4 Feb 2023

Nagaland Post

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Adani issue: Oppn stalls Parl for 2nd straight day

NEW DELHI, FEB 3

(PTI): Parliament was adjourned for the second consecutive day on Friday without transacting any business after the opposition stepped up its demand for an independent investigation into the allegations of fraud against billionaire Gautam Adani’s companies that triggered an unprecedented stock crash. Proceedings in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were disrupted as Opposition members raised slogans demanding a discussion and a JPC probe into the fraudallegation-triggered rout.

Speaker Om Birla’s appeals to opposition members to stop their protests and sloganeering and participate in the discussions went unheeded while Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said opposition members, who had trooped inside the well of the House, will be “dealt with”.

Earlier in the day, Dhankhar rejected 15 ad -

Police seize `21.82 cr worth contraband

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN):

State police, which had been conducting raids all across the state, in attempt to manage and maintain law and order, have seized contraband including IMFL, narcotics and drugs and others worth Rs 21,82,00,938. In a press release, police informed that in the past two weeks (January 17-31) it had seized IMFL (Rs 83,16,010), narcotics and drugs (Rs 5,39,48,028), other contraband (Rs. 15,18,94,000), arms & ammo and other explosive (Rs 50, 900) and other seizures (Rs 39, 92,000). Police sought the cooperation and support from the public during this period.

NDPP gen secy quits

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN):

After having denied party ticket, NDPP general secretary (central) S. Toiho Yeptho on Friday resigned from the party. Toiho said his resignation should not be construed in any other manner, but necessitated for contesting the assembly election from 33 Suruhuto-Asuto AC. (See Advt on p-11)

H Tungoe file nomination

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): Hayithung Tungoe Lotha was the only candidate who filed nomination as an Independent candidate from 37Tyui assembly constituency under Wokha district on February 3. Since the announcement of polls, CEO’s office said that Hayithung was the first candidate to file nomination on day-4.

China, US tensions rise over suspected Chinese spy balloon

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Ticket distribution exercise painful: Rio

Correspondent

journment notices filed by members of various opposition parties to discuss the Adani Group issue in the wake of allegations made against the conglomerate by a US-based short seller.

Rejecting the notices, he said these are not fulfilling the requirements of rule 267 and are not in conformity with the direction of the chair on December 8, 2022. This led to strong protests from opposition members.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Syed Naseer Hussain, Pramod Tiwari, Kumar Ketkar, Amee Yajnik

and Neeraj Dangi, John Brittas, Sanjay Singh, Santhosh Kumar P and Priyanka Chaturvedi were among those who had given notices under rule 267.

A discussion under rule 267 entails that all other listed business of the day will be set aside to take up the important issue raised.

Attacking the government, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Modi dispensation has been “stalling” the Opposition’s demand for discussions on every issue which it feels would embarrass it.

The government, how-

ever, insisted that Opposition should allow the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address immediately by ending disruptions.

In the morning, the opposition parties met in Kharge’s chamber and coordinated their strategy for the day. While 16 parties including the Congress, RJD, AAP, DMK, SP, CPI, CPI-M, BRS, Shiv Sena (Thackeray), JDU, NCP and NC participated in the meeting on Friday, Trinamool Congress did not attend the same.

“Parliament adjourned for another day because the Opposition demands a JPC on the PM-linked Adani issue that is playing havoc on the savings of crores of Indians,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said.

“Modi sarkar says MPs are wasting public money. What about the crores people have lost over the last

few days of the ‘Maha mega scam,” he asked. He also accused the government of being fearful of the Opposition demands for a JPC on Adani issue.

“Due to the investment made by LIC-SBI in Adani Group, the money of common citizens of the country is sinking. The Opposition is demanding an inquiry into the entire matter,” the Congress said.

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also wrote to SEBI chief demanding action on the Adani issue not just for the sake of shareholders who are losing their money but also in the national interest.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra also tweeted: “S&P Dow Jones removes Adani Enterprises from Dow Jones indices due to stock manipulation and accounting fraud charges. “Why is NSE not reevaluating index membership of Adani stocks when international ones are.”

KOHIMA, FEB 3 (NPN): Amidst disgruntlement among a section of its members who were denied party tickets, NDPP formally distributed tickets to 40 of its members at a ceremony held at Capital Cultural Hall here on Friday. NDPP will contest 40 and its ally, the BJP 20 seats.

Speaking at the programme, chief minister Neiphiu Rio thanked party leaders, workers and supporters for reposing trust in him as their leader. He also thanked and acknowledged BJP for keeping the promise of seat sharing and renewing the same formula for the ensuing Assembly election as well. He also admitted that no agreement could be finalised on Naga political issue despite all legislators of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) coming together. Rio however said that all of them had played their role as a facilitator.

Assembly polls: NPF declares first list of 15 candidates

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 3 (NPN):

Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Friday formally handed over tickets to 15 candidates (first list) for the upcoming election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Election (NLA) at a programme held at party headquarters here on Friday. The NPF party also released its manifesto.

Speaking on the occasion, NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu admitted that it was a difficult task for the party leadership to choose candidates from among those who had sought

Sl. No. Assembly Constituency Name of candidate

1 6-Tenning (ST) Henry Zeliang

2 7-Peren (ST) Kingudi Joseph

3 10- Northern Angami-1 (ST) Khriehu Liezietsu

4 16- Pfutsero (ST) Vivolie Kezo

5 17- Chizami (ST) Kezhienyi Khalo

6 18- Chozuba (ST) Sovenyi

7 19- Phek (ST) Kuzholuzo Nienu

8 20- Meluri (ST) S. Akho Leyri

9 39- Sanis (ST) Dr. Roland Lotha

10 40- Bhandari (ST) Achumbemo Kikon

11 41- Tizit (ST) Tahwang Angh

12 43- Tapi (ST) Wanglem Konyak

13 45- Tehok (ST) Er. C. Kawang Konyak

14 48- Moka (ST) D. Yongnyak Konyak

15 54- Tuensang Sadar-II (ST) H. Zungkum Chang

9 legislators resign; seats declared vacant

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): Nine NDPP sitting MLAs-- Er. Picto Shohe (Atoizu), Amenba Yaden (Tuli), L Khumo (Thonoknyu), Dr. Chotisuh Sazo (Chozuba), Er. Zale Neikha (Southern Angami-II),Yitachu (Meluri); Keneizhakho Nakhro (Western Angami), Azheto Zhimomi (Dimapur-III) and Y.M. Yollow Konyak (Wakching)—have tendered their resignations.

Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) secretariat informed that the assembly speaker has accepted their resignations from the membership of the 13th NLA with effect from the forenoon of February 2, 2023 and declared the seats mentioned against their names as vacant. All the nine sitting MLAs have been denied NDPP tickets for the forthcoming election and are geared up to contest as candidates of other political parties or as independents.

tickets, but disclosed that ticket seekers were less this time compared to previous elections. He also said the NPF manifesto this time was the best compared to the previous ones. He remarked that the ensuing election would be a fight between principled politics and money power.

Admitting that the party had faced setbacks due to “betrayal by the team captain and players”, but said they had scored suicide goals and surrendered to the opponent team. He assured that NPF stood firm on its foundation that could not be shaken by any force.

Liezietsu asserted that NPF was the only viable regional political party that was deeply rooted in the unique history of Nagas and that it was focused only on protecting democratic rights of the people, preserving culture and salvaging the socioeconomic situation from the brink.

Touching on the historical roots of NPF, he said the oldest regional party would be celebrating 60 years of its existence and claimed that the party was concentrated on striving for a peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.

(Cont’d on p-5)

He attributed the failure to disunity among political groups, state leaders and citizens. He however expressed optimism that the dream of Nagas would be achieved soon with the coming together of the negotiating groups.

He said just as mentioned in the NDPP manifesto Naga political issue continued to remain a priority for NDPP and that it would pave the way for an alternate arrangement when an honourable and acceptable solution was reached.

Speaking of gender equality, Rio thanked the party for maintaining gender equality and helping uplift

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN):

Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) has clarified that Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)–LJP (RV) – was not an alliance partner of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by BJP at the Centre.

Speaking with Nagaland Post over phone, RLJP national general secretary and national spokesperson Sanjay Saraf pointed out that RLJP and LJP (RV) were two different political parties and dismissed the statement that LJP (RV) was an alliance partner of NDA at the Centre.

He asserted that RLJP headed by Union minster and

UCC driven by Hindu Nation resolve of BJP-RSS: Cong

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN):

Congress party has claimed that a “draconian law” like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was driven by the Hindu Nation resolve of the BJP and RSS-- directly attacking the identity of 104 million scheduled tribes comprising of 8% of the total population of India.

Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan here on Friday, All India Congress Committee (AICC) media coordinator and Supreme Court advocate Mahima Singh said that while BJP would swear on UCC for the 2024 general

election, it would be doing so in “deliberate ignorance” of the unique identity of each of the 17 Naga tribes out of the total 705 recognised tribes.

Mahima Singh said that NDPP’s close friends (BJP) have a problem with the Naga identity-- true pride of Naga people.

AICC spokesperson alleged that “corruption-laden Rio government has shown the way into operation lotus and the Hindu Rashtra project of the BJP.” She claimed that chief minister Rio has become “obsequious to the BJP” following into the footsteps of Assam and Meghalaya.

Mahima Singh said that BJP knows only one colour (saffron) and was clearly acting to undermine white colour, which depicts the unity in diversity of Indian culture and also the truth.

Further, AICC media coordinator claimed that draconian law of Citi-

zenship Amendment Act (CAA) along with National Register of Citizens (NRC) render innocent people of Nagaland, many of whose ancestors had settled here generations ago, homeless because they might not be able to show the papers that the saffron party (BJP) asks for.

In the light of the above, the Congress spokesperson questioned the state chief minster whether he would allow the Hindu nation resolve of the BJP to pierce through the indigenous culture, the unique culture of Nagas or would he speak up?

Rift within JDU; central leaders expel rebel leaders

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN):

Barely three weeks ahead of the Assembly polls, internal crisis within the State JD(U) has placed the party in an embarrassing situation in which the party high command expelled its State general secretary Kitoho S. Rotokha but the latter claimed he had resigned earlier along with the party’s camping director, three state secretaries, Kohima district president, state youth president and others on February 3. Rotokha, had been given the JD(U) ticket to contest from Ghaspani-II

in the presence of JD(U) national leaders, joined Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) along with his supporters. Explaining the crisis to media at Hotel Saramati on Friday, former JD(U) state secretary Obed Sumi said that the decision to resign from both primary and active membership of the party

was unanimously taken at an emergency meeting held on February 2, headed by general secretary, JDU, Imsumongba Pongen. He said they had lost confidence in the leadership of its president NSN Lotha. Rotokha, who was also present, said he was saddened to leave the party

which he had been loyally associated and served with dedication.

Rotokha said he resigned owing to the “dictatorial style” of the party and

non-transparent functioning of the party by state unit president, NSN Lotha. He however said he bore no ill feeling or grudges against any individual.

CentralJD(U)rubbishesclaims

However, drawing attention on Rotokha’s expulsion from the party, JD(U) national general secretary & MLC Bihar, Afaque Ahmad Khan, said that the party would initiate appropriate legal action against Rotokha for tarnishing the good image of the JDU in Nagaland.

Afaque said the party leaders expressed concern

over meeting resolutions of some “so-called” JDU state office bearers “circulating unauthorized meeting minuteson social media besides conducting unauthorized press conference by claiming to have resigned enmass from JDU and throwing false allegation against State JDU president(NSN Lotha).

(Cont’d

the women by giving opportunities to two women who had huge potential for winning by issuing them candidates.

He said ticket distribution exercise was painful because many aspirants could not be accommodated, but pointed out that the party only heeded to the voice of people at the grassroots. In a lighter vein, he remarked that the “homecoming” of TN Manen was heart warming and thanked the party for considering his “homecoming”.

He also said NDPP ticket was given to sitting MLA Pukhayi from Aghunato

national president Pashupati Kumar Paras would never be in alliance with LJP (RV) and also clarified that there was no relation between the two parties and that no talks were held regarding merger of the two parties. He further informed this reporter that RLJP would be fielding candidates in the upcoming Assembly election.

Meanwhile, in a statement, RLJP State president RL Nelson said his party had split from LJP and was now functioning under the dynamic leadership of Paras with five MPs. He mentioned that RLJP was a member of NDA. He mentioned that RLJP had Nagaland unit with executive members.

Power outage in parts of Dimapur, Chumou

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): Power department has informed the electricity consumers of Purana Bazar, Padam Phukhuri, Eralibil, Aoyimti, Ekranipather, Naharbari, Darogapathar, Diphupar, ARTC and 4th Central Jail area that there would be power shutdown in the morning hours from February 6-11, 2023. SDO electrical sub-division No. II Dimapur informed that the shutdown was being necessitated as works for expediting commissioning of power sub-station at Padam Pukhuri was set to be undertaken before the onset of summer.

The areas under 11 kV Airport-Purana Bazar feeder would be affected from February 6-11 from 5am to 9am while areas under 33 kV Referral would be affected for two hours on February 9 (from 5am to 7am) and three hours on February 10 (5am to 8am).

Extra vehicles with ministers, advisors, MLAs to be withdrawn

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN):

The chief electoral officer (CEO) office Nagaland has asked the state government to withdraw extra government vehicles attached to ministers, advisors and MLAs to avoid misuse of government vehicles for campaigning/electioneering during the election period.

In a letter to the chief secretary, additional chief electoral officer (ACEO) Ruokuovituo Khezhie stated that in view of the enforcement of model code of conduct for the ensuing general election to the Nagaland

Legislative Assembly, 2023, there was a total ban on use of government vehicle for electioneering purpose.

CEO office stated that minister, advisor, MLA etc. were entitled to use their official vehicles only for commuting from their official residence to their office for official work. In this regard, CEO office has requested the chief secretary to direct all administrative heads of department and heads of department to immediately withdraw all the extra vehicles attached to their respective minister, advisor etc.

Rotokha with party colleagues addressing the media. (NP)

Mahima Singh (NP)

“We have perfected the art of power sharing. We simply form opposition-less governments.”

Chingwang handing over the ticket to Neiphiu Rio (NP)

Parliamentarians in the Lok Sabha during Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. (PTI) (Cont’d on p-8) (Cont’d on p-5)

Nagaland participates in Northeast organic expo

DIMAPUR: Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture from Nagaland are taking part in the three-day Expo-One organic North East conference-cum-Industry and Organic FPO Conclave at Khanapara Guwahati, Assam. The threeday conclave kicked off on Friday and was organized by the Department of Agriculture Assam and Sikkim state cooperative supply and marketing Federation Ltd. (SIMFED) and APEDA.

The NE organic conclave aimed to promote organic farming and prospects and potentials, marketing strategies, overcoming logistics issues and industry men-

torships to emerging FPOs.

Highlighting on organic farming under MOVCDNER in Nagaland, additional director, Agriculture, Jacob Yanthan informed that State has already covered and certified 13,000ha and formed 38 Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER) from Agriculture and Horticulture departments. He informed that another 10,000 ha was in the process for certification and for which a total of 23,000 ha during the third phase will be covered under the scheme and about

Er. Jami to contest as RJD candidate

DIMAPUR: Rashtriya Janata

Dal (RJD) on Friday declared the candidature of Er. Senkathung Jami to contest from 39 Sanis assembly constituency.

This was announced after the meeting of the RJD Nagaland state Election Campaign Committee in Dimapur under the chairmanship of the state president Nikhezhe Sumi and in the presence of RJD incharge of Nagaland and Bihar Agriculture minister Kumar Sarvjit, former MLA and RJD national general secretary Bhola Yadav and other state leaders.

AR hold security meet; wreath laying ceremony

Farmers trained on increasing crop yield

23,000 farmers has been benefited. Yanthan further said that the main objectives in participating the NE first Expo for organic exhibition events was to showcase and promote the products that were produced in the state of Nagaland.

During the events the department of Agriculture and Horticulture will also displayed -cum-sale and showcasing various organic products like pineapple, oranges, ginger, Naga king chilly, oilseeds, etc. The exhibition was graced by minister of Agriculture, Horticulture Government of Assam, Atul Borah.

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles battalions of Mon and Kohima conducted security meeting and wreath laying ceremony on February 2. Mon battalion conducted security meeting with villagers at Chenmoho and Lungwa posts of Mon district. PRO defense in a statement said that the meeting was conducted to facilitate cooperation with each other and to ensure incident free conduct of upcoming assembly election. The meeting was also utilised to spread awareness on SSC (GD) recruitment.

Village Angh, Gaon Burhas, chairman and other village elders attended the security meeting.

Kohima battalion organised a solemn wreath laying ceremony in Kohima to remember and honour its braveheart late Rfn Tek Bahadur Gurung, who laid down his life on February 3 1967, while fighting against insurgents at Darlong, Champai district of Mizoram.

Kohima Excise seize 7000 cases of IMFL

DIMAPUR: Basing on intelligent input, the Kohima Excise EEM duty party on February 3 intercepted a truck (NL07A 7184) and recovered around 7000 liters of assorted Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) concealed under bags of wheat bran. A press release by Kohima Excise informed that in this connection, one person was arrested and booked for violation of NLTP Act 89.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

28.08.1925 – 29.01.2023

With profound gratitude, we would like to convey our deepest appreciation and indebtedness at the sad demise of our beloved Lt. Anoknaro (Mangmetong) on 29th Jan 2023 at Mokokchung.

