1 May 2023

Sudan violence enters third week

LH sets pre-condition for oil exploration

DIMAPUR, APR 30

(NPN): Lotha Hoho (LH) has categorically stated that unless the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 20, 2018 between Lotha Hoho and the State government, for amendment of the Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulations and Rules, 2012 (NP&NG RR 2012), was honoured and the NP&NG RR amended as per the MoU, the Lothas will not allow exploration or extraction of petroleum or natural gas within their jurisdiction.

Drawing attention on reports that Nagaland government plans to start oil exploration in the State and within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) in collaboration with Assam, and also chief minister Neiphiu Rio writing to Assam chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for a joint venture and sharing of returns; LH chairman Mhondamo Ovung and gen-

Governor extends Moatsü greetings

DIMAPUR, APR 30

(NPN): Nagaland governor

La Ganesan has extended greetings to the Ao community on the occasion of Moastsü festival.

In his message, governor Ganesan said that Moatsü was a festival marking the end of stressful field sowing, cleaning up the wells and repairs and construction of houses.

It is also a festival of community bonding, a celebration where new are built and old friendship renewed, the governor said.

“May this festival foster love and unity among the community and I wish you all the festival part-takers good health all good health and prosperity,” Ganesan stated.

WSKH, WSYF corrigendum

DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): Apropos the news item “Western Sumi bodies to disallow formation of new factions” published on April 29, WSKH and WSYF has clarified that the second para should be read as “Henceforth, no new factions will be allowed to canvas...” The inadvertent error is deeply regretted, it stated.

Further, Western Sümi Kükami Hoho and Western Sümi Youth Front also urged upon all factions “to sit in one table and talk with the government of India for bringing IndoNaga issue into logical conclusion.”

SC hearing on ULB polls issue today

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (AGENCIES):

eral secretary S Abenthung Ngullie reminded people as well as the state government on the 2018 MoU.

LH said that after signing of the MoU, it had withdrawn the PIL filed in the High court. However, the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court filed a suo moto PIL in 2019 to bring the matter to a logical conclusion and that the matter was still pending before the court.

The signatories therefore, said it looked as though “ the Suo Motu is kept deliberately delayed.”

According to LH, after understanding consequent loss due to non-utilisation of natural resources like petroleum and natural gas, it had withdrawn the PIL. However LH claimed, that it appears to transpire that the State government did not want to take the benefits of its resources. The signatories said they failed to understand why Nagaland

Says,Lothas won’t allow oil exploration unless 2018 MoU honoured

chief minister was bypassing the stakeholders and reposing “so much confidence on Sarma”. LH also said it wondered whether the state government realised that the MoU was a legal document (between Lotha Hoho and Nagaland government) and that the LH could at any time revive the PIL, as was also enshrined in the MoU. The hoho asked if the long delay in amending the NP&NG RR 2012 could mean the LH could revive the PIL?. It also asked why DAB was only towards Nagaland and why Nagaland should accept DAB which is practically unjustified claims of Assam?.

LH also asked about the numerous (12) reserved forests of Nagaland transferred to Assam by the British for administrative convenience and whether these were not disputed areas?.

Pointing out that at the time of creation of Nagaland state, towns in Assam like Sivasagar, Nowgong and Lakhimpur were taken as the tentative boundary between Assam and Nagaland and therefore. Therefore, LH asked why shouldn’t the lines crossing these towns be declared as the permanent constitutional boundary between the two States?. Further it reminded Nagas that there was need to realise that amendment to the NP&NG 2012 regulations &rules was for the benefit of all stakeholders and not for the Lothas alone.

LH also pointed out some of the major objectionable provisions in the

NP&NG RR such as No objection Certificate (NoC) from land owners was to be issued by Naga Hoho and ENPO. It reiterated that there was also no provision for royalty payment to land owners, but only revenue, which legally implied that land owners would not have any share of the benefit.

LH also asked why NoC for Lotha land should be issued by a non-stakeholder like Naga Hoho and ENPO and demanded to know if Nagas of Nagaland were agreeable to these provisions?

In this regard, the signatories said LH intended to convey to the state government and the people that unless the MoU was honoured and implemented and the NP&NG RR 2012 amended as per “agreed points” of the MoU, the Lothas will not allow exploration and extraction of petroleum or natural gas under its jurisdiction.

Nagaland marks 100th episode of PM’s Mann Ki Baat

DIMA PU R, APR 30

(NPN): Nagaland on Sunday joined the rest of the country to mark the 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ monthly radio programme.

A special screening of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat 100th episode was held at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on Sunday.

Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation adviser Imkong L Imchen and host of officials were present on the occasion.

Secretary to governor Rajesh Soundararajan read governor La Ganesan’s mes-

sage on the occasion. In his message, Ganesan stated that the Prime Minister conducted Mann Ki Baat programme every month with an objective of establishing a dialogue with citizens of the country on issues of dayto-day governance. He said

the essence and conduct of the programme reflected the cultural ethos and heritage of the country and reached out to a wide spectrum of socially, economically and culturally-diverse people.

The governor said the programme had successfully

45 houses reduced to ashes at NSAZ

razed down by the inferno. He said that they were unable communicate with the villagers due to poor network connectivity.

The fire reportedly broke out at a time when most of the villagers were out in the fields.

established a mechanism to take welfare schemes and policies to the people and generate awareness about the same. He recalled that the platform was extensively used by the Prime Minister during the Covid-19 pandemic to educate the masses about the pandemic. He termed the programme as a very effective tool for social movements.

The governor observed that the programme highlighted stories of changemakers from different parts of the country who worked selflessly, but otherwise missed out by the mainstream media.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday (May 1) the response of the Central government whether the constitutional scheme of 1/3rd reservation for women in the election to Municipalities and Town Councils, can be violated by the process so adopted by the Nagaland government vis-à-vis elections to the Municipal and town councils.

“We would like him to assist us (Additional Solicitor General) and place the stand of the Union of India on whether the constitutional scheme of 1/3rd reservation for Municipalities and Town Councils, in the opinion of the Central Government can be violated by the process so adopted by the Nagaland Government,” the court said during its hearing on April 17.

Observing that an “ingenious method” has been adopted to evade the un -

dertaking given to the apex court about holding of the elections by repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, a bench of Justices S K Kaul and Aravind Kumar said it is an issue of women empowerment.

“We say so more in the context that in respect of the special provisions with respect of the State of Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution

Of India, nothing has so far emerged to advance a plea that religious or social practices of Nagas or Naga Customary Law and Procedure denies the right

IMD issues orange alert for rain, hailstorm

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Indian Metrological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for rainfall and hailstorm in several states across the country.

As the daily weather oscillates between scorching heat and dark clouds bringing heavy rainfall, the weather department said that the heatwave would not be tormenting the country, at least till the next three days.

Taking to micro blogging site Twitter, IMD wrote, “Heavy rainfall very likely in isolated regions of

North-West India, Central India, South India, EastIndia and North-East India. Hailstorm very likely in isolated regions of North-West India, Central, Eastern and Western of India.”

IMD said that moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds very likely over the North East region during next five days.

Heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during May 1-2, over Assam and Meghalaya during May 1-4.

300 Assam Police officers to be given VRS for ‘habitual drinking’

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 30

(NPN): In a delayed report, a massive fire completely destroyed around 45 houses including six granaries at K Shan Longchan village, under Naga Self Administered Zone (NSAZ) of Myanmar

on April 11.

Speaking to Nagaland Post over phone, president Eastern Naga Students Association, Atimiu said that village, along Arunachal Pradesh border, consists of around 87 households, out of which 37 houses and six granaries were completely

He also said that since most of the houses were close to each other, the villagers had to destroy eight houses to stop the fire from spreading further.

It may be recalled that a massive fire in February this year completely destroyed 60 houses at Solo/ Chiu village, under Lahe township, Naga Self Administered Zone.

GUWAHATI, APR 30 (IANS): At least 300 Assam Police officers, who are “habitual drinkers”, will be given the option of voluntary retirement, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday. According to him, those police personnel drink too heavily and that is adversely affecting their service. People have serious complaints against such police personnel, he added.

Sarma,who also holds the Home portfolio, said that the procedure has already started, and new hiring will be done to fill these

NSCN (I-M) destroys seized contraband items

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 30

(NPN): NSCN (I-M) on Sunday destroyed seized contrabands worth Rs 10 lakh approximately at Kushiabill Ground here in presence of representatives of colony councils and women hoho, church leaders and colony residents. NSCN (I-M) UT-1 secretary Obedo Tuccu said the consignments destroyed were seized on different occasions and included sunflower drug, ganja, SP tablets and other intoxicating tablets.

In a short programme before burning the seized

items, CAO UT-1 G Kakheto Zhimo spoke on students getting addicted to drugs, especially sunflower. He disclosed that parents would often request

them to hold their children in “correction cell” in order to correct them and claimed that the UT helped around 20 persons to date. Zhimo also refuted the

claim of Assam Rifles of having conducting a raid and rescuing individuals from NSCN (I-M)’s clutches and who were allegedly abducted for ransom.

Meanwhile, delivering a short speech on the occasion, East Dimapur GB Association president Niuto Awomi requested Indian Army, State government, organisations, NGOs, etc, to carry out mass movement against drug menace and seize and destroy drugs. He stressed that while carrying out such works, the government should not cause obstruction and instead lend support.

300 positions. “Around 300 officers and staff in the state police department are habitual drinkers, and their bodies have suffered as a result. For them, the government maintains a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS). They will be given that,” he said. He further claimed that he is also trying to decentralise the government, and he has started the procedure for opening offices with power and responsibilities that were once held by the Deputy Commissioners’ office in each of the state’s 126 Assembly constituencies.

of equality to women in so far as the participatory process is concerned in such elections,” added the court.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj, who was present for the Union of India, submitted that so far as the only reason for which notice was issued was to provide the relevant central force to carry out the panchayat elections.

“We have nothing personal but we are telling you it cannot be done. You cannot let a part of the country evade the constitutional scheme,” the bench told Nataraj. The court then granted ASG two weeks’ time to place their stand on record and listed the matter for May 1.

The apex court on April 5, 2023 stayed the March 30 order of the State Election Commission (SEC) to cancel the ULB polls in Nagaland in view of the repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 by the State Assembly.

Farmers gear up for another round of long agitation

“We are working to make the Deputy Commissioners’ office accessible in all areas in an assembly constituency so that people don’t have to drive to the district headquarters for many official works,” he said.

“The Deputy Commissioners will look after law and order, and they will be given different responsibilities,” he added.

The Assam government is mulling a major overhaul of the administration and is set to convert each district in the state to administrative and economic units.

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM)-- an umbrella body of different organisations that spearheaded a year-long protest against farm laws during 2020-21-- on Sunday decided to launch yet another round of intense agitation for the next six months, covering all poll-bound states going to election later this year, a TOI report stated. The protests will primarily be focussed on their core demands including legal guarantee to procurement of all crops at minimum support price (MSP), arrest of minister of state for home affairs Ajay Mishra whose son is an accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident of October 2021 and withdrawal of cases against farmers who participated in the protests during 2022-21.

Referring to the decision taken by the farmer leaders, All India Kisan Sabha leader Ashok Dhawale said the protests and agitations, to begin with, will be held in all states during May 26-31. “In the months of May, June and July, state and district level conventions of the SKM will be held in every state of India to galvanise and organise farmers and farm workers. Between August 1-15, mass protests in coordination with workers unions and organisations will be held,” said Dhawale.

Contraband items seized by NSCN (I-M) before being destroyed. (NP)

Remnants of burnt houses at K Shan Longchan village.

Imchen with Lidi Kro-u society group from Kohima village at Raj Bhavan.

ROAD REPAIR: After Nagaland Post carried a captioned picture of a huge pot-holed road at Tajen Ao road, (near Reliance Petrol Pump) that appeared on Sunday, the DMC rushed to clear the clogged drainage and fill the pothole with soil and pebble stones on Sunday. The sewage water from nearby areas have been accumulating and over the years, caused water logging. Eventually the water logged sewage combined with hundreds of passing vehicles caused deterioration of the road till a huge pothole was formed. (NP)

“It makes sense that price of chicken goes up after ban on transporting cow then pig.”

IDAN meets business organisations

DIMAPUR: Investment and Development Author-

ity of Nagaland (IDAN) initiated a series of consultative meetings with various stakeholders and representatives from business organizations and industries on April 28.

The meetings were chaired by IDAN chairman, Abu Metha.

The meetings were part of consultative sessions that will be held with different entities in the business and development ecosystem of Nagaland and will continue in the coming week.

The first round of meetings was held with the Business Association of Nagaland, Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland, YouthNet, Entrepreneurs Associates, Educentre School of Business and Nagaland Tool Room & Trade Centre.

In the meetings, Metha thanked various organisations for their cooperation and support, and appreciated various initiatives that have positively impacted the citizens of Nagaland. He urged the organisations to contribute towards policy inputs,

DGC bids farewell to Asso. Professor

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Government College (DGC) held a warm farewell programme for retiring associate professor and former Head of department, Political Science, Khrienuo Angami on April 29.

The programme was chaired by Purtila, Assoc. Professor, department of Political Science and commenced with an invocation by Dr. Vinyuhu Lhoungu, Asst. department of Economics.

Principal, Prof. Sanjay Sharma in his speech highlighted Khrienuo’s sincerity and dedication to the development of the Political Science department and the college as a whole.

Vice principal, vice president of Dimapur Government College Teachers Association (DGCTA), members of the faculty and Dimapur Government College Students Council, at their speeches described Khrienuo as a vibrant, honest, humourous, intelligent and hard working person.

Ura Academy visits

TLC Razeba

DIMAPUR: With an aim to strengthen its activities, a team of Ura Academy on April 26 visited Tenyidie Learning Centre (TLC) Razeba in Phek district. It may be noted that Ura Academy has had been patronizing the promotion of Tenyidie language at Tenyidie Learning Centre (TLC) Razeba.

NEISSR students trained on basic life support

the students to save a life by giving blood.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Tsarangpi Sangtam spoke on the topic ‘Basic Life Support’.

suggestions for strategies and appealed to work collectively as one team in the greater interest of the single goal for a progressive Nagaland.

Meanwhile, various organisations extended their appreciation to the IDAN chairman for the positive engagements and for taking the industry stakeholders into confidence. At the meeting, director YouthNet, Nuneseno Chase highlighted the work and activities across Nagaland by YouthNet as an NGO.

While, Women Entrepreneurship Network

of Nagaland, the founder of Nagabowl Express & Co-founder of Naga Bowl Bakery, Alemjungla Jamir expressed the need for an equity-based ecosystem for Naga women Entrepreneurs to thrive.

Abu Metha, commended the work and activities of YouthNet across varied sectors and suggested that CM Microfinance Scheme needed to be curated to suit the needs and requirements of women entrepreneurs in Nagaland.

In a discussion held with Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC), Metha suggested that NTTC should be up-

graded to higher standards with state-of-the-art facilities and should aspire to be a centre of excellence and be converted into a world class institute.

He observed that NTTC was the foundation for manufacturing and industry to take off in Nagaland.

At a meeting conducted with the Business Association of Nagaland (BAN), Metha suggested that the Industrial Policy of Nagaland must include BAN’s suggestions and inputs for effective implementation of the policy covering the areas which BAN has identified.

A press release by the visiting team informed that the team was led by Ura Academy Vice-president Daso Paphino; Dr. D Kuolie, Secretary General, Dr. Metseilhouthie joint secretary and Diethosilie Chakrünuo, co-ordinator.

A brief programme was held at TLC, Razeba led by Dr Zavise Rume, convenor, Tenyidie Learning Centre, Razeba and began with an invocation by pastor Zhavame Baptist Church, Rev. Akha Shupao.

Welcome address delivered by assistant headmaster GHS Razeba, Bonyi Zholia, and greetings was delivered by Razeba Public Organization (RPO). The release further stated that the Ura Academy team donated Almirah, chairs, computer sets and a printer to centre to enable and enhance the learning activities.

BVP holds installation and oath taking ceremony

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 30

(NPN): Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP), a social organization known for its dedication to the development and growth in the country, held its official installation and oath-taking ceremony at Durga Mandir auditorium, Dimapur on Sunday.

The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including president Jain Samaj Om Prakash Sethi, social worker Arun Kumar Nandy, and founder director of Peace Channel

Dr. Fr. CP Anto as guests of honour while social worker Chhawi Kumar Sethi was the chief guest for the programme. Jagadindu Deb, Regional Secretary of BVP, was also present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Chhawi Kumar acknowledged the activities carried out by BVP and expressed pride in being associated with the organization. He urged others to join BVP and contribute to the betterment of the country.

NBCKA holds revival and healing crusade in Kohima

Om Prakash expressed his commitment to support BVP’s endeavors and praised the organization for not just being a social group but also a means of providing “sewa” or service to the community.

Also speaking at the event, Arun Kumar Nandi pledged to utilize his capabilities to aid BVP in its mission to improve society and uplift the less fortunate. Dr. Fr. CP Anto lauded BVP for being the voice of the voiceless and assured

the organization of his cooperation in its activities. He emphasized the importance of accepting everyone as children of the same God who doesn’t discriminate and encouraged attendees to be agents of change within society. Newly inducted president BVP, in his acceptance speech said that he was honored to lead a team of vibrant members who were experienced, dedicated and instrumental in accomplishing various programs and

projects of the organization during the year and fulfilling the dream and objectives of BVP ‘Five S’sampark, sahayog, sanskar, sewa and samarpan.

