24 Aug 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 259

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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SPORTS, PAGE 12

FM unveils ambitious `6 lakh cr NMP NMP PERIOD

TOTAL NMP- Rs. 6 LAKH CRORE

or land, she said “the NMP talks about brownfield infra assets where investments have already been made, where there is a completed asset which is either languishing or which is remaining not fully monetised or which is remaining underutilised.”

“So by bringing in private participation into this, you are going to be able to monetise it better, and with whatever resources you obtain through the monetisation, you will be able to put in further investment into infrastructure,” she said.

The total indicative value of NMP for core assets of the central government

(NP Graphic: Source NITI Aayog)

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday unveiled an ambitious Rs. 6 lakh crore National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) that included unlocking value by involving private companies across infrastructure sectors—from passenger trains and railway stations to airports, roads and stadiums.

As many as 25 Airports Authority of India (AAI) airports, including ones at Chennai, Bhopal, Varanasi and Vadodara, as well as 40 railway stations, 15 railway stadiums and an unidentified number of railway colonies have been identified for getting private investments.

Under the plan, private companies can invest in projects for a fixed return using the InvIT route as well as operate and develop the assets for a certain period before transferring it back to the government agency.

Some assets such as warehouses and stadiums can also be given on a long-term lease for operations.

“The asset monetisation pipeline takes the NIP (National Infrastructure Pipeline) to the next phase where you are looking at public-private partnership,” Sitharaman told a press conference.

Stating that there is no transfer of ownership

has been estimated at Rs 6 lakh crore over the four-year period FY22 to FY25.

The estimated value corresponds to about 5.4 per cent of the total infrastructure investment envisaged under NIP which is Rs 111 lakh crore and 14 per cent of the proposed outlay for the Centre (Rs 43 lakh crore).

This pipeline of assets has been phased out over a four-year period starting FY 2022 up till FY 2025, she said.

“The infrastructure NMP is talking about brownfield assets which need to be better monetised.

The ownership of those assets remain with the gov-

ernment and there will be a mandatory hand-back after a certain time,” she said.

“So let there not be any confusion, ‘oh this government is selling away’. No. These are brownfield assets which will still be under government ownership,” the minister added.

More than half of the monetisation plan is from the roads and railways sector.

The biggest chunk of Rs 1.6 lakh crore will come from monetising 26,700km of existing operation national highways and new roads. NHAI will take InvIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust) route for monetising some of these assets.

As many as 400 railway stations, 90 passenger trains, 741-km Konkan Railways and 15 railway stadiums and colonies are planned to be monetised for an estimated Rs 1.2 lakh crore.

Monetising 28,608 circuit kilometres of power transmission lines is estimated to generate Rs 45,200 crore and another Rs 39,832 crore will come from 6 GW of power generation assets.

The telecom sector will give Rs 35,100 crore from monetising 2.86 lakh km of BharatNet fiber and 14,917 signal towers of BSNL and MTNL. Close to Rs 29,000 crore each is estimated from

Border row: NHRC issues notices to Centre, Assam, Mizoram GUWAHATI, AUG 23 (PTI): National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Centre, Assam and Mizoram over the border clash between the two states in July, stating that “grave violation of human rights” took place.

Acting on a complaint by one Md Injamul Haque of Assam, NHRC issued notices to the Union home secretary and the chief secretaries of Assam and Mizoram, asking them to file their reports within four weeks.

“The Commission has considered the matter. Facts

of the case are disturbing.

The allegations made in the complaint are serious in nature involving deaths and injuries to public servants.”

“The case, therefore, involves a grave violation of human rights of the deceased and injured....” Accordingly, notices were issued and the matter will be put up before the full commission after four weeks.

At least six Assam Police personnel and one civilian were killed and more than 50 people injured as the festering border dispute between the two Northeastern

states erupted into a bloody conflict on July 26.

NHRC said that it had received the complaint from Haque on July 30, alleging an attack on senior police officers of Assam, officers of the Cachar district administration and others by a mob and Mizoram Police.

“The petitioner has also given details of the incident that occurred on 26.7.2021 on the Assam-Mizoram border wherein public servants lost their lives, got injured in the firing and has prayed for intervention by the Commission in the matter,” it added.

During a meeting on August 5 in Aizawl, representatives of the two state governments had agreed to maintain peace and amicably resolve the border dispute through dialogue.

The situation along the border has been tense since June 29 when both states accused each other of encroachment.

Assam’s Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164.6 km long border with Mizoram’s three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit.

DAYO supports NFHRCC ultimatum on govt Nagaland logs 33 DIMAPUR, AUG 23 (NPN): Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) has extended full support to the 30-day ultimatum served on the state government by Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) to positively respond to the plea making the foothill road pliable while waiting for the mega project.

In a press release, DAYO president Aotemsu Aier and general secre-

This is it!

"You young people want to change the world but can't even change your environment."

K Y M C

tary S Pangertoshi accused the state government of “consistently ignoring” the plight of the majority of the Nagaland state population.

DAYO also termed as “regrettable” the alleged “step motherly treatment” towards one of the oldest connectivity projects in the State. DAYO maintained that unless the foothills road was made motorable, there would always be border flashpoints for

armed conflicts and economic blockades like the recent Tzurangkong land intrusion by neighboring Assam.

Asserting that it had been consistent in words and actions since the inception of Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee to make the “dream road a reality,” DAYO affirmed that it was “ever ready and prepared” to participate in any course of action to be taken.

fresh Covid cases

D I M A P U R , AU G 2 3 (NPN): Nagaland on Monday recorded 33 fresh Covid-19 positive cases and nil deaths during the day.

Of the fresh cases, 15 were from Dimapur, eight in Mokokchung, three in Wokha, two each in Kohima and Zunheboto and one each in Peren, Phek and Tuensang, taking the total caseload to 29622.

The death toll remained unchanged at 610.

monetising warehouses and coal mines.

Monetising 8,154 kms of natural gas pipelines is estimated to give Rs 24,462 crore and 3,930-km product pipelines another Rs 22,504 crore.

Airport monetisation will fetch Rs 20,782 crore and ports another Rs 12,828 crore. Monetising two national stadiums, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, and an equal number of regional centres (at Bengaluru and Zirakpur) is estimated to yield Rs 11,450 crore.

Redevelopment of seven residential colonies in Delhi, including ones at Sarojini Nagar and Nauroji Nagaras well as development of residential/ commercial units on 240 acres of land in Ghitorni in Delhi has also been identified to garner Rs 15,000 crore.

Commenting on the plan announced, Abhaya Agarwal, Partner, Infrastructure Practice, EY India, said: “A four-year National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) to monetize Rs 6 trillion of brownfield infrastructure assets across sectors will definitely boost investors’ confidence by providing sufficient clarity on the number, size and type of assets that would be made available in the market.”

Zero allocation for Swine Fever control prog in NE NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (IANS): Amidst the deaths of lakhs of pigs due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) across the Northeastern states since May 2020, a Parliamentary Committee has found that the allocation for the year 2020-21 for the Classical Swine Fever Control Programme (CSF-CP) was ‘zero’.

Swine Fever is one of the most important virusborne diseases for the pigs.

According to World Organisation for Animal Health, the 100 per cent fatal ASF is a viral haemorrhagic disease that infects pigs and wild boars. With no cure or vaccine, isolation or culling are the only ways to further prevent its spread.

The panel has said it is ‘constrained’ to note that the sub-components on Professional Efficiency Development (PED), National Animal Disease Reporting System (NADRS) and Classical Swine Fever Control Programme (CSF-CP) show ‘zero allocations’ for the year 2020-21.

(Cont’d on p-4)

Children over 12 with comorbidities will be vaccinated first NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): Children above the age of 12 with comorbidities will be prioritised for vaccination, the government advisory committee National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NTAGI).

Some supply of Zydus Cadila’s Zycov-D vaccine, which received emergency use authorisation last week, will be set aside for comorbid adolescents, said NTAGI chief NK Arora.

However, vaccinating adults remains a priority, he said.

The NTAGI further said the process for approval of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for children will begin by September-end or October, CNBC-TV18 reported. “We are projecting up to 10 cr Covaxin doses per month from September,” Arora said.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had on Friday approved Zydus Cadila’s three-dose COVID-19 DNA vaccine for emergency use in adults and children aged 12 years and above, bringing in the sixth vaccine authorised for

use in the country.

The company said it plans to manufacture 100 million to 120 million doses of ZyCoV-D annually and has started to stockpile the vaccine.

The Ahmedabad-based generic drugmaker, listed as Cadila Healthcare Ltd, applied for the authorisation of ZyCoV-D on July 1, based on an efficacy rate of 66.6 per cent in a late-stage trial of over 28,000 volunteers nationwide.

ZyCoV-D is the world’s first plasmid DNA vaccine

against the coronavirus. It uses a section of genetic material from the virus that gives instructions as either DNA or RNA to make the specific protein that the immune system recognises and responds to.

The DCGI will give approvals in a phased manner first starting with children aged 12 years and above in the first phase. The approvals will be given for release of vaccines for 6 to 12 years of children and later for children aged between 2 to 6 years.

Gunfire at Kabul airport kills 1 amid evacuations INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Governor Ravi pays tribute to ‘Founding Father of Nagaland’

RN Ravi paying tributes to Dr. Imkongliba Ao in the lawns of Raj Bhavan, Monday. (DIPR)

D I M A P U R , AU G 2 3 (NPN): Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi paid glowing tributes to Dr. Imkongliba Ao the ‘Founding Father of Nagaland’ on his 62nd ‘Martyrdom Day’ on August 24.

In his message on the eve of the ‘Martyrdom Day’, the Governor described Dr. Imkongliba, the first president of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) as “a visionary leader with extraordinary courage and strategic foresight”. Ravi said Dr. Imkongliba Ao, pulled Nagas out of a bloody chaos and united the Naga family (from Naga Hills District and Naga Hills Tuensang Area) in one politico-administrative entity-Nagaland- the 16th State of the Indian Union.

The NPC under Dr. Imkongliba signed the 16th Point Agreement with the government of India on July 26,1961 which formed the basis for creation of Nagaland on December 1,1963. Due to the tremendous suffering of the people, NPC initiated an alterna-

tive settlement which became known as the 16 Point Agreement.

Ravi said Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian Union, was provided with uniquely special constitutional dispensation for safeguarding the identity and interests of Nagas and also laid a rock solid foundation for the future of its people according to their own geniuses.

Ravi called on people of Nagaland on the solemn occasion to build the Nagaland of Dr. Ao’s dream- “a happy and prosperous state in which our youth, free from every kind of fear , apprehension or inhibition, will blossom in an eco-system of unlimited opportunities for growth and fulfillment.”

It may be noted that late Dr. Imkongliba, was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Mokokchung on the day which has been named as ‘Martyrdom Day’ by the Governor. It may also be mentioned that Governor

R.N. Ravi is the first ever constitutional functionary (including past and present chief ministers of Nagaland), who has officially accorded recognition to the Naga pioneers of the state under the NPC led by Dr. Imkongliba Ao. Ravi had renamed the Raj Bhavan Durbar Hall as Dr. Imkongliba Memorial Hall last year.

As part of the 58th Nagaland Statehood Day celebration on December 1, 2020, a memorial to commemorate the contributions of the Founding Fathers and the Martyrs was inaugurated at the Lawns of Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan with unveiling a bust of Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) president Dr. Imkongliba Ao. Those present on the occasion included chief minister Neiphiu Rio, former chief minister and former governor and only surviving member of the NPC, Dr.S.C. Jamir and family members of late Dr. Imkongliba.

K’taka becomes first state to implement NEP BENGALURU, AUG 23 (IANS): Karnataka has become the first state in the country to implement the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan virtually launching the policy on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said that Karnataka has set an ideal example for the other states of the country pertaining to the implementation of NEP2020.

Karnataka has taken a lead role in the

implementation of NEP, the minister said, adding that India has a large student population which is increasing every year and the real challenge lies in taking the benefits of NEP to all these students.

Her said the generation, which is in the age group of 3-23 today, would reap the benefits of NEP and would shape India’s destiny in the future. “But the challenge before us is to include India’s growing population under the ambit of New Education Policy as early as possible,” he added.

Experts warn of imminent 3rd wave of Covid-19 in Sept-Oct NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): An expert panel, set up by an institute under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has predicted a third wave of COVID-19 hitting the country anytime between September and October and suggested significantly ramping up vaccination pace.

The committee of experts, constituted by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), also said that children will have a similar risk as adults since paediatric facilities, doctors and equipment like ventilators, ambulances, etc. are nowhere close to what may be required in case a large number of children become infected.

The report, which has been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), observed that only around 7.6 percent (10.4 cr) people are fully vaccinated in India and if the current vaccination rate is not increased, India can witness six lakh cases per day in the next wave.

“Leading experts have

repeatedly warned of an imminent third COVID-19 wave in India. Epidemiologists predict a series of surges till we achieve herd immunity through infection or vaccination and the disease becomes endemic,” the report said.

The NIDM re por t quoted the prediction of experts from IIT Kanpur which suggested three likely scenarios for the third wave based on the level of unlocking.

In scenario one, it said that the third wave could peak in October with 3.2 lakh positive cases per day.

In scenario two, with the emergence of new and more virulent variants, the third wave could peak in September with likely five lakh positive cases per day.

In scenario three, the experts predicted that the third wave could peak in late October with two lakh positive cases per day.

According to the report, earlier, it was proposed that if 67 percent of the population became immune (a few by infection

and rest through vaccination), herd immunity could be achieved.

But this has now been complicated by the new and more virulent mutated variants of SARS Cov-2 that have the ability to escape immunity from earlier infections and in some cases even the prevalent vaccines, it said.

This has pushed the target immune population for achieving herd immunity to 80-90 percent.

Hence, our health system and vaccines are caught in a race against the virus and are trying to catch up with risks that are evolving every day creating uncertainty all over the world, it said. The report said there isn’t sufficient data to back widespread fears that children will be hit more severely in the anticipated third wave of the pandemic.

However, as the virus continues to evolve, this is going to be a major challenge for children as there is no approved vaccine for children in India yet (first week of August). (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

2

STATE

ASHAs in Kma, Wka trained on paediatric care

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF Training for BLOs in Dmu: Office of the deputy commissioner and district election officer has informed that a training of all the booth level officers in connection with summary revision of electoral roll 2021 would be conducted on August 26 in the conference hall of DC, Dimapur as per the schedule: BLOs of 4- Ghaspani-1 AC (11 a.m.), BLOs of 3- Dimapur-III & 5-GhaspaniII ACs- (12:30 p.m.) and BLOs of 1-Dimapur-I & 2- Dimapur- II ACs (2:30 p.m.). All BLOs have been directed to attend the training.

TSUD union assembly: Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) has convened its union assembly on August 25, 3 p.m., at Tenyimi Union Dimapur Complex. All executive members, advisors, units, subordinate bodies and senior members have been requested to attend the meeting.

Unity College, St. Josepeh Univ conduct webinars ASHAs along with trainers and healthcare workers on August 23.

ASHAs of Wokha sadar and NUHM during the training at CMO conference hall.

DIMAPUR: The department of health and family welfare (H&FW) has been conducting trainings for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) on management and care of COVID-19 in children of paediatric age group and COVID-19 care in new born children (neonates).

As part of the programme, the department conducted training for ASHAs in Kohima and Wokha on August 23.

Kohima: Office of chief medical officer

neonates on COVID-19.

Earlier, urban ASHAs were trained by urban consultant Subonglemla Jamir and DCM Rokoseno Thapo.

Wokha: Training on paediatric care in COVID-19 and psychological wellness was organised by medical department for NUHM and Wokha sadar ASHAs at the conference hall of the CMO, Wokha on August 23.

In a press release, CMO office Wokha informed that deputy chief

(CMO), Kohima in collaboration with district health society (DHS), NHM, department of health and family welfare (H&FW) conducted a training for urban ASHAs on paediatric care in COVID-19 at PMTI hall on August 23.

In a press release, CMO Kohima informed that ASHAs were taught on preparedness and management of any sudden surge of COVID-19 care.

They were also trained on danger signs, surveillance, signs and symptoms

of COVID in Paediatric age group children, prevailing myths conception of COVID-19 in children.

Further, the ASHAs were also informed about roles and responsibilities in the ward, colonies and community.

ASHAs are important when it comes to reaching grassroots or reach out at community level, the release informed, It also added that the major component of the training was for preparedness and management of

medical officer, Wokha, Dr. Zuben Kikon welcomed the participants and highlighted on vulnerability of children to delta variant of COVID-19 during the third wave.

Dr. Zuben emphasised on good nutrition for children to boost immune system and also pointed out how children should not be exposed to crowded public spaces in order to avoid the disease.

“Vaccination of age appropriate group is the key to control the spread,”

he concluded.

The release added that various sessions were conducted by district community mobiliser, Echungbeni Tsanglao and block ASHA coordinator, Mhonlumi Kithan covering topics on care for mother and neonates born with COVID-19, checklist for surveillance and monitoring by Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and ASHAs and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMNCI) approach to paediatric case.

WASU organises career guidance programme general secretary WASU Mhiesisekho, while a welcome note was shared by union president Thekrusevi Meru.

At the program, all NBSE rank holders and

subject toppers from the unit were awarded.

Adeno Gwirie from Baptist Mission School Jotsoma was also awarded the 2021 WASU award for excellence.

Acknowledgement

DIMAPUR: Unity College, department of commerce organised a “wellness webinar” on the theme “yoga for physical and mental wellness” on August 21. The main purpose of the webinar was to emphasise on the importance and practice of yoga for one’s physical and mental wellbeing.

In a press release, HoD, department of commerce, Dr. Tongpangkumla informed that the session was chaired by assistant professor, department commerce, Yangmoo Lama.

The key resource person assistant professor, department of commerce, Vandana Ladha, who is also a certified yoga instructor, stressed on the twelve asanas of yoga with an audio-visual demonstration coupled with an explication of each asanas form and nature.

Vandana also opined that yoga brought physical and mental discipline together to achieve a peace-

ful body and mind; helped manage stress and anxiety, increased flexibility and vitality.

Altogether, 86 participants attended the webinar.

SJU: St. Joseph University (SJU), department of civil engineering conducted a webinar on “ground improvement technique in geotechnical engineering” on August 21.

In a press release, SJU informed that resource person, assistant professor, department of civil engineering, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Ajanta Kalita highlighted important techniques involved in ground improvement objectives, improvement of cohesion and cohesion less soil, etc.

Earlier, the webinar was chaired by Renathung Y Ngullie, invocation was said by Santiyagu A and welcome address was delivered by Tiamongla.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

WASU members with resource persons and students during the programme.

D I M A P U R : We s t e r n Angami Students’ Union (WASU) on August 21 organised a career guidance and felicitation- programme at Sechü Zubza council hall.

In a press release, the union informed that the programme was held to felicitate students of the unit who had passed HSLC and

HSSLC examination 2021 while also providing career guidance to students for further studies.

Resource persons for the programme were joint director, higher education, Kohima Rokono Keyho and Kuolacalie Seyie, CEO Seyie Auto.

During the first sess i o n , Ro k o n o Ke y h o

Bamboo and cane craft training in Jalukie ends

shared about the New education Policy (NEP 2020) and changes in the education system.

He also emphasised the importance and need for vocational and skill development.

Speaking on the topic “business potentialities in Nagaland”, Kuolachalie Seyie challenged the stu-

dents to think of business as a career and shared business potentials available in Nagaland.

He stressed on the importance of hard work, commitment, persistence and integrity to become successful and to be a job giver and not a job seeker.

E a r l i e r, t h e p r o gramme was chaired by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LT. NUNGSHITULA JAMIR

Lt. Temjenlemba Longchar

07.08.1962 – 17.08.2021 There are no words to express our heartfelt gratitude to all individual who rendered immeasurable support financially, physically and through prayers and stood by us during the prolong illness and at the demise of our beloved father/husband Late Temjenlemba Longchar.

We remain grateful for all your unceasing love and prayer support.

May Almighty God bestow his abundant blessing to you all.

Loving Wife and Children.

MkC-307

(June 20, 1934 – August 9, 2021) “Your love has given us strength…”

Thank you to all those kind hearted individuals who supported us in many ways during our deepest sadness.

Your kind gestures meant a lot to us.

It is sincerely appreciated and will always be remembered.

With Love, Sons, Daughters and Grandchildren. k-1617

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Participants of the training along with RSETI functionaries and others.

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hoped that other responsible organisations would do the same.

He spoke on how the institute, since 2011 had been providing skill-based training to rural youth of the state to improve livelihood through self-employment ventures or wage employment.

It may be mentioned that the RSETI Peren is an initiative of the government of India, funded by MoRD and SBI, which provides skill-based training with food and lodging.

