KOHIMA, JAN 25 (NPN): Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Society (NIMSR) Phriebagei and Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) singed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to affiliate NHAK as teaching hospital for NIMSR till the first party becomes operational.
MoU was signed by director cum dean NIMSR Prof. Dr. Soumya Chakraborty and NHAK managing director Dr. V Mepfuo, in the presence
KOHIMA, JAN 25 (NPN):
Considering the huge amount of money spent on Non Practicing Allowance (NPA), State government doctors not performing 100% in their call of duty and practising in private hospitals would be asked to go on retirement.
This was disclosed by Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) commissioner & secretary Y Kikheto Sema during a departmental coordination meeting held at the directorate conference hall here on Wednesday.
He said the government was spending more than Rs 30-35 crore annually on NPA, which was more than
salary bill of 10 small departments for an entire year. He claimed that the government was paying a lot to the doctors, but lamented that some of these doctors were serving in private hospitals despite enjoying NPA benefits.
Hence, he said the government was willing to let them go on voluntary retirement so that young unemployed doctors could occupy
their posts. He remarked, “We will not hesitate to give them retirement.”
Further, Kikheto acknowledged that maximum senior doctors were posted in directorate. He admitted that running after fourth grade staff and transferring and posting was not a part of a doctor’s profession.
In this regard, he cited the example of Dr V Losu, who had performed surgeries despite having served as principal director, and urged the doctors to assist the hospitals during their free time.
He said that the government had supported promotion of doctors and ensured their pension benefits upon retirement, but insisted that the doctors too should follow
government service rules.
Meanwhile, Kikheto disclosed that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was expected to visit Nagaland in September 2023 to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State government for constructing a 400-bed hospital at Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR). Following the signing of MoU, he said NHAK would be redesignated as NIMSR until the institute was fully ready.
On recruitment of NIMSR faculty, Kikheto clarified that owing to Model Code of Conduct, the department could not carry out the recruitment.
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): A discussion on “Church in the contemporary realities”, organised by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) at Hotel Saramati, here on Wednesday, highlighted the increased persecution of Christians in India and called upon the believers to respond to such mistreatment by reaf-
firming commitment to their faith. Resources persons of the discussion included Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo, Rev. Fr. Chacko Karingthanil, Rev. Kari LOngchar and Loreign Ovun.
In his paper “Protecting the Christian faith in the current socio-political scenario”, Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD)’s Rev. Dr. Dozo highlighted the apologetic stance of Christians
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): Hitting out at the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) for failing to live up to its 2018 election slogan “Change is coming”, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has accused NDPP of fooling the people, who still liked it.
Referring to the party’s slogan, NPCC president K Therie asked -whether anyone had seen any change in the condition of roads; improvement in power supply; water supply and schools; whether the State has a medical college and if the outdoor stadium under construction for over 30 years
was complete? He alleged that cities and town were turning into slum areas, while the roads were dusty in winter and muddy in summer.
Therie said the State had the most erratic power supply, was ranked lowest in basic amenities and Kohima and Dimapur lacked water supply.
Therie quoted a governor’s reply to media when asked about the road condition: “There is no road, as such condition does not arise.” He said Niti Aayog termed Nagaland as the worst performing State, but lamented that people still liked it.
in current religio-political scenario. He said Christians were constantly targeted in India with rapid progress and multiplication.
However, Rev. Dozo said “God is in control of His affairs, and Christian must not be disturbed under any threatening circumstance.” He also the church must, however, be aware of the prevailing insurrection in the
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): On the occasion of the Republic Day 2023, three police personnel and one fire service personnel from Nagaland have been awarded President’s medal for their services.
Etssimongo Ngullie, DIG (Range) Mokokchung was awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service while Israel G Xuivi, Deputy Commandant, 6th NAP Bn. Tizit and Abel Jonsou Humtose, UB Inspector, INT Hq. Kohima were awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Meanwhile, Zhasalie Napranotsu, Dty SP (F&ES) has been awarded Fire Service Medal.
Weeks after Assam chief minister Himanta Sarma disapproved of a letter reportedly sent by Assam Police seeking details of churches and alleged conversions, United Christian Forum (UCF) has written to Sarma seeking his intervention
(Cont’d on p-8) (Cont’d on p-8) (Cont’d on p-8) (Cont’d on p-8) (Cont’d on p-8)
KOHIMA, JAN 25 (NPN): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday declared it was ready to contest the forthcoming Assembly elections and also appointed former MLA Asu Keyho as State president.
Announcing this at a press conference on Wednesday, AAP secretary in-charge of Nagaland Rajesh Sharma said the party would be contesting the Assembly polls but did not specify how many seats it would contest other than saying it was looking for good and serious candidates. It may be noted that AAP made its political debut in Nagaland by fielding two
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): President of India has approved conferment of 106 Padma Awards including three duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) for the year 2023.
Moa Subong and Neihunuo Sorhie from Nagaland have been conferred Padma Shri Awards in the field of Art.
The list comprises six Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri Awards.
Kohima: A State level programme for the 13th National Voters’ Day was organised by the Chief Election Officer’s office at hotel Japfü, here on Wednesday.
At the programme, first time voters and villages that declared to conduct free and fair election for the upcoming state Assembly polls were felicitated with certificate and cash awards.
Addressing a gathering, Chief Election Officer (CEO) Shashank Shekhar said that the National Voters Day (NVD) holds significance as the state gears for the upcoming polls to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
As village councils including Thizama, Kiruphema basa and Nihokhu adopted resolutions to conduct free and fair elections, Shekhar expected that many other villages would also come forward and adopt such resolutions. He also hoped that first time voters would experience the joy and thrill of the election process.
Saying that the Naga society in Nagaland is inherently democratic, he hoped for free and fair elections in the state.
DC Kohima, Shanavas C, assured that the district administration would ensure that no law and order arises in the state. As the election has been planned to be more participative, inclusive and accessible, he said all arrangements have been made in place.
Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajiv Kumar, over a virtual message said that voters were the backbone of democracy, for which the Election Commission of India (ECI) has dedicated its foundation day to voters. After voters, he said that political parties were the biggest stakeholders. The past election, he said, has witnessed 67.4% voter turnout.
On the occasion, a first time voter questioned why proxy voting was common with citizens and even polling officers allowing such happenings in the state.
Hoping that such happenings would be prevented, she assured that she would not sell votes or abstain for voting, with the faith that every vote will count. CEO, Nagaland administered the NVD pledge and also gave away NVD badge and appreciation certificate to the newly enrolled voters.
(Correspondent)
Noklak: The day was celebrated at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Noklak organised by the Noklak District Administration.
In his address, DC & District Election Officer, Noklak, K. Mhathung Tsanglao emphasized on the importance of voting.
The DC also gave away the Best BLO award during the function. The awardees were
Shangmo, Primary teacher GMS Nokhu and P. Shou, primary teacher GPS Kingniu from 56th and 57th Assembly Constituencies. The DC also felicitated the first-time voters during the occasion. Meanwhile, as part of the SVEEP campaign, District Administration, Noklak in collaboration with Dreamer’s Production organized a Street Play on ‘Ethical Voting’ at Police Point, Noklak Town.
Longleng: The day was celebrated at the Conference Hall of District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Longleng. According to a DIPR report, national voters’ day speeches were delivered by SDO civil and nodal officer, SVEEP Longleng, Trongdiba Tongpi and assistant professor, Yingli College, Dr. Mahabir Jha. Congratulating the best Block Level Officer (BLO) awardees, Trongdiba acknowledged the efforts render by the BLOs to have a clean and genuine electoral roll to conduct free and fair elections in the district. SDO also urged the young registered voters to be an agent of change and set good example by casting their vote fearlessly without being influenced by others.
He also administered the voter’s
Phek: In Phek, DC and District Election Officer, Phek, Kumar Ramnikant urged upon the newly enrolled voters to exercise their adult franchise by casting their votes in favour of any candidate of his/her own choice. ADC & ERO Phek, T. Moa Lemtor, spoke on the significance of the National Voters’ Day. A speech was delivered by Veshenielu Tetseo on
pledge. Dr. Mahabir Jha spoke on the significance of observing the day.
Best BLO awardee, Shumei Antony of 50 A/C Longleng also spoke on behalf of the BLOs of the district. Earlier, best BLO award was presented by AEO, Longleng Lungkupe and invocation was said by DB, Imkong. Tseminyu: DC and DEO, Tseminyu, Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi along with Council of Rengma Baptist Church, Zunpha, Tseminyu observed the day at CRBC, Zunpha ground. In his speech, the DC stated that National Voters Day was celebrated to encourage to all voters and also to encourage the youngsters to participate in the election process. The winners of the essay competition were felicitated at the programme. Best BLO was awarded to David Tep of polling
behalf of the newly enrolled voters while new electors, Amos Aier and friends presented a special song. Booth Level Officer, Veduzo, Primary Teacher, GPS Mutsale Village, under 19th Phek A/C was awarded the Certificate of Commendation in recognition of his distinguish service rendered as BLO towards the successful conduct of special summary revision of electoral.
station 15th Tseminyu Old Town and Kedalo Seb of polling stations 11 Gukhanyu while Campus Ambassador was awarded to Runohile Keppen. Youngest voter, Sokenye Tep and Gwachule Kemp, oldest voter, Ativu Jemu and PWD category, Haile Kath were also felicitated during the function. Short speech was delivered by Runohile Keppen, campus ambassador while welcome address was pronounced by Dr. Rushvulo Seb, Principal of Mt Terogvu Theological College, Zunpha.
Meluri: The day was celebrated at ADC’s office, Meluri with ADC Meluri, Albert Ezung as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the theme, Ezung said the National Voters’ Day was observed as enshrined in the Indian Constitution so that no voters would be left out.
around Kohima Town and seized 140 cases of assorted IMFL.
In this connection, two persons were arrested for violation of Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989 and booked under relevant sections of the Act.
DIMAPUR: Dimapur District Excise duty party manning New Field inter-state check gate intercepted a truck (NL-08D 9584) and recovered 1165 cases of assorted IMFL concealed under bags of salts.
In a press release, superintendent of excise &
Dimapur, Tokuho Assumi informed that one person identified as L. Gobin Singh (34) son of late Laishram Kumar Singh resident of Mantripukri, Imphal East, Manipur was arrested booked
under relevant sections of the NLTP Act 1989.
The duty party were AIE, Allen Jami, head constable, Khekhavi, constables Buden, Thejong, Khalenthung, Tsathongli, Wati and female constable Sorila.
During the programme, significance of voting was delivered by EAC, Meluri, Sakuchingmak. Best Booth Level officer (BLO) of 20th AC Meluri was awarded to P Neicha.
Chozuba: The day was celebrated at the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s office in Chozuba, wherein ADC cum AERO Imokokla delivered a speech and administered the pledge of NVD. Mutsoveyi was declared as the best Block Level Officer (BLO) 2023 of the 18th Assembly Constituency, Chozuba.
Wokha: In Wokha, DC and DEO, Ajit Kumar Ranjan, while delivering key note address said that the day was observed to commemorate establishment of Election Commission of India and to inspire young voters to get involved into election process and to let them know about their voting rights. District Icon, Lothunglo Ezung also delivered short speech at the programme while ADC, Wokha K. Furhesie Nyuwi encouraged young people to participate in election process. M Hachanbemo Ngullie and KY John Ezung were awarded Best Booth Level Officer (BLO) for 37 and 38
Assembly Constituencies, while Wonchibemo T Odyuo and Chonchilo T Murry from GHSS, were adjudged winners of Comics Strip competition and Rendeno of LMS was awarded runner-up of the Comics Strip competition conducted last year under SVEEP exercise.
A year has passed since you left for your heavenly abode but you are and will always remain alive in our hearts through your kind deeds and words; until we meet again, rest in peace. Loving wife and children
DIMAPUR: Lions Club of Dimapur will be organizing free diabetes & dental screening camp at Lions Club, Midland premises on January 29 from 9am to 2pm. LCD president, Sandeep Bakliwal informed that specialist dental doctors will be available for consultation and screening, and diabetes screening will be done. Further details, contacted at 9862264870.
DIMAPUR: Dimapur, Longleng and Kiphirie districts Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Nagaland Centre held Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting on January 24 at the Centre’s conference Hall.
done by the KVKs, a lot more recommendations were also provided. The participants included dean, SASRD, Medziphema, Dr.L.Daiho, principal sci-
entist (animal reproduction & gynaecology), NRC on Mithun, Dr.M.Khan, nodal officer of KVKs, Dr.Mokidul Islam, professors of SASRD, heads and officials of agriculture
Dimapur, Longleng and Kiphire,
NABARD,
A press release by KUD stated that the twoday festival cum general session witnessed various cultural displays and traditional games which were hosted by different sub-units of the union –Khiamniungan Cultural Club Dimapur, Khiamni-
Speaking as special guest, Western Sumi Hoho president, Shikaho Zhimomi highlighted the gathering on the “living resolution of the Good will Fraternity Meet 2005 and 2009” between the Khiamniungans and the Sumis on two different occasions with exchange of traditional dao and fraternity scroll.
He said the two tribes have resolved to be an agent of change to rebuild- fraternal relationship in brotherhood and added that the tribes should continue to withhold the resolutions in the days ahead. Different frontal organizations under Western Sumi Hoho also attended the festive celebration. The celebration also was attended by former minister, P. Longon; S. Shingnyu and S. Khomo (Retd. officer in charge) delivered short speech.
A press release by KVK Dimapur informed that the SAC meeting under the chairmanship of regional head, ICAR, Nagaland Centre, Dr.D.J.Rajkhowa was conducted in hybrid mode with a total of 48 participants, who attended virtually as well as physically.
During the meeting, the senior scientist and heads of KVK Dimapur, KVK Longleng and KVK Kiphire presented the progress of works executed in the year 2022 and the action plan for the year 2023.
After discussions and deliberations, the experts/ officials gave their valuable suggestio ns and remarks. While appreciating the works
DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): State government has declared all district hospitals (DHs), community health centres (CHC), primary health centres (PHCs), sub-centres (SC), chief medical officer (CMO) offices, medical superintendent (MS) offices, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) and directorate of health & family welfare as tobacco-free zone.
(From p-1)
of commissioner and secretary H&FW Kikheto Sema and principal director Dr. Temjentsungla.
MoU was signed during the department coordination meeting held in the conference hall of H&FW directorate here on Wednesday. MoU said that as per the Naga Hospital Authority Act, 2003, NHAK would continue to function as the state government referral hospital, which would be affiliated to the NIMSRS till it becomes a fully functional teaching hospital.
Speaking at the coordination meeting, Y Kikheto Sema informed that the administrative building of the medical college, Kohima would be completed before May 2023; boys and girls hostels will complete before April 2023; Sports complex will be taken over by February 2023; the quarters for the Dean, Director and staff are almost finished; and the library and teachers common room will be taken over by June 2023. He assured that the medical College will start before the academic session.
In a notification, commissioner & secretary H&FW, Y Kikheto Sema stated that henceforth smoking and using of tobacco products within the hospital premises and sale of tobacco products within 100 meters from any hospital would be prohibited with effect from February 1, 2023.