The BVP team, consisting of 59 members, will be led by Er. Rabinderjit Singh Panesar as the new president.

Earlier the programme was chaired by Pooja Das Paul, welcome address by Arijit Sharma, and vote of thanks by convenor Bishnu Bhattacharjee.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DIMAPUR: Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) in collaboration IQAC Cell NEISSR, and CIHSR (Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research) organized one-day training programme on basic life support under the theme “Be Aware, Be Proactive, Save Life” on April 29 at Peace Center, 7th Mile, Chümuokedima.

According to NEISSR Red Ribbon Club, the training was conducted for social work students (MSW

and BSW) to be aware, get equipped with lifesaving skill, and be proactive in responding to emergency situations.

In the introductory session, medical social worker and PRO, department of Transfusion Medicine Blood Centre, CIHSR), Arhomo C Ngullie spoke about the importance of blood donation and the various processes that comes along with. He reminded the students that blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come as a gift from people and also encouraged

He emphasized on ‘A B C theory’ (Airway, Breathing, Circulation theory) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) which an individual can use to save a person’s life.

Laying emphasis on the importance of basic life support, he explained and demonstrated various steps that come under basic life support such as indication of CPR, checking the pulses and calling for help.

The resource person and his team also demonstrated the procedure on Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

At the programme, the students, along with the faculty members learned CPR and other first aid skills through hands on demonstrations.

Red Ribbon Club president, Shalozu Kath proposed the vote of thanks and the programme was moderated by MSW 4th semester, Victor V Aye.

UNPG/NNC (PB) terminates; clarifies

DIMAPUR: United Naga

People’s Government (UNPG)/ NNC (Parent Body) has informed that the cabinet at the meeting held with different regions at its Oking resolved to terminate general secretary, Toshi Walling and vice president, Kiviho Zhimomi for violating the “azha” of NNC (PB).

UNPG/NNC (PB) president, Z. Royim has also clarified that the allegation on relieving him as president, has been made

to tarnish his good image. He clarified that as per the “yezaboo” of NNC (PB), the period of the president was “never 5 years” and termed the statement published by Zunheboto region in support of Kiviho Zhimomi as nothing but a propaganda to “factionalism”. Royim also alleged that Kiyevi Zhomimi, who considered himself as region chairman was “selfproclaimed” as he was never been appointed by the consent of the presi -

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We the bereaved family members and relatives of LT. PUDÜHO PATRICK KISO who left for his heavenly abode on 19th April 2023, would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the Church bodies, Village Council, Panchayat and Youth bodies, Bureaucrats, Groups, Govt. Officials and Departments, Philanthropists, different Associations and Organisations and all the Individuals who tirelessly helped us in cash, material or kind, physically and also mentally and spiritually supporting us from the time he fell ill till the day he passed away.

Words are not enough to express our profound gratitude to each and every one of you, but we pray that the Almighty God shower His abundant blessings on your good deeds done to us in times when we most needed it. We also express our deepest regret and apologies for not mentioning each of your names or thank each one of you individually but we do assure you of our prayers and support in the days to come.

Thank You and May God Bless You All.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren and Relatives

dent.

Therefore, Royim warned that distorting peace and harmony among the compatriots and those acting as “anarchist” “without consultation and cabinet sitting” will not be acceptable as it may led to disunity among the Nagas when everyone was earnestly praying for inking final agreement. The president further informed all concerned leaders to work for Nagas rather than “selfaggrandisement”.

DIMAPUR: Nagamese

Baptist Churches Kohima Area (NBCKA) conducted revival and healing crusade from April 28 to 30 at APO Hall Kohima.

According to the organiser, the speakers for the programme were pastor, Maram Baptist Church, Rev PK Jacob; pastor, Phezoucha Nagamese Baptist Church, Rev Velavoyi Keyho and pastor, New Capital Baptist Church, Bendang.

On Sunday evening, Rev PK Jacob was the speaker and spoke on the promises of restoration of God in mankind and spiritual life. He also asked

the gathering to pay heed to the call of God in their life.

The programme was chaired by pastor, Eklektos Baptist Church, Pithungo Ngullie and song was presented by Phezoucha Nagamese Baptist Church, offertory by pastor Bethel Masiha, Narayan and vote of thanks by pastor Nagamese Baptist Church High School Area by Khi Peter.

The praise and worship was led by Nagamese Baptist Churches Youth Department and citizens from all walks of life in Kohima area attended the services.

Lt. W. Hendok Phom 30/01/1976 – 22/04/2023

We, the family of Lt. W. Hendok Phom , Deputy Kilonser (NSCN/GPRN) and Member of CFMO incharge, Phom Region, would like to acknowledge the impact that he had on the lives of those around him. His legacy will live on through the memories and stories that he has left behind.

The outpouring support, love and kindness from our relatives and friends has been a source of comfort and strength during our time of grief.

We are thankful to everyone for being there during these difficult times.

DB-551/23

Loving Wife, Sons and Relatives

Lt. Supongangla Sangtam 23/06/1945 – 19/04/2023

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who gave us comfort and support, be it physically, materially, spiritually or financially during the brief illness and sad demise of our beloved mother. Words are inadequate to convey how much we appreciated your gestures of love and sympathy shown to us.

We only pray to the Almighty for His abundant blessings upon you all. Thank You. Daughters, Grandchildren, In-laws and Relatives.

Abu Metha with the members of BAN at the meeting.

Members of Bharat Vikas Parishad and others guests at the installation programme.

Demonstration on basic life support at the training.

Congregation at the Sunday evening service at APO Hall Kohima.

Q.: Should the WFI chief accused of sexual harassment be made to resign his post?

No alternative to hard work: Hekani

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 30 (NPN): Advisor of Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense said there was no alternative to hard work and that there should not be any excuse towards achieving one’s goals.

NEXT POLL

She was speaking as the valedictory guest at the closing programme of the 30th Biennial General Conference of Angami Students’ Union (ASU) at Tuophema village on Sunday.

She asserted that successful people were because of hard work which was non-negotiable and only those who work the hardest make it through.

Sharing her journey towards becoming a politician, Hekani said it took her seven months to prepare for the polls and 17 years to be where she was during which God had prepared her.

She recalled of the times when she took loans for her studies, work extra shifts to manager herself and how she experienced the real world once she started to make an earning.

She said the only excuse to success was laziness and people should be consistent in enhancing

their skills every day.

“We are living in a time of science and technology which we can use to build ourselves. It is an open field of opportunities and the world is in our hands,” Hekani said. She stressed on the need for consistency which was something crucial that was lacking in many talented Nagas who often pick up an interest in something but would drop it halfway.

She observed that success will come only when there was consistency.

Hekani pointed out that there were many schemes for young people but the challenge was that many people apply for those schemes just for the

Handloom exhibition underway

sake of it and often miss opportunities.

She therefore urged the gathered students to choose their passion and be consistent in it.

Hekani also encouraged the students to make God as their foundation saying if they sideline God, He would also sideline them. She observed that Angamis were a blessed tribe however that should not be taken for granted because in doing so the blessing would migrate off to someone else.

Earlier, the valedictory programme was chaired by tribunal general, ASU, Neizokhotuo Belho, and invocation by pastor, Tuophe Basa Baptist Church,

Neivituo Sanchu.

Greetings was conveyed by president, Eastern Nagas Students Federation, Chingmak Chang.

In a short speech, newly elected ASU president, Khriesamhalie David Mere, assured to do work his best for the students community.

He hoped his team would give their best and collectively work for the welfare of the students.

Vote of thanks was proposed by organising committee member, Visako Rino while a traditional song was presented by Northern Angami Students’ Union and a special number was presented by Avinuo Metha.

The new team will be led by Khriesamhalie David Mere as the president, Thejalhoukho Khawakhrie and Diezevisie Nakhro as vice presidents, Vimeyiekho Vitso as general secretary and Menolhoukho Tsükrü as finance secretary.

Results on the debate held on Saturday under the theme, “Is it time to life NLTP Act?” are as follows: Best Debater: Mhathozho Khizho (SASU), 2nd Best Debater: Batsonü Kweho (SASU) and Group champion: Motion led by Seyievinuo Mere.

LFI College conducts mock drill on disaster preparedness

DIMAPUR: Disaster Management Club and IQAC of Livingstone Foundation International College (LFIC) in collaboration with the State Disaster Response Force conducted a mock drill on disaster preparedness in the College on April 29.

A team of 20 members led by ASI Civil Defense and Home Guards, Dimapur, Angukato K Yeptho carried out various activities.

Prior to the drill and activities, Yeptho emphasized on the need to be prepared on any eventuality of disasters especially earthquakes as the state fall under active Seismic zones.

He further said that even though the state has well trained and prepared professionals to tackle disasters that can occur in the state, it was necessary for young students also to have the basic skills to be rescue-ready if any need arises in the future.

At the mock drill, series of exercises were carried out by the team along with the teaching faculty and students of the College.

A mock drill and evacuation preparedness during earthquakes was

also conducted.

The team also demonstrated on how to provide first aid to injured individuals before the arrival of rescue team, applying bandages to different kinds of injuries and how to make basic improvised rescue equipment with available resources at hand for rescue.

Demonstration on

how to carry out a CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) for adults as well as infants were also carried out.

Earlier, the programme started with an opening remark from IQAC co-coordinator, L Achilo Kikon and ended with a note of thanks by co-ordinator Disaster Management Club, Imti Yaden.

Kohima village night schools providing ray of hope for children

Correspondent KOHIMA, APR 30 (NPN): From darkness to light, night schools at Kohima village under the aegis of Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU) provide a ray of hope for children, besides ensuring their welfare and safeguarding their rights.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, KVSU general secretary Albert Rutsa said the night schools were started in the early 1980s with the aim of offering equal learning opportunities for all so that each student could realise his or her potential and contribute to the growth of society.

Managing director, Vitsutho Nyuthe inaugurating the handloom exhibition.

DIMAPUR: A handloom exhibition organised by Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation and sponsored by office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Ministry of Textiles, New Delhi commenced on April 28 at Urban Haat, Dimapur. The exhibition will continue till

May 11. The exhibition was inaugurated by Managing Director NHHDC Ltd, Dimapur, Vitsutho Nyuthe.

All together 60 participants from Assam, Manipur and various districts in the state, are exhibiting varieties of handloom crafted products.

According to NHH -

DC ltd, Project Manager, the main aim and objective of the exhibition was to develop and promote marketing channels in domestic and export markets and to bring about linkage between the two in a holistic and integrated manner. It will also serve to provide marketing opportunities to handicraft artisans.

He said instructors and teachers at the schools gave special attention to every student and provided guidance based on his or her abilities for all-round development. He mentioned that there were four night schools at the village that provided free tuition to all students, regardless of their economic background, and a space where they could

freely express themselves. He claimed that the schools were easy to access for students of all categories. While two night schools operated in the government school building, one ran at a public library and the other at a community hall.

Rutsa stated that the average student-to-teacher ratio was 10:1 – altogether 122 teachers guiding 275 students. The schools functioned five days a week at least two hou rs on each working day. The tuition timing was extended during examinations so that extra care and attention could be given to the students. The schools also served as training centres for many fresh graduates who aimed to join teaching profession.

The schools were currently managed and administered with the contribution of the community, organisations and individuals. KVSU and its units also conducted fundraisers to meet the expenses and keep the schools running.

NDPP Mokokchung region felicitates legislators

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, APR 29 (NPN): NDPP Mokokchung region has felicitated the six newly NDPP legislators including chairman from Mokokchung district on April 29.

The legislators were: NLA speaker, Sharingain Longkumer; minister of Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir; advisor, Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum; advisor, Law & Justice, Land Revenue, T N Manen; advisor, Transport & Technical Education, Temjenmenba; advisor, Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Imkongmar and chairman, DAN, Dr.

assured to work towards social and economic development.

Manen also urged the people to be ready to absorb as delimitation might took place in 2026.

Temjenmenba in his speech said that after the meeting of the 11 Ao legislatures, they have collectively decided to bring about basic amenities in Mokokchung.

Imkongmar thanked NDPP Mokokchung for giving him the opportunity to be elected from NDPP ticket and promised to work hand in hand with the party workers to make Mokokchung region the base of NDPP.

Meanwhile, the handing and taking over of the NDPP Mokokchung region presidentship was administered by NDPP treasurer, Pangerzulu.

Short speeches were delivered by outgoing president N Bendang Jamir and incoming president, Mangyangnungba.

N Bendang Jamir has been assigned as workingpresident of NDPP central.

The dedicatory prayer was offered by Ngati Baptist church and the programme was chaired by vice-president, Lipokzulu while the vote of thanks was tendered by general secretary, Repameren.

Talking on the major constraints, Rutsa acknowledged that funding was the most challenging part and said student activities had to be cut sometimes due to this.

It may be noted that the night schools have an excellent track record and have been registering good pass percentage over the years in all board exams and regularly producing toppers and subject toppers in the State Board examination,

the latest being Viwenuo

Suohu who was a topper in both HSLC (2020) and HSSLC (2022).

Rutsa admitted that a lot of students struggled with their notes during Covid-19 pandemic as classes were held online and the notes were sent through WhatsApp and other means. Hence, the night schools had to help the students by taking printouts and opened libraries so that students

could refer to the books and also clear their doubts. Besides, learning within the four walls of the classrooms, various activities like literary events, movie nights, exposure trips, personality development activities, etc, are held throughout the year so that the students got the opportunity to explore their talents and gather experiences. Awards are given to meritorious students and teachers for their services.

Oral screening camps at Kuthur village, Wangkhao Government College, Mon

DIMAPUR: Sümi Baptist Church Diphupar in an attempt to maintain the decorum and sanctity of the church has declared its church premises as “Tobacco Free Zone” and “Mobile Silent Zone” inside the Church during services.

According to SBCD youth pastor, Mughakhi Kinto Zhimo, the declaration was made on Sunday and SBCD pastor, Nikhui Achumi offered a prayer of blessing for the initiative.

In his address to the congregation, the pastor stressed on the primary objective of the initiative as a step towards spiritual discipline wherein the primary focus during church services should be worship without distraction of any kind.

DIMAPUR: District Health Society (DHS) Tuensang conducted an oral health screening camp and awareness programme at community hall, Kuthur village, Tuensang on April 30.

According to a press release issued by, DMO, NHM Tuensang, Apheang, at the camp, Jr. Dental Surgeon Dr.Aoyanger gave a presentation on oral health, types of diseases, causes of oral diseases, causes of poor oral health, signs and symptoms, etc.

Altogether, 30 patients availed free dental screen-

ing camp. A leaflet on oral health was also distributed to the participants.

Around, 70 participant including youths and council members participated in the screening camp. The medical team was led by Dr.Aoyanger and accompanied by ANM District hospital, district consultant, DTCC and DMO (NHM).

WGC: Commemorating the Oral Cancer screening month, National Oral Health Program Mon District conducted Oral screening at Wangkhao Government College

(WGC), Mon town, on April 26.

A press release by media officer, NHM Mon, stated that Jr dental specialist D H Mon, Dr Neingutunuo, Jr dental surgeon, DH Mon, Dr Imtimenla and RBSK, MHT, MO, Dr Avono, raised awareness on early cancer detection and how it could be prevented. The release added that a total of 472 students were screened, 2 precancerous lesions were detected and counseled, while toothpastes and pens along with IEC materials were distributed to the students.

Hekani Jakhalu Kense speaking at ASU conference on Sunday. (NP))

Mock drill on disaster management at LFIC.

‘Tobacco free & mobile silent zone’ at SBCD

Students attending Night School at Kohima village. (NP)

Felicitated NDPP elected members with the NDPP central and region office.

watizulu Suzumeren Jamir.

Speaking on the occasion, T N Manen expressed

gratitude to the party workers (NDPP) for their tireless in electing him. He

Medical team with the participants at the screening camp.

1 Nagaland Girls’ Battalion NCC, Kohima, 13 NCC cadets (Senior Wing) of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama along with their associate NCC officer undertook a trek- cum-plogging to Dzukou valley on April 29.

SNIPPETS

Four held with gold worth Rs 4.3 cr

SURAT, APR 30 (PTI):

Four persons were arrested allegedly with 7.15 kilograms of gold worth Rs 4.3 crore near the airport in Surat in Gujarat, an official said on Sunday.

The gold was brought illegally onboard a flight from Dubai and the four were held on a tip-off on Saturday night after a car was intercepted, a release from the Surat police’s special operations group (SOG) said.

3 held with drugs worth Rs 2 cr

PUNE, APR 30 (PTI): Three people were arrested allegedly with one kilogram of mephedrone worth Rs 2 crore in Pune in Maharashtra, a police official said on Sunday. They were held on Saturday in Kharadi under Chandannagar police station limits by a team of the Anti Narcotics Cell, he said.

5 die after SUV rams into tractor trolley

AZAMGARH (UP), APR 30 (PTI): Five persons, including three women, were killed on Sunday when an SUV rammed into a tractortrolley on the Purvanchal expressway here in the Ahiraula area, police said. The accident took place when the SUV, which was on its way to Ghazipur from Lucknow rammed into the tractortrolley, they said. While five persons died on the spot, a woman sustained injuries. She was rushed to the hospital, where her condition was stated to be stable.

Juvenile held for raping minor in Delhi

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (IANS): A juvenile was held for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor in the Kalyanpuri area, officials said. A senior police official said that on Saturday night, an information was received at police station Kalyanpuri that a girl child was sexually assaulted by a boy. During inquiry, the victim alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the boy. The official said that the victim was playing in the street in the evening when the accused took her to a vacant house in front of a park near his residence and sexually assaulted her. The victim somehow ran away from the spot raising an alarm. The accused too fled from there.

