22 Jan 2023

Nagaland

Poll panel reminds parties of law, poll code provisions

NEW DELHI, JAN 21

(PTI): Ahead of assembly polls in three North Eastern states and various byelections, the Election Commission has reminded its field machinery and political parties of a law and provisions of the model code which prohibit the use of places of worship as a forum for election propaganda “in any manner”.

In a letter to chief electoral officers of states and UTs on January 19, EC reminded them of its 2012 instructions on the issue which had noted that the existing provisions of the model code of conduct prohibit the use of “places of worship as a forum for election propaganda in any manner”.

“Further, Sections 3, 5 and 6 of The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988, prohibit the use of reli-

gious institutions or funds of religious institutions for the promotion or propagation of any political ideas or political activity or for the benefit of any political party,” the letter read.

Contravention of the provisions of any of these sections is punishable by imprisonment up to five years and with a fine, it pointed out. A copy of the letter has been sent to leaders of all recognised national and state parties. “The Commission desires that the provisions of the existing

law may be brought to the notice of all district election officers and returning officers so as to ensure that any violation of these provisions during election is dealt with firmly and FIRs/complaints lodged under relevant provisions in the event of any offence under the said sections,” it said.

EC also asked the CEOs to circulate the provisions of the poll code and the law to all political parties based in their states, including state units of political parties for their information.

BJP in alliance with separatist political party, alleges Therie

DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie on Saturday accused the BJP of having an “alliance with separatist political party in Nagaland.”

In a statement, Therie cited the purported statement made by NDPP secretary general Abu Metha during the seat sharing meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, State BJP president and minister Temjen Imna Along, BJP secretary (I/c Nagaland) and others, on intimidation by NSCN (I-M) as proof “that they are hand in glove.”

Therie said he rather felt that Metha could have conveyed it in a better language that-- “it was not intimidation but was a di-

rective from NDPP high command.” Therie said that the directive was perhaps to award NDPP ticket to the sitting NDPP legislator and not cede the constituency to BJP.

“Since NDPP has lost its authority to protect its MLAs he (Metha) was crying before UHM (Amit Shah) at least to save Pughoboto A/C,” said Therie. He therefore asked why should a third person deny on behalf of the secretary general NDPP?

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah knew well that NDPP was hand in glove with NSCN(I-M). Therie concluded, that since BJP already knows about the connection between the NDPP and NSCN(I-M), this only made it obvious that BJP was also in alliance with a separatist outfit.

Gov directs DC Mon to address grievances faced by schools

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DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN): Following the announcement of the State Assembly elections and in continuation of its effort to serve better, Nagaland Police have seized illegal liquor (IMFL), drugs and other contrabands etc. worth Rs. 18.49 crore this week alone.

In a statement issued through DIPR on Saturday, the State Police department said that the police personnel had been conducting raids, searches and seizures all across the State in order to ensure free and fair elections by maintaining law and order.

Police have seized items worth Rs. 18,49,73,650 which includes-- IMFL (Rs. 21, 25,725/-), narcotics (Rs. 3,43,53,025/-), other contraband (Rs. 14,84,14,000/-), arms and ammunition (Rs. 50,900/-) and other seizures (Rs. 30,000/-)

The Police department has also sought public cooperation and support during this period for implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, a joint team comprising of DEF Peren, narcotics and CISF personnel on January 20 seized heroin worth Rs. 1.71 crore while conducting a routine inspection at Teipuiki bridge, Peren.

A vehicle Maruti Alto (NL 01CA 2076) and 50 soap cases containing suspected heroin were seized, police said.

DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN): Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has directed the deputy commissioner (DC) Mon to look into the grievances of the School Education department and write to the concerned authority to post required teachers in the district.

During his visit to Longwa village along with his wife Prem Mukhi on Saturday, the governor learnt that science stream was offered only in one Higher Secondary School in Mon.

He further directed the DC to take action to introduce science in another Higher Secondary School.

Mukhi also asked the DC to write to the concerned authority and follow up to ensure that there were required laboratory technicians and other medical

in a historical village. Highlighting about the launch of Swachhta Abhiyan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi, Mukhi said the scheme has created wonders in the country since children in schools developed the habit of not littering around.

He also stressed on PM’s vision to ensure that every house and not just every village was electrified.

USLP, CKS warning against any member(s) filing nominations

DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN):

As Nagaland is to go to polls on February 27 and following the decision of Konyak Union on January 18, to abide by the August 26, 2022 resolution of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to not participate in the assembly polls and bar anyone from filing nomination and to hold the village of the person filing nomination responsible; two other apex tribe organisations of eastern Nagaland have also reaffirmed to impose the ENPO resolution.

The two apex tribe bodies-- United SangtamLikhüm Pümji (USLP) and Chang Khulei Setshang- have also reaffirmed to stick by the August 26, 2022 resolution by ENPO to not participate in election “until government of India grant the demand ENPO for a separate statehood befittingly.”

In separate statements,

ENPO emergency CEC meet on Jan 24

DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN):

Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has called for an emergency Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting on January 24 at 10 a.m. at CKS Hall, Tuensang to deliberate on the “present pressing issues.”

USLP and CKS-- the apex tribal bodies of the Sangtam and Chang communities, warned of stern action against any individual from the community, filing nomination(s) for the forthcoming Assembly elections.

These were among several resolutions adopted by both the organizations during their emergency meetings held on January 21 at their respective headquarters.

USLP: In a joint statement issued by USLP vice president Kipitong Sangtam; president Akehta Sangtamlarü Thsingmüjang (AST) S. Apila and executive chairman United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) Daniel Sechopi said that during the emergency meeting held with all frontal organizations under USLP, all political parties, all Hd.GBs and VCCs at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall Kiphire on January 21, made it clear

that they should not be held responsible in the event of any circumstances if any individual fail to adhere with the directives.

It was also resolved that any individual, under USLP, found violating the resolution “shall be ex-communicated from Sangtam community effectively”. It has also endorsed and empowered USSC, AST & village councils to fully implement the resolution.

CKS: Chang Khulei Setshang, Changsao Thangjam Setshang, Chang Wedoshi Setshang during its emergency meeting held at the CKS hall besides resolving to initiate stern action against those individuals jeopardizing the stand of CKS, also affirmed not to allow any political campaigns within its jurisdiction.

It further endorsed the CWS to fully implement and act on the resolution.

Imchen quits as MLA; joins BJP

DIMAPUR, JAN 21

technicians posted in the district.

During his interaction with the heads of offices in Mon district, Governor said he was privileged to be

Mukhi, however, maintained that success of schemes would depend on the practicality of the scheme, good leadership and strong monitoring at the lower level.

As per the circular, ENPO has asked the respective CEC members including ENPO advisors, Talk Team and at least five members each from frontal organizations, federating unit president and secretary from the respective frontal organizations, and president of all sub units to compulsorily attend the meeting.

(NPN): Veteran politician and four-time sitting legislator from 28 Koridang assembly constituency, Imkong L Imchen has tendered his resignation as member of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

In his resignation letter to NLA secretary, Imchen, who has been the MLA since 2003, said that he

was resigning on “personal grounds” with effect from January 20, 2023 forenoon. Imchen was also among the 21 NPF legislators who merged with the NDPP in April 2022. When contacted, Imkong confirmed about his decision and also disclosed to Nagaland Post that he had joined the BJP.

Though BJP was yet to make public the names and the 20 assembly constituencies the party would be contesting, Imchen was among those hoping to get the party ticket. Either way, Imchen was firm that he would be contesting the 2023 assembly elections.

Made-in-India intranasal Covid vaccine to be launched on R-Day Days after VP’s criticism, CJI hails ‘basic structure’ doctrine IAF to conduct air combat drill in NE

MUMBAI, JAN 21 (PTI):

BHOPAL, JAN 21 (IANS):

Bharat Biotech will launch its intranasal Covid-19 vaccine iNCOVACC on January 26, the company’s CMD Krishna Ella announced here on Saturday.

The vaccine manufacturer had already received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) ear-

lier this month for the nasal vaccine, the first of its kind in India. “Our nasal vaccine will be officially launched on Republic Day on January 26,” said Ella during an event at Bhopal on Saturday.

The company had earlier announced that it would price the intranasal vaccine at Rs 325 per shot for procurement by the government, and 800 per shot for private vaccination centres.

As per the vaccine manufacturer, the nasal route has excellent potential for vaccination due to the organised immune system of the nasal mucosa.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Saturday called the basic structure doctrine a North Star that guides and gives certain direction to the interpreters and implementers of the Constitution when the path ahead is convoluted.

The remarks by CJI came against the backdrop of the recent remarks by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar who questioned the landmark 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case verdict that gave the basic structure doctrine. Dhankar had said the verdict set a bad precedent and if any authority questions Parlia-

ment’s power to amend the Constitution, it would be difficult to say “we are a democratic nation”.

Delivering the Nani A Palkhivala Memorial Lecture here, CJI said craftsmanship of a judge lies in interpreting the text of the Constitution with the changing times while keeping its soul intact.

“The basic structure of

our Constitution, like the north star, guides and gives certain direction to the interpreters and implementers of the Constitution when the path ahead is convoluted,” he said.

“The basic structure or the philosophy of our Constitution is premised on the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, separation of powers, judicial review, secularism, federalism, freedom and the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.”

He said that from time to time, we require people like Palkhivala, who was an eminent jurist, to hold

candles in their steady hands to light the world around us. “Nani told us that our Constitution has a certain identity which cannot be altered.”He said the doctrine of basic structure has shown that it might be beneficial for a judge to look at how other jurisdictions have dealt with similar problems for them. The basic structure principle became the ground for setting aside several Constitutional amendments, including the quashing of the Constitutional amendment and the corresponding NJAC Act on the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (IANS): Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets will conduct air combat exercise in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and other North Eastern states amid the tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern sector with China.

The IAF said the Eastern Air Command will be conducting its annual Command-level exercise during the first week of February. This exercise, named POORVI AKASH, will be conducted after a gap of two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The exercise will involve activation of the Command’s fighter, helicopter and transport assets towards routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises, an Air Force official said.

FNR committed to collaborating on strategic plan with NPGs NMA backs joint declaration

DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN): Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has said that the forum “for greater unity and better understanding” was committed to collaborating on strategic plan with the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and the Naga civil society “as a dynamic process for moving forward”.

Reminding about the January 14, 2023 joint statement by Working Committee of the NNPGs and NSCN (I-M): “Nagas are Moving Ahead”, FNR said with the passage of time, Nagas were converging to a constructive and realistic action for a shared future. “Thanks to the natural law of nature for the

gift of Naga convergence. In human history, small happenings have often been the foundation for transformational changes,” FNR stated.

FNR also reminded that the concerned NPGs signed an agreement on October 18, 2022, to “Form the Council of Naga Relationships and Cooperation” led by NNPGs convener and NSCN (I-M) chairman to explore, at the earliest realistic ways for Nagas to move forward on the basis of Naga historical and political rights. The forum said that the above resolution was validated on January 14, 2023, which stated: “In affirmation of this position, the NNPGs and the NSCN on this day

declare our unconditional commitment to collaborate on the basis of our respective agreements, with immediate effect, for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India.” With a high definition both the Naga political groups have fervently stated “to the Naga people, we appeal to stand with us to prevent any further division of our shared belonging.” Maintaining that the Naga movement today was not only alert but it has grown much more mature. Again, FNR acknowledged the priceless lessons that has been learnt from within and without. “We have been taught that “managing” any

group of living organism by anyone is to invite defeat of oneself,” the forum stated.

“In the movement of history there comes the power of context: this is the moment for the Nagas. From the birth of Naga nationhood, the leaders of the Naga national movement rendered their all to keep the Naga story alive and consolidate its forwardlooking journey,” FNR stated.

However, today, in a different chapter of a continuing story, FNR said that the NPGs by resolving to be in relationship and cooperation have presented a way of moving forward. This is another historical opportunity for the Nagas to reciprocate with a

definite affirmation for moving forward, it added.

The forum further reminded about the recently concluded celebration of 150 years of Christianity among the Nagas, wherein the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, in its 10 Point Commitment prophetically resolved: “To work for greater unity and better understanding among the various groups of people through cessation of selfish pursuit and conflicts that divide and damage the historical harmony of the Nagas. To this end, we affirm our shared oneness and resolve to stand in the gap in our collective search for political solution that is non-violent and honorable.”

DIMAPUR, JAN 21

While appreciating the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the peace initiatives taking place, NMA also appealed to the leaders of the NSCN (Khango) to bury their differences and work together for the good of the Nagas.

“This is a crucial time for Nagas and as mothers who have reached out for peace with these top leaders, both in the jungles of Myanmar, including at Taga CHQ and welcomed their peace overtures at Yangkhao village,” NMA stated.

The association, therefore, urged upon brothers of the group, to rise above personal differences and reconcile with each other at the earliest. “Peace and forgiveness is needed most at this moment in our history,” NMA stated.

(NPN) The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has come out in support of the recent joint declaration of the NSCN (I-M) and WC/NNPGs leadership, and hoped that “this will build better understanding amongst our own and take the Naga peace process to an honourable solution respecting Naga rights and history.”

Police seize IMFL, drugs, arms worth over Rs. 18.49

Imkong L Imchen

Mukhi along with his wife at Longwa village. (Raj Bhavan)

(File) CEC Rajiv Kumar with EC officials at a press meet.

CJI DY Chandrachud

Notifications, directives for assembly election 2023

DIMAPUR: As the state gears up for assembly election 2023, the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) who were also the District Election Officers (DEOs) in their respective districts apart from holding meetings have issued notifications and directives to be followed by the political parties, candidates and general public to ensure free and fair election.

Carrying arms or weapons prohibited in Kohima: DC and District Magistrate Kohima, Shanavas C in exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 144A of the CrCP has prohibited any person from carrying arms (firearms, machete/dao, clubs, spears, explosives, catapults or any other articles designed or adopted as weapon for offence or

defence) in their possession within the Kohima district with immediate effect. DC informed that the order was issued in connection with the ensuing general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023 and as per the Election Commission of India directives to ensure

Former Ind. candidate Kasheto to contest on RPI (A) ticket

measures for peaceful, free and fair poll.

Election expenditures monitoring meeting at Pughoboto: A meeting on issue relating to election expenditures was held at the office of Additional Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Pughoboto

Diabetes, dental screening camp

with the Returning officer 13th Pughoboto Assembly Constituency, all political parties under Pughoboto sub-division and all the Nodal Officers of Election Expenditures Monitoring committee of Pughoboto sub-division.

SDO (C) & returning officer of 13th Assembly Constituency R. Daniel Angami highlighted about the Model code of conduct, Role of income tax department, District Expenditure Monitoring committee, flying Squads, Candidate Expenditures limit, pre information of any election rallies, defacement of poster & banners on public property, and notification of rates for Assessment of Expenditures.

DC Tsg issues prohibitory orders: DC and DEO Tuensang, Nok -

chasashi has informed that based on the instructions of the Election Commission of India and with the enforcement of model code of conduct and inputs received from police and in exercise of power conferred under 144 CrPC, 1973 has prohibited carrying of any kind arms or ammunition by any person within Tuensang district and that all licensed arms unless exempted under law should be deposited at the nearest police station.

Further, DC has also enforced the Model Code of Conduct enforced within Tuensang district with immediate effect.

Arms prohibited in Peren: District Magistrate Peren, Vineet Kumar in an order has informed that to conduct free, fair participative, accessible, inclusive

Dr. Toshimeren memorial hostel inaugurated in Kiphire

and safe election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, 2023, and in exercise of the power conferred under section 144 CrPC, 1973 has prohibited carrying of any kind of arms or ammunition by any person within Peren District.

