26 march 2023

Nagaland Post

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Centre reduces more ‘disturbed areas’ under AFSPA in NE: Amit Shah

NEW DELHI, MAR 25

(PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has once again decided to decrease the jurisdiction of “disturbed areas” declared under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur.

AFSPA in Nagaland was removed from 15 police station areas of seven districts from April 1, 2022.

Following a recommendation of a governmentappointed committee, the AFSPA was removed from three other police station areas with effect from April

NFR hijacks trains from Dimapur

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 2 5

NSCN (I-M) objects to holding ULB elections on May 16

Mock drill on Apr 10 & 11 to check COVID readiness

1, 2023, the officials said. With this, the disturbed area tag has been removed from a total of 18 police station areas in eight districts of Nagaland.

In a series of tweets, Shah said this decision has been taken on account of significant improvement in the security situation in the North Eastern region. “A historic day for the Northeast! PM @narendramodi led GoI has once again decided to decrease the dis-

turbed areas in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur under the AFSPA. This decision has been taken on account of significant improvement in the security situation in North-East India,” he said. The home minister said for the first time in India’s history, Modi prioritised security, peace and development in the northeast and as a result of it, the region is now rapidly heading on the path of peace and development.

NLTP Act will have to be enforced: Moatoshi

DIMAPUR, MAR 25

(NPN): Advisor excise, labour, employment & skill development Moatoshi Longkumer on Saturday asserted that the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act , 1989 will have to be enforced if the Act was to stay.

Moatoshi said this during his introductory meeting with excise department officials held in the conference hall of the commissioner of excise, Dimapur on Saturday. Advisor encouraged the excise person-

nel to prove their worth as the department was fully empowered under the Act. He also exhorted the excise fraternity to work as a team and accept him as their team leader.

Observing that the “sorry state of affair is unfortunately an appendage of the past”, Moatoshi Longkumer said that there would be a change in the system and work culture, which will promote and reward meritocracy. In this regard, advisor assured to extend all possible support.

On the occasion, advisor also expressed concern over the accessibility and proliferation of drug use and abuse in the society. In his address, commissioner & secretary excise Kevekha Kevin Zehol, informed that the excise department has various ongoing proposals pertaining to infrastructural development, check gate activation, narcotics related matters, which he hoped will come to fruition that under the leadership of the new advisor for excise.

(Cont’d on p-8)

(NPN): Train passengers of Nagaland including nearby Karbi Anglong district have been deprived of essential train services after Northeastern Frontier Railway(NFR) systematically rescheduled timings and stoppages since 2020.

However, the state government has remained silent and hardly bothered to address the issue despite being highlighted on several occasions in this newspaper for decades. For instance, the daily Nagaland Express introduced in 2011 ran between Dimapur to Guwahati. The train now operates from Dibrugarh to Dimapur to Guwahati since 2020.

Also the BG Express which operated daily from Guwahati to Dimapur and back has been extended to Mariani since 2020. It may also be noted that Nagaland has also lost the Jan Shatabdi introduced in 1996 from Dimapur to Guwahati as per railways scheme. The train has been taken to Jorhat town.

Dimapur used to handle huge volume of passengers and earn the second highest revenue for the NFR.

(Cont’d on p-8)

DIMAPUR, MAR 25 (NNPN): NSCN (I-M) has raised objection to the State Election Commission (SEC) notification of holding the elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on May 16, pointing out that May 16-- ‘Naga Plebiscite’ was a “historic and auspicious day that made the Naga history so unique and revered should not be buried to fulfil local electoral process.”

Explaining what it takes to give historical importance to May 16, NSCN (I-M) through its MIP said that after the declaration of Naga

independence on August 14, 1947, Naga Plebiscite was held on May 16, 1951 “to reaffirm the sovereign will and aspiration of the Nagas as declared on 14th August, 1947 to live as a free and a sovereign nation as ever.”

It maintained that this was an irrevocable solemn vow that defines the Naga people’s political identity as a nation. “Nagas have history and it is the defence of Naga history that Naga political struggle started and it is the recognition of Naga political issue that 1997

(Cont’d on p-8)

JCC 3-pt resolution on ULB polls

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 25

(NPN): Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), which held an emergency meeting with 15 Dimapur-based tribal hohos, unions and organizations along with NCD, DUCCF & GB Union Dimapur to discuss the issue of urban local bodies (ULB) election, has adopted threepoint resolution.

Addressing the media after nearly four hours of meeting, JCC secretary, W Rainbow Ngullie, informed that the house unanimously

NEW DELHI, MAR 25 (AGENCIES): Amid rising cases of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, the government is planning a nationwide mock drill on April 10 and 11 to take stock of hospital preparedness.

According to a joint advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday, both public and private health facilities in all districts are expected to participate in the exercise aimed at taking stock of availability of medicines, hospital beds, medical equipment and medical oxygen.

resolved and endorsed JCC to spearhead the ULB issue till the demands of the Naga people were fulfilled. The house also resolved that JCC officials would participate in the apex tribal body meeting to be held at Kohima on March 27.

Further, it was resolved that JCC would submit a memorandum to the government demanding the report of Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC), which was set up to inquire into January 31, 2017 incident, in which two youths were killed in the police

The exact details of the mock drill shall be communicated to the states in the virtual meeting scheduled on March 27, the advisory stated. The joint advisory highlighted that in the past several weeks, COVID-19 testing has declined in some states and the current testing levels are insufficient as compared to the standards prescribed by the WHO i.e 140 tests per million.

(Cont’d on p-8)

The Health Ministry has already issued detailed guidelines for management of co-infection of COVID-19 with other seasonal epidemic prone diseases.

Amit Shah

“Well reverend, I got this money during election but did not vote to uphold clean election.“

NYKS Dimapur organises youth leadership training

Gov appoints chairmen of DPDBs, SDPDBs

Various activities organised for students, faculty

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR,

MAR 25

(NPN): Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Dimapur under the ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit, Immanuel College, Dimapur, conducted training on youth leadership and community development at conference hall, Immanuel College on Saturday.

At the programme, resource person, founder & CEO, Pinnacle skills, Dimapur Dr. Yan Murry, stressed on youth leadership and leadership quali-

ties to develop for the future. He encouraged the students to have a vision, willing to adapt change, prioritizing networking and communication and focus on preparation and risk management. He also spoke about his successful journey on becoming a social entrepreneur.

Soft skills instructor, Pinnacle skills, Dimapur

Komuni Kayina stressed on equipping leadership traits and encouraged the students on how to acquire leadership skills through acquiring exceptional communication skills, personality development, life skills (soft skills), interpersonal skills, time management,

NeWs IN BrIeF

adaptability, work ethic and to be a creative thinker.

United Nations Volunteer and former DYO, NYKS, Dimapur, Mary Kent, in her speech spoke on community development through volunteerism with active participation by involving all the students through group activities.

Around 50 students attended the programme.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by NYV, NYKS Y. Chingong, welcome address by NSS Program officer, Immanuel college Hriizia Lazeo, musical rendition by Thungchanthung Ezung and vote of thanks by NYV, NYKS Kaka Lotha.

CMO Wokha inaugurates: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha Dr. Zubenthung Kikon on March 24 inaugurated CMO Wokha office Conference Hall in the presence of CMO office staff. The hall was dedicated by Chumbemo Humtsoe. A training on National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) was also conducted by IDSP team with DSO, Dr. William Humtsoe and district epidemiologist, Dr. Kheshili Awomi as the resource persons. Awareness & trg on Parkinson’s disease: With the objective of spreading awareness about Parkinson’s disease, other neurological conditions and to promote healthy ageing, a four-day awareness and training programme was organised by Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS) Nagaland on March 20-23.

DIMAPUR: Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan has appointed the following Nagaland Legislative Assembly as chairmen of District Planning and Development Boards (DPDBs) and SubDivisional District Planning and Development Boards (SDPDBs)for 2023-24 with immediate effect. For Dimapur DPDB- Moatoshi Longkumer; Peren- T.R. Zeliang, Kohima- Kropol Vitsu, Phek- K.G. Kenye, Mokokchung- Tongpang Ozukum, Zunheboto- Ikuto Zhimomi, Wokha- Mhathung Yanthan, MonKonggam Konyak, Longleng- Pongshi Phom, Tuensang- Imtichoba Chang, Kiphire- Kipili Sangtam, Noklak- P. Longon, Niuland- Jacob Zhimomi, Shamator- Keoshu Yimkhiung, Chumoukedima-Zhaleo Rio and Tseminyu- Jwenga Seb. For SDPDBs, the Governor has appointed Temjen Imna Along as chairman of SDPDBs Mangkolemba, Tobu- Naiba Konyak, Pughoboto- Dr. Sukhato Sema, Pungro- Kiusumew Yimchunger and Longkhim- Sethrongkyu Sangtam.

PCC (A) holds annual lecture

DIMAPUR: The second Tuisem A Shishak annual lecture was held at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) Bundrock Auditorium on March 25. The annual lecture was jointly organised by the college and Alumni Association, PCC.

On the day, founder principal, Dr Tuisem A Shishak presented the ‘Annual Alumni Excellence Award’ to Neichute Doulo of 1994 batch. At the event, director, CIHSR Dr. Sedevi Angami as the speaker delved at length on “Leadership and institution building in a changing world”.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.

2 Timothy 4:7

DIMAPUR: Educational institutions and other organisations have been organising various programmes and activities for the students and faculty across the state.

GHS Yaongyimchen: As part of performance incentive grant under Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom. Teaching and Resources’ (NECTAR), Government High School (GHS) Yaongyimchen on March 25 conducted pottery and basketry classes for female and male students respectively. The instructors for the pottery class were Alemphenla and Tangpe Phom from Yongphang Village and Hindi teacher, Salang was the instructor of the basketry class.

DBCK: Don Bosco College Kohima (DBCK) in collaboration with Carl Rogers Rogers Institute of Mental Health and School Counseling Kohima organised a programme on “Education to Love” for the 6th Semester students on March 24 at T2 Hall, DBCK with senior medical officer, Dr. Viketuolie Pienyii as the resource person. During the programme, Dr. Pienyii stressed on the importance of sex education in order to be safe, to prevent sexual exploitation and also have

Resource persons and others at CCAC.

healthy relationships among peers. He said right sex education would reduce unwanted pregnancy and sexual transmitted disease.

Dr. Pienyii also encouraged the students to be physically active in sports and social activities in order to abstain from sexual thoughts. Chairman of CRIMHSC, Kezhazolie Cornelius Mere also highlighted the side effects of masturbation through psychological and holistic approach. The programme concluded with an interactive session. UCTE: A two-day national seminar on the theme, Teacher Education for Sustainable Development: A Road Map for 21st Century” sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science and Research, New Delhi was held on March 23-24 at Unity College of Teacher Education, Dimapur.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, regional

APEN flays harassment of member

DIMAPUR, MAR 25 (NPN): Association of Power Engineers Nagaland (APEN) has strongly condemned the alleged harassment meted out to one of its members Er. Thanyalo Kath, SDO (electrical) Mon, by some miscreants “claiming to be from NSCN(U) group” at Mon town on March 23, 2023.

In a press release, APEN president Er. Kasho Chishi general secretary Er. N. Myingthungo Ngulue described as “totally uncalled for” the “unwar-

ranted intimidation with death threats” on a government officer delivering an essential service to the public. APEN also stated “such inhuman and outrageous act” on its member was “unacceptable” when its members were performing their duties round the clock to serve the people of the State.

APEN has appealed to the law enforcing agencies to take all necessary steps to bring the culprits to book and take appropriate action as per law.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

director, IGNOU, Kohima, Dr. Timir Tripathi highlighted about the vocational education under NEP 2020 and education to impart 21st century skills.

In a keynote address, professor, department of teacher education, Nagaland University, Dr. Gyanendra Nath Tiwari stressed on the challenges about lack of resources available and challenges for sustainable development.

Resource person for the technical sessions were assistant professor (senior scale), Dr. M. Rajendra Nath Babu and assistant professor, Dr. Yolila Sangtam, both from department of teacher education, Nagaland University, an d principal, Bosco College of Teacher Education, Dimapur, Fr. Dr. Jose Joseph.

Delivering the valedictory address, professor, department of education, regional institute of education, Mysuru, Karnataka, Dr. G. Viswanathappa highlighted about the NEP, 2020 goals to set the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) in order to determine all areas of teacher management and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes for teacher

training.

SC: A peer team, appointed by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru, visited Sazolie College, Jotsoma from March 23-24, for the 2nd cycle of assessment and accreditation. During the course of their visit, the team interacted with the Principal, IQAC, departments, members of the committees/support services, faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders of the college like the governing body members, alumni and parents. The peer team visit concluded with the exit meeting on March 24.

CCAC: One day workshop on career counselling and guidance was organised by Career & Counselling Committee, City College of Arts & Commerce, S.M Colony Dimapur on March 25. The resource persons, assistant professor, St. Joseph University and communications consultant, Imchanok Jamir various career prospects to the students.

SSN: With an aim to create curiosity, excitement and exploration among school children and promote enquiry-based learning outside the classroom, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland conducted a two-day study trip for secondary students on March 23-25. The team consisting of 33 secondary students and 11 teachers from across the state and two officials from State Mission office visited CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

02/05/1950 – 17/03/2023

From the depth of our hearts, we convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, churches, organizations, unions, neighbours, friends and wellwishers for your prayers, financial and physical support at the sudden demise of our beloved Lt. Tekalemla (Khar) Aoyimkum Village.

We regret our inability to mention each and every person individually but it is our sincere prayers that the Almighty God bless you all according to His riches in Heaven.

DP-1282/23

Late Pupirei Pfukha

1/1/1902 – 15/3/2023

With profound heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone, from near and far, we the bereaved family of Late Mrs. Pupirei Pfukha extend our acknowledgement to all who stood by us physically, financially and in prayers. We would like to especially convey our sincere gratitude to:

1. Er. Kropol Vitsu (MLA & Advisor).

2. Southern Angami Women Organisation.

3. Angami Women Organisation.

4. Kigwema Baptist Church.

5. Kigwema Christian Revival Church.

6. Kigwema Village Council.

7. Kigwema Students' Union.

8. Kigwema Youth Organisation.

9. Kigwemiapfü Kewhira Kebako Krotho.

10. Makhuma Khel.

11. Makhuma Students' Union.

12. Makhuma Youth Organisation.

13. All Well Wishers & Friends.

BORN : 15.06.1933 DIED : 16.03.2023

We, the bereaved family of LATE V. VITOI YEPUTHOMI would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, organizations and churches for your support through physically, materially, financially and spiritually during the span of his illness and at the time of his demise on 16.03.2023.

