17 May 2023

LSG beat MI by 5 runs; move closer to play-off

Karnataka CM suspense continues

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Karnataka’s two chief ministerial aspirants Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar held separate meetings with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday as the party held hectic consultations to decide on who would lead the government in the southern state.

Former party chief Rahul Gandhi also drove to Kharge’s residence this morning and held an over 90-minute meeting.

Top party leaders were, however, tight-lipped on who was the probable choice for the chief minister’s post and by when the decision would be taken. The pictureperfect bonhomie between the two Karnataka heavyweights till May 13 has now turned into a bitter game of one-upmanship as both vie for the post of chief minister.

It has been over two days and the Congress top brass is still discussing and

CNC calls for prayer, fasting on May 19

DIMAPUR, MAY 16

(NPN): Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) has called for a special prayer with fasting on Friday (May 19) at CHQ Church Hebron for the situation in Manipur and the Indo-Naga issue.

In a press note, CNC general secretary Rev. Seksim Kasar has requested all abled NSCN members“to join in the fasting-prayer and be together on our knees before God.” The council also urged all army and region churches to take up prayer-fasting on the same day.

“Time comes and go. Generation comes and go. Leadership comes and go. So also, you and I come and will go. It is just for once. The question is, should we fail and go,” Rev Kasar stated. The council said that the present situation in Manipur and the IndoNaga issue demand faith and action.

“Watching and waiting will not save us. It will not bring anything good; but faith in Christ and living out that faith will,” he added.

NLA committee meet postponed

DIMAPUR, MAY 16

(NPN): The meeting of the Rules Committee of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), which was convened by the assembly speaker on May 18, 2023 has been postponed indefinitely due to Tripura Legislative Assembly Speaker’s visit to Nagaland.

This is it!

“Never have I experienced being elected yet not knowing whether I’m in the ruling or opposition.”

Russia launches ‘exceptional’ air attack on kyiv with 18 missiles

Shivakumar, who is one of the top contenders for the state chief minister’s post, earlier said the party is his mother and there was no question of his resigning from the organisation.

“We have built this party. No question,” he said when asked about reports that he may resign from the party if not given the chief minister’s post.

Slight delay in onset of monsoon; arrival likely on Jun 4: IMD

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): A slight delay is expected in the onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala and it is likely to arrive by June 4, the India Meteorological Department said on Tuesday.

deliberating a possible compromise formula that can keep both the contenders happy. Sources said that discussions could also be held with Sonia Gandhi before the final decision is taken. The announcement can be delayed until Wednesday and announcement can be made in Bengaluru itself.

Party’s spokesperson Pawan Khera said in Hyderabad that a decision on the appointment of the chief minister of Karnataka will be known in a day or two.

“Appointing a chief minister is not an easy thing. It cannot be imposed from Delhi... Everybody’s view has to be taken into consideration. We have to engage with every stakeholder and then decide,” he said. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah, who has been camping in the national capital since Monday, met Kharge a little after 6 pm and the two leaders discussed various issues related to Karnataka government formation.

Kharge earlier held discussions with party leaders from Karnataka and the three observers appointed by him to oversee the Congress Legislature Party meeting held in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The three central observers - Sushilkumar Shinde, Jitendra Singh and Deepak Babaria - had met all Congress MLAs individually and sought their views on who would be their choice of chief minister. They also held a ‘secret ballot’ on their choice for chief minister.

PUD bans poultry sale in Dimapur

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 16

(NPN): Days after Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) revised rate of poultry meat, the Poultry Union Dimapur (PUD) on Tuesday called for an indefinite ban on sale of poultry meat in Dimapur with effect from May 17.

Speaking exclusively to Nagaland Post , PUD president Tiameren Aier said that the decision to impose ban on sale of poultry meat was taken at the emergency meeting on Tuesday. While DMC had fixed the broiler (live) at Rs 160 per kg and broiler (dressed) at Rs 250 per kg, the union pointed

out that the wholesale rate in Assam was presently Rs 180Rs 190 per kg for live while Rs. 300 for dressed—a difference of Rs 5-10 for smaller sized chicken. In this regard, the union has questioned how could a trader, who buys products at Rs. 185 sell the same product at Rs 160.

Tiameren said the union has, therefore, decided to impose ban on sale of poultry meat starting May 17 until the issue was resolved.

PUD lambasted some “propaganda news channel delivering news without checking ground reality or proper investigation.”

Tiameren maintained that the media, as a respon-

sible organisation, should take into account the “real picture”, find out the current rate in Assam and disseminate authentic and factual information to its viewers.

He also appealed the responsible department to check the rate of poultry meat in Assam and then fix the price accordingly.

Aier informed that the union met DMC administrator and raised the issues faced by the poultry traders. When this reporter visited neighbouring Lahorijan in Assam to ascertain the rate, it was found that live poultry was being sold at Rs. 185 and dressed poultry at Rs. 300 per kilo.

ILP verification drive conducted in Kohima

According to a DIPR report, during verification, cases of ILP with expiry date and some without valid pass were detected and accordingly penalties were imposed.

A total of 325 ILP defaulters were detected and after verification of all required documents a total amount of Rs 1,20,000 was realized as penalty, which would be deposited as government revenue.

DIMAPUR,

Assam

Scientists, however, said the delay is unlikely to impact Kharif sowing and total rainfall over the country. The southwest monsoon normally sets in over Kerala on June 1, with a standard deviation of about 7 days.

“This year, the southwest monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to be slightly delayed. The monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to be on June 4 with a model error of 4 days,” IMD said. Private forecasting agency Skymet Weather, however, said the monsoon is likely to reach Kerala on June 7 with an error margin of three days. The monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 29 last year.

The special task force (STF) constituted for ILP verification would be conducting periodic checking for detection of illegal immigrants and ILP defaulters.

GUWAHATI, MAY 16

(PTI): Barely a month after Assam government announced that at least 300 Assam Police officers, who are “habitual drinkers”, would be given the option of voluntary retirement, Assam Police on Tuesday said it will start offering voluntary retirement to all obese personnel if they fail to reduce their weights by November this year.

Director-General of Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh said the decision was taken on the direction by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. “@assampolice Hq has decided to go in for professional recording of

Rozgar Mela:

Bhoumik hands over 321 appointment letters

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR,

MAY 16

(NPN): Minister of State for social justice and empowerment, Pratima Bhoumik, handed over appointment letters to 321 youths from six North Eastern states during a combined “Rozgar Mela” held at IMC Hall, here on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday presented 71,000 appointment letters via video conferencing to newly inducted recruits in government departments and organisations across the country.

The Rozgar Mela, which was held at 45 locations across the country, is a step towards fulfilment of the commitment of the Prime Minister to accord highest priority to employment generation.

Speaking at the programme held here at IMC Hall, Bhoumik informed that

a total of 321 youths including 67 girls from six North East states—Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh—were receiving their appointment letters. Describing the day as “a significant day for youths”, the union minister said that Prime Minister Modi’s commitment towards women empowerment was not only confined to speeches. She also dwelled on how PM Modi did not only talk about empowerment through government jobs but also

through startups. She said that it was PM Modi’s promise to provide jobs to youths and make India ‘atmanirbhar’ and ‘vishwaguru’ and urged the young people to work hard and contribute towards nation-building. Stressing on the developmental projects carried out under the BJP government, Bhoumik said that North East region did not have good connectivity earlier, but after BJP came to power at the centre, the entire region was well connected.

Construction of building at New Market raise concern

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 16

(NPN): Thousands of shoppers meander through narrow lanes inside Dimapur’s crowded New Market for buying kitchen items, fresh vegetables, poultry and fish. Located at the heart of Dimapur city, New Market has come a long way from bamboo and thatch stalls to CGI and wooden walls during mid-70s to the present RCC structure constructed in the early 2000s. Construction of the much delayed multi-parking lot changed the face of New Market as space used for parking vehicles became

severely limited. Over the decades, New Market under various DMC authorities, witnessed construction boom which did not benefit easy movement of shoppers. Recently the construc-

tion of new RCC structure for a building right in front of the daily fish market has raised concern from general public. Media persons at Dimapur visited the site and found that the narrow

passage to the fish stalls was made narrower owing to the new RCC structure being raised at the spot. When asked about the issue, DMC administrator W Manpai Phom clarified it was being done in order to accommodate the demands of vendors and streamline the available spaces in the market He said “The basic idea is to connect the upper floor so that the ground floor will be open for public movement and proper stall arrangement will be created”. He, therefore, appealed to the public to bear with the inconvenience till completion

NHRC issues notice to States on increase in child sexual abuse material on social media

NEW

DELHI, MAY 16

(AGENCIES): The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Centre and all states and union territories over the reported increase of 250-300% in Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on social media in India as per a media report. A detailed report has been sought from the authorities within six weeks on the steps taken to prevent such a menace on social media.

“The Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that CSAM has increased by

Police to offer VRS to obese personnel

250-300% on social media in India. Reportedly, the CSAM contents are from foreign, and the Indian Investigation Agencies have not come across any Indianmade CSAM so far,” the NHRC said in a press statement.

The Commission has observed that the content of the media report, if true, amount to a violation of human rights relating to the life, liberty and dignity of citizens, and protection of young children from the danger of sexual abuse on social media.

“Accordingly, the

Commission has issued notices to the Delhi police commissioner, director generals of the police of all the states/UTs, the director of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), and the secretary of the ministry of electronics and information technology, calling for a detailed report in the matter within six weeks on the steps taken to prevent such a menace on social media,” the NHRC elaborated in its statement.

According to the media report, published in a newspaper on May 15 that the NHRC has taken cog-

nizance of, about 4,50,207 cases of spread of child sexual abuse material, have been reported in the year 2023, so far. There were reportedly 2,04,056 cases reported in 2022, 1,63,633 in 2021 and 17,390 in 2020 of CSAM on social media in India.

The NHRC asserts that it has been concerned about the ill effects of online child sexual abuse material on human rights. “It may cost irreparable psychological damage to children, impacting their growth and development,” the Commission observes with concern.

Body Mass Index (BMI) of all Assam Police personnel including IPS/APS officers and all DEF/Bn/Organisations,” he tweeted.

It has been decided to give three months to all personnel, including IPS and Assam Police Services

State logs 1 fresh case of Covid-19

except those who have genuine medical ground like thyroidism etc (sic),” he added.

The DGP further said that he will be the first one in the force to record the BMI on August 16.

officers, till August 15, and then start BMI assessment, Singh said.

“All those who are in obese (BMI 30+) category would be offered another three months time to reduce weight (till November end) and after that VRS option

On May 8, Singh had said that the Assam Police drew up a list of about 680 personnel, who are habitual drinkers or obese, and after a multi-tier review, those found unfit for duty will be offered voluntary retirement.

In April, the chief minister had said that around 300 officers and personnel of Assam Police would be handed retirement due to their problem of alcoholism.

DIMAPUR, MAY 16 (NPN): Nagaland on Tuesday recorded one more fresh case of Covid-19 pushing the total caseload to 36016. The fresh case was reported from Kohima. With this, the State currently has six active cases, all under home isolation. The death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including five non-Covid deaths but with positivity).

Meanwhile, India recorded 656 new cases, while the active cases dipped to 13,037 from 14,493. The death toll increased to 5,31,790 with 12 deaths which includes three reconciled by Kerala.

DIMAPUR, MAY 16

(NPN): Wokha village organisations have set a six-day deadline for Wokha district administration to intervene in the ongoing construction of NH-2 (erstwhile NH-61) starting from 72.40 km to 83.00 km (Wokha town).

In a joint representation to Wokha deputy commissioner (DC) on Monday, Wokha Village Youth Organisation (WVYO), Wokha Village Council (WVC), Wokha Village Women Organisation (WVWO), Wokha Village Students’ Union (WVSU)

and Wokha Village Elders’ Forum (WVEF) appealed to the administration to ensure work was carried out as per necessary specification.

They alleged that the ongoing construction had not met the requirement at various locations.

NH-2 road construction: Wokha village bodies serve ultimatum (Source

In case of failure to meet their deadline, the organisations threatened to take various actions, including blocking of highway. They stated that they took the initiative as the matter concerned safety of citizens and overall development of Wokha district.

MAY 16 (NPN): A day-long Inner Line Permit (ILP) verification drive was carried out in and around Kohima town

on May 16, 2023 consisting of five teams from district administration and police to detect illegal immigrants and ILP defaulters.

(L) Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar during celebrations after the party’s win in Karnataka Assembly elections on Saturday. (PTI)

Pratima Bhoumik with officials after handing over the appointment letters to new appointees at IMC Hall Dimapur on Tuesday. (NP)

Photo shows walking space severely restricted. (NP)

Monsoon preparedness meet at Niuland

man instructed various departments to keep updates on their resource inventory so that essential needs/ goods can be delivered on time and be prepared to tackle any disaster in the district.

Food and Civil Supply department has been instructed to check the condition of Godown and keep stock for atleast three months.

STA observes 25th anniversary

Orientation on disability awareness

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Niuland held a meeting on monsoon preparedness at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner, Niuland on May 16.

A DIPR report stated that at the meeting, DC Niuland and chairman DDMA, Sara S. Jamir highlighted the disaster occurrences in the district and apprised the departments to be prepared for

any eventuality incase of monsoon related disasters.

DDMA nodal officer DDMA Niuland, Keren Rose Koza gave the presentation on monsoon preparedness plan. Meanwhile, the chair-

Department of Health and Family Welfare has been entrusted to ensure the availability of emergency/basic medicines and PWD (R&B) to be ready to clear roads and to keep inventory of government and private JCB and PHED department to ensure availability of safe drinking water.

The department of School Education, Social Welfare and PWD (R&B) presented their monsoon preparedness plan.

Seized illegal liquor destroyed at Naharbari

leaders seized the illicit liquor during the raid conducted on May 11, 2023. The raid was conducted as per the general public resolution adopted earlier. The seized liquor items were destroyed in the presence of members of NCF, NYA, GBs and ward councils of Naharbari.

DIMA PUR: Sümi Theological Association, a theological body under SBAK Aizuto observed its 25th anniversary from May 10-12.

To commemorate the event, a jubilee plaque was erected at Aizuto Mission Centre by SBAK executive secretary, Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi in the presence of STA president, Kheshiho Chishi and first president of STA, Rev. Vitoshe K. Aye. The jubilee event was hosted by Sapotimi Baptist Church and was attended by

512 delegates compromising of theologians, church leaders and theological students under SBAK. Speakers of the celebration were, Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, Dr. principal ATC, Shitovi Sumi; SBAK Christian education secretary, Ilika Zhimo and pastor, Lumithsami Baptist Church, Rev. Ghokuto Chishi. Deputy commissioner of taxes, Niholi Sema graced the celebration and greetings message was delivered by SABK executive

council president, Dr. I. Pihoto Khala.

Meanwhile, a new body of Sumi Theological Association Team has been elected with Vihokhu Jimo as president and Lujeka Assumi as general secretary along with other officials.

DIMAPUR: A one-day training and awareness programme on disabilities was organised by the National Institute for Empowerment of People with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, in collaboration with Tabitha Enabling Academy on May 6. ADC Peren, Vekhoyi Chakhesang graced the event as special guest and A. Sactivelan and special educators of Tabitha Enabling Academy were the resource persons. The programme was attended by 101 private and government teachers of more than 40 schools within Peren district.

