Government to revoke ban on fintech firms LazyPay, Kissht

NEW DELHI, FEB 10

(PTI): The government will revoke the ban imposed on fintech firms LazyPay and Kissht after representations were made by these companies, a senior official said on Friday. The government last week ordered the blocking of 232 apps operated by overseas entities, including Chinese, for being involved in betting, gambling and unauthorised loan service.

Sources said that the government will revoke the ban on LazyPay and Kissht that were in the list of banned websites and apps after representations were made by these companies.

A senior government official confirmed the development.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued blocking orders on Saturday, based on an emergency request issued by a nodal officer of the home ministry, against 138 betting and gam-

(From p-1) bling websites and 94 loan apps that were engaging in illegal money laundering and posing a threat to financial security of the country.

Fintech firms LazyPay, IndiaBulls Home Loans and Kissht were among the list of blocked websites.

As per the list, MeitY issued orders to block lazypay.in, which is a subsidiary of Dutch investment firm Prosus. The website www.indiabullshomeloans. com is operated by housing finance company Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd, while Kissht.com is being operated by RBI-registered NBFC ONEMi Technology Solutions Private Limited.

The other websites in the blocked list include buddyloan.com, cashtm.in, kreditbee.en.aptoide.com, faircent.com, true-balance. en.uptodown.com, and mpokket.en.aptoide.com.

Fintech firms mPokket, True Balance and Kreditbee have denied any link with the banned platform. “The reference of TrueBalance in the media story which mentions Meity’s target list of digital lenders is a clear case of impersonation. There is a proxy app present on the app store Uptodown with which we (TrueBalance) hold no direct or indirect connection.

“We hereby clarify that hitherto we have not received any official communication from the ministry,” Balancehero India- which operates True Balance, said. Similarly KreditBee said Aptoide is a third-party App Store, with which it has no formal or informal partnership.

“We are speculating that it’s a proxy app on Aptoide, and investigating this further. Blocking of the Aptoide link is a favourable outcome for us,” the company said. mPokket too has said that the app in the banned list is impersonating it and the firm has no link with the blocked platform.

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In a press release, NSN Lotha said that incidents of such nature created a disturbing atmosphere in the smooth conduct of free and fair elections. Condemning “such acts of vandalism”, the JDU candidate has called upon all sensible people to join him in condemning such acts “so as to create peaceful atmosphere in the Chukitong range.”

In a separate statement, Y Kikon, vehemently condemned burning down of house of PA to Dy CM, on February 9. He also condemned the “criminal threatening and manhandling” meted out to Orenimo Kikon, GB of Nunhying village and snatching away personal property of Loreni Kikon, on February 3.

The RJD candidate has urged upon the law enforcement agency to immediately take action and boo k the criminals/culprits under appropriate sections of the law in force.

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GBs of Koio village un- der Chukitong circle, Wokha district have alleged that of late the security forces, on the pretext of the ensuing general election, were harassing the public of Koio village causing much anxiety.

In a letter addressed to the deputy commissioner (DC) and district election officer (DEO) Wokha, the GBs of Koio village—Ekhow Kikon Head GB, Nchumbemo Ezung GB, Yanbamo Kikon GB, Kangtsurao Ezung GB, Ramongo Kikon GB, Wokhango Ngullie GB and Rendemo Patton GB— have cautioned that such acts of security forces could cause social unrest in the days to come if the present exercise was not streamlined at the earliest. GBs alleged that the security forces have “unleashed terror” in the village by undertaking random house search and picking of innocent public at the simplest pretext, which they described as “unwarranted in a welfare democratic state.” GBs have, therefore, urged DC and DEO Wokha to intervene at the earliest, direct the security personnel to refrain from such unwarranted exercise.

Khango-led NSCN (K) reacts to allegations

The Khango faction claimed that on the night of his impeachment, Isak was disarmed to avoid any confrontation and was released unharmed with dignity along with his family, which could be corroborated with CCTV footage.

The group also described the pre-empt appointment of vice-president as acting president, about whom the incumbent and the government had no knowledge, by the dissidents as ridiculous and stunt to confuse the “gullible Nagas”. It mentioned that nothing much could be said about the disgraced deputy C-in-C whose integrity was allegedly on sale.

