17 March 2023

Nagaland Post

Champions League: Real, Napoli into QFs

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Opposition MPs form human chain; demand JPC probe into Adani issue

NEW DELHI, MAR 16

(PTI): Opposition leaders on Thursday formed a human chain in the Parliament House premises demanding a probe by a joint parliamentary committee into alleged irregularities in the Adani Group.

Carrying placards and raising slogans, opposition lawmakers, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, DMK leader T R Baalu, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leaders Priyanka Chaturvedi and Arvind Sawant, also protested against what they called the BJP government’s “diversionary tactics”.

“All opposition parties have come together to demand a probe against the Adani Group. It is unfor -

IMD predicts light-to-moderate intensity rain in NE

DIMAPUR, MAR 16

(NPN): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light-to-moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in many states including the North East region between March 17-19. Fairly widespread light-to-moderate intensity rainfall activity with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) is likely over East and North East during the period. IMD also issued yellow alert for Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura till March 17. The region may experience light to moderate rainfall at few places, thunderstorm/ lightning at isolated places. Between March 18 and 19, the region may witness light to moderate rainfall at many places, it added.

DC Chumou notifies on Aadhaar service

DIMAPUR, MAR 16 (NPN): Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chumoukedima has notified that SSUP (myAadhaar) service would be free of cost for document update for a period of three months w.e.f March 15, 2023 to June 14, 2023.

In a notification, DC Chumoukedima Abhinav Shivam has informed that the facility for document update would be available free of cost through myAadhaar (SSUP) portal at https:// myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/

This is it!

“In our state, we treat all political parties equally. That’s why we have allparty governments.”

Japan, S Korea renew ties at Tokyo summit

LOB of three villages want NMA amended

Dimapur requires visionary plans to ease traffic congestion

Leaders of several opposition parties, including Congress, DMK, NCP, SP, RJD, BRS, CPM, CPI, Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, JDU, JMM, MDMK, AAP, VCK and IUML attended the meeting.

The Congress has escalated its offensive, accusing the government of “undermining and weakening” democracy by stalling Parliament to save a businessman.

Opposition MPs form a human chain to protest over Adani issue at Parliament House complex on Thursday. (PTI) tunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to save his dear friend Adani,” Gaurav Gogoi, deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, said.

He said the Delhi Police had prevented the opposition leaders from marching to the office of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday.

“Opposition leaders are not allowed to raise this issue in Parliament. Our microphones are turned off,” Gogoi said.

The decision to form a human chain demanding a JPC probe into the Adani Group was taken at a joint meeting of opposition leaders convened by Kharge on Thursday morning.

It came weeks after Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses in the wake of US-based short seller Hindenburg Research making a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation, on the conglomerate. The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.

DIMAPUR, MAR 16 (NPN): The Land Owners’ Board (Ungma, Mokokchung and Khensa) has reaffirmed its earlier resolution and strong stand that until and unless the State government amended all sections and clauses regarding land and building tax under Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, election to urban local bodies (ULBs) would be banned within the jurisdiction of the three villages. This was resolved at the general meting held on Thursday on the issue of Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 and ULB election.

The meeting felt that indigenous land holding rights of Ao tribe, which had been secured through the blood and toil of their ancestors, were safeguarded by Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India and that it should be ensured that these rights were not compromised in any manner.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 16

(NPN): Solving Dimapur’s perennial traffic congestion problem poses a stiff challenge to effect better traffic management overwhelmed by haphazard parking and rising number of two wheelers, three wheelers and four wheelers. Traffic congestions at various points of the roads under Dimapur City are becoming a daily harassment and the need for construction of flyovers is being felt. Another contributing factor for traffic congestions, is that roads have very little space for parking and at the same time, not having enough space to allow vehicles to pass by.

in 2019 and after the work was completed by 2022, the parting lot-cum-market centre was open on a trial basis from February 13,2023.

Dumping garbage along NH-29 banned

ITANAGAR/GUWA -

HATI, MAR 16 (PTI):

Two pilots on board a Cheetah helicopter of the Army were killed when it crashed near Mandala in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday morning, a defence spokesperson said. The deceased officers have been identified as Lt Colonel VVB Reddy and his co-pilot Major Jayanth A, he said.

Defence spokesperson Lt Colonel Mahendra Rawat said in Guwahati that the helicopter was on an operational sortie from

DIMAPUR, MAR 16

(NPN): Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly at a meeting held on March 16, 2023 under the chairmanship of protem speaker Mhathung Yanthan has finalised the provisional programme for the first session of the 14th NLA.

According to a NLA secretariat statement, the committee discussed the business to be transacted during the forthcoming session to be held from March 20-28, 2023.

The following business would be taken up during the session: oath/affirmation by the members of the 14th NLA; obituary refer-

Missamari in Assam’s Sonitpur district to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

The flight encountered “inconducive weath-

ence; election of speaker; governor’s address; motion of thanks on the governor’s address; discussion of the motion of thanks on the governor’s address; presentation of budget for the year 20232024; discussion and voting on the budget etc.

Election of speaker on March 20: NLA protem speaker has fixed for holding the election of the speaker by the members of the NLA.

According to NLA secretariat, the date of filing nomination papers with immediate effect till 12noon of March 18, 2023; date of withdrawal from 1pm to 4pm on March 18, 2023 and date of election, if any, on March 20, 2023.

er” and was returning to Missamari when it crashed, he said.

“The helicopter lost contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) around 9.15 am. Five search parties of the Indian Army, SSB and ITBP were immediately launched. The wreckage of the aircraft was found near Banglajaap east village of Mandala,” Rawat said.

“A Court of Inquiry is ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” he added. The Eastern Command, in a tweet, said the Army stands firm with the bereaved families.

Spl. Correspondent NEW DELHI, MAR 16

(NPN): Eleven projects worth Rs. 1503.44 crore including seven projects announced in Budget 2022-23 have been selected for sanction for FY 2022-23.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) G Kishan Reddy, informed that livelihood projects relating to special development of Eastern Nagaland by Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA), Government of Nagaland, has been selected at an approved cost of

DIMAPUR, MAR 16

(NPN): In view of the G20 Business Summit scheduled to be held on April 5, DC Kohima has prohibited dumping of garbage/ waste along the stretch of Dimapur-Kohima National Highway and Old Dumping Site Kohima.

In an order, DC Kohima Shanavas C also directed car servicing outlets operating along the Kohima-Kisama stretch not to allow spillage of water on the road. DC cautioned that failure to comply with the order would invite penalties.

Rs.180 crore.

The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PMDevINE) Scheme was announced as a new Central Sector Scheme in the Union Budget 2022-23. The Cabinet approved the PMDevINE Scheme on October 12, 2022. The Scheme with 100% Central funding, will have a total outlay of Rs. 6,600 crore for the four year period from 202223 to 2025-26 (remaining years of the 15th Finance Commission period). PMDevINE scheme will be implemented by the DoNER Ministry through North Eastern Council or Central

A case in point being the daily problem faced in the heart of the city at N.L.Road (Old Church Road), M.P. Road, GS Road etc. In order to solve parking problems the Urban Development Department (UDD) had obtained sanction for parking lot in 2008 estimated at Rs.22.3 crore located at New Market. The work began in 2009 and was expected to be completed by 2012. However, after four years in 2013 the work was abandoned by the contractor due to financial problems. The half completed work was re-tendered and awarded to another contractor with a revised estimate of Rs.14.35 cr. Work began

Two pilots die after Army helicopter crashes in Arunachal NLA session from Mar 20-28 PM-DevINE: 11 projects selected for sanction

Ministries/agencies or State Government agencies.

To limit construction risk of time and cost overrun falling on the Government, projects would be implemented on EngineeringProcurement-Construction (EPC) basis, to the extent possible. To ensure sustainability of PM-DevINE projects, adequate arrangements for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the assets will be made.

It will be ensured that there is no duplication of project support with any of the other schemes of MDoNER or those of any other Ministry/Department.

NPCC calls for non-partisan election to urban local bodies

DIMAPUR, MAR 16 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has called for a non-partisan democratic election to urban local bodies (ULBs) in the State.

In a letter to chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NPCC president K Therie explained that this meant that political parties would not be nominating their candidates and the wards (constituency) concerned would be allowed to choose moral leaders through consensus and cooperation.

He claimed that nonpartisan election was an inherent custom in Nagaland and followed at many vil-

lages during village council polls.

He pointed out that non-partisan elections were generally held in municipal, county offices, school boards and also common in the election of judges. He said there were a few nations too that followed this system. According to him, the idea in India was moved by MN Roy, Mahatma Gandhi promoted it and it was put into action by Jayaprakash Narayan. He further appealed to the chief minister to do away house and property tax and explore other resources.

Acknowledging that ULB election was a compul-

sion due to Supreme Court directive, Therie noted that the reminder memorandum by three bodies indicated that the State government was sleeping over the contentious issue after the 2017 protest in which two precious lives were lost and the heritage Nagaland Legislative Assembly complex was burned, forcing then chief minister TR Zeliang to resign. He claimed that Congress had always stood for women reservation in ULB election and women contributed to home and to advancement of nation.

The NPCC president also called for reviewing gender inequality found in

Naga custom in the spirit of their faith and progressive civilisation. He insisted that women should be at liberty to participate in the process of making decisions to secure maximum justice and equality.

He pointed out that Article 371(A) was not to prevent liberty, justice and equality and progressive life, but to safeguard and protect inherent properties and virtues of Nagas.

“Allowing women to participate was only doing justice,” he emphasised.

Therie alleged that elections in Nagaland were purely fought over money, while other nations chose

Talking with Nagaland Post, DMC Administrator W.Manpai Phom said DMC would first observe how things work out and changes needed would be implemented with help of traffic police. Manpai said the entire parking facility has a capacity to accommodate 100 cars. Presently since only the first floor was operational, 50 cars will be accommodated currently. He said the ground floor for parking would also been made operational soon. However, the paths to the parking lot at both ends, are very steep and may prove quite risky for vehicles, if the paths become slippery during monsoon.

In order to ease traffic congestion, DMC and Traffic Police should restrict parking of two, three or four wheelers of shop owners and business firms along NL Road and direct that they park in the parking lot. DMC can charge parking tax from shoppers who park their vehicles at NL Road initially for a duration of 15 minutes. The fee can be doubled for the extended duration of 15 minutes.

Dimapur has only one parking lot for thousands of vehicles while Kohima has three parking lots- at Old

NST Complex, Old Medical department office and one proposed at the cemetery below Midland. Speaking to Nagaland Post, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Traffic, IM Chenth said that the police were trying their best to manage the traffic by taking a very holistic approach, but lamented that with the increase in the number of vehicles, lack of wide roads, the problem was only getting compounded. He said the traffic personnel were putting all their efforts to manage traffic.

He pointed out that the parking space along the Nyamo Lotha Road (NLR) stretch was very less, while the new parking facility of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) would not be sufficient to ease the traffic congestion. He maintained that priority should be given in setting up more parking facilities around the town. He disclosed that he had approached Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) officebearers and shop owners of the area for a meeting to discuss the issue, adding that this was likely to be held before elections to urban local bodies (ULBs). He stated that only after the meeting, new guidelines like road marking at certain locations for separate two and four-wheeler parking and no parking zones would be adopted.

Man gets 21 years jail term for rape on minor

DIMAPUR, MAR 16

(NPN): Fast Track Special Court Dimapur has convicted one Abul Kasem for penetrative sexual assault, unnatural offence and criminal intimation and sentenced to 21 years rigorous imprisonment in total and fine amounting to Rs.18,500. In a press release, special public prosecutor Dimapur, Imlimongla, stated that the case was registered at Women PS for raping of a minor girl of 7 years on February 23, 2022.

The special public prosecutor stated that the case was investigated by UBSI

Gloria Jami. She said that the accused was found guilty by the Fast Track Special Court, adding the prosecution ensured that justice has been served. The special public prosecutor hoped that this conviction would send a strong message to those who attempt to commit similar offence.

She also urged the public to maintain vigilant and report any such activities to the authorities without hesitation, as sexual offences on women especially children of tender age were on the rise in the State.

UDID mandatory to avail benefits of schemes for PwDs

their leaders and manifestos.

Hence, he feared that the outcome of ULB election would be no different from Assembly elections with political parties.

As there were 416 wards/constituencies under 60 municipal and 356 town councils, Therie said if three candidates contested in ULB polls like Assembly election, the economy of over 1,200 candidates could get impacted, which would lead to economic chaos in the State and corruption at the grassroots.

Further, all tribes, including non-Nagas, resided in towns and municipal areas.

NEW DELHI, MAR 16 (PTI): Persons with disabilities will have to mandatorily provide centrally issued Unique Disability Identification (UDID) number from April 1 to avail benefits under 17 government schemes for them.

The government said those who do not have a UDID card will have to provide UDID enrolment number (generated from UDID portal only) along with certificate of disability.

“It may be noted that physical copy of disability certificate or uploading the disability certificate is not required, in case of availability of a valid UDID number,” said an office memorandum of the Department of Disability Affairs.

In the memorandum, the department said the move aims to bring transparency and to reduce the burden of paperwork on the people with disabilities, the UDID will be mandated for various schemes of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and its associated organizations. The schemes include post-matric scholarship for students with disabilities, pre-matric scholarship for such students, and Nirmaya Health Insurance Scheme, among others

Wreckage of Cheetah helicopter of the Indian Army. (PTI)

CHOs, MOs trained on presumptive TB screening

DIMAPUR: Community Health Officers (CHOs) and Medical Officers (MOs) were trained on screening clients attending the Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) OPDs for presumptive TB using the 4S as well as the Alpowered app (cough for TB-HWC) on March 16 at the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mokokchung office.

