Jan 10 2023

Nagaland

NFR notices raise more questions than answers

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN):

While trying to fulfil the process of eventual eviction of persons described as “unauthorised occupants” over Railway land measuring around 30 Hectares in Dimapur, the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) pasted notices at a few areas in and around Dimapur railway station but which has raised more questions than answers.

The NFR notices were reported in a section of the media (including Nagaland Post) on Monday. The notices were not served personally to the “unauthorised occupants” but pasted on walls in and around Dimapur railway station.

NFR first pasted its show cause notice on November 14,2022 to the ‘unauthorised occupants’ directing them to respond to the Estate Office, NF Railway Lumding on or before November 29,2022. Then another notice was issued on the ‘unauthorised occupants’ to present themselves in person on December 6,2022 for the hearing.

After expiry of the deadline the Estate Officer, NF Railway then issued another notice on December 16,2022 under relevant sections of Public (Eviction of unauthorised Occupation) Act 1971 asking the ‘unauthorised occupants’ to vacate the land within 15 days from the date of publication of the notice (December 16,2022). That meant the lands were to be vacated on or before December 31,2022.

On Monday, several residents of one colony that has come up over the decades within NFR lands have claimed that they were given pattas by the district authorities and also permitted to construct houses.

A member of Westyard Colony told Nagaland Post that they were unaware of the NFR notices since none of them were handed the notices but pasted on walls in some parts of the colony.

One of them said they came to know of the notices only from Nagaland Post which published the report of the various notices and eviction order on Monday.

They also rejected NFR’s assertion that they were “unauthorised occupants”, asserting that they have been residing in the area since 1950s and also given permission by the state government to construct home in 1973.

The GB of Westyard claimed that most residents had settled in the area even prior to the formation of Nagaland.

A woman said her fam-

ily have been residing in the colony since over 60 years and questioned the motive of NFR in issuing eviction notice without any prior information.

When asked whether they would be ready to vacate the land as per the eviction notice served by NFR, some replied that they were ready to vacate the land, provided they were provided compensation.

The residents also insisted that compensation should be provided to only those who had proper land pattas issued by the State government in 1973.

They further claimed that they had documents of the State government that had requested them to construct permanent structures in the area.

The GB asserted that the residents were legal settlers and that they were residing in the area legally with proper government documents. He also claimed that the colony had celebrated its first Durga Puja in 1985.

NPAC convenes tribal apex hohos meet

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN):

Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC) has convened a meeting of all apex tribal hohos on January 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Saramati Hotel, Dimapur.

In a meeting circular, general secretary Khondao Ngully said the meeting has bee called to discuss issues regarding the upcoming state Assembly election.

Ngully said that the Nagaland People’s Action Committee and citizens of the state was of the view that the BJP government has not been able to fulfil its election promise of 2018-“Election for Solution”.

However, Ngully said NPAC was standing firm on its demand “Solution before Election”.

Stating that the proposed meeting was of “utmost importance”, NPAC has urged all tribal apex hohos to attend the meeting.

SC notice to MHA on deputation of IPS officer

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to clarify whether the concurrence of an IPS officer on central deputation is necessary before he is appointed as the DGP of a state.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha asked the MHA to file its response within one week, saying if concurrence is required, the relevant rules should be specified. “The MHA shall file an affidavit within one week indicating whether the concurrence of an officer is necessary for appointment as DGP even when he is on central deputation,” the bench said.

The top court was hearing a plea seeking enforcement of its earlier directions on appointment of the Nagaland DGP as T J Longkumer, a 1991 batch IPS officer, who resigned from the post earlier this month, allegedly did not fulfil the criteria laid

down by the apex court in Prakash Singh’s case.

The petition was filed by ‘Nagaland Law Students Federation’ seeking a direction to recall the order granting extension to Longkumer after his superannuation.

The bench also asked the Union home ministry to place on record the communication by which it has concurred with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) communication dated December 15 last year to relax the experience criteria for appointment as Nagaland DGP from 30 years to 25 years. It also asked the UPSC

to file an affidavit indicating steps taken with regard to the December 15 communication. The bench was informed during the hearing that the UPSC has on December 15, 2022 forwarded a communication by which just a solitary name was recommended for the post of the DGP.

The bench noted that 1992 batch IPS officer Rupin Sharma was given the charge of the DGP and the name of 1991 batch IPS officer Sunil Achaya, a Nagaland cadre IPS officer who is on central deputation, could not be forwarded after he expressed his unwillingness to join the state cadre.

The top court noted the submission of the counsel for Nagaland that the consent of officers is taken for overseas deployment but not for posting in the state cadre.

The Counsel for the UPSC said on December 15, 2022 it had sent a proposal to the MHA saying that for sending a panel of three

names for appointment as the DGP the experience criteria needed to be relaxed from 30 to 25 years in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Tripura and Nagaland due to the paucity of officers with experience of 30 years in service. He said the MHA’s concurrence was also received.

The bench said if the Union government thinks that Sunil Achaya’s services are required under central deputation in national interest, it will not come in the way. However, if the officer has expressed unwillingness to join the state cadre, it will have to look at the relevant rules and know the stand of the government.

In July, 2018, the top court had passed a slew of directions on police reforms in the country in Prakash Singh’s case and restrained all states and UTs from appointing any police officer as acting DGP to avoid favouritism and nepotism in such high-level appointments.

NTC concerned over NSCN/GPRN(K) imbroglio Modi likely to revamp Union Cabinet this month

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) said it was upset by what had happened within NSCN/GPRN (K) since January 4 and the “contending leadership mêlée” that was rolling for all and sundry to see when it should pursue the Naga national goal.

NTC said this was a situation none could meddle and all could only hope that Naga leaders would surmount sanctimonious and sententiousness rhetoric with conviction in the name of Lord Jehovah.

It noted that NPGs have been insisting for early Naga solution based on the concluded talks with the

Centre on October 31, 2019, and before the Assembly polls this year. The Naga populace was also eagerly awaiting the long-cherished and assured political solution to take place soon enough.

As this was the situation, NTC said it was time for all concerned to put enormous efforts to respect to love the hard-earned peaceful atmosphere for the benefit and growth of the future generation by not jeopardising what had been achieved thus far. As reconciliation had been seen to be offered by both quarters to resolve the issue, NTC appealed to all leadership concerned to seize the opportunity and quoted

the word of God: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13); and “...leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled...” (Matthew 5:24).

If Naga leaders were unwilling to reconcile with their own brothers, NTC said God would not accept the offerings at Naga nation’s altar nor they would be reconciled with the people. “This is the core point of our Lord’s Prayer and nothing can be more pertinent than this in our context,” the statement pointed out.

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (IANS/AGENCIES): The last cabinet reshuffle of Modi government 2.0 before the general elections in 2024 is likely soon and could be a major shakeup, while leaders from states going to elections could be given preference, sources said.

According to reports, Prime Minister Modi is likely to go in for the Cabinet rejig on the basis of “performance”. The reshuffle could take place between January 15 and 25, Deccan Chronicle report stated.

Nine states and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir are

slated to go for polls this year, and the BJP is preparing for a high-octane battle in Karnataka and Telangana while Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are also pitched to see keen contests.

Sources say that top BJP leadership is contemplating a change in Madhya Pradesh but there is no confirmation yet on the same, but in the reshuffle, new faces from Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan could enter the Union Council of Ministers.

CEO meets political parties ahead of ECI visit; 50 CAPF companies allocated for Nagaland

NEW DELHI, JAN 7

(IANS): Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) sentinel sites referred 324 Covid-19 positive samples for sequencing to 22 INSACOG labs between December 29 to January 7, and the results revealed presence of all Omicron variants like BA.2 and its sub-lineages including BA.2.75, XBB (37), BQ.1 & BQ.1.1 (5), etc, in the community, the Health Ministry said Monday.

However, no mortality or rise in transmission were reported in the areas where these variants were detected, it said. Center initiated random testing of international travellers arriving at various airports from December 24.

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar, on Monday met with the representatives from various political parties ahead of the ECI visit to Nagaland for the ensuing assembly election.

According to a DIPR report, the CEO Nagaland informed that the commission would be visiting the State from January 13-15, 2023 and meet all the recognized political parties. He said the commission would also be interacting with the senior officers of the state government including chief secretary, DGP. CEI would also review the poll prepared-

ness with all deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, enforcement agencies both State and Central.

CEO informed that the state level training and many preparations had been going on for the last couple of months. He said the commission has deployed 50 companies of Central Armed

Police Forces (CAPF) in advance and some more would be arriving.

Highly placed sources informed Nagaland Post that the State government had sought for 30 companies of Central armed forces.

However, 50 companies (over 6000) CAPF have been deployed for election duty.

Meanwhile, CEO has urged all the political parties and stakeholders to be more cautious of information “we are passing on especially closer to election where sometimes wrong information and rumours were circulated.” Shekhar also expressed hope that citizens would provide all

information to the various government, central and state including enforcement agencies to ensure a free and fair poll.

Stating that election must be conducted like a festive atmosphere, the CEO appealed to everyone to come together for free and fair election with no violence and no re-poll.

CAPFbegintoarrive

IANS: Weeks before the announcement of the Assembly election schedule by the Election Commission, Central armed police forces (CAPF) have started arriving in three poll-bound states of Tripura, Nagaland,

and Meghalaya, officials said on Monday.

Meghalaya’s Chief Electoral Officer Frederick R Kharkongor said in Shillong that the state has sought deployment of 119 companies of CAPF for the polls, and 30 companies have already arrived in the state. “There are 782 vulnerable polling stations and 402 have been identified as critical,” he said.

In Agartala, Tripura Chief Electoral Officer Gitte Kirankumar Dinkarrao said that 50 companies of CAPF already arrived in Tripura and more 50 companies about to reach in the state.

“The flag/road march-

es by the CAPF shall start in advance to ensure confidence building among the political workers for campaigning and among the citizens to cast their votes freely without any fear. The security forces shall be deployed well before the poll process so that they get familiar with the locality. Local police should extend necessary cooperation to the CAPF,” an election Commission statement said. It said that the state police shall ensure all miscreants, trouble mongers, history sheeters are either kept in constant watch or bound under relevant sections of the CrPC.

Religious conversion a serious issue, says SC Ighanumi village serves ultimatum on DoSE

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN):

N EW DELHI, JAN 9

(PTI): Observing that religious conversion is a serious issue which should not be given a political colour, the Supreme Court on Monday sought the assistance of the Attorney General of India R Venkataramani on a plea seeking direction to the Centre and states to take stringent steps to control fraudulent religious conversions.

A bench of Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar asked Venkataramani to appear in the matter in which petitioner sought a check on religious conversions through “intimidation, threatening, deceivingly luring through gifts and monetary benefits”, and assist as amicus curiae.

“We want your assistance also, AG. Religious conversions by force, allurement etc. There are ways and ways, anything by allurement, if that is happening, when what should be done? What are the corrective measures?” the bench said.

At the outset, senior advocate P Wilson, appear-

ing for Tamil Nadu, called the petition a “politically motivated” PIL, insisting there was no question of such conversions in the state.

The bench took objection and remarked “You may have different reasons to be agitated like this. Don’t convert court proceedings into other things...We are concerned for the entire state. If it is happening in your state, it is bad. If not, good. Do not see it as targeting one state. Do not make it political.”

The court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking direction to Centre and states to take tough

steps to control fraudulent religious conversions. Forced religious conversion may pose a danger to national security and impinge on the religious freedom of citizens, the top court had said recently and asked the Centre to step in and make sincere efforts to tackle the “very serious” issue.

The court had warned a “very difficult situation” will emerge if proselytisation through deception, allurement and intimidation is not stopped.

The Court had on September 23 sought responses from the Centre and others to the plea. The matter will be heard next on February 7.

Ighanumi village organizations Monday served a 15day deadline on Department of School Education (DoSE) to appoint/re-deploy graduate teachers and appoint headmaster/assistant headmaster (HM/AHM) at Government High School, Ighanumi in Zunheboto district.

In an ultimatum to principal director DoSE, Ighanumi village council chairman Isak Lohe, Ighanumi Students’ Union president Kuvutoli Sumi and Ighanumi Youth Organisation president Yevishe Achumi said they would not remain a silent spectator and let DoSE destroy the future

of students and demanded appointment of HM/AHM and appoint/re-deploy two graduate teachers (GTs) of Maths, one English GT and three general GTs within 15 days.

Referring to the representations submitted on December 2, 2021, March 21, 2022 and June 17, 2022, they said that they were compelled to issue the ultimatum so that the matter was given top priority given its seriousness, for 16 students would appear for the upcoming HSLC exam and their future should not be compromised.

They said GHS Ighanumi had been one of the best performing schools in Zun-

heboto district for seven consecutive years and had registered 87.5% pass percentage in HLSC 2021.

They however pointed out that the school was functioning with only three GTs and without a HM/AHM, besides claiming that NOC for transfer with post was not issued by the village authority. They said despite submitting several representations, DoSE had again issued redeployment order for the transfer with post of GT (gen) from the school.

They warned that the entire community would be protesting post expiry of the 15-day deadline and chart their own course of action.

Brazil authorities seek to punish pro-Bolsonaro rioters

Shashank Shekhar at the meeting with representatives from all political parties and CEO officials.

Says issue should not be given political colour

All Omicron subvariants found in India: Health Min

This is it!

Some persons seen reading the notice issued by NFR. (NP)

Asks MHA to clarify if concurrence of IPS officer on Central deputation needed for posting in state

Longleng gets ITI; to be functional by July or Aug

DIMAPUR: Advisor Industries & Commerce and Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Imnatiba inaugurated the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Longleng at Pongo in the presence of minister of Health & Family Welfare.

S. Pangnyu Phom and DC Longleng, Dharam Raj on January 9.

In his inaugural speech, Imnatiba said that after the upgradation of Longleng as a district headquarter in 2004, the district has witnessed tremendous change with regard to developmental activities.

He said this was possible as the people of the district have chosen a right leader and under the able leadership of the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio.

Briefing on the importance of ITI institutions, he said it provides skills, training and certificates to qualify for a government job or to set up their own business for self-sufficiency.

Imnatiba said in the past government jobs were provided based on certificates without quality education and skill development but in the present context the world has changed and

that without quality skill and technical knowledge it was not possible to qualify both in the public and private sectors.

Therefore, he appealed to the gathering to spread awareness on the importance of the ITI institution so that the students were well aware of the present scenario and develop their skills with dedication during their training period.

He advised the people to not depend on government schemes and salaries alone but to take up potential business by utilizing the natural resources and fertile land for sustainable living

and boost their economy.

S. Pangnyu Phom in his speech, extended gratitude to the department led by his colleague Imnatiba and the Pongo village council for providing the institution and suitable land for the people of the district. He said that the ITI institute established under Pongo jurisdiction was meant for the entire people of Longleng and that Pongo village was the guardian of the institution. Therefore, he urged the Pongo village council and the landowners to take the ownership with full responsibility of the ITI for the entire Phom

AR conducts various activities

community.

Pangnyu also informed that the ITI will provide training skills along with a certificate for job opportunity and besides dropout and poor students who could not go outside for further studies will be given the privilege to build their career.

He therefore appealed to the gathering to avail the opportunity provided by the government wisely.

DC Longleng, Dharam Raj in his short speech lauded the department concerned led by the advisor Imnatiba and minister for H&FW Pangnyu

Phom for the inauguration of the institute for the welfare of the district. He asserted that Nagas have their inborn talent and skills if given the opportunity to train properly in the technical skills would provide more job opportunity to the unemployed youth for self-sufficiency.

Er. H. Alongse, Deputy Director, ITI Kohima highlighted on the project said that the ITI Longleng was estimated for Rs. 6 crores 20 lakhs excluding the machineries and equipment which will come in the second phase. Alongse also apprised that the department was on the move to create post to ITI Longleng, Kiphire, Peren and Dimapur. The ITI Longleng will be functional by July or August 2023, he added.

