3 Feb 2023

Nagaland Post

Women’s T20I Tri-Series: SA beat India by 5 wickets

NDPP, BJP announce official candidates

Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): Ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and its pre-poll ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced their respective official list of candidates for the ensuing assembly elections to be held on February 27.

The list announced separately on Thursday marks the second consecutive time for the alliance partners to contest the assembly elections as per the 2018 seat sharing arrangement of 40(NDPP):20(BJP).

(See table)

The BJP list was announced by BJP co-convener North East Rituraj Sinha at a press conference chaired in the presence of BJP national spokesperson (I/c Nagaland) Nalin Kohli, State BJP president Temjen Imna Along and deputy chief minister Y. Patton

Both NDPP and BJP have fielded one woman each-- Salhoutuonuo Kruse as NDPP candidate from 8-Western Angami AC and Er. Kahuli Sema of BJP for Atoizu AC. A total of 15 sitting NDPP legislators including 12 NPF legislators who joined NDPP in April 2022 have been denied NDPP tickets.

Those denied NDPP tickets included Namri Nchang (Tenning AC), Zale Neikha (Southern Angami II) and Phowang Konyak (Phomching). Zale and Phowang’s seats have been conceded to the BJP-- Er. KropolVitsu and Konngam Konyak respectively as part of the seat sharing agreement. On the other hand, Namri Nchang has been replaced by Tarie Zeliang, who had contested the 2018 elections as Ind e pendent.

CKS reaffirms warning against filing nominations

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) along with along with Changsao Thangjam Setshang and Chang Wedoshi Setshang have reaffirmed to stand by the August 26, 2022 ENPO resolution and abstain from taking part in the assembly elections. CKS executive chairman N.Y. Choba Chang and executive secretary Mongba said that a joint resolution was made on January 21, 2023 and subsequently issued a notification barring intending candidates from filing nominations for the polls, from Chang jurisdiction.

ASSEMBLY

1 Dimapur-I H. Tovihoto Ayemi (BJP)

2 Dimapur-II (ST) Moatoshi Longkumer (NPF) Moatoshi Longkumer

3 Dimapur-III (ST) Azheto Zhimomi (NPF) Hekani Jakhalu

4 Ghaspani-I (ST) N. Jacob Zhimomi (BJP)

5 Ghaspani-II (ST) Zhaleo Rio (NDPP) Zhaleo Rio

6 Tenning (ST) Namri Nchang (NDPP) Tarie Zeliang

7 Peren (ST) T.R. Zeliang (NPF) T.R. Zeliang

8 Western Angami (ST) Keneizhakho Nakhro (NPF) Salhoutuonuo Kruse

9 Kohima Town (ST) Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire (NDPP) Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire

10 Northern Angami-I (ST) Khriehu Liezietsu (NPF) Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome

11 Northern Angami-II (ST) Neiphiu Rio (NDPP) Neiphiu Rio

12 Tseminyu (ST) R. Khing (NDPP) R. Khing

13 Pughoboto (ST) Y. Vikheho Swu (NPF) Y. Vikheho Swu

14 Southern Angami-I (ST) Vikho-o Yhoshü (NDPP) Medo Yhokha

H. Tovihoto Ayemi

N. Jacob Zhimomi

15 Southern Angami-II (ST) Zale Neikha (NDPP) Er.Kropol Vitsu

16 Pfutsero (ST) Neiba Kronu (NDPP) Neiba Kronu

17 Chizami (ST) Kezhienyi Khalo (NPF) K.G. Kenye

18 Chozuba (ST) Chotisuh Sazo (NPF) Kudecho Khamo

19 Phek (ST) Kuzholuzo Nienu (NPF) Kupota Khesoh

20 Meluri (ST) Yitachu (NPF) Z.Nyusietho Nyuthe

21 Tuli (ST) Amenba Yaden (NPF) Pangjung Jamir (BJP)

22 Arkakong (ST) Imnatiba (NPP) Imnatiba

23 Impur (ST) Dr. Imtiwapang Aier (NPF) T.N. Manen

24 Angetyongpang (ST) Tongpang Ozukum (IND) Tongpang Ozukum

25 Mongoya (ST) Dr. Ngangshi K Ao (NPF) Imkongmar

26 Aonglenden (ST) Imtikumzuk (NDPP) Sharingain Longkumer

27 Mokokchung Town (ST) Metsubo Jamir (NDPP) Metsubo Jamir

28 Koridang (ST) Imkong L Imchen (NPF) Imkong L Imchen

29 Jangpetkong (ST) Dr. Longrineken (BJP) Temjenmenba

30 Alongtaki (ST) Temjen Imna Along (BJP) Temjen Imna Along

31 Akuluto (ST) Kazheto Kinimi (BJP) Kazheto Kinimi

32 Atoizu (ST) Er Picto (NPF) Kahuli Sema

33 Suruhoto (ST) H Khehovi (BJP) H Khehovi

34 Aghunato (ST) Pukhayi (NDPP) Pukhayi

35 Zunheboto (ST K.T. Sukhalu (NDPP) K.T. Sukhalu

36 Satakha (ST) G. Kaito Aye (JDU) G. Kaito Aye

37 Tyui (ST) Yanthungo Patton (BJP) Yanthungo Patton

38 Wokha (ST) Dr. Chumben Murry (NPF) Renbonthung Ezung

39 Sanis (ST) Mhathung Yanthan (NDPP) Mhathung Yanthan

40 Bhandari (ST) Mmhonlumo Kikon (BJP) Mmhonlumo Kikon

41 Tizit (ST) P. Paiwang Konyak (BJP) P. Paiwang Konyak

42 Wakching (ST) Y.M. Yollow Konyak (NPF) W. Chingang Konyak

43 Tapi (ST) Noke Wangnao (NDPP) Noke Wangnao

44 Phomching (ST) Pohwang Konyak (NDPP) Konngam Konyak Konngam Konyak

45 Tehok (ST) C.L John (NPF) C.L. John

46 Mon Town (ST) N. Thongwang Konyak (NPF) Cheong Konyak

47 Aboi (ST) Eshak Konyak (NPF) Eshak Konyak

48 Moka (ST) E.E. Pangteang (NPF) E.E. Pangteang

49 Tamlu (ST) B.S. Nganlang Phom (NPF) B.S. Nganlang Phom

50 Longleng (ST) S Pangnyu Phom (BJP) S Pangnyu Phom

51 Noksen (ST) C.M. Chang (NDPP) H. Chuba Chang

52 Longkhim Chare (ST) Muthingnyuba Sangtam (NPF) Sethrongkyu Sangtam

53 Tuensang Sadar-I (ST) Toyang Chang (NPF) Bashangmongba Chang

54 Tuensang Sadar-II (ST) Kejong Chang (NPF) K.Odibendang Chang

55 Tobu (ST) N. Bongkhao Konyak (NDPP) N. Bongkhao Konyak

56 Noklak (ST) H. Haiying (BJP) H. Haiying (BJP)

57 Thonoknyu (ST) L. Khumo Khiamniungan (NPP) S.Heno Khiamniugan

58 Shamator Chessore (ST) Toshi Wungtung (NDPP) S. Keoshu Yimchunger

59 Seyochung Sitimi (ST) V. Kashiho Sangtam (BJP) V. Kashiho Sangtam

60 Pungro Kiphire (ST) T. Torechu (NPF) Khalenmew Yimchunger

Dr. Longriniken the only sitting BJP legislator (29 Jangpetkong AC) had reportedly decided to opt out of the fray, and the seat given to NDPP (Temjenmenba).

Further, four-time legislator from Koridang assembly constituency, Imkong L Imchen, was the only non-BJP sitting legislator to be given the party ticket (BJP) to contest from Koridang. He was among the 21 NPF legislators who merged with the NDPP. He switched to BJP ahead of the elections.

As reported earlier, the NDPP and BJP have also switched seats in several constituencies. Those MLAs who were denied tickets include-- Toyang Chang, Muthingyuba, Yitachu, Dr. Chotisuh Sazo, Azheto Zhimomi, Amenba Yaden, Dr. Chumben Murry, YM Yollow Konyak, L Khumo Khiam, Namri Nchang, Dr. Longriniken, Er. Picto, Zale Neikha, Thongwang Konyak and Pohwang Konyak.

Those denied tickets could likely make a beeline for Congress and NPF and the two parties are expected to declare their candidates on February 3 and 5 respectively. NPP, AAP and RPP were yet to decide on the dates for announcing their lists.

Congress is mulling to contest in as many seats as possible. So far, the party has earmarked seven seats (Dimapur-1, Dimapur-II, Dimapur-III, Ghaspani-I, Ghaspani-II, Tening (woman) and Northern AngamiII). JD(U) has so far declared two candidates-- NSN Lotha (Tyui AC) and Kitoho S Rotokha (Ghaspani-II) while Lok Janshakti Party (RV) declared the candidature of Ghovishe Kiba from Zunheboto Town.

Israel forces, Gaza militants clash

Adani row storms Parliament; Oppn demands JPC, SC-monitored probe

N EW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES/PTI): Opposition parties Thursday sought a debate in Parliament and a probe by a joint committee into the fraudallegation-triggered rout in Adani group company stocks, forcing adjournment of proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the pre-lunch session. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said the Opposition parties also demanded that there should be day-to-day reporting of the Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) or the SC-monitored probe into the issue which concerns public money.

“Keeping public interest in mind, we want a thorough probe into the Adani issue either by a Joint Parliamentary Committee [JPC] or a Supreme Court-monitored Committee. There should also be day-to-day reporting of the

investigation on the issue,” Kharge told reporters.

The Congress, Shiv Sena, the Left, Aam Aadmi Party and other opposition parties tried to raise in both Houses of Parliament the issue of allegations levelled by a US short seller against the Adani group and the subsequent mayhem on company stocks but were disallowed by the chair.

Unhappy with the ruling, they raised slogans, forcing the adjournment of

Adani crisis deepens as stock rout hits $108 billion

MUMBAI, FEB 2 (AGEN-

CIES): Gautam Adani’s businesses have lost $108 billion in a week, one of the biggest wipeouts in India’s history, after an explosive report by short-seller Hindenburg Research forced him to pull a stock sale and led some lenders to reject his securities as collateral for client trades, reports Bloomberg.

Adani, who last year became the world’s secondrichest man with a $147 billion fortune, has seen his own personal wealth plummet by around $57 billion since Hindenburg accused his companies of fraud to

inflate revenue and stock prices. After drawing money from the Middle East and other Indian billionaires to shore up a $2.4 billion share sale, he then abruptly pulled it late Wednesday.

Adani, who last year became the world’s secondrichest man with a $147 billion fortune, has seen his own personal wealth plummet by around $57 billion. The big worry looming over the conglomerate is that lenders and other counterparties start to pare their exposure, while contagion fears spread to other parts of the markets.

proceedings till 2 pm without transacting any official business.

Earlier, leaders of likeminded parties met in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and discussed the issues that are to be brought up during the session which began on January 31. Sources said the parties decided to jointly raise the Adani Group crisis in Parliament and demand a discussion on it.

AAGBA threatens indefinite bandh

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Ato Area GBs’ Association (AAGBA) has threatened to impose indefinite bandh within its jurisdiction three days from publication of its notice if work to improve road from NH-29 Central Jail to Dzubza river, Niuland (phase-2) was not started by the contractor immediately.

In a press release, association stated that the decision to impose indefinite bandh on the highway in the entire Ato area was taken during a meeting held on January 23.

Alem quits as NDPP working president Cong questions UDA govt on non-utilisation of shopping complex and parking plaza

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Coming out strongly against BJP-NDPP combine, Congress questioned the Neiphiu Rio-led government why the shopping complex and parking plaza at Forest Colony here were not being utilised even after the building was completed three to four years back.

Addressing the media from Congress Bhavan on Thursday, All India Congress Committee (AICC) media coordinator Sujata Paul asked why the State government was not ready to utilise the building after spend-

ing around Rs 43 crore in its construction.

“The building constructed at a cost of Rs 43 crore had been simply allowed to go waste. It was a criminal wastage of public money,” she remarked.

She pointed out that the structure wore a dilapidated look now and asked why the State exchequer was made to bear this expense causing extra burden.

As per an RTI reply, she claimed that the State Planning Board in a meeting held on June 9, 2011 at the chief minister’s office decided to construct the structure with the intention of making it into a shopping complex. She mentioned that funds were brought in from the Union Ministry of Urban Development and HUDCO and construction of the building started in 2011 and completed in 2018-2019.

Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): I n a surprising political development founder-member and working president of NDPP and former chief secretary and IDAN chairman Alemtemshi Jamir resigned from the party.

In a letter addressed to president of NDPP, Alemtemshi stated that he helped form NDPP with a vision to bring about change but was disheartened that instead the party “disregarded all the visions, dreams and aspirations upon which it was founded.”Alemtemshi said despite having made contributions in establishing NDPP as a regional political party in Nagaland, all these were disregarded when the party denied him ticket to contest the forthcoming

HC quashes village resolution on consensus candidate

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN):

Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench has quashed the resolution adopted by Mongsenyimti village in Mokokchung district endorsing NDPP candidate Tongpang Ozukum as the lone candidate from the village to contest from 24 Angetyongpang Assembly Constituency (AC) in the Assembly polls.

The order passed by Justice LS Jamir on January 31, 2023 stated, “a very disturbing fact which has come to the notice of this Court is the open indulgence in politics by the Riosanger Putu Menden of Mongsenyimti village by

supporting one particular candidate and debarring other citizens of Mongsenyimti village to contest from 24-Angetyongpang Assembly constituency.”

The order said the action of the Riosanger Putu Menden of Mongsenyimti village was not permissible in law.

In this regard, the court directed deputy commissioner (DC) Mokokchung to take appropriate steps against defaulters in accordance with the law and subsequently file an action taken report within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the court order. The court was hearing a writ petition filed by S Moangkaba Ozukum, son of

former legislator Sentichuba.

Mongsenyimti village had earlier excommunicated the petitioner from the village for expressing his intention to contest in the upcoming election defying the resolution made by the village.

The court said it considered the circular made by Mokokchung DC where it was stated that every citizen of India had a statutory right to participate/contest election as per his or her own free will, subject to fulfilment of requisite qualifications and that any attempt of force/coercion to subvert the free will of the citizen was violation of the rights guaranteed to individuals

by the Constitution and subsequent statutes.

The circular had stated that announcement/declaration of consensus candidates by councils/organisations and issuing directives/diktats in favour of the consensus candidates and/or against other candidates/voters violated the right of the citizens to participate/vote as per their free will.

The DC had also cautioned that any attempt to influence free and fair election by any means or any attempt to interfere with the exercise of free will of the citizen/voter in election matters was an offence under sections 17IC, 339 and 340 of IPC.

election. Alem said this only showed how the NDPP has “denigrated to mere material, power and political considerations and devoid of democratic discussions and values”.

It may be recalled that Alemtemshi had contested and lost two seats he contested in 2018-- 24 Angetyongpang and 25 Mongoya. Sources said Alemtemshi is going ahead with his decision to contest the forthcoming polls for Mongoya constituency and would likely join some party. The NDPP has allotted 25 Mongoya seat to new entrant Imkongmar.

NDPP also sprang a reverse surprise when T.N. Mannen retired addl. chief secretary, who had recently quit NDPP and joined BJP on January 18 was given NDPP ticket to fight

AAGBA said the GBs and public of Ato area were forced to take this step due to the slow progress of work, alleging that the work was not carried out on regular basis. It alleged that recently there had been total stoppage of the work, which it termed s utter disregard for public of more than hundred villages by the contractor.

The association said the repeated requests and appeals to the contractor had fallen on deaf ears.

No nomination filed on day-3

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN):

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer on Thursday informed that no candidate has filed nomination for the forthcoming Assembly election on the third day (February 2).

Polls: Online facilities for candidates

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): The chief electoral officer’s (CEO) office Nagaland has informed that online facilities have been available to the candidates for filing nominations, affidavits, certification, etc.

According to CEO Nagaland V Shashank Shekhar, additional option to facilitate nomination in online mode has been provided. As such, nomination form will also be available on the website of CEO/DEO, which any intending candidate may fill it online and its print may be taken for submission before the returning officer (RO) as specified in Form-1 (Rule-3 of conduct of Election Rules 1961).

