journey’s challenges, turns, and shocks. Your world is permanently altered the minute you hold your child for the first time. Being a parent is simultaneously a blessing, a responsibility, and an emotional rollercoaster. For a child to thrive and be healthy, a mother and her child must have an emotional attachment. This connection gives the child a feeling of safety, love, and trust, which can support them as they develop and learn about the outside world. Following are a few steps curated by Cetaphil Baby Skin Experts on how following a Tender, Love and Care routine can do wonders:

Skin-to-skin time: Skin-to-skin contact consists of placing your baby, perhaps just wearing a diaper and a beanie directly on your bare chest, skin-to-skin, with a blanket, gown, or shirt wrapped over you. This physical contact promotes a

sense of security and comfort to the baby and allows the mother and child to connect on a deeper level.

Skin-to-skin time also helps regulate the baby’s body temperature and breathing, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation.

Baby massage: This can help parents understand their baby’s cues and needs, as well as provide the baby with a comforting and soothing experience. Baby massage benefits the baby’s skin by increasing blood circulation, encouraging better absorption of nutrients, and aiding in skin hydration. Baby massage is a gentle way for parents to connect with their newborns. Baby massage also has added benefits such as reducing crying and improving sleep quality.

Singing and talking: Singing and talking can be incredibly effective ways of bonding with your baby. Not only does it help create a

strong connection between you and your little one, but it can be fun for parents as well. Your baby will recognise and find comfort in your presence. Singing and talking can help them develop their language skills, social development.

Playtime: Playtime can provide an opportunity for bonding and creating positive memories with your tiny tot. Whether it is playing with toys, singing, dancing, or simply cuddling and making funny faces; taking the time to engage with your baby is a valuable investment in their growth and overall well-being.

Bath time: Bath time with your baby is not only important for keeping them clean and healthy, but it can also be a wonderful way to bond. Warm water and a gentle touch can provide a soothing experience for your child, while also allowing you to connect with them in a relaxed and playful environment. Further, moisturising after a bath is extremely crucial for babies because it helps to replenish lost moisture and protect their delicate skin from drying out. (IANSlife)

“Regional theatre will always have their faithful audiences in the villages. But movies, TV and OTT made easily available on small screens and phones are a threat to theatre,” she said.

She has been in several TV shows, films and theatrical performances. Few of them always remained close to her heart. From working in movies like ‘Junoon’ to shows like ‘Hum Log’, she explored different mediums. As she said: “’Junoon’ was a learning experience for me. I had never watched or acted in a film. It was an utterly splendid experience with Shyam Benegal as the director, and generous and affectionate Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer as the producers.

(IANS)

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Office Of THe LONGMATRA AReA UNiON KOHiMA KOHiMA NAGALAND, PiN: 797001 feLiciTATiON

With immense pride and honor, we the Longmatra Area Union Kohima, would like to congratulate Shri. Y. i ntsangju Sangtam on being promoted to the post of Deputy Director/General Manager under the Department of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Nagaland., Kohima.

The union further extends our prayer and wishes that may our Almighty God continue to bless you with wisdom and good health for your future endeavors. Sd/- iNATO SANGTAM Sd/- SHeNROMONG SANGTAM President, LAUK General Secretary, LAUK

50th Marriage Anniversary of Mrs. Hinile & Mr. Rushvülo Kent (1973 – 2023)

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalms 106:1 Loving Children, In-laws and Grand Children

DP-1548/23

Office Of THe NAMSANG STUDeNTS’ UNiON DiMAPUR feLiciTATiON

Shri. B. Bangtick Phom Shri. A Pongshi Phom

We, the Namsang Students’ Union Dimapur would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. B. Bangtick Phom 49 A/C Tamlu and Shri. A Pongshi Phom 50 A/C Longleng on their victory to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023.

The Union further wishes and prays that the Almighty God bless them with good health and success in future endeavours.

Hamtuk Honghahu Longkam Peshang President General Secretary

Winners of the two categories along with the organisers in Mon. (NP)

Atletico close gap on Real Madrid in La Liga

MADRID, APR 10

(IANS): Atletico Madrid remain third but moved to within two points of Real Madrid in La Liga thanks to a 2-1 win away to Rayo Vallecano in a Madrid derby on Sunday night.