DIMAPUR: Community leaders of Naharbari, East Dimapur including Naharbari Community Forum

NEHS to organize free health camp in Mokokchung

DIMAPUR: North-East

Health Services (NEHS)

Guwahati under the aegis of Ao Senden would be organising a free health camp and awareness programme in association with Apollo Hospitals Guwahati on May 20 at 9 am at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, Mokokchung.

A press release from Ao Senden president Chubawati Longchar and general secretary Imtipokyim informed that specialist doctors from Guwahati for Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Pediatric and Medicine (specialist in Critical care) would be available during the health camp.

In this connection, Ao Senden has invited the public to avail the free health camp.

(NCF), Naharbari Youth Association (NYA) and GBs of Naharbari on May 13, 2023 destroyed assorted

bottles of seized illegal Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). A team of community

It was informed that a joint team comprising of NCF, NYA, GBs and officials from all the wards would continue to conduct raids in their effort to fight against all kinds of intoxicants within Naharbari jurisdiction.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family members of Lt. Lily Kikon extend our heartfelt gratitude towards family, churches, organizations, fellowships, groups, friends, well-wishers and every individual for all expressions of sympathy, prayers, floral tributes, words of comfort and unconditional moral support shown following our recent sudden bereavement.

We deeply regret our inability to thank everyone individually, but your expressions of sympathy will never be forgotten. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude but we pray for God’s abundant blessings upon each one of you.

d P-2118/23

1st DEATH

Lt. Lily Kikon (21/02/1979 – 03/05/2023)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Late Phyophio Ngully wishes to acknowledge the many wonderful expressions of concern and gestures of love shown to us in our recent bereavement.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but the outpouring of support from the many friends, relatives, neighbours and all well-wishers has brought us great comfort and sustained us through our grief. We sincerely acknowledge all your kindness and offer our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this press acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. Thank you and God bless you all.

“His true and only wealth was in his generous heart”

Loving Husband, Sons, Daughter, Parents and Relatives

5-Year Death

We find joy in recalling the times we have shared, but our happiness is short-lived because those recollections inevitably lead us back to the realization that you are no longer with us. Your fervent prayers echoes and follow us always and they will linger on for all the days of our lives. We

anniversarY

DIMAPUR:

Meeting on monsoon preparedness at Niuland on May 16. (DIPR)

Community leaders of Naharbari with the seized IMFL.

Congregation at the STA 25th anniversary.

Hundreds take part in ‘KAM phase II cleanliness drive’

‘Workshop on Referencing Methods’ at ZGC

DIMAPUR: Research Committee, Zunheboto Government College (ZGC) conducted a “OneDay Workshop on Referencing Methods” for teaching faculties on May 15, with resource person ZGC librarian, Ruovitso Mezhü.

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Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 16(NPN):

WEATHER FORECAST

Hundreds of volunteers including police personnel, students and solo cyclist, Aasha Malviya took part in the “KAM cleanliness drive” phase II in Kohima on May 16. The volunteers cleaned Kohima town surroundings with an aim to make Kohima, the state Capital “a better place for living”.

Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA 9 Kohima Town A/C, who also took part in the drive, informed the students that it was everyone responsibility to keep their city clean and acknowledged their participation.

Dr Rhütso maintained that the drive should not end here but should be contin-

ued every month and called upon the institutions to take the initiative.

Nagaland ADGP

Sandeep M Tamgadge, who was also present at the drive encouraged on clean, hygienic and healthy Kohima and highlighted on fostering a way of living to keep the environment clean.

The cleanliness drive was chaired by Mengu Suokhrie with short speech from managing director of KOHIMAS Hospital Dr. Keneilhoulie Medom.

Woman cyclist takes part in cleanliness drive

A 24 year-old, Aasha Malviya from Nataram village in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, who is on a solo cycle ride “Sampoorn Bharat Yatra,” took part in the cleanliness drive.

Aasha, who arrived Kohima on May 15, focused was to make the citizens aware about “Women Safety and Women Empowerment”.

Malviya is paddling to raise awareness towards Women’s Safety, encourage greater participation of women in the Tourism Sector, and establish India as a “Safe Destination for Women.”

Aasha started her tour on November 1, 2022 on the occasion of Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day from Bhopal and will be completed on September 29, 2023 in New Delhi. So far she had covered 15500 kms covering 16th states starting from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland is the 17th state on her map. Her next stop is Manipur.

SAMETI organises training for ATMA functionaries

During the two days training, participants were made to visit primary Millet processing Unit at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SASRD: NU Medziphema campus.

The trainees were provided hands-on demonstration, resource person, associate project lead, North East network Nagaland, Munulu Chuzhu covered on different topic of value addition preparation of millet pancake, millet sweets, jobs tear dessert and millet namkee.

CGKCC department-wise foundation stone erected

A press release by ZGC stated that Mezhü delivered on comprehensive presentation on referencing styles used in paper publications. ZGC principal, Dr. K Kalito Chishi, who also spoke at the programme appraised the faculty members to take opportunity and learn from workshop. She also expounded on importance of research publications and urged all members to publish research papers that would play a pivotal role in their academic career progression.

The workshop was chaired by Assistant Professor, department of Education, Neisetuono Kehie.

The release further added that the workshop was specifically aimed to educate faculty members on systematic methods of referencing which was crucial component of scientific paper writing.

The workshop ended with a question-answer session, discussion among the members.

DIMAPUR: Foundation stone of Chalkot Gamkai

Kuki Christian Church (CGKCU- men department) CGKCN (Women

Dept.) CGKCK (Youth

Dept.) was laid by Kuki Christian Church Nagaland Synod (KCCNS), executive secretary, Rev. Chungpao Khongsai on May 16 at CGKCC Sub Centre, Ahthibung town,

Peren. The programme began with an invocation by Asst. Moderator KCCNS, Rev. K.Singsit.

In his address, Rev. Chungpao expressed happiness to CGKCC Lom Ho (department wise) for their tireless effort in taking the initiative. He said that it was His Grace and mercy that the church

have come this far and thanked the almighty God for his blessing. A short condolence service was also held in remembrance of the pioneer and leaders of the respective departments under CGKCC. Report on the departmental foundation stone was presented by CGKCC secretary, Pr. Lenkhokam Hangsing.

DIMAPUR: A two-day training on “market driven millets production, processing and value addition technologies” was organised by State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) for Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) functionaries on May 10-11 at SAMETI, Medziphema.

A press release by SAMETI, Medziphema

informed that the main mandate of the training was to raise awareness about the modern aspects of improving millet productivity through scientific cultivation technology and the importance of value addition in millets for human diet and human economy.

Resource persons for the training, chief technical officer, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Porba from Phek district, Dr. Han -

nah Krujila Asangla and senior technical assistant, department of entomology School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD) Nagaland University (NU) Medziphema, deliberated on the “status, market, scope of millet and community seed bank for conserving local germplasm in Nagaland and India” and the “integrated pest management of millet” respectively.

Losami village community cemetery inaugurated

He also encouraged the participants to take up the value addition in millet, which is highly demand in the state of Nagaland and fetched a good price in the market for sustainability and commercially.

The valedictory program was chaired by deputy project director, SAMETI, Yezaho Swu; feedback on the training was given by the participants; certificates were distributed to the trainees by director SAMETI and principal IETC, Dr. Watimongla Jamir and vote of thanks was delivered by DPD SAMETI, Janet Chishi.

SCTE alumni meet: Sazolie College of Teachers Education (SCTE) will be holding alumni meet on May 20 at 10:30 am at the college auditorium.

A press release from the SCTE Alumni Associate informed that the, “Student of the year Award” would be conferred from 2019 till 2022 at the event, and the election of the new office bearers and discussion would be held after the formal session.

Tribal artisans mela at Phek postponed: Deputy Commissioner Phek, Kumar Ramnikant has informed all local artisans/producers (individual / SHG /Society) under Phek district that the Tribal Artisans Mela event organized by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, scheduled to be held on May 18 and 19 at Phek Hq. has been postponed till further notice.

Workshop on NEP 2020

DIMAPUR: One day workshop on National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will be held on May 17 at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.

Resource person for the workshop would be MSc, BEd, MBA, Ph.D Dr. Archna Sharma.

Women SHG Pfutsero Block office building inaugurated

DIMAPUR: The office building of Women SHG Federation Pfutsero Block was inaugurated by Superintendent, Department of Power, Lanula Kronu after a dedicatory prayer by pastor PTBC, Rev. Dr. Tshiilingupe Kapfo.

To commemorate the ‘16th May Naga Plebiscite’, a penal discussion was organised by the Senior Concern Forum and Concern Forum of Mokokchung at Hotel Metsuben on May 16 with senior advocate and ex-MLA Takoyaba, Dr. Toshi Echa and Dr. Lanusashi Longkumer as the resource persons. (NP)

ZGC holds seminar on legal awareness

DIMAPUR: With the objective of rendering awareness on new age menace of “Cyber Crime” and importance of RTI and Consumer Rights, Women and Student Grievance Redressal Cell and Internal Complaint Cell, Zunheboto Government College (ZGC), in collaboration with Sakhi- One Stop Centre Zunheboto, organized one day seminar on legal awareness.

A press release by ZGC stated that resource person, Centre Administrator, Sakhi- One Stop Centre Zunheboto, Alovini Yeptho, spoke on the topic “Cyber Crime”. In her presentation Yeptho educated students on the need to be aware of various areas where cybercrime could be committed and how they

could become victim to cybercrime. She further sensitized the audience with important facts and data in regard to cybercrime.

Emphasizing on the alarming fact that cybercrime occurs every 10 seconds in India, Yeptho stressed on the importance of safeguarding personal details on social media, as well as to avoid misusing the same. She also stressed on the need to maintain cyber hygiene and ended the session by sharing important details on how to file cybercrime complaint, along with contact details and precautionary measures to ensure safety and security.

In the second session, resource person, Case Worker Sakhi-One Stop

Centre Zunheboto, Helito L. Chophi, spoke on RTI and Consumer Rights. The resource person enlightened on the progressive history and features of RTI Act in India and how the Act empowered citizens the right to demand information. She also shared data regarding application of RTI in the country, with focus on Nagaland. Discussion on RTI ended with the resource person providing format and procedure to apply for RTI, followed by the shift to yet another informative discussion on consumer rights. The release added that the programme concluded with Assistant Professor and member IQAC, Dr. Viheno Iralu, presenting concluding remarks.

DIMAPUR: Deputy commissioner of Phek, Kumar Ramnikant inaugurated the Losami Village Common Cemetery at Losami under Phek district on May 16.

Before the inauguration, a dedicatory prayer was offered by Losami

Baptist Church pastor Kesowe Mekrisuh.

Losami Village Council chairman Zechete Mekrisuh delivered welcome address and the success story was shared by Losami VDB secretary Pfutsiikolo Akami. Wewupeu Kepfoh,

Associate Pastor (Women) and Kekhwewe Kepfo, chairman DB pronounced invocation and benediction respectively.

The programme was chaired by Cemetery Committee convenor Mesete Kanuo and vote of thanks by Keziiwelo Akami, GB.

Addressing the gathering, Kronu stressed on the importance of SHG as it benefits the society and facilitates income generation. She appreciated Women SHG Federation Pfutsero Block for their efforts to improve the state economy. She challenged the members to work with honesty, sincerity and accountability.

Vekhrolo Koza, BDO cum BMM, Zhalie Puro, ADPM, NSRLM Phek,

Zhonelü Tunyi, president Chakhesang Mother’s Association and Nezelü Nyekha, executive director, Chakhesang Women Welfare Society also spoke at the programme.

The inauguration of the office building was followed by annual general meeting of Women SHG Federation Pfutsero Block.

A brief note of the building construction was given by Veliihii Vero.

The meeting was chaired by Apfiile Kapfo and welcome address was delivered by Wepretsoü Kupa.

SHG Porba Village and Kewekhro L. Mero presented folk tune and special number respectively. The programme ended with distribution of Persimmon saplings.

Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, Aasha Malviya, students and others at the cleanliness drive. (NP)

Rev. Chungpao Khongsai dedicating the departmental wise foundation stone at CGKCC Sub Centre Ahthibung Town.

DC Phek Kumar Ramnikant and others at the inauguration of Losami village common cemetery on May 16.

Top level meet held in Imphal to adopt fresh security strategies

Controversial Assam cop killed in car collision

NAGAON (ASSAM), MAY 16 (PTI): A woman sub-inspector of Assam Police, who was embroiled in several controversies, was killed when her car collided head-on with a container truck in Nagaon district on early Tuesday, officials said.

Junomni Rabha, popularly known as ‘Lady Singham’ or ‘Dabang cop’ after Hindi police movies, was alone in her private car and not in uniform.

Modi interacts with tribal leaders from Arunachal Pradesh

IMPHAL, MAY 16 (IANS):

A high-level security and coordination meeting was held in Imphal on Tuesday to discuss the prevailing situation in Manipur, which was devastated by the recent ethnic violence that claimed over 70 lives and left over 1,800 houses and huge number of government and private properties destroyed.

Defence sources said that the security coordination meeting was held at the 1st Manipur Rifles complex and attended by senior officers of all central and state forces deployed in Manipur.

Senior officers of the

Abducted petrol pump cashier released

ITANAGAR, MAY 16

(PTI): A cashier of a petrol pump, who was abducted at gunpoint by unidentified miscreants from Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, was released on Tuesday after 21 days, police said.

Dinesh Sharma, an employee of the fuel outlet at Chongkham in the district, was released in the Medo area under the Wakro circle in Lohit district, Namsai Superintendent of Police DW Thungon said.

Locals claimed that banned ULFA (I) was behind the kidnapping.

Sharma, who works at the petroleum outlet of a state-run oil marketing company, was kidnapped by three gunmen on April 26 evening. The outlet is owned by Jenia Namchoom, a zilla parishad member (ZPM).

The gunmen opened fire during the abduction, and Mithai Marandi (28), the driver of the fuel outlet owner, was critically injured and later died at a hospital in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.

Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, the CRPF, the BSF, and the RAF attended the meeting and deliberated upon the measures to be undertaken in event of future contingencies. The officials also discussed steps to synergize the efforts of all security forces to maintain peace and harmony in the state.

To restore complete peace in Manipur, the Army has undertaken multipronged strategies including maintaining the highest vigil along the state’s 400 km unfenced border with Myanmar. Defence sources said that over 7,000 Army

and Assam Rifles soldiers, including women personnel, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and other modern gadgets have been relentlessly engaged in area domination to ensure early restoration of complete normalcy in Manipur. The sources said that Army authorities, in consultation with the state government and all stakeholders, has worked out fresh and elaborate security measures to address the fears of people of all communities, especially those staying in fringe vulnerable areas outside Imphal.

The accident occurred at Sarubhugia village under Jakhalabandha police station of Kaliabor SubDivision. “After getting intimation at around 2:30 am, a police patrol party reached the spot and took her to a nearby hospital. Doctors there declared her dead,” Jakhalabandha Police Station Officer-inCharge Pawan Kalita said. The container truck which was coming from Uttar Pradesh was seized by the police, but the driver fled from the spot after the accident, he added.