The government has authorised the principal director, all heads of offices in charge of hospitals, CMOs, MS and Nursing-incharge to take action against anybody who contravened the provision of Section 4 and 6 (b) of COTPA 2003 within their jurisdiction.
State government has taken this decision considering the ever-increasing disease burden attributed to tobacco use.
district hospital and later discharged.
The injured persons were identified as Manao (60) of Chingai village, Ankaiyu (39) from Lamlang village, Dr Muinao Kasar (35) of Phungyar and P Leishingam (37) of Noney.
The report stated that the bomb, suspected to be an IED, was planted by suspected militants at the platform of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and went off at around 5.10 pm.
Soon after the blast, police and Assam Rifles rushed to the spot and conducted spot enquiry after cordoning off the area.
GUWAHATI, JAN 25 (PTI): Security arrangements have been tightened across Assam, with the banned ULFA (Independent) outfit calling for its routine boycott of Republic Day celebrations, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.
All districts administrations have been asked to keep a strict vigil, particularly in the sensitive areas, to avoid any untoward incident during the celebrations.
“The ULFA (I)’s boycott of Republic Day and Independence Day is routine but we do not want to take any chances with security arrangements,” he said.
Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) G P Singh has also visited the districts in Upper Assam to review the prevailing scenario.
injured in the bomb blast.
IMPHAL, JAN 25: A blast amid tight security arrangements ahead of Republic Day celebration rocked Manipur’s Ukhrul district headquarters on Wednesday evening, leaving four civilians, including two women, injured. The impact of the blast also damaged wind -
SHILLONG, JAN 25 (PTI): Unaccounted cash of over Rs 10 lakh has been seized from four people in poll-bound Meghalaya’s in South West Garo Hills district, Chief Electoral Officer F R Kharkongor said.
The cash seizure was made by flying squad officials in the district, the CEO said, adding that so far unaccounted cash of over Rs 20 lakh was recovered in the state.
“Flying squads have seized Rs 10.35 lakh cash from the possession of four persons... ,” the CEO said.
The seizure was made after the four people could not produce any valid document for carrying the cash, but “no one was arrested”, he mentioned.
Their claims are “under investigation”, he said.
Elections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly will be held on February 27 and the model code of conduct is in force in the state.
The CEO had earlier said that at least 34 assembly constituencies in Meghalaya have been identified as “expenditure sensitive” and strict monitoring would be made in these segments.
shields of many vehicles parked nearby.
According to reports, the blast occurred at the busy Gandhi Chowk of Ukhrul district headquarters around 5.10 pm on Wednesday.
The four passerby who sustained minor splinter injuries were administered medical treatment at Ukhrul
No armed group operating in the district owned up to the blast till the time of filing this report though the police suspect armed groups actively operating in the district behind the blast.
The blast was triggered at a time when a tightened security measures are in place in view of boycotts and general strikes calls by various rebel groups against celebrations of Republic Day of India on January 26.
The ULFA (I), in a press release emailed to media houses, gave a call for the boycott of the Republic Day celebrations in the state.
“There are intelligence inputs, however, that the outfit is trying to regroup in some Upper Assam districts such as Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar and Charaideo and they may try to create disturbances but the security forces are prepared to thwart any such attempt,” the official added.
Patrolling has been intensified in the districts sharing the international borders, and also those along the inter-state boundaries of the neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Vehicular checking has also been increased across the state.
District administrations have been asked to ensure tight security in the grounds where the Republic Day parades will be held.
The security threat during Republic Day or Independence Day celebrations has reduced considerably over the years with militancy on the wane
and most outfits coming forward for talks, besides surrendering their firearms, the official said.
The ULFA(I), however, is yet to come forward for talks though Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on assuming office in May 2021, had sent out an olive branch to the banned outfit for negotiations.
The outfit had announced a ceasefire which was renewed every three months but there has been no progress in negotiations with Sarma recently urging the people of the state to exert pressure on ULFA chief Paresh Barua to give up the demand for sovereignty which is acting as a hindrance in the peace process. There are also reports of the ULFA(I) trying to regroup in some districts of Upper Assam, leading
to encounters with security forces and seizure of firearms and ammunition.
In Dhubri, for the first time, the official function of the district will be held in Satrasal near the IndiaBangladesh border to involve local people in the celebration.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will hoist the tricolour at the Khanapara Veterinary Ground in Guwahati in the state function.
ULFA-I’s boycott call of R-Day will have no impact: Assam Minister
Amid a boycott call by the banned militant outfit ULFA-I, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika has played down the insurgent group’s statement, saying the people of Assam will celebrate Republic Day with full enthusiasm.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, he said: “I do not know why they have called for a boycott. But I want to make it clear that, whether ULFA leader Paresh Baruah likes it or not, the people of the state will not abide by his statement. Everybody will come out in huge numbers and celebrate Republic Day here.”
Hazarika has also advised Baruah to shun violence and return to the mainstream. “We have repeatedly invited him (Paresh Baruah) to the negotiating table. I am requesting him again. We should concentrate on the development of the state in a peaceful way,” he added.
The disbanded militant group United Liberation Front of Asom - Independent (ULFA-I) had earlier called for an 18-hour bandh on Republic Day in Assam. It has asked people to remain indoors and mark the day as a protest on the occasion of Republic Day.
In a statement, the ULFA-I slammed the celebration of Republic Day. It requested that everyone boycott the occasion.
Also, the other insurgent group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), has also issued a similar statement to boycott the Republic Day celebrations in the northeast. The conglomeration of six militant outfits KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, and UNLF also issued a statement to boycott the Republic Day celebration in Manipur.
AGARTALA, JAN 25 (PTI): A sector officer of Sabroom assembly constituency in poll-bound Tripura has been suspended for allegedly “defacing” a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a drive to remove hoardings and banners from public places, an official said.
The action was taken a day after the ruling BJP had urged the Election Commission to take steps against poll officials who “defaced” PM Modi’s photograph in banners and hoardings put up in public places in the state, instead of removing them.
AGARTALA, JAN 25(PTI): As many as 1,100 out of the total 3,328 polling booths in Tripura have been categorised as ‘vulnerable’, said a senior poll official on Wednesday.
Twenty-eight booths have been identified as ‘critical’, where one candidate polled more than 70 per cent votes during the previous election, he said.
“Based on the inputs of 2018 Assembly polls and 2019 general election, 1,100 booths have been identified as ‘vulnerable’ on the ground of the law and order situation and 28 as ‘critical’.
“None has been
The Centre has already sent around 200 companies of paramilitary forces to the state to ensure the elections are held in a fair and peaceful manner, he noted.
Asserting that the poll violence graph has shown a steady decline in the state over the past few weeks, the CEO said the election machineries have been able to prevent many untoward incidents from December 18 to January 25. “The commission has received around
SHILLONG, JAN 25: Ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday hit out at the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) over its Meghalaya poll promises, saying that their “political masters in Kolkata” should first address the “pathetic situation of the farmers in Bengal.”
The Conrad Sangma-led party also termed the poll farm promises by the TMC as “fallow” and “fake.”
“TMC’s fake promises could have been more realistic, had their political masters in Kolkata taken cognisance of the pathetic situation of the farmers in Bengal before strategizing for Meghalaya,” the NPP said.
“The farm promises by TMC has been vague and generic. They lacked concrete data on the number of farmers to be benefitted or type of interventions that would be taken up. Their promise are hollow and more of publicity stunt,” the party statement added.
Alleging the TMC’s sole motive is to deceive citizens, the NPP which is eyeing to regain power with a whopping victory, said, “Can’t restrict the public memory of the recent multicrore cattle smuggling scam in Bengal involving TMC strongman Anubrata Mondal.”
“It is just a matter of time, that
the TMC would be taught a lesson by farmers and citizens of Meghalaya for their mischief and devious nature towards the state of Meghalaya, in pursuit of their electoral prospects,” the NPP said.
The NPP is upset over the poll promises of TMC which included financial assistance of Rs. 10000 annually, farm centre in all districts and farm crop insurance policy.
The NPP said the TMC leaders (Mukul Sangma and others while in Congress party) while they were in power from 2010 – 2018 “failed to understand the plight of the farmers and ignored them.”
“We feel that TMC and their leaders were in deep slumber during their tenure and are trying to replicate what NPP has already started. TMC should rely on local issues rather than thinking too much of what they did in Bengal and replicate the same in Meghalaya,” the NPP said.
Moreover, the NPP said the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government introduced the biggest farmers welfare scheme Focus and Focus plus.
“The TMC is scared and finding no way out to reach out to the farming community is promising financial assistance to the farmers, which the NPP government is already doing and has envisioned the scheme for next 10 years,” the NPP said.
600 complaints through the ‘C-vigil app’ thus far and action has been taken on 480 of these, while some were dropped by the authorities,” he explained.
Three special observers- Yogendra Tripathy, Vivek Johri and B. Murli Kumar -- held separate meetings with poll officials and district magistrates to review the preparations for the February 16 elections, he said.
The special observers also met with representatives of enforcement agencies, such as excise, narcotics, and customs, to discuss ways to keep a check on illegal activities, the CEO added.
GUWAHATI, JAN 25 (IANS): A man from Assam’s Darang district was detained on Wednesday for issuing ‘provocative’ statements in connection with the Bollywood movie ‘Pathaan’, said police.
The person identified as Mofidul Islam bought at least 120 tickets for Shah Rukh Khan’s latest release. He lives in the district’s Dhula area.
Speaking to IANS, Superintendent of Police of Darang district, Prasanta Saikia said, “Islam bought around 120 tickets of the ‘Pathaan’ movie. After that, he was saying some objectionable things, challenging others, and it could disturb communal violence in the area.”
According to the police, Islam targeted Bajang Dal and other right-wing organisations that had earlier raised objections to the release of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer movie. The man is a leader of the North-East Minorities Students’ Union (NEMSU).
“We detained him to avoid any untoward incident and registered a case under Section 107 IPC. He was later allowed to go home. We are keeping a close watch on him,” Saikia added.
“It appears that the sector officer went beyond the model code of conduct and applied black colour on a poster inside a private shop. Therefore, it is decided that the officer shall be put under suspension and disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him as per the relevant rules,” Additional Chief Electoral Officer UJ Mog said in a letter to the district magistrate of South Tripura on Tuesday. State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the Election Commission has taken the action after the BJP lodged the complaint.
“We want the poll panel to take action against those who were at fault in the Majlishpur incident of West Tripura on January 18. Issuing an advisory to the Congress is not enough. The party wants legal action against those who organised a bike rally at Majlishpur that had created a law and order problem there,” he said. The Congress had claimed that 15 party workers and functionaries, including AICC general secretary Ajay Kumar, were injured in the January 18 incident in the Jirania sub-division of West Tripura district. Voicing concern over the attack
on a BJP leader at Aralia under the Banamalipur assembly constituency in West Tripura, the state minister said, “We want the police to arrest all accused persons, including the main culprit immediately,” he said.
BJP’s Banamalipur Mandal president (SC Morcha) Suman Das was injured when a group of unknown miscreants attacked him with sharp weapons. Chief Minister Manik Saha visited GBP hospital where the injured leader has been undergoing treatment and alleged that the Congressbacked goons had carried out the attack on Das.
Regd. No. 87/23 Date 24/01/23
I, Mr. L. Lithrichem Sangtam, S/o Lipongse Sangtam, resident of Longkhim, Chungtore, Tuensang, Nagaland, do hereby truly and solemnly affirm and declare as follows :
1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India. 2. That, my father name was erroneously recorded as “Lipongse” instead of “Lipongse Sangtam” in my Field Service Documents.
3. That, the above mentioned names “Lipongse” and “Lipongse Sangtam” belong to one and the same person. Henceforth I shall use my father name “Lipongse Sangtam” for all future records. 4. That, the statements made in para 1 to 4 are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing material has been concealed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have signed this affidavit on this, the 24th of January 2023 at Chumoukedima, Nagaland.
Identified by me : MENESANO KIMHO
DEPONENT (ADVOCATE)
PUBLiC
I am a bonafide citizen of India.
2. That, my mother name was erroneously recorded as “Yanghodongla” instead of “Yanghotongla Sangtam” in my Field Service Documents.
3. That, the above mentioned names “Yanghodongla” and “Yanghotongla Sangtam” belong to one and the same person. Henceforth I shall use my mother name “Yanghotongla Sangtam” for all future records.
4. That, the statements made in para 1 to 4 are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing material has been concealed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have signed this affidavit on this, the 24th of January 2023 at Chumoukedima, Nagaland. Identified by me: MENESANO KIMHO DEPONENT (ADVOCATE)
NOtARY PUBLiCtreated as evidence to proof that Rukewelo, Rukewelo Mero and Rukewelo T Mero is one and the same person.
6. That henceforth, for all official purposes, my name shall be used as Rukewelo T Mero.
7. That the statements made in paragraphs I to 6 of this affidavit are true to my knowledge and I have not suppressed anything. And I sign this affidavit on this the 8th day of December, 2022, at Kohima.
k-201/23
DP-390/23(A)
Regd. No. 26/2023 Date 25/01/2023
I, M. Pouthailung Maringmei, resident of H/NO. 301, Naga Colony,
UNB Burma Camp, Dist. Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under :
1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India and competent to swear this Affidavit.
2. That, my son’s name has been inadvertently entered/ recorded as “POUJONLUNG MEIRINGMEI” in his School/Academic records, whereas my son’s correct name is “POUJONLUNG MARINGMEI” as entered in his Rectified Aadhaar Card bearing Aadhaar No. 561916395378.
3. That, similarly my above mentioned son’s Date of Birth has also been inadvertently entered as “16/12/2008” in his School/ Academic records, whereas his correct Date of Birth is 16/07/2009“ as entered/ recorded in Rectified Aadhaar Card.
4. That, the above mentioned names “POUJONLUNG MEIRINGMEI” and “POUJONLUNG MARINGMEI” refers to one and same person i.e my son and his correct Date of Birth is “16/07/2009”.
5. That, I made this Affidavit to declare my son’s correct name “POUJONLUNG MARINGMEI” and his correct Date of Birth “16/07/2009” and further to use this Affidavit as a piece of documentary evidence before the competent authority for any clarification and rectification for the same. That, the content of this Affidavit from para (1) to (5) are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing material has been concealed therein.
And I signed this Affidavit on this 25th day of January, 2023 at Dimapur : Nagaland.
Sworn before me by the Deponent.
DP-388/23
Unaccounted
of over Rs 10 lakh seizedmarked as ‘hypersensitive’,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao told reporters at a press conference here. File photo of a polling station in Tripura. Correspondent
‘Pathaan’ row: Youth detained in Assam for ‘provocative’ statement
Guj ACB booked 158 govt employees in 2022
AHMEDABAD, JAN 25
(PTI): The Gujarat AntiCorruption Bureau last year booked 252 persons, including 158 state and central government employees, with policemen topping the list, officials said on Wednesday. The ACB registered 176 cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act in 2022, three more than in 2021, said a release by the antigraft agency of the state police. Of the 252 persons booked last year, 94 were private persons, who usually work as middlemen, while 158 were government staffers, including 13 central government employees, said the release. One Class I officer and 30 Class II officers were among those caught by the ACB.