The Khango-led NSCN (K) further questioned the credibility of the statement addressed to Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) by WC/ NNPGs convener that Isak Sumi would represent the seven NNPGs in peace talks with the Central government despite holding no authority to represent NSCN/GPRN (K), as he had been impeached by the NSCN/GPRN (K) government for his unconstitutional activities and for breaching the party discipline.

It also wondered whether NNPGs co-conveners were taken into confidence by the convener while addressing the letter to CFMG and whether the six NNPGs had consensually agreed to sever ties with NSCN/GPRN (K). And if this was so, the Khango-led NSCN/ GPRN (K) declared that it would not shy away from becoming a separate entity to hold peace talks with the Centre.

The group assured that the ceasefire signed with the Central government would be upheld in letter and spirit, claiming that the internal matter would not fracture the relationship with New Delhi and nor would it encumber the ongoing peace talks.

NSCN/GPRN (K) declared that it was intact under the leadership of Khango and assured Nagas that it would be a beacon to their aspiration and was sincere in concluding talks with the Centre to achieve an honourable and permanent solution to the long vexed Naga political issue.

Officials misled Governor for cause of incomplete projects, claims Cong

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She recalled that the state chief minister had assured the people that admission to Kohima Medical College would start from 2022-23.

Mahima also said the Centre had disbursed Rs 242.5 crore out of the latter’s total share of Rs 292.5 crore for Mon Medical College.

Mahima accused the ruling NDPP-BJP coalition of not being able to complete even one medical college in Nagaland even after the Central government had released its total share of the fund.

She remarked that State H&FW minister S Pangnyu Phom of the BJP should speak out the truth to the people and disclose that the Centre had released its entire share for Kohima Medical College and about 90% for Mon Medical College. The AICC coordinator claimed that most of the projects such as government hospitals, schools, colleges and other infrastructure were conceived and con- structed during the time of Congress rule. In this regard, she assured the people that if Congress was elected to power, it would free Nagaland from the shackles of “politics of malice”, “politics of sloganeering”, “politics of skulduggery”, “politics of denigration” and “politics of ransom”.

(From p-1) Central and State government agencies had made seizures worth Rs 35.60 crore till February 9 from different places.

The CEO said most cash was recovered at the border with Manipur, though he refused to reveal political affiliations of the individuals from whom the cash was recovered.

4 poll-related violence: Shekhar said four poll-related violence were reported so far. While arrests had been made at Khar and an inquiry was on after reports of violence were received from the village, he confirmed that another clash was reported on February 6 and investigation was initiated.

The CEO mentioned that there was another report from Tobu subdivision that supporters of rival candidates had blocked each other’s road, whose details were still awaited. The fourth incident was reported from Wokha where one farmhouse was burnt down by unknown miscreants on Friday. Shekhar said one police officer had been deputed to monitor the situation and the security forces sent to the area.

Asked whether any additional special security arrangement was made for Mokokchung and Wokha considering the clashes between supporters of rival political parties in the past, he replied that 75 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) battalions had already been deployed across the State and more security forces were expected to arrive on February 16 after the Tripura Assembly polls.

Shekhar stated that all electioneering machineries were put in place for smooth conduct of the election and that Election Commission of India (ECI) was closely monitoring the situation in the State.

Kazheto grateful:

Expressing gratitude to the people of 31 A/C Akuluto for their unflinching support, Kazheto Kinimi said that such achievements would not have been not possible overnight, but due to the tireless effort of the BJP Karyakartas at the State and the Mandal.

Giving credit to the party workers, the 68-year old Kinimi also thanked the national and state level BJP leadership for reposing their faith in his abilities and for their valuable guidance.

While stating that the last tenure had seen tremendous growth and progress in his constituency, Kinimi further assured to continue to work with renewed vigor and give his best to uplift the people.

He also said that he would continue to campaign for the victory of the NDPP-BJP alliance and exuded confidence that the alliance would return to power again with absolute majority.

“My victory is just a glimpse of the mood of the people in Nagaland towards the NDPP-BJP alliance,” he said and wished all the candidates of the alliance.

BJP’s Kazheto elected unopposed

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Kazheto grateful: Expressing gratitude to the people of 31 A/C Akuluto for their unflinching support, Kazheto Kinimi said that such achievements would not have been not possible overnight, but due to the tireless effort of the BJP Karyakartas at the State and the Mandal.

