30 Jan 2023

Nagaland Post

Nagas feel betrayed by BJP: JD (U) chief

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 29

(NPN): Janata Dal (United) national president and Lok Sabha MP, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said Nagas felt betrayed by BJP for not doing anything for the cause of Naga solution after having been in power in the State since 2018.

Addressing a gathering at the candidature declaration programme for Kitoho S Rotokha (5 Ghaspani II AC) at Dimapur Town Hall here on Sunday, he questioned the assurance given to Nagas by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last Assembly election.

He asked on what grounds BJP would be seeking votes when it had done nothing for resolving the Naga political issue, and appealed to all to question its leaders where was the solution. Lalan assured that if Nagas extended support

All-party meeting today ahead of Budget session

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(PTI): The government has called an all-party meeting on Monday, a day ahead of the start of the Budget Session of Parliament.

The customary meeting, called by Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi, is to be held at noon on January 30 in Parliament Annexe Building.

During the meeting, the government is expected to seek cooperation from all parties for the smooth running of Parliament.

Opposition parties are expected to raise matters of concern during the meeting and also highlight issues they plan to raise during the session.

In the afternoon, a meeting of NDA floor leaders will also be held to strategise floor cooperation.

The Budget Session will be held in two parts.

The session will begin with President of India Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament. Economic Survey will be tabled after the President’s address.

Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1. The Union Budget 2023-24 may be the last full budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The first part of the session will be held from January 31 and will go on till February 13.

Reach out to middle class, inform them about schemes, Modi tells ministers

Hegde highlighted the works of prominent socialist Jayprakash Narayan, who had visited Nagaland and worked for welfare of Nagas and helped in signing Cease Fire Agreement on September 6, 1964.

nance and developmental activities in Bihar, he claimed that his reason to contest in the election was to ensure employment opportunities to youth and women.

to JD(U) and enable it to have a say in the next government, peace would be restored in Nagaland.

Lalan further noted that the forthcoming election would be a deciding factor for Nagas to decide their future, assuring that JD (U) would fulfil its promises made to the people. He said whatever JD(U) promised would be executed, be it solution or whatever, and also claimed that his was the only party that could give solution and peace to Nagas.

Meanwhile, speaking on the achievements of

Bihar chief minister and JD (U) chief minister Nitish Kumar, Singh claimed that all promises made by him were fulfilled like electrification and tap water connection to all households across villages across Bihar.

He claimed that under the leadership of Nitish, Bihar had the distinction of having the largest number of women police personnel in India and added that the government there had reserved 35% government services for women.

In his brief address, Rajya Sabha member Anil

He also accused BJP of not fulfilling its promise of solution and remarked, “Root of instability in the State is the failure to resolve the Naga political issue.”

Referring to the demand for a separate State, he reiterated JD (U)’s stand for unity and not division of Nagaland. He however expressed concern over lack of development in eastern part of the State and stressed balanced development.

In his brief address, JD(U) intending candidate Kitoho S Rotokha acknowledged all his supporters, party workers and central leadership for reposing their trust and confidence on him.

Speaking on good gover -

“With or without winning the election, I have already started my work to provide employment to the youth and women,” he added.

JD (U) general secretary and party’s Northeast in-charge Afaque Ahmed Khan, former Bihar minister Sanjay Kumar Jha, State JD (U) president NSN Lotha and other State party leaders also addressed the gathering.

The programme was chaired by JD (U) State youth wing working president Anoto Swu, invocation offered by Nihoto Baptist Church pastor Mughalu Keyho and welcome address by JD (U) State youth wing vice-president Keneizelie Keyho.

Eastern Nagaland require special development focus: Dr. Jamir

KOHIMA, JAN 29 (ANI): Former Nagaland chief minister and former governor Dr SC Jamir on opined that the Eastern areas of Nagaland require special attention for development, which they lack in areas such as road communication, education and healthcare system.

In a talk with news agency ANI Sunday at his residence in Dimapur regarding the demand for a ‘Frontier Nagaland state’ comprising of eastern areas of the Nagaland, Jamir mentioned that formation of Nagaland was decided by the representatives of the then Tuensang Frontier Division and the then Naga

Hills of Assam comprising of all 16 tribes of Nagaland, “who thought of having a separate state of its own.”

In pursuance of the decision of all 16 tribes, the state of Nagaland was created through unification of Tuensang Frontier Division and the Naga Hills of

Assam. Dr Jamir pointed out that the eastern areas of Nagaland are going to be important in the coming days, when the Look East Policy or Act East Policy is fully matured. Therefore, “ we have to hasten the speed of development in those areas”, he said.

The veteran Naga politician pointed out that the eastern areas have remained unadministered for a very long time and that several issues need attention.

The veteran Naga leader recalled that the eastern areas were unadministered for a long period of time.

He said the eastern areas had a lot of problems in

Sumi Hoho, frontal organisations call for free and fair election

DIMAPUR, JAN 29

(NPN): Sümi Hoho (SH) and all frontal organisations have called upon all Sumi civil society organisations (CSOs) and Sümi churches to continue to propagate “Clean Election” for a free and fair election.

This was among several resolution adopted at the consultative meeting held on January 26 to deliberate on the issues pertaining to the upcoming State Assembly elections. The hoho and the frontal organizations also called upon the village councils,

colony councils and elders to fully cooperate with the law enforcing agencies and election officials for the smooth conduct and for free and fair election.

According to Sumi Hoho president I Nikheto Jimomi and general secretary Dr Vihuto Asumi, the meeting further resolved to strictly prohibit opening of camps and messes so as to avoid unwanted situations and maintain calm for free and fair election.

The house also entrusted and urged upon the Kükami (GBs), village coun-

cils and colony councils to implement the prohibition resolution and ensure its adherence. Meanwhile, Sumi Hoho, also highlighted about the flow of illegal substances. While appreciating Zunheboto district law enforcing agencies for checking flow of intoxicated substances into the district, the meeting appealed to the agencies to further intensify the drive and also monitor sale of such substances and stringently penalise as per law so as to maintain desirable election environment.

development, infrastructure, and administration. On the other hand, there has been significant development Mokokchung and Kohima districts, which were under the British administration, especially on the front of literacy. However, Tuensang Frontier Division (then under erstwhile NEFA) has remained isolated from the rest of the country. Dr. Jamir held the Nagaland government responsible for not paying enough attention to the matter. The former four time chief minister felt that the matter would have been best handled if the Nagaland government had taken up

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked Union ministers to reach out to the middle class with details of schemes which have benefitted it, sources said.

Chairing a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers here ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1, he said while government schemes have benefitted the poor and the marginalised, several initiatives have also been taken for the middle class that have made their life easier, the sources said. Modi wanted the Union ministers to carry facts while reaching out to the middle class with details of the initiatives which helped them in various ways. Hard copies of the presentations made during the meeting were given to the ministers to spread the message.

This was the first meeting of the Union Council of Ministers to be held in 2023.

As India marks 75 years of its Independence, the prime minister suggested that things and laws which were reminiscent of the British Raj be flagged and scrapped, the sources said.

Three presentations were made, including the one by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on the overall work done by the Modi government in its last eight years relating to the social and economic sectors.

Guaba’s presentation was a detailed one, emphasising on education and health sectors. A number of IITs, IIMs and IISs have been opened in far-flung areas of India, the cabinet secretary noted. Enrolment and retention of students have increased at all levels of education –primary, secondary and higher education, according to his presentation. Government school infrastructure both in terms of human and other resources have been transformed, he informed the meet. The number of undergraduate and postgraduate seats have gone up, benefitting students, he added. It may be mentioned that the Union Budget will be the last full-fledged budget of the Modi government before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections which could be announced sometime in March next year.

Odisha Health minister, shot at by policeman, succumbs to injuries

BHUBANESWAR, JAN

29 (AGENCIES): Odisha

Health minister Naba Das, who was shot at by a policeman during an event in Jharsuguda district on Sunday, succumbed to his injuries.

Naba Kishore Das was shot at by an assistant subinspector of police in Jharsuguda district. Das received bullet injuries to his chest and was rushed to hospital for treatment. He breathed his last at Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

The ASI, identified as Gopal Das, fired at least four to five bullets when Naba Das stepped out of his car,

WSKH reacts to NMA’s plea

DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (NPN): Reacting to Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) appeal to various political parties in the State to issue party tickets to women candidates in the upcoming election, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) said that such matter should be left to the political parties to decide.

In a joint statement, WSKH president Vikuto Achumi general secretary Shikavi Y Zhimomi while appreciating NMA for standing for the rights of Naga women in particular and Nagas in general, however, said that NMA as well as WSKH being a civil organization and not affiliated to any political organization/party “should not directly or indirectly get ourselves involved in party affairs”.

It said that issuing of party tickets to any intending candidates was a party matter which should be left to the political parties and civil society organizations should not get involved in political party affairs. WSKH said that such trends if allowed, would leave a bad precedent for the future generations.

NSCN (I-M) reaffirms stand on Framework Agreement

DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has asserted that nothing was more sacred for it than defending Naga national principles in safeguarding the Naga national identity.

NSCN (I-M) in its January 2023 bulletin editorial of the ‘Nagalim Voice’, stated this was the test of true revolutionary spirit and commitment to Naga national cause.

It said Nagas were today at the crossroads if the they could withstand the pressure that had been mounted under enticing slogan “Modi for peace and development”. However, NSCN (I-M) said that for

Says, nothing more sacred than safeguarding Naga national identity

the Nagas, Modi must first respect his own commitment to Framework Agreement in order to pave the way for peace and development. That was the starting point for Nagas’ pride and identity, it specified.

“Seven years ago we worked out the historic Framework Agreement with the Government of India based on the unique Naga

history and Naga national principle. Last year when the Indo-Naga political talks were going through rough patch with unpredictable situation, Emergency National Assembly was convened at GHQ, Naga Army whereby Naga National decision was taken to uphold and protect Naga unique history and Naga national principle at any cost and thereby to stand by the sanctity of the Framework Agreement that was signed on the foundation of respect for and recognition of the sovereignty of the two entities-Nagalim and India,” the bulletin stated.

According to NSCN

(I-M), this also signified that the sovereignty of Nagas was acknowledged in conjunction with Naga National flag and constitution. That being the case, NSCN (I-M) asserted that, come what may, it would stand the ground to defend the historical and political rights.

Therefore, it insisted that the line had to be drawn to identify what was sacrosanct, what was negotiable and what was not negotiable in order to avoid messing up the Naga political issue and undermine the sanctity of Indo-Naga political dialogue as established by Framework Agreement.

on his way to attend a meeting. The ASI was nabbed by locals, who then handed him over to the police. “I am shocked and distressed. He was an asset to the government and the party,” Odisha CM Naveen

Patnaik said. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and leaders across political spectrum mourned Naba Das’ demise. “Shocked and disturbed by the death of Shri Naba Kishore Das ji, Odisha Health minister, in a dastardly act of violence. My deepest condolences to his family and well wishers,” Murmu tweeted. “Saddened by the unfortunate demise of Minister in Odisha Government, Shri Naba Kishore Das Ji. Condolences to his family in this tragic hour. Om Shanti,” PM Modi tweeted.

RJD to contest 10 assembly seats

PATNA, JAN 29 (AGENCIES):

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has identified 10 assembly seats in Nagaland to contest the assembly election scheduled to be held on February 27, said party’s national general secretary Bhola Yadav, who along with state agriculture minister Kumar Sarvjeet returned on Friday after their two-day visit to assess the situation in the pollbound state, a TOI report stated.

The number of seats to contest may increase as some former ministers and strong candidates were in touch with RJD, Yadav told TOI over the phone. He said the scene will become clear on January 31, the day filing of nomination papers begins.

“We have analysed 32 seats on which RJD can contest,” said

Yadav, adding RJD national president Lalu Prasad was popular among the people there and several constituencies had natives of Bihar and Muslims would vote for them. He said, they had contested 25 seats in 2008 and secured 6.53% of the total votes cast.

“We lost six seats by less than 200 votes and four seats by less than 2000 votes. We got the status of national party then,” he said.

Yadav further said BJP and NDPP had planned to go solo, but formed alliance again. “Now, several former ministers and strong candidates are not getting BJP ticket and they are in our touch. We will increase the seats to contest as per the candidates,” he said.

RPP clarion call for change, to usher in ‘new Nagaland’

DIMAPUR,

JAN 29

(NPN): Rising People’s Party (RPP) has called upon the people of Nagaland, especially the youth, women and right-thinking leaders, to come forward to fight together for a “new Nagaland” and also pray and support its candidates contesting the upcoming Assembly elections.

In a communiqué, RPP stated that it believed that a public uprising of fresh new leaders with a tribal/ regional mindset was the only option for progress, development and safeguard-

ing people’s identity, culture, tradition and religious practices.

RPP recalled that it had appealed on numerous occasions to the people of Nagaland the importance of “electing honest and Godfearing candidates” and nominate such individuals from their respective constituencies to bring about true change that they all envisioned.

The party said that it stood on the belief that unless God-fearing young men and women rose to lead people, Nagaland would

remain the same for another five years and the change in the system everyone aspired for would continue to be just a mere dream.

RPP also thanked the people for putting their trust on its ideology as the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election drew nearer. It claimed that from day one of its inception it had been advocating good governance, rule of law, selfreliant economy, women & youth empowerment and clean election, while reaffirming its vision for a “New Nagaland.

Naba Kishore Das

Narendra Modi

Dr SC Jamir (File)

(C) Lalan Singh with party leaders addressing the gathering. (NP)

RRBCYD holds Spiritual Awakening prog

Kohima. Vediivo Medeo Youth Board chairman SBCC, in his greeting message encouraged the youths to uphold Christian values in the upcoming general election and cooperate with the Chakhesang Clean election movement initiated by CBCC.

Dr. Samuel Venuh called upon the youths to find their identity which was a gift from God and encouraged the youths to give their best and make a breakthrough through Christ the savior. He also urged the youths of RRBCYD to stand firm and united in Christ.

NEISSR organises skills building for social workers

DIMAPUR: North East Institute Of Social Science & Research (NEISSR), Dimapur organised a two-day, skills building for social workers at Peace Center, Chumoukedima from January 20 to 21. 113 social work students along with faculty members of NEISSR attended the program.

The orientation program was conducted by Dr. Jonas Richard A, Director, Centre for Life Skills Education (CLSE), Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru.

DIMAPUR: A three-day, Spiritual Awakening Programme under the theme “The Born Identity” was organised by Razeba Range Baptist Church Youth Department(RRBCYD) from January 27-29 at Razeba Town Baptist church. The programme was

attended by members from four villages namely Zhavame, Zelome, Tsiipfume and Razeba. The speakers for the programme were Rev Akha Shupao, pastor Zhavame BC, Dr. Samuel Venuh, vice-principal, Immanuel Theology & seminary, Chumoukedima,

Nangba Konyak, Director, Miracle healing Prayer ministry, Dimapur.

Resource persons for the Spiritual Awakening Programme were Dr. Viposa Kiso, director of Gethemgo International sports ministry, Rakodu Nukhu, Youth director CBCMH

DC Kohima cautions footpath encroachers

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner Kohima has prohibited storage and stockpiling, stacking, and placing of materials or goods by shops and business establishments on public footpaths permanent or temporary in and around Kohima town.

DC issued the order as

many road-adjacent shops in Kohima dealing with construction materials, tyres, vehicle repair workshops, Timber & Bamboo, Iron fabrication, Clothing, and accessories, etc. have encroached upon public footpaths by placing; storing; stacking, and stocking their products and goods

on the public footpaths and railings.

In this connection, DC warned that necessary action will be initiated against defaulters under Control of National Highways (Land & Traffic) Act, 2002” and Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants Act, 1971”.

Online registration for JNV selection

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung District, Shashank Pratap Singh has informed all concerned that the registration for the selection test to Class VI (Six) of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) will be done through Online Portal for which the link will be available on the

NVS website www.navodaya.gov.in.

The last date to apply will be January 31, 2023 and the selection test for the session 2023-2024 will be conducted on April 29. In this connection, DC has asked all concerned to take note of the registration and selection test dates.

Nangba Konyak in the closing service exhorted the delegates to live their life’s purpose, and walked away from corrupted lifestyle. A total of 280 delegates consisting of youth and church leaders registered for the Spiritual Awakening Programme.

In a press release, NEISSR Desk informed that Dr. Jonas in his presentation spoke on the 21st century skills such as soft skills, technical skills and professional skills. He also stressed on the importance of having the rights skills and attitude to become a successful social worker.

Dr Sherman Kuek, Professor of Theology and Dialogue, Christian Institute for Theological

Engagement(CHRISTE)

and convener of Splendor Project, Malaysia also gave a lecture on the importance of dialogue and a requisite skill for peace building. He said the world needs peace makers rather than peace keeper. He also spoke about the various dimensions of dialogue and the importance of adopting inclusive dialogue that affirms and

give space to understand and include different set of ideologies, faith and beliefs in a pluralistic society.

Earlier, at the opening ceremony, Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto principal NEISSR talked about the importance of imparting soft skills, and churning education for more mindfulness that was aimed to make students more humane.

During the orientation program, students also had the opportunity to take part in group activities and discussions. Effective communication skills and problem solving skills were imparted to enhance the quality of life. The orientation program concluded with a valedictory note by Rev. Fr. Khing, vice principal, NEISSR

National Voters’ Day observed in Tuensang, Kiphire

DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the country, the 13th National Voters Day was also observed in Tuensang and Kiphire on January 25.

At Tuensang, the programme was held at DC’s Conference Hall, where DC and District Election Officer, Tuensang, Nokchasashi spoke on the theme and encouraged every citizens to enjoy their rights in electing a true leader. He said National Voters’ Day has been celebrated to commemorate the foundation day of the ECI and the objective of ECI. He also highlighted

AR conduct medical camp, various activities

on the introduction of the online voting for the PwDs and senior citizens and encouraged the PwDs and senior citizens to come and participate in the election processes. He also appreciated the tireless efforts of the election branch Tuensang BLOs for enabling all eligible voters to be enrolled in the latest eroll and also congratulate the newly enrolled voters of the district.

On the occasion, DC also felicitated the best performing BLOs under Tuensang district. ADC and ERO Tuensang, Thungchanbemo

Tungoe conducted the NVD pledge while AEO Tuensang, Nilo Katiry delivered the welcome address in the programme and message from Election Commission of India was also displayed in the programme.

KIPHIRE: The day was also observed in Kiphire at the DC’s Conference Hall Kiphire. Addressing the gathering, DC and DEO Kiphire, Wati Aier said that “National Voters Day” has been celebrated every year across the country to mark the foundation day of the Elec-

aC kno WL e D gement

tion Commission of India, which was established on January 25, 1950. He also informed the gathering on the summary revision of Electoral rolls on matters relating to the correction of names, ages, or addresses for the final draft of the E roll. He also led the pledge-taking ceremony.

Earlier, opening remark was delivered by ADC & ERO Kiphire, D. Robin followed by a special song performed by Tsapichum LDA, while a short speech was delivered by T. Luthong Yimchunger PA to DC Kiphire. During the programme, the best BLOs were felicitated.

1st Death a nnive R sa Ry of our beloved father Late y evoho s ema

Date : 30/01/2022

A year has passed since you left for your heavenly abode. No longer by our side but for ever in our hearts.

We love you and miss you dearly.

Loving Wife, Children and Relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“They can no longer die; for they are like the angels.” Luke 20:36

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGARNorth) conducted various activities across Nagaland.

Jalukie Bn: Jalukie battalion of Assam Rifles extended assistance to minority Heraka Community by distributing essential commodities at Jalukie B Village in Peren district on January 28.

According to PRO Defence, apart from providing essentials, awareness on importance of education, maintaining health and hygiene, sanitation was also imparted to the villagers.

Earlier, in a seperate event, the battalion organised interaction programme with minority Heraka Community on January 25 at Tening Village Peren. PRO Defence said the interaction programme was organized to commemorate birthday of Rani Gaidinliu, a Naga spiritual and political leader

who led a revolt against British rule in India. During the conduct of the interaction programme, various grievances faced by the Heraka community were discussed.