Affidavit too can be filed online on the website of CEO/DEO, its print can be taken and, after notarization, may be submitted along with the nomination form before the returning

officer. Candidates may also deposit security money through online mode at the designated platform. However, they will continue to have the option of depositing cash in the treasury. Candidate may also exercise the option to seek his/her elector certification for the purpose of nomination online. Further, there is also the SUVIDHA option through which candidates and political parties can file online nominations and affidavits, apply online for different permission during election campaign. Application link is provided on the official website www.ceo.nagaland.gov.in. Candidates can make online data entry of their personal details in the nomination form and affidavit (Form26), registration, data entry of personal details in the form and affidavit, selection

(Cont’d on p-8)

Kharge with other opposition parties MPs address the media, in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI)

Sujata Paul

Nagaland gears up for general election on February 27

DIMAPUR: As Nagaland gears up for the ensuing general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), various trainings, meetings are being conducted and information disseminated for smooth conduct of the election.

LONGLENG

EO holds coordination meeting with EEM

The Expenditure Observer (EO) for 49 A/C Tamlu and 50 A/C Longleng, Aditya Kamlakar Somkumar held coordination meeting with all the teams/cells constituted under the Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) February 1 at DPDB hall, Longleng.

During the meeting, the EO highlighted the roles and responsibilities of each teams /cells constituted under EED, while urging the video surveillance team to maintain proper recording of the election speeches to check violation of model code of conduct.

He asserted that all paper works are extremely

KOHIMA

DC Kohima informs village councils

Deputy Commissioner and DEO Kohima Shanavas

C has informed village councils and land owners that in view of the general election to the NLA 2023, the telecom service providers in the state have reported about restrictions from village councils and land owners on running of generators during power cuts which in turn has affected the running of the network system.

TUENSANG

First phase of election training begins

The district administration and election department commenced its first phase of election training on February 2 at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Auditorium. Speaking on the orientation programme, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO), Nokchasashi asked the polling officials to extend full cooperation and execute their duties sincerely. He said polling officials might be deputed to Shamator and Noklak districts, in case of any shortage, and asked the officials to be prepared.

Exemption from election duties

important and urged the team to maintain proper records, and report in time as instructed by the Commission.

Aditya asked the officials to go through the instructions and guidelines of the ECI and discharge their assigned responsibility with utmost sincerity with strict adherence to the instructions of the ECI for success of the election. In a short speech, the DC & DEO, Longleng Dharam while stressing on the duties appealed to the EEM team to extend cooperation and coordinate each other among the teams to ascertain no lapse in their duties.

The DC has requested all the chairmen of the village councils and landowners under Kohima district to abstain from putting any sort of restriction on the running of generators during power cuts so as to avoid disruptions in internet and telecommunication services.

Licence holders asked to deposit arms

Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Kohima, Shanavas C has directed all the arms license holders under Kohima district to deposit their firearms along with ammunitions and license to their concerned Police Station latest by February 10. The order stated that failure to comply shall lead to cancellation of arms licence(s) and other penal action as per relevant action of law. The DC has further informed the officer-in-charge of the concerned police station to furnish a daily report in the prescribed format as instructed.

Bicycle rally on Feb 4

A bicycle rally under the banner of SVEEP Campaign, Kohima district organised by the office of DC and DEO Kohima would be held on February 4, 7 a.m. from DC Office to Raj Bhavan. All willing participants have been invited to join the Rally.

ADC and chairman medical board Tuensang, Thungchanbemo Tungeo has informed all concerned that applications for exemption from election duties on medical ground would be examined by the District Level Medical Board on February 4, 10 a.m. onwards at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang. All employees of such cases have been asked to appear before the board. ADC informed that no application on medical ground would be entertained thereafter.

WOKHA

EO holds meeting with election officials

The Expenditure Observer (EO) for 37th Tiyi A/C and 38th A/C Wokha, Varish Shukla held a meeting with the election personnel appointed for election monitoring cell on February 2 at the Conference Hall of DC Wokha office.

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner

and District Election Officer Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan said that the district has already set up and appointed election personnel in various capacities as part of the election expenditure monitoring cell. The DC also said that the district would conduct backlog training programme for those who

had missed the first phase of training. EO, Varish Shukla while interacting with the monitoring cell personnel, urged them to be vigilant in every expect and should know roles and responsibilities in their duties. He also opined to have more training for smooth conduct of the election.

EO conducts training with EMT EO

Clean election prayer rally on Feb 7

The expenditure observer for 39 Sanis A/C and 40 Bhandari A/C, Dharmveer Tandi convened a meeting cum training session with the expenditure monitoring team of the two assembly constituencies on February 2 at the 7th NAP Camp, Bhandari. Assistant expenditure observer, video surveillance and video viewing teams, static surveillance, and flying squad teams, and the expenditure accounts teams attended the training.

The Expenditure Observer (EO), B.K Vishnu Priya attended a meeting with all the assistant observer team and accounting team on February 1 at Kiphire under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kiphire, Wati Aier. At the meeting, the EO sought the cooperation of all concerned for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election. She also lauded Kiphire district administration for the comprehensive teams formed for the upcoming election.

Following are the addresses to obtain and submit the forms:

Ashao.

21 Tuli A/C: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to ADC & RO, Shaying Sheu or EAC & ARO, M. Khenpa.

22 Arkakong A/C: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to SDO (C) & RO, Rorheu Peseie or ARO, Mechietsho Koza.

The Expenditure Observer (EO), Rajesh Raina conducted a meeting with various team officers of 20th A/C on February 1 at ADC Office Meluri. He briefed in detail all the team officers in charge to perform their roles and duties assigned to them. The meeting was attended by officers in charge of Flying Squads, SST, VVT, VST, AEO, accounting, team, and sector magistrate along with ADC Meluri and RO, Albert Ezung, and ARO.

The Election Expenditure Observer assigned for 44 Phomching A/C, 45 Tehok A/C, and 46 Mon Town conducted a meeting with the respective ROs/AROs/AEOs accounting team, Flying Squad Team, Static Surveillance Team and Video Surveillance Team on February 1 at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC), Mon. The EO briefed the various team members of EEM of their duty and interacted with them. He also advised all the team members to work in close coordination and carry out their assigned tasks with responsibility.

23 Impur A/C: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to ADC & RO, Chumlamo Humtsoe or EAC & ARO, Seyievillie Pfukri.

24 Angetyongpang

A/C: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to ADC & RO, Chumlamo Humtsoe or SDO (C) ARO, Kikato K. Chishi.

25 Mongoya A/C:

Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to SDO (C) & RO Longdiba L. Sangtam or EAC & ARO Vitolu.

26 Aonglenden A/C:

Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to SDO (C) & RO, Longdiba L. Sangtam or EAC & ARO Abeinuo Jasmine

27 Mokokchung

A/C: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to SDO (C) & RO, Shelly Katiry or EAC & ARO, Aloto H Shohe.

28 Koridang A/C: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to SDO (C) & RO, Shelly Katiry or EAC & ARO, Kelengunuo Solo.

31 Akuluto AC (ST): Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to ADC and RO, Atsungba Walling or to ARO, I. Yentinoungbou at the office chamber of the ADC & RO, 31-Akuluto AC.

19 Phek AC: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to RO or to ARO, Samuel Thyug at the office chamber of ADC, Phek, office of the deputy commissioner, Phek.

17 Chizami AC, Phek: Nomination papers may be obtained and delivered to RO Nchumthung Ezung or to ARO, Ketsinle Tep at the Office Chamber of Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Chizami Hq

In view of the forthcoming general election, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has informed that the Ao Baptist Pastor Fellowship Mokokchung in collaboration with district administration and DEO Mokokchung, under Systematic Voters Education & Electoral Participation (SVEEP) will be organising “Clean Election Prayer Rally” on February 7, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. from local ground to Police Point Main Town Mokokchung. The general public has been requested to participate in the rally.

Women election personnel practically learning EVM - VVPAT at Peren.

The second-day training of the first round for the presiding officers and 1st polling officers on demonstration of EVM - VVPAT & sealing and group-wise hands-on EVM & VVPAT training was conducted on February 2 at Peren. The master trainers, Igong N. Ipuing, CH Andrew Kangba, Machihei Zeliang, Zekope Thele, Kengimpeuding Hegui, Heiramchube Liegise, Lemtsaliba Zeliang and Hulin imparted knowledge about the account of vote recording. Sealing of EVM, VVPAT sealing of election papers, etc. The master trainers also reached out to the duties and responsibilities of polling personnel and also instructed them on their responsibilities of the mock poll and how to start the poll and the secrecy of voting in their respective polling stations.

DCs and DEOs inform on postal ballot

Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) have informed all concerned to collected Form 12 to facilitate the issuance of Postal ballot.

Mokokchung: Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has informed all concerned engaged in election related works such as ROs, AROs Sector Officers, employees posted in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, ROs, Control Room, NIC all EEM teams, Micro Observer, liaison officers, DLMTs, BLOs appointed outside their polling station and any other personnel detailed in election related works by the DEO Mokokchung, to collect Form 12 from DC & DEO Office Mokokchung, and submit the same on or before February 7.

Tseminyu: ADC and Returning Officer (RO) Longasen Lotha and EAC and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), Ruokuosetuo Tetso have informed all staff under DC & District Election Officer Tseminyu,

ROs inform on Form-1, Notice of Election

sector officers, micro observers, EEM/SST/FST personnel and government officials/staff requisitioned for election duty at the office of DC & DEO Tseminyu under 12th Tseminyu A/C to collect the form-12 application for the postal ballot from the office of the DC Tseminyu postal ballot/ ETPBMS cell on February 3-4. All concerned have been asked to submit the filled form at DC office Tseminyu on or before February 9.

Polling personnel drafted for election duty are also directed to collect form-12 application for the postal ballot at Baptist Higher Secondary School Tseminyu-postal ballot facilitation center on the day of the training and submit the filled-up applications at DC office Tseminyu on or before February 9 during office hours.

Further, it has been informed that the returning officer shall issue a separate order for the facilitation of form-12 for government/private drivers requisitioned election duty under Tseminyu district.

FSSAI initiates ‘food safety supervisor course’ in Dimapur

DIMAPUR: A two-day “Food Safety Supervisor Course” under Food Safety Training and Certificate (FoSTaC) was conducted from January 30-31 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur under the initiative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

A press release by district media officer informed that Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh and Amit Kumar Singh from Aroma Shiksha Evam Sewa Samiti (Kolkata) were the resource persons for the training.

During the training, a brief introduction to FSSAI was presented by designated officer, Dimapur

zone, Samuel Zehol. The training was imparted in two batches and on the first day more than 30 Food Business Operators (FBOs) from the manufacturing category of food business were trained while on the second day, about 30 FBOs from restaurants and hotels were trained. The FBOs were trained on the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), proper labelling of products etc., and were also informed on mandatory requirement of FSSAI license and registration by every food business operator among other topics.

Returning Officers (ROs) of respective Assembly Constituencies have notified on issue of Form-1, Notice of Election for an election is to be held of a member to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).

In separate notices, ROs have informed that nomination papers may be obtained and delivered by a candidate or by any of his/her proposers to the RO or to assistant returning officer between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on any day (other than public holiday) not later than February 7. It said nomination papers would be taken up for scrutiny on February 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at respective RO/ARO office.

Further, ROs informed that notice of withdrawal of candidature may be delivered either by a candidate or by any of his/her proposers or by his/her election agent who has been authorized in writing by the candidate to deliver it to either of the officers (RO/ARO) before February 10, 3 p.m. at the respective RO/ ARO office. In the event of the election being contested, ROs said the poll would be taken on February 27 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

EO Aditya Kamlakar Somkumar during the meeting.

Election observers for Kohima during the meeting. DC & DEO Nokchasashi speaking at the election training.

EO for 39 Sanis and 40 Bhandari A/Cs with other officials.

Officials attending the meeting at ADC Office Meluri.

EO B.K Vishnu Priya addressing the meeting.

DC & DEO Mokokchung speaking at the meeting.

Dev, tribal welfare BJP’s poll planks: Saha

AGARTALA, FEB 2

(PTI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha Thursday said development with a special focus on the overall upliftment of indigenous people will the main poll planks of the BJP-IPFT combine in the forthcoming election to the north-eastern state’s assembly.

In an interview to PTI, he also decried the `Greater Tipraland’ demand espoused by rival Tipra Motha party floated by the scion of the former royal family of the tribal state – Pradyot Manikya DebBarma - and termed the demand as “playing with tribal sentiments”.

Saha who became the chief minister of the state replacing Biplab Kumar Deb just nine months before the crucial elections, claimed that the party will get a comfortable majority in the election and will form the next government on its own strength.

The BJP is contesting in 55 seats in the 60-member Assembly and has left five seats for its ally IPFT, which has been hamstrung by defections to Tipra Motha.

“During the electioneering, the party leaders right from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to party national president J P Nadda - all will focus on the development that the state witnessed before and after 2018. Be it people’s welfare or connectivity or women empowerment, the present government did a lot for the state’s overall development”, he told PTI.

Claiming that the BJPIPFT government has done “phenomenal work” for women, the doctor-turnedpolitician said the 12 women

BJP fields Bernard Marak against Meghalaya CM

SHILLONG, FEB 2 (PTI):

The BJP on Thursday announced Bernard N Marak, its state unit vice-president and a former militant leader, as its official candidate against Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in South Tura constituency.

The saffron party will contest all the 60 seats in the Meghalaya assembly and announced names of all its candidates on Thursday.

It had last month decided to break away from the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance led by Conrad Sangma and go it alone in the state election, a party spokesman said here.

Among those whose names featured in the list were BJP’s two sitting MLAs – Sanbor Shullai and A L Hek who will contest from South Shillong and Pynthorukhrah constituencies in the city, he said.

Sitting MLAs who quit other parties in the past few months and joined BJP were also accommodated in the list. Among them are H M Shangpliang, Ferlin Sangma, Benedict Marak and Samuel M Sangma who will contesting from Mawsynram, Selsella, Raksamgre

Left, Cong finalise seat sharing in Tripura

compared to the number of aspirants.

“In politics, one needs to be patient. History is the witness that those who are restless do not succeed. Sometimes, politicians need to go for adjustment as one does when on a battle ground”, he said refusing to make any change in the list of candidates announced by his party.

candidates put up by BJP, will be the largest number of women to be fielded for Tripura Assembly elections by any party till date.

“We have fielded 12 candidates in the ensuing elections which is an alltime record in the state’s political history so far. Besides, women engagement through Self Help Groups (SHGs) has been improved significantly”, Saha told PTI.

On the resentment over nomination of party candidates in some areas, the CM said it is quite natural because seats are limited

Saha, who came as a surprise choice for the Chief Minister’s berth in May, said he has been able to gain the people’s faith in just a few months. “Wherever I go, I see people are happy as they have received several benefits from PMAY to piped water to toilets under several flagship programmes. (However) I do believe there is a need to do more in the employment generation segment”, he said.

“The overall law and order has improved in the state over the past five years with all types of crimemurder, rape and abduction - coming down drastically. The NCRB reports endorsed our view on the law-and-order situation”, he

said, adding the opposition’s allegation on it is baseless.

The chief minister strongly disapproved of Tipra Motha’s ‘Greater Tipraland’ slogan, terming it as an effort to play “with tribal people’s sentiment”.

“Tribals are often being misled by the political parties with slogans like Tipraland and Greater Tipraland.

It is not clear what are the markers of Greater Tiprland or its geography. Will it cross the state’s boundary or nation’s border? They want a constitutional solution and that too in writing! Who are they to ask for written assurance for Greater Tipraland?”, he asked.

The chief minister said those who had raised slogans against another community (Bengalis) are now trying to get back their support by welcoming them but it will not work as it expects.

“Our Prime Minister is really generous when it comes to tribal welfare. As many as five tribal leaders have got Padma Shri in the past five years. This is a great recognition to indigenous people”, he said.

AGARTALA, FEB 2 (PTI): The CPI (M) led Left Front and Congress on Thursday finalised their seat sharing agreement for the February 16 Assembly election, a top Congress leader said.

The seat sharing was arrived at on Thursday, the last day for withdrawal of nomination papers.