Altogether 28 rural youth participated in the 13-day programme which began on August 9, providing step by step training on making of bamboo sofa set and other furniture using bamboo.

LATE ZEfI M. CHETIA Born : 01-10-1982 – Died : 18-08-2021 We, the family members of late Zefi M. Chetia wish to acknowledge our profound thankfulness and heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, friends, relatives, colleagues, churches, groups, organizations and well wishers who stood by us physically, financially and morally; unfathomable expression of sympathy and gestures of love and kindness through every possible ways at the untimely and sudden demise of our beloved. The immense love and prayers we received were a great source of strength and solace and continues to comfort us.

Our special thanks and gratitude particularly to: 1. Dr. Reena Nair, Dr. Vivek and Nurses of Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata.

2. Dr. Aoakum Kichu and Nurses of Eden Hospital, Dimapur.

3. Dr. Isarangpi Sangtam and Nurses of CIHSR (Referral Hospital), Dimapur.

4. Doctors and Nurses of GNRC, Dispur, Assam.

5. Doctors and Nurses of Faith Hospital, Dimapur.

6. Hoito Achumi, Pastor, Grace Nagamese Baptist Church, Grace Colony, Dimapur.

7. Sumi Biblical Baptist Church, Near Super Market, Dimapur.

8. The Nagaland University Authority & Staff, Officers and Colleagues of the Finance Section, NU, Lumami Campus.

We deeply regret our inability to mention all our relatives, friends and well wishers but it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Parents, Brothers, Sister and Relatives of Zefi dp-4114

Born on : 04/10/1950 || Died on : 17/08/2021 "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away." Job 1:21 As our family grieve the loss of our beloved father Lt. Yehoshe Tuccu, we appreciate and acknowledge every individual who supported us physically, financially, morally and through prayers during the period of his illness and demise on 17th August, 2021 at Dimapur We would like to convey our our special thanks to :1. Lhomithi Baptist Akukuhou 2. Khukiye Lukhai Baptist Akukuhou 3. Khukiye Lukhai Ghami Kuposhukulu, Dimapur 4. Dr. Ikheto & Staff, Olive Christian Hospital 5. Dr. Joydeep Purkayastha, Dr. B Borooah Cancer Institute, Gauhati.

6. Akaito A Yepthomi 7. Lt. Akuto Yepthomi & Family.

8. Vikato L. Yepthomi.

9. Hukheto L. Yepthomi, Hd. GB. Lhomithi Village.

10. Mughato L. Yepthomi 11. Tovihoto Ayemi, MLA & Advisor Power, Govt. of Nagaland.

12. Azheto Zhimomi, MLA. 13. Shikaho Zhimomi, President Western Sumi Hoho.

14. Shikaho Yepthomi, Addl. General Manager, NST Nagaland.

We deeply regret our inability to mention all our relatives, friends and well wishers for all what you have done for us. It is our sincere prayer that the Lord shower his abundant blessing upon you all.

Loving wife, Children, Grandchildren & loved ones. dp-4115

Late Mrs. T. AMONGLA WALLING (BORN : 27/08/1956 – DIED : 15/08/2021) The family of Late Mrs. T. Amongla Walling wishes to acknowledge the sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us during the prolonged illness and sad demise. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the individuals, families, neighbours and friends who provided emotional, spiritual and financial support during our darkest days.

It would be impossible to meet and thank everyone individually who helped us in different ways but it is our humble prayers that the loving God bless you all abundantly for your generous deed.

We convey special thanks to: 1. Dr. Tonmoy Das, Apollo Hospital, Guwahati.

2. Doctors and nurses of CIHSR Hospital, Dimapur.

3. Doctors and nurses of ZION Hospital, Dimapur.

4. Ao Baptist Church, Kohima.

5. Khensa Union, Kohima.

6. Dimapur Khensa Senso Telongjem.

7. Dimapur Khensa Sensotsur Telongjem.

8. Khensa Fellowship, Chumukedima.

9. Penzu Kiyong, Naga United village, Dimapur.

10.Lower Agri Colony Kohima. :Loving husband, children, grandchildren and relatives

dp-4112

DIMAPUR: Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) Peren, conducted the valedictory programme of its 132nd batch for bamboo & cane craft making at its premises at Jalukie on August 21.

In a press release, RSETI Peren informed that the programme was graced by BM, SBI Jalukie, S Sarma, Lt. Col. M K Konyak, 2IC, 36 AR Jalukie and village chairman, Mhainamtsi, Ziudi.

In his welcome address, director RSETI Peren, Novin Basumatary acknowledged rank and files of Assam Rifles, Jalukie battalion, for mobilising rural unemployed youths to avail free residential training facilities provided by RSETI and

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3

STATE/NORTHEAST

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

State level monitoring teams hold meetings with DTFs SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS STRESS ON INTENSIFIED COVID VACCINATION AND TESTING

Commissioner & secretary, excise and sericulture Orenpemo Kikon State monitoring team with DC & chairman DTF Longleng, M. Shayung Phom, NGOs Additional secretary, power, Mohammad A. Shihab addressing at the speaking at the meeting in Wokha. (DIPR) and civil societies. (DIPR) meeting with SDTF, FBOs and CSOs. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Senior administrative officers along with a senior officer from the health & family welfare (H&FW) department visited districts and held meetings with the District Task Forces (DTFs) in order to review the steps being taken to manage COVID-19 pandemic at district level.

Wo k h a : D i s t r i c t Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19, Wokha held a meeting with commissioner & secretary, excise and sericulture Orenpemo Kikon and joint director, health & family welfare, Dr. Chekroshuyi Tetso at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner (DC) on August 23.

According to a DIPR report, Orenpemo Kikon said that the district has been doing a commendable job from the beginning of the pandemic till today.’

Orenpemo said that as the state was expecting the third wave, they had to be prepared to prevent it as it could be fatal to children.

While speaking on the purpose of their visit to the district, Orenpemo said testing should be ramped up including vaccination.

He said that facilities available for further preparation was also to be ascertained including ways and means to assist DTF to make a plan on creating awareness and to educate the people even in the rural area on getting vaccinated.

He further appealed stakeholders of the district to help the DTF in creating awareness on the benefit of getting tested and vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chekroshuyi Tetso also said that no one knew what the situation could be in a few months if the third wave came.

The state has already lost the people of the most productive age group which is 30-60 years during the first and second wave and Wokha alone has lost 70 persons during first wave and almost 370 lost their life during the first wave, he lamented.

Therefore, Dr. Chekroshuyi said Wokha in particular was doing a commendable job in dealing the pandemic.

Dr. Chekroshuyi however said that the district needed to increase its performance on testing and

vaccination so that all the targeted age group was vaccinated.

Earlier, the meeting was chaired by chairman DTF & DC Orenthung Lotha while deputy CMO, Wokha, Dr. Zuben Kikon presented status report on COVID-19 scenario in the district.

The meeting was attended by the members of DTF, chairman Lotha Hoho and representative from Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) and Lotha Catholic Churches Association.

Longleng: State level monitoring team on COVID-19 led by commissioner & secretary, geology & mining, K. Libanthung Lotha along with joint director H&FW, Lhovizotuo Belho visited Longleng and held a review meeting with DTF Longleng on August 23 at the conference hall of the DC, Longleng.

The meeting was chaired by deputy commissioner & chairmen DTF Longleng, M. Shayung Phom.

The chairman apprised the visiting officers of the current COVID-19 status in the district.

Addressing the meeting, K. Libanthung Lotha appreciated the work of DTF and emphasised on the importance of the role played by NGOs of the district and on the reinforcement and preparedness of DTF for the looming third wave.

He stressed on the need for attaining 100% district vaccination and increase of COVID-19 testing.

Lhovizotuo Belho stated that the state government was ready to help NGOs and DTF in extending supporting to the district in COVID-19 related activities.

M e a n w h i l e, A D C Longleng, D. Robin, H. Shamthai representative from Phomla Hoichem, Tialemba, executive secretary PBCA, CMO Longleng Dr. Obangjungla and DPO (RHC & UIP) Longleng Dr. S. Imnameren also spoke at the meeting.

Dr. S. Imnameren informed the house of the 100% vaccination status acquired by Amosen, Chingong, Mongkhong, Shamshangching, Tangha and Yongnyah and one department, DEF Longleng.

He also apprised them of the strategies applied by

the medical department in collaboration with the churches such as vaccination drive in all villages on Sundays, encouraging various leaders to be the forerunner for COVID-19 vaccination and testing drives.

Earlier the monitoring team visited CHC Yachem and Yaongyimchen villages and had an interaction with village task forces (VTFs).

After the meeting the monitoring team along with DTF visited Covid hospital and district hospital Longleng and interacted with medical officers led by MS & CMO. The team also visited Namching Health and wellness centre.

Peren: State level monitoring team on COVID-19 led by additional secretary, power, Mohammad A. Shihab along with deputy director, H&FW, Dr. Thomas visited Jalukie sub-division under Peren district on August 21 and convened a meeting with SDTF members on COVID-19, FBOs and CSOs at ADC Office, Jalukie under the chairmanship of ADC Jalukie-cum-SDTF Chairman, Dr. Tinojongshi

State level monitoring team on COVID-19 during the meeting with District Task Force (DTF), Phek on August 23. (DIPR)

Chang.

Presiding over the meeting, ADC Jalukie briefed the officials on the preparedness of the district. He lamented over the low progress of vaccination drive in the district and also lauded the civil societies and faith-based organisations for their involvement and support and urged them to continue with the same spirit.

A brief report on current COVID-19 status, available resources, testing and vaccination status were highlighted by deputy CMO, Dr. Lanuakum Jamir and UIP/RCH, Dr. Kiholi.

In his address, Mohammad A. Shihab lauded

Jalukie SDTF and medical fraternity for their collective effort in the fight against COVID-19 in the sub-division effectively despite facing numerous challenges. He extended his appreciation towards various civil societies, frontline workers, faith-based organisations and various unions involved for their contribution towards better management of COVID-19.

Stating that the people had already witnessed two waves of COVID-19 and the third wave was expected to hit anytime, Ali encouraged the gathering to come as one to support the medical department to meet the daily require-

ments on how to combat the pandemic.

Further, he also disclosed that the government was very concerned about vaccination coverage.

In this regard he appealed the gathering to continue supporting the medical department constantly in order to ensure vaccination of all persons even at the sub-divisional level.

Earlier, the monitoring team also interacted with Ahthibung sub-divisional task force/block task force at SDO (C) Office, Ahthibung and visited PHC Ahthibung, COVID hospital Jalukie, CCC Jalukie and PHC Heningkunglwa.

Abandoned leopard cubs rescued in Tening WCSU to strictly monitor, preserve Tsumang Lake DIMAPUR: District Administration led by EAC Tening, Tumben P Tsanglao and forest range officer Tening, Namsibo rescued and transferred two leopard cubs from Tening village to Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP), Dimapur on August 21.

According to a DIPR report, the two leopard cubs were found on August 20 by a group of boys aged around

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should 33% women reservation in Local bodies (ULBs) be implemented in Nagaland?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

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A

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Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

68% 26% 6%

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Q: Is America’s failure in

Afghanistan a defeat of global trust for the No 1. Super power?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST AUGUST 24

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A couple of thunderstorms

32 26

A little rain in the morning

25 20

Aizawl

Guwahati A p.m. t-storm in spots Imphal

33 26

An afternoon shower in spots 25 22

Itanagar A couple of thunderstorms

27 24

Shillong

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

24 19

Kohima

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

23 19

Dimapur A couple of thunderstorms Mkg

Rather cloudy with a t-storm

Tuensang Couple of thunderstorms Wokha

A t-storm around in the a.m.

Zunheboto Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

K Y M C

30 25 24 20 18 16 25 22 21 18

Prohibits loitering and commotion around the Lake

DFO Peren along with forest officials receiving the leopard cubs from the GHS teacher. (DIPR)

11-12 years from Tening village. The abandoned cubs were found in a hollowed tree by a stream adjacent to paddy fields of Tening village, the DIPR report informed.

After the cubs were reportedly brought to the village by the four boys, a government high school teacher from Tening village, Chamdinbo, informed the EAC

for necessary assistance in handing over the cubs to responsible authority.

As reported by EAC Tening, the NZP officials and district forest officer (DFO) Peren initiated necessary protocols for immediate transfer of the cubs from Tening village to NZP for protection.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of growing

man-animal conflict, amid the loss of habitat for big cats, the report stated.

It may be mentioned that the Indian leopard has been listed as “vulnerable” on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) “Red List” due to habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching for illegal trade of skins and body parts.

D I M A P U R : Wo k h a Circle Students’ Union (WCSU) has informed the general public of Wokha town that the union would be strictly monitoring and preserving the Tsumang Lake at Wokha town.

In a press release, WCSU president C. Longshithung Lotha and general secretary Jonjibemo Tsopoe infor med that WCSU had prohibited any kind of “immoral activities, drinking alcohol, partying, commotion and loitering” in and around Tsumang Lake jurisdiction.

In this regard, the union stated that it would

Tsumang Lake

remain vigilant and has warned that any individual/group found violating the order would be penalised and strict action

NORTHEAST man arrested AASU stage protest near BCPL in inAnother Assam for supporting Dibrugarh over various demands Taliban on Facebook

DIBRUGARH, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): Members of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), on Monday, staged a 2-hour sit-in demonstration in front of the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) at Lepetkata in Dibrugarh over “nonfulfilment” of various demands of the students’ body.

Among the demands of the All Assam Students’ Union was setting up of a Martyr’s Park inside the BCPL campus in memory of 855 AASU members who died during the sixyear long Assam agitation from 1979 to 1985 for identification and deportation of all illegal Bangladeshi migrants, Northeast Now

reported.

The movement ended with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985.

The Assam Gas Cracker Project later christened as the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) was a part of the historic Assam Accord for the socio-economic development of the region.

“One of our demands was that a Martyr’s Park (Swahid Udyan) should be constructed inside the BCPL complex to honour the 855 martyrs of the Assam agitation. Without their sacrifice the Gas Cracker Project wouldn’t have been here today. We are giving BCPL authorities 10 days to come with

a statement regarding the park or else we will launch an agitation,” Abani Kumar Gogoi, president of the Dibrugarh district All Assam Students’ Union unit said.

The students’ body also sought 100% job reservation for indigenous people from Assam at the BCPL. It also demanded strict measures against environmental pollution by the petrochemical plant and development of the green belt area in the periphery of the plant.

On February 5, 2016 the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited in Assam’s Dibrugarh was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

GUWAHATI, AUG 23 (PTI): Another person was arrested in Assam for allegedly supporting the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on social media, taking the total number of such apprehensions in the state to 16, police said on Monday.

The man, who worked in a tyre shop in Jorabat area of Guwahati, was arrested for his Facebook post in support of the Taliban, a senior police officer said.

Fifteen people, including an Assam Police constable, a senior leader of the state unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a medical student and a journalist, were arrested from various districts on August 20 and 21 for their social media posts supporting the extremist group’s takeover of Afghanistan. The arrested people have been booked under several sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, IT Act and CrPC, he said, adding that more people were under the radar for similar posts.

would be initiated against the defaulter/s.

WCSU, has, therefore appealed all concerned to cooperate with the union

as it was discharging its duties “for the protection of our land” and for the greater interest of the Lotha community.

CDFI slams proposed deportation of 60,000 Chakmas, Hajongs

ITANAGAR, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): The Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) has slammed Arunachal Pradesh government over the proposed deportation of over 60,000 Chakmas and Hajongs to other states.

In a memorandum to Prime Minister – Narendra Modi, Home Minister – Amit Shah, RSS chief – Mohan Bhagwat, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister – Pema Khandu and Assam CM – Himanta Biswa Sarma, the CDFI said that out of the 60,000 Chakmas and Hajongs in Arunachal Pradesh, almost “94% are Indian citizens by birth”.

“The Chakmas and Hajongs and ex- Assam Rifles personnel were settled in then centrally administered North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) from 1964 to 1968 for defence of India following 1962 Indo-China war,” a statement from the CDFI read.

“This is nothing but an act of racial profiling of the Chakmas and

Hajongs. Targeting Chakmas and Hajongs only for settlement outside of Arunachal Pradesh proves that we are being targeted because of our ethnicity,” said Suhas Chakma, founder of the CDFI. “The Chakmas and Hajongs totally and wholly reject any attempt to create ethno-Centric State by settling them outside the State. If Arunachal Pradesh wants to settle the Chakmas and Hajongs in other States, it will be expected to share the population burden of those States as part of India. In fact, more settlement in sparsely populated Arunachal Pradesh will be argued for ensuring territorial integrity of India given China’s threat. Each day there are incursions from China, there are hardly any people in the borders while the threats from China to the territorial integrity of India is more than before,”- said Nilondra Tanya Chakma, Arunachal Pradesh state director of CDFI. K Y M C

4

Bandh hits normal life in Mnp’s hill districts

Bandh supporters blocking road along NH-102 during the ATSUM sponsored 24-hour bandh in hill districts of Manipur on Monday. (NP)

through the districts, a large number of bandh supporters came out on the streets and imposed the bandh.

Except bandh supporters imposing the bandh by blocking roads at various places in the hill areas, there was no report of any untoward incident during the strike hours.

The bandh commenced from last midnight and was due to end by the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

ATSUM went ahead with the bandh even as the state tribal affairs and hills department clarified the reason behind nontabling of the proposed bill in the house of the state Assembly.

Even though most of the tribal student bodies and civil society organizations extended their support to the bandh-call, Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) did not endorse the bandh observing that it didn’t find any reason of calling bandh in the hill areas.

NORTHEAST

Mizoram not to pursue ‘theft’ case against Assam Police AIZAWL, AUG 23 (PTI): Mizoram police will not initiate legal proceedings against their Assam counterparts in a case of alleged theft of construction material, a senior official said on Monday, a day after the things were handed back.

Kolasib district Superintendent of Police Vanlalfaka Ralte said the construction material meant for a bridge was handed over to the Mizoram police in Bairabi on Sunday around 6 pm. “Although the case cannot be withdrawn now, there will be no further legal proceedings or investigation against the accused,” he told PTI. In a fresh escalation of tensions between the two neighbouring states, the Mizoram government had accused Assam officials of stealing construction material from a bridge construction site in its territory and filed a case of theft after the Friday incident.

Kolasib deputy commissioner H Lalthlangliana had claimed on Sunday that Assam police personnel entered Zophai near Bairabi town and stole construction material. The incident happened when work was underway to construct a

bridge to connect the main road with the paddy field belonging to Mizoram’s first chief minister Ch. Chhunga, he said.

M i z o r a m ’s Z o p h a i shares border with Assam’s Kachurthal in Hailakandi district. Lalthlangliana had also written to his Hailakandi counterpart on Saturday, urging him to take necessary action. In his letter, Lalthlangliana said the incident or bridge construction should not be linked to the boundary dispute between the two states as the work was undertaken just to connect an existing road within Mizoram’s territory to the paddy field of the former chief minister.

Assam police had rejected the allegation of theft and claimed that Mizoram officials entered Assam and started constructing a bridge.

“The allegation of any theft by a disciplined force like Assam police is absolutely concocted, baseless, malafide and devoid of fact, and is an attempt by the Mizoram administration to divert the attention from main issue which is illegal construction by Mizoram authorities on Assam’s soil,” Hailakandi SP Gaurav Upadhyay had said on Sunday.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

Mizoram single day positivity rate 13.95 per cent AIZAWL, AUG 23 (PTI): Mizoram reported 292 new COVID-19 cases and six fatalities in the last 24 hours, taking the state’s tally to 52,472 and death toll to 200, a health department official said on Monday.

The single-day positivity rate was 13.95 per cent as the fresh cases were detected from 2,093 samples, he said.

The cases were reported from Aizawl (169), Siaha (59), Mamit (32), Kolasib (15), Lawngtlai (7), Lunglei (5), Serchhip (3) and Champhai (2). More than 63 children are among the newly infected people, he said, adding that all the patients were found to have contracted the virus locally.

Mizoram cur rently has 5,982 active COVID-19 cases, while 46,290 people have recovered from the infection, including 872 people on Sunday. The COVID-19 recovery rate in the state now is 88.21 per cent and the death rate is 0.38 per cent.

The state has tested more than 7.91 lakh samples for COVID-19 till date. Over 6.50 lakh people have been vaccinated in the state so far, according to state immunisation officer Dr Lalzawmi.

HC grants bail to IIT-Guwahati student accused of rape

GUWAHATI, AUG 23 (PTI): The Gauhati High Court granted bail to a student of the IIT-Guwahati, accused of raping a fellow student, calling both of them “the state’s future assets”.