Nagaon Superintendent of Police Leena Doley reached the spot in the morning to take stock of the situation. The police, however, have no clue why the SI was going alone in

civil clothes without any security in her private car towards Upper Assam. Her family members also expressed unawareness about her movement.

Rabha, who was the in-charge of the Morikolong Police Outpost, has been known for being strict against criminals as well as alleged financial irregularities. In June last year, she was arrested for alleged corruption in league with her former beau and was remanded to judicial custody by a court in Majuli district, leading to suspension from the service. The suspension was lifted later and she rejoined service.

She was entangled in another controversy in January 2022 when her telephonic conversation with BJP MLA Amiya Kumar Bhuyan from Bihpuria constituency was leaked.

Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates NEIAH hostels

steady growth in patient’s footfalls over the years.

Last year, the hospital recorded a footfall of 52,088 patients in its OPD clinics while 504 patients were admitted as IPD patients for healing and recovery.

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with a delegation of community leaders of various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg here. He expressed his happiness on meeting the delegation. PM Modi enquired about the experience of their recent visit to Gujarat especially their visit to Kevadia and GIFT city. He also discussed the historical and cultural ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

Arunachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Shri Pema

Khandu said that with support from the Central Government, many outstanding border issues such as the Assam-Arunachal border dispute have been resolved. The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for inviting them for the interaction. They also talked about how with the support of the Central and state government, Arunachal Pradesh is taking big strides in infrastructural development.

Members of commu-

Modi with Pema Khandu and leaders of various community-based organisations. (Twitter)

nity-based organizations of Arunachal visited Gujarat under the leadership of Pema Khandu. They talked about their visit and interaction with PM Modi.

“Meeting the Prime Minister felt as if we have come to our own home. It didn’t feel like we are far from home. We visited Gujarat where he was Chief Minister. The development we saw, the model we saw, we felt very nice. We will always remember it. He is always working for the nation and we felt inspired,” said Chou Siharaja Choutang, a member of the delegation.

Nyari Riso, another

member of the delegation of community leaders, said, they felt good to hear about the development potential of Arunachal Pradesh from PM Modi.

“We all want to contribute to the development efforts of PM Modi,” she said.

During their visit to Gujarat, Khandu and members of his delegation also met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Khandu said in a tweet that Gujarat has introduced “several transformative initiatives, bringing a remarkable improvement in the state’s economy and people’s ease of living”.

Meghalaya to set up Edn Commission

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 16:

Meghalaya Chief Minis -

SHILLONG, MAY 16 (PTI): Union Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated six new buildings of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) here.

The buildings include a boys and girls hostel, 20 quarters and a director’s quarter, a senior resident hostel and a guest house built at an estimated cost of Rs 60.16 crore.

Addressing the function on Monday Sonowal said, “The 6 new buildings

will expand the capacity of NEIAH furthering the role of traditional medicine in the region.”

He said the Government of India sees huge role of integrative medicine in the healthcare solutions delivery system of the country in the forthcoming years.

“The investment made by the government through these new buildings will embolden our effort to rejuvenate traditional medicine in this region of the country. I am happy to inform you that NEIAH will be starting its

ambulance services soon,” he said. Highlighting Northeast’s role in traditional medicine, Sonowal said the region has natural bounty in traditional medicines.

“This has helped us heal for many generations. We simply want to take this process forward so that it can help many more people and help them live a better quality of life. The vision of PM Narendra Modi is to develop a healthcare delivery system which is effective and efficient,” he said.

NEIAH reported a

Conrad to hold meeting to assess report of ‘GNLA regrouping’

SHILLONG, MAY 16

(AGENCIES): Following reports of the banned militant group Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) regrouping, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said he will be convening a meeting to conduct an internal assessment on the matter.

The concern arose after an internal memo by a DSP-ranked police officer, originally intended for circulation among police of-

Prez Murmu greets Sikkim on statehood day

NEW DELHI, MAY 16

(PTI): President Droupadi

Murmu Tuesday greeted the people of Sikkim on their statehood day and said the state has pioneered organic farming and enriched biodiversity besides creating a model for sustainable development. Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975. “Greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day! Sikkim presents a blend of modernity and unique traditions. The state has pioneered organic farming, enriched biodiversity and created a model for sustainable development.”

ficers in West Garo Hills, was leaked and surfaced online. The memo indicated that the GNLA was actively regrouping and engaging in recruitment drives throughout the region.

While Sangma confirmed receiving the internal report, he clarified that he had not yet had the opportunity to review its contents. However, he emphasized that the government does not take such matters lightly and expressed deep concern.

“We are concerned at every level. When we receive intelligence reports, we have to meticulously filter and assess their weightage due to the complexity of the procedures involved,” stated Sangma.

He further explained that they often receive a large number of reports, ranging from 100 to 200, out of which only a few hold significant importance.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters, Director General

of Police Dr LR Bishnoi said SPs of the five districts of Garo Hills region are likely to submit their respective reports to verify the recent input received about regrouping of the disbanded GNLA, within a week.

“All the district SPs are verifying this input in their respective areas. Once verification is completed they will submit their report to us. We have not fixed any timeline as it may take time...” Bishnoi said.

In Ayurveda, over 36,600 patients reported at the OPD clinics as well as 482 patients got admitted at the IPD section of the university. In Homoeopathy, the footfall in its OPD clinics were over 19,000 patients while 22 patients got themselves admitted under it. As many as 35 health camps and 4 CMEs (Continuing Medical Education) were conducted by NEIAH during the same period, according to a senior official of the institute. In academics, NEIAH has already enrolled six undergraduate batches in Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS).

The Institute with a 80 bed hospital is currently running one college of Ayurveda and a college of Homoeopathy.

ter Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday informed that the government very shortly will set up an Education Commission to look into all aspects of improving the education sector in the State.

Sangma said that Meghalaya has close to 14000 schools and over 55,000 teachers, which is significantly higher than other equivalent sized smaller states in the Northeast.

He added that the State spends almost Rs 2200 crore annually on different forms of grant-in-aid given to several schools.

Sangma said that despite the huge investments and attention given to the education sector, Meghalaya needs to strive harder to be among the top performing states in education in the country.

Taking part in the centenary celebration of the Jaiaw Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, the

AffidAvit

I, Shri T. MONO KHIAM, Father of KHAOSHAI LAM, aged about 38 years, presently serving as Havildar No.122994322W, Unit-164 INF BN(TA)(H&H) Naga, permanent resident of Pathso Nokeng, Tuensang District, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm on oath and state as follows:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and belong to Khiamniungan Naga

2. That I am the father of KHAOSHAI LAM, whose names have been entered as KHAOSHAI M KHIAM in my service book/ Documents.

3. That the name KHAOSHAI LAM and KHAOSHAI M KHIAM are the names of one and same person.

4. That this affidavit is made to declare that my son name shall be used as KHAOSHAI LAM.

5. That this affidavit shall be used as piece of evidence of the fact and proof as mentioned.

6. That the statement made in the above paragraphs are true to the best of my knowledge. Deponent solemnly sworn and declare before me on this the 3rd day of May 2023.

K-1060/23

Regd. No. 139 Date 03/05/2023

AffidAvit I, Shri T. MONO KHIAM, Father of PUSHONG LAM, aged about 38 years, presently serving as Havildar No.122994322W, Unit-164 INF BN(TA)(H&H) Naga, permanent resident of Pathso Nokeng, Tuensang District, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm on oath and state as follows:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and belong to Khiamniungan Naga

2. That am the father of PUSHONG LAM, whose names have been entered as PUSHONG M KHIAM in my service book/ Documents.

3. That the name PUSHONG LAM and PUSHONG M KHIAM are the names of one and same person.

4. That this affidavit is made to declare that my son name shall be used as PUSHONG LAM.

5. That this affidavit shall be used as piece of evidence of the fact and proof as mentioned.

6. That the statement made in the above paragraphs are true to the best of my knowledge. Deponent solemnly sworn and declare before me on this the 3rd day of May 2023.

K-1060/23

Regd. No. 138 Date 03/05/2023

dECLARAtiON

I, Mr. Sielie vitho, aged about 50 years, resident of Gariphema Village, Kohima, Nagaland, do hereby truly and solemnly affirm and declare as follows:

1. That I have adopted Miss Salienuo vitho

Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the school and all the members of the managing committee and teachers who have played a pivotal role in guiding the institution all these years from its humble beginnings to an institute of repute contributing immensely towards the uplift of education of children mostly from the underprivileged sections of the society.

“I must take this opportunity to thank all those who have been working and have been related to the school in different aspects and made it what it is today”, he said. “You must

Regd. No.174/2023

have targets because that’s what gives us direction to work and move forward with a vision that we would like to achieve. I urge the managing committee and all members of the Church as well as the alumni and others who are associated with the school to set a goal and move forward so as to achieve much higher standards for the school in the coming years,” he exhorted.

During the function, the CM also announced a grant of Rs 20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for extension of the school’s building.

Speaking at length on the challenges in the education sector, the Chief Minister also said that “decision making and problem solving” are impacted by numerous internal and external factors but above all it should not supersede the welfare of students and the positive impact on their learning.

AffidAvit

Date: 16/05/2023

I, Mr. S. Hongsa, S/o Lt. Sachingyenchu, do hereby declare:

1. That Mr. Sangkumchoba S/o Lt. Chingmak resident of Seiurüzha Colony under Chumoukedima district.

2. That the person mentioned above share no relation or whatsoever with me or my family.

1.

And that I hold no responsibility for whatever act, deal, or dealing done by him.

NOtARY PUBLiC Deponent K -1064/23

AFFIDAVIT

I, SHRI L. CHINGTICK PHOM, S/o Longshing Phom resident of H/No. 156, dubagaon Village, P.S. East Police Station, dimapur, Nagaland declare through an Affidavit No. 352/2023 dated 15.05.2023 that my name inadvertently appeared in my GPF statement as 'L. CHINGTICK'. Whereas L. CHINGTICK PHOM and 'L. CHINGTICK' are the names of same person i.e. me. Henceforth, I will use my name as L. CHINGTICK PHOM for all official and other purposes. dP -2113/23

am a bonafide citizen of India and belong to Khiamniungan Naga

2. That I am the father of MULAI LAM, whose names have been entered as MULAI M LAM in my service book/ Documents.

3. That the name MULAI LAM and MULAI M KHIAM are the names of one and same person.

4. That this affidavit is made to declare that my son name shall be used as MULAI LAM.

5. That this affidavit shall be used as piece of evidence of the fact and proof as mentioned.

6. That the statement made in the above paragraphs are true to the best of my knowledge. Deponent

solemnly sworn and declare before me on this the 3rd day of May 2023.

Regd. No. 140 Date 03/05/2023

Regd. No. 3944

AffidAvit

K-1060/23

Date: 02/08/2017

I, Shri/Smti JOSHUWA APON alias JOSHUWA KATH S/o, SINTILE APON R/o, Tseminyu New Town, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare an oath as follows:

1. That I am a citizen of India.

2. That in some of the documents my name has been recorded as JOSHUWA APON and in some of the official documents including Service records and PAN Card No. FCZPK4036G my name has been recorded as JOSHUWA KATH hence, the stated name represents the same person ie, Myself.

3. That henceforth I herewith rectify the same and declare that my correct name will be JOSHUWA APON for all official purposes.

4. That the above statements made in para 1-3 are true to the best of my knowledge and no material facts has been concealed herein and I signed this affidavit before the competent authority on 2nd Aug, 2017 at Kohima.

PUBLiC

The high level security meeting in Imphal.

Junomni Rabha

Conrad K Sangma

Sarbananda Sonowal in Shillong.

SNIPPETS

Posing as PM’s niece, woman dupes

retd colonel of Rs 21L

VARANASI (UP), MAY 16 (IANS): A woman, posing as niece of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has duped a retired colonel of Rs 21 lakh after convincing him to invest money in shares for a huge earning. After the colonel transferred Rs 21 lakh in the bank account of the woman’s friend in Jaipur, she stopped taking his calls. The retired colonel said he came in contact with Komal Pandey of Ballia on phone a few months ago and she introduced him to Veronica, who started giving him offers for investment in stock market by assuring huge profit and also claimed to be niece of the Prime Minister.

IITians to take free online classes for govt school students

LUCKNOW, MAY 16

(IANS): IITians from across the country will be taking free online classes for students of government schools in rural India.

The initiative - Online Rural Education Initiative (OREI)- is taken by IIT Kanpur that has developed a platform through which all IITians will connect to teach rural India. Chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra launched the initiative at UP Sainik School in Lucknow. Under this initiative, IITians will teach mathematics and science to students of 10 government secondary schools in the state.

4 killed in Hyderabad road mishap

HYDERABAD, MAY

16 (IANS): Four persons were killed in a road accident at Turkayamjal on the outskirts of Hyderabad in the early hours of Tuesday.

A cement-laden lorry rammed into a DCM van near Turkayamjal bridge in Rangareddy district.

According to police, a speeding lorry hit the van from behind. Four persons travelling in the van died on the spot.

8-yr-old girl raped by minor cousin in UP

PILIBHIT, MAY 16

(IANS) : An eight-yearold girl was allegedly molested by her 17-year-old cousin in a village under the Barkhera police circle in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district when she was visiting her grandmother in the same village, police said. The incident came to light later that day when the victim narrated the ordeal to her mother.

Nine killed in UP road accident

FATEHPUR (UP), MAY 16 (PTI): Nine people were killed after an autorickshaw they were travelling collided with a milk tanker in Jehanabad area here on Tuesday, police said.

Eleven people from Ghatampur in Kanpur were coming to Jehanabad in an auto rickshaw when a speeding tanker hit it near Chilli turn this afternoon, they said. Nine people travelling in the auto-rickshaw were killed and two others were seriously injured, they said.

4 killed after car falls into gorge in HP

NAHAN, MAY 16 (PTI):

Four people, including a couple, were killed when their car fell into a gorge in Sangrah area of Sirmaur district on Tuesday, officials said.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the accident and directed the district administration to provide all possible help to the affected families.

The incident occurred at around 5 am on the Lanacheta-Rajgarh road in Pabaur, they said.

Changes in recruitment system ended corruption, nepotism: Modi

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Tuesday that changes brought by his government in the recruitment system have ended the possibility of corruption and nepotism as he gave away appointment letters to over 71,000 people at a ‘Rozgar Mela’.

From applying for government jobs to the announcement of results, the entire process has been made online, he said while elaborating on employment opportunities and infrastructure development ushered in by the BJP dispensation at the Centre in the last nine years. The prime minister underscored the importance of today’s date as nine years ago on this date -- May 16 -Lok Sabha Elections results were announced.

“The journey which started with the spirit of ‘Sabka S aath, Sabka Vi -

kas’ is working for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India),” he said, adding that today is also Sikkim’s statehood day. He referred to his recent meetings with CEOs of leading global companies, including Walmart, Apple, Foxconn and Cisco, to assert that there is “unprecedented positivity” about industry and investment in the country. The prime minister cited EPFO net payroll figures to say that over 4.5 crore people have got jobs since 2018-19 as formal employment has been growing.

FDI and the country’s record export have been

creating employment opportunities in every corner of India, he said, noting that the nature of jobs has also been changing with his government constantly supporting the emerging sectors.