Shiv Sena launches Delhi unit

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (PTI): The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Sunday launched its Delhi unit and vowed to implement the ‘Maharashtra model’ of development in the national capital. Shiv Sena senior leaders Anandrao Adsul and Anshumman Joshi inducted several leaders into the party fold, asserting that the outfit would bat for the rights of the “sons of the soil” and root out corruption in the national capital. Adsul said Shinde would soon visit the national capital to announce the officebearers of the party’s Delhi unit.

Man booked for giving triple talaq to wife

GUNA, APR 30 (PTI):

A man was booked in Guna in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly giving triple talaq to his estranged wife, a police official said. Triple talaq, also called ‘talaq-e-biddat’, is a practice by which a man could divorce his wife by pronouncing the word ‘talaq’ three times without citing any reason for this act.

in Ludhiana after inhaling toxic gas

LUDHIANA (PUNJAB),

APR 30 (PTI): Eleven people, including three children, died allegedly after inhaling toxic gas in the city’s thickly populated Giaspura locality on Sunday, with high levels Hydrogen Sulphide detected in the air and authorities suspecting it was emanating from a sewer.

Four more persons, who were taken ill, are undergoing treatment at a hospital, officials said, adding the area was sealed, the residents were evacuated and a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was at the spot following the incident.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident while the Ludhiana Police has registered an FIR against unknown persons.

In the air quality sensors used by the NDRF team, high levels of Hydrogen Sulphide gas have been detected and this gas might have led to the tragic incident, according to an official release issued by the district administration.

The officials said they suspect that the poisonous gas was released after some chemical was disposed of in the sewerage in the area.

Giaspura is a thickly

populated area with a migrant population. Several industrial and residential buildings are located there. All the victims belonged to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and had been staying in Ludhiana.

The incident came to light on Sunday morning when some people who came to a local grocery store to buy milk started fainting. Four persons died on the spot while others were rushed to the hospital. Among the dead were three members of the family that owned the store and five from another.

Police said five females and six males were among the dead. The district administration announced Rs 2 lakh compensation each for the family of the deceased and

Dantewada Naxal attack: Cops announce cash reward for information on Maoists

As the smell of the gas started spreading, many people moved out of the area. The DC said the cordon at the scene of the leak will be extended. She said those who died in the incident did not show any symptoms of respiratory problems.

Rs 50,000 each for those who were taken ill in the incident. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief at the loss of lives and said the NDRF team is engaged in relief work.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the incident was very painful and added that all possible help is being provided. Health Minister Balbir Singh visited Ludhiana and took stock of the situation in the area and at the civil hospital. The minister said exemplary action would be taken against perpetrators of this tragedy.

Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner (DC) Surabhi Malik had earlier told reporters, “It is likely that there was some gas contamination. We are collecting samples from manholes.”

Learn from my brother: Priyanka Gandhi on PM’s ‘abused 91 times’ charge

JAMKHANDI (K’TAKA), APR 30 (PTI): Congress

General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday reacted on Prime Minister Narendra’s statement about verbal abuse, saying one has to take such attacks in their stride in public life, and counselled him to learn from her brother Rahul Gandhi, who “is ready to take a bullet for the sake of the country”.

Targeting the Congress over its party president M Mallikarjun Kharge’s ‘venomous snake’ barb at him, PM Modi on Saturday said till now the party and its leaders had hurled different types of abuses at him 91 times.

At a public meeting here in Bagalkote district, Vadra, commenting on the PM’s statement, said: “At least they (91 abuses) are fitting on one page; if you look at the abuses by them to my

family and if we start making a list, we will publish books after books about it”.

“It is strange what I’m seeing from the past twothree days. I have seen many Prime Ministers, Indira ji (Indira Gandhi), she took bullets for this country. I have seen Rajiv Gandhi, he sacrificed his life for this country. I have seen PV Narsimha Rao and Manmohan Singh working hard for this country,” she said.

“But he (Modi) is the first Prime Minister I have seen, who comes before you and cries that he is being

To give ‘sense of temperature’, IMD to issue heat index

abused. Instead of listening to your grief, he is coming here and telling you his (probems).” Mocking PM Modi, she said someone in his office had made a list not about the problems of the people, but about who had abused the Prime Minister many times.

“Have courage, Modi ji. Learn from my brother Rahul Gandhi. My brother says he is ready to take a bullet for the sake of this country, not just abuse. My brother says he will stand for truth, whether you abuse, shoot a bullet or stab with a knife,” Vadra said.

“Don’t fear Modi ji, this is public life and one has to bear such things. One needs to have courage and move forward,” she said, adding, “Now that I’m talking to you, let me tell you, if you learn one more thing it will be good: listen to the voice of the people.”

“It is likely that because of neurotoxins the deaths took place,” Malik added. Additional Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh Bains said, “A broken manhole has been found in the area and there was a strong smell emanating from it. There is a possibility that the chemical has been poured into the sewerage from that point”.

Malik said there was no need to panic and asked people not to fall prey to any rumour-mongering.

She also appealed to people to stay away from the area. “A check will be conducted to see how far this gas has spread,” the DC said. She further said that CCTV cameras were being scanned.

The DC said different teams of district administration, police, municipal corporation and Punjab Pollution Control Board are stationed at the site.

DANTEWADA, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Making headway in the ongoing Dantewada blast investigation, Bastar Police released the photograph of the Aranpur blast’s mastermind and also announced the cash reward for Maoists indulged in the incident.

On April 26, 10 DRG personnel and a civilian driver were killed after insurgents triggered an IED blast on Aranpur road.

The mastermind has been identified as Jagdish. “As per the investigation findings, it came to light that the dreaded Maoist cadre Jagdish has allegedly hatched the plan of triggering an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast leaving 10 DRG personnel and a civilian driver dead in Dantewada,” said police officials.

According to police, Jagdish’s wife, who is Class 8th pass and native of Sukma district, identified as Hemla is the commander of the doctor’s team in the Darbha division of the outlawed organisation.

“Jagrish’s father-in-law Vinod Hemla is active as the incharge of the Kanger

Ghati Area Committee,” said officials, elaborating that as per the intelligence inputs, the Darbha division committee of CPI (Maoist) would be involved in the blast.

“Police have announced cash reward on the Maoist cadres involved in the blast and according to the intelligence inputs coupled with technical evidence, Jagdish was allegedly spotted near the blast site and he had hatched the conspiracy of triggering the blast,” informed officials.

The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which claimed the lives of 10 DFG personnel and a driver on Wednesday in Chhat -

tisgarh’s Dantewada was planted by Maoists at least two months ago through a ‘foxhole mechanism’, Bastar Police said.

According to the police, the Maoists had planted the IED beneath the road by digging a tunnel through a ‘foxhole mechanism’ which is a style of digging tunnel because of which it became undetectable.

“De-mining is done on the said road from time to time. Prima-facie it appears that the IED was planted far below the road through ‘foxhole mechanism’ (a style of digging tunnel) due to which it could not be detected during the de-mining exercise,” the police said.

Congress associated with ‘85% commission’:

KOLAR/CHANNAPATNA/BELURU (K’TAKA), APR 30 (PTI): Coming down heavily on the Congress on the issue of corruption, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the grand old party had always been associated with “85 per cent commission”, and its “shahi parivar” (royal family) was out on bail in connection with scams worth thousands of crores of rupees.

Addressing three rallies in ‘Old Mysuru’ (South Karnataka), where BJP is considered to be eak and is focusing on winning more seats in this Vokkaligadominated region with an aim at returning to power with a majority, he hit out at opponents JD(S) and Congress, calling them a “sign of instability”. He cautioned the people that they could not afford to give the state’s fortune into the hands of the Congress, a party “whose

main aim is to serve a family sitting in Delhi”, and the JD(S) which is “completely a private limited party of a family”.

Addressing a public meeting in Kolar, Modi while targeting Congress on corruption, trained guns at its president M Mallikarjun Kharge for his ‘venomous snake’ barb at him, and said that the snake was the charm of lord Shiva’s neck, and for him the people of the country were a “form of god”, and he was fine with being compared to the snake on their necks.

“There is a reason why the country has lost trust

No conclusion of wrongdoing in SEBI application to SC: Adani Group

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(AGENCIES): Capital markets regulator SEBI has not concluded any wrongdoing in its application to the country’s top court, seeking six more months to complete a probe into allegations against Adani Group, the conglomerate run by billionaire Gautam Adani said.

Modi

in Congress and its ‘shahi parivar’. Congress’s identity has always been associated with 85 percent commission. During Congress’s rule its top leader and then prime minister used to say with pride that if he sends Re one from Delhi,15 paise reaches them (people) on the ground. Congress’s claws used to snatch away 85 paise of the poor,” he said.

The Prime Minister said, “This is not BJP’s allegation, but it is the public acceptance of the Congress’s former prime minister. Congress that eats 85 per cent commission can never work for the development of Karnataka.”

Modi’s attack on the Congress comes as a counter to the Kharge-led party’s strong campaign against the ruling BJP in Karnataka over allegations levelled by a contractors’ association that the state government’s leaders were taking “40 per cent commission” .

The Prime Minister said “hundred per cent” of the amount sent by the BJP government today “reached the beneficiaries”. In the past nine years, with the strength of ‘Digital India’, Rs 29 lakh crore had been credited into the bank accounts of the poor under various schemes, he claimed.

“If Congress that eats 85 per cent commission had continued, Rs 24 lakh crore out of this could not have reached the poor,” he claimed, adding that BJP came to power only nine years ago and stopped this. He asked people to “imagine about the lakhs of crores of rupees that Congress leaders had filled in their lockers before that”.

Noting that the Congress was facing the most difficulty due to his actions against corruption, the Prime Minister said that was the reason that the party’s “hate” against him had increased day-by-day.

Woman in cockpit: DGCA’s show cause notices to AI CEO

NEW DELHI, APR 30

curred on February 27.

Representational image

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(AGENCIES): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday started issuing heat index for different parts of the country on an experimental basis, taking into account the air temperature and relative humidity.

In addition to giving the day’s minimum and maximum temperatures, the heat index, mainly for the plains, will give people “a sense of what the temperature actually feels like”.

“We are utilising the temperature and humidity data at 2:30 pm for the heat index and the forecasts as the maximum temperature occurs at that time,” IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said at a Media Workshop on Weather and Climate here.

Currently, the weather office uses a formula of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to calculate the heat index. However, the

heat index is yet to be validated for Indian conditions and uses the comfort levels of weather experienced by Americans in their regions.

“We have to work with the health ministry to validate the observations for Indian cities. For example, in India, 40 degrees Celsius temperature and 20 per cent relative humidity could be okay, but the same is intolerable for a person residing in the US,” said M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The heat index issued by the IMD on Friday carried a disclaimer stating “not validated for India”, making it clear that it was an experimental forecast to educate people about the implications of heat on them. Ravichandran said the index will be issued to make such data more accessible to the public for precautionary measures. The heat index will be issued for the entire country every day in weather bulletins.

The Supreme Court had on March 2 asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to conclude within two months its probe into allegations levelled by US short-seller Hindenburg Research against Adani Group. SEBI was to file a status report on May 2 but on Saturday it made an application seeking an extension. Hindenburg in January accused Adani Group of accounting fraud and using a web of companies in tax havens to inflate revenue and stock prices, even as debt piled up. The conglomerate has repeatedly denied all the allegations. SEBI in its application filed on Saturday stated that it needs six months to “arrive at conclusive finding” in the case of those where “prima facie violations have been found” and “to revalidate the analysis and arrive at conclusive finding” where “prima facie violations

have not been found.”

“It is pertinent to note that in the SEBI application filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, there are no conclusions of any alleged wrongdoing,” Adani Group said in a statement.

“The SEBI application only cites the allegations made in the short-seller’s report, which are still under investigation.”

In the statement, Adani said SEBI is conducting an investigation into allegations made by a foreign short-seller and also into market activity before and after the release of its report on January 24.

“We understand that SEBI has approached the Hon’ble Supreme Court for more time to conclude its investigation,” it said.

“We have welcomed the investigation, which represents a fair opportunity for everyone to be heard and for all issues to be addressed. We are fully compliant with all laws, rules and regulations and are confident that truth will prevail. We are fully cooperating with SEBI and will continue to provide all our support and cooperation.”

In its application to the Supreme Court, SEBI said it has crystallised two sets of categories for the probe. The first covers allegations made in the Hindenburg report.

The second category relates to trading in Adani Group stocks in the periods pre- and post-Hindenburg Report. “SEBI has submitted a detailed status report and the prima facie findings to the Committee in compliance with the order passed by this Hon’ble Court,” the application said adding possible violations related to RPT, corporate governance, MPS, price manipulations and ODI norms require further time for conclusion.

The Supreme Court, while directing the setting up of a six-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice A M Sapre for the assessment of the extant regulatory framework and for making recommendations to strengthen the process, had said that it was appropriate to set up such a panel of experts in order to protect Indian investors against the volatility of the kind which has been witnessed in the recent past.

The Justice Sapre panel is to be provided assistance by the Centre and other statutory agencies, including the SEBI chairperson. The Centre had agreed to the top court’s proposal to set up a committee, to be headed by a former Supreme Court judge, to go into the regulatory regimes.

(IANS): Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson regarding the DubaiDelhi flight where pilots invited a female friend in the cockpit.

A show cause notice has also been issued to the chief of flight safety for delaying the investigation and not reporting to the concerned authority, official sources said.

Both CEO and chief of flight safety are to file a reply to the show cause notice, said DGCA sources.

Earlier, a cabin crew member of the flight had filed a complaint with the DGCA about the pilot allowing a female friend into the cockpit.

The incident had oc -

The show cause notices were issued to the Air India CEO and head of flight safety on April 21 for not doing timely reporting of the incident to the DGCA, which is in violation of the regulator’s safety instructions.

Apart from this, there was a delay in investigating the incident. Both the executives have been given 15 days to respond to the show cause notices, the official said. There was no immediate comment from Air India. Earlier this month, DGCA directed Air India to deroster the entire crew of the Dubai-Delhi flight till investigations are complete.

On April 21, the airline said it had taken serious note of the reported incident and that investigations were underway.

4 killed in lightning strike in Jharkhand

SAHIBGANJ, APR 30 (PTI): Four children were killed in a lightning strike in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district on Sunday, police said.

The incident happened at Babutola in Radhanagar police station area in the afternoon when the children, in the age group of 9-12, were playing in a mango orchard, they said. “Four children were killed, while one was injured.

The injured child is undergoing treatment at a hospital,” Superintendent of Police Anuranjan Kispotta told PTI. The child undergoing treatment at the Rajmahal subdivisional hospital is a nine-year-old irl, said doctor Uday Tudu, its deputy superintendent.

Among the deceased are one Humayun Seikh’s 12-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son. Mehboob Seikh’s 10-year-old son and Ashraful Seikh’s nine-year-old son also lost their lives, police said.

Security personnel at the site after a gas leak incident in the Giaspura area, in Ludhiana district, Sunday. (PTI)

Security personnel at the site of attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district. (PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Narendra Modi

Under suspended animation

After all the hype and hullaballoo among politicians and organisations since 2019, regarding securing solution to the Naga political issue, today there seems to be less heard about the issue and the near-total blackout, has only served to raise suspicions that the Centre may not be ready yet to walk the talk. Solution to the Naga political issue was super-hyped towards the end of 2019 after government of India’s then Interlocutor to the Naga peace talks R.N.Ravi had lit the spark when he said that all official negotiations will end by October 31,2019 and begin the process for solution. Not wanting to be left out of the media glare, the elected members were however unprepared for Ravi’s surprising authoritative confidence that it was only but a matter of inking the paper for the final agreement. However, as in the past the high expectations were belied when even politicians confidently predicted that solution was but around the corner but which always turned out to be a mirage. The delay was explained to the demand of the NSCN(I-M) to include flag and constitution which had been rejected by the Centre in the past. Perhaps there are some points still left to be ironed out over the demand to include flag and constitution in the agreement.Perhaps there is also a likelihood that the Centre will come around to the issue either just before the Lok Sabha election or even leave the matter in the twilight zone. The expectation of early solution was raised since 2015, when the Framework Agreement was signed between the government of India and NSCN(I-M) on August 3,2015 and then later, signing of the Agreed Position with the Working Committee of seven-member Naga National Political Groups(NNPGs). Negotiations to the Naga political issue has been ongoing since over 25 years with expected solution nowhere in sight. In contrast, the Mizo political issue was finalised in two years. While the Naga issue is being negotiated between the Centre with Naga groups, the Mizo issue was a tri-partite negotiation involved the representative of the Rajiv Gandhi government, officials of the Lalthanhawla state government and MNF president Laldenga. It may be also pointed out that the Mizo peace process dealt with the people living within a state whereas the Naga peace process involves Nagas of Nagaland, parts of Manipur while it has been suggested to include a package for Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Since 2003 and under various regional parties, the state legislators had tasked themselves with facilitating the process for solution. Numerous consultative meetings were held with tribal hohos and CSOs and meetings NSCN(I-M) and Working Committee of the seven-member NNPGs, to bring them on the same page. Instead, the focus has shifted to the demand for bifurcation of Nagaland and which may in some way affect the aspiration for solution in a compact area. What package(s) the Centre would offer could possibly even be a tripartite solution though this is yet a speculation till the Modi government eventually unveils its long-delayed blueprint for peace.