All licensed arms unless exempted under law shall be deposited at the nearest police station.

DC Longleng constitutes committees: DC Longleng has constituted various committees under 49 A/C Tamlu and 50 A/C Longleng at the first meeting held on January 21.

The committees: Static Surveillance Team (SST), Flying Squad Team (FST) and Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC) under the Election Expenditure Monitoring Team (EEM).

DC Kohima convenes meeting for R-Day: DC Kohima, Shanavas C has convened a meeting on January 23 at 2 pm at DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima to discuss the work distribution and other logistic arrangements in regard to the celebration of Republic Day at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on January 26.

National voters’ day: The 13th National Voters’ Day (NVD), under the theme, “Nothing like Voting, I Vote for sure”, will be observed on January 25 at 11 am at DC’s conference hall Phek. DC & DEO Phek, Kumar Ramnikant requested all the newly enrolled electors in Phek Sadar, heads of departments, political parties, NGOs, BLOs, Ward Chairmen/GBs (Phek Sadar) to attend the function.

KMC informs: In view of the forthcoming Republic Day celebration, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has informed shopkeepers and business establishments within KMC to whitewash/paint the front side of their respective building and shops facing the road.

DDADU informs: Dimapur District Autorickshaw Driver’s Union (DDADU) has informed that no political parties will be allowed to paste their party slogans and advertisement on autorickshaws in and around Dimapur without proper permission from DDADU head office.

DDGWTU annual picnic: Dimapur District Garage Welfare Trade Union (DDGWTU) will be holding its annual picnic cum general meeting on January 24, at Zubza river, Niuland district.

3 arrested with drugs, IMFL in Wokha

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 21

(NPN): Former Independent candidate, Z Kasheto Yeptho on Saturday announced to contest the forthcoming election as Republican Party of India (A) candidate from 5th Ghaspani II A/C. Announcing this at a press conference at Hotel Acacia, Kasheto said since RPI (A) was in the coalition government in the centre, he chose the RPI for parallel development and to uplift the Nagas.

Kasheto who contested as an Independent candidate from 4th Ghapani I A/C against the incumbent PHE minster, Jacob Zhimomi said that he would emphasize on the development of road, education system, medical, and also give importance to curb unemployment. Meanwhile, RPI (A) state unit president, Mughato Ayemi, informed that the party was launched in the state in 2019 and had its functioning bodies and incharges in all districts.

DIMAPUR: Lions Club of Dimapur (LCD) will be organizing free diabetes and dental screening camp at Lions Club, Midland premises on January 29 from 9am to 2pm. LCD president, Sandeep Bakliwal informed that specialist dental doctors will be available for consultation and screening.

At the camp, diabetes screening will be done for the required patients and the registration forms will be available at Lions Club of Dimapur (Midland), Mahavir Printing Press (GS Road), PK Travels (Jain Temple Road), Haffle showroom (Opp. Supermarket), Vitrag Travels (Near City Tower), Computer Villa (Church Road). Further details can be contacted at Ngialungbe Newme 9862264870.

DIMAPUR: Late Dr. Toshimeren Sangtam memorial hostel at Oriental Theological College (OTC), Yangli was officially inaugurated on January 19, 2022 in the college campus.

A press release by principal, OTC Chumpong stated that the new hostel was inaugurated in the presence of the family members of late Dr. Toshimeren Sangtam, USBLA staff, Board of Directors, OTC Alumni Office Bearers, GB’s Union Longkhim-Chare, pastors of Longkhim-Chare churches, Students and well-wishers.

In a short speech, wife of late Dr. Toshimeren Sangtam, Tsakhumla said that it was the dream and prayer of Dr. Toshimeren to construct a guest house at Mission Centre Yangli.

Construction of Hostel

at OTC has made his dream come true, she stated. She also challenged community to work tirelessly for the extension of God’s Kingdom.

Vice-president, GB’s Union Longkhim Chare area, Liotong, while delivering a short speech expressed heart-felt gratitude to the family members of late Dr. Toshimeren Sangtam for a wonderful cause for the Sangtams ingeneral and OTC in particular. An act of dedication and a dedicatory prayer was ministered by executive secretary, USBLA, Rev. Y. Imtiba Sangtam. It may be stated that the hostel was donated by the family members of late Dr. Toshimeren Sangtam in memory of their beloved father.

DIMAPUR: Three persons have been arrested and drugs and IMFL seized during the raid conducted by police personnel of Wokha in separate incidents on January 20 and 21.

A press release by PRO Wokha, Add. SP. Soriso said that two persons were arrested on possession of illegal drugs at foothill area under Bhandari police station on January 21.

PRO said that Anti Narcotics Task Force of Wokha Police intercepted a Maestreo Scotty (AS05R-8772) and recovered 4300 (2632 grams approximately) capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon found concealed in black plastic bags from the posses-

sion of Luket Gurung and Papu Lakoti. Accordingly, the two were arrested and placed under judicial custody for further investigation under relevant section of law.

Meanwhile, in an -

other incident, Wokha PS personnel led by SDPO while conducting a routine inspection of shops on January 20 seized a huge number of IMFL. In this connection, one person has been arrested.

Z Kasheto Yeptho addressing press conference.

Assorted IMFL seized by Wokha police.

SDO (C) Pughoboto R. Daniel Angami speaking at the meeting.

Expect more villages to resolve for free and fair election: CEO

encouraged the media to educate the people on free and fair elections and let the people know about their voting franchise. Shanavas stated that the media should be there to give constructive criticism and exprssed the hope that the media can write positive stories or columns which will have an impact on the community.

Assistant Director, PIB Kohima, K. Sonikumar Singh delivered the welcome and keynote address.

Correspondent

SAPTIQA, JAN 21 (NPN): Saptiqa Town observed its platinum jubilee on January 21 with Y.Kikheto Sema, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare as special guest.

Addressing the gathering, Kikheto Sema lauded the pioneers and founding inhabitants of Saptiqa town whose hard work and sacrifices have seen the town grow over the last seventy five years of existence.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 21 (NPN): Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar has lauded the villages that have adopted resolution to not indulge in bribery in exchange for votes, liquor or inducements in the forthcoming assembly election 2023. The CEO expressed the hope that more villages will also take up such resolution for free and fair election.

CEO made this statement while addressing a one-day media workshop “Vartalap”, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, under the theme SVEEP & Ethics of Election Reporting at Eastgate Hotel, Kohima on

January 21. Pointing out that various measures have been taken up the government machineries to conduct free and fair voting, Shashank said the measures taken can be complemented only if voters, citizens, media and all stakeholders come together and provide required information to the enforcement agencies.

The CEO also welcomed the media to share with the Election Commission about any concerns or information that can help in conducting a more free and fair election.

DC Kohima, Shanavas C in his speech said that Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) was important as Nagaland will be facing elections next month. He

Khaozaosie Hok-Ah-cumHandicraft festival at Noklak

During the technical session, Joint Director, IPR, Asangla Imsong shared on the topic “Checking misinformation specially in social media during elections”. She highlighted on click bait, imposter content, biased news, propaganda etc. which are prevalent on social media platforms. She said that these platforms have become a breeding place for misinformation.

Imsong also shared on various past incidents of misinformation on social media and spoke on the need to combat fake news and misinformation.

Joint CEO, Nagaland, Sharon Longchari, spoke on “Dos & Don’ts of election reporting- An ECI perspective”.

Kikheto made special mention of the Sumi legendary tale of Inakha and Ghonili of the past and prominent leaders from Saptiqa like Nizhevi Kiho who was a signatory of the Simon Commission, Hotoi Sema, a renowned GB during the British Era, Justice H.K.Sema, former MLA Hosheto, former minister and MP Shikiho Sema and many others.

Quoting the Bible from I Corinthians 3: 6, Kikheto said that the seed sown by the pioneers and leaders from Saptiqa area have borne fruits and the present generation was reaping the fruits sown by the pioneers and leaders.

Stating that Nagaland was a State with perhaps the highest number of celebration of jubilees, Kikheto said that the very essence

CVS&AH gets VCI recognition

DIMAPUR: College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry (CVS&AH), CAU, Jalukie, Peren has been recognized by Veterinary Council of India (VCI), New Delhi w.e.f from December 31, 2022. Established in 2016, two batches of students have graduated.

A press release by the college stated that since its inception, the authorities of the college were pursuing for the VCI recognition.

A decision to recognized was taken at the 69th meeting of the VCI wherein report of the executive committee was considered and the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry granted by Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur in respect of its constituent

College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie, Peren, Nagaland was recommended for inclusion in the First Schedule to the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984 (52 of 1984).

“Thereafter, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India notified vide gazette notification dated 18th January, 2023 for the recognition of the B.V.Sc and AH qualification w.e.f. December 31, 2021”, the release stated. It may be noted that dean of the College, Dr. Ingudam Shakuntala after joining the College in May, 2022 has been working in a mission mode to get recognition from VCI, under the dynamic leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Dr Anupam Mishra.

of jubilees will be futile if people forget its real meaning and return back to one’s old habits.

The Commissioner & Secretary stated that Jubilee was a time to cherish the past and claim the future and that the very purpose of jubilee was served if people learn to love, reconcile, forgive and forget. Towards this, he called upon the Church to create awareness among the masses on practicing the real meaning of Jubilees.

Speaking on the State’s Health sector, Kikheto said that the Government was focused on providing the

best of services including the infrastructure. He however called upon the Churches and like-minded intellectuals and leaders to have a sense of belongingness in terms of maintenance of Health Centres and infrastructures.

He said that the chief minister and health minister were equally concerned on the Health sector and the focus has been put on in providing affordable health care to all its citizens. Towards this he said, the Government has introduced the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme and also started the 10-bedded ICUs in the

State. He therefore called upon the citizens to avail these schemes and facilities.

Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Shihuto Awomi, Pastor, Usutomi Baptist Church. Welcome address was delivered by Kuputo Achumi, Chairman, Planning Board while welcome address was said by Vitolu Chophy, president, Saptiqa Area GBs Federation. The celebration was marked by cultural songs and dances from various cultural troupes. The programme was attended by host of officers, elders, leaders and dignitaries from Saptiqa area.

DIMAPUR: Khaozaosie Hok-Ah-cum-Handicraft festival organized by Khiamniungan Tribal Council in collaboration with Noklak District Handloom and Handicraft Council was celebrated at the public ground, Noklak town on January 20, 2023. The festival was graced by former parliamentary secretary, S. Heno as a special guest A DIPR report stated that S. Heno in speech stressed for all-round development and mentioned that the Khaozaosie HokAh festival was a time for making peace treaties between villagers and merry-making and sharing

meats with neighbors and cousins. Heno appealed to all the Khiamniungan community members to live in unity and peace-loving citizens.

He also urged upon the tribal leaders, public leaders and elders, DBs and GBs, and village elders to serve the people with dedication and work harder for the upliftment of the district.

Heno also inaugurated Handicrafts and Handloom stalls which was followed by a cultural display and dance by Khiamniungan cultural Club Noklak Town and Noklak Town Women Cultural

group. DC Noklak K. Mhathung Tsanglao stated that the festival brings unity and urged the people to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for all-around development.

The significance of Khaozaosie Hok-Ah was delivered by Hd. DB, Nokhu EAC Hq. T. Palu and Khiamniungan Tribal Council, president M. Thangou delivered the festival greetings.

Ward-wise Tug-ofWar competition was also organized where Danlepdon ward emerged as the winner and medical ward won the second position.

Razeba Public Organization holds 14th general session

DIMAPUR: Razeba Public Organization (RPO) held its 14th general session under theme “Refining ourselves” at RPO Hall Razeba town in Pfutsero sub division of Phek district on January 21. Dr. Zavise Rume, professor, State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT), Nagaland spoke at the session as the guest speaker. RPO president Avi Movi delivered presidential address while RPO general secretary P. Paul Dukru presented the activities of the RPO. The session was chaired by Veluzo Domeh.

The new office bearers for the tenure 2023-2025 was declared by Nomination Committee convenor Zao Krocha which included president-Deo Movi, vice presidentVizo Lea, general secretary-Neilhouzu Zholia and other executive members. An act of blessing for new team of office bearers was offered led by Dizu Shupao, ex-pastor Zhavame Baptist Church.

S. Heno and others at the Khaozaosie Hok-Ah-cum-Handicraft festival at Noklak.

Y.Kikheto Sema with cultural troupe at the cultural presentation at Saptiqa.

V. Shashank Shekhar addressing at the workshop at Kohima, Saturday. (NP)

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 21: Manipur on Saturday celebrated its 51st Statehood Day with chief minister N Biren Singh taking salutes from 14 contingents.

The program was held in Imphal’s 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground. Besides the chief minister, ministers, MLAs, state chief secretary, DGP and senior civil and police officials among others attended the event.

Greeting the people on the occasion, chief min-

ister N Biren Singh recalled the history of Manipur and stressed the need to remember every memorable event in the history of Manipur.

He recalled the hardship faced by the people during the Chahi Taret Khutakpa (Seven Years Devastation) of 1819-1825 and the contribution of the brave forefathers of the time to liberate Manipur from the Burmese.

“We all should honour the selfless and heroic contribution of the then great leaders,” he said.

The chief minister fur-

not kneel down for composite dialogue before GoI’

and only indigenous assamese speaking people should participate in the dialouge. Notably, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on january 20 said that Assam government is directly or indirectly in touch with the ULFA (I) leadership to bring them to the negotiation table.

ther recalled the period of British colonialism in the state and sacrifices made by brave sons of Manipur to defend the sovereignty of the motherland.

“We are the sons and daughters of those brave forefathers who possessed the quality of conviction, commitment and sacrifice,” Singh retierated. He also urged upon everyone to try to live with dignity by helping the needy and rendering service for the development of the state.

Lauding the contribution of the people working

in different sectors to bring faster development of the state, the chief minister said that people of the state were representing the country in almost all the sectors including defense, information technology, sports and education among others.

He informed that the state government was putting every effort to bring quality education and develop the higher education sector in the state.

Singh claimed that with its pace of development, the state was able to attract many domestic and foreign tourists.

Asserting that his government has an objective of bringing governance and development in far flung rural and hill areas, Singh appreciated the DCs and SPs of districts for holding MeeyamgiNumit (People’s Day) every month, to attend the grievances and provide service to the people.

Appealing to the public not to be involved in any anti-social activities or drugs dealings, he assured that poppy plantations and drug menace would be rooted out soon from the state.

Along with Tripura and Meghalaya, Manipur attained statehood on January 21, 1972.

Tripura: EC assures CPI(M)-Cong delegation of peaceful polling

AGARTALA, JAN 21(PTI): The Election Commission on Saturday assured a CPI(M)-Congress delegation that all possible steps will be taken for conducting free, fair and peaceful polling in Tripura.

The assurance was given to a nine-member team of the CPI(M) and the Congress when the delegation met the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao. Elections to the 60-member Assembly will be held on February 16.

ECI issues notification for Tripura polls

AGARTALA, JAN 21(PTI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday issued the notification for the 13th Assembly election to 60 constituencies in Tripura, an official said.

Candidates will now be allowed to submit their nomination papers till January 30. The scrutiny will be done on January 31 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 2.

As per the schedule, the polling to the 60 Assembly constituencies will be held on February 16 and counting will take place on March 2, ACEO told PTI.

Altogether 28,13,478 electors are eligible to exercise their democratic right in the ensuing elections. A record of 65,044 new voters were included in the final electoral rolls. To ensure free and fair elections, webcasting will be done in all the 3,328 polling booths. “Drinking water, electricity, toilets and ramps have been made available in all the polling booths,” he said.