The country has seen a revolution in the start-up sector and their numbers have risen to nearly a lakh from a few hundred before 2014, the year the BJP came to power at the Centre, he said, adding that they are estimated to have provided a minimum 10 lakh jobs. Rozgar Melas by the governments at the Centre and BJP-ruled states show their commitment towards the youth, he said, asserting that it has prioritised the recruitment process in the last nine years by making it faster, transparent and unbiased.

“The possibility of corruption and nepotism in recruitment for government jobs has now ended,” Modi

Manoj Soni takes oath as UPSC chairman

NEW DELHI, MAY 16

(PTI): Eminent educationist Manoj Soni on Tuesday took oath as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Soni, who joined the Commission as member on June 28, 2017, has been performing the duties of the UPSC chairman since April 5, 2022.

He was administered the oath of office and secrecy as chairman, UPSC by Smita Nagaraj, senior most member in the Commission, a statement issued by the Personnel Ministry said.

The UPSC conducts civil services examination to

select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.

The Commission is headed by a chairman and it can have a maximum of 10 members. There is still

a vacancy of five members in the UPSC. Prior to his appointment in the UPSC, Soni has served three terms as Vice-Chancellor.

These include two consecutive terms from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2015 as VC of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), Gujarat; and one term as VC of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda from April 2005 to April 2008, according to his official bio data.

At the time of his joining the MSU of Baroda, Soni was the youngest ever Vice-Chancellor in India and the MSU, it said.

CBI books scribe on espionage charges

said. Interviews for Group C and Group D have also been abolished, he added.

Highlighting the difficulties faced in the recruitment process earlier, he said the Staff Selection Board used to take 15-18 months for new recruitment while it takes only six to eight months now.

During the last nine years, government policies have been made keeping in mind the employment possibilities. Initiatives in the fields of modern infrastructure, rural push or expansion of the basic needs of life, every policy of the Government of India is creating new opportunities for the youth, he said. Modi told the new employees that the government has spent about Rs 34 lakh crore on capital expenditure and on basic facilities, noting that Rs 10 lakh crore was allocated for this in this year’s budget.

Pralhad Joshi hints at replacement of K’taka BJP chief

BENGALURU, MAY 16

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): The CBI has registered a FIR against a freelance journalist for allegedly collecting sensitive information related to the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the army, and sharing them with intelligence agencies of foreign countries, officials said. Following the FIR, the agency conducted searches on premises linked to Vivek Raghuvanshi and people close to him at 12 locations in Jaipur and the National Capital Region (NCR), the officials sid. A number of sensitive documents was recovered during the searches and sent for legal scrutiny, they said. Sources said the agency has launched an exhaustive probe to find about Raghuvanshi’s accomplices in India and abroad. He was allegedly collecting sensitive information and minute details about the progress of various DRDO projects, the CBI alleged.

(PTI): Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday hinted at the possibility of replacement of the BJP Karnataka President Nalin Kumar Kateel, who has already completed his three year term, following the party’s loss in the Assembly elections.

Kateel, a three-time Lok Sabha member from Dakshina Kannada, was appointed state unit chief in August 2019 for a three year term. He was given an extension last year in view of the impending elections.

In the May 10 elections, the Congress ousted the BJP from power. The Congress got 135 seats in the 224-member Assembly, while the BJP secured 66 seats and JD(S) 19.

Joshi, the Lok Sabha member from Dharwad, and Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, said the BJP legislature party will decide on who would be the leader

of opposition in the Assembly after a discussion in the presence of a representative from the party’s central leadership.

“I would just like to say that his (Kateel’s) term of three years is over. In view of the (Assembly) election, our national leaders had given him responsibility. Our leaders will take further decision,” Joshi told reporters here. He also appealed to the Congress to form the government at the earliest to fulfill the wishes of people. On the next move of the BJP after the rout in Assembly elections, Joshi said the party will introspect.

Parameshwara throws his hat in ring for K’taka CM

BENGALURU, MAY 16

(PTI): Amid intense lobbying for the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, senior Congress leader G Paraeshwara on Tuesday said he was ready to take up the responsibility if the party high command asked him to run the government. The former state Congress President said, the high command is aware of his service to the party, and he doesn’t feel the need to lobby for the post.

“If the high command decides and asks me to run the government, I’m ready to take up the responsibility,” the former Deputy Chief Minister told reporters here.

Death toll in TN hooch tragedy rises to 19

CHENNAI, MAY 16 (IANS):

With two persons succumbing on Tuesday, the death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy in Tamil Nadu rose to 19.

According to Villupuram police, Saravanan (58) from Marakkanam of Villupuram district succumbed this morning. He was undergoing treatment at Tindivanam Government hospital after he consumed hooch in Marakkanam area. Rajavel (49) who was admitted at Government Medical College hospital, Villupuram, also died early this morning.

Irate relatives and friends of the victims blocked the PuducherryTindivanam road demanding a total ban on the spurious liquor sale in the state. As of now, the number of deaths in Villupuram district’s Marakkanam stands at 14, while in Maduranthakam, Chengalpattu

district, five lives have been lost.

Notably, 50 people had consumed a locally brewed liquor during a marriage function at Ekkiyarakuppam fishing hamlet in Marakkanam, Villupuram district, on Saturday.

Immediately, several complained of nausea and vomiting and were rushed to hospitals. Three people died after reaching hospital, as many more succumbed on Sunday.

Six more people from Marakkanam who were admitted to various hospitals succumbed on Monday. Two individuals died on Tuesday taking the toll at Marakkanam to 14.

Few people who had consumed liquor at Maruthanthakam in Chengalpattu also complained of vomiting. Five people died after consuming spurious liquor at Maruthanthakam.

LoP Palaniswami meets victims

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition K Palaniswami on Tuesday met the persons who are undergoing treatment after consuming spurious liquor in the district. The AIADMK general secretary also slammed the ruling DMK over the issue of hooch and alleged action was not being taken against those selling illicit liquor.

Referring to the Marakkanam hooch tragedy here, he said those undergoing treatment were suffering from health issues including eyesight problems. “This is a sad and shocking incident. This government has not brought any schemes in the last two years. Those selling spurious liquor are not facing action,” he told reporters after meeting the affected persons undergoing treatment at a government hospital here. During the 2011-21 AIADMK regime, the issue was dealt with sternly and the stringent Goondas Act was invoked against those nabbed for selling illicit liquor, the former CM said.

“I have faith in the party high command. I have certain principles. I can also take about 50 legislators and do the shouting, but for me the discipline of the party is important. If people like us don’t follow things, there won’t be any discipline in the party. I have said that if the high command gives me the responsibility, I will take it up. I have not said I won’t.”, he said.

“They (high command) too are aware that I have worked for the party, served it for eight years (as KPCC President) and brought it to power (in 2013). Also I have served as the Deputy Chief

NO.DTE/SCTE/6/2020-21/

Minister. They know everything, there is nothing for us to say afresh. So I feel there is no need for me to ask for the post or lobby for it, and I’m quiet. That doesn’t mean i’m incapable, I’m capable and if given an opportunity will do the job,” he added.

State Congress President D K Shivakumar and

former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are locked in an intense power struggle over who will lead the government, after the Congress stormed to power by winning 135 seats in the May 10 elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly. Both the leaders are in Delhi to discuss with the party central leadership on the government formation and the next CM. The three central observers of the Congress, who interacted with newly elected party MLAs on their choice for CM, briefed party chief M Mallikarjun Kharge and submitted their report on Monday.

Dated, Kohima, the 16th May, 2023 NOTIFICATION

Provisional result of DEE-2023 for undergoing 3 year Diploma courses within the state run Polytechnics along with the merit list has been declared and uploaded in the Department website www.dtenagaland.org.in & the office notice board. The selected candidates are hereby informed to submit their acceptance/refusal letter to the Office on or before 25th May, 2023 through hard copy to office or email: sctenagaland@gmail.com only. In the event of any candidate fails to submit his/her acceptance letter, their selection shall stand cancelled. Candidates who did not make into the selection list may re-apply for Diploma seats in prescribed application forms available in the office.

Nomination letter shall be issued w.e.f 1st June, 2023.

Sd/(Er. VIPULHOU LHOUNGU) Director d b-566/23

Pralhad Joshi Narendra Modi

G Paraeshwara

Manoj Soni

Democracy with a rider

Asthe world’s largest democracy, India is looked upon as an example of a most populous nation where the tenets of freedom thrive despite diverse languages, culture and religions. India surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation in April this year. democratic societies emphasize the principle that all people are equal. Equality means that all individuals are valued equally, have equal opportunities, and may not be discriminated against because of their race, religion, ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation. However, when it comes to democratic practises as generally understood, India does not figure in the top bracket among nations with press freedom. This was evident as per the ranking by Global media watchdog Reporters Without borders (RSF), which publishes a yearly report on press freedom in countries across the world. In 2022 India ranked at 150 in a survey of 180 countries. Media associations in the country have voiced concern over India slipping 11 places to 161st rank in the World Press Freedom Index, 2023, published on May 11. RSF noted that the “situation has gone from ‘problematic’ to ‘very bad’ in three other countries: Tajikistan (down 1 at 153rd), India (down 11 at 161st) and Turkey (down 16 at 165th). The Indian Women’s Press Corps, Press Club of India, and the Press Association released a joint statement condemning the country’s dip in the index. “The indices of press freedom have worsened in several countries, including India, according to the latest RSF report,” the joint statement said. besides press freedom, India has also been under watch by the US State department for persistent religious violence. On May 15, the US State department released an annual report on religious freedom in India which listed attacks against religious minorities including muslims and Christians. According to a senior US Official, the US government has expressed concern over rhetoric that dehumanises religious minorities and expected that those involved be held accountable. The State department report, based on direct research as well as accounts by media and advocacy groups, pointed to concerns about home demolitions against Muslims and public flogging by police of Muslims accused of injuring Hindus in the state of Gujarat. New delhi has long hit back at American criticism on religious freedom, particularly by the autonomous US Commission on International Religious Freedom, which earlier this month once again recommended that the State department put India on a blacklist over its record. despite widely reported atrocities as well as rhetoric against religious minorities even by those holding important positions in the government, the US is reluctant to name India as an offender for the sake of ensuring security cooperation between them against growing Chinese expansionism. The national narrative is redefinition of Indian democracy based on Majoritarianism. This is anathema to India’s secularism and pluralism since it is a political philosophy or ideology with the agenda asserting that a majority based on a religion, language, social class, or other category of the population, is entitled to a certain degree of primacy in society, and has the right to make decisions that affect the society.

DailyDevotion

The Habit of Recognizing God’s Provision

…you may be partakers of the divine nature… —2 Peter 1:4

We are made “partakers of the divine nature,” receiving and sharing God’s own nature through His promises. Then we have to work that divine nature into our human nature by developing godly habits. The first habit to develop is the habit of recognizing God’s provision for us. We say, however, “Oh, I can’t afford it.” One of the worst lies is wrapped up in that statement. We talk as if our heavenly Father has cut us off without a penny! We think it is a sign of true humility to say at the end of the day, “Well, I just barely got by today, but it was a severe struggle.” And yet all of Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will reach to the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will only obey Him. Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn’t they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God’s riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it removes God from the throne of our lives, replacing Him with our own self-interests. It causes us to open our mouths only to complain, and we simply become spiritual sponges— always absorbing, never giving, and never being satisfied. And there is nothing lovely or generous about our lives.

Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our Source; as the psalmist said, “All my springs are in You” (Psalm 87:7). If the majesty, grace, and power of God are not being exhibited in us, God holds us responsible. “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you…may have an abundance…” (2 Corinthians 9:8)— then learn to lavish the grace of God on others, generously giving of yourself. Be marked and identified with God’s nature, and His blessing will flow through you all the time.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

An inquiry into the social economy of mental health

Nowadays numerous researches are carried out not only by the specialists in medical sciences related to mental illness, but also others such as social scientists, educationists, and economists. Literature on mental health is growing as the number of affected people is also growing. Nonetheless, mental illness is to be viewed through the prism of multi-dimensional perspective because it encompasses psychological, social, economic, and educational aspects. Since it is multiple in its horizons, its implications are ramifying. Mental illness should be construed as societal, not because of its intensity, veracity, magnitude, and severity, quite a vast number of people are getting into the web of mental illness both micro and macro levels.

For instance, the data worldwide on mental illness as of 2023 shows that general mental health disorder is estimated around 79 crores; those suffering under depression is 201 crores; 305 crores of people are affected by anxiety disorder. Studies shows that mental health problem kills 8,00,000 lakh people every year worldwide. And so, it is not just

national, but also global. Those who are struggling and affected by mental disorder finds very difficult to manage the expenses every month towards treatment of their mental illness such as weekly counselling sessions, pharmacotherapy and medication totals to several thousands of rupees.

A recent study based on researchers of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that owning to mental illness “approximately 20.7% of households experienced a transition from a non-poor status to living poverty.” The study shows that in Tamil Nadu, there is a relatively higher percentage of patients seeking treatment for mental health disorder compared to the national average. In the State, 21.8% was the total burden of income loss compared to the national average of 10.4%.

Countrywide 59.5% and 32.4% of households experience catastrophic health expenditure due to expensive health-care for mental illness. Households are expected to spend around 18.1% of their monthly consumption expenditure

on mental health care. At an average for the medical expenses such as surgery, hospitalization, transport, lodging, food and other miscellaneous totals to Rs.2,549/- in Tamil Nadu. The burden of income loss due to mental illness is 12.8% of the monthly consumption expenditure. The burden of expenditure is higher in urban and more literate patients when compared to rural and semi-literate patients; and so , on a comparative basis it is an indication that mental health treatment is not accessible or affordable for all sections of society, regardless of location or education. In addition, the survey indicated that in India only 10-12% of individuals with mental health conditions were receiving appropriate treatment. The prevalence of common mental disorder in India is 5.3%, while the incidence of severe mental disorders is 0.6%. The treatment gap for mental health disorder is high in India, with 82.4% of individuals with common mental disorders such as depression and 87.5%. of individuals with severe mental disorders such as psychosis not receiving treatment.

The treatment gap is even higher for alcohol use disorder with 88% of individuals not receiving treatment, with 7 of every 100 individuals at high suicidal risk. Another important factor that surface is mental illnesses not only increase the risk of poverty but also impedes individual’s ability to contribute labor the following day or to sustain employment possibilities. Poverty and hunger not only affect the physical body but also erodes the mental agility. We need to interface economic and social impact of mental illnesses on households, individuals and the sum total of number who have been affected by mental illnesses.

This I call as socialeconomy of mental health. Diagnosing the illness is to be left to the concerned experts, but the cause or the factors that trigger or prompts or push mental illness need to brought within the purview so that mental illness could be understood and analyzed wholistically, and certainly not in isolation or in compartments. Following the tragedy in Erwadi, Ramanathapuram, where 26 patients had been kept chained in a religious

asylum were burnt to death, the Supreme Court ordered a national survey of mental health resources.

The survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare between May and July 2002, revealed shortage of mental health professionals, with a deficit of 77% for psychiatrists, 97% for clinical psychologists, and 90% for psychiatric social workers. The state of mental hospitals was not satisfactory. Though we have National mental Health Policy 2014 and the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, nothing substantive has been achieved. There should be more serious efforts and measures be taken up in terms of addressing the mental health problems right from diagnosis, rehabilitation, and monitoring.

More allocation of funds be made from the state governments as well as Centre since it involves more money which the poor and the vulnerable cannot afford. Private and public participation be encouraged. At the same it should be borne in mind that we need to take social and economic factors more seriously as these two categories are enjoined and inter-dependent, though

mental illness affected everyone across the spectrums. In addition, religion also plays a major role as those who are ignorant of the causes of mental illness come out with different understanding attributing to possession of evil spirits or demonic works etc. etc. In such a situation a country filled with all sorts of belief systems, religious practices, superstitions, indigenous and cultic worships it takes time. All efforts such as creating awareness may be staunchly resisted. More importantly mental health by all means has to be integrated within the overall health system in India. For a society to function or perform well its people of all ages including white or blue color workforce should be mental fit which plays the vital role and important part in determining the present and the future. Without wellness of mind/mental fitness, we cannot envision a sustainable society. Let us not forget that when we say ‘wholeness’ or ‘wholistic’ it is mind, body, and soul. And so, we need to give equal importance to all these.

Dr. John Mohan Razu

Prioritising the road ahead for the Indian industry

The last nine years have proved to be a period of immense economic and commercial gains for India businesses, partly helped by the governments new policy initiatives and also the charged-up Indian businessmen ready to take-up new challenges and claim their due place under the sun.

Seventy-five years after independence, becoming the fifth largest economy in the world and poised to be the third largest economy by 2030, India has indeed surpassed many significant milestones. But the moot question here is what has fuelled India’s growth, the services or the manufacturing sector, and what should be its future plan of action.

The economic reforms ushered-in by the Narasimha Rao government in 1990s, and the subsequent unshackling of chains bounding the private sector ill then, proved to be a boon for the Indian businessmen. But more or less these economic reforms ushered in the groundwork for future transformation of the Indian businesses, which were able to lead the growth curve with the services sector.

Currently G-20 Sherpa and former head of the Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant in his book, ‘Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise’, offers an insiders peep in to the second-generation reforms which began in 2014 and delves deep into the policies and people behind the new age start-

ups and their novel businesses versions that are unleashing the entrepreneurial zeal among the Indian youth.

Kant’s ringside view as a top policy maker have added immensely to the book, besides highlighting his out of the box campaigns such as Make In India, Start-up India, God’s Own Country, and policy changes like Performance-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), Aspirational Districts, e-Mobility, Green Hydrogen, and Ease of Doing Business reforms.

However, the book has also gave an opportunity to the top business leaders and policy makers to air their views about the future course to be taken by the Indian government and the businesses to lead this economic growth trajectory.

Speaking at the book release function of the book, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a strong pitch for the country to refocus its economic growth strategy on manufacturing. While Kant emphasised that the growth of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in India is also desirable but is contingent upon having very large companies.

On the other hand N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons expounded that there are three transitions coupled with moving geopolitical situations. From the transition’s point of view, the first is digital and AI, second one is energy and third

one is supply chain. In all the three transitions, India is probably the best placed country in the world, to maximise on the opportunities offered and further propelling the Indian growth story.

Uday Kotak highlighted the resilience and stability of the Indian banking system and financial systems in the world today. He felt that the Indian banking industry has got something right in comparison to the US and European banks. He said we have got our act together, we have created a stable financial system, well capitalised and it’s a goldilocks time -- lowest nonperforming assets, clean credit, reasonable growth in the book, and none of these risk issues like we are seeing in the developed nations. Thus assuring the stability and the solidity of the Indian financial sector, in the future too.

Taking the debate further on services sector v/s manufacturing sector, Jaishankar opined that this focus on services was actually an elegant excuse for being incompetent. He further emphasised that India will never be a great country if it is not a great manufacturer. He also batted for the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme, which provides incentives for domestic manufacturers.

In his opening remarks, Kant, distinguished India’s economic growth challenge from that of other countries like China and South Korea. He stressed

on the need for India to foray into sunrise sectors of growth like mobile manufacturing and electric mobility, industrialising further without carbonising.

While pushing for a refocus on manufacturing, Jaishankar remarked correctly that India need to stop looking for a China fix. Indian growth cannot be built on the pattern of Chinese efficiency and planned inputs and outputs.

India surely lost on the count of efficiency, when during the Covid period, with lockdowns affecting Chinese production capabilities and the order books getting bulky, Chinese companies preferred to spread base in countries like Vietnam instead of India.

Jaishankar also touched on the gap of comprehensive national power between India and China, which he described as a big concern in the diplomatic arena.

Comprehensive national power is a common parlance in foreign policy to refer to a totality of a country’s economic, military and political power.

The foreign minister went as far as to say that improvements in Ease of Doing Business (EDB) have helped grow India’s “global stature”, and proves that India is finally moving towards “a politics of delivery”.

Without directly referring to the Ukraine war, the Indian foreign minister remarked that the current “global polarisation” is an opportunity for India.

“Global polarisation has made diplomacy far more complex but it is also a window of opportunity for many nations. Smart business moves can really open up many possibilities,” he said.

Unambiguously all the participants were unanimous in highlighting and appreciating India’s robust economic growth since 2014, increase in its global stature besides expanding its wings in those sectors which were hitherto considered unapproachable or unfeasible for the Indian businesses to manage, but Indian businessmen have proved the critics and naysayers wrong, majorly due to the support and guidance provided by the government.

As most of the panellists at the book launch agreed we indeed have to take a clarion call to move our industries to the manufacturing paradigm but additionally we also have to focus more on building-up the infrastructure ecosystem, which could sustain these large scale manufacturing activities, which in turn will give a boost to the MSMEs, only then we could be safe and proud in proclaiming that India’s development story after 2014 has been a successful one, based on its performance levels.

Asad Mirza (The writer is a senior political commentator based in New Delhi. He can be contacted at www.asadmirza.in)

The role of influencers in shaping social issues: A look at influencer activism

Influencer marketing has developed into a potent tool for companies to reach customers and market their goods in recent years. Influencers are, however, increasingly leveraging their platforms to promote social causes as well as products. Influencers are becoming more frequently engaging in what is known as “influencer activism,” using their platform and fan base to draw attention to social problems and advance constructive change.

What is influencer activism?

The term “influencer activism” describes how influencers utilise social media to draw attention to social problems and encourage constructive change. A lot of influencers use their special ability to connect with huge audiences to promote causes that are important to them.

Influencers are utilising their platforms to raise awareness for a range of causes and motivate their followers to take action, from ecology to racial justice to gender equality.

“The promotion of environmentalism and sustainability has greatly benefited from influencer advocacy. Numerous influencers have promoted environmentally friendly goods and methods while spreading awareness of problems like plastic pollution and climate change. Influencer activism has been demonstrated innumerable times. One recent instance is the #StopHateForProfit movement, which was organised by a number of well-known individuals and groups in response to Facebook’s reluctance to take action against hate speech and false information on its platform. The campaign urged companies to stop

using Facebook and other social media platforms for their advertising unless they resolved these problems in a significant way,” says Pushpal Singh Bhatia, That Couple Though.

Importance of influencer

activism

The importance of influencer activism cannot be overstated. First, it aids in bringing attention to significant topics and raising awareness of societal issues. Influencers may swiftly and efficiently distribute knowledge about social concerns to millions of people thanks to the power of social media. This can encourage the public to support causes that might otherwise go unnoticed or unheeded. Influencer activism may support the accountability of corporations and other organisations. Influencers can have a big impact on how these

businesses run when they use their platforms to expose unethical business practices or to advocate socially responsible behaviour. Influencers can exert pressure on businesses to change for the better by bringing these issues to the public’s attention. Activism by influencers can support the advancement of progress. Influencers may catalyse significant change when they utilise their platforms to support issues and motivate their followers to take action. This might involve everything from urging people to make modest lifestyle adjustments, like lowering their carbon footprint, to advocating for significant social and political change.

Challenges and criticism

While influencer activism has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change, it is not without its challenges and

criticisms. One common criticism of influencer activism is that it can be superficial and lacking in substance. Some critics argue that influencers are more interested in virtue signalling than in promoting meaningful change and that their activism can be little more than a marketing ploy to boost their own profiles.

One of the biggest criticisms of influencer activism is that it can come across as inauthentic or insincere. Some people believe that influencers are only promoting certain causes to gain more followers or to improve their personal brand. Another challenge of influencer activism is that influencers may not have the necessary expertise or qualifications to speak on certain issues. While they may have a large following, they may not have the same level of

knowledge or experience as activists or experts who have been working on these issues for years.

Ultimately, the success of influencer activism will depend on the ability of influencers to use their platforms effectively and responsibly. This means being authentic and sincere in their support for causes, engaging in meaningful conversations with their followers, taking concrete actions to support causes, and being transparent and accountable for their actions.

If influencers can meet these challenges, they have the potential to make a real impact on the social issues that matter most. In conclusion, influencer activism has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change, and it is up to all of us to support and encourage this important work. IANSLife

“The most wasted of days is one without laughter.”

~ E.E. Cummings

Doctor

booked for raping patient

GURUGRAM, MAY 16 (PTI): A doctor was booked for allegedly raping his 36-year-old patient who had come to him for treatment at a guest house in the Sector 40 area here, police said on Tuesday. According to the complaint filed by the woman, she went to consult one doctor named Rakesh following days of poor health. She got to know about him through a friend of hers.

Eight-year-old killed for resisting rape attempt

JAIPUR, MAY 16 (PTI):

An eight-year-old girl was allegedly strangled to death by a boy for resisting his rape attempt in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district, police said on Tuesday. The body of the girl was found in an cattle shed on Monday, they said.According to the complaint lodged by the girl’s mother, the accused allegedly tried to rape his daughter and strangled her to death when she resisted, police said.

101 appointment letters handed over to youth in Jammu

JAMMU, MAY 16 (PTI):

Union Minister Kailash Chaudhary on Tuesday distributed 101 appointment letters to the newly recruited candidates selected for jobs in various government departments and organisations here. The programme was held as part of the 5th ‘Rozgar Mela’ presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference across 45 locations throughout the country.

Bank employee kills colleague in Mumbai

MUMBAI, MAY 16

(PTI): Jealous over his former girlfriend’s affair with his male colleague, a 25-year-old employee of a private bank in Mumbai allegedly killed him by smashing his head with a heavy stone, a Government Railway Police (GRP) official said.

Will sit as common MLA if not made CM: DK Shivakumar

giving the party a headache, in view of its implications for the general election next year. The party had sent observers to meet the new MLAs individually and take their feedback. There are reports that Siddaramaiah is the choice of a majority of the MLAs. Shivakumar has

made It clear that his claim to the top post is based on his work in building up the party after its coalition government with HD Kumaraswamy’s Janata Dal Secular had collapsed following a mass party switch by MLAs. But he also said he would not resort to “blackmail”.

RahulGandhimeetsCongchiefMallikarjun Kharge,discussesgovtformationinKarnataka

9 killed in WB illegal firecracker factory blast; BJP seeks NIA probe

KOLKATA, MAY 16

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar -- who so far has been firm on his demand for the Chief Minister post -- is understood to have told party president Mallikarjun Kharge this evening that he is ready to work as an “ordinary MLA” if he does not get the Chief Minister’s post. Sources said while Shivakumar presented his case for the top post, he had also pointed out that Kharge himself, despite his stature and position, never became a Chief Minister.

“I don’t mind if you become the Chief Minister,” sources quoted him as telling Kharge during their one-on-one this evening.

Shivakumar also said

he has not been told that his arch-rival and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be the next Chief Minister. Only his opinion was asked on the issue.

“If I do not get the Chief Minister’s post, I am ready to work as an ordinary MLA. Ever since Siddaramaiah joined the party, he has always been in power, either as an LOP or as the Chief Minister,” sources quoted him as telling Kharge. The Congress chief met the two contenders today before taking a call on the knotty question of who would become the Chief Minister of Karnataka, a state the party won on Saturday with a massive mandate. But the question of the top post has been

Amid the race for the Karnataka chief minister’s post, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed government formation in the southern state.

Kharge earlier held discussions with party leaders from Karnataka and the three observers appointed by him to oversee the Congress Legislature Party meeting held in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The observers had sought the opinion of all newlyelected MLAs and also held a ‘secret ballot’ on their choice for chief minister. The observers discussed the findings of their report after speaking to the party MLAs in Karnataka and handed it over to Kharge Monday night. Both Siddaramaiah and state Congress president D K Shivakumar are front runners for the chief minister’s post and both are lobbying for it. Sources said former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi would also be consulted over the choice of chief minister and government formation in Karnataka. The newly-elected Congress MLAs have already passed a resolution authorising party chief Kharge to appoint a leader of the Congress Legislature party, who will be the chief minister. In the just-concluded Assembly elections, the Congress scored an emphatic victory with 135 seats while the ruling BJP and the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) secured 66 and 19 seats, respectively.

(PTI): An explosion at an illegal firecracker unit located at Egra in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal killed nine people and injured several others on Tuesday, a senior police officer said. The impact of the explosion was so massive that the factory which was being run from a residential building collapsed. Villagers said that the site looked like a “war zone” with body parts and debris strewn all around, including in a nearby pond. While the state government ordered a CID probe into the incident, the opposition BJP demanded an investigation by the NIA and wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “The illegal firecracker unit was functioning at a house in a village near the West Bengal-Odisha border. The firecrackers manufactured there used to be sent to Odisha. Local labourers were working there.” Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said the next of kin of the deceased will get a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh each and the injured will get Rs 1 lakh, while the state government will bear the expenses of their treatment.

unit after a massive explosion, in West Bengal, Tuesday. (PTI)

On the BJP’s demand for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), she said, “We do not have any objection (to it). It is the district of their leaders, so they have some formula. Let the investigators find out.”

Leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP hails from Purba Medinipur district.

A police officer said sacks of explosive materials were seized from a “hidden chamber” in the collapsed house. A preliminary investigation found that five of the deceased and seven injured were working in the factory. The chief minister said action will be taken against the chief of Egra police station as “he had no information that an illegal firecracker unit was operat-

ing” in the area. Banerjee said the owner of the illegal firecracker unit, who was arrested in October last year for running the factory, has fled to Odisha after the explosion. “I will ask the police to share his details with their counterparts in Odisha so that he is arrested immediately,” she said.

The TMC chief claimed that the panchayat where the incident took place is being run by an Independent politician backed by the BJP, and TMC workers were not allowed to enter the village. Policemen were attacked by villagers when they visited the spot. Alleging that BJP and CPI(M) had been regularly “instigating” people to beat up policemen, Banerjee said strong action will be taken against the culprits.

Cong leaders hit out at those levelling graft charges against Gehlot govt

Pilotstandshisground

JAIPUR, MAY 16 (PTI):

Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi has come out in defence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot even as dissident Congress leader Sachin Pilot stood his ground on Tuesday, reminding Gehlot of his demands.