Giving credit to the party workers, the 68-year old Kinimi also thanked the national and state level BJP leadership for reposing their faith in his abilities and for their valuable guidance. While stating that the last tenure had seen tremendous growth and progress in his constituency, Kinimi further assured to continue to work with renewed vigor and give his best to uplift the people. He also said that he would continue to campaign for the victory of the NDPPBJP alliance and exuded confidence that the alliance would return to power again with absolute majority. “My victory is just a glimpse of the mood of the people in Nagaland towards the NDPP-BJP alliance,” he said and wished all the candidates of the alliance.

India needs 30 mn digitally skilled professionals by 2026

NEW DELHI, FEB 10 (IANS): India will need 30 million digitally skilled professionals by 2026, and about 50 per cent of the current workforce would require to re-skill themselves in areas of emerging technologies, a new report said on Friday.

Currently, India has about 500 million people of working age, and industry data suggests that only 49 per cent of total youth (age group of 22-25 years) in the country is employable, according to employment services provider TeamLease.

“Our own survey have indicated that 75 per cent of companies face a skill gap in the industry. Even among people, who can stay in their curre nt jobs,

40 per cent of fundamental abilities are likely to change and thus re-aligning the skill strategy will be crucial for companies,” said Rituparna Chakraborty, Co-Founder & Executive Director, TeamLease Services.

Moreover, the report suggests that developing a skills matric, conducting skill audits to target specific learning journeys and intermingling upskilling within the company culture; a comprehensive skill development strategy will lead to a more sustainable future of work. The proposed suggestion also includes having an effective outcome-focused learning approach with structured impact evaluation metrics.

“Over 2 million jobs in AI, Cyber Security, and blockchain are expected to remain unfilled in 2023. Additionally, the workplace is evolving so rapidly that 76 per cent of the global workforce is not equipped with the requisite skills to function in the new digitally focused workplaces,” mentioned Chakraborty. “The long-term goal of all skill development programs must focus on the creation of a future-ready and futureproof workforce for that is the only way we can tackle the fluctuations in the world of work and infuse a sense of greater stability.”

Snippets

Pakistan reserves drop below $3 bn

KARACHI, FEB 10

(IANS): Pakistans foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank decreased by 5.5 per cent or $170 million to $2.91 billion in the week ending February 3, the State Bank of Pakistan said on Thursday, deepening the economic woes of the crisis-stricken country, media reports said. The country has $8.54 billion in reserves in total, including $5.62 billion held by commercial banks, The News reported.

UN humanitarian chief to visit Turkey, Syria

GENEVA, FEB 10

(IANS): UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths is set to travel to Turkey and Syria where more than 21,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the countries earlier this week. Over the weekend, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator will visit Gaziantep, in southern Turkey, and Aleppo in northwestern Syria -- two of the worsthit regions, reports Xinhua news agency.

12 killed, 63 injured in road accident

DAR ES SALAAM, FEB

10 (IANS): At least 12 people were killed and 63 others injured in a road accident in Tanzania’s central district of Kongwa in Dodoma Region, an official said. Rosemary

Senyamule, Dodoma Regional Commissioner, on Thursday said the accident involved a bus and a truck that collided headon at midnight on Wednesday at Silwa village along the DodomaMorogoro highway.

“Eight men and four women travelling in the bus were killed on the spot,” said Senyamule, adding that 63 of the injured persons were rushed to Kongwa District government hospital.

Ex Russian governor gets 22 years in jail

MOSCOW, FEB 10

(AGENCIES): A former Russian governor, whose arrest sparked massive protests in the far-eastern city of Khabarovsk in 2020, was jailed on Friday for 22 years for allegedly organising two murders, reports AFP. A court in the Moscow region sentenced Sergei Furgal over the killing of two businessmen in the region nearly 20 years ago.

Laos begins to prepare for 2024 ASEAN summit

VIENTIANE, FEB 10

(IANS): Preparations are underway for Laos to host the next ASEAN summit in 2024, with a national-level meeting convened at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the arrangements, local media reported on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Xinhua news agency quoted local daily Vientiane Times as saying. Accordingly, some 14 sub-committees have been appointed to supervise preparations for the summit.