May 2, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 145

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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international, Page 9

India logs global record high of over 4L cases

Delhi lockdown extended till May 10

Mass cremation of COVID-19 victims at Ghazipur crematorium in New Delhi, Saturday. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (PTI): In another global record, India’s daily coronavirus tally crossed the grim milestone of four lakh, while the death toll rose to 2,11,853 with 3,523 fresh fatalities, according to date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

The infection tally rose to 1,91,64,969 with 4,01,993 new cases, while the active cases crossed the 32-lakh mark, the data updated at

Reshuffle on the cards: Rio says consultations on Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 1 (NPN): Cabinet reshuffle is likely to take place soon as Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio Saturday informed that consultations were on with PDA coalition partners.

In a brief interaction with Nagaland Post on the sidelines of a progarmme, Rio said owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, he was not able to go to Delhi to consult Central leaders.

Rio, however, said that once things are made clear after the due consultation process, the reshuffle will be done. Though, he did not mention any timeframe, sources said that reshuffle will take place soon. The last reshuffle of PDA-led government took place in 2017.

Currently, in the 12member cabinet, one seat fell vacant following the demise of then minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Justice and Law and senior NDPP member, C.M. Chang. The seat was however filled after NDPP candidate and former minister, H. Chuba Chang was declared elected unopposed for the by-election to the 51 Noksen constituency.

The PDA cabinet presently comprises of four NDPP members, six BJP and one Independent member.

This is it!

“Even power has gone on lockdown. This virus is really contagious.”

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8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases stood at 32,68,710, accounting for 17.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID19 recovery rate has further dropped to 81.84 per cent.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,56,84,406, while the case fatality rate stands 1.11 per cent, the data stated.

According to the

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 samples have been tested up to April 30, of which 19,45,299 were done on Friday.

Health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

Meanwhile, the third phase of the world’s largest vaccination drive started on May 1 even as several states flag shortage.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of the ongoing lockdown in Delhi by another week on Saturday amid a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases as the national capital battles an acute shortage of beds and medical oxygen in its hospitals.

“Lockdown in Delhi is being extended by one week,” Kejriwal said in a tweet.

The lockdown that was scheduled to be in force till 5 am on Monday now stands extended by another week till May 10.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in its order, stated that a review of the pandemic situation showed that the numbers of positive cases, positivity rate as well as bed occupancy (oxygensupported or ICU beds) in the dedicated COVID-19 hospitals are very high. “...therefore, in order to contain the spread of the virus and break the trans-

mission chain, the curfew needs to be extended for another week in the territory of NCT of Delhi (except for essential activities and services),” it said.

In view of the spiralling fresh COVID cases and a high positivity rate, the Delhi government imposed the lockdown in Delhi on April 19. It was subsequently extended by a week on April 25.

DDMA has directed to extend the curfew (lockdown) on the movement of individuals (except for essential activities and services) till 5 am on May 10 or further orders, whichever is earlier.

COVID situation in Delhi is extremely grim as the festering crisis due to shortage of oxygen claimed 12 lives in the Batra hospital on Saturday, even as the Centre and the city government indulged in a blame game. Number of fresh COVID cases is still soaring, despite the lockdown.

IPL: Pollard helps Mumbai clinch thriller against CSK sports, Page 12

India needs few weeks’ lockdown to break Covid chain, says top US expert WASHINGTON, MAY 1 (PTI): Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has suggested a lockdown for a few weeks in India as an immediate step to contain the spread of the coronavirus as its deadly second wave shows no signs of ebbing.

Fauci, in an interview to The Indian Express, said another most important thing in the immediate is to get supplies of oxygen, medication, PPEs. He said looking at the magnitude of the crisis, India should look at putting together a crisis group that would meet and start getting things organised.

Without naming any government, he said one of the things that should have been recognised that “victory was declared maybe too prematurely”. “Well, one of the things you really need to do, to the extent that you can, is shut down temporarily the country, I think is important. If we want to time out and go back to what I said: there is the immedi-

Anthony Fauci (File)

ate, the intermediate, and the long range (measures to contain the virus).

“I think the most important thing in the immediate is to get oxygen, get supplies, get medication, get PPE, those kinds of things but also, one of the immediate things to do is to essentially call a shutdown of the country,” said Fauci, who is the chief medical adviser to the Biden administration.

He said when China had a big explosion of coronavirus cases a year ago, they completely shut down.

Fauci said it is not necessary to shut down for six months, but it can be a temporary one to put an end to the cycle of transmission.

“I heard from some of the people in the street bringing their mothers and their fathers and their sisters and their brothers searching for oxygen. They seem to think there really was not any organisation, any central organisation,” Fauci said.

Underlining that vaccination plays a crucial role in handling the coronavirus situation, Fauci said if India, a country of 1.4 billion people, has fully vaccinated only two per cent of its total population, then it has a very long way to go.

“You’ve got to get supplies. You’ve got to make contractual arrangements with the various companies that are out there in the world. There are many companies that now have vaccines. I think you have to negotiate with them to try and get a commitment,” he said. “And also, India is the largest vaccine-producing country in the world. That’s the thing — you should rev up your own capabilities to make vaccines,” he added.

State Covid caseload crosses Railways to deploy 10 Covid isolation coaches in Dmu 14,000-mark; 3 more deaths Staff Reporter

districts with a high number of COVID-19 cases to ACTIVE CASES check the spread of the viral Symptomatic AsDeath MiRecovTotal ympunder Critical-ICU disease.

District Death gratCases tomInvestiMod- Se- With- With On ered ed Further, adding up to Mild atic gation erate vere out Oxy- Ventithe tally, Health departOxygen gen lator ment mentioned that from Dimapur 914 94 15 22 0 0 2 6394 74 0 306 7821 April 17 to 29, 833 samples Kiphire 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 1 0 0 43 Kohima 212 6 4 2 0 1 0 4057 22 0 64 4367 were tested from Dimapur Longleng 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 9 28 Airport and 449 passengers Mokokchung 18 6 4 0 0 0 0 187 4 0 11 230 were found to be positive Mon 3 4 1 0 0 0 0 594 3 0 9 614 with a positivity rate of Peren 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 506 0 0 1 510 54%. “People tested posiPhek 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 53 0 0 0 62 tive at arrival are likely to Tuensang 19 1 0 0 0 0 0 249 2 0 1 272 have got the infection beWokha 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 1 0 2 43 fore boarding the plane,” Zunheboto 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 139 0 0 3 144 the department stated. The Total 1189 113 24 24 0 1 2 12268 107 0 406 14134 department observed that *10 deaths not due to Covid-19 *0 deaths under investigation unlike the previous year, D I M A P U R , M AY 1 Is lockdown inevitable there has been an increase in (NPN): Nagaland’s total in Dimapur, Kohima? In its symptomatic cases among caseload breached the 14000 weekly bulletin issued on positive cases. mark on Saturday after 158 Saturday, the state Health & fresh Covid-19 positive cases Family Welfare department were reported from across expressed concern over the the State while three more exponentially high weekly Centre has allocated sample positivity rate re- 2000 vials of Remdesivir deaths were recorded.

Of the fresh cases, Di- corded in Dimapur at 37% to Nagaland for the period mapur reported the high- and 18% in Kohima.

April 21 to May 9.

It may be mentioned est at 110, Kohima- 39, The gover nment Mokokchung- 6 and one that the Centre had drafted changed the allocation of each in Mon, Wokha and a proposal to impose a com- Remdesivir vials to States Longleng, taking the total plete lockdown in almost for the second day in a row caseload to 14134. With this 150 districts across the coun- on Saturday. Under the new the active cases also surged try with a positivity rate of plan shared on Saturday, over 15%, in order to break 70,000 vials will be reserved to 1353.

Meanwhile, the death the chain of transmission. for central allocation (from In another advisory, 20,000 as per Friday’s altoll rose to 107 after Dimapur reported two more the Centre directed all states location), leaving 33.8 lakh Covid fatalities and another to go for intensive and local for the States and Union containment measures in Territories. death in Mon.

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON May 1, 2021

2000 Remdesivir vials for Nagaland

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Amid rise in Covid-19 cases in the state, the Ministry of Railways has agreed to place at least ten Covid isolation coaches at Dimapur Railway station.

This comes after Nagaland chief secretary J. Alam wrote to the chairman and chief executive officer of the Railway Board Suneet Sharma Saturday, seeking assistance of the Railways to place wagons at Dimapur station for use as temporary Covid care facility, in case of any emergency.

Alam said after reviewing the Covid preparedness on April 30, the state gov-

we owe all that we have today.”

He said Tongpang did not deserve to enjoy the fruit of “our ancestors who have given their lives, wealth and health for which we have sovereign state.”

Further, Therie said that “if this is the mindset of NDPP, Nagaland has no future with them.”

He said Nagas have lived alone for many centuries with every village ruled by its village chief.

Therie said Nagas have history of honour and bravery and that even at the mouth of death fear was not known to them.

Therie said when Naga forefathers, sensed that the British were setting India free, they moved for a separate entity through the famous Naga Hill Memorandum “because of our inherent properties of

ernment found that the bed capacity planned in available hospitals and makeshift places for oxygen supported beds and Covid Care Centre in Dimapur could be insufficient in a worst-case scenario.

For this reason, Alam said the state would require

the help of Central agencies “to supplement our efforts to save precious lives.”

Meanwhile, sources informed that in addition to placing 10 coaches, the Railways will also provide at least 40 oxygen cylinders.

However, the state

Weather alert: Rainfall likely from May 2-5 D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Thunderstor m with lightning and gusty wind with wind speed 3040 kmph is very likely to occur throughout the state from May 2- 5, 2021, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has informed.

In a press release, OSD NSDMA, Johnny Ruangmei said that Kohima was likely to witness thunder-

NPCC takes a dig at Tongpang’s statement DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) termed it as “wrong” the statement purportedly made

by PWD (housing & mechanical) Tongpang Ozukum at the 29th general conference of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) held in Kohima on Friday that “Nagas cannot survive alone”.

Taking exception to it, NPCC president K Therie argued that whether Tongpang meant without India or without neighbours, it (Tongpang’s statement), in political terms was a confession of weakness and expression of inferiority and submission.

Therie alleged that by his statement, Tongpang has “insulted” the people of Nagaland particularly “our ancestors to whom

A prototype of an isolation ward, ready with medical facilities, arranged in a train in Kamakhya, Assam. (Twitter/ Piyush Goyal)

religion, culture, customs, social practices and usage of land.”

He also pointed out that Nagas have protected their sovereignty against the invasion of the Manipur Maharaja’s army, by a collective village warrior force of Nagas living in Southern Nagaland. Therie said that was the reason why “Khezhanuo was collected as a token of unity and appreciation once in a year.” He said that the tribute was only a token of recognition and was not fixed.

Further, he said Nagas have no history that their villages conquered by any Kingdom as “We have lived alone for generations. And we have never depended on anyone’.

He said the British ruled “ over us mostly to prevent head hunting and inter-village warfare.”

storm almost daily. Maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 25 degrees and 15 degrees at most locations except Dimapur where maximum temperature could rise up to 30 degrees.

NSDMA stated that monsoon rains have been deficient for the state by about 60% this season between March 1 to May 1, 2021.

However, rain and thunder-

showers accompanied with lightening was expected in the coming week especially during late evening and night hours and pre-monsoon activity was expected to pick up during this period.

Second half of this period is expected to get more intense than the former and rain during this period was likely to reduce the margin of rainfall deficiency caused so far.

Gov, CM, others extend Moatsu greetings DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Nagaland governor RN Ravi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy CM Y Patton have extended Moatsü greetings to the Ao community and the people of Nagaland.

In a message, Ravi said Moatsü festival provides a period of recreation after the stressful activities.

During the time of celebrations, Ravi said villagers celebrate their friendship for each other thereby reinforcing the strong community bonding through this festival. He wished all with good health, peace and happy celebrations.

CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio said Moatsü was a time for festivity after the seeds have been sown in the fields. He expressed hope that the Almighty bless the community members with a bountiful harvest.

Dy. CM: State deputy chief minister Y Patton appreciated the wisdom of the leaders to forgo the celebrations amidst the surging pandemic. However, he urged the people to take the festival into their hearts and pay reverence to their ancestors at their respective homes. Patton conveyed heartiest Moatsu greetings and prayed for many blessings in abundance.

WSH: Meanwhile, the Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) has also extended greeting to the Ao community on the occasion of Moatsu and prayed that “the gifts of good health, bountiful harvest and prosperity be blessed abundantly on the Ao people.” The Hoho wished that Moatsu festival would renew social bonds of solidarity and usher in unity and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood amongst Nagas.

government will bear the responsibility of refilling cylinders in case they get exhausted.

The source said medical team, water tanker, power generators are to be provided by the state government. DC Dimapur has already been instructed to facilitate the same.

When contacted, High Powered Committee spokesperson on Covid-19, Mmhonlumo Kikon confirmed that the Railways has agreed in principle to station ten coaches at Dimapur Railway Station.

He said arrangements were also underway to engage private hospitals so that sufficient beds are made available for COVID patients.

Scheduled power outage in 3 distts D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Power department has informed that a total shutdown of power supply was scheduled from May 4-29, 2021 from 6am to 10am and 2:30pm to 6pm daily in Mon district, Longleng district and also areas surrounding Tuli subdivision under Mokokchung district.

In a press release, transmission division Mokokchung assistant engineer (trans) Akumtemjen Jamir the shutdown has been scheduled to necessitate conversion of single string 90KN disc insulator to long rod 120KN polymer insulator along 66KV Mokokchung-Tuli and 66KV Nagnimora-Tizit transmission line.

The department said this was being done to strengthen 66KV transmission line from Mokokchung to Mon via Tuli-Naginimora-Tizit with the aim of providing stable power supply to Mon District.

The public in the affected district and areas have been requested to extend cooperation and bear the inconvenience during the shutdown period.

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state

Patton inaugurates bridges virtually

DIMAPUR: Deputy chief minister & minister incharge for NPWD (road & bridges) Y Patton, virtually inaugurated both the Tsuyi and Tsui RCC T-beam bridges under Zunheboto district on May 1 at the conference hall of chief engineer (road and bridges) office, NPWD Kohima.

A press release through the Dy. CM media cell stated that during the inaugural programme, Patton stated that the two bridge projects were sanctioned by the government of India, ministry of road transport and highways under economic importance scheme during August 2017 while construction works began on December 2018.

He said that completion of the bridges was delayed due to the lockdown in 2020.

Deputy CM said that both the bridges were the life line of many villages while also connecting to the district headquarters.

He expressed hope that with the completion of both bridges, the area

Patton and others at the virtual inaugural programme.

would be economically benefited through trade and commerce.

He infor m ed tha t Tsuyi bridge was located on Pughoboto-Asukiqa road and provided connectivity to nearby habitations such as Natsumi, Asukiqa, Ghokimi, Kitami, Tsaphimi and Puneboqa villages and Tsui bridge is located on Kijumetouma to Ghathashi road which passed through Ghathashi, Iphonumi, Mukalimi and

Hebolimi villages.

Patton acknowledged the cooperation fropm citizens of the villages during the construction period and congratulated the contractors of the bridges, M/s vertex constructions and M/s multi builders for successfully completing the works.

Further Patton extended his gratitude to Y. Vikheho Swu, MLA for his concern and initiative for improvement of road infra-

Mass social work carried out at Wokha local ground

Participants at the mass social work in Wokha.

DIMAPUR: A mass social work under the theme, “your waste is your responsibility”, was carried out at local ground Wokha by likeminded groups and individuals on April 30.

A press release by the organisers informed that the social work was carried out

by Tsumang ‘B’ Colony Eco Club (Ground Kup Sector), Wokha in collaboration with Lolo Ezung and Wokha YouTubers community supported by Tsumang ‘B’ col-

ony council, Lotha Students Union (LSU), CAO Wokha Chichamo Tsanglao, zonal leprosy officer Wokha, Dr. Mhonchan Kithan and concerned individuals.

Additional de puty commissioner & administration Wokha Town Council T. Lankonsen Tsanglao expressed his gratitude to all the participants.

He encouraged citizens to develop a sense of responsibility and work together towards a better and clean

Wokha.

Lankonsen also assured all possible help to the public and NGOs towards making Wokha a clean and better environment.

The organisers informed that lately, littering had become a cause of concern in Wokha local ground as the ground was contaminated by waste.

Earlier, the social work began with an invocation by dobashi, Tsalamo Humtsoe.

structure in the area.

On virtual video conference, Y. Vikheho Swu, MLA acknowledged the deputy chief minister for his intervention and initiative for timely completion of the bridges despite the COVID-19 situation.

The virtual conference was chaired by principal secretary works and housing NPWD, while technical report was presented from NPWD, chief engineer office (road and bridges).

Total of Rs. 6.38 crore was sanctioned for Tsuyi bridge in August 2017 along Pughoboto-Asukiqa road and provides connectivity of nearby habitation.

The construction of the bridge commenced on December 1, 2018 and completed on March 30, 2021. M/s Vertex construction carried out the construction works.

Meanwhile, a total of Rs. 6.90 crore was sanctioned for Tsui bridge in August 2017 over Tsui river (21m span) between Ghathashi and Hebolimi under Economic Importance (EI).

The construction of the bridge commenced in December 1, 2018 and completed in March 28, 2021. M/S multi builders carried out the construction works.

Tsui bridge is located along the Kijumetouma to Ghathashi road. The road passes through Ghathashi, Iphonumi, Mukalimi and Hebolimi which also connects to Kohima and Chozuba.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

Sanitary pad production unit inaugurated

Advisor along with the participants at Changtongya village.

DIMAPUR: For the aspiration of the rural populace, a “sanitary pad production unit” was formally inaugurated on May 1 by advisor, industries & commerce, labour & employment, skill development & entrepreneurship, Imnatiba, MLA at Changtongya village.

A press release by block programme manager, Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), Changtongya block, Moanungsang stated that in his inaugural speech, Imnatiba expressed gratitude to National Bank for Agriculture

and Rural Development (NABARD) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NSRLM) BMMU Changtongya block for the noble initiative.

He called upon the supporting agencies to continue to provide quality support to ensure success of the project and to periodically apprise the administration on the progress of the project.

He concluded by assuring that he would give his best towards the successful development of the project.

The inaugural pro-

gramme was attended by Changtongya village council members, NABARD official from Mokokchung, NSRLM Mokokchung district and block staff and SHG members under NSRLM Changtongya block.

It may be mentioned that the sanitary pad production unit was provided

by NABARD to Warotzubu SHG (under NSRLM Changtongya block) through its livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) and initiated through NABfoundation, “my pad my right” project.

DES Nagaland bids farewell to two outgoing officers DIMAPUR: Directorate of economics and statistics (E&S) today bade farewell to two of its officers, director Rewelhi Kronu and additional director Paokhokam Singson.

