2 May 2023

Nagaland Post

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OIL mulling exploration in Nagaland

D IMAPUR/GUWAHA -

TI, MAY 1 (NPN/AGENCIES): Despite stiff opposition from various quarters including some apex tribal bodies and the Working Committee of the NNPGs to the proposed oil exploration in areas along the Nagaland-Assam disputed boundary, there has been reports that the Oil India Limited (OIL) was planning to start exploration in Nagaland.

Nagaland is projected to have 600 million tonnes of oil and natural gas reserves. According to The Economic Times report, Oil India Limited is planning to conduct a 3D seismic survey of 4,000 sq km of land in Upper Assam, while exploration in Nagaland is expected to commence when the climate is conducive.

The company has also explored 3000 sq. km areas

CM, others extend Moatsu greetings

DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy CM Y. Patton and others have greeted the Ao community on the occasion of Moatsu festival.

CM: Extending warm greetings, chief minister Neiphiu Rio whished that the “festivity foster oneness and brotherhood and may you all be blessed with bounteous harvest.”

DyCM: In his message, deputy CM Y Patton said that the festival it is celebrated after sowing season, to make friendship, exchange gifts and feasting. Patton prayed for a bountiful harvest and blessings for their hard work done.

On behalf of the state BJP legislators, Patton wished all a blessed Moatsu and hoped that it is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.

NPCC: Nagaland

Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president

S Supongmeren Jamir prayed that the Almighty God bestow a rich harvest upon the community, as the festival marks the end of the hard work of the sowing season and the celebrations filled with merry-making, singing, and feasting. Further, stating that Moatsü is also a time to revisit the culture and display it in the finest way to be passed down to posterity, Supongmeren prayed, “May it also be a time for fostering peace, goodwill, brotherhood and oneness across society.”

RCB beat LSG by 18 runs in low-scoring game

We have done seismic data acquisition.”

“We are carrying out exploration in Arunachal Pradesh, we have planned extensive drilling and production is going on. In Nagaland till the time there was a dispute between Assam and Nagaland that was getting sorted out. There is a lot of discussion going on. We have 3000 sq km of exploration acreage in Nagaland,” he added.

we have the main producing area, and the Assam- Arakan fold belt which is in the South East of Assam shelf covering Nagaland has enough potential.”

Oil exploration only after addressing pending issues: NTC

DIMAPUR, MAY 1

in Nagaland. OIL has considerable potential in the Assam- Arakan fold belt and believes that both areas have the same potential, according to Dr Ranjit Rath, chairman and managing director.

OIL has done seismic data accusation of the areas in the Northern bank of Brahmaputra in Assam. OIL has a 3000 sq. km area in Nagaland.

Rath, who was in Guwahati on Monday while talking to media persons said, “We already started exploration in Mizoram. Further study is going on to further explore. In Tripura we have assets and exploration is done. In the Northern bank of Brahmaputra River Pathshala and Mangaldoi are covered under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bidding.

Rath said, “In Manipur we are taking up baseline assessment of the areas in Nagaland border and some areas will be picked up for explorations. In Tripura we have acreages. In the North bank we will take up drilling. Rigs with over 2000 horsepower will be used”.

Rath said, “Once there is a climate of sorted out issues we will immediately have started exploration. We strongly believe that both the Assam shelf where

It may be mentioned that Assam and Nagaland chief ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Neiphiu Rio had agreed in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for the economic benefit of both states. Sarma and Rio reached an understanding during a meeting on April 20 night, hours after Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments signed an agreement to resolve their over five-decade-old border dispute.

Assam and Nagaland are exploring all options to bring an end to the decadesold border imbroglio in an amicable manner, an Assam government statement said.

NE getting more attention from Centre: Singh

DIMAPUR, MAY 1

(NPN): Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation General (Dr) VK Singh (retd) claimed that since 2014, the North East was getting more attention from the Central government and observed that connectivity had since improved in the region.

Holding a review meeting of National Highway projects in the district with Mon district administration and heads of departments (HoDs) of the district at Mon town on Monday, he called for taking development to the grassroots.

Singh also observed that for development and quality works in the district, local contractors were far better as they had more knowledge about the district. He suggested con -

ducting entrepreneurship workshops to train people who wanted to get into such business so that they too could take up all types of contracts.

The minister exhorted

ULB polls issue: Centre seeks more time from SC to reply; next hearing on May 18

Spl. Correspondent NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (NPN): The Central government on Monday sought more time from the Supreme Court to submit its response on whether the constitutional scheme of one-third reservation for women in municipality and town council elections can be violated by Nagaland, where the assembly had passed a resolution to repeal the municipal act and resolved not to hold the elections to the urban local bodies (ULB).

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and Aravind Kumar had on April 17 granted two week’s time to additional solicitor general KM Nataraj, who was appearing for the Centre, to place their stand on record and listed the matter for May 1.

In a series of tweet on Monday, the Bar & Bench said that Nataraj had sought adjournment as the reply was not filed. However, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, said: “How can they continue being in contempt.

Constitutional provisions are

applicable to entire northeast as well.”

Nataraj had informed the court that an inter-ministerial discussion was on and therefore sought further time to file the affidavit. The court accordingly listed the matter for May 18, Bar & Bench said. Earlier, during the hearing advocate general Nagaland KN Balgopal explained the genesis of the case and informed the court that they had to consider customary laws. However, the apex court said “You are in breach. We gave you the longest rope.”

the HoDs to ensure that the government schemes were implemented properly and insisted that there should be no compromise on quality. He also the District Hospital, Mon after the meeting.

Rajya Sabha member S Phangnon Konyak welcomed the minister, while HoDs of Mon district expressed gratitude to Singh for his visited to Mon in spite of his busy schedule.

At the meeting, ADC (HQ) Temjennaro Longkumer gave brief description about Mon district while the programme was chaired by deputy commissioner Mon Ajit Kumar Verma.

(NPN): After deliberating on oil exploration at a meeting of its executive council and advisers in Dimapur on April 25, the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has decided to make public its stand on the issue. NTC media cell expressed concern on news reports on April 22, about chief ministers- Neiphiu Rio(Nagaland) and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam) agreeing in principle for oil exploration along disputed areas “along dubious borderline of two sisterly states.”

Acknowledging the good intent of the State government to maintain good relations with neighbouring States, NTC however said that Nagaland government was not subordinate to any other State government in the country, including Assam. So also the chief minister of Nagaland.

The council wondered why Nagaland chief minister rushed to his Assam counterpart and “agreed in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundaries ….” without the consent of stakeholders, thus confirming as disputed border area by the State itself. It said there was always a mechanism to resolve differences, provided the government took care of the welfare of the State in general and the people in particular and live in understanding so that peaceful atmosphere prevailed. NTC said while Nagaland was endowed by Almighty God with rich mineral wealth, it could

however not explore the huge mineral deposits and resources for making the State self-sufficient due to one or other reasons. It said one such known hurdle was the boundary and border problems on the Assam side.

NTC said that Nagaland always maintained peace on the border but on the contrary, Assam always created problem along the “artificial boundary line” and continued to annex Naga land. As a matter of fact, NTC claimed that, on the basis of the 1875 boundary demarcation of Naga Hills district of Assam, the historical and traditional/ancestral boundary of Nagaland went far beyond the present claim of Assam and therefore, called for reclaiming the lands immediately.

NTC also referred to point no. 12 of the 16-Point Agreement of 1960: “The Naga delegation discussed the question of the inclusion of the Reserved Forests and of contiguous areas inhabited by Nagas. They were referred to the provisions in Article 3 and 4 of the Constitution, prescribing the procedure for the transfer of areas from one state to another”.

In this regard, NTC pointed out that reserved forest means the Naga reserved forest which were transferred to Assam for administrative convenience.

It also said that “Agreement between GoI and the Naga people of Nagaland is Agreement”.

NTC lamented that the historical records and the hard-earned 16-Point Agreement of 1960 re -

mained in cold storage for the last 60 years. NTC said once this was resolve, Nagaland could conveniently go for exploration of natural resources, including oil, without any hindrance. It said there cannot be a State without definite territory of land.

According to NTC , the second major hurdle was the defective Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulations, 2012 and Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2012 (NP&NG). NTC noted that in the rules, the rights, privileges and revenue sharing for the beneficiaries, including that of employment of the affected land owner/areas and block had been deprived. Therefore, when the cry of the people were not heeded to for rectification, the Lotha Hoho , being the first affected tribe, filed a PIL in the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench.

The State government persuaded the Lotha Hoho to withdraw the PIL and then signed MoU on November 20, 2018 that the grievances of the hoho would be amended within six months. However that has not happened and also the matter became a suo moto case in the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, but was lying unresolved till today.

NTC said it would be better if the State government pursued the case in the high court before any other ultra-vires came in, and finalise the case and amend the defective rules and regulations before any wishful thinking for oil exploration.

3-day Moatsu festival begins at Mokokchung

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, MAY

1 (NPN): The celebration of Moatsu festival, the premier festival of the Ao Nagas, got underway at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex here on Monday.

The festival is being held on the theme ‘Celebrating our Roots’ and organised by the Ao Senden with the collective celebration initiated by the Government of Nagaland. The three-day festival kickstarted with legislator Nuklutoshi gracing the inaugural event as the guest of honour in lieu of Water Resources adviser Tongpang Ozukum, who

could not make it due to some official works.

Addressing the gathering, Nuklutoshi stressed on unity among the people. Without unity, he cautioned that the future would be bleak. He said the 11 Ao legislators had recently come together and resolved to remain united across party

NPCC backs issues raised by Jamir; slams NDPP youth for insinuation

DIMAPUR, MAY 1

(NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPPC) has come out in support of various issues raised during recent months by veteran Naga leader and former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir and against the “unwarranted insinuation” by NDPP youth wing on his reputation.

NPCC communications department made it clear that it was not responding on behalf of Dr. Jamir since his views and observations are “facts that speak for themselves” . Further, it also maintained that if Dr. Jamir’s observations, based on his rich political and ad-

ministrative experience of over 60 years “was unpalatable to some section, then he cannot be faulted for that.”

NPCC said Dr Jamir is the founding father of Nagaland and well known across India, having served with India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru then Indira Gandhi under various positions. It also pointed out that, despite different political ideologies, even prime minister Narendra Modi has shown high regard to Dr. Jamir for his outstanding contributions to the nation.

NPCC also maintained that Dr. Jamir’s views are also common knowledge with people of Nagaland

over the issue of perpetration of economic hegemony and confusion and drift taking place today. It sated that Dr. Jamir and former NPCC president K. Therie, are among the few leaders who choose to speak openly and without ambiguity.

NPCC said the ruling NDPP government has much to answer for failed promises made since 2003 such as – Naga political solution within three months of coming to power; abdicating its constitutional authority which have legitimised various extra constitutional authorities. According to NPCC, the sum total of the the party which

“untiringly parrots itself as a pro-people movement” is earning the state the dubious distinction as “ the worst performing state overall in India in 2021.”

The list of failures of the party in power included messing up with oil exploration, not acting on the recommendation on RIIN and also the HPC report on multiple taxation. However, NPCC said the only decisive action which the government took is with regard to construction of multi-crore rupee projects which only benefit a privileged few, close to the powers that be.

Instead of responding to Dr. Jamir’s comments,

NPCC said NDPP has abdicated the responsibility and outsourced it to its youth wing to make “vitriolic and sweeping statements” against an elder and respected personality.

NPCC said abdication of responsibility by NDPP including governance has become its hallmark. It advised NDPP youth wing to understand that “things are not going right” and that as future leaders, the youth wing ought to be concerned with the “current mess created by leaders who are seeped up with filthy riches and practising nepotism and favouritism”.

lines and called upon the Aos led by the Ao Senden to follow suit. He recalled how the forefathers of Nagas had celebrated such festivals to foster unity amongst neighbours and maintain brotherhood. He called upon the Aos to stand united for survival as, according to him, there was no future if there was no unity.

Touching on the Naga political issue, he said the vexed issue should be solved at the earliest. He feared that the longer it lingered, worse things could happen. He therefore urged all the stakeholders to give a serious thought on this issue.

Earlier, DC Mokokchung S Pratap Singh extended the Moatsu greetings. The programme was followed by inter-ward indigenous games competitions that included tug-of-war (both men and women), pole climbing and bamboos tilt walking.

In the pole climbing competition, Alempang ward emerged as the champion while Kumlong ward earned the second position.

In the bamboo stilt walking competition, Alempang ward bagged the first prize and Yimyu ward second. On Tuesday (the main celebration) chief minister Neiphiu Rio will grace the programme as special guest.

SC rules it has discretion to dissolve marriage under Art 142

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): Supreme Court held on Monday it has the discretion to dissolve a marriage on the ground of “irretrievable breakdown” in exercise of its plenary power under Article 142 (1) of the Constitution and can grant divorce by mutual consent while dispensing with the 6-month waiting period mandated under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Article 142 of the Constitution deals with enforcement of decrees and orders of the apex court to do “complete justice” in any matter pending before it. As

per Article 142(1), a decree passed or an order made by the apex court is executable throughout the territory of India.

Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act deals with divorce by mutual consent and sub-section (2) to this provision provides, after the first motion has been passed, the parties would have to move the court with the second motion, if the petition is not withdrawn in the meanwhile, after six months and not later than 18 months of the first motion.

Dr. VK Singh addressing the head of departments and district administration officials in Mon.

Photo of oil spillage from an oil well site. (File)

Nuklutoshi (NP)

Assisi, AIDA observe ‘Workers Day’

No tobacco zone: raid conducted in Mon town

DIMAPUR: Enforcement Squad under National Tobacco Control Programme, Mon carried out a surprise raid on sale of tobacco products near school areas of Mon town on April 29.

According to a DIPR report, the raid was to strengthen Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 in the

district. As per Section 6 (b) of COTPA 2003 selling and kind of tobacco products within 100 yards of school area is strictly prohibited.

The team penalized 16 defaulters and seized tobacco products from the shops falling within the restricted area. Later, the team destroyed the seized products at the premises of Police Station, Mon.

DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the world, Assisi and AIDA-SBI Gram Seva observed “International Workers’ Day” on May 1. Assisi: Observing the “International Workers’ Day” at Assisi auditorium, speaker, superior of Assisi Campus, Salomi Rongmei highlighted that the day is observed to commemorate the hard work, dedication of labours irrespective of their roles and positions and to appreciate and acknowledge their great contributions.

Rongmei stressed on the importance of self-re-

spect, where she opined that “work in itself does not give them respect or dignity”, but maintained that it was how they consider their work to be of equal importance adding that every work is important.

She said “if we carry out our job with respect, then automatically, we gain respect”. In this, she urged them to give respect to others just as they respect themselves, for they are all dependent on each other.

The programme was chaired by Vanbeni, while coordinator of Child Right

INTCWS inspects private medical colleges

DIMAPUR: As part of its annual activities, India

Northeast Tribal Community Welfare Society (INTCWS) Notun Bosti, Dimapur under its education wing Libra Consultancy had recently inspected some private medical colleges (for NEET qualified students under management seats) and engineering colleges, in some part of North and South India.

A press release from INTCWS chairman, Atsei Sekhose informed that so far, the society has inspected 501 universities, colleges and schools in India. The

release said that inspection was conducted as part of its part of its 15th annual activities and for the welfare and benefit of tribal students who wished to pursue professional courses outside the state. It mentioned that through these visits, the society endeavors to reach out to tribal students by bringing in correct and verified status of colleges with regards to its affiliation of colleges, courses, fees, faculties and other important information so that students and parents can avail proper counselling and plan for further studies.

Movement, Geeta Lakra emphasized on the importance of the day. Around 40 people attended the programme.

AIDA-SBI Gram

Seva: ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) - Don Bosco, SBI Foundation Gram Seva programme, Dimapur, observed “International Workers Day” with the five adopted villages - Khriezephe, Diezephe, Urra, Bade and Tsithrongse.

A press release from PRO AIDA informed that AIDA, through SBI Gram

Seva with the five adopted villages celebrated the day by conducting mass cleanliness drive, honouring the workers by coming together and creating unity and togetherness within the community. It also informed that the day was observed to remember and reflect oneself and appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of community and also remembering peoples’ struggles for social justice and workers’ rights. The activity was led by the village council members and the community.

Seminar on ‘cybercrime’ organized at Jalukie

DIMAPUR: Seminar on “Cyberc rime” was organised at St. Xavier College Auditorium, Jalukie Town on 29th April 2023 with SDPO Peren, Atu Zumvu as the resource person. The seminar was organised under the initiative of the president of Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO). Speaking on the occasion, Atu Zumvu spoke on the necessity of knowing the basic laws of cybercrime by the students of the present day. Altogether, more than 800 students of St.

F&CS deptt. holds meeting with advisor Sukhalu

DIMAPUR: Department of Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS) held its departmental meeting with advisor, F&CS & LMCP Government of Nagaland, K. T. Sukhalu, on May 1 at the Directorate of Food & Civil Supplies, Dimapur.

A press release issued by the department stated that in the meeting, advisor Sukhalu encouraged all the officers of the department to give their best services for the welfare of the public. He also raised concerns on deputing adequate staffs to all the new districts.

Various departmental activities were discussed and issues such as viability

of the Fair Price Shops and transportation costs were discussed. The meeting was chaired by commissioner & secretary to the government of Nagaland, F&CS &

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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

LMCP, Chubasangla Anar, welcome address was delivered by director F&CS, V. Lovitoly Sema, presentation of departmental activities by

deputy director F&CS, Dr. Kapenlo Thong. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by joint director F&CS, I. Anungba Sanglir.

1st Death anniversarY of Late k ehomole

Your absence has been felt by us for a year now. You left a legacy and lots of memories and lessons for us. Our hearts ache for you and will forever remember you.

K-923/23

1st Death anniversary of Late IMCHAWATI KICHU (2nd May 2022)

Late PauL SoLo

12/03/1968 – 30/04/2023

We the bereaved family of Late Paul Solo would like to offer our sincere gratitude towards our families, friends, neighbours, relatives and well wishers for your expression of kindness and support physically, spiritually, morally, financially and emotionally during his sickness and until his demise.

To those who helped in any way, your contributions made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. This is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all from Heaven above.

