January 14, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 38

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Nagaland thrash Arunachal by 9 wkts sports, Page 12

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State to receive first batch of vax today 26,500 COVID vaccines for State in phase-I Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 13 (NPN): COVID-19 vaccine consignment for the State will arrive at Dimapur on Thursday, officials from the directorate of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) informed Nagaland Post. Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland will roll out COVID vaccination programme on January 16 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches it officially in New Delhi.

The vaccine comprising two types – Covidshield and Covaxin – will be made available by the Government of India free of cost through the existing cold chain of the immunisation programme in a phased manner.

Altogether 3,99,447 persons, including healthcare workers in both private and government sectors, frontline workers and persons above the age of 50 years, in Nagaland will receive the vaccine in a phased manner from January 16.

SC asks states to reopen Anganwadi Centres outside CZ

NEW DELHI, JAN 13 (AGENCIES): Supreme Court on Wednesday said that children are the future of the country and any miserly attitude in providing them nutrition would deprive the country of its true potential.

The top court directed all States to open Anganwadi Kendra, situated outside the containment zones, before January 31, and ensure pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children got nutritional support as per the statutory requirement.

“Children are the next generation and therefore, unless and until children and women have nutritious food, it will affect the next generation and ultimately the country as a whole,” a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy and M R Shah said.

SC also said all States should evolve as an appropriate mechanism for supervision so that dues are received by beneficiaries for whom schemes are in place.

“No one can doubt that children are the future of our country and if there is some stinginess in providing them with adequate nutrition, India as a whole is deprived in future of taking the benefit of their potential,” the bench said.

This is it!

“Due to the pandemic, all we can do in office is focus on COVID.” K Y M C

Second batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrive at Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI), Guwahati, on Wednesday. (T8 pics)

Steering committee for vaccine meet: Centre is supplying 26,500 COVID vaccines to Nagaland in the first phase, which would be administered to the Central and State health workers and the State police.

According to a DIPR report, this was revealed by principal secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Amardeep Bhatia, at the second meeting of the State Steering Committee for COVID -19 Vaccine, which was held under the chairmanship of the state chief secretary in the Civil Secretariat Conference Hall on January 13, 2021. The vaccination drive would begin on January 16, 2021 which would be followed by the second and third phases.

Bhatia informed that the vaccine would be delivered shortly and all elaborate arrangements have been made for transportation to all districts. He also briefed the meeting that the first phase session sites have been arranged and was ready. He also informed that the vaccine would be administered in two doses and would take effect only after 14 days after the second dose. He stated that people would need to keep following the COVID appropriate behaviour till the period was completed.

The principal secretary sought cooperation and support from various departments of the state government once the vaccinations starts in the State. He also called for carrying out

awareness information and programmes across the State to curb the menace of fake news and rumours related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

India’s drive against COVID-19 gathered momentum on Wednesday with planes carrying vaccines flying into airports across the country.

The second batch of the COVID-19 vaccine-- 12000 doses arrived at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, on Wednesday. A private cargo flight transported the indigenously developed ‘Covaxin’ and the consignment was handed over to state government officials.

It may be noted that Guwahati airport has been made the nodal hub for distribution of COVID vaccine across the seven states in the region. For this, a part of Guwahati airport’s domestic terminal has been turned into a nodal hub for receipt, storage and supply of the vaccine.

According to reports, 95% of the 1.1 crore doses of Covishield vaccine purchased by the Centre have been delivered and shipped to nearly 60 consignee points across India in two days.

UK think tank list India in ‘Difficult 4’

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

international, Page 9

HPC okays Farmers burn copies of agri laws reopening of schools from Feb Call given TO mobiliZE for Jan 26 tractor parade Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 13 (NPN): After the COVID pandemic severely affected the entire education system, as schools and colleges were compelled to shut down across the country, Nagaland is now all set to resume classes from February.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, principal director School Education C Shanavas said the proposal was put forth before the High Powered Committee (HPC) on COVID, which had given its stamp of approval. He said the department would be preparing detailed SOPs for resuming normal classes and would issue a notification soon in this regard.

It was also learnt that preparations were on to conduct final exams for classes 10 and 12 in March in offline mode. The department will be issuing detailed information soon, an official said.

It may be recalled that the Cabinet on December 18, 2020 directed the Education department to take necessary steps to resume physical classes in a staggered manner for students of Classes of 6 onwards.

NEW DELHI, JAN 13 (PTI): Protesting farmers burnt copies of the contentious farm laws to mark the festival of Lohri on Wednesday, while a farmer union gave a call for massive mobilisation of people from all districts within a radius of 300 kilometres of Delhi for the proposed ‘Kisan Parade’ on January 26.

The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee appealed to farmers to assemble in large numbers at the Delhi borders a day before for the proposed parade on Republic Day. In a statement, the AIKSCC said that it has appealed to all districts around Delhi to make massive mobilisation for the ‘Tractor Parade’ in the national capital on Republic Day (Jan 26).

It comes a day after the farmer unions announced that they would not appear before the committee formed by the Supreme Court to resolve the deadlock over the contentious farm laws.

While eight rounds of negotiations so far between the government and a representative-group of thousands of farmers protesting

Farmer leaders burn copies of the new farm laws during their ongoing protest at Singhu border in Delhi, Wednesday. (PTI)

against the three farm laws have failed to resolve the crisis, the Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of the three Acts till further orders and set up a four-member committee to end the impasse.

One lakh copies of the three agri laws were burnt at the Singhu border alone on Wednesday, claimed Paramjeet Singh of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha.

Lohri is widely celebrated in Punjab and Haryana to mark the harvesting of Rabi crops. People traditionally celebrate it by circling around bonfires, throwing food items -- peanuts, puffed rice, popcorn, etc. -- into

the fire, singing folk songs, dancing and feasting on the festive food.

“The celebrations can wait. We will celebrate all these festivals the day our demand for repeal of these black laws are met by the Centre,” said 65-year-old Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who hails from Haryana’s Karnal district.

Several bonfires were lit at the Delhi-Haryana border stretch, the nerve centre of the farmers’ agitation. The protesting farmers raised slogans, sang songs of resistance and hope as they orbited the bonfire, burning copies of farm laws and praying for the success of their protest.

Bird flu: Centre asks states not to ban Petrol, diesel prices rise Nagaland COVID-19 tally crosses 12k mark import of poultry from other states again; reach new highs COVID-19 STATUS AS ON january 13, 2021 Spl Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN 13 (NPN): Even as the outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in ten states till now, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has requested the states to reconsider decision to ban import of poultry and poultry products from other states.

Observing that many states were banning poultry and poultry products from other states, the ministry said such move would add to the negative impact on the poultry industry. According to the ministry, cases of Avian Influenza (bird flu) have been confirmed in ten states as on 13 January, 2021.

Further, cases of unnatural mortality of birds have been reported in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and four districts of Jharkhand.

On January 12, 2021, a video conferencing was organised under the chairmanship of secretary, DAHD and was attended by representatives from 17 states. Through the meeting, states were advised to

efficiently manage the spread of Avian Influenza in their respective states in accordance with the Action Plan 2021.

To deal with the situation the states were asked to coordinate with the department of health and forest and sensitize them about the issue.

States were also asked to maintain sufficient supply of protective equipment and maintain bio-security measures in poultry farms.

States were directed to identify BSL-II labs at the state level for speeding up the identification of infection in the state and timely introduction of control mechanism.

States were also asked to ensure that the infection does not spread among poultry, as it would have a high economic cost for poultry farmers.

Awareness generation activities through advertisements, seminar etc. are being conducted by several states. The states were encouraged to continue such awareness generation activities with support from their state directorate of I&PR and were assured about availability of funds for such activities.

NEW DELHI, JAN 13 (PTI): Petrol price on Wednesday touched a new high of Rs 84.45 per litre in the national capital after state-owned fuel retailers hiked prices after a five-day hiatus. Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by 25 paise per litre each, according to a price notification from oil marketing companies.

In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 84.45 per litre and diesel is priced at Rs 74.63. In Mumbai, petrol comes for Rs 91.07 a litre and diesel for Rs 81.34. This is the highest ever price of petrol in Delhi, while diesel is at a record high in Mumbai.

After today’s rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur rose to Rs.85.84 per litre and diesel price increased to Rs.77.76 per litre.

In the state capital Kohima, a litre of petrol and diesel was retailing at Rs.87.80 and Rs.78.45 respectively.

State-owned oil marketing companies had on January 6, resumed daily price revision after nearly a month-long hiatus.

Rates were hiked on two consecutive days- totalling 49 paise for petrol and 51 paise for diesel- before they hit a pause button again. The price hike cycle resumed after international oil prices rose for the seventh day. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 1.3 per cent at USD 53.88 a barrel, while Brent crude was up 79 cents at USD 57.37.

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsympCritical-ICU District tomMod- Se- With- With On atic Mild erate vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator Dimapur 56 7 2 0 0 0 1 Kiphire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 22 1 0 1 0 1 0 Longleng 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mokokchung 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 Mon 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Peren 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phek 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuensang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Death MiRecovunder Total Death gratered InvestiCases ed gation 6249 40 3649 9 169 592 502 47 234

57 1 21 0 3 2 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

74 0 37 9 6 9 0 0 0

6446 41 3731 19 185 605 504 47 244

2

39

Wokha

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

35

1

0

Zunheboto Total

0 86

0 10

0 3

0 2

0 0

0 1

0 1

139 11674

0 86

0 0

3 142 140 12003

*10 deaths not due to Covid-19 *0 deaths under investigation

DIMAPUR, JAN 13 (NPN): Nagaland COVID19 tally crossed the 12,000 mark after 6 new cases were reported on Wednesday-- 3 in Dimapur, 1 each in Kohima and Mokokchung, taking the tally to 12003.

Further, the distribution across various categories include 4659 cases from the armed forces/police,

1847 returnees, 4925 traced contacts and 572 frontline workers. As on December 23, the state has 377 active cases.

As on January 13, a total of 11,674 persons recovered from the infection while and active cases in the State stood at 103.

The State has so far tested 1,22,366 samples

for COVID-19, including 72,729 through RT-PCR, 36,891 through TrueNat and 12,746 through Rapid Antigen Test.

India’s virus tally: India’s COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,04,95,147 with 15,968 infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries surged to 1,01,29,111 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.51 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The death toll increased to 1,51,529 with 202 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,01,29,111 pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.51 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.44 per cent. The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh.

U.S. House poised to impeach Trump for second time Govt defers national polio WASHINGTON, JAN 13 (AGENCIES): The House is expected to impeach President Donald Trump Wednesday afternoon for a second time, charging the president with “incitement of insurrection” for his role in the violent takeover by a pro-Trump mob of the U.S. Capitol that left five people dead and terrorized lawmakers as they sought to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Lawmakers arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday morning to debate the article just one week after the attack, entering now heavily guarded building swarming with thousands of National Guard officers.

“Those insurrectionists were not patriots. They were not part of a political base to be catered to or managed. They were domestic terrorists and justice must prevail,” House Speaker

Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor, kicking off two hours of debate before the final vote is schedule to be held around 3 p.m. ET. “But they did not appear out of a vacuum. They were sent here, sent here by the president, with words such as a cry to ‘fight like hell,’” Pelosi, D-Calif., continued. “The president saw the insurrectionists not as the foes of freedom, as they are, but as the means to a terrible goal: the goal of him personally clinging to

power.” Several Republicans announced Tuesday night that they would vote in favor of impeachment.

Republican Reps. John Katko of New York, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Fred Upton of Michigan and Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington also said Tuesday they would vote to impeach Trump.

No House Republican voted to impeach Trump during the inquiry earlier in his term that resulted in a Senate acquittal.

The House is prepared to immediately send the article of impeachment to the Senate for them to begin the process of holding a trial to determine whether to convict Trump and potentially bar him from ever running for any office again. However, it is unclear when that trial will happen. The Senate is currently operating under an agreement where no business can be conducted until Jan. 19th, one day before Biden is sworn into office.

While Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., could use an emergency provision to jointly call the Senate back early, a spokesperson for McConnell said Wednesday that the leader would not consider doing so. Some Democrats have raised concerns that if the impeachment case does not

come before the Senate until Biden is in office, Biden’s Cabinet nominees could be left waiting for confirmation until the trial is over.

It is unclear what will happen in the Senate once the trial begins. Although Trump is likely to have already left office by then, a vote to convict Trump could still bar him from holding federal office again.

The impeachment vote follows a House vote late Tuesday night to formally call on Vice President Mike Pence to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Pence informed Pelosi shortly before the vote that he would not invoke the 25th Amendment, writing in a letter to the speaker that he didn’t believe “such a course of action is in the best interest of our Nation or consistent with our Constitution.”

immunization programme

NEW DELHI, JAN 13 (PTI): The National Polio immunization programme, as part of which children in the age group of 0-5 years are administered polio drops, has been deferred “till further notice” by the Centre citing “unforeseen activities”.

The National Immunization Day (NID), commonly known as Pulse Polio Immunization programme, was scheduled for January 17 across India.

The Union Health Ministry has communicated the decision to defer the polio immunization programme to all states through a letter on January 9 “This is to inform that due to unforeseen activities, it is decided to postpone the scheduled Polio NID (National Immunization

Day) round from January 17, 2021 till further notice,” according to the letter sent to the Principal Secretary in the Health department of all states.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Harsh Vardhan had said on January 8 that polio immunization will be carried out on January 17.

“We have decided that on January 17, we are going to have our national immunization days for polio which will run for two to three days,” he had said adding the drive covered aspects like identifying and immunizing children left out from vaccination.

The vaccination is very essential to ensure that the nation maintained overall immunity levels against polio virus, he had said.

K Y M C

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state

Zükihe village attains 50 years

(Left to Right) Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi and Rev. Dr. Phughoto. (NP)

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR: Zükihe Village and Zükihe Village Baptist Church (ZVBC) celebrated golden jubilee on the theme “Xülhe no niboqha” (history our foundation) on January 12, 2021 with religious fervour.

In commemoration of the 50 years of Church establishment, Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou

Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) executive secretary Rev. Dr. Phughoto Aye unveiled the monolith while Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) president Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi unveiled the monolith erected to mark golden jubilee of village establishment.

Speaking at the programme, Dr. Zhimomi underscored the need for healing and forgiveness

while referring to a Bible verse. He expressed hope that the members of the village would forgive one another, reconcile and move forward in unity.

Delivering sermon, Rev. Dr. Phughoto Aye stressed on the jubilee theme and said the pioneers have laid strong foundation, but it was up to the present generation to take their legacy towards further progress by

respecting and acknowledging one another. He also urged the congregation to thank God for His blessings all these years.

Earlier, Nitokhu Katty, Zükihe village head GB delivered welcome address. Other highlights of the programme included introduction and presentation by jubilee planning board chairman Shiwoto Katty, special number by jubilee choir, offertory prayer by Bokaho Assumi chairman KACLF and benediction by Rev.Kiqhevi Swu, ex-pastor Zükihe Village Baptist Church. The programme was chaired

by Kaiho Zhimo, pastor ZVBC and Ayeto Chophy, jubilee secretary recorded the proceedings of the jubilee service.

After the programme, a jubilee feast was organised to mark the celebrations.

Meanwhile, jubilee souvenir was released by Hoshito Yeptho, head GB of Keltomi model village on January 11, 2021.

news in Brief

DC Kohima informs on land compensation: Deputy commissioner Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab A has informed all the concerned landowners that land compensation for Kohima by-pass, 2-lane project-chainage 0+00 to 10+500 (1st package) shall be paid at DC office Kohima on January 15, 10 a.m. The concerned landowners have been requested to be present physically and to bring along 4 (four) recent passport size photos (not to scan) and Aadhar card (xerox)/ ID proof and bank passbook (front page xerox). Payment to any other representative other than the concerned person shall not be entertained. Maintaining of social distance and wearing of face mask is mandatory.

DPDB meetings Wokha, Mon: Asstt. development commissioner (Plg) & member secretary DPDB, Wokha, P. Nchumbemo Kikon has informed all DPDB members that the monthly DPDB meeting will be held on January 28, 11 a.m at Governor’s Camp, Liphanyan. Liphanyan, being one of the aspirational villages, all the members and implementing departments have been requested to come prepared for review of the activities. Mon district planning and development board (DPDB) meeting will be held on January 15, 11 a.m at DC’s conference hall. All DPDB members have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

ADC & ERO Zunheboto informs: ADC and electoral registration officer (ERO) Zunheboto, Hito Sema has informed that list of amendment to the draft electoral roll for the 31-Akuluto, 32-Atoizu, 33-Suruhuto, 34-Aghunato, 35-Zunheboto and 36-Satakha assembly constituencies have been prepared with reference to January 1, 2021 as qualifying date and in accordance with Registration of Electoral Rules 1960. A copy of the said roll together with the said list of amendment has been published and is available for public inspection at ERO office.

WSYF meeting: Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) executives and office bearers meeting has been convened on January 16 at WSYF office, Millennium Market Dimapur. All concerned members have been asked to attend positively. For further details, one may contact general secretary, Bohoi K Yepthomi at 9856220700.

Mopungchuket tourism partially reopens: Mopungchuket Community Tourism Society (MCTS) has informed that Mopungchuket tourism is partially reopening after remaining closed since March 2019 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Süngkotenem Park will now remain open from 9 a.m to 4 p.m to visitors all days of the week except on Sundays. Visitors are required to follow COVID-19 safety protocols. All other sites of tourist interest in the village will remain closed for the time being until further notice.

NSCN/GPRN (R) extends Sükrunyi greetings: NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) has extended warm Sükrunyi greetings to the Chakhesang Nagas, to be celebrated on January 15. NSCN (R) through its MIP expressed hope that, the Chakhesang brothers and sisters continue to thrive in prosperity in the days to come and also to usher and propagate peace amongst Nagas.

DIMAPUR: The first monthly DPDB meeting for Peren district for the year 2021 was held on January 12 at DC’s conference hall, Peren, chaired

by DC & vice chairman DPDB Peren, Sentiwapang Aier.

According to DIPR report, work distribution pertaining to the forthcoming 72nd Republic Day celebration was discussed and the house also decided to conduct mass social work on January 23 in view of the celebration.