Goals from defenders Nahuel Molina and Mario Hermoso after 21 and 23 minutes put the game swiftly under Atletico’s control, with Molina dedicating his goal to striker Angel Correa, whose father died earlier in the week, reports Xinhua.

Rayo’s task was made harder when defender Florien Lejeune was sent off for hauling down Alvaro Morata with half an hour to play.

Fran Garcia’s powerful left-foot shot in the 84th minute gave Rayo hope of a point, but Atletico held firm for their ninth league win in 11 games.

On Saturday, Real Madrid were beaten 3-2 at home by Villarreal to lose any slim hopes of retaining the title.

Samuel Chukwueze scored twice and assisted

as Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made several changes to his side ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie at home to Chelsea.

Madrid twice led through a Pau Torres own goal and Vinicius Jr, but Chukwueze leveled and then set up Jose Luis Morales before scoring a magnificent late winner.

Mikel Oyarzabal and Take Kubo gave Real Sociedad a straightforward 2-0 win at home to Getafe,

with Oyarzabal also seeing a penalty saved at 0-0.

On Sunday, Betis suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat at home to Cadiz, who scored a 52nd-minute penalty from Ruben Alcaraz and followed it with a second goal from Chris Ramos six minutes later. Betis ended the game with nine men on a disastrous afternoon after Sergio Canales was sent off for a professional foul in the first half, and Aitor Ruibal saw red for aggression a minute after Cadiz’s second goal.

Kerala win IDCA 2nd Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2022-23

Osasuna qualified for the final of the Copa del Rey for only the second time in their history in midweek, and their good week continued as two second-half goals from Eze Abde saw them come back from a goal down to beat bottom-of-the-table Elche 2-1.

Athletic Club Bilbao claimed their first away win against Espanyol in 25 years thanks to goals from Inaki and Nico Williams.

Athletic dominated the game, and Espanyol’s goal came in the last minute as Sergi Darder poked home after an error from Unai Simon.

Paulo Pezzolano had a rollercoaster debut as Valladolid coach as his side drew 3-3 away to Mallorca.

Kike Perez put Valladolid ahead in the 33rd minute, only for Vedat Muriqi and Manu Morlanes to put Mallorca ahead in the 53rd and 58th minutes. Salim Amallah and Monchu then looked to have won the game for Valladolid, but a late penalty from Muriqi after a handball saw the game

Aussies Purcell-Thompson win Houston doubles title in match tie-break

end 3-3. Almeria’s 2-1 win at home to Valencia lifted them out of the relegation zone while dumping Valencia back into the bottom three.

Gonzalo Melero and Srdan Babic put Almeria 2-0 up with goals in the 48th and 57th minutes of the game, and the home side hung on for three vital points after Samu Castellejo’s left-foot shot for Valencia on the hour.

On Friday, Celta scored two late goals to frustrate a battling performance from Sevilla, who played with 10 men for 70 minutes after Pape Gueye was harshly sent off for his second yellow card.

Youssef En-Nesyri headed Sevilla ahead in the 42nd minute, and Marcos Acuna’s 80th-minute thunderbolt looked to have assured the points before headers from Miguel Rodriguez after 88 minutes, and Paciencia in the fourth minute of added time saved a point for Celta, with Acuna then sent off for a comment to the referee.

6th Open Air Rifle Shooting tourney from April 15

DIMAPUR, APR 10 (NPN): The 6th Open Air Rifle Shooting tournament for both men and women will be held on April 15 at Pele Khezhie Indoor Stadium D.Khel Kohima Village, below Oriental College Kohima. The tournament is being organised by the Kohima District Rifle Association (KDRA) affiliated to Nagaland Rifle Association. Dr. Tseilhoutuo (Ato), MLA, 9th Kohima Town A/C will grace the inaugural programme as the special guest.

THIRUVANANTHA -

PURAM, APR 10 (IANS):

Kerala Deaf Team won the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) 2nd Test National Cricket Championship after beating Madhya Pradesh by six wickets in the finals, here on Monday. The championship was hosted by Kerala Cricket Association. The two teams were represented by their captains, Sumit Bidwal (Madhya Pradesh) and Jubil M P (Kerala).