We sincerely acknowledge and thank each and everyone who supported us through prayers, financially, physically and through various means.

We earnestly pray that the Lord our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Brother, Sister and Relatives

REMEMBERING

SHIVILI N. SHOHE

on her 1st Death Anniversary

22.01.1942 – 04.02.2022

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

- 2 Timothy 4:7

GOD took her home, it was His will, but in our hearts and minds she still lives.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by:

Loving Children, Grandchildren and In-laws

DIMAPUR: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) blocks have been imparting demonstrations and trainings to the farmers on the latest machinery and technology to improve the quality of the produce and to increase crop yield.

Zunheboto: ATMA Zunheboto in association with SAMETI, Medziphema and MANAGE, Hyderabad conducted six days Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) training programme on the topic “Protected cultivation of High-value vegetables” on January 27 to February 2 at Alaphumi village. The resource persons, BTM Akuluto block, Tsuktilemla Ao, ATM Akuluto block, Kaboli Wotsa, BTM Tokiye block, Sedevise Liegise, ATM Tokiye block, Kivibo Achumi used various training methods viz, audio visual aids and hands on practical supplemented with information leaflets. The importance and scope of protected cultivation of high value vegetables was emphasized by the speakers and vegetable farming business plan was also discussed

to highlight its potential for self-employment and self-sustenance. Hands on practical on construction of low cost net house, nursery raising of vegetables and vermi composting were carried out.

Akuluto block: ATMA Akuluto Block conducted three demonstration programme from January 24 to January 31 on the topic, “soil and water conservation using gully plug method” “Mushroom production in collaboration with FOCUS IFAD, Zunheboto” and “IPM under protected cultivation” at Lumami village, Mukhami village and Alaphumi village respectively. The resource persons BTM, Tsuktilemla Ao and ATM, Kaboli Wotsa carried out the demonstrations at the farmers field.

Khongsa block: ATMA Kiphire Khongsa block conducted Skill

Training of Rural Youth (STRY) cum demonstration for farmers from January 27 to February 1 at Salomi Village, The SRTY programme focussed on “nursery management” and demonstration on “periphy-

ton based aquaculture and integrated fish farming” with Takutoshi Jamir and Merennungba Imchen as the resource persons.

Tsaru block: ATMA Tuensang, Tsaru block conducted a demonstration programme at Old Tsadang on January 27, wherein resource persons, ATM, Tiyongnaro Imsong demonstrated on preparation and uses of yellow sticky trap and BTM, Dr. T. Arenmongla conducted a demonstration on the topic, “pit digging and spacing of banana”. A total of 14 farmers and ATMA functionaries attended the programme.

Changtongya block: ATMA Mokokchung

Changtongya block conducted demonstration on January 28 at Kelingmen village, wherein resource person, Farm Manager, State Hatchery Unit, Mokokchung, Dr.Wapangsashi

Walling conducted demonstration on “sanitation and piggery waste management”. Resource persons, ATM, Changtonya block, Amenla Jamir and ATM, Changtongya block also, Toshirenla Longkumer also

conducted demonstration on “cultivation practices of sweetcorn” and “package and practices of chilli”. Kubolong block: ATMA Mokokchung Kubolong block conducted a demonstration on “varietal performance of maize on January 30 at Yimchalu village.

Resource person, Assistant Technology Manager, Tsuktirenla S Jamir deliberated on field preparation, seed rate and sowing, nutrient management and water management. She also discussed and elaborated on intercultural operation, pest and disease management, harvesting and management of Fall Army Worm (FAW).

Phek block: ATMA Phek block conducted training and demonstration on January 25 at Chepoketa Village on the use of maize sheller highlighting on the efficiency and advantages, nursery bed preparation, line sowing, transplanting and use of biofertilizers with ATM Chetheba block, Visavinuo Victoria Zaphu and ATM Phek block, Vepoto Riga as the resource persons.

16.03.1939 – 04.02.2018

You will forever remain alive in our hearts and memories Daddy and however we are learning to live without you, we still miss you so much.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"A righteous man will be remembered forever" Psalm 112:6

Grief is not what humans would want but the Lord's plan is always perfect. We are overwhelmed by the concern, love and care of the well-wishers from all around. Though we could not thank each and every individual personally, yet our family prays that the Almighty Lord's grace and blessings be upon each and everyone. Our heartfelt gratitude to the relatives, neighbours, friends, churches, various unions and to the State Bank of India, as well as, the medical team for the support and prayer during our hour of grief.

Kindly accept our apology for not being able to mention all the names. Nonetheless we are grateful to each and every one of you.

In gratitude, Wife and Family Members

9th DEATH ANNIVERSARY In Loving Memory Of our beloved son Joel Keppen (1980-2014)

1938 – 04.02.2022

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Happy Anniversary in Heaven ! Loving wife, children & grandchildren

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY Late Neichü Mero

5th DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Lt. Temsu Imchen

DP-515/23

DP-521/23

ATMA Tsaru block at the field visit.

Demonstration in progress at Salomi village.

The arrested person, police with the seized IMFL.

Atul Borah Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture (4th from R) along with the Jacob Yanthan and other department officials.

Assembly election 2023: Trainings, meetings & information

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

The first round of training for presiding officer, first, second and third polling officers’ personnel was held on February 3 at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Mon.

At the meeting, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma briefed the roles and responsibilities of the polling officers, and urged them to work with dedication as a team for the successful conduct of the election.

Training for presiding officers and first polling of-

A training for Election

Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) teams, accounting team including AEO, video viewing team, and video surveillance team for 37 Tiyi AC, 38 Wokha AC, 39 Sanis AC and 40 Bhandari AC was held on February 3 at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wokha. Briefing the team members, DC and District Election Officer (DEO) Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan urged all polling personnel and team members to be attentive during the training session so that they can perform their assigned duties effectively. He also said the training process

ficers was held in the morning session while second and third polling officer personnel training was conducted in the afternoon.

Master trainers were Chingkei, Shulila, Wanmei, Mary, Simon, Neangmei, Chemyong, Limawapang, Manyuok, Opentsani, Chenkang, Dokingba, Benjamin, Marcy Rose, Abel, Purtila, Bangkai, Neangnyu, Imti temjen, Chamya, Kumari Honya, Tongdi.

District medical board examines cases: Mon district medical board on February 2 had examined the

cases seeking exemption from the upcoming general election duty on medical grounds at Conference Hall, Chief Medical Officer, Mon Town, informed DIPR report. Mon district level medical board consists of additional deputy commissioner, Mon (HQ) as chairman, deputy CMO, Dr. Rongsennungla as member secretary with MO, DHM, Dr. Wungyong Konyak; MO, DHM, Dr. Ngampa Sangme and MO, DHM, Dr. Longe Peter as members.

DC & DEO informs on postal ballot: Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma has directed all the employees who have been drafted for the ensuing General Election duty that Form 12 (application for postal ballot) can be collect from the Postal Ballot Cell, set up at the office of DC and DEO Mon w.e.f. February 6 and submit the same on or before February 10.

Observer of Election Commission of India (ECI), Ajaydhoke met the election officials of the 18 Chozuba AC on February 2 at Chozuba GA Rest House. During the meeting, Ajaydhoke instructed the election

officials to file an authentic report. The observer also interacted with the election officials. ADC and Returning Officer, Imokokla informed that different teams have been formed as per the ECI guidelines.

Media Certificate and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and social media teams meeting was conducted on Friday at the Official Chamber of Deputy Commissioner (DC). Chairing the meeting Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Kiphire, T Wati Aier briefed about the role and activities of MCMC and social media teams during the forthcoming general election in the state. Aier said that members should not involve in paid news, and all intending candidates are to take permission from MCMC for any information to be printed in electronic media. He also said that printing press owners to give their names, and address printed on all pamphlets, posters, and banners.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Peren, Vineet Kumar has notified all the citizens of Peren district that the toll-free number 1950 has been activated. DC and DEO has informed that any query relating to election related matters may be enquired through the toll-free number, which is operable 24x7.

for the election would be a continuous process to ensure that personnel are well-equipped and trained for the smooth conduct of the election. Ranjan also reminded them of their roles and urged them to shoulder responsibilities sincerely.

EAC Changpang and nodal officer EEM, Nuhuta

The final Election Expenditure Monitoring training before the polls was held at DC’s Conference Hall, Zunheboto on February 3. Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto while briefing the officials said that they should perform their duties as instructed by the Election Commission of India and perform proper monitoring and the task entrusted to them. The training was attended by Video Surveillance Teams, Video Viewing Teams, Accounting Teams, Media Certification and Monitoring Committees, Flying Squads, and Static Surveillance Teams. The master trainers

Q.: Is the union budget likely to improve the economy especially for the low income groups?

NEXT POLL

Q: Are most RTI appellants in Nagaland misusing the Act?

WEATHER FORECAST

Tunyi interacting with the members of the various team said, training programmes were an important part of the election process where he appealed to the trainees to take the training seriously in order to avoid confusion while in the process of executing their assignments during the election.

for the training were Lipokrenla Jamir and H Jekugha Sema.

Requisitioned vehicle owners informed: Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali has informed all concerned private vehicle owners/ drivers under Zunheboto district whose vehicle has been requisitioned for the conduct of the general election to report at Local Ground, Zunheboto on February 6, 10 a.m. along with vehicle documents and Requisition Order (Original) and collect Form 12 (Postal Ballot).

First randomization of EVMs & VVPATs: Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Peren, Vineet Kumar has informed all concerned that the first randomization of EVMs and VVPATs has been scheduled on February 4, 10 a.m. at the Old DC Office, Peren Town premises. All concerned have been requested to attend the same.

Media Certification and Monitoring Cell (MCMC) held a meeting on February 2 at Deputy Commissioner (DC)’s Chamber, Tuensang under the chairmanship of DC and District Election Officer (DEO) Tuensang, Nokchasashi. At the meeting, the members were briefed on the certification of the politically related press items. He also asked the members to supervise news channels and to review the Do’s and Don’ts regarding the MCMC committee guidelines.

Former NDPP MLA Er Zale joins NCP

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 3 (NPN): Former NDPP MLA, Zale Neikha, who has been denied NDPP ticket joined Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) at a brief programme held at

Hotel Vivor on February 2.

The NCP has issued a party ticket to Er Neikha, who will be contesting from Southern Angami- II constituency. Er Zale also kicked off his campaign on February 3, at R Khel Viswema.

Sensitisation on clean election movement

DIMAPUR: A “Clean Election Sensitisation Programme” was jointly organised by Clean Election Movement, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and Department of Political Science, Kohima College, Kohima on February 3.

According to media cell of Kohima College Kohima, resource persons were Dr Villo Naleo, convenor, Clean Election Movement, NBCC and Huzo Meru, director of Operations, North

East Christian University & also Trustee of South India Christian Institute, Bangalore; both were alumni of Kohima College, Kohima.

The programme began with the moderator, Ase Yalie, Assistant Professor, department of Political Science introducing the speakers, which was followed by an invocation as well a welcome address by Dr Libanthung Ngullie, principal, Kohima College.

Dr Villo Naleo in his

speech spoke on the impact and necessity of Clean Election Movement in Nagaland and why it may not be progressing. Dr Naleo clarified that election politics was not dirty by itself but ascribed due to the way it was practiced.

Huzo Meru, a former Western Angami candidate, 2013, referred to his own experiences as well as rectified some common misconceptions against Clean Election Movement.

Common platform sought for candidates

CC) organised a joint meeting between the Angami Baptist Church Council and the Angami Public Organisation on February 1, 2023 at ABCC Mission Centre. Media cell of ABCC CEM CC said that as resolved in the meeting, an appeal has been made to the leaders and elders of every village councils under the Angami constituencies to organise Common Platforms for the intending candidates in order to discourage and refrain from house to house canvassing.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Longleng has directed all political parties/candidates/ public of Longleng district to abide by the directive of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for the recommendation for regulating the use of loudspeakers in view of ensuing school examination.

According to a DIPR report, the order noted that exams for children are approaching and that it was a crucial time of the year for students as they would be preparing for their examinations. However, it has been observed by the Commission that the use of loudspeakers beyond the permissible limit was a common phenomenon in various social/religious/ political/events/functions. As a result of which, the students preparing for examinations were not only disturbed but also not able to give their best in the examinations.

In this regard, DC and DEO has restricted the use

of loudspeakers and can only be used by following the certain guidelines issued by Supreme Court.

Therefore, DC and DEO has directed the po-

DC-123/23

The second day training of the first round for polling officer 2 and 3 was held on February 3 at MGHSS Mokokchung, wherein master trainer demonstrated the handling of EVM, VVPAT

and sealing. The trainer instructed the polling personnel on their responsibilities of the mock poll and how to start the poll, secrecy of voting in polling stations among other topics.

litical parties/Candidates/ public of Longleng district to abide by the directions/ guidelines, failing which appropriate action would be taken as per the law.

H. No.106, Bank Colony, Near NIDC, Dimapur, Nagaland-797112

REGIONAL OFFICE

“ Notice for Retired Employees of FCI”

In compliance to Hon’ble Supreme Court Judgement dated 04.11.2022 regarding employees Pension Scheme, 1995(EPS-95) and availability of options for contributions to EPS-95 on actual salary for pension, FCI, Headquarters has issued a circular on FCI website www.fci.gov.in/circular.php . Through this circular all ex-employees of FCI are hereby advised to go through the circular carefully and to contact concerned offices, where they last served for exercising joint options, if admissible.

General Manager(R) Nagaland DC-123/23

MOKOKCHUNG WOKHA

ZUNHEBOTO

DIMAPUR: Angami Bap-

Training of polling officers underway in Mon.

Election observer interacting with officials at Chozuba.

Election observer with DC and SP Longleng.

Training of EEM in progress in Wokha.

Training of polling officers in Mokokchung.

Members of ABCC and APO after the meeting.

Tripura polls: Left promises

2.5 lakh jobs, pension to old

also increase the dearness allowance (DA) of government employees twice a year based on the consumer price index and reintroduce the old pension scheme, he said. Tripura has 1,88,494 government employees and pensioners. The Left Front also promised 200-day work per year to the poor to boost the rural economy.

AGARTALA, FEB 3 (PTI):

The opposition CPI(M)-led

Left Front in Tripura on Friday unveiled its manifesto for the assembly polls, promising 2.5 lakh new jobs, pension to poor senior citizens, and reintroduction of the old pension scheme and two DA hikes for government employees every year if it is voted to power.

In the 15-page manifesto, it also promised the reinstatement of 10,323 retrenched teachers, regularisation of services of contractual employees and more autonomy to the tribal council. Addressing a press conference, Left Front convener Narayan Kar alleged that democracy was throt-

CPI(M), Cong trying to save themselves in Tripura: Nadda

AGARTALA, FEB 3 (PTI):

Mocking at the CPI (M) and the Congress for contesting the Tripura Assembly elections jointly, BJP national president J P Nadda on Friday claimed that they have come together not for the state’s development but to save their existence.

tled in Tripura after the BJP came to power in 2018. “Voting rights of people have been snatched away under the BJP-IPFT regime, while people’s liberty to raise their voice has been lost. The Left Front will restore the democratic values once it wins the elections,” he said. “We will create 2.5 lakh jobs during the next five years if the Left Front secures the blessing of the people,” he said, adding that contractual employees will also be regularised as per the guidelines. Any person whose age is over 60 years and has an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh will get social pension, Kar said. The Left Front will

Kar said the Left Front will provide high level of autonomy for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Asserting that the Left Front is committed to providing a corruption-free and people-friendly government, he said a common minimum programme of its alliance with the Congress will be released soon.

The CPI(M) will contest in 43 seats alone while other Left Front constituents -- the Forward Bloc, RSP and the CPI -- will be contesting in one seat each.

The Left Front is supporting an independent candidate in the Ramnagar constituency in West Tripura.

For the first time in the northeastern state, the CPI (M)-led Left Front, which ran the government in Tripura for 25 years till 2018, and the Congress entered into a seat-sharing deal to contest the poll for the 60-member assembly.

The CPI (M) will contest in 43 seats while Left Front constituents Forward Block, RSP and CPI will fight in one constituency each. While the Congress will contest in 13 seats, the Left Front is supporting an independent candidate in the Ramnagar constituency.

“Our opponents came together not for the development of the country or the state but to save their existence. Two separate entities have now become one,” Nadda said while addressing an election rally at Amarpur in Gomati district.

He said the BJP-led government has done tre -

mendous work for the overall development and improving law and order in the past five years. The northeastern state used to witness insurgency, violence and road blockades before the 2018 Assembly elections, but the ‘double engine’ government ensured peace after signing an agreement with the outlawed insurgent group National Liberation Front of Tripura in 2019, he said.

NPP releases manifesto for Meghalaya polls; promises 5 lakh jobs

Correspondent

JOWAI (MEGHALAYA),

FEB 3: Meghalaya’s ruling

National People’s Party (NPP) on Friday released its election manifesto promising to create 5 lakh “jobs and employment opportunities” every year to the youth of the state besides other promises.