The poll understanding was deadlocked after the LF on January 25 announced candidates for 47 seats out of the total 60, leaving only 13 for Congress. The Congress had reacted by fielding candidates in 17 constituencies.

The deadlock was resolved on Thursday after central leaders of the two parties agreed to accept the formula of 47 seats to LF and 13 to the Congress to defeat BJP. Following it the Congress withdrew three of the 17 candidates it had declared. Another Congress candidate had not filed his nomination papers.

“The seat sharing deal between CPI (M) and Congress for the upcoming election was finalised on Thursday, the last day

NPP is simply the B team of the BJP: TMC

Correspondent

Bernard N Marak

and Baghmara constituencies respectively.

State BJP president Ernest Mawrie who unsuccessfully contested from Nongthymmai constituency in 2018 will contest from West Shillong constituency.

M H Kharkrang, the party spokesperson, will contest from North Shillong constituency, according to the party.

The party also fielded seven women candidates, including former NPP MLA Ferlin Sangma, the spokesman said.

Marak had laid down arms in 2014 and disbanded the ANVC-B militant group. He had joined Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC), an armed militant group to carve out a separate state for Garo tribals.

4,004 child marriage cases registered in Assam: CM

sionerate.

Shillong, Feb 2: Exposing the unholy alliance between the National People’s Party (NPP) and BJP, opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Meghalaya on Thursday slammed NPP for acting as a silent spectator to BJP’s “divisive agenda” and “vile politics”.

“NPP is acting as the B-team of the BJP,” TMC candidate from Jowai assembly constituency, Andrew Shullai said and lashed out at the NPP for partnering with the BJP in 2018 despite the increase in attacks on Christians since 2014, when BJP came to power at the Centre.

“TMC is the only party that is exposing the truth about BJP: it is anti-Christian. Since 2014, the attack on Christian communities has skyrocketed. So, if NPP was really people-centric, they would not have been allies with the BJP. With a united cadre, Meghalaya TMC will continue to work earnestly to fulfil its promises keeping the interests of the people as its topmost priority,” Shullai said.

Targeting NPP for its

baseless propaganda, the TMC leader said “The leaders are working overtime to hide the fact that NPP and BJP together formed the MDA (Meghalaya Democratic Alliance) government that has taken the state back by years. NPP is simply the B team of the BJP.”

Refuting NPP leader’s claims that TMC is more interested in taking on the BJP than the development of Meghalaya, Shullai said, “This proves one thing that Opposition parties have conceded that TMC is the only party that has the courage to take BJP head-on after they have repeatedly ignored Meghalaya and its needs.”

Shullai also said that

Sikkim minster quits to protest state’s handling of SC observation

he is “delighted” to observe that political parties have designated spokespersons only to counter TMC.

“This shows that we are doing something right and this has rattled the ruling parties,” he said.

Stating that the NPP is hand in glove with the BJP and Congress has failed to act as a credible Opposition in the state, the TMC candidate said, “Someone had to expose BJP on its hollow claims of bringing development to the Northeast. We are proud that Meghalaya TMC has become the party that is voicing the concerns of the people.”

While talking about the huge public support showered on Meghalaya TMC’s

revolutionary schemes WE Card and MYE Card, Shullai said, “To mock these schemes is to mock the needs of the people.”

Challenging the NPP to present a record of their work, Shullai said, “Those attacking TMC’s 10 Pledges to Meghalaya should answer, where is your report card? The truth is that the NPP failed to accomplish and provide basic necessities to the people. So, they could not come out with their report cards.”

“NPP is opportunistic and unreliable. Meghalaya will vote for change this time. TMC is the only party to voice the concerns of the people of Meghalaya,” Shullai said.

It may be noted that veteran Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister R.C. Laloo and NPP leader Brightstar Chyrmang have recently appealed to the people to vote for Andrew Shullai, the TMC candidate from the Jowai constituency.

Awhai Andrew Shullai, former Congress MDC from Jowai Central, joined the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on December 10, 2022.

AffidAvit for NAme ClArifiCAtioN

Regd. No. 202

Date 29/15

I, Henry Kikon, S/o Ngangchio Kikon presently residing at Public Ground Colony, Dimapur-797112, Nagaland solemnly declare hereby:

of withdrawal of nominations. All the three Congress leaders, who had submitted nomination papers have withdrawn their papers according to the agreement,” Pradesh Congress president Birajit Sinha told PTI.

The CPI (M) candidates who had submitted nominations in 13 constituencies before the seat sharing agreement too withdrew their papers, he said.

Senior CPI (M) leader Pabitra Kar said the impasse over the seat adjustment with the Congress has been “neutralised finally” through discussion. “Now we will fight the election jointly to defeat the BJP which has befooled the people and won the last elec-

tions”.

Sinha said both parties will campaign jointly to ensure the defeat of the BJP, which has “throttled democracy during the past five years in the state”.

Asked, Kar, a CPI (M) state committee member, said it is yet to be decided whether the LF and Cong will campaign jointly but the parties’ leaders and workers will help each other locally during canvassing for votes.

To questions about Tipra Motha’s decision to go solo, Sinha said it has not fielded any candidate against him in Kailashahar seat and CPI (M) state secretary Jitendra Choudhury, who is contesting from Sabroom.

Ex-Meghalaya speaker joins BJP ahead of Feb-27 polls

SHILLONG, FEB 2 (IANS): Shifting of loyalty continued in Meghalaya ahead of the February 27 assembly elections, as former Assembly Speaker and candidate of ruling National People’s Party (NPP), Martin M Danggo joined the BJP.

According to the candidates’ list, announced by the BJP in New Delhi on Thursday, Danggo will contest the assembly elections from Ranikor assembly constituency in South West Khasi Hills district.

The NPP sources said that they would soon decide on whether to field a candidate from Ranikor constituency Danggo resigned from the NPP as he was report-

edly ‘financially neglected’ by the NPP, the accusation denied by the ruling party headed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. Danggo along with his supporters met Assam Chief Minister and BJP’s northeast India strategist Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 28.

Danggo in 1998 first won the assembly election as a nominee of People’s Democratic Movement. He later joined the Congress in 2003 and remained in the party before joining the NPP. As many as 19 Meghalaya MLAs and many leaders of different parties have resigned from the Assembly and their respective parties and joined other parties in around two months.

AFFIDAVIT

I, Shri Zakiewelie Zuyie do hereby solemnly affirm and declare an oath that in some of my official document my name has been entered and recorded as Zakiewelie, (Appointment Order) and Zakiewelie Angami (PIMS). That the names Zakiewelie Zuyie, Zakiewelie and Zakiewelie Angami refers to one and the same person i.e. myself.

GUWAHATI, FEB 2

(IANS): Assam Chief Min-

ister Himanta Biswa Sarma

on Thursday said that a total of 4,004 child marriage cases have been registered across the state, adding that “more police action is likely in days ahead”

Sharing a report of the Assam Police on Twitter, Sarma said: “Assam Govt is firm in its resolve to end the menace of child marriage in the state. So far @assampolice has registered 4,004 cases across the state and more police action is likely in days ahead. Action on the cases will begin starting February 3 (Friday). I request all to cooperate.”

According to the report, the highest number of cases at 370 were registered in Dhubri district, followed by Hojai (255) and Udalguri (235). At least 192 cases were registered in the Guwahati police Commis-

Meanwhile, the Chief Minster had already ordered the state police to begin a severe crackdown on child marriages. “Marrying a minor girl is not only against the law, but it also breaches the fundamental rights of a girl child and is quite dangerous to her health. According to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, all the spouses of such young women would be imprisoned and charged,” he said.

The state government made its decision in response to disturbing data from an official survey performed by the health department that showed that, on an average in Assam, 31 per cent of girls were married off before turning the legal age of 18.

“Such a large number of young girls were subjected to child marriage is disturbing. The state government has decided to file cases against all the husbands who are responsible for getting a girl pregnant before the age of 18 under POCSO act,” Sarma said. He warned that the penalty for such a crime may be life imprisonment.

TheSupremeCourt’sobservedthat SikkimeseNepaliareimmigrants

GANGTOK, FEB 2 (PTI):

Sikkim Health Minister Mani Kumar Sharma Thursday resigned from his post in protest against the state government’s handling of the Supreme Court’s observation that the Sikkimese Nepali community are immigrants.

In a letter to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Sharma said that the “state government has not taken the sentiments of Sikkimese people seriously”. “I feel it is not necessary to remain in the state cabinet further,” he said and urged the Tamang to accept his resignation letter with immediate effect.

It is not immediately known whether the resignation has been accepted. Supreme Court’s observations on January 13 that the Sikkimese Nepali community was an immigrant one while allowing income tax exemption to all old settlers cutting across ethnic lines has riled the state politics causing massive disaffection in all sections of civil society cutting across the party lines.

The apex court made the observation while delivering its verdict on a petition filed by the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim demanding exemption of income tax for those who had settled in the state before its merger with India on April 26, 1975.

Even the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) took out a peace march in protest against the apex court’s observations. Chief Minister Tamang tried to allay ruffled sentiments of the angry locals by assuring that the state government will soon file a review petition in the apex court.

The health minister could not be contacted for details of his resignation despite repeated efforts.

1. That, my Father’s actual and real name is Ngangchio Kikon but in my service documents the same is/was wrongly spelled as Wojamo Lotha which is incorrect.

2. That, Ngangchio Kikon and Wojamo Lotha both are the same person and that connotes my Father’s name.

3. That, I affirm, I use my father’s official name as Ngangchio Kikon

4. That, this affidavit is required for the correction of my father’s name. I take oath and solemnly declare/affirm that the particulars furnished above by me are correct and that I have not concealed or misrepresented any fact.

DEPONENT

Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) Office of the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur District, Nagaland

I herewith rectified and declares that my correct and official name as Zakiewelie Zuyie and the same shall be used for all official references through affidavit Regd. No. 147,

Date: 18/01/2023.

k-246/23

DEPONENT

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE WOKHA : NAGALAND NOTICE S/C No. 14/2023

DP-504/23

Regd. No. 166/2023

AFFIDAVIT

Date : 01/02/2023

I, Shri. Maongmeren Ao, S/o Marnungsang Ao, Resident of H.No. 380, Padumpukuri Village, Block-5, Dist. - Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as under:-

1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, my full and correct official name is "Maongmeren Ao", which is entered and recorded in my official documents and records.

3. That, due to clerical error my name is inadvertently entered and recorded as "Moangmeren Ao" in my service appointment order and service book.

4. That, the names, "Maongmeren Ao" and "Moangmeren Ao" refers to the names of one and the same person, i.e., my name only.

5. That I have sworn this affidavit to declare my correct official name as "Maongmeren Ao" and I shall use the same in all my future correspondence and records and further to rectify the same in my service records accordingly.

6. That, the statements made above from para 1 to 5 of this affidavit is made by me and is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, belief and nothing is concealed therein.

And I have signed this affidavit on this 01 st day of February '2023 at Dimapur, Nagaland.

Sworn before me by the Deponent.

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925. Whereas application under succession act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefit of Late Thungchanbeni Ezung has been applied by Smti. Nzanti Nzung, D/o Lt. Thungchanbeni Ezung, R/o. Baghty Town, Wokha, Nagaland for possession of;

1. PPO bearing No. 141506806.

Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before 24-022023. Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 24-01-2023. Sd/- District & Sessions Judge Wokha : Nagaland WC-22/23

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND N OTICE S/C No.16/2023

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

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Moainla has been applied by Smti Imkumnaro, sister of Late Moainla R/O H.No. 90 Aongza Ward, Mokokchung Nagaland for possession of.

1. SBI Life Insurance Policy

Notice is hereby given that any person interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire to appear in this court on or before the said day of 01.03.2023.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 01.02.2023. Sd/Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung : Nagaland MkC-43/23

Manik Saha flashes the victory sign while campaigning for the upcoming Tripura polls in Agartala, Thursday. (PTI)

Birajit Sinha Pabitra Kar

Martin M Danggo inducted into BJP.

Andrew Shullai (middle)

Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Mani Kumar Sharma

SNIPPETS

Two killed in hitand-run incident

MANGALURU, FEB 2

(PTI): Two persons lost their lives and another was injured when a speeding car knocked them down at Padupanambur near here, police sources said. The accident occurred late Wednesday night on National Highway-66, some 30 km from here. The deceased have been identified as Bablu (23) and Achal Singh (30) of Madhya Pradesh. Anish (42) of Kerala was injured and has been admitted to a hospital, police said. The three were proceeding to Kerala from Indore in Madhya Pradesh in a lorry. They were trying to replace the tyre of the lorry which had suffered a puncture when the speeding car hit them and fled the spot. A case has been registered and investigation is on, sources said.

More than 340 mobiles recovered from Delhi jails

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): The Delhi Prisons department has recovered over 340 mobile phones from inside jails in the last two-and-a-half months, an official said on Thursday. Director-General (Prisons) Sanjay Baniwal told reporters that the jail authorities recovered 348 mobile phones in two-and-a-half months. “On Wednesday, the jail authorities conducted a raid in jail number 3 and seized 18 mobile phones and chargers. In the last over two months, the jail authorities have seized 348 mobile phones. “The jail superintendents have started conducting raids after developing intelligence inside the prisons. Through this, the criminal world is now getting a strong message,” Baniwal said.

Alem quits as NDPP working ...

(From p-1) the forthcoming election. Mannen had contested for 23 Impur constituency on RJD ticket in 2008 and lost. He again contested 2013 on NPF and lost. He followed up in 2018 when he contested on NDPP ticket and lost for the third consecutive time. NDPP has given Mannen precedence over new NDPP member Bendangkokba who had earlier resigned from BJP to join NDPP and contest the Impur seat. Several other NDPP members who have been denied ticket included some who have won three consecutive elections.

Meanwhile, advisor YR&S and sitting MLA of Southern Angami-II AC Zale Niekha, who was also denied NDPP ticket, said that he along with his supporters have decided to resign en mass from the NDPP. Zale said his supporters were intct and he would be contesting from other party or as an independent.

Adani speaks for first time since stock rout

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI):

Embattled billionaire Gautam Adani on Thursday spoke publicly for the first time since his ports-to-energy conglomerate publicly battled a short seller’s accusation of stock manipulation and accounting fraud, saying the abrupt move to withdraw a fully-subscribed share sale at his flagship firm was due to market volatility.

His group continued to lose on the stock market, with the cumulative rout now nearing USD 108 billion in a week -- one of the biggest wipeouts in India’s history.

“After a fully subscribed follow-on public offering (of Adani Enterprises Ltd), yesterday’s decision of its withdrawal would have surprised many. But considering the volatility of the market seen yesterday, the board strongly felt that it would not be morally correct to proceed with the FPO,” Adani said in a video message to investors.

The company decided to refund the money to investors.

Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) closed at Rs 1,564.70 on the BSE on Thursday,

Gautam Adani

less than half the price at which shares were offered to investors in the followon public offer (FPO) that closed on January 31. Sources close to the group said it was felt that investors may feel cheated for investing in AEL shares in a price band of Rs 3,1123,276 when the stock is available in the open market at a much lesser rate.

The offer price of the Rs 20,000 crore FPO was at a discount to the trading price when it was first announced last month. But the US-based short seller’s report triggered a selldown in stocks of all 10 group companies and the cumulative loss of value is now close to USD 108 billion.

“In my humble journey

of over 4 decades as an entrepreneur I have been blessed to receive overwhelming support from all stakeholders, particularly the investor community... For me, the interest of my investors is paramount and everything is secondary. Hence to insulate the investors from potential losses, we have withdrawn the FPO,” Adani said.

US-based short seller Hindenburg Research’s report and the stock rout figured in Parliament on Thursday, with opposition parties seeking a discussion and a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also asked banks for details of their exposure to the Adani Group.

Adani said the decision to withdraw the FPO will not have any impact on the group’s existing operations and future plans. “We will continue to focus on timely execution and delivery of projects.”

“The fundamentals of our company are strong. Our balance sheet is healthy and assets, robust. Our EBITDA levels and cash flows have been very strong and we have an impeccable

PM Modi undertook 21 trips abroad since 2019, over Rs 22.76 cr spent

visits, an amount of Rs 22,76,76,934 for prime minister’s visits and an amount of Rs 20,87,01,475 for External Affairs Minister’s visits since 2019, according to the minister.