Speaking on the occasion, advisor for E&S, evaluation, fisheries & aquatic resources, L Khumo lauded the endeavours and services rendered by the two officers.

Khumo also conveyed best wishes from the state government and wished them a happy retired life.

Special secretary of the department, Kevileno Angami congratulated the retiring officers for giving the best and also serving the government and retiring in good health.

Amiable in nature and always ready to listen to problems and give advices, she said while describing the retiring officers.

Advisor L Khumo, special secretary Kevileno Angami, officials of DES and retiring officers.

She thanked them for the services rendered, while also requesting them to be always approachable in times of requirement.

On behalf of the department, additional director Neidilhou Angami described the retiring officers as mentors and said that the contribution they rendered to the department was huge.

He also read out the service profile of the two officers and presented the reminiscences of their contributions towards the de-

partment. Retiring on superannuation, outgoing director Rewelhi Kronu said he was very proud to have worked with the department.

He joined in 1986 as ESO and went on deputation to other departments but came back and finally retired on superannuation.

The success in working with the department was because of the maximum support from the officers and staff of the department, he said while thanking them.

Retiring additional director Paokhokam Singson

said he would always cherish working with the department.

Meanwhile, speeches were also delivered by Nagaland E&S service association president and joint director Neisatuo Puro, registrar Neibou Linyü for ministerial staff, district eco-

nomics & statistics officers and line departments.

Retired director Y Sacheo Ovung also conveyed best wishes to the retiring officers and encouraged the new head of officers to lead the department with all sincerity. Family members of the retiring officers also spoke on the occasion and acknowledged the department for the support.

Earlier, joint director Charles N Kikon chaired the farewell programme while special number was presented by Weü Mero and deputy director & DESO Mon, Neizekho Angami offered benediction.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Patton, ENSA fete new NSF team

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DP-2137

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DIMAPUR: State deputy chief minister, Y Patton has congratulated the new team of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) elected for the tenure 2021-2023.

Patton said that NSF had always been vocal for the welfare of the student community since its inception and that it also played a proactive role representing students in crucial issues.

Patton on behalf of the state BJP legislators wished a fruitful and successful tenure to the new team led by its president Kegwahun Tep and hoped that they would shoulder the responsibilities of the student community with sincerity, while carrying forward the visions of the pioneers.

Meanwhile, Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) congratulated the newly elected NSF office bearers.

In a press release, ENSA president Nokpai Konyak and general secretary Kailong Lainong hoped that the new team would stand to build the bridge of unity, cooperation and walk together across “artificial boundary lines and to proclaim firmly our birth right to the EastWest-North-South of Naga habited areas”.

ENSA prayed and hoped that the new dynamic leaders of NSF would also bring the light to change Naga society as a whole through democratic and peaceful coexistence of Nagas as one.

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K. Yehokhu Chophi (Hd. GB Lotisa New) Born : 2nd February, 1938 – Died : 26th April, 2021 "When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies upon the paths of men."

Through this column, we the family members of Late K. Yehokhu Chophi would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who had comforted our hearts and stood by us physically, morally, financially and through prayers at the sudden demise of our beloved father.

We specially want to thank : 1. Sumi Baptist Church, Akuluto Town (Nito Mount) 2. Sumi Baptist Church, Akuluto Town (Aizuto) 3. N.C.R.C Akuluto Town 4. St. Clare Catholic Church Akuluto 5. Nito Theological College Zunheboto 6. SBAK Nito Mount (NBCC) 7. Sutemi Baptist Church (Nito Mount) 8. Lotisa Mapulu Union Dimapur 9. Lotisa Mapulu Union Akuluto 10. Lotisa New V.D.B 11. Joint Council Sutemi, Lotisa Old, Lotisa New 12. Joint Council Lotisa Old, lotisa New Phushumi, Maromi 13. Akuluto Area G.B Association 14. The Armoured Borther's Akuluto 15. G.H.S VK Staff 16. G.M.S Ward-4 Ragailong staff Dimapur 17. Dr. Akaho Awomi Deputy C.M.O Zunheboto 18. Dr. Sukhai Zhimo MO & Staff Akuluto We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally but we pray that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

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Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, In-laws K Y M C

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

A B C

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A

B

C

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

60% 30% 10%

Next poll

Q: Is holding IPL amidst

devastating second covid pandemic wave wrong?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST may 2

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Partly cloudy

24 22

Mostly clear

20 16

Aizawl

Guwahati Light fog

21 20

Partly cloudy

21 16

Itanagar Mostly cloudy

26 20

Imphal Shillong

Cloudy

18 14

Kohima

Some clouds

21 15

Dimapur Some clouds

25 20

Some clouds

22 16

Tuensang Some clouds

17 13

Some clouds

24 19

Zunheboto Some clouds

19 15

Mkg Wokha

Rio inaugurates Mithun Bull Mother Farm Correspondent KOHIMA, MAY 1 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio stressed on the need to preserve Mithun as it reflected the identity, unique tradition and rich culture of Nagaland.

Mithun, which is also the state animal, is a prestige for the Nagas since time immemorial therefore the practice of indigenous Mithun rearing should be preserved, Rio said while inaugurating the ‘Mithun Bull Mother Farm’ at Puliebadze, Jotsoma Kohima on Saturday.

It was for this very reason Rio said the state government adopted Mithun as the state emblem.

Rio lauded the villagers of Jotsoma for allowing the project to become a reality in their community forest measuring around 3500 hectare at Mt. Puliebadze area, which is also a tourist destination.

He therefore urged the villagers to play a contributory role towards realising the project along with the Veterinary department so that this project would be an eye-opener to others.

Advisor animal husbandry and veterinary services and women development, R. Khing said the pilot project was initiated under the centrally spon-

Neiphiu Rio and others at the Mithun rearing sites at Puliebadze, Jotsoma on Saturday. (NP)

sored scheme-- Rashtriya Gokul Mission, to protect bovine population.

The area was proposed and selected after properly studying its topography, climate, vegetation and most importantly the natural habitat and the experiences in mithun farming practices.

Khing thanked the villagers and the village council of Jotsoma for providing the reserved forest area to rear mithun population.

He emphasized that mithun rearing must be

propagated, preserved and also be made as a tourist attraction besides boosting the economy.

Local MLA, Keneizhako Nakhro in his address thanked the chief minister and the department for initiating the project. He said the project was long felt desire of the people and hoped that the project would be bear fruits. Nakhro also assured to cooperate with the government as per the rearing guidelines.

Managing Direc-

tor Nagaland Livestock Development Board Dr. Neikeyielie Theünuo in his keynote address said the main objective of the project was to to conserve, develop and propagate indigenous Mithun in its native breeding tract and to develop and produce desired progenies of pure Naga strain through selective breeding for further propagation and multiplication of superior bulls to other breeding tract.

Under the scheme, he said state received Rs. 150 lakhs during 2017-18 and Rs. 50 lakhs during 201819 and besides Puliebadze, Mithun Bull Mother Farm was also inaugurated at Lerie, Kohima.

The newly inaugurate farm has two Mithun shed that can accommodate up to 100 elite Mithun with attendant barrack to accommodate two Mithun boys.

The farm also consists of office cum training centre to conduct research and training on Mithun.

Meanwhile, all the Mithuns belonging to individuals were procured by NLDB and handed over to JVC for the project. Project co-ordinator NLDB, Dr. Kuokehebi Gwirie proposed vote of thanks.

Advisor urban and municipal affairs Dr. Nicky Kire, commissioner and

secretary KD Vizo, senior government officials, officials from the department of AH&VS, JVC and others attended the inaugural programme.

Rio takes a break, drives off-road

The chief minister took some off from his busy schedule as he drove himself off-road up to the foothills of Mt. Japfü peak.

Much to the surprise of his entourage, the 71year old, displayed his adventurous instinct and driving skills, as the road was tricky and treacherous.

Fine tuning his Ford Endeavour, Rio negotiated the steep climb, turnings and overcame the slippery patches caused by the drizzle. Interacting with media persons on his return, Rio invited tourists to explore the beauty of nature especially during the blooming season of rhododendron flowers adding that every age group can be with nature.

Advisor urban and municipal affairs Dr. Nicky Kire, Keneizhako Nakhro, MLA; commissioner secretary KD Vizo and his son Kechangulie Rio were among those who accompanied the daring chief minister.

Block level teachers’ training at Tseminyu DIMAPUR: Educational Block Resource Centre (EBRC) Samagra Shiksha Tseminyu conducted block level teachers’ training on “foundational literacy and numeracy” from April 2930 at EBRC hall Tseminyu.

The training was organised by district mission authority Samagra Shiksha (DMA SS) Kohima.

A press release by TOT EBRC Tseminyu, Francis Rengma stated that during the inaugural session, DMA SS Kohima assistant district coordinator, Thongsenlo Rengma in his keynote said that “no learner can progress in education without solid foundation on literacy and numeracy at early stages of learning process”.

He lamented that despite various interventions being initiated, the progress report of learners were quite alarming in matters of learning outcomes and report of Pratham. He emphasised that under NEP 2020, the highest priority of the education system would be to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy in primary school by 2025.

Further, he impressed upon the teachers to reenergise the system through dedication to one’s task.

Area education officer (AEO) under SDEO Tseminyu, Chengeseng

NSCN (R) annual joint council meeting adopts eight-point resolution DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): NSCN (R) has resolved to “continue to uphold and honour the ‘Naga issue and the ongoing Naga Peace process’ as topmost priorities.”

This was one of the eight resolutions adopted at the annual joint council meeting of the group held at CHQ on April 28 and April 29, 2021.

NSCN (R) through its MIP stated that the meeting chaired by the speaker of the house Ihese Aye was attended by the “national workers” from all the Naga inhabited areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.

MIP stated that the meeting resolved to “strengthen the ‘Brotherhood, Fraternity and Sodality’ of the NSCN/GPRN (R), in Solidarity, Comradeship and Camaraderie.”

It was also resolved to revoke earlier ‘expulsion

S&WC deptt bids farewell to outgoing registrar DIMAPUR: Department of Soil & Water Conservation (S&WC) bade farewell to its outgoing registrar Zasevituo Theünuo on April 30. The programme was held in conference hall, Soil & Water Conservation directorate.

According to DIPR report, superintendent, Hotoli Shikhu shared a brief history and profile of work carried out in various capacities by the outgoing officer which was followed by presentation of certificate of appreciation to the outgoing officer.

In his speech, the retiring officer Zasevituo Theünuo expressed his gratitude towards the department for organising the programme on his behalf while also recalling the fond memories he created during his service.

Meanwhile, while delivering a short speech, S&WC director lauded and thanked the registrar for the diligent and sincere works he had carried out and wished him a happy retirement while extending his best wishes for his future endeavour.

E a r l i e r, t h e p r o gramme was chaired by joint director Lily Tep and vote of thanks was proposed by joint director Denis Angami.

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NSCN (R) leadership along with its members at the annual joint council meet held at CHQ.

order’ against six members that was “inadvertently published.” The annual joint council meeting resolved to “agree and to concur with the ‘Presidential Amnesty and Pardon’ against some earlier ‘Expulsion Orders’ keeping in mind the Naga Issue at its Zenith.”

Further, the house resolved to “retract (in regret) some earlier Statements issued and published from any quarters that may have

unintentionally and inadvertently created some ‘Pandemonium, Perplexity, Fuss and Confusions’ but rather, resort to pave way for the ‘Naga Peace Talks’ to reaching and achieving its logical conclusion that is acceptable and Honourable to all.”

The meeting resolved that any forces that may be detrimental to the unity of the party would be “collectively dealt with at all costs” and would “zealously” guard

against any forces that may try to sow seeds of division from both outside and within the party.

The meeting further resolved to “admonish and to repel any kinds of ‘Shoddy and Deceptive Moves’ by any individual, groups or divisive forces, working tirelessly day in and day out, attempting to sow seeds of Discords, Animosities, Enmities, Hostilities and Predicaments.” Lastly, it

was resolved to remind all NSCN (R) members that it was the responsibilities of every member to have and to hold the NSCN’s principles and ethics at the highest and sternly warned to refrain from further creating “any kinds of Miasma and unwholesome atmospheres or Circumstances.”

The meeting urged well wishers, patrons, public and friends to continue to “uphold in prayers and to strengthen the NSCN and the Naga issue.”

At the meeting, the members reaffirmed and reiterated full support to the leadership of president Y. Wangtin Naga, vice-president Akato Chophi and ato kilonser/general secretary P. Tikhak.

The house also deliberated on the Naga political issue and acknowledged the convenor N. Kitovi Zhimo-

mi and co-convenors Zophra Vero, Isak Sumi, Hozheto Chophi, Toshi Walling and Kimiukham Yimchunger for their leadership and statesmanship NSCN(R) also appreciated the contribution of the NTC, CNTC, NGBF and other NGOs/CSOs for “working selflessly and tirelessly to bringing all the Naga people together for an amicable solution with the GOI.” Meanwhile, the advisor to the collective leadership (ACL) also attended the meet including Omnyei Konyak, O.Chingmak Chang, Viniho Kiho, “maj.(retd.)” Joseph Anal, N.Panmei, and “lt. gen. (retd)” Nyemlang Konyak who were administered oath of allegiance and office of secrecy by the president. The newly inducted kilonsers, deputy kilonsers and tatars numbering around

58 were administered oat by the speaker. A two-minute silence was observed in paying homage to all the martyrs who had laid down their lives in “defence of our national cause.”

Moatsü greetings

NSCN (R) has conveyed warm Moatsü greetings to the Ao community. NSCN (R) through its MIP said that Moatsü festival, a major festival of the Ao Naga tribe, which is celebrated on May 1-3 was a binding festival celebrated after the sowing season was over.

NSCN (R) hoped that the festive occasion would bring good tidings and prosperity to Ao brothers and sisters so that they may continue to be the torchbearers and pioneers in many fields, and to instil a sense of responsibilities to other fellow Nagas.

Kath shared that teachers underwent many trainings and were well equipped at the same time. However, he queried whether there was any striking balance in the system.

He lamented on students declining enrolment and poor parents opting for alternative schools to send their children to study as a cause of concern.

In this regard, he urged teacher trainees to adopt plans and policies being the real executors to reverse the trend and reiterated on school education’s COVID guidelines and urged them remain at their place of posting.

E B RC Ts e m i n y u resource persons for the training were coordinator Rushulo Khing, TOTs Francis Rengma and Hinilo Cheng with the topics on foundational literacy and numeracy, importance of brain development in early years, phonics/phonetics, sight words, development of vocabulary, skills on reading, speaking and writing; development of pre-number concepts, patterns, geometry, spatial relations, development of number sense and number operations.

Altogether, 40 schools with two specified teachers are participating at the training session.

Public restricted in Khonoma DIMAPUR: Khonoma Youth Organisation (KYO) and Khonoma Village Council (KVC) has informed the public that tourism related activities such as camping and picnicking in Khonoma jurisdiction would be restricted from the date of this publication. KYO president Mhiesilhukho Yalie and KVC chairman Ngusa Ratsa has requested all concerned to take the information on a serious note failing which defaulters would be penalised.

The bodies also requested citizens to cooperate with the decision and informed that Khonoma would be opened again for visitors once the COVID situation was normalised.

Fo r a n y e m e r ge n cies one may contact volunteers at 936668995 or 8837056848.

Shelter home for animals set up in Dimapur Staff Reporter D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): A first of its kind shelter home for animals was inaugurated at district veterinary hospital which was initiated by Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), here on Saturday.

The shelter home was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) SPCA president, Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan.

Speaking at the programme, the DC congratulated the initiative of SPCA who took the initiative despite fewer resources and financial grudges and yet, mastered all their efforts.

He said that the shelter for animals was the urgent need of the hour and that the veterinary hospital, Dimapur was grateful to have provided a space for it.

DC also gave a brief background of proposal for establishing a full-fledged animal shelter in Dimapur and informed that in 2020, the chief secretary entrusted him to find a plot of land for the establishment of animal shelter.

In this regard, he said that in the month of August, 2020, the veterinary department was kind enough to spare the plot for the establishing the shelter.

He informed that the

DC Dimapur Rajesh Soundararajan, Relo T Aye and SPCA members at the programme. (NP)

formalities and project details for establishing the animal shelter in Dimapur were in progress.

Rajesh Soundararajan said that the awareness of legal provision governing the cruelty towards animals among general public was either nil or minimal and people were less bothered about it.

He said that many think they can exercise cruelty against animal and the sad part was that they could go about freely.

He said that the people must give importance to prevention of cruelty to animals and make others aware that selling of meat was legalised but cruelty towards animal was not.

He urged the gathering to spread awareness and organised sensitisation

campaigns regarding legal provisions on prevention of cruelty to animal and also put effective enforcement regarding laws.

Delivering the keynote address, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals vice president N Joseph Lemtur briefed about the formation of the society. He shared that with the contribution of wellwishers, the shelter home was built at the cost of Rs. 1, 50,000.

Joseph said that the home was set up near the veterinary hospital for temporary till SPCA finds a better area and suitable place to expand it.

Short speeches were also delivered by veterinary surgeon and president Nagaland veterinary association Dr. KN Humtsoe

and DMC public health centre, deputy director Dr. Sentinungla who lauded the initiative of SPCA for providing facilities for abandoned, ailing pets and attempting to find homes for homeless animals and reunite lost pets with their families.

The programme was chaired by SPCA exec- Hailstorm hit Wanching village under Wakching sub-division in Mon district, Saturday utive secretary Marian afternoon. No damages or casualty reported till the time of filing report. (Correspondent) Rao, invocation prayer was proposed by DABA pastor reverend Lima Jamir and benediction was said Neighbourhood Hindi Church, pastor reverend Daniel Shayan.

Later, vote of thanks was delivered by ADCP (crime) and vice president SPCA ex-officio Relo T Aye. It may be mentioned that the veterinary department offered SPCA a temporary place at the Vety hospital Burma camp. The home can host seven dogs at present.

Despite financial constraints, a member said that the shelter was been built from donations by SPCA members and other pet lovers.

“Though there are lots to be done with the shelter, we decided to inaugurate it today, so that abandoned or homeless dogs or cats can have a roof over their heads and be taken care of temporarily”, the member stated.

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nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : With states are imposing curfews, s h o u l d t h e g ov t o f India declare a second Lockdown?

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

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Stage set for counting of votes in Assam

Officials wait to undergo COVID-19 testing on the eve of counting day of Assam Assembly Polls, in Tezpur, Saturday. (PTI) GUWAHATI, MAY 1 (PTI): The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for counting of votes on May 2 for the Assam assembly polls by putting in place measures

to ensure strict adherence to health protocols, as it is taking place amid a raging second wave of COVID-19, an official said on Saturday.