Jalukie battalion also conducted an awareness lecture on menstrual health on January 24 at Assam Rifles Public School (High), Jalukie in Peren district. During the conduct of the event, girls from 5-9 classes were made aware of menstrual hygiene, associated topics and use of sanitary napkins. In addition, boys from classes 5-9 were also educated about menstruation.

In a separate event, the Jalukie battalion of Assam Rifles conducted an awareness lecture on importance of nutrition and health for women society members of Athibung and Azailong villages of Peren district on January 24.

PRO defence informed that the lecture cum interac-

tion programme highlighted on balanced nutrition and a healthy diet to support and fuel their day-to-day activities and fulfils various deficiencies during pregnancy.

Mokokchung Bn: Mokokchung battalion of Assam Rifles conducted free medical check-up of senior citizens residing in “Aonglar Elderly Care Home”, Sungratsu Village, Mokokchung District on January 24.

In a separate event, the battalion also organised painting competition among students of Assam Rifles High School, Mokokchung on January 25.

Shamator Bn: Shamator battalion of Assam Rifles organised a free blood group test at St Xavier’s School, Shamator Town on January 24. The battalion also organised Lecture cum drive keeping in view of the International Education Day.

Tuensang Bn: Tuensang battalion of Assam

Rifles organised a security meeting on January 25 at Wangti village, Mon district. PRO Defence said the meeting was organised in presence of village council, GBs, student union and local population. In a separate event, the battalion coordinated conducted a free medical cum dental camp for welfare of ex- serviceman on January 25.

Dimapur Bn: Dimapur battalion of Assam Rifles organised security meeting and interactive session with GBs and chairman of Dhansiripar area villages on January 24 at Doyapur. PRO Defence informed that during the interaction, the present security scenario in the area, the hot spot of extremist activities, came up for discussion.

In a separate event, the battalion conducted poster making competition on January 25 at Herbert Spencer School, Angami Colony, Dimapur.

Zu L unungsang Jami R

Born : 17.12.1983

Died : 24.01.2023

Grief is not what humans would want but the Lord’s plan is always perfect. As we are saddened by the demise of Late. mr. Zulunungsang Jamir

We are also overwhelmed by the concern, love and care of the well-wishers all around. Though we couldn’t thank each and every individuals personally for the support since his sickness till the untimely demise. Our family prays that the Almighty Lord’s grace and blessings be upon each and every one. Our heartfelt gratitude towards the relatives, neighbours, friends churches, various unions, medical teams for their constant prayer and support during our family’s tough times.

DP-445/23

From Family members

LATE LANUKALA

07th May 1966 – 16th January 2023

We the family of Late Mrs. Lanukala of Aliba Village who died on 16th January 2023 would like to thank most sincerely to all those who sympathised with us on our great loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours, relatives and well-wishers who visited us, attended the wake, service and burial, sent messages of condolences, helped us financially and provided prayers, emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time.

To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

May the good Lord bless you all.

Members of RRBCYD and others at the Spiritual Awakening Programme.

Resource persons and participants at the training programme.

(L-R) A patient examined at the medical camp. Medical camp for senior citizens at Sungratsu Village.

(L)DC Tuensang Nokchasashi and others at the National Voters’ Day. (R) DC Kiphire, Wati Aier administering the voters’ pledge.

Members of pre-trial destruction committee at the destruction of seized IMFL in Kiphire on January 23. (DPRO, Kiphire)

NEXT POLL

327 screened at free diabetes, dental camp

Three-day prayer and fasting held

DIMAPUR: A three-day prayer and fasting was jointly held by Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre (SHPC), Touphema Baptist Church (TBC) and Naga National Prayer House (NNPH) Yorba from January 27 to 29, where over “400 payer centers in the Naga home land spent three days of fasting and prayer” on several urgent points.

In a statement, SHPC pastor Vezokho Vero, TBC pastor Zelhou Zumu and Naga National Prayer House pastor Vezalho Chakhesang said they prayed for protection from vast destruction upon Nagas and against hate and evil.

Former MLA Toshipokba joins Cong

WEATHER FORECAST

JANUARY 30

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (NPN): A free diabetes and dental screening camp was organized by Lions Club Dimapur (LCD) at LCD, midland Dimapur on Sunday.

A total of 372 patients were screened during the camp.

Interacting with LCD members, LCD chairperson Dr Arihant Jain and president Sandeep Bakliwal said it was the first

dental camp for the year and planned to organize in the future.

The camp was conducted by five different specialists of dental and one for diabetes namely MD, medicine Dr. C Manpa Phom, oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Ankit Jain, Pedodonist, Dr. Bathel Yeptho, Orthodonist Dr. Arihant Jain, Periodontist Dr. Adiya Apon and Prosthodontist and implanthologist Dr. Manini Monica.

Free medicine were also provided to the patients.

Earlier, an awareness programme was also conducted about certain signs and symptoms, how to take care of the health, etc. During the camp, blood sugar levels were also tested for the patients. The project was executed under the leadership of Lion Sandeep Bakliwal (president, LCD), Lion Sanjay Jaiswal (secretary, LCD) and Lion Dr. Arihant Jain (project chairperson).

They appealed that “Christians all over India must remain prayerful and trust in the God of truth.”

Among other points, they also prayed that God would raise God-fearing persons in the upcoming election.

The organizers also called upon “every believer of Christ to earnestly continue to pray individually and organize the same, in groups, colonies, villages and towns, through the entire month of February, 2023.”

DIMAPUR: Former legislator of 26 Aonglenden assembly constituency, Toshipokpa Longkumer along with his supporters joined the Congress party on January 29, 2023.

Toshipokba was welcomed by Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) working president and vice chairman NECCC, Bobby Panicker along with DCC president and office

bearers of Mokokchung DCC.

It may be recalled that Toshipokba won the byelection on NPF ticket in 2011 defeating veteran Naga politician Dr. S.C Jamir.

Training for cVIGIL held in Kohima

DIMAPUR: In connection with the ensuing assembly election 2023, a training for cVIGIL, Magistrates and Inspectors was held at DC’s Conference hall Kohima on January 27.

A DIPR report stated that DC & DEO, Kohima Shanavas C, who chaired the meeting, welcomed all the members present. He called upon the cVIGIL Magistrates to be vigilant as it was a time bound exercise, which needed to

be carried out.

Detail instructions and applications on cVIGIL was highlighted by J.G. Lorin, Sr. Tech. Director & DIO (NIC) & Nodal Officer (IT), Kohima.

The training was also attended by EAC Probationers (2021 Batch).

Meanwhile, DC and DEO Tuensang, Nokchasashi has directed all the head of offices under Tuensang district to remain in station. DC instructed

that no head of offices will be leave the station without his knowledge and approval.

The DC also informed that no outstation leave will be granted except under emergency situations/official duty. Further all head of offices has been directed to report on January 30. DC warned that appropriate action will be initiated as per the relevant section of the law against absentees.

ATMA blocks conduct demonstrations & trainings across the state

DIMAPUR: With an objective to empower and skill farmers, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) blocks conducted various demonstrations and trainings across the state.

Angjangyang block:

ATMA Mon, Angjangyang block conducted demonstration programme on January 28 at Vegetable farm school Changlang village. Demonstration was done on the topic, “cultivation practices of bitter gourd” by resource person, ATM. Leiwang Konyak. A proper depth of sowing and spacing of bitter gourd was demonstrated to the farmers. Altogether 10 farmers were benefitted and seeds were distributed to them.

ATMA Mon: ATMA

Mon, Chen block conducted demonstration programme at Chen village in Mon on January 25.

Resource persons BTM Nusakho Nyekha and ATM Taichin Yana demonstrated on the various methods

of plant propagation, pest management in vegetable crops using bio control agents and rodent management in field and storages. At the programme, the resource persons also interacted with the farmers and instructed the importance of various activities including sanitation and irrigation in the field.

ATMA Mon, Mon

block also conducted a demonstration programme on “Nursery bed preparation of Rabi crops” on January 24 at Totok Chingha. Resource person Khriezelhou Seyie ATM demonstrated on preparation of raised nursery bed and set up a net for shade purpose. He emphasized and encouraged line sowing method in -

Ramdev backs Assam CM’s ‘motherhood age’ remark

DOOMDOOMA, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Yoga

Guru Ram dev on Sunday expressed his support for the statement made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the “appropriate age of motherhood”.

According to Yoga Guru, the best age for fertility in women – from a h ealth and Ayurvedic perspective – is between 25 to 30 years. At this age, youthfulness is considered to be at its peak and the chance of genetic disorders is considered to be rare, he said.

According to Ramdev, from health, Ayurvedic, and Sanatan perspective, the “best age for fertility is 25 to 30 years”. He acknowledged that many people marry at the age of 30-35, but claims that life cycle disorders occur when people marry at older ages. He argues that the statement made by the Assam CM regarding the appropriate age for motherhood is not illogical or politically motivated, but rather “based on science”.

For the uninitiated, Assam Chief Minister Sar ma on Saturday stated that women should embrace

motherhood at the “appropriate age” otherwise it will lead to “medical complications”.

His comments come in the backdrop of the state government deciding to bring stringent laws and evoking the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to check child marriages and underage motherhood, a report by Eastmojo stated.

“Thousands of hus -

stead of broadcasting to get quality seedlings for healthy and vigorous crops.

ATM, Manlen Longcha also explained about the advantages of trellising tomatoes and demonstrated on construction of different trellis structure using easily available biodegradable resources for supporting tomato plant. A total of 10 participants attended and

seeds of mustard, okra and tomato were distributed to the participants.

Longkhim block: ATMA Tuensang Longkhim block on January 27 conducted demonstrations growing of coriander using hydroponic system, irrigational method in farmland and application of yellow sticky trap at Yangli with ATM, Odilemla and BTM, Arenla as resource persons. The resource persons, Odilemla gave detailed information on importance of water for proper growth of plants and modern irrigational methods in farmland were discussed while Arenla on the benefits and potential of yellow sticky trap to monitor day flying insects.

Sangsangnyu block:

ATMA Tuensang, Sangsangnyu block conducted demonstration programme on bee keeping, pickle making and compost making on January 27 at Tuensang Village with resource persons, Ayenmongba (progressive

NORTHEAST

BJP releases list of 48 candidates for Tripura polls

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (PTI): The BJP on Saturday announced its first list of 48 candidates for the Tripura Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Manik Saha from Town Bordowali and Union minister Pratima Bhoumik from Dhanpur again.

Party leaders Anil Baluni and Sambit Patra named the candidates at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here.

Patra said the party will soon announce its candidates for the remaining seats. The state assembly has 60 seats.

farmer), Muziselu Ringa (BTM) and Ajungla M Aier (ATM). Ayenmongba highlighted on the basic advantages of bee keeping and also a brief description on the different chambers of a bee box. A hands-on demonstration on setting up a bee box was also done.

The farmers also participated on chilli pickle and compost making which were led by Muziselu Ringa and Ajungla M Aier. Phomching block:

ATMA Mon, Phomching block conducted frontline demonstration at Tangnyu village on January 25. The participants were given demonstration on the topic” cultivation practices of long yard beans”. ATM, Diezelhounuo Chucha told the participants that the soil for long yard beans must be well drained, fertile and the texture which is suitable is garden loamy. 12 participants attended the demonstration programme. Seeds of various vegetables were also distributed

among the participants. The programme was chaired by BTM, Nunghothung Odyuo.

Aboi block: ATMA Mon, Aboi block conducted demonstration programme on the topic, “Package of Practices of Bitter Gourd” on January 25 at Ngangching village. The resource person ATM Linota Chophy gave a hands on demonstration on soil preparation, spacing between plants and using bamboo trellises for supporting the plants and watering at regular intervals. She also spoke on IPM for controlling pest and diseases. Hybrid seeds were distributed to the farmers Tizit block: ATMA Mon, Tizit block conducted a demonstration programme on January 24 at Jaboka village. The resource person Mhachamo Ngullie explained about the stepwise procedure involved in the cultivation of Oyster mushroom and later demonstrated on the same. He also apprised

the participants on the nutritional value of oyster mushroom and its potential in the market. A total of 15 participants attended the programme. Mushroom spawns were distributed at the end of the programme. Wakching block: ATMA Mon, Wakching block conducted a two-day programme on January 23-24 at Naginimora and Hotahoti respectively. The participants were demonstrated on the importance of flat nursery bed preparation of zaid crops. The resource person emphasized on the three different types of nursery beds appropriate for different crop seasons. Resource person also demonstrated the preparation of oyster mushroom. Altogether 21 farmers and one farmer friend attended the programme. Resource persons were ATM, Wanshom Konyak and farmer friend, Aye Konyak. Later various seeds and mushroom spawns were distributed to the participants.

M’laya only state denying education to children: Mukul

RONGJENG (GARO HILLS), JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Opposition leader and former Meghalaya CM Dr Mukul Sangma hit out at the National People’s Party and its allies over what he called “denial of knowledge” to children in the state due to the government not recruiting teachers in schools.

He made the statement while campaigning for the Rongjeng candidate of the party, Sengnam M Marak. Marak is a former MLA of the constituency and was in the village of Rongchek Akong to garner support for his candidature for the upcoming elections.

bands will be arrested in the next five-six months as it is a crime to have sexual relations with a girl below 14 years of age, even if he is her legally wed husband,” Sarma said.

Speaking about motherhood, Sarma said, “Women should not wait too long to become mothers as it leads to complications. The appropriate age for motherhood is 22 years to 30 years.”

Bhoumik was a firsttime MP and was elected from the West Tripura Lok Sabha constituency. She was the first person hailing from the state to become a central minister.

In 2018, she had lost the election in Dhanpur assembly seat against the then Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.

Saha, who replaced Biplab Kumar Deb as chief minister, had won the byelection from Town Bardowali in June last year. Deb was elected to Rajya Sabha in September last year.

According to Eastmojo report, Mukul had earlier touched down at Mawshynrut in West Khasi Hills and Phulbari in the plain belt in West Garo Hills before coming to the village in East Garo Hills to speak on behalf of his party member in the lead-up to voting. He was greeted by a crowd of close to 1,000 in the remote hamlet.

“This is the only state in the country where once a teacher retires, there is no recruitment done. This has led to the closure of schools and children being left without an education. The children we promised

quality education have been deprived. This is despite the overall constitutional obligation and the law that has been passed – the right to education. Do you think these kinds of vested people can be given the responsibility to lead the state in the future as well,” asked Mukul. He added that the move of the NPP-led government to shun recruitment was not only unethical and illegal but also unconstitutional.

Earlier during the meeting, the TMC leader stated he had contacted the government on the issue of recruitment of teachers and was told that it would only be undertaken when all recruitment was complete. When he asked for a temporary solution to ensure children were not deprived of an education, the only answer, he stated he got, was that it would only be undertaken after all recruitment was completed.

“Is this a joke to them?

This is the future of our children that we are talking of. Will recruitment not take time? We have seen that this government has not been keen to fill up posts that are already there in the state and this has brought children out of schools. Are these the people you are looking to vote for,” he asked those present.

The small village is one of the remotest parts of the state and Mukul admitted that it was the first time that he had paid a visit, though he had tried once earlier but failed as the chopper developed a technical snag in the run-up to the 2018 polls.

Countering the claims of the NPP who called the promises by the TMC, ‘We

Card’ and ‘MYE Card’ as baaki (credit) cards, Mukul Sangma stated that it just showed their (NPP’s) mindset.

“Their priorities don’t reflect the larger interests of the state. Democracy states that when a political party makes a pledge or promise in an election manifesto, it becomes binding on the part of the political party, if it receives the mandate of the people, to implement and fulfil these promises and pledges. That is the spirit of democracy. These are based on our understanding of governance and its associated challenges. If they want to know how we are going to do it, they should come and join our political party,” said Mukul.

Toshipokpa Longkumar welcomed by members of NPCC and Mokokchung DCC on Sunday.

ATMA Mon at training programme.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Baba Ramdev (File)

Mukul Sangma. (File)

‘No big rallies, no star campaigners for Cong in M’laya’

SHILLONG, JAN 29

(PTI): For the February 27 Meghalaya Assembly election the Congress will not be holding big rallies nor will it have star campaigners but instead it will focus to connect with the voters, a senior party leader said on Sunday.

With 80 per cent of our candidates new faces contesting the assembly election for the first time, the Congress will focus on visiting houses of the voters and holding small rallies at local community level to connect with the voters so that they could know their candidates, Meghalaya Congress president Vincent H Pala said.

“We will not have star campaigners and there will be no big political rallies. Instead, we will focus and adapt to what is best in the political dynamics of the state. People here prefer to get to know their candidates more than their party affiliation,” Pala told PTI.

The Meghalaya Congress president said he himself will not be hosting big rallies in the SutngaSaipung constituency from

where he is contesting the Assembly election.

“I will be attending constituency-based rallies and party meetings convened by party candidates and their supporters,” he said Pala recalled the setback the party suffered in 2021 when 12 out of 17 Congress MLAs left the party and joined the Trinamool Congress and how the remaining five who were suspended for their anti-party activities also deserted the party.

He, however, expressed confidence that the traditional Congress voters have not deserted the party.

“The leaders may have left and joined other

political parties but the voters have remained with us (Congress). I have feedbacks to believe in this and on March 2 we will see the results,” he told PTI.

Pala expressed confidence that the Congress will win 30-35 seats in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly in the February 27 election. He said the party has fielded many young and fresh faces as the state need young leaders to lead the state.

The Congress is not alone in adopting strategies to connect with the voters in this hill state, according to political observers.

“We have seen candidates who won elections in Meghalaya are the ones who have connected really well with the voters all throughout regardless of their party affiliations,” said Manosh Das, an analyst and a political observer who has followed elections in Meghalaya for over three decades.

Das said the politics in Meghalaya is unique and different and people here are not easily swayed by big rallies and big parties.

Arunachal CM asks BJP workers not to allow ‘money culture’ during elections

ITANAGAR, JAN 29

(PTI): Arunachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged BJP workers not to allow “money culture” during elections as such a practice “disturbs democratic ethos”.

Apart from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the assembly elections in the northeastern state are due next year.

“As elections approach, let us not allow money culture to disturb our democratic ethos,” Khandu said, while addressing a two-day BJP state executive meeting at Aalo in West Siang district on Saturday.

Notably, several cash seizure cases were reported during the 2019 elections in the state.

The chief minister also urged the party workers to involve women to make people aware of the benefits of government schemes.

“From homemakers to working for development

of Arunachal, women have played crucial role in our society,” Khandu wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Asserting that the BJP is the “only party” which could take the state to a higher growth trajectory, Khandu said, “To expand the party’s vision and work, we should take help of community in spreading good words of our government’s welfare work.”

While highlighting the developmental activities initiated by the state government, the chief minister said that “historical

achievements like Tali and Vijanagar roads, village programmes, reverse migration to border areas” were some of the achievements of the government.

“The long pending Assam-Arunachal boundary issue will be solved shortly,” he said.

BJP national general secretary and the party’s in charge of Arunachal Pradesh, Dilip Saikia, in his address, stressed on maintaining discipline by the party workers.

State ministers presented the achievements of their respective departments during the meeting.

During the event, economic and political resolutions were passed, which were moved by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and MLA Nyato Dukam, party sources said. Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju along with Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao also attended the meeting.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 29: Ma -

nipur police arrested two more persons, including a hill village chief, for allegedly being involved in illegal poppy cultivation even as poppy plant destruction drive under war on drug 2.0 is in full-swing.

“Political parties are like big teams in sports and candidates with strong connections with the masses are like best players. The teams select good players based on their winning factor,” he said.

He cited the examples of former minister AL Hek and cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai, now both with

the BJP, who have managed to retain their seats irrespective of their party affiliations in the past.

Das also cited how the Trinamool Congress came from behind to snatch 12 out of 17 Congress MLAs including former chief minister Mukul Sangma and former speaker Charles Pyngrope.