DailyDevotion

Spontaneous Love

Love suffers long and is kind… —1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is not premeditated– it is spontaneous; that is, it bursts forth in extraordinary ways. There is nothing of precise certainty in Paul’s description of love. We cannot predetermine our thoughts and actions by saying, “Now I will never think any evil thoughts, and I will believe everything that Jesus would have me to believe.” No, the characteristic of love is spontaneity. We don’t deliberately set the statements of Jesus before us as our standard, but when His Spirit is having His way with us, we live according to His standard without even realizing it. And when we look back, we are amazed at how unconcerned we have been over our emotions, which is the very evidence that real spontaneous love was there. The nature of everything involved in the life of God in us is only discerned when we have been through it and it is in our past.

The fountains from which love flows are in God, not in us. It is absurd to think that the love of God is naturally in our hearts, as a result of our own nature. His love is there only because it “has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5:5).

If we try to prove to God how much we love Him, it is a sure sign that we really don’t love Him. The evidence of our love for Him is the absolute spontaneity of our love, which flows naturally from His nature within us. And when we look back, we will not be able to determine why we did certain things, but we can know that we did them according to the spontaneous nature of His love in us. The life of God exhibits itself in this spontaneous way because the fountains of His love are in the Holy Spirit.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

~ Oscar

Wilde

High GST fills coffers, Post K’taka poll, a new avatar?

Would the economic fundamentals change with the Karnataka elections? It may. The polls have drawn a serious debate on the GST rates. The clamour is now for one rate against the four prevailing.

The issue has become a key controversy and is apportioned the blame for high prices even as collections are swelling to almost an average of Rs 1.40 to 1.50 lakh crore a month. The issue has been catching up the imagination of the business class, which is bearing the brunt. The penalty provisions are stated to be atrocious and any failure, even for ignorance of the law, means extraction of heavy multiple penalty payments.

The traders are raising the issue. This resulted in the issuance of 869 corrective notifications, 143 circulars and 38 orders. It’s a complicated task for seeking correction. The pleas have to include all the points to justify an argument that should have been a natural process.

Since GST structure is turning political and many state elections follow, the victory or loss in

Karnataka would not bury the hatchet. Whosoever wants to be in the saddle, has to drastically change the law. Indian businesses would prefer to have the changes fast. The PHDCCI has always been requesting further rationalization, meaning reduction of the overall rates of the GST.

The FICCI says there is no need for a separate classification for capital goods, input and input services in the GST laws. It reiterates that for minimizing disputes, the scope for interpretation should be eliminated.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is for the central government reducing the 28 percent GST rate and decriminalization of the GST law. It suggests that the applicability of the prosecution provisions must not be on the basis of the total amount of the evasion of the tax but “on real intent to evade the taxes along with a certain percentage of the tax payable”. The ASSOCHAM is for further streamlining the system. Almost all want fuel being covered by GST to reduce the tax burden

on fuel. Petroleum fuel has 32 percent cess, till Nov 4, 2021 excise duties were Rs 27.90 per litre on petrol and Rs 21.80 on diesel. It was cut to Rs 19.90 and Rs 15.80 respectively. It has a heavy component of road cess too. The amount being collected by Centre as excise duty/cess for each litre of petrol is Rs. 32.90 and Rs 31.8 per litre on diesel. There is a component of state taxes on average of 25 to 29 percent. The break-up of retail prices of petrol and diesel in Delhi, shows that around 54 percent of the retail price of petrol comprises central and states taxes. In the case of diesel, this is close to 49 percent. If it is subsumed in GST, as suggested by most business associations, would substantially lower the fuel price. The centre and many states have reservations. But the economics for central finances that is now dependent heavily on borrowings for a spate of infra project do not allow the central government to cut the taxes. The gross GST revenue collected during 2022-23 is Rs 18.10

lakh crore; 2021-22 Rs 1.37 lakh crore; 2019-20 Rs 12.22 lakh crore; 2018-19 Rs 11.77 lakh crore and 2017-18 Rs 7.19 lakh crore.

There are three components Central GST, state GST, integrated GST and cess, making it more complicated to compute. It is no more an economic issue but is turning to political as the Congress is raising it frequently during the election campaign.

Shivaji Sarkar

The Congress has taken the affront to change the law to suit the needs of the people and possibly put it in tune with what the UPA had envisaged. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raising it at an April 24 Beglavis’s Ramduraga in Karnataka farmers’ belt said that the party would effectively change the law. Gandhi promised to change the GST structure and ensure remunerative prices to farmers if his party ‘is elected to power at the centre’.

He says that the contrary to the concept of the GST to help all, it has been “brought only to help the influential and it is complicated. Small businesses have been shut. We shall

better farm marketing too”.

Rahul Gandhi says, “There will be one tax and it will be a minimum”. He says the current slabs 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent would be done away with. His party is for a maximum slab of 18 percent. That is a catch. An 18 percent high cannot be the one rate. The minimum now is too high at 5 percent. It has to come down to 2 percent. So the debate will go on though it creates pressure for the change.

He was echoing the views of former finance minister P Chidambaram who has been saying that the “so-called GST that is in force today was not the GST envisaged by the UPA government.

The GST conceived by the UPA was one with a single, low rate across all goods and services with few exemptions. The GST that we have today is a complex web of many rates. Not all registered dealers are informed taxpayers; as a result, they are at the mercy of the tax-collector,” he said.

Chidambaram says, “There are serious problems with two authorities taxing. Half the taxpayers

come under the Centre’s jurisdiction and half come under the states’ jurisdiction. The small taxpayers, small businessmen, should not have to go after the central tax collector”. Will Congress correct the absurdities like 1.5percent GST on diamonds and 5 percent on flour, rice and curd? Congress apparently wants to restore powers of the state. Good arguments but this too would need discussion.

The simple looking issue has touched the sentiments of the voters, more so as the BJP has not challenged the Congress contention.

The BJP is facing sharp attacks on its governance issues in the state amid many allegations.

The Congress is also raking up the issues of destruction of the medium and small industries, breakdown of trust between states and the Centre and “consensus’ in GST as sham as “centre pushes through decisions”.

Since the countercharges have become acerbic. Whatever the results it is certain that the GST might go through drastic change.

May Day: A reminder of ‘Physical Labour’

May Day signifies the celebration of the hardfought struggles and success stories of the workers of the world over centuries. Right from long hours of work to poor wages and unsafe working conditions and host of others prompted the workers to come together to fight for their cause in unison. Labor plays the most prominent role in the production processes. Without labor nothing gets transformed. Labor is the only facet that totally transforms everything be it a barren land or a log of wood or what not, name it. Laborers are the nervecentre of any society to subsist and to move on from one phase to another. Right from production-todistribution-to-consumption processes the toil of the working classes is very much involved. On the other side, those who control capital say that they have the capital and so they have right to decide how much to pay and how much work the laborers have to contribute in return of their labor.

The antagonism between capitalists and the laborers continues because of the fact that on the one hand the capitalists prosper in absolute terms, while on the other the workers live in appalling conditions.

The arguments that we hear is: The ways and means the capitalists grow and accumulate property are by way of exploiting

the laborers through unpaid labor that adds to surplus--profits. This is why the labor movements and the labor unions continue to struggle in favor of the workers demanding better wages and safe working conditions. At the same time the capitalists who tend to upgrade the modes of production in order to make the human labor redundant.

After the dawn of globalization, the working-class movement had to suffer a major setback due to stringent labor policies and highly controlled regulation for the trade union activities. In addition, technology too contributed immensely as the world is moving towards robotization and technologization. One of the basic tenets of capitalism is innovation, and so, the big corporations that controls natural and human resources spends huge sums of money towards research and development (R&D). Usually while analyzing any society one of the major criteria that used to be taken is the modes of production whether changed or remains the same. Undoubtedly it helps the societal analysts and, in their analysis, they keenly look at whether there have been radical changes in the modes of production or not. It would certainly determine whether the society is still feudal or semi-feudal or industrial or post-industrial.

The advanced societ-

ies located in the West, the United States and Japan are already moving towards creating robots so that the human labor could be made in the process redundant. The world is moving towards an era of robotization—wherein robots could “emerge” as the winner in due course of time. The work force both in the formal and informal sectors have been contributing to the growth, progress and welfare of the societies and enhancing the GDP and GNP. They are the lifeline of any society without whom the societies cannot and shall not move on. But their status and lifecycle are in dire straits.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) in its recent report of 2017 said that more than 700 million workers are living in poverty in emerging and developing societies/ countries and are unable to life themselves from the grinding poverty which in terms of money $3.10 per person daily threshold in 2017.

The ILO further added that the rate of progress has slowed, and many developing countries are failing to keep pace with the growing labor force, ILO Director General Guy Ryder said. Adding further, he said that “Despite significant progress, in 2017 there were still more than 700 million workers living in poverty in emerging and developing countries, unable life themselves above the

USD 3.10 per person daily poverty threshold” during International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its annual spring meeting.

The ILO estimates that 67 million young women and men are unemployed globally, and around 145 million young workers in emerging and developing countries live in extreme or moderate poverty.

It also added that nothing has rebounded or trickle down whatever may have been the economic growth or prosperity and the global labor market recovery has been abysmal and uneven across the country. Ryder reiterated that new policies are required to foster decent jobs for youth in an era of rapid technical change.

The ILO chief said that “New automation and technologies pose further challenges. The opportunities they present will demand innovative policy solutions.

“Adding further, “Proper infrastructure and equal access to information and technology should compliment investment in education and skills and effective approaches towards lifelong learning.

He warned that “Asia and the pacific the number of workers still in poverty will be close to 300 million by 2019.The slowdown in progress not only threaten workers’ individual wellbeing, but all our global ambition to eradicate poverty by 2030. He emphasized that policy must

ensure that workers in advanced, emerging and developing countries all benefit from a global trading system that produces fair outcomes. Failures to do so risk the multilateral system, as the IMF warns, with significant economic costs and political risks for all nations. Key to restoring faith in policies to ensure fairer distribution of the benefits of trade, he said. Warning candidly, the ILO chief said that “Stronger labor market institutions, including minimum wages, sustainable enterprises, collective bargaining and freedom of association, are the right answers to political populists who exploit income disadvantages to undermine open economies and open borders.”

Workers by and large throughout the world suffer due to various reasons. As pointed out they are paid less wages and subject to exploitation.

The current world being controlled by crony capitalists want to extract the maximum from the laboring classes and thus keep them in pathetic conditions.

Labor for want of jobs migrates within and between the borders. The only aim of those who migrate to satiate hunger and to save little bit to be sent to their families distantly living. The service and infrastructure sectors such as roads laying, housing and other development projects such as telecom-

munications that the public and private sectors are involved government needs these workers. In search of jobs the semiskilled and unskilled migrate in thousands every day.

Knowing their plight, the crony capitalists bargain their wages and to the maximum exploit them. The treatment meted out by them is worse and almost be called as ‘modern slavery’. Capitalism employs diverse forms of exploitation to extract labor to maximize profit. Maximization of profits is the core of capitalism and this could be possible through labor exploitation. Most of the work force is in the unorganized sector and do not come under unions. May Day rekindles and reinstates the importance and significance of labor which is indeed the concomitant principle of human activity.

Those who contribute to the welfare of societies are treated as objects and means of exploitation. Without jobs they live in abject poverty and live in squalid conditions. Agricultural and industrial labor across the world continues to face all sorts of humiliation and desperation. Without labor the societies and nations become static. We should recognize the fact that they are the subjects of history and so LONG LIVE LABOR.

Dr. John Mohan Razu

The significance and history of International Labour Day

Every year, the occasion of International Labour Day is celebrated across the globe on May 01. Also known as May Day or Worker’s Day is observed to raise awareness and educate people about the importance and rights of workers. The day is marked with various celebrations, parades, and demonstrations by trade unions, workers’ organizations, and socialist groups and also campaigns for the betterment of their employees.

The day is a time for

workers to come together and show their solidarity for the cause of worker’s rights. May Day is an important reminder that the fight for worker’s rights and social justice must continue.

The origin of International Labour Day or May Day can trace back to the late 19th century in the United States. In the 1800, workers in industrialized countries were working long hours (more than 12 to 16 hours), with little pay and no job security. Many were struggling

to make ends meet, and working conditions were often hazardous and unhealthy.

In 1886, Labor Union in the United States organized a nationwide strike to demand an eight-hour workday. The strike began on May 1 and over 300,000 workers across the country took part.

The movement continued for several days, with clashes between workers and police in some cities. Eventually the strike ended, and while the workers did not immediately achieve

their goal of an eight-hour workday, they had brought attention to the cause and set the ground work for future labor movements.

The movement spread across the world, and in 1889, The International Socialist Conference declared May 1st as International Labour Day to honor the struggle of the working class. This is the day to raise awareness about issues that affect workers, such as job security, fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social pro-

tection. In India, the first May Day was celebrated in Chennai(then Madras) in 1923 by The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

Every year the International Labour Day is celebrated with theme such as theme for 2022: “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labor”, 2019: “Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement”, 2015: “Construct the Future of Cameroon in Peace, Solidarity and Decent Work”. Well, these themes highlights the importance of decent

work, social protection, sustainable development and other issues that affect workers around the world. They serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for worker’s rights and the need for continued advocacy and action to create a fairer and more just society. “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence” – Martin Luther King Jr. Kezhokhoto

Savi, Advocate & Social Activist

SNIPPETS

Banned tobacco worth

Rs 23.47 lakh seized

NAGPUR, APR 30 (PTI):

Banned tobacco products worth Rs 23.47 lakh were seized from a godown in Umred in Nagpur district and one person was arrested, a police official said.

The owner of the godown has been arrested while his son, who brought the product from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, is on the run, the Umred police station official said.

Man arrested for posing as IAS officer

JAIPUR, APR 30 (PTI):

A 27-year-old man was arrested for allegedly posing as an IAS officer in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district on Sunday, police said.

Sarjeet Singh Jatav was a tenant in the house of Mahendra Singh Jatav and had introduced himself as an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), they said. During his stay, he had also proposed Mahendra Singh’s daughter for marriage and also borrowed Rs 2.75 lakh from him, police said.

6 people arrested in kidney racket case

VISAKHAPATNAM, APR 30 (PTI): Six people, including a doctor were arrested for running a kidney transplantation racket in the city, which came to light after a victim lodged a complaint, alleging that he was paid just Rs 2.5 lakh than the promised amount of Rs 8.5 lakh for selling his kidney, police said on Sunday. Police arrested B Elena, Madaka Kamaraju, Marra Srinu, Kondamma, Sekhar and doctor Parameswara Rao while special teams have been deputed to nab the other accused.

2 Minors raped by relative, his friend INDORE, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Two minor sisters were allegedly raped by one of their relatives and his friend in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, the police said on Sunday. According to police, the two accused who are also minors, raped the girls at a relative’s place in the Bhanwarkuan area.

Mann ki Baat spiritual journey for me: PM

Congcallsit‘maun kibaat(silence)’on criticalissues

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (PTI): In the 100th episode of “Mann ki Baat”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the broadcast filled the “emptiness” he felt after coming to Delhi in 2014 and described it as an expression of the feelings of crores of Indians which has ensured he is never cut-off from people. The milestone broadcast was an occasion for Modi to walk down the memory lane as he asserted that it was not merely a programme but a matter of faith and spiritual journey for him. “Mann ki Baat has become a festival that celebrates the positivity of India and its people,” he said and added he was filled with emotions at the thousands of letters he received from listeners on the occasion of its 100th episode.

Senior Bharatiya Jana-

ta Party leaders, including Union ministers, listened to Modi’s address at different places as the ruling party went all out to make the 100th episode a mega exercise in public connect. The BJP had earlier said nearly four lakh venues would be set up for people to listen to the prime minister’s broadcast. The prime minister said the programme is a reflection of the “mann ki baat” of crores of Indians and an expression of their feelings. Be it ‘Swachh Bharat’, Khadi or ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, issues raised in “Mann Ki Baat” became people’s movements, he said. Modi said

‘Protect secular countenance from dangers of communalism’

JAMMU, APR 30 (PTI):

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Sunday asked people of Jammu and Kashmir to protect the country’s secular countenance from the dangers of “communalism and hate politics”. “Secularism is one of the philosophical pillars of our party and in contemporary times the idea of secularism is of utmost relevance as new clouds of fears, apprehensions and uncertainties are gathering over the nation’s social horizon. “I see no way of achieving anything in J-K without a lasting unity between different sections of our society,” Abdullah said.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister was speaking at the 31st annual Gurmat Samagam near Peer Baba here.

Appreciating Sevak Paramjit Singh Wazir and the entire Gurmat Samagam organizing body for their efforts towards fostering unity and amity among people, he said communal frenzy has

no place in this globalized world. “Societies which are infested with communalism cannot grow. People have to keep guard against attempts at inciting passions on religious issues, especially in the run-up to elections,” the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar said. Abdullah said people of Jammu and Kashmir have to forge solidarities, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and region to undo injustices perpetrated on them. “The people of J-K are facing similar issues in the form of unemployment, inflation, and poverty. These formidable challenges require us to work together in the right direction,” the NC leader said.

the monthly radio broadcast, which mostly steers clear from politics, has become an important medium of learning from others.

“This programme has ensured that I am never cutoff from you,” he said.