A press release by CMO Mokokchung office stated that the training was organised by NISHTHA Jhpiego, in collaboration with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

As the next step, to initiate screening activities, the trainers from NISHTHA Jhpiego and Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence trained the trainees on TB presumptive treatment, utili-

zation of Nikshay portal and AI powered “cough for TB-HWC” app.

The trainers stressed that the “cough for TBHWC” app would act as

Training on ‘holistic management’

DIMAPUR: One day farmer’s training programme on “holistic management of summer vegetable crops” and “input distribution” was conducted on March 15 at Lotsu village, Sanis, Wokha.

A press release by the village council informed that the training was conducted by All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRPvegetable crops), Nagaland Centre, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD) Nagaland University (NU) in collaboration with North Eastern Hill Region (NEH) Component for onion and garlic, and NEH Component of vegetable crops, Nagaland Centre.

The aim of the training programme was to highlight the farmers on the identification and management of the various insect pests and diseases in the framers’ field and create awareness on the organic and integrated management of the pests and diseases in the region.

In the first technical session one on “holistic management of

insect pests in summer vegetable crops”, assistant professor, department of Entomology, SASRD: NU, Dr. Waluniba emphasized on the methodology and various ideas on insect pest protection of vegetable crops including onion with the use of organic tactics.

He demonstrated on the use of pheromone traps in the vegetable fields and how it could help in managing the male insects.

During the second technical session, assistant pathologist, AICRP (VC), SASRD: NU, Dr. Nayan emphasised on the various ideas and means to identify common diseases in vegetable crops and how they could be managed by integrated means. In the last session, project in-charge, NEH Component & Scientist, AICRP-VC, SASRD: NU, Dr. Moakala Changkiri encouraged the farmers to be more active especially in kitchen gardening and raising their standard of living. The training was attended by about 101 farmer participants.

an additional screening tool to the “four symptom complexes” for identifying

NEWS IN BRIEF

AWO informs on destitute fund: Angami Women Organization (AWO) has informed those who are yet to avail assistance with reference to disbursement of the backlog destitute fund 2019-20 regarding the beneficiaries under the scheme “Assistance to Destitute Women”, department of Women Resource Development, to submit photocopies of the first page of their bank passbooks with their Aadhaar cards, latest by March 20, for onward submission to the concerned department.

NSCN (R) Sangtam region condoles: NSCN (R) Sangtam Region has expressed deep pain at the untimely demise of kilo kilonser, Iheshe Aye, who passed away after prolonged illness. In a condolence message, the region said late Aye was a vibrant leader who worked for the cause of the Nagas, a rare leader who earned the love and admiration of the people. In his death, it said the NSCN has lost a prominent leader and an excellent human being. The region has expressed profound grief and bid adieu to its leader, and prayed for everlasting peace for the departed soul.

1st Death anniversary

presumptive TB cases.

The trainers emphasised that National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) guidelines are adhered to at all times and all presumptive TB cases with one or more of the 4S complexes are referred for testing to the linked facilities.

In addition, they said any case that was flagged as a potential presumptive TB case by the “cough for TB-HWC app”, irrespective of symptoms, shall also be referred for necessary investigations to diagnose or rule out TB.

The trainers were senior program officer-TB, NISHTHA Jhpiego, Dr. Jignesh Sureshbhai Parmar, solution manager, Wadhwani AI, Sameer Tikoo, business analyst, Vandana Vasudev and business analyst, Wadhwani AI, Anmol Aggarwal.

SAMETI organises training on ‘climate resilient agriculture’

DIMAPUR: A two-day programme on “smart practices and technologies for climate resilient agriculture” for Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) functionaries was organised by the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) on March 15-16 at SAMETI, Medziphema.

A press release by SAMETI, Medziphema informed that at the training, the participants were trained on the topic of smart practices and technologies in agriculture and the current climate changes affecting the growth of the crops. The resource persons, scientist, plant breeding and genetics ICAR Jharnapani, Nagaland Centre, Dr. H. Verma and assistant professor, department of agronomy,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Dr P. tiatemjen Kichu

Died on 17th March 2022

Today you have completed your 1st Anniversary of entering into Heaven. In that City of Gold and Glory, we can only imagine the sights that are surrounding you. One fine day we will all be reunited together.

Beloved Wife, Children, Grandchildren and in-laws

Date of Birth : 17/03/1974

Date of Death : 09/03/2023

On the completion of the earthly Journey of our beloved Late Kakuto Chophy, we the bereaved family express our heartfelt gratitude to each individual, different organisations who steadfastly comforted and supported us. We are unable to repay your empathetic gestures through words and presence. May our living God continue to bless you all immensely because of all your love we experience the love of God through you.

Thank you and God bless all of you.

dp-1129/23

Loving Family Members & Relatives

Officials and ATMA functionaries at the programme. SASRD; NU, Medziphema Campus, Dr. Debika Nongmaithem, emphasised the importance of climate changes occurring drastically.

To help and prevent from ozone depletion, they said crop rotation could be practiced to control and monitored. The resource persons also suggested building of water harvesting structures to be utilized during the drought season

for seasonal agriculture practices and production by applying the method of per drop more crop. The valedictory programme was chaired by deputy project director, SAMETI, Yezaho Swu, certificates were distributed to the trainees by director SAMETI and principal IETC, Dr. Watimongla Jamir while DPD SAMETI, Janet Chishi delivered the vote of thanks.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Late Surhotso Dozo

We, the bereaved family members of Late Surhotso Dozo (Shitunyi) would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who stood by us spiritually, physically and financially at the sad demise of our beloved on 24-02-2023.

We would like to convey our special thanks to all the friends, neighbours, churches, relatives and well wishers.

We regret our inability to thank each individual personally but it is prayer that the Almighty God will bless you all.

k-542/23

Loving wife, son and family members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Late Rhonben Z Kikon wishes to acknowledge the expression of sympathy and gesture of kindness shown to us following the sudden demise of beloved member of our family.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to many friends, Neighbours and well-wishers who visited our home, attended the funeral service and accompanied us till the burial place, every individual who provided your support in every way possible during this difficult time of the family. We also like to thank those individuals who have traveled long distance on our behalf, those who sent floral tributes and all well-wishers who have made charitable donations. We are truly grateful and indebted.

A special word of appreciation and thanks to the Government of Meghalaya, Hon’ble Dy. Chief Minister, Nagaland Shri. Y.Patton and his family, Dr.Diana Patton, ARC Nagaland House, ARC Staff Nagaland House Shillong, Shri. Yankhoro Ngullie Management of Darte Villa Family, Shillong, Naga Students Union, Shillong, Lotha Wopan Ekhum, Shillong, Naga Christian Fellowship, Shillong, Naga Elders Forum, Shillong, Lotha Elders Forum, Shillong, Tangkhul Elders Forum, Shillong, Chakhesang Christian Fellowship, Shillong, Ao Baptist Church, Shillong and the Lotha Students Union Shillong who made every arrangement to deliver the mortal remain of Late Rhonben Z Kikon till our home.

We would like to mention few more though it is impossible to mention everyone individually: Late Rhonben Z Kikon

15. GHSS Staff,

16. GPS Staff Chukitong

17. Nungying Village Baptist Church

18. Nungying Village Students Union

19. Mr. Jackson Patton and his Family

20. Mr. Hachio Patton PS to Dy.CM, Nagaland

21. Mr K Jandemo Patton, PA to Dy. CM, Nagaland

22. Mr. Achum Patton PA to Dy.CM Nagaland

23. Mr. Joseph Patton and his family

24. R. Mhathung Ngullie, Dy.Chief Electoral Officer, Kohima Nagaland.

25. Dr. Meribemo

26. Mr. Mhonromo Ezung

To those who helped us in any way, your contributions made our loss more bearable, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. May God bless you

1. Dimapur Nungying Ekhung

2. Lotha Baptist Church, Seithikhema C

3. Patkai Christian College, Chumoukidema

4. Unity Christian Hr. Sec. School, 4th Mile Dimapur

5. Kohima Nungying Ekhung

6. Wokha Town Baptist Church

7. Wokha Town Nungying Ekhung,

8. Wokha Town Kikon Ekhung

9. Orchid Council, Wokha

10. Wokha Town Nungyingpvui Shenta Okho

11. Etsuchuka Council Wokha

12. Class 10 2014 Batch DBHSS Wokha

13. Chukitong Town Baptist Church

14. Chukitong Nungying Ekhung

Chukitong

CHOs and MOs at the training programme in Mokokchung.

Review meet on GFATM project

Dr. Rinku stated that both the high malaria case reporting states and low or zero malaria case reporting states would be focused in this elimination programme. She further presented state-wise malaria reporting status and informed that a total of 103 entomological zones were identified in India which are support by the GFATM and the government of India.

NEXT POLL

DIMAPUR: A three-day regional review meeting of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) project states organised by National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoH&FW) commenced Thursday at Niathu Resort, Chumoukedima.

A press release by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme

(NVBDCP), Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DoH&FW) Nagaland informed that the delegates from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and various North East States would be participating in the three-day review meeting.

On Thursday, the meeting was initiated by joint director, and state programme officer (NVBDCP), Dr. Neisakho Kere while joint director, HoD Malaria Division, NVB -

Jain community celebrates birth anniversary of Aadinath

DIMAPUR: Jain community celebrated the birth anniversary of its founder and first Lord 1008 Tirthankar Shree Rishabhnath (Aadinath) in respective Jain Temples with “Abhishek” on the Lord’s idol, besides other rituals and ceremonies.

A press release by Jan Arogyam Foundation Mumbai informed that on the occasion, the founder of the foundation, Brahmachari, Devendra Bhaiji felicitated Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan. He was accompanied

by other delegates namely Ajay Sethi (MD, NIIT Dimapur), Pt. Mahesh Kumar Jain, Pankaj Sethi. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to minister for Higher Education, Tourism and president BJP Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along.

Kuki grammar book released

DCP, Delhi, Dr. Rinku Sharma presented the status of malaria in the 10 GFATM project states.

Dr. Rinku briefly highlighted the background and milestones in Malaria Programme in India since its inception in 1953 and the goals and targets to achieve total malaria elimination by the year 2030. She also presented the Malaria Elimination Progress in India since 2015 to 2022.

Kaito holds thanksgiving programme

DIMAPUR: A Kuki grammar book titled, “Kuki Paojui” (Grammar) written by a retired senior graduate teacher, Hatjaphal Singson, was released on March 14 by principal di-

rector of school education, Thavanseelan K at Kuki Inpi Ahthibung, Peren.

A press release the Kuki Literature Board Nagaland informed that the book is the first Kuki

Grammar book to be introduced as vernacular textbook for students of Class-5 and above under Nagaland Board of School Education from the academic year 2023.

Dr. Rinku also urged all the states to implement Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) Malaria Portal, which was a real time reporting of malaria cases entered via the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) portal. She further informed the states to designate one person to cross check the entries on a daily basis.

Later, delegates from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Nagaland states presented their respective state’s vector borne diseases Status, their achievements, and gaps and challenges faced in the implementation of Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-2 (IMEP-2).

DIMAPUR: G. Kaito Aye, minister PWD (R&B), who has been elected from 36 Satakha Assembly constituency for the 7th time, held a thanksgiving programme on Thursday at the Gen Zuheto Memorial Hall, Satakha.

In his thanksgiving speech, Kaito thanked the NDPP officials, Satakha unit office bearers and party workers for their support and the electorates for reposing their faith to represent them. He reiterated that the government will bring positive change in all standards

Farmers-scientist interaction in Peren

DIMAPUR: A “Kisan mela and farmers-scientist interaction” programme under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) was organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Peren on March 15 at Poilwa Village, Peren district.

A press release by KVK Peren stated that the programme was organised to make the farmers in the hill sector aware about the latest agricultural developments and technologies.

The resource persons were ACTO KVK Peren, Dr. Patu K. Zeliang, ACTO, KVK Peren, Z. James Kikon and scientist, fisheries, ICAR, Nagaland Cen-

USSC reiterates stand on ‘taxation’

DIMAPUR: United Sangtam Students Conference (USSC), the apex body of Sangtam students’ community, has reiterated its resolution to not allow or entertain any “undue taxation by any individuals, agents, and factions against all the developmental activities under education department, medical, road and bridges construction and aspirational funds for development activities under Sangtam jurisdiction.”

In a press release, USSC president, Samuel B Sangtam and general secretary, Lumpili Sangtam have asked all contractors and department to provide work order and Detail Project Report (DPR) to USSC office.

The conference also warned that the quality of workmanship shall not be compromised from any contractors within its jurisdiction.

USSC also cautioned that it would initiate its “own course of action” against those who violates its notice.

While reminding the head of departments of its earlier notice, USSC said the conferenced has “totally banned” transfer with post/attachment without reliever.

The conference said it would not compromise on the issues and sought cooperation from all concerned.

tre, Jharnapani, Dr. Jyotish Burman.

During the programme, the farmers were sensitized about management practices of seasonal vegetable cultivation, importance of soil and water quality in fish production and various integrated fish farming models by the resource persons.

Various posters on how to construct water harvesting structures in the hills,

cultivation of king chillies, maize and vegetables, backyard poultry and piggery rearing were displayed for the benefit of the farming community.

In the group interaction, various problems of the farmers with remedies for management were discussed. The programme was attended by 63 farmers and officials from Poilwa, Poilwa Namci village.

of living and help the people to progress.

Leaders from various blocks under Satakha AC including representative to Sumi Hoho, Satoi Area GB Association; as well as Edward Muru, president NDPP Satakha and Khehoi Aye, president NDPP Suruhuto Unit spoke at the meeting.

Earlier, the pro -

gramme

The

Trainings on livelihood and skills development for Self Help Groups (SHG) in five project implementing villages under Kohima district was organised by Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change under National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) Project on March 9-16.