Peren Government College principal, Dr. A. Nshoga and DPO UIP/RCH, Dr. Kiholi gave a powerpoint on their activities. DC

entrusted the department of Statistics, Sericulture and Employment to give powerpoint presentation on their departmental ac-

Home deptt informs on NSDMA secretariat

DIMAPUR: In pursuance of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and State Executive Committee (SEC) decision, the state government has declared that the office of Home commissioner shall also function as commissioner disaster management/relief commissioner and administrative head of department (AHoD) for the secretariat of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, Home department, established as per the provision of Disaster Management Act 2005 Section 14 (1). According to DIPR report, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) secretariat, Home department shall have the responsibilities of laying down plans, policies, guidelines, capacity building, resource mobilization including financial & manpower, coordinating with line departments and carry out activities related to Disaster Management to ensure compliance as per the provision of the Disaster Management Act 2005. Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority secretariat is one of the divisions of Home department as enshrined in the Disaster Management Act 2005 Section 14 (1).

tivities in the next meeting.

Peren District COVID-19 Task Force and vaccination committee meeting was also held.

SRSU golden jubilee monolith unveiled

Minister Kaito Aye unveiling the golden jubilee monolith of SRSU at Satakha town on January 13. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Minister of Agriculture & Co-operation, G Kaito Aye unveiled the golden jubilee monolith of Satakha Range Students Union (SRSU) at Satakha town on January 13, in the presence of DC, Peter Lichamo, officers, public and student body leaders and public at the inaugural programme.

According to DIPR report, speaking at the inaugural programme, Kaito exhorted the students to trust oneself, be self dependent and not to expect good from others at all times and quoted, “It is better to have something small you

earned than bigger things given to you by others”.

He also expressed his vision of upgrading PHC Satakha to a thirty bedded hospital, at the earliest.

While appreciating the growth and achievements of students under SRSU for the last 50 years, he challenged the students for bigger and better heights at the next jubilee celebration.

He further appealed to people of Satakha to always cultivate a culture of united society and to appear strong in the eyes of others. Kaito also expressed that students job

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Two years have passed without you. But each passing day we hold your presence in our hearts and your memories are missed with silent tears.

Born in : 1926 – Died on : 06-01-2021 We, the bereaved family of Lt. Mrs. Hutoli Yeputhomi, W/o Lt. Vizhekhu Yeptho would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, churches, friends, neighbours, relatives and well-wishers who stood by us and supported us morally, physically, materially, financially and also through prayer during the illness and demise of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother. We express our regret that it may not be possible to thank each one of you personally, but pray that our Almighty God bless you abundantly.

Special thanks to :1. Lhomithi Baptist Church Dimapur 2. Lhomithi Colony Council Dimapur 3. Thokihi Baptist Church 4. Thokihi Union Dimapur & Zunheboto 5. United Baptist Church Dubagaon Dimapur

of Lt. E. Yiboni Murry who left us on 14th Jan 2019

Loving family members

DP-228

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

was to educate themselves sincerely, while the leaders and representatives are to support them in all ways possible.

E a r l i e r, m o n o l i t h dedicatory prayer was pronounced by pastor STBC, Rev. Kughato K Chophi in the programme chaired by Olivika M. Zhimo. Pastor UBC, Rev. Honito K. Chophi offered invocation and SRSU presidential address was delivered by Anoka H. Zhimo. Highlights of the programme were cultural dance (aphilo kuwo) by Shoipu village, aye küzü le

by Xüivi village and various other competitions.

2nd DEATH ANNIVERSARY

WC-11

DPDB meeting held in Peren

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

Children, In-laws, Grandchildren & Great grandchildren

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

I am deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Late. Dr.Velu- o Shiloh on the 12th January 2021. He was the Additional Director, State Institute of Rural Development.

He served the Department with utmost sincerity and commitment until his retirement on 31st September 2020. He will be remembered by the Department in particular and the public in general as an honest and dedicated public servant.

I express my deepest condolences to his family members and pray that God Almighty will give them strength and endurance in this time of grief.

May his Soul Rest in Peace.

(POHWANG KONYAK) Advisor, Fire & Emergency Services, Relief & Rehabilitation, State Institute of Rural Development, Government of Nagaland.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Loving Isaac Phom, Granny, parents and family members

K Y M C

Kasheli A. Chophy 14-01-2020

19/12/1990- 10/01/2021

Our hearts still ache in sadness, And our tears still flow; Life is not the same without you!

Our only comfort is that; You are in a happier place with God "We miss you always and forever".

DP-231

On this day, a year ago, you left us heartbroken.

The pain of losing you is immeasurable, And we live with sadness and grief, There's not a day that goes by, When we don't think of you We are trying to carry on, With our lives without you; "But it's not easy"

DP-236

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We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Azole Tep would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual, churches, organizations, neighbors and friends who stood by us physically, spiritual and financially at the sudden demise of our beloved daughter.

We regret our inability to thank each and every individual but it is our prayer that the Lord will bless all abundantly.

Our heartfelt gratitude to:1) Kohima Bar Association 2) Advocate V.ASHU THEYO & Associates, Lawyers Chamber Kohima.

3) T Chingau Thaplen.

4) Additional Registrar Supreme Court of India.

5) Rengma Public Organization Kohima.

6) Tseminyu Town Fellowship Kohima.

7) ADC Hill Ward No. 4 Welfare Tseminyu.

8) Tseminyu Village Baptist Church.

9) Tseminyu Town Baptist Church.

10) Tseminyu Town Tseminyu Union.

11) Bank Manager SBI Tseminyu.

Loving Husband, Children, Grand Children & In-laws K Y M C

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is the desi anti-COVID vaccine- Covaxin- safe enough for people despite controversies?

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

A B C

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

18% 53% 29%

Next poll

Q: Does Donald Trump

deserve to be impeached few days before demitting office?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST January 14

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun

26 11

Hazy sun

22 7

Guwahati Hazy sun

25 11

Hazy sun

23 5

Itanagar Partly sunny and nice

23 12

Shillong Hazy sun

17 5

Aizawl Imphal

Mostly sunny

20 6

Dimapur Hazy sunshine

25 10

Kohima Mkg

Sunshine and nice

21 7

Tuensang Mostly sunny and cooler

16 4

Mostly sunny

20 9

Wokha

COVID vaccine meetings in Wokha, Dimapur

Zunheboto Sunny to partly cloudy

19 5

DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha addressing the DTFI Resource person highlighting the objectives and meeting on January 13. implementation process of COVID-19 vaccination.

DIMAPUR: District level for COVID-19 vaccine meetings were held in Wokha and Dimapur on January 13 respectively.

Wokha: District Task Force (DTF) meeting for COVID-19 vaccine was convened at deputy commissioner’s conference hall on January 13, chaired by DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha.

A press release by CMO office stated that, DC called upon the members to be prepared for the COVID-19 vaccine launch in the district along with the rest of the country on January 16. All the magistrates and Block Task Force (BTF) would be actively involved during the COVID-19 vaccine roll

Assam Rifles conduct civic action programmes

Kiphire Battalion personnel with Thongsonyu village authorities and others on January 11.

DIMapur: Various battalions of Assam Rifles h ave b e e n e x t e n d i n g developmental support to public of Nagaland through its civic action programmes.

Kiphire Battalion: Kiphire Battalion of Assam Rifles (AR) assisted in modernising the Government Primary School (GPS) on Januar y 11, at Thongsonyu village, Noklak.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), as part of project, four class rooms of the school were upgraded with electrification with LED tubelights, wiring with safety apparatus like PVC switch boards, MCBs and caping-casings, 16 wooden desks and benches, four sets of blackboards,

five plastic chairs for teachers and staff and sports items.

The facility was inaugurated by Thongsonyu village head GB Khungkiu, of in presence of the AR personnel and village council members.

Ghaspani Battalion: Ghaspani Battalion of Assam Rifles supplied drinking water to the Huzukhe village, Dimapur on January 12. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N) the battalion has been carrying out such activity regularly in its area of responsibility since its inception.

T h e v i l l a ge r s a p proached the Assam Rifles camp at Nihokhu for provision of water supply to the village for a function being organised by them.

out, he added.

DIO (RCH/UIP), Dr. Khelito Zhimomi stated that the district has identified 12 session sites for 1533 health workers in the district. Dr. Khelito also requested the DTF for logistic support during vaccination and the Social Welfare department to appoint staff as vaccination officer at session sites as well as mobilize the anganwadis for vaccination. She informed the members on the dateline for uploading frontline workers data in the Cowin application as January 25 for the next phase.

Wokha SP, mtitoshi infor med that around 522 police personnel will provide security at ses-

sion sites and assured full support from the Police department. Tiyi hall was selected as session site for UPHC Wokha town beneficiaries and the launching programme to be held at District Hospital Wokha on January 16. Meeting was attended by Wokha CMO, Dy. CMO, medical staff and officials from line departments.

Dimapur: District level training for COVID19 vaccine roll-out started in Dimapur district from January 12 for private hospitals and on January 13 for CDPOs, supervisors, Home Guards and AWWs at CMO’s conference hall and chapel hall, DHD. A press release by D P O, U I P / RC H , D r.

NSCN (I-M) condolences DIMAPUR: Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) has expressed grief at the untimely demise of ‘major’ Temsutemjen Longchar (Naga Army No. 41232/06) of Hevuto Battalion, Naga Army from Chuchuyimlang village under Ao region on January 13.

A condolence by NSCN (I-M) through its MIP stated that, he was enrolled in the Naga national service on February 20, 2006.

Further, GPRN mourns the premature demise of ‘sergeant’ Pangmaya Raikhan (Naga Army No. 42742/11) of the General Headquarters (GHq), Naga Army from Kachai Phungdhar village under Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) on January 13, 2021. He enrolled in the Naga national service on September 22, 2011.

MIP stated that they had served the Naga nation with unwavering patriotism until their demise and the void created would be deeply felt and difficult to fill in.

For their selfless contributions to the Naga national cause, MIP stated that their names shall be recorded in the pages of the Naga history and their sacrifices for the Naga nation ever be cherished by all.

The office of the Longvibu, Naga Army has bestowed upon ‘major’ Temsutemjen Longchar posthumously the rank of ‘lieutenant colonel’ on January 13, 2021 in recognition of his service to the Naga nation. NSCN/GPRN conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and close friends of both and pray for their spirits to rest in eternal peace.

Rebecca stated that, Dr. Sheila Longkumer, consultant WHO, presented the COVID-19 vaccination objectives and the implementation process.

She highlighted the criteria for selecting a session site, and roles and responsibilities of the vaccination team. She also informed the trainees on the bio-medical waste management followed by the department in all the health units as well as in any vaccination sites which would also be followed in all COVID-19 vaccination sites. She further ensured that only AD syringe (auto disabled) a one-time use only syringe, would be used for COVID-19 vaccination as

used in any other routine immunization.

P r o j e c t o f f i c e r, UNDP, Rajesh K. Monsang also oriented the trainees on the cold-chain management and CoWIN application and highlighted the logistics involved to ensure vaccine to be used during the vaccination drive was safe and potent.

He stated that COVID-19 vaccine will be handled by the already existing cold chain points in the district.

There are 10 cold chain points in the district which are monitored in real time to ensure the safety and potency of vaccines is maintained. Only those beneficiaries registered in CoWin portal would be eligible for vaccination.

Dr. Rebecca also emphasized on the management and mobilization of the beneficiaries at the vaccination sites. Dy. CMO, Dr. Antoly Suu also expressed gratitude towards the allied departments for constantly lending their support and co-operation in all the health activities of the district.

She fur ther urged them to continue their support during the upcoming vaccination drive.

All health workers under chief medical officer Dimapur have been trained and ready to carry out the vaccination drive.

3 CSIR-CIMAP conduct awareness camp for tribal farmers in Dmu

Farmers with resource persons from CSIR-CIMAP at the programme held on January 7.

DIMAPUR: Awareness programme on improved cultivation and processing technology of aromatic crops for income enhancement of tribal farmers was conducted by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in collaboration with Toka MPCS Ltd, at Lhothavi village, Dimapur on January 7.

A press release by Toka MPCS Ltd stated that, keynote speaker, consultant at CSIR-CIMAP, Dr. Israr Ali spoke about the potential of certain medicinal and aromatic plants that can be successfully grown and cultivated in the area as well as Nagaland. He elucidated on the importance of tapping into the agricultural sector to create a sustained livelihood which would not only enhance one’s income but also contribute to the overall economy of the state. He further en-

couraged the attendees to work towards finding and establishing market linkages for their products. A feedback and query session was conducted which saw concerned individuals sharing their views and putting forward questions related to their field of cultivation.

CIMAP team was headed

by Dr. Israr Ali, Mohan Kumar Yadav and Vipin Kumar with Toka MPCS Ltd as the state collaborator. A demonstration was conducted at the field site of lemongrass plantation and a visit to distillation unit set up through the assistance of CIMAP with Toka MPCS Ltd as implementing agency.

Earlier, brief introduction was given by CSIRCIMAP technical officer, Manoj Kumar Yadav. CSIRCentral Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants popularly known as CIMAP is a frontier plant research laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Frequently asked questions on COVID-19 vaccine Question 1. Will COVID 19 vaccine be given to everyone simultaneously?  Based on the potential availability of vaccines the Government of India has selected the priority groups who will be vaccinated on priority as they are at higher risk.

The first group includes healthcare and frontline workers. The second group to receive COVID 19 vaccine will be persons over 50 years of age and persons under 50 years with comorbid conditions.

2. Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?  Vaccination for COVID19 is voluntary. However, it is advisable to receive the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine for protecting one-self against this disease and also to limit the spread of this disease to the close contacts including family members, friends, relatives and co-workers.

3. Will the vaccine be safe as it is being tested and introduced in a short span of time?  Vaccines will be introduced in the country only after the regulatory bodies clear it based on its safety and efficacy.

4. Can a person presently having COVID-19 (confirmed or suspected) infection be vaccinated?  These people may increase the risk of spreading the same to others at vaccination site. For this reason, infected individuals should defer vaccination for 14 days after symptoms resolution.

5. Is it necessar y for a COVID recovered person to take the vaccine?

 Yes, it is advisable to receive complete schedule of COVID vaccine irrespective of past history of infection with COVID-19.This will help in developing a strong immune response against the disease.

6. Out of the multiple vaccines available, how is one or morevaccine chosen for administration?  The safety and efficacy data from clinical trials of vaccine candidates are examined by Drug regulator of our country before granting the license for the same. Hence, all the COVID19 vaccines that receive license will have comparable safety and efficacy.

However, it must be ensured that the entire schedule of vaccination is completed by only one type of vaccine as different COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable.

7. Will the vaccine introduced in India be as effective as the ones introduced in other countries?  Yes. The COVID 19 vaccine introduced in India will be as effective as any vaccine developed by other countries.

Various phases of vaccine trials are undertaken to ensure its safety and efficacy.

8. Can a person get theCOVID-19 vaccine without registration with Health Department?  No, registration of beneficiary is mandatory for vaccination for COVID-19. Only after registration the information on the session site to visit and time will be shared with the beneficiary.

9. What documents are required for registration of eligible

beneficiary?  Any of the mentioned ID with Photo - Aadhar Card, Driving License, Health Insurance Smart Card , MGNREGA Job Card, Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, PAN Card, Passbooks issued by Bank/Post Office, Passport, Pension Document, Service Identity Card, Voter ID, Smart card issued

by RGI under NPR 10. Will a Photo / ID be required at the time of registration/ Session site?  Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification of beneficiary at session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated.

11 .How will the beneficiary receive information about due date of vaccination?  Following online registration, beneficiary will receive SMS on their registered mobile number on the due date, place and time of vaccination.

12. Will vaccinated beneficiaries receive information on the status of their vaccination after completion?  Yes. On getting due dose of COVID 19 vaccines; the beneficiary will receive SMS on their registered mobile number.

After all doses of vaccine are administered, a QR code based certificate will also be sent tothe registered mobile number of the beneficiary.

13. If one is taking medicines for illnesses like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension etc., can s/he take the COVID-19 vaccine?  Yes, Persons with one or more of these comorbid conditions are considered high risk category. They need to get COVID19 vaccinations.

14. Are there any preventive measures and precautions that one needs to follow at the session site?  We request you to rest at the vaccination Centre for at least half an hour after taking the COVID-19 vaccine.Inform the nearest health authorities / ANM / ASHA in case you feel any discomfort or uneasiness subsequently. Remember to continue following key COVID Appropriate Behaviours like wearing of mask, maintaining hand sanitization and physical distance (or 6 feet).

15. What about the possible side-effects from COVID-19 vaccine?  COVID Vaccine will be introduced only when the safety is proven. As is true for other vaccines, the common side effects in some individuals could be mild fever, pain, etc. at the site of injection.

States have been asked to start making arrangements to deal with any Covid-19 vaccinerelated side-effects as one of the measures towards safe vaccine delivery among masses.

16. How many doses of the vaccine would have to be taken by me and at what interval?  Two doses of vaccine, 28 days apart, need to be taken by an individual to complete the vaccination schedule.

17. When would antibodies develop? After taking first dose, after taking second dose or much later?  Protective levels of antibodies are generally developed two weeks after receiving the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

(Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland)

Firemen prevents fire from spreading in Kohima

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 13 (NPN): A fire broke in the wee hours of Wednesday morning and completely burned down a store house here at lower Officer’s Hill Colony.

The exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained as the house owners disclosed that there was no electricity connection to the burned down house.

Four LPG cylinders stored in the house were burned down resulting in multiple massive explosions which were reportedly heard and felt even in the nearby colonies like Merhülietsa and Lower Jail colonies sending people running out of their homes thinking it was an earthquake.

Owner of the house along with his sons were away except their mother who was asleep when K Y M C

Fire personnel busy at fire site which broke out at Lower Officer Hill Colony, Kohima on January 13. (NP)

the fire broke out at around 12:30 midnight.

Talking to Nagaland Post, the mother said she woke up thinking the vibration caused by

the cylinder blast was earthquake and later only found out that their store house made from timber and CGI sheets was on fire.

She disclosed that their neigh-

bours and relatives from nearby came and helped in quickly dousing the fire before it could spread to the nearby houses.

The cylinder blast shattered all the window panes in the nearby houses, toppled the concrete protection wall on the terrace of the building while a breakaway piece of one cylinder landed on an empty house some 500 meters away from the fire incident punching a hole on the roof.