A three-tier security

apparatus has also been arranged at the 331 counting halls across the state that voted in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6.

Considering the fact

that coronavirus infection is raging in the state, steps have been taken to ensure that COVID guidelines are strictly followed during the counting.

Arrangements have been made for sanitising the counting venues frequently during the process.

Wearing of face masks and use of sanitisers have been made mandator y for entering the counting halls.

EVMs and VVPATs at the well-ventilated counting venues will be sanitised before the commencement of the process.

Tables will be placed in the counting halls in such a way so that social distancing norms are maintained.

Unlike in 2016 assembly elections when there were 143 counting halls with 14 tables each, the number of tables has been reduced to seven per hall this time.

Only candidates and their agents, who have re-

ceived both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine or have tested negative for the infection, will be allowed to enter a counting venue on Sunday.

According to the Assam Health and Family Welfare department, approximately 35,000 counting officials, and agents of candidates, to be engaged in the process, have got themselves tested on April 30 in pre-identified and notified testing centres.

No public gathering outside the counting venue will be allowed during the process, he said.

An average 82.04 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the three phase elections to 126 assembly constituencies.

Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, Nitin Khade said, participation of women in the polling was “remarkable” with 80.63 per cent of the total women voters exercising their franchise.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

Assam exempts politicians & journos from home quarantine

Guwahati, May 1 (PTI): The Assam Government on Saturday exempted leaders of recognised political parties and accredited journalists arriving from outside in connection with the Assembly election from undergoing compulsory home quarantine for seven days.

Health and Family Welfare Department Principal Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha on Saturday by an order partially modified the earlier one of April 21 for passengers arriving by flights and trains from outside the state requiring to undergo compulsory home quarantine for seven days on arrival in the state.

However, the two exempted category of passengers will have to undergo the mandated COVID-19 test on arrival and remain in isolation till the RT-PCR test result is declared to be negative, the order stated.

On account of rising COVID-19 cases in the state, Assam government had by an order on April 13 made it mandatory for air passengers arriving in the state to undergo Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) followed

by RT-PCR test if the RAT comes negative.

This testing policy was on April 21 extended to all people entering the state through rail and road networks as well.

Assam registers 3,453 cases on Saturday

In the meanwhile, Assam registered 3,453 cases on Friday taking the total confirmed cases in the state to 2,56,576 cases. A total of 2,229 patients also recovered on Friday taking the total recoveries to 2,28,872. The fatality was 23 persons. Assam currently has 25,027 active cases

Sikkim logs record 259 COVID-19 cases in single-day

G angt o k , M ay 1 (PTI): Sikkim, which was last year among the states least affected by the COVID19 pandemic, recorded its highest single-day spike of 259 fresh cases on Saturday, pushing the caseload to 8,211, the health department said in its bulletin One more fatality raised the COVID-19 death toll in the Himalayan state to 148, the bulletin said.

East Sikkim registered 195 positive cases, followed

by South Sikkim at 32, West Sikkim at 22 and South Sikkim at 10. The state currently has 1,647 active cases, 180 others have migrated out of Sikkim, and 6,236 patients have recovered from the disease.

As per the district-wise distribution of positive cases in Sikkim, East Sikkim has logged the highest number of 6,241 coronavirus cases, followed by 1,211 in South Sikkim, 462 in West Sikkim and 117 in North Sikkim.

Vaccinations for 18+ delayed Mnp activist Licypriya buys 100 oxygen concentrators in Northeast due to shortage Guwahati/Agartala, May 1 (IANS): The third phase of Covid vaccination for people in the 18-44 age group was delayed by some days in most of the northeastern states as the companies are unable to meet the supply of vaccines due to huge demand in the region, where the cases have been alarmingly rising, Ministers and officials said on Saturday.

The third phase of Covid inoculation drive covering those above the age of 18 years began on Saturday in some states in India including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Assam Health and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that online registration has started. “We are expecting some information about the vaccine soon. We have

already placed orders for one crore doses each with the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech. The central government is also pursuing vaccine manufacturers accordingly,” he told the media.

Sarma said that Assam is vaccinating close to one lakh person every day and so around 26 lakh people inoculated.

Tripura Health officials said that the vaccination to the 18-44 age group is expected to start after May 15 and as the supply of vaccines by the manufacturer company being delayed

Manipur reports 319 new COVID-19 cases, 5 more deaths

Imphal, May 1 (PTI): Manipur reported 319 new COVID-19 cases, the highest singleday spike this year, pushing the coronavirus tally to 31,905, an official said on Saturday.

Five new COVID-19 fatalities in the last 24-hours pushed the death toll to 410, the official said.

The deaths were reported from Imphal East (2), Imphal West (1), Kakching (1) and Churachandpur (1), he said.

The new COVID-19 cases were reported from Imphal West district (120), Imphal East (91), Bishnupur (24), Kakching (23), Senapati (15), Ukhrul (12), Thoubal (11), Churachandpur (10), Kangpokpi (6) and two cases each from Chandel, Kamjong and Tengnoupal and one case from Tamenglong district.

Seventy-nine patients were cured of the disease, taking the total number of recoveries to 29,843 and the recovery rate to 93.53 per cent.

Manipur now has 1,652 active COVID19 cases.

The official said so far 1,94,659 people have been administered COVID-19 vaccine in the state.

due to the heavy demand of the jabs.

“The Tripura government has already sanctioned Rs 133.19 crore to purchase the vaccine to provide the jab to the age group of 18-44 at the government’s costs,” Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said.

The Meghalaya government has stated that it would soon announce the exact date of the inoculation drive for the age group of 18-44.

The Meghalaya government has also placed orders for the required vaccine with the Serum Institute of India.

Health officials in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur also said that the third phase of inoculation would be delayed by some more days due to the shortages of vaccine.

NEW DELHI, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Famed climate environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam bought oxygen concentrators from her own savings to help with the country’s oxygen crisis, she said on Friday. 9-year-old Kangujam, in a tweet, said that ten oxygen concentrators will reach India in the next few days and that she has ordered a total of 100 concentrators from her savings.

She also urged people to donate and save thousands of lives being lost due to shortage of oxygen.

Ordered 100 oxygen concentrators Popularly known as “Greta of India”, Kangujam is often seen protesting against air pollution, and the need to optimally utilise resources. She took to her Twitter account and wrote, “10 pieces of 5L Oxygen Concentrator will reach India in the next few

days which costs around Rs 50,000 per piece including shipping. Total 100 pieces ordered.” She further added that she’s trying her best to help the country by spending her own savings. She also raised more funds from the awards she received last year. “Let’s hope for the best,” she wished.

The minor activist also pleaded, “Just 100 Oxygen Concentrator is not enough. Please donate here to help me to buy more. India is dying.” She urged everyone to donate and save the people of India who are dying out of Oxygen.

Pleaded Taiwan for help Kangujam on Tuesday urged the Taiwan government to provide assistance in coping with India’s massive surge in coronavirus cases. She included a screenshot of

Licypriya Kangujam

an exchange in which she contacted Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu for assistance. In the screenshot, Wu could be seen stating, “God bless India and its magnificent people. We are working very hard to help.”

Kangujam thanked him but then pointed out that, specifically, India needs oxygen concentrators.

Emphasizing the desperate state of the situation, Kangujam added, “I’m begging you. We’re dying!” Wu responded that his ministry is in discussions with “key decisionmakers” and asked her to “pray for our progress and success.”

On Thursday morning (April 29), Taiwan announced the country would be sending 150 oxygen concentrators to India this weekend. Ou pledged that Taiwan will continue to send more relief in the coming weeks.

Arunachal reports 163 new COVID-19 cases white-bellied heron spotted in Arunachal

Itanagar, May 1 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh reported 163 new COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally in the northeastern state to 18,419, a health department official said on Saturday.

The death toll remained at 59 as no fresh fatality due to the infection was reported in the last 24 hours, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

The Capital Complex Region recorded the maximum number of new cases at 47, followed by Lower Dibang Valley (28), Changlang (14), Lower Subansiri (13), Papumpare (12) and West Kameng (10).

Five cases each were also recorded in Lohit, Anjaw and Upper Subansiri, four in Upper Siang, three each in Tirap and East Siang, two each in West Siang and Longding and one each in Dibang Valley,

Leparada and Namsai districts.

Of the fresh cases, 146 were detected through rapid antigen tests, 12 through RT-PCR and five through TrueNat method, Jampa said, adding that 59 new patients have symptoms of the coronavirus infection.

Arunachal Pradesh now has 1,226 active cases, the SSO said. At least 49 people were cured of the disease on Friday, taking the total number of recoveries in the state to 17,134, the official said. The recovery rate among coronavirus patients stands at 93.02 per cent.

The Capital Complex Region - comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa areas - has the highest number of active cases at 315, followed by Lower Dibang Valley (301) and West Kameng (101). Altogether, 4,53,906 samples have been tested for

COVID-19, including 3,363 on Friday, and the positivity ratio is at 6.66 per cent.

Meanwhile, the government has deferred the roll-out of the COVID-19 inoculation drive for those in the age group of 18 to 44 years from Saturday, as the state is facing some “technical” issues, the official said.

State Immunisation Officer Dr Dimong Padung said 2,48,569 people have been inoculated so far since the beginning of the vaccination drive in January.

In a bid to contain the spread of the disease, the Capital Complex administration has decided to impose a night curfew from 9 pm to 5 am from Saturday.

The state government has so far collected over Rs 3.92 lakh as a fine from people who have violated the COVID protocols.

COVID-19: Tripura indefinitely postpones class X and XI exams AGARTALA, ,MAY 1 (AGENCIES): Keeping in mind the surge in the cases of the novel coronavirus in the state of Tripura, both class 10 and 12 board exams have been postponed indefinitely, reports the Sentinel Assam.

Ratan Lal Nath, the state education minister on Saturday after taking into consideration the decision of the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) announced that both class 10 and 12 board exams have been postponed indefinitely.

My message to all the students to be prepared for the examination as Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council Pramod Boro with when the situation will be others pays homage to the statue of Bodo leader Upendranath Brahma, known fruitful the examination as Bodofa, on his 31st death anniversary, in Kokrajhar district, Saturday, May will be conducted,” said the education minister.

1, 2021. (PTI)

All the schools in the state including the government, government-aided, private schools, and madrassas will have to follow the order to postpone the board examinations of classes 10 and 12.

“Looking at the uprising situation of COVID-19 pandemic all over the country as well as in our state and also taking into account the safety and health of the students, it will not be judicious to hold ensuing HS (+2 Stage) and Madhyamik Examinations wef May 18 and May 19 respectively,” said the Tripura Board of Secondary Education in a statement. The board however announced that the dates will be disclosed 15 days prior to the date of examinations.

In this undated photo, a white-bellied heron, that was spotted at Walong in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. (PTI) I tanaga r , M ay 1 (PTI): The white-bellied heron, a rare and elusive bird, was spotted at Walong in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Saturday.

Walong is around 557 kilometers from the state capital.

The bird was spotted and photographed by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Anjaw Santosh Kumar Reddy, Range Forest Officer Nosing Pul and scientist Dekbin Yonggam earlier this month.

The white-bellied heron is categorised as ‘critically endangered’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data Book and is listed in Schedule IV in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

It is one of the rarest birds in the world and is at present found only in

Bhutan, Myanmar and the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.

It had also been recorded in the adjacent Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Lohit district in camera trap images.

The recent sighting at a height of 1,200 meters above sea level is a first at such a higher elevation in India, forest officials said.

The presence of nesting sites within this area is a positive sign for the future habitat as the breeding season of the white-bellied heron starts in February and lasts till June, they said.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests RK Singh said it is great news that the critically endangered bird is establishing new habitats beyond its traditional range.

“This itself epitomizes the positive health of the forest ecosystem in this

biodiversity-rich state,” he said.

Chief Wildlife Warden G Kumar said, “It is a good sign for the rare bird to appear in the pristine forest areas of Arunachal.”

Kumar said a team comprising scientists of the Forest Department along with those from reputed national institutions such as Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata would soon carry out joint field research to find out ways to conserve the future prospects of the rare and globally-threatened bird.

Since the bird is extremely shy to human presence, the ‘gaon buras’ and village heads of Walong have been asked to make local communities aware of the importance to protect the bird and conserve its habitat, he said.

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COVID patients, including doctor, Enough is enough: Delhi HC to centre die 12 at Delhi hospital due to oxygen shortage HC directs Centre to supply 490 MT oxygen to Delhi

Family members of COVID patients wait to collect oxygen cylinders, as demand rises, in New Delhi, Saturday. (PTI)

is grappling with, also directed that the senior officers concerned be present before it on the next date of hearing on Monday if the allocated oxygen is not received by Delhi by the end of the day.

“We direct the central government to ensure that the NCT of Delhi receives its allocated supply of 490

MT positively today by whatever means. Considering the fact that Delhi is not an industrial state and does not have availability of cryogenic tankers of its own, which could be requisitioned under the Disaster Management Act like other states have done, it falls upon the central government to arrange the tankers

Singapore sends oxygen cylinders to support India’s fight against COVID

Singapore, Apr 28 (PTI): The Singapore government has sent a consignment of oxygen cylinders to support India’s COVID-19 pandemic response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force is transporting the cylinders on board two C-130 aircraft from Singapore to West Bengal, according to a report by the Channel News Asia.

Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Maliki Osman handed over the two planeloads of oxygen cylinders to India’s High Commissioner P Kumaran at Paya Lebar Air Base on Wednesday morning.

“We have all witnessed in the past year how this pandemic is a transboundary threat,” Maliki said at the air base.

“It gives no regard for country, nationality or race.

This is exactly why we must work collectively to support each other,” the Channel quoted him as saying.

Singapore and India share a close relationship, Maliki said, thanking the Indian government for continuing to work with Singapore throughout the pandemic by “keeping supply chains open and essential

as well, so that the allocation made to Delhi could be fulfilled, lest it remains only a paper allocation.

The central government shall ensure availability of cryogenic tankers as well for the said supply,” the bench said. It also noted that since April 20, the entire allocated quota of 480 MT oxygen and thereafter, 490 MT has not been delivered to Delhi even on a single day.

“Looking at the situation, we make it clear that we may even consider initiating contempt proceedings in case of non-compliance.

Amit Mahajan shall ensure the communication of this order to the officers concerned forthwith,” it said.

When Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma urged the bench to defer its order till May 3 or by half an hour, especially the warning about initiating contempt proceed-

New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): Twelve COVID-19 patients, including the HOD of gastroenterology department, of Batra Hospital here died allegedly due to oxygen shortage, officials said on Saturday.

“Once a patient is pushed to the edge without the support of oxygen, it is very difficult to revive him.

Unfortunately, we are expecting more fatalities,” said Sudhanshu Bankata, executive director of the hospital.

R K Himthani, head of the gastroenterology department, was among those who died due to lack of oxygen, said S C L Gupta, medical director of the hospital.

Himthani had been admitted to the hospital for the last 15-20 days, he said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed grief over the incident. “This news is very painful. Their lives could have been saved -- by giving them oxygen on

Around 12.30 pm, the hospital authorities claimed they had run out of oxygen.

time. Delhi should get its quota of oxygen. Can’’t see our people dying like this.

Delhi needs 976 tonnes of oxygen, but it received only 312 tonnes yesterday. How will Delhi breathe in such a less amount of oxygen?” he said on Twitter in Hindi.

Meanwhile, the hospital had sent out an SOS message about oxygen shortage on Saturday. Gupta said they had informed the authorities about lack of oxygen Saturday morning

when they had 2,500 litres of the life-saving gas left.

Around 12.30 pm, the hospital authorities claimed they had run out of oxygen. The oxygen tanker arrived at 1.35 pm, they said, adding that they were without oxygen for 80 minutes.

In a related development, Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj has stopped taking admissions due to oxygen shortage. The hospital has four hours of oxygen left, sources said.

India gets first consignment of Government constitutes 7-member SputnikV vaccine from Russia panel to monitor Vedanta oxygen plant New Delhi, May 1 mala Sitharaman in tweet (PTI): India on Saturday received the first consignment of Russia’s SputnikV COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The CBIC in a tweet said that Hyderabad customs expedited the clearance of the COVID-19 vaccine imported from Russia.

“Hyderabad Customs, @cgstcushyd facilitated expeditious clearance of #SputnikV Vaccine imported from Russia,” the CBIC tweeted.

Finance Minister Nir-

said: “Appropriate timely response @cgstcushyd. Need of the hour.”

The government last month allowed emergency use of imported vaccines to curb the spread of coronavirus infection and waived customs duty on their imports. It has also allowed citizens over the age of 18 years to receive Covid-19 vaccinations beginning May 1. On August 11, 2020, Russia became the world’s first country to register a coronavirus vaccine, dubbed as SputnikV.

Chennai, May 1 (IANS): The Tamil Nadu government has constituted a seven member panel to monitor the Vedanta oxygen plant at Tuticorin as per the orders of the Supreme Court to supervise the entire production of oxygen at Vedanta’s Sterlite plant.

The seven member team constituted by the Government comprises the Tuticorin district collector who heads it along with the Tuticorin district superintendent of police, sub collector, district environmental engineer of pollution control board, deputy chief chemist of Tuticorin thermal power station and two environmental experts to

be nominated as per the Supreme Court orders.

Vedanta CEO Pankaj Kumar had earlier written to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami stating that the company’s two oxygen plants together have the capacity to produce 1000 tons of oxygen daily.

The company had also written to the Supreme Court which had allowed oxygen from its plant in Tuticorin which had been shut down by an order of the Tamil Nadu government following mass agitations against the Sterlite plant.

C17 of IAF reached Singapore yesterday to bring 4 more cryogenic containers for oxygen transportation, being co-ordinated by MHA. Saturday, May 1, 2021. (PTI)

goods flowing”. “While our contribution is modest, we hope that it will bring comfort and relief to those in need and encourage those on the frontline in India, who are working tirelessly, to fight on.

“I have no doubt that the fighting spirit of the Indian people will prevail,” Maliki said.

Singapore investment firm Temasek has also sent medical equipment while India’s Tata Group donated four cryogenic oxygen cylinders sourced from Singapore. That consignment landed in West Bengal over

the weekend.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

India saw a record single-day rise of 3,60,960 coronavirus cases, which pushed the total tally to 1,79,97,267, while the death toll crossed two lakh following 3,293 fresh fatalities, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

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EC moves SC against Madras HC observations on COVID surge

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Court against the high court orders,” EC’s counsel Amit Sharma told PTI. The EC, in its appeal in the apex court, said the high court’s remarks were “uncalled for, blatantly disparaging and derogatory”.