The review meeting in progress at Niathu Resort, Chumoukedima.

Thavanseelan K and others at the releasing programme on Kuki grammar.

Jain community with the governor, La Ganesan.

was chaired by Er Phutovi Zhimo, working president, NDPP Satakha while Hotolu Katty, pastor STBC offered the invocation.

thanksgiving prayer was pronounced by Rev Honito Chophy, pastor UBC Satakha and closing prayer by Anato Chishi, pastor STBC (Aizuto).

G. Kaito Aye with his wife and others at the thanksgiving programme.

Assam paper leak : 2 more held; total arrests at 27

GUWAHATI, MAR 16

(PTI): Two more persons have been arrested in connection with the question paper leak of Class 10 board exam in Assam, taking the total number of those held in the case to 27, police said on Thursday.

Assam Police Spokesperson Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan told PTI that the two students were held from Sonitpur and Majuli districts.

The CID, which is investigating the case, had earlier apprehended 25 people, including children, from various parts of Assam, besides interrogating several others.

The general science question paper of the Class 10 matriculation exam got leaked on Sunday night, and the exam scheduled on Monday was cancelled thereafter.

Papersoldforup

toRs3,000on

WhatsApp:Police

Investigations have re-

vealed that the General Science question paper of class 10 state board examination in Assam were sold for up to Rs 3,000 on WhatsApp, Director-General of Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said WhatsApp’s assistance was being sought to identify the origin of the leak of the question paper.

“The investigation has revealed that the question paper of the General Science examination were sold for anything between Rs

100 and Rs 3,000. We have found that somewhere it was sold for Rs 100, somewhere for Rs 200-300, and it went up to Rs 3,000. Assistance is being sought from WhatsApp to identify the origin of the leak,” he said.

“I am happy with the investigation and the progress we made over the last three days. Hopefully, we will crack this case soon. We will send some more packets of the question paper from upper Assam to the CID headquarters for the purpose of the investigation,”

he added.

The General Science question paper of the class 10 matriculation exam conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) was leaked on Sunday night, and the exam scheduled on Monday was cancelled.

The state CID, which is investigating the case, has so far apprehended 25 people, including children, from various parts of Assam, besides interrogating several others to identify the source of the leak.A senior official said the operations will continue till the mastermind is arrested.

“We have picked up some more people and are interrogating them,” he said.

According to a SEBA notification, the cancelled examination will now be held on March 30.

Class10paperleak reflects failure on partofgovt:CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on

Sikkim yet to utilise untapped power potential: CM

lateral business partnership in Tourism, Hospitality, pharmaceuticals, and organic farming.

Urging the delegates to consider Sikkim as a good investment destination, Tamang said a total of 55 pharmaceutical companies from within the country are currently established in the state.

Delegates from 24 countries will participate in the B20 conference being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Tamang told a press conference on Wednesday.

GANGTOK, MAR 16

(PTI): Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday said the Himalayan state till now has utilised only 27.5 per cent of its 8,000 MW power potential. He was speaking at the Business 20 (B20) confer -

ence organised as part of India’s G20 presidency.

“ We have only utilised 2,200 MW till now and the scope for Hydropower, clean and green energy is ample in Sikkim”, said the chief minister at the conference on Opportunities for multi-

“Organic Tourism is what Sikkim can offer, we are the first organic state in the world and have been recognised by the United Nations. We would like to urge the participants today to deliberate on what Sikkim can give to the nation and the world” the chief minister said.

The Himalayan state will host the StartUp20 con-

In Assam budget, funds for creating 2 lakh entrepreneurs

GUWAHATI, MAR 16

(PTI): The Assam government on Thursday presented a Rs 3.22 lakh crore budget for the 2023-24 financial year, announcing funds for promoting micro-entrepreneurship and 40,000 fresh recruitments in different departments.

Presenting the budget in the assembly, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog said the government will invest Rs 5,000 crore over the next three years to “transform” over 2 lakh unemployed youths into job creators.

For the purpose, Rs 1,000 crore was allocated in the next fiscal.

Neog said 40,000 people will be recruited in various departments by May 10 to mark the completion of two years of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government and fulfil the BJP’s poll promise of giving one lakh government jobs.

“Our government already provided employment to about 42,000 youths across various departments... The remaining 18,000 are at various stages

of recruitment, and this will also be completed very soon,” Neog said.

The finance minister proposed the exemption of electricity duty on renewable energy generation.

“Further, I propose the extension of the tax holiday on agricultural income tax for the next three years.”

Neog said the GSDP is estimated to grow to Rs 5.5 lakh crore during the next financial year from Rs 3.93 lakh crore in 2021-22.

The aggregate receipts amount to Rs 3,21,742.71 crore for 2023-24, while the aggregate expenditure is estimated at Rs 3,21,081.75 crore, she said.

Thus, the transactions during the year will result in an estimated surplus of Rs 660.96 crore, she said.

“This, together with the opening deficit of Rs 1,596.19 crore will lead to a budget deficit of Rs 935.23 crore at the end of the year 2023-24,” she added.

Two held with heroin in Mizoram

AIZAWL, MAR 16 (PTI): Two persons, one of them a Myanmar national, were held with heroin in Mizoram, officials said on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, officials of the Excise and Narcotics Department seized 69.9 gram of heroin from the possession of a 32-year-old Myanmar national in Serchhip town on Wednesday, they said.

In another operation on Tuesday, 123 gram of heroin was seized near the Myan-

mar border in east Mizoram’s Champhai district, they said.

A 24-year-old man from Champhai town was arrested, they added.

The two accused were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotics Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), officials said, refusing to disclose the value of the seized drugs to avoid encouraging smuggling.

Thursday conceded that the question paper leak for Class 10 state board exam is a “failure” on the part of his government.

During an assembly session, Sarma also stated that the mastermind behind the scandal has been identified.

“The matric paper leak should not have happened. It reflects our failure. I accept it,” he told the House.

The centre in-charge of a school is the main culprit, and three others teachers were also found involved in the matter, he said.

The government, in future, will take all possible steps to further strengthen the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), which conducts the Class 10 matriculation examination in the state, Sarma said. “The Assam Police has cracked the case within 48 hours. I request the accused to surrender before the police and share further details,” he added.

GUWAHATI, MAR 16

(PTI): More than 70 people and 80 pachyderms on average die every year in human-elephant conflict in Assam, state Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said on Thursday.

The state government has paid about Rs 8-9 crore in compensation for damages caused by the pachyderms, he said in the assembly.

Replying to a question by Congress legislator Rekibuddin Ahmed, Patowary said increasing human occupation of natural habitats of elephants has forced the animals to move out in search of food, which leads to conflict with man.

They also come into conflict with humans during their natural migration process, he said.

“As a result, more than 70 people and 80 elephants are killed on an average annually, besides causing property damage,” the minister said.

The elephant population in the state currently is over 5,700, he said.

The minister said 1,330 elephants have died between 2001 and 2022, with the highest number of deaths reported in 2013 when 107 pachyderms died, followed by 97 in 2016 and 92 in 2014.

Among the various reasons for the deaths, 509 died of natural causes, 261 succumbed to unknown reasons, 202 were electrocuted, 102 died in train accidents, 65 due to poisoning, 40 were poached and 18 after being hit by lightning.

Sharing information on the river dolphin, which

was declared the state water animal in 2008, Patowary said there were 537 river dolphins in the state in 2020, according to the latest available data.

Altogether 80 river dolphins have died between 2008 and 2023, with 60 killed after being trapped in fishing nets.

The minister also informed the House that the total forest land in the state is 26,836 sq km, or 34.21 per cent of the state’s total area, as per Forest Survey of India’s 2021 report. A total of 14,373.913 hectares of encroached forest land has been cleared so far, he added.

3 students expelled as HSLC exam begins in Manipur

ference on March 18 and 19.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to let Sikkim host the two events B20 and Startup 20 has given a boost to the state’s economy”, said the chief minister.

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission and Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog, said that B20, the only engagement group under the G20 umbrella, will take the group forward and build an articulate link and ecosystem.

Noor Rahman Sheikh, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), Ministry of External Affairs, said that Sikkim has inherent advantages in pharmaceuticals and the Centre has great faith in the states of the northeastern region. “Sikkim is a favourable place for investments and its potential is immense. The Northeast states have so much to give,” he said.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAR 16:

Three students were expelled for impersonation on Thursday, the first day of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) conducted by the Board of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM).

Two students were expelled from the examination centre at MG Evergreen High School, Pallel in Kakching district while one was expelled from Ideal High School, Pallel of the same district, an official statement of the BOSEM said.

The HSLC exam that commenced on Thursday at 158 examination centres across the state today will end on April 3.

This year, a total of 38,127 students including 18,628 girls are appearing in the examination. The total was less by 1,637 from the previous year’s number.

Arms unearthed in Assam

DIPHU (ASSAM), MAR

16 (PTI): A buried cache of arms and ammunition, including an AK series rifle and pistols, was unearthed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, a senior police officer said on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, a police team carried out an operation in Doidak in Dokmoka Police Station area on Wednesday night and dug

out an AK-56 rifle, a 9mm pistol, a .32 calibre pistol, a sten gun and ammunition, Karbi Anglong Superintendent of Police Sanjib Kumar Saikia said. However, he did not speculate whether the arms and ammunition belonged to any militant outfit.

“We can confirm whom the cache belonged to only after a thorough investigation,” he added.

A total of 12 physically challenged students are also appearing the examination.

A maximum number of 28,477 students appearing in the exam were from the private schools. Of the remaining 9,650 students, 8,130 were from the government-run schools and 1,520 from government aided schools.

Both authorities of BOSEM and the district administrations have taken up strict measures to prevent any untoward incidents at the examination centres and to conduct the exam in a free and fair manner.

For the smooth conduct of the exam and to prevent students using unfair means, the BOSEM has set up 76 inspection teams and 64 flying squads consisting of four members in each team.

These teams will conduct frequent checking at

the examination centres, an official of the BOSEM said.

The district administrations also imposed section 144 of CrPC in and around 100 meters of each examination centre, prohibiting gathering of four or more persons in the scheduled areas.

The order further prohibited entry of vehicle and person carrying arms, daos,

swords, knives, heavy iron bars pointed or blunt, other lethal weapons etc. and any other unauthorized persons within the specified areas. The step has been taken up as a preventive measure to prevent breach of peace and tranquility in and around the examination centres, one of the orders issued by the Bishnupur district magistrate stated.

AFFIdAVIT

I, kumari Sharma, declare through an affidavit No. 52/2023 that my name changed to dhanu parajuli. Hence kumari Sharma and dhanu parajuli refers to one and same person. Affidavit No. 51/2023 my father name corrected from Homenath Sharma to Homnath parajuli. Affidavit No. 53/2023 my mother name corrected from G devi to Gauri devi parajuli. k -544/23

GENERAL PUbLIC NOTIFICATION

General public of Seithekema basa area are informed that, Since there has been theft for several times in my Rubber Farm even though it is fortified with brick wall and barbed wire Fencing and I have lost many properties including 3 (three) Nos. of Water pump set, It is notified for safety of the general public that hence forth the entire Fencing area is being Electrified wef 6 pM to 5 AM. Anybody entering the farm illegally shall be doing so at their own risk. The farm owner shall not bear any responsibility for any incidents in this matter.

Land Owner Rubber Farm, Seithekema basa k -546/23

Felicitation

The Ralan a rea l otha Hoho (R al H) would like to congratulate the following esteem persons from Wokha District for emerging victorious in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023.

1. Shompo Yanthungo Patton

2. Shompo Mhathung Yanthan

3. Shompo Achumbemo Kikon and

4. Shompo Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe

RALH highly acknowledge and appreciate your zeal and determination to serve the people of Wokha District in particular and the Nagas in general. Further extends its best wishes in your future endeavours.

c.S. ovung llM. Kikon Chairman, RALH Secretary, RALH dp-1144/23

FILE No: UIDAI/RO-GHY/ VACANCY/AAO&Acct/10/2023/3300-302

Date 06/03/2023

Sub : Inviting application for various posts on deputation (Foreign Service Term Basis) in UIDAI, RO, Guwahati.

Ref : Vacancy circular of UIDAI (HQ) vide No. A-12013/21/ Deputation/RO Guwahati/ 20-UIDAI/183 dated 03 rd March, 2023 inviting application for various posts on deputation (Foreign Service term basis) in UIDAI, RO, Guwahati. The UIDAI invites applications for filling up of 1 (one) post each of

(i) Assistant Accounts Officer and (ii) Accountant on deputation basis (Foreign Service Term). The last date of submission of applications through proper Channel "FOR THE POST OF ASSISTANT ACCOUNTS OFFICER/ACCOUNTANT IN UIDAI REGIONAL OFFICE GUWAHATI" is 17/04/2023. The application may be furnished in the prescribed proforma (available in the website) and forwarded to Director (HR), Unique identification authority of india (UiDai), Regional office, 1st Floor Block-V, HoUSeFeD coMPleX, Beltola-Basistha Road, Po assam Sachibalaya Dispur, Guwahati-781006 Since these vacancies are to be filled up on deputation basis, Private candidates are not eligible

2. Application received after the last date or otherwise found incomplete shall not be considered. Further details may be obtained from the website www.uidai.gov.in

Unique identification authority of india (UiDai) Regional office, HoUSeFeD complex, Dispur, Guwahati -781006 CbC 54111/12/0006/2223

(Kapil Jambhulkar) Director (HR)

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma with Finance Minister Ajanta Neog.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang unveil the landmark monument at MG Marg.

DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh addressing the press.

Assam: Over 70 people, 80 elephants die every year due to human-animal conflict

File photo of human-elephant conflict in Assam.