Congreleasesfinallistofcandidates forMeghalayaAssemblyelection

The Congress has released its final list of candidates for the Meghalaya Assembly elections, a senior party leader said on Sunday. Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee President and MP Vincent H Pala said the final list of five candidates was approved by the central election committee (CEC).

The five candidates are Jhanika Siangshai (Khliehriat), Arbiangkam Khar Sohmat (Amlarem), Chireng Peter R Marak (Kharkutta), Dr Tweel K Marak (Resubelpara) and

NSCN-KYA rebels arrested in Arunachal district

ITANAGAR, JAN 29

(PTI): Security forces arrested two cadres of NSCNKYA and seized arms and ammunition in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, a senior police officer from the district said on Sunday.

Based on intelligence report regarding presence of the rebels of the outfit at Khamkai and Namgoi area of the district, a joint operation was launched by personnel of Assam Rifles and district police and the two cadres were apprehended on Saturday, Changlang Superintendent of Police (SP) Mihin Gambo said.

The arrested cadres have been identified as Nayan Kumar Chakma (42) and Gangwang Wanglee (37), the SP said. Based on revelation by Chakma, police recovered one Chinese made 7.62 mm rifle, AK magazine, safety fuse, radio set and mobile phone from the jungle of Old Longchong in Rima Putak circle.

BJP names Papiya Datta for Agartala Assembly seat in Tripura

AGARTALA,

JAN 29

(PTI): The ruling BJP in Tripura on Sunday announced the name of Papiya Datta, state general secretary of the saffron party, as its nominee for the prestigious Agartala Assembly, a senior leader said.

at the party headquarters.

“I am confident that we will win the election to the Agartala Assembly constituency with the blessings of electors’ ‘, Datta, who will be trying her luck in the electoral race for the first time, said.

ITANAGAR, JAN 29

(PTI): A flock of magnificent mandarin ducks were again sighted at the famed Siikhey Lake in Ziro, the headquarters town of Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The information was shared during the monthly Ziro Bird Walk, organized by Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club Ziro on Saturday, a district official said.

The meeting was attended by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Bamin Nime along with other avid bird watchers from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) led by professor Daniel Mize, members from Wild Life Conservation Society Bangalore, Ziro Birding Club and Ngunu Ziro.

The avian species were sighted in the lake on January 25, District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) Gyati Kacho informed.

Mandarin Ducks were first recorded during Ziro

Bird Walk in February 2021 while the second was recorded in March last year.

Unlike the previous single visitor, this year three mandarin ducks comprising two females and one male visited Ziro valley.

According to avid bird watcher and renowned tour operator Koj Mama, the factor could be because of the Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan launched by the state government a few years back.

Mama further informed that with the launching of Ziro Bird Walk in 2019 by involving community participation to protect birds and restrict hunting activities, the number of migratory birds visiting the valley has increased many folds.

The Ziro Bird Walk is organized every month at Ziro Valley.

The mandarin ducks were first reported from Maguri beel in Assam and Dirang in West Kameng district of the state.

The arrested village chief was identified as Paojahen Singson @ Hena (46) son of (late) Setkholien Singson. He is the chief of Nungthut village of Noney district. His arrest came after a large poppy field was found in the hill range within his village jurisdiction and was destroyed on Saturday. He

Carla R Sangma (Rajabala), he said.

The party on January 25 had announced the names of 55 candidates for the 60 member state Assembly.

Pala’s name was in the first list and he will be contesting the assembly election from the SutngaSaipung constituency in East Jaintia Hills district.

Election to the Meghalaya Assembly is scheduled to be held on February 27 and the last date for filing nominations is February 7. The counting of votes will be held on March 2.

With this, the BJP has announced candidates for all the 55 constituencies it will contest in the February 16 Assembly elections.

There are a total 60 Assembly seats in Tripura.

A prominent leader of BJP’s Mohila Morcha, Datta is set to take on heavyweight candidate of the Congress and sitting MLA Sudip Roy Barman from Agartala constituency.

“The party has declared Papiya Datta as its candidate for Agartala constituency completing the process for nomination. Tomorrow, the party candidates accompanied by the senior party leaders will submit their nomination papers”, party vice

president Rebati Tripura said.

The Agartala constituency is being currently held by the sole Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, who won the seat in a bypoll a few months after quitting the saffron party.

“My nomination for the Agartala constituency is symbolic because all BJP workers will work relentlessly to ensure the victory of the saffron party.

I sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party national president JP Nadda and state leaders for reposing faith in me”, Datta told newspersons

The saffron party has given five seats to its allyIndigenous People’s Party (IPFT) as part of its seatsharing deal.

The IPFT has also announced candidates for the five Assembly constituencies, a senior party leader said on Sunday.

Out of four sitting MLAs, only two legislators- Prem Kumar Reang, the party president and Prasanta Debbarma were given tickets for the second time while the party has fielded three new nominees for the upcoming elections.

The last date for making nominations will be on Monday while scrutiny will be done on January 31 and February 2 will be the last date of withdrawal of nominations.

Assam shifts 68 foreigners to new transit camp

GOALPARA (ASSAM), JAN 29 (PTI): After a long wait, Assam government has begun the process of shifting doubtful and declared foreigners into the newly built dedicated detention centre, now renamed as transit camp, in Goalpara district, a senior official said on Sunday.

The government has constructed the first dedicated centre at Matia in Goalpara district to put the suspected and declared foreigners found in Assam. It has a capacity to house 3,000 inmates, including 400 females.

“The first batch of 68 inmates were moved to the transit camp on Friday from Goalpara District Jail. They include 45 men, 21 women, one girl and one boy,” said Sashi Kumar Deka, Superintendent (In-Charge) of the Transit Camp.

Prior to this new facility, Assam had six transit camps, which were created by making a part of the existing jails at Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Jorhat, Silchar,

Dibrugarh and Tezpur. “All these 68 inmates were shifted from the Goalpara jail transit camp. These were all declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunal (FT) in cases of ‘D’ (Dubious or Doubtful) voters,” Deka said. A senior official at Assam Prison Headquarters told PTI that with shifting of these inmates to the new centre, the Goalpara District Jail will no longer house any person related to foreigners cases. “A case on deten -

the combined team in the destruction drive.

The destroyed poppy plants would be worth over Rs 10 lakhs, a release of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East) claimed on Saturday. After registering a case under the relevant sections of the ND&PS Act, a team of Nungba police station arrested the village chief, the source said.

tion centres is going on at Gauhati High Court. We will shift the other inmates lodged in the remaining five centres as per the court order and instructions from the state government,” she added. Around 220 suspected and declared foreigners, including the 68 inmates in the new transit camp, are lodged at various centres, the official said. The Goalpara transit camp has been built on 22 bighas of land (over 7 acres) in West Matia at an expenditure of Rs 46 crore.

in Manipur

village of Churachandpur district. A FIR has been lodged against him at the Sugnu police station under section 18(c) /25/27-4/29 ND & PS Act, the source said. On preliminary investigation, he revealed that he is the caretaker of the land where poppy was cultivated and admitted that he collected money from poppy cultivators.

was arrested by a team of Nungba police of Noney district in a follow up action, the source said.

A combined team of troops of 39 Assam Rifles, personnel of Nungba police station and officials of forest

department in Noney district on Saturday destroyed poppy plants on around 1.1 acres of forest area at the hill range of Nungthut village.

Members of Rongmei Riders, a CSO based in the district, also assisted

The police in Kakching district also arrested another person suspected to be a caretaker of the poppy fields on Saturday, around 4.30 pm. A team of Sugnu police of Kakching district arrested the person identified as Ginkhanpau (60) from his house at Vaalveng

The Manipur government has launched a massive drive against large-scale illegal poppy cultivation in hill districts of the state. In the ongoing drive, the police have arrested around seven chiefs of hill villages and some poppy cultivators in recent memory.

RTI activist held in Manipur BJP leader murder case

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 29: A renowned RTI activist Wahengbam Joykumar was arrested in Manipur in connection with the recent murder of convener of BJP state unit Ex-Servicemen Cell, Laishram Rameshwor Singh. The arrest of the RTI activist was related with the murder of the convener of the ex-servicemen cell of the state unit of BJP Laishram Rameshwor on January 24 last, according to the source.

Activist Wahengbam Joykumar (53) – was arrested by a team of Thoubal district police from his house at Wangkhei Hijam Leikai in Imphal East district at 8 pm on Saturday night with arrest memo, a police source said on Sunday.

He was produced in a local court in Thoubal district today where he was remanded to police custody till February 2. BJP leader Laishram Rameshwor Singh was shot dead allegedly by Ayekpam Keshorjit, (46) in broad daylight on January 24 near his residence at Kshetri Leikai in Thoubal district. On the same day of murder, the police arrested two persons including the suspected prime accused.

The prime accused was arrested after he surrendered to the police with his license gun allegedly used to shoot the BJP leader. Keshorjit’s arrest came after the driver who drove the car in which the alleged prime accused was arrested earlier. The source said that he was arrested during the course of investigation into the murder case

and hinted that it was a planned murder and some more persons linked to hatching the murder plot are likely to be arrested. A highly reliable source linked the arrest of the RTI activist to his Facebook post related to the murder of the state BJP leader. Meanwhile, the Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR) strongly condemned the arrest of the RTI activist on Sunday and demanded his immediate release. It may be noted that Joykumar is also a member of the CSCHR

According to the CSCHR, two police vehicles packed with security personnel stopped at the residence of Joykumar and tried to enter from the backdoor of his house. His wife, Wahengbam Purnimashi confronted them and told them to

come properly from the main gate. While taking him away, the police personnel told him that they had come to arrest him in connection with a murder case of the BJP leader and asked him to come along with them for interrogation, the statement said. The police personnel also interrogated his wife who signed an arrest memo. At around 8.21 pm, he was whisked away, it added. “The case is, apparently, in connection with the killing of a BJP functionary. The alleged killer, who is also an RTI activist, made the first call to Joykumar after the killing,” the CSCHR said. Quoting the wife of the RTI activists, the CSCHR stated that the alleged murderer is a client of her husband and her husband had advised him to duly surrender to the police, which he did.

The construction work of the camp had started in December 2018. The Gauhati High Court in August 2021 gave 45 days time to the Assam government to finish the construction work of the unit.

The transit camp has a total of 15 buildings, including two dedicated to women. Each of the units has a capacity to house 200 inmates. The facility has been provided with hospitals, schools, recreation centres, dining and other amenities.

Mizo Padma Shri awardee hopes to inspire

AIZAWL, JAN 29 (PTI): Folk singer KC Runremsangi, who was recently conferred the Padma Shri, said that she had been promoting Mizo songs across the length and breadth of the country for over three decades.

The 59-year-old singer from Aizawl recounted that she had taken up singing and dancing as her “hobby” at an early age, but gradually her interest in music grew as people started taking a note of her talent.

“As a child, I would sing Mizo songs at church events and wedding ceremonies. People would appreciate my performance and that gave me confidence to pursue music as my profession,” she said.

She hoped that her award will inspire other artistes who wish to popularize indigenous art and culture.

Matia transit camp in Assam’s Goalpara district.

Two more village chiefs held for poppy cultivation

The combined team that destroyed poppy plants at the hill range in Noney district on Saturday.

Mandarin ducks.

KC Runremsangi

Pema Khandu

Vincent H Pala

Papiya Datta

SNIPPETS

Man held for wife’s suicide

JALNA, JAN 29 (PTI):

A man has been arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of his 30-year-old wife in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, police said on Sunday. The victim, who is a teacher at a government school, allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a lake on Saturday afternoon, an official said. According to a complaint lodged by the victim’s brother, the accused was allegedly having an extramarital affair and used to torture his wife, he said. The accused, who is a nayab tehsildar in the food supply office, was arrested under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the official added.

Campaign for girls in UP

LUCKNOW, JAN 29 (PTI): Uttar Pradesh government has launched a campaign to empower girls from the underprivileged class, an official said on Sunday. According to a statement, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan will work under the Aarohini Initiative Training Programme for the safety and security of girls in

746 Kasturba Gandhi

Residential Girls Schools in the state. Director General of School Education

Vijay Kiran Anand said the main objective of the Aarohini programme, which will be implemented in three phases, is gender sensitisation. In the first phase, which will start on February 1, teachers will be trained.

Two held for

‘Khalistan graffiti’

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(PTI): Delhi Police’s Special Cell has arrested two men in connection with alleged “anti-national” and “Khalistan-related graffiti’ that appeared on walls in areas of west Delhi on January 19, ahead of Republic Day, officials said on Sunday. The walls were painted with slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Referendum 2020”, they said. “Two perpetrators have been arrested by the Special Cell in a case related to pro-Khalistan graffiti,” a senior police officer said.

“On the early hours of January 19, multiple graffiti raising objectionable slogans appeared in the areas of Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Paschim Vihar, Peeragarhi and other parts of west Delhi,” Delhi Police PRO Suman Nalwa had earlier said. Accordingly, a case under sections 154B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code was registered by the Special Cell, Nalwa had said.

Teacher found dead in UP

GONDA (UP), JAN 29 (PTI): A school teacher has been found dead at his rented accommodation here, police said on Sunday. The incident happened in the Forbisgang locality of the district on Saturday, they said.

The deceased, identified as Krishan Kumar Yadav (32), used to work at the Janta Inter College school in Itiathok, Additional Superintendent of Police Shivraj said. Yadav’s landlord noticed blood coming out from the man’s residence and found the body, he said. The victim, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, used to live with his sister, who was in Lucknow at the time for some work, the ASP said. The body has been sent for a postmortem examination and further investigations are underway, police said.

‘Techade’ will be fulfilled by innovators: Modi

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that domestic patent filings have outscored the country’s foreign patent filings as he expressed confidence that India’s dream of “techade” will be fulfilled on the strength of its innovators. This underscores the country’s increasing scientific capabilities, he said in the first episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’ in the new year.

Modi has in the past used “techade” to describe the decade being dominated by technologies and India making most of it.

He said India’s rank in patent filling is seventh globally while it is fifth in trademark registration. India’s patent registration has risen by 50 per cent in the last five years, the prime minister said, noting that its ranking in the global innovation index has surged to 40 from below 80 in 2015.

“I am confident that India’s dream of techade will be fulfilled by its innovators and their patents,”

he said. The premier Indian Institute of Science had 145 patents in 2022 which is a rare record, Modi said. In the broadcast, he informed people that the total number of Ramsar sites, an international recognition for wetlands, in the country has increased to 75 from 26 in 2014.

Lauding local communities, Modi said they deserve praise for preserving the biodiversity.

“It is also a tribute to our age-old culture and tradition of living in harmony with nature. These wetlands of India are also an example of our natural potential. Chilika Lake of Odisha is known to shelter more than 40 waterbird

PIL in SC challenging Centre’s decision to ban BBC docu

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(PTI): A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court against the Centre’s decision to “ban” a BBC documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots in the country, alleging it was “malafide, arbitrary and unconstitutional”.

The PIL filed by advocate ML Sharma also urged the apex court to call and examine the BBC documentary - both parts I and II - and sought action against persons who were responsible and were involved directly and indirectly with the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Sharma said that in his PIL he has raised a constitutional question and the top court has to decide whether citizens have the right under Article 19 (1) (2) to see news, facts and reports on the 2002 Gujarat riots.

He has sought direction to quash the order dated January 21, 2023 of the Ministry of the Information

and Broadcasting, terming it as illegal, malafide, arbitrary and unconstitutional.

His plea said whether the central government can curtail freedom of press which is a fundamental right as guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (2) of the Constitution.

“Whether without having an Emergency declared under Article 352 of the Constitution of India by the president, Emergency provisions can be invoked by the central government?” the PIL said.’

It claimed the BBC documentary has “recorded facts” which are also “evidence” and can be used to further the cause of justice for the victims.

On January 21, the Centre issued directions for blocking multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the controversial BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question”, according to sources.

species. Kaibul-Lamjaa, Loktak is considered to be the only natural habitat of the Swamp Deer,” he said.

Touching on the subject of e-waste, the prime minister said if it is not disposed of properly, it can also harm the environment but if dealt carefully, it can become a great force in the circular economy of recycle and reuse.

Noting that a United Nations report said 50 million tonnes of e-waste is being thrown every year, Modi said if the weight of all the commercial planes built so far is combined, it will not equal the amount of e-waste being released.

It is like every second 800 laptops are being thrown away, he said.

Use of technologies and start-ups have made India a “global recycling hub”, Modi said. There is no dearth of start-ups that are doing innovative work in this direction, he said.

“Those working in the field of e-waste say that at present, only 15-17 per cent

e-waste is being recycled every year,” the prime minister said.

In his address, Modi noted that this year’s Padma awards, described by him as “People’s Padma”, include a number of tribal people or those working for the community besides those who have strengthened the world of music.

He urged people to read about the winners and said their stories will inspire new generations.

“Many awardees are those who always kept the country paramount, dedicating their lives to the principle of ‘nation first’. They never expected any reward for it. The satisfaction of those they are working for is the biggest award for them. Our countrymen’s pride has risen by honouring such dedicated people,” he said.

Lauding a book, ‘India - The Mother of Democracy’, the prime minister said Indians are also proud of the fact that their country is the “mother of democracy”.

“Democracy is in our

Sonam Wangchuk ‘house arrest’ reprehensible: CPI(M)

veins and is our culture. It has been an integral part of our work for centuries. By nature, India is a democratic society”, he said.

“After reading this book, you will feel how the spirit of democracy has been flowing in every part of the country for centuries,” Modi said.

The prime minister also lauded rising acceptance of Yoga and millets, saying that it was on India’s proposals that the United Nations adopted June 21 as the International Day of Yoga and declared this year as International Year of Millets.

“Milletpreneurs” of Odisha are in the limelight these days, he said, mentioning a self-help group of about 1,500 women producing several delicacies made of millets.

Citing several other developments in different states related to millets growing popularity, he said meals prepared from there are being served at various G20 events being across the country.

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(PTI): A day after Ladakhbased education reformist Sonam Wangchuk claimed he has been placed under house arrest at his institute in Leh, the CPI(M) hit out at the government, saying this prevented him from speaking on bringing the Union Territory under Schedule 6 of the Constitution.

The police, however, has denied Wangchuk’s charge and said he was only prevented from observing a five-day fast at Khardung La top.

“Magsaysay awardee Sonam Wangchuk’s life inspired ‘3 Idiots’. He launched a campaign to safeguard Ladakh’s unique attributes and is under house

arrest for this! Prevented from speaking on Schedule 6 and risks of climate change and on Republic Day! Reprehensible,” CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said in a tweet. Wangchuk, a prominent engineer who inspired a pivotal character in the Bollywood blockbuster “3 Idiots”, had announced the hunger strike at the 18,380feet high Khardung La from January 26 to invite the BJP-led Centre’s attention to the demands of the people of Ladakh. These include extension of the sixth schedule of the Constitution and environmental protection from unchecked industrial and commercial expansion.

Rahul Gandhi hoists tricolour at Lal Chowk as Yatra culminates

SRINAGAR, JAN 29

(PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday unfurled the national flag at the historic clock tower of Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar as part of the Kanyakumari-Kashmir ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and said a “promise” made to India has been fulfilled.

The security for the 10-minute event was at its peak as all roads in a onekilometre radius leading to the chowk, which holds symbolic importance for the city, were sealed off from Saturday night and no vehicular movement was allowed.

Barricades were set up and concertina wires installed at all entry points with a heavy deployment of security personnel, while shops, business establishments and the weekly flea market were closed as part of the security exercise.

Gandhi, along with his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party lead-

Lord Krishna, Hanuman greatest diplomats of world: EAM Jaishankar

PUNE, JAN 29 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman were the greatest diplomats of the world.

He was speaking on Saturday while interacting with the audience in Maharashtra’s Pune city in a question-answer session during the launch of ‘Bharat Marg’, the Marathi translation of his book ‘The India Way’.

Jaishankar said, “Lord Shri Krishna and Lord Hanuman were the greatest diplomats of the world. I am saying this very seriously.”