The manifesto called the “People’s Document – Vision 2023-28” was released in Jowai, the district headquarters of West Jaintia Hills by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and other party candidates.

The document also encapsulates the idea that the party has achieved several milestones in the past five years in serving the citizens of the State that lays a strong foundation upon which the vision has been built to create a better society for all the citizens.

Ex-Sikkim CM’s party calls 48-hour state bandh

GANGTOK, FEB 3

(IANS): Former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling-led SDF on Friday called a 48-hour Sikkim bandh on February 4 and 5 to “convey a public message” to the Centre over the ‘foreigner’ remark against Sikkimese Nepali community in a recent Supreme Court judgement.

Chamling, the president of the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, said:

“Prime Minister Narendra Mod-ji has settled 37,000 Bru refugees by spending Rs 600 crore ending a long fiasco. The BJP wants development to the state’s full potential. The Agartala-Akhaura railway project will boost the state’s trade and business,” he said.

Listing the welfare schemes of the government, the BJP president claimed that the saffron party has changed the face and fortune

of the northeastern state, which is marching towards an all-round development.

“The people of the state have already decided to vote for the BJP in the coming elections to ensure that the double engine continues to run the state towards more development,” he said at the election rally.

The assembly polls will be held in the state on February 16. Votes will be counted on March 2.

Noting that Meghalaya has the lowest unemployment rate of 1.8 percent across the country as per a Periodic Labour Force Survey report 202021, the document said, efforts would be made to create the “best start-up ecosystem” in the country and to continue creating a better support system to nurture the entrepreneurs.

“A special focus on entrepreneurship, tourism, agro-processing and knowledge/digital sectors in both the urban and rural areas of the state have been laid down. Skilling of youth has been planned through creation of multi-sectoral skill parks, exposure trips and livelihood sectors,” the manifesto reads.

Through its start-up programme dubbed “Prime hubs” 1500 youths have benefitted and became entrepreneurs. The party also assured 500 luxury tourist vehicles to be distributed to

Assam Police crackdown on child marriage; 1,800 arrested

Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and cases under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 will be registered against those who have married girls in the 14-18 years age group. They will be arrested and the marriages will be declared illegal.

GUWAHATI, FEB 3 (PTI):

The Assam Police have arrested over 1,800 people so far on Friday in a massive crackdown on child marriage, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The crackdown began early in the morning across the state and it will continue over the next three to four days, Sarma told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here. The police had registered 4,004 cases of child marriage in less than a fortnight since the state cabinet decided on January 23 to take action, with the arrest of offenders and a simultaneous launch of an extensive awareness campaign.

The chief minister said the crackdown was continuing and a clear picture will emerge by evening on the number of arrests and the districts from where those were made. The highest number of 136 arrests so far has been made in Dhubri where 370 cases have been registered, followed by 110 in Barpeta and 100 in Nagaon.

Those having married girls below 14 years of age will be booked under the Protection of Children from

If the boy is also below 14 years of age, he will be sent to a reform house as minors cannot be tried in the court. The priests, kazis and family members involved in the conduct of such marriages will also be booked, Sarma had said earlier.

“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 (of child marriage) across the state and more police action is likely in days ahead. Action on the cases will begin starting February 3. I request all to cooperate,” the CM tweeted on Thursday. Sarma chaired a virtual meeting with the superintendents of police in the presence of Director General of Police G P Singh on the state-wide police action.

He appealed to the people to extend support and cooperation to “rid the state of the evil practice”.

Assam has a high rate of maternal and infant mortality, with child marriage being the primary cause as an average of 31 per cent of marriages registered in the state are in the prohibited age, according to reports of the National Family Health Survey.

entrepreneurs in the tourism sector over the next five years.

The party said that it would also focus on identification and utilization of the abundant sporting potential of the state by providing world class sports facilities at the grassroot level including stadiums, training, talent identification and scholarships.

The party said that it would continue its support to farmers of the State through flagship programs such as FOCUS and FOCUS+ and expanded to cover all the producer

households of the state irrespective of their area of residency. “The party’s vision is to continue its support through specific mission mode projects and benefit all farmers by 202328. These interventions have already reaped great success to various farmers such as Lakadong where a whopping 13,000 farmers are now befitted, which was merely 1,000 five year back,” the NPP assured.

The NPP also promised to set up more village cooperative societies, processing and custom hiring centres, farmers markets, which the party said would benefit 10 lakh farmers across the state.

At the village level, the NPP said it would establish 1000 “Chief Minister’s Facilitation Centers” to deliver government services to every village.

“The party also plans to engage a cadre of Village Community Facilitators to

deliver the services to the last mile,” the manifesto stated. It further said, every village would be connected by all-weather roads and RCC and steel bridges. “During the last five years, the rural road construction in Meghalaya has surpassed the total roads constructed by past governments in the last 20 years,” the manifesto pointed out. The party also assured to “improved air connectivity, internet connection in all villages, IT park, water management and piped water to every household,” as part of its election promises. The NPP said it would continue to focus on developing the health sector. “The party envisions to continue its success in this area, additionally new Chief Minister’s Affordable Drug Centers have been planned to provide affordable medicines for the people of Meghalaya,” the manifesto said.

Correspondent RAKSAMGRE (MEGHALAYA), FEB 3: Condemning the Conrad Sangma-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government for “its repeated transgressions” that have cost this mountainous state its development, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Dr. Mukul Sangma on Friday said the desire for change in Meghalaya is evident among its people. Drumming up support for his party candidate Dr. Prabir D Sangma from Raksamgre assembly seat, the Leader of Opposition said that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma should apologise to the people for his consistent “racial remarks” against Meghalaya TMC.

“Under my tenure as Chief Minister, we initiated several schemes to bring

money to people’s hands. The people residing around the Assam-Meghalaya borders were given development through the Interstate development programme. Crore of funds that were given to the locals to ensure development are not there anymore,” he said,

“After this government was elected to power in 2018, I waited for them to work for the betterment of the state. But that never happened. The same people are now coming and asking for votes again. But in the past five years, we have seen everyone crying including

“Through this bandh, we must send a strong message from the people of Sikkim to the Central government that the people of the Sikkimese Nepali community are not foreigners. It is not possible for people to come up individually and raise their voice. In a democracy, calling a bandh is the most appropriate measure to show our collective protest against the foreigner and immigrant stain on us.” At the same time, the former 5-term Chief Minister appealed that the proposed Sikkim bandh should be “peaceful and non-violent.”

our tribes and teachers. The youth are waiting for jobs. Existing vacancies were not filled,” he told a crowd of over 3,000 party supporters. Speaking to reporters at the event, Mukul also criticised Chief Minister Conrad and NPP for their malicious propaganda of calling Meghalaya TMC a “Bengali party”.

“Those calling us outsiders should answer, where is the headquarters of the NPP? Don’t they have any other issues to raise? I have repeatedly said that these are racial remarks that should not be made by civilised people. I condemn these remarks and pity his narrow-mindedness which prompts him to make these statements. This is absolutely racial and he should apologize to the people for his remarks,” he said.

Ex-student leader facing trial in ULFA blast case tops class in MA exam

GUWAHATI, FEB 3 (PTI):

A former student leader facing trial for his alleged role in an ULFA-triggered bomb blast in Guwahati has been awarded the gold medal by the Assam governor for topping his post-graduation examination, which he took from behind the bars.

Sanjib Talukdar, among the suspects in a 2019 Guwahati blast that had left 12 injured, topped his class in Sociology in which he enrolled and completed his Master of Arts from Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University (KKHSOU) while being lodged in a jail here.

Governor Jagdish Mukhi presented the gold

GANGTOK, FEB 3 (PTI): Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has launched an initiative under which 100 trees will be planted for every child born in the Himalayan state.

The initiative, named ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ (Plant a Tree, Leave a Legacy), is aimed at strengthening the connect between parents, children and nature by planting trees to commemorate childbirth, officials said.

“Watching the trees grow as the baby grows will be a symbolic way of welcoming a newborn and commemorating their ar -

medal to the under-trial, who had scored 71 per cent marks, at the convocation here on Thursday.

Speaking to PTI, Sanjib Talukdar’s sister Dolly said, “It is a mixed feeling for us. While we are happy that he has got the gold medal, we are also sad that he is still behind the bars. We know he is innocent and have faith that justice will be done.”

The 29-year-old is among the accused in a May 15, 2019, blast on RG Baruah Road in Guwahati.

The NIA, which is investigating the matter, in its charge-sheet before a special court, had charged him with conspiracy, unlawful activities and providing help and

rival on this earth. This is the first of its kind innovative green initiative in India,” Tamang said.

At the programme on Thursday, the chief minister also distributed token seedlings to some new parents.

Forest Department Secretary Pradeep Kumar said the initiative will transform the attitude of the people towards nature, and saplings planted to commemorate childbirth will create a bridge between the generations.

Tamang said the Sikkimese society has an intimate association with nature since time immemorial.

support to the main accused in the case.

Dolly said her brother, who is the youngest of five siblings, was pursuing M Phil in Botany at the time

of his arrest, soon after the blast. “He had completed the theory part of the course but could not complete his M Phil due to lack of access to laboratory facilities from

the prison. We hope that he gets time to complete it once he is out,” she added.

Dolly said Sanjib opted for Sociology after being imprisoned as it was a subject he was confident of pursuing even with limited resources in jail.

His bail petition is due to be taken up by the Gauhati High Court for hearing in another four months’ time and the family is hoping for a ruling in their favour. Sanjib was out on parole briefly last year to attend Dolly’s wedding. He was a president of the Post Graduate Students’ Union of Gauhati University, from where he was doing his M Phil at the time of arrest, besides being known

in literary circles for his writings and oratory skills, Sanjib’s friend, who wished not to be named, said.

“Sanjib always excelled in whatever he undertook.

The news of his suspected involvement with the ULFA came as a shocker for us. We hope justice will prevail and the truth will come out,” his friend added.

Sanjib has also completed the course for Certificate in HIV and Family Education (CAFE) and Certificate in Human Rights (CHR), both from IGNOU. He has appeared for Post Graduate Certificate in Geoinformatics from KKHSOU, the result of which is awaited.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha welcomes BJP National President JP Nadda upon his arrival at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, in Agartala, Friday. (PTI)

Desire for change in Meghalaya is evident, says Trinamool Congress

Sanjib Talukdar

The election manifesto was released by Left Front Convener Narayan Kar and other Left leaders.

Conrad Sangma Mukul Sangma

Sikkim to plant 100 trees for every child born in state

G P Singh

SNIPPETS

NSCN (YA) informs

DIMAPUR, FEB 3

(NPN): Yung Aung-led

NSCN(K) through its MIP has made a public declaration that it would not be involved in the upcoming Nagaland State Assembly election in any way whatsoever. MIP said that “any NSCN/GPRN members involving will be heavily prosecuted as per the discipline of the party.”

Fuel to cost more in Punjab

CHANDIGARH, FEB

3 (PTI): The Punjab government has decided to impose a cess of 90 paise per litre on petrol and diesel in a meeting of the state cabinet here on Friday. When asked if any cess has been imposed on petrol and diesel, Housing and Urban Development Minister Aman Arora said, “Cess has been imposed”. He was speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting.“Because for a long time, the need was felt.. and I think Punjab today needs revenue generation,” Arora noted. When asked how much cess has been imposed, Arora said it will be 90 paise per litre on petrol and diesel. The cabinet met here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Undertrial commits suicide

in Punjab

16

Oppn parties meet to step up attack on Adani issue

tigation will save LIC, SBI and other institutions forced by the prime minister to invest in the Adani Group,” he said.

The Congress has been alleging that the investments made by public sector LIC and SBI into the Adani group have been “forced” by the prime minister.

NEW DELHI, FEB 3

(PTI): At least 16 Opposition parties met on Friday morning to coordinate their strategy in Parliament and decided to step up their attack on the government, demanding an immediate discussion on the issue of Adani stock rout.

The meeting came a day after they unitedly led the charge against the government over the issue and stalled both houses of Parliament on Thursday.

Various opposition parties have demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe or a Supreme Courtmonitored committee investigation into the Adani issue

Probe agencies can’t act as per whims, fancies: Delhi Court

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (PTI): Investigation agencies cannot act according to their whims and fancies and courts have ample power to check any misuse or abuse of powers by them, a Delhi court has said.

while also seeking a discussion on it in Parliament.

The opposition leaders said they want a discussion on the Adani issue and if not allowed, they will protest inside the House, sources said.

Among the 16 parties whose leaders met in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge include the Congress, DMK, SP, AAP, BRS, Shiv Sena, RJD, JDU, CPIM, CPI, NCP, NC, IUML, Kerala Congress (Jose Mani), KC (Thomas), and the RSP.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the opposition demand remains the same.

“Only an independent inves-

The government has not responded to the issue so far. Adani group stocks, where LIC is heavily invested, have lost over USD 100 billion in value since a tiny New York short seller came out with a damning report alleging financial and accounting fraud by the portsto-energy conglomerate. The Adani group has denied all charges and called the report malicious and full of lies.

As the slide in Adani group stocks continued in the markets on Friday, the opposition said the rout has threatened the value of investments made by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and public sector banks.

The court also said that it had the power to supervise and monitor an investigation to ensure its fairness and impartiality and senior police officers were expected to improve the investigation mechanism instead of “justifying manifestly improper conduct of investigating officers”.

“The investigation agencies cannot act as per their whims and fancies and the courts have ample power to check the misuse or abuse of powers by the investigation agencies,” the court said in its recent order.

Additional Sessions

Judge Atul Krishna Agrawal made the observations while hearing the anticipatory bail plea of Faheem, against whom the Delhi Police had registered an FIR for various offences, including theft, sexual assault and criminal intimidation.

According to the police, the accused was alleg-

FivenamesrecommendedbyCollegiumfor SCjudgestobeclearedsoon:CentretoSC

NEW DELHI, FEB 3

edly one of the associates of the main accused, Mehfooz, and purportedly trespassed into the complainant’s jhuggi and committed theft and sexually harassed his wife.

The court noted that the main accused, Mehfooz, was already granted bail in the case and the case against the accused was of lesser magnitude.

It further noted that the present investigating officer (IO) could not produce any further evidence which could substantiate the allegations made against Faheem in the FIR.

“...since the statement of the wife of complainant... has already been recorded, no purpose would be served in sending the accused to custody for this reason alone as no custodial interrogation is required for the same,” the court noted while granting him the relief.

The court, however, noted that another court in an order in May 2022 observed that prima facie the attempt of both the complainant and the accused appeared to be a case of laying claim over a public land on various pretexts.

It also noted the ear-

lier court’s observation that it was possibly a case of dispute between two gangs of land mafia, who are allegedly involved in grabbing and sale of illegally constructed buildings built upon encroaching government land.

The judge said that the earlier court had directed that a copy of the order be sent to the joint commissioner of police, with the observation that, if necessary, it would be open to the police to seek the assistance of the specialised agencies in order to confirm background and credentials of the complainant, witnesses and others with regard to the possibility of land grabbing.

The additional deputy commissioner of police has subsequently sought time from the predecessor court to ensure that appropriate communications and action were taken by the agency concerned, the court noted.

The deputy commissioner of police had later told the predecessor court, “In light of the observation made by the court, a decision related to the transfer of investigation in the matter to some specialised agency

dealing with land grabbing matters appears to be necessary but a decision regarding the same can only be taken at the level of higher authority.”

But after August 5 last year, no further communication was received from the DCP and the present court sought a report from the police officer on November 29 last year, the additional sessions judge noted.

It further said that another DCP, however, submitted a report in December, saying the present case was examined on merits and it was found to be devoid of seeking intervention from any specialised agency.

The report of the DCP also said that the investigation was not transferred as it was the “prerogative” of the investigating agency, the court noted.

“Normally such a report would have been made part of the record without any comments on the same, however, this court is constrained to make certain observations in view of the above report of DCP as it is based on wrong premises besides being evasive in nature,” the court said.

Assembly polls: NPF declares first list of 15...

(From p-1)

KAPURTHALA, FEB 3 (PTI): An undertrial inmate allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in the central jail here, police said on Friday. Gurcharan Singh, 50, committed suicide by hanging himself with a cloth in the barrack’s bathroom on Thursday night, said Kapurthala central jail Superintendent I S Dhaliwal. Dhaliwal told PTI that Singh, a resident of village Bussowal in Jalandhar, was facing trial under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and was brought to the jail on February 1. Man booked on charge

(PTI): The Centre on Friday assured the Supreme Court that the Collegium’s recommendation of December last year for the appointment of five judges in the apex court will be cleared soon.

Attorney General R Venkataramani told a bench of justices S K Kaul and A S Oka that warrant of appointments of these five names is expected to be issued shortly.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also expressed displeasure over the delay by the Centre in clearing recommendations for transfer of high court judges, saying “it is a very very serious issue”.

“Don’t make us take a stand which will be very uncomfortable,” the bench told the attorney general.

of killing wife

PALGHAR, FEB 3 (PTI): Police have registered a case against a man from Virar in Maharashtra’s Palghar district for allegedly strangulating to death his 27-yearold wife, an official said on Friday. The body of the victim was found in the couple’s flat in a housing complex at Virar on January 30. The police had initially registered a case of accidental death. However, the post-mortem report said that strangulation was the cause of her death, he said.