SNIPPETS

Over 20 buried in cold storage collapse

SAMBHAL, MARCH

16 (IANS): A cold storage collapsed in Sambhal district on Thursday.

More than 20 labourers are feared buried under the debris. According to reports, the incident took place in the cold storage of Mawai village in Chandausi. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the officers to reach the spot immediately along with teams of NDRF and SDRF. Officials have been asked to ensure proper treatment to the injured persons. The local people, meanwhile, have already reached the village and are helping in the rescue operation. Reports claim that after the collapse of the building, an ammonia gas leak has also been reported.

Police arrest conman posing as bureaucrat

SRINAGAR, MAR 16

(PTI): A man hailing from Gujarat has been arrested by police from a five-star hotel here for posing as an ‘additional secretary’ in the Centre and enjoying security cover besides other hospitality. According to court documents, Kiran Patel was on his third visit to the Kashmir valley and was subsequently nabbed by alert security officials on March 3. Patel had claimed he had been given mandate by the government to identify buyers for apple orchards in south Kashmir and a couple of IAS officers were in awe of him as he had been dropping names of highranking bureaucrats and politicians in the national capital. He was produced before a court here last evening for extension of his police remand. A case under relevant sections of cheating and forgery was registered against him on March 2 and he was arrested the next day.

One held for raping girl in UP

GORAKHPUR (UP), MAR 16 (PTI): A 65-yearold man was arrested for allegedly raping a teenage girl in a village under Gulriha Police Station here, police said on Thursday.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar on Thursday said, “One Suresh was arrested on Wedensday night for raping a teenage girl. The accused was sent to jail today. Investigation in the matter is underway.” According to complaint by her mother, her 13-year-old daughter was raped by Suresh on Tuesday when she was alone in the fields.

Farmers’ march to Mumbai: CM says talks positive

MUMBAI, MAR 16

(PTI): As thousands of farmers continued their march to Mumbai on Thursday to press their demands, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said his meeting with their representatives went well and the government would make a statement in the legislature on the issue.

The foot march, which started from Nashik district four days ago, has entered the Thane district neighbouring Mumbai.

Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis met a delegation of farmers leaders here. “There was a detailed discussion and it was positive. There will be a statement on this in the Legislature (on Friday),” the chief minister told reporters later.

The government on Wednesday night rushed ministers Dada Bhuse and Atul Save to hold a discussion with the farmers who entered Thane district.

It’s my right to be allowed to speak in Parliament: Rahul

NEW DELHI, MAR 16 (PTI) Facing flak for his “democracy under attack” in India remarks in the UK, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Thursday said if Indian democracy was functioning, he would be able to say his piece in Parliament, asserting that it is a “test of democracy”.

After four leaders of the BJP have made an allegation about a Member of Parliament, is that MP going to be given the same space that those four Ministers have been given or is he going to be told to “shut up”, asked Gandhi at a press conference, his first after returning from the UK.

He alleged that the whole “tamasha” by BJP members in Parliament has been created by the government to divert attention from the Adani issue.

The BJP, however, hit back saying Rahul Gandhi has made it a habit to “demean” Indian democracy on foreign soil and he must apologise.

Senior BJP leaders,

including Union ministers, have attacked Rahul Gandhi over his remarks that democracy was under attack in India and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions. However, Congress leaders have denied that Gandhi made any anti-India comments.

Gandhi on Thursday came to the Parliament House after his return from abroad and met Speaker Om Birla urging him to allow him to speak in the Lok Sabha.

“So, if Indian democracy was functioning, I would be able to say my piece in Parliament. So, actually what you are seeing, is

‘You hold polls in NE...’: Omar asks reason for delay in J-K polls

BUDGAM, MAR 16 (AGENCIES): Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Thursday hit out at the BJP-led Central government and questioned the “rationale behind delaying” elections in the Jammu and Kashmir, reports ANI.

Omar said when it is asked to someone (without naming anyone), why do not you hold elections in J&K, they say Panchayats are functioning here.

“What does that mean? Are not Panchayats functioning in other parts of the country?”, Omar Abdullah said while addressing workers in Budgam, claiming the BJP is aware they will be badly defeated when elections are held here. “You conducted elections in Tripura and Nagaland? You are going to conduct elections in Karnataka? Are not panchayats functioning there? Then why are you not conducting elections here,” he said

a test of Indian democracy.

“After four leaders of the BJP have made an allegation about a Member of Parliament, is that Member of Parliament going to be given the same space that those four Ministers have been given or is he going to be told to shut up? That’s what the real question in front of this country is right now,” the former Congress chief said.

Gandhi said he told the LS Speaker that people from the BJP have made allegations against him and as a Member of Parliament, it is his democratic right to speak. He said Birla was “noncommittal” on this and just smiled. He also expressed hope that he will be allowed to speak tomorrow in Parliament even though he is unsure.

Claiming that the whole controversy (creation) was about distraction, Gandhi alleged that the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are “scared” over the Adani

issue and that is why they have “prepared this whole tamasha” to distract.

The former Congress chief also did not take any questions from the media and said he would like to first place his statement on the floor of the house and after that, he will be happy to have any discussion.

“I went to Parliament this morning with the idea of putting (forward) what I have said or what I feel on the floor of the House. Four ministers have raised allegations against me in Parliament House, it is my right to be allowed to speak on the floor of the House,” the former Congress chief said.

Responding to Gandhi’s remarks, former Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said Gandhi’s comments cannot become the “barometer” of the success or failure of democracy.

He accused Gandhi of making it a habit of seeking to “derail and demean” Indian democracy from foreign soil.

Centre writes to 6 states amid increase in Covid-19 cases

NEW DELHI, MAR 16 (AGENCIES): The Centre has issued an advisory to six states cautioning them over rising Covid cases, reports ToI. The Union health and family welfare ministry has written letters to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka to follow a five-fold strategy of test, track, treat and vaccinations. The state recorded 90 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, a jump

of 55% from 58 cases on Tuesday. Meanwhile, active cases rose from 268 to 336, clocking a 25% rise in a dayprobably the highest jump in more than six months. 55% rise in new Covid cases in Gujarat, active cases up 25% Bhushan advised the states to examine the situation of Covid-19 at micro-level and maintain focus on implementation of necessary measures for prompt and effective management of the disease.

DIMAPUR: ASBM University, Odisha organised a National Law conclave on “The Role of the Judiciary in a Changing World” on March 11. The conclave was inaugurated by the Justice, Ananga Kumar Patnaik, former Judge Supreme Court of India as chief guest. In his address, justice Patnaik expressed his view

that the role of judiciary was primarily to ensure safety and protect the life and liberty as well as the fundamental rights of people. He also presented the fact that Law was everything and was above all the forces in human life.

Founder and president Prof. (Dr.) Biswajeet Pattanayak delivered the welcome and presidential

address by emphasizing the role of law as a driving force to establish truth and justice in the changing world. The guest of honour and keynote speaker of the conclave Prof. Ved Kumari, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, spoke about the existing issues related to women’s safety, inequality, gender justice in the society, community and the nation.

dC-289/23

Rahul Gandhi

Rahul does it again

For all intents and purposes, Rahul Gandhi never fails to attract controversy; either by choice or default, because of which he is a newsmaker but often for the wrong reasons. After the culmination of the party’s much hyped bharat Jodo Yatra on January 30,2023 at kashmir gate, it was not long before Rahul was again at his old habit of going off on a holiday either at home or abroad.

After the Yatra, he first went to Gulmarg on January 31 to spend a few days there. Then the former Congress chief addressed a public rally in Shillong on February 22 then attended the Congress’ 85th plenary session in Raipur from February 24 to February 26 before doing his now famous ‘vanishing act’. Rahul flew to London where he was invited by Cambridge University his alma mater to speak with students from February 28 to March 4. From March 5 onwards, Rahul Gandhi interacted London with business community members, political class members, the Indian diaspora and members of the Indian Overseas Congress. What Rahul spoke at various lectures was on the political situation in India where he alleged, that the spirit of cooperative federalism between the centre and states have been under severe attack and threat from the bJp government at the Centre. He also alleged that many opposition leaders were being spied upon by the pegasus software,developed by Israel. As is with his style of speaking Rahul claimed he was called over phone by some unnamed intelligence officers who pleaded with him to be careful on what he was saying on phone as they were being recorded. If Rahul claimed that some intelligence officers called him to admit they were spying on him through pegasus then he should name them and take them to court, if he is so concerned; otherwise his allegations are a figment of his imagination. Rahul’s conversations abroad, before and recently, appear to have come at a wrong time for the Congress and opposition parties since it has given the bJp the excuse to target and denounce Rahul for defaming the country in foreign soil. Rahul and the Congress may be responding to the vitriolic attacks against the Nehru-Gandhi family by prime minister Modi during his foreign trips. Rahul’s recent remarks on the state of the Indian democracy under the bJp, may or may not be cent percent true, but it has come at an inopportune time for all opposition parties. The opposition including Congress has been demanding that the government discuss the Adani issue and also constitute the Joint parliamentary Committee (JpC) to probe into one of India’s biggest every financial scams that has resulted causing investors in Adani stocks to lose Rs 10 lakh crore in seven days as market cap halves on first week of February. However, neither has the government reacted nor have the central probe agencies bothered to take suo moto notice. Rahul attacked Modi and Adani while TMC firebrand Mahua Moitra did a better job at it but the bJp chose to shout them down. The only way out is for the bJp allow parliament to function by agreeing to have debates on issues raised by the opposition instead of using the Speaker or chairman to deny such demands. It is the duty of the government and not the opposition to ensure parliament is functioning and upon which rests the entire speech of Rahul.

daily devotion

The Master Will Judge

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ… —2 Corinthians 5:10

Paul says that we must all, preachers and other people alike, “appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” But if you will learn here and now to live under the scrutiny of Christ’s pure light, your final judgment will bring you only delight in seeing the work God has done in you. Live constantly reminding yourself of the judgment seat of Christ, and walk in the knowledge of the holiness He has given you. Tolerating a wrong attitude toward another person causes you to follow the spirit of the devil, no matter how saintly you are. One carnal judgment of another person only serves the purposes of hell in you. Bring it immediately into the light and confess, “Oh, Lord, I have been guilty there.” If you don’t, your heart will become hardened through and through. One of the penalties of sin is our acceptance of it. It is not only God who punishes for sin, but sin establishes itself in the sinner and takes its toll. No struggling or praying will enable you to stop doing certain things, and the penalty of sin is that you gradually get used to it, until you finally come to the place where you no longer even realize that it is sin. No power, except the power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit, can change or prevent the inherent consequences of sin.

“If we walk in the light as He is in the light…” (1 John 1:7). For many of us, walking in the light means walking according to the standard we have set up for another person. The deadliest attitude of the Pharisees that we exhibit today is not hypocrisy but that which comes from unconsciously living a lie.

Quotes

ENPO need to resolve a firm wise decision Upgradation of Noksen SDO (Civil) to ADC Hq.

Though Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) demand for Frontier Nagaland, the Centre may offer Autonomous Council or direct Financial Package from Delhi not through Kohima. But direct funding route to ENPO areas from Centre alone will not be enough. There are numerous other issues which we need to discuss or write. For gen-

A. Research and Planning

eral awareness and reference, we share a page/table from many pages shared by DUDA department in their RTI reply NO.DUDA/ RTI-256/08/part-III.

From this page/table, we can clearly identify that the funds are for Under Developed Area/ Backward areas, but most implementing Agencies/organization are not from ENPO/Under Developed Area.

If something good

happen in Eastern Nagaland by ongoing talk with Centre, the ENPO need to resolve a firm law that the fund for development of ENPO Area should be utilized for the benefit of ENPO people by the ENPO people and the Implementing agency/organization should be from ENPO Area.

ENPO need to made firm laws that whoever collaborate with others for

utilization of fund, other than ENPO people should be excommunicate from ENPO. ENPO area will not progress and develop unless make such a stern law.

In our present undivided Nagaland state, we observe it’s a high time that, ENPO need to demand and resolve firm laws that funding for ENPO areas under DUDA must be utilized for the welfare of the ENPO people.

a Establishment of Retail outlet for products of ENPO areas at EcoGreen village, Tsiepama Zynorique Initiative Society, Kohima

b Multi skill development training for backward tribe girls Tabitha Craft & Design, R/Centre, Dimapur

c Advanced training on Cane

Furthermore, as per the Directorate of Under Developed Area RTI reply, for distribution and installation of Solar lights in Backward Area, department spend Rs. 627.64 lakhs during the financial year 2015-16 to 2018-19. However it was more or less like a plan, to benefit

the businessman/shopkeepers at the cost of poor people.

Why because, at the same time, the New & Renewable Energy Department provided solar light at a subsidized rate of around Rs.6800 in the 1st phase and Rs.9300 in the second phase which

include transportation and installation cost.

As per the DUDA Department procurement receipt, 1 (One) solar light cost around ` 1,011,800 which includes transportation and installation cost. These solar lights are procured from a shop at Dimapur.

Therefore for matching of development fund for ENPO/Under Developed Area and developmental activities in the area, people need to voice out and resolve a firm wise decision at this juncture.

Odi Jamir & S. T. Yapang Lkr, Kohima.

Over the past years, we have seen a drastic change in the headlines of Nagaland. Recognition of Nuiland, Chumukidima, Tsiminyu, Noklak and Shamator as the new districts of Nagaland and Tikhir as the recognized tribe of Nagaland. Which indeed, as a layman made me think about Noksen Town being the oldest town of Tuensang District is still at the level of SDO (CIVIL) and so far no intention of upgrading it to ADC Hq. However, looking at the present scenario no organization will take the risk of dealing with this particular topic to be debated at a higher level. The reasons are

1. Educational Sector: The existing High School in Noksen Town is on the verge of a downgrade. The educational sector is at its lowest point and therefore when we reflect on the educational system at village level we are nowhere to be found in the map.