While the President undertook eight visits abroad, the PM undertook 21 trips since 2019. During this period, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar undertook 86 visits abroad.

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken 21 trips abroad since 2019 and over Rs 22.76 crore was spent on these visits, the government said on Thursday. The President undertook eight trips abroad and

an amount of over Rs 6.24 crore was spent on these trips since 2019, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

The government incurred an amount of Rs 6,24,31,424 for President’s

Since 2019, the prime minister has visited Japan thrice, and the US and the UAE twice.

Among the president’s visits, seven out of the eight trips were undertaken by Ram Nath Kovind, while current president Droupadi Murmu visited the UK last September.

track record of fulfilling our debt obligations. We will continue to focus on long term value creation and growth will be managed by internal accruals,” he said.

The share sale plans will be considered once the market stabilises.

“Once the market stabilises, we will review our capital market strategy,” he said.

Adani group, he said, has a strong focus on ESG and every business will continue to create value in a responsible way. “The strongest validation of our governance principles comes from several international partnerships we have built across our different entities.”

Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Co., which invested about USD 400 million in AEL’s FPO as anchor investor, said the funds have been returned.

It was among 33 investors who poured in close to Rs 6,000 crore on January 24 -- the day Hindenburg came out with its report.

State-run insurance behemoth Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) took 5 per cent of the anchor portion. It already holds a 4.23

Share market crash almost led to the fall of Union govt: Mamata

per cent stake in AEL and has exposures in other group companies as well, including a 9.14 per cent stake in Adani Ports and 5.96 per cent in Adani Total Gas.

The FPO opened to the public on January 27 and managed to get fully subscribed on the last day on January 31 after non-retail investors poured in money even though the offer price was higher than the stock’s trading price on the bourses.

Adani, who last year became the world’s secondrichest man with a USD 147 billion fortune, has seen his own personal wealth plummet by around USD 57 billion since then.

The January 24 report accused Adani Group companies of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud”. The group has denied all allegations, calling the report “bogus” and full of lies, and has threatened legal action.

Citigroup Inc’s wealth arm as also Credit Suisse Group AG have stopped accepting securities of Adani Group firms as collateral for margin loans as banks ramp up scrutiny of the conglomerate’s finances.

KOLKATA, FEB 2

(IANS): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday claimed that on the day of the Union Budget on Wednesday, the Union government virtually was on the verge of collapse because of the share market crash.

“The government was on the verge of collapse. Desperate calls were made to some parties to provide funds to that person whose share prices were going down fast,” the Chief Minister claimed at a public rally in East Burdwan district on Thursday. However, she did not name anybody in this connection.

“I know exactly who all were approached for providing funds. But I do

not want to take any names

since that would make their lives miserable. At least six individuals were called up. Some were asked to pay around Rs 30,000 crore, some Rs 20,000 crore and some Rs 10,000 crore to that individual whose companies’ share prices fell. How will such a government, which does not have any planning, continue in the long run,” Banerjee asked.

The Chief Minister also termed the income tax relief proposed in the Union Budget 2023-24 as nothing but eye-wash.

“On one hand there were announcements for tax reliefs, and on the other hand the existing concessions on investments made were denied. This is like giving Rs 2 after deducting Rs 2.50,” Banerjee said.

Reacting to her comments, BJP’s national VicePresident and Lok Sabha MP Dilip Ghosh said that the popular Budget presented on Thursday has become a nightmare for the Chief Minister due to which she is making such ‘imaginary’ claims about the collapse of the Union government.

Siddique Kappan walks out of UP jail on bail

LUCKNOW, FEB 2 (PTI): Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan walked out of jail on Thursday, a day after the sureties required for his bail were submitted in court. Two sureties of Rs 1 lakh each were submitted on Wednesday in the special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court here.

Kappan was released from jail around 9.15 am, Jailor of Lucknow District Jail Rajendra Singh told PTI.

“I struggled,” Kappan said minutes after he walked out to camera crews, a small curious crowd -- and to his wife and teen son, waiting patiently, just as they had for the more than two years since he was imprisoned on his way to Hathras.

“It has been 28 months. I am out after a lot of fight.

I am happy,” he said. Speaking to PTI, the journalist added, “I am coming to Delhi. I have to stay there for six weeks.” Asked about the purpose of his visit to Hathras, Kappan told the assembled reporters that he had gone there for “reporting”. About those who had accompanied him, he said they were students. Kappan and three others were arrested in October 2020 while they were going to the Uttar Pradesh

Rare rocks for Lord Ram idol reach Ayodhya from Nepal

shipped the rocks, officials said. Mahant Tapeshwar Das of the Janaki Mandir in Nepal presented these rocks to Champat Rai, general secretary of Ram Temple Trust, they said.

The idol of Lord Ram’s ‘baalroop’ (child form) carved out of these stones will be placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple which is expected to be ready by January next year.

AYODHYA (UP), FEB 2 (PTI): Special rocks from which the idol of Lord Ram will be carved out and placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple

Chopper scam: SC to hear bail pleas of Christian on Feb 7

NEW DELHI, FEB 2

(PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday said it would hear on February 7 the bail pleas of Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper scam in which the CBI and the ED have lodged two separate cases.

The matter came up for hearing before a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, which said the pleas would be heard next Tuesday.

The Rs 3,600-crore alleged scam relates to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.

In May last year, the apex court had sought the responses of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement

Directorate (ED) on the bail pleas of James.

During an earlier hearing, the counsel for the accused had said the case was covered under section 436A of the CrPC (maximum period for which an under trial prisoner can be detained) and James had served 50 per cent of the sentence for the offence allegedly committed by him.

The accused was extradited from Dubai in December 2018 and has been in custody since then, his counsel had said, adding that the probe against him was yet to be concluded.

The lawyer had said the petitioner’s case is that under sections 8 and 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the maximum sentence is five years in jail and he has spent nearly four years in prison.

has arrived from Nepal, a senior functionary of the temple trust here said.

The rocks or ‘shilas’ arrived here late on Wednesday night. Special prayers

were held on Thursday afternoon following which the rocks were presented to the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Fiftyone vedic teachers also wor-

Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s national secretary Rajendra Singh Pankaj had started from Mustang district of Nepal on January 25 with the consignment of the two sacred rocks. These

rocks, that are 60 millionyears-old, reached Ayodhya from Nepal on two different trucks. One rock weighs 26 tonnes and the other weighs 14 tonnes, Prakash Gupta, office in-charge of temple trust had earlier said. The two rocks were found in the Gandaki river at a place close to Saligrama or Muktinath (place of salvation) in Nepal’s Mustang district.

town where a Dalit woman died allegedly after being raped. They were accused of trying to instigate violence over the death of the Hathras woman.

To questions about recoveries made from him, Kappan told the media, “Nothing... I had only a laptop and mobile.” Asked about reports that some objectionable materials were also found on him, he said, “Two pens and a notepad.”

Police had alleged that Kappan had links with the now-banned Popular Front of India and charged him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections of the Indian Penal

Code. In his two and a half years in jail, his mother died.

“Her name was Kadijah. She is not there to see Kappan coming home,” his wife Raihana told PTI.

“The Supreme Court granted bail in the UAPA case and his innocence was revealed. Two and a half years is not a short time. We have experienced a lot of pain and suffering. But I am happy that justice, though belated, has been served,” she said.

“I repeat that Kappan is a media person,” Raihana stressed. The couple has three children -- Muzammil (19), Zidhan (14) and Mehnaz (nine).

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION

NAGALAND : KOHIMA

No. ED/ACCT/MONITORING-UID/2018-19

Dated: Kohima the 1st Feb’ 2023

NOTIFICATION

UIDAI, Government of India has authorised the Department of School Education for Aadhaar enrolment of School Children at the block level for easy access of the facility by the community. All the Educational Block Research Centres (EBRCs) will be provided with Aadhaar Enrolment Kit for the convenience of the School Children. Currently, 19 (Nineteen) EBRCs are equipped with the Aadhaar Enrolment Kits, their details are as below:

SNo Operator Name Name of EBRC District

1 L Langmai Konyak EBRC-TOBU Mon

2 Sunongthong Yimchunger EBRC PUNGRO Kiphire

3 Tolong W EBRC-ABOI Mon

4 Tingsane EBRC-TENING Peren

5 Heisaneule Insing EBRC-PEREN Peren

6 Vesakholu EBRC-PHEK Phek

7 L Asangba EBRC-NOKSEN Tuensang

8 Limongi Murry EBRC-SANIS Wokha

9 Tongching Sonla EBRC-HAKUSHANG Tuensang

10 Lhiko U Kapfo EBRC-PFUTSERO Phek

11 Anthony Ngouri EBRC-MELURI Phek

12 K Manlih Konyak EBRC-MON Mon

13 Vesanu EBRC-CHOZUBA Phek

14 Jangtinsat Khongsai EBRC-ATHIBUNG Peren

15 Kekhriethonuo Kire EBRC- L. KHEL Kohima

16 P Zhoto Naleo EBRC-VISWEMA Kohima

17 Alenuotsurho EBRC-CHIEPHOZOU Kohima

18 Rokoneinuo Rhatsu EBRC-SECHU ZUBZA Kohima

19 Mutile Kath EBRC-TSEMINYU Kohima

Priests and local people offer prayers near the holy stone Shaligram from Nepal.

Mamata Banerjee

Siddique Kappan

A file photo of PM’s foreign trip.

Chasing solution rainbow

Withpolitical parties revving up their poll engines for the big race on February 27,2023, aspiring candidates cutting across party lines realise that the short burst between February 10 and February 27 or a total of around 17 days will be a do-or-die race that has been reduced from 10,000 to 1000 meters. The dominance of the NDPP-BJP alliance can be understood from the fact that all other political parties await the distribution of tickets by the ‘big two’ since those who will be denied are certainly going to try their luck with other parties. In the current 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly(NLA) the NDPP has 42 MLAs (21 NPF legislators merged with the party), while the BJP has 12 , NPF(a ruling UDF constituent) has four and two independent legislators. As per the pre-merger agreement, the 21 NPF legislators had been assured of NDPP tickets for the assembly election. Even the NDPP’s own 21 legislators have as much merit to expect ticket since they are sitting MLAs. Even the two independent MLAs have been more or less like NDPP members would be hoping to contest under NDPP tickets. With 42 + 2 or 44 claimants, the NDPP can but contest only in 40 assembly seats while leaving 12 for its BJP ally. The fact of the matter is that issuing ticket is not as simple a matter since the demand outweighed the supply and also many other internal considerations have to be factored and also the fact that there is hardly much time left before nomination ends on February 7. As much as the general public have been battered by the loud voices for solution and deferment of election and the statements of senior political leaders promising to convince New Delhi to secure solution under any circumstances; these only fuelled a false sense of hope. People believed in them but somehow those in the know had chosen to speak to the gallery of being committed to the ideal and not talking straight that New Delhi was not going to postpone or defer elections for the sake of solution. The BJP government at the Centre and the newly formed NPF-led government in the state were thrown into the same boat due to political opportunism in 2003. That the government at the Centre changed in 2004 did not lead to parting of ways between NPF and BJP. The NPF and BJP parted ways over non-political issue when NPF president Dr.Shürhozelie chose to bring faith over political friendship. In addition, NPF wasn’t keen on giving more than ten seats to BJP in 2018. Then when NDPP was formed it welcomed BJP with a seat sharing pact for 20 seats. In all the decades since 2003, in a post-Congress period when the regional NPF formed by former Congressmen ruled the state, the political solution was promised within three months of NPF coming to power in 2003. Today, many political leaders want to distance themselves away from having done precious little to secure solution. In this even BJP which was in alliance since 2003 cannot be absolved of blame. The most critical question is why, in 2018 when the all CSOs and political parties wanted to push Delhi to the corner and obtain solution( where BJP was also a signatory); the BJP broke ranks and reneged on its own promise by filing nominations in 2018 as NDPP happily followed. And the rest is history when peace bonanza became a gift for ‘No Solution is Solution’.

DailyDevotion

The Compelling Force of the Call

Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! —1 Corinthians 9:16

Beware of refusing to hear the call of God. Everyone who is saved is called to testify to the fact of his salvation. That, however, is not the same as the call to preach, but is merely an illustration which can be used in preaching. In this verse, Paul was referring to the stinging pains produced in him by the compelling force of the call to preach the gospel. Never try to apply what Paul said regarding the call to preach to those souls who are being called to God for salvation. There is nothing easier than getting saved, because it is solely God’s sovereign work— “Look to Me, and be saved…” (Isaiah 45:22). Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation. We are condemned to salvation through the Cross of Christ. But discipleship has an option with it— “If anyone…” (Luke 14:26).

Paul’s words have to do with our being made servants of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never asked as to what we will do or where we will go. God makes us as broken bread and poured-out wine to please Himself. To be “separated to the gospel” means being able to hear the call of God (Romans 1:1). Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely blotted out and extinguished. Only one thing remains— “…separated to the gospel…” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him. The Bible Training College exists so that each of you may know whether or not God has a man or woman here who truly cares about proclaiming His gospel and to see if God grips you for this purpose. Beware of competing calls once the call of God grips you.

Quotes

Will the Union Budget impact your life and style?

The 2023-2024 Union Budget was announced and what impact will it make on your life and style in the coming year? While some industries had favourable results that will spur the growth of the sector, others were rather underwhelmed.

Experts in the field expresses their thoughts to IANSlife...

Eating out?

The F&b industry benefits from the personal tax relief measures outlined in the budget.

Commenting on the same, Merrill Pereyra, Managing Director, Pizza Hut India Subcontinent said, “The Food Services industry relies heavily on discretionary spending and therefore stands to gain from the personal tax relief measures announced in the budget, which will further catalyze consumption. The focus on domestic tourism will also cascade positively across our sector, by opening up new markets and allowing for greater expansion, especially in unpenetrated locations.”

While on the other hand, Debaditya Chaudhury, Managing Director of Chowman, Oudh 1590 & Chapter 2 expresses disappointment stating, “I think it’s a little disheartening for the food and beverage industry, that there was no mention of any relief or support for us in the Union Budget 2023-24 declaration. This year, we were hoping for extended moratoriums on interest payable and reduced tax structure to help us regain our balance sheet’s health. Sadly, the government has ignored us even though the industry has been resilient and has recovered from the pandemic on its own. While other sectors are laying people off, the F&B industry has been generating jobs, adding to the GST credit without even any input credit.”

Your next adventure

A growth-oriented aimed to help India weather the current global economic challenges says Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & MD, Cygnett Hotels and Resorts. “With the Finance Minister announcing plans to renew 50 additional airports, helipads, water aero drones, and advanced landing grounds, it will boost regional connectivity. Moreover, the announcement to develop 50 destinations for domestic and international tourists will also help to draw attention to the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The Finance Minister said that these tourist destinations will be selected through

challenge mode. The impetus on Dekho Apna Desh will provide a further boost to the growth of domestic tourism in the country.

The Finance Minister also highlighted that states will be encouraged to set up a “Unity Mall” in the capital city or most popular tourist destination for the promotion of the ‘One District, One product’ theme. Such initiatives will also help unleash the potential taped in the tourism sector.”

Paritosh Ladhani, Joint Managing Director, Sincere Developers, which owns Taj Hotel and Convention Centre Agra said, “The Union Budget 20232024 presented by the finance minister highlighted that the Indian economy is on a growth trajectory in spite of the global economic challenges. In her Budget speech, the FM emphasized that the country offers “immense attraction” for both domestic and international tourists. With the government announcing that states will be encouraged to set up a “Unity Mall” in the capital city or most popular tourist destination for the promotion of the ‘One District, one product’ theme, such initiatives will help to unleash the potential vested in the tourism sector.

I also expect that the change in tax regime announced in the Union Budget will result in more disposable income in the hands of middle-class consumers - which I expect ultimately will spur consumption in activities like travel. Regional connectivity will see a boost with the plans to renew 50 additional airports, helipads, water aero drones, and advanced landing grounds.”

“The government’s focus on tourism in the budget by giving it a top priority is commendable. The allocation of resources highlights the importance placed on boosting employment through the tourism sector,” said Asif Fazlani, Managing Director, of Fazlani Nature’s Nest. “The budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to the holistic development of the industry. The plan to develop 50 tourist destinations for both domestic and international tourists will revolutionize the tourism industry in India.”