Minister Rajendra Gudha levelled fresh corruption allegations against the ruling dispensation.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Pilot said, “We have placed 3 demands in the Jan Sangharsh Sabha -- a highlevel committee should be formed to investigate the corruption in the (former) Vasundhara government, reconstitution of RPSC due to corruption and increasing cases of paper leak incidents and clear institutional criteria and transparency for the selection process and financial compensation to youth affected by paper leak.”

Commission (RPSC) was for ensuring transparent appointment of chairman and members so that the panel can instill a feeling of confidence among the youth that the selection will be fair on the lines of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

actions against the corrupt are indicative of this. Dudi, who was earlier considered close to Pilot but stood with the government during the political crisis in 2020, said the three demands raised by the dissident leader were impractical and completely

incomprehensible. On the issue of corruption by the former Vasundhara Raje government, Dudi said all those cases have been settled by the High Court and the Supreme Court, and the mining leases have already been cancelled.

JOB VACANCY

Sainik Kalyan

Amid the Gehlot-Pilot tussle in the Rajasthan Congress, CM loyalists Joshi and Didwana MLA Chetan Dudi hit out at those lashing out against the government, and also accused Pilot of misleading youth through his demands. The remarks come a day after Pilot and

SC dismisses plea against verdict upholding EWS quota

NEW DELHI, MAY 16

(IANS): Supreme Court has dismissed the review petitions challenging its judgment upholding the validity of the 103rd Constitution Amendment, providing 10 per cent reservation to economically weaker sections (EWS) persons in admissions and government jobs.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Chandrachud and comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, S. Ravindra Bhat, Bela M. Trivedi, and J.B. Pardiwala, in order dated May 9, said: “Applications for permission to file the review petitions are allowed. Applications for listing the review petitions in open court are rejected. Delay condoned. Having perused the review petitions, there is no error apparent on the face of the record. No case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. The review petitions are, therefore, dismissed.”

On November 7, last year, four separate judgments were authored with different reasoning by a five-judge bench of the apex court. Justices Maheshwari, Trivedi and Justice Pardiwala, in three separate judgments, upheld the 103rd Amendment. However, Justice Bhat along with then Chief Justice U U Lalit, in its minority verdict, struck down the 103rd Constitution amendment saying reservations for EWS based upon the economic criteria is on par

with reservations which the Constitution mandated, and envisioned as a pledge to create an equal society, is constitutionally unsound.

In November last year, dismissing the petitions challenging the EWS quota, Justice Maheshwari said: “The 103rd Constitution Amendment cannot be said to breach the basic structure of the Constitution in excluding the SEBCs/OBCs/SCs/STs from the scope of EWS reservation.”

He said reservation structured singularly on economic criteria does not violate any essential feature of the Constitution and does not cause any damage to the basic structure of the Constitution.

“Exclusion of the classes covered by Articles 15(4), 15(5) and 16(4) from getting the benefit of reservation as economically weaker sections, being in the nature of balancing the requirements of nondiscrimination and compensatory discrimination, does not violate Equality Code and does not in any manner cause damage to the basic structure of the Constitution,” he said.

He added that reservation for economically weaker sections of citizens up to ten per cent in addition to the existing reservations does not result in violation of any essential feature of the Constitution and does not cause any damage to the basic structure of the Constitution on account of breach of the ceiling limit of fifty per cent.

Without naming Gudha over remarks that the Rajasthan government was

going beyond “40 per cent commission of Karnataka government”, Joshi said, “Such leaders should have thought before accusing their own government that they are in a way levelling these allegations on

themselves too.” Gudha made the allegations during Pilot’s rally in Jaipur on Monday.

A Pilot loyalist, however, said the demand for the reconstitution of the Rajasthan Public Service

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In a statement on Monday night, Joshi said those who have made the allegations know it well that whenever the matter of corruption has come, the chief minister has taken strong action by following the policy of zero tolerance and the anti corruption bureau’s

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C HANGE OF A DDRESS

ENT AND DENTAL CLINIC, at Old Market (Marwari Patti) has been shifted to HOLY CROSS POLICE POINT area

1st Floor, opposite VISION OPTICAL, from 19th May 2023.

DR TOSOLE KHIEYE ENT Specialist

DR LIMA NARO, DENTAL Surgeon

Mallikarjun Kharge with DK Shivakumar during a meeting at his residence, in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI)

Locals outside an illegal firecracker

Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot

NITI for easy financing to attract investment

NEW DELHI, MAY 16

(PTI): NITI Aayog has pitched for establishing attractive financing frameworks such as blending finances and green bonds to attract private sector investment in setting up small modular reactors (SMR) to decarbonise

India’s energy sector.

The Aayog in a report titled ‘The Role of Small Modular Reactors in Energy Transition’ further suggested that availability of low-cost finance, green finance and incorporation of nuclear into green taxonomy can improve the economics of SMR projects.

“De-risking SMR projects and establishing attractive financing frameworks such as blending finance, green bonds, etc. is pivotal for incentivising private investors,” it said.

According to the report, it has been observed that venture capital is a

poor fit for the “hard” SMR sector.

As per the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power generation capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe.

“Hence, the public and private sectors must work together to identify alternative sources of earlystage finance,” it said.

Noting that successful deployment of SMR technology must leverage private sector investment, the report said a robust and technology-neutral policy framework is required for securing private investment including factors currently having growing influence on investment flows such as taxonomies and environmental, social and governance factors.

The report also pointed out that early realisation of a few demonstration plants for

India to contribute 16% of global GDP: Morgan Stanley

SMR designs can reduce the intensity of risk perception, which can give impetus to supply chain formation and bring investment and stability to the industry. Adaption and streamlining of licensing and regulatory frameworks by taking key SMR attributes into account are also important to develop a global SMR market, it added.

While noting that the existing nuclear safety regulations are mostly designed for land-based plants and unit concept of large reactors, the report recommended that for the concept of multi-module and flexible operation of SMRs, these regulations and guidelines need to be modified.

“The nuclear regulatory framework should be comprehensive to allow various kinds of SMR technologies and designs,” it said.

Rozgar Mela: Bhoumik hands over 321 appointment letters

(From p-1)

“Good infrastructure leads to more employment opportunities,” she said.

Meanwhile, later speaking to media persons after the programme, MoS acknowledged the Prime Minister for organizing such orientation programmes. She said that PM Modi has become like the Ambassador of the North East region by wearing the traditional outfits of the region on many occasions.

Asked about high unemployment rate, she said that only government jobs cannot be considered as job, and stressed on generating employment opportunities through entrepreneurship.

The minister said that Nagaland has strong potential for generating income and employment opportunities through tourism.

Earlier at the programme, welcome address was delivered by Post Master General, NE-II Region, North East Postal Circle, Som Kamei.

Gold falls Rs 160; silver declines

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): Gold prices fell by Rs 160 to Rs 61,120 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday amid a fall in international prices, according to HDFC Securities.

In the previous trade, the yellow metal had closed at Rs 61,280 per 10 grams.

Silver prices also eased by Rs 175 to Rs 74,075 per kg.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 61,120 per 10 grams, down Rs 160 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

In the overseas market, gold and silver were quoting lower at USD 2,014 per ounce and USD 24.04 per ounce, respectively.

Gold price traded down in Asian trading hours on Tuesday.

CHENNAI, MAY 16 (IANS): With the Indian economy being a key contributor for Asian economic growth outperformance, the broad based recovery in demand runs counter to the weakness seen outside Asia, said Morgan Stanley in a report.

According to Morgan Stanley, India is benefitting from a combination of cyclical and structural tailwinds and is expected to contribute 16 per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) over 202324.

“In recent months, a wide variety of indicators suggest that India’s recovery is strong and broad-based, and is well-placed to sustain growth rates of above 6 per cent,” the report said.

The Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) is at a 13-year high and manufacturing PMI is near a 11-year high, both well above that of other economies; passenger vehicle sales are at 131 per

Rupee rises 10 paise to 82.21

MUMBAI, MAY 16 (PTI):

cent of pre-Covid levels, real goods and services tax collections are 35 per cent higher than pre-Covid and services exports have risen by 84 per cent since Oct-20, Morgan Stanley said. A strong domestic demand and services export will offset the downside in goods export. Domestic demand is supported by healthy balance sheets.

“Meanwhile, the key macro stability indicators of inflation and current account deficit have moved back into policy makers’ comfort zones and we expect it will remain there for some time. This suggests that policy makers will not have to bring monetary policy into restrictive territory, allowing economic expansion further room to run,” Morgan Stanley said.

“India’s strong growth outlook stands out as the best among large economies and we forecast it will contribute 16 per cent to global GDP growth over 2023-24.”

Construction of building at New Market...

(From p-1) of the structure, which he said would benefit the vendors and public alike. He said that construction work could take a month or two to complete.

One of the factors that has caused unplanned development of the market happen to be the short term objectives.

As administrators come and go as per the dictates of the government and without proper understanding of the needs of the general public, markets in Dimapur are becoming less and less shopper-friendly.

DMC notifies fees for digital trade licence

DIMAPUR, MAY 16 (NPN): With the introduction of digitalbased trade licence management system with effect from May 16, 2023, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has notified that following charges/fees would be applicable at the time of application of trade license under the new system.

In an office memorandum, DMC administrator W Manpai Phom informed that one-time registration fee for trade license categories upto Rs.5000 slab

would amount to Rs.300 and Rs.500 for trade license categories above Rs.5000 slab.

DMC informed that security deposit would be the amount equivalent to one year trade licence fee and sanitary services fees.

Meanwhile, issue of duplicate trade license would amount to Rs.300 per licence and change of ownership/Firm name/category of business etc would amount to Rs.300 per licence.

The rupee appreciated by 10 paise to 82.21 against the US dollar on Tuesday, as the American currency retreated from its elevated levels. Forex traders said significant foreign fund inflows and easing crude oil prices also supported the local unit. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.22 against the US currency and moved between a high of 82.16 and a low of 82.29 in the day trade. The local units settled at 82.21 (provisional),

registering a gain of 10 paise over its previous close. On Monday, the rupee closed at 82.31 against the US currency. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.14 per cent to 102.28.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.29 per cent to USD 75.01 per barrel.

A weaker greenback, strong foreign fund inflows and lower crude oil prices pushed the rupee higher after falling in the last three days, said Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst, HDFC Securities.

The local unit

outperforms Asian currencies as the trade deficit narrows to a 21-month low. Though the rupee outperformed among Asian currencies, the range remained narrow ahead of US debt ceiling talks. It is widely expected to see no compromise created and a continuation of the current uncertainty, making haven assets volatile.

: Graduate in Hindi

: Kohima Persons with proper understanding of Hindi grammar will be preferred. Interested persons can drop your biodata before 22nd May 2023 to the Aloha Learning Centre, Next to Bethel Hospital,BOC or Sepfuzou

SNIPPETS

16 killed in Pakistan firing

ISLAMABAD, MAY 16 (IANS): At least 16 people were killed and four others injured in an exchange of fire between two rival groups in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred late Monday night over the demarcation of a coal mine disputed between two groups in Darra Adam Khel tribal area of Kohat district, police officials told Xinhua news agency. The police said that the firing took place due to a longstanding dispute between the two tribal groups, and that several sessions of Jirga, a local tribal court, had been held to reconcile the rival tribes.

Six dead in New Zealand hostel fire

WELLINGTON, MAY 16 (IANS): At least six people died and an unknown number of persons remain unaccounted for after a fire ripped through a hostel in New Zealand’s capital Wellington on Tuesday, authorities confirmed. Emergency services were called to the four-storey Loafers Lodge hostel just after midnight on Tuesday, reports the BBC.

Dozens were rescued from the building, but police said a number of people remained unaccounted for. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found the top level of the building ablaze. By 4 a.m., at least 20 fire trucks were involved to help douse the fire.

3 killed in shooting in New Mexico

HOUSTON, MAY 16

(IANS): At least three people were killed and multiple others were injured in a shooting in Farmington, southwestern US state of New Mexico, police said.

“There are multiple civilian victims with at least 3 deceased,” Farmington police said in a Facebook post on Monday. Two police officers, including a member of the city police and one with the New Mexico State Police, were among the shot and hospitalised. Both were in stable condition, the police added.

Kenya to reopen border with Somalia

NAIROBI, MAY 16

(IANS): Kenya and Somalia have agreed to reopen their border crossing points after 11 years of closure. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, told reporters on Monday that the border crossings in Mandera County will be opened in the next 30 days, Liboi in Garissa County and Ras Kamboni in southern Somalia will be reopened in the next 60 and 90 days respectively.

Kenya closed its borders to Somalia in 2012 following increased terror attacks from the al-Shabab militant group, Xinhua news agency reported.

Russia to scrap Cold War armed

forces deal

MOSCOW, MAY 16

(AP): Russian lawmakers on Tuesday voted unanimously to formally pull out of a key Cold War-era security deal, more than eight years after Moscow halted its participation. The vote came less than a week after President Vladimir Putin introduced a draft bill on May 10 “denouncing” the Treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which aimed to prevent Cold War rivals from massing forces at or near mutual borders.

Russia launches ‘exceptional’ air attack on

Europe, China look to exert influence

KYIV, MAY 16 (AP): Ukrainian air defences thwarted an intense Russian air attack on Kyiv early Tuesday, shooting down all 18 missiles aimed at the capital with the help of Western-supplied weapons, officials said.

Loud explosions boomed over Kyiv as the nighttime attack combined Russian missiles launched from the air, sea and land in an apparent attempt to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defences.

No casualties were reported as Western-supplied weapons helped fend off the assault.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov cheered the display of defensive prowess, calling it in a tweet “another unbelievable success.”

A metal fragment that landed inside the Kyiv zoo and was seen by Associated Press reporters was labelled Lockheed Martin and Boeing, two of the companies involved in the

Kyiv

with 18 missiles

Firefighters put out fire caused by fragments of a Russian rocket, in Kyiv, Ukraine, early Tuesday. (AP) manufacture of the Patriot missile system.

The barrage came as European leaders sought new ways to punish Russia for the war and a Chinese envoy sought traction for Beijing’s peace proposal, which so far appears to have made little impression on the warring sides.

It also came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned home following a whirlwind European tour to greet Ukraine’s key wartime allies, which spurred an additional tranche of pledged military aid. The overnight attack on Kyiv was “ex -

Ex-Audi boss pleads guilty in German ‘dieselgate’ trial

MUNICH, MAY 16

(AGENCIES): Ex-Audi

CEO Rupert Stadler pleaded guilty at his “dieselgate” fraud trial in Germany on Tuesday, becoming the highest-ranking former executive to make a confession in the emissions cheating scandal that rocked the car industry, reports AFP.

Stadler, 60, admitted at a district court in Munich that he allowed vehicles equipped with manipulating software to remain on sale even after learning of the scam.

The confession comes as part of a plea deal that will allow Stadler, who has been on trial since 2020, to avoid jail time.

German car giant Volkswagen -- whose subsidiaries include Porsche, Audi, Skoda and Seat -plunged into crisis after admitting in September 2015 that it had installed software to rig emission levels in 11 million diesel

China ready to ‘smash’ Taiwan as US prepares major arms package

BEIJING, MAY 16 (AP):

vehicles worldwide. The so-called defeat devices made the vehicles appear less polluting in lab tests than they were on the road.