Earlier, the dedicatory prayer was said by Metlau Phom, Pastor, Pongo Baptist Church (PBC) followed by welcome address by chairman Pongo Village Council and special number by Akong Youth Pastor, PBC. The program culminated with a closing remark by the chairman of the program Er. Imlisunep, principal Government ITI, Mokokchung.

ESSU condemns alleged assault on Isak Sumi

DIMAPUR: Eastern Sumi Students’ Union (ESSU) has vehemently condemned the “physical assault” and “tortured” allegedly meted out to ato kilonser col. (retd) Isak Sumi and his family by certain individuals of NSCN/ GPRN-K on January 4.

In a condemnation note, ESSU president, Ghuvika Yeptho and general secretary, Violka Zhimo stated that Isak and his wife Kakheni were former vice president and president of the union.

ment hatred and discord” and also did not reflect the desire and interest of the general Naga public at this crucial juncture of the Naga history.

Meanwhile, ESSU acknowledged the sacrifice and service of Isak Sumi and family towards the union and the Naga cause and affirmed to stand their family at this of adversity.

Govt signs MoU with GAVL on oil palm

DIMAPUR: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the State government and Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) for development and area expansion under oil palm cultivation and processing for Zone-I (Peren, Chumoukedima, Dimapur, Niuland and Wokha districts) in the State of Nagaland under National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) on January 9. State government was represented by Director of

Agriculture, Nagaland and GAVL by CEO- Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet Limited, Godrej one, 3rd Floor, Pirojshanagar, Eastern Express Highway, Vikhroli (East), Mumbai.

A press release by the department of Agriculture stated that Godrej Agrovet Limited is the largest developer in oil palm business in India managing about 60,000 ha and six palm oil mills and the only company operating a mill in North East India since 2014.

Besides Nagaland, the company has also signed MoU for oil palm in the States of Mizoram, Assam, Manipur and Tripura. The company has also agreed to buy the existing Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) from the existing plants from this year onwards on the special request made by the Director of Agriculture, Nagaland. The CEO of GAVL was impressed by the existing infrastructure and potential of oil palm development in the State.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tseminyu DPDB meeting: District Planning Officer and members secretary, DPDB, Tseminyu, Vilhouhunuo Sachu has informed all the concerned members that the monthly meeting of District Planning & Development Board, Tseminyu will be held on January 13 at 12 noon in the official chamber of Deputy Commissioner, Tseminyu. All the DPDB members and officers of the district have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

CDGBA office building inauguration: The office building of Chümoukedima District Goan Bura Association (CDGBA) will be inaugurated on January 11

at 11 a.m. at Chümoukedima DC Complex. All the GBs under Chümoukedima district have been requested to attend the programme.

Sükrünye festival: Phek Town Youth Society in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Phek, will be organising the celebration of Sükrünye and Youth Festival under the theme “Fairing the flair” on January 14 and 14 at local ground, Phek town. Leader of NPF Legislature Party and co-chairman UDA, Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu will grace the function as the inaugural guest and DC Phek, Kumar Ramnikant as the Sükrünye guest.

DIMAPUR: Various battalions of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) organised wreath laying ceremony and other welfare activities across the state.

Miao Battalion organised a wreath laying ceremony at Unit War Memorial in Zunheboto on January 8.

The event was conducted to pay respect to late Rfn(GD) Telugu Adi Narayan, SM (Posthumous) who made supreme sacrifice for the nation on January 8, 2003 in Ratanpur, Tripura.

On the occasion, NOK of

the braveheart was contacted for their wellbeing and were assured of necessary assistance.

Shamatore Battalion organised a lecture and awareness programme on ill effects of drug abuse on the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” at Dan village, Noklak district on January 8.

The awareness was conducted to address the pertinent issues of drug addiction which has emerged to be a serious concern in the country, especially among the younger generation.

In another activities, Dimapur Battalion provided assistance to the candidates appearing for Sainik School by providing transportation from Doyapur and Kashiram Basti to Kendriya vidyalaya, Sewak road, Dimapur on January 8. Earlier, the battalion also conducted out online registration in Dimapur and Chumukedima and coaching classes to prepare for entrance exam. A total of 66 students were appearing for the exam out of which 24 were from places Doyapur and 13 were from Kashiram Basti.

The union said that such “contemptuous actions” of certain individuals against their own leaders have raised questioned on the intent and credibility in their “service for the nation”.

ESSU a ppealed to the national workers to imbibe the spirit of leadership and character in their governance as “these petty acts of violence and intimidation will only fo-

hardest time.

We sincerely convey our special thanks to:

Khedi Baptist Church (Kohima Village)

Naga Shisha Hoho (Pruzie)

We regret our inability to thank and mention individually but we pray that your kindness and generosity will be rewarded by our Almighty.

Loving wife, children, grand children, great grandchildren & in-laws

Advisor ITI, Imnatiba and Pangnyu Phom Miinister H&FW alongwith DC Longleng Dharam Raj and department officials

AR personnel with the students appearing for entrance exam

M. Ben Yanthan (2nd from Left), Sougata Niyogi, Raju Prasad Choudhury and senior officers of the department.

Tovihoto calls for unity at Rongmei Day

society but every tribe has its own diverse and unique ways.

“Nagas are different from one another, and that is what makes us special and unique in our own ways”, he said.

Speaking on the achievements of the state government, he highlighted transformation and developmental changes that were taking place under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio.

for Frontier Nagaland, he opined that it was the right of every India citizen to express their rights under the constitution of India.

Peren DPDB discusses on CMHIS, R-Day and election

DIMAPUR, JAN 9

(NPN): Advisor of Power, H Tovihoto Ayemi called for unity among different tribes residing in Dimapur reminding them that Dimapur belonged to all community.

He said this while gracing the Gaan Ngaicum-Rongmei Day celebration at Chungaizaeng Rongmei Colony, Burma Campo, Dimapur, on Monday.

The festival was organised by Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN).

Tovihoto said that Dimapur was unique in its own way by pointing out

that most districts were mostly populated by a single tribe but Dimapur did not belong to one tribe or community but to all Nagas. With this unique feature, Dimapur resembled a “Mini India”, “true secular and cosmopolitan city” where many non- Nagas resided peacefully, Tovihoto said.

He therefore expressed the hope that the same peaceful co-existence amongst all Naga tribes and non Nagas would continue in Dimapur.

On the occasion, the advisor also stressed on the importance of promoting and preserving the culture as it was the identity

and that Nagas cannot afford to lose its identity. He therefore, encouraged the younger Naga generation that they should preserve and promote the culture so that it can be passed on the younger generation.

He acknowledged the Rongmei Council Nagaland for organizing the programmes was it was one way of preserving and promoting the culture.

He also acknowledged RCN for extending invitation to all Naga tribes, as it not only unit entire Naga populace, but also promotes love, understanding and respect for other tribes.

He said that Nagas were small community and

He also spoke on the aims and visions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had given extra focus and concentration to the whole of North East, including Nagaland.

He noted that government of India was committed for the development of Northeast states, at par with other states.

On the ongoing Naga political talks, he stated that it was the aspirations and desire of all Nagas for early solution, and expressed the hope that solution could be achieved soon.

He however stated that if solution does not come as expected, he noted that as per the Constitution if India, elections would be held. Also speaking on the Eastern Nagaland Peoples (ENPO) demand

NCC cadets compete in shooting at training camp

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Matilda Panmei, Tanlouthai K Kamei, Malangdi Malangmei and Elizabeth Dangmei, invocation offered by executive secretary (RBCAN), Rev. Mathiuthai Gonmei, festival greetings by president, Rongmei Council Nagaland , Chingkhiulung Gonmei, and welcome address and significance of the festival delivered by convenor, organizing committee, Mathew Rongmei.

Highlights of the programme included special song by James Riamei, Kathunag Pamie, RCCD Women United North Block, Tinailiu Gonmei, traditional way of making fire by RCK, RCP, RCD, & RCC, folk dance by Rongmei Council Chümoukedima, Rongmei Council Peren, Rongmei Council Dimapur, and folk song by Gaimei Panmei.

Vote of thanks was delivered by secretary, organizing committee, Kidongam Panmei and benediction offered by Catechist St. Francis of Assisi Church, Thailiklung Paul Pamei.

DIMAPUR: The monthly Peren District Planning & Development Board meeting for the month of January was held at DC’s Conference Hall, Peren on January 9 under the chairmanship of DC and vice chairman, DPDB Peren, Vineet Kumar.

According to DIPR report, reviewing the agenda on CMHIS enrollment, the DC reminded the house that since deduction from salary has already started, he requested the departments which have not completed the enrollment process to do so at the earliest.

Regarding election preparedness, Kumar informed the house that all Heads of Department as the Nodal Officers should ensure that employees were present at the training which will commence

soon.

He also pointed out that since the district faced shortage of employees due to retirements, exemptions to election duty will not be entertained, if not genuine. Further, he asked the members to maintain political neutrality.

Meanwhile, DC has entrusted SDO (C) Hq, Kelevituo Nisa to make necessary arrangements with all the departments for the upcoming Republic Day celebration. After the meeting, training on the rational use of EVMs and wireless set was imparted to the members by EAC Peren, Seyievilie Pfukri and Addl. SP Peren, R.T. Chang respectively. A meeting on election preparedness was also held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner.

SSCAE discuses on assessable elections

forthcoming

The Steering Com -

DIMAPUR: As part of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) a shooting competition was organized where the cadets from 11 districts competed.

The camp was conducted by 25 Naga Bn NCC and on the culmination day, weapon training module will be conducted.

In the shooting competition, sergeant Chubamayang of Fazl Ali College,

Mokokchung won the top position as the best shooter in the Senior Division Category of 0.22” Rifle Shooting Competition. He scored an astonishing 2cm grouping and the runner-up lance corporal Gaijenbung of St Xavier College, Jalukie scored a 3cm grouping.

The cadets were undergoing training on firing, handling, and maintenance of small arms, especially

Condemnations on alleged murders

DIMAPUR: Pyangao Tsorieden Ekhung (PTE), late Abon Logwenga siblings and Chakhesang Hoho Kohima (CHK) have condemned the alleged murder incidents took place in Tseminyu and Kohima on January 7, 2023 and December 24, 2022.

PTE: Pyangao Tsorieden Ekhung (PTE) has strongly condemned the alleged murder of Lucy (Terilo) allegedly by her husband Logvusen Kent on January 7 at Tseminyu village. In a condolence note, PTE appealed to the concern authority to not grant bail to the accused and urged the investigating agency to book the culprit as per the law of the land. Terming the murder inflicted upon his wife as “gruesome and heinous in nature and pre-planned” the Ekhung demanded that befitting punishment and imprisonment for life be awarded to Logvusen. PTE further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family to grant solace at this difficult time.

Meanwhile, in a separate condemnation note, late Abon Logwenga siblings, family of Logvuseng Kent son of late Kegwalo Kent of Tsenminyu village flayed the “heinous act of their son

in murdering his own wife” Lucy Kent.

The family members termed said that act was beyond human imagination and foreign to the culture. They conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

CHK: Chakhesang Hoho Kohima (CHK) has condemned the “heinous crime” allegedly committed by a law enforcing agency, Thajakolie Meyase constable MT on December 24, 2022 in Kohima. In a condemnation note, CHK president, Theja Therieh and secretary publicity, Medo Chirha stated that crime committed by the “savage husband” of Khrutalu Meyase has put every peace loving citizens to shame and deserve no sympathy. CKH appaeled to the prosecution and the police to expedite the legal process and award befitting punishment. The Hoho said that it will not compromise with the authorities for any negligence or leniency that may led to granting of bail or interference in the process of justice delivery. CHK also lauded Naga Hospital authority and South Police Station for their timely and appropriate steps.

the 0.22” calibre Sporting Rifles since the camp began on January 5.

Musketry training, Squad Post training and dry practices were conducted before the cadets were exposed to firing live ammunition.

The shooting event was held over a period of two days in the CRPF Small Arms Range, Mokokchung under the aegis of 25 Naga Bn NCC, Mo-

kokchung.

Camp Commandant and Commanding Officer of 25 Naga Bn NCC, Col CST Swamy said shooting was the most important part of NCC training and the best shooters will be provided an opportunity to represent the State of Nagaland in National Level NCC Shooting Competitions.

He said that Nagas were natural hunters and

that the inborn shooting skills can be effectively honed by NCC training where the cadets have very high potential to excel in National and International level shooting competitions.

He also expressed gratitude to Assistant Commandant Anal Togain, OC, CRPF Coy, DEF Camp, Mokokchung for making the shooting range available for the event.

Staff Reporter

NCC Cadets take part in the shooting competition at the ongoing Combined Annual Training Camp in Mokokchung.

DIMAPUR: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland, V.Shashank Shekhar along with officers of CEO’s office held a meeting of the State Steering Committee on Accessible Election (SSCAE) at the CEO office on January 9. At the meeting, issues on accessible elections with regard to

General Election to Nagaland Legislative Assembly, 2023 were deliberated.

mittee was chaired by Shashank. At the meeting some of the important issues such as PwD mapping and enrolment of voters, free transportation, Polling

Station Infrastructures (like location of the polling station on the ground floor/ providing ramps/wheelchairs/volunteers for PwDs and Senior citizens on the polling day), preparation of pictorial representation through posters and videos and sign language interpreters, etc were also discussed.

H Tovihoto Ayemi (Inset). Cultural perform at the festival on Monday. (NP)

The meeting in progress in Peren. (DIPR)

CYMA demonstration in Mizoram

AIZAWL, JAN 9 (PTI):

Hundreds of people on Monday staged demonstration near the Raj Bhavan here demanding that the Centre provide asylum and relief to the Kuki-Chin tribals of Bangladesh, who have taken refuge in Mizoram following violence in Chittagong Hill Tract.

The Kuki-Chin community people share close ethnic ties with the Mizos.

Besides common people, several MLAs from the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) including ministers R Lalzirliana and Robert Romawia, and opposition parties also joined the demonstration, responding to a call of an influential civil society organisation, Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA).

A total of 388 people, including 133 minors, from Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) have taken refuge in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district since November last

year, following the alleged military offensive against an ethnic insurgent group by the Bangladesh army, an official said. The state government, NGOs and villagers provided temporary shelters, food and other basic needs to the Bangladeshi nationals on humanitarian grounds, he added.

Addressing the demonstrators, CYMA President R Lalngheta urged the Centre to provide asylum and relief to the ethnic Mizo asylum seekers on humanitarian grounds. The organisation’s

General Secretary Prof Lalnuntluanga also requested the Centre to provide shelter to them as it had done to Afghans, Tibetans and other Bangladeshi refugees in the past.

The CYMA on Monday also wrote a letter to Union Home Secretary asking for refuge for the KukiChin people in India.

The letter claimed that one elderly person, while trying to enter India from Bangladesh, died on January 4 as he had no food or water. “... it is our sincere

Manipur pays homage to Maharaja Gambhir on 189th death anniversary

the forefathers of the land. They remind the present generations of their forefathers and their deeds, strengthening the feeling of nationalism, he added.

request to look into the matter on humanitarian grounds and to take urgent steps to stop pushing back our brethren who have sought temporary refuge in our state for their immediate safety,” the CYMA said in the letter. Mizoram shares a 318-km-long border with Bangladesh.

The northeastern state has also been hosting nearly 40,000 refugees from Myanmar, who fled their homes since the military took over the reins in a coup in February 2021.

IIT Ghy student found dead in hostel room

GUWAHATI, JAN 9 (IANS): An IIT Guwahati student was found dead in mysterious circumstances at his hostel room on Monday, officials said.