The division bench of the high court, on April 26, made the stinging observation on a plea moved by Tamil Nadu’s Transport Minister M R Vijayabaskar, who was the AIADMK candidate from Karur in the April 6 Assembly polls, seeking a direction to the authorities concerned to ensure a fair counting of votes on May 2 in his constituency by taking effective steps and ensuring proper arrangements while following the COVID-19 protocols.

Since a total of 77 candidates were in fray in Karur, it would be very difficult to accommodate their agents in the counting hall. It may affect the observance of the protocols, the petitioner had alleged.

When the EC’s counsel told the judges that all necessary steps were being taken, the bench shot back, saying by allowing the political parties to take out rallies and organise meetings, it (commission) had paved the way for a resurgence of the deadly virus.

TOKA FARMS FOUNDATION

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New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): The Election Commission (EC) moved the Supreme Court on Saturday, challenging the critical observations made by the Madras High Court holding it responsible for a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, saying the remarks were “uncalled for, blatant and disparaging”.

A bench of justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah would hear the appeal of the poll panel against the orders of the high court on Monday.

The high court had, on April 26, castigated the EC for the surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of the pandemic, holding it “singularly” responsible for the spread of the viral disease, called it the “the most irresponsible institution” and even said its officials may be booked under murder charges.

The poll panel allowing political parties to take out rallies and organise meetings had led to the surge in COVID cases, the court had observed. The EC’s appeal against these remarks was trashed by the division bench of the high court on April 30, leading the poll watchdog to approach the top court. “We have filed an appeal in the Supreme

ings, it declined to accept his request and said, “Much water has gone above the head. Now we mean business. Enough is enough.”

“You (Centre) made an allocation, you fulfil it.

Do you mean we will shut our eyes to people dying in Delhi? Enough is enough now. Who is asking for a gram more of oxygen than is allocated? If you cannot supply, do not supply. We will see your explanation on Monday,” it added.

“This is a new way of arguing -- telling us do not do this, do not do that.

We do not appreciate it.

We know what to do,” the court said in response to the ASG’s repeated requests to defer the contempt aspect of the order. The ASG said Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta would inform the court on Monday about the oxygen allocation and supply to Delhi.

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New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): Anguished by the deaths of eight COVID-19 patients, including a doctor, at the Batra Hospital here due to a shortage of oxygen, the Delhi High Court directed the Centre on Saturday to ensure that the national capital receives its allocated share of 490 metric tonnes of the life-saving gas during the day and said “enough is enough”, “much water has gone above the head”.

A bench of justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said the Centre has to ensure that Delhi receives its allocated amount of oxygen “by whatever means” and warned that a failure to do so could lead to contempt action.

The bench, which held a four-hour-long special hearing on a holiday with regard to the oxygen crisis and other COVID-19 related issues that the city

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 145 Dimapur, SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

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Fatal flaws

mid the raging surge in fresh coronavirus cases in India which continue to hit record levels for the past few weeks, several renowned doctors have expressed growing concern about the clinical behaviour of the new mutant virus. As India is ravaged by record-breaking COVID-19 surge, the doctors have warned of ‘impossibly bad’ situation. The second wave of coronvirus pandemic has exposed India’s ill-preparedness to tackle a scale never before imagined as health care infrastructure has come to near-breaking point. The ‘Indian strain’ of the coronavirus carries higher transmissibility similar to the UK variant, but there is little evidence so far of it being more lethal than the original virus, experts have said. India’s coronavirus surge has broken records, with Friday’s figures adding 386,452 confirmed infections to the tally and 3,398 deaths. India now accounts for one in four COVID-19 deaths in the world, but the numbers reported are widely believed to be under representative of the actual figures. Medical consultant Dr Arun N Madhavan estimated that the real rate of death would be five times higher than the official toll, but that number varied depending on the state. For instance, in Delhi, one in three tests have come back positive, while in places like Kolkata and Chandrapur, the test positivity rate had almost hit 50 per cent, demonstrating the outbreak had spread far more widely than confirmed cases suggest. India’s surging coronavirus cases should have been a loud wake-up call. Sure, the enormous spike in cases this spring came as a surprise. Just months before, an earlier rise in daily cases had dropped mysteriously, and India, home to some of the world’s biggest vaccine manufacturers, seemed well primed for mass immunization. It went further by exporting million tons of oxygen. However, by April, daily cases continue to break records crossing 1 lakh in Mid-April and by end of the month bypassing the 3-lakh mark. It may be recalled that the highest record was in 2020 that stood at 97,000. Soon, they were more than quadrupling that, setting a record for any nation on Earth and accounting for more than 39 percent of all new cases globally.

India’s death toll is nearing 2,00,00, even with serious allegations of undercounting. Today, the situation in India is more than worrisome, it is a health catastrophe of monumental dimensions. Tragically, the worldwide praise for covid handling made the BJP at the Centre complacent and it went back to what it does bestelections rallies and winning states.A reflection of the disinclination to admit what is going wrong came in UP when the chief minister repeatedly denied claims from hospitals that the state is suffering a shortage of beds, medicines and liquid oxygen. Instead, Yogi Adityanath blamed these on “black marketing and hoarding”. He went a step further in threatening to use the draconian National Security Act and the Gangster Act to crackdown on “anti-social elements” spreading “rumours and propaganda” about shortages. Further alarm was raised about the government silencing critics after Twitter complied with a government directive to remove dozens of tweets critical of the Modi government while Facebook blocked the hashtag #ResignModi, a move it later tried to explain as an error. At such a time, what India needs is for the centre to reach out to all states and take them along. It should be a lesson for the Centre that the second wave requires more than sermons and it can begin by declaring an emergency health crisis.

DailyDevotion Faith— Not Emotion

We walk by faith, not by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7 For a while, we are fully aware of God’s concern for us. But then, when God begins to use us in His work, we begin to take on a pitiful look and talk only of our trials and difficulties. And all the while God is trying to make us do our work as hidden people who are not in the spotlight. None of us would be hidden spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our work when it seems that God has sealed up heaven?

Some of us always want to be brightly illuminated saints with golden halos and with the continual glow of inspiration, and to have other saints of God dealing with us all the time. A self-assured saint is of no value to God. He is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and completely unlike God. We are here, not as immature angels, but as men and women, to do the work of this world. And we are to do it with an infinitely greater power to withstand the struggle because we have been born from above.

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

Quotes

Think in the morning.

Act in the noon. Eat in the evening. Sleep in the night. ~ William Blake

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

Post-mortem

EC is irresponsible and GoI is non-accountable I ndia is breaking all records – millions died and get infected. It is gripped with the second wave exposing health care system. Government of India (GoI) is not reporting the exact number and thus hiding. Second Wave is striking at such ferocity and velocity devouring one-in-three. Thousands die every day without oxygen.

Millions get infected due to the non-availability of vaccines. Citizens of this country particularly those who lost their dear and near ones are angry and have come to the boiling point as the GoI and EC have acted irresponsibly and be held accountable.

India’s health care system and its infrastructures are at the verge of collapse.

Medical experts and the entire support system do not know how to handle the current crises they are into.

Without basic requisites such as oxygen, vaccines, ICUs and beds,how do you expect them to meet the growing demands?According to professionals, if the trend continues and if the government continues to grope in darkness, by the end of April, 21, the figures might touch five lakhs.Indian skies

are filled with smells as thousands of human bodies are cremated 24/7.

A year of close observations pushed the Indian judiciary to come out with some strong strictures against EC and GoI. The Madras High Court rips EC on the 26th of April, 21, saying, it was the “only institution” singularly responsible for the spread of COVID-19 second wave. Pointing to EC,the Court said it flouted all the COVID-19 protocols in the recently held assembly elections in four states and one union territory. No action against political parties taken despite orders of the court. Admonishing EC “You (the EC) are the only institution that is responsible for the situation to-day … should be put up on murder charges probably,”.

Delhi High Court on the 24th April, 2021, warned that “We are not GoIng to spare anyone whether it is a senior officer or junior officer from Centre, state or local authority” and it would “hang” anyone who tried to obstruct oxygen supply to Delhi that could prove fatal for patients in hospitals. The court said any such instances of obstruction should be brought to its notice.” GoI

and EC thought that they could hoodwink and silence everyone. Judiciary of this country came out strongly probably the images, testimonies and harrowing experiences kept mounting.

In March 2021, PM Modi made a bold declaration that COVID-19 had made its exit from India.

But the Second Wave eruptedinflicting severe blows to the people of India in all aspects of life and in the process pulverized India’s health system. PM Modi and his coterie have taken mutant variant for granted and not that seriously, and so allowing mega religious ceremonies and political rallies, weddings and celebrations, sports and entertainments in thousands and lakhs without wearing masks and social distancing have been identified as the major causes and factors of the super-spread of this deadly second wave. It is lethal and devastative.

India produces vaccines in huge quantum, but less than one percent is vaccinated-a paradox.

Totalitarians such Narindera Modi, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro are immersed with over-confidence and

have scant respect to science and data, thus endowed with lack of rigor. All these leaders invoked lockdown late, but lifted early without any roll-outs. Millions of people are in a state of insecurity and helplessness. People are pushed from pillar to post for admission in the hospitals. Images and testimonies that we see and hear are scary.

India’s virus crisis worsens and deepens as people are dying on the streets. New cases in lakhs are added every day. The economy is reelingdue to the impact of the pandemic which would further hit the country. Indian scenario of coronavirus worsens day by day wherein patients are asked to bring oxygen cylinder, if possible spare cylinder as well. GoI as usual keep saying that “there’s no need for panic”.

While on the ground, what is happening in and around the country is staggering and shocking. Families and communities are buckling under pressure.

Now India is at the receiving end. Cylinders, materials such as oxygen, vaccines, ventilators and life-saving drugs in massive shipments and cash donations are being sentfrom

40-plus countries.Head of WHO says “It is beyond heart breaking”.When thousands and lakhs of people keep dying and getting infected in front of us, it is so weird to hear from GoI “not to panic”. The Citizens are in a state of confusion not knowing where to start, which government to ask for and what is to do done.

Presently all news channels across the world focusses on India. In this way PM Modi and his government has hit the global headlines.

Each body which is cremated and buried portrays the negligence of the GoI. It is indeed a national shame.

Lives of many could have been saved from COVID19, had the GoI and EC listened to the scientists and the professionals. Kith and kin of those admitted in the hospitals are gripped with fear as they have been told periodically that oxygen would last for one or two hours. Patients die outside the hospitals and on roads.

People are queuing up the hospitals with oxygen cylinders. GoI has failed on all counts. Citizenshave to pay the price Even in death there is no dignity. The ways with which the living bodies and

the dead bodies were treated.

Those who went to the hospitals for oxygen dying in front of the hospitals and on streets. Others with oxygen cylinders have been given oxygen wherever they were in the open. Dead bodies keep piling and lying around. The picture that we see in and around disgusting creating within us anger. The images we see pushes us to wonder whether the elected leaders and the governments who we voted for both at the Centre and in the states betrayed us and, in the process, have they abdicated humanity?

Blame games should now end – it’s over.

The second wave of coronavirus has plugged every aspect of human life.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has failed in its responsibility and GoI should be made accountable for having failed to secure the lives of the people.

Only by losing millions of lives, if the GoI learns lessons, then it is not worth to claim and call oneself as “less government and more governance”. Interestingly, the second wave has challenged populism, hyper-nationalism and thus leveraged multi-culturalism and inter-dependency.

Dr. John Mohan Razu

Covid: It will get worse before it gets better Vaccinate on war footing

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here are four factors why shopping malls, offices. I would the second wave has hit do this nationwide. There must, India with such inten- of course, be no crowds, no large events, no large gatherings. sity.

Two, we have very good First, the variants. The B.1.1.7, the one from the United data now that shows wearing Kingdom (UK), is present in masks is critical. And the quality parts of northern India. B.1.617, of the mask matters. We should sometimes known as the “dou- be doing a much better job at ble mutant”, is pervasive in getting high-quality masks out many places across India. We to the population. This does not don’t know how much more require N95 masks, but even contagious B.1.617 is, but we high-quality surgical masks can do know that B.1.1.7 is very, be very helpful. India must have very contagious. India should a national mask policy that says have seen this coming because that the moment you leave your variants were causing massive home, you must wear a mask.

Three, scale up testing. You spikes in cases between December 2020 and February 2021 in need to test people very early in the UK, Israel and Europe. It the disease course when people stood to reason that this global have the mildest of symptoms, problem was going to come to ideally before they even develop symptoms. This is because most India.

The second is the fact of the spread of the virus hapthat in late-February and early pens early. Aggressive testing March, infection numbers were needs to take place in commurising quickly. And certainly nities that have had outbreaks, by mid- to late-March, the rise so that infected people can be was extremely obvious to any- identified and isolated. India one paying attention. And yet, requires three to five times more through all of March, there was testing than present levels. If this little to no action by the govern- is not possible, then, at least, ment. This was a collective and double it.

Second, the government shocking policy failure.

Three, there was no ad- needs to do a better job of hering to basic public health taking care of the ill. That guidelines — there were massive means setting up field hospitals, rallies and the Kumbh mela increasing oxygen supply and (one of the most disastrous medicines. In the next four to super-spreading events), with six weeks, we will see a flood no mask-wearing. Family and of patients arriving at hospitals. friends in India told me that If it’s bad now, it’s going to get India had beaten Covid-19. But worse. A lot of effort has to go how could India have beaten it, into taking care of those people when no one in the world had and saving as many lives as posbeaten it? There was a broader sible. Here it is critical to follow mindset that, somehow, India scientific guidelines and not use was special and different from baseless treatments such as Iverthe rest of humanity. This was, mectin. International protocols developed with top Indian docof course, not possible.

And fourth, there is some tors must be followed for how evidence (though I don’t know to care for sick people.

Third, focus on vaccinahow substantial it is) that the virus spreads more efficiently tion, which is going to take us when humidity levels get lower. out of this, although the benefit February-March months tend to of the vaccinations will take be lower humidity months in some time. In terms of supplies, some parts of India. This may the Serum Institute of India have contributed, but is unlikely (SII) is making around 75 million does a month. This is not to have been a major factor.

India must now urgently enough. India has a legacy of and effectively do four sets of vaccine-delivery programmes, but we need more supply. The things.

First, we have to stop the problem is raw materials, which spread of the infections. What are in short supply everywhere we are seeing now are deaths in the world.

This is not a problem of from infections that happened two to three weeks ago. And if the United States (US) stopyou see how much that infec- ping exports. There is a global tion number has increased, shortage of supplies because the number of people who are everyone in the world is trying going to get very sick and need to make vaccines. So, the Indian hospital and oxygen support government needs to work with will grow in the coming weeks. SII to make more raw materials Stopping the spread requires available. That’s going to take weeks and a lot of work. We three strategies.

One, stop the indoor gath- should not invest too much hope ering of people who are not part in vaccines in the short-run; but of the same household. That is they are critically important in not the same as a full lockdown. the medium- to long-run.

In terms of priority, older But what we need are significant public health restrictions — people and health care workers closing all indoor restaurants, must be given precedence and

until those groups are widely vaccinated, I would not necessarily open it to everybody. I also worry about issues around costs, which may put the poor at the back of the line. Look at what Europe, the US or Israel has done — the central government procures vaccines (it is not the states or the private sector) and has a national programme that is free for everyone, and prioritises high-risk groups.

This has worked. I find what is happening now in India very confusing. Indian vaccines must be centrally purchased, given to states for free, and given out equitably so that every state gets its fair share.

Fourth, genome sequencing is critically important — we have to track what is happening with these variants, where they are spreading, and where the disease is going next. If you do not do genomic sequencing, you are basically fighting a war without intelligence. The UK is the gold standard for genomic sequencing; it does about five to 10% of all infections; in the US, it’s about 2%. India does far less than 1%. India needs to increase genomic surveillance as much as tenfold. There are US and UK companies ready to ship genomic sequencing supplies to India today. But the Indian government must want it and be ready to use them.

The Joe Biden administration has stepped up. In my conversations with the administration, I have said that the $100 million aid is good but it needs to do more. Of course, India must want more help. I believe that the Biden administration will do more if India asks. India and the US are friends and allies and at a time of need, one friend can come to the help of the other. May is going to be horrible in India. June is going to be hard. If we take the steps outlined here, we are going to see real progress in June, and,

by July, things may be meaningfully better. But if we do these things in a half-hearted manner now, the nightmare that India is living through now will last longer.

India needs a 21st-century health care system. Currently, it has a 19th-century one with small pockets of excellence. As we get out of this crisis, I hope India will prioritise its public health and health care system.

Fighting an enemy such as Covid with poor policymaking and an outdated health system is costing too many lives.

Ashish K Jha Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health (The article was first published on Hindustan Times on May 1, 2021. The views expressed are personal)

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illions of global citizens woke up to numbing images of funeral fires dotting bleak, snooty cremation grounds in India, a doomsday visual, which will continue to haunt all who are alive today and the Government in power. A COVID hurricane is sweeping across swathes of India, destabilising lives, uprooting homes and leaving indelible scars for a lifetime. Yet, despite the avalanche of (mis)information being circulated on social media and conventional channels of communication, now is not the time for finger pointing and finding a scapegoat. The war is here, brutal and unwavering. It is time to act decisively. First, India a large country with a huge population of over 135 crore, has to be given a basic shield to fight the virus. While all sorts of home remedies (most unscientific and based on faith) are being circulated, the only proven limited protection available is immunisation. India has managed to provide at least one dose of vaccine to nearly 10 per cent of its population so far and the section immunised has largely been spared the fury of the current second wave sweeping the country.

This is one area where the Centre needs to act decisively given the fact that it enjoys a robust majority in democratic polity. Remember it was for times like these that the country voted in unison for a powerful Central Government that is not subject to the taciturn volatilities of coalition partners. The Central Government has lethargically managed to vaccinate a minute chunk of India. And in the midst of an acute shortage of the precious shots, it has left the rest of the inoculation programme for the States to negotiate, procure and execute. State Governments are mostly caught in the age-old clutches of a dormant bureaucracy and are mired in corruption. Most of them did not invest in building the crumbling healthcare infrastructure. It may be a lost opportunity and a colossal damage for India, if a couple of States get body blows during the current wave of the virus.

The Central Government, facing flak for the poor state of affairs in the country, swung into action in the last fortnight but, something is amiss.

The well-synched effort seen during the first wave is definitely missing in the deadliest phase of the pandemic.

One of the reasons (even though it is not confirmed by any Government officials) could be that a large number of civil servants or their staff/families are themselves fighting the infection.

The onus for managing the current pandemic wave, therefore, falls on the second chain of command and dropping the baton at this stage would be grievous.

One immediate decision that the Central Government has to take is to remove question marks on universal immunisation in less than a week.