We convey our sincere thanks to :

1. Aichisaghemi Baptist Church Nito Mount, General & Youth Department.

2. Aichisaghemi Baptist Church Aizuto.

3. Aichisaghemi Village Council, VDB & G.Bs.

4. Aichisaghemi Community Suruhuto/Zunheboto/Naltoqa.

5. Suruhuto Town Baptist Church Nito Mount, W/Department.

6. SBCZ Children Ministry, Khuwoboto Fellowship.

7. B.Th. II Yrs. Nito Theological College, Zbto.

8. Ghokhuvi Baptist Church, General/Women & Youth Department.

9. Sumi Baptist Church Naltoqa, Nito Mount.

10. Staff of GPS Project West, Zunheboto.

11. GMS Diphupar (Sumi) Dimapur.

12. Friends & well-wishers from Satakha/Tsutoho/Kiyekhu/Aghuito/Shoixe/Yeza/Locho

13. Friends & well-wishers from Zunheboto/Sukhalu/Suruhuto /Surumi/Vedami/Naltoqa.

14. Friends & well-wishers from Aquba/Luvishe New, Akuluto & Dimapur

We regret our inability to mention all the names individually; however, it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God showers His blessings upon you all abundantly.

DP-1297/23

Loving Wife, Children, In-Laws, Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren

We would also like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all our friends from the media fraternity. We regret our inability to mention each one individually but we pray that the Almighty grant love and peace to one & all. Loving: Family, Grand Children, Great Grand Children, Great Great Grand Children and In-Laws

K-640/23

3rd Death anniversary

Lt. hokishe Kiho (25/03/1938 – 26/03/2020)

Dear Ipu, As we commemorate your 3 rd year anniversary in heaven, we celebrate the life you lived while on earth. Much as we mourn that you are no longer with us, we find comfort in the knowledge that your prayers and blessings continue to guide and light our ways.

Loving wife, children, grandchild & in-laws

Loving Husband, Children and Relatives

LT. IMKONGWATI

Died on 26th March 2022

Remembering and honouring you on your

1st Death Anniversary. With all

Dr. Yan Murry along with the students and faculty members on Saturday. (NP)

Besides solution, does the new government have any priorities for the next five years?

NEXT POLL

NSRLM promotes ‘ digital transactions’ at GP level

DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) launched “Promotion of Digital Transactions at Gram Panchayat (GP) level” campaign under “Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav 2.0” on March 23 at Phaipijang Village under Chumukedima Block.

A press release by NSRLM stated that the digital transactions are being facilitated to the rural community by the women Self Help Group (SHG) members who identified and designated as Business Correspondent (BC) Sakhi. The campaign would be undertaken in different 129 locations throughout the state till August 15, 2023.

In a keynote address, State Program ManagerFinancial Inclusion (SPMFI), NSRLM, Rajuselie Lhousa said the campaign was a national movement to promote digital transaction in the villages and provide financial services at the doorstep of the rural population in India.

In his address, managerFI, SBI RBO Dimapur, Rameshwar Singh shared the importance of healthy relationship between the banks and the customers.

State head Common Service Centre (CSC), Lanusosang Jamir spoke on the topic “digital service” and explained on how BCs can provide man services such

as e-district services, consultation service, various Bank product etc. He requested the community to help and support the BC Sakhi so that it can continue making everyone’s lives easier.

District CoordinatorFinancial Inclusion (DCFI), Y. Agnes Ezung while highlighting the status of FI initiatives in the district, said that 330 SHGs have availed credit linkage amounting to Rs. 5.77 crore since 2013. Altogether 76 participants including SHG members and their family members, school teachers, church leaders, local government representatives (PRI/ VC) and other rural community attended the programme.

RHC camps held at Zhadima & Mangkolemba

DIMAPUR: A Reproductive Child Health (RCH) camp was organised by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kohima office along with District Health Society (DHS), Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW), National Health Mission (NHM) on March 24 at Zhadima Village.

In a short programme,

deputy CMO Kohima, Dr. Imchatoshi urged the people to avail the services and partake in group discussions organised to create awareness on living healthy lifestyle. He underscored the importance of raising health awareness in the community and also reminded that pregnant mother and children are prioritised under the scheme.

DIO (RCH/UIP), Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro also spoke on the need for community participation for bringing about sustainable health care services through their participation and active contribution.

Mangkolemba: Under the initiative of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mokokchung, a Reproduc-

tive Child Health (RCH) camp was conducted on March 24 at Community Health Centre (CHC) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung. The medical team was led by DPO(UIP&RCH), Dr. Takosunep, DPO(NCD), Dr. Limanaro, pediatrician, Dr. Imlisenba and Obs & Gynea IMDH Mokokchung, Dr. Nungsangtemjen.

Training on HIV &AIDS (P&C) Act in Tuensang

DIMAPUR: A training on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Prevention and Control (P&C) Act,

2017 was organised by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) Tuensang under the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in col -

Training on ‘bamboo development’

DIMAPUR: A two-day training programme on “bamboo development as a resource and enterprise for sustainable livelihood” for Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) functionaries was organised by State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) on March 22-23 at SAMETI, Medziphema.

A press release by SAMETI, Medziphema informed that during the training, the participants were trained on the topic of bamboo development as resource and bamboo development as enterprise by team member Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), Er. M. Imkonglemba and founder and proprietor – The Naga Feather (tNF), Ruovilhoukho Chuzho.

laboration with Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) on March 22 at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tuensang.

Practical demonstration on preparation of charcoal, bamboo nursery techniques and its management, propagation techniques of bamboo, bamboo processing and treatment and preparation of handicrafts and home utilities were given to the participants. The participants were also taken for a field visit to Bamboo Emporium and Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, 6th Mile Sovima. The valedictory programme was chaired by deputy project director, SAMETI, Yezaho Swu; certificates were distributed to the trainees by director SAMETI and principal IETC, Dr. Watimongla Jamir, and DPD SAMETI, Janet Chishi delivered the vote of thanks while feedback on the training was given by all the participants.

According to a DIPR report, during the training, district programme officer, DACPU Tuensang, Chongshen gave a statistical PowerPoint presentation on the status of the Tuensang district. TDLSA penal lawyer, Birila Brianna highlighted the HIV and AIDS Act 2017, which stated that no person can be discriminated against on the ground of occupation, health, education, and property right, prohibition of certain acts like hate speech and violence, disclosure of HIV positive to partner, defining the scope of ombudsman, protection in legal proceedings and penalties on violation of right.

NSRLM members, SHGs, villagers and others at Phaipijang village.

(L-R) Medical team and others at the Reproductive Child Health at Mangkolemba and Zhadima.

Organizers and participants at the training programme in Tuensang.

Cong protests in Ghy over Rahul’s disqualification

Police obstruct Congress party workers during a ‘solidarity march’ in support of Rahul Gandhi, in Guwahati, Saturday. (PTI)

GUWAHATI, MARCH 25

(IANS): The Congress unit in Assam staged a protest march in Guwahati on Saturday over Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from the Lok Sabha following his conviction in a defamation case The police however, stopped the protest march before it reached the Assam Secretariat and detained several Congress leaders. Leader of the opposition in the Assam Assembly Debabrata Saikia, Congress MLAs, were among the

Sarma and Sangma flay Rahul’s remark on Modi surname

Rahul could have apologised: Himanta

GUWAHATI, MAR 25

(PTI): Rahul Gandhi could have apol ogised or withdrawn the comments for which he was sentenced by a Surat court, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

tacked the BJP-led government at the Centre , termin gthe disqualification ‘Aapat Kaal’ (emergency) for the nation.

“In today’s ‘Amrit Kaal’ Opposition leaders are being coerced and silenced by using every tool of power by BJP and the Centre,” Soren said in a tweet.

RG challenging Modi unfortunate: Conrad

participants of the protest march which started from the MLA quarters in Dispur.

The party leaders carried Rahul Gandhi’s and chanted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Friday, Assam Pradesh Congress president Bhupen Borah had alleged that “the BJP planned a conspiracy against the former Wayanad MP after he busted the corruption of business tycoon Gautam Adani”.

“The way Rahul Gan-

dhi elaborately explained the corruption of Modi’s ‘close man’ Adani, in the 50-minute speech in the Lok Sabha, the BJP planned a controversy against Rahul Gandhi to oust him out of Parliament,” Borah told the media. He also claimed that the BJP has been planning this for a long time since Rahul Gandhi was constantly attacking the Central government on a number of issues like demonetisation and GST implementation, among others.

A slip of tongue sometimes happens and ‘’we have experienced it too, but we issue a statement apologising, saying it was unintentional. Gandhi could have done the same and the matter would have ended there’’, Sarma said on the sidelines of a programme here.

Gandhi, however, did not apologise nor withdraw the comments over the last five years which goes to ‘’show that it was intentional and made to abuse the OBC community,’’Sarma claimed, referring to the Surat court’s verdict convicting Gandhi in a defamation case and subsequent disqualification as a Lok Sabha MP.

Other chief ministers

Bharat Gaurav train leaves for Arunachal

GUWAHATI, MAR 25

(PTI): The Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train taking travellers on a specially designed “North East Discovery: Beyond Guwahati” was flagged off from here on Friday for its onward journey to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh.

The train, specially designed tour to cover the North-eastern states of India, had arrived here on Thursday as its first destination after it began its journey from Delhi’s Safdarjung station on March 21.

The train was virtually flagged off by Chief Minister of Arunachal

Pradesh Pema Khandu and Union Minister of State for Railways, Coal and Mines, Rao Saheb Patil Danve, an official release said on Saturday.

NF Railway General Manager Anshul Gupta

and other senior railway officials were present at the Guwahati railway station during the flagging off ceremony.

The tourists during their first halt here visited the Kamakhya Temple

followed by Umananda Temple and a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra. Besides Guwahati, the train will cover during its 15-day tour Sivasagar, Furkating and Kaziranga in Assam, Unakoti, Agartala and Udaipur in Tripura, Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland and Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya.

Bharat Gaurav is the first such tourism special train for the north-eastern states and it is in line with the Government of India’s initiative “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” and “Dekho Apna Desh”’ to promote domestic tourism, the release added.

in the eastern region, many ruled by opposition parties have however come out against the disqualification.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said the country is witnessing a new low in a constitutional democracy.

“In PM Modi’s New India, Opposition leaders have become the prime target of BJP ! While BJP leaders with criminal antecedents are inducted into the cabinet, opposition leaders are disqualified for their speeches,” the fiery TMC Supremo said in a tweet.

Similarly, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren too on Friday at -

“It is not that he had to apologise to any BJP members or Prime Minister Narendra but he did not do so and showed his arrogance’’, the Assam Chief Minister on Saturday said.

‘’This is a judicial process....a cycle and there is nothing political in it. The decision has been taken after a prolonged judicial process of five years’’, he said.

The chief minister referring to the judgement said ‘’Karma (destiny) has eventually caught up with him.” However, he indicated that judicial recourse remained is open, and Gandhi ‘’can challenge the verdict in the High court or Supreme Court’’, the Chief minister added.

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAR 25:

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president, Conrad Sangma on Saturday termed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s action of challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘unfortunate’ following his conviction in a defamation case by a Surat Court. “It was unfortunate that Gandhi was not accepting the court’s verdict and the rules of the ECI (Election Commission of India),” Sangma said. The NPP, the first from the Northeastern region to attain the status of a national party, is an ally of the BJP.

Sangma suggested that the former Congress president should accept the verdict of the court rather than attacking PM Narendra Modi. “He should accept the rules laid down by the Election Commission of India,” the NPP Chief iterated. It may be noted that during his election speech in 2019, Gandhi had insulted Narendra Modi and ridiculed that people with the surname Modi were all “thieves”. “Such a statement is an insult not just to the PM of the nation but also to the entire OBC community,” Sangma said. Sangma further asked Rahul Gandhi to apologise for his statement and focus on course correction rather than challenging the Prime Minister at this moment. When asked whether this situation would impact the prospects of the Congress in the upcoming 2024 election, Sangma opined that it would undoubtedly impact the Congress prospects in 2024.

FormerAPSCchairmangetsbailinjobscam

GUWAHATI, MAR 25 (PTI): Former chairman of Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Rakesh

Paul, prime accused in the cash for jobs scam, has been granted bail by the Gauhati High Court.

The single bench of Justice Devashis Baruah granted bail to Paul on Friday in connection with a case registered at the Bhangagarh police station here related to taking bribe for giving jobs for the post of agricultural development officer. The bail was granted on the ground that he had already served one-half of the maximum period of imprisonment for the offence.

Justice Barua directed Paul’s release subject to certain conditions which include surrendering his passport, not to leave Guwahati without prior intimation and permission of the Special Judge, Assam and not to tamper with the evidence of the case. He has also been directed not to contact the charge sheeted witnesses, not to directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any of the witnesses. The judge also directed him to appear before the Special Judge in connection with cases related to the cash for job scam on each date fixed by the court.

Paul was booked under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act including criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery for

cheating, among others. Paul is likely to be released on Saturday after completion of necessary formalities. Four cases were registered against Paul at various police stations in connection with the cash for jobs scam and he had already secured bail in the others.

Paul was arrested by Dibrugarh police in November 2016 and has been in judicial custody since then.

Himanta Biswa Sarma

Bharat Gaurav Train specially designed tour to cover the NE, was flagged off from Guwahati railway station.

Rakesh Paul

Conrad Sangma

Man hangs self after killing wife

BALRAMPUR, MAR 25 (PTI): A 52-year-old man on Saturday killed his wife following a dispute and then ended his life by hanging from a tree here, police said. The deceased have been identified as Haneef and his wife Zubeda (50), they said. Additional

Superintendent of Police Namrata Srivastava said the couple had an argument over some issue and, in a fit of anger, Haneef strangled his wife using a rope. After this, he went outside the village, and ended his life by hanging from a tree, the ASP said.

12 UP cops booked in case of assault, looting

PRATAPGARH (UP), MAR 25 (PTI): An FIR has been lodged against 12 policemen in a case of assault and looting, an official said on Saturday.

Inspector in-charge (SHO) of Kandhai police station

Dhirendra Thakur said, “An FIR was lodged on Friday evening against the police personnel accused of entering the house of women during 2021 panchayat election.”The accused include the then police station in-charge

Inspector Neeraj Walia, sub-inspectors Shailendra Tiwari and Surya Pratap Singh among others,” he said. The FIR was lodged on the direction of the Human Rights Commission and Director General of Police (DGP) after the victim, a resident of Rajapur Mufrid village, sent a letter to them complaining about the incident, Thakur added.