If one looks at them in the perspective of diplomacy, what situation they were in, what mission was

S Jaishankar

given to them, how they had handled the situation, he said. “Hanumanji, he had gone ahead of the mission, he had contacted Goddess Sita, burnt Lanka...he was a multi-purpose diplomat,” Jaishankar said.

The minister said for the world’s 10 big strategic concepts pertaining to international relations in today’s

discourse, he could give an equivalent for every concept from the epic Mahabharat.

“If you say today it is a multi-polar world, at that time what was happening in Kurukshetra (the site of the battle of Mahabharat), that was multi-polar Bharat, where there were different rajya (kingdoms), they were told ‘you are with them, you are with me’...a couple of them were non-aligned...like Balram and Rukma.”

“What was Arjuna’s dilemma, it was constraint, that he was emotionally interdependent...that how do I fight against my relatives. That was not material interdependence, but it was emotional interdependence,” he said.

ers and workers, resumed the final lap of the yatra in Jammu and Kashmir from Srinagar’s Pantha Chowk around 10:45 am.

Those part of the march walked for about eight kilometres to Sonwar raising slogans such as “Jodo Jodo Bharat Jodo”, and along the way, were cheered and greeted by locals.

Within a multi-layer security ring, Gandhi, in a white T-shirt which he has

sported for most of the over 4,000-kilometre yatra from India’s southern tip, waved at people as yatris, including a large number of women, carrying the tricolour and Congress flags, moved towards Sonwar.

After reaching their destination, Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other senior party leaders drove to the party’s headquarters at M A Road here. Later, they headed to Lal Chowk, where the former Congress

president unfurled the national flag.

“By hoisting the tricolour at Lal Chowk, the promise made to India was fulfilled today. Hate will lose, love will always win. There will be a new dawn of hopes in India,” Gandhi tweeted in Hindi after the event.

The yatra, which was launched on September 7 last year in Kanyakumari, has traversed 12 states and two Union Territories. It will culminate with the hoisting of the national flag at the Congress office here on Monday.

Yatris of the footmarch led Gandhi will halt for the night at the Nehru Park here.

On Monday, a public rally will also be held at the SK Stadium for which 23 opposition political parties have been invited by the Congress.

Earlier in the day, All India Congress Committee general secretary, in-charge communications, Jairam

Ramesh on Twitter said the flag unfurling was planned for Monday but had to be done a day earlier.

“@RahulGandhi was supposed to unfurl national flag on Jan 30th in PCC office, since permission to do so elsewhere wasn’t given. Last evening, state administration allowed him to do so in Lal Chowk, but under condition that it should be done today on 29th at end of #BharatJodoYatra,” Ramesh tweeted. The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ has traversed through Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

On Friday, the yatra was cancelled for the day in Anantnag district after the party alleged security lapse, saying police arrangements by the Jammu and Kashmir administration “completely collapsed”.

Rollout of HPV vaccine in immunisation programme

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (PTI): The Health Ministry intends to roll out HPV vaccine against cervical cancer in the national immunisation programme for girls aged nine to 14 years in June for which a global tender is likely to be floated in April, official sources have said.

Serum Institute’s made-in-India HPV vaccine “CERVAVAC” was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 24, in presence of the Pune-based firm’s CEO Adar Poonawalla and Prakash Kumar Singh, its Director-Government and Regulatory Affairs.

“The ministry is likely to float in April a global tender for 16.02 crore doses of HPV vaccine, which will be supplied by 2026. Apart from domestic manufacturer

Serum Institute of India, global vaccine manufacturer Merck is also likely to participate in the tender,” an official source said.

In July last year, India’s drug regulator granted market authorization to Serum Institute of India’s indigenously developed HPV vaccine. It has also been cleared by government advisory panel National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) for use in the public health programme.

Prakash Kumar Singh, on the sidelines of a South Asia meet on HPV last month, had said that the price of CERVAVAC will be affordable compared to the international HPV vaccine available in India.

India, at present, is fully dependent on foreign

Put conversion matter before 5-judge bench: fresh application in SC

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(PTI): A fresh application has been moved before the Supreme Court urging that the matters related to alleged forcible religious conversions be taken up by a larger bench of five judges as they involve the interpretation of the Constitution.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is scheduled to hear the batch of pleas on Monday against anticonversion laws of several states regulating religious conversion due to interfaith marriages and on matters related to alleged forcible conversions. The fresh application

is filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, who is among the petitioners. He has asked the court to refer the petitions to a larger bench saying there are several questions of laws involved which require the interpretation of the Constitution. He raised questions like whether the previous judgments of this Court interpreting Article 25(1) of the Constitution are grossly erroneous in so far as they upheld the word “propagate” would include entitlement to convert.

“Whether the word “propagate” needs to be construed in a manner which is not detrimental

to fraternity, unity, dignity and national integration...,” Upadhyay’s fresh plea said.

It should also not lead to communal conflagration on account of religious communities trying to convert the weaker section of other religious communities and “attempting to make demographic changes as witnessed in the nine states/ UTs (Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Kashmir, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh) and around 200 districts of India”, the application said. In another application, Upadhyay has sought modification of the order dated

January 9 in which the apex court had directed that the matter be listed under the title of “In Re: The issue of Religious conversion” to the original title.

On January 16, the top court asked the parties challenging the anti-conversion laws of several states to file a common petition seeking the transfer of cases on the issue from various high courts to the apex court. It had asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the parties, to file a common petition seeking the transfer of all the pleas from high courts to the top court. The top court had

taken note of the submission of senior advocate Dushyant Dave that one of the petitions, filed by Upadhyay, casts aspersions on Christians and Muslims and asked senior lawyer Arvind Datar, appearing for Upadhyay, to file a formal plea for deletion of the “objectionable portions”.

Datar, however, said he was not pressing the alleged contents.

The plea by Upadhyay against alleged “forceful religious conversions” was earlier being heard by another bench led by Justice MR Shah before it was transferred to the bench headed by the CJI recently.

manufacturers for HPV vaccines. Globally, three foreign firms manufacture HPV vaccines out of which two sell their doses in India.

Each dose of the vaccine available in the market costs more than Rs 4,000, sources said.

In September 2022, Poonawalla had said that each dose of its “CERVAVAC” vaccine would cost Rs 200 to Rs 400.

India, which is home to about 16 per cent of the world’s women, accounts for about a quarter of all cervical cancer incidences and nearly a third of global cervical cancer deaths.

Indian women face a 1.6 per cent lifetime cumulative risk of developing cervical cancer and a one per cent cumulative death risk from cervical cancer, according

to officials.

Recent estimates state that every year almost 80,000 women develop cervical cancer and 35,000 die in India due to it.

On what prevented India from introducing the HPV vaccine till now, NTAGI chief Dr N K Arora had said that the vaccine supply has been a limiting factor globally.

Fortunately, over the last five years, the global supply of the HPV vaccine has been improving gradually.

India has taken a lead in this direction. Serum Institute of India, one of the major Indian vaccine manufacturers, with support from the Centre’s Department of Biotechnology has developed four valent HPV vaccine.

Narendra Modi

Sonam Wangchuk

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with party leaders unfurls the national flag at the historical Lal Chowk, in Srinagar. (PTI)

Clean election goal

It is doubtful if current electioneering in Nagaland will ever experience the much needed change where true elections would triumph over farcical elections that have been the hallmark of parliamentary democracy in the state. Clean election as it were, has been a subject of intense discussion in Nagaland particularly after the influential Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC), after years of mulling over, finally decided to brave the challenge in 2012 to launch its ‘clean election campaign’. NBCC wanted to replicate the Mizoram experiment floated by the church where the influential Mizo People’s Front (MPF) to effect clean election. True that elections in Nagaland among the most expensive in India that places a huge financial burden on candidates and also true also that election means indulging in electoral malpractices. Unethical and corrupt practices such as bogus voters list, proxy voting, booth capturing, intimidation of voters through display of deadly arsenal, use of armed miscreants to abduct agents and workers, bribes etc have plagued elections since the mid-70s are evident across the nation. Every citizen in a free democracy is obligated to vote without fear or favour. The effort did not succeed as the ‘Clean Election Campaign’ launched by the church, could not get their act together mainly due to lack of proper planning and time. To understand why Nagaland needs clean election; it would be appropriate to look into the entire issue of how elections in the state have become one among the most expensive in the country ; where booth capturing and proxy voting etc have become so rampant and so widely practised that these evils have unfortunately become necessary evils to win elections. Though money may not be used as blatantly in some places; but the very fact that some traditional or village authorities or organizations issue undemocratic diktats have hijacked the democratic process, does not make matters any better. The escalating costs of elections has brought worse than ruination of candidates; many of them, even the may have won an election, are still trying to repay back money borrowed. While the Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC) is still trying to educate people on the need for clean elections, there are other issues that have a direct and crucial bearing on elections and the way they are conducted, held and their impact on society and the government. Democracy is the tool and power of the people to decide on their destiny and therefore voting is sacred and the very core of the fundamental right. Elections are conducted with blatant violation of the electoral code of conduct for an exercise that is one of the most expensive and unfair for various reasons. The other anti-democratic and criminal act is the practice of bogus voters and proxy voting. The little way out as a preventive means is to make it mandatory for voters to produce Electoral Photo Identity Card(EPIC) without which, no one can enter the polling station. If there is genuine desire to have clean election, the process should begin much ahead of scheduled election. The MPF clean election serves as a model but efforts should also include having it as subject taught in schools. It is more than enough time that NGOs in the state including church make a concerted effort to monitor electioneering in partnership with the Election Commission of India(ECI).

DailyDevotion

How Could Someone Be So Ignorant!

Who are You, Lord? —Acts 26:15

“The Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand…” (Isaiah 8:11). There is no escape when our Lord speaks. He always comes using His authority and taking hold of our understanding. Has the voice of God come to you directly?

If it has, you cannot mistake the intimate insistence with which it has spoken to you. God speaks in the language you know best— not through your ears, but through your circumstances.

God has to destroy our determined confidence in our own convictions. We say, “I know that this is what I should do” — and suddenly the voice of God speaks in a way that overwhelms us by revealing the depths of our ignorance. We show our ignorance of Him in the very way we decide to serve Him. We serve Jesus in a spirit that is not His, and hurt Him by our defense of Him. We push His claims in the spirit of the devil; our words sound all right, but the spirit is that of an enemy. “He…rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of’ ” (Luke 9:55). The spirit of our Lord in His followers is described in 1 Corinthians 13.

Have I been persecuting Jesus by an eager determination to serve Him in my own way? If I feel I have done my duty, yet have hurt Him in the process, I can be sure that this was not my duty. My way will not be to foster a meek and quiet spirit, only the spirit of self-satisfaction. We presume that whatever is unpleasant is our duty! Is that anything like the spirit of our Lord— “I delight to do Your will, O my God…” (Psalm 40:8).

Quotes

Whoever is happy will make others happy too.

~ Anne Frank

Farms to be big budget hope

The Union Budget 2023-24 is likely to be a great mix of stress on agriculture, higher capital expenditure and borrowings.

The revenue, elements are no more secret. With GST its relevance to indirect taxes are lost. The direct taxes after slashing of corporate taxes should better have been abolished. It has a higher collection cost.

Opportunities for levying new taxes are limited in the supposedly last full budget of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Total receipts, excluding borrowings, for 2022-23 are estimated to be Rs 22,83,713 crore, slightly (4.8 percent) above that of 2021-22 at Rs 19,34,771. Devolution to states is estimated at Rs 8,16,649 crore in 2022-23. It increased by Rs 79,222 crore last year. Approximately this might rise by Rs 9.20 crore in 2023-24.

The borrowings swelling to Rs 166.5 lakh crore in 2022-23 will rise further. It will not be easy sailing for a government in an election year, when it has to boast of performance.

Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices in 2022-23 is estimated at Rs 273.08 lakh crore. The growth is estimated at 15.4

per cent as compared to 19.5 per cent in 2021-22.

So agriculture apart from infra might remain mainstay of Sitharaman’s budget seeing stepping up on capex with major thrust on Gati Shakti and National Infrastructure Pipeline targets.

The agriculture sector may be having big hopes from this year’s budget, hints Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India (ICRA).

The global food grain crisis has revealed the importance of the Indian agrarian economy. World food market as well as the domestic doles to 81 crore people may lead to major policy changes. The sector may be on the highpriority list with stress on irrigation, seed quality and availability, and agritech, among others. In order to enhance production and productivity of food crops, the Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The mission aims at increasing foodgrain and food crop production through area expansion in niche regions and productivity improvement.

The ICRA expects the focus on initiatives for improving crop realisations. The increased budgetary al-

location towards Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) would also be used for farm purposes. The ICRA hints at initiatives for improving non-farm incomes like livestock farming and food processing. Milk is 5.2 percent of the total GDP.

Agriculture employs about 54 percent of the population and the highest number of jobs at 23.3 crore of the total employment of 53.6 crore. It may give sops to farm sector and also industries dependent on it. Loans and defaults are the least for this sector against 19.8 lakh crore by the large houses since 2013 (now written off). The country may treat this differently in run-up to 2024.

for development of several new high yielding, biotic/ abiotic stress tolerant, disease/ insect resistant and bio-fortified varieties of seeds.

Shivaji Sarkar

It also needs to look at edible oil imports and manipulations that have hiked prices severely. Similarly the milk cooperatives requiring subsidies now despite higher milk prices do not augur well for the milk economy.

The Government has increased allocations by six times since 2014 from Rs 21933 crore to Rs 124000 crore in 2022-23 for farms sector and farmers welfare. Besides, Rs. 8513.62 crore allocated for farm research

In order to enhance production and productivity of food crops, the Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in the country. The mission aims at increasing foodgrain/ food crop production through area expansion in niche regions and productivity improvement. The mission also provides support to Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & State Agriculture Universities (SAUs)/Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKS) for transfer of technology to the farmers. The research organizations are supported for undertaking research projects that can help enhancing production and productivity of crops. For welfare of farmers, more initiatives on the lines of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Ab-

hiyan (PMAASHA), Price Support Scheme (PSS) for pulses and oilseeds, Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), Interest Subvention Scheme, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) are possible.

A government facing challenges stresses more on visible quotients for giving more jobs, helping industry sell more and pushes for options that may not be useful for long term. Toying with expanding insurance either for health or jobs is not viable but that heavily weighs on advisors.

With median age being comparable with Bangladesh, India still accounts for a higher rate of unemployment. What is more significant is that Bangladesh has a higher per capita GDP as well.

It is likely to have dedicated allocations for specified large infrastructure projects such as highspeed rail, Jal Jeevan Mission, Bharat Mala, Sagar Mala, Smart Cities, and Inland Waterways. After the seizures on the Himalayas review on infra is not ruled out.

Sitharaman may also address demand-side issues at a time when the world may soon shift their sights from taming inflation to keeping recession at bay. There may be a push for

electric vehicles (EV). In reality, EV and electrified rail routes increase coal pollution and carbon footprint. As per the draft report of NITI Aayog, the coal demand is expected to rise to over one billion tonnes (MT), in the range of 1,192 – 1,325 MT by 2030. A better decision could have been to withdraw the order for junking cars at 10 or 15 years. This is creating severe problems for farmers and the middle class and exacting avoidable government finance. This is not an area where the government should involve itself at all. Car pollution is the least of all problems and the planners ignore that junking of cars add to pollution. Replacing it with EVs should not have been a priority as it unnecessarily forces the government to spend more on coal mining and burning. Electricity generation increases by 10.81 percent to 82.87 million tons (MT) in December 2022 against 74.79 in 2021-22. Power generation increased by 15.3 percent to 98,443 million units. Despite these possibilities, the Budget 2024 is likely to unfold many surprises to perk up the path to a preparation for assuaging the people and woo them.

The biblical criteria to choose the right candidate in order to form the right government (Deut.1:13). The context of the text portrays that Moses, “commissioned Judges to assist him” (Deut 1:1515).John Hamli, argues the narrator emphasizes the responsibility of the people for choosing their own leaders as a preparation for their journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.” For Daniel l.

Christensen,Deuteronomy

1:13, “the emphasis is on the wisdom they are to be wise, understanding and known or experienced.”

These judges are to administer justice with equity in any giving human society.

The context of the chosen passage denotes that the people of Israel also faced a similar challenged compared to the challenges we are facing today. We see that Deuteronomy 1:

13, is an opened door to a new stage in the history of administration in Israel, particularly looking into the qualities for appointing the politicians for the people of Israelites. Not only whose persons were well known, but their characters and qualifications which enable them to be headship. Political-ship is not primarily seniority, and based on human power but with the inner qualities.

The chosen or selection of the politicians is to be made by the people themselves that shows that people are giving privilege to be God’s faithful stewards even in the field of politics. Thethree qualities to be a good politician in the context of a crucial situation. They are:

1 Quality of being Wise

The first quality is hakhamim in Hebrew, which means wise ones, such as who had gained knowledge with the divine power and also selfdedication. The key word over here is that Leaders, especially politicians need to be wise to face all the challenges with a wise decision. It is not enough to be good or talented but wise is also necessary for leadership in any field as taking

the right decision that will impact many peoples’ life. The text clearly indicates that a wise person is not just talking about intellectual, capacity, but it is associated to good moral life along with the talented skills. This quality comes through the knowledge of God’s word to minister the people as a good politician so as to other leadership in the different department. In today’s context, we need to have a good politician who is wise for good cause in order for the smooth functioning political administration. For the prudence in the management of affairs. Good governance connotes that leaders ought to be a man and a woman of wisdom and character, and good governance has a mandate to ensure the progress, development, and well-being of all the citizenry without discrimination. And also “Good governance should nurture the combination of good leadership guided by an ethical, moral compass as a prerequisite for progress and peace in society.”We need to select a wise person for the good government of the people as we live in a confusing world today. A person who is wise that has to be considered in the process of selecting the political leaders. We need to look for a person who is being true to the principles, keeping promises and competence which is associated with the skill, effectiveness, getting things done by focusing human dimension, able to understand everyday life issues. According to Paul, government is ordained by God to promote good and restrain evil. To this effect, God authorizes the government to exercise for the administration of justice for the protecting life with God’s giving wisdom.

A political leader who is having the gift of wise in the midst of all confusions while exercising the power they will be overcome over the foolish decision in a confused world. So Christian should be able to exercise the Christian stewardship to find out

a person who is having the quality of having wise mind, wise thought, wise vision, and wise scope to lead the society and the nation today. Christians are entrusting their responsibility to officials who will govern on their behalf. As seen this wise quality from biblically perspective, it covers in all dimensions, chosen the right person, who is having the godly characters turned out to be a matter of good stewardship to exercise God’s given authority.Therefore, it is not enough for Christian ministers to inform about candidates and issues to the congregations, but to participate in the process of selecting the new upcoming leaders in the political arena. On the part of Christians, we should exhort fellow Christians to be involved in the political process and to find out the right candidates. Moreover, they should help, educate and equip their church members to think biblically about political issues, candidates, and party platforms. Much of this equipping and educating should be affected through the regular rhythms and liturgies of the church. Having the quality of wise leadership and Good Governance are two sides of the same coin. The two have many elements in common, without the quality of wise in leadership we may not envisage Good Governance in its totality. Good governance and having the quality of being wise is the essential requirements for an organization.

2. Qualityof Understanding (discerning) The second quality is nebonim in Hebrew, which means discerning or understanding ones, a person who is able to understand and distinguished thing even in a crucial situation. This nebonim is another important quality that the leader must possess. An understanding of the political system and experience in running a campaign gives a candidate a big edge over an inexperienced opponent. A proper understanding of state and local issues is a

necessity for a candidate to move to greater heights. For having the quality of understanding in a leader’s life, it would contribute lots to the life of the community. This quality is considered to be one of the supreme among all the qualifications for the leaders. People who have the right skill of understanding they are wise in their decision for which people are respected, acknowledge their leadership and look up to them in all the aspects of life. Knowledge is power, so also and understanding. The more you learn, the better you will be able to understand and make decisions about the direction of your life and for the society at large. Christians have a biblical obligation to choose an understandable candidate in political endeavour.