Hearing a bail application by the accused BTech student, Justice Ajit Borthakur said there is a clear prima facie case as alleged against the petitioner based on all the evidence.

“However, as the investigation in the case is completed and both the informant/victim girl and the accused are the state’s future assets being talented students pursuing technical courses at the IIT, Guwahati,...continuation of detention of the accused... if charges are framed, may not be necessary,” the order said.

The court in its order on August 13 noted that both are young -- in the age group of 19 to 21 -- and further, they hailed from two different states.

“A perusal of the list of witnesses too, cited in the charge-sheet, this Court finds no possibility of the accused tampering with their evidence or influencing them directly or indirectly, if released on bail,” it added.

Accordingly, the high court granted bail to the accused for Rs 30,000 bond along with two sureties.

The court also said, “It is pertinent to be mentioned that it is judicially well settled that while dealing with a bail application, the Court is not called upon to discuss the merits or demerits of the evidence available against the accused.

IMPHAL, AUG 23: The 24-hour bandh called by All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM), apex body of tribal based student bodies, disrupted normal life in several parts of hill districts of Manipur on Monday.

Almost all shops, schools and other business establishments in the headquarters and major market places across the hill districts remained closed for the day.

Commercial vehicles including inter-district and long district passenger ve-

hicles stayed off the road.

Almost all the government offices functioned with thin attendance.

ATSUM imposed the bandh in the hill districts to protest against alleged state government’s failure to introduce newly drafted “Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill 2021” in the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly.

The session of the state Assembly, having three sittings will be concluded on Tuesday.

At headquarters of the hill districts and national highways passing

4 magnitude earthquake hits west Assam

Meghalaya police’s missing INSAS rifles BJP’s ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ should be ‘Jan Khyama Yatra’: Cong fished out from Umkhrah River in Shillong

Correspondent

GUWAHATI, AUG 23 (PTI): Assam was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 4 on Monday afternoon, an official bulletin said.

As per the National Center for Seismology, the quake was recorded at 1.13 pm, having its epicentre at Kokrajhar in west Assam at a depth of 10 km.

The place of occurrence was 90 km north of Tura in Meghalaya, it said.

People in the districts of western Assam and nor ther n West Bengal ran out of their homes in panic.

There was no immediate report of any injury to anyone or damage to any property, officials said.

Northeast is in the high seismic zone, because of which earthquakes frequently hit the region.

A 6.4 magnitude quake had shaken Assam and parts of Northeast on April 28.

Seized weapons recovered from Umkhrah river.

Correspondent SHILLONG AUG 23: The Search and Rescue Team of the Meghalaya Fire and Emergency Services on Monday recovered the seized police weapons, which were dumped over the Jaiaw, Umpohliew bridge into the Umkhrah river.

Three INSAS rifles, including one magazine were stolen by unidentified youth from the MawlaiMawkynroh-Umshing police outpost on August

15, ostensibly to protest against the death of a former leader of an outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) militant outfit in police firing on August 13.

The Search and Rescue Team search began on Monday after a vernacular daily U Nongsaiñ Hima published an anonymous letter claiming that the three weapons snatched from the police by masked teenagers on August 15 were thrown into Umkhrah river flow-

ing through the State capital Shillong.

Following the seizure, three policemen from the Mawkynroh-Umshing outpost, who fled for their life after being attacked by an unruly mob, have been suspended and the government is initiating an inquiry against them.

The miscreants, who snatched the weapons also hijacked the Sports Utility Vehicle, zoomed through Mawlai brandishing the police weapon, a scene which was witnessed by people lined up the streets in Mawlai. The vehicle was set ablaze near Robert’s Hospital in Jaiaw.

A police official on condition of anonymity said that two of the miscreants involved in stealing the service rifles and hijacking of the SUV have been “identified” and investigation is going on full-swing.

Zero allocation for Swine Fever control prog in NE

(From p-1) “The nil achievement of physical targets regarding vaccination doses to pigs in NE states under CSF-CP during 2020-21 and ‘Zero Trainings’ conducted under PED during the years 2015-16, 2016-17 and also during 2020-21 further add to the displeasure of the Committee,” the Parliamentary panel report has said.

The report, pertaining to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, titled ‘Status of Veterinary Services and Availability of Animal Vaccine in the Country’. According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is a major constraint to the development of pig farming in the Northeast part of the country, where pig farming is a major source of livelihood. In order to control the disease in pigs, Central assistance is provided for vaccination against the CSF. The government scheme on Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC) was formulated with a view to provide financial assistance as the Central share to states/UTs for control and containment of animal diseases, with a funding pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and state (90:10 for Northeastern & Himalayan states and 100 per cent for UTs). According to the National Livestock Census 2019, the total population of pigs in the country was 9.06 million, a decline by 12.03

per cent over the previous Census. Of these, Assam alone had 2.10 million pigs. Meanwhile, according to the President of the North East Progressive Pig Farmers Association (NEPPFA), Manoj Kumar Basumatary, “When pigs started dying last year in Arunachal Pradesh, the government hardly kept any track. The disease spread to Assam then. This year, it has spread to Mizoram and Meghalaya and the numbers rose from thousands to lakhs.”

“The government does not have any estimate of pig deaths as it has not kept track of it. However, our Association estimates that of the 20-lakh odd pigs across Assam, we have lost almost 10 lakh,” he claimed.

Incidentally, the African Swine Fever’s first casualty happened in Arunachal Pradesh in 2020 but the Livestock Census 2019 makes no mention of pig population in the state.

The panel, chaired by Parvatagouda Chandanagouda Gaddigoudar, also expressed concern to note the huge difference between figures on budgeted expenditure proposed and the budget allocated under the LH&DC scheme from 2017-18 to 2021-22. “Against a proposed allocation of Rs 1,553.03 crore, the Department was allocated a mere Rs 298.77 crore at the BE stage in 2017-18 and this trend of drastic reduction at the BE Stage has continued up to the year

2021-22 with allocated BE being Rs 370.00 crore as against a proposed amount of Rs 909.39 crore,” the Committee observed.

Moreover, funds allocated at the Revised Estimate stage were further reduced from the years 2018-19 to 202021. The panel expressed satisfaction over the total percentage expenditure of the funds allocated to the Department, that has constantly been over 98 per cent from 2017-18 to 2019-20.

However, it noted with ‘discontent’ that under some sub-components of the LH&DC Scheme, ‘nil’ financial progress and ‘zero’ physical achievements have been made at some point during the period from 2015-16 to 2020-21. The Committee further expressed ‘utter dismay’ while taking note that no Veterinary Hospitals/ Dispensaries were strengthened or established during the years 2017-18 and 2020-21. Similarly ‘nil’ achievements made regarding searching of village/stock routes during the years 2015-16 and 2017-18, the report said.

The panel recommended the Ministry of Finance to “bear in mind the proposed allocation projected by the department and make fund allocations commensurate with its need so that important schemes and programmes do not suffer for want of funds.” The Committee also sought to be apprised of the actions taken by the department in this regard.

Sikkim reports 26 new COVID-19 cases, two more fatalities GANGTOK, AUG 23 (PTI): Sikkim recorded 26 new COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally to 29,340, while two more fatalities raised the toll to 367, a bulletin issued by the health department said on Monday. West Sikkim registered 15 new cases, followed by East Sikkim at seven and South Sikkim at four. The Himalayan state currently

has 1,507 active cases. As many as 27,185 people have recovered from the infection, while 281 others have migrated out. At least 425 samples were examined since Sunday, taking the total number of tests done so far to 2,25,077.

Sikkim’s COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 6.1 per cent and recovery rate at 93.5 per cent.

GUWAHATI/DIBRUGARH, AUG 23 (PTI): Raking up past scam cases and alleged unfulfilled promises, the opposition C o n g r e s s o n M o n d ay slammed the BJP and said their ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ (people’s blessings’ procession) should have been renamed ‘Jan Khyama Yatra’ (people’s forgiveness procession).

Addressing a press conference at Dibrugarh, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Borah alleged

Bhupen Kumar Borah (PTI)

the BJP has failed to fulfil any of the promises it has made since it first came to power in the state in 2016.

“BJP should have named the ‘Jan Ashirwad

Morphine recovered in Assam, 2 held DIPHU, AUG 23 (PTI): One kilogram of morphine was seized from a bus in Karbi Anglong district of Assam on Monday and two persons were arrested in this connection, police said.

The recovery was made during routine checking of vehicles at Laharijan outpost checkpoint at around 12.30 pm. The morphine was recovered from two packets belonging to two passengers.

The two persons, one hailing from Bihar and the other from Nagaland, were arrested, the police added.

Yatra’ as ‘Jan Khyama (Apology) Yatra’ for not being able to fulfil their promises to the people of Assam. The BJP is avoiding its responsibilities and is trying to hide its failures,” Borah said. The three-day ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ of the BJP started on August 21 after Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reached Guwahati.

“When he was President of the BJP state unit, Sonowal had promised that he would take action against

those involved in Louis Berger and Saradha scams.

What happened to those promises? What blessing is Sonowal seeking? Is it a blessing for not fulfilling his promises?” Borah taunted.

He pointed Sonowal had promised to give Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous communities, fully implement the National Register of Citizens and implement all clauses of the Assam Accord, and alleged that the Union Minister had “failed” to keep “even one promise”.

Centre sanctions Rs. 31 cr to counter Covid in Mnp Correspondent I M P H A L , AU G 2 3 : M a n i p u r has received a total amount of Rs 31,52,00,000 sanctioned by the Centre under COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP), chief minister N Biren Singh informed the house of Manipur Assembly on Monday.

He said that an amount of Rs 16,80,00,000 has been allocated

under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) during financial year 2020-21 and sanctioned Rs 8,40,00,000 during financial year 2021-22. A total of Rs 3,00,00,000 was also released

by North Eastern Council in 2021 for Covid Related expenses and the entire amount has been spent. During 2020-21, a sum of Rs 4.111 crore was allocated from PM CARES. However, no fund was allocated from the same scheme during the current financial

50 fall ill after having ‘prasad’ in Assam village GUWAHATI, AUG 23 (PTI): More than 50 people were taken ill and treated for suspected food poisoning after having ‘prasad’, comprising g ram and fruits, at a religious function in Assam’s Charaideo district, a police official said on Monday.

A villager organised the event at his house and distributed ‘prasad’ among the neighbouring households on Sunday afternoon.

Soon after consuming the ‘prasad’, people complained of stomachache and vomiting.

Over 50 villagers were

admitted to the Geleki Block Primary Health Centre since Sunday night with similar symptoms of food poisoning and their condition is stable now, the official said.

A team of Food and Civil Supplies Department visited the village under Geleki police station on Monday mor ning and seized the remaining stock of gram from the shop from which the villager had procured it.

An investigation has been started to determine how the food poisoning had been caused, the official added.

AFFIDAVIT (CORRECTION OF NAME)

Regd. No. 1327 / 2021 Date: 23-08-2021 I, the undersigned Zamsei Lenthang, S/o Lutzamang of Kanzang Village PO/PS Meluri under Phek District Nagaland employee of 4th NAP Battalion, Thizama Kohima, Nagaland do hereby: 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That I have change my name and whole identity from the 1 Class Magistrate refer to Affidavit Regd No.127 Dtd.17/07/2013 and 4th NAP Battalion Office order No.4BN/ ESSTT-3/2013-14/376 Dtd.19/09/2013 as Zamsei Lenthang, S/o Lutzamang of Ichum Keirap Village PO/PS Nambol under Senapati District, Manipur but lately receipt PHQ Memorandum No.PHQ(B-1)1/CIRCULAR/ MEMORANDUM/2009/411 Dtd.27/06/2014 that changing of whole identity is not allow but changing of name is allow.

3. That henceforth I herewith re-rectify the same and declare that my official name will be Zamsei Lenthang, S/o Lutzamang of Kanzang Village PO/PS Meluri under Phek District Nagaland and for all official references.

4. That the above statements made are true to the best of my knowledge and no material facts has been concealed herein and I signed this affidavit before the competent authority on 23/08/2021.

Judicial Magistrate DEPONENT 1st Class, Kohima Nagaland k-1616

year 2021-22. He also informed the house that a total of Rs 7.5 crores have been released from SDRF for giving remuneration to COVID Task Force.

The chief minister, who is also the in-charge of the health department, was replying to a question raised by opposition Congress member SurjakumarOkram. Singh said that a total of 1,739 COVID-19 positive patients and 38 post COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in the state till August 20.

AFFIDAVIT

Regd. No. 2980, Date 23/08/21

I, Mr. SI MON YEPTHO Son of late DAVID YEPTHO, resident of Khukishe Village District Zunheboto, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows :1. That I am a bona fide citizen of India.

2. That due to inadvertency my name has been entered/recorded as Mr. SIMON SANGTAM son of late DAVID in all my academic records and official documents.

3. That YEPTHO is my clan of SUMI TRIBE. 4. That my correct name is Mr. SIMON YEPTHO and my father’s name is late DAVID YEPTHO. 5. That henceforth, I shall use Mr. SIMON YEPTHO son of late DAVID YEPTHO as my official name for all future correspondences.

6. That this affidavit is made to aver the above statements and it shall be used as a piece of documentary evidence as and when required before the competent authority to make necessary alternations/corrections.

VERIFICATION I, hereby verify that the contents made in para 1 to 6 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and beliefs and nothing materials is concealed therein and I sign this affidavit before the competent authority on 23rd August 2021.

DEPONENT Solemnly sworn before me.

NOTARY PUBLIC k-1618 Regd. No. 243/2021

AFFIDAVIT

Date 10/03/2021

I, Miss Talimenla Kichu, D/o Late Rongsensangba Kichu resident of H/No. 60 B, Supply Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under: 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and a resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That my official and correct name is Talimenla Kichu and my father's official and correct name is Rongsensangba Kichu.

3. That However in my Indian Passport, Aadhar Card and in my other official documents/records my name and my father's name has been inadvertently entered/recorded as Talimenla and Rongsensangba respectively.

4. That the name Talimenla Kichu and Talimenla belong to the same person i.e. me and the name Rongsensangba Kichu and Rongsensangba belong to the same person i.e. my late father.

5. That henceforth I shall be using my correct and official name Talimenla Kichu and my father's official and correct name as Rongsensangba Kichu in my Indian Passport, Aadhar and other official documents and records.

6. That this affidavit is made to declare my official and correct name which is Talimenla Kichu and my father's correct and official name as Rongsensangba Kichu and to produce to it as a piece of documentary evidence before any competent authority.

7. That the statements made above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and beliefs and nothing material concealed therein.

DEPONENT Solemnly affirm before me on this 10th day of March 2021 NOTARY PUBLIC DP-4113

5

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

Former UP CM Kalyan Singh Nitish, Tejashwi meet Modi over caste census cremated, top leaders attend funeral

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Stepping up their campaign for a caste-based census, a delegation of 10 parties from Bihar headed

by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in support of the demand.

Kumar said after the meeting that all parties from Bihar spoke in one voice on the need for a caste-based census, and asserted that statistics about different castes will help in formulating development schemes effectively as many of them have not benefitted so far in line with their actual population.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who was part of the delegation, said such a census was in national interest and will be a historic measure and help the poor and the most deprived sections of the society.

If animals and trees can be counted, so can people, he said.

Kumar was joined by representatives of all major parties, including the BJP and Congress, as they submitted their demand to Modi.

Asked about the prime minister’s response, he said Modi gave all of them a patient hearing and “did not

Tejashwi Yadav addresses to media after meeting with Narendra Modi over caste-based census, Aug. 23. (PTI)

deny what we said (need for caste census)”.

BJP’s Janak Ram, who was part of the delegation, said Modi heard out everyone’s view like the “guardian of a family”.

Everyone was “satisfied” and the prime minister’s decision will be acceptable to all, he added.

With census being the Union’s prerogative, it is now up to the Centre to take a call on the demand made by many parties, mostly those who draw their core support from the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Speaking to reporters, both Kumar and Yadav referred to the statement of a

Union minister, a reference to Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai’s reply in Rajya Sabha that there was no proposal for releasing caste-based population data, with the chief minister saying it triggered “unrest” among people.

A certain bonhomie between the two political rivals, who have been allies in the past, was also on display as Kumar credited the young RJD leader for making the proposal for an all-party delegation meeting the prime minister, and Yadav expressing thanks to the chief minister for working on it and seeking

time from Modi.

A s k e d i f Ku m a r ’s JD(U), which is part of the BJP-led NDA, and the RJD are coming closer, Yadav said the opposition in Bihar has always supported the government over propeople measures and those in national interest “Once caste census is carried out, then we will get to know actual information about all castes.

Development work for them can then be taken up effectively,” he said.

Noting the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are counted and census also includes data about different religions, Yadav asked why then others cannot be counted.

With critics claiming that caste census may fuel casteism and animosity, he noted that census based on people’s religious affiliations had never caused any violence.

A caste census will help the government find out who are the poorest people, and measures can be then taken to help them, the RJD leader said, adding that their demand was not specific to Bihar but for a nationwide counting of people of different castes.

Kumar and Yadav

also thanked Modi for the meeting.

Asked about his brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s angry outbursts against some RJD leaders for allegedly ignoring him in the party’s affairs, Tejashwi Yadav parried the query, and said he will stick to speaking on the issues of “national interest”.

A census on caste lines can have huge political implications and a number of regional parties, including BJP’s allies, have batted for it as they believe that it will strengthen the demand for raising quota for the OBCs, which are estimated by them to be over 50 per cent of the population and get 27 per cent of reservation.

Though many OBC leaders of the BJP support the demand, the party has so far not taken a categorical stand on the fraught issue.

There is a view that a caste census will bring the Mandal politics at the centre stage of politics and can be an effective weapon in the hands of regional parties to counter the BJP’s Hindutva and welfare planks, the twin issues used by the saffron parties to make massive inroads into the OBC vote bank at the expense of statebased parties.

A L I G A R H / BULANDSHAHR (UP), AUG 23 (PTI): Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh was cremated Monday with senior leaders, party workers and a large number of local people congregating at Bansi Ghat in Bulandshahr’s Narora town for the last rites.

R a j ve e r S i n g h l i t his father’s pyre at the funeral attended by senior BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

The two-time CM, who had also been the Rajasthan Governor, died at a Lucknow hospital on Saturday after spending weeks in the ICU. A H i n d u t va i c o n , Singh was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister when ‘Kar Sevaks” demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

The others present at the cremation ground were UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, BJP leader Uma Bharti, besides a number of state ministers,

Amit Shah pays homage to former UP chief minister Kalyan Singh during his funeral, in Aligarh, Aug 23. (PTI)

BJP workers and local people, officials said.

They said Singh was cremated with full state honours after his mortal remains were brought here from Ahilya Bai Holkar stadium in Aligarh, where they were kept for the people to pay their last respect.

From Aligarh, the late BJP leader’s body was first taken to Atrauli, near his native village Madholi, and was kept there for ‘darshan’, before being taken to Narora.

In Atrauli, Singh’s mortal remains were kept in the PWD Guest House, where various dignitaries, including Union Home

Minister Amit Shah, Madhya Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BJP state president Swatantra D ev S i n g h p a i d t h e i r tributes.

A Lodhi leader, Kalyan Singh was instrumental in the rise of the BJP to power in Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s.

He is sur vived by his wife Ramvati Devi, son Rajveer Singh, who is the Lok Sabha MP from Etah, and grandson Sandeep Singh, who is the minister of state for finance, technical education and medical education in Uttar Pradesh.

Afghan crisis: India brings back 146 of its evacuated nationals from Doha 5 women Army officers get NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different f l i g h t s f r o m Q a t a r ’s capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country.

People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India’s mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul following its takeover by the Taliban over a week back, they said.

It was the second batch of Indians to be brought back from Doha after their evacuation from Kabul. A

total of 135 Indians were flown back to Delhi from Doha in a special flight on Sunday.

Out of the second batch of Indians who returned home from Doha, 104 people were brought back in a Vistara flight, 30 by a Qatar Airways flight and 11 of them returned by an Indigo flight.

One person returned by an Air India flight, they said.

I n d i a o n S u n d ay brought back 392 people including two Afghan l aw m a k e r s i n t h r e e different flights under the evacuation mission amid a continued scramble by various countries to rescue their citizens from Kabul. People who were stranded in crisis-hit Afghanistan The total number of arrive by a special repatriation flight of IAF at the Hindan people evacuees included Air Force Station, in Ghaziabad, Sunday, Aug. 22. (PTI)

Chhattisgarh CM, Minister to meet Rahul amid reports of rift dp-4079

ADMISSION NOTICE

Rahul Gandhi

uproar demanding a House panel probe into Congress MLA Brihaspat Singh’s charge that the Minister was behind an attack on him.