About the provisions of the tourism industry in the Union Budget 2023-2024 Priya Thakur, founder, Larisa Hotels and Resorts said, “We are very pleased to see that the Union Budget for 20232024 includes funding for the development of tourist sites in India for both

Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, the 2nd February is remembered and revered as one of the most important days in the history of the Naga nation. And we thank God, the Almighty in inspiring and blessing our pioneer Naga national leaders in forming the Naga National Council (NNC) on 2nd February, 1946 at Wokha.

This day is important because it was on this day that the Naga leaders of the day decided to gather the Naga families and form a distinct nation in keeping with the design of the creator of all nations.

Therefore, on this occasion it is proper to remind ourselves on the purpose and achievements of the Naga National Council and thank our past leaders for their foresight, hard work and devotion to the Naga nation in taking timely step and action.

After the formation of NNC, our leaders reached out to the

domestic and foreign visitors. With LaRiSa’s strong presence in popular tourist areas like Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Mussoorie, we hope to see an increase in travelers. With a boost in infrastructure and enhanced air connectivity, we hope to welcome guests from varied locations. LarRiSa has always supported and endorsed the spirit of uplifting the local community. With the promotion of local tourist spots and spaces, it will not only result in the upliftment of these cities but will also provide more jobs and opportunities for the locals all around the year.”

Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun Travel India added, “Indian economy is expected to increase by 7 per cent in the year 2023 and tourism is one of the major areas that contribute to it. Development of tourist infrastructure is the need of the hour so the announcement that 50 tourist destinations will be developed for domestic and international tourism is a positive step. Plus, the border village tourism initiative will bring tourists to these far corners helping the local communities earn livelihood and prosper. This year’s budget also saw the highest-ever capital outlay of 2.5 crores for the railways which may provide the push needed for the growth of domestic tourism in the country. Air travel is also expected to rise. Specific focus is needed for the tourism industry to rebound back to pre-pandemic levels and we hope that these initiatives will provide much awaitedrelief to the Indian tourism sector.”

All those gems

The budget for Gems and Jewellery now has more room for discretionary spending, increasing consumer purchasing power. Amit Pratihari, Vice President, De Beers Forevermark said, “For natural diamonds, we’ve seen an encouraging trend over the past few months where consumers are purchasing items that hold meaning and value. Natural diamonds continue to be sought after due to their inherent preciousness. Pricing has also remained steady, and we are optimistic it will become stronger. As customers continue to value what is natural and genuine, diamonds will always be in demand.”

“Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) applauds the proreform and export growthoriented budget by Hon. Finance Minister... In the first Budget of Amritkaal,

different communities of the Nagas. On the other hand, carried out numerous goodwill missions to Assam and to the leaders of emerging India with the purpose to appraise them of Naga National stand to stay an independent nation.

As Indians and Nagas are foreigners to each other. In keeping with the unique position of the Nagas, NNC formally declared our age-old independence to the world on 14th August, 1947. Following Naga independence declaration, a voluntary plebiscite was conducted by NNC in 1951 and received an overwhelming mandate of 99.9% to stay as an independent nation. With the independence declaration and plebiscite mandate, the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) was formed on 22nd March, 1956.

The Naga National Council named the Naga country as NAGALAND in the 1940’s

Hon. Finance Minister has listed 7 priorities as she outlined people-centric agenda of ease of living and doing business to take on global challenges as well as for stimulating exports... GJEPC welcomes the reduction of Customs Duty on LGD seeds to zero from 5 per cent. It will ensure India’s end-to-end world leadership in rough-to-finished lab-grown diamond and jewelry manufacturing. In addition to that government. has also accepted to have clear segregation Customs (IT HS) codes for Silver and Platinum studded Lab grown jewelry for better differentiation and identification at the consumer level,” added Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC.

Hot Wheels

“The Union Budget 2023-2024 announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is progressive, prudent, and growth-led, with an eye to providing impetus on the savings of the public,” said Banwari Lal Sharma, CEO, of Consumer Business, CarTrade Tech Ltd. “It is a ‘green budget’ for the automotive and mobility sectors. The sustainability measures taken through announcements on green hydrogen and other energy sectors will help in furthering the government’s target of carbon neutrality by 2070. The increased Capex outlay on energy transition is likely to spur investments and skill development in a green economy. The viability gap funding for battery energy storage systems is also likely to create critical infrastructure, while custom duty reduction on capital goods for Lithium batteries manufacturing will facilitate faster adoption of EVs. An increase in spending on infrastructure, the setting up of 50 new airports and heliports, and the creation of 100 transport infrastructure projects are welcome moves, in addition to the central support for replacing old vehicles. All of these should drive consumption and overall demand of vehicles.”

Tech And E-Commerce

Abhijit Bhattacharya, Founder & CBO, OneGreen said, “The Union Budget has sent the right signal to investors, businesses, and citizens that green growth is a priority for India. At OneGreen, we are extremely thrilled with the government’s focus on the environment and ensuring that people switch to a more sustainable way of life for without this, the health and wellness of the nation in its truest sense can never be achieved.

comprising all the Naga inhabited territories. However, India in trying to conceal its aggression and atrocities on Nagaland and its people, carved out a portion of Nagaland and set up a puppet state Nagaland with some gullible Nagas in 1963, and conducting its sham elections periodically. On this outrageous matter, A Z Phizo, the former NNC President out rightly rejected the so called “16 Point Agreement” in 1960. For the simple reason that the Naga Plebiscite mandate is for a sovereign independent whole Nagaland. In keeping and upholding our irrefutable national right and mandate, the Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland have been defending the sovereign right of the Nagas all these years. And shall continue to defend till India withdraws from our land.

May God Bless Nagaland : Urra Uvie

We are encouraged by the focus on sustainable agriculture practices, including organic farming initiatives backed with incentives for over 1 crore farmers which will help ensure that chemical-free food ingredients are used in food and related products. The Green Credit Programme under the Environment (Protection) Act to incentivize environmentally sustainable and responsive actions by companies, individuals and local bodies will help each and every one of us inculcate sustainable habits and increase investments in the sector. We also welcome the government’s move to increase its expenditure on building sources of renewable energy. Further tax exemptions such as the reduction of GST rates on electric vehicle components and waivers or subsidies given out to households using renewable energy systems will contribute greatly towards creating an environmentfriendly infrastructure in India. Indians in the postpandemic era have understood the importance of living a green and clean life and this budget with its focus on behavior change will steer the population in the right direction. We look forward to seeing how this budget shapes India’s future trajectory toward sustainable development goals!

Private Limited said, “Integration of technology has a definitive impact on our future prospects. Greater awareness towards healthcare and a focus on boosting exports for the sector of innovative products in Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals are outstanding long-term initiatives that were being talked about in this year’s budget. The Indian industry is well-poised with a good ecosystem, and companies like Fullife that focus on innovation lead delivery dosage forms will be highly encouraged in such a supportive environment. This year, the Centre has also increased its allocation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and has invested in focus on natural products like Millet and healthcare, we see continued growth in concepts that associate with good health. Being a company from India that exports nutraceutical products across 30+ countries now, a simplified tax structure will help towards the promotion of exports and boost domestic manufacturing.”

In this Union Budget, the government has focused on some of the core needs of the health and wellness sector. “The plan to establish 157 nursing colleges as collocated facilities alongside medical colleges will help cover the shortage of trained healthcare workforce and lead to greater healthcare coverage of the out-of-hospital medical services.

The plans to provide access to ICMR labs and other R&D facilities as well as a collaborative approach to pharmaceuticals research and encouragement of private sector investments, multidisciplinary training for R&D and manufacturing of high-quality medical devices, and various other such measures are going to augur well for the overall universal healthcare access and quality in India,” said Meena Ganesh, CoFounder & Chairperson, of Portea Medical.

“However, it is also important to note that while various aspects of healthcare and health tech have been touched upon, we looked forward to some announcements in the area of accessibility and affordability of personalized care for the masses. A crisis situation like the pandemic toppled healthcare systems globally and some clarity on how the country will handle a similar situation in the times to come was needed.”

Snehal Shah, CEO at Fullife Healthcare

“Union Budget 2023 is very promising for the financial sector and carves out an excellent path for the future with a focus on growing the MSME sector, pushing infrastructure development, and enabling personal consumption. Extension of the ECLGS scheme along with other measures would have a huge impact on promoting growth. The finance minister has taken substantial steps to reduce credit costs for the sector which would help in promoting employment and growth. Boosting MSMEs through easier credit would aid growth, ease tax liability, and promote consumption. Focus on reducing credit costs would also boost profitability and help create more jobs. Additionally, increased expenditure on infrastructure and personal tax reforms would aid create a positive sentiment in the economy and put India on a path for rapid development,” added Saurav Ghosh, Co-founder, Jiraaf. Healthcare Technology integration an advantageous effect on the healthcare industry that will encourage its expansion.

IANSlife

BJP fielding candidates with pending criminal cases

It is quite appalling to go through the list of candidates selected for contesting the forthcoming Assembly Election from BJP ticket in Nagaland.

A national party which advocates hyper-nationalism and claims to be promoting national integration and works towards mainstreaming of North East India, chooses to give party tickets to individuals having not only criminal antecedents but have pending criminal cases against them.

In fact, some of them are charge-sheeted by National Investigation Agency (NIA) under Section 39 & 40 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, for funding terrorist activities within the state.

Such acts of facilitating entry of anti-nationals into the heart of governance, blatantly reveals the double-speak of BJP

and amply exposes the intent of the party in deranging the Naga Political talks and in fomenting separatist sentiments in this strategic state of the country which shares international borders with Myanmar.

It will be interesting to keep a watch on the print and electronic media and party websites in the coming 48 to 72 hours when the party and the concerned candidates have to mandatorily declare their criminal antecedents, with nature of crimes and the charges levelled against them under relevant sections in leading newspapers and media channels including social media as stipulated in the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Rambabu Singh Thakur Vs Sunil Arora and others.

Imlitemjen Jamir Borbora Ward, Tuli Town, Nagaland

“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.”

Speech of Adinno Phizo, president, NNC on the 77th anniversary of NNC formation

SNIPPETS

Delhi records a minimum of 8.3 degrees Celsius

NEW DELHI, FEB 2

(PTI): Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8.3 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year, on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said. The relative humidity in the city at 8.30 am was recorded at 83 per cent. The weatherman has forecast mainly clear sky during the day with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 22 degrees Celsius. The air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 187 at 9 am, which is in the moderate category. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.

Apna Dal (S) MLA

Rahul Kol passes away MIRZAPUR (UP), FEB 2 (PTI): Apna Dal (S) MLA from Chhanbey constituency Rahul Kol passed away Thursday during treatment at a Mumbai hospital, family sources said here. He was 40. The MLA was battling cancer for the past few years, they said. Apna Dal (S) Youth President Udai Patel told PTI that his body will be flown from Mumbai to Varanasi from where it will be taken to his village

Patehara Kala in Madihan.

State spokesperson of Apna Dal (S) Ajay Srivastava has expressed grief and said his death is a big loss for the party. Rahul was son of Apna Dal (S) MP from Robertsganj Pakodi Lal Kol. He is survived by wife, a son and two daughters.

Haryana Assembly budget session

from Feb 20

CHANDIGARH, FEB 2 (PTI) : Budget Session of the Haryana Assembly will begin here from February 20, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Thursday. It has been proposed to hold the session in two parts, the chief minister said. “The budget session will begin from February 20,” Khattar told reporters here after a meeting of the state cabinet. The session will begin with the Governor’s address followed by a discussion on it, after which, the budget will be presented. After a gap of few days, the budget will be passed.

G20 EWG meeting begins in Jodhpur

JODHPUR, FEB 2 (PTI):

A panel discussion with focus on developing collaborative road map for global skills was organised on Thursday as part of the first Employment Working Group meeting under India’s G20 presidency. The meeting is being held at Jodhpur from February 2 to 4. The panel discussion focused on global trends on skill shortages, surpluses and mismatches, and deliberated on the means to plug these skills deficits. It also deliberated on development of a collaborative road map for global skills and qualifications harmonization, according to an official statement. The discussion was chaired and moderated by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the statement said.

Raigad police to set up museum

ALIBAG, FEB 2 (PTI):

The Raigad district police in Maharashtra is establishing a museum that will exhibit documents, uniforms and weapons used by the force over the last several decades, a senior official said on Thursday. The museum will be set up in the police’s district headquarters, Raigad Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge said. “There will also be section that shows how the police wireless systems and other communication equipment changed over time. We hope it will become a tourist attraction,” Gharge added.

Inclusive, resilient growth focus of India’s G20 priorities: S Jaishankar

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): India’s priorities for its G20 Presidency are to ensure inclusive and resilient growth with a focus on challenges being faced by the countries of the Global South, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.

Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar also listed technological transformation and public digital infrastructure, reform in the multilateral institutions, women-led development and international peace and harmony as key focus areas for India’s presidency of the grouping.

India assumed the presidency of the influential bloc G20 at its annual summit in Bali in November with a promise of striving to ensure that the grouping acts as a global prime mover to envision new ideas and accelerate collective action to deal with pressing challenges.

India is hosting a se-

S Jaishankar

ries of events and meetings ahead of the G20 summit later this year.

“India’s G20 Presidency priorities are inclusive and pragmatic, with broad areas of substantive deliberations comprising inclusive and resilient growth, progress on SDGs, green development and lifestyle for environment, technological transformation and public digital infrastructure, reforming multilateral institutions, women-led development, and international peace and harmony,” Jaishankar said. “It is our endeavour that inputs generated from

the ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ receive cognisance globally, including in G20 deliberations,” he said.

The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are a collection of 17 interlinked objectives designed to serve as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity in the world. India officially assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1. India’s G20 Presidency has the largestever representation from Africa with six participants, Jaishankar said.

He said in addition to South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, Chair of African Union and Chair of AUDA-NEPAD have been invited to participate in G20 meetings and the summit.

South Africa is a member of the G20. The African Union (AU) is an influential grouping consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent. The AUDANEPAD was established in

LCA Tejas to be at the centre stage of ‘India Pavilion’ at Aero India 2023

associated advanced flight control laws. The aircraft with delta wing is designed for ‘air combat’ and ‘offensive air support’ with ‘reconnaissance’ and ‘anti-ship’ as its secondary roles. “Extensive use of advanced composites in the airframe gives a high strength to weight ratio, long fatigue life and low radar signatures,” the release said.

2010 to integrate the then New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) into African Union (AU) structures and processes. Jaishankar said India has always been a voice of the Global South, including for the “African friends and partners”.

On January 12 and 13, India hosted the Voice of the Global South Summit in the virtual format with a focus on charting a new path of greater collaboration towards realisation of the priorities of developing countries. “India has always been a voice of the Global South, including for our African friends and partners,” Jaishankar said.

“While all decisions of the G20, including on its membership, are taken by G20 members by consensus, India will continue to seek fair and balanced representation of developing countries in various multilateral fora,” he added.

BENGALURU, FEB 2 (PTI): A full scale LCATejas aircraft in Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configuration will be at the centre stage of “India Pavilion” at Aero India 2023, to be held from February 13 to 17 at Yelahanka Air Force Station here.

The 14th Edition of the biennial aero show and aviation exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Defence, will have a separate “India Pavilion” based on ‘Fixed Wing Platform’ theme to showcase India’s strides in the fixed wing area and future prospects in the field, a Defence release said on Thursday.

The India Pavilion will

further showcase the growth of India in developing an eco-system for fixed wing platform which includes the demonstration of various structural modules, simulators and systems, among others, of LCA-Tejas aircraft being produced by private partners.

There will also be a section for “Defence space, New Technologies” and a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) section which will give an insight about the growth of India in each sector.

LCA Tejas is a single engine, light weight, highly agile, multi-role supersonic fighter. It has quadruplex digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS) with

7.81 cr rural households provided tap water in last 3 yrs under JJM

Tejas is equipped with state-of-the-art features like glass cockpit, zero-zero ejection seat, inflight refueling probe and jam-proof AESA Radar, among others, which make the aircraft “more lethal,” it said.