The quality of understanding helps the leader to distinguish what is right and wrong. It also helps them to fear God and hate what is wrong and evil. As a result this will help the political leaders especially for the smooth functioning to their administrations for the wellbeing of the people in the state and the nation at large. As Christian, we must follow the true political theology of its logical approach by supporting the godly candidates and parties that support of clear biblical values. The principle of politics is to secure power so as to maintain law and order. The aspect perspective on politics holds that ‘politics’ is one of the aspects of human relations and interactions in all different domains of life. This perspective, therefore postulates that politics do not only exist in the domain of the state, the government and public administration, but also in sport, education, health care, business, personal relations, and so on. It also postulates that we can distinguish this aspect of behaviour and interactions from other aspects, such as the social, economic, and artistic. In other words, not everything is political, but politics is everywhere. This perspective can be used, it

is necessary to specify what the specific nature of this political aspect is, and how it is to be discussed in the next section.

Nonetheless, identifying these common elements does help to develop a better sense of the nature of politics. Politics is a social phenomenon, it exists only in the relations and interactions between people, and it pertains therefore to groups, collectives or societies. The politics is the status and expression of power to the distribution of resources for the betterment of the citizens. The main purpose of politics is to enforce laws to govern citizenry for their betterment, growth and development of such natives. Thus, the government must show love, kindness and make an equal distribution of resources to the people. In secular politics, people normally mount platform to campaign for their parties to win power. In Church system, many Christians run representative system of government to select the leaders which is also a form of democratic politics. Good governance requires good government, i.e. an effective public service and effective public service institutions, which are more productive, more transparent and more responsive.

3. Quality of Respect

The third quality is, duim in Hebrew word, which means ones being respected and also knowledgeable. Man and woman of good repute in the community. Whose godliness and uprightness is known by the people. The Biblical requirement for the leaders is to select capable persons, who fears God, a man and a woman of truth, hating dishonest games. These people are to place them to be the leaders of the people. According to Exodus, 18:21-22, describes to choose who are capable and fit to control.People have lost their faith in the administrators and politicians because of the rampant practice of injustice, favouritism and unfair means in every aspect. Transformative leaders have great and

significant roles to play in the public square; they could play a pivotal role in conscientizing the citizenry to ensure that rulers adhere to the triune principle namely “good governance, good lordship, and leadership guided by a moral compass.” They could enlighten the citizenry that in a democratic set up, good governance and leadership imply a bond of relationship between citizenry and leaders.The present generation demands a respected person to be the leader and guide for the state and the nation at large. Demanding a respected leader should be the voice of the Christian today. The games of corruption has become a branded tag in the field of politics and also reaching to the churches in our generation. We have to uproot the inefficient government and inequality method prevailing in our state today.” There is a visibility that if a particular tribe becomes the head of any office, that particular tribe gets more opportunity than the other tribes. I assume that the spirit of nepotism, manipulation and bribery have become a common practice. This is a sign lack of God fearing politicians and Christians. Looking from this perspective until and unless we develop a guilty feeling and realize that the misuse of power is wrong and it is an unchristian way of handling the power, we cannot have a just and efficient government. The church so called Christians can play a great government that is accountable to the people can be achieved only through effective participation of the people. Therefore, in order to promote peace and development in the state it is important to elect God fearing persons to form people centred government owned by the people role in imparting and influencing this moral attitude” of the people.

(To be continued...)

By: Husazulu Chuzho Khamo DBC:Dimapur

“Choose

some wise, understanding and respected once (man and woman) from each of your tribes and I will set them over you.” Deut: 1:13.

3 major qualities in the chosen of politicians and its implications to Nagaland

SNIPPETS

AirAsia flight

aborts take-off

LUCKNOW, JAN 29 (PTI): A Kolkata-bound

AirAsia flight aborted its take-off after a suspected bird hit at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport here, officials said. “The pilot of an AirAsia flight aborted take-off after a suspected bird hit on the runway at around 11 am. This occurred before the flight could lift off. The aircraft returned to the bay and all the passengers were deboarded safely,” spokesperson of the airport Rupesh Kumar said. He said there were over 180 passengers on the flight.

“Alternate arrangements were being made by the airline for the passengers,” Kumar said.

West Bengal my second home: Gov KOLKATA, JAN 29 (PTI): West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Sunday offered prayers at the Dakshineswar Temple and the Missionaries of Charities’ ‘Mother House’ here and called the state his “second home”. Bose, known for his fondness of the state and its people, had also recently performed ‘Hate Khari’ (a ritual to learn Bengali alphabet ), on the occasion of Saraswati Puja this Thursday. “West Bengal is my second home... I wish to soak and imbibe the rich culture and language of this state, which is the soil of so many luminaries,” he told reporters at the Dakshineswar Temple. The governor later offered floral tributes at Mother Teresa’s tomb, located within the premises of the Mother House. He also took part in the afternoon prayers and interacted with the nuns. “Saint Teresa had dedicated herself for the poor. She had shunned all comforts of life in her mission,” Bose, who assumed charge as the Governor of West Bengal in November last year, said.

3 held for installing Ambedkar’s statue

BALLIA (UP), JAN 29 (PTI): Three people were arrested and 45 others were booked for allegedly installing Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s statue on government land in the Rasda Kotwali area illegally, police said on Sunday. Police have been deployed to ensure peace in the village. Station House Officer (SHO) of Rasda Kotwali, Himendra Singh said a case has been registered against 10 named and 35 unknown persons under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on Saturday and the police arrested three of the named accused on Sunday. According to police, a statue of Dr Ambedkar was illegally installed on government land in Lohta village of Rasda Kotwali area on Friday night. As soon as the incident was reported, the police reached the spot and removed the statue.

Punjab police arrests man for drug trafficking

CHANDIGARH, JAN

29 (PTI): Punjab police on Sunday arrested a man for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and recovered 5 kg heroin and Rs 12.15 lakh cash from his possession. The arrest was made by the Punjab police’s counter-intelligence wing in Amritsar.

“In a major breakthrough against trans-border narcotic smuggling networks, CI Amritsar arrested Rashpal @Pala engaged in drug trafficking and recovered 5 kg heroin and Rs 12.15 lakh drug money from his possession,” Punjab Police Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav said in a tweet.

Prez Murmu inaugurates ‘Udyan Utsav’; ‘Amrit Udyan’ to open for public on Jan

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday inaugurated Udyan Utsav-2023 -the opening of the Rashtrapati Bhavan gardens, including the rechristened ‘Amrit Udyan’, for the public.

The iconic Mughal Gardens at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was renamed Amrit Udyan on Saturday. The resplendent gardens are open to the public once a year and people can visit from January 31 this time.

Amrit Udyan will remain open for visitors from January 31 to March 26 between 10 am and 4 pm, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday said.

From March 28 to 31, the gardens will be open for special categories. For farmers on March 28, for differently-abled persons on March 29, for defence, paramilitary forces and police personnel on March 30 and

for women, including tribal women’s self-help groups, on March 31.

Originally, the garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan included East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long Garden and Circular Garden.

During the term of former presidents Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind, more gardens

31

Garden, Bonsai Garden, Central Lawn, Long Garden and Circular Garden -- will be open to the public for about two months.

People can book their slots well in advance online. Booking can be made at https://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in or https://rb.nic. in/rbvisit/visit_plan.aspx.

Walk-in visitors can also get entry into the gardens. However, they will have to register themselves at the facilitation counters as well as at the self-service kiosk near gate no 12 of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

ASI who shot dead Odisha minister was being treated by psychiatrist

JHARSUGUDA (ODISHA), JAN 29 (PTI): Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) Gopalkrushna Das, who allegedly shot dead Odisha’s health Minister Naba Kishore Das here, was being treated for bipolar disorder by a psychiatrist.

Despite the history of mental disorder, somehow Das was issued a service revolver and appointed incharge of a police post at Brajrajnagar where he shot dead Das.

were developed, namely, Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Bonsai Garden and Arogya Vanam. In this year’s Udyan Utsav, among several other attractions, visitors will be able to see specially cultivated tulips of 12 unique varieties which are expected to bloom in phases. This time, the gardens -- Herbal

Wing Commander Sarathi cremated with military honours in Belagavi

bat aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a training mission in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district on Saturday, resulting in the death of Wing Commander Sarathi while two other pilots ejected safely. Wrapped in tricolour, the coffin carrying the body of the pilot was brought from Morena to Belagavi for the last rites by a special IAF plane. It was then taken to Sarathi’s home in Ganeshpur.

It is advisable to book a slot online in advance to avoid the rush and save time, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement on Saturday.

Entry and exit for all visitors will be from gate number 35 of the President’s Estate, close to where North Avenue meets Rashtrapati Bhavan.

MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Psychiatry department head Dr Chandra Sekhar Tripathy told reporters that Das was suffering from bipolar disorder.

“Das had first visited my clinic about eight to ten years ago. He used to get angry very easily and was undergoing treatment for this,” Tripathy said. “I am not sure whether he was taking medicines regularly. If medicine are not

taken regularly, the disease reappears. It has been a year since he visited me last,” th doctor said.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that ranged from hyper-mania to depression, according to experts. However, the disease can be controlled by treatment including counselling.

Das was a resident of Jaleswarkhandi village of Ganjam district. He started his career in police as a constable in Berhampur and was later transferred to Jhar-

suguda district 12 years ago.

Jharsugda SDPO Gupteswar Bhoi said the ASI was issued a licensed pistol after he was made incharge of a police outpost at Gandhi Chhak of Brajrajnagar area.

Das’s wife Jayanti also confirmed that her husband used to take medicine for the psychological disorder. “As he stays about 400 km from us, I cannot say whether he was regularly taking medicine,” she said.

Official sources said that Das was Sunday deployed for law and order arrangement for minister Naba Das’s visit. Before opening fire at the minister, Das had kept his motorcycle nearly 50 metres away from the spot were he attacked Das. He allegedly opened fire while the minister alighted from a car to attend a local programme and his supporters were garlanding him.

Jet crash: black box, flight data recorder found

MORENA, JAN 29 (PTI): The black box of Mirage 2000 and a part of the flight data recorder of Sukhoi-30MKI jet, which had crashed in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, have been found in the wreckage, an official said on Sunday.

Teams of the Indian Air Force (IAF) studied and inspected a forested area of Pahargarh where the debris of the two fighter jets fell on Saturday.

Pahargarh area of Morena.

Gour said the forested area where the wreckage fell has been cordoned off.

“Even police are not being allowed in the (cordoned off) area. Officials of IAF are present there,” he said.

Media personnel are also not allowed in the area.

Relatives and Air Force personnel during the last rites of Wing Commander Hanumanth Rao Sarathi at Belagavi. (PTI)

BELAGAVI (K’TAKA), JAN 29 (PTI): Wing Commander Hanumanth Rao Sarathi, who was killed in a plane crash between Sukhoi-

30MKI and Mirage-2000 aircraft in Madhya Pradesh, was cremated with full military honours.

The two frontline com-

Various people, including former chief minister B S Yediyurappa and Congress MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar, paid homage to the departed soul by garlanding the body.

The two frontline combat aircraft of the IAF crashed during a training mission in Morena, resulting in the death of a wing commander while two other pilots ejected safely.

“The black box of the Mirage aircraft has been found from the wreckage in

Right-wing rally against ‘love jihad’, conversion in Mumbai

amsevak Sangh (RSS), Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) marched in the rally.

Hindu Jan Akrosh Morcha, organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj, began from Shivaji Park in Dadar and culminated at Kamgar Maidan in Parel, covering a distance of more than 4 km.

Activists shouted slogans against “love jihad”, and demanded anti-conversion laws and a crackdown on land grabbing in the name of religion.

Several leaders and MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and those of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction also participated in the rally.

MUMBAI, JAN 29 (PTI): Activists of right-wing organisations took out a massive rally in central Mum-

bai on Sunday against ‘love jihad’ and demanded anti-conversion laws and a crackdown on land grab-

bing in the name of religion. Leaders and workers of right-wing outfits such as the Rashtriya Sway -

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that democracy is in the veins of the countrymen and mentioned about the recently released book India: The Mother of Democracy.

Union Education and Skill Development Minister

Dharmendra Pradhan on November 24, 2022 released the book titled ‘India: The Mother of Democracy’ prepared and published by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR). The book is an attempt to showcase the democratic ethos ingrained in India since the dawn of civilisation.

Addressing the 97th edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme, PM Modi termed the book “very interesting” and said that it comprises a number of excellent essays. “A very interesting sub-

ject has been discussed in this book which I received a few weeks ago. The name of this book is India: The Mother of Democracy and it has many excellent essays. India is the largest democracy in the world and we Indians are also proud of the fact that our country is also the Mother of Democracy,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister had received the book on December 23, 2022.

“Democracy is in our veins, it is in our culture. It has been an integral part of our work for centuries.

By nature, we are a Democratic Society. Dr Ambedkar had compared the Buddhist monks union to the Indian Parliament.

He described it as an institution where there were many rules for Motions, Resolutions, Quorum, Voting and counting of votes,”

he said adding that Babasaheb believed that Lord Buddha must have got inspiration from the political systems of that time.

Later in his address, PM Modi talked about Utirmerur, a famous village of Tamil Nadu and said how the book explains the correct way to hold Gram Sabha.

“There is a small but famous village in Tamil Nadu - Utirmerur. Here an inscription of 1100-1200 years ago surprises the whole world. This rock-edict is like a

Police personnel were deployed along the route of the march to prevent any untoward incident.

mini-constitution. It has been explained in detail how the Gram Sabha should be conducted and what the procedure for selection of its members shall be,” he said.

He also said that the Anubhav Mandapam of Lord Basaveshwara of the 12th century shows how free debate and discussion were encouraged during that period.

“The republican traditions of the Kakatiya dynasty kings of Warangal were also very famous. The Bhakti movement furthered the culture of democracy in western India. An article has also been included in the book on the democratic spirit of the Sikh Panth which throws light on the decisions taken by the consensus of Guru Nanak Dev Ji,” the Prime Minister said. Modi continued that the book has a good amount

A part of the Sukhoi aircraft’s black box has also been found and the remaining part of the recorder might have fallen in Bharatpur,” Morena Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Bagri told PTI over the phone. “The IAF, police and other departments are

searching for the remaining part of the Sukhoi aircraft recorder,” he said.

A black box, or the flight data recorder, is an electronic recording device placed in an aircraft and helps in the investigation of flight accidents.

Pahargarh area police inspector Dharmendra

Gour said he was not aware when asked whether the wife of the deceased pilot might come to Pahargarh and visit the wreckage site. “The IAF is handling the matter and the area,” he added.

Defence experts have said the Russian-designed Sukhoi-30MKI jet and the French Mirage-2000 possibly had a mid-air collision, but there was no official comment on the cause of the crash from the IAF.

MP CM Chouhan announces scheme to provide Rs 1,000 per month to poor women

BHOPAL, JAN 29 (PTI):

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh

Chouhan has said his government will launch a new scheme to provide Rs 1,000 per month to women from financially poor background in the state, where the Assembly polls are due this year-end.

A sum of Rs 60,000 crore will be spent on this scheme in five years, Chouhan said addressing a programme on the banks of the Narmada river in Narmadapuram city on Saturday evening.

“We will start the Ladli Bahina Scheme for poor women from lower and middle classes of all sections on the lines of the Ladli Lakshmi Scheme. An amount of Rs 1,000

of information on the community-driven and consensus-driven decision-making - in Oraon and Munda tribes of central India.

“After reading this book, you will feel how the spirit of democracy has been flowing in every part of the country for centuries. As the Mother of Democracy, we should constantly think deeply about this topic, discuss it and also inform the world. This will further strengthen the spirit of democracy in the country,” he asserted.

Notably, in 1947, when India achieved independence, a commitment was made to providing a democratic model of governance to its citizens.

The country’s Constitution, which was implemented on January 26, 1950, laid the foundation for a democratic republic.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan

per month which means Rs 12,000 per year will be given to our sisters,” he said.

Chouhan said poor women from all sections can benefit from this scheme even if they have been receiving benefits of other welfare programmes.

President Droupadi Murmu with her daughter Itishri looks at red roses in full bloom. (PTI)

People stand next to a plane wreckage after a Sukhoi Su-30 and a Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jets. (AFP)

Members of Sakal Hindu Samaj during a protest rally against ‘Love Jihad’ at Dadar in Mumbai, Sunday. (PTI)

‘Democracy is in our veins, it is in our culture’, says Modi

Gopalkrushna Das

Narendra Modi

Rail Budget 2023-24: Big push for ‘Make in India’

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(IANS): In the upcoming Railway Budget, the emphasis will be on the development of infrastructure, ‘Make in India’ high-speed trains and the completion of incomplete railway projects. In the Union Budget 2023-24, the entire emphasis of the Modi government will be on infrastructure development, especially projects related to Railways and getting high-speed trains becoming operational as soon as possible.

The Modi government is working on increasing the railway budget by 20-25 per cent to strengthen the infrastructure of the entire railway system. According to sources in the Railways Ministry, there is a possibility of an allocation of nearly Rs 1.8 lakh crore for this sector in 2023-24, which was Rs 1.4 lakh crore in 2022-23.

According to Railway Ministry officials, in this year’s budget more allocation will be made for laying new tracks, increasing the number of semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains, introducing hydrogen-powered

trains as well as the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project.

The Indian Railways aims to seek permission from the Central government to meet its target of replacing conventional coaches of all express and mail trains with India-made and German-developed Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. Under the Vision 2024 projects, in the second half of the decade, apart from commissioning of new dedicated freight corridors and high-speed passenger corridors, multitracking and signaling upgrades of congested routes have been targeted. The Indian Railways aims to rapidly redevelop the infrastructure of more

Over 100 delegates to attend first G20 Finance Meeting

CHANDIGARH, JAN 29

(IANS): Over 100 delegates will attend the first G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting, under the G20 Indian Presidency, in Chandigarh on January 30-31.

The International Financial Architecture Working Group is one of the important work streams under the G20 Finance Track with a focus on strengthening the international financial architecture.

than 1,000 stations under the AMRUT Bharat Station scheme.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR) was hit hard by land acquisition issues. According to the information presented in Parliament by the Ministry of Railways, the overall physical progress on the 508.09 km corridor as on December 31, 2022, was only 24.73 per cent.

During the financial year 2022-23, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) was allocated Rs 19,102 crore. According to Railway Ministry sources, the cost of the bullet train project is likely to exceed the estimated amount of Rs 1.08 lakh crore.

It also aims to address multiple challenges faced by vulnerable countries.

Approximately, 100 delegates from across the G20 membership, invitee countries, and international organisations, will be arriving in Chandigarh to participate in the two-day meeting.

The meeting will be inaugurated by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, and Food Processing Industries Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras.

The discussions during the two-day meeting will be jointly steered by the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India along with France and South Korea, who are the Co-chairs of the International Finan-

cial Architecture Working Group. The meeting will discuss ways to enhance the stability and cohesion of the international financial architecture and how to make it fit for addressing the global challenges of the 21st century. It will also focus on exploring ways to provide maximum support to poor and vulnerable countries.

On the sidelines of this meeting, on January 30, a G20 side event titled ‘Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Opportunities and Challenges’ will also be held. The event is aimed at sharing country experiences and developing a deeper understanding of the macro prudential implications of CBDCs. In the run-up to this meeting, a number of events have been held across the city, for increasing ‘JanBhagidari’ and generating interest in the G20 events under the Indian Presidency.

A seminar on “Central Bank Digital Currencies: The Indian Story” was also held on January 25 in Chandigarh. These events are aimed at creating awareness of the G20 Indian Presidency in 2023 and its theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth - One Family - One Future”.

IndustryexpectsBudgettoprovidethrusttoUDAN

NEW DELHI, JAN 29

(IANS): Along with the increase in air traffic, the country has witnessed growth in the aviation infrastructure especially in terms of more routes and development of airports. Keeping in view the past growth in the air traffic, Industry expects that the upcoming Budget will give wings to the aviation sector.