The ACEO said security measures have been tightened across the northeastern state with central paramilitary forces holding area domination exercise to increase confidence among the electors.

India to ask UNESCO for World Heritage site tag for Assam’s Charaideo Maidam

GUWAHATI, JAN 21 (PTI): ‘Maidams’, the resting place of royal families of the Ahom era in Assam’s Charaideo district, will be India’s sole nomination for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

The dossier on the ‘maidams’, referred to as “Assam’s Pyramids”, has been selected by Prime Minister Narendra Modi out of 52 heritage sites across the country seeking the coveted tag, Sarma said at a press conference here.

The Prime Minister’s Office, Union Ministry of Cultural Affairs “informed me of this momentous news and the nomination will be submitted to the UNESCO office in Paris tonight”, he said.

The ‘Maidams’ or the mound burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Charaideo was first listed in the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage site in April 2014, he added.

‘’It took nine years for the dossier to reach the nomination status from the tentative list and this was possible only due to the initiative of the Prime Minister’’, Sarma said.

During the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan in New Delhi, an exhibition was held at Vigyan Bhawan which included a model of ‘Maidam’ that showcased the unique burial architecture and tradition of the Tai Ahoms, he said.

‘’The Prime Minister had viewed the exhibition and this nomination has been possible due to his interest in this heritage of ours. It is a matter of great honour for Assam that the country has decided to forward the World Heritage Site nomination dossier to UNESCO for evaluation’’, the chief minister said.

The UNESCO team will visit Charaideo in September and it is expected to be declared a World Heritage site by March 2024, he said.

The ‘Maidams’ will be under the cultural segment

as per the categorisation of World Heritage sites. There is currently no World Heritage site in the category of cultural heritage in the northeast out of 32 listed in the country. Manas and Kaziranga National Parks, both in Assam, are World Heritage sites under the natural category, of which there are seven in India, he said.

The state Directorate of Archaeology had prepared the dossier to push the case for the Charaideo Maidams which was submitted to the Archaeology Survey of India, following which the chief minister had written to the Prime Minister.

In 2019-20, the state government made a provision of Rs 25 crore for the protection, conservation and development of the Charaideo Archaeological site.

Security beefed up in Manipur ahead of R-Day

by police commandos in Thoubal, Bishnupur and Jiribam districts. There were no reports of rounding up suspects in the operations.

ASSAM, JAN 21(AGENCIES): The faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) or ULFA (Independent) led by fugitive ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Barua on January 21 reiterated that he will not kneel down before the Government and said it was not at all interested in composite dialouge with Government of India and vowed to continue with its revolution till it achieved its avowed goal of restoration of sovereignty of Assam, reports India TodayNE.

Paresh Barua said that ULFA (I) is ready for referendum on sovereignty issue

Chief Minister Sarma said that efforts are on to bring ULFA (I) led by Paresh Baruah to talks with the government.“We have told people about the issues we have with ULFA. However, despite that, we are directly and indirectly in touch with the ULFA leadership. I am hopeful of resolving this issue within this (five-year) tenure,” Sarma said. Regarding peace talk with KLO chief Jiban Singha, Sarma said, “He (Jiban Singha) has joined the mainstream a few days back… Let him take rest for some time then he will start discussions with the government.”

The delegation comprising Jitendra Choudhury, CPI(M) state secretary, and Sudip Roy Barman, Congress MLA, highlighted the alleged violence and the peoples’ inability to cast their votes in elections in the past five years. “Today we submitted a representation to the CEO urging him to ensure people’s democratic rights in the light of previous elections’ experience. All of you know that electors could not cast their votes in the past five years - be it Panchayat or Lok Sabha or by-election”, Choudhury told reporters after the meeting.

The CPI(M) state secretary said the CEO has assured the delegation that the poll panel has already initiated a probe into the Majlishpur incident and none will be spared.

The Congress has claimed that 15 party workers and functionaries, including AICC general secretary Ajay Kumar, were injured after a group of “BJP-backed goons” allegedly attacked them during a bike rally at four locations in Jirania sub-division in Majlishpur Assembly constituency on Wednesday.

The police, however, said the attacks were carried out by unknown miscreants in West Tripura district, and “10 party workers were injured”.

Meghalaya: VPP launches ‘Winnower’ as party symbol

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JAN 21: Voice of the People Party (VPP), a newly formed political party in poll-bound Meghalaya on Saturday officially launched “Winnower” as the election symbol of the party.

VPP president, Arrdent Miller Basaiawmoit unveiled the party symbol at Smit village, about 12 Km from

Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong.

“The VPP choose “Winnower” as the symbol of the party because it has

deep ideological connotation which fits the ideology, aims and objectives of the party,” Basaiawmoit told UNI over phone.

Winnower is traditionally used by the farmers to separate the chaff and the grain. While retaining the grain the chaff is thrown away. At the household, the people use the winnower clean rice from the husks.

TMC manifesto in M’laya next week; Mamata to hold road show in Tripura

KOLKATA, JAN 21 (PTI):

With an aim at expanding the party’s footprint in the northeast, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will hold a road show in poll-bound Tripura on February 7, a party leader said on Saturday. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will release the party’s manifesto for the Meghalaya assembly polls on January 24, he said.

“Mamata Banerjee will visit Tripura on February 6-7. On the first day of her visit to the poll-bound state, she will offer puja at Tripureshwari temple and will hold a road show in Agartala on February 7,” the TMC leader said, requesting anonymity. This will be her third visit to the northeastern region in three months

as she had held a public meeting in Meghalaya’s North Garo Hills district on January 18 and addressed a TMC workers’ convention last month in the state’s capital Shillong.

The Trinamool Congress is likely to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Tripura alone, the party leader said.

The party is yet to take a call on whether it will field candidates in all the 60 constituencies or only in those

seats where it has a “strong presence”, he said.

Elections to the Tripura assembly will be held on February 16.

The TMC has been trying to strengthen its foothold in Meghalaya and Tripura along with Assam in the region.

“Abhishek Banerjee will visit another poll-bound state Meghalaya on January 24 and release the TMC’s manifesto there,” the party leader said.

Elections to the 60-member Meghalaya assembly will be on February 27.

In November 2021, 12 of the 17 MLAs of the Congress in Meghalaya had joined the TMC, making it the principal opposition party in the assembly of the hill state.

“Likewise, the VPP is the party that strives to bring clean politics that will ensure good governance based on transparency, accountability, responsibility and equity,” Basaiawmoit said.

He said the party will ensure to do away with politics of arbitrariness, exploitation, nepotism, corruption, unaccountability and irresponsibility.

Correspondent IMPHAL, JAN 21: Amid the beefing up security measures for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations across Manipur, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from a house in the outskirts of the capital city.

A combined team of state police and 4 Assam Rifles recovered the arms and ammunition from the house of one Kahaopou Panmei at LangolTarung village under Lamphel police station of Imphal West district in an operation last night, around 7 pm, a police source said. During the search, a bag containing 45 rounds of 7.65 ammunitions, 35 rounds of 5.7 ammunitions, three pieces of safety fuse (18 inches in length), one rifle along with magazine, 646.80.grams of PEK plastic explosive and eight detonators was recovered from the said house, the source said.

The recovered articles were handed over to Lamphel police station where a case was lodged, the source said. The recovery of the cache of arms and ammunition was amid the beefing up of security across the state, particularly in the twin capital districts - Imphal West and Imphal East – for the upcoming Republic Day

Besides conducting combing operations at sensitive areas of the twin districts including the city’s busy areas for the past few days, the police have intensified round-the-clock patrolling in and around the core area of the capital.

Frisking and checking operations in the roads leading to the capital city were also intensified in the backdrop of boycott calls given by various rebel groups.

As a part of intensified security measures, police commandos attached to Imphal East district police today launched a cordon search operation in Mahabali area under Porompat police station.

Besides searching the houses in the locality, the police commandos also verified the residents including those staying in the rented houses. No suspect was picked up during the operation, the police said.

Similar cordon and search operations were conducted at various places

The precautionary security measure was being taken up considering prejudicial activities likely to be carried out by insurgents boycotting the Republic Day celebration in the state.

On the other hand, the Co-ordination Committee

(CorCom), a conglomerate of five major rebel groups, has given a 18-hour total shutdown in the entire state on January 26 boycotting the Republic Day.

A statement of the conglomerate, dispatched to the media houses today, said that the total shutdown to be commenced from the intervening night of January 25 and 26 will last till 6pm of January 26.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE KOHIMA : : NAGALAND

NO. DEF/KMA/ESSTT/(13)/(1)/2022-23/163 Dated, Kohima the 19th Jan’ 2023.

LAST AND FINAL CALLING NOTICE

Whereas No. 4420 ABC Khriesakedo Kipfe of DEF Kohima, S/o- Kuolie Kipfe, Village – Phesama, PSKhuzama PS, Dist.- Kohima is found absenting from Government bonafide duty w.e.f 04/09/2022 till date

And whereas this office had issued 3 (three) consecutive calling notices Vide order NO. DEF/KMA/ ESSTT/(13)/(1)/2022-23/2372 Dated 05/12/2022, Even No. 2427 Dated 13/12/2022 and Even No. 2502 Dated 21/12/2022, which were duly served to you but you have failed to report back for duty.

You are hereby directed to report for duty within 07 (seven) days from the date of publication of this calling letter, failing which departmental enquiry proceedings will be initiated ex-parte.

Sd/(IMNALENSA) IPS, Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Nagaland. db-98/23

Nagaland, 798618

The

are at Aopenzu Village, Tuli and can be seen physically checked during working hours (9:00-17:00) between 24/01/23 – 28/01/23. Quotes for the listed items shall be submitted to thf.ne@thfmail.com or through speed/ registered post, so as to reach the office of the undersigned on or before dated January 31, 2023 by 17.00 hour. Any communication received after the last date will not be entertained.

Deputy Manager – Program The Hans Foundation No.258-B, 13 Mile, Paola Ward, Tuli, Mokokchung, Nagaland 798618 +91-9887529940 db-93/23

CorCom calls for 18-hour total shutdown on R-Day

celebrations. Security measures in the restive state of Manipur, particularly in the twin capital districts were intensified to ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

Celebration of 51st Statehood Day of Manipur in Imphal on Saturday.

Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing the press conference.

Recovered arms, ammunition.

Mamata Banerjee

‘Will

Paresh Barua

Fire in Delhi’s Connaught Place

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): A fire broke out in a restaurant at central Delhi’s Connaught Place on Saturday morning, officials said. There was no report of any injury to anyone, they said, adding that the restaurant, SinCity, is in ‘F’ block of Connaught Place. The Delhi Fire Services received information regarding the fire at 8.51 am, following which 13 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze, the officials said. The fire was brought under control at around 10.35 am and the cooling process is underway, they added.

1 held with heroin worth Rs 1.3 cr

MUMBAI, JAN 21 (PTI):

The Mumbai police’s antinarcotics cell (ANC) arrested a 27-year-old man for alleged possession of heroin worth Rs 1.3 crore in suburban Santacruz, an official said on Saturday.

Officials of the ANC’s Kandivali unit apprehended the accused when he was roaming suspiciously near Vakola bridge on Friday evening, the official said. On searching his bag, officials recovered 325 gm of heroin, valued at Rs 1.3 crore. The accused had come to Santacruz to deliver the contraband to his clients, he said.

Four houses of drug peddlers demolished

HISAR, JAN 21 (PTI):

Four houses built by criminals and drug peddlers with the proceeds of crime were demolished by the police in a joint operation with the district administration and the health department here on Saturday, officials said. The properties were built on the land of the health department behind the civil hospital and in Ambedkar Basti near Sunder Nagar here, they added.

Police personnel were deployed in adequate strength during the drive.

Gang fleecing people busted

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): FI ve men were arrested for allegedly posing as BSES officials and extorting money from people accusing them of tampering with their electricity metres, police said on Saturday. On Wednesday, a man approached police with a complaint that 4-5 people from BSES department came to his house asked him pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh to BSES saying he had tampered with his electricity metre, a senior police officer said.

Govt blocks access to BBC docu

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): The Centre has issued directions for blocking multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question”, sources said.

The directions were reportedly issued by Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday using the emergency powers

under the IT Rules, 2021.

Sources said senior officials of several ministries, including external affairs,

home affairs, and information and broadcasting, examined the documentary and found it to be an attempt to cast aspersions on the authority and credibility of the Supreme Court, sow divisions among various Indian communities, and make unsubstantiated allegations regarding actions of foreign governments in India.

They said the documentary was found to be un-

Over 300 bureaucrats, ex-judges slam BBC

A group of 302 former judges, ex-bureaucrats and veterans on Saturday slammed a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “motivated charge sheet against our leader, a fellow Indian and a patriot” and a reflection of its “dyed-in-the-wool negativity and unrelenting prejudice”. They claimed it is the archetype of past British imperialism in India setting itself up as both judge and jury to resurrect Hindu-Muslim tensions that were overwhelmingly the creation of the British Raj policy of divide and rule. The two-part BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question” claims it investigated certain aspects relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots when Modi was the chief minister of the state. This documentary is not a neutral critique and is not about exercising creative freedom or a divergent, anti-establishment point of view, a statement signed by 13 former judges, 133 ex-bureaucrats, including diplomats, and 156 veterans said. “Not only is the BBC series, judging from what we have seen of it so far, based on delusional and evidently lopsided reporting, but it presumes to question the very basis of the 75-year-old edifice of India’s existence as an independent, democratic nation, a nation which functions according to the will of the people of India,” it said.

Their statement alleged that the BBC series reeks of motivated distortion that is “as mind-numbingly unsubstantiated as it is nefarious”.

dermining the sovereignty and integrity of India, and having the potential to adversely impact friendly relations with foreign states as also public order within the country. Orders have also been issued to Twitter for blocking of over 50 tweets containing links of the YouTube videos concerned, they said, adding that social media platforms have complied with the directions.

Cong slams govt for censorship

The Congress on Saturday criticised the government for the “censorship” of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking why had then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee reminded Modi of ‘raj dharma’ after the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter, “PM and his drumbeaters assert that the new BBC documentary on him is slanderous. Censorship has been imposed.”

“Then why did PM Vajpayee want his exit in 2002, only to be pressured not to insist by the threat of resignation by Advani?” he said.

Why did Vajpayee remind him of his ‘raj dharma’, Ramesh asked.

The Congress leader also attached a video clip of Vajpayee talking about “raj dharma” with the then Gujarat chief minister, Modi, sitting next to him.

Twin blasts in Jammu;

JAMMU, JAN 21 (PTI):

Just two days before Congress leader Rahul Gandhiled Bharat Jodo Yatra is scheduled to reach Jammu, two back-to-back explosions rocked a busy locality on the outskirts of the city on Saturday, leaving nine people injured, officials said.

Police suspect that IEDs were used to carry out the twin explosions in an SUV parked in a repair shop and in a vehicle at a nearby junkyard at Transport Nagar area of Narwal.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the incident and called for urgent steps to take action against those responsible.

“A blast occurred in an old, parked Bolero (Sports Utility Vehicle) around 11 am resulting in injuries to five people who were standing nearby. They were evacuated to hospital and their condition is stable,” Additional Director General of Police, Mukesh Singh told reporters near the scene of the explosion.

He said the whole area was immediately cleared of the people but in the meantime another blast occurred

Security personnel inspect the site after two blasts occurred at Narwal area in Jammu, Saturday. (PTI) 50 metres away, causing minor injuries to one more person who was also shifted to hospital.

“Further investigation is on,” the officer said.