Questions like, who will get vaccinated on Central Government quota; will vaccine exports continue; will the Centre foot the vaccine bill for some, while leaving out a large chunk, are haunting. Add to this the confusion among the State Governments, who have less than a week to negotiate prices with the two COVID jab manufacturers in India. The manufacturers have come out with exorbitant prices for these crucial shots. Allowing vaccine makers to reap super profits at the cost of human lives, as many will not be able to afford the shots, could tarnish the welfarist image of the Government.

All Central Governments including the US, first spent whatever it took to block an excessive quantity of vaccines for their citizens. Meanwhile India, for some strange reason, felt this was the time to act charitable and kept donating vaccines. At today’s rate India needs nearly Rs 700 billion to vaccinate all citizens above 18. Given the impact it could have, it is a small price. The Centre ought to come up with a decisive policy to administer 6.5 million doses per day till the end of this year. Any Government that is able to do it will go down in history as a saviour.

Kumardeep Banerjee (The writer is a policy analyst. The views expressed are personal.)

Reader’s Post

‘Extension of date on rent payment’ Sir,

I want to request to all the concern house owner for an extension of date on rent payment. Due to the recent negative impact of Covid-19 resulting in the financial hardship and economic instability.

I came across inhumane activity. The tenant was forced to pay the rent before the second week of the month. Considering the facts that most of the elderly might be surviving on rent but they’re some people who have lost their humanity and still beg for more even in this crucial juncture.

Though they were blessed abundance, they still lack conscience. So, I hereby request all good thinking citizen to kindly maintain the act of kindness we had inherited by blood so that the differentiation of bourgeoisie and proletariat won’t infiltrate our minds.

Swuto Swu 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.

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national

16 COVID patients die in Guj hospital fire

Fire breaks out in Patel Welfare Covid Hospital at midnight and paramedics rescue Covid patients, Saturday. (PTI)

Commissioner of Municipalities Administration Rajkumar Beniwal to conduct inquiry. The two IAS officials arrived at the site on Saturday afternoon and visited the ICU. The government will also institute a judicial inquiry into the tragedy, Rupani told reporters.

Vadodara Range Inspector General of Police Harikrishna Patel also visited the hospital. Teams of

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and state-owned power distributor Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company also reached the spot.

Minister of State for Health Kumar Kanani told reporters that round-theclock use of air conditioners and ventilators has increased the risk of fires at hospitals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the

ISRO staff at various centres affected by COVID

Chadha asks Hry CM to release Yamuna water

C h e nn a i , M ay 1 (IANS): The second wave of Covid-19 sweeping across the country has also affected the various space centres and not just the rocket launch centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, K.Sivan, Secretary, Department of Space said.

Sivan who is also the Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS: “Several employees in our various centres have been affected because of the coronavirus and not only the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.”

He said the centres have been asked to work with 50 per cent staff capacity and the remaining people to work from home.

“Only employees manning critical functional areas have been asked to attend office. The ISRO centres

brought out of the building on wheelchairs or on makeshift stretchers of cloth.

The four-storey designated COVID-19 hospital stands on the Bharuch-Jambusar highway, 190 km from Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced exgratia aid of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.

He also directed Additional Chief Secretary (Labour) Vipul Mittra and

K.Sivan

have been asked to follow the local government’s norms,” Sivan said.

In Bengaluru where the ISRO’s headquarters and some centres are located only skeletal staff attend office.

An official in SDSC on the condition of anonymity told IANS that there are about 3,000 employees with their family members and daily about 30 people are tested positive for coronavirus.

“About 200 staff would have been infected with coronavirus. Only those who work in critical areas attend

to duty,” the official said.

According to the official, one of the ISRO guest houses has been converted into a quarantine centre/ Covid care centre so that some employees not having support infrastructure at their homes are admitted.

Many employees of SDSC had been allotted the poll duty when the bypoll for Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency held in April had been infected with Covid.

SDSC Director A. Rajarajan was not available for comments and the steps taken to mitigate the spread when contacted by IANS. Meanwhile, Sivan said ISRO’s centre in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu is producing oxygen and supplies to the state government.

“Our production capacity is very small. The Kerala government too has asked us for oxygen supplies,” Sivan said.

incident.

“Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a hospital in Bharuch. Condolences to the bereaved families,” Modi tweeted.

“I am extremely saddened by the fire accident at a hospital in Bharuch, Gujarat. I express my deepest condolences to the families of all the people who lost their lives in this accident and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah said in a tweet.

There were chaotic scenes outside the hospital as the authorities tried to calm down the wailing kin of the victims who blamed the hospital administration for the tragedy.

Inside, there were gutwrenching sights as some patients had been charred to death beyond recognition on their beds or stretchers.

“The fire was so intense that the ICU ward was almost burnt to the ground. All the equipment inside, including ventilators and the fridge used to store medicines and also the beds were incinerated,” a witness said.

BENGALURU, MAY 1 (AGENCIES): The Congress won six, JD(S) two and BJP managed only one of the ten urban local bodies which went to polls on April 27, reports Times of India. Of the seven, Congress won Ballari and Teerthahalli, both bastions of the ruling BJP. In Bidar, the Congress emerged as the single largest party.

Congress functionaries were upbeat on Friday after the results were announced. Of 266 seats spread across 10 ULBs, Congress won 119 and JD(S) 67, relegating BJP to third position with 54

SC refuses to stay vote counting of UP panchayat polls New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Saturday refused to stay the counting of votes for panchayat polls in Uttar Pradesh and said no victory rallies will be permitted during the counting or after the process is over.

At a special urgent hearing, which took place on a court holiday ahead of the counting beginning on Sunday, a bench comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and Hrishikesh Roy also asked the State Election Commission to fasten responsibility on gazetted officers for observing COVID19 protocols at counting centres across the state.

The operating protocol mentioned will be adhered to by all the stake holders as well as duty holders without any exception, the bench said.

“We decline to interfere in these petitions and for the same reason also with the fresh writ petition filed before this court, while recording assurance given by state government through counsel as well as the State Election Commission, UP that necessary measures have been put in place in terms of the guidelines issued from time to

time, including the recent notifications dated April 29, 2021 and April 30, 2021 issued by the State Election Commission,” the bench said.

It also asked the State Election Commission to make appropriate changes in the notification issued by it on April 29 so that protocol for safety and security is followed.

The bench also noted that the State Election Commission has also agreed to notify the names of people who will be in-charge of the counting centres concerned and who will be made accountable for any lapse regarding compliance of the guidelines and the assurances recorded herein.

“That designated official shall be the nodal officer to whom the candidates contesting the election or anyone interested in giving suggestion for improvising the facilities in and around the counting centres can be pursued,” the apex court said.

The bench said government officials, candidates and their agents will have to produce RT-PCR tests to show they are COVID-19 negative before entering the counting centres.

New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): Delhi Jal Board (DJB) Vice Chairman Raghav Chadha on Saturday said depleting water level in the Yamuna river is leading to a shortage of drinking water in several parts of Delhi and may also affect hospitals in the city in the coming days.

He urged Har yana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to release more raw water into the Yamuna so that sufficient drinking water is available for the national capital. The water level at Wazirabad pond has dipped to 667.20 feet from the normal level of 674.5 feet as Haryana has been releasing less raw water into the river, Chadha said.

The water from Wazirabad pond is drawn for treatment at Wazirabad, Okhla and Chandrawal treatment plants. “The water production at the three WTPs has reduced due to depleting water levels in the Yamuna.

This is leading to a shortage of water supply in several residential areas. It can also New Delhi, May 1 affect hospitals in Delhi in (PTI): The national capital the coming days. Please help recorded the highest 412 fa- Delhi in times of coronavirus,” he tweeted in Hindi. talities due to COVID-19 in a day and over 25,000 new cases of the infection, authorities said on Saturday.

According to the Delhi government’s health bulletin, the positivity rate stood at 31.61 per cent.

As many as 79,780 tests for detection of COVIDDr. Vili Swu, M.B.B.S, D.G.O (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) 19 were conducted in a day of which 63,271 were will be available for consultation daily between 9 AM and RT-PCR, CBNAAT and 4 PM (except Sunday/ Holidays) at Eden Medical Centre TrueNat tests. rd

Delhi registers Over 79L COVID vaccine doses COVID deaths; available with states/UTs: Centre 412highest so far

INFORMATION

from 3 May 2021

FELICITATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Rengma Public Union Chumukedima extend our heartiest congratulations to Eno Kegwayhung Tep for being elected as president Naga Students Federation 2021-2023.

May the good lord give you good health and wisdom as you embark on this responsible Endeavour.

The Union further extends its heartiest congratulations to all the newly elected members.

(PETER MAGH) President, RPUC

(JOSHUA CHENG) General Secretary, RPUC

OFFICE OF THE Sungratsü Village Council & Sungratsü Senso Mungdang Sungratsü : Mokokchung

FELICITATION The Sungratsü Village Council & Sungratsü Senso Mungdang takes this opportunity to congratulate (1) Mr. Kilangtemsu S/o Lt. Nungshitoshi Walling & Mrs. Katenwala Aier for securing the second position in the recently declared NPSC exam and obtaining the post of EAC. (2) Mr. Imkumnixung Aier S/o Mr. & Mrs. Imsutemjen Aier for obtaining the post of the Station Superintendent/Enforcement Officer.

All the citizens of our village take pride in your success and pray that our Almighty creator will always bless and guide both of you in the days to come.

Sd/M. Taka Longchar Chairman Sungratsü Village Council

Sd/Lemasashi President Sungratsü Village Council

DP-2245

Through this column we the staff of Urban Primary Health Centre would like to thank the Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur for their selfless contribution by providing a tent, refreshment, drinking waters to the Vaccine beneficiaries and the staff. As the Bible says in Hebrews 13:16: "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is please."

We also would like to thank Duncan Village Council for generously donating surgical Gloves for the staff.

We are ever grateful to the Lotha Baptist Church and the Duncan Village Council.

DP-2248

Office Of The

LALONG STUDENTS’ UNION Peren : Nagaland

FELICITATION

The Lalong Students’ Union would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Pauding, S/o D. Disuang Zeme for attaining the post of EAC in the recently declared NPSC result.

We are pleased with immense pride and honour for bringing laurel to our union. May Almighty God continue to bless you and we wish the very best for your future endeavour.

Haimet Kuame Namyi Newme PRESIDENT, LSU SECRETARY, LSU

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for the same period, it said.

While Chhattisgarh has been allocated 6,47,300 Covishield and 2,13,300 Covaxin doses, West Bengal has been supplied with 9,95,300 Covishield and 3,27,980 Covaxin doses, for the first fortnight of May. Uttar Pradesh has been allocated 13,49,850 Covishield and 4,11,870 Covaxin doses, and Rajasthan 12,92,460 Covishield and 4,42,390 Covaxin doses, for the same period, the ministry said. Kerala has been allocated 6,84,070 Covishield and 2,25,430 Covaxin doses, Punjab 4,63,710 Covishield and 1,52,810 Covaxin doses, and Gujarat supplied with 12,48,700 Covishield and 4,11,490 Covaxin doses, for the first fortnight of May, it added. The central government has been at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccination forms an integral component of the fivepoint strategy of the government to fight the pandemic, including test, track, treat and COVID appropriate behaviour.

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New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): More than 79 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses are available with the states and Union territories and over 17 lakh doses will be supplied to them in the next three days, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

The Centre has so far provided nearly 16.37 crore vaccine doses to states/UTs free of cost. Of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 15,58,48,782 doses, according to official data available till 8 am on Saturday. “More than 79,13,518 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.

“Furthermore, more than 17,31,110 vaccine doses will be received in addition by the states/UTs within the next 3 days,” the ministry said. The ministry also said that Maharashtra has been allocated 17,50,620 ‘Covishield’ and 5,76,890 ‘Covaxin’ vaccine doses by the Centre for the first fortnight of May. Delhi has been allocated 3,73,760 Covishield and 1,23,170 Covaxin doses

DP-2252

A medic prepares to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to a beneficiary at SDMC Urban PHC in Daryaganj, New Delhi. (PTI)

seats.

The alleged mishandling of Covid-19 situation seems to have gone against the saffron party as it lost badly even in the home district of chief minister BS Yediyurappa.

Congress won both Bhadravati City Municipal Council and Teerthahalli Town Panchayat.

In Ballari, it was not only BJP but also its MLA Somashekhar Reddy and former MP and relative of minister B Sriramulu Fakeerappa, who took a beating. Reddy’s son Shravan Kumar and Fakeerappa’s daughter Um-

adevi lost.

The BJP regained power in Madikeri CMC after seven years by winning 16 of 23 seats. The JD(S) managed to win Channapatna CMC and Vijayapura TMC in Bengaluru Rural district. Aam Aadmi Party opened its account with one of its candidates winning a seat in Bidar CMC. Congress claimed voters have given a clear message that they were not happy with the BJP. “Single-minded dedication & commitment to service of people have been recognised in Karnataka,” tweeted Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress general secretary incharge of Karnataka.

“The results have shown that BJP government led by Yediyurappa has lost people’s confidence. It’s better if he dissolves the assembly and seeks a fresh mandate,” said Siddaramaiah, opposition leader in the assembly.

UP teachers threaten to stall local bodies polls’ counting amid Covid surge

LUC K N OW, M AY 1 (IANS): In view of the surging cases of Covid-19 infections in Uttar Pradesh, the UP Teachers’ Federation and workers’ organisations have refused to be present during vote counting for the panchayat elections.

The State Election Commissioner has been sent a letter as an ultimatum by the UP Teachers’ Federation to postpone the counting of votes otherwise teachers and staff will boycott it. After this decision by the employees, there is trouble brewing over the counting of votes.

The teachers’ federation alleged that from training to polling, the State Election Commission did not follow the requisite Covid-19 norms anywhere,

which has made the situation more frightening. The federation has released a list claiming that nearly 706 teachers and staff engaged in election duty have lost their lives due to Covid-19 infection, with a large number of teachers still battling the disease.

There is no information about how many persons in the families of these Covid-hit teachers have been infected so the counting of votes to be held on May 2 should be halted.

According to the teachers’ leaders, on April 12 the teachers’ union had urged the State Election Commission to follow the requisite guidelines for protection against Covid-19 before the state local body elections, but no arrangements were made.

OFFICE OF THE

TIKHIR STUDENTS’ UNION KOHIMA MOTTO: “FORWARD AND UPWARD”

FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, we the Tikhir Students’ Union, Kohima would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. N Joshua, S/o Shri. Nokshu of Sangkhimti Village, for securing the post of Extra Assistant Commissioner (Class – 1 Gazetted) in the recently declared NPSC results.

The Union further wishes him a great success in his future endeavour.

P. APONG T. VICHIMSHI PRESIDENT, TSUK G/SECY, TSUK

K-901

Bharuch, May 1 (PTI): At least eighteen persons including 16 COVID-19 patients died in a fire at a hospital at Bharuch in Gujarat in the early hours of Saturday, officials said.

The state government said a judicial inquiry will be conducted into the fire that destroyed the Intensive Care Unit of Patel Welfare Hospital, run by a charitable trust. “Sixteen coronavirus patients and two nursing staff were either charred to death or died due to suffocation inside a COVID-19 unit,” Superintendent of Police Rajendrasinh Chudasama said.

As many as 50 patients were undergoing treatment at the COVID-19 facility on the ground floor when fire broke out in the ICU around 1 am, probably because of short circuit, said a hospital official. The fire was doused within an hour.

Local people and the kin of patients helped in the rescue operation during which dozens of patients were shifted to other facilities by ambulance. Some were

Karnataka: Big win for Cong in urban local body polls

OFFICE OF THE

RALAN AREA LOTHA HOHO AND RALAN RANGE UNION DIMAPUR FELICITATION

With immense pride, honour and joy our Ralan Area Lotha Hoho and Ralan Range Union Dimapur would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Mhalo Humtsoe NCS promoted to Deputy Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland.

May God Almighty continue to grant success, good health, long life and continue to give your best service to the people. The Union wishes you the best in your future endeavors.

Ralan Area Lotha Hoho Chairman C.S. Ovung

Ralan Range Union Dimapur Chairman Mhonyamo Ngullie DP-2242

FELICITATION

We, the Kasha Daho Unit Dimapur, would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Kegwayhun Tep for getting elected to the post of President, NSF. This is the first time for the Rengmas to get this prestigious post in the Naga Students Federation. We hope and pray that our mighty God will use you as His instrument in bringing new hope and aspirations to our young generation of Nagas.

Wishing you great success in your new assignment.

(KENYELO RENGMA) President Kasha Daho Unit Dimapur

DP-2241

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

(GWANYU SEB) Treasurer Kasha Daho Unit Dimapur

8

business/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

payments frauds soar high GST collection sets new record in April inUPI, eastern Indian states: Report

enues from these sources during the last month.”

According to the statement, the gross GST revenue collected in the month of April 2021 is at a record of Rs 1,41,384 crore of which CGST is Rs 27,837 crore, SGST is Rs 35,621, IGST is Rs 68,481 crore (including Rs 29,599 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is Rs 9,445 crore (including Rs 981 crore collected on import of goods).

“During this month the government has settled Rs 29,185 crore to CGST

and Rs 22,756 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue of Centre and the States after regular and ad-hoc settlements in the month of April’ 2021 is Rs 57,022 crore for CGST and Rs 58,377 crore for the SGST.” Despite the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic affecting several parts of the country, Indian businesses have once again shown remarkable resilience by not only complying with the return filing requirements but also paying

their GST dues in a timely manner during the month, the Finance Ministry statement said.

“The all-time high collections which relates to supplies made in March 21 could now give way to muted collections in the coming months due to the lower economic activities in April. The continuing focus on improving compliance and the steps taken to curb evasion appears to be significantly improving the GST collections,” said M. S. Mani, Senior Director, Deloitte India.

GST revenues have not only crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark during successively for the last seven months but have also shown a steady increase.

These are indicators of sustained economic recovery during this period, Finance Ministry said.

Closer monitoring against fake-billing, deep data analytics using data from multiple sources including GST, Income-tax and Customs IT systems and effective tax administration have also contributed to the steady increase in tax revenue, it added.

Quarterly return and monthly payment scheme has been successfully implemented bringing relief to the small taxpayers as they now file only one return every three months.

Providing IT support to taxpayers in the form of pre-filled GSTR 2A and 3B returns and ramped up System capacity have also eased the return filing process.

LOU DHEP serves ultimatum on NEEPCO M&M sales decline 10% over DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): In a letter to the chief stakeholder of the prestiLand Owners’ Union (LOU) general manager I/C con- gious project, LOU, DHEP March to 36,437 units in April Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant (DHEP) has served a seven-day ultimatum on the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) Limited to revoke the cancellation of the construction of two raw water reservoirs and another two clear water reservoirs for water treatment plant at Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant, Doyang.

tracts & procurement NEEPCO Limited, the LOU, DHEP president Rhanbemo Odyuo and general secretary P Roland Ezung stated that cancellation was “specifically humiliation and clearly prevailed the truth of step motherly treatment to the Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant by the Corporation for decades.”