LCA has come a long way in terms of development and presently available in Air Force fighter & twin seater and LCA Navy fighter and twin seater. Other variants like LCA LIFT (Lead in fighter trainer) and MK-2 are being developed for LCA Tejas. Aero India provides a platform to various national and international aerospace and defence companies to showcase their advanced products and capabilities to explore business opportunities, it was noted.

NEW DELHI, FEB 2

(PTI): More than 7.81 crore rural households have been provided tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission over last three years, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question, the minister said as on January 31, 2023, out of 19.36 crore rural households in the country, around 11.06 crore (57.12 per cent) are reported to have tap water supply.

At the time of the announcement of JJM, 3.23 crore (17 per cent) rural households were reported to

have tap water connections. Goa, Telangana, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Gujarat and Haryana are among the states and Union Territories which have provided tap water to every rural household.

The central government, in partnership with the states, is implementing the JJM since August 2019 to make tap water supply available to every rural household in the country.

The estimated outlay of the mission is Rs 3.60 lakh crore out of which the central share is Rs 2.08 lakh crore.

SC to hear plea against hate speech event scheduled on Feb

NEW DELHI, FEB 2

(PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea seeking to prohibit an alleged hate speech event scheduled to be held on February 5 in Mumbai.

A bench of Justice

K M Joseph, Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Hrishikesh Roy said it will seek instructions from Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and subject to his approval post the matter for hearing on Friday.

“We are with you on this, but understand that the Supreme Court cannot be triggered every time there is a rally notified. We have already passed an order which is clear enough.

Just imagine rallies happening all across the country. Every time there will be an application before the Supreme Court. How can that be feasible?

“You ask us to be embarrassed again and again by getting an order. We have passed so many orders

5 in Mumbai

Muslim communities economically and socially.

On continuous persistence of the lawyer, the court asked her to serve a copy of the application to the counsel for Maharashtra.

“Serve a copy on the State, we will list it tomorrow subject to orders of the CJI. Only this case, not the entire batch,” the bench said.

Yati Narasinghanand

yet nobody is taking action. The Supreme Court should not be asked to pass an order on an event to event basis,” the bench observed.

The observation came after a lawyer mentioned the matter, saying the issue needs urgent hearing against the alleged hate speech rally in Mumbai to be organised by the Hindu Jan Akrosh Morcha.

She submitted that a similar rally was organised a few days ago in which 10,000 people participated and gave a call to boycott

Holding that the Constitution of India envisages a secular nation, the top court on October 21 last year directed the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to come down hard on hate speeches, promptly registering criminal cases against the culprits without waiting for a complaint to be filed.

The court had also warned that any delay on the part of the administration in taking action on this “very serious issue” would invite the court’s contempt.

Little for the marginalised: rights groups on Budget

NEW DELHI, FEB 2

(PTI): Various rights groups Thursday alleged that the Union Budget for the financial year 2023-24 has very little to offer for the marginalised -- the vulnerable children, the disabled and the elderly.

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), in a statement, claimed that the disabled community continued to be neglected.

“This year’s budget has been no different as far as the disabled community is concerned. They continue to be condemned to the margins and neglected, high-sounding rhetoric like ‘inclusive India’ notwithstanding,” it said.

NPRD said that in comparison to the previous year, there is merely a one per cent rise in allocation for the sector. It also highlighted that the amount allotted for FY 2022–2023 was underutilized by Rs 196 crore. The allocations for the scheme for implementation of the (Rights of) Persons with Disabilities Act have been severely reduced by Rs 90 crores, from Rs 240.39 (BE) last year to Rs 150 crore this year. “It is the woefully inadequate allocation that

is mainly responsible for the failure in implementing the provisions of accessibility within five years as mandated by the RPD Act.

“Sadly, even the support for important autonomous bodies established by Acts of Parliament that cater to persons with disabilities, like the National Trust and the Rehabilitation Council of India, remains the same,” the NPRD said.

It also criticised the government’s move to remove the income criteria in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for persons with disabilities.

The allocations for the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme remain unchanged at Rs 290 crore as compared to last year. “The government has refused to enhance both the amount and the coverage of the pension. The amount has remained unchanged at Rs 300/- for more than a decade and covers a mere 3.8 per cent of the disabled population identified by the 2011 census.

“One has to have a disability of 80 per cent and above and has to fall under the BPL category to avail the benefit of this scheme,” it said. For HelpAge In -

dia, which works with the elderly and supports geriatric initiatives, the move to provide tax relief for the salaried middle class is a definite plus as it will also benefit senior citizens and their households.

“We were however expecting specific tax measures and enhancement of existing limits, relating to some of the provisions that were applicable for senior citizens under sections 80C, 80 TTB, 80D, 80DDB etc.

“Many senior citizens are in the informal sector and are out of the tax bracket and living either close to or below the poverty line. For them we were especially rooting for social security measures which would have benefitted them, it said.

Many senior citizens are vulnerable and special efforts are needed to reach them, HelpAge India said.

“We, therefore, appreciate the focus given to inclusive development, infrastructure creation and reaching the last mile. In the context of Amrit Kaal, we hope that the government will take specific measures for the elderly,” said Rohit Prasad, CEO of HelpAge India. Children’s rights advocacy NGO, CRY, said

that children, once again, remained out of the radar of the Union Budget.

While the group applauded the fact the budget 2023-24 has tried to trace a robust roadmap towards inclusive growth for the country in the post-COVID times, “children who constitute more than one-third of India’s total population seem to have largely remained out of its radar.”

“There has been a 0.05 percentage points decline in the share of allocation for child budget to the Union Budget from 2.35 per cent (2022-23 BE) to 2.30 per cent (2023-24 BE). “Further analysis reveals that, in reference to GDP, the percentage share of Child Budget to the GDP has declined to 0.34 per cent in 2023-24 BE when compared to 0.36 per cent in 2022-23 BE,” said Puja Marwaha, the CEO of CRY. “In all, as the detailed budget allocations across child-centric programmes and initiatives suggest, it seems that the Union Budget will fail to reach the last mile when it comes to the overall development of the vulnerable children, residing under the shadows of multi-dimensional poverty,” she said.

LCA Tejas

RBI seeks details of banks’ exposure to Adani Group

MUMBAI, FEB 2 (AGEN-

CIES): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sought details about lenders’ exposures to the Adani Group, banking sources said, a day after the conglomerate withdrew the Rs 20,000-crore follow on public offer (FPO) of its flagship firm Adani Enterprises amid the steep fall in its stock prices.

On Wednesday, Swiss lender Credit Suisse stopped accepting bonds by Adani group companies as collaterals for margin lending.

The going has been tough for the diversified conglomerate over the past week ever since US-based short seller Hindenburg Research levelled a slew of allegations about the group’s operations, calling it the biggest corporate con ever. The Ahmedabad-headquartered group has denied all the allegations but failed to convince analysts and investors.

The RBI gets access to banks’ large corporate borrowers on a regular basis as part of the central repository of information on large

credits (CRILC) data base, the banking sources said.

Many a time bank lending happens against pledged securities and a massive fall in the price of the equity shares of the Adani group’s 10 listed entities could have accordingly lowered the value of the pledged securities.

There has been selling pressure in banks’ stocks since the Hindenberg Research’s report released on January 24 as investors are concerned about the impact of the crisis on banks’ books.

Country’s largest lender SBI had said it’s exposure to Adani group is fully secured by cash generating assets, in an attempt to assuage

FPO withdrawn due tomarketvolatility, saysGautamAdani

Cong questions UDA govt on non-utilisation of shopping complex and parking plaza

investor concerns.

Another public sector lender Bank of Baroda has said its total exposure to the embattled group stood at Rs 7,000 crore, which are also fully secured.

Government-owned life insurance behemoth Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has disclosed of having an exposure of Rs 36,474.78 crore to Adani group’s debt and equity, and added that the amount is less than one per cent of its total investments.

Adani Enterprises scrip closed 26.50 per cent down at Rs 1,564.70 a piece on the BSE on Thursday, as against gains of 0.38 per cent on the benchmark.

Polls: Online facilities for candidates

(From p-1) of preferable dates, security deposit and physical submission of printout of the form filled online.

The online application for permission to include permission to hold meetings and loud speaker, open temporary office, vehicle permit, take out procession with loud speakers, street corner meeting and use loud speaker, use helicopter and helipad, construction of rostrum/barricade and vehicle permit (inter district).

CEO has also directed all returning officers (ROs) to have chambers with sufficient space to perform their function, allot staggered time in advance to prospective candidates and take all steps required for submission of nomination forms and affidavits as per provisions contained in the Represen-

tatives of the People Act, 1951.

CEO also asked all ROs to strictly adhere to the ECI guidelines. And in pursuance of the Supreme Court judgment that made it obligatory for Ros to check whether the information required was fully furnished (by the candidate) at the time with the nomination paper, the CEO said the commission had issued instruction that in the affidavit to be filed along with the nomination paper, candidates should fill up all the columns. If any column in the affidavit was left bank, the RO would issue a notice to the candidate to file revised affidavit with all columns duly filled in. After such notice, if a candidate still failed to file affidavit complete in all respects, the nomination paper would be liable to

be rejected by the RO at time of scrutiny, whose date has been fixed as February 8. DRI requisitioned:

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has requisitioned the service of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under Article 324 of the Constitution of India to curb the menace of money power during the upcoming Assembly election besides contraband items and fake Indian currency notes (FICN) that could be used as inducement during the polls.

In a press release, CEO office has shared E-mail address (dri.drugzu@gov.in) and phone number (89747 10619) of Regional Control Room for Nagaland at Dimapur for people to register complaint of any electoral malpractice.

Billionaire Gautam Adani has said the decision to withdraw a fully subscribed share sale of the flagship firm of his group was primarily because of volatility in the market. Adani Group company stocks have lost over USD 90 billion in value since a US short seller made damning allegations.

Adani Enterprises Ltd’s Rs 20,000 crore followon public offer managed to get investors on the last day of the share close on Tuesday. Late on Wednesday, the company decided to withdraw the FPO and refund the investors.

“After a fully subscribed FPO, yesterday’s decision of its withdrawal would have surprised many. But considering the volatility of the market seen yesterday, the board strongly felt that it would not be morally correct to proceed with the FPO,” Adani said

in an address to investors on Thursday. The decision, he said, will not have any impact on existing operations and future plans. “We will continue to focus on timely execution and delivery of projects.” The fundamentals of the company are strong, Adani asserted.

“Our balance sheet is healthy and assets robust. Our EBITDA levels and cash flows have been very strong and we have an impeccable track record of fulfilling our debt obligations. We will continue to focus on long-term value creation and growth will be managed by internal accruals.”

Adani said the group would review the capital market strategy once the market stabilizes. “We have a strong focus on ESG and every business of ours will continue to create value in a responsible way. The strongest validation of our governance principles comes from several international partnerships we have built across our different entities,” he added.

Adani row storms Parliament; Oppn demands JPC...

(From p-1) Leaders of the Congress, the DMK, the TMC, the SP, the JD(U), the Shiv Sena, the CPI(M), the CPI, the NCP, the IUML, the NC, the AAP and the Kerala Congress were present at the meeting.

The Opposition parties sought to discuss the Adani issue, Chinese transgressions at the border and role of Governors in States, and demanded a discussion.

Nine MPs, including Kharge, Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, BRS MP K. Keshava Rao and Aam Aadmi Party’s Sanjay Singh, had given notices under rule 267 seeking suspension of regular business to discuss the Adani group stock route and its impact on millions of small investors as well as the hard earned savings of crores of Indians being

endangered in loss of value of investments of LIC.

Seeking suspension of business notice under Rule 267 for Thursday, Kharge said, “That this House do suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other businesses of the day to discuss the issue of investment by LIC, public sector banks and financial institutions in companies losing market value, endangering the hardearned savings of crores of Indians.”

Giving a notice under Rule 267 (suspension of business) to discuss the Hindenburg report against the Adani Enterprises, Mr. Rao said “the report exposes the dangers to which the Indian people and economy are subjected to and merit immediate discussion, adjourning the other business”.

(From p-1) Sujata alleged that the Planning and Coordination Department and Planning Board decided to erect the structure on the site that was a forest land.

She asserted that if the Forest Department owned the complex, it would be a brazen act of irregularity and questioned Rio and BJP that since when departments had begun to manage shopping complexes.

Sujata commented that Rio heading an opposition-less government must not think that there was no one to question him, declaring that Congress would stand up for the people and question him on behalf of the people.

“The people of Nagaland chose a government and expected accountability. Instead, they have got one that was not only inefficient, but also arrogant, indulging in misuse of funds meant for betterment of the citizens of Nagaland,” she stated.

Hitting out at BJP over start-ups, Sujata questioned BJP Legislative Party (BLP) leader and deputy chief minister Y Patton why selfhelp groups (SHGs) were not encouraged to use the space and also why youngsters were not given opportunity to use the space for their start-ups.

She said the building could have become vibrant and empowered women and youth by allowing it to be used for their business, including start-ups.

The AICC media coordinator commented that it was obvious that the structure was constructed to be given to some private entity.

She claimed, “Because there the general public and the opposition had raised so much noise about it, the government was not able to hand it over to the private entity that was close to Rio.”

She said chief minister had been caught indulging in corruption time and again, but he simply did

CKS reaffirms warning against ...

(From p-1)

CKS further warned of stern action against those violating the notification.

“This notification will be in force till an amicable solution is resolved for the Eastern Nagas by the Govt. of India,” CKS stated.

TEACHER WANTED

not care.

Meanwhile, NPCC secretary and spokesperson Temjenyanger Longkumer also questioned why the building was not being unused. He said most of the youth were happy to see the building being constructed as they hoped to set up shops, but lamented that even after three to four years of its completion, it was still not being utilised.

He demanded that the chief minister should publish a “white paper” why the building was not being utilised.

Yanger also emphasised that it was not the duty of everyone, especially Naga youth, to raise voice strongly on the issue of accountability.

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American arrested for vandalizing church

JERUSALEM, FEB 2

(AP): Israeli police on Thursday arrested an American tourist after he allegedly knocked down and broke a statue of Jesus in a church in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Images on social media showed the statue laying horizontally on the floor after apparently being pulled down from a stand at the church.

The incident occurred in the Church of the Flagellation, which is located on the Via Dolorosa, the route believed to have been walked by Jesus to his crucifixion.

B’desh wants revision of power purchase deal with Adani

DHAKA/NEW DEL -

HI, FEB 2 (PTI): Bangladesh has sought revision of a 2017 power purchase agreement with Adani Power Ltd as the price for the coal-generated electricity appeared too expensive, officials said in Dhaka on Thursday.

“We have communicated with the Indian company seeking revision of the agreement,” an official of the state-run Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDC) told PTI on the condition of anonymity and without elaborating on the matter.

France seizes Iran assault rifles, missiles heading to Yemen

DUBAI, FEB 2 (AP):

French naval forces in January seized thousands of assault rifles, machine guns and anti-tank missiles in the Gulf of Oman coming from Iran and heading to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials said Thursday.

While Iran denied being involved, images of the weapons released by the US military’s Central Command showed them to be similar to others captured by American forces in other shipments tied to Tehran. te diplomatic efforts to renew it. That has led to fears the war could again escalate.

More than 150,000 people have been killed in Yemen during the fighting, including over 14,500 civilians.

Pak PM inaugurates

3rd unit of nuclear power plant in Karachi

ISLAMABAD, FEB 2 (PTI): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the third unit of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) built with Beijing’s assistance under the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Known as the K-3, the plant will provide 1,100 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.

Norway PM says

oil profits to fund more aid to Ukraine

COPENHAGEN, FEB 2

(AP): Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store of Norway said Thursday that the oil-rich Scandinavian country will become one of the world’s top donors to Ukraine when his twoparty centre-left government presents another planned military and civilian aid package.

Norway’s profits from oil will finance the additional aid, and there will be a temporary increase in the use of oil money, Gahr Store told the Norwegian parliament, He did not reveal how large the contribution will be, but he said the government would make it soon.

Israel forces, Gaza militants clash

TEL AVIV, FEB 2 (AP): Israel struck targets in the Gaza Strip early Thursday hours after Palestinian militants fired a rocket at Israel, the military said, the latest in an uptick of violence in the region.

Israeli aircraft struck a rocket production workshop in the Gaza Strip as well as a storage site used by a rocket production line.