However, a total of nine persons were brought with splinter injuries to Government Medical College (GMC) hospital following the blasts.

“We have received nine patients with one having abdominal injuries and two others fractured legs. The condition of all of them is stable,” a doctor at the hospital said.

The blasts were triggered by suspected terror -

ists at a time when security agencies in the region are on high alert in the wake of the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra of the Congress and the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

The Yatra entered J-K’s Kathua district on Thursday evening via Punjab and is camping in Chadwal, about 70 km from here.

After a day’s break on Saturday, the yatra, which commenced from Kanyakumari on September 7, is scheduled to resume from Hiranagar on Sunday and reach Jammu on January 23 after starting from Vijaypur in Samba district.

RSS ideology, Netaji’s ideals poles apart, don’t coincide: Anita Bose Pfaff

KOLKATA, JAN 21 (PTI): Amidst the fanfare over RSS’ plans to celebrate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary in the city on January 23, his daughter Anita Bose-Pfaff has said that the organisation’s ideology and the nationalist leader’s ideas of secularism and inclusiveness are “poles apart and do not coincide”.

She agreed that the fanfare over the celebration of her father’s birth anniversary is to “partially serve their (BJP, RSS) own interests”.

As far as ideology is

concerned, the Congress has a lot more in common with Netaji than any other party in the country, she said.

commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary.

BJP and RSS do not reflect the idea of respecting all religions as preached by Netaji, who was a devout Hindu but believed in respecting other faiths. He was in favour of productive cooperation between members of different religions, Bose-Pfaff said.

“The RSS and BJP do not necessarily reflect this attitude ... If you want to put a simple label, they are rightists and Netaji was a leftist,” she told PTI over

phone from Germany where she lives.

“From what I hear about the RSS ideology, I would agree that it and Netaji’s ideology are poles apart. The two value systems do not coincide. It will certainly be good if the RSS felt it wanted to embrace Netaji’s ideals and ideas. Many different groups want to celebrate Netaji’s birthday in different ways and a number of them necessarily agree with his ideas,” BosePfaff said.

Asked whether Netaji was a critic of the RSS, she

Congress releases ‘charge sheet’ against Modi govt

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): The Congress Saturday released a “charge sheet” against the Narendra Modi government, terming the BJP a ‘Bhrasht Jumla Party’ and alleging that its mantra was ‘kuch ka saath, khud ka vikas, sabke saath vishwasghaat’ (for the benefit of few, development for self and betrayal of everyone)”.

The opposition party also said that Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, will hoist the national flag at the Pradesh Congress Committee office in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area followed by a public meeting at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium which will mark the culmination of the Kanyakumari to Kashmir

Spurt in idol theft cases gives Bihar police jitters

PATNA, JAN 21 (PTI): The spurt in the cases of idol theft and the alleged involvement of international gangs are giving the Bihar Police the jitters.

Over 20 precious idols have been stolen from temples and other places in the last four months, a senior Bihar Police officer said on condition of anonymity.

“It is suspected that most of the stolen idols might have reached neighbouring countries with the active connivance of members of international gangs, operating in Bihar and other northern states,” the officer said.

Recently, a 1,200-yearold idol of Lord Vishnu was stolen from the sculpture shed of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) at Datiana, here. The theft of the antique idol took place on the intervening night of December 25-26, 2022.

“Similarly, a 300-yearold idol of Lord Vishnu

was stolen from a temple in Sitamarhi district on December 28, last year.

“Ten precious idols made of ‘ashtadhatu’ (eight-metal alloy) were also stolen from a temple in Saran district in September last year. Reports of similar incidents also came from Purnea and Gaya districts”, the officer said.

According to Bihar Police records, a total of 48 precious idols were stolen from different temples and places in the state in 2022 (till December 20), whereas the figure was 44 in 2021.

While security personnel could recover 22 stolen idols in 2021, the state police could recover only 7 in 2022, the data says.

The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police investigates idol theft cases involving inter-district, interstate and international gangs in coordination with their counterparts in other districts or states.

march.

At a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh and general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal also unveiled the logo

of the party’s follow-up programme to the yatra -- Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan’.

The logo is similar to that of the Bharat Jodo Yatra but the only difference is that it has the Congress’ hand symbol on it signify-

ing that it would be a 100 per cent political campaign which cannot be said of the cross-country march, Ramesh said.

Venugopal said as part of the Congress’ campaign starting January 26, the party would take the ‘charge sheet’ and Rahul Gandhi’s letter with the message of the yatra to every household.

The charge sheet released by the two leaders dubbed the BJP ‘Bhrasht Jumla Party’ and alleged that its mantra is “Kuch ka saath, khud ka vikas, sabke saath vishwasghat (For the benefit of few, development for self and betrayal of everyone)”, an apparent swipe at the government’s ‘sabkasaath-sabka-vikas-sabka-

vishwas-sabka-prayas’ slogan.

The one-page ‘charge sheet’ shared by the Congress is divided into three sections -- ‘kuch ka saath’, ‘khud ka vikas’ and ‘sabke saath vishwasghaat’.

Under the ‘kuch ka saath’ (for the benefit of few) segment of the ‘charge sheet’, the party alleged loan waivers for a few select businessmen, 10 per cent of the wealthy owning 64 per cent of India’s wealth and ports and airports being “gifted” to the prime minister’s “close friends”.

In the ‘khud ka vikas’ (development for self) segment, the Congress accused the BJP of spending crores on propaganda and indulging in nepotism.

said “I don’t know any quote (of Netaji) which I can give you. He may have made critical statements about RSS members. I know what his (Netaji’s) views are and about RSS. The two value systems do not coincide.

RSS and Netaji’s ideology of secularism do not coincide with each other,” she said. Speaking on the recent pomp and fanfare over Netaji’s birth anniversary celebrations, she lauded the BJP-led government at the Centre for taking a “lot of initiatives” to honour him.

“This has two aspects.

After Independence, the official Congress stand on Netaji was reserved and not shared by all Congressmen.

It wanted to keep the narrative that it was only the civil disobedience movement that led to the country’s freedom. But after Netaji files were declassified we came to know that Indian National Army (INA) played a very key role in it,” she said.

On the second aspect, Pfaff wondered whether BJP would have honoured Netaji if he had held divergent views from that of the present-day government.

Bomb threat: Moscow-Goa flight diverted to Uzbekistan

PANAJI, JAN 21 (PTI): A Goa-bound chartered flight from Moscow with 240 passengers on board was diverted to Uzbekistan in the wee hours of Saturday after the authorities at the Dabolim airport in the state received an email, which claimed that there was a bomb on the plane, police said. This is the second such incident on the Moscow-Goa route involving the same airline in less than two weeks.

The flight, operated by Russian airline Azur Air, was scheduled to land at the Dabolim airport in South Goa at 4.15 am, a senior police official said. “The flight (AZV2463) was diverted to Uzbekistan after an email was received at 12.30 am by the office of the Dabolim airport director, which said that a bomb was planted on the plane. The flight was diverted before it entered the Indian airspace. It landed at an airport in Uzbekistan around 4.30 am,” he said.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address a public programme at Shahid Minar ground in the city to

Jairam Ramesh, K.C. Venugopal and Vineet Punia during a press conference at party headquarters Saturday. (PTI)

Anita Bose Pfaff

Society in crisis

While the singular focus of all, especially Nagas, has been on “political solution” to the Naga issue what has largely been ignored is “societal solution” to the many problems plaguing society that have to be resolved. Nagaland has been economically, socially and politically ruined and devastated through years of depredation and it will take a very long time to get development back on track. The entire government system has been reduced to serving the ‘larger interests’ of the few who have gone deep rooted in power including those who operate beyond the bounds of the law due to laxity and loss of authority of the supposed custodians of the constitution. Though it would not be totally correct to describe Nagaland as a ‘failed state’; yet the symptoms are discernible. The three clear signs of a failed state are- loss of control to exert authority over its territory; rise of monopoly crime bosses or syndicates or parallel authorities and inability to implement decisions and inability to provide public services. When these are evident, then it means there is widespread corruption, criminality, disenchantment and economic decline. These are grave issues which should be understood by all who believe that political solution is the be-all and end-all of the problems. Among the pressing problems for a small state like Nagaland with a high literacy ratio and rapid “growth in education” is rise in unemployment that results in rise of frustrations among the youth. Also the meteoric rise of the Nouveau riche in Nagaland during the past few decades is startling and demolishes the notion of equality and justice. Nagaland has the highest number of people employed in the government to population ratio among all north eastern states. The biggest problem is institutionalization of corruption which has become so deep rooted at almost all levels that people have accepted it as part of the system. This condition is exemplified by a word called a sociality- a moral abyss that leads ordinary people to believe that those in power have the right to serve personal, family or community needs above all, since they have purchased the mandate. All these did not happen suddenly but were nurtured by various factors for over the decades since the 90s and became more pronounced from the 2000s. These are evidence of loss of moral and ethical values when society chose to understand personal development as social development. A major part of the blame should be apportioned to the way in which people choose their leaders in elections. People with money buy votes and people are happy to sell their franchise and do not care about the consequences. Due to the politics of populism and rhetoric, politics today is bereft of the essences of probity and accountability. These expose the greatest tragedy confronting Naga society today- a perplexing veneration of profane politics that has no need for the rudder of rationality. The outward signs cannot hide the inward problems. These signs do not augur well for society in the long run. Will and can any new dispensation act in a way that solution would also mean peace among communities, normalcy and rule of law? Politicians need to realize the situation is very serious and to stop the habit of coining slogans and lexicons which have only created illusions that are far removed from reality.

DailyDevotion

Recall What God Remembers

Thus says the Lord: “I remember…the kindness of your youth…” —Jeremiah 2:2

Am I as spontaneously kind to God as I used to be, or am I only expecting God to be kind to me? Does everything in my life fill His heart with gladness, or do I constantly complain because things don’t seem to be going my way? A person who has forgotten what God treasures will not be filled with joy. It is wonderful to remember that Jesus Christ has needs which we can meet— “Give Me a drink” (John 4:7). How much kindness have I shown Him in the past week? Has my life been a good reflection on His reputation?

God is saying to His people, “You are not in love with Me now, but I remember a time when you were.” He says, “I remember…the love of your betrothal…” (Jeremiah 2:2). Am I as filled to overflowing with love for Jesus Christ as I was in the beginning, when I went out of my way to prove my devotion to Him? Does He ever find me pondering the time when I cared only for Him? Is that where I am now, or have I chosen man’s wisdom over true love for Him? Am I so in love with Him that I take no thought for where He might lead me? Or am I watching to see how much respect I get as I measure how much service I should give Him?

As I recall what God remembers about me, I may also begin to realize that He is not what He used to be to me. When this happens, I should allow the shame and humiliation it creates in my life, because it will bring godly sorrow, and “godly sorrow produces repentance…” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

For food security, South Asia must engage in liberal trade

South Asian nations are truly an enigma.

Despite their economies growing at a high rate, they continue to host many malnourished children and adults, especially women.

The region has about a quarter of the world’s population, which is projected to grow to about 40% by 2050. South Asia has missed the sustainable development goals (SDGs), adopted by UN General Assembly in 2015.

One of the objectives of SDGs was to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, while promoting sustainable agriculture. It was also supposed to help the poor in each country and promote good health and well-being which are essential for sustainable development.

South Asia bears a high burden of poverty and undernutrition. About 42% of the world’s poor, earning less than US$1.25 per day, live in the region. Nearly 21% of the population is undernourished, and more than 41% of children are underweight.

About 48.4% of women of reproductive age are anaemic. The stunting (too short for their age) rate of 30.7% among children is higher than the global average of 22%. Wasting (less weight for height among children up to 5 years) is 14.1% while the global average is only 6.7%. In the case of breastfeeding children, South Asia’s performance is better than that of other regions. About 57.2% of infants aged 0 to 5 months are breastfed in South Asia while the global average is 44%.

Clearly, South Asian nations face an enormous challenge of human development. The irony is that an increasing share of population is consum-

ing more calories than required and is exercising less than recommended.

As a result, 8.4% of South Asia’s women and 4.8% of men are obese. In India, this proportion is even higher.

Even as the world was slowly limping back to normalcy after nearly two years of COVID-19-induced problems, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine – which caused an upsurge in global prices of food and fuelled inflation even in developed economies which had not faced such high consumer inflation in a generation.

Germany faced high food inflation of 21.1% (November 2022). Even in the US, inflation of the food-at-home (grocery store or supermarket food purchases) was 12%, food prices in Turkey and Argentina were 103% and 92.4% higher respectively in November 2022 as compared to a year before. South Asian countries also faced high food inflation.

In December 2022, Pakistan faced food inflation of 35.5%. The staple grains of wheat and rice alone had inflation of 57.3% and 46.6% respectively.

Nepal was able to contain inflation to 7.38% in November 2022. Bangladesh was also successful in keeping inflation to 8.14% through some deft management.

The Government of India has been highly sensitive to inflation and even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India had been taking steps to contain food inflation.

With a population of 1.4 billion (by end of 2023), the Indian government and the Reserve Bank of India accord high priority to keeping inflation under

check.

As a result, India’s consumer price-based inflation eased to an 11-month low of 5.72% in December 2022. Food inflation was 4.6% in December 2022.

India runs the world’s largest food distribution programme for the poor. Even before COVID-19 hit India, about 810 million beneficiaries were entitled to receive 5 kg wheat/rice at highly subsidised rates of Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice (about 1.2 cents).

However, India’s PDS is largely cereal centric, and the poor population of Indians do not receive proteins and other nutrients, necessary for a healthy diet. India also runs an ambitious mid-day meal programme, under which the primary school children are provided hot cooked meals.

Due to deficient monsoon, India’s rice production is estimated to decline this year by 6% to 105 million tonnes. To manage the stock, India imposed export duty of 20% on non-basmati rice in September 2022 and export of broken rice was banned.

About 30% of the Indian population is vegetarian and pulses are important for their protein requirement. Therefore, the government makes every effort to keep the prices of pulses low. Inflation in pulses in November 2022 was only 3.15%, even though India imports around 15% of the annual consumption of pulses.

Globally, India is the largest producer and consumer of gram (chana). In the last two years, the chana prices have been below the minimum support price (MSP). The government has been selling chana

below the MSP. This has kept pulses inflation low.

Retail prices of tur (arhar) touched Rs 200 a kg in 2016. For bringing stability to the pulses market and to maintain supply of pulses, the government signed a medium-term arrangement with Mozambique, Malawi and Mynamar for the import of some quantity of pulses at zero duty.

In addition to the above steps to augment the domestic availability of pulses, the government in July 2021 invoked Essential Commodities Act and imposed stock limits on tur, masoor and urad. In the case of edible oils, India is even more dependent on imports and about 65-70% of domestic consumption has to be met by imports. To augment domestic availability at reasonable prices, the government has lowered import tariffs.

The basic customs duty on crude palm oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil is currently zero. The effective duty on crude varieties of these three edible oils is 5.5%. The effective rate of import duty on refined palmolein and refined palm oil is 13.75%.

From the above, it becomes clear that India has been quite successful in keeping food inflation under check.

Integrated trade As far as trade is concerned, South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in the world. A Brookings India study of 2020 estimated that only 5.6% of total trade takes place among South Asian nations. In East Asia and the Pacific, intra-regional trade contributes about 50% of total trade.

However, a lot of trade within the region is through third countries.

had estimated that informal trade between India and Pakistan in 2012-13 was close to US$ 4.71 billion, about twice the value of formal trade. They had estimated that India’s export was US$ 4 billion while its import was US$720 million.