Deo and Baghel have been making several trips to the national capital. Deo, for the record, maintains that “Sonia Gandhiji and Rahul Gandhiji will decide.”

Following his visit, Baghel also rushed to the national capital in July this year.

During his Delhi visit, Baghel said he would abide by the decision of the leadership and returned to Raipur in the same plane with Deo. After the 2018 Assembly elections, names of Baghel, Deo, Charan Das Mahant and Tamradhwaj Sahu were doing rounds for the post of the chief minister in the state. However, Baghel emerged as the winner after having several meetings with the Congress top leadership.

There also have been reports that Congress had adopted CM post-sharing formula to accommodate B a g h e l a n d D e o. T h e Congress has completed two and half years in the state in June this year.

Applications are invited from girl applicant of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura to fill the open Admission seats of the following 4 - year degree courses: 1. Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Community Science 2. Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Food Nutrition & Dietetics in College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University, Sangsanggre, P.O./P.S. Dobasipara, Tura, West Garo Hills Meghalaya - 794005 for the academic session 2021-22 commencing from 1st October, 2021.

Applicants must have 1. Passed Higher Secondary (10+2) with minimum 50% marks in aggregate of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Mathematics or Agriculture for General and OBC categories and 40% marks for SC/ST/PH/In-service categories; 2. Attained 16 years of age on 31st August, 2021.

Applications will be obtainable from the college and University website (www.cau.ac.in). Duly filled applications along with attested copies of mark sheets, pass certificates of HSLC and HSSLC, birth certificate as age proof, transfer certificate, domicile certificate, OBC/Caste/Tribe certificate and passport size photograph and a proof of application fee deposit should be mailed to Email ID. chscacademic@ gmail.com on or before 15 Sept. 2021. The soft copy of the duly filled application along with the required documents to be uploaded in a single PDF file in the name of the applicant.

The applicant must be domicile of any of the state mentioned.

An Application fee of Rs. 300/- to be deposited in favour of Dean, College of Home Science, Account No. 37532360806, IFSC Code: SBIN0007311, Branch: Dobasipara. The hard copy of the duly filled application along with the required documents and two passport size photographs has to be sent by post to Dean, College of Community Science. For further queries contact: 03651-233786.

2.

3.

4.

CHANDIGARH, AUG 2 3 ( AG E N C I E S ) : A selection board of the Indian Army has cleared the way for promotion of five women officers to the rank of Colonel (Time Scale) after completion of 26 years of service.

This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Cor ps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel.

Previously, promotion

to the rank of Colonel was only applicable to women officers in the Ar my Medical Cor ps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC). The first woman officer to get promoted to the rank of Colonel belongs to JAG. The widening of promotion avenues to more branches of the Indian Army is a sign of increasing career opportunities for women officers, an army spokesperson said.

Name of the Post

Essential Education Qualification and Age Desirable (a) Graduate/ Post Graduate in Psychology (i) Experience in providing career/ educational or Post Graduate in Child Development or counseling to students in a reputed school Graduate/ Post Graduate with Diploma in in CBSE affiliated school(s) will be given Career Guidance and Counselling. preference.

Counsellor – 01 Post (b) Age between 21 – 40 years as on 01 Oct (ii) Having proficiency in sports, interest in 2021. extracurricular activities/hobbies and aptitude (c) Proficiency in teaching Hindi and English for residential schoollife and proficiency in medium. computer are desirable. (a) Potential Band Master/ Band Major/ Drum Major course or equivalent.

Band Master – 01 Post -(b) Preferably Ex-Servicemen age below 50 years as on 01 Oct 2021. (a) Should have passed Matriculation or (i) B.A/ B.Sc/ B.Com Degree/ Diploma in Home equivalent examination.

Science of having done dietitians Course and have basic medical knowledge including first PEM/ PTI-cum-Matron (b) Age below 50 years as on 01 Oct 2021. aid.

(Female) – 02 Posts (ii) Attainments in Sports/Art/Music. (iii) Mature lady without encumbrances and with experience of handling children with affection will be preferred. (a) Should have passed Matriculation or (i) Intermediate/ Pre University/ Diploma in equivalent examination.

Intermediate of having done dietitians Course and have basic medical knowledge including (b) Age below 50 years as on 01 Oct 2021. first aid. (ii) Attainments in Sports/Art/Music.

Ward Boy – 04 Posts (iii) Person without encumbrances and with experience of handling children with affection will be preferred. (iv) Preferably Ex-Armed Force/ Retired Armed Force.

1. Perks/Benefit: (a) The Consolidated salary for the posts mentioned in Ser No. 1 is ` 22,000/-, for Ser No. 2 & 3 is ` 18,000/- pm and for Ser No. 4 is ` 14,000/- pm respectively.

2. Tenure of Employment: The appointment is till Academic session 2021-22 (31 Mar 2022). During contractual appointment, if school vacation falls during the period, the contractual employees will be given break without pay for that vacation period.

3. How to apply? Eligible candidates may apply in the prescribed format as available at www.sainikschoolpunglwa.nic.in with one recent passport size photograph to the ‘Principal, Sainik School, Punglwa BPO, Medziphema SO, Dist – Peren (Nagaland), PIN – 797106’ along with photocopies of the Mark Sheets and testimonials, unstamped self addressed envelope and a Demand Draft for ` 300/- for General and ` 100/- for SC/ ST (all non-refundable) drawn in favour of ‘Principal, Sainik School, Punglwa’, payable at SBI, Medziphema (Code No.6759). No TA/DA is admissible. Incomplete applications shall be summarily rejected.

Last Date of receipt of applications in the School: 17 SEPTEMBER 2021 (FRIDAY).

4. Important Instructions: (a) Applicants are to clearly mention their Correspondence Address, Email ID and Mobile Number in the Application Form to enable the school to communicate schedule of selection tests at short notice to the shortlisted candidates. (b) Shortlisted candidates will be called for selection tests (Written Test, Demonstration & Interview). (c) Shortlisted Applicants are to bring their testimonials in original at the time of attending the selection test in support of their qualifications/ experiences as mentioned in the application failing which their candidature will not be entertained. (d) No TA/DA will be admissible for attending the selection tests. (e) Selected candidates should be ready to accept responsibilities in a residential school. (f) Only Indian Nationals are to apply.

5. The School Administration reserves the right to cancel vacancy due to administrative reasons without assigning any reasons whatsoever.

For details visit: www.sainikschoolpunglwa.nic.in

Sd/(N. Singh) I/c. Dean dc-801

promoted to rank of Colonel

[Under Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, Govt of India and Affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education] (Phone-03839-262010) APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE FOLLOWING POSTS ON PURELY CONTRACTUAL BASIS

1.

TURA, WEST GARO HILLS : MEGHALAYA - 794005

the Afghan capital.

The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on August 16.

The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian d i p l o m a t s, o f f i c i a l s, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17.

The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, in the backdrop of the withdrawal of the US forces.

SAINIK SCHOOL PUNGLWA (NAGALAND)

Ser No.

COLLEGE OF COMMUNITY SCIENCE, CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (IANS): Amid reports of infighting in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and state Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo will meet former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday in the national capital, a party leader said.

According to the Congress leader, Baghel and Deo will meet Rahul Gandhi at his residence on Tuesday and will discuss several issues. The two state leaders will also meet Chhattisgarh in-charge P.L. Punia and others. The meeting assumes significance following the exit of the Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev from the party recently.

The Congress has earlier faced similar situation in Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and some northeastern states.

There were several reports of differences between Baghel and Deo, with the latter lobbying hard for months to replace Chief Minister Baghel. On July 27, Deo walked out of the Assembly saying “it is too much” after the opposition created an

the first batch of 135 Indians who were flown back from Doha.

It is learnt that the I n d i a n s eva c u a t e d t o Doha from Kabul were employees of a number of foreign companies that were operating in Afghanistan and they were flown out of Kabul

by NATO and American aircraft.

The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban’s capture of Kabul, India evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in

dc-802

Sd/-xxx Principal

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXI NO. 259 DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

F

Right to collect

or a state that mostly depends on import of most of its essential items, the unchecked upward spiral of prices spells disaster to the low income and daily wage earners in the state and this is a serious matter. There have been various organisations which have aired concern over the ‘unchecked’ upward spiral of prices of essential commodities but the authorities responsible have somehow remained either reluctant or shy of doing what needed to be done to control prices. It is a fact that prices of various commodities in Dimapur are subjected to the inflationary trends caused, not by market forces but non-market forces in the form of various state and non-state actors who have been literally fleecing all and sundry through unauthorised/illegal and unabated taxation. These are the unwanted trends that have caused upward escalation of prices. The “state actors” as the name implies, are state government departments such as forest, excise, geology & mining, veterinary & animal husbandry, Dimapur Municipal Council and taxes departments which justify their dubious activities as responsibilities under the guise of collecting “authorised taxes” such as royalty on mineral and forest produce, animal health, sales tax or municipal tax. State levy tax on vehicles carrying minerals or forest produce or excise items etc.

The taxation department also collects tax from vehicles on taxable goods. The veterinary & animal husbandry department also collects tax on every vehicle carrying livestock or poultry products. The amount of taxes collected in a day is huge and the approximate amount could be anywhere between Rs.10 lakh to Rs.20 lakh in a day. Again, there are those “non-state actors” such as nearly a hundred unions and over nine Naga Political Groups(NPGs) who have made tax collection as their main activity. NPGs also collect tax from every vehicle entering Nagaland and the rate depending on the number of wheels. A truck with six wheels is charged around Rs.15,000 and this increases if trucks have more wheels. Even the state police personnel deployed at check gates collect “unauthorised taxes” from drivers of trucks before allowing them to pass through.

There have been far too many write ups in the local media about the vain efforts of some well meaning CSOs to discourage illegal and unabated collections at inter-state border gates as well as within municipal areas. It may be recalled, that the most significant decision that the state government made was in 2009 and later, 2012 when the chief secretary issued an executive order banning all forms of cash collections, in any manner, be it fee, welfare tax or any other tax under whatever guise. Nagaland Voluntary Consumer Organisation (NVCO) had in 2009, demanded that the State Chief Secretary enforce the order banning the collection of cash and taxes by any organization or individual, including government departments such as Police, Excise, Forest and Taxes Departments, at the check-gate or in any part of the highway, be strictly implemented. It may also be recalled that the Gauhati High Court on June 3,2014 prohibited unions/associations/ federations etc from collecting cash under the plea of fee or donation at national or state highways besides and establishing any collection/ information centres along the highways. These are the “agencies” which are responsible for upwards spiral of prices. In order to regulate prices, the government has to act without haste otherwise, such illegal and unacceptable taxes will become entrenched and stagnate the much needed economic growth.

DailyDevotion Prayer—Battle in “The Secret Place” When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. —Matthew 6:6

Jesus did not say, “Dream about your Father who is in the secret place,” but He said, “…pray to your Father who is in the secret place….” Prayer is an effort of the will. After we have entered our secret place and shut the door, the most difficult thing to do is to pray. We cannot seem to get our minds into good working order, and the first thing we have to fight is wandering thoughts.

The great battle in private prayer is overcoming this problem of our idle and wandering thinking. We have to learn to discipline our minds and concentrate on willful, deliberate prayer.

We must have a specially selected place for prayer, but once we get there this plague of wandering thoughts begins, as we begin to think to ourselves, “This needs to be done, and I have to do that today.” Jesus says to “shut your door.” Having a secret stillness before God means deliberately shutting the door on our emotions and remembering Him. God is in secret, and He sees us from “the secret place”— He does not see us as other people do, or as we see ourselves. When we truly live in “the secret place,” it becomes impossible for us to doubt God. We become more sure of Him than of anyone or anything else. Enter into “the secret place,” and you will find that God was right in the middle of your everyday circumstances all the time. Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless you learn to open the door of your life completely and let God in from your first waking moment of each new day, you will be working on the wrong level throughout the day. But if you will swing the door of your life fully open and “pray to your Father who is in the secret place,” every public thing in your life will be marked with the lasting imprint of the presence of God.

Quotes

People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them. ~ Epictetus

T

he Talibans takeover of Afghanistan has once again put a big question mark on its future, but it has also offered a glimmer of hope for the redevelopment of this warravaged country utilising its natural resources.

The Taliban have once again captured the power in Afghanistan. In one of the swiftest operations the Taliban took control of all major cities including Kabul within a ten-days period. This feat has however, put them in a tight bind on whether to continue with their old traits or try to portray a new picture of the Taliban, which has moved along with the world in the last 20 years and one which is more pragmatic and tolerant and most of all which is politically savvy not violence prone.

A widely held belief is that the Taliban would like to be seen as more pragmatic and inclusive force rather than the one, which brutally ruled Afghanistan earlier. Whatsoever be the case, it would be reckoned by the group’s attitudes towards jihadis and other militants present in Afghanistan, ethnic and religious minorities, women and governance.

Future Government It has been a week since the Taliban captured the national capital but they are yet to announce any government and its structure. This has led to

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

Afghanistan’s future

speculations that intense political activities are going on behind the scenes and the world is waiting with bated breath to know the outcome. In the meantime Taliban have tried to calm concerns about their rule by urging women to join a government that has yet to be formed, declaring an amnesty for people employed by the former government or US and other foreign forces. To assuage these feelings, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in May that the group, once in power, would write laws to ensure the participation of women in public life.

However, reports from Kabul indicate that the former President Hamid Karzai and former Minister of External Affairs Abdullah Abdullah are still present in the city. This leads credence to the fact that any future government might be based on Islamic foundations but it might be an amalgamation of Islamic and liberal democratic principles.

Karzai and Taliban’s current supremo Haibatullah Akhundzade are relatives and belong to the Popalzai tribe, tracing their lineage to the Durrani clan.

So in a possible scenario Haibatullah might lead the Islamic Council, wielding control and power, as in the past and Karzai might be named as the president or prime minister of the new government, in

which Abdullah Abdullah might also be included.

In addition, non-Taliban leaders like Hizb-i-Islami’s Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and former deputy president Karim Khalili might also be included in the new setup.

Further, we also have to take into consideration the rise of young blood amongst the Taliban ranks.

Figures such as Mulla Yaqoob, son of former Taliban supremo Mulla Umar now leads its military branch and is credited with the swift capture of power in the country with less bloodshed. This young generation is tech and media savvy, many Taliban leaders now announce the latest developments on Twitter.

Coupled with this the Taliban delegation, which took part in the Doha talks, has experienced exposure to the liberal views and they might be more amenable to a not strictly Islamic form of government. As far as the role of Taliban is concerned, they were accepted as an important political force when the former American president invited them to the Doha Talks, lending credence to them as a group, which needs to be engaged with for any feasible solution of the on-going war.

Afghanistan’s mineral wealth T h e Ta l i b a n’s r e surgence has once again brought renewed focus on Afghanistan’s vast un-

tapped mineral wealth and resources that could transform its economic prospects if developed judiciously. Some conspiracy theories circulated earlier, which claimed that behind the on-going military campaign in Afghanistan, the American experts were also exploring the mineral deposits in Afghanistan.

Lending credence to these theories, CNN on August 17 carried a story, which said that Afghanistan possesses mineral deposits worth nearly $1 trillion. Iron, copper and gold deposits are scattered across provinces. There are also rare earth minerals and, perhaps most importantly, what could be one of the world’s biggest deposits of lithium — an essential but scarce component in rechargeable batteries and other technologies vital to tackling the climate crisis.

Said Mirzad, former head of the Afghanistan Geological Survey, told Science magazine in 2010 that if Afghanistan has a few years of calm, allowing the development of its mineral resources, it could become one of the richest countries in the region within a decade.

Three countries, which have been wooing the Taliban based on this assessment, are Iran, China and India. All of them could provide the expertise, infrastructure and labour force for the further prospecting,

mining and processing of these minerals.

Iran and China have been early starters in this regard. Iran has been hosting Taliban delegations to Teheran since last year and in late July 2021, before the recent developments, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with a delegation led by the head of the Afghan Taliban political committee Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Tianjin.

India on its part began engaging with the Taliban leaders in Doha since September 2020 when the intra-Afghan dialogue began even as New Delhi refused to spell out its policy clearly and said it continues to engage with “all stakeholders”.

Afghan Psyche Before commenting on the future of Afghanistan, we have to understand the geographic location, socio-cultural fabric and the internal forces, besides the Afghan psyche, all of which have always managed to play a key role in any political activity in the country.

The tribal Pashtun population of Afghanistan, which approximately is 42 per cent has always enjoyed political influence both at the local and national stage. The Pashtun by virtue of being the largest tribe in the south and east has always dominated the national politics of Afghanistan, since the time

of Ahmad Shah Durrani (1722-72).

Moreover, the central authority in Kabul has always governed the country through a loosely federal structure. Which means that the central law was more or less observed in major cities and some smaller cities, but at the district and village level the tribal writ was imposed with a heavy hand.

Added to this is the overall Afghan psyche, which has always remained fiercely independent and loyal to its tribal and clan ties besides being devout Muslims. To control them through a loose federal system remains the only wise choice, so as to let the tribal and clan ties continue and dominate the rural population but the major decisions are taken by the powers in the big cities.

This might be one of the reasons, which is forcing Taliban to evolve a government, which rules with an iron fist from the centre but at the village and district level the local tribes manage their affairs in their own style whilst participating in the development of the rural areas and the country as a whole.

Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. He writes on Muslims, educational, international affairs, interfaith and current affairs. @asad-mirza.blogspot. com (IANS)

Post-mortem

Is it ok to be gay?

majority of people now are in blood is upon them. transgression. Under the law, favor of gay marriage and homo(GW) When a man has sexu- some sins were punished more sexual rights. However, Romans al intercourse with another man as severely than others. Some sins 12:2 says, with a woman, both men are doing required a sacrifice or some form Do not be conformed to this something disgusting and must be of restitution. When Miriam world, but be transformed by the put to death. They deserve to die. criticized Moses for marrying an renewal of your mind, that by Some have said, rather dis- Ethiopian woman, she was struck testing you may discern what is missively, “Sin is sin.” Yes, in one with leprosy. God healed her but the will of God, what is good and sense that’s true, there are many she had to remain outside the acceptable and perfect. people in hell today who never camp for seven days. But Leviti(Passion) Stop imitating the practice homosexuality. And as cus 20:13 says if two men have ideals and opinions of the culture James 2:10 says, For whoever sex with each other, they shall around you keeps the whole law but fails in surely be put to death.

Years ago in America, I read The Biblical Christian is a one point has become accountable non-conformist. He will never be for all of it. If a person breaks an article in the newspaper, in the popular in a godless society. He even one of God’s commands, he religious section where the writer would have to compromise to be is guilty of sin and deserving of attempted to explain that the reason God destroyed Sodom and accepted by this world. punishment.

Notice that 1 Corinthians But on the other hand, when Gomorrah was because of their 6:9 lists those who practice ho- people say, “Sin is sin,” they’re lack of hospitality. But of course, mosexuality as unrighteousness, trying to minimize the wrong- that’s laughable.

(To be concluded) that it is sin. Some will respond, fulness of it. They’re trying to “But God loves all gay people.” equate homosexuality with other John Roughton True, and he also loves, idolaters, lesser evils. Leviticus 20:13 calls John Roughton Ministries, inc. thieves, drunkards, and swindlers. having sex with the same gen- a.k.a Spirit of Faith International But loving the sinner is not an der an abomination. That’s not PO Box 56530 endorsement of sinful behavior. something God said about every Virginia Beach, VA 23456 USA If it is ok to be gay, then should we also say it’s ok to worship idols? Is it ok to steal and cheat others? Is it ok to commit adultery? Is greed ok?

Is it ok to be a drunkard?

Should we celebrate drunkenness? Why not name July “Drunk Month”? Have a big parade in the center of town and let the government pay for it. Why not encourage even little children to experiment with alcohol so they Sir, won’t be biased against those who Having experienced much difficulty and contemplating for quite are alcoholics? some time, I am obligated to pen my concern on my own behalf and, Because it’s wrong, it’s harmful. It destroys families and lives. I believe, for a significant section of the populace. I do not own a And likewise so is homosexuality. private vehicle and thus have to resort to public/commercial conveySome have said, “Jesus never ance for my daily commute to and from office and also for other spoke against homosexuality. works outside of home.

With the restriction of plying auto-rickshaws within the busy GS He never mentioned it, so we Road and Church Road stretch, a bulk of the public without private shouldn’t either.” He also never vehicles are facing immense difficulty as they have to commute by spoke against rape or incest or transgenderism —because he auto-rickshaws for both or either official and personal works. A madidn’t need to. The Old Testament jor section of the populace cannot afford private vehicles, be it four already forbade these things. All wheelers or two wheelers; hence the pinch is being faced on a daily Scripture is inspired by God, and basis by this section of the populace who has to venture out of home the Word is perfectly clear that for their livelihood as they have to take long detours and pay extra God does not approve of homo- fare because of the said detour.