By the time the owner returned on Wednesday morning, the local residents along with fire tenders had cleared up all the debris and charred construction materials.

The fire tenders had reportedly struggled to reach the spot because of improper parking along the narrow road leading to the site.

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4

northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

Several NE states receive Covid vaccine consignments

Assam receives 2nd lot of COVID vaccine

Guwahati, Agart a l a , I M P HAL , Shillong, Jan 13 (PTI): Assam received the second consignment of COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday as a cargo flight of a private airline carrying 12,000 doses of indigenously developed ‘Covaxin’ landed at the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport here, an official said.

The freighter ferried three boxes, weighing around 78.5 kg, of the COVID vaccine from Hyderabad, he said.

“The consignment was shipped by Bharat Biotech and handed over to state government officials within six minutes of its arrival,” a spokesperson of the Airport Authority of India said.

All the formalities were completed before the arrival of the flight for quick transportation of the vaccines directly from the aircraft, he said.

A consignment of COVID vaccine for Manipur is expected to arrive at the airport during the day, the official said.

The LGBI Airport has been marked as the nodal point of distribution of vaccines for the North East and it is equipped to transport such consignments to the regional states, he said.

The first batch of 2.40 lakh vials of COVID-19 vaccine for Assam and Meghalaya had landed at the airport here on Tuesday.

The Assam health department has kept the vaccines at a state-run store and will start distribution of it soon, a state government official said.

Assam will launch the vaccination programme on January 16 with priority to be given to healthcare and frontline workers, he said.

“We will roll out the drive from 74 sites across Assam, and 1,85,235 state health workers and 5,524 personnel from central medical agencies have registered their names for the programme,” the official added.

Tripura receives 1st lot of 56,500 doses

The first consignment of 56,500 doses of COVID19 vaccine arrived here on Wednesday in a cargo flight of a private carrier, an official said.

The containers of the vaccine were shipped from Pune’s Serum Institute and ferried to a special storage unit here from the city airport, he said.

“The consignment of 56,500 doses of Covishield vaccine arrived at the Agartala airport in the morning.

The vaccine containers were transported to a National Health Mission (NHM) storage facility at Gorkhabasti area,” State Immunization Officer Kallol Roy told reporters here.

The health department authorities have already started distribution of the vaccine doses to all the eight district headquarters of the state, he said.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh along with health officials receiving COVID-19 at Imphal airport on Wednesday. (NP)

“We will send the vaccine vials to primary health centres and sub-divisional medical facilities from tomorrow,” he said.

Many healthcare personnel across the state have been trained for the vaccination drive which will be launched on January 16.

Tripura’s COVID-19 tally stood at 33,315, while 32,857 people have recovered from the disease so far and 386 died.

The northeastern state now has 49 active coronavirus cases.

Manipur receives 54,000 doses

A total of 54,000 doses of Covishield, the coronavirus vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India, were brought to Imphal on Wednesday.

Like in other parts of the country, the vaccination will start from January 16 in Manipur too.

Upon arrival of the consignment at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal, chief minister N Biren Singh received the vaccine along with officials of the state health services.

Talking to the media at the airport, Singh informed that the first batch of vaccination will be administered to health workers on January 16 as scheduled by the Central government.

“A total of 8,476 health workers will be vaccinated at 10 places,” he said.

Officials said that the vaccination will be launched at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) hospi-

tal, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital and district hospitals in Churachandpur, Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Tamenglong and Shija hospital (a private hospital) on the same day.

The chief minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan for their tireless efforts to ensure timely distribution the vaccine across the country and for prioritizing the state considering its geographical location.

He added that the vaccines which arrived today would be distributed to all the district headquarters for vaccination from tomorrow.

Singh maintained

that vaccination would be done on priority basis and systematically as per the guidelines provided by the Centre.

Stating that there would be no favouritism and nepotism on vaccination programme, he informed that the state has 39,991 health workers and they will be vaccinated in the first batch at 246 vaccination centres, including 138 government centres and 108 private centres.

Dry run had also been conducted successfully in the 246 vaccination centres, he added.

Hoping that with the arrival of the vaccine the state government will succeed in its efforts to save the population from COVID19, he appealed to the public to continue to strictly comply with COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

He further urged everyone to avoid unnecessary gatherings and take permission from concerned authorities before organizing any social gathering until the whole population of the state were covered with the vaccination programme.

The chief minister who is also in-charge of the health department was accompanied by state education minister Sorokhaibam Rajen, CAF & PD minister Thokchom Satyabrata, health advisor to chief minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar and state health director Dr K Rajo

among others.

(Correspondent)

Meghalaya receives 35000 doses

Meghalaya on Tuesday received 35000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the Serum Institute of India (SII) for the scheduled vaccination drive on January 16, State Heath and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek informed on Tuesday.

“35000 doses of COVID-19 from Serum Institute of India are expected to be delivered this evening for Meghalaya,” Hek said He said that in the first phase, 16000 health care workers from East Khasi Hills district and West Garo Hills district would be vaccinated on January 16.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma tweeted ahead of the important vaccination drive and said arrangements are on for January 16.

“Today’s meeting with DCs and Health Department discussed the COVID vaccine preparatory arrangements in Meghalaya for phase I of the vaccination drive that would commence nationwide from January 16,” Sangma tweeted.

Covaxin has been developed by Indian firm Bharat Biotech. Covishield on the other hand is Serum Institute of India’s version of the vaccine developed

by Oxford University and marketed by AstraZen-

eca.

After the approval of the vaccines, the Central Government laid the groundwork by asking the States to conduct a dry run for the proposed vaccination process.

Meghalaya had conducted a successful dry run in 33 health care centres across all the 11 districts of the State on January 2 to prepare the State for the upcoming vaccination drive.

Private and missionary run health care facilities were also included in the dry run apart from government healthcare facilities.

More than 600 healthcare workers participated in the dry run across Meghalaya.

Representatives from the World Health Organisation, John Hopkins Program for International Education and United Nations Development Program were involved in monitoring the exercise.

Under the dry run, three steps were undertaken. First the details of the volunteers or the health care workers were registered. Then they were administered the vaccine under the mock drill.

A doctor was kept in attendance at the Health Care Centres to check if there is any adverse reaction to the vaccine. The volunteers were kept for 30 minutes under supervision after they were administered the mock vaccine.

(Correspondent)

Assam forms panel to identify ‘collaborators’ of illegal migrants Boundary issue with Assam will be taken GUWAHATI, JAN 13 (IANS): The Assam government has constituted a five-member committee for initiating immediate and proactive steps to identify the intermediaries, facilitators and collaborators of illegal migrants from across the international border into the state and initiate legal action to bring them to justice, officials said here on Wednesday.

The Special DirectorGeneral of Police (Border) Mukesh Agrawal confirmed the setting up of the panel on Tuesday following a discussion with the state Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua on January 11.

Agrawal, a senior IPS officer, in his notification, said : “The committee has been constituted to take immediate and proactive steps to identify the intermediaries, facilitators, collaborators facilitating the infiltrations of illegal migrants from across the international border into Assam and initiate legal action to bring them to justice.

“According to a senior official of the Border Wing under the Home Department, the panel headed

by IPS officer Subhrajyoti Borah, the commandant of the 7th Assam Police Battalion based in western

Assam’s Kokrajhar district, would strengthen the existing mechanism of dealing with illegal migrations, which is always a key issue in Assam.

Agrawal’s notification, available with IANS, said that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Border), the Superintendents of Police (Border) of all districts, Superintendent of Railway Police (Border) and other concerned officials would take legal action in their respective jurisdictions on the recommendation of the fivemember team.

It said : “They would also render necessary assistance to the committee in performing its task including utilisation of border staff of the districts as and when required by the committee.”

The Deputy Inspector of Police (Ranges) would supervise the progress of the work of the committee and follow-up action being taken in their respective ranges.

“The Guwahati-based Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police for the Bodoland Territorial Region would also oversee the progress of the work of the panel.

The constitution of the panel has assumed significance ahead of the

Assam Assembly elections as the issue of illegal infiltrations, or “illegal migrants from Bangladesh” have always been a major poll issue for most political parties in the northeastern state.

Assam will likely go to polls in April-May along with West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

M e a n w h i l e, t o strengthen the security related infrastr uctures along the state borders, the Assam government has recently sanctioned Rs 100 crore and decided to further tighten the vigil along the frontiers.

An official said that in line with the MOITRI scheme for the modernisation of police stations, Assam government is all set to launch a scheme for the infrastructural development of the Border Outposts (BOPs).

He said that in the first phase of the scheme, 50 BOPs would be upgraded and an amount to the tune of around Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the purpose. Subsequently, other BOPs of the state would be covered under the scheme.

“The sealing of the India-Bangladesh border is the topmost priority for making Assam free from illegal migrants from

across the international border and for this purpose the border is being fenced by physical and non-physical barriers,” the official said.

The 263km IndiaBangladesh international border along Assam is being guarded by the Border Security Force (BSF) while the 267 km Indo-Bhutan international border is manned by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

A second line of defence is being provided by the Assam Police.Besides, Assam shares 2616.1 km

inter-state borders with six northeastern states, excluding Sikkim.

The Assam Police Border Organisation was set up in 1962 as a unit of the State police’s Special Branch. However, it began functioning independently in 1974.Presently, the border wing is manned by 4,037 personnel of different ranks, of which 3,153 are sanctioned by the Centre under the Prevention of Infiltration of Foreigners scheme while 884 are sanctioned by the state government.

Ten suspected Rohingyas held from Rajdhani Express

Guwahati, Jan 13 (PTI): Ten people, suspected to be illegal Rohingya immigrants, were held from a Rajdhani Express train at the New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal, a railway official said here on Wednesday.

Among them were three men, two women and five children, he said.

They had allegedly crossed over on January 10 from Comilla in Bangladesh to Sonamura in Tripura and had boarded the train at Agartala on January 11 with the help of an agent, the official said.

They had fled from the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazar.

All the arrested persons were handed over to the GRP at New Jalpaiguri for appropriate legal action, the spokesperson of the Northeast Frontier Railway said.

The train superintendent during ticket checking on the Agartala-New Delhi Rajdhani Express found them to be suspicious and informed the railway police, he said.

As the train arrived at New Jalpaiguri around 1.40 pm on Tuesday they were held and immediately de-boarded.

No bird flu case but ASF is EC team in Assam reviews poll preparations during 3-day visit spreading in Mnp: Vet Minister Guwahati, Jan 13 (PTI): A six-member team of the Election Commission of India held elaborate discussions with senior government officials during their three-day visit to Assam to oversee preparedness for the Assembly polls due in March-April.

The visit of the ECI team, led by director general Dharmendra Sharma, concluded on Wednesday, a state government press release said.

The ECI director general and Assam Chief Electoral Officer Nitin Khade conducted review meetings with divisional

commissioners, district deputy commissionerscum-district election officers, range DIGs and superintendents of police of revenue districts on Monday and Tuesday.

Various issues like electoral roll, EVM/ VVPAT, polling stations, transportation, security and COVID-19 issues were discussed at length and feedback was taken from the district officials, the release said.

On Wednesday, the ECI director general held discussions with Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah, Assam CEO and senior

officials to take stock of the preparations for conducting the Assembly polls.

Sharma also held detailed deliberations with the state director general of police, senior officers of income tax, narcotics control bureau and representatives of political parties.

Sharma was accompanied by senior officials of the poll panel, including senior principal secretary Narendra N Butolia, director of expenditure Pankaj Shrivastava, director of IT Ashok Kumar, director of law Vijay Pandey and EVM consultant Vipin Katara, the release said.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Jan 13: There was no bird flu in Manipur as of now, said Manipur veterinary and animal husbandry minister Oinam Lukhoi Singh on Wednesday but informed that the contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) is spreading in the state. He said that the state veterinary department has set up Rapid Response Teams (RRT) in all the districts in collaboration with deputy commissioners, district superintendents of police and district veterinary officers of the border districts. On the the spread of the contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs

in the state, the minister said that spread of the disease was reported in Salungpham area in Thoubal district and Nongmaiching Chingkhong(Wakha) area in Imphal East district.

Ban on sale of pig, pork, feed and related items in these “controlled area” and “infected zones” apart from restricting the movement of pig from the place where it was kept within the above area and zone was also imposed, Lukhoi added. The minister appealed to the people of the state not to panic as the government is actively taking up all preventive measures through the state veterinary department.

up after elections: M’laya deputy CM

Correspondent Shillong, Jan 13: Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday said issues relating to boundary dispute with Assam would be taken up after assembly elections and formation of a new government in the neighbouring State.

“Let us wait, as right now we cannot do anything just because of the elections in Assam which is going to be held very soon. Before that, I don’t think Assam government will have time to sit and find a solution. So we will wait till new government comes in, till the new house is constituted and then only we will pursue this matter and we will write again to the government of Assam,” he told reporters.

“Assam is busy preparing for the upcoming elections. But there is a standing order in which decision taken between the two chief ministers since that time was that the district administrations which have differences are required to meet from time to time when any issue arises like halting of construction or stopping of developmental activities be it from Assam or Megha-

Prestone Tynsong

laya, meaning the deputy commissioners will meet to sort out and to ensure there is no untoward incident,” he said.

On Assam government stopping developmental activities in the border areas,Tynsong recalled, “The decision was that we should not stop developmental programmes be it from Assam or Meghalaya so that the residents are benefited leaving aside the differences.”

“That is why once the new government comes in Assam, solution will ultimately be found,” the deputy Chief Minister iterated.

He said the Meghalaya government had already submitted all documents to Assam because not the entire stretch of the interstate boundary is disputed but only few areas are there which are treated as points of differences.

“ Therefore, we will make sure to attend to these areas where there are differences all these years right from our statehood till today,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said that despite the dispute, the 50th statehood anniversary of Meghalaya would be celebrated in a befitting manner.

“We are going to celebrate 50th year of statehood. We have to celebrate.

In case if we cannot solve the boundary issue, are you trying to say that we will not celebrate the 50th year?

We are going to celebrate,” he asserted.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND STATE HEALTH SOCIETY NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION

NO. NL/NHM/6/38/Conrt-Audit/2015-16/ Dated Kma, the 13th January 2021.

SELECTION OF AUDITORS - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL HIRING SERVICES OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT FIRM FOR CONCURRENT AUDIT OF STATE HEALTH SOCIETY (SHS) & DISTRICT HEALTH SOCIETY (DHS) – For the Financial Year 2020-21 under National Health Mission (NHM) Govt of India (GOI) in partnership with the States is implementing the National Health Mission which comprises various programs, with the objective of improving medical facilities in the areas and seeks to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care to the population, especially the vulnerable sections. To facilitate implementation of NHM, State and District level entities (Health Societies) have been registered which work under the administrative control of the Department of Health & Family Welfare. The State Health Society, Nagaland NHM invites “Proposal for Concurrent Audit” from firms of Chartered Accountants empanelled with C & AG and eligible for conducting audit of major PSUs for the year 2020-21.

Minimum payable fees will be worked out as per the norms of ICAI. Detail RFP: Detail Request for Proposal (RFP) comprising Background, Terms of Reference (ToR) and Guidelines for submitting the proposal can be either downloaded from the State’s website www. nhmnagaland.in or www.nhm.gov.in or this can be collected from the O/o Mission Director, NHM between 14th to 16th January during Office working hours.

Important Dates: Last date for collection of RFP from Office of SHS: 16th January 2021.

Date for pre-bid conference: 15th January 2021. (For bidders outside the State Pre-bid conference will be done though e-conference/telecommunication).

Last date for submission of Proposal to SHS: 16th January 2021.

Date of opening of financial bid: 18th January 2021.

Venue for Pre-bid Conference: Pre-bid Conference would be held at SPMU Conference Hall, DoHFW, Kohima/ telecommunication.

Sd/(DR. KEVICHUSA MEDIKHRU) Mission Director, NHM Nagaland: Kohima.

DC-36 nrhmnagaland@gmail.com

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

Farmers’ stir helps vendors revive income

A farmer buys a badge at the Singhu border. (PTI).

income, but something is better than nothing. Barely 15-20 people buy these each day,” he said.

Brothers, Moin (17) and Nadeef (11), from Uttar Pradesh’s Loni, have also ventures in this business. “We bring in 500 of these badges everyday. We manage to sell some 300 of them,” said Moin, who set up shop in Singhu a week back.

Many shopkeepers at Singhu border are hoping to make most of the agitation, by earning whatever little

CCS approves Tejas deal worth Rs 48,000 crore

The IAF had earlier issued an initial tender for procurement of 83 Tejas aircraft, a four-and-half generation combat jet.

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): In a major decision, the government on Wednesday approved the procurement of 83 indigenouslydeveloped light combat aircraft Tejas for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost of Rs 48,000 crore.

T h e d e c i s i o n wa s taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

In a tweet, Singh said the deal will be a “gamechanger” for self-reliance in defence manufacturing

in India.

“The CCS chaired by PM Sh. @narendramodi today approved the largest indigenous defence procurement deal worth about 48000 crores to strengthen IAF’s fleet of homegrown fighter jet ‘LCA-Tejas’,” he said.

The defence minister said Tejas is going to be the backbone of the fighter fleet of the Indian Air Force in years to come.

Around three years back, the IAF had issued an initial tender for procurement of 83 Tejas aircraft, a four-and-half generation

the government, though they have asserted they would not settle for anything less than a complete repeal of the laws.

“Talks must continue. It is only through dialogue, a way forward can be found,” Rupala told PTI. He was responding to a query whether the government talks with protesting farmers’ leaders on January 15 will be held as scheduled in the wake of the Supreme Court setting up of a committee to resolve the crisis.

On Tuesday, Kailash Choudhary, who is also Minister of State for Agriculture, had said the government was willing to go ahead with the meeting and it was for the farmer groups to decide what they want.

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, have been protesting at several border points of Delhi since November 28 last year.

choice is NDA/BJP making guinea pigs out of Indians @ drharshvardhan. Is roll out THE REAL Phase-3 Trial of Covaxin?”

The first consignment of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin landed in Delhi from Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Bharat Biotech aims to dispatch around 55 lakh vaccines to 11 cities in the initial phase, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Chennai and Jaipur.