PM to launch first ship repairing centre in Assam

GUWAHATI, JAN 9 (PTI): A ship repairing centre and a maritime skill development centre will come up in Assam, which will help fix problems of vessels quickly and generate employment, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said here on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch construction work for the two facilities at Pandu in Guwahati on January 13, when he will also flag off the world’s longest river cruise from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam via the Indo-Bangladesh protocol route. ‘‘The development of cruise tourism along with infrastructural development along the river banks will benefit countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh along with neighbouring states in the (northeastern) region as they can use the ports for cargo movement,’’ Union Shipping, Ports and Waterways Minister Sonowal said.

Poppy fields discovered in Rongmei ‘poppy free’ territory

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 9: Police as well as a student body on Monday expressed surprise when a large poppy field was discovered in a far off hill range in Manipur’s Noney, a district which was earlier declared as poppy free region of the state.

Poppy cultivation on around four hectares of field was found in the far off hill range of T Khongmol Kuki village under Longpi Circle of Nungba police station of Noney district. Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization Manipur (RNSOM) president, Daichui told reporters that the student body was in utter shock to see the poppy field.

He added that Rongmei never practiced “such poppy or any kind of drugs related plantations” and had declared all the Rongmei territories “Poppy free” in the previous year in support of the government initiatives to eradicate drug menace

from the state. Members of RNSOM and villagers came out voluntarily to join the police and security forces in the destruction of poppy plants in the hill range on Monday. A joint team of state police, 39 Assam Rifles and officials of the state forest department in Noney district discovered a mass plantation of poppy in the hill range during a joint survey with the members of the RNSOM. The joint team instantly destroyed the poppy plants. “It is indeed surprising to see such massive plantations despite sev-

eral requests, appeals, and warnings from the government, OC of Nungba police station Nilamani Singh said talking to the reporters. Search and survey drive of poppy plantations will continue to destroy all if found in the coming days, he added. The OC said that legal action will be initiated against the chairman of T Khongmol and the poppy cultivator who were found out of station when the joint team reached the village. Both of them will be convicted according to the law of the land.

‘Illegal settlers’ vacate land on eve of eviction drive

LAKHIMPUR (ASSAM),

IMPHAL, JAN 9: Manipur on Monday paid rich homage to Maharaja Gambhir Singh, the king who restored normalcy in the Manipur kingdom consequent to the seven years devastation in between 1819-1826 following invasion by the Burmese invaders on his 189th death anniversary.

A state level observation function was held at the Maharaja Gambhir Singh Samadhi in Imphal’s Langthabal, the day was observed at various levels as ‘Reconsolidation Day’ to mark the observance of the infamous chapter of

‘Seven Years Devastation’ in the history of Manipur.

“We are here today as a society, as a state because of our forefathers,” chief minister N Biren Singh said, in his speech at the state level observance.

He highlighted the heroic efforts of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narsingh and Sana Herachandra to drive off the Burmese and end the “Seven Years Devastation”.

Stressing on the importance of history, Singh stated that one cannot dissociate from history and that historical statues, memorial parks, museums, etc., tell stories of

NarayanRaneemphasiseson roleofMSMEsinNorthEast

more tourism opportunities for MSMEs while strengthening the existing industries.

The chief minister further expressed the need to have a clear concept and understanding of the land’s history, beliefs, and data to educate people from outside. He encouraged historians and researchers to publish articles on history based on the truth and facts. In his speech, the chief minister reiterated his government’s commitment towards total eradication of drug menace in the state.

He said, “It is not the time to remain silent, but to be very vigilant against illegal drug business.” He reiterated his appeal to the people to stop poppy cultivation and illegal drug business.

Earlier, the chief minister led the gathering in offering floral tributes to the portraits of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra.

The deceased has been identified as Hrithik Bhavani, a student for B.Tech final year. He hailed from Nagpur.

The student’s body was recovered from the Dhing hostel block of the IIT The actual reason for the student’s death is not yet known and investigations are underway. Police have not revealed detail of the incident. The body has been sent for an autopsy.

IIT Guwahati has not issued any official statement about the student’s mysterious death. This is the second unnatural death in IIT Guwahati within a period of just one month.

In December, Sameer Kamal, a professor at the institute reportedly committed suicide. His body was found hanging inside the official quarters. Kamal, who hailed from Delhi, was teaching Mathematics at IIT Guwahati.

DECLARATION (No Objection)

Regd. No. 52/23 Date: 09/01/2023

I, Smti. Neiphrezonuo, present resident of Tuli, Mokokchung, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm on oath and declare as follows;1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India. 2. That I am the Ex wife of Late Kevichüsa Metha. 3.

JAN 9 (PTI): As the administration completes its preparations for an eviction drive to clear 500 hectares of forest land in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, many of the “illegal settlers” were seen carrying away their belongings on Monday.

Some families were seen loading their goods on trucks, while others were trudging out with their baggage loaded on their bicycles. Children were also seen carrying bundles on their head as they walked out in their parents’ wake.

An eviction drive to clear 501 hectares of Pava reserve forest in first phase in Adhasona and Mohaghuli villages will be carried out on Tuesday. Most of those affected were Bengali Mulsims, often referred to as `Mian’.

Out of 2,560.25 hectares of the reserved forest, only 29 hectares are currently free of any encroachment, officials said. The residents and leaders claim that they were given land ownership documents earlier.

However, the documents were rejected by the current BJP-led dispensation in Assam, they claimed.

“The people of these areas have been living here for decades. Houses were built unde r the PMAY scheme, Anganwadi centres were built by the state, electricity connection and roads under the MGNREGA program were all made,” claimed Anwarul, Lakhimpur district secretary of All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU). He questioned how the government schemes were being given to these residents if they were illegally living in the area.

A local claimed that the state government had provided them with land ownership in earlier decades.

“When we submitted the same to this government, they rejected it. Where do

we go now?” he wondered.

The villagers also alleged that the demarcation pillar of Pava reserve forest ha s been changed several times, especially since 2017, and claimed that “arbitrary marking” was being done to demarcate the boundary ahead of the eviction drive.

The residents have, however, been moving out of the area since the last few days with many families seen carrying away their belongings on Monday also.

“We once again appeal all the illegal settlers to leave. Once the excavators are put into action tomorrow, nothing will be spared,” a police officer on duty urged the villagers. Another official

said the area to be cleared has been divided into four blocks and the drive will commence simultaneously on all locations on Tuesday morning.

Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police Bedanta Madhab Rajkhowa had said 600 personnel of state police and CRPF have been deployed for the exercise. Mock drill and long march have b een conducted in the area. Divisional forest officer (DFO) Ashok Kumar Dev Choudhury said that 701 families have encroached upon the Pava reserved forest land over the last three decades.

The illegal settlers include people from different parts of the state as well as locals displaced due to flood and erosion.

District deputy commissioner Sumit Sattawan said the people living in the encroached areas were notified by the forest department and local administration two years ago to vacate the area. In July last year, 84 families submitted documents claiming land ownership but these were found to be fake upon scrutiny.

DIMAPUR, JAN 9:

MoS Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma urged the entrepreneurs to take maximum advantage of the schemes. He said that state government of Tripura has put in sincere and dedicated effort under the leadership of Chief Minister to make this event a grand success and hoped that the coordinated efforts by both the ministries will create a better eco-system for development of MSME sector in the North Eastern Region (NER).

4.

5.

That I got married to Late Kevichüsa Metha on 15th January 2019, however due to our difference we divorced on 20 Oct. 2020 and since our divorce we have been living separately and I remarried again.

That Late Kevichüsa Metha during his life time was a government servant served as Constable (GD) in the establishment of 12th NAP (IR) Longleng and expired on 29.12.2022.

That my name has been reflected as the nominee in my ex husband service Book.

6.

presided the ‘Regional Conference on

Development

MSMEs in the North East Region (NER)’ held at Agartala, Tripura on Monday. The conference was organized by the Ministry of MSME to spread awareness of various Schemes of the Ministry.

According to a PIB release, Narayan Rane addressed the conference emphasizing on the significant role of MSMEs in the North East and their contribution in making India ‘Self Reliant. He said that Tripura is a land of agrarian products and has great potential for MSMEs in food processing industries and advised Tripura Government on developing

The conference showcased launch of various initiatives of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and the State Government of Tripura.

The new initiatives launched by dignitaries during the programme were RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) portal, Linking of NER Portal under Udyam Shakti, Inauguration of the Gomati City Gas Project, inauguration of West Tripura Bamboo Mat Cluster under SFURTI scheme and inauguration of new building of KVIC (Khadi & Village Industries Commission) & TKVIB (Tripura Khadi & Village Industries Board).

That however since we have divorced I have no objection in changing the nominee name from myself to Smti. Tsuu Metha who is the biological mother of the deceased.

7. That this affidavit is made to declare for the purpose of changing the nominee name and also to declare that I have no objection to Smti. Tsuu Metha for withdrawal of service benefits and other benefits of Late Kevichüsa Metha.

8. That this affidavit shall be used as a piece of evidence of the fact and poof as mentioned above.

That the statements made in the above paras are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing false has been stated or suppressed thereof. And I signed this affidavit before the competent authority at Kohima.

AFFIDAVIT FOR

CHANGE OF

NAME

(DECLARATION)

Regd. No. 153/2023, Date: 06/01/2023, I, Miss HANGKAI, Daughter of Shri. PUNGA, Resident of H/No. 14, Ura Colony, Rajbari, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows: 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and a resident of the aforementioned address.

2. That my name has been recorded as "P. Hangkai Konyak' and "P. Hangkai" in all my official as well as my educational documents and certificates, Birth Certificates including my PAN Card and Aadhaar Card etc.

3. That my father's name has been recorded as "N. Punga Konyak' and "N. Punga" in all my official as well as my educational documents and certificates, birth certificates including my PAN Card and Aahaar Card etc.

4. That from now on I shall use my name as "HANGKAI" and my father's name as "PUNGA" officially for all my future correspondence and renounce the above name mentioned in Paras 2 and 3.

5. That this affidavit is made to expressly declare the change of name as mentioned above and that hereafter, the same shall be used for all official purposes, intent and future correspondences.

6. That this declaration is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing false has been stated herein. And I sign this declaration on this 6th Day of January, 2023, at Kohima. DEPONENT

DEPONENT Notary Public

Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane along with Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, and Union Minister of State Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma,

Sustainable

of

Correspondent

Narayan Rane

RNSOM and villagers assisting the police in destruction of poppy plants in Nungba area on Monday.

CYMA protestors stage rally in front of Raj Bhavan in Aizawl on Monday.

Biren Singh led people in paying homage to Maharaja Gambhir Singh on Monday.

Representational image.

Delhi prisoners to get hot water

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): Inmates of 16 central jails of Delhi will get some respite from the biting cold as they will be given hot water for their bathing and sanitary needs, official sources on Monday said. Tihar, Mandoli, and Rohini are three of the 16 jails in Delhi where inmates will be given these amenities.

According to sources, all prisoners above the age of 65 years will get a mattress in addition to a wooden cot and a mat that is provided to all prisoners.

7 people die on AgraLucknow Expressway

UNNAO/KANNAUJ

(UP), JAN 9 (PTI): Seven people, including three Nepalese citizens, died in separate incidents after their vehicles met with an accident on the AgraLucknow Expressway amid dense fog, police said on Monday. In the first incident, a Nepalbound bus rammed into a truck on the expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao on Monday, leaving the driver and three Nepalese citizens dead, officials said. In the other incident, three passengers were killed, while 18 others were injured as a Sultanpur-bound bus fell off the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Piprauli village.

Train runs over woman; loses legs

SULTANPUR (UP), JAN 9 (PTI): A woman lost both her legs after being run over by a train here on Monday morning, police said. The incident occurred on the AyodhyaPrayagraj railway route under the Kotwali police station area, they said.

Satna Nishad (40) has been admitted to the district hospital, they said. SHO of Kotwali police station Ram Ashish Upadhyay said while crossing the railway tracks, the woman could not see the train approaching due to dense fog, and was run over by the train. He said that both her legs got chopped off.

Army officer kills wife, commits suicide

FEROZEPUR

(PUNJAB), JAN 9 (PTI): An Army officer allegedly shot dead his wife and later committed suicide here, police said on Monday. The officer and his wife were found dead at their official residence Sunday night, they said.

The deceased officer has been identified as Lt Col Nishant and his wife Dimple, Station House Officer, Ferozepur Cantt, Inspector Naveen Kumar said.

DMK govt vs Gov face-off in TN

CHENNAI, JAN 9 (PTI): Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Thursday staged an unprecedented walkout from the state assembly following a face-off with Chief Minister MK Stalin over the former’s customary address to members of the house in its first session of the year.

In his address, Ravi skipped a few portions of the draft prepared by the government, prompting Stalin to move a resolution to expunge from records all such comments made by the governor that didn’t conform to the draft. It is customary that the governor adheres to the draft of his speech prepared by the government.

The incident on Monday marked yet another low point in an already tenuous relationship between the governor and the political executive in the southern state. The high drama on the floor of the House soon snowballed into a heated debate online between the supporters and critics of

the ruling DMK, even as “#GetOutRavi” trended on Twitter, with many calling for the ouster of Ravi from the gubernatorial post.

However, the state BJP threw its weight behind Ravi, describing as “disrespectful and amateurish,” Stalin moving a resolution against the Governor whilst Ravi was still seated in the House.

The DMK-dominated House had convened for the first session of the year with the Governor’s customary address to the members, which the main opposition AIADMK dubbed as a “disappointment,” and said it was “indecent” on the part of the CM to have “spoken” when the Governor was seated, alluding to the resolution moved by Stalin.

Earlier, Ravi began

his address amid slogan shouting against him by MLAs belonging to allies of the ruling DMK.

As soon as he began his address in Tamil, greeting members on the New Year and the harvest festival ‘Pongal,’ legislators raised slogans including ‘Tamil Nadu Vazhgave’ (Long live Tamil Nadu) and ‘Engal Nadu Tamil Nadu’ (Our land is Tamil Nadu). The slogans later ceased.

Ravi made a reference to Swami Vivekananda, much to the indignance of the treasury benches, skipping certain portions from his customary speech.

He omitted the names of Dravidian stalwarts including the late EV Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ and CN Annadurai.

Teachers’ bodies oppose move to allow entry of foreign varsities

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI):

Teachers’ associations here have opposed the Centre’s new draft regulations allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in the country, saying it will lead to educational institutions being converted into commercial enterprises.

The associations have urged students, teachers, parents and citizens to “resist and defeat this undermining of our sovereignty”.

UGC had last week announced the draft regulations for ‘Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India’. According to the draft norms, foreign universities, for the first time, will be able to set up their campuses in India. They will also be allowed to decide on the admission process, fee structure, and repatriate their funds back home.

Ban on BS-III, BSIV vehicles in Delhi

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): Delhi government has decided to impose a temporary ban on plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi from Tuesday in view of the worsening air quality. Delhi’s air quality worsened to the severe category on Monday .

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In a statement, the Academic for Action and Development Delhi Teachers’ Association (AADTA) alleged that UGC has opened the doors for foreign universities for the welfare of coaching institutes not students.

“The social justice concerns have been totally ignored which is very important in our context where higher education is very effective means for social change,” AADTA said in a statement.

If a foreign institution fails in its operations, how will the UGC take care of students studying in these institutions, it questioned.“Draft regulations have no provisions for caste-based/ economic-based/minoritybased/armed forces-based/ Divyang-based/Kashmiri migrants/representationbased/women reservation in (a) student admissions,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the

Democratic Teachers’ Federation (DTF), in a statement, asserted that the move should be opposed likewise as the next logical step of any such policy will be to allow explicit profitmaking in higher education.

DTF said the government is peddling “fallacious dreams” of an “Ivy League education at affordable costs”. “The reality is far from it as these foreign universities will provide education at costs unaffordable for the vast majority of our population as they will be unfettered in deciding curriculum, fee structure and salaries of teachers,” it said. “This will no doubt increase the cost of education in these institutions. Besides, the content of the education provided in these institutes will work to attenuate the quest for democratic policy autonomy in the country,” it added.