Higher volume of trade can be mutually beneficial to all the countries in South Asia as the surplus production can be exported, which can reduce the fluctuation in prices of agricultural produce, particularly perishable commodities. To achieve this, a much better infrastructure of storage and transportation across the region is required for increasing the trade in such produce. Reeling currently under high food inflation, Pakistan can benefit from open trade in agricultural produce from India.

In 2017, India signed 14 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) agreements with the UAE. India-Middle East Food Corridor can evolve into a major contributor to the food security of Arab Gulf states. Indian productivity of crops, milk, meat, poultry, and fisheries will have to increase substantially if India must become a reliable exporter of agricultural produce to the gulf.

In addition to a liberal trade regime, it is important for South Asian countries to formulate policies which would encourage the consumption of nutritious diets. An International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) paper titled ‘Affordability of nutritious diets in rural India’ highlighted the need

The Hoax about RSS in Nagaland

“RSS is a patriotic organisation of Hindus, nay, all Indians irrespective caste, creed and religion.” thus said Dr. Hokishe Sema, most revered longtime Chief Minister of Nagaland while addressing BJP workers of Nagaland organised under the aegis of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Nagaland unit in 2003 at Dimapur. Shri Sema said further, “RSS is the backbone of India and BJP which was earlier BharatiyaJan Sangh (BJS) before its merger to form Janata Party in 1977.

Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS) was founded in 1951 in Delhi with the support of RSS by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee -the barrister, academician, former vice chancellor of Calcutta University and the legendary ‘Lion of Bengal’.He died in 1953 in jail in Shrinagar in mysterious condition. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, a RSS Pracharak (full-time worker) was General Secretary of BJS. Shri Upadhyay took over as President of BJS in 1953 after SP Mukherjee. The BJS team was joined by Atal Behari Vajpayee, a RSS Pracharak, Lal Krishna Advani – a committed RSS ideologue and the likes.Same BJS was revived and transformed into BJP in 1980 on dithering away of Janata Party.

That is how RSS is the godfather of BJP and BJP’s roots lie in RSS. RSS is the patriotic organization manned and managed by most disciplined cadre of full-time workers (pracharaks) with its branches in more than a hundred countries of world including USA,UK, France, Germany and Muslim and Communist countries. In this backdrop, I advise all

of you, the BJP workers of Nagaland, to have a close contact with RSS to learn discipline and Indian patriotism provided you have a wish to rise in BJP.”

Hokishe Sema, basically a Congress leader in Nagaland, joined BJP in 1999 and became party’s national executive member. He was unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature party in 2003.

Dr. Hokishe Sema was no less a Christian. He was a member of Home Mission Board of Nagaland Baptist Council Churches (NBCC) in 1967. He broke away from Church sponsored NNC, joined the group of prominent Naga leaders to form NPC (Naga People’s Convention) headed by Dr. Imkongliba Ao and was the most prominent member of the drafting committee of NPC who played pivotal role in drafting famous 16-Point Agreement 1960.

He served as 3rd Chief Minister of Nagaland and the 4rth Governor of Himachal Pradesh. It was he who brought Nagaland from External Affairs Ministry to Home Ministry of the country in 1972 for fast development of Nagaland. For this ‘crime’ (?) Nagaland Church cursed him and NNC ambushed him on August 8, 1972 to kill near Naga Hospital Kohima.

BJP Nagaland was formed in 1986 and since then it has been fighting all the assembly and parliamentary elections in Nagaland. All the times of ensuing Nagaland elections, Church in Nagaland has been issuing its dictates and decrees to Nagaland voters not to vote for BJP on the plea that BJP is the political wing of RSS

which is a Hindu organisation. This time too when Assembly election has been declared to be held on February 27, 2023, Nagaland JointChristian Forum (NJCF) has come out with its agenda of hate campaign against BJP under the bogey of RSS. But the oft-repeated propaganda mechanism of Church will not work any more because of the fact –

i. That Nagaland voters has come to know that RSS is best well- wisher of Nagas for its over-all development.

ii. The synthesis of BJP and RSS is open to all Nagas, literate and illiterate, urban and rural both. The conscious voters need not depend on misinformation meticulously spread by Church, its sponsored NGOs and paid agents.

iii. Thousands of literate Naga youths, Christians and Hindu both, are in close contacts of RSS, many of whom are Shakha-goers. They are the silent spokespersons and ambassadors of RSS and BJP in Nagaland.

iv. The Central Government, right from President, Prime Minister and whole Central Cabinet, are manned by BJP leaders who, with no exception, are committed swayamsewak of RSS also.

v. These RSS men in BJP organisation at the helm of affairs in BJP ruled Central Government have brought unprecedented all round development in Nagaland without making any discrimination based on caste, creed and religion.

Our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and their cabinet colleagues have tried their best to solve problem of

Naga insurgency. The Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 by Th. Muivah and R N Ravi, Assistant National Security Advisorand Interlocutor in presence of Shri Narendra Bhai Modi ji, Home Minister RajnathSingh and BJP National President Amit Shah. For better coordination and sincere effort, Shri Ravi was released from PMO and posted in Kohima as Governor of Nagaland. It was a best opportunity for Nagas to solve so-called Naga problem. Shri Ravi with rich experience tried his level best and even reached upto Khonoma. He demolished Designated Camps which had become centre for anti-social elements that too on government expenditure. He controlled extortion and illegal collection of money by militants at all entry check gates of all towns of Nagaland. He controlled free movement of armed militants masquerading as ‘national worker’ with lethal weapons. The corruption was brought to a considerable low.As a result, peace and harmony prevailed in Nagaland. People of Nagaland were happy and took a sigh of relief. Delhi poured extra money and development in Nagaland took a considerable pace but Muivahwas unhappy for obvious reasons and said he would not talk to Delhi unless Ravi was removed. To end this impasse and encourage Muivah to come forward for permanent solution, he was transferred out as Governor of Tamilnadu. Ravi left Kohima with heavy heart.

The behavior of Muivah has not gone unnoticed by Delhi. Delhi is also not

unaware of dubious role of some Kohima political leaders. Unlike PMOs under Manmohan Singh and all previous Congress Prime Ministers, there is no lack of information in today’s PMO under Shri Modi ji. Home Minister Amit Shah ji is also fully armed with all sorts of information with regard to every aspect of Naga insurgency. The role played by Church is also unearthed.

The hoax of i. unique history ii. greater Nagaland iii. separate flag iv. separate constitution and v. separate Nagaland,will no longer work. The daydream of Christian solidarity with Christian countries advanced by Church for separate Nagaland has disappeared.

These unhappy incidents caused a great setback to sincere efforts of Modi ji for bringing permanent solution to Naga problem. RSS too played its constructive role in bringing out peace in Nagaland.

The behavior of Muivah and his lieutenantshas caused road-block.

On the eve of assembly election on February

to improve the advertising and publicity for nutritious food. Highly processed food receives a lot of publicity funds from private companies.

In 2010, the World Bank launched the South Asia Food and Nutrition Security Initiative (SAFANSI) to address the challenge of malnutrition. However, in ten years of its existence, it does not seem to have much difference to the nutritional status of these countries.

South Asian agriculture is extremely vulnerable to climate change. In February 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published the Sixth Assessment Report. It projects a 2% loss of GDP for South Asian nations by 2050 and about 9% by 2100 in a business-as-usual scenario. Heat waves are projected to be longer and more intense. We have already seen the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022. It is estimated to have caused damage of $30.2 billion, about 4.8% of its GDP. Some 8.4 million people have been pushed below the poverty line. In Bangladesh also, about 7.2 million people were affected by flash floods in May and July 2022.

In the interest of their citizens, South Asian nations should have no option but to work together to develop climate mitigation policies. The vast masses of poor living in the region are in no position to bear the brunt of climate change. Collaboration rather than confrontation is the need of the hour. Liberal trade among south Asian nations can be a boon to the poor in these countries.

Siraj Hussain (The Wire)

27, 2023, the syndicate of Church and militant organisations have once again surfaced and become vocal. They have to do it because they are paid for that.

At this stage, every member of Naga samaj particularly the conscious youths are required to pause for a while and think what way to go and whom to vote. They have to think – “By voting which party to rule the state, an emulate of Himant Biswa Sarma of Assam or Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh can emerge from Naga Samaj in Nagaland.”As a life-long worker of RSS who has spent forty years of his prime life in service of Nagas of Nagaland stationed at Kohima, I can assure you, “ RSS and its affiliate organisations including BJP have only one mission –“Building Nagaland economically and culturally strong and a most peaceful state in the country.” Thus, the ball is in your court. Remember, BJP Government in Delhi does not want to go in Kashmir way in Nagaland to avoid unpleasant incidents.

Jagdamba Mall

Power outage

Sir, With the exams of HSLC and HSSLC knocking on the door, the frequent power outage in many parts of Dimapur is proving to be a huge hindrance for the students who are studying for their exams. The authority should acknowledge the fact that it is a crucial time for the students and set a time routine of the outage if needed, so that students can administer their study time accordingly.

T. Kikon Kushiabill,

Dimapur

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.

My colleagues in Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), Dr Nisha Taneja and Samridhi Bimal

SNIPPETS

Land

mine found

near J-K Army post POONCH/JAMMU, JAN 21 (PTI): A land mine was found near an Army post and subsequently destroyed in a controlled explosion in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Poonch Saturday, officials said. Powerful explosive device, believed to be very old, was noticed by the Army personnel near Makhi post in the Karmara area, they said. It was safely taken to an isolated place by bomb disposal squad experts and was blasted in a controlled explosion without causing any damage, the officials said.

Girl killed by stepmother in UP

BAREILLY (UP), JAN 21 (PTI): A seven-year-old girl was allegedly strangled by her stepmother in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, police said on Saturday. In his complaint to the police, the victim’s father accused his wife of killing his daughter from his first marriage, SP (Rural) Rajkumar Aggarwal said. The accused, Bharti, admitted to committing the murder and has been arrested, he added.

Punjab cop arrested on bribery charge

CHANDIGARH, JAN 21 (PTI): A police inspector posted in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district was arrested in a bribery case, the Vigilance Bureau said on Saturday. Baljit Singh was caught while accepting a bribe of Rs 7 lakh, it said in a statement. Singh was arrested on the basis of a complaint by Sharnjit Singh Jimmi, a resident of Kharar in Mohali. Jimmi alleged that Singh had demanded Rs 10 lakh to get exemptions for his parents from appearances in a court case.

Rajnath Singh addresses NCC cadets

NEW DELHI, JAN 21

(PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the government is making every possible effort that no stone is left unturned to equip the country to deal with challenges which may arise due to the “fast-evolving global security scenario”.

During his address to a large number of cadets who are taking part in a Republic Day NCC Camp here, he described the country’s foolproof security infrastructure as one of the best examples of teamwork, and asserted that “if there is ever a need to fight a war, the whole country will be behind our armed forces”.

“It is the result of teamwork that India has defeated its enemies in the past and won many wars,” Singh said. He also asserted that while the armed forces are protecting the nation from all kinds of threats, scientists, engineers, civil officers and others are providing support by moving shoulder-to-shoulder with them.

“If there is ever a need to fight a war, the whole country will be behind our armed forces. It is the result of teamwork that India has defeated its enemies in the past and won many wars,” he said.

During the address, Singh also called upon the youth to eliminate the concept of “use and throw”, pointing out that directly or indirectly, society and the environment suffer the most due to this practice, according to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry.

The Union minister

also emphasised on the need to mould oneself according to the changing times.

“No stone is being left unturned by the government to equip the nation to deal with challenges that may arise due to the fast-evolving global security scenario,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

He, however, maintained that while changing with time is essential, staying connected with the country’s glorious past is equally important.

“The aim is to build a strong and prosperous India,

rooted in its culture and traditions,” Singh said.

He addressed the cadets during his visit to the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment, and also gave away Raksha Mantri Padak and Commendation Cards to many cadets for their exemplary performance and devotion to duty.

“This year, the Raksha Mantri Padak was awarded to Under Officer Tinggeuchile Nriame of North Eastern Region Directorate and Cadet Avinash Jangir of Rajasthan Directorate,” the statement said.

“The Raksha Mantri Commendation Cards were awarded to Captain Pratap Keshari Harichandan of Odisha Directorate, Cadet Under Officer Jenny Francina Victor Anand of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Directorate, Cadet Fiza Shafi of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate and Cadet Sehwag Rana of Uttarakhand Directorate,” it said.

Vande Bharat pelted with stones in Bihar again

KATIHAR, JAN 21 (PTI):

In yet another incident of its kind in Bihar, the Vande Bharat Express was pelted with stones while passing through Katihar district, a railway official said on Saturday.

The latest incident was reported Friday evening by a passenger of train number 22302 running from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, senior security commissioner of Katihar railway division Kamal Singh said.

“The passenger complained to the train escort party that a stone has hit the coach, at 1625 hours. The place of occurrence was between Dalkhola and Telta stations, in Balrampur police station area of the district”, said official.

At Dalkhola railway officers inspected the bogey and found cracks in a window pane.

The police station concerned was subsequently informed with the request to inquire into the incident.

Teachers recruitment scam: ED arrests TMC youth leader

“We have arrested Kuntal Ghosh this morning for not cooperating with our officers investigating his involvement in illegal appointments in teachers recruitment scam. We will produce him at a city court today,” the official told PTI.

KOLKATA, JAN 21 (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday arrested Trinamool Congress youth leader Kuntal Ghosh for his alleged involvement in teachers recruitment scam, a senior official said.

Ghosh was first detained on Saturday morning by ED sleuths following overnight search operations at his apartment in Chinar Park area and then arrested , the official said.

The area, near the city airport, falls under North 24 Parganas district.

Several documents and a diary were also seized from Ghosh’s twin flats during the search operations by the ED which started on Friday morning, he added.

Later talking about Ghosh’s alleged involvement in the scam, the ED personnel said that the arrested TMC leader has been involved in “collecting” money from aspirants for the teachers’ jobs.

The central agency officer also hinted at the involvement of a few senior “people” in the state government for whom “Ghosh has been working and collecting money for recruiting people for the teachers’ job in the state.

Demolition of unsafe buildings resumes in subsidence-hit Joshimath Rahul Gandhi capable to be India’s PM: Sanjay Raut

DEHRADUN, JAN 21

(PTI): Demolition of ‘unsafe’ buildings in subsidence-hit Joshimath in Uttarakhand resumed on Saturday as the weather improved.

Snowfall and rain in various parts of Uttarakhand on Friday had intensified the cold, adding to the woes of people of Joshimath living in temporary relief camps.

“Dismantling of unsafe hotels and houses in Joshimath has been temporarily halted due to bad weather,” Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu

Khurana had said.

According to officials, 849 houses in Joshimath have developed cracks following land subsidence and 269 families have been moved to temporary relief centres.

On Saturday, drilling machines and bulldozers were back to dismantle hotels -- Malari Inn and Mount View -- and the PWD’s inspection bungalow as weather cleared in the morning.

“Providing relief to affected people in Joshimath is among the top priorities of Chief Minister Pushkar

Singh Dhami at present,” an official release here said.

Adequate arrangements have been made at temporary relief centres for the affected people to protect them from cold.

Heaters and blowers have been supplied to 76 families, thermal wears to 110 people, hot water bottles to 175, woollen caps to 516, warm socks to 280 and shawls to 196 people, it said.

Foodgrain kits have been supplied to 771 people, blankets to 601 and daily use kits to 114, the release added.

JAMMU, JAN 21 (PTI):

Shiv Sen (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra is capable to be the prime minister of India and no third front will be successful sans the grand old party.