In Delhi, the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) would receive 20,000 doses of Bharat Biotech’s Covid vaccine from a consignment which landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Wednesday morning, officials told IANS. The RGSSH has already received 2.64 lakh doses of the ‘Covishield’ vaccine on Tuesday. The hospital has received 22 boxes consisting of 26,400 vials of ‘Covishield’, the Covid vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

Jammu, Jan 13 (PTI): A 150-metre tunnel constructed along the International Border (IB) to facilitate infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan was detected by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district on Wednesday, officials said.

This is the third tunnel unearthed by alert border guards along the IB in the twin districts of Samba and Kathua in Jammu region over the past six months and ninth in the past decade.

“A nearly 150-metrelong tunnel was detected by a BSF patrol party during an anti-tunnelling operation in Bobiyaan village of Hirnagar sector this morning,” Inspector General of BSF, Jammu frontier, N S Jamwal told reporters at the scene.

He along with other senior officers rushed to Bobiyaan soon after the detection of the tunnel.

“The opposite of this side is Pakistan’s Shakergarh which is notorious for having launch pads and bases of terrorists. We have inputs available with us as a result of that we are sensitive

to whatever is happening here,” the BSF officer said, assuring that all necessary measures are in place to counter Pakistani designs.

He said sand bags with Pakistani markings are evidence of the hand of Pakistani establishment in the construction of this tunnel, which is identical to the previously detected tunnels having a depth of 25 to 30 metre with two to three feet diameter.

Asked whether this tunnel was recently dug or it’s an old one, the BSF officer said it is a matter of investigation.

However, he said some of the sand bags recovered from the tunnel have 201617 year of manufacture which suggest that it is an old tunnel.

“We were searching for this tunnel for a long time and its detection was the effort of the anti-tunnelling operation which is underway all along the IB. Whether any infiltration had taken place through this tunnel in the past can be said after completion of our investigation,” he said.

Jamwal, however, said

Security officers standing near the mouth of a 150-metre underground tunnel at Hiranagar sector of Kathua district. (PTI)

the BSF is sure that no infiltration had taken place through this tunnel in the recent past.

“We are undertaking some development works here and have strengthened the security in view of the anti-tunnelling drive,” he said.

Referring to the killing

of two Pakistani infiltrators in Surankote area of Poonch district and an encounter in Srinagar last month, the IG said Pakistan is always looking for an opportunity to push terrorists into Jammu Kashmir, whether it is through Line of Control (LoC) or IB. “They are continuing

with the attempts but we are fully alert to the situation.

Our alertness resulted in detection of underground tunnels and shooting down of a Hexa-copter loaded with a huge cache of arms and ammunition,” he said, adding the border protection grid comprising army, BSF and police are working jointly to scuttle Pakistan’s attempts to push terrorists and weapons into this side.

Last year, the BSF detected two such tunnels in Samba district on August 28 and November 22 following successful infiltration by two groups of terrorists who were subsequently neutralised in separate encounters along Jammu-Srinagar national highway while they were enroute to Kashmir in trucks.

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Ko l k ata , Ja n 1 3 (PTI): The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday appealed to the Left Front and the Congress to back West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her fight against the “communal and divisive” politics of the BJP. Elections to the 294member state assembly are due in April-May. “If the Left Front and the Congress are genuinely anti-BJP, they should be behind Mamata Banerjee in her fight against the communal and divisive politics of the saffron party,” senior TMC MP Sougata Roy told reporters.

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee is the “real face of secular politics against the BJP”, he said.

Roy claimed that none of the schemes launched by the BJP-led government at the Centre has worked successfully.

“The TMC’s narrative is of constructive criticism in the interests of development,” he said.

Referring to cattlesmuggling that has kicked up a political storm in poll-bound West Bengal, Roy said it is the duty of the Border Security Force (BSF) and not the state police to prevent this.

“The BSF, which is under the central government, looks after the borders of the country. It is their duty

The government is in favour of continuing talks with protesting farmer groups as it believes a solution can be found only through dialogue, Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala said on Wednesday.

While eight rounds of negotiations so far between the government and a representative-group of thousands of farmers protesting against three farm laws have failed to resolve the crisis, the Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of the three Acts till further orders and set up a four-member committee to end the impasse.

However, the protesting farmer unions have said they will not appear before the committee as they consider it to be “pro-government”. They have, however, shown willingness to attend the scheduled ninth round of talks on January 15 with

New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS): As the government gears up for the Covid vaccination drive targeting health care and frontline workers, the Congress has cautioned the government that since the ‘Covaxin’ vaccine has not completed phase-3 trials, it should not be rolled out as Indians are not “guinea pigs”.

Congress leader Manish Tewari said, “The government should not roll out vaccines till their efficacy is completely established and mandatory phase-3 trials are over, as Indians are not ‘guinea pigs’.”

His objections are over ‘Covaxin’ which has been approved for emergency use but has not completed phase-3 trials to prove its reliability. The Congress leader said that the government is not giving a choice to the people.

Tewari tweeted: “Till y e s t e r d a y N DA / B J P claimed Covaxin has been cleared for emergency use.

Today by not allowing recipients to pick vaccine of his

150-m cross-border tunnel detected by BSF along IB in JK

combat jet.

“LCA-Tejas incorporates a large number of new technologies many of which were never attempted in India. The indigenous content of LCA-Tejas is 50 percent in Mk1A variant which will be enhanced to 60 percent,’ Singh said.

The defence minister said that aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has already set up second-line manufacturing facilities at its Nasik and Bengaluru divisions.

“Equipped with the augmented infrastructure the HAL will steer LCAMk1A production for timely deliveries to the IAF,” he said.

Singh said the Tejas programme would act as a catalyst for transforming the Indian aerospace manufacturing ecosystem into a vibrant, self-sustaining one.

“I thank the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi for this historic decision taken by the CCS today, “ the defence minister said.

TMC appeals to Left, Cong in fight against BJP

Talks must continue: MoS Rupala on Jan 15 meeting with farmer groups

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ago from Ambala and have managed to sell products worth Rs 700 so far.

“I used to be a vendor at India Gate. But after lockdown, business has been really poor. So we decided to set shop at the protest once we saw an opportunity,” Arora said.

Amaan, an electrician from Delhi’s Okhla has also taken to selling these badges and stickers, owing to lack of work. Both badge and sticker are being sold at Rs 10.

“It doesn’t yield much

they can. Many of these badges are sourced from Delhi’s Sadar Baazar market.

Chandan Kumar, who has been running a electrical equipment shop at the Singhu border for over five years now, has pushed bulbs, switches and wires to the back and lined his shop with ‘No Farmer, No Food’ stickers and badges.

“The electrical business had completely taken a backseat. I realised that the farmers liked stickers about their agitation. So I started getting radium paper from Kashmere Gate market and started printing the stickers myself,” he said.

Kumar added that while it was not at all a close substitute for his earlier business, but it did bring in some income.

For over a month several farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, are camping at the borders of Delhi to protest the three farms laws, which the NDA claims will reform the agri sector.

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): Before the coronavirus pandemic, Rakesh Arora used to be a vendor at the India Gate, but his business did not pick up after lockdown. Now, the farmers’ stir at the Singhu border has given him an chance to improve livelihood, selling badges and stickers.

With the protesting farmers staying put at the border point of the national capital for over six weeks now, many small businesses have sprung up at the site, the newest being sale of proprotest badges and stickers.

Shopkeepers with basket full of badges and stickers, with ‘I love Kheti (farming)’, ‘I love Kisan’, and ‘Kisan Ekta Zindabad’ printed on them, have seated themselves at every nook and corner of the highway. Almost every protestor could be seen donning a badge, while the tractors and trolleys flaunt the stickers.

Rakesh Arora and his nephew brought in inventory worth Rs 2,500 two days

5 Stop Covaxin rollout till ph 3 trials over: Congress

Mamata Banerjee

and not that of the police to prevent cross-border smuggling of cattle,” the TMC MP said.

Launching a stinging attack against Union Home Amit Shah, who had visited the state last month, the senior lawmaker said, “Instead of having lunch at different places, he should have visited the border to check whether the BSF is doing its job properly or not.”

Responding to a query whether BJP state chief Dilip Ghosh will be the saffron party’s chief ministerial candidate for the elections, he said it is an internal matter of the BJP. “Diamond Harbour MP and TMC youth wing chief Abhishek Banerjee has a much greater political experience than Ghosh, who has joined politics only in 2015, but even he never claimed to be the CM face of the TMC,” he added.

DC-22

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6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 38 Dimapur, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

I

Govt should act

t has been over a decade since various civil society groups and NGOs had demanded an end to the collection raj in Dimapur by all and sundry including both legitimate and non-legitimate authorities but the state government has done precious little. Too many organisations and self-styled parallel authorities collecting money under the guise of taxes in Dimapur has totally destroyed the foundations of economic progress. Ultimately, the biggest loser of the collection syndrome are the common people. The compulsion under force or threat is what makes these collections the most oppressive and destructive syndrome which negates every aspect of progress. The problem of tax collections in Dimapur is legendary as till today, no legally constituted government authority has eradicated this terrible menace that has become the most thriving cottage industry of the state. Since the early part of 2012 ACAUT had taken the lead in organising public rallies against blatant collections in the name of taxes. Public want an end to collection raj in Dimapur but some government agencies as well as “authorised agencies” reassert that their collections are perfectly legitimate for toll tax, forest royalty or inspection of animal health(veterinary). However, it is not as simple as being explained. In the early part of 2012 the civil society organisations under the aegis of ACAUTorganised a series of public rallies against all forms of tax collections- check gates, transport, godown, shops etc where the same item is taxes multiple times.

Under the lease system, those who are appointed to collect DMC taxes, pay a fixed amount quoted every month. Even the Public Action Committee(PAC) now under the aegis of apex tribes of Dimapur, has demanded that the lease system be revoked. The lease system was revoked for a few months due to the public outrage but it has been re-introduced. Recently, four Dimapur-based civil society organisations have reminded the state government’s urban and municipality affairs department of earlier representations demanding revocation of the lease system under Dimapur Municipal Council(DMC). The CSOs said that Dimapur had witnessed visible development and facelift and overall improvement when collection of toll tax was done by the DMC establishment itself.

However, they said that after the lease system was reintroduced, things have worsened. The PAC had also found that the lease system introduced by municipal affairs department was one of the main factors that encouraged illegal collection of money at the check gates and inside the city. PAC said its objection to the lessee system was based on facts in the past, that the appointed lessee in turn sub-lets tax collection to a lessor. Again, it was maintained that the second lessor sub-lets to the third lessor. As per the information from PAC, the leasing of DMC tax collection to lessees has meant unauthorised hikes over fixed rates. PAC has pointed out that for instance, if the prescribed tax for a particular item was Rs.60 per unit, the actual collection by multiple lessees turned out to be multiple times such as Rs.600 or so but the receipt issued is only for Rs.60. Dimapur is the trade and commerce centre as well as the gateway of Nagaland. There is a PIL pending with the high court over unabated taxation in Dimapur and the state government should realise that enough is enough and economic prosperity cannot be achieved by construction of roads or buildings but ensuring that the hurdles to development are removed for economic prosperity for all.

DailyDevotion Have You Ever Been Alone with God? (2)

When He was alone…the twelve asked Him about the parable. —Mark 4:10

His Solitude with Us. When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted desires, a broken friendship, or a new friendship— when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us. Notice Jesus Christ’s training of the Twelve. It was the disciples, not the crowd outside, who were confused. His disciples constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly explained things to them, but they didn’t understand until after they received the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26).

As you journey with God, the only thing He intends to be clear is the way He deals with your soul. The sorrows and difficulties in the lives of others will be absolutely confusing to you. We think we understand another person’s struggle until God reveals the same shortcomings in our lives. There are vast areas of stubbornness and ignorance the Holy Spirit has to reveal in each of us, but it can only be done when Jesus gets us alone. Are we alone with Him now? Or are we more concerned with our own ideas, friendships, and cares for our bodies? Jesus cannot teach us anything until we quiet all our intellectual questions and get alone with Him.

Quotes

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. ~ Francis of Assisi

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

Post-mortem

Putting on hold the farm bills is terrible precedent T he Supreme Court is increasingly looking like one of those fantasy creatures with disjointed shapes, where nothing is what it appears to be. The forms keep mysteriously changing, with benign faces masking more ominous fangs, and shapes shifting as the need arises. So this is a constitutional court that does not pronounce on the constitutionality of laws. Instead, it wades into political and administrative management without the imprimatur of any law. It positions itself as a saviour of democracy only to make a mockery of the parliamentary process. It wades into conflict management, only to hide behind the façade of some expert committee.

It pretends that distributive conflicts are technical ones.

It finds ruses to defuse genuine democratic protest. Yet it will not facilitate the orderly and law-bound expression of protest.

It will accuse governments of not responding, while it itself perpetually refuses to pronounce on constitutionality and law in a time-bound manner.

It speaks the language of neutrality, of being above the fray, but is clearly will-

ing to disrupt the normal political give and take in a democracy. The court’s order putting on hold the farm bills is terrible constitutional precedent, bereft of judgment. It has an odour of cynicism behind it.

The issues in the farm bills are complex. But no matter which side you are on, you should now worry about how the Supreme Court is interpreting its function. It has suspended the implementation of the farm laws, and created a committee to ascertain the various grievances. But it is not clear what the legal basis of this suspension is. The court’s action, at first sight, is a violation of separation of powers. It also gives the misleading impression that a distributive conflict can be resolved by technical or judicial means. It is also not a court’s job to mediate a political dispute. Its job is to determine unconstitutionality or illegality. Even in suspending laws there needs to be some prima facie case that these lapses might have taken place. But instead of doing a hearing on the substance — the possible federalism challenge, the possible challenge based on the ouster of grievance redressal

— and then pronouncing a stay, it has simply decided to create a committee to hear farmers’ grievances and wade into political territory.

The framework governing agriculture needs serious reform. The objective of reform must be to improve farmers’ incomes and wellbeing, to increase crop diversification, make agriculture more environmentally sustainable, make subsidies less counterproductive, keep food inflation down, and ensure that nutrition reaches all. Achieving all these objectives in no easy task, especially in states like Punjab.

It will require immense trust to move to a new regime in agriculture. The government was right to think reforms were necessary.

But it was prioritising the wrong reforms by beginning with the hollow promise of “choice of traders,” which did not tackle the underlying issues, but created more uncertainty all around.

In not responding to legitimate concerns of the farmers, the government was forfeiting their trust.

The farmers were well within their rights to protest, and did so with grace, despite repeated government attempts to delegitimise them

as anti-national. There was a stalemate. In principle, any mediation to break the stalemate is welcome. But the mediation has to be a political process between the government and the people.

If there is no unconstitutionality involved, Parliament has to fix what it broke.

Here is why what the Supreme Court has done is dangerous. It has set a new precedent for putting on hold laws passed by Parliament without substantive hearings on the content of the laws. It has muddied all the possible lines of judicial procedure, where it is not clear what the locus standi of different counsel are, what are the specific prayers that need to be addressed and how the court’s remedies address them. It has not really heard the farmers, whose counsel were not fully heard before the passing of orders. This is a monumental irony since a court whose own procedures seem to be opaque sets itself up as the arbiter of responsive government. This is not public interest litigation, it is whimsy on steroids.

The court is, perhaps unintentionally but damagingly, seeking to break the momentum of a so-

cial movement. You can have a view on whether the government is right or the farmers. But it will be up to the people and the political process to decide who is correct, as long as there is no unconstitutionality involved. But political movements require collective action and timing, they are not easy to assemble.

There is no question that the timing of the order has the objective to save the government the embarrassment of intensifying protests. By appointing a committee, the court has shifted the onus on the farmers to stop their protests, or else appear unreasonable. In a related matter, on the form in which protests in Delhi should be allowed, the court has also positioned itself as an arbiter of national security by taking seriously the Attorney General’s contention that farmers’ protests may be the vehicle for the Khalistan movement. This is delegitimisation of protest by misdirection. It is preparing the ground for the protests on a significant scale being rendered illegal.

In another ruse, the court seems to have redefined the function of mediation. If the function of

a committee is mediation, then the court has violated the first rule of mediation: The mediators must be acceptable to all parties and appointed in consultation with them. If the purpose of the committee is to ascertain facts, why not just do it through open hearings of all parties in the court?

The farmers did not need the paternalism of the court, the way in which it is infantilising them, protecting them from themselves.

What they need is clarity of law where relevant, and the right to make their demands heard through the political process and civil society. By being too clever by half, the court has potentially created an explosive situation. It has set a bad precedent where implementation of laws can be suspended without legal basis. It has created mistrust in farmers about its intention. The court seems to have given the government a setback, but it is more a “get out of jail” card: Saving it from being on the political backfoot in the face of a movement. By this order, the court has forfeited the very thing it needs most: Being a repository of trust.

Pratap Bhanu Mehta

How to pollution-proof doorstep delivery Commit to a decade of climate resilience

T

he near-death blow dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic to global economies notwithstanding, e-commerce companies have not just thrived but have witnessed a much higher growth rate. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, e-commerce companies registered a growth of 31 per cent in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The consequent increase in demand for e-commerce deliveries has had an impact on the environment in urban areas and will inevitably lead to rise in emissions and air pollution.

To reduce this environmental impact, e-commerce companies need to promote zero-local-emission delivery strategies. While “true” zero emission vehicles are still some distance away — even electric vehicles (EVs) are ultimately powered by the grid fuelled primarily by thermal power plants — the realisation of zero local emissions will go a long way in reducing air pollution in major cities.

On an average, major e-commerce players in India such as Amazon, Flipkart and Bigbasket deliver around 1.5–2 lakh orders per day; 65 per cent of this demand comes from just five cities, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. This demand increases significantly, by 1.5 times, during the festive season. For instance, according to a report in Business Insider, Flipkart witnessed a 10-fold increase in shipments during the Diwali festival sale this year compared to the same period last year.

Though there are no conclusive numbers yet, the increased sales of commercial vehicles, such as mini-trucks and pick-up vans, during the pandemic is proof that the e-commerce industry helped the automobile sector stay afloat when it was struggling because of hugely decreased demand. However, these are mostly conventional vehicles and may lead to environmental impacts in the long run. According to a World Economic Forum study on the future of the last-mile delivery, the increase in demand will lead to an increase in emissions by 32 per cent globally.

Introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and non-motorised transport (NMT; walking and cycling), and optimising delivery trips are a few of the solutions for realising sustainable last-mile deliveries in urban areas.

Flipkart and Amazon have recently announced plans to introduce EVs in their delivery fleet. While Flipkart aims to convert 40 per cent of its fleet to EVs, Amazon plans to introduce 10,000 EVs in India in the near future.

However, the introduction of EVs comes with challenges as electric transportation is still an evolving segment and not a run-of-the-mill solution. In addition, the introduction of NMT needs strategic implementation and planning.

A major challenge is that most of the e-commerce companies outsource

the logistics and last-mile delivery.

These delivery service providers need to convert their fleet to clean vehicles. Additionally, the location of warehouses pose a challenge, with a majority of them situated in the outskirts due to affordable rentals.

Return deliveries (in case the addressee is not available or when goods are exchanged) add to the cost of operation, increasing the man-hours and the travel/trip length per order.

The different categories of delivery slots (priority, same day, free, etc.) also complicate trip planning.

Delivery service providers need to convert their fleets to clean vehicles; private players can play a vital role in minimising the potential air pollution from this sector. DOT, a Delhi-based start-up, provides EVs to Swiggy, Amazon, and Bigbasket for last-mile delivery. Further, leased EVs can be a viable option for both delivery service providers and e-commerce companies. The latter can even forge tie-ups with EV manufacturers to directly lease the required fleets.

The peripheral location of warehouses provides an opportunity for not only EV implementation but also traffic reduction within cities, ultimately reducing emissions. Within cities, strategically located warehouses shared by multiple e-commerce players can make EV introduction financially viable through sharing of land and charging infrastructure cost, streamlining the flow of heavy and light commercial vehicles, efficient fleet utilisation, and ease of operation for delivery service providers.

A potential solution to reduce the travel required by delivery executives is to set up a pickup point network, with smart lockers every 1 km or so, considering the location-wise number of shipments. Bus stops, shopping malls, etc. could be used as potential locations for such lockers. Such a network can also open up the option of NMT delivery to the consumer’s doorstep. Gated communities can install lockers at the entrance to avoid travel inside their premises.

Cities need to understand delivery movements, as well as the location of warehouses, consolidation centres, and delivery hotspots to prioritise sustainable last-mile delivery. Further, assessing the socio-economic and environmental impacts of urban lastmile deliveries and freight movement will help cities develop sustainable transport policies. Zero-emissions vehicles (electric or non-motorised vehicles), off-peak-hour deliveries, centralised pick-up points, and a network of freight hubs throughout a city are some of the solutions to meet the growing demand of urban last-mile deliveries.

Finally, to realise long-term sustainable mobility, cities need to develop urban freight policies with an emphasis on strategic interventions in last-mile delivery.

Trupti Deshpande and Anantha Lakshmi Paladugula

I

ndia’s vulnerability to climate risks, growing experience with handling disasters, and new initiatives to strengthen infrastructure position it at the forefront for an adaptation action agenda. What is common to Cuttack in Odisha, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and Paschim Champaran in Bihar?

In the past half-century, these districts (among many others) have witnessed a switch from being flood-prone to becoming drought-prone. Conversely, Nagaur in Rajasthan, Surendranagar in Gujarat and Aurangabad in Maharashtra are among the districts where the reverse has been observed.

Administrative attention currently is focused on vaccine delivery and economic recovery. But the next economic crisis could be set off by a series of climate shocks. Between 1999 and 2018, the world faced at least 12,000 extreme weather events, resulting in losses of $3.54 trillion (in purchasing power parity terms).

The planet is in trouble.

Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (at 417 parts per million) are as high as they were four million years ago, with temperatures being 2-4 degrees Celsius warmer and sea levels 10-25 metres higher.

In the worst-case scenario, by 2100, CO2 concentrations could reach levels last seen more than 50 million years ago.

This rate of change does not give time for many organisms to adapt to a warmer climate.

Human civilisation has never experienced warming of this kind. Despite the marginal and temporary fall in emissions due to the pandemic, 2020 was the warmest year ever recorded (tied with 2016). Temperatures could have been higher had it not been for the cooling impact of the La Niña event (a cool band of water forming in the Pacific Ocean every few years).

India is witnessing severe pressures. Between 1970 and 2005, there were 250 extreme climate events; but there have been 310 such since 2005 alone. In that period, at least 55 districts have

endured extreme floods and 79 districts have faced extreme drought annually. This means that every year, floods and droughts are affecting 97.5 million and 140 million people, respectively.

Mitigating emissions has always tended to overshadow the climate agenda. But the Climate Adaptation Summit being planned for January 25-26 in the Netherlands can begin to reshape the conversation. Summit organisers plan to introduce an adaptation action agenda, allowing actors from different regions and sectors to propose adaptation initiatives.

India could lead the world in committing to a decade of climate resilience, by proposing and promoting actions that investigate, inform and invest against risks and build resilience. Episodic and myopic approaches to disaster management will fall short unless buttressed by efforts to investigate extreme events in detail. We need to analyse their causes, their shifting frequency, the impact of climate crisis on their possible recurrence and the vulnerability of specific regions.

This is why a climate risk atlas becomes necessary, connecting past trends to future scenarios by overlaying data on extreme events with climate modelling.

This does not exist anywhere in the developing world, in effect forcing governments to fly blind. India can demonstrate how a detailed assessment of localised climate risks can lay the foundation for informed climate plans at national, state, district and city levels, preparing for extreme events, and accordingly identify the gaps in administrative capacity to respond. Second, climate risks need to be communicated to households and communities.

A particularly grim drought or flash flood, with hundreds of thousands affected, might attract headlines for a few days or weeks. But how does a community prepare itself for climate variability? Like Chennai or Mahbubnagar, 40% of India’s districts have switched

from being flood-prone to drought-prone and vice-versa.

Information on climate risks needs to be salient and easily understood by households.

Advance warnings, giving realtime information as disasters unfold, connecting people and businesses for post-disaster recovery are ways in which communities can become coparticipants in a unified emergency response framework.

Third, India must be at the vanguard of investing in costeffective resilient infrastructure.

Developing countries do not have the luxury of spending billions of additional dollars on climate-proof infrastructure.

On paper, the incremental investments pay back when they avoid far greater losses from extreme events. But high upfront costs of already expensive capital assets make climate resilience a secondary priority.

This is why India’s leadership of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) — with its focus on transport, power and telecom infrastructure — is noteworthy. The Climate Adaptation Summit can extend CDRI’s work on research, advocacy and technical support and include resilience financing. This would reduce the cost of finance by setting off investment in resilient infrastructure against avoided future losses.

Building resilience is both prevention and cure. By 2030, the world has to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, fulfil promises made under the Paris Agreement, and adhere to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. A common thread of resilience could tie their agendas together.

India’s vulnerability to climate risks, growing experience with handling disasters, and new initiatives to strengthen infrastructure position it at the forefront for an adaptation action agenda.

Arunabha Ghosh (CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water) (The views expressed are personal)

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Another milestone of Naga regiment

The year 2021 has commenced on a delightful note for people of Nagaland. On the occasion of the Army Day-2021, the 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment has been selected for award of the coveted Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation for exemplary performance in the service of the Nation during the year 2020. Naga Regiment fraternity has added yet another feather in its cap. 3 NAGA happens to be the youngest battalion in the regiment and was raised in the year 2009. This year 23 different units of the Indian Army have been chosen for the coveted honour on the occasion of the Army Day-2021, It may be recalled that the Naga Regiment was raised on 01 Nov 1970 as per the historic 16 Point Agreement that had facilitated the formation of the Nagaland State and its units have credited themselves extremely well in various military operations. Wish many more laurels to the Naga Regiment in the years to come.

Colonel Prakash Bhatt (Retd), Former Additional DIG Assam Rifles 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.

Doval also met Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council of National Reconciliation.

KABUL, JAN 13 (PTI): National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who arrived here on a two-day unannounced visit, on Wednesday met the top Afghan leadership and discussed issues of strategic mutual interest as well as on synchronising efforts to combat terrorism and build the peace process.

Doval, who is leading a high-level delegation, called on Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the Presidential Palace here on Wednesday morning.

“Both sides discussed counter-terrorism cooperation and efforts for building regional consensus on supporting peace in Afghanistan,” said a brief statement issued by Arg, the Presidential Palace.

During the meeting, President Ghani said that the Afghan security forces are the righteous pillars of

Afghanistan’s stability and are fighting in the front lines against the regional and global terrorism.

“Afghanistan and India in joint efforts with NATO and the United States will be able to succeed in the fight against terrorism,” President Ghani was quoted as telling Doval.

Doval in return said that India is willing to continue its cooperation with Afghanistan and is ready to continue talks on the common interests, the statement said.

Doval also met Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council of National Reconciliation, and discussed the peace process, the beginning of the second round of talks and the role of India in establishing peace in Afghanistan.

Abdullah Abdullah visited India in October

Bird Flu: Unusual mortality reported in Jharkhand, J&K New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): Bird flu has been confirmed in 9 states and 1 Union Territory so far while cases of unusual mortality have been reported in some districts of Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre on Wednesday said, and asked the state governments not to ban supply of poultry products.

Till Monday, bird flu outbreak was confirmed in Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.

“Cases of Avian Influenza have been confirmed in 10 states, as on 13 January, 2021. Further, cases of unnatural mortality of birds have been reported in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and 4 districts of Jharkhand,” Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said in a statement.

The ministry asked states to ensure that the infection does not spread among poultry as it would lead to heavy economic loss for the poultry farmers.

“It was found that many states are banning supply of poultry and poultry products from other states. As this would add

Deputy EC reviews poll preparedness in West Bengal

Kolkata, Jan 13 (PTI): Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain on Wednesday held discussions with district officials of West Bengal to review the preparedness for the Assembly polls, due in April-May. Jain, who is on a twoday visit to Bengal, interacted with senior police officials of Kolkata Police, district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs) of central and southern parts of the state in the first half of the day, a senior official at the CEO’s office said. In the second half, Jain met the DMs and SPs of north Bengal districts, he said. Jain is scheduled to meet Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Home Secretary HK Dwivedi and DGP Virendra on Thursday, the official said.

to the negative impact on the poultry industry, the states were requested to reconsider such decision,” the statement said.

On Tuesday, a virtual conference was organised under the chairmanship of Secretary in Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The meeting was attended by representatives from 17 states.

In the meeting, states were advised to efficiently manage the spread of Avian Influenza in their respective states in accordance with the Action Plan 2021.

“To deal with the situation the states were asked to coordinate with the department of health and forest and sensitize them about the issue. States were also asked to maintain sufficient supply of protective equipment and maintain biosecurity measures in poultry farms,” the statement said.

The state governments were told to identify BSL-II labs at the state level for speeding up the identification of infection in the state and timely introduction of control mechanism.

The ministry said awareness generating activities through newspaper advertisements and seminars are being conducted by several states.

last year on a five-day visit during which he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Doval on the crucial peace initiative in the war-ravaged country.

Doval also met his Afghan counterpart Hamdullah Mohib and held extensive conversations on issues of strategic mutual interest, including on synchronising efforts to combat terrorism and build peace. “@hmohib hosted his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and his high-level delegation from Delhi for a two-day visit in Kabul. The two sides held extensive conversations on issues of strategic mutual interest, including on synchronising efforts to combat terrorism and build peace,” the Office of the Afghan National Security Council tweeted.

Doval’s visit to Kabul comes at a time when the Taliban and the Afghan government are holding direct talks for the first time to end 19 years of war that has killed tens of thousands of people and ravaged various parts of the country.

On January 5, talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban resumed in Doha, Qatar.

Consider Rao’s health while making submissions: HC to NIA

Varavara Rao

Mumbai, Jan 13 (PTI): The Bombay High Court on Wednesday said the NIA and the Maharashtra government should consider the age and health condition of poet-activist Varavara Rao, arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, while making submissions on his bail plea.

A division bench of Justices S S Shinde and Manish Pitale posted Rao’s plea seeking bail on medical grounds for hearing on Thursday.

Rao, one of the accused in the case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was last month admitted to Nanavati Hospital here following the HC’s intervention while hearing a petition filed by his wife, raising concerns over his ill-health.

Since then, the private hospital has been submit-

ting periodical reports on Rao’s health condition to the HC. The Maharashtra government last month agreed to bear the expenses for his treatment at the Nanavati Hospital.

“The petitioner (Varavara Rao) is 88 years’ old.

Keep in view his age and health conditions. While making submissions on the bail plea, reflect on his health. We are all human beings,” Justice Shinde said.

Earlier, Rao had been in and out of the state-run J J Hospital here ever since his arrest in the case in June 2018.

In July last year, he tested positive for coronavirus following which he was admitted to the Nanavati Hospital, but later discharged and sent back to the Taloja jail in neighbouring Navi Mumbai.

Apart from Rao’s bail plea, the court is also hearing a petition filed by his wife Hemlatha, alleging a breach of his fundamental rights due to his continued incarceration without adequate medical care.

Rao and some other Left-leaning activists were earlier arrested for alleged links with Maoists following the Elgar Parishad conclave in Maharashtra’s Pune district on December 31, 2017.

K’taka CM expands cabinet, seven ministers sworn-in

The newly inducted ministers along with Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and Governor Vajubhai Vala. Credit-DH Photo

Bengaluru, Jan 13 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday expanded his 17-month old cabinet, inducting seven ministers and indicated that excise minister H Nagesh would be dropped.

Gover nor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Ministers at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.

The new Ministers are MLAs Umesh Katti (Hukkeri), S Angara (Sullia), Murugesh Nirani (Bilgi) and Arvind Limbavali (Mahadevapura), and MLCs R Shankar, M T B Nagaraj and C P Yogeshwar.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, his cabinet colleagues, BJP leaders and office bearers, including General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh,

state unit President Nalin Kumar Kateel, senior state government officials,family members and supporters of the new Ministers,among others,were present.

This is the third expansion of the cabinet since Ye d i y u r a p p a a s s u m e d charge in July 2019 after the collapse of the CongressJDS government in the wake of revolt by 17 MLAs of the coalition partners.

It’s a mix of the old guard and new entrants from Congress and JDS who made it into the cabinet.

Keeping up the promise, Congress-JD(S) rebelsturned BJP MLCs R Shankar and M T B Nagaraj, who helped the saffron party come to power, were inducted by Yediyurappa.

Both of them had served as Ministers in the coalition government.

JOB VACANCY

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Another MLC Yogeshwar, who is said to have played a key role by managing Congress-JD(S) rebel MLAs during the political turmoil in the state in 2019, was also inducted into the Ministry. He too was a Minister in the previous BJP government.

Among the BJP old guard who made it to the cabinet were Katti, Angara, Nirani and Limbavali.

While Katti (eight time MLA), Nirani and Limbavali (state BJP VicePresident) were Ministers in the previous BJP government, for Angara (six times MLA), this will be his first stint as the Minister.

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): The construction of new Parliament building will start on January 15 as it is considered auspicious for work to commence on the day of first dawn after ‘Makar Sankranti’, sources said on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, a 14member heritage panel gave its approval for construction of the new Parliament building under the government’s ambitious Central Vista redevelopment plan.

“The Central Public Works Department has asked Tata Projects Ltd to start the construction work of the new parliament building on January 15 as it is considered auspicious to commence such a project on the day of first dawn after ‘Makar Sankranti’,” the official sources said. The new building is being constructed

by Tata Projects Ltd. The redevelopment project of the Central Vista -- the nation’s power corridor -- envisages a new triangular parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping of the three-kmlong Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, new Prime Minister Residence and PMO, and a new Vice-President Enclave.

Sources said that Tata Projects started mobilising machinary and other items required to start construc-

102 infected with UK strain of Covid: Health Ministry

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): The number of people in India who have tested positive for the new UK variant of coronavirus has climbed to 102, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Till January 11, the number of people affected by this strain of the coronavirus was 96.

On Wednesday, the ministry said, “The total number of persons found to be positive with the new UK variant genome stands at 102 today.” All these people were kept in singleroom isolation in designated healthcare facilities by respective state governments.

Their close contacts have also been put in quarantine and comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others.

Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said, adding the situation is under careful watch for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG (Indian SARSCoV-2 Genomics Consortium) labs, the ministry said.

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The work is expected to be completed in the next 10 months.

tion work of the government’s ambitious project.

The Heritage Conservation Committee on Monday gave its nod to the new Parliament project, after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to seek prior approval from the panel and other relevant authorities before starting construction work.

According to the plan, work on redevelopment of Rajpath will start soon after this year’s Republic Day parade. The work is expected to be completed in the next 10 months and the 2022 Republic Day parade will be held on a redeveloped Rajpath. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the new Parliament building, which is expected to be completed by the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and is estimated to cost Rs 971 crore.

The new building will

come up in front of the existing Parliament House that was built nearly 94 years ago at a cost of Rs 83 lakh at that time and would eventually be turned into a museum.

The new building will house larger Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Halls, with capacities of 888 seats and 384 seats respectively, to accommodate an expanded Parliament after the freeze on its expansion lifts in 2026. The Lok Sabha Hall will also have additional capacity, up to 1,272 seats, to host joint sessions.

According to the plan, provisions in the furniture will be made for smart displays and biometrics for ease of voting with an intuitive and graphical interface, digital language interpretation and recording infrastructure to produce real-time metadata, programmable microphones that put the control of managing the house with the speaker.

Bhandara fire: Rs 2 lakh each to kin of deceased infants

As many as 10 infants were killed and seven rescued from the fire at Bhandara District Hospital on January 9.

Nagpur, Jan 13 (PTI): Maharashtra Gover nor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday announced an assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of 10 infants who died in the fire at Bhandara district hospital last week. As many as 10 infants were killed and seven rescued from the fire that erupted at a sick newborn care unit of the Bhandara District Hospital in the early hours of January 9.

During a visit to the hospital on Wednesday, the governor said the fire incident was hurtful, and directed the authorities to

take appropriate measures to prevent such accidents in the future, a release stated.

Koshyari also visited the ward where the seven rescued babies were kept and met their mothers, the release said.