Sayunkt Kisan Manch threatens agitation

SHIMLA, FEB 3 (PTI):

The Sayunkt Kisan Manch has taken strong exception to the Centre’s move to cut funds under the Market Intervention Scheme, and threatened to launch an agitation if the budget for the scheme is not raised to Rs 5,000 crore. “The Union government has betrayed apple growers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir by reducing the budget under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) from Rs 1,550 crore last year to just Rs 1 lakh in the Union Budget 202324 budget,” a statement issued by the Manch said. Under the scheme, fruit and vegetable produce, not covered under MSP (minimum support price), is purchased by the government, and the money is provided by the central and state governments in 50:50 ratio, it said.

The Supreme Court Collegium on December 13 last year recommended five judges for elevation to the apex court -- Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal, Patna High Court Chief Justice Sanjay Karol, Manipur High Court Chief Justice P V Sanjay Kumar, Patna High Court judge Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Allahabad High Court judge Manoj Misra.

Later, on January 31, the Collegium headed by

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud recommended to the Centre the names of Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Aravind Kumar for elevation as apex court judges. The top court, which has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges including the Chief Justice of India (CJI), is currently functioning with 27 judges.

The Supreme Court was hearing a matter related to the Centre’s alleged delay in clearing names recommended by the Collegium for appointment as judges to the Supreme Court and high courts. During the hearing, the bench observed that five names were recommended in December last year and now it is February.

“Should we record that for those five, warrants are being issued?” the bench said, adding, “When, is the next question?”.

Venkataramani assured the bench that the warrants of appointment of the names is expected to be issued soon. “I was given to understand that by Sunday, it may be issued,” the attorney general said. When Venkataramani said the issue concerning appointment of high court judges be deferred for some time, the

Ramdev accuses Muslims ofabductingHinduwomen

they definitely offer namaz as they are taught to do so. Hindu religion is not like this,” he said Thursday at the gathering in Barmer. A video of his speech has surfaced on social media.

bench referred to the aspect of delay in clearing the recommendations for transfer of high court judges and said it is “greatly troubling us”. “If transfer orders are not implemented, what do you want us to do,” the bench said, adding that “we withdraw judicial work

from them, is that what you want?”. It said when the Collegium thinks somebody is appropriate for working in a high court and the government keeps the issue of transfer pending, it is “very serious”. “You will make us take some very very difficult decisions,” the bench said.

Nearly6.72lakhcasespendingindistrict, subordinatecourtsforover20years:Rijiju

Nearly 6.72 lakh cases are pending in various district and subordinate courts for more than 20 years, government told Lok Sabha on Friday.

In case of High Courts, there are 2,94,547 such cases. In a written reply, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “The number of cases pending for more than 20 years in the Supreme Court of India, as per the data retrieved from the Integrated Case Management Information System (ICMIS) as on January 27, 2023, is 208 cases.”

“In case of the (25) high courts, there are 2,94,547 cases and 6,71,543 cases in the district and subordinate courts that are pending for more than 20 years as per data available on National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) on February 01, 2023,” he said. So far as the reasons

Speaking on the occasion, NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) leader Khuzoluzo Azo Nienu announced that the first phase of ticket distribution was complete and that more winnable candidates from Mokokchung and Zunheboto would be included in the second list. He mentioned that more from Eastern districts would also be joining the party and that the second phase of ticket distribution would be done on February 5. He appealed to NPF workers to fight the election with commitment, mentioning that even though their number might be small, they could still help the party win by uniting and fight nepotism, favouritism,

Kiren Rijiju

for such long pendency of court cases is concerned, the Supreme Court has stated that there is no conspicuous reason which can be depicted for long pendency of cases, he said.

“Pendency of court cases is a multi-faceted problem. Due to the increase in the population of the country and awareness of their rights amongst the public, filing of fresh cases is also increasing with leaps and bounds year after year,” Rijiju said.

multiple taxation, lawlessness and bring back peace and tranquillity to the State. He alleged that the State was going from bad to worse and urged the crowd to pray for leaders having principles and integrity.

Though reduced to only four MLAs now, Nienu urged the party workers and supporters not to be disheartened but to have faith.

NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon briefly highlighted about the party manifesto and asserted that the party was chiefly focused on Naga political issue and that it would continue to pursue the integration of Naga homeland. He said NPF would focus more on electoral reforms, support clean elec-

tion movement, regulate Inner Line Permit (ILP), provide transparent and accountable governance, following austerity measures to curb corruption, ensure that resources coming into the State were utilised judiciously and deliver the goods to people at the grassroots Kikon said the party would also focus on improving road infrastructure in the State and connect all interior areas, upgrade educational system and focus on youth to make them social assets. Invocation was pronounced by Kohima Ao Baptist Church pastor Arep Tsudir, while an outline of the manifesto was presented by NPF working president and Manifesto Committee chairman Thunucho Tunyi.

UCC driven by Hindu Nation resolve of BJP-RSS...

(From p-1)

Mahima Singh also asked the Nagas whether they would allow politics of slogans to overpower the politics of indigenous rights?

Congress party also asked whether the voters of Nagaland stand against the politics of polarisation, hatred Hinduisation of their cultures? She said that strengthening the voice of Naga people has always been the resolve of Congress party and would remain so. Also, addressing the press conference, AICC media coordinator Sujata Paul

said that Congress had been consistently raising people issues, but there has been no response from the NDPP-BJP. She said it shows the “I don’t care attitude” of the NDPP-BJP, adding that such attitude occurs when an opposition-less government was in place. She said that the Congress in spite of not being in the assembly, had played the role of opposition. Others present at the press conference included newly appointed member Khekashi Sumi, communications department chairman Wezote Kreo and NPCC secretary and spokesperson Yanger.

JAIPUR, FEB 3 (PTI):

In provocative remarks at a meeting of seers, Yoga guru Ramdev accused Muslims of resorting to terror and abducting Hindu women while comparing Hinduism to Islam and Christianity.

He alleged that the two faiths were obsessed with conversion while Hinduism taught its followers to do good.

“Muslims offer namaz five times a day and then do whatever they want. They kidnap Hindu girls and commit all kinds of sins. Our Muslim brothers commit a lot of sins but

“I am not criticising anyone but people are obsessed only with this. Some people talk about converting the entire world to Islam and others want to convert the world to Christianity,” Ramdev said. He claimed that these faiths had no other agenda.

Continuing his attack on Muslims, he said they become terrorists or criminals and yet offer namaz.

He also referred to the attire of orthodox members of the community.

He said Hinduism teaches people not to engage in violence and dishonesty.

“Wake up early in the morning, pray to God, do yoga, do good work and good deeds by worshiping your deity. This is what Hindu religion and Sanatan Dharma teach us,” Ramdev said.

PRESS NOTE

We the undersigned members of NPF Party 36Satakha Assembly Constituency along with thousands of NPF supporters withdraw our support from Shri. Zheito Chophy, intending candidate. We pledge our unwavering support to Shri. G.

Aye, NDPP Candidate for 36-Satakha A/C, acknowledging his able leadership, good works and vision for the people of

Kaito

Satakha.

1. Shri. Ihoto K. Shohe, Kilo Old Village — Chief Agent to NPF Candidate

2. Shri. Ghusheto V. Zhimo, Khukiye Village — Stand by Candidate NPF Satakha

3. Shri. Toiho Yeptho, Lukhai Village — Former Chief Agent to INC Candidate Db-157/23

Opposition leaders hold a meeting on Adani issue. (PTI)

Yoga guru Ramdev

Note bank politics

Ifpeople in Nagaland are dismayed because the long awaited, much-promised and expected good news of political solution(closing the chapter of decades of conflict) made since 2003 has not arrived despite both Centre and state politicians assuring that solution would come as Christmas or New Year gift since many years. Election to the Nagaland legislative assembly(NLA) will be held on February 27 to choose the next 14th NLA. Aside from the narrative of solution to the Naga political issue- there is more to be concerned about why are people not wanting to being qualitative change through the ballot. This is a serious problem that has led to the state being stagnated as the mindset of the voters see election as nothing more than being just a ritual of note for vote or note bank politics. There is much concern as to why the state has been left behind in all spheres in comparison with other northeastern states who achieved statehood ten years or more after Nagaland in 1963.It wasn’t like that till the early 80s when people voted freely and fairly without fear or favour. Since then, elections have become an event for buying and selling of votes and eventually, ending up with reducing the electoral exercise to like putting old wine in new bottles. Issues that are crucial to people such as providing good governance, zero tolerance on corruption are no longer the narratives during electioneering. The people have been gripped by rampant corruption at various levels of the government and extortion, multiple taxation and syndication of market at the public level. The problems caused by rampant and illegal taxation on the economy and the people is well known. These are challenges which the government has not responded except to undertake a symbolic and passive action. Politicians need to talk openly about these issues and take a pledge. They also need to address where huge amount of money is spent on projects that linger of for decades and lead to huge cost overruns. Even the never-ending 4-lane construction is an example of cost overruns and a blot on the state. Even on the issue of irregular and back door appointments, no serious effort has been made to check the menace and least of all punishing those involved in stealing the future of the deserving lot. These are clear instances over the growing clout of parallel authorities controlling the entire economy at least in Dimapur, the so-called commercial capital and gateway of Nagaland. Trade and travel are boon for economic growth but Dimapur airport and Dimapur railway station have been doomed to their past glory, while all other airports and railway stations in the region have marched ahead. The cause is encroachments legalised through issuance of pattas by corrupt officials. The elected members are to deliver and so need to first reflect on the mess they have created during the decades in power by their reckless spending in the name of creating infrastructures which today stand totally exposed as sham and scam. In order to pull the wool over the eyes of public, politicians speak seriously about ‘solution’ in order to deflect responsibility for having caused moral, social and economic devastation of Nagaland. Abraham Lincoln had said ““You can fool all of the people some of time” but in Nagaland it is not ‘some of the time’ but ‘all of the time’.

DailyDevotion

Becoming the “Filth of the World”

We have been made as the filth of the world… —1 Corinthians 4:13

These words are not an exaggeration. The only reason they may not be true of us who call ourselves ministers of the gospel is not that Paul forgot or misunderstood the exact truth of them, but that we are too cautious and concerned about our own desires to allow ourselves to become the refuse or “filth of the world.” “Fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ…” (Colossians 1:24) is not the result of the holiness of sanctification, but the evidence of consecration— being “separated to the gospel of God…” (Romans 1:1).

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…” (1 Peter 4:12). If we do think the things we encounter are strange, it is because we are fearful and cowardly. We pay such close attention to our own interests and desires that we stay out of the mire and say, “I won’t submit; I won’t bow or bend.” And you don’t have to— you can be saved by the “skin of your teeth” if you like. You can refuse to let God count you as one who is “separated to the gospel….” Or you can say, “I don’t care if I am treated like ‘the filth of the world’ as long as the gospel is proclaimed.” A true servant of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to experience martyrdom for the reality of the gospel of God. When a moral person is confronted with contempt, immorality, disloyalty, or dishonesty, he is so repulsed by the offense that he turns away and in despair closes his heart to the offender. But the miracle of the redemptive reality of God is that the worst and the vilest offender can never exhaust the depths of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but “to reveal His Son in me…” (Galatians 1:16).

Quotes

Beware of eradication of distinctiveness of Nagaland

Identity of Nagaland includes religiously biblical heritage and faith with church buildings and sacred prayer centers with echoing and resounding sound, singings and preaching; naturally undefiled clean and holy mountains and sceneries; socially and culturally preserved indigenous cultural uniqueness; politically aspiration for self-determination; and constitutionally protection from infiltration, of original rights of the indigenous inhabitants, and inherited property.

It is high time to talk about “Who will be responsible to protect the Uniqueness of Nagaland and who will be responsible to destroy and sacrilege the beauty of Nagaland - Kohima to Mon and Noklak with Dimapur, Peren, Wokha, Zunhieboto, Kipheri, and Phek with virgin Saramati, Japfu, Zanibu and Agunato mountains along with crystal clear water streaming in rivers, brooks and creeks, and smiling villages and communities across the land. The power that made Nagaland beautiful is the peaceful Gospel of the Prince of Peace. But Satan is jealous of the beauty and uniqueness of Nagaland. The contentious Adversary comes in the form of infiltration of fundamental ideology, attraction of money and political camouflage and mask, rivalry and faction, and wave of secularism.

The uniqueness of Nagaland will not regrettably turn into irreparable history of no return if our responsible leaders conscientiously differentiate and walk away from the axe of felling, loaded and luring influence of fanatical doctrine to dislodge our uniqueness,

Do you consider yourself to be more fortunate than others who pursue their dreams? Are they more intelligent? Additional talent? Making your ambitions come true is primarily dependent on hard work, self-awareness, focus and perseverance, however luck, fate and genes may also play a tiny role. This is encouraging news since it puts your achievement in your own hands.Here’s how you use the methods, techniques and habits that entrepreneurs, artists, sportsmen, and politicians amongst others have used to achieve their goals.Organise your dreams around the aspirations of your heart. A solid foundation for communicating your aspirations is created by developing a clear understanding of what is important to you, what fulfils you, what your mission is, and what you seek. Moving past wishful thinking is the key to maintaining motivation and staying on track. To

and armed strategy of political scheme to detonate to disintegrate Naga beauty. In Nagaland context, BJP stands for ‘Baptized Jesus People’ for ‘Resilient Spiritual Service’ (RSS). Nagas loved Jesus that by the turn of 1990s most of the Nagas became the followers of Jesus because of His living power, Lordship and supremacy, and His loving kindness which was greatly admired by Mahatma Gandhi, the national father of India.

The Lord Jesus was tempted with all what the world could offer him. Defeated, Satan left Him. Where did he go? The tempter reappears with the same strategy where many faithful are deceived and swept away. The Naga church members are not free from the same subversive and sly methods used to deceive Jesus Christ. In right time the Gospel of the Lord Jesus came to us in fulfillment of historicity and prophecy, not a mythological speculation.

Upholding your Distinctiveness Architects, forces and factors that will uproot and destroy the conspicuousness of Nagaland come in sneaky traps. Beware of the pretext of doctrine under the umbrella of secularism that will push the biblical faith out. It will be too late to return to your sanctity once noisy temples begin to stand alongside church buildings, rivers polluted with cremation, and fresh mountains and meadows crowded with scary images, idols and scarecrows. The saying goes, ”Prevention is better than cure.” But it is relevantly “Prevention is better than which will be incurable.” May God help us to find leaders who will preserve

achieve your dreams, create a route. It takes the best of intentions. Identify the steps necessary to achieve your ambition and break them down into smaller steps. Determine the knowledge you need. Collect useful resources. To stay on track, make sure to set deadlines. Start out slowly to build success.Be responsible for your accomplishments. Make sure your strategy gives you the ability to carry it out on your own and don’t rely on others to succeed. Keep in mind that you are accountable for both who you are and what you do. Focus on the things you have control over. Put an end to wasting your time and energy fretting or fussing about things that are out of your control. Reduce or get rid of items that are not important to you or don’t help you realise your dream. Up until you provide the space and time for it, nothing will change. You might need to

India has witnessed the birth of a number of Avtars, Sants and powerful spiritual personalities who have illuminated this Holy land with their succinct teachings and awakened the masses about the real essence of Bhakti.

Satguru Ravidas was one of the renowned Sant of Bhakti Aandolan, who created an enduring impetus through his devotional songs and verses. He was the leading stars of Sant Parampara or Nirgun Sampraday and valued the worship of formless God.

Born on Maghi Purnima of Vikrami Samvat 1433 at Shri Govardhanpur village (now renamed as Sri Guru Ravidas Janma Sthan) in Kashi in a Dalit family, Guruji was the backbone of the Bhakti Aandolan. He fought against discrimination based on caste, creed and colour and taught lesson of universal brotherhood. Because of his untouchable social status, he has now become an important figure for downtrodden sections of the society, although his followers are also from the upper castes like Krishna-Bhakt Meerabai, the Rajput queen of Chittoor. He is considered to be

and promote Naga quality, fulfill Naga aspiration, and faith in the living God!

The Lord of Heaven and Earth warns Nagas in general, and leaders and political candidates in particular to refrain from elements that are vulnerable to uproot the foundation of biblical faith. It will be a decisive moment for the Nagas on threshold of ‘Jesus or Barabbas’ (Matthew 27:21). For the believers, Christian faith and secular exercise are not a dichotomy but a totality. It means, a decision that pleases God must be upheld. Jesus is mocked and desecrated in past elections. He came to offer eternal salvation and not election money or political offer when he said “Everything shall be given to you when you seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). One vote makes a difference because it determines a person to lead and a party to govern and rule.

Road to ‘Well-done’

1. A manifesto that upholds Naga identity

2. Awareness of hidden seed of disintegration

3. Election that does not thwart your biblical faith

4. Voting for a candidate of a party democratically

5. Exercising the sanctity of your birthright

6. Upholding the principle of free and fair election

7. Overcoming revenge and rivalry which is victory. The Bible tells us not to stumble people but honor and glorify God (1Corinthians 10:31). God bless Nagaland!