RANCHI, JAN 25 (PTI): The Jharkhand High Court has granted bail to three-time Baghmara MLA Dhulu Mahto in a 10-year-old case of forcibly freeing a person from police custody. The special MP/MLA court in Dhanbad had earlier upheld a lower court’s order of an 18-month jail sentence for the legislator and four others in the case. The three-time BJP MLA from Baghmara assembly constituency has already served a term of four months behind bars.
The lower court had on October 9, 2019, held Mahto and his four associates guilty of obstructing government servants and freeing a person, arrested on extortion charges, forcibly from police custody.
POONCH/JAMMU, JAN 25 (PTI): Security forces on Wednesday recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK rifles, during a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said. A search operation was launched by Army troops and assisted by police and CRPF in Kalai Top, Shiendra, Ratta Jabbar and adjoining areas, they added. During the search operation, they recovered two AK rifles, three magazines and 35 rounds of ammunition, the officials said.
KOZHIKODE (KER), JAN 25 (PTI): Two men were killed while one was injured after being hit by a train near Kallai railway station here on Wednesday morning, police said. The injured person is undergoing treatment at the government medical college hospital here. The incident is said to have occurred when the trio was sitting on the railway track. The deceased persons were natives of Kollam, police added.
MURSHIDABAD (WB), JAN 25 (PTI): A local TMC leader died in a hospital, hours after being shot at by unidentified miscreants while returning home in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, police said on Wednesday. The deceased, Altaf Sheikh, who was the headmaster of Nowadapara Madrasa, succumbed to injuries at the hospital here in the morning, they said. He was shot from a close range at Raninagar area around 9.15 pm on Tuesday. “We have initiated an investigation and search is underway to nab the culprits,” a senior police officer of the district told PTI over phone. Sheikh was a CPI(M) leader before he joined the TMC.
NEW DELHI, NOV 25 (PTI): Delhi Police has detained over 70 students who were gathered at Jamia Millia Islamia to protest against the detention of four activists over the proposed screening of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Students’ Federation of India said.
There was no immediate response from the police.
Heavy deployment of police personnel was seen outside the campus where the students were gathered. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force were deployed at the gate.
Pritish Menon, secretary of the Students’ Federation of India’s (SFI) Delhi state committee, said the police detained the protestors who had gathered there.
“We were about to begin the demonstration but they were detained before that. They were taken to the police station,” Menon told PTI.
The Left-backed SFI’s Jamia unit has released a poster informing that the documentary would be screened at the MCRC lawn gate 8 at 6 pm.
Delhi Police on Wednesday said they detained four students after the SFI announced its plan to screen the controversial documentary on the campus.
The university administration said the screening would not be allowed and that they were taking all measures to prevent people
and organisations with a “vested interest to destroy the peaceful academic atmosphere of the university”.
The varsity administration also issued a statement, saying no permission had been sought for the screening of the documentary and it would not be allowed.
“It has come to the knowledge of the university administration that some students belonging to a political organisation have circulated a poster about screening of a controversial
GODHRA, JAN 25 (PTI):
A court at Halol town in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district has acquitted 22 people, accused of killing 17 members of a minority community including two children, for want of evidence in a case stemming from the 2002 post-Godhra communal riots in the state.
According to the prosecution, the victims were killed on February 28, 2002 and their bodies burnt with an intention to destroy evidence.
The court of Addi -
tional Sessions Judge Harsh Trivedi on Tuesday acquitted all the 22 accused, eight of whom died during the pendency of the case, defence lawyer Gopalsinh Solanki said. “The court acquitted all the accused in the case of rioting and murder of 17 members of a minority community, including two children, in Delol village of the district for want of evidence, Solanki said.
Communal riots had broken out in different parts of the state a day after a bogie of the Sabarmati Ex-
press was torched by a mob near Godhra town in Panchmahal district on February 27, 2002, killing 59 passengers, most of them ‘karsevaks’ returning from Ayodhya. An FIR (first information report) was lodged under Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to murder and rioting after the violence in Delol village.
Another police inspector lodged a case afresh nearly two years after the incident and arrested 22 people for their alleged involvement in the riots.
documentary film on the university campus today,” it said in the statement.
The university had earlier issued a memorandum/ circular reiterating that no meeting/gathering of students or screening of any film shall be allowed on the campus without permission from the competent authority.
It said strict disciplinary action shall be taken against organisers in case of any violation.
“The university is taking all possible measures to prevent people/organisations having a vested interest to destroy the peaceful academic atmosphere of the university,” it said.
The SFI’s attempt to screen the documentary at the Jamia campus comes a day after a similar event was organised at Jawaharlal Nehru University during which students claimed that power and Internet were suspended and stones hurled at them.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN 25 (IANS): A day after former Defence Minister A.K. Antony’s son, Anil Antony’s tweets slamming the BBC’s controversial documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew flak, he resigned from his roles in the Congress on Wednesday.
Anil Antony, who headed the IT wing of the Congress party in Kerala, tweeted, “I have resigned from my roles in @incindia @INCKerala. Intolerant calls to retract a tweet, by those fighting for free speech. I refused. @facebook wall of hate/abuses by ones supporting a trek to promote love! Hypocrisy thy name is! Life goes on.”
“Considering the events from Tuesday, I believe it would be appropriate for me to leave all my roles in the Congress- as the convenor of the KPCC Digital media, and as the
national coordinator of AICC social media and digital communication cell,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
“Kindly consider this as my resignation letter. I would like to thank everyone, especially the Kerala State Leadership and Dr Shashi Tharoor, along with countless party workers, who had wholeheartedly supported and guided me at various times, during my brief period here,” he said.
“I am sure that I have my own unique strength which could have enabled me to contribute very effectively to the party in several ways. However by now, I
have been made well aware that you, your colleagues and the coterie around the leadership are only keen to work with a bunch of sycophants and chamchas, who would unquestionably be at your beck and call. This has become the lone criterion of merit. Sadly we don’t have much common ground,” he added.
“I would prefer to continue my other professional endeavours without being fed this negativity and being involved in these destructive narratives, many against the very core interests of India. These I strongly believe will end up in the dustbin of history with time,” he stated.
On Tuesday all across the state, Youth Congress activists exhibited the controversial documentary and it was at that time Anil’s tweet gave a shock to the party and its feeder organisation.
NEW DELHI, JAN 24 (PTI): A total of 901 police personnel drawn from the CAPFs and state forces have been awarded various service medals, including for gallant action, on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day, the Union home ministry said Wednesday.
The tally includes 140 Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG).
Among the bravery awards, the maximum of 80 personnel were given for operations in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) hit or Naxal violence affected areas while 45 personnel deployed in Jammu and Kashmir region
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): As the Election Commission aims to ensure 75 per cent voter turnout in future elections, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged people to consider voting as their contribution to nation building.
She said people must vote with the spirit of “nation paramount”.
Addressing AN event to mark the 13th National Voters’ Day, she said it is a great achievement of India’s election process and democracy that the active participation of women in the democratic process is continuously increasing.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the number of women voters was slightly higher than that of men.
She noted that for the first time in the history of Indian Parliament, the total number of women MPs in both the Houses together have reached the 115 mark.
From gram panchayats to Parliament, women are contributing significantly. Their participation and numbers should increase further, she said.
The president said that social revolution has been possible in the country during the past seven decades through the election pro -
cess. It is a great success of our democracy that the common voter living in remote areas feels that he or she has a major role in deciding who would and how they would govern the country or the state.
She handed over the Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to five youths who recently became voters.
During the event, President Murmu presented the national awards for the year 2022.
National awards for the best electoral practices will be presented to state
and district level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2022 in different spheres such as IT initiatives, security management, election management, accessible election, electoral roll and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach.
National awards will also be given to important stakeholders like government departments, and media organisations for their valuable contribution towards voters’ awareness.
A first copy of the ECI
publication, “Electing the First Citizen- An Illustrated Chronicle of India’s Presidential Elections”, will be presented to the president by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
The book, a first-ofits-kind publication, gives glimpses into the historic journey of presidential elections in the country. It throws light on the nuances of the presidential electoral system and associated constitutional provisions through the timelines of the past 16 presidential elections.
A song -- “Main Bharat Hoon- Hum Bharat Ke Matdata Hain” -- produced by the Election Commission in association with Subhash Ghai Foundation, will also be screened.
The song brings forth the power of vote and celebrates the spirit of inclusive, accessible, ethical, participative and festive elections in the largest and most vibrant democracy of the world.
Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission in 1950, a day before India became a republic.
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): Despite Chinese aggression, India’s trade with Beijing has increased by 50 per cent, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in an apparent swipe at the BJP-led Centre, and called for a boycott of China to send out a strong message.
Addressing a Republic Day function organised by the Delhi government at Chhatrasal Stadium here, Kejriwal alleged that China is procuring more weapons to use against India with the very money it earns doing trade with us.
“A leading newspaper today reported that China has occupied
some of our land. This is worrisome for every Indian. Our soldiers are bravely facing China at the border and it is our duty to support them in this fight.
“It is our duty to boycott China and send out a strong message,” he said at the event.
The Chief Minister asked the central government what action it took against China’s incursions into Indian territory and allegedly even occupying some of our land.
“On one hand China is occupying our land and on the other hand we are increasing our trade with China,” he said, as he went on to list the items both countries traded in for billions
of dollars.
“In 2020, we bought materials and products worth 65 billion dollars from China and in 2021 it increased to 95 billion dollars -- almost a 50 per cent increase. We are only making China richer and giving them more money. They are buying more weapons, recruiting more soldiers using our money to harm us,” Kejriwal said.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader suggested India should set up manufacturing units for items it imports from China and boycott Chinese goods.
“We are purchasing items like slippers, figurines, and mattresses from China. Why cannot we manufacture these in India?” he asked, saying that the move will only create jobs for youths.
are being awarded for their gallant action, the statement from the ministry of home affairs (MHA) said.
The country’s largest paramilitary force, the Cen-
tral Reserve Police Force (CRPF), got the highest 48 PMGs followed by 31 from the Maharashtra Police, 25 from the J-K Police, nine from the Jharkhand Police,
seven each from the Delhi Police, the Chhattisgarh Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), it said.
No President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG), the top category of bravery decorations among the police forces, has been awarded. The decorations also include 93 President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) and 668 Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM). The PMG is awarded on the ground of conspicuous gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals, the statement said.
Dated.24.01.2023.
Sd/Registrar i/c DC-99/23
India celebrates its 74th Republic Day on January 26,2023 commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950. The Modi government is trying to effect changes by altering the landscape of Lutyen’s Delhi, names of important places etc. One of which is internationally famous Rajpath where all parades pass through. Rajpath has now been renamed as Kartavya Path in 2022. As in the past, several military and cultural parades will be showcased. The Republic Day 2023 parade is also televised so that millions of people can watch it on TV at their homes. While India gained independence from the British Raj in 1947, it wasn’t until January 26, 1950, that the Constitution of India came into effect, and the country became a sovereign state, declaring it a republic. India’s constitutional democracy as enshrined in the constitution is still vibrant which has been proven by the successful holding of state and parliamentary elections over the decades. However, holding of elections may not necessarily prove that the rule of the constitution is not under threat or slowly getting altered. The opposition who style themselves as ‘secular’ have been attacking the BJP at the Centre for not respecting the rule of the constitution and also attempting to bring about amendments especially as witnessed during the Citizens Amendment Act(CAA) protests. However, conscientious citizens took out protests across the nation in which parts of the Preamble were read out in public spaces, and shared on social media, apart from making their ways into the protest spaces at universities and streets across the country. The BJP government had amended the Citizenship Act, 1955 by providing a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted religious. This has given clear impression that the Constitution can be influenced based on one’s religion, caste, region or language. The constitution of India can be amended under article 368 and it lays down three ways of amending: (1). simple majority (2). 2/3 majority present and voting (3). 2/3rd majority present and voting along with ratification from 2/3rd of the state legislatures. There are certain basic features of the constitution which can never be amended like parliamentary form of government, rule of law, secular nature, sovereign nation, separation of powers etc. This is known as doctrine of basic structure and it was laid down in the landmark judgment of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala. Further, the Supreme Court can strike down such an amendment as it is ultra vires (invalid). This process of reviewing the statutes and amendment to check whether it violates the basic tenets of the constitution is known as judicial review and it a powerful weapon in the hands of the apex court which protects and upholds the democracy of the land. This happened recently in the 99th amendment (2015) where the formation of National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was introduced but the Supreme Court declared it to be unconstitutional and struck it down. Through NJAC the government sought to override the collegium so as to appoint supreme court judges of its choice. Efforts continue on bringing about amendments to alter the constitution but even if such amendments take place, the people of India are certainly not going to allow that to take place.
When it pleased God… —Galatians 1:15
As servants of God, we must learn to make room for Him— to give God “elbow room.” We plan and figure and predict that this or that will happen, but we forget to make room for God to come in as He chooses. Would we be surprised if God came into our meeting or into our preaching in a way we had never expected Him to come? Do not look for God to come in a particular way, but do look for Him. The way to make room for Him is to expect Him to come, but not in a certain way. No matter how well we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that He may break in at any minute. We tend to overlook this element of surprise, yet God never works in any other way. Suddenly—God meets our life “…when it pleased God….”
Keep your life so constantly in touch with God that His surprising power can break through at any point. Live in a constant state of expectancy, and leave room for God to come in as He decides.
~Human beings have been given the rare gift of ‘discretion’ which can be defined as the ‘pause’ one makes to allow for application of mind before some ‘action’ was initiated in response to a situation. In a way this is the exercise of option in ‘decision-making’ based on a quick evaluation of pros and cons of what had been noticed or reported. This is a cerebral call.
In life there is a constant interplay of knowledge and response - of ‘gyan’ and ‘karma’ - and there is no escape from that. Only a thinking person can lead a life of fulfilment for what it means is a conscious movement on the path of self improvement, honest pursuit of material advancement and voluntary discharge of one’s duties by the family and the larger society.
Today, maintenance of physical fitness is as urgent as the mental health since both are interlinked in a manner that was new - the mandate of life, it is discovered, demanded application of mind behind any decision or action big or small, was taken.
Advent of the Age of Information consequent on the success of IT revolution, has made it doubly important that only knowledge-based decisions were reached at every step which meant also that an analytical mind was intrinsic to success in these times.
Absorbing information that was relevant is necessary to read the ‘opportunities’ and ‘dangers’ in the environment which would enable an individual to make a gainful advance or keep from avoidable risks.
Importance of information presupposes significance of the power of
observation, a certain skill for accessing what one was looking for and the ability to separate grain from the chaff.
Digitisation in various fields of national, business and organisational life has not only led to the phenomenon of a vast amount of information being thrown up on any subject but also encouraged the practice of technology-based data analytics. This is a great advantage at the ‘tactical’ or ‘operational’ level but is not a substitute in any way of the ‘strategic’ requirement that only human intervention could fulfil in any significant decisionmaking.
The much talked about ‘reskilling’ is largely a programmed effort to get an executive to handle larger amount of information on-line and to do ‘collation and analysis’ of data to cull out meaningful deductions from the information on record. Computers however, work on the ‘input output principle’ and the signals produced by them would reflect that limitation.