T h e g ove r n o r a n nounced an assistance of Rs 2 lakh each from his discretionary grant to the families of 10 infants who lost their lives in the incident, it was stated. The governor was accompanied by Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Nana Patole, Bhandara MP Sunil Mendhe and other officials for the visit.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to notify that selling and buying of lands within the jurisdiction of New Peren Village is strictly prohibited and totally banned. Any individual who sells and buys land within the jurisdiction of New Peren Village will be doing so in his/her own risk and such lands sold and bought will be seized by the village authority.

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SCHOOLMATE

Job posting: 1 & 2 In Kohima with very frequent travel to remote locations within Nagaland.

3 In Pungro town, Kiphire district

“Only short listed candidates will be contacted for next stage of the selection process” K-78

Centra Vista: Construction of new Parl building to start on Jan 15, say sources

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Doval discusses counterterrorism with Afgan leaders

7

national

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

New Peren Village Council Peren: Nagaland

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MAHILA SHAKTI KENDRA

KIPHIRE : NAGALAND Applications are invited from the interested NGO's to work in the field of Women Empowerment through Women Collectives and greater participation in government programs. The submission of application has been extended till 20th January, 2021. Details and application forms can be accessed and downloaded at www.kiphire. nic.in or can be obtained from Mahila Shakti Kendra office in Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Kiphire.

Sd/Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Nagaland DP-235

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business

FAIFA appeals to PM to withdraw COTPA Act

Su doku

KAKURO

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): Gold prices fell Rs 108 to Rs 48,877 per 10 gram in the national capital on Wednesday as rupee appreciation capped upside in the price of the precious metal, according to HDFC Securities.

In the previous trade, the yellow metal had closed at Rs 48,985 per 10 gram.

However, silver prices rose Rs 144 to Rs 65,351 per kilogram from Rs 65,207 per kilogram in the previous trade.

The rupee appreciated 10 paise to close at 73.15 against the US dollar on Wednesday.

In the international market, gold was trading with gains at USD 1,857 per ounce, while silver was quoting flat at USD 25.48 per ounce.

“Gold prices traded higher on dollar decline,” HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said.

No. 9801 Yesterday’s solution No. 9800

No. 4420 Yesterday’s solution No. 4419

No. 3444 Yesterday’s solution No. 3443

Across 1. Banquet (5) 6. Royal headdress (5) 9. Dashing manner (7) 10. Viper (5) 11. Narrow way (5) 12. Admission (5) 13. Brigands (7) 15. To free (3) 17. Cupid (4) 18. Of a woman (6) 19. Rains heavily (5) 20. To be precise (4,2) 22. Pretend to sing (4) 24. Heavy-hearted (3) 25. Mounted bullfighter (7) 26. Escargot (5) 27. Light boat (5) 28. Rustic (5) 29. Recoup (7) 30. Cut off (5) 31. Oyster's gem (5) Down 2. Make beloved (6) 3. Drives too fast (6) 4. Pitch (3) 5. Cautions (5) 6. Boy's name (7) 7. Depend (4) 8. Snout beetle (6) 12. Distinctive character (5) 13. Defeats (5) 14. Wanderer (5) 15. Quick (5) 16. Discourage (5) 18. Fragile (5) 19. Trailblazer (7) 21. Capital of Zimbabwe (6) 22. Grown-up (6) 23. Angora (6) 25. Flier (5) 26. Painful (4) 28. Agent (3)

in retail inflation

Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is unlikely to further ease the interest rates in the next meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee even though retail inflation declined in December 2020, a report by Motilal Oswal Institutional Equities said.

The ‘Ecoscope’ report noted that the central bank is likely to continue with its calibrated approach towards the management of domestic liquidity. “It is for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began that the CPI inflation has come within the RBI’s target inflation range of 2-6%. What remains to be seen is if the downward trajectory in food prices continues during CY21. In any case, we do not expect any further monetary easing and the RBI is likely to continue to manage domestic liquidity in a calibrated manner,” it said. The Consumer Price Index-based retail inflation for December came in at a 14-month low of 4.59 per cent, down from 6.93 per cent in November, due to lower food inflation, showed official data released on Tuesday.

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LOST NOTICE I, Ms ATUNA ZHIMO am applying for issue of duplicate copy of my class X Marksheet as I have lost it.

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Mumbai, Jan 13 (PTI): The Indian rupee strengthened gains for the second straight day and closed 10 paise higher at 73.15 against the US dollar on Wednesday, tracking upbeat Asian currencies and sustained foreign fund inflows.

At the interbank forex market, the rupee opened at 73.16, and hit an intra-day high of 73.10 and a low of 73.23. It finally finished at 73.15, higher by 10 paise over its last close.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.07 per cent to 90.15.

“The Indian rupee appreciated against the US dollar for the second straight session against the US currency, tracking rise in most regional peers and a slight pullback in the dollar index,” said Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities.

The local unit has also been helped by foreign in-

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flows in equities with overseas investors pumping in just under USD 2 billion in Indian shares in the month of January, Iyer said.

According to Saif Mukadam, Research Analyst, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, the Indian rupee traded with a positive bias on weakness in dollar and steady FII inflows. “However, sharp gains were capped on surge in crude oil prices and worries over rising coronavirus cases across globe and tightened COVID-19 restrictions to curb the outbreak. Rupee may trade in the range of 72.85 to 73.60 in next couple of sessions,” Mukadam noted.

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Crossword

dertake the reforms to facilitate ease of doing business.

In view of the resource requirement to meet the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of India had on May 17, 2020 enhanced the borrowing limit of the states by two per cent of their GSDP. Half of this special dispensation was linked to undertaking citizen centric reforms by the states. The four citizen centric areas for reforms identified were implementation of ‘One Nation One Ration Card System’, Ease of doing business reform, Urban Local body/utility reforms and Power Sector reforms.

Gold declines Rs 108, RBI unlikely to cut Rupee firms up 10 paise to silver gains Rs 144 rates despite dip finish at 73.15 against US dollar

LAND FOR SALE IN DIMAPUR

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STOLEN Glamour Drum FI IBS Red with black was stolen near Govt. High School Ground, Nagarjan, Dimapur on 08.01.2021.

Regd. No. : NEW002740 Eng. No. : JA07ACL9H02774 Chassis No. : MBLJAW157L9H02740 Owner's Name : Md. Ashik Contact No. : 6009096512

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Tamil Nadu and Telangana, who have completed this reform.

On the completion of reforms facilitating ease of doing business, these eight states have been granted additional borrowing permission of Rs 23,149 crore.

The ease of doing business is an important indicator of the investment friendly business climate in the country. Improvements in the ease of doing business will enable faster future growth of the state economy.

The government had in May 2020, decided to link the grant of additional borrowing permissions to states who un-

to all, starting with those preparing for engineering entrance examinations. Our mission is to help students achieve their outcomes while also empowering educators and content partners reach millions of students.”

“Our primary focus has been on content quality, deep learning analytics and student experience. This launch will help engineering aspirants prepare better and achieve the winning edge in JEE,” he said.

All learning material and exam content has been developed by expert faculty from across the country. In addition to the JEE, those preparing for BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, and MET exams will also benefit from the quality content resources available, said the statement. The content is currently available for free and will continue to be for the next few months.

PIG FOR SALE 70 Kg to 100 Kg (8nos)

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS): Kerala has become the eighth state in the country to successfully undertake the “Ease of Doing Business” reform stipulated by the Union Finance Ministry.

With this, the state has become eligible to mobilise additional financial resources of Rs 2,373 crore through Open Market Borrowings.

Permission for the same was issued by the Department of Expenditure on January 12, 2021.

Kerala has now joined seven other states namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan,

the examination.

The service enables active learning through live lessons, helping students to strengthen their JEE preparation efforts as they can engage with expert faculty, learn concepts, and clarify doubts in real-time. Bringing further discipline and rigour to their study methodology, it will offer scheduled lessons, daily practice problems and regular tests, starting with a crash course for the upcoming JEE Main.

Amazon Academy will help aspirants know where they stand with an All-India Rank for the respective mock test and assess their test performance through personalised reports highlighting chapter-wise time and strength analysis.

Amol Gurwara, Director, Education at Amazon India, said: “Amazon Academy aims to bring high quality, affordable education

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Ease of doing business reforms: Kerala gets chance to borrow more

NEW DELHI, JAN 13 (IANS): Amazon India on Wednesday announced launch of ‘Amazon Academy’ to help students preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for entrance to engineering colleges.

In a statement, Amazon India said that the online preparation offering will equip students with in-depth knowledge and practice routines required for the JEE, through curated learning material, live lectures and comprehensive assessments in Math, Physics and Chemistry.

The beta version of Amazon Academy will be available free of cost on the web and the Google Play Store. “Amazon Academy will offer students a range of JEE preparatory resources at launch, including specially crafted mock tests by industry experts, over 15,000 handpicked questions with hints and detailed step by step solutions for practice,” it said.

Amazon Academy will also hold live All India Mock Tests (AIMT) at scheduled intervals. These tests are designed to mirror the JEE experience helping students understand the nuances of

WC-13

a-half decade, the illicit cigarette market in India has doubled from a level of 13.5 billion sticks in 2006 to 28 billion sticks in 2019.

Illegal cigarettes do not use locally grown tobacco and hence, an increase in illegal trade impacts the livelihoods of the tobacco farmers in the country as demand for domestic tobacco reduces further.

The FCV far ming community has lost more than Rs 6,000 crore over the last seven years due to drop in off-take of their produce.

The growing illicit cigarette trade is not only affecting the legal cigarette industry and farmer incomes, but is also affecting government revenues.

Moreover, India has a

may be of bad quality and will certainly not follow any of the regulations in force in India. Even currently, illegal tobacco product packages do not carry the statutory warning. Since these illicit cigarettes do not use domestically grown tobacco produced by Indian farmers, the result would be loss of earnings and livelihoods of millions of tobacco farmers who are dependent on the crop in the country.”

Murali Babu, General Secretary, FAIFA, said, “We have noted that in the Amendment Bill, all the provisions of the FCTC are being given effect in full force and in some cases more than as required by FCTC. However, there still has been no talk or action taken regarding the actual problems that the tobacco farmers are going to face due to these proposed stringent laws.”

India is the second largest producer of tobacco in the world and a large exporter. Tobacco is cultivated in 13 states in the country, providing livelihood to 4.57 crore people, including lakhs of farmers, labourers, poor rural population and tribals and their families.

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taxation on cigarettes with the tax burden more than trebling since 2012-13 and has even withdrawn export benefits.

All these are leading to adverse consequences on the livelihoods of crores of Indians without providing any alternatives livelihood opportunities or help to the farmers who cannot grow any other equally remunerative crop in the dry and arid regions they reside in, FAIFA said.

The farmers’ body said that presently, India has become the fourth largest and fastest growing illicit cigarette market in the world with illicit cigarettes representing 1/4th of the cigarette market.

In the last one-and-

unique pattern of tobacco consumption and cigarettes are the smallest component of tobacco consumption in India, constituting only 9 per cent of tobacco use.

Over the last three decades, the legal cigarettes’ share of total tobacco consumption in India has declined from 21 per cent in 1981-82 to 9 per cent in 2019-20. During the same period, the overall tobacco consumption in the country has increased by 46 per cent. The legal market for tobacco being excessively regulated has not in any way reduced the demand for tobacco products but has only caused a shift in consumption from legal to illegal duty evaded cigarettes and tax-evaded cheaper products, FAIFA said.

Demanding withdrawal of the bill, Javare Gowda, President, FAIFA, said, “These harsh amendments that have been proposed will terrorise retailers and traders and they would not want to engage in the sale of legal cigarettes. As a result, criminal syndicates, which have been pushing illegal tobacco, will gain ground and flood the Indian market with illicit cigarettes.

“Such illicit cigarettes

‘Amazon Academy’ launched to aid students with JEE preparations

DP-204(A)

NEW DELHI, JAN 13 (IANS): The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit organisation representing the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recall the COTPA Amendment Bill as it will be a death knell for Indian FCV tobacco farmers.

The proposed Amendment Bill, 2020, will provide huge boost to the evergrowing illicit cigarette business in India and will adversely impact the legal cigarette trade. As a result, there will be a drastic drop of demand for tobacco grown by Indian farmers and they will lose their only source of livelihood, it said.

FAIFA has submitted its appeal to various concerned ministries, including the PMO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Labour etc.

In the last few years, the government has imposed harsh tobacco regulations such as increasing the size of pictorial warnings, imposing punitive

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

DP-222

8

Location : Kohima Contact : 8730886066

PADDY FIELD FOR SALE at Mauva Village About 200 meters from the main road with motorable approach.

Area - 33 Bighas (approx) Price - Rs 22 per Sq. Ft. No Brokers Contacts : 8415858118 8837459283 DP-209

UK think tank list India in ‘Difficult 4’

than it can deliver.”

The report said: “The legacy of British colonial rule consistently curdles the relationship. In contrast, the US has become the most important strategic partner for India, as recent US administrations have intensified their bilateral security relations, putting the UK in the shade.” While giving India the attention it deserves, the UK government needs to accept that gaining direct national benefit from the relationship, whether economically or diplomatically, will be difficult, it added.

“At the same time, India’s complex, fragmented domestic politics have made it one of the countries most resistant to open trade and foreign investment,” the report said. With average GDP per capita of still only

Swiss regulator warns of fake Covid-19 vaccines Geneva, Jan 13 (IANS): Switzerland’s health regulator Swissmedic has warned of the danger of buying vaccines online, saying that fake coronavirus vaccines are already being offered on the internet.

In a statement on Tuesday, Swissmedic said that as the demand for coronavirus vaccines being on the rise, criminal individuals and organisations are exploiting people’s fears by offering fake vaccines on the internet, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Crimes involving illegal medicines and vaccines, and especially Covid-19 vaccines, pose a serious threat to the health and lives of the population,” the statement said. “Very often, the products they are offering are fakes that either contain no active ingredients at all or else contain dangerous substances that can endanger people’s health. In many cases, advance payments are

made and nothing is ever delivered,” it added.

Swissmedic stressed that vaccines are solutions that have to be injected with a syringe after being prepared by a medical professional, and they often need to be stored and transported in an unbroken cold chain, therefore, products like that cannot be sold online.

“Anyone wishing to be vaccinated should consult their doctor and be vaccinated at an official vaccination point,” it noted.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 236 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 63 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the US, according to information released by WHO on January 12.

IN THE

GAUHATI HIGH COURT

(THE HIGH COURT OF ASSAM, NAGALAND, MIZORAM AND ARUNACHAL PRADESH) KOHIMA BENCH MAC APPEAL NO. 10 OF 2020

The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. ... Appellant -VersusShri. Medangkaba & 5 others ... Respondents To 1. Shri. Imtitoshi Ao S/o Shri. Imnalemba R/o Lengrijan Village, H/No. 265 Dimapur, Nagaland (Owner of the Vehicle No. NL-07/C-8520) 2. Shri. Ashwani Kumar Prasad S/o Shri. Bishwanath Prasad R/o P.R Hill, Kohima, Nagaland (Owner of the Vehicle No. NL-01/K-4711) 3. The Branch Manager, The United India Insurance Co. Ltd Khoyathong Road, Thangal Bazar Permanent resident of Japarajan I.B Imphal West-795001 (Owner of Vehicle No. NL-01/K-4711) 4. Shri. Bidyut Singha, S/o Shri. Sanjay Singha R/o Ghariadubi, P.S. Bokajan, Karbi Anglong, Assam (Driver of the Vehicle No. NL-01/K-4711)

NOTICE Please, take notice that the above appeal has been filed by the appellant (Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd), wherein you have been impleaded as respondent No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively.

You are therefore directed to appear before this Court on the 21st day of January 2021 in person or by pleader duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to the case.

Take notice that in default of your appearance on the date mentioned above the case will be heard and determined in your absence.

Signed and sealed by Order of the Court on this the 11th day of December 2020.

Deputy Registrar, (Judicial) Gauhati High Court (Kohima Bench) Kohima, Nagaland DC-34

around $2,000, India’s interests rarely align with those of smaller, more economically developed democracies.

This also limits its capacity to undertake a proactive foreign policy on the global issues that matter most to the UK. According to Chatham House, for example, India shies away from joining Britain and others in supporting liberal democracy beyond its shores.

“To the contrary, the overt Hindu nationalism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is weakening the rights of Muslims and other minority religious groups, leading to a chorus of concern that intolerant majoritarianism is replacing the vision of a secular, democratic India bequeathed by Nehru. And the government’s broader crackdown on human rights

activists and civil society groups is no longer being actively challenged by the judiciary, leading to growing complaints about erosion of the rule of law, not only from domestic groups but also the UN and other democracy-watchers,” the report said.

The report said some of the original targets of ‘Global Britain’ - China, India, Saudi Arabia and Turkey - may be important to the UK’s commercial interests, but they will be rivals or, at best, awkward counterparts on many of its global goals.

Since 1945, British governments have had to manage what can be described as four “circles” of international interest and leverage. These encapsulate continental Europe; the US; a small group of strategically important countries with whom the quality of bilateral relations has had an outsized effect on UK prosperity and security, including China, Japan, Russia and Saudi Arabia; and the rest of the world, with the Commonwealth providing some additional connectivity to an otherwise heterogeneous set of relationship.

Suspected Israeli strikes in Syria ‘kill dozens’ Lo n d o n, Ja n 1 3 (Agencies): Israel has reportedly carried out a wave of air strikes on Iranbacked militia positions in Syria overnight, in the fourth such attack in two weeks.

The Syrian state news agency Sana said Israeli aircraft attacked the eastern Deir al-Zour and Albu Kamal regions, BBC report stated.

It did not mention any casualties, but the UKbased Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said nine Syrian soldiers and 31 militia fighters were killed.

Israel has not commented, but it often attacks Iran-linked targets in Syria.

The chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Gen Aviv Kochavi, told Israeli media last month that it had struck more than 500 targets during 2020 “on all fronts, in addition to multiple clandestine missions”.

“The Iranian entrenchment in Syria is in a clear slowdown as a result of IDF activity, but we still have a long way to go to complete our goals,” he said.