During the 100th episode, Modi also had a telephonic conversation with some people who were featured earlier on the broadcast for their unique initiatives. “But after coming to Delhi in 2014, I found that life here was very different. The nature of the work is different, the responsibility is different, and one is bound by circumstances, the rigours of security and time limits. In the initial days, something felt different, there was an emptiness,” he said. They noted that their work received a big boost after being mentioned by the prime minister.

During the broadcast, a special message from UNESCO DG Audrey Azoulay appreciating the programme was also played. She also enquired

about India’s efforts regarding education and cultural preservation, two issues which Modi has been frequently highlighted at the programme. While senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah in Mumbai, Rajnath Singh in Delhi and its national president J P Nadda in Karnataka, joined people, chief ministers of the party-ruled states and governors were joined by eminent citizens at their official residences during the programme.

Modi through the broadcast crafts messages that venture into the nooks and corners of the nation and builds bridges between the people and the government, Shah said.

The Congress, however, took a swipe at Modi, saying the occasion of the broadcast’s 100th episode was heralded with great fanfare but it was “maun ki baat (silence)” on critical issues such as China, Adani, increasing economic inequalities and the wrestlers’ protest.

Several leaders, common people tune in for 100th episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’

CHANDIGARH/SHIM -

LA, APR 30 (PTI): Pun -

jab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Sunday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio broadcast a “unique and historic” programme connecting hearts and minds of people as he tuned in for its 100th episode.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also listened to the 100th episode of the programme at an event held in Panchkula and hailed the broadcast for embracing the concept of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (one India, great India). Addressing people after the broadcast, he said, “Making the best use of technology, Modi has united the countrymen by addressing the citizens of the entire country from one place. He has also given a new direction to the people.” Khattar said since October 3, 2014, the prime minister has been addressing the citizens on national is-

Kejriwal’s home renovation is latest AAP vs Lt Governor

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Delhi

PWD Minister Atishi on Sunday wrote to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena saying his directions seeking the seizure of records and directing executive action in connection with renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence is “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic”, reports Ndtv news.

In the letter, she urged the L-G to “withdraw his communication” and “restore the scheme of governance intended by the Constitution for Delhi and its people”.

“We hope that you will not force the elected government to approach the court once again in respect of your actions,” Atishi maintained.

Amid a row over crores of rupees spent on renovating Kejriwal’s official residence, Saxena has

People to end pollution spread by BJP soon: Akhilesh

DEORIA, APR 30 (PTI):

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said the public will soon end the “pollution” the BJP has spread in the state. While participating in the tribute meeting for the late former SP district president Babulal Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav said, “UP CM is your neighbour. There is no arrangement of garbage or drains. House tax is being collected yet they could not get the drains cleaned. Roads are littered with garbage”.

“Today there is a flood of inflation and unemployment. They were saying drains will be made, the metro will be made. But believe me, you all will be travelling in a boat soon. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath does not know anything about

any pollution. The public will end the pollution that BJP has spread. Everyone is trying together to form a coalition front so that BJP can be fought in the next elections,” he added. Yadav further mentioned that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should not talk about the situation of the mafia in the state.

“The Chief Minister should not say anything about the mafia because if he had not removed the cases against him, then his own list of charges would have been more,” he said.

Ahead of the municipal elections in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav took a dig at the BJP earlier this week over the “problems in cities” and said

In a first, Raj Bhawans to start celebrating statehood days

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(PTI): Around 30 Raj Bhawans will hold programmes to mark the statehood day of Maharashtra and Gujarat on Monday in what is a new initiative as part of the government’s thrust on celebrating the country’s cultural diversity and different traditions. Official sources said different Raj Bhawans will host people of Maharashtrian and Gujarati origins living in the respective state and also organise different programmes to highlight the cultural riches and cuisines of the two western states.

Traditional attires associated with the two states will be a feature of these programmes.

Raj Bhawans which will be holding events on Monday include the ones in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Assam and Uttarakhand. Similar celebrations will be held on the formation days of other states as well, the sources said.

Twenty states and all eight Union territories have so far confirmed holding events to celebrate Maharashtra and Gujarat statehood days at their respective Raj Bhavans (governor

house) and Raj Nivas (lieutenant governor residence) on Monday, they said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they noted, has regularly stressed on the celebration of every state’s heritage and traditions as part of his “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” initiative. Be it attending traditional festivals associated with different states or the force behind events like Kashi-Tamil Samagam, he has stressed on making people in different parts of the country aware of the traditions and culture of other regions and celebrating them.

the party did not make them “smart” in spite of having its own mayors and instead “opened drains”.

“All the problems in the city are because of BJP. These cities have had mayors from BJP for the maximum and longest duration but still they have not provided smart cities,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

“The work that is being seen today in Lucknow is the work of the SP. Samajwadi government gave the metro to Lucknow,” he added.

The first phase of polling will be held on May 4 for municipal corporation seats, including in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency Varanasi and Yogi Adityanath’s home constituency Gorakhpur.

ordered officials to secure the records of expenditure and sought a report on the matter within 15 days.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been attacking Kejriwal and the AAP, claiming Rs. 45 crore was spent on the renovation of the chief minister’s residence at 6, Flagstaff Road here during 2020-22. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back, saying the

BJP was trying to divert attention from real issues by raising this matter.

A Raj Niwas order, issued on April 27, cited reports on alleged “gross irregularities” in the renovation of the CM residence by the Public Works Department (PWD). In her letter to the LG, Atishi said his communication is “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic”.

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Farmers listen to the 100th episode of PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, at a village at Balurghat. (PTI) sues through Mann Ki Baat.

“When this programme started, no one imagined that it would become so popular,” he said.

Purohit, who listened to the radio broadcast at the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh, said the programme connects the hearts and minds of people and is successfully promoting unity and hope among its audience.

“It is a source of inspiration to many and has

brought about an awakening in the country. It resonates with people as it is about their concerns,” he noted. The initiative highlights government and citizen action in priority areas and in turn encourages listeners to establish or participate in change-making initiatives in their own communities, with an aim to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the lives of the people and the country, the Governor said.

Campaign launched in Gujarat to create awareness on child labour

AHMEDABAD, APR 30

(IANS): Child Rights Collective in Gujarat on Sunday announced a 44-day campaign to raise awareness about creating a child labour-free India.

The campaign -- from April 30 to June 12 - will involve various initiatives to promote child rights, including the participation of non-governmental organisations and concerned citizens.

The programme coincides with International Labour Day on May 1 and will focus on addressing child labour in collaboration with the national partner network Campaign Against Child Labour

(CACL).

Sukhdev Patel, Founder Director of the Census Institute and former representative of the Right To Education (RTE), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Gujarat, said: “What we lack is data and transparency to address the problem. To address the problem, a programme was created to realise the fundamental rights of the RTE law for the eradication of child labor. Under this programme, the first rule is to delineate every government primary school in the surrounding area. And update the data of children under the age of 18 in the delineated area every year.”

InformatIon

All the registered members of Nagaland Pig Farmers Association are requested to attend the Annual General Meeting to be held on 5th May 2023 at 10:00 AM at the NPFA Office, Landmark Home, H/No. 980, near Directorate of Food and Civil Supplies, Diphu Road, Dimapur. Your kind presence is highly anticipated. Rev. N. Subong Aier President, NPFA DP-1778/23

Narendra Modi

Akhilesh Yadav

Farooq Abdullah

V K Saxena and Arvind Kejriwal

India is largest supplier of refined fuels to Europe

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(REUTERS): India has become Europe’s largest supplier of refined fuels this month, according to data from analytics firm Kpler. This is while simultaneously buying record amounts of Russian crude, according to data from Kpler.

Europe’s dependance on Indian crude oil products has risen since the ban on Russian oil. Europe’s refined fuel imports from India are set to surge above 360,000 barrels a day, edging just ahead of those of Saudi Arabia, according to Kpler’s data.

However, this development is a double-edged sword for the European Union. On the one hand, the EU’s need for alternative sources of diesel after it has cut off direct flows from Russia, which was earlier its top supplier, which has ultimately boosts demand for Moscow’s barrels, and means extra freight costs.

It also means that more competition for Europe’s oil refiners which can’t access cheap Russian crude, and it

(From p-1)

comes amid wider market scrutiny about where the region’s diesel imports are coming from.

Russian crude oil arrivals to India are expected to surpass 2 million barrels a day in April, representing almost 44 per cent of the nation’s overall oil imports, according to Kpler data. Russia emerged as a major supplier to India for the first time in FY23 after it started supplying oil at discounted rates amid the Ukraine war. Despite concerns raised by the West to India’s imports from Russia during the war. India has taken a strong stand and said that it looks at all

FM asks CBIC to begin automated GST return scrutiny by next week

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(IANS): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday directed the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) to introduce its automated GST return scrutiny by next week, and to implement an action plan to increase the taxpayer base through enhanced use of technology.

In a review meeting of the CBIC, she directed the board to intensify its drive against fake billing and input tax credit (ITC). Sitharaman desired

Nirmala Sitharaman

that the CBIC may undertake a comprehensive root cause analysis by studying the typology of cases already booked, and come up with recommendations on technology-based solutions

to address the menace and prevent its occurrence. The meeting was attended by the Revenue Secretary and CBIC Chairman as well as its members.

The comprehensive review covered a variety of work areas, including trade facilitation, taxpayer services, grievance redressal of the trade, finalisation of disciplinary cases and infrastructure projects, and progress of the upcoming Palasamudram campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN).

Sitharaman emphasised the need for continuously improving taxpayer services.

With respect to grievance redressal, Sitharaman desired that in each zone, interaction be organised with the members of trade and industry who are part of the GST ecosystem to know their issues and suggestions, so as to systematically identify matters for working out a redress for them.

She also directed to put in place a system to take feedback on grievances

redressed so as to improve the quality of redressal.

In the course of review, the Finance Minister was briefed on the final revenue achievement in total indirect tax collections for 2022-23, which stood at Rs 13.82 lakh crore as against Rs 12.89 lakh crore in 2021-22.

On the GST side, the average gross monthly collection for the year 2022-23 stood at Rs 1.51 lakh crore, while monthly GST revenue collections exceeded Rs 1.4 lakh crore for 12 months in a row.

options to achieve energy security.

Russia was the largest exporter of crude oil to India by value in February in spite of the western price cap of USD 60 per barrel, according to the data from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Crude imports from Russia in February stood at USD 3.35 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia at USD 2.30 billion and Iraq at USD 2.03 billion.

The price cap kept by the western countries was designed to limit Russian oil revenues while keeping the oil itself flowing to avoid a global price shock.

ECL aims at more than double coal production of 20 mt by 2028

KOLKATA, APR 30 (PTI): Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, is focusing on expanding its underground mining operations to achieve more than double production from such activity at 20 million tonne by 2028, a senior official said on Sunday. This has been planned to support Coal India’s target to ramp up underground coal production from all mining subsidiaries to 100 million tonne by 2030 from a level of 25-26 million tonne now, he said.

ECL underground coal commands a premium of three to four times over average notified prices, and now, it accounts for 25 per cent

NSCN (I-M) destroys seized contraband items

Lauding the works of the India Army in carrying out seizures, he however said that besides publicising such seizures, it should also invite GBs, public or village elders to such raids.

On prohibition in the State, Niuto alleged that the State government did

(From p-1)

not take any action when alcohol was being sold in every nook and corner. He urged the government to legalise alcohol in the State, opining that there would be less substance users if this was done.

Questioning the role of church for supporting the ban on alcohol, he said this had instead encour -

aged the sellers to make more profit. He requested the Army, State government, the church, councils, NGOs, overground and underground groups, etc, to check the menace of drug peddlers to safeguard Naga society.

Other speakers thanked the NSCN (I-M) for seizing the contrabands

and burning these in front of village councils and leaders. Sharing her thoughts on the ban of alcohol, a women leader said youth were getting involved in drugs due to ban on alcohol and hence urged the State government to legalise its sale in the State. She lauded the

of its total production, while the rest is from open cast operation, ECL Director (Technical), Niladri Roy said. The miner aims at achieving the goal through a combination of strategies, like greater automation, engaging mine developers and operators (MDOs), and offering abandoned blocks to the private sector for residual coal mining in a revenue-sharing model, he said.

“We are currently producing nine million tonne from around 55 mines and are targeting to enhance the output to 20 million tonne by 2028. We have already implemented a strategy that combines

NSCN (I-M) for burning the seized contrabands in broad daylight and in front of village and church leaders, terming it as a first of its kind. Short speeches were also delivered by chairman Lotha community Darogajan village Roland Odyuo and president Ao community Kushiabill village R. Meren Lemtur.

Nagaland marks 100th episode of PM’s Mann Ki Baat

He recalled an interaction of the Prime Minister with an NCC cadet from Nagaland during one such programme. He shared that Modi appreciated the Lidi Kro-u society, a group from Kohima village, for their efforts in preservation and propaga-

tion of Naga traditional arts and crafts. He hoped that many more achievers from Nagaland would find mention in future episodes of the programme.

Press Information Bureau assistant director Sonukumar Singh Konjengbam delivered the welcome address, while vote of thanks was

proposed by B Srinivasa Rao of Doordarshan Kendra, Kohima, Meanwhile, to mark the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat, an exhibition was put up by the Central Bureau of Communication, Kohima depicting changemakers mentioned in the programme over the years. The first episode of Mann Ki Baat

was aired on October 3, 2014. This was stated in a Raj Bhavan press release. Meanwhile, State BJP led by its president and minister Temjen Imna Along, Health minister P. Paiwang Konyak and others listened to Prime Minister’s 100th episode of ‘Maan Ki Baat’ at IMC Hall, Dimapur.

modernisation and deployment of the latest equipment in UG mines and leveraging public-private partnership,” Roy told PTI.

Two underground mines, Parasea-Belbaid Colliery and Tilaboni, have already been awarded to private miners as MDOs.

“The output from each of the two projects will go up to two million tonne per annum from a mere 0.2-0.3 million tonne produced from each of these assets now,” Roy said.

While in the case of abandoned mines, letters of assurance have been awarded to private players four such blocks and three more

are in the pipeline, he stated.

ECL will receive a revenue share between 5 per cent and 32 per cent from coal produced from these mines depending on the asset quality, the official said.

Speaking about the automation, Roy said ECL has “engaged nine continuous miners, which will be increased to 20 by 2027-28”.

The Coal India subsidiary currently operates one longwall set miner in its existing operation.

“We will deploy two-three more highwall miners in the years to come. Currently, we have one such high-end mining machine,” Roy said.

India, Russia to explore possibility of accepting RuPay and Mir cards

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(PTI): India and Russia will explore the possibility of accepting RuPay and Mir cards in each other’s country for hassle-free payments amid sanctions imposed by the West on Moscow.

In the recent high level Internal Governmental Commission meeting on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGCTEC), it was discussed and agreed to explore the opportunity of allowing acceptance of these cards, sources said.

The mutual accep -

tance of RuPay (India) and Mir cards (Russia) will help Indian and Russian citizens to make hasslefree payments in Indian rupees and Russian ruble in their respective countries, sources said.

The meeting, cochaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russia Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, also agreed to explore the possibility of interaction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of National Payment Corporation of India and the Faster Payments System (FPS) of the Bank of

Russia. Besides, it was also agreed to look at adopting the Russian financial messaging system, Services Bureau of Financial Messaging System of the Bank of Russia, for cross border payments. At the given point when sanctions are imposed, sources said, it would not be feasible for India to opt for other than SWIFT network.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the cross-border connectivity between UPI and PayNow.

Chintels building collapse case: Company ready to buyback flats

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(PTI): Realty firm Chintels group has offered to buyback about 180 flats from homebuyers of three towers of its project in Gurugram as they have been declared unsafe after a partial collapse last year.

In February last year, a partial collapse of a residential tower in Chintels Paradiso project led to death of two women.

The CBI has taken over the investigation into the partial collapse of the Chintels Paradiso project, located in Sector 109, Gurugram. The Supreme Court is also hearing the plea of residents seeking compensation and action

against developer.

In a letter to Gurugram Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Director General of Town and Country Planning, Haryana, Chintels India has given two options to affected homebuyers.

The first option is that the company will buyback flats in Tower D, E and F at Rs 6,500 per square feet (super area). It will also refund the actual stamp duty paid by the flat owners.

The other option offered by Chintels India is that the company will repair and/or rebuild these three towers.

However, it has sought Rs 1,000 per square feet

(super area) from allottes if there is any need to redevelop any tower. In the letter dated April 21, Chintels has said that it will not pay rentals to residents of tower D from April 30 for alternative accommodation.

SNIPPETS

Death toll in Sudan

clashes rises to 528

KHARTOUM, APR 30

(IANS): The deadly clashes between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed at least 528 people and wounded 4,599, the Sudanese Health Ministry said in a report. The report said on Saturday that the extension of the ceasefire brought relative calm to most of the country’s states, except for West Darfur and the capital Khartoum, Xinhua news agency reported.

“The number of health services centres in Khartoum has been expanded and the communication with hospitals has been improved,” the report noted.

Philippines: Military

raid kills seven rebels

MANILA, APR 30 (IANS): Seven suspected left-wing rebels were on Sunday killed in a raid by the military in the Philippines. Army Captain Jefferson Mariano said the troops assaulted a New People’s Army (NPA) hideout in Northern Samar province after villagers reported the rebels’ presence there, Xinhua news agency reported.

Mariano said the military used air and artillery to penetrate the lair heavily fortified with anti-personnel mines, resulting in 30-minute fighting.