Even the so-called ‘machine learning’ represents an advanced programming that allows the system to make an ‘insider’s reading’ out of the patterns set for it and produce ‘indicators’ that would further help to determine the choice of response or course of action.
‘Machine learning’ is an aid as far as production of analysed findings are concerned and it could even suggest some ‘directions’ for further action but all of this does not detract from the indispensability of application of human mind and decision-making power, for fixing ‘policy’ or ‘strategy’ of the organisation.
Over a period what
Alot of money (both black and white) being used by the politicians during campaigning and bribing, changes the face of the election. This makes the situation just opposite to free and fair elections indirectly. The problem continues unabated because-
1. The candidates spend a lot of money during elections and once they come into office, they try to recover that money by resorting to all kinds of illegal and corrupt practices during his tenure in power so as to fund his next election, thus creating a vicious cycle of black money.
2. Filing for the nomination as a candidate and producing fake financial documents, educational documents and related documents required for nomination through forgery involves money.
3. Bribing candidates to step down or recall their names from the election lists, to kill competition or avoid diversion of votes, depriving the citizens a worthy representative
4. Race of over spending among the candidate to woo voters.
5. Different stake holders provides huge amount of money and muscle power to the candidate during elections and in return, politicians pay them anyhow, leading to the vicious cycle of crony capitalism.
6. Criminalization of politics leading to more no. of candidates from criminal background
However some of the following can be done to curb the money problem in the election-
1. Election commissioner must be given more powers and it must act in a harsh manner in the cases related to corruption.
2. Stringent policing and monitoring mechanisms on election campaigns to check illegal money transfers should be implemented.
3. Education and awareness to the voters for creating a healthy democracy.
4. Strict vigilance on last hour drops out contestants, their actions, and seeks proper citations for the decisions.
5. Debarring candidates from criminal backgrounds to contest elections.
6. Mass media should act in non partisan manner and enforcing a stringent action against paid news.
7. Speedy trial of election disputes must be done by special courts.
8. Most importantly, citizen should stop selling their votes.
There is an urgent need to bring in some reforms in the election related issues as this has become a menace in the path of Developing our society. It is very necessary that role of money power is reduced in election as a citizenry participation requires that election are fought on the basis of policies rather than money.
Huka V Awomi, Satoi Town (Thsuruhu Village)digitisation has done is to push a person high or low in the organisation’s hierarchy, into ‘mechanical’ dependence on the online information and the computerised ‘deductions’ made on it. This has the effect of ‘shrinking’ the work outlook of the employee to a mere ‘compliance’ mode in regard to the do’s and don’ts of the desk
Reskilling should not aim at multi-tasking alone but basically also at creating awareness about utilising only ‘reliable’ data in these days of misinformation, about the need for keeping ‘security’ of communication intact and about the importance of marshalling information that would help ‘knowledge-based’ decision making at any level. On the whole the capacity to think is on a discount and so is the ‘spirit of inquiry’ that is basic to acquisition of knowledge.
‘Google search’ has taken away the importance of a healthy memory that was an asset in any circumstance and dampened the analytical orientation of the mind that could be developed right from a young age.
It is on the base of an analytical bend of mind that the power of ‘imagination’ can be built - ‘imagination is more important than knowledge’ is what was famously said by Albert Einstein.
Any work methodology that does not put a premium on mental involvement and ‘forward thinking’ can not serve the best interests of the organisation or corporate body since it passes on the cumulative burden of knowledge-based decisionmaking on the leadership by depriving the latter of a healthy feed back from
below.
There is a sudden surge of the idea of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhancing productivity by making technology more ‘smart’ - being ‘smart’ can be defined as adoption of a strategy where output increases ‘per unit of resource’ whether it is money, manpower or time.
Technology makes a human process ‘smart’ and AI further ‘smartens up’ the technological procedures. AI makes it faster to identify what was not working optimally in the system and what could be done to maximise the outcome and its end resultprofitability.
What is more important, it substitutes for a human response in some simpler ways - it can never be the total replacement for human mind that was gifted with ‘discretion’ and the capacity to ‘calibrate’ the response while handling a situation.
Robots that can serve customers in a restaurant, gadgetry at home that can be managed through remote instructions or the invention of driverless cars are all in the news but AI applications are so far centred more usefully, around scanning of multiple data to produce flag points of ‘alert’ and include precise - looking indicators for ‘action’ as far as possible.
In a limited way only, it has a usage for minimising human intervention required for determining the course of action. In essence, AI marks a further advancement of technology-driven processes but does not set a ‘competition’ with human intellect.
In a classical illustration, a major power could have developed a nuclear missile that would be ready
to fire off on receiving a ‘trigger’ about the enemy action- developed through use of AI - but it would not like to make this counterresponse totally automatic and would like to retain the element of ‘authorisation’ at a prescribed level.
AI as an advanced technology would be of immense help in upgrading business operations, production centres and work protocols but in matters of ‘policy’ formulation, defence responses and counter-measures in information warfare, the primacy of human decision-making would remain in place.
It is necessary for institutions, organisations and business corporates to check the trend of rising mediocrity on account of the mono-culture created by the preponderance of computer-driven work.
There is faster ‘delivery’ no doubt but the work place was becoming impersonal and everybody’s preoccupation with the allotted task that required little interaction with others within the organisation, was adding to that.
Technology-aided work needed little supervision and this affected the leadership quality of the ‘bosses’ who found it convenient that they did not have to get involved with their people at a personal level and were not called upon to provide ‘participative and nurtural’ guidance to them. This had become pronounced in the era of ‘work from home’ set in by Covid emergency. However, in the US in particular, corporate leadership is already taking steps to get the lower and middle level work force back in office like in the earlier times.
In ultimate analysis,
it seemed that the facility of ‘work from home’ was adversely affecting productivity for various reasonsone being the emphasis on ‘mere compliance’ that did not encourage ‘thinking’ about the job in a manner that could suggest organisational improvement or increased output. Covid aftereffects have produced a welcome churning of thoughts on corporate strategy, importance of human interaction in business and the presumed competitive advantage accruing from purely technology-driven human endeavour.
Somewhere, the larger question of whether technology was ‘aiding’ or in fact ‘trying to substitute’ for human play in all fields, is appearing on the horizon and inviting new ideas on future man-machine equation.
In Indian context, however, march of ‘digitisation’ has to be kept up for betterment of governance, upgradation of public services and in particular for the management of law and order that safeguarded the right to equality before law for every citizen over the demands for special treatment by certain groups including minorities. The country fortunately has no dearth of working hands and ‘thinking minds’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to strengthen the former with technology and encouraging the latter to create their own space through start ups and contribution made, in their spare time, to ways and means of strengthening internal cohesion and national orientation of the people here.
D.C. Pathak (The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. Views e xpressed are personal)
All the while that the nation has been applauding our sportswomen who have shown amazing talent and grit in international competitions, these remarkably talented women, it now turns out, have been silently fighting another battle – against a vicious nexus of patriarchy, power and privilege.
If there was any doubt in the minds of people with regard to the nexus it should be put to rest by the fact that both Sandeep Singh, the minster accused of sexual harassment by the athlete in Haryana, and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India, who faces grave allegations of similar nature are still in the saddle.
It is reported that while the former has given up charge of the concerned portfolio the other been asked to ‘step aside’ and will not participate in decision making.
A committee headed by Additional Director General of Police of Rohtak Range Mamta Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police at Panchkula Sumer Pratap Singh, and Additional Commissioner of Police at Panchkula, Raj Kumar Kaushik, has been constituted to enquire into the complaint against Singh. However, Singh still holds charge of the department of printing and stationery. However, as chief minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar would have us believe, this will ‘not affect the probe’.
Meanwhile, the junior athletics coach – who is also a 400m national-level athlete – who lodged the complaint against Singh was
transferred to Jhajjar, where she said that the necessary facilities for her sport were unavailable.
The reportage on both the Haryana incident and that relating to the Wrestling Federation speaks of the accolades those accused have won for the nation and their public stature.
This despite the fact that there have been attempts to silence the protests.
Players simply want self respect as they prepare for big sporting events. Referring to the pressure on those seeking justice from the predatory behaviour of those in the WFI, champion wrestler Vinesh Phogat has stated, “We won’t bog down anymore and will fight for our rights.”
For sportswomen –supported by their male colleagues in the case involving the WFI – to come forward and highlight the vicious cycle of sexual harassment within the sports establishment requires tremendous courage. Such complaints threaten to disrupt the ties that have evolved between the sports bureaucracy, politicians and the corporate sector.
The complaints that have been registered need thorough investigation. That is necessary if others who may be silently suffering are to pick up the courage to speak up.
There is an urgent need to put procedures to handle such complaints in place, as per the law. These are required at all levels, be it talent search, training, selection processes, awards and the administrative sphere.
Democratisation of
these bodies is urgently required to instil confidence in the players, as well as to garner fresh talent, as are transparency and accountability, specifically in handling complaints of sexual harassment, including the actions or inactions of those holding charge and responsibility for enquiry into complaints made. A person in authority who fails to act on a complaint of sexual harassment is equally guilty of violating the law. There is need to deal with incidents of sexual harassment by meting out exemplary punishment.
It is criminal to have ministers and senior people hold positions when, as per the law, they have been accused of crimes which include sections that are non-bailable.
Governments and those presiding over these bodies must be made to answer.
Finally, there is a need for greater transparency in processes of decision making. This also includes selection, training, awards and talent search across the country. It is important that eminent sportspersons come forward to initiate such processes to restore the confidence of the people, especially women, who have contributed in no small measure to achievements in this sphere.
The women’s movement in India has long argued that violence, including sexual violence – of which sexual harassment is a critical aspect – across a spectrum of socio-political institutions needs to be addressed if women are to attain equality as also
equality of opportunity. Such incidents cannot be approached as a one-off, with delayed responses mired in calculations which smack of political considerations. While campaigns such as #MeToo go a long way in enabling individual women to come out and speak, the lack of response and abdication of responsibility at the top ensures that many go scot-free. As the Supreme Court of India averred in the Vishaka Guidelines, employees and women are entitled to a workspace free of discrimination on account of sexual harassment, which creates a hostile work environment.
Equal opportunity and a level playing field are the least that women in sports in India are entitled to while we expect them to win laurels for the country, even as they perform in extremely competitive conditions under extreme pressure, having fought patriarchy and prejudice all along the way.
As for those who still choose to speak up for the rights and reputation of the accused, one is reminded of an incident in 1998 when Rupan Deol Bajaj, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service, spoke out against senior police officer K.P.S. Gill. At that time a senior editor had (in)famously opined that India as a nation ‘does not know how to honour its heroes.’ Bajaj took her fight to court, which ruled in her favour in 2005.
One can only say that contemporary India does not know how to ensure the safety of, leave alone honour, its heroines.
Indu Agnihotri (The Wire)Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.
“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”
Grandma Moses
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted people of Himachal Pradesh on the state’s formation day. Hardworking people of the state, full of natural beauty, have also been dedicated to serving the country, he said while wishing them.
Himachal became the 18th state of the Indian Union on January 25, 1971 and has since done well on various development indicators.
MUMBAI, JAN 24 (PTI): Two persons, including a 62-year-old man, were arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday for allegedly making fake passports and visas and issuing bogus COVID test reports, an official said.
The police are on the lookout for the third member of the gang, he said.
The trio operated from a flat in suburban Andheri. The Crime Branch raided the apartment and seized 28 duplicate passports, 24 bogus visas of different countries and several fake COVID test certificates, said the official. Fake immigration rubber stamps of many countries were found in the flat, he said.
The police have learnt that the trio was charging lakhs to make fake passports and visas. They suspect the gang has already sent many people out of India with the help of the fake documents made by it.
DHARAMSALA (HP), JAN 25 (PTI): The Dalai Lama has written to congratulate Chris Hipkins, who on Wednesday took over as New Zealand’s 41st prime minister following the resignation last week of Jacinda Ardern.
“Today, the world is passing through very testing times. I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the people of New Zealand,” the Tibetan spiritual leader wrote.
“...I have been able to visit your beautiful country several times and have been deeply touched by the interest that people from all walks have shown in my efforts to promote a sense of the oneness of humanity and the need for interreligious harmony,” he said. In a letter to Ardern, the Dalai Lama expressed his admiration for her exemplary leadership.
SHAHJAHANPUR
(UP), JAN 25 (PTI): A Dalit college student was allegedly thrashed by a group of students a month after he stopped them from garlanding a bust of ‘Bharat Mata’ wearing shoes, police said on Wednesday.
According to the police complaint filed in the matter, the victim, Arjun Rana, had a month ago objected to a group garlanding a statue of Bharat Mata wearing shoes, and was beaten up for it on Monday. “A Dalit student, Arjun Rana, was attacked by a group of students headed by two students Shahbaz Yadav and Suryansh Thakur.
The incident took place on PG Ground on Monday,” Additional Superintendent of Police (city) Sanjay Kumar said.
A video of the incident has been doing rounds on social media since Tuesday.
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
(AGENCIES/PTI): On the
eve of India’s 74th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu hailed the Constitution and “the spirit of India” and stated that the country has succeeded as a democratic republic because various creeds and different languages have united the country. In her address, the President pointed out that said such a vast and diverse multitude of people coming together as one nation remains unprecedented.
“We did so with a belief that we are, after all, one; that we are all Indians. We have succeeded as a democratic republic because so many creeds and so many languages have not divided us, they have only united us. That is the essence of India,” she said.
Murmu said that essence was at the heart of the Constitution, which has withstood the test of time.
“The Constitution that started governing the life of the Republic was the outcome of the Free -
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): India and Egypt on Wednesday decided to elevate their ties to the level of strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah ElSisi vowing to broadbase the relations in a time-bound manner in areas of defence and security, trade, counterterror cooperation and culture.
dom Struggle. The national movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was as much about winning Independence as about rediscovering our own ideals,” she said. She said that the founders of the Constitution gave us a map and moral framework, the task of “walking that path remains our responsibility”.
She said the founding document is inspired by the humanistic philosophy of the oldest living civilisation in the world as well as new ideas that emerged in more
recent history. The President said the country is proud of the fact that the members of that assembly represented all regions and communities of India and that they included 15 women too.
“Their vision, as enshrined in the Constitution, has been continuously guiding our Republic. During this period, India has been transformed from a largely poor and illiterate nation into a confident nation marching on the world stage,” she said.
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
(PTI): Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said comprehensive consultations with stakeholders, including political parties, are essential for implementing electoral reforms.
Referring to various proposals on electoral reforms moved by the Election Commission, he said consultations and discussions are a “symbol” of a vibrant democracy.
He said the changes made in election laws a year ago have resulted in addition of over 1.5 crore new voters in the electoral list. Four cut-off dates instead of the
Kiren Rijiju
one earlier has helped young eligible citizens to register as voters once they turn 18, he said.
The minister also lauded the move to allow those above 17 years of age to register with the EC in advance. Once they turn 18, their names are added in the voters’ list.
Addressing the 13th National Voters’ Day event here in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, companion Election Commissioners and representatives of various political parties, Rijiju recalled the role of various unsung heroes who have not been awarded but have made sacrifices while helping hold free and fair polls.