Locals fear repression as Pak launches ‘large scale’ operation in Balochistan New Delhi, Jan 13 ( I AN S ) : Pa k i s t a n h a s launched a blanket offensive in Balochistan province in the name of counter-terrorism following the brutal killing of 11 coal miners belonging to the ethnic Hazara community. Balochistan’s home minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said Monday that “a large-scale operation against terrorists” has been started in the province to find the real culprits of the gruesome murder of 11 coal miners from the Hazara minority community. The massacre took place in Machh area on January 3. However, the Balochs fear that the entire ‘large scale operation’ is an exercise to deal a longlasting blow to their freedom struggle movement which has been reignited in the last few weeks following the mysterious death of eminent activist Karima Baloch in Toronto, last month.

“Security personnel are storming the homes of poor Baloch blatantly and treating them like a citizen of occupied territory. Colonial thoughts and madness are still in their mind. This wouldn’t work anymore. We

Balochs fear that the entire ‘operation’ is an exercise to deal a long-lasting blow to their freedom struggle movement.

will keep exposing the crooks through social media,” said Ihtesham Afghan, a PTM activist. Reports in the local media have revealed that Langove launched the latest operation after chairing a meeting on law and order situation following the Machh massacre.

Many prominent Baloch activists like Mama Qadeer Baloch, the vice chairperson of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), had already anticipated a big military operation in Balochistan which will target the innocent locals.

“Covert operations already continue across Bal-

ochistan but now Balochs will be openly targeted in the name of religious extremism,” Qadeer was quoted as saying by The Balochistan Post, adding that the “Pakistani authorities were facing severe international pressure in addition to defamation, so they are blaming others for creating an atmosphere of resistance in Balochistan.”

Khalil Baloch, chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), had also said that the killing of Hazaras was done to divert the world’s attention from the rising voices, both inside Balochistan and internationally, against the assassination of Karima Baloch.

Fate of Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong unclear Seoul, Jan 13 (AP): Where is Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s influential sister?

That is a question many who watch the cloistered, nuclear-armed country are wondering after she failed to appear in absolute leader Kim Jong Un’s newly released line-up for the country’s powerful Politburo in recent days.

Some say Kim Jong Un may have demoted his sister over general policy failures.

Others, however, believe he could be worried about her rapid rise and increasingly high profile as he tries to bolster his domestic authority in the face of growing economic challenges.

Rumours that Kim Yo Jong is her brother’s heir apparent could be dangerous because they “raise the issue of Kim’s hold on power and health inside North Korea,” said Oh Gyeongseob, an analyst at Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification. This, he said, is why Kim Jong Un is slowing

down her rise in power.

The development is a surprise because Kim Yo Jong, who became an alternate member of the Politburo last year, was widely expected to receive a full bureau membership during a ruling Workers Party congress that ended Tuesday.

A Politburo membership is viewed as crucial for high-level officials hoping to thrive in Kim Jong Un’s government because he’s made key decisions at bureau meetings, including the 2013 move to execute his powerful uncle Jang Song Taek, and the 2012 purge of military chief Ri Yong Ho. When the eight-day congress, the first of its kind since 2016, opened last week, Kim Yo Jong, who is thought to be about 32, sat on the leadership podium, standing out amid the often elderly, overwhelmingly male party cadres.

But when the congress on Monday announced a list of 30 alternate and full members of the Politburo,

Kim Jong Un and his sister Kim Yo Jong in one the meeting in April 27, 2018. (File/Reuters)

including the 37-year-old Kim Jong Un, her name wasn’t there.

Kim Yo Jong hasn’t been purged or forced to quit politics, a fate that some officials have met under Kim Jong Un, and she still retains her membership in the party’s Central Committee, also a high-level body.

But when she released a statement criticising South Korea on Wednesday, state media identified her as a “vice department director”

IN THE

GAUHATI HIGH COURT

(THE HIGH COURT OF ASSAM, NAGALAND, MIZORAM AND ARUNACHAL PRADESH) KOHIMA BENCH

MAC APPEAL NO. 11 OF 2020 The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. ... Appellant -VersusSmti. Silina Dhan & 4 others ... Respondents To 1. Smti. Silina Dhan Age about 43 years W/o Late Juna Dhan Permanent resident of Japarajan I.B Bokajan, Karbi Anglong.

Present address; Golaghat Road Dimapur, Nagaland 2. Miss Mauna Dhan Age about 22 years D/o Late Juna Dhan Permanent resident of Japarajan I.B Bokajan, Karbi Anglong.

Present address; Golaghat Road Dimapur, Nagaland 3. Master Arun Dhan Age about 16 years D/o Late Juna Dhan Permanent resident of Japarajan I.B Bokajan, Karbi Anglong.

Present address; Golaghat Road Dimapur, Nagaland 4. Shri. Bijoy Chetri S/o Shri Suresh Chetri Address: Vill/ P.S. Kangkopi Senapati, Manipur (Driver of the Vehicle B/R No. NL-07/A-4677[Tata] 207 DIE) 5. Shri Samarjit Singha, S/o Shri. Kamaljit Singha Address: Golaghat Road Dimapur, Nagaland (Owner of the Vehicle B/R No. NL-07/A-4677[Tata] 207 DIE

NOTICE

Please, take notice that the above appeal has been filed by the appellant (Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd), wherein you have been impleaded as respondent No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively.

You are therefore directed to appear before this Court on the 21st day of January 2021 in person or by pleader duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to the case.

Take notice that in default of your appearance on the date mentioned above the case will be heard and determined in your absence.

Signed and sealed by Order of the Court on this the 11th day of December 2020.

Deputy Registrar, (Judicial) Gauhati High Court (Kohima Bench) Kohima, Nagaland DC-35

of the party, a lower rank than her previous title of “first vice department director.”

Kim Jong Un is urging his 25 million people to rally behind his leadership to overcome what he has called his nation’s “worst-ever” difficulties. North Korea has faced coronavirus-related economic shocks, a spate of natural disasters last summer and persistent US-led sanctions over its pursuit of illicit nuclear weapons.

IN THE

GAUHATI HIGH COURT

(THE HIGH COURT OF ASSAM, NAGALAND, MIZORAM AND ARUNACHAL PRADESH) KOHIMA BENCH MAC APPEAL NO. 9 OF 2020

The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. ... Appellant -VersusSmti. Alila Ao & 5 others ... Respondents To 1. Shri. Imtitoshi Ao S/o Shri. Imnalemba R/o Lengrijan Village, H/No. 265 Dimapur, Nagaland (Owner of the Vehicle No. NL-07/C-8520) 2. Shri. Ashwani Kumar Prasad S/o Shri. Bishwanath Prasad R/o P.R Hill, Kohima, Nagaland (Owner of the Vehicle No. NL-01/K-4711) 3. The Branch Manager, The United India Insurance Co. Ltd Khoyathong Road, Thangal Bazar Permanent resident of Japarajan I.B Imphal West-795001 (Owner of Vehicle No. NL-01/K-4711) 4. Shri. Bidyut Singha, S/o Shri. Sanjay Singha R/o Ghariadubi, P.S. Bokajan, Karbi Anglong, Assam (Driver of the Vehicle No. NL-01/K-4711)

NOTICE Please, take notice that the above appeal has been filed by the appellant (Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd), wherein you have been impleaded as respondent No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively.

You are therefore directed to appear before this Court on the 21st day of January 2021 in person or by pleader duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to the case.

Take notice that in default of your appearance on the date mentioned above the case will be heard and determined in your absence.

Signed and sealed by Order of the Court on this the 11th day of December 2020.

Deputy Registrar, (Judicial) Gauhati High Court (Kohima Bench) Kohima, Nagaland DC-33

During the congress, Kim vowed to expand his nuclear arsenal and build a stronger, self-reliant economy.

“The congress purpose is to solidify Kim Jong Un’s leadership. If Kim Yo Jong had become a full Politburo member, all eyes would have been on her...and Kim Jong Un likely felt that as a burden,” Ko Young-hwan, a former deputy head of the Institute for National Security Strategy, a thinktank run by South Korea’s spy agency, said during a TV news programme on Monday.

Previously little known to outsiders, Kim Yo Jong has soared politically since her brother inherited power

after their father, Kim Jong Il, died in late 2011.

The current Kims are the third generation of their family to rule North Korea, and their leadership is based on a personality cult established after their grandfather Kim Il Sung founded the country in 1948. Their mythical “paektu” bloodline, named after the North’s most sacred mountain, allows only direct family members to rule the country.

Kim Yo Jong rose to international prominence after her brother’s high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with US President Donald Trump and other world leaders in 2018 and 2019.

IN THE COURT OF

DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE WOKHA : NAGALAND

S/C No. 2/2021

NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under succession act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefit of Late. M. Mhonthung has been applied by Smti. Metselo Lotha, W/o. Lt. M. Mhonthung, H/No. Wokha, Nagaland for possession of; 1. SBI A/C No. 32037464180 2. PPO No. PEN/COM-26823/NL/S/24637 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before 12/02/2021.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 12/01/2021.

Sd/- District & Session Judge Wokha : Nagaland WC-12

OFFICE OF THE

SOUTHERN ANGAMI YOUTH ORGANISATION H.Q. Jakhama, Kohima : Nagaland

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Through this column, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) would like to thank all the individuals, groups and government agencies who came forward to assist us physically and financially during the outbreak of the wildfire at Dzükou and Mount Tempü Range which broke out on 29th December 2020 and continued till 11th January 2021.

Words are not enough to express our gratitude towards your solidarity for your relentless efforts and support such that we pray that Almighty God shower His blessing upon each and every one of you abundantly.

However it would be incomplete if we don’t mention on some individuals, organisations and government agencies who have extended their unwavering support in fully containing the wildfire which otherwise would have caused our ancestral land, wildlife, flora and fauna.

1. Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland.

2. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland.

3. Shri. Medo Yhokha, Hon’ble Advisor Technical Education and Election.

4. Er. Zale Neikha, Hon’ble Advisor Youth Resources & Sports.

5. Deputy Commissioner, Kohima.

6. Superintendent of Police, Kohima.

7. Home Commissioner, Nagaland.

8. Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland.

9. Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).

10. Kohima District Disaster Management Authority (KDDMA).

11. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

12. Indian Air Force (IAF).

13. SDO (Civil) Jakhama.

14. O.C Khuzama Police Station.

15. Wireless Team.

16. DEF, Kohima.

17. 4th NAP, Thizama.

18. Nagaland Association for Adventure, Mountaineering and Education (NAAME).

19. Angami Public Organisation (APO).

20. Press & Media Fraternity.

21. Dr. Kenei Miachieo.

22. Dr. Sevono Seletsu.

23. Shri. Micheal Neikha.

24. Shri. Seyievilie Peter Zashumo.

25. Shri. Kezhocho Mekro.

26. Proprietor, Dzükou Restaurant, Viswema.

27. All 13 Village Unit Volunteers of SAYO. (ZAKIELETO TSÜKRÜ) (VIDUKHO KINTSO) President, SAYO General Secretary, SAYO

K-77

New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS): India, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been termed as the “Difficult Four” by a UK think tank.

In report “Global Britain, Global Broker”

by Chatham House which is a detailed study on UK strategic agenda post Brexit, India is listed among the “Difficult Four”.

“Developing the relationship with India, a pivotal regional democracy, as part of this shift in British strategic focus, will prove a complex task. India’s importance to the UK is inescapable,” the report says.

India will be the largest country in the world by population very soon and will have the third-largest economy and defence budget at some point in this decade. It is also an Englishspeaking country with a large diaspora in the UK, reflecting the two countries’ deep historical linkages.

“As a result, India is always on the list of countries with which a new UK government commits to engage. But it should be obvious by now that the idea of a deeper relationship with India always promises more

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

Infotainment

10

Wild bees are more at risk from climate change A W

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma appeal to paparazzi

ild bees are under greater threat from climate change than they are from destruction of habitats around the world, according to the authors of the new report. Experts from Penn State University studied 14 years of data from wild bee populations in over 1,000 locations in Maryland, Delaware and Washington DC. They found that warm winters and long hot summers are reducing the abundance and diversity of plants and flowers - putting ecosystems at risk and making it harder for wild bees - already being wiped out due to pesticides and disease - to survive.

Lead author Professor Christina Grozinger said the most critical factor influencing wild bees was the weather - particularly changes to temperature and rainfall. Combating insensitive urban development and intensive farming alone will not be sufficient to protect the vital pollinators, explained Grozinger.

In the Northern US, past trends and future predictions show a changing climate with warmer winters,

more intense rain in winter and longer growing seasons with higher maximum temperatures, according to Grozinger.

Co-author Melanie Kammerer, a graduate student, said few previous studies have considered the effects of both climate and land use on wild bee populations. To properly understand the effects of weather and climate - especially with more variable patterns due to climate change - they needed a long-term data set. They examined data from observations of bees in over 1,000 locations over 14 years and looked at both land use and climate change at the same time.

Using maps and spatial models, the team

described the landscape surrounding each of the sampling spots - like habitat size and available floral and nesting resources.

They also compiled a large set of climate variables and used machine-learning, or AI, to identify the most important and quantify their effects on bees.

Declines in recent months to honey bee numbers and health caused global concern due to the insects’ critical role as a major pollinator. Bee health has been closely watched in recent years as nutritional sources available to honey bees have declined and contamination from pesticides has increased. In animal model studies, the researchers

Bigg Boss 14: Jasmin Bhasin and Aly Goni’s families to discuss marriage after the show

T

he families of evicted Bigg Boss 14 contestant Jasmin Bhasin and her boyfriend and fellow housemate Aly Goni will discuss their marriage after the latter returns from the reality show. Jasmin informed about their wedding plans while chatting with fans on Twitter on Tuesday during an #AskJasmin session.

Replying to a fan who asked whether she is planning to marry her boyfriend Aly Goni, Jasmin tweeted: “Marriage is a very big decision to be taken by two people. Our families and I are waiting for @AlyGoni to come back and we will discuss it as a family.”

A fan asked Jasmin about the feelings she has for Aly and whether her parents have given consent to their marriage. To this,

Bruce Willis speaks out for not wearing face mask

B

ruce Willis has spoken out after he was photographed in a Los Angeles pharmacy without wearing a face mask.

The Die Hard icon was seen leaving a Rite Aid store over the weekend, with reports claiming he was asked to leave after refusing to wear a mask. He subsequently told People: “It was an error in judgment.” Willis added: “Be safe out there everyone and let’s continue to mask up.” According to PageSix, shoppers became angered when Willis was spotted without the facial covering and he immediately left the store without making his purchase.

Masks are required in all indoor spaces under Californian law, while people are not required to wear them outside as long as they are able to maintain a distance of six feet from others.

It comes as California continues to be ravaged by the pandemic, with its coronavirus death toll now having topped 30,000. Los Angeles is thought to be one of the worst-hit places in the entire state. (NME) K Y M C

the actress replied: “It was a beautiful realisation we had inside the house. As far as I know my parents don’t have any issue with it.”

Jasmin also shared that her parents were “very sad and heartbroken”, post her recent eviction from the show. “My father was extremely hurt but that’s very normal. Every father wants to see their child winning,” she wrote in a tweet replying to a fan.

Answering another fan’s question on whether she will re-enter the show, Jasmin shared: “This is the most asked question and I’m here to address it. If the makers would call me back, I would go back for you guys. As I can see how heartbroken you all are by my exit. So yes I would, just for my fans.”

Jasmin also expressed that she is proud to have participated in the reality show with dignity.

She wrote: “I am proud of myself that I played the game with grace & dignity! Mai jitne pyar ke saath andar gayi thi, usse kayi zyada pyar ke saath bahar aayi hun. (The amount of love I received while entering the show, I left the show with a lot more love.) My fans & viewers have showered me with so much love & I am so grateful for that.”

(IANS)

found that combined exposure to pesticide and poor nutrition decreased bee health. Bees use sugar to fuel flights and work inside the nest, but pesticides decrease their hemolymph (‘bee blood’) sugar levels and therefore cut their energy stores. When pesticides are combined with limited food supplies, bees lack the energy to function, causing survival rates to plummet.

Interestingly, different species were most affected by different weather conditions - for example areas with more rain had fewer spring bees.

The study is part of ‘Beescape’ enabling growers, conservationists and gardeners to explore the landscape quality at their site and make adjustments to improve conditions for bees.

Given their latest findings, the researchers plan to expand the project to include weather and climate conditions in future observations. The findings have been published in the journal Global Change Biology.

(Ryan Morrison for Mailonline)

Tim Cook wants US Capitol attackers held accountable

A

pple chief Tim Cook says he wants those involved with the deadly attack on the US Capitol last week to be held accountable, even if that includes US President Donald Trump. “Everyone that had a part in it needs to be held accountable”. “I think no one is above the law. We’re a rule of law country.”

The remarks came during an interview that was arranged with Cook at Apple headquarters in Silicon Valley to discuss an announcement being made by the company on Wednesday.

Cook did not specifically mention Trump, but said that anyone with a role in the insurrection should be held accountable under the law. Tech giants Amazon, Apple, and Google have all cut ties with Parler, the social media platform popular with some conservatives.

(Agence France-Presse)

Chuck Norris photo of lookalike goes viral

C

huck Norris has been forced to deny being a part of last week’s riot at the U.S. Capitol, after images circulated online showing a man with with an uncanny resemblance to the martial arts legend.

Norris tweeted: “It wasn’t me and I wasn’t there. There is no room for violence of any kind in our society. I am and always will be for Law and Order.” The confusion was sparked earlier this week when a photo uploaded to Twitter showed a Donald Trump supporter taking a selfie with a man bearing a remarkable likeness to the veteran action star.

I recently learned there was a Chuck Norris lookalike at the DC Capitol riots.

It wasn’t me and I wasn’t there. There is no room for violence of any kind in our society. I am and always will be for Law and Order.

The snap was shared with the comment: “Wait, so are we not going to mention the fact that Chuck Norris was at the MAGA insurrection?” After scoring thousands of retweets, Norris’ manager issued a statement to confirm that Norris was thousands of miles away when the ugly scenes erupted at the Capitol on January 6.

“This is not Chuck Norris and is a wannabe lookalike although Chuck is much more handsome,” he told the Associated Press. “Chuck remains on his ranch in Texas, where he has been with his fam-

ily.” Last week’s shocking scenes in Washington D.C. erupted when a mob of Trump supporters managed to force their way into the U.S. Capitol while US lawmakers were certifying Biden’s victory.

Five people died in the riot, which has been condemned across the US and the world. Presidentelect Joe Biden described the rioters as “domestic terrorists” in a speech given the following day.