The ambitious regional connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is one such scheme of the government and it is going to add more feathers to its cap in the coming time.

While 453 routes have already been started under the scheme connecting cit-

ies across the country and operationalising 70 airports, more routes and airports will be added to the list with the rising demand in affordable air travel.

The UDAN scheme is applicable for a period of 10 years from the date of its notification. The government has set a target to operationalize 1,000 UDAN routes during the currency of the scheme and to revive and develop 100 unserved and underserved airports, heliports, water aerodromes by 2024. Suprio

through regional connectivity scheme (RCS) has been an ongoing focus of the government and we expect that to continue. Improving existing infrastructure and capacity at some key airports besides setting up newer airports has also been the need of the hour. Further, connectivity with the underserved/unserved airports to boost tourism needs improvement.”

Banerjee, Vice President

& Sector

- Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, said: “Focus on continuing improvement in regional connectivity

Head

Similarly, development of new airports as well as airport infrastructure has also recorded corresponding growth and Industry experts said that the momentum will continue in the next financial year. The total number of airports has nearly

doubled from 74 in 2014 to over 141 in 2022. Keeping in view the growth in the aviation traffic, the government has accorded in-principle approval for setting up 21 Greenfield Airports across the country. Out of these, many Greenfield airports including Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Kushinagar and Donyi Polo, Itanagar and Mopa have been operationalised.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation received an allocation of Rs 10,667 crore in the last Budget and Industry expects that the upcoming Budget will adequately address the demand of the avi-

ation sector. Industry rating firm ICRA expects higher budgetary allocation for the industry as compared to the past. The government did extend the ECLGS scheme to the aviation sector and also enhanced its scope, thus providing some liquidity support to the airlines. The industry expects to continue to receive similar credit support from the government. The industry also needs favourable measures in terms of taxation, with one of the recurring demands from the industry players being rationalisation of duties on ATF and/ or bringing it under the purview of the goods and services tax (GST).

(From p-1) Special number was presented by NK Naga, vote of thanks was given by party’s State secretary Obed Sumi and benediction offered by Thahekhu Village, Block 7 Fellowship, pastor Jetovi Chishi.

Later, interacting with media persons after the programme, Singh said JD (U) would be fielding only winnable candidates, but did not disclose the number of candidates the party would field, nor the constituencies from where it would be field-

ing candidates. When asked if JD (U) would be a part of any coalition government in the State with BJP as an alliance partner, he sternly replied that his party would never align with BJP in forming government in any state.

Nagas feel betrayed by BJP: JD (U) chief Eastern Nagaland require special...

(From p-1) the real problem of the ENPO during the past five or six year tenure. He said having Delhi talk over the issue with the proponents would not result in any concrete solution. Dr.Jamir lamented that the current coalition government has allowed the Centre to bypass it by allowing talks directly with eastern Nagas. He said the issue has to be dealt with by the state government since

it is outside the purview of the Centre to involve with an internal matter of a state. Dr. Jamir also said he has no idea if the centre is going to accede to the demand by ENPO for Frontier Nagaland State. Dr. Jamir said maintained that the Centre ought to ensure that Naga unity and integrity of the state ought to be maintained and that special development for the eastern area could be pursued within a constitutional framework.

Naked short selling not permitted in Indian markets

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (IANS): Naked short selling is not permitted in the Indian securities market and all investors would be required to mandatorily honour their obligation of delivering the securities at the time of settlement.

As per SEBI norms, short selling shall be defined as selling a stock which the seller does not own at the time of trade. All classes of investors, viz., retail and institutional investors, shall be permitted to short sell.

The securities traded in the F & O segment shall be eligible for short selling.

SEBI may review the list of stocks that are eligible for short selling transactions from time to time.

The institutional investors shall disclose upfront at the time of placement of order whether the transaction is a short sale. However, retail investors would be permitted to make a similar disclosure by the end of the trading hours on the transaction day. The brokers shall

be mandated to collect the details on scrip-wise short sell positions, collate the data and upload it to the stock exchanges before the commencement of trading on the following trading day. The stock exchanges shall then consolidate such information and disseminate the same on their websites for the information of the public on a weekly basis. The frequency of such disclosure may be reviewed from time to time with the approval of SEBI.

Hindenburg Research report a calculated attack on India: Adani

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (IANS): Adani Group in a statement on Sunday said it is shocked and deeply disturbed to read the report published by the “Madoffs of Manhattan” - Hindenburg Research on January 24 which is nothing but a lie.

The document is a malicious combination of selective misinformation and concealed facts relating to baseless and discredited allegations to drive an ulterior motive, Adani Group said.

This is rife with conflict of interest and intended only to create a false market in securities to enable Hindenburg, an admitted short seller, to book massive financial gain through wrongful means at the cost of countless investors.

It is tremendously concerning that the statements of an entity sitting thousands of miles away, with

no credibility or ethics has caused serious and unprecedented adverse impact on our investors. The mala fide intention underlying the report is apparent given its timing when Adani Enterprises Limited is undertaking what would be the largest ever further public offering of equity shares in India. This is not merely an unwarranted attack on any specific company but a calculated attack on India, the independence, integrity and quality of Indian institutions, and the growth story and ambition of India, Adani Group said.

There are three key themes from the Hindenburg Report: (i) Selective and manipulative presentation of matters already in the public domain to create a false narrative. (ii) Complete ignorance or deliberate disregard of the applicable legal

and accounting standards as well as industry practice. (iii) Contempt for the Indian institutions including the regulators and the judiciary, Adani Group said.

SNIPPETS

Passenger bus in Pakistan crashes, catches fire killing 40

QUETTA, JAN 29 (AP):

A passenger bus crashed into a pillar and fell off a bridge, catching fire and killing 40 people in southern Pakistan on Sunday, a government official said.

The bus was carrying 44 passengers from Quetta in Balochistan province to Karachi in neighboring Sindh province. The accident was near the town of Bela, in Lasbela district.

Hamza Anjum

Nadeem, assistant commissioner in Bela, said the bodies of 40 people, including women and children, were recovered.

Four injured passengers were rescued.

B’desh PM Hasina likely to attend G-20 summit

DHAKA, JAN 29 (PTI):

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit India in September to join the G-20 summit on an invitation sent by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, a foreign ministry official said here on Sunday. India officially assumed the G20 presidency on December 1. The country is expected to host over 200 preparatory meetings across the country. The next G20 Leaders’ Summit at the level of heads of state or governments is scheduled to be held on September 9 and 10 this year in New Delhi.

US to start receiving H1B visa applications from March 1

WASHINGTON, JAN

29 (PTI): The highly anticipated H1B visa filing season for fiscal 2023-24 will officially begin on March 1 when the US immigration agency will start accepting applications for skilled foreign workers visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Maldives prez to run for second term

MALE, JAN 29 (AP):

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won a party primary and will run for a second term in September elections.

Solih defeated Mohamed Nasheed, the parliament speaker and a former president, in the Maldivian Democratic Party primary held on Saturday night.

2 Palestinians killed by Israeli security

JERUSALEM, JAN 29

(AP): Two Palestinian men died Sunday from gunshot wounds from Israeli security personnel in separate incidents, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, as Israeli forces sealed off the home of an east Jerusalem man who killed seven people outside a synagogue on Friday.

Earthquake in northwest Iran

kills 3, injures 800

TEHRAN, JAN 29

(AGENCIES): A

5.9-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Iran overnight, killing at least three people and injuring more than 800 in the region near the border with Turkey, state officials and media said Sunday, reports AFP.

Panicked residents fled their homes as buildings collapsed and rubble crushed cars, with hundreds seeking shelter from freezing winter conditions in evacuation centres as more than 20 aftershocks rattled the region.

Police unit involved in fatal U.S bashing disbanded

MEMPHIS, JAN 29

(AGENCIES): Memphis police on Saturday permanently deactivated the unit of the five officers who fatally beat a young Black man, the latest instance of police brutality to elicit nationwide calls for reform, reports AFP.

The shocking death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols has reopened anguished debate across the United States about officer violence, particularly after promises of reform swept the country following the death of another Black man, George Floyd, in 2020.

The five officers, who were also Black, had belonged to Memphis’ Scorpion unit, which was launched in November 2021 with the intent of reducing illegal activity in crime hotspots, including by blanketing those areas with more officers.

But on Saturday, the MPD said in a statement it was “in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the SCORPION Unit.” “The officers currently assigned to the unit agree unreservedly with this next step,” it added.

Israeli police seal home of synagogue attacker

JERUSALEM, JAN 29

(AP): Israeli police on Sunday sealed up the east Jerusalem home of a Palestinian attacker who killed seven people and wounded three outside a synagogue, one of several punitive measures approved by Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet overnight.

Officers who were terminated after their involvement in a traffic stop that ended with the death of Tyre Nichols. (Reuters)

Nichols’s family welcomed the decision in a statement from their lawyers, calling it “both appropriate and proportional to the tragic death of Tyre Nichols, and also a decent and just decision for all citizens of Memphis.”

“We hope that other cities take similar action with their saturation police units in the near future to begin to create greater trust in their communities,” the family added.

Police Chief Cerelyn Davis, who created the unit, had previously told CNN it was at least initially successful, with reduced crime in 2022 following a record number of 345 homicides the prior year, a number which she said had prompted “an outcry from

At least 24 dead in Peru bus accident: police

LIMA, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): At least 24 people died Saturday when a bus carrying 60 passengers, including an unknown number of Haitians, plunged over a cliff in northwestern Peru, police said, reports AFP. They had earlier stated the count in Piura province as 25, before correcting it to 24.

The bus, belonging to the Qorianka Tours company, departed from Lima and was en route to Tumbes, on the border with Ecuador, when it went off the road

near the town of Organos, according to police. Police at the scene told local media that the accident occurred at a difficult spot known as “Devil’s Curve,” but they said the cause remained under investigation.

An unknown number of injured passengers were transported to hospitals in El Alto and Mancora, popular resorts some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) north of Lima. Several passengers were thrown from the bus while others were trapped inside.

the community.”

The unit, which stands for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods, had been intended “to reduce gun violence, to be visible in communities, and to also impact the rise in the crime,” she said.

Despite nationwide calls for police reform following Floyd’s death, the number of people who died during interactions with police hit a 10-year high in 2022, at 1,186 fatalities, according to the website Mapping Police Violence.

The officers involved in Nichols’s death face second-degree murder charges as well as indictments for aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping.

The move came following a deadly weekend in which seven people were killed and five others wounded in two separate shootings in Jerusalem, in one of the bloodiest months in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem in several years.

The measures threatened to further raise tensions and cast a cloud over a visit next week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The weekend shootings followed a deadly Israeli raid in the West Bank on Thursday that killed nine Palestinians, most of them militants.

In response, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a barrage of rockets into Israel, triggering a series of Israeli airstrikes in response. In all, 32 Palestinians have been killed in fighting this month.

Addressing the Cabinet on Sunday morning, Netanyahu said that “we sealed the home of the ter-

PARIS, JAN 29 (AP):

France’s prime minister insisted Sunday that the government’s plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 is “no longer negotiable,” further angering parliamentary opponents and unions who plan new mass protests and disruptive strikes this week. Raising the pension age is one part of a broad bill that is the flagship measure of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term. The bill is meeting widespread popular resistance — more than 1 million people marched against it earlier this month — and misunderstanding about what it will mean for today’s French workers.

In an interview with France-Info radio broadcast Sunday, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the age “is no longer negotiable.”

Retirement at 64 and a lengthening of the number

NEW DELHI, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Amid a rapidly tumbling economy, the writing on the wall for Pakistan’s future is clearthat the country faces another monumental crisis in its history.

Following the State Bank’s removal of a cap on Pakistan’s foreign currency exchange rate, the steep drop in the value of the rupee is bound to add to an already high rate of inflation.

The change came shortly after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised its interest rate to 17 per cent as it sought to battle inflation hovering around 30 percent, The News re-

‘Assets

ported. In a sharp departure from Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s publicly repeated claims of keeping domestic fuel prices unchanged, Pakistanis must now brace for a hike in petrol and diesel prices in the coming days, The News reported.

Besides, a jump in the price of diesel will inevitably add to the cost of production in agriculture and

of years needed to earn a full pension “is the compromise that we proposed after having heard employers’ organizations and unions,” she said.

A union-led online petition against the retirement plan saw a surge in new signatures after Borne’s comments. France’s eight leading unions are in discussions Sunday about a joint response to her remarks, according to officials with the FO and CFDT unions.

Lawmaker Manuel Bompard, whose France Unbowed party is leading the parliamentary push against the reform, called for “the biggest possible” turnout for upcoming strikes and protests. “We have to be in the streets Tuesday,” he said on BFM television Sunday. The government says the reform is necessary to keep the pension system solvent as France’s life ex-

The police on Sunday released footage of Israeli army engineers welding metal plates over the windows and welding the front door shut as part of the operation in response to Friday night’s deadly shooting. Police said the attacker, identified as a 21-yearold east Jerusalem resident, was killed in a shootout with officers after fleeing the scene in the predominantly

France must raise pension age to 64: PM

pectancy has grown and birth rates have declined.

“Our aim is to ensure that in 2030 we have a system that’s financially balanced,” Borne said.

Unions and left-wing parties want big companies or wealthier households to pitch in more to balance the pension budget instead.

Borne suggested openness to adjustments on how the reform addresses time that people take out of their careers to bear children or pursue education. The plan’s critics say women are unfairly targeted; Borne disagreed, but said, “We are in the process of analyzing the situation.”

The bill goes to a parliamentary commission on Monday, and to a full debate in the National Assembly on Feb. 6. Opponents have submitted 7,000 proposed amendments that will further complicate the debate.

Pak faces monumental crisis as economy tumbles

industry. Eventually, though not of direct consequence to ordinary consumers, airlines are likely to raise the cost of domestic and international rupee denominated airfares.

Meanwhile, the official rant of placing the guilt of Pakistan’s present day economic troubles upon the last government is neither true nor productive.

Dar came to the job in his latest tenure, promising to oversee the appreciation of rupee to a rate of 200 rupee to a US dollar. And the ultimate outcome in today’s forex market is nothing but a massive departure from that ambition, The News reported.

Ukraine sanctions Russian firms

their properties will be used for our defence,” Zelensky said in a video address.

The sanctioned companies chiefly engage in the transportation of goods, vehicle leasing and chemical production, according to the list published by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

KYIV, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Ukraine imposed sanctions against 182 Russian and Belarusian companies, and three individuals, in the latest of a series of steps by President Volodymyr Zelensky to block Moscow’s and Minsk’s connections to his country, reports Reuters.

“Their assets in Ukraine are blocked,

The list includes Russian potash fertiliser producer and exporter Uralkali, Belarus state-owned potash producer Belaruskali, Belarusian Railways, as well as Russia’s VTB-Leasing and Gazprombank Leasing both dealing with transport leasing.

Ukraine has sanctioned hundreds of Russian and Belarusian individuals and firms since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year.

Govtraisespetrol,dieselpricesbyRs35

Cash-strapped Pakistan’s government on Sunday raised prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 35 each, giving another jolt to the country’s inflation-stricken people. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar made the announcement in a televised address on Sunday morning, spoiling people’s weekly holiday as prices in the past had been adjusted on a fortnightly basis from the first to sixteenth of every month.

After the rise, the price of petrol was set at Rs 249.80 per litre, high-speed diesel at Rs 262.80, kerosene oil at Rs 189.83, and

ultra-Orthodox east Jerusalem settlement of Neve Yaakov.

On Saturday, a 13-yearold Palestinian boy opened fire elsewhere in east Jerusalem, wounding two Israeli men, paramedics said. The attacker was shot and hospitalised.

Funerals for the victims in Friday’s shooting, the deadliest attack on Israelis since 2008, were scheduled to take place Sunday.

Netanyahu’s Cabinet also said it plans a series of other punitive measures, including cancelling social security benefits for the families of attackers, and would take steps to “strengthen the settlements” this week as part of the gov-

ernment’s response to the weekend’s attacks.

Israeli soldiers arrive to the family home of the gunman in Al-Tur on January 29, 2023. (AFP) rorist who carried out the horrendous attack in Jerusalem, and his home will be demolished”. “We are not seeking an escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario. Our answer to terrorism is a heavy hand and a strong, swift and precise response,” he said.

Netanyahu said that strengthening settlements in the occupied West Bank was aimed at “sending a message to the terrorists that seek to uproot us from our land that we are here to stay”. Israel captured the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. It has built dozens of settlements, now home to more than 500,000 Jewish settlers, in the decades since. Most of the international community considers the settlements an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians, who seek the West Bank as the heartland of a future independent state.

Turkey issues travel warning to Europe following protests

ISTANBUL, JAN 29 (AP):

Turkey issued a travel warning late on Saturday for its citizens living in or planning on going to European countries, citing Islamophobia and anti-Turkish demonstrations. The warning comes after last weekend’s protests in Sweden where an anti-Islam activist burned the Quran and pro-Kurdish groups protested against Turkey. The Turkish foreign ministry urged its citizens to take precautions and stay away from demonstration areas. It also said they should go to local authorities if they face xenophobic or racist attacks.

Turkey strongly condemned far-right activist Rasmus Paludan’s burning of the Quran in Stockholm, which he repeated in Copenhagen Friday. Ankara also summoned the Dutch am-

bassador after another farright activist tore pages of the Quran in the Hague. The Turkish government also said there was an increase in anti-Turkish protests by “groups with links to terror groups” — a reference to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. ProKurdish groups have been demonstrating in Sweden, waving the flags of the PKK and its affiliates. The protests are a response to Sweden and Finland’s promise to prevent the PKK’s activities in their countries in order to gain Turkey’s approval for their NATO bids. Following the protests, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Sweden not to expect support for its membership bid for the military alliance.

light diesel oil at Rs 187 per litre.

Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said that the ruling alliance led by his party was ready to swallow the bitter pill of the International Monetary Fund’s “stringent” conditions to revive the loan programme and it has clearly conveyed intentions to complete the ninth review to the IMF.

The IMF team would be in Islamabad from January 31 to February 9 to hold talks with the officials over the implementation of its conditions attached with the assistance package.

WASHINGTON, JAN 29 (PTI): Ashraf Ghani, the former Afghanistan President who fled the country when the Taliban grabbed power in Kabul, was “a total fraud” solely focused on his own desire to stay in power and a big hurdle in any peace talks, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

In his book titled ‘Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love,’ Pompeo claims that both Ghani and Afghanistan’s former chief executive Abdullah Abdullah were involved in corruption at the highest levels that limited the US’ ability to successfully exit the war-torn country in August 2021.

The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 31, ending its 20-year-old military presence in the country.

“As negotiations accelerated, Ghani was always a problem. I met scores of world leaders, and he was my least favourite. That’s saying a lot when you have Kim (Jong-un), Xi (Jinping), and (Vladimir) Putin in the mix. Yet Ghani was a total fraud who had wasted American lives and was focused solely on his own desire to stay in power,” Pompeo writes in his book that hit the bookstores this week.

WASHINGTON, JAN 29

(AGENCIES): The Indian community on Saturday held a protest against the BBC documentary series “India: The Modi Question” at Fremont in the San Francisco Bay area of California, reports ANI.

About 50 members, under the banner of “Indian Diaspora”, chanted slogans and marched through the streets of Fremont in San Francisco area of United States stating that they “reject BBC’s sinister and biased documentary.” While marching in Fremont, people were shouting slogans like “Biased BBC” and “racist BBC.”

While protesting at Fremont, people carried banners which said, “BBC IS A BOGUS Broadcasting Corporation” and “Indian Diaspora rejects BBC’s Sinister and Biased Documentary against Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” “BBC Documentary spreading

fake propaganda,” “BBC is a fake news peddler.” UK’s national broadcaster BBC aired a two-part series attacking PM Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2002. Prominent Indian-origin UK citizens condemned the series. Prominent UK Citizen Lord Rami Ranger said the “BBC caused a great deal of hurt to over a billion Indians.”

On January 19, India denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described it as a “propaganda piece” that is designed to push a discredited narrative.