On the issue of electoral reforms, he said he is in constant touch with the EC and and had been holding meeting with officials of the poll panel on the issue.
The two leaders also discussed the cascading impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on availability of food, energy and fertiliser, and called for a “coordinated and concerted” approach to deal with terrorism, including cross-border terrorist activities.
Following the talks between Modi and Sisi, the two sides inked five agreements providing for cooperation in areas of culture, information technology, cyber security, matters relating to youths and broadcasting.
In the talks, the two leaders also decided to take the volume of bilateral trade to USD 12 billion in the next five years from around
USD seven billion at present, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said while describing the Modi-Sisi talks as “extremely productive” and “very warm”.
The 68-year-old influential Arab leader, who arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit, will grace the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest on January 26.
“Strategic cooperation between the two countries will help in promoting peace and prosperity in the entire region. So in today’s meeting, President Sisi and I decided to elevate our bilateral partnership to the level of ‘strategic partnership’,” Modi said in his media
statement.
“We have decided that under the India-Egypt strategic partnership, we will develop a long-term framework of greater cooperation in political, security, economic and scientific fields,” he said.
The prime minister said India and Egypt are worried about the spread of terrorism around the world and the two sides are unanimous in the opinion that it is the most serious security threat to humanity.
“Both countries also agree that concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism. And for this, together we will continue to try to alert the
international community,” he said.
The Egyptian President echoed Modi’s views on terrorism and said united efforts are required to deal with the menace.
“We have similar views on dealing with terrorism and extremism,” he said.
The prime minister noted that there is immense potential for enhancing security and defence cooperation between India and Egypt.
“We have also decided in today’s meeting to further strengthen cooperation between our defence industries, and enhance the exchange of information and intelligence related to counter-terrorism,” he said.
“Misuse of cyber space to spread extremist ideologies and radicalisation is a growing menace. We will extend cooperation against this also,” Modi added.
In his remarks, Modi said he and Sisi held extensive discussions on strengthening the food and pharma supply chains affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict.
ABAD, JAN 25 (PTI):
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in a crowdfunding initiative in Gujarat, official sources said.
Gokhale was taken into custody under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Ahmedabad where he is lodged in judicial custody in a Gujarat Police case.
He will be produced by the federal agency before a local Ahmedabad court seeking his remand, the
sources said.
The state police arrested Gokhale from Delhi in December last year in a case of alleged misuse of money he had collected through crowdfunding.
The Gujarat High Court had on Monday refused regular bail to Gokhale in this case as it asked him to approach the
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted eight-week interim bail to Union minister Ajay Kumar Mishra’s son Ashish in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence which claimed eight lives.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and J K Maheshwari directed that Ashish shall not stay in Uttar Pradesh or Delhi during the interim bail period.
“The petitioner is directed to be released on interim bail, initially for a period of eight weeks subject to furnishing bail bond
to the satisfaction of the trial court,” the bench said.
“With a view to ward of any direct or indirect influence on the material witnesses, who are yet to depose, the petitioner is directed to leave the state of Uttar Pradesh within one week from the date of his
release on interim bail,” it said.
The apex court said Ashish shall surrender his passport to the trial court and not enter Uttar Pradesh except to attend the trial proceedings.
“Any attempt by the petitioner or his family or supporters to influence or threaten the witnesses, directly or indirectly, shall entail cancellation of the interim bail,” the top court said.
It said Ashish shall disclose the place of his
residence to the trial court as well as the jurisdictional police station where he would stay during the period of interim bail within one week of his release.
The bench said he shall mark his presence in the jurisdictional police station once in a week.
The bench also ordered that four persons, accused in a separate case lodged over the killing of three occupants of the SUV which allegedly mowed down farmers, be released on interim bail till further orders subject
to furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the trial court.
It observed that there are two separate FIRs with different narratives regarding the incident and the question as to who are the aggressor or responsible for the “unfortunately ghastly incident” would be ascertained only after a fullfledged trial.
It directed the trial court to prioritise the deposition of the protected witnesses, followed by other crucial witnesses
court only after a charge sheet is filed.
The TMC leader had approached the high court after a sessions court and a magistrate’s court in Ahmedabad denied him bail recently following his arrest and expiry of remand.
Gokhale has been in judicial custody since January 5 and lodged at a jail in Ahmedabad. He was arrested by the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch from Delhi on December 30, 2022, in this case.
The police FIR was registered on a complaint filed by an Ahmedabad resident who claimed to have donated Rs 500 to Gokhale
through online mode. According to police, the case was not just about Rs 500 as Gokhale allegedly collected over Rs 70 lakh from more than 1,700 people through ‘ourdemocracy’ platform and used that money for personal use.
“There was no element of forgery in funds collected by Gokhale through an online platform which is used by even political parties. He is innocent and made a scapegoat. He is a fulltime activist sustaining on donations received through crowdfunding. As soon as he joined TMC, he stopped accepting funds to prove his bonafide,” Gokhale’s lawyer had told the court.
Says‘manylanguageshavenot dividedus,theyhaveonlyunitedus’President Droupadi Murmu addressing the Nation on the eve of the 74th Republic Day on January 25, 2023.
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
(IANS): Terming GST one of the “most complicated” taxation system, Traders’ body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to announce review of GST taxation system and all Acts and Rules concerning retail trade and One Nation-One Licence Policy for domestic trade.
In its pre-Budget wishlist, it has also urged for effective pension scheme for traders, insurance scheme for traders as per scheme applicable in state of Uttar Pradesh.
The traders’ body also sought separate credit rating norms for small businesses, easy access of finance to traders by the Banks and other financial institutions, formation of Fast Track Courts for disputes including payments in businesses and dishonouring of cheques under section 138 of the Income Tax Act and creation of Special Trade Zones in the country.
It has also sought a policy for organising Trade Fairs and Exhibitions of Indian products within the
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country and over the globe to give boost to both internal and foreign trade. The CAIT has also asked the FM to declare incentives for adoption & acceptance of digital payments among the trading community.
The CAIT has also demanded rolling out of e-commerce rules, e-commerce policy, formation of an E-Commerce Regulatory Authority, National Trade Policy for Retail Trade and a separate Ministry for Internal Trade both at the Centre and States.
CAIT National President B.C.Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal while releasing the “Budget Wish List” said
that the GST has emerged as one of the most complicated taxation system and as such a total review of the system is needed to make it a simple taxation system which can be complied by the traders and easily and must augment substantial revenue to the Government.
The retail trade of the Country is fraught with large number of Acts & Rules and many of them are few decades old and have lost their significance in the present scenario and therefore there is an emergent need of review of all such Acts & Rules and the Acts & rules which have lost relevance must be abrogated.
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According to Therie, rampant backdoor appointments, nepotism, bias and ill-will were the norm. He alleged that BJP and its alliance partner thought that the opposition voters had no share in the public exchequer. He said the ruling coalition did not understand that tax was contributed by all and not only by ruling party voters.
He mentioned that RSS and BJP’s anti-solution, antiChristian, anti-Muslim and anti-Jain stances were known to all. He held NDPP responsible for the delay in implementation of agreed solutions and rampant corruption. “The voice of the public was ignored and the people of Nagaland insulted. But still ticket seekers liked,” he noted. The NPCC president said Nagaland Joint
Christian Forum had come out with Clean Election Campaign as it realised that election was dirty and responsible for corruption.
He reasoned that Clean Election Campaign was necessitated as elections had become too dirty. But, despite knowing BJP and NDPP alliance’s failures and dangerous trends, he lamented that many were fighting for BJP and NDPP tickets. He termed this as an epidemic of foolishness for which there was no medicine. He claimed that many candidates were guided by village election committees, which he said was something like a teacher being taught by students or professors being guided by innocent students. He alleged that the only work for MLAs after being elected was to loot money and buy votes.
He however said a proposal had been prepared to be submitted to the government to allow faculty recruitment.
He revealed that Nagaland had nearly 1,39,000 government employees, out of which Health department had about 9.57 % of the total employees, after the Home and Education departments. However, he pointed out that 64% of the employees in H&FW Department were nontechnical, meaning there were excess employees in third and fourth grade posts. Therefore, he mentioned that third and fourth grade posts against retirement, if not required, would be converted to technical posts because new job creation was not easy. He also thanked the department officials for supporting him for the past one month after he had joined.
candidates during the 2018 elections– 2 Dimapur-II Assembly constituency (AC) and 4 Ghaspani-I AC. He noted that there has been a growing demand for change in the State and the party was open to those willing to bring changes.
Sharma said the party was formed with the aim of fighting corruption, which was also the main issue in Nagaland. He alleged that corruption in Nagaland was deeprooted too and that it had crippled development in healthcare, road infrastructure, etc. He remarked that it was the right moment for the people of Nagaland to rise and vote for good governance, honest politics and development by eliminating corruption from politics.
He said rooting out corruption
from the country and delivering quality education, healthcare and road infrastructure were the key objectives of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
Meanwhile, Keyho on his party claimed that AAP was a party that delivered and pointed out that the best witnesses were the students and government employees in Delhi all of whom experienced the governance of AAP president and Delhi
chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. He mentioned that he sensed that the Nagas too yearned to support the party in Nagaland.
With election date inching closer, he exuded confidence that people would come forward and join the party and sow the seeds of AAP in Nagaland to give new hope to the younger generation.
To a query on his vision as president of AAP, Keyho replied that he intended to discard Hornbill Festival, which had become an abominable act in the context of Naga beliefs and culture because Nagas had never in the past worshipped or idolised hornbill or other creature as they were seemingly doing today.
He assured the people that if voted to power, AAP would bring transparency and ensure recruitment in
government jobs based on merit and where 80% marks would be set aside for written tests,10% for academic excellence and 10% for interview.
Asked if AAP was ready to form any alliance, Sharma said the decision would be made after the coordination meeting.
He remarked that AAP was a young party of 10 years with limited resources and thus was facing difficulties while expanding. He however pointed out that the party was ruling Delhi and Punjab and also had five MLAs in Gujarat and Goa.
On Naga political issue, he said broad-based discussion would take place on the matter and that AAP’s vision for Nagas would be shared soon.
Host of AAP officials were also present at the press meet.
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present scenario in the country and defend the Christian faith biblically and constitutionally. Rev.Fr Chacko, in his paper “The church in the persecuted World”, said that violence against Indian Christians was growing by the day and highlighted various report and violence against Christians recorded in the country. According to United Christian Forum (UCF), the census carried out in India in recent years show that the Christian population has remained the same.
Highlighting the Christian response to persecution, Rev. Chacko said “persecution is the test of out faith. It is an opportunity to tell the nonbeliever that God is not dead.” In her paper “Constitutional rights and civil code”, ADF, Delhi director operation Loreign Ovung, said that religious freedom is important because it is a fundamental human rights that allows individuals to practice their religion, or no religion at all, without fear of persecution and discrimination.
She said that religious freedom was closely linked to other basic human rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, association and also the right to education and work.
Pointing out that In -
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): Gold price fell Rs 198 to Rs 56,972 per 10 gram in the national capital on Wednesday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities. The precious metal had settled at Rs 57,170 per 10 gram in the previous trade.
Silver also declined Rs 270 to Rs 68,625 per kilogram. “Spot gold price in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 56,972 per 10 gram, down Rs 198 per 10 gram,” said an analyst at HDFC Securities.
In the overseas market, gold and silver were trading lower at USD 1,928 per ounce and USD 23.55 per ounce, respectively.
Comex spot gold price is trading lower by 0.40 per cent at USD 1,928 per ounce against its previous close, the analyst said.
dian constitution guarantees freedom of religion to its citizens, Ovung however said that there had been instances of religious tension and violence particularly against minority communities. In his paper “Church and Election”, Rev. Kari Longchar pointed that the Christian workers were bringing shame to Lord Jesus and to Christian State. “We only blame the politicians that our sufferings are because of them, but if we the Church leaders are fully transformed, then Nagaland will as well be transformed.
It should, therefore, start from me and you.”
Rev. Longchar suggested setting up a march on slogan praising God before the Election.
In his closing remark while delivering keynote address, NJCF president Rev.Dr. Zelhou Keyho, said “We all agree that persecution will not stop. Yes, it will continue, but what we are saying to the country and to the leaders is this: Do not legalize persecution at the expense of the religious minorities.” Earlier, scripture reading and prayer was done by CFD vice chairman Rev.Vitoshe Swu while CFD secretary Rev.Fr Dr Anto Offred benediction. Moderators of the programme were Dr Nitokhe Nyekha and Esabel Solo.
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): Rising prices of data and devices are a concern for the rapid proliferation of digitisation, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday. The comments have come against the backdrop of a recent hike of about 57 per cent in the minimum monthly recharge plan by the country’s second-largest telco Bharti Airtel.
“Rise in cost of data or cost of devices are of concern because they are impediments in rapid digitisation,” Chandrasekhar said.\ The minister said that he is not exactly aware of the hike in mobile services rates by Airtel and the ministry may approach telecom regulator Trai to examine if the hike is going to have a short-term or long-term impact.
He said that there has been an impact on prices across the world due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the impact of data price need to be examined. Bharti Airtel has increased the price of its minimum recharge for the 28-day mobile phone service plan by about 57 per cent to Rs 155 in eight circles, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh West.
(From p-1) to stop police from “mentally harassing” the church authorities and the Christian community in upper Assam’s Golaghat district, Times of India report stated.
The forum’s Golaghat unit has alleged that since the New Year, police personnel have been collecting information on the number of churches and “conversions”.
Seven German nationals were detained in Golaghat last year for carrying out missionary works flouting visa norms.
“We bring to your notice the grievances of the Christian communities of Golaghat district, that, since January 2nd, 2023, some police personnel under Golaghat district has been
coming for collection of information about various churches, their activities, and leaders involved in at various times of the day or night, or through the mobile phones or whatsapp messages with urgency,” read the letter recently sent to the CM by UCF president Jiden Aind and secretary Leander Toppo.
However, SP (Golaghat) Ramandeep Kaur told TOI that officially no such probe is going on in the district. “The Christian body is under some misapprehension. From our side, no such exercise is on,” she said. Days ahead of Christmas, the Assam Police’s special branch headquarters had reportedly sought the details of churches established in the state in the last one year.
WELLINGTON, JAN 25 (AP): Chris Hipkins was sworn in Wednesday as New Zealand’s 41st prime minister, following the unexpected resignation last week of Jacinda Ardern. Hipkins, 44, has promised a back-to-basics approach focusing on the economy and what he described as the “pandemic of inflation.”
He will have less than nine months before contesting a tough general election, with opinion polls indicating his Labour Party is trailing its conservative opposition.
New Zealand GovernorGeneral Cindy Kiro officiated the brief swearing in ceremony in front of friends and colleagues after earlier accepting Ardern’s resignation.
ATHENS, JAN 25 (AP): A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 struck off the southeastern Greek island of Rhodes on Wednesday, according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The quake was also felt in the nearby Turkish provinces of Mugla, Izmir and Antalya, with Turkey’s AFAD emergency management agency saying it had a preliminary magnitude of 5.4. It is common for different seismological institutes to record variations in magnitude in the initial hours and days after a quake.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in Turkey either, although the earthquake caused panic in Mugla province, HaberTurk television said, with residents rushing out of buildings.