1 killed, 1 injured in restaurant shooting in US

WASHINGTON, APR 30 (IANS): A person was killed and another injured following a shooting at a popular restaurant near the annual jazz festival in New Orleans, the largest city of southern U.S. state Lousiana, authorities said. The New Orleans Police Department said the fatally shot waiter outside the Mandina’s Restaurant was the intended target of the shooting on the opening day of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

4 missing in Philippine yacht sinking

MANILA, APR 30 (IANS): Four people are missing after a dive yacht with 32 people sank in the waters off Tubattaha in Palawan province on Sunday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard said. Commodore Armando Balilo said the yacht, M/Y Dream Keeper, sank before 7 a.m. local time Sunday (2300 GMT on Saturday). He said the boat left Cebu Thursday afternoon and arrived in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park on Saturday night, Xinhua News Agency reported. Balilo said the yacht was carrying 32 people, including 15 crew, 12 passengers, and five divemasters, adding that 28 people have been saved while four are missing.

Mortar mine blast kills

Sudan violence enters third week

KHARTOUM, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Warplanes on bombing raids drew heavy anti-aircraft fire over Khartoum on Saturday as fierce fighting between Sudan’s army and paramilitaries entered a third week, violating a renewed truce, reports Reuters.

More than 500 people have been killed since battles erupted on April 15 between the forces of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his number two Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

They have agreed to multiple truces but none has effectively taken hold as the number of dead civilians continues to rise and chaos and lawlessness grip Khartoum, a city of five million people where many have been cloistered in their homes lacking food, water, and electricity.

Tens of thousands of people have been uprooted within Sudan or embarked on arduous trips to neighbouring Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and Ethiopia to flee the battles.

“There is no right to go on fighting for power when the country is falling apart,”

Man walks by a house hit in recent fighting in Khartoum, Sudan, April 25, 2023. (AP)

UN chief Antonio Guterres told Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television.

The latest three-day ceasefire -- due to expire at midnight (2200 GMT) Sunday -- was agreed Thursday after mediation led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, the African Union and the United Nations.

“We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood,” a witness in south Khartoum told AFP. Another said fighting had continued since the early morning, especially around the state broadcaster’s headquarters in the capital’s twin city of Omdurman.

Other witnesses report-

Nepal’s President Paudel discharged from AIIMS

“He has gone through various health check-ups and treatment at the AIIMS,” the statement said.

Doctors involved in Paudel’s treatment have advised him to rest for a few more weeks. “His health conditions have now improved significantly,” said the statement issued by the President’s Office Spokesperson Sagar Acharya.

KATHMANDU, APR 30

(PTI): Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel has been discharged from a hospital in New Delhi after undergoing treatment for a chest-related ailment and he will return to Kathmandu on Sunday night, the President’s Office said.

Paudel, 78, was airlifted to India on April 19 for treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS), New Delhi, after he complained of shortness of breath.

“President Paudel is flying back to Kathmandu on Sunday through the regular flight of Nepal Airlines after he was discharged from the hospital following his successful treatment,” the President’s Office said in a statement here.

President Paudel has thanked Nepalese and Indian health personnel involved in his treatment, government officials, security personnel, all brothers and sisters from within and outside the country who have expressed concern about his health and the government of India, the statement added. Paudel’s family sources confirmed that the president would be flying back to Kathmandu at 8:30 pm on Sunday via a regular flight of the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines. He was admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu on April 18 after he complained of health problems and was referred to AIIMS, New Delhi, for further treatment after he was found to have developed a lung infection.

ed exchanges of machine gun fire across the Blue Nile in Khartoum North, while the sound of gunfire rang out in Burri in the east of the city. Smoke drifted over the area around Khartoum airport.

As battles raged, the rival generals -- who seized power in a 2021 coup -- took aim at each other in the media, with Burhan branding the RSF a militia that aims “to destroy Sudan” and Daglo calling the army chief “a traitor”. Guterres threw his support behind African-led mediation efforts.

“My appeal is for everything to be done to support an African-led initiative for peace in Sudan,” he told Al Arabiya.

The violence has killed

at least 528 people and wounded 4,599, the health ministry said Saturday, but those figures are likely to be incomplete.

About 75,000 have been displaced by the fighting in Khartoum and the states of Blue Nile, North Kordofan, as well as the western region of Darfur, the UN said.

The fighting has also triggered a mass exodus of foreigners and international staff. On Saturday, a ferry with around 1,900 evacuees arrived at a Saudi naval base in Jeddah, after crossing the Red Sea from Port Sudan in the latest evacuation to the kingdom by sea.

They were among almost 4,880 people who have been brought to safety in the kingdom, the Saudi foreign ministry said.

A US-organized convoy carrying American citizens, local staff, and nationals from allied countries arrived in Port Sudan Saturday to join the exodus across the Red Sea, the State Department said. The Pentagon said it had “deployed US intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets to support air and land evacuation routes which Americans are using.”

Chinese who reported on COVID to be released after 3 years

HONG KONG, APR 30

(AP): Chinese authorities were preparing Sunday to release a man who disappeared three years ago after publicizing videos of overcrowded hospitals and bodies during the COVID-19 outbreak, a relative and another person familiar with his case said.

Fang Bin and other members of the public who were dubbed citizen journalists posted details of the pandemic in early 2020 on the internet and social media, embarrassing Chinese officials who faced criticism for failing to control the outbreak. The last video Fang, a seller of traditional Chinese clothing, posted on Twitter was of a piece of paper reading, “All citizens resist, hand power back to the people.”

Fang’s case is part of Beijing’s crackdown on criticism of China’s early handling of the pandemic, as the ruling Communist Party seeks to control the narrative of the country.

He was scheduled to be released Sunday, according to two people who did not want to be identified for fear of government retribution. One of them said Fang was

US asks China to stop ‘provocative and unsafe’ acts in south China sea

China and the Philippines. Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, ignoring an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis. AFP was one of several media outlets that witnessed the incident after journalists were invited to join two Philippine Coast Guard boats on a six-day patrol of the waters, visiting a dozen islands and reefs.

Fang Bin

sentenced to three years in prison for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” a vague charge traditionally used against political dissidents. The Associated Press could not independently confirm his release and could not confirm the details with the authorities.

Two offices of Wuhan’s public security bureau did not provide a phone number of their information office or answer any questions. Phone calls to a court that reportedly sentenced Fang rang unanswered on Sunday afternoon. A woman from another court that had reportedly handled Fang’s appeal said she was not authorized to answer questions.

In early 2020, the initial COVID outbreak devas-

tated the city of Wuhan, home to 11 million residents, in central China’s Hubei province. Under a 76-day lockdown, its streets were deserted for months, apart from ambulances and security personnel. At that time, a small number of citizen journalists tried to tell their stories and those of others with smart phones and social media accounts, defying the Communist Party’s tightly policed monopoly on information. Although their movement was small, the scale was unprecedented in any previous major disease outbreak or disaster in China. But the information they posed soon got them into trouble. Fang and another citizen journalist, Chen Qiushi, disappeared in February.

3 children

in

Afghan MAIDAN SHAR (AFGHANISTAN), APR 30

(IANS): Three children were killed and two others injured as a mortar mine, left over from past wars, went off in Afghanistan’s eastern Wardak province, said a statement of provincial government released here. A group of children was playing with the toy-like device in Sayedabad district on Friday when it suddenly exploded, killing three children on the spot and injuring two others, one in critical condition, the statement added on Saturday. A similar blast killed three children in Afghanistan’s eastern Logar province last week, Xinhua news agency reported.

BUDAPEST, APR 30

(AP): Pope Francis urged Hungarians to open their doors to others on Sunday, as he wrapped up a weekend visit with a plea for Europe to welcome migrants and the poor and for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Francis issued the appeal from the banks of the Danube as he celebrated Mass on Budapest’s Kossuth Lajos Square, with the Hungarian Parliament and Budapest’s famed Chain Bridge as a backdrop. The celebration provided the visual highlight of Francis’ three-day visit that has been dominated by the Vatican’s concern for the plight of neighboring Ukraine.

Citing local organizers, the Vatican said some 50,000 people attended the Mass, more than 30,000 of them in the square on a brilliantly sunny spring morning. Among them were President Katalin Novak and Hungary’s right-wing populist prime minister, Viktor Orban, whose lukewarm support for Ukraine has rankled

European Union members.

Francis has expressed appreciation for Hungary’s recent welcome of Ukrainian refugees. But he has challenged Orban’s hardline anti-immigration policies, which in 2015-2016 included building a razor wire fence on the border with Serbia to stop people from entering. Upon arrival, Francis urged Hungary and Europe as a whole to welcome those who are fleeing war, poverty and climate change, calling for safe and legal migration corridors.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in a statement two days before President Joe Biden is to host his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said the incident was a reminder of China’s “harassment and intimida-

tion” of Philippine vessels in the contested waterway.

“We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct,” he said, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response.

Chinese Coast Guard ship patrolling near Philippineoccupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea. WASHINGTON, APR 30 (AGENCIES): The United States called on China Saturday to stop “provocative and unsafe conduct” in the disputed South China Sea after a recent near-collision with a Philippines coast guard boat there, ramping up rhetoric ahead of a visit by the Filipino president to the White House, reports AFP.

Joe Biden has been working to bolster relations with Asian allies as the USChinese relationship remains in a historically deep chill, and the Philippines’ proximity to key sea lanes and Taiwan gives it particular strategic importance.

The near-miss Sunday off the Spratly Islands was the latest in a long string of maritime incidents between

Pope in final Mass in Budapest urges Hungary to open doors

and “a future of hope, not war, a future full of cradles, not tombs, a world of brothers and sisters, not walls.”

The Philippine vessels approached Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as Ren’ai Jiao, in the Spratly archipelago.

As one boat, the BRP Malapascua, which was carrying Filipino journalists, neared the shoal, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel more than twice its size sailed into its path.

AFP journalists watched the incident from the other Philippine Coast Guard boat, which was less than a kilometer (0.6 miles) away. The Malapascua’s commanding officer said the Chinese ship came within 45 meters (50 yards) of his boat and only his quick actions avoided the steelhulled vessels crashing into each other.

DUBAI, APR 30 (AGENCIES): The United States is an unreliable friend, and Iraq should not allow any U.S. troops on its territory, Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told visiting Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Saturday, reports Reuters.

Iran, which has strong ties with Iraq, opposes the U.S. military presence on its borders in Iraq and the Gulf, saying Western military intervention is the root of insecurity in the region.

“Americans are not friends of Iraq. Americans are not friends with anyone and are not even loyal to their European friends,” state media quoted Khamenei as saying. U.S. national security agencies are investi-

gating after a leak of classified documents has suggested the United States spied on allies including Ukraine.

“Even the presence of one American in Iraq is too much,” Khamenei told Rashid, who was in Tehran with a delegation to boost ties between the two neighbours.

The United States has some 2,500 troops in Iraq to help advise and assist local troops in combating Islamic State, which in 2014 seized territory in the country.

“Iraq’s main effort is to deepen relations with Iran and resolve certain remaining issues between the two countries,” Rashid was quoted as saying, without referring to Iraq’s ties with the United States.

LVIV, APR 30 (AGEN -

“How sad and painful it is to see closed doors,” Francis said in his Sunday homily on the Danube.

“The closed doors of our selfishness with regard to others; the closed doors of our individualism amid a society of growing isolation; the closed doors of our indifference towards the underprivileged and those who suffer; the doors we close towards those who are foreign or unlike us, towards migrants or the poor,” Francis said.

In a final prayer at the end of the Mass, Francis prayed for peace in Ukraine

The 86-year-old Francis has tried to forge a diplomatic balancing act in his pleas to end Russia’s war, expressing solidarity with Ukrainians while keeping the door open to dialogue with Moscow. On Saturday, he prayed with Ukrainian refugees and then met with an envoy of Russian Patriarch Kirill, who has firmly supported Moscow’s invasion and justified it as a metaphysical battle against the liberal West.

Francis kissed the cross of Metropolitan Hilarion in a sign of respect for the Russian Orthodox Church during what the Vatican said was a “cordial” 20-minute meeting at the Vatican’s embassy in Budapest. Hilarion, who developed good relations with the Vatican as the Russian church’s longtime foreign minister, said he briefed Francis on his work now as the Moscow Patriarchate’s representative in Budapest.

CIES): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky carries a pistol and would have fought to the death with his inner circle had the Russians attacked his Kyiv headquarters at the start of the war, he said in an interview shown on Saturday, reports Reuters.

“I know how to shoot. Could you imagine (a headline like) ‘The President of Ukraine is taken captive by Russians?’ This is a disgrace. I believe this would be a disgrace,” he told the 1 1 television channel.

In the first days after the February 24, 2022 invasion, Ukrainian officials said Russian intelligence units tried to break into Kyiv but were defeated and failed to reach Bankova Street in the centre, home to the presidential offices. Other Russian units launched an attack on the outskirts of Kyiv, but were unable to advance. Officials also reported several unsuccessful sabotage attempts inside the city.

“I think if they had gone inside, into the administration, we would not be here,” Zelensky said. It was not clear which Russian units he was referring to. “No one would have been taken prisoner because we had a very seriously prepared defence of Bankova Street. We would have been there to the last,” he said.

Asked whether he carried a pistol and practised using it, he replied that he did, while dismissing a suggestion he might have used it to kill himself rather than be captured.

“No, no, no. It’s not (to shoot) myself. To shoot back, surely,” he said.

KABUL, APR 30 (IANS): Afghanistan’s central bank Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) sold $14 million by auction on Sunday to stabilise the exchange rate of the national currency afghani, the bank said in a statement released here on Sunday.

The local currency afghani has been tumbling against foreign currencies, especially the US dollar, over the past couple of months. The exchange rate of 1 US dollar increased from last week’s 86 afghani to 87.15 afghani on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported. Afghanistan’s central bank has injected millions of US dollars into the country’s money-exchange market over the past month to prevent the fall of the afghani against foreign currencies. Afghanistan has received more than 2 billion dollars in cash over the past 18 months as part of the international community’s humanitarian aid to prevent the economic collapse of the cash-strapped country.

Ramchandra Paudel

Even one American in Iraq is too many, Iran leader tells Iraqi prez

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, on April 29.

Pope Francis arrives for a mass in Kossuth Lajos Square in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, April 30, 2023. (AP) fellow

Afghanistan’s central bank sells $14 mn

Being taken captive by Russia would be a disgrace: Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky

Bikee Dutta wins Mister Dimapur 2023 title

Bikee Dutta from Unity College won the 3rd Season Mister Dimapur 2023 title at an event organised by Meraki Entertainment Nagaland in association with Achievers Academy on Saturday at Lorin Hall, Tetso College, Chumoukedima.

Pongennok and Thushi Jr won the first and second runners-up titles respectively.

The three winners of Mister Dimapur 2023 gets a direct entry to 13th edition Mega Mister Northeast, the biggest man hunt in the region.

The three winners got Diploma course worth ₹10k from Instudia, a leading IT institute.

The sub-title winners

were Thushi Jr - Mr Popularity, Imtiniba Kichu - Mr Multimedia, Pongennok - Best Ethnic Wear and Bikee Dutta - Mr Personality.

Altogether, 17 contestants vied for the title and went through three rounds — ethnic wear, designer and formal.

This year, the title sponsors were Eduversity while Lisu Care and Kino World were first and second runners-up titles respectively. T. Walling sponsored Sash and Trophy sponsored by IWSN Training Centre. The judges included CEO Eduversity, Jason Prakash, vice president Meraki entertainment, Enyuh Phom, director MARCOFED government of Nagaland, Es -

Healthiest Salty Snacks

Nuts Walnuts. Pecans. Almonds. Whatever kind you prefer, a small handful makes a great snack. They’re full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also have minerals like magnesium. Skip the kinds that are dry-roasted or flavored -- they’re higher in sodium. Instead, add your own dash of flavor with cayenne pepper or cinnamon.

Edamame

These young soybeans have a mild, buttery flavor that’s easy to like. And a three-fourths cup serving has just 7 grams of sodium. Edamame’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that help protect your heart and lower your risk of some cancers. Look for edamame in the frozen food section. Steam or microwave, then sprinkle with a hint of salt and your favorite seasoning.

String Cheese

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this lunch box staple. It’s also high in calcium, which is good for your bones and teeth. The combo of lean protein and fiber-rich carbs help keep you fueled until your next meal. Look for low- or reduced-sodium options.

Veggies and Dip

You can’t go wrong when you snack on freshcut veggies like carrots, celery, and peppers. To make a healthy dip to go along with them, peel, seed, and grate a large cucumber. Drain the extra water. Mix with 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, juice from half a lemon, 1 teaspoon dried dill, and a minced garlic clove. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Popcorn

That bucket of movie popcorn can have over 1,000 calories and up to 2,650 milligrams of sodium. Air-pop your own at home for a high-fiber, lowsodium, and low-calorie snack. That’s because you control how it’s prepared. Go easy on the oil and butter. Instead of powdered flavorings or salt, try out different spices and seasonings, from curry powder to a mix of cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

Seeds Don’t let their small size fool you. Seeds, like pumpkin and sunflower, are loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and protein. They’re also a good option if you have an allergy to peanuts or tree nuts.

Seeds are high in calories, so stick to a small handful. Choose unsalted or lightly salted versions so you don’t overdo it on the sodium.

Kale Chips

Crispy kale chips are full of vitamins, minerals, and cancer-fighting compounds. To make your own, rinse kale and remove the stems. Tear the leaves into bite-size pieces, and toss with olive oil and saltfree seasonings of your

choice. Spread onto a baking sheet, and bake at 300 degrees for 18 minutes or until crisp. Once cooled, store in an air-tight container.