Ravi concluded his speech by uttering “Vazhiya Senthamizh! Vazhga Natramizhar! and Vazhiya Bharatha Mani Thiru Nadu!” After the Governor’s speech was read out in Tamil by Speaker M Appavu, the Chief Minister stood up and moved a resolution against Ravi seeking to reject the deviation that he made and to declare as valid only the prepared text of the Governor’s address tabled in the House. Before Stalin could conclude his remarks, Ravi got up and walked out of the House, before the national anthem was played to signify the conclusion of the day’s proceedings.

Speaker Appavu expressed regret that the Governor had skipped the names of iconic leaders.

Speaking to reporters after the proceedings of the day, he expressed regret that Ravi did not “even utter” the name of BR Ambedkar, who framed the Constitution.

Leader of the Opposition AIADMK K Palaniswami claimed the Chief Minister piloting a resolution against the Governor went against tradition.

SC reserves order on charge sheets

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its order on a PIL seeking free access to charge sheets filed by police by posting them on a website. A bench of Justices M R Shah and C T Ravikumar heard submissions from lawyer Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, and said it will pass orders.

The apex court orally observed that if FIRs are given to those unrelated to the case like busybodies and NGOs, it might be misused.

Bhushan submitted that it is the duty of every public authority to put out that information suo motu.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by journalist Saurav Das seeking free public access to charge sheet by police in accordance with Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

India’s international relations guided by very essence of human equality: Rajnath

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): India does not believe in a “hierarchical” world order where few countries are considered superior to others and its ties with other nations are based on sovereign equality and mutual respect, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday amid growing global concerns over China’s muscle flexing.

In an address at an ambassadors’ roundtable on the upcoming Aero India exhibition, Singh said India’s international relations are guided by the very essence of human equality and dignity and it does not believe in making or becoming a client or satellite state.

The defence minister said India’s national efforts towards ‘Make in India’ are neither “isolationist” nor are they meant for the country alone as he made an open offer of partnerships with New Delhi for production of various military equipment.

The 14th edition of ‘Aero India’, billed as Asia’s largest aerospace exhibition, will be held in Bengaluru from February 13 to 17.

Gram:Agricomplex

“We do not believe in making or becoming a client or satellite state, and so, when we partner any nation, it is on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect,” he said while inviting the ambassadors to the mega event.

There have been mounting global concerns over China’s military muscle flexing in the South China Sea, East China Sea and the Indo-Pacific.

Singh said “partnership and joint efforts” are the two key words that differentiate India’s defence industry cooperation with other nations. “India does not believe in a hierarchical conception of world

order, where few countries are considered superior to others.” Underlining that the ‘make-in-India’ programme encompasses make-for-the-world, the defence minister asserted that the self-reliance initiative is the beginning of a “new paradigm of partnership” with India’s partner countries.

“Within the domain of defence research and development and manufacturing, it translates into an open offer to you all, for joint efforts and partnerships in defence R and D and production,” he said.

“When we are procuring defence equipment from our valued partner nations, very often, they are sharing the technical know-how, setting up manufacturing plants in India, and working with our local firms for various subsystems,” Singh said. He noted that it is India’s endeavour to “transcend the relation of buyer and seller to that of a co-development and co-production model, irrespective of whether we are a buyer or a seller”.

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MLAs of ruling government raise slogans against Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi in Chennai on Monday. (PTI)

Rajnath Singh addresses the conference (PTI)

Bibi’s back

As 2022 came to a close and after five General Elections in Israel since 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu once again took the helm of Israel’s government just 18 months after losing power in the wake of a series of stalemated elections. Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu is an Israeli politician who has been serving as the prime minister of Israel since December 2022, having previously held office from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. Netanyahu has faced international criticism over his decadeslong policy as prime minister of expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, deemed illegal under international law. In 2019, Netanyahu was indicted on charges of breach of trust, bribery and fraud, following a three year investigation, due to which he relinquished all his ministry posts other than the prime minister position. Already Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu’s approach to foreign policy, and to the conflict with and occupation of the Palestinians, is to some extent a known quantity. Netanyahu’s new coalition has been dubbed as the “ most right-wing and extreme government in Israel’s history”. The new extreme right coalition has already brought Israelis to the streets in protest and prompted strong statements of concern from former Israeli diplomatic and security officials. Even the current chief of staff of Israel’s Defense Forces has weighed in with security concerns. Netanyahu, 73, heads a government including his Likud party along with five far-right and orthodox religious factions. He told the Knesset that his government has three prime objectives: stopping Iran’s nuclear programme; developing Israel’s infrastructure with an emphasis on connecting peripheral settler communities to the country’s centre; and bolstering law and order. Netanyahu is currently facing trial on fraud, graft and breach of trust charges, and is being accused of engineering a coalition with the far-right parties that will change the law to allow him to evade accountability. At least two of his ministers have been convicted of serious crimes in the past. Despite the comfortable majority in the Knesset vote of confidence, Netanyahu’s coalition has been under fire due to fears that it will undermine civil freedoms and human rights while imposing an extreme farright religious agenda on the political process and the handling of the Palestinian issue. Extremists amongst his ministers, they pointed out, have already made candid promises to their extremist supporters to curb freedoms and rights. After Netanyahu was sworn-in, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak described the extreme right coalition government as “ carrying out a coup in Israel before our eyes, with its racism, corruption, neutering of the justice system, politicisation of the police and undermining of the chain of command in the (Israel Defence Forces).” Netanyahu is said to enjoy good rapport with prime minister Narendra Modi and also former US president Donald Trump. With the settlement of Israelis in occupied West Bank and other parts of occupied Palestine likely to increase, the middle east could experience another bout of tension and hopefully this will not explode into another violent conflict.

DailyDevotion

Prayerful Inner-Searching

May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless… —1 Thessalonians 5:23

“Your whole spirit….” The great, mysterious work of the Holy Spirit is in the deep recesses of our being which we cannot reach. Read Psalm 139. The psalmist implies— “O Lord, You are the God of the early mornings, the God of the late nights, the God of the mountain peaks, and the God of the sea. But, my God, my soul has horizons further away than those of early mornings, deeper darkness than the nights of earth, higher peaks than any mountain peaks, greater depths than any sea in nature. You who are the God of all these, be my God. I cannot reach to the heights or to the depths; there are motives I cannot discover, dreams I cannot realize. My God, search me.”

Do we believe that God can fortify and protect our thought processes far beyond where we can go? “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). If this verse means cleansing only on our conscious level, may God have mercy on us. The man who has been dulled by sin will say that he is not even conscious of it. But the cleansing from sin we experience will reach to the heights and depths of our spirit if we will “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). The same Spirit that fed the life of Jesus Christ will feed the life of our spirit. It is only when we are protected by God with the miraculous sacredness of the Holy Spirit that our spirit, soul, and body can be preserved in pure uprightness until the coming of Jesus-no longer condemned in God’s sight.

We should more frequently allow our minds to meditate on these great, massive truths of God.

One of the great foreign policy feats of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that he stood upfront on the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine -- sparked by the launch of Russian military operation in February 2022 to support the Russian-speaking eastern provinces of Ukraine against the alleged suppression of their rights by Ukraine -- and took a line that both sides had concerns which should be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

The US-led West joined the fray in support of Ukraine amid appeals from President Volodymyr Zelensky for grant of NATO membership to Ukraine and the conflict went on to assume the proportions of a ‘war’ with no end in sight.

The US and its allies are merely supplying arms, ammunition and sophisticated war material to Ukraine, creating an impression that they were conducting a ‘proxy war’ against Russia.

It is possible that the US saw in its strategy a parallel with the anti-Soviet armed campaign in Afghanistan that had ultimately led to the withdrawal of the Soviet army and the demise of the USSR.

However, it is becoming increasingly clear that Vladimir Putin’s Russia is not getting worn down and it is Ukraine that is taking the real hit in terms of loss of life and assets.

President Putin has referred to the effectiveness of tactical nuclear weapons, but clearly not betrayed any desperation about using them in this conflict. He is still pursuing the original aim of protecting the eastern provinces of Ukraine closely identified with Russian interests and has again gone on record to claim that he wants to end the conflict.

The total scene around this military confrontation of geopolitical significance suggests that it is still not an

India for world peace

irreversible case for return to peace. What is needed is a credible global level mediation acceptable to both sides.

It is noteworthy that beyond the UN that faced resolutions critical of Putin in the Ukraine- Russia conflict, India’s position as a possible mediator acceptable to both sides, has been acknowledged more than once by the unbiased sections of the international community.

Prime Minister Modi became the first world leader to call for cessation of hostilities and recourse to peaceful negotiation to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He told the Russian President that ‘this is not an era of war’, and subsequently voiced India’s firm opposition to use of nuclear weapons when there were speculations about possible induction of tactical nuclear missiles by Putin to achieve his goal in the war with Ukraine. These responses made India the sane voice in the world and established Prime Minister Modi as a global counsel on issues of war and peace.

Modi has spoken to the two Presidents more than once and has kept up hopes in the prospects of return to peace sooner than later.

The success of India’s foreign policy in the Modi regime can be measured by the fact that India’s friendly bonds with Russia do not come in the way of the deep and natural strategic friendship of India with the US, which was the hallmark of convergence between the two largest democracies of the world and - what is even more significant - by the fact that US President Joe Biden and Putin both understood India’s geopolitical position.

Interestingly, Putin now taking decisions on the readings of his own intelligence set up would be doing so with much greater confidence since he has a first-hand experience of the flaws and strong points of the latter and perhaps could see things in

the wider global perspective even better than before.

Any attempt at mediation between Russia and Ukraine can hope to succeed only if the background of the conflict is clearly understood and steps recommended to establish lasting trust among the two neighbours accordingly.

When the Cold War ended consequent on the dismemberment of USSR and the termination of the Warsaw Pact, the emergence of East European states as independent nations, besides the rise of Central Asian Republics (CARs), left the residual Soviet Russia as a much smaller empire.

The US-led West might have done well to work for peaceful coexistence between Russia and its neighbours. Certainly, a high-pitch combative alliance like NATO did not hold the earlier ground as American hostility towards Russia did not have to exist at the level of the Cold War era.

In fact, in the unipolar world order, the US was expected to work for world peace while militarily safeguarding American interests across the globe.

Former US President Donald Trump treated Russia at par with European nations and seemed to have little problem with Putin - he was in the process able to deal with China on a stronger note of military and economic deterrence. The advent of Biden Presidency saw a reversal of US attitude towards Russiathis could be in part because of the controversy that the crucial Presidential poll had left behind on the issue of Russian ‘interference’ in the American elections.

Biden declared Russia as the prime adversary for the US and underlined the transAtlantic alliance with Europe in a manner that underscored the continued use of NATO as a deterrent against Russia.

Putin’s action against Ukraine gave Biden a justifiable ground for confronting

Russia. The Ukraine-Russia conflict precipitated in February 2022 as Putin ordered ‘military operation’ in eastern Ukraine, ostensibly to safeguard the rights of the Russian speaking population there in the face of a simmering agitation continuing in those parts.

The situation rapidly worsened because of the declared policy of Zellensky to seek NATO membership to militarily respond to Russia and the decision of the USled West to join the Ukrainian side by pumping in arms and ammunition into Ukraine.

The backdrop of the continuing tension between Russia and Ukraine going back to the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 - with the West beginning the spell of sanctions on Russia to express its support to Ukraine then - is also linked to the aggravation of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict this time.

The development regarding Crimea - a territory of vast strategic import for Russia on the Black Seahad preceded an anti-Russia uprising there in which Islamic fundamentalists blessed by the West had played a major part. Significantly, Putin also supported Syrian President Assad in the ‘civil war’ precipitated by Islamic militants against him - with US backing.

Russia might have been specially sensitive to the ‘destabilisation’ of Crimea because of what the USSR had experienced in Afghanistan - perhaps Putin considered it legitimate to get the territory ‘back to Russia’ since it was earlier ‘gifted’ by Nikita Khrushchev to Ukraine internally, according to some authentic accounts.

The whole point is that there was no push back on the part of the West from the Cold War confrontation even after the USSR had collapsed in 1991 and international Communism on which it rested, had ended.

An international team of negotiators, including Indian representatives, can start a dialogue with Ukraine and Russia with their consent.

As mentioned earlier, mediators have to acknowledge the security concerns of the two warring nations and try to find their redressal in a mutual peace agreement that neighbours with different governance models could adhere to.

An immediate ceasefire pending a negotiated settlement would be necessary and supply of armament and ammunition to Ukraine from outside would has to be halted.

Restoration of democratic government in Ukraine based on ‘one man one vote’ and equal rights for all citizens regardless of language, community and region is extremely important.

Ukraine must declare that it is not seeking NATO membership. Lifting of sanctions against Russia may be considered consequent on a withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine to their side of the border.

An effective peace pact between Russia and Ukraine governing their future relationship should be the final outcome of the mediation.

The US would do well not to create a geopolitical situation where Russia and China would jointly deal with the West and accelerate the reemergence of Cold War between two matching powers.

This will, among other things, impede the processes of international economic cooperation already set in motion. The virtual summit between Putin and Xi Jinping on December 30 reaffirmed that Russia-China strategic friendship is deepening further and blamed those who were, according to them, instigating the Cold War mentality.

The meeting acquires special significance in the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine military conflict.

The p olarisation between the US-led West and ChinaRussia combine will no more be totally ‘ideological’, considering the ‘Sinicization of Marxism’ initiated by Xi Jinping and the emphasis placed on Russian national pride by Putin, and this would minimise the possibility of internal differences cropping up among them over claims on Marxist-Leninist thought. The two countries shared a system of dictatorship that opposed the USand this in fact would act as the more important binding element for them.

As far as India is concerned, Indo-Russia friendship is one reason why China at least pretends that it wants to maintain good relations with India.

India has to watch out against China continuing to practice its ‘two steps forward one step backward’ policy in spite of such pretences.

In the final analysis, the US and Europe should work to return to democracy in all countries that were once a part of the USSR. This will be a useful long-term strategy for the US to maintain its geopolitical hold and global acceptability.

Enlargement of the democratic order can be an effective counter to Chinese expansionism and Russia’s possible strategic aim of bringing back the former USSR territories under its influence. This provides an additional non-military route for the US for maintaining its supremacy as the leader of the democratic world.

Prime Minister Modi’s mandate that ‘this is not an era of war’ in fact strengthens Biden’s hands. India must continue to press for a peace negotiation between Russia and Ukraine without any preconditions being set by either side.

D.C. Pathak (The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. The views expressed are personal)

Message of Naga Club President on Naga Day Get success in walk-in-interview

We commemorate the auspicious Naga Day on 10th of January every year since the Naga Club Memorandum to the Simon Commission was submitted on January 10, 1929 at Kohima.

This was the first written document from the Nagas declared to be free and independent that ultimately became the written Magna Carta of the Naga National Politics which has chartered and changed the historical aspects of the Nagas.

Other earlier protests to be free and independent were only in the forms of violent warfare albeit that caused much loss of life to the Britishers during their expeditions to the Naga homeland as a No Man’s Land, which had compelled them to seek peace with the Nagas and sought for written treaties to which the Nagas refused, consequently a verbal and ritualistic ‘no-more-fight agreement’ was negotiated upon in our customary practices in the interest of peace, tranquillity and development without any binding terms on the Nagas.

Our humble yet erudite legendary forefathers had then been proud and strong enough with a courageous force to declare (quote) “Leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times” (unquote), which has sought to withdraw the Naga Homeland from the Reformed Scheme of India, they were aware and apprehensive that foreign laws and customs would be introduced that would supersede our values, customary laws and traditions. Accordingly, the British India Govt Act of 1935 excluded all the Naga inhabited areas outside of the British India Empire and also it clearly demonstrates that the Naga Hills are not a homogenous part of India as a consequence of the said Memorandum.