While not present at the Capitol, Norris is known for being a prolific Republican Party supporter and previously backed presidential bids from former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in 2008 and 2016.

Norris is perhaps best known for portraying the no-nonsense lawman Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran on CBS from 1993 to 2001.

His most recent big-screen role came in 2012’s The Expendables 2, alongside the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger and JeanClaude Van Damme.

(NME)

ctor-producer Anushka Sharma and her cricketerhusband Virat Kohli on Wednesday urged paparazzi to not click photos of their newborn daughter.

Kohli had announced the arrival of their first child on January 11, saying that both the baby and Sharma were healthy. The couple has now written a note to the paparazzi fraternity in Mumbai, urging them to respect their daughter’s privacy. Expressing their gratitude, Sharma and Kohli said they are thankful for all the love being showered on them. “As parents, we have a simple request to make to you. We want to protect the privacy of our child and we need your help and support,” the couple said in the statement. They further assured paparazzi they will share the “content” at the right time.

Sharma and Kohli, both 32, recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary. The couple first met on the sets of a commercial and dated for four years before getting married in a private ceremony in Italy on December 11, 2017. Sharma announced her pregnancy in August last year. (PTI)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

Razer has created a concept N95 mask

R

azer claims to have made the world’s smartest mask: its new reusable N95 respirator called Project Hazel. It’s a concept design with a glossy outside shell made of waterproof and scratch-resistant recycled plastic, which is transparent to allow for lip-reading and seeing facial cues when you chat with people.

Currently, there isn’t a price or release date attached. Razer refers to Project Hazel as a surgical N95, but it hasn’t yet earned any of the necessary approvals and certifications from the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In a statement to The Verge, Razer said it is working with a team of medical experts and scientists who are helping to develop the mask.

The main features of this mask lie within its two circular zones that flank your mouth. They’re used for ventilation, giving the device an almost futuristic gas mask look. Razer claims Project Hazel will use active disc-type ventilators, filtering air that’s

breathed in, as well as the CO2 that’s being exhaled.

The company adds that it will be certified to filter 95 percent of airborne particles, including the COVID-19 virus and other common pathogens.

These ventilators are detachable and rechargeable, though Razer is still hammering out the details on two very important factors: how long they’ll be effective and how Razer will alert the user when it’s time for a new one. A spokesperson told The Verge that the ventilators’ longevity is still being tested, and when the filters need to be changed, Razer envisions users being notified via a mobile companion app.

Microphones and amplifiers embedded in the ventilators will project your voice through the mask, so you won’t have to worry about sounding muffled.

We haven’t seen this in action yet or had the chance to try it out ourselves. Raz-

er told us that it’s working with THX sound engineers to find a balance in terms of how loud the speakers should be for accessibility purposes.

Razer asserts that Project Hazel is comfortable despite all of the tech inside.

The mask makes a seal around your nose and chin with a silicon guard, and it uses adjustable ear loops so that most people should be able to find the right fit (though it is likely quite a bit heavier than your average mask). Razer has one more announcement for CES 2021, and it’s purely conceptual. It’s called Project Brooklyn, and (since you can’t tell from the name) it’s a highend gaming chair with built-in haptics and a rollout curved OLED screen.

Theoretically, it supports inputs from all of your gaming sources, making it the ultimate game station.

But without an in-person CES, it seems like Razer didn’t feel the need to churn out a physical mockup of Project Brooklyn. We’ll see if some aspects of this idea make it into future products; the rumbling haptics seem like the most practical components.

(The Verge)

16” rolled-edge caramelized maple fingerboard with cream dot inlays.

Other features present on both models include Luminlay side dots, a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut, DiMarzio pickups controlled via master volume and

blend controls and a threeband active EQ, a Charvel HiMass bridge, open-gear tuners, oversized strap buttons and licensed Fender Precision Bass headstock shape.

Pickup-wise, the ProMod San Dimas Bass PJ IV

sports a DiMarzio Model J DP123 bridge pickup and Model P DP122 middle pickup, while the Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass JJ V features a DiMarzio Area J DP551 bridge pickup and Area J DP550 middle pickup. (Guitar World)

Charvel adds 2 bass guitars to its Pro-Mod San Dimas line

I

t’s January, and that means tons of new guitar-related product announcements. We’ve a l r e a dy s e e n m a s s ive new lineups from ESP, EVH, Jackson, Ibanez and Gretsch, and now Charvel is getting in on the action.

The California company has already unveiled 15 new electric guitars for 2021, and now it’s lifted the lid on its new bass guitar offerings.

Charvel’s Pro-Mod San Dimas range has until now been composed purely of electric guitars, but the company has added two basses to the lineup for 2021. Meet the Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ IV and Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass JJ V. Each of these new basses is constructed of an alder body, bolt-on caramelized maple slim-C speed neck with graphite reinforcement and a handrubbed satin urethane back finish, and a 20-fret 12”-

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Man Utd go top after beating Burnley

Pogba’s strike deflected off Matt Lowton, which ended up catching Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope by surprise.

Lo n d o n, Ja n 1 3 (Agencies): Paul Pogba sent Manchester United to the top of the Premier League by scoring with a deflected volley in a 1-0 win at Burnley on Tuesday. United came into the match at Turf Moor knowing at least a point would move the team into first place for the first time at this stage of the season

since Alex Ferguson was in charge of the title-winning 2012-13 side.

Pogba met a cross from Marcus Rashford with a first-time effort from the edge of the box that deflected off Burnley defender Matt Lowton and through the legs of goalkeeper Nick Pope in the 71st. It gave United a threepoint lead over Liverpool

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

heading into their meeting at Anfield on Sunday.

The video assistant referee provided the main talking point of a tense opening period, with Burnley’s last man, Robbie Brady, avoiding sanction for bringing down Edinson Cavani outside the area because of a foul by United left back Luke Shaw moments earlier at the other end.

Shaw, who was booked for his hefty challenge on Johann Berg Gudmundsson, soon swung in a cross that Harry Maguire headed home from an acute angle, only for it to be ruled out for a push by Maguire on Erik Pieters as he climbed.

The United captain was furious that the decision was not reviewed.

United controlled the second half and Pogba delivered in a rare clear-cut opening for United. United looked to add another, with James Tarkowksi producing an important last-ditch challenge on Anthony Martial.

Josh Brownhill struck a shot wide for Burnley and substitute Matej Vydra saw an effort deflected into the side netting by Bailly as the hosts finally went on the attack, with the VAR checking a handball against Maguire in the box.

There was still a tense ending as Tarkowski miscued a shot and Martial wasted a later one-on-one opportunity to make it 2-0.

AC Milan into Coppa Italia quarterfinals Rome, Jan 13 (IANS): AC Milan have booked a spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, eliminating Torino 5-4 on penalties.

Tuesday’s match was the second in back-to-back fixtures between the two sides, as Milan had beaten Torino 2-0 in Serie A last week at the San Siro. With talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic returning to the starting line-up, Milan benched regular goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and started Ciprian Tatarusanu in his place, reports Xinhua news agency.

Milan dominated the game and hit the woodwork twice but could not find a way through a stubborn Torino defense, with Donnarumma red-carded from the bench for expressing his dissent to the referee.

After a goalless 120 minutes, Milan scored all five attempts in the shootout, while Tomas Rincon missed the crucial spot-kick for Torino.

Chettri and Ashalata find place in fans’ Indian teams of the decade

Sunil Chhetri New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS): Sunil Chhetri and Ashalata Devi have found a place in the respective men’s and women’s Indian teams of the decade chosen by fans.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had invited fans to vote for creating a team of the decade for the Indian men’s team on December 31. Fans voted from list of 29 players for the men’s team who represented India over the past decade. AIFF had said that

Embiid guides Philadelphia to victory over Heat 117-100 for their second thrashing in as many games.

Five other Lakers joined James in double figures as the reigning NBA champions and Western Conference leaders maintained their perfect record on the road.

The Brooklyn Nets overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 122-116 with Kevin Durant finishing with 34 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds.

The score had been level at 113-113 with one minute 44 seconds left on the clock, before Bruce Brown swung the game in the Nets’

favour from the baseline.

The Utah Jazz, second in the Western Conference, cruised past the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 117-87 win, with Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson scoring 27 and 21 points respectively.

Lonnie Walker IV led the San Antonio Spurs to a 112-102 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are now four games without a win on home soil.

And in Tuesday’s late game, the Indiana Pacers beat the Golden State Warriors 104-95 to win for the first time in three games.

“this will be followed by the fans voting to choose their women’s national team of the decade”.

“Choosing from a list of 29 players, fans can vote for their picks in each position, namely - goalkeeper (1), full-backs (2), centre-backs (2), wingers (2), centre-midfielders (2) and strikers (2) - to form their first XI. The players with the most votes in each position will then enter the fans’ team of the decade,” the AIFF had said.

Men’s team of the decade: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Subhasish Bose, Sandesh Jhingam Anas Edathodika, Pritam Kotal; Halicharan Narzary, Anirudh Thapa, Rowllin Borges, Udanta Singh; Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua.

Wo m e n’s t e a m o f the decade: Aditi Chauhan; Roja Devi, Ashalata Devi, Sweety Devi, Dalima Chhibber; Ranjana Chanu, Bembem Devi, Ratanbala Devi, Dangmei Grace; Bala Devi, Anju Tamang.

Sarnobat, Sheoran, Rajeshwari win in national shooting trials

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): Asian Games champion and Tokyo Olympics bound Rahi Sarnobat won the women’s 25m pistol event at national shooting trials here on Wednesday.

Sarnobat beat a formidable finals field comprising of fellow Tokyo quota holders Manu Bhaker and Chinki Yadav, besides senior women’s sports pistol shooters and India internationals Annu Raj Singh and Anisa Sayyed. Sarnobat shot 36 out of a possible 50 in the finals, to outgun Madhya Pradesh’s Chinki, who man-

aged a score of 34 in the T1 trials. At the shotgun ranges, overnight leaders Lakshay Sheoran and Rajeshwari Kumari, won the men’s and women’s T1 Trap competition respectively.

Haryana’s Lakshay prevailed over Rajasthan’s Adhiraj Rathore 46-42 in the finals. In the women’s trap event, Punjab’s Rajeshwari not only topped qualifying with a 110, but also beat the finals field comprehensively.

Her finals score of 43, was a massive seven points clear of second placed Shreyasi Singh of Bihar.

DC-37

Lo n d o n, Ja n 1 3 (Agencies): Joel Embiid scored 45 points for the Philadelphia 76ers as they claimed an overtime win over the Miami Heat.

Thirty-five of Embiid’s haul came in the second half and overtime, and he also notched 16 rebounds, five steals and four assists in a 137-134 victory.

Team-mate Danny Green equalled a franchise record with nine three-pointers in his 29 score, while Tyler Herro top-scored for Joel Embiid scored 35 points in the second half the Heat with 34.

Victory saw the Sixers streak.

James scored 22 of his 26 Los Angeles Lakers eased end their three-game losing Elsewhere, LeBron points in the first half as the past the Houston Rockets

Ashalata Devi

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sports Syed Mustaq Ali T20 Tournament

Nagaland thrash Arunachal by 9 wkts

DIMAPUR, JAN 13 (NPN): Nagaland registered their win in 2020-21 season by thrashing Arunachal Pradesh in the second match of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Tournament held at Chennai for the Plate Group on Wednesday.

Batting first, Arunachal scored 145 for the loss of seven wickets in the regulated overs. Doria (36) and Akhilesh Sahani and Rahul Dalal scored 31 runs each.

For Nagaland, Nagaho Chishi, SS Mundhe and debutant Khrievitso Kense took one wicket each.

In reply, Nagaland achieved the victory target in 15.5 overs after losing the opener Jonathan Rongsen for 20 runs. SS Mundhe and Chetan Bist remained not out on 69 and 50 runs.

Earlier, the first match against Chandigarh was washed out due to bad weather.

The team next match

Nagaland cricket team and officials in Chennai on Wednesday. is against Sikkim on January 15.

BRIEF SCORES: Nagaland 149/1 (Shrikant Mundhe 69*, Chetan Bist 50*, Nazeeb Saiyed 1/28) beat Arunachal Pradesh 145/7 (Techi Doria 36, Akhilesh Sahani 31,

Injury-ravaged Indian team trains in Brisbane

Brisbane, Jan 13 (PTI): The injury-ravaged Indian team on Wednesday underwent its first training session at the Gabba here, hoping to field 11 fit players in the series-deciding fourth Test against Australia.

Ruled out of the last Test with an abdominal strain, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah still accompanied the visiting team for its training session. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, skipper Ajinkya Rahane and others were seen in their training kits. Bumrah, though, was not in his training outfit as he got involved

in a discussion with bowling coach Bharat Arun.

Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was seen bowling at the nets and there is a chance that he could be picked for the match with influential all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ruled out due to a fractured thumb.

Also part of the session were seamer Shardul Thakur and all-rounder Washington Sundar. Either T Natarajan or Shardul is likely to replace Bumrah in the playing XI at Gabba, forming a new-look pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini.

Khrievitso Kense 1/19, Shrikant Mundhe 1/28) by 9 wickets.

PTI adds: In another Plate group match, a blistering 51-ball 146 by captain Punit Bist, which included six fours and 17 sixes, powered Meghalaya to a massive

130-run win over Mizoram.

Opting to bat, Meghalaya saw opener DB Ravi Teja (7) fall in the third over after adding 27 runs with Yogesh Tiwari (53).

Dippu Sangma fell one run later after which it was a Bist show as he simply toyed

with the Mizoram bowling.

Bist, who previously played for Delhi, belted the ball all round the Guru Nanak College ground and reached his half-century in 26 balls. He went on the overdrive and hammered 94 runs in the next 25 balls he faced as sixes flew all over the ground and Meghalaya piled up 230 for 6 in 20 overs.

The wicketkee perbatsman added 120 runs in a little over 10 overs for the third wicket with Tiwari.

The Mizoram batsmen never got going in a massive run chase and only three batsmen reached double figures as they managed to crawl to 100 for 9 in 20 overs. In other matches, Bihar beat thrashed Sikkim by eight-wicket for its second straight win. Bihar is on top of the Plate ground standings with 8 points from two matches followed by Chandigarh and Nagaland with six apiece.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

Thaliand Open : Saina, Srikanth progress; Kashyap retires midway

Ban g ko k , J an 1 3 (PTI): Star India shuttler Saina Nehwal and former world number one Kidambi Srikanth entered the second rounds of their respective events but Parupalli Kashyap made an early exit from the Thailand Open Super 1000 tournament, here on Wednesday.

Saina got the better of Selvaduray Kisona of Malaysia 21-15 21-15 in the women’s singles opening round to set up a clash with Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan.

Saina, who was first forced to withdraw from the event for positive COVID19 results on Tuesday but later returned a negative test, thanked the Badminton World Federation officials and doctors for allowing her to participate.

Earlier in the day, Srikanth took just 31 minutes to prevail over compatriot Sourabh Verma 21-12 2111 in the men’s singles, but

Saina Nehwal

Kidambi Srikanth

Kashyap was forced to retire midway in his openinground match against Jason Anthony Ho-Shue of Canada. Kashyap, a Commonwealth Games champion, was trailing 8-14 in the third game when he chose to retire after puling his calf muscle.

He had lost the first game 9-21 before making a comeback to take the second 21-13. Srikanth will next play eight seed Zii Jia Lee of Malaysia, who defeated another Indian HS Prannoy 13-21 21-14 21-8.

Sameer Verma too made a

first round exit after losing 15-21 17-21 to Shesar Hiren Rhustavito of Indonesia.

In the men’s doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty came from behind to defeat the South Korean pair of Kim Gi Jung and Lee Yong Dae 19-21 21-16 21-14.

The two were delighted by the win over their idol.

However, it was curtains for Arjun Madathil Ramachandran and Dhruv Kapila, who lost to the Malaysian duo of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi 21-13, 8-21, 22-24.

Goncalves scores twice as Chennaiyin FC beat Odisha FC 2-1 New Delhi, Jan 13 (Agencies): Their first clash in this season’s Indian Super League on Sunday may have ended in a goalless draw, but Chennaiyin FC’s encounter against Odisha FC at the GMC Stadium on Wednesday wasn’t short of goals.

After struggling for goals all season, Csaba Laszlo’s men turned on the style against Odisha, scoring two in the opening quarter of the game. Portuguese forward Esmael Goncalves opened the scoring in the 15th minute, before putting Chennaiyin two-up by converting a penalty in the 21st minute.

However, a Diego Mauricio screamer in the 64h minute gave Odisha hope but Chennaiyin held on for a 2-1 win, which lifted them all the way to fifth place.

Goncalves had the chance to put his team ahead in the fifth minute when he got in behind the Odisha defence, but with only keeper Arshdeep Singh to beat, he blasted his chance over. However, he made amends for that ten minutes later with a well-taken goal.

Gaurav Bora failed to deal with a long ball from Rahim Ali and it fell towards Goncalves, who did not make a mistake this time.

Chennaiyin FC players celebrate one of Esmael Goncalves’ two goals against Odisha FC. (ISL) Before Odisha had the chance to react to going behind, Chennaiyin doubled their lead. Bora was again at fault, hacking down Anirudh Thapa in the box.

Goncalves stepped up to take the spot-kick and sent Arshdeep the wrong way.

Chennaiyin defended well after securing a comfortable lead as Odisha

struggled to fashion clearcut chances. The closest they got in the first half was in the 37th minute when Manuel Onwu found himself with the ball at his feet and a sight on goal, but his shot was wide.

With a couple of early inroads into the Odisha box, Chennaiyin looked the team likelier to score. However, Mauricio, who replaced Marcelo Pereira at halftime, had other plans as he pulled one back for his team in spectacular fashion with a long-range curler.

Chennaiyin had a great opportunity to restore their lead late on when Lallian-

zuala Chhangte, after an excellent run, squared the ball to substitute Thoi Singh.

However, the veteran, despite only having the keeper to beat, failed to get his shot on target. Odisha almost took advantage of this in the 85th minute when Daniel Lalhlimpuia managed to get a shot in from just outside the box. However, keeper Vishal Kaith pulled off an excellent diving save.

Odisha piled on the pressure in the closing minutes but were unable to find the equaliser.

Thursday’s Match Goa Vs Jamshedpur: 7:30 pm

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