“We are delighted to close this very successful tournament with the support of our State Association, Kerala Deaf Cricket Association with close support by Kerala Cricket Association,” said Sumit Jain, President, IDCA about the championship.

“It was a wonderful experience to be in Trivan-

drum with the two teams from Kerala & Madhya Pradesh at the ‘IDCA 2nd Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf’.

Congratulations to the winning team Kerala and the runner-up team Madhya Pradesh IDCA is grateful for all teams and officials’ sporting spirit, who participated wholeheartedly in this championship,” he added.

Dev Dutt, coach of Indian Deaf Team & BCCI NCA Qualified Coach and M.P. Singh (Coach of M. S. Dhoni) and Vinod Kumar Matta (Coach) are providing coaching to the Indian Deaf Squad for all international tournaments.

Vinod S Kumar, Secretary of Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) congratulated the teams and emphasised that KCA is

committed to support cricket in all forms and is always there to support DifferentlyAbled Cricketers. We have earlier hosted Blind Cricket tournaments and this is the first time hosting the IDCA National Championship.

Minu Chithambaram, CFO & Interim CEO of KCA said: “KCA will provide all possible support to the Deaf Cricketers all the time and expects to host more events in Kerala.”

“Our endeavour and aim is to promote our social campaign for disability sport, Cricket for a Cause’, “ said Roma Balwani, CEO, IDCA.

The event is being sponsored by its corporate partners KFC, Hero MotoCorp, INOX cinemas, Impact research & Measurement, Kaizzen, LUDIZ and Era Fresh.

A press release issued by KDRA president Visasielie Suhu informed that the tournament will be conducted under three different categories: i) 10m PCP Air Rifle (open sight), ii) 10m Break Barrel Air Rifle (open sight) and iii) 25m Air Rifle with Scope bench rest.

Entry forms will be available at Sports World, Kohima Town, opp. Bank of Baroda; Pfonuo Pan Shop, DBS junction, Kohima and Ketsu Pan Shop, D. Khel, Kohima Village.

Entry fee for each category will be Rs. 500/-. Last date for submission of entry forms along with entry fee will be April 13 till 4 pm for category i) 10m PCP Air Rifle (open sight) and ii) 10m Break Barrel Air Rifle (open sight). While for category iii) 25m Air Rifle with Scope bench rest, registration can be done from the spot.

Cash prizes for the winners for category i) 10m PCP Air Rifle (open sight) and ii) 10m Break Barrel Air Rifle (open sight) will 1st - Rs.12,000/- with certificate, 2nd - Rs. 8,000/- with certificate and 3rd Rs. 6,000/- with certificate. For the category iii) 25m Air Rifle with Scope bench rest, there will be an attractive gift hampers with certificate for the winners. For any query, one may contact at 9856569364 or 7005429309.

Raptors conclude regular season with win over Bucks

TORONTO, APR 10

(IANS): The Toronto Raptors closed out their 28th NBA regular season with a 121-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors finished the season with a 41-41 record for ninth place in the Eastern Conference. This is the ninth time the team has beaten the 40-win mark in their last ten seasons, reports Xinhua.

Toronto also wrapped up the season with a 27-14 record at home, including winning 11 of their last 12 games at Scotiabank Arena.

During the win, the Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. returned to form with a game-high 23 points, including four 3-pointers in just 27 minutes of action. This was his third game since a sevengame absence due to elbow and back injuries.

Teammate Malachi Flynn had a season-high 20 points, while big man Precious Achiuwa recorded 14 points and pulled down 13 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the season.

“Gary came out ready to go and got a bunch of good looks, Precious with

his rebounds, played with good energy as well,” said the Raptors head coach Nick Nurse following the game. “Malachi was very good, really solid and fast out there. I thought he pushed the tempo out there.”

Nurse’s team ended the season with the most steals in the league with 772, a franchise record.

A part of this was forward O.G. Anunoby, who led the league with 1.91 steals per game. He became the second player in team history to lead in one of the five major categories, joining Marcus Camby, who led the league in blocks in the 1997-98 season.

With the regular season over, the Raptors will enter the play-in tournament

for the first time in franchise history. On Wednesday, Toronto will host No. 10 Chicago Bulls in a singleelimination game. The winner will face the loser of Tuesday’s match between No. 7 Miami Heat and No. 8 Atlanta Hawks to determine who faces the No. 1 ranked Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.