2. Health Sector: Having a strict health-conscious, who doesn’t want to have a better health system. But how is our medical department doing? Are there any flaws in PHC? What does the database indicate about the health sector of the population? How can we improvise it, if there are any issues in respect of the health sector? How many doctors and nurses are stationed at present? What is the intake/capacity of the Hospital?

3. Infrastructure Development: When I say infrastructure development it implies both Government

and private sector. Up to what level we are at in respect of infrastructure development? Has there been any transitions since the inception with regard to development in infrastructure.

4. Agricultural Sector: What is the annual income of a household through agricultural means? Whose duty is it for promotion of agricultural activity? Noksen area has been placed in a boiling pot when we come to talk about political scenarios. However, the 2023 election has proved that the young minds have finally decided to walk and not only talk. I believe that it’ll bear a sweet fruit and not sour. Those were just some of my random calculations which I felt the necessity to share with you intellectuals. So that, we can come up with a fine solution for the betterment of all. I strongly believe that the present Government of Nagaland will pay much heed to the long unsolved problem of the area through its elected MLA of the concerned. However, on the contrary to it the public of Noksen Area in particular should work tirelessly for the upgradation of Noksen SDO ( CIVIL) TO ADC Hq. and not only depending on some particular groups or individuals as it is the responsibility of all. I am just a lay man with no knowledge but I felt the keen interest in sharing my thoughts with you all.

Hanso Chang Noksen

Village.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Can there be a universally acceptable mediation?

The Ukraine-Russia military confrontation has stretched longer than expected largely because the plan of Russian President Vladimir Putin to establish a protective presence in the eastern provinces of Ukraine for the Russian-speaking population there through a quick military operation went awry because of the determined move of USNATO combine to pump in war material in the hands of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a big scale.

Russia might not have been deterred by the thought of Western sanctions as it had become familiar with them ever since it had annexed Crimea in 2014 following an armed revolt led by Islamic fundamentalists there who apparently enjoyed the US support.

Presently, the US-led West is keeping up aid and military support to Ukraine in a ‘proxy’ mode, believing that for Russia the war was inflicting costs that might become overbearing, that the world opinion was gravitating in favour of peaceful negotiation between the two warring sides and that certainly an escalation into a nuclear dimension would be totally unacceptable for the international community.

It is not going unnoticed by observers that Zelensky was taking to an aggressive jargon - all on the strength of US support though - setting demands like immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and talking of an ultimate Russian defeat. Coming from a leader in his precarious situation this was understandable. There is little doubt however, that the world favours an honourable peace pact between Russia and Ukraine.

India became the voice of sanity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to both Putin and Zelensky - he was the world’s first leader to do that - and called for peace negotiations. His pithy reminder later that ‘this is not a time for war’ has swung international opinion in favour of a cessation of armed hostilities.

India maintained a non-partisan approach to the conflict and abstained from US-sponsored antiRussia resolutions at the UN. What is noteworthy, however, is that India retained a bilateral friendship with the US and the UK, as well as the leading European powers like France and Germany.

A situation has arisen where any initiative for bringing a halt to the Ukraine-Russia military conflict that has prolonged without creating any definite advantage for either side would receive a global endorsement.

Ukraine is bearing the losses and yet seeking a further upgradation of the US armament support while President Putin might be aware that Russia was running into an image problem as a ‘big power’ that could not score a decisive ‘victory’ over a smaller neighbour.

Putin can not be serious about injecting a ‘nuclear dimension’ in the name of using tactical missiles with that special capability.

India’s balanced approach has already been hailed by the world. It can be surmised that both the US and Russia would welcome any role India could play in bringing about a ceasefire - the US and India would not like Russia to be pushed into the Chinese camp deepening the revival of the Cold War.

Any meaningful success of such an intervention would be a feather in India’s cap during the G20 Presidency.

India’s NSA has been in touch with Russia and Ukraine at the highest levels and under his guidance, a track-2 team could quietly get into the act - an official engagement would be vulnerable to fault-finding in case the progress was not perfect. The team comprising a senior diplomat and a strategic expert chosen by NSCS, could possibly start consultations for peace and explore with the help of its counterparts from Russia and Ukraine, the possibility of evolving a framework of guidelines for negotiations.

The fundamental point is that the negotiating team must consider concerns and sensitivities of both sides. When the Cold War ended with the success of the anti-Soviet armed campaign in Afghanistana battle run on the war cry of Jehad- that resulted in the dismemberment of the USSR and literally the demise of International Communism, the cause of global peace for the future, would have been served better if the newly freed East European countries and the Central Asian Republics were encouraged to have peaceful relations with the residual state of Russia.

NATO could be maintaining oversight on these regions but without getting into direct military involvement with the neighbours of Russia.

Former US President Donald Trump struck a certain equation with Vladimir Putin despite the history of the ‘Crimean war’ but the relationship between the US and Russia soured as President Biden renewed emphasis on America’s special bonds with NATO and apparently, looked upon Russia as an adversary at

par with China.

The Democrats, it may be mentioned, had returned to power amidst widespread resentment over the alleged interference by Russia in the US Presidential election designed to favour Trump.

The neighbours of Russia left on their own should have concentrated on building themselves as democratic regimes willing to deal with that country on merit - with such help as the international community could possibly extend to them. Annexation of the adjoining Crimea by Russia in 2014 - following the rise of the anti-Russia revolt led by Islamic militants there - had predictably marked the beginning of a constant decline of West-Russia relations.

In the environment set by that event countries like Ukraine were nearly sucked into the NATO orbit for their self-defence. European Union saw Russia as a source of threat but Trump who welcomed the British on ‘getting their country back’ through Brexit, seemingly treated Russia as another European country and thought it could be handled according to what would be in the best American interests.

Negotiators working for peace in the present would have to start with an acknowledgement that both Russia and Ukraine had security concerns that needed to be kept in view and that the matter was largely about two adjoining countries with different philosophies of governance, respecting each other and striking an arrangement for living in peace as neighbours. It would help if Ukraine declared that it is a democratic country run by a political executive elected on the basis of ‘one man one vote’ without any

distinction of race, region or gender.

Russian-speaking people of its eastern region would have an added confidence and feel they were on the same footing as the rest of the population.

It is also - as a good starter - desirable for Ukraine to explicitly indicate that left to itself it would not seek membership of NATO. A ceasefire has to mark the launch of tripartite negotiations between the teams of Ukraine, Russia and the mediators and logically also to a scaling down of the Western supply of arms and ammunition to Ukraine.

It would be necessary to let the two warring countries express their concerns and misgivings in the present and for the future. The more open they are about these the easier it would be for the negotiators to work around them and establish a reasonable level of acceptance and lasting assurance on both sides.

The intervention of the US-led West on the side of Ukraine was justifiable up to a point but not the strategy of running a proxy war through that country in the hope of weakening Russia - particularly when this was happening at the cost of a friendly Ukraine.

The real challenge for the negotiators would be to do the groundwork for facilitating a Peace Pact between Russia and Ukraine that will create certain checks and balances to the satisfaction of the international community, and see to it that an arrangement both sides could trust would be created - embracing Crimea’s status tooand bring in the democratic world as a whole for possible assistance in completing that groundwork. The pact will have to envisage

global funding for the reconstruction of Ukraine - with Russia also making a symbolic contribution in keeping with its status as the much bigger power, in the bilateral conflict.

A relevant issue would be to fix a reasonable sizing of Ukraine’s Defence forces required to preserve the sovereignty of a democratic country and provide internal security in the areas where the Russianspeaking population lived. Conditions would have to be created for a gradual withdrawal of the Russian military from Ukraine in pursuance of the Peace Pact as also a matching lifting of ‘sanctions’ imposed by the US-led West on Russia.

The Russia-Ukraine military conflict had been a prolonged one - adversary impacting the entire geopolitics and global economy - and untangling the complex issues that precipitated it in the first instance will have to be done patiently and with an understanding of what was bothering the two sides.

Shared economic growth is a guarantor of peace and the negotiations should give due attention to whatever could provide mutual benefit to the two countries in future. The Ukraine-Russia military conflict had in one sense, a localised dimension involving two neighbours and it cannot be allowed to land the entire world in a crisis.

Peace negotiations have to be free of political tints, have to be guided by what was good for the world and had to be conducted upfront on the strength of the bona fides of the mediators.

D.C. Pathak

(The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

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Three killed in family

violence

HIMMATNAGAR, MAR 16 (PTI): Three persons including a fiveyear-old boy and his father were killed during a bout of violence within a family in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district on Thursday, police said. Ramesh Bobadiya allegedly hacked to death Lallu Gamar and his son Kalpesh, and subsequently Gamar’s brother allegedly killed Bobadiya, said a senior official.

The triple murder took place at Ajavas village of Poshina tehsil, said Sabarkantha district superintendent of police Vishalkumar Vaghela.

3 die as car falls into gorge in HP’s Kasauli

SHIMLA, MAR 16 (PTI):

Three people died and two sustained injuries after their car fell into a deep gorge near Jangeshu village on the KasauliParwanoo Road in Solan district on Thursday morning, police said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the five occupants of the ill-fated car were on their way to Parwanoo from Kasauli when the incident occurred after the driver lost control of the car, police said.

Situation in India no different from Pak: Mufti

Says, BJP govt putting opposition leaders in jail

JAMMU, MAR 16 (PTI):

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said like the ruling party in Pakistan is trying to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan, the BJP-led central government here is misusing central agencies to put opposition leaders in jail.

Speaking at the party headquarters here, the former chief minister said she is concerned about the difficulties being faced by people in the aftermath of the revocation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019.

“Nothing new is happening in Pakistan... it is happening here (India) as well,” Mufti said while responding to a question on the developments in crisishit Pakistan where the ruling party is planning to arrest the Pakistan-Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) chairman on corruption charges. “The situation is not different in India where sitting minis-

Govt orchestrating disruptions in Parl to sidestep issues: TMC

NEW DELHI, MAR 16

(PTI): The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday accused the government of orchestrating disruptions in both Houses of Parliament in a bid to sidestep questions raised by the opposition parties on a slew of issues and avoid accountability.

On Thursday, for the first time, the party named the Adani Group in reference to the risk exposure of LIC and SBI, an issue it has been raising for quite some time now.

“The BJP under (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and (Home Minister Amit) Shah are turning Parliament into a deep dark chamber. They do not want Parliament to run because the government has to be accountable to Parliament and then to the people. Modi and Shah don’t want to be accountable to the people

Maha political row: SC reserves verdict

ters, former ministers are also jailed... Manish Sisodia (AAP), (Kalvakuntla)

Kavitha (daughter of Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao), Lalu Prasad (RJD president), Shiv Sena leaders and others have been targeted (jailed or summoned),” she said.

Former PM P V Narasimha Rao also went to jail (in 1996) as per the law of the land, however, the BJPled central government is misusing the ED and CBI against the opposition leaders to put them in jails, she said.

Asked about the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the role of her party, she said, “When the election takes place is not my priority. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are facing in difficulties in the aftermath of the 2019 development.”

“(PDP General Secretary Amrik Singh) Reen is part of the all party delegation (led by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah) to brief the opposition leaders in Delhi about the difficulties and suppression being faced by the people in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

Mufti said the delegation will also brief the opposition leaders about the recruitment scams, contracts of minor minerals and liquor given to outsiders and failure of the administration to provide jobs to the youth.

“No outside industry has come to J&K from 2019 onwards. Jammu businessmen are suffering after the administration stopped the darbar move (a practice under which the government used to function six months each in Srinagar and Jammu),” she said, claiming that people from outside are coming and settling in Jammu. Asked about Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s statement that 47 terrorists and their families who were provided jobs by the previous governments were dismissed by his administration, Mufti said.

NEW D ELHI, MAR 16 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a batch of cross-petitions of Uddhav Thackeray and CM Eknath Shinde factions pertaining to the Maharashtra political crisis.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reserved its verdict after hearing arguments advanced on behalf of both Uddhav and Eknath factions and the office of the governor. The bench, comprising Justices MR Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha concluded the hearing after senior advocates Kapil Sibal, AM Singhvi, Devadatt Kamat and advocate Amit Anand Tiwari made their submissions.

The top court also heard arguments of senior advocates Neeraj Kishan Kaul, Harish Salve, Mahesh Jethmalani and advocate Abhikalp Pratap Singh for Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led faction.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the office of the governor in the matter.

The five-judge constitution bench reserved its verdict after nine days of hearing which had commenced on February 21.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

NAGALAND : KOHIMA

How can Uddhav Thackeray be reinstated as CM when he resigned before floor test: SC

The Supreme Court wondered on Thursday as to how it can reinstate the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra when the chief minister had put in his papers even before facing the floor test, after the faction led by him pitched for setting aside the governor’s June 2022 order to the CM to take a floor test. The Thackeray faction made ve-

hement submissions before the court urging it to turn back the clock and restore the “status quo ante” (previously existing state of affairs) as it had done in 2016 when it reinstalled Nabam Tuki as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing the Thackeray bloc, urged a fivejudge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud to rescind governor B S Koshyari’s order for a floor test, a day

after the apex court questioned his conduct in calling for a trust vote merely on the ground of differences between Shiv Sena MLAs.

The bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate AM Singhvi, also appearing for Uddhav Thackeray, and quipped “So, according to you, we do what? Reinstate you? But you resigned. That’s like the court being asked to reinstate a government which has resigned before the floor test.”

The bench, also comprising Justice MR Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha, which reserved its verdict on cross petitions filed by Thackeray and Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde factions, asked Singhvi, “How can the court reinstate the chief minister, who did not even face the floor test.”