None other than a renowned Indian social activist, journalist and historian had once stated that how could a young civilization of a few hundred years old such as Nagas have the wisdom to write to Simon Commission about their rights to be free and independent if it was not for God’s leading them. The same

historian appreciated because of the Naga Club Memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929 and later the declaration of the Naga Independence on 14th Aug. 1947, a day before India and the re-imposition of the Naga’s earnest desire to remain as a free people through the observance of 16th May, 1951 Plebiscite, as such we can conclude that the Naga Political Movement can never be considered as an act of secession. The “Naga Minds” and the “Naga National Soul” were never colonised from the beginning till date and it shall never be compromised at all cost.

Our erudite legendary forefathers such as Mr. Rheichalie Pienyü and Mr. Rüzhükhrie Sekhose and their fellow Naga tribes recognising that the Nagas like any other nation who have had survived economically, socially and politically during turbulent times of British Govt expedition into our Homeland stirred by far-sighted and dedication founded the Naga Club on 7th Jan. 1918 and then submitted the Memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929 while many other kingdoms in India and Burma were still slumbering who then surrendered to the British Govt without any protest. Our forefathers who faithfully upheld their time-tested unfailing courage and great human values and virtues by remaining committed to what they believe would be best for the Nagas as a whole without borders especially those coming after them have left this great legacy to all of us. When asked the draftee of the Simon Commission, Mr. Rüzhükhrie Sekhose, about how he could draft such a magnificent and thoughtful Memorandum then he said, “I do not know how I did it, but it was God’s own wisdom guiding my hand with a clear vision, that’s how I was able to write with the full consultations of the Naga Club leaders”.

Gratefully accepting our great heritage and legacy of simplicity yet erudite, mutual respect, selflessness, frankness, integrity, humility, hospitability and courage and an illustrious and distinguished history in all fields, such as, tradition,

social, economy, politics and governance, ecology, community living, etc. from our forefathers should be continued with integrity and dignity so that there may be unity and brotherhood amongst our Naga society that Nagas as a people and a nation may stand strong on our own feet socially, economically, politically and live in harmony to pave the way for prosperity, development and fulfilment of life’s purpose.

Truthfully acknowledging that we are currently manoeuvring our life rapidly into the modern world and our values, traditions and unity being assailed by new threats, confusions, lies, corruptions and challenges, we realize it is our due responsibility to prepare our people to wisely and courageously respond to these threats and challenges with clarity of thought and steadfast moral courage like our forefathers who were able to overcome all those challenges.

In exercising its privileged mandate to think and act for the long-term welfare of the Nagas, the Naga Club following the footsteps of our forefathers shall adhere firmly to the belief that no differences or disputes should be allowed to weaken and divide the Nagas with lies, hatred, groupism, tribalism and bitterness. Nagas, facing greater challenges today, should acquire the wisdom from our Almighty God to let their differences, whenever they occur, make them stronger by showing the capacity to rise above narrower interests to achieve what is right and best for all.

We should take the example of our erudite forefathers to make factual review of the past, truthful and bold assessment of the present reflecting and admitting our own mistakes and shortcomings instead of trying to find fault in others, or give to the society as our forefathers did instead of selfishly grabbing the public money through manipulations and corruptions so that there may be God’s blessings, peace, harmony, equality, unity, development and prosperity in our land.

Kuolachalie Seyie, President, Naga Club

Once you complete your education, the next important step in your life is to find a suitable job. If you didn’t get the chance to crack your college placements, don’t worry. You can still prepare well to face several walk-in interviews. However, with an increase in the competition, one needs to perform the best to get selected in a job interview.

Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, facing a job interview fears many job seekers. However, to find a lucrative job, it is imperative to prepare well in advance and be a winner. One of the most common methods for finding a job is walkin job interviews. It is a method of conducting interviews to screen and recruit the right job applicant without prior appointment or interview call.So, to do well in such interviews, you need to follow certain guidelines and prepare well:

Visit the Company’s Website

At the time of attending an interview in any organization, it is imperative to study the company’s details in terms of its operations, achievements, and plans. The best way to do this is by visiting its official website. Getting all such details makes you feel more confident and prepares you to perform well in the interview. The clearer you are about the company’s details, the more you can relate to your skills and justify the reasons why the company should hire you.

Research Your Industry Thoroughly

Whether you are appearing for an engineering job or a management job, it is crucial to have a basic knowledge of the industry you are planning to build your career in. To face any interview question related to the industry you are applying for, proper industry research is required. To start early preparation, you can read a newspaper and visit online resources for industry-specific information. Your knowledge in the field of your work gives an impression to your employer about your suitability for a job role.

Make Your Resume Look

Catchy

professional resume to catch a recruiter’s attention. Give special attention to the format, skills added, and information of your resume. Remember, a recruiter gets to see your resume before you appear for the interview and helps you create an impression on him/her. Hence, it is important to make it interesting to the recruiter by customizing it as per the job description.The best way to create a winning resume is by using various free online resume maker websites available on the internet that creates a professional resume matching your requirements in seconds.

Dress Professionally

At the time of appearing for a walk-in interview, it is important to give special attention to the way you are dressed up. Never take your dressing lightly because a casual or unprofessional look might be a reason to reject you in an interview. Every employer wants a person who is professional in his attitude, so dress up professionally.

Be Read with Ideas and Examples

To be shortlisted in an interview, it is important to support your accomplishments and strengths mentioned in your resume with relevant ideas and examples, whenever required. This gives a good impression to the employer, who believes that you are not a person of mere words, but also have examples to support your achievements.

You appear for any walk-in interview only if you find the job opening interesting and as per your career plans. In such a situation, you would not want to miss this opportunity by making any grave mistake.

So, the best way to ensure success in your job interview is to go prepared and face the interview with confidence. Starting from creating the first impression on your recruiter through an impressive resume to studying the company by visiting its website, the right approach can ensure your success in the interview.

It is imperative to prepare a

Kaustov Kashyap, HR & Career Consultant Jail Road, Jorhat

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

He who will not economize will have to agonize.

SNIPPETS

PM to visit Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, JAN 9 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be initiating various Railway projects worth Rs 2,400 crore in Telangana besides flagging off a Vande Bharat Express train between Hyderabad and Vijayawada, a press release from BJP said here on Monday.

Mother drowns infant in bathtub

PHAGWARA (PB), JAN 9 (PTI): A woman allegedly distressed over family troubles killed her fivemonth-old daughter by drowning her in a bathtub, police said on Monday. The mother, Kiran, was booked for murder and arrested on Sunday evening, Sub-Inspector Kanti Rani posted at Rawalpindi Police Station, said.

3 run over by train

CHIKKABALLAPUR, JAN 9 (PTI): Three members of a family including the husband and wife were run over by a train in Gauribidanur in the district on Monday morning, police said. Police have started investigation into the matter. However, they suspect it to be a case of a suicide pact. According to police, the incident occurred at Thondebhavi village in Gauribidanur Taluk.

Police, farmers scuffle in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR, JAN 9 (PTI): Protesting farmers scuffled with the police here on Monday when they were stooped from proceeding to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s residence to press for demands relating to paddy procurement in the state. Some agitators were taken to custody as a preventive measure, the police said.

AI Paris-New Delhi flight incidents

MUMBAI, JAN 9 (PTI):

Aviation regulator DGCA has issued a show cause notice to Air India after finding the airline’s response as “lackadaisical and delayed” regarding two of passenger misbehaviour incidents onboard a flight from Paris to New Delhi last month.

This is the second time in less than a week that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to the Tata group-owned Air India. The latest show cause notice, where the airline has been given two weeks time to respond, is in relation to two incidents onboard the Paris-New Delhi flight on December 6, 2022 that were not reported to the regulator.

In one incident, a drunk passenger was caught smoking in the lavatory and was not listening to the crew. In the second incident, another passenger allegedly relieved himself on a vacant seat and blanket of a fellow female passenger when she went to lavatory,

DGCA said in a statement on Monday.

“Air India didn’t report the incident until DGCA sought the incident report from them on 05.01.2023.

After perusal of the reply submitted by Air India through email dated 06.01.2023, prima facie it emerges that provisions related to handling of an unruly passenger... have not been complied with.

It has been noted that the response of the airline has been lackadaisical and delayed,” it said.

The watchdog has issued the show cause notice to the accountable manager

of Air India as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for dereliction of their regulatory obligations.

“However, to follow the principles of natural justice, they have been given two weeks time to submit their reply to DGCA and based on that further action will be taken,” the statement said.

On January 5, DGCA issued notices to the officials and crew of the New YorkDelhi flight, asking why action should not be taken against them for “dereliction” of duty while handling the November 26 ‘urination’

Cong slams BJP for criticising ex-army chief Deepak Kapoor

NEW DELH I, JAN 9

(PTI): The Congress on Monday lashed out at the BJP for criticising former Army chief General Deepak Kapoor after he participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and accused the ruling party of “maligning brave hearts”.

Gen (retd) Kapoor and many retired top officers of the defence services joined the Rahul Gandhi-led ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ on Sunday which is passing through Haryana. Tweeting a picture of Gen Kapoor walking alongside Rahul Gandhi in the Yatra in Haryana, BJP IT department head Amit

with ex-COAS Gen

Malviya said, “Ex-Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor joined Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Kapoor was indicted in the Adarsh scam along with other senior Army officers.”

“The inquiry committee had opined that they may

be deba rred from holding any Govt position or office for shaming the Armed Forces,” the BJP leader said Sunday.

Hitting out at Malviya, Congress’ social media department chief Supriya Shrinate said, “General Kapoor, a war veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, recipient of PVSM, AVSM, VSM and Sena Medal among a host of other awards, served our nation from 1967 to 2010 for four decades. You should be ashamed of yourself for maligning our brave hearts. Pity you and your sorry existence.”

incident.

“The conduct of the concerned airline appears to be unprofessional and has led to a systemic failure,” the regulator had said about the incident. An inebriated man allegedly urinated on his female co-passenger, a senior citizen in her seventies, in the business class of the New York-Delhi flight on November 26, 2022.

With respect to the November 26 incident, DGCA has issued show cause notices to the accountable manager of Air India, its director in-flight services, all the pilots and cabin crew members of that flight as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for dereliction of their regulatory obligations.

On January 8, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran admitted that Air India’s response to the incident of a drunk passenger urinating on a woman on one of its international flights last year should have been “much swifter”.

Bengal believes in giving development humane face: Mamata at G20 meeting

KOLKATA, JAN 9 (PTI): Addressing a G20 meeting on financial inclusion, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said her government works to give a human face to the development that it brings about in the state.

Banerjee told delegates that her government’s welfare programmes, including those on women empowerment, have been designed to push for digital and financial inclusion of the poorest sections of society.

“We believe in giving a humane face to development,” said Banerjee, pointing out that her state’s development programmes helped increase Bengal’s GDP four-fold since she took over.

The chief minister, who won a third term last year, said that despite the economic turmoil caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the state managed to create 12 million jobs, mostly in the MSME sector.

“We managed to create jobs, grow our GDP four-fold, mainly because we empowered women, small industries, farmers and youth. We are fighting against hunger and have provided free food to the poor,” she said.

Banerjee pointed out that her government had ensured financial inclusion of women and people of vulnerable sections through digital transfers.

“For women’s empowerment, we give them money through digital transfers… some 1.5 billion USD have been spent on this

programme,” she pointed out, adding that self-help groups, comprising 1.2 million women, have been created in the state.

“We launched the ‘government at your doorstep’ (Duare Sarkar) programme to ensure that people get the benefits of our development initiatives. The programme won a national award,” Banerjee said here at the first ‘Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion’ meeting of the G20.

The CM also said India has remained united, notwithstanding the differences in religion, caste and languages. “We have many religions, castes, races, but we are united as one,” Banerjee said.

The first day of the G20 event featured an exhibition on digital innovations for advancing financial inclusion, and sessions on the role of digital public infrastructure in financial inclusion and productivity gains, among others.

SC dismisses PIL challenging panels set up for UCC

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL challenging the decisions of the Uttarakhand and Gujarat governments to constitute committees for implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying the petition was devoid of merit and the Constitution empowers the states to set up such panels.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha said the plea filed by Anoop Baranwal and others does not warrant to be entertained.

The bench said the constitution of such committees by the states cannot

be challenged for being ultra vires the constitution.

“There was nothing wrong for the states to constitute committees under Article 162 of the Constitution, which gives the power to the executive to do so,” the court said.

It said, “The Constitution of the committees set by the state governments is challenged in this PIL. Article 162 of the Constitution empowers the State to constitute such committees. What is wrong with it?

Entry 5 of the 7th schedule of the Constitution gives such power to the States to form a committee. Setting up such committees cannot be said to be ultra-vires the

Constitution”.

Article 162 of the Constitution states that the executive power of a State shall extend to the matters with respect to which the legislature of the State has power to make laws.

Both Uttarakhand and Gujarat government have constituted committees to look into the issue of implementation of Uniform Civil Code, which will govern matters of divorce, adoption, inheritance, guardianship, succession of all citizens equally regardless of their religion, gender and sexual orientation.

“The Governor has

given his permission to establish an expert committee to check all the relevant laws which control personal matters for people living in Uttarakhand, and to prepare a report on amendments in the present laws,” according to a state government communication.

Several other petitions are also pending before the top court seeking uniform ground and procedures of divorce, adoption and guardianship for all communities across the country.

The Centre has maintained the issue of Uniform Civil Code falls within the domain of legislature.

Rahul Gandhi

Deepak Kapoor. (PTI)

Mamata Banerjee

DGCA issues show cause notice; says airline’s response ‘lackadaisical’

Black money is no more an issue with India: Swiss envoy

NEW DELHI, JAN 9

(ANI): Swiss ambassador to India Dr Ralf Heckner has said black money is not an issue anymore in financial relations between Switzerland and India, as both sides have already exchanged several batches of information.

In an interview with ANI, Ralf Heckner explained that he has been the Swiss ambassador for more than two years but he heard hardly anything about black money.

“The black money issue has been dealt with by a bilateral treaty between Switzerland and India in 2018 on the automatic exchange of bank information between Switzerland and India.

We had several batches of information exchange between Switzerland and India, so the black money issue isn’t the issue anymore. There is not even one cloud over bilateral relations when it comes to financial relations,” he said.

According to some reports, Indian investment in the Swiss banking system witnessed a sharp rise in 2021. Switzerland had shared information about Indian account holders in four batches since the automatic exchange of bank

(From p-1)

information agreement was signed in 2018. Traditionally, Switzerland was seen as a safe tax haven for Indian businessmen, politicians and industrialists.

According to a release by the Federal tax administration of Switzerland, in 2021, it exchanged information on financial accounts with 101 countries.

The exchange took place within the framework of the global standard on the automatic exchange of information (AEOI). Switzerland says it has committed to adopting the global standard for the international automatic exchange of information in tax matters.

The legal basis for the implementation of the AEOI in Switzerland came into force on January 1, 2017. Identification, account and financial information are exchanged, includ-

All Omicron sub-variants...

Since then, 13,57,243 international passengers arrived in India on 7,786 flights at various airports out of which 29,113 randomly selected passengers were tested by RT-PCR.A total of 183 samples were found positive which were subsequently sent for whole

genome sequencing to 13 INSACOG labs. Sequencing of 50 samples revealed Omicron and Omicron sub-lineages including recombinant variants. XBB (11), BQ.1.1 (12) and BF7.4.1 (1) were the main variants detected in these samples of international passengers.

Rupee gains 31 paise to 82.35 against USD

MUMBAI, JAN 9 (PTI):

The rupee gained 31 paise to close at 82.35 against the US dollar on Monday, supported by a weaker greenback overseas and a firm trend in domestic equities.

At the interbank for -

ing name, address, country of residence and tax identification number, as well information concerning the reporting financial institution, account balance and capital income.