-2 Timothy 4:7 K-922/23

Loving Wife & Children

We dreamt of living and doing life, together. But last year, you left us and went to heaven alone. You’re unheard and unseen but your love, your good deeds and your blessings are forever engraved in our hearts. You are still alive in our hearts. Your deeds will continue to be the light of our path. Always loved, unseen yet, journeying together, your presence is always felt in our hearts.

MKC-150/23

Loving Wife, Children, in-laws and relatives.

We miss you mom…

Loving children, grand children & relatives

Died on 2nd May 2022

1st Death anniversarY oF Late Yokhaba

Dear brother,

On this day you left us but we still remember you and we miss your presence, we miss your smile, your deeds the things you used to say, we miss all the old times that we shared together, we really miss the absence of you in our family. We miss you very much. Your Loving Family Members.

DB-553/23

Died on 02.05.2018

It’s your hard work and support that have made us the person we are today and left an undying legacy for us. Now, we are trying to fulfil the dreams that you have passed on to us. But alas, you are no longer here to see our progress. Your memories will live on in our hearts forever. Thinking of you and missing you dearly on this day, papa!

5th Death anniversary of our beloved Lt. elisha Kikon DP-1868/23

Loving, Wife, Daughters & Sons-in-Law

Xavier College students and Class 12 students from various higher secondary schools from Jalukie Town and its surrounding villages participated in the seminar.

AIDA-SBI Gram Seva members and villagers conducting cleanliness drive during the ‘International Workers’ Day’. Speaker Salomi Rongmei and other participants during the observation of ‘International Workers’ Day’.

Enforcement Squad after a surprise raid. (DIPR)

Resource person Atu Zumvu and other participants after the seminar on cybercrime.(DIPR)

Advisor K. T. Sukhalu during the meeting with F&CS department officials.

Q.: Is there need to drastically improve the performance of those employed under civic bodies?

DGP Sharma flags off 3 Mobile Forensic Vans

NEXT POLL

Q: Are mega corporate houses in India fleecing the banks and getting away

Correspondent

KOHIMA,

MAY 1(NPN):

Taking its battle to improve law and order situation in Nagaland, Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma on Monday flagged off three Mobile Forensic Vans (MFV) at PHQ, Kohima which will be stationed in Dimapur FSL. Speaking at the programme, DGP Sharma informed that these vans would aid the police in nabbing culprits as they were equipped to conduct preliminary investigation facilities such as - Finger print taking kit, Latent finger print development kit, Foot & Tire Print casting kit, Forensic Light Source, Blood Detection kit, Semen detection kit, Evidence packing and collecting kit and DNA Collection & Sexual assault kit.

Although there is a functioning forensic science lab in the state, DGP informed that it was not up to the optimum capacity and hoped that the forensic vans would go a long way in collecting on-crime-spot evidence and management of the crime scene successfully, adding that procuring the vans was a small step in enhancing the forensic facilities and a new beginning for the state.

Sharma disclosed that the powder for finger print detection comes only in limited amount and once exhausted, the rest of the kit cannot be further used which would be constraint in the sample collection. He also informed that they will try to enhance their capacity at forensics as the quality of investigation depends on the quality of forensic evidence

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) observed National Immunisation week by conducting a vaccination drive at Unit Hospital in Jalukie town of Peren on April 30. The security force also organised security and coordination meeting with the GBs and chairmen of Dhansiripar area at Doyapur village, Chumoukedima.

According to PRO defence, a total of 25 children were immunised with Oral polio vaccine, Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) , vitamin A, Pentavalent vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine, and Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

collected and hoped that the state government and the government of India would further help in enhancing the forensic facilities in days to come. tHighlighting on the war launched against drugs in the state, Sharma stated that several cases have been detected however, due to lack of forensics, the samples would be sent outside the state and further wait on the results to arrive. However, he expressed hope that the new vans would bear fruits and ensure effective improvement in solving cases. Approved by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), under Police Modernisation in 2021-22, to enhance the state police force, the MVF vans were equipped with crime scene instigation kit, with all necessary formalities completed and ready to function.

CPO holds coordination meet with Kachari and Garo leaders

Power shutdown in Mokokchung: Office of the Executive Engineering, Transmission Division Mokokchung has informed that there will be power shutdown from 8 am to 5 pm starting from May 1 to 6 due to vegetation clearance for 66 KV Mokokchung - Tuensang line.

DBSU meeting: Dimapur

Bengali Students’ Union (DBSU) has convened its meeting on May 3, 7 pm at Hotel Jal Mahal, Dimapur. All the office bearers of DBSU have been requested to attend the meeting.

ANTA HQ Kohima informs: The All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA)

H.Q. Kohima has informed all the ANTA HQ Kohima unit members i.e owners and drivers, that the ANTA HQ Kohima unit will be felicitating all the children of the members who have secured Top 20, Subject Toppers and 1st Division in HSLC and HSSLC 2023. All the members have been requested to submit their ANTA ID Card and registration slip along with their children’s mark sheet to the ANTA HQ. Kohima office. Marksheet are to be submitted in the office within 15 days from the declaration of results.

DIMAPUR: The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) organised a “Friendship Coordination Meet” with the tribal leaders of Kachari and Garo under Chümoukedima and Dimapur districts at Urra Village on April 29.

A press release issued by CPO joint secretary,

Thejangukho Yalietsu stated that a large number of leaders from CPO, CCCPO, GBs, KTUN, DGUN and leaders from nearby villages participated in the meeting which deliberated on a number of relevant issues pertaining to the age-old mutual friendship. Various speakers affirmed the close

association and relationship between the three tribal groups and further assured to uphold their friendship for the greater cause of the society. The house also resolved to formulate a coordination committee which will be entrusted to work for the welfare of their group.

Dimapur DPDB meeting

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) & vice chairman DPDB Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal has convened the District Planning Board & Development Board (DPDB)

meeting of Dimapur for the month of May on May 5, 11 am at DC conference hall, Dimapur. All the members have been requested to attend the meeting.

Assam Rifles conduct various activities

at the immunisation week. The children were between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years, were administered vaccines recommended as per the National Immunization Schedule.

Coordination meeting

At the security and coordination meeting, the Assam Rifles and village leaders of Doyapur discussed on the present situation prevailing in the area. The villagers were made aware of the various ways to join Armed Forces and the assistance being provided by battalion to the intending candidates. They were also made aware of various

Civic Action Programmes carried out by Assam Rifles and suggestions were sought from them regarding new development works for upliftment of villages and skill development programmes for the youths. The meet was attended by GBs and chairmen from 29 villages in the area.

Visit to ‘Company Base’ for students Assam Rifles Bn organised a visit to “Company Operating Base” for school students under the initiative “A Day with Company Commander” at Old Minister Hill, Kohima on May 1. A total of 234 students

and 11 teachers from eight schools of Kohima Town participated in the event, spending their day with the Company Commander and actively engaged in various creative activities. Wreath

laying to pay homage to the “War Heroes,” display of weapons and equipment were done at the Company Operating Base. A motivational video was screened, based on history and contri-

Educational institutions organise various programmes

butions of Assam Rifles as the oldest force in the North East protecting people and helping youths in shaping their careers for a successful future and nation building. In separate programme, Assam Rifles organised a visit to “Company Base” for school students under the initiative, “A Day with Company Commander” at Changlanshu village, Mon on April 30. A total of 73 students along with six teachers and one pastor spent their day with the company commander and actively participated in fun activities which were organized throughout the day.

DIMAPUR: Educational institutions organised various programmes and activities by organising cleanliness drive, cultural day, workshop and educational tours.

ICFAI University: ICFAI University Nagaland in collaboration with the Sovima Village Council under the theme “Segregation of Waste at Source and Cleanliness Drive” organized a mass social work on April 28.

Assistant professor (Philosophy), Rovikotuo Yhoshu, who was incharge of the event informed that the social work was organized to clean the surroundings of the village and to segregate the waste.

The work was carried with the support of all the students of the university, NSS, members of the university’s Green Club and faculty members.

In a separate event, the NSS unit of the university under the charge of the nodal officer assistant professor (Management Studies), Dr. Imtinungsang Jamir, carried out a government-initiated sur-

vey activity in Sovima area.

Salesian College: Salesian College of Higher Education celebrated its “Cultural Day” under the theme, “Culture is a matter of the heart”, on May 1. A press release by principal Salesian College of Higher Education informed that it was organized by IQAC & Students Forum of SCHE.

Special guest, principal of Bosco College of Teacher Education, Dr. Fr. Jose Joseph appreciated the diversity and multicultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious set up of Salesian College of Higher Education. He also pointed out from the constitution on India, the cultural rights each citizen of India possesses and the need to respect and promote the appreciation of cultural diversity.

The audience were also enthralled with the presentation of cultural items from the Kuki community, remix of different Naga cultural dance, couple show of the various Naga cultural attires, Adivasi dance and songs from

the Sumi community.

Earlier in the programme, principal Fr. Dr. Paul Punii, stressed on the theme of the “Cultural Day” and encouraged to promote, respect and love through the celebration.

He also placed on record that SCHE may be one exceptional college in Nagaland which has the most variety of tribes and communities. Besides Nagaland, the staff and students hail from most states of North-East India and other parts of the country like Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The programme began with an invocation by director of the institution, Fr. Thomas VA and vote of thanks by cultural secretary of SCHE, Students Forum, Peter Khing.

Yemhi Memorial College: Department of Economics, Yemhi Memorial College (YMC) organized a one-day workshop on “Avenues for Entrepreneurship and Self Employment in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nagaland” on May 1 at

the College auditorium.

A press release from media committee YMC informed that the workshop was organized with the objective to sensitize the students on the importance of skill-based education for self-employment and for building a successful enterprise for themselves in the future.

Resource speaker, assistant director, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Dimapur, under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, Y Khetoi Shohe, highlighted in brief about the objectives and functions of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). He also spoke on different online and offline Entrepreneurship Development Program Training Centers available for the beneficiaries.

Shohe encouraged all the students to lay emphasis on skill-based avenues and entrepreneurship which is much in demand globally. The programme was followed by an interactive session with the students.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by, assistant professor, Department of Economics Sino Olive Shohe, welcome address by HoD, Economics, Temsunaro Imchen and vote of thanks by Akaholi Ayemi.

In separate event, Department of Sociology, Yemhi Memorial College, Nepali Basti, Dimapur conducted a cleanliness drive as part of departmental activity at District Hospital Dimapur, on April 29.

Unity College: Department of Political Science and History, Unity College organized educational tour to NorthEastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong for MA fourth semester on April 28 and 29.

A press release by the college stated that the aim of the tour was to enhance knowledge of students and encourage them to develop research interest through enquiry.

The students also interacted with research scholars and visited Central Library and ICSSR- NERC

Library.

Altogether, 42 students and three faculty members took part in the study tour.

UCTE: Second Semester Student-Teachers along with faculty and principal of Unity College of Teacher Education (UCTE), organised a oneday educational visit to Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC), Dimapur, on April 29.

A press release by principal UCTE, stated that manager, NTTC, John Rokuongulie, guided the student-teachers around, highlighting and sharing on various trainings and courses available in the institute.

The Student-Teachers also learnt significance of the state in initiating such skill set institutes especially for youths in the state.

St. Joseph University: Department of History, St. Joseph University (SJU), conducted a field trip on April 28 to Guwahati in order to fulfil the requirements of the PG II semester course. Students visited Assam State

Museum, Guwahati War Memorial,Gandhi Mandap, Kamakhya Temple and Jagannath Temple.

Kohima College: Kohima College bade farewell to associate professor, principal (retd.), Kohima College, Dr. M. Libanthung Ngullie, on May 1.

Dr. M. Libanthung Ngullie, in his speech stated that life is not counted in years, but in experiences. He thanked all the faculty members and administrative staff for their guidance and thanked vice-principal Keneilesa Neikha for his enduring support and holding the fort when in need. He further challenged the staff to do their best for the betterment of their students and for the glory of God during their short term of serving.

The programme was chaired by the vice-principal, associate professor, Keneilesa Neikha, special songs by assistant professor, Dr. Visiezolie Yashu and Lepenthe of BA 4th semester.

St. Joseph’s College: NCC senior wing of St. Joseph’s College (Autono-

mous), Jakhama under 1 Nagaland Girls’ Battalion NCC/NCC GroupKohima conducted an awareness programme at its adopted village, Kezo Basa village on April 30 as an activity of social service and community development of NCC.

CO, 1 NL Girls’ BN NCC, Kohima, Col Manjeet Katoch, was also present along with visiting team comprising of 12 cadets, 01 associate NCC officer and 01 PI staff.

Awareness talk on government schemes for rural areas was delivered by JUO Visakhono Yakhro, on Health & Hygiene by SGT Kevekhulu Thisa and on Environmental Protection by CDT Ambikali Mech. President of Kezo Basa Women Society, Savi Thami, village council members and 30 residents attended the programme.

The team also contributed 150 self-made bags to the village for use as marketing bag/lunch bag when they go to fields. The bags were made from waste materials such as used

DGP Rupin Sharma flagging off the MFV at PHQ Kohima on Monday. (NP)

Advisor IPR, Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L. Imchen inspecting the ongoing construction of Multimedia-cum-State Convention Center at Netaji Ralway Colony, Dimapur on May 1. (DPRO)

Leaders from the three tribes after the coordination meeting at Urra Village on April 29.

ICFAI University students during the mass social work. YMC students after the cleanliness drive at DH Dimapur. Unity College students during the educational tour. NCC senior wings of SJC after the awareness programme.

Students taught to handle weapons during the visit.

Meghalaya CM lashes out at coalition partners

Correspondent

KRANG, MAY 1: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) supremo Conrad Sangma on Monday lashed out at coalition partners for making speeches against his party, during an election campaign, for their “apparent opportunism”.

“I want to tell them (coalition partners) in our culture, in the Indian culture as well as in the Khasi and Garo culture, we don’t spit on the plate from which we eat. Please remember we don’t,” he stated while campaigning for the NPP candidate for the Sohiong bye-election. “There are many other political parties, they will come here and give so many speeches against the NPP. They will work with the NPP when it is convenient for them and when the election campaign comes, they will go and speak against the NPP,” the NPP supremo told the crowd. Addressing the elec-

Mizoram Congress accepts resignation of MLA as treasurer

Maharashtra, Gujarat have strong tries with Arunachal Pradesh: Governor

tion rally at Krang village for the party candidate Samlin Malngiang, Sangma said, “We (NPP) are good and we are kind and we work together because we believe in working together… I have never uttered a single word against these people, but it hurts me today when I hear such language and such divisive politics that people are playing. This is not healthy for our people and for our state,” Sangma argued.

Urging the 34,783 electorates to vote for the NPP candidate to bring development and change to Sohiong constituency, Sangma said the only way to bring development to the constituency

is to vote for the NPP which is leading the government in the State. Election to Sohiong assembly seat was adjourned just before the February 27 assembly elections due to the death of United Democratic Party (UDP) candidates, Horju Donkupar Roy Lyngdoh, a former minister and leader of the UDP. Incidentally, the UDP is a coalition partner of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, which the NPP heads.

Six candidates are in the fray for the Sohiong bye-election, which include Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah of the UDP, Samlin Malngiang of the NPP, Congress candidate Osborne Kharjana, BJP candidate Eric Kharbuki, Trinamool Congress candidate Stoding Thabah and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) candidate Sandondor Ryntathiang. Voting for the Sohiong seat would be held on May 10 and counting of votes would be taken up on March 13.

VPP gets EC recognition as state party

basis of a review of poll performance, the Commission vide its letter dated April 10, 2023, granted recognition to the Voice of the People Party as a state party in Meghalaya under the provisions of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968.”

As requested, a reserved symbol of the winnower (a device used for separating chaff from the grain) was allotted, he added. He said a notification in this regard will be issued in due course.

SHILLONG, MAY 1 (PTI):

The Voice of the People Party (VPP), which has four MLAs in the Meghalaya Assembly, got recognition as a state party, a senior Election Commission of India (ECI) official said on Monday.

First GuwahatiDibrugarh ‘flybig flight’ launched

GUWAHATI, MAY 1

(PTI): The first flight on a non-UDAN route under viability gap funding provision by Assam government was launched on Monday with flybig starting service on the Guwahati-DibrugarhGuwahati sector.

The inaugural flight was flagged off by Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport here. It will leave Guwahati in the morning and return from the eastern town of Dibrugarh on a daily basis.

Addressing a press conference after the flag off, Baruah said it is the first route on which flight service has been launched by Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) in the non-UDAN routes, with Assam government providing the viability gap funding.

“After this route, flybig will start operation on the Guwahati-Silchar-Guwahati route from May 15. We are also planning to start Guwahati-Jorhat-Guwahati route from later this year,” he added. Baruah said the routes with tourism potential are being targeted to be taken up as it will also boost the local economy. The ticket price for flights under the scheme has been capped at Rs 4,500 per ticket and the state government will pay the viability gap, he added. The ATDC, on behalf of the state government, had entered into a MoU with Big Charter Private Limited (flybig) in March for the launch of air services in the non-UDAAN section in the GuwahatiDibrugarh-Guwahati and Guwahati-Silchar-Guwahati routes on a daily basis.

The recognition was based on a review of the VPP’s poll performance in the recently concluded assembly elections, he said.

ECI Under Secretary Manish Kumar said, “I am directed to state that on the

VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit welcomed the decision, saying, “We are happy with the ECI recognition and we will keep on working for the welfare of the people of the state.”

AIZAWL, MAY 1 (PTI):

The Mizoram Congress on Monday said it has accepted the resignation of senior MLA Zodintluanga Ralte as the treasurer of the party’s state unit.

Ralte, who is also the Congress Legislature Party leader, resigned as the state treasurer on April 21, saying he was dissatisfied with the functioning of state party president Lalsawta.

His resignation came ahead of the state assembly polls which are due later this year. Lalsawta told reporters here that Ralte’s resignation has been accepted by the state party authorities after he discussed the matter personally with him on Sunday.

“As per the advice of senior party leaders, Ralte

and I discussed the matter face-to-face in a friendly atmosphere on Sunday evening. We decided that Ralte’s resignation will be accepted as per his wish to strengthen the Congress,” Lalsawta said.

He said that the party leadership would appoint a suitable person to replace Ralte as the party treasurer.