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so they disrupt Parliament,” said Derek O’Brien, the TMC floor leader in Rajya Sabha. O’Brien further said the Lok Sabha does not have a deputy speaker for almost four years and the prime minister has not answered a single question in either House of Parliament since 2016. The Lok Sabha took up only six short-duration discussions, he said, adding “if you go back, it was 59, 55 and 33 in previous sessions.”

“In the Rajya Sabha it is similar. Last six years no opposition MP has been given a chance to discuss any issue of importance,” he alleged. “Mr Modi and Mr Shah have decided that Parliament will not run. The MPs have been asked to stand up and disrupt. This suits a government which does not want to be accountable to the people,” said O’Brien.

NO.DET/ESTT-2/5/2016-17 Dated, Kohima the 16th March 2023.

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Uddhav Thackeray and CM Eknath Shinde

Mehbooba Mufti

Garcetti’s confirmation to boost

India-US ties: US business leaders

WASHINGTON, MAR 16 (PTI): Eric Garcetti’s confirmation as the US ambassador to India will help achieve critical goals in economic resilience at a time when both countries are working to build their Quad partnership and high-trust ecosystem underpinned by shared democratic values, according to US business leaders.

US senators voted 52 to 42 on Wednesday to confirm the former Los Angeles mayor to the post after an unprecedented delay of more than two years.

“Eric has a deep understanding and affection towards India and the Indian people, and I have no doubt he will hit the ground running when he lands in Delhi.

Eric brings the humility of a great leader who is constantly looking to improve and make a difference. He is also a big-picture guy, said Mukesh Aghi, president of

US India Strategic and Partnership Forum.

Having led Los Angeles, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, Garcetti understands that working with all stakeholders will be essential in moving forward the most significant relationship of the 21st century, the US-India partnership, he said.

“The US and India partnership is a bipartisan priority. We have much to

accomplish in 2023 and beyond, starting with the Quad Summit, a potential State visit, and a list of G-20 activities. USISPF is proud to support Ambassador Garcetti in his new role and wishes him all the success, Aghi said.

Congratulating Garcetti on his confirmation as the US Ambassador to India, US India Business Council said that the business community is pleased to see the US Senate vote to confirm the President’s nominee for this critical post.

The US India Business Council is pleased that the Senate has confirmed Eric Garcetti as the US Ambassador to India. As the world’s largest democracy and fastest growing large economy, India is an essential partner to the United States as it seeks to bolster its strategic, technological, and economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific, said Atul Ke-

India’s GDP to grow at 6% in FY24: CRISIL

CHENNAI, MAR 16 (IANS): Terming the global environment as gloomier, credit rating agency CRISIL Ltd on Thursday forecast India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 6 per cent for FY24 down from 7 per cent estimated by the National Statistical Organisation (NSO) for FY23.

“A complex interplay of geo-political events, stubbornly high inflation, and sharp rate hikes to counter that, have turned the global environment gloomier,” CRISIL said.

On the domestic front, the peak impact of the rate hikes -- 250 basis points since May 2022, which has pushed interest rates above pre-Covid-19 levels -- will play out in fiscal 2024, the credit rating agency said.

According to CRISIL, consumer inflation is

expected to moderate to 5 per cent on average in fiscal 2024 from 6.8 per cent in fiscal 2023, owing to high-base effect and some softening of crude and commodity prices.

A good rabi harvest would help cool food inflation, while the slowing economy should moderate core inflation.

The risks to inflation are tilted upward, given the ongoing heat wave and the World Meteorological Organization’s prediction that an El Nino warming event is likely over the next couple of months, the credit rating agency said.

“India’s mediumterm growth prospects are healthier. Over the next five fiscals, we expect GDP to grow at 6.8 per cent annually, driven by capital and productivity increases. What is also good to see is the increas-

ing sustainability footprint of capex,” said Amish Mehta, Managing Director and CEO.

“At present, nearly 9 per cent of the infrastructure and industrial capex is green. We see this number rising to 15 per cent by fiscal 2027,” he added.

According to Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, India’s external vulnerability is expected to decline with a narrower current account deficit (CAD) and modest short term external debt.

“While CAD is expected to narrow to 2.4 per cent of GDP (about $88 billion) next fiscal from an estimated 3 per cent (about $100 billion) this fiscal, its financing may face challenges as foreign portfolio flows remain volatile and external commercial borrowings are less attractive,” Joshi said.

Gold jumps Rs 380; silver declines Rs 90

shap, president of USIBC.

I wish Ambassador Garcetti a successful posting in New Delhi. Having a US ambassador to India is critical as both great democracies work to build their Quad partnership and high-trust ecosystem, underpinned by shared democratic values, he said.

USIBC’s managing director Alexander Slater also welcomed Garcetti for his new role.

“We strongly support the appointment of a US Ambassador to India and know that Ambassador Garcetti brings significant leadership experience to the position.

“Our team looks forward to continuing our close engagement with the US Embassy under his guidance, especially on key drivers of the bilateral relationship such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, he said.

Suisse owns Rs 20,000 cr assets in India

NEW DELHI, MAR 16 (PTI): Gold price jumped Rs 380 to Rs 57,450 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday amid gains in rates of the precious metal overseas, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the yellow metal had ended at Rs 57,070 per 10 grams. Silver, however, declined Rs 90 to Rs 66,535 per kilogramme. “Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 57,450 per 10 grams, up Rs 380 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said. In the overseas market, gold was trading higher at USD 1,922 per ounce while silver was flat at USD 21.61 per ounce. Comex Gold prices slightly up in Asian trading hours on Thursday as troubles at Swiss lender Credit Suisse renewed concern of a banking crisis worldwide and investors moved towards the safehaven metal, Gandhi said.

Rupee falls 12 paise to 82.77 against US dollar

MUMBAI, MAR 16 (PTI):

The rupee fell for the fourth day in a row on Thursday and depreciated by 12 paise to 82.77 (provisional) against the US dollar amid mixed global equity market cues and foreign fund outflows.

Traders said positive sentiments in the domestic equity market and weaker dollar, however, resisted the decline in the Indian currency. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened lower at 82.77 against the dollar. It traded between 82.60 and 82.80 levels, and settled at 82.77 (provisional) against the American currency, registering a fall of 12 paise against its previous close. This is the fourth consecutive day of decline in the rupee. On Wednesday, the

rupee settled at 82.65 against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.25 per cent to 104.38.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures rose 1.23 per cent to USD 74.60 per barrel.

On the domestic equity market front, the 30-share BSE Sensex rose 78.94 points or 0.14 per cent to 57,634.84 points while the broader NSE Nifty rose 13.45 points or 0.08 per cent to 16,985.60 points.

On Thursday, Asian and European shares were trading on a mixed note against the backdrop of concerns over the health of the global banking system in the wake of bank failures in the US and problems at Swiss major Credit Suisse.

NEW DELHI, MAR 16 (AGENCIES): Beleaguered Swiss bank Credit Suisse is one of the top 15 foreign banks in India and owns assets worth more than Rs 20,000 crore, as per a note by Jefferies.

As per the financial service provider Jefferies, 70 per cent of Credit Suisse’s assets are held in the form of government securities. Moreover, its off-balance sheet items are seven times its total assets, Business Today reported. The note read, “Alike foreign banks, their off-balance sheet is seven times the total assets, and they are the 14th largest foreign bank in the system.”

The Switzerland-based banking giant also has a significant presence in the derivatives market and funds 60 per cent of its assets from borrowings, of which 96 per cent has a tenure of up to two months, according to Jefferies.

The note also highlighted that Credit Suisse is more relevant to the Indian financial system than the Silicon Valley Bank, which

collapsed recently. They stressed that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would intervene if things go south and keep a close watch on the developing situation.

“We expect RBI to keep a close watch on liquidity issues, and counterparty exposures and intervene as necessary. This may also lead to institutional deposits moving more towards larger/ quality banks,” said Jefferies.

The Jefferies note also added, “Borrowings in India form 73 per cent of total liabilities and 96 per cent of borrowings have tenure of up to 2 months. Deposit base is smaller at Rs 28 billion, forming 20 per cent of total liabilities and 70 per cent are from subsidiaries.

While the share of shorterterm liabilities is high, assets are mostly in liquid G-Secs.”

It is worth noting that foreign banks have a limited presence in India. Out of the total, they have a 6 per cent share in total assets, 4 per cent in loans and 5 per cent in deposits. Despite their limited presence, they are active in the derivative markets (forex and interest rates) where they have up to 50 per cent share.

The shares of Credit Suisse crashed on Wednesday after Saudi National Bank, its main shareholder, said that it would not invest any more money in the Swiss bank. On top of that, its annual report cited “material weaknesses” in internal control.

GST stalemate to continue for cryptocurrencies

NEW DELHI, MAR 16 (AGENCIES): The proposed move to levy goods and services tax (GST) on cryptocurrencies is set to be delayed as consensus on the modalities has eluded officials from the centre and state governments. As a result, the 50th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax Council, which is expected later this year, is unlikely to finalise the move.

Consensus has eluded the officials because of the “complexities” involved in indirect taxation of cryptocurrencies. Officials say

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they will need “a few more months” to be able to draw clarity on indirect taxation of virtual digital assets. “I don’t think this subject will be taken up for discussion anytime soon,” an official said. Last year the GST Council had tasked the finance ministries of Haryana and Karnakata to study and identify all relevant supplies associated with the cryptoecosystem that would fall under the ambit of GST, their nature, whether those activities are goods or services, and their applicable rate based on appropriate

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Macron uses special power to enact pension bill without vote

PARIS, MAR 16 (AP):

France’s government on Thursday invoked a special constitutional power to enact a contentious pension bill without a vote in parliament, in a risky move by President Emmanuel Macron. The decision was made just a few minutes before the vote was scheduled because the government had no guarantee that the bill would command a majority at the National Assembly, France’s lower house of parliament. The bill will raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, and is the flagship legislation of Macron’s second term. The unpopular plan has prompted major strikes and protests across the country since January. The move is expected to trigger a quick no-confidence motion in Macron’s government.

Nepal’s PM Prachanda likely to visit India next month

KATHMANDU, MAR

16 (PTI): Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is likely to travel to India on an official visit next monthhis first foreign trip since assuming the office for the third time in December last year, a media report said on Thursday. Though the official date of his visit to India is yet to be announced, boosting bilateral ties and talks on trade, energy, agriculture, culture and air service will prominently feature in his talks with Indian leaders.

Japan, S Korea renew ties at Tokyo summit

TOK YO, MAR 16 (AP): Japan and South Korea agreed to resume regular visits between their leaders and took steps to resolve a trade dispute as a highly anticipated summit began Thursday, a sign that the two countries are rebuilding their nations’ security and economic ties as they try to overcome a century of difficult history. The summit could revise the strategic map of northeast Asia. The two U.S. allies, who have long often been at odds over their history, are seeking to form a united front, driven by shared concerns about a restive North Korea and a more powerful China.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol both stressed the importance of improved ties as they opened Thursday’s summit, hours after a North Korean missile launch and encounters between Japanese and Chinese vessels in disputed waters.

N Korea welcomes summit with missile test

The summit comes as a series of dramatic events underscores how Northeast Asia is dividing into blocs.

A North Korean missile launch early Thursday, just before Yoon departed for Tokyo, could increase momentum for he and Kishida to move their countries closer diplomatically. The intercontinental ballistic missile was launched on a steep trajectory to avoid territory and fell into open waters off Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.

“I’m delighted that a chance has come for us to open a new chapter of Japan-South Korea relations together,” Kishida said in his opening remark. He added that their meeting will mark the resumption of regular visits between the leaders, which have been on hold for more than a decade.

Yoon said Thursday’s meeting “has special significance as it shows the people of both countries that South Korea-Japan relations are off to a new beginning after being plagued by various

issues.” He added that the two countries that share same democratic values “are partners that must cooperate on security, economic issues and global agendas.”

Yoon said “the everescalating threat of North Korea’s nuclear missile program poses a huge threat to peace and stability not only in East Asia but also to the (broader) international community.” “South Korea and Japan need to work closely together and in solidarity to wisely counter the threat,” he added.

The test comes after a year in which North Korea has escalated its nuclear threats, and is likely intended to send a message both about the summit and simultaneous joint military exercises including the U.S., which the isolated country views as directed against it.

Region in flux as Washington, Beijing tussle for influence

Washington will welcome better Japan-South Korea ties, as feuding over historical issues has undermined a U.S. push to reinforce its alliances in Asia. Washington apparently worked to bring about today’s summit, and Thursday began joint anti-submarine warfare drills with South Korea and Japan as well as Canada and India.

China’s dispute with Japan over tiny islands in the East China Sea also heated up Thursday, as both sides accused the other of violating their maritime territory after China coast guard vessels entered waters around an uninhabited island group that Japan controls and calls the Senkakus, and which Beijing also claims and calls the Diaoyu Islands. The islands are just north of Taiwan, which also claims them as its own.

Senate confirms Eric Garcetti as US Ambassador to India

WA SHI NGTON, MAR 16 (PTI): Eric Garcetti, President Joe Biden’s close aide, will be the next US Ambassador to India after the Senate confirmed his nomination, ending a protracted hiatus of over two years to fill the key diplomatic position.

The Senate voted 52-42 to confirm the former Los Angeles mayor’s nomination on Wednesday. Garcetti, 52, lost the votes of three Democrats but convinced seven

Israelis step up protests after Netanyahu rejects compromise

TEL AVIV, MAR 16 (AP):

Israeli protesters pressed ahead on Thursday with demonstrations against a contentious government plan to overhaul the judiciary, pushing back against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he rejected a compromise proposal that was meant to defuse the crisis.