The exchanged information allows the cantonal tax authorities to verify whether taxpayers have correctly declared their financial accounts abroad in their tax returns.

The OECD’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) reviews the implementation of the AEOI.

Swiss ambassador further said, “I see a lot of convergence now because sustainability is very dear to honourable prime minister and the same applies to the Swiss government. Our government came up with a strategy for Switzerland’s financial centre.

The Swiss government wants to see a shift toward sustainability. We are not talking USD 100 billion being invested in climate mitigation or climate adaptation, we are talking about trillions of US dollars being managed by Swiss banking funds, insurance and banks that according to the Swiss government be invested in a sustainable manner.”

(From p-1) The NFR did not serve notice by hand to the intended persons but only pasted the notices on walls.

These seem to indicate that the intention of NFR was only to show that it was doing its job and would serve as a ploy to sideline Dimapur on the excuse of inability to get land for laying doubletrack and construction of facilities.

Sources also allege that erstwhile staff of the NFR were hand-in-glove with the ‘occupation’ of railway land.

Dimapur railway station also has the unique feature of having three mandirs near the railway station itself.

The NFR has finally woken up from its slumber mainly due to consistent publication in Nagaland Post over several years with regard to snail paced development and poor train connectivity despite rise in volume of passenger traffic.

Trains meant to originate at Dimapur such as Jan Shatabdi has been extended to Jorhat while the Nagaland Express has been shifted to Ledo. The only train emanating from Dimapur is the BG Express.

‘The South Town’ restaurant opened in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): “The South Town”, a restaurant managed by the Assembly of God (AOG), was inaugurated by advisor of Power, H Tovihoto Ayemi at Naga Shopping Arcade, Super Market, here on Monday.

Addressing the gathering as special guest, Tovihoto acknowledged AOG for coming up with the idea to open a restaurant as a revenue generator for resources to be used in its missions and evangelism.

He noted that it was difficult for any Church or social organization to conveniently move forward without resources, and therefore expressed the hope that the revenue gen-

erated from the restaurant would be a beginning for the extension of His kingdom, and also prayed that the ministry would grow strength in strength.

He thanked AOG for the restaurant’s motto, “Business as Mission” and for coming up with brilliant idea in bringing South Indian food to Dimapur.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, general superintendent, AGEI, Rev Moses Murry, stated that the restaurant was a chain of AOG, and informed that whatever little profit that was generated from the restaurant would be used in evangelism and missionary works in the North East.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by youth director, AGEI, pastor Kevihulie

Pienyü, invocation offered by advisor, CFD, Rev N Paphino, and special song by Ruth Murry.

A short message was also delivered by BAN member, Tiatemsu Longchar, in place of president, BAN, Mongkum Jamir, while

prayer of blessing was offered by vice chairman, CFD, Rev Vitoshe Swu, and benediction by superintendent, AOG Nagaland, Rev Tusaya Kath.

It can be noted that the restaurant will be specialized in Hyderabad Biryani.

Modi likely to revamp Union Cabinet this month

(From p-1)

States like Bihar, and West Bengal could see downsizing but some performing ministers may be retained.

A full-time minister for Cooperatives is also on the anvil.

Sources say many ministers holding more than one portfolio could be divested of some for the new entrants.

Ministers currently

holding more than one portfolio include Mansukh Mandaviya, Anurag Thakur, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashwani Vaishnaw, Smriti Irani and Nirmala Sitharaman, to name a few.

A minority face could also be inducted in the Union cabinet and sources indicate that person from Jammu & Kashmir could be considered.

Since this might possibly be the last ministerial

Connected vehicles to surpass 367 mn by 2027

NEW DELHI, JAN 9

(IANS): The number of connected vehicles in service will reach 367 million globally in 2027, from 192 million in 2023, a new report showed on Monday.

eign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.41 and touched an intra-day high of 82.25 and a low of 82.44 against the greenback. It finally ended at 82.35, registering a rise of 31 paise over its previous close.

According to Juniper Research, this growth of 91 per cent will be driven by the advancement of both ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and increasing the capabilities of in-vehicle infotainment systems.

Connected vehicles are those which come equipped with communication tech-

nologies that allow the exchange of information between the various elements of the transport system and third-party services.

Moreover, the research found that operators are critical to unlocking new use cases, such as autonomous driving and dataheavy infotainment via 5G; representing a $3.6 billion opportunity for providing 5G connectivity enablement in 2027 globally.

“5G can allow automotive OEMs to upgrade the in-vehicle experience. In a vehicle market transitioning

to electric vehicles, improving the user experience is key. Operators hold the critical role in enabling this in a reliable way, making them the partners of choice as their 5G networks rapidly expand,” said Research coauthor Nick Maynard.

Further, the research predicts that by 2027, commercial vehicles will account for only 20 per cent of all connected vehicles worldwide, a slight increase from 16 per cent at the end of 2023. The research also found that commercial vehicle design does not leverage

connectivity beyond basic emergency call features and basic connected infotainment systems, though this is changing as businesses prioritise tracking and logistics capabilities.

reshuffle before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, hectic parleys have begun to get into the Modi Cabinet, a Deccan Chronicle (DC) report stated.

At least two MPs from Gujarat are likely to be rewarded for the party’s stellar performance in the recent Assembly elections.

Sources also said that the Prime Minister was also considering inducting more women into the Union Cabinet.

A senior party leader told DC that after the results of the recent polls in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Prime Minister had indicated that despite the historic victory in Gujarat, he was not too pleased with the outcome.

This observation has apparently been quite “disturbing” for some of his key ministers and party office-bearers.

a Cook and Helper (Preferably female above 20 yrs old, unmarried) with knowledge of Naga Cuisine for a Restaurant in Shillong. Contact : 6009502005 Between : 10 am - 1 pm

db-20/23

Tovihoto Ayemi inaugurating the restaurant. (NP)

Ralf Heckner (PTI)

NFR notices raise more questions than answers

SNIPPETS

7 dead, 20 injured in Pak bus-truck collision

ISLAMABAD, JAN 9 (IANS): At least seven people were killed and 20 others injured in a headon collision between a passenger bus and a truck in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, local authorities said on Monday.

According to the reports, the accident took place around Sunday midnight on the National Highway near the Torosaki area, reports Xinhua news agency.

The deceased and the injured were shifted to a local hospital, the authorities said.

The death toll may increase as some of the injured were in critical condition, hospital staff told local media.

Russian claim of killing 600 Ukrainian soldiers rejected by Kiev

KIEV, JAN 9 (IANS):

Russia’s claim of killing more than 600 Ukrainian soldiers in an attack in the eastern city of Kramatorsk has been rejected by authorities in Kiev and labelled it as “propaganda”.

Russia claimed the toll without providing any evidence and said the “mass missile strike” in Kramatorsk was in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack at a college for conscripts in Makiivka (Donetsk region) that killed at least 89 Russian soldiers on New Year’s Day.

But rejecting the claim, Serhiy Cherevaty, a spokesman for the Ukrainian army, told the BBC on Sunday night that “this is another piece of Russian propaganda”.

In a statement, the Russian Defence Ministry said more than 1,300 Ukrainian troops were housed in two buildings during the attack on Sunday.

Moscow is however, yet to offer any proof of its claim about the Kramatorsk deaths.

Portuguese govt condemns ‘violent actions’ in Brazil

LISBON, JAN 9 (IANS): Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa condemned the acts of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro carried out on Sunday against the seats of power in Brasilia, the federal capital of Brazil.

The Portuguese head of state expressed Portugal’s solidarity with the new President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as a new “legitimately invested power” in Brazil after the 2022 election, Xinhua news agency reported.

Hundreds of supporters of Bolsonaro invaded and vandalised the parliament, the headquarters of the federal government, and the Federal Supreme Court on Sunday.

Floods-caused collapse kills 8 illegal miners in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, JAN 9 (IANS): Eight illegal miners have been killed after they were trapped underground following a collapse three days ago at Burgersfort in the northernmost Limpopo province, the South African police said.

The illegal miners were digging for chrome at ga-Maroga village when heavy rains pushed the soil that blocked the only point they were using for entry and exit, thereby suffocating them, according to the police.

The deceased include one South African, three Mozambicans and four Zimbabweans, the police added on Sunday as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

Brazil authorities seek to punish pro-Bolsonaro rioters

RIO DE JANEIRO, JAN 9 (AP): Brazilian authorities were vowing to protect democracy and preparing to mete out punishment Monday after thousands of exPresident Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and presidential palace then trashed the nation’s highest seats of power.

The protesters were seeking military intervention to either restore the far-right Bolsonaro to power or oust the newly inaugurated leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, unleashing chaos and destruction that bore striking similarities to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol.

Rioters donning the green and yellow of the national flag on Sunday broke windows, toppled furniture, hurled computers and printers to the ground. They punctured a massive Emiliano Di Cav-

Workers inspect destroyed computers in the main entrance of the office of the president. (AP/PTI)

alcanti painting in five places, overturned the Ushaped table at which Supreme Court justices convene, ripped a door off one justice’s office and vandalized an iconic statue outside the court.

The monumental buildings’ interiors were left in states of ruin.

Authorities made a point to show that they were moving to prevent

further attacks on Brazil’s democratic rule of law.

In a news conference late Sunday, Brazil’s minister of institutional relations said the buildings would be inspected for evidence including fingerprints and images to hold people to account, and that the rioters apparently intended to spark similar such actions nationwide. Justice Minister Flávio Dino said the

acts amounted to terrorism and coup-mongering and that police have begun tracking those who paid for the buses that transported protesters to the capital.

“They will not succeed in destroying Brazilian democracy. We need to say that fully, with all firmness and conviction,” Dino said. “We will not accept the path of criminality to carry out political fights in Brazil. A criminal is treated like a criminal.”

So far, more than 1,200 people have been detained, the justice ministry’s press office said Monday. But police were noticeably slow to react - even after the arrival of more than 100 busses - leading many to ponder whether authorities had either simply ignored numerous warnings, underestimated the protesters’ strength or had been somehow complicit.

Imran Khan asks military to refrain from ‘political engineering’ in next elections

LAHORE, JAN 9 (PTI): Pakistan’s ousted prime minister Imran Khan has asked the powerful establishment to refrain from “political engineering” in the general elections later this year as he asserted that his party is the only party that can pull the cash-strapped country out of the current economic quagmire.

Addressing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s women convention in Karachi via video link from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on Sunday, the cricketer-turned-politician once again blamed former Army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa for his ouster as well as the current political and economic crisis facing Pakistan. Khan expressed fear that political engineering would be carried out in the next general elections to weaken his party and urged the powerful establishment to refrain from making such a mistake.

“The military estab -

lishment has not learned anything from its past mistakes as political engineering is being carried out to hurt my party for the future elections,” he claimed.

He alleged that the military establishment was involved in efforts to unite differe nt factions of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Karachi and sending the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leaders from south Punjab into the Pak istan Peoples Party (PPP) because it feared the political strength of his party. The 70-year-old politician also accused the establishment of making efforts to

bring the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to power in Punjab province.

“Our establishment has already done so much damage to the country... but still it is not ready to learn anything from the past,” said Khan, who had so far observed caution regarding new army chief Gen Asim Munir and his policies. He had rather hoped that the military under Gen Munir would remain neutral.

Continuing his tirade against Gen (retd.) Bajwa, Khan said the former military chief was “responsible for the crisis in the country”.

“This man pushed Pakistan into crisis. I had told him (before the ouster of my government in April last) that weakening the PTI government would not be in the interest of the country. Bajwa ruined Pakistan’s political and economic gains,” Khan said, adding that only free and fair elections could steer the country out of the crisis.

Sweden has done what’s needed to join alliance: NATO China holds large-scale joint strike drills aimed at Taiwan

China claims sovereignty over the island, which split from the mainland in 1949 after a civil war.

TAIPEI, JAN 9 (AP): The Chinese military held largescale joint combat strike drills starting Sunday, sending war planes and navy vessels toward Taiwan, both the Chinese and Taiwanese defence ministries said.

The exercises coincided with the visit of a group of German lawmakers who landed in Taiwan on Monday morning.

Leading the delegation is the Marie-Agnes StrackZimmermann, who leads the German Parliament’s Defence Committee.

The exercises have continued into Monday, Taiwan’s defence ministry said, monitoring Chinese war -

planes and navy vessels on its missile systems.

China’s actions “have severely disrupted the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and surrounding waters,” the ministry said.

The German lawmakers will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, as well as Taiwan’s National Security Council head and the Mainland Affairs Council, which handles issues related to China.

China has stepped up its pressure on Taiwan’s military in recent years by sending warplanes or navy vessels on an almost-daily basis toward the self-ruled island.

Reconstruction work of old rly track in SL begins

Over the course of 24 hours between 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday morning, China’s People’s Liberation Army flew 57 warplanes and four ships toward Taiwan, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said in a statement Monday morning.

Twenty-eight of those planes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary that both sides had previously stood by.

China announced the drills around 11 p.m. Sunday, saying their “primary target was to practice landstrikes and sea assaults,” according to a statement from Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command.

At the end of December, China sent a record 71 planes and 7 ships toward Taiwan, the largest such scale exercise in 2022.

STOCKHOLM, JAN 9 (AP): It’s time for Sweden to join NATO because it has done what’s necessary to secure Turkey’s approval for membership, the military alliance’s secretary-general said on Monday.

“I have said that time has come to bring to an end the ratification process for Sweden,” Jens Stoltenberg told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet in an interview. In May, Sweden and neighbouring Finland dropped their longstanding policies of military nonalignment and applied to join NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The move requires the unanimous approval of the alliance members.

Turkey has held up the process while pressing the two Nordic countries to crack down on groups it considers to be terrorist organisations and to extradite people suspected of terror-related crimes.

Last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sweden was not even “halfway”

through fulfilling the commitments it made to secure Ankara’s support. His remarks came after a Swedish court ruled against extraditing a man wanted by Turkey for alleged links to a 2016 failed coup.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has said that Sweden has lived up to its commitments and that the decision now “lies with Turkey.”

“We have a very good process together with Finland and Turkey and are doing exactly what we said, which Turkey is now confirming,” Kristersson said on Sunday, the first day of the three-day People and Defence conference in Salen, a ski resort in central Sweden.

The event was attended by Stoltenberg and Swedish foreign policy and security experts.

“Legislation banning participation in terrorist organisations is being implemented, and Turkey is known to name individuals it wants extradited.

It is also known that Sweden has legislation that is clear and means that it is up to the courts. We also

do not extradite Swedish citizens to any country.”

There was no immediate reaction from Turkey to the comments by Stoltenberg and Kristersson.

The parliaments of 28 NATO countries have already ratified Sweden and Finland’s membership. Turkey and Hungary are the only members that haven’t yet given their approval.

IN GRATITUDE

I hereby make it publicly known that I have relinquished the Principalship of City Law College Dimapur after serving the college for a long uneventful period of nearly 18 years.

It was the most satisfying, blissful and fruitful period in my public life. I and my family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness for the unfailing support, love and cooperation of the College Board members, the teaching faculty, the office staff, and the student fraternity, and the public in general. God bless the college in its service to the student community.

P Leonard Aier DC-28/23

RATITUDE

The Tsütuonuomia Model Village, kohima express our sincere appreciations and unstinted gratitude to the Community of the Gorkha Public Panchayat Chandmari, kohima for the benevolent act towards the economically underprivileged families residing at the village during Christmas season. With deep sense of appreciation, we truly acknowledged the good work, which will be cherished and remembered in the days to come. We wish God unceasing blessing’s upon your Community. Sd/(VIkIETUO BELhO) Chairman k-70/23

COLOMBO, JAN 9 (PTI):

The reconstruction work of a century-old railway track in northern Sri Lanka began under India’s assistance here on Monday, in a move aimed at enhancing mobility of goods and services and boosting economic activity in the cash-strapped island nation. The 43-km long railway track between Medawachchiya and Madhu Road represents the first phase of the project to reconstruct the Northern Railway Line, covering 252 km, which will be completed at a cost of USD 81 million.