I also understand that with the allowance of auto-rickshaw within sexuality. the said routes would pose traffic issues to some extent as our streets Some will say, “But I know several gays, and they’re nice are stretched to its limit by the ever increasing number of vehicles. people, so kind and gentle. I wish Nevertheless, the poorer public with no private conveyance are as more Christians were like this.” much as citizens as those with the luxury of private conveyance. The I’ve known people who were district authority/concerned authority as such must strategise to bring thieves and drug addicts who a balance so that the poorer section of the society are not made to dole were nice people. There are some out beyond their means for something which the concerned authority convicts in jail, some for murder, may well be able to streamline with strategic planning.

Hence, I earnestly appeal the District Administration/ Dimapur and some of them are nice people.

Being sweet and nice isn’t really Police, Traffic Control Zone/ concerned authority to kindly look into the matter and do needful to ease the burden of many who are facing the issue. immense difficulty in commuting within the Dimapur town area for Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as varied purposes. The public facing the brunt will ever remain gratewith a woman, both of them have ful for the consideration and planning that is inclusive for both the committed an abomination; they privileged and the less privileged.

Naro Longkumer, Prodigals’ Home, Dimapur shall surely be put to death; their Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. In most western countries, homosexuality is now accepted, even celebrated. To date, 29 countries permit and recognize homosexual marriage. Major cities around the world host “Pride” marches, parades, and other events to promote the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender lifestyle.

Two previous US Presidents have officially declared June as “Pride Month.” Canada’s $1 coin commemorates Gay rights. The government of Argentina openly funds many homosexual events.

In Norway, you can have a sexchange operation at no expense.

That country also offers “expressmarriage” where homosexuals can be married within five days, regardless of their nationality.

Belgium has several openly gay politicians, including a former prime minister. The transportation secretary of the US is a homosexual, married to another man.

Many western countries include LGBT-friendly curriculum in their schools to promote acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle, even at the elementary school level. Four states in America have made teaching LGBTQ history mandatory.

In several countries, it is considered a “hate” crime to even voice opposition to the homosexual lifestyle. In 2011 in Manchester, England a man named John Craven was arrested and held for 19 hours by the police for simply openly stating his views on homosexuality. In 2005 a 63-yearold Pentecostal pastor in Sweden was sentenced to one month in jail for calling homosexuality a “cancerous tumor.” However, the conviction was later overturned.

In 2018 the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality. In 2019 legislation was passed that permitted a person to legally change his gender after having a sex change operation.

And there are a large number of Indian celebrities and activists who have voiced their support of the LGBT movement.

There is no doubt that acceptance of homosexuality has reached record levels around the world. Even many in the churchworld have accepted homosexu-

ality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Some have openly embraced it.

The pastor of the largest church in America stated that while he would not officiate a gay wedding, he would consider attending one. One assistant pastor of a large church said to me recently, “If you back me into a corner, I’ll admit that homosexuality is wrong.” In other words, he did not feel comfortable expressing that view openly.

I know a young woman in America who was quite effective in reaching the lost for Christ. She seemed to have real compassion for the poor and downtrodden in society. I’m not sure if she was a Rhema graduate, but she certainly associated with “word of faith” ministries. She was present at some of the same conferences that I also attended. She preached in one church that I had in the past ministered in.

She began posting comments on social media to the effect that God loves all people regardless of their sexual orientation and Christians are often bigoted towards others. But eventually, she disclosed that she was in fact, a lesbian and married another woman.

A close friend of mine held a week-long meeting in a “word of faith-type” church in Australia a few years ago. Afterward, while having dinner with the pastor, my friend in the course of the conversation, expressed his opposition to homosexuality. The pastor said, “If we had known this is how you feel, we would have never had to speak in our church.”

So the question remains and cannot be ignored: What should be the Christian’s view of homosexuality? Should the LGBTQ agenda be tolerated or even embraced?

Since the mores of society have largely shifted in the past few years, should the church modify its stance to be more in step with the culture?

In all matters, the Word of God is the standard by which we must live. As Psalm 100:5 (NKJV) His truth endures to all generations. In Matthew 24:35 Jesus said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Truth is not what’s trending. God’s Word doesn’t change with the shifting sands of public opinion. Malachi 3:6 says, For I the LORD do not change.

God hasn’t changed his mind, why should we?

Some people will cite various polls that show an overwhelming

Reader’s Post

Are the main town roads only for the privileged?

7

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

India’s first smog tower inaugurated in Delhi Govt calls all-party meet on Afghanistan

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the “country’s first smog tower” at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results.

He also said that the concentration of PM2.5 has reduced from 150 micrograms per cubic metre to 100 µg/m³ and that of PM10 has dipped from 300 µg/m³ to 150 µg/m³ in the national capital since 2014 due to the efforts made in the last few years.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles which penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system.

“This is the first such smog tower in the country.

It’s a new technology. We have imported it from the US. The structure will suck polluted air from above and release clean air from below.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses during the inauguration of a Smog Tower in New Delhi, Aug 23. (PTI)

It will purify 1,000 cubic metres of air per second,” Kejriwal told reporters.

Since it’s a new technology, it is being implemented on an experimental basis. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) built the smog tower with technical support from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi, which will analyse its data.

NBCC India Ltd. is the project management consultant, he said.

“The experts will anal-

yse the functioning of the smog tower and tell us if it is effective. If it is successful, many such smog towers can be installed across Delhi. If not, we will work on some other technology... I think it will prove to be a milestone,” he added.

“Data analysis will start immediately. The initial trends will be available within a month... I am also excited to know if we succeeded or not,” the chief

minister said.

The over 24-metre-tall structure will help improve air quality in a radius of around 1 km, according to officials.

The Delhi cabinet had approved the smog tower project in October last year.

A two-year pilot study will ascertain the effectiveness of the smog tower. A control room has been set up at the site to monitor its operations, an official said.

Another 25-metre-tall smog tower, built by the central government at Anand Vihar, is expected to become operational by August 31.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the nodal agency for the smog tower at Connaught Place, while the Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for the one at Anand Vihar.

The two towers will have 1,200 air filters each developed by experts at the University of Minnesota in the United States, which also helped design a 100-metre smog tower in Xian, China.

The smog towers, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore each, are estimated to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 up to 70 per cent within a onekm radius.

The Supreme Court had in January last year directed the central government to construct a smog tower to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another such structure at Connaught Place in three months.

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): The government has called an all-party meeting on Thursday on the developments in Afghanistan.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief the floor leaders of political parties on the present situation in Afghanistan in the in-person meeting.

T h e g ove r n m e n t ’s briefing is expected to focus on its evacuation mission from Afghanistan as well as its assessment of the situation in the war-torn country in the wake of the Taliban seizing control of almost all key Afghan towns and cities, including Kabul.

“Floor Leaders of Political Parties would be briefed by EAM @DrSJaishankar on the present situation in Afghanistan, on 26th August, 11 am in Main Committee Room, PHA, New Delhi. Invites are being sent through email. All concerned are requested to attend,” Joshi tweeted.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that representatives of her party, the Trinamool

S Jaishankar

Congress, will attend the meeting.

“We will definitely be attending Thursday’s allparty meeting on Afghanistan,” the TMC supremo told reporters at the state secretariat in Kolkata.

Earlier, Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to brief the floor leaders of the political parties.

“In view of developments in Afghanistan, PM @narendramodi has instructed that MEA brief Floor Leaders of political parties. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs @JoshiPralhad will be intimating

further details,” Jaishankar said on Twitter.

The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month following the withdrawal of the US forces from the country.

As part of its evacuation mission from Afghanistan, India has already brought back around 730 people including members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities.

The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban’s capture of Kabul, India had evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital.

Owaisi targets Puri for remarks that Afghan situation shows need for CAA Praful Patel appears in ED

Asaduddin Owaisi

who are now coming in to India WITH proper visas. Did you not read the law your govt enacted with such bravado? Or are you deliberately misleading?” Owaisi tweeted.

He claimed that the Afghanistan refugees would have been benefitted from a religion-neutral law that he demanded but the government did not accept.

“I’d demanded a religion-neutral

law that would have actually helped these refugees, but that was too much for religionobsessed sarkar. Such a law would have not only helped these minorities, but also those Afghans who were working with us in our 4 consulates & embassy,” he said in another tweet.

Further, the Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad also accused the government of lacking “foresight”, saying “exclusion” of “persecuted” Hazaras, Tajiks and Uzbeks of Afghanistan was also a “strategic blunder” that he had warned earlier.

The government of India has undertaken an evacuation exercise to airlift Hindus, Sikhs and natives from the neighbouring country.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which came into force from January 10, 2020, witnessed widespread protests across the country with Delhi emerging as a hub of resistance against the legislation.

Most of the Opposition parties vocif-

erously protested against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, introduced in Parliament by the Modi government, alleging it was “communal” in nature. The CAA grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on the ground of religious persecution faced by them in their native country.

India on August 17 announced that it will issue an emergency e-visa to Afghan nationals who want to come to the country in view of the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. All Afghans, irrespective of their religion, can apply for the ‘e-Emergency XMisc Visa’ online and the applications will be processed in New Delhi.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs reviews visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of electronic visa called ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India,” a home ministry spokesperson had said.

‘Find a solution’: SC to Centre on roads blocked due to farmers’ protest NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to find a solution to the blockade of roads in Delhi-NCR, against the backdrop of the ongoing farmers’ protest against the three agriculture laws.

Noida resident Monicca Agarwaal had moved the top court challenging the road blockade caused by farmers protesting at DelhiNoida border.

File photo of farmers protest.

Saying that she is a single parent and also had two hours instead of nor- Hrishikesh Roy noted prosome medical issues, the mal 20 minutes. testors have a right to propetitioner claimed that her A bench of Justices test at a designated space travel to Delhi was taking Sanjay Kishan Kaul and but they cannot block the

outflow and inflow of traffic. “Solution lies in the hands of Union of India and state governments,” said the bench.

It told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who representing the Centre that “You have to find a solution, they might have the right to a place to agitate, but the roads cannot be blocked like this.”

The bench scheduled the matter for further hearing on September 20. “You now have enough time.

Please work out something,” the bench told Mehta.

The Uttar Pradesh government, in its affidavit, said there are at present 141 tents and 31 langars around the area, the protestors have installed a platform on the flyover from where leaders give speeches, and a media house has also been made below the flyover.

“At present, there are about 800-1,000 protestors in the area, however, a crowd of up to 15,000 protestors collect on their call within hours from adjoining towns and villages,” it said.

The state government added that as per top court

order on March 26, 2021, police and state administration have approached the protestors/farmers with the orders passed by the court and have made tireless efforts to make them understand “their grossly illegal act” of blocking public roads causing inconvenience to travellers.

“That large numbers of the protestors are very old and aged farmers from various districts of the state who require to take up precautions during the Covid-19 wave. That the efforts of intervention are still in process.”

Praful Patel

M U M BA I , AU G 2 3 (IANS): Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Monday arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office here in connection with the Iqbal Mirchi money laundering case.

According to ED officials, the NCP leader came at the agency’s office here in the afternoon and left after some time. Speaking to media, Patel said, “I had come to sign some papers at ED office with respect to Iqbal Mirchi case.”

Praful had earlier been questioned on several occasions by the ED in connection with the money laundering probe involving Mirchi, a close aide of Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. The ED registered money laundering case

against Mirchi’s wife and others in September 2019.

A criminal case was filed against Mirchi, his family members and others for alleged illegal dealings in the purchase and sale of Ceejay House, Sahil Bungalow, Rabia Mansion, Marium Lodge, and Sea View properties in prime locations in Mumbai.

Ceejay House is located at Worli and Arun Chambers in Tardeo area of Mumbai, worth Rs 76 crore.

Other properties are worth Rs 500 crore, including Sahil Bungalow, Rabia Mansion, Marium Lodge, and Sea View in Worli, three commercial shops in Crawford Market, and five acres of land in Lonawala.

The ED has so far arrested several accused, including Kapil Wadhawan, Dheeraj Wadhawan and Humayun Merchant. The agency filed a charge sheet in December 2019 in a Special PMLA court.

The ED till date has attached properties to the tune of Rs 798 crore in India and abroad under the PMLA provisions of Mirchi and his family members. A court here has declared Mirchi’s wife and two sons as “fugitive economic offenders”.

OFFICE OF THE

OLD AREE VILLAGE COUNCIL Wokha : Nagaland

FELICITATION

Khalid calls Delhi riots conspiracy case cooked up, points to contradictions

With immense pride and joy, the Old Aree Village Council would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to:1. Students who have cleared HSLC & HSSLC Examinations 2020-21.

2. We would like to applaud Mr. M. Lansothung Lotha, S/o. Mr. Mhabemo Murry for achieving the Post of Junior Accounts Assistant (JAA), Directorate of Treasury and Accounts, Nagaland.

The OAVC wishes them the best for their future endeavours.

Liponthung Lotha Chairman, OAVC

Yihamo Yanthan Secretary, OAVC

OFFICE OF THE

KOHIMA VILLAGE COUNCIL, KOHIMA

k-1554

Ref. No. KVC/CORRESP/2020-21/110

YANGPI EMPLOYEES' UNION, P.O - TUENSANG, B.P.O-YANGPI TUENSANG : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

With immense pride and joy, the Yangpi Employees' Union would like to congratulates Shri Lanuakum Chang for being confrred the award of Governor's Commendation Certificate on 75 th Independence Day, 2021.

The Union wishes him good luck and success in his future endeavours.

R. B. Chingmak President

Imnetmangyang General Secretary

Date 23/08,2021

FELICITATION The Kohima Village Council with due honour and gratitude to the Japanese foreign ministry, would like to express our sincere appreciation and congratulations to "Ajanuo Belho" (D/o Late Vilalhoulie Belho, Director of Nagaland State Tourism Department, a bona-fide Citizen of our Village for been awarded the 'Japanese foreign ministers commendation 2021", for "Promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and India".

The Kohima Village Council further wishes and prayers that the Almighty God will continue to grant her with unbounded grace, bestowing her with good health, wisdom and success in all her future endeavours.

dp-4119

Khalid conspired with other accused on January 8 to cause riots during former US President Donald Trump’s visit, however, the news about his visit was announced only in February.

“These are the kind of lies they are peddling.

This is a joke. This FIR is a cooked-up theory. Is it that easy to prosecute people?

Umar Khalid Do you have no responsiute video clip of Khalid’s bility as a prosecution?” speech in Maharashtra, Pais said. which the prosecution had allegedly labelled inflamOFFICE OF THE matory.

NATSÜMI KIPHIMI KÜQHAKULU The lawyer, pursuant to showing the video, apFELICITATION prised the court that his cliThe Natsümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu ent did not give any call for conveys our heartiest congratulations violence through the speech to Mr. ISATO SHEQI, S/o Mr. Kiyevi and in fact gave a message Sheqi for his achievement as the of unity to the people.

“A message of unity State Topper in Mathematics in the based on Gandhi ji was HSLC examination 2021. given by Umar Khalid that The Union would also like to day. It was termed as terror. congratulate all the students who Content is not seditious. He have successfully cleared the HSLC is talking about democratic & HSSLC examination 2021 and power. He referred to Gan- further extends best wishes for future endeavor. dhi,” Pais added.

TOKUGHA SHEQI NILOTO SWU Secondly, he argued President, NKK Gen. Secy, NKK that as per the police case,

k-1614

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): Former JNU student leader Umar Khalid, arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, told a Delhi court on Monday that there were various contradictions in the police’s claims and called it a “cooked up” case.

Khalid, along with several others, has been booked under the stringent anti-terror law UAPA. They are accused of being the “masterminds” of the February 2020 violence, which had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.

He has sought bail in the case.

Trideep Pais, Khalid’s lawyer, told additional sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat that the FIR was cooked up and unnecessary, and was used selectively to target and frame them.

The counsel pointed to two contradictions in Delhi Police’s claims. Firstly, he showed the court a 21-min-

office in Iqbal Mirchi case

wc-200

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday targeted Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri for linking the matter of Sikhs and Hindus fleeing the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), questioning whether he was “misleading” on the issue.

Puri, a senior BJP leader, on Sunday outlined the need for the CAA in view of Sikhs and Hindus fleeing Afghanistan taken over by the Taliban on August 15.

“Recent developments in our volatile neighbourhood & the way Sikhs & Hindus are going through a harrowing time are precisely why it was necessary to enact the Citizenship Amendment Act,” he tweeted.

Owaisi, the president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), in a series of tweets questioned Puri’s assertion.

“CAA only applies to UNDOCUMENTED immigrants. It also does not apply beyond 2014. How does it help people

k-1623

Thejao Sekhose Publicity & Press Secretary Kohima Village Council

8

Govt sets Sept 15 deadline for Infosys to fix IT portal glitches

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (IANS): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her meeting with Infosys MD and CEO Salil Parekh has asked the software major to resolve the issues faced by the taxpayers on the Income Tax efiling portal by September 15.

Sitharaman held a meeting with Parekh here in the afternoon to convey the deep disappointment and concerns of the government and the taxpayers about the continuing glitches in the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department, even after two-and-a-half months since its launch, which was also delayed.

The Ministry of Finance emphasised that there is a need for putting in more resources and efforts on the part of Infosys so that the much-delayed delivery of agreed services is ensured. Parekh was also sensitised on the difficulties that the taxpayers are facing and the problems that

are arising on account of the delays in the functioning of the portal, said a Finance Ministry statement.

Parekh assured that the software major is working expeditiously towards ensuring a glitch-free experience in the income tax e-filing portal.

According to the statement, the minister sought an explanation from Infosys for the repeated issues faced by the taxpayers.

The Infosys CEO explained that he and his team are doing everything to ensure the smooth functioning of the portal.

He added that over 750 team members are working on this project with Pravin Rao, the COO of Infosys, personally overseeing it. The new income tax e-filing portal developed by Infosys was launched on June 7 in a

bid to ease the tax filing process and expedite the refund issue.

However, taxpayers have been facing several problems in using the portal since its inception.

In July, the Finance Ministry asked the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to constitute a seven-member task force to look into the technical issues facing the new Income Tax e-filing portal developed by Infosys.

In line with the directive, the ICAI constituted a team to analyse the issues.

During the recent Monsoon Session of the Parliament, Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that Infosys has been paid a total of Rs 164.5 crore under the project.

He had said that the government has launched the new income tax e-filing portal as part of the Integrated E-filing and Centralised Processing Centre 2.0 Project.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

BUSINESS

Gold marginally up amid firm global trend NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Gold price rose marginally by Rs 7 to Rs 46,223 per 10 gram on Monday amid firm global trends and weaker dollar, according to HDFC Securities.

In the previous trade, the precious metal had closed at Rs 46,216 per 10 gram.

Silver also gained Rs 377 to Rs 60,864 per kilogram from Rs 60,487 per kilogram in the previous trade.

The rupee appreciated 13 paise to 74.26 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday.

In the international market, gold was trading with gains at USD 1,785 per ounce and silver was marginally up at USD 23.26 per ounce.

“Gold prices traded firm with spot gold prices at COMEX trading near $1,785 per ounce on Monday,” according to HDFC Securities, Senior Analyst (Commodities), Tapan Patel.

CCI slaps Rs 200 cr penalty on Maruti Suzuki NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday imposed a penalty of Rs 200 crore on Maruti Suzuki for restricting discounts offered by its dealers and directed the country’s largest car maker to cease and desist from indulging in unfair business practices.

Passing an order, the fair trade regulator also flagged practices like appointing ‘Mystery Shopping Agencies’ and preparing ‘Mystery Audit Reports’ as part of enforcing the company’s discount control policy.

The watchdog slapped the fine of Rs 200 crore as it found that Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) indulged in anti-competitive conduct of Resale Price Maintenance (RPM) in the passenger vehicle segment by way of implementing discount control policy vis-a-vis dealers, an official release said on Monday.

MSIL had an agreement with its dealers whereby the dealers were restrained from offering discounts to the customers

beyond those prescribed by it. In other words, the company had a discount control policy and dealers who wanted to offer additional discounts were required to compulsorily seek the company’s prior approval, as per the regulator.

According to the CCI, any dealer found violating the policy was threatened with imposition of penalty, not only upon the dealership but also upon its individual persons, including direct sales executive, regional manager and showroom manager.

To enforce the discount control policy, the watchdog said the company appointed ‘Mystery Shopping Agencies’ (MSAs) who used to pose as customers to MSIL dealerships to find out if any additional discounts were being offered to customers.