Stating that being a

said it was the responsibility and bound duty of the union to safeguard the interest of the land affected owners and welfare of the plant.

Failure to comply with the demand, the LOU, DHEP cautioned that it would not be held responsible whenever any untoward situations arose in the Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant, Doyang, Wokha.

SBI reduces home loan interest rates to 6.7% New Delhi, May 1 (Agencies): The State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender reduced its interest rates on home loans from 6.95 per cent to 6.70 per cent, and women borrowers are eligible to receive a special concession of five basis points. In a statement released on Saturday, May 1, the State Bank of India said that the customers can also apply for a loan easily while sitting at home, through the bank’s official YONO mobile app, in order to earn

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

an additional interest concession of five basis points. With the latest reduction, the State Bank of India’s home loan interest rates now starts from 6.7 per cent for loans up to Rs. 30 lakh and 6.95 per cent for loans between Rs. 30 lakh and Rs. 75 lakh.

The loans above Rs. 75 lakh mark will be charged interest at 7.05 per cent. Earlier, the state-run bank had reduced the interest rates on home loans to 6.7 per cent till March 31 as part of the festive offer.

New Delhi, May 1 (PTI): Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Saturday said its total sales declined by 10 per cent to 36,437 units in April as compared with March this year on account of lockdown in various states amid surge in COVID-19 cases.

The Mumbai-based auto major had dispatched 40,403 units to dealers in March this year. It had zero sales in the domestic market in April last year due to nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.

Passenger vehicles sales in the domestic market stood at 18,285 units last month, up 9 per cent from 16,700 units in March 2021. Commercial vehicles sales, however, declined by 25 per cent to 16,147 units in April as against 21,577 units

in March this year.

The company said its exports last month stood at 2,005 units in April as compared with 2,126 units in March. M&M had exported 733 units in April 2020.

“With the increase in lockdown restrictions in many parts of the country, we foresee continuing supply chain related production challenges. While demand remains good, there would be some impact in the first quarter as a result of low customer movement and dealership activity due to the lockdown restrictions,” M&M Chief Executive Officer Automotive Division Veejay Nakra said.

In times like these, the company’s focus is the wellbeing and safety of all its associates and dealers, he added.

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Bengaluru, May 1 (IANS): The eastern states in the country are witnessing high levels of digital frauds or UPI scams (41 per cent) via payment apps and online marketplaces, a report has revealed. According to TrustCheckr, a fraud data insights and analytics startup, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim are facing top frauds in KYC, fake cashback, frauds through digital wallets, fake-selling, QR codes, UPI phishing, lottery scams and financial fraud on social media.

The top scamsters are from Patna, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Meerut for one of the top payment apps (at 15 per cent) and most QR Code scams originate from Assam, accounting for 20 per cent of the total distribution. “Top cities where fraudster syndicates are active are Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Guwahati, Patna,

Chandigarh, Meerut,” the report mentioned. In QR code frauds, most fraudsters posed themselves as army men selling something on marketplaces.

“Digital scams can trick users as they may appear as legitimate by revealing a few authentic details about them in order to earn their trust and move money.

If it sounds too good to be true, one should be careful about such transactions. Our score parameters can give a go-ahead or early warning signs of fraud,” said Shivraj Harsha, Co-founder, TrustCheckr. TrustCheckr identi-

fied over 1 million frauds together in B2B and B2C in the last 15 months — 25 per cent scams in KYC and 20 per cent in QR codes, while B2B scams were largely done with 30 per cent fake identities and 25 per cent synthetic identity frauds.

“We check fraud signals with phone/email, validate the customer authenticity using historical fraud trends, fraud data sets, history and provide simple REST APIs with phone numbers as input, integration in less than 48 hours,” said Adhip Ramesh, Founder, TrustCheckr.

Government further extends tax compliance timelines amid pandemic

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): In view of the severe Covid-19 pandemic and requests put forward by taxpayers, tax consultants and other stakeholders, the government has decided to provide further relief to taxpayers by extending various time limits of compliances.

Accordingly, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has now extended

the time limit for filing of belated return and revised return for Assessment Year 2020-21, by two months from March 31, 2021 to May 31, 2021.

Also, Income-tax return in response to notice under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act, for which the last date of filing of return of income under the said notice is April 1, 2021 or

thereafter, may now be filed within the time allowed under that notice or by May 31, 2021, whichever is later.

The CBDT has also granted extension for filing of appeals before Commissioner (Appeals) to May 31, 2021. Similar extension has also been given for filing of objections to Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) under Section 144C of the Act. The compliance deadline has also been eased by two months till May 31, 2021 for Payment of tax deducted under Section 194-IA, Section 194-IB and Section 194M of the Act, and filing of challancum-statement for such tax deducted. These are are currently required to be paid and furnished by 30 April, 2021 (respectively).

Updated Kia Sonet, Seltos launched

New Delhi, May 1 (Agencies): Kia India earlier this week said that they will be launching the updated Selto, Sonet in May. The brand has now launched their refreshed cars in our market. Kia India has also debuted their new logo on these cars. This new logo was first used in the Korean market and thereafter in ours. Kia India says that the Seltos has got 17 new enhancements whereas the Sonet, which is not even a year old in our market, has 10. The latter gets paddle shifters, borrowed from the Venue, as well as rear sunshade curtains for the windows. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Assist Control, multi drive as well

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as traction mode, remote engine start, and electric sunroof have all been added to the lower variants as well. The Kia Sonet prices start from Rs 6.79 lakh, exshowroom. All automatic variants of the Sonet also now get paddle-shifters.

Cr ystal cut alloy wheels are also on offer with silver wheel caps on the refreshed Sonet. There are no changes to the base HTE versions. As for the Kia Seltos, the newly added HTK+ variant brings in an iMT gearbox paired to the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. In the higher range, for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol Kia has added a

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new GTX (O) variant and this gets a 6-speed manual gearbox. HTK models also get wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto and the version above it gets remote engine start.

HTK+ models also get automatic climate control, powered sunroof and beige upholstery.

Additional voice commands are now supported by the UVO. HTX also gets a bacteria-eliminating air purifier. Top-spec GTX+ versions get paddle-shifters.

The refreshed Kia Seltos prices start from Rs 9.95 lakh and go all the way to Rs 17.65 lakh, ex-showroom.

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New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): India’s gross GST revenue collection reached a new record high of over Rs 1.41 lakh crore in April 2021, beating all expectations of lower collections in wake disruptions clauses by fresh wave of Covid-19.

Accordingly, the GST revenues during April 2021 are the highest since the introduction of the tax.

The same feat was achieved even in March when collections at over Rs 1.23 lakh crore was the highest since introduction of GST in 2017.

“In line with the trend of recovery in the GST revenues over past six months, the revenues for the month of April 2021 are 14% higher than the GST revenues in the last month of March’2021,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

“During the month, the revenues from domestic transaction (including import of services) are 21 per cent higher than the rev-

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Anti-junta protests continue in Myanmar Ba n g ko k , M ay 1 (Agencies): Protests against Myanmar’s military junta continued Saturday on the three-month anniversary of the coup that abruptly ended the country’s incipient democracy and plunged it into chaos.

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Yangon, Mandalay, Monywa and other cities to express their rejection of the military and support for the newly-formed National Unity Government, made up of politicians democratically elected in the November polls. Protests have been taking place daily despite the brutal repression of security forces, which have killed 759 people since the Feb. 1 coup, according to figures from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners

Anti-coup protesters shout slogan with a banner reading ‘’Carry on revolution! We do not accept as the military slave,’’ in Kamayut township of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP)

(AAPP), which verifies deaths and arrests.

Despite the fact that coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing promised last Saturday to stop the violence against civilians, during a meeting with the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Na-

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

tions, the junta’s campaign of intimidation has continued.

The junta later walked back the agreement, saying in a statement that it will consider the bloc’s “suggestions” once the country has returned to “stability,” but its first priority is to

“maintain law and order and restore community peace.”

AAPP denounced that over 4,500 people, including the ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, have been arrested, and 1,316 are wanted for arrest.

Suu Kyi is under

house arrest in Naipyidaw, accused of six crimes, including violating the Official Secrets Law. According to her lawyers, who have not been able to meet privately with her, the Nobel Peace Prize winner appears in good health. The army is also opposed by various ethnic armed groups who have increased their attacks against military outposts.

According to the Kachin Inde pendence Army, on Thursday at least 20 soldiers were killed during fighting in the Momauk region, in the northwest of the country, Myanmar Now reported.

The junta justifies their coup alleging electoral fraud in the November election, which Suu Kyi’s party won by a landslide, with the endorsement of international observers.

WHO adds Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to emergency use list Geneva, May 1 (IANS): The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday listed the Moderna Covid19 vaccine for emergency use, making it the fifth vaccine to receive emergency validation from the WHO. In December 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorisation for the Moderna vaccine, while the European Medicines Agency granted it a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union in January this year.

Before being validated for the WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL), the Moderna vaccine was already reviewed in January by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE), which makes recommenda-

tions for vaccines’ use in populations.

The Moderna Covid-19 vaccine is an mNRA-based vaccine, which was found by the SAGE to have an efficacy of 94.1 per cent. The SAGE has recommended the vaccine for all age groups 18 and above, the Xinhua news agency reported.

WHO’s EUL procedure assesses the late phase

II and phase III clinical trial data as well as substantial additional data on safety, efficacy, quality and a risk management plan of Covid19 vaccines.

In addition to the Moderna vaccine, the WHO has previously listed the Pfizer/ BioNTech, Astrazeneca-SK Bio, Serum Institute of India and Janssen vaccines for emergency use.

May Day protesters demand more US and Nato start withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan job protections amid pandemic

severance pay, lessen restrictions for foreign workers, increase outsourcing and hurt workers in other ways as the nation seeks to attract more investment.

Protesters laid tomb effigies on the street to symbolize hopelessness. The Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions was expecting about 50,000 workers from 3,000 companies and factories to march in 200 cities.

In the Philippine capital of Manila, where a monthlong coronavirus lockdown has been extended by two weeks amid a surge in infections, police prevented hundreds of workers from demonstrating at a public plaza, protest leader Renato Reyes said. But protesters did gather briefly at a busy Manila boulevard, demanding pandemic cash aid, wage subsidies and COVID-19 vaccines amid rising unemployment and hunger.

“Workers were largely left to fend for themselves while being locked down,” labour leader Josua Mata said.

In Turkey, a few labour leaders were allowed to lay

wreaths in Istanbul’s Taksim Square but riot police stopped many others from reaching the plaza. The Progressive Lawyers’ Association said more than 200 people were detained.

Turks are barred from leaving home, except to collect essential food and medicine, under a lockdown until May 17 that aims to halt a surge in infections. Protests were also banned around Taksim Square.

In France, political leaders on the far right and the far left who are expected to be President Emmanuel Macron’s main challengers if he stands for re-election next year tore into his policies and his handling of the pandemic. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon told marchers: “I hope that on May 1, 2022, I can come back to see you as president of the republic.”

France has seen over 104,000 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began.

Broadcaster BFM-TV reported that French riot police fired small amounts of tear gas at two of the dozens of rallies called nationwide.

Police in Paris said they made 10 arrests.

White House sees limits to N Korea diplomacy

11 killed after extreme weather hits east China

Washington, May 1 (AP): The Biden administration said Friday it has completed a review of US policy toward North Korea and suggested it has limited hopes of brokering a “grand bargain” to persuade the North to give up its nuclear weapons program. The administration said it would conduct the review soon after Biden took office in January as it sought to gauge the path forward following former President Donald Trump’s engagement efforts with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which failed to persuade Pyongyang to de-nuclearize.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced the completion of the review but did not offer details on

Israel mourns as festival crush victims identified

Officials told Reuters during this time the Taliban has been protecting western military bases from rival Islamist groups. That has not stopped Taliban attacks on Afghan forces and civilians. But US President Joe Biden last month some troops would stay on until 11 September this year, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, citing the security situation.

A Taliban spokesman said “this violation in prin-

the findings.

She said Biden administration officials consulted outside experts, allies and predecessors from several previous administrations as part of the process.

“Our goal remains the complete de-nuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula with a clear understanding that the efforts of the past four administrations have not achieved this objective,” Psaki told reporters on Air Force One as Biden travelled to Philadelphia.

“Our policy will not focus on achieving a grand bargain, nor will it rely on strategic patience,” she said.

Instead, the administration will take a “practical approach” that will explore diplomacy with North Korea

ciple has opened the way for [Taliban fighters] to take every counter-action it deems appropriate against the occupying forces.”

But he also said Taliban fighters would await instructions from leaders before mounting attacks.

Some analysts suggested with a US deadline for withdrawal in place large-scale attacks could be averted.

Meanwhile the US faces the logistical chal-

and aim for “practical progress” to increase the security of the U.S. and its allies.

Biden, like his old boss Barack Obama, has confirmed that he sees North Korea as perhaps the most delicate foreign policy quandary for the United States and its allies.

But Psaki’s suggestion that the administration won’t rely on “strategic patience” in its approach suggests that Biden may be shifting toward a more middle-ground approach between that of Obama and Trump’s deeply personal effort to persuade Kim to denuclearise for sanctions relief.

With the statement, the Biden administration also appeared to signal it is trying to set the stage for in-

PUGHOBOTO PHUGHI KIPHIMI KÜQHAKULU FELICITATION

The Pughoboto Town Students' Union, with immense pride and honour, extend our heartiest appreciation and congratulate Miss Vivili J Wotsa, D/o Jekuto Wotsa for successfully clearing and securing the post of Horticulture Assistant under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Directorate of Horticulture, Govt. of Nagaland.

The Union further wishes her success in all her future endeavours.

Mughashe Achumi Hukashe Chishi President, PPKK General Secretary, PPKK

OFFICE OF THE

NAMCHONG BUHU PANGTHAI, KOHIMA Motto : Growing Together

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Mourners attended a funeral ceremony in Jerusalem.

citizens. UK-based site Jewish News reported that a 24year-old from Manchester in England was also among the dead, naming him as Moshe Bergman.

Israel’s Health Ministry said some identifications might require DNA, finger printing and dental testing.

“We are working hard, but you have to understand

that this is a complex and sensitive process,” said Dr Chen Kugel, director of the National Center of Forensic Medicine. He said the work must be done “responsibly” to avoid errors.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene, and promised that an inquiry would ensure such a tragedy did not happen

again. He said it was one of Israel’s worst peacetime disasters.

One survivor who gave his name as David told Ynet news it had felt like a human wave had broken: “Our bodies were swept along by themselves. People were thrown up in the air others were crushed on the ground.”

cremental progress, in which denuclearisation steps by the North would be met with corresponding actions, including sanctions relief, from the US. To be sure, there was no mention of US security guarantees for North Korea or a formal end to the Korean War, both of which had been demanded by the North and considered by the Trump team as part of a larger package.

The Biden administration is expected to be focused less on developing rapport with Kim and more on consulting with Japan and South Korea, both of which had looked askance at Trump’s attempts to cultivate Kim as a friend or elevate him to the level of an international statesman.

With immense pride and honor, we the Namchong Buhu Pangthai, Kohima would like to congratulate Shri. B. BAUONG PHOM, S/o Late Bongnyei Phom on being promoted to the post of Deputy Director under the Department of School Education, Nagaland, Kohima.

The union wishes him the very best in his future endeavor and pray our Almighty God to give him more wisdom and good health as he takes up the new responsibilities.

[H. BAUONG PHOM]

President Namchong Buhu Pangthai, Kohima

[S. ATOK YANPAI ]

Secretary Namchong Buhu pangthai, Kohima

N a n j i n g , M ay 1 (IANS): Eleven people were killed and dozens injured after strong gales struck east China’s Jiangsu Province, the provincial authorities said on Saturday. Gales and hail swept parts of Jiangsu on Friday night, including Nantong, Huai’an, Yancheng, Taizhou and Suqian.

The disaster has left 11 people dead, 66 injured and 3,050 evacuated, according to the Jiangsu Provincial Emergency Management Department. Two have been rescued and the search for nine others is underway, the Xinhua news agency reported.

APOLOGY

OFFICE OF THE

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L o n d o n, M ay 1 (Agencies): The bodies of 32 people killed in a stampede at a Jewish pilgrimage site have been identified in Israel.

At least 45 people died in the crush at the Lag B’Omer festival, near Mount Meron, when they became trapped in an overcrowded passageway. Some 150 people were injured.

The identification process was paused for 24 hours late on Friday to mark the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest. Work is expected to resume after sunset on Saturday, which ends the Sabbath. So far, 22 bodies have been released for burial.

Those who died are believed to be predominantly men or boys from the ultra-Orthodox community as the crush at the largely gender-segregated event happened in one of the men’s sections.

Some victims are believed to be foreign nationals, including several US

The withdrawal will be completed by September 11.

I, Ms.Bendangkumla Langu, D/o Shri Ariniba Langu of Lirmen Village and resident of Supply Colony, Dimapur, have made fake Land Patta, located in Notun Bosti, Sema Khel, Dimapur belonging to a Shri I.Shilu Yaden of Merangkong Village, to utilise for my personal purpose. In this regards, I tender my sincere apology to Shri I. Shilu Yaden and his family members.

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(BENDANGKUMLA LANGU) Supply Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland

APPRECIATION NOTE

Konyak Union (KU) Aboi through this press release appreciates Honorable Chief Minister Shri. Neiphu Rio and his government for having special consideration for Aboi by visiting multiple times to make the inauguration on 29-04-2021 possible. Aboi has seen many Leaders of Nagaland but not like the present Honorable C.M considerate, understanding and visionary for the better cause of Konyak and Aboi .

Konyak Union (KU) Aboi also want to thank Hon’ble DY. C.M Shri. Y Patton, T.J Longkumer, IPS DGP Nagaland, DC Mon, and the officers across Nagaland for paying their visit to Aboi. KU Aboi also want to thank Konyak M.L.As namely C.L John, E.E Pangteang, Thongwang for being a part of the inauguration done by our Hon’ble Chief Minister. Our thanks also goes to Shri. Eshak Konyak, MLA 47AC Aboi for his Marvelous Coordination.

Aboi will continue to support the present government led by the Hon’ble C.M Shri. Neiphu Rio for the overall development brought about in Mon district and for always having soft corner for Aboi in many areas.

(Pangao Konyak) (Phongnyei Changkhu) President K.U Aboi Unit Gen/Secy. K.U Aboi Unit

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Police officers detain demonstrators as they attempt to defy a ban and march on Taksim Square to celebrate May Day, in Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday. (Reuters)

stop Afghanistan’s government collapsing, and to end deadly attacks by the Taliban. The withdrawal of US troops begins against a backdrop of fierce clashes between the Taliban and government forces, in the absence of a peace deal.