IRCON International, an Indian company that has contributed to several railway reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka, is headlining this project.

Additionally, ancillary works from Maho to Omanthai 128 km is also being undertaken by IRCON, under an existing line of credit (LoC) of USD 318 million, at a cost of USD 91.27 million. “As a long-standing development partner of Sri Lanka, the Government of India executed several projects in Sri Lanka under its

concessional loans and grant schemes. Of the different sectors of cooperation under these facilities, the upgradation and modernisation of Sri Lankan Railways has been one of the priority areas,” the Indian High Commission here said in a statement. Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay said the move “underscored the importance of modernisation of Railways in enhancing mobility of goods and services in Sri Lanka thereby boosting economic activity.”

“India has executed projects of over USD 1 billion in the railways sector in Sri Lanka under five Indian LoCs,” Baglay said during the official inauguration of the project. “In addition, projects of about USD 180 million are either ongoing or in pipeline under existing LoCs,” he added.

The High Commissioner stressed the importance of strengthening connectivity internally in Sri Lanka as well as with India for enhancing pilgrimages, tourism, trade and economic benefits for people from both countries.

Felicitation

The Dimapur Nkonjan Lotsu Ekhung with pride and joy and thanks giving to God, conveys our heartiest congratulations to :

1. Mr. Orenthung Odyuo being promoted to Deputy General Manager (Civil) in the establishment of North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited.

2. Miss Zuchano Ovung, D/o Mhonbemo Ovung appointed as Graduate Teacher in Science qualified through competitive exam. The Ekhung further prays and wishes them more success in their future endeavours.

Jens Stoltenberg

OffICE

TSÜTUONUOMIA MODEL VILLAGE COUNCIL kOhIMA : NAGALAND G

A Chinese PLA J-16 fighter jet flies in an undisclosed location. (AP File)

Imran Khan

In order to promote enthusiast drivers from northeast and provide opportunities at national and international level, Nagaland Adventure Club (NAC) and Blue Band organized Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) at Agri Expo, Dimapur on Monday.

organise driver’s talent hunt

Gaurav Gill who is the first sportsperson from motorsports to receive the coveted Arjuna award from the President of India in 2019, three times Asian Pacific champion, eight times Indian champion, World Rally Championship (WRC) participant, said that the objective of the event was

to search for fresh talents in sports rally from northeast and to push new drivers of motorsports in right direction. Gill also informed that the sole winner will get chance for a free drive in round one of INRC 2023.

Babit Lyndong was adjudged the winner for the event, while Ronan Ba-

zely and Kevin Puro were declared first and second runners up, respectively.

A total of 25 participants turned up for the event which also included a female driver. Earlier, in the event NAC president, Burakum delivered the welcome address.

(Staff Reporter)

Whoopi Goldberg pleads with Maggie Smith to return for ‘Sister Act 3’

Whoopi Goldberg used her recent spot on British morning television to shout out an old friend.

The EGOT winner, 67, made a public plea to British audiences while appearing Friday on the Loose Women talk show, where she revealed that she’s waiting on one more original Sister Act costar to return before rounding out the trilogy with the upcoming third installment.

“I want to let Maggie Smith know that I’m holding the part of Mother Superior for you, because I just can’t do it with anybody but you,” Goldberg said into the camera.

“So, if you need me to come over here and shoot it and do whatever we have to do, we will do whatever you want us to do,” she continued. “But we don’t want to do it without you, Maggie.”

A still from the movie Sister Act-1.

Goldberg and Smith, 88, starred together in the 1992 comedy about lounge singer Deloris (Goldberg) who hides out in a convent after witnessing a mob hit, where she soon transforms the nuns’ choir into a worldwide sensation. They both returned for the 1993 sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

Smith has remained busy into her twilight years, most recently appearing on the big screen in last year’s

Downton Abbey: A New Era, reprising her role as Violet Grantham from the hit series.

Goldberg previously credited their fellow Sister Act costar Kathy Najimy with indirectly helping the new sequel get off the ground, following the success of Hocus Pocus 2, as they reunited on The View in October 2022.

“It took a little while, but it’s happening. You all helped that happen, I think,

because they brought Hocus Pocus back,” she said at the time. “They finally said, ‘We might as well put those nuns back out there and see if they have any juice.’

“

Meanwhile, Goldberg has shared her wishlist of new faces for the Sister Act 3 ensemble, revealing she would want Keke Palmer, Lizzo and Nicki Minaj to join the cast. Palmer, 29, has since said she’s “ready for whatever.” (People)

‘M3gan’ dolls up with $30.2M while ‘Avatar’ stays No. 1

The Blumhouse evildoll horror film

“M3gan” got off to a killer start, debuting with $30.2 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates, while “Avatar: The Way of Water” continued its box-office reign in the top spot.

Universal Pictures’ “M3gan,” about a robot companion built for a young girl after her parents are killed in a car accident, rode strong buzz and viral dancing memes to an aboveexpectations debut. In the low-budget slasher, starring Allison Williams, Blumhouse and producer James Wan crafted Hollywood’s first hit of the new year, likely spawning a new highconcept horror franchise. Audiences gave the PG-13 film a “B” CinemaScore — though reviews (94% fresh

on Rotten Tomatoes) were stronger for the modern, techy twist on a “Child’s Play”-like thriller. It added $10 million internationally.

But while “M3gan” drew audiences largely in 2D showings, large-format screens continued to be soaked up by James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water.” The 3-D three-hour sequel remained No. 1 for the fourth straight week in U.S. and Canadian theaters with $45 million in sales.

Anil Kapoor to play a powerful philanthropist in ‘The Night Manager’

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor will be seen essaying the role of a powerful philanthropist in the upcoming streaming show ‘The Night Manager’. The show is a high-octane thriller wrapped in lavish drama and picturesque sights, and also stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Tillotama Shome, Saswata Chatterjee and Ravi Behl. Talking about how he came to be associated with the project, Anil said: “I have always loved working on differentiated content and characters. The first time I read the script, I just fell in love with the character of Shelly Rungta.”

“Shelly is a powerful man, a philanthropist and a perfect balance of wit and evil with imperceptible menace just like the the show - a perfect blend of entertainment and great storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed working with some of the finest from the industry.”

Reasons for Memory Loss

Lack of Sleep

First, it’s harder to recall things when you haven’t slept. Second, sleep strengthens the bonds between brain cells that help you remember for the long term. Third, it’s harder to form memories in the first place when your mind is wandering because of a lack of sleep. Good “sleep hygiene” can help: Shoot for 8 hours a night, exercise daily, stick to a regular sleep schedule, and avoid alcohol and caffeine late in the day.

Medication

Drugs that sedate you, like sleep aids and tranquilizers, can weaken your memory, as you might imagine. But so can less obvious culprits, like blood pressure meds, antihistamines, and antidepressants. Plus, you may react differently than someone else to the same pill or combination of pills. Tell your doctor about any memory issues when you start a new medication. They may be able to adjust the dose or prescribe an alternative.

Diabetes People with the disease are more likely to develop memory problems including dementia. It may be that high blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels called capillaries in the brain. Or it may be that high insulin damages brain cells. Scientists continue to study the issue. You might be able to slow this memory decline if you try to prevent or at least control your diabetes with medicine, exercise, and a healthy diet.

Genes

Genes -- traits you got from your parents -- help determine when and if your memory starts to fade and whether you get dementia. But it’s not simple.

Genetics seem to matter more in some types of dementia than others, and a gene that affects memory in one person might have no effect in another. A genetic test from your doctor might have some useful information.

Age Memory tends to get worse as you get older. Doctors call it dementia when it starts to interfere with daily life. The number of people with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, doubles every 5 years after age 65. Your genes play a part in why this happens, but so do things like diet, exercise, social life, and illness like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Stroke

A stroke stops the flow of blood to part of your brain. Afterward, damaged brain tissue can make it hard to think, speak, remember, or pay attention. It’s called vascular dementia. This can also happen with a series of small strokes over time. Things that raise your risk of stroke like high blood pressure, heart disease, and smoking may also cause this type of dementia. If you think you’re having a stroke, remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems,

Time to call 911.

Smoking Smoking seems to shrink parts of your brain that help you think and remember things. It also raises your risk of dementia, possibly because it’s bad for your blood vessels. And it definitely raises your risk of stroke, which can damage the brain and cause vascular dementia. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you smoke and want to quit.

Heart Disease

Plaque builds up in your arteries and slows blood flow to your brain and other organs. This is called atherosclerosis. It can make it harder to think clearly and remember things. It also could lead to a heart attack or stroke, which both also raise your chances of dementia. And even if you don’t yet have heart disease, possible causes -- smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure -- make dementia more likely.

High Blood Pressure Also called hypertension, it raises your risk of memory problems, including dementia, most likely because it damages the tiny blood vessels in your brain. It also can lead to other conditions like stroke that cause dementia. People who control their blood pressure with diet, exercise,

and medication seem to be able to slow or prevent this brain decline.

Depression and Anxiety

It’s often harder to concentrate or recall things if you’re anxious or depressed. Plus, you’re also more likely to develop dementia, though scientists don’t yet know exactly why that happens. Talk to your doctor or therapist if anxiety or depression interfere with your enjoyment of normal daily life or you think of harming yourself. Therapy and medication can help.

Head Injury

A hit to the head (traumatic brain injury) can affect short-term memory. You might forget appointments or feel unsure of what you did earlier in the day. Rest, medicine, and medical rehab can help you recover. Repeated hits to your noggin, as in boxing or football, raises your risk for dementia later in life. Get to the hospital if you hit your head and then pass out or have blurry vision, or if you feel dizzy, confused, or nauseous.

Obesity

If your body mass index (BMI) is over 30 in middle age, you have a higher risk for dementia later in life. And extra pounds anytime make heart disease more likely, which also sometimes leads to brain decline and memory problems. You can calculate BMI online with your height and weight. Talk to your doctor about the right weight for you. You may be able to improve yours with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Lack of Exercise

Regular exercise lessens the risk of brain decline, memory problems, and dementia. It also seems

to improve brain function in those who already have dementia. You don’t have to go out and run a marathon or take up pole vaulting. Just get out and garden, walk, swim, or even dance for 30 minutes on most days of the week.

Bad Diet

Unhealthy eating can lead to heart disease, which can cause brain issues including memory problems and dementia. That’s why the heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet is good for your brain, too. It stresses whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, and other healthy fats like avocado, and keeps the red

‘The Night Manager’ has been created and directed by Sandeep Modi and codirected by Priyanka Ghosh. Anil’s co-actor, Aditya Roy Kapur, who plays the titular role in the show, said in a statement: “I have always wanted to perform a multi-layered character in a series with a complex narrative arc, and when the platform approached me to play the title role in ‘The Night Manager’, I knew this was just the one I’d been looking for.” He further mentioned: “My character Shaan is the kind of person who can effortlessly make people believe whatever he wants them to, and that perfectly mirrors what we as actors strive to achieve with our craft. I’m glad that the Disney+ Hotstar team and Sandeep Modi gave me this opportunity to play such an exciting character and I can’t wait to bring him to audiences in India and around the world!” (IANS)

Cameron’s sci-fi spectacle has now surpassed $500 million domestically and $1.7 billion globally. After dominating the otherwise lackluster holiday corridor, the “Avatar” sequel is nearly matching the original’s pace; the 2009 “Avatar” scored $50.3 million in its fourth weekend. “The Way of

Water” already ranks as the seventh highest grossing film ever, not accounting for inflation — a total particularly owed to its strong overseas performance. The film’s $1.2 billion in international ticket sales exceeds that of any film released since the start of the pandemic.

“M3gan” was the only new film in wide release, though Sony Pictures’ “A Man Called Otto,” starring Tom Hanks, played in 637 theaters after first launching in four theaters. The film, a remake of the Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” managed a solid $4.2 million ahead of its nationwide release on Friday. (AP)

to a minimum.

Winners of the event with the organisers. (NP) A rally car performing at Northeast INRC talent hunt. (NP)

meat

Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD

Kronu pitches for healthy competition

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 9 (NPN):

Minister planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs, Nagaland, Neiba Kronu urged the sportspersons to be gracious and exercise healthy competition to excel and win the heart of the fans.

He was speaking at a five-day long 40th sports meet of Khezha-Kuzha Tephe Sports Association (KKTSA) on Monday at Sports Complex, Pfutsero under Phek district.

Altogether, 523 players from 8 villages are taking part in the event.

Gracing the inaugural ceremony as the special guest, Kronu said successful sports persons were the most respectful citizen in the society and called upon the youth to take up sports on professional perspective.

Kronu also challenged the budding sportspersons to be committed and target for national and global sports arena reminding to take discipline and punctuality as the focal ingredient to excel in sports.

The minister also assured to donate a trophy for the best discipline team to strengthen the level of discipline amongst the contingents.

Also gracing the function as the guest of honour, Dr. Neisatuo Mero, intending candidate for the upcoming state general election maintained that sports promote a healthy society apart from earning fame and glory.

He called upon the

youth to develop the spirit of peace through sports and also stressed on the need to get the indigenous sports recognised at the national level.

The inaugural function was chaired by Lhiwepelo Ritse while executive director KBCA, Rev. Dr. Obed Marhu, blessed the event with a prayer. KKTSA president Kewete Mero delivered presidential address.

KKTSA technical

India paddlers register easy 1st round win in Asian WTTC Continental Stage in Qatar

DOHA, JAN 9 (IANS): India’s Manika Batra won her first-round match of the Asian WTTC Continental Stage with considerable ease while scripting a 112,11-3,11-2,11-7 win over Magdieva Markhabo of Uzbekistan on Sunday at the Lusail Sports Complex in Doha.

The Qatar event, the first competition of the 2023 season, will act as a qualifying stage for the World Championships to be held in Durban, South Africa, in May 2023. Action will heat up on Tuesday with most of the top ranked players from Asia having got a bye into the second round of the men’s and women’s event.

On Monday, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and the mixed doubles matches will take place starting from 10 a.m. Doha time. On Sunday, India’s highest-ranked paddler in the tournament, Batra took just 19 minutes to win the contest 4-0. The World

Bumrah ruled out of upcoming ODI series against SL

NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (IANS): India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting in Guwahati from Tuesday.

As per an official statement from the BCCI, Bumrah, who was set to join the team in Guwahati ahead of the ODI series, will need some more time to build bowling resilience.

It added that the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure, with no replacement being named in Bumrah’s absence, further delaying the competitive cricket comeback of the right-arm fast-bowler.

Bumrah, 29, was not a part of India’s original ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka announced on December 27. But he was included in the squad for the three-match series on January 3. “The pacer has undergone rehabilitation and has been declared fit by the NCA. He will be joining the Team India ODI squad soon,” the BCCI had said at that time.

Bumrah has been out of cricketing action since September 2022, when his back injury resurfaced after playing two home T20Is against Australia.

No.35 will take on Zhu Chengzhu of Hong Kong on Monday. Chengzhu, ranked 93 on the ITTF computer, defeated Sri lanka’s Bandara Bimandee in straight games to set up the challenge with India’s Batra.

Elsewhere, the other women players in the fray Sreeja Akula, Diya Chitale, Reeth Tennison and Swastika Ghosh all won their matches and made it to the next stage.

Akula overcame the Amruta Phadke of Bahrain, Chitale got the better of Mirkadirova Sarvinoz (Kazakhstan) by 4-0, Tennison defeated Zhang Wanling of Singapore by 4-1 and Ghosh overcame Akasheva Zauresh

(Kazakhstan) by 4-1.