“If found offered, the MSA would report to MSIL management with proof (audio/video recording) who, in turn, would send an e-mail to the errant dealership with a ‘Mystery Shopping Audit Report’, confronting them with the

additional discount offered and asking for clarification,” the release said.

Further, the CCI noted that if the clarification offered by the dealer concerned was not satisfactory, then penalty would be imposed on the dealership and its employees, accompanied in some cases, by the threat of stopping supplies.

“MSIL would even dictate to the dealership where the penalty had to be deposited and utilisation of the penalty amount was also done as per the diktats of MSIL,” the release said.

The CCI found that the car maker not only imposed the discount control policy on its dealers but also monitored and enforced the same by monitoring dealers through MSAs, imposing penalties on them and threatening strict action like stoppage of supply, collecting and recovering penalty, and utilisation of the same.

Such activities have resulted in appreciable adverse effect on competition within India, it noted.

Experts warn of imminent 3rd wave of Covid-19 in Sept-Oct

(From p-1) Children with COVID-19 infection have largely been seen to be asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms. But this becomes worrisome in case children have any comorbidity or other special needs. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, out of all the children hospitalised due to COVID, 60-70 percent had comorbidities or low immunity. Children have also been seen to develop MIS-C (Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome) which is a rare but extremely serious condition developed post-COVID recovery, it said.

According to a parliamentary standing committee report in 2015, there is an 82 percent shortage of paediatricians in India’s primary health centres and up to 62.8 percent of positions for paediatricians in community health centres were vacant. The working group committee experts suggested a holistic home care model, immediate increase in paediatric medical capacities and prioritising mental health issues among children, the report said.

Roots of economic recovery deepen in July: ICRA Rupee surges 17 paise to close at 74.22

KAKURO

No. 3660 Yesterday’s solution No. 3659

TaMo to launch mini SUV Punch this Diwali

SALE ! SALE ! SALE !

Unbelievably Low Prices ! @ Symphony Sers Bazar TCP Gate, Kohima LOST NOTICE I, Manoj Das am applying for duplicate copy of B.Com Pass certificate as I have lost it.

Name : Manoj Das F/Name : Suraj Das DoB : 31/12/1996 Roll No. : CH15180314 Regd. No. : 15180066 of 2015 College : Dimapur Government College/Dimapur Contact : 6003631113 dp-4121

LOST NOTICE I, Xutoshe Saghu am applying for duplicate copy of Nagaland University registration card a I have lost it.

Name : Xutoshe Saghu F/Name : Sotha Saghu DoB : 06/10/1995 Roll No. : AH16160086 Regd. No. : 16160259 College : Eastern Christian College, Dimapur Contact No. : 8413819984

Motors President Passenger Vehicle Business Unit Shailesh Chandra said, “Tata PUNCH, as the name suggests, is an energetic vehicle with a capability to go anywhere”.

He further said, “True to the SUV genes of all Tata Motors’ products and catering to the needs of customers, who are looking for a

compact city car with pure SUV characteristics, Punch will be the fourth addition to our SUV family, widening the range of options for all to choose from”.

It is the first SUV built on ALFA-ARC (Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture) platform, developed under Impact 2.0 design language.

JOB VACANCY One Female Receptionist is required for Shreya Tele Media Pvt. Ltd. Age : 20 to 26 Qualification : 10 to graduate

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NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): Indian auto major Tata Motors on Monday said it will launch its mini SUV Punch in the ongoing festive season. Punch SUV is based on the H2X concept, which Tata Motors had showcased at the Auto Expo 2020.

According to the Mint, it will be positioned below the company’s compact SUV Nexon and is expected to hit the market around Diwali this year. Slated for “national launch this festive season”, Tata Motors in a statement said Punch will offer a mix of “tough utility with sporting dynamics”.

It, however, did not disclose further details. Tata

Mobile No. Dimapur - 6909618009 Kohima - 9366112992 /7628011437

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LAND FOR SALE

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No. 4636 Yesterday’s solution No. 4635

ACROSS 3. Jumps (5) 8. Mistake (5) 10. Tree sap (5) 11. Forbid (3) 12. Skinflint (5) 13. Of the sides (7) 15. Japanese padded quilt (5) 18. Corpulence (3) 19. Distant (6) 21. School prefect (7) 22. Water jug (4) 23. Male deer (4) 24. Disfigures (7) 26. Couch (6) 29. Male cat (3) 31. Artist’s stand (5) 32. Deer meat (7) 34. Naked figures (5) 35. Signal agreement (3) 36. Reddish fluid (5) 37. People from Denmark (5) 38. Rips (5) DOWN 1. Of a town (5) 2. Dead, almost dead (4,3) 4. Heinous (4) 5. Favour (6) 6. Whey (5) 7. Flier (5) 9. Rodent (3) 12. Afternoon show (7) 14. Managed (3) 16. Sounds a horn (5) 17. Whinny (5) 19. Revolves (7) 20. Tantalise (5) 21. Thaws (5) 23. Meeting for discussion (7) 24. Mislead (6) 25. Confidence trick (3) 27. Premature (5) 28. Male voice (5) 30. Cowboy show (5) 32. Sell (4) 33. Male offspring (3)

USD 67.43 per barrel.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the capital market on Friday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 2,287.03 crore, according to the exchange data.

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No. 10015 Yesterday’s solution No. 10014

MUMBAI, AUG 23 (PTI): The rupee gained 17 paise to close at 74.22 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, supported by a firm trend in domestic equities and weak American currency overseas. However, surging crude prices in the international market restricted the rupee’s gain, forex traders said.

At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened strong at 74.27 against the greenback and moved in a range of 74.22 to 74.30 in the day trade.

It finally ended at 74.22 against the American currency, registering a rise of 17 paise over its previous close. On Friday, the rupee had settled at 74.39 against the US dollar. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, dipped 0.25 per cent to 93.27. On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex ended 226.47 points or 0.41 per cent higher at 55,555.79, while the broader NSE Nifty advanced 45.95 points or 0.28 per cent to 16,496.45.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, increased 3.45 per cent to

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2021, while mildly trailing the record-high of Rs 3,090 crore in March 2021, she added. The agency further said the early data for August 2021 indicates a mixed trend across the available indicators.

While petrol sales of state refiners in the first half of August 2021 exceeded both the year-ago and preCovid levels, those for diesel continued to trail their pre-Covid performance, it said.

The daily average generation of GST e-way bills remained flattish in the first half of August 2021, relative to July 2021.

The YoY rail freight growth stood at a healthy 14.1 per cent during August 1-10, 2021, the agency added.

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Su doku

terms in July 2021, it said.

Nayar said the volumes of seven of the 13 non-financial indicators (non-oil merchandise exports, GST e-way bills, electricity generation, CIL’s output, petrol consumption, PV output and rail freight traffic) rose above both their pre-Covid as well as April 2021 levels in July 2021.

“As the states started unlocking, the mobility for retail and recreation posted a sharp improvement from around 60 per cent below baseline at end-May 2021 to 23 per cent below baseline by end-July 2021 (seven-day moving average),” she said.

FASTag toll collections rose by 15.5 per cent to Rs 2,980 crore in July

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Crossword

of some of the remaining indicators such as the output of passenger vehicles (PVs), scooters and motorcycles, was primarily due to the unfavourable base effect.

The report, however, said the sequential momentum of growth eased in July 2021, after having recorded a sharp uptick in June 2021.

While 10 of the 13 non-financial indicators displayed an increase in month-on-month terms in July 2021, the pace of the same trailed the surge in June 2021, for indicators such as vehicle registrations, generation of GST e-way bills and auto output, it said. In contrast, ports cargo traffic, diesel consumption and rail freight displayed a decline in MoM

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improvement in their yearon-year (YoY) growth in July 2021,” the agency’s chief economist Aditi Nayar said in a report.

Moreover, 10 of the 13 non-financial indicators recorded a month-on-month (MoM) uptick in July 2021, although the pace of the improvement expectedly eased from the levels seen in June 2021, when the state-wise unlocking had commenced, she said.

The YoY performance of GST e-way bills, fuel consumption, electricity generation, output of Coal India Limited (CIL), vehicle registrations, domestic passenger traffic, etc. improved in July 2021 compared to June 2021.

Moreover, the worsening in the YoY performance

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MUMBAI, AUG 23 (PTI): With the easing of COVID19-related restrictions by the states, the roots of the economic recovery deepened in July 2021, says a report.

The unlocking in the country has manifested itself in improving performance across various high frequency industrial and service sector indicators, mobility and toll collections in July 2021, according to a report by Icra Ratings.

“With the further easing of the state-wise restrictions, especially across the southern states, the roots of the economic recovery deepened in July 2021. Despite a normalising base, eight of the 15 high-frequency indicators recorded an encouraging

at Bank Colony, Super Market, beside office of the Assistant Director of Food & Civil Supplies, Dimapur Area : 301 sq. mt.

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Price : Rs. 1500 per sq. ft.

(Negotiable) Genuine Buyers Only Contact : 8259918841 7005494176 dp-4125

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At Reasonable Price Please Contact : 7005631426 dp-4111

9

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan was Gunfire at Kabul airport kills 1 amid evacuations ‘logical, rational and right decision’: Biden

Israel to retaliate any attacks from Gaza: PM T E L AV I V, AU G 2 3 (IANS): Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned that his country will retaliate against attacks from the Gaza Strip.

His remarks on Sunday came a day after an Israeli soldier was injured during clashes with Palestinians near the Gaza border, reports Xinhua news agency.

Addressing his weekly cabinet meeting, Bennett said that Israel “will settle the score with those who harm our soldiers and civilians”. Referring to a possible escalation with Gaza’s Hamas rulers, Bennett said the military is “ready for any scenario”. Overnight, the Israeli air force carried out airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.

An Israeli militar y spokesperson said in a statement that war jets struck four weapons manufacturing and storage sites belonging to the Hamas. Hundreds

Taliban warns of ‘consequences’ if Aug 31 deadline is extended

Naftali Bennett

of Palestinians participated in the demonstration on August 21, which was organised by the Hamas in order to protest the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Some of the demonstrators approached the fence, torched tires and hurled stones and explosives toward the Israeli soldiers. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 24 Palestinians were injured by Israeli gunfire.

According to the Israeli military, a Border Police officer was shot and critically wounded.

15 kidnapped Nigerian students freed: Police

Harris believes SE Asia, Indo-Pacific will dictate future

LAGOS, AUG 23 (IANS): Nigerian police has confirmed that 15 students kidnapped by gunmen from a secondary school in the country’s northwestern state of Kaduna have been freed.

The students of Bethel Baptist High School (BBHS) were freed on Saturday night after 48 days in captivity, Mohammed Jalige, a spokesman for the police in Kaduna, told Xinhua news agency on Sunday.

The released students were among an unspecified number of students kidnapped from the BBHS in Chikun local government area of Kaduna on July 5, following an attack by unknown gunmen in large numbers. John Joseph Hayab, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna, told media that 15 students were released on Saturday night while 65 students are still in captivity.

KHEZHAKENO WELFARE SOCIETY KOHIMA-797001, NAGALAND. Regd. No.H/RS-2431 Motto: “Progress Through Unity

“If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations – the answer is no. Or there would be consequences. It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation it will provoke a reaction,” he said.

The warning came as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson convened an emergency G7 meeting on Tuesday in his role as current Chair of the Group of Seven countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the UK. On the agenda for the world leaders is expected to be a push for the US to seek an extension of the August 31 deadline, as time is running out for the evacuation of foreign nationals from the Taliban controlled region.

On the issue of desperate scenes at Kabul airport as people risk their lives to flee the country for fear of Taliban reprisals, the spokesperson termed it as economic migration.

Chepetso Koza Press Secy. KWSK

OFFICE OF THE

TAMLU BüHü LAIVANGH HOICHEM DIMAPUR

Sd/(HENE L) General Secretary

OFFICE OF THE

KOHIMA MuNGYA uNION & KOHIMA MuNGYA STuDENTS’ uNION FELICITATION

The Village Council Chiechama would like to congratulates MRS. SWEDESuNuO ZAO KIRE, W/o Medovilhou Kire of Chiechama Village for achieving National Awards to Teacher’s 2021 and bringing laurels to the Village.

The Council further wish her good health and pray that God's wisdom guides in her future endeavour.

Kohima, Nagaland

FELICITATION

With immense pride & joy, we the KMU and KMSU convey our heartiest congratulations to Mr Abemo Ezung (Havildar, Crime Branch, PHQ), S/o Late Mr Ezanbemo Ezung and Mrs Lozano Ezung on being awarded the Governor’s Commendation Certificate on India’s 75 th Independence Day 2021.

The Union further extends heartiest congratulations to all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC examination 2021.

May the Good Lord bless & guide you for all your future endeavours.

Achemo Ngullie Elvis Ezung Chairman, KMU President, KMSU

Dist. Longleng Nagaland Estd:1953

With immense pride and honour, the Tamlu Bühü Laivangh Hoichem Dimapur extend our heartiest congratulations to: 1. Dr. Wungtei Buchem, S/o Lt.Mokan Phom and Mrs. Enung for the degree conferred on him as Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies (OT) on the Thesis : The Deuteronomistic History since 1943 (Martin North); a post Colonial Hermeneutics from the Margins in NEI, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (UK).

2. Shri K. Hamtok Phom, Superintendent of Jail, S/o Shri Kamnyei Phom on being awarded the President’s Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day. 3. Mr. Manshing Mukho, S/o Shri K Hamtok Phom for achieving the post of Jr. Accounts Assistant (JAA) under the Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts.

4. Students who have cleared HSLC and HSSLC examination 2021.

TBLHD further wishes them great success in all their future endeavours.

versal norms on the issue of cybersecurity. It is about the interest that we have in being a global partner on the issue of vaccines, for example, and our shared commitment - understanding that when we have the resources, we will share them with the world,” she said.

These are the things that Singapore and the United States have in common, the US Vice President said.

“And with that common purpose and with a similar approach to our responsibility for our own citizens and our responsibility as global citizens… we will continue to partner in a way that benefits not only Singaporeans and Americans, but the rest of the world,” Harris said.

Vice President Harris’s visit to Singapore is part of a diplomatic charm offensive by the Biden administration in Southeast Asia, a region that is crucial to the future prosperity and security of the United States, amidst China’s aggressive actions in the region. Addressing the press conference, Prime Minister Lee said: “Our two countries have robust cooperation on transnational issues including terrorism, cybersecurity and counter-proliferation… we were later the first Southeast Asian country to contribute personnel and assets to the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS.”

VILLAGE COuNCIL CHIECHAMA

TAMLu VILLAGE STuDENTS' uNION

FELICITATION

Sd/(ANGAM PHOM) President

shared vision, both in terms of the challenges we face, and also the opportunities that we face... It is about the future in terms of our mutual commitment, curiosity and interest,” said Harris, who arrived here on Sunday but was given a formal welcome on Monday at Singapore’s Presidential Palace, the Istana. “It is about what we have in terms of shared values for the need for uni-

OFFICE OF THE

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LONDON, AUG 23 (PTI): Ahead of an emergency G7 meeting on Afghanistan, the Taliban on Monday warned that there will be “consequences” if the US and UK sought an extension to the August 31 deadline for the US-led troop withdrawal from the war-torn country.

Speaking to ‘Sky News’ in Doha, Qatar, Taliban spokesperson Dr Suhail Shaheen stated that the month-end deadline was a “red line”, as any extension would imply an extended occupation of the country.

He said the timeline had been laid out by US President Joe Biden and threatened “consequences” if the US and UK sought an extension to that deadline.

“It’s a red line. President Biden announced that on 31 August they would withdraw all their military forces. So if they extend it that means they are extending occupation while there is no need for that,” Shaheen said.

Sd/Keviechüpe Koza President KWSK

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The Khezhakeno Welfare Society with great joy congratulates the following members for their promotion: 1. Shri Kevekha Kevin Zehol NCS, Promoted to the rank of Secretary, Government of Nagaland.

2. Shri Medovilie Ladu, Promoted to the rank of Joint Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland.

3. Shri Vekhrolo Koza NPS, Promoted to Additional Superintendent of Police, Government of Nagaland.

The Society wishes them the very best as they take up the new assignments.

forces from Afghanistan as the Taliban captured power, resulting in chaos and deaths.

However, the US President stood by his decision.

“I think that history is going to record this was the logical, rational and right decision to make,” he told reporters in an interaction at the White House on Sunday.

Indian-American politician and former US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said earlier in the day: “They (the US administration) have surrendered the American people and actually withdrew our troops before they withdrew the American people. “They have abandoned our Afghan allies who kept people like my husband safe while they were overseas deploying. So, no, there was

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to troops as she visits the USS Tulsa in Singapore, Monday, Aug. 23. (AP/PTI)

OFFICE OF THE

OFFICE OF THE

FELICITATION

Taliban fighters patrol in Kabul, Afghanistan.

SINGAPORE, AUG 23 (PTI): US Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday said she believes that Southeast Asia and the IndoPacific will dictate the future of the world as she held talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as part of her Southeast Asia visit aimed at bolstering America’s engagement in the region.

H a r r i s, a t a p r e s s conference here with Lee, pointed out that the agreements the US has inked with Singapore and the Southeast Asian region are evidence of its strength and enduring relationships around the globe. These are not only priorities that relate to the US’ security or economic interests but they also relate to challenges the world faces going forward - such as future pandemics and what countries can do together to research on and stop them, she said. “This is a relationship that is based on a

Joe Biden

no negotiating. This was a complete and total surrender and an embarrassing failure,” she said.

Biden said the Taliban has to make a fundamental decision. “Is the Taliban going to attempt to be able to unite and provide for the wellbeing of the people of Afghanistan, which no one group has ever done?

“And if it does, it’s going to need everything from additional help, in terms of economic assistance, trades and a whole range of things,” he said.

“The Taliban has said -- we will see whether they mean it or not -- they’re seeking legitimacy... to determine whether or not they will be recognised by other countries. They have told other countries as well as us that they don’t want us to move our diplomatic presence completely. All of this is all just talk now,” Biden said. He said that so far, the Taliban has not taken any action against US forces, by and large following through what they said in terms of allowing Americans to pass through.

FELICITATION Celebrating the blessings with honour and joy for bringing laurels to our community. The TVSU convey our heartiest congratulations to the following individuals for your achievement.

1. Shri. K. Hamdok Phom, superintendent of jail, for being conferred president's correctional service medal for meritorious service on the occasion of 75th independence day, 2021 held at Kohima.

2. Mr. Manshing Mukho, S/o Shri. K. Hamdok Phom for securing the post of JAA under Treasuries and Accounts Department in the recently declared Departmental Examination.

3. Miss. Mannyu. K. Phom, D/o Shri. Kanpong Phom for securing the post of Data Entry Operator through Departmental Examination under Tribal Affairs.

The Union further pray for incessant blessings and wishes the very best in all your future endeavours.

"Knowledge, courage, integration" Sham-e Phom President TVSU

Phongtang. C. Phom Statistical Secretary TVSU

Sd/MHALEZOLIE METHA Chairman Village Council Chiechama

Sd/KEVINEISA METHA Press Secretary Village Council Chiechama

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acknowledge the shooting.

There was no comment from the Taliban.

The tragic scenes around the airport have transfixed the world. Afghans poured onto the tarmac last week and some clung to a U.S. military transport plane as it took off, later plunging to their deaths. At least seven people died that day, in addition to the seven killed Sunday.

The Taliban blame the chaotic evacuation on the U.S. military and say there’s no need for any Afghans to flee. They have pledged to bring peace and security

WASHINGTON, AUG 23 (PTI): Facing criticism over his policy on Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden has defended his move to withdraw American troops from the war-torn country, saying history will record this as a “logical, rational and right decision”.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, two weeks before the US was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war.

The insurgents stormed across the country, capturing all major cities in a matter of days, as Afghan security forces trained and equipped by the US and its allies melted away.

Thousands of Afghan nationals and foreigners are fleeing the country to escape the new Taliban regime and to seek asylum in different nations, including the US and many European nations, resulting in total chaos at Kabul airport and deaths.

The Biden administration has come under criticism, especially the Opposition Republican Party, for the withdrawal of the US

OFFICE OF THE

TAMLU BüHü UNION DIMAPUR FELICITATION

The Tamlu Buhu Union Dimapur takes immense honour to express our heartiest congratulations to the following individuals of Tamlu community for bringing laurels to Tamlu Village in particular and respective communities in general during the year 2021.

1. Shri K. Hamtok Phom, Superintendent of Jail, for receiving the prestigious award of President's Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service, on the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day 2021.

2. Shri B. Jenmei Nekong, on being promoted to the post of DSP and currently posted as Assistant Commandant 14th NAP(IR).