Lalsawta said that the resignation of Ralte ahead of the state assembly polls has shocked the party workers. Ralte, who was also present at the press conference, said that he resigned as the treasurer because he thought it was necessary for the betterment of the party.

The 60-year-old leader asserted that he would continue to remain in the Congress. In his resignation letter, Ralte alleged that Lalsawta had failed in collective leadership and took unilateral decisions on several major issues against the party’s constitution and principles. Ralte also accused the president of undermining several committees, which are the foundation of the Congress.

ITANAGAR, MAY 1

(PTI): The foundation day of Gujarat and Maharashtra was observed at Arunachal Pradesh Raj Bhavan here on Monday, which was graced by Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) and his wife Anagha Parnaik.

To foster and strengthen camaraderie among the people from different parts of the country, serving in the state, the governor has taken the initiative to celebrate their states foundation day at Raj Bhavan, here. Maharashtra and Gujarat were parts of the state of Bombay Province. On May 1, 1960, they became independent states of the country.

People from Gujarati and Marathi communities including, government officials, businessmen, people working in public sector units and members of armed forces along with their families attended the celebration, a Raj Bhavan communique said here. They shared their experiences, accomplishments and goodwill for the

people of the state.

Parnaik greeted the Gujarati and Marathi communities on their state foundation and conveyed his good wishes to each and every member.

He said that the objective of the Statehood Day celebration of other states is to amalgamate the people from outside, with the local population and create a bond of camaraderie, and thus help to realise the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

The governor said that both Maharashtra and Gujarat have strong ties with Arunachal Pradesh.

Inter-state Living (SEIL) of Maharashtra in the 1950s, an exchange of

students from north east tribal states and vice versa and Krishna-Rukmini cultural heritage of Gujarat has reinforced the traditional linkage of Arunachal Pradesh with Maharashtra and Gujarat, he said.

Sharing his experience of hav ing visited various states during his service days, the governor advised the people to learn local language, their traditional practices and appreciate their cultural heritage. He also asked them to keep themselves connected to their roots.

Appreciating the famed art and crafts of Gujarat and the cultu ral heritage of Maharashtra, Parnaik advised the Gujarati and Marathi communities to imbibe the good traditions of Arunachali society. He also urged the Gujarati and Marathi communities to contribute, in whatever position they are, in Arunachal Pradesh with sincerity and dedication. He said anything they do would ultimately contribute towards nation building, the communique added.

Water management authority for Northeast soon: Shekhawat

GUWAHATI, MAY 1

(PTI): Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday said a body for water resource management of the northeastern region will be formed as soon as it gets the Parliament’s approval.

It will work for holistic solutions to water-related problems of the region with coordination between the states and the Centre, he said.

“To give a new direction with a holistic approach, the North Eastern Water Management Authority was proposed. There has mostly been consensus between the states and the proposal has been sent to the Union cabinet,”

Nightcurfewcontinuesin violence-hitManipurdist

dpur district from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.

However, with the reopening of shops, business establishments and markets, normal activities have been witnessed in the daytime since Sunday.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to a government building on Friday, damaging properties and destroying the documents. After Thursday’s incidents of violence, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh cancelled his Friday’s visit to Churachandpur district.

IMPHAL, MAY 1 (IANS):

The night curfew continued for the third consecutive day on Monday in Manipur’s Churachandpur district even as no fresh incident of violence has been reported in the mountainous district in the last 48 hours.

A police officer said that as a precautionary measure, the district administration decided to continue the night curfew until further orders.

The incidents of violence, including vandalising government properties, were triggered after the tribals launched fresh protests against the state government’s action against the illegal poppy cultivators and destroying poppy fields in the forest land, especially in the reserve and protected forests in the hilly areas. The district administration on Saturday imposed a night curfew in Churachan-

TEZPUR, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Posters were found in a few villages in Assam’s Sonitpur district on Sunday, claiming that those belonged to neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, officials said. The incident comes days after the two states signed an agreement to resolve the longstanding border disputes between them, reports Eastmojo. The posters, printed on white paper, had ‘ABPF’ written at the bottom — an organisation not known earlier, officials said. These posters were found in Daflagarh, North Karibil, Nalinibari and

The CM was scheduled to address a public gathering at Sadbhavna Mandap in New Lamka Town in Churachandpur on Friday and inaugurate an open gym at PT Sports complex. The miscreants also burnt down the open gym, chairs and other materials gathered in view of the Chief Minister’s visit.

Police claimed that the Myanmarese, who illegally entered the state, were also involved in the arson.

Shekhawat said at a press conference here.

“I am confident that the Authority will be approved in the next Parliament session,” he said. He pointed out that the northeastern states face a “critical situation of ei-

ther too much or too little water”. “For holistic solutions to such problems and other water resource utilisation issues, the states will work with more participation with the Centre through this body,” the Union min-

Mizo student body accuses Mnp govt of grabbing land

AIZAWL/IMPHAL, MAY

1 (IANS): Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizoram’s apex students’ body, has accused the Manipur government of grabbing Zo ethnic tribals’ land in the neighbouring state and evicting them.

“The origin of these problems is the Manipur government’s attempts to evict ethnic Zo people from their various settlements so that their lands can be taken from them and these tribal lands can be declared reserved forest, protected forest, wildlife sanctuaries and wetlands,” the MZP said in a statement.

Incidents of violence were recently witnessed after the tribals, mostly belonging to Kuki-Chin-Zo communities, launched fresh protests against the Manipur government’s action against the illegal poppy cultivators and destroying poppy fields in the forest land, especially in the reserve and protected forests in the hilly areas.

The violent incidents took place in Manipur’s Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal, where the Kuki-Chin-Zo com -

munity tribals have been residing for decades.

The MZP said it has been closely monitoring the problems being faced by ethnic Zo people in Manipur. Slamming Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh-led government’s action against ethnic Zo people, the MZP criticised the Manipur government for demanding Inner Line Permit (ILP) from Zo ethnic tribes from Mizoram.

“While the ILP is required for non-Mizoram residents, we never demand it from or create problems for Manipuri (Meitei) people (living in Mizoram), whom we treat without discrimination,” the MZP said.

Noting that demanding ILPs from those who are entering Manipur from Mizoram state is detrimental to ethnic Zo people and can lead to discord between the Mizoram and Manipur governments, the statement said: “We, therefore, demand that the Manipur government stops demanding ILP from our ethnic brethren.”

IN THE COURT OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

NOTICE

No.Rev-1/90-D/ Dated Dimapur, the th 2023

Mangalbaria in Helem sub-division of the district, located within 10 km of the interstate border, they said.

Sub-divisional officer Lukumoni Bora along with a team of Helem police visited the areas, and seized the posters, they added. The posters claimed the land belonged to Arunachal Pradesh, and asked Assam to vacate it at the earliest.

An inquiry has been started, officials said. The two states share a 804-km-long border, and have been engaging in discussions to resolve the boundary disputes.

Notice is hereby given that Shri Limasanen a resident of Dimapur who has applied for issue of mortgage clearance concerning to Patta No. of 884, Dag No. 701/1035 measuring an area 00-01-19 located at Block No/Village 11, Mouza No. 1 which has been mortgaged with NIDC Bank.

Claim/ objection concerning to the said land if any & should there be any, should submit to this court on or before 7 (seven) days from the date of publication in local newspaper. Sd/- Deputy Commissioner

: Nagaland

ister added.

Shekhawat, who chaired the 12th High Powered Review Board Meeting of the Brahmaputra Board during the day, said the Board had been studying and working for optimum utilisation of water resources in the region. The proposed body will give a new direction to it, he maintained.

On the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for rural areas in the Northeast, the minister said the states have shown “great progress”, citing the example of Assam which had started from about 1 per cent coverage and has now reached about 50 per cent.

“By 2024, we are hopeful that the Northeast will achieve 100 per cent coverage,” he added. Shekhawat said the fund component for drinking water purification plants under JJM in rural areas has been included and it is being ensured that only safe drinking water is made available to the people. For urban areas, there are other central government initiatives and the states should collaborate with these for maximum benefits, Shekhawat added. He said the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission was also “critically reviewed with ministers and officials and the pace needs to be improved”.

ZEVELOU KOZA, PID: 81537/2023 FOR R(8) IN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SLP(C) NO.7389/2022 (SEC XIV) PATKAI CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, CHUMUKEIDMA, SEITHEKEMA A, NAGALAND-797103.

WHEREAS the Petition for Special Leave to Appeal with prayer for interim relief along with application for PERMISSION TO FILE LENGTHY LIST OF DATES, EXEMPTION FROM FILING C/C OF THE IMPUGNED JUDGMENT, above mentioned (copy enclosed) filed in the Registry by Mr. KAUSHIK CHOUDHURY, Advocate on behalf of the Petitioner(s) above named was listed for hearing before this Court on 25th April, 2022, when the Court was pleased to pass the following order:"Issue notice, returnable on 11.07.2022. Dasti in addition.

Pending further consideration, the effect and operation of the judgment presently under challenge shall remain stayed."

AND WHEREAS, the matter above-mentioned was listed before Ld. Registrar's Court on 19th April, 2023, When the following order was passed:"Despite due service on respondent nos.6 and 7, there is no appearance. Respondent nos.1 to 4 have already filed counter affidavit. Petitioner has filed application for substituted service through paper publication in respect of respondent nos.5 and 8. For the reasons stated therein, the said application is allowed. Registry to proceed further.

List again on 11.07.2023."

NOW, THEREFORE, TAKE NOTICE that the above petition with prayer for interim relief along with application for PERMISSION TO FILE LENGTHY LIST OF DATES, EXEMPTION FROM FILING C/C OF THE IMPUGNED JUDGMENT, will be posted for hearing before this Court in due course and you may enter appearance before this Court either in person or through an advocate on record of this Court duly appointed by you in that behalf within 30 days from the date of service of notice. You may thereafter show cause to the Court on the day that may subsequently be specified as to why Special Leave Petition and interim relief as prayed be not granted and the resultant appeal be not allowed.

Take Further Notice that this Court has passed an interim order pending for disposal of SLP after notice as quoted above.

Take Further Notice that the prayer for interim relief after notice will also be listed before the Court in due course.

You may file your affidavit in opposition to the petition as provided under Rule 14(1) of Order XXI, S.C.R.2013 within 30 days from the date of receipt of notice or not later than 2 weeks before the date appointed for hearing, whichever be earlier, but shall do so only by setting out the grounds in opposition to the questions of law or grounds set out in the SLPs and may produce such pleadings and documents filed before the Court/Tribunal against whose order the SLP is filed and shall also set out the grounds for vacating interim order if already granted.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if you fail to enter appearance as aforesaid, no further notice shall be given to you even after the grant of special leave for hearing of the resultant appeal and the matter above mentioned shall be disposed of in your absence. Dated: 24th April,

Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Guwahati, Monday.

Posters found in Assam villages claiming those belong to Arunachal

Conrad Sangma

Zodintluanga Ralte

Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd)

VPP gets EC recognition as state party.

Police officials patrolling the curfew ridden Churachandpur.

Next Rozgar Mela on May 16

NEW DELHI, MAY

1 (PTI): The central government is in “mission mode” to fill up job vacancies across its various ministries and the next edition of the Rozgar Mela will be held on May 16 across 22 states, officials said here. The employment drive will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi distribute over 70,000 appointment letters to new recruits via video-conferencing, they added.

Govt blocks 14 apps used by terror groups

NEW DELHI, MAY

1 (IANS): The Indian government has blocked 14 mobile messaging applications, which were allegedly being used by terrorist organisations, mainly based in Jammu and Kashmir. The banned apps include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second Line, Zangi and Threema, as per reports.

IAF chief embarks on 4-day visit to Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR

Chaudhari on Monday embarked on a fourday visit to Sri Lanka to explore ways to boost bilateral defence ties amid concerns in India over China’s attempts to expand its influence over the island nation.

1 killed in blast at illegal cracker factory

PALAKKAD (KERALA), MAY 1 (PTI): One person was killed in a blast that took place in a shed attached to a house at Keralassery near here on Monday, police said. Police suspect that an alleged illegal cracker manufacturing unit was being run in the shed where the blast occurred.

3 held with drugs worth Rs 9.6 lakh

THANE, MAY 1 (PTI): The police seized 240 gm of mephedrone and arrested 3 peddlers for possession in Thane city, an official said on Monday. Based on a tipoff, the crime unit laid a trap on Saturday and nabbed the trio who had come there to sell the contraband, assistant commissioner of police (crime) Nilesh Sonawane said. The accused were found in possession of 240 gm of mephedrone worth Rs 9.6 lakh, he said.

This election is not about you: Rahul hits out at PM in poll-bound K’taka

TURUVEKERE, MAY 1 (PTI): Hitting out at the Prime Minister over his charge that he was “abused 91 times”, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said Narendra Modi should understand that the Karnataka election was not about him.

Asking the Prime Minister to speak about the BJP government’s work and future programmes for Karnataka, instead of talking about himself, the former AICC president took a dig at Modi’s statement about verbal abuses hurled at him.

“You (Modi) come to campaign in Karnataka for elections, but don’t speak about Karnataka. You speak about yourself. You have to say what you did in Karnataka for the past three years. You also have to speak in your speeches about what you will be doing in the next five years, what will do for youth, education, health and to fight corruption,” Gandhi said.

Addressing a public meeting here in Tumakuru district, Gandhi said, “This election is not about you, it is about Karnataka’s people and its future. You say Congress abused you

Heightened

91 times, but you never speak about what you did for Karnataka. In your next speech, you speak about what you did and what you will do in the next five years.”

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

Claiming that when he comes to Karnataka and gives speeches he speaks about his party leaders like Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar and about their work, Gandhi said, “We take the names of all our leaders. You (Modi) come here and don’t even take the name of your Chief Minister (Basavaraj Bommai) and (B

S) Yediyurappa

(former

Ludhiana gas leak: Punjab police form SIT to probe incident

CM). Your speeches are all about Narendra Modi.”

“Try taking names of Bommai and Yediyurappa too one or two times, they will feel happy,” he said.

Stating that this election was about Karnataka’s people, youth and mothers and sisters, Gandhi said, “This election is not about one person, not about Narendra Modi. Prime Minister has to understand this.”

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal and state Congress leaders were present at the public meeting.

Gandhi during his speech highlighted Congress’s poll ‘guarantees’ — 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), Rs 3,000 every month for graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (YuvaNidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Sakhi).

Accusing the BJP of rampant corruption

mosquito-borne disease risk due to climate change: Expert

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): As the planet heats up and climate change causes the mosquito-breeding season to extend, the deadly insect will expand its range and emerge in areas where mosquito numbers had previously decreased, says an expert.

Mosquito-borne diseases are already endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, but they are re-establishing populations in areas such as Europe, warns Avijit Das, R&D Director, Global Pest Control Innovation at Reckitt Benckiser.

“As temperatures rise and environmental conditions change, mosquito-borne diseases will travel to more locations. The time of mosquito breeding in a specific location is predicted to increase, leading to longer mosquito seasons. If mosquito season in India previously lasted for five months, in ten years, it may increase to six months or even seven months,” Das told PTI.

Das believes that this trend will continue to

BSP’s Afzal Ansari disqualified as Lok Sabha member

expand, based on current evidence, and notes that there is a lot of research out there that predicts this.

In a research paper published last year in the journal Exploration in Laboratory Animal Sciences, it was noted that climatic factors, such as an increase in temperature, precipitation levels, sea level elevation, rainfall, wind, and duration of sunlight, are important for both the vector and host.

Dr Katie Anders, an epidemiologist and director of impact assessment at the World Mosquito Program (WMP), explains that climate change also increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in less obvious ways.

“For instance, when households store water in response to drought, it can increase the number of local mosquito breeding sites and disease risk.

Land use changes can also drive migration to cities, increasing the population at risk of explosive outbreaks of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases,” Anders said.

According to the Early Warning System for Mosquito Borne Diseases (EYWA), malaria cases have increased by 62 per cent, and dengue, Zika, and chikungunya by 700 per cent in Europe.

EYWA is a prototype system that addresses the critical public health need for prevention and protection against mosquito-borne diseases.

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize the urgent need to re-evaluate the tools available and how they can be used across diseases to ensure efficient response, evidence-based practice, equipped and trained personnel, and community engagement.

Das believes that it is necessary to continuously monitor the changing trends in mosquito-borne diseases to ensure an efficient response.

in Karnataka in the past three years and “taking 40 per cent commission in all kinds of work done by the government”, Gandhi said that instead of doing work of public good, “they looted from the pockets of the common man and poor”.

“It is not that the Prime Minister is not aware of this corruption and 40 per cent commission. He is aware of everything...so my question to PM is despite knowing about this loot for the last three years, did you take any action? You did not. Why? You should answer this to the people of Karnataka,” he said.

He also urged the Prime Minister to answer what he did to get Karnataka its right share of tax money, how he helped the state during floods, and how he tried to resolve the inter-state water dispute between Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.

Urging the people to ensure that the BJP, which is “involved in 40 per cent corruption”, would get only 40 seats, Gandhi appealed to them to give Congress at least 150 seats, so that “they (BJP) don’t buy MLAs and bring down the democratically-elected government”.

LUDHIANA, MAY 1 (PTI): A five-member Punjab Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the Giaspura locality gas leak incident here in which 11 people died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas, officials said on Monday. The tragedy struck the densely populated area in Punjab’s industrial hub on Sunday. District authorities said the locality underwent a night-long decontamination process, involving putting caustic soda in drains and sewerage lines to counter the hydrogen sulphide build-up.

Teams of the Punjab Pollution Control Board are looking into the possible reasons behind the build-up of the poisonous gas in the sewer that might have led to the incident, the officials said.

Traces of the gas are no longer present in the area, they added. Hydrogen sulphide, also called sewer gas, is poisonous and smells like rotten eggs. It can lead to unconsciousness and death.

Speaking to the media here, Ludhiana Police Commissioner Mandeep Singh Sidhu said the SIT will be led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) Harmeet Singh Hundal.

He said the team would investigate if any industrial unit dumped waste in the sewerage line. Sidhu said police would seek cooperation of the Punjab Pollution Control Board on this, and if its officials do not cooperate, action would be taken against them too.

The officials earlier said the poisonous gas might have been released after some chemical was disposed of in the sewerage in the area. The authorities are scouring through CCTV footage to confirm this.