NEW DELHI, APR 10

(IANS): Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson dropped their first set at the Fayez Sarofim & Co US Men’s Clay Court Championship in final, but the Aussies regrouped after a wild opener to claim their first title as a team. The Aussies defeated third-seeded Britons Julian Cash and Henry Patten 4-6, 6-4, 10-5 in what was their first doubles final as a team, claiming victory at the Houston ATP 250 with their third match win in two days. The teams traded seven breaks of serve in the first set, but Purcell/Thompson did not drop serve in the second, saving the only break point they faced. They never trailed in the Match Tie-break and capped their comeback by winning the final three points of the match, states ATP. Now boasting a 7-1 tour-level record, the team that sent Australia to the 2022 Davis Cup Finals championship round with

a win against Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic are champions on the ATP Tour. It is a third title for the 25-year-old Purcell, who won the Houston crown and the Wimbledon trophy with countryman Matthew Ebden last season, and a second for the 28-year-old Thompson, who won the 2017 Brisbane title with Thanasi Kokkinakis. Purcell is also a two-time Australian Open finalist (2020

with Luke Saville, 2022 with Ebden).

Britons Cash and Patten, who won a record 10 ATP Challenger Tour titles together last season, fell in their first ATP Tour final. Their run backed up a semi-final showing earlier this season in Pune, and their three wins in Houston moved them up eight places to 26th place in the ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings.

Banned senior players to appeal to AICF, demand action against TN chess body

CHENNAI, APR 10 (IANS):

Three FIDE rated senior players, who were “illegally barred” from playing in the Tirunelveli District Selection tournament on Sunday, are now planning to take up the issue with the All India Chess Federation (AICF).

Several chess players across the country expressed their anguish on hearing about the ban on the three seniors, and went on to suggest that the tournament be scrapped and held again while action be taken against the “arrogant official”.

“We were advised to complain to the AICF Players Council and also to the AICF Ethics Committee. We will be doing that. We would want the tournament to be held again,” Merryston David Scanny told IANS.

The three players - M Karunakaran (68 years), V Palanikumar (58) and Scanny (48 years) - were not allowed to play in the Tirunelveli District Selection tournament at the last minute on Sunday for playing in private tournaments by B Paulkumar, Secretary, Tirunelveli District Chess Development Association (TDCDA).

The three had also lodged a police complaint against Paulkumar for his “illegal act”.

When contacted TDCDA Secretary Paulkumar told IANS on Sunday: “The three players have been playing in tournaments held in Tenkasi. So how can they be considered as Tirunelveli District players?”

Asked if they had played

Djokovic returns to Tour seeking strong start to clay

LONDON, APR 10 (AGENCIES): Novak

Djokovic said he hopes to hit the ground running at Monte Carlo having begun preparations for the clay season early after the world number one was forced to skip tournaments in the United States last month.

Djokovic, 35, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, was unable to enter the country after unsuccessfully applying to the U.S. government for special permission to play at Indian Wells and Miami.

The Australian Open champion last competed in early March when he lost in the Dubai semi-finals and said his enforced absence from the Tour helped him focus on Monte Carlo, where he lost in the second round last year.

“I’ve done more training on clay, which is positive if you think about the clay season,” said Djokovic, the 2013 and 2015 champion who meets Mackenzie McDonald or a qualifier first.

in any Tenkasi District selection tournament or if there is any rule whereby chess players are not allowed to play in private tournaments, Paulkumar disconnected the call.

All the three players told IANS that they had played in private tournaments held in Tenkasi and not any selection tournament held by the Tenkasi District Association.

Several chess players were of the view that action should be taken against Paulkumar and also against the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA) for allowing such an act to happen again.

Based on the news reports, views expressed by Paulkumar, the AICF should even send a notice to TNSCA suo moto as this has been happening regularly.

In 2019, Paulkumar had barred then 11-year-old Karthik Rahul from playing in a tournament midway on the grounds that

he had played in a private tournament.

The act was in clear violation of the CCI orders and AICF rules. Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA) Secretary Stephen Balasamy P had then told IANS: “There is no differentiation between recognised and unrecognised tournaments. Players are free to take part in any chess tournament.”