He said the purpose of Gandhi’s Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir is to remove the hatred and fear and not to unite the opposition parties under the banner of his party.

“Ideological and political differences apart, he (Gandhi) will show his leadership qualities and will be a big challenge (for the ruling BJP in 2024 general

elections). He will make a miracle,” the Member of Parliament told reporters here.

Raut, who walked for nearly 13-km alongside Gandhi between Hatli Morh and Chandwal amid rain on Friday, said the BJP has spread a wrong notion about the Congress leader but this Yatra has busted all their myths about him.

“Why not?” he said when asked whether Gandhi is capable of becoming the prime minister of India.

“Not everyone can walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, covering a distance of over 3,500 kms. It needs a lot of determination and love for the country.

He has shown his concern for the country and I do not see any politics in this Yatra,” the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader said.

However, he said Gandhi himself has been saying that he is not willing to be the prime minister but “when people want to see him on the top post, he will be left with no choice”.

Rejecting the idea of a third front without the Congress, Raut said the grand old party has a lot of weight and has presence in every nook and corner of the country. “No third front can be successful without Congress, this time it has a low number of MPs but the situation is going to change in 2024.”

Academy Thahekhu, Dimapur

Science Teacher (B.Sc/ B.Com)

Assistant Teacher (B.A)

candidates are to WhatsApp their resume & Documents to 9612204737/ 8837006572 before 26th Jan, 2023.

will be called for interview after screening of Bio-Data. dp-330/23

- from Zunheboto) Interested

send

detailed resume to directoratedan@ yahoo.com . Walk in Interviews will be held on 24-01-2023 at DAN Office, Carmel HSS Campus, Chekiye Village. Contact: 8119014660

Rajnath Singh takes the salute during his visit to NCC Republic Day Parade 2023 camp in New Delhi, Saturday. (PTI)

Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Raut during Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Says govt ensuring to equip nation to deal with challenges

Kuntal Ghosh being produced before a court. (PTI)

Govt may extend PLI to more sectors

sources said.

A proposal to extend PLI scheme benefits to different sectors such as toys and leather are at advanced stages of finalisation and there is a likelihood that it may figure in Budget, they added.

One of the sources said there are some savings from this `2 lakh crore which could be considered for other sectors.

NEW DELHI, JAN 21

(PTI): The government is likely to extend fiscal incentives for production of toys, bicycles and leather and footwear in the forthcoming budget as it looks to expand production linked incentive (PLI) scheme to cover more high-employment potential sectors, sources said.

The government has already rolled out the scheme with an outlay of

about ` 2 lakh crore for as many as 14 sectors, including automobiles and auto components, white goods, pharma, textiles, food products, high efficiency solar PV modules, advance chemistry cell and speciality steel.

The scheme aims to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and create global champions in manufacturing, and it is yielding solid results,

KPC observes foundation day

DIMAPUR: Kohima Press Club (KPC) observed its 22nd foundation day on January 20, at LCS Building, Kohima.

Speaking at the event, KPC president, Alice Yhoshü recalled how the Club came into being 22 years ago, initiated by few journalists who had deep and genuine concern for the welfare of the Press fraternity in the state Capital. Today, the club has become the oldest Press Club in Nagaland, she said.

She thanked the pioneers and former leaders of the Club for their efforts in building the press fraternity in Kohima.

Yhoshü also called upon the members to recommit to uphold journalistic ethics, and continue to remain steadfast in the dignified objectives of truth and information as a responsibility and service to the

people and society.

One of the founding members and advisor of the Club, Kopeloe Krome also recalled the formation of the club by a handful of journalists and narrated the struggles underwent by journalists at that point of time with no computers, internet and mobile phones.

Krome urged the media fraternity to be serious about their profession by upholding the ethics of journalism. During the programme, a minute of silence were observed in memory of the Club’s treasurer Rüülhoutuonuo Theünuo, who passed away on January 20, 2022. The programme was chaired by Loreni Tsanglao, who also urged the members to rededicate themselves to the profession by following the ethics of journalism and be a true mediator between the people and the government.

Budget for 2023-24 is scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1.

The PLI scheme is aimed at making Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attracting investment in the areas of core competency and cutting-edge technology; ensuring efficiencies; creating economies of scale; enhancing exports and making India an integral part of the global supply chain.

Tata Motors launch new pickup ‘Yodha EX’

DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN): Dimapur Diesels has set a new benchmark in Nagaland’s rapidly growing pickup segment with the launch of the Yodha EX.

The rugged and tough pickups come with bold new design and offer the most awaited feature to the customer with Independent Front Coil Spring Suspension along with several modern features essential for a safe and comfortable drive.

Launching the new

range of pickups, T.K. Angami, Executive Director of Dimapur Diesels along with Tata Motors team said, “our Small Commercial Vehicles are renowned for providing livelihoods to millions of customers and enabling their success”. He added that the introduction of these new-age pickups reiterates our commitment to always empower and equip the customers with best-in-class vehicle to deliver more progress and success.

Norms eased for some sectors under EPCG

for EPCG authorisations issued to them.

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): In a relief to exporters from hotel, healthcare, and educational sectors, the government on Friday announced a one-time relaxation for them with respect to maintaining the average export obligation under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme. Under the scheme, imports of capital goods are allowed duty free, subject to an export obligation. The latest relaxation will be available for hotel, healthcare, and

educational sectors, the commerce ministry said in a statement.

“This relaxation has been provided in light of the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief will help the hotel, healthcare and educational sectors to cope with the negative impact of the pandemic on their export activities,” the statement said.

For 2020-21 and 202122, these sectors will not be required to maintain the average export obligation

“The government has announced a one-time relaxation from maintaining the average export obligation and an option to extend the export obligation period for certain sectors under the EPCG scheme,” it said. These sectors will also have the option to extend the export obligation period for a longer duration without having to pay any additional fees.

“This extension will be granted without payment of composition fees. However, for EPCG authorisations issued for sectors other than hotel, healthcare and educational, the export obligation period may be extended for the number of days the existing export obligation period falls within February 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021,” it added.

(From p-1)

Gov directs DC Mon to ... Crypto lending platform Genesis files for bankruptcy

Giving his opinion on the PowerPoint presentation by Health and Family Welfare, School Education and PHE departments, Mukhi said Jal Jeevan Mission facilitating the supply of water to the 142 villages in Mon may look like a minor issue, but water the basic need for everybody and the scheme was very significant.

Mukhi, while advising the government employees as a friend and not as the governor, said they were very fortunate since they were blessed with prestige and power and less than one per cent of the population had that privilege.

He said a government employee has an additional moral responsibility since he/she was highly regarded and had the knowledge to guide and help, adding that job satisfaction was derived through doing something good for the people.

Also addressing the gathering, DC Mon Ajit Kumar Verma said Mon had the potential in village Tourism since most tourists visit the district due to the location and also the good culture of the people. He also said that handicrafts and handloom had potential in the district.

Self Help Groups under the National Livelihood Mission set up stalls at the venue in Longwa while cultural troupes gave two cultural presentations.

BJP in alliance with separatist...

(From p-1)

“In the eyes and mind of BJP, the aspirations of Nagaland public are not important. Disregarding public demand for implementation of agreed political solutions, they have announced election as is desired by NDPP and NSCN (I-M), blaming division of Naga insurgents. We do not know what more to talk about Nagaland. Their calculation may be money and power can buy Nagaland voters,” Therie alleged.

NEW DELHI, JAN 20 (IANS): Popular cryptocurrency broker Genesis has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following the meltdown of the FTX exchange, media reports said. According to bankruptcy documents, the company listed over 1,00,000 creditors in a “mega” bankruptcy filing, with aggregate liabilities ranging from $1.2 billion to $11 billion, reports CNBC.

Genesis is part of the US-based venture capital firm Digital Currency Group (DCG), which also owns cryptocurrency asset manag er Greyscale and crypto-focused news outlet CoinDesk.

“We look forward to advancing our dialogue with DCG and our creditors’ advisors as we seek to implement a path to maximise value and provide the best opportunity for our business to emerge well-positioned for the future,” Genesis interim CEO Derar Islim was quoted as saying.

Commerce Ministry relaxes EPCG norms

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): In a relief to exporters from hotel, healthcare, and educational sectors, the government on Friday announced a one-time relaxation for them with respect to maintaining the average export obligation under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme. Under the scheme, imports of capital goods are allowed duty free, subject to an export obligation.

The latest relaxation will be available for hotel,

healthcare, and educational sectors, the commerce ministry said in a statement.

“This relaxation has been provided in light of the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief will help the hotel, healthcare and educational sectors to cope with the negative impact of the pandemic on their export activities,” the statement said.

For 2020-21 and 202122, these sectors will not be required to maintain the

average export obligation for EPCG authorisations issued to them. “The government has announced a one-time relaxation from maintaining the average export obligation and an option to extend the export obligation period for certain sectors under the EPCG scheme,” it said. These sectors will also have the option to extend the export obligation period for a longer duration without having to pay any additional fees.

Tata Motors officials and others at the launching of Yodha EX.

Brazilian prez to meet Biden at White House

WASHINGTON, JAN 21 (PTI): Newly elected Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will meet his American counterpart Joe Biden at the White House early next month, an administration official said. While the official did not confirm the dates for the visit, Brazilian media reports said the two leaders would meet on February 10.

Flu case numbers in Japan surge

TOKYO, JAN 21 (IANS):

The average number of flu patients per medical institution in Japan in the week through January 15 came to 7.37, signaling the beginning of an epidemic, a health ministry survey said. About 5,000 medical institutions in all of Japan’s 47 prefectures reported 36,388 cases of seasonal flu during the seven-day period, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases said. The nationwide per-institution figure was more than 1.5 times that of the previous week, while the tally of influenza patients across the country is estimated to stand at about 257,000, reports Xinhua news agency.

4 booked for torturing fellow student in Pak

LAHORE, JAN 21 (PTI): Four girl students have been booked by police here in Pakistan’s Punjab provincial capital for allegedly torturing a fellow girl student on the issue of drugs at a top private school here, prompting authorities to launch an investigation. The incident took place on January 16 at the American International School located in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Lahore.

Powerful earthquake hits north Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, JAN 21 (AP): A powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook northern Argentina but there were no immediate reports of damages. The quake struck at 8:09 pm local time Friday with its epicentre about 15 miles (24 kilometres) southwest of the town of Campo Gallo in Santiago del Estero province. Its depth was 610 kilometres. Authorities and local media reported no damages or deaths.

17,000 weapons surrendered in Australia

CANBERRA, JAN 21 (IANS): More than 17,000 weapons were surrendered in the first year of Australia’s permanent national firearms amnesty, the government revealed on Saturday. The government released the first annual report on the amnesty program, which allows Australians to hand in unregistered, illegal or unwanted weapons without facing punishment, revealing 17,543 weapons were surrendered in the first 12 months, reports Xinhua news agency.

2,300 active & working employees at Twitter

SAN FRANCISCO, JAN 21 (IANS): After a report claimed that Twitter is down to 1,300 full-time active employees from more than 7,500 last year, its CEO Elon Musk on Saturday refuted the report, saying the micro-blogging platform has nearly 2,300 active working employees.

A CNBC report, citing internal documents, claimed that Twitter is down to fewer than 550 full-time engineers, and the company has fired about 80 per cent of its employees since Musk took over. It added that nearly 75 of the company’s 1,300 employees are on leave, including about 40 engineers.

Chris Hipkins to be New Zealand’s next PM

agement role. But he and other liberals have long been in the shadow of Ardern, who became a global icon of the left and exemplified a new style of leadership.

Palestinian who tried to stab Israeli fatally shot

JERUSALEM, JAN 21 (AP): A Palestinian militant allegedly tried to stab an Israeli in the occupied West Bank on Saturday and the Israeli shot and killed the Palestinian.

Defence chiefs fail to resolve dispute on tanks for Ukraine

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE (GERMANY), JAN 21 (AP): Ukraine will have to wait longer to find out if it will get advanced Germanmade battle tanks.

Hipkins, 44, must still garner an endorsement Sunday from his Labour Party colleagues, but that is just a formality now. An official transfer of power will come in the days to follow.

“It’s a big day for a boy from the Hutt,” Hipkins said, referring to the Hutt Valley near Wellington where he grew up. “I’m really humbled and really proud to be taking this on. It is the biggest responsibility and the biggest privilege of my life.”

Ardern shocked the nation of 5 million people on Thursday when she announced she was resigning after five-and-a-half years

Chris Hipkins

in the top role. The lack of other candidates indicated party lawmakers had rallied behind Hipkins to avoid a drawn-out contest and any sign of disunity following Ardern’s departure.

Hipkins will have only a little more than eight months in the role before contesting a general election. Opinion polls have indicated that Labour is trailing its main opponent, the conservative National Party.

Hipkins rose to public prominence during the coronavirus pandemic, when he took on a kind of crisis man-

UK offers backing for special tribunal on Russian war crimes

Just 37 when she became leader, Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that previous New Zealand leaders hadn’t faced. Online, she was subject to physical threats and misogynistic rants.

“I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It is that simple,” she said.

Besides holding the education portfolio, Hipkins is also minister for police and the public service, and leader of the House.

The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the Palestinian man as Tariq Maali and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group later claimed him as a member. The health ministry said he was shot northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Saturday’s death was the latest in months of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Tensions have soared in the West Bank, where the Israeli military has been conducting nearnightly arrest raids since last spring after a wave of Palestinian attacks against Israelis killed 19 people. Another 10 Israelis were killed in a second string of attacks later last year.

A dispute over sending the tanks from Western allies to help Ukraine against Russia’s invasion played out both in public and private on Friday, as more than 50 defence leaders meeting in Germany failed to hammer out an agreement — stalled by Berlin’s hesitation. Failure to reach an agreement on what has become an urgent request from Ukrainian leaders largely overshadowed commitments from a number of nations — including the US — to send billions of dollars in equipment and weapons to the war effort.

While US and NATO leaders denied any dissension in the ranks and praised Germany for its widespread weapons and training contributions to Ukraine, a smaller group

of leaders met privately with the Germans to try to find common ground. They were unable to forge a consensus on sending the German-made Leopard tanks.

Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said Friday that 15 countries that have the Leopards discussed the issue but no decisions were made. He called the meeting a “good discussion among allies” and said the matter would be discussed again at future talks.

Germany would need to agree for the tanks to be given to Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO.

Despite pleas from Ukrainian officials, Germany has so far resisted mounting pressure to quickly supply Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv, or at least clear the way for other countries, such as Poland, to deliver them from their own stocks.

Asked at the close of the Friday meeting wheth-

er Germany was “doing enough”, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin responded, “Yes, but we can all do more.”

“They are a reliable ally and they’ve been that way for for a very, very long time,” he said. “And I truly believe that they’ll continue to be a reliable ally going forward.”

Austin also downplayed the immediate importance of tanks, noting that the US Stryker combat vehicles and Bradley armoured vehicles that are being sent would give Ukraine new capabilities in the war. “This isn’t really about one single platform,” he said. The defence leaders heard an impassioned plea for more military aid from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking via video link, he told the gathering that “terror does not allow for discussion”. He said “the war started by Russia does not allow delays”.

German caution on Ukraine arms rooted in political culture

BERLIN, JAN 21 (AP):

Germany has become one of Ukraine’s leading weapons suppliers in the 11 months since Russia’s invasion, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz also has gained a reputation for hesitating to take each new step — generating impatience among allies.

LONDON, JAN 21(AGENCIES): The British government accepted Ukraine’s invitation to join an international group that is working to create a mechanism to ensure the accountability of Russian officials involved in war crimes against Ukraine, and also called on the G7 countries leaders to pitch in.