Rev Dr. Phuveyi Dozo, Naga United Village

adjust your timetable. Some activities that don’t help you achieve your objective might need to be cut out. You could need to get rid of people who are unfavourable, are there just to fulfil your obligations, are abusing you, or lead you in the wrong route. Take advice from your uncertainty. Your dreams will be sabotaged if you allow anxiety and uncertainty to rule your life. On the other side, you might utilise doubts to highlight challenges or issues that need to be resolved. Feel the apprehension or worry, yet proceed nevertheless. Live by the idea that failure and mistakes are just temporary, a chance to learn, and a chance to perform better the following time. Thomas Edison made a thousand fruitless attempts to get his electric light bulb to function.Develop mental agility and be receptive to new concepts. Keeping your mind busy, responsive, and better able to solve difficulties

The vanishing tribe in medical fraternity

From time immemorial, mankind had been in constant pursuit of finding remedy for the atrocities of diseases. Our forefathers attributed all our physical ailments to evil spirits. So they began all kinds of rituals and sacrifices to appease the evil spirits. Thus Shamanism and other sorceries became the general practice. Another group of people sought scientific knowledge to remedy the physical malady.

They made concoction of herbal juices which was easily available in nature. Later, they analyzed the chemical ingredients of the herbal juices and synthesized them for mass production. Thus modern Pharmaceutical industry came into being. They invested all their resources to scientific research.

They were all rewarded with good profit. Further research showed that some pathological bacteria and viruses were responsible for all diseases. How to prevent those bacteria from invading human body is by destroying them from the environment. Thus preventive Health Care Service came into being.

Later, they found that some of the damaged parts of the body cannot be restored but had to be removed physically. This innitiated the practice of surgery. Surgery is therefore regarded as science and art. Even today, Surgeons are addressed as “Mister” and not as “doctors” in the United Kingdom.

Surgery therefore evolved from a “Barber” shop. The sharpest instrument was found only in a barber shop, “the razor”.It was Hippocrates, the Greek Physician of Medicine, first laid down ethical practice in Health care service. It is known as the “Hippocratic Oath” which every practitioner must follow. But now, not as strictly to

means learning something completely new, innovating, or producing something. Even if it’s only taking the longer route to work or reading a book you wouldn’t normally, broaden your horizons and try new things. Don’t let your head become cluttered. You can get rid of memories by writing them down. Make space in your head so that your purpose and your ambitions remain front and centre rather of being pushed to the rear. Work it. Strive for victory. Nobody claims that it will be simple. However, if you don’t try, you most certainly won’t succeed. Nearly all successful people in their fields will admit that they toiled for their goals. The work is everything, as Russell Simmons has remarked. You won’t be given anything by accident. Go to the library and start studying the law if you want to be a lawyer and view yourself as one. Rapping is a great way to be

the ethics by the Modern Medical practitioners. Today, we are faced with very fast development in the inventions of medical technologies. Meanwhile, new problems are also in the increase. Heart, kidney, liver, brain and vascular diseases are becoming difficult to give pace of their prevention. Modern new technologies are now replacing the aged, old practices. It appears human beings are replaced by new technological inventions. Robots are on the way to completely replace Human being. Robotic surgery is advancing very fast. What is needed is, just to press the button which is now in the domain of “technicians.”

Recently, one of our pioneers Surgeon, Dr. S.I.Tushi Ao, passed away. He is the second qualified Surgeon of Nagaland. There seems to be no time to recollect under what condition surgery in the initial period of time in Nagaland. Whatever may be the modern scientific invention we enjoy, it may be worthwhile to remember from where we come from. If we forget the past and our origin, we will become nobody. The much awaited body of Nagaland Surgeons Association has come into being and also the Nagaland Medical Council which is to regulate and keep control over ethical Medical practice in Nagaland. They came into being because of the past effort to make them come. Complete silence of his passing away from the two stall ward institutions is ominous to the vanishing or extinction of the species. The history of Surgical practice in Nagaland is on the way to vanishing from the face of the land. We will read it like the history of the extinction of the “Dinosaur” from the face of the World.

Dr.L.M.Murry

noticed if you want to be a rapper. Live as though you are already in the position you desire.Regularly review your progress. Reviewing your progress is critical if you want to understand what you have achieved. By doing this, you will be able to determine your progress toward goals over time, if you are still on the course you set for yourself or have veered off it, and much more.

Envision Your Success.

You can attract success by visualising it. Close your eyes and visualise how it will feel to achieve your objective. This is a fantastic motivational strategy to use when you’re struggling to reach your goals or are feeling sad.Consider constructive criticism. Some individuals may wish to assist you, despite the fact that there will be plenty of people who will want to stop you from pursuing your goals and you should steer clear of them to prevent distractions. Pay

Sant Ravidas : Kranti Jyoti Yugpurush

spiritual Guru of Meerabai, which she had expressed through her verse “ Guru Milya Ravidas Ji, Dini Gyan Ki Gutki; Chot Lagi Nijnam Hari Ki, Mharey Hivrey Khatki”.

Guru ji was a great follower of Lord Ram and Krishna and his writings are full of names like Ram, Raja Ramchandra, Krishna, Govind, Raghunath, Hari etc. He was the true messenger of God. He took birth on earth to save the true Dharma, as at that time the social as well religious pattern was distressed due to several man-made discriminations over social beliefs, castes, colour etc. He taught that one is not identified by his caste or beliefs in God, but is known for his Karma (great work). “Ravidas Janma Ke Karnai, Hot Na Kou Neech; Nar Kun Neech Kari Dari Hai, Ochhe Karam Ki Keech” (No one is inferior by birth, but his doings make him inferior. So, always focus on great deeds). On the tune of Bhagwad Gita, he preached in his own version as “Karam Bandhan Mein Bandh Rahiyo, Phal Ki Na Tajjiyo Aas; Karma Manush Ka Dharma Hai, Sat Bhakhai Ravidas”. (i.e.

Always perform your duty and do not desire its fruit, because duty is our Dharma and Fruit is our destiny)”

Regarding untouchability and discrimination, he spread the message that God has created man and not man has created the God. So, every human being has equal right on this earth. “Tohi Mohi, Mohi Tohi, Antar Kaisa; Kanak Katik Jal Tarang Jaisa”, i.e. There is no difference between you (God) and me as there is no difference between the Gold & its ornament, and water & its ripples. He expressed his feeling as ”Let us make this world without any discrimination and race like colour.”

Sant Ravidas had given a variety of spiritual and social messages through his writings. He said “If you can not do well, at least do not harm others. If you can not live like a flower, at least do not live like a thorn”. He gave emphasis for education by saying “Avidya Ahit Keen, Taatay Vivek Deep Bhava Maleen” (i.e. Lack of education has caused us great harm and it has eclipsed our rationale). Sant Ravidas is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs.

He expressed his passion and love for Waheguru through his poetry and music. Nearly 40 of his sacred hymns have been made an integral part of the Sikh scripture, the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by the 5th Guru Arjun Dev Ji. He is known as the inventor of Gurumukhi Lipi (script) and entire Sikh Vani is written in Gurumukhi. Although, after some untoward incidents, the Ravidasia Samaj has parted itself from Sikhism and replaced Guru Granth Sahib with Amritvani having nearly 240 hymns of Ravidas. The Panch Vaani text of the Hindu Warrior-ascetic group of Dadupanthi tradition within Hinduism also includes numerous poems of Ravidas. Ravidasji was a great saint and preferred to live as a common man. Guruji’s teachings of equality and brotherhood in the society are the greatest inspiration to us. There will not be unity among human beings, without abolishing the caste system. “Jati Jati mein

Jati Hai, Jo Ketan Ke Pat; Raidas Manush Na Jud Sakai, Jab Tak Jati Na Jat”. He had propounded and advocated the concept of Begumpura (Be-Gum-Pura) or a

careful attention to what individuals have to say, and be receptive to criticism. Remember to relax and keep your confidence up. Knowing that not everything will go as planned during the process is essential if you want to realise your dreams. Due to various setbacks along the route, you cannot become downbeat and pessimistic. Keep a positive attitude and confidence even if everything goes wrong. You need to stop for a bit and unwind even when you’re sprinting toward your goal. Avoid getting too anxious since that will just make it harder for you to accomplish your objectives. If you need it, ask for assistance. There is nothing wrong with asking a professional for assistance if you believe they can help you get closer to your goals.

Husain Minawala Founder of Beyond Thoughts. Counsellor, Mental Health Expert.

city without sorrow (Gum), which would be stateless, classless, casteless and where there would be no discrimination. “Begam Pura Sahar Ko Nao, Dukh Andohu Nahi Tihi Thao”. He expressed his pivotal message as “Aisa Chahun Raj Main, Jahan Milai Saban Ko Anna. Chhote Bade Sab Sam Base, Ravidas Rahe Prasanna.”

He cautioned the people against unwanted customs and beliefs. In one of his hymn he pointed out “Man Changa To Kathauti Mein Ganga” (i.e. If your heart is pious, then the Holy river is right in your tub and you need not go anywhere else to take a dip). The teaching of Guru never fails and his word never goes wrong. He is the true source of light in life. The valuable teachings of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas are a great treasure for those who are heading on the divine path of Bhakti to get liberated from all the shackles.

Er. Prabhat Kishore (The author is a technocrat & academician. He holds Master in Engineering from M.N. Regional Engineering Coll ege, Allahabad/ Prayagraj)

“May you live all the days of your life.”

The possibility of making your dreams come true

SNIPPETS

No proposal to regulate finances of pol parties: Govt

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (PTI): There is no proposal to regulate the finances of political parties, the government told Lok Sabha on Friday. Responding to a question on “whether the government proposes to regulate the finances of political parties”, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju replied in the negative. In his written response, he said from time to time, the government has taken steps to bring electoral reforms to improve the existing electoral practices in the country. “Electoral reforms are continuous and ongoing process and in order to improve the existing electoral practices in the country, the government, after examining various proposals of the Election Commission of India, implements the same through various amendment Acts from time to time,” he said.

8,343 Indian prisoners lodged in foreign jails: MEA

NEW DELHI, FEB 3

(PTI): As many as 8,343 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, are lodged in various jails around the world, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. Minister of State in the MEA, V Muraleedharan said in Lok Sabha that the government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians in foreign countries, including those in the foreign jails. He was replying to a question. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the highest 1,926 Indian prisoners followed by Saudi Arabia with 1,362 and Nepal having 1,222 inmates, according to the details provided by Muraleedharan in Lok Sabha.

“As per the information available with the ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign prisons at present is 8,343,” Muraleedharan said. He said India has signed agreements on transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) with 31 countries.

Minor fire near Vaishno Devi shrine

JAMMU, FEB 3 (PTI): A minor fire was reported in a temporary shed nearly a km away from the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, officials said. The fire was brought under control by security personnel and the incident had no impact on the pilgrimage which is going on smoothly, they said. Some labourers were putting up at the temporary shed near the horse stand enroute to Bharav Ghati and some of their belongings caught fire at around 1.30 pm.

Fire and emergency services, police, CRPF and shrine board employees swiftly put out the fire, they said.

Himachal BJP suspends 4 members

SHIMLA, FEB 3 (PTI):

Himachal Pradesh BJP

president Suresh Kashyap on Friday suspended four working committee members for six years for indulging in anti-party activities. The suspended members include Tek Chand Chandel from Nalagarh in Solan district, Anu Thakur and Mahendra Thakur from Anni and Balak Ram from Banjar in Kullu district. They persons had worked against BJP candidates in their respective constituencies during the state assembly polls held on November 12 last year and were expelled after receiving memorandum from the candidates as well as the ‘Mandal’.

BBC docu ban: SC asks govt for original records

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday directed the central government to produce original records relating to its decision to block a BBC documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and M M Sundresh issued notices to the government and others on pleas filed by veteran journalist N Ram, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan and lawyer M L Sharma. Sharma had filed a separate petition and it has now been tagged with similar pleas challenging the government’s decision to block the documentary.

The matter is listed for next hearing in April.

“We are issuing notices. Counter affidavit be filed within three weeks. Rejoinder within two weeks after that. The respondents will also produce original records before this court on the next date of hearing,” the bench said. At the outset, the bench asked the petitioners why they did not approach

the high court in the matter. Senior advocate CU Singh, appearing for Ram and the others, submitted that the government has invoked the emergency powers under the Information Technology (IT) Rules to block the documentary.

He said he was seeking a direction to the Centre to place on record all the original records. The Supreme Court said it is also a fact that people have been accessing the documentary.

It had earlier agreed to hear the plea taking note of the submissions of lawyers Sharma and Singh seeking urgent listing of the petitions against the government’s

ban on the two-episode BBC series using its emergency powers. One of the petitioners has also alleged that the ban on the documentary ‘India: The Modi question’ was “malafide, arbitrary and unconstitutional”.

Reacting strongly after Ram filed his plea, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju had tweeted, “This is how they waste the precious time of Hon’ble Supreme Court where thousands of common citizens are waiting and seeking dates for justice”.

Ram and others, in their pleas, have sought a direction to restrain the government from curbing their right to “receive and dis -

CDS Anil Chauhan chairs high-level meeting in Jammu

seminate information” on the documentary.

“All citizens, including the press, have the fundamental right to view, form an informed opinion, critique, report on, and lawfully circulate the contents of the documentary as the right to freedom of speech and expression incorporates the right to receive and disseminate information...,” the plea said and referred to several apex court orders on freedom of speech and expression. The plea has also sought quashing of “all orders directly or indirectly censoring” the information, including those shared on social media.

“Issue a writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction to the respondents restraining them from giving effect to orders curtailing freedom of speech and expression without first putting them in the public domain on a centralised database,” the plea said. The plea, which has made Twitter Communications India Private Ltd and Google India parties, has also sought a direction for

Uma Bharti ties stray cows in front of liquor shop

NIWARI (MP), FEB 3

(PTI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti tied stray cows in front of a liquor shop in Orchha town of Madhya Pradesh and fed them hay as she called upon people to drink cow milk and shun alcohol.

The former chief minister, spearheading a campaign against liquor consumption in the BJP-ruled state, did this on Thursday and maintained that the government should not cash in on the habit of drinking.

Standing in front of the shop selling Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) in Orchha, a town in Niwari district famous for its temples and palaces, after tying the cows, Bharti was heard raising the slogan “Sharab Nahi, Doodh Piyo (drink

milk not liquor)”.

In June last year, the BJP leader had thrown cow dung at the same liquor shop. In March 2022, she had hurled a stone at a liquor shop in Bhopal.

A salesman of the outlet immediately downed its shutters, apparently fearing a repeat of the 2022 incident. The Hindutva leader said she, too, was to some

extent responsible for the prevailing drinking problem and recalled that she had sought votes for the BJP in the 2003 Assembly polls and since then the party has been in power in Madhya Pradesh barring 15 months in 2018-2020 when the Congress ruled the state. The saffron party leader, who earlier pushed for total prohibition in the state,

SC seeks replies from Centre, 6 states on conversion cases transferred from HCs

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday sought the responses of the Centre and six states on a plea moved by a Muslim body, seeking a transfer of 21 cases that have challenged state laws regulating religious conversions due to interfaith marriages to the apex court.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha issued a notice on the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind’s plea moved through advocate MR Shamshad and asked Attorney General R Venkataramani to file a reply.

The Muslim body has sought a transfer of three petitions pending in the Gujarat High Court, five in the Allahabad High Court, three in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, three in the Jharkhand High Court, six in the Madhya Pradesh High Court and one petition in the Karnataka High Court, which have challenged the respective state laws. “Issue notice in petitions, in which no

notices have been issued till now, including the transfer petition,” the bench said.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions, including pleas that have questioned alleged religious conversion through allurement or by force and those that have challenged the validity of the state anticonversion laws.

Besides, two separate petitions have been filed by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, challenging the interim orders of the respective high courts that stayed certain provisions of the state laws on conversion.

Appearing in the court on behalf of advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, senior advocate Arvind Datar said in the last hearing, several parties had raised objections to the contentions made in the additional affidavit and therefore, he was withdrawing the same. Representing one of the parties, senior advocate Dushyant Dave said objectionable contentions were made by Upadhyay not only in the additional affida-

vit, but also in the writ petitions. The bench told Datar, “You are appearing here as an officer of the court. Therefore, just ensure that there is no such statements made even in the petition.”

It said if the petitions raise common questions, the court would hear the pleas together.

The bench said it did not start the final arguments on Friday as notices were not issued in many of the petitions and once the replies of all the parties are on record, it would start hearing the matter, and posted it after three weeks.

On January 30, the top court had said it would hear the batch of pleas challenging the controversial state laws regulating religious conversions due to interfaith marriages on February 3.

One of the petitioners, NGO “Citizens for Justice and Peace” of activist Teesta Setalwad, had submitted that people cannot get married due to these state laws and the situation is very grave.

the restoration of the tweets of the petitioners.

“The power of the executive under Section 69 A to lay down directions for blocking public access’ is limited to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to above,” it said.

The contents of the BBC documentary are protected under Article 19(1) (a) (freedom of speech and expression) of the Constitution, it said, adding that the contents of the series do not fall under any of the restrictions specified in Article 19(2).