However, the TNSCA did not take any action against him. Chess tournament organisers told IANS that Paulkumar bans players if they participate in some private tournaments. The AICF has cancelled recognitions to several state chess associations and has allowed ad hoc organisations to manage affairs and the same should be done with regard to TNSCA for turning a blind eye on the anti-player actions of the district associations, was also one of the views expressed by players.

Monchengladbach beat Wolfsburg 2-0 in Bundesliga

BERLIN, APR 10 (IANS):

Borussia Monchengladbach ended its winless run of five games after goals from Nathan Ngoumou and Marcus Thuram helped the team edge an uninspired Wolfsburg 2-0 in the 27th round of Bundesliga.

The Wolves are still in the hunt for a berth in Europe and took the reins from kick-off as Foals goalkeeper Jonas Omlin had to be on guard to defuse Omar Marmoush’s dangerous header in the fifth minute, reports Xinhua.

Marmoush remained in the thick of things and thought he had opened the scoring, but his opener was ruled offside by the video assistant referee ten minutes into the clash.

Monchengladbach then shocked the visitors from Lower Saxony at the half-hour mark as Lars Stindl intercepted a poor pass from goalkeeper Koen Casteels and assisted Thuram, whose cutback pass allowed Ngoumou to break the deadlock against

the flow of the game.

Wolfsburg nearly restored parity after the restart, but Omlin’s diving save defused Mattias Svanberg’s presentable effort in the 47th minute.

Monchengladbach defended well and staged a clinical chance conversion at the other end of the pitch

as Alassane Plea teed up for Thuram, who doubled the advantage to put the result beyond doubt at the hour mark. Elsewhere, Stuttgart clinched vital points in the relegation battle after overpowering Bochum 3-2, while Schalke slump to the last place after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Hoffenheim.

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann in action with Rayo Vallecano’s Alvaro Garcia and Oscar Trejo. (Reuters)

Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.

Kerala Deaf Team celebrating with medals and trophies.

Toronto Raptors guard Dalano Banton (45) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) in Toronto. (AP)

Borussia Monchengladbach players celebrate.

IPL: Lucknow Super Giants beat RCB by one wkt

BENGALURU, APR 10 (IANS): Lucknow Super Giants were 37/3 at the end of power-play, with Royal Challengers Bangalore on top of them in a run chase of 213 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium but Marcus Stoinis brought Lucknow back with his impressive 30-ball 65 while Nicholas Pooran smashed a sensational 19-ball 62 to take the team to a last-ball thrilling one-wicket victory, here on Monday.

Mohammed Siraj gave Bangalore an ideal start as Kyle Mayers chopped on to his stumps. Wayne Parnell dealt double blows to Lucknow in the fourth over, having Deepak Hooda nick behind a cutter to Dinesh Karthik and then forcing Krunal Pandya to edge off an outswinger to the keeper.

After ending the power-play at 37/3, Stoinis began his onslaught in the eighth over by flicking off the pads for six off Harshal Patel, then slashed through point and smacked a straight drive down the ground for back-to-back fours.

Stoinis welcomed Karn Sharma with a pulled

six over deep mid-wicket and struck a brace of fours, before bringing a lofted driven six over long-off against Shahbaz Ahmed to get his fifty in 25 balls. Stoinis hit a six each off Karn and Shahbaz, before slicing to deep point off the former.

Rahul never got going in his 18 off 20 balls and flicked straight to deep square leg off Siraj in the 12th over. Pooran began his blitz with a classic square

cut off Siraj, with Ayush Badoni taking a four too off him. While Badoni flicked Karn off his legs for four, Pooran upped the ante with successive sixes.

Pooran teared into Harshal by slamming pulled sixes over fine leg and deep backward square, apart from a four cut through short third man. Parnell came under attack from Pooran, with the left-hander slicing him

Charleston Open: Ons Jabeur stuns

Bencic to clinch first title of the season

CHARLESTON (USA), APR 10 (IANS): Last year’s runner-up, Ons Jabeur of Tunisia exacted revenge on reigning champion Belinda Bencic to capture the 2023 Charleston Open with a tight straight-sets victory over the Swiss player.