ISLAMABAD, JAN 25
(IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has indicated that the government was finally ready to swallow the bitter pill of the International Monetary Funds (IMF) “stringent” conditions to revive the loan programme.
The ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance was ready to sacrifice its political career for the sake of the country, Dawn news quoted Sharif as saying. The premier said the government has clearly conveyed its intentions to complete the ninth review to the IMF. “We are ready and want to sit down regarding your (IMF’s) conditions so that (the review) can be concluded and Pakistan moves forward,” he said.
ROME, JAN 25 (IANS):
Last-ditch efforts to avoid a national strike of petrol and diesel distributors fell short, as nearly threequarters of Italy’s 21,000 fuel stations stopped operating. The strike, which began at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and was called to protest against new price display rules put in place amid rising fuel prices, was originally scheduled to last 60 hours, reports Xinhua news agency.
The rules required distributors to post the full breakdown of their prices alongside a list of national price averages.
The move is designed to increase transparency on prices and reduce price speculation.
BERLIN, JAN 25 (AP): After weeks of hesitation that saw growing impatience among Germany’s allies, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday that his government would provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks and approve requests by other countries to do the same.
In a statement, the government said it would initially provide Ukraine with one company of Leopard 2 A6 tanks, which comprises 14 vehicles, from its own stocks. The goal is for Germany and its allies to provide Ukraine with a total of two battalions, or 88 tanks.
Scholz said Germany was “acting in close coordination” with its allies.
The long-awaited decision came after US officials said a preliminary agreement had been struck for the United States to send M1 Abrams tanks to help Kyiv push back Russian forces entrenched in the east almost a year since the start of the war. Scholz had insisted that any move to provide
Ukraine with powerful Leopard 2 tanks would need to be closely coordinated with Germany’s allies, chiefly the United States.
By getting Washington to commit some of its own tanks Berlin hopes to spread the risk of any backlash from Russia. Ekkehard Brose, head of the German military’s Federal Academy for Security Policy, said tying the United States into the decision was crucial, to avoid Europe facing a nuclear-armed Russia alone.
But he also noted the deeper historic significance of the decision. “German-
made tanks will face off against Russian tanks in Ukraine once more,” he said, adding that this was “not an easy thought” for Germany, which takes its responsibility for the horrors of World War II seriously.
“And yet it is the right decision,” Brose said, arguing that it was up to Western democracies to help Ukraine stop Russia’s military campaign. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described German and US intentions with the tanks as a “a rather disastrous plan.” “I am convinced that many specialists understand the absurdity of
this idea,” Peskov told reporters Wednesday. “Simply because of technological aspects, this is a rather disastrous plan. The main thing is, this is a completely obvious overestimation of the potential (the supply of tanks) would add to the armed forces of Ukraine. It is yet another fallacy, a rather profound one,” the Kremlin official said. Peskov predicted “these tanks will burn down just like all the other ones. ... Except they cost a lot, and this will fall on the shoulders of European taxpayers.” he added. Members of Scholz’s three-party coalition government welcomed the news ahead of the official announcement.
“The Leopard’s freed!” said German lawmaker Katrin Goering-Eckardt, a senior Green party lawmaker.
Marie-Agnes StrackZimmermann, a member of the Free Democratic Party who chairs the parliamentary defense committee, said the news was “a relief for a mistreated and brave Ukraine.”
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, JAN 25 (PTI): Police arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s senior leader Fawad Chaudhry during a predawn raid on Wednesday on charges of “inciting violence against a constitutional institution”, prompting the party chief and former prime minister Imran Khan to slam the state institutions and demand his immediate release.
Fawad, a close aide of Khan, was taken into custody from his residence in Lahore after a case was registered against him at Islamabad’s Kohsar Police Station on the complaint of the Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for “threatening” the electoral body’s members and their families.
Later in a tweet, the Islamabad Police said that Fawad, 52, tried to “incite violence against a constitutional institution” and “inflame the sentiments of the people”.
In a televised address from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore, Khan de-
SEOUL, JAN 25 (AP): Ships searching in windwhipped waters between South Korea and Japan have picked up at least 14 of the 22 crew members from a cargo vessel that sank early on Wednesday, killing at least two, officials said.
South Korean officials said nine of those rescued remain unconscious, but they did not immediately confirm any deaths. Ten crew members were later airlifted to Nagasaki in southern Japan for treatment, but two of them were confirmed dead on arrival, Japanese officials said.
South Korean and Japanese coast guard vessels and aircraft as well as two commercial cargo ships
A search operation in waters between South Korea and Japan, Wednesday. (AP/PTI) were continuing to search for the eight missing crew members but the efforts were being slowed by strong winds and waves, South Korean officials said.
The Japanese coast guard confirmed the rescue
of at least 13 crew members and said five of them – all Chinese nationals – were still alive. The 6,551-ton Jin Tian sank about 3 1/2 hours after it sent a distress call at around 11.15 pm on Tuesday in Japan’s exclusive
LONDON, JAN 25 (PTI):
Britain’s trade minister in charge of negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with India says clinching a highquality deal is among her top priorities for the year, while admitting the talks had hit a “bit of an impasse” which she broke by flying to New Delhi last month.
In a speech addressing business leaders at Lancaster House in London on Tuesday, UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch insisted the FTA talks are now “back on track”. It comes after the Diwali 2022 deadline for the FTA set by former prime minister Boris Johnson was missed last October amid political turmoil in Britain.
“Some of you will know I was a software engineer and a systems analyst before I became a politician. That means I’m a problem solver at heart,” said Badenoch. “So when our Indian trade talks hit a bit of an impasse, I didn’t pick up the
phone, I got on a plane. That deal’s not done yet, but it’s back on track,” she said.
Badenoch was in New Delhi in early December to hold talks with her counterpart, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and kick off the sixth round of FTA talks. The seventh round is expected in the UK in the coming weeks, with both sides reluctant to set a new deadline for completing the negotiations.
“We will seal highquality deals with India and CPTPP [Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partner -
ship] – they have a combined population of nearly 2 billion consumers – opening exciting opportunities in fast-growing markets for years to come,” Badenoch said.
“But I want to be clear that just signing on the dotted line is not the objective. These deals will only be agreed if they are the right deals for the people of this country. Bringing in jobs and investment to left-behind communities and capitalising on those areas in which we specialise,” she added.
With reference to the work being done by her Department for International Trade (DIT) in opening up the Indian market for UK businesses, the minister flagged the example of a north-west England pet food company. The Lancashire firm called VetPlus reportedly approached the DIT recently over a “paperwork problem” in selling their pet food products into India.
economic zone, Japanese coast guard spokesperson Shinya Kitahara said.
The vessel, which was Hong Kong registered and carrying lumber, sank about 160 kilometres (100 miles) southwest of Nagasaki, Japan, and about 150 kilometres (93 miles) south of South Korea’s Jeju island.
The captain last communicated with the coast guard through a satellite phone around 2.41 am, saying the crew would abandon the ship, minutes before it sank, Jeju island coast guard officials said. Six crew members were picked up by South Korean coast guard vessels, while a cargo ship picked up five and Japanese aircraft picked up three, ac-
cording to Jeju’s coast guard.
Officials said 14 crew members are Chinese and eight are from Myanmar.
According to maritime transport websites, the vessel left Malaysia’s Port Klang on December 3 and was headed for South Korea’s Incheon port.
The ship is owned by Long Bright Shipping Limited, a Hong Kong-registered company that is a subsidiary of Shenzhen Shekou Shipping Transportation Co., Ltd., according to a July 2022 filing made by the parent company to China’s National Equities Exchange and Quotations. The filing says the Jin Tian was used as collateral for a loan that was later repaid.
This is to inform to the general public that Mrs. Mhonsali Ovung @ Shitiri has published with malicious intention in the local esteemed paper on 15.01.2023 stating that the land situated at Landmark Colony, Dimapur Block/ward-9, Patta No. 807, Dag No. /Plot No. 914, Mouza No. 2 is a joint owned property of Mr. Thungbemo Shitri and Mrs. Mhonsali Shitiri. As such, the Office of the Dimapur Nkonjan Okotsoe Shitiri Ekhung (DNOSE) is compelled to clarify to the general public that the said land is never jointly owned but absolutely belongs to Mr. Thungbemo Shitri only. Secondly, in the Shitiri (Okotsoe) meeting dated 22.02.2022, the office have resolved that any lady from any tribe or clan who is married to a Shritiri’s clan and later divorced or mutually get separated from their husbands is not entitled to use the surname or title of their husband in any aspects as they are no longer part of the Shitiri’s clans. Further on 02.06.2022, the Shitiri Union and Ovung Union both Unions have declared that since Mhonsali Ovung has asked Thungbemo Shitri to leave the house. Mrs. Mhonsali Ovung shall have no right to claim the children, movable and immovable properties including monetary benefit. Therefore, Mrs. Mhonsali Ovung has no/any rights or title over the above land as stated.
nounced Fawad’s arrest and said that his party leaders and workers were being arrested and there were plans in place against his party. He termed Fawad’s arrest “a part of a plan to rig elections”.
He said the nation is looking to the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial for justice and his party expected the judiciary to protect its fundamental rights.
“I do not fear jail. I fear nothing. I have seen death very closely. I believe in the almighty. I also ask others not to be afraid of prison,” Khan said, adding that till the last day he is alive, he will keep fighting for the country.
“I will fight till the last ball… I will fight against them till my last breath. I never fear jail. I am a free person [and] I will never accept slavery,” the 70-yearold cricketer-turned-politician said.
Hearing a petition filed against the arrest during the day, the Lahore High Court judge Tariq Saleem Sheikh instructed the police to present Fawad in court. However, the police failed to produce him before the court.
Inspector General of Punjab Police Usman Anwar told the Lahore High Court that Islamabad police had taken Fawad into custody and had taken transitory remand of the former information minister. A magisterial court in Cantt Lahore approved Fawad’s transitory remand to the Islamabad police hours after the capital’s Kohsar police arrested him from the provincial capital. The Lahore High Court then ordered that the petition was no longer admissible as the PTI leader’s detention was not illegal.
COLOMBO, JAN 25 (PTI): Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened an all-party meeting on Thursday to continue his efforts on achieving a consensus on the Tamil issue and strengthen national harmony.
Wickremesinghe in mid-December kicked off a process of dialogue with the main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance (TNA)as part of his declared resolve to secure an agreement on the broad contours of a settlement by Sri Lanka’s Independence Day on February 4.
He has invited all parties for consultation with the aim of achieving a resolution to Tamil demand for political autonomy. The all-party meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat with the participation of all party leaders representing the Parliament, under the patronage of President Wickremesinghe, a release from his office said Wednesday. The purpose of this conference is to come to reach a consensus and strengthen national harmony, it said.
Peletkie Village Traditional Land Tax Assessment Committee (PVTLTAC) informs that any individual or group who purchased land from any land holder within the jurisdiction of Peletkie village under Peren district, must pay Rampo cover tribute acknowledging the administrative jurisdiction of the village on January 30, 2023 at Peletkie Village Council Hall. Any purchaser/vendor (individual or group) who fail to pay Rampo cover tribute to Rampo holders will no longer have the ownership right to claim the purchased land as per village customary practises.
The committee informs that traditionally Rampo is collected by Rampo holders whenever the area is cultivated (jhum/shifting). It also informed that for terrace cultivation, Rampo is collected once in 10 years. The committee observes that one tin of foodgrain will be collected per field while for those who cannot submit foodgrain, a cash amount of Rs. 200 will be collected.
(Namhingheing Disong) (Teirieswang)
Chairman, PVTLTAC Secretary, PVTLTAC DB-108/23
To, Date: 20/01/2023
Sd/-
Secretary Dimapurr Nkonjan Okotsoe Shitiri Ekhung (DNOSE) DP-402/23
The President, BJP 37 Tyui A/C Mandal, Wokha: Nagaland
Sub: Resignation from Primary Memberships and Respective Posts Thereof
Sir, In reference to the subject cited above, we the undersigned hereby tender our resignations from our Primary Memberships of BJP and respective posts with immediate effect as we feel that fifteen (15) years of representation by the same person in a powerful post has gone waste without addressing the issues plaguing the Constituency in particular, and District and State in general. Therefore, responding to the pulse of the people for change in 37 Tyui A/C, we tender our resignations as stated above and humbly request your authority to accept our request with immediate effect. 1. Rhanbamo Ngullie : President, BJP Nungying Unit 2. Abenthung Shitio : General Secretary, BJP Nungying Unit WC-18/23
To, Date: 22/01/2023
The President, BJP Wokha District Unit, Wokha: Nagaland
Sub: Resignation from Primary Memberships and Respective Posts Thereof
Sir, In reference to the subject cited above, we the undersigned would like to state that there is a huge wave for a change of leadership pertaining to democratic representation from 37 Tyui A/C to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The 37 Tyui A/C electorate are of the strong conviction that fifteen (15) years of representation by the same person is enough to recognize one’s ability of representation and therefore, the necessity for change.
Therefore, in response to the peoples strong desire for change, we the undersigned do hereby tender our resignations as stated above in the subject and humbly request you to accept our request with immediate effect.
1. Tsatheo Kikon : President, BJP Seluku Village Unit
2. Chenio Odyuo : Vice President, BJP Seluku Village Unit
3. E. Nzamo Ngullie : Finance Secretary, BJP Seluku Village Unit
4. Z. Mhonbemo Odyuo : Advisor, BJP Seluku Village Unit
5. R. Renbomo Kikon : Advisor, BJP Seluku Village Unit
6. Myanlumo Odyuo : Active Member, BJP Seluku Village Unit
Shehbaz ready to sacrifice political capital at IMF
High-quality FTA with India a priority, says UK trade minister
Pathaan, today’s massive release (and that’s an understatement), continues to rack up the hits. Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film broke another record on its first day, with trade expert Taran Adarsh reporting that 300 additional shows were added after the first day first show.
Pathaan now has the most screens of any Hindi release, with 8,000 screens worldwide. 2,500 of these are in other nations –Pathaan has opened in over 100 countries, which is also a record.
Deepika Padukone and John Abraham play crucial parts in the spy thriller, which stars Shah Rukh Khan as the main character.
“Unprecedented: Pathaan shows increased, screen count all-time highest (Hindi),” Taran Adarsh tweeted. Exhibitors raised the number of screen by
300 soon after the first show. The total number of screens in the world has now reached 8,000. India has 5,500 screens, whereas the rest of the world has
2,500.
Pathaan sold 5.5 lakh advance tickets on its first day. Baahubali: The Conclusion holds the record (for Hindi and
Hindi-dubbed films), with Pathaan coming in second.
The top 5 is completed by KGF: Chapter 2, War and Thugs Of Hindostan (which later tanked and
should serve as a cautionary lesson against celebrating too early).
Directed by Siddharth Anand, Pathaan is part of the spy world created by Yash Raj Films, which also includes the Tiger films starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, and War featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. Shah Rukh Khan, in his first starring role since 2018’s Zero, plays Pathaan, a RAW agent sent from the desert to combat a terror threat.