3. Dr. Wungtei Buchem, on being conferred Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) in Biblical Studies (OT) on the Thesis "The Deuteronomistic History since 1943 (Martin North); A Post-Colonial Hermeneutics from the Martins in NEI" from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (UK).

4. Mr. Nganlang C Phom, for securing the post of Secretariat Assistant (SA) through NPSC. 5. Miss. Kuplen C Phom, for securing the post of Horticulture Assistant (HA) under Horticulture Department.

6. Mr. Manshing Mukho, for successfully securing the post of Jr. Accounts Assistant (JAA) under the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts.

7. Mr. Honom J N Yanlem, for securing Top-20 in HSLC Examination 2021 conducted by NBSE. Furthermore, the union wishes them success in their future endeavours and pray to Almighty God to bless them abundantly.

Sd/Anglong Phom President, TBUD

Sd/Joseph Mukho General Secy., TBUD

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STOCKHOLM, AUG 23 (IANS): Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that he will step down in November. The unexpected announcement by the leader of the Social Democratic Party was made on Sunday during his annual summer speech, reports xinhua news agency.

“I have been party chairman for 10 years, and Prime Minister for seven,” he was quoted by local media as saying. “But everything has an end, and I want to give my successor the very best conditions,” Lofven added.

In July, Lofven became PM for a third consecutive term shortly after becoming the first Swedish premier to be forced to resign following a no-confidence vote.

Following his unexpected announcement on Sunday, he told Swedish TV that until recently he was set on continuing for the next mandate period and that he only made the decision to step down during the summer.

an entrance to the airport, where at least seven Afghans died a day earlier in a panicked stampede of thousands of people. The circumstances of the shooting, which occurred around dawn, remained unclear.

The German military tweeted that one member of the Afghan army was killed and three others were wounded by “unknown attackers.” An Italian humanitarian organization that operates hospitals in Afghanistan said it had treated six patients with bullet wounds from the airport.

The U.S. military and NATO did not immediately

more to picking people up, so to speak, and we are doing that,” Kramp-Karrenbauer said.

Asked about Taliban assurances of safe passage to the airport she said: “So far, I can say that what we need is being granted; the danger comes more from these uncontrollable crowds of people.”

As the airlift continues, the U.S. government asked for 18 aircraft from American commercial carriers to assist in transporting Afghan refugees to their final destinations after their initial evacuation. The request fell under the Civil Reserve Air Fleet program, which was born in the wake of the Berlin airlift and can add to the military’s capabilities during crises.

Since Aug. 14, the U.S. has evacuated or facilitated the evacuation of more than 30,000 people on military and coalition flights. Tens of thousands of people — Americans, other foreigners and Afghans who assisted in the war effort — are still waiting to join the airlift, which has been slowed by security issues and U.S. bureaucracy hurdles.

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Swedish PM to step down in Nov

US Marines and Norweigian coalition forces assist with security at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint. (AP/PTI)

after decades of war and say they won’t seek revenge on those who worked with the U.S., NATO and the toppled Afghan government.

Addressing a conference of Muslim clerics, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid urged them to push back against Western “propaganda” about the Taliban and said the U.S. was undermining their rule by sending planes and offering Afghans asylum.

Despite their promises, the Taliban have violently suppressed protests and beat people with batons as they try to control the crowds outside the airport perimeter. There have also been reports in recent days of the Taliban hunting down their former enemies.

It’s unclear if Taliban leaders are saying one thing and doing another, or if fighters on the ground are taking matters into their own hands.

German Defense Minister Annegret KrampKarrenbauer told the Bild newspaper that the main obstacle to getting people out was the crowds outside the airport.

“We must switch much

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KABUL, AUG 23 (AP): A firefight just outside Kabul’s international airport killed at least one Afghan soldier early Monday, German officials said, the latest chaos to engulf Western efforts to evacuate those fleeing the Taliban takeover of the country.

The airport shooting came as the Taliban sent fighters north of the capital to eliminate pockets of armed resistance to their lightning takeover earlier this month.

The Taliban said they retook three districts seized by opponents the day before and had surrounded Panjshir, the last province that remains out of their control.

Afghanistan’s security forces collapsed in the face of the Taliban advance, despite 20 years of Western aid, training and assistance.

Tens of thousands of Afghans have sought to flee the country since, fearing a return to the brutal rule the Taliban imposed the last time they ran Afghanistan.

That has led to chaos at the airport in Kabul, the main route out of the country.

Gunfire broke out near

INFOTAINMENT

10

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

Many cosmetics contain hidden, potentially dangerous ‘forever chemicals’

Earth’s deepest diamonds made from the remains of once-living creatures A E Zheng-Xiang Li at Curtin University. ‘This can be achieved by mapping out the distribution of both continental and oceanic diamonds.’

There are three main types of natural diamonds – ‘lithospheric’, ‘oceanic’ and ultra-rare ‘super-deep continental’ diamonds.

Lithospheric, formed at depths between about 80 and 125 miles (130 and 200 km) are the most common, representing 99 per cent of all mined diamonds.

Oceanic, meanwhile, are found on the ocean floor, while super-deep continental diamonds are formed at more than 186 miles (300 km) below the continental crust. The continental crust is the outermost layer of what’s called the lithosphere, Earth’s rocky,

China’s Mars rover accomplishes planned exploration tasks

C

hina’s Mars rover Zhurong has accomplished its exploration and detection tasks as planned.

As of August 15, Zhurong had worked on the surface of Mars for 90 Martian days, or about 92 days on Earth, with all scientific payloads having started to work on detection tasks, the Xinhua news agency quoted the China National Space Administration (CNSA) as saying.

The CNSA added that the rover will continue to move to the boundary zone between the ancient sea and the ancient land in the southern part of Utopia Planitia, and will carry out additional tasks.

China is now the second country, after the US, to operate a rover on the Red planet. On May 15, Zhurong -- named after a Chinese mythical fire god -- touched down at its pre-selected landing area in the southern part of Utopia Planitia, a vast plain on the northern hemisphere of Mars.

China launched its Mars probe -- Tianwen-1 -- on July 23, last year. The spacecraft, consisting of an orbiter, a lander and a

rover, entered the parking orbit of Mars on February 24 this year.

The orbiter is equipped with seven kinds of scientific instruments: two remote-sensing cameras, Mars-Orbiting Subsurface Exploration Radar, Mars Mineralogy Spectrometer, Mars Magnetometer, Mars Ion and Neutral Particle Analyzer and Mars Energetic Particle Analyser.

The six-wheel solarpowered rover, looking like a blue butterfly with a mass of 240 kg, carries the Terrain Camera, Multispectral Camera, Mars-Rover Subsurface Exploration Radar, Mars Surface Composition Detector, Mars Magnetic Field Detector and Mars Meteorology Monitor.

The Tianwen-1 aims to map the morphology and geological structure, investigate surface soil characteristics and water-ice distribution, analyze the surface material composition, measure the ionosphere and the characteristics of the Martian climate and environment at the surface and perceive the physical fields and internal structure of Mars, the report said.

(IANS)

outermost shell.

All three diamond types are formed at different levels of the mantle with a varying mixture of organic and inorganic carbon, which can be determined by variations in a carbon isotope signature called δ13C (delta carbon thirteen).

Diamonds formed from organic carbon would suggest they originated from a living organism, because organic carbon compounds are produced in living things.

Previous research has already suggested δ13C levels in oceanic diamonds are suggestive of an organic origin.

According to the researchers, super-deep continental diamonds contain a ‘surprising’ amount of δ13C, similar to oceanic diamonds – and therefore

suggest an organic origin too.

One of the main differences between oceanic and super-deep continental diamonds is that the latter have highly variable levels of δ13C. The study authors think this is because super-deep cores become wrapped in inorganic crusts in the lithosphere, prior to being ejected out during eruptions.

Both oceanic and super-deep continental diamonds form in the mantle transition zone – 250 to 372 miles (400 to 600 km) deep – using subducted organic carbon, and are then brought to the lithosphere by mantle plumes.

‘Bringing new meaning to the old trash to treasure adage, this research discovered that the Earth’s engine actually turns organic carbon into diamonds many hundreds of kilometres below the surface,’ said study author Dr Luc Doucet at Curtin University. ‘Ballooning rocks from the Earth’s deeper mantle, called mantle plumes, then carry the diamonds back up to the Earth’s surface via volcanic eruptions for

humans to enjoy as soughtafter gemstones.

‘While recycling is becoming a modern-day necessity for our sustainable survival, we were particularly surprised to learn, through this research, that Mother Nature has been showing us how to recycle with style for billions of years.’ The research provides a model that explains the formation and locations of all three major types of diamonds, according to the team.

‘This is the first time that all three major types of diamonds have been linked to mantle plumes, ballooning hot rocks driven by plate tectonics and the supercontinent cycle from deeper Earth,’ said study author Professor Li. It remains a mystery as to why diamonds formed in the mantle transition zone are formed of recycled organic carbon only. ‘ T h i s m i g h t h ave something to do with the physical-chemical environment there,’ Professor Li added. ‘It is not uncommon for a new scientific discovery to raise more questions that require further investigation.’

(Mailonline)

cosmetics washed down the drain could get into drinking water (SN: 11/25/18).

Peaslee’s team measured the amount of fluorine, a key component of PFAS, in 231 cosmetics.

Sixty-three percent of foundations, 55 percent of lip products and 82 percent of waterproof mascara contained high levels of fluorine — at least 0.384 micrograms of fluorine per square centimeter of product spread on a piece of paper. Long-lasting or waterproof products were especially likely to con-

IIT-M develops India’s 1st motorised wheelchair vehicle

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he Indian Institute of Technology Madras on Monday announced the development of India’s first indigenous motorised wheelchair vehicle that can be used not only on roads but also on uneven terrains.

The wheelchair named as ‘NeoBolt’ has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and is powered by a lithium-ion battery that helps 25 kms for every charge, the institute said in a statement.

NeoBolt was developed by IIT-M Researchers in consultations with organisations and hospitals working among people with locomotor disability. The wheelchair was built factoring in their experiences and making constant design adjustments.

“Our centre’s vision is to transform the disability landscape in India by creating functional and affordable assistive devices.

How often do you see a wheelchair user at a school, an office, a shop or a theatre?

“Wheelchair users are typically restricted to the four walls of their home, which affects their community participation and their ability to contribute to the economy,” said Sujatha

Srinivasan, Faculty Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, in the statement.

NeoBolt has been commercialised through a startup called ‘NeoMotion’, co-founded by Srinivasan and an IIT Madras Alumnus Swostik Sourav Dash.

The startup has also developed and commercially launched ‘NeoFly,’ a personalised wheelchair designed to enhance health and lifestyle. As many as 18 customisations ensure a perfect fit to the user’s require-

ments. It is estimated that around three lakh wheelchairs are sold annually in India, of which 2.5 lakh are imported. Nearly 95 per cent of all wheelchairs sold in India are ‘one-size-fits-all,’ which restricts mobility, damages health, and lowers self-confidence.

“NeoFly personalised wheelchair is available at Rs 39,900 and NeoBolt motorised add-on is available at Rs 55,000. We offer convenient EMI options. Users can pre-book their orders with us for just Rs 1,000 by registering on our website,”

said Dash, who is also the CEO of NeoMotion.

B o t h N e o F ly a n d NeoBolt are presently being used by over 600 users across 28 states in India. The feedback has been positive, he added.

(IANS)

tain lots of fluorine. That makes sense, since PFAS are water-resistant.

Twenty-nine products further tested for specific PFAS all contained at least four of these chemicals, but only one product listed PFAS among its ingredients. In addition to posing their own potential health risks, these compounds can break down in the body into other PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid, which has been linked to cancers and low birth weights (SN: 6/4/19).

(ScienceNews)

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arth’s deepest and most sought-after diamonds are made up of former living organisms, a new study finds.

Ultra-rare ‘super-deep continental diamonds’ have levels of a carbon isotope that suggest they’re formed from organic matter, researchers in Australia reveal. These super-deep diamonds, which adorn the Crown Jewels, are formed more than 250 miles (400 km) below Earth’s surface before being released during violent eruptions.

Most natural diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle at depths of at around 100 miles (150 km), under enormously high pressures and temperatures exceeding 2,700°F. Diamonds, which are made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a dense lattice, are the hardest materials on Earth.

‘This research not only helps to understand Earth’s carbon cycle, but also has the potential to unlock more secrets of the Earth’s dynamic history through tracking the past locations of mantle plumes and superplumes,’ said study author Professor

new chemical analysis has revealed an ugly truth about beauty products: Many may contain highly persistent, potentially harmful “forever chemicals” called PFAS. PFAS, short for perand polyfluoroalkyl substances, include thousands of chemicals that are so sturdy they can linger in the body for years and the environment for centuries.

The health effects of only a few PFAS are well known, but those compounds have been linked to high cholesterol, thyroid diseases and other problems.

“There is no known good PFAS,” says chemist and physicist Graham Peaslee of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

I n t h e f i r s t l a r ge screening of cosmetics for PFAS in the United States and Canada, Peaslee and colleagues found that 52 percent of over 200 tested products had high fluorine concentrations, suggesting the presence of PFAS, the researchers report online June 15 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.

The potential health risks of PFAS in makeup are not yet clear, Peaslee says. But besides people ingesting or absorbing PFAS when wearing makeup,

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Big B says ‘KBC 13’ audience like an energy booster for him

K Y M C

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he Season 13 ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ went on the air at 9:00pm (IST) on Monday with a 25-year-old science teacher, Gyan Raj, on the hotseat. Turning nostalgic during the show, its iconic host, Amitabh Bachchan, said the love of the audience gave him immense happiness.

The Big B said, “Dekhiye, yahaan ki jo janta aur contestants hain, yehi hain mere energy ka tonic. Jis tarah hamari studio audience jo hai, mera swagat karti hain, unke utsah se mera jo pet ka dard hai, badan ka dard hai, wo sab kuchH gayab ho jata hai.”

(The people at large and the contestants are my energy tonic. The way the studio audience welcomes me, it relieves me of all the aches and pains I have.)

The first contestant, in fact, is a reflection of the extent to which the reality show has reached distant parts of the country and the kind of people it attracts. Gyan Raj introduced the ‘Atal Tinkering Lab’ concept in his village and he teaches about drones and robotics to students.

This season, KBC will follow the FFF (fastest finger first) format, whereby each contestant will have to answer three general knowledge questions correctly in the shortest time possible. The one who does it will be invited to occupy the Hot Seat.

KBC will air daily from Monday to Friday on Sony Entertainment Television.

(IANS)

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Odisha FC sign Krasniqi on loan

Liridon Krasniqi

BHUBANESWAR, AUG 23 (IANS): Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC on Monday signed an agreement with Malaysian professional football Club Johor Darul Ta’zim FC over a loan deal of midfielder Liridon Krasniqi who will now represent the Bhubaneswar-based team in the upcoming season.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder started his initial footballing career in Europe and made his senior professional debut for FK Mlada Boleslav in Czech Republic in 2011 before signing for Turkish club Ankaraspor. He was loaned out to another club in Turkey -- Fethiyespor.

L i r i d o n m ove d t o Malaysia in 2015 and played for Kedah Darul Aman Football Club. He also won the 2016 Malaysia Cup and 2017 Malaysia FA Cup titles for Kedah before signing for Melaka United in 2019.

Real Madrid players celebrate after scoring against Levante on Sunday. (Reuters)

halftime to salvage the draw with a pair of goals by Vinicius Junior. Levante had been the last team to defeat Madrid in the league.

Madrid won only two of its last five league matches against Levante.

Bale scored his first goal of the season in the fifth minute with a low shot from inside the area after a set up by Karim Benzema, who made a run from near midfield before passing the ball to the Wales forward,

who had been on a loan with Tottenham last season.

Bale hadn’t scored for Madrid since January 2020.

He finished that season with only three goals, his lowestever tally with the Spanish club.

Roger Marti equalized about 30 seconds into the second half, and Jose Campana put the hosts ahead with a shot into the top corner in the 57th.

Madrid evened the match in a 73rd-minute

breakaway, with Vinicius Junior finding the net after a nice pass by Casemiro from Madrid’s own field.

But six minutes later Rober Pier gave Levante the lead again from close range off a set piece.

Vinicius Junior pulled Madrid even again with a neat angled shot that struck the far post before going in.

Madrid was depleted by the injuries of some key players such as Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Marcelo.

Alam surpasses Pujara record KINGSTON, AUG 23 (IANS): Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has lavished praise on Fawad Alam after the end of Day 3 of the second Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park here.

Alam struck his fourth Test centur y since his comeback in international cricket after a decade to lead a fightback against West Indies in Sabina Park on Sunday. He is also the eighth leading run-scorer in Test cricket this year with 513 runs in 11 innings at an average of 57.

Alam, resuming from 76 after retiring hurt due to cramps on the first day, made an unbeaten 124 runs off 213 deliveries with 17 fours to guide his side to 302/9 before skipper Babar Azam declared the innings.

Through the course of his knock, he also became the fastest Test batsman from Asia to score five Test centuries.

The 35-year-old scored five hundreds in only 22 innings, surpassing the record held by Cheteshwar Pujara who achieved the feat in 24 innings.

At the end of the third day, West Indies are 39/3 in 18 overs and trail by 263 runs.

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Indian basketball team qualifies N E W D E L H I , AU G 23 (AGENCIES): India are among the 16 teams to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup finals next year, scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia in July, 2022.

In the qualifying tournament which concluded at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall in Jeddah, India finished second with one win and a defeat in the three-team Group H to make their 10th appearance, The Indian Express reported.

India had edged Palestine 79-77 on Saturday after losing their first match against the Saudis on Friday.

Egged by a boisterous crowd, hosts Saudi Arabia secured first place when they won 96-72 against Palestine, who returned home without a win.

In the opener, India with a FIBA world ranking of 78, began their return to competitive basketball disastrously as they were swarmed by Saudis ranked 87th. Joginder Singh was the top scorer for India with 17 points and gave four assists while Amritpal Singh had nine rebounds.

In the second match, Pa l e s t i n e, r a n k e d 8 3 , jumped to a 25-13 lead at the end of the first quarter

This will be India’s 10th consecutive appearance in the tournament (BFI Twitter)

with Kyndall Dykes who plays for the Polish pro league on a scoring free.

India, still smarting from the defeat suffered at the hands of Saudis, regrouped and mounted attacks in the next two quarters to take 23-21 and 16-15 lead. In the final and fourth quarter of the game, they led 14 points at one point of the time but Dykes rallied Palestinians and were tied 67-all at one point. With time running out, Palestine tried to stay in the game with threepointers from Ahmed Haroon and Dykes, but a

missed layup in the final seconds by Sani Sakakini left them short of agonising two points.

A clutch three-pointers from Gill and Joginder saved India while Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon’s tight defence throughout the match kept Dykes u n d e r l e a s h . Ve t e r a n shar pshooter Joginder Singh, 33, Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh shared 65 points for India coached

by Veselin Matic from Serbia. Amrtipal also has 12 rebounds while captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi has

seven assists.

The FIBA Asia Cup was originally scheduled to take place last week but was deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic. India’s best-ever finish was fourth in the 1975 Bangkok edition. In their last appearance in 2017, India lost in the group stage.

Meanwhile, K Govindaraj, president of the Basketball Federation of India has on Monday announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for the Indian team for booking a place in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.

Shaili can break my national record: Anju Bobby George N E W D E L H I , AU G 23 (AGENCIES): Anju Bobby George, the 2003 Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p bronze medallist, is certain about Shaili Singh breaking her long-standing national record of 6.83 metres.

According to The I n d i a n E x p r e s s, t h e 17-year-old from Jhansi, who trains in Bengaluru, has the potential to win an Olympic medal, Anju believes.

On Sunday, Shaili, 17, won the silver medal at the World U20 Championships in Nairobi with a jump of 6.59 metres (wind assisted), finishing behind European junior champion Maja Askag of Sweden by one centimetre. Her previous best was 6.48 metres, but a wind speed of 2.2 metres per second means her best jump on Sunday won’t be entered in the record books though she finished second.

“She can improve on the national record. Our main target for Shaili is to help her finish on the podium at the Olympic Games, which is the most K Y M C

Shaili Singh has the potential to win an Olympic medal, Anju believes. (File Photo/ Andrew Amsan)

valuable thing. If our trainee can win a medal, I will consider it as my own,” Anju says.

Anju set the national record at the 2004 Athens Olympics where she finished fifth.

Shali is mentored

by Anju and coached by her husband Robert Bobby George, a highperformance coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Shaili came under Ro b e r t ’s w i n g s w h e n she was 14, much earlier than Anju who was about 20 when Robert started coaching her. Getting

formal coaching early meant Shaili didn’t pick up any technical flaws which are difficult to correct as one grows older.