The Tunisian world No. 5 battled from a break down in the first set and then held her nerve in set two to move to 15-4 in her Charleston career, beating the Swiss star 7-6(6) 6-4. This was her fourth career title and first of the season.

Interestingly, Jabeur and Bencic were the first duo to face off in back-toback finals in tournament history.

“I’ve been wanting to win this tournament for a long time. People have been amazing to me. So it’s nice to have a great memory here in Charleston and this is a pretty good start to the clay season,” Jabeur said.

“I’m very excited to go to Paris and celebrate with my family and with my little nephew, who was just born three weeks ago. This is his gift. He doesn’t know it, but it’s his gift.”

Jabeur was just 4-4 coming into Charleston having undergone minor knee surgery in February. The No. 2 seed didn’t drop a set all week, including a win over 2017 champion Daria Kasatkina in the rain on Saturday afternoon. With a win, Jabeur moved back up to world No. 4 as Charleston kicked off the clay swing on the WTA Tour, in which Jabeur is the defending champion in Madrid.

Since the start of the 2020 season, the Tunisian has now won 37 matches on clay, the most of any player on tour, one more than Iga

Swiatek during that span.

On the other hand, all-American pair Danielle Collins and Desirae Krawczyk saved two match points to defeat top seeds Giuliana Olmos and Ena Shibahara 0-6, 6-4 [14-12] to win the women’s doubles title. The title win is the first doubles win of Collins’ career and the eighth and first of the season for No.10 Krawczyk.

Charleston Open was the first tournament of the season for the all-American duo. In their last pairing, Collins and Krawczyk made the Wimbledon semifinals last summer.

twice for fours apart from a six whacked over long-on which got him his fifty in just 15 balls. Badoni was lucky in an outside edge flying over short third man for four off Willey while Pooran ended the 16th over with a magnificent swing over deep square leg for six. Pooran’s blitzkrieg came to an end in the 17th over when he picked out the deep backward square leg off a full

toss from Siraj.

Jaydev Unadkat guided a yorker past keeper for four off Harshal while Badoni pulled Parnell for another boundary. Badoni moved across to scoop a six off Parnell, but his bat crashed into the stumps to be out hit-wicket.

As Bangalore fielded four fielders outside the circle in the final over due to over rate penalty, Harshal added more drama by castling Mark Wood and had Unadkat holing out to a juggling long-on.

After Harshal’s attempt to run out Ravi Bishnoi and later running him out wasn’t successful, a fumble from Karthik behind allowed Bishnoi and Avesh Khan to go for a leg-bye, taking Lucknow to a thrilling victory.

Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 212/2 in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 79 not out, Virat Kohli 61; Amit Mishra 1/18, Mark Wood 1/32) lost to Lucknow Super Giants 213/9 in 20 overs (Marcus Stoinis 65, Nicholas Pooran 62; Wayne Parnell 3/41, Harshal Patel 2/48) by 1 wicket.

Indian GM Gukesh wins title at World Chess Armageddon Asia & Oceania event

BERLIN, APR 10 (PTI):

Teenaged Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh stunned former world rapid champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan in the final to win the World Chess Armageddon Asia & Oceania event here.

Gukesh emerged winner in a topsy-turvy summit clash late on Sunday.

After a missed chance in game 1, Gukesh lost the next game against Abdusattorov to use his “extra life” and start the match all over again.

The first game of the ‘new’ match was a draw after a perpetual check from Gukesh. He won the next game to emerge champion.

Both Gukesh and Abdusattorov have earned a spot at the Armageddon’s Grand Finale in September.

The 16-year-old Indian won in a field that included former world classical champion Vladimir Kramnik, Daniil Dubov, Yangyi Yu (China), Vidit Gujrathi and Karthikeyan Murali (both India) and Param Maghsoodloo (Iran), apart from Abdusattorov.

“Glad to win the thrilling event Armageddon championship series 2023Asia and Oceania group by @theworldchess! Big relief to finally win a faster time control elite event & enjoyed plenty of new experiences the way event was played amidst lights,makeup stuf,” Gukesh tweeted after the triumph.

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand hailed the young GM’s achievement.