J&K: 1 killed, 6 injured in explosion in factory

JAMMU, MARCH 25 (IANS): One person was killed and six others were injured on Saturday in an explosion inside a factory in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, an official said. The deceased has been identified as Mohan Lal. “The injured persons have been shifted to government college hospital in Jammu city. It is being ascertained whether the explosion occurred in a boiler or due to some explosive material,” a source in the know of things said.

Property dispute: Minor girl killed in Bihar

PATNA, MAR 25 (IANS): An eight-year old girl was shot dead after assailants barged into her house and started firing indiscriminately over a property dispute in Bihar’s Bhojpur district, an official said. The incident occurred in Bhilai village on Friday night. The accused, after committing the crime, fled from the village. Victim’s father Krishna Singh said: “He has a property dispute with a person in Rohtas district. He has sent the armed men to kill me. They have forcibly entered my house and fired indiscriminately in which my daughter died.”

Minor girl dies after rape in Karnataka

RAMNAGAR (KARNATAKA), MAR 25 (IANS): A minor girl died in Karnataka’s Ramnagar district fter she was raped, police said on Saturday, adding that the accused has been arrested. The incident took place at the Tataguni village in the outskirts of Bengaluru.

According to the police, 17-year-old victim studying in class 12 was raped at an isolated area near the village and she succumbed on the spot due to severe bleeding. The police said that the girl was lured to the spot by the accused, who hailed from the same village. Kaggalipura police have taken up investigation and the body has been shifted to the Rajarajeshwari Hospital.

NEW DELHI, MAR 25

(PTI): A combative Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said he would continue to defend democracy in the country even if he is disqualified from Parliament for life or jailed and claimed that a “panic-stricken” government has handed the Opposition a “big weapon” by disqualifying him.

Addressing his first press conference after his disqualification from the Lok Sabha, Gandhi claimed that the action against him was taken because Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “scared” of his next speech in Parliament on the Adani issue and alleged that the “whole game” was to distract people from the issue and the panic the government was feeling over the matter. He said he would continue to ask questions on the Adani issue, adding the moot questions remain that who invested Rs 20,000 crore in Adani shell firms and what is the businessman’s relationship with the

prime minister. He vowed he will keep raising these questions.

Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha on Friday, a day after a court in Gujarat’s Surat convicted him in a 2019 defamation case. The disqualification will bar Gandhi (52), a fourtime MP, from contesting polls for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction.

Asserting that “democracy has finished in this country”, the former Congress chief claimed that he never sought foreign intervention in his remarks made in the UK and accused Union ministers of “lying” against him in Parliament to which he said he wanted

to respond but was not allowed.

He also said that the BJP was trying to divert the issue by alleging that he had insulted OBCs and he would continue to ask what is Modi’s relationship with businessman Gautam Adani.

“I am here defending the democratic voice of the Indian people, I will continue to do that. I am not scared of these threats, of these disqualifications, allegations, prison sentences. I am not scared of them. These people don’t understand me yet, I am not scared of them,” he said, attacking the BJP.

“Disqualify me for life, put me inside jail, I will keep going. I will not stop,” he said, noting that it makes no difference to him.

“I have been disqualified because the prime minister is scared of my next speech. I have seen it in his eyes. So he is terrified of the next speech that is going to come and does not want that speech to be in Parliament,”

Rahul resorting to ‘gimmicks’ for ‘cheap popularity’: Anurag Thakur

NEW DELHI, MAR 25 (PTI): Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said elected representatives automatically stand disqualified the moment they are convicted by a court and sentenced to jail for two or more years, and hit out at Rahul Gandhi for resorting to “gimmicks” for “cheap popularity”. Thakur also made it clear that the Union government or the Lok Sabha has no role to play in the matter and cannot suspend or revoke the disqualification.

His statement came as a combative Gandhi said he would continue to defend democracy in the country even if he is disqualified from Parliament for life or jailed. Thakur said in the 2013 Lily Thomas

Vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court had set aside Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act which once protected convicted legislators from disqualification on account of their pending appeal. “As per judgment, disqualification is automatically effective from the date of conviction,” he said. The minister said the Constitution expressly prohibits Parliament to defer the date from which a disqualification would come into effect.

Plea moved in SC challenging automatic disqualification of MPs on conviction

NEW DELHI, MAR 25 (IANS): A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from Parliament, a petition has been moved in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of provisions mandating “blanket and automatic” disqualification of legislators upon conviction and sentence.

The plea, filed by advocate Deepak Prakash on behalf of Aabha Muralidharan, prayed that automatic disqualification under Section 8 (3) of the Representation of People Act (RPA), 1951, should be declared as ultra vires of the Constitution, for being arbitrary, illegal and violative of fundamental right to equality.

The petitioner, a social worker from Malappuram, sought a direction that automatic disqualification did not exist under Section 8 (3) of the RPA, while citing Gandhi’s disqualification as an MP on Friday by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. The Secretariat issued a notification after he was convicted by a Surat court on March 23 and given a

two year sentence, for his remarks as to “why all thieves had Modi surname” in a rally in 2019 in Kolar.

The plea argued that the mandate of Section 499 (defamation) of IPC or any other offence prescribing maximum punishment of two years will not automatically disqualify any sitting member of any legislative body. It stressed that automatic disqualification violated the freedom of speech and expression of an elected representative.

The plea said: “The grounds for disqualification ought to be specific with the nature of offences as specified under the Code for Criminal Procedure and not in a blanket form, as is currently in force under Section 8(3) of the RP Act.”

The plea contended that interpretation provided by the apex court in Lily Thomas case (2013) requires re-examination, to the effect of adjudicating the provisions of disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act.

the former Congress chief alleged at the 30-minute press conference, flanked by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and party general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and K C Venugopal.

He claimed that his attack on Adani was the reason for distraction through allegations and now disqualification.

Hitting back, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad rubbished the contention that Gandhi’s conviction in a defamation case and his subsequent disqualification was linked to the latter raising the Adani Group issue and his conviction has come in a defamation came for his defamatory remarks made in 2019.

Prasad alleged that the Congress did not press its battery of lawyers in service to immediately obtain a stay on Gandhi’s conviction by a Gujarat court with a view to “encashing” the issue in the upcoming assembly polls in Karnataka.

JAGDALPUR, MAR 25 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the fight against Leftwing extremism (LWE) seems to be in the final stage of victory in the country and the supreme sacrifices made by the CRPF personnel while battling the menace has a big role in it.

Speaking at the 84th Raising Day event of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), he said security forces have put up a strong fight against the LWE in the last nine years and achieved success on all fronts.

Highlighting the role of CRPF in the fight against Naxalism, he said the credit of wiping out hindrances in the path of development in Maoist-hit areas goes to the CRPF personnel.

“The fight against Left-wing extremism seems to be in the final stages of victory and the supreme sacrifice made by your family members has a huge contribution in it. The victory saga will be written in golden letters remembering their sacrifices,” Shah said, addressing the relatives of martyred personnel present on the occasion.

“As I am in Bastar today, I want to tell you

that our security forces have fought strongly against LWE in the last nine years and achieved success on all fronts. They have not only attained victory in pushing them (LWE elements) to the back foot, but also facilitated development to reach to tribals...,” he said.

Extremists were hindrances in the construction of schools, roads, hospitals and fair price shops and installation of mobile towers. As a home minister I wanted to say the credit to wipe hindrances to these development works in Maoist-hit areas only goes to the CRPF personnel, he added.

Shah said the CRPF has also displayed an example of organisational skill by establishing coordination with the local police and carrying out

joint operations against the activities of Naxalites.

Will fight for democracy even if disqualified permanently: Rahul Shah lauds CRPF’s role in tackling Naxalism

To check inter-state movement of Naxalites, the CRPF constituted joint task forces in coordination with the police of different states, set up joint camps and established security in tri-junctions areas, he added.

The Union minister also claimed that the security vacuum in Bihar and Jharkhand was on the verge of coming to an end and it became possible due to the CRPF and the local police (involved in anti-Maoist operations there). Incidents of LWE violence declined by 76 per cent in the country as compared to 2010 and at the same time loss of lives (of civilians and security personnel) also went down by 78 per cent, he added. Hailing the role of CRPF in peaceful conduct of elections, he also said democracy can only survive when it is protected in a dedicated manner. Noting the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), he said the two agencies have been acting strongly to stop funding to LWE.

Stir in different parts of Rajasthan on Rahul’s disqualification

JAIPUR, MAR 25 (PTI): Congress party staged protests in different cities of Rajasthan over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. The former Wayanad MP was disqualified from the lower house of Parliament a day after he was convicted by a Gujarat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case. The protests were held in Jaipur, Ajmer and Kota among other cities. In Ajmer, Congress workers led by Vijay Jain raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt his effigy.

Delhi excise policy case: Court to hear Sisodia’s bail plea on April 5

NEW DELHI, MAR 25 (PTI): A court on Saturday adjourned till April 5 the hearing on the bail plea of AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who has been arrested by the ED in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in implementing the now-scrapped excise policy in Delhi.

Special Judge MK Nagpal adjourned the hearing after Sisodia’s counsel sought more time to prepare a detailed response to ED’s submission on the bail plea.

Sisodia moved the bail plea on Tuesday and the court sought the Enforcement Directorate’s response by March 25.

On Wednesday, after seven days of questioning by the ED, the court sent him to 14-day judicial custody. On Friday, the court reserved its order on a separate bail plea moved by Sisodia in the excise policy case lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Land-for-jobs ‘scam’: Tejashwi questioned by CBI

NEW DELHI, MAR 25 (PTI): Investigation agencies on Saturday questioned Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav and his MP sister Misa Bharti in connection with the railways land-for-jobs scam case here, officials said.

While Yadav was quizzed by the CBI for more than eight hours, the ED questioned Bharti for over six hours, they said.

Slamming the BJP over the questioning of the two Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged the ruling party wants to finish off the Opposition and democracy and also expressed solidarity saying, “We are all united against the attack on democracy.”

In a tweet in Hindi, she said, “BJP wants to finish off the Opposition

and democracy from this country. That is why it is continuously attacking the voice of the people in the Opposition.”

Yadav had missed three earlier dates given by the agency and arrived at the CBI headquarters here around 10:30 am according to his commitment to the Delhi High Court last week, they said.

He was questioned till around 8 PM with a nearly 90-minute lunch break, during which he went out of the building, they said.

The CBI’s line of inquiry was believed to have focused on Yadav’s financial transactions, including his purported links to AB Exports Private Limited and AK Infosystems Pvt Ltd.

Last week, the CBI assured the Delhi High Court that Yadav would not be arrested this month.

Bharti was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the railways land-for-jobs linked money laundering case here, officials said.

The Rajya Sabha member went to the agency’s office in central Delhi around 11 am and exited around 7 pm.

She left for lunch for over an hour in the noon during she which told waiting reporters outside the ED office that the proceedings were “confidential” and hence she would not want

to comment.

It is understood that her statement was recorded by the investigating officer under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Yadav’s counsel, Maninder Singh, had informed the high court that he would require some time to appear before the CBI investigators due to the ongoing Bihar Assembly session, scheduled to conclude on April 5.

The CBI’s counsel, D P Singh, had argued that the assembly was not convened on Saturdays and Yadav could appear before the agency on any Saturday in March according to his convenience.

The RJD leader had sought quashing of the summonses issued against him on February 28, March 4 and March 11.

Congress workers stage a protest in support of Rahul Gandhi, in Thane, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (PTI)

“Rahul Gandhi is fighting the battle of truth. He talks in the interest of the unemployed. Instead of answering his questions, this shameful act was done,”

he said.

Congress leader Amit Dhariwal led party members courted arrest with some of them even climbing on the roof of the police bus.

A district administration official said the protest by Congress workers has been peaceful and about 300 have courted arrest. They were later released.

Congress Kota district president Ravindra Tyagi alleged that Modi has taken control of all constitutional institutions and it seems like an undeclared emergency is going on in the country. In Jaipur, youth workers blocked Jaipur-Ajmer Highway near a 200-foot bypass while protesting against the Central government. The protest caused traffic jams on both sides of the highway.

We, the Dimapur Nkonjan Changsu yanhen ekhung (DNCye) with immense pleasure extends our heartiest congratulations to the following bonafide members of ours for bringing laurels to Old Changsu people:

1. Mr. Thungbemo Patton, s/o Tsumongo Patton for being promoted to the post of Assistant Director (Class-I) under Women Resource Development Department.

2. Mr. Lironthung e Kithan, s/o etangbemo Kithan for being elected as the President of Lotha Students’ Union (LSU). The Union prays that Almighty God grant good health and wishes them all success in their future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/(CHOPHATHUNG HUMTSOE) S. EYINGO NGULLIE Secretary, DNCYE Chairman, DNCYE

Rahul Gandhi

Amit Shah

Anurag Thakur

Tejashwi Yadav

Cult invasion

It appears that some Christian cult groups are beginning to look at Nagaland as a fertile ground to plant the seeds of doubt so as to destroy the established church weakened by cynicism and too much compromises that have devalued the quality of the faith. Recently social media carried reports about the visit by an American preacher supposedly pastor of the New Independent Fundamentalist Baptist movement. The cult group was reportedly in Dimapur and also Kohima to cause confusion against the local church and claim to have the truth. The New Independent Church, is identified as a cult group and advocates for the death penalty for homosexuals and prayed for the deaths of former U.S. president Barack Obama and Caitlyn Jenner. The founder, Steven Anderson pastors Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona, has been banned from many countries, including The Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom, Botswana, Canada, Jamaica, the Schengen Area, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The reason why the cult group was expelled recently is because the teachings are bound to cause serious law and order problems. The term cult are applied to the destructive groups from both a Christian and non-Christian perspective. Cults believe that some of Jesus’ teaching was omitted from the Bible or was subverted by self-seeking, godless men. The result, they say, is a contemporary Christian church that doesn’t teach the truth. Cults attract followers by claiming they possess newly revealed truth. New truth often centers on an individual with a supposed pipeline to God, a new set of scriptures, or both. “The Bible is OK,” they say, but it’s not enough. They say there is need for the extra book of scriptures or the correct interpretation of the Bible so as to have divine sufficient truth. Cults try to convince people that they cannot have access to these new truths through any other group. Many cults claim some sort of spiritual connection to Jesus yet distort the claims He made about Himself in the Bible. They refuse to accept Him on His terms. The Mormons believe that Jesus is an exalted man, not the eternal Son of God. To the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jesus is Michael, the archangel. To the Moonies, Jesus was a very good man who failed in His mission. The Way International asserts that Jesus was a specially created, perfect man. The late Dr Billy Graham one of the world’s most respected and non-controversial evangelist, identified cults from the following: Cults can take many forms. Some cults are openly and clearly influenced by non-Christian religions (such as some that originate in the Far East). Others, however, claim to be Christian and may actually incorporate some of the teachings of Christianity, while they deny certain truths in the Bible. Cults substitute their own ideas for the truth which God has given us. Cults differ but most do not accept the bible wholly as God’s word. Cults also commonly claim that they alone correctly interpret the truth and that Christian denominations and churches are wrong in their teaching. Some notable Christian cult groups include: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism),The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses),The Church of Scientology,The Twelve Tribes,The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity (Unification Church),The International Churches of Christ (Boston Movement),The Family (Children of God),Christian Identity Movement (Aryan Nations, Christian Identity Church, Klu Klux Klan, etc.),The Nation of Islam (Black Muslims) and the United Pentecostal Church (UPC).