Late Wednesday, Israeli air defenses intercepted a rocket from Gaza, the army said.

There were no reports of casualties from the rocket or the airstrikes and later Thursday the violence appeared to have subsided.

Also Thursday, Israeli media reported a 75-yearold man wounded in a Palestinian attack last year died from wounds sustained from the violence.

The exchange further raised tensions during a particularly bloody period in the long-running IsraeliPalestinian conflict, which in recent days has seen a deadly military raid in the

Fire and smoke rise above buildings in Gaza City as Israel launched air strikes on the Palestinian enclave, on Feb. 2. (AP) West Bank and and a fatal Palestinian shooting attack outside a synagogue.

Last week, Gaza militants and Israel broke months of cross-border calm by exchanging rockets and airstrikes after Israel killed 10 Palestinians, most of them militants, in a military operation in the West Bank refugee camp of Jenin.

The latest friction

Myanmar: People observe ‘silent protest’ as

military rulers extend emergency

point appeared to be over Palestinian prisoners held by Israel on security charges. Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar BenGvir, an ultranationalist and a senior member of the most right-wing government in Israel’s history, has pledged even tougher treatment of the prisoners in recent days.

Ben-Gvir said rockets from Gaza won’t stop him

Brother of UK ex-PM, resigns as director of Adani linked firm

LONDON, FEB 2 (PTI):

Lord Jo Johnson, younger brother of former British prime minister Boris Johnson, has resigned his nonexecutive directorship of a UK-based investment firm linked with the now-withdrawn Adani Enterprises Follow-on Public Offer (FPO).

‘The Financial Times’ newspaper referenced UK Companies House records to reveal that 51-year-old Lord Johnson had been appointed as a director of London-based Elara Capital Plc in June last year and resigned on Wednesday, the day when the Adani Group announced the withdrawal of the FPO.

Elara, which described itself as a capital markets business raising funds for Indian corporates, was among the bookrunners on the FPO. Johnson insisted he has been assured of the company’s “good standing”

Jo Johnson

and has stepped down due to his own lack of “domain expertise”.

“I joined the board of Elara Capital, an India-focused investment firm based in London, as an independent non-executive director last June in the hope of making a contribution to UK-India trade and investment ties, which I have long supported and co-written a book about,” Jo Johnson said in a statement after news of his resignation was announced by the newspa-

per. “I have consistently received assurances from Elara Capital that it is compliant with its legal obligations and in good standing with regulatory bodies. At the same time, I now recognise that this is a role that requires greater domain expertise in specialised areas of financial regulation than I anticipated and, accordingly, I have resigned from the board,” said Johnson, a House of Lords peer.

According to the newspaper, it is Elara’s asset management business that is under the spotlight after US short seller Hindenburg Research linked Mauritiusbased funds run by the London firm with Adani Group companies. The Adani Group has categorically denied Hindenburg’s accusations, calling them a “malicious combination of selective misinformation and stale, baseless and discredited allegations”.

from implementing punitive policies against the prisoners. He called for an urgent Security Cabinet meeting to discuss the issue. In Palestinian society, prisoners are generally revered as heroes, with virtually every Palestinian family having had members jailed by Israel on security charges over the course of the decades-long conflict.

NAYPYI DAW, FEB 3 (AGENCIES): Myanmar’s Junta has extended the country’s state of emergency by another six months. This could likely delay elections that the military had pledged to hold in August this year. As citizen groups across Myanmar observed a “silent protest” on the anniversary of a 2021 military coup, country’s military rulers extended the state of emergency by another six months. At the same time, protesters and exiled civilian leaders on Wednesday vowed to end what they called the army’s “illegal power grab”. In major cities across Myanmar, people observed a self-imposed lockdown. Hundreds of democracy supporters attended rallies in Thailand and the Philippines. Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, in a meeting on Tuesday with the army-backed National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), also said

multi-party elections must be held “as the people desire”. General Min Aung Hlaing did not specify a timeline for the polls.

“Although according to the section 425 of the constitution, (a state of emergency) can only be granted two times, the current situation is under unusual circumstances and it is suitable to extend it one more time of six months,”

Acting President Myint Swe said at the meeting broadcast by MRTV.

The Southeast Asian country’s top generals led a coup in February 2021 after five years of tense power-sharing under a quasi-

civilian political system created by the military. The country’s already intense ethnic tensions aggravated as military took over the power, leaving a trail of upended lives in its wake. In the main commercial cities of Yangon and Mandalay, images on social media showed deserted streets in what coup opponents called a “silent protest” against the junta. Democracy activists had urged people not to go out between 10 AM and 3 PM. There was also a rally in Yangon by about 100 supporters of the military, flanked by soldiers, photographs showed.

Iran blames Israel for drone attack; threatens retaliation

DUBAI, FEB 2 (AP): Iran on Thursday blamed Israel for a drone attack that targeted a military workshop in its central city of Isfahan over the weekend, warning that it “reserves its legitimate and inherent right” to retaliate.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations, in a letter it published on its website, attributed the attack , which happened late Saturday, to Israel.

“Early investigations suggest that the Israeli regime was responsible for this attempted act of aggression,” the letter signed by Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said. The letter did not elaborate on what evidence supported Iran’s suspicion.

Israeli officials declined to comment. However, Israel has carried out a series of attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear program and other sites since the collapse of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as part of a yearslong

Eyewitness footage shows what is said to be the moment of an explosion at a military industry factory in Isfahan, Iran (Reuters) shadow war between the Mideast rivals.

Details on the Isfahan attack, which happened around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, still remain scarce, days after the assault. A Defense Ministry statement said three drones were launched at the facility, with two of them successfully shot down. A third apparently made it through to strike the building, causing “minor damage” to its roof and wounding no one, the ministry said.

N. Korea warns of ‘overwhelming nuclear force’ to counter US IMF rejects Pakistan’s revised circular debt management plan: Report

SEOUL, FEB 2 (AP):

North Korea said Thursday it’s prepared to counter U.S. military moves with the “most overwhelming nuclear force” as it warned that the expansion of the United States’ military exercises with rival South Korea is pushing tensions to an “extreme red line.”

The statement by Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry came in response to comments by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who said Tuesday in Seoul that the United States would increase its deployment of advanced military assets to the Korean Peninsula, including fighter jets and aircraft carriers, as it strengthens joint training and

operational planning with South Korea. South Korea’s security jitters have risen since North Korea test-fired dozens of missiles in 2022, including potentially nuclear-capable ones designed to strike targets in South Korea and the U.S. mainland. In a statement attributed to an unidentified spokesperson of its Foreign Ministry, North Korea said the expansion of the allies’ drills is threatening to turn the Korean Peninsula into a “huge war arsenal and a more critical war zone.” The statement said the North is prepared to counter any short- or longterm military challenge with the “most overwhelming nuclear force.”

Pak blast: Cops admit to lapse

PESHAWAR, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): The suicide bomber who killed 101 people inside a mosque at a police headquarters in Pakistan was wearing a uniform and helmet when he staged the attack, a police chief said Thursday. Hundreds of cops were attending afternoon prayers in what should have been a tightly controlled compound in the northwest city of Peshawar on Monday when the blast erupted, causing a wall to collapse and crush officers, reports AFP.

“Those on duty didn’t check him because he was in a police uniform... It was a security lapse,” Moazzam Jah Ansari, the head of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province police force, told a news

conference.

Police have a “fair idea” about who the bomber was after matching his head found at the scene with CCTV images.

“There’s an entire network behind him,” Ansari said, explaining that the bomber had not planned the assault alone.

Authorities are investigating how a major breach could happen in one of the most sensitive areas of the city, which houses intelligence and counter-terrorism bureaus and is next door to the regional secretariat.

It is Pakistan’s deadliest assault in several years and the worst since violence began to resurge in the region after the Afghan Taliban takeover in Kabul in 2021.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) review mission has rejected Pakistan’s revised Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP). It has called on the Pakistan government to increase the electricity tariff in the range of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 1112.50 per unit to restrict the additional subsidy at PKR 335 billion for the current fiscal year, The News International reported. The International Monetary Fund review mission led by Nathen Porter arrived in Islamabad on Monday and both sides will continue to hold talks to

Pakistanirupee plungestohistoriclow

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency later described the drones as “quadcopters equipped with bomblets.” Quadcopters, which get their name from having four rotors, typically operate from short ranges by remote control. Iranian state television later aired footage of debris from the drones, which resembled commercially available quadcopters. It remains unclear what the workshop produced. Iravani referred to it only as a “a workshop

complex of the Iranian Defense Ministry” in his letter.

Israel had been initially suspected as possibly being behind the attack. Iran’s Intelligence Ministry in July claimed to have broken up a plot to target sensitive sites around Isfahan.

A segment aired on Iranian state television in October included purported confessions by alleged members of Komala, a Kurdish opposition party that is exiled from Iran and now is based in Iraq, that they planned to target a military aerospace facility in Isfahan after being trained by Israel’s Mossad intelligence service. However, activists say Iran has aired hundreds of coerced confession on state TV over the last decade. Iravani’s letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council warned that Tehran could respond to the attack.

UK defends BBC independence

LONDON, FEB 2 (PTI):

complete the pending ninth review under the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Circular debt occurs when one entity facing problems with its cash inflows does not make payments to its suppliers and creditors, according to The News International. The IMF has called the revised CDMP “unrealistic”, which is made on the basis of certain wrong assumptions.

OFFICE OF THE MISSION BOARD

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CHURCH SOVIMA CHUMOUKEDIMA : NAGALAND DECLARATION

This is to notify that Christian Revival Church, Sovima has withdrawn the Management of Morning Star High School, Ga-Dangar-Chuk, Gogamukh, Dist - North Lakhimpur Assam with immediate effect.

Therefore, any advertisement relating to the school mentioned above, the Mission Board of CRC Sovima would not be held responsible.

(RUOKUONUO RüPREO) Secretary Mission Board

Contact : 8730882347

The Pakistani rupee resumed its downwards slide on Thursday after two modest sessions as the “optimism surrounding the government and IMF talks scaled back”, local media reported.

The Pakistani rupee depreciated by Rs 2.52 to settle at Rs 271.35 at the close of the day. However, the local currency touched 272.17 against the dollar during intra-day trade, Geo News reported.

The rupee had closed at Rs 268.83 on Wednesday.

The UK government has defended the BBC as a media outlet “independent in its output” in the wake of widespread Indian expats protests against the controversial documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing reporters at Downing Street on Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson echoed a statement issued by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in Parliament earlier this week to add that the government continues to invest in its relationship with India.

“The BBC is independent in its output and we would stress that we continue to regard India as an incredibly important interna-

tional partner,” the spokesperson said in response to a question about India’s condemnation of the documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ questioning the then chief minister’s role in the 2002 Godhra riots.

“We will be investing heavily in our relationship with India over the coming decades and we’re confident it will only go from strength to strength,” the spokesperson said. It followed a similar response by Cleverly in the House of Commons on Tuesday, when he responded to a question from a Conservative Party colleague on the assurances the UK government had given to India in the wake of coordinated expats protests against the BBC over the weekend.

The NDPP 31-Akuluto A/C would like to put on record that it appreciates the pre-poll alliance between the BJP and the NDPP to contest the general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

It also appluads the wisdom of the leadership on the 40-20 seat sharing formula agreed upon, and while regretting that the 31-Akuluto A/C seat was not alloted to the NDPP, it is not averse to the fact that the seat was alloted to the BJP candidate and the sitting MLA Shri. Kazheto Kinimi.

And hence, upholding the pre-poll agreements the NDPP 31 Akuluto A/C unanimously declares its alliance and unwavering support to the BJP candidate Shri. Kazheto Kinimi. We congratulate his candidature.

Niheto Shohe Bokato Assumi President General Secretary NDPP 31-Akuluto A/C NDPP 31-Akuluto A/C

World’s oldest preserved brain found in prehistoric fish fossil

The “oldest example of a well-preserved vertebrate brain” has been identified in a 319 million-year-old fish fossil.

The fossilised Coccocephalus wildi was found in a coal mine in Lancashire more than a century ago and had been sitting in the archives of Manchester Museum.

Research by teams from universities in Birmingham and Michigan found its skull contained a brain and cranial nerves.

Palaeontologist Dr Sam Giles said the “unexpected find” gave a “startling insight” into brain evolution. The fossil of the now-extinct fish was originally recovered from a layer of soapstone in the roof of the Lancashire mine and was first scientifically described in 1925.

Though only its skull was recovered, scientists from the University of Birmingham (UoB) and the University of Michigan

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, matters of heart to be discussed in Taj city

More than 300 heart specialists and experts will share new research, achievements, experiences and techniques in the field of heart disease at a two-day national convention in Taj city on February 4 and 5.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, along with Agra University vice-chancellor Prof. Ashu Rani, will formally inaugurate the national conference.

(UoM) believe it would have been 6 to 8ins (15 to 20cm) long and was probably a carnivore.

A UoB representative said soft tissues like brains normally decay quickly and “very rarely fossilise”, but when this fish died, it was “probably quickly buried in sediments with little oxygen present” as such environments “can slow the decomposition of soft body parts”.

They said the skull fossil was the only known specimen of its species, so only non-destructive techniques were used during the study.

They added that the research team had not been

looking for a brain when examining the skull fossil, but found the distinct object which had features found in vertebrate brains, such as bilateral symmetry and hollow spaces.

Dr Giles said the “unexpected find of a threedimensionally preserved vertebrate brain gives us a startling insight into the neural anatomy of ray-finned fish”. “It tells us a more complicated pattern of brain evolution than suggested by living species alone, allowing us to better define how and when present day bony fishes evolved,” she added. (BBC News)

TXT’s new album sells over 2 millioncopiesindebutweek

Popular K-pop boy group Tomorrow X Together’s latest album sold more than 2 million copies in the first week of its release.

‘The Name Chapter: Temptation’, the quintet’s fifth EP, sold 2,027,817 copies as of Wednesday, only six days after it dropped, BigHit Music said, the group’s agency announced on Thursday.

“TXT came to have its

first album that sold more than 2 million copies in its first week of release, three years and 11 months after

its debut,” Yonhap News Agency reported quoting the group’s agency. (IANS)

The objective of the conference is to discuss further improving the practice of clinical and surgical cardiology, creating a bridge of cooperation between various professionals in the field of heart disease, and providing better healthcare to heart patients.

Dr. V.K. Jain, president

of The Agra Intervention Cardiology Society, said: “Continuous progress and research are being made in the field of cardiology. New technologies are coming and have brought unprecedented

Arbaaz to host chat series starring Bollywood legends

down memory lane. The show stars Salim Khan, Javed Akhtar, Helen, Waheeda Rahman, Shatrughan Sinha and Mahesh Bhatt.

Talking about ‘The Invincibles’, Arbaaz says, “Cinema is evergreen and I wanted to create a series that evoke nostalgia. Quite often, I have this fear that the stories we’ve grown up listening to will get lost if we don’t document them.”

success in the field of tests and diagnosis of heart disease. There is a need to share these on one platform so that every patient can get benefits through every doctor in the whole country.”

He said that the objective of this conference is to provide a platform to cardiologists and cardiac surgeons so that they can share with each other new medical studies, experi -

ences, research findings, achievements, and techniques in the diagnosis of heart disease.

Organising and Scientific secretary, Dr. Suvir Gupta said: “Causes and diagnosis of heart failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Valvular Heart Disease, Arrhythmia and Pacing, EchoCardiography, Bypass Surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Diabetes will be discussed. And experts will give their presentations on these topics.” Academic coordinator, Dr. Himanshu Yadav said that more than 300 eminent doctors, including 40 specialist doctors from Delhi, Rajasthan, Lucknow, Meerut, Haryana, Punjab, and Agra, will participate in the two-day conference.

(IANS)

Nagaland Conservatory of Music performs at ‘Bharat Parv’

Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan is all set to take us on a nostalgia trip with his upcoming six-part chat series titled ‘The Invincible’. The first episode will feature his father and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan. The actor will be hosting the evergreen stars of Hindi cinema and take us

Curated by Arbaaz and his team, the list of guests is a good mix of star writers, filmmakers, and superstars to give a wholesome view of the Hindi movie industry and how things worked before the corporatisation of cinema. The show will commence on February 3 on Bollywood Bubble. (IANS)

Nagaland Conservatory of Music (NCM) performed at Bharat Parv 2023 at the Red Fort Lawns at New Delhi on January 30. In a press release, NCM chairman, Lipokmar Tzudir informed that

12 reasons to love the mediterranean diet

profile.