“Russia’s war crimes must not go unpunished,” UK foreign secretary James Cleverly said, reports the voice of Ukraine.

“That is why Britain has accepted Ukraine’s invitation to join this coalition bringing our legal expertise to the table to explore options to ensure Russia’s leaders are held to account.”

However, some UK lawyers fear that the creation of a special tribunal may undermine the credibility of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, so they have resisted such a proposal.

Berlin’s perceived footdragging, most recently on the Leopard 2 battle tanks that Kyiv has long sought, is rooted at least partly in a post-World War II political culture of military caution, along with present-day worries about a possible escalation in the war.

On Friday, Germany inched closer to a decision to deliver the tanks, ordering a review of its Leopard stocks in preparation for a possible green light.

There was still no commitment, however. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius rejected the suggestion that Germany was standing in

the way but said, “we have to balance all the pros and cons before we decide things like that, just like that.”

It’s a pattern that has been repeated over the months as Scholz first held off pledging new, heavier equipment, then eventually agreed to do so.

Most recently, Germany said in early January that it would send 40 Marder armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine — doing so in a joint announcement with the US, which pledged 50 Bradley armoured vehicles.

That decision followed months of calls for Berlin to

send the Marder and stoked pressure for it to move up another step to the Leopard tank.

“There is a discrepancy between the actual size of the commitment and weapons deliveries — it’s the second-largest European supplier — and the hesitancy with which it is done,” said Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff, a Berlin-based senior analyst with the German Marshall Fund of the United States think tank. Scholz, an unshakably self-confident politician with a stubborn streak and little taste for bowing to public calls for action,

Despite tear gas, Peru protesters vow to keep demonstrating

LIMA, PERU, JAN 21 (AP): Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Peru’s capital Friday and were met with volleys of tear gas for the second straight day, as demonstrators made clear they will keep up their mobilizations to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte.

Many of the protesters in Lima had arrived from remote Andean regions, where dozens have died amid unrest that has engulfed large portions of the country since Pedro Castillo, Peru’s first leader from a rural Andean background, was impeached and imprisoned after he tried to dissolve Congress last month.

Until recently, the protests had been mainly in Peru’s southern region, with a total of 55 people killed and 700 injured in the unrest, largely in clashes with

security forces.

Protesters now want Lima, home to around onethird of Peru’s population of 34 million, to be the focal point of the demonstrations that began when Boluarte, who was then vice president, was sworn into office on Dec. 7 to replace Castillo.

The protests sparked the worst political violence in

the country has seen in more than two decades.

At the beginning of the Friday’s protests, the demonstrators seemed more organized than the previous day and they took over key roads in downtown Lima waving flags while chanting, “The spilled blood will never ben forgotten,” “The people don’t give up,” and other

slogans. Police appeared more combative than the day before and after standing watch over protesters that had been blocked into downtown streets they started firing volleys of tear gas.

The firing of tear gas also appeared more indiscriminate. A group of protesters who were sitting in a plaza in front of the Supreme Court without causing a disturbance suddenly had to start running as approaching police fired round after round of tear gas that filled the area with smoke and a pungent smell permeated the air.

Anger at law enforcement was a constant throughout the march as demonstrators yelled “murderers” when they passed rows of police officers wearing helmets and holding up shields.

A few blocks away, Do-

‘Foreign shipping lines may stop services for Pakistan’

ISLAMABAD, JAN 21 (PTI): Shipping agents have warned the cash-strapped Pakistan government that all exports could come to a halt as foreign shipping lines are considering stopping their services for the country after banks stopped remitting freight charges to them due to a lack of dollar availability, according to a media report on Saturday. Apart from bordering countries, almost all the international logistics from Pakistan are catered by sea and any disruption could create serious issues for the country’s international trade, Pakistan Ship’s Agents Association (PSAA) chairman Abdul Rauf warned Finance Minister

Ishaq Dar through a letter.

“If the international trade is stopped the economic situation will worsen,” the association warned, adding that the foreign shipping lines are already considering winding up their services in Pakistan due to reduced cargo volumes.

The PSAA chairman also wrote letters to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Namar, and Maritime Affairs Minister Faisal Sabzwari, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Rauf requested the ministries and departments concerned to intervene to ensure continuity in Pakistan’s seaborne trade by al-

lowing outward remittance of surplus freight amounts to respective foreign shipping lines forthwith.

“Due to discontinuation of outward remittance of surplus freight amounts to respective foreign shipping lines, was hampering Pakistan’s seaborne trade which is heavily dependent on foreign shipping lines,” the letter added.

Rehman Malik, who has been working as an agent and is a member of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association, said he had never seen a worse time in the last 40 years of his working in the field.

Maqbool Malik, who is Chairman of the customs association, said thousands

of containers were stranded because of a shortage of dollars.

However, the crisis relates to the export cargoes as all the outward trade from Pakistan is containerbased, as there are no liquid or grain exports from the country. The state-owned Pakistan National Shipping Company (PNSC) only handles imports of crude oil and other petroleum fuel through its 12 vessels.

Analysts say the reserves are just enough for one month of imports.

The annual freight bill of Pakistan is around USD 5 billion, and foreign companies receive the charges in international currencies mainly the “greenback”.

ris Pacori, 56, stood between police officers and protesters who had been blocked from reaching Congress.

“They are servants of the corrupt, cowards with them but abusive with the people,” Pacori, who held a sign that read, “Dina murderer.”

has stuck resolutely to his approach. He has said that Germany won’t go in alone on weapons decisions and pointed to the need to avoid NATO becoming a direct party to the war with Russia.

As pressure mounted last week, he declared that he wouldn’t be rushed into important security decisions by “excited comments.” And he insisted that a majority in Germany supports his government’s “calm, well-considered and careful” decision-making.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Scholz listed some of the equipment Germany has sent to Ukraine, declaring that it marks “a profound turning point in German foreign and security policy.”

That is, at least to some extent, true. Germany refused to provide lethal weapons before the invasion started, reflecting a political culture rooted in part in the

memory of Germany’s own history of aggression during the 20th century — including the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.

“No German chancellor, of no party, wants to be seen out front in pushing a military agenda — you want to try all other options before you resort to that,” Kleine-Brockhoff said. “And therefore for domestic consumption, it is seen as a positive thing for a German chancellor not to lead on this, to be cautious, to be resistant, to have tried all other options.”

Scholz does face calls from Germany’s centreright opposition and some in his three-party governing coalition to be more proactive on military aid; less so from his own centre-left Social Democratic Party, which for decades was steeped in the legacy of Cold War rapprochement pursued by predecessor Willy Brandt in the early 1970s.

One Day Penalty Shoot Out Organized By Aoyimsen

Lanur Telongjem

Date : 26/01/2023

1st - Rs. 10,000/-

2nd - Rs. 7,000/Best Goalkeeper - Rs. 1,000/Reg. Fee - Rs. 1,000/-

Venue : Aoyimsen Panchayat Cum Multy Utility Hall

Christina Memorial Higher Secondary School extends its warm invitation to the –Alumni, Former Faculty, Staff & Workers in celebrating its 25th Silver Jubilee.

CHRISTINA MEMORIAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL

AOYIMTI, 2½ MILE, DIMAPUR

Silver Jubilee Program

Theme : Refine lives - The Hope of Tomorrow

Chief Guest : Dr. S.C. Jamir, Padma Bhushan, Former Chief Minister of Nagaland & Former Governor

Date : 31st January 2023

Time : 10:00 AM

Venue : CMHSS Campus

Host/Hostess : i) Mr. Hikato Chishi ii) Miss. Suyimsangla Lkr

UNVEILING OF THE MONOLITH & INAUGURATION OF JUBILEE HALL BY: Chief Guest

DEDICATORY PRAYER BY: Mr. Temsü Jamir, Pastor, Aoyimti Baptist Arogo

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, JAN 21 (AP):

Education Minister Chris Hipkins is set to become New Zealand’s next prime minister after he was the only candidate to enter the contest Saturday to replace Jacinda Ardern.

Mass burial of people killed by the Russian invaders. (The Guardian)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with soldiers. (AP)

Police clash with anti-government protesters in Lima, Peru, Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. (AP)

Guwahati braces for musical extravaganza

Rare dinosaur nests found in Narmada valley

Paleontologists have reported a rare discovery of closely located dinosaur nests and 256 eggs of the herbivorous titanosaurs in the Narmada valley in Madhya Pradesh.

Researchers from the Delhi University and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Mohanpur-Kolkata and Bhopal have also reported discovery of ovum-inovo or multi-shell eggs in Bagh and Kukshi areas in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.

The findings were published in PLoS One research journal this week by Harsha Dhiman, Vishal Verma, and Guntupalli Prasad, among others.

A study of the nests and eggs has revealed in-

Amusical extravaganza with piano as the focal theme will be the highlight of the sixth edition of Cadenza, a biennial concert, here on Sunday.

Compositions of Schubert, Beethoven, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Joe Hisaishi will be presented by over 90 children and internationally acclaimed musicians, noted pianist and founder of Cadenza Music Academy Promiti Phukan told PTI.

Varied presentations, including vocals, western classical, and popular songs, will also feature at the concert, she said.

Internationally acclaimed concert pianist,

conductor and composer Neecia Majolly and vocalist Girish Pradhan will participate in the event.

Majolly had recently won the gold for his composition at the World Classical Music Awards.

“It has been my dream to put up a show where budding musicians get a platform to showcase their talent and also get an opportunity to learn from the performances by renowned artistes”, Phukan said.

The first edition of Cadenza was held in 2013.

“Having artistes of international repute enhances the show and my young students get to learn so much from them--right

from professionalism to the craft,” she added.

Eminent pianist and Yamaha artiste Nise Meruno, said that it is a show that celebrates and brings together ‘’different forms of art -music, dance and visuals, truly making it a memorable one for everyone.”

Noted violinist Sunita Bhuyan, who has also performed at an earlier edition, said that Cadenza is an event that spreads positivity through music throughout the northeastern region. Singer Sumon Dutta said that Cadenza has enhanced the level of musical talent among the youth.

(PTI)

timate details about the lives of the long-necked sauropods that walked the region more than 66 million years ago.

“The eggs were found from the estuary formed at a place where the Tethys Sea merged with the Narmada when Seychelles had broken away from the Indian plate. The separation of Seychelles had led to the incursion of the Tethys Sea 400 kms inside the Narmada Valley,” Verma, who works in the Higher Secondary School, Bakaner, Dhar district, told PTI here. He said the nests found in the Narmada valley were close to each other. Generally the nests are located at some distance from each other.

Verma, considered

the driving force behind a series of discoveries of dinosaur fossils in Narmada, said the reason behind multi-shell eggs could be the inability of the mother to find favourable conditions for laying eggs.

‘USA Today’ names NTR Jr on its list of Best Actor Oscar hopefuls

Tollywood star and ‘RRR’ lead actor NTR Jr has been in the global limelight after the pan-India movie’s wins at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.

Now, in more good news for the talented actor (especially after the BAFTA snub for ‘RRR’), the website of the influential American publication ‘USA Today’ has shortlisted NTR Jr as one of the hottest contenders for a Best Actor Oscar.

The website has predicted that NTR Jr’s Komaram Bheem performance in ‘RRR’ will not go unnoticed by the Academy

when it gets down to vote for the shortlists.

Previously NTR Jr was also mentioned by ‘Variety’ among their unranked predictions for the 2023 Academy Awards, and now ‘USA Today’ has predicted that the Man of the Moment will be

among the nominees for Best Actor.

That’s good news for the film and its maker, S.S. Rajamouli, despite his recent statement that he makes films to earn money and not just to win awards.

On the work front, NTR Jr will begin shooting for his upcoming 30th and as-yet-untitled film, now only known as NTR30, directed by Koratala Siva of ‘Janatha Garage’ fame. The film will hit the cinemas on April 5, 2024. The actor also has NTR31 on the cards which will be helmed by ‘KGF’ director Prashanth Neel.

(IANS)

NASA’sGeotailmissionoperationscometoanendafter30years

After 30 years in orbit, mission operations for the joint NASAJAXA Geotail spacecraft have ended, after the failure of the spacecraft’s remaining data recorder. Since its launch on July 24, 1992, Geotail orbited Earth, gathering an immense dataset on the structure and dynamics of the magnetosphere, Earth’s protective magnetic bubble. Geotail was originally slated for a four-year run, but the mission was extended several times due to its high-quality data return, which contributed to over a thousand scientific publications.

While one of Geotail’s two data recorders failed in

2012, the second continued to work until experiencing an anomaly on June 28, 2022. After attempts to remotely repair the recorder failed, the mission operations were ended on November 28, 2022.

“Geotail has been a very productive satellite, and

it was the first joint NASAJAXA mission,” said Don Fairfield, emeritus space scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and NASA’s first project scientist for Geotail until his retirement in 2008. “The mission made important contribu -

tions to our understanding of how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field to produce magnetic storms and auroras.”

With an elongated orbit, Geotail sailed through the invisible boundaries of the magnetosphere, gathering data on the physical process at play there to help understand how the flow of energy and particles from the Sun reach Earth. Geotail made many scientific breakthroughs, including helping scientists understand how quickly material from the Sun passes into the magnetosphere, the physical processes at play at the magnetosphere’s boundary, and identifying oxygen, silicon,

sodium, and aluminum in the lunar atmosphere. The mission also helped identify the location of a process called magnetic reconnection, which is a major conveyor of material and energy from the Sun into the magnetosphere and one of the instigators of the aurora. This discovery laid the way for the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, which launched in 2015. Over the years, Geotail collaborated with many of NASA’s other space missions including MMS, Van Allen Probes, Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission, Cluster, and Wind. With an orbit that took it as far as

when an injury causes knee pain

Knee Exercises Is It Safe for Me to Exercise?

Are you worried that working out could cause more knee damage or pain?

As long as your doctor says it’s OK, the best thing you can do is to strengthen the muscles that support your knee and keep them flexible. Start slowly, and build up over time. Talk to your doctor about which specific exercises are good for you.

Warm Up First

You can ride a stationary bike for about 5 minutes, take a brisk 2-minute walk while pumping your arms, or do 15-20 wall push-ups followed by the same number of calf raises. Doing this will help you get more out of your workout, prepare you to stretch, and lower your risk of an injury.

1. Straight Leg Raises

If your knee’s not at its best, start with a simple strengthening exercise for your quadriceps, the muscles in the front of the thigh. This move puts little to no strain on the knee. Lie on your back on the floor or another flat surface. Bend one knee and place your foot flat on the floor. Keeping the other leg straight, raise it to the height of the opposite knee. Repeat

10-15 times for three sets.

2. Hamstring Curls

These are the muscles along the back of your thigh. Lie flat on your stomach. Slowly bring your heels as close to your butt as you can, and hold that position. Do three sets of 15. You can also do this exercise standing while you hold onto a chair and lift one leg at a time. If this becomes easy, you can add ankle weights, slowly increasing the weight from 1 to 3 to 5 pounds.

3. Prone Straight Leg Raises

Lie on your stomach with your legs straight. Tighten the muscles in your bottom and the hamstring of one leg, and lift toward the ceiling. Hold 3-5 seconds, lower, and repeat. Do 10-15 lifts and switch sides.

You can add ankle weights as you gain strength. You shouldn’t feel back pain. If you do, limit how high you lift up. If it still hurts, stop and talk to your doctor.

4. Wall Squats This is a more advanced move. You’ll keep your feet on the floor. Stand with your back against a wall, your feet about shoulder-width apart. Slowly bend your knees, and keep your back and pelvis against the wall. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Don’t bend too deeply. If you feel pressure or discomfort in your knees, change your position. Repeat the exercise, and try to hold the sit position a few seconds longer each time.