DailyDevotion

Maintaining the Proper Relationship

…the friend of the bridegroom… —John 3:29

Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but should simply be magnets that draw people to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction. A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself. Others will be left with this thought— “What a fine person that man is!” That is not being a true “friend of the bridegroom”— I am increasing all the time; He is not.

To maintain this friendship and faithfulness to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful to have the moral and vital relationship to Him above everything else, including obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey and our only task is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, seeing that nothing interferes with it. Only occasionally is it a matter of obedience. At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God’s will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship— being the “friend of the bridegroom.” Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends “of the bridegroom,” we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against Him while we use His weapons.

Quotes

“You can’t live an exceptional life by being “normal.”

Nagas have the Right to be Nagas, and to Write and Own our History “The future is certain; it is only the past that is unpredictable.” This is a joke about the communists who tried to change the history of Russia. The future of the Nagas is moving forward, but our history is giving us confusion, because the narrative is changing all the time. This is not a joke. Rewriting history is not only dangerous but also harmful if the motive for rewriting is wrong. This also applies to our history, which has been written and rewritten by non-Nagas. First it was the colonial British that portrayed Nagas as savage and primitive head-hunters, then the Indians looked down on us as tribal and lower caste. Constitutionally we are put into the category of the schedule tribe, the lowest social category in the Indian caste hierarchy. Now the RSS and the BJP are rewriting our history. They are telling us who we are and who we must become. You don’t need me to tell you that their version of the Naga story is wrong; it is utter nonsense. We must fight intelligently and with evidence. To say that the missionaries instigated the Nagas to fight for independence is an insult to our civilization. It ignores the passion for freedom and self-rule that defined the very being and humanity of our ancestors. It rewrites and deletes the long history of selfgoverning systems; sovereign Naga villages instituted and ran successfully till the arrival of British colonists, American missionaries, and Indian neo-colonists.

These days Hindutva Indians have taken upon themselves to tell us that Naga nationalism is a hoax and Nagas have a better future as patriotic RSS and BJP loyalists than as Christians. Here is an RSS man, and I quote: “RSS is a patriotic organization of Hindus, nay, all Indians irrespective caste, creed and religion. In this backdrop, I advise all of you, the BJP workers of Nagaland, to have a close contact with RSS to learn discipline and Indian patriotism provided you have a wish to rise in BJP.”

He goes on: “The role played by Church is also unearthed. The hoax of unique history and Separate Nagaland will no longer work.

The daydream of Christian solidarity with Christian countries advanced by Church for separate Nagaland has disappeared.”

(Nagaland Post, January 22, 2023). My question to you is: Can we, as Christians, tolerate such an insult to us and to our dignity as Nagas?

Nagas are moving ahead

The Nagas declared independence in 1947. Since that date the Naga have fought unsuccessfully to defeat the occupying Indian army. Today, despite the Framework of Agreement between Government of India and NSCN–IM, the Nagas are not united. What this means is that political and economic decolonization must be accompanied by a decolonization of the Naga mind. Past attempts to decolonize the Naga mind have trapped Naga nationalists in a false glorification of Naga nationalist leaders and a war that brought untold suffering upon the Naga people. The corrective path forward is not Hindutva, absolutely not. The Naga future lies in collaboration with Nagas of Burma and the Naga diaspora, which will allow us to retrieve the story of Naga peoplehood. We can look beyond the identities shaped by old colonial divisions and postcolonial conflicts.

Charting a Viable Future in a fundamentally Interconnected World

In this age of modern information and communication technology, a powerful sense of national identity can unite people across sovereign nation-state borders. With a new mind-set attuned to the world we live in today, this generation of Nagas can work with India and Burma towards a strong autonomous Naga Land consisting of our ancestral homelands that will benefit all Nagas.

In the global context, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples opened up a whole new chapter for indigenous peoples including the Naga. Antonio Gramsci wrote around 1930, “The old is dying but the new cannot be born.” The Naga National movement is in a similar moment. In 1997 NSCN (IM) signed a Ceasefire with the Government of India and the Framework Agreement was signed on 3 August 2015. Metaphorically speaking, the current version of the Naga National Movement has been pregnant for 26 years and in labour for 7 years. What is the future of this baby? Will it be a stillborn baby? Will it be a prolonged miscarriage? One thing is sure, this baby, if born at all, will come into a world of total chaos and disaster. It has to face our world of corruption and despair. The baby will come into a bleak dark world. On the other hand, a negotiated agreement can give us a safe space to search our souls to rethink the whole journey of our people. A successful negotiation between the Nagas and the Indian Government should not be viewed as the

The term ‘Democracy’ is defined as “ the government of the people for the people and by the people”. This is the widely accepted definition coined by Abraham Lincoln the 16th President of America. In other words, it is the government which belongs to the people, for the welfare of the people and run by the people themselves. Therefore Democracy is all out and in for the people’s welfare and nothing of self/selves. In a democratically elected house, there are normally two benches. The treasury (ruling) bench and the opposition bench. The elected members of political party/parties which failed to reach the magic number are supposed to sit in opposition without any hesitation unless some of them are invited by the winning party to cover the risk factor after an election. Do we think the opposition bench has no role to play or purposeless?

Never, the role of opposition is very, very important if not equally important. It is just because of opposition bench, the treasury

end of the Naga journey toward nationhood, but as the beginning of a new, peaceful political and cultural process. A new Naga mind-set can assist in this process.

The Naga leadership in India and Burma can each pursue a goal of stronger autonomy using peaceful means. Although divided geo-politically we can be united in a broader cultural sense. This sense of a united Naga culture and mindset will develop and grow among the Nagas even in the current states of occupation in India and Burma and the Naga diaspora. Nagas can work together as a people across the national and international borders to assist each other. In this changing world, we can all look beyond old colonial boundaries and draw strength from an emerging vision of a new Naga National identity that is rooted in our traditional homelands but has spread to encompass Nagas across the world. The solution has to be worked out through dialogue among Nagas and our neighbours because it cannot be imposed on us by Delhi or Yangon.

The key to finding a solution is that ‘Nationhood’ does not have to be all or nothing. There are many constitutional arrangements where high autonomy has allowed a nation to pursue many of its national goals, while remaining part of a larger sovereign state. Scotland in UK is one good example of a people who have a strong sense of National identity, and enjoy a large measure of political independence while remaining part of the United Kingdom of Britain.

So, where is the way out in order to move forward?

 It is a time to discern - a time for reflection, correction, and re-direction. Nagas from Myanmar, Arunachal, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland are united in a joint search for honesty and integrity of our common peoplehood. In our utter desperation to find a way forward together, we are seeking a higher value and reaching for our highest spirit. We are searching for our rightful destiny that will give us the honour and dignity to live as one Nation. I hope peace will return to Naga Land, for that is the will of God.

 Whatever may be the settlement Nagas end up with, we are going to live in a very different world in the future. Multiculturalism is today’s reality in much of the world including USA, Canada, parts of Europe, like the UK, parts of Africa and Asia, and in Australia and New Zealand. North East India happens to be one

of the most multicultural regions of the world. It is nature’s readymade multifaceted cultural bridge between the Indo-Aryan and TibetoBurman peoples. This can become our strength. The Internet and global travel are opening new lines of crossand inter-cultural interaction with the wider world. As T. Sakhrie said, we are taking a leap, as it were, “from a distant past into the glare of the present century” –the 21st century. At this juncture, from the relative isolation of our enclave, I reflect that we would do well to consider the journeys of our indigenous brothers and sisters from other parts of the globe, like Australian Aborigines, who have had to navigate the risks and challenges of multiculturalism and are embracing the emergence of new avatars of identity.

 It is clear from similar struggles around the world that a people, no matter how geographically fragmented, can develop a united identity and voice. The hopes that motivated the heroic struggles of the Naga people in the past have been disappointed. Yet, if faced realistically, they provide grounds for hope.

 Although the Naga leadership is currently fragmented, there is no reason why old factional enmities and allegiances should not be put aside for the sake of a realistic future goal.

 There are many good Indians and thinkers out there who are willing to work out a settlement, willing to be friends to the Nagas and walk alongside us in our quest to find a political solution. Likewise, there are many Burmese leaders and thinkers who are willing to include the Nagas in the nation building of Burma. They are our allies. The development of Naga nationhood and unity can occur alongside the framework of Indian and Burmese sovereignty in the current situation. Nagas on both sides of the IndianBurmese border, and across the world, can help build a united political identity, even though in physical and geographical terms we respect the sovereignty of the states within which we now exist. This vision of Naga unity achieved peacefully in a ‘virtual world’, and implemented separately in two states, is a good starting point for rethinking a new vision of Naga nationhood.

Generational Relay of Responsibility in a fastchanging World  For seventy years the Naga leadership has pursued Naga nationalist goals through armed struggle, but armed struggles have an expiry date and it becomes

poisonous to the cause itself after the expiration date. The cost to the Naga people in suffering and lost opportunities has been immeasurable.

 Today the Naga sense of identity remains strong but we have lost faith in the old leadership. I have been suggesting that we must look toward new possibilities. I have suggested some, but in our rapidly changing world, there are others that we cannot know at this time. For example, the youth of today are far more educated than my generation. Social media and online communities will have farreaching consequences for re-inventing a new mind-set for Naga peoplehood.

 It may be that these unknown opportunities will shape our future. The history of many nations has shown us that flexible leadership that is open to grasping new opportunities when they emerge can dramatically shape the future for the better. History has also demonstrated that such opportunities can be lost due to leadership that remains chained to the hatreds and mind-set of the past.

 On the other hand, many difficult conflict situations have been resolved by the goodwill and determination of the people. The human desire to live in peace is so great that, given the right opportunities and leaders with vision, communities that have in the past fought and struggled have put aside their differences and worked out a peaceful way forward. With realism, the right attitude, and the growth of trust between leaders, seemingly impossible conflicts are worked out peacefully, such as the ending of apartheid in South Africa and the successful peace process in Northern Ireland.

There are two related things about Nagas that cannot be changed:

 The Naga nation is an established historical fact and 21st century Nagas are the children of the last seventy-plus years of Naga nationalism. So Nagas are a nation and a people. But nations are different from states. Not all nations are states. Whereas some nations are states, that is to say, nation-states, most nations of the world are not, including us Nagas.

 Despite the fact that our national awakening has been both heroic and cruel, Nagas are not a nation-state, and we may not need to be one to become a remarkably successful nation in our own right among the numerous nations and nation-states of the interconnected world we live in today. Meanwhile, there is no reason why we cannot become a dignified Nation

Oppositionless government : Irresponsible

bench does not turn autocratic from being democratic. When an effective opposition is present in a house of parliamentary democracy, it elevates the performance of the government in ruling and thereby the people also feel more secured and safe. A society cannot grow further without the present of constructive critics. Today, unlike the 60s and 70s a leader is also expected to be a well informed person who is supposed to know the system and the role he/she can play or should play. On the other hand, a popularly elected Government should also have due regards to the opposition members and allocate their due privileges and perks as the members are also elected with the same process of election, representing certain section of people who are citizens of the state with the same necessities and needs. In politics we may sideline an individual, but the people amass in the constituency do not deserve to be deprived of their due shares under a popular Government. Going by the way how our members are elected ,

we could roughly assume that a state assembly seat is no more a popular seat but a commercialized seat which is bought by money power and thereafter money making is the main concern of the Members pushing aside the people’s welfare inspite of being a people’s government. Also, very often people say, ‘ until and unless the candidate could fully recover the electioneering expenses, he/ she would not bring development’.

I think this is a very irresponsible statement on the part of the people who carelessly justify the practice of purported leaders. If that is the real matter of accounting then it is a commercialized seat which does not deserve respect from the people. To be a leader is to prepare for sacrifice but not for commercial gain and self aggrandizement. In our age old society the rich and well-todo persons threw feast to all but expect nothing in return or recover anything from the community for which they were respected and occupied a genuinely dignified status in the society.

while we are among the States-in-Waiting category.

A Beacon of Hope

 Hope lies in the unquenchable spirit of the Naga people

 The Naga determination and spirit has surprised the Indians, Burmese, and Naga observers around the world. Despite the setbacks and disappointments, Nagas in India, Burma, and the world diaspora retain a strong sense of their Naga nationality.

 With the unstoppable process of globalization and communication technology, more Nagas have awakened to a vision of their Naga nationhood and a determination to continue to fight for the reunification of their homeland. This Naga national spirit will grow stronger. The Government of India and the Indian thinkers have realised that the Naga desire to preserve their identity and nationality cannot be defeated by conventional warfare and military power. There is something in the human spirit that is far more powerful than the barrel of a gun. Therefore, they are willing to talk and find a solution.

Our theme, Redefining Naga Christianity, is the most urgent task in the current crises. We preach too much about going to heaven and have forgotten our bad roads, the evil practices at election time. We have no water supply to speak of, no electricity and no proper education but we must eat and drink our Christianity. I would even say Redeeming Naga Christianity. We all know that redemption is deliverance from sins and their consequences. We need to live like Jesus, not just talk about Jesus. Gandhi said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” When can we say truthfully: “ Like Jesus, like Naga Christians? “

Naga Odyssey

The Naga odyssey is my cry, my pain, my angst, of being a Naga, I searched for an answer, from Tasmania in the South to the Artic in the North. But there was no answer, Our story is a nightmare, Our repertoire is one of sorrow, Our saga is one of oppression, Our music is an endless chant. But there is a light across the river of our tear, Nagas let us rise and cross this river, To Kelhoukevira where life is good.