“On January 17, 2023, BBC released the first in a two-part documentary series titled, ‘India: The Modi Question’ which critically appraises the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the then chief minister of Gujarat in 2002 when riots broke out in which thousands of people lost their lives,” the plea said.

for the last few months had been seeking regularisation of alcohol sale in Madhya Pradesh, where Assembly polls are due by the yearend. “Last time, the former Union minister had flung cow dung at this Orchha liquor shop. So this time I downed the shutters of the shop,” salesman Rampal told PTI. According to the salesman, addressing people who had gathered near the IMFL shop, Bharti said the government should not cash in on the habit of drinking.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is a “courageous” leader, who has accepted that the existing excise policy has some flaws and promised to draft a new one in consultation with yoga guru Ramdev, she told the small gathering, according to Rampal.

JAMMU, FEB 3 (PTI): Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who was on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, chaired a high-level security meeting here, officials said on Friday.

The meeting was attended by Udhampur-based northern Army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi and Director General of Police Dilbag Singh among others, they said.

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone, Mukesh Singh and General Officer Commanding of Jammu-based 16 Corps, also known as White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Sandeep Jain and General Officer Commanding 26 Infantry division Major General Gaurav Gautam also attended the meeting, they said.

The Chief of Defence Staff visited forward areas and hinterland formations in Kashmir on the first day of his visit and was briefed about the security situation by field officers.

On his arrival in Jammu this morning, General

General Anil Chauhan

Chauhan was received by Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Jammu, Air Commodore G S Bhullar, officials said. “#CDS Gen Anil Chauhan accompanied by #ArmyCdrNC, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi arrived at Jammu. The CDS chaired a high level security meeting attended by #ArmyCdrNC, DGP @JmuKmrPolice Shri Dilbag Singh, ADGP JKP, Lt Gen Sandeep Jain GOC 16 Corps & GOC 26 Infantry Div,” tweeted A Bharat Bhushan Babu, principal spokesperson of the Defence Ministry. Officials said General Chauhan later returned to Delhi after visiting Nagrota cantonment.

BJP wins 4 out of 5 seats in UP MLC polls

LUCKNOW, FEB 3

(IANS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won four out of the five seats in the Legislative Council of Uttar Pradesh. The main opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) suffered a crushing defeat in this election.

The BJP won the seats of Gorakhpur-Faizabad block graduate, Kanpur block graduate, BareillyMoradabad block graduate, Allahabad-Jhansi block teacher and Kanpur block.

The BJP contested against the SP for these seats.

Jaipal Singh Vyast from the Bareilly-Moradabad block graduate seat, Arun Pathak from Kanpur graduate seat and BJP candidate Devendra Pratap Singh from the GorakhpurFaizaba d block graduate

Raj Bahadur Singh Chandel flashes the victory sign after winning the Kanpur Teachers’ seat in the UP MLC. (PTI)

seat scored victories.

According to the information received from the Election Commission, BJP candidate Vyast registered his third consecutive victory with a big margin in Bareilly-Moradabad block graduate seat of the Legislative Council. He defeated Shiv Pratap Singh of the SP by 51,257 votes. This marks

the eighth win of the BJP, which has been invincible on the seat since 1986. Devendra Pratap Singh won with 17,455 votes from GorakhpurFaizabad graduate constituency, Arun Pathak won by a margin of 53,285 from Kanpur-Unnao, Vyast by 51,257 votes from BareillyMoradabad.

Maha MLC: MVA grabs Amravati graduates seat from BJP

MUMBAI, FEB 3 (PTI: In a boost to the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), its candidate Dhiraj Lingade won the Amravati division graduates constituency of the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Friday, defeating sitting legislator Ranjit Patil of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Counting of votes for the Amravati graduates seat lasted nearly 30 hours as it ended at 1.30 pm, even as the process had begun at 8 am on Thursday. The results of four other seats of the Upper House of the state legislature were declared on Thursday, and two of those four seats were won by the MVA - an alliance of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress. In Amravati, MVA’s Lingade bagged 46,344 votes, while BJP’s sitting MLC Ranjit Patil secured 42,962 votes, an official said.

The counting got delayed because no candidate could secure the necessary quota of votes required for the win, the official said.

After the counting of votes ended, the figures were

Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers celebrate their candidates’ victory. (PTI)

sent to the Election Commission for approval, and the results were declared at around 4 pm. There were 23 candidates in the fray in Amravati,

of whom 21 were eliminated in the counting of second preference votes. A total of 94,200 votes were polled, of which 8,387 turned invalid,

the official said.

Voting for these five Council seats - three teachers segments (falling in Nagpur, Konkan and Aurangabad divisions) and two graduates constituencies (Nashik and Amravati divisions) - was held on January 30 and counting began on Thursday morning. Teachers and graduates fulfilling certain criteria and enrolled as voters formed the electoral college for these elections.

The ruling BJP-Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena combine suffered a setback as MVAbacked candidates clinched three of the five Legislative Council seats.

INFORMATION

On account of “World Cancer Day”, there will be free OPD consultation by the Department of Oncology on 4th February 2023 between 9 AM & 1 PM DP-543/23

JOB VACANCY

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AUCTION NOTICE: SL NO. SSPN/QM/390/2022-23/02

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Public auction will be held on “as is where is basis” for condemned items like School Computer & Peripherals Scrap/Batteries/Speaker, etc on 18 Feb 23 at 1100hrs for the year 2022-23. Bid documents and Terms and conditions may be obtained during Office hours between 0800hrs – 1400hrs on payment of Rs 100/-. Tender bid docs are also available on the school Website sainikschoolpunglwa.nic.in

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The North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) is looking for an Experienced Finance Manager (1 Post) for posting in Kohima

Job Profile: Leadership role in NGO financial management (budgeting, accounting, internal control, statutory compliances, taxation and audit systems) | Prepare, review and distribute monthly reports, funder reports and others | Maintain and update budget trackers and provide budget analysis | Analyze and monitor projects’ fund and cash balances and keep implementation team informed | Carry out supervision work to ensure that projects financial management systems are functioning appropriately across NEIDA office locations

Qualification: Post Graduate Degree with relevant Accounting Qualification/MBA (Finance) with a minimum of 10 years work experience which should include a minimum of three years of grants management | Strong knowledge in the application of accounting, auditing and financial reporting systems and software packages | Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally Application Procedures: Detailed CV should be sent to jobs.nagaland@neida.org.in by February 15, 2023. “Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for next stage of the selection process”

“Candidates-in-waiting for Government Jobs are discouraged from applying for the above post” K-254/23

Screening of controversial BBC documentary.

Uma Bharti feeds a cow in front of a liquor shop.

Markets ‘Very well regulated’: Sitharaman on Adani stock crash

MUMBAI, FEB 3 (AGENCIES): Finance Minister

Nirmala Sitharaman said Friday the country’s markets were “well regulated” and she did not expect the controversy around tycoon Gautam Adani’s business empire to affect investor confidence.

The combined market cap of Adani Group’s listed units has collapsed by more than $120 billion -- about half of the group’s value -- since US shortseller Hindenburg Research released an explosive report last week.

It accused Adani of accounting fraud and artificially boosting its share prices, calling it a “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme” and “the largest con in corporate history”.

he Adani Group has called the Hindenburg report a “malicious combination of selective misinformation and stale, baseless and discredited allegations that have been tested and rejected by India’s highest courts”.

India remained “an

AdaniGroupvalue halved,$120bnwipeout

Billionaire Gautam Adani denied Friday that his rise to become Asia’s richest man -- a title he has lost in a phenomenal stock rout -- was due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as shares in his conglomerate slumped again, reports AFP.

absolutely well governed” country and a “very well regulated financial market”, Sitharaman told broadcaster News18.

“One instance, however much talked about globally, I would think is not going to be indicative of how well Indian financial markets have been governed,” Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman said public sector financial institutions had released detailed statements showing they had limited exposure to Adani Group and would not be significantly affected by the share crash.

“I think the investor confidence which existed before shall continue even now,” she added.

Central JD(U) rubbishes claims

(From p-1)

He said the meetings were neither authorized nor headed by state general secretary and 4 Ghaspani-I candidate, Imsumongba Pongen. Afaque maintained that Pongen was very much part of JDU Nagaland.

Afaque also said that apart from Rotokha, the other “so-called state executives”did not have the approval of JDU national office and said so their appointments were invalid and could be termed as bogus.

He also said that Senchumo NSN Lotha had the unflinching support and blessing of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and national president and MP, Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Afaque

noted that the State JDU, under leadership of president Senchumo NSN Lotha, vice president, Hatpha Wangnao, general secretary Imsumongba Pongen and others were the sole guardian of JDU Nagaland and shall continue to have full support of the national office.

‘Regional autonomy’ on post-poll alliance: State JDU president Senchumo NSN Lotha has informed that party high command has granted “regional autonomy” to the State Unit to forge a post-poll alliance with any political party including NDPP and BJP as and when the need arose for the greater interest of the welfare of the people of Nagaland.

His listed units’ combined market capitalisation has collapsed by more than $120 billion -- about half of the group’s value -- since US short-seller Hindenburg Research, which makes money by betting on shares falling, released an explosive report last week.

It accused Adani of accounting fraud and artificially boosted its share prices, calling it a “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme” and “the largest con in corporate history”.

The group has fended off allegations that Adani’s close relationship with PM Modi, who is also from Gujarat state, has helped him win business and avoid proper oversight.

Ticket distribution exercise painful: Rio

(From p-1) Assembly constituency (AC), but he declined citing health issues. Pukhayi’s replacement had to be done at the last hour he said.

Rio welcomed all the first-timers to the party and exuded confidence to all would work together and serve the people well.

The chief minister mentioned that during the 13th NLA, six districts were created keeping in mind that Nagaland was a tribal State.

Meanwhile, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah scheduled to visit Nagaland, Rio said priority should be given to formulation of Common Minimum Programme. In this regard, he urged BJP to form a joint coordination committee at the district level and enable the two parties to maintain the alliance.

FilenominationonFeb6

Rio insisted that the candidates should file their nominations on February 6 and furnish information without error to ensure that their nominations were not rejected.

He thanked legislators of BJP and NDPP for their continuous support and exuded confidence to continue

to be their leader and form the next government. He also wished the candidates success in the election.

BJPrubbishesrumours

Speaking at the programme, State BJP chief spokesperson Kuputo Shohe categorically stated that the NDPP-BJP alliance was intact and rubbished rumours that BJP would set up proxy candidates from NDA allies against NDPP. He said this was deliberately spread to not only malign the good image of BJP but also jeopardise the NDPP-BJP coalition.

Shohe asserted that NDPP-BIP combine would get clear majority in the election and hence there was no need to flirt with other parties. He claimed that the understanding between the two parties had the consent of BJP central leaders.

In his address, UDA chairman TR Zeliang said he was pained to see many sitting MLAs not being not allotted NDPP ticket. He however pointed out that the tough decision was taken based on many factors, keeping in mind the interest of the party and hoped that the election results would validate the decision.

Recalling the forma -

6.795kg baby delivered via C-section

DIMAPUR: A mother with diabetes mellitus reportedly gave birth to a baby weighing 6.795kg, presumably the heaviest baby, if not one of the heaviest, in Nagaland. The baby was delivered by cesarean section at Belho’s clinic, Dimapur on January 24, 2023. The baby was delivered by Dr. Mhasiseno Belho and was taken care of by Dr. Akumtoshi from Zion hospital.

According to doctor, the baby developed respiratory distress due to a condition called ‘Transient Tachypnea of Newborn’ and also developed ‘hypoglycemia’ due to the large size of the baby.

Doctor said that the baby was immediately shifted to NICU at Zion

Doctor and pediatric staff of Zion hospital with baby.

hospital under the care of Dr.Akumtoshi.

On further investigation, the baby also had an acyanotic congenital heart disease without heart failure.

Nasal CPAP for respi-

ratory distress and immediate correction of hypoglycemia was done, doctor said. The baby was taken good care of by NICU and Pediatric staff of Zion hospital and has now fully recovered.

tion of opposition-less UDA government in 2022 for an early solution, he stated that tho ugh the objective could not be reached as desired and committed to the people, the issue should remain the party’s priority.

He also appealed to stop using divisive terminology that was done by many to identify the erstwhile 21 NPF MLAs that merged with NDPP. He stressed that there should be no more “Rio’s MLAs” and “TR’s MLAs” in NDPP from this moment and the past should not be revived to sabotage the present arrangement.

“As we contest on NDPP tickets, everyone should feel and be made to feel a sense of ownership and belongingness to this party regardless of past

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events,” he emphasised. With trust and respect for each other, he said he foresaw a thumping victory for both BJP and NDPP in this election.

Asse mbly speaker Sharingain Longkumer, minister G Kaito Aye and woman candidate from Dimapur III Hekani Jakhalu also spoke at the programme.

Oath-taking was administered by NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, while Rev Supong Jamir pronounced a dedicatory prayer for the candidates.

In his presidential address, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak stated that the party had received many applications, which were assessed based on the 2018 manifesto that talked of women and youth empow-

erment, resulting in allotment of two tickets to women, besides youth leaders. He mentioned that elderly sitting MLAs were denied tickets and urged them not to feel disappointed but support the NDPP candidates and strengthen the party. According to Chingwang, NDPP tickets were issued to candidates based on the criteria of “winnability”.

NDPP corrigendum

Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) president Chingwang Konyak has through a corrigendum stated that the official party candidate for 34 Aghunato Assembly Constituency is Ikuto Zhimomi and not as mentioned earlier.

Bazar Kohima, Nagaland declare through an Affidavit No. 1002 dated 01.03.2022 that my name 'Mejokhrienuo' appeared in academic documents. Mejokhrienuo Rokha and Mejokhrienuo are the name of same person

Nirmala Sitharaman

SNIPPETS

China confirms offer to SL of debt moratorium

BEIJING, FEB 3 (AP):

China’s government on Friday confirmed it is offering Sri Lanka a twoyear moratorium on loan repayments as the Indian Ocean island nation struggles to restructure USD 51 billion in foreign debt that pushed it into a financial crisis.

China lent to Sri Lanka as part of Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative to increase trade by building ports and other infrastructure across Asia and Africa.

UK man admits treason against queen

LONDON, FEB 3 (AP):

A man who was arrested on the grounds of Windsor Castle with a loaded crossbow pleaded guilty to treason on Friday for planning to attack Queen Elizabeth II. Jaswant

Singh Chail, 21, admitted to a charge under the Treason Act of intending to “injure the person of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, or to alarm her Majesty.” He also pleaded guilty to making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon.

Former Kenyan policeman sentenced to death for murder

NAIROBI, FEB 3 (AP):

A Kenyan former policeman was sentenced to death on Friday for the murder of a human rights lawyer, his client and a taxi driver.

Frederick Leliman and three others were convicted of carrying out the murders in 2016, in one of a series of cases of alleged police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.

21 killed in attack by South Sudanese

JUBA, FEB 3 (AGENCIES): At least 21 people have been killed in a cattle raid in South Sudan on the eve of a visit by Pope Francis to encourage peace in the conflictridden country, local authorities said, reports AFP.

On Thursday, armed herders killed 21 civilians in a reprisal attack on a rival cattle camp in KajoKeji County of Central Equatoria, the county commissioner’s office said.

China, US tensions rise over suspected Chinese spy balloon

BEIJING, FEB 3 (AP):

The U.S. was tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon spotted over American airspace, and China said Friday that it would look into those reports, as the discovery further strained already tense relations between Beijing and Washington.

The Pentagon decided not to shoot down the balloon, which was potentially flying over sensitive sites, because of concerns of hurting people on the ground. The news came as U.S.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was expected to make his first trip to Beijing this weekend. The visit has not been formally announced, and it was not immediately clear if the balloon’s discovery would affect his travel plans.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she had no information on the trip. But she said China has “no intention of violating the territory and airspace of any sovereign country” and urged calm while the facts are established.

Blinken would be the highest-ranking member of President Joe Biden’s administration to visit China, on a mission to mitigate a

Drought causes over $1bn production losses in Uruguay

MONTEVIDEO, FEB 3 (IANS): Drought in Uruguay has had a “direct impact” on farming production, causing about $1.17 billion in losses or 1.9 per cent of the country’s GDP, the Agriculture Ministry said. A breakdown showed agriculture suffered losses of $490 million, livestock $440 million and dairy $100 million, reports Xinhua news agency. The figure was a preliminary estimate up for review, agriculture minister Fernando Mattos said, adding that the government has taken steps to alleviate the situation. He called for more structural measures regarding water use for production and consumption. Since 2018, Uruguay has been affected by drought across several agricultural areas, and since the beginning of this year, the situation is worsening following the lack of rainfall across most parts of the country.

sharp downturn in relations between the countries amid trade disputes and concerns about Beijing’s increasingly aggressive stance toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

A senior American defense official told Pentagon reporters Thursday that the U.S. has “very high confidence” that the object spotted over U.S. airspace in recent days was a Chinese high-altitude balloon and

France, Israel agree to deepen strategic partnership

that it was flying over sensitive sites to collect information. One of the places the balloon was spotted was Montana, which is home to one of the nation’s three nuclear missile silo fields at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information.

The defense official said the U.S. has assessed that the balloon has “limited” value in terms of providing intelligence that couldn’t be obtained by other technologies, such as spy satellites.

It was not clear what will happen with the balloon if it isn’t brought down. Mao said China was working to understand the situation in the hopes “that both sides can handle this together calmly and carefully.”