A magisterial inquiry has already been ordered, and police have registered an FIR under IPC section

304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) against unidentified persons.

The incident came to light on Sunday morning when some people, who had come to a grocery store in the Giaspura locality, fainted. Four died on the spot, while the others were rushed to a hospital.

Among the dead are three members of the family that owned the store and five from another. The administration has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation each for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those who were taken ill in the incident.

Cong mocks BJP’s Karnataka polls manifesto

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): The Congress on Monday called the BJP’s manifesto for the Karnataka assembly polls as “bogus” and a “JhootLoot BJP Moneyfesto” and asserted that people will vote out the party.

In its manifesto for the May 10 assembly polls released on Monday, the ruling BJP promised to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Karnataka. It also promised to provide three free cooking gas cylinders to all BPL families -- one each during the months of Yugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Deepavali.

“Ninety per cent of promises made by the ‘40 per cent BJP Commission Government’ in its 2018 manifesto were never fulfilled. Today, another set of bogus manifesto promises have been made by the corrupt and incompetent BJP and Bommai Government,” AICC general secretary in-charge for Karnataka Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

He charged that the promise of UCC is

NAGALAND MEDICAL COUNCIL

just another attempt at “distraction away from the tag of #CryPMPayCM government”.

The Congress has accused the BJP dispensation in Karnataka of engaging in rampant corruption and “taking 40 per cent commission in all kinds of work done by the government”.

In a tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “Modi government has tripled the price of LPG cylinder in the last 9 years. Last election in UP, BJP promised 2 free cylinders in a year. Today in Karnataka, JhootLoot BJP

Moneyfesto has promised 3 free cylinders in a year. People are fed up of price rise, BJP’s lies and their bogus jumlas!”

Surjewala also said a government which tripled the prices of LPG cylinders from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 is offering three cylinders free to below poverty line (BPL) families, a promise which BJP had made and never fulfilled in Uttar Pradesh and other states.

“A government which tried to merge the pride of Karnataka, Nandini, with Amul is now trying to save face by offering half litre milk free. A government

which shut down Indira canteens wants to open the same by renaming them. A government which ruined Bengaluru’s brand image is now proposing fancy names such as ‘state capital region’ as a solution.

“Contrast this with the Congress government which ruled Karnataka between 2013-18 which fulfilled 95 per cent of the promises made to the people. Congress always delivers as it promises and this time too we will 100 per cent deliver on our 5 Guarantees. With BJP, the only assurance is 40 per cent commission,” the Congress leader said.

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): BSP’s Afzal Ansari was disqualified as a member of Lok Sabha on Monday after being convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment in a kidnapping-and-murder case by a court in Uttar Pradesh.

Ansari, the Lok Sabha member from Ghazipur, was sentenced by an MP/ MLA court on Saturday, while his brother, criminalturned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, was also convicted in the same case and sent to 10 years in jail.

The brothers were booked under the UP Gangsters Act in connection with the murder of the then BJP MLA from Ghazipur, Krishnanad Rai, on

November 29, 2005 and the kidnapping-murder of Varanasi-based trader Nand Kishore Rungta in 1997. “Consequent upon his conviction...Afzal Ansari, Member of Lok Sabha representing the Ghazipur Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh, stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction i.e. 29 April, 2023 in terms of the provisions of Article 102(1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” according to a Lok Sabha secretariat notification.

On March 24, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lost his Lok Sabha membership after his conviction and two-year jail term in a 2019 defamation case. Ansari will not be able to contest elections as his disqualification period is 10 years.

Ansari can get his disqualification revoked if a superior court stays his conviction and sentencing.

(CONSTITUTED UNDER THE NAGALAND MEDICAL COUNCIL ACT OF 2014) PMTI Complex, Merhulietsa Colony Kohima : Nagaland NMC/25/Election/2017-18/1778 Dated Kohima, the 1st of May 2023

ELECtION NOtIfICAtION

In accordance with Section 3 of the Nagaland Medical Council Act. 2014 and in exercise of the power conferred by the Nagaland Medical Council Rules 2014, do hereby notify the election of 7(seven) members of registered medical practitioners to be elected amongst the registered practitioners and constitute the 3rd Five years term to the Nagaland Medical Council.

All the registered medical practitioners under Nagaland Medical Council who are registered shall be eligible for nomination and voting.

Schedule of election shall be as follows:

MKG4010, MKG4011, MKG4005, MKG4018

Mon MON5004, MON5025, MON5009, MON5001, MON5013

Peren PRN6008, PRN6001

KMA3009

MON5021

PRN6002

Phek PHK7030, PHK7003, PHK7022, PHK7026, PHK7023 PHK7001, PHK7004

Tuensang TSG8005, TSG8019, TSG8010, TSG8004, TSG8003, TSG8001, TSG8008, TSG8012

TSG8007, TSG8002, TSG8006, TSG8016 Wokha WKA9009, WKA9002, WKA9014 WKA9005 Zunheboto ZBT023, ZBT013, ZBT022, ZBT014, ZBT009 ZBT002

date of issue of this result.

Rahul Gandhi

Decontamination team in the gas leak area, Giaspura locality. (PTI)

Afzal Ansari

BJP National President JP Nadda with Karnataka CM Bommai and senior party leaders release the party’s manifesto, in Bengaluru, Monday. (PTI)

Liveability in a growing city

Dimapur reflects the spirit of enterprise of Nagaland as it is the heart of trade and commerce besides being the home of all tribes of the state including many from outside. It is the gateway of Nagaland and a self-dependent economic foundation and not dependent on government salaries or bills to sustain its economy. That Dimapur has been self sufficient is a matter of pride for its inhabitants. However, certain aspects of development of infrastructure such as road, electricity, amenities are the responsibility of the government. In recent years, Nagaland Post has been highlighting the condition of roads, drainage and waste management in order to draw the attention of the authorities. What has been largely ignored and for a long time remains drainage of which so much had been written in this column in the past. Dimapur lacks drainage and here, it would be far off target to even term it as inadequate. A few months back this newspaper published a photo caption showing collection of sewage on the road. The sewage had collected on the road side and created a puddle. The sewage collected at the roadside was a horrible sight and the odour emitting from it polluting the air. The civic body attempted to clear the sewage collected but after a few weeks it was back to square one. After another picture of the same spot was again published the civic body attempted to get to the cause of the spillage from the nearby drains. The cause of the seepage was due to poor workmanship of the drain where the water could not flow as there was no angled slope to facilitate water flow. In other places, collecting sewage by the roadside, also caused by drains that are not functional. It is to be reminded that such neglect also poses potent threat on the roads which get damaged well before the normal time. Many roads are already damaged due to stagnated water that eventually collects by the roadside. There is also another aspect of civic neglect in Dimapur. It is over decades that there has been lack of proper drainage and also the abundance of garbage. Another potentially harmful consequence of the absence of sewerage system is when effluents from soak pits seep to the groundwater, thereby polluting the only water source. Dimapur’s stagnant water in clogged drains continue to pose serious health problems in the spread of mosquitoes. Besides Malaria, outbreak of encephalitis and even dengue is not uncommon. Besides drainage and road condition that need regular inspection, there is also an urgent need for regular and thorough inspection of all food items and cooking places of restaurants and hotels to ensure that cooking medium and food items are not of high quality and standard. Often things like precautionary measures in living and eating habits are taken for granted as much as the concept that doctors are always there when need arise. Authorities in Dimapur need to undertake a serious effort to ensure that issues like health, hygiene, infrastructure and environment occupy the top item on the agenda. The monsoon has arrived and it has already exposed the poor health and infrastructure that people are faced with and which will continue to be a problem in the coming months.

DailyDevotion Faith— Not Emotion

We walk by faith, not by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7

For a while, we are fully aware of God’s concern for us. But then, when God begins to use us in His work, we begin to take on a pitiful look and talk only of our trials and difficulties. And all the while God is trying to make us do our work as hidden people who are not in the spotlight. None of us would be hidden spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our work when it seems that God has sealed up heaven? Some of us always want to be brightly illuminated saints with golden halos and with the continual glow of inspiration, and to have other saints of God dealing with us all the time. A self-assured saint is of no value to God. He is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and completely unlike God. We are here, not as immature angels, but as men and women, to do the work of this world. And we are to do it with an infinitely greater power to withstand the struggle because we have been born from above.

If we continually try to bring back those exceptional moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are becoming obsessed with the moments when God did come and speak with us, and we are insisting that He do it again. But what God wants us to do is to “walk by faith.” How many of us have set ourselves aside as if to say, “I cannot do anything else until God appears to me”? He will never do it. We will have to get up on our own, without any inspiration and without any sudden touch from God. Then comes our surprise and we find ourselves exclaiming, “Why, He was there all the time, and I never knew it!” Never live for those exceptional moments— they are surprises. God will give us His touches of inspiration only when He sees that we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never consider our moments of inspiration as the standard way of life— our work is our standard.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Biology without Darwin. Next, physics without Newton and Einstein?

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has dropped the theory of evolution as propounded by Charles Darwin from the science syllabus for the tenth standard. This has been done as a part of the ‘rationalisation’ exercise taken up during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to reduce the ‘content load’ on students. The purging of the section on evolution on the pretext of the pandemic could not have been more ironical – the novel coronavirus that caused the pandemic is indeed a result of the natural selection process that Darwin sought to explain and children ought to learn more about it. The theory of evolution is fundamental to understanding the basis of several sub-branches of modern biology like genetics, immunology and so on. It is hard to believe that the change effected by NCERT, particularly relating to the chapter on evolution and heredity, has anything to the stated goal of reducing the burden on students in the wake of the pandemic. In 2018, minister of state for human resources development Satyapal Singh declared that Darwin’s theory of evolution was scientifically wrong because “no one had ever seen a monkey turn into a human” and that ever since man had come

on the earth, he was a man. Singh later defended his comments and asserted that schools and colleges should stop teaching the evolution theory. Singh is no more in the education ministry but what he desired is being implemented.

Darwin has raised the hackles of obscurantist groups and different religions in many parts of the world including the US during the past several decades, but only a few have taken the extreme step of stopping teaching evolution to their children. Most of these countries are in the Middle East and India’s neighbourhood. Science textbooks in Pakistan, for instance, have been rubbishing the evolution theory for a long time. The theory has been banned completely in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Algeria and Morocco, and it is not taught in Lebanon. It is taught within the framework of religion in Jordan and is portrayed as an unproven hypothesis in textbooks in Egypt and Tunisia.

Darwin is also a subject of many fatwas. In the US, a creationism lobby – backed by some Catholic groups – has been advocating the teaching of creationism as an alternative to the human evolution theory. Creationists believe that the world – humans, natural life, the universe – is a creation of

the divine power or the god, and it did not evolve.

Implications The removal of Darwin from the school syllabus is not an innocuous change. Seen in the context of revivalism and a return to the so-called ancient science, it is a retrograde step for the teaching of science and an onslaught on rational thinking and scientific temper. It can adversely impact the quality of higher education in science, scientific research and India’s position as a formidable science and technology power in the world community.

The concept of evolution is fundamental to all branches of biology and research in this field is going to help the world fight against some of the biggest challenges facing humanity – be it climate change or antibiotic resistance or future pandemics emanating from the increased animal-human-environment interface.

As it is, the teaching of science in Indian schools is a matter of concern. With the new changes in the school curriculum – and perhaps more in the future in line with the drive to reinforce traditional values and mythology – the teaching of science at the school and college levels could suffer more. Just imagine the state of Indian science in future if our schools start teaching

Are we ready for the age of AI?

The age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is upon us, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. AI is already being used in a wide range of industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing. In this article, we will discuss how we can benefit from AI and the steps we can take to ensure that its benefits are shared fairly across society. One of the key benefits of AI is its ability to automate repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on more complex and creative work. This can lead to increased productivity, improved efficiency, and cost savings for businesses. For example, in the healthcare industry, AI can be used to analyze large amounts of patient data to identify patterns and make more accurate diagnoses. In the transportation industry, self-driving vehicles can help reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. AI can also be used to

improve customer experiences, through personalized recommendations and more efficient customer service. For example, e-commerce platforms can use AI to analyze customer data and provide personalized product recommendations based on their interests and previous purchases. Chatbots powered by AI can also provide 24/7 customer service support, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction. However, to fully realize the benefits of AI, we need to ensure that its development is guided by ethical and responsible principles. This includes ensuring that AI is designed to be transparent and explainable, so that humans can understand how it works and make informed decisions based on its outputs. It also includes ensuring that AI is developed in a way that is inclusive and does not perpetuate biases or discrimination. To benefit from AI, individuals and organizations need to in-

Dashavatara as an alternative to the evolution theory. The dashavatara theory was propagated by Andhra University Vice Chancellor G. Nageshwar Rao at the Indian Science Congress session in 2019. ‘Papers’ were also presented debunking theories of Newton and Einstein at this meeting.

The school curriculum change has serious implications for scientific research in the country. In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of pseudoscience activities in research institutions and universities in the name of research on ancient knowledge and to provide a scientific basis to myths. Funding agencies like the Department of Science and Technology and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have also been forced to support research on some topics concerning ‘ancient science’ – cow urine, cow dung, spiritual farming, medical astrology etc. With a state agency (NCERT) discarding the theory of evolution, funding agencies may soon have to deal with proposals to study alternatives to the evolution theory and to find a ‘scientific basis’ for ancient ideas. All such trends don’t augur well for the future of Indian science.

When Satyapal Singh rubbished the theory of evolution in 2018, the scientific

vest in the necessary skills and infrastructure to support its development and implementation. This includes investing in education and training programs to help individuals develop the skills needed to work with AI, as well as investing in the necessary hardware and software infrastructure to support AI development and deployment.

In conclusion, the age of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for society. While AI has the potential to improve productivity, efficiency, and customer experiences, it is important that its development is guided by ethical and responsible principles. By investing in the necessary skills and infrastructure to support AI, we can ensure that its benefits are shared fairly across society and that we are able to fully realize its potential to improve our lives and work.

Serfudin Ali, Immanuel College, Dimapur

community condemned it strongly. In a rare move, three academies – Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the Indian Academy of Science (IASc) and the National Academy of Sciences-India (NASI) – issued a joint statement. They categorically stated that “Evolutionary theory, to which Darwin made seminal contributions, is well established. There is no scientific dispute about the basic facts of evolution. This is a scientific theory, and one that has made many predictions that have been repeatedly confirmed by experiments and observation.”

Referring to Singh’s statement that the theory should be removed from the syllabus, the academies said:

“It would be a retrograde step to remove the teaching of the theory of evolution from school and college curricula or to dilute this by offering non-scientific explanations or myths.”

Evolutionary biologists presented their arguments and requested the minister to retract his statement.

Now that what Singh said then is being implemented by NCERT, the academies should reiterate their stand and use their collective clout to reverse the decision. Science academies the world over have been fighting anti-science and pseudoscience tendencies,

and proactively trying to promote public understanding of science. Indian science academies should be no exception.

An independent group of scientists and educators, Breakthrough Science Society, has written an open letter criticising NCERT. It said “an understanding of the process of evolution is also crucial in building a scientific temper and a rational worldview. The way Darwin’s painstaking observations and his keen insights led him to the theory of natural selection educates students about the process of science and the importance of critical thinking. Depriving students, who do not go on to study biology after the 10th standard, of any exposure to this vitally important field, is a travesty of education.”

The voices of rationality need to become stronger because the onslaught against science is not going to stop at Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution, if the developments leading to this decision are any indication. It should not be seen as just a matter of science education or science academies but as something that concerns society and the country as a whole.

Dr Dinesh C. Sharma is a New Delhi-based journalist and author. (The Wire)

Web of Uncertainties

Web is a complex system of interconnected elements. And the meaning of uncertainty is the quality or state of being uncertain. If life had no uncertainties, it wouldn’t be life. It would be mere existence. If we know what is going to happen the very next minute, we wouldn’t be as thrilled or excited to live. If things go according to our plan, it’s great but if it doesn’t, it’s even better. Because this unpredictable nature of life is what makes life interesting.

Similarly, if we look into the life of a twenty-year-old student, it is a web, an ever growing and maddening web of uncertainties. One is being exposed to the adult world which demands him/ her to discover their true selves and potentialities whilst having to cop up with the mental issues, strive for academic excellence and strike a balance between them. Everything here seems uncertainillusionary like a mirage. You think you discovered who you are and the next minute everything comes lashing down on you - every single decision. It feels like the rights are not always right and the wrongs are not always wrong. You feel the weight of the world coming down on you when you aren’t guaran-

teed tomorrow. Pressure is everywhere: the pressure to be like everyone else, the pressure to be liked, the pressure to look a certain way. There’s the pressure we place on ourselves. And the pressure that others place upon us. But no matter where the pressure is coming from, we need to find a way to handle it. Then there’s the issue of peer pressure. What is peer pressure anyway? It’s when your peers or people around you who are your age, try to get you to do something that you might not do otherwise. We all face it from time to time and it can be hard to stand up to, especially if the people pressuring you are your friends or people you hope to hang out with. It comes in all shapes and sizes, from not-so-serious issues like wearing a certain kind of clothing just because it’s “in”. It is just a matter of time before the web is altered by some external force and each string of silk force is broken. This web of Uncertainties we dwell in is not permanent. A person is capable of breaking oneself loose from the numerous uncertainties in life and emerge to be someone, a youth aware of their ideal or true selves.

Visedenuo Niswentso, BA 4th Semester, Modern College Piphema Campus

Powerful new obesity drug poised to upend weight loss care

As a growing number of overweight Americans clamour for Ozempic and Wegovy — drugs touted by celebrities and on TikTok to pare pounds — an even more powerful obesity medicine is poised to upend treatment.

Tirzepatide, an Eli Lilly and Co. drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, helped people with the disease who were overweight or had obesity lose up to 16 per cent of their body weight, or more than 34 pounds, over nearly 17 months, the company said on Thursday.

The late-stage study of the drug for weight loss adds to earlier evidence that similar participants without diabetes lost up to 22 per cent of their body weight over that period with weekly injections of the drug. For a typical patient on the highest dose, that meant shedding more than 50 pounds.