Dr. Visier Sanyü

Presented at: Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations Naga Baptist Leaders Meet 2023 Redefining Naga Christianity Jalukie, Nagaland March 24, 2023

Also in Nagaland, launching a new political party has seen nothing to do with reformation or radicalization of the system, but it is only a matter of pouring the same old wine into a new bottle. There is a saying that goes, “If you cannot defeat a system join the system” . Today no one dares to speak against the system but we have found ourselves to be in a situation where we have all joined the system as if it is a naturally given system and unable to differentiate what the right is and the wrong is. However, all Naga people cannot be fooled as there is a system or so to say a parliamentary convention hanging above our heads and for which the said members should gracefully accept as the responsibility at these times for the sake of our people . Therefore elected members, other than ruling alliance, not willing to sit in opposition bench is really very irresponsible and deviating from the age old tradition and convention in a parliamentary democracy. It is rather funny that If you give your letter of support

to the government and waiting for the reply, who the hell on earth will say no, please oppose me? There are certain issues where opposition members have to extend its helping hands and hearts for the sake of common cause. But if, taking Naga Solution as your ground for not being able to sit in official opposition bench, is rather a lie than a fact, and just to fool the Naga common mass. The Naga solution is beyond your chapter and you will be doing good only when you are not a hurdle but a facilitator.

Last but not the least is that, when the elected members other than ruling alliance are able to come together and form a strong opposition front for the sake of Naga people and give constructive opposition to the newly formed government then the Naga people will be very happy and the norm of democracy will be restored. If not, you are irresponsible and can be better termed,’ those boarded for Tarshish to avert Mission Nineveh.

Kepe Chüsi, Kohima

~ Nick Maley

sNIPPeTs

Boy drowns in pit at construction site in Kalyan

THANE, MAR 25 (PTI):

A 11-year-old boy drowned in a water-filled pit at a construction site in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Saturday, a fire official said. The incident took place in Kalyan city this morning, when the victim Riyan Sheikh was returning home from school, the official said.The boy’s ball fell into the pit at a construction site along the way and he entered the pit to retrieve it and got stuck in the marsh, he said.

Onlookers tried to pull the child out, but failed and he drowned, the official said.

Elephant electrocuted after electric pole falls on it

COIMBATORE, MAR 25 (PTI): In a tragic incident, a wild elephant was electrocuted when an electric pole, with live wire, fell on it at a private land coming under Periyanaickenpalayam forest range in Coimbatore Division, in the early hours of Saturday, police said. The pachyderm was rubbing its body on the electric pole located on the patta land in Thadagam reserve forest area, which accidently fell on it. The male elephant died on the spot, they said. On information, forest department staff alerted the Electricity department who switched off the power line immediately.

J-K: 1 killed, 4 injured in factory blast

SAMBA/JAMMU, MAR 25 (PTI): A person was killed and four others were injured in a blast that took place in a scrap factory in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district on Saturday, official sources said. The factory was located in the Baribrahamana area, they said.

CJI deplores ‘abysmal’ womenmen ratio in legal profession

Differences between govt and judiciary doesn’t mean confrontation: Rijiju

MADURAI (TN), MAR 25 (PTI): Chief

Justice of India

D Y Chandrachud on Saturday flagged the “abysmal” women-to-men ratio in the legal profession and called for ensuring equal opportunities for women, asserting that there was no dearth of young, talented women lawyers. He was speaking at an event held here to mark the foundation-stone-laying ceremony for the Additional Court Buildings in the District Court campus and the inauguration of the District and Sessions Court and that of the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate at Mayiladuthurai.

The event was attended by Union Law Minister and Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin, among others. In his address, Justice Chandrachud said recruiting chambers were being “sceptical” about employing women, assuming that their “familial” responsibilities would come in the

way of their profession.

Citing the “abysmal” women-to-men ratio in the legal professiuon, Justice Chandrachud said, “Statistics inform us that for 50,000 male enrolments in Tamil Nadu, there are only 5,000 female enrolments.”

“The legal profession is not an equal-opportunity provider for women, and the statistics are the same all over the country,” he said. “The phase is changing. In the recent recruitment in the district judiciary, over 50 percent are women. But we have to create equal opportunities for women so

Rajasthan CM appeals to doctors to end their protest

JAIPUR, MAR 25 (PTI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday appealed to doctors agitating against the Right to Health Bill passed by the Assembly earlier this week to end their protest. The chief minister directed the chief secretary to hold a meeting with the protesting doctors Saturday night in a bid to end their protest.

Ashok Gehlot

their hospitals and clinics have expressed apprehension that the bill will increase bureaucratic interference in their functioning and have demanded its withdrawal.

that they do not fall by the wayside because of the fact that they undertake multifold responsibilities as they progress in life.

“Chambers are sceptical about recruiting young women advocates. The reason for that is not a lack of young talented women,” he said. “There is no lack of talented young women.” Stating that there were prominent stereotypes against women that translated into women being denied opportunities, the CJI said, “Firstly, recruiting chambers assume that women would be unable to put in long hours at work because of familial responsibilities. We should all firstly understand that childbearing and childcare is a choice and women should not be punished for taking up that responsibility.” A young male lawyer may also choose to be actively involved in childcare and family care. “But as a

society we force the responsibility of family care only on the women and then use that very bias against women that we hold, to deny them opportunities,” he rued.

“If a woman wants to balance work with family care, it is our responsibilty to provide institutional support. Setting up creche facilities in all court complexes across the country is an important step in that direction,” CJI Chandrachud said. “The Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court have already led the way on this front, and it is time the rest of the country follows suit.” He requested the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court to take steps in setting up creche facilities at the High Court and all the district courts, saying this would go a long away in improving working conditions and providing substantative equal opportunities for women.

MADURAI, MAR 25 (PTI): Denying any clash between the government and judiciary as speculated in the media, Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday contended that differences were inevitable in a democracy but they should not be construed as confrontation.

The Minister inaugurated the Chief Judicial Magistrate court, Mayiladuthurai, in the presence of Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court Justice T Raja here.

“We have differences, but it doesn’t mean there is confrontation. It sends a wrong message across the world. I want to make it clear that there is no problem between different organs of the State. There are signs of robust democratic actions, which are not a crisis,” he emphasised.

Pointing to some media

reports of alleged differences between the government and the Supreme Court or the legislature and judiciary, the Union Minister said, “we must understand that we are in a democracy. There are bound to be certain differences in terms of some outlook but you can’t have conflicting positions. This doesn’t mean confrontation. We are the largest democracy in the world.”

The Centre would support the Indian judiciary to be independent, he said, and called upon the bench and the bar -- being two sides of the same coin -- to work together to ensure that the

court complex is not divided. “One can’t exist without the other. Court must have proper decorum and conducive atmosphere.” He further said, “everybody can’t think alike.” “ We are not ruled by a dictatorial king, so the difference of opinion can’t be termed as a crisis in Indian democracy. We can criticise each other but when it comes to national interest we must be one,” he stressed. His Ministry was involved in developing a common core vocubaulary where Indian languages will have certain common usages, purely technical in nature, soon, to ensure that common people receive orders in their respective languages. Lauding the courts in Tamil Nadu for their excellent performance during the pandemic in delivering justice to the people, he said judicial infrastructure in Tamil Nadu was comparatively better than in many States in India.

BJP wants a developed K’taka, Cong sees as its ATM: PM

CHIKKABALLAPURA/ DAVANGERE/BENGALURU, MAR 25 (PTI):

gress, he said it looks at Karnataka as an “ATM” to fill the coffers of its leaders.

Gehlot said the interests of the doctors have been taken care of in the bill and that their agitation is not justified.The doctors running

India ready to lead from front in fight against TB: Mandaviya

NEW DELHI, MAR 25

(PTI): Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said India is ready to lead from the front and be the voice of the Global South in the collaborative fight against tuberculosis (TB). He also emphasied on developing TB vaccines, saying it was the need of the hour.

“We have seen the unwavering commitment of PM Narendra Modi to end TB in India. We are ready to lead from the front and be voice of the Global South in the collaborative fight against TB,” Mandaviya said during an address to the

36th board meeting of Stop TB Partnership at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He said India has identified three important health priorities under the G20 Presidency. All of these are focused on universal health coverage and relevant to our response for TB elimination, he added.

“A lot of exceptional work is being done at the ground level through innovation in case finding, mathematical modelling, digital interventions and surveillance. India would be happy to share technical assistance with other countries to replicate such good practices,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, doctors took out a protest rally in Jaipur on Saturday. According to the Rajasthan Right to Health Bill, passed by the Assembly on Tuesday, every resident of the state will have the right to emergency treatment and care “without prepayment” at any “public health institution”.

In poll-bound Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a strong pitch for the return of the ruling BJP, lashed out at politics of manipulation and addressed a public rally at Davanagere after getting yet another rousing reception in his seventh visit to the southern state.

The PM wrapped up a busy day of public engagements that also included a tribute to the legendary Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya and a Metro rail ride on a new route that Modi inaugurated. In yet another stinging attack on the Con-

Seeking a resounding mandate for a successive stint for the BJP in Karnataka, Modi said a stable government led by the saffron party was the need of the hour for the State’s fast paced development.

Stressing that Karnataka should be brought out of the “politics of manipulation”, he said BJP wants to make the State a driving force of developed India, while the Congress looks at it as “an ATM that fills the treasury of its leaders”.

This visit of the Prime Minister -- his seventh to Karnataka this year -- gains

significance as the Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedule for Assembly elections, due by May, in the next few days.

On Saturday, the PM also inaugurated ‘Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of

Medical Sciences and Research’ in Chikkaballapura district, and Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Krishnarajapura Metro Line of Bangalore Metro in Bengaluru. He took a Metro ride after buying a ticket.

“Karnataka has seen a long period of opportunistic and selfish coalition governments, Karnataka has faced losses due to such governments So, for the fast paced development of Karnataka, BJP’s full majority, stable government

is needed,” Modi said addressing a mega public rally organised by the BJP in the district headquarters town of Davangere. “When no one gets full majority, will Karnataka be in bad shape or not? Do you want a strong and stable government or not? Do you want a government with full majority or not? The first job should be to bring Karnataka out of the politics of manipulation and take it forward at a fast pace,” Modi said.

Kiren Rijiju

D Y Chandrachud

Narendra Modi

FM reviews PSBs’ performance

NEW DELHI, MAR 25

(IANS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a meeting on Saturday to review the performance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) on various financial health parameters.

The Finance Minister underlined that PSBs “must look at business models closely to identify stress points, including concentration risks and adverse exposures”. Sitharaman also exhorted PSBs to use “this opportunity” to frame detailed crisis management and communication strategies. During the review meeting, an open discussion was held with the MDs and CEOs of PSBs on the global scenario consisting of the failure of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the Signature Bank (SB) along with issues leading to the crisis in Credit Suisse. Sitharaman reviewed the exposure of PSBs to this developing and immediate external global financial stress from both the short and the longterm perspectives. After

Sitharaman

Nirmala

detailed deliberations, the Finance Minister advised PSBs to remain vigilant about the interest rate risks and regularly undertake stress tests.

Sitharaman also said that PSBs “must leverage the full potential of branches opened in International Financial Services Centres in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance TecCity) Gujarat to identify international opportunities, including prospects related to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)”.

The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad;

NSCN (I-M) objects to holding ULB elections on May 16

(From p-1)

Indo-Naga Ceasefire was signed between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) to pave the way for political dialogue,” it stated. NSCN (I-M) also reminded that “it takes blood, sweat and tears to keep the political struggle going to defend the political identity as given by God.” Therefore, NSCN (I-M) said that the notification to conduct the Urban Local Body election on May 16, 2023, was an affront to the Naga national sentiment. SEC had notified that the election to the ULBs with 33% reservation for women will be held on May 16 as the nomination filing will be from April 3-10.

NLTP Act will have to be...

(From p-1)

The commissioner of excise H Atokhe Aye, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the advisor for his care and concern for the department. Aye also highlighted how the department has “mostly been neglected”. He, however, stated that the department has the potential to make a positive impact in the society.

Earlier, excise DC (Hq) Chanlei Angh, who chaired the programme, welcomed the advisor and all rank and file of the department to the meeting.

Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS)

Vivek Joshi; and MDs and CEOs of PSBs. The Finance Minister emphasised on preparedness along with due diligence through adherence to the regulatory framework by focusing on risk management, diversification of deposits and assets base.

The MDs and CEOs of PSBs apprised the Finance Minister that they follow “best” corporate governance practices, adhere to regulatory norms, ensure prudent liquidity management and continue to focus on having robust asset-liability and risk management.

Further, they also informed Sitharaman that PSBs are vigilant of developments in the global banking sector and are taking all possible steps to safeguard themselves from any potential financial shock.

All the major financial parameters indicate “stable and resilient PSBs with robust financial health”.

Ujjwala LPG scheme gets 1-yr extension

NEW DELHI, MAR 25 (AGENCIES): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday extended subsidy of Rs 200 per LPG cylinder under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana(PMUY)for a period of one year.

To make LPG available to the rural and deprived poor households, the Central government launched PMUY in May 2016, to provide deposit free LPG connections to adult women of poor households. The subsidy under the government’s flagship scheme is credited directly to bank accounts of the eligible beneficiaries.

As of March 1, 2023 there are 9.59 crore PMUY beneficiaries, a government release said.

“There has been a sharp increase in international prices of LPG due to various geopolitical reasons. It is important to shield PMUY beneficiaries from high LPG prices,” it said.

NFR hijacks trains from Dimapur

(From p-1)

However for unexplained reasons NFR has systematically reduced stoppage of trains and taken away the three trains mentioned above from Nagaland. The trains that pass through Dimapur daily are: Rajdhani (2 trains), Inter City Express, Kamrup Express, Guwahati passenger, Rangiya, BG Express, Nagaland Express, Jan Shatabdi and Awadh Express.

Trains passing through Dimapur once or twice a week: Amritsar Express (weekly), Chandigarh (twice a week), Bangalore Express (weekly), Silchar Express (weekly), Lok Maya Tilak (weekly ) and Vivek Express (twice a week).

Cabinet approves MSP for raw jute for 2023-24 season

NEW DELHI, MAR 24 (IANS): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Friday has given its approval for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute for 2023-24 season, based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The MSP of raw jute (TD-3 equivalent to earlier TD-5 grade) has been fixed at Rs 5,050 per quintal for 2023-24 season. This would ensure a return of 63.20% over the all India weighted average cost of production. The announced MSP of raw jute for 2023-24 season is in line with the principle of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times all India weighted average cost of production as announced by the government in the Budget 2018-19. It assures a minimum of 50% as margin of profit. It is one of the important and progressive steps towards ensuring better remunerative returns to the jute growers and to incentivise quality jute fibre, said officials.