US to send Ukraine longer-range bombs in latest turnaround

WASHINGTON, FEB 3 (AP):

After months of agonizing, the U.S has agreed to send longer-range bombs to Ukraine as it prepares to launch a spring offensive to retake territory Russia captured last year, U.S. officials said Thursday, confirming that the new weapons will have roughly double the range of any other offensive weapon provided by America. The U.S. will provide groundlaunched small diameter bombs as part of a $2.17 billion aid package it is expected to announce Friday, several U.S. officials said. The package also for the first time includes equipment to connect all the different air defense systems Western allies have rushed to the battle-

field and integrate them into Kviv’s own air defenses, to help them better defend against Russia’s continued missile attacks.

For months, U.S. officials have hesitated to send longer-range systems to Ukraine out of concern that they would be used to target inside Russia, escalating the conflict and drawing the U.S. deeper in.

The longer-range bombs are the latest advanced system, such as Abrams tanks and the Patriot missile defense system, that the U.S. has eventually agreed to provide Ukraine after initially saying no. U.S. officials, though, have continued to reject Ukraine’s requests for fighter jets.

ASEAN foreign ministers meet amid Myanmar crisis

JAKARTA, FEB 3 (AP): Southeast Asian foreign ministers met in Indonesia’s capital on Friday for talks overshadowed by the deteriorating situation in military-ruled Myanmar despite an agenda focused on food and energy security and cooperation in finance and health. Myanmar belongs to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but the annual ministers’ retreat is being held in Jakarta without its foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin. His forced absence is a result of Myanmar’s lack of cooperation in implementing a five-step agree-

IMF giving ‘tough time’ during talks for loan restoration: Pak PM

ISLAMABAD, FEB 3 (PTI): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was giving a “tough time” to the government during talks for the restoration of the loan. The IMF mission led by Nathan Porter began talks on January 31 with the Pakistan side headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for the ninth review of the USD 7 billion assistance package. The prime minister made his remarks while addressing an Apex Committee meeting in Peshawar. The committee is the highest provincial body to deal with militancy. While talking about the security situation, Sharif highlighted the economic challenges faced by the country and said that the “situation is in front of the entire nation”.

Press r elease

This is for the information of the general public of Nagaland that I, shri Thongwang, sitting MLA do hereby resign from the membership of the NDPP and has decided to join JDU Nagaland to strengthen the hands of Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister and future Prime Minister of India and Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble President, JDU as well as Senchumo Nsn Lotha, State President, JDU. sD/THONGWaNG Mla

wC-23/23

OFFICE OF THE IPHONUMI STUDENTS' UNION

P. O. Pughoboto, Dist., Zunheboto FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Bohoto Sema, S/o Late Yevito Yeptho of Iphonumi on being promoted to Assistant Headmaster/JEO, Dept. of School Education, Govt. of Nagaland.

The union further wishes him good health and success in his future endeavours.

ASEAN foreign ministers met in Indonesia’s capital on Friday. ment made in 2021 between ASEAN leaders and Myanmar’s military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

In the agreement, Myanmar’s military leaders promised to allow a special ASEAN envoy to meet with jailed ousted leader Aung

San Suu Kyi and others to foster dialogue aimed at easing the crisis, set off by the military’s seizure of power two years ago. Last year, when ASEAN was chaired by Cambodia, Min Aung Hlaing was not invited to the November

DECLARATION

meeting of ASEAN leaders after Myanmar declined to let an ASEAN envoy meet with Suu Kyi. Analysts said the military takeover in Myanmar loomed large over the foreign ministers’ meeting, even as Indonesia, the chair of ASEAN this year, seeks to dampen concerns that the issue will hold the bloc “hostage.” Kicking off the country’s turn as chair of the regional bloc, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said late last month that ASEAN will continue contributing to making IndoPacific a peaceful and stable region and maintaining regional economic growth.

PARIS, FEB 3 (IANS): French President Emmanuel Macron and visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries and strengthen bilateral relationship in all areas, the Elysee said in a statement on Friday.

During a working dinner on Thursday night, Macron said Netanyahu choosing France as his first visit outside the Middle East since his appointment as Israeli Prime Minister shows the “closeness” between the two countries and the two people, Xinhua news agency reported citing the statement.

The two leaders hailed the quality of bilateral relations and exchanged views over issues of mutual concern, the Elysee noted. According to the the statement, Macron ex -

French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. pressed his concern about the current situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories, stressing the importance of avoiding any measure likely to fuel violence.

The French President also said that he is ready to contribute to the resumption of dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians for a political process toward a solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of both sides. In a separate state -

ment, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders also discussed the need to maintain regional stability, especially in Lebanon, and opportunities to expand the circle of peace.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu also called for imposing significant sanctions on the Iranian regime and for the Revolutionary Guards to be included on the EU terrorism list” the PMO statement said.

EU officials hold Kyiv talks in show of support for Ukraine

said. Their 70-year-old father was hospitalized with unspecified injuries.

Also, 18 apartment buildings, two hospitals and a school were damaged in a Russian attack in the eastern city of Kramatorsk on Thursday, injuring six, Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko told Ukrainian TV. Three people died when a Russian missile hit an apartment building in that city on Wednesday.

KYIV, FEB 3 (AP): Top European Union officials were due to meet Friday in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a show of support for the country as it battles to counter Russia’s invasion and strives to join the EU as well as NATO.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, as well as 15 European commissioners, traveled to the Ukrainian capital for what they described as a summit meeting..

“There will be no let-up in our resolve,” Michel said in a tweet on his apparent arrival in Kyiv. “We will also support (Ukraine) every step of the way on your journey to the EU.” The high-level visit came as Ukrainian authorities reported that at least six civilians were killed and 20 others were injured over the previous 24 hours.

Among the dead were two brothers, ages 49 and 42, killed when Russian shelling destroyed an apartment block in the northeastern Kharkiv region, Ukraine’s presidential office

EU assistance for Ukraine has reached almost 50 billion euros ($55 billion) since the fighting started, according to EU officials.

The EU is providing Ukraine with financial and humanitarian aid, among other things. It also plans to adopt a 10th package of sanctions again Russia in the coming weeks. The EU has also announced it’s ramping up its military training mission for Ukraine, from an initial target of pushing 15,000 troops through the schooling to up to 30,000 troops. One focus is to train the crews of tanks that Western countries have offered Ukraine.

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMEN FEDERATION

DIMAPUR - 797112 : NAGALAND Regd. No.-HOME/SRC-7021, Dated 31/10/2016

Motto : "To Promote Unity & Harmony" E-Mail : duccfn@gmail.com

Date : 02/02/2023

The BJP Molungkimong Unit under 30th Alongtaki AC have stood with our Hon’ble Minister and President of BJP Nagaland, Shri Temjen Imna Along for the last five years.

He has misled the Party with constant lies and promises during the last five years and still continues to elude the party despite repeated warnings. The Party has always been neglected and all the political programmes are initiated without the consent of the party.

Hence the party has lost its confidence in him, therefore the BJP Molungkimong Unit office bearers along with all the Executive members have unanimously decided to dissolve the Party office with immediate effect.

Ref. No. DUCCF-INFO-001-2023

The Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation- Consisting of 23 wards and 97 Colonies had its General meeting on Date- 02-02-2023 at Lengrijan Council Hall. The General Body approved the name's selected by the Nominating Committee- Order vide No. MFO-DUCCF-0010-2022. The Name's of the new office bearers for the tenure (2023 – 2025) of the DUCCF- Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation are:-

1. President ---------------------------------------- Zasivikho Zakiesato (Chairman- Naga Colony & Zakiesato Colony)

2. Vice President ----------------------------------- Tongzuk Pongen (Chairman- Lake View Colony)

3. Vice President ----------------------------------- Wojamo Yanthan (Chairman- Duncan Colony)

4. Vice President ------------------------------------ Vikheto Chisho (Chairman- Supply Colony)

5. General Secretary ------------------------------- Arep Changkija (Chairman- Fellowship Colony)

6. Asst. General Secretary ------------------------ Bokato Wotsa (Chairman- Xuvihe Colony)

7. Information & Publicity Secretary --- Kevipietsu (Ron) Savino (Chairman- Vilhume Colony)

8. Asst. Information & Publicity Secretary------ Kosi Rao (Chairman- United North Block - A)

9. Asst. Information & Publicity Secretary - Teisovinuo Lotha (Chairperson- Public Ground Colony)

10. Finance Secretary ------------------------------- Akuzo Zeliang (Chairman- ErosLine Colony)

11. Asst. Finance Secretary ------------------------- Vikiye Swu (Chairman- Niu Colony)

12. Treasure ------------------------------------------- Renathung Ezung (Chairman- Lotha Colony)

(Mughabo Swu) President Gen. Secretary K-253/23

(Kito Swu)

A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. (AP)

Ursula von der Leyen with a Ukrainian flag and Zelenskyy during the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday. (AP)

Telugu film legend K. Vishwanath passes away

Legendary Telugu filmmaker K. Vishwanath, who also acted in some Tamil films, has passed away. He was 92.

Vishanath breathed his last at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad late Thursday. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.

The Dadasaheb Phalke awardee and five-time national award winner was suffering from age-related ailments. He will be cremated on Friday.

Born on February 19, 1930 in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district, he directed over 50 films.

Vishwanath was popular for iconic films such as Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Swathi Muthyam and Swarna Kamalam. He also acted in Tamil movies like Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Rajapattai, Lingaa and Uttama Villain and shared screen space with the likes of Kamal Haasan, R. Parthiban and Ajith.

In 1992, he was awarded the Padma Shri and in 2016 he was conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honour in India for the film industry. In a career spanning over four decades, he also

won the Filmfare awards eight times. He also acted in over two dozen films across Telugu and Tamil industries.

Vishwanath began his career as an audiographer for Vauhini Studios in Madras. He later started filmmaking career under Adurthi Subba Rao and worked as an assistant director on 1951 Telugu film Pathala Bhairavi.

He made his directorial debut with Aatma Gowravam (1965), which went on to bag the state Nandi award for best feature film.

Vishawanath became a national phenomenon with his award-winning classic Telugu film Sankarabharanam (1980). It proved a huge hit and is still considered to be one of his

Smartphone app may help spot stroke symptoms as they occur

Anew smartphone application may help people who are having a stroke or their family and caregivers recognise common stroke symptoms in real time, prompting them to quickly call healthcare providers.

Called FAST.AI, the app might be as accurate at diagnosing stroke as a neurologist, which may minimise the long-term effects of a stroke and improve chances for a full recovery, preliminary research suggests.

Shania Twain drops new album ‘Queen of Me’

Grammy Awardwinning country music artiste Shania Twain released her new album, “Queen of Me” on Friday. The record is a limitless expression of pop that allows it to sit comfortably next to her many chart successors, enshrining it as an upbeat, playful, and joyous album.

best works.

Sankarabharanam, which spoke about the gap between Carnatic music and Western music based on the perspective of people from two different generations, won four National awards. It was later remade as Sur Sangam in Hindi, also directed by Vishwanath.

It was on February 2, 1980 that Sankarabharanam was released and he breathed his last on the same day in 2023.

He subsequently made many films that had art, especially music as their backdrop. These include Sagara Sangamam, Swati Kiranam, Swarna Kamalam, Sruthilayalu and Swarabhishekam.

FAST.AI is a fully automated smartphone application for detection of severe stroke using machine learning algorithms to recognise facial asymmetry (drooping of the muscles in the face), arm weakness and speech changes -- all common stroke symptoms.

The smartphone application uses a facial video of the patient to examine 68 facial landmark points; sensors that measure arm movement and orientation; and voice recordings detect speech changes. Information from each test was sent to a database server for analysis.

“Early results confirm the app reliably identified acute stroke symptoms as

Researchers develop device to detect brain tumour through urine

accurately as a neurologist, and they will help to improve the app’s accuracy in detecting signs and symptoms of stroke,” said study author Radoslav I. Raychev, a clinical professor of neurology and a vascular neurologist at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Researchers validated FAST.AI’s performance by testing nearly 270 patients with a diagnosis of acute stroke within 72 hours of hospital admission at four major metropolitan stroke centres from July 2021 to July 2022.

Neurologists who examined the patients tested the app then compared the FAST.AI results with their clinical impressions.

The analysis found that the smart phone app accurately detected strokeassociated facial asymmetry in nearly 100 per cent of patients.

The album is sonically inspired by ‘70s and ‘80s funk and rock - just like the sounds she grew up with and considered her heroes. It’s a departure from the past and a strident step into an ever-improving future.

The album consists of 12 new tracks. In the stand-out friendship anthem “Best Friend’, Shania affectionately gushes over her closest confidant as she emphasises “you always take the blame and you know I’d do the same for you. No matter what, yeah I got you, and I know that you got me.”

The LP represents a deep and dynamic creative statement from this iconic voice - from the energetic opener “Giddy Up!” through the empowered title track “Queen of Me”, and the passionate finale “The Hardest Stone” - which was produced by Tyler Joseph.

To celebrate this next era in style, Shania will also embark on a global “Queen of Me” Tour, produced by Live Nation. The tour marks the first time fans around the world will get to see the queen in all of her glory in nearly five years, following a highly successful Vegas residency run. Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Breland, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block, Mickey Guyton, Lily Rose, Talk,

and Tenille Townes will be joining Shania on select dates throughout the tour.

“The Queen of Me” Tour kicks off on Friday, April 28 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA and makes stops across North America and Europe in Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Dublin, and more before wrapping up on November 14 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. (IANS)

Ateam of researchers in Japan have developed a new device to identify a key membrane protein in the urine that indicates if the patient has a brain tumour.

A research group led by Associate Professor Takao Yasui and Professor Yoshinobu Baba of Japan-based Nagoya University in collaboration with the University of Tokyo has developed a new analysis platform for brain tumour EVs using nanowires at the bottom of a well plate. They used this device to identify two types of extracellular vesicle (EV) membrane proteins known as CD31 and CD63 in urine samples from brain tumour patients. Doctors may be able to identify tumour patients before they develop symptoms if they look for these tell-tale proteins.

The presence of tumour-related extracellular vesicles (EVs) in a person’s

urine is one possible sign that they have a brain tumour. EVs are nanoparticles that perform a variety of

YEMHI

(With

functions, including cell-tocell communication. “Currently, EV isolation and detection methods require more than two instruments and an assay to isolate and then detect EVs,” said Yasui. Moreover, the researchers believe that the key membrane protein present in the urine could be used to detect brain cancer, eliminating the need for invasive tests and increasing the likelihood of tumours being detected early enough for surgery.

“Liquid biopsy can be performed using many body

DIPLOMA (1 Year Course)

fluids, but blood tests are invasive,” Yasui said. “Urine tests are an effective, simple, and noninvasive method because the urine contains many informative biomolecules that can be traced back to identify the disease,” he added. (IANS)

Keltomi Phuthemi Kuposhukulu and GBs with immense pride and honour would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Kiyekhu P. Yepthomi of Kuhuboto Town for being chosen as President Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) Council.

May God guide in your future endeavours.

Frolic Cup: Sirhima FC, Fury FC, Ton FC progress

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN):

Sirhima FC, Fury FC Molvom and Ton FC Molvom have progressed to the next round after winning their respective matches at the ongoing 8th Frolic Cup at Medziphema local ground on Friday.

Sirhima FC defeated Dolphin FC 2-1. Dolphin FC succumbed to Sirhima FC despite the lead in the 6th minute when the shot from Kikrukhrieto found the net. The joy was short lived when the score was equalized in the 10th minute by Sehgoulen. The lead was further extended in the 28th minute by Sehgoulen. The second half witnessed a trilling contest, however

Dolphin FC failed to make any breakthrough and had to concede defeat.

Th e afternoon match witnessed a dominating display Fury FC Molvom

thrashed Sechü Zubza Academy 5-1. Surhosul of Fury FC scored hat-trick in the 7th, 25th and 48th minutes, while teammates Thanglenhao and Thulunso

scored in the 30th and 35th minutes respectively which took the game out of reach for the SZA. The solitary goal for SZA came in 37th minute from the boot of

Kyrgios avoids conviction as he admits assaulting ex-GF

CANBERRA, FEB 3

(IANS): Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios admitted assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2021 and has had assault charges dismissed by the magistrate.

Kyrgios appeared in front of ACT magistrates court on Friday and pled guilty after his lawyers failed to have the charge dismissed on mental health grounds.

The magistrate Beth Campbell dismissed the charges, accepting the seriousness of the matter was a “low-level” and called the

are

incident “a single act of stupidity or frustration”. The Australian player was charged with a latenight incident on January

Gavaskar tells Lakshya Sen

10, 2021, where he pushed over his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari following an argument outside her apartment in the inner-city Canberra suburb of Kingston.

Passari reported the incident to the police the next month but did not make a formal complaint. The couple reconciled and resumed a relationship, but after they broke up, Passari made a formal complaint in December 2021. After pleading guilty to the charges, Kyrgios issued a statement, “I respect today’s ruling and

Praneeth loses in Thailand Open quarterfinals

BANGKOK, FEB 3 (PTI):

Mhaphruovito Rhatu.