“Congratulations @ DGukesh. An excellent

achievement especially in a different time control. Proud to see our @WacaChess mentee make us proud again,” Anand tweeted.

Each day of the tournament, the matches consisted of two blitz games and, if necessary, an Armageddon game (five minutes for White, four for Black).

An Armageddon game is a variant of blitz chess to determine a winner after a series of drawn game. A drawn game in the Armageddon is counted as a win for Black.

Super Cup: ATKMB begin campaign with 5-1 win over Gokulam Kerala

KOZHIKODE (KERALA), APRIL 10 (IANS):

ATK Mohun Bagan began their Super Cup 2023 campaign with an emphatic 5-1 drubbing of local side Gokulam Kerala FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium, here on Monday.

As the home team fans watched in stunned disbelief the ISL champions toyed with their defence with winger Liston Colaco being the star of the show, scoring two early goals that put the Green and Maroon Brigade in a comfortable position within the first 30 minutes itself.

Gokulam Kerala’s defensive line was found wanting on multiple occasions, something that Hugo Boumous took advantage of to lodge a goal and an assist to his name. While Manvir Singh scored the remaining goal for ATK Mohun Bagan, Sergio Mendigutxia pulled one back for the Malabarians later in the second half, but by then, the visitors were already in cruise control.

ATK Mohun Bagan

FC Coach Juan Ferrando fielded a strong side -- while he rested Australian Dimitrios Petratos, young Kiyan Nassiri received a start up-

front. The Green and Maroon brigade didn’t have to wait for long to break Gokulam’s defence as they opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Hugo Boumous forced the Gokulam defender Abdul Hakku to commit a mistake, winning the loose ball and passing it on to Liston Colaco. Liston received the ball at the edge of the penalty box and curled it into the far corner to make it 1-0 to the

Liverpool fight back against Arsenal to keep EPL title race alive

LONDON, APR 10 (IANS): The race for the Premier League title got closer as league leaders Arsenal surrendered a twogoal lead to draw 2-2 away to Liverpool.

The draw reduced Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to six points over Manchester City, who have nine games left to play, while Arsenal have eight, reports Xinhua.

After half an hour, Arsenal looked to be cruising to end a wait of over 10 years for a win at Anfield at halftime when they led through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, but Mohamed Salah pulled a goal back for Liverpool in the 42nd minute.

Salah then missed a penalty, but Roberto Firmino’s 87th-minute penalty saved a point for Liverpool and further opened up the title race.

Erling Haaland returned to fitness with two goals as Manchester City kept up their challenge with a 4-1 win away to bottomof-the-table Southampton on Saturday evening.

Jack Grealish and a penalty from Julian Alvarez sealed the win, while Sekou

Mara scored a consolation goal for the home side.

The battle for third and fourth remains intense with Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham all winning, with Newcastle coming behind from Ivan Toney’s penalty in first half injury time to win 2-1 away to Brentford.

David Raya’s own goal and a smart finish from Alexander Isak saw Newcastle turn the game around in an excellent second half.

Scott MacTominay

and Anthony Martial both scored in Manchester United’s routine win at home to Everton, which also saw Christian Eriksen return after injury, although Marcus Rashford limped off with an apparent groin injury in the 80th minute.

Son Hueng-Min scored his 100th goal for Tottenham and Harry Kane scored in a controversial 2-1 win for Tottenham against Brighton. Lewis Dunk scored for the visitors, who were angered after three VAR calls

all went against them, with coach Roberto Di Zerbi was sent off after protests from the Brighton dugout.

Aston Villa moved up to sixth after goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins gave them a 2-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest, whose coach Steve Cooper is in danger of the sack as his team slip into the bottom three.

Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea failed to spark a reaction after Matheus Nunes’ first half

volley gave Wolverhampton three vital points.

Crystal Palace also took three big points, which lift them clear of the danger zone after an incredible 5-1 win away to Leeds United, which gave them two wins from two games since Roy Hodgson returned to replace Patrick Viera as coach.

Leeds were the better side in the first half and deservedly opened the scoring through Patrick Bamford’s header only for Marc Guehi to level in first half injury time.

Leeds then fell apart in the second half after Jonathan Ayew and Eberechi Eze scored goals in the 53rd and 55th minutes. Odsonne Edouard and a second goal from Ayew ended the game, which leaves Palace six points clear of the bottom three.