Addressing a weekly media briefing External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said this documentary show, based on some internal UK report, shows the colonial mindset. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms.

Volodymyr Zelensky

Indian-Americans in California protest against BBC series on Modi

will be used for our defence’:

Ex-Afghan president total fraud, hampered peace talks: Mike Pompeo

The ill-fated bus that fell down the cliff in northwestern Peru.

Hubble views a stellar duo in Orion Nebula

Kangana on ‘Pathaan’ success: ‘India has only loved the Khans’

The bright variable star V 372 Orionis takes center stage in this image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, which has also captured a smaller companion star in the upper left of this image. Both stars lie in the Orion Nebula, a colossal region of star formation roughly 1,450

light-years from Earth. V 372 Orionis is a particular type of variable star known as an Orion Variable. These young stars experience some tempestuous moods and growing pains, which are visible to astronomers as irregular variations in luminosity. Orion Variables are often associated with diffuse

The discovery of an asteroid the size of a small shipping truck mere days before it passed Earth on Thursday, albeit one that posed no threat to humans, highlights a blind spot in our ability to predict those that could actually cause damage, astronomers say. NASA for years has prioritized detecting asteroids much bigger and more existentially threatening than 2023 BU, the small space rock that streaked by 2,200 miles from the Earth ‘s surface, closer than some satellites. If bound for Earth , it would have been pulverized in the atmosphere, with only small fragments possibly reaching land.

Poultry

We get it: Raw chicken is slimy when it comes out of the package, and you want to wash it off. But according to the USDA, it’s safer to destroy bacteria when you cook it. A recent study looked at people who washed raw poultry for a meal. Sixty percent had bacteria in their sink afterward, and 26% had transferred bacteria to their salad lettuce.

Prewashed Salads

If the bag says your greens have been prewashed, there’s no need to send it through the salad spinner. Many prepared lettuces go through a triple wash system to remove natural debris.

Eggs

Right before a chicken lays an egg, a thin coating called a bloom covers the shell. This keeps bacteria out of its tiny pores. Commercial egg producers clean eggs in a way that keeps that layer intact. Washing eggs at home doesn’t remove germs; it lets them inside instead.

Always keep your eggs in the refrigerator, and cook them thoroughly.

Red Meat You can’t wash all the bacteria off red meat. Some is deep in the fibers. Any that come off will crosscontaminate your sink and everything in it. The safest way to kill all the bacteria on red meat is to cook it to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees.

Mushrooms

On one hand, the USDA recommends that you wash any produce that doesn’t say “pre-washed” on the label. On the other, mushrooms are little sponges that suck up water -- and maybe some bacteria with it. Clean your store-bought mushrooms with a damp

nebulae, and V 372 Orionis is no exception; the patchy gas and dust of the Orion Nebula pervade this scene. This image overlays data from two of Hubble’s instruments. Data from the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Wide Field Camera 3 at infrared and visible wavelengths were layered to reveal rich details of this corner of the Orion Nebula. Hubble also left its own subtle signature on this astronomical portrait in the form of diffraction spikes that surround the bright stars. The four spikes around the brightest stars in this image form when an intense point source of light, such as starlight, interacts with the four vanes inside Hubble that support the telescope’s secondary mirror. The diffraction spikes of the NASA/ESA/ CSA James Webb Space Telescope, on the other hand, are six-pointed due to Webb’s hexagonal mirror segments and 3-legged support structure for the secondary mirror. (ESA)

‘Queen’ actress Kangana Ranaut, who is gearing up for her next directorial ‘Emergency’, feels that the Indian audience have always loved the three Khans of Bollywood and the success of Shah Rukh Khan’s recent release ‘Pathaan’ is a testimony to the same.

While taking to Twitter, Kangana, who recently made a come back on the micro-blogging site, tweeted as a response to a producer’s tweet which read, “Big Congratulations to @iamsrk & @deepikapadukone for the runaway success of #Pathaan!!! It

proves 1) Hindu Muslims love SRK equally 2) Boycotts controversies don’t harm but help the film 3) Erotica & Good music works 4) India is super secular”.

Kangana, quoted the tweet as she wrote, “Very good analysis. This country has only and only loved all Khans and at times only and only Khans. And obsessed over Muslim actresses.” Her tweet further mentioned, “So it’s very unfair to accuse India of hate and fascism. There is no country like Bharat in the whole world.”

(IANS)

Scientists have discovered regions on the coronavirus which do not change, or ‘coldspots’, and that antibodies specific for these coldspots may help fight future coronaviruses, according to a new study.

The coronavirus keeps evolving, and in so doing it evades our immune defenses. But does the entire coronavirus evolve, or do some portions remain unchanged?

According to the study, sieving through over 10 million coronavirus sequences, two PhD students at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Switzerland and affiliated with the Università della Svizzera italiana, discovered that some portions of the virus spike, or the molecule on the virus that is key to infect human cells, were remarkably conserved.

“We call these ‘coldspots’, most of the virus is rapidly changing, but we discovered 15 regions that do not,” said Virginia Crivelli, one of the researchers.

By analysing samples from COVID-19 convalescent individuals, the researchers found that some had antibodies specific for the coldspots, the study said.

“These antibodies are very rare, but thanks to a new method, we were able to find them,” said Filippo Bianchini, the other researcher.

The antibodies blocked virus infection in laboratory experiments, even to the latest variants of concern, and protected from disease in preclinical

Asteroid’s sudden flyby shows blind spot in planetary threat detection

But 2023 BU sits on the smaller end of a size group, asteroids 5-to-50 meters in diameter, that also includes those as big as an Olympic swimming pool. Objects that size are difficult to detect until they wander much closer to Earth , complicating any efforts to brace for one that could impact a populated area. The probability of an Earth impact by a space rock, called a meteor when it enters the atmosphere, of that size range is fairly low, scaling according to the asteroid’s size: a 5-meter rock is estimated to target Earth once a year, and a 50-meter rock once every thousand years, according to NASA .

But with current capabilities, astronomers can’t see when such a rock targets Earth until days prior. “We don’t know where most of the asteroids are that can cause local to regional dev-

astation,” said Terik Daly , a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. The roughly 20-meter meteor that exploded in 2013 over Chelyabinsk , Rus-

Should You Wash Chicken?

minutes in cold water. Put delicate berries in a colander and spray them with distilled water right before you use them. Are Food Washes Worth It?

Produce washes you buy at a store are safe. But that doesn’t mean they are

sia is a once-every-100-years event, according to NASA ‘s Jet Propulsion Laboratory . It created a shockwave that shattered tens of thousands of windows and caused $33 million in damage, and no one saw it coming before it entered Earth ‘s atmosphere. Some astronomers consider relying only on statistical probabilities and estimates of asteroid populations an unnecessary risk, when improvements could be made to NASA ‘s ability to detect them.

“How many natural hazards are there that we could actually do something about and prevent for a billion dollars? There’s not many,” said Daly , whose

the best way to wash your produce. Distilled or cold, clean tap water does the trick just fine. Soak your fruits and veggies for a minute or two to lessen the chances of getting sick.

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

work focuses on defending Earth from hazardous asteroids. One major upgrade to NASA ‘s detection arsenal will be NEO Surveyor , a $1.2 billion telescope under development that will launch nearly a million miles from Earth and surveil a wide field of asteroids. It promises a significant advantage over today’s groundbased telescopes that are hindered by daytime light and Earth ‘s atmosphere. That new telescope will help NASA meet a goal assigned by Congress in 2005: detect 90% of the total expected amount of asteroids bigger than 140 meters, or those big enough to destroy anything from a region to an entire

continent.

“With Surveyor , we’re really focusing on finding the one asteroid that could cause a really bad day for a lot of people,” said Amy Mainzer , NEO Surveyor principal investigator. “But we’re also tasked with getting good statistics on the smaller objects, down to about the size of the Chelyabinsk object.” NASA has fallen years behind on its congressional goal, which was ordered for completion by 2020. The agency proposed last year to cut the telescope’s 2023 budget by three quarters and a twoyear launch delay to 2028 “to support higher-priority missions” elsewhere in

models, the study said. Will the new antibodies be effective against the next coronavirus(es)?

“It is likely that new coronaviruses that infect humans will emerge. Our findings indicate that it may be already possible to develop countermeasures that are broadly effective against present and also future coronaviruses,” said Davide Robbiani, senior author on the study and IRB director.

The study is published in the journal Science Immunology. (PTI)

NASA ‘s science portfolio. Asteroid detection gained greater importance last year after NASA slammed a refrigerator-sized spacecraft into an asteroid to test its ability to knock a potentially hazardous space rock off a collision course with Earth . The successful demonstration, called the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), affirmed for the first time a method of planetary defense.

“NEO Surveyor is of the utmost importance, especially now that we know from DART that we really can do something about it,” Daly said. “So by golly, we gotta find these asteroids.” (Reuters)

cloth instead. If you gather mushrooms like morels in the wild, soak them in salted lukewarm water for 30 minutes. Then rinse with clean water until all the dirt is gone.

Fish

Fish is in the same category as poultry and red meat: If you wash it, you will spread bacteria around your kitchen. Cook it off instead. The only exceptions to this rule are clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops that you get fresh. They may need a rinse to get rid of sand and dirt.

Pasta

There’s no food safety reason to wash off your pasta, either before you cook it or afterward. Some people rinse pasta after it’s cooked to remove some of the starch, but this makes it harder for sauce to cling to the noodles.

Avocado

You don’t eat the peel of the avocado, so why should you wash it? Because when you slice it, you can transfer bacteria and dirt from the peel to the avocado.

Cantaloupe and Other Melons

Melons grow on the ground, so pests and microorganisms from dirt and fertilizer are all over them.

Cantaloupe in particular has netted skin that traps bacteria. Wash all melons carefully right before you

cut into them so you don’t move bacteria from the rind to the flesh.

Grains

Most of the grains you buy in the U.S. go through processing and are shelf-stable. There’s no safety-related reason to wash them. But some grains, like quinoa and farro, come out of the bag pretty dusty. If you want to rinse them, feel free.

Canned Drinks

Your call. If you’re worried about what might have touched the can before you put your lips on it, give the top of it a good wash. It’s OK to use soap in this case because cans aren’t porous.

Beans

Both dried and canned beans are safe without washing them. But you won’t hurt dried beans if you wash the dust off of them. And if you rinse canned beans, you can cut the amount of sodium by almost half, on average. For example, a can of undrained kidney beans has 327 milligrams of sodium. If you rinse and drain them, they have 164 milligrams.

Tip: How to Wash

Produce

Wash your hands with hot water and soap first. Use clean, cold water to wash the produce, and dry with a paper towel. Use a vegetable brush on thick-skinned produce, like apples and melons. Soak cauliflower, broccoli, and lettuce for 2

"Women Society" Naga United Village held it's Annual General Meeting on 28th Jan. 2023. Mrs. Kedovino Lydia President, chaired the meeting. After invocation by Mrs. Khegholi Zhimo, Asso. Pastor Sumi Baptist Church NUV. Special Guest Mrs Lulu Rio, EO Nagaland State Co-operative Marketing and Consumers Federation spoke on women empowerment and stressed on the need for women to be conscious of their rights. She also spoke on the importance of a woman in moulding and shaping the Society. She urged the women flock to be smart and also think about venturing out of the four corners of their houses. She also spoke on the various schemes available exclusively for women in departments such as Social Welfare, Dept of Women Development, Dept of Agriculture etc. She later donated tools and seeds to the society. Chakhesang Baptist Church presented a song while Mrs Supou Associate Women Pastor said the benediction.

Two bright stars with diffraction spikes. Larger star: lower-right of center. Smaller: near upper-left corner. (ESA/Hubble & NASA)

Antibodies against coronavirus ‘coldspots’ discovered, may fight future coronaviruses: Study

Representative image. (ANI)

Germany clinch 3rd FIH Hockey WC crown

BHUBANESWAR, JAN

29 (PTI): Germany ended Belgium’s dominance in global hockey in the last five years as they made yet another stunning comeback from two-goal deficit to beat the defending champions in penalty shootout to win the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup for a third time here on Sunday.

The two sides were locked 3-3 at the end of regulation time of the thrilling final before Germany eventually won 5-4 in sudden death in front of a packed Kalinga Stadium.

Niklas Wellen (29th), Gonzalo Peillat (41st) and captain Mats Grambusch (48th) scored for Germany in the regulation time while Florent van Aubel Florent (10th), Tanguy Cosyns (11th) and Tom Boon (59th) found the target for Belgium.

This was the third time in the tournament that Germany had won after trailing 0-2 and their mental strength and neversay-die attitude came to the fore again as they denied the Belgians to defend their title.

The earlier two matches were against England in the quarterfinals and Australia in the semifinals.

German players celebrate with trophy after winning the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup final match against Belgium, in Bhubaneswar, Sunday. (PTI)

Germany joined Australia and Netherlands to have clinched the World Cup title three times. Their earlier triumphs had come in 2002 and 2006. Only Pakistan have won the event four times.

A day before the summit clash, head coach Andre Henning had said that Germany have given massive focus on their defence but a two-minute Belgium blitzkrieg left them in daze.

Van Aubel gave Belgium the lead in the 10th minute. The ball got a deflection and went up inside the German ‘D’.

Aubel leapt in the air and smashed it down into the German goal. Even before the packed crowd barely settled down after the first goal, Cosyns made it 2-0 as he got down on his knees and tapped in a Antoine Kina cross from the left.

Germany took a referral for a back stick but the video umpire ruled against them. Belgium could have been 3-0 up in the first minute of the second quarter but for German goalkeeper Alexander Stadler who brilliantly palmed away an effort from Gauthier Boc-

Serie A: Juventus suffer shock home loss to Monza

pen. We were unbeaten at home until now. Monza are a good side, but we cannot concede those two goals so softly,” Allegri told DAZN.

Gianluca Caprari thought he had given Monza the lead after 10 minutes, but he was ruled offside by VAR when he got the pass inside the box

The visitors did score after 18 minutes when Jose Machin sent a well-timed through ball to Patrick Ciurria, who shot high into the net.

TURIN, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Juventus suffered another blow in their bid for Champions League qualification as they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat by Monza in Serie A on Sunday.

Juventus are languishing 13th in the standings with 23 points, two places behind Monza. Massimiliano Allegri’s side have not been able to recover

KNG FC emerge as champion of 2nd United Gorkha Cup

DIMAPUR, JAN 29

(NPN): Krishna Nitra Guria (KNG) FC emerged as the champion of the 2nd United Gorkha Cup 2023 after defeating United Gorkha Football Club (UGFC) 4-1 in the final match that concluded on January 29 at Singrijan village ground. The tournament that began on January 24 concluded on Sunday.

The winner KNG FC received a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 with trophy, medals and certificates while the runners-up United Gorkha Football Club (UGFC) received a cash amount of Rs. 15,000 with trophy, medals and certificates.

In the individual category, Vibeizolie Nagi of KNG FC secured the top scorer of the tournament with 7 goals.

Best goal keeper was awarded to Govind Thapa of Krishna Nitra Guria FC. Best player of the tournament was bagged by Rahul Gurung of United Gorkha Football Club while best defender of the tournament was adjudged to Ashish Rai of United Gorkha Football Club.

momentum after being docked 15 points this month following an investigation into the club’s transfer dealings. They are 15 points behind AC Milan in the last Champions League qualification spot.

“Every game is decisive, we need to get out of this vortex as quickly as possible. We have one point from three rounds and that should not hap-

Dany Mota doubled Monza’s lead six minutes before halftime when he got the ball inside the box, rounded Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny and put the ball into the empty net.

Juve dominated the second half but were repeatedly denied by Monza keeper Michele Di Gregorio who made a particularly fine save from Manuel Locatelli’s shot.

card from a penalty corner variation.

Germany had the golden chance to pull one back in the 19th minute but Tom Grambusch wasted a penalty stroke with Vincent Vanasch making a stunning save. Considered the best goalkeeper in the world, the 35-year-old Vanasch correctly predictedGrambusch’s powerful shot directed at the right top corner. The ball deflected from Vanasch’s stick and hit the post.

The never-say-die Germans reduced the deficit two minutes before the

Sports Ministry launches app for KIYG 2023

BHOPAL, JAN 29 (PTI):

The Sports Ministry of India has launched a mobile application for the athletes taking part in the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games.

The Games will be held in Bhopal from January 30 to February 11.

The application will allow access to all information about the Games, on a click of a button.

The application gives an athlete a chance to check if his or her verified documents have been uploaded, before the start of the Games.

After successful registration, the athlete can check the status of the issuance of their sporting kits, the hotel in which the athlete has to stay, transportation plan for to and from the venue, as well as important contact numbers on which athletes can call in case of an emergency.

WFI row a wake-up call for sports bodies to prioritise women athletes’ safety

NEW

DELHI, JAN 29

(IANS): In an unprecedented move, India’s top wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and others, staged a protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar in the national capital on January 18, levelling serious charges of sexual harassment against him and the coaches of the federation.

The wrestlers in a letter to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also alleged financial misappropriation and misgovernance in the WFI and claimed that the coaches and sports science staff were ‘incompetent’.

The WFI hit back and said that the protest was baseless and driven by a “hidden agenda to dislodge the current management”, which led to even sharper reactions from the wrestlers.

Eventually, the PT Usha led Indian Olympic Association and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur intervened, heard the grievances of the wrestlers and promised them full justice.

Not satisfied with the assurance, the grapplers had multiple meetings with the minister, some of which were late night. This eventually led to the stepping aside of the under-fire Brij Bhushan till an oversight committee probes the allegations and submits its report.

The oversight committee led by the legendary boxer Mary Kom is currently handling the day-today activities of the WFI and also looking into the allegations made by the wrestlers.

Last week’s protest should definitely be a wake-up call for the other sports bodies in the country to address serious issues

breather as Wellen struck from a penalty corner variation.

Trailing 1-2 at half time, Germany had a chance to restore parity in the 40th minute when Hannes Muller’s shot was deflected towards the Belgium goal by Marco Mailtkau but an alert Vanasch padded it away to safety. The Germans kept on pressing and got the equaliser in the 41st minute when penalty corner expert Peillat, who had scored a hat-trick in the semifinals, sounded the board to make the scoreline 2-2.

The match then turned on its head as captain Mats Grambusch gave Germany the lead for the first time in the match three minutes into the fourth quarter after an exchange of pass with Thies Prinz. Prinz sent a defence-splitting pass after receiving the ball from Grambusch and it looked like that the German captain would not able to reach to the ball. But Grambusch pulled off a smashing reverse hit which went through the legs of Vanasch into the German goal. It was one of the few occasions when Vanasch finished second best in a duel.

Ranji Trophy: Bihar thrash Manipur by 220 runs to win Plate Group title

and prioritise the wellbeing and safety of Indian women athletes.

The Indian sports administrators often claim that they have a ‘robust’ system, which gives a level playing field to athletes irrespective of their gender. However, the recent development and serious allegations have burst that bubble. No doubt, things have improved drastically for Indian athletes in the last few years. Whether it’s a male or female sportsperson, they have far better access to facilities, coaches and grounds. Even people in general have changed their mindset towards the country’s female athletes.

PATNA, JAN 29 (IANS):

Bihar thrashed Manipur by 220 runs in the Plate Group final of the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 at the MoinUl Haq Stadium, here on Sunday.

After getting reduced to 107/4 by stumps on the fourth day in a chase of 545, Manipur needed something spectacular on the final day to pull off a draw but they were bowled out for 324 in their second innings with Nawaz Khan claiming 5 for 95.

With this, Bihar and Manipur, the two finalists of the Plate Group, will be promoted to the Elite division next season. Resuming Day 5, Langlonyamba

Keishangbam continued to put up a fight alongside

the other overnight batter, Bikash Singh. They added runs at a brisk rate to cause a bit of concern in the Bihar camp. Bikash smashed three sixes to race to 79 whereas the skipper Keishangbam helped himself to a century. The two batters put on 140 for the fifth wicket to raise hopes of a stunning comeback for Manipur. But Nawaz dismissed Keishangbam (117) and it triggered a collapse.