JCC 3-pt resolution on ULB polls

(From p-1) firing in Dimapur injuring others, who were protesting against ULB polls.

JCC secretary informed that 53 members representing 15 tribal hohos attended the meeting. He informed that the outcome of the March 27 meeting at Kohima would determine how JCC would go about in the ULB election. Ngullie expressed hope that a proper joint statement would be issued after the joint meeting.

Ngullie said Saturday’s emergency meeting was held to have clarity on whether JCC should obtain further endorsement from the apex body organisations since JCC was created by the tribal apex bodies on February 7, 2017.

He said that a proper discussion was needed with

Climate change threatening tea sector globally: ITA

KO LKATA, MAR 25 (PTI): Leading planters body Indian Tea Association (ITA) said climate change is threatening the industry globally which is resulting in lower yields and rise in production costs.

A spokesman of ITA said climate change is also threatening the long-term viability of tea industry, which is also causing increasing pest infestations making pesticide residue management surfacing as a major challenge.

To mitigate this, ITA said that the industry needs to adopt a multi-faceted to address the climate change issue by way of sustainable farming practices and reduction in carbon footprint. In this context, the association maintained the industry involving all the stakeholders to invest in research to come out with mitigating solutions.

the apex bodies to discuss on whether the apex bodies would spearhead ULB issues or whether JCC should continue with their demands, which had been made since 2017.

Ngullie reminded that JCC and Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) was endorsed and authorised by all apex tribal bodies to spearhead the movement, adding that the apex bodies had affirmed to abide by decision and directions of JCC and NTAC till the demands were fulfilled.

Speaking on JCC’s demands, he informed that the provisions on “tax on lands and buildings” needed to be reviewed with proper consultation. He also suggested that the state government should invite stakeholders to have proper consultation on the issue since there was no clarity. On the state government’s claim that it had “omitted” the provisions, which had been demand of the JCC, Ngullie questioned why was the state government not willing to use the word “Delete”,

which was the demand of the Naga people.

Also, addressing the press, JCC youth convenor, Abenjang Imchen, maintained that Naga people want “a totally different Act”. He asserted that Nagas would “never accept” a copy-paste Act, saying the Act should go hand in hand with Naga customary laws. He, however, said that certain clauses could be added for Dimapur and Kohima.

Asked whether the meeting discussed 33% women reservation, JCC youth convenor maintained that the pulse of the Nagas currently was not 33% reservation but was on the infringement of the Article 371 (A).

“The 33% reservation is not an issue anymore as of now,” he stated. Imchen, however, said that everything would be discussed at the March 27 joint meeting.

Jio installs 1L towers to roll out 5G network

NEW DELHI, MAR 25 (PTI): Billionaire Mukesh

Ambani’s Reliance Jio has installed close to 1 lakh telecom towers, nearly 5 times of its nearest competition, to roll out India’s fastest and deepest penetration 5G telecom network to provide ultra-high speed internet, according to latest DoT data. The latest daily status report from Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) National EMF Portal shows Jio has installed 99,897 BTS (base transceiver station) across 2 frequencies it owns (700 MHz and 3,500 MHz). In comparison, Bharti Airtel has 22,219 BTS.

Additionally, for every base station, Jio has 3 cell sites while Airtel has 2, the March 23 report said. The more tower and cell sites means faster speed. According to the February 28 report of Ookla, the global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights, Jio’s top median speed is 506 Mbps (megabytes per second) as compared to 268 Mbps of Airtel.

“5G has been in place in India for over four months and already it’s having a tremendous impact on the state of mobile in the country,” Ookla said in the report.

“Speedtest Intelligence data shows that median download speeds across India increased by 115 per cent since before the 5G launch, from a 13.87 Mbps median download speed in

September 2022 to 29.85 Mbps in January 2023.”

5G performance has increased across early 5G adopters in most of the telecom circles, Kolkata achieved the fastest median 5G download speeds in January 2023 at above 500 Mbps.

“Jio experienced a top median 5G download speed of 506.25 Mbps in Kolkata, while Airtel of 268.89 Mbps in Delhi,” it said. Airtel and Jio have ambitious targets in terms of 5G network rollout. “From 5G networks’ inception, 5G availability across 5G-capable devices has steadily increased, reaching 8.0 per cent for Airtel and 5.1 per cent for Jio,” it said.

India has over half a billion internet users, making it the second-largest online market worldwide, just behind China. 5G telecom services were launched in October 2022.

“Jio’s USD 25 billion investment seems to be paying off. In January 2023 Jio achieved median 5G download speeds above 400 Mbps across ten telecom circles. Jio’s True 5G network is based on a 5G

Standalone (5G SA), which doesn’t rely on a 4G LTE network.

“While Jio’s initial 5G speeds fluctuated massively - from low singledigit to speeds well above 800 Mbps, which pointed to the operator recalibrating its networks, Jio’s 5G performance has stabilized over the past four months. In January 2023, Jio’s 5G early adopters experienced speeds ranging from 246.49 Mbps median download speed in Himachal Pradesh to 506.25 Mbps in Kolkata,” Ookla said.

In comparison, “Airtel’s 5G early adopters experienced speeds ranging from a 78.13 Mbps median download speed in Kolkata to 268.89 Mbps in Delhi,” it added.

Last month, Akash Ambani, chairman of Reliance Jio, had at a post budget webinar of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated that India’s largest telecom company will undertake the fastest 5G rollout in the world.

(R-L) JCC convenor Luolao Usou; secretary W Rainbow Ngullie and JCC youth convenor, Abenjang Imchen. (NP)

sNIPPeTs

2 killed, 9 missing in US factory blast

WEST READING (US), MAR 25 (AP): An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania Friday killed two people and left nine people missing, authorities said. Several other people were injured by the explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. plant, said West Reading Borough Police Department Chief of Police Wayne Holben, who did not confirm the exact number of injured. The explosion just before 5 pm sent a plume of black smoke into the air, destroying one building and damaging a neighbouring building that included apartments.

34 missing as boat capsizes off Tunisia’s coast

TUNIS, MAR 25 (IANS): Thirty-four migrants were reportedly missing after a boat capsized off Tunisia’s southeastern coast, according to an official.

The boat, carrying 38 migrants from sub-Saharan countries, left Tunisia’s Sfax province on Thursday heading for the European coast, Xinhua news agency quoted the official as saying on Friday. Four migrants have been rescued, and the search for the missing is currently underway, he noted.

2 migrants dead in Texas train mishap

HOUSTON, MAR 25 (IANS): Two migrants were found dead and 15 others injured after being trapped in a train car in Texas state’s Uvalde county, police said. The total number of migrants in the container was 17, Xinhua news agency quoted Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin as saying on Friday night. US Border Patrol stopped the train some 113 km west of San Antonio after the Uvalde Telecommunications Center received a 911 call “from an unknown thirdparty caller” on Friday afternoon saying people were “suffocating” in a train car travelling near the US-Mexico border. There was no derailment, and the people were “undocumented immigrants”, according to a statement by the Uvalde Police Department.

11 fighters killed by US airstrikes in Syria

DAMASCUS, MAR 25 (IANS): US airstrikes on strongholds of pro-Iran militias in eastern Syria killed 11 fighters, a war monitor reported. The airstrikes hit an arms depot and other military outposts of the pro-Iran fighters in the province of Deir al-Zour, in retaliation to the pro-Iran militias’ drone attacks on US positions in the same region, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor on Friday.

25 killed, 10 injured in Nigeria bus crash

ABUJA (NIGERIA), MAR 25 (IANS): A total of 25 people were killed and 10 others seriously injured in a bus crash in Nigeria’s northern state of Bauchi, the traffic police said. Yusuf Abdullahi, a commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Bauchi, told reporters at a briefing on Friday that the bus carrying 35 people, including the driver, lost control and crashed after losing a tire in motion in the Katagum area of the state on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. All the deceased were confirmed dead on the spot, Abdullahi said, explaining that the bus somersaulted a few times due to loss of control. The injured are receiving treatment at a government-run hospital in the state.

US-Canada reaffirm ‘inseparable’ ties

OTTAWA (ONTARIO),

MAR 25 (AP): President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday celebrated the close, “inseparable” U.S.-Canada relationship and declared their nations’ shared values have never been more important for a world facing both tumult and possibility.

Biden, making his first visit to Canada as president, said the U.S. is lucky to have Canada as its neighbor as both countries grapple with the rapidly changing global economy, climate change, war in Europe and more.

On immigration, Biden and Trudeau used the visit to announce an agreement aiming to stem the flow of asylum seekers at unofficial border crossings from the U.S. to Canada.

The accord eliminates a loophole under existing rules and will allow both countries to turn away asylum seekers at their borders At the same time, however, Canada announced that 15,000 migrants from the Western Hemisphere will be

given official slots to apply to enter the country.

Before their speeches before Parliament, the leaders sat down with top aides for a private conversation. Besides Ukraine and defense spending, the wide-ranging talks touched on shared concerns about China’s aggressiveness, and violence and political instability in Haiti.

Trudeau noted Beijing’s growing economic power and a need for the U.S. and Canada to work together to address it. To that end, Canada said Friday it was entering an arrange -

ment with IBM to expand domestic research and development and advanced packaging of semiconductors — and planning an investment of up to $250 million to “improve North American competitiveness and supply chain resiliency, help cut pollution, foster economic and national security.”

“With growing competition, including from an increasingly assertive China, there’s no doubt why it matters that we turn to each other now, to build up a North American market,

on everything from semiconductors to solar panel batteries,” Trudeau said.

Biden, in his speech, said, “Today our destinies are intertwined and they are inseparable Not because of inevitability of geography, but because it’s a choice, the choice we made again and again.”

“Two people, two countries, in my view sharing one heart.”

On Ukraine, Trudeau vowed that Canada would stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the United States in a determined effort to help the embattled country repel Russia’s continuing assault. He also spoke of a need to coordinate even more closely to combat climate change and grow both countries economies.

“We have to stick together,” Trudeau said. “We have to continue to face down authoritarian threats, both at home and abroad. We have to continue to defend what is right. This is not the time to compromise on our values.”

Taliban want control of Afghan diplomatic missions

ISLAMABAD, MAR 25

(AP): The Taliban government is trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad, a spokesman said Saturday, amid their continued international isolation because of restrictions on women and girls.

The Taliban initially promised a more moderate rule after their takeover in August 2021, but instead imposed sweeping bans and other measures curtailing basic freedoms.

The U.N. and foreign governments have fiercely condemned the restrictions on female education and employment, and the international community remains wary of officially recognising the Taliban, although some countries retain an active diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, including Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, and China.

“The Islamic Emirate has sent diplomats to at least 14 countries and efforts are underway to take charge of other diplomatic missions abroad,” the government’s main spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a video. “Diplomats of the former government are continuing their activities in coordination with the Foreign Ministry.”

The administration has sent its diplomats to Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan and other Arab and African

Pak court grants Imran bail in 3 terrorism cases

LAHORE, MAR 25 (PTI):

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Saturday granted pre-arrest bail to ousted prime minister Imran Khan till April 4 in three terrorism cases registered against him by the Lahore police.

Khan, 70, appeared before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) here and was accompanied by scores of his supporters.

Khan told ATC judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar that he wants to join the investigation in three terrorism cases registered against him by Lahore’s Racecourse police.

“He said although these cases are fake, he has to join the investigation and for that purpose, he is applying for a pre-arrest bail,” a court official told PTI after the hearing. “While granting him pre-arrest bail till April 4, the judge directed Mr Khan to appear in every hearing of the court. He also asked Mr Khan not to bring a large number of his supporters to he court,” the official said. “If such a large number of people accompanied you in the court next time, I will not hear the case,” the judge told Khan.

Mississippi tornadoes kill 23, injure dozens overnight

ROLLING FORK (US), MAR 25 (AP): Emergency officials in Mississippi said 23 people have been killed by tornadoes that tore through the state on Friday night, destroying buildings and knocking out power as severe weather that produced hail the size of golf balls moved through several southern states.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed there had been 23 deaths as of 6:20 a.m. Saturday with dozens of injuries and four people missing throughout the state.

The agency said in a Twitter post that search and rescue teams from numerous local and state agencies were deployed along with personnel to assist those impacted by the tornadoes.

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado caused damage about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northeast of Jackson, Mississippi. The rural towns of Silver City and Rolling Fork

Law-enforcement officers climb through debris looking for survivors early Saturday, Mississippi. (AP)

reported destruction as the tornado swept northeast at 70 mph (113 kph) without weakening, racing towards Alabama through towns including Winona and Amory into the night. The National Weather Service issued an alert as the storm was hitting that didn’t mince words:

“To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW!”

“You are in a lifethreatening situation,” it warned. “Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed.

Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and ve-

hicles is likely and complete destruction is possible.”

Cornel Knight told The Associated Press that he, his wife and their 3-year-old daughter were at a relative’s home in Rolling Fork when the tornado struck. He said the sky was dark but “you could see the direction from every transformer that blew.” He said it was “eerily quiet” as that happened. Knight said he watched from a doorway until the tornado was, he estimated, less than a mile away. Then he told everyone in the house to take cover in a hallway.

Garcetti sworn in as US envoy to India

WASHINGTON, MAR 25

the new academic year last week without teenage girls, more than 18 months after the ban on secondary education came into effect.

Universities reopened after the winter break in early March without their female students, and the ban on NGO work is still in place, although some aid agencies have partially resumed their activities through exemptions.

(PTI): Eric Garcetti, President Joe Biden’s close aide, was officially sworn in as the US Ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris, ending over two years of delay to fill one of Washington’s most critical diplomatic positions. Garcetti’s daughter Maya held the Hebrew Bible during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, which was

when the two longtime friends shook hands. The ceremony was attended by his close family members, including wife Amy Wakeland, father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland. Eric Garcetti

presided by Vice President Harris. Garcetti raised his right hand while Harris performed the ceremony, and family members cheered

countries, according to Mujahid. He gave no further details.

In February, authorities handed over control of Afghanistan’s embassy in Tehran to envoys of the Taliban government. It was previously staffed by envoys from the former U.S.-backed Afghan government.

The deputy spokesman for the government, Bilal Karimi, was unable to immediately provide figures on how many Afghan diplomatic missions are active overseas or how many the administration has taken charge of since August 2021.

“There are many embassies abroad. The Islamic Emirate wants to have diplomatic relations with all countries and move forward with good interactions,” he told The Associated Press.

“It is our hope that embassies will be opened in all countries as soon as official relations begin with the Islamic Emirate.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman did not respond to the AP’s questions on embassies.