Having diabetes makes it notoriously difficult to lose weight, said Dr. Nadia Ahmad, Lilly’s medical director of obesity clinical development, which means the recent results are especially significant. “We have not seen this degree of weight reduction,” she said. Based on the new results, which have not yet been published in full, company officials said they will finalise an application to the US Food and Drug Administration for fast-track approval to sell tirzepatide for chronic weight management.

~ Patricia Neal

the drug would be marketed for weight loss in the US under a different brand name. If approved for weight loss, tirzepatide could become the most effective drug to date in an arsenal of medications that are transforming the treatment of obesity, which affects more than 4 in 10 American adults and is linked to dozens of diseases that can lead to disability or death. “If everybody who had obesity in this country lost 20 per cent of their body weight, we would be taking patients off all of these medications for reflux, for diabetes, for hypertension,” said Dr. Caroline Apovian, a director of the Centre for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “We would not be sending patients for stent replacement.” Industry analysts predict that tirzepatide could become one of the top-selling drugs ever, with annual sales topping USD 50 billion. It is expected to outpace Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic — a diabetes drug used so commonly to shed pounds that comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked about it at the Oscars — and Wegovy, a version of the drug also known as semaglutide approved for weight loss in 2021. Together, those drugs made nearly USD 10 billion in 2022, with prescriptions continuing to soar, company reports show.

In separate trials, tirzepatide has resulted in greater weight loss than semaglutide, whose users shed about 15 per cent of their body weight over 16 months. A head-to-head trial comparing the two drugs is planned.

Mounjaro was first approved to treat diabetes last year. Since then, thousands of patients have obtained the drug from doctors and telehealth providers who prescribed it “off-label” to help them slim down. In California, Matthew Barlow, a 48-year-old health technology executive, said he has lost more than 100 pounds since November by using Mounjaro and changing his diet.

“Psychologically, you don’t want to eat,” said Barlow. “Now I can eat two bites of a dessert and be satisfied.” Rather than relying solely on diet, exercise and willpower to reduce weight, tirzepatide and other new drugs target the digestive and chemical pathways that underlie obesity, suppressing appetite and blunting cravings for food. “They have entirely changed the landscape,” said Dr. Amy Rothberg, a University of Michigan endocrinologist who directs a virtual weight loss and diabetes program. Research has shown that with diet and exercise alone, about a third of people will lose 5 per cent or more of their body weight, said Dr. Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Centre at Weill Cornell Medicine.

In the latest tirzepatide trial, more than 86 per cent of patients using the highest dose of the drug lost at least 5 per cent of their body weight. More than half on that dose lost at least 15 per cent, the company said. The obesity medications help overcome a biological mechanism that kicks in when people diet, triggering a

coordinated effort by the body to prevent weight loss.

“That is a real physical phenomenon,” Aronne said. “There are a number of hormones that respond to reduced calorie intake.”

Ozempic and Wegovy are two versions of semaglutide. That drug mimics a key gut hormone, known as GLP-1, that is activated after people eat, boosting the release of insulin and slowing release of sugar from the liver. It delays digestion and reduces appetite, making people feel full longer. Tirzepatide is the first drug that uses the action of two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, for greater effects. It also targets the chemical signals sent from the gut to the brain, curbing cravings and thoughts of food. Though the drugs appear safe, they can cause side effects, some serious. Most common reactions include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain. Some users have developed pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, others have had gallbladder problems.

Mounjaro’s product description warns that it could cause thyroid tumors, including cancer.

There are other downsides: Versions of semaglutide have been on the market for several years, but the long-term effects of taking drugs that override human metabolism are not yet clear. Early evidence suggests that when people stop taking the medications, they gain the weight back.

Plus, the medications are expensive — and in recent months, hard to get because of intermittent

shortages. Wegovy is priced at about $1,300 a month. Mounjaro used for diabetes starts at about USD 1,000 per month.

Apovian said that only about 20 per cent to 30 per cent of patients with private insurance in her practice find the medications are covered. Some insurers who previously paid for the drugs are enacting new rules, requiring six months of documented lifestyle changes or a certain amount of weight loss for continued coverage. Medicare is largely prohibited from paying for weight-loss drugs, though there have been efforts by drugmakers and advocates for Congress to change that.

Still, experts say that the striking effects of tirzepatide — along with Ozempic, Wegovy and other drugs — underscore that losing weight is not merely a matter of willpower. Like high blood pressure, which affects about half of US adults and is managed with medication, obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease, not a character flaw, Aronne emphasised. It remains to be seen what effect new drug treatments will have on pervasive bias against people with obesity, said Rebecca Puhl, a professor in the Rudd Centre for Food Policy and Health, who studies weight stigma. US culture has “deep-rooted beliefs about body weight and physical appearance” that are hard to change, she said “Weight stigma could persist or worsen if taking medication is equated with taking the easy way out’ or not trying hard enough,’” she said. (AP)

A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.

Cong chief Kharge’s son calls Modi ‘nalayak’

KA LABURAGI (KARNATAKA), MAY 1 (PTI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s son and party leader Priyank Kharge on Monday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘nalayak’ drawing the ire of BJP brass while the grand old party asserted that such a remark was never made by him.

Priyank, seeking reelection from Chittapur in Kalaburagi district said Modi claiming to be a son of the Banjara community and promising to take care of them was “inept” because he and his party had created confusion about reservations for the SC community.

His remark comes days after Mallikarjun Kharge’s “venomous snake” barb aimed at PM Modi.

BJP president J P Nadda said opposition leaders have been using such language against the Prime Minister to “please” their masters, a reference to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai

Priyank Kharge and Narendra Modi said: “In a state of despair of losing the election, he (Priyank) has forgotten his limits. A few days ago, his father withdrew his words. Now, it’s his turn. People will teach them a lesson.”

Mallikarjun Kharge stoutly defended his son and said he never made such comments. The Congress president said: “No. No. It is very wrong. He never said it. Don’t put these words into his mouth. He attacked the parliament member (not Modi) who abused him. So, don’t put these words into his mouth (saying it was meant) for Modi. I am sorry, everywhere this is going on (misquoting) purposely.

Morning he (Priyank) condemned it but still you people are asking.”

Priyank, addressing a poll gathering quoted from Modi’s speech and said: “When you (PM Modi) came to Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) what did you tell the people of Banjara community? “Aap sab log dariye mat. Banjara ka ek beta Dilli mein Baitha hai (You do not be afraid. A son of Banjara is sitting in Delhi).”

“Aisa nalayak beta baitha to kaise hota bhai? Ghar kaise chalega?” (If an inept son is sitting in Delhi, how can you run the family?), he asked.

Priyank furth er said

though Modi claimed to be the son of the Banjara community, confusion was created on reservation by the BJP regime in Karnataka.

“Didn’t injustice happen to the Banjara community? Why were stones

thrown at Yediyurappa’s house in Shikaripura (in Shivamogga district)? Why Bandh was observed in Kalaburagi and Jewargi? Today there is confusion in the reservation,” the Congress leader claimed.

“Mental bankruptcy”: BJP on Congress chief’s son’s barb at PM Modi

BJP on Monday hit out at the Congress after its leader Priyank Kharge called Narendra Modi “nalayak”, with ruling party president JP Nadda saying opposition leaders have been using such language against the Prime Minister to “please” their masters, a reference to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to reporters, Mr Nadda said the Congress is going through “mental bankruptcy” and its leaders have been following the Gandhi family in using derogatory language against the Prime Minister. “They are doing so to please their senior leaders.” The BJP president claimed the Congress has already lost the election in the southern state and that is why “venom” is coming out from its’ leaders who are in “frustration”.

People do not approve of such language and their love for the Prime Minister has been growing, he said.

BJP IT department head Amit Malviya took a swipe at Priyank Kharge, asking what would he be doing if he was not the son of Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president? “It is anybody’s guess! It is quite rich for someone who is feeding off his father’s name, to call a democratically elected PM ‘nalayak’. It is fine to disagree with the PM, criticise him, but calling him names shows a depraved mind. Junior Kharge should focus on defending his seat and not punch above his weight,” he tweeted.

SC rules it has discretion to dissolve marriage under Art 142

Why is PM Modi silent when his party people abuse me: Uddhav Thackeray

MUMBAI, MAY 1 (PTI):

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday asked why PM Narendra Modi is silent on the abuse hurled against him and his family members.

“Modi said Congress abused him 91 times. But why are you silent when your people abuse me and my family,” Thackeray said, addressing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi rally in Mumbai. “Their abusive language shows their culture,” he said. “I am asking the RSS: do you accept such an offspring (BJP),” he added. Thackeray referred to the criticism he has faced for aligning with Congress and NCP.

“When I go with Congress and NCP, they (BJP) claim that I have forsaken Hindutva. If that is the case, then what about (RSS chief) Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to a mosque,” he said. Thackeray said he will visit Barsu, the site of the proposed refinery in Ratnagiri district, on May 6. “I will go there

Uddhav Thackeray

and talk to the locals. How can you stop me? This is not POK,” he said.

“Yes, I suggested the site for the refinery when I was the CM, but my letter (to Modi) did not specify that police should fire on protesters,” he said.

Slamming the government for shifting mega projects from Maharashtra, Thackeray said, “we will make pieces of anyone who tries to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.” He challenged Union minister Amit Shah, saying the latter will taste defeat in Mumbai and Maharashtra elections.

Thackeray also flayed the Modi government for

targeting opposition leaders by using agencies like ED and CBI.

“If you have guts, send ED to the house the Chinese president, whose country has encroached upon a huge area of India,” he said. On a sarcastic note, he suggested that industrialist Gautam Adani’s life story must be part of school curriculum so that people of India can learn how to become rich like him. Addressing the rally, NCP leader and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said the Shinde-Fadnavis government is dithering on announcing elections to local bodies, including Mumbai municipal corporation, as it fears people will defeat them.

“This government has not been voted in by people but has come into being on the premise of treachery,” he said. The ability to win elections should be the main criterion for fielding MVA candidates in ensuing polls, he said.

DELHI, MAY 1 (AGENCIES):

NEW

T he Supreme Court on Monday held that it can dissolve marriages on the ground of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” invoking special powers under Article 142. It further held that the mandatory waiting period of six months for divorce through mutual consent can be done away with, subject to conditions.

“We have also laid down factors which can determine when there will be an irretrievable breakdown of marriage,” a Constitution Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, AS Oka, Vikram Nath, and JK Maheshwari, said. The bench has also laid out how to balance out equities, specifically with regard to maintenance, alimony, and the rights of the children.

A court grants a “cooling off” period of six months to a couple seeking a divorce, with the intent to save the marriage. After the end of six months, the couple may decide to reunite or proceed with a divorce.

However, the top court has said that the period of six months can be dispensed with if certain requirements and conditions are met.

“The time gap is meant to enable the parties to cogitate, analyse and take a deliberated decision. The object of the cooling-off period is not to stretch the already disintegrated marriage, or to prolong the agony and misery of the parties when there are no chances of the marriage working out. Therefore, once every effort has been made to salvage the marriage and there remains no possibility of reunion and cohabitation, the court is not powerless in enabling the parties to avail a better option, which is to grant the divorce. The waiver is not to

Sisodia planted emails to cover Delhi excise scam, claims ED

Manish Sisodia

NEW

DELHI, MAY 1

(IANS): Delhi’s former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a bid to cover the conspiracy in the excise policy scam allegedly planted emails, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed in the third supplementary chargesheet, sources told IANS.

“To cover the conspiracy and to provide legitimacy to their hidden agenda, Manish Sisodia even went to the extent of planting mails which furthered his agenda and the changes he wanted to make in the policy which reflects his malafide intention,” the ED has claimed.

The ED said that its PMLA investigation so far has revealed that the Delhi Excise Policy, 2021-22 was brought by the leadership of the AAP, specifically by Manish Sisodia, to continuously generate and channel illegal funds to themselves.

The ED had mentioned in it’s previous chargesheet that the excise policy was formulated with deliberate loopholes to facilitate illegal and criminal activities. The policy promoted cartel formations through the backdoor, awarded exorbitant wholesale (12%) and a huge

retail profit margin of 185% and incentivized other illegal activities on account of a criminal conspiracy by Manish Sisodia and other leaders of the AAP to extract kickbacks from the liquor businesses. The Excise Policy 2021-22 was formulated in secrecy and in connivance with the major beneficiaries. The substantive provisions of the policy were made without any deliberation, either with the GoM or with the excise department.

be given on mere asking, but on the court being satisfied beyond doubt that the marriage has shattered beyond repair,” it said.

However, the court clarified that a party cannot directly approach the Supreme Court (a right given to citizens under Article 32 of the Constitution of India if they feel that their right has been ‘unduly deprived’) and seek relief of dissolution of marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage directly from it.

“The reason is that the remedy of a person aggrieved by the decision of the competent judicial forum is to approach the superior tribunal/forum for redressal of his/her grievance,” it said.

The original issue referred to the Constitution Bench was whether the mandatory waiting period for divorce by mutual consent, as prescribed under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, could be waived by the Supreme Court, exercising its vast powers under Article 142, in order to dissolve

broken-down marriages between consenting couples without referring them to family courts for protracted judicial proceedings to get the decree of separation. However, during the hearing, the Constitution Bench decided to consider the issue of whether marriages could be dissolved on the ground of irretrievable breakdown.

“Article 142 must be considered in light of the fundamental rights. It should contravene a nonderogable function of the Constitution. Court under the power is empowered to complete justice,” the bench said.

Article 142 of the Constitution deals with the enforcement of decrees and orders of the top court to do “complete justice” in any matter pending before it.

The case was referred to a five-judge bench seven years ago by a Division Bench of Justices Shiva Kirti Singh and R Banumathi (both retired) in a transfer petition. After hearing arguments, the Constitution Bench reserved its judgment on September 29, 2022.

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): The success of any initiative is measured by its impact upon people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said responding to a youth from Jammu and Kashmir who hailed the Yuva Sangam youth exchange programme after visiting Assam and experiencing its diversity and culture.

Nazakat Choudhary wrote to the prime minister on April 5 thanking him for the opportunity to travel to Assam under the Yuva Sangam initiative. In response, the prime minister expressed hope that Choudhary would continue undertaking more such journeys in the future.

Choudhary, 22, was elated on receiving the prime minister’s response.

“I was not expecting a response from the prime minister but his letter came as the biggest surprise.... It will remain etched in my memory till my last breath,” he told PTI.

In his letter, the resident of Mendhar subdivision in the border district of Poonch termed his visit

to Assam between February 24 and March 6 a life changing moment for him.

“I have thanked him (the prime minister) for giving me an opportunity to travel to Assam and experience its diversity, culture and cuisine under the youth exchange programme,” Choudhary said.

A brainchild of the Ministry of Education, the Yuva Sangam youth exchange programme aims to strengthen people-to-people connections, especially between youths of different states, and introduce

them to the culture and values of India. The idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha

Bharat was conceptualised to create a cultural connect between various states of India.

The initiative was launched in February and the first phase of Yuva Sangam had an overwhelming participation of 1,200 youngsters. The first batch of youngsters visited northeast India.

The prime minister said, “The success of any important initiative is measured by its impact

upon people. The greatest sense of satisfaction is experienced by a public servant when people write to convey that a particular event has transformed their lives.”

“This vigour and enthusiasm of young people like yourself to explore different regions of our country and to keep yourself open to new experiences is truly commendable. Your journey from the land of Tawi to the land of Brahmaputra has clearly brought two regions of the nation closer,” he wrote.

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GST collection highest in April by 12%

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): GST collection in April rose by 12 per cent annually to over Rs 1.87 lakh crore, touching an all-time monthly high, showed finance ministry data released on Monday.

The previous monthly high Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection was in April 2022 at about Rs 1.68 lakh crore.

Hailing the record GST collection, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said, “Great news for the Indian economy! Rising tax collection despite lower tax rates shows the success of how GST has increased integration and compliance.”

The gross GST revenue collected in the month of April 2023 is Rs 1,87,035 crore of which CGST is Rs 38,440 crore, SGST is Rs 47,412 crore, IGST is Rs 89,158 crore (including Rs 34,972 crore collected on import of goods) and cess is Rs 12,025 crore (including Rs 901 crore collected on import of goods), the finance ministry said in a statement.

The revenues for April 2023 are 12 per cent higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year. During the month, the revenues from domestic transactions (including import of services) are 16 per cent higher than the revenues from these sources during the same month last year, it said.

April 2023 saw the highest-ever tax collection on a single day on April 20. A sum of Rs 68,228 crore was paid through 9.8 lakh transactions on that day. The highest single-day payment last year (on the same date) was Rs 57,846 crore through 9.6 lakh transactions.

The ministry also said the number of e-way bills generated in March 2023 was 9 crore, which is 11 per cent higher than 8.1 crore e-way bills generated in February 2023.

During April, the government settled Rs 45,864 crore to CGST and Rs 37,959 crore to SGST from IGST.

The total revenue of the Centre and the States in April 2023 after regular settlement is Rs 84,304 crore for CGST and Rs 85,371 crore for the SGST.

Commenting on the GST numbers, Assocham President Ajay Singh said that the highest ever col -

NPCC backs issues raised by Jamir; slams NDPP...

(From p -1)

On the ULB issues, NPCC said it was unfortunate that the NDPP Youth Wing blamed Dr Jamir’s government for enacting the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001. It pointed out that present chief minister who was home minister was part of the collective decision in 2001 to create new municipal bodies.

NPCC said the ongoing controversy over polls to ULBs was not due to Dr Jamir but when the party in power in 2006 adopted the 74th constitutional amendment which automatically incorporated 33% women reservation in ULBs. Polls

(From p -1)

were deferred in 2010 by the government after objections from various organisations it said. NPCC said the ruling party’s attempt to not include the clause on women reservation eventually led to litigation and reached the Supreme Court in the form of Special Leave Petition.

NPCC said ruling NDPP , after giving an undertaking to hold ULB polls to the Supreme Court , issued a notification on March 9 to conduct polls to ULBs by May 16.

However on March 28, the government took a Uturn in passing the Nagaland Municipal Act(Repeal Bill 2023) to disable holding of

ULB polls. NPCC said this led to contempt of court proceedings from the Supreme Court against the state government. It was under this circumstance that Dr.Jamir had asked if the present oppositionless government can remain in power?

NPCC also expressed the hope that civil societies, NGOs and other organisation will come out with proposals for early resolution for holding ULB polls.