West Ham also claimed an important win as Harrison Reed’s own goal gave them a vital 1-0 win away to Fulham, but managerless Leicester City slip deeper into trouble after losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth, who escape the bottom three thanks to Phillip Billing’s 40th minute goal.

Mariners. Liston Colaco then added one more goal to his tally to make it 2-0 in the 27th minute. A brilliant move started from the right as Asish Rai switched the ball with a perfectly weighted long ball to Liston.

Liston fooled Gokulam’s defender Subhankar with his immaculate first touch and then unleashed the ball to the far post leaving Shibinraj with no chance.

Hugo Boumous then

got in on the act as he received the ball from Kiyan Nassiri in the middle of the pitch, decided to run inside Gokulam’s penalty box and beat Shibinraj to make it 3-0 just before the half time.

Manvir Singh made it 4-0 for the Kolkata giants in the 63rd minute when a pass from Liston Colaco on the left was collected by Boumous. He then passed the ball to Manvir Singh, who was waiting in the box. The India International took a

touch away from his marker and smashed the ball into the bottom corner to take the game out of Gokulam’s hands.

The Malabarians pulled one back in the second half. Off a free kick, Bouba Aminou provided the ball for Sergio Mendigutxia to head in. ATK Mohun Bagan’s Kiyan Nassiri added to Gokulam’s miseries by scoring his team’s fifth goal of the match moments before the final whistle as he pounced on a failed clearance to make the most of it.

EastBengal,OdishaFC

sharespoilsinGroupBtie

East Bengal and Odisha FC played out a 1-1 draw in their first game of the Super Cup 2023, here at the Payyanad Stadium.

With the points shared, the two sides have one point each in Group B, below Hyderabad FC, who defeated Aizawl FC earlier on the day to log full points.

East Bengal took the lead in the 38th minute when Odisha defender Narender Gahlot gave the ball away in the danger zone, leaving East Bengal’s Mobashir Rahman in a oneon-one situation with the goalkeeper.

Golf: Jon Rahm claims Masters title for second major victory

AUGUSTA, APR 10 (AGENCIES): Rock-steady Jon Rahm, channelling Spanish great Seve Ballesteros on his late hero’s birthday, survived a marathon day and scored an emotional Masters win at Augusta National on Sunday (Apr 9), denying LIV Golf a watershed victory.

Rahm, who started the day four off the lead, rallied behind a final round three-under 69 for a winning total of 12-under 276 and a decisive four-shot victory over LIV standard bearers Brooks Koepka and evergreen Phil Mickelson. The win was Rahm’s fourth this season, earning him a second career major to go along with his 2021 US Open title. He also reclaims the number one world ranking from defending champion Scottie Scheffler.

“Never thought I was going to cry by winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole,” said Rahm, who becomes the fourth Spaniard to win the Masters after Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal

and Sergio Garcia.

“A lot of pride, I am really proud of myself and what I did.”

Koepka, who sat atop the leaderboard for three rounds, simply could not get in gear at the end, labouring to a three-over 75.

Winner of three Green Jackets, 52-year-old Mickelson turned back the clock and carded the round of the day with a sensational seven-under 65 - the lowest Masters round ever for a player over 50 - to join Koepka on eight-under 280.

Two former-Masters champions in Jordan Spieth

(66) and Patrick Reed (68), along with Russell Henley (70), finished one shot further adrift in a tie for fourth. Coming on what would have been Ballesteros’s 66th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the Spanish talisman’s second of two Green Jacket wins, Rahm soaked up a rousing ovation as he walked up the 18th fairway with a four-stroke cushion. Fighting to keep his composure, the 28-year-old sealed victory with a 4-foot par putt, capping a marathon day of golf that started at sunrise and finished in the Georgia twilight.

Ons Jabeur

ATK Mohun Bagan’s Liston Colaco scores against Gokulam Kerala FC in the Group C match of the Super Cup in Kozhikode.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in action with Arsenal’s Gabriel. (Reuters)

Jon Rahm

D Gukesh

Lucknow Super Giants batter Nicholas Pooran plays a shot during the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants in Bengaluru. (PTI)