5. Calf Raises Stand facing the back of a sturdy chair, other sup-

port such as the back of a couch, or a wall bar at the gym. You can also do this on the stairs, holding on to the banister with your heels hanging off the edge of the step. Slowly raise the heels as high as you can, then lower. Do three sets of 1015. When it becomes easy, lift one foot slightly off the floor, with all your weight on the other foot.

6. Step-Ups

Place one foot on a step bench, platform, or the lowest step on a staircase. Keeping your pelvis level, bend your knee and slowly lower the opposite foot to the floor. Lightly touch your toe to the floor, then rise back up. Repeat 10-15 times, then switch legs. Too easy? Use a higher step, or touch your heel instead of your toe.

7. Side Leg Raises

Lie on one side with your legs stacked. Bend the bottom leg for support. Straighten the top leg and raise it to 45 degrees. Hold for 5 seconds, lower and relax briefly, then repeat 10-15 times. Switch sides and start over. Want to try a bit of a different spin on the move? Point the toe of your upper leg slightly toward the floor as you raise it.

8. Leg Presses Sit on a leg-press machine with your back and head against the support and your feet flat on the foot plate. Adjust the seat back so it’s comfortable. Slowly push the plate away from you until your legs are extended. Bend your knees and return to your starting position. Do three sets of 10-15 reps. (Ask a gym staff member for help the first time you do this.)

No-No’s for Your Knee

Exercise should never cause pain or make it worse. Remember: Muscle soreness after a hard workout is normal. But sharp, shooting, or sudden pain in the muscles or joints means you should stop and check with your doctor.

Knee-Friendly Cardio Gentle is good. So skip high-impact activities such as running or intense aerobics. Notice what feels right for you. For example, some people love elliptical machines, but others don’t. Swimming, jogging in water, or water aerobics are often great! Double-check with your doctor about your exercise plan.

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD

120,000 miles from Earth at times, Geotail helped provide complementary data from remote parts of the magnetosphere to give scientists a complete picture of how events seen in one area affect other regions. Geotail also paired with observations on the ground to confirm the location and mechanisms of how aurora form.

Although Geotail is done gathering new data, the scientific discoveries aren’t over. Scientists will continue to study Geotail’s data in the coming years.

(NASA)

“In such conditions, the eggs remain in the oviduct and the shell formation begins again. There could also have been instances of a dinosaur dying before laying eggs,” Verma said. The eggs,

which ranged between 15 cm and 17 cm in diameter, likely belonged to a number of titanosaur species. The number of eggs in each nest ranged from one to 20.

“During the field investigations carried out between 2017 and 2020, we found extensive hatcheries of dinosaurs in Bagh and Kukshi areas in Dhar District, MP, notably from the villages Akhada, Dholiya Raipuriya, Jhaba, Jamniapura, and Padlya,” the researchers said.

They said the region falls between the eastern most Lameta exposures at Jabalpur in upper Narmada in valley central India and Balasinor in the west in lower Narmada valley in western central India.

(PTI)

Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’ breaks Spotify’s all-time one-week record

Singer Miley Cyrus’a

‘Flowers’ has broken Spotify’s all-time oneweek record with 100 million streams in a single week.

The service announced Friday morning that, as of Thursday, ‘Flowers’ had become the most-streamed song in a seven-day period in Spotify history, reports ‘Variety’.

As of Friday morning, the latest update for Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’ streams on the site showed that it had racked up 101,838,799 stream since coming out late in the day on January 12. On Thursday, it reached the 100 million point faster than any other song ever has to date on Spotify. “It’s been incredible watching ‘Flowers’ break the record for most streams in a single week,” said Jana Coffey, Spotify’s artist & label partnerships lead, in a statement to Variety.

“The song was already off to an amazing start after its first day, and it’s only grown from there. Rather than seeing massive streams

on day one that decline throughout the week, each day since release has been bigger than the one before. Miley is back, and with her album ‘Endless Summer Vacation’ coming out in a few months this is just the beginning.” The previous record-holder for most Spotify streams in a week? BTS’ ‘Butter’, which very nearly made it to the 100 million mark in its first seven days. It set a then-record with 99.37 million Spotify streams in its first seven days on the platform’s stream counter, getting to the 100 million mark on its eighth day.

The giant results for ‘Flowers’ on Spotify bode extremely well for the odds of ‘Flowers’ coming out on top of the Billboard Hot 100 when that chart’s top 10 is announced on Monday.

‘Flowers’ has been seen as in hot competition with SZA’s multi-week riser “Kill Bill” to claim the Hot 100’s No. 1 spot away from the current leader, Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero.” (IANS)

GOVT. HIGH SCHOOL KIGWEMA Words of Gratitude

The teachers and students of Govt. High School Kigwema, would like to express our sincere gratitude to Brigadier Sandeep Kapoor, Commander 20 JAT 44 Mountain Brigade for contributing IT equipments under OP SADBHAVANA Project 2022-23 to our school.

The GHS Kigwema along with the Kigwema Village Council, Kigwema Youth Organization and Kigwema Students' Union wholeheartedly thank him and his subordinate officers and pray that the Almighty God bless them abundantly.

An artist’s concept of the Geotail spacecraft. (NASA)

Miley Cyrus

NTR Jr

Fossilised femur bone and fossilised eggs of titanosaur. (PTI)

ISL: CFC hold ATKMB to goalless draw

ment of the game came soon after the restart when Liston Colaco combined with Hugo Boumous to go through on goal. The winger managed to get his shot away, but it was saved by Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra, who had a composed day between the sticks, Chennaiyin attacker Vincy Barretto was the primary attacking outlet for his side, as the Mariners’ defence found it hard to cope with the relentless running of the Goan.

Both managers tried to shake things up with changes, but a goal couldn’t be found, for either side, as the game dragged out into a stalemate.

ICC recommends 6-team T20 events for 2028 Olympics

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): The International Cricket Council is still hopeful of the sport’s inclusion in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and has “recommended” six-team T20 events for both men and women to the Games’ organising committee.

A final decision on the inclusion of cricket will be taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) around October after the organisers finalise the list of new sports by March, stated a report in ESPNCricinfo.

Bokajan warriors lift 8th Unity Cup

DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (NPN): Bokajan warriors beat Borlengri Titans CC by 46 runs to lift the 8th Unity Cup T-20 Cricket Tournament organised by Nepali Baptist Church Chümoukedima Youth Sports Ministry at Chümoukedima Local Ground from January 7- 21, 2023.

Altogether, 28 teams took part in the tournament, which was held on the theme ‘Solidarity for Peace’.

The winning team walked away with cash prize of Rs. 30,000 along with running trophy while the runner-up received Rs. 20,000. Individual awards included Nabin Debnath

CHENNAI, JAN 21

(AGENCIES): Chennaiyin FC’s winless run extended to five games as it settled for a goalless draw against ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) in an Indian Super League fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.

The home side dominated the early exchanges,

with ATKMB’s attacking threat mostly limited to setpiece opportunities.

The first big chance of the game came in the first half for Anirudh Thapa, after a flighted cross by right-back Ajith Kumar found him unmarked at the ATKMB back post. But the Chennaiyin skipper could only place his side-footed

volley wide of the goal.

Chennaiyin FC 0-0 ATK Mohun Bagan highlights, ISL 2022-23: Chances aplenty as both teams share points after goalless draw The game opened up in the second half, with both teams finding it easier to bypass their opponent’s defence.

ATKMB’s best mo -

The draw meant Chennaiyin continued to be eighth in the league, with a three-point gap between it and the last playoff spot, currently occupied by FC Goa. With the point earned today, ATKMB inched closer to Kerala Blasters in third, with a point separating the two sides.

NAYSA-C holds women football trial

These will then be ratified at the IOC’s session in Mumbai, which is expected to take place around October this year, it added.

In a strategic move, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has been added to the ICC’s Olympics working group headed by ICC chairman Greg Barclay, and which also includes Indra Nooyi (independent director) and Paraag Marathe (former USA Cricket president).

of Bokajan warriors CC (best bowler and player of the tournament), Bikash of Hurricane CC (best batsman), Sagar of Ghorapatti Warriors (emerging player of the tournament).

Axelsen, Yamaguchi in India Open final

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi’s dominance continued as they stayed on course for a second successive title, progressing to the finals of the India Open Super 750 here on Saturday.

After world no.1 Yamaguchi beat Thailand’s defending champion Supa-

1st d e AT h Annivers A ry

nida Katethong 21-17 2116 in the women’s singles, Axelsen, also world no. 1, streamrolled fourth seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 21-6 21-12 in men’s event.

In the summit clash, Yamaguchi will face Korean An Seyoung in a repeat of last week’s Malaysia Open Super 750 final while

Axelsen is pitted against Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand. It was a no contest in men’s singles as Axelsen, who had more time to rest after Friday’s interrupted quarterfinals, smashed through the defence of a struggling Christie during the lop-sided 38 minute clash.

KOHIMA, JAN 21

(NPN): Northern Angami Youth & Sports Association (NAYSA) group-C organised a football trial for the women team during its 32nd Annual Sports Meet 2023, played at Zhadima village.

Players from 12 villages under NAYSA-C participated in the trial session. Altogether, 20 players were selected.

In his brief remark, the Northern Angami Youth & Sports Association president, Vizosielie Khoubve, said that equal importance should to be given to both men and women athletes.

In this regard,

WFI rejects allegations

NEW DELHI, JAN 21 (PTI): The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has rejected all the allegations, including that of sexual harassment against its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and claimed that the wrestlers’ protest was motivated by a “hidden agenda to dislodge the current management”. The WFI denied all the charges in its response to the government’s notice and asserted that “there is no scope for arbitrariness and mismanagement “ in the federation. The Sports Ministry had sought an explanation from WFI after the country’s top wrestlers sat on a dharna and alleged that the federation chief sexually harassed women wrestlers and acts like a “dictator”.

WFI assistant secretary suspended: The Sports Ministry on Saturday suspended Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, a fallout of the grapplers’ allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against the sports body’s chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The ministry also cancelled the Open championship, which was to begin in Sharan’s UP stronghold of Gonda. Sources in the ministry said Tomar’s presence will be “detrimental to the development of this highpriority discipline”. Sources also said that the soon-to-beformed oversight committee of the ministry will have the powers to take all decisions on matters concerning Indian wrestling.

Khoubve stressed the need to uplift women participation in sports.

Khoubve informed that the selected team would be participating in any upcoming sports event or trials.

He said more women football tournaments at both district and state levels should be organised to promote their participation in sports. He observed that given the chance and opportunities women athletes had a higher chance of getting recognition and avenues than their male counterparts.

The two-day event came to a closure with the football trial.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Your absence has left a void so deep and incomprehensible. Yet, your goodness and love will continue to live on with us. Thank you for holding on and for being strong until the very end.

Born : 06/08/1977 – died : 13/01/2023

We, the Wife,

& In Laws of Late dr.

imkong Tushi Ao, would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all who have helped us during our hour of need through constant prayers, words of encouragement, generous contributions, and for all the tireless help & support rendered.

We will ever remain grateful to each and every one of you.

Mrs. rowena Tushi, Children, Grandchildren & in Laws

Through this column, we the bereaved family members of Lt. Mrs. abenla Pongen would like to convey our Heartfelt Gratitude and sincere appreciation to all the Individuals, Friends, Neighbors and Well Wishers who comforted us through prayers and stood by us physically, morally, emotionally, spiritually and financially during her prolonged illness and sad demise on 13th January, 2023.

We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally, but it is our prayer that our Almighty God bless you all in Abundance. Your good deeds and gestures towards our family will never be forgotten.

Loving husband, son, daughter and relatives

Lt. Mrs. abenla Pongen

Our beloved father Mr. Krosa Kintso, peacefully left for his heavenly abode on this day, the 22nd January, 2022. You are gone but never forgotten. You are missed but always loved. You are not with us but we feel your spirit.

-Loving Children, Grandchildren

The memory of the righteous is a blessing. Proverbs 10:7

Players of Chennaiyin FC and ATK Mohun Bagan in action during ISL match in Chennai on Saturday.

NPCC secretary Akavi N Zhimomi graced the closing ceremony as special guest. Earlier, MB Aley, retd. assistant director school education was the guest of honour.

Bokajan warriors team members with trophy.

NAYSA-C officials with the selected football team. (NP)

Indians crush Kiwis by 8 wkts in ODI; take unassailable 2-0 lead

RAIPUR, JAN 21 (PTI):

India outplayed New Zealand by eight wickets in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series here on Saturday.

Opting to field, Indian pacers were on the mark as the hosts bowled out New Zealand for a paltry 108 in 34.3 overs.

Mohammed Shami (3/18) was the pick of

Aus Open: Djokovic through, Murray out

my side. I don’t think too many.”

Murray runs out of steam against Bautista Agut: Andy Murray’s brave Australian Open run ground to a halt against Roberto Bautista Agut, the Spaniard fending off the fatigued former world number one 6-1 6-7(7) 6-3 6-4 in the third round to advance on Saturday.

After back-to-back five-set wins over Matteo Berrettini and Thanasi Kokkinakis, a ragged Murray hung tough against the 24th seed but was gradually worn down over the course of the three-and-ahalf hour slog at a floodlit Margaret Court Arena.

the bowlers for India as the veteran pacer snared three wickets while Hardik Pandya (2/26) and Washington Sundar (2/7) accounted for two batters each.

In reply, skipper Rohit Sharma scored a fifty to lead India to a comfortable win.

India were clinical in the run chase with Rohit enthralling the crowd with

his trademark pull shots. One of them went for a six, the first maximum of the game, as he hooked Lockie Ferguson over fine-leg. Fresh from a double hundred in Hyderabad, Gill too came up with some exquisite strokes, including a cracking cover drive off Ferguson. The New Zealand pacers failed to get as much seam movement as their

Indian counterparts, making the task easier for the batters.

Rohit completed his fifty with a single in the 13th over before Shipley had him leg before wicket with a ball that kept low.

Virat Kohli received the loudest cheer from the crowd as usual but could only last nine balls as Santner got the better of him for the second time in

as many games. India had won the series opener by 12 runs earlier this week.

BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand: 108 all out in 34.3 overs (Glenn Phillips 36; Mohammed Shami 3/18, Wahsington Sundar 2/7). India: 111 for 2 in 20.1 overs (Rohit Sharma 51; Mitchell Santner 1/28)

MELBOURNE, JAN 21

(AGENCIES): Novak

Djokovic continued his charge towards a 10th Australian Open title with a superb 7-6(7) 6-3 6-4 victory over Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov to reach the fourth round on Saturday but fears about the durability of his injured left hamstring only grew.

Serbian, who is eyeing a 22nd major to match Rafa Nadal, said he felt “up and down” physically

during the three hours and seven minutes he was on court as Dimitrov searched in vain for his second win over the fourth seed in their 11th meeting. Djokovic will next play Australian Alex de Minaur.

Looking ahead to facing de Minaur in front of what is sure to be a crowd filled with other Australians, Djokovic told the Rod Laver Arena spectators: “I don’t know how many of you will be on

Murray’s previous match against Kokkinakis, which ended past four in the morning after nearly five hours of play, left him with little sleep, a bad back and a slew of blisters that needed draining from his feet.

“My feet didn’t feel great. My legs were actually OK … but I was struggling with my lower back,” Murray told reporters. “That was affecting my serve and that was really the main thing today.”

Novak Djokovic Andy Murray

Indian players celebrate the wicket of New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner during the second one-day international cricket match in Raipur, Saturday. (PTI)