Despite the effort by the country’s figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, to seek a way out of the stalemate, the sides appeared to be further digging in. Netanyahu and his allies were set to barrel forward with their original plan despite weeks of mass protests and widespread opposition from across Israeli society and beyond as well as warnings by Herzog that Israel was headed toward

an “abyss.”

Protesters were kicking off a third day of disruption since the crisis began, with roads set to close to make way for demonstrators.

Protesters in Jerusalem drew a large red and pink streak throughout the city on streets leading to the country’s Supreme Court and a small flotilla of boats was blocking the shipping lane off the coast of the northern city of Haifa.

“The elected government is doing a legislative blitz that aims to give absolute power to the executive. And absolute power to the executive with no checks and balances is simply a dictatorship. And this is what we’re fighting against,” said Shlomit Tassa, a protester in Tel Aviv, waving an Israeli flag.

Poland plans to grant Ukraine’s request for fighter jets

Republicans to cross the aisle, winning him the prestigious diplomatic posting. His nomination was pending before the US Congress since July 2021 when he was nominated by President Biden.

Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 13-8 in favour of his nomination.

“The relationship between India and the US is a strong one, and one of great strategic, economic, and cul-

tural importance. Founded on shared values, supported by growing economic and trade ties, and strengthened by the Indian diaspora here in the US, this partnership

continues to hold significant promise for the future,” said Senator Mark Warner, Co-Chair of Senate India Caucus. “As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I am glad that there will finally be a Senate-confirmed ambassador in New Delhi,” Warner said.

Garcetti’s nomination was not brought to the Senate floor for a vote during the last Congress as the ruling Democratic Party did not have enough support to

get him through. When the Republican Party took control of the House this year, Senate Democrats pushed most legislation to the back burner and prioritised moving stalled nominees, including that of Garcetti.

KYIV, MAR 16 (AP): The Pentagon on Thursday released footage of what it said was a Russian aircraft pouring fuel on a U.S. Air Force surveillance drone and clipping the drone’s propeller in international airspace over the Black Sea. The 42-second video shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 drone and beginning to release fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding its optical instruments and driving it out of the area. On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian fighter that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging one blade, according to the U.S. military. The U.S. military said it ditched the MQ-9 Reaper in the sea after what it described as the Russian fighter making an unsafe intercept of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

The video excerpt released by the Pentagon does not show events before or after the apparent fuel-dumping confrontation. Russia said its warplanes didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver over the sea. Asked Thursday if Russia would try to recover the drone debris, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the decision was up to the military. “If they consider it necessary to do so in the Black Sea for the benefit of our interests and our security, they will do it,” he said. Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that Moscow would try to recover the drone fragments. U.S. officials have expressed confidence that nothing of military value would remain from the drone even if Russia managed to retrieve the wreckage.

WARSAW, MAR 16 (AP):

Poland’s president said Thursday that his country plans to give Ukraine around a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets, which would make it the first NATO member to fulfill the Ukrainian government’s increasingly urgent requests for warplanes.

President Andrzej

Duda said Poland would hand over four of the Soviet-made warplanes “within the next few days” and that the rest needed servicing and would be supplied later. The Polish word he used to describe their number can mean between 11 and 19.

“They are in the last years of their functioning but they are in good working condition,” Duda said of the aircraft.

Duda did not say whether other countries would be making the same move, although Slovakia has said it would send its disused MiGs to Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller said some other countries with MiGs also had pledged them to Kyiv, but he did not name them.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for Western supporters to share fighter jets, NATO allies have expressed hesitancy.

Before Russia’s fullscale invasion, Ukraine had several dozen MiG-29s it inherited in the collapse of the Soviet Union, but it’s unclear how many of them remain in service after more than a year of fighting.

The Civil Societies of Chen extend warm congratulatory wishes to Shri. C L John on being inducted as Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Village Guards to the Govt. of Nagaland.

The Union further appreciates the able and dynamic leadership of Shri. Neiphiu Rio the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Nagaland and Shri. Chingwang Konyak, President NDPP Nagaland. We wish them the best.

With immense pride, the office of the WVYO and WVSU would like to heartily congratulate Shri. Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe on being elected as the MLA from 38th AC, Wokha during the 14th NLA Election 2023.

We are also grateful to the NCP Central and State leadership for awarding him the NCP ticket to enable him to contest the election from 38th AC, Wokha. Our gratitude and appreciation also goes to the electorates of 38th AC, Wokha for reposing faith in his leadership by electing him to represent the Constituency.

Further, we wish him good luck in all his endeavour and hope that Wokha district as a whole will witness a new era of all round development and prosperity under his visionary and dynamic leadership.

(Chibenthung P Kikon) (Chijamo E Tungoe) President President Wokha Village Youth Organization Wokha Village Students’ Union

(C YAYEM) (CHENFO) (MANA) President President President KONYAK UNION KONYAK NYUPUH CHEN AREA CHEN UNIT SHEKO KHONG CHEN UNIT STUDENTS' UNION

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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, right, in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday. (AP)

A Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 drone and beginning to release fuel as it passes, over the Black Sea. (AP)

Eric Garcetti

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, right, welcomes Czech Republic’s President Petr Pavel in Warsaw, Poland. (AP)

Emotive Strings to host ‘The Garage’ in Dimapur

After successfully holding the first ever “The Garage” show in Kohima and upon receiving overwhelming support, Emotive Strings is yet again all set to host “The Garage”, at Spirit of Faith Church on March 16, here at Dimapur.

This was informed by producer, Mele Pucho, at a press conference held on Thursday noon at Room 03.

Dwelling on the “The Garage”, Pucho stated that the Garage is a man’s journey to pits of despair, angst, sorrow and loss, which tells a riveting testament of hope rising from the deepest cracks and coldest services against unbearable odds and extreme elements.

It can be noted that

Scientists unearth remains of modern glacier near Mars’ equator

Scientists have unearthed the remains of a modern glacier near Mars’ equator, raising the possibility that ice may still exist at shallow depths in the area.

Nagaland’s first robotics event on Mar 25

habitability.

Emotive Strings is a multifaceted audio-visual production dedicated to telling stories through visual/ocular enactments and to communicate, without the need or demands of vernaculars, through instrumental or vocal sounds moulded in an array of emotions.

Pucho later informed that the play would have a run time of around 75 minutes, adding that viewers would have the experience of watching a movie, rather than a concert.

He further informed that the show would incorporate not only music but also other forms of art as well, which would be based on storytelling.

Pucho later added that the Garage was first performed in Kohima, but due

to further demands, it was brought down to be held in Dimapur, further expressing hope to put up more shows through Emotive Strings in other parts of the country as well as abroad. He also opined that such a show was never done in any part of the country, whilst also adding that it might be one of a kind in the whole world.

He latter appealed all music lovers to attend the show, adding that price for the ticket was Rs. 500, and would begin at 5 PM. One can also contact #97749 29679 or get in touch o their Insta handle @emotive.strings, for further queries.

(Staff Reporter)

The possibility of ice on Mars could have significant implications for future human exploration on the Red Planet, but speaking at the 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held in Texas, the scientists noted that its “a salt deposit” with “features of a glacier” and not ice. The surface feature identified as a “relict glacier” is one of many light-toned deposits (LTDs) found in the region. Typically, LTDs consist mainly of light-coloured sulphate salts, but this deposit also shows many of the features of a glacier, including crevasse fields and moraine bands.

The glacier is estimated to be 6 kilometres long and up to 4 kilometres wide, with a surface elevation ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 kilometres. This discovery suggests that Mars’ recent history may have been more watery than previously thought, which could have implications for understanding the planet’s

FELICITATION

Smti. Salhoutuonou Kruse Minister Women Resource Development & Horticulture

Smti. Hekani Jakhalu Kense Advisor Industries & Commerce

We the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation is honoured to extend our Heartiest Congratulations to Smti. Salhoutuonou Kruse and Smti. Hekani Jakhalu Kense for being the first Women Representative to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023 and Creating new Chapter for Naga Political Landscape. ENWO Further wishes good Health, Wisdom and prosperity as they continue to toil for the Development and uplifting of the society. May they continue to be an Inspiration in the lives of Naga people especially among the Women Folks.

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The Purana Bazar Nkonjan Kikon Ekhung (PBNKE) would like to congratulate Shompo ACHUMBEMO KIKON for coming out victorious in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023. The PBNKE pray that our Almighty God continue to bless you with good health and further wish you a successful and satisfactory tenure as MLA 40th A/C. (Tsenyimthung Kikon) (K.L. Moyo) Chairman, PBNKE Secretary, PBNKE

FELICITATION

The Ongpang Waipong Zunga Dimapur extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Sharingain Longkumer on being elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency for the second term.

The OWZ congratulates the voters of the 26 Aonglenden A/C for choosing the deserving MLA Shri. Sharingain Longkumer, We are very confident that our leader would live up to the expectations by serving the people as an elected member for the Naga people.

May God bless you with wisdom and long life.

Shri. I. Suwa Lkr. Shri. Sangto Longchar Chairman Secretary Ongpang Waipong Zunga Ongpang Waipong Zunga

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(Smti. A SHAMTHAI PHOM) President ENWO

“What we’ve found is not ice, but a salt deposit with the detailed morphologic features of a glacier. What we think happened here is that salt formed on top of a glacier while preserving the shape of the ice below, down to details like crevasse fields and moraine bands,” said lead author Dr. Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist with the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute. The glacier’s fine-scale features, its associated sulphate salts deposit, and the overlying volcanic materials are all very sparsely cratered by impacts and must be geologically young, likely Amazonian in age, the latest geologic period which includes modern Mars.

“We’ve known about glacial activity on Mars at many locations, including near the equator in the more distant past. And we’ve known about recent glacial activity on Mars, but so far, only at higher latitudes. A relatively young relict glacier in this location tells us that Mars experienced surface ice in recent times, even near the equator, which is new,” said Lee. (IANS)

Nagabots, a Nagaland-based robotics organisation, in collaboration with the department of industries and commerce under the banner of “Startup Nagaland”, would be organising Nagaland’s first-ever robotics event, “Techmorphosis” on March 25 at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma.

A press release by Nagabots informed that the event aims to promote the development of technology and innovation in Nagaland, as well as provide a platform for students and enthusiasts to showcase their skills. The “Techmorphosis”, which is co-sponsored by the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entre-

preneurship, Government of Nagaland and UCO Bank, will feature a range of exciting events, including coding challenges, robot building, and interactive gaming experiences. Students from various schools across Nagaland are expected to be participating in these events, demonstrating their knowledge and skills in various technology fields. The organisers have informed that the event was open to the public, and participants can register themselves through the portal/website or at the event itself. For more information on “Techmorphosis” and to register for the event, one has been asked to visit the official event website at www.nagabots.net.

Important to portray Indian women beautifully to global audience: Rani

with a country. Mukerji, whose credits include films such as “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, “Hum Tum”, “Black” and the “Mardaani” series, said the effort has always been to highlight various facets of Indian women. “For me, it is very important to portray Indian women beautifully to the global audience that

whether the audience in the global arena watches an Indian film with me in it, they see an Indian woman’s character, and the person should say, ‘Wow! This is an Indian woman’,” she told PTI in an interview here. As an artiste, Mukerji said it is important for her to “look up to and root” for her characters. (PTI)

“In my lifetime, I can only be Rani but through my characters I can live as so many different Indian women,” says Rani Mukerji, whose latest release “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway” sees the actor as an immigrant mother engaged in a long-drawn legal battle

OffICE Of THE SUMI APHUYEMI KUKAMI HOHO

G.B. Association Pughoboto

H.Q. Pughoboto, Pin – 797109, Dist. Zunheboto, Nagaland fELICITATION

With immense pride, the Sumi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho (SAKH) Pughoboto Sub-division extends heartiest congratulations to Dr. SUKHATO A. SEMA for securing the mandate of electorates of 13 AC Pughoboto and eventually elected as MLA in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

We are optimist that your dynamic and visionary leadership will usher a new era of growth and development in Pughoboto Sub-Division.

Further, we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.

Sd/(VIHOSHE ASSUMI, GB) (QHUTOVI TENNA, GB) Gen. Secy. SAKH President, SAKH

Invitation

I am extremely pleased to extend an invitation to all my supporters, well wishers and the BJP karyakartas, to join me at a Thanksgiving programme, that is being organized to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for winning the Assembly elections to the 14 th NLA 2023.

The programme is scheduled at 12:00 noon, Saturday, the 18th March 2023, at Mini Stadium, Old Riphyim Village, Wokha.

It will be a great honour to have your presence at the event, to make it a grand success. I look forward to celebrate the victory together.

Sincerely,

Yanthungo Patton

Deputy Chief Minister GoN and BLP leader.

PS: For queries kindly contact 9436078372

O FFICE OF THE K HETOI V ILLA G E G B’S A ND C OUNCIL C OURT F ELICITATION

The Khetoi Village Council and GB’s would like to congratulate, Shri. Jacob Zhimomi, Hon’ble Minister for Public Health Engineering and Co-Operation, Govt. of Nagaland for his overwhelming victory in the recently concluded election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

The council further pray that God Almighty continue to bless him good health and wisdom in the days to come.

(Kasuho P Yeptho) (Akavi Z Awomi) GB Khetoi Village Chairman Khetoi Village Council

FELICITATION

The Kitami Inalimi Kuposhukulu Dimapur (KIKD) , with immense joy congratulates Shri Dr. Sukhato A. Sema Hon’ble MLA 13 AC Pughoboto on incredible victory in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election As you endeavor to take on new responsibilities and work for the upliftment of our people in particular and Nagas in general, we convey our good wishes and pray for God’s wisdom, guidance, protection and grand success in all your undertakings.