A flare up of violence in Ghazni province overnight left an unknown number of people dead.

And on Friday, a car bombing in Pul-e-Alam, Logar province, killed up to 30 people and wounded 110 - mostly school pupils.

U S P r e s i d e n t Jo e Biden says the US pull-out is justified as US forces have made sure the country cannot again become a base for foreign jihadists to plot against the West.

And Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says government forces are fully capable of keeping insurgents at bay.

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Paris, May 1 (AP): Workers and union leaders dusted off bullhorns and flags that had stayed furled during coronavirus lockdowns for slimmed down but still boisterous May Day marches on Saturday, demanding more labour protections amid a pandemic that has turned economies and workplaces upside down.

In countries that mark May 1 as International Labour Day, the annual celebration of workers’ rights produced a rare sight during the pandemic: large and closely packed crowds, with marchers striding shoulderto-shoulder with clenched fists behind banners. But in Turkey and the Philippines, police prevented the May Day protests, enforcing virus lockdowns.

For labour leaders, the day was a test of their ability to mobilize workers in the face of the profound economic disruptions. In France, thousands took to the streets with trade union banners and flags. The face masks worn by many were a reminder of how much life has changed since the last traditional May Day celebrations — in 2019, before the spreading coronavirus wrecked lives and livelihoods and eroded civil liberties, often including the right to demonstrate.

Some marches, constricted by coronavirus restrictions, were less well-attended than was traditional before the pandemic. But they still served as outlets for workers’ concerns over jobs and protections.

In Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, thousands vented their anger at a new job creation law that critics fear will reduce

lenge of packing up and leaving. The AP report the military has been taking inventory, deciding what will be shipped back and what will be sold as junk on Afghanistan’s markets.

On September 11, 2001, attacks in America killed nearly 3,000 people.

Osama Bin Laden, the head of Islamist terror group al-Qaeda, was quickly identified as the man responsible.

The Taliban, radical Islamists who ran Afghanistan and protected Bin Laden, refused to hand him over. So, a month after 9/11, the US launched air strikes against Afghanistan. As other countries joined the war, the Taliban were quickly removed from power. But they didn’t just disappear - their influence grew back and they dug in. Since then, the US and its allies have struggled to

L o n d o n , M ay 1 (Agencies): The US has started formally withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, beginning the end of what President Joe Biden called “the forever war”.

The US and Nato have had a presence in Afghanistan for almost 20 years.

But the withdrawal, which runs until 11 September, comes amid escalating violence, with Afghan security forces on high alert for reprisal attacks.

The Taliban have warned they are no longer bound by an agreement not to target international troops.

Under a deal signed last year between the militants and then-President Donald Trump, foreign forces were to have left by 1 May while the Taliban held off attacking international troops.

Infotainment

ing for ancient diseases or causes of deaths,” lead author Wojciech Ejsmond, co-director of the Warsaw Mummy Project said. “Also, we thought that this is a body [of] a priest.”

The mummy turned out to be the remains of a female who died when she was between 20 and 30 years of age and was about 6.5 to 7.5 months pregnant, based on the circumference of the fetus’s head.

“It’s the first such preserved case,” Ejsmond told Live Science in an email.

There have previously been

skeletons of pregnant women found, but no mummies with preserved soft tissue, he said.

The scans showed four mummified bundles — likely her lungs, liver, stomach with intestines, and heart — inside the female mummy. Those were extracted, embalmed and then placed back inside the mummy’s abdominal cavity, which was a customary practice in ancient Egypt. But the fetus had not been similarly removed from the uterus.

The researchers hypothesize that the fetus may have

Anne Douglas, widow of late actor Kirk Douglas, passes away aged 102 in Spartacus, Lust for Life and dozens of other films, died in February 2020 at 103.

He married Anne Buydens in 1954 after they met in Paris while he was filming Act of Love and she was doing publicity. They had two sons, Peter, a producer, and Eric, an actor.

In 2017 the couple published Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood. The Douglas Foundation, which Anne and her husband cofounded, has donated millions to a wide range of institutions.

(Firstpost)

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“This new technology allows for faster and more accurate tracing of Covid and other respiratory viruses, including the appearance of new variants,” Edwards said.

For the study, published in the journal Langmuir, the team created a tiled genome array they developed for rapid and inexpensive full viral genome resequencing and applied their SARS-CoV-2-specific

genome tiling array to rapidly and accurately resequenced the viral genome from eight clinical samples acquired from patients in Wyoming that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

With more than 142 million people worldwide having contracted the virus, vigilant testing and contact tracing are the most effective ways to slow the spread of Covid-19.

(IANS)

Mother’s Day Hampers Mother’s Day Dried Baby’s Breath Bouquet with Handmade Card

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Handmade with Love

(Honoto M Zhimo) (Tokito Z Sumi) President General Secretary

ctor Bikramjeet Kanwar pal, who has been a part of many popular films, TV shows and web series, passed away on Friday due to Covid-19 complications. He was 52.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit mourned the loss of the talented actor on Twitter. He tweeted, “Sad to hear about the demise of actor Major Bikramjeet Kanwarpal this morning due to #Covid. A retired army officer, Kanwarpal had played supporting roles in many films and television serials.

Heartfelt condolences to his family & near ones.”

Bikramjeet Kanwarpal made his acting debut in 2003 after retiring from the Indian Army. He starred in films like Page 3, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Aarakshan, Murder 2, 2 States and The Ghazi Attack among others.

On television, he played prominent roles in shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum, Yeh Hai Chahatein, Dil Hi Toh Hai and Anil Kapoor’s 24.He was last seen in Disney Plus Hotstar’s popular web series Special Ops. After news of Bikramjeet Kanwarpal’s demise emerged online, celebrities took to social media to mourn the demise.

Neil Nitin Mukesh, Singercomposer Vishal Dadlani actor and voice-over artist Ashwin Mushran, actor Gulshan Devaiah, Sophie Choudary and Nimrat Kaur also posted their condolences on social media.

(The Indian Express)

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team of researchers has developed a chip that provides a simpler and more rapid method of genome sequencing for viruses like Covid-19.

The researchers, including Jeremy Edwards from University of New Mexico, were able to sequence 95 per cent of the genome of each sample with greater than 99.9 per cent accuracy.

We, the Sitimi Town Sumi Students Union (STSSU) would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Toino K Sumi, S/o Mr. Kughaho & Mrs. Tovili Chophy for clearing the NPSC examination in the post of Secretariat Assistant, under Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department .

The SSTSU wishes him success and bright future in all his endeavors.

Hamper Item 1 : Hand Painted Tote Bag K-894

OFFICE OF THE YANNU STUDENTS’ UNION

Any Many More......

Tizit : Mon : Nagaland FELICITATION

Hamper Item 2 : Hand Painted Hoop

To order follow us on instagram em2square7 or call +91 8575714481

The Yannu Students’ Union with immense pride and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. W. KAIWANG KONYAK S/o Shri. Wangbat Konyak of Yannu Village for being selected to the post of Assistant Research Officer under Arts & Culture Department in the recently declared NPSC results 2021. The Union wishes him the best in his future endeavor.

YEANGOM KONYAK President, YSU

MANBO KONYAK G/Secretary, YSU

With immense pride and honour, the Sungratsu Walling Kidong of Dimapur unit convey our heartiest congratulations to MR. KILANGTEMSU WALLING S/o. Late Nungshitoshi Walling and Mrs. Katenwala Aier for successfully passing out recently conducted NPSC exam and deserved the post of Extra Assistant Commissioner (Class-I Gazetted Junior Grade) under Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department.

We further pray that our Almighty God continue to bless him with good health and long life throughout his future endeavour.

Sd/Taliwapang Walling President, SWKD

Sd/Lolen Walling Secretary SWKD

shared about the role played by the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) Trust, Khonoma Youth Organisation, Khonoma Students Union, the community and all stakeholders involved in the success of Khonoma becoming a top tourist destination in Nagaland.

Earlier, welcome address was delivered by chairman, Village Council, Khonoma, Ratsavilie Vakha while advisor for TaFMA, Theja Meru delivered a short speech. A folk tune was delivered by the Phetsukiku Club, Khonoma.

(DIPR)

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We the Dobagaon Eralibill Sümi Students' Union would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Hinoka Shohe S/o Asheto Shohe for securing the post of Secretariat Assistant (SA) in the recently declared NPSC Exam Result.

The Union wishes all the best and success in his future endeavours.

(KHEHOKA ASSUMI) President, DESSU

(NEWTO SWU) General Secretary, DESSU

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Alder College and The Alder College Alumni Association would like to congratulate Mr. Viketoulie Metha, son of Mr. Pekrulhoubei Metha, an alumnus of Alder College (2017 Batch) for securing 1st Position, Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) Examination 2019, and placed as an Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC), Class 1 Gazetted, under P&AR Department.

Alder College and The Alder College Alumni Association would further like to wish him the very best in all his future endeavors and his career as a Public Officer.

Principal President Gen. Secretary Dr. Rükhono Iralu James Yalie Loreni Tsanglao ALDER COLLEGE ACAA ACAA OFFICE OF THE

KIPHIRE AREA STUDENTS’ UNION HQ. KIPHIRE-798611, NAGALAND Motto: “Success is doing, not wishing”

(TRONGDIBA C SANGTAM) President

(TARSESH) General Secretary OFFICE OF THE

CHANGLANGSHU VILLAGE STUDENTS’ UNION

CHANGLANGSHU-SA EMPLOYEES’ UNION

Dated: Kohima, the 1st May,2021

P.O. Tobu, Dist. Mon, Nagaland. Pin- 798624 Email ID: cvsu1963@gmail.com Ref No. CVSU/GEN/ACHV/2021 Date: 01.05.2021

Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak Shri. Wanmai Konyak L Shamba John The Tobu Area Union Kohima is overwhelmed by the remarkable achievement of its members in the recently declared NPSC (NCS, NPS & Allied Services-2019) Examination.

The Union extends its heartiest congratulations to the following candidates: 1. Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak, son of Shri. T.S Panglem and Smti K. Hoangnyu for securing the prestigious post of Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) in Merit category under P&AR. 2. Shamba John, S/o Shri C. Thongo and Smti. B.Sepe for securing the post of Secretariat Assistant (SA) in Merit category under P&AR 3. Shri. Wanmai Konyak L, S/o Shri. Langphong and Smti. Yannyu for securing the post of Secretariat Assistant (SA) under P&AR. The Union thank them for bringing laurels and for being an inspiration to many aspirants. The Union wishes them good health and great success in the future endeavours.

C.HOMANG, General Secretary B.ANGKE NYAKBA, President K-899

With immense joy and honour, the Changlangshu Village Students’ Union extend our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak, son of Shri. T.S Panglem and Smti K. Hoangnyu for securing the prestigious post of Extra Assistant Commissioner in Merit category under P&AR in the recently declared NPSC (NCS, NPS & Allied Services-2019) Examination.

He is the first person from Changlangshu Village to get through the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS).

The Union thank him for bringing laurels to the Community and for being an inspiration to many aspirants.

The Union wishes him good health and great success in the future endeavours.

(N. HONGPE) (H. BEYAU) General Secretary President K-899

P.O TOBU; DIST: MON

CONGRATULATION No.TAUK/GEN/1/08-20/

With immense joy and gratitude to God, we the Changlangshu-sa Employee Union (CEU) would like to congratulates Shri Samuel Akho Konyak for achieving the post of EAC under Merit category in the recently declared NPSC result 2021. He is the first person from Changlangshu Village to get through the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS).

The Union further wishes him for good health and joyous endeavours for the years ahead.

Smti A. Bejem Konyak Gen. Secretary CEU

the industry.

With Khonoma village getting the highest number of tourists, Belho suggested that more facilities and personalised service could be provided by the village for higher revenue generation, and recommended increasing length of stay of tourists by offering activities to indulge in while in the village.

Kezhasezo Kenneth Punyü, who chaired the event narrated on how Khonoma village began the conservation of its natural flora and fauna not just for the benefit of the village but for the State as a whole. He also

The Kiphire Area Students’ Union extends our heartiest congratulations to Miss Vilila S Thonger, D/o Shri Setsathong T. Thonger of Langkok Village for achieving her success in clearing NPSC Examination for the post of Secretariat Assistant under Personal & Administrative Reforms Department.

The Union further wishes all the best in executing all her duties and future endeavours.

OFFICE OF THE

Shri Y. Poangba President CEU

The Khinoma Experience was held with Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha as the Special Guest at Terhotsiese, Khonoma on May 1. (DIPR)

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Actor Bikramjeet passes away due to Covid-19

home in Beverly Hills, according to an obituary provided by spokeswoman Marcia Newberger. No cause of death was given.

Kirk Douglas, the Hollywood legend who starred

gratitude to the village for producing many great sons and daughters of the land.

He described the village a ‘historic and legendary village’ and added that the Naga history was written from it. Metha also applauded the various steps taken by the village and making Nagaland known to the rest of the country. The advisor also stressed on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector.

While calling for commercialization of tourism in Nagaland, Metha said that Hornbill Festival, which is being celebrated annually, has generated over Rs. 100 crore from an investment of Rs. 5 crore. He also highlighted on experiential tourism where the tourists come not only to visit a place but to experience the way of life of the place.

Speaking at the event, director, Tourism Department, Ajanuo Belho said that with COVID-19 immensely affecting the tourism industry, the government had adopted strategies for revival and sustenance of

Novel chip that improves testing, tracing for Covid

K-899

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nne Douglas, the widow of Kirk Douglas and stepmother of Michael Douglas, died Thursday in California.

She was 102.

Douglas died at her

he Khonoma Experience: Tourism Strategies for the New Millennium,’ an event initiated by the Dolhuni Dzüviu Golato (DDG), a group formed mainly for conservation of nature in Khonoma, was held at Terhotsiese, Khonoma on May 1.

During the event the local community, all stakeholders and the State Government came together to deliberate, share and set strategies to make Khonoma village as one of the model village of tourism in Nagaland.

Khonoma village was declared as the first ‘Green Village,’ in the State and also the first in Asia, in 2005. It is the only village which conserves and preserves its flora and fauna in the whole village territory, which is first of its kind in Nagaland.

Speaking as the special guest, advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha dubbed Khonoma village as the land that shaped the history of Nagaland and expressed

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The coffin, cartonnage case and pregnant mummy. (Image credit: Warsaw Mummy Project)

been thought of as “still an integral part of the body of its mother, since it was not yet born,” according to the study. A baby that didn’t yet have a name may not have been thought of as a distinctive individual, as ancient Egyptian beliefs held that naming was an important part of being human.

“Thus, its afterlife could only have happened if it had gone to the netherworld as part of its mother,” the authors wrote. Another hypothesis is that a fetus of that age would have been difficult to extract due to the thickness and hardness of the uterus, and so the people mummifying the mother may not have been able to extract the fetus without damaging her body or that of the fetus, they wrote.

The archaeologists are also not sure why this mummy was inside a male’s coffin; however, it’s thought that up to 10% of mummies are found in the “wrong” coffins, due to illegal excavations and looting, according to the study.

(Live Science)

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esearchers have discovered the world’s first-known pregnant mummy, dating from the first century in Egypt. The find was unexpected, as inscriptions on the mummy’s coffin suggested the remains inside belonged to a male priest, according to a new study.

The mummy was donated to the University of Warsaw in Poland in 1826; only recently did archaeologists with the Warsaw Mummy Project conduct a detailed analysis of the mummy while studying the National Museum in Warsaw’s collection of animal and human mummies. X-ray and CT scans of the mummy revealed that the remains inside belonged to a female and did not match the coffin and cartonnage case that was made for a male.

The mummy was obviously not the remains of a priest named Hor-Djehuty from ancient Thebes, whose name was inscribed onto the coffin, the researchers said.

“It was complete surprise because we were look-

‘The Khonoma Experience’ held

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First-known pregnant mummy discovered ‘T R

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

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Pak beat Zimbabwe by inns & 116 runs in 1st test

Fawad Alam in action on Day 2 of first Test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

a lead of 250 runs. The visitors wrapped up the Zimbabwe innings for 134 runs with Hasan Ali taking a five-wicket haul in the second innings.

After the resumption of third day’s play, Ali couldn’t build on previous day’s start and immediately lost his wicket to Blessing Muzarabani, caught by the wicketkeeper.

Jose Mourinho to wait for club ‘with right culture’ London, May 1 (Reuters): Jose Mourinho said he does not expect to return to management next season following his dismissal by Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and will wait for the right club with the right culture.

The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss was sacked by Tottenham after 17 months in charge of the London club and six days before its 1-0 League Cup final defeat

by Manchester City.

The 58-year-old is in no rush to get back in the hot seat at another club and is set to work as an analyst during this year’s European Championship.

“I have no plans. I’m going on with my normal life. I feel fresh. I feel calm. I’m on holiday. I have more time to be doing my homework and analysis,” Mourinho said in an interview with Times Magazine.

James returns in Lakers defeat

L on d on , M a y 1 (Agencies): LeBron James returned from injury after 20 games out but could not prevent his Los Angeles Lakers from slipping to a 110-106 defeat by the Sacramento Kings. James had been sidelined since 20 March after spraining his ankle - the longest absence of his 18-year NBA career.

The 36-year-old scored 16 points and added eight rebounds and seven assists, but defeat marked the Lakers’ fifth loss in their past six games. It was the Kings’ Lakers forward LeBron James scores past Kings center first win over the Lakers at Damian Jones during his return to play on Friday night at Staples Center. (AP) Staples Center since 2018.

Maradona not well cared before his death: report Buenos Aires, May 1 (IANS): Months after the death of legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, a commission of experts has made serious allegations against his doctors and nurses. The newspaper “La Nacion” cited a report by the medical commission on the last days of the star issued on Friday, “The conduct of Diego Armando Maradona’s medical team was inadequate, deficient and inconsiderate. The patient was left to his fate.”

Maradona died of a heart attack last year in November at the age of 60. He was recovering from surgery at the time. Though, it cannot be said with certainty that the star footballer would not have died with better medical care, at least he would have had a better chance of survival, said the report.

Tyrese Haliburton, who led the Kings with 23 points and 10 assists, sank two free throws inside the last 2.7 seconds to seal the win after James saw a long three-point effort bounce back off the rim. Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns usurped the Utah Jazz at the top of the Western Conference with a 121-100 win, while Eastern Conference leaders the Brooklyn Nets were beaten 128-109 by the Portland Trail Blazers. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 126-104, while the Milwaukee Bucks won 108-98 at the Chicago Bulls.