1. Surprise! No

Calorie Counting

You won’t need a calculator for this meal plan. Instead of adding up numbers, you swap out bad fats for heart-healthy ones. Go for olive oil instead of butter. Try fish or poultry rather than red meat. Enjoy fresh fruit and skip sugary, fancy desserts. Eat your fill of flavorful veggies and beans. Nuts are good, but stick to a handful a day. You can have whole-grain bread and wine, but in moderate amounts.

2. The Food Is Really

Fresh

You won’t need to roam the frozen food aisle or hit a fast-food drivethru. The focus is on seasonal food that’s made in simple, mouth-watering ways. Build a yummy salad from spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Add classic Greek ingredients like black olives and feta cheese with a Quick Light Greek Salad recipe. You can also whip up a colorful, veggiefilled batch of Grilled Tomato Gazpacho.

3. You Can Have Bread

Look for a loaf made with whole grains. It’s got more protein and minerals and is generally healthier than the white flour kind.

Try whole-grain pita bread dipped in olive oil, hummus, or tahini (a proteinrich paste made from ground sesame seeds).

4. Fat Isn’t

Forbidden

You just need to look for the good kind. You’ll find it in nuts, olives, and olive oil. These fats (not the saturated and trans fat hidden in processed foods) add flavor and help fight diseases from diabetes to cancer. Basic Basil Pesto is a tasty way to get some into your diet.

5. The Menu Is Huge

It’s more than just Greek and Italian cuisine. Look for recipes from Spain, Turkey, Morocco, and other countries. Choose foods that stick to the basics: light on red meat and whole-fat dairy, with lots of fresh fruits and veggies, olive oil, and whole grains. This Moroccan recipe with chickpeas, okra, and spices fits the healthy Mediterranean

6. The Spices Are Delicious Bay leaves, cilantro, coriander, rosemary, garlic, pepper, and cinnamon add so much flavor you won’t need to reach for the salt shaker. Some have health benefits, too. Coriander and rosemary, for example, have disease-fighting antioxidants and nutrients. This recipe for Greek-Style Mushrooms uses cilantro and coriander and has a lemony kick.

7. It’s Easy to Make Greek meals are often small, easy to assemble plates called mezzes. For your own serve-it-cold casual meal, you could put out plates of cheese, olives, and nuts. Also check out this recipe for Basil Quinoa With Red Bell Pepper. It has heart-friendly ingredients including olive oil, beans, whole grains, and spices.

8. You Can Have Wine

A glass with meals is common in many Mediterranean countries, where dining is often leisurely and social. Some studies suggest that for some people, up to one glass a day for women and two for men may be good for your heart.

Talk to your doctor to see if it’s a good idea for you.

9. You Won’t Be Hungry

You’ll get a chance to eat rich-tasting foods like roasted sweet potatoes, hummus, and even this Lima Bean Spread. You digest them slowly so that you feel full longer. Hunger’s not a problem when you can munch on nuts, olives, or bites of low-fat cheese when a craving strikes. Feta and halloumi are lower in fat than cheddar but still rich and tasty.

10. You Can Lose Weight

You’d think it would take a miracle to drop some pounds if you eat nuts, cheese, and oils. But those Mediterranean basics (and the slower eating style) let you feel full and satisfied. And that helps you stick to a diet. Regular exercise is also an important part of the lifestyle.

11. Your Heart Will Thank You

Almost everything in this diet is good for your heart. Olive oil and nuts help lower “bad” cholesterol. Fruits, veggies, and beans help keep arteries clear. Fish helps lower triglycerides and blood pressure. Even a daily glass

of wine may be good for your heart! If you’ve never fallen in love with fish, try this Mediterraneaninspired recipe for Grilled Whole Trout With LemonTarragon Bean Salad.

12. You’ll Stay Sharper Longer

The same goodness

NCM performed a wide repertoire of Naga compositions, Indian patriotic songs, Bollywood arrangements, and western popular songs to a highly appreciative audience. The choir was conducted by Hito Kiho.

Bharat Parv was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism Government of India as part of the Republic Day celebrations, and this year’s edition was themed “The incredible festivals of India”.

that protects your heart is also good for your brain. You’re not eating bad fats and processed foods, which can cause inflammation. Instead, antioxidant-rich foods make this eating style a brain-friendly choice.

Reviewed by Kathleen M. Zelman, RD, LD, MPH

Frolic Cup: VFA FC, Falcon United, Amigos FC win

Score 3-2 in favour of UFC.

The defending Champion Amigos FC trashed Patkai Christian College 3-1.

FRIDAY’S MATCHES

Dolphin fc Vs Sirhima FC (7:30am)

Fury FC Vs Sechü Zubza Academy (1pm)

Kuki Youth & Students Union Vs Ton Fc Molvom (2:30pm)

Players in action at the ongoing 8th Frolic Cup.

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN):

VFA FC, Falcon United and Amigos FC on Thursday progressed to the next round in the ongoing 8th Frolic Cup, which got underway at Medziphema local ground on Monday. In the morning match, VFA defeated the Libra FC through tie break after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Sainem for Libra

CASA golden jubilee underway at Chozuba town

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN):

The week-long event to mark the golden jubilee celebration of Chozuba Area Sports Association (CASA) was flagged off at Chozuba town under Phek district on February 2, 2023 with Chotisuh Sazo, MLA, as special guest and Chozuba Range Public Organization (CPRO) president Rudutso Vasa as guest of honour.

At the opening programme, former executive secretary of CBCC Rev. Khrutsoyi Luruo dedicated the monolith stone and Adule Sazo, wife of Chotisuh

Sazo unveiled the monolith stone. CASA president Vekruto Nyekha delivered the presidential address and acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices made by the pioneers of the association. . Delivering his speech, Cekrongoyi Keyho, former state liaison officer, YRS Govt of Nagaland. The celebration was chaired by CASA golden jubilee organizing committee chairman Vekhozo Ringa and souvenir committee convener Vezholhu Khusoh made obituary reference. CASA’s former president

Vamü Lohe released the souvenir and special appearance by Phisa Nienu and Phizolu Nienu. Act of blessing for the jubilee was done by CABCC chairman Vekusa Lohe while Rev. Vesavo Shijoh and Rev. Pukrolhu Lohe blessed the event with prayers. The Jubilee Celebration also welcomed the introduction of new trophies under CASA including Lt. Veduo Khusoh Football Championship Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Nopalü Khusoh & Family. A running cash prize of Rs.1 lakh for the Group

Champion sponsored by Sano Vamuzo & Keduchule Demo in memory of Lt Vamuzo Phesao and Lt. P. Demo. Also, AND-1 Club, Chozuba Town sponsoring Bàsketball Trophy and Men Volleyball Championship

Trophy with a Cash prize of Rs.10,000, sponsored by Vemutha Medeo & family. Altogether, eight villages and towns would be vying for the Championship during the 2023 50th CASA Golden Jubilee meet.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the family members of Mr. Betoka Aye of Xukiye Village, Niuland would like to thank Mrs. Asangla Jamir and Siblings of the deceased Late Mr. Supongnungba Jamir of Longsa Village who was hit by Bolero on the fateful night of 24.12.2022 at Duncan Area Dimapur.

and Aliba of VFA scored for their respective team. Final score 5-4 in favour of VFA.

In the afternoon match, United Falcon Club beat Ruzaphema Youth Org in a strong second half comeback despite an own goal. The goal scorer for RYO came from Henry, and Kevisede, Mangal Gurung (2 goals) scored for UFC. Final

Government of India

Central Bureau of Communication (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003

Applications are invited by Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, from Outdoor Media agencies for empanelment for display of Hoardings (Other than sole rights) all over India. Details of RFP are available on CPP portal and CBC website http://www.davp.nic.in

The last date of application is 28.02.2023

Tushar Karmakar

Production Manager (OP) 011-24369362

We, the family members of Mr. Betoka Aye of Xukiye Village, Niuland would like to thank Mrs. Asangla Jamir and Siblings of the deceased Late Mr. Supongnungba Jamir of Longsa Village who was hit by Bolero on the fateful night of 24.12.2022 at Duncan

The deceased family members however in good faith forgave the incident and settled

We also thank the relatives of the deceased, Longsa Village Council and Longsa Union Dimapur for your kind deeds.

We shall ever remain indebted and

The deceased family members however in good faith forgave the incident and settled the matter amicably.

We also thank the relatives of the deceased, Longsa Village Council and Longsa Union Dimapur for your kind deeds.

We shall ever remain indebted and grateful.

Family Members of Betoka Aye Xukiye Village, Niuland DP-513/23

GASA Sports Meet 2023

The President and the Executives Ghathashi - KT Area Sports Association (GASA) thank God, Sponsors, Donors, Well Wishers and Participating Teams for successfully concluding its first meet held on 24th - 28th Jan 2023 at Ghathashi Public Ground.

The organizers extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to :

1. Y. Vikheho Swu, Hon'ble MLA 13th A/C Pbto

2. Kughakhu Sheqi, President NDPP Pbto Region Guest of Honor Inaugural Function

3. Vikato H. Swu, Match Patron Semi Final

4. Qhütovi Tena, President (SAKH) Special Guest Final Match

5. Phushito Achumi, Advisor (GASA) Special Guest Prize Distribution) Sd/- Sd/(Botovi Chishi) (Kitoshe N. Kiho) President General Secretary GASA GASA

Women’s T20I Tri-Series: SA beat India by 5 wickets

to 47 for 4 and subsequently 66 for 5 at start of 14th over.

ISL: Odisha FC enters top six after playing out draw

CHENNAI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Two quick equalisers – one in each half

SAFF U-20 Women’s championship: India to face Bhutan in opening match

South Africa’s Chloe Tryon hit six fours and two sixes.

EAST LONDON, FEB 2

(PTI): A poor batting performance cost Indian team dear as it suffered defeat in yet another summit clash, losing a low-scoring women’s Tri-series final to hosts South Africa by five wickets here on Thursday.

Chloe Tryon (57 not out off 32 balls) did exactly what all others failed as she counter-attacked with great gusto, hitting six fours and two sixes, to chase down a

meagre 110-run target with two overs to spare. What made Tryon’s innings extra special was the degree of difficulty all other batters encountered due to the slowness of the track.

Indian spinners Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Sneh Rana tried their best to offset a baffling batting approach by Harleen Deol but the target was never a defendable one despite South Africa being reduced

Baltics, Poland call for ban on Russians, Belarusians at Oly

VILNIUS, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): The Baltic nations and Poland on Thursday called on international sports bodies to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the Olympics and other events while the war in Ukraine continues.

The IOC announced last week that athletes from the two countries, banned from competing in Europe, might be allowed to earn slots for the Paris 2024 Games through Asian qualifying, although the IOC later said it was standing by

sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus. “Any effort by the International Olympic Committee to bring back Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, even under a neutral flag, should be rejected,” sports ministers representing Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland said in a statement. They called on “all international sports organizations and federations” to remove Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions until the war ends.

On a pitch where the ball wasn’t coming on to the bat, Tryon did exactly opposite of what Deol did. The Indians paid a hefty price of the huge number of dot balls consumed by Deol. “Body is fine. It will get better with rest. We have got some good performances. Unfortunately today we were not able to bat the way we wanted and the bowlers did well,” India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said later.

Tryon plonked her front-foot and exhibited power hitting of highest order, repeatedly targeting the arc between square leg and mid-wicket.

In the end, the victory came way more easily than one had thought as the stocky Proteas middle-order batter got a lucky six when Pooja Vastrakar dropped a dolly at deep square leg boundary to gift the opposition easy winning runs.

– by Chennaiyin FC held Odisha to a 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.

The Marina Machans started as the more offensive side, forcing Amrinder Singh to make two early saves, including a brilliant reflex save off a Vincy Barretto header in the 19th minute. Odisha rubbed salt on that missed opportunity five minutes later, when it attacked against the run of play to find the breakthrough.

Sahil Panwar won the ball in midfield and passed it to Isak Vanlalruatfela, who marched up the pitch and threaded a pass for Diego Mauricio, who slotted it home.

The visitors were hardly done celebrating when Chennaiyin FC equalised within a minute. Its captain Anirudh Thapa, running into the box unmarked,

headed Aakash Sangwan’s cross, from the left flank, into the net. Josep Gomabu’s side almost scored again three minutes later, but it was ruled offside by the referee Pratik Mondal, who made a string of controversial decisions in the match.

Nandha Kumar’s leftfooted strike – was struck into the net after it ricochet off the post by Isak, but the referee saw the latter in an offside position. However, in the replay, Isak was seen well within the line.

Odisha’s second goal and Isak’s first, however, arrived soon. Three minutes after the restart, Nandha set up Isak, who finally scored. This time, too, the lead was short-lived. In the 57th minute, Ninthoinganba Meetei made a run along the left, but his cross for Petar Sliskovic was received by Abdenasser Al Khayati, and the Dutchman’s strike hit the inside of the post to get in. The draw took Odisha into the top six.

Indian team mainly made up of players from FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign last year.

DHAKA, FEB

2 (PTI):

Powerhouse India face

Bhutan in their opening match of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship here on Friday, with the team, mainly made up of players from the FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign last year, hoping to clinch the title in the inaugural edition.

Hosts Bangladesh and Nepal are the other teams in the tournament. All the matches will be played at the Bir Sherestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium here.

After a four-team round robin, the top two teams will play the final on February 9. India take on Bangladesh on February 5 and Nepal on February 7.

India head coach Maymol Rocky stressed the importance of having a mix of experienced and young players in the squad, including those who have played in the senior national team already. “We have a mixture of youth and experience in our team, players that have played at the senior level as well, so I am sure

the girls will give their 100 per cent and the results will follow,” Maymol said at the pre-match press conference. When asked about the opposition teams in the tournament, she said, “Bhutan are a good side, as are Nepal. Bangladesh have been doing brilliantly in the last few years, and they are definitely the team to watch out for.” “But if we give it our best shot, we can overcome all obstacles.”

India captain Martina Thokchom, one of the players to have played in the senior national team, spoke about the advantages of being in the same camp with the senior side in the build-up to the championship. “Yes, we are a junior team, but we were in the same camp as the seniors, and that has really helped us. We all stayed in the same hotel and even played a match together. It was a good learning experience, especially for the new girls in this team.”

Manchester United beat Forest 2-0; cruise into League Cup final

MANCHESTER, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Manchester

United manager Erik ten Hag said winning trophies is the standard that should be demanded at Old Trafford after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Wednesday and 5-0 on aggregate to reach the League Cup final.

Anthony Martial and Fred scored the goals for Ten Hag’s men in the final 17 minutes of the semi-final, second leg as United set up a meeting with Newcastle at Wembley on February 26.

Three managers have left the club since United last won a trophy under Jose

Mourinho in 2017. But Ten Hag is now just one game away from

ending that drought in his first season in charge. The damage was done

for the Red Devils in last week’s 3-0 win at the City Ground in the first leg as Ten Hag was able to rotate his squad with United still involved in four competitions. He made six changes from the side that beat Reading 3-1 in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday with Marcus Rashford among those left on the bench.

Wout Weghorst came closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time when the giant Dutch striker’s header came back off the post, but the game opened up once Ten Hag made

changes on the hour mark.

The former Ajax boss was handed a limited budget in the January transfer window after spending over £200 million ($247 million) in the summer with just the loan signings of Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Jack Butland. But the return of Jadon Sancho comes at just the right time to bolster United’s attacking options.

The England international had been sidelined since October due to a combination of mental and physical issues, but made his return just after the

hour mark. Rashford and Martial were introduced alongside Sancho and made an instant impact.

Martial slotted home after Rashford’s initial effort was blocked to open the scoring.

Three minutes later it was 2-0 as this time Rashford teed up Fred for the simplest of finishes into an empty net.

A much tougher test awaits in high-flying Newcastle, but defender Luke Shaw believes United are on the march towards silverware under Ten Hag.

Nottingham Forest’s Sam Surridge in action with Manchester United’s Raphael Varane.