It also expressed the hope that those having concern for the people of Nagaland will heed to the wake up calls made by Dr Jamir, K.Therie besides other prominent Nagas.

NSCN-Akato: Akato Chophi-led NSCN/GPRN also conveyed Moatsu greetings and reminded that it is a binding festival celebrated after the sowing season is over and celebrated with singing and dancing both by the men and women folks in traditional attires.

“May our Ao brothers and sisters continue to be the torchbearers and pioneers in many fields, and to instill a sense of responsibilities to other fellow Nagas,” the MIP stated.

lection in April marks an excellent beginning of fiscal 2023-24.

“The GST numbers are indicative of robust growth of the Indian economy, on the back of a strong pickup in consumer demand,” he said.

Gautam Mahanti, Business Head, IRIS Tax Tech stated that the recordbreaking GST collection is a clear indication of the positive impact of e-invoicing and strengthened compliance regulations, coupled with India’s thriving economy.

“As anticipated, the 12 per cent growth from the previous year in April 2022 is attributed to the rise in eway bills generated in March 2023, which witnessed a 16 per cent growth from the same period last year,” he said.

Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA Limited said GST collections displayed a robust year-end uptick with a 12 per cent expansion in April 2023, representing the transactions in March 2023.

Gold declines Rs 105; silver zooms Rs 730

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): Gold prices declined by Rs 105 to Rs 59,975 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday amid a fall in prices of precious metal internationally, according to HDFC Securities.

The yellow metal settled at Rs 60,080 per 10 grams in the previous trade.

Silver, however, zoomed Rs 730 to Rs 75,700 per kg.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 59,975 per 10 grams, down Rs 105 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

In the overseas market, gold was quoting lower at USD 1,981 per ounce while silver was up at USD 25.12 per ounce.

Demand for AI jobs up 11% in India amid talent scarcity

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (IANS): The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talent has grown 11 per cent in India over the last six months, driven by job demands in sectors like IT, retail, telecom, BFSI and advertising/market research sectors, a report showed on Monday. The Indian job market will witness a 22 per cent churn over the next five years with top emerging roles coming from AI, machine learning, and data segments, according to the report by foundit (previously Monster India & APAC). When it comes to AIdriven jobs, the IT sector is leading with 29 per cent, followed by advertising, market research and PR sector at 17 per cent and retail at 11 per cent in the country.

“Adoption of tech such as ChatGPT has emerged as a game changer in the tech world. While there are several dialogues regarding job losses with the intervention of AI, the same is expected

Operation Kaveri: SpiceJet to operate more flights

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): SpiceJet on Monday said it plans to operate more flights from Saudi Arabia to different Indian cities to bring back people evacuated from Sudan under ‘Operation Kaveri’.

The no-frills airline operated a flight from Jeddah to Kochi on April 30 and brought back 184 Indians under Operation Kaveri.

to create newer roles and increase employment opportunities,” said Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit.

Although there is huge hiring demand for AI-related roles, there is a scarcity of talent as well. The growing demand for these roles across industries has created a setback in hiring due to the lack of specialised skills in professionals.

“While there is a lot of new talent in the market, organisations are finding it challenging to hire a candi-

date with the right fit for the job,” Garisa added.

The top 10 in-demand jobs and skills are software engineers, data engineers, data scientists, python developers, marketing analytics consultants, AWS data architects, machine learning engineers, AI product managers, BI developers and content curators/proofreaders. In the current scenario, AI and automation are acting more as catalysts than threats for professionals in the industry.

In a release, the carrier said it is in regular touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to coordinate further evacuation efforts.

“More evacuation flights from Saudi Arabia to different cities in India are being planned,” it said.

The airline operates daily flights from Jeddah to Calicut, Delhi and Mumbai. It also has daily services from Riyadh to Delhi. Under ‘Operation Kaveri’, a total of 2,140 Indians have been brought back from strife-torn Sudan, according to official data.

US CC warns of increase in risks for businesses in China

WASHINGTON, MAY 1

(IANS): The US Chamber of Commerce has warned that rising scrutiny of American firms in China “dramatically increases” the uncertainties and risks of doing business in the country.

The influential business lobby said it was closely monitoring “heightened official scrutiny” of US firms by the Chinese authorities, following the questioning of employees at management consultancy Bain & Company in Shanghai and the shutdown of the Beijing of due diligence provider Mintz Group, reports CNN.

“The services these firms provide are fundamental to establishing investor confidence in any market, including China,” the chamber said in a statement, without naming either company.

The events are particularly troubling given an

amendment to an already extensive counter-espionage law in China, which widened the scope of the kind of materials and data the country deems relevant to national security, the group added.

The law was revised last week, and set to take effect in July.

“This is a matter of serious concern for the investor community and likely is

P.G

as well for their local business partners in China,” said the chamber, which is led by President Suzanne Clark, CNN reported.

It noted that while Chinese officials had recently expressed an openness to greater foreign investment, investors would “not feel welcomed in an environment where risk can’t be

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2 teens dead, 4 injured in Mississippi shooting

WASHINGTON, MAY 1

(IANS): Two teenagers died and four others were wounded after a shooting at a house party in the city of Bay St. Louis located in the US state of Mississippi. One suspect, identified as 19-year-old Cameron Everest Brand, was arrested on six charges of aggravated assault, according to the Bay St. Louis Police Department. Officers responded to the shooting around 12.34 a.m. on Sunday at the 1000 block of Old Blue Meadow Road.

IAF in Sri Lanka on four-day official visit

COLOMBO, MAY 1

(PTI): Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari arrived here on Monday on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the country’s top political and military leaders and discuss ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, amid China’s growing influence in the island nation. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) is visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal S K Pathirana.

Nepal’s RSP will decide on joining govt

KATHMANDU, MAY 1

(PTI): Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will decide whether or not to join the government at a party meeting on Friday, a senior party leader said on Monday, a day after its Chairman Ravi Lamichhane met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ here. RSP, the fourth largest party in Nepal’s Parliament, won two out of three seats of the House of Representatives in recently held bypolls, raising its tally in the lower house to 22.

Aus teen charged over fatal crash; 3 dead

CANBERRA, MAY 1 (IANS): A 13-year-old boy was on Monday charged with dangerous driving following a fatal car crash that caused three deaths in Australia’s state of Queensland. Around 10.45 p.m. on Sunday, an allegedly stolen MercedesBenz was traveling south on Saltwater Creek Road near Sydney Street when it allegedly collided with the rear of a Holden, reports Xinhua news agency.

South Korea reports 5 more mpox cases

SEOUL, MAY 1 (IANS): South Korea confirmed five more cases of mpox on Monday, bringing the country’s total to 47, health authorities said. Three patients are from Seoul, and the other two from South Chungcheong province and Busan, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

None of them travelled abroad, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KDCA as saying.

Power outage hits Manila airport

MANILA, MAY 1

(IANS): A power outage at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila on Monday resulted in the cancellation of several domestic flights, Filipino authorities said. The Manila International Airport Authority said the power outage at Terminal 3 struck shortly after 1 am, reports Xinhua news agency. “Standby power is now supplying electricity to critical facilities enabling computer systems of airlines and immigration to function partially and enable processing of both inbound and outbound passengers,” the MIAA said in a statement. “As a result, delayed flights shall be expected,” it added.

Russia launches missiles at Ukraine

KYIV, MAY 1 (AP): Russia launched its second large salvo of missiles at Ukraine in recent days early Monday, damaging buildings and wounding at least 34 people in the eastern city of Pavlohrad but failing to hit Kyiv, officials said.

Air raid sirens began blaring across the capital at about 3.45 am, followed by the sounds of explosions as missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian defence systems.

Eighteen cruise missiles were fired in total from the Murmansk region and the Caspian region, and 15 of them were intercepted, said Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-inChief Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

The head of Kyiv’s city administration, Serhii Popko, said all missiles fired at the city were shot down, as well as some drones. He didn’t provide further details, but said more information would be available later. The attack follows Friday’s launch of more than 20 cruise missiles and two explosive drones at Ukraine, which was the first to target Kyiv in nearly two months.

In that attack, Russian missiles hit an apartment building in Uman, a city about 215 kilometres (135 miles) south of Kyiv, killing 21 people including three

children.

In Monday’s attack, missiles hit Pavlohrad, in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, wounding 34 people, including five children, according to Serhii Lysak the region’s top official. Seven missiles shot at the city and “some were intercepted” but others hit an industrial facility, sparking a fire, and a residential neighbourhood where 19 apartment buildings, 25 homes, six schools and five shops were damaged, he said. Missiles also hit three other areas in the region, damaging residential buildings and a school, he said.

The attacks also damaged Ukraine’s power network infrastructure, which will take several days to repair, according to Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko.

He said that nearly 20,000 people in the city of Kherson and wider region had been left without pow-

Paraguay’s conservatives score big election win

er, along with an unspecified number of people in the Dnipropetrovsk region, including the city of Dnipro.

Moscow has frequently launched long-range missile attacks during the 14-month wa r, often indiscriminately hitting civilian areas.

Ukraine has recently taken delivery of American-made Patriot missiles, providing improved antimissile defences, but it was not clear whether any of them were employed in trying to stop Monday morning’s attack.

Ukraine has also been building up its mechanised brigades with armour supplied by its Western allies, who have also been training Ukrainian troops and sending ammunition, as Kyiv prepares for an expected counteroffensive this spring.

On Saturday, two Ukrainian drones hit a Rus-

Attacks on journalists in Pak rise by 40%

ISLAMABAD, MAY 1

sian oil depot in Crimea in the latest attack on the annexed peninsula as Ukraine gears up for its counteroffensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview last week that his country would seek to reclaim the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 in the upcoming counteroffensive.

In what has become a grinding war of attrition, the fiercest battles have been in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia is struggling to encircle the city of Bakhmut in the face of dogged Ukrainian defence.

Troops from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group and other forces are fighting Ukrainian troops there house-to-house to try and gain control of what has become known as the “road of life” — the last remaining road west still in Ukrainian hands, which makes it critical for supplies and fresh troops.

In an interview released on Monday, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the head of Ukrainian ground forces, said that Russia continues to exert “maximum effort” to take the city but that it so far has failed. “In some parts of the city, the enemy was counterattacked by our units and left some positions,” he said.

Sudan’s warring sides agree to negotiate, says UN envoy

CAIRO, MAY 1 (AP): Su-

dan’s warring generals have agreed to send representatives for negotiations, potentially in Saudi Arabia, the United Nations’ top official in the country told The Associated Press on Monday, even as the two sides clashed in the capital despite another three-day extension of a fragile cease-fire.

The talks would initially focus on establishing a “stable and reliable” ceasefire monitored by “national and international” observers, Volker Perthes said. A string of temporary truces over the past week has deescalated fighting only in some areas, while in others, fierce battles have continued to drive civilians from their homes and push the country into a humanitarian crisis.

Perthes cautioned that logistics for talks were still being worked out. So far, only the military has announced it is prepared to join negotiations, with no public word from its opponent, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Any talks would be the first major sign of progress since fighting erupted on April 15 between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Around 530 people, including civilians and com-

ASUNCION, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Paraguay’s ruling candidate Santiago Pena, 44, scored a big win in the country’s presidential election on Sunday, tightening the conservative Colorado Party’s political grip in the country and defusing fears about the end of diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Pena, who has pledged to maintain Paraguay’s long-standing Taiwan relations, had 42.7% of the vote with over 99% of ballots counted, a more than 15-point lead over centerleft rival Efrain Alegre, who has argued for switching allegience to China.

“Thank you for this Colorado victory, thank you for this Paraguayan

victory,” Pena said in a speech. Alegre acknowledged the result. Current President Mario Abdo congratulated Pena as “president-elect”, as did the leaders of Brazil and Argentina. Colorado and rightwing party candidates also performed strongly in congressional elections and governor races, with some provinces recording a historic Colorado majority over opposition rivals.

The election result leaves Pena facing a challenge to rev up Paraguay’s farm-driven economy, shrink a major fiscal deficit and navigate rising pressures from soy and beef producers to ditch Taiwan in favor of China and its huge markets.

Office Of the MONGcheN SeNSO teLONGJeM MOKOKchUNG tOWN cONGRAtULAtiONS

Ms. Temjensola of Hill View Higher Secondary School, D/o Mr. Mrs. Imsumanen of Mongchen village for winning 1st prize in the painting competition under Category I during ‘World Art Day’ organized by Creative Hearts in collaboration with Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung.

Your achievement has made our village proud and may you continue to shine in the days to come.

Sd/- Sd/President Secretary MKC-152/23

OFFICE O F THE LONGTSUNG EKHUNG WOKHA TOWN Wokha- 797111: Nagaland FELICITATION

The Longtsung Ekhung Wokha Town extends our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Lobeno Mozhui daughter of Mr. Mhonchumo Mozhui & Mrs. Salumi Mozhui of Longtsung Village and a permanent resident of Senjum Village, Dimapur on being appointed to the post of Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, Nagaland (Central) University, Lumami.

The Ekhung is proud of her achievement and prays that the Almighty God grant her good health and wisdom in all her future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/(Echumbemo Ovung) (Abenthung Rangthang) Chairman, LEWT Secy. LEWT

(IANS): At least 140 cases of threats and attacks against journalists, media professionals and media organisations were reported in Pakistan over the past year, indicating an annual increase of over 60 per cent. The annual Pakistan Press Freedom Report, prepared by the media rights watchdog Freedom Network, showed that Islamabad was the riskiest place to practise journalism in Pakistan, as 56, or 40 per cent, violations took place in the city, Dawn reported.

Punjab was the second worst, with 35 (25 per cent) cases of violations, followed by 32 (23 per cent) cases in Sindh.

The report, released ahead of the World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3, noted that the country’s media environment became riskier and more violent in recent months, as the number of attacks surged 63 per cent to 140 between May 2022 and March 2023 from 86 in 2021-22, Dawn reported.

PARIS, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): French police clashed with black-clad anarchists in Paris and other big cities during trade union-organised protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s increase in the retirement age, as workers joined Labour Day rallies across Europe.

In the French capital, police were pelted with projectiles, ride-sharing bicycles were torched and bus stops smashed up just as the union-led march got underway from the central Place de la Republique.

Unrest also erupted in Lyon, where several vehi-

cles were set ablaze and some business premises were trashed, television images showed. In Nantes in western France, a fire blazed in front of a local administration building.

Macron last month raised the retirement age by two years to 64 despite multi-sector strikes, in a move that drove his popularity down to near the record lows seen during the “Yellow Vest” crisis of 2018-2019.

The reform has crystallised discontent against a president perceived by many as aloof and indifferent to their daily hardships,

American nationals are searched by US soldiers before boarding a ship in Port Sudan, Sunday. batants, have been killed since, with another 4,500 wounded, the Sudanese Health Ministry said.

The United States, meanwhile, conducted its first evacuation of American civilians from Sudan.

Watched over by US military drones, a group of Americans made the perilous journey by road from the capital, Khartoum, to the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. On Monday, a US Navy fast transport ship took 308 evacuees from Port Sudan to the Saudi port of Jeddah, according to Saudi officials. Explosions and gunfire echoed in parts of Khartoum and its neighbouring city, Omdurman, on Monday, residents said. The two sides announced

late on Sunday they would abide by a 72-hour extension of their nominal cease-fire of the past week.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have led a concerted international campaign to get the general to stop fighting, then engage in deeper negotiations to resolve the crisis. Speaking from Port Sudan, the UN envoy Perthes said they are still face daunting challenges in getting the two sides to abide by the truce.

“It’s still important to connect both sides and have both sides commit to a cease fire so that it is clear that fighting and taking action and moving forward and trying to gain ground is actually a violation of the ceasefire,” he said.

French police battle black-clad anarchists

and he has been met during walkabouts by heckling and pot banging.

“The executive cannot govern without the support of its people,” Sophie Binet, leader of the hard-left CGT union, said ahead of the Paris protest, adding her union had not yet decided on talks with the government on other workrelated matters.

Laurent Berger, head of the reform-minded CFDT trade union, said Macron’s government had been deaf to the demands of one of the most powerful social movements in decades.

He dismissed suggestions that a rare alliance between the leading trade unions was being tested now that the pension bill had been signed into law.

“We must bring other proposals over salaries and working conditions to the table,” he told BFM TV.

In Paris, Extinction Rebellion activists threw paint over the glass-fronted facade of the Louis Vuitton Foundation and paving stones outside the Ritz Hotel. Elsewhere in Europe, union-led protests were planned across Germany. In Italy, the three main unions held a rally in the southern city of Potenza protesting against a labour package approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s rightist government. In the northern city of Turin, anti-government protesters marched with a puppet of Meloni holding up her arm in a fascist salute.

During a parade in the Swiss city of Zurich, demonstrators threw water balloons at the emergency services, the windows of at least two banks were smashed and some properties were spray-painted, police said.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Office of the Street Kings Club Dimapur would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the following individuals, sponsors and departments who have financially, morally and physically supported the Club during the 4th Street Kings Club Autocross Challenge which was held at 4th Mile Agri Expo ground Diphupar, Chümoukedima District from 28th - 29th April 2023.

1. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic.

2. Director Of Agriculture, Govt. of Nagaland.

3. Nagaland Adventures Club.

4. KIA, Zhimomi Vertex Automobile.

5. Akuminla Jamir Proprietor, Obsession Boutique Dimapur.

6. Team Spearhead, Mokokchung.

7. AMAM, Mokokchung.

8. Phukato Zhimo, Head GB Vihokhu Village.

9. Dr. N. Kumar.

10. Bhakupar Wahalang, Jowai (EJMSA).

11. Bento Swu.

12. Unoka Assumi.

13. Kahoto C. Zhimo

14. Zato Aye.

15. Nagaland 4X4 Club.

16. Dennis Assumi.

17. Team Rally Drivers.

18. Meruto Angami.

19. Sadong Aier.

20. Diekou Lasuh.

21. Monwan Dkhar, EJMSA.

22. Isynei Hinge, President Young Minds, Meghalaya.

23. Thejangulie Lyinyü (KAMC)

24. Anthony Yeptho.

25. Kughavi Yeptho.

26. P. Vijeto Motor Sports Club.

27. MASAM, Shillong

Vika H Chishi Tomito V. Shohe President General Secretary

Firefighters work at the site of a residential area hit by a Russian military strike in the town of Pavlohrad on Monday.