Leipzig beat Bremen 2-1 to reach German Cup final Berlin, May 1 (IANS): RB Leipzig advanced into its second German Cup final after overpowering resilient Werder Bremen 2-1 in extra time on Friday thanks to Emil Forsberg’s last-gasp winner.

Neither side was able to score within 90 minutes, but at the start of extra time, Leipzig increased the pressure to seal a dramatic victory. Leipzig made a bright start on the road as Alexander Sorloth’s header on target forced Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka into action with four minutes gone.

Bremen defended deep in their own territory and focused on fast breaks, but Joshua Sargent squandered a counterattack with only Leipzig custodian Peter Gulacsi to beat at the half-hour mark. The hosts thought they had penalty in the closing stages of the first half, but after a VAR review the penalty was turned over.

After the restart, Leipzig piled on the pressure, but Bremen’s well-positioned defence neutralized every attack.

But right at the death, substitute Forsberg popped up by applying the finishing touch.

Leipzig had to wait until the hour mark before its next clear-cut opportunity, as Angelino rattled the woodwork with a free-kick from the edge of the box.

Six minutes later, the visitors created their next opportunity, as Willi Orban headed Christopher Nkunku’s cross into the box onto the bar. As the match progressed, both sides took more risks but neither could

find the net within 90 minutes. Leipzig made a fairytale start into extra time as Hwang Hee-chan broke the deadlock in the 93rd minute after beating Pavlenka from eight meters. Leipzig’s joy was short-lived, as Leonardo Bittencourt danced through Leipzig’s defence before finishing with a well-placed shot to restore parity in the 105th minute.

Both sides seemed to

have settled for the penalty shootout, but Hwang remained in the thick of things and teed up for Forsberg, who made no mistake to volley home in the dying seconds.

With the result, Leipzig moved into the second German Cup final in the club’s history, whereas Werder Bremen were knocked out in the semifinals for the third time.

Olympic-bound Indian shooters may compete, train in Europe

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): The Olympic Games-bound Indian shooting squad could compete in European Shooting Championships this month as well as train in Europe, a coach associated with the national team said on Saturday.

“A discussion is on to find the right place for the team to train as it has already missed vital training sessions because national camp couldn’t be organised in New Delhi’s Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges owing to the Covid pandemic.

There is a possibility of finalising the plan early next

week,” the coach told IANS. According to the coach, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is working out a plan to send a core group of shooters to Croatia.

“Even if the team is unable to compete in European Championships, but it will be a good place to practice,” he said.

The national team, including Olympics quota winners competed in the New Delhi World Cup in March. The national squad topped the medal tally with nine gold medals. The core group of shooters got a short

break from training and national camp was supposed to start from April 20 at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, but it was postponed due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India.

With the lockdown in New Delhi being extended on Saturday by another week due to the growing number of Covid-19 cases in the city, it looks increasingly doubtful that Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges

would be the first choice of the NRAI to prepare the shooters for the Tokyo Olympics scheduled to be held in July-August.

The national team was also to compete in the World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, from June 21 to July 2, as part of its Olympic preparation. But due to the growing number of pandemic cases the local government in Baku cancelled the competition.

3 RD DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved Lt. Elisha Kikon

Indian shooting team keen on longer training sessions New Delhi, May 1 (Agencies): After its overwhelming performance in the World Cup at the Dr. Karni Singh Range in March, Indian shooting has lost a precious month, planning the preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) maintained that the discussions were on between the stakeholders and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to finalise the course of action, Sportstar reported.

The readiness of the cream of Indian shooting was evident in the manner the team won 15 of the 30 gold medals on offer in the World Cup. In fact, India swept 30 of the 82 medals.

The second best performer, the US team, managed to win four gold, three silver and a bronze. No team

Manu Bhaker

reached the double figures for medals, which should give a fair indication about the capacity of the Indian shooters on the global stage.

Of course, some of the power houses of world shooting like China and Korea were not present. They all must be preparing hard at their training base, with an aim to strike hot in Tokyo. The cream of Indian shooting

has been reduced to home training after the World Cup. Some of the shooters like Divyansh Singh Panwar, Manu Bhaker, Sanjeev Rajput and Abhishek Verma have been training at the range in Tughlakabad in their individual capacity.

Rifle coach with the National team, Deepali Deshpande conceded that it was hard to finalise training as so many aspects tended to divert the plans. “We finalise something and in a day or two some new restrictions come in and we have to change our plan. We are on the edge now. We must decide and start working,” said Deepali.

The general plan is to have a long training camp for the shooters which could be the only preparation for them before they compete in Tokyo.

Died on 2nd May 2018 In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. Life is not the same to us since you were called away. Remembering you is easy but missing you is heartache that never fades.

Your beautiful memories, love and words of wisdoms are still our guide. You will always stay within our hearts guiding like an angel even though we are parted. For love is everlasting and so our memories. You are deeply missed.

DP-2232

Loving, Wife, Daughters and Sons-in-Law

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalms 73:26

DP-2223

H a r a r e , M ay 1 (IANS): Pakistan registered a comprehensive victory by an innings and 116 runs and went 1-0 up in the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club.

Pakistan rode on Fawad Alam’s 140 and Imran Butt’s 91, which helped them make 426 in first innings and take

Unfor tunately for Pakistan, Fawad started running out of partners at the other end. The pressure eventually cost him his wicket. His innings of 140 off 204 balls was studded with 20 fours. It came to an end when he edged the ball to Regis Chakabva.

In response, Zimbabwe began well but couldn’t build on the start.

They went from 92/2 to 134/9, their second innings wrapped up in the span of 46.2 overs.

As Prince Masvaure was injured, he couldn’t come out to bat, with Pakistan sealing the victory with an innings and 116 runs.

BRIEF SCORES: Zimbabwe 176 and 134 (T Musakanda 43, H Ali 5/36, N Ali 2/27) lost to Pakistan 426 (F Alam 140, I Butt 91, A Ali 60, M Rizwan 45, B Muzarabani 4/73).

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

Pallekele, May 1 (IANS): Left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama’s dream debut in which he picked six wickets for 92 runs helped Sri Lanka dismiss Bangladesh for 251 in their first innings of the second Test. Jayawickrama’s returns, the best innings figures on Test debut for Sri Lanka, helped the home side secure a big lead.

Sri Lanka had earlier extended their first innings total to 493/7 in the morning, before declaring their innings closed. Niroshan Dickwella’s quickfire 77 not out helped Sri Lanka approach the 500-run mark.

The home side were 17/2 at stumps with an overall lead of 242 runs. In the morning, Bangladesh began their innings well, thanks to Tamim Iqbal’s counter-attacking 92.

He brought up his fifty in just K Y M C

57 deliveries. At the stroke of lunch, the Sri Lankan spinners effected a doubleblow on the visitors. Jayawickrama picked his maiden Test wicket, inducing an edge from Saif Hassan (25), who was caught in slips.

Ramesh Mendis dismissed the new man Najmul Hossain Shanto for a duck, and Bangladesh went to lunch at 99/2 in 27 overs.

After the break, Tamim joined forces with Mominul Haque to reorient Bangladesh’s innings. The duo added 52 runs in 98 balls for the third wicket, and they looked good for a lot more.

However, it was young Jayawickrama who confounded them again. A change of angle from the left-arm spinner brought about natural variation off the pitch. Tamim erred and was caught in slips for a 150-ball 92.

DC-408

Jayawickrama’s six-wicket haul helps SL secure big lead

LT DR KUTHONUYI PHESAO. S/O Lt LhutsuvePhesao (Dec 1936 – 25 April 2021) Our beloved father, Late Dr. Kuthonuyi Phesao went ahead to be with the Lord on the 25th of April, 2021.

We give glory to our Lord who moulded, protected and instilled the Christian virtues upon our father. It is our belief his life will continue to impact those who knew him as friend, family or colleague. Taking this moment, we give our solemn gratitude to churches, prayer groups and fellowships, doctors and nurses and various organisations who relentlessly gave spiritual, financial and physical support during his final years. Words will never be enough to share our profound love and thankfulness to relatives, in-laws, friends, and individuals who, in some way or another rendered their services during the final journey of our father making our grief more bearable.

May God bless you all abundantly.

“The beauty of faithfulness lies in its reward, heavenly and divine, which neither withers nor fades away. A thousand years or more, to reap and be, with the Father who is on time.”

Loving children, grandchildren and loved ones DP-2255 K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

IPL: Pollard helps Mumbai clinch thriller against CSK

Kieron Pollard of Mumbai Indians plays a shot against CSK on Saturday. (PTI)

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): Kieron Pollard’s power-packed 87 not out off 34 balls (6x4s, 8x6s) overshadowed Ambati Rayudu’s 72 not out off 27 balls (4x4s, 7x6s) as Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets in a last-ball thriller here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday night.

B o t h Po l l a r d a n d Rayudu butchered the bowlers who struggled to get their lengths right on a batting surface.

Chasing 218, MI got off to a flying start with openers Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock adding 71 in 7.4 overs. But three quick wickets brought CSK back into the match.

Pollard then took charge and hammered the bowlers into submission.

He added 89 for the fourth wicket with Krunal Pandya (32 off 23 balls) and got to his fifty in just 17 balls with a couple of boundaries on successive balls off Shardul Thakur.

With 47 runs needed in the last three overs, the

Gymnast Pranati to get Olympic Games quota

Gymnast Pranati Nayak

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): Gymnast Pranati Nayak, Asian bronze medallist in vault, will get the continental quota to compete in the Tokyo Olympic Games in July-August.

Since the Asian Championships, scheduled in the last week of May in Tokyo, has

been cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, the unused continental quotas will be reallocated to the eligible athletes from the Asian zone only.

As per the rules, Sri Lanka’s Elpitiya Badalge Dona Milka Geh is the first reserve for the Asian quota

while Pranati is the second reserve. Both will, however, compete in the Olympics, starting July 23.

The world body in gymnastics (FIG) will make an official announcement in this regard in June.

“It’s a big day in my life. I never thought I would

get a chance to compete in the Olympics as there was no competition in 2020.

And this year too due to pandemic all the major competitions have been cancelled,” Pranati told IANS of the development.

Since the quota place is allocated by name, it can’t be changed. “Hopefully I will get official communication from the Asian or the world body soon,” Pranati said.

This year, the Asian Gymnastics Championships, which was an Olympic qualification event, was cancelled due to the pandemic. The performance of the 2019 Asian Championships held in Mongolia was taken into account to reallot the quotas. “I had won bronze in vault during Asian meet in Mongolia in June 2019. That performance has helped me earn a quota place for the Olympics,” Pranati pointed out.

Pollard-led MI took 17 runs off the 18th over bowled by Thakur, 15 off the 19th over bowled by Sam Curran and 16 off the last over bowled by Lungi Ngidi to take MI over the line.

Earlier, Rayudu had helped CSK get to a massive 218/4.

Rayudu’s attack left MI in a state of shock after the Rohit Sharma-led outfit seemed to have got back into the match with quick wickets.

The Andhra batsman pulverised the Mumbai franchise bowlers as they conceded 82 runs in the last five overs. Rayudu added an unbeaten 102 (off 49 balls) with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (22 not out off 22 balls).

CSK, who lost Ruturaj Gaikwad in the first over itself, were given a good start by their overseas

Sunday’s Matches Rajasthan Royals Vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: 3:30 pm Punjab Kings Vs Delhi Capitals: 7:30 pm

Bottas takes Portuguese GP pole position

L o nd o n , M a y 1 (Agencies): Valtteri Bottas beat Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to pole position in a bizarre qualifying session at the Portuguese Grand Prix. Bottas headed Hamilton by 0.007 seconds, but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had a faster lap ruled out for exceeding track limits. Hamilton set a much quicker lap in the second part of qualifying, 0.4secs faster than the eventual pole, but could not match it when it mattered. Verstappen salvaged third with a final attempt, just under 0.2secs off Bottas. Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez took fourth place, ahead of the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and the improved Alpine of Esteban Ocon, for the team’s best qualifying performance of the year so far.

Barty battles past Zidansek in Madrid Open Madrid, May 1 (AFP): World number one Ashleigh Barty survived a scare at the Madrid Open on Saturday to beat Tamara Zidansek in three sets and reach the third round.

Barty was briefly rattled by Zidansek as she mustered only one game in the second set but the Australian recovered her poise in the decider to come through 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in just under two hours at the Caja Magica.

Either Ger many’s Laura Siegemund or the Swiss Iga Swiatek await as it would bring together Barty in round three. Swi- the 2019 and 2020 French atek would be a particu- Open champions. larly intriguing match-up Both will be among

Ashleigh Barty

the favourites at Roland Garros next month, with Barty’s latest victory extending her unbeaten streak

batsmen Faf du Plessis (50 off 28 balls; 2x4s, 4x6s) and Moeen Ali (58 off 36 balls; 5x4s, 5x6s). The two added 108 runs in just over 10 overs.

Three quick wickets in 14 balls left CSK struggling at 116/4 at the end of 12 overs and in danger of getting bowled out early.

However, Rayudu had other ideas. He destroyed every bowler’s figures and reputation, not sparing anyone including Jasprit Bumrah (1/56 in four overs).

Dhawal Kulkarni was the other bowler to leak runs (0/48 in four overs).

BRIE F S CORE S: Chennai Super Kings 218/4 in 20 overs (A Rayudu 72 not out, M Ali 58, F du Plessis 50, K Pollard 2/12) vs Mumbai Indians 219/6 in 2 overs (K Pollard 87 not out, Q de Kock 38, S Curran 3/34).

drid, after already succeeding in Stuttgart, Miami and at the Yarra Valley Classic in Melbourne.

Few would have expected Zidansek, ranked 80th in the world, to push Barty close but the Slovenian held own from the back of the court and had the variety to keep her opponent guessing.

Barty claimed the first set, despite coming under pressure on serve at 2-3, when a superb retrieval staved off an early Zidansek attempt to break serve.

Zidansek was more on red clay to 13 matches. aggressive in the second The number one seed and broke twice, the second is bidding to win her fouth time for 5-1 with a stinging WTA title this year in Ma- backhand down the line.

Williamson replaces Warner as SRH captain New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday announced that Kane Williamson will take over captaincy from David Warner for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Warner led SRH in the first six matches. The franchise lost five of those matches and is at the bottom of the points table.

“SunRisers Hyderabad would like to announce that Kane Williamson will be taking over the captaincy for tomorrow’s match and for the remainder of IPL 2021,” the franchise said in a statement on Saturday.

SRH also said that they will be changing the overseas combination for Sunday’s game against Rajasthan Royals.

“The team management has also made the decision that they will be changing their overseas combination for tomorrow’s match against Rajasthan Royals,” added the SRH statement.

Kane Williamson

The franchise said that the decision to replace Warner wasn’t been easy.

“This decision has not come lightly as the management respects the enormous impact David Warner has had for the franchise over a number of years. As we face the remainder of the season we are sure David will continue to help us strive for success both on and off the field,” said the statement.

Australian opener Warner had led SRH to the play-offs last season. However, this year they have failed to conjure up wins.

Their middle-order batting has let them down.

UAE standby venue for T20 WC: BCCI

UAE could host the upcoming T20 World Cup if the Covid situation doesn’t improve in India.

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been named as standby for the T20 World Cup in case the worsening Covid-19 situation does not improve in India, a top official of the Indian cricket board (BCCI) confirmed.

“It (hosting venue) would be the UAE. We’re hoping again that it would be done by the BCCI. So, we’ll take the tournament there, but it’ll still be done by the BCCI,” Dhiraj Malhotra, BCCI’s general manager for game development, told BBC’s Stumped podcast.

India are due to host the tournament in OctoberNovember but a second wave of Covid-19 has hit the country badly with well over 3.5 lakh new cases and 3,000-plus deaths daily over the last few days.

On Friday, the number of fresh Covid-19 cases breached the four lakh mark for the first time ever along with over 3,500 deaths.

If the situation doesn’t improve, it will be the first time India will be hosting an international tournament or a series outside the country.

The BCCI has hosted the Indian Premier League (IPL) abroad before -- in South Africa in 2009 and in the UAE in 2020. It also hosted part of the 2014 IPL edition in the UAE. “I’ve just been named one of the tournament directors, so I’m doing everything we can to make sure it happens,” said Malhotra.

“We will be doing normal scenario, and worst case scenario, so with all that we’re talking to the ICC at the moment.”

Australia will host the T20 World Cup in 2022 which was postponed from last year due to the pandemic.

There has been criticism from certain sections over the conduct of the IPL during the time of pandemic. The tournament is underway with the final scheduled to be held on May 30.

Former England footballer and journalist Piers Morgan have said the tournament shouldn’t be held in prevailing circumstances.

Three Australian players have left while India’s R Ashwin quit the tournament to tend to his family which has been affected by Covid-19.

Both Zampa and Tye have also raised questions over the hosting of the tournament at this time of the year.

Manchester City beat Palace to close in on title L o nd o n , M a y 1 (Agencies): Manchester City moved within three points of reclaiming the Premier League title by beating Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Ferran Torres, players at the opposite ends of their careers at the club.

Aguero, who is leaving City at the end of the season after 10 years, scored his record-extending 258th goal for the club by controlling a pass from Benjamin Mendy and powering a shot off his laces into the roof of the net in the 57th minute.

Just 84 seconds later, Torres scored the 10th goal of the 21-year-old Spain winger’s debut season at City by curl- Manchester City placed one hand on the Premier League trophy after two second ing home a low, left-footed half goals saw them beat Crystal Palace.

finish from the edge of the area. It was a one-two blow

by Pep Guardiola’s heavily rotated team — due to the game coming between the two legs of the Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain — which took a while to get

going at Selhurst Park but has left City on the brink of the title. It could even be clinched as early as Sunday, if second-place Manchester United loses at home to Liverpool.Torres’ goal was City’s 700th in Guardiola’s 288-game tenure.

Havertz double boost Chelsea’s top-four hopes

Kai Havertz scored twice to boost Chelsea’s grip on a Champions League place and send Fulham closer to Premier League relegation.

The German, one of five changes in between the Blues’ Champions League semi-final legs against Real Madrid, latched on to Mason Mount’s through ball to give them an early lead. He doubled their advantage when he finished after a one-two with Timo Werner.

In between those efforts he also had a goal correctly ruled out for offside. Fulham had plenty of chances in the first half with Antonee Robinson and Ola Aina forcing good saves from Edouard Mendy.

But they created nothing of note after the break and now sit nine points off safety with four games to go.

Nagaland cricket team skipper, Jonathan Rongsen Longkumer, who recently joined Morecambe Cricket Club at Lancashire, UK for the 2021 season, scored 127 runs in his debut match for Club on Saturday.

Morecambe CC scored 314 against Lancaster.

Established in 1889, Morecambe Cricket Club is one of the oldest English cricket club based in the tourist resort of Morecambe, Lancashire in the UK.

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