“In the course of addressing the diesel issue” after the revelations became public, Stadler “neglected” to inform business partners that cars with socalled defeat devices were still going on the market, his lawyer Ulrike TholeGroll told the court in a statement.

In doing so, her client was “accepting that vehicles equipped with the illegal software would go on sale,” she said.

ceptional in its density — the maximum number of attacking missiles in the shortest period of time,” said Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration.

Valentyna Myronets, a 64-year-old Kyiv resident, said she felt “pain, fear, nervousness, restlessness” amid the assaults. “God, we are waiting for victory and when all this is over,” she said. U.K. Ambassador Melinda Simmons tweeted that the barrage was “pretty intense.” “Bangs and shaking walls are not an easy night,” she wrote. It was the eighth time

this month that Russian air raids had targeted the capital, a clear escalation after weeks of lull and ahead of a much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. Six “Kinzhal” aeroballistic missiles were launched from MiG-31K aircraft, nine cruise missiles from ships in the Black Sea and three landbased S-400 cruise missiles targeted the capital, air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said in a statement on Telegram. After the first onslaught, Russia also launched Iranian-made Shahed attack drones and conducted aerial reconnaissance, Ihnat said. Debris fell across several districts in the capital, starting fires, but no losses were reported, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Sophisticated air defense systems provided by Ukraine’s Western allies, including Americanmade Patriot missiles, have helped spare Kyiv from the kind of destruction witnessed elsewhere in the country as Russian forces press on with their tactic of long-range bombardment.

China’ is prepared to “resolutely smash any form of Taiwan independence,” its military said Tuesday, as the U.S. reportedly prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island democracy. A recent increase in exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwanese militaries is an “extremely wrong and dangerous move,” Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Tan Kefei said in a statement and video posted online.

China’s People’s Liberation Army “continues to strengthen military training and preparations and will resolutely smash any form of Taiwanese independence secession along with attempts at outside interference, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Tan said, in a reference to Taiwan’s closest ally, the United States.

China claims the island of 23 million people as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary.

With the world’s largest navy, latest-generation

South Korea’s president vows to expand non-lethal aid to Kyiv

SEOUL, MAY 16 (AP):

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to expand the country’s nonlethal aid to Kyiv when he met with Ukraine’s first lady Tuesday in Seoul.

Olena Zelenska visited South Korea as a special envoy of President Volodymyr Zelensky. During her meeting with Yoon, Zelenska requested South Korea expand its support of non-lethal military supplies, including equipment for detecting and removing mines and ambulance vehicles, according to Yoon’s office.

Yoon replied that his government would closely coordinate with NATO and other international partners to “actively support the Ukrainian people,” his spokesperson Lee Do Woon said during a briefing.

Yoon also condemned Russia’s invasion of

S. Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol with Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska, in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday. (AP) Ukraine, saying the “horrific losses of innocent lives, especially women and children, are unacceptable under any circumstances,” according to remarks shared by his office.

Lee said Zelenska made no request for South Korean weapons supplies during her conversation with Yoon.

South Korea, a grow-

ing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Ukraine, citing a long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict.

Putin, Zelenskyy agree to meet with ‘African leaders’: S African Prez

war in Ukraine.

Representational image

fighter jets and a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles, China has been upping its threats by sending planes and warships into waters and airspace around Taiwan. With more than 2 million members, the PLA also ranks as the world’s largest standing military, although transporting even a portion of the force in the event of an invasion is considered a huge logistical challenge.

Along with daily air and sea incursions around Taiwan, Beijing has held military exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait dividing the sides, seen in part as a rehearsal for a blockade or invasion that would

have massive consequences for security and economies worldwide. Such actions seek to harass Taiwan’s military and intimidate politicians and voters who will choose a new president and legislature next year. The moves appear to have had limited effect, with most Taiwanese firmly in favor of maintaining their de facto independent status. Politicians and other public figures from Europe and the U.S. have also been making frequent trips to Taipei to show their support, despite their countries’ lack of formal diplomatic ties in deference to Beijing.

Japan, China defense ministers inaugurate hotline to avoid clashes

TOKYO, MAY 16 (AP):

The Japanese and Chinese defense ministers inaugurated their long-awaited hotline on Tuesday as a step to build trust and improve communication at a time when Japan and other neighbours are concerned about Beijing’s increasingly assertive military activities.

Japan’s Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada and his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, talked for about 20 minutes through the hotline for the first time since it was established on March 31, the Japanese Defence Ministry said.

The two ministers welcomed the start of the operational use of the hotline and affirmed the importance of “the maritime and aerial communication mechanism,” which includes the hotline, in building trust between the two sides while avoiding contingencies. Tokyo and Beijing are embroiled in a dispute over tiny Japanese-

controlled islands in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

China routinely sends coast guard vessels and planes into waters and airspace surrounding the islands to harass Japanese vessels and forcing Japan’s military to scramble jets in response. China’s naval fleet also regularly circles around Japanese coasts, sometimes in joint military exercises with Russia, irking Tokyo. Japan is increasingly worried about the tensions around self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and has threatened to annex by force if necessary.

CAPE

TOWN,

MAY 16 (AP): South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Tuesday that his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts have agreed to separate meetings with a delegation of African heads of state to discuss a possible plan to end the

Ramaphosa spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone over the weekend and they each agreed to host “an African leaders’ peace mission” in Moscow and Kyiv, respec-

Mocha: Satellite images show scale of damage in Myanmar

SITTWE, MAY 16

(AGENCIES): Tens of thousands of people in Myanmar were cut off from contact after a deadly cyclone tore through the west of the country and neighbouring Bangladesh.

Cyclone Mochaone of the most powerful storms to hit the Bay of Bengal in more than a decade - made landfall between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Myanmar’s Sittwe on Sunday.

The satellite images collected after the storm,

compared to those taken on February 17, show significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Rakhine’s capital of Sittwe.

Cyclone trackers say Sittwe bore the brunt of the storm.

The storm severely disrupted communications in Rakhine, making it hard to ascertain the scale of its impact. More than 860 houses and 14 hospitals or clinics had been damaged across Myanmar, officials said.

tively, a statement from the South African leader’s office said.

The leaders of Zambia, Senegal, Congo, Uganda and Egypt plan to join Ramaphosa on the mission, the president said. He said Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy gave

him the go-ahead to “commence the preparations.”

No details were provided on the possible parameters of the talks.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said he would not consider a peace deal to end the 15-month war until Rus-

WSBAK

sian forces withdraw completely from Ukrainian territory.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres also was briefed on the African delegation’s planned meetings and “welcomed the initiative,” Ramaphosa said.

CHUR C H LE A DER S’ FE LL O WS HIP

D IM A PUR : N A G ALAN D

The WSBAK Church Leaders’ Fellowship conducted a seminar on Career Guidance and Skill Development for the children of WSBAK Church Leaders on May 13, 2023 at Sümi Baptist Church Unity Village, where 91 Children attended the Seminar.

WSBAK CLF would like to acknowledge the following resource persons who have contributed their valuable service during the career guidance seminar:

1. Mr. P. James Swu, NCS, Deputy Secretary, GoN

2. Mr. Abeto L. Shohe, Proprietor of Naga Store and touchstone.

3. Mr. V. Pito Swu, Proprietor of Real Deal, Purana Bazar.

4. Mr. Pito Kiba, That Bakerkiba

5. Mrs. Inaholi Jakha, Proprietor of KYS Enterprises.

The Fellowship also congratulates Dr. Atoshe Yeptho, Pastor P. Vihoto Village Baptist Church and Rev. Dr. Kiyezhe Chophy, Pastor Sümi Baptist Church Kukidolong for being conferred D. Min from India Baptist Theological Seminary Areepparambu, Kottayam, Kerela and Logos Bible College Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Khristo lono, Khristolono, rev. dr. Khetoshe aye Khetoi Shikhu President, WSBaK clf GS, WSBaK clf dP -2116/23

OFFICE OF THE JOTSOMA VILLAGE COUNCIL KOHIMA : NAGALAND APPRECIATION

The Jotsoma Village Council, do hereby convey our sincere appreciation to the Government of Nagaland and the firm “Chabou & Co" for executing the work name "Improvement of road from Science College Junction to Laike Road Junction Jotsoma". The contractor was gracious and kind enough to execute the work way beyond the scope which the Jotsoma community in general is truly grateful to you for your generosity and simplicity. And we urge and appeal to the contractor to render its service for maintenance during defect liability period as per given guidelines.

Special thanks to the site Engineers and Supervisors who are promptly active at the site to coordinate with the community for smooth execution of work.

God bless and wish you the very best.

(RÜDOLIE NAGI)

Chairman Jotsoma Village Council. K-1062/23

Office Of the Seiürüzha cOuncil

chümoukedima town-797103, Ward-8, nagaland estd. 1998

cOndemnatiOn

letter

The Seiuruzha Council vehemently condemns the serious offense of forgery whereby two persons namely Mr. Merentoba Imsong and Miss. Sentimongla Imsong were red handedly apprehended while indulging themselves in running huge racket of forging documents and duping people. Such commission of serious offenses should not be tolerated and stringent action be taken against them under the prevalent provision of law. The Seiuruzha Council would like to appeal to all the people to be vigilant, wise and not fall prey to such unwanted acts. The Seiuruzha Council further would like to make this as a public awareness that any person found indulging in similar illegal activities and misusing the name of the Chümoukedima Village Council for their own personal benefit shall be dealt with by the heavy hands of law.

Sd/Kenilo rengma Kihito chishi Chairman, Seiuruzha, Council Secretary, Seiuruzha Council

Rupert Stadler

Yasukazu Hamada

Cannes Film Festival kicks off with Johnny Depp and ‘Jeanne du Barry’

includes Brie Larson, Paul Dano, French director Julia Ducournau, Argentine filmmaker Damián Szifron, Afghan director Atiq Rahimi, French actor Denis Ménochet, Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Tourzani and a Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni.

Grateful of IT Minister’s acknowledgment of our user safety efforts in India: WhatsApp

Meta-owned WhatsApp on Tuesday said they are grateful for the acknowledgment of its continuous commitment to user safety in India by IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, after the company faced scrutiny last week as international spam calls flooded the users.

The Cannes red carpet springs to life again on Tuesday as the 76th Cannes Film Festival gets underway with the premiere of the Louis XV period drama “Jeanne du Barry”, with Johnny Depp.

This year’s festival promises a Cote d’Azur buffet of spectacle, scandal and cinema set to be served over the next 12 days. It’s unspooling against the backdrop of labour unrest.

Protests that have roiled France in recent months over changes to its pension system are planned to run during the festival, albeit at a distance from the festival’s main hub.

Meanwhile, an ongoing strike by screenwriters in Hollywood could have unpredictable effects on the French Riviera festival.

But with a festival lined with some muchanticipated big-budget films, including James

Mangold’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of the Destiny” and Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”, the party is sure to go on, regardless.

Stars set to hit Cannes’ red carpet in the next week and a half include Natalie Portman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Sean Penn, Alicia Vikander, the Weeknd and Scarlett Johansson. The festivities on Tuesday will include an opening ceremony where Michael Douglas is to receive an honorary Palme d’Or. (Later, one will also be dished out to “Indiana Jones” star Harrison Ford). The jury that will decide the festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or, will also be introduced.

This year, the jury is led by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Ostlund, a two-time Palme winner who last year won for the social satire “The Triangle of Sadness”. The rest of the jury

The opening night selection has attracted some controversy. “Jeanne du Barry”, directed by and co-starring the French actor-director Maïwenn, co-stars Depp as Louis XV.

It’s Depp’s first new film since his trial last year with Amber Heard, his ex-wife.

After both Depp and Heard accused each other of physical and verbal abuse, a civil jury awarded Depp USD 10 million in damages and USD 2 million to Heard.

In remarks to the press on Monday, Cannes director Thierry Fremaux defended the choice, saying Depp is extraordinary in the film and he paid no attention to the trial.

“To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule, it’s the freedom of thinking, the freedom of speech and the freedom to act within a legal framework,” said Fremaux.

“If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned we wouldn’t be here talking about it.” (AP)

Singer Ed Sheeran said that rapping along to Eminem’s 2000 album ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’ “cured” his stutter.

Sheeran, who has since teamed up and performed with the rap icon, has shared that he has the ‘Lose Yourself’ hitmaker, 50, to thank for helping to fix his speech impediment, reports aceshowbiz.com.

“(My uncle) just said to my dad, ‘This guy is the next Bob Dylan. You gotta let him listen.’ And by learning that record - and rapping it back to back to back to back - it cured my stutter,” he recalled when appearing on ‘The Howard Stern Show’ on SiriusXM.

Ed continued: “I think it’s different with Eminem because he is quite reclusive, doesn’t see or meet that many

people. I’ve known him now (for) six years and we’ve done three songs together, I’ve played with him twice onstage. He’s another person I really relate to, as he lives in his hometown still and has his eco-system around him.”

The pair performed ‘Stan’, Eminem’s 2000 hit featuring Dido, when the rapper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, a gig he refused to turn down. Ed said: “I remember getting the call to do it.”

“I was shooting a 14 music videos back to back a and it was like on my day off from shooting the music videos, and I was like, ‘I can’t say no. I can’t.’ So, I got a plane straight after my music video, flew there for the song, and then that night flew back. It was really worth it.”

Vaishnaw on Tuesday launched the Sanchar Saathi portal, on the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, that will help millions of people track their lost or stolen mobile phones, and mentioned WhatsApp’s cooperation with the government to ensure customer safety.

“We are grateful for the minister’s acknowledgment of WhatsApp’s continuous commitment to user safety. We have been actively engaging with the government to consistently ensure a safe and secure user experience, including weeding out bad-actors from the platform,” said a WhatsApp spokesperson.

WhatsApp is a leader among end-toend encrypted services in protecting user safety and “we continue to provide several in-built safety tools like Block & Report, Two-step verification,

among others, along with regularly driving user safety education and awareness,” the spokesperson added.

WhatsApp last week said it took action on the growing menace of International scam calls in India, after the government took cognisance of the issue and announced to send a notice to the platform over the issue.

The platform, which has over 500 million users in the country, said it has ramped up its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems to bring down such incidents significantly.

“Our new enforcement will reduce the current calling rate by at least 50

per cent and we expect to be able to control the current incidence effectively. We will continue to work relentlessly towards ensuring a safe experience for our users,” a company spokesperson had said in a statement.

These spam calls with international numbers, mostly from African and Southeast Asian countries, along with fake messages from unknown users, flooded WhatsApp users in India.

Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Monday announced a new WhatsApp feature called Chat Lock to safeguard intimate chats. (IANS)

CONGRATULATIONS

The Rev. Waimeren Watangtep Family Mission extends our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Asangla N Jamir, D/o Mrs. W. Asenla for completing her Ph.D degree from the Department of Botany,Nagaland University, Lumami, under the supervision of Prof. Chitta Ranjan Deb and co-supervisor Prof. N. S. Jamir on the thesis “Floristic studies of Angiospermic Plants in Intangki National Park, Nagaland, India.”

Your achievement is a testament to your collective talent and commitment.