Mini Pizza

One slice of cheese pizza can have as much as 730 milligrams of sodium. When you crave pizza but not the salt, top a toasted whole-wheat English muf-

fin or pita with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce, ½ cup diced veggies of your choice, and 2 tablespoons low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Roasted Chickpeas

Also called garbanzo beans, they’re a crunchy, high-fiber snack. Rinse a can of chickpeas and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and your choice

of spices. Try garlic powder, pepper, cumin, chile powder, or whatever savory mix you like. Spread onto a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Ants on a Log

There’s a reason you probably had celery sticks spread with peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins as a kid. It’s high in protein and fiber so it’ll tide you over. It’s also quick to make and take on the go. When choosing which nut butter to use, don’t forget to read the label. Your healthiest bet is a brand that only has one ingredient: the nut of your choice.

Baked Potato

Potatoes contain almost no sodium, while being high in vitamins B and C, and potassium. They’re also a good source

ther Imsong, educator and teachers’ trainer, Alem Jamir and Mr Kohima and Mister Northeast 2023, Vihuzo Kense.

The event was hosted by Zaren Ngullie and Imnasenla Racheal while Cosplay artiste, Akokla Langu, Kings Generation and Wapang Jamir also performed at the grand finale. The designer of the event was Benwang Newmai. The contestants make up was done by Vish makeover and Torechii Jane and Nito Aye as hairstylist.

Mister Altitude World India, Tonoto Zhimomi groomed, mentored and choreographed the event, while Ralan Patton, Joliba Sangtam, Bashing Nyam and Lisebi Sangtam were the contestant managers.

of folate and iron. Microwave a small potato and top with reduced-fat shredded cheese and salsa for a hearty snack.

Hard-Boiled Egg

When you need a fast snack to stave off hunger, a hard-boiled egg may be the way to go. Just one has 6 grams of protein to help fill you up. Eggs are high in nutrients like vitamin D, which is good for bone health. And they also have lutein, which helps protect your eyes. Because eggs are high in cholesterol, try not to eat more than one a day. If you have diabetes or heart disease, aim for no more than two to three eggs each week.

Reviewed by Kathleen M. Zelman, RD, LD, MPH

Singer Katy Perry is expected to be temporarily replaced on ‘American Idol’ by a “bigtime” star.

The 38-year-old singer and her “American Idol” co-star Lionel Richie are both scheduled to perform at King Charles’ coronation concert in May, and Luke Bryan has told fans to expect some big-name replacements on the TV show, reports aceshowbiz.com.

“It’s big time. It’s big time. The people that we have filling in, contestants have used their songs many, many times. A lot more than mine!” Luke, 46 - who has been a judge on the show since 2018 - told Entertainment Tonight.

Katy and Lionel, 73, will both perform at the much-anticipated concert on the grounds of Windsor Castle. And Katy recently revealed that she’s “so grateful” to have been invited to

sing at the upcoming event. The pop star is already an ambassador for one of the monarch’s charities, and she’s now looking forward to the concert. Speaking about her invite, Katy told ExtraTV, “It was very regal, it was like a cursive I have never seen. I loved it. It was so beautiful and it was so grateful to get the honour because actually I am an ambassador for the British Asian Trust, which primarily focuses on ending child trafficking, which is a huge issue of our time and it just aligned with all my

Actress Adah Sharma, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘The Kerala Story’, has said that the movie is about life and death. She has also spoken about how this is not a propaganda film.“I’m glad we can spread awareness with this film and people giving me so much love and support feels good always. As for performance, I’d credit the makers entirely . The director, the writer, the cinematographer,” said the actress. In ‘The Kerala Story’, actress Adah Sharma is playing the role of Fathima Ba, a Hindu Malayali nurse, who is among the 32,000 women who went missing from Kerala and were then recruited to the ISIS after being forced to convert to Islam.

values.”

“I’m also an ambassador for Unicef. And as a mother I know first-hand these innocent children need help, they need to be helped. So I’m just going there as an ambassador and they asked me to sing and it all aligned.”

Meanwhile, Orlando Bloom thinks it’s “cool” that Katy will perform at the coronation concert. The 46-year-old actor - who has Daisy, two, with the pop star - is already looking forward to seeing Katy perform at the historic occasion.

Orlando - who also has Flynn, 12, with his ex-wife Miranda Kerr - told Entertainment Tonight, “My girl’s gonna be singing, that’s fun. I’m not gonna make it there, sadly, but she’s representing which is cool. She does those big, historical things. It’s wonderful. She sang for the president too. She does that.” (IANS)

Directed by Sudipto Sen, the film tells the story of four women and how from being regular college students in Kerala, they became part of a terror organisations. The film has courted controversy for portraying itself as a real story and for making false claims that thousands of women from Kerala are being converted to Islam and recruited into ISIS, it faces allegations of promoting the Sangh Parivar’s agenda. About the controversy that surrounds the film Adah Says: Our film is about girls getting drugged, brainwashed, raped, human trafficking, forcefully impregnated and then raped again by multiple people sometimes, the child they deliver been taken away and them being made suicide bombers.” (IANS)

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Katy Perry to be temporarily replaced by ‘big-time’ star on ‘American Idol’

As controversy erupts over ‘The Kerala Story’, Adah explains what it’s all about

Mr. Dimapur 2023 Bikee Dutta flanked by 1st and 2nd runners-up.

La Liga: Barca, Real Madrid both win

Bordalas returns to save Getafe from relegation

MADRID, APR 30

(IANS): Jose Bordalas has returned as coach of La Liga strugglers Getafe for the last seven games of the season.

The coach, who had previously been in the Getafe dugout for 212 matches between 2016 and 2021, before leaving to coach Valencia last season, will be in charge for Sunday’s vital game away to Espanyol after taking Saturday’s training session, reports Xinhua.

ODI: Fakhar hits ton as records fall in thrilling Pakistan victory vs New Zealand

RAWALPINDI, APR 30 (IANS):

Fakhar Zaman smashed his third consecutive ODI century to lead hosts Pakistan to a remarkable record-breaking sevenwicket victory over New Zealand here.

The Pakistan opener hit 17 boundaries and six massive sixes during his unbeaten knock of 180* as the Asian side successfully chased down New Zealand’s healthy total of 336/5 with 10 deliveries to spare.

MADRID, APR 30

(IANS): FC Barcelona and Real Madrid both won their respective matches in La Liga as Barca retained their 11-point lead at the top of the table.

Andreas Christensen returned to the Barca side after injury and he scored the opening goal in the 13th minute of a game that was over before halftime after Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha had put them 3-0 up, while Betis were reduced to 10 men after Edgar was shown two yellow cards, reports Xin-

hua. The central defender had come on earlier in the game after Luiz Felipe was forced out through injury.

Veteran Betis winger

Joaquin Sanchez was also injured late in the second half and went off, leaving his side with just nine men with 10 minutes left to play.

A minute later, Guido Rodriguez deflected a cross from Ansu Fati into his own net to make it 4-0, before Xavi Hernandez brought 15-year-old

Lamine Yamal on as a substitute, making him the youngest Barca player

in this century. Earlier in the day Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid bounced back from their midweek 4-2 defeat in Girona, by defeating Almeria by the same score.

Benzema scored after 5, 17 and 42 minutes, with the impressive Rodrygo adding a fourth early in the second half.

Elche claimed just their third win of the season to stave off the confirmation of their relegation to the second division for a few more days with a 4-0 win at home to Rayo Val-

Gooch claims back-to-back LIV Golf titles with Singapore win

“It’s one of those days that I’ll remember,” said Gooch. “I grew up watching Sergio. He’s one of the greatest golfers of this generation. To go and battle with him and come out on top is something I’ll never forget.”

lecano. Rayo had beaten league leaders Barcelona in midweek, but were down to 10 men halfway through the first half, when Florien Lejeune was shown a direct red card for a wild challenge.

Tete Morente put Elche ahead on the stroke of halftime and the bottom of the table side ran riot in the second half with goals from Lucas Boye, Fidel and Gerard Gumbau to give coach Sebastian Beccacece his first win after five consecutive defeats.

Bordalas returns to the club after initially rejecting the chance to replace Quique Sanchez Flores, who was sacked earlier this week following Getafe’s defeat at home to Almeria.

“Getafe have reached agreement with Jose Bordalas to take over the dugout. The coach from Alicante returns to what was his home,” informed the club website.

Bordalas is known for the defensive organization, but has also been criticized for some tactics such as time wasting and cynical fouls employed by his teams.

10-time N’tl champ Hemanth begins 2023 in style with a double

A host of records fell during the match, as Fakhar became just the fourth Pakistan batter to hit three straight ODI centuries and also claimed the honour of being the fastest player from the country to bring up 3000 ODI runs, reports ICC.

Pakistan’s total of 337/3 was also the fourth highest ODI score by Pakistan’s men’s team in an ODI and their second best run chase.

Skipper Babar Azam (68) and fellow experienced batter Mohammad Rizwan (54*) played their part in the exciting victory, but it was Fakhar that stole the

show as the dynamic lefthander continued his rich vein of form in devastating style.

Pakistan needed something special from Fakhar’s in reply as New Zealand posted what looked to be a very decent score on the back of a brilliant century from Daryl Mitchell (129) and an equally important knock from captain Tom Latham (98).

Mitchell’s innings included eight boundaries and three sixes and his score was the highest by an New Zealand batter in an ODI in Pakistan and took him past Ricky Ponting’s

124* in 1998 for the highest by any No.3 from a visiting country.

Pakistan looked to be cruising to victory in reply with Fakhar and Babar at the crease and the score at 200/1, but the hosts’ skipper fell and Abdullah Shafique (7) was dismissed shortly after to provide New Zealand with a glimmer of hope.

But Rizwan joined Fakhar at the crease and the experienced duo successfully guided the home side to victory to ensure Pakistan opened up a 2-0 lead in the five-game ODI series.

Toulouse thrash Nantes 5-1 in final to clinch French Cup title

SAINT-DENIS (FRANCE), APR 30 (AGENCIES): Toulouse hammered holders Nantes 5-1 in the French Cup final after scoring four first-half goals at the Stade de France to secure the club’s first major trophy on Saturday.

SINGAPORE, APR 30

(AP): Talor Gooch became the first player to win backto-back LIV Golf titles after a playoff hole victory against Sergio Garcia at the LIV Singapore tournament at Sentosa Golf Club on Sunday.

Gooch and Garcia shadowed each other for most of the opening two rounds and the final round was no different, with both the American and Spaniard never more than stroke apart as they finished at 17-under 196 to force a playoff.

At the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th, Gooch

skirted with the water hazard with his tee shot but played a near perfect second shot into the heart of the green where he easily two-putted for birdie. Garcia’s second shot at the playoff hole found the greenside bunker and the Spaniard was unable to make his birdie giving Gooch his second successive win and a $4 million prize. For Gooch, it’s the ninth time he’s either led or shared a lead after an LIV round, the most of any player. He’s now led or shared the lead in the last six rounds.

Twice LIV Golf tournament winner Brooks Koepka shot 67 to finish third at 16-under 197, one shot ahead of Scott Vincent (67) of Zimbabwe, who had briefly threatened to make it a four-way battle for the title before a bogey at the par-4 15th stalled his momentum.

British Open champion Cam Smith (71) finished in a tie for sixth after he mixed regular birdies with bogeys for an even final round and an overall score of 12-under 201.

Phil Mickelson shot a 72, with two double bogeys in his final round, to fall down the leaderboard into a tie for 13th.

Like the first round, the final round Sunday was delayed for more than an hour after 13 holes of the shotgun format due to severe weather in the area.

CHENNAI, APR 30

(IANS): Reigning National champion in his class, Hemanth Muddappa, displayed his masterclass once again to begin his 2023 campaign in style as he bagged a double in the opening round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Championship 2023 at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday.

The Mantra Racing rider, a 10-time Indian National Drag Champion is the defending champion in the 1051 to 1650cc Superbikes class. On Sunday, he claimed the honours as the ‘Fastest Rider’ of the day. On way to victory in the Four-stroke 1051 to 1650cc Super Sport class he defeated Sidharth

Freiburg beat Cologne 1-0 in Bundesliga

BERLIN, APR 30 (IANS):

Ritsu Doan’s goal helped Freiburg cement their fourth place in the table after moving 1-0 past Cologne at the 30th round in Bundesliga.

Cologne took the reins from the starting whistle and came close with 21 minutes played when Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken had to be on guard to defuse Linton Maina’s effort on target, reports Xinhua.

Flekken remained in the thick of things as he tipped Eric Martel’s closerange header around the post with a great reflex two minutes later.

Freiburg showed signs of life at the half-hour mark when Lucas Holer forced Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwabe into action.

The visitors increased the pressure before the break, but Holer’s longrange effort got palmed away by Schwabe.

Freiburg eventually opened the scoring after the restart as Holer flicked on a corner into the path of Doan, who nodded home with a diving header at the far post in the 54th minute.

The Breisgauer had

the chance to extend their lead five minutes later but for all that Michael

netically for a draw, but Freiburg’s defence stood firm and secured the third straight victory.

“It was certainly not the better team that won today, but the luckier one. Cologne played very well, hats off. We had an outstanding goalkeeper, good phases before and after half-time and we defended like crazy. The mentality of the boys is why we don’t lose such close games,” said Freiburg coach Christian Streich.

Elsewhere, Union Berlin played out a goalless stalemate with in-form Bayer Leverkusen. Leipzig remain in the hunt for a berth in Europa as the Red Bulls edged Hoffenheim on the sole goal from Christopher Nkunku.

Stuttgart secured vital points in the relegation battle after seeing off ten-men Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 thanks to the goals from Serhou Guirassy and Tanguy Coulibaly.

Eintracht Frankfurt gave away a narrow lead and shared the spoils with Augsburg following a 1-1 while relegation threatened Schalke shocked Werder Bremen with a 2-1 injury time comeback.

Parmar of Mumbai with a handsome margin and then set the quickest time of Round 1, as he went on to win the Blue Ribbon event, the four-stroke Unrestricted class beating Mohammad Riyaz of Hyderabad by three-tenths of a second, a big boost for his 2023 season.

“When you touch rock bottom, it teaches you lessons that reaching mountain-tops never will,” was how the fitness freak explained his exploits today. Last year, he set out his focus on three titles but was able to win the Championship in only one class, which may have disappointed the Indian record holder, but nevertheless Muddappa got his 10th National title in 2022.

Defender Logan Costa and striker Thijs Dallinga both netted twice inside the opening 31 minutes, with forward Zakaria Aboukhlal adding a fifth in the second half. Nantes had won consecutive finals in 1999 and 2000.

Toulouse’s only previous trophies came from winning Ligue 2 on three occasions, the last time in 2021-22.

The French Cup triumph also secured Toulouse a place in the Europa League, their first European competition since 2009-10.

Toulouse went ahead in the fourth minute through Costa and he doubled their lead six minutes later with another header.

Toulouse, beaten 3-1 by Nantes in their only league clash so far this season, were soon three g oals in front

after Gabriel Suazo teed up Dallinga by supplying a stunning cross into the box for the Dutchman to score with a chipped finish.

Dallinga then made it 4-0 just after the half-hour mark when he netted from close range from a rebound.

Nantes, who are without a Ligue 1 win since mid-February and have yet to secure top-flight status for next season, made three halftime changes, introducing forwards Andy Delort and Ignatius Ganago with midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy.

They managed to pull

a goal back with a penalty as midfielder Ludovic Blas fired into the roof of the net 15 minutes from time but Toulouse’s Aboukhlal wrapped up a one-sided victory by smashing home their fifth from distance. Nantes, who are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference, had a fine run to the final having beaten Lens 2-1 in the quarter-finals and Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 in the semis. Toulouse, 12th in the French top tier, beat Ligue 2 sides Rodez and Annecy in the quarters and last four respectively.

2nd Div

League: Shillong

Lajong, Utd SC, B’luru Utd among 5 in

Final Round

NEW DELHI, APR 30

(IANS): The Group Stage of the 2022-23 2nd Division League drew to an end on Saturday with five teams -- Delhi FC, Ambernath United Atlanta FC, FC Bengaluru United, United Sports Club and Shillong Lajong FC -- making it to the Final Round.

The Final Round will be played next week, starting from May 6-26.

In Group A, Delhi FC, who finished third in the 2021 I-League Qualifiers, emerged as toppers and qualified for the final round, pipping Downtown Heroes FC, Jagat Singh Palahi FC and Techtro Swades United FC in a closely-contested group.

The capital side, playing out of the Minerva Academy Ground in Chandigarh, got off to a slow start after losing two of their first three games. But a four-game winning run got Delhi FC back on track before a 1-1 draw with Downtown Heroes on Saturday proved enough to seal their place in the final five. In Grou p B, former

I-League regulars United SC and Shillong Lajong FC had quite a tussle to top the group, which lasted until the final day. Eventually, United, who last featured in the I-League in the 201314 season, wrapped up first place with a 3-2 win over The Diamond Rock FA on Saturday.

However, there were no worries for Shillong Lajong as they also qualified for the final round courtesy of their 13 points in six games which was enough to help them finish as the best runners-up across all four groups. The Meghalaya side were relegated

WTT Star Contender: Chen, Lin take all titles

from the Hero I-League in the 2018-19 season.