Riot police officers shield from an explosive device during a demonstration May 1, 2023 in Paris. (AP/PTI)

Paraguayan presidential candidate Santiago Pena from the ruling Colorado Party celebrates at the party headquarters.

Pune cops shut down Rahman’s concert midway for flouting time limit

apparently ignored the directive and continued to play, the peeved officer went up to one of them and warned that if they didn’t wind up, they could face the music for violating the time norms.

Jack Harlow calls himself the ‘hardest white boy’ after Eminem on new song

Adopting a stern approach, the Pune Police stopped midway a mega-concert of Oscar-winner music composer A.R. Rahman, disappointing his thousands in the audiences and his fans.

The incident happened late on Sunday night. The show was held at a sprawling open-air venue near the Rajbahadur Mills with several thousands of fans singing along, swaying or dancing to some of the top tunes of Rahman in his long musical journey of over 30 years.

However, at 10 p.m.

sharp, a senior police officer, waving a torch on the dark stage and signalling, ordered the organisers to immediately halt the show as it was exceeding the permissible time limit.

Around that time, Rahman, 56, was himself performing his superhit number, “Chal Chhaiya, Chhaiyaa” and the cop went right up to him, pointed at his wristwatch and after apparently giving him an earful, asked that the show must end right away, to which the ace music director complied.

As some musicians

When the policeman went to the stage and the concert was ordered to shut down, he was greeted with huge howls of protests from the fans in the audience who were enjoying it for over two hours.

On his part, Rahman -- who shot to fame with his immortal tunes in ‘Roja’ (1992), himself withdrew from the stage and quietly departed without making any fuss or comments. Minutes later, the lights went up at the venue, the crowds continued to shriek their displeasure, but the music concert had ended and the place was vacated without any more untoward incident by early this morning.

Jack Harlow has declared himself to be the “hardest white boy” in rap since Eminem, making the bold claim in a bar on his new song ‘They Don’t Love It’. Referencing an iconic line in Eminem’s 2002 song ‘Lose Yourself’, Harlow raps on the first verse of his new cut: “Ya boy’s strivin’ to be the most dominant ever / The hardest white boy since the one who rapped about vomit and sweaters / And hold the comments ‘cause I promise you I’m honestly better than whoever came to your head right then.” At the time of writing, Eminem has not yet responded to Harlow’s diss. The latter had previously

made it known that he was a fan of Eminem’s, saying in a 2021 interview with Pitchfork that he considers the 8 Mile heavyweight to be an “icon”.

‘They Don’t Love

It’ appears on Harlow’s just-released third album ‘Jackman’, which arrived on Friday (April 28) just two days after it was announced. It’s the follow-up to his Grammy-nominated 2022 album ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’, and comes ahead of his starring role in a new remake of White Men Can’t Jump. That will stream on Hulu in the US (and Disney+ internationally) on May 19.

(NME)

Symptoms of Immune System Problems

WhatAre Immune System Problems?

Your immune system should fight off disease and help your body heal. But your immune system can be weak, underactive, overactive, or even attack your body by mistake. Immune system problems can cause symptoms, allergic reactions, or persistent illnesses.

Dry or Gritty Eyes:

Very dry eyes can be a sign of immune system problems. In Sjögren’s syndrome, your immune system dries up tears that keep eyes moist. Your eyes are dry, red, and may feel like you have grit or sand in them. You can develop blurry vision or even cornea damage.

Depression: Depression can be a sign of immune system problems. A faulty immune system can send inflammatory cells called cytokines to your brain. They lower your levels of chemicals like serotonin that lift your mood. The good news: Exercise can boost serotonin, lessen inflammation, and help ease your depression.

Skin Rash: Eczema’s itchy rash is an allergic reaction that means your immune system is overactive. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are diseases linked to a faulty immune system. Your immune system attacks your own skin cells with inflammation. This can cause red, flaky, painful blotches called plaques.

Stomach or Bowel Problems: Stomach and bowel symptoms may be signs of an immune symptom problem. Diarrhea, belly pain, bloating, and weight loss are symptoms of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease -conditions driven by your immune system.

Cold Hands and Feet: Do your hands and feet turn white or blue in the cold? In Raynaud’s disease, blood flow to hands and feet may slow down in cold temperatures, causing skin to feel cold and change colors. It’s an autoimmune condition.

Cold hands and feet could mean your thyroid gland is underactive due to your immune system.

Hair Loss: Your immune system can attack your hair at the root and damage it, causing alopecia areata, or hair loss. Hair may fall out in small patches on your head or anywhere on your body. Other immune system problems like plaque psoriasis on your scalp can cause patchy hair loss too.

Sun Sensitivity: Immune system problems can make you very sensitive to sunlight. If you have lupus, your skin may burn easily from even brief sun exposure. Sun on your skin can cause an immune system flare-up of all lupus symptoms, so always wear

hats, sunglasses, cover-ups, and high SPF sunscreen to protect yourself.

Joint Pain: Suddenly painful, swollen, stiff joints may be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In

RA, your immune system inflames tissue lining your joints. This causes severe joint pain.

Wounds Slow to Heal:

If your immune system is sluggish, minor wounds

HIYAM SUMI TOTIMI HOHO OPP. DC. OFFICE. PROJET COLONY ZUNHEBOTO : 798620

The Sumi Totimi Hoho with great honour,extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Kalito K Chishi for being promoted to Principal Zunheboto Government College Zunheboto. We wish her many years of great achievement in her future endeavours.

Kheholi Assumi Viholi Zhimomi President General secretary

OFFICE OF THE KIDIMA YOUTH ORGANISATION FELICITATION

With immense pride and joy, the Kidima Youth Organization extends our heartiest congratulations to three of our young and energetic leaders;

Eno Kesosul Christopher Ltu.

S/o Eno Sazo Ltu

Elected President of Angami Youth Organisation

Eno Vimeyiekho Vitso

S/o Khrüzovol Vitso

Elected General Secretary of Angami Students' Union

Eno Kevingoto Sachü

S/o Eno Neisüzo Sachü

Elected General Secretary of Southern Angami Students' Union

The organization further wishes them all the best for their future endeavors.

Sd/- Sd/Mhasizokho Ltu Vizosal Rote President, KYO General Secretary, KYO

like a cut, burn, or scrape may be slow to heal. A healthy immune system reacts quickly to a wound and sends nutrients to promote healing. If your wounds take a long time to get better, your immune system may be underactive.

You Get Sick All the Time: Frequent infections like colds or flu also could be signs of an underactive immune system. If you have four or more yearly ear infections, chronic sinus infections, pneumonia twice in one year, or you need antibiotics more often, you could have an immune deficiency.

Fatigue: You may feel tired after lots of activity. But if you’re wiped out often, even when you do get sleep, you may have a sluggish immune system. Fatigue is when you’re so exhausted you can’t even walk across the room. An overactive

immune system may trigger inflammation that causes this severe tiredness.

Medically Reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar, MD

Actor Nawazuddin

Siddiqui, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Jogira Sara Ra Ra’, has shared that doing different things is what fuels his passion and pursuit for excellence. The actor attended the trailer launch of ‘Jogira Sara Ra Ra’ with his co-star Nikki Tamboli on Monday and spoke to the media about how he must constantly evolve as an actor to serve his audience and do complete justice to the

stories that he is a part of.

The actor told the media, “You learn every day… it’s a new experience which helps enhance your craft. I can’t act the way I used to 20 years ago because today I carry the experience of those many years. It’s important to evolve constantly and with experience, your acting also changes.”

Over the years, Nawaz has starred in many groundbreaking films, the most memorable though still

remains.. Gangs of Wasseypur’ in which he played the role of a gangster and left everyone spellbound with what turned out to be his breakout role.

“I can’t be stuck. If someone tells me that they’ll make me a superstar but I’ll have to do just one kind of role, I’ll shoot myself. I’ll quickly get bored, quit it and join some other field,” he said.

Jogira Sara Ra Ra’ is set to release on May 12. (IANS)

OFFICE OF THE SANGPANGMEN MEPU LANUR TELONGJEM CHUCHUYIMLANG TOWN,MOKOKCHUNG FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, the SMLT extends our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Latonglila Jamir, D/o. Lt. Chubanungba Jamir for successfully clearing the open recruitment to Teaching posts under Nagaland University in the post of Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University.

The Union further wishes her good health and success in her future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/-

Imsusashi Pongen Nungsangkala Pongen President General Secretary

Keltomi Phuthemi Kuposhukulu (KPK) held a meeting at its headquarters, Zukihe village on April 28, 2023 and elected the following as KPK office bearers for the tenure 2023-2025.

1) President Vikaho Kiho, GB

2) Vice President Khuheto Zhimo

3) General Secy. Puloto Katty

4) Finance Secy. Viheshe Chishi,

K-939/23

D B-556/23

GB

5) Joint Secy. Akashe Zhimo

6) Joint Secy. Inaho Yeptho

7) Banker Khetovi Kiho

8) Advisor L.K. Achumi, Head GB

9) Executive Members All GBs Puloto Katty Vikaho Kiho, GB

OFFICE OF THE KELTOMI PHUTHEMI KUPOSHUKULU

Nawaz would rather ‘shoot’ himself than be a superstar & stop evolving

Bamboo pole climbing competition during the Moatsu festival celebration at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Monday. (NP)

Atletico Madrid beat Valladolid 5-2

VALLADOLID, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Atletico

Madrid thrashed Real Valladolid 5-2 away in LaLiga at the Jose Zorilla stadium in Valladolid on Sunday to move two points behind their second-placed city rivals Real Madrid.

Nahuel Molina, Jose Maria Gimenez and Alvaro Morata were all on target for Atletico in the first half while an own goal from Joaquin and Memphis Depay added to their tally late on after Valladolid had fought back to 3-2.

With six games to play, third-placed Atletico climbed to 66 points, closing the gap to Real, who won 4-2 against lowly Almeria on Saturday. Barcelona, top with 79 points, moved a step closer to their 27th

LaLiga title with a 4-0 win over Real Betis on Saturday.

Defender Molina opened the scoring for visitors Atletico in the 20th minute with a close-range strike from a counter-attack

and Gimenez extended their lead four minutes later with a towering header from a free kick by Antoine Griezmann.

Morata scored the third with a tap-in from

RBCK men’s fellowship sports meet

another Griezmann cross in the 38th, but Valladolid battled back, scoring their first from the penalty spot through Cyle Larin after Mario Hermoso fouled Gonzalo Plata inside the box.

Sergio Escudero scored Valladolid’s second in the 74th minute with a header from a corner but Atletico kept their cool and scored their fourth 12 minutes later, with Joaquin netting an own goal after trying to clear a cross from Angel Correa.

Depay secured Atletico’s eighth win in their last nine league games with a brilliant individual goal in added time, dribbling past three defenders before scoring with a tidy finish from a counter-attack.

Japanese TT star Ishikawa retires

Swimming: China’s teenager breaks record

HANGZHOU (CHINA),

MAY 1 (IANS): China’s rising star Pan Zhanle broke the men’s 100m freestyle Asian record in the swimming national championships here on Monday.

Pan, 18, led all the way to win the 100m free in 47.22 seconds, 0.34 seconds faster than the old Asian record. Wang Haoyu was second in 48.15, while Chen Juner came third in 48.94.

“It is beyond my expectation,” said Pan. “My time was always around 47.50 in training.”

Pan’s result ranked first in the event’s world rankings this year, beating World Champion David Popovici’s year best of 47.61.

Arsenal still fighting for Premier League title, says Mikel Arteta

LONDON, MAY 1 (AP):

Arsenal is not satisfied with just qualifying for the Champions League and is still fighting for the Premier League title, manager Mikel Arteta insisted Monday.

Arsenal has already secured a return to the Champions League after a six-year absence but let control of the Premier League title race slip out of their hands with a painful 4-1 beating at Manchester City last week.

City is now a big favorite to defend its title, but Arteta said the loss hasn’t diminished his players’ ambitions.

“That is the mentality that we need and that is

Mikel Arteta

what I love more the last few days,” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Chelsea. “We are still not satisfied, we are still upset and we want more.”

With five games left for Arsenal — and six for Man City — Arteta insisted “a lot of things are going to happen still” in a title race that many have already called for Pep Guardiola’s team.

City now tops the table again after winning 2-1 at Fulham on Sunday to move one point clear of Arsenal, which is on a four-game winless run. Guardiola’s team also has played one game fewer. Arsenal has led the standings for 247 nights this season and can add one more Tuesday with a win against fast-falling Chelsea, which has just two points from six league games.

14th Aries Shooting Championship 2023

DIMAPUR, MAY 1

(NPN): Keshenpfu Kehun (men’s fellowship) Rengma Baptist Church Kohima (RBCK) organized a twoday outdoor games event as part of its ‘Sports Meet 2023: Empower’ at 4th NAP Sports Complex, Thizama in Kohima on April 28 and 29, 2023. Altogether, four teams—team Berea, team

Derbe, team Lystra and team Antioch—took part in various outdoor sports events.

Team Derbe emerged as the champion in basketball and volleyball while team Berea and team Antioch bagged champion trophy in tug-of-war and football respectively. The valedictory function, Haiyalo Magh,

who won the 100-metre race, expressed gratitude to the commandant, officers and the rank and file of 4th NAP Thizama for permitting the event to be held at their sports Complex.

The organisers informed that schedules for the indoor events would be held on May 13, 2023 and invited all the members to be part of the event.

TOKYO, MAY 1 (IANS): Japanese table tennis star Kasumi Ishikawa, who won three women’s team medals at three consecutive Olympic Games, announced her retirement on Monday. The 30-year-old Ishikawa made the announcement in Japanese on Instagram and in Chinese on Weibo. She said she had decided to call it quits after the WTT Macau in April when she lost to China’s Chen Meng in the women’s singles round of 16.

“Starting to play table tennis at 7 and representing Japan in international competitions from 14, I am very happy that many of my dreams have come true,” Ishikawa said. She went on to help Japan win the women’s bronze medal in Rio 2016 and silver again in Tokyo 2020.

DIMAPUR, MAY 1

(NPN): The 14th Aries Shooting Championship 2023 was held at Aries Sports Complex Shooting Range, Bamunpukhuri-A

Harry Kane says Spurs’ slow starts ‘unacceptable’

LONDON, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Tottenham

Hotspur have frequently spoken about the need to tighten up their leaky defence over the last few weeks but striker Harry Kane said it is time to put words into action after they coughed up early goals again on Sunday.

Liverpool were 3-0 up inside 15 minutes at Anfield and while Tottenham pegged the hosts back to 3-3, Diogo Jota’s stoppage-time goal earned the Merseyside club a 4-3 victory.

Spurs conceded five in the opening 21 minutes of a 6-1 rout at Newcastle United and fell behind after only seven minutes in Thursday’s 2-2 draw with

Manchester United. Kane said their performance in the early stages of Sunday’s game showed they had not learned their lesson.

“It’s not the first time it’s happened this season. We need to start understanding big games better,” he told Sky Sports.

“We’ve shown we can come back into games and to do it here away at Anfield shows what we’re capable of but to have the starts we have had are hard to put into words and are unacceptable.

“There’s only so many words you can use, the bottom line is you need to go out there and show it isn’t that case.”

Interim coach Ryan

CHSS holds half marathon run

Mason said the players had to be ready from the first whistle.

“If you’re not ready to start games with full intensity you’re going to concede goals and to be 3-0 down after that time is hard,” Mason told the BBC.

“The manner in which we concede the last goal makes it impossible to take. I need to speak to the players on that, we need to address it and do it quickly.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“Give thanks to God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever”

Psalm 136:26

from April 27-29, 2023 as per the rules and regulation of the National Rifle Association of India.

The winners of various categories include:

Temjensoba Lemtur—10m

Air Rifle Cadet (below 11 years); Yimyakumla—10m

Air Rifle sub-youth women; Imnajungla Lemtur—10m Air Rifle Youth Women;

Through this column we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us at the sudden demise of our beloved mother Late O.S. Akala on 26 April 2023. We would like to especially thank Dr. Rachel, staff and nurses, Lenjem Hospital and Shri. Tongpang Ozüküm, Hon'ble Advisor, Water Resources, Govt. Of Nagaland. The different organizations, associations, residents of Tongdentsuyong ward, neigbours, relatives, friends and well-wishers who helped us and stood with us emotionally, physically and financially, we are immensely grateful to you and your deeds will always be remembered. May God's guidance and blessings be upon everyone.

K C-151/23

Loving Husband, Children, Grandchildren and Relatives.

M Tiatemjen Jamir—10m Air Rifle Senior Men; Kilenkala T Longkumer— 10m Air Rifle Women; Lanu Akumtoshi Jamir— 50m Rifle Prone Master (45-60 years); Probhnoor Kaur—10m Air Pistol Sub – Youth Women; Christine Imlikokla Longchari—10m Air Pistol Women; Lanu Rongsenkaba Jamir—10m Air Pistol Master (4560 years); Thejazelhou Peseyie--10m Air Pistol Super Master (70 years & above); Christine Imlikokla Longchari—25m Pistol Women; Lanu Rongsenkaba Jamir--25m Standard Pistol Master (45-60 years); Thejazelhou Peseyie—25m Standard Pistol Super Master (70 years & above); Lanu Rongsenkaba Jamir— 25m Pistol Rapid Fire Master (45-60 years) and Thejazelhou Peseyie—25m Pistol Rapid Fire Super Master (70 years & above).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43. We the family members of Lt. N. HONKAI (Choir Master KBBD) express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us and shared our grief and emotion spiritually, physically, financially and prayers during this time of sadness. We regret that we could not mention each one of you and have nothing to give you in return, so we pray that the blessings of God shower upon you all abundantly.

We would like to thank:

1. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Dimapur (KBBD)

2. Konyak Union Dimapur

3. Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong Dimapur

4. Konyak Students’ Union Dimapur

5. Dr. Manong Chohwanglim & his team of Zion Hospital

6. KBBD Borlengri Fellowship

7. KBBD Diphupar Fellowship

8. KBBD Purana Bazar Fellowship

DIMAPUR, MAY 1

(NPN): Chandmari Higher Secondary School (CHSS), Lower PWD, Kohima, conducted Half Marathon

Run on May 1, 2023 on account of school’s Golden Jubilee celebration to be held in 2024.