In the men’s section, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Achanta Sarath Kamal, Manush Utpal Shah, Sanil Shetty and Harmeet Desai all won their respective matches and will play their second-round matches on Tuesday. Desai defeated Abdulla Albalooshi of UAE, 4-2, while Shah also registered an identical win over Alan Kurmangaliyev of Kazakhstan. Shetty had a close 4-3 success against Amir Hossein Hodaei of Iran while Gnanasekaran kept his cool to register a fighting 4-3-win over Izaac Quek of Singapore.

Veteran Kamal stormed to the next round with a fluent 4-0 win over Jann Mari Nayre of Philippines.

Indian players will also be seen in action in the Women’s Doubles through the pair of Batra and Archana Kamath while the second double combination will comprise of Akula and Tennison.

secretary Wede Mero administered oath to eight participating teams, which include; Pfutseromi village, Lekromi village, Kami village, Zapami village, Lasumi village, Leshemi village, Lewoza village and Khezhakeno village.

Rhitsho Mero led the tournament torch bearer.

A five-day long tournament will witness football, basketball, volleyball, arm wrestling and track and field events.

Djokovic, Kyrgios to play practice match before

Aus Open

MELBOURNE, JAN 9 (IANS): The nine-time Australian Open champion, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will play a practice match ahead of this year’s first Grand Slam here at Rod Laver Arena on Friday.

“Get set for explosive action as tennis’ most famous frenemies come together on RLA for an exciting practice match before #AO2023,” tournament organisers tweeted on Monday.

It will be their first meeting since their epic Wimbledon final last year and Djokovic’s first match in Melbourne since claiming the Australian Open 2021 title. The Australian has not been in action since October. He also pulled out of the United Cup due to an ankle injury.

Kyrgios leads their head-to-head record 2-1, winning both of their previous hard-court meetings.

The Arena Showdown is the finale of the Australian Open’s Perfect Practice series, which takes place at Rod Laver Arena each afternoon this week.

Zhaleo graces late Rev. Zhadiu Nagi Memorial Trophy at Tsiepama

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): MLA & Advisor, Sericulture, Excise & Minority Affairs Nagaland, Zhaleo Rio graced the Late Rev. Zhadiu Nagi Memorial Trophy at Tsiepama local ground on January 9. The event was organised by Dream Team Club of Tsiepama village.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Zhaleo called upon youngsters to remain committed and disciplined to achieve their goal. He also acknowledged the organisers for bringing nearby villages together through the platform of sports and noted that “the present government is concerned for the welfare of youths especially in games and sports.” Taking the example of Neithovilie Chalieu, who hails from Tsiepama, Rio said that “he is a renowned goalkeeper who has won accolades and awards from all over the country”, all through his sheer determination and hardwork while adding that “there is no substitute for hardwork.”

Rio further went on to state that “Just as Rome

was not built in a day, so also dreams and careers are achieved only through relentless perspiration and rigorous training over many years.” He also advised the villagers, leaders, etc. to encourage and give proper guidance to youngsters as they strive to achieve their goals.

Also speaking at the function, state football coach and vice president, Nagaland Football Association, Mughato Aye, challenged sportspersons to come out of their comfort zone in order to excel in their respective fields. He acknowledged

the exemplary efforts of Neitho Chalieu who is known all over the country and advocated that he is a role model for all Nagas today. Aye also requested the government to consider the vast experiences and achievements of Neitho while giving him due recognition as deserved by him. Nine teams from neighbouring villages are participating in the tournament which will culminate on January 14.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Mhasikhotso Shüya while pastor TCRC, Seyiezhalie, offered invocation.

La Liga: Dembele’s goal moves Barcelona three clear

MADRID, JAN 9 (IANS):

FC Barcelona reopened a three-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with a 1-0 win away to Atletico Madrid.

Ousmane Dembele’s goal midway through the first half after good work by Pedri and Gavi was enough to give Barca the win, reports Xinhua news agency.

The league leaders struggled at times to create clear chances without the suspended Robert Lewandowski, but produced a muchimproved defensive display to frustrate an Atletico side in which Joao Felix failed to make a difference.

Tempers frayed in the closing moments and both Barca’s Ferran Torres and Atletico defender Stefan Savic were sent off for fighting moments before Ronald Araujo cleared off the line to deny Antoine Griezmann.

Real Sociedad enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win away to Almeria thanks to second-half goals from

59th Tizü Area Sports Association meet gets underway at Khuza town

DIMAPUR, JAN (NPN):

The 59th meet of Tizü Area Sports Association (TASA) commenced on Monday at Tizü Area Sports Complex, Khuza town under Phek district with 9 teams competing for field, track and game events including newly introduced Naga style wrestling and arm wrestling hosted by Khuza under the motto “Friendship Forever”.

The six days event which would culminate on January 14 was graced by Class I Contractor, Nagaland, Shevohu Nienu, as special guest and Kedallo NNC/FGN & co-convenor WC, NNPGs, Zhopra Vero, as guest of honour.

In his address, the special guest called upon the youths of today to have dreams and fear God to progress and rise higher in every aspect of life. He called upon the 10 adjoining villages of Tizü Area to have unity by adhering to the motto “Friendship Forever” through peace and good leadership which he firmly believes will culminate in producing quality sportspersons who can further compete at the highest level and bring recognition to the area. He stressed that an individual’s focus should rely upon identifying one’s

own skills and talents and putting one’s best effort in translating those into results.

Guest of honour, Zhopra Vero, in his speech shared his vision and dream of Tizu Area in the years ahead. In that regard, the guest of honour stressed on improvement of sports facilities and infrastructure emphasizing that the growth of sports industry depend upon such factors.

He also asserted that successful sportsmanship involves teamwork and maintained that players should inculcate good discipline. He maintained that sports have become a multi-million industry in this contemporary world and implored the youths to focus on making sports as a profession which will generate income and sustenance.

Vero also suggested that a “Lifetime Achievement Award” be

introduced in memory of Lt. Col. Vephutso Rhakho to honour the notable pioneers, who during their lifetime have made creative contributions of outstanding significance in the field of sports, particularly in Tizu area.

He also announced to introduce “Best Discipline Team Award” in a first of its kind with an amount of Rs. 25,000 running cash primarily to emphasize on the importance of sports discipline as a team.

Earlier, the programme was led by general secretary TASA, Shekhozo Vero, invocation by pastor KVBC, Vechikho Sapuh, followed by introduction of teams. Welcome note was delivered by chairman Village Council, Khuza, Nesapra Vero, while Mother’s Group, Khuza village presented an indigenous tune, presidential note was delivered by president TASA, Chisato Vero, a special number was presented by Swuyeveto Vero.

The oath was administered by games & sports secretary TASA, Seto Rhakho, which was followed by lighting of tournament torch & declaration of TASA 59th meet open by the special guest.

The San Sebastian outfit have won their last three La Liga matches and Sunday’s win lifted them to within six points of secondplaced Real Madrid, who lost to Villarreal 2-1 on

Saturday.

Real Betis won 2-1 away to Rayo Vallecano with Luiz Henrique scoring the winning goal.

Before the Brazilian’s 40th-minute winner, Betis had taken the lead when Rayo keeper Stole Dimitrievski punched the

Condolence Message

We, The Ghokimi Students' Union is deeply aggrieved by the sudden demise of Lt. Hotolu Swu, (NCS, Addl. Secretary, Sericulture and Team Leader, NHBM).

We convey our deepest condolences and share grief with the bereaved family. We pray to the Almighty to give all of you the strength to bear this great loss with strength and courage.

We also pray that his soul finds peace President General Secretary Kavishe Swu Aloto Swu k-62/23

ball into the head of his teammate Ivan Balliu for it to rebound into the net.

Sergio Camello leveled for Rayo in the 20th minute after an error from Rui Silva, but Henrique’s goal proved decisive.

Marcos Acuna’s firsthalf header and another header from Rafa Mir 10 minutes from time gave Sevilla a vital 2-1 win at home to Getafe.

Borja Mayoral pulled a goal back for the visitors in the closing minutes, but it wasn’t enough to save a point and Sevilla climb out of the bottom three.

On Saturday, Argentina’s World Cupwinning coach Lionel Scaloni returned to Spain to watch Mallorca beat Real Valladolid 1-0. Espanyol are still struggling in the relegation zone after being denied a win by a late goal from Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera in a 2-2 tie.

Friday night saw Iago Aspas give Celta Vigo a 1-0 win away to bottom side Elche, while Ruben Alcaraz’s ninth-minute strike saw Cadiz shock Valencia 1-0 to lift them closer to safety.

Dapu Küllao 28/12/1928 – 02/01/2023

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Dapu Küllao (Sr. Pastor, Chozuba Village Baptist Church), would like to convey our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, families, friends, churches and villages for your physical, financial, emotional, spiritual and moral support at the sudden demise of our beloved husband/father/grandfather.

Words are not enough to express how thankful we are for your support, sympathy and empathy. It is our sincere prayer that our good Lord bless each of you.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith- 2 Timothy 4:7 Loving wife, children and grandchildren

k-55/23

Late Kehochole Sophie 27th March, 1947 – 12th December, 2022 You were the strand that held us together, the shade that kept us secure. You’re now gone and we seek solace in the echoes of your prayers.

To everyone who stood by us during our time of loss and grief – thank you from the depth of our hearts for the love, care, prayers and support you have extended to us in different ways. Your kind gestures are truly appreciated and will always be remembered with gratitude.

The family of Late Mrs. Kehochole Sophie

1st DEATh ANNivErsAry of our beloved mother Lt. Dr. N Martina Solo Belho

Neiba Kronu kicking off the five days KKTSA sports meet.

Zhaleo Rio, being welcomed by the villagers and Dream Team club members at Tsiepama village ground on January 9.

Shevohu Nienu

David Silva and Alexander Sorloth to strengthen their position in third.

Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele (R) celebrates with teammates after the Spanish La Liga match. (AP/PTI)

Manika Batra

FA Cup: Man City thrash Chelsea

LONDON, JAN 9

(IANS): Manchester City beat Chelsea for the second time in less than a week to ensure their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The result was never in doubt after three goals in 15 minutes in the first half left Chelsea groggy and Pep Guardiola’s team flying, reports Xinhua news agency.

Riyad Mahrez, who had scored the only goal in the two sides’ midweek match, netted the first goal with a thumping free kick.

Julian Alvarez scored from the penalty spot after a handball by Kai Havertz seven minutes later, and Phil Foden added a third from close range after good work from Kyle Walker.

Mahrez scored his second of the match late in the second half to increase

the pressure on Chelsea coach Graham Potter.

Aston Villa were stunned by two late goals from fourth-tier side Stevenage Borough.

Morgan Sanson put Aston Villa ahead in the 33rd minute, and although Villa were far from brilliant, they looked

to have done enough until Leander Dendonker was sent off in the 85th minute after conceding a penalty.

Jamie Reid scored from the spot and Dean Campbell shocked Unai Emery’s side four minutes later when he scored a left-footed shot following a corner to give Stevenage

FFF president apologises for ‘awkward remarks’ on Zidane after backlash

PARIS, JAN 9

(AGENCIES): France

Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet apologised to Zinedine Zidane on Monday after his comments on the former Real Madrid coach drew the ire of players, politicians and even the Spanish club.

Zidane was one of the favourites to take charge of the national team if Didier Deschamps had stepped down but his contract was extended after he led France to the World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina in Qatar last month.

When asked if Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998 and a national icon, would

now manage the Brazilian national team instead, Le Graet had told RMC: “I don’t give a damn, he can go wherever he wants.”

Le Graet added he would not even pick up the phone if Zidane called, prompting a backlash and his subsequent apology.

“I would like to present my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect

my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become,” Le Graet said in a statement reported by L’Equipe.

“I admit that I made awkward remarks which created a misunderstanding.

Zidane knows the immense esteem I have for him, like all French people.”

On Sunday, Le Graet had said Zidane was on the radar and had plenty of support but stood no chance of replacing Deschamps.

“Who can make serious reproaches to Deschamps?

Nobody... If Zidane tried to contact me? Certainly not, I wouldn’t even pick up the phone,” he had said.

an unlikely win.

Sonny Perkins grabbed an injury-time equalizer for Leeds United as Jesse Marsch’s side came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 away to Championship outfit Cardiff City.

Things looked to be going perfectly for Cardiff when Jaden PhilogeneBidace and Sheyi Ojo put them ahead with goals after 24 and 31 minutes.

The home team were hurting Leeds on the break, but the Premier League side pulled a goal back through Rodrigo Moreno with 25 minutes left to play.

Cardiff were reduced to 10 men when Joel Bagan was sent off with 10 minutes left, and Perkins sealed a replay when he followed in to score from close range after Junior Firpo’s shot was blocked.

Aus Open: Players can compete if Covid-positive

MELBOURNE, JAN 9

(IANS): Players at 2023 Australian Open will not be required to take Covid-19 tests, tournament officials confirmed. But recommended those who felt unwell, stay at home. “We’ve made it clear to our players, as well as our staff. We ask ... if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home,” Tourney Director Craig Tiley was quoted as saying. Tiley also pointed out Australian batter Matt Renshaw, who played in the final Test against S.Africa after a positive test. “It’s a normalised environment for us, not dissimilar to cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with Covid” .

Dakar Rally: Ross Branch wins Stage

RIYADH,

SAUDI ARABIA, JAN 9 (IANS):

Hero MotoSports Team Rally scripted history once again by winning a stage at the world’s toughest rally -- Dakar Rally.

Ross Branch finished Stage 8 in the fastest time, securing the second Dakar Stage win for himself, and for Hero MotoSports Team Rally.

For Hero MotoSports Team Rally, which entered rally racing only seven years ago, this is the second taste of victory, and in consecutive Dakar rallies, making it one of the flag-bearer of Indian motorsports. In 2022 it had become the first Indian manufacturer team ever win a Stage at the Dakar.

Sebastian Buhler also made it in to the top10 of stage 8, finishing in the 6th position, just 8 minutes behind Ross.

Franco Caimi continued his steady performance and finished the stage in the 16th position in the Rally GP class.

Ross’ stunning dash to the finish today has revitalized the morale of the team, ending the first leg of the Rally on a high note. Even though they started well with a podium in the Prologue, and another podium in Stage 2, the week took a tough turn with Joaquim Rodrigues crashing and exiting the race, and quite a few problems for Ross and Buhler in the later stages.

After a cancelled Stage 7, Stage 8 was an 824 km long ride from Al Duwadimi to Riyadh, of which 346 kms formed the special section. Aligning with the ad-hoc marathon stage that was designed by the race organizers, the competitors spent the

MMA fighter Victoria Lee dies

NEW DELHI, JAN

9 (IANS): American Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athlete Victoria Lee died at the age of 18, her sister Angela Lee shared the news on social media.

The American, who competed in One Championship, passed away on December 26. However, the cause of her death is unknown.

“On December 26, 2022 our family experienced something no family should ever have to go through... It is incredibly difficult to say this... Our Victoria passed away,” Angela said. Victoria had earned three victories in her ONE career, last defeating Victoria Souza via second-round

TKO in September 2021.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong paid tribute to Victoria on social media.

“I am heartbroken by Victoria Lee’s passing. I first met Victoria when she was 11 years old. I watched her blossom over the years as a martial artist and a human being. She was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy even back then, but I could see that she was so much more than that. She wanted to use her life to help the world. I will always remember Victoria for the beautiful and precious soul that she was. May you rest in peace, Victoria. We will all miss you,” Sityodtong said.

previous night at the Al Duwadimi bivouac, while the service crews camped 500 km away in Riyadh.

Tough and tricky, Stage 8 was fast and not without its fair share of sand, stony tracks and dunes. The team had fun on the stage, riding as fast as they could.

Franco Caimi has put in a consistent performance so far, and enjoys a 15th place in the overall standings. Sebastian Buhler and Ross Branch follow him in the 18th and 20th positions respectively, in the overall Rally GP class rankings.

Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez leaps in the air to celebrate his side’s opening goal during the FA Cup match. (AP/PTI)

Ross Branch

Noel Le Graet

Victoria Lee