OFFICE OF THE NATIONALIST DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY (NDPP) MOKOKCHUNG TOWN ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY “Facta Non Verba” on

Mkg Town A/C all the ranks and file with immense pride and honor heartily congratulates Shri Metsubo elected for the second consecutive term from 27th MKG th Nagaland Legislative

The party congratulates him on being bestowed the post of cabinet Minister of Rural Development and SIRD portfolio. We would also like to thank all the well-wishers and the A/C for their unconditional support to our

The party also expresses our heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Neiphiu Rio, honorable Chief Minister Nagaland and Shri Chingwang Konyak President NDPP Nagaland for reposing Sd/Sashi Imchen

(L-R) Mele Pucho, Mhalevil Chaya and Nourhe Khate of Emotive Strings addressing media fraternity

WWC: Nikhat starts campaign with win

NEW DELHI, MAR 16 (PTI): Ace Indian boxer

Nikhat Zareen started the defence of her title with an emphatic RSC (referee stops contest) win over Anakhanim Ismayilova in the opening round of the Women’s World Championships here on Thursday.

The tournament started with home favourite Nikhat’s bout and the pugilist did not disappoint. Competing in the 50kg category, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist took her time to judge her opponent, but once she figured out the Azerbaijan boxer’s game, there was no stopping her.

Nikhat, who is unseeded despite being the reigning champion, was at her aggressive best as she landed a flurry of combination punches on her opponent.

Gianni Infantino reelected as FIFA president

KIGALI (RWANDA), MARCH 16 (IANS): Gianni Infantino was re-elected as the president of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) for the term of 2023-2027 at the 73rd FIFA Congress, held here on Thursday.

As the only candidate for the position, 52-year-old Infantino will continue his tenure as the FIFA chief.

David Warner named Delhi Capitals captain for 2023 IPL season

NEW DELHI, MAR 16

(PTI): Veteran Australia batter David Warner was on Thursday named as captain of Delhi Capitals for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation after a car crash.

India all-rounder

tear surgery in Mumbai.

Warner is currently in India for Australia’s ODI leg of the tour which begins in Mumbai on Friday. He is one of IPL’s most prolific batters with 5881 runs from 162 matches in the 13 seasons that he has featured since 2009. He has an average of 42.01, strike rate of 140.69 and has hit four hundreds and 55 fifties.

Such was the Indian’s domination that the referee had to give Ismayilova the ‘count’ thrice before stopping the contest in the second round.

On being unseeded, Nikhat said, “It’s not a problem. That’s the thing about draws, anyone can get any seeding. It doesn’t matter but my draw is good, as the

competition goes on I’ll get tough opponents.”

Nikhat will next face top seed, 2022 African champion Roumaysa Boualam, in the round of 32.

“I know that boxer but I haven’t played against her. I’m happy that India’s first bout started with me and hopefully, I will only end it.”

“Being a president is an incredible honor, privilege, and great responsibility. I’m so humble and touched. I promise I’m going to continue to serve for football, and for the member associations,” said Infantino after being reelected.

Since his election, FIFA has made significant progress in developing the game across the world and strived to implement a comprehensive strategy to make football truly global, a Xinhua report said.

As of the 2026 FIFA

Indian Wells: Sakkari beats Kvitova; reaches semifinal

vanced to her third semifinal of the season by losing just four games to Coco Gauff, in Friday’s semifinals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Sabalenka owns a narrow 4-3 lead in the head-tohead but Sakkari has won their last two meetings. Both wins came at the last two editions of the WTA Finals.

“I think she’s a different player than when I played her the last time,” Sakkari said about his semifinal clash with Australian Open champion Sabalenka.

World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the football extravaganza will be expanded to a 48-team competition to give more opportunities to countries and regions which are willing to develop their local football levels.

FIFA approved the Annual Report 2022 in February with a recordbreaking revenue of 7.6 billion U.S. dollars during the 2019-2022 cycle, and the FIFA Council expected to earn 11 billion U.S. dollars during the 2023-2026 period.

Axar Patel will be the vicecaptain of the Delhi team, a role he performed last year also. IPL 2023 begins on March 31.

DC also announced former India captain and Ex BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly as the franchise’s Director of Cricket. Ganguly has been associated with Delhi Capitals in the past too, in the role of mentor, during the 2019 season. “Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we’re all going to miss having him around. I would like to thank the management for

the faith and trust they’ve always shown in me,” Warner said in a release.

“This franchise has always been home for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead such a supremely talented bunch of players. I can’t wait to meet them all, and get cracking!”

The naming of Warner as DC captain was on expected lines after Pant -- who led the team from 2021 season -- met with a horrific car accident in late December and successfully underwent a knee ligament

Warner began his IPL stint with the Delhi franchise in 2009 -- when it was Delhi Daredevils then -- and remained part of the team till 2013. He was the interim captain of the team for a couple of matches in 2013, before being bought by Sunrirsers Hyderabad next year.

In 2016, Warner took Sunrisers to IPL title as captain. He is the joint-fifth most successful captain, in terms of matches won. In 69 matches he led, Warner’s teams won 35, lost 32 and tied two matches.

INDIAN WELLS (USA), MARCH 16 (IANS): The No.7 seed Greek player Maria Sakkari rallied from a set and a break down to defeat 15th seed Petra Kvitova 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 and advance to her second straight semifinal of the Indian Wells Masters, here.

The victory was Sakkari’s fourth consecutive three-set win in Indian

Wells, with three of those wins coming from a set down.

She is now the joint leader in three-set wins on tour this season, tying Anastasia Potapova with seven. “Not only was I down a set and a break, but she made me play like an amateur in the first set. Petra Kvitova was playing so well. I had to try and focus

on different things, I had to try and look at the other side of the net to see what I could do to put her in uncomfortable positions and I think it worked. I just tried to play physical -- all I can say is I need a pedicure because my feet are bleeding so badly,” said Maria Sakkari after the match.

The Greek sets up a clash with No.2-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, who ad-

“She just won a Grand Slam, she’s so confident. I watched a little bit of her match today and she was hitting so big. It’s going to be tough, another big hitter, like today. All I can do is try to find solutions. All I can say is my mentality is very good and I’m here to stay until the end,” she added.

The 27-year-old Greek is bidding to become the first player to make back-to-back finals at Indian Wells since Maria Sharapova in 2013.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek, who is set to play her quarterfinal on Thursday, can also match Maria Sharapova’s feat.

Born on : 01/04/1944 Died on : 12/03/2023

We the bereaved family members of Lt. MPIO LOTHA would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, friends, relatives, neighbours, churches, unions and well-wishers who stood by us physically, materially, spiritually and financially at the sudden demise of our beloved.

We are unable to thank each one of you personally but may our good Lord continue to shower His blessings upon each and every one of you.

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Loving Children, In-Laws, Grand Children and Relatives

4th DEATH ANNIVERSARY Lt. Khumtsa Wotsa (17th March 2019)

Four years have passed by without you by our sight but the many lives that you had touched, your kindness, your prayer, your gentle smile are all a beacon of light even after your passing continue to guide us through life's journey. On this day, we cherish the virtuous life you had lived and the memories you had left behind. Still loved, still missed.

Loved one's

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NEW DELHI, MARCH

16 (IANS): The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has prepared to return to action after recovering from a hip flexor injury as he has signed up to compete in the Monte Carlo Masters, starting from April 8, the organisers of the clay court tournament said.

Nadal has been absent from the courts since his Australian Open second round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald, where he aggravated a hip injury.

The Spaniard had also withdrawn from the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open due to grade 2 injury in the iliopsoas muscle in his left leg.

“He has won eleven times in singles, including a record eight consecutive titles between 2005 and 2012,” tournament Director David Massey said in a statement.

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15th DEATH

It has been 15 years since you left us and took your abode in Heaven. As time passes by, we deeply miss your presence. We will forever be strengthening during our weak moments by recalling your unfailing love till our last breath. Even today we feel comforted by the thought that you are in a better place watching over us from above. We will keep on praying that one day we will all rejoice together at the Lords feet never to part again.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk besides us everyday unseen and unheard. You are still missed, loved and always remembered”.

Loving wife, sons, daughters, grandson, granddaughters and inlaws.

ANNIVERSARY of Late YANbO dOMINIC PATTON

Gianni Infantino

David Warner

Rafael Nadal signs up to play in Monte Carlo Masters

Rafael Nadal

Maria Sakkari

Nikhat Zareen (red) lands a punch on Azerbaijan’s Anakhanim Ismayilova. (PTI)

Champions League: Real, Napoli into QFs

At the other end, Thibaut Courtois pulled off two saves to deny Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo as Liverpool looked to react, although Alisson had to make another routine save from Toni Kroos before the halftime whistle. Valverde then headed wide and Real Madrid con-

tinued to threaten, with Benzema firing over from a Vinicius pass when he would have usually at least put his effort on target. The Frenchman made no mistake from close range shortly afterwards, when the ball fell kindly for Vinicius to play it to him from the floor to fire into an empty net.

Napoli book historic quarter-final berth

MADRID, MARCH 16

(IANS): Real Madrid booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win at home to Liverpool, giving them a 6-2 triumph on aggregate.

Karim Benzema scored Madrid’s goal in the 79th minute after the ball fell kindly for him in Liverpool’s penalty area, and his side never looked in danger of

surrendering their 5-2 lead from the first leg. Both sides had chances to score in an entertaining first half but Madrid had the best of them, and were it not for the heroics of Alisson in the Liverpool goal, the tie would have been dead and buried long before Benzema’s goal, a Xinhua report said. The Brazilian made a spectacular block from Vinicius Jr’s effort as the forward arrived unmarked

at the far post to meet a cross from a narrow angle, only for the keeper to stick out an arm to make a reflex save.

Alisson then tipped over Eduardo Camavinga’s shot from outside the area after it took a wicked deflection off James Milner. Luka Modric then fired just over and Alisson again denied Vinicius, although this time the flag was up for offside as Madrid threatened to overrun their rivals.

Eight fans arrested after Champions League violence

NAPLES, MAR 16 (AGENCIES):

Eight football fans have been arrested after violence flared between Eintracht Frankfurt and Napoli supporters before and after their Champions League match, reports BBC Sports.

Napoli reached their first UEFA Champions League quarter-finals as they dominated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in the last-16 second leg on Wednesday night, eliminating the German side 5-0 on aggregate. The Partenopei had one foot in the quarterfinals after winning the first leg in Germany thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Di Lorenzo, a Xinhua report said. The Azzurri showed no mercy at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as they were firmly in charge and went ahead before the

break when Matteo Politano floated a cross from the right and Osimhen jumped high to steer in a header. Osimhen doubled the lead minutes after the break, when Di Lorenzo rolled a cross for the Nigerian to slide home. The home side put the game to bed 10 minutes later when Piotr Zielinski was tripped down in the box for a penalty, which the Pole converted himself. Napoli joined Inter and AC Milan in the Champions League last eight, representing the first time since 2005-06 that three Serie A sides have reached the quarterfinals.

Naples police said five Napoli fans and three German supporters had been held following Wednesday’s disturbances.

Fans living in Frankfurt were banned from the last-16 second leg after trouble at the first game in Germany, but hundreds travelled to Italy anyway.

“It’s not possible to still see this in 2023,” said Napoli defender Juan Jesus. “It’s bad for the city and bad for soccer. People come, then destroy, then leave, it’s not a good thing - we are sorry to see these scenes.”

Six police officers were injured during the skirmishes, according to Alessandro Giuliano, who is responsible

23-member India women’s football squad selected for Jordan, Uzbekistan tours

NEW DELHI,

MAR 16

(PTI): India women’s football head coach Thomas Dennerby on Thursday named a 23-member squad for the international friendly matches in Jordan and Uzbekistan later this month.

The senior women’s national team will play matches in Jordan between March 17 to 22, and in Uzbekistan between March 23 and 29.

These matches are being played in preparation for the team’s participation in the first round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers.

India, placed in Group

G, will take on hosts Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan in a round robin format of the AFC Olympic qualifiers from April 4-10.

The seven group winners from the first round of the qualifiers will join Asia’s five highest-ranked teams -DPR Korea, Japan, Australia, China and the Republic of Korea -- in the second round in October.

The squad for the Olympic qualifying tournament will be named after the friendly matches in Jordan and Uzbekistan.

Squad for friendly matches:

Goalkeepers: Sow -

miya Narayanasamy, Shreya Hooda and Elangbam Panthoi Chanu.

Defenders: Ashalata

Devi Loitongbam, Sweety

Devi Ngangbam, Ritu Rani, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Michel Castanha, Dalima Chhibber, Manisa Panna and Juli Kishan.

Midfielders: Shilky

Devi Hemam, Anju Tamang, Indumathi Kathiresan, Sangita Basfore, Roja

Devi Asem, Karthika Angamuthu and Kashmina.

Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Renu, Karishma Shirvoikar, Sandhiya Ranganathan and Apurna Narzary.

for public safety in Naples. The force is attempting to identify 470 German fans who stayed in the city, and were scouring images to establish those responsible for the disorder, he told a press conference.

The first clashes occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Naples and continued after the match, an easy 3-0 win for Napoli which took them through to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first

time. Smoke bombs and flares, chairs, bottles and metal poles were thrown at police, who responded with tear gas. Later, Napoli fans were filmed by Italian media throwing objects at buses carrying Eintracht fans and Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi condemned the “unacceptable” violence. Nine people were arrested after trouble also flared during the first meeting between the sides in February.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, left and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold collide(AP/PTI)

Supporters of the Eitracht Frankfurt soccer team clash with police in Naples, southern Italy. (AP/PTI)

Under-23 women’s team during a training session.