From there on, Nawaz went on a roll and continued to pick up wickets, including that of Bikash (79). Lowerorder batter Pheiroijam Jotin played an entertaining knock of (48 not out off just 40 balls) but that cameo was

not enough as Manipur were eventually bowled out for 324. Nawaz, who finished with five wickets in the innings, ended up with a 10-fer in the game after producing a sensational performance (five for 82) in the first innings as well.

Earlier, Sakibul Gani’s fantastic double ton (205) had helped Bihar put up 546 on the board in the first innings.

Brief scores: Bihar 546 (Sakibul Gani 205, Bipin Saurabh 155) & 335 (Sachin Kumar 132; Kishan Singha 7/94) beat Manipur 337 (Prafullomani Singh 82; Nawaz Khan 5/82) & 324 (Langlonyamba Keishangbam 117; Nawaz Khan 5/95) by 220 runs

Bayern share spoils with Frankfurt in Bundesliga

BERLIN, JAN 29 (IANS):

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich drop points for the third straight time in 2023 after Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani canceled out Leroy Sane’s opener to ensure a 1-1 draw in the 18th round.

Both sides started offensively minded into the clash and exchanged attacks from the opening whistle, as Kolo Muani pulled wide from a promising position in the 12th minute before Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich tested Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp in quick succession at the half-hour mark, reports Xinhua news agency. Muller remained in the thick of things as the German veteran set up for Sane, who made no mistake and slotted home with a low shot from inside the box in the 34th minute. Frankfurt couldn’t respond before the break whereas Bayern wasted two presentable chances of extending their lead

Chelsea sign Gusto on contract to 2030

LONDLON, JAN 29

(AGENCIES): Chelsea have signed right back Malo Gusto from Olympique Lyonnais on a deal until June 2030 and loaned him back to the French side for the rest of the season, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

Gusto, who has played in France’s under-21 team, has played 15 times in Ligue 1 this campaign after the 19-year-old broke into the starting lineup last season. Financial details were not revealed but Sky Sports said the transfer fee was 26.3 million pounds ($32.60 million).

“The defender will now continue his impressive progress on loan at the Groupama Stadium before joining up with the Blues in the summer ahead of the new campaign,” Chelsea said in a statement.

Gusto is Chelsea’s seventh recruit in the midseason transfer window after the London club signed Mykhalo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Andrey Santos and David Fofana while Joao Felix arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Bayern staged a slow start into the second half and had to wait until the 60th minute before Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting came close.

Frankfurt suddenly sparked to life and restored parity in the 69th minute when Daichi Kamada sent Kolo Muani, who beat Bayern custodian Yann

Sommer from a tight angle into the far post corner. The Eagles gained momentum in the closing stages but Djibril Sow, Mario Gotze, and Rafael Santos Borre couldn’t clinch the winner despite dangerous opportunities.

“We wanted to break the spell and we staged a good first half. We should have scored more goals though. Frankfurt made

our life difficult in the second half. It is what it is. We are still on top but of course, our lead melts away,” said Bayern captain Muller.

“We had some problems with Bayern’s style of play in the first half but overall, a great performance by the boys,” commented Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner.

Elsewhere, Union Berlin move on second and reduced the gap behind Bayern to one point after beating uninspired Hertha Berlin 2-0 in the capital derby. Freiburg returned to winning ways as first-half goals from Michael Gregoritsch and Lucas Holer paved the way for a 3-1 victory over Augsburg. Werder Bremen ended Wolfsburg’s winning run as Niclas Fullkrug donated a brace to edge the Wolves 2-1. Jonas Hofmann’s double strike helped Borussia Monchengladbach down Hoffenheim 4-1, while Mainz crushed Bochum 5-2.

Beterbiev stops Yarde in eight to retain light-heavyweight titles

LONDON,

JAN 29

(AGENCIES): Unbeaten light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev stopped Britain’s Anthony Yarde in a thrilling eight rounds at London’s Wembley Arena on Saturday to retain his WBC, IBF and WBO belts.

The Russian-born Canadian sent the Briton to the canvas with a punishing right and, after a count, the challenger’s corner signalled to referee Steve Gray to stop the fight two minutes and one second into the round.

Montreal-based Beterbiev, 38, was behind on two of the three judges’ scorecards at that point but the victory, against an underdog who turned out to be a real threat, took his professional record to 19-0-0.

Yarde, 31, is now on 23 wins with three defeats and no draws.

Both men suffered facial cuts as they traded blows at a ferocious pace from the opening bell, Yarde under his right eye and Beterbiev to his left eyelid.

Yarde twice lost his gumshield in a pulsating fight that saw both men hammered against the ropes and landing stinging blows.

Beterbiev made every punch count but Yarde held in there and landed a crunching right in round five before then being caught by an uppercut.

Round seven was another classic, Yarde pushing Beterbiev into a corner but the champion turning it around to rain down blows on the Briton.

“He gave one of the best fighters in the world the toughest fight he’s ever had,” said promoter George Warren of Yarde.

“I had him up (on the scorecard). It was a pendulum fight almost, it swung like a pendulum. Anthony started really well. He

showed that he can hurt him and keep him off him and at bay.”

Beterbiev, booed as he entered the ring and applauded as he left it, sank to his knees in joy as the referee stepped in and said afterwards he was prepared to take the punches and counter.

Asked about a future bout with Russia’s unbeaten WBA champion Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed title, Beterbiev said he hoped that might happen.

“I want Bivol,” he said.

“This right now is everything. In this fight we have four belts, it’s a really good fight I think.”

Bihar with the trophy after winning the Ranji Trophy 2022-23.

Thomas Mueller of Bayern Munich vies with Mario Goetze of Frankfurt during the Bundesliga match in Munich. (Xinhua) through Dayot Upamecano and Sane.

Artur Beterbiev in action against Anthony Yarde.

Juventus’ Danilo and Bremer in action. (Reuters)

Protesting wrestlers addressing the press conference. (File)

India win inaugural Women’s U-19 T20 WC

POTCHEFSTROOM,

JAN 29 (PTI): India on Sunday won their maiden ICC title in women’s cricket as a bunch of sprightly and talented teenagers lifted the inaugural U-19 World Cup with an emphatic sevenwicket victory over England.

The Shafali Verma-led India U-19 squad managed to do what their seniors could not do by clearing the final hurdle in a global event.

India first bundled out England for 68 in 17.1 overs and then returned to knock off the paltry target in 14 overs to lift the coveted trophy. The win on Sunday also reaffirms India’s dominance at the U-19 level with the boys winning the world title in the Caribbean last year.

India’s bowling attack, led by pacer Titas Sadhu and supported by leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra, set up the comprehensive win on Sunday as they blew England away with a clinical display at Senwes Park.

While Sadhu showed that Indian women pace bowling is in safe hands following the retirement of Jhulan Goswami with impressive figures of 4-0-6-2, Chopra too continued her dream run as she snapped

ISL: Diamantakos’ brace help

di Trisha pulled off a sensational catch to get rid of Grace Scrivens (4) to hand Archana her second wicket.

Macdonald Gay played a couple of hits to the fence to ease the pressure but inform leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra then got into the act, trapping Charis Pavely (2) infront of wicket as England lost half their side for 39 in 10 overs.

Kerala Blasters down NE United

KOCHI, JAN 29 (AGENCIES): Kerala Blasters regained its winning touch at home with a 2-0 win over a disappointing NorthEast United in the Indian Super League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Sunday.

two for 13. Archana Devi also scalped 2 for 17, while Mannat Kashyap (1/13), Shafali(1/16) and Sonam Yadav (1/3) accounted for one wicket each as England were all at sea after being asked to take first strike.

Following a pep talk from India’s Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, India came out with a specific plan and executed it perfectly as England’s innings never really took off after being reduced to 16 for three in four overs.

Chasing 69, Shafali started with a boundary off Hannah Baker before launching Sophia Smale for a maximum. But Baker came back to get rid of the India skipper, who was caught by Alexa Stonehouse in the 3rd over.

Her opening and team’s best batter in the tournament, Shweta Sehrawat, also was back in the hut after giving a simple catch to Baker off Grace Scrivens in the fourth over. Soumya Tiwari (24 not

Brighton strike late to knock holders Liverpool out of FA Cup

BRIGHTON, JAN

29

(AGENCIES): Holders

Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup after losing 2-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round on Sunday as Kaoru Mitoma struck the winning goal in stoppage time.

Harvey Elliott put Liverpool ahead, Lewis Dunk equalised before halftime and the score stayed at 1-1 until Mitoma found the net in the 92nd minute with a fine finish. It was the second time Brighton defeated Liverpool in two weeks, having also beaten Juergen Klopp’s side 3-0 in the Premier League.

Earlier, Liverpool’s teenage midfielder Elliott put them ahead in the 30th minute with a low shot into the far corner following a clever pass from Mohamed Salah.

Brighton equalised nine minutes later when Dunk got a flick on a longrange effort from Tariq Lamptey which deflected into the goal, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker wrongfooted. Elliott, who also scored in Liverpool’s win in the third- round replay, could have made it 2-1 before halftime as he latched on to Cody Gakpo’s pass but

Lamptey made a superb lastditch tackle. Liverpool had another chance on the hour mark when Salah connected with a wonderful pass from James Milner but the Egypt forward chose to whip in a cross instead of taking a shot and Brighton keeper Jason Steele easily blocked it.

The tie looked set for a replay when Brighton’s Solly March missed a golden opportunity to score in the 71st minute when he failed to beat the onrushing Alisson from close range after Mitoma set him up with a brilliant low cross. But Mitoma took things into his own hands, scoring a superb goal following a free kick as

he controlled the ball on the half volley, dummied and rifled it home. It was another disappointing result for Liverpool who have struggled with form and injuries this season and are ninth in the Premier League standings.

Championship Stoke City progressed to the fifth round after beating fourthtier Stevenage 3-1 as Jacob Brown scored an early goal followed by a stunning strike from Josh Laurent and a penalty by Lewis Baker.

Later on Sunday, fifthtier Welsh club Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, host Sheffield United.

out) and Gongadi Trisha (24) then dug their heels in with a 46-run partnership. With four runs needed, Trisha was cleaned up by Stonehouse, as Tiwari knocked off the winning runs. Earlier, Sadhu bowled 20 dot balls in her quota of four overs. She struck in the fourth ball of the innings with a superb caught and bowled effort to get rid of Liberty Heap (0).

Spinner Archana then cleaned up Niamh Fiona Holland (10), while Gonga-

Left-arm spinner Kashyap also kept things tight at the other end as Chopra removed Macdonald Gay with Archana taking a superb one-handed catch with a full dive at extra cover. India’s fielding was exemplary in the big game. With England at 46 for 6 in 12 overs, skipper Shafali brought herself in but Alexa Stonehouse hit her for a rare boundary. Soumya was then in action as her direct hit found Josephine Groves short by a big margin, leaving England at 53 for 7. Brief scores: England 68 all out in 17.1 overs (Ryana Macdonald-Gay 19, Titas Sadhu 2-6, Parshavi Chopra 2-13) lost to India 69/3 in 14 overs (Soumya Tiwari 24 not out, Gongadi Trisha 24; Hannah Baker 1-13, Grace Scrivens 1-13) by seven wickets

After a frustrating period of missed chances in the first half, Kerala Blasters’ Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos struck twice within two minutes to snuff out the challenge from NorthEast United.

Diamantakos, who had missed a few gilt edged chances himself, finally found the net when he headed in a cross from Bryce Miranda in the 42nd minute.

Two minutes later a succulent pass from Adrian Luna sent Dimantakos clear and the striker had enough time to beat goalkeeper Gurjinder Kumar with a left footed shot.

Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic made six changes in the team that played against FC Goa and it seemed to work when the Kochi side dominated possession and created chances early. Miranda

Dimitrios Diamantakos celebrates after his second goal for Kerala Blasters against NortheEast United. (ISL)

sparked moves from the left flank but Blasters strikers were profligate.

The first attempt from the Blasters came in the opening minute when Miranda threaded a cross for Diamantakos whose shot was saved by NorthEast goalkeeper Gurjinder. NorthEast defence failed to rein in Miranda who roamed freely on the left and in the 14th minute Apostolos Giannou shot out after being put in position by the midfielder.

There was no respite for the NorthEast defence as in the 17th minute, the hard working K. P. Rahul

bored his way into the box from the right and crossed but the ball missed the extended legs of Adrian Luna and Diamantakos.

In the 29th minute Luna missed the easiest of the chances when he shot out from close to waste another good ball from Miranda.

The NorthEast side was poor and managed only one shot at the rival goal. The second half resembled an extended training session and another feel-good game for Vukomanovic’s team who now moves into the third position with 28 points.

2nd T20I: India beat New Zealand by 6 wkts, level series 1-1

LUCKNOW, JAN 29

(IANS): India survived a spin scare and held their nerve to beat New Zealand by six wickets in the second T20I and level the threematch series 1-1 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, here on Sunday.

Indian bowlers produced a sensational performance to restrict New Zealand to 99/8 in 20 overs. Spinners spun the web and took the first five wickets of New Zealand, who never got the momentum throughout the innings. The Indian pacers then did a brilliant finishing job for the hosts.

Arshdeep Singh (2-7) was the most successful bowler for India while Yuzvendra Chahal (1-4), Kuldeep Yadav (1-17), Deepak Hooda (1-17), Washington Sundar (1/17) and Hardik Pandya (1/25) also picked vital wickets at regular intervals.

Chasing a small total on a challenging pitch, India were also in trouble after they were reduced to 50/3 in 10.4 overs but Suryakumar Yadav once again showed his class. Yadav played a crucial knock (26 not out off 31), stitched vital partnerships with Washington Sundar (10) and Hardik Pandya (15 not out), and eventually

hit the winning boundary for India in the last over.

Michael Bracewell (113), and Ish Sodhi (1-24) were the wicket-takers for Black Caps. Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. Opener Devon Conway hit Hardik Pandya for a boundary in the first over while Washington Sundar bowled a disciplined second over.

Pandya came back for the third over and Finn Allen got a lucky boundary, with wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan missing a tough chance. With the pitch assisting spinners, Hardik

brought on Yuzvendra Chahal very early in the innings and the move paid off. Finn Allen (11), who was getting a bit frustrated, wanted to bring out the reverse sweep but with Chahal turning the ball he failed to connect it with the bat and got bowled. After Chahal bowled a wicket-maiden, Washington followed it up with a wicket as well after he dismissed Conway (11). The left-hander, who scored a match-winning fifty in the last game, attempted a reverse sweep but the ball went up after coming in contact with the glove, only

to be caught by the keeper. New Zealand are in trouble and have fallen behind in the Power-play to only post 33 on the board.

Soon, Deepak Hooda was introduced in the attack and he struck immediately with another Kiwi batter in Glenn Phillips (5) perishing while trying the reverse sweep.

India’s spinners were taking control of the game and it didn’t take Kuldeep Yadav much time to make an impact as he cleaned up Daryl Mitchell (8). On a tricky surface on which spinners were dominating,

run-out was the last thing that New Zealand needed. However, the lack of communication between Mark Chapman (14) and Michael Bracewell saw the former get run out, leaving the Black Caps at 60/5 after 12.4 overs.

Thereafter, Bracewell and Mitchell Santner had a brief stand of 20 runs before Hardik Pandya brought himself on for a second and final spell to fetch a wicket. Bracewell got a top edge and Arshdeep took a nearperfect catch at the fine-leg boundary.

After waiting for a long time, Arshdeep came to bowl right at death and stuck immediately. Using the short balls to great effect, the left-armer removed Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson in the same over.

Eventually, skipper Mitchell Santner’s fighting knock (19 not out off 23) along with Jacob Duffy (6 not out) took New Zealand to a respectable total of 99-8 in 20 Overs.

Brief scores: New Zealand 99/8 in 20 overs (Mitchell Santner 19 not out; Arshdeep Singh 2-7, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-4) lost to India 101/4 in 19.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 26 not out, Ishan Kishan 19; Michael Bracewell 1-13) by six wickets.

Australian Open: Djokovic wins 10th Melbourne title; joins Nadal on 22 Grand Slam crowns

MELBOURNE, JAN 29

(IANS): Novak Djokovic claimed his 10th Australian Open singles title, preserving his perfect record in Melbourne Park by beating Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) and equalling Rafael Nadal on 22 Grand Slam crowns on Sunday night.

The historic achievement triggered an outpouring of emotion from Djokovic, who climbed into his player box to share a tear-filled moment with his team while celebrations also erupted among the sea of Serbian flags in Melbourne Park’s Garden Square.

The win also assured Djokovic’s return to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings for the first time since last June. The 35-year-old will replace Carlos Alcaraz in the top spot on Monday after notching his 10th tour-level victory in a row against Tsitsipas, who would have claimed the top spot himself with victory in

Sunday’s final.

It was the second meeting between Djokovic and Tsitsipas in a major final. At Roland Garros in 2021, Djokovic rallied from two-sets-to-love down to defeat the Greek and claim victory on the Paris clay.

Despite falling just short of becoming the first

Greek to win a Grand Slam title, Tsitsipas will return to his career-high of No. 3 in the ATP Rankings on Monday after reaching his maiden final in Melbourne.

Djokovic confidently assumed control early on the Rod Laver Arena. Although the Greek raised his game in the second and third sets to ensure some

absorbing rallies, which whipped up an intense atmosphere in the crowd, the Serbian was clinical at key moments to seal a two-hour, 56-minute victory and improve his record in the Australian Open finals to 10-0. On several occasions in the second set, the Greek reacted to winning crucial points by rousing his supporters in the crowd, and the third seed fed off the febrile atmosphere to raise his level at the Rod Laver Arena.

Yet although Tsitsipas carved out the sole break point chance of the set (which doubled as a set point) at 4-5, 30/40, Djokovic found a way to pull through. He arrowed a sublime forehand winner to save the set point and held his nerve again to claim the tiebreak despite having dropped three straight points to surrender a 4/1 lead. Tsitsipas again threatened a resurgence in the third set, claiming his only break of the match in the opening game. As he so often has on the big stage throughout his career, however, Djokovic responded immediately. He broke back in the next game before clinching a third set dominated by serve - and his historic victory -- with a commanding tie-break display.

Krejcikova, Siniakova clinch second straight Aus Open title

and Roberta Vinci achieved the feat in 2014. Krejcikova and Siniakova are up to 24 consecutive match-wins in women’s doubles at Grand Slam events. Before their title run last year, they made the semifinals in 2020 and were runners-up in 2021.

“It was a pleasure to be on this court against you,” 26-year-old Siniakova said to her Japanese rivals. “Big thanks to my partner, Bara, I’m so happy we did it again. It was a nice journey and I’m looking forward to (the) next tournaments.”

Defending champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova continued their exceptional Grand Slam winning streak in women’s doubles by capturing the 2023 Australian Open title, here on Sunday. Krejcikova and Siniakova posted a thrilling 6-4 6-3 victory over Japanese pair Shuko Aoyama & Ena Shibahara to clinch their seventh Grand Slam title together. The Czech duo have not lost

a Grand Slam women’s doubles match since 2021, having won all three of the majors they contested last year (the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open).

The top seeds needed one hour and 29 minutes to seal the win here at Rod Laver Arena, which earned them bragging rights as the first team to defend an Australian Open women’s doubles title since Italy’s Sara Errani

The duo, who own 14 titles together on the women’s tour, first teamed up as juniors in 2013, winning three of the four girls’ doubles titles that year. “I’m really happy we’re playing our tenth year together. It’s been a very long journey and I’m really happy [with] how we are playing and how we can improve, the connection is working well and I’m really looking forward for more,” Krejcikova added.

Indian U-19 women’s cricket players celebrate with T20 world cup trophy after winning over England, in South Africa’s Potchefstroom, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023. (PTI)

Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav plays a shot during the 2nd T20 cricket match between India and New Zealand in Lucknow, Sunday. (PTI)

Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey in action with Mohamed Salah.

Novak Djokovic

Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. (AP/PTI)