In January, the highest-ranking woman at the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, said the Taliban want international recognition and Afghanistan’s U.N. seat, which is currently held by the former government led by Ashraf Ghani.

“Recognition is one leverage that we have and we should hold on to,” she said, after meeting Taliban ministers in Kabul and Kandahar to try to reverse their crackdowns on women and girls.

They have banned girls from middle school, high school and university and banned women from most fields of employment, including at nongovernmental groups. Women have also been ordered to wear headto-toe clothing in public and are barred from parks and gyms.

Schools reopened for

DC-312/23

Joe Biden speaks during a news conference with Justin Trudeau, Friday, in Ottawa, Canada. (AP/PTI)

Taliban fighters raise their flag at the Governor’s house in Ghazni. (AP)

Severe solar storm hits Earth, strongest in last 6 years: Report

The Earth witnessed a powerful solar storm in nearly six years, causing auroras all over the US, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

NOAA had earlier announced moderate G2 storm and G3 conditions between March 23 and 25.

However, the Earth witnessed a geomagnetic storm of magnitude G4, causing the NOAA to update its warning.

“Geomagnetic storm responses increased and G4 levels first reached Earth on March 24 at 12.04 EDT,” it read.

“CME influences continue and geomagnetic response escalated to the G4 (severe) storm level on 24 March at 12:04 am EDT

(24/0404 UTC).

The G3 Warning remains in effect until 5:00 am EDT (24/0900 UTC),” it added.

NOAA said that the severe G4 storm can affect the power grid system with possible widespread voltage control problems; and spacecraft operations with increased possibility of surface charging, and

Kareena, Tabu’s ‘The Crew’ begins production

will both entertain and inspire people.

atmospheric drag risk on Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites.

According to NOAA

a powerful geomagnetic storm causes severe disturbances to Earth’s magnetic field, spewing solar material from coronal mass ejections (CME) - large expulsions of charged plasma from the Sun’s upper atmosphere or the corona.

Safety of painkillers for back pain ‘uncertain’: Study

Taking painkillers for back pain? A new study stated that effectiveness and safety of commonly used painkillers (analgesics) for short bouts of low back pain remains uncertain.

Analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine are widely used to treat acute nonspecific low back pain, defined as pain lasting less than six weeks. But evidence for their comparative effectiveness is limited.

“Our review of analgesic medicines for acute non-specific low back pain found considerable uncertainty around effects for pain intensity and safety,” said researchers from the University of New South Wales in Australia.

In an analysis published by the BMJ, they

noted that clinicians and patients “are advised to take a cautious approach to the use of analgesic medicines”.

The researchers trawled scientific databases for randomised controlled trials comparing analgesic medicines with another analgesic, placebo, or no treatment in patients reporting acute non-specif-

25th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

of Mrs Vezotalü Yashü and Dr Visiezolie Yashü

ic low back pain. From an initial 124 relevant trials, they included 98 randomised controlled trials published between 1964 and 2021 in their analysis. These involved 15,134 participants aged 18 and over and 69 different medicines or combinations.

The trials included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, opioids, anticonvulsant drugs, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids. (IANS)

The solar storm was the result of a “stealth” CME. It came from a coronal hole wider than 20 Earths that was spewing out solar winds at speeds over 2.1 million km/h, Live Science reported. And the storm was the most intense in the last six years.

The storm’s unexpected ferocity not only made auroras visible as far south as New Mexico in the US, but it also forced spaceflight company Rocket Lab to delay a launch by 90 minutes, Space.com reported.

We can expect more extreme space weather events like this powerful geomagnetic storm as the sun builds towards a peak in its 11-year solar activity cycle, expected to occur in 2025, the report said. (IANS)

Tabu,

Actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu-starrer “The Crew” has started filming, the makers announced on Saturday. Also starring Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh, “The Crew” is set in the world of commercial aviation and promises to take viewers on a thrilling journey. The upcoming comedy movie is directed by Rajesh Krishnan of “Lootcase” fame and produced by Rhea Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor. Ektaa said “The Crew”

“I believe that the magic of cinema lies in the collaborative efforts of every member. With ‘The Crew’, I am excited to embark on a journey with my team to create a story that will not only entertain but also inspire.” the producer said in a statement.

Rhea, who earlier produced “Aisha” and “Khoobsurat”, starring her sister Sonam Kapoor, said she is grateful to begin work on the film with her dream cast. “As we embark on this exciting journey of filming ‘The Crew’, I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm.

Collaborating with Ektaa has been a true joy, as we share a common passion for bringing unique and compelling stories to the screen. (PTI)

NAGABOTS conducts robotics event ‘Techmorphosis’

In a first of its kind, NAGABOTS in collaboration with StartUP Nagaland- Dept. of Industries & Commerce conducted Nagaland’s Premier Robotics event, “Techmorphosis” at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma on March 25. The event was partnered by Kohima Science College, Dept. of Employment, skill development & entrepreneurship and UCO Bank.

In a press statement, NagaBots informed that there were 127 registered participants including

school students, college students and other working professionals attending the programme from over 14 Institutions from Kohima and

Dimapur. Altogether, over 500 spectators witnessed the competition, which had various categories like RoboChamp, Scratch, App

Inventor, Basic Electronics, Arduino and also Innovation Challenge. The MiniHackathon, ‘Capture the Flag’ was the highlight of the event where students of Classes 6 and 7 from various schools took part.

Joint secretary, investment and development, authority of Nagaland, Reny Wilfred was the special guest of the event. Invocation was pronounced by Northfield Hr. Sec. School, Kohima, chairman, Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie and Kohima Science College,

Jotsoma, principal, Dr. Temjenwapang delivered the welcome address, this was followed by presentation, keynote address by Dept. of Industries and Commerce, assistant director and team leader, Er. Keneirienuo K Theunuo. The judges for the seven categories are all renowned personalities from the tech world. The first position for the categories ‘Innovation Challenge’ and ‘Minihackathon’ were won by Er. Rishav Sethi and Fernwood School, Kohima, respectively.

26th March 1998

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Twenty five years ago to this day, both of you made a vow on the altar to love, support and cherish each other through the journey of life, True to your words, here you are together today still upholding your promise through times of sickness, loss and moments of grief . Your lives have set a wonderful example on our own and taught us to be caring, patient, honest and better people. As you celebrate another milestone in your marriage, may God bless you both with a long and prosperous life so that you may age together with grace and look forward to many more milestones to come

K-608/23

With love, Your Children

Office of the

Samziuram StudentS' union (SSu)

Jalukie - 797110, Dist. Peren : Nagaland

Estd. 1976

Motto : "Strive Knowledge For Service & Glory"

Congratulatory note

Dr. Khengdauliu Chawang

With immense pride and honor, the Samziuram Students' Union extend our heartiest congratulations to one of our valuable members, Dr. Khengdauliu Chawang, an eminent Young Naga Scientist for her exceptional performance. She is currently pursuing her Ph. D degree at Southern Methodist University of Texas, USA was conferred with "The best Women-Owned Business Pitch' by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer (IEEE) for inventing a tiny inexpensive sensor to detect food spoilage. The Union further reiterates on her incredible success as an inspiration to the Samziuram students community. This is just one of many milestones that the future has in store for her.

The union ultimately wishes her the best and believes that this achievement will greatly prompt a more prominent accomplishments in the years to come.

Adibo Chalson President Gen. Secretary

Samziuram Students' Union Samziuram Students' Union

Business owners of Play date bakery, Coco & Anise, Room 03 and Cue coffee, during an event ‘Your kind of room, food talk’ hosted by Room 03, in Kuda Village, Saturday. (NP)

Winners of ‘capture the flag’ during the event.

Kareena Kapoor

WWBC: Nitu, Saweety win Gold ISSF: Manu Bhaker wins India’s sixth medal

NEW DELHI, MAR 25

(PTI): Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) added a World Championship title to her name with a win over Mongolia’s Lutsaikhan Altansetseg at the marquee tournament here on Saturday.

The Indian put up a stupendous performance to see off Altansetseg 5-0 and claim the title for the minimum weight category in front of a packed crowd, with Beijing Olympics bronze medallist and Nitu’s idol Vijender Singh also in attendance.

Nitu started off aggressively, and used her combination of punches, jabs and hooks effectively to eke out the win.

The 22-year-old Bhiwani boxer was able to take the first round 5-0. She began the second round with a series of straight jabs.

When Altansetseg attacked, the Indian southpaw countered her opponent with a right hooks.

The two boxers played from close range and indulged in a lot of holding in the fast-paced bout with Nitu being handed a penalty deduction for clinching towards the end of the second round.

Despite Altansetseg’s strong comeback in the sec-

ond round, Nitu still managed to take the round 3-2.

In the final three minutes, Nitu started from far but soon ditched the strategy and reverted to playing from a close range as Altansetseg was also handed a point deduction for clinching.

Nitu has been in indomitable form in the entire tournament, winning her first three bouts by RSC (Referee stops contest).

Against Alua Balkibekova, who knocked her out in the last edition in the quarterfinal stage, she skilfully adapted to negate the Kazakh’s strong suit.

With this victory, the

2022 Strandja Memorial gold medallist, became the sixth Indian boxer to be crowned world champion. Six-time champion Mary Kom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018), Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006), Lekha KC (2006) and Nikhat Zareen (2022) are the other pugilists who have won the world title.

Meanwhile, India’s Saweety Boora (81kg) won the gold medal at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship after beating Wang Lina of China

4-3 in the final at the IG Stadium, here on Saturday.

The bout witnessed

1st ODI: Sri Lanka’s World Cup chances suffer blow after defeat to New Zealand

got to 274 with the help of some lower-order hitting from Glenn Phillips (39) and Rachin Ravindra (49).

Chamika Karunaratne was the pick of Sri Lanka bowlers with his 4-43.

Sri Lanka’s top order was wrecked, thanks to a destructive spell from fast bowler Shipley. They lost half their side in the first 10 overs and never recovered, eventually getting bowled out for 76.

AUCKLAND, MARCH

25 (IANS): Right-hand

medium pacer Henry Shipley claimed a five-wicket haul as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 198 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series. This is the biggest win by Black Caps over Sri Lanka (in terms of runs) in men’s ODIs.

Shipley’s brilliant effort of 5-31 and two wickets apiece claimed by Daryl Mitchell (2-12) and Blair

Tickner (2-20) helped New Zealand bowl out Sri Lanka for 76 in 19.5 overs after posting 274 in 49.3 overs on being asked to bat first.

With this win, New Zealand have topped the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League standings. They have 160 points from 22 games. If they manage a 3-0 sweep in the series, they will overtake Australia, to go No. 1 in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings.

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka took the field after winning the toss. New Zealand got going on the back of crucial top-order contributions from Finn Allen (51) and co. Despite losing a flurry of wickets in the middle overs, the Kiwis

Hope Manipur gets more matches in future: Renedy

IMPHAL, MARCH

25 (IANS): Playing in front of home fans is an experience cherished by every player.

Though the Indian football team would get support from Indian fans wherever it plays, having thousands of fans from one’s own state or city chanting their name inside the stadium is an experience worth remembering.

On Wednesday, the seven Manipur players that are part of the senior India men’s national team in the ongoing Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament were lucky to experience something that one of the state’s greatest players, Renedy Singh, couldn’t while representing the Blue Tigers on home soil.

“I was part of the national team for 12 years, but I never got to play even one match over here,”

said Renedy, the star midfielder of the Senior National Team, who donned the national jersey 66 times between 1998 and 2011.

Renedy can’t be blamed for being at least a tiny bit jealous after witnessing such lively support for the Indian team. Everyone had goosebumps whenever the crowd chanted the names of their local heroes -- whether it was Suresh Singh Wangjam warming up near the touchline or Mohammad Yasir stepping up to take a corner.

Renedy remained the star performer in many of India’s memorable triumphs, including the LG Cup in Vietnam, the AFC Challenge Cup and twice the Nehru Cup, but never had the opportunity to play for the National Team in front of his home crowd in Manipur.

some tense moments when the Chinese opponent pushed Saweety, however the referee intervened well on time. It was a close contest as Wang Lina tried to take the charge but Saweety was well aware of what was coming next and she defended the lead in all three rounds.

In the first two rounds, the Indian won 3-2, and in the last round she had 4-1 result in her favour to bag the gold medal.

Earlier in the day, India’s Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) won the gold after beating Lutsaikhan Altansetseg of Mongolia 5-0.

BHOPAL, MAR 25 (PTI): Olympian shooter Manu Bhaker clinched the 25m pistol bronze medal at the ISSF Pistol/Rifle World Cup to take India’s medal tally to seven, including a gold, here on Saturday.

Bhaker, the multiple World Cup medal winner, had shot 290 in the precision round on Friday and entered the second day of the competition well placed for the rapid round.

In the rapid round on Saturday, she again shot three superb series of 98, 99 and 97 to aggregate 294 and advance to the ranking round placed third.

Another Indian, Esha Singh, who had shot 292 in precision, scored 289 in rapid to aggregate 581 and advance to the ranking round placed eighth.

In the ranking match

1, Bhaker qualified for the medal round as the third qualifier with an aggregate of 14 points, along with Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp (14 points), while Esha was eliminated.

Two shooters from ranking match -- China’s Ziyue Du and Yaxuan Xiong -- qualified for the medal round with 12 points each, to make up the quartet vying for the top position.

In a tough medal match, Bhaker was no

India could play 3 ODIs in June, 2 T20Is on WI tour

NEW DELHI, MARCH

25 (IANS): India could be playing three ODIs in June against an opposition yet to be decided, and also are in line to play two extra T20Is on their tour of the West Indies in July-August.

match for Doreen (30 points) and Ziyue Du (29 points) who won the gold and silver, while the Indian could aggregate only 20 points to finish her campaign with a bronze.

This is the first medal in the ongoing World Cup for Bhaker, who had failed to impress in her favourite event, air pistol, on the opening day of the competition, finishing 16th with 568 points.

China continued their domination in the tournament, winning a sixth gold medal out of the eight decided so far. The final competition day comes up on Sunday with two more finals left to be played -- the

women’s 3P and the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol.

Aishwary finishes

fourth Du Linshu won the first medal event of competition on day four, defeating Hungary’s Istvan Peni 16-10 in the men’s 3P gold medal clash.

Seasoned Swiss 3P specialist Jan Lochbihler won the bronze when he edged out home favourite Aishwary Tomar in the top eight ranking round. He finished the 40shot round with a score of 407.4 while Aishwary, courtesy three five-shot series in the 40s in the final standing position, finished with a score of 405.5.