Ton FC Molvom blanked Kuki Youth & Students Union in the evening match 4-0. Despite a game equal attack and defending, the KYSUM were found wanting in converting the opportunity. Ton FC took away the game with 4 goals, through the boots of Henkhohao 7th minute, Jangvanglen 9th minute, Ngamlensang 25th minute and Henkhao 51st minute.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES

Chester United Vs MVYO - 7:30 am Amigos FC vs Sirhima FC - 1 pm VFA FC vs FURY FC - 3 pm

I am grateful to the court for dismissing the charges without conviction,” he wrote in an Instagram story.”

“I was not in a good place when this happened and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret. I know it wasn’t OK and I am sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused.

“Mental health is tough. Life can seem overwhelming. But I have found that getting help and working on myself has allowed me to feel better,” the statement further read.

Indian shuttler B Sai Praneeth’s impressive run came to an end after he went down fighting to China’s world number 23 Li Shi Feng in the men’s singles quarterfinals of the Thailand Open Super 300 badminton here on Friday. Praneeth, who had competed at the Tokyo Olympics, blew a substantial lead of 15-10 in the opening game to lose 17-21 23-21 1821 to bring down curtains on India’s campaign here. On a comeback trail, Praneeth, who has been battling with fitness issues in a forgettable 2022, erased a 2-4 early deficit to jump to a healthy 11-7 advantage at the break. The momentum shifted after the interval

with the Chinese dominating the rallies to narrow the gap to 14-15. He reeled off five straight points to move ahead and then sealed the issue comfortably. In the second game, Praneeth fought back from 3-6 to move to 9-9 but then Li zoomed to 1610. The Indian then slowly started making a comeback

and roared back into contest when his rival went to net. In the decider, Li jumped to a six-point lead at 18-12 after an initial battle. Praneeth again dug deep to bring it down to 18-19 before a backhand return to net handed two match points to the Chinese, who sealed it with a smash.

NEW DELHI, FEB

(PTI): A star-struck Lakshya Sen couldn’t believe his eyes when the legendary Sunil Gavaskar dropped in at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bengaluru to meet him and the youngsters. The 73-year-old Gavaskar, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning cricket team, paid a visit to the academy during a regular trip to the city on Thursday.

“He had a meeting in Bengaluru and decided to meet the young aspiring kids of the academy. Badminton and cricket are two of his favourite sports. He was here with us for about an hour,” Vimal Kumar, co-founder, director and chief coach of the PPBA, told PTI. Gavaskar later posted a picture with Lakshya Sen on Instagram and captioned it: “My new

3

badminton hero Lakshya Sen, after the one and only Prakash Padukone.”

The legendary cricketer had hailed Padukone several times while doing cricket commentary over the years, saying he is one of India’s greatest sportspersons.

Sen, who has been one of India’s most prolific sportspersons in 2022, said he was too star stuck to react. “It feels good to hear such things from such big personalities. Honestly, I was too star stuck to react,” Sen told PTI. The 21-year-old from Almora won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the India Open Super 500. He was also a member of the historic Thomas Cup win. He also won silver at the All England Championships and is also the winner of the 2021 World Championships bronze medal.

Gurpreet Singh extends Bengaluru FC stay till 2028

BENGALURU, FEB 3

(IANS): Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has extended his stay with the Bengaluru FC till 2028, the Indian Super League (ISL) club announced on Friday.

“Bengaluru FC have secured the long-term presence of goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu between their sticks as the custodian has put pen to paper on a five-year contract that will keep him at the club till 2028,” read the club’s official release. The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper took to Twitter to express his delight at extending his stay with the Blues and said:

“What’s a second five-year stint with the same football club in India? Unthinkable? Unprecedented? Unorthodox? Unreal? Then again, when have we been

fans of the ordinary?”

The 31-year-old who joined the club in 2017 after becoming the first Indian player to play in the UEFA Europa League at Norway’s Stabaek FC has been a mainstay in Bengaluru FC’s starting XI since and has gone from strength to strength also making the starting spot in the Indian national team his own.

During this time with Bengaluru FC, Sandhu has won three trophies which include the Indian Super League (ISL) title in 2018-19, the Super Cup in 2018 and most recently the Durand Cup in 2022.

Sandhu has made 108 appearances in the Hero ISL and only Amrinder Singh is the other goalkeeper to have featured more in the Indian top-flight.

You

my new hero:

Match in action between Fury FC Molvom and Sechü Zubza Academy.

Nick Kyrgios

Sunil Gavaskar and Lakshya Sen.

B Sai Praneeth

SAFF U-20 Women: India trounce Bhutan 12-0

DHAKA, FEB 3 (IANS): Three hat-tricks by as many substitutes helped India U-20 women’s football team trounce Bhutan 12-0 in their opening match of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship at the Mostafa Kamal Stadium, here on Friday.

Messers Neha, Anita Kumari, and Lynda Kom, netted three goals each after coming off the bench, as the Young Tigresses completed the demolition job, one for which they have thoroughly trained in Chennai.

India looked to get on the attack from the very first minute, looking to use their pacey wingers to get behind the Bhutanese defence. However, it took their attackers a while to get a read on Bhutan’s offside trap, before they could score.

The likes of Nitu Linda, Sumati Kumari, and Apurna Narzary were often caught offside as they made their runs behind the opposition defence. It was Kajol Dsouza, who first beat the defence, as she latched on to a ball in the opposition third, drove her way into the Bhutan box, and squared it for Apurna, who poked it past a hapless Bhutan keeper.

India head coach Maymol Rocky made an early change, bringing on Neha

in place of Sumati Kumari, and India soon doubled their lead. Apurna was again in the thick of things as she beat Bhutan keeper Norbu Zangmo, and calmly put it into the back of the net.

Substitute Neha soon made her mark on the game as she zipped into the box from the left and sent in a low cross for Nitu Linda to tap it in, after the latter missed a similar open goal just minutes earlier.

Neha turned scorer two minutes into the first half added time, as she produced an amazing individ-

ual effort that meant India took a four goal lead into the tunnel at the breather. The Young Tigresses picked up where they had left off in the second half, when Sunita Munda and Anita Kumari also came on to join the fray. It did not take the latter much time to put her own name on the scoresheet, as she tapped a cross by Neha into the net just five minutes into the second half. Another five minutes later, Anita turned provider, feeding a low cross to Neha, who duly obliged for the sixth. With 30 minutes left on the clock,

Lionel Messi open to playing in 2026 WC

ing to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going.” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni would love to see the superstar -- who is one of only six players to compete in five World Cups -- suit up for the next World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

India rise to No. 3 in IBA’s world boxing

Lionel Messi

LONDON, FEB 3 (AGENCIES): After hoisting his first World Cup trophy with Argentina in December, Lionel Messi said that tournament would be his last, but now it appears he’s open to the possibility of playing in the

2026 event.

“Because of age it’ll be difficult to make 2026,” Messi, 35, told Diario Ole, a sports newspaper in Argentina. “I love playing football and while I feel like I’m in good shape and enjoying this, I’m go-

Nearly 40 nations may boycott 2024 Olympics: Poland minister

Last week, the IOC announced it would “explore a pathway” to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in Paris under a neutral flag, citing that “no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport”.

“I think Messi can make it to the next World Cup,” Scaloni told Spanish radio Calvia FM last month. “It will depend a lot on what he wants and what happens over time, that he feels good. The doors will always be open. He is happy on the pitch, and for us (it) would be good.”

After scoring seven goals in the 2022 World Cup, Messi could become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer if he suits up in 2026. He has 13 goals, three behind recordholder Miroslav Klose of Germany.

Maymol introduced Lynda Kom and Tania Kanti into the game, and the former immediately scored India’s seventh goal of the game off an Anita cross. Lynda scored her second just two minutes later, this time it was Neha with the assist.

Anita Kumari used her pace to get behind the Bhutan defence and calmly slotted it past the keeper to score her second with just a little over 20 minutes of regulation time left on the clock. Lynda Kom completed her hat-trick with 15 minutes left, when Anita

ISL final to be held on March 18

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (PTI): The summit clash of this season’s Indian Super League (ISL) will be held on March 18, the organisers announced on Friday. The two one-leg play-off matches between the fourth and fifthplace teams and the third and sixth-place sides after the end of the league stage will be played on March 3 and 4 respectively. The third and fourth-place teams will host the matches. The four home-and-away semifinal matches will be played on Under the new format, the top two teams at the end of the league stage will automatically qualify for the semi-finals. The teams finishing between third and sixth will feature in a singleleg play-off to determine the other two semi-finalists. The venue of the final will be announced later. Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC have already qualified for the next round with fierce battles underway for the remaining four spots.

intercepted a clearance by the keeper and passed to the former, who was calm enough to poke it home. Anita completed her own hat-trick minutes later, when she broke free on the right, entered the box and slit it between the keeper and the near post. Babina Lisham was brought on in the dying stages in place of Kajol, and she soon set Anita on her way on the right. The speedy winger darted into the box and sent it in for Neha, who completed her own hattrick, to wrap-up the match 12-0 in her side’s favour. Neha, who came on as a substitute in the 31st minute, said, “It feels great, especially because this was the first time I scored in national team colours, and it was a hat-trick. I also quite enjoyed assisting my teammates as well. However, we need to now focus on the next game.” Anita Kumari, who came on in the second half, said, “Our team played really well today. All the girls worked very hard, and that is why we got this result today. If we keep putting in the effort, I am sure we will reach the final and win it as well.” India will next play hosts Bangladesh at the Mostafa Kamal Stadium on Sunday, February 5.

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (IANS): India continue to take rapid strides in the boxing world as the country jumped to the third spot in the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) latest world ranking.

The exceptional performances from its boxers saw India accumulate 36,300 ranking points, only behind Kaz akhstan (48,100) and Uzbekistan (37,600).

They have also surpassed top boxing powerhouse nations including countries like the USA and Cuba, which are ranked fourth and ninth respectively in the current standings. “This is a milestone

moment for India, BFI, its boxers and all the fans out there. From the 44th position a few years ago to the third, Indian boxing has taken a giant leap. BFI has been working hard to fulfil the mission of making India a boxing powerhouse and it has ensured the best facilities for players across all age groups, helping them build confidence with regular state and national championships, foreign exposure trips and necessary support systems,” said Ajay Singh, President of Boxing Federation of India.

“This ranking indicates India’s rapid growth as a boxing nation and also

shows its strong position in the world which has been built over the last few years in a focused manner,” said the BFI president.

Indian boxing has witnessed an unprecedented rise in recent years with the teams consistently finishing amongst the top 5 countries at global multination tournaments such as World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. In the last two editions of the Commonwealth Games (CWG), Indian boxers have won an unprecedented 16 medals and Indian Boxers have had 140 medals to their names since 2008 in top international events.

Since 2016, Indian boxers have won 16 Elite World Championships medals across men’s and women’s categories.

BFI has also hosted several big-ticket international events in the country and from March 15 to 26, they will organise the prestigious Women’s World Boxing Championships for the third time in India.

India’s excellent show has also extended to the junior and youth level with 22 medals from the last two Youth World Championships indicating at a shining future for Indian boxing.

La Liga: Real earn comfortable win over Valencia

the Valencia net deep into first-half injury time, but the goal was disallowed for a clear foul from Karim Benzema on Yunus Musah. The first half had been one-way traffic, with Valencia failing to muster a single shot in the opening 45 minutes.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema in action with Valencia’s Gabriel Paulista. (Reuters)

MADRID (SPAIN), FEB

3 (IANS): Real Madrid moved back to within five points of La Liga leaders FC Barcelona after a 2-0 win at home to Valencia.

Real Madrid were always on top of a side that parted ways with coach Gennaro Gattuso on Monday, with stand-in coach

‘Voro’ Gonzalez unable to produce a reaction. The first half of the match played on Thursday night saw Real Madrid totally dominate after 15 minutes in which the visitors were able to control the ball without being put under excessive pressure. Carlo Ancelotti’s side took control

ISL: East Bengal beat Kerala Blasters 2-1

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (IANS): Poland’s sport and tourism minister Kamil Bortniczuk has said that nearly 40 countries could boycott the Paris Olympics to make the holding of the Games “pointless”.

Bortniczuk said he believed it would be possible to build a coalition of 40 countries, including Great Britain, the United States and Canada, to support a block on the IOC’s plans before a meeting on 10 February, BBC reported.

“Considering this I don’t think we will face tough decisions before the Olympics and, if we were to boycott the Games, the coalition we will be a part of will be broad enough to make holding the Games pointless,” he added:

As a result, Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Olympic Games if such things happen.

On Thursday, Baltic states -- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania -- and Poland jointly condemned the IOC’s call for allowing athletes of the aggressor countries, Russia and Belarus, into international competitions saying that it will legitimise and distract attention from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The sports ministers from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland said that “allowing Russians and Belarusians to return to the international competitions could also put athletes in a difficult position and under extra pressure by competing against Russians and Belarusians or facing them and their supporters at sports events.”

KOLKATA, FEB 3

(AGENCIES): East Bengal overcame Kerala Blasters’ challenge to register a 1-0 win in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Friday. The Blasters started strong, looking to carve their opponents open. Rahul KP had two excellent chances to open the scoring, the first coming from a corner, where he arrived late into the box. He then fired a shot inside the box that blazed over the bar.

After a period of sustained pressure, the game became cagey with the midfield getting heavily contested. The away side dominated possession and looked threatening, with Dimitrios Diamantakos’ movement posing trouble for East Bengal’s defense. Their best chances, however, came from set pieces, with Victor Mongil and Adrian Luna testing the keeper from corners. Towards the end of the half, the Red and Gold Brigade shifted gears, with Suhair

VP putting the ball into the net. But his goal was chalked out as he was deemed to be in an offside position. Just a couple of minutes after the offside call, Karanjit Singh expertly bailed out the Blasters twice from Cleiton Silva’s efforts. The deadlock was yet to be broken in a tightly contested first half.

East Bengal continued where they left off in the first half. Cleiton Silva was once again at the heart of it as he pounced on Hormipam’s poor touch in the box,

but he once again failed to convert it. Kerala Blasters then had their best chance of the game when Rahul KP’s low cross found Apostolos Giannou. However, Kamaljit Singh was well positioned to deny him. Similar to the first half, the battle in midfield was feisty. Both sides were compact defensively and waited for the other to make mistakes. However, the Red and Gold Brigade broke the deadlock when they took the lead in the 77th minute through Silva.

Nishu Kumar failed to clear his lines, allowing Mahesh to seize the opportunity and charge forward. Silva then put the ball into the net from close range after a couple of deflections. With just ten minutes left, the Blasters pushed forward for an equalizer, but East Bengal were solid defensively and secured their second win at home this season. The result left Kerala Blasters in a spot of bother as they failed to close the gap on Hyderabad FC in second place. They remain third with 28 points to their name, but ATK Mohun Bagan could climb past them with a victory against Bengaluru FC on Sunday (February 5).

of the ball but failed to create many clear-cut chances. They also lost defender Eder Militao after a collision with Valencia winger Samuel Lino. Militao had to leave the game after 36 minutes and was replaced by Dani Carvajal, reports Xinhua news agency. Antonio Rudiger had the ball in

It was no surprise when Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 52nd minute. Marco Asensio, who had missed a couple of chances in the first half, rifled home with his left foot after an assist from Benzema. Vinicius Jr doubled Madrid’s lead two minutes later after another assist from Benzema. But the French striker set alarm bells ringing just six minutes later when he asked to be changed and was replaced by Rodrygo. This happened just two minutes after Valencia had been reduced to 10 men as Gabriel Paulista was sent off following a wild challenge on Vinicius Jr, which ended any chance the visitors had of taking anything from the game.

Joginder announces retirement from all forms of cricket

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (IANS): Fast bowler

Joginder Sharma, who registered his name in the minds of cricket fans after bowling India to victory in the inaugural Mens T20 World Cup in 2007, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. “Today with immense gratitude and humility I announce my retirement from all forms of International and domestic cricket. My journey from 2002 to 2017 has been the most wonderful years of my life, honour representing India level of sport,” he wrote in a letter addressed to BCCI secretary Jay Shah through his social media accounts on Friday.

Sharma had represented India in four ODIs and as many T20Is from 2004 to 2007, picking five wickets across both formats. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he represented Chennai Super Kings in the first four seasons, picking 12 wickets in 16 matches. But he is most remembered for his last-over heroics in the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan in Johannesburg. Tasked to bowl the final over by captain M.S. Dhoni in the match, Joginder had to

defend six runs off four balls with one wicket remaining. He then got Misbah-ul-Haq to miscue the scoop to S Sreesanth at short fine leg to help India win the final by five runs and lift the trophy, which is one of the most iconic moments in the history of Indian cricket.

“I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the BCCI wicket Association Chennai Super Kings and the Haryana government to all my teammates coaches Mentors and support staff absolute privilege to have played with you all for helping turn my dream into reality.”

“To all cricket fans that have supported me through the ups and downs of International sport: I will forever cherish the moments I spent with you all. Your support has always been a source of motivation for me.”

Match in action between India women’s U-20 team and Bhutan.

BFI president Ajay Singh with IBA president Umar Kremlev.

Cleiton Silva (10) of East Bengal FC takes a shot during the ISL match between East Bengal FC and Kerala Blasters FC, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, Friday. (PTI)

Kamil Bortniczuk

Joginder Sharma