Group C saw FC Bengaluru United finish five points clear of closest challengers Golden Threads FC. Built on a strong defence, with just five goals conceded in their eight games, Fernando Santiago Varela’s side will now target a first-ever promotion to the Hero I-League. 21-yearold striker Irfan Yadwad was the highlight of the group stage, netting 11 out of Beng’luru United’s 21 goals.

Group D witnessed the most nail-biting and dramatic finish of all groups. Hero 2nd Division League debutants Ambernath United Atlanta scored a last-minute winner against ARA FC to win 2-1 on the final day and thus, edged the Ahmedabadbased side to finish top of the table based on a better head-to-head record. Also present in the group were five-time Hero I-League/ NFL champions Dempo SC, whose tally of 14 points was only enough for third place.

BANGKOK, APR 30 (IANS): Chinese paddlers dominated the World Table Tennis (WTT) Star Contender 2023 Bangkok here with Lin Gaoyuan and Chen Xingtong combining to make a clean sweep of five titles on offer.

In the women’s singles, Chen and South Korean Joo Cheon-hui had a close fourth game after Chen led the match 2-1. When both players missed their game points, Chen finally made it to win the game, and went on to wrap up the match 11-2, 6-11, 11-9, 15-13 and 11-5, reports Xinhua.

Later, Chen teamed up with Kuai Man to win the women’s doubles by beating Cheng I-Ching and Li Yu-Jhun of Chinese Taipei in straight sets. It was her third title as she had won the mixed doubles with Lin Gaoyuan on Friday.

Lin, for his part, had an epic battle with Jang Woo-jin of South Korea in the men’s singles. He eventually gained the upper hand to win the final 9-11, 12-10, 17-19, 11-9, 11-5, 4-11 and 11-9.

FC Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates. (Reuters)

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema reacts after scoring the opening goal during a Spanish La Liga match. (AP/PTI)

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan celebrates with Fakhar Zaman after playing wining shot. (AP/PTI)

Gregoritsch couldn’t beat Schwabe. Cologne pressed fre-

Toulouse players celebrate with the trophy after winning the French Cup final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. (AP)

Hemanth Muddappa

Talor Gooch

Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Cologne in Bundesliga.

MI beat RR in highest IPL run chase

MUMBAI, APR 30 (IANS): Yashasvi Jaiswal’s magnificent 124 went in vain as Suryakumar Yadav (55) and Tim David (45 not out) carried five-time champions Mumbai Indians to six-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in the 1000th match of the tournament in a run-fest at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Mumbai looked in trouble when they were 104/3 in 12 overs. But

Suryakumar smashed 20 runs off the 13th over from Kuldeep Sen and from there on, he never looked back, hitting eight fours and two sixes while David was brilliant in hitting two fours and five humongous sixes for Mumbai to go to seventh place at the points table.

Mumbai didn’t have a great start to chasing 218 as captain Rohit Sharma was castled by a knuckleball from Sandeep Sharma in the second over.

Cameron Green walked in and smashed Trent Boult for three fours through mid-off, mid-on and point, before slog-sweeping Ravichandran Ashwin over deep backward square leg for six and slamming Yuzvendra Chahal down

the ground for another maximum. After Ishan Kishan sliced to deep point off Ravichandran Ashwin, Suryakumar Yadav launched his first ball for six over backward square leg. He then slammed Jason Holder for a hat-trick of fours through the wristy flick, whip and a jaw-dropping ramp. Though Green holed out to the deep off Ashwin, Suryakumar ensured the tempo didn’t drop.

The crowd roared more in the 13th over when Suryakumar nonchalantly

PBKS prevail over CSK for 4-wicket win

over long-off for six. After Suryakumar reached his fifty in 24 balls, he drove over Holder’s head with a straight bat for four.

But in a bid to ramp off Trent Boult in the 16th over, Suryakumar fell as Sandeep ran backwards from a short fine leg and made a full-stretched dive to complete a fantastic catch with both hands. Tilak Varma and Tim David hit a four and six each off Holder in the 17th over, before taking a four each off Boult in the next over.

CHENNAI, APR 30 (IANS): After Prabhsimran Singh’s 42 off 24, and Liam Livingstone’s 40 off 24, Sikandar Raza stole the show by taking three runs off the final delivery to take Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a four-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2023 match here at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

flicked Kuldeep Sen for six into the second tier of deep backward square leg, followed by three consecutive fours -- a cut through deep point was followed by driving in the gap between mid-off and extra cover and dabbing over short third man.

Yuzvendra Chahal came in for thrashing in the next over as Suryakumar pierced the gap between short third man and backward point for four, followed by Tilak Varma reverse-sweeping for four and unfurling lofted drive

Satwik-Chirag make history, win India’s second gold in Asian Badminton C’ships

DUBAI, APR 30 (IANS):

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made history on Sunday by winning India’s second gold medal in the Badminton Asia Championships, beating Malaysia’s eighth seeds Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in the men’s doubles final here.

Shetty and Rankireddy defeated the Malaysians

Yew Sin Ong and Ee Yi Teo 16-21, 21-17, 21-19 in the final in the 2023 edition, coming back from losing the first game to win the next two games and winning the historic gold medal. This was India’s second gold medal in the Asian Badminton Championships after Dinesh Khanna bagged the men’s singles gold in 1965. Satwik and Chirag are also the first Indian pair to reach the final of the Asian Championship and went on to win the gold medal.

Shetty and Rankireddy, who won the bronze medal in Men’s Doubles at the 2022 World Championships in Tokyo, have claimed two

bronze medals in the Asian Team Championships (2016, 2020). The gold on Sunday could be considered the biggest medal in their career thus far as the Indian duo has won five titles on the BWF World Tour and have twice finished runners-up.

Shetty and Rankireddy started the final on a bright note and played some ferocious shots to get into the right rhythm. They were behind only by a point (1011) at the halfway stage. However, the Indian pair soon lost momentum as Sin and Yi encashed upon their mistakes to take the first

game. The Malaysian pair continued their momentum in the second game as they took (11-6) lead at the halfway stage. It appeared like it was all over for Shetty and Rankireddy but they didn’t lose hope and made a strong comeback (15-14) before winning the game to level the match. The third game also went down to the wire where Shetty and Rankireddy reigned supreme to clinch the gold medal.

This is the first-ever gold medal for India at the Badminton Asia Championships in the men’s doubles category.

David smashed Sandeep over long-on for six and launched a drive through cover for four, before swiping thrice over leg-side fence for a hat-trick of sixes in the first three balls of the final over, ironically all full tosses, to seal a dramatic win for Mumbai coming just ten minutes before Sunday got over.

Brief scores: Rajasthan Royals 212/7 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 124; Arshad Khan 3-39, Piyush Chawla 2-34) lost to Mumbai Indians 214/4 in 19.3 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 55, Tim David 45 not out; Ravichandran Ashwin 2-27, Sandeep Sharma 1-35) by six wickets

China’s Ding Liren becomes new World Chess Champion

ASTANA (KAZAKHSTAN), APR 30 (IANS): China’s Ding Liren made history by becoming the 17th FIDE World Champion in chess, defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in the final game of the tiebreak here on Sunday. Both Ding and Nepomniachtchi finished 7-7 after exhilarating 14 classical games, taking the match into the tie-breaker.

In the tie-break, Ding Liren defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi 2.5-1.5 in the 2023 FIDE World Championship final, becoming the first Chinese male player to win the chess world championship. This marks a historic moment as both the men’s and women’s world champions in chess are now from China.

After three draws in the tiebreaks, Ding emerged victorious in the fourth and final game, clinching the title. In a tense and even position, with just a minute on his clock, Ding declined a threefold repetition and decided to play for a win.

Devon Conway’s sublime innings of unbeaten 92 off 52, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 37 off 31 and M.S. Dhoni’s consecutive sixes off the last two balls CSK posted 200/4 after opting to bat first.

In reply, PBKS started in fine fashion with skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran going after the pacers and the pair added on 50 runs before Dhawan got out and King posted 62/1 at the end of the Power-play.

Punjab then lost a couple of wickets in quick succession before Liam Livingstone teed off. Afterwards, Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma took the game deep before Sikandar Raza somehow managed to get the win off the final delivery, that too without hitting a boundary in the final over.

Chasing a 201-run target, Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh got PBKS off to a flier before

Punjab Kings batter Sikandar Raza celebrates after winning the IPL match against Chennai Super Kings. (PTI)

Tushar Deshpande struck in the fourth over to get rid of the skipper for 28. When Prabhsimran was looking dangerous with his calculated hits and was close to his fifty, Ravindra Jadeja removed the set batter in the ninth over. Prabhsimran stepped out to go big but missed as the ball turned away and landed in Dhoni’s gloves, who cheekily waited for a moment before flicking the bails off.

An over later, Jadeja picked up his second wicket, removing Atharva Taide. The latter stepped down the track and looked to flat-bat it back past the bowler but mistimed the shot and ended up hitting it right back at Jadeja, who took it around

his chest. With 13 runs per over needed to win, Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran held the fort and kept the scoreboard ticking to keep Punjab in the game. In the 16th over, Livingstone hammered Deshpande for two consecutive sixes, followed by a boundary and another maximum but the bowler was quick to bounce back as he removed Livingstone on the last ball of the over.

Then, Jitesh Sharma and Curran went for a six apiece and collected 17 runs in the over and bringing the equation to 31 off 18. But Matheesha Pathirana had other plans as he struck on the first ball of the 18th over to dismiss Curran, who looked to back away and

drive but was beaten by the pace as the ball crashed into the stumps. With 22 needed off 12 balls, Jitesh started the over with a boundary and followed that up with a double. A wide ball later, Deshpande deceived him with a slower ball. Sharma tried to slog it away but found the toe end of the bat and skied it really high toward long on. The substitute fielder, Shaik Rasheed ran back and settled under it well to grab it. Unfortunately, Rasheed slipped and his foot seemed to have just brushed the boundary cushion. The third umpire checked it thoroughly and found out that the foot didn’t touch the rope and the batter headed back to the pavilion. With PBKS needing 9 runs off the final over, six came off the first five balls and Sikander Raza pulled it over backwards square leg and collected crucial three runs off the last ball to ensure victory for his side.

Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings 200/4 in 20 overs (Devon Conway 92, Ruturaj Gaikwad 37; Rahul Chahar 1-35, Arshdeep Singh 1-37) lost to Punjab Kings 201/6 in 20 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 42, Livingstone 40; Tushar Deshpande 3-49, Ravindra Jadeja 2-32) by four wickets.

Jota seals thrilling win for Liverpool after Spurs fightback

6-1 hammering.

Liverpool finally appeared to have restored order but Son raced clear to make it 3-2 in the 77th minute and set up a nervejangling finale that had earlier looked improbable.

Former Everton forward Richarlison sent the Tottenham fans delirious when his glancing header bounced into the net but within a minute their joy

turned to dismay as Jota beat Fraser Forster with a clinical slow shot. Liverpool have 56 points from 33 games with Tottenham on 54 from 34 games. Liverpool remain seven points behind fourthplaced Manchester United who have played one game less. The teams that finish fifth and sixth will likely qualify for the Europa League next season.

Manchester City beat Fulham

to

go

Liverpool had led 3-0 inside the opening 15 minutes as for the second successive Sunday Tottenham’s defence crumbled, but the visitors stormed back and substitute Richarlison’s stoppage-time header appeared to have earned his side an unlikely point.

But Jota, also on as a substitute, punished a

Says ready to resign if protesters go back

GONDA (UP)/NEW

DELHI, APR 30 (PTI):

Embattled WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan

Sharan Singh on Sunday praised Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav for not associating himself with the ongoing protest by top wrestlers of the country, saying Yadav was “standing with the truth”.

Various political parties, including the Congress, AAP and others, have lend their support to the protesting wrestlers.

The Delhi Police had on Friday registered two FIRs against Singh on allegations of sexual harassment levelled by seven women wrestlers. While the first FIR pertained to allegations of a minor wrestler and was registered under the POCSO Act, the second was related to outraging modesty.

Talking to PTI here, the WFI president said on Sunday, “I want to thank the leade r of Samajwadi

party, Akhilesh Yadav, (for not siding with the protesting wrestlers). I know him since his childhood. I am elder to him. Though there are political differences between us, Akhilesh knows the truth”.

“... if there are 10,000 wrestlers in UP, out of them, 8,000 are from the Yadav community and they belong to the Samajwadi family, and hence know the truth,” he said.

Singh, who has remained defiant of not quitting his post, however, said he was ready to resign if it would make the protesters

go back home and sleep peacefully.

“If they (protesters) will go back (to their home) and sleep peacefully after my resignation, I am ready to resign,” he said.

The BJP MP from Kaiserganj added that the protesters are mere “toys” in the hands of the Opposition. “All these players have become toys of the Congress and other opposition parties. Their motive is political, not my resignation,” he said, adding that he is yet to receive a copy of the FIR registered against him.

Liverpool’s Diogo Jota scores their fourth goal. (Reuters) LIVERPOOL, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Diogo Jota scored a stoppage-time winner as Liverpool clinched a barely-believable 4-3 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur to bolster their hopes of qualifying for Europe on Sunday.

mistake by Lucas Moura to break Tottenham’s hearts and fire Liverpool over the Londoners into fifth place in the table.

A chaotic first half was only three minutes old when Curtis Jones put the hosts in front and two minutes later Tottenham’s defence crumbled again as Luis Diaz volleyed home. When Mohamed Salah blasted a penalty high into the net in the 15th minute Tottenham seemed on course for a repeat of the horror show at Newcastle United last Sunday when they conceded five times in the opening 21 minutes in a

WFI chief thanks Akhilesh for not siding with protesting wrestlers

Media is supporting Bhushan more than players: Protesting wrestlers

pionship medallist Vinesh Phogat said Brij Bhushan’s charge that the wrestlers are involved in politics is baseless.

“We are not involved in any politics. We speak straight from the heart and it connects, and that is why so many people are sitting here in our support.” She also appealed to the media not to give Brij Bhushan a platform to speak.

top as Haaland equals another record

Manchester City claimed top spot in the Premier League for the first time since February as Erling Haaland reached another set of a milestones in a 2-1 victory at Fulham on Sunday. It took Haaland only three minutes to score his record-equalling 34th Premier League goal of an extraordinary debut season in England, the Norwegian tucking away a penalty. It moved him level on the Premier League single season scoring record of Alan Shearer and Andy Cole. The Norwegian also became the first player in England’s top flight to score 50 goals in all competitions in a season since Tom Waring did so for Aston Villa in 1931.

City were unable to give themselves a cushion after the break despite several chances and suffered some anxious moments but they held on for an eighth successive league win. They are now top with 76 points to Arsenal’s 75 and also have one extra game to play. Fulham remain in 10th place. Results Newscastle 3-1 Southamptom Man United 1-0 Aston Villa Bournemouth 4 – 1 Leeds United

Cairo Shotgun WC: Mairaj Khan and Ganemat Sekhon strike gold

NEW DELHI, APR 30

The protesting wrestlers on Sunday accused the media of helping WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh more than the players, saying the newspersons should not give him the platform to speak.

Accused of sexual harassment of women wrestlers, the Wrestling Federation of India chief has vowed to fight against the charges and claimed that the athletes’ protest was politically motivated.

“The media is supporting Brij Bhushan more than the players. You see his criminal records. Does any player, sitting here, or players from other sports,

have criminal record?” Bajrang asked during a media interaction.

The Tokyo Games bronze medallist sought to convey the message that it’s more difficult to win an Olympic medal than becoming a Member of Parliament in this country.

“The players win medals for the country, and he is questioning the medal winners. How many people become MPs in this country, and how many people win Olympic medals. To date, there are hardly 40 Olympic medallists, and thousands have become MPs,” he said.

Double World Cham-

7 women wrestlers provided security

The Delhi Police on Sunday provided security to all seven women wrestlers who have lodged complaints against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, the president of Wrestling Federation of India. The Supreme Court had asked the Delhi Police to provide appropriate security to the victims who have levelled allegations against Singh.

The Delhi Police have also called all the women wrestlers to join the probe and get their 161 CrPC statement recorded so that they could decide the future course of action.

(IANS): The seasoned Mairaj Ahmad Khan and the up-and-coming Ganemat Sekhon combined effectively to win gold in the Skeet Mixed Team event in the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Shotgun in Cairo, Egypt, giving India their first medal of the competition. The Indian duo overcame Mexicans Luis Raul Gallardo Oliveros and Gabriela Rodriguez 6-0 in the gold medal match. Italy took bronze through their crack pair of two-time World Championship silver medallist Simona Scocchetti and Rio Olympic champion Gabrielle Rossetti. Mairaj, who won his

fifth senior ISSF medal on the day, was in brilliant form in the 30-team qualification round shooting 74/75 to help the Indian duo shoot a combined 143 out of 150. That helped them reach the title decider in the top position after they won a shootoff with the Mexicans 4-3, as the latter had also finished with a score of 143.

In the decider, Mairaj again set the ball rolling with a perfect four-hits which was complimented by Ganemat as the Mexicans missed three birds to give India a 2-0 lead. Mairaj repeated a perfect four in the second series and even though Ganemat missed a couple, the Mexicans again missed three as India pulled through 4-0.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh speaks with the media, in Gonda, Sunday. (PTI)

Wrestler Bajrang Punia with a budding athlete from Hisar during wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar. (PTI)

Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.

Ganemat Sekhon and Mairaj Ahmad Khan.

Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav plays a shot during the IPL match against Rajasthan Royals. (PTI)