Du topped the round with 410.7 while Istvan was second with 408.2. The Indian had earlier topped the 60-shot qualification round with a score of 591.

China now has 10 medals -- six gold, two silver and two bronze. India is placed second with the lone gold won by Sarabjot Singh in the men’s 10m air pistol and one silver and four bronze medals.

Germany is third with one gold and one silver each while Hungary is fourth with two silver medals. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, USA and Switzerland are the other medal winners.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This was their heaviest loss against New Zealand by the margin of runs (in this format) and the fifthheaviest defeat overall.

This loss further jeopardises Sri Lanka’s quest for a direct qualification.

They are placed 10th in the Super League standings, with 77 points and two more games to play.

Brief scores: New Zealand: 274 all out in 49.3 overs (Finn Allen 51, Rachin Ravindra 49; Chamika Karunaratne 4-43, Kasun Rajitha 2-38). Sri Lanka: 76 all out in 19.5 overs (Henry Shipley 5-31) by 198 runs.

As per a report in Cricbuzz, the BCCI is contemplating having another short home series in June, in the ODI format, which could be held in the window between India playing against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final from June 7-11 and departing for the West Indies in first week of July. “Although nothing has been firmed up as yet, options are being explored to see if a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka or Afghanistan in the second half of June, more precisely after the World Test Championship (WTC) final, is possible,” it said.

The report also mentioned that the BCCI’s discussions with various boards have taken place on this some time back but the outcome is still not known.

“Should that series

come to fruition, the BCCI will have to identify a shortterm broadcaster as the new broadcast deal is unlikely to have been signed by then. The current deal ended with the last ODI against Australia on March 22,” it added. Regarding the tour of the West Indies, with the possible addition of two extra T20Is, the tour will feature ten games -- starting with two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is, instead of three matches in the shortest format of the game. The report added that the additional games were finalised bilaterally on the sidelines of the recent ICC meetings in Dubai.

India are expected to start the tour of West Indies with a Test tentatively around July 10-12 and the schedule for the series is expected to be finalised after the AGM of the CWI on Saturday. “The schedule will be out soonest,” Skerritt said. After the tour of the West Indies, India will travel to Ireland to play three T20Is in the third week of August.

08/12/1951 – 20/03/2023

Through this column, we the bereaved family members of Late Neiwelhi-ü Dianu would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, neighbors, relatives, churches, friends, organisations and well-wishers who stood by us and supported us physically, spiritually, financially and materially during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved mother on 20th March 2023.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone personally but it is our sincere prayer that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

K-636/23

Loving Husband, Children, In-laws and Grandchildren

Manu Bhakar along with Doreen and Ziyue Du who won the gold and silver.

Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora poses with Gold medal during award ceremony after winning their respective final matches. (PTI)

Henry Shipley took 5-31 as Sri Lanka were skittled for 76 at Eden Park. (AFP)

Renedy Singh

Euro Qualifiers: Mbappé, Lukaku star in wins

PARIS, MAR 25 (AP):

Kylian Mbappé delivered for France again, this time wearing the captain’s armband. Leading a new era for Les Bleus, there was something very familiar about the way Mbappé slotted home two unforgiving finishes to headline a 4-0 win over the Netherlands in European Championship qualifying on Friday.

France showed no lasting effects from that painful penalty-shootout loss to Argentina in the World Cup final three months ago. Nor did Mbappé, the scorer of a hat trick in a losing cause that day.

One of his first touches against the Dutch was to slip a pass inside for Antoine Griezmann, his hair dyed pink, to finish first time for the opening goal inside two minutes at the Stade de France. The two stars embraced, showing there was no lingering feud after Griezmann — the more experienced of the pair — was overlooked for the captaincy in favor of Mbappé following Hugo Lloris’ retirement.

Dayot Upamecano bundled in the second in the eighth minute, and the third goal in a dazzling opening 20 minutes by France was

scored by Mbappé. He ran in behind the Netherlands defense and shot inside the near post after Randal Kolo Muani let a pass from Aurélien Tchouaméni roll past him.

Mbappé completed the thrashing in the 88th with a solo goal, picking up the ball 40 meters out and producing a series of feints on the edge of the area before blasting a low shot beyond goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

It took the Paris Saint-

Germain striker onto 38 international goals, above Karim Benzema into fifth place on France’s all-time list. While Benzema’s time might be up for the national team, Mbappé — aged 24 and the leader of the new wave of soccer superstars after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — is really only getting started.

Speaking of starts, this was a disappointing way for Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman to begin his second

Ex-Australia skipper Tim Paine hints at coaching role post retirement

HOBART, MAR 25 (PTI):

Former Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has indicated that he is likely to take up a coaching job following his retirement from all forms of cricket recently.

Paine, who captained Australia in 23 Tests following his elevation to the post in the wake of the 2018 ball-tampering saga in Cape Town, had stepped down as skipper days before the start of the 2021-22 Ashes series at home when he was accused of sending lewd text messages to a Cricket Tasmania official earlier on in his career.

Paine, 38, played his last domestic career game for Tasmania against

Tim Paine

Queensland in Sheffield Shield here last week.

“It’s an emotional time when you move on from something that you love doing and you care deeply about, but I’ll still be involved in the game of cricket,” Paine was quoted as saying by cricket.com.

au, hinting he would explore possibilities of making a career in coaching.

The wicketkeeperbatter, who had retreated into a shell for more than a year following the sexting scandal, had returned to play for Tasmania last year despite not having a state contract.

“I just wanted to have one more year with Tassie (Tasmania) and finish on a positive note with some good memories,” said Paine, who played 35 Tests and an equal number of ODIs for Australia.

“To come back and do that, it was nice to finish on my home ground,” he added.

spell in charge of the team.

Robbed of key midfielder Frenkie de Jong because of injury and five players during the week because of a flu virus, the Dutch were swarmed all over in a one-sided Group B game as qualifying for Euro 2024 continued. Their misery was complete when Memphis Depay had a penalty saved by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan with virtually the last kick of the match.

“It was a complete performance,” said Kolo Muani, who started up front instead of Olivier Giroud. “We made a very good start, that’s what we’d wanted to do, and afterward we were able to control the match.”

Lukaku hat trick Romelu Lukaku underlined his enduring value to Belgium by scoring all three goals in a 3-0 win at Sweden in the other notable victory on Friday. It was a successful start to Domenico Tedesco’s tenure as coach of Belgium, which is also playing under a new captain in Kevin De Bruyne.

Tedesco will know the importance of having Lukaku healthy if the Red Devils are to finally win an international trophy.

The striker wasn’t fully fit at the World Cup and that was a big reason why Belgium went out in the group stage. Lukaku has been playing regularly for Inter Milan since then and was a constant threat against Sweden as he scored in the 35th, 49th and 83rd minutes, with two set up by winger Dodi Lukebakio.

“A really good result,” Tedesco said. “I felt a good spirit not only on the pitch but also on the bench. The

Messi ‘grateful’ to fans for homecoming celebration

spirit of being united.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s 41-year-old striker, came off the bench for his first national team appearance in nearly a year and had a couple of chances to score.

Loss for Lewandowski Euro 2024 could be the last major international tournament for 34-year-old Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, though Poland’s bid to make it to Germany got off to a sticky start.

Poland lost 3-1 at the Czech Republic, which went ahead when Ladislav Krejcí scored after 27 seconds — the earliest goal netted by the national team in its history.

Tomáš Cvancara and Jan Kuchta also were on target for the Czechs as Lewandowski was kept scoreless in the Group E game. Austria beat Azerbaijan 4-1 in the group containing Belgium and Sweden, with on-loan Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer scoring twice, and Greece won at Gibraltar 3-0 in France’s group.

There were wins for Serbia (2-0 at home to Lithuania) and Montenegro (1-0 at Bulgaria) in Group G.

BUENOS AIRES,

MARCH 25 (IANS): Lionel Messi has sent a heartfelt message to fans after Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Panama in the Albiceleste’s first match since winning the World Cup in December.

Thursday’s friendly was played in a festive spirit as more than 80,00 people crammed into the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to see their World Cup heroes.

“Many times I imagined what it could be like to return to my country as a world champion but now I have no words to explain what I feel, how grateful I am to all the people for their love,” Messi said in a social media post on

Friday. Messi netted his 800th career goal and Argentina’s second for the match with a superb late free-kick. The strike means he has now scored 99 times for Argentina, in addition to his 701 goals at the club level. In an emotion-charged ceremony after the match, Argentina’s players lifted replica World Cup trophies as they were surrounded by their families.

“These are very, very special days and I can only tell you that I am immensely happy to see all the Argentine people enjoying and celebrating what was another success for everyone. Thank you,” Messi added in his social media post.

Sadio Mané scores on return to action with Senegal

CAPE TOWN MAR 25

(AP): Sadio Mané put his World Cup disappointment behind him by scoring on his return to international action as Senegal swept past Mozambique 5-1 in African Cup of Nations qualifying.

Mané darted behind the defense to poke home a pass by Youssouf Sabaly with his left foot for the reigning African champion’s second goal in Dakar on Friday. Mohamed Salah netted Egypt’s opener in a 2-0 win over Malawi.

And there was also a successful return for Ivory Coast striker Sébastien Haller, who scored to help his country beat Comoros 3-1 in his first international since his comeback after receiving treatment for testicu-

lar cancer. Mané smiled as he celebrated his goal with teammates, who had to do without their star player at the World Cup last year after he was injured just before the tournament.

Without Mané, Sen -

SAFF U-17: India look to get back on track against Bhutan

the net due to poor finishing and some heroics from the opposition goalkeeper.

Ultimately, Akhila Rajan’s headed own goal 16 minutes from time gave Bangladesh the lead which they held on to until the final whistle.

DHAKA, MAR 25 (PTI):

After a loss against hosts Bangladesh, India will hope to get their SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship campaign back on

track when they face Bhutan here on Sunday.

India began their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Nepal on Monday but struggled to find their

shooting boots in the 0-1 defeat to Bangladesh on Friday.

After a rather drab opening half, India stepped up a gear but couldn’t find

“It was a hard result to take. The girls played well in the match, but because of a defensive mistake, we conceded the goal. We also couldn’t convert the chances we got,” said India head coach Priya PV. Highlighting the improvements required ahead of the final two games, Priya said, “We need to improve on our attacking and passing. In the last

match, we failed to create enough chances in the scoring third. We also need to do better in the build-up.”

India’s opponents Bhutan are bottom of the five-team standings with three losses so far (1-8 to Bangladesh, 0-5 to Nepal and 1-9 to Russia). As such, Priya’s side will hope to pile on the misery on the Bhutanese and head into the crunch last match against heavyweights Russia on the back of a good win.

“We will go all out in the next two matches. We will try to improve on our last performances and score more goals,” she concluded.

Afghanistan beats Pakistan for first time in a T20

SHARJAH, MAR 25

(AP): Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in a Twenty20 for the first time on Friday after the latter was restricted to 92-9.

Pakistan, without five rested frontline players including captain Babar Azam, struggled on a slow and low pitch at Sharjah Cricket Stadium against the Afghans, whose six bowlers shared all nine wickets.

Afghanistan overcame falling to 45-4 in the 10th over to cruise home at 98-4 and win by six wickets with more than two overs to spare.

Mohammad Nabi raised Afghanistan’s first victory over Pakistan in five attempts over the past decade with a straight six

over long off.

“Pleasure to win, as we’ve always lost against them by small margins,” Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan said. “Wearing Afghanistan colors and leading the team in a win is a proud achievement. We never know the wicket . . . (but the) mindset was . . . to adjust accordingly.”

Afghanistan has a chance at a first series win in the remaining two T20s on Sunday and Monday.

None of the Pakistan batters could accelerate on a two-paced pitch and mostly fell to soft dismissals.

In the absence of formidable openers Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, replacements Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris couldn’t

gauge

When Azam Khan was also out for a duck on debut, Pakistan was 41-5 in the eighth over.

Pakistan was in danger of its lowest T20 total of 74 in 2012 against Australia at Dubai but Imad Wasim top-scored with 18.

“Sometimes this can happen due to youngsters being nervous, but they need to be given chances,” interim captain Shadab Khan said. “As professionals, we can’t give excuses regarding conditions, we have to learn from the loss here.”

Unorthodox spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2-9 and Fazalhaq Farooqi 2-13.

Pakistan fast bowling debutant Ihsanullah got two wickets in his first over with short-pitched deliveries.

Afghanistan was soon four down, but Nabi, 38 not out, and Najibullah Zadran, 17 not out, got them over the finish line.

Ihsanullah finished with 2-17.

egal was knocked out by England in the round of 16 at the World Cup. But the convincing win over Mozambique, Mané’s first game for Senegal since before the World Cup, kept the Cup of Nations titleholder

at the top of Group L with three wins from three and on course to qualify for the continental championship next year in Ivory Coast.

Sabaly scored the first goal in the ninth minute, Mané made it two in the 16th, and Iliman Ndiaye and Boulaye Dia ensured Senegal led 4-0 at halftime.

Habib Diallo sent a diving header in for the fifth with two minutes to go.

Gildo Vilanculos got Mozambique’s only goal when he headed a parry by Alfred Gomis straight back past the Senegal goalkeeper to make it 4-1 early in the second half.

Senegal didn’t allow that to threaten its dominance and controlled the rest of the game, with Mané

at one point urging his team not to settle for 4-1 and go forward in search of more goals. Diallo eventually delivered one.

Salah took his goal with a first-time shot from a cross in the 20th minute to give Egypt the lead against Malawi in Cairo. Omar Marmoush was credited with the second but his low shot took a wicked deflection off a Malawi defender and looped over goalkeeper Charles Thom.

Egypt had 21 shots to Malawi’s five and 75% possession, and the win revived the record seven-time African champion’s qualifying campaign after it lost to Ethiopia in the last round to slip to the bottom of Group D on goal difference.

The Argentine soccer during their homecoming parade in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dec. 20, 2022. (AP/PTI)

the low bounce and fell within the batting powerplay while attempting extravagant shots.

Abdullah Shafique was pinned by Azmatullah Omarzai for 0 and Tayyab Tahir, one of four making their Pakistan debut, lobbed a return catch to

Rashid Khan.

France’s Kylian Mbappe scores his side’s third goal during the Euro 2024 group B qualifying soccer match between France and the Netherlands. (AP/PTI)

Senegal’s Sadio Mane (R) fights for the ball with Mozambique’s Prins Tjiueza. (AFP)

Indian women under-17 team during a practice session.

Mohammad Nabi raised Afghanistan’s first victory over Pakistan in five attempts over the past decade.