Sd/- Sd/Secretary President

Ed Sheeran says rapping with Eminem helped him overcome his stutter

Liverpool hammer Leicester 3-0 in EPL

22nd LSU Martyrs’ Trophy kicks off

LEICESTER, MAY

16 (AGENCIES): Two goals from Curtis Jones and a sublime finish from Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool a 3-0 win away to Leicester City in the Premier League on Monday, boosting their Champions League hopes while deepening the Foxes’ relegation worries.

Liverpool are fifth in the table on 65 points after 36 games, one behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand over their rivals.

Leicester are 19th on 30 points, two behind Everton in 17th spot with two games to go.

Leicester welcomed central defender Jonny Evans back into the starting line-up for the first time since October, but the three-time Premier League winner with Manchester United couldn’t instil the defensive discipline his side needed.

After a sluggish opening, Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a superb first-time finish from Mohamed Salah’s

cross after Leicester’s high defensive line was caught out by a long ball over the top from Liverpool keeper Alisson.

The 22-year-old midfielder put the ball in the net again three minutes later and once more it was Salah who set him up, with Jones taking a touch on the turn before rifling home.

The home crowd did their best to get their team

back in the game and Harvey Barnes went close seven minutes into the second half, but Alisson pulled off a tremendous save to keep the ball out.

Alexander-Arnold then snuffed out any hopes of a comeback with a brilliant third after a free kick was touched into his path by Salah in the 71st minute, and he applied a thunderous finish to quiet the home

Wrestlers mull taking their protest site to Ram Lila ground

NEW DELHI, MAY 16

(PTI): The protesting wrestlers, who have been demanding the arrest of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, on Tuesday indicated that they may take their agitation to Ram Lila ground to make it a “national movement”.

India’s top wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik and Asian Games gold winner Vinesh Phogat, have been protesting at Jantar Mantar here for the last 24 days, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan for allegedly sexually harassing seven women grapplers, including a minor.

“We will discuss it (taking the protest to the Ram Lila ground) among ourselves and will take a decision about it soon,” said Sakshi, reacting to Bhim Army president Chandrashekhar Azad’s suggestion that the agitation should be made a “national movement” by taking it to Ram Lila maidan, a much bigger venue than the current one at Jantar Mantar.

Azad, who had joined the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar on Monday

evening but was asked to leave the venue at night by the authorities, returned to the site on Tuesday with his followers.

He urged the wrestlers to take a call on making their agitation “bigger” by shifting to the Ram Lila ground after May 21, the deadline the khap panchayats have set for the government to take action against Brij Bhushan.

Sakshi, however, did not clarify whether the wrestlers will shift the site of protest to Ram Lila maidan altogether or continue the agitation at Jantar Mantar also.

On Monday, Vinesh said that the wrestlers felt they were being restricted and pushed into a cor -

ner at Jantar Mantar and they would agitate at other places. She had also alleged that the wrestlers were being stalked at the protest site at Jantar Mantar. While the ad hoc committee formed by the Indian Olympic Association has taken charge of the national federation from WFI officials, the wrestlers have stuck to their demand for the arrest of Brij Bhushan. Azad, in his speech, said, “Even if you people (wrestlers and their supporters) sit here (at Jantar Mantar) it will not have an effect on the government. Since this is your (wrestlers’) agitation, we will support you wholeheartedly and not take a decision on your behalf.

Senior men’s cricket inter-district tourney from May 22

DIMAPUR, MAY 16 (NPN): The senior men’s inter-district tournament hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association will commence from May 22 onwards which will be played at two venues viz, Nagaland Cricket Stadium and Sovima Cricket Ground.

Cricket fans and lovers of the game can check out the tournament from the comfort of their homes as the tournament will be telecasted live at Nagaland Cricket Association YouTube channel with the CricHeroes team covering the event at Nagaland Cricket Stadium.

Fed Cup Sr Athletics: Shot putter Toor, javelin thrower Rani win gold

throw qualifying standard for the July 12-16 Asian Championship is 54.73m, while the corresponding mark for the September 23-October 8 Hangzhou Asian Games is 56.46m.

RANCHI, MAY 16 (PTI):

Reigning Asian Games champion shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist javelin thrower Annu Rani shared the limelight as they clinched gold medals in their respective events on the second day of the Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championships here on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Annu produced a below-par per-

formance as she hurled the spear to a distance of 59.24m but it was still enough for her to better the qualifying standard for the upcoming Asian Championship as well as the Asian Games set by the Athletics Federation of India.

Annu, representing Uttar Pradesh in the championships, has a personal best of 63.82m, also the national record, which she had achieved last year.

The women’s javelin

fans once and for all. Salah should have added a fourth in the 79th minute when Cody Gakpo put him through, but the Egyptian surprisingly dragged his shot wide of the left-hand post with only the keeper to beat.

Liverpool bagged a seventh league victory in a row, but manager Juergen Klopp is unconvinced his side can reel in either Man-

chester United or Newcastle above them.

“I don’t think it’s likely (finishing in the top four) when you see how they (Man United and Newcastle) play, they have so much quality,” he told the BBC. “It would be a real shame if they slip and we’re not there. So we have to do our job.”

Leicester have only taken two points from their last four games.

With a trip to high-flying Newcastle United and a home game against West Ham United to come, time is running out for the 2016 champions to retain their Premier League status.

“We look at the results and we’ve lost too many games and other teams have been better, it’s as simple as that,” a dejected Evans, who captained Leicester on his return to the starting line-up, told Sky Sports.

“We’ve got two more games left and we have to put in the same effort we showed tonight, the same commitment ... but we’ll be competing like we did tonight,” he added.

Felicitation

With profound appreciation and joy, The Heuputlang Chame expresses heartfelt gratitude to Shri. T. R. Zeliang, Honourable Dy. Chief Minister, Minister for Planning and Transformation and National Highway Government of Nagaland, for appointing Shri. Kenlum Hemang as Public Relation Officer (PRO).

Further we congratulate and extend our best wishes to Shri. Kenlum Hemang in his future endeavours.

K-1063/23

Ingaube Hemang Chairman, Heuputlang Chame

TUTHEZE VILLAGE STUDENTS' UNION

Kiphire - 798611, Nagaland

Motto: "Strive for excellence"

Office of the Tutheze Village Students' Union extends our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Likhen Shiyepu Sangtam son of Mr & Mrs. Azimong for securing 91. 3 % in HSLC exam 2023 from DMI St. Joseph Global School CBSE. We are indeed very blessed and delighted to witness such a remarkable achievement made by our own citizen. We acknowledge and appreciate your accomplishment and for bringing laurels to our union and our village.

The union further wishes you all the best in your future endeavors. May god bless you.

(RANGCHOPILA L SANGTAM) (ATHRONGBA SANGTAM) General Secretary, TVSU President, TVSU

DIMAPUR, MAY 16

(NPN): The 22nd edition of the seven-day Martyrs Trophy 2023 organised by Lotha Students Union (LSU) commenced on Tuesday at local ground, Wokha town under the theme “One brand, one goal”. Speaking at the inaugural programme as chief guest, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA congratulated the union for organizing the event which is held in hon-

our of late Thungkhomo Ezung and late Chumdamo Tungoe. Focussing on the importance of games and sports, he said that sportsperson are the highest paid employees and encouraged them to focus on their talents and work hard. In his welcome note, LSU president, Lirhonthung E Kithan briefed on the significance, short speech by martyrs’ family and introduction of teams and oath

taking was administered by LSU games and sports secretary, Ratsurhumo Z Jami. Match patrons for semi-finals will be Wokha District Council Chairman Association, president, K Vandan Erui and Wokha District VDB Association president, K Mhondamo Shitri. The closing ceremony will be graced by EE electrical division, Wokha, Er. Chonrothung Ezung as guest of honour.

The 28-year-old Toor, also Asian record holder, heaved the iron ball to a distance of 20.42m to win the gold, though it was below his personal best 21.49m.

Toor, representing Punjab, bettered the Asian Championships as well as Asian Games qualifying mark of 19m. Both second and third place finishers Delhi’s Sahib Singh (19.23m) and Punjab’s Karanveer Singh (19.05m) also breached the qualifying mark.

Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy in action during the P remier L eague. (Reuters)

Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA being introduced to the players.

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Sangita Phogat address the media amid their protest. (PTI)

Tajinderpal Singh Toor Annu Rani

LSG beat MI by 5 runs; move closer to play-off

LUCKNOW,

MAY 16

(PTI): Mohsin Khan made a fine comeback from a long injury lay-off as the left-arm pacer defended 11 runs off the final over against the destructive Tim David to hand Lucknow Super Giants a five-run win over Mumbai Indians in the IPL here on Tuesday.

Marcus Stoinis flaunted his raw power on way to an unbeaten 89 off 47 balls as LSG recovered from a poor start to post 177 for three after Mumbai opted to bowl.

Mumbai were on course for a comfortable win but fluffed the chase in the second half of the innings to end with 172 for five in 20 overs.

Mohsin, who missed the whole of domestic season due to a shoulder injury, helped LSG take a major step towards a top-four finish by holding nerve in the final over.

Mumbai too remain in contention for a play-off spot despite the loss.

Chasing 178 was not going to easy on this pitch

but Rohit Sharma (37 off 25) and Ishan Kishan (59 off 39) raised possibility of a comfortable chase with a 90-run opening wicket stand off 58 balls.

Going for shots from ball one was not the best option on this surface and even the usually unstoppable Suryakumar Yadav experienced that in the middle.

Mumbai needed 53 off the last 30 balls and with Nehal Wadhera and Tim David in the middle and Cameron Green yet to come, there was arsenal left in the tank. However, David could not finish the game like he did against Rajasthan Royals earlier in the competition.

Earlier, Stoinis

smashed eight sixes in his belligerent knock and shared an 82run partnership with stand-in skipper Krunal Pandya (49 retired hurt) after LSG found themselves reeling at 35 for three in the seventh over.

LSG made a questionable call to leave out their leading run getter of the season, Kyle Myers, and the move did not work. Replacing him at the top, Deepak Hooda (5) was undone by a slower ball from Jason Behrendorff

The next ball from the left-arm pacer was angled away and Prerak Mankad got a faint touch on way to the wicketkeeper while trying to run towards the third man.

The situation got worse for LSG when Quinton de Kock (16 off 15) fell in the seventh over to leave the home team reeling in the seventh over.

De Kock went for the drive off a googly from the wily Piyush Chawla but ended up getting caught behind.

The onus was on the

big-hitting Stoinis and Krunal to resurrect the innings and they did that with a gritty stand before the latter got retired hurt after being seen in a bit of discomfort in the 16th over.

Stroke making was tough in the prevailing conditions but Stoinis used his brute force to get the much needed boundaries and sixes.

The 18th over bowled by Jordan yielded 24 runs with the England pacer spraying it all over the place. He failed to nail his yorker and Stoinis was quick to dispatch his two balls for massive sixes down the ground besides collecting three fours off the short balls.

He finished the innings with a one-handed six off Akash Madhwal.

Mumbai leaked 54 runs in the last three overs.

Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants: 177 for 3 in 20 overs (Marcus Stoinis 89 not out; Jason Behrendorff 2/30). Mumbai Indians: 172 for 5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 59; Ravi Bishnoi 2/26).

Italian Open: Djokovic downs Norrie to reach 17th consecutive quarters

ROME, MAY 16 (IANS): Novak Djokovic continued the quest for his recordextending 39th ATP Masters 1000 crown on Tuesday when he moved past Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Italian Open at the Foro Italico on Tuesday.

The current world No. 1 is now through to the last eight stage in Rome for the 17th consecutive year. It was the 91st ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal of Djokovic’s career. Djokovic has finished in the top eight of the tournament in each of his participations. On the Foro Italico, the Serbian has won six editions of the tournament and is the reigning champion.

The 35-year-old Serb is chasing his seventh title in Rome, having triumphed at the event in 2008, 2011, 2014-15, 2020 and 2022. Following his 89-minute win, he will next meet Dane Holger Rune. On the other hand, Norrie was aiming to reach the quarterfinals

at an ATP Masters 1000 for the second time this season, after advancing to that stage in Indian Wells. In other action, Rune halted Alexei Popyrin’s career-best run at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The 20-year-old Dane scored a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 victory in their fourth-round showdown on Tuesday. The Dane will head into his quarterfinal meeting against Djokovic with confidence, having defeated the Serbian in the 2022 Paris final. Rybakina into QFs; Swiatek, Vekic rained out World No. 6 Elena Rybakina advanced to her first Italian open quarterfinal after defeating Marketa

Vondrousova 6-3, 6-3, here. The reigning Wimbledon champion will face either two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek or No.24 Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Swiatek and Vekic were set to face off in the Monday night match on Court Centrale, but the match was cancelled due to rain. The Round of 16 between Paula Badosa and Karolina Muchova was also cancelled. Both matches are scheduled for Tuesday. Swiatek and Vekic will play the third match on Centrale, not before 1:30 p.m. (Local time). Badosa and Muchova will play the fourth match on Court Pietrangeli, not before 3:00 p.m. Rome has been a surprising salve for Rybakina’s slow start to the clay-court season. The Indian Wells champion was forced to retire in Stuttgart due to a back injury and was knocked out of Madrid in the third round by Anna Kalinskaya.

Almasa stars for India in Powerlifting C’ship; sets new Asian Record

VIJAYAWADA, MAY 16 (IANS): Shaik Sadiya Almasa, a student of KL Deemed to be University, has set a new Asian Record on her way to bagging three gold and one bronze medal in the Asian Equipped Powerlifting Championship held in Alappuzha, Kerala. Sadiya achieved a stunning feat earning the gold medal in Squat with a record-breaking lift of 190kg, a Deadlift of an impressive 160kg, and an overall total of 427.5kg.

Additionally, she se-

cured the bronze medal in bench press with a remarkable 77.5kg lift. Her performance not only earned her well-deserved recognition but also set a new standard in the sport.

“This achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and we at KL University are proud of her outstanding performance,” the University informed in a release. Shaik Sadiya Almasa is presently pursuing a BA (IAS) from KL Deemed to be University. She is an International Powerlift -

ing player from Andhra Pradesh, and her consistent performances have won her many laurels at the state and national levels. She is now one of the most successful women Powerlifters

in India. Dr. G. Pardha Saradhi Varma, Vice-Chancellor, KL Deemed to be University, said, “Sports is not just a performance, but a commitment where you work hard and evolve yourself over time. We give the utmost priority to sports at our University.

The sports culture at the campus inculcates a winning spree and a sportsman spirit among our students and leads them to become more focused on their careers and life.”

On this occasion, Shaik Sadiya Almasa said,

“I dedicate these medals to my country, and my parents are my inspiration. My father is an International powerlifter, and he has trained me for the past four years. I thank my university for its moral and financial support. My special thanks to the sports department, faculty, and my coach for the encouragement.”

The Asian Equipped Powerlifting Championship held in Alappuzha, Kerala, is a prestigious competition that attracts the best powerlifters from all over Asia.

Four Sepaktakraw women players from State Girls Sports Academy Dimapur, (LR) Rukuvinu Tsukru, Seyiekhrieno Tepa, Akumtila and Sezovelu Dozo have been selected for the National Coaching Camp in Goa in preparation for the up-coming 19th Asian Games 2023.

Novak Djokovic

Shaik Sadiya Almasa

LSG batters Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya run between the wickets during the IPL against MI. (PTI)