Altogether, 301 students including 54 students from 11 different schools in Kohima participated. Other schools in Kohima were invited only for senior boys and girls category. The event commenced with a prayer by CHSS principal. The participants were escorted through the entire route

which was approximately 7 km with the support of traffic personnel and staff from the participating schools.

The winners under different categories: Senior boys (from Classes 8-12) (for all schools in Kohima)— Tseibou Rupreu (Class-10 from Vinyüzo HSS, Bayavü); Senior girls (from classes 8-12) (for all schools in Kohima)— Medovino Nagi (class 8, from Baptist Mission School, Jotsoma); junior boys (up to class 7)—Yaolai (Class-7 from CHSSK); junior girls (up to class 7)—Mercy Phainyu (Class-7 from CHSS).

LATE MHASILETO CHALE

Born: 19/01/1982 Died: 26/04/2023

The family of LATE MHASILETO CHALE wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to all families, relatives, friends, neighbors, churches and well wishers for your prayers and the many gestures of kindness shown to us during our recent bereavement.

It is comforting to know that in our time of need, there are special people like you. Your support helped in consoling our hearts and we thank you very much.

We regret our inability to thank each one of you individually but it’s our humble prayer that God bless you all in a way He thinks best for you.

K-931/23

Loving Family Members

9. Konyak Christian Revival Fellowship, Borlengri

10. Konyak Ahngjong Baptist Fellowship Dimapur

11. Nagamese Baptist Church, Industrial Estate Colony, Dimapur

12. Industrial Estate Colony Dimapur

13. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Chumoukedima

14. United Konyak Baptist Fellowship, Naga United Dimapur

15. Chen Union Dimapur

16. Chen Union Chumoukedima

17. Chen Area Union Tizit

18. Chohzu Nokden Union Dimapur

19. Western Chenwetnyu Union Dimapur

20. Phomching Area Union Dimapur

21. Sheanghah Union Dimapur

22. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjum (KBBB)

K-926/23

Born on : 15/10/1966

Died on : 19/04/2023

23. Konyak Baptist Church Mon (KBCM)

24. Chohzu Nokden Union Mon

25. Zaklom Ward Mon

26. Newsite Fellowship Mon

27. Chohzu Baptist Bumeinok

28. Monyakshu Village Baptist Church

29. Lapa Lampong Baptist Bumeinok

30. Tizit Village Baptist Bumeinok

31. Chi Guhching Baptist Bumeinok

32. Totok Chingkho Baptist Bumeinok

33. Aboi Town Baptist Church

34. Chen Town Baptist Church

35. Chen Block VCC & VDB Association

36. Chohzu Nokden Union Aboi

37. Chohzu Students’ Union

38. Chen Area Students’ Union

39. 45 Tehok Constituency Pastor Lan

40. Pin-e-Wang, Dimapur, Kohima & Chen

Loving Wife, Children, In-laws & Grand Children

A C KN O W L ED G EMEN T

Atletico Madrid forward Memphis Depay celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match against Real Valladolid.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane reacts during Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool on April 30.

Winners of various catagories at 14th Aries Shooting Championship 2023

Winning teams along with organisers of RBCK mem’s fellowship sports meet.

RCB beat LSG by 18 runs in low-scoring game

LUCKNOW, MAY 1

(PTI): Aided by KL

Rahul’s injury early in the match, Royal Challengers Bangalore did just enough to eke out an 18-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in a low-scoring Indian Premier League game here on Monday.

LSG skipper Rahul pulled his right thigh muscle in the second over of RCB innings while trying to stop a boundary and came out to bat only towards the end, which acted in favour of the visitors.

LSG dished out a fine bowling display to restrict RCB to a below-par 126 after being asked to bowl first.

RCB never had momentum in their innings despite the opening pair of skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli sharing a 62-run partnership.

The spin duo of Ravi Bishnoi (2/21) and veteran Amit Mishra (2/21) shone bright with the ball in the middle overs to keep a check on RCB’s scoring rate.

Later, it turned out to be a nightmarish start for LSG while chasing a modest 127-run target, as they lost their first three wickets for just 21 runs in 4.1 overs.

In Rahul’s absence, Kyle Mayers and Ayush Badoni opened the innings but failed to live up to the expectations.

While Mayers departed in the second delivery of the innings without troubling the scorers, stand-in captain Krunal Pandya played an 11-ball 14-run knock before being caught by Virat Kohli at long-off off Glenn Maxwell.

Badoni followed suit in the next over while going for big shot, caught by Kohli off Josh Hazlewood (2/15).

If that was not enough, Deepak Hooda was stumped by Dinesh Karthik off Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, as LSG slumped to 27 for four in 5.1 overs.

Leg-spinner Karn Sharma (2/20) then accounted for Nicholas Pooran (9) and Marcus Stoinis (13) in a span of

four overs to make matters worse for LSG. The asking rate was under control, but LSG kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Krishnappa Gowtham was the next to depart, run out after a 13-ball 23.

Ravi Bishnoi then ran himself out as LSG collapsed to 77 for eight in 14.4 overs. Naveen-ul-Haq and Amit Mishra tried their best with a gutsy 26-run stand for the ninth wicket.

An injured Rahul came out to bat last with LSG needing 24 off eight balls, but he looked in discomfort and failed to open his account.

Earlier, Rahul failed to stop the boundary, looked in considerable pain, and

Sergio Perez win Azerbaijan GP

limped off the field. In his absence, Pandya led the side.

The duo of du Plessis and Kohli gave RCB another good start. Both the openers failed to get going but gave a platform for the rest of the batters to take RCB to a decent score.

Kohli didn’t look at his best as he managed just three boundaries during his 30-ball 31-run knock before being stumped by Pooran off the bowling of Bishnoi.

New man in Anuj Rawat didn’t last long as he gave a catch to Mayers in the deep off the bowling of Gowtham.

Dangerman Glenn

Maxwell followed suit, without troubling the scorers much, LBW to

Bishnoi. After the initial partnership between du Plessis and Kohli, the LSG bowlers pulled back the game brilliantly.

Suyash Prabhudesai didn’t last long, caught by Gowtham at mid-off off the bowling of veteran Mishra, as RCB slumped to 90 for four in 14.3 overs.

The match came to halt in the 16th over due to a steady drizzle.

After a delay of nearly 26 minutes due to rain, the match restarted with no overs being reduced.

While du Plessis batted deep he never got the desired momentum in his knock and struggled to find boundaries and sixes. He was eventually dismissed by Mishra in the 17th over, caught by Pandya as the South African tried to break the shackles.

Thereafter, Dinesh Karthik (16 off 11) tried his best to up the ante but it wasn’t enough. Towards the end, Afghan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq picked up two wickets in two deliveries in the 20th overs, to finish with figures of 3 for 30.

Brief scores: RCB 126/9 in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 44, Virat Kohli 31; Naveen-ul-Haq 3-30, Ravi Bishnoi 2-21) beat LSG 108 all out in 19.5 overs (K. Gowtham 23, Amit Mishra 19; Josh Hazlewood 2-15, Karn Sharma 2-20) by 18 runs.

AIFF looks to increase teams in I-League, number of foreign players to be reduced

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is looking to increase the number of teams in the I-League, and has also received recommendations from its league committee to cap the number of registered foreign players in the squad at five, and three in the playing XI. The recommendations were passed during the league committee meeting through video conferencing on Monday.

“The first thing on the committee’s agenda was to increase the number of teams in the I-League, for which, it was recommended by its members that bids be invited in a triple-tier system in order to provide opportunities to aspiring clubs and/or investors from various socio-economic backdrops,” the AIFF said in a press release.

New Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Gurugram, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, and Noida have been identified as the tier-1 cities from where potential clubs could bid for a place in the I-League.

Tier-2 cities for the bids were identified as follows: Ranchi, Itanagar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Phagwara, Coimbatore, Manjeri,

Thiruvananthapuram, Bhopal and Shillong.

The committee also suggested that bids from clubs willing to be based out of tier-3 towns be also invited.

Entities from any village under the control of panchayats can also come up with bids, provided they own a stadium, training facilities, which are not more than 200km from any domestic airport.

“The committee recommended that the minimum bid value for potential clubs from tier 1 and 2 should be minimum Rs 5 crore and Rs 2.5 crore, respectively, while the same for the tier-3 bidders should be minimum Rs 1 crore.

“All teams that come through with bids will have to pay 50 per cent of their respective bid values as participation fee till the year the team plays in the league, for a maximum of three years.”

Winning bids from tier-1 and 2 cities will have relegation immunity for two seasons, while the same from tier-3 cities will be for one season.

Bidders from tier-1 cities must have a minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore, those from tier-2 towns must have a minimum net worth of Rs 50 crore, while the same for tier-3 bidders will be Rs 40 crore.

The bidders will be evaluated on the supporting documents that they submit, based on which a number of criteria points will be awarded to them.

“The committee also deliberated on the criteria for the number of foreign players allowed in the league, and came up with the suggestion that the foreigners’ quota be reduced in order to allow more Indian players to get opportunities in the Hero I-League,” the federation said.

Top seeds Alcaraz and Swiatek advance at Madrid Open

BAKU

(AZERBAIJAN), MAY 1 (AGENCIES):

Sergio Perez of Red Bull Racing emerged victorious in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, winning the catand-mouse game with his teammate Max Verstappen.

The Mexican driver gained a psychological advantage over Verstappen with the help of a timely safety car.

However, it was not an easy win for Sergio Perez, as Verstappen kept up the pressure and challenged him until the checkered flag.

The intra-team battle between Sergio Perez and Verstappen dominated Sunday’s race, with Charles Leclerc joining them on the podium with a third-place finish. At the start of the race, all drivers except Nyck de Vries lined up on the grid with medium Pirelli tyres.

Verstappen quickly overtook pole-sitter Charles Leclerc with DRS enabled on lap 3, passing the Monegasque on the main

straight with the Ferrari clueless against Red Bull’s straight-line speed.

Ten laps into the 51lap race, Verstappen was leading just over a second ahead of Perez.

However, Sergio Perez pushed Verstappen into the wall, but both were lucky to get away without damaging their cars.

Verstappen, however, complained of engine

braking issues and pitted while leading the race. Nyck de Vries hit the barriers and broke his suspension, bringing out the safety car. Perez, along with Leclerc, Sainz, Alonso, Russell, and Stroll, pitted from the lead. After the top ten pitted, Verstappen was up to third, while Hamilton, who pitted for fresh tyres the lap before De Vries’ crash, was down in 10th.

MADRID, MAY 1 (AP): Carlos Alcaraz made it easier on himself this time at the Madrid Open, reaching the round of 16 with a straight-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov on Sunday.

After struggling in a three-set win in his opener against unseeded Emil Ruusuvuori, Alcaraz improved to get past the 26th-seeded Dimitrov 6-2, 7-5 and stay on track to defend his title on home soil.

Alcaraz was still not at his best but sealed the victory by converting four of his six break opportunities against Dimitrov. The secondranked Spaniard was broken only once, in the second set. He finished with 16 winners and four unforced errors.

“We didn’t do some things well in that first match and it was clear that we had to get back to doing what we know, which is to

go on attack,” Alcaraz said. It was the 17th straight win for the 19-year-old Alcaraz on home soil. He won the Barcelona Open for a second consecutive year earlier this month. He next faces 13thseeded Alexander Zverev in a rematch of last year’s final in the Spanish capital.

“I have great memories from last year in the final but obviously I have to be really focused in

Despite rain Sidhu joins wrestlers at protest site

NEW DELHI, MAY 1

(PTI): Persistent drizzle

disrupted the wrestlers’ protest on Monday and caused a bit of chaos even as more support poured in for the athletes with former India cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu demanding “custodial interrogation” of WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The supporters, largely farmers and khap members, jostled for space to save themselves from rain in the afternoon. The mattresses were quickly removed from the road and put in a corner inside the makeshift shed that was covered with multiple waterproof tarpaulin sheets.

The elderly moved inside the shed and, in the chaos, a big fan fell on one of them.

The determined wrestlers said they won’t leave the protest site and will brave the weather conditions.

“We will not move from here. We will continue to sleep here even if it means sleeping on wet mattresses. We are not going to leave,” Bajrang Punia told PTI.

“The weather is going to be like this for the next

two days but we are ready to face these obstacles.”

The Delhi Police is yet to record the statements of the victims, who have levelled allegation of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan, officials said.

Police are likely to question Brij Bhushan in connection with the FIRs, though no official notice has been served on him as yet.

Sidhu spent more than two hours at the site and was seen having an animated discussion with Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik.

Later in his address, Sidhu asked why Brij Bhushan had not been arrested as yet despite a case

being registered against him under the POCSO Act.

Sidhu joined Congress party’s Priyanka Gandhi and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhary, former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Singh Rawat and Delhi government ministers Atishi Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj to have visited Jantar Mantar, where the wrestlers have been protesting for the last eight days.

Sidhu questioned the police for delaying the filing

of FIR against Brij Bhushan.

“To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice. Why was the FIR delayed? Not making the FIR public reflects that the FIR is mild and not corroborative to the complainant’s complaint,” Sidhu said.

“He should first be arrested and it should be a custodial interrogation. He should resign so that a fair probe can be conducted,” said the 59-year-old.

He also questioned the “motive” behind protecting Brij Bhushan.

“Intent is questionable and motive is to protect the accused. Are things being swept under the carpet?

Why is the officer who delayed the FIR not being tried under Section 166 of IPC as he was duty bound to register an FIR which is mandatory in case of a cognizable offence as per Lalita Kumari vs Govt. of UP judgement of The Hon’ble Supreme Court?”

The first FIR against Brij Bhushan pertains to allegations levelled by a minor, which has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with relevant

sections of the Indian Penal Code concerning outraging modesty. The second FIR has been registered for carrying out comprehensive investigations into the complaints by adult complainants under relevant IPC sections pertaining to outraging of modesty.

“Cases registered under POCSO Act are nonbailable... why no arrest so far? Is the law different for the high and mighty?” questioned Sidhu.

“Why does the man in question continue to be in the position of influence and dominance, which can make and break anyone’s career?”

Sidhu said that with Brij Bhushan holding the top WFI post, a fair investigation was out of the question.

“With him at the helm of affairs, a fair investigation is impossible.

The nation understands that committee formations are merely delay and deflect. The only way forward to a meaningful investigation and to uncover the truth is ‘Custodial Interrogation’, without it a fair investigation is meaningless. “The fight is for the honour, integrity and dignity of every women,” added Sidhu.

that match,” Alcaraz said. “I know that Sascha is a really good player, a really aggressive one with good serves. I have to show all my skills.”

Iga Swiatek continued to cruise in the women’s draw, reaching the round of 16 with a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 win over Bernarda Pera.

The world No. 1 conceded only one break point and converted four of the 13 that she earned

against the 32nd-ranked American.

Swiatek had beaten Julia Grabher by the same score in her opening match in Madrid. The Polish player has won six straight matches in her clay-court season while dropping only one set. “I wouldn’t say it was easy,” Swiatek said. “Every match is tricky here. I’m happy that I’m getting my rhythm. Playing against a lefty is never easy ... but I’m pretty happy that I was disciplined and focused.”

Swiatek has lost only five games in each of her first two matches this week, dropping serve only once in each match.

This is her second appearance in Madrid, having missed the tournament last season because of a right shoulder ailment. She lost to thenNo. 1 Ashleigh Barty in the last 16 in 2021.

Swiatek will next play 16th-seeded Ekaterina

Alexandrova, who came from behind to defeat 22ndseeded Zheng Qinwen 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.

Third-seeded Jessica Pegula had to work harder on her way to a 6-4, 7-6 (2) win over Marie Bouzkova. The American saved 12 of the 14 break opportunities that she conceded against her 31st-ranked opponent. “It was definitely a long, physical game,” Pegula said. “It’s always hard to play Marie. We always have tough, long matches. I knew it was going to be very difficult.”

Two-time Madrid Open champion Zverev cruised past qualifier Hugo Grenier 6-1, 6-0 in less than an hour.

“Today I felt great,” Zverev said. “Maybe Hugo was a bit nervous, first time in the third round at a Masters and that is big for any player. In general I am happy that I kept my composure and that I am through.”

Liverpool’s Klopp risks ban over feud with match referee

MAY 1 (AGENCIES):

LONDON,

Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp risks getting a touchline ban for the team’s upcoming key games over a feud with a referee who was strongly defended Monday by the Premier League’s match officials group.

After Liverpool scored an injury-time winner for a 4-3 victory of Tottenham on Sunday — having given up a 3-0 lead — Klopp ran straight over to the fourth official on the sideline to celebrate in front of him. Klopp, who seemed to pull his hamstring in the process, was then shown a yellow card by referee Paul Tierney.

Klopp acknowledged he deserved the booking for his celebration but then accused Tierney of saying something that was “not OK” and suggested that the referee had some kind of agenda against his club.

The German manager also criticized Tierney after last season’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham for failing to send off star striker Harry Kane in the game.

“We have our history with Mr. Tierney. I really

don’t know what this man has with us. I really don’t know. He always will say there’s nothing, and it’s not true. It cannot be,” Klopp told Sky Sports after the wild finish at Anfield. “I’m really not sure if it’s me, because how he looks at me, I don’t understand it. My celebration towards the fourth official, I didn’t say any bad words, nothing, but it was unnecessary. I got punished for that immediately, I pulled my hamstring or an adductor or whatever. So fine, that’s fair. But what he said to me then when he gave me the yellow card ... it’s not OK.”

However, the

Professional Game Match Officials Limited — which oversees referees for the Premier League — defended Tierney after reviewing the audio of his conversation with Klopp. Klopp, who also criticized Tierney for awarding Tottenham a free kick that led to the equalizer, could face further disciplinary action ahead of Liverpool’s remaining five games. Fifth-place Liverpool still has an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League, but would need to close a sevenpoint gap to fourth-place Manchester United, which has played one game fewer.

RCB and LSG players greet each other at the end of their IPL 2023 cricket match, at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, in Lucknow, Monday. (PTI)

Carlos Alcaraz Iga Swiatek

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu with wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik. (PTI)

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the race.

Jürgen Klopp