Pathaan hooks up with Deepika Padukone’s character to take on terrorist commander Jim (John Abraham).
Meanwhile, the film has also been facing the wrath of Hindu outfits in many states including Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, where protests have erupted against the screening of Pathaan.
(APN)“Naatu Naatu”, the standout song in the Indian period film “RRR,” has won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award, garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and spawned a TikTok challenge.
On Tuesday, it received an Oscar nomination for best original song,
making history as the first Indian feature film to be nominated for anything other than best international film at the Academy Awards.
Composer M.M. Keeravani is confident the Oscar statuette is within reach at the ceremony in Hollywood on March 12.
“Yeah, I can see the moment taking its root to
the road high and higher, so all fingers crossed and I have full confidence in Oscar too,” he said during a recent interview with Reuters.
Keeravani he found out about his nomination on Tuesday while at a recording studio in India doing a session with a programmer and some of his singers.(Reuters)
DIMAPUR: Various programmes were organised for the teachers and students as part of the yearly academic curriculum and extracurricular activities.
DMA SS Kohima: A sensitisation programme for school heads/principals on implementation of real time Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) online 20222023 and students’ profile was organised by District Mission Authority (DMA) Samagra Shiksha (SS) Kohima on January 23 at Educational Block Resource Centre (EBRC) Hall, Tseminyu.
A press release by the department informed that while delivering a keynote address, assistant district coordinator DMA SS Kohima, Thonsenglo Kath stated that UDISE+ was a system of online realtime data collection from schools and to overcome the limitations related to the erstwhile practice of manual data filling in paper format.
He said in the UDISE+ system, improvements have been made particularly in the areas of data capture, data mapping and data verification.
He informed that the system collects informa -
tion from all recognised and unrecognised schools imparting formal education from pre-primary to Class XII.
Kath said UDISE+ also collects information through an online Data Collection Form (DCF) on parameters such as school infrastructure, level of dropouts, enrolments, examination results etc. spread across 11 sections and that the information collected helps the central and state governments to plan, optimise resource allocation and implement various education-related programs and assessments of progress made.
Resource person, assistant programmer DMA
SS Kohima, Aseno briefed the trainees on DCF, UDISE plus online and students’ profile.
The programme was presided by coordinator EBRC Tseminyu, Rushulo Khing; TOTs, Francis Magh and Hinilo Cheng recorded and delivered the word of gratitude respectively. Altogether 46 government schools and eight private schools attended the sensitisation programme.
DMA SS DIMAPUR: District level UDISE + training and students profile was held on Wednesday at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Dimapur was organized by District
Mission Authority Samagra Shiksha (DMA SS).
At the programme, short speech was delivered by District Education Officer (charge) Dimapur and GHSS senior principal A Mughali Sema. She highlighted on the common mistakes committed during filing the forms. In this, she encouraged the HoDs of the schools to be careful and be focused as it will reflect the image of the schools performances.
UDISE + and students profile was presented by SMO, SS system analyst Medosalie, Children With Special Needs (CWSN) by DMA, SS IE coordinator and Public Financial Management System
DIMAPUR: A workshop-cum-awareness programme on National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) for the two nonattainment cities of Kohima and Dimapur was organised by Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) on January 20 at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chumoükedima.
A press release by NPCB informed that the main objective of the programme was to sensitise the stakeholder departments under NCAP on the objectives and aims of the programme and to build the capacity of the concerned departments through demonstrative presentations on the various activities that were to be undertaken.
Chairperson of the programme, NPCB member secretary, K Hukato Chishi acknowledged the active participation in the implementation of NCAP by all the stakeholders so far. He further stated that the aim for clean air in the cities was a public necessity and encouraged collaborative efforts to address the issue in the state.
In a keynote address, NPCB chairman, Rusovil John sought the coopera-
tion of all the stakeholders to address the issues of air pollution.
Further, he gave a brief overview of NCAP targets and goals of reducing the concentration of particulate matter up to 40% by 2026 using 2017 as the base year for comparison. He also stated the status of the concentrations in both the non-attainment cities of Nagaland.
Joint director, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), N Subrahmanyan gave a detailed presentation on the overview of NCAP in India with special reference to Nagaland.
He highlighted the strategies and state’s role in implementation of NCAP emphasizing on the importance of con -
verge of resources at the national, state and city level, preparation of state, city and micro plans to leverage funds and updating annual plans on the PRANA portal by the concerned Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure smooth functioning and implementation of NCAP in the state.
Scientist B of NPCB, Yanathung Kithan gave an overview of the status of NCAP in the state and the various activities undertaken through the stakeholders.
Kithan informed that currently, the board has 4 and 7 air monitoring stations in Kohima and Dimapur respectively under the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
In his presentation, he also gave a graphical
representation of the status of concentrations in the cities of Kohima and Dimapur, where it was seen that the concentration levels in Kohima have reduced to a great extent owing to better roads in the city. However, Kithan said it was the concern of the board that the concentration levels have only increased more than 50% in the year 2021-22 in Dimapur.
The technical session was taken up by Scientist ‘B’, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Sakshi Batra.
The programme was also attended by secretary, EF&CC, Kohima, Y Atsase Thongtsar, Commissioner of Police, Kevithuto Sophie, representatives from the stakeholder departments under NCAP like, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Kohima Municipal Council, Dimapur Municipal Council, Department of Industries & Commerce, Forest Department of Kohima & Dimapur, District Transport office, NIT Chumukedima, participants from the Assam & Meghalaya Pollution Control Board and NE Regional Office of CPCB, Meghalaya.
(PFMS)
MCC: Model Christian College observed “International Day of Education” on January 24 at the College Auditorium, under the theme “To Invest in People, Prioritise Education.”
A press release by MCC informed that resource person, professor and head, Guidance and Counselling Psychology, Education Research of Nagaland, Dr Zavise Rume remarked that the approach of the present education system was towards pragmatism.
DIMAPUR: Nagaland Public Works Department (NPWD) organised a farewell programme in honour of Er. Kahuli Sema, who retired as Engineer-inChief on January 24, at Conference Hall, NPWD Complex Kohima.
A press release by Media Cell, NPWD, stated that in her farewell speech, Sema thanked God for making her a part of a large department and added that she dreamt to be a part of it when she was a child. Sema also rendered her credit to almighty God whom she referred to as “the Engineer of the Engineers and the Architect of Architects”.
The release added that Chief Engineer PWD (R&B), Er. Kevide Nakro, Commissioner and Secretary, Work and Housing, Kesonyu Yhome, CE PWD (H), Er. I. Tiameren, CE PWD (NH), Er. Pukroneizo Kera, CE (Mechanical), Er. M. Moasashi, CA PWD (P&D), Ar V. Neilazo Metha and CE PEP, Er. Yanbemo Lotha, also delivered farewell and short speeches.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Additional CE PWD (R&B), Er Hukato Assumi, dedicatory prayer offered by senior Pastor SABC, Kohima, Dr. Rev G Kiyeto Sema, and vote of thanks was delivered by Additional CE PWD(R&B), Er. Hozheto Shikhu.
He said India was getting ready to supply skilled labour to the world and has a potential to become “knowledge super-power” of the world. Dr. Rume said the new education policy not only focuses on cognitive learning but also on mind training, mental health, career guidance, which in turn would result in fuller personality development.
The programme was moderated by assistant professor (Education Department), Jamkhanmoi and welcome note was delivered by head of education department, MCC, Peteneino Kiso.
The department also conducted an essay competition on the topic, “changing course, transforming education” and the prizes for the competition were given during the event.
KV: With an objective to develop creativity among students especially on “how to tackle examination related issues without tension”, a painting competition on “Pariksha pe Charcha” was organised on January 23 at Kendriya Vidyalaya, project Sevak, Dimapur.
A press release by the school informed that the competition held under the guidance of KV Dimapur,
principal M.H. Shimray was participated by about 100 students from KV Dimapur, KV Rangapahar, MGM Senior Secondary School, Janki Higher Secondary School Daikhu, JNV, DPS, Saint Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Little Star Higher Secondary School, etc. and others. The judges were Tunavi Achumi, Subam Nila Singh and Shyam Khuman. After the competition, certificates were also given to the winners.
PVHSS: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur observed the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on January 23 at its institution. The programme began with the universal peace prayer followed by garlanding to the portrait of Swami Pranabanandaji Maharaj and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and floral tributes to the portrait of late Manik Bhattacharjee, the founder secretary of the vidyapith and his associates, by PVHSS vice principal, A.K. Ray and other senior assistant teachers.
During the programme, the students and teachers performed many colourful cultural items.
SMHSS: St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School
celebrated the 126th Jayanti of Subhas Chandra Bose on January 23 by briefing the students about Netaji’s role in India’s Independence movement. At the event, painting, poem writing and essay competition were conducted.
CHSS: A two-day intensive teachers’ workshop and skills enhancement training was organised by Christian Higher Secondary School (CHSS) Dimapur on January 20-21.
A press release by CHSS Dimapur stated that trainers, assistant professor of Mt. Mary College of Teacher Education, Chümoukedima, Dokina Das and Dr Kekonino Zhünyü and Lion Manisha Ghanti of International Trainer, Lions Quest briefed the teachers on subjects related to the present-day educational challenges.
The trainers spoke on the topics - professional ethics, inclusive education, constructive approach, language in curriculum, understanding child psychology addressing common classroom problems and their remedies in Nagaland context, methodology of teaching Science and Mathematics, Social and Emotional Learning (SAEL) and four phase lesson design.
A newly Eshou Village was inaugurated by Shri. Toyang Changkong Chang Hon’ble MLA on 17.01.2023.
Addressing the gathering he advised to keep peace and harmony in the new village, and he also said to continue to work together towards the village development.
Programme was chaired by Shri. Y. Yohan Council Secretary, Invocation and Village Dedicatory prayer by Rev. Achu, Executive Secretary C.B.L.T. Welcome Address was delivered by Shri. M. Imlongchaba, Council Chairman and Short Speeches by Shri. N. Nungsanglemba, President, Khudei Village Council GB., Ngangpong Village Council Chairman and Benediction prayer by Mr. B. Moa, Pastor Eshou Village.
Followed by Cultural Troupes, Tuensang Village C/Khel & Shanen Cultural Troupe, Sangdak Village.
been planning to bring two coaches from Kazakhstan to train the players. He pointed out that belt wrestling, unlike Naga wrestling, was one where players take part in their own weight categories.
He urged the players to give their best and make sports a profession and that it would lead them to succeed and be at par with other players.
KOHIMA, JAN 25
(NPN): The 61st sports meet of Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) began on Wednesday at Phesama ground. The meet brings together the 12 villages under the association including, Viswema, Jakhama, Kigwema, Kidima, Kezo Town, Kezo Basa, Kezoma, Khuzama,
Phesama, Pfuchama, Mitelephe and Mima.
Speaking as the special guest, Block Development Officer, Jakhama RD Block, Vilopi Sakhrie, said associations such as SASA were good platform for sportspersons to showcase their skills and talents.
He expressed happiness that SASA had included a new discipline, the belt wrestling, which
was regarded as one of the oldest forms of wrestlings. He hoped that with the addition of the new discipline, local sportspersons would be able to represent the state not just in the regional level but even in the national and international level competitions.
Sakhrie thanked SASA for bringing all the villages together and enabling to compete in true
spirit of unity and sportsmanship and also subsequently get the chance to represent the region on a higher-level competition.
He wished SASA and the players success and later declared the meet open.
Earlier, Angami Sports Association (ASA) president, Lhoubeizo Kesiyie said that with the introduction of belt wrestling, the association had
The inaugural programme was chaired SASA vice president, Ketobu Vitsu, SASA president, Rokovizo Meze, delivered the president’s address while invocation was pronounced by Phesama Baptist Church, pastor, Rokovilie Zashümo.
Phesama Youth Organisation president, Vizokho Zashümo, extended the welcome address. Wrestling secretary, Vitsoto Vitsu administered the oath while Jubilant Tribal Group Kigwema presented a special number.
DIMAPUR, JAN 25
(NPN): Aboi Town Students’ Union (ATSU) emerged as the champion of the 1st Nokpang Memorial Trophy hosted by Loung United Club from January 17 - 24 at Leangha village local ground. The winner Aboi Town Students’ Union received a cash award of Rs.
30,000 while the runnersup team Mavericks FC received a cash award of Rs. 20,000.
Individual prizes were also given for the Best Player, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender.
The prizes for the winners were handed over by Phongkai, the eldest son of
Lt. Nokpang. This tournament was organised in honour of Lt. Nokpang, who was a Konyak Naga football legend.
The event was to commemorate the life of Nokpang that remain forgotten. Altogether, 7 clubs participated in the tournament.
N EW ORLEANS, JAN 25 (AGENCIES): Nikola Jokic had a triple-double and scored the winning basket with 16 seconds left as the visiting Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 99-98 on Tuesday night.
Jokic, returning from a two-game absence due to hamstring tightness, finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Jamal Murray also scored 25 points and Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon scored 11 apiece for the Nuggets, who won for the 10th time in 11 games.
Kyle Kuzma made one of two free throws with five seconds left and finished with 30 points as visiting Washington edged Dallas.
Bradley Beal scored 22 points, Deni Avdija added 15 points and 10 rebounds and Corey Kispert had 14 points for Washington, which sealed the victory on a Delon Wright steal of Luka Doncic’s pass with 1.2 seconds left. Doncic led the Mavericks with 41 points and 15 rebounds, while Dwight Powell scored a season-high 22 points. Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 20 points, Josh Green scored 16 and Dorian Finney-Smith added 12.
(GERMANY), JAN 25 (IANS): Joshua Kimmich’s late hammer secured Bayern Munich a 1-1 draw with courageous Cologne while ruthless Leipzig crushed last-placed Schalke 6-1 in the curtain raiser of the 17th round.
Cologne caught a fairytale start on the road and stunned Bayern with the early opener in the fourth minute when Julian Chabot flicked on Florian Kainz’s corner to the back post where Ellyes Skhiri finished the job from very close range.
Bayern remained unimpressed and controlled possession but still Cologne posed more threats in front
of the target as goalie Yann Sommer had to defuse a low cross to deny Skhiri a second goal at the half-hour mark, reports Xinhua.
The hosts eventually created their first opportunity in the 44th minute when Benjamin Pavard forced Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwabe into action for the first time.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side started an onslaught on Cologne’s goal after the restart but neither Matthijs de Ligt nor Kingsley Coman was able to beat Schwabe despite promising chances.
Schwabe remained in the thick of things and denied Bayern another golden chance after defusing
a close-range header from Thomas Muller in the 79th minute. Cologne’s custodian was hapless moments later as Kimmich unleashed a hammer from 30 meters into the roof of the net to secure a share of the spoils in the 90th minute.
Elsewhere, Leipzig moves on second for now after trashing Schalke 6-1 courtesy of Andre Silva’s first-half brace, four points behind leaders Bayern.
Wolfsburg snatched another high victory and extended their winning streak to six games after easing 5-0 past hapless Hertha Berlin, while Hoffenheim played out a 2-2 draw with Stuttgart.