“I was able to achieve whatever I could because of Robert. I had a taped leg and only one kidney. So if you look at it, Shaili has great potential,” Anju adds.

A young Shaili could have gone unnoticed at a junior championship nearly four years ago if not for Robert looking beyond the medallists.

Robert saw a thin long jumper finishing outside the medal positions at the national junior athletics

meet in Vijayawada. He forgot to capture her approach on the runway, take-off and flight on his phone. But the 14-yearold from Jhansi stood out because of her lean muscle tone and strong will.

Robert didn’t recall her name back then. When he returned home, he told his wife Anju to keep an eye out at the next competition.

Less than a week later, Anju was at the Inter-district Junior Championships in Visakhapatnam. One look at Shaili and she knew who her husband was talking about. Anju shot a video and forwarded it to Robert.

A few months later, Shaili, after being assessed by experts at SAI, was making her way to Bengalur u where the couple are based.

Anju said she knew the youngster had the potential to win international medals when she saw her in Visakhapatnam.

“She was a rough diamond. To be able to find an athlete with potential is a valuable thing. We knew if we guided her, she would

make it big,” Anju says.

Shaili was also blessed with fast-twitch muscles which help an athlete produce sudden bursts of energy and are ideal for sprinters and jumpers. “It is because of her genes that she has this muscle type,” Anju says.

A steely determination and positive attitude, despite not winning a medal, was visible when Anju watched her jump at the age-group event.

“She was jumping about 4.50 metres but I could see her competitive spirit. She was running awkwardly but I thought she had potential. When she started training with Robert, it was clear she was very bright when it came to picking up technical advice.

If you told her something just once, she had the ability to immediately understand and follow it. Moreover, she was ready to take on the training schedule without any hesitation,” Anju says of Shaili, who is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme jumps academy.

Harmanpreet, Gurjit, Sreejesh short-listed for FIH annual honours

M U M BA I , AU G 2 3 (IANS): The brilliant campaigns of the Indian men and women’s teams at Tokyo Olympics -- where the men’s team bagged a historical bronze medal after a gap of four decades and the women’s team reached the semi-finals for the first time, has helped players and coaches get shortlisted in most of the categories of FIH Star Awards.

Drag flickers Gurjit Kaur and Harmanpreet Singh have been nominated in the women and men’s category of the FIH Player of the Year Award while goalkeepers Savita and P.R. Sreejesh have been named for the respective FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Awards. Gurjit will be contending against Eva de Goede (the Netherlands), Augustina Gorzelany (Argentina), and Frederique Matla and Maria Verschoor (the Netherlands).

India’s Sharmila Devi has been shortlisted for the FIH Rising Start of the Year Award (women) while midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad is one of the contenders for the men’s FIH Rising Player of the Year Award. Indian women’s team coach Sjoerd Marijne

2021 Durand Cup to have 5 ISL and 3 I-league teams KO L K ATA , AU G 2 3 (IANS): Five Indian Super League (ISL) franchises and three I-League teams will be among 16 teams vying for the iconic Durand Cup football tournament, to be played in and around Kolkata between September 5 and October 3 this year.

The tournament, now in its 130th edition, was first held in the Kolkata in 2019, after moving from its longtime venue Delhi.

Traditionally organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the Armed Forces, the world’s third oldest and Asia’s oldest football tournament will this year also see the government of West Bengal as joint hosts, who have been providing support in all aspects of the organisation.

Besides top ISL franchises FC Goa and Bengaluru FC, the other clubs from India’s top division would be Kerala Blasters, Jamshedpur FC, and Hyderabad FC. Challenging them would be the century-old Mohammedan Sporting of Kolkata, who were the first Indian winners of the Cup in 1940 and who would be leading a troika of I-League challengers including defending champions Gokulam Kerala and Sudeva FC of Delhi.

FC Bengaluru United and Delhi FC will represent the second division of the Indian football whereas two Indian Army teams (Red and Green), a team from Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, CRPF, and the Assam Rifles round off the 16.

Harmanpreet Singh

Gurjit Kaur

has been shortlisted along with Australian Alyson Annan, coach of Olympic a n d Wo r l d C h a m p i o n Dutch women’s team, and Mark Hager (Australia) coach of Great Britain for the FIH Coach of the Year Award (women). In the men’s category, India team chief coach Graham Reid has made it to the list along with Colin Bach (Australia), coach of the Australian men’s team, and Shane McLeod (New Zealand), coach of the Belgium team that added the Olympic title to its World title at Tokyo.

The nominee shortlist was agreed by an expert committee comprising FIH Athletes Committee Chair Rogier Hofman, media coordinator and journalist Sarah Juggins, Belgium Hockey High-Performance Director Adam Commens

(chosen for the role by his peers to represent high performance and coaching staff), as well as FIH Executive Board Member Maureen Craig-Rousseau, a member of the Jury of Appeal at the Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020.

The final award winner will be chosen on the basis of votes cast by national associations, captains and coaches, journalists and fans, and players.

“Votes from national associations count for 50% of the overall result. Each NA will be granted two votes per gender, which will come from the national team captain and head coach. Votes from the media count for 25% of the overall result. Votes from fans/ players count for 25% of the overall result,” the FIH said in a release on Monday.

A big hundred is about to come: Rajkumar on Kohli

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (IANS): Indian captain Virat Kohli’s coach Rajkumar Sharma is confident of his ward scoring a big hundred in the ongoing Test series against England.

Kohli hasn’t scored a century in international cricket since November 2019. Sharma, who serves as the head coach of senior men’s Delhi team, revealed that he recently spoke to Kohli and believed that a big hundred will come soon from the bat of the Indian captain. “I don’t feel there is any need to motivate him because he is extremely motivated. When I had spoken to him after the last match as well, he was quite excited and was happy that they had won and was not too worried about his runs. When he has such an attitude, a big hundred is about to come,” said Sharma to India News.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1935 – 2021 We , t h e b e r e a v e d f a m i l y m e m b e r s o f Lt. BENDANGKOKBA (Yaongyimsen) would like to express our profound gratitude to every individual, families, friends, doctors, nurses, churches, organisation, neighbours, relatives and well wishers for your physical, spiritual, materials and financial support during his prolonged illness and till the last breath on 13th August 2021.

Your prayers, support and contributions gave us lots of love, peace and comfort in the time of the darkest days of our life. We regret our inability to thank each and everyone personally, but it is our humble prayer that God Almighty bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife & Family Members DP-4120

In loving Memory of our beloved

(29/03/1929 – 24/08/2011)

(17/11/1972 – 24/08/2007)

Late Lithungmomo Kikon

Late Chumthungo Kikon

10 Death Anniversary

14th Death Anniversary

Nungying Village, Wokha. th

Nungying Village, Wokha.

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Real Madrid held by 10-man Levante

MADRID, AUG 23 (AP): After defending champion Atletico Madrid edged Elche to add to its winning start in the Spanish league, Re a l M a d r i d c o u l d n’t overcome a Levante side that was forced to finish the match with a defender as its goalkeeper.

Atletico won 1-0 at home in the return of fans to the Wanda Metropolitano S t a d i u m o n S u n d a y, becoming the only team with two wins to begin the league. Then Madrid couldn’t manage more than a 3-3 draw even though Levante played nearly 10 minutes without a true goalkeeper.

Madrid failed to get a shot on target after Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez was sent off in the 87th minute for using his hands outside the area to stop a breakaway. Defender Ruben Vezo took over as goalkeeper because the hosts had already made all five substitutions, but he didn’t have to make any saves in the remainder of regulation and stoppage time.

Madrid had opened the scoring in the first half with Gareth Bale, but the visitors had to come from behind twice after

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SPORTS

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

“Remembering and honoring both of you on this day, still loved, still missed, until we meet you again in Heaven” Loving wife, sons, daughters, in laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren and relatives K Y M C

12

SPORTS

Barty, Zverev clinch Cincinnati titles

CINCINNATI, AUG 23 (AP): Women’s World No.1 Ashleigh Barty and men’s Olympic champion Alexander Zverev warmed up for the US Open by winning the women’s and men’s titles respectively at the Wester and Southern Open. Both are in fine form heading into the U.S. Open, which begins a week from Monday in New York.

The top-ranked Barty won her fifth title of the season, taking eight of the last nine games from wild card Jil Teichmann for a 6-3, 6-1 victory in the Western & Southern Open final on Sunday.

Zverev, too, had a relatively easy time in the Cincinnati final, winning the first four games en route to a 6-2, 6-3 victory over seventh-ranked Andrey Rublev.

The match lasted 58 minutes, a welcome result for Zverev after a grueling three-set semifinal win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on

Ligament tear rules Bajrang out of World C’ship

Bajrang Punia

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia will not compete in the upcoming wrestling World Championships after being advised a six-week rehabilitation to treat the ligament tear he suffered in his right knee in run up to the Tokyo Games.

T h e Wo r l d Championships will be held in Oslo, Norway from October 2-10 and Bajrang will not be able to begin his mat training until the rehabilitation programme is compete.

Bajrang recently underwent an MRI scan to know the extent of the injury he suffered in Russia in June before the Olympics and consulted Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who heads the Centre for Sports Medicine at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

“It’s a ligament tear and I have been asked to follow a rehabilitation programme for six weeks

by Dr Dinshaw. I won’t be able to compete at the World Championship,” Bajrang told PTI.

Ashleigh Barty

Alexander Zverev

Saturday.

“It’s been an awesome week,” said Zverev, who lost to Dominic Thiem in last year’s U.S. Open final. “This is an incredible feeling going into New York. “ T h e U. S. O p e n is a week everybody is looking forward to. Novak (Djokovic) will be back, and he’ll be the favorite.

The other guys are in great shape. I’m looking forward to the week. Let’s see how

it goes. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me. I have to find my rhythm.”

Barty, who won her first Wimbledon title in July before getting upset in the first round at the Olympics, didn’t drop a set in four Cincinnati matches and played only one tiebreaker.

“It’s been an awesome week,” Barty said. “I felt like, each match, I got better and better in most parts of my game. I was

just excited to get some matches under my belt in some tough conditions, and I think it put us in good stead going to New York.”

Last year’s Western & Southern Open was moved from Cincinnati to the U.S. Open site at Flushing Meadows because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Te i c h m a n n h a d a surprising run to the final, upsetting second-ranked Naomi Osaka, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic and fourth-ranked Karolina Pliskova.

“This is where you belong,” Barty said to Teichmann during the postmatch ceremony. “You played exceptional tennis this week.”

Barty, of Australia, broke Teichmann’s serve to take a 5-3 lead in the first set, then won the next six games.

In the second set, the Swiss player received medical attention during a changeover for blisters on

her heavily taped right foot.

“I was very happy with my week,” Teichmann said. “Obviously, today, I wanted to win, but Ash was just too good. I felt like I was there in the first set, but then she got a little break and it was gone. She played some good points. Then, in the second set, she stepped up her level.”

Zverev committed just five unforced errors while improving to 5-0 in his career against Rublev _ all straight-set wins. Rublev admitted having confidence problems when facing his friend, whom he’s known since they were 11.

“You need to win at least once to find this key to what you need to do exactly,” he said. “When you lose match by match, it’s not easy. It’s more mental. It’s not about game. You need to find the key to how to behave inside of yourself about how to play these matches, because the game is there.”

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

Gaurav Saini in final, 3 others in semis of Asian junior boxing

N E W D E L H I , AU G 23 (PTI): Gaurav Saini (70kg) advanced to the final while three other Indian boxers entered the lastfour stage after contrasting victories in the Asian Junior Championships in Dubai.

Saini defeated Ky r g y z s t a n’s Z a k i r ov Mukhammadaziz 4-1 to enter the summit clash on Sunday night. The tournament is being held simultaneously for the youth and junior boxers (both men and women) for the first time.

Entering the semifinals were Ashis (54kg), Anshul (57kg) and Bharat Joon (+81kg).

Ashis outpunched Tajikistan’s Rahmanov Jafar 5-0, while Anshul pummelled UAE’s Mansoor Khaled in his quarterfinal bout which was stopped in the first round itself due to the Indian’s dominance.

Joon eked out a 3-2

Gaurav Saini (70kgs) (right) celebrates after winning semi final match on third day.

triumph over Uzbekistan’s Kenesbaev Aynazar.

H o w e v e r, i t w a s curtains for Krish Pal (46kg) and Preet Malik (63kg).

Pal was no match for Uzbekistan’s Bakhtiyor Y a k h s h i b o e v, w h o outclassed him by the second round forcing the referee to stop the contest.

M a l i k we n t d ow n 2-3 to Kyrgyzstan’s Eldar Esembaev.

More than 20 medals were assured for India o n t h e d ay o f d r aw s itself as COVID-19 travel restrictions kept several counties away leading to small size of the draws.

The gold medallists in the youth category will receive prize money of USD 6,000 while silver and bronze medallists will claim USD 3,000 and USD 1,500 respectively.

Mamata slams Shree Cement for Top Indian medal contenders at Tokyo Paralympic partying ways with East Bengal KOLKATA, AUG 23 ( A G E N C I E S ) : We s t Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Baner jee on Monday expressed her displeasure with Shree Cement’s decision to end the joint venture with East Bengal at the last moment.

During a press conference at the CM’s office in Nabanna, the Chief Minister acknowledged that she had received a letter from Shree Cement where the investors have expressed their decision to end their association with Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal.

The cement giants had bought 76 per cent stakes in a dramatic takeover of the club, days before the last season.

“I am no one to take any decision on East Bengal. The authorities who were there earlier has sent me a letter to inform me that they will not be able to continue with East Bengal at this very last moment. This is a very bad attitude,” said Banerjee.

“After continuing negotiations for such a long time, now they have backed off — it is very irritating. Then why did you continue talks for such a long period? They spoke to me and said by the 16th everything will be resolved. What happened after that?”

However, Bannerjee did assure fans that she will

East Bengal’s ISL participation is in doubt. (IE/TwitterEB)

try to sort things between the two parties so that a club like East Bengal can play in the country’s toptier league which is the ISL. “We all want clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting to play in the ISL. I am very happy that Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) is still playing in the ISL. We should all support EB during a difficult time like this,” she added.

A s o f n ow, t h e r e has been no official c o m mu n i c a t i o n f r o m either of the parties but if a decision of termination is taken by the investors then it could signal the end of East Bengal’s participation in the ISL and I-league.

However, in a report by news website xtratime, H a r i M o h a n B a n g u r, managing director of Shree Cement, has denied handing the sporting rights to East Bengal.

With just seven days left for the FIFA transfer window to close, East

Bengal is running against time to set their house in order.

In June 2020, Quess Corp made an exit as the investor of East Bengal, and Shree Cement was brought on board as an investor.

Thereafter, a joint venture — Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation was formed with 76 percent stakes for the new investors while the club had 24 percent.

A term sheet was also signed in September 2020 by both the parties and according to it, the club’s sporting rights as well all its assets and properties (including intellectual) were reportedly transferred to the newly formed joint venture.

However, the final binding agreement of the deal is yet to be signed and it is here that the impasse still exists. Despite several meetings and negotiations, this final agreement is yet to be signed.

NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (AGENCIES): The Indian Paralympics contingent is set to return from Tokyo with a record medal haul, predicted Deepak Malik, the first woman from India to win a Paralympic medal, a day ahead of the beginning of the Paralympic Games on Tuesday. India are fielding their biggest ever contingent at these Games. According to The Indian Express, 54 athletes are set to compete in nine sports — archery, athletics, b a d m i n t o n , c a n o e i n g, shooting, swimming, powerlifting, table tennis and taekwondo.

Badminton One of the biggest hopes from the Indian contingent is in parabadminton, which will be making its debut at the Tokyo Games. Pramod Bhagat, world No. 1 in the SL3 category (players with impairment in one/both legs

Pramod Bhagat and Devendra Jhajharia are two of India’s brightest medal hopes at the Tokyo Paralympics.

and poor walking/running balance), is the most reputed player for India. At the 2019 Para World Championships, he had won two golds.

Krishna Nagar and Tarun Dhillon are also both ranked No. 2 in the SH6 (players with a short stature) and SL4 (impairment in one/both legs and minimal impairment in walking/ running balance) categories respectively.

Shooting There are 10 shooters in India’s shooting contingent

at the Paralympic Games.

The brightest hope among them is 19-year-old Manish Narwal (SH1 – upper and/ or lower limb impairment) in the men’s 10m air pistol event.

Athletics Devendra Jhajharia, a leading contender to be India’s greatest ever Paralympian, is set to lead the Athletics contingent one more time in Tokyo.

The 40-year-old two-time Paralympic gold medallist (2004 & 2016) in javelin

throw is the only Indian with two gold medals at the Paralympics. What suggests that he might be in the running for a third medal in the F46 category (for athletes with unilateral upper limb impairment) is that at the selection trials in July this year, Jhajharia breached his own world record with a throw of 65.71.

In the F64 event (for lower limb impairment) two strong Indian medal hopefuls are Sandeep Chaudhary and Sumit Antil.

Rio hero Mariyappan Thangavelu, the high jumper from Tamil Nadu, is another strong contender in the T63 event (for athletes using prosthesis above the knee amputation). Rio bronze medalist Varun Singh Bhati and Asian Para Games double medalist Sharad Kumar are two other strong contenders in the same category.

Imran likely to appoint Ramiz Raja as PCB chief ISLAMABAD, AUG 23 (IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday hinted at appointing former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja as the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Geo News reported.

The development followed a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan, PCB sitting Chairman Ehsan Mani and Ramiz Raja at the PM’s office on Monday.

The PCB Chairman has been informed that he would not be given another term in the office, well-informed sources said, adding

that Imran Khan will The News reported recommend Ramiz that Raja’s name was Raja’s name to the PCB’s floated by former cricketer governing board for the Majid Khan. Incidentally, coveted post.

Majid Khan was the After meeting the favourite to take over as Prime Minister, Ehsan the PCB Chairman three Mani left without speaking years back. At that time, Ramiz Raja to the media, sources said.

Majid Khan had backed Mani’s term as PCB chief ends on Mani for the job.

August 25. The sources said that Prime Majid Khan, being a close relative Minister Khan, himself a former of Imran Khan, did not accept the captain of the national cricket team, proposal of taking the position. This has decided to appoint Raja, who is time, he has expressed his support likely to be given the task to implement for Raja, who has always had good Khan’s vision. relations with the Khan family.

World U20 C’ships: Jamaica, SA set world records on way to relay golds season’s best of 43.90. That made them the country’s first women’s 4x100m medallists at the World U20 Championships since the first edition in 1986 where Tina Iheagwam, Caroline Nwajei, Falilat Ogunkoya and Mary Onyali also won bronze.

The South African squad comprising Mihlali Xhotyeni, 200m men’s bronze medallist Sinesipho Dambile, Letlhogonolo M o l e ya n e a n d 1 0 0 m silver medallist Benjamin Richardson stormed to gold in 4x100m with a world U20 record of 38.51, finishing ahead of Jamaica who clocked 38.61, while Poland won bronze with a timing of 38.90.

Botswana was the team to beat in the men’s 4x400m, with Anthony Pesela, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, Oreeditse Masede and Phenyo Bongani Majama racing to a world U20 lead of 3:05.22.

Jamaica took the silver with a season’s best of 3:05.76, while host team Kenya beat Nigeria to bronze with their time of 3:05.94.

Having already won two gold medals in the women’s 400m and mixed 4 x 4 0 0 m r e s p e c t i ve ly, Nigeria’s emerging star in the quartermile Imaobong Nse Uko inspired her 4x400m teammates to a world U20 lead of 3:31.46 after putting the squad in pole position for gold, building on the good start from Opeyemi Oke and overtaking Jamaica’s Aalliyah Francis to hand the baton to Ella Onojuvwevwo in first position.

Favour Ofili, who had helped the 4x100m team to bronze less than an hour before, consolidated on the lead and anchored the team to gold, her third medal of the competition as Jamaica posted a season’s best of 3:36.57 for silver.

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N A I RO B I , A U G 2 3 (IANS): Jamaica and South Africa set world U20 records in the women’s and men’s 4x100m, while Botswana and Nigeria ran world leads to win 4x400m gold as five days of action at the World U20 Championships ended on a high.

The Jamaican quartet of Serena Cole, Tina Clayton, Kerrica Hill and Tia Clayton ran an inspired race to smash the previous world U20 record of 43.27 set by Germany four years ago to take their 12th women’s 4x100m medal in World U20 Championships history and fifth 4x100m gold with a world record of 42.94.

Winner of the women’s 2 0 0 m t i t l e, C h r i s t i n e Mboma, anchored the Namibian team to their first ever podium finish in the relays at the championships, a silver medal won with a time of 43.76, while Nigeria settled for bronze with a

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