CJ McCollum scored 20 points, Jose Alvarado had 17, Jonas Valanciunas had 14, Willy Hernangomez added 12 and Trey Murphy III and Larry Nance Jr. each had 10 for the Pelicans, who lost their season-worst fifth straight game.
Hernangomez made two free throws with 36 seconds left to give the Pelicans a 98-97 lead, but Jokic answered with a jump hook from the lane. The Pelicans missed three shots in the final six seconds.
Bam Adebayo had 30 points -- including the goahead jumper in the lane with 20.4 seconds left -- to lead host Miami over Boston.
Adebayo also grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds as Miami won without its leading scorer, Jimmy But-
KOHIMA, JAN 25 (NPN): Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) held its trial-cum-selection for its Team ‘23 for the upcoming 51st ASA Meet 2023, at IG Stadium,
here on Wednesday.
The players selected during the trial would be representing NASA at the 51th ASA meet 2023.
The various categories are belt wrestling (seniors) 20 years and above – 100+ kg, 90 kg, 80 kg, 70 kg,
ler,
due to back
The Heat have won five straight home games, including the victory over the Celtics, who entered the game with the best record in the NBA. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 31 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Derrick White added 23 points for the Celtics, who blew a 14-point thirdquarter lead.
Paul George scored 27 points and Kawhi Leonard added 25 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Los Angeles Clippers continued their dominance over the rival Los Angeles Lakers.
The Clippers won despite Lakers star LeBron
James putting up 46 points, two off his season high, as well as eight rebounds and seven assists. James became the first player in NBA history to have a 40-point game against every NBA franchise. James now has 38,210 career points, leaving him 177 behind Kareem AbdulJabbar’s all-time NBA-leading point total.
The Clippers led 11193 with 8:23 remaining before the Lakers went on a 10-2 run to pull within 113103 with 6:46 left. However, an 8-0 run, with five points from Leonard, had the Clippers back up 121-103 with 5:07 remaining, and the Lakers then went to their reserves on the first night of a back-to-back.
60 kg, 55 kg; Juniors (18-20 years) - 80 Kg, 70 kg, 65 kg, 60 kg, 55 kg; Cadets (16-17 years) - 70 kg, 65 kg, 60 kg, 55 kg, 50 kg; Freestyle (seniors 20 years & above) - 65 kg; Juniors (below 20 years) - 65 kg, 51 kg; Freestyle (women) – 65 kg, 57 kg, 49 kg.
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
(IANS): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John on Wednesday pledged the support of the Asian football governing body towards Indian football and praised AIFF’s ‘Vision 2047’ after meeting Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and other officials, here.
Windsor John was apprised of the details of the Strategic Roadmap of Vision 2047 during his discussions with Sports Minister Thakur, Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI) Sandip Pradhan, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran in the national capital.
The 62-year-old, who has always taken a keen interest in the progress and promotion of Indian
football, appreciated the manner in which Vision 2047 has been planned and hoped all stakeholders will work together to make it a success.
He further promised
full support from the Asian Football Confederation towards its implementation, and to build the capacity of Indian football to put its plans in motion.
The AFC General
Secretary wished India the very best in its endeavours to develop the beautiful game in the country, and hoped that country makes a bigger contribution in Asian football.
We the family of Mokokchung College of Teacher Education, Yimyu extend our heartiest congratulations to Dr. T. Alemla Longkumer, Acting Principal, Mokokchung College of Teacher Education, Yimyu on being conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education on the thesis, “An Analytical Study Of The Two-Year B.Ed. Programme As Perceived by Teacher Educators And Student Teachers Under Nagaland University,” under the Department of Education, Assam Don Bosco University.
We are proud of her achievement and wish her the best for her future endeavours.
BHUBANESWAR, JAN 25
(PTI): Germany struck twice with two minutes left in the match to wipe out a two-goal deficit and then prevailed over England in the penalty shootout to make a dramatic entry into the semifinals of the FIH Men’s World Cup here on Wednesday.
Captain Mats Grambusch and his younger brother Tom scored in the space of one minute after England were ahead 2-0 till the 58th minute as Germany snatched a win from the jaws of defeat in an edge-of-the-seat quarterfinal match.
Germany, who finished second in Pool B and defeated France 5-1 in the crossover match, will face title contenders Australia in the semifinals on Friday.
The vociferous spectators at the Kalinga Stadium thought that England would wrap up the match comfortably after Zachary Wallace (12th) and Liam Ansell (33rd) gave them the 2-0 lead.
But to their astonishment, the Germans came back roaring to score goals in the 58th and 59th minutes through Mats and Tom Grambusch respectively.
Just before that Christopher Ruhr had wasted a chance from the penalty stroke in the 57th minute.
Trailing 1-2, Germany got a penalty stroke with one minute to go in the match. Mats then asked his younger brother Tom to take it and he made no mistake from the spot to take the match to the penalty shootout.
Niklas Wellen, Hannes Muller, Prinz Thies and Christopher Ruhr scored for Germany in the shootout. For England James Albery, Zachary Wallace, Phil Roper scored, while David Goodfield missed.
The German fightback is reminiscent of their national football team which is famous for its never-say-die attitude.
England had directly
made it to the quarterfinals after topping Pool D ahead of India.
They started as the more attacking side and took the lead in the 12th minute off a fine combination among Jack Waller, Stuart Rushemere and Zachary Wallace.
Waller cut into the striking circle from the right and Rushemere weaved around three German defenders before Wallace slammed home with a tennis-like volley.
Wallace had another go at the German goal later but his shot, after dodging past a defender in the second quarter, was blocked by the goalkeeper.
Germany pressed in
the second quarter with a lot more players upfront but England defended well with man-to-man marking. But the relentless German attack resulted in the match’s first penalty corner which they wasted.
The Englishman did not give space to the Germans whenever they entered the striking circle. But Harry Martin got space and time to take a shot but the goalkeeper was again at the thick of things as he blocked Germany’s second penalty corner two minutes from half time.
Trailing 0-1 at half time, Germany let themselves down as Timur Oruz received a green card in the 31st minute for two-minute
suspension and England pounced on that advantage to earn two back-to-back penalty corners and double their lead from the second one.
Liam Ansell made a soft touch of the ball after the stopper put it on his path and then sent a powerful shot which beat the German goalkeeper Alexander Stadler all ends up.
Germany were under tremendous pressure in the third quarter as Christopher Ruhr was shown the yellow card in the 38th minute for five-minute suspension.
Just before the end of the third quarter, play was stopped after England’s Liam Sanford fell down on the turf and a few of his team-mates surrounded Ruhr but the umpires were able to calm the players down.
Germany got a penalty stroke in the 57th minute but Christopher Ruhr’s shot hit the crossbar. But one minute later, captain Mats Grambusch pulled one back with a field goal.
The match ended at 2-2 in a dramatic fashion as just a few seconds later, Mats’ brother Tom scored from the penalty stroke.
With 38 seconds left in the regulation time, Germany earned a penalty corner but England defended it under tense circumstances.
MANCHESTER, JAN 25 (AGENCIES): Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said Marcus Rashford is central to his plans to make them the “best club in the world” and urged the forward to remain at Old Trafford to realise his ambitions.
JAN 25
now the Indonesia Masters.
(IANS):
Lakshya
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (IANS): Jay Shah, the Honorary Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said that the organisation has gained a whopping INR 4669.99 crore as total bids for owning teams in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL), which he added has broken the record for the inaugural Men’s IPL in 2008.
“Today is a historic day in cricket as the bidding for teams of the inaugural #WPL broke the records of the inaugural Men’s IPL in 2008! Congratulations to the winners as we garnered Rs.4669.99 Cr in total bid.”
“This marks the beginning of a revolution in women’s cricket and paves the way for a transformative journey ahead not only for our women cricketers but for the entire sports fraternity.”
“The #WPL would bring necessary reforms in women’s cricket and would ensure an all-encompassing ecosystem that benefits each and every stakeholder. The @BCCI has named the league - Women’s Premier League (WPL). Let the journey begin....,” wrote Shah in a series of tweets on Wednesday.
The BCCI is all set to unveil the five franchise owners, along with the home cities, for the WPL later on January 25. It is learnt that 17 parties, including seven men’s IPL franchises -- Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore -- are in the fray for owning teams in the five-team WPL.
The cities which are shortlisted as home cities for the WPL, as per multiple reports, are Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Dharamsala, Guwahati, Indore, Lucknow and Mumbai. The inaugural
edition of the WPL could be held in March this year, with the player auction expected to happen early in February.
Earlier, on January 16, Viacom18 Media Private Limited won the consolidated bid for media rights (i.e., Global Televisions Rights and Global Digital Rights) of the WPL for the period of 2023-2027.
Viacom18 won the rights with a bid of INR 951 crore, which translates to a per-match value of INR 7.09 crore. It is believed that 22 matches could be held for the first three seasons with a possibility of increasing the matches to either 33 or 34 from 2026 onwards.
seventh-seeded Sen will face Malaysia’s NG Tze Yong, who ousted Denmark’s Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus in straight games in his opening round clash.
Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth lost 10-21, 22-24 to Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren Rhustavito.
Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya dispatched Japanese shuttler Kodai Naraoka by 2112, 21-11 scoreline in his men’s singles round of 32 match.
In the round of 16, the
The experienced Indian shuttler is not in the form recently and has made first round exits from all three tournaments he has played so far this year -- the Malaysia Open, India Open and
In women’s singles, Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal also successfully crossed her first-round hurdle after defeating Chinese Taipei’s Pai Yu Po 21-15, 17-21, 21-15. Saina will face the winner of the all-Chinese clash between Zhang Yi Man and Yue Han in the next round.
HS Prannoy, the eighth seed in men’s singles while Malvika Bansod and Aakarshi Kashyap in women’s singles, will be in action, later in the day.
United last won the Premier League in 2013 and have not won silverware since lifting the Europa League trophy in 2017. It is their worst trophy drought in 40 years but there have been signs of progress under Ten Hag. England forward Rashford, 25, has been a key factor in their revival, scoring nine times in nine games since returning from the World Cup to take his tally to 17 in all competitions.
“I think he understands Man United is his club,” Ten Hag told reporters. “But also, in this environment,
in this team, he is playing his best football. “He can bring in his qualities and this team can help him get in the right position and to score goals. He knows that he is important for us. “If we want to get the success we want, we need him.” United triggered a one-year extension on Rashford’s contract, which will now expire in 2024, amid interest from Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain in December.
“I hope that all our players get an interest from clubs because that means we do a good job, the team is outperforming, so that is what we are aiming for,” Ten Hag said.
“I would say this is the best place to be because we want to construct the best team, first in England and then in Europe and then in the world.”
DUBAI, JAN 25 (PTI): Swashbuckling Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav was on Wednesday named the ICC Men’s T20 Cricketer of the Year for his ridiculously good run in the shortest format of the game.
Surya had a stellar 2022, breaking an array of records and setting a benchmark in the format.
He beat the likes of Sam Curran, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and Zimbabwe’s batting all-rounder Sikandar Raza for the top honour.
India’s newest fastbowling star Renuka Singh become the recipient of ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year Award.
There has been a buzz surrounding Renuka, who burst into life in a busy 12 months for the Indian women’s team.
The 26-year-old beat Australia’s Darcie Brown, England’s Alice Capsey
25
(AGENCIES): Novak
Djokovic continued making his quest for a recordextending 10th Australian Open title look like a walk in the park by demolishing Andrey Rublev to reach the last four on Wednesday.
The Serb, still wearing a thigh strapping but looking supreme, raced to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory with a performance that would have been uncomfortable viewing for American Tommy Paul.
Unseeded Paul won 7-6(6) 6-3 5-7 6-4 in an All-American quarter-final clash against 20-year-old Ben Shelton to advance to the semi-finals of a major for the first time.
A disbelieving Magda Linette continued her dream Australian Open run by stunning former world number one Karolina Pliskova to set up a semi-final against Aryna Sabalenka.
Fifth seed Sabalenka, the only top-10 seed left in the women’s draw, earned her spot in the semi-finals by outmuscling Donna
Vekic 6-3 6-2 in a ferocious battle of big hitters on a baking Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic is making a mockery of the theory that the second week of Grand Slam tournaments get tougher.
In the last 16 he dropped five games against home hope Alex de Minaur and he was just as ruthless against Rublev as he made it 25 successive wins in succession at the Australian Open. Fifth seed Rublev has now lost all seven Grand Slam quarter-finals which he contested.
Paul is only the third active American man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, joining John Isner (2018 Wimbledon) and Frances Tiafoe (2022 U.S. Open) but will have to register a seismic shock if he is to go any further.
Paul, the first American man to reach the semifinals in Melbourne since Andy Roddick in 2009, withstood some ferocious serving from Shelton who banged down 24 aces.
Paul is not the only unseeded player in to the semis.
The unheralded Linette, ranked 45th in the world, played wonderfully controlled tennis to wrap up a thoroughly deserved 6-3 7-5 victory over powerful Czech Pliskova.
Linette, who had never been beyond the third round at a Grand Slam and had been expected to play second fiddle to fellow Pole Iga Swiatek at Melbourne Park, will now face Sabalenka on Thursday to decide who meets either Victoria Azarenka or Elena Rybakina in the final.
face the winner of the match between Australia’s Olivia Gadecki and Marc Polmans and the Brazilian pair of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos.
This will be the first time in five years that a Grand Slam final will have Indian representation. Bopanna had made the Australian Open mixed doubles final with Hungary’s Timea Babos in 2018 but ended up on the losing side.
Sania is playing her last major as the six-time Grand Slam champion and earlier this month announced that she will retire from professional tennis at Dubai Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 event, which begins on February 19.
Sania
Bopanna
7-6(5), 6-7(5),
-
and compatriot Yastika Bhatia to take home the emerging player award.
The right-armer claimed 40 wickets for her country in 2022 in just 29 matches across the two white-ball formats, filling the void left by the great Jhulan Goswami.
South Africa’s left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen beat strong contenders like India’s Arshdeep Singh, Afghani -
Australia’s Tahlia McGrath on Wednesday was named as the ICC Womens T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2022. She became the fourth Australia women cricketer after Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy to win the coveted award.
launched in February last year, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board had recommended that international sports federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions adding that Russian or Belarusian nationals should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams.
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
She has six major titles in doubles discipline -- three in women’s doubles and as many as in mixed doubles -- with her maiden triumph coming in 2009 when she partnered Mahesh Bhupathi to clinch the Australian Open mixed doubles title.
(IANS): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasised that “Russian athletes should not take part in Paris Olympics 2024” during his phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
“I particularly emphasised that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris,” Zelensky wrote on his telegram channel on Tuesday.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine,
Since then, no international tournaments have taken place in Russia. The IOC EB also urged the International Sports Federations and organisers of sports events worldwide to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus is allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus.
Last year in December, Zelensky had a phone call with IOC chief Thomas Bach and urged for a complete isolation of the Russian athletes from international events.
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Indonesia Masters 2023: Lakshya, Saina advance to 2nd round; Srikanth bows outJay Shah Novak Djokovic Volodymyr Zelensky Marcus Rashford Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna Suryakumar Yadav and Renuka Singh Lakshya Sen and Saina Nehwal
